Funds to Support Youth and Volunteer Trail Crews Performing the Improvements to the Most Heavily Damaged Sections of Trail
TAHOE CITY, Calif. (Jan. 14, 2019) – Thanks to the generous contributions of private donors, the nonprofit Tahoe Fund has achieved its $40,000 fundraising match goal to allow further restoration of the Tahoe Rim Trail within the Desolation Wilderness, meaning $80,000 in total will be contributed. One of the most scenic hiking, horseback riding, and backpacking sections of the Tahoe Rim Trail, the section of trail in Desolation Wilderness has been significantly degraded over time. This is due to increased use combined with extreme weather events impacting safety, recreational experience and water quality.
“We accomplished a lot in the last year, and over the next three years we plan to continue to improve the most heavily damaged portions of the trail in northern Desolation Wilderness,” said Chris Binder, director of trail operations for the Tahoe Rim Trail Association. “The funds generated by the Tahoe Fund will be of significant help and will support youth and volunteer trail crews performing the trail work.”
In 2018, a youth trail crew from American Conservation Experience (ACE) and a Tahoe Rim Trail Association (TRTA) volunteer trail crew each worked on the trail over the summer. Over 500 hours were spent building stone steps, armoring drains, brushing back encroaching vegetation, and replacing a failed bridge with step stones.
Over the next three years, the plan is to have two TRTA volunteer trail crews and one ACE crew work on the trail each summer. Plans also include replacing all of the signposts along the co-located Pacific Crest Trail and Tahoe Rim Trail in Desolation Wilderness, approximately 20 posts. The fundraising efforts of the Tahoe Fund and the private donors who contributed to the match will be specifically put to use for food, tools, crew gear and equipment, vehicle fuel and maintenance, and staff time to recruit, manage and lead the trail crews.
“We are grateful to the private donors who have helped make this project possible. The Tahoe Rim Trail and Desolation Wilderness are incredibly special, well-loved destinations for many outdoor enthusiasts,” said Amy Berry, CEO of the Tahoe Fund. “Every dollar that was contributed has been matched, for a total of $80,000 to prevent erosion and improve usability for all to enjoy through all seasons.”
The Tahoe Rim Trail Association will begin recruitment for Desolation volunteer trail crew members on February 15, 2019 via its website. Youth crew members will be recruited through ACE, with most of their recruiting done online at usaconservation.org. Space is limited due to United States Forest Service group size requirements.
The Tahoe Fund was created to be a major source of private funding for environmental projects around the Lake Tahoe Basin with an emphasis on lake clarity, outdoor recreation, stewardship, forest health and transportation. Learn more at www.tahoefund.org.
About Tahoe Fund
The Tahoe Fund was founded in 2010 to work with the private community to support environmental improvement projects that restore lake clarity, enhance outdoor recreation, promote healthier forests, improve transportation and inspire greater stewardship of the region. Through the generous support of private donors, the Tahoe Fund has leveraged more than $2 million in private funds to secure more than $40 million in public funds for more than 25 environmental projects. The projects include new sections of the Lake Tahoe Bikeway, restoration of watersheds, removal of aquatic invasive species, forest health projects, public beach improvements, and stewardship programs. Learn more at www.tahoefund.org.
Media Contact:
Jess Weaver, JVP Communications for Tahoe Fund
(530) 448-6981 or jessica@jvpcommunications.com
