Completing the CaliforniaCalifornia CoastalCoastal TrailTrail

Completing the California Coastal Trail DON NIERLICH

January 2003

This report is prepared pursuant to Chapter 446, Statutes of 2001. Gray Davis, Governor Mary Nichols, Secretary for Resources

Members of the Coastal Conservancy Paul Morabito, Chairman Larry Goldzband, Vice-Chairman Tim Gage, Director of Finance Gary Hernandez John Lormon Mary Nichols, Secretary for Resources Sara Wan, California Coastal Commission Susan Hansch, California Coastal Commission (alternate) Fred Klass, Department of Finance (alternate) Mike Spear, Deputy Secretary for Resources (alternate)

Legislative Representatives Senator Wes Chesbro Senator Betty Karnette Senator Bruce McPherson Assemblymember Hannah-Beth Jackson Assemblymember Christine Kehoe

Sam Schuchat, Executive Officer State Coastal Conservancy 1330 Broadway, Suite 1100 Oakland, CA 94612 (510) 286-1015 January 31, 2003

To the Members of the Legislature:

This report is submitted pursuant to Senate Bill 908 of 2001.

Completing the California Coastal Trail provides a strategic blueprint for a recreational facility that will have lasting value for California. The Coastal Trail will enable Californians to enjoy our coastal treasures and will attract visitors from around the world. The costs of accomplishing this are reasonable and the benefits manifest.

I believe that continuing investment in public access to California’s coastline and parks is essential to maintain and improve our quality of life. As the State’s population continues to grow, more recreational facilities will be needed; well-designed hiking, biking, and equestrian trails provide urban residents with opportunities to enjoy nature without imperiling sensitive habitat areas. State bond funds approved by California voters in 2000 and 2002 should enable the Coastal Conservancy, State Parks, the Wildlife Conservation Board, and other State agencies to complete many of the needed improvements within the next few years.

The California Coastal Trail is a concept that has captured the imagination of public offi- cials at all levels of government. Inherent in a project of this scope, substantial physical and administrative obstacles lie ahead; we look forward to working with our State, local, and federal partners and the private sector to meet these challenges. In doing so, the sup- port that this project has received from local community groups should be rewarded with an implementation program that reflects the highest quality of design and environmental protection.

We greatly appreciate the assistance provided to this planning effort by the many local volunteers associated with Coastwalk, and for the collaboration of our colleagues at State Parks and the Coastal Commission.

Sincerely yours,

Sam Schuchat Executive Officer

Contents

Preparing This Report 7

Goals for the California Coastal Trail 8

A Brief History of the California Coastal Trail 10

Perspectives on Designing the Coastal Trail 12 What Should the Coastal Trail Be? 12 Richard Nichols, Executive Director, Coastwalk Principles for Designing the Coastal Trail 14 Lee Otter and Linda Locklin, California Coastal Commission

What Would Be the Public Benefits of Completing the Coastal Trail? 17

What Would Be the Public Costs of Completing and Operating the Coastal Trail? 22

Issues and Constraints: Challenges to Completing the Coastal Trail 27 Environmental Impacts and Resource Concerns 27 Legal, Administrative, and Institutional Concerns 30

Horses and Bicycles on the Coastal Trail 36 Coastal Bicycle Travel 36 Chris Morfas, Executive Director, California Bicycle Coalition The Coastal Trail Should Include Equestrian Uses 37 Ruth Gerson, President, Santa Monica Mountains Trails Council

Creating an Image for the Coastal Trail: A Signing and Graphics Program 39

Recommendations for Action: Statewide Policy Initiatives 41

Recommendations for Action: Projects to Implement the Coastal Trail 42

What Do the Map Symbols Mean? 55

Maps

oversee theproduction ofthisreport. This group metmonthlyduring2002to staff andboard members ofCoastwalk. worked inon-goingconsultation withthe ment, andtheCoastal Commission have Conservancy, theState Parks Depart- the trail, staff members oftheCoastal priority actionsnecessaryto complete to develop recommendations regarding development oftheCoastal Trail, and fornia Coastal Commission. Technical ServicesDivisionoftheCali- mapped underthemanagementof ducted byCoastal Conservancy staff and this information was principallycon- its conductedbyCoastwalk volunteers. further elaborated through manysitevis- profit organization Coastwalk, Inc., and Richard Nichols)developed bythenon- Coastal Trail (2) thetwo-volume cies andtheCoastal Commission;and with staff members oftheselocalagen- further elaborated through interviews grams adoptedby60localgovernments, of information: (1)theLocalCoastal Pro- vancy relied principallyontwo sources 31, 2003). a thirteen-monthperiod(byJanuary tions, andto develop that report within coast, across dozens ofpoliticaljurisdic- 1,300 milesalongtheentire California on aproposed trail thatwould stretch vancy, through SB908of2001, to report T Preparing ThisReport To evaluate policyissues regarding The collectionandinitialanalysisof To meetthischallenge, theConser- nor directed theCoastal Conser- ELGSAUEAND LEGISLATURE HE (by BobLorentzen and Hiking theCalifornia the Gover- The Coastal Trail Working Group RPRN HSREPORT THIS PREPARING 7

DON NIERLICH DON NIERLICH walk, Inc.) agreed onthefollowing: Parks, Coastal CommissionandCoast- ing Group” (Coastal Conservancy, State the Coastal Trail, the“Coastal Trail Work- A Hikers atKlamathRiver Overlook, DelNorte County Goals for theCalifornia Coastal Trail nonmotorized transportation. and othercomplementarymodesof resources ofthecoastthroughhiking stewardship ofthescenicandnatural designed tofosterappreciationand along theCaliforniacoastline;atrail A continuouspublicright-of-way CoastalTrailCalifornia Definition ofthe 8 what willberequired to complete NIIILSTEP INITIAL AN S OPEIGTECLFRI OSA TRAIL COASTAL CALIFORNIA THE COMPLETING in defining .Assure thatthelocationanddesign 4. Increase publicawareness ofthe 3. Foster cooperation between State, 2. Provide acontinuoustrail asclose 1. California Coastal Trail Objectives inCompletingthe of theCoastal Trail isconsistentwith completion oftheCoastal Trail. costs andbenefitsassociatedwith implementation oftheCoastal Trail. the planning,design,signing,and local, andfederal publicagenciesin encourage publicuse. sufficient transportation access to access”) atappropriate intervals and nections to theshoreline (“vertical to theoceanaspossible, withcon-

RICHARD NICHOLS .Create linkages to other trail sys- 6. Designthe California Coastal Trail 5. Pfeiffer Beach,BigSur lation centers. coastal resources from urbanpopu- system to increase accessibilityto system, andusetheCoastal Trail tems andto unitsofthe State Park facilities, andother pointsofinterest. ing areas, recreational orinterpretive beaches, scenicvistas, wildlifeview- while providing publicaccessto environment andcultural resources the userbyprotecting the natural to provide avaluable experience for landowners. respectful oftherightsprivate Act andlocalcoastal programs, andis the policiesofCalifornia Coastal Fort Ross, SonomaCounty OL O H AIONACATLTRAIL COASTAL CALIFORNIA THE FOR GOALS 9

LINDA HANES CARLA CHENAULT T that “A hiking,bicycle, andequestrian grams. In1972,Proposition 20provided Coastal Trail intheirLocalCoastal Pro- identify analignmentfor theCalifornia Act of1976required localjurisdictionsto coastal trail inCalifornia. TheCoastal have longplannedfor acontinuous coast from Oregon to Mexico. repeat this feat,againhikingthewhole despite manyimpediments. demonstrate thatitwas possibleto doso walk hiked theentire California coastto band from thenonprofit group Coast- More recently, in1996,adetermined sound ofitswise, admonitory voice.” “within sightoftheseaandwithin Trails, journey, publishedas coast onhorseback. Hisrecord ofthis Smeaton Chaseexplored theCalifornia the Coastal Trail. In1910 and1911, J. Trail, whichshares partofitsroute with Juan Bautista deAnza National Historic effort isnowcommemorated bythe the deAnza expeditions. This latter This was followed afewyears laterby Europeans alongtheCalifornia coast. marked thefirst overland journeyby same paths. many subsequentvisitors have trod those as transportation andtrading routes, and ble beachesandcoastal grassland bluffs or seasonalbasisusedthereadily accessi- residing nearthecoastonapermanent have inhabitedtheland.Native tribes California Coastal Trail A BriefHistory ofthe 10 Policy makers andcoastal managers In 2003,Coastwalk members planto The Portolá expedition of1769 ECATO CALIFORNIA OF COAST HE used asatrail for aslongpeople describes thepleasure oftraveling OPEIGTECLFRI OSA TRAIL COASTAL CALIFORNIA THE COMPLETING California Coast has been Coastwalk WholeCoastHike, 1996 Red HillTrail, SonomaCounty

RICHARD NICHOLS DON NIERLICH COURTESY OF THE MANHATTAN BEACH HISTORICAL SOCIETY HISTORICAL BEACH OF THE MANHATTAN COURTESY Early Manhattan Beach Pier

trails system shall be established along or near the coast” and that “ideally the trails system should be continuous and located near the shoreline.” The California Coastal Trail was desig- nated California’s Millennium Legacy Trail in 1999 by Governor Davis and the White House Millennium Trail Council, encouraging federal agencies to assist in developing it. State legislation in 2001 aimed at a focused effort to complete the Coastal Trail. Assembly Concurrent Resolution 20 (Pavley) declares the Coastal Trail an official state trail and urges the Coastal Commission and Coastal Conservancy to work collaboratively to complete it.

