2026 Ashland Election Info

In my prior career as the Recreation Manager for the Siskiyou Mountains Ranger District, I was the project lead for the Ashland Trails Project which added almost 25 miles of trails to the Ashland watershed trail network. I was directly involved in the environmental planning, layout, and building of those 25 miles of trails, which was one of the highlights of my Forest Service career. Since then, I have not been as directly involved with the Ashland watershed trail network, but I do bike or hike 2 to 3 days a week in the watershed, and try to get out and do some trail work every year.

My experience has helped me to recognize that a well-planned and accessible trail system plays a key role in a community’s vitality that can shape the community’s health, economy, and the environment. Trails generate business by attracting visitors. They contributed to improved public health by increasing physical activity. Importantly, when people have a direct connection to an area, they are far more likely to protect it in the future. If elected to the Ashland Parks and Recreation Commission, my priority is to continue to advocate for a well-planned and accessible trail system that connects Ashland residents and visitors with our parks and recreation system.

Ashland has great outdoor recreation! From skiing in the winter to year-round hiking or mountain biking, I would like to see Ashland’s outdoor recreation opportunities recognized more, and allow it to play a larger role in the economy. Of course the Oregon Shakespeare Festival is important for Ashland’s economy, but with public school and SOU enrollment declining, and the sweeping changes at the Ashland Community Hospital, I think the City needs to continue working to diversify Ashland’s economy, now more than ever before.

Looking at the 20 parks currently managed by the Ashland Park District and APRC, I think the City-owned trail system should provide connectivity with other trail systems and should be easily accessible for all mountain bikers. When considering trail proposals, I think the City should determine what level of rider the trail would be developed for and what it provides for the greater Ashland trails system. The current Ashland watershed trail system is lacking beginner friendly trails that are easily accessible. To get to the beginner level trails from Downtown Ashland, it is a 3-mile, narrow, winding, mostly dirt road that climbs more than 1000 feet, which is not easily accessible to visitors, beginner riders, or families with children.

I would support expanding the trail network in Ashland Parks, and if elected to the APRC I would like to work closely with the Ashland Trails Advisory Committee (TRAC) on new trail proposals, to be able to share my experience and knowledge in trail planning, layout, and building so that hopefully, new trails are approved and built.

I was supportive of the Glenwood Hillside (Dormouse) trail proposal, especially after spending some time hiking the route and seeing where the trail(s) would be in relation to the other existing trails in the area. The Dormouse trail proposal was thoughtful, and would have limited impacts to current users while addressing two important concerns for the cycling community: 1) a safer, car-free connecting route from downtown to other trails; and 2) having a beginner and adaptive-friendly bike trail that is easily accessible to the public. In my Federal recreation management career, I have planned, analyzed, built, and maintained trails throughout the West and the resource concerns for this type of trail were not significant enough to deny a trail that would increase the public's use and enjoyment of a lightly used area of Lithia Park, especially by younger generations.

There has already been a lot of movement towards the purchase of the Madrone Ridge property, so while I am supportive of acquiring the property, I think it is more of a question of what to do with it when it is acquired. Western Rivers Conservancy has identified it has one of their projects (Wrights Creek Madrone Ridge) and is working towards purchasing the property and deeding it to the City. Recently, partnering with Western Rivers Conservancy, the Forest Service announced that under their Forest Legacy program, they have allocated $5.56 million towards the Madrone Ridge purchase, which leaves the remaining 25% balance of non-federal match of $2 million. This purchase is supported by Senators Merkley and Wyden, which might help with acquiring State funding, rather than relying on City funding.

Acquiring the Madrone Ridge property would not only be important for conservation of wildlife habitat and the municipal water supply, but it would also help improve Ashland’s wildfire resilience and could expand recreational opportunities. There are existing roads from past forest management that could be improved and used to improve wildfire resilience, and an existing trail system that is used by runners, hikers, and cyclists. Given the location and limited access and facilities, I think the benefits to the community of acquiring the Madrone Ridge property outweigh the purchase cost and minimal management costs.

