County EJ Element Heads to Planning Commission – Why Trails Should Be Included

On October 8th, the Santa Barbara County Planning Commission will review the Draft Environmental Justice (EJ) Element. This planning effort is an important step toward addressing inequities in access to nature and recreation. Yet the current draft does not fully recognize the role that trails can play in advancing these goals.

Many trailheads across the county are located 10–20 miles away from where people live. For residents in Environmental Justice Communities (EJCs)¹, this distance can be a real barrier. Expanding trail access closer to homes would provide affordable, equitable opportunities for exercise, community connection, and time in nature.

Other County initiatives show how impactful these efforts can be. The Healthy People Healthy Trails initiative connects outdoor activity with public health goals, while programs like the Carpinteria AgeWell program highlight how guided hikes and community events encourage active living. These are strong models for how trail access can support healthier communities.

As written, the EJ Element misses a clear opportunity. Two draft policies should be amended:

• Policy 1: Promote Public Facilities in EJCs → should include trail infrastructure as a public facility for recreation.
• Policy 3: Promote Physical Activity in EJCs → should emphasize trail access as a proven, affordable way to support access to nature and leading an active lifestyle.

If trails are not elevated in the final EJ Element, Santa Barbara County risks overlooking one of the most effective tools for achieving environmental justice in outdoor recreation.

Read more about our Environmental Justice Initiatives.

1. EJ Communities include Cuyama, New Cuyama, Ventucopa, Garey, Sisquoc, Casmalia, and Los Alamos. ↩