More than 100 people attended the Pacific Crest Trail Association’s 2016 annual meeting on April 16 at our headquarters in Sacramento. It was great to see all of you. Your support truly matters to the trail and the people who use it, and your attendance – the largest group we’ve seen at an annual meeting – proves that our association is strong and getting stronger.

“If we don’t have people who love the trail, we aren’t going to get the support we need to take care of the trail,” Liz Bergeron, PCTA executive director and CEO, told the gathering.

Just look at the numbers. You can read more about them in our 2015 Annual Report, but it’s remarkable that you volunteered more than 96,000 hours of your time last year and collectively gave $2.3 million to support the association’s work in trail maintenance, protection and promotion.

“You all are the people who make the difference,” said Beth Boyst, PCT program manager for the U.S. Forest Service. “In terms of service to the country and protection of the experience, you make that happen.”

Mike Dawson, director of trail operations, echoed those sentiments. “It’s been a great year and we’ve accomplished a lot and we’re ready for 2016,” he said.

One of those accomplishments was the replacement of a new PCT monument at the southern terminus near Campo, California. Mark Conley, wilderness and National Conservation Lands System program manager for the Bureau of Land Management, took a moment to thank all the volunteers who worked to make the project a success.

Watch a recording of the Annual Meeting

John Crawford, PCTA Board of Directors chair, certified the results of the association’s recent board elections. You reelected Crawford, Denise Gilbert, and John Hoffnagle for additional three-year terms and elected Priscilla Franco and Ken Schwarz for their first three-year terms.

Crawford also had an emotional goodbye to board member Eric Ryback, whose second term expires this month. Ryback, famous for the first thru-hike in 1970 and his book about it, The High Adventure of Eric Ryback, will be missed, Crawford said. Ryback, who created and sponsors the PCT completion medals program was unable to attend the meeting.

“I read his book as a high school senior and said I’m going to do the trail someday,” Crawford said. “He’s been very important to the history of the trail, and especially for my generation, inspiring people to hike it.”

Angie Williamson, director of philanthropy, noted the increase in membership, “up 18 percent to 11,600 members at the end of 2015. “

“This growing membership is a stronger voice for the trail,” she said. “It’s no coincidence that we were able to do more for the trail. It’s because of your generosity.”

After the meeting, folks gathered for an open house to socialize and enjoy some refreshments, including wine from PCTA corporate sponsor Barefoot Winery.

Many thanks for all you do for the trail.

The day started with a board meeting

Then transitioned to the Annual Meeting

And ended with our open house gathering