Recreational Equipment Incorporated (REI) awarded ROMP a conservation and recreation grant to develop trails in the northwest corner of Soquel State Demo Forest. The Redwoods Bridge and Trails Project is a trail work and bridge construction effort in a California Department of Forestry Demonstration Forest which will protect the environment and provide educational and recreational opportunities to residents in Santa Cruz and Santa Clara counties.
We have also received an additional grant from IMBA / CLIF!
Approximately ten years ago, California Department of Forestry (CDF) developed a trails plan for SDSF that included a trail loop consisting of Long Ridge Road, Hinh’s Mill Road, Amaya Creek Road, and a bridge over Amaya Creek to connect Amaya Creek Road and Long Ridge Road (see attached map). The bridge and connecting trail has not been built despite significant interest in the project due to budget shortfalls within CDF. An REI grant provides a great opportunity for REI stores, members and employees to join together with volunteers from ROMP, trailworkers.com, Norcal High School League and The Stewards of Soquel Forest to complete a four mile loop trail that accesses 900 acres of riparian and redwood ecosystems.
We are going to build a functional, certified safe bridge over Amaya Creek, and connecting trail from Long Ridge and Amaya Creek Roads. We expect 100 volunteers to donate 600 hours over four days to complete the project. The project will create a recreational loop trail through riparian and redwood climates, while protecting endangered steelhead trout spawning habitat. We hope the trail work will take place before the end of this year. Look for postings and come out and help make this event a great success.
