The William A. Morgan Foundation has selected four volunteer trail building organizations in the Lake Tahoe, Carson Valley, and Alpine County areas to honor at their annual celebration: Tahoe Rim Trail Association, Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association (TAMBA), Carson Valley Trails Association, and the Alpine Trails Association.
Tahoe Rim Trail Association – The association manages the 165 mile Tahoe Rim Trail encircling the Lake Tahoe Basin, which it helped develop in conjunction with the US Forest Service and other public landowners. The Tahoe Rim Trail stands out as a globally renowned and stunning long-distance recreational pathway. Construction of the trail first began in 1984 and after seventeen years of work the trail was officially dedicated. This single-track trail welcomes hikers, equestrians, and mountain bikers (in most regions). Encompassing the ridge lines encircling the Lake Tahoe Basin, the trail traverses six counties, four National Forests, three wilderness areas, two states, and a state park. Approximately 30 miles of side and connector trails complement the main route. The Tahoe Rim Trail, with the exception of 50 miles co-aligned with the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail, holds the distinction of being a National Recreation Trail.
Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association (TAMBA) – TAMBA was first organized in 1988 to help build and maintain trails in the Tahoe Basin on behalf of the local mountain biking community. Over the years, the association has been very successful in developing and rebuilding many trails in cooperation with the US Forest Service and state park agencies. TAMBA coordinates and facilitates around 50 annual volunteer workdays. Over the past five years, hundreds of riders have actively participated in these volunteer initiatives. TAMBA aims to instill a sense of responsibility and environmental awareness. During these trail days, participants not only contribute to trail improvement but also gain a profound appreciation for the trails, fostering a genuine commitment to their upkeep and preservation.
Carson Valley Trails Association – The association’s history dates back to 1994 when a local group of citizens organized an effort to maintain and establish public access to Carson Valley’s public lands. This group worked with the US Forest Service, BLM, Douglas County, and private landowners to secure access around the valley for hiking, biking, and equestrian use. In 2003, the association helped develop the Douglas County Comprehensive Trails Plan that provided a framework for trail development in the area. Some of the most popular trail systems developed by the association include the Fay-Luther and Jobs Ranch Trail area on the west side of the valley, the Genoa Trail System, and Clear Creek Trail System. To date, 65 miles of trails have been constructed.
Alpine Trails Association – The Alpine Trails Association is based in Alpine County, home to some of the most scenic areas in California. The association was formed in 2013 to create and maintain trails for hiking, biking, and equestrian use. The association also hosts guided walks during the year. Within the last ten years the association has completed work on over 15 miles of trails in coordination with the Forest Service and BLM and helped maintain many more miles of trails. Many of the association’s trails are located in the beautiful Charity Valley and Thornburg Canyon Area. With the recent Tamarack Fire in Alpine County two years ago, many of the trails in the Alpine County have been damaged and there is much work yet to be done.