By Chris Cowan

Snow Wheelin’

Well the weather is finally changing and it looks like there will be SNOW finally this winter. 

There is lots of information out there, most important things to remember:

  • Tell people where you are going and when you plan to be home
  • Bring snow gear and extra supplies as you never know what is in store for you.
  • Know your weather conditions

Mission: To enhance the future health and use of the Rubicon trail, while ensuring responsible, motorized, year-round trail access.

Vision: To be the trusted stewards of the Rubicon Trail, ensuring sustainability for the experience of the users.

By Chris Cowan

Rubicon Trail Foundation Board Seat Elections December 11th

At our December 11th  meeting, the Rubicon Trail Foundation will hold elections. There will be a two board seats available; Lori Warden recently resigned her seat. I would like to thank Lori for her years of service and dedication, we will miss her but look forward to her continued support and volunteerism. We also have 1 additional seat that has been open.

 

If you would like to step up and run for a board seat, you should know that there is an expectation of involvement that has a fairly high standard based on what has been accomplished by our board to date!  Our meetings are once a month in the Placerville area. We have created a committee structure to get work done and each committee is run by at least two directors. That means you can get help from outside the Board!

 

There is also a fiduciary (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fiduciary) responsibility to the public for funds managed by the foundation.  Below, is the section of our bylaws that discusses Directors. Also, below there are some generally accepted guidelines for basic responsibilities of a non-profit board.

 

Our goal is to have a very diversified cross representation of Rubicon Trail users on the Rubicon Trail Foundation Board. Of course, a love of the Rubicon is a requirement too!

 

Nominations/applications will be open until Monday @ noon December 9th.

If you are interested, please prepare a short biography and submit it to any Director.

[email protected] or [email protected].

The mission of RTF is: To enhance the future health and use of the Rubicon Trail, while ensuring responsible motorized year round trail access.

From our Bylaws:
SECTION 2. Qualifications
Any person may serve as a Director of this corporation as long as they have a proven interest in the Rubicon Trail and are 18 years of age or older.
Other qualifications for directors of this corporation shall be as follows:
Rubicon Trail motorized users, owning 4-wheel drive vehicles, who participate in regular cleanups and projects affecting the Rubicon Trail, and who are active in working with other Rubicon Trail motorized recreation users. The Board of Directors shall be composed of at least 60% of Trail Users.

 

Thank you for your support,

 

David Thomas

President, Rubicon Trail Foundation

 

 

 

What are the legal responsibilities of nonprofit boards?
Under well-established principles of nonprofit corporation law, a board member must meet certain standards of conduct and attention in carrying out his or her responsibilities to the organization. Several states have statutes adopting some variation of these duties which would be used in court to determine whether a board member acted improperly. These standards are usually described as the duty of care, the duty of loyalty and the duty of obedience.

Duty of Care
The duty of care describes the level of competence that is expected of a board member, and is commonly expressed as the duty of “care that an ordinarily prudent person would exercise in a like position and under similar circumstances.” This means that a board member owes the duty to exercise reasonable care when he or she makes a decision as a steward of the organization.

Duty of Loyalty
The duty of loyalty is a standard of faithfulness; a board member must give undivided allegiance when making decisions affecting the organization. This means that a board member can never use information obtained as a member for personal gain, but must act in the best interests of the organization.

Duty of Obedience
The duty of obedience requires board members to be faithful to the organization’s mission. They are not permitted to act in a way that is inconsistent with the central goals of the organization. A basis for this rule lies in the public’s trust that the organization will manage donated funds to fulfill the organization’s mission.

 

What are the basic responsibilities of nonprofit boards?
Ten Basic Responsibilities of Nonprofit Boards
1. Determine the organization’s mission and purpose. It is the board’s responsibility to create and review a statement of mission and purpose that articulates the organization’s goals, means, and primary constituents served.
2. Select the chief executive. Boards must reach consensus on the chief executive’s responsibilities and undertake a careful search to find the most qualified individual for the position.
3. Provide proper financial oversight. The board must assist in developing the annual budget and ensuring that proper financial controls are in place.
4. Ensure adequate resources. One of the board’s foremost responsibilities is to provide adequate resources for the organization to fulfill its mission.
5. Ensure legal and ethical integrity and maintain accountability. The board is ultimately responsible for ensuring adherence to legal standards and ethical norms.
6. Ensure effective organizational planning. Boards must actively participate in an overall planning process and assist in implementing and monitoring the plan’s goals.
7. Recruit and orient new board members and assess board performance. All boards have a responsibility to articulate prerequisites for candidates, orient new members, and periodically and comprehensively evaluate its own performance.
8. Enhance the organization’s public standing. The board should clearly articulate the organization’s mission, accomplishments, and goals to the public and garner support from the community.
9. Determine, monitor, and strengthen the organization’s programs and services. The board’s responsibility is to determine which programs are consistent with the organization’s mission and to monitor their effectiveness.
10. Support the chief executive and assess his or her performance. The board should ensure that the chief executive has the moral and professional support he or she needs to further the goals of the organization.

