Community-Based Contracts

Ukiah, CA (April 3, 2024) – Today, the Great Redwood Trail Agency (GRTA) released the draft Master Plan for the northern stretch of the 307-mile rail-to-trail project connecting San Francisco and Humboldt Bays. The draft Master Plan is informed by broad tribal and community outreach efforts and stakeholder engagement led by Alta Planning + Design, with support from North Coast Opportunities, Redwood Community Action Agency, and Jen Rice, with funding from the State Coastal Conservancy.

The public comment period for the draft plan is open now until June 3, 2024. Members of the public are encouraged to provide feedback and participate in the planning process by submitting comments and/or attending community events related to the trail project.

“It has been a long journey, preparing for the launch of this draft Master Plan,” said Sen. McGuire. “The Great Redwood Trail Agency has hosted numerous community and kitchen table meetings seeking feedback from thousands of neighbors who live near and around this remarkable trail. We are grateful to all of those who provided comments and participated in the meetings.”

The draft plan reflects feedback and input from robust tribal and community engagement efforts over the past 16 months, including attendance at 23 community events, six in-person workshops and three online workshops, more than 70 stakeholder meetings and 767 surveys completed. Tribal engagement to date has included attendance at more than a dozen tribal community events, presentations at many tribal government and coalition meetings and workshops, many in-depth conversations with tribal members and leaders, a webinar for tribal leaders and representatives and direct outreach to more than 35 tribes and tribal/native interest associations.

The project team also met with business owners, ranchers, farm bureaus, rural economic development organizations, tourism and visitor bureaus, vineyard owners, houseless service providers, law enforcement, first responders, trail users, environmental advocates, landowner groups, youth-focused non-profits and local, state and federal agencies.

“As the new Executive Director of GRTA, I’m excited to work in partnership with communities along the trail to develop the Great Redwood Trail Agency into a solid and sustainable agency that leverages resources to create opportunities for improved health, recreation, and economic growth while honoring and supporting the many communities and cultures along the corridor,” said Elaine Hogan, Executive Director of GRTA. “I believe this draft Master Plan is an excellent first step in laying out our vision for the Great Redwood Trail, and I welcome input from communities to help design a trail that best serves them.”

When complete, the Great Redwood Trail will be the longest multi-use rail-trail in the USA, promoting accessible recreation to California’s North Coast region as it connects the communities of Marin, Sonoma, Mendocino, Trinity, and Humboldt counties, creating a transformational economic engine.

“The release of this high-level plan is an exciting moment to recognize the transformation the trail represents for North Coast outdoor recreation, as well as its future economy,” said Caryl Hart, PhD, former Chair of GRTA’s Board of Directors. “The incredible outreach and meetings that went into this plan show the dedication of our organization to working with our local communities to make this world class trail a reality.”

Sterling Kercher, Alderpoint volunteer Fire Chief, logger, builder, and local landowner, said the trail is “a good thing for the community to give them the opportunity to make some money. It’s a community thing, to unite us and to bring people together.”

The Master Plan will serve as a guiding document to envision and provide a framework for trail user experience, trail design, operations and maintenance, habitat restoration, project priorities, funding, and management of the trail, which will travel through old-growth redwood forests, oak woodlands and vineyards, and the Eel River Canyon.

Equitable access to the Eel River Canyon and beyond is attractive to locals and visitors alike, including Shannon Stillwell, Alderpoint volunteer firefighter and multi-generational resident.

“How can we enjoy the Eel River Canyon if we can’t see it?” Stillwell asked. “Our waterways are Godgiven, and I want my grandkids to be able to hike up the canyon where their ancestors lived and enjoy the natural landscape.”

Frazier Haney, Executive Director of the Wildlands Conservancy, added, “the Great Redwood Trail will be a pilgrimage for those who need the solace nature brings— for grieving a loss, seeking new meaning in life, or discerning their own purpose— and our organization is proud to help anchor it with facilities and staff in the Eel River Canyon to the sea.”

Segments of the Great Redwood Trail are already built and open to the public in Arcata, Eureka, Blue Lake and Ukiah, with additional segments underway.