News & Events

Aptos Creek Trail Repair

In February, 2006, heavy rains caused a major slide on the Aptos Creek trail above the '89 quake epicenter. It was determined by State Parks rangers that a major re-route of the trail would be necessary. The trail is part of a popular loop in the park connecting to Big Slide trail and access to Five Finger Falls.

Current Status - Barbi Berry, Pajaro Sector Maintenance Supervisor, and Advocates Board members Chris Foster and Ed Gilbert have separately evaluated the possibilities for a trail re-route. Because of the steepness of the canyon there is no consensuses on whether a re-route is even possible. State Parks will decide at some future time to implement a re-route. Until then the trail will be closed to hikers.

Aptos Village Plan

The plan was first outlined in a series of community meetings in 2003 and envisioned expanded commercial development as well as a more prominent entrance to the Forest of Nisene Marks. At issue is the impact on the parking area across from Aptos County Park which is currently used by many of the park’s visitors, particularly runners and bikers.

Current status - On Feb. 21st 2008, the County Planning Commission held the first of several public meetings to discuss the scope and impact of the plan. They hope to complete the process and get the Board of Supervisor's approval by the Fall. With luck, construction could begin in 2009. For more information, view the Mid-County Post article.

Nisene Marks Information Signs

In 2004, Ed Gilbert and Jim Toney, members of the Forest of Nisene Marks docent group, made a proposal to the Advocates to support the development and installation of a set new information signs for the kiosk and Porter gate parking areas. The signs will provide park visitors with information about the background and location of the park's trails and historical features. The Advocates Board of Directors authorized $7,000 for construction and installation of the signs. Unfortunately, changes in State Parks personnel and a shortage of resources caused delays in implementing the project. In 2007, Ed worked with State Parks interpretive ranger, Linda Hitchcock, to complete the design. A graphic designer was hired to produce the signs and they were delivered to State Parks in March of 2008.

Current Status - New signs installed April 18, 2008

Nisene Marks General Plan

The Nisene Marks General Plan is the general blueprint for improvements to the park over the next twenty years. The plan was approved by the State Parks Commission in 2003. Shortly following the approval a law suit was filed blocking the implementation of the plan. The law suit claimed the plan violated the wishes of the Marks family by allowing for the possibility of bike riding on the land which they donated.

On April 8, 2005, State Parks reached a settlement with the plaintiffs. The settlement stipulates that bike riding will continue to be prohibited on trails in the upper portion of the park but will be allowed on all fire roads. Bike riding is still allowed on trails in the lower portion of the park below the steel bridge.

Current Status - The next step in implementing the General Plan is to develop a comprehensive trail plan covering the entire park. State Parks estimates it would be a two year project to acquire and analyze the required data. Unfortunately, State Parks has been unable to allocate any resources to this project

Select to view the Nisene Marks General Plan

Koch Property Development

The Koch property comprises 142 acres located between Cabrillo Collage and Nisene Marks State Park. Local residents have traditionally used the property to access the park at the Vienna Woods and Scout (Water Tower) trail heads. Efforts are in progress to obtain funding to acquire the land for eventual transfer to State Parks. The current owner, however, has been trying for several years to develop the property and block access to the park.

Current Status - On April 16, 2008, the property owner reached an agreement with the County Planning Department which, in return for permission to build a home on top of the water tower hill, he wouild allow a public easment for a trail accross the property from Cabrillo to the Vienna Woods trailhead. The agreement will ultimately block access to the water tower view point from Nisene Marks. For more information, view the Mid-County Post article.

For additional background on the efforts to preserve the Koch property for public use, connect to Nisene2Sea.

Permanent Bridge to Marcel's Forest

Marcel's Forest, which includes the Old Growth Loop trail, is an area added to the park in 1999 and offers a unique hiking experience including a number of old growth redwoods. The area is a short distance from the ranger kiosk area but on the opposite side of Aptos Creek. Each spring, the Advocates organize a volunteer workday to install a temporary bridge across Aptos Creek to provide easy access. The bridge must be removed each fall leaving this lovely area difficult to reach from the kiosk area.

In 2003, a grant was submitted by the local State Parks district to the Federal Highway Administration's Recreational Trails Program to fund a permanent bridge and a handicapped accessible trail across Aptos Creek to Marcel's Forest. Unfortunately, the grant was not approved but it was re-submitted in 2004. In January, 2007, it was announced that the grant had been approved.

Current Status: An initial evaluation of the project by State Parks indicated that there was not enough money in the grant to complete the project. However, there is a possibility that additional funds could be found within State Parks. Efforts are now under way to define the project cost and obtain the required funding.

Select to view a virtual tour of Marcel's Forest