Our History
Prior to the incorporation of Jerry Morrison, Inc. in 1973, owner Jerry Morrison was engaged in the family business of building backpacking and hiking trails, and logging with his father.
Since its inception in The Dalles, Oregon, the company’s primary purpose has been the creation and maintenance of forest trails, excavation for trails, water systems, small bridges, sewer systems, and other forest related work.
In 1992, Jerry created the miniature paving machine known as the Morrison Trail Paver for paving forest trails, golf cart paths, recreational, and ADA trails.
An award-winning organization, the firm has an excellent reputation for integrity and work performed. Jerry Morrison, Inc. has worked for the U.S. Forest Service, Corps of Engineers, private jobs with such organization as Eagle Crest Resort and Inn at the 7th Mountain and more recently with Yosemite National Park. In 1994 the company participated in the trail portion of the Ray Atkeson Memorial.
In 1996 at the annual meeting of the Western Trail Builders Association, Jerry Morrison, Inc., received a “Spirit of Cooperation” award in connection with the Tumalo Falls Trail at Bend, Oregon.
As Jerry Morrison grew and matured in Trail Building, he trained Kenneth W. Baughman in all facets of the business which Ken Utilized to move on as Yakima Construction on Jerry’s retirement
Yakima Construction, Inc., an independently owned trail building company, was owned by Kenneth W. Baughman with over 39 years of experience in the field. Ken’s company successfully completed work on the Trail of 100 Giants, multiple trails in the Yosemite National Park in California, and numerous other trails throughout the west.
Jerry and Ken have been recognized as pioneers and leaders in the trail building industry. They are respected by other trail builders who have known and worked with them during the last 40-plus years. Over the years, working with the PTBA and the WTBA, both Jerry and Ken were active in promoting the guidelines for members within the association in order to maintain quality performance standards for the trail building industry. Jerry and Ken took Bob Odell under their tutelage starting 22 years ago, back in the year 2003.
Bob Odell began his apprenticeship by joining the crew paving the Yosemite Falls Trail.
Nature Bound Construction
Sadly, Jerry passed away in 2014 and at the request of Ken Baughman of Yakima Construction, Bob decided to leave behind his repair service and use his talents to build trails full time alongside Ken. Bob continued the legacy by creating Nature Bound Construction, LLC and went into partnership with Ken. He has served as foreman and subcontractor on all jobs for Yakima Construction since that time. Bob’s Nature Bound Construction continues the same quality workmanship in the many types of trails, bridges, boardwalks and timber work performed in the past. They have worked with the Forest Service, BLM, cities and counties, as well as private parties. Ken has not only been a great mentor for Bob but a valued business partner and trusted friend. Bob takes great satisfaction in the work that he performs, creating access to nature’s beauty for the public that will stand for years to come.
