El Dorado County Sheriff John D’Agostini has created a new position and assigned a full time deputy to patrol the Rubicon Trail 40 hours every week during the OHV season.

In the past, most of the staffing for the Rubicon Trail was on overtime, and was limited by grant funds. This position is also from a grant. Its from California State Parks which also has rangers patrolling the trail.

D’Agostini and Supervisor Jack Sweeney worked closely to secure other sources of funding such as the Infrastructure Mitigation Fund provided by the Sacramento Municipal Utility District. When finalized, the fund will provide for continued seasonal patrol staffing of two deputies and the maintenance of their equipment.

Deputy Tim Peterson was recently assigned to the OHV Unit for the summer season, which runs from May through September. He has been busy so far with more than 400 citizen contacts and assisting more than 200 people. Peterson spends his entire work week patrolling the trail and maintaining his vehicle.

The primary concerns of law enforcement are safety related. The majority of injuries and accidents on the trail are alcohol related.