HomeMy Public PortalAbout20010101 - Agenda Packet - Board of Directors (BOD) (20) i
I
Midpeninsula Regional
• ' Open Space District
Meeting 10-39
SPECIAL MEETING
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
Thursday, December 9, 2010
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT BEGINS AT 6:30 P.M.
Historic Del Monte Building
100 South Murphy Avenue, Sunnyvale, CA 94086
AGENDA
SPECIAL MEETING
6:30* SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT—
PUBLIC SESSION
ROLL CALL
1. Consideration of Draft Mount Umunhum Environmental Restoration and Public Access Plan,Direction to
Proceed with Environmental Review and related actions-M. Manning
8:30* ADJOURNMENT
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act,if you need assistance to participate in this meeting,please contact the District Clerk at
(650)691-1200.Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the District to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting.
Written materials relating to an item on this Agenda that are considered to be a public record and are distributed to Board members less than 72 hours prior
to the meeting,will be available for public inspection at the District's Administrative Office located at 330 Distel Circle,Los Altos,California 94022.
CERTIFICATION OF POSTING OF A(,ENDA
I,Michelle Radcliffe,District Clerk for the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District(MROSD),declare that the foregoing agenda
for the Special Meeting of the MROSD Board of Directors was posted and available for review on December 3,2010,at the
Administrative Offices of MROSD,330 Distel Circle,Los Altos,California,94022. The agenda is also available on the District's web site at
http://wNk,w.openspace.ore.
Signed this 3`d day of December,at Los Altos,California.
U;C0-=�►,A.&1ML
District Clerk December 3,2010
Midpeninsula Regional
' Open Space District
R-10-152
Meeting 10-38
December 9, 2010
AGENDA ITEM 1
AGENDA ITEM
Acceptance of the Draft Mount Umunhum Environmental Restoration and Public Access Plan as
the Project Description for Subsequent Environmental Review; Direction to Begin the
Environmental Review Process Pursuant to CEQA and Applicable Environmental Review
Requirements for the Project; Direction to Study the Suitability, Costs, Potential Revenue, and
Public Sentiment of Charging Fees to Access the Site.
AD HOC COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
I
l. Accept a presentation on the draft Environmental Restoration and Public Access Plan as
the proposed Project Description for the environmental review process required by the
California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") and other applicable environmental
review requirements.
2. Receive public comment on the proposed Project Description.
3. Provide staff with any additional direction regarding the draft Mount Umunhum
Environmental Restoration and Public Access Plan and accept this draft Plan as the
Project Description for subsequent environmental review under CEQA and other
applicable environmental review requirements.
4. Direct staff to begin the required environmental review process.
5. Direct staff to study the suitability, costs, potential revenue, and public sentiment of
charging a fee to access the Mount Umunhum site as a source of funding to help offset
operating and/or capital costs such road maintenance.
SUMMARY
The Sierra Azul and Bear Creek Redwoods Master Plan Ad Hoc Committee recommends
moving forward with the next phase of the proposed project for environmental restoration and
public access at Mount Umunhum: analysis of the project under the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA). To initiate this process, the Board of Directors will receive a project team
presentation on the status of the proposed project, and accept the Draft Mount Umunhum
R-10-127 Page 2
Environmental Restoration and Public Access Plan (Plan) as the proposed Project and CEQA
Project Description. The Draft Plan includes a broader range of project elements that will
ultimately be included in the Final Plan, for the purposes of a robust environmental review
process. The Board is expected to consider additional public comment prior to accepting the
Project Description and will then consider directing staff to begin the environmental review
process and fee suitability study.
DISCUSSION
The Project was initiated in January 2010 with the goal of defining the future of this landmark
site. District Staff, with the assistance of consulting landscape architects Restoration Design
Group (RDG), implemented a lengthy planning process including:
1. Obtaining input from Operations staff regarding site access,management, and
maintenance considerations;
2. Obtaining input from nearly thirty stakeholder groups, including Native Americans, Air
Force veterans, neighbors, hiking,bicycling, hang gliding, and equestrian groups, dog
owners, historical societies,bird watchers, and local community groups, regarding
desired access, facilities, and potential concerns;
3. Creation of three site restoration and access Themes,ranging from minimal access and
development to a"destination" level of development,based on staff and stakeholder
feedback. Following Committee review, the Themes were presented at a Public
Workshop in Los Gatos on September 30, 2010, and posted on the District website.
Nearly 350 people attended the Public Workshop, providing ample feedback both at the
Workshop and via email comments or comment card. Additional feedback on the
Themes was generated by a web-based survey.
