Greenway wants to be sure input from the North Coast Farmers is carefully considered during the Notice of Preparation (NOP) step in the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) process. Rail to Trail Conservancy best practices for building rail trails in farmland says that it is vital to include farmers in the conversation and listen to how the trail will affect their livelihood. The EIR will evaluate the RTC's proposed project, as well as a rail-to-trail (trail-only) alternative at an equal level of detail. The farmers would like the RTC to consider a third option that would be less obtrusive to their fields. Please submit formal input in writing by Oct 16 to Cory Caletti (contact info below) and consider attending one of the North Coast Scoping Meetings next week: NORTH COAST RAIL TRAIL MEETINGS: Wednesday, September 27, 2017; 5:30-7:00pm Pacific Elementary School Multipurpose Room/Cafeteria 50 Ocean Street Davenport, CA 95017 Thursday, September 28, 2017; 5:30-7:00pm Santa Cruz Police Station Community Room 155 Center Street Santa Cruz, CA 95060 Local farmers will be at the meetings to promote a rail-to-trail plan designed to ensure a positive experience for trail users while allowing full access to farming operations. Note: All formal input needs to be provided in writing by the end of the 30-day period (Oct 16). The meetings are for information only. Please direct your written comments to: Cory Caletti, Sr. Transportation Planner Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission 1523 Pacific Avenue Santa Cruz, California 95060 ccaletti@sccrtc.org More information is available here: https://sccrtc.org/projects/multi-modal/monterey-bay-sanctuary-scenic-trail/notice-of-preparation-scoping-meetings/