2024.07.02 | Construction of Linking Boardwalk to Take Place this Summer

The much-anticipated boardwalk extension will begin construction in late July or early August, creating a seamless and accessible loop between the West Ranch’s two most popular routes: the Bluff Trail and Marine Terrace Trail. This new walkway will not only offer a safe passage uniting the Ranch's two accessible paths but will expand the coastal prairie and ensure its thriving future.

QuinCon Construction of Grover Beach, the company that rebuilt the boardwalk on Moonstone Beach, will build this linking walkway. Work will take between four and twelve weeks to complete, depending on conditions. All construction materials will be stored outside of the emergency access route on the fire road. Biological and archeological monitoring will be conducted as needed throughout the project.

The new boardwalk will look the same as the one on the Bluff Trail. The deck will be the same width and materials as the existing walkway. The elevation will remain close to the ground, allowing water to flow freely while no doubt providing habitat for ground squirrels and long-tailed weasels. The abandoned trail will be revegetated with native coastal prairie grasses.

Support for boardwalk construction comes entirely from private donations to Friends of the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve (FFRP). A very generous bequest from Russell Wiggins provided the foundation of this funding. Once the project is completed, FFRP will hand it over to Cambria Community Services District as a community asset.

To support future upkeep, FFRP is offering dedications on bronze plaques along the boardwalk toe rail. FFRP has designated proceeds from these dedications to an endowment for public access and trail maintenance. Dedications can be made through FFRP’s website fiscaliniranchpreserve.org/support.

Learn more about the boardwalk and dedications at FFRP’s pop-up sale on Saturday, July 8, from 9AM to 1PM, at the south entrance to the Bluff Trail.

Article first published in https://cambriaca.org/