A Walk to the Park: Trail Connectivity in Orick, California

Abstract

Physical access for the public is a critical consideration when developing new park sites. The ‘O Rew site in Humboldt County, California is undergoing final stages of restoration before the Yurok Tribe takes ownership of the property in 2026. The site will function as a gateway to Redwood National and State Parks. A connector trail has been proposed to link the unincorporated community of Orick (located one mile south) with the park site to provide residents and visiting tourists with a route for walking and cycling, a needed alternative to automobile travel. Through the analysis of planning documents, field observation, participant observation and interviews with project stakeholders, this thesis investigates the administrative process and challenges of creating such a trail. Collaboration among partner organizations, local community initiative, and strategic prioritization of project sections are among the factors that can determine the success of implementing and maintaining a trail. This study reveals that the top constraints associated with this trail project include lack of funding, lack of a project proponent, and the physical terrain of the area. The recurring theme of competing priorities in rural development suggests that the proposed project can be revisited in the future with increased attention, capacity and opportunities to focus on trail implementation.