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Tillamook County Pioneer: “State Forests volunteers honored for their work”
Volunteers with Trailkeepers of Oregon (TKO), Tom and Nelson have made extraordinary efforts to restore the Shellburg Falls Trail system in the Santiam State Forest. Severely damaged by the 2020 Labor Day fires, the Shellburg network has become a model of grassroots restoration thanks to their leadership.
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Oregon Coast Beach Connection: “Trail Ambassadors Returns to N. Oregon Coast, Needs Volunteers”
“Tillamook Coast Visitors Association (TCVA) and Trailkeepers of Oregon are partnering up to bring back an old and very welcome feature to the region. Together, they’re restarting the Trail Ambassadors Program for summer 2025, and they are asking for volunteers to help out at trailheads around this section of the north Oregon coast.”
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The Oregonian: “Oregon Hikers asked to ‘step up’ as federal cuts threaten Northwest trails
“Trailkeepers of Oregon, which has been stewarding local trails since 2007, said it has close to $550,000 in federal grants, cost-share agreements and contracts that are frozen or delayed. That includes over $50,000 in outstanding invoices that has been coming in at ‘an alarmingly slow return’ from the federal government, the organization said.”
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Explore Oregon Podcast: “Trailkeepers of Oregon talk saving trails amid federal cuts”
In this episode of the Explore Oregon Podcast, host Zach Urness talks with Trailkeepers of Oregon executive director Steve Kruger about the group’s mission and how federal cuts and a funding freeze could make it difficult to maintain hiking trails and recreation facilities this summer and in future years.
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Tillamook County Pioneer: “Volunteers Have a Critical Role In Maintaining Tillamook State Forest Trails, Trail Party March 29 Brings Out Over 100 Volunteers”
“This event is special because it brings together all the trail groups on one day,” said Kelly Lau, Executive Director State Forests Trust of Oregon. “Collaboration is the key to having an opportunity for all to build a connection with ODF’s Recreation, Education, and Interpretation Program, as well as to our state forests. Events like this not only help with the physical needs of maintaining infrastructure but the social connections between people who truly love to work and play in these forests. It’s amazing how getting your hands dirty with others helps build those relationships.”
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Mountain Times: “Grant Helps Keep Trail Clear for Trailkeepers”
In its nearly twenty years working on Oregon’s natural lands, Trailkeepers of Oregon has seen explosive growth. The organization, initially powered by volunteers, now has a staff of 15. Its impact can be felt in the Columbia River Gorge, Portland’s public parks, and the Mt. Hood area. The organization maintains a presence up and down the Oregon coast.
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Oregon Tool, Inc. Hosts Chainsaw Maintenance Clinic for Trailkeepers of Oregon
“On February 10, 2025, Oregon Tool, Inc. had the privilege of hosting a volunteer group from Trailkeepers of Oregon (TKO) for a hands-on chainsaw maintenance clinic. TKO, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving and maintaining recreational trails across the state, regularly uses chainsaws and crosscut saws to remove blowdown trees and keep trails accessible for all users. This event provided an opportunity to support their mission by enhancing their knowledge of cutting system maintenance.”
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Curry Coastal Pilot: “Gold Beach Enhances Beach Accessibility with New Mobi-mats”
Gold Beach made a significant leap towards improving beach accessibility this week, with the installation of new of Mobi-mats. This was a collaborative effort from local volunteers, the Oregon Coast Visitors Association (OCVA), and the Trailkeepers of Oregon.
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KGW: “Shellburg Falls Recreation Area reopens four years after wildfires”
[ODF Recreation Manager Joe] Offer credits Trailkeepers of Oregon (TKO), Cascadia Trail Crew and the Salem Area Trail Alliance for the work they did to help get the area back open. TKO volunteers moved over 100 tons of rocks and installed a new bridge on the Shellburg Falls Trail.
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New York Times: “5 Getaways that Reinvent Eco-Tourism”
Fir Haven will offer a menu of volunteer projects and field trips for guests, working with nonprofit partners like Trailkeepers of Oregon. “It was time to double-down on the non-extractive, regenerative travel movement, and inspire people to leave a positive impact together,” said Mr. Wilde.
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