HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-21-2017 Item 17, SmithCOUNCIL MEETING:__3 RECEIVED -21 -
ITEM NO.:-- I it MAR 21 2017
From: carolyn smith [
Sent: Monday, March 20, 2017 11:58 PM
To: E-mail Council Website <emailcouncil@slocity.org>
Subject: City Council Meeting, March 21, 2017 - Item 17 - Night-time Hiking
Mayor Harmon and Council Members:
Our city leaders have historically protected our Open Space from over use. Allowing after dark hiking
will jeopardize those efforts, all for the desires of a few who are asking for special privilege. The
peace and security of residents living adjacent to the trails, the safety of hikers, and the protection of
wildlife after dark should take precedence over those few requesting to hike at night for
exercise. There are many other safer ways to exercise at night besides hiking in the dark, so there is
no real need to allow night-time hiking in our Open Space. There is more potential for damage to the
trails, commission of crimes, and injury to hikers in the dark.
I live near the Irish Hills Open Space trails and day hike the area frequently. I have periodically seen
residue from bon fires, empty beer and hard liquor bottles, spent bullet shells, cigarette butts,
and remnants of partying. This type of behavior at night on the trails, where there is dry brush and
nocturnal wildlife activity, is extremely dangerous. If you now allow night hiking, this behavior will
become more prevalent, resulting in more emergency responses for fires and injuries.
Please don't approve this destructive night-time activity in our Open Space and continue to
protect what our city has worked so hard to preserve for many years.
Carolyn Smith
San Luis Obispo Resident