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Friends of Trione-Annadel (FOTA) and Redwood Trails Alliance (Trails Alliance) in partnership, combined resources to improve trails and assist Trione-Annadel State Park (TASP) with maintenance and trail repairs.

Working in partnership to improve trails in Trione-Annadel State Park

Redwood Trails Alliance, a 501(c)(3) non-profit is an advocate for our diverse community of trail users. We teach responsible trail stewardship and offer volunteer trail work opportunities along with planning and construction services for trails for all to enjoy.

FOTA donated a Kubota U17 purchased through private donations in an effort to expand capacity to work in Trione-Annadel State Park. After consulting with State Parks Bay Area District leadership the decision was made to donate both the mini-excavator and trailer to Redwood Trails Alliance who has been working on a partnership with FOTA and State Parks as the trail consultant and construction organization to conduct trail repairs.

On January 12, 2022 Friends of Trione-Annadel President, Don McCullough and Redwood Trails Alliance Executive Director, Debbie St.Cyr signed a donation agreement between the two organizations. In the agreement Redwood Trails Alliance will take possession of the Kubota U17, endearingly referred to as FOTA Kubota, for use in Trione-Annadel State Park. Redwood Trails Alliance will add the Kubota to their fleet to be used for maintenance and trail repairs in TASP.

Together, FOTA and Trails Alliance will work towards trail improvements, maintenance and host volunteer trail work days throughout 2022 and 2023. Stay up to date on both organizations and upcoming work they’ll be conducting in the park by becoming a member and supporting future efforts.

Check out the original article here.

All of us here at FOTA thank the friends and family of Mark Osborne and Gary Farrell Vineyards & Winery for their generous donation in Mark's name.

We were truly saddened to hear of Mark's passing on May 20 of this year. At the same time, we were inspired to hear about how much Mark enjoyed being in the park with his friends, whether mountain bike riding, hiking, or relaxing. Thank you so much for the gift. It will make a difference in the park that Mark and all of us love.

Article and photos by FOTA Board President Don McCullough

I was surprised it had been so long since I been on Cobblestone Trail. But all of the fire-sign reminds me that the area was closed for months after the fire and that I have been hiking and biking in other areas since the Glass Fire last fall.

Leaving Spring Lake Park and crossing into Trione-Annadel at the salamander hall, the burned areas show up quickly. The trail is burned on both sides for much of the hike. There are dramatic points where one side is burned and the other is green. Burned Bay trees especially look dramatic. They fall apart and they leave an ash circle.

The fire along the Cobble Stone trail opened up the undergrowth. It is easy to see deeper into the forest. The piles of tailing and pits from the cobblestone mining 100 - 125 years ago are easier to see. The loop showed me that the whole hilltop had been mined. It is hard to imagine this peaceful forest as a busy, industrial mine site with hundreds of miners, the sounds of hammers and carts of cobblestone headed downhill. The fire makes it easier to imagine.

And it also makes it easier to hear the quiet creep of the turkeys visiting a little water hole. In other hidden spots along the trail wild flowers are still colorful additions to the trail. But the puff balls of seed tell me that they will be gone soon.

This loop hike is four miles, moderately difficult. It took me about an hour and a half. The mix of recent and older history in the middle of natural beauty makes it worth the time to look deeper along the trail.

By FOTA Board President Don McCullough

The mountain bike ride from Buick Meadow downhill along the Marsh Trail in Trione-Annadel State Park is always beautiful, even more so this morning.

The fire scarred trees are recovering and the grass on the forest floor is emerald green. The redwood grove was burned but is doing well too. As I rode, the breeze of the air was cool on my skin. As I slowed for the people toiling uphill (as I had done just a little while before) they smiled and waved. Everyone is happy to be in the woods.

The trail is full of bumps and twists, so the group of Tom turkeys strutting their stuff in the middle of the trail surprised me. I stopped and watched them puff themselves up as the hens quietly crossed and disappeared into the shade of the woods. The Toms followed with a loud gobble.

As the trail descends it returns to civilization, getting smoother and wider, until I cross the bridge and onto the gravel road. And finally, the parking lot. What a wonderful park we have at our doorstep, every day I can hike or bike there is a pleasure.

Jason Hart shared these photos of the Kubota in action during the Glass Fire last fall (2020) along Channel Drive.  Jason is the Bay Area District Maintenance Chief for California State Parks and well known around the park.  He used the Kubota to patrol the area around the Visitor Center and along Channel Drive during the fire.  Check out the pictures taken by Jason of the unit during the fire.  

He reports that it was very helpful navigating the fire roads, carrying fire fighting equipment and supplies, especially the water backpack that he used to fight the fire on foot. The team that Jason was working with during the fire was able to save the Visitor Center from the flames and control the fire line along Channel Dr.  A big thank you to all the fire fighters who worked to manage and control the impact of the fire on the park.  FOTA purchased the Kubota in 2019 using the proceeds from the fundraising dinner, see the picture of it at the dinner.  

Photo by Blanca Harwell

A big thank you to all of our donors in providing the Kubota that helped Jason and all the Trione-Annadel State Park staff fight the Glass Fire in the park.

FOTA Board Member Deb St. Cyr and FOTA Board President Don McCullough with the Kubota at the TASP visitors center. Deb and Don had a great meeting with State Park regional leaders and park staff.

Starting March 29th until April 9th, Warren Richardson parking lot and the fire road to Spring Creek Fire road will have heavy equipment and large trucks present conducting road repairs and maintenance. Segments of the road will be intermittently closed. Expect delays if hiking or riding on the road during the week.

Check out these two new videos from our partners at the Redwood Empire Mountain Bike Alliance (REMBA)! . Friends of Trione-Annadel was pleased to contribute funds to support the creation of these educational videos focused on safety and trail etiquette.