Summer Trail Blazer

Summer 2014

Newsletter of The Tahoe Rim Trail Association

Moving Mountains JOIN US ON THE GROUNDBREAKING TRAIL PROJECTS IN STORE FOR THE TAHOE RIM TRAIL THIS SUMMER

VIEW FROM THE RIM

Tahoe Rim Trail Association

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s we ramp up for the 2014 season, I want to thank all of you who have supported the Tahoe Rim Trail Association over the past 33 years! Whether you are a member, donor, corporate sponsor, volunteer, or a participant in our programs, with your help we have grown and prospered in accomplishing our mission to maintain and enhance the Tahoe Rim Trail system, practice and inspire stewardship, and promote access to the beauty of the Lake Tahoe region.

To devote a portion of one’s leisure to doing something for someone else is one of the highest forms of recreation.

Trail Blazer is the official publication of the Tahoe Rim Trail Association, a 501(c)3 non-profit whose mission is to maintain and enhance the Tahoe Rim Trail system, practice and inspire stewardship and promote access to the beauty of the Lake Tahoe Region.

Staff

by Mary Bennington Executive Director

Executive Director

Mary Bennington

Director of Operations

Morgan Fessler

Gerald B. Fitzgerald

Director of Trail Use

Lindsey Schultz

Volunteers are the foundation of the Tahoe Rim Trail Association. Without the 15,000 hours per year donated by our dedicated friends, our programs would cease. I want to thank each of you for your devotion to our efforts and invite those of you who haven’t joined us yet as a volunteer to come on out and have some fun! We have opportunities for everyone: trail work, outreach, office help, and more.

Director of Membership & Outreach

Shannon Skarritt

Office Administrator

Laurie Buffington

Volunteer & Outreach Manager

Amy Teeters

Last year’s inaugural Tahoe Rim Trail Challenge was such a great success we’re bringing it back in 2014 with some exciting new twists. We’re offering two levels of challenge and plenty of opportunities to find McLeod the Marmot on our “Where’s McLeod?” Giveaway Days. I hope you will join us for the fun or consider signing up your company as a sponsor or for a workplace wellness program.

AmeriCorps Outdoor Education Programs Coordinator

Mikenna Dudley

Board Of Directors

We are offering two special Youth Backcountry Camps this July with our partners the Tahoe Institute for Natural Science and the American Red Cross.

Tahoe Trackers will be a 3-day camp, while Wilderness First Aid will run for 5 days. If you know someone interested between the ages of 12 and 17, sign them up! It will be an experience they will never forget!

President John Singlaub

Vice President Karen Ross Treasurer John McCall

Secretary Craig Schriber Board Development

Finally, I’d like to thank Christina Stoever-Young for her service on the board ramping up our marketing savvy, and welcome Ro Martinoni as our newest member of our Board of Directors. Ro brings many years of experience as a guide, trail angel and Trail Use Committee member. The TRTA is privileged to have a board filled with amazing talent and the passion and commitment to serve!

Craig Schriber

Sustainable Funding

Jeanne Fisher-Thompson Trail Operations Teresa Crimmens Trail Use Bob Anderson Board Members

So let’s hit the trail and make some new memories! Happy trails!

David DeVoe, Jennifer Hogler, Petra Keller, Ro Martinoni, Roger Rosenberger, Dave Schnake

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EST SERVICE FOR

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The Tahoe Rim Trail Association works in partnertship with the USDA Forest Service and Nevada State Parks

R T M ENT OF AGRIC U L T

TRAIL BLAZER | Summer 2014 | Tahoe Rim Trail Association

Contact Us cover photo: Lindsey Schultz

Mary Benngingtion Executive Director Tahoe Rim Trail Association

128 Market St. Suite 3E PO Box 3267 Stateline, NV 89449 phone:775-298-4485 www.tahoerimtrail.org info@tahoerimtrail.com

Staff News News & notes from the TRTA staff on upcoming events, trail projects, volunteer opportunities and more.

Membership & Outreach

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he summer is undoubtedly the best time to get out on the Tahoe Rim Trail, get dirty at one of our work days and serve as the best ambassadors for the Tahoe Rim Trail Association.

