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San Francisco Chronicle
12 hours ago
- General
- San Francisco Chronicle
‘Prepare to be blown away': New national monument near Santa Cruz to open with trails for hiking, biking
Almost a decade ago, former President Barack Obama recognized a 'spectacular' stretch of coastal mountains and prairie near the Santa Cruz County community of Davenport with the prestigious designation of national monument. The public, however, was never allowed in. That will change this summer. After years of unexpected delays preparing the site for visitors, the Bureau of Land Management has scheduled the opening of the 5,800-acre Cotoni-Coast Dairies monument for the afternoon of Aug. 15, a Friday. About a 15-minute drive north of the city of Santa Cruz on Highway 1, the onetime ranch and adjacent lands will debut with its northern reaches opened for hiking, biking and sightseeing. This includes nine of 27 miles of planned multi-use trails. The public will be able to access the full range of landscapes that the site is celebrated for, from broad marine terraces overlooking the Pacific Ocean to steep slopes spanning oak-dotted ridges, stream-lined canyons and redwood forest. Salmon and steelhead swim in the creeks, and jackrabbits, foxes and mountain lions roam the hills. 'When I get out there, I just feel like the place gives me a big hug,' said Zachary Ormsby, Central Coast field manager for the Bureau of Land Management. 'Visitors are going to feel that, too.' The site's name pays homage to both the native Ohlone people, specifically a subgroup called the Cotoni, and its early 1900s history as a Swiss dairy farm. The opening of the national monument to the public marks the end of a decades-long fight to keep the lands free of development. Sitting in the shadow of Davenport's shuttered cement plant, the site was spared from being absorbed by the factory. It also escaped unrelated proposals for oil drilling and a nuclear power plant. Protection came in the late 1990s after plans emerged for the area's bluffs to be lined with luxury estates. The San Francisco-based Trust for Public Land and Save the Redwoods League, among others, raised money to coordinate a roughly $45 million acquisition before any homes were built. About 500 of the original 7,000 acres that were purchased for conservation were conveyed to California State Parks while another portion was retained for agriculture. But the bulk of the property remained idle until a long-term caretaker could be secured. In 2014, 5,843 acres were transferred to the Bureau of Land Management. Shortly after that, the environmental community launched a campaign to upgrade the federal site to a national monument, a status that brings greater safeguards for natural and historical features as well as a higher public profile for the area. 'We see the property as having these superlative conservation and recreation values,' said Sara Barth, executive director of the Sempervirens Fund, the Los Altos-based land trust that helped lead the effort to make the lands a monument. 'It's larger than some of the other protected areas in the region. It's also more ecologically distinct. It has a rich history to it, too.' In January 2017, as one of Obama's final acts in office, the former president designated the federal site part of the California Coastal National Monument. Cotoni-Coast Dairies became the biggest onshore property within the existing monument, which includes a handful of distinguished spots along the Pacific. The Bureau of Land Management had hoped to open Cotoni-Coast Dairies years ago, but concerns about potential crowds caused delay. Neighboring communities worried there was too little parking and too few toilets, while scientists and conservation groups wanted to make sure that sensitive habitat, areas for wildlife and historical points would be preserved. Federal officials worked to address the issues. They've partnered with outside organizations to begin restoring watersheds for endangered coho salmon. Indigenous groups have surveyed culturally important plants on the property. Plans to rebuild an old 'cheese barn' are in the works. Perhaps most visible, the Santa Cruz Mountains Trail Stewardship and its many volunteers have taken the lead on constructing the monument's growing trail network, having recently completed three interconnecting 3-mile loops. The trails will be accessible from a new parking lot just north of Davenport near the junction of Warrenella and Cement Plant roads. Beyond serving hikers and bicyclists, parts of the multi-use trail system are designed for people using adaptive bikes accommodating mobility issues. The Bureau of Land Management hopes to open a second lot south of Davenport, with more trails, in the next few years. More details on the Aug. 15 opening will be provided closer to the date on the Bureau of Land Management's website for the monument. 'We've all been driving by this place for years and years and years,' said Matt De Young, executive director of the Trail Stewardship. 'Prepare to be blown away.'
