Jordan Lowe of the Southern California Mountains Foundation joined us at the last BBCA meeting to discuss what’s happening with our local trails. A quick summary of his report is below.
One of the primary goals for the Big Bear Cycling Association for the coming year is to become more involved with our local trails, which includes maintenance and hopefully further development. We want to have a stronger voice with our local trail managers so that they recognize our commitment to our trails. This will take time and effort but I believe we all want the same thing – great trails and more of them. We need your support to accomplish this!
Upcoming Trail Training: Saturday, May 23rd (approximately two hours)
If you’re interested in doing some solo work on our local trails, please join us for this training. Once certified, we’re able to do independent trail work in the forest. There’s plenty of work to be had out there so we encourage you to join this training. Alternative dates may be scheduled if there is enough interest. When and if we do an organized trail day with Jordan on site, prior training isn’t required.
Click Here to RSVP for May 23rd Training
March Report from Jordan Lowe
of the Southern California Mountains Foundation
Trail Maintenance Program
Operates primarily from May to October. The program relies heavily on volunteers, with full-time trail hosts leading maintenance efforts and public education activities. Key upcoming events include a trail host training on May 23rd and a National Trails Day work event on June 6th, likely on Pine Knot Trail. The organization prioritizes trails based on public usage, with high-traffic areas like Woodland Trail receiving more frequent maintenance attention.
Upcoming BBCA Trail Work Days
BBCA would like to do some evening trail work during the summer with a social hour to follow. Details TBA
North Big Bear Fuel Reduction Program
Jordan discussed the status of the North Shore Trail project. Currently it’s looking like 100 miles of officially designated service trails between Gray’s Peak and the Dump. Project is building on an existing environmental review and is going forward but it’s likely to take several years to get it to shovel ready condition.
There are concerns from local environmental groups, notably the Friends of Big Bear Valley (the Eagles advocates). Their main opposition was the e-bike component of the trail system, which has now been dropped from the proposal and should reduce opposition. Public feedback will take place at open houses to identify challenges.
Skyline Trail Update
Jordan discussed ongoing trail work and tree clearing efforts along Skyline Trail, noting that most trees have been cleared along Skyline and 2N10. Work remains needed on Radford Truck Road and Pirates trail. He explained that a commercial firewood harvester is now handling the work under a $10 per cord agreement, though this may not address trail restoration needs. Skyline trail itself is in need of restoration following the tree falling work.
Jordan also mentioned that USFS leadership is working on streamlining trail maintenance processes to reduce red tape in trail work.
