POINT ARENA CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
AGENDA ITEM: VII E
MEETING DATE: 8/26/2025
TITLE
Contribution of $300 to Support Trail Monument
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Approve a $300 contribution from the City of Point Arena toward the monument for the California Coastal Trail connection project.
ANALYSIS
Planning and development of a trail connection from Arena Cove to the existing California Coastal Trail (CCT) on the Point Arena–Stornetta Unit of the California Coastal National Monument has long been underway. This project will create a direct link from the Arena Cove Historic District and Pier to the five-mile trail system within the National Monument.
Trail planning and permitting were previously funded by the State Coastal Conservancy with strong local community support. Station 314 LLC, owners of the Coast Guard Inn, have generously dedicated an easement to allow the trail to cross their property.
The project will be overseen by the Mendocino Land Trust (MLT), in partnership with the Arena Cove Stewards (ACS) and the Friends of the Point Arena–Stornetta Lands (FPASL). These three non-profit organizations will manage and maintain the new trail section to ensure ongoing access, safety, and community benefit.
At the 2025 August Arena Cove Advisory Committee meeting, the Arena Cove Stewards presented the City with a $1,000 check, acknowledging the $1–$2 event fee ticket price that has been under discussion as a potential contribution to the City’s General Fund.
While Council has not yet made a final decision on implementing event fees, this gesture by ACS reflects an understanding of the City’s fiscal challenges and the community’s willingness to step in and provide support.
The City office recommends contributing $300 of this donation toward the monument and trail completion. This action continues the City’s role as a partner in supporting a project of local, regional, and statewide significance, while also recognizing the generosity of ACS in helping bridge funding needs.
FISCAL IMPACT
The proposed $300 contribution will be funded from the $1,000 donation by the Arena Cove Stewards. The remaining $700 will be placed in the General Fund.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Mayoral Letter of Support
2. Trailhead Poster
3. Trailhead Sign
CITY MANAGER SIGNATURE
_________________________________
Molly C. Haviland, City Manager
August 21, 2025 DRAFT
Mr. Douglas Bosco, Chairman
California State Coastal Conservancy
1515 Clay Street, 10th Floor
Oakland, CA 94612
Re: Support for the Arena Cove Coastal Trail Construction Grant, Mendocino County Dear Mr. Bosco,
The City of Point Arena would like to express its support for the construction grant to complete the proposed trail connection from Arena Cove to the existing California Coastal Trail on the PA-Stornetta Lands National Monument. Trail planning and permitting was previously funded by the SCC with support from the local community. The private property owners, Station 314 LLC, who own the Coast Guard Inn, have generously dedicated a public trail to run on the western edge of their property.
The goal of this project is to construct a new trail section of the California Coastal Trail (CCT) to connect the Arena Cove Historic District and Pier to an existing five mile stretch of the CCT on the PAStornetta National Monument. The project will be overseen by the Mendocino Land Trust, in partnership with our local area non-profits the Arena Cove Stewards and the Friends of the Point ArenaStornetta Lands.
Mendocino Land Trust (MLT) is well qualified to oversee the completion of this project. MLT has successfully completed numerous public access and land conservation projects throughout Mendocino County. Arena Cove Stewards (ACS) and the Friends of PA-Stornetta Lands (FPASL) have strong community ties and a history of engaging the local community on harbor resiliency, conservation and coastal access that contribute to the health and vibrancy of our area. These three non-profits will maintain the trail to ensure access to the PA-Stornetta Lands National Monument, the City’s most visited destination, and a hub of recreational activity on our coast.
The City continues to support this new trail link from planning, permitting and now construction and we are confident that Arena Cove Stewards, Friends of PA-Stornetta Lands lead by the Mendocino Land Trust will do an excellent job on the completion and maintenance of this important local trail link.
Thank you for your leadership and partnership in supporting these vital coastal trail projects throughout California and the Mendocino Coast.
Respectfully,
Anna Dobbins
Mayor, City of Point Arena
Trailhead Poster Trailhead Monument