WINTER 2019 EDITION
F E AT U R E
Troubling Times for Transit
Finding balance between record numbers of trail users and access to trails
2018 SUMMER HIGHLIGHTS
Polar Bears Never Give Up Volunteer Spotlight Voices from the Trail
View From The Rim
Tahoe Rim Trail Association
Dear Supporters, Summers in Tahoe are a magical thing and never seem to last quite long enough! Summers at the Tahoe Rim Trail Association are a blur of nonstop action that end too soon. We cram as much activity into our five snow-free months as possible, so our summers pass by in the blink of an eye. From National Trails Day in early June to the first snowfall, usually in late October, it’s hard to believe how much we accomplish each season. In 2018, the TRTA broke ground on the Echo Summit Reroute, expanded our Youth Backcountry Camp program to get more kids in the woods than ever before, and successfully guided hundreds of by Morgan Steel Executive Director participants on the trail teaching them sustainable trail use. Personally, it was the summer I finally finished the entire Tahoe Rim Trail. After more than a decade of slowly making my way around the Trail, I am an official member of the Tahoe Rim Trail Association’s 165 Mile Club, number 2,218! The 165 Mile Club celebrates and tracks user’s completions of the Tahoe Rim Trail, cataloging each person that applies and providing certificates and numbers to commemorate their achievement. Most people are fairly shocked to hear that even after working seven trail seasons with the Tahoe Rim Trail Association and living in the Tahoe Basin for more than a decade, I still had not finished the Trail. I’d spent countless afternoons after work on the Van Sickle Trail, slept out at the Marlette Peak Campground on enough occasions to warrant honorary camp host status, celebrated fourth of Julys from the Bench and Star Lake (enjoying a rare mid-summer day when the Trail is surprisingly empty), and was lucky enough to enjoy days on the trail with our incredible volunteers, building trail and guiding others around its most scenic spots. In all of my travels around the trail, my goals were focused on finishing a construction project, hauling gear in and out of worksites, or simply enjoying an out and back hike or bike, rather than finally finishing the whole loop. The stars aligned in 2018 for me when I was able to join the Wednesday Segment Hike Group on their journey from Barker Pass to Bayview this August. I had already hiked a majority of this 23-mile section of trail, but between Richardson Lake and the intersection of the Phipp’s Creek Trail was a small five-mile section that had taunted me as the final miles I had yet to complete. After our group of hikers made it to the Phipps Creek Trail Intersection, I was surprised by an impromptu celebration of the completion of my 165mile journey. Sitting in the dirt, surrounded by great company, enjoying cookies and trail mix, reveling in the fact that I had finally completed the Tahoe Rim Trail after more than a decade is a memory I will cherish for many years! It is also a memory that inspires me to keep pushing our work forward to allow others to have these types of transformative experiences on the Tahoe Rim Trail. Whether you were pushed to complete a 20-mile hike, joined a trail crew, connected with others on a short hike, challenged yourself to ride a new feature on your bike, or took the time to just soak up some fresh air, I hope your trail season was as productive and inspiring as mine. Happy Trails,
Morgan Steel Tahoe Rim Trail Association 2
TRAIL BLAZER | Winter 2019 | Tahoe Rim Trail Association
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 preserve access to the natural beauty of the Lake Tahoe Region.
STAFF Executive Director Morgan Steel Director of Trail Operations Chris Binder Outdoor Programs Director Lindsey Schultz Development Manager Veronica Palmer Operations & Marketing Manager Justine Lentz Office Administrator Laurie Buffington Youth Programs Manager Karl Borton
BOARD OF DIRECTORS President Dave Schnake Vice President Jim Crompton Treasurer John McCall Secretary Ande Chern Sustainable Funding Alice Hampton Trail Operations Don Bailey Trail Use Carl Woods Board Members Jim Cline, David DeVoe, Michelle Glickert, John Singlaub, and Genny Wilson
The Tahoe Rim Trail Association works in partnership with the USDA Forest Service and the Nevada Division of State Parks
A special thank you to our outgoing Board Members
Our Leadership The Tahoe Rim Trail Association is led by a committed Board of Directors with a wide variety of talents and skills that they passionately dedicate to the organization. They’re the Board, but also volunteers, and sometimes that second title doesn’t get the recognition it should. In this edition of the Trail Blazer, we want to highlight our fabulous board whose hardwork and dedication ensures the success of the TRTA. The Tahoe Rim Trail Association Board of Directors meets monthly to oversee all of the Association’s operations. They have ultimate fiduciary responsibility, set the course for the organization, evaluate impacts, and dig in at the programmatic level working on anything and everything from interpreting financial reports to cleaning out bear canisters.
Dave DeVoe – Dave has been on the Board since 2010! He pioneered the design and creation of our trailhead map brochure boxes, which we are still in use today. Dave has stepped in to help with numerous signage and wood working projects over the years all while providing incredible oversight to our work. Ande Chern – Ande has served as the Board’s Secretary and has been pivotal in the planning and execution of the organization’s Annual Celebration and Fundraiser. She also has a killer sense of humor that can lighten any meeting!
Kristen HackbarthKristen is a marketing, editing, and great idea guru. She has been a critical member of our Trail Use team as a guide for Public Hikes, Segment Hikes, and the Thru Hike. Additionally, she has been a part of our Annual Celebration committee. Jim Crompton - Jim has been involved with the TRTA since 2012! Jim’s 30 years of expertise as a bicycle race referee for both road and offroad events and as a hydrologist has been a huge asset. Jim has kept himself busy as Vice President of the Board, a member of the Trail Ops committee, and as a Segment Coordinator.
