public while protecting the environment Have the trail connect to other trail systems to provide ways to the coastal area from urban areas The conservancy expects the trail to improve the economy. The trail will attract tourists, create jobs, and make selling surrounding real estate easier. They expect the trail to help protect the environment. People enjoying nature can do so without hurting sensitive areas if they stay on the trail. Another goal is to improve quality of life through recreation by encouraging people to use the trail for exercise. Finally, the conservancy wants people to think of trails as a means of transportation (SB 908 Report 9). To achieve these goals the trail must meet four requirements—it must: Always be within sight or sound of the ocean Serve as a starting point to reach various destinations Be separated from all motor traffic Respect the current environment and not disrupt the natural habitat Challenges Completing the California Coastal Trail requires resolving issues that include environmental protection, private and quasi-public ownership of lands along the shoreline, and cooperation among many agencies and individuals. The coastal environment is fragile, and the trail must not threaten natural habitat. The coast is home to endangered species such as the California least tern, and has fragile tide pools, beaches visited by elephant seals to bear and raise their pups, and areas of sensitive vegetation. The trail aims to prevent people from entering sensitive sites, yet still bring visitors within view of other sights to educate them on the shoreline ecosystem. Trail developers believe that informing people spreads the idea of respecting and protecting the environment. Over the years, people have built many structures too close to the shoreline. As a result, they became threatened by the ocean's force, and owners built revetments as a defense. However, the armoring has severely narrowed some beaches. Public access to the beaches has also been reduced in areas where development exists in an unbroken line contiguous to the beach. Properties act as barriers to the public by preventing entrance to the shore. Vertical access is also restricted, stopping public roads leading to the shoreline. Coastal land ownership is divided among many individuals, companies, and organizations. To unify the trail, developers of the California Coastal Trail must ask all owners to cooperate. Several agencies—state, community, and federal—along with quasi-public land-holders must communicate and discover ways to increase coastline access. Implementation