MOTHER LODE TRAILS

Day Hiker: Manzanita Trail is worth the longer trek for view of Confluence

1/13/2023

For the best view of the Confluence of the north and middle forks of the American River, let me suggest the Manzanita Trail to Stagecoach Trail. (photo credit: Mary West) Sure, you can get there from the Confluence by going directly up Stagecoach Trail, but the Manzanita Trail is worth the extra distance for many reasons. First, you can park for free at the Auburn State Recreation Area headquarters. Toilets, picnic tables and information about trails are located here and make it a great start and end point.

The Manzanita Trail is aptly named. During or right after a rain, the bark of the manzanita is bright red. The hearty bush thrives along the trail and in a couple areas it is shaped into an arched trellis over the path.

After connecting to Stagecoach Trail, the path opens, providing views of the Foresthill Bridge, the tallest bridge in California at 731 feet. The Confluence Bridge, Old Foresthill Bridge and Highway 49 Bridge are all within view.

If you look to the far right, you can see the Mountain Quarries Railroad Bridge. A small bench provides a good midway point. Turkey vultures often perch here. I have enjoyed watching them spread their wings and sun themselves on the highest limbs of the tallest trees here.

You can continue on Stagecoach or head uphill to the top of the Foresthill Bridge or downhill to the Confluence area. There are several trails to take advantage of from this point.

On Stagecoach, I was surprised to see the Heart Rock Tree had been cut down. Speaking to the Auburn State Recreation Area, it was necessary. A significant landslide took place near the tree, making it unstable. I placed my share of heart-shaped rocks in the nooks of the bark of the large pine. Now I only have pictures.

To get there from Auburn, take Interstate 80 to the Elm Avenue exit. Turn left onto Highway 49. Follow Highway 49 into the canyon and into the Auburn State Recreation Area. The ranger’s station entrance will be on your left about halfway down the canyon. Park in front of the office. The trail will be up the hill to your right around the maintenance shop. Black bears, snakes and other wildlife are in the area, so be cautious.

Take ample water and wear sturdy shoes. Exposed areas may require a hat, sunglasses and even sunscreen on sunny and hot days.

Mary West is author of the book series Day Hiker – Gold Country Trail Guide I, II and III (2nd edition available on Amazon). The books are a collection of the Day Hiker columns where West shares her longtime love of the outdoors, favorite hikes in Northern California’s Gold Country and beyond. West was the recipient of the 2017 and 2019 CRAFT Award for Best Outdoor Column and the 2020 Craft Award for her second book in the series – Day Hiker Gold Country Trail Guide by the Outdoor Writers of California. You can follow West on Facebook and Instagram.

CLICK HERE for original article and more photos by Mary West

Visit the South Lake Tahoe Glen Alpine Trail - Mary West

11/26/2022

The highlight of Glen Alpine Trail is the Glen Alpine Falls (upper and Lower) that you will drive to on your way to the trailhead. But look up and look around at the mountains of Desolation Wilderness including Mount Tallac. In spring this area is a perfect Chamber of Commerce image of the area found on Highway 89 a few miles north of South Lake Tahoe, California at the end of Fallen Leaf Road just to the west of Lake Tahoe.
(Photo by Mary West - Behind the gate is a lovely two-mile trail away from the crowds to Glen Alpine Springs.)

Three miles off Highway 50 on Highway 89, take Fallen Leaf Road to the parking lot at the end of the road. Fallen Leaf Road is a beautiful drive. Much of the drive along Fallen Leaf Lake. The road narrows. I must have pulled over a dozen times to allow cars to pass on my way in and again on my way out. This is a busy road and the falls are just off the road making it a magnet for visitors. Keep driving all the way to the end for better parking. I went early and had time at the falls and didn’t have to hunt for a parking spot. It fills up fast when the weather is nice, so go early or late when possible.

The parking area is just over the bridge over Fallen Leaf Creek. At the end of the parking lot is a message board and a green gate. Behind the gate is a lovely two-mile trail away from the crowds to Glen Alpine Springs. Upon your return from the out and back hike check out more of the Glen Alpine Resort where John Muir founded the Sierra Club.

I had a late lunch with Stella, my Australian Shepherd/Queensland Heeler next to the creek before the short walk back to the car. Lily Lake and other trails are nearby to extend your adventure.

