More funding approved for Montana de Oro expansion
June 7, 2010
State conservation officials have approved nearly $7 million to purchase 2,400 acres of land west of San Luis Obispo, part of an ongoing effort to expand Montana de Oro Stare Park. [Tribune]
The state Wildlife Conservation Board voted to allocate $6,735 million in bond money for the purchase of Wild Cherry Canyon, also known as Avila Ranch, in the southern Irish Hills.
Plans call to expand Montana de Oro by 5,500 acres, to a a total of 13,500 acres, making it one of the largest California state parks.
Next up: the State Public Works Board will schedule a meeting to approve the final $7 million needed to complete the project. The board is expected to allocate State Parks Department bond funds that voters set aside for conservation of the Irish Hills as part of a larger voter bond initiative.
The acquisition is viewed as a future boon for outdoor recreation enthusiasts. Hiker, mountains bikers and horseback riders will be able to enjoy miles of trails and dirt roads.
A 15-20 mile extension of the California Coastal Trail, linking Los Osos to Avila Beach, is also planned.
The comments below represent the opinion of the writer and do not represent the views or policies of CalCoastNews.com. Please address the Policies, events and arguments, not the person. Constructive debate is good; mockery, taunting, and name calling is not. Comment Guidelines