Oak Tree Canyon Trailhead Now Open

On Friday, December 16 the Arizona Trail Association celebrated the grand opening of the Oak Tree Canyon Trailhead on the Coronado National Forest north of the town of Sonoita. This once-popular parking area had been closed for nearly 20 years due to natural and cultural resource impacts from off-highway vehicles. The ATA has been diligently to restore public access, and we were delighted to have been granted permission to construct a trailhead at this scenic location. In addition to earthwork and steel fence construction, the trailhead also includes two steel gates and an interpretive kiosk that celebrates the Santa Rita Mountains as a cultural landscape that was developed in collaboration with the Tohono O’odham Nation.

Oak Tree Canyon is located just west of Hwy 83 between mile posts 44 and 43, north of Gardner Canyon Road. The trailhead provides ideal access to the oak woodlands of the Santa Rita Mountains — just follow FR 4037 for one mile to the AZT. The trailhead is large enough to accommodate up to 40 passenger cars plus 8 trucks and horse trailers.

The Grand Opening Celebration was attended by nearly 75 people, including Arizona Trail staff and trail stewards; Coronado National Forest employees; representatives from the Tohono O’odham Nation; youth and teachers from the ATA’s Seeds of Stewardship program; volunteers; and trail enthusiasts from far and near (hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians were there) — all of whom were delighted to see access restored to this important area. On the morning of the grand opening, just as staff and indigenous guests were arriving to prepare for the gathering, a golden eagle flew overhead. We hope you visit this location soon and enjoy all the blessings that Ce:wi Duag (Santa Rita Mountains) have to offer.

Our most sincere gratitude to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona for providing the funding in honor of Dr. Lattie Coor to help make this trailhead construction project possible.

Save the Date – Annual Meeting – March 5

You are invited to attend the Arizona Trail Association’s 29th Annual Meeting on Sunday, March 5 at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, Arizona. ATA Board and Staff will highlight some of greatest accomplishments from 2022, honor outstanding volunteers and agency partners, hear from guest speakers, and much more.

The event will happen from 10 am – 1 pm and will include breakout session where you can participate in important conversations about organizational priorities and plans for 2023 and beyond. Then, we will enjoy lunch together in the beautiful courtyard surrounded by lush desert plant species.

Tickets will be available for purchase online in early 2023 at aztrail.org. But for now, please save the date and plan to join us for this important annual event. For those unable to attend in person, the annual meeting will be recorded and posted to our YouTube channel.

Trail Skills Institute Dates for 2023

Are you interested in learning more about properly monitoring, maintaining and constructing trails? Are you a steward of the Arizona Trail or are you interested in helping out with trail projects? Do you like to get your hands dirty while learning valuable skills at the same time? Well then make your reservations today for the upcoming trail trainings! Dates and modules for the first half of 2023 include:

February 11-12
Module 1 & 2: Monitoring and Maintenance
Passage 15: Tortilla Mountains

April 1-2
Module 4: Trail Layout and Design
Location: TBA

April 15-16
Module 5: Trail Construction
Location: TBA (includes Module 4 as a Design/Build Series)

May 6-7
Module 3: Rockwork
Location: Highline

May 20-21
Module 1&2: Monitoring and Maintenance
Location: Northern AZ

June 3
Module 6: Obliteration and Restoration
Location: Walnut Canyon

This innovative training offered in partnership with Flagline Trails teaches valuable skills to volunteers, including those who have been involved in trail projects for many years. Drawing upon thousands of hours on the trail and in the classroom, including some of the most daunting trail projects you can imagine, professional trail builders will inspire, educate, and give you the skills you need to be an effective steward and trail volunteer. From learning more about arid lands hydrology and how it relates to trail sustainability, to building rock check dams and realigning portions of poorly built trail, these sessions include time-tested techniques and innovative principles.

Each training will take place entirely outdoors, with a focus on experiential learning. While there will be talks and demonstrations, the instructors have found that classroom time is never as valuable as time on the trail and a PowerPoint is no replacement for a pick mattock. Each training session is designed to benefit veteran trail dogs and first timers alike. This is accomplished through various modules presented within the trainings.

Learn more and register today on the Trail Skills Institute page of our website.

Arizona Trail Bolo Ties

After the introduction of our popular AZT earrings last year, we are proud to offer these handsome bolo ties! Each piece is made from lightweight recycled silver and copper and lovingly hand-crafted by Flagstaff artist Ryanne Sebern. Treat yourself or a friend with this small and sweet gift and take the trail with you wherever you go.

Bolos measure 7/8″ long by 3/4″ wide and include an adjustable leather tie for $89 each. Check out the other fine jewelry, hats, winter toques, books and other AZT Merchandise on our STORE page.

BUY AZT BOLO TIE

If You Have an Individual Retirement Account Please Donate a Portion of Your Required Minimum Distribution to the ATA

Larry Simkins Photo

Distributions from a traditional Individual Retirement Account (IRA) are taxable in the year the account owner receives them, but making a qualified charitable distribution (QCD) is one of the few exceptions. If you are 70 ½ or older and have an IRA, please consider making a QCD before the end of the year.

A QCD is a nontaxable distribution made directly by the trustee of an IRA to organizations that are eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions. Making a QCD can benefit the taxpayer by reducing your taxable income while you support organizations like the Arizona Trail Association. You don’t have to worry about meeting the standard deduction or itemizing deductions with a QCD.

QCD Guidelines (from IRS.gov)

Taxpayers who make a QCD must be at least 70½ years old on the day of the distribution.
A QCD will count toward a required minimum distribution.
The taxpayer must have an acknowledgement of the contribution.
The amount of the QCD can’t be more than the amount of the distribution that would count as income.
Declare the QCD as income to claim the charitable contribution as a deduction.
The maximum annual exclusion for QCDs is $100,000.
- When filing a joint return, the spouse can also have a QCD and exclude up to $100,000.
- Any QCD more than the $100,000 exclusion limit counts as income like any other distribution.
The amount of QCD contribution limits for exclusion reduce after age 70½.

With only one week left in 2022, please consider a QCD to the Arizona Trail Association if you qualify.

Pioneer Title Agency is a proud supporter of the Arizona Trail Association.

Pioneer Title Agency is a full-service company with an operating philosophy of “Commitment to Service.” Pioneer Title Agency provides title insurance, escrow, account serving, trustee sales, as well as builder related trust services. They have more than 70 offices throughout the state of Arizona. Pioneer Title Agency sponsors the Arizona Trail Completion Award, allowing us to provide unique copper belt buckles to anyone who finishes the 800-mile Arizona Trail.

Pioneer Title Agency is a Legacy Partner of the Arizona Trail Association.

Please support the businesses that support the ATA & the AZT!

Copyright © 2022 Arizona Trail Association. All rights reserved.

Arizona Trail Association
738 N. 5th Avenue, Suite 201
Tucson, Arizona 85705
www.aztrail.org

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