2014 Winter Trail Blazer by Tahoe Rim Trail Association

Winter 2014

Newsletter of The Tahoe Rim Trail Association

Explore Winter Events, Outings, Speaker Series and Wilderness Medicine Trainings

PLUS: ANNUAL MEETING WRAP-UP INAUGURAL TRAIL CHALLENGE DAGGETT SUMMIT REROUTE PROJECT

VIEW FROM THE RIM

Tahoe Rim Trail Association

s we celebrate our 32nd anniversary, we reflect on a year full of milestones. We moved to our new offices in Stateline, NV, in September, completed a major construction project and reached over 4,000 people through our public hikes, youth programs, volunteer trail workdays and community outreach. This year alone, over 500 volunteers dedicated over 16,500 hours both on and off the trail. We couldn’t do all of this without the efforts of our dedicated volunteers and the financial support of all of our members!

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 Executive Director

by Mary Bennington Executive Director

Mary Bennington

Director of Operations

Many of you joined us for the exciting new program – the Tahoe Rim Trail Challenge. Nearly 500 new members took the challenge and were treated to six “Where’s McLeod?” Giveaway Days along the Tahoe Rim Trail. Best of all, they experienced some of the finest day hikes on our trail, enjoyed the healthy benefits of outdoor recreation and chose to support the TRTA in the process. Several local corporations sponsored up to 50 of their employees to join the challenge as a workplace wellness effort. We are thrilled with the exciting new features and challenges for the 2014 Tahoe Rim Trail Challenge! I hope you will join us!

Morgan Fessler

Director of Trail Use

Tom Rodriguez

Director of Membership & Outreach

Shannon Skarritt

Office Administrator

Laurie Buffington

AmeriCorps Outdoor Education Program Coordinator

This year alone, our public hikes and youth programs inspired over 1,000 new stewards for the Lake Tahoe region, including 500 youth reached through our Trailside Education Program and 38 young stewards who attended 5 Youth Backcountry Camps.

Mikenna Dudley

AmeriCorps Trail Operations Coordinator

Marcus Perrry

We are busy planning an exciting 2014. As we look back on 2013, I am grateful to all of you who helped out through volunteering either on the trail, in the office or through your generous financial support. I’d like to extend a special thank you to Kirk Hardie and Kristine Mitchell for their years of service on the board.

Board Of Directors President John Singlaub Vice President Stuart Campbell

I look forward to seeing you on the trail in 2014! Happy trails!

Treasurer John McCall

Secretary Craig Schriber Board Development

Craig Schriber

Mary Benngingtion Executive Director Tahoe Rim Trail Association

Sustainable Funding

Jeanne Fisher-Thompson Marketing Christina Stoever-Young Trail Operations Teresa Crimmens Trail Use Bob Anderson

2014 Major Grant Funding Provided By

U S

R T M ENT OF AGRIC U L T

TRAIL BLAZER | Winter 2014 | Tahoe Rim Trail Association

Board Members

David DeVoe, Jennifer Hogler, Petra Keller, Roger Rosenberger, Karen Ross Contact Us cover photo: Grego Baldauf

EST SERVICE FOR

DE P A

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

Nevada Recreational Trails Program NV Energy Foundation Pacific Crest Trail Association Recreation Equipment Inc. Robert Z. Hawkins Foundation Tahoe Mountain Resorts Foundation The Student Conservation Association Wild Eagle Solutions

U RE

American Hiking Society California Alpine Club Foundation Clif Bar Foundation EL Cord Foundation Federal Highway Administration Jack Van Sickle Family Foundation Nancy Eccles & Homer Hayward Family Foundation Nevada Division of State Lands

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

Tom’s Happy Trails

THANK YOU

s autumn draws spent leading participants to a close and the in 2013. Even in the face winter weather of thick wildfire smoke begins to blow into the wafting up from the Tahoe Basin, I can’t help Yosemite Rim Fire, we were but reflect on my first year able to organize 38 Public as Director of Trail Use and Member Hikes with with a sense of gratitude 15 local partners, outdoor and pride. Coming on education presentations, in early January, I was first aid trainings, 2 Thru by Tom Rodriguez immediately supported Hikes, 2 Segment Hiking Director Of by the experience and Programs and 5 Youth Trail Use dedication of over Backcountry Camps. All 100 volunteers and partners. It is in all, these programs reached 1,051 borderline overwhelming to consider participants both young and old. The the miles that were hiked, the supplies real glory for this success goes to the that were coordinated and the hours Volunteer Guides, Ambassadors and Program Partners who made these programs possible. Without their 5,174 hours of volunteer time, many lifelong memories and friendships would not have had the chance to blossom. Thank you for an amazing year – I can’t wait to see what we accomplish in 2014!

