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The Lost Sierra Trails Master Plan is transforming Northern California’s outdoor recreation, connecting communities through a world-class multi-use trail system that enhances local economies while preserving the region’s natural beauty for future generations.
Highlights:
1. Economic Boost: The Lost Sierra Trails Master Plan connects small towns, driving local business growth and creating jobs.
2. Diverse Recreation: Trails cater to hikers, bikers, equestrians, and more, offering something for everyone.
3. Sustainable Development: The plan prioritizes environmentally friendly construction, ensuring minimal impact on the natural landscape.
The Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship (SBTS) has long been a beacon of dedication to preserving and enhancing the natural beauty of Northern California’s Lost Sierra region. Spanning the counties of Plumas, Sierra, and Lassen, this organization is now embarking on an ambitious project that could transform the area’s economic landscape while providing unmatched recreational opportunities. The Trails Master Plan (TMP) for Connected Communities is the cornerstone of this vision, promising to create a world-class, multi-use trail system that will bring both economic benefits and a deeper connection to the land for those who live in and visit the region.
The Trails Master Plan will not only create a way for trail travelers to see these small towns, but it will also have a massive positive impact on the local economy.
The Lost Sierra region is a hidden gem, rich in natural beauty and outdoor recreation potential. The Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship, a non-profit organization formed in 2003, has taken on the responsibility of preserving this region’s trails. The organization’s mission is rooted in providing quality outdoor experiences through the construction and maintenance of trails, ensuring that these pathways are accessible and enjoyable for a diverse group of users. This includes everyone from hikers and mountain bikers to equestrians, motorcyclists, and fishermen.
The TMP is the latest and most ambitious project undertaken by the SBTS. It aims to connect communities through a trail system that will span over 300 miles, linking small towns and offering breathtaking views of some of the most preserved and primitive landscapes in California. Unlike other iconic trails like the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) or the John Muir Trail (JMT), the Lost Sierra Route is designed to be inclusive, catering to a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts. This trail will not only be a recreational resource but also a vital economic lifeline for the small towns along its path.
One of the unique aspects of the TMP is its focus on Main Street. The Lost Sierra Route is designed to pass through the heart of each town, bringing trail users directly into the community. This concept is more than just a route; it’s a strategy for economic revitalization. As travelers make their way along the trail, they will have the opportunity to stop in these small towns, supporting local businesses and contributing to the local economy. Small restaurants, gas stations, and shops will benefit from the influx of visitors, creating jobs and generating much-needed revenue.
Moreover, the TMP introduces the innovative idea of a trail passport. This passport will encourage travelers to register before their adventure, allowing them to collect stamps from each community they visit. These stamps will not only serve as a memento of their journey but also offer special deals and incentives from local businesses. This program is designed to encourage visitors to explore every corner of the Lost Sierra region, creating a deeper connection between the trail users and the communities they pass through.
The TMP is not just about economic benefits; it’s also about preserving and protecting the natural environment. The trails will be developed with sustainability in mind, ensuring that they have minimal impact on the surrounding ecosystems. The project is fueled in part by funds from California’s Proposition 68, provided through the Sierra Nevada Conservancy’s Resilient Communities Grant Program. This funding, along with support from local, state, and federal partners, will help ensure that the trails are built and maintained in an environmentally friendly way.
The Downieville Grocery Store is the main stop for beer and provisions when you get back from a ride.
Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship has a long history of successful trail projects. Since its founding 17 years ago, SBTS has constructed over 100 miles of new trail and logged over 100,000 hours of volunteer labor. These accomplishments are a testament to the dedication and passion of the organization and its volunteers. The TMP is the next step in this legacy, representing the culmination of years of hard work and planning.
The trails themselves are designed to be enjoyed by a wide range of users. Whether you’re a mountain biker, hiker, kayaker, moto enthusiast, hunter, equestrian, trail runner, fisherman, or part of a family looking for a day out in nature, the Lost Sierra Route will have something for you. The trail system will provide access to some of the most stunning natural landscapes in California, offering breathtaking views and a chance to connect with nature in its most preserved form.
In addition to the recreational benefits, the TMP is also about creating a sense of community. The trails will bring people together, fostering a shared sense of responsibility for protecting and preserving our open spaces. The volunteer-driven nature of the project is a perfect example of how communities can come together to achieve something great. By donating time and resources, individuals can play a direct role in the creation and maintenance of these trails, ensuring that they remain accessible and enjoyable for future generations.
The Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship’s work is particularly important now, as open spaces and a connection to nature are more crucial than ever. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of outdoor recreation, both for physical health and mental well-being. The TMP will provide a much-needed outlet for people looking to escape the stresses of everyday life and reconnect with nature.
Moreover, the TMP is a model for how rural communities can leverage outdoor recreation as an economic asset. The Lost Sierra region has long struggled with economic challenges, and the TMP offers a way to turn these challenges into opportunities. By creating a trail system that attracts visitors from around the world, the SBTS is helping to create a sustainable economic engine for the region. This approach is not only beneficial for the local economy but also helps to ensure that the trails and the natural landscapes they traverse are protected and preserved for future generations.
The Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship’s vision for the TMP is ambitious, but it’s also achievable. With the support of local communities, government agencies, and outdoor enthusiasts, the TMP has the potential to transform the Lost Sierra region into a world-class outdoor recreation destination. This transformation will not only benefit the people who live in the region but also the thousands of visitors who will come to explore its trails and experience its natural beauty.
In conclusion, the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship and its Trails Master Plan for Connected Communities represent a unique and innovative approach to outdoor recreation and economic development. By creating a trail system that connects small towns and offers diverse recreational opportunities, the SBTS is helping to preserve the natural beauty of the Lost Sierra region while also providing a much-needed economic boost to its communities. This project is a testament to the power of volunteerism and community-driven initiatives, and it serves as a model for how other regions can leverage their natural assets for economic and social benefit. The TMP is more than just a trail; it’s a pathway to a brighter future for the Lost Sierra region.
Gallery
The Downieville Grocery Store is the main stop for beer and provisions when you get back from a ride.
Volunteer trail day on the Elwell trail in Gold Lakes Basin, Ca
Mason Werner and Jordan Carr at last light, Indain Falls Ridge, Quincy Ca
Mason Werner and Jordan Carr at last light, Indain Falls Ridge, Quincy Ca
About Sierra Buttes Stewardship
SBTS is a Quincy, California-based 501c3 focused on building what the organization calls “#dirtmagic” – multiple-use motorized and non-motorized trails for public use – in the Lost Sierra region of the Northern Sierra Nevada range. Since its founding in 2003, SBTS has built over 100 miles of new trail and maintained 1,200 miles of existing trail while employing a full-time Professional Trail Crew and contributing over 100,000 hours of volunteer labor.
