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Updated on Sep 6, 2024
It’s not every day that we come across an organization that aligns so wholeheartedly with our values. However, this was the case when we connected with Eric Leuder, Grant Manager of RestoreTrails. The organization has a simple yet bold mission to restore and maintain essential OHV trails that have become unusable due to neglect and fire damage. As enthusiasts, we at RealTruck couldn’t think of a better recipient of our Trail Access grant than RestoreTrails.
Now, we’re checking back in with RestoreTrails to celebrate the progress made with the help of RealTruck. Stay tuned for this RealSource feature as we connect with Eric for an update on the organization's mission, recent endeavors, and future goals.
RestoreTrails.org, also known as the Post Wildfire OHV Recovery Alliance, is a non-profit organization operating in California with a simple, selfless mission. The non-profit organization hails from Sonoma County and aims to “protect and restore sustainable multi-use trail recreation from the damaging impacts of intense wildfires and other natural disasters.”
The organization furthers its mission through trail restoration, education and outreach, advocacy, and partnership building.
RealTruck and RestoreTrails share a unique partnership—not just through our donations to further the Post Wildfire OHV Recovery Alliance’s goals, but also through our kindred spirits. As enthusiasts, we at RealTruck understand the importance of nature conservation and preserving the OHV trails that allow tourists and motorists to witness California’s natural beauty—on two and four wheels.
Earlier this year, RestoreTrails earned a 500-dollar Trail Access grant from RealTruck to put toward its efforts. Since then, RestoreTrails has put it toward its ongoing projects.
Our grant went to great use, utilized to aid in the purchase of an enclosed trailer to assist future trail-clearing efforts in the Mendocino National Forest. Thus far, the trailer purchase has been a massive tool to the organization—as stated by Eric Leuder:
"The project goals and objectives were to purchase and outfit an enclosed cargo trailer with grant funds to support Post Wildfire OHV Recovery Alliance AKA RestoreTrails.org volunteer crews and work parties in the Mendocino National Forest to clear and restore trails from thousands of downed trees resulting from recent wildfires."
This is no small feat. This massive endeavor wouldn’t have been possible without the assistance of several dedicated and caring contributors, and we’re ecstatic to be a part of that list. We’re also emphatic to report the massive success of the aforementioned work party.
On June 8, 2024, RestoreTrails hosted a massive work party in the Lake Pillsbury area of the Mendocino National Forest. The party's goal was to attract dedicated volunteers to aid in clearing several fire-damaged and overgrown OHV trails in the area, promoting continued usage.
The work party was a massive success, drawing 35 volunteers who, alongside the project trailer, cleared a whopping 34 miles of trails and safely reopened them for public use for motorcyclists, ATVs, SXS’, mountain bikers, horses, hikers, and hunters. According to Eric Leuder:
"The volunteers were extremely enthusiastic to clear the trails and reopen them for use by the public. Mendocino National Forest staff attended the work party and were grateful for RestoreTrails' leadership and help in providing volunteer labor forces over the past two years to cut and clear trails that were previously closed to the public due to the thousands of downed trees. The project trailer proved to be an extremely useful resource to the team and all were grateful for the funds provided by the Trail Access grant.
Thank you so much for the grant funds and for your patience as we worked through the purchase of the trailer and the scheduling of our work-party event! PWORA-RestoreTrails appreciates your support."
No, Eric, thank you! At RealTruck, we’re proud to share a relationship with such a dedicated group that is doing the hard work on the ground. There’s nothing more inspiring than hearing about fellow enthusiasts and passionate volunteers accomplishing such miraculous feats.
If you’re interested in donating time or funds to RestoreTrails.com and the Post Wildfire OHV Recovery Alliance, visit the organization’s official website and donation page. To volunteer for future work parties in the greater Sonoma Country area, register here.
Thanks again to RestoreTrails/Post Wildfire OHV Recovery Alliance for their hard work and dedication.
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