Portland, Ore. – January 8th, 2022 – Subject: Legislative Concepts for Mount Hood and the Columbia River Gorge

Dear Senator Wyden and Representative Blumenauer:

On behalf of Trailkeepers of Oregon (TKO), we would like to thank you for your ongoing work in protecting Mount Hood and the Gorge, including the new vision for recreation and restoration in the newly released legislative concept. We strongly support this pivot toward protecting special places while also improving sustainable recreation opportunities. Key components are listed below, making the proposal so timely and needed.

TKO Comments Mount Hood NRA v2022Jan7

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by Steve Kruger – TKO Executive Director

I am deeply concerned about what is happening to our Oregon State Parks with reductions in operational staff and the possible layoffs of critical support within the agency’s ranks. We are concerned this is a preview of what is going to happen across all public lands. All federal, state and local lands are scrambling to catch up on season staff changes while managing new normals in visitor safety — all in a time of re-opening public lands and the looming realities of shrinking budgets. Oregon’s citizenry can help, if we make it a priority.

[To land managers – Please don’t take this message as a slight on our work together in this critical time. There are a number of examples of you persevering to get volunteers to help you all – we are excited to celebrate that effort soon. This is an acknowledgement of your excellence, the importance of our work together and what you all are struggling to balance.] (more…)

by Steve Kruger – TKO Executive Director

This time last April, TKO family-friendly event at Oxbow.

Many of you may recall my end of year letter, sharing with you how my 3 year old son has grown up around TKO and the trails adventures we’ve been able to explore. Doing our best to stick close to home and balance two working parents, my son Van has been experiencing the simpler things – which to him are out of this world (more…)

written by Steve Kruger, Executive Director

Thank you to all of our TKO volunteers and supporters. Your remarkable contributions are building towards a trails legacy for Oregon. Your impact is making a difference to young and young at heart, including my son Van – who has grown up around this movement we are building. I have been fortunate to have him witness Trailkeepers in action, and his appreciation of what we do has grown along with him. And just like the boy, TKO is growing fast!

Click the link to hear about TKO’s 2019 impacts and what we are going after for in 2020!

By Steve Kruger, Executive Director, Trailkeepers of Oregon

Before the end of 2018, please consider doing the following three things:

• Sign up for a 2019 trail party

• Become a member of TKO

• Tell a friend to donate to the Give!Guide

There’s no doubt — Trailkeepers of Oregon (TKO) is on the rise. Word of our mission and dedication to the Oregon hiking experience has traveled fast, due in no small part to all of you, our supporters and volunteers.

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