Vision Statement for the Pogonip

“Pogonip is a place to be appreciated for its natural beauty, habitat value and serenity, in contrast to the built environment. Pogonip should provide the community with education and recreation opportunities that are environmentally and economically sustainable.”

– from the Pogonip Master Plan

tree

A synopsis of City Council actions on March 27

Although the City Council approved the staff recommendation by a vote of 6-1 on a motion by Ryan Coonerty (seconded by Lynn Robinson) to proceed with the proposed trail, the motion was amended to include 8 conditions, put forth by Katherine Beiers prior to the vote.

A copy of the relevant page of the “Action Agenda”, which states the text of the motion (including the 8 conditions) is here. (The Action Agenda is posted before the minutes are approved and will be replaced by the approved minutes. The Action Agenda is an unofficial summary of action taken at the meeting.)

Among the conditions, all of which may be viewed as responding to our concerns, especially significant were these three:

  • Trail signs that include the minimum amount of fines;

  • Provide report on amount of costs prior to construction of trail;

  • Direct Mayor Lane to meet with the appropriate person from the County to start discussions regarding an alternate bike trail along the rail line from the City to an entrance at Pogonip.

Councilmember Beiers, working with Mayor Lane, displayed considerable skill in attaining approval of her 8 conditions as an amendment to the motion—even though she then voted in opposition to the final motion.

Sentinel reporter J.M. Brown was present throughout the hearing, and posted this article, a brief but straightforward piece describing what happened.

It is likely that in the absence of the many who worked to express our many concerns with the proposed new trail on the Pogonip, none of the conditions amended into the City Council's motion of approval would have occurred. Heartfelt thanks are owed to all who not only signed our petition, but also wrote comments and letters to both Parks Commissioners and City Council members.

We will be monitoring the process as it moves forward, continuing our watch on the Pogonip as volunteer stewards of this community treasure. If you'd like to help, please let us know.

Here's a thought: At the end of the hearing on March 27, Councilmember Coonerty remarked that “EMUT” was the “least attractive acronym” he could imagine as a name for the proposed trail. Should we have a contest to name this new trail? Let us know what you think.

Issues: Myths and Facts

Somewhat new: We have an “Issues” page, with five myths regarding the proposed new trail through the Pogonip, along with facts relating to these myths. Click here to see it.

Issues: Signs, fences and trails

Somewhat new: We have an “Issues” page regarding needed enhancements to signs and fences. There are quite a few photos. Click here to see it.

Issues: Illegal bicycles

Somewhat new: We have another “Issues” page regarding reports of bike riding on trails where bikers are not permitted. Also recently added to this page is a copy of a citation log provided to us by Parks and Recreation Department staff. Click here to see it.

The Pogonip is a treasure

The Pogonip, 640 acres of natural open space and wildlife habitat, is a treasured public common in Santa Cruz, California. With its variety of redwood and oak forests, coastal prairie, many streams flowing from springs down steep rugged slopes toward the San Lorenzo River, with miles of trails and a rich history, the Pogonip is a unique open space, especially since it is immediately adjacent to our urbanized area.

Such places are rare, and should be valued and protected by members of our community.

Other nearby natural areas, especially Wilder, the upper UCSC campus, and DeLaveaga Park, provide ample opportunities for the mountain biking experience at all levels of technical difficulty. In those places, essentially every path is open to use by mountain bikers, and those that simply want to walk quietly or watch birds or look at wildflowers tend to avoid such places.

Leo Marx wrote The Machine in the Garden: Technology and the Pastoral Ideal in America in 1964. We need to keep listening to his words. We need to protect our gardens—our natural areas where humans can reconnect with other species—without the presence of machines.

Please help us remove invasive plants on the Pogonip

Our work party on November 12, removing a patch of Ageratina adenophora near the watering trough on the Spring Trail, turned out well. Click on this link to read a synopsis, with ``before'' and ``after'' photos. There are several nearby patches that await our attention, so please consider helping us for the next work party. We'll be announcing a date soon, so stay tuned.

poster

Get your poster today

If you would like this wonderful poster, with its 1978 image by Tom Killion and its poem by Celia, let us know by clicking here to send us an email. Be sure to include either your phone number or email address so we know how to respond. (Click on the image to see it enlarged—your back button will take you back.) The poster is 17 inches by 25 inches. They're free!

Please send any articles, photos or ideas for this website

This website, which is hosted by Friends of the Pogonip, is meant to provide the opportunity for you to express your thoughts about anything Pogonip-related—stories, photos, videos, cartoons, announcements of Pogonip-related events—so feel free to contribute any of these by sending us an email. (Click on the “Contact” tab above to send us an email.)