bizz johnson extension... - Lassen Land and Trails Trust

IN THIS ISSUE:
Bizz Johnson Extension ......1
From The Executive Director 2
Trails..................................3
Conservation......................4
Education ..........................5
The Trust’s Calendar ..........6
Member News....................7
BIZZ JOHNSON EXTENSION...
One More Link In Lassen County’s World-Class Trail Network
On April 24 and 25, a team of
professional landscape architects from
the National Park Service Rivers,
Conservation and Trails Assistance
Program joined more than a dozen
individuals from our community to
develop a plan based on initial concepts
and ideas gathered through public
meetings and surveys. The creative
energy was amazing!
Outcomes of the process included a
focus on priorities distilled from the
Conceptual Planning process, public
survey, public meetings and the
charrette.
Priorities are:
F Provide a critical trail connection in
the regional trail plan for over 70
miles of contiguous trails;
F Provide a smooth transition from the
county’s planned Skyline Bike Path to
the Bizz Johnson National Recreation
Trail;
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F Provide safe, well lit, route for
residents, especially school children,
to and from work and school;
F Provide for improved amenities for
the
historic
rail
and
mill
neighborhood of Susanville with trail,
walking paths and landscaping;
F Meet visitor needs for interpretation
for regional trails and the historic site,
amenities such as restrooms and
picnic areas;
F Provide the community with a flexible
outdoor event venue.
Additional ideas were generated for
North and South Railroad streets and at
the Bureau of Land Management’s
Richmond Road trailhead. The Trust will
work with our partners at the city and the
BLM to offer assistance as they consider
these potential improvements.
The National Park Service team will
be providing conceptual drawings and
Charrette Team Working!
LASSEN LAND & TRAILS TRUST 1
CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
BIZZ JOHNSON EXTENSION (Continued)
plans which the Trust looks forward to sharing with all of
our partners in the community. In addition, staff and
volunteers are hard at work to meet deadlines for requests
for funding for the permitting phase.
the Trust will look at the Active Transportation Program,
environmental planning, final engineering and design in
2016 for the first phase of construction for trail-related
improvements. Those improvements would include trail
surfacing, lighting along the trail, crosswalk marking and
signage for the Richmond Road crossing to the Bizz,
bollards along the trailhead on Alexander Road, Richmond
Road and the depot parking lot to encourage foot, bike and
equestrian traffic only, bike racks and trail head signage
for both Alexander and Richmond Roads.
In June, we hope the community will help us welcome
an Americorps National Conservation Corps to Susanville.
The NCC crew will be assisting with the initial clean-up and
stabilization of the Bizz Extension project through the Cut;
painting of the trim on our railroad depot, which is on the
National Historic Register; and assisting with trail
maintenance, noxious weed removal and maintenance at
Lassen Creek Conservation Area. Watch for a call for
volunteers to work side-by-side with these remarkable
young people and a barbeque on National Trails Day to
welcome them to our community!
The Bizz Extension has received support from the Trust’s
members, who donated nearly $9,000 to assist with the
Charette Planning
(Louise Camacho & Peg
Henderson Of The
National Park Service)
planning and stabilization phase. Banner Lassen made the
lead gift of $5,000 with Supervisor Jim Chapman and
Susanville Indian Rancheria also lending their support. To
date, we are just a few thousand short of the first phase
goal of $20,000. Thanks to everyone who has helped and
we hope you’ll be on board for the work ahead, too!
FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Spring is a time of renewal and that’s just what we’re
doing...renewing the Trust’s focus; renewing the
partnership with you, our donors, members, partners and
supporters; and renewing the broad commitment we
share with each of you to this life we live in northeastern
California and our communities.
What does that mean? Well, the Board of Directors
and Committee members recently participated in a
retreat at Lassen Creek Conservation Area to consider
just what the most important conservation, trail and
education work there is for us all to do in the next three
years. What a great exchange of ideas—all driven by how
LASSEN LAND & TRAILS TRUST 2
much we all love this unique place where we live. Soon
it will be your turn to consider these ideas.
Lassen Land and Trails Trust is your land trust and it is
how you can make a lasting impact on the quality of the
land, water, wildlife, trails and future of your home. So,
take a few minutes to consider how you might like to
jump in and make a difference.
For all who’ve already jumped in...thank you for your
gifts, time and ideas!
