02 • 14 • 2020
Union Pacific Railroad has submitted an application to the Coastal Commission seeking to construct three 6-ft. tall chain link fences within abandoned railroad right-of-way, which would fence off nearly one half mile of scenic trail which accesses the coast and provides low cost recreation to locals and visitors alike.
The Monterey Chapter has heard from many distressed residents who utilize the Pacific Grove Recreation Trail nearly every day and would be severely detrimentally impacted by such a recreational and access cut off.
Coastal Commission staff has reccommended denial of the project for the reasons below:
Further, this inland trail serves as an alternative inland coastal trail similar to others in the coastal zone in California; e.g., the Half Moon Bay Coastside Trail and Scripps Coastal Meander and Upland Coastal Trail Loop, etc. The trail serves as an excellent example regarding the reasons for protecting public access for recreational uses scenic quality and natural habitat.
The Monterey Chapter has submitted a letter supporting staffs reccomendation and Surfrider staff will be speaking to the issue at the Coastal Commission meeting in Long Beach on Feb. 12-14.