Pacific Crest Trail Association and Tahoe Rim Trail Association to celebrate National Trails Day and a recent acquisition that will protect a trail segment in the Tahoe area.

The public is invited to celebrate trails, healthy lifestyles, partnerships, and accomplishments on National Trails Day, Saturday June 7, in Tahoe City, Calif. Activities to include guided day hike, kid's hike and trail maintenance project.

The Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA), with the Tahoe Rim Trail Association (TRTA), is hosting a National Trails Day event in Tahoe City, Calif. Additional sponsors include the USDA Forest Service, Trust for Public Land, Nevada Conservation Corps, and Tahoe City Public Utility District.

The theme for this year's National Trails Day is "Healthy Trails, Healthy People." The hope, according to the American Hiking Society (the holiday's founder) is that National Trails Day 2003 raises awareness not only of the pleasure trails bring, but also of how trails, and the activities we do on them, can benefit our health. Studies have shown that just a 30- to 60-minute walk, three or four times a week, can improve physical and mental health, prevent heart disease and hypertension, slow the aging process, strengthen muscles, and help control diabetes and other conditions. National Trails Day will celebrate this vital connection between hiking and well-being by engaging thousands of businesses, communities and individuals in events across the nation.

The PCTA and TRTA's local National Trails Day celebration will kick off with a ceremony commemorating the recent purchase of a land parcel on the PCT and TRT at Barker Pass (by the Forest Service and Trust for Public Land with PCTA assistance dating back to the initial proposal). Where the PCT crests Barker Pass, the Forest Service and Trust for Public Land recently purchased 629 acres from Sierra Pacific Industries (a timber company headquartered in Redding, Calif.) Because of this purchase, over one mile of view-shed on the PCT and TRT is now secure. Both the PCTA and TRT are grateful to Congressman Howard "Buck" McKeon (CA-25), longtime PCT champion, for his assistance and support in acquiring the necessary funding for this purchase.

Additionally, the celebration will commemorate the recent designation of the TRT as a "National Recreation Trail" which is an honor that recognizes exemplary trails of local and regional significance. The designation will provide both the TRT and PCT (which share tread for 50 miles) with an array of benefits including promotion, technical assistance, networking, and access to funding.

With the accomplishments mentioned above in mind, special guests and speakers at the Tahoe City event will include Kent Connaughton, Deputy Regional Forester, USDA Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Region; Kathy Mick, Regional Trails Specialist, also from the Forest Service's Pacific Southwest Region; Liz Bergeron, Executive Director, PCTA; David Sutton, Director of Northern CA Program, Trust for Public Land; Steve Weaver, Chief of Planning, Nevada State Parks; and Mark Kimbrough, Executive Director TRTA.

A trail reconstruction project, guided day hike (approximately five miles) and kids' hike (approximately one mile) will round out the day. Participants are asked to wear sturdy shoes and to bring the usual day-hiking supplies (water, extra clothing etc.). Long pants and long-sleeves are suggested for trail maintenance.

Pre-registration is required. To register and for location details call the TRTA at (775) 298-0012 or email TRTA