Senate Bill 908 (Chesbro) charges the BEYELER MARC Coastal Conservancy, in cooperation Present-day Manhattan Beach Pier with the Coastal Commission and State Parks Department, to submit to the Leg- islature a plan that describes how the Coastal Trail may be completed by 2008.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE CALIFORNIA COASTAL TRAIL 11 state’s entire shoreline. benefits ofacontinuoustrail alongthe and state agenciesinthevalues and educate thepublic, electedofficials, profit citizens’ organization, hasbeento counties. Thetask ofCoastwalk, anon- camping excursions inall15coastal wonders ofthecoastwithhikingand the California Coastal Trail andthe lic awareness byintroducing peopleto Coastwalk brought thisvisioninto pub- 20 years ofadvocacy byCoastwalk. P Executive Director, Coastwalk NICHOLS RICHARD Coastal Trail Be? What Shouldthe Sonoma State Beach Designing theCoastal Trail Perspectives on 12 Trail bill,was preceded byalmost OF ASSAGE OPEIGTECLFRI OSA TRAIL COASTAL CALIFORNIA THE COMPLETING SB 908, the Coastal areas itwillbeapaved, urbanpathway, wilderness andalongbeaches;inother path for hikers andequestriansthrough environment. Inmanyareas itwillbea character ofthelandscapeandbuilt Trail willvary widely,according to the tecting theterrain, theCalifornia Coastal and historic sites. Respecting andpro- hillsides, through towns, cities, parks, dunes, mountains, andcactus-covered ancient redwood forests, over sand beaches, bluffs, androadsides, through scapes; atrail thatwillextend along through someoftheplanet’s great land- nia’s northernandsouthernborders 1,300-mile hikingtrail linkingCalifor- esting route. Coastwalk envisionsa in walking asimplepathalonganinter- Hikers findinspiration andpleasure

LINDA HANES and explore thisrare environment on encourage peopleto leave cars behind ness andasenseofspacethatwill to thesea.Theseashore offers open- Coastal Trail derives from itsproximity ple anddifferent uses. sive systemto accommodatemanypeo- trail inmanyplaces, designedasacohe- ized transportation. Itwillbeabraided chair riders, andothers usingnonmotor- accessible to bicyclists, skaters, wheel- East BeachCoastal Trail, CityofSanta Barbara The uniquenessoftheCalifornia it for future generations. gettable coastline, andwishto conserve enjoy andrespect thisfragile andunfor- north coast,peoplewhousethetrail will sunset from asecludedbeachonthe Beach boardwalk orcontemplatinga interesting locations. nic beauty,diverse landscapesand long-distance trail intheworld for sce- foot. TheCoastal Trail willrival any Whether strolling alongtheVenice ESETVSO EINN H OSA TRAIL COASTAL THE DESIGNING ON PERSPECTIVES 13

STEVE HORN ject to intensive use, experience has trail alignment. But inareas thatare sub- mode willbeobligedto share asingle- may dictate thatmore thanoneuser straints alongsomepartsofthecoast ing development patternsorothercon- terns, andtheelephantseal migration. ing seasonfor snowyplovers andleast beaches thatare narrower inwinter, nest- consider seasonalvariations, suchas wheelchairs? equestrians? We must also mountain bikes orroad bikes? peoplein to accommodate:hikers? bicyclists? user groups thetrail willbedesigned the Coastal Trail we mustknowwhat the trail go? alignment, namely,justwhere should mated discussions, however, isthetrail to stimulate themostheartfeltandani- ous usergroups. Thetopic thatseems accommodations for theneedsofvari- trail furniture, signing,andnecessary backs from theedgeofcoastal bluff, such topics astrail width,surfacing, set- suggested standards generally address trails alongtheCalifornia coast.These of asinglesetstandards for public been putforward for theestablishment facilities, andmanyproposals have appropriate designofpublicaccess have beenexpressed regarding the to theshoreline. Many,manyopinions ing since1972to increase publicaccess T Coastal Commission Coastal Access Program, California LOCKLIN LINDA Commission Central CoastDistrict, California Coastal OTTER LEE the Coastal Trail Principles for Designing 14 In thecaseofCoastal Trail, exist- To answer thisquestioninregard to local communitieshave beenwork- ECATLCOMMISSION COASTAL HE OPEIGTECLFRI OSA TRAIL COASTAL CALIFORNIA THE COMPLETING and comprised ofmanydiffering segments, Coastal Trail. standardized modelwork for theentire does notfitall,norwould anysingle circumstances andsensibilities. Onesize communities, itmustbeadaptedto local accepted andsupportedbyourcoastal has alsoshownusthatifthetrail isto be and to minimize conflicts. Experience needed to accommodatedifferent modes taught usthatparallel tracks maybe Therefore the Coastal Trail willbe

DEWITT JONES all thethreads form acoherent whole. Yet whenwe stepback,we canseethat river cutsabarrieracross thebeach. winter highwater where afast-flowing sprayed agricultural field,orbypass snowy plover nestingsite, circumvent a seasonal pathsto detour around a or natural barrier. Somethreads maybe because oftopography, landownership, ment, ormaybeplacedwhere itis merely aninterimortemporary align- another for bicyclists, anothermaybe One thread maybefor beachwalkers, or accommodatesaparticularpurpose. ment thatresponds to aspecificneed ticular trail alignmentortrail improve- together—with eachthread beingapar- here widelyseparated, there drawn different butroughly parallel threads— sioned asayarncomprisedofseveral California’s shoreline. Itshouldbeenvi- ignated pathway spanningthelengthof based onthefollowing premise: of theseprinciples, explained below, is integrity, respect, andfeasibility.Each proximity to thesea,connectivity, shared values. Theseprinciplesare: Trail alignment principles, basedon sion staff hasdrafted asetofCoastal the route ofthetrail, Coastal Commis- framework for thetask ofidentifying mon principlesare needed. throughout thelengthofstate, com- high level ofqualityandconnectivity viduality. Thus, to assure aconsistent same timeallowingfor communityindi- alignment to thetrail systemwhileatthe The challengeisto provide anorderly immensely over thecourse ofayear. ronmental constraints, whichmayvary trail alsoneedsto beadaptable to envi- among ourcoastal communities. The the great diversity andvariety found each withitsowncharacter, reflecting The Coastal Trail isnotasingledes- To meetthisneed,andto provide a Coastal Trail atMoonstone Beach,SanLuisObispoCounty of theirautomobiles. ciently appealingto draw travelers out automotive connectionsthatare suffi- challenge isto create alternative non- by roads, streets, andhighways. Our our coast.Theyare already connected assets are strungalongtheedgeof restaurants, andotherrecreational tor attractions, inns, campgrounds, ties, schools, trailheads, busstops, visi- on astring,ourparks, ports, communi- ing pointsto destinations. Like pearls The trail shouldeffectively link start- Connectivity other visitor destinations. that distinguishestheseasidetrail from ic Ocean.Itisthepresence oftheocean have apersisting awareness ofthePacif- the scentofsea.Thetraveler should should bewithinsight,sound,oratleast Wherever feasible, theCoastal Trail Proximity ponents oftheCalifornia Coastal Trail: would applyto allofthedifferent com- The following principlesofalignment ESETVSO EINN H OSA TRAIL COASTAL THE DESIGNING ON PERSPECTIVES 15

CARLA CHENAULT dunes, archaeological sites, andagricul- fencing canbeusedto protect wetlands, such asboardwalks, guidewires, and tions alongtheway. Manmade features neighborhoods, andagricultural opera- logical features, private property rights, of natural habitats, cultural andarchaeo- with ahealthyregard for theprotection The trail mustbelocated anddesigned Respect and othermeans. vegetative bufferstrips, barrierrails, placements ofgradient, underpasses, is alsopossiblethrough vertical dis- internal combustionengine. Separation ing thesight,sound,andscentof generally themostdesirable, thusavoid- forms. Substantial horizontal distance is Appropriate separation cantake many and character ofthetrail are impaired. separation isabsent,thesafety,pleasure, missing alink,itisuseless. Where such nuity isvitally important: ifachainis and separated from motor traffic. Conti- The Coastal Trail shouldbecontinuous Integrity 16 OPEIGTECLFRI OSA TRAIL COASTAL CALIFORNIA THE COMPLETING Coastal Trail willneedto beidentified. interim andlong-termalignmentsofthe the resources thatare available, both To achieve timely,tangible results with Feasibility more thanaconcurrent designation. trails, theCoastal Trail shouldbeno porates orisacomponentoftheseother Where theCoastal Trail alignmentincor- or displacetheseexisting trail identities. and brochures shouldnotcompetewith tity for theCoastal Trail onmaps, signs, Bicycle Trail, etc. Providing acleariden- Backbone Trail, LosAngelesSouthBay Scenic Trail, Santa MonicaMountains side Trail, Monterey BaySanctuary Trail, LostCoast Trail, SanMateoCoast- Pacific CoastBike Route, HumboldtBay other trail designations, includingthe that thistrail willexist inacontext of bance ofsensitive bird habitats. privacy butmayalsominimize distur- tive barriers notonlyprotect residential tural fields. Screening fencesandvegeta- Respect alsorequires understanding

JOHN BRENNAN

ROBERT BUELTEMAN O and theenvironment. life benefitsto health,theeconomy, significant, well-documented quality-of- through whichtheypass. Trails have reaching benefitsto thecommunities ally found amongtrail enthusiasts. more varied mixofvisitors thanisusu- fornia coast,thistrail willdraw afar sure. Because ofthediversity oftheCali- be astate resource andanationaltrea- completed California Coastal Trail will “most visitedstate inAmerica.”The million peoplewhomake California the nia andare akey attraction to the300 Venice BeachBoardwalk of CompletingtheCoastal Trail? What Would BethePublicBenefits Long-distance trails provide far- TORACTIVITIES UTDOOR engrained intheculture ofCalifor- are ULCBNFT FCMLTN H OSA TRAIL COASTAL THE COMPLETING OF BENEFITS PUBLIC income andemploymentopportunities.” sports activitiesprovide substantial erated from trail-related recreation and trails andhiking.[and]Revenues gen- economic, social,andhealthbenefitsof say, “communities are recognizing the next 50years.” Thereport goesonto backpacking andhiking.over the Service ispredicting asteepincrease in people, went hiking.TheUSDA Forest third ofAmericans, that’s 67million states, “Intheyear2000,almostone- sheet, nomic boonfor communities. Studies indicatethattrails are aneco- Economic Benefits The AmericanHikingSociety’s fact The EconomicBenefitsofHiking,

