Dear Idaho trail users and friends,

Happy New Year! Here’s to remembering the challenges of 2020 but looking with hope to 2021 and time in our beautiful Idaho backcountry, accessed of course by Idaho’s extensive network of public land trails!

As I begin my tenure with Idaho Trails Association, I am struck by the positive, supportive nature of every single person- volunteer, board member, member at large- I have met to date. It fills me with gratitude that I get to work with such a team and that we have as our common goal helping to take care of the treasure of Idaho’s wildlands.

Our winter membership drive, thanks to you, was a huge success. We grew in our membership numbers, and our longtime members showed their much-appreciated support as well, allowing us to surpass our fundraising goal. With fast-growing numbers of public land users, Idaho’s hiking trails can use all the TLC your dollars can help fund. We thank you!

Project planning for the 2021 season is in full swing. With over 35 projects planned between April and September, growing youth and WOW! programs, and goals to start a veteran’s program, our staff is as busy as we are excited about spring’s arrival. We know our plans are ambitious, but we also know we can succeed, with the support of our members, corporate sponsors, and generous grants. Idaho’s trails are worth it!

If you haven’t yet, consider joining ITA today or encourage a public lands-minded friend or family member to join. With your membership, you are supporting trails across our state and protecting access to Idaho’s wild places. Our 2021 project schedule will come out for ITA members on March 1 and the general public on April 1, so it isn’t too late to join and get the benefit of early access to sign up for a 2021 trip!

Your ITA membership funds:

• Trail Work Projects: educating volunteers in traditional trail work skills and clearing hundreds of miles of trails every year.
• ITA’s Youth Program: inspiring the next generation of public land advocates through backcountry experiences for youth ages 14-18.
• WOW! Women Only Program: organizing female-focused trail maintenance projects.
• Wilderness Monitoring: collecting data on trail conditions for land managers while teaching backpacking skills to volunteers.
• Crew Leader College: training volunteers in trail work and leadership skills.
• Events and Outreach: helping ITA reach new volunteers and areas of Idaho by promoting community engagement.

You can become a member for as little as $25, $50, or $100 a year. Join us in supporting Idaho’s trails today!

Here’s to a great 2021!
Melanie Vining