Our Legacy
Photo: DeWolf Dirt Co.
Since 1976
For 50 years, PTBA member companies have built more than just trails. They've shaped an industry - designing and constructing thousands of miles, pioneering better tools and techniques, and mentoring the next generation of trail professionals.
PTBA’s legacy is not the trails themselves, but the people behind it all - and we are proud to recognize them through Lifetime Achievement Awards and Legacy Membership.
PTBA was founded in 1976 as the Western Trailbuilders Association (WTBA) by Carl May, Harvey Bell, Jerry Morrison, Jerry Clark and Walt Sprague. They had the vision that they could work together to elevate the quality and professionalism of the trail industry.
In 50 years, PTBA has grown from a few companies in the west to 140+ companies who employ thousands worldwide.
PTBA Lifetime Achievement Awards
Mike Shields, Mike Shields Consulting, 2025
Mike Riter, Trail Design Specialists, 2025
Peter Jensen, Peter Jensen and Associates, past PTBA president, 2024
Glen Jacobs, World Trail, 2024
Dylan Jeffries, World Trail, 2024
Tony Boone, Tony Boone Trails, PTBA board member, 2023
Charlie Dundas, Tri-State Company, PTBA board member, 2022
Dawn Packard, Blue Sky Trails, past PTBA president, current board member, 2019
Woody Keen, Trail Wisdom (previous co-owner of Trail Dynamics), past PTBA president
Gerry Wilbour, Northwest Trails, Inc, PTBA board member, past PTBA president
Roger Bell, Bellfree Contractors, founding member of WTBA, past PTBA president
Harvey Bell, Bellfree Contractors, founding member of WTBA, past PTBA president
Jerry Morrison, Trail Creations, founding member of WTBA, inventor of the Morrison Trailblazer
Legacy Members
Launched in 2022, PTBA legacy membership celebrates the owners of PTBA Member Companies who have retired. Their decades of work is the foundation on what the successful trail industry is built - and the opportunity to maintain their knowledge and experience as part of the Association provides PTBA and the trail industry with myriad benefits.
Many Legacy Members still provide services and expertise to the trail industry.
Requirements for Legacy Membership include being the qualifier for a PTBA member company for 10+ years and contributing to the Association, on the board, as a committee member, and/or as part of our conferences.
Woody Keen, 2022
Trail Wisdom (current), Trail Dynamics (previous), past PTBA President
Mark Gronewald, 2022
Trailwerx
Kent Howes, 2023
Trailwerks
Dick Dufourd, 2025
RecConnect
In Memory
PTBA honors the lives and contributions of PTBA members who are no longer with us. These individuals left an enduring impact on the trail industry through their passion, leadership, and dedication to the craft. We remember them not only for the trails they helped create, but for the connections they forged and the legacy they leave behind.
Jim Angell, Corplan Inc, board member
Harvey Bell, Bellfree Contractors, founding member, past president
Roger Bell, Bellfree Contractors, past president
Daryl Hoyt, Twin Oaks Trails
Carl May, May’s Trail Equipment, founding member
Jerry Morrison, Trail Creations, founding member
Dennis Smith, Northwest Woodland Services,(NWWS,Inc), board member
Charles Warlick, Switchback Trails
Awards to Trail Industry Partners and Leaders
Roger and Harvey Bell Award for Outstanding Service to the Trail Industry
Dafydd Davis, pioneer in Trail Planning and Design
Pam Gluck, American Trails
Maryann Fowler, Rails to Trails Conservancy
West Virginia Scenic Trails Association
Civilian Conservation Corps
Jerry Morrison Trail Innovator Award
Tony Dipino, Sutter Equipment
Canycom
Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew
Greenways Collaborative
Charlie Dundas, Tri-State Company