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New Report Shows Significant Socioeconomic Benefits of Large-scale Restoration Projects in Redwood National and State Parks Region
Redwoods Rising and 'O Rew have created jobs and economic opportunities plus lasting benefits for coast redwood forest health SAN FRANCISCO, CA / / April 3, 2025 / Tribal chairman Joseph L. James and Rosie Clayburn of the Yurok Tribe walk with Save the Redwoods League's Jessica Carter and Sam Hodder among native plants planted as part of a revegetation effort at 'O Rew. Photo by Evan-Marie Petit. A new report released today by Save the Redwoods League and California State Parks reveals significant socioeconomic benefits of the Redwoods Rising and 'O Rew Redwoods Gateway programs to Northern California counties around Redwood National and State Parks. These redwood ecosystem restoration programs bring much-needed revenue, quality jobs and critical environmental conservation benefits to the region, driving economic growth in an economically disadvantaged area of California. "Assessing the Restoration Economy within Redwood National and State Parks" examines new economic opportunities made possible by large-scale restoration programs in Humboldt and Del Norte counties. The report contrasts the growing restoration economy with the legacy of extraction-based industries in the region-namely the historic industrial-scale logging of coast redwood forests. "Together, Redwoods Rising and 'O Rew Redwoods Gateway restoration programs have brought far-reaching benefits to our forests, local communities and beyond," said Paul Ringgold, chief program officer for Save the Redwoods League. "Communities in Humboldt and Del Norte have experienced challenges following the decline of old-growth logging and fishing. This new report highlights how a restoration economy can provide stable, well-paying jobs that put valuable skills to work conserving redwood forests for future generations." Key report findings: Generating Economic Impacts: In 2024, Redwoods Rising and 'O Rew Redwoods Gateway restoration activities supported 200 jobs in the local economy. Many of these jobs were in industries related to tree harvesting and construction, which tend to pay higher wages than average jobs in Humboldt and Del Norte counties. Since 2019, Redwoods Rising has raised $97.1 million to invest in restoration work locally. This includes state and federal grant funding, private philanthropy, financial returns from the restoration work itself and California State Parks funding. Local and regional contractors and vendors are prioritized for the program's implementation, ensuring that funds stay within the parks' gateway communities. More than 90% of contractor hours from key partners are filled by workers from Humboldt and Del Norte counties. Creating a Restoration Economy: Restoration activities broaden the economic focus of the area from industries like commercial logging and cannabis cultivation to a restoration economy that includes forest management, wildlife conservation and environmental restoration, which fosters stable employment with higher wages. Redwoods Rising is training a future workforce through its apprenticeship program, which has provided on-the-ground restoration training to over 70 college students. Redwoods Rising has integrated new technologies and practices into its work, creating higher-quality, higher-paying jobs that appeal to a broader workforce. Biomass removed from the forest during restoration work is processed and sold within the region for use as lumber, chips or biofuel. As a byproduct of this work to improve forest and watershed health, the revenue generated is reinvested in the program. The entire process of removing biomass-from crews to transportation to sawmills-represents additional economic activity through local jobs. From 2020 to 2023, biomass sales yielded $18.5 million that was reinvested to help offset the costs of forest restoration, the removal of old inaccessible logging roads and restoration of aquatic habitats. These sales also yielded $350,000 in Timber Yield Tax revenues returned to Humboldt and Del Norte counties. Tribal and Community Engagement: Redwoods Rising and 'O Rew Redwoods Gateway restoration work takes place in the ancestral lands of the Yurok, Tolowa and Chilula peoples. The programs engage tribal entities in restoration work and create employment opportunities in surrounding communities. Enhanced Ecosystem Health: Parks gateway communities benefit from the restoration efforts within Redwood National and State Parks in multiple ways: Watershed restoration and climate resilience work achieved by these programs benefit local communities through improved flood control and wildfire risk reduction. Improved ecosystems, such as healthy waterways and reconnected habitat, help create future recreational opportunities. Recreation and Tourism Benefits: In 2023 more than 400,000 people visited Redwood National Park, spending an estimated $29.6 million locally. As restoration makes possible new and improved recreational opportunities, increased park visitation would mean additional economic benefits. The 'O Rew trails gateway construction is set to begin this year and significant habitat improvements at the confluence of Prairie and Redwood creeks will provide a world-class experience for visitors. While restoration work is the immediate focus of Redwoods Rising, restoration site improvements are creating opportunities for expanded public access and new infrastructure. Read the full report at "Redwoods Rising is an ambitious restoration program that is bringing back the unique and wonderful coast redwood forest native to Northern California, and it serves as a model for public-private partnership-driven restoration," said Jay Chamberlin, chief of the