This Appendix summarizes the changes that ReCAP identified with respect to public access opportunities in the pilot region for the period between 1981 and 1993. To facilitate its assessment, ReCAP divided the pilot study area into geographic sub-regions, or complexes. These complexes are broadly divided based on location, environment, and types of use received. The name and location of each complex is shown on Figure 4-4, page 47.
Although several formal vertical access sites exist in the complex (e.g., Greyhound Rock), much of the access in this section of the coast has historically been achieved through informal trails down cliffs and sometimes across private property. While these informal trails continue to provide much of the access available today, several new beaches were opened for public use since 1981: the County developed Scott Creek Beach and the California Department of Parks and Recreation opened Wilder Ranch State Park. Prior to 1981, Four Mile Beach (part of Wilder Ranch State Park) had been available for public use; however, the opening of the rest of the park provides the opportunity for public use at several additional beaches. Several private beaches in the complex also became available for use: Davenport Landing Beach, Davenport Beach, Panther Beach, Yellowbank Beach, and Laguna Creek Beach. These additional beaches represent approximately 3.7 miles of shoreline. However, it should be noted that especially in this region of the coast, many of these beaches may have been well used prior to their "official" opening.
Although a significant loss of trails to the beach and along the bluffs had been identified between 1948 and 1980, Commission staff review of aerial photographs between 1986 and 1993 show minimal changes in access paths in the region. However, field visits indicate severe erosion along many of the bluffs, which may affect the ability to use some of the existing trails.
Since 1981, the City of Santa Cruz has installed several stairways along this stretch of coast; only one vertical accessway was available previously. In addition, the former Lighthouse City Park expanded and became part of the State Park System, although it is managed by the City of Santa Cruz. The city also developed the park with facilities and a walkway along the top of the bluff overlooking the beach.
Significant improvements to the Santa Cruz Harbor have occurred since 1981, including several stairs/walkways to and around the harbor, picnic tables, parking, and summer moors for boats. Several improvements at Twin Lakes State Park are evident: an accessway to the beach was added, San Lorenzo Point overlook was opened, and a blufftop pathway was completed. In addition, Antonelli Pond was improved for public access.
Physical access to this part of the coast was significantly improved between 1981 and 1993 with the addition of access to the beach at Corcoran Lagoon Beach, 26th Avenue, and an overlook at Rockview Drive. Two stairs that were closed in 1981 (Pleasure Point and Opal Cliffs) were reopened, although Opal Cliffs access requires payment of a fee to receive a key to a locked gate. Additional stairs have also been added to the Pleasure Point Beach area. The opening of these beaches represents approximately one mile of beach access.
The primary change in physical supply of access noted is the addition of a stairway from the Capitola Wharf to the beach. Capitola, however, has had a significant amount of access points to the beach existing prior to 1981. The California Coastal Conservancy acquired Hooper Beach, a private beach which has historically allowed public access, and installed a stairway down the bluff to improve access.
The County provided new access at Hidden Beach, representing increased access to approximately one-tenth of a mile of beach for public use. A significant amount of the coastline in this complex that is not under the jurisdiction of the California Department of Parks and Recreation has been, and remains, inaccessible to the public due primarily to a lack of vertical access in the La Selva area. The new development at Seascape, however, provided access north of Lundborgh Beach. The Manresa State Beach uplands campground was also opened.
A primary change in access in this complex is evident through the installation of boardwalks at Zmudowski, Salinas, and Moss Landing State Beaches. While the boardwalks do not add new access points, they significantly improve the accessibility of existing sites. In addition, the repair of Sandholdt Road restored access to Moss Landing State Beach after the 1989 earthquake. Further improvements around Moss Landing include expanded boat facilities and public parking at Moss Landing Harbor.
Access was also improved significantly with the development of trails in the Elkhorn Slough Reserve and through the construction of the Kirby Park boat launch. Access easements will also provide access along Moro Cojo Slough when they are accepted and opened for public use.
The Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District acquired approximately seven acres of coastal dunes for public use. Access at Marina State Beach was improved through the extension of boardwalks, and a hang-gliding concession and platform were installed. Two new parks were also developed at Locke Paddon and KIDD pond. SAND CITY/SEASIDE/MONTEREY
Much of the coastal access in this complex is informal trails to the beach. A new vertical access point to the beach was developed from Roberts Lake since 1981. Access across the Post-Graduate Naval School was improved and formalized with a boardwalk through the dunes; this area had previously been posted with No Trespassing signs, although public use of the beach was evident through informal paths across the dunes. Boardwalks were also installed at Del Monte Beach, and a pedestrian path was developed around Laguna Grande for public access.
A primary improvement to access in this area was the development of the Monterey Peninsula Recreation Trail. Vertical and lateral access was also improved with the development of several new beach parks and access points at San Carlos Beach, Aeneas Beach, and Macabee Beach, as well as several public plazas near the shoreline. Many of the access improvements resulted from conditions of coastal development permits.
As with the Monterey City area, the development of the Monterey Peninsula Recreation Trail significantly improved access along the shoreline throughout Pacific Grove. Perkins Park, a bluff top park, was also developed, although access to the shore already existed from this area. Access at Asilomar was improved by formalizing access points and providing a boardwalk through the dunes to the shore in conjunction with dune restoration.
Access at Del Monte Forest was significantly improved during this time period, in large part due to the conditions on two permits granted for development. The public gained use of Stillwater Cove, a private beach, although the hours and total number of people allowed at a given time are limited. Access was improved to several other beaches in the northern section of the forest through the development of two pedestrian trails, one of which connects to the Asilomar State Park boardwalk. However, approximately 136 acres of vacant land that had historically been used for recreation was converted to the Spanish Bay Resort. Though access through the Del Monte Forest has historically been allowed, a fee is required to enter by car.
Historically the Carmel complex had a significant number of vertical access points to the beach area. Two additional stairs were added since 1981. Access to Carmel River State Beach was improved by formalizing an access trail, and two access points from Carmel Meadows (south of Carmel River State Beach) were developed. The city also created a pedestrian walkway and replaced stairs along Scenic Drive that had been damaged by storms in 1983.
No significant changes in access were noted in this complex since 1981.
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Chapter 7: Economic Effects of Recommendations.
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