RCD Director Elected Trinity County RCD Director Patrick Truman was elected Vice-President of the California Association of Resource Conservation Districts (CARCD) at its Annual Meeting and Conference, held November 13-17, 2002, in Redding. With 103 Resource Conservation Districts in California, CARCD serves its member Districts by linking federal and state resource agencies to locally led conservation throughout the State. CARCD is committed to District efforts to develop a land stewardship ethic that promotes long-term sustainability of California’s rich and diverse natural resource heritage while promoting a voluntary approach to resource management. Truman has served as a volunteer Director on the Trinity County RCD Board for 18 years, assisting in its growth from an agency with a $3,500 annual budget, to an active District with an annual budget of over $2M. He is a sales associate with Coldwell Banker at Trinity Alps Realty in Weaverville. Truman was appointed to represent California with the National Association of Conservation Districts, after being elected as Vice-President of CARCD. At the national level, Truman will help shape policy recommendations for implementation of the 2002 Farm Bill. We congratulate Patrick on his election and appointment. All of us at the RCD applaud his dedication and commitment to resource conservation.

The Lewiston Trails Group breaks new ground with the approval of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the US Forest Service and the Resource Conservation District. The District’s Board of Directors at its January meeting approved the MOU and it is expected that the document will be signed at a ceremony celebrating National Trails Day on April 12th at the new Lewiston Lake trailhead (See announcement below).

The purpose of the MOU is to allow the Lewiston Trails Group — under the guidance of the RCD and USFS — to construct and maintain the South Lakeshore, Baker Gulch, and North Lakeshore Trails. As part of this agreement, the Trails Group will learn USFS specifications for trail tread, clearing limits, trail locations and more. It will also give official recognition from both the RCD and USFS that will be useful in securing funds for the development of trails in, and around, Lewiston.

The Lewiston Trails Group was formed in 2001 and has been working towards the development of trails in the Lewiston area. The US Forest Service (USFS) has agreed to allow for the formalization of a trail along the south shore of Lewiston Lake and will assist with signage and the creation of a trailhead near Mary Smith Campground. This trailhead will be the site of a California Trails Day celebration on April 12th. The celebration highlights the importance of trails to our communities and will include refreshments, children’s activities and guided hikes for all ages.