Mel's Lane Opens to the Public California Coastal Trail Segment Opens in Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park
November 4, 2005
Today, the Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) celebrates the opening of the Mel's Lane trail at Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park.
Located next to Pigeon Point Light Station just off Highway 1 near Pescadero, Mel's Lane is part of the California Coastal Trail. The quarter-mile-long trail segment is named in honor of Mel Lane, the first chair of the California Coastal Commission, former co-publisher of Sunset magazine and books, and a founder of POST.
"We are pleased to be opening this trail to the public and honored to name the trail for Mel Lane. Mel has devoted much of his life's work to preserving California's coastline," said POST President Audrey Rust. "Our Saving the Endangered Coast campaign, a $200 million capital campaign, ends on December 31. As we strive to complete the campaign, it is a pleasure to celebrate the opening of Mel's Lane at one of the most remarkable places we've been able to protect through the campaign."
"Joining POST for the trail opening celebration are state and county public officials from key agencies that are instrumental to protecting the California coast. Speakers include Supervisor Richard Gordon, 3rd District, San Mateo County; Ruth Coleman, Director, California State Parks; Samuel Schuchat, Executive Officer, California Coastal Conservancy; and Susan Hansch, Chief Deputy Director, California Coastal Commission.
"Mel's Lane is a wonderful addition to the already breath-taking Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park," said Supervisor Richard Gordon, 3rd District, San Mateo County. "Many agencies and individuals have worked to protect this special place which benefits the people of San Mateo County and those who will visit this site for generations to come."
Last summer, Pigeon Point Light Station, including Whaler's Cove, transferred to California State Parks. The transfer means that the lighthouse and Pigeon Point will be protected as the Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park. POST led the effort to facilitate the transfer process and prepared a substantial application to ensure that California State Parks would be considered for the transfer of Pigeon Point Light Station.
"One aspect of our mission at California State Parks is to preserve the state's most valued natural and cultural resources. Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park certainly qualifies," said Ruth Coleman, Director, California State Parks. "The addition of Mel's Lane, the Council Circle seating area and the information kiosk will only add value to Pigeon Point, a jewel in the California State Parks system."
One of the most important aspects of Mel's Lane is that it is the newest segment of the California Coastal Trail. Among the partners working to create the California Coastal Trail, the California Coastal Conservancy aims to act with others to preserve, protect and restore the resources of the California coast. The Conservancy is a key partner in the effort to make the coast accessible to people.
"Mel's Lane is one of the most visible segments of the California Coastal Trail opened to date," said Sam Schuchat, Executive Director, California Coastal Conservancy. "This trail will provide access to the coastline for approximately 50,000 people that visit Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park each year."
Another agency that is integral to the creation of the California Coastal Trail and the protection of the California coast is the California Coastal Commission. Mel Lane served as the first chair of the California Coastal Commission.
"Mel Lane has had a tremendous positive impact on the California coast, and it is our hope that the trail conveys our deep appreciation for all he has done to protect this open landscape," said Susan Hansch, Deputy Director, California Coastal Commission. "Without Mel, the California coast would not be the inspiring, natural place that so many people from all walks of life enjoy today."