07/09/2026
Updates from the Friends:
First of all, thank you so much to everyone who signed our petition, filled up the board meeting, sent out emails, and offered support in a hundred other ways. We truly couldn’t do it without you.
Second of all, we have had a majorly busy week! For those who didn’t have a chance to attend last week’s LLT board meeting, we’ve come to a *partial* resolution on the facilities situation.
The Longleaf Trace Board of Directors is moving forward with the installation of automatic timed locks on all of the Trace’s restrooms, which will unlock 30 minutes before dawn and lock 30 minutes after dusk. However, a solution for the water fountains is still pending. We have been in contact since the meeting, and the board has asked us to provide workable fountain alternatives. We sent those over this morning after lots of research and consideration.
We’re hopeful that this can be resolved while we’re still in the hot months of the year, but no timeline has been confirmed or project approved yet. When that information is made available to us, and next steps become clear, we will share it with all of you.
In the meantime, our water cooler remains available on the Trace, at the road crossing just west of the 10 mile marker—and a particular thank you to the folks who have donated to that cause!
As far as the internal workings of Friends of the Longleaf Trace go, we are pleased to announce that we have officially been reinstated as a LLT organization! Moving forward, our liaisons will be present at LLT board meetings so that we might stay on top of arising trail issues together.
On Tuesday evening, we held our first (non-emergency) meeting to regroup, elect our officers, and begin shaping the vision for our organization in earnest. Our election results are as follows below:
President: Cheyenne Dixon
Vice President: Zack McCraney
Secretary: Meg Anderson
There are still a few details to iron out, much to do, and much to come, but we’re off to a positive start. Public membership will open up soon, so look out for that announcement in the near future!
And seriously, thank you again to our kind and endlessly helpful community. We’re still a bit floored by the level of support we’ve gotten the last couple of weeks, but we’re sure optimistic about what it means for the future of the trail.
Y’all be good! Stay cool, and stay tuned! 💓