The summer trail season is when most people want to enjoy all that the trail has to offer. With

by Shannon Skarritt the growing Director Of popularity of Membership & the Tahoe Rim Outreach Trail, there is growing need for ambassadors to provide awareness and support of the TRTA. To help meet the growing demand, we look to our members and volunteers to be the face of the TRTA when we can’t. When you hike, bike or ride the TRT, you represent who we are as an organization. The people you pass along the trail are just like you, and could be a fellow member or volunteer. When you’re on or off the TRT your commitment extends to an entire network of likeminded outdoor enthusiasts who are invested in the future of trails. Thank you for representing our organization wherever you go both on and off the trail.

View p.4 for more information on volunteer opportunities and p.8 for the full 2014 Field Project List

The Dirt On Trail Operations

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his summer, as you allow more than 100,000 enjoy a stroll along the users to have safe and Tahoe Rim Trail, please enjoyable trail experiences take a moment to appreciate every year. the work of community volunteers who make your This summer, please experience possible. It took consider contributing a over 30 years and 200,000 few hours of your own hours of volunteer labor time to the trail. We’ll be to complete the original working on the TRT three 165 mile circuit. Since the days a week all summer

by Morgan Fessler loop was completed, over long and also running four Director Of 10,000 volunteer hours fun backcountry camps.

Operations are contributed annually Major projects include to enhancing and maintaining the building new trail to Mount Houghton trail. Marvel at that giant rock before Summit from Relay Peak to improve you that was perfectly placed as access and protect native vegetation, a step for you to use, or the sign rebuilding extremely popular posts that one volunteer engraved sections of the TRT in Lake Tahoe with trail information and another Nevada State Park, and maintaining carried and planted four miles into segments in Desolation Wilderness the backcountry. These contributions and near Watson Creek. Join us! and hundreds of others like them

Tom’s Happy Trails

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ll trails come to an support and mentorship eventual end – and I’ve during my time here, and at last reached the final steps will always be grateful. of my journey as Director of Although I am leaving, the Trail Use at the TRTA. It’s Trail Use department will been an amazing experience, continue to thrive and grow. and I am so thankful for the With the leadership of our opportunity to have served new Director of Trail Use, an organization that does so Lindsey Schultz, and the much good in our community. continued passion of our When I think back over the many volunteers, the TRTA

by Tom Rodriguez past 3 ½ years that I’ve been Director Of will still provide life changing here, first as an AmeriCorps Thru Hikes, Segment Hikes, Trail Use volunteer and then as Backcountry Skill Courses, Director of the Trail Use department, Youth Backcountry Camps, and Day I am overcome by the how much our Hikes for our community members programs and volunteer team have – ensuring that there will always be grown. a way to enjoy and learn from our trail like no other. As I embark from We now coordinate over 100 this trailhead and begin my next volunteers who lead inspiring and adventure, the many new friendships educational programs for more than and memories that I’ve created here 1000 participants each year. I owe will travel along with me. Long live the each of my co-workers, volunteers, Tahoe Rim Trail! partners, and board members for their

2014 Major Grant Funding Provided By American Hiking Society Andrew Sabin Family Foundation California Alpine Club Foundation Clif Bar Foundation Federal Highway Administration Jack Van Sickle Family Foundation National Environmental Education Foundation Nancy Eccles & Homer Hayward Family Foundation Nevada Division of State Lands

Nevada Recreational Trails Program NV Energy Foundation Pacific Crest Trail Association Recreation Equipment Inc. Robert Z. Hawkins Foundation Serendipity Fund Tahoe Mountain Resorts Foundation Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Vail Echo Wild Eagle Solutions

A Volunteer Experience Like No Other The Tahoe Rim Trail is truly “a trail like no other,” but it depends on the dedication of volunteers just like you. Consider some of these opportunities to volunteer with the Tahoe Rim Trail Association this summer.

Hauling rocks isn’t your thing? No Problem!

There are many ways to contribute to the trail.

Trail Workdays

Do you enjoy using the Tahoe Rim Trail? Please consider helping the TRTA to build and improve the trail this summer.

The Tahoe Rim Trail Association will be hosting workdays on most Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays between June 7th and October 11th. Project highlights include building new trail to Mt. Houghton Summit and maintenance near Relay Peak and Watson Lake. Join us and give back to the trail you love.

Registration and information available on our website!

