New Auburn SRA trail addition, public meeting scheduled...

[zon]

It looks like their getting serious about adding a 14 mile section of singletrack sweetness to the Auburn SRA trail system. A public meeting to discuss the proposed trail and to receive comments has been scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Aug. 23 at the Community Development Resource Center, 3091 County Center Drive, Auburn.
Lets represent Mtn Bikers at this meeting so we are not drowned out by equestrians. More info in this article in the Sac Bee: http://www.sacbee.com/101/story/318480.html


Here's a map of the proposal. Looks like potential is there for a killer epic loop using the existing trails.




But wait,, that's not all! Included will be this nifty parking/staging area on the east end of the Forrest Hill bridge.

[bikerkk]

Anyone from FATRAC involved with this. Maybe adopting part of the trail?

[zon]

Originally Posted by bikerkk

Anyone from FATRAC involved with this. Maybe adopting part of the trail?

Oh yeah, FATRAC has been very involved and sits on the Trail Advisory Group for this project .

From the EIR:

Table 1-1
Trail Advisory Group Members and Affiliations

Name Activity Affiliation

John Krogsrud Runner,Canyon Scramble Sierra Club
Janet Peterson Equestrian Meadow Vista Trails Association
Sherri Osborn Runner, Hiker Foresthill Trails Alliance
Tom McMahan Hiker Sierra Club
Jim Ferris Hiker PARC, Canyon Keepers
Joe Larkin Equestrian, Runner Western States Trail Foundation
Bill Wauters Hiker, River User PARC, Sierra Club
Russ Stein Mountain Biker FATRAC
Eric Peach Hiker, River User PARC, Sierra Club
Terry Davis Hiker, River User Sierra Club, PARC
Jill Dampier California State Parks
Jim Michaels California State Parks

[bikerkk]

hmmmm, I guess I've been out of the loop to long. Time to back involved.

[zon]

If you can't make the Public Hearing you can send in your support for this effort vial snail mail or email.


1.7.2 PUBLIC REVIEW PERIOD
This DEIR is being distributed to agencies and individuals to ensure that interested parties have an opportunity to
express their concerns about the potential environmental effects of the proposed project, and to ensure that
information pertinent to project approval is provided to agency decision makers. The DEIR is being distributed
for a 45-day review period through September 24, 2007. Comments on the DEIR should be sent to the following
address no later than 5 p.m. on September 24, 2007:
Mr. Andy Fisher
Placer County Department of Facility Services
Parks and Grounds Division
11476 C Avenue
Auburn, CA 95603
(530) 889-6819
Comments may also be submitted by e-mail to . If comments are provided via e-mail,
please include the project title in the subject line, attach comments in Microsoft Word format, and include the
commenter's U.S. Postal Service mailing address.
The DEIR is available in electronic format on the Placer County Web site, . Hard
copies of the document are also available for review at the County office at the address listed above, and at the
Auburn Library at the following address:
Auburn Library (Placer County Library District)
350 Nevada Street
Auburn, CA 95603

[bigboulder]

Can we sticky this thread. This is very, very important!

If not...I'll just keep bumping it anyway

The equine folk are going to try and bring the hammer down on Mountain Biking Access from the get go.

[Sir JZ]

It's on my Calendar! This trail will create so many more riding options...more loops...etc. Excellent!

[zorg]

Look at the number of Sierra Clubbers on the advisory panel.