DON NIERLICH 17 stores, andmovie theatres. restaurants, hotels, campgrounds, retail attract visitors whowillspendmoneyat on therise. Long-distance trails serve to space values are highandtourism is omies are indecline, scenicandopen- traditional resource-dependent econ- studies. Ontherural northcoast,where to deliver thebenefitsindicated in these Ina1998National Park Servicesur- • A studyinBoulder, Colorado indicat- • A1995survey ofreal estate agents • Recreational trails were describedas • 2000Americansspent$213 In mil- • clusions: 18 The California Coastal Trail promises Many studiessupportthesecon- effect ontheirbusiness. that thetrail was havingapositive 35-mile MissouriState Trail reported vey, 61 businesseslocatedalongthe away from thepark. value ofthesameproperty 3,200feet would beone-third greater thanthe adjacent to aparkarea withtrails ed thattheaverage value ofahome sell ahome. ational trail would make iteasierto agents believed thatanearbyrecre- indicated that73percent ofthe in theDenver metropolitan area factor inchoosingahome. paths asthethird-most-important rated proximity to walking andbicycle can Lives, Inc. found thathomebuyers builders, anda1995studybyAmeri- by theAmericanAssociationofHome- potential homepurchasers conducted nity amenityina2002survey of the second-most-important commu- ing to theAmericanHikingSociety. $86 milliononsleepingbags, accord- backpacks, $78millionontents, and lion onhikingboots, $284millionon OPEIGTECLFRI OSA TRAIL COASTAL CALIFORNIA THE COMPLETING A trail designedto protect sensitive habitat Established, marked trails helpto • Trails provide corridors for animals • to natural areas inthecoastal zone. ing habitat, andproviding publicaccess for conserving theenvironment, protect- fornia Coastal Trail canbeapowerful tool If well-designed andmanaged,theCali- and Enhancement Environmental Protection accessible recreational amenities. ened bycontinuingpublicinvestment in of regional economies, isalsostrength- these areas, already a strong component The commercial tourism industryin in theeffort to attract newemployers. and helpto provide acompetitive edge enhance thequalityofresidential life public beachesandscenicopenspace ties ofcentral andsouthernCalifornia, In themore urbancoastal communi- resources. tive areas withoutdamagingthose experience environmentally sensi- mize impacts, enablingpeopleto channel humanusesoasto mini- areas. to travel between protected habitat

PHILIP SADLER munity to whichwe belong,we may Almanac, Aldo Leopoldsaidin the lives andhabitats ofothercreatures. benefits humanwell-being, butbenefits to actively connect withnature notonly heighten thesebenefits. Human desire wilderness areas inthecountry,only cities, andopenspace, farms, parks, and ways, parks, andtree-lined streets in spiritual well-being. positive effectonphysical, mental, and door activityhave animmediateand trails. Hikingandotherforms ofout- nitions convey thevery reason theyuse cally.” For millionsofpeoplethesedefi- defined “to refresh mentally orphysi- stimulates.” Theverb “recreate” is through someactivitythatamusesor “refreshment ofone’s mindorbody The noun“recreation” isdefinedas Recreation Quality-of-Life Benefits Development oftheCoastal Trail will • By encouraging nonmotorized trans- • Bringingpeopleinto closercontact • Pleasant surroundings suchasgreen- tion ofsensitive natural resources. between publicuseandtheprotec- assuring anappropriate balance ments oftheCalifornia Coastal Act, be subjectto allregulatory require- dioxide emissions.) spare theairof730poundscarbon for two milesof dailydrivingwill ing human-powered transportation pollutants. (Over oneyear, substitut- release ofcarbondioxide andother portation, trails mayreduce the trailside materials. through interpretive programs and age environmental stewardship and provide opportunitiesto encour- appreciation ofenvironmental values with natural resources willfoster an “When we seeland asacom- A SandCounty ULCBNFT FCMLTN H OSA TRAIL COASTAL THE COMPLETING OF BENEFITS PUBLIC Free recreation for children, youth,andadultsalongVenice Beach Lupine, SonomaCounty 19

DON NIERLICH DON NIERLICH sentiments. and theCoastal Trail caninspire these ers inanenvironmentally sensitive way, walk thecoastwant to share itwithoth- respect itsfragile beauty,peoplewho are happier;communitiesare stronger. encourages respect for nature. People ation contributesto personal healthand meaning thanjust“havingfun.”Recre- the costofskyrocketing healthcare. economic diversity andhealth,lower build supportfor parksandtrails, addto ty’s senseofplace, strengthen families, communities. Theyenhanceacommuni- the creatures onit. we humansmustsave thelandandall Trails leadmanypeopleto theideathat begin to useitwithlove andrespect.” Bicycling ontheCoastal Trail inLosAngelesCounty 20 People wholove thecoastcometo Recreation, then,hasamuchdeeper Recreational activitiesalsobenefit OPEIGTECLFRI OSA TRAIL COASTAL CALIFORNIA THE COMPLETING own bodiesinsteadofautomobiles. and we will save moneybyusingour we willhave lessreliance onfossil fuels, tion willdrop, airqualitywillimprove, improve, stress related to traffic conges- walk orrideto work, ourhealthwill regular useoftheautomobile andeither under. Ifwe asasocietyturnfrom the half ofalltripsare for three milesor trails existed. Studieshave indicatedthat that manypeoplewould bike to work if transport ourselves. Polls have shown own energy insteadoffossil fuel to drifted away from theideaofusingour the automobile. We asaculture have or acceptedinaculture dominatedby for recreation, isnotreadily understood from oneplaceto another—rather than portation—moving oneselforthings The conceptofusingtrails for trans- Transportation

STEVE HORN Public Health Benefits er, and maybe even happier and A multitude of scientific studies prove smarter.” This connection between trails, that regular exercise is good for mind nature, and health, as embodied in the and body. The American Heart Associa- Trails and Greenways movement to cre- tion suggests that a vigorous 30 to 60 ate greenways in and around cities, has minute walk three or four times a week been understood by outdoor adventurers can help to control weight, prevent and “nature lovers” for years. heart disease, decrease hypertension, Now, through improving accessibility relieve stress and depression, slow the to coastline trails, there is an opportuni- aging process, prevent and control dia- ty for many more people to experience betes, improve arthritis and relieve these healthful benefits. In a society in back pain. It is surprising to learn that which many people are overweight and in spite of this conclusive evidence chronic illness such as heart disease is only about fifteen percent of American rising, a lack of convenient access to adults participate in even moderate reg- recreational opportunities is commonly ular exercise. cited as a barrier to regular exercise. The Simply put, it is invigorating and ener- Coastal Trail will be close to millions of gizing to be in nature. As Francesca homes and workplaces and it can pro- Lyman writes in an article in the Trust vide a low-cost exercise alternative to for Public Land’s Land and People maga- indoor fitness facilities. Along with the zine, there is “a growing body of evi- many other trails systems that are slow- dence in a variety of disciplines—from ly growing, the Coastal Trail can make a biology to environmental psychology to significant contribution to encouraging landscape architecture—that natural sur- physical fitness and reducing public roundings may make us humans healthi- health costs.

PUBLIC BENEFITS OF COMPLETING THE COASTAL TRAIL 21 ning for theirmaintenanceandrepair. public useofthesefacilities andplan- ongoing expenditures for supervising numerous publichighways, etc., and interpretive signs, improvements to surfaces, installation ofdirectional and of-way, constructionofavariety oftrail tal outlayfor acquisitionofnewrights- required, includingbothone-timecapi- a variety offinancialcommitmentsare these publicrecreational experiences hike alongabarren bluff.To provide horseback ridethrough deepforest to a on aconcrete esplanade;andfrom a stroll onasandybeachto roller skating T The California Conservation Corpsworks onwildernesstrails. Completing andOperating theCoastal Trail? What Would BethePublicCostsof 22 offer experiences thatrange from a ECLFRI COASTAL CALIFORNIA HE OPEIGTECLFRI OSA TRAIL COASTAL CALIFORNIA THE COMPLETING Trail will in thisreport. dance withtherecommendations made complete theCoastal Trail inaccor- total capital outlaycostsnecessaryto to provide areliable estimateofthe trail improvement projects itispossible known costsofrecent acquisitionand site to site, bycomparisonwiththe improvement projects willvary from be describedfor thefollowing categories: costs ofcompletingtheCoastal Trail may estimate, theprincipalcapital outlay For thepurposeofproviding aplanning Acquisition andConstruction While thecostsofspecifictrail

KEN MCKOWEN Planning, design,environmental • Installation ofsigns, • Improvements to highway shoul- • Constructionofnew trails • Acquisition ofnew right-of-way • California Conservation Corpsworkers constructtrails throughout thestate. the above. analyses, andpermitting and interpretive perposes;and to usetheseroutes safely; ders utility; rural trails oflessersurfacing and fully accessiblepathways and(b) ing both(a)hard-surface, all-weather, acquisition oftrail easementsonly; both (a)feetitleacquisitionsand(b) for nonmotorized trails to enablenonmotorized traffic for directional , including ULCCSSO OPEIGADOEAIGTECATLTRAIL COASTAL THE OPERATING AND COMPLETING OF COSTS PUBLIC for allof , includ- costs cannotbeestimated withany planning purposes, theseextraordinary access supportamenities facilities, restrooms, andother and the of unusualenvironmental sensitivity; difficult topographic conditionsorareas be neededto provide trail continuityin raised embankments, etc., of bridging,stairways, boardwalks, volume traffic areas; the waterfront esplanades include the associated withtrails. Thesewould ational supportfacilities thatmaybe the trail, ortheindirect costsofrecre- substantially to thecostofcompleting account uniqueconditionsthatmayadd These categoriesdonottake into construction ofparking construction ofurban for high- construction . Even for that may 23

PEETER VILMS degree of accuracy in advance of specif- by easement or fee title, not the total cost ic project designs. of acquiring larger coastal parcels. Figure 1 (below) indicates the esti- These are rough estimates of capital mated number of miles within each outlay costs, for planning purposes. county for which capital improvements Reflecting that, a range of costs has would be required in order to complete been provided. More accurate cost esti- the trail as recommended in this report. mates would require the completion of Figure 2 (following page) indicates the site-specific studies—whether appraisals estimated cost of carrying out each cate- of property or designs and environmen- gory of activity. A range of costs has been tal analyses for construction—beyond provided for each category of capital out- the scope of this report. Nonetheless, lay activity, reflecting the variety of cir- some basic conclusions may be drawn cumstances along the 1,300 mile trail about the capital outlay costs of com- route. These cost estimates have been pleting the Coastal Trail: derived from actual Coastal Conservancy • Given the sensitivity of the Coastal project expenditures representative of Trail route, costs of planning, design, each type of action, adjusted for inflation environmental analysis, and permit- to current dollars. Estimated costs of ting will be substantial, and at many “land acquisition” assume the purchase of sites may exceed the costs of physi- public trail rights-of-way only, whether cal construction.

