NORTH FORK — On September 16, 2025, landscape architects from the National Park Service conducted a site visit and workshop at the Community Development Council (CDC) office to plan the construction of the Old Mill History Park in North Fork. Since then, the project team has accomplished several key planning and design milestones to move the project forward.
Collaboration & Planning Efforts
The National Park Service, “Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance” (RTCA) team, along with local organizations and community members, participated in the planning event, site visit, and workshop. The purpose of the event was to create draft conceptual drawings and cost estimates for the components that will make up the park. The proposed site is located where the three-story lumber mill building once stood at the current CDC property.
Following the workshop, the National Park Service team has completed final concept drawings based on community input and generated cost estimates for the park’s components. These materials are now being used by the Boosters Club and the North Fork History Group (NFHG) to apply for construction grants.
Site History & Community Vision
To begin, the History Park site is owned by the North Fork Boosters Club and will be managed by the organization. The NFHG has served as an advocate and docent for the site for more than 20 years and has an agreement with the Boosters Club to assist in the development of the park.
Participants in the event included National Park Service landscape architects Patrick Johnston and Kerry Lankford. Additionally, nine local community members: Cathy Thornburg, president of the Boosters Club; Wade Wheeler, CDC President; Elaine Fink, Mono Rancheria Tribal Council member; Katrina Brown, Mono Rancheria executive assistant; Fred Fasel of Fasel Construction; Richard and Jenny Pearson, Connie Popelish, and Michael Olwyler of the North Fork History Group.
The CDC assumed ownership of the 135-acre sawmill site in 1996. In the years following, public meetings identified numerous potential uses for the land. A frequently expressed request was to memorialize the lumber mill to preserve the community’s history and attract tourism. Two large saws left on-site after the demolition of the mill building have been identified as key monuments to that history.
The RTCA program supports community-led natural resource conservation and outdoor recreation projects nationwide. The program assists communities and public land managers in developing or restoring parks, conservation areas, rivers, and wildlife habitats, while also creating outdoor recreation opportunities that engage future generations.
The technical assistance grant has provided significant support to the community. Progress made during the site visit has helped advance the next phase of the History Park’s development and move closer to fulfilling a long-standing community goal of preserving and commemorating North Fork’s history.
Accomplishments
Key outcomes and milestones achieved during the project include:
- Assembling and analyzing relevant background information, resources, and planning documents to establish a shared understanding of the project and site context
- Collecting key CAD and GIS map data to produce a detailed project site base map
- Coordinating and conducting a comprehensive in-person site assessment and design workshop to evaluate existing conditions, identify design concepts, and develop illustrative site plan drawings
- Producing a detailed set of site plan drawings, feature elements, and associated costs estimates for two alternative design concept options
- Compiling all findings, recommendations, and concept plan improvements into a final North Fork History Park and Trail Concept Plan document
All in all, these efforts mark an important step toward bringing the North Fork History Park to life. As the project moves into the next phase, the community remains focused on preserving its history while creating a space for future generations to experience and enjoy.
