Mobile Workshop: Emerald Bay, Sustainable Trail Design
Special Note: This workshop is limited to 30 participants. There are two opportunities to attend. Both Workshop Days will present the same itinerary and content.
When: Tuesday September 18 and Thursday September 20, 2007
Time: 12 noon to 5:30 pm including travel time
Starting Point: Mont Bleu Hotel
Travel: Vans will transport participants from Mont Bleu to the workshop location at Emerald Bay State Park. The drive will take about one half hour each way. There will be hiking up to two and one half miles. There is modest elevation gain (300') and loss (400'). The elevation of the hike will range from 6600 feet to 6230 feet.
Workshop Description:
This workshop will highlight new trail design and the layout and construction of one and three quarter miles of the Rubicon Trail at Emerald Bay State Park.
Emerald Bay State Park is a National Natural Landmark, State Underwater Park, National Register Property, and the most visited scenic attraction at Lake Tahoe.
Begun in 1994, this trail was part of a multifaceted Emerald Bay Pedestrian Enhancement to reduce vehicle trips in the Emerald Bay vicinity. The entire project and trail we will be hiking was constructed using multiple sources of funds. These funds included; Department of Parks and Recreation seed funds, Transportation Enhancement Funds (ISTEA), California Environmental Enhancement Mitigation Funds (EEM), National Recreational Trail Funds (NRTFA), and Donations from private citizens concerned with the ongoing impacts occurring to Emerald Bay. With seed funds for initial grant matches, these funds were uniquely leveraged against each other so each grant served as match funding for succeeding grants. We will review the granting procedures utilized to construct this $500,000 project. The trail was completed in the summer of 2000.
During this workshop we will hike the trail and review design and construction techniques used to construct this much needed facility in a high use, impacted and sensitive environment. This trail was constructed through challenging terrain with very low soil capability and riparian habitat. The trail received an award from the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) for excellence in environmental sensitivity.
As time permits we will review accessible trails in the Vikingsholm area including innovative fake concrete rock utilized to construct the trails within accessible design standards in precipice rock ledges.
One highlight of the trip will be a tour of the Vikingsholm Castle. This National Register site was constructed in 1929 and is the only representative example of true Scandinavian castle in the United States. The home is operated as a house museum filled with authentic Scandinavian artifacts that the original owners decorated with. All who attend this workshop will be afforded the tour.
Preparedness:
September can bring a wide variety of weather so be prepared for the more likely warm and sunny, but also possibly wet and cold. Sun screen is necessary regardless of weather. You will need good hiking shoes and clothing including rain gear. A small backpack to carry clothes, water, and snacks is strongly recommended.
