Who We Are
From our bylaws….
Section 2. General Overview and Mission Statement. Having organized, guided and directed over 50 wilderness trips since 1986, into over 20 mountain ranges in western North America; and having introduced over 50 people to the “wilderness experienceâ€, it is the vision of the Middle Fork Outfitters, to share this educational experience with persons who clearly need the benefit of experienced outfitters and guides, and other assistance in funding, equipment and training, in order to have the experience. Essentially, we desire to use our experiences and contacts network to assist some others, less fortunate than ourselves in “wilderness†capacity and opportunity, in making a trip. Middle Fork Outfitters is a Texas nonprofit corporation whose website may be viewed at Middleforkoutfitters.org. This name is taken from the Middle Fork of the Gila River, in western New Mexico, and further connotes proper path selection, contribution, moderation, and other “life lessonsâ€.These trips focus on glaciers, headwaters, natural springs, water falls, ridges, passes and peaks, generally above timberline. For most people, these trips are memorable, “once-in-a-lifetime†nature bonding, team building, and perspective enhancing opportunities.
From our philosophy….
What we believe…. The higher you go, the better your view. Everyone should climb a mountain. Everyone should own a garden bench. Plan your work, then work your plan. Work hard, play hard.Everyone should have a favorite River. Give something back. Pay yourself first. There are seasons and rhythms in nature worthy of understanding. Altruism is a good word. Go Higher. If a tree is dead in the fall, it will be dead in the spring.
From our operations manuals….
B. Definitions 1. “Might not otherwise get to go†means significant financial need; and/or specific advice is indicated on preparation or routing; and/or particular assistance is needed in actual trip operations. Generally, a person demonstrating sufficient life experiences in outdoor activities, vigorous physical activity in general, or significant financial means is not a candidate. 2. “Educational purposes†means that extensive preparation, training and detailed orientation of up to six months duration will precede every trip. After deployment, on a daily basis, general and specific applications will occur, with constant opportunities sought and taken to demonstrate some or all of the educational subject matters listed in B above. An essay, with instruction in proper Edited American English, will be required on application and post trip wrap up. Certificates in outdoor leadership training, or some other commemorative device, may be awarded in some cases, at the discretion of the guide.3. “Professional level†means: i. The “outfitter†will have had at least 20 wilderness backpack trips of at least 3 nights duration, in varied mountain ranges and seasons. He or she will be proficient in food preparation, gear maintenance, route finding, first aid, and transportation planning, and general logistics. He or she will have clearly demonstrated leadership, some practical experience in working with children, and group dynamics savvy. He or she will exact the standards in the Middle Fork Outfitters training manual “down below†and will have confidence in its enforcement “up aboveâ€. ii. Trip “guides†may be dispatched by the outfitter on some trips. Guides shall have had a minimum of 10 such trips, at least 7 with the Middle Fork, and otherwise demonstrate the qualifications listed for Outfitter, above. He will employ the “Middle Fork†ideal. The guide has ultimate authority once the trip commences. iii. “Ramrods†may be used on some trips, for particular assistance. Any “ramrod†shall have had no less than 3 wilderness excursions as described above, with at least two having taken place with the Middle Fork. This person or persons will give specific support and assistance to the Guide as requested by the Guide, and shall particularly assist with span of control matters. The ramrod will otherwise be experienced in working with young people. He or she will employ the “Middle Fork†ideal. The ramrod may or may not have any prior affiliation with other participants on the specific trip, but must be well known to the Outfitter and Guide. iv. The “point†refers to that person chosen daily to lead on the trail. In constant consultation with the guide, this person picks the route, sets the pace, keeps the group together, makes some decisions, selects a campsite, and performs other duties as delegated by the Guide. v. “Trip sponsors†are adults who render specific assistance to one or two children. Such assistance may include financial aid, transportation, but especially means actual trip participation for span of control compliance or other matters. Specific duties are assigned at the discretion of the guide. Trip sponsors may or may not have prior backpacking experience. vi. “Staging agents†coordinate ground activities several days before deployment if the guides and outfitter are not available.4. Other definitions: i. “Alpine†means that significant parts of the trip occur above timberline. ii. “Backpack†means that all items used for the duration of the trip shall be transported only by the participants; and each participant shall carry a significant portion. In unusual cases, with specific approval of the Board of Directors, a drop camp may be employed (horse or llama only), with day hikes; but only alpine backpacking gear, equipment, food and methods may be used. iii. “Wilderness†refers to those portions of federal land set aside by the National Wilderness Preservation System, commenced in 1964, with subsequent amendments. In some cases, with specific, per trip approval of the Board of Directors, de facto wilderness, or so called “back country†parts of National or Provincial Parks in the United States and Canada may be considered for trip destinations. Generally, the Outfitter shall seek plots of land of a minimum of 300,000 acres, and shall go at least five miles from trailheads for base camps. Base camp, loop trips, key swaps and rarely, trailhead day hike trips may be used. iv. “Wilderness experience†means that no mechanized equipment, no electronic devices (gps units may be acceptable), no current events, and no “shop talk†can occur. Generally, for most people, a forced introspection, priority reordering, and enlarged outward focus should be encouraged. Self reliance, respect for nature, education in conservation, and animal/plant appreciation are normal features of such trips. v. The “Middle Fork†ideal requires consistent demonstration of the proper respect and support of the mission of Middle Fork Outfitters and Wilderness and the Wilderness Experience. vi. “Glacier†refers to a permanent ice field, generally where crampons and/or ice axes are needed. vii. “Headwaters†refers to the original, uppermost or main source of an identifiable stream or one or more of its branches. Each trip should feature a known and recognizable flowing stream of water. viii. “Span of Control†means that a proper ratio of adults to minors must be present. All candidates must have demonstrated during the training period the habit and custom of following instructions. ix. Various “life lessons†may include: the benefits of proper preparation; proper decision making (choose a correct trail); synchronization with the rhythms of nature (seasons, life zones); value of individual contribution to the whole (numerous source streams and springs make up a larger creek or river); perspective (high ridge views look better—go higher, thus); value of teamwork; value of diversity; keeping one’s bearings; and/or numerous others varied and particular to a given group and at the discretion of the Guide, who shall direct this and all educational training.
5. Caveats
i. Training required – extensive preparation shall occur for many weeks duration “down belowâ€. This includes physical preparation, gear and equipment use and care; food preparation (dehydration and rehydration practice and cooking); route review; trip feature awareness; plant classification, wildlife classification and habitat; formal study of local history, topography and geology; general first aid, route finding and general outdoor orientation; “life lessonsâ€; and any other matter deemed necessary by the Outfitter or Guide. Formal lesson plans and lists shall be used; some formal written assignments are required from participants. ii. All candidates must consistently demonstrate the capacity and custom of accepting supervision, both from observed training and reputation. iii. Each person on each party, subject to legal capacity standards, or his or her legal guardian, will provide a full release and indemnification form to the Middle Fork Outfitters. iv. “Wilderness Ethicâ€â€“Middle Fork Outfitters supports the “Leave No Trace†ethic, fully complying with all wilderness rules and regulations, general and specific; all necessary licenses, permits and fees shall be properly executed. Any fishing is “catch and releaseâ€. v. Generally, small groups of four to six are anticipated. vi. Journal entries are encouraged during the trip, of a generally private nature. A written essay may be requested after the trip; same may be posted on the website. vii. This corporation will not engage in any political activities of any kind. viii. This corporation will give no preference to any particular organized church.
Why we are in business…..
Self actualization is at the top of the pyramid.