Montecito Land Plan Sparks Trail Concerns

A luxury hotel’s land in Montecito is sparking controversy as plans evolve from habitat restoration to a private botanical garden — complete with new paths, ponds, and redwoods — right next to a beloved hiking trail. After a fire in 2017, the owners initially botched their restoration permit by removing native plants, then got a 2022 fix. Now, they’re seeking a “minor” tweak to add more non-native species — some even on the county’s “undesirable” list — raising alarms from trail users worried about roots, lighting, and cross-pollination. While the Trails Advisory Committee voiced concerns, final approval rests with the Planning Department, leaving locals wondering if this “improvement” will truly benefit the land — or just the hotel’s guests. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/81346298bd9b735a