Nurturing Future Stewards of the Bioregion
Welcome!
The Klamath Mountains—where wild rivers, ancient forests, and enduring cultures converge—are calling forth a new generation of caretakers.
Launched through collaboration between nonprofit, educational, Tribal and conservation professionals, the Klamath Mountains Workforce Training Network (KMWTN) is made possible by the Klamath River Fund: Community Impact Grant of the Humboldt Area Foundation and Wild Rivers Community Foundation. Additional support was provided by Coast Central Credit Union and the Redding Rancheria Community Fund at the Community Foundation of the North State.
A Career Pathway Training Program for Youth Ages 15-24
This is a paid opportunity with meals and travel stipends provided to gain hands-on experience in trail work, ecological restoration, cultural education, and outdoor leadership. Equipment is provided and no experience is necessary, but space is limited and we typically receive many more applications than can be accommodated.
We are now recruiting for 2026–2027 workshops! Participants will have the opportunity to take part in three hands-on learning experiences designed to build skills, explore careers, and connect with natural resource professionals across the Klamath Mountains:
- Salmon and Watersheds — Hyampom, CA | November 7–8, 2026
- GIS – Virtual | February 8, 9, 22, 23 – 2027 —OR— Wilderness First Aid – Weaverville, CA | February 27-28, 2027
- Birds and Trails – Forks of Salmon, CA | May 1-2, 2027
Klamath Mountains Workforce Training Network- Participant Testimonials
“This workshop showed me the possibilities that my generation has in the transformation and quality of our lands which lies
in our hands, as well as encouraged me to continue learning and working outdoors.”
-Lorilynn, Arcata, CA
“Trails aren’t just paths, they connect us to what brought us here. Mother nature.”
-Harika, Weaverville, CA
“My time was super fun and I met a lot of new cool people and also got to see some old friends. Overall it was a 10/10 I
hope you guys will be able to do this for lots of more years and give more kids the opportunity to do these awesome things.”
-Barret, Orleans, CA
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From Conifers to Careers: The Bigfoot Trail Alliance on The Jefferson Exchange
Sep 5, 2026 • 00:29:28
From studying the remarkable conifers of the Klamath Mountains to creating opportunities for the next generation, Michael Kauffmann shares how curiosity, stewardship, and love of place can grow into meaningful careers. Klamath Mountains Workforce Training Network: https://www.bigfoottrail.org/youth-stewardship/workforce-training/ The Klamath Mountains: A Natural History: https://backcountrypress.com/book/the-klamath-mountains-a-natural-history/
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Stories from the Next Generation of Klamath Mountains Stewards
May 28, 2026 • 00:14:50
Bigfoot Trail Tales shares stories from the Klamath Mountain Workforce Training Network, where youth across Northwest California gain hands-on experience in trail stewardship, ecological restoration, and outdoor leadership. Through partnerships rooted in community and conservation, the podcast explores how meaningful work on the land is shaping the next generation of…
What We Offer
Through KMWTN, youth and young adults (ages 15–24) from the Klamath Mountains region will receive an introduction to conservation career skills, including:
- Hands-on field workshops led by experts in restoration, forestry, and ecology
- Technical skills training, including GIS and cartography
- Career mentorship from seasoned professionals
- Outdoor leadership development in public lands and wilderness
Workshops span the year and the region—from Tribal Youth Forestry Camp in Orleans to beaver habitat restoration in Scott Valley, from digital mapping in winter to plant and fire ecology in the Salmon River canyon. Motivated KMWTN participants are granted priority access to summer field science programs.
Our Collaborative
This work is powered by a dedicated alliance of partners:
- Bigfoot Trail Alliance
- Ascend Wilderness Experience
- Scott River Watershed Council
- Salmon River Restoration Council
- Trinity Together
- The Watershed Research and Training Center
- Trinity County Resource Conservation District
- Regional Tribal Governments and Youth Leaders
Together, we envision a future where local youth can stay rooted in their homelands, become leaders in restoration, and shape sustainable livelihoods.
💬 Questions?
Contact Mike Splain, KMWTN Project Manager:
📧 mike@bigfoottrail.org
