News Release Archive

Trail Near Placer County Water Agency Project To Reopen In February For Sunday-Only Use

Media Contact: Jeffrey McCracken, 916-978-5100, jmccracken@mp.usbr.gov

For Release: December 19, 2003

Beginning February 1, 2004, Reclamation will open the Auburn to Cool trail crossing on Sundays only. The trail reopening was previously planned for January, but portions of the trail are being re-routed around the American River Pump Station Project (Project) construction site.

The trail will be open for use on Sundays only because construction will be taking place most Saturdays until the Project is completed in 2005. Arrangements are being made for special events that are scheduled to occur on Saturdays. The trail closure continues in effect to protect public safety during the current phase of Project construction.

The trail is being re-routed off the cofferdam in the middle of the construction zone. Instead, it will travel up over the diversion tunnel outlet and use old haul roads that switch back and forth up into the Knickerbocker Flats area. Once on top of the ridge, the trail will continue to use old roadbeds to connect into the Olmstead Loop Trail. The Auburn to Cool Trail is the only designated trail open for public use near the Auburn Dam site. Until February, the trail is closed from the batch plant/Oregon Bar access, through the dam site, to the Knickerbocker Flats area. The public can continue to use the roads and trails that access the river at Oregon Bar that are downstream of the construction site closed area.

Signs have been posted at the Maidu Drive gate and at other locations on the Auburn side warning the public to expect construction vehicle traffic on the roads at all times and for recreationists to keep to the road shoulder.

Project neighbors and those using the canyon for recreation can call 800-742-9474 and press "25" to get information or to leave a voice message concerning the Project. All voice messages will be returned promptly. For additional information, please call David Jones in Reclamation's Public Affairs Office at 916-978-5108, TDD 916-978-5608.

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.