Tahoe National Forest seasonal trail work finished this summer and fall brings more opportunities for recreationists to enjoy the forest while sustaining natural resources.

Activities included trail expansion and re-route projects as well as planning for future trail work.

In early September TNF staff and partners finished building a 2.5-mile extension to the Butcher Ranch Trail northeast of Downieville, offering mountain bikers and motorcyclists an expanded riding opportunity in challenging terrain.

The Butcher Ranch Trail extension was recently completed. Photo/Provided

For the past two seasons, numerous volunteers — including motorcycle and mountain bike riders, clubs, and local businesses — joined the effort that a Forest Service trail crew began in 2011.

Originally about 6-miles long, the trail that sits under many feet of snow in winter and originated during the mining era has been used by motorcyclists for about 50 years and mountain bikers for the past 15 years. The top of the trail is located near Packer Saddle in the Sierra Buttes area.

TNF staff and partners completed another seasonal trail project this year when they rerouted approximately one mile of the Lindsay Lake Trail to mitigate erosion problems.

Located in the Grouse Ridge Non-motorized Area in Nevada County, the multiple-use trail is popular with those who enjoy backpacking, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, packing, and running.

This summer the TNF also completed an environmental assessment that will lead to relocation of approximately six miles of the Pacific Crest Trail in the Packer Saddle area. The new route will use approximately 1.7 miles of existing non-motorized trail and require approximately 4.3 miles of new trail construction.

The work scheduled to begin next field season will mitigate potential safety concerns; lack of access to good water and camping opportunities; mountain bike trespass; and a degraded recreational experience for hikers and equestrians.