The Axel Lindgren Memorial Trail was closed February 10, 2023 due to storm damage and unsafe conditions at the bottom of the trail. Back-to-back "temporary closures" have followed, and the trail remains closed.
Meanwhile, in 2022 the Tsurai Ancestral Society (TAS) commissioned GHD for an engineering study to redesign and reroute the lower part of the trail to the traditional path to the beach, improve safety, and better protect irreplaceable cultural resources. A report was submitted to TAS June 30, 2023. I believe TAS carefully reviewed the report before endorsing it and sharing it with the City. After receipt of the report, the Mayor had it posted on the City website in a meeting packet.
Opinion goes back and forth. City staff and TAS investigated the traditional route and found it more challenging than anticipated. This has caused delay.
Some Trinidad residents protested the long closure. When on August 13, 2024 the City Council approved another extension, two residents appealed to the California Coastal Commission. At the hearing for the case, February 6, 2025, the Commission ruled that continuing the temporary closure was not a substantial issue, so the appeal was denied. The Coastal Commission staff report contains a wealth of information on the history and issues involving the Axel Lindgren Memorial Trail.
In addition at the meeting on August 13, 2024, the City Council resolved to
(1) Commit discretionary trail funds to the [TAS/GHD] project;
(2) Dedicate City staff time to search and apply for eligible grants;
(3) Have staff provide monthly progress assessments to the City Council; and
(4) Set Memorial weekend 2025 as the target for reopening.
City staff want to repair the trail in the current configuration until rerouting can be done. On May 14, 2025 the City posted a permit application at the trailhead for
"Repair and maintenance activities, including vegetation trimming and replacement of the cable steps at the base of the trail, in order to keep the trail publicly accessible."
At a Special Trails Meeting, May 20, 2025, the City Planner explained that the application simply amends the original 1996 CDP/Design Review/Use Permit within the alignment established in 1996. She noted TAS opposes restoration within this alignment, but the City Council unanimously approved the permit application.
TAS appealed the permit application to the California Coastal Commission on June 29, 2025. Coastal Commission staff reviewed the City's application and TAS's appeal. Staff judged the City's arguments weak, and recommended a finding of substantial issue. A public hearing is scheduled September 10, 2025 in Fort Bragg.
Additional information
City of Trinidad Axel Lindgren Memorial Trail Repairs – Appeal No. A-1-TRN-25-0020