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Parks & Recreation PRCOMM@Belmont.gov and Belmont City Council CityCouncil@Belmont.gov
Waterdog now has over 11 miles of trails; many are illegal, most violate trail construction standards, and some are unsafe for both hikers and bikers. This trail-by-trail analysis of what was approved vs. what we have today illustrates the results of poor open space management.
Waterdog has more miles of trail per acre than any open space in our region, and this over development stresses the ecosystem. Further, Belmont is the only open space steward to allow totally unregulated mountain bike use on all trails.
In 1977, John S Brooks, a local environmental visionary, donated 47 acres of land to the City of Belmont; now part of Waterdog Open Space. Recently built bike racing trails (Soho trail) are now violating the City's promise and his contract.
Waterdog is one of California’s biological hotspots, unique for the diverse habitats and native species it hosts. But Waterdog is threatened by poor stewardship: trail erosion, impacted creeks, diseased oak woodlands, and misguided maintenance policies that do more harm than good.
California tiger salamander a.k.a. waterdog
Belmont’s Planning documents stress the importance of Waterdog and Hidden Canyon natural ecosystems, upon which our wildlife depend for food, water, shelter, and rearing their young. But in practice do we afford our wildlife the respect and protection they deserve?
Waterdog Open Space, like all Belmont parks and area preserves, is closed from sunset to sunrise. There are many good reasons for this policy, but dozens of mountain bikers violate this law weekly, endangering both the wildlife and themselves.
Recent e-bike technology makes it extremely difficult to differentiate mountain bikes from classes of motorized bikes. The impacts of higher speed, heavier weight and powerful motors threaten ecology and wildlife In Waterdog Open Space.
Watch videos of mountain bikers racing Waterdog trails, degrading trail surfaces and endangering hikers. Waterdog’s narrow trails were not intended for this sport; biking should be confined to the approved 6 multi-use trails to ensure safety and preservation.
Despite the new City campaign to “Love Waterdog”, Waterdog Open Space is an unfunded stepchild. Over the years only 1% of Park funding has gone to Open Space. It’s time for Belmont to put its money where its mouth is.
