Mariposa Creek Parkway Phase III Hillside Trails Project

The Hillside Trails Project proposes to construct approximately 12.3 miles of nature trails branching off the planned Phase III section of the Mariposa Creek Parkway Trail. The total Project area consists of approximately 235 acres. Trail widths would vary from two to eight feet. The intent of the proposed project is to bring a balance of recreation, adventure and tranquility to the area. The new trails would be divided into four different segments based on their location and intended purpose. These lengths are an estimate and include the following: Front-Country Trails • 0.8- and 1.6-mile stacked loops from the Mariposa Creek Parkway • Trail running grades 5-7% Destination Trails • 1.6-mile trail from Mariposa Creek Parkway up to overlook • 2.8-mile trail from Mariposa Creek Parkway up to highpoint of the site • Trail running grade 5-8% • Opportunity for more technically challenging trails Oak Woodland Trails • 1.6-mile woodland loop from proposed trailhead • 0.7-mile trail from proposed trailhead up to high point of the site • Trail running grades <5% • Opportunity for more accessible trails Park Trails • 2.5-mile loop option from the County Park • 1.9-mile trail from County Park to overlook • Trail running grade 4-8% Trail Amenities and Features The proposed Project would include various amenities and features within the trail system. They are anticipated to include the following if possible: • Shaded benches • Scenic viewpoints • Restrooms with drinking fountains. The restroom at Upper Martin Road will be a vault-style toilet which does not require running water. The drinking fountain will be eliminated • Ecological restoration areas • Educational signage • Pet facilities (i.e., waste bags and waterspouts) • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible routes • Bike racks, repair, and wash station • Isolated meditation areas • Swing benches • Large gathering spaces with table seating • Exercise stations • Outdoor classroom • Bike jumps • Bird blinds • Hitching post • Parking • Conservation zones The proposed trail Project also includes management and maintenance strategies that are proposed in the Mariposa Forest Management Plan, including the use of herbicide, cultural and prescribed burning, and prescribed grazing to control invasive vegetation as well as irrigation to support any plantings of native vegetation. The Project will not be creating a new public water system. The drinking fountain/water bottle filling station will be located between the tennis courts at the Mariposa County Park. The Mariposa County Park is serviced by the Mariposa Public Utility District (MPUD). There will be no water services at the upper trailhead off of Martin Road. Trail Uses The Project is expected to encourage the following uses: • Hiking • Scenic viewing • Mountain biking • Picnicking • Dog walking • Learning • Bird watching • Group gatherings • Trail running • Meditating or Meditation • Horseback riding