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 TrailPaver 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.
Yakima Construction
Yakima Construction, Inc., an independently owned trail building company, is owned by Kenneth W. Baughman, who originally trained with Jerry Morrison, and has 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.
Both companies enjoy a reputation for honesty, integrity, and quality workmanship. 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 have been active in promoting the guidelines for members within the association in order to maintain quality performance standards for the trail building industry.
Nature Bound Construction
Bob Odell began working off and on with Jerry and Ken as far back as 2003, joining the crew paving the Yosemite Falls Trail, while continuing his mobile repair service. 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 building trails full time alongside Ken. He created 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. Yakima and Nature Bound strive to continue their quality workmanship in the many types of trails, bridges, boardwalks and timber work that they perform. 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. They both simply love the work that they perform, creating access to nature’s beauty for the public that will stand for years to come.
