Anonymous
By Ronald Williams
In the December 27 Edhat Santa Barbara article, “WINTER SOLSTICE VICTORY RIDE AT LIVE OAK,” Pat Fish writes, “We eagerly await things going to back the way they had been for 40 years, with a gate code, purchasing passes, and security on the trails.” She then quotes the Nick Welsh Indy article that summarized Judge Anderle’s decision to reject “Efforts by the Santa Barbara County supervisors to allow hikers, joggers, dogs and cyclists to co-exist with horseback riders for the first time on The Live Oak Trail.”
Then she describes her equestrian ride while imagining how a small boy who got off his horse to walk could have been endangered by a bicyclist: “Now, imagine a mountain biker with headphones in their ears blasting death metal careening at top speed around that corner, potentially spooking the horses and running over the boy. It is to prevent such dangerous ‘conflicts among trail users’ that a very persistent group of us have been giving testimony at zoom meetings and in person. And for now, we have success.”
I agree with Pat that bicyclists should be prohibited from Live Oak Trails — that is the case at the present time. Since April 2021, however, both pedestrians and equestrians have been allowed to use the trails. As a result, for the first time, contemporary walkers have found a landscape that is stunning and unique. It is grand scenery, far away from the sounds of human activity. During my rambles there I imagined myself to be immersed in an unblemished California venue during the age of the ranchos and vaqueros. Magnificent valley oaks graced the potreros, leaving space for sweeping panoramas of nearby mountain ranges. From the top of Chalk Hill, I had a 360-degree view starting with the Santa Ynez Range to the south, the San Rafael to the north, the Santa Ynez River watershed to the east, while in the west were the blue-green waters of Lake Cachuma.
In Santa Barbara County it is rare these days to be amidst open spaces without development. While the land is being lightly grazed it still gives the appearance of a gentle wilderness. I have now hiked all of the Live Oak trails and encountered many friendly equestrians. We easily accommodated each since, in most places, they are unimproved roads. The only exception I saw was a group of riders who were galloping in the Santa Ynez River — a questionable practice since it supplies much of our water. I rarely saw other walkers, but when I did, I found that they were mainly bird watchers and naturalists. I observed no conflicts among trail users. All the gates I encountered were closed properly. They had labels placed there by the Santa Barbara Trails Council, indicating support from equestrians.
I agree with Pat that slow is good when she wrote, “As we slowly move by at 2.3mph the calm expanse of landscape leading up to the horizon refreshes the soul.” But, in my opinion, it could be just as inspiring to dismount, slow down even more, and behold the wonders closer to the ground. That is the perspective enjoyed by walkers. Among the flora I saw were California wild rose, Chinese houses, Clarkia, clustered tarweed, coast morning glory, datura, hummingbird and purple sages, Indian milkweed and paintbrush, larkspur, mariposa lily, monkey flower, purple nightshade, yerba santa, vetch, winecup Clarkia, western vervain, yarrow, and yucca. There were even a few fairy lanterns and an owl’s clover. Frequently the sides of the trail were decorated by hundreds of lavender Clarkia bottae blossoms.
Fauna was also evident. Most abundant were ground squirrels, but I also saw butterflies, deer, and a couple of snakes. Flying overhead were red-tailed hawks, swallows, and turkey vultures. Lower down were acorn woodpeckers, magpies, a western bluebird, quail, and wild turkeys with their chicks scurrying behind. There appears to be a resident group of nine free range horses.
At the present time only walkers and riders are permitted with bicycles and dogs prohibited. In my opinion, that policy should remain in effect for the indefinite future. That way, Santa Barbara County residents would be able to continue to experience this unblemished resource that wise land use managers have bestowed upon us. Pat, I hope I can meet you on the trail sometime and exchange ideas. If so, perhaps you can explain why you think there is a conflict between us. Also, as to why you believe it would be beneficial to the landscape, flora, and fauna of the Live Oak Trails if they were to “… become a world-class attraction bringing horse and mule riders from all over.”
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Unleashed dogs are the real danger on the trails. Equestrians, hikers and bikers should be on the same side to banish that menace to trail users and to the natural ecosystem.