According to the Recreation.gov web site: visitors must obtain a Wilderness permit for overnight camping as well as day visits, year-round. A quota system is in place for the 45 overnight destination zones from the Friday before Memorial Day through September 30th each year. The system disperses visitors throughout the area, providing an opportunity for solitude and reflection. First-served basis on the day of entry. A recreation fee is assessed during the permitting process. Day trips are free of charge.

Mary West is author of the book series Day Hiker – Gold Country Trail Guide I, II and III (2nd edition Available on Amazon). The books are a collection of the Day Hiker columns where West shares her longtime love of the outdoors, favorite hikes in Northern California’s Gold Country and beyond. West was the recipient of the 2017 and 2019 CRAFT Award for Best Outdoor Column and the 2020 Craft Award for her second book in the series-Day Hiker Gold Country Trail Guide by the Outdoor Writers of California. You can follow West on Facebook and Instagram.

CLICK HERE to see the original article and more photos in The Union newspaper.

Southern Illinois University Carbondale students mentored by Tahoe National Forest Trails Manager, Paul Hart

10/26/2022

Paul Hart, Kyle Griffey and Austin Krelo worked side by side for hours and hours on the rough mountainous terrain, creating trails where there were none, enhancing recreational opportunities and promoting economic growth in the region surrounding the historic gold mining towns of the Lost Sierra. The two Southern Illinois University Carbondale students and one graduate had one goal in mind – to make more of the beautiful Tahoe National Forest accessible for people to enjoy via motorized or non-motorized vehicles as well as by hiking or on horseback.

The nearest town, Nevada City, California, lies nearly 100 miles away by road or 60 miles as the crow flies. The Tahoe National Forest encompasses some 800,000 acres of green space, and Hart serves as its trails manager, overseeing the maintenance of some 550 miles of trails and construction of new trails.

It’s a dream career for Hart, who earned his bachelor’s degree in outdoor recreation leadership from SIU in 2007 and credits the university with helping pave his pathway to success. And he’s happy to mentor other Salukis as they prepare to launch their careers; after all, Salukis helping Salukis is an SIU tradition, he said.

Incredible experience
Griffey and Krelo said working throughout the summer with Hart was an extraordinary learning experience and that their educational experience at SIU laid an excellent foundation in them for the big tasks they would undertake with Hart.

“If people could only see the look on my face right now,” Griffey, of Tampa, Florida, said, beaming. “I have loved the experience. I’ve learned how to ride a motorcycle, use a chainsaw properly, move rocks with a jackhammer, create a section of trail from start to finish using different tools and work with volunteer partners and other groups and organizers. It’s been amazing. We’ve worked on a number of projects at different stages in the making of the trail and got to see how it all formed and how it all came together and how all the hard work paid off. And I’ve gotten to use a lot of different types of equipment.”

He was drawn to SIU because of its strong outdoor recreation and management program and for aviation, because aviation and flight, along with building and flying model planes, are hobbies. When he began doing basic trail building activities, he discovered that he really enjoyed it. He jumped at the chance to work with Hart when he heard about the opportunity from Tina Colson, senior lecturer in recreation professions.
Krelo, a forest resources management major from Vienna, Illinois, said he also had “definitely gotten a lot of new experiences and got to get my hands dirty” working alongside Hart. That included learning to operate an excavator, a clay compactor and pumps to move water from the river to the trails.

But Griffey and Krelo, who have both earned their dirt bike and chainsaw certifications while laboring in California, said what they gained goes far beyond knowledge of how to operate machinery, ride cycles and consolidate community partnerships. They said they’ve been inspired by Hart’s success and by the opportunities he’s acquainted them with.

SIU paved the way to success
“It’s been really neat having Paul as a boss,” Krelo said. “We’re both from Southern Illinois and seeing him in his element and knowing we came from the same area and that he’s succeeding and is making such a difference out here after all of the hard work he’s put in since graduating from SIU is something else. He’s pretty much shredding it now! And really worked hard with us, pushing us, teaching us, and we appreciate how much he’s helped us and what we’ve learned.”

