This post is part of our Faces of Aegis series! We're spotlighting our clients, the people and businesses who are making an impact in our Tahoe-Truckee community and beyond! Read more of our client spotlights here.
The great outdoors shapes the Truckee area's culture and economy. Visitors flock to the region year-round to enjoy snow sports in the winter and unparalleled hiking and biking during the summer.
The Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship, an Aegis client and local charity, plays a significant role in attracting hikers and bikers by providing multi-use trails in the Sierra Buttes.
Learn more about the difference this exciting organization is making in the Truckee-Tahoe area.
Introducing Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship
Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship is a non-profit organization based in Quincy that builds and maintains multi-use trails in the Sierra Buttes and the Tahoe, Plumas, and Lassen National Forests.
First established in 2003, in the years since the organization has racked up some impressive accomplishments:
- They've built over 100 miles of trail on national forest property
- They currently maintain roughly 1,200 miles of trail
- They've contributed over 100,000 hours of volunteer labor
For communities that relied on mining and logging for economic growth in previous eras, trails can be an essential economic development source. The work that the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship does is crucial for our local economies.
Image credit: Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship
Over 100 Miles of Beautiful Sierra Buttes Trails
With 100 miles of new trails under their belt, the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship has helped make some of our most beautiful natural resources more accessible for hikers and bikers.
For Greg Williams, the Executive Director of the Stewardship, the amount of work and the number of hours that go into each trail project make them all the more meaningful.
"Some trail projects take 15 years to complete. You have the same staff together during that time, and you get to watch everyone grow. By the time it’s done, a young person will have a family and a home in the Lost Sierras. Those projects are very special."
Each trail project carries a great deal of meaning with it and can take a great deal of effort to see through to completion. By the time shovels break ground, the stewardship will have gone through many concepts and meetings to get to that point.
Image credit: Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship
Building the Lost Sierra Route With Connected Communities
Connected Communities is a Stewardship project that will establish the Lost Sierra Route, a 300-mile trail system connecting communities throughout the region.
The Executive Director of the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship first presented their idea to connect our local communities with trails that will enrich their economies and outdoor culture at Mountain Ventures Summit in Mammoth. The idea was so compelling that Bob Kingman, Executive Director of the Sierra Nevada Conservancy, immediately wanted to help. Since then, the project has grown into an effort that could bring new life to the region.
Ultimately, the Lost Sierra Route will connect fifteen mountain communities from reno to Susanville, including Truckee, Quincy, Downieville, and more. The ultimate goal is to bring new economic life to Main Street in these 15 towns. Each trail will start and end in the town so that hikers and bikers can patronize local businesses and make the trail more accessible without using a car.
Currently, Connected Communities is working on several trails along this new Lost Sierra Route, connecting communities with trails from:
- Quincy to Taylorsville
- Portola to Nakoma
- Quincy to Downieville
- Truckee to Reno
- Truckee to Verdi
Image credit: Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship
There's More Excitement to Come
The Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship continues to work on exciting new trail projects in the Lost Sierra for future generations to enjoy hiking, biking, and all the beauty our area has to offer.
While the last year has eliminated many of the large fundraising events they rely on, in 2021 the Stewardship will host socially distanced events of 12 people or fewer to continue encouraging residents to get outdoors.
According to Williams, "We’re grateful to find insurance that lets us bring people into the mountains and encourage them to ride their bikes and have fun. It gets people outside and healthy. Now is the time to go breathe the fresh air and enjoy the positive impact of being active, both physically and mentally."
If you're interested in getting involved with the Stewardship, visit their website to find upcoming events and volunteer opportunities, or make a donation. Learn more.