The Dirt On Trail Operations BY KRISTINE KORAN
E
ach spring, we rev our chainsaws and dust off our boots, excited to get back out on trails together again. There is no better feeling than the dirt and sweat left behind after a rewarding workday leaving the trail better and safer than we found it. We are digging into another trail work season with essential projects all around the lake designed to make the Tahoe Rim Trail (TRT) system more sustainable, accessible, safe, and enjoyable. This summer we hope to engage new volunteers and strengthen the skills of our veteran volunteers through a multitude of training and work camp opportunities. Our projects include building new trail, improving numerous vista and ridgeline trails, and installing critical trail system infrastructure such as new kiosks. Early in the trail season, we will dig into improving the TRT connector trail to Castle Rock, a popular destination for hikers, bikers, and climbers that boasts stunning views of Lake Tahoe. This spot is also a delicate
4
TRAIL BLAZER | Winter 2021 | Tahoe Rim Trail Association
habitat for nesting Peregrine Falcons. We will be installing permanent wayfinding and educational signage to help the public stay on the correct trail and learn more about Peregrine Falcons. We will also decommission social trails and install permanent fencing to protect the Falcons’ nesting grounds. We are excited to work with the Nevada Department of Wildlife, Scouts of America, and the Tahoe Climbing Coalition to improve the trail and this critical habitat. Another central focus this summer is trail rehabilitation work in the Caldor Fire scar. Last fall, the TRTA worked with Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association and the Forest Service to rehabilitate and reopen neighborhood trails at lake level impacted by the fire. As more of the forest reopened, we were able to move up to the TRT where the Caldor Fire burned 2.5 miles near Echo Summit. This summer our crews will continue their work to reestablish trails, repair drainages, and clear fallen trees from the trail corridor at Echo Summit. There is still
Veteran volunteer Patrick Pevey chawinsawing a large tree to remove it from the trail. plenty of work to increase safety for trail users in the hazardous burn scar. Multiple workday opportunities will be available for those interested in contributing to trail rehabilitation work, whether dozer line repairs, structure repairs, or revegetating the landscape. The TRTA will also implement projects to improve critical trail system infrastructure this trail season. We’re focusing on signage improvements and parking. This will include constructing new trailhead kiosks at Mt. Rose and Tahoe Meadows and replacing panels at Kingsbury North, Kingsbury South, Spooner North, and Spooner South trailheads. The goal is to provide better wayfinding and information in Spanish at these major trailheads and access points. We are building a new trail to connect the TRT and coaligned Pacific Crest Trail to the Echo Sno-Park to provide better parking options. Currently, users parking at the Echo Sno-Park have to walk on the road to access the trail, which has discouraged users from utilizing the parking area and increases traffic at the nearby Echo Lakes trailhead. The new trail will allow for a seamless and stress-free parking and trail access experience. Also of note this coming trail season, are projects that were deferred due to the challenging wildfire season we experienced in 2021. This includes finishing the Painted Rock Reroute between Watson Lake and Brockway Summit. This section of trail has incredible views of Palisades Tahoe and Alpine Meadows. Workdays at Painted Rock were severely impacted by smoke and fire closures last field season, and we are ready to finish what we started in 2021.
