This webinar is in partnership with the Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals (SORP).
The webinar will be centered around groomed winter trails for XC skiers, but will also address the importance of providing opportunities for snowshoeing, fatbiking, winter hiking, and winter trail running.
Presented by:
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November 15, 2018
10:00 AM to 11:30 AM (Pacific Time) {more time zones}
Cost (RECORDING):
FREE for membersNote:
Closed Captioning is available for this webinar.
Learning Credits are available for this webinar.
This webinar is free. Would you consider a donation to support this webinar?
At the 2018 Winter Olympic Games, the US brought home its first-ever gold medal in cross country skiing. A huge milestone in the sport, and now with a new inspired generation of cross country skiers, how can we get them and keep them on the snow? How do we create equity in opportunity for those with barriers to access winter trails? Non-motorized winter trail networks exist throughout the US, and we will take the opportunity to gather the tribe of winter trail specialists for this particular webinar, feature a few expert panelists from different parts of the US, and invite a robust discussion. The content will touch on the universal issues of adapting to climate change and building resiliency in operations, but also consider specific geographic factors such as snow type and regional winter recreation culture. Underlying all of the tactical discussion, we will frame the discussion in the bigger picture of land conservation and stewardship. This webinar is designed for the entire tribe of winter trails professionals, stewards, and program providers of all levels of expertise from novice to expert. The discussion will be centered around groomed winter trails for XC skiers, but will also address the importance of providing opportunities for snowshoeing, fatbiking, winter hiking, and winter trail running.
Laurel Harkness, Executive Director, Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals
As the Executive Director of the Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals (SORP), Laurel works to further their mission to promote, advance, and serve outdoor recreation professionals in research, planning, management, and policy development.
Laurel has spent the last 25 years working in the field of outdoor recreation, as a guide, advocate, appointed leader, and nonprofit professional. Prior to joining SORP, Laurel was the California Region Director for the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA), working to cultivate strong stewardship partnerships and policies to provide more trails access throughout the state. Before that, Laurel was the first Executive Director for Mt. Shasta Nordic and held the same role with winter backcountry advocacy organization, Snowlands Network.
She holds a degree in Soil & Water Science from UC Davis. Laurel has spent the last 15 years in Mt. Shasta, California, where she and her two teenage kids enjoy access to a network of groomed community winter trails, a locally owned ski area, and world class winter backcountry.
Hansi Johnson, Director of Recreational Lands, Minnesota Land Trust
As Director of Recreational Lands, Hansi Johnson focuses on assisting the City of Duluth in identifying, securing and promoting its nature-based recreational assets. In addition, he works with other Land Trust staff to develop strategies to expand this work to other communities in Minnesota.
Prior to joining the Land Trust, Hansi was the Regional Director for the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA), helping volunteer clubs such as the Duluth-based Cyclists of Gitchee Gumee Shores (COGGS) work within their communities to create destination quality, sustainable, off road cycling trail experiences. He also spent 12 years in sales and marketing for such companies as Patagonia, Wenonah Canoe and Garmont USA.
Lori Hauswirth, Executive Director, Noquemanon Trail Network
Lori Hauswirth serves as the Executive Director of the Noquemanon Trail Network in her hometown of Marquette, Michigan that boast over 75 miles of singletrack connecting to the City and one of the best destinations for winter fat biking in the country. Her background includes over 20 years of experience in trail advocacy, nonprofit, and community development work. She previously served 6 years as Executive Director of the Copper Harbor Trails Club/Associate Region Director with the International Mountain Bicycling Association and 17 years as a planner for the Western Upper Peninsula Planning & Development Region. Lori holds a bachelor’s degree in Land Use Planning & Management from Northern Michigan University, is a Level 2 BICP Mountain Bike Instructor and has served her local trail organizations in every capacity from digging trail as a volunteer to directing multi-day events.
Gabe Perkins, Executive Director, Inland Woods + Trails
Gabriel Perkins is at least a fifth-generation resident of Bethel, ME. Since 2014, he has served as theExecutive Director of Mahoosuc Pathways, a trail building and conservation organization. Gabeholds a degree in Environmental Policy and Planning from the University of Maine atFarmington and is a member of the American Association of Geographers. He is a SeniorFellow in the Environmental Leadership Program and on the steering committee for the MaineOutdoor Coalition. Gabe has received a Special Recognition Award and the Bethel AreaNonprofit Leadership Award from the Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce for his work withMahoosuc Pathways projects, including the revival of a cross-country ski center called BethelVillage Trails. He lives in Bethel, with his wife Jessie, where they patiently renovate hisgrandparents home with a little assistance from their pets, Champ, and Indiana Jones.
We are offering closed captioning for our webinars, thanks to a partnership with VZP Digital. If you are in need of this service, please email us prior to the webinar. An unedited transcript will be sent to all attendees following the webinar.
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