I Am Conservation

Kathie Brennan spends much of her free time helping build the Ozark Trail in Southeast Missouri. The lifelong Cape Girardeau, Missouri, resident became involved with the Ozark Trail Association in 2005. “I was hooked,” said Brennan. “Not only do I love the physical labor involved in what I was doing, but walking out on new trail that was just woods earlier that day gives me such a feeling of satisfaction in knowing I’m helping continue the mission of the OTA.” Brennan was the first woman to become a United States Forest Service certified cross cut and chain saw operator with the OTA and a Colorado Outdoor Institute certified crew leader. She has also taken on the role of volunteer organizer and helps develop and organize major trail construction events. “Planning has to begin months in advance by creating a schedule of events that involves working alongside the land managers from the Forest Service, the Missouri Department of Conservation, the Department of Natural Resources, the L-A-D Foundation, and private landowners,” said Brennan. “Other than the quality of life issue, our trails are an economic boon for communities. The Ozark Trail is an ongoing project for future generations, and I hope that the opportunities that I can give to volunteers and their families to be part of the trail will help see it through to completion.” —photograph by David Stonner