Backcountry Camps

Camp out with us! This summer the Tahoe Rim Trail Association is planning four backcountry camps, in two varieties to accommodate all types of volunteers. Two will be our traditional ‘all inclusive’ camps, which will be in August at Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park. The LTNSP camps will focus on rebuilding the Marlette Peak Trail, so come prepared for sunny days with amazing views and delicious camp food at Marlette Peak campground. The LTNSP camps are great for families and groups. No experience is necessary!

Our second set of camps will be held in Desolation Wilderness in September. These small camps will be true backcountry camps. Participants will backpack their personal camping gear into the campsite approximately five miles, while pack stock will carry group gear, tools, and food. These projects only have space for 12 individuals and, while all food will be provided, there will not be a designated camp cook. There will, however, be great company and beautiful alpine lakes for afternoon relaxation!

Thanks to generous grant support from the Nevada Recreational Trails Program, NV Energy Foundation, and the Pacific Crest Trail Association, all of our backcountry camps are free to attend. Register today at www.tahoerimtrail.org and spend a few nights under the stars with the TRTA this summer.

Join Our Team!

TRTA Crew Leaders and Guides are the heart of our organization. We couldn’t do it without them. If you are interested in joining our team, we encourage you to head out on the trail this summer and get familiar with our programs.

Attend our Guided Hikes, Workdays, and/or Backcountry Camps to start learning the ropes. The TRTA will be hosting Guide and Crew Leader Trainings in the Fall and Spring for individuals ready to take the next step with us! If you have questions about becoming a Guide or Crew Leader please contact our Volunteer and Outreach Manager at amyt@tahoerimtrail.org.

Trail Angels

The secret to our Annual Thru Hike’s success is the amazing volunteers who support our hikers. With their help, 24 participants will embark on the journey to hike 165-miles of trail in just 15 days. And we’re not only talking about Guides. Our Trail Angel volunteers also help to make the Thru Hike possible for many participants. Wouldn’t it feel great to be someone’s angel? This summer, in both August and September, we need volunteers to help our Thru Hike groups with re-supply stops during their trips. Whether you want to help prepare a fresh meal for the hikers to enjoy or be in charge of making sure that the re-supply trailer makes it to the Trail Angel stop, we need your help! If interested, please contact Lindsey at lindseys@tahoerimtrail.org.

Calling all Chefs!

Are you the next Emeril Lagasse or Julia Child? Whether it’s Beef Bourguignon or just some marinara from a jar we need your talents! If you enjoy cooking, being outdoors, and helping others, then we need you. Join our camp kitchen team and help us keep our trail builders happy and healthy. If you are interested please contact our Volunteer and Outreach Manager, Amy Teeters, at amyt@tahoerimtrail.org.

National Trails Day

The Tahoe Rim Trail Association is proud to be a sponsor for the 22nd annual celebration of National Trails Day. National Trails Day is a nationwide event that recognizes the importance of trails in our communities. At the TRTA, we will be celebrating the Tahoe Rim Trail by pitching in to complete trail maintenance on the trail heading north east from Tahoe City. For this special volunteer event, the Tahoe Rim Trail Association will be providing lunch for all of our pre-registered volunteers. The Tahoe City Public Utility District has graciously provided 64 Acres Park for the TRTA to use as home base thanks, TCPUD! We will meet at the park at 8:30am to get everyone registered and ready to go. For more information or to register, visit www.tahoerimtrail.org. Help us kick off our trail season and register today!

Office & Outreach Volunteers

The summer season is always buzzing both on and off the Tahoe Rim Trail and giving back to the trail can come in many forms. Here are a few ways you can help in our Stateline, NV office or out on the TRT outreaching to our many trail users: nn Help in the office by answering phones and assisting walkin customers with questions about the trail. Share your passion and knowledge with others. nn Serve as an outreach ambassador at an upcoming community event and help spread the good word about the TRT to your community. nn Meet our 2014 Tahoe Rim Trail Challenge participants and assist with one of our six “Where’s McLeod?” Giveaway Days this summer.

There truly is something for everyone at the Tahoe Rim Trail Association! Contact Shannon Skarritt, Director of Membership & Outreach for more information at shannons@tahoerimtrail.org.

TRAIL BLAZER | Summer 2014 | Tahoe Rim Trail Association

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TRTA Outings & Events Summer 2014 Youth Backcountry Camps

Get back into nature this summer with the TRTA’s Youth Backcountry Camps. If you are a teen who loves sleeping under the stars, swimming in mountain lakes, and making new friends, all while learning valuable outdoor skills, this is for you!

