On this episode of "Planning the Wild" we dive into the inspiring journey of Alyssa Brownlee, a passionate outdoor enthusiast and business owner. From her adventurous childhood to becoming a river guide and now owner of Horse Creek Lodge, Alyssa shares her story of finding solace in nature and turning her love for the outdoors into a thriving business. Discover how she navigates the challenges of running a recreation business in the heart of the Willamette National Forest, and the importance of community partnerships in the outdoor recreation economy. Tune in for an engaging conversation filled with personal insights and the joy of connecting people with nature.

• Horse Creek Lodge: https://horse-creek.com/

• McKenzie Trail Volunteers: https://www.facebook.com/61575624755588

In this episode of "Planning the Wild," Rachel Franchina sits down with Kate Porsche, the Director of OSU's Center for the Outdoor Recreation Economy. Kate shares her journey from economic development to outdoor recreation workforce development, highlighting how intertwined they are. She also talks about her unique skills like ham radio operation and welding, which she humorously refers to as her "zombie apocalypse skills." Tune in to explore how these personal interests and skills intersect with her professional life, offering insights into workforce development and the outdoor recreation economy.

• Oregon State University Center for Outdoor Recreation Economy: https://outdooreconomy.oregonstate.edu/

• Oregon Economic Development Association: https://oeda.biz/

• Oregon Rural Tourism Studios: https://industry.traveloregon.com/programs/oregon-tourism-studios/rural-tourism-studio/

About Our Guest, Kate Porsche

Kate serves as the Director for OSU’s Center for the Outdoor Recreation Economy-focusing on creating workforce solutions for the industry. Prior to OSU she worked in local government in Oregon focused on community, economic, and workforce development. She holds a master’s degree in Public Policy from OSU, is Vice President of the Oregon Outdoor Alliance and a SORP board member. Kate is a native Oregonian, and rehabilitates historic homes in her free time.

In this episode of "Planning the Wild", we delve into the world of trail advocacy and recreation management with Don Amador, a seasoned expert with over 35 years of experience. Discover how Don's journey from a family rooted in the outdoors to becoming a pivotal figure in trail stewardship has shaped his approach to managing public lands. We explore the importance of long-term relationships, the impact of natural disasters on recreation facilities, and the collaborative efforts needed to ensure sustainable access to the great outdoors. Whether you're a recreation planner, trail manager, or outdoor enthusiast, this episode offers valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of managing our cherished natural spaces.

• Quiet Warrior Racing: https://quietwarriorracing.com/

• Post Wildfire OHV Recovery Alliance: https://www.facebook.com/pwora/

• FireScape Mendocino: https://www.firescapemendocino.org/

About Don:

Don Amador has been in the trail advocacy and recreation management profession for over 35 years. Don is President of Quiet Warrior Racing LLC. Don serves as the Western States Representative for the Motorcycle Industry Council. Don is Past President/CEO and current board member of the Post Wildfire OHV Recovery Alliance. Don is a Co-Founder and Core-Team member on FireScape Mendocino that is part of the Fire Learning Network. Don served as an AD Driver for the North Zone Fire Cache during the 2022, 2023, and 2024 Fire Seasons.