Natural Resources Division for California State Parks. "With nearly $31 million in economic output in 2024 alone, the program demonstrates that conservation and economic vitality can go hand in hand." Funding for the socioeconomic study was provided by Redwood Parks Conservancy, the nonprofit partner supporting Redwood National and State Parks. "These restoration programs are examples of the power of partnerships focused on healing lands and waters collaboratively," said Sal Munoz Moreno, executive director of Redwood Parks Conservancy. "By celebrating and stewarding our public lands, we can also ensure the health and wellness of our local communities." About Redwoods Rising Redwoods Rising is a collaborative initiative among Save the Redwoods League, California State Parks and the National Park Service aimed at restoring the health and resilience of the iconic redwood forests in Redwood National and State Parks. It focuses on restoring 70,000 acres of degraded redwood forest landscapes heavily impacted by past industrial logging practices, with the goal of accelerating development of old-growth forest characteristics and protecting these unique ecosystems. Since 2018, the program has treated more than 4,200 acres of forest, removed or improved more than 70 miles of failing logging roads and restored nearly 6 miles of stream channels throughout the parks. About 'O Rew Redwoods Gateway 'O Rew is a 125-acre ecologically and culturally significant property adjacent to Redwood National and State Parks. Save the Redwoods League purchased it for conservation in 2013 following closure of the lumber mill that had operated onsite for decades. In 2026, the nonprofit will transfer ownership of the site to the Yurok Tribe. In a first of its kind agreement in 2024, the Yurok Tribe, the League, National Park Service and California State Parks signed a memorandum of understanding for the transfer as well as significant ecological restoration and to formalize the four partners' shared vision for long-term co-stewardship of the site as a gateway for the visiting public to the parks. The agreement marks the first time state and federal agencies will assist with stewardship and public access on tribally owned land. *** To schedule an interview, contact Robin Carr at 415-766-0927 or redwoods@ To access hi-res images or b-roll of Redwood National and State Parks, visit the Save the Redwoods League newsroom. Save the Redwoods League, one of the nation's longest-running conservation organizations, has been protecting and restoring redwood forests since 1918. The League has connected generations of visitors with the beauty and serenity of the redwood forests. Our 600,000 supporters have enabled the League to protect more than 220,000 acres of irreplaceable forests in 66 state, national and local parks and reserves. For information, please visit The mission of California State Parks is to provide for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state's extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation. Learn more at ### Contact Details Landis Communications Carr+1 415-766-0927redwoods@ Company Website SOURCE: Save the Redwoods League View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
11-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
North Bay land deal to connect 22K acres of forest, wildlife habitat
(KRON) — A 1,517-acre patch of coast redwood forest in Sonoma County, considered a haven for native plants and wildlife, is set to be protected following a purchase agreement announced Tuesday by Save the Redwoods League. The property will fill a gap to link more than 22,000 acres of conserved lands from Monte Rio to the Pacific Coast. The Monte Rio Redwood Expansion 'faces a significant threat of residential development,' Save the Redwoods League said in the announcement. The San Francisco-based nonprofit organization negotiated an agreement to purchase the property for $24 million from Mendocino Redwood Company (MRC). The League will convey the property to Sonoma County Regional Parks for long-term stewardship, according to the organization. The property features 3.7 miles of streams, including spawning waters for coho salmon and steelhead trout. Its vast and varying wildlife habitats and corridors are home to mountain lions, northern spotted owls, San Francisco dusky-footed woodrats and California red-legged frogs. 'Mountain lions, bobcats, California quail, and American badgers are among the fascinating animals that move through this landscape,' Save the Redwoods League said. 'Connecting this property to other conserved lands will secure and stabilize this potential breeding habitat, while also building wildfire and climate resilience for the benefit of wildlife populations and local communities alike.' California monarch butterfly population plummets 96% in 2024 survey The 1,287 acres of coast redwoods are mixed with Douglas-fir, tanoak, madrone, coast live oak, and California bay. One notable lightning-scarred, old-growth redwood measures 14 feet across with a natural tunnel running through its base, according to the nonprofit. 'The opportunity to secure Monte Rio Redwoods Expansion property creates a landscape of contiguous, conserved forest and creek habitat from the coast to the Bohemian Highway,' said Sam Hodder, president and CEO of Save the Redwoods League. 'Expanding public open space in this extraordinary scenic corridor will benefit residents and visitors with new recreational trails through redwood forests and across open meadows with stunning views of the Russian River Valley.' The nonprofit is seeking $20 million in public and private funding for the purchase, with the remaining $4 million to come from Save the Redwoods League and partner organization Sonoma Land Trust. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