Figure 1. Improvements Needed to Complete the Coastal Trail: Estimated Linear Miles by County

Highway Acquisition/ Current Corridor Construction on Construction Improvements County Improvements Private Lands on Public Lands Adequate Totals Del Norte 4 miles 4 miles 17 miles 46 miles 71 miles Humboldt 3 miles 50 miles 9 miles 92 miles 154 miles Mendocino 54 miles 25 miles 7 miles 41 miles 127 miles Sonoma 26 miles 7 miles 4 miles 25 miles 62 miles Marin 17 miles 9 miles 66 miles 58 miles 150 miles San Francisco — — 2 miles 9 miles 11 miles San Mateo 21 miles 14 miles 33 miles 18 miles 86 miles Santa Cruz 6 miles 20 miles 10 miles 7 miles 43 miles Monterey 22 miles 20 miles 53 miles 34 miles 129 miles San Luis Obispo — 44 miles 7 miles 43 miles 94 miles Santa Barbara 37 miles 31 miles 3 miles 17 miles 88 miles Ventura 21 miles — 6 miles 25 miles 52 miles Los Angeles 22 miles 5 miles 25 miles 34 miles 86 miles Orange 11 miles 3 miles 3 miles 28 miles 45 miles San Diego 1 miles 37 miles — 71 miles 109 miles TOTAL 245 miles 269 miles 245 miles 548 miles 1307 miles

24 COMPLETING THE CALIFORNIA COASTAL TRAIL Figure 2. Estimated Capital Outlay Costs to Complete the Coastal Trail, by County (Estimate in Thousands of Dollars)

Trail Construction Highway Corridor Acquisition of New County Improvements1 Right-of-Way2 Hard Surface3 Rural4 Signing5 Totals6 Del Norte $600 $200 $1,900 $6,500 $1,200 $60 $10,260 Humboldt $500 $2,200 $22,500 $22,400 $700 $140 $46,240 Mendocino $8,100 $1,100 $11,300 $1,200 $3,800 $70 $24,470 Sonoma $3,900 $300 $3,000 $500 $3,900 $60 $11,360 Marin $2,600 $400 $3,900 $6,900 $9,700 $170 $23,270 San Francisco — — — $900 $50 $10 $960 San Mateo $3,200 $600 $6,400 $5,900 $1,800 $50 $17,350 Santa Cruz $1,000 $900 $9,100 $4,700 $3,200 $60 $18,060 Monterey $3,300 $900 $9,100 $20,200 $5,800 $160 $38,560 San Luis Obispo — $2,000 $20,000 $3,200 $5,700 $100 $29,000 Santa Barbara $5,600 $1,400 $14,000 $6,000 $2,500 $60 $28,160 Ventura $3,200 — — $2,400 — $20 $5,620 Los Angeles $3,400 $200 $2,100 $20,600 $100 $100 $26,300 Orange $1,600 $200 $1,600 $6,700 — $40 $9,940 San Diego $200 $1,600 $16,500 $15,200 — $100 $32,000 TOTAL $37,200 $12,000 $121,400 $123,300 $38,450 $1,200 $321,550

Notes: 1 Estimated cost per mile of trail: $150,000. Assumes four-foot paved improvement to existing highway right-of-way with minimal grading; includes all planning, design, and permitting costs. 2 Estimated cost per mile of trail: $45,000 to $450,000. Assumes twenty-five foot trail corridor, approxi- mately three acres per linear mile; range includes rural and suburban average values. 3 Estimated cost per mile of trail: $400,000. Assumes four-foot asphalt path with limited grading; includes all planning, design, and permitting costs. 4 Estimated cost per mile of trail: $130,000. Assumes five-foot natural surface trail with minimal grading; includes all planning, design and permitting costs. 5 Assumes approximately one sign per mile of trail. The estimated cost for existing trail segments is $500 per sign, assuming Coastal Trail demarcation will be attached to existing signs. The cost for segments identified as “Needs Substantial Improvements” is $1500 per sign. 6 Using the upper range of estimated acquisition costs.

• Costs of acquisition of new public (e.g., scenic, habitat, recreation) for rights-of-way needed to extend the which public acquisition would be trail across current private lands typi- a priority even without the Coastal cally will not be stand-alone costs. Trail route, and the total cost of public Most of the shorefront properties acquisition of these sites will be much across which the Coastal Trail will greater than the amount indicated as extend are sites of multiple resources needed for the Coastal Trail alone.

PUBLIC COSTS OF COMPLETING AND OPERATING THE COASTAL TRAIL 25 the 2,100-mile AppalachianTrail, which public trail system intheUnitedStates: the successfulexperience ofthelargest volunteer trail managementcandraw on corridors. Astatewide program fostering resource lands thatwould provide trail land trustsintheacquisitionofcoastal involvement of nonprofit community be compatiblewiththeincreasing gram. Volunteer participation would also Coastal Commission’s Adopt-a-Beach pro- trans’ Adopt-a-Highway program andthe programs thatalready exist, suchasCal- This would beconsistentwithsuccessful trail operation andmaintenanceefforts. community volunteer participationin through aprogram encouraging local Coastal Trail shouldbecontrolled rights-of-way. management ofnewlyacquired trail Coastal Trail would beprincipallyfor the costs associatedwithcompletingthe parklands, theaddedadministrative Coastal Trail already exist withinpublic distributingdescrip- Creating and • Personnel andequipmentto • Personnel andequipmentto pro- • general categories: use ofpublictrail facilities fall into three The administrative costsofsupporting Operation andMaintenance 26 Future publiccostsofoperating the Because substantial portionsofthe tive andguidanceinformation maintain andrepair trail systems ment oftrail systems vide supervisionandmanage- resource properties. reasons for publicpurchase ofcoastal a publicbenefitthatwould addto the of-way notasanewpubliccost,but accurate to viewthenewtrail rights- This suggeststhatitmaybemore OPEIGTECLFRI OSA TRAIL COASTAL CALIFORNIA THE COMPLETING Volunteer trail crew endsahard day’s work. benefits ofthetrail. would reduce State costsandmaximize program ofpublic involvement that provide thefoundation for along-term Coastal Trail information portal would tial format andcontentof anelectronic State investment indeveloping theini- State contributions. Arelatively small the costofanInternetsitethrough non- time to provide asignificantportionof advocates, itshouldbepossibleover ties) andwithpublicprivate tourism clists, equestrians, persons withdisabili- principal usergroups (e.g., hikers, bicy- groups representing segmentsofthe conjunction withnonprofit advocacy information to potentialtrail users. In of theCoastal Trail, andfor distributing volunteer participationinmanagement means oforganizing andencouraging tion ofmore than4,000trails activists. agement relies onavolunteer organiza- for itsdevelopment, operation, andman- The State shouldusetheInternetasa

DON NIERLICH T and Resource Concerns Environmental Impacts beach thatisavaluable recreational surroundings: apaved pathalongthe these varied landscapes, itwillmirror its areas. AstheCoastal Trail passesthrough forests, openfarmlands, anddenseurban expansive blufftop grasslands, wilderness Too manypeoplecanharmsensitive tidepoolinhabitants. to CompletingtheCoastal Trail Issues andConstraints: Challenges ECATO CALIFORNIA OF COAST HE many identities—sandybeaches, SUSADCONSTRAINTS AND ISSUES has Providing trail designsthatare appro- • wood forests ofDelNorte County. front would beinappropriate for thered- asset onthevibrant LosAngeleswater- : should berecognized: tal impact,” several distinctissues the general headingof“environmen- ing theCoastal Trail concept.Under most difficultaspectofimplement- priate to localcontexts maybethe HLEGST OPEIGTECATLTRAIL COASTAL THE COMPLETING TO CHALLENGES 27

CARLA CHENAULT PLOVERS Nesting season for Plovers is from March Western snowy plovers are small shore- to September. In an attempt to recover birds that breed on Pacific coast beaches plover populations, portions of beach are from Mexico to Washington. The Pacific periodically closed to afford greater pro- coast population was listed as threat- tection. Beach closures may necessitate ened under the federal Endangered the designation of alternative routes for Species Act. Declining populations are portions of the Coastal Trail that pass primarily a result of habitat loss due to close to nesting sites during times of the urbanization. Of the remaining popula- year most critical to plover breeding. tion of plovers, 70–80 percent nest on California beaches. Plovers seek many of the same characteristics in a breeding beach that humans seek for recreation. Plover habitat consists primarily of coastal wetlands and coastal dunes. Plovers nest in the sand high on the beach where they will easily be able to detect predators. Joggers, off-leash dogs, all-terrain vehicles, and even kite KEN GARDINER flyers conflict with Plover nesting. Western snowy plover, Pescadero Beach

• The shoreline is habitat to a great informal access. Projects using such variety of marine and terrestrial designs should include plans to mon- plants and animals, and many of itor the impacts of public use, to these species are threatened or identify any further mitigation endangered as a result of habitat loss needs, and to aid in future designs. through human intervention. Pre- • Development of the Coastal Trail sys- European cultural artifacts are also tem should include an emphasis on found on many nearshore sites. Trail public education. Through well- routing and construction will be designed directional signing and required to meet stringent regulatory interesting interpretive displays, in standards and to avoid or minimize conjunction with the efforts of site potential impacts to sensitive habi- docents, it should be feasible to pro- tats. To realize the basic vision of a vide substantial public access oppor- continuous near-shore trail, extraor- tunities even at highly sensitive sites. dinary design efforts will be required Strong volunteer organizations can to protect these resource areas. assist public agencies to manage pub- • Within or adjacent to sensitive habi- lic use, and to conduct long-term tat areas, trail improvements can monitoring studies. help to channel public use so as to minimize impacts. The installation of Many rare and endangered animal a wooden boardwalk within a sensi- species seek protection along the beaches tive dune system or adjacent to a of California to breed and raise their wetland may increase total public young. Northern elephant seals, which access yet result in fewer environ- were hunted nearly to extinction in the mental impacts than uncontrolled, 1800s, now return every year to several

28 COMPLETING THE CALIFORNIA COASTAL TRAIL ment ishometo oneofthemostcom- coastal stewards. Thecoastal environ- best way to create acommunityof learning abouttheseecosystemsisthe Encouraging publicaccessthatincludes protect whattheyare ableto see. entry to afewpersons perday. docent-led accessprograms mayrestrict ing, whileatothersitesusepermitsor due to sealpuppingorsnowyplover nest- along thecoastincludesseasonaldetours beach. Already, accessto someareas affect theabilityofpublicto usethe these, nowand inthefuture, willdirectly adopted for thesesensitive areas. Someof a variety oflegalprotections have been habitat thatmayaccompanyhumanuse, understanding ofthethreats to natural throughout theyear. Withanincreased creatures reside inthe intertidalarea sandy beaches. Wetland andtidepool western snowyplovers laytheireggson their pups. California leastternsand California beachesto breed andraise such astheseelephantsealsin San LuisObispoCounty. Wildlife watchers needto betaught orreminded notto disturbwildanimals, People are more likely to want to SUSADCONSTRAINTS AND ISSUES Northern elephant sealwithpup coast awondrous place. the resources thatmake theCalifornia on thatenvironment, helpingto protect help to managetheimpactsofvisitors Completing theCoastal Trail should Coastal Trail shouldhighlightitsriches. plex ecosystems onearth,andthe : HLEGST OPEIGTECATLTRAIL COASTAL THE COMPLETING TO CHALLENGES

