In 2006, representatives from several local agencies came together to begin addressing the needs of non-motorized trail and transportation use in the Big Bear Valley. This Coalition was the seedling that grew into the Big Bear Valley Trails Foundation, which is now a 501c3 non-profit public benefit corporation overseen by an unpaid Board of Directors.

MOU with the San Bernardino National Forest

The Foundation entered into an official Memo of Understanding with the US Forest Service in 2009 to “to plan and implement mutually beneficial programs, projects, and trail opportunities in and around the Big Bear Lake Valley area of the San Bernardino National Forest.”

Accomplishments:

• In partnership with the Forest Service, we have opened up a 3 mile multi-use trail called Seven Oaks. This trail runs from just east of Grand View Point down into the Santa Ana River Valley. It has beautiful views and to hike or ride this trail is well worth the effort.
• Two of our members are now Forest Service certified sawyers which means that can legally cut trees and work on trails. The Forest Service has also checked out equipment for them to use.
• We have cut trees and thinned brush on the Belly Ache Springs Trail which makes it a much easier hike or ride.
• In conjunction with Cal Trans, 26 “Share the Road” Signs have been installed around the lake.
• With our support the City of Big Bear Lake was successful in receiving a $280, 000 grant from Cal Trans for the development of master plan of trails throughout the Valley.
• In conjunction with the City and County, we have completed Type 3 bike route signage from Aspen Glen parking lot to the far east end of Big Bear Boulevard. 99% of these routes are off the heavily traveled main highway and sends riders through some of the most scenic neighborhoods in the Valley.
• We have established a very good working relationship with the City of Big Bear Lake and continue to explore ways we can work together to make the City a more pedestrian and bicycle friendly community.
• In conjunction with a number of local groups, we collected and disposed of nearly 40 tons of trash, illegal dumping and debris near the Pebble Plain area between Sugarloaf and Moonridge.
• We have been entered into to Cost share agreement with the USFS that will bring over $100,000 for us to develop and rehab the entire south side of our valley including a new nearly 15 mile single track trail.