Flick Point II Trail

Multi-Benefit Project [AD1] 

Project Overview[AD2]  Flick Point II.1

The Flick Point II Project is a multi-benefit project which features an approx. 2.25-mile multi-use trail, along with watershed and ecosystem improvements in Carnelian Bay west of Flick Point. The project will take a holistic approach to Ecosystem and Watershed management, including restoration work in the Watson Creek Stream Environment Zone (SEZ) which has been impacted by recreational use. The paved multi-use trail will connect to the existing Dollar Creek Trail, before proceeding through the restored Watson Creek SEZ, and continuing to the neighborhood west of Flick Point. Within the neighborhood, the installation of roadway pavement, vehicle barriers, and drainage/stormwater treatment systems will reduce pollutant loads to Lake Tahoe.

 

Status 

The project is currently in the early stages of preliminary design and feasibility analysis. The tentative project schedule anticipates the various environmental studies and reports being produced through the Summer and Fall of 2023, with a public meeting to gather input likely to take place in early Fall of 2023. Preliminary design work will likely continue through 2024, with public circulation and adoption of the environmental document proposed for mid-2025. A public meeting to discuss the draft environmental document will be scheduled during the public circulation time period.


Flick Point II.2

Purpose and Need

As described above, the project will provide a wide range of benefits. Placer County is particularly excited about the opportunity to restore the Watson Creek SEZ area. The existing dirt road crossing Watson Creek was modified many years ago with an approximately 3’ diameter culvert, surrounded by fill material. This culvert was likely inadequate to manage peak flows even when originally installed, but its capacity has since diminished over time. The culvert has become partially occluded due to erosion, and the road fill/cover over the top of the culvert has eroded over time, allowing it to become exposed to the elements. One portion of the culvert has partially collapsed as a result. During heavier periods of flow in the creek, the culvert if often bypassed entirely, further eroding the dirt road, and degrading the SEZ. The proposed project provides an excellent opportunity to greatly improve this SEZ area, restoring the ecosystem so the area may function as it did prior to the creation of the existing disturbances.

The proposed water quality improvements within the Flick Point neighborhood are critical as well. This neighborhood has sections of unpaved roadway which continue to act as sources of sediment and other pollutants to local drainage systems, which ultimately convey runoff to Lake Tahoe. Placer County is eager to address these and other water quality concerns in the neighborhood through appropriate installation of paved roadway surfaces, restriction of vehicular access in certain areas, as well as installation of proper drainage conveyances and stormwater treatment measures. The requested Planning phase funding will allow for the necessary studies and preliminary design work to be completed, to determine the best course of action to address the existing water quality concerns.

The North Tahoe Multi-Use Trail connection will provide increased public access to Lake Tahoe near Waterman’s Landing and the CTC Carnelian Bay Lake Access East restoration and public amenity improvement project completed in 2009.

Additionally, the Project purpose is to promote the policies of and fulfill the goals and objectives of a number of regional and local plans and programs, including but not limited to, the following: