Reprinted: from the SLO County Journal The "Bob Jones" City to the Sea Trail project is on track, scheduled for ribbon cutting ceremonies sometime in 2011. The nature-endowed paved pathway - dedicated for walking and bicycling - meanders 13 miles alongside San Luis Obispo Creek, connecting the city of San Luis Obispo, at the Octagon Barn on lower Higuera Street, to Avila Beach. The project took root in a vision more than a decade ago when San Luis Obispo County Parks and Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo discovered they shared a common goal- provide the public leisurely, nature-appreciating access to the greenbelt gateway to San Luis Obispo. Land Conservancy has made it a mission to acquire land along the creek to protect it from development while perpetuating farming activities and restoring the creek to its natural state. To foster public support, Land Conservancy is eager for people to see first-hand what's at stake, what habitats will be lost if they aren't protected. What better way than with a designated trail that leads people onto the properties where they are sure to develop such a powerful" relationship with a pure natural environment that they would hate to lose it.  At the same time, SLO County Parks places high priority on its Trails Plan. But to create trails - funded mostly by grants from San Luis Obispo Council of Governments - there needs to be access across private property. Land Conservancy - which has eagerly been buying every piece of land that comes up for sale on San Luis Obispo Creek - is happy to grant easements for County Park trails. Simply put, when deals are done, and the dust settles, the County owns the trail; Land Conservancy manages and maintains it. It's a win-win team effort all the way.  Bob Jones, the trail's namesake, was a local pioneering environmentalist best known for his dogged efforts to restore and protect San Luis Obispo Creek. His career was 23 years with the Department of Fish and Game. With a bent for keeping nature natural, he co-founded the environmental firm Jones and Stokes in 1970. After retiring to Avila Valley in 1983, Jones served as Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County president from 1987 to 1989, and focused efforts on SLO Creek's welfare until passing away in 1994. Acommemorating plaque placed along the trail ends a testimonial with, 'This trail honors a man with a vision who listened to, encouraged, and inspired others." One of those he inspired is Brian Stark, Land Conservancy executive director who spearheads the Conservancy's side of the Bob Jones City to the Sea Trail. He joined the organization 13 years ago as a volunteer liTo build a job experience," he says. As he embraced the conservancy's mission, he couldn't resist locking onto it, prompted by his personal' credo: "Doing what you believe in makes a big difference in life." Over time, Stark explains, "your heart gets attached to the magic of working to conserve land. To me, it borders on the spiritual dream. An unrivaled dream" Stark credits his environmentalist zeal to his idol, Bob Jones. "His commitment to the creek," Stark says, "is what I picked up on when I first got to the Conservancy. His vision spoke to me. It's my career to implement his work." Jan DiLeo, who spearheads County Parks' side of the trail, has been immersed in County Parks planning for more than 20 years. She's excited about the already completed southernmost portion of the Bob Jones City to the Sea Trail that stretches between Avila Beach and Highway 101 at Pacific Street, following the Pacific Coast from Ontario Road to San Luis Bay Drive, enters San Luis Bay Estates as it follows the creek, then skirts the golf course to Avila Beach. The three-mile-long section - featuring a pathway that leads into tranquil nature - is complete with benches for resting, a creek for soothing, and abundant wildlife sightings and sounds. Very little elevation gains. Fully physical handicap access. It's already attracting legions of foot and two-wheeled traffic of solos and family affairs. "It,s a preview for the rest of the trail to come," DiLeo says. "Walk, jog, rollerblade or bicycle it a couple of times and see for yourself. With life so hectic, this will be one of the nicest escapes you can have, and all need that." "The trail," Stark says, lIis an important project for us because it embodies so many of the Conservancy's conservation goals. Success of the trail will support conservation of San Luis Obispo Creek, the flood plain, valuable steelhead trout habitat, agricultural lands, and scenic views from Highway 101. It's also opportunity for locals and visitors to experience the essence of the San Luis Obispo area and greenbelt." The trail isn't a training course for bicycle racers dodging people and dogs, Stark cautions. "There are other alternatives if they want to blast somewhere at high speed, like highway bike lanes." The trail, Stark explains, "Isn't the fastest way, but it's the most enjoyable way, cruising in a leisurely fashion, sometimes with family." Layout the trail project map, pull a fingertip along the route, and see how it passes through a patchwork of private lands, and Land Conservancy and SLO County properties. Some land acquisitions and easements are done deals. Others are still up in the air. "But I put my head down," Stark says, "and go hit the roadblocks." Creating the Bob Jones City to the Sea Trail is fraught with challenging complexities and frustrations for both Stark and DiLeo. Blizzards of permits. Environmental impact statements. Dealings with nearly every governmental agency's rules and guidelines. Negotiating with private property owners in the path's way, not anxious to sell their land or have a public path through it. "I know most of the landowners personally," Stark says. IIMost want the trail to happen. Some have even donated property for the route. But each landowner is affected in a different way, and their concerns are critical. We alot of creativitywork to address them, but it takes  by us and the county for the trail to have as small an impact as possible." Stark wants trail deals to have a happy endings with all concerned - "A trail built on love," he says. Adds DiLeo: "Ninety-five percent of the property owners ask, 'When are you going to get this done?' I'm amazed at the support." The original project proposal was for the trail to pass under Highway 101 near the Salisbury Winery. "But with flooding and storm debris six months of the year," DiLeo says, "there were maintenance issues." The overpass, designed after Santa Barbara,,' s pedestrian/bike bridge, "solves a lot of problems," DiLeo adds, "and keeps the trail open all year.~." Because the trail follows the majority of the  an old railroad corridor, she adds, "IWe could style the bridge after a classic old railroad It could be a tourist attraction." "The trail" Stark adds, "It won't come cheap, not with creek crossings and a bridge over the highway. For my part, I want the best user experience possible no matter what the cost." For more information, contact the Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo at (805) 544-9096.