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Steward Moab launches as nonprofit with county seed funding for Trail Ambassador work
Summary
Steward Moab transitioned from a Trail Ambassador program into an independent nonprofit, receiving $150,000 from Grand County for year one and additional private support; the group plans trail education, light maintenance, and grant-driven staffing for 2026.
Anna Sprout, representing the newly formed Steward Moab nonprofit, described the organization’s mission: “to foster responsible connections to the Moab area public lands through education and collaboration that protect and enhance the non-motorized and motorized recreation experience for all.” She said the nonprofit structure will enable donations and sponsorships and noted Grand County provided $150,000 for the program’s first year.
Steward Moab plans to prioritize hiking and OHV recreation in 2026, focusing staffing and education on Mill Creek, Grandstaff and Corona Arch hiking trails and Hell’s Revenge, Fins and Things and Poison Spider OHV trails. Sprout said program management includes Mariah Ward as Program Manager with partial funding through a health-department grant and that CNHA provided $35,000 toward 2026 operations. Sprout asked the committee for letters of support for four grant applications due by March.
Committee members discussed funding structure and future matches. Mark Pope asked how dependent the program would be on private donations as a data point for future budgets; Sprout said Steward Moab will “figure out what is donations, partnerships, sponsorships, grants.” The group also noted improved coordination on patrol logs and the potential for light maintenance tasks handled by part‑time staff and volunteers.
