Illinois Water TrailKeepers

Trail Steward Job Description

The TrailKeeper Trail Steward takes responsibility for the stewardship of the entire watertrail.
Their primary work on each watertrail is to coordinate the work of the Reach Stewards. The Trail
Steward will also coordinate in-stream maintenance with the Reach Stewards and local stream maintainers
or the TrailKeepers In-Stream Maintenance Crew. Trail Stewards will serve a one year term and may
be reappointed by the TrailKeeper Program Manager following an annual review. The Trail Steward is
responsible for performing all stewardship functions and work described below in a safe and environmentally
sensitive way. All TrailKeeper volunteers are required to follow all work and safety protocols as provided
by the TrailKeeper Program Manager during the performance of their TrailKeeper job.

The TrailKeeper Trail Steward job has five basic stewardship functions which are to:

•  Monitor

•  Report

•  Maintain

•  Advocate

•  Manage and Coordinate

The Trail Steward may also recruit a volunteer to be an “Assistant Trail Steward” who will assist the
Trail Steward with the five stewardship functions and train as the Trail Steward's replacement.

The Trail Steward is responsible for monitoring and reporting on the development, use and condition of the
watertrail. Trail Stewards can also organize clean-ups and other events that maintain, call attention to and
promote the use of the watertrail. The Trail Steward and the Reach Stewards will work together to monitor
and advocate implementation of the recommendations of the NE IL Regional Water Trails Plan and
Northeastern IL Regional Water Trails Council by establishing relationships with trail users, site owners
and local authorities and attending watertrail committee meetings when possible.

Monitoring

• The Trail Steward will be responsible for insuring that Reach Stewards monitor site and trail conditions on each reach.

• Where not otherwise done by Reach Stewards, the Trail Steward may also monitor specific parameters
  as needed such as the recreational use of the waterway and watertrail, monitor and correlate water levels at
  access sites with nearby USGS stream gauges and bridge heights, monitor water quality, monitor and
  document pollution in and near the water, and monitor and report illegal dumping or discharges from outfalls.

• The Trail Steward will collate the Reach Steward reports and will report any hazards, problems or changes
  to the TrailKeeper Program Manager.

• The Trail Steward will insure that Reach Stewards file an annual report on-line at the Northeastern Illinois
  Water Trail WaterLog as part of the “Paddle A Trail Month” event

• The Trail Steward will insure that Reach Stewards update the WaterLog reach report as conditions change
  and during periods of dangerous conditions such as high water and floods.

• The Trail Steward will be responsible for clean-ups of general garbage and debris on the water along
  the watertrail as needed and possible. Clean-ups can be done by the Trail Steward or coordinated by
  the Trail Steward and performed by Reach Stewards, Assistant Reach Stewards and/or volunteers.

• The Trail Steward can remove small obstructions and hazards that can be safely removed using small
  hand tools such as loppers and bow saws from a boat or by wading.

• The Trail Steward will report larger obstructions and hazards to local maintainers (if any) or the
  TrailKeepers in-stream maintenance crew.

• The Trail Steward and the Reach Stewards will work together to monitor and advocate implementation
  of the recommendations of the NE IL Regional Water Trails Plan and Northeastern IL Regional Water Trails
  Council by establishing relationships with trail users, site owners and local authorities and attending watertrail
  committee meetings when possible.

• The Trail Steward can, with the approval of the TrailKeeper Program Manager, organize other events that
  maintain, call attention to and promote the use of the watertrail.

• On those reaches where non-functional dams or other structural obstructions exist, the Trail Steward
  may also advocate for the modification or removal of the dam and/or safe passage through or around the dam.

• Where and when feasible, the Trail Steward will work with access site owners to advocate for the installation
  of point-of-access signage indicating the reach has been adopted and is maintained by
  “Illinois Water TrailKeepers, a project of the Illinois Paddling Council and Openlands”.

• The Trail Steward will be responsible for managing and coordinating the work of the Reach and
  Assistant Reach Stewards and insuring that their work is done in a safe and environmentally sensitive way.

• The Trail Steward will be responsible for coordinating removal of larger obstructions and hazards with any
  local stream maintainers or the TrailKeepers in-stream maintenance crew.

• The Trail Steward will be responsible for all volunteer management on the watertrail. The Trail Steward
  will welcome, coordinate training, provide direction and, on a regular basis, thank each TrailKeeper volunteer
  working on their watertrail.

• The Trail Steward will maintain accurate records of each volunteer's contact, medical and emergency
  contact information. The Trail Steward will also maintain accurate records of the time contributed and
  work done by all volunteers working on the watertrail.

• The Trail Steward will recruit and appoint Reach Stewards to a one year term.

• The Openlands TrailKeeper Program Manager will conduct an annual review with each Trail and Reach Steward
  prior to reappointment. The review will evaluate the Trail and Reach Steward's time and work record, conformance
  with job description and safety protocols, future time availability and interest.
  
  

Read the Reach Stewards job description

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