Bill Offers Funds for Backbone Trail
The budget bill passed by the House of Representatives on Thursday contains $2 million to help complete the Backbone Trail in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.
The money was added to the budget by Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks), who says it will make it possible to fill gaps in the 70-mile trail.
“Considering the budget mess, I’m pleased we got anything at all,” said Peter Loge, Sherman’s chief of staff.
Sherman hailed the funding as a victory for preserving open space. He said the Senate will consider the budget next week.
The funds would be used to acquire land to fill in eight miles of gaps in the trail, which winds from Sunset Boulevard in Pacific Palisades to Point Mugu.
About two miles of the trail’s incomplete portion is in Ventura County, said Arthur Eck, National Parks Service superintendent for the recreation area.
“This has been a dream for almost 20 years or longer and this funding is going to ensure that that dream is realized,” Eck said.
More funding would still be needed to buy parcels around the trail for a wildlife corridor and to ensure that housing doesn’t encroach on the area, he said.
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