Earlier this month, federal, state and local agencies and nonprofit groups representing Nevada County’s outdoor community came together about five miles outside of Nevada City along the busy Highway 20 corridor to share thoughts with representatives from California District 3 Congressman Kevin Kiley’s office. 

“Nevada County's public lands are home to some of the most iconic outdoor recreation in the country—trails, wild rivers and backcountry terrain that support millions of human-powered experiences every year. We have been partnering with Congressman Kiley and his staff since he was elected in 2023 to elevate the outdoor recreation economy, advance conservation initiatives and ensure access to public lands for future generations," said Katie Hawkins, California Program Director for Outdoor Alliance.

Nevada County teamed up with Outdoor Alliance and American Whitewater to host the July 3 gathering, “Nevada City Outdoor Recreation Field Visit” at Nevada County Consolidated Fire District’s Station 82. The site features a new shaded public parking area adjacent to the firehouse where mountain bicyclists and hikers now have safer access to a network of trails such as Scotts Flat Trail, Hoot Trail and Pioneer Trail.

Nevada County provided funding for the community project with the Fire District leading the project planning and construction. The $77,500 project was made possible by Nevada County’s Outdoor Visitor Safety Fund Grant and aligns with the County’s vision of enhancing outdoor recreation for residents and visitors. 

“Recreation is easy common ground,” said District 5 Nevada County Supervisor Hardy Bullock who spoke at the event about how recreation builds community character and is important to Nevada County’s economy and the health and wellbeing of residents. 

He shared how Nevada County’s recreation community is a collaborative network of people working together – fire personnel, public land managers, the county and cities, nonprofits and the federal government. He asked for support at the legislative level to keep public lands open, safe and fully staffed. 

Bullock recently brought forward a resolution adopted by the National Association of Counties (NACo) at its Annual Conference in Philadelphia urging Congress to provide more federal funding and resources to ensure adequate, sustainable staffing at federal land agencies that provide public recreation and safety.

 At the field visit, Bullock was joined by Fire Chief Jason Robitaille of Nevada County Consolidated Fire District, Forest Supervisor for the Tahoe National Forest Chris Feutrier, Board Member from Bicyclists of Nevada County (BONC) Jane Ragan, Executive Director of South Yuba River Citizens League Aaron Zettler-Mann and Lynn Skrukrud of Nevada City Chamber of Commerce. James Shook, District Representative for Nevada County and Chelyssa Horvat, District Director represented Congressman Kevin Kiley’s office. Congressman Kiley was unable to attend as he was in Washington D.C.

The event included an outdoor recreation roundtable and optional bike ride with BONC. 

“Recreation is one of the greatest ways people connect with nature, but with that comes a shared responsibility to care for the places we love. That’s why it’s so important to keep the conversation going with our federal and state partners. By working together, we can find creative, sustainable solutions that not only protect our public lands but also support the small towns and gateway communities that welcome visitors and help make these outdoor experiences possible,” said Shavati Karki-Pearl, senior administrative analyst and head of the county’s recreation program.