2020 Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail Highlights

Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA)

OUTREACH

Virtual Training — Monthly training sessions were offered for the new tabling program, COVID-19 safety protocols, and online versions of the “Trail Skills College Curriculum”—including “100 Intro to Trail Maintenance” & “101 Intro to Trail Scouting”.

Virtual Engagement — PCTA, in an effort to keep spirits high amongst volunteers during the pandemic, hosted online awards presentation and virtual volunteer social events. 

PROTECTION

Land — PCTA is working with the Forest Service to transfer a parcel of land in Soledad Canyon, containing approximately .17 miles of the PCT, to federal ownership after purchasing it in March. 

Realignment — 

PCTA, in collaboration with the Eldorado National Forest and the Tahoe Rim Trail Association, completed the Echo Summit trail tread project which began in 2018.

After a decade of effort between the PCTA & the Tahoe National Forest, with support from the American Conservation Experience trail crews, the 7-mile realignment of the Sierra Buttes trail was completed and opened for usage.

Safety — With COVID-19 & wildfires creating challenges, the PCT management focused on providing targeted information to keep trail users & volunteers safe, support local communities during the pandemic, and assess fire damage. 

CAPACITY

Staffing — The PTCA was able to fill two new positions, a Salesforce Database Administrator and a GIS Specialist. 

App — With assistance from a technology firm, the PTCA was able to begin the first phase of a multi-year technology upgrade—integrating cloud-based Salesforce & GIS technologies—to transform the way the trail is protected & maintained while improving the trail experience.