This project, funded through the congressionally approved secure rural schools program, addresses a pressing public safety and federal liability issue

Federal Grant Award Summary

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service awarded $113,000 to Lassen Land & Trails Trust Inc. on July 7, 2025, under the Schools and Roads - Grants to States program (CFDA 10.665), commonly known as the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act. The project is scheduled for completion by August 1, 2026. This Project Grant funds critical public safety and liability mitigation work on the Bizz Johnson National Recreational Trail, a co-managed resource of the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in California.

The grant provides funding for rockfall remediation and cliff stabilization along a 300-foot trail segment on BLM land. Specific deliverables include removal of large boulders that blocked the trail in January 2025 using heavy equipment and stabilization of the cliff face above the trail through selective removal of loose rock to prevent future incidents. These services address both immediate safety concerns for trail visitors and long-term federal liability exposure, despite existing warning signage and barriers. The awardee, a nonprofit organization based in Susanville, California with established expertise in federal land management and environmental restoration, will execute the work in partnership with the co-managing federal agencies.

In january 2025, a rockfall of large boulders blocked a section of the bizz johnson national recreational trail, CO-managed by the forest service (FS) and bureau of land management (BLM). Despite warning signs and barriers, visitors continue to access this highly popular trail. This project involves removing the rockfall along a 300-foot trail segment on BLM land using heavy equipment and stabilizing the cliff face above the trail by removing loose rock to prevent future incident.