CARLA CHENAULT 29

ANTHONY GALVAN Trail Project alsomustbeconsidered. associated withtheCalifornia Coastal dents andvisitors, somecomplex issues and indirect benefitsto California resi- enjoy thecoast. residents andvisitors to accessand and therightsofrest ofCalifornia’s between coastal property owners’ rights Trail proponents willbeto find abalance sea. Oneofthechallengesfor Coastal haps beyondthesightandsoundof pelled to useroutes farther inland,per- beach orbluff,trail users willbecom- line structures prevent passagealonga bring peopleto thecoast.Where shore- and lostto thepublic. tected butsomebeacheswillbeflooded level rises, shoreline homesmaybepro- less room for theCoastal Trail. As the sea opportunities for coastal recreation and sion. Diminishedbeachesallowfewer are suspectedofaggravating beachero- migrate inland.Inmanyareas seawalls boundary ofbeachesthatwould naturally ing beachwidthandfixingthelandward erected directly onthebeach,diminish- homes orprotective structures have been Coastal Trail. Insomecoastal areas, ability oflandrequired to completethe public accessandalsoreduced theavail- reaches ofthecoast,have diminished beaches andatop bluffs alongsome revetments andseawalls, built behind Homes andotherstructures, including that hastaken placeinrecent decades. atop coastal bluffs and alongbeaches ed bytheextensive private development Perhaps thegreatest challengeispresent- Private Development W Concerns and Institutional Legal, Administrative, 30 A majorgoaloftheCoastal Trail isto OPEIGTECLFRI OSA TRAIL COASTAL CALIFORNIA THE COMPLETING Trail willprovide countlessdirect IETECALIFORNIA THE HILE Coastal Structures onthebeachlimitcontinuous access. Beach structures mayputhikers indangerwhenwaves are high. Houses onthebeachmayblockaccessto thepublicshore athightide.

PEETER VILMS DON NIERLICH RICHARD NICHOLS the GoldenGateBridgeis being promot- Cross-Marin Trail from Point Reyes to ple, inMarinCounty,theproposed thus reducing userconflicts. For exam- through establishing separate routes, accommodate different modesofuse a footpath maybepossible. constraints andinsome places only natural features willimposesome recreation. Topography andother be ableto accommodateallmodesof possible. However, notall areas will California Coastal Trail asinclusive as to include allusergroups andmake the opportunities. Every effort willbemade others seekimproved coastal recreation wheelchair users, roller-bladers, and Hikers, joggers, bicyclists, equestrians, Conflicts amongUsers the State Parks Department. the process ofturningover Fort Ord to on Monterey Bay:theU.S.Armyisin it. Thisapproach hasproved successful does arise, theagencieswillbeready for be maintained, sothatifanopportunity the foreseeable future, adialoguemust Although accessmaynotbepossiblein consistent withsecurityrequirements. maximum degree ofpublicaccessthatis or private landholders to provide the need to work incooperation withpublic oceanfront. gory, occupyingsignificantswaths of largest coastal landholders inthiscate- Marine CorpsBaseare someofthe Weapons Station, andCampPendleton Air Force Base, Point MuguNaval Air Diablo CanyonPower Plant,Vandenberg ly becauseofconcernsaboutsecurity. from whichthepublicisexcluded, large- ties occupylarge portionsofthecoast various privately orpubliclyownedutili- Both theUnitedStates armedforces and Development Public andQuasi-Public In manyareas itshouldbe possibleto In thesesituations, State agencies SUSADCONSTRAINTS AND ISSUES In HalfMoonBay,walkers and bicyclistsshare thetrail withequestrians. user advocacy groups to disseminate cies shouldseektheinvolvement of mitted alongasingleroute, publicagen- wide range ofuserdemands. developing sufficientfacilities to meeta tion, assistingenforcement efforts, and providing assistance withusereduca- support thesemanagementefforts by the Coastal Trail system,theState can State, orlocalagencies. Indeveloping management entities, whetherfederal, generally theresponsibility oflocal use facility. conversions provide anear-shore multi- for hikers, whileproposed rails-to-trails sandy beachmaybethepreferred route ers. Inareas ofthesouthcoast, vide aparallel course for mountain bik- roadway alongtheruggedhillscanpro- the “braided trail” concept,aprimitive ers andequestriansbut,inkeeping with access to thetrail neartheshore to hik- Park, thewildernessdesignationlimits shore wildernessarea. InSinkyoneState within thePoint Reyes National Sea- tion to therestriction onvehicular use ed bybicycleadvocacy groups asasolu- : Where multiple modesofuseare per- Specific limitations ontrail usesare HLEGST OPEIGTECATLTRAIL COASTAL THE COMPLETING TO CHALLENGES 31

PEETER VILMS ties intheplanningprocess. be onethatincludesallinterested par- ly, thebestCoastal Trail alignmentwill munication isnotmaintained. Ultimate- misunderstandings anddelaysifcom- project completed,butitcanalsocause groups canbeadvantageous to seeinga ects. Theexistence ofmanyinterested are, andwillbe, implementingtrail proj- tions, parkdistricts, andlandtrusts who tain communicationswith localjurisdic- the planningprocess willneedto main- pleted successfully.Core participantsin essential iftheCoastal Trail isto becom- Maintaining interagency coordination is Interagency Coordination along thetrail. and encouraging respect andcourtesy acceptable environmental parameters tive meansofkeeping thetraffic within pressure are likely to bethemosteffec- constraints. Publiceducationandpeer information aboutrulesandresource Crossing rivers onarailroad trestle maybehazardous to walkers. 32 OPEIGTECLFRI OSA TRAIL COASTAL CALIFORNIA THE COMPLETING under way to convert someofthecoastal relatively lowcost.Localefforts are now tinuous pathsfor nonmotorized travel at vide uniqueopportunitiesto develop con- version ofrailroad rights-of-way maypro- alternative. expensive, butmayalsobethesafest sage over orundertherailroad are structures enablingnonmotorized pas- needs to beinvestigated. Engineered ty ofestablishing more railroad crossings tate accessalongthecoast,possibili- resisting newgrade crossings. To facili- maintain physicalbarriers andgenerally ple orproperty, frequently seeking to ensure thattrains willnotendangerpeo- liability issues, make great efforts to Railroad operators, aware ofsafetyand tracks create barriers to legalaccess. shoreline, andatmanylocationsexisting cross railroad rights-of-way to reach the Conflicts arisewhenpublictrails must Railroad Rights-of-Way At thesametime, adaptation orcon-

RICHARD NICHOLS tain the natural features oftrails. In improve accesswiththedesire to main- need for man-madeimprovements that especially inseekingto balancethe lishing ADA designguidelinesfor trails, Board hashadsomedifficultyinestab- door recreation facilities. TheAccess working to develop guidelines for out- accessibility standards, iscurrently agency responsible for developing ADA (ADA). Thefederal Access Board, the the AmericanswithDisabilitiesAct facility andtherefore mustcomplywith The California Coastal Trail isapublic Disabilities Act The Americanswith Cruz, Orange, andSanDiegoCounties. projects underconsideration inSanta corridors, withpotentialmajoradaptation railroad rights-of-way to recreation trail Nicholas CanyonCountyBeach SUSADCONSTRAINTS AND ISSUES

LARRY WAN Leo CarrilloState Park Mother’s Beach new Coastal Trail segmentsshouldbe guidelines. benefits ofimplementingtheproposed with themananalysisofthecostsand for publiccommentandwill include release itsoutdoor recreation guidelines 2003, theAccess Board isexpected to : In theabsenceofformal guidelines, HLEGST OPEIGTECATLTRAIL COASTAL THE COMPLETING TO CHALLENGES 33

LARRY WAN LARRY WAN ln tt ihas1and101 to the along State Highways ranging from shoulderimprovements travel. Thesesolutionsmaybevaried, solutions thatwillsupportallmodesof cooperatively with Caltrans to develop advocates andparksagencies work along thecoast,itisessentialthattrail feasible alternative for continuoustravel where State Highways provide theonly environmental sensitivity.Incases phy, existing private development, or The limitations maybedue to topogra- outside oftheexisting roadway corridor. ited opportunitiesto develop anytrail areas alongthecoastthere are very lim- provide anon-highway route, insome the objective oftheCoastal Trail isto route for nonmotorized travel. Although Trail willprovide acontinuouscoastal 1and101, theCoastal along Highways tem provides acontinuouscoastal route motorized andnonmotorized travel. throughout thestate, supporting both early 1850sinto a15,000-milenetwork California’s miners andmerchants inthe evolved from dirtsupplyroads usedby owned andmaintained byCaltrans, has 100 years. Today’s transportation system, state’s populaceandcommerce for over infrastructure for themovement ofthe portation (Caltrans) hasbeenproviding The California DepartmentofTrans- California Coastal Trail of Transportation andthe The California Department State Highways 1and101: ments astheyare completed. disseminated for newCoastal Trail seg- This information shouldbecollectedand the trail meetstheiraccessibilityneeds. type, andwidth cantellusers whether ahead. Information suchasslope, surface ing thephysicalconditionoftrail signs shouldprovide information regard- users where topography permits, and designed to provide accessto multiple 34 As theCalifornia State Highway sys- OPEIGTECLFRI OSA TRAIL COASTAL CALIFORNIA THE COMPLETING Hikers have to share thenarrow BixbyBridgeinBigSurwithhighway traffic. Caltrans signs warn motorists to respect bicyclistswhoshare thehighways. Hikers onthehighway shoulder:State Highway 1inMendocinoCounty

CARLA CHENAULT RICHARD NICHOLS LINDA HANES tional supportofalternatemodes along existing coastal roadways. Addi- Oregon border to theMexico border identifies aroute for bicyclistsfrom the the Pacific CoastBicycleRoute, which conditions for allusers. Projects include and hasworked to establish safetravel nonmotorized users alongState facilities Caltrans right-of-way. facility for nonmotorized users withina development ofaseparated, off-road Sharing theright-of-way withmotor vehicles, Santa Barbara County Caltrans hasbeenvery supportive of SUSADCONSTRAINTS AND ISSUES First Century (“TEA-21”). portation EquityAct for theTwenty- travel, inparticularthefederal Trans- port infrastructure for nonmotorized allocates transportation fundsto sup- federal transportation legislationthat design ofnonmotorized facilities. providing guidelinesfor signingand Travel” (DD-64)andotherdocuments tion of“Accommodating Nonmotorized transportation isevidentinthepublica- : There isalsosignificantState and HLEGST OPEIGTECATLTRAIL COASTAL THE COMPLETING TO CHALLENGES

