Below are some of the comments we've received from supporters, including those who sent comments with their signed petitions (over 230 petitions received so far!)
Thanks to everyone who has sent a petition!

July 23, 2007:
At one of our DLPOA board meetings (I think it was in 9/05 or May or June/06), Leigh Fitzpatrick, (of
Truckee Trails) spoke & urged the board to get behind the trail alternative. While Fitzpatrick was still
there, I strenuously objected, saying that I did not think an historical, public trail should be
abandoned to suit Cadjew and the Truckee Trails people...

March 29, 2007:
It warmed my heart to read that Rick and his friends are successfully challenging the bully and his
cohort, Ted Owens, to open this trail for all of us. I'm glad that your group wasn't intimidated by these
selfish individuals, who've taken the 'law' into their own hands. Just when I've lost respect for what's
happening in government, along comes a grassroots hero! You can count on me for a donation.
With humble gratitude,

March 19, 2007:
I am SO proud of you all standing up to these people. It sounds like the old south to me. So many will
benefit from your efforts. I don't understand why this man bought this property with such an attitude.
If I can do anything to help the cause, I'd make the trip up there. Good Luck and keep it up.

March 9, 2007:
Add me to your list of interested parties. My family used that trail before Cadjew got involved. I would
support legal action to restore the public right to the trail.

October 3, 2006:
Thank you so much for your work in preserving this beautiful trail. Nevada County's historical heritage
and natural beauty have long been under siege and I'm heartened that you're standing up to the
developers -- and winning!
Kristin Johnson
New Light on the Donner Party
www.utahcrossroads.org/DonnerParty

September 22, 2006:
Thanks to the efforts of the Historic Donner Trail Committee a portion of the California Trail from
Donner Lake to the Summit won't be abandoned as a public road.  This section of the Trail became
the main route with the construction of the Dutch Flat and Donner Lake Wagon Road in 1862, and
later the Lincoln Highway.  It decayed after the construction of US Highway 40 and became a "Jeep"
trail until a landowner blocked it.  A group of citizens has been fighting to preserve the old trail, and
has stopped an attempt by Nevada County to abandon the road.
Dan Rosen, author of www.donnerpartydiary.com

Comments from November 2005 petition signers:
December 12:
" ...hiked the trail many times with family. Last time we encountered Cadjew. All of us were over 55."

November 29:
"Let me know when to go to the (Nevada) County Supervisors meetings and rattle a few cages."

November 27:
"I have been going to Donner Lake since 'before birth' and hiked this trail and creek since the 1950s.
What this bully is doing is criminal!!!"

November 22:
"This historic trail is important to remind us of our pioneer ancestors and their epic struggle crossing
the Sierras."

November 19:
"Dear Committee: We have had property at Donner for over 30 years and hiked on the trail with our
children. We appreciate your efforts to regain our legal access."

November 16:
"This public thoroughfare was in use just a relatively short time ago."

November 16:
"Thank you for educating me on this issue. I look forward to hearing from you as this group of activists
is formed and activities are planned."
 

Here is the petition that we asked supporters to sign

Help Protect The Historic Donner Trail 
November  2005 
 

Robert Farnsworth, president of the board of directors of the Donner Lake Property Owners Association has called the Donner Trail, "…possibly the most important historical trail in this part of the Sierra and Northern California."

Its history began when the Indians found the best route from Donner Lake to the summit. The pioneers followed their trail, as did the Dutch Flat-Donner Lake Wagon Road and the Lincoln Transcontinental Highway (1914 to 1926). It was replaced with Highway 40 in 1926. The old unpaved road is a permanent right-of-way granted by the State of California to Nevada County in 1956, with Caltrans retaining ultimate control.

The trail was enjoyed by hikers from then until 1989 when it was blocked by huge boulders placed across it by Frank Cadjew, the owner of some of the property through which the easement runs. His deed in 1987 states the land is "subject to any and all easements, rights of way, and restrictions upon or across said lands." He has blockaded the trail for over 15 years, hoping that if enough time goes by, Nevada County will abandon the easement and the trail. He claims it is a nuisance to have hikers on the trail; however, there is a new subdivision next to his property, and without the easement, his property would be far more valuable for another subdivision. Then houses would be built on this historic trail. If that happens, this historic and beautiful trail for hikers will be gone forever. He has offered to give another route skirting the southern edge of his property as a "trade." County Supervisors John Spencer and Ted Owens, who seem not to be interested in preserving the history of the Donner Lake area, are on record encouraging him to apply for an abandonment of the easement and have indicated they would vote in favor of it. This would be completely unacceptable since it would not preserve the original historic trail.

The barrier of large boulders across the trail is absolutely illegal. The Nevada County Board of Supervisors ordered him to remove it in June of 1992, but he has chosen to blatantly ignore the order. He has also posted no trespassing and Rottweiler guard-dog signs at the barrier to intimidate hikers. Those that have dared to walk on the trail have been confronted by Mr. Cadjew or his employees with rifles and have been ordered to leave his private property immediately. In one known case, he actually drove a group of hikers in his jeep back to the lake to get them off the trail. Another time he attempted to have some hikers arrested.

  By signing this petition you will be joining other Nevada County voters and/or property owners demanding:

1. that the Nevada County Board of Supervisors and the Truckee Town Council end any and all negotiations with Frank Cadjew regarding the abandonment of this historic pioneer trail or rerouting it in some other place.

2. that the Board and Council shall order him to remove the illegal rock barrier across the trail within ten days or it will be removed at his expense.

3. that the Board and Council shall order him to immediately remove any no trespassing or guard-dog signs that are placed to discourage hikers from using the trail or in any way threaten hikers on the trail.

Signed _________________________________________________ Date __/___/___

Address ________________________________________________Tel. ____-____-______ 

Please mail the petition to: Historic Donner Trail Committee, PO Box 4832, Stockton, CA 95204 
Hopefully we will prevail in protecting this important historic trail for posterity!   
If you would like to make a contribution to help pay for this mailing or signs marking the entrances to the trail, send a check to the above address. Thank you for your help. It is greatly appreciated.

(Signed)  Stanley  Sandelius, 10407 Washoe Rd, Truckee, CA 530-587-9066     
or 825 S. Regent St., Stockton, CA 95204  209-464-1660