Westport Village Society addresses coastal trail concerns at public meeting

Concerns over trail safety and environmental protection dominated the Mendocino County Planning Commission meeting on May 1, 2025, as discussions centered on a proposed coastal trail project in Westport. Commissioners expressed apprehension about the potential for trail braiding, where hikers stray from designated paths, particularly near bluff edges, which pose significant safety risks.

One commissioner highlighted the challenges faced on the Fort Bragg Coastal Trail, noting that despite various attempts to keep hikers on established paths—such as symbolic fencing and signage—only a high wire fence proved effective. This raised questions about the feasibility of maintaining a single, safe trail in the new project, especially given the natural inclination of visitors to approach the bluff edge for better views.

The applicant, Thad Van Buren of the Westport Village Society, addressed these concerns by emphasizing the project's design, which aims to direct foot traffic towards the bluff edge while minimizing access to inland areas that lack views. He assured the commission that safety measures, including signage, would be implemented to discourage dangerous proximity to the cliffs.

The discussion also touched on the extensive conditions attached to the project, which some commissioners found surprising for a trail development. Van Buren acknowledged these conditions but argued that they were necessary to protect sensitive habitats and archaeological sites.

As the meeting concluded, the commission remained focused on balancing public access with environmental stewardship, underscoring the ongoing challenge of managing coastal trails in a way that ensures both safety and preservation. The next steps will involve further evaluation of the project’s conditions and potential adjustments to the trail alignment to address these critical concerns.