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Tahoe Rim Trail named to first lady’s list

Andy Bourelle

Tahoe Rim Trail officials were excited last week when the 150-mile ridge-to-ridge loop that surrounds the jewel of the Sierra was included in the 50 Millennium Legacy Trails.

First lady Hillary Rodham Clinton announced that the Tahoe Rim Trail would be the Nevada trail on the list.

“We’re so thankful,” said Lynda McDowell, executive director of the Tahoe Rim Trail Association. “I think it’s so perfect for us as we’re getting ready to finish it up in 2001.”



Nevada Gov. Kenny Guinn had nominated the trail earlier this year.

“We’d been holding our breath. We didn’t know for months,” she said. “We’re honored. We’re excited. We’re very proud.”



Under the White House Millennium Program, the 50 Millennium Legacy Trails is a national program that will celebrate creating trails. They were selected on their ability to “honor the past and imagine the future” as part of America’s legacy for the next millennium.

The designation won’t provide any money to the trail; however, the recognition could help open the door for more funding.

“It’s mostly recognition that our trail is special, things we already know,” she said. “But this will help us because it will help us with other requests for funds.”

Work started on the Tahoe Rim Trail in 1981, and officials hope to finish next year. Approximately 10 miles are incomplete.

U.S. Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., said he applauded the designation.

“As those who have experienced it know, the Tahoe Rim Trail provides perhaps the most breathtaking views in all of the Lake Tahoe Basin,” Reid said.


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