Through a public engagement process, California trail users, advocates, and professionals will share what’s missing, what’s working, and what could be better when it comes to nonmotorized recreational trails across the state. Informed by public feedback and insights, the Recreational Trails Needs Assessment will identify trail access barriers as well as gaps and opportunities in the trail network, and generate a regionally prioritized list of project types that can expand access to safe, high-quality trails statewide. The findings will guide how Proposition 4 funds are used for trail-related projects, as well as inform future updates to the California Recreational Trails Plan.

The California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) and California Department of Parks and Recreation, commonly called California State Parks (DPR) are leading this effort in partnership and are engaging a consultant, PlaceWorks, as well as trails partners across California to ensure a robust, inclusive effort.

Agencies and departments are launching programs and grant opportunities to distribute Prop 4/Climate Bond [RJ: need to decide how we're referring to this] funds. Public input is needed as part of the launch to shape new programs to respond to community needs and priorities.. CNRA and DPR are asking for your input now so priority projects can start being funded later this year.

This is a statewide, primarily virtual engagement effort. All Californians can participate online through this project website and virtual meetings no matter where they live or recreate. All trail users, from occasional trail goers to long-distance hikers, bikers, and equestrians, are encouraged to share their experiences and observations. Feedback from trail advocates and trail professionals about existing conditions and future opportunities for trail systems across the state is also requested.

[Should either be a separate question “How can the public engage/ How can I participate?” or remove because already listed on main page. ]:

There are multiple ways people can engage in the process, including: take a survey; attend a public meeting (virtual or in-person); share your trail experience through photos and stories; and stay informed via the project website and social media.

This effort centers community voices to ensure future investments in trails advance equity, close access gaps, and reflect the needs and priorities of diverse regions and communities. This in alignment with the Governor and First Partner’s Outdoors for All initiative, which aims to expand access to the outdoors for all Californians, particularly for communities that lack access to trails and would most benefit from using trails.

The survey will be open until early February 2026 and [RJ: Need to say something about in-person meetings or remove the references to them elsewhere] two virtual public meetings are scheduled for February. Input gathered through the survey and public meetings will be analyzed and summarized in a public report with findings and regionally-specific insights that will help shape future trail planning, grant programs, and on-the-ground improvements. A grant program for trails projects funded by Proposition 4 launching in late 2026 will be shaped by the findings, and updates to the California Recreational Trails Plan in 2027 will respond to needs and opportunities identified through this process.

If you wish to receive findings or participate in follow-up discussions, please provide your contact information here.

Approved by voters in 2024, Proposition 4 (popularly referred to as the Climate Bond) invests $10 billion in local projects that strengthen communities and increase the state’s resilience to the impacts of climate change. Proposition 4 will fund wildfire prevention and improvement of drinking water facilities, protection of nature, coastal resilience, and public access to parks, trails, and the coast. These funds will support projects that make a tangible, lasting difference in communities across California by making them more resilient in the face of severe weather events and improving aging infrastructure, while promoting greater access to public spaces for all Californians. At least 40 percent of Climate Bond funding must benefit disadvantaged and severely disadvantaged communities and vulnerable populations. CNRA and its partner departments are committed to ensuring these investments reach the Californians who need them most.

The bond includes funds to enhance and expand existing trails and create new trails, with a focus on helping communities foster outdoor recreational opportunities and supporting trail development in regions that have historically been underserved.

Under Proposition 4, $100 million is allocated to fund nonmotorized recreational trails projects, with $56 million appropriated in the 2025-26 state budget for specific trails projects. The remaining [RJ: suggest saying "the remaining $44 million" if that's true] funds will support additional regional trail priorities through a grant program for trails projects that will award funds to local communities across the state.

Proposition 4 trails funding could potentially be used for construction of new trails and greenways, expansion or renovation of existing trailhead facilities, enhancements or upgrades to existing trailheads, and development of trailside features. Funding will prioritize projects that support trail development in regions that have historically been left behind to create vital connections between communities and the outdoors and develop opportunities for trail users of all abilities.

The California Recreational Trails Plan (the Plan) is a guide produced by DPR for all California agencies and recreation providers who plan, maintain, and manage trails. The Plan assesses present and future demand for trails, identifies priorities, and recommends an integrated system of trail routes. Preparation of a recreational trails plan was authorized by the Legislature in 1978 as an element of the California Recreational Trails Act. The Plan was last updated in 2011. The Prop 4 Trails Engagement Process [RJ: naming consistency] will inform forthcoming updates to the Plan.

Your privacy is important to us. All survey responses will be analyzed in aggregate to identify trends and insights that inform trail planning and funding decisions. Individual responses will not be shared publicly, and no personally identifiable information will be disclosed. Participation in the survey is voluntary, and any contact information you choose to provide (such as an email address to receive updates) will be used only for project-related communications and will not be sold, shared, or used for any other purpose. This project complies with the "INSERT NAME OF POLICY HERE" and other applicable state privacy laws. For more information, please refer to our Privacy Policy [LINK TO PRIVACY POLICY].