Our community faces a critical decision that will impact generations of nature lovers, hikers and cyclists. The proposed vacation of the final 1,000 feet of Morrison Canyon Road threatens to permanently sever public access to this treasured natural corridor that has served our community since its creation in 1876.
Morrison Canyon Road represents more than just a pathway—it’s a vital connection between our community and the natural world. This historic route provides residents with essential access for hiking, cycling, wildlife observation and peaceful recreation in nature. The road serves as a nonmotorized transportation facility: that promotes healthy, sustainable recreation while preserving the area’s ecological integrity.
The Fremont community has spoken with remarkable unity. Over 500 residents have signed our petition opposing this road vacation, with more than 75% being Fremont residents. This unprecedented response demonstrates that our community values preserving natural spaces over private event center development interests.
California law recognizes the fundamental principle that public access to natural areas must be protected. The Streets and Highways Code Section 892 (a) specifically requires that rights-of-way “shall not be abandoned unless the governing body determines that the rights-of-way or parts thereof are not useful as a nonmotorized transportation facility.” Morrison Canyon Road clearly serves this exact purpose for our community.
Additionally, since this road spans both Fremont and Alameda County jurisdictions, state law requires mutual consent between agencies for any vacation. No such agreement currently exists, and Fremont has not adopted any resolution supporting this proposal.
We urge Fremont residents to contact city council members and request that they reject any county-sponsored road vacation, include the full length of Morrison Canyon Road in the 2025 Active Transportation Plan, and recognize the road’s value as a nonmotorized transportation facility.
The environmental community asks our city leaders to stand with residents who value access to nature over private convenience. Morrison Canyon Road belongs to all of us—let’s keep it that way.
William Yragui
Co-founder, Mission Peak Conservancy
