Marking ten years of hard work and success in protecting multiple-use access to trails in the Rocky Mountain Region, the Trails Preservation Alliance (TPA) has elected a new board of directors to bring fresh energy to pursuing its mission of preserving and expanding motorcycle trail riding in the Rockies.
Don Riggle, the founder of TPA, remains in place as an uncompensated Director of Operations and board member. Jason Elliott continues on the board and is now Chairman for a two-year term. Scott Bright, Dennis Larratt, and Ned Suesse join and complete the board, each bringing their passion and experience to push the TPA into a new chapter. In addition, the TPA would like to thank Doug Drussel and Steve Matthiesen for ten years of service and leadership on the board.
The TPA approaches its mission with three essential elements: support of local motorcycle clubs, direct statewide advocacy, and legal action. The TPA vision is to continue this approach, and follow the model of other advocacy organizations by adding a salaried executive director. “Don Riggle has worked tirelessly for many years without pay to protect the riding we love,” said Suesse. “However, there is only one Don Riggle and at some point, he will take a step back. All of us who love riding need to step forward and share the load,” Ned said.
The primary priority for the TPA, a 501(c) 3 organization, is to continue the work in which it is already involved. Engaging in lawsuits that impact riders statewide, researching and preparing comments and involvement in Forest Plan revisions and Travel Management plans, raising the profile of motorized recreation at both the state and federal levels, and supporting clubs that are working to open new trails and defend old ones across the state. The TPA will also continue to promote the Colorado 600/Trails Awareness Symposium as its marquee event that serves to showcase off-road motorcycling and raise funds for its mission.
Additionally, the board will begin searching for the right person to take over the Executive Director role, and to raise an endowment that will allow TPA to hire that person when found. “When we look at how effective some of the anti-access groups are, we believe we need to learn something from them,” says Bright. “The motorized recreation industry is far bigger than many special interest groups, yet to date, we have relied on volunteers for the bulk of our work. We believe the time has come to change that and support an effective and sustainable organization.”
To learn more about the Colorado TPA, to make a tax-deductible donation, or to see a complete record of its successes and ongoing actions, visit https://www.coloradotpa.org.
Contact: Jason Elliott
info@coloradotpa.org
719-332-8456
P.O. Box 38093
Colorado Springs, CO 80937