Fayetteville, Georgia
On Friday, October 4, 2024, the Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association (SORBA) announced Chris Doane as its new President. In addition to his new role at SORBA, Doane serves as President & CEO of the Southern Conservation Trust (SCT), marking a significant step in leadership for both organizations. This dual leadership positions Doane at the forefront of an exciting initiative aimed to enhance outdoor recreation opportunities across the Southeast through a strategic partnership between the two organizations.
“Chris has been a vital part of the leadership in SORBA, and I am excited to see him transition into the role of President,” said Philip Darden, Executive Director of SORBA. “This partnership is a great opportunity for us to expand our partnership with Southern Conservation Trust and expand outdoor recreation opportunities in the Southeast. We are confident that our joint efforts will result in the creation of exceptional trail experiences that serve a diverse community of users, all while promoting responsible land stewardship.”
Chris Doane’s vision focuses on leveraging the strengths of both SORBA and SCT to develop shared-use trails that will benefit runners, hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians. As President of both organizations, Doane aims to unite their resources and expertise to create sustainable and accessible outdoor spaces on current and future SCT properties.
“We are looking to identify prime locations across Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina where SORBA and SCT can come together to develop new trails for everyone to enjoy,” said Doane. “Our goal is to connect people with the outdoors while building an environment that encourages conservation and community.”
In addition to trail development on Southern Conservation Trust’s owned properties, SCT is committed to working with eligible conservation easement holders interested in enhancing public access to their land. By partnering with SORBA, SCT will provide resources and expertise to help these landowners create sustainable, multi-use trails. These initiatives aim to foster greater access to natural spaces while preserving the land for future generations.
The future collaboration between SCT and SORBA hopes to create unique outdoor recreation opportunities that benefit both local communities and the environment. As Doane embarks on this new chapter, there is optimism about the direction in which he will guide SCT and SORBA, aligning their missions with the evolving needs of their members and the broader community.
For more information about the Southern Conservation Trust and its conservation initiatives, please visit www.sctlandtrust.org.
Based in Georgia, the Southern Conservation Trust is a US 501 (c)(3) public charity, EIN 58-2036727, that elevates nature through exceptional stewardship through over 55,000 acres of conserved land and public lands throughout the southeast, including 5 public nature areas in Fayette County, Georgia, and the Fayette Environmental Education Center. We don’t just believe in protecting land; we believe people should have equal access to enjoy it. Learn more at www.sctlandtrust.org.
The Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association (SORBA) is a Georgia-registered nonprofit that has 47 chapters that serve their local communities across 7 states in the Southeast. They believe that everyone should have access to the mental, physical, and social benefits that mountain biking provides. Learn more at www.sorba.org.
Ashley Reeves
Marketing & PR Specialist
At Southern Conservation Trust, we are passionate about elevating nature through exceptional stewardship. Based in Georgia, our 501(c)(3) public charity has successfully conserved over 65,000 acres of land across the Southeast, including five public nature areas in Fayette County and the Fayette Environmental Education Center. We believe that protecting our natural spaces is just the beginning; everyone should have equal access to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. Join us in our mission to foster a deeper connection between people and nature. Learn more at www.sctlandtrust.org.