History

The Mt. Shasta Trail Association was created in 1989 with the intention of creating an “around the mountain” trail on Mt. Shasta. Since that time it has evolved as an organization. The current purpose is embodied in our mission statement.

Mission Statement: To connect people to nature and communities by designing, constructing, and maintaining trails in the Mt. Shasta area.

MSTA has been involved in many projects since 1989. These have included:

  • Partially funding and implementing construction of the Squaw Valley Creek Trail in conjunction with the U.S. Forest Service; the project was initiated by Tom Hesseldenz.
  • Acquiring funding for the construction of two job trailers for use on various trail projects.
  • Helping with the design, funding, and construction of the Box Canyon Trail.
  • Assisting in the maintenance of local trails, such as the Sisson-Callahan Trail and trails at Castle Crags State Park.
  • Preparing and serving food and beverages for the Fourth of July run-walk for the past 13 yrs.
  • Initiating, designing, mapping, environmental documentation, grant writing, organizing volunteer work parties, organizing public meetings, and constructing major portions of the Lake Siskiyou Trail. Continuing to work with the County under a “Memorandum of Understanding” to complete the project.
  • Spearheading the initial design for the “Downtown to City Park” trail.
  • Organizing, leading, and providing volunteers and tools for such projects as the Squaw Valley Creek Trail, Box Canyon Trail, and the Lake Siskiyou Trail
  • Acquiring on-going financial support from Shasta Products and securing donated funds from local individuals and businesses for the purpose of fulfilling our mission statement.
  • Organizing, and with the support of Mt. Shasta Products, funding a “Regional Trails Forum” to help guide the organization’s future and catalogue the many trails through out our region.
  • Presenting numerous fundraising and public education events. Including the successful “Tails Underneath Lake Siskiyou” to kick off the project.
  • Organizing and leading many local outings. Including hiking, snow-shoeing, canoeing, and bird watching events.
  • Continuing with grant writing and resource development for trails in our region.