2013 Guides Woody Adams Dan Allison Jan Askin Susan Baumruck Mary Bennington Laurie Buffington Sesi Catalano Alan Catron Mikenna Dudley Michael Durand Margaret Eadington LaTrenda Easton Bill Echols Judy Echols Lori Enzenberger Sherre Fantozzi Rick Gallien JoAnne Goena Ellen Goldsmith Renee Gorevin

Guided hikes are a great way make new friends and see beautiful places along the TRT like Star Lake (pictured here).

The Dirt On Trail Operations

he Trail Operations at the Marlette Peak program has already Campground to address set our sights on trail maintenance needs 2014. Two major projects near Marlette Peak. we plan to tackle include Expect some amazing building new trail to Mt. views (and great food Houghton and maintenance and company too!). In work in Lake Tahoe Nevada addition to these projects, State Park. The work at Mt. various work projects are Houghton is a continuation planned around the lake. by Morgan Fessler of our Rim to Reno project Volunteer work parties Director Of and will connect Mt. will be held Tuesdays, Operations Houghton to the Tahoe Rim Thursdays, and Saturdays. Trail near Relay Peak on Our trail building and Lake Tahoe’s North Shore. maintenance season will kick off Saturday, June 7th near Tahoe City at Trail maintenance in Lake Tahoe our always fun National Trails Day Nevada State Park will be completed celebration. Don’t miss it! Check through two backcountry camps our website in the spring for more currently scheduled for August information and to register.

Steve Hale Kirk Hardie Susan Henson Bill Holt Brett Hubbard Colleen Katen Linda Lisbakken Barbara Longshore Loretta Low Jan Marcacci Roberta Martinoni John McCall Wayne McClelland Jim McNamara Paula Messano Cynthia Morgan Jim Mrazek Hugh Peterson Gary Phillips

2013 Crew Leaders Bob Anderson Jim Backus Mary Bennington Dale Beesmer Phil Brisack Teresa Crimmens Randy Collins Jim Crompton Larry Davis Bill Doherty Michael Durand Gerry Eick Sherre Fantozzi Jackie Ferek Clay Grubb Bill Hager Jerry Heitzler Aaron Hieber Michael Hunter

Kevin Joell Bruce Levy Ellen Lucas Joe Maher John McCall John McKenna Chuck McVicker Patrick Pevey Dave Schnake Lindsey Schultz Barbara Shanley Dorea Shoemaker Gina Silvernale Ed Smith Dave Stevenson Mike Stone Chris Strohm Charlene Summers Bill Weik

TRAIL BLAZER | Winter 2014 | Tahoe Rim Trail Association

Rising To The Challenge Hundreds of TRTA trail users (and one sneaky marmot) blazed the trail for the inaugural Tahoe Rim Trail Challenge.

n late 2012, an idea was hatched to create an opportunity for all levels of trail users to access new and different pieces of the Tahoe Rim Trail. Our dream was to provide a way for individuals, families and groups to discover new day hikes that travel to stunning vistas, lush meadows, streaming waterfalls, rugged terrain and incorporated a challenge component. With a big vision and an exciting opportunity ahead, the 2013 inaugural Tahoe Rim Trail Challenge was formed and we haven’t looked back since! The Trail Challenge has been very well received. The program entails challenging yourself to hike, ski, snowshoe, bike or ride horseback to six premier destinations along the trail and to do so by the end of the calendar year. Nearly 400 people took on the challenge and not only tested themselves physically, but were also rewarded with a world class trail

experience. The 2-6 mile day hikes chosen were suited for novice and seasoned hikers, bikers and equestrians. Local media and business sponsors jumped on board and supported the Trail Challenge; including media coverage both locally and region-wide. Three Nevada incorporations: NV Energy, Desert Research Institute (DRI) and International Game Technology (IGT) took the Trail Challenge to the next level and offered the program to 50 of their employees as part of their company’s health and wellness programs. TRTA Board Member & NV Energy’s Community

Trail Challenge Highlights WHAT: Hike, bike or ride to 6 premier destinations

chosen for the Trail Challenge.

