Trail ends for Yuba County panel
The Yuba County Trails Commission, formed in 1991, is a volunteer group dedicated to increasing public pathways for biking, hiking, horseback riding and other uses. The commission was comprised of four members, including a chair, who are appointed by the county.
For the Yuba County Trails Commission, carving out new paths for county residents to enjoy has hit a dead end.
Citing both a lack of activity and an apparent lack of interest by commission members, county supervisors voted Tuesday to indefinitely suspend the commission.
Supervisor Hal Stocker said the move made sense, but the commission's core mission was still worth supporting.
"I believe we all keep and encourage the idea of enhancing a trails system in our community," he said.
Planning Director Wendy Hartman, in making the suggestion to suspend the commission, pointed out with recent adoption of a bikeways master plan, there wasn't anything else on the horizon for the commission to do.
As well, she said, some commissioners had a spotty attendance record, indicating a lack of interest.
"And at this time, our available staff time is still very limited," she added.
Last spring, supervisors also considered suspending the commission for the same reasons, but held off while county officials studied whether its duties and members could be consolidated into another commission.
However, County Administrative Officer Robert Bendorf said nothing the county has seemed like a good fit.
Supervisor Mary Jane Griego said she was sad to see the commission's at-least temporary end, but believed there would be opportunities for the commission to be active in the future.
The Three Rivers Levee Improvement Authority, on whose board she sits, is applying for state grants to develop recreation in the area behind the new setback levee at Star Band, she said. Trails for biking or horseback riding would probably be part of that.
And Debbie Byrne, chairwoman of the county's Fish and Game Commission, told supervisors she believes her group might also play a role.
Discussion about a recreation area near Star Bend seemed more geared toward a park than a wildlife area, she said, though fishing and hunting enthusiasts might disagree.
"Since you know you have an active commission, that could be a good alternative," she said.
CONTACT Ben van der Meer at bvandermeer@appealdemocrat.com or 749-4786. Find him on Facebook at /ADbvandermeer or on Twitter at @ADbvandermeer.
