Archive for the ‘Trail Construction’ Category
Everything you ever wanted to know about signing trails in the National Forest:
Also check out the American Trails Resources and Library and Three Elements of Sustainable Trails.
At the last Trails Foundation board meeting, we got into a healthy debate about opening and closing trails. Right now we’re pushing hard to develop the Skyline Trail, and US Forest Service district supervisor Scott Tangenberg is doing a fantastic job talking with us and helping to support this project. Scott though, like all of us, has to report to someone up the ladder. And, reading between the lines, what those people up high are saying goes something like this…”You all want to build a new trail? Fine. But first, we have to address all of the illegal trails that are already on the mountain. Until we do that…”.
What illegal trails? Some of the very well known and used trails near Snow Summit are, indeed, technically illegal. Towne Trail. Plantation Trail. Trick or Treal. Fern. Pirates. All…illegal. These are good trails, you say, and should be part of the trail system. The Forest Service does realize this, and they are actually working to make some of these aforementioned trails 100% legal, on the books, and supported by the government. However, these trails are just a small part of the illegal trails that the Forest Service is really worried about. And their worries become our problems.
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As many of you are aware the BBVTF has been working very hard to establish a single track trail that will roughly parallel 2N10. Lots of time and effort, that often goes un-noticed has gone into this effort. We wanted to update you on this work so you know progress continues. A public hearing was conducted by the USFS and the public was invited to send any comments or concerns about this proposed project to them. At a recent meeting with USFS staff we were advised that no significant negative input had been received. This is very good news for the project. (We want to thank all of you who attend the public hearing or who sent in e mails.) We have been advised that there will be some money needed to do some analysis of this project. This money will be used for a Biologist, Botanist and Archaeologist to study the area and see if there are any significant issues. The Trails Foundation stands ready to pay for these studies and waiting to get official notice of the amount. We were in hopes of beginning some kind of work this Fall but it appears now that may not happen. But we are in hopes of getting all of the “paper work” done so that come spring we can begin actual work on the ground. This is major project for the Foundation and we will keep you posted as we move along.
Thanks to her tireless tenacity and dedication to non-motorized transportation and recreation in the Big Bear Valley, The Big Bear Valley Trails Foundation was pleased to honor Siri Eggebraten with its first-ever Golden Pulaski Award.
As Foundation President Phil Hamilton said when he addressed the City Council at their August 22nd meeting, “I am sure there were a number of City employees who were involved in working on the CalTrans grant, but from the perspective of the Foundation the person who really made it happen was Siri. When we did not get the grant last year, rather than getting angry or frustrated she studies the grant that was unsuccesful, met with CalTrans to learn what was needed, and rewrote it for this year. This is truly a hard working and professional woman and the Trails Foundation felt it was only appropriate to honor her in front of City Council.”
The inscription on the Golden Pulaski handle reads, “Golden Pulaski Award for a special commitment to creating, enhancing, preserving and promoting non-motorized use of Big Bear Valley trails and roadways, is presented on 8/22/11 to Siri Eggebraten.” On behalf of the Trails Foundation, thank you, Siri, for all that you continue to do to make our Valley a special place to live and visit.
The City of Big Bear Lake, County of San Bernardino and Big Bear Valley Trails Foundation are proud to announce that the three partners have been awarded a $233,370 grant from the Caltrans Department of Transportation (Caltrans) for the development of the Big Bear Valley Pedestrian, Bicycle and Equestrian Master Plan. The funds will be used to develop a plan that will guide and enable future development of road and trail resources across our Valley floor with connections to lake and mountain amenities. The process will include extensive community involvement to collect visions and identify community needs valley-wide. The plan will integrate land use, transportation, and economic development goals and will direct the construction of new bike lanes, sidewalks, non-motorized trails, trail heads, and other related amenities.
MASTER PLAN OBJECTIVE
Produce a document that will:
- List and prioritize pedestrian, bicycle, and equestrian projects to develop or enhance:
- Pedestrian and bicycle paths on the Valley floor with connections to the National Forest,
- Access to transportation and outdoor amenities for underserved communities,
- Resources for active and healthy lifestyles,
- Economic development for recreation, adventure sports, and high-altitude training, and
- Stewardship of natural resources including habitat conservation.
- Direct City staff and partners with a clear and achievable Implementation Strategy, and
- Make the partners eligible for future grants to construct pedestrian, bicycle, and equestrian paths.
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