Annual Awards
The Tahoe Rim Trail Association honored seven individuals and one organization at its 2018 Annual Celebration and Fundraiser. The TRTA’s annual awards recognize just a few of the many volunteers, donors, and partners that help the organization inspire stewardship and preserve the trail. Congratulations to this year’s awardees! If you know someone who should be recognized for their outstanding contributions, consider filling out a nomination form next season.
Partner of the Year
Volunteer of the Year
25 Year Member
Vail Resorts accepted by Brandy Thompson
Jackie Ferek and Bill Doherty
Robert Lambie
Lifetime Achievement: 5,000 Volunteer Hours Ellen Goldsmith John McCall
Hall of Fame John Singlaub
Peak Awards Clockwise: Vera Daegling, LaTrenda Easton, Jim McNamara, Carl Woods
TRAIL BLAZER | Winter 2019 | Tahoe Rim Trail Association
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Lindsey’s Compass Polar Bears Never Give Up: 308 days, 170 miles, 11 gritty hikers
by Lindsey Schultz Outdoor Programs Director
What do you get when you cross a snow storm with a TRT thru hiker? A polar bear! That’s the nickname given to our 2017 guided Thru Hike team last September. This is the story of 11 incredible hikers, more snow than we’ve seen in decades, and the will to withstand winter in September like a polar bear.
It all started in the 2016/17 winter when the snow simply didn’t stop. Heavenly Ski Resort reported 625 inches of snow. That’s the equivalent of a five story building covered in a giant mountain of snow. We knew by April that our first Thru Hike scheduled to launch in July wouldn’t be able to complete the trail unless they snowshoed large portions of it. A weekend snowshoe in March is fun! A 165 mile snowshoe with full packs in July is, well, different. With this in mind, we chose to reschedule the July trip to launch on September 16. September is a wonderful month on trail; no bugs, fewer people, and pleasant temperatures. Or at least that’s how it typically plays out. 2017 duped us.
Days 1 - 5 The weather the first two days through Mott Canyon and out to Star Lake was reasonable September weather, 60s and sunny during the day, 30s at night. By day three, Big Meadow’s evening temperatures were dropping into the 20s, albeit the ground was still dry. “We can do this,” our guides Ellen, Anna, Carl, and Laurie reported. Day four’s descent into Showers Lake glistened with late summer light even as the temperatures continued to drop for the ascent to Echo Summit. Upon arrival at Echo 4
TRAIL BLAZER | Winter 2019 | Tahoe Rim Trail Association
Summit, the logistical support team met the group with a disheartening weather forecast. The team determined the weather made entering Desolation Wilderness high elevation and tough terrain too risky for our intrepid group of hikers. Daytime temperatures would not get above 45 and night time temps would dip into the 20s. More concerning was the increasing chance of snow.
Days 6 and 7 After deciding to rearrange the Thru Hike schedule to relocate to lower elevations, the remaining group of 11 hikers took shelter at guide Anna’s home. The resilient guide team huddled over a map and a few boxes of pizza to work through different scenarios. They decided to day-hike lower sections of the trail during the storm so they could come back to the house to thaw out each evening. Once the storm passed, they’d resume backpacking the trail. The adventurous group persevered through sideways snow to complete another 29 miles of trail from Martis Peak to Ward Creek, resembling Polar Bear tendencies. Naturally the nickname stuck.
Days 8 and 9 The storm had passed and the sun came out even as daytime temperatures hovered below 50. Day eight seemed reasonable to hop back on the trail at Tahoe Meadows and traverse south to complete the east side of the trail. The group was pumped to get back on the trail and finish their adventure. However, Guide Ellen recalled the next two days as, “The most brutal trip I have ever done. It was icy, windy and bitterly cold with several inches of snow on the ground. The wind-chill made it even worse. The higher we got, the deeper the snow got. We were postholing up to our knees in some sections and couldn’t see any signs of the trail but that wasn’t the worst part. The snow on descent toward Spooner Summit was thawing and refreezing, turning into a slick sheet of ice. My immediate thought was, this is just too dangerous.”
hiker said, “Oh thank goodness. I didn’t want to be the wimp that quit.” The announcement was followed by an invitation to come back the next year and finish the trail. They grinned and agreed.
Days 10 - 16 On July 15, 2018 the group walked through the TRTA office doors with hugs, laughs, backpacks, and grit. Unfortunately, instead of snow and cold, the Polar Bears faced smoke, a result of Northern California’s record breaking fires. Do you think that stopped them? Absolutely not! On July 21 at 10:53pm, our fierce Polar Bear team rounded the final manzanita bush to complete their 170+ mile journey. They did it! Naturally, at their finish point, there were polar bear themed cupcakes to accompany the champagne. Polar Bears, we’re inspired by the dedication, determination, and flexibility each of you demonstrated. Polar Mamas and Papa Bears, we all know it just wouldn’t be possible without your leadership on and off the trail; our gratitude is bottomless.
