Board Members

Chair

"I'm a long-time trail user in Duluth; mostly running, but I also bike, hike, and ski, and our trails are a huge part of why I love this area.  I'm interested in DuFTA because I want to work to make sure that our trails are well-taken care of and serve the needs of our community members. in addition, I know we have lots of folks who aren't familiar with our trails, and I'm excited about working to increase the numbers and diversity of people using our trails." 

Secretary

"I love to hike and strongly value local trails that can be used in all locations in our community. I also would like to provide opportunities for individuals that prefer to hike with others or need assistance and cannot hike alone."

Treasurer

"I have 2 young boys and I want to make sure trails are maintained and sustained for my boys and future generations.   With all the additional natural surface trail users we need to make sure we are doing all we can to advocate and support for all those beautiful trails we have in Duluth."

Board Member

"Duluth has an exceptional park and trail system, but as a long-time neighbor of Hartley Park and avid trail user I've often thought there was a need for a group that represented foot trail users, just as there are groups representing other trail user groups. DuFTA fulfills that function."

Board Member

"Since the mid-80's I have been an avid Duluth trail user and use them all. I helped with building the Superior Hiking Trail and then went on to work as Trails Coordinator for the city of Duluth, where I helped marshal through the Duluth Traverse and other trails. Trails get people into our green spaces, and then they begin to care about them and want to protect them. That is my main reason for getting involved in this group." 

Board Member

"DuFTA has a nonprofit status to engage actively and as a strong partner in community outreach, education, and support initiatives as a leader among our neighborhoods and with visitors. Last year, I began as an organization member and now plan to serve on the Board to extend activities by inviting more people to intentionally access our area’s many natural surface trails which appear too under-utilized. Some of that is lack of knowledge of where to go exactly in stepping out onto the trails to hike or run among long-time, visiting, and newer residents, like me. I’m a couple-year Duluth resident on the West side now, who has also lived a bit on the East Side. Some of our hesitation to using trails might be unfamiliarity with topography, needs for types of accessibility accommodations, how to navigate routes, and/or feel comfortable hiking/running by ourselves or finding others to get out. Join us to maintain and build better trail options for ALL."

Board Member

"I am a family oriented trail user who enjoys using the many parks Duluth has to offer on my own, with friends and with my family (including dogs). As an almost daily foot traveler on the diverse trails in our community, I have first hand knowledge of conditions, interactions between user groups and dog issues. My core values align closely with the core values set forth by the DuFTA board. "

Board Member

"I have been an avid runner, hiker, biker, all things outdoors for most of my life. The last few years I have transitioned to include more trail running and am very interested in keeping the trails well taken care of for years to come and generations to enjoy. One of the most special things about being a Duluthian is our access to the outdoors and I want to help keep it that way! " 

Board Member

"I use the Hartley, Lester, Chester trails almost daily and will use them and City trails more after I retire. These trails don't maintain themselves. Consequently, the responsible thing to do is keep them in good shape for everyone as well as me."