 

 

 

 

 

Office Member Since ofc start ofc end seat start seat end
President David Thomas 2011 Jan-19 Jan-21 Dec-19 Dec-21
Vice President Ken Hower 2011 Feb-18 Jan-20 Dec-18 Dec-20
Treasurer Jonathan Carlos 2016 March-19 Jan-20 Dec-18 Dec-20
Secretary Chris Cowan 2010 Jan-19 Jan-21 Dec-19 Dec-21
             
  Mike Gerondakis 2017     Dec-17 Dec-19
  Jeff Blewett 2014     Dec-16 Dec-20
  Dan DeWolf 2008     Dec-17 Dec-19
  Rusty Folena 2004     Dec-17 Dec-19
  Matt Warden 2015     Dec-17 Dec-19
  Laura Blake 2018     Dec-17 Dec-20
  Lori Warden 2014     Dec-17 Dec-19
  Cole Sweatt 2014     Dec-17 Dec-19
  JC Jenkins 2016     Dec-16 Dec-20
  John Arenz 2008     Dec-16 Dec-20
  Open Seat
El Dorado (NV) Open Seat    
Placer (NV) Open Seat          

 

By Chris Cowan

RTF Meeting Changes

The Rubicon Trail Foundation meetings are on different dates for the

next two monthly meetings.

 

Wednesday, November 20th &

December 11th which is the second Wednesday.

 

Meetings start at6:30pm

 

Marshall Foundation Building

1124 Sherman Street, Placerville, CA 95667

 

Join meeting at this link or just type in the meeting ID.

https://chime.aws/rubiconmeeting

Meeting ID: rubiconmeeting

U.S. Toll: +1 206-462-5569

Meeting PIN: 2559 99 6734

U.S. Toll-free: +1 855-552-4463

International: https://chime.aws/dialinnumbers/

By Chris Cowan

2020 “Rock Award” Nominee

 12th Annual Black Tie & Boots Dinner & Auction

March 14, 2020

Jackson Rancheria Casino Resort in Jackson, CA

This year the Foundation has voted to honor:

Randy Burleson with the Annual “ROCK Award”,

our lifetime achievement award for serving the trail

Randy has been an active OHV user and responsible land use advocate for over 20 years.  Combine that with being an editor for 4×4 Wire, a contributor on Pirate 4×4 Forums and a volunteer for many work parties.  He was also at the first formation meeting for Friends of the Rubicon and an early FOTR Volunteer.  Randy was the founding Secretary for the Rubicon Trail Foundation, the second President of the foundation and has been the Chairman for Sierra Trek for Cal 4 Wheel.   Randy was part of the Pleasant Lake re-route and helped cut brush to define the new route on the Rubicon Trail.  Randy was also instrumental in taking part on the 1st Placer County Tour on the Tahoe side and is a Volunteer Leader & Land Stewardship (VLLS) Graduate.  Randy is a friend to all and is always willing to share his knowledge.

 

The 12th Annual Black Tie & Boots Dinner and Auction committee are actively looking for Sponsors and auction items.

Tickets will go on sale January 1, 2020.  If you would like to be a part of this special event please contact Chris Cowan at 888-678-2426, e-mail her at [email protected], or visit our website at www.rubicontrail.org or like us on FaceBook for more information.

 

The Rubicon Trail Foundation is federally recognized, non-profit organization dedicated to the future health of the Rubicon Trail.  The Rubicon Trail Foundation acts as the support for Rubicon work projects, Friends of the Rubicon, and as a liaison with local government organizations. This support can range from getting approval for projects from the appropriate agencies, to feeding the volunteers, to buying the supplies needed to maintain the trail. We also fight the efforts of others to close or restrict use of the Rubicon Trail System.  All funds raised help to enhance the future health of the Rubicon Trail, while ensuring responsible motorized year-round access.

