COASTAL CONSERVANCY. Staff Recommendation December 4, 2008 TIMBER COVE COASTAL TRAIL FEASIBILITY STUDY

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1 COASTAL CONSERVANCY Staff Recommendation December 4, 2008 TIMBER COVE COASTAL TRAIL FEASIBILITY STUDY File No Project Manager: Matthew Gerhart RECOMMENDED ACTION: Authorization to disburse up to $200,000 to the Sonoma County Regional Parks Department to prepare a feasibility analysis and environmental documentation for coastal trail access through the Timber Cove area in northern Sonoma County. LOCATION: Timber Cove, Sonoma County PROGRAM CATEGORY: Public Access EXHIBITS Exhibit 1: Project Location Map Exhibit 2: Timber Cove Area Map Exhibit 3: Northern Sonoma Coast Tier One Opportunities Exhibit 4: Timber Cove HOA Meeting Synopsis and Outline Exhibit 5: Project Letters RESOLUTION AND FINDINGS: Staff recommends that the State Coastal Conservancy adopt the following resolution pursuant to Sections of the Public Resources Code: The State Coastal Conservancy hereby authorizes the disbursement of an amount not to exceed two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000) to the Sonoma County, Regional Parks Department (Sonoma County) to prepare a feasibility study and environmental documentation for coastal trail access through the Timber Cove area, subject to the following conditions: 1. Prior to the disbursement of funds, Sonoma County shall submit for the written approval of the Conservancy s Executive Officer a work program, including schedule and budget, and the names of any contractors it intends to retain for the project. 2. To the extent appropriate, Sonoma County shall incorporate the guidelines of the Conservancy s Standards and Recommendations for Accessway Location and Development and all applicable federal and state guidelines for disabled access into the public access feasibility study. Page 1 of 7

2 TIMBER COVE COASTAL TRAIL FEASIBILITY STUDY Staff further recommends that the Conservancy adopt the following findings: Based on the accompanying staff report and attached exhibits, the State Coastal Conservancy hereby finds that: 1. The proposed project is consistent with the Project Selection Criteria and Guidelines, last updated by the Conservancy on September 20, The proposed authorization is consistent with the purposes and objectives of Chapter 9 of Division 21 of the Public Resources Code, regarding public access to and along the coast. 3. The project will serve greater than local needs. PROJECT SUMMARY: Staff recommends the Conservancy authorize the disbursement of up to two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000) to Sonoma County, Regional Parks Department (SCRPD) to prepare a feasibility study and environmental documentation for coastal trail access through the Timber Cove area in northern Sonoma County (Exhibit 1). The feasibility study will include outreach to the Timber Cove community to develop alternatives for the alignment of a section of the California Coastal Trail connecting Stillwater Cove Regional Park to Fort Ross State Historic Park (Exhibit 2). The proposed project would implement the recommendations of Completing the California Coastal Trail (Conservancy 2003), which identifies this portion of the Sonoma Coast as a high priority for furthering the Conservancy s goal of connecting the entire coast of California via public access from Mexico to the border of Oregon. Specifically, the report recommends working with private landowners to design a public trail connecting Stillwater Cove Regional Park to Fort Ross State Historic Park. The proposed project is also consistent with the Tier One recommendations from the Sonoma Land Trust s Russian River/North Coast Parcel Analysis study, funded by the Conservancy, and completed in 2002 (Exhibit 3). The project will identify the most feasible alignment of approximately three miles of California Coastal Trail through the small coastal community of Timber Cove on the northern Sonoma Coast. Tucked along Highway One on a spectacular inlet set among steep and wooded coastal ridges, Timber Cove s residents currently have no safe pedestrian or bicycle access within their community (see Exhibit 4). A major focus of the project will be identifying safe, non-motorized transportation options that fit with the community s needs as well as the principles for designing the Coastal Trail outlined in Completing the California Coastal Trail. As it is likely that much of the trail alignment will lie within current publicly-held Highway One right-of-way, SCRPD will work closely with Caltrans, Coastal Commission, and Conservancy staff in developing and evaluating design options. The SCRPD seeks to identify a feasible trail alignment that avoids or mitigates significant environmental effects. The proposed project includes preparation of an initial study that will determine the appropriate level of environmental review for the proposed alignment. Staff will then determine whether the remaining funding is sufficient to prepare an environmental document. The project includes the following elements: Page 2 of 7

