by Curt Ashenfelter, Executive Director
2012 has been a great year for the Keystone Trails Association. Like a long hike to a high summit, there were times when I thought we might never make it, but we did. Our advocacy, trail maintenance, membership, events, and fundraising efforts created the momentum that has facilitated our journey to the peak.
Our advocacy efforts have resulted in a continuance of hunting-free Sundays and the reinstatement of funding for trails projects through the Keystone Fund, and have combated the ill-advised "Cash for Parks" legislation. Our close proximity to the State Game Commission and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) in Harrisburg will continue to benefit individual hikers and hiking clubs, as our advocacy efforts persist on issues ranging from primitive camping in state game lands, to buffer zones in state forests threatened by timbering and gas drilling.
Our trail maintenance program is stronger than ever! Local clubs enjoyed an unparalleled level of trail support this year, from KTA's five week-long Trail Crew events, nine weekend Trail Care events, and five one-day Code Orange trail-building and trail-maintaining events. These 19 events attracted over 150 KTA volunteers, who donated over 3,400 hours of their time to build and maintain trails. In addition to KTA's Trail Care program, KTA provided grants to local clubs for shelters, trail maintaining equipment and materials.
Events such as Pennsylvania Hiking Week, the Susquehanna Super Hike and Ultra Trail Run, and our spring, summer, and fall hiking weekends have helped promote active membership to KTA.
In 2012, we also introduced two new programs to engage hikers in their passion, the 100 Mile Challenge and the KTA Trip to Ireland. Twelve KTA members hiked a combined 1,603 miles of Pennsylvania trails and raised $2,589 in sponsorship money - an average of 133.5 miles hiked and $216 raised per participant for the 100 Mile Trail Challenge. Fifteen KTA members raised over $5,000 for KTA, and enjoyed spectacular scenery, generally fine weather, and the warm hospitality of the Dingle peninsula on KTA's Trip to Ireland hiking adventure. Co-sponsored by Treks & Trails International, participants hiked by day and stayed in comfortable country inns and B&B's by night. Join us in November for another hike to benefit KTA, and co-sponsored by Treks & Trails International - this time we will be headed to Mexico!
Positive efforts on behalf of our trails require financial support, and our fundraising activities reached new heights in 2012, with robust individual, club, corporate, and foundation contributions to our events, programs, and general operating fund.
The peacefulness that we find on Pennsylvania's pathways can often distract us from remembering that these trails we travel are not an act of nature. They are built and maintained by men and women like you. Please, encourage your hiking buddies to join you in participating in one of our events. Forward them this e-newsletter so they too can share in KTA's vision. With your help, we will be able to continue in our pursuit to provide, preserve, protect, and promote Pennsylvania's trails.
Through all of the above efforts, KTA enjoyed a great 2012. We look forward to a challenging new year, and seek to scale even higher heights in 2013. We hope you will join us on the journey.