(CNN) — One of California’s popular hiking trails will reopen to the public after being damaged in a fire nearly 13 years ago.
While the trail reopening is welcome news for nature enthusiasts, the time it took to repair the damage is a stark reminder of the trauma fires can cause to nature and the lengthy healing process needed to recover.
Trail renovated after fire
The completed $2 million restoration project boasts a 70-foot pedestrian bridge above the Redwood Creek ravine with dramatic views.
Reconstruction on the trail began after the fire, but landslides and additional damage caused by subsequent fires delayed the renovation project for years, a statement from Save The Redwoods League said. The Soberanes Fire in July 2016 caused landslides from heavy rains and closed part of Highway 1 south of the park, which delayed the reopening for several years, the statement said.
The restoration project involved taking down fire-damaged infrastructure and replacing more than 4,150 square feet of asphalt and concrete, the conservation organization said.
“This challenging project…is a testament to the great and enduring partnership between Save the Redwoods League and California State Parks,” Jessica Inwood, senior parks program manager for Save the Redwoods League said in the statement. “Together, we were able to reimagine a new trail with the long-term protection of this sensitive coast redwood ecosystem in mind.”
Source : CNN