Lassen Creek Conservation Area:
Overlooking Bitterbrush Restoration
TRAILS
Lassen
Land
& trails
Trust
The mission of Lassen Land and
Trails Trust is to conserve
significant natural areas and
agricultural landscapes and to
promote and enhance a public
trail system throughout
Lassen County.
BOARD OFFICERS
President—Tim Garrod
Vice President—Liz Norton
Secretary—Jeff Fontana
Treasurer—Carol Curry
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Andrew Bertotti
BJ Hubbard
Phil Nemir
Peter Talia
Al Vasquez
Paul Whitcome
BOARD ADVISOR
Carol Curry, CPA
STAFF
Louise Jensen
Executive Director
Amy Holmen
Lands Manager
Bill Faatz
Volunteer LCCA Manager
County-wide Trails Forum
In March, the Trails Committee hosted the first Trails Forum with representatives
from the BLM, Lassen National Forest, Lassen County, the City of Susanville, Lassen
County Chamber of Commerce, Susanville Area Bicycle Association (SABA), area
trail runners and equestrians, as well as the Trust. The Forum was facilitated by
Trust Member, Linda Hansen.
Trails are a key component of the county’s Comprehensive Economic
Development Strategy and the Forum is an opportunity for the managing agencies
to share and track new trail projects, exchange management concerns and needs,
look at a single calendar of scheduled trail events, trail promotion efforts and
opportunities, and for user groups to bring ideas to the table.
Key projects underway are the county’s work to improve infrastructure and
amenities at Susanville Ranch Park, the BLM’s focus on the design and permitting
of new shared-use trails on Bald Mountain, Lassen National Forest’s work on
environmental clearance for the permitting of the Fredonyer Pass trail connections
to the Bizz Johnson, and the Trust’s continued work on the Modoc Line Rail Trail
improvements and development of the Bizz Extension through the Cut to Alexander
Road. The big news was SABA’s incorporation as a non-profit and becoming an
International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA) chapter.
At the conclusion of the first Forum, the group agreed that the discussion was
productive and committed to come together several times each year to share our
work and to set shared priorities in building, maintaining and promoting your trails
system. The next Forum will be in June 2015. For more information, contact the
Trust’s Office.
PAIUTE MEADOWS TRAIL RUN
In case you missed it! The Paiute Meadows Trail Run is taking a year off to become
a nationally sanctioned American Trail Running competition. Linda Powell of Bizz
Running Company will be working with the Trust to plan the competition, which
will include a 4.5-mile fun run and a one-mile kids run as well as the sanctioned
half marathon and 50K (31-mile) trail run. Please adjust your calendars by
removing this year’s event and saving the date, Saturday, May 14, 2016. Oh, and
start training!
Youth Participants in
Collaborative Assist on
Modoc Line Rail Trail
For credit card donations, go to
www.lassenlandandtrailstrust.org
Click on Donate to LLTT to
connect to Network for Good
and Donate Now!
Lassen Land and Trails Trust is a 501
(c)(3) member and donor supported
charitable organization. Your gifts
and donations are tax deductible to
the full extent allowed by law.
www2.guidestar.org/
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P.O. Box 1461
Susanville, CA 96130
530.257.3252
www.lassenlandandtrailstrust.org
LASSEN LAND & TRAILS TRUST 3
CONSERVATION
Strategic Planning—The Trail Ahead
FUTURE ROLE OF THE TRUST
At the Trust’s recent planning retreat, Board and
Committee members worked to identify priorities for the
future role of the Trust in our Lassen County
community...and beyond...over the next three years.
It was a great day’s work, facilitated by Nancy Haug, BLM
Northern California District Manager, who volunteered
her time and expertise to assist us. Thank you, Nancy!
The outcome of the day’s work has set the Trust with
specific goals in Conservation, Trails, Education, as well
as in building our own organizational strength. The
priority for the Conservation and Trails committees will
be developing a shared focus for the conservation of
working lands, water, wildlife habitat and recreational
resources and the region we serve, as well as a specific
Action Plan.
As these action plans evolve, we’ll be asking you for
your thoughts so watch for news and links through
member emails and Facebook to make comments and
suggestions in the coming months, along with
opportunities to become more involved.
Strategic Planning:
The Trail Ahead
LASSEN CREEK CONSERVATION AREA
A team of volunteers have completed the current conditions assessment and report and, with that in hand, have
drafted a management plan for this resource which is right in the backyard of all those who live south of Susanville.
