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Outdoor Education and Outreach Trustee Needed
There is an opening for the board position of Outdoor Education and Outreach Trustee for the 2025-2026 term.
Please contact the nominating committee chair Julia Carroll at juliamace1993@gmail.com
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December & January Events
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Canoe trip on the Suwannee River, Georgia
Host: Linda Conrad
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Tyee: private youth event
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Hopkins Demonstration Forest Tour
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Dec 26 - Jan 5, Thurs-Sun
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Tyee open for Members - Holiday Week
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Hosts: Sheryl Wagner, Olivia Bakke, Lori Leach
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Nesika open for New Years
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Come ring in the 2025 new year at Nesika Lodge!
Host: Pete Recksiek
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New Full Members:
Jimmy Leach
Susan Gillespie
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Photo: Eric Zimmerman - Weisendanger Falls
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Photo: Eric Zimmerman - Multnomah Creek
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Photo: Juergen Steinhart - Nesika work trip
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New Larch Mountain Trail Bridge (by USFS)
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Trails Club of Oregon Board Meeting Minutes
Date: 11/12/2024 Time: 7:00-9:00 PM Location: zoom
Attendees:
President: Bev Drottar
Vice President: Jennifer Samuels
Secretary: Rebecca Knudeson
Publications: Joel Reitz
Membership: Lori Leach
Tyee Trustee: Paul Cutter
Nesika Trustee: Pete Recksiek
Trips Trustee: Craig Gwydir
Social Trustee: Vacant
Absent:
Treasurer: Nicole Rogers
REGULAR BUSINESS
Minutes were approved by email prior to the Blazer publication.
On 10/16/2024, the board approved Catlin Gabel High School’s use of Tyee on June 22-28,
2025. Paul will host.
Treasurer, Nicole via email
Beginning Balance, 10/31: $11,377.54
Checks and Payment: 1,262.22
Deposits and Credits: 434.06
Cleared Balance: 10,549.38
Complete reports can be found by the Board in Dropbox:
The most current Fidelity statement value is $461,481.
Three new membership applications were uploaded on 11/7/24 to: Membership Applications -
Dropbox
Membership, Lori
First Readings:
Sarah Madsen, Sponsored by Chris Anderson and Linda Conrad
Nicole Defever, Sponsored by Paul Cutter and Jeff Lawton
Mark Fowler, Sponsored by Chris Anderson and Linda Conrad
Second Readings, all approved unanimously:
Jimmy Leach, Sponsored by Eric Zimmerman and Pete Recksiek
Susan Gillespie, Sponsored by Trisha Schultz and Nicole Rogers
Total membership: 269
8 Golden, 3 Junior, 34 Life, 2 Life/Golden, 16 Provisional, 206 Regular
Publications, Joel
Joel is continuing to edit the Blazer.
Nesika, Pete
On October 4-6, a volunteer weekend was hosted by Pete Recksiek and Trisha Schultz with Trish and Nina planning and prepping meals for 16 volunteers. The hole in road surface near Multnomah Creek Bridge was repaired, dorm basement lights installed and trails cleared to Cougar Rock and Franklin Ridge Connector.
On October 25-27, Nesika Halloween weekend was hosted by Glen and Linda Conrad. Adults and kids hiked and enjoyed the area. The hydraulic fluid was changed in the tractor.
November 2-3 was a volunteer weekend hosted by Linda and Glen Conrad. Dorm insulation was purchased and delivered ($1,300 paid by private donor), half of the dorm was insulated. Trails and the road were cleared of brush. The valve was dug up in front of the propane bunker. A leak that was found was replaced during the next work trip. The water remained shut off and the wood was stacked in lodge.
The volunteer weekend on November 9-11 was hosted by Pete Recksiek. Nina, Nora and Sue planned and prepped meals for 16 volunteers over the 3 days. Dorm insulation was almost complete with only a few more panels left. The hole in the road surface near the Ornament Trail was identified and repaired. The water system repair was completed and the system shut down for the winter. An area was cleared so Dave Lechter will be able to plant pine saplings in spring. The tractor’s solenoid failed and needs to be replaced. The gear had to be carried out by hand.
Tyee, Paul
Early in the month, Sheryl Wagner completed the games room mural. It's impressive. A laminate floor was donated and laid and baseboards installed. A 3 game table was donated, completing the games room. The lean-to at the rear of the lodge was completed. Thanks to Richard Gaunt for the framing, Lori Leach for the siding, and Bill Rude for leading the roofing. Paul appreciates all three. Lori has worked on the hearth. The final work party saw 12 members and guests cut and split approximately three cords of wood for the 2026 (and ’27 ??) seasons.
Three matching lights were installed in the kitchen. The food dehydration class was cancelled due to lack of participants.