Hart has been winning awards – professionally and on his motorcycle – since his days at SIU.
Beginning his career in the Florida Everglades, he has also worked at the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, the Coconino National Forest, the Ocala National Forest and Rend Lake.
Hart, who also holds a master’s degree in natural resources management from Slippery Rock University, won the SIU Recreation Professions Rising Star award in 2017.
He’s built hundreds of miles of new trails and managed 1,000 miles of existing trails. They are a serious business to him for many reasons. One is that he still races motorcycles, now in the desert dirt bike racing series and is currently ranked third in the country in the professional series.

Making trails count
Hart believes trails should be shared by all users – including cyclists, ATV drivers and motorcycle riders as well as hikers, runners and people on horseback.
“There’s so much beauty out there; we want everyone to be able to enjoy it,” Hart said. They work with the land, envisioning trails through the steep, rocky terrain and the thick woods in sustainable, forest-friendly and visionary pathways.

But he’s quick to add that building the trails to provide access is difficult, time-consuming work, and he and the others, including his fellow Salukis, are up to the challenge. He leverages grants to obtain additional funding, including stipends for Krelo and for Griffey, who was there completing a required 600-hour internship for his outdoor recreation and management degree. Indeed, Hart secures some $600,000 in grants annually.

Griffey is still interested in a career in land management but said working with Hart has definitely “opened my eyes to what opportunities are available.”

Krelo, who will graduate in December, said his goal is to find a job where he can work with his hands, ideally with the forest service, and after his time with Hart, he can definitely see himself in a role that involves trails and fire service. He clearly remembers coming into the Tahoe area and thinking, “It’s so beautiful here.”

This isn’t the first time a Saluki has traveled to the Tahoe National Forest for the Paul Hart internship experience. Nathan Alcorn, a 2017 alumnus and outdoor recreation major from Galesburg, Illinois, served his internship there as well. Alcorn still lives in California, working for the Fire Safe Council, and he and Hart remain friends.

“I always have an open invitation for SIU interns to come out and work with me,” Hart said. “SIU had a big impact on me and my life, and I am happy to help other Salukis any way I can.”
Hart gives back in other ways as well. Any time he gets back to Southern Illinois, he takes the opportunity to come to campus to talk to outdoor recreation and management classes, Colson said.
“It is so beneficial to have someone as successful and knowledgeable as Paul, who gives freely of his time to assist our students,” said Colson.

CLICK HERE to see complete article and more photos in the Southern Illinois University Blog:
https://blog.news.siu.edu/20221026-siu-trio-helps-create-trails-to-improve-access-to-tahoe-national-forest/

In 2022, Dept. of Interior Invests $180 Million through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to Improve Wildfire Mitigation and Resilience

10/7/2022

President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is bringing much-needed support across the country to increase the resilience of lands facing the threat of wildland fires and to better support federal wildland firefighters.

This once-in-a-generation investment includes $1.5 billion for the Interior Department’s wildland fire management over five years. The funding will help expand efforts to reduce wildfire risk, prepare for and respond to wildfires, and support post-fire recovery, including in communities that have traditionally been overlooked.

In 2022, the Interior Department invested approximately $180 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support wildfire risk reduction and resilience efforts throughout the country this year and next.

The funding provides temporary pay improvements for federal wildland firefighters. It also supports efforts to reduce wildfire risk, increase local firefighting capacity, support post-fire rehabilitation, further wildfire science, and expand firefighter training. Highlights include:

$82 million to reduce wildfire risk and mitigate its impact
$63 million for improved pay for federal wildland firefighters
$20 million to rehabilitate burned areas

These investments through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will continue through 2026 across the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Geological Survey, and other Interior offices and partners.

As climate change gives rise to more volatile weather that increases the threat of wildfires, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding, combined with the Department’s regular appropriations, will expand efforts to address this threat.

To see the 10/6/22 Press Release, CLICK HERE.

