Happy Trails

This morning Michael Kauffman, Author, Educator, Ecologist and President of the Bigfoot Trails Alliance, came down to the KHUM studios to talk about the new book just out called "Hiking Humboldt - Volume 1." The book outlines 55 hikes in our area 5 miles or longer. The book is filled with great descriptions and maps and also denotes areas that are appropriate for mountain bikes. We also talked about Volume 2 which will be coming out soon which will talk about some of our great urban street walks and trails that are under 5 miles. More info at HikingHumboldt.com. We also talked about the Friends of the Dunes "Get Outside Gear Sale" this Saturday at the Humboldt Coastal Nature Center from 11am to 3pm.

This morning Emily and I spoke with Joan Levy of Public Health and Jenny Weise from R.C.A.A. about the Redwood Mobility Education Program, part of Safe Routes to School. Joan spoke of the many educational aspects of the program, Jenny touch on all the work they are doing around Zane Middle School in Eureka.

Today was was day to get caught up on all the various trails projects here in Humboldt County. Updates on the Eureka Waterfront Trail, Humboldt Bay Trail, Fortuna Ped and Bike Projects, The Hammond Trail, the proposed McKinleyville Community Forest and news on the McKay Tract. We also touched on an upcoming Trails Summit this summer, more info coming soon. Lastly we are looking for your feedback on Happy Trails. Since 2007 when the program began, we have covered many topics, we want some feedback as to what topics you have like best, and what you would like to see us cover more of. Send your feedback to cliff@khum.com

This morning Emily and I spoke with Gaela Mitchell and Mark Mueller about the Humboldt Bike Party coming up this Saturday Night. This will be the 7th of these community bike rides. Cyclists of all ages gather with their bikes decorated with lights and take a leisurely ride through the community, this month, McKinleyville. Cyclists will meet at "Papa Wheelies" on Reasor Road at Central Ave. at 6pm and ride for about 2 hours. More info at the Facebook Page, BikePartyHumboldt.

This morning Emily and I spoke with Merrett Perry, City Engineer for the City of Fortuna and Josh Wolf, Civil Engineer for GHD in Eureka. The main topic of conversation deal with the proposed project to improve connectivity with the city of Fortuna and the Riverwalk. Right now the only way to cross 101 to the Riverwalk is across the 12th street bridge or the Kenmar undercrossing. Neither of which is bicycle or pedestrian friendly. Please note, there will be a workshop open to the public dealing with Monday evening at 6pm at the Fortuna River Lodge.

This morning Emily and I spoke with Tony Segetti and Jill Tilles from Humboldt County Public works about the Central Avenue improvement project in McKinleyville. After much discussion with the community to figure out the right solutions to improve safety for bicycle and pedestrian traffic along Central Avenue final decisions have been made and should be implemented by May of this year.

It has been one year since we last spoke with Anne Thomas of Shasta Living Streets. And it has been quite an exciting and productive year for bike and ped safety in their community. Anne discusses the progress made, awards they have received and safety measures on highway 44.

This morning Emily and I spoke with Sandi Tripp, Director of the Karuk Tribe Department of Transportation and Tony Seghetti, Deputy Director of Engineering for the County of Humboldt. The Red Cap Road Bikeway Shoulder Widening Project was the main topic today, however we touched on many other project on tap in the Orleans area.

This morning Emily and I spoke with Sage Glegg of the Bigfoot Trail Alliance. It's been nearly a year to the day since we last talked with Michael Kauffmann about the trail. Since then the Alliance has become an official 501C3 non-profit. This nearly 400 mile trail snakes through some of the most beautiful wilderness through several counties and states (California and Oregon). Sage who recently hiked the entire trail reported on its beauty and areas that need some love and improvement. Since the formation of the alliance, giving love and improvement to this treasure has been their goal.

Today Emily and I spoke with Greg Orsini, General Manager of the McKinleyville Community Services District about the McKinleyville Community Forest. An agreement has been worked out with Green Diamond and the proposed McKinleyville Community Forest is moving forward quickly. This 600 plus acre project is now seeking grant funding and could be a reality as quickly as 2 years.

This morning Emily was in the studio along with Karlson Hubbard, Program Director of the Backcountry Trails Program. Karson, a 17 year veteran with the CCC enthusiastically talks about the thousands of miles of trails that the corps has built, maintained or restored over the years. We also talked about all the current and local projects they are involved with.

Today Emily and I talked about all the train projects that are getting attention this year including the Humboldt Bay Trail North (Arcata to Braecut), Humboldt Bay Trail South (Barecut to Eureka), The Eureka Waterfront Trail and many more.

This morning Emily and I spoke with Marie Jones, City of Fort Bragg Community Development Director about the new South Coastal Trail along Fort Bragg's waterfront.

Emily and I wrap up the year of Happy Trails with a look at the new Federal Transportation Bill and what it means to Humboldt County. We also look at the new CalTrans Guidelines dealing with protected bikeways alongside roadways. We also look forward to 2016 and all the local projects we have to look forward to.

This morning Emily and I spoke with Phil Dow of the Mendocino Council of Governments about the Covelo Trail Project. This will be a class one trail that is being enthusiastically supported by the community.

This morning Emily and I were live at Wildberries Marketplace in Arcata. And we talked on the phone with Jess and Francis from the Community Bike Kitchen in Eureka at the old Jefferson School on B Street.

This morning Emily and I spoke with Eric Weir, Public Works Director, and Kymmie Scott, City Clerk and PIO, of Crescent City, about Sunset Circle multipurpose trail and Beachfront Park master planning, and the Crescent City Dog Park among other things.

This morning Emily and I talk about the opening of the Arcata Rail Trail today. This is the urban part of what will be the Bay Trail from Arcata to Eureka.

This morning Emily and I spoke with Ben Kageyama, Senior Civil Engineer for the City of Ukiah. Phase one of the NWP Rail Trail will be complete this week and they just got approval for phase 2.

This morning Emily and I spoke with Emily Afriat-Hyman, Eel River Estuary Preserve Manager working with the Wildlands Conservancy.