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$2,055 raised
4% complete
$50,000 Goal
Friends of the Dillon Ranger District is the largest volunteer-based organization in Summit County, bringing volunteers and land managers together to care for one of the greatest natural resources in our area, OUR public lands.
Friends of the Dillon Ranger District works closely with the US Forest Service's Dillon Ranger District to help care for our local National Forest through positive community engagement and active stewardship.
FDRD began as a group of local citizens who came together to collaborate with the Dillon Ranger District (DRD) to provide opportunities for community members to play a more active role in the sustainable management of local National Forest lands. The sense of ownership created through these projects really resonated with our community members, and as a result, our programs have grown steadily over the past 20 years since our founding in 2005.
Did you know that the Dillon Ranger District is the THE MOST visited portion of National Forest IN THE COUNTRY? It's true. With millions of visitors each year, a heavy toll is taken on the public lands of Summit County, and we're here to help our everyday community members give back.
These public lands sustain our local economy, comprise one of the most critical watersheds in the Western United States, and benefit millions of people who engage in outdoor recreation in the White River National Forest. Help us take care of the public lands of Summit County by donating today!
FDRD's Objectives for 2026:
In addition to the numerous volunteer projects and initiatives,Your support will allow FDRD to expand the following programs:
Friends of the Dillon Ranger District’s mission is to engage our community and support the US Forest Service’s Dillon Ranger District in stewardship through: adult and youth education and diverse volunteer programs, to preserve and enhance our public lands.
Testimonials
“I have been working as a United States Forest Service (USFS) employee with the Friends of the Dillon Ranger District (FDRD) since the organization’s inception 18 years ago! FDRD has become vital to the success of the Dillon RD Recreation program. Without their tireless support and on-the-ground work, the world class recreation experience we have all come to love on USFS land within Summit County would not be possible!”
-Tyler Kirkpatrick – Trails, Wilderness, Motorized Recreation Manager – White River National Forest, Dillon Ranger District
"Friends of the Dillon Ranger District (FDRD) plays a vital role in Summit County, not only by engaging in trail maintenance and education but also by fostering a sense of community and volunteerism within our residents. Every summer, FDRD brings together volunteers from both across the community and within various groups for its trail days. Employees at Breckenridge Grand Vacations are fortunate to participate in volunteer opportunities facilitated by FDRD. FDRD trail days allow employees to not only strengthen their personal relationships but also to contribute their volunteer time and efforts in Summit County’s incredible outdoor space."
-Tara Dew - BGV Gives Director - Breckenridge Grand Vacations
"FDRD provides a unique opportunity for us volunteers to play a role in sustaining the many elements that we all delight in using, but that would otherwise fall into disrepair because of overuse or inattention. It is no surprise that projects fill up quickly with volunteers. Whether it be trail maintenance, thinning trees, removing noxious weeds or barbed wire in our open spaces, each project leaves you feeling like you made a little difference while enjoying the camaraderie of like-minded community members. It’s just plain fun to get your hands dirty out there, even if you get weirdly fanatical about stalking noxious thistles after the weed pull!"
-Christine Weber, FDRD Volunteer
"After retiring and moving permanently to Summit County in 2019, FDRD was one of the first organizations we joined and committed to supporting both financially and as volunteers. We enjoy serving on the Ranger Patrol, which allows us to meet and interact with visitors from all over the country, sharing with them all the amazing trails, flora and fauna that can be found here. Volunteering at the Dillon Farmers' Market offers that same opportunity to interact with others. Bill really enjoys working on the very well-organized trail maintenance projects. We both appreciate the guided educational hikes and experiences that are offered throughout the year as well as the social events that allow us to interact with so many other supporters of FDRD!"
-Bill & Lee Ann Hieber, FDRD Volunteers
Organization name
Friends of the Dillon Ranger District
other names
FDRD
2005
Tax id (EIN)
20-2343008
Category
Environment, Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking Foundations, Recreation & Sports, Community Improvement & Capacity Building
Organization Size
Medium Organization
Address
680 Blue River ParkwayMailing
PO Box 1648Summit County, CO, US