A $1.39M grant awarded by the State of California Natural Resources Agency will fund design and construction of a critical segment of Coast to Crest Trail in the Fairbanks Ranch area of San Diego County. The Recreational Trails and Greenways grant program was funded through Proposition 68 passed by voters in 2018.
The competitive grant, only 19 awarded throughout the state, will fund design, permits and construction of a one-mile long gap in the Coast to Crest Trail including a 160-foot long trail bridge, known as the Osuna trail segment. The Coast to Crest Trail is a 71-mile long regional multi-use trail planned from the coast in Del Mar to Volcan Mountain, 48 miles of which are complete.
The Osuna trail project will fill a critical link in the Coast to Crest Trail connecting the coastal segment of the regional trail to the inland trail segments. When finished trail users will be able to walk, bike, or horseback along 31 miles of contiguous Coast to Crest Trail with access to beautiful views of the San Dieguito River. Youth educational opportunities through SDRP’s Watershed Explorers Program will be expanded to include the new trail.
The San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy and other private donors provided funds for the 20 percent match needed to qualify for the grant program.
The project has a 3-year timeframe with construction expected in 2023.
Shawna Anderson selected as SDRP Executive Director