An important reminder that the virtual Santa Barbara County Recreation Master Plan (Rec Plan) EIR scoping meeting will be held online using Microsoft Teams on Thursday, February 6, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. Parks Staff and their consultant will present the project and receive public comments on the scope of the environmental issues to be addressed in the Rec Plan EIR.
The purpose of the meeting is to provide comments on the Live Oak Trail Project.
• To join on your computer or mobile app, please click here: Join the meeting on 2/6
OR
• To call into the meeting on your phone, please Dial 1-213-267-3760
Enter conference ID no. 481 670 356#
Please plan to attend the meeting even if you do not wish to speak. Our equestrian numbers need to show!
If you wish to speak, the script below is provided for your use. Pick 1, 2 or all 3 from the points below for your comment or include your own. Remember you will only have 1 to 3 minutes to speak so keep it short!
Script:
My name is _____________ and I am a life-long equestrian and have enjoyed the Live Oak Equestrian Trail (Live Oak) for many years. I thank Parks staff for continuing to hear our reports and considering our equestrian’s comments on issues surrounding the Live Oak Trail.
1. I am against the Cachuma Equestrian Trails Project as proposed in the Rec Plan and frankly, shocked and surprised it is rehashed here after all the adverse experiences that occurred with the County’s ill-fated “Pilot Project”. The Pilot Project lasted 18 months and opened Live Oak to hikers. It was planned to later open to mountains bikes. Opening the trail plagued the area with increased trash, unsanitary conditions along roads and in the Santa Ynez River, illegal motorcycle trespass, and hunters that threatened hikers, equestrian riders and the livestock belonging to the grazing permittee.
2. Equestrians have commented time and time again that mountain bikes and hikers with unleashed dogs pose the greatest threat to equestrian trail rider’s safety. It is impossible to mitigate high speeds that mountain bikes can achieve at the Live Oak Trail as they traverse through hilly terrain with blind corners. Hikers often unleash their dogs unfamiliar with livestock and wildlife with disastrous results.
3. While there are many multi-use trails in the County, Live Oak is the last safe equestrian trail. All other coastal Counties from Monterrey to San Diego (and even the City of Los Angeles) have at least one dedicated area for equestrian facilities and trails. We must maintain Live Oak as a safe, viable place for horseback riders to recreate.
Please remove the Cachuma Equestrian Trails Project from the Rec Plan. It would make the last remaining equestrian trial in Santa Barbara County unsafe for equestrian riders. Live Oak needs to remain for equestrian and grazing use. Keep Live Oak Trail as an equestrian area in the future.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment.
Comments