In my career managing recreation on public lands, I worked with a diverse assortment of outdoor recreation groups, motorized and non-motorized alike, and I understand the importance of outdoor recreation for the physical and mental health benefits and helping people connect with others and their surrounding landscapes. Getting kids outdoors and connecting families to outdoor spaces around them is a priority for me, and I think Ashland’s city parks are one of the best ways to do that. Having a robust parks system with a wide variety of outdoor recreation opportunities—where kids can explore and play outdoors and connect their families and friends to the places that matter most to them—will lead to protecting nature in the future, contribute to our economy, and continue to make Ashland a highly desirable place for families to live.

I was born and raised here, so my memories of the trail network go back to the very beginning. I learned to mountain bike alone on an old Felt, climbing Tolman and picking my way back down. Now I coach DEVO and participate in local and regional enduro races. I started trail running when I lived over by the Ordson-Todd side of things and my mental health only survived nursing school because I was able to run out my front door and piece together miles of trail.

That access to trails and open space is one of the main reasons I chose to stay in Ashland and build my life here. Our trail network gives us an incredible opportunity to step out our front doors and play, unwind, build community and stay healthy.

My love of our trails would inform my priorities as a commissioner. I want to protect and maintain the trails we already have, preserve the watershed and natural areas they pass through, and make sure recreation is balanced with responsible stewardship. I want future generations of Ashlanders to have the same opportunity to explore these places and develop their own connection to the land.

Outdoor recreation is an important part of both Ashland’s economy and our identity. The City’s Economic Opportunities Analysis identified tourism and recreational amenities as one of Ashland’s greatest economic assets. The EOA also recognized a shift toward younger, more outdoors-focused visitors and the opportunity to build a more diverse, year-round tourism economy around our natural assets. I don't have to tell you guys that peak Shakespeare season (summer) is not peak mountain bike season and by promoting spring and fall events the city could really capitalize on a different tourism demographic. I think the City’s first responsibility is to take good care of what we already have by funding Parks and Recreation. That means allocating funds in our budget for maintaining our trails, improving connections and access, and emphasizing work with local organizations and volunteers who help care for the trail network, because the city is nothing without its massive network of volunteers.

Mountain biking should have a strong place in Ashland’s City-owned trail system. I want the Parks Commission to be an advocate and an active partner in building and maintaining an exceptional trail system. Ashland has knowledgeable and passionate local trail organizations who are willing to contribute expertise and labor. I won't pretend to be an expert on trail building, I ride completely in awe of peoples' ability to envision and build such fun trails. I know we have ample locals that do provide that expertise. I think we should look to them for criteria for sustainable trail design and shared use management ideas. We do not need to re-invent the wheel in order to build new trails, we just need to ask for help and rely on the passionate members of our community to provide information and expertise. I would work to strengthen those partnerships, identify priority projects, pursue funding, and create clear pathways for community organizations to help build and maintain trails.

Madrone Ridge gives us a rare opportunity to think about what Ashland’s trail network could look like decades from now. I would like us to approach that opportunity with both ambition and stewardship—with the goal of creating an incredible, connected trail system that serves our community while protecting the landscape that makes it possible.

I was frustrated and disappointed for the people who worked so hard, and for so many years, to develop and advocate for this proposal. I would like to see representatives of this community find creative solutions to support projects proposed by local interest groups. I was not at the table when the arguments were being presented, the trail being designed, the proposals were put through and that is part of why I want to be a parks commissioner. I want to be at the table, hear all sides, get all information and then do everything in my power to help these ideas and plans come to fruition.

For me, the goal doesn't have to be choosing between protecting Lithia Park and supporting mountain biking. I believe we can do both. I would have liked to see more problem-solving around the competing needs. To me, the goal should be to look for ways to accommodate these different uses rather than assuming that protecting the park and expanding safe cycling opportunities have to be mutually exclusive.