[nachomc]

If someone is driving up from Sacramento maybe I could catch a ride? I still can't drive

[otbp_nocal]

Originally Posted by zon

Trail Advisory Group Members and Affiliations

Name Activity Affiliation

John Krogsrud Runner,Canyon Scramble Sierra Club
Janet Peterson Equestrian Meadow Vista Trails Association
Sherri Osborn Runner, Hiker Foresthill Trails Alliance
Tom McMahan Hiker Sierra Club
Jim Ferris Hiker PARC, Canyon Keepers
Joe Larkin Equestrian, Runner Western States Trail Foundation
Bill Wauters Hiker, River User PARC, Sierra Club
Russ Stein Mountain Biker FATRAC
Eric Peach Hiker, River User PARC, Sierra Club
Terry Davis Hiker, River User Sierra Club, PARC
Jill Dampier California State Parks
Jim Michaels California State Parks

I sat next to Ms. Peterson at the Forest Service input meeting in Folsom not too long ago... she exemplifies the "crazy horse lady" moniker and absolutely hates mountain bikes. Very vocal and you can't believe some of the garbage that comes out of her mouth. Here's their real website (don't be fooled by the Meadow Vista Trails Assoc.): http://www.calequestriancoalition.com/ ...they love mountain bikers!


And don't forget, there's more opportunities to voice your opinion on the expansion of Hidden Falls in Auburn too:
http://www.placer.ca.gov/News/2007/0...n%20Falls.aspx

[BrandonMiller]

Originally Posted by zorg

Look at the number of Sierra Clubbers on the advisory panel.

Is that scary to anyone else?

[bigboulder]

I will say it once again....The equine folk are going to attempt to block MTB access to this trail. The sierra club folks will back them 100%. Understand that they would rather see this trail not happen then to allow MTB access. Their argument will be that this trail will be unsafe for hikers and horses if bicycles are allowed access. The way to counter this is to show up at the meeting and let your voice be heard.

[bigboulder]

Originally Posted by BrandonMiller

Is that scary to anyone else?

They have made every attempt to keep MTB'ers out of the picture. You want scary? Go to the meeting It is gonna be an MTB bash fest and they will try to put us on the defensive.

I would love to see this trail implement Equine/MTB alternating use days with hikers having access on all days. Sound reasonable? The equine folk will refuse to even consider this because they beleive they have a "historical right" to ride horses whereever and whenever they want.

[otbp_nocal]

Regardless of what the equestrians and clubbers spout off, I can't imagine the proposed trail would ever exclude bikes, especially with so much legal and successful multi-use trail so nearby. This new trail would be a new link in a whole trail system.

If we were somehow shut out, there'd have to be full-time patrol, cause it would be poached every day of the week... it's just too close to other trails we ride, and we always crave more trail, different loops, etc. I can't back this up, but I can't imagine that State Parks can even propose new trails these days that aren't designated multi-use.

But, it's always important to show up to these meetings and show your support for the sports and activities you enjoy, be it biking, hiking, running or riding a 2,000 pound turd machine

[otbp_nocal]

Originally Posted by bigboulder

Understand that they would rather see this trail not happen then to allow MTB access.

I didn't think of that
So childish...

[BrandonMiller]

I was just curious, SC is the debil from my 4wheeling other life, wondered how they faired with the MTB'ers..

My experience is they are pro no access, my motto is public land for public use. I am ok with "planned use" but not no use.

[bigboulder]

The SC clubbers listed above will be in "lock step" with the equine folk. They have an agenda and a plan to implement it.

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

Just cross-posted this on another mountain bike forum that should rally a little extra support. Thanks for posting this up as I wasn't aware and will make every effort to attend the meeting.

[Sean Allan]

The planning stages of this trail were under my watch as FATRAC president many years ago. This trail was the first phase of new construction to link Sacramento to Carson City, Nev. The initial 14 miles were fully funded under some grants from the State and County.

If i remember correctly a couple of blowhards from the Dutch Flat area were concerned that there would be a trail going through an area that they apparently considered their own private paradise and threatened and brought suit to stop the trail on the basis of a negative mitigation on the original DEIR. There was also a bunch of crap about the trail being machine(SWECO) built as were the FDLT and Connector trails. The prevailing thought was that if the trail was built by hand that it would be too narrow for multi-use and bikes would be the first to go.
That issue still exists.
The DEIR has been revised and it will have to go through the public process again.
Reasons to be concerned are whether the money actually still exists for the trail?
If it is to be built by hand, it needs to be wide enough to meet State Parks requirements for multi-use, this applies to the ENTIRE trail because if enough percentage drops below the requirements, the trail will not be multi-use.
The best push is for the trail to be built by machine, remember that this trail will essentially be a railroad grade, pretty flat at about the same distance from the river for it's length minus the needed elevation changes needed to get through the side canyons and to get water to shed. Think Connector trail without going down to the bridge.

