TAHOE RIM TRAIL ASSOCIATION 2025 ANNUAL REPORT KIOSK
TAHOE RIM TRAIL ASSOCIATION BOARD
President: Tricia Tong Vice President: Rishi Batra Treasurer: Larry Stites Secretary: Rebecca Cremeen Trail Operations Chair: Jim Crompton Trail Use Chair: Sharell Katibah Directors: Amy Cornelius, Dori King, Justin Knowles, John McCall, Theresa Papandrea, Faye Provenza, and Robin Soran
STAFF
Executive Director: Lindsey Schultz Deputy Director: Veronica Palmer Trail Operations Director: Sam Donnelly Communications Manager: Daniel Corona Development Manager: Brooke Clayton Engagement Manager: Colleen Hoffman Finance & Admin Manager: Judi Van Fleet Guided Programs Manager: Fiona Pedrick Trail Operations Manager: Briegan Aguilar Youth Programs Manager: Michelle Witte
Our mission is to maintain and enhance the Tahoe Rim Trail system, practice and inspire stewardship, and preserve access to the natural beauty of the Lake Tahoe region.
What makes the Tahoe Rim Trail special is not just the peaks it climbs or views it helps you reach, it is also the people. Whether this year brought you to the TRT for the first time or you helped build it, know this: community keeps the TRT experience alive. Enjoy this glimpse of the TRTA’s impact in 2025, and know that all of these accomplishments would be nothing without an incredible community of trail users to remind us why we do what we do. The Tahoe Rim Trail Association works in partnership with the USDA Forest Service and the Nevada Division of State Parks.
VOLUNTEER SERVICE HIGHLIGHTS TOTAL VOLUNTEER HOURS: 15,893 NUMBER OF VOLUNTEERS: 340 DAYS OF TRAINING: 16
When Glen Hampton first proposed building a trail around Lake Tahoe, he was given a simple directive by the U.S. Forest Service: if you can find the people, you have the permission. Volunteerism is the life blood of the TRT. Today, these passionate individuals continue to build and improve the trail, alongside guiding day hikes all the way to thru-hikes, acting as Ambassadors at TRT trailheads, and even contributing valuable time in the TRT office to cut down administrative expenses. Thank you to each and every TRTA volunteer: we couldn’t achieve our mission without you!
TRAIL OPERATIONS HIGHLIGHTS NUMBER OF WORKDAYS: 93 TOTAL VOLUNTEER HOURS: 9,190 TREES CLEARED: 570 SIGNS INSTALLED: 72 NEW TRAILHEAD KIOSKS INSTALLED: 7
The dedication of our Trail Operations volunteers and crew helped ensure that the Tahoe Rim Trail remains accessible and inspiring for everyone who explores it. Their work strengthened trail connections across the Basin, protected sensitive alpine ecosystems, and improved the experience for thousands of hikers, bikers, and equestrians. From rebuilding key sections of trail to enhancing wayfinding and trailhead access, their efforts continue to preserve the legacy and beauty of the Rim Trail for generations to come.
GUIDED TRAIL PROGRAMS HIGHLIGHTS NUMBER OF GUIDED PROGRAMS: 17 PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS: 311 BACKCOUNTRY SKILLS COURSES: 5
Guided Trail Programs brought over 300 people onto the Tahoe Rim Trail. Participants hiked, snowshoed, and skied over 600 miles. Guided Day Hikes connected participants with other local organizations such as the Sugar Pine Foundation and the Tahoe Institute for Natural Science where experts shared information about the region’s flora and fauna. The beloved Segment hike and Thru hike programs toured another generation of TRTA participants around the entire Tahoe Rim Trail. Backcountry Skills courses and guided overnight programs helped participants develop the skills and confidence to lead their own adventures. None of this would be possible without our volunteer guides and their dedication to the trail and our organization.
