by Thyra Sperry, outgoing KTA President
The Keystone Trails Association "Citation Award" is presented to a person or persons who have made significant contributions to the preservation of hiking trails and promoting hiking in Pennsylvania. This may be in the form of volunteer efforts, publications, field work, or any other pursuit that has furthered the mission of the Keystone Trails Association. The professional as well as the volunteer is equally deserving of consideration. Efforts may include trail maintenance, newsletter editor, board member, hike leader, etc.
The 2013 recipient of KTA's most prestigious award is John Stein.
Currently, John is serving as an Advisor to the KTA Board of Directors. He was a charter member of the Standing Stone Trail Club (SSTC) "Old Timers" group, which meets every second Wednesday for trail care activities. He is also a contributing supporter of the relatively new Great Eastern Trail, which passes through Pennsylvania on the Mid State and Standing Stone Trails.
John's service for the hiking community dates back to the 1980's. He led hikes regularly for his home club, the Susquehanna Appalachian Trail Club, the Lancaster Hiking Club, and the Horse Shoe Trail Club, and served as an officer for both clubs. John remains active in the KTA Trail Care and Trail Crew Programs.
A KTA Life Member and member of other PA trail clubs, John Stein is absolutely one of the most ardent hikers involved with KTA. When he is not hiking (which is rare) he is sailing. He is a part of KTA history and has contributed regularly as a trail maintainer. Very active in trail preservation, he has spent years cultivating homeowners on the Mid State and Horse Shoe Trails, to permit the trails to cross private property. He is responsible for moving the Horse Shoe Trail Club from a trail maintenance entity to the Horse Shoe Trail Conservancy. The Conservancy is now responsible for the preservation of the trail, as well as trail maintenance.
In 2001, John served as the KTA Representative on the State Game Lands Land Use Committee, reviewing the state gamelands regulations as they apply to all users. Some of the outcomes were no drinking on state gamelands, the mandatory use of blaze orange from October to December of each year, and limiting the number of people in a group (to reduce impact on the trails, and enrich the nature experience).
Many years ago, John brought his concerns about the loss of hiking trails to the attention of KTA. Hiking trails were being destroyed, and sections of trails eliminated or put to other uses. And so, in the 1980's, John formed the Endangered Hiking Trail Committee, and invited KTA members to join him in an effort to stem the loss of hiking trails. A subsequent meeting helped KTA plan and take the next steps to activate the KTA advocacy objective of protecting hiking trail lands through support, as well as by acquisition.
Please join me in thanking John for his efforts in trail preservation and advocacy during the last 25 years.