Public input sought on new hiking trails near Valley Ford

Public input will be sought Wednesday night on proposed routes for ?a new pedestrian trail near Valley Ford that would, for the first time, permit hikers to view the Estero Americano up close.

Sonoma County parks and open space staff ?are seeking feedback on the proposed trail system, which would connect ?Highway 1 to the Estero through a conservation easement on the 495-acre Bordessa Ranch, located north of Valley Ford between Highway 1 and the tidal estuary.

“They’re just draft (plans) at this point,” said Sheri Emerson, stewardship program manager for the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District. “So that’s why we want to get input at this meeting.”

Though still at least a year and a half away from becoming a reality, the proposal envisions several looping trails across hills of coastal prairie, including two pathways that would take hikers close to the remote tidal estuary. The trails total about ?4.7 miles in length but offer visitors a choice of shorter walks.

But the plans, based in part on public input obtained early last year, also need to reflect sensitivity toward the environment and wildlife habitat, and toward human neighbors of the rural ranching region - not all of whom are in favor of public access, officials said.

Indeed, the district’s purchase of the $1.5 million conservation easement more than three years ago - financed by $850,000 in county open space funds and $650,000 in state Coastal Conservancy money - highlighted friction over the use of taxpayer funds for land conservation and public access.

Some opponents, including neighboring ranchers, argued the policies reflected a departure from the simple goal of protecting farmlands. They also feared trails would promote trespassing on neighboring lands. Many public officials, meanwhile, contend that conservation projects supported by taxpayers need to provide some opportunities for public access and enjoyment.

In the case of Bordessa Ranch, an effort to balance competing needs resulted in a deal allowing pedestrian-only trails totaling a maximum five miles in length, with two small parking/staging areas, Emerson said.

The next step after the trail system is approved would be an environmental analysis, likely to take place next summer, before plans can be finalized and funding sought.

“So, we’re just kind of in the middle of a long process,” Emerson said.

Wednesday’s meeting is scheduled to run from ?6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Bodega Bay Fire Station, 510 Highway 1.

A map of the proposed trail alignments is available online at http://bit.ly/1LNkmEc and more information is available at http://bit.ly/1PihlhF.

You can reach Staff Writer Mary Callahan at 521-5249 or mary.callahan@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @MaryCallahanB.