LOS ANGELES COUNTY : Antonovich Will Propose Alternative to Trail Fee

Stung by complaints over the county’s controversial new program for charging hikers, bicyclists and horse riders who use county trails, Supervisor Mike Antonovich today will propose an alternate plan calling for corporations and other sponsors to donate funds to maintain the trails.

Antonovich said the goal of the “adopt-a-trail” program would be to raise $450,000 in annual revenue and allow the county to stop requiring trail users to pay $23 a year for a trail pass.

But Tony Yakimowich, budget director for the county Parks and Recreation Department, was doubtful that such a program could raise all the funds needed for maintenance and said he still wants to “give the trail pass a chance.” If the adopt-a-trail program is implemented, Yakimowich said, it might be difficult to raise all the money needed to maintain the trails because of the weak economy. “There might be room for a dual role with our pass and the adopt-a-trail program,” he said.