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Mariposa supervisors adopt environmental clearance and designs for 12.3-mile Hillside Trails project
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Summary
The board voted 5-0 to adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration and approve design documents for the Mariposa Creek Parkway Hillside Trails project, a proposed 12.3-mile multiuse trail system estimated at about $6 million that county staff say would provide recreation, wildfire fuel-break benefits and economic development opportunities.
The Mariposa County Board of Supervisors on Nov. 4 adopted a Mitigated Negative Declaration and approved design documents for the Mariposa Creek Parkway Hillside Trails project, a proposed 12.3-mile system of multiuse trails intended for hiking, mountain biking, education loops and viewpoints.
Hannah Harrison, community design and development planner, told the board the project includes trail widths of 2 to 6 feet, ADA access paths, three trailheads, vault-style toilets, overlooks and an area designated for mountain-biking. Harrison said the total cost to construct the full 12.3 miles is approximately $6,000,000 and that staff are seeking phased funding, beginning with a potential $500,000 grant to start work.
"This is our adoption schedule," Harrison said, outlining the CEQA timeline. She noted that the final initial study and Mitigated Negative Declaration had been posted to the State Clearinghouse in August 2025, that staff received two comment letters (Caltrans and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife), and that responses had been prepared before the November hearing.
Board and staff emphasized multiple project benefits beyond recreation. Senior planner Ben Goger said the trail network is designed to create shaded fuel breaks, improve wildfire access for suppression and enable vegetation management through prescribed burns and mechanical thinning. Joe Lynch, County Administrative Officer, and other staff estimated that when built the project would require an additional facilities position and annual maintenance costs; Lynch estimated a facilities position salary and benefits around $115,000 and total maintenance on the order of $200,000 annually.
Community partners and residents strongly supported the project at the hearing. Bridgette Fithian, executive director of Sierra Foothill Conservancy, and Michael Pickard of the Sierra Nevada Conservancy described contributions to acquisition and planning; multiple speakers said volunteer groups, CAL FIRE crews and nonprofit partners would participate in trail maintenance. Several residents and local arts and youth program leaders said expanded trails would support recreation, youth programming and tourism.
Supervisor Toso moved to adopt the MND and approve the design documents; Supervisor Kaiser seconded. The board voted 5-0 to adopt the resolution. Staff said the county will continue to pursue Prop 4 and other grant sources to fund construction and maintenance.
The board’s action clears the environmental and design steps; construction will proceed only if and when funding and implementation agreements are secured.
