EL DORADO COUNTY/PLACER COUNTY, Calif. – After hearing concerns regarding potential closures and restricted access of the Rubicon Trail, a popular and nationally recognized off-roading route, Placer County Supervisor Cindy Gustafson and El Dorado County Supervisor Lori Parlin stepped in.

At multiple public meetings, trail users expressed worry that the Tahoe National Forest’s planned trail reroute and restoration project may jeopardize continued access to the trail.

Supervisors Gustafson and Parlin met with the U.S. Forest Service on Jan. 14 regarding the planned project and user concerns.

Following the meeting, the U.S. Forest Service issued a letter stating that the agency is aware of not only these concerns, but also suggestions that the service may have ulterior motives for the trail.

“This perception is incorrect and runs counter to both the purpose and need of the recently approved trail reroute,” Tahoe National Forest, District Ranger Jonathan Cook-Fisher stated in the letter, “as well as the district’s broader actions and investments in motorized recreation.”

Cook-Fisher continued to state that the trail is designated as a year-round trail without seasonal restrictions and confirmed that the reroute will be treated the same way.

The project will reroute approximately a half mile of trail and restore frequently flooded trail sections that are impacted by motor vehicle use.

The goal is to ensure long-term viability of the trail according to the letter.

Both supervisors say the letter affirms the U.S. Forest Service’s commitment to keep the trail open without seasonal closures.