why heart lake?

In 2021, the Great Burn Conservation Alliance launched the Heart Lake Ambassador program. This is a great way to get out for a hike while simultaneously performing an important conservation service.

The Heart Lake area in the Great Burn Proposed Wilderness is not only beautiful but is easily accessible, making it a perfect destination for families or beginner hikers and backpackers. The Heart Lake area is also home to a native Mountain Goat herd. Goats are naturally curious and love salt, so become habituated to humans when they are allowed to lick sweaty backpacks or eat human food. Over time, this behavior can create dangerous situations for the goats, pets, and humans. Recently, the Heart Lake goats have been getting a little too close to visitors in camp. Injuries or accidents between goats and humans can lead to trails being shut down or the removal of goats, and we want to avoid both of these!

The thing is, all of this can be prevented by practicing a few simple steps while in camp and on the trail.

what does an ambassador do?

Ambassadors will serve as a friendly, informative presence in the Heart, Pearl, and Dalton Lake area. Because this area has so many new to the area and new to camping visitors, ambassadors will provide useful information about wildlife (especially goats), camping at Heart Lake, trail access, safety, and leave-no-trace practices to visitors in the area.

What does it take to become an Ambassador?

1)      Sign up on the GBCA website (you’re doing it right now!)

2)      Complete the online training.

3)      Sign the participation waiver.

4)      Select dates to volunteer: the ambassador program will be running on weekends from late June -September.

5)      Pick up an Ambassador Field Pack.

6)      Complete your shift.

7) Submit a shift report.

Once you succesfully complete the training videos and quiz, GBCA staff will contact you (usually within 48 hours) with further details on how to sign up for shifts and hit the trail!

Photo Credit: B. Christianson, R. Holt, B. Pernot, M. Valence, H. Upin, L. Eraybar