Lifetime Achievement Award for Trailblazer Bill Haire

Under the energetic leadership of Bill Haire, the Nevada County Land Trust trails program has been steadily gaining ground since 2003, when Haire was appointed Trails Coordinator.  The program has been successful in obtaining easements for trails, planning and constructing trails, securing grants for new trail construction, and maintaining the trails already built, including those in regular use by area residents.  Because of his efforts, local residents and visitors have 10 miles of trails to enjoy in our community.
 
On May 11, 2007 the Lifetime Professional Achievement Award was granted to Haire at the 22nd California Trails and Greenways Conference.  Haire served as the District Resource Officer for what is now the Yuba River Ranger District of the Tahoe National Forest, from 1977 until retiring in 2003.  During his career in the Forest Service, Haire managed over 500 miles of trails and was integral in developing a trail system which would meet the needs of a growing population.
 
In both his career with the Forest Service and his work with the Land Trust, Haire has clearly demonstrated a professional understanding of environmental sustainability, as well as the social benefits of trails.  With his expertise, Haire has partnered with private land owners, government entities, elected officials, and chambers of commerce in dealing with the funding requirements, land title issues and other legal requirements associated with getting a trail built.