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More Campgrounds, Trails to be Built Under Santa Barbara’s Countywide Recreation Master Plan

Seeing the opportunity to increase financial opportunities for both the county and private landowners, California’s Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors unanimously agreed to move ahead with its Countywide Recreation Master Plan on Tuesday, according to a report.

The board agreed to provide guidance on expanding the community plan and possible zoning ordinances. Supervisors also set $490,000 for increased public outreach, planning development, and environmental review.

The master plan, first approved in 2019, aims to determine the current and future recreation needs throughout Santa Barbara County and allow for the construction and planning of additional trails, facilities, and parks until 2045.

The master plan is a coordinating effort of the county’s Community Services Department, its eight cities, as well as others that provide recreation services, such as California State Parks.

At the Tuesday meeting, the board deliberated on the possibility of expanding campgrounds, trails, coastal access, and even incentive programs for private landowners. The Countywide Recreation Masterplan is anticipated to support projects across the county that qualify for as much as $254.9 million in grants under California Proposition 68.

Concerning funding, the board was asked on Tuesday to allocate $450,000 in previously-budgeted Parks, Trails, and Open Space funds, as well as $40,000 in equity financing.

Of that, $270,000 would be allocated to the planning and development team for handling any future amendments to the plans and zoning ordinances; $180,000 will be issued to Community Services to take amendment submissions and pay for filing requirements and other costs for planning; and $40,000 for a broader public outreach to the most disadvantaged and underserved communities.

Supervisors weighed in on the impact that expanding trails, access to beaches, campgrounds, and more could have on tourism, the economy of the county, as well as youth participation in outdoor recreation. However, they also called for a long-term collaboration with landowners and the agriculture community to minimize any possible impacts on the sector.

The agenda item had to be approved by at least four of the five county supervisors. However, the vote was unanimous.

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Hi, you might find this article from Modern Campground interesting: More Campgrounds, Trails to be Built Under Santa Barbara’s Countywide Recreation Master Plan! This is the link: https://moderncampground.com/usa/california/more-campgrounds-trails-to-be-built-under-santa-barbaras-countywide-recreation-master-plan/