I can't make the meeting( racing 12 hours of Humboldt), but from the dozens of meeting I have attended, I have found it safer for me to send my comments in by mail, they are weighted the same and it saves me from going to jail for strangling someone If you are not so jaded, please make yourself heard!

[chairthruster]

thanks for raising visibility on this, I will offer whatever support I can and help spread the word.

p.s. Tyrone... got change for a nickel?

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

Originally Posted by chairthruster

p.s. Tyrone... got change for a nickel?

FKNA man.

[RandyB]

I can't understand why people think that a horse that weighs something like 1,000 lbs. and has metal shoes is better that a 30 pound bike with soft rubber tires. I rode Cronan Ranch last winter and was horrified by how much the horses had torn the trail up in just a few weeks after the first rain!

[HarryCallahan]

I checked out the equestrian link last night, which I pasted below in case anyone else wants to look.

http://www.calequestriancoalition.com/

They have a pretty carefully worded statement about design principles for multi-use trails. They go into detail about trail grade, sight lines and no blind corners. It's worth looking at, in my opinion.

[zorg]

Originally Posted by HarryCallahan

I checked out the equestrian link last night, which I pasted below in case anyone else wants to look.

http://www.calequestriancoalition.com/

They have a pretty carefully worded statement about design principles for multi-use trails. They go into detail about trail grade, sight lines and no blind corners. It's worth looking at, in my opinion.

6' minimum width for a multi use trail, you got to be kidding right? Overall, though, their recommendations are fairly rational. However, training goes a long way toward having a safe experience. Once, I came too fast around a blind corner (dumb mistake) and came upon 3-4 horse riders going uphill. I immediately stopped and startled the first horse somewhat (I stopped no more than 4' away from the first horse). However, the horse was very well trained, did not buck or do anything stupid (unlike me that time).

[HarryCallahan]

Originally Posted by zorg

6' minimum width for a multi use trail, you got to be kidding right? Overall, though, their recommendations are fairly rational.

Yeah, I agree that 6' minimum is not reasonable. I didn't mention it in my earlier post because I thought, like you, that their overall recommendations were pretty good.

A six foot wide standard would preclude building trails in many places, close them to multi-use in other places, and hugely increase the cost of construction and maintenance. In addition, the environmental impact of construction would be greatly increased.

My recollection from reading that last night was that the horse folks wanted a six foot width for safe passing on multi-use trails. My feeling is that we are talking about trails and a backcountry experience here, not roads. With good sight lines and pullout areas where needed, you don't need more than a standard trail width.

[nachomc]

Originally Posted by zorg

6' minimum width for a multi use trail, you got to be kidding right? Overall, though, their recommendations are fairly rational. However, training goes a long way toward having a safe experience. Once, I came too fast around a blind corner (dumb mistake) and came upon 3-4 horse riders going uphill. I immediately stopped and startled the first horse somewhat (I stopped no more than 4' away from the first horse). However, the horse was very well trained, did not buck or do anything stupid (unlike me that time).

Yeah it's nice when people actually choose to ride a horse that is trained and comfortable with being out on the trail. Riding FDLT earlier this year my friends and I caught up to some equestrians and stopped. Their response was "don't stop, speed up!!! don't wuss out on this hill come on!!!!"

[Tom Judy]

Awesome news about this potential new trail and thanks to all for posting early enough to rally Mtn Biker support at the August meeting. Even though I am recovering from a broken leg I will be at that meeting. How about the rest of you ?

