Jesusita Trail : Rut Redemption and Drainage Problem Eradication

This area on Jesusita Trail took a beating from high water flow and lack of drainage.  A rut was the predominant feature of this trail after the storms causing users to straddle it when climbing or descending the hill.  Solution: create drainage to keep water from rutting out the trail further, fill in the rut, and make a path that is more sustainable and long lasting.

The rut looking uphill

Looking downhill, water followed  the center line of the trail

Joani building the substructure for the water drain

Chase and Joani working on the trail's new path

Finished product, the rut filled in and the trail much more sustainable

The view looking downhill, a massive water drain will prevent rutting for years to
come while the direction of the new trail avoids the "fall line" and is much more sustainable.

Tunnel Trail Tread Save

Tunnel Trail, the before and after

Find out the steps needed to make this happen

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Rattlesnake Cyn Trail Water Drain Clean Out

Winter Erosion Prevention Measures-

1 down, many to go...

Cold Spring Trail Erosion Control

Lack of water drainage features on Cold Spring Trail began to cause a deep channel to form.  Front Country Trail Coordinator Chris Orr worked in cooperation to prevent future damage by adding water drains along the trail in key spots.

Cold Spring Trail showing water damage

 Lack of drainage

Chris Orr finishing off a drain

Before

After, knicks line the trail

More problem areas

A new knick

Arroyo Burro Erosion Control

Arroyo Burro Trail, one of Santa Barbara's first trails but also most neglected trails.  It has been years since any erosion control has been performed on this trail and it is showing with a high degree of erosion from recent rains.  Water drainage features or water bars as they are more commonly called have now been repaired in many key areas to prevent further water damage.

Water erosion damage  or "channeling" on this steep section of trail

After - filled in rut with waterbars repaired above this section to prevent future channeling

One of many areas where water running down the trail created the "creek bed" effect

Water drainage feature in place

The last sunset of 2014

Winter Storm Prep, Rattlesnake Canyon - Preventing Erosion On The Trail

Properly functioning water bars aka water drainage features, 

keep trails dry and prevents major erosion problems later on

Contact the Multiuse Trails Coalition to find out how you can help!

Post Storm Trail Damage Repairs Underway

The series of storms took its toll on local trails and work has begun to repair the damage.  Jesusita and Tunnel Trails had a number of areas that needed attention and the MTC was happy to assist in getting the trails back in shape.

Jesusita Trail - Tree Down

Jesusita Trail- the edge has fractured away

Tunnel Trail- One of several fallen trees

Tunnel Trail- Rock Slide

Tunnel- Another Fallen Tree

Rubber Ducky and Friendly Frog Enjoyed The Storms

Trail Protection In Progress - Rattlesnake Cyn

Waterbar before and after

You can help too, email us to find out how!

Jesusita Trail Berm Busting Bonanza

Most of our Front Country Trails have erosion damage in one form or another. Below is a typical type of damage-berming, which happens from water drainage problems and lack of basic maintenance. The solution, install proper water drainage features and bust that berm.

Berms are so common on our trail that some people believe that are natural features!

Before
After

Trails Affected By Jesusita Fire To Close Mid Sept For Hydromulching

According to the agencies, ariel hydro mulching will begin sometime in mid Sept. Unfortunately this will also mean trails in the burn area will be closed during this time. Only after the hydro mulching is finished will we know if the trails will remain closed or re-open. Trail closure status will be updated on our website.

Other procedures are being set into place to prevent bad erosion this Winter. Below is a map of the affected watersheds and burn area with plan of attack. For detailed info click HERE.