News.bytes Extra, issue 353

 Keswick Dam Trailhead dedicated

A group of about 70 partners and well-wishers joined staff from the BLM Redding Field Office on Friday, Oct. 10,  to dedicate a new trailhead and connection of the BLM Sacramento River Rail Trail to the city of Redding's Sacramento River Trail.

The Keswick Dam Trailhead provides a starting point for users of the Sacramento River Rail Trail,  a national recreation trail which follows a former railroad line along the west bank of the Sacramento River. It ends at Shasta Dam.  The city of Redding's Sacramento River Trail connects with the Rail Trail at the new trailhead.  Together, the two trails provide a 14-mile recreational route from the heart of Redding to the dam. (text continues below)

 
Above: Partners and well wishers mingle at the new trailhead after the dedication ceremony.

Below: Two cyclists rode from Redding's Sundial Bridge to the new trailhead and were on hand as Francis Berg, the assistant field manager for the BLM Redding Field Office, addressed the crowd.

Joining to cut a ribbon officially opening the trailhead and extension trail were from left,  Paul Meyer, BLM National Operations Center; Wally Herger, second district congressman; Bill Kuntz, BLM Redding Field Office recreation planner; Terry Hansen, city of Redding; Pat Minturn, Shasta County;  Brian Sindt, McConnell Foundation; Dan Welsh, Iron Mountain Mine Trustee Council; and Steve Anderson, BLM Redding field manager.

Congressman Herger, second from left,  helped BLM Field Manager Steve Anderson, right,  distribute awards to many who were instrumental in the trailhead project.  Members of the Iron Mountain Mine Trustee Council were recognized for their support.  They are Steve Turek, left; Paul Meyer, center; and Dan Welsh, second from right.

While the trails are used mainly by walkers, joggers and bicyclists, these Segway riders traveled from Redding to the dedication site on the paved Sacramento River Trail.

During the ceremony, Shasta County Chief Administrative Officer Larry Lees praised the local spirit of cooperation that is resulting in a rapidly expanding recreation trail system in the city of Redding and on surrounding public lands. Also addressing the crowd were Congressman Herger, BLM Redding Field Manager Steve Anderson, U. S. Bureau of Reclamation Area Manager Brian Person, Terry Hansen of the city of Redding, and Dan Welsh of the Iron Mountain Mine Trustee Council.

- J. Fontana, 10/14/08

BLM-California Newsbytes, issue 353