As a charter member of the Cool Cycling Club, avid Mtn, Road, and DH rider I am very interested in seeing this trail become a reality for rubber wheeled users ! I would also caution against pre-judging the entire Equine community at large due to the lunatic ramblings of a few folks that are overly ambitious about restricting Mtn Bikes. Here in Cool we have recently united with the Divide Horseman's Association to jointly support the BLM at the Cronan Ranch (near the South Fork of the American River) in an effort to jointly conduct volunteer Trail Patrol. We have held several very successful joint meetings, and trail building functions TOGETHER that benefit both users of this new 1400 acres Multi-Use area. As a Mtn Biker for almost 25 years now I am very aware of the concerns and issues that have at times divided these groups. However, I have also seen a tremendous improvement in the relationship between equestrians and cyclist on multi-use trails over the past few years as more experience and education of how we can coexist on these trails together. I am not naive enough to say there are no issues, but, the real story is, I have had far more pleasant and respectful encounters both on and off trail with other users groups when the approach is one of mutual respect then when it is antagonistic. We all stand a better chance of getting more and more trails to ride, IF we work together instead of pointing fingers when it comes time to add new direction to expanding trails for all.

[otbp_nocal]

Originally Posted by Tom Judy

Awesome news about this potential new trail and thanks to all for posting early enough to rally Mtn Biker support at the August meeting. Even though I am recovering from a broken leg I will be at that meeting. How about the rest of you ?

As a charter member of the Cool Cycling Club, avid Mtn, Road, and DH rider I am very interested in seeing this trail become a reality for rubber wheeled users ! I would also caution against pre-judging the entire Equine community at large due to the lunatic ramblings of a few folks that are overly ambitious about restricting Mtn Bikes. Here in Cool we have recently united with the Divide Horseman's Association to jointly support the BLM at the Cronan Ranch (near the South Fork of the American River) in an effort to jointly conduct volunteer Trail Patrol. We have held several very successful joint meetings, and trail building functions TOGETHER that benefit both users of this new 1400 acres Multi-Use area. As a Mtn Biker for almost 25 years now I am very aware of the concerns and issues that have at times divided these groups. However, I have also seen a tremendous improvement in the relationship between equestrians and cyclist on multi-use trails over the past few years as more experience and education of how we can coexist on these trails together. I am not naive enough to say there are no issues, but, the real story is, I have had far more pleasant and respectful encounters both on and off trail with other users groups when the approach is one of mutual respect then when it is antagonistic. We all stand a better chance of getting more and more trails to ride, IF we work together instead of pointing fingers when it comes time to add new direction to expanding trails for all.

Nice first post TJ. In the words of Jim Rome... "Rack him!"

[HarryCallahan]

Tom,

NIce post! Way to weigh in.

We've got a similar situation in Santa Cruz, with a cordial working relationship between the bike and horse clubs. But it is a relationship that needs constant nurturing. We get folks from out of the area that don't know what we've got going.

[nachomc]

Originally Posted by Tom Judy

Awesome news about this potential new trail and thanks to all for posting early enough to rally Mtn Biker support at the August meeting. Even though I am recovering from a broken leg I will be at that meeting. How about the rest of you ?

Hey, Tom, I'm in the same situation as yourself. My right leg is broken and I'm in an external fixator and can't drive. How are you getting there? If someone from Sacramento is going, I'd love to ride up (free Maria's for the driver ).

[Sean Allan]

With TJ's writings. Very well put. I have had WAY more positive contacts with both equestrians and hikers on the trail than anything else. I have built trail with equestrian groups that were such a great experience that the occasional arse on the trail could not discourage me from treating them with respect.

I just wish those people would show up at meetings and temper the radicals a bit, it seems that the more progressive voices in the equine community never let their opinions be heard. Perhaps this will be the time for those voices to be heard.

I have always admired those MTBers that show up to these meetings, they are by far a tolerant and respectful group, and while the numbers could always be better, I think that most members of other user groups appreciate that we are not spewing some anti this or anti that crap.