Trips, Craig
We had 1 membership hike, the Bull Run Tour, and the Wednesday Evening Conditioning Hikes during the month of October. The TCO Hike Leaders Zoom Meeting resumed in October. The TCO Stormy Trails Restoration Committee completed restoration of the Nesika Lodge/Franklin Ridge Connector Trail. This 0.5 mile trail route has already appeared within the map layers of popular hiking apps. The following trails were brushed and are now clear: Cougar Rock, High Water and the Ornament Trail. Thank you to those folks who have kept these trails clear. Please email tripschair@trailsclub.org if you are interested in assisting with trail work, including trail scouting, restoration and maintenance.
Call for help: If you are interested in learning about adventures on the Multnomah Plateau and willing to help co-lead hikes and/or join a TCO trips planning committee, please join our "TCO Hike Leaders Meeting" on Zoom this month, or send questions to tripschair@trailsclub.org.
Outdoor Education and Outreach Committee, Julia Carroll via email
Outdoor Education Committee (Previously the Outreach Committee) did not hold a meeting in October. The 2024 Annual Report for the Outdoor Education Committee has been submitted to the board. At this time the TCO board is absorbing the work of this committee into a new board position and the chair position is open.
Nominating Committee, Julia Carroll via email
There was no activity this last month. Julia was not contacted by any TCO members regarding the open positions. With the end of the year approaching she is stepping down from the nominating committee. Thank you to members who supported the club this year in our efforts to fill open positions.
History Committee, Linda Conrad
Linda will have posters to share and a little history story at the Annual Meeting.
OLD BUSINESS
1. 501.3c Status Lori
Links to the Restated Articles of Incorporation and Revised Bylaws have been added to the website. Meeting announcements were sent through the Blazer and by USPS to all members, with QR codes for the documents. Lori has been in contact with StartChurch, informing them of our upcoming vote. She will update them on the vote results. Providing the Restated Articles of Incorporation and Revised Bylaws are adopted by the membership, Lori will send the Articles of Incorporation to the Oregon Secretary of State, Corporation Division for approval. StartChurch reminded her of their recommendation to file without members. She explained that we have agreed to first submit “with members,” as other similar outdoor organizations do have members. If necessary, we can resubmit “without members.”
2. TCO Pet policy: moved, seconded and passed (7 approved and 1 abstained) the following policy:
<This policy is subject to change - send your opinions to: President@TrailsClub.org>
Due to an interest in pets accompanying members and non-members on hikes, work trips and outings to Tyee and Nesika Lodges, the following policies regarding pets will be in effect:
• Pets are not permitted in lodges or dorms
• One pet limit per member or non-member during lodge visits
• Service pets are permitted in lodges and dorms, though must be accompanied by TCO member/guest at all times
• Leashes are not required for pets on lodge grounds, though TCO members/guests are expected to use good judgment if restraint is necessary
• Trails Club of Oregon is not responsible for injuries to pets during work trips, hikes or lodge outings
• TCO members/guests are required to clean up after pets by burying waste at least 6” deep and 100 feet from lodges or dorms
• Pet food shall not be left unattended overnight to prevent attracting rodents
• TCO hosts reserve the right to bar troublesome pets on future events. Examples of a troublesome pet would be loud, aggressive toward members, guests or other pets, smelly, frisky, etc
NEW BUSINESS
1. We discussed the 2025 budget.
2. We have definite confirmation for the Annual Meeting at old Boy Scout office on Sunday, Nov 17 at 2 PM.
Power point presentations for annual meeting should be sent to Lori by 11/14.
Bev will do coffee and hot water/tea. Rebecca will set up tables for sweets and have plates and forks. Lori will come early to help.
Meeting adjourned at 9:06
Next meeting: Holiday Potluck dinner at Beverly’s Sunday Dec 15th . Business meeting will be
available on zoom about 7:00.
Submitted by Rebecca Knudeson, Secretary
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Trails Club of Oregon Annual Meeting Minutes
Date: 11/17/24 Time: 2:15 PM Location: Boy Scouts Pacific Council Building
Board Members present:
President: Bev Drottar
Secretary: Rebecca Knudeson
Publications Trustee: Joel Reitz
Membership Trustee: Lori Leach
Tyee Trustee: Paul Cutter
Trips Trustee: Craig Gwydir
Board Members absent:
Vice President: Jennifer Samuels
Treasurer: Nicole Rogers
Nesika Trustee: Pete Recksiek
Total TCO voting eligible members present: 27
REGULAR BUSINESS
Financial Report (Nicole Rogers’ report presented by President)
Income, Nov. 23-Oct. 24
Membership $10,895.83
Nesika 2,555.02
Tyee 11,787.90
Trips 416.95
Social Committee 0.00
Transfer from Memorial Fund 0.00
Merchandise 40.00
Gifts/Funds Received 822.99
Total Income 27,096.69
Expenses
Admin 2,894.83
Membership 287.60
Nesika 14,967.04
Tyee 9,022.10
Memorial Fund Reimbursement 614.62
Social Committee 0.00
Publications 1,153.20
History Committee 0.00
Total Expenses 32,939.39
Net Ordinary Income -5842.70
Bev commented that we are working to maintain a limited deficit which is funded by income
from our investment account established a few decades ago when TCO sold land bordering
Nesika to the Forest Service.
