Public comment on Sweetwater Phase III
Dear MS. Bradley (Lorrie.Bradley@sdcounty.ca.gov)



As a long time trail user in the subject project area, I am providing public comment regarding the Sweetwater Phase III Trail. The trail as described in the MND is heavily utilized by equestrians and only lightly used by bicyclists and pedestrians due to the wet and muddy conditions normally present. Any construction in the project area must consider the reality that this is an active river bottom with year round urban runoff and flood plain flooding during the wet season rain events. My comments pertain mainly to these river bottom issues and are described below:


1.      Over the past many years no river channel cleaning or maintenance has been accomplished with the resulting negative impact to trails due to flooding and erosion. Because the main river channel is blocked with debris and plant growth a rain event results in massive flooding over the entire flood plain and the trails end up serving as alternate river paths and become quickly eroded and impassable. In the project area a good half of the original or legacy trails have been eroded to a point of impassibility, abandoned and then bypassed by trail users creating alternative routes. Any long term trail construction plan must include an initial clearing and maintenance plan of the main river channel to prevent the trail erosion issues as stated above.
2.      The MND states that the trail construction will be from native soil. The native soil in a large portion of the trail alignment is a predominately clay mixture that becomes a tenacious mud after the application of moisture and heavy trail usage. Any trail construction in these mud prone areas must be of rock or rock mixture to maintain trail usage thru the wet season. Additionally culverts or other devices must be utilized to deal with the year round urban runoff that has also damaged trails.
3.      The MND as states that a bridge of "unknown" origin crosses the main river channel and will not be replaced. The new trail is to include a natural bottom crossing at this location. This proposed river crossing holds water for a good third to half of the year and becomes impassable for bicycles or pedestrians during this time period. A wet river crossing is  acceptable for equestrians but if year round access by bicycles and pedestrians is desired a bridge or other dry ford type of device needs to be incorporated at this location.
4.      As described in my paragraph number 1 the current trail alignment is a result of destruction of the original trail and relocation due to erosion and flooding of the original interior trail. The current and proposed trail is too close to Bonita road and does not take advantage of the scenic beauty of this area. The proposed trail alignment should follow the original or legacy trail and be constructed as outlined above to withstand the river bottom conditions of the area.


Thank you for the opportunity to comment. This is a very important trail connection for our community and as trail users we are very eager to assist in any way possible to make this project successful. If you are available and receptive I will offer you the opportunity to speak to our local equestrian group (Bonita Valley Horsemen) at our monthly meeting and present the brief conceptual plan and receive comment. I have found over the years that discussion in advance of construction helps to reduce contentious issues later on. Our next meeting is May 6 at 7PM at the Bonita Museum off Bonita road. Thanks again.



Mark Kukuchek
President, Bonita Valley Horsemen
Cell 619-997-8799