News Release

For Release: Nov. 8, 2006
Contact: Jeff Fontana (530) 252-5332 or Stan Bales (530) 252-5311
CA-N-07-16

Repair Project Completed on Bizz Johnson Tunnel, Realignment Work Begins Nov. 13

Workers have completed repairing the ceiling in the east tunnel on the Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail, and will now turn their attention to a trail realignment project on the trail's eastern section.

Dayne Barron, manager of the Bureau of Land Management's Eagle Lake Field Office, said the tunnel project involved replacement of planking that had rotted, allowing dirt and rock to fall from the ceiling. Crews from Cushman Contracting of Goleta, Calif. replaced the old planking.

Barron said a BLM crew will begin work Monday, Nov. 13, on a two-week project to reroute a section of trail about five-and-a-half miles west of Susanville where the shoulder is being eroded by the Susan River. Barron said the work will improve visitor safety.

The trail will be closed through the construction area. Through trips between Susanville and Westwood will not be possible during construction. During the project, trail users can enjoy 10-mile round trips from Susanville, through the two railroad tunnels, and back.

Funding for both projects was provided by grants from the Lassen County Resource Advisory Committee. The RAC, administered by the Lassen National Forest, distributes funds from the Secure Rural Schools and Self Determination Act of 2000, commonly referred to as "Payments to States." Additional funding came from the Lassen Land and Trails Trust "Bizz Bells" fundraiser coordinated by volunteer David Sowers.

More information is available from the BLM's Eagle Lake Field Office, (530) 257-0456

-BLM-

Northern California Public Affairs 2950 Riverside Drive Susanville, CA 96130