Public Field Visit for Near-town sections of the HRT

The HR Trail connects Elko county's western border town of Carlin to Lamoille Canyon. The trail creates continuity among existing bicycle-friendly routes, building connections, and enhancing the overall experience for cyclists, pedestrians and nature enthusiasts.  

Trail Highlights: 

1. Connecting Elko to Spring Creek:

• Our top priority is the 5-mile stretch from Elko to Spring Creek, linking the county's largest communities. 

2. Elko West Exit to California Trail Interpretive Center:

• Championed heavily by the California Trail Heritage Alliance, this 3.3 mile segment would enhance the trail center experience for both locals and visitors.

3. Feasibility Study for Future Development:

• Elko County, an ETSI constituent, was awarded NDOT's Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) funding for a detailed feasibility study, elevating the trail's funding eligibility and providing a roadmap for infilling trail segments.

4. State Recognition:

• The 2013 Nevada Statewide Bicycle Plan identifies the path from Elko to Lamoille as one of the state's key infrastructure needs. 

5. Federal Resources Connection:

• By establishing a trail between the California Trail Interpretive Center, Lamoille Summit Trail System and Lamoille Canyon, all Federal assets, we not only connect communities but also connect federal resources. This not only adds value to our initiative but also opens avenues for federal funding support.  In November 2024, a scoping study on phase 1, the Elko-Spring Creek connection over Lamoille Summit, was funded with a Federal Land Access Program grant.  At the same time, Phase 1 was short-listed for construction funding, which means that we are "no longer competing against other applications, but rather verification of the merits and defining the scope of work, costs, and schedule."

6. Trail Development Status:

• Of the total 43 miles, 9 miles are already paved bicycle path, and 12 miles wind through Lamoille Canyon. With 3 miles of good shoulder on West Idaho St and the EKO-SC Connection contributing another 5 miles, we're queuing up 14 miles of additional bike path.

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