Tevis Forum 2015

TEVIS FORUM 2015 ★ 25 60th Anniversary • Past President of the Western States Trail Foundation • Officer positions of the Western States Trail Foundation • Member, Board of Governors of the Western States Trail Foundation • Three-time Tevis buckle winner: 1995, 1996, 1999 • Head of Tevis Forum Committee; chairmanship and membership of other committees • Instrumental in development of the day-of-the-ride live web cast. • Western States Trail liaison with governmental agencies • Headed efforts to get the North Lot parcel (adjacent to finish line) designated as a staging area for the Western States Trail; negotiated for the concessionaire respon- sibilities of both the North Lot and South Lot. In concert with other Board members, Mike arranged for surveys, environmental study, archeological study, engineering, permits and construction of driveway. Developed and executed plan for self-contained horse trailer overnight parking . The 2015Drucilla BarnerAward Mike Pickett is the 2015 recipient of the prestigiuos Drucilla Barner Award for Distinguished Service. In 2010 the Barner Foundation wound up its affairs and transferred one-half of its remaining assets (about $42,500) to the Western States Trail Endowment Fund as a way of continuing to support the Trail. In appreciation of this special gift, WSTF agreed to honor Dru’s memory by annually presenting a distinguished service award to a person, who like Drucilla Barner, has made a significant contribution to the goals of the Western States Trail Foundation. Drucilla Barner, Wendell Robie’s executive secretary at Heart Federal, was one of the first women to ride the Western States 100 Mile One-Day Ride and in 1961, she became the first woman to win the Ride. In addition to riding, she contributed to and supported the Ride from the first day she rode the trail until her death. After her death she continued to support the Trail and the Ride through the Dru Barner Memorial Foundation created out of her very modest estate. The Founda- tion has been instrumental in the creation of Dru Barner Equestrian Park in El Dorado County and has supported the preservation and enhance- ment of the Western States Trail and other trails on the Western slope of the Sierra Mountains for many years. Thank you, Mike, for your dedication and guidance throughout the years.