Yes, multi-use non-motorized.

This project includes trails that are classified as multi-use, non-motorized natural surface trails. The trails will be designed and constructed to accommodate hikers, bikers, runners, and equestrians.

No. Trails will be non-motorized, multi-use.

Once a project proposal is submitted, the U.S. Forest Service will determine the appropriate environmental analysis.

An inventory of disturbed areas and identified segments of roads will be included for recommended restoration projects. A team of resource specialists will be providing direction and recommendations.

During this planning process, all reasonable concepts are being considered within the context of the Sherwins Area Recreation Plan. We strongly encourage feedback and participation for trail system improvements, expansion and stewardship.

There is never a guarantee for maintenance of any trail system. Strong agency partnerships are key to successful management. Continued support from the public, local and State representatives help to sustain facilities over time. Together, community members, land managers and local government agencies will create a Trails Plan with a vision to enhance sustainable recreation opportunities on public lands and contribute to shared stewardship and on-going maintenance of facilities. The Town of Mammoth Lakes Measure R Trails Program currently maintains around 30 miles of existing USFS trails within the municipal boundary of the Town.

Yes, we need to hear from you! Local knowledge and thoughtful feedback will ensure the highest quality outcome. We want to engage community members in the planning process to understand where and how community members use local trails and where they would like to have improved access to surrounding public lands.

1. Implement a rolling contour trail design standard

2. Identify and avoid all sensitive resource areas

3. Create trail connections between existing system facilities

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process begins when a federal agency develops a proposal to take a major federal action. The environmental review under NEPA can involve three different levels of analysis:

1. Categorical Exclusion determination (CATEX)

2. Environmental Assessment/Finding of No Significant Impact (EA/FONSI)

3. Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)

A federal action may be “categorically excluded” from a detailed environmental analysis if the federal action does not, “individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the human environment”. CATEX are not exemptions or waivers of NEPA review; they are simply one type of NEPA review. To establish a categorical exclusion, agencies determine whether a proposed activity is one that, on the basis of past experience, normally does not require further environmental review. Once established, categorical exclusions provide an efficient tool to complete the NEPA environmental review process for proposals that normally do not require more resource intensive EA or EIS. The use of categorical exclusions can reduce paperwork and delay, so that EA’s or EIS’s can be targeted toward proposed actions that truly have the potential to cause significant environmental effects. A federal agency can determine that a CATEX does not apply to a proposed action. The federal agency may then prepare an EA. The EA determines whether or not a federal action has the potential to cause significant environmental impacts. Federal agencies prepare an EIS if a proposed major federal action is determined to significantly affect the quality of the human environment.

The average cost for construction of natural surface trails is $5 per foot. The cost of soft surface trail construction is estimated at $475,200. New Trailhead construction is estimated at $1 million. The Mammoth Lakes Trail System (MLTS) is primarily funded through the Measure R Special Tax. The MLTS program budget includes capital funding for this project and others like it.

Measure R or “Mammoth Lakes Recreation, Trails and Parks Investment Initiative” was approved by voters in 2008. The Ordinance imposed a Transactions and Use Tax in the amount of one-half percent for the purpose of funding Recreation, Trails and Parks.

In December 2022 MLR was awarded $1,460,000 in grant funding through the Sierra Nevada Conservancy. $950,000 is alotted for implementation of the shovel-ready trailhead and $510,000 for the planning and envoironmental analysis of the proposed trail alignments. This generous grant funding leverages the Measure R funds committed to the project.