4. Development of a Vision for Public Access for the site incorporating public and staff
input. This Vision was shared with Operations staff and the Committee for further
refinement, prior to presenting it to the public at an Open House at the District
Administrative Office on November 18, 2010.
5. Development of a Draft Environmental Restoration and Public Access Plan based on
public input received at the November 181h Open House and web-based survey. The
Draft Plan was presented to the Committee for review and support as the proposed
Project and Project Description for subsequent environmental review.
At the Special Meeting of December 9, 2010, the Board will review and consider the draft Mount
Umunhurn Environmental Restoration and Public Access Plan as the proposed Project
Description for subsequent environmental review (see Attachment 1). It is important to note that
the final Plan may be further refined or modified, based on a variety of factors, including the
findings of the environmental review process, fiscal analysis, and other pertinent factors. By
approving the Project Description, the Board is not approving a project nor approving the draft
Plan as the ultimate site plan for public access to Mount Umunhum. Instead, the Board is
approving the range of project elements that may be included in the final Plan and thus the
elements that should be reviewed and analyzed under the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) and other environmental laws. Final Board approval of a project developed from the
R-10-127 Page 3
Environmental Restoration and Public Access Plan is expected in the spring of 2011, after the
environmental review process is complete.
At the Special Meeting of December 9, 2010, the Board will also be asked to consider directing
staff to study the suitability, costs, potential revenue, and public sentiment for charging a fee to
access the Mount Umunhum Site. To help offset long-term operating and/or capital costs
associated with implementation of a final Plan for Mount Umunhum, such as ongoing
maintenance of a five mile road, the Committee identified a fee collection system as one
potential funding source. Recognizing that this idea is a change from District practice, the
Committee has asked that the matter be considered by the full Board, to determine whether staff
should proceed with such a study. By giving such direction, the Board is not approving a fee
collection system; instead the Board is merely directing staff to proceed with a study. Any
decision on implementing a fee collection system would occur at a public meeting after the
results of the study are completed.
FISCAL IMPACT
Consideration of public comment, approval of a Project Description for purposes of initiating an
environmental review process, and direction to proceed with a fee collection study will not result
in any direct or immediate fiscal impacts. The Board approved a contract with Ascent
Environmental in July 2010 to assist the District with completing the environmental review
process (refer to Board Report R-10-74). Implementation of a Final Environmental Restoration
and Public Access Plan, if approved by the Board, will require the allocation of additional
District resources and expenditure of funds. A preliminary implementation timeline and budget
for the draft Plan was presented at the November 18th Open House, and is included with this
report (see Attachment 2). The District would need to secure additional long-term funding
sources for future implementation if the Board were to approve the project.
PUBLIC NOTICE AND PUBLIC COMMENTS
Public notice was provided as required by the Brown Act. Interested parties and adjacent
neighbors and all who are on the Sierra Azul and Bear Creek Redwoods Master Plan mailing list
were notified of this item.
CEQA COMPLIANCE
This meeting is for the Board to receive public comment and approve a Project Description for
purposes of initiating the Environmental Review Process pursuant to CEQA and other
environmental review laws.
NEXT STEPS
Upon Board approval of the Project Description for the Mount Umunhum Site Planning Project,
staff will proceed with completing any required environmental review and public review process
in accordance with CEQA and other environmental review requirements. A public hearing will
be scheduled as part of this process for the Board to consider additional public comments,
consideration of approval of environmental review documents, and consideration of final
approval of the Mount Umunhum Environmental Restoration and Public Access Plan. Upon
I
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R-10-127 Page 4
Board concurrence on studying a fee collection system, staff will proceed with conducting
relevant research on suitability, costs, potential revenue, and public sentiment.
Attachments:
1. Proposed Project Description
2. Preliminary Implementation Timeline and Budget
Prepared by:
Meredith Manning, Senior Planner
Contact person:
Same
Attachment 1
DRAFT Mount Umunhum Environmental Restoration and Public Access Plan
SA/BCR Ad Hoc Committee Recommendation 2 Dec 2010
NTRODUCTION
Mount Umunhum is one of the highest peaks in the Santa Cruz Mountains and forms the
scenic backdrop to San Jose and Los Gatos (see Exhibit 1, Regional Map). Its massive
"cube", the concrete base for a cold war-era radar dish, is a local landmark visible for
miles. Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (MROSD, District) is planning to
provide public access to the former Almaden Air Force Station (AFS) and its
spectacular panoramic vistas, located atop Mount Umunhum and nearby Mount Thayer.
