Something Old, Something New
The Trails Council has been advocating for trails since its inception. Trail advocacy is more vital than ever in our rapidly changing world. The surge in demand for outdoor recreation underscores the need for well-maintained and accessible trails that cater to a diverse range of users seeking physical activity and a connection with nature. Simultaneously, new threats, including encroaching development and the impacts of climate change, jeopardize trail access and quality. Furthermore, evolving community needs emphasize the importance of trails as crucial infrastructure for public health, economic vitality, and social well-being. Our work as trail advocates plays a pivotal role in addressing these challenges by securing funding, protecting trail corridors, promoting responsible use, and ensuring that trails continue to serve the evolving recreational and environmental needs of communities for generations to come.
Current and Ongoing Issues
The timelines for trail advocacy can span decades or require emergency response. Community support is needed at each juncture. Please get in touch with us to add your voice to advocating for the following:
- Preventing the paving over a rustic section of the historic Hot Springs Trail
- The trail-related proposals in the countywide Recreation Master Plan and changes to County ordinances
- Completing the California Coastal Trail along the Gaviota Coast
- Improving and expanding trails in three State Parks on the Gaviota Coast
- Planning, funding, and construction of the proposed Santa Ynez River Trail
- Adding new trails between Jalama County Park and Hollister Ranch
- Expanding and improving access to the Point Sal Reserve trail network
- Planning and funding the proposed Santa Maria River Trail from Guadalupe to Santa Maria
- Completing the California Coastal Trail across Hollister Ranch
Successful Advocacy Track Record
The successes we have had over the last half-century have been many, and some have faded from our memory. Here is a partial list from the recent past to the distant past. Some are continually in progress despite achieving notable milestones.
- Trail maintenance funding from SCE for multiple trail organizations in anticipation of Mission Canyon trails being closed for six months
- Seed funding and early-stage support for Bodger Trails in Lompoc
- Research and publication of a definitive route for the California Missions Trail in Santa Barbara County
- Paradiso del Mare coastal trail, bridge, and parking lot OTD and funding
- Franklin Trail planning, funding, and construction
- Baron Ranch trails planning, funding, construction, and habitat restoration
- Trail repair after the Thomas, Alisal, and Lake Fires
- Rice Ranch trail network planning, funding, and construction
- Midland School trail network planning, funding, and construction
- Publication of the Gaviota Coastal Trail & Access Study in 2013
- Securing Ellwood Mesa coastal development permit for the City of Goleta
- Establishing the Atascadero Creek Bikeway that was renamed Obern Trail in 2004
- Creation of the County Riding and Hiking Advisor Committee over 40 years ago
- Adding existing and new trails proposed in Community Plans to County Maps
