Placer County will host a series of community outreach and informational meetings concerning future improvements proposed for Hidden Falls Regional Park. The 1,181-acre park is located between Auburn and Lincoln along Coon and Deadman Creeks north of Mount Vernon and Mount Pleasant Roads. The first phase of Hidden Falls Regional Park included 220 acres featuring seven miles of natural-surface trails, auto and equestrian parking facilities located off of Mears Road, a handicapped-accessible trail, picnic areas, restroom facilities, and fire storage tank and was opened to the public in October of 2006.

Plans are now being prepared for the development of the park’s remaining 981 acres, which formerly were known as Spears Ranch. The public will have opportunities to hear about proposed features and weigh in with their input. The discussion of Hidden Falls development will be held in conjunction with local Municipal Advisory Council meetings at the following locations and times:

• North Auburn Municipal Advisory Council – August 14, 2007 at 7:00 P.M. – Planning Commission Chambers, Community Development Resource Center, 3091 County Center Drive, Dewitt Center, Auburn, CA 95603
• Newcastle/Ophir Municipal Advisory Council – August 16, 2007 at 7:00 P.M. – Ophir School, 1373 Lozanos Rd, Newcastle, CA 95658
• Sheridan Municipal Advisory Council – September 12, 2007 at 7:00 P.M. – Stewart Hall, 6005 Camp Far West Road, Sheridan, CA 95681
• Rural Lincoln Municipal Advisory Council – Sept. 17, 2007 at 7:00 P.M. – Mount Pleasant Hall, 3333 Mount Pleasant Rd, Lincoln, CA 95648

Some of the features being considered for the future development of Hidden Falls Regional Park include:

• Expansion of the Multi-Use Natural Surface Trail System
• Fire Risk Reduction / Emergency Facilities
• Vehicle Access and Parking (Including consideration of public access via Garden Bar Road)
• Signage / Interpretive Program
• Use of Existing Ranch House and Buildings
• Events
• Educational Opportunities
• Maintenance Facilities
• Fishing / Wildlife / Habitat Improvements
• Fencing / Agriculture
• Limited, Supervised Hunting as a Wildlife Management Tool – During park closure periods

Please note: It is early in the planning process, and all of the concepts and features being proposed will be studied and refined. In addition to this series of community meetings, additional opportunities for public input will be available as plans become more detailed and before final decisions are made to guide future development. Future opportunities will include the chance for public comment on a draft environmental impact report to be prepared on improvements proposed for Hidden Falls.