Lower Wilder Ranch Trail Restoration
Summary
SCH Number
2026060071
Public Agency
California Department of Parks and Recreation
Document Title
Lower Wilder Ranch Trail Restoration
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
6/2/2026
Document Description
Project proposes to improve existing trail alignments within Wilder Ranch State Park to reduce user conflict and improve trail safety. The work is proposed for portions of the Eucalyptus Loop, Old Cabin, and Wild Boar Trails will alleviate erosion, reduce sediment delivery into nearby drainages, and curtail the creation of unofficial trail segments used to bypass trail obstacles. Work will occur as follows:
On the Fern Grotto Beach Access
• Remove one (1) wood puncheon;
• Remove approx. 50 linear feet (LF) of poorly aligned and redundant trail; and
• Construct 30 LF of wood cabling steps leading down existing trail to beach.
On the Eucalyptus Loop Trail:
• Construct an approx. 6,000 LF reroute of the eastern segment of the road and construct a new approx. 4ft wide trail on contour under forest canopy;
• Remove approx. 5,000 LF of poorly aligned road in the meadow and topographically Restore approx. 59,510 sq ft of the meadow;
• Excavate approx. 300 cu. ft. to install concrete abutments and approaches for five (5) steel I-beam bridges and one (1) wood puncheon.
• Construct approx. 170 ft of 6ft wide drainage lens along trail (5 locations); and
• Reconstruct sections of the trail with corrected outslope to facilitate proper drainage.
On the Old Cabin Trail:
• Construct an approx. 3,750 LF reroute to pull the existing trail off the ridge line and away from the water course;
• Remove approx. 3,500 LF of poorly aligned trail and topographically restore the area
• Excavate approx. 68 cu. ft. for concrete abutments and approaches for one (1) steel I-beam bridge and one (1) wood puncheon; and
• Reconstruct sections of the trail with corrected outslope to facilitate proper drainage.
On the Wild Boar Trail:
• Construct an approx. 2,400 LF reroute to pull existing trail out of the meadow and off of the fall line;
• Remove approx. 2,210 LF of poorly aligned road and restore the meadow and forest understory;
• Construct a 75ft long x 6ft wide drainage lens along the trail; and
• Reconstruct sections of the trail with corrected outslope to facilitate proper drainage.
Contact Information
Name
Linda Hitchcock
Agency Name
Department of Parks and Recreation
Job Title
Senior Park and Recreation Specialist
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Coordinates
Cities
Unincorporated Area (Santa Cruz County)
Counties
Santa Cruz
Regions
Unincorporated
Zip
95060
Other Location Info
Wilder Ranch State Park
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
15301, 15303 & 15304
Reasons for Exemption
Project consists of the operation, maintenance, or minor alteration of existing public or private structures, facilities, or topographical features, involving negligible or no expansion of use beyond current levels; construction and location of limited numbers of new, small facilities or structures; and minor public or private alterations in the condition of land, water, and/or vegetation which do not involve removal of healthy, mature, scenic trees expect for forestry or agricultural purposes, and is included as “Trail construction or realignment” and “Resource management projects” in the Department of Parks and Recreation’s list of exempt activities in accordance with CCR § 15300.4.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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