YOUTH PROGRAMS HIGHLIGHTS YOUTH BACKCOUNTRY CAMPS: 14 PERCENTAGE OF TRIPS PROVIDED AT NO COST TO FAMILIES: 71% TOTAL YOUTH SERVED: 205
Our youth programs aim to instill joy, self confidence, and responsibility during outdoor experiences for young folks of diverse backgrounds by teaching wilderness skills, Leave No Trace, team building, and natural history. This year we completed our 18th year of Youth Backcountry Camps (YBCC) that serve regional youth on 3 night, 4 day backpacking trips in the Lake Tahoe Basin wilderness. YBCC focuses on creating pathways for youth who normally would not have access to these experiences by providing the instruction, gear, food, and transportation needed. By supporting youth to get outside, the TRTA is inspiring more people to become trail stewards, ensuring the well-being of the trail for generations to come.
EDUCATION & OUTREACH HIGHLIGHTS NUMBER OF AMBASSADORS: 27 PEOPLE ENGAGED BY AMBASSADORS: 2,388 TRAIL TALKS HOSTED: 7 ATTENDEES AT TRAIL TALKS: 143 WEBSITE VISITORS: 156,457
The TRTA’s engagement programs are designed to connect people with the trail while promoting stewardship, education, and responsible recreation. Our dedicated Ambassador Volunteers serve as the friendly faces of the TRTA, hosting trailhead information stations and roving along the route to engage directly with trail users. They share insights on how to reduce impact, practice Leave No Trace principles, and protect the Tahoe Basin’s fragile environment. Our monthly Trail Talk series brings the community together to explore topics like geology, ecology, photography, and outdoor preparedness. These talks expand public understanding of our mission, inspire involvement with the TRTA, and equip hikers with the knowledge they need to enjoy and preserve the Tahoe Rim Trail.
FUNDRAISING HIGHLIGHTS MEMBERS AND DONORS: 2,803 GRANTORS: 35 RAISE THE RIM PARTICIPANTS: 345
It takes a 1.6-million-dollar budget to make the TRTA’s incredible work possible, and the organization relies on a diverse array of private, public, and individual giving to support our mission. Local grant partners demonstrate their commitment to sustainable recreation each year by investing in the TRTA’s programs. Yet the majority of the TRTA’s funding comes from individuals like yourself, ensuring our financial sustainability no matter how grant funding changes. TRTA donors and members came from all corners of the country and world in 2025, even setting a record for our most successful peer-to-peer fundraiser to date. These efforts show how connection and community remain the driving force behind the TRTA’s efforts.
TAHOE RIM TRAIL ASSOCIATION FISCAL YEAR 2024–2025
HOW WE ARE FUNDED
OUR FUNDS IN ACTION
TRIBUTE DONATIONS Honorary Donations Lyn & Audrey Conley Susan DeDiminicantanio & Greg Conley Jen Harvey & Craig Burkhouse Susan Holly Lise Hodges Sanne Kure-Jensen Kannan Konath Sushil Louis
TOTAL: $1,493,799
TOTAL: $1,237,263
44% |$662,532
28% |$348,233
CONTRIBUTIONS & MEMBERSHIPS
30% |$449,751 GRANTS
16% |$238,623
INVESTMENT INCOME
9% |$129,746
PROGRAM INCOME
1% |$13,147
EVENTS & MERCHANDISE
TRAIL OPERATIONS
27% |$332,673
EDUCATION & OUTREACH
15% |$182,807
YOUTH PROGRAMS
Karon Nelson Melanie Fox Soren Nelson & Colin Lang Lisbeth Olhasso Tom & Priscilla Mills Mary Mills
14% |$174,334
Erin Rasmusson Christina Martini
11% |$135,657
Cory Ritchie David Ritchie
