On December 4, 2004, the City Council held a special adjourned meeting to consider the Forrestal Steering Committee’s recommended amendments to the Forrestal Management Plan, including the routes and uses of the Trails Network Plan. The Council’s review of the Steering Committee’s recommendation was limited to the Trails Network Plan that afternoon because of the extensive content of the overall Management Plan. After considering public comments from nearly 50 individuals, including presentations made by the Ladera Linda Homeowner’s Association, the Palos Verdes Peninsula Horsemen’s Association, the Sierra Club, and CORBA (Concerned Off-Road Bicyclists Association), the Council unanimously agreed to accept the Steering Committee’s proposed Trails Network Plan, with some modifications. The Plan accepted by the Council proposes shared public access while protecting the habitat.

The modifications at this time consist of temporarily prohibiting bicycle use on only the upper trails (A-14, A-15, A-16, and L-1) because of safety concerns with shared uses on a portion of these trails. Bicycle use is permitted on the trails located in the Fossil Hill and Quarry Bowl areas. The Council indicated that once the trail safety deficiencies are addressed, they would reconsider bicycle use on these trails. This is further re-enforced by the fact that the Council agreed to allow organized rides on these trails with authorization by the City. Additionally, the Council agreed to allow equestrian use on Forrestal Drive (Trail L-5) between the Fossil Hill (L-11) trail head and the intersection of Intrepid Drive with limited horse trailer access to the westerly portion of these roads (furthest away for the entry gate). Those seeking to park a horse trailer within the permitted areas of the Preserve must receive City approval in advance.

Since the Council did not have an opportunity to consider the Management Plan in its entirety, an item will be placed on a future Council agenda to consider adopting the recommended amendments to the Management Plan and the amended Management Agreement between the City and the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy. Please stay tuned for further information and/or notification.

If you should have any questions regarding the Forrestal Management Plan, please contact Ara Mihranian at 310-544-5228 or via e-mail at aram@rpv.com