Proposal:

Establish from the lake association membership, volunteer teams that will “Adopt a Trail”. 

Two to three teams of volunteers would take on the responsibility for establishing, naming, and overseeing the maintenance of specific trail routes within the overall Big Bear Lake Nature Trail System.

Establishing the Big Bear Lake Nature Trail is not an “over night” project. It will take time to layout (i.e., “flag”) routes, identify points of interest, construct the walking trail with appropriate markings (i.e., signage), and then add information of an educational nature.

The approach is to initially establish a few relatively short loops, and then continue to add walking paths that expand into other areas of the forest.


Establishing a trail route:

An Adopt a Trail Team will layout (i.e., “flag”) a specific trail route, identify points of interest, construct the walking trail with appropriate markings (i.e., signage), and then add information at the points of interest that is of an educational nature.

The first step is to “flag a trail route” using yellow tape to mark the path to/from the various points of interest. The team should place flags at 10-20 foot intervals at eye level. Before trail construction, the team should not hesitate to route and reroute (i.e. re-flag) until they have what they believe is a good trail.

Trail Length:

The trail loop would leave from a specific point in the parking lot and return from the departure point or close by it. The Adopt a Trail Team can establish the trail length. The team might consider an initial trail loop of 30 minutes to one-hour walking time.

Naming a trail route:

The Adopt a Trail Team will select a trail name that is descriptive of a woodland environment and is appropriate for the specific trail route.

Trail Construction:

The Adopt a Trail Team is responsible for construction of the trail following the previously “flagged” route. 

The trail is to be a relatively narrow walking path layout with absolute minimal disruption of the ground cover. The trail should be targeted at a width of 3 feet or less (e.g., similar to what one finds on a deer trail), and a height of 7-8 feet.

Signage:

Once the trail is established, the Adopt a Trail Team removes any remaining flags and marks the trail with the appropriate signage. 

Trail identification entails only the minimal signage required to mark the walking path. Trail signage is to be consistent with a woodland environment. 


Points of Interests:

The Adopt a Trail Team shall identify and establish various “points of interest’ along the walking path. Educational materials posted at points of interest provide an opportunity for visitors to observe and learn about specific wildlife habitat or vegetation. 

Trail Maintenance:

Once a trail is established, the Adopt a Trail Team is responsible for maintaining the walking path, trail markings, and any educational material at the points of interest.