Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship (SBTS) has officially launched its 2026 trail season, with their new trail crew undergoing field training this week. Under the guidance of longtime trail boss Henry O’Donnell, the 16-member crew will be divided into three groups working across multiple locations: Mount Hough and South Park in Quincy, the Downieville Trail Network, and additional project areas including East Zone Connectivity near Truckee, Cottonwood Connectivity in Sierra Valley, Peavine near Verdi, Nevada, and Beckwourth Peak in Portola.
Supporters are encouraged to greet the crew on the trails and show appreciation for their hard work.
5 Bucks a Foot Fundraiser
SBTS is running its annual Lakes Basin 5 Bucks a Foot campaign to raise funds for ongoing trail maintenance in the Lakes Basin area. Donors contribute $5 per foot of trail, reflecting the average cost of trail construction. Each foot purchased enters donors into a raffle to win a Lakes Basin stay-and-play prize package, which includes five nights at local lodges plus gift certificates for dining, entertainment, boating, and golf. Monthly donors during the campaign period are automatically entered to win.
The Lakes Basin features 72 miles of nonmotorized trails connecting 20 alpine lakes and offering scenic views of the Sierra Buttes and Mt. Elwell.
Trail Maintenance and Volunteer Support
SBTS’s trail work in Lakes Basin is funded primarily through grants and private donations, supplemented by contracts from the U.S. Forest Service. Due to regional federal staffing cuts, SBTS often serves as the sole paid trail crew maintaining these critical routes. Volunteers, notably groups from Patagonia’s Reno warehouse, have also contributed significant labor over the years.
A longstanding partnership with the Plumas National Forest’s Beckwourth Ranger District spans over 20 years and includes challenging projects like constructing rock staircases requiring heavy material handling.
For 2026, SBTS plans to increase its presence in Lakes Basin by introducing a Trail Daze volunteer weekend and expanding youth crew involvement to help ensure trails remain accessible and well-maintained for the busy summer season.