This summer we are offering 4 different camps for teens between 12 and 17 years of age. For 12-14 year olds, we are partnering with the Tahoe Institute for Natural Science to offer two 3-day Tahoe Trackers trips, which will focus on wildlife tracking in the backcountry. Participants will learn about the different types of wildlife in the Tahoe Basin, and how to recognize their signs. For 15-17 year olds, we have two 5-day courses designed to enhance outdoor skills and growth for budding backcountry enthusiasts. The first trip is Backcountry Leadership, and will focus on helping participants become strong leaders and stewards in the wilderness. On our second trip for older teens, we are partnering with the American Red Cross to teach participants Wilderness First Aid while backpacking through Desolation Wilderness. Upon completion of the program, participants will be certified in Wilderness First Aid. Scholarships are available for all camps.

For more information on these camps, including current registration and scholarship information, please visit the youth page at tahoerimtrail.org, or contact Mikenna at programs@tahoerimtrail.org or (775)298-4493.

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TRAIL BLAZER | Summer 2014 | Tahoe Rim Trail Association

Backpacking 101

How many times have you hiked to a beautiful lake on the Tahoe Rim Trail, and then realized you couldn’t enjoy it because you had to hike back before dark? Take your TRT experience to the next level by experiencing the freedom of sleeping in the backcountry. Join our Backpacking 101 course, and let our experienced volunteer guides teach you skills and techniques to have a fun and safe overnight trip on the Tahoe Rim Trail; topics will include proper packing skills, safe cooking and food storage techniques, and how to correctly follow Leave No Trace etiquette in the backcountry.

Backpacking 101 will take place July 12th -13th, 2014 and costs $75 ($50 for TRTA members). For more information, or to register for the course, please visit tahoerimtrail.org, or contact Mikenna at programs@tahoerimtrail.org or (775)2984493.

Wilderness First Aid

On November 1st-2nd, join the Tahoe Rim Trail Association and the Wilderness Medicine Institute of NOLS for a twoday Wilderness First Aid course. Whether you’re a guide, an outdoor enthusiast, or you work in a remote environment, this fast paced, hands-on course will give you the skills you need to respond to a backcountry emergency when help is delayed.

For more information, please visit tahoerimtrail.org, or contact Mikenna at programs@tahoerimtrail.org or (775)298-4493.

Guided Hikes

For those of you who are just pulling on your hiking boots for the first time, the TRTA offers Guided Hikes. Some are free and open to the public, and others are special – just for TRTA members. Even experienced hikers enjoy these short, educational, and enjoyable outings on the TRT. Beginning in June, we’ll be offering hikes with themes such as wildflowers, animal survival, healthy forests, and birding. Get out on the trail with your family and friends this summer and enjoy the beauty of the TRT. Register online today at www.tahoerimtrail.org or contact Lindsey at lindseys@tahoerimtrail.org for more information.

Segment Shuttle Program

Need a RIDE but not a GUIDE this summer? Then let the TRTA and Shuttle Around Tahoe help you with trailhead shuttling each Thursday between June 12th and September 18th. For only $350, you can avoid the hassle of setting up early morning shuttling all summer long. You’ll follow the official TRTA Segment Hiking Schedule, but do the actual hiking on your own. Think of us as a weekly trailhead taxi to help you hike the entire TRT in one summer!

Register online today at www.tahoerimtrail.org or contact Lindsey at lindseys@tahoerimtrail.org for more information.

33rd Annual Meeting & Celebration

Mark your calendars now for our 33rdAnnual Meeting Wednesday, October 8th. We will be celebrating at the Lakeview Lodge atop the Heavenly Aerial Tram in South Lake Tahoe. Join us for a beautiful afternoon/evening at the lodge with epic views of the lake, fantastic trail friends, great food, and updates on the trail and our 2014 accomplishments. Don’t miss out on this annual event for our friends, volunteers, members, and donors.

See you there! Registration and additional information will be available on our website in late summer.

20 1 4 T R A IL CHALLEN GE The Trail Challenge Is Back!

Two new levels of challenges and more McLeod the Marmot Giveaway Days

Are you up for the challenge?

