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Traditional Tools and Skills Toolbox

Information provided in this toolbox is intended to support the use of Traditional Tools and Skills for administrative activities in wilderness. A process for determining the minimum requirement and minimum tool is described and information and training resources are provided. The toolbox features sections on common traditional tools (i.e. saws, axes, rigging, grip hoists, rock tools, etc.), travel methods (i.e. livestock, watercraft, sled dogs, etc.), and project examples (i.e. trails, weeds, etc.). In addition to the resources provided here, you may also be able to obtain advice and recommendations through discussion on Wilderness Connect. Date of last update: 12/2/11.

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Introduction

Overview
The use of traditional tools and skills (TTS) for necessary administrative activities in wilderness is a basic principle of wilderness stewardship. The basis for this principle is found in the Wilderness Act itself and implemented through agency regulations and policy. The use of TTS or non-motorized tools and methods is directly related to both the purpose and the definition of wilderness as described in the Wilderness Act and agency policy.

Information provided in this toolbox is intended to support the use of TTS for administrative activities in wilderness. The use of TTS is mandated by both the Wilderness Act and agency policy and exceptions are made only when the use of motorized equipment or other prohibited uses are screened through narrow criteria. Comfort, convenience, economic efficiency, and commercial value are not standards of management in wilderness or criteria that are used to screen proposals to use something other than TTS. Assumptions about the use of TTS are often not true and can be overcome. Additional information and a process for making decisions related to use of TTS skills is contained in the Minimum Requirements Decision Guide.
Management Benefits
The use of TTS to accomplish work in wilderness not only helps ensure that the ’minimum tool’ is used but also provides benefits for wilderness managers and crews. Because the use of TTS may require more human powered effort, it prompts a better consideration of whether the activity really needs to occur in wilderness and then, if it does, what the minimum required activity should be. And, once a project and tool are determined, the use of TTS creates an environment that demands greater problem solving skills and often better planning and collaboration before the project begins. The use of TTS also preserves these skills among wilderness managers, crews, contractors, and volunteers.
Public Benefits
The use of TTS provides a public benefit from wilderness. When the public observes the use of TTS in wilderness or at demonstrations outside wilderness the reaction is often one of awe and pride. If TTS were not used in wilderness perhaps these skills would be lost and future generations would not be able to observe how work is done without motors and marvel in the skill and dedication of those who work in wilderness.
The Wilderness Act of 1964
Forest Service Wilderness Management Policy

Determining the Minimum Requirement and Minimum Tool

Minimum Requirements Decision Guide
Minimum Requirements
Assumptions about the Use of Traditional Tools and Skills
Mechanization in Wilderness
Use of Native Materials
1. Law and FS Policy
2. Native Material Use in Wilderness (1.1 MB)

Training and Information Contacts

Images

For Traditional Tool and Skills Images visit the Image library and enter the keyword 'Traditional Tools and Skills'.

Crosscut Saws

Axes

Other Traditional Handtools

Missoula Technology Development Center Publications
Yesteryear Tools
An Internet Magazine that concentrates on hand tools, the toolmakers and the tool distributors that operated mostly between the mid-1800s and mid to late-1900s.

Bridges and Foot Logs

Rigging and Rockwork

Explosives and Hand Drilling

Travel and Transportation

Missoula Technology Development Center Publications
Case Studies
Canoes and Sea Kayaks
1. Sea Kayak Task Book-Chugach NF
2. Job Hazard Analysis
Dog Sled
Foot Travel
1. Job Hazard Analyses
Stock

Trails

Trail Maintenance
1. Pacific Crest Trail Association Trail Skills Training
Trail Reconstruction
1. Hoover Wilderness, Peeler Lake Trail Repair
2. Shawnee NF-Lusk Creek Wilderness
  1. Accomplishment Report
  2. Summary Presentation (1.1 MB)
Job Hazard Analyses

Weed Treatment (Non-native Invasive Plants Toolbox)

Saddle Light Sprayer User's Guide
1. Saddle Light Sprayer Contact Information

Miscellaneous Case Studies

Selway-Bitterroot Dam Project
Fence Removal - Steens Mountain Wilderness
Traditional Skills Development Team Partnership