Newsletter Fall 1999

Nisene To Sea Trail

Above Aptos overlooking the Monterey Bay lies 142 acres of grassland, meadow and redwood forest connecting The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park and Cabrillo College. The land was owned by descendents of the Koch family until March of 1998 when it was purchased by Steven and Phyllis Carmichael and sold the next day to two development corporations, S & P Carmichael Enterprises and Men-Chy Ma Enterprises. Efforts are now underway by the Nisene to the Sea Open Space Alliance, a grass roots organization created to preserve this land as an important link connecting The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park to Cabrillo College and ultimately to New Brighton Beach State Park..

The vision of the Alliance is twofold. After successfully preserving the Koch property, they will work towards construction of a pedestrian bridge over Highway 1 connecting New Brighton Beach State Park to Cabrillo College. This will complete the Park-to-Sea Corridor and is already included in the county general plan.

Efforts to stop inappropriate development on the land are underway. Land Trust organizations have been contacted. There was a preliminary meeting with the owners who do not appear willing to cooperate at this point. The developers have told several neighbors conflicting plans for subdividing the property ranging from 10 to 52 homes. This may be difficult because the previous owners had tried several times to develop the property to no avail because the property is outside the county urban services line and water, sewage, and road access problems exist.

Also, the community has serious concerns about traffic safety and environmental damage, and has since organized to oppose unrestricted development. The developers approached LAFCO (Local Area Formation Commission) and Soquel Creek Water District to request services, which was denied by both agencies. The entire 142 acres were purchased for 1.475 million dollars, a low price that reflects the numerous obstacles to development. If this land is lost to development, it will destroy habitat for coyotes, bobcats, wild pigs, rabbits, and several species of native birds. Proximity to Cabrillo College and Nisene Marks State Park extends the practical boundaries of this land far beyond its 142 acres.

Preserving this land as open space will provide continued access to The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park which relieves overcrowding via the already overburdened main access to the Park. Additionally, a Park-to-Sea corridor will be established allowing hikers to travel on public lands more than 7 miles inland from the beach at New Brighton Beach State Park to 2500’ above sea level.

The Nisene to the Sea Open Space Alliance invites you to visit their web site at www.nisene2sea.org and encourages you to donate to their fund raising efforts. They have hired an attorney specializing in environmental law and seek environmental scientists to help survey the natural habitat. Donations can be sent to Nisene to the Sea Open Space Alliance, 1649 Cheryl Way Aptos, Ca 95003 The e-mail address is info@nisene2sea.org. Other forms of support are welcome. If you would like to help please contact Denise Elerick at (831) 662-2364.

HOME  |  ABOUT US  |  NEWS & EVENTS  | PARK INFO  |  PARK MAP  |  JOIN  | VOLUNTEER