Tuesday, March 1, 2016 • Lassen Land and Trails Trust works on depot extension

Publisher’s note: This story originally appeared in the Tuesday, March 1, 2016 edition of the Lassen County Times.

The Lassen Land and Trails Trust works to conserve the resources, character and heritage of Lassen County.

The Trust recently purchased the property behind the Historic Susanville Railroad Depot from a private landowner. The land was purchased with grant funds from Federal Highway’s Recreational Trails Program and funds from the Trust’s reserves.

“The newly acquired property behind the Depot is the Bizz Extension, however, we refer to the whole property as the Historic Susanville Railroad Depot property,” said Land Manager Amy Holmen.

Holmen said the Trust has big plans for the extension and has already begun working on it.

“Last year we put out an appeal to members in the community asking for donations to fix up the trail,” said Holmen. “We received great support from the community.”

With funds gathered from the community, as well as funds from a grant given by the National Park Service, the Trust was able to begin cleaning up the trail.

Crews were hired to clean trash and branches up along the trail. The fences along the side of the trail were also mended.

“This year we hope to improve signs and add barriers,” said Holmen.

Holmen said the Trust is currently applying for grants to fix up the hillsides and the trail.

Holmen said people ride quads and motorcycles along the hills, and that it has caused much damage. She also mentioned the desire to improve the trail.

The Trust hopes to make the fences more appealing and to have safe access to the trail from the surrounding neighborhoods. The cliff sides have many steep drop-offs and Holmen said they would be putting barriers up to prevent falls.

Footpaths will be added along the top of the cliffs. The idea is to separate the trail for equestrians, cyclists, and pedestrians. Holmen said this would help prevent conflict.

Other things the Trust hopes to add are a picnic area as well as panels outside the Depot that talk about the railroad and explain the importance of the area.

“All of this will be continued to benefit the community,” said Lassen Land and Trails Trust Board Member Linda Hansen.