Parks commissioners endorse Capital to Capital Trail idea

Providing a link to a 200-mile recreation trail from Carson City to Sacramento appealed to Carson City Parks and Recreation commissioners, but many details still need to be worked out, officials said Tuesday.

Despite concerns over motorized vehicle use on the trail and future funding obligations, the parks commission voted unanimously to endorse a conceptual memorandum of understanding for the trail plan.

The recommendation will be forwarded to the city's Board of Supervisors for final approval.

Many commissioners questioned whether the into Carson City from Lake Tahoe down Kings Canyon Road should mix motorized vehicles with pedestrian, bicycle and horse traffic.

Commissioner and supervisor Pete Livermore said he heard concerns from the public about restricting motor vehicle use on a road that has always allowed it.

"The (agreement) should have some designation of retaining the roadway to allow vehicles," Livermore said.

Staff from Carson and Placer County said as funding and concrete trail plans were developed, each local government involved would have the chance to designate how the trail is used. Carson City may have the option to designate an alternate route to Kings Canyon, said Steve Kastens, city director of parks and recreation.

The conceptual plan calls for "generally" allowing for pedestrians, equestrians and bicyclists. Several existing trails will be used to link the two capitals.

By getting local governments and agencies to officially agree to the idea in concept, Placer County is hoping to seek enough federal and state funds to pay for the $30 million project. If funding and public support is secured, Placer hopes to finish the project within 10 years, said John Ramirez, administrator of parks and grounds for Placer.

However, some opposition to the trail in California by the Sierra Club concerning impacts to the environment and by homeowners along the trail path has already been received, Ramirez said.