Honoring Forest Champions: Tom Brauner and Nelson Kline
Tom Brauner (left) and Nelson Kline (second from left), leading a Trailkeepers Of Oregon trail party
The State Forests Trust of Oregon is proud to recognize Nelson Kline and Tom Brauner as the newest recipients of our Forest Champions Volunteer Award, honoring their extraordinary commitment to restoring access to the Shellburg Falls Trail system in the wake of the 2020 Labor Day fires.
Through their leadership with Trailkeepers of Oregon (TKO), Nelson and Tom have guided countless volunteers to help restore this beloved trail network. Their partnership included construction of two 30-footbridges, essential to safely reopening Shellburg Falls to the pubic.
Nelson has been a force in the trail community since 2019. He’s attended 81
Tom Brauner guiding a volunteer on a crosscut saw
trail parties and led 47 of them, primarily in Marion County. Under his leadership, TKO volunteers have contributed 1,619 hours, maintaining and rerouting over 101,000 feet of trail.
Tom, who joined TKO in 2022, has volunteered over2,000 hours—leading work parties, scouting trail alignments, designing bridges, and building box steps. He works closely with Oregon
Department of Forestry staff to coordinate ongoing trail restoration in the Santiam State Forest.
But beyond their impressive stats, Nelson and Tom have inspired a dedicated community of volunteers. Their enthusiasm and expertise continue to draw new volunteers. Their goal is to increase volunteer involvement from the Salem area and beyond. Work on the Santiam isn’t done—many fire-damaged areas still need attention, as winter storms bring down trees weakened by past burns.
Thanks to Nelson and Tom, Shellburg Falls is once again a place for families, hikers, and nature lovers to explore. Their tireless efforts reflect the heart of stewardship.
You can lend a hand in restoring the Shellburg Falls Trail system.
Shade and Serenity on Soapstone Lake Trail
Just 90 minutes from Portland, discover a tranquil summer escape on the Soapstone Lake Trail in Clatsop State Forest. This 2.7-mile round-trip hike winds through lush forest, across bridges and boardwalks, and along fern-filled understory. In summer, the trail comes alive with wildlife—watch for rough-skinned newts and frogs calling, as well as a wide array of birds including ducks and osprey soaring overhead. The trail’s gentle terrain and quiet beauty make it perfect for families, nature lovers, and anyone seeking a peaceful forest stroll.
The trail is maintained by Oregon Department of Forestry’s Recreation, Education & Interpretation (REI) staff based out of the Astoria District Offer. They are responsible for all developed recreational opportunities across the Clatsop State Forest. In addition, much of the recently replaced trail infrastructure was completed in partnership with crews from the South Fork Prison Camp in partnership with REI staff.
