Are you ready to contribute your broad knowledge of geographic, technical, or professional areas of expertise for an Oregon legacy project?  Can you balance interests among seven counties, 29 incorporated cities and many community organizations to actively support the development and stewardship of a coast-wide hiking trail? Well, then Join us! 

BOARD STRUCTURE:  Of our nine (9) board positions, five (5) board stewards are appointed by the Oregon Coast Visitors Association, and four (4) fundraisers are elected by sitting Oregon Coast Trail (OCT) Foundation Board Stewards.  We attempt to balance board skills with geographic representation of the entire coast.  At times, needed skills sets and expertise may be prioritized over geography.  

CURRENT FUND DEVELOPMENT GOALS INCLUDE: (1) developing new trail segments to eliminate hiking along highways; (2) enhancing capacity for trail maintenance , (3) developing Increased transportation options, such as water taxis.

BOARD MEMBER RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

Fulfill OCT Foundation’s purpose:  … to solicit, receive and distribute funding for projects to complete, improve and maintain the infrastructure of the Oregon Coast Trail and connecting recreational trails while highlighting and respecting the land’s cultural significance, and supporting educational opportunities.

Working board.  The OCT Foundation has a “working board” which contributes “Time, Talent and Treasure” to OCTF top priorities.  It is expected that you assist OCTF with connecting to stakeholders in the geographic area you represent to help us network, increase name recognition, recruit membership, and offer wisdom!

Attend quarterly meetings.  Quarterly meetings rotate among north, central and south coastal locations, and are scheduled to coincide with  OCVA quarterly board meetings.  Board members may incur travel expenses associated with attending these meetings. Options are provided for attending meetings virtually. 

If you are interested in applying to join the OCTF Board, please fill out and submit this form.

Please also upload a letter of interest to the aforementioned form or email your letter highlighting your skills and experience along with your current contact information to: Marcus Hinz, Executive Director, Oregon Coast Visitors Association, Director@ThePeoplesCoast.com. Applications will be initially reviewed during the Foundation’s fall 2021 board meeting. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply anytime and application will be accepted on a rolling basis. 

OREGON COAST TRAIL FOUNDATION  FUNDING PRIORITIES

 The Oregon Coast Trail Foundation has identified three funding priorities to support the overall mission of the Foundation in advocating for and implementing improvements to the Trail.

1.    Complete new trail construction to address “gaps” in the OCT that currently require walking along a roadway (i.e. US Highway 101) not intended for pedestrian use. A fully connected trail will:

• Respond to findings derived from the Oregon Coast Trail Action Plan as required by state legislation

• Result in the completion of a “world class” hiking trail, attracting new visitors from around the globe

• Greatly enhance hiker safety

• Promote health and wellness

• Create new jobs in trail design, construction, and maintenance

• Promote local stewardship and volunteer opportunities

• Enhance local economic opportunities in coastal communities

2.     Support ongoing trail maintenance efforts, which will:

• Promote the trail’s long-term sustainability

• Respond to the dynamic coastal landscape

• Support Trailkeepers of Oregon and other trail maintenance groups

• Encourage stewardship of local trail systems

3.     Identify and implement complementary transportation programs, such as water crossings or   local bus shuttles, which will:

• Provide local economic opportunities in coastal communities

• Provide a viable alternative to developing new trail where it is not feasible

• Allow for safe water or other crossings to avoid dangerous highway walking

This information can also be found in a PDF here.