WHERE: 6 disclosed day-hike locations along the

165 miles of the TRT

WHEN: Anytime between January 1-December 31 WHO: Grab your friends, family, hiking partners,

colleagues, or head out solo.

HOW MUCH: $55 individual & $85 Family. Group

rates available.

WHAT DO I GET: TRTA membership, access to a

members-only website for downloading maps, GPS tracks, hike descriptions, electronic tracking and photo sharing options. Visit www.tahoerimtrail.org to learn more!

TRAIL BLAZER | Winter 2014 | Tahoe Rim Trail Association

McLeod the Marmot in a secret hiding place.

Relations Manager Karen Ross shares her excitement for the program, “I just completed the Echo Lakes trail with a group of six remarkable women. The Tahoe Rim Trail Challenge has introduced me to so many beautiful new trails and hidden gems.” As an added bonus and an incentive to complete the Trail Challenge, we offered six “Where’s McLeod?” Trail Challenge Giveaway Days out on the trail. Trail Challengers were given clues to the whereabouts of TRTA trail mascot, McLeod the Marmot who was standing by at one of the six locations. After following the clues to his secret location, participants had their picture taken with McLeod and were rewarded with free giveaways from

New 165 Mile Club Members in 2013 - listed in order of completion -

our Trail Challenge sponsors. 2014 Tahoe Rim Trail Challenge planning is underway! Details about the exciting new features and hike locations will be available in early 2014. We’re excited to share that the 2014 Trail Challenge will include two tiers. Tier 1 will include hikes that are 2-6 miles in length and Tier 2 will challenge you to go the extra mile by hiking 8-12 miles. Are you up for the challenge? For a sneak peak at the 2014 Trail Challenge, here’s a snippet of one of the planned hikes: This moderate 2 mile hike provides everything you want in a Lake Tahoe hike. Your hike starts through a lightly wooded area then quickly transitions to the first of several expansive meadows filled with Mule’s Ear. As you continue, you’ll be rewarded with views of the western Sierra and your first views into Desolation Wilderness.

Don’t miss out on all six hikes for 2014! Registration will be available in late winter of 2014. We would like to thank our 2013 sponsors for making the Tahoe Rim Trail Challenge a great success: Spin Games, REI, NV Energy, the Desert Reasearch Institute, and IGT.

Leo Dugger Louisa Lakos David Mraz Tobey Mraz Joseph Buettner Holly Nord Gary Eckard Alexandra Higgins Wendy Robinson- Kronkhyte Collin O’Leary James Powell Cindy Bowles Stephanie Borges Albert Cheng Deseree Zolg Lucy Pon Richard Pon Mary Beth Berberick Matthew Livingston Rene Ramirez Lindsey Waddell Janet Hughes Jim DeMagistris Sara Schmidt Brian Foss Anna Boone Adam Boone Damen Snow Shannon Reddoch Lynn Sunahara Dennis Sunahara Ryan Carpenter Kent Sampson Don Billings Doug Bailey LeRoy Kessler Lissa Jacoshenk Kate Bridgman Keridwen Dahm Stephanie Ludwig Sam Haugh Stephanie Wilson Sheri Knop Kristy Reck Jonathan Dunn Grace Hamilton Paul Milosch Dee Milosch Katherine Mario Rita Wheelock Deborah Bartels James Long

Diane Long Mark Kluk Randall Miller Blair Miller Chris Wright Roni Wright Mark Lamoureaux Dana Reed William Thauvette Robert Syphard Paul Bodnar Alice Bodnar John McBeth Thomas Reed Jeff Williams James Smith Robert Lyon Daniel Ellsworth Elizabeth Look Jenny Capel Steve Brown Daniel MacDonald Mary Zapponi Fred Zapponi Clint Vannasing Nick Daher Cindy Olander Karl Katt Susan Chern Lisa Rodela Heidi Cohen Frank Benko Jan Koval Rebecca Chandler Craig Carrol Richard Holtzman Scott Liske Sarah Moffett Charlie Willard Steve Burton Mickey Steinman Kathy Gallagher Susan Thickett John Thickett Paula Fernbach Diane Beatty Ellen Swensen Patricia Lynch Marnel King Jim McNamara Patrick Wilson Steve Marshman