TRAIL USE
ADMINISTRATION
5% |$59,859 FUNDRAISING
0% |$3,700
MERCHANDISE
Quinn Freeda Snavely Kelly Snavely
Robin Soran Robert & Sallie Armstrong Michael & Elizabeth Schuler
Memorial Donations Peter Joseph Balfe Dean Westberry
Laura Binder Chris Binder & Anna Russell Vivian Binder Alex Binder Catherine Cervi Sharon Crum Pamela Dale Brian Fisher Joan Fletcher Kaitlyn Ibrahim Michael & Lieselotte Koc Richard Oliver Amanda Palla Pam Rechel Michael & Karen Rechel Lisa Regan Michael & Kathy Smeltzer Sarah Smeltzer Brianne Staysniak Linda & Robert Mendizabal Mark & Betsy Gabrielson Dennis Dougherty Patricia Dougherty Harlan O. Hall Mrs. Barbara Hall
Anttigen Huff Hillary Huff Courtney & Nick Polidori Nadia Bonev Aje Sanjdorj Cassandra Sumara Ivana Burkett Rosie Hackett Leanne Hawken Julie Jacobs Lowe Trudi Morgan Kevin Radle Heather Stroud Jodie Taylor Greta Vander Vennet Greta Vander Vennet Stephen Wiencko MaryAnn & Dan Hart Danny Hauenstein Rebecca Marbach Karen Ness Noel & Elena Serrano-Milberg Jennifer Van Houten Eric Kvam Austin Winters R. Warren Lutzow Linda Garrett Steve & Ann Pulkkinen Alexis Culton Riggs Dori Ebright William Harvey Jeri Walters Diane McCall Gary & Jeanne North
Debbie Nicholson Robert & Shannon Nicholson Justin O’Connor Lillian Tallman Kathleen (Kathy) Keef Pendill Debra & Chuck Goode Dorothy Hudig Greg Highison Robert Susskind Emily Susskind Marilyn Susskind Janet & Essy Saedi Judy Feldman Dave White Benjamin White Ryan Goodenough Kathleen Gruning Kathleen Kemsley Dick & Kim Walsh Jessie Walsh Victoria Williams Evans Caroline White William Cameron Christine White
DONORS OVER $1000
IN-KIND DONORS Alpen Sierra American Hiking Society Athletic Brewing Azul Latin Kitchen Bear Vault Beronio Household Blind Dog Coffee Buff Chicken Tramper Ultralight Gear Claybaugh Household CNoc Deschutes Brewery Divided Sky FarOut Front Street Pizza Gear Lab
Griffin Household Hypershell Incline Library Lee Household LMNT McDowell Household National Geographic Patagonia Heavenly Village Patagonia Outlet Reno Pride Mountain Winery Provenza Household Ridge Merino Rise Design Salonga Household Sawyer Sierra Valley Electric, Inc.
South Lake Brewing Co. South Lake Library South of North Sports LTD Stio Mountain Studio Strohm Household Tahoe Sports LTD Tipsy Putt T’s Mesquite Rotisserie ULA Vail Resorts Vinny’s Pizza Viviano Household Whole Foods Market
GRANTORS Athletic Brewing Co. Brown Household Caesars Foundation California Alpine Club Foundation California Tahoe Conservancy City of South Lake Tahoe El Dorado Community Foundation Jack Van Sickle Foundation John Ben Snow Foundation & Memorial Trust John W. Altman Charitable Foundation Joseph & Vera Long Foundation
Kate Svitek Memorial Foundation Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority Lana Vento Charitable Trust Martis Camp Foundation Nancy Eccles & Homer M. Hayward Family Foundation National Forest Foundation Nevada All State Trail Riders Nevada Department of Transportation NV Division of Outdoor Recreation NV Energy Foundation OK To Be Different Foundation Pacific Crest Trail Association Reddere Foundation
State of Nevada Controller’s Office Strohm Household Tahoe Community Foundation (formerly Parasol) Tahoe Fund Tahoe Mountain Resorts Foundation Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation The Latrobe Fund The Trail Fund USDA Forest Service Vail Resorts William H. Moffat Jr Foundation
