Midpen offers more than 250 miles of trails in our 27 open space preserves, which go a long way toward fulfilling the “ecologically sensitive public enjoyment” strand of our braided mission. Earlier this year, members of the board of directors expressed interest in learning more about Midpen’s current trail use policies and trail construction practices, so on October 25, the board held a study session to hear an overview. No board action was required or taken in this informational session.
The staff presentation at the meeting reviewed several board-adopted policy and guideline documents that inform trail planning and construction activities, such as visitor experience, road-to-trail conversions, varying trail widths, sustainability of trail surface materials and environmental site constraints. A key component of all trail planning and construction is to minimize impacts to the environment during construction and from future trail use.
The Trail Use Policies were first created in 1990 and have been reviewed and revised several times since. The current policy includes a trail use guideline ratio of designating 60 to 65% of all public trails as multiuse (including bicycles) and 35-40% of all public trails as hiking or hiking and equestrian use only. This guideline ratio is intended to be a flexible planning tool to maintain a reasonable balance of trail access for all visitor types of use; it does not commit the District to a definite decision as to any future preserve or trail designation. Regional trails, such as the Bay Area Ridge Trail, may be designated as multiuse trails to maintain connectivity along regional corridors for all visitor types of use. Today, 64% of Midpen’s public trails are multiuse and 36% of trails are hiker or hiker/equestrian use.
Midpen preserves are an ideal setting for a wide range of activities. Visitors will find nearly 250 miles of trails for walking, hiking, biking, nature study, dog walking, horseback riding and more.
The trail use policies are not intended to restrict who may use the Midpen trails, but they may restrict how, or under what conditions, the trails are to be used. Because of their smaller trail systems and the board’s desire to reserve spaces for visitors to experience quiet, nature study where the potential for visitor conflicts is avoided, seven preserves are designated for hiker and equestrian use only: Foothills, La Honda Creek, Los Trancos, Picchetti Ranch, Pulgas Ridge, Teague Hill, and Thornewood open space preserves. Although future trails at La Honda Creek Preserve are intended to include a bicycle loop and regional connection.
As new trails are planned and built, Midpen’s professional trails crews ensure the “protect and restore the natural environment” thread of our braided mission is upheld. Midpen trail crews have years of trail building and maintenance experience and are trained in to understand surrounding environmental resources and sensitivities, permitting requirements and restrictions, and the details and standards for trail construction and ongoing maintenance.
The hybrid meeting was well-attended by more than 100 members of the public, with about 30 mountain biking enthusiasts expressing their appreciation for Midpen trails and speaking in favor of more bicycle access and for separate, single-track trails built specifically for biking. Current Midpen policy allows for walkers and hikers on all trails.
Other issues raised were a desire for more volunteer involvement in trail maintenance and construction and limiting the use of rock surfaced trails. Midpen is considering expansion of its existing volunteer program to do more trail work. While hardened surfaces are needed to prevent erosion impact to streams and provide a more accessible surface, staff is committed to trying to address areas where loose gravel impacts the trail experience. Additional comment focused on adding accessible trails, which have been included with most major public access projects. Midpen is also actively implementing its ADA self-evaluation and transition plan, which was updated in 2019.
To hear public comments and to learn more about how Midpen plans and builds trails like the Grasshopper Loop Trail opened in La Honda Creek last year, the Alpine Bypass Trail in Coal Creek, the Oljon Trail in El Corte de Madera Creek and the Mount Umunhum Trail in Sierra Azul, watch the video recording of the meeting above and read the accompanying agenda report.