Eleven People We Love

Meet extraordinary member-activists who have impacted their communities with Leave No Trace. The Center has so much love to spread around that we are honoring 11 people for their 2011 contributions!

Rob Stevens: Rob Stevens worked diligently to bring Leave No Trace awareness and education to Central Arkansas. On the Arkansas River Trail, a 24-mile trail system through Central Arkansas, he volunteered to support the Center’s development of a Leave No Trace program there. In October, Rob and the Traveling Trainers hosted a successful Backyard Session in downtown Little Rock that brought together people interested in strengthening Leave No Trace within their community. Because of Rob’s herculean efforts, Leave No Trace will be the Trail’s minimum-impact education program.

David Polivy: Avid outdoorsman and owner of Tahoe Mountain Sports, Dave Polivy collaborated with the Center to bring a stronger Leave No Trace presence to Lake Tahoe. Dave conducted an online fundraiser through Facebook for the Center and organized Leave No Trace at Snowfest, an annual festival to celebrate winter sports in the area. Working with the Center, David also put together a program for locals to learn more about Leave No Trace winter skills.

Steve Kominsky: Climber and member-activist, Steve Kominsky, incorporated Leave No Trace in his 2011 initiative, The 10in6 Challenge, where he climbed Oregon’s 10 highest mountains in 6 days. He engaged scouts, state parks staff and visitors, as well as others as he traveled through Oregon. Steve organized great press coverage for this event and raised important awareness in Oregon for Leave No Trace.

Rita Hussman: Minnesota State Advocate, Rita Hussman, has offered a constant stream of Leave No Trace training since taking on the volunteer position with the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics. She helped host the Center’s first Minnesota Backyard Session, and facilitated National Public Lands Day participation on behalf of Leave No Trace. She is consistently offering local outreach and truly advocates for Leave No Trace wherever she goes.

Jordan Mammal: U.S. Park Ranger Jordan Mammal led the Washington’s Mount Rainier National Park campaign to have the park’s Paradise Area designated as a 2011 Leave No Trace Hot Spot. Her vision and diligence to coordinate Leave No Trace work ensured that all National Park Service departments and volunteers shared her passion and support for the initiative, making it a great success.

Hamish Morin: Hamish Morin, chair of the Smartwool Advocacy Team, worked closely with the Center to increase awareness about Leave No Trace. Hamish organized community outreach within schools in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, and led efforts to provide Leave No Trace volunteer opportunities to Smartwool employees.

Awanti Sura: Awanti Sura sought out the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics and was a full-time volunteer and intern for six months at the Center’s Colorado hub. With a double Masters in Commerce specializing in Tourism Marketing and International Business, Awanti lent her skills to support constituent communication and education. She left the Center as a Master Educator.

Jeff Marion: Jeff Marion, recreation ecologists with the U.S. Geologic Survey and adjunct faculty at Virginia Tech, wrote a new Leave No Trace publication in 2011 addressing frontcountry environments. A long-standing member of the Center’s Educational Review Committee, Jeff’s volunteerism as well as his scientific research and publications have been important contributions to the organization.

Kelly Pearson: Ardent Leave No Trace supporter, Kelly Pearson, is wilderness tech and volunteer coordinator with the Shawnee National Forest. Kelly was instrumental in the 2011 frontcountry stock pilot Master Educator Course held on the forest. She managed logistics, camping, transportation and provided the key U.S.D.A. Forest Service support needed to make the new course offering a reality.

Paula Booth: Leave No Trace Trainer Paula Booth’s dedication and passion for educating both youth and adults in Leave No Trace has a 15-year history. Her work which began with Leave No Trace training for Cub Scouts and then in the Venturing program, evolved into work with day camps and community events. In 2011 Paula led eight field-based Leave No Trace Trainer Courses.

Reed Waite: Former head of the Washington Water Trails Association, member-activist Reed Waite has not only been a longtime supporter of the Center, but he has also provided important strategic guidance and offers Leave No Trace Trainer Courses in his community. Recently, Reed helped with the Center's Seattle-based Backyard Sessions to build support for the Mount Rainier Hot Spot initiative.