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Public commenter urges wider, serviceable trails in Western Hills; district outlines planning and access work
Summary
A public commenter and directors discussed plans for trails, access and potential landing zones in the Western Hills; commenter asked that trails be wide enough for emergency vehicles and to avoid steps that impede evacuation and patient moves, and staff described planned community wildfire protection planning and grant-funded planning work.
During public comment the board heard a lengthy statement urging that planned trails in the Western Hills be designed to support emergency access and patient evacuation, not only recreational use.
The commenter said trail designs described in planning documents — "2 to 3 foot wide" trails — would be inadequate for emergency evacuations and patient extrication and urged trails be built 6–7 feet wide so that side‑by‑side vehicles or 4x4s could be used. The commenter cited past rescues that took several hours because trails were narrow and included steps.
Chief Buckingham said the district has applied for Cal Fire planning grants to develop a Ukiah-specific Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) that would address access, locations for landing zones, maintenance, and where fuel breaks and treatment should go. He said the district is planning to incorporate private-property partners and noted that some existing access routes traverse private land.
The chief said the fuels crew has begun work at Gap Park and that planning funds include both equipment and planning elements to guide treatment and long-term maintenance. He added the district is coordinating with parks and community services staff, but some stakeholders are out of town and staff will continue outreach.
The commenter asked the district to ensure trail construction considers emergency access, longer-term maintenance and coordination with private landowners; district staff said they will pass the commenter’s concerns to the planning process and to the park/community services contacts.
