Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers hired Ron Rash as its new executive director, the Basalt-based nonprofit organization announced Tuesday.
Rash takes the helm from David Hamilton, who was the organization’s principal founder and executive director since 1995.
Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers works with public land managers to plan trail maintenance and restoration projects each year. The organization harnesses volunteer labor to get valuable work done for the cash-strapped agencies.
Rash brings 30 years of leadership and outdoor experience to RFOV. He has taught public stewardship classes with the National Outdoor Leadership School for 25 years and is a trainer with the Leave No Trace program. He served as the interim executive director and then adventure director for Ascendigo Autism Services. He also was the past owner and CEO of Aspen Alpine Guides. Rash also served for more than 20 years with Mountain Rescue Aspen.
Rash said he is eager to begin a new chapter of on-trail and land stewardship with RFOV.
“In my travels I’ve been impressed with the trail systems in other countries,” Rash said in a statement. “The restoration and conservation of trails happens differently in each country, many through government aid and many with volunteers. Some trails are thousands of years old and public land stewardship seems to happen somewhat organically. Similar to Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers, all of us have the opportunity to be stewards of our public lands, which is extremely rewarding.”