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The Mt. Shasta Trail Association has started working the Gateway Trails Project, which is described by MSTA president Joe Wirth as “an important piece of our overall vision for trails serving the community and its visitors.”
The project is designed to develop approximately seven miles of shared-use non-motorized trails on National Forest System lands immediately east of the city of Mount Shasta.
The trail network will be open to hikers, runners, mountain bikers and equestrians. It is primarily being funded by a Federal Highway Administration Recreation Trails Program grant administered by the California Department of Parks and Recreation.
Additional efforts – in the form of labor, funding or materials – are being provided by the MSTA and the Shasta-McCloud Management Unit of Shasta-Trinity National Forest, according to a Trail Association press release.
The Forest Service conducted an environmental analysis of the project earlier this year and gave the project the “green light,” the Trail Association said.
The ongoing work involves the clearing of vegetation and roughing in of a 36 to 48 inch trail tread by Trailscape, Inc., a contractor hired by the MSTA.
Additional labor is being provided by a Deadwood California Department of Corrections crew.
The Trail Association says specific segments of the existing Tunnel Trails will be incorporated into the overall trail network after reconstruction work remedies problems with drainage, alignment and grade.
“I know that everyone will be excited about the new trail,” said Kai Allen, recreation manager for the Forest Service, “but for safety and resource protection, the trail is closed and we are asking that everyone be patient until it is completed. If construction goes as scheduled the trails should be open for use as soon as next summer. Prior to opening of the trails, a parking area with an information kiosk will be developed just off the Everett Memorial Highway.”
Besides MSTA and the Forest Service, conceptual planning for the trail included Mountain Runners and the City of Mount Shasta. The city has also recognized the importance of the Tunnel Trails in its City of Mount Shasta Bicycle, Pedestrian and Trails Master Plan in 2009.
Many volunteer hours have already been contributed and there will be more opportunities for volunteers in the future.
To learn more about the Mt. Shasta Trail Association visit online at www.mountshastatrailassociation.org
The Mt. Shasta Trail Association has started working the Gateway Trails Project, which is described by MSTA president Joe Wirth as “an important piece of our overall vision for trails serving the community and its visitors.”
The project is designed to develop approximately seven miles of shared-use non-motorized trails on National Forest System lands immediately east of the city of Mount Shasta.
The trail network will be open to hikers, runners, mountain bikers and equestrians. It is primarily being funded by a Federal Highway Administration Recreation Trails Program grant administered by the California Department of Parks and Recreation.
Additional efforts – in the form of labor, funding or materials – are being provided by the MSTA and the Shasta-McCloud Management Unit of Shasta-Trinity National Forest, according to a Trail Association press release.
The Forest Service conducted an environmental analysis of the project earlier this year and gave the project the “green light,” the Trail Association said.
The ongoing work involves the clearing of vegetation and roughing in of a 36 to 48 inch trail tread by Trailscape, Inc., a contractor hired by the MSTA.
Additional labor is being provided by a Deadwood California Department of Corrections crew.
The Trail Association says specific segments of the existing Tunnel Trails will be incorporated into the overall trail network after reconstruction work remedies problems with drainage, alignment and grade.
“I know that everyone will be excited about the new trail,” said Kai Allen, recreation manager for the Forest Service, “but for safety and resource protection, the trail is closed and we are asking that everyone be patient until it is completed. If construction goes as scheduled the trails should be open for use as soon as next summer. Prior to opening of the trails, a parking area with an information kiosk will be developed just off the Everett Memorial Highway.”
Besides MSTA and the Forest Service, conceptual planning for the trail included Mountain Runners and the City of Mount Shasta. The city has also recognized the importance of the Tunnel Trails in its City of Mount Shasta Bicycle, Pedestrian and Trails Master Plan in 2009.
Many volunteer hours have already been contributed and there will be more opportunities for volunteers in the future.
To learn more about the Mt. Shasta Trail Association visit online at www.mountshastatrailassociation.org