3 TIMBER COVE COASTAL TRAIL FEASIBILITY STUDY 1) Workshops to survey community residents, area stakeholders, representatives of principal user groups (e.g., hikers, bicyclists, equestrians, persons with disabilities) and potential future trail partners for input on the proposed trail alignment; 2) Collection and assessment of data necessary for trail design and placement (including right-ofway surveys; traffic, engineering and safety analysis; and collection of environmental, geologic, biotic, cultural and other resource information); 3) Outreach to property owners for potential donation or sale of easements, and surveys of property boundaries with willing owners as necessary; 4) Strategic-planning level consideration of trail management concerns including operation and maintenance requirements, as well as potential interpretive elements addressing areas of natural and historic significance along the trail; 5) Analysis of potential environmental impacts to the degree necessary to identify an alignment that avoids significant environmental effects and preparation of an initial study sufficient to satisfy environmental requirements; 6) Recommendations for potentially-feasible trail routes, trail management considerations, and alternative selection, including design option and engineering reports; 7) Preparation of environmental documentation for trail construction as may be supported by the initial study upon consultation with Conservancy staff. SCRPD operates an impressive network of parks and public access trails throughout the County of Sonoma and hosts over 2 million visitors along its spectacular coast each year. SCRPD has completed a number of coastal planning and implementation projects with public input and Conservancy support, and currently manages Stillwater Cove Regional Park, the connecting segment of the California Coastal Trail to the north of the proposed project. Site Description: Timber Cove is an unincorporated coastal community of around 400 residents. Although founded in the 1860s, most development has happened since the 1950s. It is located along a unique stretch of the Sonoma coast consisting of bluffs and cliffs, steep stream channels, open and forested coastal terraces, and small pocket beaches and sea stacks. The community is comprised of several hundred lots ranging generally between 1 to 3 acres. It is bordered to the north by Stillwater Cove Regional Park, which includes an existing trail access point along Highway One, and by Fort Ross State Historic Park to the south, where California State Parks is currently developing new Coastal Trail improvements. Directly to the east lies a steep, forested ridgeline largely comprised of larger ownerships. Access to the community from the north and south is exclusively via Highway One, which is narrow throughout the stretch and dotted with hazardous curves. Alternate access towards the east is available via Timber Cove Road to Seaview and Fort Ross roads. The area is largely supported by ocean and nature-based recreation at the adjacent parks, and has a number of visitor-serving facilities, including a small store, several motels and inns, and a private campground/rv park with a popular boat launch. The surrounding area is a very popular tourist, bicycle touring, fishing and abalone diving destination. Project History: Conservancy participation in the Timber Cove area stretches as far back as the early 1980s, when the Conservancy assisted in acquisition and trail improvement projects at Page 3 of 7