Robert Marshman Melissa Jaynes Stephen Jaynes Scot Forbes Chris Sanderson Whitney LaRuffa Sarah Mizhir Irene Hagblom Delia Greenhalgh Robin Rakusin Don Bailey Cheryl Bailey Gary Johnson Bob O’Conner Sue O’Conner Mike Irwin Phyllis Conces Guy Conces Dave Stevenson Matt Hicks Zachary Hymanson Brandon Collins Claire Price Chris Emery Mark Connolly Mark Ferguson Frank Bursick Bea Bursick Sherrie Rose Robert Park Ryan Wright Kelly Baraga Karen Gnass Jonathan Gnass Sharon Berman Kathy Cannone Wayne Teague Andrea Jensen Frank Coughlin Paul Giardina Rose Giardina Rosanna Lippe Brent Waters Shawn Burton Richard Kurz JB Benna Ronald Parsons John Ungate Robbie Smith Michelle Robertson Debbie McFadden

There are now 1,566 official members of the 165 Mile Club! It requires a significant dedication of time, effort and planning to complete the entire trail, and we would like to congratulate everyone who has worked to accomplish this as a personal goal! Hiking, biking (where allowed), and horseback riding (where practical) the entire Tahoe Rim Trail can add a new perspective to pushing physical and mental limits, whether it is accomplished as a continuous thru-hike or as segment hikes. We hear many stories about peoples’ great experiences on the trail, and how the trail helps to connect them to the beauty of the Lake Tahoe area. If you are not a member of the 165 Mile Club, perhaps you should consider adding this to your “bucket list” and see what you are missing. Members receive a full-color certificate and a 165 Mile Club patch, along with recognition on our website. TRAIL BLAZER | Winter 2014 | Tahoe Rim Trail Association

Membership and Outreach News Businesses Giving Back! The support we receive annually from the local and regional business community is the foundation by Shannon Skarrit of our success. In 2013 alone, over Director Of 60 businesses have Membership & supported the TRTA Outreach financially through our Business & Corporate Membership program. We can’t say thank you enough for your inkind and financial dedication to the Tahoe Rim Trail Association. If you own a business and would like to learn more about the membership benefits we offer by joining as a Business & Corporate Member, please contact Shannon Skarritt, Director of Membership & Outreach at 775-298-4490 or shannons@tahoerimtrail.org.

2013 Annual Meeting Celebrating a year of milestones Our 2013 Annual Meeting was quite the celebration event! Thank you to everyone who came and enjoyed a fun evening with our members, partners and award recipients. We would like to recognize our 2013 TRTA Awardees. You all have played a key role this year both on and off the trail! Thank you for the numerous contributions you’ve made to the Tahoe Rim Trail Association!

In Memoriam: Serge Puchert Serge Puchert, one of the early trail builders of the Tahoe Rim Trail passed away in October of 2013. For nearly 20 years, Serge was a dedicated volunteer who assisted building the trail and was critical in helping make the Tahoe Rim Trail possible. Serge’s home office spoke of his true passion for Lake Tahoe with Tahoe Basin topological maps, photos of various peaks he climbed and numerous recognition certificates and plaques honoring his notable volunteer accomplishments. The family has requested that if you would like to make a gift in memory of Serge Puchert, please contact the TRTA Office at 775-298-4485 or donations can be mailed to PO Box 3267 Stateline, NV 89449.

BUSINESS PARTNERS

NV Energy CA Technologies MEDIA AWARD

KOLO8 The Weekly

25 YEAR DONOR

Cookie Bible

SPECIAL RECOGNITION OF TRAIL CHALLENGE SPONSORS

Spin Games & Sunshine Tahoe Kent Young & Christina StoeverYoung

HIKER AWARD

Joe Maher

HALL OF FAME

Clay Grubb

AGENCY PARTNERS

USDA Forest Service LTBMU John Hidy Matt Dickinson

25 year TRTA supporter Cookie Bible

25 YEARS OF GIVING TO THE TRTA

We would like to thank the following members for their longstanding commitment to the Tahoe Rim Trail Association through 25 years of giving as a valued member! Thank you for your dedication and support! Cookie Bible Gwendy Cochran William & Jewell Moore Lydia & Bruce Reid Barbara Taylor Threlkeld Mari & Mark Donnelly

