CLOVIS – The Sierra National Forest is looking for enthusiastic people to volunteer their time and energy for new trail construction on the San Joaquin River Trail. Willing participants are invited to get some exercise, enjoy the fresh air, meet new people from the community, and gain some trail building skills.
In the overall scope of the project, the San Joaquin River Trail will connect the east and west sides of the Sierra with one continuous trail from Devil’s Postpile on the east, to Woodward Park in Fresno on the west. This will be accomplished by incorporating two existing trails — the French Trail and Horseshoe Bend Trail — and building a new trail to connect the two.
The section of trail that would connect them is now in the process of being constructed. That portion is known as Reach 4, and is south of Redinger Lake on the High Sierra District of the Sierra National Forest.
As of February 2016, approximately 2.5 miles of that trail has already been built, with approximately 5 miles left to go.
The trail is classified as multi-use, open for recreational use by all non-motorized users, including foot traffic, equestrian and bicycle.
Work on the trail involves the use of hand tools such as, shovels, picks, pruning shears and axes, as well as moving materials such as rocks, dirt and brush. Participants will be responsible for providing their own supplies for the day including food, water, sun protection and sturdy hiking boots.
The hike to the working areas is moderate, involving uphill travel while carrying tools for work to be performed.
The Sierra National Forest asks that any volunteers interested in being actively involved in ground work on this trail please contact the Sierra National Forest trails department at (559) 877-2218 ext. 3209.
