BLM Gives Final Approval for Cotoni-Coast Dairies Trail Development
Cotoni-Coast Dairies is on track for development of 27 miles of new coastal trails for hikers, cyclists, equestrians, and more thanks to your support. Trails developed in the years ahead have been designed to mitigate wildfire risk and respect the sensitive habitats and wildlife present on the property, including coho salmon, steelhead trout, California red-legged frogs, mule deer and mountain lions.
Get excited! 27 miles of brand-new trail is in our future. Yesterday, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) approved its finalized management plan to guide trail development and use throughout Cotoni-Coast Dairies National Monument. This is a goal we and so many others have been working toward for decades, and it’s all thanks to amazing supporters like you.
Cotoni-Coast Dairies comprises nearly 6,000 acres of coast-facing property that will offer visitors both challenging terrain and jaw-dropping ocean views. Thanks to the hundreds of Santa Cruz Mountains Trail Stewardship supporters who spoke up during public comment periods in 2019 and 2020, this land is nearly ready for shovels in the dirt!
In partnership with the BLM, our team will build all 27 miles of trail in phases over the next few years (more on that below), and flagging has already begun. Following this latest approval, we’ve entered a 30-day appeal period for implementation-level decisions that ends on July 23, 2021. We are planning to begin construction of Cotoni-Coast Dairies trails in fall 2021, and hope to have trails open to the public in summer 2022. There will be volunteer opportunities throughout the construction period, so keep your eyes peeled for updates on that front!
YOU can help keep the momentum going by donating to support construction at Cotoni-Coast Dairies today (link here). The goal is to raise a total of $3 million for trail development ($2 million) and long-term trail maintenance ($1 million). So far, we have raised $1 million through grants and generous donations from businesses and individuals. Join us as a proud Cotoni-Coast Dairies donor!
We’ll continue to share major trail development updates to our newsletter audience as they happen. Are you signed up to receive news from our team? Click on the button below to get Cotoni-Coast Dairies updates first.
Construction Phases and Trail Details
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.
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 (currently scheduled for phase 2 of development). 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 Dairies, 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.
Cotoni-Coast Dairies History and Partnerships
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 are making an impact on future trails and outdoor access for all.
