Manisha Powar
Looking back on my 15 years as a member and volunteer with The Mountaineers, I can’t help but think about the fulfillment I’ve gained from being part of this amazing community. From leading trips and courses to serving as an activity leader and Board member, the journey has been incredibly rewarding. As a volunteer leader, I’ve enjoyed researching routes and trip reports, doing the planning, and then getting out with old and new friends. Yet, with the growing popularity of outdoor recreation, we’re also facing new challenges, particularly when it comes to navigating the complicated permitting process required to access many of our cherished public lands.
Permitting is necessary to protect the lands where we recreate, but the process can be tedious and inconsistent across different agencies. Applying for permits is a part of leadership that isn’t as exciting as the adventure itself, but it’s crucial. That’s why I’m thrilled to see the strides we’re making to support our volunteers by streamlining these systems.
This progress didn’t happen overnight - it’s the result of persistent effort, collaboration, and advocacy at both the state and federal levels. As president of the Board, I’ve witnessed firsthand the hard work being done behind the scenes by our staff and volunteers. In our most recent Board meeting, Mountaineers staff shared the progress they’ve made in simplifying the permitting process for our volunteers. Thanks to their partnerships with land management agencies, we’ve secured important permits - like an eight-year guiding permit in the Cowlitz Valley Ranger District - and we’re continuing to push for more.
I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve accomplished. And our work isn’t done. We’re prioritizing expanding existing permits and applying for new ones, deepening our partnerships with our land managers, and mobilizing our community to advocate for federal legislation to streamline the permitting system.
Being a Mountaineer isn’t just about getting out into nature - it’s about ensuring future generations can enjoy these spaces just as we do. Volunteering with The Mountaineers has opened my eyes to the importance of outdoor conservation beyond recreation. Leadership, engagement, and advocacy are essential to preserving the natural places we love. Along the way, I’ve built lasting friendships and made lifelong friends. Working with a community bound by a shared passion for the outdoors is a privilege, and I can’t wait to see the impact we will collectively drive over the coming years.
This article originally appeared in our winter 2025 issue of Mountaineer magazine. To view the original article in magazine form and read more stories from our publication, visit our magazine archive.