Mary West: the impossible beauty of the Tahoe East Shore Trail

9/25/2022

The Tahoe East Shore Trail, also called the Impossible Trail, is proof that with enough funding anything is possible. The three-mile stretch of paved walkway offering world class views of the international destination that is Lake Tahoe cost $40.5 million to bring to life. Many community organizations and individuals who love Lake Tahoe opened their wallets and donated their time and energy to make this dream a reality. All along the trail you find tributes and words of thanks offered to those who made the trail possible. (Photo credit: Mary West)

The Governor of Nevada cut the ribbon in late June of 2019 on the path that stretches from Incline Village to Sand Harbor on CA-267 South/Highway 28 in Washoe County Nevada. To get there take Interstate 80 east to CA-267 South to Incline Village. At the state line it becomes 28. Follow 28 to the parking area at Incline Village or up at Sand Harbor. This is a 3 mile out and back trek for a total of 6 miles round trip.

The Tahoe East Shore Trail is gorgeous. The views of Lake Tahoe and the multiple access points to the water is a pleasure. More importantly, it’s safer than walking or cycling along the roadway. If you park in Incline Village you start across the road from the lake. But the trail takes a turn under the highway to get you closer to the water the rest of the way to Sand Harbor.

There are drawbacks to this lovely trail. This is Tahoe and parking is at a premium at both ends of the trail. On summer weekends you need to arrive early and prepare to pay to park. This is a very popular trail with families, cyclists and dog owners. It can get crowded. Speaking of dog owners: The blacktop heats up fast, even with Tahoe’s cooler temperatures. Your dog’s feet will burn. Much of this trail is exposed to direct sun, be prepared with a hat, sunglasses and sunblock. Take plenty of water. One more drawback is walking on a paved surface can be hard on your feet and joints.

If you have friends and family from out of the area take them to the Tahoe East Shore Trail. It’s a bit like showing off our great north state. After you enjoy the view, enjoy all that Tahoe has to offer.

To see the original article and more photos in The Union newspaper, CLICK HERE.

5 areas in Placer County renamed to scrub racist term for Native women

9/13/2022

TAHOE CITY, Calif. — The U.S. government has ordered the renaming of hundreds of peaks, lakes, streams and other geographical features on federal lands to erase a racist term for Native American women, including five places in Placer County and two in El Dorado County.

New names for about 650 places bearing the offensive word “squaw” have been changed.

SEE below article for changes in California.

In Placer County the racist word has been scrubbed and new names include Washeshu Creek and Washeshu Peak — Washeshu is a Washoe word for “the people” — Papakum Pakan Flat, Olympic Valley, Uti Flat and Mani’pa Gulch.

“We are eager to embrace Washeshu Peak and Washeshu Creek,” said Palisades Tahoe on social media. The resort last year took the lead and dumped the racist term in its name.

In El Dorado County, the new names for areas include Kapa Hollow and Hunchup Creek near Diamond Springs.

Interior Secretary Deb Haaland said in a statement, “I feel a deep obligation to use my platform to ensure that our public lands and waters are accessible and welcoming. That starts with removing racist and derogatory names that have graced federal locations for far too long.”

The changes announced Thursday capped an almost yearlong process that began after Haaland, the first Native American to lead a Cabinet agency, took office in 2021. Haaland is from Laguna Pueblo in New Mexico.

The Native American Rights Fund, a nonprofit legal organization, welcomed the changes, the Associated Press reported.

“Federal lands should be welcoming spaces for all citizens,” deputy director Matthew Campbell said in a statement. “It is well past time for derogatory names to be removed and tribes to be included in the conversation.”

Haaland in November declared the term derogatory and ordered members of the Board on Geographic Names, the Interior Department panel that oversees uniform naming of places in the U.S., and others to come up with alternatives.

Haaland meanwhile created a panel that will take suggestions from the public on changing other places named with derogatory terms.

California, meanwhile, has taken its own steps to remove the word from place names. The state Legislature in August passed a bill that would remove the word from more than 100 places beginning in 2025.

Gov. Gavin Newsom has until the end of September to decide whether to sign the bill into law.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.

CLICK HERE to see the original article in the Sierra Sun newspaper.

