Mineral Multi-Use Path

Vision

For years, some Mineral residents have envisioned a recreational trail along Highway 36 from the Post Office to the USFS Battle Creek Campground that would provide both residents and visitors a safer way to enjoy the beauty surrounding Mineral while outdoors.

In 2020, a local resident and former Post Office employee who had for many years lobbied for the trail, was alerted that a multi-use path had been approved and was slated on the Cal Trans project list. Planning moved forward when residents met with representatives from Cal Trans and the Resource Conservation District of Tehama County in August.

In 2021, Cal Trans asked Mineral residents to complete a survey concerning their ideas about the path, and some very preliminary project work began. At some point, a town hall meeting will be scheduled for further community input. Watch the calendar for announcements.

Location

It is anticipated that the trail will start at the Post Office, running along the north side of Hwy 36 to the Mineral Lodge (some shoulder work will need to be done). Then, following a crosswalk to the south side of Hwy 36, it will continue west to the USFS Battle Creek Campground (some culvert improvements and clearing of debris along the way will be necessary). At this time, the plan is for a paved path and for additional work to be done at the Highway 36 / Highway 172 intersection to adjust traffic flow.

Benefits

The path will provide both residents and visitors with a safer way to recreate along Hwy. 36 by distancing them from roadway traffic. Motorists on Hwy. 36 will also benefit, since they will be much less likely to encounter recreationists near and on the roadway once the path is completed.

Mineral's senior population especially will greatly benefit from a stable, off-road surface suitable for exercise, socializing, and the enjoyment of nature.

Conservation

Considering that the community cares deeply about the conservation of natural resources and preservation of Mineral’s history, community members are encouraging Cal Trans to work with the community to use the most sustainable materials and minimize damage to the natural surroundings.

Preservation

Other community concerns to be addressed are upcoming communications, path signage, opportunities for safety messaging, the plan for ongoing maintenance and whether or not Cal Trans plans to hire any local Mineral residents to work on the project.

Feedback

Caltrans is interested in the community's opinions about the new multi-use path. "We want to give the community every opportunity to share their thoughts and feelings about the current travel through Mineral and the proposed path from Battle Creek Campground through Mineral along State Route 36 to State Route 172." - Christina Prosperi , Trinity County Area Manager, Caltrans District 2.

Comments, feedback and letters of support can be sent to:

Cal Trans

P.O. Box 69

Mineral, CA 96063

Neighboring Communities

Cal Trans is going to resurface Highway 89 from the Dam to Highway 36 during 2020 to 2024. Caltrans calls this their "West Almanor Project". ARPD shares more information on their website. Read about the Lake Almanor Recreation Trail Project in this .PDF Press Release.