###

State Sen. Mike McGuire joined representatives of the Great Redwood Trail Agency (GRTA) at a virtual town hall meeting Tuesday night to discuss progress being made on the Great Redwood Trail, an ambitious project that, if completed, will transform the defunct railway between Humboldt Bay and San Francisco Bay into the longest hiking and biking trail in the United States.

Map of the proposed Great Redwood Trail. Click to enlarge.

“It was a dream for many for decades, and now that dream is becoming a reality,” McGuire said. “About six years into this endeavor, we are now at a major milestone: One-third of the entire 320-mile trail has either been completed, [is] under construction, or under final planning. … It is going to be a spectacular experience.”

During the annual update, McGuire and GRTA Executive Director Elaine Hogan fielded dozens of questions from North Coast residents, ranging from concerns over public safety to economic benefits associated with the rail-to-trail project. Speaking to the latter subject, McGuire cited a 2023 economic benefits analysis that projected more than $102.5 million in annual benefits for communities along the trail system. 

“Five to seven million visitors will use the trail annually — locals and visitors alike — once it’s completed,” he said. “And it’s anticipated that the average daily food bill [for] trail users going into the communities and supporting restaurants [will be] $64 a day per user, $60 a day in retail [and] $93 per night in lodging. This is a game changer.”

Hogan added that the trail system will open up new opportunities for local businesses and artisans looking to expand their reach.

“What resources do they have that might benefit trail users? Do they want to cultivate farm-to-table dining or low-impact camping on their land? [How about] cultural events or a trail-side craft market?” Hogan asked. “Humboldt and Mendocino counties are home to a lot of artisans and local crafters that have made their living off the land for generations. We really need to work in partnership to make that legacy continue.”

Speaking to public safety concerns, Hogan noted that the GRTA Board of Directors recently approved contracts with two community-based organizations that will actively monitor undeveloped sections of the trail and provide on-the-ground supportive services to people experiencing homelessness. The GRTA also hired an operations manager who will work with California State Parks and local governments to ensure the trail is equipped with necessary public amenities.

“When you hear us talk about creating a world-class trail, consistent maintenance is part of that,” Hogan said. “We anticipate we will have seasonal trail crews in the backcountry, similar to what you see in California State Parks and other long-distance trails. We will have areas for staff and ranger housing out there, as well as developed campgrounds for all of our backcountry trail users with appropriate amenities.”

“We really see this trail development as an opportunity to strengthen rural public safety infrastructure, and so we’ll be looking to our local partnerships to implement that,” she added.

Speaking to wildfire concerns. GRTA Board Chair Mary Sackett said the agency is working to establish partnerships with CalFire and local volunteer fire departments to create a wildfire mitigation plan. 

“Wildfire prevention is foremost on our mind,” Sackett said. “We also hope that by having folks on the trail [who are] managing and working on those crews, they’ll have their eyes and ears on the ground and be able to respond more quickly. … We’ll work together to secure funding opportunities so that we can all prepare because we know that our volunteer firefighters in our small towns can’t handle the fire alone.”

Check “play” on the video above for a full recording of last night’s meeting.