 

Our Officers and Directors represent a wide variety of Rubicon Trail users and supporters.  These include trail users, land owners, county representatives, manufacturers, and Rubicon event organizers.  For more information on getting involved or supporting the Rubicon Trail Foundation please call us at 888-678-2426 or visit our website at www.rubicontrail.org.

By Ken Hower

Visiting RTF Property in Winter

As the colors turn on the leaves, that first big snow storm is potentially just around the corner. Travel on the Rubicon during this time of year can become a life or death struggle faster than most people are aware.

Visiting the RTF Property after the Little Rubicon Crossing and heading down to FOTR camp requires going down Trash Can Hill.  TCH is fairly steep, and in the best of conditions, can be a struggle.  While the RTF Property is open to the public 365/24/7, in winter conditions be extra vigilant.

  • Check the weather conditions on Thursday before your planned departure.  Check our Condition Page for current and potential weather.
  • Read our vehicle preparation page. This time of year you have to be highly self-sufficient due to reduced traffic.
  • Always have enough food and water to make it several days beyond your expected departure.
  • Pack warm clothing beyond what you think you’ll need.  Expect the unexpected.
  • Know where the Trash Can Hill winch plate is before going down.

If you follow these basic tips, you can keep your trip from turning into a life or death struggle.

By Chris Cowan

Thank You- 1st Annual Off the Rocks Show & Shine

The 1st Annual Off the Rocks Show & Shine

was a HUGE Success!

Thank you to Dry Diggings Distillery, all our vendors, donors, all our volunteers, and especially YOU our participants who came out and supported this event.

The Rubicon Trail Foundation raised over $5000!

Here are your Show & Shine Winners:

Mall Crawler- Kim Riggs

Trail Worthy- Scott Lewis

Best of Show- Jesse Barton

People’s Choice- Justin Tominson

Thank you to our Event Sponsors:

Power Tank

Ruff Stuff

Tailgater Tire Table

My Off Road Radio

Currie Enterprises, Inc.

GenRight

Warn Industries, Inc.

Trail Forged Off-Road

WFO

J&W Auto Wreckers

West Coast Differentials

MetalCloak

Rack it

Eagle Radiator

Marlin Crawler

BT Consulting

Mission: To enhance the future health and use of the Rubicon trail, while ensuring responsible, motorized, year-round trail access.

Vision: To be the trusted stewards of the Rubicon Trail, ensuring sustainability for the experience of the users.

By Chris Cowan

Don’t Miss he 1st Annual Off The Rocks Show & Shine Event

What are you doing tomorrow, October 12, 2019?

You do not want to miss this FUN event …

  • Come test your rig on the MetalCloak CTI Suspension Testing
  • See some cool rigs at the Show & Shine
  • Buy raffle tickets to win some cool prizes
  • Eat some yummy tacos
  • Kids can enjoy the Rubicon U outdoor Experience- with camp set up by Boy Scouts Troop 63- Swampbase Camp Kids, Bounce House, Scavenger Hunt
  • Check out cool vendors and eat some Yummy Treats

MetalCloak CTI Suspension Testing

October 12th from 10-3pm

Dry Diggings Distillery

5050 Robert J. Mathews Parkway

El Dorado Hills, CA  95762

Raffle Tickets are now on sale

Call 888-678-2426 and leave a message or email [email protected]

These are some of the cool prizes:

