E-News February 28, 2020

Since the original designation of the Oregon, Mormon Pioneer, California, and Pony Express National Historic Trails, a significant amount of interest and research has developed concerning additional routes followed by emigrants to Oregon, California, and Utah, and on alternate routes used by the Pony Express.

In recognition of the perceived national importance of these routes and in response to public advocacy for the inclusion of these routes in the National Trails System, Congress passed the Omnibus Public Lands Management Act (Public Law 111-11) in March 2009. The Act in part directs the Secretary of the Interior to revise the original feasibility studies of the Oregon, Mormon Pioneer, California, and Pony Express national historic trails. The purpose of the revisions is to determine the feasibility and suitability of designating 64 additional components, specifically named in the law, as well as “such other routes … that the Secretary considers appropriate …”

The Secretary chose the National Trails office in Santa Fe, New Mexico, to revise the 1977 Oregon Trail Feasibility Study, the 1978 Mormon Trail Feasibility Study, and the 1987 California and Pony Express Trails Feasibility Study for the possible inclusion of the routes named in the legislation, and other appropriate routes so as to provide a more accurate and comprehensive commemoration of historic trends and events.

The revisions were prepared as a single, combined document, not trail by trail. Although initial internal scoping determined that an environmental assessment would be required, policy directed the use of a categorical exclusion for NEPA compliance.

This study was completed and transmitted to Congress in January 2020 for consideration. The study document, appendix, and transmittal letters are available at: https://parkplanning.nps.gov/FinalFourTrailsNHTStudy2020.

Thank you for your interest in this planning project.

Aaron Mahr

Superintendent

National Trails Intermountain Region

The Partnership for the National Trails System’s founding executive director, Gary Werner, retired February 9, 2020 at the start of Hike the Hill in Washington, D.C. Thank you to the dozens of trail nonprofit partners, Federal partners, and friends who attended the celebration in his honor, as well as the Pacific Crest Trail Association and American Hiking Society for collaborating to organize the event.

In Gary’s words, “I really do think this is a celebration of us as a community. And the kind of kindness that you’re displaying toward me tonight is simply a recognition of the kind of kindness and dedication and generosity you all give every single day to what you’re doing. And I honor you and applaud you for doing that. We’re all part of this together and we’re going to continue together, it’s just that I’ll be in a different role. And we have very good people working to come along after me to make that progress.”

Interim Executive Director Karen Crossley and Advocacy and Policy Director Kathy DeCoster started their new positions with the Partnership for the National Trails System, effective January 21, 2020.

“We are fortunate to have these two professionals joining the PNTS team during the crucial months ahead,” said Barney Mann, PNTS President. “Our members, agency partners, and affiliates can be confident that we are in capable hands.”

Karen Crossley’s professional career in the nonprofit and public arenas has focused on conservation, higher education, arts, culture, and civic engagement. As a volunteer, she has worked on environmental and sustainability issues, public education, youth leadership involvement, and other areas.

A resident of Madison, WI since 1984, Crossley will manage the day-to-day activities of the Partnership and help with planning for a move of the PNTS offices from Madison to Washington, D.C..

“I am humbled by the confidence placed in me by the Board of Directors and the Transition Task Force,” Crossley said. “We have a great organization in place thanks to the efforts of Gary Werner and the members of the Partnership, and I look forward to building on a legacy of leadership, accomplishment, and relevance. Like so many members, there is no question that our best days are ahead of us and I am enthusiastic about helping set our direction into the future.”

Kathy DeCoster retired last year after 25 years with The Trust for Public Land, including the last 10 years as Vice President and Director of Federal Affairs. She is a former member of the Partnership’s Board of Directors.

Based in Washington, D.C., DeCoster will serve as a consultant and focus on keeping the Partnership and Trail Leaders Council up to date on Federal agency and congressional developments. She will work closely with the PNTS Advocacy and Policy Committee and will have an important role during Hike the Hill.

“As a long-time advocate of the Partnership for the National Trails System and the importance of trails to our national well-being, I’m excited about this opportunity to use my experience on behalf of an organization whose mission and activities are very close to my heart,” DeCoster said. “The relationships our National Historic and Scenic Trail groups already have with our Federal partners are models of successful collaboration and I am grateful to have the opportunity to further these positive experiences.”

Meanwhile, the Transition Task Force has begun planning for the search for a permanent Executive Director, and anticipates having that person in place by the end of summer 2020. OCTA Past President and current board member Bill Martin is a part of the Transition Task Force.