Welcome to the 165 Mile Club The group met the Trail Angels at the Spooner South Trailhead wet, cold, hungry, and two hours late. Our wonderful Trail Angels had the foresight to prepare homemade noodle soup for their lunch which would be their last meal on the trail for 2017. Shortly after a guide meeting, we decided to cancel the trip. If the Nevada side of the trail was this treacherous, we were not prepared for the conditions on the California side which included the more remote and steeper areas of Desolation Wilderness. We announced the decision to the group which was met with relief. One
Amy Nichols Donna Chun Karen Orso Lindsey Going Michelle Beaupied Shawna Howard Terry Donahe
TRAIL BLAZER | Winter 2019 | Tahoe Rim Trail Association
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The Dirt On Trail Operations
Earlier this year I wrote an article for the Tahoe Rim Trail Association blog explaining how non-profit partners of the US Forest Service have grown in significance in this era of increasingly devastating wildfires (http:// bit.ly/TRTAUSFS). In my piece, I described how federal budgeting rules within the US Forest Service shift money and staff intended for planning, building, and maintaining recreation infrastructure to fighting wildfires in surprisingly large and rapidly increasing amounts. As a result, the burden for performing functions (such as managing the Tahoe Rim Trail) that were previously shouldered more equally between the US Forest Service and non-profit organizations like the TRTA has been falling more heavily on non-profit partners. Not long after my article appeared, Congress passed and the President signed an omnibus appropriations bill giving the Department of Agriculture (which oversees the US Forest Service) and the Department of the Interior new joint budget authority over $2.25 billion to cover firefighting costs that exceed regular appropriations. This means that federal agencies will have access to funds specifically set aside for fires that exceed the firefighting appropriations in their budgets. Once the policy takes effect in fiscal year 2020, it will reduce (though possibly not eliminate) the long-standing practice of taking money from non-fire programs to cover the costs of firefighting during long, intense fire years. This is good news. In fiscal year 2017, the cost to the US Forest Service for fighting fires was nearly $2.5 billion dollars, more than half its budget. Having access to more funding to cover such costs should free up money for what has historically been the US Forest Service’s primary
Image Courtesy US Forest Service
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TRAIL BLAZER | Winter 2019 | Tahoe Rim Trail Association
occupation: managing land and the resources on it, including trails. Once the new authority takes effect, we should see less money being taken from non-fire programs to fund firefighting. Unfortunately, there are several reasons why it is unclear whether the new legislation will make a substantive difference to the US Forest Service’s ability to plan, build, and maintain by Chris Binder recreation infrastructure (including trails) in Director of Trail Ops the long run. First, the new budget authority probably isn’t large enough to convince the agency to shift a substantial amount of money out of firefighting and into other programs. With unknown but increasing costs to firefighting each year, it will likely take both the majority of the agency’s budget and the extra pot of money to suppress future fires. Second, while the budget authority does grow over time, it only increases by $100 million each year. Firefighting costs are growing much more rapidly, an average of $118 million annually for the agency over the past few years, in a trend that is universally expected to continue if not increase. Just as the appropriations funding for firefighting (based on a ten-year average of the agency’s firefighting costs) lags woefully behind actual costs, the new authorization seems doomed to come up short. Third, costs that were previously considered part of firefighting budgets are being shifted within the agency. The fiscal year 2018 budget moved hazardous fuels reduction out of the Wildland Fire Management program, but it did not increase the funding for the programs fuels reduction is now a part of. Finally, the new bill does nothing to address the underlying reasons for the increasing costs of fighting wildfires. Climate change continues to increase the length of the fire season (it is now more than two and a half months longer than it was in 1970) and development continues to expand into previously wild areas. Protecting life and property (not to mention habitat and valuable natural resources) from destructive wildfires should clearly be a national priority. However, for recreationists the upshot of increasing firefighting costs is that despite growing demand for recreation facilities and services we are not likely to see growing capacity for non-fire programs within the US Forest Service. The TRTA and the Tahoe region’s other non-profit trail organizations have been expanding to plug the holes left by diminished agency resources. We are building, maintaining, and improving the valued recreation infrastructure that helps to make the Tahoe region one of the best places to get outside in the country, if not the world. As we support the valuable and courageous work the US Forest Service does in fighting fires, we also look to embrace the agency’s national call to shift to “a model of shared stewardship” in which community-driven organizations increasingly contribute to the public lands we know and love. Thanks for joining us and supporting us in our work.
Trainings Winter Map and Compass Course January 19 Start your new year off with an improved winter survival skill! Learn basic map and compass winter navigation, an essential skill for anyone spending time outdoors. This course will include a two hour classroom session followed by a field exercise in the snow covered woods for hands-on practice with our experts.
Snow Camping 101 Classroom Session: March 2 Field Session: March 16-17 Wish you could get out on the Tahoe Rim Trail this winter, but not sure if you’re ready to take on the challenge alone? Then join the TRTA for Snow Camping 101 and learn how to approach your winter camping activities safely and comfortably. Join us for a day in the class then two days in the field for hands-on, practical learning.
Wilderness First Aid with NOLS Wilderness Medicine March 16-17 and April 13-14 Join the TRTA and Wilderness Medicine of NOLS for a two-day Wilderness First Aid course. This course is the industry standard for professional outdoor leaders and will provide you with the tools to make critical medical and evacuation decisions in remote locations.
Thank You Volunteers! Showers Lake Volunteers 50-99 hours Bill Banning Nancy Brisack Ande Chern Sue Hughes John Clausen Nancy Cline JoAnn Cobb Jennifer Coon JoAnne Goena Jaime Goodspeed Larry Green Alice Hampton David Hennig Robbie Kay Arron King Madeline Kitagawa Pauline Kitagawa Gokhan Kocak Mike Kuckenmeister Chilton Lee Bruce Levy Scott Liske Ric Mazey Atalanta Olito Angela Prelip John Prelip Gina Silvernale Ben Simonian Steven Smith Matt Taylor Jim Waldron Bryan Wright
Lake Aloha Volunteers 100-249 hours Isabel Abarzua-Kostan Cheryl Bailey Laurie Buffington Jim Cline Vera Daegling Bill Doherty Jackie Ferek LaTrenda Easton Michelle Edmonson
Shannon Foley Tom Fullerton Jerry Heitzler Doug Johnson Paul Krieg Donna Maher Debbie Matuk John McKenna Chuck McVicker Jim Mrazek Patrick Pevey Matt Rump Naomi Silvergleid Chris Strohm George Thoma Jackie Viviano Bill Weik
Star Lake Volunteers 250-499 hours Bob Anderson Phil Brisack Alan Catron Jim Crompton Larry Davis Kristen Hackbarth Bill Hager Kate Huckbody Anna Lijphart John McCall Jim McNamara Paul Sinnott Dave Stevenson Charlene Summers Tricia Tong Maureen Welsh Mark Wynne-Wilson
Fontanillis Lake Volunteers 500 or more hours Don Bailey Ellen Goldsmith Clay Grubb Dave Schnake Carl Woods
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Troubling Times for Transit A record-setting number of Tahoe Rim Trail users has resulted in strains on trailhead parking and facilities. Inter-agency efforts are moving forward to look at solutions including infrastructure and public transportation improvements to preserve access for all.