4 TIMBER COVE COASTAL TRAIL FEASIBILITY STUDY adjacent Stillwater Cove Regional Park. The addition of coastal lands to the park helped secure the future potential for a coastal bluff top trail at the park. Throughout the 1980s, the California Coastal Commission included provisions to secure public coastal access in Timber Cove development approvals, in the form of Offers to Dedicate Coastal Access (OTDs). Over that period thirteen OTDs were recorded in the Timber Cove area, subject to acceptance by a public agency or non-profit within a 21-year period. Additionally, in 1982 Sonoma County, through its Local Coastal Program (LCP) planning process, designated the potential for three vertical access points and a scenic bluff top trail within the Timber Cove area. The County s 1989 General Plan also identified the Sonoma Coast Trail through this area. In 2000, the Conservancy funded Sonoma Land Trust to analyze conservation opportunities along a 100-mile stretch of the northern Sonoma Coast. The outcome of this work was the Russian River/North Coast Parcel Analysis, which recommended a suite of Tier One and Tier Two conservation opportunities (Exhibit 3). Among the top recommendations of the report was acceptance of existing OTDs before their expiration as important building blocks for a Coastal Trail link in this area. As a result, in 2002 the Conservancy provided financial assistance to Sonoma County to survey, record and accept a group of OTDs, which they completed in Also since 2002, the Conservancy has acted to accept remaining outstanding easements, including most recently the acquisition of two easements lateral to Highway One in Finally, for the past five years Conservancy staff has been meeting with the West County Coastal Collaborative Acquisition Working Group that represents interested agencies, environmental groups and legislators in Sonoma County. Implementation of a Coastal Trail link between Fort Ross and Stillwater Cove has consistently remained a top priority of the Working Group s coastal access partners, particularly Coastwalk and SCRPD. SCRPD has shown recent desire and leadership in tackling the challenges of implementing this segment, and Sonoma County has a proven track record of collaborating with agencies and local partners in the planning and design of the Coastal Trail, particularly with its completion of the Bodega Bay Pedestrian and Bicycle Trail Plan in PROJECT FINANCING: Coastal Conservancy $200,000 Sonoma County (in-kind) 5,000 Total Project Cost $205,000 Conservancy funds for this project are expected to derive from Proposition 40 (the Safe Neighborhood Parks, Clean Water, Air and Coastal Protection Bond Act of 2002 ). Proposition 40 authorizes the use of these funds for the purpose of coastal development and rehabilitation projects undertaken pursuant to the Conservancy s enabling legislation (Division 21 of the Public Resources Code). The proposed project will provide planning leading to development of public access and a link of the Coastal Trail and, as discussed below, is consistent with Division 21. Proposition 40 requires the Conservancy to give priority to projects that provide a matching contribution in the form of money, property or services. SCRPD is currently devoting staff time to initial outreach to the Timber Cove community, will include the project in its next round of Page 4 of 7

5 TIMBER COVE COASTAL TRAIL FEASIBILITY STUDY capital project planning, and will seek matching funds for project implementation from a variety of a local, regional, state and federal funding sources. CONSISTENCY WITH CONSERVANCY S ENABLING LEGISLATION: The Timber Cove Coastal Trail feasibility study will be undertaken pursuant to Chapter 9 (Section et seq.) of the Conservancy s enabling legislation, Division 21 of the Public Resources Code, regarding the implementation of a system of public access ways to and along the state s coastline. Section states that right of the public to access and enjoy coastal resources should be effectively guaranteed, and that the Conservancy should have a principal role in the implementation of a system of public accessways to and along the coastline. Under Section , the Conservancy may provide such assistance as is required to aid public agencies and nonprofit organizations in establishing a system of public accessways, and related functions necessary to meet coastal access objectives. The proposed project will meet the goals of section by providing the SCRPD with funding to complete feasibility planning for providing future public access along a significant stretch of the California coastline. The feasibility project is the first necessary step in developing a public accessway on properties connecting Stillwater Cove Regional Park to Fort Ross State Historic Park. Pursuant to Section 31401, the Conservancy has developed Standards and Recommendations for Accessway Location and Development. In order to ensure that the proposed access study is consistent with these standards, as a condition of the grant, SCRPD will be required to incorporate Conservancy guidelines into the design planning process, as appropriate. Section directs the Conservancy, in consultation with the Department of Parks and Recreation, Caltrans and the California Coastal Commission, to coordinate the development of the California Coastal Trail. The proposed project will help the Conservancy coordinate the development of the Coastal Trail in this area by providing necessary information about the feasibility of potential alignments of the Trail from Stillwater Cove Regional Park to Fort Ross State Historic Park. CONSISTENCY WITH CONSERVANCY S 2007 STRATEGIC PLAN GOAL(S) & OBJECTIVE(S): Consistent with Goal 1, Objective A of the Conservancy s 2007 Strategic Plan, the proposed project will support efforts to obtain consensus and refine the alignment of the Coastal Trail, in particular through developing specific alignments for gaps between existing trails. Consistent with Goal 1, Objective C of the Conservancy s 2007 Strategic Plan, the proposed project will fund plans for new trails within public and private ownership. Page 5 of 7

