FTA News   Please see our calendar for the next meeting location and time!

Update on what FTA has been up to:

Patent Road Staging Area - Progress
FTA has been given permission, thanks to the Golden West Historical Foundation, to build a new access route into the parking area which will eliminate anticipated traffic challenges entering and exiting the Staging Area due to the sharp turn in front of the transfer station gate. This was primarily a concern regarding trucks with horse trailers. This fall/winter we will have a work party to clear out the manzanita and spread gravel. At this time, the connecting trail to the Western States trail is not passable on horseback. Hikers and runners be very very careful at the Western States junction, it is steep and slippery. We are awaiting permission from the State Recreation Area to construct switchbacks.

Auburn Century 100 Mile Bike Tour
FTA received a donation for providing volunteers to assist with the Memorial Hall aid station. It was really a fun event. The cyclists were a friendly relaxed group and very appreciative of our efforts. Their day started at the Auburn Overlook uphill to Colfax across the North Fork Canyon to Iowa Hill and Sugar Pine Dam, left on FH Road to Robinson Flat then turn around and downhill to Foresthill and continue on to the Auburn finish line. If you are interested in preparing for next years ride there were 45 and 75 mile options. Thank you volunteers!

Golden West Property
As many of you know, this spring and summer FTA working with the Golden West Historical Foundation built a trail on their property. This trail is located on the west side of Patent Road across from the PR Staging Area. The trail heads west to Jarvis Road, then turns left towards the Middle Fork Canyon. Although not yet complete, this trail will provide another access route to the Western States Trail. Also, a new section has been flagged, but not brushed out, from Jarvis Road to Todd Valley Road. For more information: GoldenWestHistorical.org Robie Foundation.

Trail Development on west side of Todd Valley
While working on the Community Trail Plan, it was noticed that there was a parcel of public land that formed a natural corridor from one of the streets in Todd Valley through to the Auburn State Recreation Area. Using a GPS system, a couple of members have been searching out property lines and contacting BLM in anticipation of constructing a trail that will give the community a brand new trail connection. Very Exciting!!

Work Parties
Thanks to all the members and their friends who came out to the Thursday evening work parties. It is truly amazing how much trail work was accomplished. Trails were cleared, gravel was spread and a dumpster was filled with trash. Work parties will start up again after it rains, as the next section of trail to be cleared needs chainsaw work and with the dry conditions it is best to wait. With days so short, we'll meet on the weekends and work for a couple of hours.

Library
There is now a collection of local maps, books and trail guides in the reference section at the Foresthill Library. The most common question FTA members are asked is "So where are all the trails around here?". In the past we have directed people to the Forest Service, Auburn State Recreation Area headquarters and FTA has even put together a folder for new members with maps and trail descriptions but this has not been very convenient for anybody. So... we gave the library quite a bit of information and it is a good starting point for someone interested in our local trails. Feel free to add to the collection. By the way, the library has the Tahoe Rim Trail Guide and other books that describe trails in California available.

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