Guerrilla or No?

I've done some research into forming the GTC (guerrilla trail crew) as a legit "organization".  The thought of forming a 501c(3) non-profit organization in order to clear snow from area trails is too much to undertake.  At least for me alone it is.  No less than 13 steps to file papers with the IRS, state and local government institutions, insurance binders, record keeping, etc etc.  I don't have the time to manage a non-profit nor the patience to communicate with multiple government organizations.  The "Guerrilla" in GTC is quickly becoming a Chimpanzee.

Who knows.  This may never get off the ground, but things don't happen unless they're confronted and talked about.  The issue at hand is the city's inability to clear snow from paved trail networks around Omaha.  Blame it on budget shortcuts, job layoffs or whatever.  It doesn't matter.  What matters is that something needs to be done.  Those of us who depend on the trail networks as primary transportation can either park their bikes and drive when snow falls and continue to complain about the delay of city snow removal or physically do something.  In this case I'm suggesting that we, the people, do something.  Perhaps without 501c(3) status and all of the accompanying paperwork.  I'm talking simple "guerrilla" style work.  A network of citizens who are dependable and are willing to sacrifice their own time and money.  This is the era of social networking.  I know people who spend the better part of their day updating their Facebook status.  Why not use these tools to recruit an army of volunteers who are interested in the idea of a GTC.  Omaha, although it doesn't act like it, IS a big city.  There has to be people out there willing to contribute to this "cause".  All we need to do is ask.  And I'm asking anyone who reads this to act.  Below are some ideas.

- Volunteers who are willing to do the grunt work.  Plow or blow snow.  Clear sidewalk ramps, etc.

- Businesses willing to donate or discount materials.  Snow-blowers at cost?  Free maintenance, repair?

- Network volunteers.  Post flyers on neighborhood doors asking residents to help.  Spread the word.

- Do you know someone who owns equipment they would loan out?

- Do you know anyone with an old ATV they're willing to donate or loan?

This may seem too impossible for some.  Let me assure you it's not.  For years I volunteered with an organization called SWINT (southwest iowa nature trails).  Although they most likely were a non-profit with 501c(3) status, that didn't get in the way of "just getting work done".  When I joined this volunteer army I went out and bought my own equipment and paid for my own maintenance.  My job was to clear downed trees along the Wabash from the Council Bluffs trail head to Minneola.  When there was a storm  or when someone reported a tree downed, I would drive or bike down the trail with a chainsaw and clear that portion of trail.  It was that simple.  If I injured myself or damaged my equipment that was my problem, not anyone else's. Same theory applies to the GTC.  Volunteers have to accept responsibilities for themselves and their actions.  No insurance company or team of lawyers on retainer to help you if you screw something up.  That's the risk we must take if we choose to do this.  Otherwise we can look for help from other already formed 501c(3) organizations and see if they'll take the GTC under their wing.  Until then, lets get the conversations started.