The Pacific Crest Trail Association’s annual Community Awards serves to recognize members, volunteers, partners, and supporters for extraordinary achievement. Every year, we ask our staff, partners, members, and volunteers to nominate individuals in the community for their exceptional contributions. Click the award categories below to read more about each award and see a history of winners. Note that not every award is given annually, and more than one award may be presented in a given year.
PCTA requires that award nominees follow our Volunteer Code of Conduct and have a demonstrated alignment with our Mission, Vision, and Values. The Volunteer Code of Conduct was introduced for all volunteers in March 2022 and can be downloaded here: Volunteer Code of Conduct
Lifetime Achievement Award
The Lifetime Achievement Award honors extraordinary commitment and service to the PCT over many years.
- 1996 Larry Cash
- 1996 Louise Marshall
- 2004 Pete Fish
- 2006 Brice Hammack
- 2011 Steve Queen
- 2011 John Lyons
- 2013 Don Line
- 2014 Doris Peddy
- 2015 Peggy Porto
- 2016 Phil Brisack
- 2017 Bill Carpenter
- 2018 Kim Owen
- 2019 John Hachey
- 2020 Lee Terkelsen
- 2021 Larry Krumm
- 2022 Paul Cardinet
Alice Krueper Award: Outstanding Trail Volunteer of the Year
The Alice Krueper Award plaque.
The Alice Krueper Award is the PCTA’s top honor for outstanding trail maintenance volunteers. It is given to the person identified as having done the most for trail maintenance during the year. Often, the award recipient has previously received a Regional Trail Maintainer of the Year Award. The award represents a spirit of dedication as was exemplified by Alice Krueper. The award recipient’s contributions are deemed outstanding as a role model or example for others while demonstrating deep commitment to PCTA’s values. Generally, this person is also well known and respected among the government agency employees who work in their area.
- 1995 Alice Krueper
- 1996 “Pick Axe” Pete Fish
- 1997 Tom Cowan
- 1998 Curtis Hardie
- 1999 Sandy Piatt
- 2000 Don Bennett
- 2001 Brice Hammack
- 2002 Steve Queen
- 2003 Jim Weinel
- 2004 Jerry Stone
- 2005 John Lyons
- 2006 Don Twohey
- 2007 Doris Peddy
- 2008 Dr. F.W. (Bill) Carter
- 2009 John Hachey
- 2010 Chris Ryerson
- 2011 Paul Cardinet
- 2013 Roberta Cobb
- 2014 Barry Teschlog
- 2015 Michael Lewis
- 2016 Tammy Turner
- 2017 Jim Richter
- 2018 Mark Sinclair
- 2019 Don Bailey
- 2020 Robert Caldwell
- 2021 Jim Miller
Extra Mile Award
On one level, the title of this award speaks for itself – it is meant to honor those who have gone “the extra mile,” beyond the scope of normal volunteering for the benefit of the organization or trail. This award was formerly called “Above and Beyond.”
- 1998 Hal Culp
- 2000 Mark Conley
- 2002 Lee Terkelsen
- 2003 Bill Roberts
- 2003 Eugene F. “Bud” Reid
- 2005 Joe and Michael Wirth
- 2006 Laraine Downer
- 2007 Tony Cortez
- 2008 Steve Queen
- 2008 Extra Mile Becky Wolf
- 2009 Extra Mile Gary Lee
- 2009 Dennis Harfman
- 2009 Bill Carpenter
- 2010 Linda Herzig
- 2010 Chip Herzig
- 2010 Jack Konner
- 2010 Barney Mann
- 2010 National Geographic
- 2011 Korbi Thalhammer
- 2012 Campy Camphausen
- 2013 Kim Owen
- 2013 Bill Hawley
- 2013 John Cunningham
- 2013 Tom Linde
- 2013 Leif Hovin
- 2013 David Roe
- 2014 Bill Holt
- 2014 Mary Litch
- 2015 Mark & Holly Scott
- 2015 Tyler Marriott
- 2015 Jim Richter
- 2016 Jim Miller
- 2016 Robert Caldwell
- 2016 Jim Beatty
- 2017 Don Sanderson
- 2017 Jim Banks
- 2018 Roberta Cobb
- 2019 Patty Andersen
- 2020 Sandra Plato and the American Conservation Experience PCT team
- 2021 John & Jan Le Pouvoir and Peter Tucker
- 2022 William “Jim” Beatty
- 2022 Dave Schnake
Labor of Love Award
The Labor of Love Award recognizes individuals for their work on particular projects that benefit the organization. Generally, these awards recognize a volunteer who contributes significantly to the work of PCTA – often this includes work outside of or beyond trail maintenance: in our offices, tabling program, advocacy, storytelling, etc. This award was formerly called “Award of Merit.”
