Summer 2011 – Metro’s Quarterly Trails Forum staff liaison Mel Huie brought forward a need for a more comprehensive statewide trails effort to support advocacy and stewardship. A project team from Metro and OPRD staff, including Mel Huie, Lake Strongheart McTighe, Robert Spurlock, Rocky Houston, Steve Kruger and more were asked to do research on what groups are already in a position to adopt this role. Then TKO Board President Ryan Ojerio was interviewed by Steve Kruger and it was clear TKO was in a position to grow.