California State Parks (CSP) is hiring a crew to work on Rogers Road Trail in Topanga State Park and Will Rogers State Historic Park. The work will include brushing to remove the overgrowth and some tread work to remove the ruts. The bridge on Chicken Ridge will be repaired and upgraded, and new signs put up to remind riders (bikes and equestrians) to walk through this section. CORBA will be supplying bicycles and B.O.B. Trailers to allow the trail crew volunteers easier access to the remote work sites. The work is expected to take place from February to June 2012. We will post notice of the work schedule and impacts to trail users as it is supplied by State Parks.

This project is made possible by a grant from the National Park Service. It serves as a prime example of how the National Park Service can help another agency achieve their goals through financial support and shared resources, as we are advocating for the San Gabriel Mountains Special Resource Study.

The Guadalasca Trail in Point Mugu State Park will also undergo some substantial improvements over the next year or two. First, the lower section (part of  the old ranch road), will be brushed out to allow access for motorized equipment. An excavator will be used to remove the existing drain culverts and convert them to level crossings. The large rut on the uphill side will be filled in and the travel surface moved to the downhill side to improve water drainage. Part of the newer section of the trail will be rerouted and in the process will add 1/4 to 1/2 mile to its length. The old trail will remain open while construction takes place on the re-route. Some of the switchbacks could be converted to climbing turns, and rolling dips will be added to help control erosion. Using IMBA-influenced designs, sinuosity and pinch points will be incorporated to reduce downhill travel speeds. This will help reduce conflicts with other trail users, including climbing mountain bikers. CSP has asked CORBA and other organizations to recruit volunteers to help with some of this work. We expect to be announcing trailwork days in the new year to get this work done.

Tapia Spur trail will be receiving an upgrade as well, bringing the trail up to the State’s shared-use standards. There are many blind corners and other potential problem spots, and narrow sections where two trail users cannot safely pass each other. The trail will serve a model for how shared-use principles will be implemented as other trails are converted to shared-use and new trails are constructed.