TRUCKEE, Calif. — The U.S. Forest Service, assisted by Truckee River Day volunteers, will dedicate the Hobart Mills Trailhead at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 16, as part of the Truckee River Day event.

In conjunction with Caltrans, efforts to close a user-created parking area — near the location of the trailhead, located a few miles north of Truckee off Highway 89 at the Prosser Creek bridge — began on Tuesday.

Historically used to access the Commemorative Overland Emigrant Trail, the popularity of this trailhead prompted natural resource and safety concerns.

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“The amount of erosion washing into the Prosser Creek was an indication of human impact on the creek,” said John Groom, Truckee Ranger District Trail Program Manager. “The barriers to impede access to the roadside pull-off are expected to protect the natural resources at risk.”

“This is an extremely popular trail. Providing safe entry and exit to the trailhead was a challenge for many users parking off the shoulder on Highway 89 adjacent to the trail.”John GroomTruckee Ranger District Trail Program Manager

To mitigate the issues, the USFS designed and implemented construction of a spacious new trailhead around the corner from the user-created access off of Hobart Mills Road. The new trailhead is open and available for use.

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“This is an extremely popular trail. Providing safe entry and exit to the trailhead was a challenge for many users parking off the shoulder on Highway 89 adjacent to the trail,” Groom said, adding that the new parking area provides users with a more safe and expansive area for loading and unloading, with less adverse impact on natural resources in the area.

The Tahoe National Forest, in conjunction with the Tahoe Area Mountain Bike Association and the Truckee Trails Foundation, will officially dedicate the trailhead with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sunday at 11 a.m.

Groom concluded that the addition to the trail system is a welcomed one.

“Being able to provide a trailhead that creates a safer place for people to enjoy recreational activities on the Tahoe National Forest demonstrates our commitment to public safety,” he said.

This article was provided by the Tahoe National Forest. Visit http://www.fs.fed.us to learn more.