BLM seeks public input on proposal to expand public access and recreation on Cotoni-Coast Dairies, along Santa Cruz County’s North Coast
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MARINA, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management Central Coast Field Office is seeking public input on a proposal to expand public access and recreation on Cotoni-Coast Dairies, within the California Coastal National Monument, along Santa Cruz County’s North Coast. Access is currently limited to guided tours.
The BLM plans to publish a Notice of Intent in the Federal Register on Monday, June 24, for a proposed amendment to the Resource Management Plan, beginning a public scoping period that will end on July 24*.
Public meetings will be held from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on the following dates and locations:
- Wednesday, July 17, Louden Nelson Community Center, 301 Center St., Santa Cruz, CA 95060
- Thursday, July 18, Pacific Elementary School, 50 Ocean St., Davenport, CA 95017 (Space is limited at this venue.)
If approved, the expansion furthers Secretary’s Order 3366, Increasing Recreation Opportunities on Lands and Waters Managed by the U.S. Department of the Interior and Secretary’s Order 3347, Conservation Stewardship and Outdoor Recreation.
“This plan will provide for public access and recreation on the spectacular Cotoni-Coast Dairies, while ensuring protection of natural and cultural resources for present and future generations,” says Central Coast Field Manager Ben Blom. “We welcome and value diverse views and want to hear from everyone interested in management of these lands.”
The Cotoni-Coast Dairies property was donated to the BLM in 2014 and encompasses nearly 6,000 acres along Santa Cruz County’s North Coast. The property was added to the California Coastal National Monument in 2017. Cotoni-Coast Dairies extends along the Pacific Coast Highway near Davenport. This area is marked by six forested perennial streams that flow from the Santa Cruz Mountains into the Pacific Ocean, and between these riparian drainages are broad marine terraces. These public lands support a wide variety of habitats and wildlife, including coho salmon, steelhead trout, California red-legged frogs, mule deer and mountain lions.
The BLM has been working with local communities, tribes, federal, state and local agencies to provide public access to the property, while addressing community concerns related to increased traffic and noise, public health and safety, and protection of natural and cultural resources. The BLM is also coordinating with the county on ongoing community projects on adjacent lands, including the local rail trail project.
Information related to this planning effort can be found on the ePlanning website at https://go.usa.gov/xEJAw. Comments may be submitted electronically at https://go.usa.gov/xEJAw; via email to blm_ca_cotoni_coast_dairies@blm.gov; by fax: 831-582-2266; or by mail: BLM Central Coast Field Office, Attn: Cotoni-Coast Dairies RMPA/EA, 940 2nd Avenue, Marina, CA 93933-6009.
Before including addresses, phone numbers, email addresses or other personal identifying information in a comment, commenters should be aware that the entire comment, including personal identifying information, could be made publicly available at any time. While the public may ask the BLM to withhold personal identifying information from public review, the BLM cannot guarantee that it will be able to do so.
*The close of public comment has been revised to August 2. For more information visit updated news release.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.