September 2021 Update

The Open Trails Community Alliance has been in regular contact with the owners of the major parcel near Placer Hills Road over the past several months. Here is a summary of where things stand.

Progress Toward Reopening

After coordinating with Placer County and local property owners, we believe a trail reopening should be possible sometime in late 2021 or early 2022.

Working With Property Owners

The current owners are long-time Meadow Vista residents who faced real challenges after acquiring the land — including incidents of vandalism and theft. Despite these difficulties, they have demonstrated a genuine commitment to the community by engaging in collaborative discussions about restoring trail access.

We are grateful for their willingness to work with us, and we believe this kind of direct dialogue is the right path forward.

Why This Matters

The Bear River Canal trail has been part of community life for over seven decades. Hundreds of residents use it weekly for exercise, recreation, and connection with the foothills landscape. Restoring access is not just about convenience — it is about preserving a way of life that makes Meadow Vista special.

A Model for Collaboration

We hope this process — balancing trail access with property owner rights through respectful dialogue — can serve as a model for other trail challenges in our area.

Support Our Work

If you want to help us continue this work, please consider donating to our GoFundMe campaign. Every contribution helps us fund outreach, legal guidance, and community organizing efforts.