March 8, 2016 - Clovis, CA. – The Sierra National Forest is looking for enthusiastic people to volunteer their time and energy for new trail construction on the San Joaquin River trail! Get some exercise, fresh air, meet new people from the community, and gain some trail building skills!
For the overall scope of the project, The San Joaquin River Trail would connect the East and West sides of the Sierra by one continuous trail from Devil’s Postpile on the East, to Woodward Park in Fresno on the West. This would be accomplished by incorporating two existing trails; the French Trail and Horseshoe Bend Trail, as well as building new trail to connect the two, and Fresno.
The section of trail that would connect the French Trail to the Horseshoe Bend, known as Reach 4, South of Redinger lake on the High Sierra District of the Sierra National Forest is what has been previously approved, and is now in the process of being constructed. At this time, February, 2016, approximately 2.5 miles of that trail has already been built, with approximately 5 miles left to go.
The trail is classified as multi-use, open for recreation use by all non-motorized users; including foot traffic, equestrian, and bicycle.
Work on the trail involves the use of hand tools such as, shovels, picks, pruning shears, and axes, as well as moving materials such as; rocks, dirt and brush. Participants would be responsible for providing their own supplies for the day including food, water, sun protection, and sturdy hiking boots.
The hike to the working areas is moderate, involving uphill travel while carrying tools for work to be performed.
The Sierra National Forest is looking for any volunteers who might be interested in being actively involved in ground work on this trail toplease contact the Sierra National Forest trails department at (559) 877-2218 ext. 3209.
Source: Sierra National Forest