The federal Bureau of Land Management announced plans Wednesday to open a new monument to the public as soon as next summer in Cotoni-Coast Dairies in Santa Cruz County.
The monument has been decades in the making and will turn what was once private ranching, logging and mining land into a 6,000-acre preserve of redwood trees and coastal forest with greater environmental protections.
The Bureau’s plan includes two entrance points along Highway 1 to 27 miles of new trails open to hikers, bikers and horseback riders. Construction is expected to begin this fall.
The native Ohlone used to live on the land, which was acquired by the Bureau of Land Management in 2014. In 2017, former President Barack Obama designated the site a national monument as part of the California Coastal National Monument.
Since the planning began the area has been off-limits to the public.
Still being considered are whether the rural area can accommodate the crowds that a national monument might draw, and whether hunting will be allowed in the area. As of right now, hunting will not be permitted until after the preserve opens and officials have time to decide on the best solution.
Federal funding, conservation group funding and possible parking fees will help maintain the monument.
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