Big News! The Cotoni-Coast Dairies Public Access Plan is Live
Big news! Today, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) released its proposed Public Access Plan for Cotoni-Coast Dairies. The plan can be accessed in its entirety here. The BLM did a great job on this plan - there’s something for everyone! It includes comprehensive public access that balances a diverse range of interests and management goals. We’re excited by the opportunities presented in this plan, and look forward to seeing this responsible and diverse public access realized.
So, with this plan out, where are we in the planning process? We’ve wrapped up the public scoping and comment periods, and this plan is now available for public comment to those who have previously participated. We’re very excited about this proposed plan, and there’s no need for public action at this time unless you wish to protest the plan. Following this call for public comment, the plan will be shared with the California Coastal Commission, the California Department of Transportations (CalTrans), the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), the County of Santa Cruz, and the City of Santa Cruz (Water Department) for additional consultation before and throughout the implementation process.
Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty - future trail development and access points. There are two planned development phases, with 17.5 miles of trails planned for Phase 1 and 9.08 miles of trails planned for Phase 2. The connection to all planned San Vicente Redwoods trails will be prioritized in Phase 1 of development. Trails will also connect to the North Coast Rail Trail, and will be a mixture of hike/bike, hike/horse, and multi-use designations. 26.6 miles of trail will be open to hikers, 12.5 miles of trail will be open to equestrians in RMZ3, and 18.6 miles of trail will be open to cyclists.
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Dogs will be allowed in certain areas of the property, but only if on a leash. Class 1 and 2 e-bikes will also be allowed on trails with bicycle access. Archery hunting will be allowed in RMZ2 through a special permit program. The base of Warrenella Road will serve as a trailhead for all northern trails in development, and Marina Ranch (located between Laguna and Yellow Bank) will be a trailhead for all the southern trails. Finally, CCD will be open for day-use only, with certain exceptions made for traditional cultural practices, research, and education.
While there’s a lot to like about the way the BLM plans to manage Cotoni-Coast Diaries, one particularly important feature is that it paves the way forward for vegetation and fire management. With the northern portion of the CCDNM property recently burned by the CZU Lightning Complex Fires (as well as in the 2009 Lockheed Fire,) we’re proud to see the BLM being aggressive and proactive about fuel management.
This management plan is decades in the making, and has included input from dozens of stakeholders. Until the mid-1700s, Cotoni-Coast Dairies was Costanoan/Ohlone land, and when pulling together this access plan, the BLM worked closely with the Amah Mutsun Land Trust. CCD was also held under Spanish and Mexican land grants, and sometime in the early 1900s, it fell under the ownership of Coast Dairies and Land Company and the Portland Cement Company. In 1998, it was acquired by the Trust for Public Land, and then donated to the BLM in 2014. At the very end of the Obama administration in 2017, it was made a National Monument with required public access through Presidential Proclamation 9563. We’re excited to have the opportunity to protect, enjoy and appreciate the natural and cultural importance of this land through sustainable, responsible public access.
Thank you to everyone who wrote a letter, came to a public meeting, and spoke up about this project! We made our collective voice heard, and made an impact on future trails and outdoor access for all.
We’ve been supporting the management planning of this land for years. To learn more about the Cotoni-Coast Dairies National Monument and read recaps of the public comment and scoping periods for this project, please visit our full webpage focused on CCDNM.
