California State Parks, in collaboration with the Sacramento Municipal Utilities District, will intermittently close a segment of the American River Bike Trail within Folsom Lake State Recreation Area this month for a utility undergrounding project.  

Starting March 17, the trail will be closed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday between Mountain Oak Court and the Rainbow Bridge, as shown on the map below. State Parks expects to reopen the trail by April 1. 

This trail closure is necessary for SMUD to install utilities beneath the bike path. During construction hours, there will be no designated detour route, and trail users are encouraged to find an alternate path. Outside of construction hours, the trail will remain open but be reduced to a single travel lane. 

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In Fair Oaks, Sacramento County is set to refurbish a beloved section of the American River Parkway, known as Sailor Bar, which has been off-limits to vehicles for over ten years. This area, cherished for dog walking, fishing, and nature appreciation, traces its roots to the Gold Rush era when it was a bustling mining site. Today, it’s a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, offering glimpses of herons, bald eagles, foxes, coyotes, and bobcats.

The county’s initiative aims to reopen three existing dirt and gravel roads, closed to vehicular traffic 15 years ago due to budget constraints. With increased staffing, the Parks Department plans to enhance these roads, facilitating better access for fishermen and families seeking riverside picnics.

However, local residents are voicing concerns. They fear that reintroducing vehicles could escalate issues like illegal dumping, drug use, and heighten fire risks, especially given the area’s sloped terrains prone to becoming tinderboxes during summer. Advocates for preserving the current state argue that the area’s tranquility and ecological balance might be disrupted by vehicular presence.

While some community members support the move, citing improved accessibility for activities like fishing, opponents have initiated an online petition. They are urging the Board of Supervisors to conduct a public hearing to address the controversy before the planned reopening of the roads this spring.

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