by Chris Binder Director of Trail Operations
A casual glance at a map of the Tahoe Rim Trail confirms what most hikers, bikers, and equestrians would assume, even if they’ve never set foot on the trail: the TRT never strays far from Lake Tahoe. At its farthest distance, the trail is less than 15 miles away from the lake and on average is much closer. The map also reveals that seven highways provide access into (and out of) the Tahoe Basin, climbing up and over the watershed boundary, invariably crossing the TRT. Nearly all of the Trail’s major trailheads are located directly on or are accessed from those highways. Based on that casual glance at the map, one might assume that the TRT is easy to access for everyone. After all, on average, there is a major highway crossing with at least one trailhead less than every 25 trail miles. Unfortunately, two significant factors that complicate that assumption aren’t readily visible when looking at the trail map: public transportation and trailhead facilities. 8
How Did We Get Here? Access to long-distance trails has always posed an obstacle for recreationists - just ask a Pacific Crest Trail thru hiker how easy it was for him or her to reach the trail’s southern terminus on the Mexican border (or the trail’s northern terminus, which is north of the Canadian border). A personal vehicle (or generous friends with one) has been a standard prerequisite for those of us who have desired access to backcountry trails anywhere outside of the most popular national parks. The simple reality is that most backcountry trailheads don’t see the volume of use that would warrant public transportation. Most often these access points are remote and off the beaten track, far from population centers. No one expects public transportation to locations that aren’t popular and don’t suffer from traffic congestion, attributes which define many trailheads on most long-distance trails.
TRAIL BLAZER | Winter 2019 | Tahoe Rim Trail Association
However, the Tahoe Rim Trail is different. The Trail passes through three designated wilderness areas and more often than not offers a backcountry experience, yet it is also a loop trail that circles one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations. The TRT is both extremely popular and extremely close to highly congested areas. About three million people who live outside the Basin visit Lake Tahoe every year, and they all cross the TRT at least twice each time they come. More than 400,000 people recreate on the TRT every year, a number that is only growing. Tahoe roads are infamous for their congestion, with more than 10 million vehicles travelling on Basin roads annually. Highway 89 on the west side of the lake has the unfavorable distinction of offering only one parking place for every 813 vehicles that drive by. Tahoe is a textbook case for demonstrating the need for public and alternative transportation options, and several have moved into the Basin in recent years. Lime Bikes and Lime Scooters are now ubiquitous in South Lake communities, and ride sharing start-ups like Chariot are being tested as options to reduce reliance on personal vehicles. Still, despite all this, the Tahoe Rim Trail is a difficult place to get to. Public transportation to the TRT has never been great and in recent years the limited options that were once available have constricted even further. Bus stops were once offered at TRT trailheads on, or immediately adjacent to, four of the seven highways connecting Tahoe to the wider world. Currently, there is half that. In recent years, public bus stops at Brockway Summit (Tahoe Truckee Area Regional Transit) and at Spooner Summit (Tahoe Transportation District) have been eliminated or temporarily discontinued. Tahoe’s “Nifty Fifty” trolley is an option for those who want access to popular trailheads at or near lake level such as Bayview, Eagle Falls, or Meeks Bay, all of which do provide trails connecting to the TRT. Unfortunately, the trolley doesn’t allow dogs or bikes and has a schedule that heavily favors weekend use. In addition, alternative transportation options to reach the trail are virtually non-existent. Few are the brave who would attempt to pedal a fixed gear Lime Bike over a thousand vertical feet up Kingsbury Grade. Their counterparts, the Lime electric scooters simply don’t have the power to climb up to Echo Summit even if there were adequate space in travel lanes and no built-in
Kingsbury North Trailhead gets a facelift
Preparing for the reconstruction at the Tahoe City Trailhead
restrictions on how far they could travel out of town. Uber, Lyft and other ride-share options might be great in the tourist core but it quickly becomes impossible to find a driver due to lack of cell phone coverage or prohibitively expensive when the destination is a trailhead. A handful of private companies offer shuttles to Tahoe Meadows and other trailheads, which can be a great option, particularly for bikers. Yet despite the TRT’s popularity and proximity to Tahoe’s congestion, by and large access to the trail is via personal vehicles. Once recreationists arrive at a TRT trailhead, they may face additional obstacles. Regardless of the size of the facilities, there are never enough parking stalls during weekends,
holidays, and throughout the busy summer months to accommodate demand. As a result, cars are regularly parked on the shoulder of busy highways for long distances extending away from popular access points. Other would-be trail users who are rightly loath to park outside the trailhead lots are forced to look elsewhere for recreation. Few trailheads contain turnarounds at a sufficient radius to accommodate buses even if they were to provide service. Additionally, many trailheads lack the proper sanitation facilities required by the growing numbers of trail users, and in some cases the additional use has resulted in the formation of social trails that lead to erosion and the destruction of vegetation. Further, some trailheads lack adequate signage for trail
TRAIL BLAZER | Winter 2019 | Tahoe Rim Trail Association
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Rebuilding the Tahoe City Trailhead at Fairway Drive
users and/or motorists passing on adjacent roads. The dual complications of public access and trailhead facilities are closely related and need to be approached with solutions that address both aspects of this thorny issue.
