FSPW reflects on achievements

SANDPOINT — Just like Heather Anderson, keynote speaker at the 2014 State of the Scotchmans, local conservationists have come a long way in a short time.

Anderson earned her credentials by hiking the Pacific Crest Trail — a 2,650-mile trek from Canada to Mexico — in just 60 days. As for Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness members, their achievements are more subtle, but a year’s worth of work has yielded more maintained trails and connectivity, preserving access to the region.

In both cases, it’s cause for reflection and celebration among local wilderness advocates as they prepare for their annual State of the Scotchmans event, scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Forrest M. Bird Charter School. An opportunity for supporters to socialize and plan ahead for the next year of conservation and advocacy, the banquet combines acknowledgments and anticipation into one eventful evening.

“It also doesn’t hurt that we have free food,” said program coordinator Sandy Compton.   

Compton is especially excited to have Anderson available as keynote speaker. A self-professed former “couch potato,” Anderson’s growing interest in the wilderness and the outdoors led her to tackle some of the most rigorous hikes in the nation. By the age of 25, she was a seasoned ultramarathon runner and had already completed the so-called “triple crown” of endurance backpacking — the 2,100-mile Appalachian Trail, the 2,600-mile Pacific Crest Trail and the 3,100-mile Continental Divide Trail.

However, her biggest achievement came in 2013 when she secured the speed record for the Pacific Crest Trail. Completing the journey in a total of 60 days, 17 hours and 12 minutes, Anderson hiked an average of 43 miles per day hiking on foot and carrying a backpack. That figure doesn’t count occasional divergence from the trail to hit resupply points along the way. This achievement earned her accolades like placement in Women’s Adventure Magazine’s “Top 10 Women Adventurers of 2013” honor. Her writing has also appeared in publications like Ultrarunning Magazine.

“We are really excited to have Heather come talk to us,” said FSPW executive director Phil Hough. “In addition to having accomplished this incredible feat, she’s a personal friend and a great inspiration to me.”

Given her achievements, Compton is excited Anderson is bringing her presentation on the hike — one she’s given many times all around the country — to Sandpoint for the Scotchmans event.

“I think Heather’s presentation will be of great interest to a great variety of people,” says Compton. “And I urge (everyone) to invite someone (they) think would enjoy Heather’s talk to come with (them).”

In addition, Friends of Scotchman Peaks members will honor their own ranks with the 2014 Old Goat Award. Each year, members select a volunteer with especially important contributions to honor with the award, strange as the name may be.

 “This is always fun,” Compton said. “Being the Old Goat might seem like sort of a dubious honor, but folks always beam when we hand it to them.”