ACTION ALERT! San Vicente Redwoods Trails Plan Under Threat! Speak Up!
In June Santa Cruz County approved the development permit for San Vicente Redwoods which cleared the way for trail construction of the 38 mile new trail network to begin this winter. Despite all of the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County’s hard work to put together a plan that puts a premium on conservation while still providing public access, the permit was appealed to the Coastal Commission. MBOSC believes that the appeal is unsubstantiated. The appeal will be heard at hearing of the Commission on September 11th (See item 14 on the agenda for details). Please voice your support for this project and get us back on track to begin new trail construction this winter.
You can help make sure this project comes to fruition by writing a letter or sending an email in support by this Friday, September 6th.
California Coastal Commission
725 Front Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
[email protected]
SAMPLE LETTER:
Here is sample language you can use in your email/letter. Personalizing the note would be best. Re: San Vicente Redwoods Access Improvements Dear Commissioners, I am writing today in regards to the appeal filed against San Vicente Redwoods access improvement. I believe that this appeal is not substantive and request that the project be permitted to move forward for the following reasons:- The project provides a coastal recreation opportunity of statewide significance
- The design and management approach avoids and minimizes impacts to sensitive habitats
- The permit requirements and Conservation Easement ensure that natural and scenic resources will be protected
BACKGROUND ON THE APPEAL:
The appeal addressed four specific concerns. 1) the County’s approval did not adequately demonstrate that the approved project is the least environmentally damaging alternative; 2) the required monitoring and reporting are inadequate and it is not clear whether or how the public can provide input on these; 3) cumulative impacts related to increasing public use of the trails over time were not adequately addressed; and 4) coordination, planning, and management with adjacent landowners and public access sites has been inadequate.
The Land Trust’s public access plan for San Vicente Redwoods addresses all of these concerns specifically and was developed through an extensive public process allowing for public feedback. The access plan for this property was developed with very stringent constraints placed around environmental impacts and includes a very comprehensive plan to monitor and mitigate environmental and public safety impacts. For this reason we believe the appeal to be unsubstantiated. For more background on the appeal on Coastal Commission staff response you can read the Coastal Commission staff report on the subject here.
MORE INFORMATION:
FAQ on the trails Land Trust Newsletter article The Access Plan Coastal Commission's staff report