STEVE HORN 35 W Bicycle Coalition Executive Director, California MORFAS CHRIS Coastal BicycleTravel by all.Signsindicatingdestinations, expected andapproached withcourtesy bicyclists andhikers ifthisdualuseis ly, unpaved trails canbeenjoyedbyboth parents withbabystrollers, etc. General- share thosefacilities withjoggers, skaters, standards, sothatbicyclistscansafely trips. Paved trails shouldmeetCaltrans that enjoyshortbike ridesaspartofcar the road withthem. that motorists are encouraged to share roads accommodatethemproperly and coast are bestserved byensuringthat tunities, cycliststraveling alongthe Horses andBicyclesontheCoastal Trail Route willserve asCoastal Trail bicyclepaths. Parts ofCaltrans’s coast-longPacific CoastBike 36 Recreational trails canserve families OPEIGTECLFRI OSA TRAIL COASTAL CALIFORNIA THE COMPLETING IEMN TRAILS MANY HILE ful recreational bicyclingoppor- provide use-

JON VAN COOPS missible underCalifornia law,could safety ofpedestriansandbicyclists, per- Reducing speedlimitsto enhancethe by modifyingthebehaviorofmotorists. enhance coastal bicycletravel would be Highway 101 ontheOregon coast. designed examples ofhowto doitalong clists, andCalifornia canseesomewell- Highway 1couldbemadesaferfor bicy- sections ofState Highway 101 andState tally undesirable. Nevertheless, many enormously expensive andenvironmen- cent to sensitive natural areas—can be roads—frequently locatedwithinoradja- lane, orshoulder, efforts to widencoastal provided withawideoutsidelane, bike urban streets orrural highways canbe bicyclists ischallenging.Whilemany intersections are very helpful. points ofinterest, andapproaching road Perhaps themost cost-effective way to Improving coastal roads to include

SUNSHINE E Trails Council President, Santa MonicaMountains GERSON RUTH Include EquestrianUses The Coastal Trail Should calbike.org. California BicycleCoalitionatwww. tion onthistopic, youcanreach the coastal experience. For more informa- wondrous beautythatistheCalifornia and motorists canbothsafelyenjoythe seconds to execute asafepass, bicyclists as motorists are willingto slowfor afew ways isvital. Inmostinstances, aslong that bicyclistsdoindeedbelongonroad- enforcement inreminding motorists be heard from again.Therole oflaw off therightsideofroad, maynever southbound bicyclistswho,iftheyfall the road isespeciallyimportant for tion bymotorists oftheneedto share without leavingthelane. Therecogni- row for amotorist to passabicyclist the fulltravel laneifthatistoo nar- nia Vehicle Codeallows abicyclistto use roads are oftennarrow, andtheCalifor- use theroadway. Travel lanesoncoastal motorists recognize abicyclist’s rightto ing roads withmotorists, solongas skilled andvery capableofsafelyshar- ing alongthecoasttendto behighly environment. establish amore cooperative roadway the California Coastal Trail ispresented the effort to develop amulti-usetrail. If for theneedsofhorses andriders. ing thetrail willbearinmind andplan concerned withdesigningandcomplet- California Coastal Trail ifallagencies an communitycansupporttheproposed for accessto publiclands. Theequestri- advocating for expanded opportunities Attitudes matter, too. Bicycliststravel- Advocates for trails shouldendorse USRA TRAILS QUESTRIAN been involved for manyyears in groups have On awildernesstrail inRancho Palos Verdes, Los AngelesCounty Bicyclists usetheCoastal Trail for recreation andtransportation. fied andaccommodated. of trail users mayalsoneedto beidenti- cling, andhorseback riding.Othertypes monly acceptedonesbeinghiking,bicy- multi-user facility, withthe mostcom- consider therange ofusestypicala use Coastal Trail, youneedto honestly minded to suggestionsfor atruemulti- project hasabuilt-inbias. To beopen- trail users asanafterthought,thenthe as ahikingtrail thatwillconsiderother OSSADBCCE NTECATLTRAIL COASTAL THE ON BICYCLES AND HORSES 37

GORDON LEON CARLA CHENAULT and Federal Parks already have land ship. Where CountyParks, State Parks, lands thatare already inpublicowner- emphasize continuedpublicaccessto developing theCoastal Trail would beto Connectionswithothertrails sys- • Atrail thatisaway from thesounds • Trailheads thatare notpaved andare • Opportunitiesfor overnight camping • Parking facilities thatare large • Trailhead parkingthatisashortdis- • Ready accessto theCoastal Trail from • users, theCoastal Trail shouldprovide: 38 Another important consideration for To address theneedsofequestrian and HikingTrail. bone Trail, and theCalifornia Riding the Santa MonicaMountains Back- as theJuanBautista deAnza Trail, their scenicandhistoric values, such ing theonesalready recognized for accommodate equestrianuse, includ- tems thathave beendesignedto ways as muchaspossible;and and dangers ofroads andmajorhigh- not excessively rocky orslippery; vehicles every day; wildlife, withouthavingto drive their rises andsunsets, marinevistas, and fully enjoytheexperience ofsun- along thetrail, sothatusers may if theycannotparktheirrigs; equestrians cannotaccessthetrail enough for trucksandtrailers, as access to thetrail; tance from the trail andoffers safe roads androadway underpasses; ing widedirtshoulders alonglocal local feeder/connector trails, includ- OPEIGTECLFRI OSA TRAIL COASTAL CALIFORNIA THE COMPLETING Rancho Palos Verdes tem alongtheCalifornia coast. develop andmaintain apublictrail sys- equestrian communityto theeffort to the opportunityto addthevoice ofthe the National Park Service. We appreciate Monica Mountains Conservancy, and ly withCalifornia State Parks, theSanta Santa MonicaMountains, working close- with expanding publicaccessinthe Council hasbeeninvolved for 30years those presentations. fits from thediscussionthatensuesfrom responsible agency,andeveryone bene- from attendingpresentations bythe age attendance. Thepublicbenefits with plentyofadvance noticeto encour- along, publichearingsshouldbeheld public lands. geous to alignthetrail through those along thecoast,itwould beadvanta- The Santa MonicaMountains Trails As theCoastal Trail project moves

GORDON LEON Creating an Image for the Coastal Trail: A Signing and Graphics Program

HE CALIFORNIA COASTAL Trail will Tbe a statewide feature linking many distinctive communities along the Cali- fornia coastline. Because of its length and the wide variety of landscapes through which the Coastal Trail will run, the cre- ation of a coordinated signing program is of central importance. Certainly, signs will be needed to guide trail users and provide them with practical information. More essential, however, is the need to weave the diverse strands and segments of the trail into a unified whole. Our challenge is to identify and define the Coastal Trail conceptually as a single entity in a manner that is flexi- ble enough to accommodate the wide Too many signs can detract from the enjoyment of a trail. variety of landscapes, jurisdictions, and user groups encompassed by the Califor- nia Coastal Trail. The following goals, objectives, and standards have been for- that signing efforts not contribute to mulated to address this challenge. visual clutter and degrade scenic resources. Primary Goals: Objectives of the Signing • Create a graphic identity for the Program for the California Coastal Trail. Coastal Trail: • Designate the route of the Coastal • Present necessary information in a Trail. manner that is clear, informative, • Preserve the scenic beauty of the and sensitive to the scenic beauty of California coastline. natural and man-made landscapes. • Create a variety of sign formats that Accomplishing these goals will entail can be easily and inexpensively inte- the installation of stand-alone signs that grated with existing signing programs. identify the route and provide compre- hensive information, as well as the • Comply with local land use regula- placement of small “blazes” or insignias tions and Coastal Act requirements. that can be added to existing trail mark- • Provide local jurisdictions with sign- ers. At the same time, it is important ing guidelines.

CREATING AN IMAGE FOR THE COASTAL TRAIL: A SIGNING AND GRAPHICS PROGRAM 39 Conduct adesigncompetitionto • Priority Actions: undertaken withinthenext year. mended thatthefollowing actionsbe signing program are met,itisrecom- In order to assure that thegoalsof way andtheconstructionofpathways. the trail astheacquisitionofrights-of- ing program is asintegral to completing tions andmillionsofdollars. Thesign- public agenciesandnonprofit organiza- years-long project involving hundreds of ADA-compliant portionsofthetrail • Signsshoulduseinternationalsym- • ThelocationofCCT staging areas • Signagealongmajorinlandconnect- • signsfor Identification theCoastal • General Standards: location orjurisdiction. portions oftheCoastal Trail regardless of general standards can be appliedto most existing trail system.However, certain the Coastal Trail follows theroute ofan lic landmanagers inthoseareas where gram shouldbeto coordinate withpub- Avoid theproliferation ofduplicate • Supplement,notreplace, localtrail • 40 Completing theCoastal Trail willbea The intentofastatewide signingpro- for theCoastal Trail. develop agraphic identifier(logo) should beclearlyindicated. bols asmuchpossible. and majorroadways. should beindicatedfrom highways Coastal Trail. ing trails shoulddirect users to the cial features. areas, trailheads, junctions, andspe- Trail should beplacedatallstaging signs. designations. OPEIGTECLFRI OSA TRAIL COASTAL CALIFORNIA THE COMPLETING indicate publicaccessways to beaches. Signs like thisoneatMarinadelRey, LosAngeles County, InitiatediscussionswithCaltrans to • Work withfederal, State, andlocal • Develop detailed signingstandards in • the principalroute oftheCoastal Trail. Highways 1and101 where thoseare develop asigningprogram for State the trail. Trail logoonexisting portionsof jurisdictions to displaythe Coastal tion over portionsofthe trail. and localagencieshavingjurisdic- close cooperation withfederal, State,

