Newsletter Spring 2003

Plans For A New Bridge

In 1997 a new parcel of land consisting of 25 acres was added to the Forest of Nisene Marks. This area today is known as Marcel’s Forest. The Advocates worked diligently to prepare this property for park users to enjoy. We had always seen Marcel’s Forest as perfect for educational activities. Because of it’s close proximity to the kiosk, the abundance of plants and the awe-inspiring Redwoods, all combined in our dream of someday creating a “classroom” in which to teach children (of all ages) about this special environment and the importance of caring for and about it. Our dream was furthered along when Elisa Webb took on the task of creating a web site and interpretive locations created specifically for this purpose.

Now we are continuing in this process to bring Marcel’s Forest on line as an educational tool. By applying for a grant offered by the Recreational Trails Program (federal money distributed by the State Parks Statewide Trails Section) to cover the cost of constructing 12 interpretive panels (which would correlate with Elisa’s web site).

In preparing to apply for the grant, it became abundantly clear that unless a permanent bridge could be installed over Aptos Creek, Marcel’s Forest would only be accessible during the summer months. This didn’t seem right somehow. To put a lot of time, effort and money into a project which could only be utilized for half of the year needed to be corrected.

Jeff Hicks, President of the Advocates and Kirk Lingenfelter, who heads Road, Trails and Equipment for State Parks, mutually agreed that a permanent bridge needed to be added to the overall project for it to have any hope of being considered for the grant money. Jeff had long believed that a permanent bridge to Marcel’s Forest was necessary. Not only had he considered it but had examined the creek area to determine the best location. And Kirk felt that the bridge could be combined with the cost of the interpretive panels and funded at one time.

The next step? Well, actually the project went in two directions. One part was to find a bridge. Margrite Weaver, a member of the Advocates, took on the task of researching the web to find a bridge manufacturer who could meet the unusual circumstances of the proposed bridge site. (At present this location cannot be accessed by vehicle and conventional means of installation are not possible.)

Kirk felt the other requirement of the bridge project was to create trail access leading to the bridge that would conform to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations. Not an easy task given the nature of the topography in the Forest of Nisene Marks. But Kirk and Barbi Barry, Maintenance Supervisor for the South Sector, tramped through some serious poison oak and found a potential route.

Margrite Weaver connected with a web site that seemed to have just what we needed. She found a company in Washington State who specialize in bridge construction where the proposed site is in remote and rugged country (go to www.sahale.com but fasten your seatbelt first!). (The design we felt would address many of our needs is shown here.)

What now? The scope of the project is daunting but Kirk is not discouraged. First complete the trail, bridge and interpretive design elements to a point where the designs can be included in a CEQA for cost and scope considerations. Finalize the proposed ADA trail leading to the bridge and be sure it meets the requirements. Get a representative of Sahale (the bridge manufacturer) to assess our proposed location. Arrange for a site visit from the State’s grant representative to give advice on grant wording, elements and budget. Complete the grant proposal. Submit grant (October 2003) and cross our fingers. If our project is selected for funding, we will receive the grant money in July 2004.

Yes, this is a huge undertaking! But the rewards are well worth the effort. If we are successful in obtaining the grant money, Marcel’s Forest will become an area that will afford many people their first experience in a redwood forest. Teachers can begin including this special area in their curriculum. And not just in the summer but all year long!

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