McCloud Local First Network

Network projects include:
* Digital Media Outreach
* Youth Video Education
* Tourism Development
* Hike & Bike Trail Development

The McCloud Local First Network (MLFN) was formed in 2009 to be a positive force for sustainable economic development in a town divided over a proposal for a large water bottling plant. We have partnered with other non-profit organizations on a number of initiatives – new roof for the Museum, with the Alumni Association proposed re-use of historic building threatened with destruction, and, with four other non-profits, formed the Great Shasta Rail Trail (GSRT). We work with the local Chamber of Commerce on a number of initiatives, working to train business owners to be bicycle-friendly, installing bike racks around town, and starting a new event (Bike-toberfest) to raise funds for the GSRT. We provide fiscal sponsorship to the McCloud ARTS initiative, supporting efforts to make the Arts part of the McCloud community, particularly in the local schools.

Further, we seek to support the local schools and provide opportunity for rural youth to get involved in community stewardship and economic development. Developing successful citizens, residents who are involved in their community, will go a long way toward evolving the sustainable economic vitality that we seek for our communities. We are excited that the Digital Media Outreach Program will provide urgently needed opportunities for local youth to find an effective place in their community.

We are a flexible, agile organization, staying active in our community, identifying initiatives that will benefit the community, and bringing those indicatives to a successful conclusion. Our biggest project (jointly developed in partnership with 4 area non-profits), the GSRT (80 miles of rail-trail connecting McCloud and Burney), has been turned over to a new non-profit that owns and manages this public recreation facility.