Where Are We Going? The TRTA is working with the US Forest Service, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, regional transportation districts, county governments, and other partners to address public access and facility issues around the trail. We are advocating for recreation, one of the region’s largest and fastest growing economic drivers,
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to hold more sway when transportation routes and alternative transportation projects are being developed. The TRTA is presenting its vision of a more easily accessible Tahoe Rim Trail to everyone who is interested in listening. Such changes in the larger transportation networks in our region will take years to come to fruition, but in the meantime we are doing what we can to upgrade our trailheads to meet the demands of the future. Rather than expanding existing parking facilities (the stalls will all be full no matter how many we offer), the Association is planning modifications and upgrades to allow for bus stops and bus turnarounds so that
TRAIL BLAZER | Winter 2019 | Tahoe Rim Trail Association
trail access won’t have to depend on having a personal vehicle and arriving at the trailhead at the crack of dawn. We are also looking for existing parking facilities close to the trail that could be connected to the system via access trails. We are working with partners to install bathrooms where possible and necessary to maintain sanitary conditions and to redesign or harden dirt surfaces to mitigate erosion. Some examples of our efforts are already visible around the trail. The Tahoe City Trailhead at Fairway Drive is the symbolic starting point and mile 0.0 of the TRT. Up until
Planning document and a newly completed staircase at Tahoe Meadows Trailhead.
“There was no real trail tread at the trailhead, just a wide expanse of exposed dirt on a steep slope...� this year the trailhead was badly eroded, ugly, and dangerous. Each successive storm event and spring melt carried surface sediment out of the trailhead and into the nearby Lower Truckee River, exposing loose gravel that was difficult to walk or ride on. There was no real trail tread at the trailhead, just a wide expanse of exposed dirt on a steep slope, the result of a series of braided trails that became so extensive they merged into a single scar on the landscape more than 50 feet wide. The slope was also responsible for propelling downhill users into the trailhead at high speeds, just as they were about to enter a roadway with limited sightlines. During the past field season, 40 tons of stone were quarried from nearby Blackwood Canyon and imported to the site to rebuild the Tahoe City Trailhead. Over the course of 10 days more than 80 volunteers installed stone steps, retaining walls, and hundreds of square feet of rip-rap to transform the area from a blight to a functional and sustainable facility that we
can all be proud of. Trail signs were installed to better direct trail users and consultation is ongoing to improve nearby road signs for motorists. Work is also ongoing at Kingsbury North Trailhead where a partnership between the TRTA, Kingsbury Grade Improvement District, Douglas County, and the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit of the US Forest Service is resulting in massive upgrades. A bathroom, complete with running water, has been installed and connected to local utilities. Set upon a concrete slab that will be heated in the winter for year-round use, this facility will serve non-motorized users recreating on the TRT, the Daggett Loop and the Castle Rock Trail as well as motorized OHV and snowmobile users heading up Genoa Peak Road. The parking lot has been redesigned to include a turnaround that can accommodate buses and trucks with trailers, and new drainage systems will reduce sediment runoff. Paving is scheduled to take place as soon as the snow melts next
year, so these improvements should be ready for all to enjoy throughout the 2019 summer season and beyond. Thanks to proposals developed by the TRTA, and support from our partners at the Pacific Crest Trail Association, the Eldorado National Forest will be opening the large existing parking lot at Echo Summit to trail users starting next spring. The lot currently serves Adventure Mountain Lake Tahoe (a snow play concession) in the winter and is gated closed during the summer months. Until now trail users have been forced to cram themselves into a handful of unofficial spaces outside the gate, but soon nearly 150 parking stalls will be accessible to the public, including space for horse trailers to park and buses to turn around. Two restrooms are already in place in the parking lot and will now be open and maintained for trail users during the summer months. Our momentum will continue into the future as we are in the midst of planning for improvements to trailheads at Barker Pass, Spooner Summit, and others. As we look ahead to creating a more accessible long-distance trail, we thank you for your support in reaching our goals and achieving our vision.
...and after!
Tahoe City Trailhead at Fairway Drive before...
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Guided Thru Hike and Segment Hike Programs Is 2019 your year to join the TRTA’s 165 Mile Club? Don’t want to do it alone? Explore Lake Tahoe’s backcountry with us and be guided into the heart of the TRT. Hiking 165+ miles is no small feat. Choose a consecutive 15-day supported thru hike or 11 weekly, shuttled, and guided day-hikes. Either way, you’ll be a champion of the TRT!
Thru Hikes
July 27 – August 10 August 31 – September 14 Registration opens: Wednesday, February 6 @ 10:00 am
Segment Hikes
Wednesdays, June 19 – August 28 Sundays, June 16 – August 25 Registration opens: Wednesday, February 20 @ 10:00 am
Challengers take to the Trail Chances are you’ve probably heard us mention the Tahoe Rim Trail Challenge (TRTC) before. Maybe you are a challenger yourself or you’ve seen someone sporting a TRTC t-shirt out on the trail. The challenge, underwent a big change in 2017 and no longer requires a membership to participate. This change was driven by the Association’s mission to practice and inspire stewardship. By offering more resources to better assist trail users, we are able to empower them with tools to gain the confidence to get outdoors. Going strong for six years now, the TRTC serves as a great introduction to the trail. Several challengers after exposure from this program have set bigger goals of full trail completion! We’ve seen co-workers take a break from the traditional office setting and form teams to challenge other businesses in friendly competition. Many parents have signed up for the program using it as a way to bond with their children and take advantage of fun monthly quests like the photo scavenger hunt. The challenge started out as a health and wellness program years ago but has since evolved into a community of outdoor enthusiasts that are eager to share their knowledge, experiences, and accomplishments with others. We can go on about all the fun perqs like an exclusive social networking group that connects you with others in the region but we’d like to save some mystery and encourage you to join us next season. Check out tahoerimtrail.org this coming spring for more details. Congratulations to the 300 Trail Challengers this season that trekked over 1,438 miles! 12
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A special congratulations to those who completed all six challenges. Way to go! Chris Chan Shari Charron (and 17 month old daughter Adaline) Steve Finlay Phillip Gregory Chris Harley Jim Lehan Pam Lehan Margie McWilliams Peter Mires Dave Mraz Toby Mraz Natalie Servantes Racquel Smith Barbara Stonich
Service Learning on the South Shore Service Learning refers to activities that involve students in a wide range of experiences that benefit others in the community. Traditionally, the TRTA’s Service Learning efforts have been primarily on the trail but this fall staff decided to switch things up a bit.
