On the agenda at Wednesday night's Midcoast Community Council meeting, the Coastal Trail Committee gave a summary of the work, goals, and steps needed to complete the Midcoast California Coastal Trail, including approving a draft letter to new Parks Director Marlene Finley about establishing trails between Pillar Point and the Montara Lighthouse.
Patch asked the Midcoast Community Council to provide more information about the Midcoast California Coastal Trail and the work that needs to be done to make this project a reality. MCC vice chair Lisa Ketcham answered the following questions from Patch:
1) What is the Midcoast California Coastal Trail?
"The CA Coastal Trail (CCT) is a statewide project. The San Mateo County Midcoast portion of the CCT traverses the unincorporated communities of Miramar, Princeton, Moss Beach, and Montara, passing through areas with significant commercial and residential development, as well as parklands with a variety of grades and surfaces. There are several completed trail sections - Mirada Surf, Pillar Point Harbor, and Fitzgerald Marine Reserve (FMR)."
2) Why should Coastsiders care?
"Mostly only locals know the best coastal walking experience from Princeton to Montara Lighthouse, traversing Pillar Point Bluff, and the high bluff trail in FMR, using local streets when necessary. This route does not have CCT wayfaring signage. Where signage does exist, it often directs trail users away from the sight, smell, and sound of the coast. Airport Street is a prime example, signed as the CCT between Princeton and FMR, bypassing Pillar Point Bluff and Seal Cove neighborhood with their spectacular ocean views. Another example is the FMR CCT signage of only the new multi-use trail hidden from the ocean along the inland side of the reserve, which gives no indication of the walkable bluff top trail with ocean views."
3) What needs to be done to make this trail a reality?
"Prescriptive trail easement across private land on Pillar Point Bluff. Wayfaring signage to direct trail users to "walkable coastline" or level street bike threads of the trail, and road stubs providing scenic viewpoints. Safe highway crossings for the trail to cross to the east side and use local streets in Montara."
4) How can residents get involved?
• Monitor MCC website for this and related issues: www.MidcoastCommunityCouncil.org
• Sign Montara Coastal Access online petition: http://tinyurl.com/montaracoast
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