OHV Trail Lead Receives National Service Award

Roberta Pickett (L) and Don Amador (R)

OAKLEY, CA – (Feb. 22) –The world’s largest international service organization gave special recognition to a recreation professional at a ceremony in the Sierra Nevada town of Martell near Jackson, California.  On February 17, 2017, Roberta Pickett, past president of the Rotary Club of Amador Upcountry, presented Don Amador with a Paul Harris Fellow Award for his efforts to find solutions through the collaborative process with diverse interest groups and government agencies.

While the coveted Paul Harris Award typically is a recognition of those who have directly contributed $1000 toward The Rotary Foundation, occasionally – as in this instance with Don Amador - a Rotarian will make that contribution in someone else’s name, as a way to honor them for serving the greater community.

Roberta Pickett, who currently serves as Assistant Governor for the Amador County clubs of Rotary’s District 5190, states, “I feel Don deserved this award for his integrity in the way he does business and collaborates even with those with whom he may have significant disagreements.  His work with land managers, elected officials, recreation clubs, conservation groups, and environmental organizations promotes peaceful resolution to difficult challenges.”

“Don’s work ethic to promote sustainable use of public lands  measures up to Rotary’s  ‘Four Way Test’ - Of the things we think, say and do: 1) is it the truth, 2) is it fair to all concerned, 3) will it build goodwill and better friendships, and 4) will it be beneficial to all concerned,” Pickett concludes.

Don Amador, a recreation and land-use consultant, responded that “it was a humbling experience to be recognized by Rotary for my efforts in the field of recreation, conservation, and natural resource management.   I want to thank Rotary and Assistant Governor Pickett for this high honor and accept it on behalf the many partners that I work with.  It is that team approach that made this achievement possible,” Amador concludes.

According to the organization, Rotary is a global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who come together to make positive, lasting change in communities at home and abroad.

Solving real problems takes real commitment and vision. For more than 110 years, Rotary members have used their passion, energy, and intelligence to take action on sustainable projects. From literacy and peace to water and health, Rotarians are always working to better our world, and they stay committed to the end.

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Don owns Quiet Warrior Racing, a recreation consulting company, located in Oakley, California.  Don is also a contractor to the BlueRibbon Coalition/Sharetrails.org, a national trail-based recreation group, where he serves as the Western Representative.  Don is a member of the Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals.

Don may be reached via email at: damador@cwo.com

FS National Trail Strategy Issues Call to Action

Trail Stewardship Key to Quality Recreation

Don Amador on Mendocino NF

As heavy winter storms continue to pound federal lands in the West, QWR believes it is important for the OHV community to accept the Forest Service’s CALL TO ACTION as outlined in their December 2016 National Strategy for a Sustainable Trail System.

LINK TO FS TRAIL STRATEGY

https://www.fs.fed.us/recreation/programs/trail-management/strategy/index.shtml

Heavy Storm Impacts Highlight Need for Partnerships

to Help with Trail Clearing

QWR agrees with the agency that the time to build on past successes, integrate new partnerships and ideas, and improve contemporary trail management practices for the Forest Service trail system is now.

QWR commends the Forest Service for its work over the last several years to create this foundational document that encourages a “trail culture” in the agency by identifying the following action items:

Areas of Action:

1.            Leader Intent: Cultivate leadership desire for and commitment to a sustainable trail                             system.

2.            Organization and Talent: Leverage an expanded and combined workforce to increase                        stewardship capacity.

3.            Relevancy: Connect with diverse communities and trail users.

4.            Sustainable Systems: Collaboratively create and achieve a common vision.

5.            Agency Processes and Culture: Maximize opportunities for effective partnering and trail                    stewardship.

6.            Information: Provide readily available, up-to-date, and credible trail information.

The document correctly notes that a generation ago, nearly every ranger district had its own trail crew, but that is no longer the case. The Forest Service will overcome a significant reduction in field staff by moving from a model of “doing it all” to a model of shared stewardship in order to achieve mutual goals and receive shared benefits.

High Winds Knock Down Trees Across System Trail

Having just gotten back from helping clear post-storm downed trees that were blocking trails on the Mendocino National Forest helped reinforce QWR’s axiom that a quality trail program does not happen by accident.  It is the result of a strong partnership with the trail community and the agency’s commitment to a substantive volunteer program.

Clearing Downed Trees Across a SxS/ATV/MC Connector Trail

QWR believes the National Trails Strategy outlines a path for success that can be used by units that are in the process of creating and managing a sustainable trail network.  The report can also be used by ranger districts to help infuse new energy and ideas into their existing recreation program and partnerships.

Trail Recon to Look at Post Storm Impacts

QWR encourages users and agency recreation staff to read this report and use it to help foster relationships with a goal to work together in a collaborative effort to be good stewards of the land and our trail systems.