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
Zach Kauk
2024 Current Board Chair
Sawyer Committee Lead
Membership Committee Member
VWR Committee Member
Board of Directors
Karn Stiegelmeier
2023 Past Board Chair
Advocacy Co-Lead
Communication Co-Lead
Board of Directors
Mike Sharp
Board Treasurer
Fund Development Member
Board of Directors
Steve Elder
2022 Past Board Chair
WSFF Lead
VWR Committee Member
Board of Directors
Bill Betz
2019 Past Board Chair
Membership Committee Member
Communications Committee Member
VWR Committee Member
Board of Directors
Krista Hughes
Advocacy Committee Member
Trails Committee Member
Llama Trips Lead
Board of Directors
Eric Malmborg
2025 Board Chair Elect
VWR Committee Co-Lead
Board of Directors
Frances Hartogh
Board Secretary
Advocacy Co-Lead
Communication Co-Lead
Board of Directors
Mike Browning
2021 Past Board Chair
VWR Committee Co-Lead
Sawyer Committee Member
Membership Committee Member
Trails Committee Member
Board of Directors
Tim Drescher
2018 Past Board Chair
Advocacy Committee Member
Trails Committee Member
Board of Directors
Joan Betz
Membership Committee Lead
Communication Committee Member
VWR Committee Member
COMMITTEE VOLUNTEERS
Committee Volunteers
Jim Alexander
Grants Lead
Weed Lead
Trails Committee Co-Lead
Committee Volunteers
Ellie Finlay
Membership Committee Member
Committee Volunteers
Dave Owens
VWR Committee
Committee Volunteers
Dave Brewster
Trails Committee Co-Lead
Committee Volunteers
Merry Lynne Hamilton
Membership Committee
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.
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!
