EBR Park District and WC Shell Ridge Open Space users’ respectfully request that you promptly return access to Franco Creek Trail so that we can continue walking, hiking, running and mountain biking as we have for at least a quarter of a century.  

As you are aware, less than two weeks ago EB Regional Park District permanently blocked Franco Creek Trail with a barbed wire fence so that cattle could more easily graze for a couple of months.

While I understand EBRPD considers the trail a “social or bootleg” trail, this single-track provides the following benefits to W.C. Shell Ridge Open Space and EBRPD Diablo Foothills Park visitors:

•It is the most walker, hiker, runner and mountain bike friendly assent from Benham Ct. trailhead to access the open space (best, most gradual % grade).

•The trail is the most expeditious route to reach all of W.C. Shell Ridge Open Space, including, Bullfrog Pond, Twin Ponds Loop, Sugarloaf Shell Ridge Trail and Borges Ranch.

•Many visitors prefer hiking/riding trails over fire roads and it’s a beautiful little canyon.

•Walker, hiker, runner, mountain bike users AND seasonal grazing cattle have shared this trail without incident for a very long time (we all get along).

•Though a single track, this is the closest you can get to an “ADA favorable” grade in our challenging Mt Diablo foothills.

Returning visitor access can be easily accommodated by addition of a simple pedestrian swing gate (which would be complementary with seasonal cattle grazing).

Thank you.