Forest service trails specialist recognized for work in region

Blazing trails is nothing new to Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Recreation Specialist Steve Hale.

Hale has been involved with building or improving the Fay-Luther Trail System in Douglas and Alpine counties, West Tahoe Meadows Boardwalk and Trail System, the Tahoe Meadows Interpretive Loop Trail on Mt. Rose Highway, and restoration of the Golden Canyon Trail in the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness.

"Since this is the height of hiking season, I wanted to take this opportunity to highlight the continuing role Steve provides in creating and energizing many partnerships to maintain and create new trail opportunities in Northern Nevada on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest," said Genny Wilson, Carson District Ranger.

Hale received the American Trails 2008 State Trail Worker Award in December 2008 for his work with local organizations.

American Trails Board Chair Bob Searns presented the award to Hale at the National American Trails Symposium in Little Rock, Ark.

While attending the symposium, Hale was also invited to present a session about creating and sustaining effective partnerships.

Wilson pointed out that many trail organizations work as partners with the Forest Service to provide trail recreation for the rapidly growing Lake Tahoe area, including the Carson Valley Trail Association, Douglas County Planning Department, Tahoe Rim Trail Association, Pacific Crest Trails Association, Nevada Conservation Corps, Beneficial Designs, Backcountry Horsemen of Nevada, Nevada State Parks, and Nevada Division of State Lands.

Hale coordinated a trip that enabled an Eagle Scout candidate and his Boy Scout troop from Dayton to replace wooden trail signs destroyed by black bears in the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness with metal ones this past summer.

Carson Ranger District trail projects include the Genoa Foothills Trail System, Rim to Reno Trail System, Jones Whites Creek Loop Trail trailhead, Halo Trail mountain bike single track on Peavine Mountain, Keystone Canyon Trail System in Reno, an interpretive trail in the newly expanded Galena Creek Regional Park, and adding dog waste pickup stations at popular dog walking trailheads.