LAKEPORT – Lake County sponsored the first of three workshops on June 18 to gather ideas that will help shape a future Konocti Regional Trails Plan.

This effort is supported by Alta Planning + Design, a national consulting firm specializing in trails, with assistance provided by the National Park Service, Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance program.

A group of more than 30 individuals with varied recreational interests attended.

An interactive, fun workshop was held that provided an opportunity for everyone present to reflect on, discuss and list their ideas for the development of the county’s Regional Trails Plan.

Representatives from the Lake County Sierra Club, Redbud Audubon, the Elem Tribe, Supervisor Rushing, key county staff and the general public were in attendance.

When complete, the Regional Trails Plan will guide the county in establishing needed bike lanes, sidewalks and walking paths in the unincorporated areas of the county, as well as hiking, biking and equestrian trails throughout the county.

The trails plan will incorporate existing routes on Bureau of Land Management land, in the National Forest and state parks, as well as help the county to plan for future trails and pathways to special vistas, safe routes between neighborhoods and schools, water trails on Clearlake and other trails of interest to the public.

The public is strongly encouraged to attend future workshops to help the planning team gain an understanding of all communities in Lake County and their specific needs.

Additional workshops will be held this fall and next spring.

For more information and to get on the notification list for future workshops contact the Public Services Department at 707-262-1618 or visit www.konoctitrails.com .

Rebecca Dierssen is an analyst with the Lake County Department of Public Services.