Here are the changes in our state:

Nevada County Awards $415,570 in First Round of Outdoor Visitor Safety Fund Grants

9/12/2022

On July 26th, the Nevada County Board of Supervisors accepted the mid-year progress report for their 2022 objectives. Progress highlights for the Board’s newest objective, Recreation, included recent awards totaling $415,570 in Outdoor Visitor Safety Fund grants to community organizations. The grants, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), respond to the negative economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic with projects to increase resiliency and promote health and safety at highly impacted outdoor recreation destinations.
“Recreation is so important to our community, and we want our locals and visitors to be able to enjoy our beautiful outdoors. We have seen some real challenges at our river crossings and other popular destinations, and these grants help keep people and places safe,” said Chair Sue Hoek. “We want to protect our natural resources while making it inviting for our community to enjoy,” said Hoek, who, along with 5th District Supervisor Hardy Bullock, is a member of the Board’s ad hoc committee focused on recreation and that sponsored the grant process.
Nine projects across Nevada County address unmet needs at popular outdoor recreation sites and meet the goals of the program: to promote public safety and public health, equitable access to recreation opportunities, promote economic development through sustainable recreation, and protect and preserve natural resources.
“I’m so glad we are getting these resources into our community quickly, and grateful for our partners doing this important work”, said Supervisor Bullock. “We are looking at the economic, social and environmental impacts, and addressing the needs of visitors, our local economy, the environment and our community as a whole.”
Selected projects include visitor outreach as well as the installation and improvement of restrooms and parking, trails, and natural infrastructure.
Recipients include:

Bear Yuba Land Trust – $11,500 for the Trail Keepers program that engages with the public about safety and wildfire prevention at five popular trailheads in Alta Sierra, Grass Valley, and Nevada City; and, $99,500 for parking improvements to the Adam Ryan Preserve Trailhead, allowing for twice the capacity of the existing area.
Bicyclists of Nevada County – $13,724 for improving and quantifying trail use for the Harmony Ridge Trail System in Nevada City.
Nevada Irrigation District – $18,000 for a new parking site near Gate 2 entrance at Scott’s Flat Reservoir and the end of Scott’s Drop Trail.
South Yuba River Citizen’s League (SYRCL) – $16,705 for the continuation of the River Ambassadors program at Highway 49 and Bridgeport with expansion to Purdon and Edwards’ Crossings that engages with the public on river safety, waste pickup, and responsible recreation; $75,000 for development and coordination with community partners for Wild and Scenic River Trail Mile Markers and Safety signage; and, $46,371 for the installation of a double vault toilet at the Golden Quartz picnic area five miles upstream from the Town of Washington.
Truckee Trails Foundation – $25,400 for a visitor safety and environmental hazard prevention program that increases trail host ambassador outreach and safety monitoring, plus installation of two portable restrooms at critical high-volume locations in Donner Summit and east Nevada County year-round; and, $109,370 for installation of vault toilets at Johnson Canyon and Commemorative Overland Emigrant Trail trailhead at Hobart Mills Road.

Projects were selected by a panel including community members and staff through a competitive process that involved a two-step evaluation.  Projects will be completed by 2024, with many that have already commenced this summer in both east and west Nevada County.
Colleen Dalton, CEO of Visit Truckee-Tahoe explains, “With ever-increasing users of outdoor recreation in Nevada County, grant funds for Sustainable Truckee Ambassadors, new public toilets and porta potties in high-use areas meets urgently needed health and safety needs. In addition, we are also educating and providing a sense of feeling welcome – especially for new users. Visit Truckee-Tahoe is working closely with Nevada County as our partner on a vision for sustainable outdoor recreation.”
“It is inspiring to see the County making our public lands and natural resources a priority with the ARPA funds,” said Melinda Booth, Executive Director of SYRCL. “SYRCL is very proud to be organizing several projects with our partners that will enhance public safety and improve visitors’ experiences along the Yuba River.”
“Truckee Trails Foundation is so grateful for Nevada County’s efforts with the Outdoor Visitor Safety Fund aimed at addressing needs identified in the Convene, Champion and Catalyze leadership forum,” said Allison Pedley, Executive Director of Truckee Trails Foundation. “These efforts truly demonstrate the strong value of community collaboration with resulting benefit to the entire region.”
Nevada County’s Outdoor Visitor Safety Fund Grant Program was established and approved by the Board of Supervisors in April 2021 to provide up to $850,000 in one-time grants to respond to the negative economic impacts of COVID-19 through promoting public health and safety at highly impacted outdoor recreation destinations. Additional consideration was given to those that support economic development, enhance equitable access, address climate change adaptation, and promote environmental sustainability and resilience.
A second-round call for proposals will open on October 6, 2022, with additional funds to be awarded to eligible entities that submit collaborative, highly leveraged, and “shovel-ready” projects for implementation in 2023-2024.
For more information and to stay up to date on Recreation News and Information, visit www.nevadacountyca.gov/Recreation
To see original article in Yubanet, CLICK HERE.

