Bryce Shull
Wilderness Ranger Fellow
Northern Rockies Wilderness Skills Institute, 5/19-5/23/2025
The season finally feels like it’s begun. After a week of indoor training in Missoula, my fellow SBFC Fellows and I were eager to get into the field and attend the Northern Rockies Wilderness Skills Institute (NRWSI) at Powell Ranger Station in the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest. Nestled beside the beautiful Lochsa River and bordering the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, Powell is a perfect setting to kick off a season of stewardship.
Going into the NRWSI, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I didn’t know how big Powell would be, how many people would be there, or what exactly our classes would cover.
We left Missoula early Monday morning, making a quick stop at the Lolo Pass Visitor Center before arriving at Powell. My first impression was surprise— Powell was much larger than I anticipated. The station included bunkhouses, a gym, a barn, storage facilities, and more. Even more striking was the scenery: the Lochsa River flowed right next to the station, and the surrounding mountains made it feel like we were tucked into a hidden gem. But what stood out the most was the deep sense of community. Returning participants greeted each other like old friends, former coworkers reunited, and complete strangers bonded over their shared passion for wilderness stewardship.
On Tuesday, training began in earnest. All of the SBFC Fellows were enrolled in the Trail Maintenance Foundational Skills course. We loaded tools and gear into the rigs and headed to a nearby trail, where seasoned trail workers from across the country shared their knowledge and experience. We got our hands on crosscut saws, axes, Pulaskis, McLeods, and picks. For some fellows, this was their first time using these tools. Regardless of our experience levels, we all shared a common excitement for the week ahead and for the season as a whole.
Our second class focused specifically on crosscut saws. We learned how to properly care for, maintain, and use them in the field. We bucked logs, felled trees both large and small, and gained confidence using crosscuts and axes through hands-on practice.
One of the most memorable aspects of the week was the caliber of the instructors. Even those in seemingly simple roles had decades of experience behind them. On Monday, I picked up One Moving Part: The Forest Service Axe Manual—the definitive guide on axe use within the agency. Later in the week, I met Bob Beckley, who casually mentioned he was “just there to take photos.” It wasn’t until after our conversation that I realized he was the same Bob Beckley who wrote that axe manual. So even our photographer turned out to have a wealth of knowledge. (*Editor’s Note: Bob Beckley is also a longtime SBFC board member!)
What will likely stay with me the longest, though, is the sense of community at Powell. Everyone was there with a shared goal: to become better stewards of the wilderness. I spent time talking with crew members from a wide range of agencies and partner organizations. I found quiet moments by the river, helped feed the mules, and wandered the trails around camp. Learning didn’t stop outside the classroom either— guest speakers throughout the week shared insights and stories that added depth to our experience.
And, of course, I had fun. From dancing in the barn while The Pack Strings played, to throwing atlatls on the lawn, playing cornhole with other fellows, and simply getting to know everyone— I left Powell with more than just skills. I left with new connections, stories, and memories that I won’t soon forget.
SBFC would like to thank the whole NRWSI planning team, comprised of numerous Forest Service personnel, who dedicated their time, energy, and passion to making the 2025 NRWSI possible.
Bryce Shull
Springfield, IL
Southern Illinois University- Forestry
Bryce was born and raised in central Illinois. In high school, he began working for the National Park Service, which sparked his appreciation for protecting public resources. His love for hiking and camping grew even more after moving to southern Illinois to attend Southern Illinois University Carbondale. At SIUC, Bryce studies Forestry, focusing on forest ecosystems, resource management, and conservation practices. In his free time, he enjoys working on cars, playing guitar, hiking, and camping. Bryce is excited to gain new experiences with the Selway Bitterroot Frank Church Foundation and contribute to preserving our nation’s wilderness resources.