Modoc Path Overview
What is the Modoc Multi-Use Path Project?
* Nearly all information in this section has been published by the County of Santa Barbara on the Modoc MUP Project page, HERE
The Modoc Multi-Use Path is a proposed 3/4-mile long, 10ft-wide (with max 2ft-wide unpaved shoulders on each side), paved, and ADA-compliant path intended for use by bicyclists, pedestrians, joggers, etc. The specified goal of the project is to provide safe, enjoyable, and equitable access for all, especially along the Modoc corridor where there are currently discontinuous sidewalks, inadequate crosswalks, and narrow unprotected bike lanes next to 45 mph traffic.
The project includes funding for construction, habitat restoration, installation of educational signage, and installation of a signalized crosswalk toward the eastern end of the proposed Path.
The image below indicates the location of the Modoc Path in red, along the south side of Modoc Road (ie. the northern edge of the Modoc Open Space). The Modoc Path will connect two existing paths: the Obern Trail and Modoc/Positas Path. The exact positioning of the Modoc Path and the extent to which it enters into the preserve has yet to be finalized.
To further contextualize the Modoc Multi-Use Path's location within the existing path network in Santa Barbara, we also include the below zoomed-out map. Note that the Modoc Multi-Use Path will ultimately serve as a central link connecting 20+ miles of paths throughout Santa Barbara County.
Included in the initial plans of the Modoc Multi-Use Path are details regarding potential need for fencing and/or retaining walls, such as those that can be found along exemplary paths throughout Santa Barbara, as shown below, demonstrating that such facets can be included in a project while still maintaining a positive and aesthetic interaction with the surrounding plant life.
5-ft retaining wall as seen on the Maria-Ignacio Path
Fence as seen on the San Jose Creek MUP
Mature native oak trees adjacent to, and shading, the Maria-Ignacio Trail
This is just a nice photo of the Obern Trail :) Something to strive for in the Modoc Path!
Benefits of the Modoc Path
Please see our "Why We Support The Modoc Path" page for a discussion of the many benefits of the Modoc Multi-Use Path project.
FAQs
Who owns the Modoc Open Space?
The Modoc Easement Area/Modoc Preserve property is privately owned by the shareholders of the La Cumbre Mutual Water Company. The shareholders voted in 1999 to direct the Water Company board to place the property in a conservation easement to protect it from development and make it a natural resource for the benefit of the entire community.
What is the history of the Modoc Open Space?
Two votes by the Water Company shareholders in the 1990’s created an inflection point for the Water Company and the land. In 1996 the board proposed to sell 14 acres of the land known as the Modoc Open Space, but the shareholders voted overwhelmingly to reject the sale to protect the land from being commercially developed. Many options for use of the total 33 acres of open space along Modoc, all owned by the Water Company, were evaluated and ultimately it was proposed by the Water Company board to place 25 acres in a conservation easement. In 1999, the shareholders voted overwhelmingly in favor of the board’s proposal to grant a conservation easement to the Land Trust for Santa Barbara County as the trustee.
Where is funding for the Modoc Multi-Use Path project coming from?
A $5.4 million state Active Transportation Program grant and County matching funds.
Are there other items that will be funded in addition to The Path?
Traffic calming measures and funding for a speed study along Modoc.
A crosswalk at the eastern end for the safer access to the preserve.
Native plant restoration.
Educational signage.
Have the Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors approved the path project?
Yes, on November 1, 2022 the Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to approve the mitigated negative declaration for the project, specifically Alignment B.
When is The Path project scheduled to begin?
Fall of 2023. For more information and to sign up for updates, see Santa Barbara County's website for the Multi-Use Path project: https://www.countyofsb.org/3429/Modoc-Multi-Use-Path
What are the benefits of the Modoc Multi-Use Path?
Click HERE to be redirected to the page on our website entitled "Why we support the Modoc Path" to read about the many benefits of The Path.
Why is Alignment B preferred?
Alignment B will:
Locate as much of The Path alignment away from the fast traffic, noise and pollution on Modoc Rd and into the Modoc Easement Area as is feasible.
Minimize the removal of healthy, structurally sound, non-native, and especially native trees.
Shade The Path with existing trees and strategically planted native trees.
Retain the Class 2 bike lanes on Modoc Rd, which are desired by some cyclists and many e-bikers, to reduce conflicts between faster and slower users in the Modoc corridor.
Provide pull-out areas along the Path that allow users to rest, enjoy, and learn about the Open Space through high-quality educational signage.
What is the relationship between the Land Trust and La Cumbre Mutual water company?
The Modoc Easement Area/Modoc Preserve property is privately owned by the shareholders of the La Cumbre Mutual Water Company. The shareholders voted in 1999 to direct the Water Company board to place the property in a conservation easement to protect it from development and make it a natural resource for the benefit of the entire community.
Where can I access the conservation easement Document?
The complete conservation easement document can be accessed HERE.
How many trees will be removed in construction of the Modoc Multi-Use Path?
The exact number of trees to be removed has yet to be finalized, however initial estimates suggest the following matrix of trees will be moved/removed for Alignment B, most of the trees listed actually lie outside of Modoc Conservation Easement Area:
Note in these initial estimates, no canary island palms will be removed and that The Path project include funding and plans to perform native habitat restoration along the path construction zone.
Will new native trees be planted?
Yes. The Modoc Multi-Use Path project includes funding for native plant restoration and planting of native plants.
Will the existing Class II bike lane on Modoc Rd remain?
Yes, the Class II bike lanes will remain on Modoc Rd to reduce conflicts between faster and slower users in the Modoc corridor; some faster cyclists may prefer to use the Class II lane.
Will there be a crosswalk at the eastern end to access the MUP?
Yes, funding is provided for a crosswalk at the eastern end for the safer access to the preserve.
What other community groups support the MUP?
Click HERE to read the letter written to the Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors by local groups and non-profits in support of Alignment B of the Modoc Multi-Use Path.
How can I get involved?
Read the sources provided in our website to become familiar with the scope of the project. Attend Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors meetings to make public comments in support of The Path. Donate to the Land Trust specifically for the Modoc Open Space. Reach out to us to learn about additional ways you can support the project! Email us at SBtreesandtrails@gmail.com
Where can I find more information?
We recommend perusing Santa Barbara County's website for the Modoc Multi-Use Path Project here: https://www.countyofsb.org/3429/Modoc-Multi-Use-Path
Otherwise, if you have a question that is not answered here, please feel free to email us at ModocTreesAndTrails@gmail.com