The work of Pacific Crest Trail Association volunteers is a sight to behold.
There’s no better feeling than traveling on a recently maintained section of trail. It reminds me of the thousands of volunteers who dedicate tens of thousands of hours of sweat and muscle to keep the trail open and safe.
To me, that’s a core responsibility of the PCTA, and one which most users equate with a well-cared-for trail. But there’s a lot more going on behind the scenes and away from the trail. PCTA staff members also raise millions of dollars in private donations to support this work. We work with willing landowners to bring their properties into public ownership to protect the trail and the surrounding landscapes.
PCTA Staff and U.S Forest Service with California Congressman Kevin Kiley out on trail near Donner Summit. Photo Credit: PCTA
We are keeping a constant vigil on private development projects, resource extraction proposals, legislation, and state and federal budgets to ensure that the trail is properly cared for and protected for generations. We actively advocate for the trail with local, state, and federal agencies and lawmakers. By building ongoing relationships with elected leaders and land managers, and through partnerships with many private landowners, nonprofit groups, and local communities, we work to fully protect the trail, the landscapes through which it passes, and the experiences it provides.
PCTA Staff, U.S Forest Service, and California Congressman Kevin Kiley out on trail near Donner Summit. Photo Credit: PCTA
On Oct. 2, we had the pleasure of hosting California Congressman Kevin Kiley, Nevada County Supervisor Hardy Bullock and their staff on a short PCT hike near Donner Summit. Several PCTA and U.S. Forest Service staffers were on hand to answer questions. It was a beautiful day to be in the Sierra, with blue sky and fall colors.
Supervisor Bullock is a longtime lover of outdoor activities and eagerly engaged with us on our morning walk. I’ve been meeting with Rep. Kiley’s staff since he took office in 2022. He is a big supporter of trails, co-leading an annual bipartisan letter in the House of Representatives that urges robust funding for the National Trails System and public land management agencies. He agrees that trails and public lands need strong government support. We are working with him and other members of Congress and partner groups to expand Congressional support for trails.
PCTA’s Advocacy Director, Mark Larabee, speaks with California Congressman Kevin Kiley before heading out on trail near Donner Summit. Photo Credit: PCTA
During our hike, we talked about how important the PCT is to recreation in the West and its influence on public health and local economies. We shared with them the challenges the trail and public lands are facing because of climate change and the increasing presence of wildfires. We also voiced concerns about the federal budget, the huge maintenance backlogs that exist on our public lands, and how agencies like the U.S. Forest Service are struggling to keep up with their responsibilities because of funding and staffing shortages. Shortly before we met, the Forest Service announced a freeze on seasonal hires in Fiscal Year 2025, which will curtail public services like ski patrols and avalanche forecasts and cut trail crew supervisors and ranger station workers, for example. This comes in part because Congress has not agreed upon a budget for the fiscal year, which started Oct. 1. Instead, Congress chose to fund the country on a barebones spending plan called a “continuing resolution,” which mostly uses the prior year’s spending blueprint. They have until Dec. 20 to reach agreement.
I won’t go further into the weeds on all the budget issues here. But I will say that when you put all these challenges together, it’s clear that this is a very precarious time in history for the PCT and public lands. That’s why this work is so important.
PCTA Staff, U.S Forest Service, California Congressman Kevin Kiley, Nevada County Supervisor Hardy Bullock, and their staff out on trail near Donner Summit. Photo Credit: PCTA
It’s crucial that our elected leaders work together to ensure that our public lands and facilities, such as trails, campgrounds, restrooms, and roads, are well cared for and that land management agencies can do what’s required without the huge struggles they are facing now. This is vital for our nation’s tourism economy and the local communities it supports. It’s essential for all of us, as public lands provide clean water and clean air and allow wildlife to thrive.
“On behalf of the PCTA, I want to thank Congressman Kiley and Supervisor Bullock for their time and attention,” said Megan Wargo, PCTA’s CEO. “It was great to be out there with them and to show them firsthand some of the work our volunteers have accomplished in often difficult terrain. We’ll certainly continue working together to champion the PCT and other trails.”
Our advocacy work is largely about building relationships. Often the process is slow, and the work can take years. But I believe our steady and capable presence is recognized by land managers and decision-makers alike.
PCTA Staff and U.S Forest Service speaking with California Congressman Kevin Kiley out on trail near Donner Summit. Photo Credit: PCTA
But…
Your voice matters even more! Please get involved. It’s easy to connect with your elected representatives and senators through their websites or a call to their office. Tell them why the PCT and public lands matter to you.
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You can help fund our advocacy work by becoming a member or making a direct donation to the PCTA. This work is fundamental to ensuring that the PCT is protected for the future, and we cannot do it without your support. Thank you!