Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.)
Here are a list of questions we get asked
often-- click on a link for an answer, or just scroll down the page.
Who are you?
The Ozark Trail Association is a grass-roots non-profit volunteer
group dedicated to the construction, maintenance and promotion of
the Ozark Trail. We were incorporated in December, 2002. What do you do?
We provide volunteer resources to Ozark Trail land managers to build
new trail, repair and maintain existing trail, and promote awareness
and use of the trail. We hold training workshops, schedule
work outings, monitor trail conditions, manage the Adopt-A-Trail
program assist in trail planning. We also run this website as
means of publicizing the Ozark Trail and providing the public with
much-needed trail information and maps. What is the Ozark
Trail?
The Ozark Trail is 350 miles of trail that wind through the Missouri
Ozarks, part of a 25-year-old concept to run a trail from St. Louis
to the Arkansas border and eventually connect with the Ozark
Highland Trail in Arkansas to create a 700-mile through-trail.
Much of the trail is
open to bicycle and equestrian traffic, and all of the trail is open
for hiking. For more history of
the trail, click here. Who decided where the
trail will go?
The Ozark Trail Council collectively determine the general route,
while individual land stewards are responsible for specific section
layout and construction. What's the "OTC?"
The Ozark Trail Council. Its purpose is to promote the Ozark
Trail; to establish guidelines for its construction, maintenance,
marking, and mapping; to publicize the trail; and generally to
provide an organizational framework within which all matters
relating to the Ozark Trail in Missouri can be discussed and
resolved. Landowners, land managers, and trail users are all
represented on the Council. Key members include: Mark Twain
National Forest, Ozark National Scenic Riverways, the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers, the Missouri Department of Conservation, the
Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Pioneer Forest, the Sierra
Club, the Ozark Society, the Boy Scouts, the Girl Scouts, and the
Conservation Federation of Missouri. Is the OTA a
replacement for the OTC?
No, absolutely not! We're a volunteer group. We
provide the OTC land stewards with volunteer resources to build and
maintain trail. How do I become a
member of the Ozark Trail Association?
Fill out a membership application and send it to us with your
membership dues. You can even do it online! Visit our
membership page for more information. How is my donation
being spent?
A portion of the membership dues is spent on member patches,
brochures, printing and mailing. The remainder is spent on
trail construction, maintenance and promotion, less small
administration costs. Can I adopt a trail
for maintenance?
Yes. Click here for more
information. What experience do I
need to work on the trail?
None. Just show up at an outing or event! You'll be
productive from the start, and gain experience as you go. If
you like, you can attend one of our trail workshops.
Can I bring my children and/or my dog to OTA outings and events?
Yes! We encourage family participation. Be aware
that some areas require pets to be on leashes. A guardian must
accompany anyone under the age of 18.
When do you hold trail training, and where?
Trail crew training will be held periodically across the Ozark
region as needed. We are also working with the Forest Service
to have chainsaw certification training in Rolla or Potosi.
Our St. Louis training is held in at Powder Valley and Kirkwood
Parks. We're working with groups in West Plains and Poplar
Bluff to hold training workshops in those areas. Please
consult our Volunteer page for current
outings.
How athletic or in-shape do I need to be to work
on the trail?
Not all the work is strenuous. If you're comfortable
walking with a pair of loppers pruning small limbs, we can use your
help! We've have several people over 70 working on the trail.
How do I report trail problems, like downed
trees, washouts and such?
You can contact us at sawyer@ozarktrail.com for down trees or trailconditions@ozarktrail.com for general problems.
Why aren't horses and bikes allowed on some
places of the trail?
Each land steward sets the rules for trail use on their
property. A land manager may restrict horse and bike traffic
due to fragile land issues, existing agency regulations or some
other reason. Restrictions are not determined by the OTC or
the OTA; please contact the individual land steward for more
information.
When will the trail be completed?
It depends largely on volunteers like you helping to build and
maintain the trail. It will also depend on obtaining easements
or land purchases where the proposed trail corridor falls outside
publicly owned lands. The Ozark Trail Association is not
involved in land purchases, nor do we determine the overall trail
corridor (this is the job of the OTC).
I would like a shirt, cap or a patch-- how can I
buy one?
We'll have an online store, ordering information, and pictures online in the
future, but for now you can either contact
Jeff to order,
download an order form, or attend an OTA outing or
Event) where we usually have shirts, caps, and other OTA items.
Wal-Mart sells "Ozark Trail" merchandise-- is
there a connection?
There is no connection to the Missouri Ozark Trail nor the Ozark
Highland Trail. Both trail systems were in place prior to
Wal-Mart's brand name.
Who do I contact to make a donation?
For cash or non-cash donations (other than membership dues), please
contact Steve Coates at (573) 436-0540, or email him: steve.coates@charter.net .
In addition to cash, you might consider donating professional
services (accounting, legal, public relations, etc.).
Is my donation tax deductible?
Yes. We received IRS "501(c)(3)" status in 2004, so
all donations are tax deductible.
What is your address and phone number?
The Ozark Trail Association
406 W. High St.
Potosi, MO 63664
(573) 436-0540
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