Highlights of the plan include a continued commitment to monitoring and encouraging restoration from the damage
caused by the Big Pine fire. In addition, the team considered the long-term maintenance of the new shared-use trail
loop and the timing of the proposed loop in the closed restoration area. The use of the house as a regional wildlife
education center is an important piece of the plan with a focus on opening it for use by all of the regional wildlife
groups for meetings and education programs, as well as for school groups and the Lassen County Environmental
Education Collaborative. At the present time, the building needs some work, but it is ‘open’ for use from spring
through fall. If you’re with a wildlife organization which could use the building for meetings or classes, please contact
the Trust at 530-257-3252.
In addition, if you’re interested in helping with the building with funds, materials or labor, please call Amy Holmen,
Land Manager, at 530-257-3252.
Lassen Creek Conservation Area:
A Place For Education
LASSEN LAND & TRAILS TRUST 4
EDUCATION
CHILDREN’S FAIR
Hope you had an opportunity to stop by the 30th
Annual Children’s Fair on May 2nd and visit the Lassen
County Environmental Education Collaborative. Together
the partners provided STEM (Science, Technology,
Engineering and Math) based lessons, from Pollinator
Puppet Shows to Pelts and Skulls Life Science Demo and
the opportunity to meet Depot and Fuzzer, two rescued
wild burros! The team distributed Great Basin Wildflower
Seed Mix, Youth Passports to the Outdoors and
information on the Wild Horse and Burro Adoption
program. Many thanks to Kirsten Bovee of Lassen
National Forest, Videll Retterath of the BLM, Julie McKee
and the Lassen County Office of Education for their
participation and support.
Speaking of the Youth Passports to the Outdoors, if
your child, grandchild, niece, nephew or neighbor’s child
would benefit from exploring our Lassen home, stop by
the Trust, Lassen County Office of Education, or the
combined BLM and Lassen National Forest offices on
Riverside Drive to pick up your very own Passport.
Children keep a record of the places, activities and
education programs they participate in, getting a sticker
for each completed. When they complete their Passport,
they’re eligible for great prizes. What an awesome way
to spend your summer exploring with that special child in
your life!!
GET READY FOR NATURE CAMP!
The wealth of our region is an adventure just waiting
to be explored and to teach lessons in our region’s
wildlife, water and working ranches. Lassen Land and
Trails Trust’s Nature Camp is a child’s ticket to the great
outdoors! The programming is rooted in the basics of
environmental science, math, language and the
arts...and it’s FUN!
A professional staff and a wide range of regional
experts in everything from hydrology, geology,
archeology, wildlife biology, and outdoor survival skills
lead campers in daily field trips. Campers will discover
all that’s unique about our Lassen home! From alpine
meadows and forests to high desert, streams and lakes,
Nature Campers spend their days on adventures where
they explore while they learn.
A limited number of scholarships are available for
families who qualify. If you would like to donate to the
scholarship fund, please call the Trust at 530-257-3252.
Our thanks go out to Lassen Municipal Utility District,
a generous supporter of Nature Camp, which is one of
the
Lassen
County
Environmental
Education
Collaborative programs serving our region’s youth.
LASSEN LAND & TRAILS TRUST 5
THE TRUST’S CALENDAR—UPCOMING EVENTS
MAY 14
DISCOVER LASSEN: OUR NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE
Thursday—7:00pm, historic Susanville railroad depot
Pat Owens, a direct descendent of Ol’ Man Joaquin will share photos and artifacts, as well as
stories of his family and the Paiute Tribe in the region.
JUNE 6
FARMERS MARKET: OPENING DAY!—Saturday—8:00am
Welcome to our new Farmers Market Manager, Amy Shepherd—be sure to stop and say ‘hi’!
JUNE 6
NATIONAL TRAILS DAY—Saturday
Come help with our Trails—Join the AmeriCorps National Conservation Corps young people,
welcome them to our community and have a great day!
