When applying for a Pacific Crest Trail thru-hike permit, you have the option of also joining the Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA).
Since I am taking advantage of the countless man-hours needed to maintain this 2,600 mile long trail across the country, I decided it would be only fitting that I provide a donation and join the ranks of the PCTA.
Today I received a letter affirming my joining of the PCTA community, and along with the letter I was pleased to find a PCT sticker (I don't know why, but I like stickers) and a map of the trail (wall space will need to be made available). Apparently the PCTA magazine, the PCT Communicator, should also be on its way (not sure how I feel about that name). Hopefully it arrives before I start my trek into the desert.
According to the letter my donation is being used for the following purposes:
- The advocation of federal funds to purchase 200 miles of the PCT still on private property (just give the government your land already!).
- Organization of trail repair work to reach their goal of 100% trail maintenance (currently gremlins and bridge trolls are holding out on approximately 10% of the trail).
- To promote the trail via their new website (which is far superior to their old website).
- To work with the Forest Service to ensure the entire trail is safe to use (aka free of man-eating bears and booby traps).
To join the PCTA you can check out their website at PCTA.org (link opens in new window).