Ralph Smith Wayne & Catherine Welcome Diane & Michael Podborny Charlene Paoluccio Ellen & Robert Driscoll

Business Highlight Trail Challenge Presenting Sponsor Spin Games The success of the Tahoe Rim Trail Challenge would not have been possible without the support from our presenting sponsor, Spin Games. As our very first Trail Challenge sponsor, Spin Games has helped make the vision of this exciting, new program a reality. Owners and Reno residents, Kent Young and Christina Stoever-Young have an incredible bond with the Reno-Tahoe community and the surrounding recreational opportunities. When asked why Spin Games decided to become the signature sponsor of the Tahoe Rim Trail Challenge they shared, “First and foremost, some of our most special moments have happened on the trail, whether hiking with our dogs to clear our mind, hiking with our son and having meaningful discussions, catching nature at its purest form and opening the community to enjoy the TRT in a new way.” Kent and Christina have a big heart for their local community and give back to various non-profits in the Reno-Tahoe area. We are honored to have them on board and thankful for their support of the Trail Challenge! Spin Games is a Nevada-based corporation committed to innovative, creative and leading edge product development for the gaming industry. To learn more about Spin Games please visit their website at www.spingames.net.

Tahoe Rim Trail Association supporters and owners of Spin Games, Christina Stoever-Young and Kent Young.

2013 Business & Corporate Members

Mt. Watson Business Members Harrah’s Lake Tahoe - Martis Camp - Tahoe Trail Bar - Nature’s Bakery - Southern Wine & Spirits Trailside Inn Partner Cedar House Sport Hotel - Plan your next stay at Cedar House Sport Hotel by visiting them at www.cedarhousesporthotel.com

Did You Dig Daggett? A decade in the making, the Daggett Summit Reroute Project is now complete, providing miles of new trail.

eptember 2013 marked a major milestone for the Tahoe Rim Trail Association with the completion of the Daggett Summit Reroute Project. This decade long project initially sought to move four miles of the Tahoe Rim Trail from its original routing along the road from North Kingsbury to South Kingsbury into the forest on new single track trail. Years of planning went into the project to gather community input, assess environmental impacts, and plan the best route through the forest. In the end routes around the east and west side of North Benjamin were approved. Since both were approved, the TRTA built both! The route on the west side of the road was the first phase of construction and became the Tahoe Rim Trail. Trail users on the Tahoe Rim Trail now utilize seven miles of new, high quality trail to travel between the Kingsbury North Trailhead and the Kingsbury South Trailhead to replace the four miles of paved road. The next important step for this project was to create a linkage to the Tahoe Rim Trail from the newly created Van Sickle Bi State Park. The result was the three mile Van Sickle Connector trail which allows for easy access to the Tahoe Rim Trail from the casino corridor in Stateline, NV and connects the trail to public transportation. The Van Sickle Connector trail has exceeded expectations in terms of use numbers. The trail has become an extremely popular route for mountain bikers and a great destination for individuals looking for a short hike from the Casino Corridor with incredible views of the Lake. The final phase of the project was to construct the eastern route option which became the Daggett North East Loop. This class three trail provides a short loop trail within the Tahoe Rim Trail System for hikers looking for shorter options as well as incredible views of both the Carson Valley and Lake Tahoe basin and access to Castle Rock and the Tahoe Rim Trail. The Daggett Summit Reroute Project is a testament to the power of volunteers and community. The project was implemented from the 8

TRAIL BLAZER | Winter 2014 | Tahoe Rim Trail Association

ground up by volunteers. Clay Grubb served as the project leader and has spent the past decade working to secure permits, design and layout trail, recruit and train volunteers, build and assess trail, and a litany of various other tasks required to complete the trail. Without Clay, trail users would, without a doubt, still be slogging down the paved road trying to avoid vehicle traffic. Because of his tremendous efforts and success in 2013, Clay was inducted into the Tahoe Rim Trail Association Hall of Fame at the 2013 Annual Meeting. Assisting Clay was a team of dedicated crew leaders who showed up week after week (often daily), and sometimes in the rain, snow or smoke, to lead trail crews in building the new sections of trail. The Tahoe Rim Trail Association hosted three volunteer workdays each week throughout the summer. Our amazing crew leaders oriented, trained, and led these volunteers to create over 16 miles of new 18-24 inch wide multi-use single track trail. In total, the Daggett Summit Trail Project has benefitted from over 46,780 hours of volunteer support. Community nonprofits, businesses from around the basin and