The Tahoe Rim Trail Challenge is back for its second year with six new Challenge hikes, fun giveaway days and exciting places to explore along the Tahoe Rim Trail! Grab your hiking shoes, mountain bike, horse and a friend and let’s hit the trail!

Are you a Trail Blazer or Trail Explorer?

This year we’re letting you choose how far you’d like to go with your Challenge. For novice hikers, bikers or equestrians looking to take on easy to moderate 2-6 mile treks we’ve got six treks just for you as a Trail Blazer. For seasoned trail users interested in extra miles, we’ve got more challenging treks which average between 6-12 miles taking you even further along the Tahoe Rim Trail as a Trail Explorer.

Ready to start your challenge?

Now’s the time to start your adventure! Visit www.tahoerimtrail. org and enroll now as a Tahoe Rim Trail Challenge member under our Events & Programs tab. The cost is $55 for an individual, $85 for a family, or $20 for existing TRTA members.

We also have special pricing for teams that would like to join the Challenge together! Your enrollment includes a 1-year membership with the TRTA; access to maps and hike descriptions; ability to log, track, and share your progress with

in our Tahoe Rim Trail Community; and a 2014 Tahoe Rim Trail Challenge tech t-shirt to wear while exploring the TRT!

Become a Sponsor of the Tahoe Rim Trail Challenge

Do you own a business or are part of a corporation looking for a health and wellness program? We have special group pricing for businesses that are interested in sponsoring the Tahoe Rim Trail Challenge. Depending upon your level of sponsorship, you can offer your employees the opportunity to join the challenge.

You’ll also receive specific benefits that will showcase your support for the Tahoe Rim Trail Challenge.

To learn how you can become a sponsor contact Shannon Skarritt at 775-298-4490 or shannons@tahoerimtrail.org

Business & Corporate Members & 2014 Tahoe Rim Trail Challenge Sponsors

Outdoor Media

Castle Rock Business Members Nature’s Bakery - Dermody Properties - Tahoe Trail Bar - Olympic Bike Shop Trailside Inn Partners Cedar House Sport Hotel - cedarhousesporthotel.com Feldjheim-Tahoe Mountain Home - tahoemountainhome.com

More information and registration is available at www.tahoerimtrail.org.

Help Build ‘A Trail Like No Other’ National Trails Day—Trail Season Kick Off

June 7th - Join our Annual Celebration

Spooner Summit North Maintenance

6/17, 6/24, 7/1, 7/15

Watson Lake Trail Rehabilitation

6/21, 6/28, 7/12

Tahoe Meadows Maintenance

7/8, 7/10

Mt. Houghton Trail Construction

Thursdays and Saturdays 7/17 through 10/11

Galena Waterfall Tread Repair

7/22, 7/29, 8/5

Relay to Rose Knob Maintenance

Tuesdays 8/12 through 10/7

Backcountry Camps—Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park

Two camps: 8/1-8/3 and 8/15-8/17

Backcountry Camps—Desolation Wilderness

Two camps: 9/5-9/7 and 9/12-9/14

End of Season Workday Celebration—Mt. Houghton 10/11/2014

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage Paid Permit No 200 Reno, NV

128 Market St. Suite 3E PO Box 3267 Stateline, NV 89449

Return Service Requested

Trail Blazer

The Official Publication of the Tahoe Rim Trail Association

Welcome New Staff!

The Tahoe Rim Trail Association is extremely excited to welcome two new staff to our team! Filling the role of Director of Trail Use is Lindsey Schultz. Lindsey spent two years serving at the TRTA as our AmeriCorps Trail Operations Coordinator in 2012 and 2013. We are thrilled that she will be rejoining our team and putting her talents to work for the Trail Use program. Amy Teeters joined our team as the TRTA’s new Volunteer and Outreach Manager. Amy has been working in the South Shore community for several years and is excited to join the Tahoe Rim Trail Association team and meet our trail users and dedicated volunteers.

Sadly, we must say farewell to Tom Rodriguez our outgoing Director of Trail Use. Tom came to the TRTA as a 2010/2011 AmeriCorps member and spent two years managing youth programs and working with the Trail Use Program before becoming the Director of Trail Use. Tom’s last day at the TRTA was April 11th and he is now off to new adventures in Boston and we wish him the best of luck and will miss his talents and energy.

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welcome new staff me The TRTA is happy to y Teeters Lindsey Schultz and Am