Located east of Los Angeles in the Mojave Desert, the City of Victorville selected Alta as the lead design firm to master plan and to oversee the environmental assessment work for this pristine and highly sensitive riparian corridor. The proposed 9-mile trail will follow the Mojave River, passing along areas rich in cultural and natural history. It provides an alternative transportation link between downtown Victorville and Victor Valley College. The plan addressed habitat issues of several federally listed migratory birds, as well as the California Spotted Toad. Additional issues included: negotiating with the Burlington Northern/Santa Fe Railroad for trail use within the rail right-of-way; addressing concerns of citizens who live adjacent to the trail; routing the trail through the "Narrows," a constricted canyon containing the river, railroad, and proposed trail; identifying trail alignments before rapid development makes the alignment obsolete; addressing public safety in isolated portions of the trail; meeting the needs of multiple users, including portions heavily used by equestrians and mountain bikers; and arriving at a strong design concept that reflects the uniqueness of this riparian corridor.
