2024.09.19 | Why the New Ranch Boardwalk Meanders

It is hard to miss the zigzag nature of the new boardwalk on the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve.  As it takes shape, it becomes clearer that the path will be a meandering journey rather than a straight shot.

     The indirect route met Friends of the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve’s two primary goals.  The first goal was to close a loop between the Ranch’s two accessible trails, opening more of the Ranch to people who have mobility challenges.  The existing dirt path between the Bluff Trail and the Marine Terrace Trail was steep and seasonally very muddy, making it hazardous for all visitors.

     For the path to be accessible, it needed to span the elevation difference between the two trails while remaining at a low incline.  That meant that the 1,100-foot route needed to be long enough so that no portion of the boardwalk would be too steep for wheelchair access.  The maximum slope of any portion of the walkway is a 4.5 percent grade while most of the route is under 2 percent.  In addition, for safety FFRP will be installing a handrail at the top of the boardwalk where there is more than a 30-inch difference between the deck of the boardwalk and the natural grade.

     The second goal was to reduce the impact of visitors on the Ranch’s rare coastal prairie habitat.  Less than 1 percent of natural coastal prairie remains in California.  After 100 years of grazing, it is impressive that so many native grasses remain on the preserve.  By lifting foot traffic off the ground and establishing a fixed path, the boardwalk will protect this habitat.  When construction is completed, FFRP will restore the abandoned path with native prairie grasses.

     FFRP is proud to be constructing this project as a permanent asset for the Ranch.  Private donations are supporting the entire project and FFRP is raising an endowment to pay for trail upkeep and public access through donations for dedications along the boardwalk.  To learn more about how to make a dedication, visit Make a Dedication | Friends of the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve.  Construction should be complete by late October.

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