Bear Yuba Land Trust is looking for a local contractor to repair, or possibly replace, the wooden wheelchair access ramp above Rush Creek on Independence Trail. The Trust assumed ownership of sections of the trail in 2012, including the ramp. Land Access Manager Shaun Clarke says they had to close the ramp last fall for public safety, because of concerns with the structure’s stability…

click to listen to Shaun Clarke

The ramp was built in the 1980’s by the late naturalist John Olmsted and community volunteers. But it’s fallen into disrepair in recent years. Clarke says ADA standards have also gotten more strict…

click to listen to Shaun Clarke

The Rush Creek ramp is on the western section of the trail, about a mile from the trailhead, attached to a large, restored historic logging flume traversing the creek. Clarke says it’ll be a multi-phase project over a number of years. The contractor is expected to be hired in May. They would first have to study what’s needed and how much it would cost. Funding would also have to be obtained, through grants and private donations. Clarke says the first phase would cover a 115-foot-long section of the ramp, sitting one to seven feet above the ground. It’s hoped work can begin next fall.