Mt. biker found dead Downieville Downhill Trail

9/8/2022

DOWNIEVILLE, Calif. (KTXL) — A mountain biker was found dead on Sunday near Downieville along the town’s famous Downieville Downhill Trail, according to the Sierra County Sheriff’s Office.

The sheriff’s office said they received a call from the wife of Scott Fraser saying that he had not returned from his ride in Downieville even though he was expected to be home much earlier.

A search was launched involving the Nevada County Search and Rescue team and Helicopter H-24 from the California Highway Patrol, according to the sheriff’s office.

The sheriff’s office said the entire length of the trail was searched but no sign of Fraser was located.
The search continued with resources from Marin County, Placer County, Downieville Fire Department and the US Forest Service assisting in another full-length search of the trail area, according to the sheriff’s office.

Fraser’s bike was located over an embankment at 2:50 p.m. in a very steep and remote part of the trail, according to the sheriff’s office.

The sheriff’s office said that Fraser’s body was located by Placer and Marin county search and rescue members 200 feet below the trail and was airlifted out by a California Air National Guard helicopter.

CLICK HERE to see original article at Fox News

267 acres in the headwaters of the Bear River donated by PGE for CalFire demonstration forests

8/11/2022

267 acres in the headwaters of the Bear River in Nevada and Placer counties, were acquired as part of the Pacific Watershed Lands Stewardship Council’s commitment to permanently conserve watershed lands for the public good. The lands are being donated from Pacific Gas and Electric and will be managed in partnership with the Shasta Land Trust and Bear Yuba Land Trust who will hold conservation easements on the properties.

CALIFORNIA DEMONSTRATION STATE FOREST SYSTEM ADDS 2,500 ACRES TO STATEWIDE TOTAL FOR RESEARCH, RESTORATION AND CONSERVATION (Sacramento)
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) announced today the addition of more than 2,500 acres to its demonstration state forest system. Acquisition of these forested properties increases opportunities for critical research, forest restoration, and public recreation. These two new properties, comprised of 2,246 acres along South Cow Creek in Shasta County and 267 acres in the headwaters of the Bear River in Nevada and Placer counties, were acquired as part of the Pacific Watershed Lands Stewardship Council’s commitment to permanently conserve watershed lands for the public good.

The lands are being donated from Pacific Gas and Electric and will be managed in partnership with the Shasta Land Trust and Bear Yuba Land Trust who will hold conservation easements on the properties.

“The addition of the Cow Creek and Bear River properties to the CAL FIRE demonstration state forest system is another exciting chapter in California state forest stewardship,” said Kevin Conway, CAL FIRE’s State Forest Program Manager. “The properties that currently make up the forest system were first acquired nearly a century ago as clear-cut forests. Since then, we have successfully demonstrated how to re-grow forests, restore habitat, and provide for public recreation, among many other values.

These recently acquired acres have not been as extensively logged, and we’re excited to steward these areas for forest health, conservation and restoration, climate and fire resiliency, and the many other values that these special areas provide.”

California’s demonstration state forests serve as a living laboratory for how to care for and manage California’s forest lands for multiple benefits—recreation, watershed protection, wood products and sustainable timber production, and habitat restoration—given a changing climate and increasingly severe and intense wildfire seasons. The forests provide unique research and demonstration opportunities where environmental scientists, foresters, and other researchers can study the effects of various forest management and restoration techniques to help inform management practices for government, nonprofit and private forestland owners. “These important additions to our state forest system offer an opportunity to further the valuable research and ecological work underway on California state forestlands while contributing to critical climate goals. Adding these parcels to the California state forest system bolsters CAL FIRE’s continued commitment to providing forest landowners and others with timely, relevant information about forest management,” said CAL FIRE Deputy Director for Resource Management, Matthew Reischman.

