LAKE COUNTY — Lake County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the Konocti Regional Trails (KRT) Master Plan, Tuesday as well as a Negative Declaration citing no significant impacts necessitating an Environmental Impact Report (EIR).
Approval of the KRT Master Plan followed three years of development and planning that included public input and participation. Concept of the KRT system was developed in conjunction with a technical assistance grant from the National Park Service, River Trails and Conservation Assistance (NPS RTCA) program.
“I”m overwhelmed by the extraordinary body of work this project represents,” District 3 Supervisor Denise Rushing said. “I think it is something everybody really wants to see for our community.”
Public Works Director Kim Clymire said the plan was develop sensitive to private property without use of public domain. He said if and when the trails are built they will be on the property of willing sellers.
The KRT Master Plan is a countywide planning document for the design, development and implementation of trails for recreation and transportation in Lake County. The document attempts to lay the foundation and set the framework for the development of a network of non-motorized land-based trails and water trials that will connect communities and recreational destinations.
“I”m so glad that finally we have a plan,” County Administrator Kelly Cox said. “Now we can go after funding sources.”
A public survey of 15 questions issued in September 2009, which received 642 responses, helped refine the plan. According to the KRT Master Plan document, of the many topics covered in the survey, trail usage (frequency and activity type) was of particular importance. The states in terms of frequency 95 percent of respondents indicated they would use trails monthly or more often; 49 percent would use trails weekly; and 16 percent would use trails daily.
Respondents chose the following as their top three activities: walking/hiking, 87 percent; dog walking, 47 percent; paddling, 29 percent; road bicycling, 28 percent; mountain biking, 23 percent; and equestrian activities, 23 percent.
Trail usage by residents and visitors is expected to assist in the stimulation of economic activity through increased direct sales of hiking, biking and kayaking equipment at the retailer level plus the resulting sales tax revenues to local and state governments. In addition, the plan states increased overnight visitation translates into increased sales at lodging and dining establishments, grocery stores and gas stations as well as other tourism-related businesses.
“Having this trail system is key to the economic development of this community,” Lake County resident Carol Cole Lewis said. “I”m really excited that the county is actually stepping forward to implement this plan.”
Prior to approving the KRT Master Plan and Negative Declaration, the board recognized the extraordinary efforts of volunteers Holly Harris and Chuck Lamb, whose contributions, the board said, were instrumental in the project. The board also recognized National Park Service Program Manager Barbara Rice for her dedication to the project.
The Konocti Regional Trails Master Plan is available for public review in its entirety at www.konoctitrails.com, local libraries and the Live Oak Senior Center in Clearlake Oaks. It is also available on CD from the Lake County Department of Community Development.
Contact South County reporter Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
