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 [email protected]

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.