
This report is an inventory and analysis of existing trails in agricultural settings, with a focus on trails that are most comparable to the context of the Santa Paula Branch Line (SPBL) in Ventura County.
by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC), Alta Planning + Design
The objective was to find trails that have been successfully implemented and are currently operating in active agricultural areas similar to the proposed SPBL trail, and identify the challenges they faced and the factors that made them successful. Significant effort was made to contact the agricultural owner/operators adjacent to the trail in regard to their experience and perspective, as well as that of the trail owner/operator. While this study was conducted specifically for the SPBL, the findings are applicable to other areas where trails may traverse agricultural properties.
Over thirty trails were identified matching the first criteria. Of those, nine trails with the greatest similarity to the SPBL have been selected for detailed profiles. Information gathered for the remaining trails is also presented. In addition to the trail research and case studies, a review of technical literature and guidelines related to trails in agricultural settings was performed.
Published April 2015
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