What is a Task Force?

The idea of Task Forces with volunteer groups is commonplace, and in the beginning of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, volunteer groups were called Task Forces. Although the Division of Parks and Recreation does not have guidelines on the many volunteer groups contributing to the construction and management of the trails in the state, it could be a mission of the Friends of the Mountains to Sea Trail to develop some guidelines about the function of trail Task Forces.

Perhaps a beginning is to examine what the FMST has inherited and to learn from older organizations, such as the Appalachian Trail Conference and the Carolina Mountain Club. Last year the CMC began an examination of guidelines for its Task Forces leaders and Sub-Task Force workers with the Blue Ridge Parkway staff.

Some areas for discussion could be as follows:

1.) How to choose and accept volunteers who are compatible, dependable, experienced, and willing to learn.

2.) Location volunteers who have time and financial independence for travel, food, and promotion costs.

3.) Task Forces from organized and incorporated groups with a history of expertise.

4.) Provide tools and equipment, or otherwise apply from private or public funding.

5.) Develop a system of keeping accurate records of hours worked and projects accomplished.

6.) Determine standards of safety and liability for all volunteers.

7.) Provide at least one person in every Task Force who professionally has sufficient botanical training to identify plants and animals.

8.) Maintain appropriate contact with local, state, and federal agencies about the progress and completion of a task.

9.) Have a public relations volunteer in each task group or for a group of Task Forces.

10.) Recognize and award volunteer group leaders, individuals, and groups.

"May the Force Be With You"

Submitted by Allen de Hart