6 TIMBER COVE COASTAL TRAIL FEASIBILITY STUDY CONSISTENCY WITH CONSERVANCY S PROJECT SELECTION CRITERIA & GUIDELINES: The proposed project is consistent with the Conservancy s Project Selection Criteria and Guidelines, last updated on September 20, 2007, in the following respects: Required Criteria 1. Promotion of the Conservancy s statutory programs and purposes: See the Consistency with Conservancy s Enabling Legislation section above. 2. Consistency with purposes of the funding source: See the Project Financing section above. 3. Support of the public: Coastwalk, a nonprofit volunteer-based organization supporting completion of the California Coastal Trail, has been involved with discussions on this coastal area and is enthusiastic about the potential for this trail link. Local legislators and representatives of the Timber Cove Homeowner s Association have also expressed support for the project (see Exhibits 4 and 5). 4. Location: The proposed project would be located within the coastal zone of Sonoma County. 5. Need: As noted above, the existing gap through Timber Cove has been identified by agencies and trail advocates as a priority for over six years. Timber Cove residents have expressed concerns about pedestrian and bicycle safety within the existing highway corridor. Without the financial support and leadership of the Conservancy in the development of a feasible preferred alignment, the project could not go forward. 6. Greater-than-local interest: As a premier recreational destination for thousands of tourists annually, the proposed project will solve a long-standing trail gap in the region. The trail will become a key segment in the California Coastal Trail, a state-wide priority. Additional Criteria 7. Resolution of more than one issue: The project will address regional trail connectivity issues as well as community transportation and safety. The project also has the potential to not only establish the Coastal Trail in the area but resolve longstanding management challenges around Offer-to-Dedicate easements and public dedication areas in the vicinity. 8. Conflict resolution: The thorough community planning process proposed has the potential to resolve numerous existing conflicts regarding providing public access to the region. 9. Readiness: SCRPD is prepared to begin the community outreach process immediately and has begun initial project collaboration already. 10. Realization of prior Conservancy goals: See Project History above. 11. Cooperation: The project has the potential to foster new collaborative approaches to developing the Coastal Trail with statewide relevance, including in particular new methods of collaborating with Caltrans to develop the Coastal Trail in Highway One right-of-way. Page 6 of 7

7 TIMBER COVE COASTAL TRAIL FEASIBILITY STUDY CONSISTENCY WITH LOCAL COASTAL PROGRAM POLICIES: The Timber Cove Coastal Trail planning area is located within the Coastal Zone and is subject to the jurisdiction of the County of Sonoma s Local Coastal Program (Certified June 1982, Amended December 2001). The proposed project is consistent with the relevant sections of the LCP. Consistent with Section V (Recreation) of Sonoma County s LCP and Section of the Coastal Act, which states: maximum access and recreational opportunities shall be provided for all the people, consistent with public safety needs and the need to protect public rights, rights of private property owners, and natural resource areas from over use, the proposed project will provide a necessary first step toward increasing public access to the resources of the coast, improving public safety and respecting the rights of private property owners in linking two existing parks and connecting the California Coastal Trail. The proposed project will assist with many of the priorities of the LCP s Access Plan for the Timber Cove area, as well as the LCP s recommendations regarding the creation of the Sonoma Coast Trail. In addition, the proposed project is consistent with Sonoma County s recently adopted General Plan 2020, which the County intends to incorporate into its LCP following Coastal Commission review. Located within a County of Sonoma Scenic Landscape Unit and along the Sonoma Coast Scenic Corridor, project area planning will comply with the Open Space and Resource Conservation Element s Objectives OSRC-2.1 through 3.2 regarding the protection of scenic units and corridors. The project is also consistent with General Plan policy OSRC-17d regarding creation of the Sonoma Coast Trail as part of the countywide park and trails system, and all project planning will be consistent with the Plan s policies (OSRC18a-v) with regard to designing bicycle facilities in unincorporated areas. COMPLIANCE WITH CEQA: The Timber Cove Coastal Trail Feasibility Study project involves feasibility studies for actions the Conservancy has not yet approved, adopted or funded, as well as basic data collection that will not result in a serious or major disturbance to environmental resources. Therefore the project is exempt from CEQA review pursuant to 14 California Code of Regulations Sections and As required by Section 15262, the feasibility study will include consideration of environmental factors related to potential public access. Staff will file a Notice of Exemption upon approval of the project. Page 7 of 7