[Tom Judy]

Harry, great to hear that there is another area out here that is starting to work together with other user groups. That kind of grass roots leadership can change the outcome for many users. My mom lives near Pleasure Point. I surf and ride in the Santa Cruz area often. Let's ride sometime !

[Finch Platte]

This really needs to be stickied.

[AK47]

The email I received from FATRAC earlier this week that included a link to the draft of the environmental impact report listed this as a multi-use trail system. Link to the report: http://www.placer.ca.gov/Departments...ForkTrail.aspx

I suppose the during the review period access could be changed, but it appears the state intends this to be a multi-use trail system. With all the multi-use access in this area, I highly doubt MTB access would be blocked.

I attended the very first public comments meeting about this (at the time) proposed trail in the Auburn SRA, which must have been 3 years ago. Sean and Mary Allen were then in charge of FATRAC, and in attendance. There were members from all user groups there, and I don't recall negative comments from the 2 other user groups regarding MTB access. All the MTB'ers definitely pointed out the multi-use success of FDLT. I can't attend this meeting, but do plan on mailing Andy Fisher my written support for our access.

[0gre]

Originally Posted by zorg

6' minimum width for a multi use trail, you got to be kidding right? Overall, though, their recommendations are fairly rational. However, training goes a long way toward having a safe experience. Once, I came too fast around a blind corner (dumb mistake) and came upon 3-4 horse riders going uphill. I immediately stopped and startled the first horse somewhat (I stopped no more than 4' away from the first horse). However, the horse was very well trained, did not buck or do anything stupid (unlike me that time).

6' really isn't that bad as long as it's 6' when cut and not maintained at 6'. I believe the Connector Trail in Auburn was 6' wide, I remember when I first started riding it it seemed huge. After about 6 months it became the blazing fast, awesome singletrack it is now.

Of course Connector doesn't have the sight lines that they want, there are lots of curves and sections of the trail where visibility is too small.

Maybe if this was a Bay Area trail it would merit a sticky.

[bigboulder]

Originally Posted by 0gre

Maybe if this was a Bay Area trail it would merit a sticky.

True That!

On the 6ft issue. Understand that our equine riding friends are on to us. They know that trails maintained at 6' wide will eventually keep the mountain bikers away. Just look at Hidden Falls here in Auburn. Tell me this is not a deliberate attempt to make this new area undesirable to MTB'rs. I think they are out to about 10 feet in places and each new trail section seems to get wider. When I first started riding at HF It reminded me of the connector trail when it was 1st built. But at HF they keep grading and widening...grading and widening. Heavy equine trafic has turned HF into a series of dusty fire roads that are no longer very appealing to MTB'rs IMO.

[tandemJim]

Howdy all, FATRAC secretary & IMBA Rep here (Cathy Haagen-Smit):

Thanks for attending the meeting on the North Fork Trail and/or writing a short letter to the County, c/o Andy Fisher, saying you support the new trail project. Express your interests in a FDLT-Connector-like trail. You might say you are seeking an environmental friendly trail experience, not a wide, dusty dirt road experience.

While I have you all, don't forget about some upcoming meetings about the Didion/Hidden Falls park expansion in North Auburn. Look under "news" on the main Placer Co page at www.placer.ca.gov, or see notice below. Big Boulder, this is your opportunity to express your views - go for it. (Note that the current Hidden Falls is too small & heavily-used & conditions may hopefully improve greatly when the trails system is expanded (maybe mtbrs can get a biker-only segment?!) Let the county know what's on your mind:

MEETING ANNOUNCED REGARDING HIDDEN FALLS REGIONAL PARK FUTURE DEVELOPMENT August 07, 2007

Placer County will host a series of community outreach and informational meetings concerning future improvements proposed for Hidden Falls Regional Park. The 1,181-acre park is located between Auburn and Lincoln along Coon and Deadman Creeks north of Mount Vernon and Mount Pleasant Roads. The first phase of Hidden Falls Regional Park included 220 acres featuring seven miles of natural-surface trails, auto and equestrian parking facilities located off of Mears Road, a handicapped-accessible trail, picnic areas, restroom facilities, and fire storage tank and was opened to the public in October of 2006.


