Plan to Link Trails Will Be Unveiled

A proposal to connect Ventura County by a series of walking, biking and horseback trails will be unveiled to the public next week, Supervisor Vicky Howard said Thursday.

County officials have been working on the Regional Trails and Pathways Master Plan since last year, Howard said, and are seeking public input.

Maps of the proposed system will be on display at the Rancho Santa Susana Community Center, 5005 Los Angeles Ave., in Simi Valley from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday.

Howard, Supervisor Maggie Kildee and trail system coordinator Ron Blakemore will be on hand to answer questions and take suggestions. Additional public sessions will be held throughout the summer, Howard said.

Though Ventura already has an extensive trail system, Howard said the challenge will be establishing links to connect them all. Because the system will cross so many city boundaries, she said, many agencies will be involved.

In addition, the trail will cross private property, requiring permission from landowners from around the county.

The plan calls for a tiered system of trails, which will include paths for all non-motorized forms of transportation, including walking, hiking, biking and horseback riding.