Proposed Petaluma Sebastopol Trail

In 2010, the County Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan was adopted by the County Board of Supervisors. The Plan identified numerous new trail projects including the proposed Petaluma Sebastopol Trail. The proposal is to develop an 11 mile paved trail that would connect two cities. The proposed trail would start at the Petaluma City limits and end at the Sebastopol City limits. The project is located within the unincorporated areas of County Supervisorial District 2 and 5. The trail would provide recreational and nonmotorized transportation opportunities to residents living in Petaluma, Cunningham, Hessel, Sebastopol, as well the residents living in the unincorporated areas of Sonoma County. The original concept was inspired by the Petaluma Sebastopol Railroad; however, much of the former railroad right of way is privately owned and has been developed for other purposes. Therefore, a feasibility study needs to be completed to help determine the most feasible route for the trail.

The initial step in the process is to complete a feasibility study for the project. Please see the draft map for the study boundary which encompasses a very large area. The exact trail location is undetermined at this time. The feasibility study would include public outreach, evaluating existing site conditions and roads, mapping, and preliminary title search to help determine the best route for a separate paved trail to accommodate bicyclists and pedestrians. The City of Sebastopol has requested the County to expand the feasibility study area to include a 1 mile stretch from City limits to the Joe Rodota Trail which would be paid by the City. Public workshops would be conducted to solicit input from the general public including residents to help evaluate trail alignments and alternatives. Furthermore, the feasibility study will help the County develop a project budget that includes estimated costs for the following: design and engineering, construction, environmental mitigation, and property acquisition.

Currently, there is no public funding for the feasibility study. The study will begin once funding is obtained.