ABOUT ESWA
Learn what Eagle Summit Wilderness Alliance is all about!
We are dedicated to preserving the four Wilderness areas located in Eagle and Summit County in Colorado. Our work involves creating awareness about the importance of preserving these areas and undertaking initiatives to protect them.
OUR
WORK
We are a 100% volunteer organization. Our volunteers work in five capacities to protect the Wilderness. Our Volunteer Wilderness Rangers educate the public and provide vital statistics to the USFS.
Our Sawyers clear trails of deadfall and our Trail Crews build bridges to help people access and enjoy the Wilderness. Our Advocacy team works with government agencies and other partners to protect and preserve the Wilderness for future generations. Our all-volunteer Leadership Team dedicates thousands of hours each year to lead, manage, and grow the organization.
OUR
HISTORY
Eagle Summit Wilderness Alliance (ESWA) began its life as Friends of the Eagles Nest Wilderness (FENW) in 1994. It was created by local hikers who recognized the need to assist the USFS to protect the Wilderness areas in the Eagle's Nest Wilderness. Currie Craven was our first Chair.
The organization changed its name to Eagle Summit Wilderness Alliance in 2019 due to the fact that the old name no longer reflected the organization since it had grown to protect more than just the Eagle's Nest Wilderness.
PHOTO GALLERY
We have a large collection of Wilderness photography taken by both amateur and professional photographers. Feel free to browse our Google Drive. The photos include our volunteers in action. The Google Drive is organized in folders. You must double click on the folder to drill down. You can navigate back by clicking on the desired folder in the path name at the top of the page just below the search bar.
OUR TEAM
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
Our board is passionate about the Wilderness. We elect a different Chair each year. This helps us bring new ideas and change to the organization on an annual basis.
Board of Directors
2026 Chair
Frances Hartogh
Board of Directors
Zach Kauk
Board of Directors
Mike Sharp
Board of Directors
Anju Sidhu
Board of Directors
Tim Drescher
Board of Directors
Glen Hackemer
Board of Directors
Debbie Snyder
Board of Directors
Joan Betz
Board of Directors
Helena Robinowitz
Board of Directors
Eric Malmborg
Board of Directors
Karn Stiegelmeier
Board of Directors
Mike Browning
Board of Directors
Steve Elder
Board of Directors
Krista Hughes
Board of Directors
Jim Chastain
Board of Directors
Steve Gray
Board of Directors
Jane Harbert
COMMITTEE VOLUNTEERS
Committee Volunteers
Jim Alexander
Grants Lead
Weed Lead
Trails Committee Member
Committee Volunteers
Ellie Finlay
Membership Committee Member
Committee Volunteers
Colleen Gauron
Communication Committee
Web Designer
Committee Volunteers
Dave Brewster
Trails Committee Member
Committee Volunteers
Merry Lynne Hamilton
Membership Committee
Co-Lead
PARTNERS
We partner with the US Forest Service to protect the Wilderness areas in Eagle and Summit County Colorado. The Dillon Ranger District covers Summit County and The Eagle/Holy Cross Ranger District covers Eagle County.
Partners
Tyler Kirkpatrick
US Forest Service
Dillon Ranger District
Partners
Mike Beach
US Forest Service
Eagle/Holy Cross Ranger District
OUR PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS
We work with a number of public and private agencies, organizations, and foundations. The collaboration includes everything from direct funding for ESWA to collaboration in the Forest. Thanks to all of our Partners for helping us preserve and protect the Wilderness!
