June 2, 2007

On behalf of the National Park Service, SCA and partner organizations coordinated hundreds of volunteers to help with the continuing restoration efforts in Mount Rainier National Park in recognition of National Trails Day on June 2, 2007. Projects led by SCA included re-routing sections of the historic Wonderland Trail and work on the Silver Falls trail.

The effort was part of the an ongoing collaboration to assist in providing thousands of volunteer hours to help Mount Rainier’s professional staff with trail and bridge reconstruction, erosion control, revegetation and site restoration, and invasive plant control.

The NW Parks and Public Lands Storm Recovery Coalition is comprised of National Parks Conservation Association, Student Conservation Association (SCA), The Mountaineers, Washington’s National Park Fund, and Washington Trails Association (WTA). The Coalition was formed with financial support from REI to provide critically-needed restoration services following unprecedented winter storms.

SCA Regional Vice President Jay A. Satz saw the June 2 event as the true start of a massive public response to support the park at a time of great need. “As tragic as the flooding is, it presents an opportunity to develop a volunteer management program that will serve the park long after the restoration effort is over,” says Satz. “Public lands require the public’s support and we should all be grateful that so many organizations and individuals have come forward in recognition of this responsibility.”

Northwest Regional Director of National Parks Conservation Association Sean Smith reminds Park supporters that there are many ways to advocate for parks. “Whether you pick up a shovel, write a check, or contact your congressional representatives, you truly can make a difference when you engage in support of public lands”.

The NW Parks and Public Lands Storm Recovery Coalition’s National Trails Day program was part of the larger on-going effort being managed by the park. Work parties will continue throughout the summer to help with the continued recovery of Mount Rainier National Park.

National Trails Day is organized by the American Hiking Society and is now in its 15th year. It is held the first Saturday in June around the country.

For more information on the NW Parks and Public Lands Storm Recovery Coalition and the member organizations, go to: nwstormrecoverycoalition.blogspot.com/

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