Arizona Trail Association

Arizona Trail Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the creation, protection and promotion of a continuous, non-motorized trail that traverses Arizona from the United States–Mexico border to the Arizona–Utah border. The association coordinates with federal agencies such as the United States Forest Service, the National Park Service, and the Bureau of Land Management as well as state agencies like the Arizona State Parks and local governments including the City of Tucson and the Pima County, Arizona administration. Its work intersects with conservation groups including the Sierra Club, the Nature Conservancy, and the Trust for Public Land while engaging outdoor organizations such as the American Hiking Society, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, and the Continental Divide Trail Coalition.

History

The association was founded in 1994 following advocacy by members of the Arizona Trail Advisory Committee and outdoor leaders inspired by routes like the Pacific Crest Trail and the Continental Divide Trail. Early partnerships involved the Arizona Game and Fish Department, the Coronado National Forest, the Kaibab National Forest, and private landowners associated with the Arizona Land Trust movement. Events such as the designation of portions of the trail under the Arizona Trail System and recognition by the Department of the Interior paralleled legislative efforts reminiscent of the National Trails System Act debates. Volunteers from organizations like the Boy Scouts of America and the Girl Scouts of the USA contributed to initial trail corridor mapping using techniques established by the United States Geological Survey and guidance from the Federal Highway Administration's recreational trail programs. High-profile hikes and thru-hikes attracted media coverage from outlets including the Arizona Republic and broadcast partners such as NPR and PBS Arizona, increasing support from civic groups like the Tucson Festival of Books organizers and outdoor retailers such as REI.

Trail Management and Maintenance

Trail stewardship is undertaken through cooperative agreements with the United States Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the National Park Service, and state jurisdictions like the Arizona State Land Department. Maintenance crews and volunteer crews coordinate via training modules influenced by standards from the American Trails organization and safety practices endorsed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Large-scale projects have been funded or supported by grants from foundations such as the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the Walton Family Foundation, and the Bonfils-Stanton Foundation. Volunteer trail crews include partnerships with the Student Conservation Association, veteran service organizations like Team Rubicon, and corporate volunteer programs from companies including Patagonia (company) and The North Face. Emergency response and search-and-rescue coordination involve the Arizona Department of Public Safety, county sheriff offices such as the Coconino County Sheriff's Office, and mountain rescue teams like the Grand Canyon National Park Search and Rescue unit.

Programs and Outreach

The association runs programs for long-distance hikers, equestrians, and mountain bikers while aligning with stewardship initiatives by groups such as the International Mountain Bicycling Association. Educational outreach links to curricula from the University of Arizona and the Arizona State University extension services, and youth engagement leverages collaborations with the Arizona Conservation Corps and the Bureau of Indian Education for projects on tribal lands like the Navajo Nation and the Tohono O'odham Nation. Events include organized thru-hike challenges, volunteer trail days, and fundraising galas attended by representatives from the Arizona Outdoor Hall of Fame and outdoor media like Outside (magazine)]. Interpretive efforts reference natural landmarks such as the Sonoran Desert, the Mogollon Rim, and Grand Canyon National Park viewpoints while cultural programming engages historians from the Arizona Historical Society and tribal cultural offices including the Hopi Tribe cultural preservation programs. Communication channels use partnerships with digital platforms like AllTrails and mapping initiatives influenced by the United States Geological Survey National Map.

Organization and Governance

The association is governed by a volunteer board of directors composed of leaders drawn from nonprofit management, outdoor recreation, conservation science, and civic organizations such as the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Staff roles include executive directors with backgrounds in land management, volunteer coordinators who liaise with the National Park Service volunteer programs, and trail crews supervised by field managers previously employed by agencies like the United States Forest Service. Governance adheres to nonprofit law standards similar to those overseen by the Internal Revenue Service for 501(c)(3) organizations and best practices promoted by networks including BoardSource and the Council on Foundations. Advisory committees include representatives from the Arizona Game and Fish Department, tribal governments such as the Hopi Tribe, and municipal partners like the City of Flagstaff.

Funding and Partnerships

Funding streams come from individual memberships, corporate sponsorships from retailers such as REI and Patagonia (company), foundation grants from entities like the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the Walton Family Foundation, and federal assistance programs akin to programs administered by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Federal Highway Administration. Strategic partnerships involve land conservation organizations including the Trust for Public Land, the Nature Conservancy, and statewide entities like the Arizona Land and Water Trust. Collaborative projects have been executed with municipal parks departments such as the Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department and regional trail coalitions including the Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan stakeholders. Philanthropic recognition and awards have included acknowledgments from groups such as the Recreational Trails Program administrators and civic honors bestowed by county boards like the Pima County Board of Supervisors.

Category:Trails in Arizona Category:Non-profit organizations based in Arizona