February 2013. The Coastal Fund at UCSB provided Trails Council with $8,000 to partially fund Gaviota Coastal Trail and Access Study.

The objectives of the Gaviota Coastal Trail and Access Study are to provide a single objective and accessible source of information about existing coastal access on the 20 miles of the Gaviota Coast between the City of Goleta and Gaviota State Park. In our report we will identify opportunities and constraints for the completion of a bluff top alignment of the Coastal Trail and associated access improvements. The in-depth report will supplement and expand upon information provided in Santa Barbara County’s draft Gaviota Coast Plan.

The goal overall is to ensure that protection and expansion of coastal access, parks, open space and recreation receives attention commensurate with the Gaviota Coast’s statewide and national importance, and that the public interest with regard to improved coastal access and implementation of the Coastal Trail are recognized. In the future, measured in decades, we will know if the long term goal of the study is met.