Great Redwood Trail Phase 4 in Ukiah adds access, shade and rest areas with state grants

Project staff described the Great Redwood Trail phase 4 segment in Ukiah as roughly 1.5 miles that will complete part of a larger 3.7-mile city trail. The segment includes ADA-compliant street crossings, two pedestrian bridges, three rest areas with benches and shade structures, bike racks and a repair station.

Funding and planting: Staff identified a California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) grant (described in the meeting as roughly $3.6 million) and a Coastal Conservancy grant of about $300,000 toward the segment. An urban forestry grant will cover planting and early maintenance, including a program to install about 200 locally sourced oak trees and to hand-water new trees for three years until established.

Watering and maintenance approach: Because a full reclaimed-water irrigation system was cost-prohibitive, staff described using water tanks filled with reclaimed water and portable watering methods (gator-style water bags and horticulture staff support) to establish trees and plantings. Staff said past phases achieved high survival rates with this approach.

Community access and next steps: Two mid-block access points at Holiday Inn and Panda Express will add neighborhood connections to Airport Park and shopping areas. Staff said landscaping and additional rest amenities will continue through the construction closeout; volunteers may assist but paid horticulturists and an urban-forest manager were budgeted to support establishment.