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"Bob Jones"
City to the Sea Trail
The "Bob Jones" City to the Sea Trail is a visionary project that began over a decade ago. The Trail’s namesake, Bob Jones, was a tireless advocate for conservation of San Luis Obispo Creek. He also served on the Land Conservancy’s Board of Trustees after a long and distinguished career in environmental protection.
The eight-mile trail will join the communities of San Luis Obispo, CA and Avila Beach, CA. We envision the Trail as much more than a simple transportation route, however. It will be an opportunity for local residents and visitors to experience the essence of the San Luis Obispo area and greenbelt; a place to take a leisurely stroll or bike ride and enjoy the views of the Avila Valley and experience the wonders of San Luis Obispo Creek. In addition, the route will contain examples of our County’s agricultural heritage including the Historic Octagon Barn.
The Trail is an important project for the Land Conservancy because it embodies so many of the Conservancy’s conservation goals. Success of the trail will support conservation of San Luis Obispo Creek, floodplain, valuable steelhead trout habitat, agricultural lands, and scenic views from Highway 101. The trail will also support the City of San Luis Obispo’s Greenbelt.
This is a joint project between the Land Conservancy of SLO, City of San Luis Obispo and County of San Luis Obispo. View an informational videoclip about the trail filmed in December, 2008.
Directions to Trailhead:
Exit Highway 101 at Avila Beach Drive, 5 miles south of San Luis Obispo. Follow Avila Beach Drive west 0.25 miles. Turn right on Ontario Road and continue 0.3 miles to the Park and Ride lot. The trail is on the west side of the road near the bridge.
What has been completed:
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The southernmost section of the trail is now complete. This portion of the trail is a class 1 path following the Pacific Coast Railway right-of-way from Ontario Road to San Luis Bay Drive. The trail crosses San Luis Bay Drive entering San Luis Bay Estates as it follows the creek, then it skirts the golf course to Avila Beach. It is used by hikers, bikers, children, roller bladers and anyone else who wants to use this well maintained trail.
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Working cooperatively with landowners, the Land Conservancy has secured many sections of the potential route along San Luis Obispo Creek. These acquisitions not only provide a potential path for the bike trail, but continue to protect the riparian corridor of San Luis Obispo Creek, home for steelhead trout and other species.
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The Land Conservancy has completed the Marre Dam modification to improve the fish passage and strengthen the dam to prevent saltwater intrusion up the creek.
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The Parks & Recreation Commission has approved the preliminary route which includes a freeway overpass connecting to the existing "Bob Jones Trail" staging area. The County of San Luis Obispo is working on the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) along San Luis Obispo Creek.
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The County of San Luis Obispo has assumed the maintenance role on the section west of San Luis Drive. The section immediately west of San Luis Drive has been repaired, removing the roots protruding through the trail.
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The City of San Luis Obispo has completed the trail from Prado Road to Los Osos Valley Road, which passes by the Bill Roalman Memorial, constructed by the Land Conservancy.
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The underpass at San Luis Bay Drive is now complete. Riders and walkers no longer have to cross this busy road to reach Avila Beach.
Upcoming Projects:
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The County will extend the southernmost section of the trail to the Triangle Park , making it easier to cross Avila Beach Drive.
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The Argano Property purchased by the Land Conservancy near Monte Road is being organically farmed. Organic produce grown here may be sold at the Avila Beach Farmers Market. The other side of the property on San Luis Obispo Creek will be used for a BIO Fuels Project at Cal Poly.
Plans for the Future:
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The Land Conservancy will continue to do what it does best by securing additional parcels or easements to protect the habitat of San Luis Obispo Creek for steelhead trout and other species.
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We will continue to work with the County and City of SLO to determine the best route for the City to Sea Trail while at the same time protecting the habitat along San Luis Obispo Creek.
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The current trail alignment shows the Historic Octagon Barn as the trailhead for the County portion of the "Bob Jones Trail." We applaud this design, as it works well with our vision of the restored Octagon Barn as a community-oriented hub hosting many events that will benefit the the public.
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Historic Octagon Barn & Milking Parlor |
Click picture for larger image. | 