DON NIERLICH Recommendations for Action: Statewide Policy Initiatives

HE ADMINISTRATION and the Legis- ity, pursuant to ACR20. State Parks Tlature should consider the following: should complete its evaluation of accessibility conditions along the 1. Commitment to Completing the principal trail routes within park Coastal Trail. The State should con- units to identify priority areas for sider making a long-term commit- actions that would increase accessi- ment to completing the Coastal Trail, bility for children, seniors, and per- including designating funding sources sons with disabilities, including both for completion, maintenance, and trail improvements and information- repair. The Legislature should consid- al signing. er designating a portion of the State’s share of the federal Land and Water 4. All State Programs Should Sup- Conservation Fund for this purpose. port Completing the Coastal Trail. Whenever a State agency uses or 2. Integrate the Coastal Trail into grants funds as a part of a land acqui- State Transportation Plans. The sition project within the coastal zone, California Transportation Commis- the acquiring agency or organization sion should consider incorporating should provide an easement for non- the Coastal Trail into the State Trans- motorized public passage along the portation Improvement Program, existing or potential route of the and Caltrans should consider empha- Coastal Trail. sizing improvements to nonmotor- ized traffic safety. Where Highways 1 5. Eliminate Shoreline Obstructions. or 101 provide links in the Coastal Wherever practical, existing man- Trail, the Coastal Conservancy and made structures that impede public the Coastal Commission should work access along the shoreline should be with Caltrans to identify priority sites removed or redesigned to facilitate and design feasible means of imple- public access. To avoid the loss of menting shoulder widening and public recreational access where new other improvements for nonmotor- shoreline development is proposed, ized traffic safety. the State Lands Commission should provide review and comment as 3. Use the Coastal Trail to Increase requested by the Coastal Commis- Accessibility to State Recreational sion regarding the current location Facilities. The Coastal Trail should of the mean high tide line. be incorporated into the State Out- door Recreation Plan as a State facil-

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ACTION: STATEWIDE POLICY INITIATIVES 41 three years: should beaccomplishedover thenext ing projects (listedfrom northto south) within eachcoastal county,thefollow- .Supportimplementation ofthe 1. Humboldt County SupportState Parks intheireffort to 5. Complete thepedestrianandbicycle 4. Designandbuildmulti-usetrails 3. Encourage Caltrans to design 2. Work withprivate landowners to 1. Del Norte County T Projects to ImplementtheCoastal Trail Recommendations for Action: 42 boldt Bay. system around theeastsideofHum- Study to develop acontinuous trail Humboldt BayTrails Feasibility ty to connect withthecoastal trail. recently acquired MillCreek proper- provide inlandtrails withinthe the Crescent CityHarborTrail Study. access improvements describedin City withTolowa DunesState Park. George headland,connectingCrescent across therecently acquired Point St. State Highway 101. River andtheKlamathRiver along bicycles atthecrossings oftheSmith improvements for pedestriansand Oregon. in theCoastal Trail from California to crossing to create aclearcontinuity design improvements attheborder tions oftheCalifornia Coastal Trail OPEESIGNIFICANT COMPLETE O OPEIGTECLFRI OSA TRAIL COASTAL CALIFORNIA THE COMPLETING por- A siteonthefuture Crescent CityHarborTrail, DelNorte County .Completetheextension oftheHam- 2. The HammondTrail isbeingextended inHumboldtCounty. Arcata andEureka. bridge south,developing linksto mond Trail from theMadRiver

LINDA HANES DIANE MUTCHIE .Work withprivate landowners to 1. Mendocino County Encourage Caltrans to design 6. Work withprivate landowners to 5. Using abandonedrailroad right-of- 4. Restore theHammondTrail pedestri- 3. Pudding Creek trestle, Mendocino County improve atrail corridorconnecting acquire publicaccessrightsand Eel River andMattole River. bicycles onthebridgescrossing the improvements for pedestriansand to CapeMendocino. al locationsfrom CentervilleBeach acquire publicaccessrightsatsever- communities. with BlueLake andotherinland access to thecoastbylinkingArcata Trail to encourage nonmotorized way, develop theAnnieandMary River. an/bicycle bridgeacross theMad EOMNAIN O ACTION FOR RECOMMENDATIONS Completed sectionoftheAnnieandMaryTrail, HumboldtCounty .State Parks shouldcompleterestora- 2. with thecityofFort Bragg. connect MacKerricher State Park tion ofthePuddingCreek trestle to ing State Park. Usal Road andWestport-Union Land- : RJCST MLMN H OSA TRAIL COASTAL THE IMPLEMENT TO PROJECTS 43

RIXANNE WEHREN JEN RICE .Encourage State Parks to extend the 2. Work withprivate landowners to 1. Sonoma County Work withprivate landowners to 5. Work withprivate landowners to 4. Complete asystemoftrail improve- 3. Caspar State Beach,MendocinoCounty existing trails within SaltPoint State 44 River Parcel Analysis Study. ommendations oftheNorth Russian State Park, consistentwiththerec- Regional Park, andFort Ross Historic Salt Point State Park, Stillwater Cove improve atrail corridorconnecting acquire publicaccessrights and Point Arena Pier. Manchester State Beachandthe improve atrail corridorconnecting acquire publicaccessrightsand Cove andtheAlbionHeadlands. bluffs from DarkGulchto Albion acquire publicaccessrightsalongthe Jug HandleState Reserve. Headlands, CasparState Beach,and Park, Point CabrilloReserve, Caspar that willconnectRussian GulchState ments separate from State Highway 1 OPEIGTECLFRI OSA TRAIL COASTAL CALIFORNIA THE COMPLETING Salt Point, SonomaCounty .Work withprivate landowners to 3. of State Highway 1. to provide safepedestrianaccesswest Park andFort Ross State Historic Park port facilities. blufftop trail andrecreational sup- State Park, for thedevelopment ofa extending northward from SaltPoint rights west ofState Highway 1 acquire additionalpublicaccess

MENDOCINO LAND TRUST Point CabrilloLightStation, MendocinoCounty

LINDA HANES POINT CABRILLO LIGHTKEEPERS ASSOCIATION .Completeadesignplanfor pedestri- 5. Provide safepedestrianaccesssepa- 4. View from Kortum Trail, SonomaCounty Blufftop neartheEstero Americano,SonomaCounty an andbicycleaccessthrough the North SalmonCreek Beach. Beaches unitsatWright’s Beachand between theSonomaCoastState the extension oftheKortum Trail rate from State Highway 1through EOMNAIN O ACTION FOR RECOMMENDATIONS

DON NIERLICH State Highway 1,BodegaBay,SonomaCounty .Work withprivate landowners to 6. Bodega BayandEstero Americano. acquire publicaccessrightsbetween State Highway 1. the current safetyproblems along improvements neededto alleviate ing specificlandacquisitionand community ofBodegaBay,includ- : RJCST MLMN H OSA TRAIL COASTAL THE IMPLEMENT TO PROJECTS

JON BREYFOGLE JAMIE SCHMIDT 45 .Encourage theGGNRAto develop 5. Work withPoint Reyes National 4. Work withtheGoldenGateNational 3. Work withprivate landowners to 2. Work withprivate landowners to 1. Marin County View ofTomales Bayfrom Highway 1,MarinCounty 46 raphy permits. trails closerto thecoastwhere topog- ern extents ofthepark. ous trail from the northernto south- through theparkto create acontinu- Seashore to connect existing trails les Bayandwest ofState Highway 1. Parks to acquire parcels eastofToma- Recreation Area (GGNRA)andState ing ranchlands. ed to minimize conflictswithwork- Bay, andinstall improvements need- tected openspaceeastofTomales obtain trail easementsacross thepro- Estero AmericanoandDillonBeach. acquire publicaccessrightsbetween OPEIGTECLFRI OSA TRAIL COASTAL CALIFORNIA THE COMPLETING as theytraverse active ranch lands. At Tomales Bay,inMarinCounty,hikers canwalk amongcattle

CARLA CHENAULT CARLA CHENAULT

CARLA CHENAULT .Designandconstructtrail improve- 5. Work withSanMateoCountyand 4. Encourage theNational Park Service 3. Encourage Caltrans to assure pedes- 2. Work withpublicandprivate 1. San MateoCounty Constructstairs over thewastewater 3. Encourage theU.S.ArmyCorpsof 2. AssisttheNational Park Serviceto 1. San Francisco County management. suitable agency for permanent easements to State Parks oranother Purisima Farms, andtransfer these easements onCowell Ranch and ments alongtheexisting publictrail Reserve. tion oftheFitzgerald Marine construct atrail onthelandward por- private landowners to design and Pedro Point Headlands. lic properties atMoriPoint andthe construct trail segmentsonthepub- and theCityofPacifica to designand nent management. property to theGGNRAfor perma- way atDevil’s Slide, andtransfer this abandoned State Highway 1right-of- trian andbicycleaccessalongthe to Pacifica. the SanFrancisco Countylinesouth trail west ofSkylineBoulevard from landowners to designandconstructa Funston. outfall pipeonthebeachbelowFort south ofSloatBoulevard. any effort to control beacherosion lic trail andbicycleaccessaspartof Engineers to ensure permanentpub- Highway 1andBaker Beach. Lincoln Boulevard between State design andconstructatrail along EOMNAIN O ACTION FOR RECOMMENDATIONS Wastewater outfall onthebeachbelowFort Funston, SanFrancisco County Devil’s Slide, SanMateoCounty : RJCST MLMN H OSA TRAIL COASTAL THE IMPLEMENT TO PROJECTS 47

PRENTISS WILLIAMS STAN BLUHM .Work withState Parks to complete 3. Completetheenvironmental analy- 2. Work withtheSanta CruzCounty 1. Santa CruzCounty Work withState Parks to designand 7. Work withthePeninsula OpenSpace 6. Artist’s rendition oftheproposed trail atWhaler’s Cove, SanMateoCounty 48 open theproperty to the public. Gray WhaleRanch property and the coastal trail segmentacross the and constructthetrail. the Trust for PublicLandandothers, Dairies property incooperation with alignment through theformer Coast sis anddesignofaprincipaltrail trail from Davenport to Watsonville. of-way anddevelop themulti-use to acquire theformer railroad right- Regional Transportation Commission habitat areas. that willavoid degrading sensitive way 1through AñoNuevo State Park construct atrail west ofState High- improvements ontheseproperties. Parks to designandconstructtrail Point properties, andencourage State Parks oftheWhaler’s Cove andBolsa Trust to facilitate transfer to State OPEIGTECLFRI OSA TRAIL COASTAL CALIFORNIA THE COMPLETING Railroad corridor, Santa CruzCounty .Work withtheU.S.ArmyCorpsof 6. Encourage andassistinthecomple- 5. Work withSanta CruzCountyto 4. the Coastal Trail. Pajaro River andconnectthem to systems alongbothsidesofthe terey Countiesto completethetrail Engineers andSanta CruzandMon- Scenic Trail. tion oftheMonterey BaySanctuary Capitola to theCountyline. to identifyatrail alignmentfrom State Parks, andprivate landowners Live Oakandwork withtheCounty, identify atrail alignmentthrough

