The ARTA Community Survey and associated outreach was conducted by the Arnold Rim Trail Association to gauge community engagement and provide more information to guide ARTA in project development and implementation, with the support of the Calaveras Ranger District of the Stanislaus National Forest.
The survey was active for a 40 days between September 10 and October 20, 2024, and 261 responses were recorded, representing hikers, bikers and equestrian trail users.
The survey results highlight the importance of the ART to the community and its visitors, recognizing that a decades-old pipe dream has become an integral part of our community.
ART lovers are attracted from miles around, with more than half of the survey respondents residing outside of Calaveras County. It is truly a multi-use system, with user-types well represented across the board.
Respondents were consistent in sharing their love and appreciation of the trail system, however way-finding, safety, and illegal dumping were common concerns. Parking, trail expansion including loops and routes, interpretive features and increased signage, juxtaposed preserving nature, and not changing a thing.
Survey responses support a narrative that not only celebrates the successes of the ART, but recognizes the areas that require attention.
The information gathered by the survey will lay a strong foundation for the development of a comprehensive and community-driven Master Plan that meets the diverse interests and needs of our community and promotes enjoyment of the ART for the foreseeable future. The master planning process isn’t just about fixing problems – it’s about guiding ART into its next chapter while preserving what makes it special.
