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.
The Tahoe Rim Trail is pleased to support the nomination of Jeremy Vlcan for the Nevada Trail Worker Award.
Jeremy's passion for outdoor recreation is mirrored in his tireless work to create not only high quality accessible trails, but also in his leadership role in creating citizen stewards throughout the region. Jeremy's professional work for Beneficial Designs has been integral to the success of our project work on the Tahoe Rim Trail System. Jeremy's work extends far beyond his work week as he has never hesitated to provide technical consultation for our organization when it comes to sign development, research on materials and volunteer management. Jeremy has worked with local at-risk youth to complete projects, exposing them to outdoor recreation opportunities and creating a healthy service-learning atmosphere.
Jeremy stepped into the role of trainer for our nationally known Annual Interagency Trails Training. He mentored first-time trail builders on trail design; layout and basic trail construction. The student feedback was overwhelmingly positive on Jeremy's approach and his wealth of knowledge. Jeremy's involvement with both the Carson Valley Trails Association and the Tahoe Rim Trail Association have led him to become one of the primary champions of a trail system that will connect the Carson Valley with the Tahoe Rim Trail near Kingsbury Grade in the South Shore of Lake Tahoe. This connecting trail system will greatly benefit the community and increase the reach and quality of outdoor recreation opportunities in the region.
Some of the important highlights of Jeremy's work include:
• Authored an American Hiking Society grant and helped install directional signs on the Faye/Luther trail system in Douglas County.
• Authored a RTP grant and designed eleven interpretive signs to be installed on the Faye/Luther trail system in Douglas County.
• Once an easement was obtained, Jeremy helped lay out and build 3.5 miles of trail on private property known as the Kirman Tract which borders the Carson River in Douglas County.
• Co-authored and presented a grant request for $395,000 to the Nevada State Lands Advisory Board to build a 13-mile trail system in the Carson Range centered in Genoa, Nevada. This grant was approved and the scope was expanded by the US Forest Service to include 22 miles of new trails.
• Researched and has ground proofed most of the lIS-mile trail proposed for the Carson Valley as part of the Douglas County Trails Master Plan. The Faye/Luther, Kirman Tract and the Genoa Foothill trail systems noted above are all part of this master plan.
• As a member of the Carson Valley Trails Association, Jeremy and others have been instrumental in planning and constructing new trail systems in the Carson Valley portion of Douglas County. Through his efforts, Douglas County is realizing the goals identified in the adopted Trails Master Plan.
