Public Access to Bear River Canal Trails

The public has had access to the trails along the Bear River canal in Meadow Vista since at least 1955. Recently, that access has been restricted from Placer Hills Road (across from Sugar Pine Road) to approximately 3/4 mile upstream from there. While the land is privately owned, the public has always been able to use these trails. PG&E has an easement and has maintained both the canal and this portion of the trail since the early 1900's. As evidence of the popularity of these trails, and to prevent the public from falling into the canal, about 5 years ago PG&E installed a fence along the portion of the canal in question, added safety grab cables at intervals across the canal with signage, and upgraded the trail itself. Until the recent restriction of access, these trails were used by members of the community to walk, run, and ride bikes. The Colfax High School Cross-Country team practiced along these trails. The Meadow Vista Trails Association hiked along these trails.
We would like the land owners to restore public access to these trails.