PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 7, 2012

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Patrick Koepele, 209-588-8636

THE TUOLUMNE RIVER – AN OUTSTANDING SPRING DESTINATION.  Outdoor enthusiasts who are looking for a new adventure need look no further than the Tuolumne River as it flows through the Stanislaus National Forest.  This breathtaking canyon affords remarkable vistas of the Sierra Nevada and Motherlode not often viewed through the window of a car.

The Tuolumne River offers exceptional outdoor opportunities that receive relatively little use for those wanting to enjoy beautiful wildflower displays, catch a wild trout, or simply take a hike in nature.  This spring, enjoy the Tuolumne River by foot on one of a number of trails in the river canyon.

The best news is that a number of these trails have received recent maintenance and repairs thanks to the Tuolumne River Trust and 35 volunteers who provided sweat equity to improve them over four separate days last fall and this spring.  Thanks to the hard work of these dedicated individuals, 5 miles of trail have been cleared and improved making these hikes more accessible for those looking for a world-class experience.

In particular, the Trust and its volunteers improved the Preston Falls Trail and the Andresen Mine Trail.  Additionally, the group spent time to install a self-registration permit station at the Cherry Creek Whitewater Put-in at the Holm Powerhouse, making it easier than ever for skilled kayakers and rafters to paddle this world-famous stretch of river.

While seemingly remote, there are a number of easy trailheads that provide access to the wild and scenic canyon.  In addition to the Preston Flat and Andresen Mine trails, hikers can also hike to the river on the Hamby, Indian Creek, and Mohican Mine trails off of Ferretti Road out of Groveland.  And the Tuolumne Trail runs along the river itself and is accessed off the Lumsden Trail.

The Tuolumne River Trust was able to undertake and organize these trail improvements thanks to the cooperation of the Groveland Ranger Station of the Stanislaus National Forest, and grants from the Sonora Area Foundation and National Forest Foundation.

To get involved with TRT’s volunteer trail maintenance projects, or find out about upcoming guided hikes, visit www.tuolumne.org.

The Tuolumne River Trust is the voice for the river.  We seek a healthy and vibrant River that is teeming with fish and wildlife; safe for drinking, fishing and swimming; and held in trust as a refuge for our children and grandchildren. We build stewardship of the Tuolumne by fostering strong personal connections to the River through watershed-wide education, outreach, and adventures.

Founded by Congress in 1991, the National Forest Foundation works to conserve, restore and enhance America’s 193-million-acre National Forest System.  Through community-based strategies and public-private partnerships, the NFF helps enhance wildlife habitat, revitalizes wildfire-damaged landscapes, restores watersheds, and improved recreational resources for the benefit of all Americans.

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