Summaries of the year’s activities were presented by:
Publication Chair, Membership Chair, Tyee Trustee, Nesika Trustee (Pete Recksiek’s report read
by President), Trips Trustee, Outdoor Education and Outreach Committee (Julia Carroll’s report
read by President), Conservation Committee (Candace Bonner and Dave Letcher), History
Committee (Linda Conrad), Leave No Trace Committee (Doloros Niebergall’s report read by
President).
High Miler Award: Cathy Dragetch (2,030 miles)
NEW BUSINESS
Revised Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws Vote
Copies of the old Bylaws/Articles of Incorporation and the revised Bylaws/Articles of
Incorporation were available online prior to the meeting and at the meeting on paper. We held a
discussion about the change of Bylaws and Articles of Incorporation.
It was moved and seconded to adopt the new Bylaws and Articles of Incorporation: 26 in favor,
1 opposed.
Election of Board Positions:
Vice President, Eric Zimmerman, 19 by write in
Secretary, Rebecca Knudeson, 25 in favor
Publication Trustee, Joel Reitz, 24 in favor, 1 abstention
Outdoor Education and Outreach Trustee, no nominees
Adjorned at 3:15
Submitted by Rebecca Knudeson, Secretary
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Outdoor Education and Outreach
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For activities such as bicycle, snowshoe, and XC skiing check with the leaders for the difficulty level. Good equipment for the specific activity is required for all events. For hikes, snowshoes:
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- Class A - Shorter, less strenuous activity, typically 4 to 8 miles, less than 1500 feet elevation gain.
- Class B - Moderate to difficult, typically 6 to 12 miles, up to 3000 feet of elevation gain.
- Class C - Long and difficult, strong experienced participants only, typically over 8 miles, and over 3000 feet of elevation gain. Boots are recommended for B/C hikes.
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Harsh conditions may increase the exertion and skill required; be prepared. Contact the trip leader if you have any questions and to let him or her know that you will be attending. Bring the 10 Essentials and please, no alcohol. Pets allowed on designated trips only.
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Stay with the group and follow the leader. The leader is responsible for the group's safety. The leader determines which route is taken. The leader has authority to determine if a participant is prepared for the activity. Group safety must come first.
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There is no charge to Trails Club members for day activities; non-members pay $2. Please contribute to any carpooling expenses at the rate of $.20 per mile. With multiple riders the driver can collect up to $.50 per mile shared by all the riders. Other fees may apply.
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If you have RSVP'd for an activity at a lodge involving food expense and are unable to participate, you are obligated to do one of the following: Cancel before the food is purchased, find someone to take your place, or pay for your share of the food.
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All activities must be approved by the appropriate activity coordinator or the Trips Trustee.
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P.O. Box 67095
Portland, OR 97268-1095
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Organized 1915 Incorporated 1923
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Member of the Federation of Western Outdoors Clubs (FWOC)
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Electronic subscripton is included with membership.
Send address changes and club correspondence to:
Membership@TrailsClub.org or the address above.
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The purpose of the Trails Club is to foster and stimulate interest in hiking, climbing, skiing, camping and
other similar outdoor activities and to promote activities of a social nature for the benefit of its members.
The Club’s interests and concerns are conservation of natural beauty and resources of the country.
All Club activities are affected by the voluntary participation of the members.
Membership requirements include an approved outdoor activity, a scheduled lodge visit, recommendations by two members within a one-year period, approval by the Board of Trustees, and payment of $50 in dues and a $15 entrance fee.
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Usually first Tuesday of the month when the date is at least the 4th, 7:00pm, over Zoom.
See the calendar on the TCO website for the link if you wish to attend.
Contact the President prior to a meeting if you have an issue to bring to the board.
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Trails Club of Oregon & Meetup Websites
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Our website (TrailsClub.org) is the official site for club events and information.
There is also a Trails Club Meetup site that allows event planners to organize TCO events online, and
publicize these events to a wider audience (Meetup.com/Trails-Club-ofOregon/events/).
However, all events posted on the TCO Meetup site should be added to our TCO website as well.
While we try to get every event in the Trail Blazer and on the Trails Club website (www.trailsclub.org), some events, especially those planned on short notice, may not appear in The Blazer.
Use the Calendar menu item for a listing of events.
Registration on the website is not required to view the events.
Also: All may use the Payment menu item on our website to pay your membership dues.
You can pay for all members in a household in one transaction.
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Send write-ups to: Blazer@TrailsClub.org
Submissions are due by the fifteenth of the month prior to publication.
Trail Blazer Editor: Lee Ko
Send pictures, new events, corrections and anything else for the
Trails Club of Oregon website to: webmaster@TrailsClub.org
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