Summer 2007 Permits obtained for additional restoration work on Giant Salamander Trail. Beginning Tuesday, August 14, 2007, the Giant Salamander Trail will be closed to all use to continue restoration work initiated in 2006. The trail is expected to re-open in summer 2008. Fall 2006 Restoration work began on Giant Salamander Trail

El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve encompasses 2,817 acres in the upper headwaters of the San Gregorio Creek watershed. This watershed provides critical habitat for steelhead rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch). Steelhead are federally listed as a threatened species, and coho salmon are listed by state and federal agencies as endangered on California's Central Coast. These species have experienced dramatic population declines primarily due to habitat loss from streambed sedimentation associated with water diversions, road construction, mining, grazing, and timber harvest activities. Because of the Preserve's key location within the watershed, the extensive network of former logging roads that comprise many of its trails, and the incredible popularity of the Preserve among hikers and mountain bikers, the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District has worked in partnership with the National Marine Fisheries Service, California Department of Fish and Game, and the Regional Water Quality Control Board to prepare a comprehensive Watershed Protection Program to protect downstream fish habitat. The preserve's location within the San Gregorio Creek Watershed is shown on the project map. Key steelhead habitat is highlighted in orange.

The purpose of the Program is to protect and restore watershed integrity while maintaining opportunities for year-round multiple use recreation and environmental education. The Program utilizes restoration techniques for long-term solutions to upland erosion and creek sedimentation problems due in part to the legacy logging road network in the Preserve. A major portion of the Program focuses on improving the Preserve’s road and trail system and stream crossings. The Program also incorporates long-term maintenance and monitoring activities, plus an extensive environmental education and outreach component.

Giant Salamander Trail is closed to all use as restoration work continues

The Giant Salamander Trail closed in August 2007 to continue restoration work. The trail is expected to re-open in summer 2008.

Upcoming restoration work

The large culvert and associated fill material were removed in 2007. A bridge will be installed in its place. Next spring, more culverts and fill material will be removed from stream channels and additional bridges installed in their place as work progresses towards the Methuselah Trail intersection.

Why restoration work using heavy equipment is necessary

The network of legacy roads from the logging era, constructed using large heavy equipment, was inherited by the District at the time of land purchase. Most erosion in the Preserve can be traced to the intersection of these roads and streams (road/stream crossings), or diversions created as a result of undersized or failing drainage structures. Just as heavy equipment was necessary to create the former logging road network, it is necessary to use similar equipment to restore the road/stream crossings to a more natural condition. It is important to use the proper size tool to perform any task; large-scale restoration work such as this requires use of, for example, a large excavator with a long reach to keep the equipment itself out of the stream channel. The most effective restoration work (and the most cost-effective) is accomplished using the same size equipment that was used for original logging road construction.

The western side of Giant Salamander Trail must be reopened along the existing roadbed to eight feet wide for equipment to access stream channels. Some vegetation along the existing trail will be cleared and stockpiled. It will later be spread on the finished slope to provide microclimates for vegetation regeneration and to provide habitat for insects, birds, and small mammals. The District will transplant existing plants on the finished slopes and will replant riparian vegetation to accelerate the revegetation process. The Giant Salamander Trail you have been familiar with will appear different to you following the restoration work. This work is necessary to restore riparian and aquatic habitat lost to logging road construction to its pre-disturbance state. There will be construction scars, but they will be temporary. In a few years, natural succession will enable vegetation to reestablish in the newly excavated riparian corridor long buried by logging road construction. In the long term, future trail users will not recognize Giant Salamander Trail as a former logging road but as a pleasant trail that winds through the redwood forest.

Methuselah Trail will be used as heavy equipment access routes to support restoration work on Giant Salamander Trail. This trail is not scheduled for closure except on a very limited basis to ensure visitor safety. Users can expect to see large heavy equipment, rock trucks, water trucks, and contractor vehicles on this trail. Signs will be posted at all access points to alert users to be watchful of equipment using this access route. Users can also check for frequent website updates that will alert them to conditions on this trail.

Neighbors and visitors can expect to occasionally hear sounds of heavy equipment while construction is occurring. We apologize for any inconvenience due to trail closures, noise, dust, and increased activity in the Preserve. Again, we appreciate your cooperation and believe the inconvenience will be offset by the long-term environmental gain and future visitor satisfaction resulting from this restoration work.

Maps and schedules further detailing improvements at this preserve will be posted on District signboards at the preserve. Click here to view current trail conditions.