Plans are now being prepared for the development of the park’s remaining 981 acres, which formerly were known as Spears Ranch. The public will have opportunities to hear about proposed features and weigh in with their input. The discussion of Hidden Falls development will be held in conjunction with local Municipal Advisory Council meetings at the following locations and times:

* North Auburn Municipal Advisory Council – August 14, 2007 at 7:00 P.M. – Planning Commission Chambers, Community Development Resource Center, 3091 County Center Drive, Dewitt Center, Auburn, CA 95603
* Newcastle/Ophir Municipal Advisory Council – August 16, 2007 at 7:00 P.M. – Ophir School, 1373 Lozanos Rd, Newcastle, CA 95658
* Sheridan Municipal Advisory Council – September 12, 2007 at 7:00 P.M. – Stewart Hall, 6005 Camp Far West Road, Sheridan, CA 95681
* Rural Lincoln Municipal Advisory Council – Sept. 17, 2007 at 7:00 P.M. – Mount Pleasant Hall, 3333 Mount Pleasant Rd, Lincoln, CA 95648

Some of the features being considered for the future development of Hidden Falls Regional Park include:

* Expansion of the Multi-Use Natural Surface Trail System
* Fire Risk Reduction / Emergency Facilities
* Vehicle Access and Parking (Including consideration of public access via Garden Bar Road)
* Signage / Interpretive Program
* Use of Existing Ranch House and Buildings
* Events
* Educational Opportunities
* Maintenance Facilities
* Fishing / Wildlife / Habitat Improvements
* Fencing / Agriculture
* Limited, Supervised Hunting as a Wildlife Management Tool – During park closure periods

Please note: It is early in the planning process, and all of the concepts and features being proposed will be studied and refined. In addition to this series of community meetings, additional opportunities for public input will be available as plans become more detailed and before final decisions are made to guide future development. Future opportunities will include the chance for public comment on a draft environmental impact report to be prepared on improvements proposed for Hidden Falls.

[bigboulder]

[quote=tandemJim] You might say you are seeking an environmental friendly trail experience, not a wide, dusty dirt road experience.

* North Auburn Municipal Advisory Council – August 14, 2007 at 7:00 P.M. – Planning Commission Chambers, Community Development Resource Center, 3091 County Center Drive, Dewitt Center, Auburn, CA 95603
QUOTE]

Yes, I will be saying something like that. I will be nice though

I guess I will see you there tomorrow night. I am hoping to have time for a ride 1st and then hit the meeting on my way home....of course I will use Harris Rd (connects bean to mt vernon) to get home thus avoiding your favorite intersection.

s

[0gre]

Originally Posted by tandemJim

Plans are now being prepared for the development of the park’s remaining 981 acres, which formerly were known as Spears Ranch. The public will have opportunities to hear about proposed features and weigh in with their input. The discussion of Hidden Falls development will be held in conjunction with local Municipal Advisory Council meetings at the following locations and times:

* North Auburn Municipal Advisory Council – August 14, 2007 at 7:00 P.M. – Planning Commission Chambers, Community Development Resource Center, 3091 County Center Drive, Dewitt Center, Auburn, CA 95603
* Newcastle/Ophir Municipal Advisory Council – August 16, 2007 at 7:00 P.M. – Ophir School, 1373 Lozanos Rd, Newcastle, CA 95658

Holy Cow, this is tonight. Is it just going to be Steve and Cathy there to represent? Unfortunately... 90 minute drive plus other plans means I'm not goign to make it.

