California Coastal Commission Clears Way for POST to Provide Public Access at Pigeon Point
August 11, 2005
On August 10, the California Coastal Commission denied an appeal that opposed plans by the Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) to restore public access at Pigeon Point near Pescadero. In their finding today, the Coastal Commission deemed that the appeal failed to raise any substantial issues. The Commission's action clears the way for POST to move forward with plans to build trails leading to Whaler's Cove next to Pigeon Point Light Station.
"We are extremely pleased with the Coastal Commission's decision," said POST President Audrey Rust. "Whaler's Cove is a beloved spot along the coast, popular with local residents and tourists alike. The Commission's move gives POST the green light to begin to construct the trails along the bluff top and beach so that day trippers, hikers and schoolchildren can all experience the natural splendor of this place up close."
Whaler's Cove is remarkable for its panoramic ocean views and rugged coastal beauty, including a picturesque beach, jutting rocks, sparkling tide pools and an historic lighthouse nearby. It is an ideal location for spotting migrating birds and gray whales, which occasionally swim in close to shore and can be seen breaching in the cove's shallow waters.
POST plans to build walking trails, an information kiosk, a seating area, and an overlook deck at the 3-acre site, which it acquired in 2000 through its Saving the Endangered Coast campaign. POST transferred the property earlier this year to California State Parks for permanent protection and continues to hold an easement to build the trails.
The cove was closed to the public in 1996 when a local hotel developer began building a nine-unit motel on the land. POST stepped in and bought the property for $2.65 million, halting construction that would have blocked public access to the cove and views of the ocean from nearby Highway 1.
Now that the Coastal Commission has ruled on the appeal, POST plans to begin building the bluff-top trails later this month. The new paths will comprise part of the California Coastal Trail, a segment of which will be called Mel's Lane, in honor of conservationist, former Sunset book and magazine co-publisher and POST co-founder Melvin B. Lane. Trail construction should be completed this fall.