PLACERVILLE, Calif. — Volunteers, off-road clubs and trail advocates will gather later this month for the annual planning meeting of Friends of the Rubicon (FOTR), a grassroots group dedicated to maintaining access to the historic Rubicon Trail.
The meeting is scheduled for Saturday, March 21, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at American Legion Post 119. Organizers say the gathering will focus on upcoming maintenance projects on both the El Dorado County and Tahoe sides of the trail, along with planning for the 2026 Adopt-A-Trail season.
Representatives from four-wheel-drive clubs and other volunteer groups are encouraged to attend and provide input on how the Adopt-A-Trail program can be improved. Several sections of the trail are currently without a steward, and organizers hope additional clubs will step forward to adopt and maintain those areas.
“We welcome your thoughts and ideas on how we can improve moving forward,” organizers wrote in an invitation to participating clubs and volunteers. “Please bring your ideas, questions and suggestions — we look forward to seeing everyone there.”
Lunch will be provided by the Rubicon Trail Foundation (RTF), which partners with Friends of the Rubicon by providing funding, equipment and insurance for many trail maintenance projects. Organizers ask attendees to RSVP to help with a headcount.
The meeting will also include an election for the position of Trail Boss, the volunteer leader who coordinates FOTR’s projects and communications. Candidates interested in running are asked to notify organizers in advance so their names can be included on the meeting agenda.
Founded in 2000, Friends of the Rubicon formed in response to a proposed closure on the Tahoe side of the trail tied to erosion and sediment concerns. The effort mobilized more than 200 volunteers and over 20 off-road clubs to conduct erosion-control work, ultimately leading regulators to rescind a cease-and-desist order on the trail.
Today, the organization remains largely volunteer-driven and informal, coordinating work projects through a network of clubs and individuals. Volunteers regularly install erosion controls, remove debris, clear fallen trees and help prepare the trail for seasonal openings.
The group’s signature “Green Shovel” logo symbolizes the hands-on approach of its volunteers — a reminder that a single person with a shovel can make a difference on one of California’s most iconic backcountry routes.
Organizers noted that the American Legion has requested that attendees refrain from bringing alcohol to the meeting or the parking lot.
Looking ahead, Friends of the Rubicon is also preparing for a milestone: the organization plans to celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2026, marking a quarter-century of volunteer stewardship on the legendary Sierra Nevada trail.
Residents, off-road enthusiasts and community members interested in protecting public access to the Rubicon Trail are encouraged to attend.
