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ABOUT ESWA

Learn what Eagle Summit Wilderness Alliance is all about!

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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.

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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.

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Board of Directors

Zach Kauk

2024 Current Board Chair

Sawyer Committee Lead

Membership Committee Member

VWR Committee Member

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Board of Directors

Karn Stiegelmeier

2023 Past Board Chair

Advocacy Co-Lead

Communication Co-Lead

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Board of Directors

Mike Sharp

Board Treasurer

Fund Development Member

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Board of Directors

Steve Elder

2022 Past Board Chair

WSFF Lead

VWR Committee Member

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Board of Directors

Bill Betz

2019 Past Board Chair

Membership Committee Member

Communications Committee Member

VWR Committee Member

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Board of Directors

Krista Hughes

Advocacy Committee Member

Trails Committee Member

Llama Trips Lead

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Board of Directors

Eric Malmborg

2025 Board Chair Elect

VWR Committee Co-Lead

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Board of Directors

Frances Hartogh

Board Secretary

Advocacy Co-Lead

Communication Co-Lead

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Board of Directors

Mike Browning

2021 Past Board Chair

VWR Committee Co-Lead

Sawyer Committee Member

Membership Committee Member

Trails Committee Member

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Board of Directors

Tim Drescher

2018 Past Board Chair

Advocacy Committee Member

Trails Committee Member

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Board of Directors

Joan Betz

Membership Committee Lead

Communication Committee Member

VWR Committee Member

COMMITTEE VOLUNTEERS

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Committee Volunteers

Jim Alexander

Grants Lead

Weed Lead

Trails Committee Co-Lead

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Committee Volunteers

Ellie Finlay

Membership Committee Member

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Committee Volunteers

Dave Owens

VWR Committee

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Committee Volunteers

Dave Brewster

Trails Committee Co-Lead

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Committee Volunteers

Merry Lynne Hamilton

Membership Committee

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Committee Volunteers

Colleen Gauron

Communication Committee

Web Designer

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.

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Partners

Tyler Kirkpatrick

US Forest Service

Dillon Ranger District

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Partners

Katherine Bazan

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!

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