DNR Volunteer Heroes are at it again! Annual Great Gravel Pack-In

At DNR, we could not do the work we do without the help of our volunteers statewide.

The Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark presents an annual Volunteer Hero Award to honor extraordinary volunteers who demonstrate leadership and commitment in their service to the DNR Volunteer Program.

The time of year has come where our Volunteer Heroes are at it again. They just can’t help leading volunteer efforts and they are looking for people who are willing to strap on their work gloves and join in the work.

Volunteer Hero Ed Haefliger
In 2013, DNR honored two Volunteer Heroes for sustained service, superior performance, and leadership. Today, we’re excited to announce the continued efforts of one of our Volunteer Heroes, Ed Haefliger.

Ed is said to be “the man behind the Great Gravel Pack-In”. He was instrumental in making this event the largest equestrian volunteer event in our state.

As our equestrian volunteers often commit their efforts to manage trails deep in the mountains and forests, this event helps bring awareness to the vast contribution they make to DNR-managed recreation lands.

Ed’s charisma and dedication to this event has helped make it an annual staple that our volunteers look forward to all year.

9th Annual Great Gravel Pack-In
Today, the Great Gravel Pack-In attracts volunteer work from the off-road vehicle (ORV) community, mountain bike users, and hikers alike.

They work together to improve trails and campgrounds in the Capitol State Forest.

True to Ed’s vision, the Great Gravel Pack-In has become an annual tradition that showcases and celebrates the value of volunteers and importance of cooperative efforts.

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