The Point: Trail could extend another 1.7 miles near Green River Golf Club

The Santa Ana River Trail may become a little longer, thanks to a proposal by RCTC and the Riverside County Regional Park and Open-Space District to extend the trail another 1.7 miles near the Green River Golf Club in Corona. The public is encouraged to provide comments on the draft environmental document from October 8 to November 8.

A magnet for cyclists, runners, and walkers, the trail, also known as “the SART,” is envisioned to be the longest multi-use trail in southern California, stretching 110 miles from Huntington Beach to the National Forest boundary near Mentone. RCTC is working on multiple segments to fill gaps in the SART between Green River Road in Corona to the Hidden Valley Wildlife Area east of Norco.

The 1.7-mile trail segment that is undergoing public review runs along the western boundary of the golf club and includes portions of Chino Hills State Park with connections to the existing SART. Key features include a bridge over the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway tracks and a bridge over Aliso Creek to allow trail users to cross safely over the tracks and the creek. The proposed project features a dual-track Class 1 multi-use path and natural surface trail.

During preparation of the draft document under the guidelines of the California Environmental Quality Act, the Regional Park and Open Space District determined that the project would not result in a significant impact to the environment.

Copies of the Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration and other reference documents are available for review at Riverside County Regional Park and Open-Space District, 4600 Crestmore Rd., Jurupa Valley, CA 92509.  These documents are also available for viewing and download.

If approved, construction could begin in about two years. This $11 million construction segment is funded by the Proposition 84 State Coastal Conservancy.