Further to Steve's points, there is no such thing as grabbing a shovel and pick ax and heading to the NF for some ersatz trail work when the mood strikes.
These things are all carefully planned. Whatever work is done involves consideration of the water table, erosion, ecological impact, etc. Considerable coordination with the authorities is paramount. A lot of times, projects are revised on the spot based upon discovery.
If a group is involved (as it must be, given previous), the dynamic changes even more.
A lot of people make non-profits their vocation. No one makes a living working at anything for free. It is a lot easier for such entities to execute these outings, by virtue of the work involved and the presence of existing staffing.
The fact that people would be willing to work and pay is something to be celebrated. If people at AHS and Sierra Club get paid, I don't have a problem with it. We're not forced to make those donations - it's a matter of choice.
What Steve is trying to do is truly honorable...just like the SAR people, he isn't getting a salary. I'll support his effort 100%, and yes, I would pay to be involved.
By the way, isn't Doug Sr. the local chapter head of the AHS? Maybe a locally-coordinated, joint effort might work even better.
