Lakes Basin and Sherwins Area Trail Enhancement Project - 2020

Project Description: The Lakes Basin and Sherwins Area Trail Enhancement Project proposed to construct approximately 15 miles of new multi-use, non-motorized trails located in the Sherwins and Lakes Basin area. The concept trails were intended to improve user dispersion and experience, reduce informal user-created trails, protect natural resources, and minimize environmental damage through sustainable U.S. Forest Service design specifications and maintenance in partnership with the Town of Mammoth Lakes. Per law, regulation, and policy, trail construction may only proceed following environmental studies and review by the U.S. Forest Service and a final decision authorizing construction by the Mammoth Ranger District.

Project Update: In a letter dated November 8th, 2020, the Mammoth Ranger District issued a response to the many public comments that were received for the proposed project, and offered a newly revised proposed action for moving forward. District Ranger Gordon Martin’s revision will focus on the portion of the proposed action plan pertaining to the “Lakes Basin Connector Trails” connecting Twin Lakes, Lake Mamie and Horseshoe Lake with new multi-use, non-motorized trails within the Mammoth Lakes Basin. In response to “issues raised by the public, state agencies, and preliminary input provided by INF resource specialists” District Ranger Martin made the decision to alter the original project scope by removing the proposed trail segment through Solitude Canyon, finding that “…Solitude Canyon provides a greater value as a natural and informal dispersed use area; and that limited resources would be better spent improving existing system and user created trails.” See below to download and review District Ranger Martin’s letter, and remember to check this webpage for updates as the “Lakes Basin Connector Trails” project moves forward.  

Last Updated - November 24, 2020