Northern Nevada, and community groups also dug in at Daggett. Groups such as the Tahoe Baikal Institute, local Boy Scout chapters, and Mountain View Montessori School brought their group out for workdays each year. Paid crews also contributed to the success of the projects. Crews from the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, Nevada Conservation Corps, Generation Green, and the Student Conservation Association all chipped in. Assisting the Tahoe Rim Trail Association in the implementation of this project was a fantastic group of dedicated partners including the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, Nevada State Parks, Douglas County, Tahoe Village Homeowners Association, California Tahoe Conservancy, and Heavenly Mountain Resort. Major grant funding for the project was generously provided by the Recreational Trails Program of Nevada, Nevada Question 1, Federal Highway Administration, and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act with additional support from REI, American Hiking Society, and the Tahoe Mountain Resorts Foundation.

From all of us at the Tahoe Rim Trail Association, a giant THANK YOU to everyone who has been a part of this fantastic project. We Dig Daggett and you!

[left] Digging Deep: With the support of our partners and over 46,780 volunteer hours, the Kingsbury Grade area near South Lake Tahoe now has over 16 miles of new trail, including critical connections between existing sections of the Tahoe Rim Trail. [below] Clay Grubb, project leader extraordinaire.

Book of Official TRTA Records For the full Book of Official TRTA Records, please visit tahoerimtrail.org. This year’s additions to our records inlcude: Most times hiked the entire trail Ellen Goldsmith - 11 times and she’s guided the TRTA Thru Hike 8 times including twice in 2013!

Shortest times for supported thru-hiking - 165 Club Male: Killians Quest (2009) - 39 hrs. 32 min. Record still holding! 7500 75 Female: Jenny Capel - 53 hrs. 00 39 min. in July 2013

Oldest Person to Hike 165 Miles Female: Marion Burrowes completed the TRT at age 78 in 2012

Shortest time for unsupported thru-hike - 165 Club Male: JB Benna - 58 hrs. 43 min. 6000

550

6000

Now’s your chance to get your name in the record books of the TRTA in 2014! Please send new entries and ideas for entries to: Tahoe Rim Trail Association 128 Market St. Suite 3E PO Box 3267 Stateline, NV 89449 Or email: info@tahoerimtrail.org 65

600

7000

JB Benna smashing the record for shortest time for an unsupported thru-hike of the Tahoe Rim Trail.

Miles and Vistas Available Celebrate the season with the gift of a TRT Mile or Vista!

As an Adopt-a-Vista/Mile donor, your name will be listed on our website and on donor panels at the nearest trailhead kiosks. You will receive a photo plaque that includes a photo from your vista or mile and a map showing its GPS coordinates. For more information, please contact Mary Bennington at 775-298-4486 or maryb@tahoerimtrail.org , or stop by the TRTA office at 128 Market St. Suite 3E, Stateline, NV 89449. 10

TRAIL BLAZER | Winter 2014 | Tahoe Rim Trail Association

750

Are you looking for a unique way to honor a loved one, create a family or business tribute, or give a special holiday, birthday or anniversary gift? Joining our Adopta-Vista or Adopt-a-Mile program is a great way to support the Tahoe Rim Trail Association. This tax-deductible donation of $5,000 helps fund our annual operations, including trail enhancement & maintenance, guided hikes, youth backcountry camps, and other programs.

650

Give the gift that keeps giv ing back: Adopting a Mile or Vista is a great holiday gift or a unique way to celebra te a loved one.