California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Common activities on state forest lands include evaluating sustainable timber harvesting techniques that test current Forest Practice Rules, watershed restoration, a variety of university research projects to help answer pressing forest management questions, and other activities such as cone collecting for seed, and recreation such as mushroom collecting, hunting, firewood gathering, horseback riding, camping, mountain biking, and hiking.

Adding these properties follows the 2019 acquisition of the North Fork Mokelumne River property comprised of 1,054 acres in Amador County. In total, CAL FIRE will receive seven properties from the Stewardship Council by early 2023 bringing the total acreage of California’s demonstration state forest system to over 84,000 acres statewide.

These properties will increase the diversity of forest types under CAL FIRE’s stewardship and create new opportunities for research and demonstration of sustainable forestry techniques. CAL FIRE will work collaboratively and closely with the Bear Yuba Land Trust and Shasta Land Trust who hold the conservation easements on these properties to ensure that the scenic, open space, forest, wildlife habitat, recreation, and historic and cultural values are protected forever. The properties will be stewarded for these multiple uses under a Forest Management Plan to be approved by the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection.

To read the full press release from CalFire CLICK HERE.

CONTACT: Christine McMorrow Information Officer (916) 902-5032 Calfire.dutypio@fire.ca.gov
RELEASE DATE: August 8, 2022 CAL FIRE NEWS RELEASE

Lake Tahoe’s popular trails get $45,000 for maintenance

7/21/2022

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. — With higher usage in the Tahoe region, many of the existing trails are being loved to death. The Tahoe Fund is hoping to help solve this issue through its Tahoe Trails Endowment. The nonprofit recently awarded $45,000 in grants from the endowment to the Tahoe Rim Trail Association and the Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association to support trail work on popular trails in the Tahoe Basin.

“The Tahoe Trails Endowment was created because our board and our donors recognize the importance of taking care of the trails we already have,” said Amy Berry, Tahoe Fund CEO. “These grants are great examples of the power of the endowment to generate annual funding support for much needed trail work across the region.”

The TRTA’s Trail Segment Improvement Program was launched this summer to provide preventative maintenance on the 200-mile Tahoe Rim Trail. Every year, the program will include work to repair trail tread, clear downed trees and drainages, fix erosion damage, and decommission braided trails on three segments.

This summer, nearly 70 miles of trail along the busiest TRT segments in the Tahoe region will be improved: Big Meadow to Echo Lakes (18.3 miles), Barker Pass to Tahoe City (16.4 miles), and Echo Lakes to Barker Pass (32.5 miles). The work will be completed by volunteer and conservation corp crews.

“This iconic trail gains in popularity every year, and as more people use it, it requires more continuous care,” said Morgan Steele, executive director of the TRTA. “We are grateful for the Tahoe Fund’s Tahoe Trails Endowment to help us stay on top of the maintenance needs of the Tahoe Rim Trail.”

TAMBA, the first recipient of a Tahoe Trails Endowment grant in 2021, will continue its trail crew maintenance program this year with support from the Tahoe Fund. A five person paid trail crew will work on a variety of trails around the lake throughout the summer and fall seasons, managing unforeseen needs like removing downed trees, clearing rock fall and addressing erosion issues as they arise. TAMBA is on track to perform maintenance on over 100 miles of trail in 2022.

“The funding the Tahoe Fund provided last year for maintenance needs was instrumental to us quickly repairing trails after the Caldor Fire that people use often,” said Patrick Parsel, trails director for TAMBA. “Unforeseen challenges like downed trees and erosion issues created by storms can often pose the greatest threats to user safety and the environment, so they’re important to resolve quickly. This funding will allow us to do that.”

Established as a way to address the long-term needs of Tahoe’s growing trail network, the Tahoe Fund hopes to grow the Tahoe Trails Endowment to $3 million to fund annual trail maintenance throughout the region. Currently, the endowment is at just over $1 million.

While building the endowment, the Tahoe Fund also continues its work with partners at the TRTA, TAMBA, Truckee Trails Foundation and public land managers to develop a Trails Master Plan that outlines priority ranking for trail work and allows everyone to think and plan long-term.

The endowment was launched in late 2020 with a generous $100,000 donation from Chris and Viktoria McNamara. For more information, visit http://www.tahoefund.org.

CLICK HERE to see the original release in the Tahoe Daily Tribune.

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