[bigboulder]

actually.....it was Jim and I at the meeting.

it was a non action item meeting of the advisory council with a presentation on the 980 additional acres known as spears ranch. Jim and I talked prior to the presentation and he really has a handle on the issues that affect MTB...the mtb community needs to be involved or have some input on current and future trail constrution and maintenance. I will be sending a letter to express my views...I will post the text here. The next step....and Jim is spear heading this....is to meet with Andy Fisher and John Ramirez from Placer County and attempt to interject some MTB views and ideas into the trail building process. I will try to be in on this as well. We are talking about another 20 miles of trail in Auburn!

some notes

Residents along Garden Bar road seem to be against the idea of Horse trailers accessing a new staging area planned for the far west end of Spears ranch. Jim and I had the same thought that opposing horse trailer parking at that staging area might be benificial to the MTB cause. This would essentiallly make the existing staging area at Hidden Falls a "horse staging area" while the new entrance at the far end of the park for all other users.

The county wants to spend a lot of money on a fancy overlook at hidden falls, as well as interperative signs in the park....seems like a waste of money to me....it would be very expensive, and potentially destructive to bring that type of equipment down to the falls...

There seems to be some friction building between area residents and the "horse trailer crowd". I say....Great!

There were no equestrian folk at this meeting complaining about mountain bikers. that is a good thing.

That's it.....we were very entertained by the senior citizen crowd that amassed to complain about traffic issues in their little corner of Auburn....kinda funny but it kept us there late....Jim gave me a funny look when I headed off into the night with no bike lights...definatley not smart when I could have called Ms. Q to come pick me up. Damn! it was dark!

[Sean Allan]

Thanks for taking the time to attend guys.

[sactojesse]

The purpose of the meeting on the 23rd is to receive public comments on the Draft EIR, not to consider the merits of the proposal, which occurs after the Final EIR is published. Here's the link for the Draft EIR:

http://www.placer.ca.gov/Departments...rail/DEIR.aspx

[bikerkk]

This is still on? We should make a show?

Thanks

[tandemJim]

Yes, the public meeting is still on for Thursday night. There should not be a reason to "demonstrate" other than being there to support the County in its efforts to build this new trail.

It is to be multi-use, so mountain bikes are positively included. The 5 to 6 foot wide measurement is a broad alignment to give the trail builder room; that a narrower line eventually does form (we know this from experience, from the Connector Trail.) For those of us who've attended IMBA trailbuilding schools, we know that newer trails can be built in an environmentally sustainable way. We understand this is to be a shared use trail, and will use it knowing runners, equestrians, and other mountain bikers, may be out on the trail.

Hopefully this will be a good calm meeting without a lot of issues.

Thursday, August 23, at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will be held in the Planning Commission Hearing Room in the Community Development Resource Center, located at 3091 County Center Drive in Auburn. This is a brand new building off Bell road in the DeWitt County Center in North Auburn. >
> Written comments will also be accepted through 5 p.m. on Monday, Sept.
> 24, 2007. They may be submitted to the Facility Services Dept. c/o
> Andy Fisher, 11476 C Avenue, Auburn, CA 95603.

[chairthruster]

Caring for screaming newborns kept me from attending the meeting ... can anyone provide a status?

[tandemJim]

I think Tom Judy from the good guys at Cool Cycling Club captured the essence of the meeting. Thanks Tom for the good write-up. helpful. There is still time to write a quick note - due Sept. 24.



