PCH to ECR - BLF Acquires 7.2 Acres for Trail Extension

The Great Egret | February 4, 2023

In 2022, the Foundation took title to a 7.2-acre parcel of land located at the northeast end of the Lagoon. It lies adjacent to a larger parcel acquired by the Foundation in 2004. The accompanying map shows the location of both lots. Both are unimproved. Amidst their lush vegetation, the vestiges of the old trail that has long curled through them are still visible. The newly acquired parcel was obtained to further the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to preserve, protect, and enhance the Lagoon as a pristine marine estuary.

Expenses incurred for the 2022 acquisition were covered by funds from the Rosalena Homeowners Association through a prior California Coastal Commission consent order.

Subject to various approvals, acquisition of the new parcel now paves the way to extend the existing Batiquitos Lagoon Trail eastward and then southward to San Marcos Creek. In 1997, the Foundation created a Batiquitos Lagoon Public Trail Program that proposed route and design concepts for a trail system around the Lagoon. Some of the Foundation’s proposed concepts were later incorporated into the City of Carlsbad’s trail system as outlined in its General Plan, Local Coastal Program, and Trails Master Plan. That municipal plan is also supported by the California Coastal Act. Ultimately, BLF and Carlsbad’s trail plans will provide a continuous walking trail from the beach at South Ponto to El Camino Real along the entire north shore of the Lagoon.

While one privately held parcel still prevents the Foundation’s two parcels on the east end from connecting to the existing trail to the west, the portion of that private land closest to the Lagoon has been zoned open space and cannot be developed. This establishes a protective buffer between future development and the Lagoon itself. As designed, the trail will fit within that buffer. There is also a missing section of the Lagoon trail west of I-5. The Foundation is also working to complete this missing section to make the trail from the Lagoon mouth at Ponto beach to El Camino Real a reality soon.

Many thanks to the tireless volunteers, environmental organizations, and local and state governments who support the Foundation financially and donate time and resources to further the Foundation’s public mission! We are working hard to ensure that, with your support, we can continue to protect and sustain the Lagoon and its resources for the benefit of our community and the wildlife it serves.