As published in the November 2014 issue of TrailBlazer
Ed Haefliger is the epitome of a trail warrior. He’s the lead volunteer packer for the Olympic National Park, where he was recognized by President Obama with the President’s Call to Service Award for his more than 4,000 hours of volunteer time. Ed also received the Volunteer Hero Award honoring extraordinary volunteers from Washington State DNR Commissioner Peter Goldmark for his efforts in creating and maintaining the “Great Gravel Haul,” a multi-user group work party that repairs trails at Capitol State Forest in Washington.
Ed has been a mule-and- horse packer for 16 years and knew that by pulling together hikers, bikers, ATV riders and equestrians, more work could be done. After organizing the program for 12 years, he turned the reins over to his successor this year. However, Ed still planned the mule-and-horse gravel carry. Ed, a retired fireman, is 71 years young. Thank you Ed for leading the call to save our trails for all users to enjoy!
