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January 10, 2004, Sacramento, California:
The Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA) is pleased to
announce that Mike Dawson has accepted the position of Trail
Operations Director. In this new position, Dawson will be
responsible for implementing PCTA policies related to the
management of the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest National Scenic
Trail (PCT), managing the PCTA trail maintenance program,
coordinating land protection activities, and providing public
information.
Prior to joining the PCTA, Dawson served as Director of Trail
Management and Protection for the Pacific Northwest Trail
Association (PNTA) in Mount Vernon, Wash. The Pacific Northwest
Trail (PNT) runs for 1,200 miles from the Olympic coast to
Glacier National Park in Montana. While at the PNTA, Dawson
was the lead staff member for a variety of programs designed
to assure long-term protection of the PNT. He developed crew
programs to support the construction and maintenance of the
PNT route on federal, state and private land. In June 2002,
as a direct result of Dawson's efforts, the first section
of the PNT was given official federal recognition as a National
Recreation Trail.
"I am highly motivated to help make the PCT the best possible
trail and the PCTA the best possible steward of this important
resource," says Dawson; and with 21 years of experience as
the Regional Representative, Central and Southwest Virginia,
for the Appalachian Trail Conference (ATC), Dawson certainly
brings a wealth of relevant experience to the task. The ATC
is the national non-profit resource organization that initially
built, and continues to maintain and manage, the 2,100-mile,
Georgia-to-Maine, Appalachian National Scenic Trail (AT).
While at the ATC, Dawson was responsible for the management
of 390 miles of AT and one regional office. He served as the
main coordinator of trail and resource management activities
for five US Forest Service districts, two National Park Service
units, and lands managed by the Commonwealth of Virginia's
Department of Conservation and Recreation. Additionally, Dawson
acted as a professional advisor to trail volunteers and managed
training programs to maintain and expand their skills.
Dawson has expertise in an array of technical trail management
skills ranging from trail design and construction to the management
of important trail environment resources. His experience also
includes extensive work in public policy.
Over the years, Dawson has received numerous awards for his
work on behalf of trails and other outdoor resources. Among
these awards is the USFS Forest Supervisor's Award, given
to Dawson in 2000, "In appreciation of 20 years of dedicated
service to the cooperative management of the Appalachian Trail
Corridor on the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests."
Dawson lives in Vashon, Wash., with his wife Tina. His interests
include backpacking, canoeing and restoring old cars.
The PCTA is "The Voice" of the Pacific Crest National Scenic
Trail. The mission of the Association is to protect, preserve
and promote the PCT so as to reflect its world-class significance
for the enjoyment, education and adventure of hikers and equestrians.
For more information, contact Liz Bergeron, Executive Director
of the PCTA at 916-285-1846.
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