Environmental restoration actions to re-establish natural topography and vegetation at
the former AFS are a key component of opening the site to public use.
This Draft Environmental Restoration and Public Access Plan (Plan) is the result of the
extensive and ongoing public planning process, guided by the Sierra Azul/Bear Creek
Redwoods Ad Hoc Committee. It describes how visitors will access and enjoy Mount
Umunhum, which has been closed to the public for 24 years due to the presence of
hazardous materials on the former AFS. A final plan wilt be presented to the District's
Board of Directors for approval after completion of an environmental review and when
all prerequisites for project consideration and approval have been completed. The
environmental review process will include ongoing public participation to help shape
the final plan.
PROJECT LOCATION
The project site is located within the Sierra Azut Open Space Preserve on the summits
of Mount Umunhum and Mount Thayer, in the southern Santa Cruz Mountains, about 13
miles south of San Jose and three miles southeast of Los Gatos (see Exhibit 2, Site
Map). Mount Umunhum, at 3,486 feet in elevation, is situated approximately 50 miles
due south of Mt. Diablo (3,849 feet). Views from Mount Umunhum encompass the
entire south bay area to San Francisco and beyond to the north, and Monterey Bay,
Santa Cruz, and the Pacific Ocean to the west, south, and east.
Two separate areas, as well as several road and trail alignments, comprise the project
site: the approximately 20-acre "Main Installation" and "Family Housing Area" atop
Mount Umunhum, and the three-acre "Ground Air Transmitter Receiver" site on the
summit of Mount Thayer. Both summits are highly visible from the Santa Clara Valley.
The mountaintops are connected by a road passing through private property. Mount
Umunhum is entirely surrounded by private land, while Mount Thayer abuts District
land to the south. j
PROJECT BACKGROUND
The mountainous terrain that makes up the Mount Umunhum site has a long and varied
history. Although specific early-history references to the site have not been found, it
is well documented that the region figured strongly in the lives of the indigenous
peoples who resided in the Santa Cruz Mountain and coastal areas and the Santa Clara
Valley. Mount Umunhum must certainty have been part of the world view of many
generations of ancestral Native Americans, and this is indeed reflected in the very
name of the mountain. The word Ummun in the Ohtone dialect translated to
I
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�
�
!
�
Attachment
"hummingbird," a creature that figured in their creation story that took place on a
! mountaintop.
In the late 1950x' the United States government procured Mount Umunhum and the
nearby Mount Thayer to build the Almaden Air Force Station, a US Air Force early
warning radar base that operated from 1958to 1980. It was constructed as part ofthe
North American Aerospace Defense Command (NOR4D) tn keep watch over northern
California's airspace during the Cold War. With the end of the Cold War, and as
result of advancements in satellite technology, the need to staff and operate the early
warning bases became obsolete. The official "inactivation" date of the facility was
June ]O. 1980. In June 1982, control nf the property and improvements was
transferred Lo the General Services Administration (GSA). The District purchased the
44'acre base inApril 1986 from the GSA for then fair market value of$Z6O'DOO.
The District acquired the former Almaden AFS and at( remaining facilities at the site
with the ultimate intent to restore the area to a natural condition and provide public
access. While portion of hazardous materials were cleaned up by the federal
government, other materials felt outside the federal cleanup program in which it was
placed. The District has recently been working with community, state, and federal
leaders to obtain federal funding to complete the cleanup, which is now scheduled to
be complete by summer 2O11.
SITE DESCRIPTION
The project site consists ofu complex uf former military buildings and associated
facilities (including driveways' parking lots, storage buildings, as well as other base
structures and technical facilities). Among these is a Large concrete structure (known
as "the cube"), formerly used as podium supporting an 85'ton radar dish. The dish
was removed before the District purchased the property. The buildings have been
abandoned for ]O years and over time, due tothe passage oftime, vandalism and �
extreme weather conditions, are severely dilapidated. Ornamental landscaping species
� have become established and the main access road, interior roads, parking lots and
� infrastructure have deteriorated. The main access road, 0\t. Umunhum Road, begins at
Hicks Road and continues for five miles to the entrance of the former Almaden AFS
�
near the summit. The road is held in various ownerships and exists in various states of
� disrepair. Obtaining public easement rights nrownership of the road is prerequisite
� [o allowing full public access. Potential muiti'use trail connections could link existing
traits to the summit and are part nf the proposed plan for public access.
� GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
�
The goal of the proposed Plan is to establish a fiscally sustainable visitor destination
� that balances public access, enjoyment, and education with environmental
� restoration. This goal aligns with two directives ufthe District's Mission: to protect
� and restore the natural environment, and tu provide opportunities for ecologically
�
sensitive public enjoyment and education. This goat will be achieved through the
� following objectives:
° Create a destination that ix accessible to and accommodates a broad range of
user groups and introduces new visitors Loopen space.
on*pTwmuo� umvm^xn Ln".ronmcn�u� neuor^uon unu rubx:^^cra p�a^ 2am onc�^`u�r paye l or �
Attachment 1
Remove or permanently cap physical hazards and restore the native landscape
and habitat for wildlife as much as possible.
• Provide minimal visitor amenities that complement and highlight the world-class
views and open space experience.
• Provide ample, rich, and diverse trail experiences for hikers, bicyclists, and
equestrians.
• Highlight the rich natural and cultural history of the site through self-discovery
and focused interpretive and educational opportunities.
SITE ELEMENTS
Facilities, traits, and access features (see Exhibit 3, Concept Plan)will be designed to
help create memorable Mount Umunhum experiences for visitors. While the full range
of opportunities for public enjoyment at Mount Umunhum are described in this
section, individual components will be phased in as feasible, and as funding, property
ownership and other constraints allow. The proposed plan will be comprised of
elements that meet the objectives described above, and wilt be designed to
accommodate hikers, equestrians, bicyclists, hang gliders, and vehicles at or near the
summit.
Mount Umunhum Road will provide paved, two-lane, five-mile vehicular access from
the intersection of Hicks Road at the Jacques Ridge parking tot. An electric gate wilt
be installed at Jacques Ridge and an "iron ranger" fee collection system may be
located either at this gate or at the summit parking area.
Easy-access or ADA accessibility will be provided. Paved roads, unpaved traits, and
viewpoints will provide diverse destination points for social interactions and quiet
solitude. Interpretation of recent and historic cultural activity and ecology wilt be
emphasized via self-guided interpretive trails, signs, and/or cellular phone audio
tours. Special permitted activities (such as geocaching, and night activities such as
astronomy) and docent-led tours wilt be offered similar to those at other Open Space
Preserves, and wilt be phased in as funding allows.
The proposed plan for Mount Umunhum wilt restore the etevational summit as close as
practical to original, pre-construction topography and improve the habitat with native
plants. ADA-accessible trails wilt lead to seating oriented to views among this
environmental restoration. A viewpoint/ceremonial space marked with the four
cardinal directions wilt provide a peaceful place for contemplation. Adjacent to the
peak, a summit court is expected to provide paved passenger and emergency vehicle
turnaround, ADA-accessible parking and seating, and the sealed radar tower or tower
foundation may provide an opportunity for interpretation of military history. An ADA-
accessible/service vehicle ramp wilt connect the summit court with the restored
summit. A second ADA-accessible interpretive trait and second viewpoint/ceremonial
space will emphasize views as well as the site's natural and Native American and
military cultural history. A multi-use trait network will guide visitors around the site
separately from vehicles and connect to regional trails. A summit stairway will connect
the upper parking area to the restored summit.
The radar tower wilt either remain (once structurally repaired), be mostly removed,
leaving the foundation of the former tower as a monument, or removed entirely. If the
tower remains, it wit( be permanently seated to prevent all access to the interior; if
R-
' t 010 L f, Pa 3 0 4
i
Attachment 1
partially removed, the remaining concrete walls will be neatly sawcut and, depending
g
on their height, provide seating, frame views, or shelter visitors from sun and wind. If
the tower is completely removed, only the subsurface foundation would remain, the
original elevations would be restored, and habitat improved with native plants.
A range of potential minimal amenities will include two permanent, paved-surface and
one temporary/overflow gravel-surfaced parking areas, seating, picnic tables, vault
toilets, hitching posts, bicycle racks, non-potable water for dogs, horses, and fire
protection (contained in an onsite large-capacity water tank) a dedicated 911 callbox,
and a landing zone for emergency aircraft. Additional secondary amenities such as
wind and shade protection, rustic backpack camp with ADA-accessible sites, an
interpretive center, and increased trail connections, including those to Mount Thayer,
towards the Lexington Basin, and connection to the existing Woods Trail (part of the
Bay Area Ridge Trail) may be phased in over time as funding, property ownership and
other constraints allow.
PUBLIC ACCESS PHASING
Public access to Mount Umunhum may be phased in conjunction with individual site
elements. This phasing scheme was developed in response to stakeholder, staff, and
P g P P
general public input, and provides access to the summit as quickly as possible white
simultaneously allowing deliberative and sustainable site development.
