Dear ARTA Supporter, below is our petition for consideration.

Subject: Letter of Support - Arnold Rim Trail Association

Dear Sierra Nevada Conservancy Grants Team,

I write to express my strong support for the Arnold Rim Trail Association (ARTA) and its mission to develop, maintain, and sustain a world-class trail system in the Calaveras Interface of the Stanislaus National Forest. ARTA’s work addresses critical safety concerns by reconciling our region’s confusing trail system, improving wayfinding through better signage and maps, and providing outdoor literacy education to visitors. These improvements will reduce search-and-rescue incidents (which currently account for 25% of all SAR calls in Calaveras County), enhance access for diverse user groups, and protect our environment through sustainable trail design and maintenance. ARTA’s comprehensive approach includes constructing new sustainable trails, adopting user-created trails, closing unsustainable routes, fostering volunteer stewardship, and implementing comprehensive wayfinding and educational programs. These efforts will transform the Arnold Rim Trail into a welcoming gateway for all outdoor recreationists while protecting our natural resources for future generations. I believe ARTA’s projects enhance public safety, improve equitable access to outdoor recreation, support our local economy through recreation-based tourism, and create lasting environmental benefits for our community and the Sierra Nevada region. I fully support ARTA’s pursuit of grant funding and other resources necessary to achieve these important goals.

Sincerely, ARTA Supporter