MLR AWARDED GRANT FOR SHERWINS AREA
Projects to Include Trailhead Construction and Environmental Analysis
Mammoth Lakes Recreation (MLR) has announced that it has been awarded $1,460,000 from the Sierra Nevada Conservancy (SNC) for its “Sherwins Trailhead” and “Sherwins Area Trails and Trailhead Expansion” projects.
Both projects are located on Inyo National Forest (INF) land in the wildland-urban interface with the Town of Mammoth Lakes (TOML). The mixed conifer forests, iconic vistas, and many recreation offerings make these projects a great opportunity to improve access from the Town center and Mammoth Creek Park, where the TOML is currently constructing a Community Recreation Center (CRC) and mobility hub, to these many extraordinary natural resources via the trailhead and proposed interconnected trails.
SNC awarded $950,000 to MLR to implement the shovel-ready plans for a trailhead facility off Sherwin Creek Road. The Sherwins Trailhead will create a seamless, integrated recreation experience for locals and visitors of the Mammoth Lakes Area and protect sensitive archaeological sites and habitat by defining and developing the trailhead. The current site has become a de-facto trailhead for a wide variety of recreation uses including hiking, mountain biking, equestrian use, dog walking, snowplay, snowmobiling, Nordic and backcountry skiing. Partnering with INF and the TOML, the trailhead facilities will include ADA accessible vault toilets, paved parking area, interpretive panels, bike rack and tools, waste receptacles, and bear-proof storage containers.
MLR has also been awarded $510,000 as a planning grant for 20 miles of proposed trails in the Sherwins and expansion of the trailhead. The Sherwins Trails and Trailhead Expansion Project will serve people accessing the Sherwins, Mammoth Meadow, Mammoth Rock Trail, and the Mammoth Lakes Basin. The current site-conditions indicate the need for a sustainable public trail system, as evidenced by several user-created trails, erosion and degradation of sensitive habitat and an abundance of archeological resources in the vicinity. The existing user-created trails intersect riparian areas and archeological sites, are prone to erosion, and have no regulatory or wayfinding signage.
MLR, INF and the TOML will partner in the project to perform environmental analysis on approximately 20 miles of multi-use/non-motorized trails, an expanded paved parking area, an ADA accessible picnic area and shade pavilion.
“This is precisely the lane that MLR was created to operate in,” said Craig Albright, MLR Board President. “Providing guidance, prioritizing projects, and leveraging the tax revenues of Measures R and U to enhance the Recreational, Arts and Cultural experiences in Mammoth Lakes for both our citizens and visitors alike. Kim Anaclerio is doing great work and the MLR Board is blessed to have her skill set getting things done for the betterment of our town.”
Both projects will enhance and integrate into the existing Mammoth Lakes Trail System (MLTS) within the Town’s municipal boundary, as well as the several hundred miles of wilderness trails originating from the Mammoth Lakes Basin. The trailhead and trails connect regionally, allowing access to internationally renown Yosemite National Park, Kings Canyon Sequoia National Park, Devils Postpile National Monument, several congressionally designated Wilderness Areas, and the John Muir, High Sierra, and Pacific Crest Trails.
About Mammoth Lakes Recreation
Formed in 2014, Mammoth Lakes Recreation’s mission is to deliver cutting edge sustainable recreation, mobility, and arts & culture opportunities and infrastructure for the benefit of the community and natural environment of Mammoth Lakes. For more information, go to www.mammothlakesrecreation.org.