BLM welcomes public input on parking area and trailhead at Cotoni-Coast Dairies

Note: this announcement was updated on March 26th to correct the end of the public comment period, which ends on April 18th, not April 15th.

MARINA, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public input on an environmental analysis for a proposed northern parking area and trailhead at Cotoni-Coast Dairies, a unit of the California Coastal National Monument, near Davenport, California, in Santa Cruz County. Interested parties may submit written comments during a 30-day public comment period, which ends on April 18.

This proposed project would make it easier and safer for the public to access this spectacular natural area, providing social and economic benefits to the region and supporting the Biden administration’s “America the Beautiful” initiative, which includes efforts to increase access for outdoor recreation while preserving public lands for present and future generations. 

“BLM is working with the local community, non-government organizations, and federal, state, and county agencies to provide public access to Cotoni-Coast Dairies,” said Central Coast Field Manager Zachary Ormsby. “Together with these agencies, partners, and the public, BLM developed a range of alternatives to address concerns related to increased traffic, public safety, and protection of natural and cultural resources.”  

Cotoni-Coast Dairies is distinguished by its broad marine terraces separated by six forested, perennial streams that flow from the Santa Cruz Mountains into the Pacific Ocean. The area supports a wide variety of habitats and wildlife, including coho salmon, steelhead trout, California red-legged frogs, mule deer, and mountain lions. Recreational opportunities include hiking, biking, horseback riding, and birdwatching. 

Information about the project and public commenting may be submitted electronically through the BLM National NEPA Register or via email; by fax to 831-582-2266; or by mail to BLM Central Coast Field Office, Attn: Cotoni-Coast Dairies, 940 2nd Avenue, Marina, CA 93933-6009. 

Cotoni-Coast Dairies was donated to BLM by the Trust for Public Land in 2014. In January 2017, Presidential Proclamation 9563 added the Cotoni-Coast Dairies property to California Coastal National Monument. The monument includes the more than 20,000 rocks, islands, exposed reefs, and pinnacles within 12 nautical miles of the California coastline as well as 7,924 acres of public land in six onshore units: Trinidad Head, Waluplh-Lighthouse Ranch, Lost Coast Headlands, Point Arena-Stornetta, Cotoni-Coast Dairies, and Piedras Blancas.  

To learn more about California Coastal National Monument visit the BLM website. For more information, please contact the Central Coast Field Office at 831-582-2200.