RTF Logo Metal Sign
Tailgater Tire Table
$100 Gift Certificate West Coast Differentials
$100 Gift Certificate West Coast Differentials
MORRFlate 4 Tire Inflation/Deflation Kit
My Off Road Radio Online Ham Radio Class
My Off Road Radio Online Ham Radio Class
My Off Road Radio Online Ham Radio Class
My Off Road Radio Online Ham Radio Class
Port Basket
Vera Bradley Purse
Vera Bradley Purse
Snack Cooler
Card Basket
2 Bag Camping Chairs
2 Sleeping Bags
Sleeping Bag / Cot
$75.00 Bend Tech
$75.00 Bend Tech
$50.00 Factor 55
Currie Tire Deflators and Currie Shirt
Currie Tire Deflators and Currie Shirt
Currie Tire Deflators and Currie Shirt
TDS Safari registration for 2020
TDS Safari registration for 2020
$200.00 Gift Certificate
WARN Recovery System
Amanda Speed Hook
10 LB POWER TANK BASIC PACKAGE – CO2 TANK PORTABLE AIR SYSTEM
Campfire Defender
31 Days in the Darien
31 Days in the Darien
$800 value- buy 2 tires get 2 FREE
$50.00 Gift Certificate
$50.00 Gift Certificate
$50.00 Gift Certificate
$50.00 Gift Certificate
Sleeping Bag
Bullet Antenna for Jeep JK
Suparee Spare Tire 3rd Brake Light                         
Hydro Flask / Shirt / Lantern
Hydro Flask / Shirt / Lantern
Hydro Flask / Shirt / Lantern
Hydro Flask / Shirt / Lantern
Metal Print of Rubicon Trail
Metal Print of Rubicon Trail
Day trip for 2 to Spider Lake
Aluminum Radiator for a Toyota
Performance Muffler
Performance Muffler
Fire Pit
RC Car
RC Car

Off the Rocks with Sponsors

Event Sponsors:

Power Tank

Ruff Stuff

Tailgater Tire Table

My Off Road Radio

Currie Enterprises, Inc.

GenRight

Warn Industries, Inc.

Trail Forged Off-Road

WFO

J&W Auto Wreckers

West Coast Differentials

MetalCloak

Rack it

Eagle Radiator

Marlin Crawler

Mission: To enhance the future health and use of the Rubicon trail, while ensuring responsible, motorized, year-round trail access.

Vision: To be the trusted stewards of the Rubicon Trail, ensuring sustainability for the experience of the users.

By Chris Cowan

Don’t Miss he 1st Annual Off The Rocks Show & Shine Event

Have you registered yet to have your “rig” in the 1st Annual Off the Rocks Show & Shine?

REGISTER HERE!

You do not want to miss this FUN event to show off your “rig” and hang out with old and new friends.

Come have your rig tested by the MetalCloak CTI Suspension Testing

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JACW66HRNnQ

October 12th from 10-3pm

$10 Donation

Dry Diggings Distillery

5050 Robert J. Mathews Parkway

El Dorado Hills, CA  95762

Raffle Tickets are now on sale

Call 888-678-2426 and leave a message or email [email protected]

Off the Rocks with Sponsors

Event Sponsors:

Power Tank

Ruff Stuff

Tailgater Tire Table

My Off Road Radio

Currie Enterprises, Inc.

GenRight

Warn Industries, Inc.

Trail Forged Off-Road

WFO

J&W Auto Wreckers

West Coast Differentials

MetalCloak

Rack it

Eagle Radiator

Marlin Crawler

 

Mission: To enhance the future health and use of the Rubicon trail, while ensuring responsible, motorized, year-round trail access.

Vision: To be the trusted stewards of the Rubicon Trail, ensuring sustainability for the experience of the users.

By Chris Cowan

End of Season Wheelin’

It is almost that time of year, the end of the Summer Wheelin’ Season.  Of course the Rubicon is still open but there are more things to consider when planning your next adventure.

There has been a lot of work on the trail from the County and clubs to keep the Rubicon in great shape, showing no spills and making sure that all trash is picked up.  Do your part and if you see anything that needs to be picked up Pack It Out.

Please keep these tips in mind when going out-

  • Prepare your rig with all weather clothing and footwear.  You never know when it could rain or start snowing.
  • Be prepared with plenty of food and water in case of emergencies; also consider any medications you may need
  • Tell those you love where you are going and when you plan to return
  • Know the trail and or walk ahead and see any obstacles that could change your driving.
  • Always carry WAG Bags- there are a few restrooms on the trail but with more people coming to this destination and season changes you may need
  • Always carry a Spill Kit
  • Help keep the Rubicon beautiful- pick up any trash that you see and pack it out to a trash can.

You can get Spill Kits and WAG Bags at the Kiosk from the County or by calling us at 888-678-2426 or [email protected].

Mission: To enhance the future health and use of the Rubicon trail, while ensuring responsible, motorized,year-round trail access.

Vision: To be the trusted stewards of the Rubicon Trail, ensuring sustainability for the experience of the users.