Upcoming Events Youth Backcountry Camps 2014 Imagine – hiking through forests with new friends, swimming in picturesque mountain lakes, and sleeping under a starry sky. What could be a more memorable way for your teen to spend their summer vacation than backpacking in the Lake Tahoe Backcountry? The Tahoe Rim Trail Association’s Youth Backcountry Camp (YBCC) provides an amazing opportunity for teens to get outside, grow and learn in the fresh mountain air. Partnering with the Tahoe Institute for Natural Science and the American Red Cross, YBCC is a unique way for teens to discover backpacking, wilderness survival skills, Leave No Trace, trail construction, ecology and outdoor leadership skills – all in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

DETAILS

Online Registration Begins: 2/5 @ 10 AM PST- For more information about YBCC, please visit the TRTA website or contact Mikenna Dudley at (775) 298-4493 or programs@tahoerimtrail.org.

Thru Hike and Segment Hike Registration Details Our hugely popular Annual Thru Hike Program and Segment Hiking Program are back in 2014! Whether you want to complete the 165 mile Tahoe Rim Trail in one go or over the span of 13 weeks, the TRTA has a program for you. Prices and final program dates will be announced in December on our website. These programs fill up FAST, so mark the registration dates on your calendars and don’t miss your chance to complete the entire Tahoe Rim Trail during the summer of 2014. Visit the TRTA website for more information about these programs.

DETAILS

Online Registration Begins: Annual Thru Hike (August or September) - 1/15 @ 10 AM PST Segment Hike Program (Wed. or Fri.) - 1/29 @ 10 AM PST

Winter Snowshoe Trek Schedule

Youth Backcountry Camps teach wilderness survival skills, while having serious fun!

Winter Snowshoe Treks clear the mind, strengthen the body and invigorate the spirit! Don’t miss your chance to get out in the winter months with the Tahoe Rim Trail Association. This year, you’ll learn how animals adapt to the harsh winter conditions with the Tahoe Institute for Natural Science and the US Forest Service, as well as reflect on the evening beauty of the Tahoe Basin during Full Moon Snowshoe Treks. The season begins with National Winter Trails Day, a partnered event with REI and culminates with Snow Camping 101, an introductory winter backpacking program that equips you with the skills to snow camp safely and comfortably. Which snowshoe trek is right for you?

Spring Speaker Series 2014 This spring, as the days start growing longer, many of us begin itching for those warm summer activities. Whether biking, hiking, or horseback riding is your preferred way to enjoy the Tahoe Rim Trail, you can join our Spring Speaker Series to prepare yourself for a fun and safe summer in the backcountry doing what you love. Find out about topics such as Equestrian First Aid, Mountain Bike Gear, and The Properly Equipped Hiker at these presentations in March and April. Once again, the TRTA is partnering with both Cabela’s of Reno and REI to bring you these informative and inspiring evening talks. Check our website in 2014 for updates on this year’s dates and topics!

DETAILS

For more information on the Spring Speaker Series, contact Mikenna Dudley at (775) 298-4493 or programs@tahoerimtrail.org.

WILDERNESS MEDICINE TRAININGS WILDERNESS FIRST AID WITH WILDERNESS MEDICINE INSTITUTE March 22-23, 2014 ($195 Members/$215 Non-Members) WILDERNESS FIRST RESPONDER WITH WILDERNESS MEDICINE INSTITUTE April 11-20, 2014 ($690 Members/$735 Non-Members) TRAIL BLAZER | Winter 2014 | Tahoe Rim Trail Association

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 ‘13-’14 AmeriCorps Members! The Tahoe Rim Trail Association is excited to welcome new AmeriCorps members Mikenna Dudley and Marcus Perry.

Mikenna Dudley

OUTDOOR EDUCATION PROGRAMS COORDINATOR

Mikenna graduated from U.C. Santa Cruz with majors in History and Film & Digital Media. After graduation, she embraced her desire for adventure and set out to see what the world had to offer. Mikenna returned to the U.S. two years later, ready to share her excitement of the outdoors with the younger generation. Now, she is thrilled to continue her passion of introducing people to the backcountry with the Tahoe Rim Trail Association.

Marcus Perry

TRAIL OPERATIONS COORDINATOR

Marcus grew up in western North Carolina, where he developed an affinity for the outdoors, traveling, and community service. After graduating from Tulane University, Marcus worked with AmeriCorps and the Student Conservation Association as a member of the Desert Restoration Corps and on the USFS Gardiner Ranger District Trail Crew. He is excited to explore the Tahoe basin via the Tahoe Rim Trail and looks forward to working with TRTA volunteers and staff.