This year’s Service Learning Program went big! Many partners helped collaborate by developing outdoor projects that would not only stimulate our local youth but teach them the importance of stewardship and conservation.
Each October, local south shore middle schoolers break for a week of minimum school days. Sounds fun right? Well, for many working parents these minimum school days can create child care hardships. Fortunately, with funding support from Vail Resorts Epic Promise, the TRTA and the Boys and Girls Club of Lake Tahoe teamed up and took to the streets (literally) to provide activities to engage students durning minimum days. The TRTA spearheaded local partnerships and led five service project days throughout the week.
Day one the group went out to a locally known hangout spot called Party Rock. In June, TRTA volunteers helped clean up Party Rock by removing graffiti from boulders and picking up trash. Sadly, some graffiti has returned. The students spent the afternoon making a difference by cleaning it again. Tuesday afternoon, the kids worked alongside the City of South Lake Tahoe and the League to Save Lake Tahoe to clean out and mark storm drains and learn how Tahoe’s watershed functions. By Wednesday it seemed like a nice day to take
a stroll down to the nearby Bijou Bike Park and help the Bijou Bike Park Association get the park winter ready. In true TRTA fashion, it wouldn’t be fair if there wasn’t a trail workday. On day four, the kids were able to learn the basics of how to build trail by helping out on the Echo Summit Reroute Project. Finally, the kids concluded the week working with the Sugar Pine Foundation planting trees. It certainly was a productive week! By engaging younger generations, the TRTA hopes it can help instill a passion for the outdoors and a desire to protect our natural resources. Through its Service Learning Program, the TRTA hopes to continue to benefit the local community and inspire kids to conserve the resources that make Tahoe special. Stay tuned for more youth adventures!
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If you have completed the trail, join us and celebrate your accomplishment by becoming one of the newest members of the 165 Mile Club. Whether you have done it on foot, by horse, or a good chunk on bike, over many years or over just a few days, be sure to sign up! As an official member of the 165 Mile Club, you will receive a number of completion, your name listed as a 165 miler on our website, a certificate, and a 165 mile patch. Sign up on-line at tahoerimtrail.org.
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TRAIL BLAZER | Winter 2019 | Tahoe Rim Trail Association
Susanne Boyd Tess Landon Karin Bowen Becky Jonas John Poppe Brittany Dyer Gilbert Dyer Dominique Tleimat Ron Hodges Kirsten Cook Petra Orta Mary Abelow Alexis Abelow Miya Nabeta Sara Lack Justin Lack Bruce Small Allison McNickle Amy Nichols Donna Chun Karen Orso Lindsey Going Michelle Beaupied Terry Donahe Brooke Vowell Bruce McAlister Kate McAlister Enya Kent Steven Mayberry John Curd Denise Curd William Connell Rangal Yorks Mary-Ellen Yorks Kaitlin Hornick Charles Lowrance III Bobby Krimmer Elizabeth Erickson Mike Clark Sorell Davis Morgan Steel Sharon Cook Dorian Domi Lati Domi Sara Domi Jennifer Estolas Marjorie Feil Kristi Owens Gail Pledger Bev Fullerton Guy Mikel Jan Nishikawa Jennifer Lanterman Karen Boe Nancy Kozicki Regina Wright
Jeff Hougen Amy Lange Dara Harris Jo Anne Gonzalez Sarah Welsh Stephen Jeffery Timothy Lewis Patricia Adams Wendy Linnel Barbara Lewicki Bill Buttrum Alicia Funk Guru Amrit Khalsa Laura Petersen Bridget Ballatore Joe Ballatore Rachel Thomas Jeff Chalfant Kappy Mann Jennifer Boehm Christopher Lanski Samuel Limerick Michael Gross Erwin Young Jim Beres Burt Garavaglia Jeff Reinig Danielle Reese Chris Pechous Joanna Swanson Chelsea Borowski Jenn Gleckman Shawn Flaherty Veronica Flaherty Mark Fortin Alan Pinsonneault Tyson Graham Kallie Ciechomski Hannah Ciechomski Robin Price Marcy Protteau Sonja Normann Jennifer Stehley Aidan Anderson Maura Hennessy Chris Sjodin Eric Planzer John Simonsen Hanna Rutherford Francesca Orvis Wendy Nishikawa Lynn Heislein Ralph Hoskins Garry Hallee Nathan Skinner Neil Fager
Scott Jones Chelsey Ritner William Wilson Vince Loschiavo Kristine Burke Clare Major Brandon Smith David Reim Charlene Stevens Ben Boyd Doug Prosser Liz Cartoni Jody Paglia Joe Houghtaling Kim Hayes Lorraine Thomas Sandy Vona Ursula Hermacinski Robin Clark Donna Woods Sharell Katibah Les Thomas Anne Kilgore Christopher Cajski Timmy Sharp David Still Chris Enriquez Valerie Butcher-Enriquez Jeff Brownscheidle Emily Newcomer Gail Herstead Christopher Concannon Luke Higginbotham Pierre Chavanne Tim Burson Donna Maher Lynne Witter Abby Fox Andy Hughes Jeff Smith Alan Walker Bob Hartmann Deana Bradley Petra Bruggisser Sebastian Bruggisser Anton Panferov Danielle Rees Zach Tolby JoAnn Cobb Cherl Barber Pete Kristian Maeve Kristian Robert Cole
Our newest members of the 165 Mile Club share what their 165 mile experience around the Tahoe Rim Trail meant to them.
