Colby Mountain Recreation Project

The Colby Mountain Recreation Project, specifically Phase 2 under solicitation SNC 1900-RT, is a multi-benefit recreation initiative located in the Lassen National Forest near Jonesville, spanning Butte, Tehama, and Plumas counties. Funded by the Sierra Nevada Conservancy and implemented by the Butte County Resource Conservation District, the project aims to improve public access, replace recreation areas lost to wildfire, and support the local rural economy. The comprehensive scope includes the construction of 36 miles of new multi-use, non-motorized trails, including 4.3 miles of the Home Trail designed for adaptive mountain biking. Additionally, the project involves improving three existing trailheads, constructing a new trailhead at 27N06/27N36, replacing a damaged trail bridge at the Snow Park trailhead, and installing a new kiosk and signage. An educational watershed classroom trail will also be developed to teach youth about forest health and mountain meadows. The project was approved on June 4, 2026, following an environmental evaluation that resulted in a Negative Declaration under CEQA, concluding that the project would not have a significant environmental effect. No mitigation measures or monitoring plans were required. Administrative oversight is provided by Thad Walker of the Butte County Resource Conservation District and Shannon Ciotti of the Sierra Nevada Conservancy. All work is required to comply with the Initial Study and Negative Declaration established by the Butte County Resource Conservation District.