This year, ITA introduced the Golden Hard Hat Award to recognize volunteers who go above and beyond in their dedication to Idaho’s trails. We’re excited to celebrate our four outstanding recipients: Barry Miller, Don McIntosh, Rodney Waller, and James Grantham! Thank you for your hard work, commitment, and all you do to keep Idaho’s trails open for everyone.

Barry Miller

Barry has been volunteering with Idaho Trails Association since 2016, contributing an incredible 217 trail work days across 43 projects, many of them with our Youth Trail Crew Program. He’s one of just three ITA volunteers to surpass the 200-day milestone, an amazing testament to his dedication to keeping Idaho’s trails open and accessible for everyone! This summer, Barry put his construction skills and extensive experience leading ITA crews to work by taking the lead on two bridge projects. His knowledge, leadership, and willingness to tackle challenging projects make him an invaluable part of the ITA community.

James Grantham

James has been volunteering with ITA for years, but this season, he really stepped up when we needed him most! With just a few weeks notice during the busiest stretch of project season, James jumped in to help lead our all-boys backpacking trip. And because trail work loves a plot twist, a major slide took out the road to our project site just 12 hours before the trip was set to begin. Instead of backing down, James problem-solved his way through the chaos and showed up ready to lead. His flexibility, calm under pressure, and commitment to creating meaningful outdoor experiences for young people made him an incredible addition to the team. Since 2023, James has completed 14 ITA projects and 64 trail work days, helping keep Idaho’s trails open and accessible for everyone. We’re so grateful to have leaders like James in our corner!

Don McIntosh

Don has shown great dedication to ITA by taking on some of North Idaho’s longest and most challenging trail projects. Don has been volunteering with ITA for ten years, contributing an incredible 112 trail work days. His sustained commitment to opening trails along the St. Joe River stands out, especially this year, when he returned in September with a small crew to finish opening trail after two weeklong projects couldn’t complete the work. Don also supported other backcountry trips this season with his plane, helping make challenging projects possible. Thank you, Don, for your persistence, generosity, and years of dedication to Idaho’s trails!

Rodney Waller

Rodney jumped right into ITA, starting as a deputy crew leader this season and finishing by leading his own project as head leader! He also took on a new challenge as cook for a weeklong backcountry trip, recruiting his neighbor to help feed a crew of 12, including five teenage boys. Since joining ITA in 2025, Rodney has participated in 11 projects and contributed 50 trail work days. We’re grateful for his enthusiasm, willingness to try new things, and eagerness to step up wherever he’s needed. We’re excited to see where his trail leadership takes him next!