Walnut Creek Issues Highly Flawed Flow Trail Report
The City of Walnut Creek recently issued their environmental assessment of the proposed Flow Trail in Lime Ridge. The report claims that the flow trail’s impact is minimal, and any damage can be easily mitigated. Mr. Vickers intends to move forward with construction of his project as early as May 2024.
The public review period for this highly flawed environmental impact report will conclude on Sep 29th.
Send your comments in opposition to the Flow Trail to vickers@walnut-creek.org with these reasons why the report fails to address the environmental impact of the project.
1. Misleading Description of 'Less Sensitive Habitat': The report describes the proposed Flow Trail area as a 'less sensitive habitat'. This is odd given that the area is home to several Special Status Species, including the threatened Alameda Whipsnake, Red Legged Frog, Mt. Diablo Horned Lizard, and the white-tailed kite. Additionally, the area contains rare plants like the Mount Diablo fairy lantern and Diablo helianthella. How can an area rich in biodiversity be considered 'less sensitive'?
2. No Right of Way Rules, No Safety: The proposed trail is to be open to all users, including hikers and equestrians. What happens when they encounter mountain bikers speeding downhill at 20 and 30 mph? The report fails to provide clear right of way rules or safety enforcement for this very likely scenario.
3. Trail Maintenance and Wildfire Buffer: The report states that the trail will be between 2 to 4 feet in width with a 5-10 foot wildfire buffer. Given the current state of the Lime Ridge Trail, how will the city ensure the proposed width is maintained? What exactly does this wildfire buffer entail, and who will be responsible for its maintenance?
4.No Transparency in Project Approval: Documents from the PROS commission and the Trail Committee only recommended exploring the possibility of a new flow trail. At what point, and through what public process, did this shift to a decision to build the trail? This process has been flawed from the start and lacks transparency, and there has been zero attempt to address issues raised by the surrounding communities.
5. Environmental Impact Vastly Underestimated: The MND claims a 'Less Than Significant Impact' on most environmental factors. However, with the expected influx of mountain bikers, how can you simply ignore the increased emissions, noise, or traffic congestion? Especially when similar trails in other areas have seen a significant increase in visitors, and a major public backlash.
6. Violation of the 1985 Lime Ridge Master Plan: The Master Plan clearly states that trails within Lime Ridge should remain unpaved and nothing should be developed on slopes greater than 15%. Yet, the proposed Flow Trail area has slopes ranging from 30-50%. Additionally, the area's soils are highly erosive, and landslides are common.
7. Loss of Community Support: The Walnut Creek Open Space Foundation has withdrawn their support after city staff made it clear that the Parks commission will have no oversight, and there will be no enforcement of the rules.
The reports flaws are evident. Lime Ridge is a nature preserve that deserves protection, it is not an amusement park for mountain bikers.
Send your comments in opposition to the Flow Trail to vickers@walnut-creek.org by Sep 29th, and preferably today!
Show Your Support: If you'd like a yard sign to display your opposition to the Flow Trail, please email us at protectlimeridge@gmail.com, and we'll deliver one to you.