What’s the latest on CVRTF?

August 2008

• The Trust for Public Land has been informed that the owners of the CCTC Rail Corridor, Union Pacific & Burlington Northern/Santa Fe, have decided to explore their internal uses for the Corridor.  Presently, they are using the corridor in the Vineyard and Power Inn areas to park unused railroad cars. It is not known whether they intend to park these cars in the vicinity of other communities, whether they will resume freight activity, or if they simply wish to wait until real estate prices escalate to sell the Corridor. CVRTF will keep our supporters informed of their plans and will continue working toward the purchase of the corridor for use as a community trail. (read New Direction statement)

Vist the Annual Report for the 2008 Activities
Visit the Annual Report for 2007 Activities

December 2006

• CVRTF set the date for the 2007 TrailFest event as May 19th, and announced that Hunter Stallion Station had agreed to once again host this Barn Dance and Barbeque to benefit CVRTF.
• Representatives of Breathe California-Sacramento Emigrant Trails and CVRTF met to discuss ways to work together to create the trail.  Breathe California invited CVRTF to participate in the 2007 Clean Air Awards Banquet by hosting an information booth.
   

November 2006

• The proposed trail project was presented to California State Parks Statewide Trails Manager Steve Musillame and Statewide Planning Manager Stuart Hong. The discussion centered on the State’s Central Valley Vision project and how the proposed trail would benefit their efforts to link regional trails in the Central Valley. 
• CVRTF representatives attended the Sacramento Board of Supervisors meeting on the General Plan Update. Public Affairs Director Elizabeth Mahan presented testimony on the importance of designating the CCTC rail corridor for future recreation and alternative transportation.

October 2006

• CVRTF representatives met again with Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG) Executive Director Mike McKeever, and Senior Planner Samson Okhade to discuss the acquisition of the CCTC rail corridor.  Meetings are held periodically to promote communication on issues relating to the rail trail project. Mr. McKeever suggested that CVRTF representatives participate in the County of Sacramento’s current workshops to update the General Plan. He also requested CVRTF produce an alternative trail design that could integrate active rails in the future.
• The Woodbridge Winery Chili Cook-off attracted hundreds of San Joaquin County residents who were able to stop by the CVRTF information booth to learn more about the trail. The TrailFest Chili was very tasty, earning a “runner-up” status in the People’s Choice category.

September 2006

• CVRTF hosted a successful Wilton Round Up Parade.  Led by parade Grand Marshall Sup. Don Nottoli, parade participants marched down Dillard Road and crossed the Central California Traction rail corridor, the future site of the proposed trail. Cheering spectators lined up along the corridor and watched the judges view the school band, horses, floats and kids with goats. The Foundation also sponsored an information booth and signed up dozens of new rail trail supporters.

August 2006

• CVRTF was asked to serve as the host of the Wilton Community’s Annual Round-Up Parade.  President Sherrill Shotigian will manage the parade and Sacramento County Supervisor Don Nottoli has agreed to serve as the Grand Marshall.

July 2006

• Representatives of the Power Inn Business Transportation Association joined with CVRTF Board Members in meetings with officials from the Sacramento Council of Governments (SACOG) and the Regional Transit Agency. Discussions focused on the potential links to significant trails at the northern and southern ends of the proposed CCTC rail trail.
• The CVRTF Annual Meeting was held at President Sherrill Shotigian’s Summer Wind Ranch.  Ms. Shotigian presented the Annual Report and Mary Upham, Karen Munroe and Douglas Baker were re-elected for another two-year term on the Board of Directors.

June 2006

• The Board of Directors elected Sherrill Shotigian to fill the President’s position that was recently vacated by retiring Board Member Sherri Orland. Three other Board seats will be up for election at the July Annual Meeting.
• The July Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors was moved to Tuesday, July 11, due to the July 4 holiday. The meeting location will be announced.
• TrailFest was a great success. Over 200 people attended and enjoyed the dinner/dance and silent auction. Forty-one local businesses and individuals donated prizes and sponsored activities, and attendees were able to see the latest trail designs and concepts. 

May 2006

• Final plans are being made for the annual TrailFest event to be held June 3rd at the Hunter Stallion Station. Music will be provided by The Romp and the traditional tri-tip dinner will be available throughout the evening.  To purchase dinner tickets in advance, or to offer prizes for the silent auction and drawing, contact CVRTF at trail@cvrtf.org
• A second survey of property owners located adjacent to the CCTC rail corridor will be sent in mid-May.  The survey will gather information on modes of transportation that will be used on the trail as well as destination points of interest.  Survey results will be shared with public officials and community members, and will be used in determining needed amenities and priority staging areas.

April 2006

• CVRTF representatives met with public officials, including Supervisor Don Nottoli and Sacramento County Parks Director Ron Suter, to discuss the next steps to be taken in acquiring the CCTC rail corridor.

March 2006

• CVRTF has been awarded a Healthy Transportation Network grant, sponsored by the California Department of Health Services.  This grant will make technical assistance available to CVRTF from experienced trail planners such as the Rails to Trails Conservancy.   

February 2006

• CVRTF has chosen June 3rd to celebrate TrailFest 2006. This annual event helps to fund operating expenses for the all-volunteer foundation. TrailFest will take place at the Hunter Stallion Station, located on the CCTC rail corridor in Wilton, and will feature a barn dance, along with the traditional tri-tip barbeque.
• The Elk Grove CSD announced they have purchased the 97 acre parcel in Wilton to be used in the future as a community park.  CVRTF representatives will meet with CSD executives to develop a working relationship and plan for a staging area for the rail trail.

January 2006

• Kathy Jacobson was elected to the CVRTF Board of Directors to fill the seat vacated by Marc Guerrette. Mr. Guerrette will remain active in CVRTF, volunteering his architectural services. Ms. Jacobson is a landscape designer with Stantec Consulting, Inc., and has been an active volunteer for several years.  Her experience in designing trails will be an important asset to CVRTF as the conceptual plan is developed. Ms. Jacobson will serve as Board Secretary. 

December 2005

• The Elk Grove CSD announced their interest in acquiring close to 100 acres in Wilton directly adjacent to the CCT rail corridor. If the CSD is successful in this acquisition, CVRTF will provide input on facilities needed for a staging area for the rail trail. Click here for Elk Grove Citizen article.
• The Teichert Foundation awarded CVRTF with a grant to fund the Concepts for Connectivity Project.  This project will include production of maps and information materials to solicit public opinion on conceptual plans for the CCT rail trail.

October 2005

• The Power Inn Business & Transportation Association has contacted CVRTF to express an interest in the CCT rail trail and its potential to provide alternative transportation routes for employees within the Association’s geographic region.
• Dave Wilcox, GIS Specialist, has produced a GIS map of the proposed trail and adjacent properties in Sacramento County.  The map is the first phase in the Foundation’s Conceptual Plan process.

September 2005

• CVRTF has retained an appraisal firm to produce a valuation of the CCT rail corridor. Results will assist the Foundation in acquisition discussions with the owners of the railroad corridor.
• The Foundation has applied for a grant from the Teichert Foundation to fund another communication with adjacent property owners and the development of educational materials. The grant award announcement will take place in January of 2006.