Jack Brook Trail Update

submitted by Liz Riehl, November 2018

For those of you who have ridden at Jack Brook horse camp near Pescadero over the last two years, you’ve been aware that the West Brook trail has been closed due to the Town Creek Bridge being washed out by a storm.  This essentially has blocked off a main access to other trails in the park.

As you would imagine, the Woodside riders have been working diligently behind the scenes to get this bridge reconstructed.  In conjunction with some volunteers, the San Mateo County park rangers, a civil engineer and the Mounted Patrol Foundation, they have been working on the permit process, the bridge design and are making plans to raise the needed funds to do this project.

Because this bridge crosses a creek and has its foundations in the creek, it is subject to the Department of Fish and Wildlife review.  Currently, the Environmental Impact Review is underway and expected to be done over the winter along with finalization of the building and construction plans by the civil engineer.  Unfortunately, no construction work of this type is allowed from October 15 to April 15.  Weather permitting, and if the creek isn’t too high at that time, work is expected to begin in mid to late April with hopes of completion by early June.

The Mounted Patrol of San Mateo County Foundation is a not-for-profit 501c organization.  They will be leading the charge on raising money for this bridge reconstruction.  The projected cost of the project is $25K-$30K.   They have successfully raised funds for many previous trail projects and equestrian facilities and activities in the Woodside area and are a highly respected organization. Click here to check out their website for more information!

An official flyer will come out in January 2019 explaining in more detail the Towne Creek Bridge project and how you can help by contributing funds or volunteering your services. We will keep you posted, as more information is available. Lets help get this trail re-opened!