- 1997 Brick Robbins (Website Developer) and David & Keven McDole (Terminus Repair)
- 1997 Lee Terkelsen (Newsletter Editor)
- 1999 Ron Moak (Website Administrator/Developer)
- 1999 Bernie Smith (Host Committee Chair)
- 2000 Bob Irvine (For Going the Extra Mile)
- 2000 Jerry Stone
- 2000 Bob Reiss (for ADZPCTKO)
- 2000 Greg Hummel (for ADZPCTKO)
- 2002 Jim Weinel
- 2002 Charlie Jones (for ADZPCTKO)
- 2002 Tom Reynolds (for ADZPCTKO)
- 2003 John Schilling
- 2004 Peggy Porto
- 2004 Daniel Carmin
- 2006 Angie Williamson
- 2007 Marv Powers
- 2008 Angela Ballard
- 2008 Bill Jeffrey
- 2009 Melousie Pfeffer
- 2010 Jackie “Yogi” McDonnell
- 2010 Carl Siechert
- 2010 Lee Terkelsen
- 2011 Brent Briggs
- 2013 Tammy Turner
- 2013 Connie Marmet
- 2014 Lauren Cole Norton
- 2014 LeeAnn Clark
- 2015 Thyra Bessette
- 2017 Sandy Mann
- 2017 Matt Hope
- 2017 Gordon Wellington
- 2019 Dave Moore
- 2020 Dave Harrison
- 2021 Deanna Salazar and Steve Jackson
- 2022 Kevin Sarkissian, William S Hart School
Diamond Hitch Award
This award recognizes the packing services provided by a volunteer packer whose passion and ongoing commitment assists with maintenance of the PCT in Wilderness Areas and remote locations.
- 2010 Dennis Serpa
- 2011 Doc Wesselius
- 2013 George Boone
- 2014 Ralph Looney
- 2015 Rich & Louise Guthrie
- 2016 Phil King
- 2017 Jerry Heitzler
- 2018 Jim and Sue Forsman
- 2019 Michael Lewis
- 2021 Jason Ridlon
Luminary Award
This award recognizes individuals and groups of people for their extraordinary contributions to the Pacific Crest Trail community. These award winners inspire all those who love the PCT because they make the trail a better place. This award is given to thank the recipient for the many ways they give.
- 2020 Lon Cooper
- 2021 Crystal Gail Welcome
- 2022 Center for Diversity and the Environment
Partnership Award
The Partnership Award is given to a partner that has provided exceptional assistance to the PCTA and contributed to our mission. Often, the PCTA has worked extensively over the past year with this organization.
- 1999 Washington Trails Association
- 2000 Backcountry Horsemen of California
- 2000 Partnership Oregon Equestrian Trails
- 2002 Collins Pine Company
- 2003 Geometronics Department (USFS Region 5)
- 2005 Lassen National Forest’s Almanor Ranger District
- 2006 Washington Trails Association
- 2006 Northwest Service Academy
- 2010 Environmental Charter High School
- 2010 NAACP Rites of Passage Program
- 2014 REI
- 2015 White Pass Ski Resort – Kevin McCarthy
- 2015 Whitewater Preserve
- 2016 ENO
- 2017 New Seasons Market
- 2018 PCT Days
- 2018 American Conservation Experience
- 2019 Backcountry Horsemen of California Redshank Riders
- 2021 Hydroflask and Three Peaks Outfitters
- 2022 Randy Rassmussen, Back Country Horsemen of America
Agency Partner Employee Award
The Agency Partner Employee Award is given to an agency employee who has been very helpful to the PCTA.
