Wonalancet Outdoor Club

^{"...for provision and care of paths, trails and other facilities for persons visiting the White Mountain National Forest and other mountain and forest lands; regarding these lands, to promote their conservation and the enforcement of the laws regarding their conservation and use, to promote communication between their owners and the public on these issues, and to promote discussion and education on all these matters..." © WODC.org}

Begun in 1892, the Wonalancet Outdoor Club (WODC) was originally intended to be cooperating organization with the US Forest Service. In the 70s the members decided to join the Adopt-A-Trail program, making the WODC one of the newer clubs to make a commitment to maintain NH trails. Since that time, the WODC has created a partnership with the Sandwich Range Conservation Association and have since advanced their efforts to include volunteer efforts. As the WODC got more experienced, they've moved from their original two-week effort to an twelve-week, full time crew that maintains 52 miles of trails each summer.

Before hiking in the White Mountains became extraordinarily popular, the WODC built three shelters; Camp Heermance, Camp Rich, and Camp Shehadi. These sites provided a bit of basic shelter for hikers and campers by way of a smallish lead-to and sometimes a natural toilet. Originally intended to encourage camping in these areas, which would help campers adhere to Leave No Trace principals, these sites quickly became so overused that the areas around them suffered greatly. From 2000 to 2002 all three shelters have been removed based on their condition. The sites still exist but use of them is discouraged due to overuse.

Following 2002 the WODC has become focused on maintaining the trails in the Sandwich area and educating as many hikers as possible about their impact on the wilderness. In the Spring of 2004 a kiosk at the Ferncroft area was erected for hiker education and information. Trail crews work all summer on trail reconstruction and general maintenance, including blow-down removal, brushing, drainage clearing, water-bar construction, rock and log steps.

For more information about the WODC and the services it provides, visit their web site at http://www.wodc.org