Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards

Workforce Development Program: SAWS provides paid field positions and leadership development opportunities to the next generation of conservation stewards. In 2024, we created 25 new jobs and delivered 4,720 hours of professional development training for seasonal crews, rangers, and specialists who gained hands-on experience in conservation, trail work, and leadership. Many alumni return for additional seasons or go on to careers in conservation, natural resource management, and public land service. Disaster Response Program: SAWS maintains expert C-certified sawyers and trail specialists ready to lead and mobilize crews for natural disaster response in wilderness areas using traditional tools and adhering to wilderness law and policy. In 2024, SAWS responded to two natural disasters on federal land: Tropical Storm Fred on the Pisgah Ranger District, National Forest in North Carolina and flood damage on the Ocoee Ranger District, Cherokee National Forest. Community Engagement Program: Across the Southern Appalachian Mountains, SAWS engages community volunteers, partners, and the public through stewardship projects, educational outreach, and collaborative events. In 2024, we hosted 98 stewardship events including 62 volunteer projects, 21 trainings, 13 outreach events, and 2 education events. These efforts supported 4,020 hours of volunteer stewardship service.