- 1999 Garry Oye (USFS Region 5)
- 1999 Della Webb (USFS Region 6)
- 1999 Mark Conley (BLM CA)
- 2000 Anne Carey (USFS Region 5)
- 2000 Pat McLeod (USFS Region 6)
- 2000 Dave Wash (BLM CA)
- 2000 Peggy Hernandez (USFS Region 5)
- 2000 John Hervey (BLM CA)
- 2000 J. Steven Williams (CA Dept. of Health)
- 2000 David Luker (Desert Water Agency)
- 2002 Brent Handley (USFS Region 5)
- 2002 Steve Johnson (USFS Region 6)
- 2002 Ron Noordman (BLM CA)
- 2003 Dave Kotlarski (BLM)
- 2003 Lassen National park (NPS)
- 2003 Mary Ellen Fitzgerald (USFS)
- 2004 Charlie Krause (USFS)
- 2004 Don King (NPS)
- 2005 Dennis Byrd (BLM)
- 2005 Tamar Hogan (NPS)
- 2005 Brett Mizeur (California State Parks)
- 2006 Pat York (USFS)
- 2006 Dolly Chapmen (USFS Region 4)
- 2006 Roger Bell (USFS Region 6)
- 2007 Cynthia Lusk (USFS Region 5)
- 2007 Adam Barnett (USFS Region 5)
- 2008 Phil McNeal (USFS Region 5)
- 2008 Audrey Scranton (USFS Region 5)
- 2008 Keith Dawley (USFS Region 5)
- 2009 Wayne Chevalier (USFS Region 6)
- 2010 Craig Beck, (BLM)
- 2010 Jeanette Granger (USFS Region 5)
- 2010 Jacob Quinn (USFS Ranger 5)
- 2011 Gail Throop (USFS Region 6)
- 2011 Gary Paull (USFS Region 6 Mt. Baker Snoqualmie National Forest)
- 2011 Peter Wagner (USFS Region 6 Mt. Baker Snoqualmie National Forest)
- 2011 Dawn Erickson (USFS Region 6 Mt. Baker Snoqualmie National Forest)
- 2011 Michael Donald (USFS Region 5 Plumas National Forest)
- 2011 Will Brennan (USFS Region 5 Cleveland National Forest)
- 2012 Steve Johnson (USFS Region 5)
- 2013 Chris Engelhardt (USFS Region 3)
- 2013 Howard Hunter (BLM)
- 2013 Winston Rall (USFS Region 6)
- 2014 Joe Flannery (USFS Region 5)
- 2014 Joe Herman (USFS Region 6)
- 2015 Carl Symons (BLM)
- 2015 Marv Lang (USFS Region 6)
- 2015 Roger Murray (USFS Region 5)
- 2016 Steve Hoecker & Andrea Durham (USFS Region 6)
- 2016 Sam Commarto & Jeff Ellison (USFS Region 5)
- 2016 Joe Chavez (USFS Region 5)
- 2017 Dawn Stender (USFS Region 6)
- 2018 Andy Smith (USFS Region 5)
- 2018 Anthony Benedetti (USFS Region 6)
- 2018 Kevin Wilson (British Columbia Parks)
- 2019 Lindsey Steinwachs (USFS Region 5)
- 2019 Andrea Durham (USFS Region 6)
- 2019 Brian Long (USFS Region 6)
- 2020 George Winters (USFS Region 6)
- 2021 Leslie Edlund, Chris Haley, Travis Mason, and Sarah Borman (USGS Region 5)
- 2022 Jessie Larson (USFS R6 Deschutes National Forest)
Regional Trail Maintainer of the Year
This award can be given to individuals in each region who have distinguished themselves in service as leaders, mentors, maintainers, organizers, coordinators, and supporters of the PCT during the past year. Please note that the regional categories for Regional Trail Maintainer of the Year awards have shifted to align with the PCTA’s Regional Representative boundaries. A listing of previous winners in the old categories is included for reference.
