4x4Review Off Road Magazine
On December 9, 2010, the Rubicon Trail Foundation (RTF) closed escrow on the purchase of 317 acres of land near the world famous Rubicon 4WD Trail in El Dorado County, California. This purchase is the culmination of efforts begun at the inception of RTF and has been a long term goal of the foundation. We have worked with the off highway vehicle and recreation community, Friends of the Rubicon and the community at large and after 6 years of hard work and various fund raising efforts, RTF is proud to be in the position to purchase this property. RTF Founder Del Albright said, “This acquisition should solidify RTF, and its supporters, as stakeholders in the ongoing process for planning along the trail as well as provide an additional place for users to go for years to come”. The parcel lies to the west of Rubicon Springs and east of Spider Lake (see inset). This land was purchased as part of a plan to ensure year round public access to the Rubicon Trail. While the Rubicon Trail does not cross this parcel of land, in the future, we are confident we will have legal motorized access to the land. We are already working towards an access agreement. Until then, the land can be used for hiking, camping and fishing and other activities by all who support motorized use of the Rubicon Trail.
Plans will have to be made and much hard work will be needed to enhance this asset for Rubicon Trail users. Details of the management plan for the use of this property are being worked out and we expect that it will take quite some time to develop a responsible use plan. RTF will need a lot of help from the users of the Rubicon Trail system to make the necessary improvements for motorized access. The development of this plan will require input from you, the users. RTF will be reaching out to trail users in the near future to assist with this plan. Please visit our website for more information on this historic accomplishment for the Rubicon Trail and OHV access.
Rubicon Trail Foundation appreciates the special assistance of Mark A. Smith and Mark A. Smith Off-Roading Inc. in making this dream become a reality.
The Rubicon Trail Foundation was formed in 2004. We are a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation dedicated to the future health of the Rubicon Trail and our mission is: To enhance the future health and use of the Rubicon Trail, while ensuring responsible motorized year-round trail access. RTF works with individuals, 4×4 clubs, organizations, and agencies to maintain and manage the trail. Our Officers and Directors represent a wide variety of Rubicon Trail OHV users, land owners, county representatives, manufacturers, and event organizers.
If you would like to help with our efforts, you may send your tax deductible donations to:
Rubicon Trail Foundation PO Box 2188 Placerville, CA 95667
Paypal donations or major credit cards by calling 888-6rubicon or by signing up for a Friends of the Rubicon work party at: www.friendsoftherubicon.com
More information is available at www.RubiconTrailFoundation.org
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If you would like more information on this topic, or to schedule an interview with a representative of the Rubicon Trail Foundation, please e-mail president@RubiconTrailFoundation.org
