United Four Wheel Drive Associations Inc. (UFWDA) were delighted to award their 2014 Environmental Affairs Four Wheeler of the Year Award to Chris Brower of the Carolina Trail Blazers Club (a Southern Four Wheel Drive Association and UFWDA member club) to recognize on an international level, the significant achievements of individuals to recreational four wheeling.
About a year and a half ago, Chris recognized a need to become the liaison to the Uwharrie National Forest for the Carolina Trail Blazers Club. This position coordinates with the Forest Service and other 4×4 clubs to develop a schedule and work tasks for work days on the OHV system in the Forest. Chris has taken ownership of this position and has excelled past all expectations.
Before Chris took this position there was a small effort to coordinate the workdays by whoever was available that weekend. There was not an overall strategic plan with a set of defined objectives for the effort. Chris changed that. He has work crew supervisors to direct the work depending on the type of work to be done and has brought unparalleled organization and structure to the work days.
“Chris has been an incredible asset to the OHV trails on Uwharrie, and is willing to put the time in to make the volunteer program a real success. The Forest Service relies on volunteers to manage our trail systems and without those dedicated few who are willing to go the extra step, we would not be able to make the most of this program.” said Deborah Walker, District Ranger, Uwharrie National Forest.
Chris Brower (aka Snappy) has been a tremendous inspiration, volunteer, motivator, leader, worker, and cheerleader and shows passion that is contagious in our 4×4 community. If not for the efforts of Chris, we would have seen more closures of trails at Uwharrie, the last real place to ride in North Carolina!
Article by UFWDA; Posted on July 5, 2014 by Peter