Special Interest Groups

Connected or disconnected?

“Trail users often come together to form enthusiastic, like-minded interest groups. These groups offer certain rewards—think camaraderie, trail advocacy and fun social events, all aimed at preserving precious trails. Larger state and national organizations have complex layers with everchanging leadership (presidents, vice presidents etc.), who are usually elected. The upper echelon typically focusses on lobbying and oversight. The grassroots efforts are the ones who really shine. They are the boots on the ground, the hands-on volunteers who work tirelessly on projects, organize fundraising events, and keep the spirit alive.

In a perfect world, the relationship between advocacy groups and public agencies would be seamless and full of appreciation for those who foster long-lasting, respectful dynamics. However, navigating these connections can sometimes be challenging. Personal biases, staff changes, and differing goals and positions can create obstacles. I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with amazing leaders despite facing some difficult situations too. If you sense a gap between your group and agency, diving deeper into the issue could lead to exciting opportunities for growth. Here are some questions to spark meaningful discussion that could lead to better relationships:

How do members and club leaders treat park staff?
Are leaders promoting collaboration with park personnel?
Do club leaders use the proper communication hierarchy with the agency?
What communication style is leadership using with park staff?
Are amenity requests in harmony with park preservation goals?
How does the trail group support change within a park?
How are leaders nurturing strong relationships within their membership?
Are club leaders modeling and promoting lawful and sustainable trail use?
How is leadership encouraging positive dialog on social media?
Are volunteers adhering to park standards and guidelines during work projects?

It is a common misconception that park agencies are required to engage with advocacy groups individually. In reality, while most public land agencies actively work to connect through public stakeholder meetings and through offering broad volunteer opportunities, they are not typically obligated to collaborate with each organized group."

Original content created in 2023