Imagine me jumping up and down cheering. That is my position on Madrone Ridge. It really does seem too good to be true. We all know and love the West Side trails and to make them part of a connected, integrated, maintained, marked, expanded trail system would be, for lack of a better word, epic. I want to be part of the group that helps develop a thoughtfully designed multiuser trail plan with heavy input from local stakeholders. Funding the maintenance of this property will be the challenge. Even though it is being handed to us on a golden platter, the city and the ever-shrinking parks budget will be responsible for keeping the trails safe, the watershed protected, and the wildfire barrier maintained. However, I know we can rely on local groups to help with trail maintenance and I would love to see Parks and Rec help facilitate work parties, volunteer round-ups and trail days as much as possible. If we can keep the costs down, the sky is the limit.

You may have noticed, as I have, that Ashland’s local government tends to be represented by a fairly narrow demographic. We rely heavily on certain members of our community to volunteer their time, serve on commissions and step into elected office, and I am incredibly grateful to everyone who gives their time and experience to make Ashland better. But I also want to see broader representation at the table.

Many of the decisions we make today—about our parks, trails, infrastructure, climate resilience and public spaces—will shape Ashland for decades. They will affect kids like I was: kids who grow up here, fall in love with this place, and eventually have to decide whether Ashland is somewhere they can stay and build their adult lives.

I think those long-term decisions benefit from having people at the table who are thinking about what this community will look like 10, 20 and 30 years from now. We need leaders who understand that people live and recreate in ever-changing ways, who are willing to try new approaches, and who recognize that serving the whole community sometimes means saying yes to an idea even when the people asking for it aren't the largest or loudest group in the room.

I want our parks system to feel like it belongs to everyone. That means listening to mountain bikers, families, seniors, young people, athletes, dog owners and yes, even the LARPers. Not every group will get everything it wants, but every group should feel that it has a voice and that its needs are taken seriously.

If elected, I will actively reach out to user groups and request their input, ideas, hopes and dreams for our parks system. I will solicit feedback and do everything I can to address the requests I hear.

I have developed a strong appreciation for Ashland’s watershed and trail system through hiking, exploring and spending time in Lithia Park and the surrounding watershed. I have also spent considerable time learning about the history, development and stewardship of Lithia Park and Ashland’s public lands.

That experience has reinforced my belief that Ashland’s trails are an important community asset. They provide opportunities for recreation, exercise and connection with nature while also giving residents and visitors a direct connection to the landscape that defines our community.

As a commissioner, I would prioritize responsible stewardship of the existing trail system before pursuing expansion. That means maintaining trails we already have, addressing erosion and environmental impacts, improving wayfinding and safety, and ensuring that new investments are sustainable over the long term. I also believe trail planning should consider the entire watershed rather than treating individual trails as isolated projects.

Outdoor recreation is an important part of Ashland’s quality of life and contributes to our visitor economy. Our parks, trails, watershed, Lithia Park and proximity to the broader Rogue Valley help distinguish Ashland as a destination as well as a place to live. Could it become a Downieville experience for mountain bikers… who knows.

The City should support outdoor recreation in ways that are sustainable financially, environmentally and socially. I would focus first on maintaining and improving the recreation infrastructure we already have. I would also support better coordination among the City, local businesses, tourism organizations, land managers and recreation groups so that Ashland can capture economic benefits without compromising the resources that attract people here.

I believe there is an opportunity to better promote Ashland as an outdoor recreation destination, but that promotion needs to be matched by adequate maintenance, visitor management and protection of our natural resources.

Mountain biking should have an appropriate place within Ashland’s City-owned trail system. Mountain bikers are an important part of our recreation community, and well-designed trails can provide significant recreational and economic benefits. I would much rather see our kids outdoors enjoying nature than sitting in front of a video game console.

