This award recognizes an individual that has made outstanding contributions and provided consistent support for trail planning, development, or maintenance. It is intended to recognize the efforts of a private or public sector individual working for enhanced trail recreation on either the local, state, or national level.
Russ Waldie is a dedicated and reliable volunteer section maintainer on the Appalachian Trail in Connecticut, and has been for more than a decade.
In the past season alone, Russ has contributed 551 hours to trail improvement efforts. Russ is a skillful and experienced maintainer, and is always ready to assist others on their section and also lead various construction projects.
In the past year, Russ has taken on an additional position with the AMC-CT Trails Committee as “Overseer of Camps and Shelters”, and in that role, has continually worked to improve and standardize our overnight sites along the AT. Related to this, Russ has also become our signmaker, and has constructed various signs, etc. for our Committee, as well as other units of our Chapter such as Northwest Camp. He has designed a number of moldering privies, and in the past seasons has “retrofitted” many to improve their functionality and accessibility.
Following recent disastrous weather events which have impacted the Trail including Hurricanes Irene and Sandy, and winter storm “Alfred”, it was not uncommon for Russ to be found with his chainsaw clearing exceedingly numerous blowdowns several days a week.
Russ’s commitment and enthusiasm, as well as his technical skills, make him a natural trail project leader. On behalf of the AMC-Connecticut Chapter Trails Committee, we are proud to nominate Russ for this recognition.
445 views • posted 01/16/2018