8 Project Location Exhibit 1: Project Location Map

9 H i g h w a y 1 Exhibit 2: Timber Cove Area Map To Ocean Cove E Salt Point State Park Project Begin Stillwater Cove Regional Park Pocket Cove Stillwater Cove Regional Park Planned Stillwater Cove Regional Park Expansion (Lorenzini Life Estate) Stillwater Cove Timber Cove Subdivision Timber Cove Road Pacific Ocean Cormorant Point Bufano Peace Statue (State Parks) Timber Cove Inn Caltrans Yard Timber Cove Windermere Point Project End Fort Ross State Historic Park Fort Ross State Historic Park Timber Cove Coastal Trail Feasibility Study Project Location Map S o n o m a C o u n t y R e g i o n a l P a r k s Miles September 20, 2008 µ

10 Exhibit 3: Northern Sonoma Coast Tier One Opportunities

11 Exhibit 4: Timber Cove HOA Meeting Synopsis and Outline MEMORANDUM DATE: September 22, 2008 TO: FROM: SUBJECT: Todd Holmes, Park Planning Manager Steve Ehret, Park Planner Timber Cove Home Owners Association Board Meeting On September 20, 2008 I attended the September board meeting of the Timber Cove Home Owner s Association Meeting held at the Fort Ross School. I made a 30 minute presentation about the proposed trail study between Fort Ross State Historic Park and Stillwater Cove Regional Park that included distributing a project location map and a project outline (attached), explaining the project, and a question and answer segment. In attendance were both the outgoing and incoming Timber Cove HOA Board members and 2 guests presenting on another issue for a total audience of people. The proposal was warmly received. Comments included: Use the Coastal Community Project List for information distribution. This list covers the area from Russian Gulch to Stewart s Point. The trail will improve access for emergency responders for fire incidents. If there was a safe trail, Timber Cove residents would use it all the time and would appreciate it. Several people, particularly motorcyclists, die each year on one particular curve in Timber Cove. Specific questions included: Q: Will the trail be paved? o A: Undetermined. We will study the surfacing options once we understand the constraints such as resources, safety, topography, etc. I provided examples of when and why we will pave a trail versus examples when and why we won t. Q: Can we [County/Caltrans] put up speed limit signs to slow traffic through Timber Cove? o A: We will study how traffic speeds impact trail safety as part of the trail study. Quite possibly the speed limit signs will be a part of the trail project. Q: Can we put up no air brake signs for trucks in order to decrease their noise? o A: Not sure. Please make this comment during the scoping meeting and we will study it. Page 1 of 2 1