Hi all,

Last Thursday, Jill and I attended the hearing by the Placer County Department of Facility Services for Public Review and Comment on the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) for the addition of 14.2 miles of Multi-Use Singletrack trail along the South Shore of Lake Clementine and the upper North Fork of the American River. This trail looks AWESOME, and will include 2 new staging areas, connections to other trails such as the Clementine Loop, and Connector Trail. It will add many miles of singletrack trail and options for riding in the Auburn State Recreation (ASR) area. The meeting was well attended, roughly 35-40 folks there. This meeting was not to debate if/when this trail would go in, but more a presentation of the DEIR and the overall plan as proposed and a chance to solicit Public Comment on the DEIR. It appears the effort to put this trail in goes back at least to the year 2000, and I am happy to say is mostly through the exhaustive CEQA process for acceptance, and will then be followed by implementation/construction of this trail. Barring any major obstacles, we will soon be riding this new trail !! I was very pleased to see the Mtn Biking Community well represented, both in numbers and in voices. There were roughly 10 people that got up an put out comments/concerns. Eight of the comments were from Cyclist, one was from an Equestrian. All these folks had good comments that were well intended and could improve the safety and ridability of this trail, there were no negative comments pointing fingers at other user groups between the horse folks and Mtn Bikers. There was however, one representative (this guy had to be an attorney) that represented the "Friends of the North Fork" a Hikers group, that was pointing out every inconsistency and throwing every objection he could to try to stall the approval and implementation of this trail for Multi-Users. It appears, the hikers want it all to themselves ! However, I was told from a good source that this lone special interest will not likely have much impact at stopping this trail from going in. However, we have to KEEP THE PRESSURE ON. I will do a follow up e-mail to keep you informed of the progress as I learn it. If anyone out there hears of any future meetings on this, let me know, I will broadcast it. And definitely, get out there and participate. Remember, if you re not an active part of the Solution, you are part of the Problem !

Keep the Rubber side Down


Tom Judy PG
QED Environmental Systems
NorCal/Neva
PO Box 550
Cool, California 95614
pn 530-887-0875
fx 530-887-1091
tjudy@qedenv.com

[LandSpeed]

Originally Posted by tandemJim

I think Tom Judy from the good guys at Cool Cycling Club captured the essence of the meeting. Thanks Tom for the good write-up. helpful. There is still time to write a quick note - due Sept. 24.



Hi all,

Last Thursday, Jill and I attended the hearing by the Placer County Department of Facility Services for Public Review and Comment on the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) for the addition of 14.2 miles of Multi-Use Singletrack trail along the South Shore of Lake Clementine and the upper North Fork of the American River. This trail looks AWESOME, and will include 2 new staging areas, connections to other trails such as the Clementine Loop, and Connector Trail. It will add many miles of singletrack trail and options for riding in the Auburn State Recreation (ASR) area. The meeting was well attended, roughly 35-40 folks there. This meeting was not to debate if/when this trail would go in, but more a presentation of the DEIR and the overall plan as proposed and a chance to solicit Public Comment on the DEIR. It appears the effort to put this trail in goes back at least to the year 2000, and I am happy to say is mostly through the exhaustive CEQA process for acceptance, and will then be followed by implementation/construction of this trail. Barring any major obstacles, we will soon be riding this new trail !! I was very pleased to see the Mtn Biking Community well represented, both in numbers and in voices. There were roughly 10 people that got up an put out comments/concerns. Eight of the comments were from Cyclist, one was from an Equestrian. All these folks had good comments that were well intended and could improve the safety and ridability of this trail, there were no negative comments pointing fingers at other user groups between the horse folks and Mtn Bikers. There was however, one representative (this guy had to be an attorney) that represented the "Friends of the North Fork" a Hikers group, that was pointing out every inconsistency and throwing every objection he could to try to stall the approval and implementation of this trail for Multi-Users. It appears, the hikers want it all to themselves ! However, I was told from a good source that this lone special interest will not likely have much impact at stopping this trail from going in. However, we have to KEEP THE PRESSURE ON. I will do a follow up e-mail to keep you informed of the progress as I learn it. If anyone out there hears of any future meetings on this, let me know, I will broadcast it. And definitely, get out there and participate. Remember, if you re not an active part of the Solution, you are part of the Problem !

Keep the Rubber side Down


Tom Judy PG
QED Environmental Systems
NorCal/Neva
PO Box 550
Cool, California 95614
pn 530-887-0875
fx 530-887-1091
tjudy@qedenv.com

Thanks for getting the word out about the meeting... I know I -- and lots more people -- were really interested in what happened at the meeting.

[chairthruster]

yep, thanks for the update! Please keep this board posted especially if more support is needed.