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Residents urge supervisors to oppose proposed federal sale of public lands affecting Arnold Rim Trail
Summary
Dozens of residents and community groups urged the Calaveras County Board of Supervisors to oppose language in a federal reconciliation bill that would permit the sale of public lands, warning of threats to the Arnold Rim Trail, wildfire management and local tourism.
Multiple residents urged the Calaveras County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday to oppose provisions in a federal reconciliation bill that they said would enable sale of national forest lands, including parcels that would affect the Arnold Rim Trail and nearby wildfire-defensive areas.
During public comment, several speakers — including Arnold residents and leaders of the Arnold Rim Trail Association — displayed maps and described large swaths of land that they said would be subject to sale under language introduced by a U.S. senator. “The arbitrary selection and auction of thousands of acres of our public lands without public comment or study is an absolute outrage,” Tom Van Loughren told the board while showing maps he said were prepared by local volunteers.
Multiple commenters, including Anne Calderwood and Marcy Powers, described the trail as vital to local tourism and community identity. Powers read a letter from a local nurse practitioner who wrote that the Arnold Rim Trail spans 22 miles and contributes to the local economy and residents’ quality of life. Speakers also raised wildfire concerns, saying private ownership could complicate fire management and coordinated fuels‑reduction work carried out with the U.S. Forest Service.
Several speakers asked the board to use any influence it has with federal and state representatives to oppose sale language; supervisors did not take formal action on the federal bill during the meeting but heard the comments during the public‑comment period.
Why it matters: The Arnold Rim Trail and surrounding national forest lands are used heavily for recreation, local tourism and coordinated wildfire mitigation. Residents said potential privatization would threaten public access, local tourism businesses and coordinated wildfire management.
What the board did: The item was public comment only; supervisors listened but did not take a formal stance at the meeting. Several speakers pledged to submit letters and continue grassroots outreach to state and federal officials.
