This award is given in recognition of successful efforts to influence public policy relating to trail planning, trail protection, trail development, or maintenance.
Tom’s primary love and dedication for trails comes through his passion for dog sledding. Through a variety of organizations, committees, and positions Tom is a man of many trail hats.
Tom's ability to transcend user groups enables him to effectively advocate for mushing as well as other trail users. By supporting, cooperating with and keeping an open dialogue with other groups Tom works on keeping the long and successful tradition of recreational trail access in New Hampshire going. Tom is a member of his local snowmobile club and is also involved with the Rockingham Recreational Trail Association (volunteer group formed to assist with the use and maintenance of the Rockingham Recreational Rail Trail)
As the President of the New Hampshire Mushers Association (NHMA) Tom is consistently striving to improve the conditions and access to trails for mushers throughout the state. Through Tom‘s lead, the NHMA recently had legislation passed to formally recognize mushing as an official trail use in New Hampshire. Other accomplishments and efforts of the NHMA with Tom’s leadership or participation include creating a safety awareness brochure for distribution around the state. Created in conjunction with the NH Fish & Game Department, this brochure is aimed at educating other trail users such as snowmobiles, and cross country skiers on safety and etiquette when encountering a team of sled dogs on the trail. At the same time the NHMA educates mushers on safety when encountering equestrians or other trail users.
596 views • posted 01/16/2018
