The National Park Service, California State Parks, Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, and the Mountains Recreation & Conservation Authority have reinitiated preparation of the long-awaited Trail Management Plan (TMP) for Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (SMMNRA). The public is invited to participate in the planning process.
The TMP will establish the overall vision for future development and management of the SMMNRA trail network. Based on identified desired conditions for park natural, cultural and recreational resources, the TMP will prescribe a comprehensive plan for circulation, access, and allowable trail uses for trails throughout the national recreation area.
Specifically, the plan will:
• Determine which roads and trails should be maintained, removed, and/or enhanced.
• Identify which of the unofficial trails should be removed and which should be made official.
• Determine the types of trail uses (e.g. hiking, biking, and/or equestrian) that are appropriate on each road and trail.
• Identify those roads and trails that lead to damage of the natural and cultural resources of the park, for example a trail that passes through an area of sensitive natural resources, and need to be re-routed and/or reconstructed.
• Identify trail connections necessary to create trail loops and/or connect to trails outside the park.
• Identify opportunities for new trails, where appropriate.
• Identify necessary trail facilities, such as restrooms, parking, and drinking water.
The public review draft of the new Trail Management Plan is close to being released. Sign up here to receive updates about the TMP from California State Parks, including opportunities to submit feedback on the forthcoming plan.