12 Exhibit 4: Timber Cove HOA Meeting Synopsis and Outline Q: Other than getting the word out about the project, is there any way we [Timber Cove HOA Board] can help? o A: Your local experience, particularly with traffic and safety issues. Many accidents and close calls are never recorded. This information is very important for us to fully understand the safety issues. In addition, any ideas about how to make the project work and background on specific issues will be very helpful. Q: Will we be working with the local Native Americans? o A: Yes. We will be working with Kashia Rancheria and going through a consultation process. We will be conducting a cultural resource study for the project area. Q: What is the minimum trail width? o A: The minimum trail width for this trail project is undetermined, but in general can be as narrow as 4 feet wide in topographical pinch points or as wide as 8 feet for a Caltrans Class 1 bikeways. We prefer a wider path to allow for passing, but that is not always feasible. The minimum width is the width needed to make it disabled accessible. Q: Will eminent domain be used to acquire right of way that is needed for the project? o A: No option is off the table; however, it is our Department s strong preference to only work with willing sellers. Sonoma County Regional Parks has rarely used eminent domain in a hostile way [provided a differentiation between hostile condemnation, clearing title, and friendly condemnation ]. Q: A Timber Cove resident, Donna Riley, wants to speak to our department about additional work needed in the Stillwater Cove Regional Park fire break and wanted to know who to follow-up with. o A: I will follow-up and get the question to the right person in our Department to contact Ms. Riley. I have established one point of contact, Tina Romeo, for communicating with the Timber Cove Homeowner s Association Board. I told the Board that they probably won t be hearing from us for several months, until they receive a funding notification for the Coastal Conservancy meeting. I encouraged them to contact me in the meantime if they have any questions. SE/se S:\PLANNING\GRANTS\COASTAL CONSERVANCY\COASTAL CONSERVANCY \TIMBER COVE TRAIL STUDY\CCT-TC-TCHOA BOARD MTG MEMO DOC cc: Elizabeth Tyree, Department Analyst Attachments: Timber Cove Coastal Trail Feasibility Study Project Location Map 9/20/08 Timber Cove Coastal Trail Project Outline 9/20/08 Page 2 of 2 2

13 Exhibit 4: Timber Cove HOA Meeting Synopsis and Outline TIMBER COVE CALIFORNIA COASTAL TRAIL PROJECT Project Outline September 20, 2008 Greetings & Agency Introduction o Sonoma County Regional Parks Department is lead agency o State Coastal Conservancy is the proposed primary project funder o Caltrans is mandated to assist Coastal Trail improvements o Other entities will be coordinated with, including State Parks Project Introduction o Highway 1 Corridor to create a safe trail alignment o Fort Ross Historic State Park to Stillwater Cove Regional Park Project Purpose o Improve safety of pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists o Close this 2.4 mile gap along on the California Coastal Trail 1200 miles Project Scope o Survey work identify Caltrans right-of-way o Traffic safety analysis line-of-sight, crossings, and other issues o Evaluate the usefulness of existing Offer-To-Dedicate trail easements o Community Involvement & Public Outreach Process 3 public meetings Scoping, Alternatives, Preferred Project Outreach to specific entities, such as the property owners with offers to dedicate o Coordination with other agencies o Special studies, such as biological resource, wetland, and cultural resource studies, for any of the impacted areas along the route. o Prepare California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) document Preliminary Timeline o Upcoming Grant Funding Notification potentially December 2008 o Scoping Meeting & community outreach process: Late winter spring 2009 o 2 nd Public Meeting: summer fall 2009 o Special Studies & 3 rd Public Meeting unknown, too many variables Conclusion o Initial Timber Cove HOA Board feedback 3

