The Trails Council has drafted a set of recommended amendments for the County of Santa Barbara Planning Commission to consider. These amendments address potential significant impacts related to Recreation, Land Use, Policy Inconsistencies, and Agriculture/Grazing. The report is organized in appendices 1A through 1F and includes findings that we believe should be addressed during the environmental review process, particularly concerning coastal access at Edwards Point.
Appendix 1A: Recommended Findings of Significant Impacts to Recreation
The Planning Commission disagrees with the EIR regarding impacts to Recreation and has identified that the loss of existing coastal access at Edwards Point would constitute a potentially significant and unavoidable impact. This conclusion is based on several key factors:
- Existing Recreational Use at Edwards Point: Historical surveys and photographic evidence submitted by the Trails Council show frequent public use of Edwards Point, which is significantly higher than indicated in the Environmental Impact Report (EIR). The public access includes diverse groups like surfers, fishers, hikers, and beach walkers. The ongoing use of this area for public recreation is substantial and should be considered a significant resource under CEQA.
- Inconsistency with State and County Policy: Both the State Coastal Act and the County’s Local Coastal Plan (LCP) emphasize the protection and provision of coastal access. Policy inconsistencies arise as the proposed development would interfere with historic and ongoing access to Edwards Point. The County’s LCP specifically requires expanded access to areas like Edwards Point, yet the proposed development threatens to block or eliminate this access.
- Significant Impacts to Public Recreation: The development of large residential estates near Edwards Point would physically block public access routes to the shoreline. Additionally, the use of security measures such as guards and cameras could further limit access. Furthermore, the proposed alternative access at Las Varas Creek fails to mitigate the loss of access at Edwards Point due to challenges with funding, permits, and access limitations during certain tides.
Summary of Key Findings:
- Importance of Coastal Access: The Gaviota Coast already has limited public access, and providing new access is challenging and expensive. The proposed development could further limit access to an area that serves an important recreational role.
- Expert Input and Evidence: The Trails Council and the County Riding and Hiking Trails Advisory Committee (CRAHTAC) have both recommended that the loss of access at Edwards Point be treated as a significant impact. The Trails Council is recognized for its expertise in trail design and public access, and their input is critical in understanding the extent of the impact.
- Failure of Proposed Mitigation: The Las Varas Creek Trail, which could provide alternative access, faces significant barriers and uncertainties. Even if completed, it would not fully replace the existing access at Edwards Point.
The Trails Council urges the Planning Commission to carefully consider these findings and adopt the recommended amendments to ensure that the public’s right to access the coast is preserved.
Download the full report: EIR Impact & Policy Consistency Analysis, Las Varas Ranch