2023 marks 49 years since Ron Strickland first shared his vision for The Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail – one of ecological diversity, environmental conservation, and access to some of the Northwest’s wildest places.
It took 34 years of grassroots advocacy led by the PNTA for the trail to receive congressional designation, and today we reach another critical milestone as we anticipate the approval of the trail’s Comprehensive Management Plan, a 283-page document (as of the draft shared in July) that outlines and authorizes a blueprint for its completion.
This is a momentous time for the trail, and we are seeking new volunteer board members to join us as we look ahead at an exciting journey of significant growth and leadership.
Below, director and secretary, Aya Tsuruta, provides an inside look at board service at the PNTA.
I joined the Board of Directors three years ago as a way of remaining in the conservation world after a formative experience as a crew lead for the Utah Conservation Corps, and as I returned to my position as a marketing professional back in the northwest. In my role at PNTA, I’m able to stay connected and give back to a community that has given me so much.
What I would share about our board is that we are a group of individuals with a lot of heart for the trail and our community, and we have a strong commitment to supporting our magnificent staff who are leading us forward on the ground.
Our service takes on various forms — from leading strategy development to picking up Pulaskis alongside other trail volunteers — and we’re looking to expand our board with others who not only share our passion for PNTA’s mission and values, but also understand what it takes to grow and sustain a dynamic non-profit with a strong foundation.
We hope you’ll join us in our journey to complete and manage the trail, providing access to the Northwest’s beautiful and wildest landscapes for generations to come.
You can find more details on our listing here. We look forward to hearing from you!
PNTA Secretary Aya Tsuruta