CARLA CHENAULT MARCUS LIV PAINTING .Encourage Caltrans to completethe 3. Encourage the Pebble Beach Compa- 2. Encourage andassistinthecomple- 1. Monterey County View ofGray WhaleRanch from belowWilderRanch State Park, Santa CruzCounty Coast Highway ManagementPlanand such use. lic financialassistance to facilitate Forest Lake Road, andprovide pub- Drive between Cypress Point and nonmotorized accessalong17-Mile and CarmelBeach,to improve Monte Forest andbetween Asilomar existing trail systemsintheDel ny to maintain publicaccessto the Scenic Trail. tion oftheMonterey BaySanctuary EOMNAIN O ACTION FOR RECOMMENDATIONS Bicyclist onHighway 1inBigSur, Monterey County : RJCST MLMN H OSA TRAIL COASTAL THE IMPLEMENT TO PROJECTS 49

LEE OTTER CARLA CHENAULT .Work withpublicandprivate 3. ImplementtheEast-West Ranch 2. Designapublictrail west ofState 1. San LuisObispoCounty Encourage theU.S.Forest Serviceto 7. AssistState Parks to reestablish the 6. Provide apublictrail connection 5. Encourage thedevelopment ofa 4. Canyon Power Plant,SanLuis ObispoCounty Beach closure for security concerns, Diablo 50 landowners to acquire publicaccess property. ing accessto thisrecently acquired lic trail andsupportfacilities provid- Management Planto develop apub- acquire necessaryaccessrights. work with private landowners to degrading sensitive habitat areas, and safe pedestrianaccessthatwillavoid line southto SanSimeonto provide Highway 1from theMonterey County Highway 1andtheCoastRidgeTrail. along theseaward slopebetween State develop atrail through theforest and State Park. Coastal Trail through Garrapata across DeerRidgeto PfeifferBeach. from Andrew Molera State Park to thecoast. Ranch thatwill provide connections trail network through Palo Corona along State Highway 1inBigSur. improve pedestrianandcyclingsafety OPEIGTECLFRI OSA TRAIL COASTAL CALIFORNIA THE COMPLETING

CARLA CHENAULT San LuisObispoCounty Informal trails attheEstero Bluffs Property, .Work withprivate landowners to 2. Work withprivate landowners to 1. Santa Barbara County SupportState Parks’ work withpri- 6. ConstructtheMorro BayWaterfront 5. AssistState Parks to develop atrail 4. Park andGaviota State Park. Highway 101 between Refugio State acquire publicaccessrightswest of Park andGaviota State Park. Highway 101 between JalamaCounty acquire publicaccessrights west of Plant property. through theDiabloCanyonPower alternative to acoastal blufftop trail Avila Beach, asafeasiblenear-term Montaña deOro State Park with through theIrishHills, connecting develop apublictrail corridor vate landowners to acquire and Morro BayNational Estuary. Boardwalk alongtheeastsideof property. the recently acquired Estero Bluffs and associatedaccessfacilities on property. South CambriaandtheEstero Bluffs along theHarmonyCoastbetween rights anddevelop ablufftop trail

CARLA CHENAULT .Designarecreational accesstrail 2. AssistCaltrans inevaluating and 1. Ventura County AssistCaltrans inevaluating and 4. AssistSanta Barbara Countyto 3. Along theroute oftheproposed river parkway, Santa Clara River, Ventura County the coastfrom inlandcities. encourage nonmotorized accessto along theSanta Clara River to and MusselShoals. corridor between theCountyline opportunities alongtheHighway 101 improving nonmotorized access Beach. County Park and CarpinteriaState 101 corridorbetween RinconBeach opportunities alongtheHighway improving nonmotorized access Gaviota Coast. parallel to Highway 101 alongthe and bicycletrail improvements design andimplementpedestrian EOMNAIN O ACTION FOR RECOMMENDATIONS Eroded shoreline atSurfer’s Point, Ventura County .Restore thepedestrianandbicycle 3. Surfers’ Point (CountyFairgrounds). pathway damagedbyerosion at : RJCST MLMN H OSA TRAIL COASTAL THE IMPLEMENT TO PROJECTS 51

COURTESY PETER BRAND STEVE HORN .Facilitate continuouslateral access 2. AssistCaltrans inevaluating and 1. Los AngelesCounty Provide pedestrianandbicyclepaths 5. Encourage theU.S.Navy to provide a 4. Aerial viewofOrmondBeach,Ventura County .Work withtheCityofOxnard to 6. 52 Carrillo State Beachto thecitylimit. along theMalibushoreline from Leo through Malibu. bicycle andpedestrianimprovements Caltrans andlocalagencies to extend near Temescal Canyon.Encourage ning oftheSouthBayBicyclePath Leo CarrilloState Beachto thebegin- the State Highway 1corridorfrom improving nonmotorized accessalong sensitive habitat areas. opportunities andavoid impactsto Arnold Road to improve beachaccess support facilities attheterminusof design andconstructrecreational Port Hueneme. wetlands, to connectwiththetrail in restoration oftheOrmondBeach in conjunctionwithplanningfor with military securityrequirements. Center, Port Hueneme, consistent on theNaval ConstructionBatallion shoreline publicaccessconnection OPEIGTECLFRI OSA TRAIL COASTAL CALIFORNIA THE COMPLETING State Highway 1corridor, Malibucoastline, LosAngelesCounty .Extendthepedestrian/bicyclepath 4. LinktheinlandportionsofSanta 3. to PlayadelRey. trians andcyclistsacross thechannel the seasonalferryservicefor pedes- jetty ofMarinadelRey, andsupport from Washington Street to thenorth plete theCoastal SlopeTrail. and develop improvements to com- to acquire necessaryrights-of-way Conservancy, andtheCityofMalibu Parks, theSanta MonicaMountains the National Park Service, State ation Area withthecoastbyassisting Monica Mountains National Recre-

AIRPHOTO USA

DON NIERLICH .Completeimprovements of“missing 4. Encourage localagencylandacquisi- 3. Encourage localagencyefforts to 2. Implementthe plannedState High- 1. Orange County AssisttheCitiesofLosAngelesand 5. Los AngelesCounty Coastlink Ferry demonstration project, Beach andDanaPoint. between thecitiesofLaguna 1 way bicycle accessadjacentto State High- links” to provide safepedestrianand Wilderness Park. to thecoastfrom LagunaCoast to provide apublicaccessconnection tions, trail design, anddevelopment coast from AlisoCreek Regional Park. to provide atrail connectionto the acquire publicaccessrightsnecessary work with private landowners and nonmotorized trail. ington Beachto create aseparated Beach andAnderson Street inHunt- improvements 1 between Seal way Beach to theLosAngelesRiver Trail. edge oftheharborarea from Cabrillo around thewestern andnorthern ous pedestrianandbicycletrail Long Beachinproviding acontinu- EOMNAIN O ACTION FOR RECOMMENDATIONS

DON NIERLICH Marina delRey bicyclepath,LosAngelesCounty Laguna CoastWildernessPark. Crystal Cove State Park, Orange County, serves as acoastal connectionto .Supporttheeffort bytheCityofSan 5. right-of-way west ofState Highway 1. an andbicycletrail alongtherailroad Clemente to provide asafepedestri- : RJCST MLMN H OSA TRAIL COASTAL THE IMPLEMENT TO PROJECTS 53

CARLA CHENAULT DON NIERLICH .Designand constructatrail linking 5. Completeimprovement ofthe 4. Designarecreational accesstrail 3. Supportlocalagencyefforts to devel- 2. Encourage theU.S.MarineCorpsto 1. San DiegoCounty 54 in theTijuanaRiver Estuary. planning for habitat restoration with- Imperial Beach,inconjunctionwith Ysidro communityandthecityof Border FieldState Park withtheSan Diego Bay. Bayshore Bikeway around SouthSan from inlandcities. age nonmotorized accessto thecoast along theSanDiegoRiver to encour- of CarlsbadandDelMar. of State Highway 1between thecities along therailroad right-of-way west op asafepedestrianandbicycletrail pedestrian use. to consideropeningthistrail to military securityrequirements, and bicycle trail whenconsistentwith reopen theCampPendleton coastal OPEIGTECLFRI OSA TRAIL COASTAL CALIFORNIA THE COMPLETING Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve, SanDiegoCounty Beach atBorder FieldState Park, SanDiegoCounty

JIM KING JIM KING What Do the Map Symbols Mean?

Needs Substantial Improvements (red line) In these areas, substantial public actions are needed to: (1) acquire and develop new rights-of-way to estab- lish the location of the California Coastal Trail; or (2) increase accessibility through major new trail improvements on existing public lands.

Improvements Adequate (green line) In these areas the location of the California Coastal Trail is well established and open to the public, and major improvements to increase accessibility are unnecessary or infeasible.

Pacific Coast Bicycle Route (blue dotted line) The route of the Pacific Coast Bicycle Route estab- lished by the Department of Transportation

Connecting Trails (thin black line) Major trails promoting nonmotorized access to the coast from inland communities, including both exist- ing trail systems and those currently in planning or development

Continuous Shoreline Passage (blue hatched shading) These portions of the California coast, including both sandy beach and rocky shorefront, are open to the public and continuously passable for able-bodied per- sons during most tides and times of the year. (NOTE: This designation does not imply a lack of need for additional points of vertical access to the shoreline.)

Parklands (pink areas) These areas include federal, State, and local parklands.

WHAT DO THE MAP SYMBOLS MEAN?55

Acknowledgments

COASTAL TRAIL WORKING GROUP

California Coastal Commission Linda Locklin Jon Van Coops Greg Benoit Doug Macmillan Helmut Gieben State Parks Ken McKowen Coastwalk, Inc. Stan Bluhm Jon Breyfogle Nancy Graves Tom McFarling Richard Nichols Don Nierlich Susana Nierlich Tim Reed Rixanne Wehren Coastal Conservancy Steve Horn Carla Chenault Jamie Schmidt Prentiss Williams

This report could not have been pre- pared without the substantial assistance received from the staff members of many State, local, and federal agencies, and from lots of local volunteers. Thank you all.

Preparation of this Report Editing: Rasa Gustaitis, Hal Hughes Design and composition: Seventeenth Street Studios Cover photo: Richard Nichols Printing: ADMAC Digital Imaging For further information and updates on the California Coastal Trail, see: www.californiacoastaltrail.info