Coloma-Lotus Valley Community Association
Welcome to the Coloma-Lotus Valley Community Association (CLVCA). We invite you to join us in helping to shape the future of our beautiful valley. Come to our events and/or contact our committee chairs to see how you can be involved. If you'd like to get on our e-mail and/or mail list, contact Casey at clvca@coloma.com. Taking Charge of Our Future
The communities of Coloma and Lotus are completing a planning process that began November, 2001, with a survey asking residents about their needs and preferences for the welfare of their communities. Over 50% of survey respondents thought more effort should go into several areas: preserving the rural character, protecting the natural environment, high-speed Internet access, improved cell phone coverage, preserving historic buildings and resources, increased/improved multi-use trails and reducing substance abuse. Complete survey results may be viewed at www.sedd.org (click on Survey Results).
At a series of four community meetings in 2002, participants itemized key survey results and added some areas of interest to them. Participants then voted to select items of most interest to the group and volunteered to "champion" projects by helping to refine project descriptions, goals, and strategies. Current projects include:
- Develop multipurpose trails to link area businesses, parks, campgrounds, parks, and B&Bs.
- Preserve Coloma Valley's rural atmosphere - its unique historical character, scenic beauty and recreational gems.
- Determine the feasibility of a whitewater park.
- Restore and preserve historic buildings in the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park by supporting the Park's Legacy Plan.
- Create the Coloma-Lotus Valley Community Association (CLVCA) to serve as an umbrella organization for projects, to build community awareness & support, to raise funds to help defray project expenses.
The work of the community has been documented as a strategic plan in a formal document called a Community Action Plan, which provides a template for the initial projects that the community wants to investigate or complete. In addition, the plan is a formal message to the County government about the priorities of the Coloma/Lotus Valley residents. It will become a living document, as projects are completed and new ones started. The completed plan is available from www.sedd.org. Click on SEDD Publications and then scroll down until you see the Coloma/Lotus Community Action Plan. You may request a PDF copy from them by sending email to sedd@sedd.org. A hard copy of the report is kept at the Marshall Gold Discovery SHP Museum.
This project was funded by a U.S. Forest Service Economic Recovery Grant and sponsored by the Sierra Economic Development District. For more information about the Community Action Planning process please contact Sandy Sindt at SEDD, 530-823-4703.
Trails Committee
Imagine doing all your Saturday errands on foot or bicycle, or going to your favorite restaurant in Coloma without getting in your car. Imagine that all the tourists are doing the same thing. When the Coloma/Lotus Valley Trails Committee implements its vision, bicyclists and pedestrians will be using a network of trails that will go between campgrounds, B&Bs, Marshall Gold Discovery Park, other parks and area businesses.
The work on the trail project will require a vision and years of work. The Coloma/Lotus Valley Trails Committee is looking for fellow trail enthusiasts to join us in the activities.
If you are interested in making community trails a reality, contact Mike Bean at 530-295-1286 or (mike@rivervilla.com). You'll find more information on the Trails Committee web pages.
Coloma Valley Preservation Committee
To preserve the rural character of the community and enhance the experience for our historic and recreational visitors, our committee will work on acquiring or preserving our view-sheds, ranchlands, and hillsides. These are vital scenic backdrops for the parks and visitors, and they create the ambiance that enhances our community. We need dedicated people to make this happen. Contact Harry Mercado at clvca@coloma.com or 530-621-3443.
Whitewater Park Committee
Beth Rypins made a presentation to the Coloma/Lotus Valley Community Association meeting the other night, for a Whitewater Park at Henningson-Lotus Park in Lotus. She is hoping to get a non-profit organization to sponsor the effort. One of the first steps is to bring Gary Lacy out here from Colorado to scope out the project. Gary has been the chief planner, designer and engineer for over nine whitewater parks throughout the country. Beth is coordinating the solicitation of $2000 to bring Gary Lacy out here. She already has mustered $1000 - however, time is short. The plan is for him to come July 18 and 19 to coincide with the Eppies race. If you are interested in helping get Gary out here, contact Beth at paddler@compuserve.com or 530-642-0450.
Marshall Park Legacy Plan
Did you know that Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park has a wish list of projects called the Legacy Plan? Currently the Williams/Markham House is high on the list to be renovated. To find out more about how the Gold Discovery Park Association wants to make history come alive, contact Kaaren Boothroyd at 530-622-6198. For docent information, contact Sharon Dennis at 530-295-2170. Coloma-Lotus Valley residents indicated in the November 2002 survey that historical preservation is very important. We are looking for project champions. Is there a building in the area that has special significance to you? Do you have some time available to get involved? Do you, or the company you work for, support local improvement programs with donations?
Upcoming Community Events
Coloma-Lotus Valley Community Association meetings and other local events are listed in the Coloma Valley Calendar.