Anonymous Kim Ainsley David & Shirley Allen Foundation Dr. Karen Scharenberg Amstutz & Mr. David Bruce Amstutz Donald & Terri Arbogast Brian Ashe & Cynthia Rigatti Kyle & Jessica Aster Jim Backhus Mary Bannon Rishi Batra Brian Beffort & Laura Brigham Benzak Foundation David C. Bewley Ralph Bijou Michael Boyer Rick & Kathy Brown Shelley & Steve Brown Susan Brown W Don & Cheryl Brown Ray Bryars Jason Chan Kathleen CheeverBonfire & Mars Bonfire Phyllis Conces Katherine Conrad Kevin & Nancy Cooper Jennifer Coupland Jim Crompton The Crystal Family Foundation
Lynn Dantzker Steven & Christine Johnson Christina Debenedetti Kathleen Justice-Moore & Steve Susan DeDiminicantanio & Greg Moore Conley Roger Kahn Laura & Ray DePole Susan Kelso Randell Dickey Justin Knowles Drew Dorsey Eileen Landauer & Mark Michael Aidan Dougherty Debbie Leonard Brian Dougherty Esther Levandoski Joseph & Lisa Downes Anna Lijphart Ilana Drummond & Sharon Arend Lijphart Dulberg David & Alette Mahler Joel Earnest Kim & Mike Mardesich Veronica Arriaga Ecklund John McCall Nicholas Elliott Kevin & Laura McKay Victoria Williams Evans Kevin & Pam McKenna Chris & Bob Feibusch Doug Mcpartland Feibusch Foundation Margie McWilliams Scott Fitzmorris Laurie Miller Steve & Maria Foulke Ginger & Ron Mitchell Mike & Mary Frandsen Carole Morgan Ross & Rhonda Franke Dennis O. Morgan Carole Freeman & Sharon David & Tobey Mraz McBryde Terry & Marianne Murphy Jason Garza Paul & Antje Newhagen The Gene and Brenda Living Laura O’Brien Trust Tina O’Dell Chris & Patrice Gibson Olander Family Foundation Ellen Goldsmith Lance Olson Barry Golombik & Mary Danahey Courtney & Nick Polidori Constance Gowen George Prince Michael & Janelle Grimes Michael & Karen Rechel Clay & Carolyn Grubb John & Diane Rettig Kathleen Gruning Tiffany Rice Barbara Hall Cory Ritchie Philip Hall Mary Beth Roselli Mary Hemminger Jim Russell Elizabeth Holloway Janet & Essy Saedi Ryan Hoyt Schrock Family Philanthropy
Paul & Edna Schumacher Dale Smelser Michael & Kathy Smeltzer Bruce & Bettie Smith Colonel Edward L. Smith Winnie Smith Robin, Patrick & Maggie Soran Evan Specter Larry Stites Mary & Chris Strohm Joseph Stuart & Nancy Wong The Stuart Foundation Inc. Jacqueline Susong Emily Susskind Marilyn Susskind Eva Tamm Les Thomas Maryon Ripple Tilley Donna Ting Tricia & Kuo Tong Mike & Alex Tonner Truettner Family Foundation Sarah Uppal Vasicek Foundation Ann & Steve Weiss Joanne White Sharon & Travis White Ryan Williamson John Zeisler & Jennifer Bailey Dawn Zemo Sandra & Fred Zoerner
BUSINESS DONORS
TUNNEL CREEK PROPERTIES, LLC
MATCHING DONORS Alaska Airlines American Water Anheuser-Busch Apple Inc. AT&T Baker Hughes Boeing Chevron Matching Employee Funds
Crowdstrike Cares Dell Inc. Discord Gilead Google, Inc. Intel Corporation Intel Foundation Microsoft Matching Gifts Program
ServiceNow Take Two Software The Pepsico Foundation Unum Insurance US Bank Foundation Wells Fargo Foundation ZiffDavis
To see our financial statements and 990 visit our website at tahoerimtrail.org. The Tahoe Rim Trail Association has two funds established for the long-term sustainability of the organization and our mission, the Tahoe Rim Trail Endowment Fund and Stewardship Fund. If you are interested in contributing to either, please contact Lindsey Schultz at 775-298-4489.