Why recognize Action Heroes?
We are all influenced by our surroundings... and often too busy to go out of our way to eat healthy and be physically active. Healthy Shasta wants to recognize and celebrate those who make healthy eating and physical activity choices convenient, enjoyable, affordable, more enticing or easier for others.
Collaboration: Bill Kuntz
Bill Kuntz, at the Federal Bureau of Land Management (BLM)’s Redding Field Office, credits collaboration as a key in expanding trails systems and recreational opportunities in our community. One recent accomplishment is the completion of a loop of trails around Keswick Reservoir, making it possible to travel by trail from Redding’s Sacramento River Trail to Shasta Dam and back on the other side of the river. Similar collaborative efforts include expanded trails at the Swasey Recreation Area and Clear Creek Greenway. Bill also collaborates with groups encouraging people to get outdoors through events such as Redding Mountain Bike club’s Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day and Horsetown Preserve’s series of interpretive hikes with experts on topics such as fly fishing, bird watching and native plants.
Bill reports that our community is exceptional at providing support and collaborating to better our community.
- Expanding trails to reach more neighborhoods in collaboration with private foundations, local government and other partners
- Adding features to make trails more inviting, such as sunshades and picnic tables in conjunction with Redding Rotary
- Installing a water fountain at a trailhead in collaboration with a local youth as an Eagle Scout project
- Encouraging people to get moving and to enjoy the outdoors, such as Redding Mountain Biking and International Mountain Biking Association's Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day
Why we like Bill:
Collaboration allows people to pool resources and expertise, while avoiding duplication, so that more can be accomplished. With a combined 45 miles of trails built in 4 years, Bill’s relationships with many local organizations and individuals have provided greatly expanded opportunities for physical activity as well as fun events to get people outdoors. All this adds up to get people moving more while gaining a greater respect and appreciation for the outdoors.
Tidbits from Bill:
- Quality trails result in a quality experience for people using them
- Look at the big picture to serve people of all levels, interests and abilities
- Be inclusive as much as possible
