It’s always the right time to hop on the Tahoe-Pyramid Trail (TPT), but with winter breathing its final breath, I’m glad that when we get storms but want to avoid riding a muddy trail, it dries out surprisingly quickly in the Truckee River Canyon this time of year.
Your TPT team has been busy and if you’re helping with the work through volunteering or contributing, you have my grateful thanks. We’ve got a number of projects underway and indeed, some are recently completed.
When you’re heading out in the coming weeks, you may notice new trail counters so we can get a better idea of usage, patterns and trends. We’re also doing work directly on the trail, including a project just outside of Hirschdale heading downriver where we’ll be working to improve a muddy section of the trail.
In Section 2 (slightly upriver from the log cabin in the Truckee River Canyon), there is a fairly significant trail washout that will be repaired. And, just completed the last week of April thanks to Bill Von Phul and Aaron Jensen, the boulders blocking the trail have been removed at the Floriston east trail entrance. While on the same trip, they also installed boulders along a critical fence line at the Farad parking area. This repair work is needed due to vandals tearing down a fence and damaging a gate by the old powerhouse. This area will likely continue to need our help.
Heading further east from the Farad parking lot, we will be building and installing a small bridge to improve the trail. Then in Reno, work will commence on the installation of a new Kiosk structure that will have the most complete and up-to-date information on the TPT in its entirety as well as recognition of supporters and a tribute honoring our Founder and original Leader, Janet Phillips.
We also have other more major projects that may come into play this year and we will share when plans are in place. I am always amazed at the ideas and enthusiasm and have no doubt that there will be big improvements to enjoy and celebrate every year.
Thank you again for your support and, FYI, while over the past few years contributors have given donations via the usual means, some also have given stock and property. We’re able to receive most any type of gift and will steward them carefully and professionally. Our Spring Century Circle ask letters will be sent soon, and your combined financial gifts make a big impact. Truly, the hundreds of donors over the past years have enabled the TPT to flourish. Next sunny day, let’s all ride and hike! Thanks again.
~ Chris Askin, Chair of the TPT Board
