Sonoma County Regional Parks will receive a $620,000 grant from the California Department of Transportation to study the feasibility of creating a bicycle and pedestrian trail along the lower Russian River.
The 19.3-mile study area runs along the river between Forestville and Highway 1 and includes the communities of Mirabel, Hacienda, Odd Fellows Park, Rio Nido, Guerneville, Guernewood Park, Vacation Beach, Northwood, Monte Rio, Villa Grande, Mesa Grande, and Duncans Mills.
“The grant is a great first step toward creating a long-awaited path along this beautiful corridor,” said Fifth District Supervisor Lynda Hopkins. “A bike and pedestrian path would allow those who live in and love West County to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the lower Russian River while safely commuting to school, work or home.”
State officials notified Regional Parks of the award in December. The study could begin in the summer of 2018 and will include opportunities for residents, business owners and others to offer feedback on the potential linkages. Study findings would guide subsequent steps of trail design, acquisition, planning, environmental review, and fundraising.
Visit the project planning page to sign up for updates on the study and to see a map of study area.