Community-Based Contracts

Ukiah & Eureka, CA (17 July 2025) – At its meeting this morning, the Great Redwood Trail Agency (GRTA) Board of Directors authorized staff to move forward with implementing two new professional services agreements to support property management, clean-up, and outreach to the houseless community along undeveloped segments of the future Great Redwood Trail in Mendocino and Humboldt counties.

Formed in 2022 after the North Coast Railroad Authority was dissolved, the Great Redwood Trail Agency has been steadily shifting its focus to ecological restoration and responsible trail development that addresses legacy issues left behind by the railroad. After decades of little oversight of approximately 230 miles of railroad right-of-way, there are many issues to tackle. Today’s unanimous vote by the GRTA Board of Directors signals a significant milestone in the agency’s development that’s in alignment with the goals of the project which include protecting, preserving and restoring sensitive natural resources along the trail corridor while ensuring the health and safety of all trail users and surrounding communities..

In Mendocino County, GRTA is partnering with Friend of Boon to provide enhanced outreach to individuals experiencing homelessness, coordinate clean-ups, and conduct regular monitoring of 16 miles of undeveloped rail corridor between Ukiah and Willits that will become part of the Great Redwood Trail. Their volunteer-driven model includes people in recovery who give back through community service and land stewardship.

In Humboldt County, The People of New Directions will bring their hands-on experience restoring land impacted by encampments, employing individuals with lived experience to help maintain clean and safe conditions along the former railroad corridor. Their work will include regular monitoring and debris removal.

“These are important steps in caring for our public spaces while also responding to the deeper needs
affecting our communities,” said GRTA Executive Director Elaine Hogan.

GRTA Board Chair Mary Sackett emphasized, “As we build the Great Redwood Trail, we’re not just paving a path — we’re building partnerships that reflect our values. These contracts show how we can care for people and the land at the same time.”

Both contracts align with the agency’s adopted FY 2025–26 budget and its broader vision of creating a clean, safe, and connected trail across the North Coast along the former Northwestern Pacific Railroad corridor.