“The TRT was my first thru-hike in my 61 years of existence. The accomplishment of completing it in 11 days was extra special, because on the trail I celebrated my six month anniversary since being hit with a heart attack in January of this year. The TRT was everything that I expected...fun, challenging, tearful, beautiful....and most of all AMAZING! The diversity of scenery was exceptional....from beautiful flower filled mountain top meadows to bare granite mountains covered in snow. The many gorgeous lakes were very refreshing and pleasant to sit by and spend time contemplating the beauty of your surroundings and life. The TRT experience has helped me to look forward to many more thru-hikes.” Bruce Small, NV
“A special thank you & congratulations to my son, Sebastian (10), who shared this amazing journey with me and did an outstanding job hiking the TRT through snow, thunder, hail, sunshine, blisters, sore feet, joy, laughter, and lots of LOVE for Tahoe!” Petra Bruggisser, CA
“This journey of many steps started out as a simple day hike that turned into a passion to complete the entire TRT. This journey was a way for me to reflect on my beautiful mom’s life. She passed away almost 8 months ago and this was a dedication to her strength and grace. I found each segment had its own unique beauty and character. This was my first thru backpack on my own. I am excited and amazed at what I experienced and believe this is the true Tahoe. An epic experience on foot!! If I can do it with determination, I believe anyone has the ability to accomplish this journey of discovery!” Sonja Normann, CA TRAIL BLAZER | Winter 2019 | Tahoe Rim Trail Association
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Views we love
The Tahoe Rim Trail Association’s Adopt-a-Vista and Adopt-a-Mile program provides an opportunity for friends, family, community groups, or businesses to dedicate a TRT vista or mile in honor or memory of the special people in their lives. 2018’s adopted vistas highlighted the incredible connections families have to the trail and the Tahoe Basin. We are honored to include these new vistas in the program and love hearing their stories.
Interested in adopting a mile or a vista? Contact Veronica at veronicap@tahoerimtrail.org Anthony and Mary Izzi, Jr. Vista Over the summer, Melissa Izzi and her husband Wade adopted a vista in honor of her parents. Melissa shared with us the story behind this multi-generation adoption. “Growing up my father would spend summers in South Lake Tahoe with his parents and sister. He has many fond memories on the shores with his mom, dinners with his family, and the precarious drive from San Francisco through Sacramento to reach the Lake. As an adult, he ventured past the South Shore with my mom. Together they created new memories camping, being in nature, and trucking down the Truckee. After the passing of his parents, he wanted to find a way to honor them. He read in the local paper about the Tahoe Rim Trail and thought it might be a good fit. After talking with the Tahoe Rim Trail leaders, he knew it was going to be a tremendous way to honor his parents. My dad and mom were both impressed by the passion and vision of the leaders. They selected a mile in memory of (his parents) Anthony and Matilda Izzi. I have always wanted to visit the mile. This year, I decided, would be the year I would walk the mile. I contacted Morgan [Steel] for assistance in finding the correct mile. Lucky for me - it was only .5 miles from the trailhead! Walking the mile and knowing that it was dedicated to my grandparents brought me to tears. I was able to see so many people enjoying the beauty of the Tahoe Rim Trail - it was overwhelming. I left knowing I had to do more. My husband, Wade, and I both agreed that we needed to contact Morgan to find out about adopting another mile. Morgan helped me find the perfect Vista overlooking my grandparents’ mile. This Vista is in honor of Anthony and Mary Izzi, Jr. We are so grateful to be a part of the Tahoe Rim Trail.”
Anthony and Mary Izzi, Jr. Vista 16
TRAIL BLAZER | Winter 2019 | Tahoe Rim Trail Association
William R. “Bill” Breuner Memorial Vista A second vista adopted in 2018 was the William R. “Bill” Breuner Memorial Vista. The vista was adopted by Tracy and Guy Jaquier in memory of her father and showcases her family’s deep connection to this area and the intrepid individuals that rambled through it. “My extended family came to Lake Tahoe each summer and winter from Sacramento beginning in the 1920’s. They loved to visit the area around the McKinney Rubicon Jeep Road and Sourdough Hill. My father, Bill, took us to this spot countless times. He was an avid outdoorsman and a mountain man, who skied, hiked, camped, hunted, fished, Jeeped and rode horseback all throughout the area. There were very few Tahoe trails he did not know. He also grew up boating on the lake and later restored a number of old ‘woodies’. This vista dedicated in his memory is located atop Sourdough Hill, adjacent to Richardson Lake. It gazes west and takes in the granite expanse of Desolation Wilderness. It was one of his favorite spots.”
IN REMEMBERANCE
Sherre Fantozzi Sherre became involved with the TRTA’s Trail Operations team in 2012. Sherre volunteered most of her time with the Association as a Crew Leader helping to build trail, clear trees, and assist with key trail assessments. She was a positive presence on our trail crews, always offering a smile and encouragement. She also donated her time helping guide public hikes and providing her marketing expertise for the Tahoe Rim Trail Challenge and the Annual Celebration and Fundraiser.
