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The Forks Trail Project
The Forks Trail Project began in 2006 with a meeting with Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) District Manager, Andre´ Briggs. Following lots of discussion, various plans and many suggested locations for the trailhead, we arrived at the plan which located the trailhead off of Westside Road. From the beginning, this project was to be developed for hikers and horses; no mountain bikes or motorized vehicles.
In late 2007, I applied for a Recreational Trails Project grant from OPRD. In March of 2008, Andre´ Briggs, Bob Schumacher (Executive Director for the IVCDO, my non-profit sponsor), and I went to Salem and presented to the RTP committee. Out of 31 applicants, we were one of ten selected to be funded.
The funding was finally released in January 2009, and in March we broke ground with the construction of the two paved driveway accesses. Between January and March, Carol Crawford and I reviewed topographic maps and explored the western portion of the park laying out the first couple of miles of trail. The first 400 feet of trail was built in early March by members of the Sourdough Chapter of Back Country Horsemen.
Since March, we have had many people assist in trail construction, and were fortunate to have the Job Council of Josephine County provide weekly crews of 3 to 8 people. These crews coupled with the volunteers from the general public, BCH, and other organizations have helped build the length of trail we have today.
As I write this (July 6), construction is underway to clear, grade and rock the parking areas for cars and horse rigs. Completion of this phase is scheduled for the end of July. Additional projects this year will be building crossings for two drainages: one will be a 40 foot bridge, and the other either a rock culvert or a wood puncheon. Stay tuned as we bring this beautiful trail system into use !!
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