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Supervisors approve pilot to restrict Hot Springs Trailhead on red-flag days; sheriff to enforce
Summary
The board approved a time-limited pilot to restrict parking and trail access at the Hot Springs Trailhead on red-flag days, authorizing sheriff overtime and coordination with federal and state partners; a six-month status report was requested.
Santa Barbara — The Board of Supervisors on March 4 unanimously approved a pilot program that will allow county staff and law enforcement to restrict parking and close the Hot Springs Trailhead on red-flag warning days through the end of 2025.
Supervisor Gregg Hartman, sponsor of the item, framed the measure as a wildfire-prevention step after staff and fire officials described the trailhead’s increased visitation and the area’s vulnerability to ignitions. The motion (agenda item Dept. 2) directs county staff to coordinate with local, state and federal partners — including the U.S. Forest Service and fire agencies — to adopt parking restrictions and trail closures on red-flag days, request the sheriff’s office to provide enforcement (including overtime), and to develop measures following heavy rainfall to prevent unlawful watershed modification.
Wade Cooper and Aida from the First District office presented staff’s rationale. They said visitor traffic has grown markedly since the COVID era, including large groups drawn by social media posts, and that narrow roads, remote locations and frequent high winds make the area a wildfire and emergency-response concern. Montecito Fire Chief David Nios told the board the department “is 100% in support” of stronger closures on high fire-danger days to protect residents and emergency access.
Public commenters living near the trail described parking congestion, litter, after-dark gatherings and what they said were hazardous activities such as open fires and tiki torches; others urged better signage and more parking alternatives rather than closures. County parks staff said prior limited enforcement had reduced problems but funding and vandalism of signs made ongoing maintenance and enforcement difficult.
The board’s action (approved A–E on the agenda) also authorized using an available parking-study fund balance to support a sheriff overtime pilot and asked staff to return with a status report in six months. Supervisors said they want the pilot to inform a longer-term management plan and to coordinate with the stakeholder task force that includes residents, fire agencies and federal land managers.
Supervisor Lee moved the item; Supervisor Hartman seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