Southern California (Mexican Border through N Boundary of Angeles National Forest)
- 2008 Don Line
- 2009 Dick Blizzard
- 2010 Lyle Boelter
- 2011 Frank Trujillo
- 2013 Dave Fleischman
- 2014 Richard Leahy
- 2015 John Shelton
- 2016 Bob Griffis & Molly Cromwell
- 2017 Bill Karp
- 2018 Tim Morris
- 2019 Jim Dascoulias
- 2020 Ken Bonus and San Diego Ultra Running Friends (SURF)
- 2022 Fred Tanis
Southern Sierra (N Boundary of Angeles National Forest through Yosemite National Park)
- 2008 Mark Sinclair
- 2010 Ying Chang
- 2011 Harland Polk
- 2016 John Van Heertum
- 2017 Gene Moeller
- 2018 Dennis England
- 2019 Jan Sieben
- 2020 Karl Krummel
- 2021 Loren Lange
- 2022 Roberta Lynch
Northern Sierra (N Boundary of Yosemite National Park through Lassen National Forest)
- 2008 Dennis Washburn
- 2009 Dave Harrison
- 2010 John Le Pouvoir
- 2011 Jodi Bailey
- 2013 Charles Williams
- 2014 Jan Le Pouvoir
- 2015 Jim Smith
- 2016 Ken Taylor
- 2017 David Breinke
- 2018 Jim Beatty
- 2019 Bob Plumb
- 2020 Bryan Wright
- 2021 Jim Crompton
- 2022 Gordon Wellington
Northern California / Southern Oregon (N Boundary of Lassen National Forest to Windigo Pass)
- 2008 Pat Wormington
- 2009 Sam McGee
- 2010 John Van Heertum
- 2011 Danny Wormington
- 2013 Janette Storer
- 2014 Mike Tillinghast
- 2015 Mick Mc Bride
- 2016 Lance Davis
- 2017 Angie Panter
- 2018 Linda Krawczyk
- 2019 Josh Taylor
- 2020 High Desert Trail Riders Chapter of the Back Country Horsemen of Oregon
- 2021 Paul Cardinet
Columbia Cascades (Windigo Pass to Potato Hill)
- 2008 Bill Hawley
- 2009 Paul Martin Smith
- 2010 Larry Koppy
- 2011 Tom Linde
- 2013 Leif Hovin
- 2014 Bill Carpenter
- 2015 Ed Willson
- 2016 Bill Canavan
- 2017 Paul Hendricks
- 2018 Frank Jahn
- 2019 Susan McDonnell
- 2020 Ginny Elliott
- 2021 Sue Melone
- 2022 Stacey Lee
North Cascades (Potato Hill to Manning Park, Canada)
- 2009 Backcountry Horsemen of Washington (Tahoma, Pierce, and Enumclaw Chapters)
- 2010 Barry Teschlog
- 2011 Jim Miller
- 2014 Ray Delger
- 2015 Jeff Davis
- 2016 Loren Schmidt
- 2017 Dave Kessler
- 2018 Ron Celestres
- 2019 Ty Norrish
- 2020 Eric Lee
- 2021 Mark Boatsman
Old Region Categories (for award winner reference)
Southern California
- 1997 Sandy Piatt
- 1998 Jim Weinel
- 1999 Don Bennett
- 2000 Ken Gilbert
- 2001 Doris Peddy
- 2002 George Boone
- 2003 Dave & Arlene Foste
- 2004 Al and Edwina Golightly
- 2005 Matt Maxon
- 2006 John Hachey
- 2007 Paul Weader
Central California
- 1997 Mike Henderson
- 1998 Shane Krogen
- 2000 Paul Cardinet
- 2002 Bill Carter
- 2003 Campy Camphausen
- 2004 Bill Holt
- 2005 Gordie Mac Dermott
- 2007 Bob Ballou
Northern California
- 1997 Howard Thomas
- 1998 Larry Krumm
- 1999 Priscilla Johnson
- 2000 Tony deBellis
- 2001 John Lyons
- 2004 David Moore
- 2005 Gordie Mac Dermott
- 2006 Rick Hein
- 2007 Mike Taylor
Oregon
- 1997 Brice Hammack
- 1998 Linda Koenig
- 1999 Jack Konner
- 2000 Kate Beardsley
- 2001 Becky Wolf
- 2002 Dick Lukins
- 2003 John Vhay
- 2005 Becky Hope
- 2006 Roberta Cobb
- 2007 Kim Owen
Washington
- 1997 Rick Johnson
- 1998 Sharyl Hartung
- 1999 Bill Sunderland
- 2000 Mike Owens
- 2001 Tom Mogridge
- 2004 Larry McLaughlin
- 2005 Chad Creamer
- 2006 Chris Bell
- 2007 Laurie Hill
PCTA Awards – Other Recognitions
- 1998 Sponsorship REI (Continuing Support)
- 1998 Memorial Hike Leader Certificate Lesya Struz
- 1998 Special Award Bud Reid (Map & Guide Brochure Sponsor)
- 1999 Sponsorship Camping Life Magazine (Full-page Color Ad)
- 2000 Sponsorship Backpacker Magazine (Full-page Color Ad)
- 2000 Sponsorship Pacific Stihl (Trail Maintenance Tools)
- 2000 Sponsorship Adventure 16
- 2000 Sponsorship Wildlands Conservancy
- 2000 Honorary Trail Gorilla Bud Reid
- 2003 Sponsorship Jones & Stokes
- 2004 Memorial Maintainer Doug Jones
- 2010 Appreciation Award Marlene Finley (USFS Region 5)
From our blog
- 2011 award winners: read their story
- 2016 award winners: read their story
- 2017 award winners: read their story
- 2018 award winners: read their story