Friends of the Ouachita Trail History

In December 2000, ice storms severely damaged the ONF and closed most of the Ouachita Trail. Through winter and spring, 2001, hiking and bicycling volunteers spent hundreds of hours helping the USFS reopen the trail for public use.

By November 2002, it had become obvious to the group of hikers and bikers involved in these projects that the USFS did not have sufficient resources to restore and maintain the Ouachita Trail in satisfactory condition. Informal discussions ensued based on familiarity with the role of the Ozark Highlands Trail Association on the 165-mile Ozark Highlands Trail in the Ozark National Forest. In December 2003 these discussions culminated in the group's decision to test the feasibility of organizing trail users willing to help maintain the Ouachita Trail. At that time, the group held a meeting to adopt strategy and goals

During the ensuing months, the group recruited and directed the activities of increasing numbers of volunteers who "adopted" (i.e. agreed to provide maintenance on) various segments of the Ouachita Trail. A close working relationship was developed with the ONF Supervisor's Office and with each of the Ranger Districts wherein the trail is located. All trail work was coordinated with Ranger District personnel.

By December 2004, individuals and organizations had "adopted" over 200 miles of trail and initial trail maintenance had started on virtually all sections in the ONF. By December 6, 2004, the group was confident that the volunteer effort was viable and agreed to seek incorporation under the name Friends of the Ouachita Trail and recommended seeking recognition of exemption under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Friends of the Ouachita Trail was incorporated on February 8, 2005, as a Public-Benefit corporation pursuant to the Arkansas Nonprofit Corporation Act of 1993. The corporation is sometimes referred to by the acronym FoOT which is registered as a fictitious name with the Arkansas Secretary of State and Garland County Clerk. An organizational meeting was held on February 21, 2005 at which time bylaws were adopted, officers were elected and a Resolution authorizing application for recognition of exemption under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code was passed.

On Jan 15, 2007, FoOT was recognized by the IRS as exempt from federal income tax under section 501 (c)(3) of the IRS Code.

Currently, only a few sections of the 223 miles of the Ouachita Trail remain "un-adopted" and grants/donations are being investigated/solicited for several projects.

Last updated July 16, 2007