Chapter History
The CALIFORNIA – NEVADA CHAPTER, which is one of eleven chapters of the Oregon-California Trails Association, was formed in 1986. The purpose of the chapter is to study, explore, map, mark, maintain, and preserve the historic trails and sites within the California Trails system. The chapter vigorously supports legislation to preserve emigrant trails.
The Chapter
- Conducts field trips each year along various routes in Nevada and California:
- Places markers dedicating emigrant graves, such as the Alford Family grave, the Susan Coon grave, and the graves at Gravelly Ford.
- Holds dedication ceremonies and installs markers.
- Co-sponsors field trips with other OCTA chapters to explore and maintain various trails, works closely with the Bureau of Land Management, the Forest Service, and Trails West – a trails marking organization.
- Holds annual Spring Symposiums.
- Publishes Trail Talk, the chapter newsletter, quarterly to inform the members of activities and other items of interest.
History by Mary Mueller
Early Chapter History
The CA/NV chapter was formalized in 1986. In balloting conducted by mail between June and August, the chapter membership voted to organize and elect a five-member board of directors. Frank Tortorich was elected to be President. The first issue of Trail Talk was printed in 1987 and the report of the first chapter membership meeting was held August 19, 1986, at the convention in Carson City. It appears that the board agreed to meet separately in January for planning and to schedule the (business) membership meeting in April.
[Vol.1.No.1, page 1.]