Montecito Trails Update

At the recent community information meeting hosted by the Montecito Trail Foundation (MTF), Santa Barbara/Ojai District ranger Pancho Smith noted that almost all of the hot spots within the Thomas Fire area had been extinguished. An official declaration that the fire is out is required before closed portions of Los Padres Forest can be reopened.

In preparation for the reopening of the burn area, signs are being prepared by the Forest Service for installation at points of entry into the burn area – both for the Santa Barbara and Ojai Ranger districts – warning the public to use caution upon entering the Thomas Fire burn area.The Forest Service will be issuing four new closure orders that will affect public access to the forest. 

According to MTF secretary Sheila Snow, those who have been hoping some of the Montecito area trails might be reopened soon will be extremely disappointed. Closure orders for the Ojai and Montecito burn area trails will likely be issued shortly and will remain in effect over the next year, possibly longer, depending on weather impacts this coming winter. The MTF reminds everyone that the trails are clearly marked closed, and that entering closed areas is not only illegal but carries a penalty of $5,000 and/or six months in jail. Should someone be injured and require rescue while within the burn area, that person may be cited for violation of the closure order.

Reconstruction of the Montecito trails will require months of planning, permit processing thru numerous agencies for work in sensitive areas, as well as surveying and then reconstructing existing but heavily damaged trail segments. New trail segments may require easement modification agreements with homeowners whose property many of the trails cross. “The community needs to understand that this will be a lengthy process requiring a substantial amount of time by MTF volunteers, professionals and City, County, and Forest Service employees,” Snow said. 

In the meantime, miles of unique lowland trails within Montecito, Summerland, and Carpinteria are alternatives to the mountain trails that are closed. MTF Trails Map and the MTF website have an updated list of trailhead locations. The organization also reminds trail users to carpool to trailheads as much as possible. 

Next Wednesday, May 23, the MTF, along with several other organizations including the Los Padres Forest Association, Santa Barbara Mountainbike Trail Volunteers, and Santa Barbara County Trails Council, will provide a progress report to the community. The meeting will be held at Faulkner Gallery at the Central Library, 40 East Anapamu Street, at 6:30 pm.