Pacific Northwest PCT enthusiasts gathered in Seattle on Saturday to mingle with kindred hikers, horseback riders, volunteers and PCTA supporters. They talked to board members and staff about the trail, heard the latest news and celebrated what the PCTA has accomplished over the past year with the generous support of all of our members and volunteers.
PCTA Executive Director and CEO Liz Bergeron gave an overview of the organization’s sound financial health. She stressed the importance of private support on PCTA’s work to ensure the PCT remains protected and preserved and doesn’t lose its iconic wilderness character. “This is all the more important during a period when government funding is expected to remain flat or decrease” she said.
Liz Bergeron presenting on the financial health of PCTA.
PCTA Board Chair John Crawford echoed Liz’s thanks and also drew attention to the PCTA’s ongoing work to bring the last private parcels of land along the PCT corridor into public ownership. Again, private support will play a vital role in this effort.
Trail Operations Director Mike Dawson, in discussing recent progress, said that the PCTA is more prepared than ever to deal with the many proposals and challenges that would otherwise degrade the quality of the trail experience. “The quality of the trail continues to improve” he said. Northern Cascades Regional Representative Bill Hawley illustrated this progress by providing highlights of some of the local trail maintenance and protection projects underway in the area.
Mike Dawson giving an overview of some of our recent trail protection activities.
Trail Dirt Live always serves as an opportunity to recognize the outstanding contributions of volunteers and partners. Bill presented the 2014 Regional Trail Maintainer of the Year Award for outstanding dedication as a volunteer on the PCT to Ray Delger. Bill said Ray’s nomination was unanimous throughout the region.
Ray Delger receives the Regional Trail Maintainer of the Year Award.
The most prestigious volunteer award the PCTA can give is the Alice Krueper Award. It is awarded to the person recognized as having done the most for trail maintenance during the year. Mike and Bill presented the 2014 award to Barry Teschlog, co-founder and a crew leader of the North 350 Blades volunteer trail crew. Kudos to Ray and Barry and all the volunteers for their valuable work!
Barry Teschlog received the Alice Krueper Award for his outstanding work.
The last award of the evening was the 2014 Partner Award presented by Liz to Marc Berejka, REI’s Director of Community and Government Affairs. In thanking Marc, Liz commented on the value of REI’s long-term support of the PCTA’s work. Marc remarked that our respective organizations face many mutual challenges. “We must continue to collectively assert the importance of protecting and preserving the wilderness for what it gives back to society – healthier people, healthier places, and a healthier planet,” he said. As advocates for the outdoors, Marc said the award affirms one of REI’s core beliefs – that a life outdoors is a life well lived. Marc summed up by saying: “REI is a catalyst for getting people outside but organizations like the PCTA are our heroes.”
Marc Berejka, Director of Community and Government Affairs, receives an award on behalf of REI.
Our supporters and volunteers are our heroes. We couldn’t do it without you. Thank you all and we’ll look forward to seeing you at the next Trail Dirt Live.
Down to the important business of Trail Dirt Live: socializing!