DATE: May 15, 2007
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT: Preserving the California Riding and Hiking Trail in San Diego County
SUMMARY:
In 1945, the California Riding and Hiking Trails Act was adopted by the State Legislature identifying a State Loop Trail that was to extend from Mexico to Oregon. The California Riding and Hiking Trail is routed through National Forests, State Parks, private property, scenic and historical areas. The State acquired easements, agreements, and permits to establish the trail. The responsibility for the trail is currently with the State of California Department of Parks and Recreation.
The State Parks Department would like to transfer the easements and agreements on private lands associated with the California Riding and Hiking Trail to the County to be incorporated into the County trail network. The State Parks Department has already transferred easements in other counties. The County of San Diego now has an opportunity to continue to provide access to the trail for the public’s enjoyment.
Today’s action will direct the Chief Administrative Officer to investigate the feasibility of obtaining trail easements and agreements from the State for the California Riding and Hiking Trail.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Supervisor Dianne Jacob:
- Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to investigate the feasibility of the State of California transferring its easements and agreements to the County of San Diego for the portions of the California Riding and Hiking Trail located within the land use jurisdiction of the County.
- Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to return to the Board of Supervisors within 60 days with a feasibility report regarding the transfer of the easements and agreements along with an estimation of costs to complete due diligence with the State and to construct and maintain the trail.
FISCAL IMPACT:
No fiscal impact.
BACKGROUND:
In 1945, The California Riding and Hiking Trails Act was adopted by the State Legislature identifying a State Loop Trail that was to extend from Mexico to Oregon. The California Riding and Hiking Trail is routed through National Forests, State Parks, private property, scenic and historical areas. The State acquired easements, agreements, and permits to establish the trail. The responsibility for the trail is currently with the State of California Department of Parks and Recreation.
The California Riding and Hiking Trail serves as the back bone to the regional trails system in San Diego County. The State Parks Department would like to transfer the easements and agreements on private lands associated with the California Riding and Hiking Trail to the County to be incorporated into the County’s trail network. The State Parks Department has already transferred easements in other counties. The County of San Diego now has an opportunity to continue to provide access to the trail for the public’s enjoyment.
Today’s action will direct the Chief Administrative Officer to investigate the costs and feasibility of the County’s obtaining trail easements, and agreements from the State for the California Riding and Hiking Trail. If the County obtains these trail segments, approximately an additional 50 miles of trail would be under the County’s purview.
I urge your support!
DIANNE JACOB
Supervisor, Second District
