Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship

The Plumas Forest recently received $1.5 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds, to be used for forest wide trail maintenance and restoration work. Key components to receiving ARRA funds is to demonstrate a strong "working partnership" (SBTS and Plumas Forest) and to have projects that are considered "shovel ready" (completed environmental work). One SBTS project to receive ARRA funds is Smith Lake Trail. The scope of the work is focused on realigning a section of trail out of a wetland and installing two low water crossings over Smith Creek.

In order for us to get the motorized wheel barrow in and out safely with construction materials for the low water crossings, the Crew had to to rehabilitate the tread on Smith Lake Trail, starting from the trailhead to the work site at Smith Creek. The wheel barrow works well in the backcountry, but can be a bit tricky to handle in the rough, especially with a heavy load and at the end of a hard day of digging. For reference i have attached a photo of the strongest 120 pound man in Plumas County, Lil' Brad, making it look easy.

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SBTS just reached 20 lifetime members. What is a lifetime member? It's someone who has stepped up to donate $500 or more, granting them lifetime access to our popular Mountain Epic Series Events(plus some nifty socks and a stylish SBTS shirt).

Why does this matter? Why does a number as small as 20 deserve recognition? Well, I think it says a lot about how far we've come. We are a small volunteer driven organization. We handle all logistics including fundraising and organization of up to 12 volunteer trail events per year, all on the blood sweat and tears of a few dedicated individuals. This organization exists because people believe in it and are willing to make it a priority. In the last year we've grown quite a lot, both in name recognition, number of overall projects, and number of active annual memberships. In the last year the number of our lifetime members have more than doubled. Reason? People see the results. When people ride the new North Yuba Extension, or participate on building the new Mills Peak trail they get inspired and want to do more. Some can give money easier than time, and get compelled to do so when then see an organization actually making a difference.  Read More »

The Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship (SBTS) has wrapped up restoration work on Craycroft Ridge Trail, a "gold-rush" era route connecting the recreation dependent town of Downieville to the popular Chimney Rock Trail and the historic townsite of Poker Flat. Trail work focused on realigning approximately 2,000' of excessively steep and heavily eroded trail along the ridge near the northern most end of Craycroft Ridge. The project was originally funded for drainage and rolling dip construction to prevent user and natural caused erosion, however after a site visit between SBTS and the Forest Service the focus shifted to tread realignment, with the goal of reducing grade and making the trail more sustainable to motorized use. The realignment was first surveyed, then flagged and mapped. Specialists were then sent into the field to survey and approve the new alignment under the NEPA process. Construction of the new alignment began summer of 2009.

Additional funds are needed to complete the realignment with the following work still remaining to be complete:
3 switchback turns widened
3 switchback turns constructed
1500' of new tread needs construction
Tons of root removal still needed
SBTS Trail Crew approximates there is 250-300 labor hours remaining to complete the realignment of Craycroft Ridge Trail.  Read More »

The Trail Crew recently finished work on Lavezzola Creek Trail. This trail restoration project was funded through the Sierra County Resource Advisory Committee and was aimed at reducing erosion, protecting against watershed contamination, creating local employment and enhancing sustainable recreation in the Downieville area. Lavezzola Creek Trail is part of the historic Downieville Trail System and was heavily used by miners and mules during the Gold Rush to access the neighboring community of Johnsville and several mining sites along the creek. Today the trail is used primarily by motorcycle and mountain bike riders and is an economic resource for the recreation-based towns of Downieville, Sierra City and Graeagle.

The Trail Crew will spend the remaining part of October working on Craycroft Ridge Trail, another Downieville Gold Rush era trail. Craycroft provides access from Downieville to the spectacular Chimney Rock Trail and the town site of Poker Flat. Craycroft is receiving a grade reduction and sectional reroute, which will make it much more sustainable and enjoyable for users. The work being done is top-notch and something we can all be proud of. I highly recommend getting out on two wheels to scope the trail and Fall colors. Here are some photos to tempt you.  Read More »

SBTS would like to make a formal announcement that Metal Mike, aka Mike Haire, has been inducted into the SBTS Hall of Fame. What is the Hall of Fame you ask? It's a special place(and page on our site) for volunteers who have consistently gone above and beyond for the Stewardship, giving countless selfless hours to build trail and more. Metal Mike has not only been a consistent volunteer since the beginning, but goes the extra mile by supervising new volunteers on the trail, helping provide DJ tunes for night time party time, performing as MC at our Epic Raffles, and bringing up all his AV equipment to make sure that our parties are not only well stocked with beer, but well equipped with Dancefloor readiness. Metal, all of us here at SBTS want to say a huge thanks for all you do, and for always take one for the team .... like that time you drove shuttles in 2006 the day we opened Sunrise Trail. Your efforts do not go un-noticed. Thanks again, and welcome to the Hall of Fame.