Southern CA opens 67 mile continuous Trail thru the Santa Monica Mountains - LA Times

Headlines are quick hits from media outlets from Missouri and around the world. Follow the headline link for the full story. The source of this headline says:

For more than 50 years, Southern Californians have dreamed of following an uninterrupted trail among the sycamore canyons and sandstone peaks of the Santa Monica Mountains.

Over the decades, the Backbone Trail, stretching 67 miles between Point Mugu State Park and Will Rogers State Historic Park, has slowly taken shape, stitched together by public funding and private donations that have led to acquisitions of land.

Finally, the hard work and altruism will culminate with completion of the trail. The National Park Service recently closed escrow on a 40-acre donation by former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and fitness pioneer Betty Weider, and within 10 days the agency expects escrow to close on two remaining parcels along a fire road known as the Etz Meloy Motorway.

“The Backbone Trail offers the primo, sustained outdoor experience in Southern California,” said Joe Edmiston.

MoBikeFed comment: Around the country and around the world, officials and advocates are spending years and decades putting together major trail connections like this.

It is increasingly common and expected. Places that don't have trails lose out on the health, fitness, and nature possibilities, but also on the economic development that accompanies them.

People want to live in, companies want to locate in, and tourists want to visit places that have the kind of recreational and outdoor opportunities that trails provide.

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