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C. Provide technical assistance to private property owners to make them aware of funding and tax <br /> incentive programs that can assist with habitat management activities. These outreach efforts <br /> should focus on properties that possess high habitat values or that are contiguous to other large <br /> blocks of public or land trust lands. Providing this type of technical assistance to private <br /> property owners is often a low -cost alternative to outright purchase of property and can still <br /> achieving habitat conservation goals. <br /> D. Use local funds to help leverage state, federal, and foundation grant funding for significant <br /> management activities. This strategy will help stretch limited local funds. The development of <br /> site plans that clearly articulate overall management goals and a long -term vision for each site is <br /> key to achieving this type of grant funding. <br /> Recreation <br /> Goal 1: Public Access and Recreational Use <br /> Provide public access and facilities along the ridgeline corridor that support non - motorized recreational <br /> activities such as hiking, trail running, mountain biking, bicycle touring, horseback riding, wildlife <br /> viewing, picnicking, and nature study. Public access will be managed in a way that balances human <br /> access with protection of vegetation and wildlife and avoids potential conflict with adjacent private <br /> property owners. <br /> Goal 2: Ridgeline Trail <br /> Complete a twenty -mile long ridgeline trail connection between Fern Ridge Reservoir and Buford <br /> Recreation Area (Mount Pisgah). <br /> Recommended Actions and Strategies: <br /> A. Coordinate ridgeline partnership acquisition efforts to achieve connectivity between existing <br /> public and land trust lands along the corridor. <br /> B. Where outright acquisition of the trail corridor is not possible, work cooperatively with private <br /> property owners to secure access easements. <br /> C. Where possible, site the trail in close proximity of the ridge tops to maximize ease of travel and <br /> trail construction and provide opportunities for vista points. <br /> D. Design the trail network in a way that minimizes potential use conflicts between users. <br /> Goal 3: Connector Trails <br /> Provide direct trail connections between the existing and planned ridgeline trail system and adjacent <br /> neighborhoods; schools; parks and open spaces; and key community attractions. The connector trails <br /> are intended to provide localized access and therefore will not require significant facilities such as <br /> parking Tots or restrooms. Connector trail trailheads should include signage to clarify that they are <br /> public trails, assist with route finding, and highlight park rules. <br /> Recommended Actions and Strategies: <br /> A. Acquire land or access easements where needed and construct connector trails to maximize <br /> access to the existing ridgeline trail. The current ridgeline trail system runs between Blanton <br /> Road on the west and Mount Baldy and Spring Boulevard on the east. Key connections in this <br /> area include: <br /> • Skyline Connector: Provide a formal trail connection from the South Shasta Loop area <br /> through the City owned Skyline Park (adjacent to Mount Baldy). An unofficial and unsigned <br /> trail network currently provides an informal connection here, but needs to be upgraded. <br /> • Brookside Connector: Provide a formal trail connection from the Brookside Avenue <br /> neighborhood to the ridgeline trail. An unofficial connector trail currently provides an <br /> informal connection here, but needs to be upgraded and signed. <br /> 4 <br />