Tahoe Rim Trail celebrates 35 years with a fundraiser

The Tahoe Rim Trail took root 35 years ago as the Tahoe Basin experienced an influx in outdoor recreation on public lands.

As recreational opportunities in the Basin grew, the Tahoe Rim Trail Association was formed in 1981 to carry a unified vision forward; a long-distance trail which would circumnavigate Lake Tahoe from the ridge tops of the surrounding mountain ranges.

“Thirty-five years later, the Tahoe Rim Trail Association continues to carry the early vision forward as today, the Tahoe Rim Trail experiences a significant increase in use on the 170 mile trail system. As the main steward of this treasured national resource, the TRTA is reaching out for community support to ensure we can continue to fulfill our mission, ‘To maintain and enhance the Tahoe Rim Trail system, practice and inspire stewardship and preserve access to the natural beauty of the Tahoe region,’” spokeswoman Shannon Skarritt said.

The association is celebrating its 35th year with a fundraiser 5-8 p.m. Oct. 11 at the Toiyabe Golf Club in Washoe Valley.

“The celebratory event will showcase the organization’s evolution and will raise support and awareness for the preservation and legacy of the Tahoe Rim Trail,” Skarritt said. “In addition, the event will commemorate the 15th anniversary of the construction of the initial 165 mile loop on Sept. 22, 2001. From 1984 to 2001 more than 15,000 volunteers dedicated 200,000 hours to make the 165 mile Tahoe Rim Trail. Today, the support of 300 to 500 annual volunteers continues to champion the mission of the TRTA through trail improvements, education and stewardship.”

Immediately following will be a commemorative State of the Trail address looking back over the past 35 years of success and envisioning how the TRTA will capitalize on that success for the Tahoe Rim Trail’s future. Tickets can be purchased at www.tahoerimtrail.org for $50.

“The Tahoe Rim Trail Association would like to thank our event sponsors for making the 35th Annual Celebration & Fundraiser possible: NV Energy, Panda Printing, Sundance Books & Music, and Southern Wine & Spirits,” Skarritt said.