Sue Henson Sue was a committed TRTA Guide since 2008 but her connection with the trail started in 2001 as she hiked the entire loop to claim the 165 Mile Club number 86. She was instrumental in the success of Guided Programs. From Backpacking 101 to Snowshoe Treks to Guide Training, Sue enhanced every program she touched. Over the years, she received four major awards from the TRTA including Volunteer of the Year and induction into the Hall of Fame. Her dedication did not go unnoticed and never will. She believed in this trail and we will continue her work and dedication.
Bill Morgan Bill served as the Forest Supervisor for the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit and was instrumental in improving policy for restoration and recreation efforts. Bill played a critical role in many land acquisitions that improved recreation access in the Tahoe Basin. Additionally, he was indispensable in shepherding the TRT project through the permitting process. Upon retirement, this early trail champion brought his expertise to the TRTA serving on the Board of Directors in the late 80s. TRAIL BLAZER | Winter 2019 | Tahoe Rim Trail Association
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VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
Pauline & Kats Kitagawa Pauline and Kats Kitagawa are a superstar sister team of volunteers for the Tahoe Rim Trail Association. They both wear many hats and are involved with just about every program within the Association. They’ve helped inspire youth, supported our guided treks, and spent time with the trail crews. We asked Pauline and Kats to share their insights on where their passion for the trail comes from.
How long have you been volunteering with the TRTA? Pauline: I have been volunteering since 2012. Kats: 2012 Trail Angels for the Sept Thru Hikers.
TRTA’s support, many of these kids would not have this opportunity due to logistics or cost. I’m very appreciative to the TRTA for opening the door to kids from the city.
How did you get started and what keeps you coming back? Pauline: In 2011, Kats and I hiked the TRT in September. Our guides were Ro, Tim, Mary, Jim, and Jennifer from the PCTA. We had a blast, learned a lot and made some great friends. Kats: After thru hiking in 2011, my sister decided that she wanted to volunteer as a Trail Angel for the supported thru hikes. We wanted to make the trip for these people as memorable as possible. The best way we know how is through food. Her backcountry and Trail Angel stops have become legendary. When my sister cooks, I’m the sous chef and I help with logistics (packing, sorting, driving, etc.). What keeps me coming back? I’d say that it’s the staff that keeps me coming back every year. They are always welcoming and appreciative of the volunteers each and every time. In 2015, I asked [then ED] Mary Bennington if the TRTA would sponsor kids from the YMCA and she said, “Sure! We’ll sponsor up to 12”. Since then, the TRTA has partnered with the YMCA of San Francisco to bring kids from the city into the backcountry at no cost to the kids. Without the
Describe a memorable experience you’ve had on the TRT or volunteering with the TRTA. Pauline: On our trip we had several stops with Trail Angels. I remember this particular bag of mini candy bars following us around the lake and getting rattier and rattier at each stop. I vowed to be an angel in 2012 and treat the new hikers with explosions of flavorful treats at each stop and some unplanned stops. Frozen grapes at Star Lake, white linens and silverware at Mt. Rose, and warm foot baths. Kats: One of my hobbies is photography. Volunteering in the backcountry allows me to witness and capture some of the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets. Backpacking with YBCC (Youth Backcountry Camps) and staying up late looking for shooting stars and watching the Milky Way rise is always fun. There are too many to mention but the best are nights staying up and talking or laughing.
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Tell us about your volunteer roles with the TRTA. Pauline: I have been and will continue to be a Trail Angel and Backcountry Camp Cook. I love
TRAIL BLAZER | Winter 2019 | Tahoe Rim Trail Association
cooking for people, and feeding them well. Kats: “Officially” I’ve been a Trail Angel, YBCC Guide, and Backcountry Camp Cook. “Unofficially”, photographer and videographer. The past few seasons, I have provided photos and videos for the website and the Annual Celebration. What’s your favorite section of the TRT? Pauline: Favorite spot: Star Lake, my family has our cabin at the High Meadows Trailhead to the TRT. My parents purchased the lot and built our cabin in 1965. We spent many summers and winters exploring the mountains and Star Lake. Fishing, swimming, hiking. Such fun and good memories. I hope I can continue to be a good steward of the TRT for many years to come. Kats: Kingsbury to Big Meadow, anything in Desolation Wilderness. Why? Growing up, High Meadow (just below Monument Pass) and Star Lake was in our ‘backyard’ so it was easy to get to. I’d spend hours in the woods, exploring the creeks for ‘fool’s gold’, collecting quartz, and climbing a few trees. Now, Desolation Wilderness is great because of all the lakes and epic views. I enjoy hiking with my dog and the west shore has the most water sources. You can pick up a permit at the Forest Service station and be on the trail in no time.
Business Members Thank you to our Business Members who support our efforts to fulfill our mission from trail building and maintenance programs to inspiring stewardship for the young and young at heart. For more information on becoming a Business Member, contact Veronica at veronicap@tahoerimtrail.org. FREEL PEAK $10,000+
MT. ROSE $5,000-$9,999
MT. TALLAC $2,500-$4,999
MT. BALDY $1,000 - $2,999
TRAIL BLAZER | Winter 2019 | Tahoe Rim Trail Association
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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
Summer ‘19 Program Registration Dates Only online applications are accepted. These programs sell out each year, so be sure to note the registration opening dates!
Guided Segment Hikes
Guided Thru Hikes
Youth Backcountry Camps
Registration opens: Wednesday, February 20 at 10:00 am
Registration opens: Wednesday, February 6 at 10:00 am
Registration opens: Wednesday, January 16 at 10:00 am
tahoerimtrail.org/segment-hikes
tahoerimtrail.org/thru-hike
tahoerimtrail.org/ybcc