Plan to Reroute Crest Trail Gets Boost

A plan to improve Pacific Crest Trail in Agua Dulce and to purchase parcels in Angeles National Forest for preservation has advanced.

About $3.5 million would be provided to reroute a portion of Pacific Crest Trail under legislation approved by the U.S. House of Representatives, said David Foy, spokesman for Rep. Howard P. “Buck” McKeon (R-Santa Clarita).

The measure also provides $2 million to buy private land in the forest, some just above the Tujunga area.

The trail needs to be improved because it joins the road at one point, a perilous situation for both hikers and motorists, Foy said.

“If you take the Pacific Crest Trail through Agua Dulce, basically for three miles you’re going to be walking right on the roadside,” he said.

The funds would be used to move the trail away from roads, which might require the purchase of land or easements, Foy said.

“The Pacific Crest Trail provides hikers with some of the most breathtaking vistas in the world,” McKeon said. “I want to make sure that people walking the trail through Agua Dulce are able to enjoy the outdoors in safety, without having to worry about cars” driving by.

A similar bill is pending in the U.S. Senate.

“Basically, Congressman McKeon’s agenda here is to take concrete, specific steps to improve the environment and increase people’s access to the trail by making it safe,” Foy said. “He thinks the more people use the trail, the more they will appreciate the natural beauty in our own backyard.”