Where's Walter?

Walter sends his best and wants to thank everyone for a great 2023 out in the Buena Vista trails!

It was a huge year for STBVF's efforts to formalize the social trails and bring new trails to replace those lost to the Show Low South Land Exchange. The Heritage Study for the existing trails and proposed trails began in May of 2023 and ended this fall. That was a huge step in the right direction and we thank our public and private supporters for providing funding that haw allowed this to happen! Just a month ago, representatives of STBVF and TRACKS met with USFS officials to discuss the next steps that need to be followed to get NEPA clearance for the trail system proposal. We have stressed the importance of expediting the project and we hope to see more significant progress in 2024!

Speaking of 2024 and changes coming to the trail system . . . Walter has a new home. The land Walter lived on became private in September, and as such it was necessary for him to move from his old home on Roughneck to protect him from coming development. Walter was moved on December 17, 2023, and made it to the new location little worse for the wear. Considering his age this could have gone far worse!

We could share where Walter is now . . . but it is more fun to let you figure it out on your own so we'll stay mum on it here. A picture of Walter in his new home is at the top. A picture of him being transported is below.

You'll note that Walter is all decked out for the holidays thanks to . . . we're not really sure who to credit here, but great job!. Walter was dressed in holiday apparel when we came to collect him from Roughneck and we put him back in it when the move was finished. You'd have to agree that the red scarf to go with the Santa hat really pops, no?

Walter wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, and thanks everyone for your continued support. The process here is arduous, but doing things the right way on public lands simply takes time. It'll all be worth it in the end.