About 10 years ago, the Lone Star Hiking Trail (LSHT) bridge, across the East Fork of the San Jacinto River, in the Magnolia Section (between FM 2025 and FM 945/Butch Arthur Road), was damaged by a flood.  Since that time, the bridge has been closed and hikers must wade across the East Fork.  If there is high water or dangerous conditions, no hiking is possible. 

In addition, thirteen LSHT trailhead parking lots have not been maintained adequately over the years.  Soil erosion, muddy parking, a lack of signs and fences, and similar deteriorated conditions exist.  

The cost of a 65-foot replacement bridge is about $250,000.  A recreational grant for $200,000 was obtained from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department by the Sam Houston Trails Coalition (SHTC) to replace the bridge.  Additional funding is needed to cover the total cost of bridge replacement.  To rehabilitate the thirteen trailheads another $62,000 is needed.

The SHTC is holding a golf fundraising event on Columbus Day, October 14, 2019, at the Happy Trails Golf Tournament in Walden on Lake Conroe to raise money for these two worthy projects.

The Houston Sierra Club encourages its members and non-members who like to hike and want to help this effort, to register for the golf event, or bid on auction items associated with the fundraiser, or donate money to fund these projects.  To register, bid, or donate go to the website:  www.birdeasepro.com/happytrails/ 

For more information please contact Jane Prentiss at 713-201-5755 or jane_prentiss@yahoo.com.