At the same time, I don't believe every proposed trail is necessarily appropriate simply because it provides another riding opportunity. Trail proposals should be evaluated using consistent, objective criteria, including:

• Environmental and watershed impacts
• Erosion, drainage and long-term maintenance requirements
• Wildfire and emergency-access considerations
• Compatibility with hikers, equestrians and other trail users
• Impacts on nearby neighborhoods and private property
• Construction and ongoing maintenance costs
• Accessibility and overall community benefit
• Whether the proposed location is appropriate for the type and intensity of use

I also believe Ashland should explore creating a dedicated beginner and adaptive mountain-bike opportunity. East Main Community Park deserves another look because the City has already designated the site for a pump track and bike skills park. While the property is relatively flat and would not lend itself to a conventional mountain-bike trail, I believe a future, purpose-built beginner trail or skills loop could potentially be designed using modest terrain features and the existing open-space areas. I know that the Ashland Public works department will be moving significant amounts of silt and debris from the water shed in the future as part of their required maintenance. That could be repurposed.

Such a facility could create a progression from basic bike skills to actual trail riding for children, families, adaptive riders and beginning cyclists, without introducing another mountain-bike trail into Lithia Park or the watershed. I would see this as a potential future Phase II consideration rather than a reason to redesign the current East Main project.

Any such proposal should still go through appropriate site, cost, environmental, neighborhood and public-review processes. If a proposal meets those criteria, I would support moving it forward through a transparent public process. I would also encourage the City to work with mountain-bike organizations and other trail users to identify appropriate locations for additional trails rather than approaching each proposal as an isolated issue. Other city parks land should also be explored.

I supported the Parks Commission’s decision regarding the Glenwood Hillside/Dormouse proposal. I think it was the right project but in the wrong location.

My position was not based on opposition to mountain biking. Rather, I believe the particular proposal needed to be evaluated on its environmental, neighborhood, safety, access and long-term stewardship implications. I also believe that the City has a responsibility to look at the cumulative impacts of trail development within the watershed rather than evaluating each trail independently. Public input and commentary was/is critical.

I support mountain biking as part of Ashland’s recreation system, but I believe where and how trails are built matters. I would be open to future proposals that address the concerns identified with this project and demonstrate that the recreational benefits justify the environmental, neighborhood and long-term maintenance impacts.

I support protecting important natural areas surrounding Ashland when doing so provides a clear long-term public benefit and can be accomplished responsibly.

The Hoffman/Madrone Ridge property represents an opportunity to protect open space, watershed resources and wildlife habitat while potentially providing carefully managed recreational opportunities. It could also become an important part of a larger strategy for connecting and protecting Ashland’s natural areas.

The challenge is making sure that acquisition is followed by a realistic stewardship plan. Ownership itself does not protect a property. The City needs to understand the costs of managing the land, wildfire risk, invasive species, erosion, access, habitat protection and potential recreational use.

I would favor developing a long-term management plan with clear priorities, costs and public input before making significant commitments to new recreational infrastructure on the property.

My goal is to help ensure that Ashland's parks remain well-maintained, accessible, financially sustainable and worthy of the community’s investment.

I bring more than 40 years of leadership experience in complex organizations, including extensive experience in planning, budgeting, operations, contracts, risk management and developing people. I believe those skills are directly applicable to the Parks Commission.

I would focus on maintaining the parks and trails we already have, protecting Ashland’s natural resources, improving long-term financial and asset planning, supporting appropriate recreational opportunities for a broad range of residents, and making decisions through a transparent and inclusive public process.

Most importantly, I believe the Parks Commission should think beyond individual projects and take a long-term view of Ashland’s entire parks, trails and natural-resource system. We have extraordinary assets. My goal would be to be a responsible steward of those assets so that they remain healthy, accessible and enjoyable for generations to come.

As director at the Klamath-Siskiyou Wildlands Center, our organization over the last decade and a half has been part of the monitoring team for the Ashland Forest Resiliency project. Over the years, our team reviewed numerous project proposals and followed up with how implementation went on-the-ground. I am also a hiker/backpacker and have explored, and enjoyed, the watershed trails frequently. I have an in-depth understanding of land use planning and management with agencies that have a multi-use mission and would bring that understanding to the Ashland Parks Commission.

