Staff seeks comment on proposed 390‑foot trail closure at Pearson Arastradero to protect seasonal wetland habitat

City staff asked the Parks and Recreation Commission on April 22 for public comment on a proposed closure and restoration of an unmarked 390‑foot trail segment in the Upper Bowl area of the Pearson Arastradero Nature Preserve.

Background and proposal

Staff outlined a timeline of prior actions dating to 2023, when California regulators restricted e‑bike access and local agencies were required to set their own rules for electric bicycles and similar devices in parks and open spaces. After field visits and consultation with preserve rangers and an ad hoc committee, staff recommended closing a short unmarked connector trail linking the Upper Bowl to the Meadowlark Trail. The proposed closure, staff said, would restore the path to native vegetation and reduce habitat fragmentation and erosion.

Why it matters: The Upper Bowl contains seasonally pooled water that supports frogs, salamanders and small invertebrates, and the area has patches of serpentine soils with locally important plant communities. Protecting the seasonal water habitat and the drying crust that supports small crustaceans (daphnia, copepods and ostracods) was cited by the ad hoc as a priority.

Commission discussion and ad hoc recommendation

The ad hoc recommended pursuing a closure of roughly half of the Upper Bowl footprint (in practice, a closure of the identified 390‑foot connector) and restoring the area with split‑rail fencing, signage and revegetation. Commissioners and ad hoc members emphasized balancing ecological protection with recreational opportunities and noted that closing the shortest, redundant trail would not cut off public access to the preserve because other, established trails provide shared connectivity.

Public comment and outreach

No members of the public signed up to speak on the item at the meeting. Staff opened a public comment period that will accept written input through July 1 and said additional outreach would include signage, ranger engagement and outreach materials explaining any seasonal closures. Staff said they will compile community feedback, assess enforcement and restoration costs and return to the commission with recommended action after the outreach window closes.

Ending

Staff and the ad hoc said the proposal aims to protect unique seasonal wetland habitat and reduce erosion by removing a redundant, unmarked trail. Commissioners asked for follow‑up information on restoration timing, approximate costs and what level of ranger enforcement and public education would accompany any closure.