[pct-l] PCT Volunteer leader Shane Krogen killed in accident

[Ken Murray]

On Thursday, Shane Krogen, founder and leader of the High Sierra Volunteer Trail Crew, was involved in a project with his group supporting the US Forest Service and Ca Dept of Fish and Wildlife in restoring a previously cleared marijuana plantation on public lands. His group has restored over 400 such sites.

During a helicopter operation, Shane somehow fell out of the helicopter from about 50 feet. He did not survive evacuation to the hospital. It is not clear how this came about, but will be comprehensively evaluated by the agencies involved.

Additionally, his group is responsible for a great deal of trail maintenance in the southern and central sierra. He had taken on responsibility of the PCT from Kennedy Meadows (S) to Trail Pass, a section that had not gotten comprehensive maintenance for over a decade. He had also taken on responsibility for the section from Piute Creek to Silver Pass for many years.

Shane has been a great friend to the PCT, and to trails and wilderness in the Sierra and elsewhere. 

He will be missed by thousands of friends.