JUNE 18
DISCOVER LASSEN: HULSMAN RANCH & WOMEN IN RANCHING
Wednesday—7:00pm, Lassen Creek Conservation Area
SAVE THE DATE
OCTOBER 10
RAILS TO TRAILS FESTIVAL 2015
Co-Presented with Lassen County Chamber of Commerce
Saturday—12:00 noon to 4:00pm
ANNUAL APPEAL FOR THE BIZZ EXTENSION
Banner Lassen Medical Center through Banner Health
has brought the annual appeal campaign closer to our
goal! On April 8, the management team at Banner
Lassen presented the Trust with a $5,000 donation
toward the Bizz Extension, which is an important
connector in our county’s regional trail plan. The property
was purchased by the Trust with a grant from the
California Department of Parks and Recreation using
Recreational Trail Program funds from Federal Highways
and funds from the Trust’s reserves.
The campaign is to fund the next phase of planning
for development and stabilization of this property. The
Trust’s members rose to the challenge, generously giving
nearly $8,000. Lead member gifts came from Marshall
and Helen Leve. In addition, the Susanville Indian
Rancheria gave generously to the project. With the
Banner Lassen donation, we’ve reached $14,000 of the
$20,000 goal.
On April 24 and 25, the National Park Service’s
Rivers, Conservation and Trails Assistance Program
assisted the Trust, our partners and community in
developing the priorities for the property to better serve
the community, including improving visitor services
through the depot, improving trail and recreation access
and enhancing the historic neighborhood. Watch for
more news as work begins!
(L to R) Catherine Harshbarger, CEO, Banner
Lassen; Louise Jensen, Exec. Director, Lassen
Land and Trails Trust; John McMillan, CFO,
Banner Lassen and Dr. Hal Meadows, Chief
Medical Officer, Banner Lassen
LASSEN LAND & TRAILS TRUST 6
MEMBER NEWS
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
We all want to welcome new members of the
Trust and supporters of this important work:
Laima Danilovs
Sharon Howard
Mr. & Mrs. Jim McSpadden
Amy Shepherd
THANK YOU, RENEWING MEMBERS
And a special thanks for continuing
support from our renewing members:
Judy Ashbaugh
Ken Bunch and Pamela Blodgett
Claire Chapple, Thomas Maioli and Ella Maioli
Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Davie
Paula Deschene
Jerry & Dolly Douglass
Mr. & Mrs. Ken Doyle
Tony Exparza
Bill & Jo Faatz
Phil Finkel
Mr. & Mrs. Larry Foster
Mary Lee Fruehan
The Fulder-Lunder Family
Ed & Carol Gann
Mr. & Mrs. Jim Goubert
Michael & Kathy Healy Justice
Lassen County Arts Council
Lassen County Chamber of Commerce
Helen & Marshall Leve
Mr. & Mrs. David McFarland
Ken & Jackie McGarva
Mr. & Mrs. Galen Roberts
June Stanley
Linda Tiffin
Mavery & Jim Uptegrove
THANK YOU, SUPPORTERS
There are so many who support this work, and we’d like
to thank everyone...if we miss someone, give us a call.
We’re terribly sorry, and we’ll do better. Thank you.
Diamond Mountain Hotel & Casino
WalMart
Debbie & Jim Cleveland—An Awesome Grill!
Bureau of Land Management Eagle Lake Field
Office—Furniture & Equipment
Lassen National Forest
Lassen County Department of Public Health
—A Cool New Water Dispenser For Trail Users
Antelope Crew, California Correctional Center
—Storm Clean Up
Tim Garrod & The Lassen County
Master Gardeners—Tree Pruning
Likely Place RV Park & Golf Course—Installation Of
Signage On Modoc Line Rail Trail
AND FOR THE MEAT RAFFLE:
Lassen Ale Works
Darrell Wood & Family
Frank Hall
Paul Whitcome
Susanville Market IGA
GL&L Smokehouse
Hulsman Ranch
Hole In One Ranch & Andrew Bertotti
Jack Hansen
Dominic Bachman
Red Onion Grill
GRANTS
Lassen Municipal Utility District for Nature Camp
Americorps NCCC
At Lassen Ale Works & the 2015 Meat Raffle, Hugh Hardaway,
master of ceremonies, and Tyann Brown spins the wheel.
Our lovely ladies hustling those raffle tickets!
LASSEN LAND & TRAILS TRUST 7
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P.O. Box 1461
Susanville, CA 96130
www.lassenlandandtrailstrust.org
530-257-3252
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The Mission of the Lassen Land & Trails Trust is to Conserve Significant Natural Areas &
Agricultural Landscapes & to Promote & Enhance a Public Trail System Throughout Lassen County
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