Outdoor recreation is a growing sector of southern Oregon, and it’s a big part of who I am too. I enjoy riding my bike on the greenway, hiking trails nearby, and paddling our Wild & Scenic Rivers. Locally, I see outdoor recreation being one of several assets – arts & culture, food & ag, and recreation – that makes this place so attractive to live and visit.

As for what can be done, it’s my understanding that there used to be a dedicated staff person in the Parks Department that was dedicated to trails. It doesn’t seem to be the case anymore. With a secure budget for Parks, maybe that position could be reconsidered. Given the recent heated dialogue around the Lithia Park mountain bike trails, maybe we should revisit the Trails Master Plan with a contingent of trail users, park visitors, neighbors, Parks staff, and Ashland Fire/Rescue staff to discuss a sustainable and maintained trail system. It’s my understanding there is a proliferation of illegal trails being developed in various part of our open space system. Before we build and maintain more, I agree with certain folks in Ashland Fire and Rescue that say we need to get a handle on illegal trails and their usage before building more.

Criteria to me includes risks and safety. Where are trails being built, how are they signed, etc? I had a recent conversation with Ashland Fire and Rescue staff that worried about increased emergency calls due to illegal trails and people using them that aren’t necessarily experienced enough for the terrain. Other criteria for me include initial costs, maintenance costs. How do expect Ashland Parks staff to maintain more and more trails on city lands when we don’t have a budget that is increasing each year? It seems to me we keep asking the staff to do more with less and I think we need to address illegal trail networks and right-size before considering significant new trails in our city lands.

I’m ok with the decision from Parks’ staff leadership and the board at this time. I spoke with interim director Dials after the decision was made, and she was transparent and forthcoming with the factors that led to the decision not to recommend the trail move forward. It sounded like opposition to the trail was also overwhelmingly opposed 2 to 1. I am fine with how she approached that, with input from staff, and I’m OK with the majority of the board supporting the Parks’ director’s decision by not advancing the trail at this time. The #1 factor that would most likely drive my decision-making on the board is what the director and her staff recommend. They’re doing the day-to-day operations and work, and they’re expertise and knowledge should be weighed heavily. Especially when it comes to budget, maintenance, and staff capacity to get things done.

I am supportive of the acquisition of the Madrone Ridge property adjacent to city lands. There’s a long history of public/private stewardship between that land and city land, and it seems like a great opportunity to help support fire/forest resiliency while also potentially utilizing existing infrastructure on the land to support job training and development around forest and fire stewardship.

We have outstanding parks in Ashland. These facilities and open spaces enrich lives and enhance our quality of life for those that live here (and for those that visit regularly to enjoy our parks). I’m not running to fulfill a pet project or advocate for one issue. I want to see our parks enjoyed by a broad sector of people, including those that want to enjoy them on foot. I understand the need to balance the interests of many user groups, and I look forward to working with various entities, neighbors, users, and departments to provide our community with a diversity of assets and destinations to enjoy.

I began mountain biking in the watershed in 1995. I stopped mountain biking in 2005.

Outdoor recreation has always played a significant role in Ashland. Availability of skiing, skating, walking, hiking, running, biking, swimming and racquet sports have been part of the character and charm of Ashland. It has supported several bike and outdoor shops.

Mountain biking already has a role. Any expansion of the trail system should, as with any land use expansion, face rigorous analysis across all legal and departmental entities so as to ensure that it is in compliance with environmental, safety, and legal constraints.

I was opposed to it. It wasn't in conformance with the Master Plan for Lithia Park as well as being unnecessary for the continued enjoyment of the watershed trail system.

This is not a Parks issue at present. I like the idea of acquisition if there is a cogent plan and budget for ongoing maintenance. I think it should be on a city-wide ballot.

My only “agenda” and goal for being on the Parks Commission is to bring thoughtfulness and experience to every issue that comes before the commission. I want to be an effective steward of current park assets, programs and activities in a collaborative and thoughtful way, working with fellow commissioners, Parks & Rec staff, City managers and Council, advisory committees and citizens to maintain and protect current assets across the spectrum of needs. It will require discipline, listening and balancing within the constraints of the budget.