MOTHER LODE TRAILS

Hidden Falls Trails Expansion Update from Placer County

3/27/2023

HIDDEN FALLS REGIONAL PARK TRAILS EXPANSION PROJECT UPDATE MEETING
April 18, 2023
Placer County Department of Parks and Open Space is pleased to announce that the construction plans and specifications for the Hidden Falls Regional Park Trails and Open Space Expansion Project – Phase 1: Twilight Ride Access and Parking/Trailhead Project have been completed and are preparing for bid in anticipation of construction starting in summer 2023.

The project, which was approved by the Board of Supervisors in 2021, will provide access to approximately 8 miles of new trails through a new entrance off of Bell Road, as well as improved signage and wayfinding.

In addition to construction of the new parking lot/trailhead, staff are working to address management needs and neighbor concerns including vegetation management, emergency response, signage and wayfinding, and cooperation with Placer Land Trust.

The Hidden Falls Regional Park Trails and Open Space Expansion Project – Phase 1: Twilight Ride Access and Parking/Trailhead Project is an important step in providing improved access to one of Placer County’s most beloved outdoor spaces.

In the hope that construction can start in summer 2023, county staff will be asking the Placer County Board of Supervisors to approve the project construction plans at their meeting this Tuesday, March 28. If approved, county staff will then be authorized to advertise for construction bids.

PUBLIC MEETING APRIL 18
Community members are invited to join County staff at 6:00 p.m. on April 18 for an update about all elements of the project. The public meeting will be held in person at the Placer County Planning Commission hearing room located at 3091 County Center Drive in Auburn or join virtually via Zoom at the link below.

Please click the link below to join the Zoom webinar:
https://placer-ca-gov.zoom.us/j/99816823304
Or Telephone:
US: +1 877 853 5247 (Toll Free) or 888 788 0099 (Toll Free)
Webinar ID: 998 1682 3304

We look forward to having community members join us for this informational session. If you have any questions, please contact Placer County Parks and Open Space at Parks@placer.ca.gov or by phone at 530-886-4901

Tracy Hodgson
Executive Assistant
Parks and Open Space
3091 County Center Drive
Auburn CA. 95603
Office: (530) 886-4901
Placercountyparks@placer.ca.gov

2023 PCTA Tahoe Trail Skills College in June

2/1/2023

The Tahoe Trail Skills College is a free weekend event for volunteers to learn about trail maintenance and stewardship. Beginners and experts alike can benefit from Trail Skills College courses like Intro to Trail Maintenance, Waterbars & Checks and more.

Trail Skills College is offered free of charge in an effort to inspire stewardship of trails. In exchange for attending the training, we encourage you to volunteer at least 16 hours of work on trail projects in the coming year. The Pacific Crest Trails Association 2023 Tahoe Trail Skills College is possible thanks to the U.S. Forest Service.

When is it?
This year’s event will take place on June 23rd through 25th, 2023.

Where is it?
The main event & camping will take place at the Hobart Work Center, just north of Truckee, CA. Individual courses will take place at various trailheads in the area.

How much does it cost?
Trail Skills College is free of charge.

Are meals and lodging provided?
Meals will be provided on Saturday (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) and Sunday (Breakfast, Lunch). Please note your dietary restrictions on your volunteer profile when registering.
Camping will be provided on Friday and Saturday nights, on-site at Hobart Work Center. The campground will have water, bathrooms, and parking.

Can I just attend for one day?
No- all classes at this year’s event are two-day courses, so partial attendance will not be possible.

What’s the fitness level of Trail Skills College?
The fitness level of the field sessions will vary depending on the classes you select during registration. However, all participants should be prepared to hike a minimum of 1-2 miles while carrying personal gear and tools. Participants should also be prepared for the hands-on learning opportunities in many of these classes, resulting in 6 hours of active trail maintenance per day.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.

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

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