2025 Project Update
Report published in 2013 and widely distributed to stakeholders in 2014.
Project History
Location:
County of Santa Barbara | Gaviota, CA
Description:
The Gaviota Coastal Trail & Access Study provides a single, accessible source of information on existing and planned coastal access along the 20 miles of the Gaviota Coast between the City of Goleta and Gaviota State Park. The 130‑page study, developed to supplement the County’s 2013 Gaviota Coast Plan, identifies opportunities and constraints for completing a nearshore alignment of the California Coastal Trail and enhancing coastal access. Through extensive fieldwork, aerial photo reviews, past environmental documents, and County GIS data, the study offers a detailed analysis of rights of way, public land ownership, sensitive habitats, agricultural areas, cultural resources, and bluff retreat characteristics, as well as formal and informal coastal access points, parking, and other trail corridor features. Two community workshops were hosted to gather public input on design, alignment, and coastal access improvements. In 2013, the report received awards for excellence from the American Planners Association and the Association of Environmental Planners. The report is available for download here: https://sbtrails.org/gaviota-coastal-trail-and-access-study/
Client:
Santa Barbara County Trails Council
Funding:
Trail planning was funded by a $15,000 grant from the UCSB Coastal Fund and private donations
Ben Botkin, Project Manager/Environmental Planner
Contact: 805-568-2470; jvanwie@co.santa-barbara.ca.us