14 Exhibit 5: Project Lettters STATE CAPITOL PO. BOX SACRAMENTO, CA PH (916) FAX (916) DISTRICT OFFICES: 50 D STREET, SUITE 450 SANTA ROSA, CA PH (707) FAX (707) WEST CHURCH STREET UKIAH, CA PH (707) FAX (707) TH STREET, SUITE C EUREKA, CA PH (707) FAX (707) ~ssemhl\! <futlifnruht r!legishtfure PATTY BERG ASSEMBLYMEMBER, FIRST DISTRICT COMMITTEES: AGING & LONG-TERMCARE, CHAIR APPROPRIATIONS HEALTH WATER, PARKS & WILDLIFE JOINT COMMITTEE: FISHERIES & AQUACULTURE,CHAIR SELECT COMMITTEES: SUSTAINABllITY, CHAIR WINE November 6, 2008 Douglas Bosco, Board Chairman California State Coastal Conservancy 1330 Broadway, 13th Floor Oakland, CA RE: Timber Cove Coastal Trail Feasibility Study DearChairmanB~: tl". /' I support the $200,000 grant for Sonoma County Regional Parks to plan the Timber Cove Coastal Trail connection. This is part ofthe California Coastal Trail and would link Fort Ross State Historic Park with Stillwater Cove Regional Park and Ocean Cove. The Timber Cove area community needs a safe trail along Highway 1 corridor for both recreation and transportation uses. There is a significant local population in Timber Cove, as well as a large number of visitors to the State and County parks. Few people attempt to walk or ride the road because of safety concerns. Local residents report numerous accidents on this narrow and winding stretch of highway. This project will plan a trail alignment for the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists and to close this approximately 3-mile gap in the California Coastal Trail. This will benefit people in the area, Sonoma County residents, as well as visitors to this scenic stretch of coastline. Regional Parks has demonstrated its ability to complete sections of the Coastal Trail with the recent dedication of the Cheney Creek Bridge and Trail project in Bodega Bay, the Sea Ranch Access Trails, and Short Tail Gulch Trail. Thank you for considering funding the Timber Cove Coastal Trail Project. Sincerely, 9 a. A~, 477 PATTY BERG Assemblywoman, 1st District RECEIVED NOV "I U LDUd cc: Matt Gerhart, Coastal Conservancy Elizabeth Tyree, Sonoma Countv ~iial pr;nr'ed~'nf;;;ipe~~cied Parks Paper COASTALCONSERVANCY OAKLAND,CALIF. 1 of 5

15 Exhibit 5: Project Lettters COUNTY OF SONOMA BOARD OF SUPERVISORS 575 ADMINISTRATION DRIVE, RM. 100A SANTA ROSA, CALIFORNIA (707) FAX (707) MIKE REILLY SUPERVISORFIFTHDISTRICT FAX: (707) ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTS CAROL MILLS SARA ANNA November 3,2008 Douglas Bosco, Chairman California State Coastal Conservancy 1330 Broadway, 13th Floor Oakland, CA RE: Timber Cove Coastal Trail Feasibility Study Dear Chairman Bosco: I support the $200,000 grant for Sonoma County Regional Parks to plan the Timber Cove Coastal Trail connection. This is part of the California Coastal Trail and would link Fort Ross State Historic Park with Stillwater Cove Regional Park and Ocean Cove. The Timber Cove area is a community in need of a safe trail alignment along the Highway 1 corridor for both recreation and transportation uses. There is a significant local population in Timber Cove in addition to the visitors to the State and County parks. Few people attempt to walk or ride the road because of safety concerns. Local residents report numerous accidents on this narrow and winding stretch of highway. This project will plan a trail alignment for the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists and to close this approximately three-mile gap in the California Coastal Trail. This will benefit people in the area, Sonoma County residents, as well as visitors to this scenic stretch of coastline. Regional Parks has demonstrated its ability to complete sections of the Coastal Trail with the recent dedication of the Cheney Creek Bridge and Trail project in Bodega Bay. Thank you for considering funding the Timber Cove Coastal Trail Project. i a:~ Mike Reilly ( Fifth District Supervisor MR:ps:21834 cc: Matt Gerhart, Coastal Conservancy Elizabeth Tyree, Sonoma County Regional Parks RECEIVED NOV COASTALCONSERVANCY OAKLAND,CALIF. 2 of 5

