Council hears Coastal Commission‑facilitated plan for phased reopening of Axel Lindgren Memorial Trail

The council received an informational update Jan. 13 about the status of the Axel Lindgren Memorial Trail appeal and ongoing government‑to‑government consultations with the California Coastal Commission and the Trinidad Rancheria.

City staff and Coastal Commission staff described a two‑phase approach the working group is exploring: a near‑term reopening of the upper roughly one‑third of the trail to a vista point, and a second phase that would realign the lower section toward a more stable route that reduces erosion and protects coastal resources. Coastal Commission staff (Melissa) said the commission currently has the appealed application and needs more detailed materials from the city — a phased narrative and design options — before bringing the matter to a hearing.

Council discussion covered liability, public‑safety assessments and cultural‑resource concerns raised by tribal stakeholders. One councilor suggested the bottom section appears usable without new cable steps; staff and tribal representatives said safety and protection of cultural resources remain concerns and that reopening without agreed mitigations could be contested. The council also revisited a previous action to set aside $10,000 to support technical work for a phased reopening; Coastal Commission staff clarified the city’s funds would be used by the city for studies and application materials (not paid to the commission).

Staff recommended continued government‑to‑government consultation, preparation of the technical package for the commission (design and stabilization plans), and pursuit of potential funding from the Coastal Conservancy for reconstruction. Council agreed to schedule a follow‑up discussion and to revisit the earlier $10,000 allocation with clearer scoping and background at a future meeting.