16 Exhibit 5: Project Lettters 3 of 5

17 Exhibit 5: Project Lettters ~ :11,.,.- ~ Il""., ",.,. ~ 1i"J!' '11)'..ff '110~..11If'.:\V" }n '~j} '"~ 4 ~ II ~ Board of Directors Fran Gibson President Alameda County Stan Bluhm Vice-President Marin County Patrick Ward Secretary Nevada County Gregory Fearon Treasurer Sonoma County Jon Breyfogle Sonoma County Robert Cowell Tuolumne County Emily De Falla Contra Costa County Nancy Graves San Luis Obispo County Sarah Gurney Sonoma County Linda Hanes Sonoma County Richard Nichols Sonoma County Don Nierlich Los Angeles County Amy Purvis Yolo County Mike Reilly Sonoma County October 30, 2008 Douglas Bosco,Board Chairman California State CoastalConservancy 1330 Broadway, 13th Floor Oakland, CA RE: Dear Chairman Timber Cove CoastalTrail Feasibility Study Bosco: Coastwalk supports the proposed $200,000 grant for Sonoma County Regional Parks to plan the Timber Cove Coastal Trail connection. This is part of the California Coastal Trail and would link Fort RossState Historic Parkwith Stillwater Cove Regional Park and Ocean Cove. The Timber Covearea is a community in need of a safe trail alignment along the Highway 1 corridor for both recreation and transportation uses. There is a significant local population in Timber Cove in addition to the visitors to the State and County parks. Few people attempt to walk or ride the road becauseof safety concerns. Local residents report numerous accidents on this narrow and winding stretch of highway. This project will plan a trail alignment for the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists and to close this approximately 3-mile gap in the California Coastal Trail. This will benefit people in the area, Sonoma County residents, as well as visitors to this scenic stretch of coastline. Regional Parkshas demonstrated its ability to complete sections of the Coastal Trail with the recent dedication of the Cheney Creek Bridge and Trail project in Bodega Bay. As the primary statewide nonprofit advocating for the completion of the California Coastal Trail, Coastwalk California strongly supports this project. The Coastal trail brings many benefits to Californians including affordable recreation, healthy activities for youth, tourism and economic development. Thank you for considering funding the Timber Cove Coastal Trail Project. Una J. M. Glass, Executive Director Mailing Address: 825 Gravenstein Hwy N, Ste. 8 Sebastopol, CA (707) Lincoln Blvd. Ste 222 San Francisco, CA (800) californiacoasta!trail.info unaalass@coastwalk.ora cc: Matt Gerhart, CoastalConservancy Elizabeth Tyree, Sonoma County Regional Parks RECEIVED I NOV ns200b COASTALCONSEAVANCY OAKLAND,CAUF. 4 of 5

18 Exhibit 5: Project Lettters SIERRA CLUB FOUND :D 1892 Nov. 3, 2008 Douglas Bosco, Board Chairman California State Coastal Conservancy 1330 Broadway, 13th Floor Oakland, CA RE: Timber Cove Coastal Trail Feasibility Study Dear Chairman Bosco: I support the $200,000 grant for Sonoma County Regional Parks to plan the Timber Cove Coastal Trail connection. This is part of the California Coastal Trail and would link Fort Ross State Historic Park with Stillwater Cove Regional Park and Ocean Cove. I personally have walked the stretch of highway in this area. It was very scary. When lumber trucks or big rigs go by you, the wind practically blows you down the cliff. The Timber Cove area is a community in need of a safe trail alignment along the Highway 1 corridor for both recreation and transportation uses. The 3-mile gap in the California Coastal Trail needs to be addressed. This will benefit people in the area, Sonoma County residents, as well as visitors to this scenic stretch of coastline. Regional Parks has completed sections of the Coastal Trail, so they know how to do the work. Thank you for considering funding the Timber Cove Coastal Trail Project. Sincerely, ~ /)) f} Il 'I/~ Carol Vellutini, Sonoma Group Sierra Club, Outings Chair cc: Matt Gerhart, Coastal Conservancy Elizabeth Tyree, Sonoma County Regional Parks RECEIVED NOV07 ZOOS COASTALCONSERVANCY OAKLAND,CALIF. 5 of 5