Special docent-led shuttle tours may bring participants to the summit in passenger
vehicles following remediation of hazardous materials; hiking, biking, equestrian use,
hang gliding and permit parking may begin following safety upgrades to Mt. Umunhum
Road, the main access to the summit; full vehicle access may begin following
resurfacing of Mt. Umunhum Road.
STAFFING
The plan will allow phasing of design elements as funding and staffing allows; in its
current iteration, it is estimated to require additional staff to carry out the design
elements as described. One additional administrative staff is estimated to be
necessary to perform increased workload to manage docents, permitting, and
volunteer activities, and two additional ranger and one maintenance field staff are
estimated to be necessary to add patrol and maintenance needs for this site to the
existing requirements of the surrounding preserve.
j' .�3� ��c Pt ) i� ti ..�f u. .Cr,_
San Jose
i " r
♦
Guadalupe
� ♦ p
.. . Reservoir
Sierra Azul
Lexington Open Space Preserve
Reservoir
Almaden Quicksilver
Js .. County Park
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z
Mt. Thayer �. Almaden
3,483' o e Mt.Umunhum ` .� Reservoir,
,486
Redwood
Estates
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1 7
Lake
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San Oakland
Francisco
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San ti9
Jose �andq< ,✓P
Mt. Umunhum S o q u e I
Demonstration
-� Forest
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0 5 10 20 SF
0 Miles
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Exhibit 1 : Regional Map Midpeninsula Regional
Open Space District
- MROSD Watershed Land Project Site, 234 Acres
November 2010
Other Protected Open Space Conservation or Private Land
or Park Lands ® Agricultural Easement
Nonprofit Land Other Public Agency MROSD Boundary e O Miles
— MROSD Sphere of Influence
Mt. El Sombroso
nods 2999 ft.
— od.
Sierra Azul
Mt. Umunhum ArearI cos
Tro,. ti
i
Public can drive this
Mt.Tha er t portion of road.
co °,ha P�made� y (1.75 Miles)
3483 ft. t�
a
I
m 'A i
s Al 1
Roaa oad.
Bald Mountain
` Potential future
d
r 2387 ft.
m t• .v =r trail corridor
to Barlow Road. oad I
2 •
t�
• Former Almaden i� III
d Air Force Station .,� ■ O�e��i
LL
E Public can access
t but not drive this
Closed to public portion of road.
'\ beyond this point. (1.25 Miles)
(2 Miles to
A
li maden AFS
entrance) 'yerbert Creek
N
t
f
Exhibit 2: Site Map Study Area for
Land Ownership Current Public Access Environmental Review Midpeninsula Regional
MROSD Hiking, Bicycling Project Buffer (MROSD) Open Space District
Hiking, Bicycling, December 2010
Private Land -
-
- Hiking, Bicycling, Vehicle Access Project Buffer (Private Land) •
b1iles
Watershed Land Equestrian e 0 0.125 0.25 0.5
MOUNT ENVIRONMENTAL RESTORATION AND PUBLIC ACCESS • A
•,
•' Radar Tower or
Restored Summit Foundation
Environmental Restoration J
Remediation or Demolition/
ADA-Accessible Paths/ !Interpretive Panels
Ceremonial Space/Seating ADA and service
vehide Acoessihle :g
Ramp ADA.AcrosibW ,IS I .(
Panting and g
Potential Trait To • ^ i 6�
Mount Thayer. `
Lexington Basin \ Lower\ \Aewpant D summit
path l -
and Woods Trail Parking\
Toiet
WhWe
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o}
Hit
\\;Pwtj/ t
sic
1 /1 Tables �\ \ f✓7'� �� 1!0"�
�, LJ RoundFlagpolabout,,' ���
//j Picnic Temporaryl' Ming-a /Pionic \ 1 VWtw Tmtk `
Trait ";�-.`J I T'"°' 1 ;,,� f r-� Tag" \ Summit Court and Drop-off
Post g `�`,_�_ ! `� -` �+ �,' \ Seating/Bicycle Rack!Potential
P� � — ���- Interpretive Center
lT'bles \\ `\ Viewpoint
Ceremonial Space
Mufh u.Trai
\ to Badow Road
a \\
/ Former Housing Area ti
11 I Environmental Restoration/ J
Viewpoint Potential Backpack Camp with
A, f ADAAccessible Sites/Picnic
Tables/Non-potable Water/
Dedicated 911 Call Box �w R `atidge
—ems
.\
Mount UmunAum
Aaepasdee:e.o 3,486'
.. -.J• V�.vres ADA—P— s
/ ReYaeJ eunnaAw Cxm»S�na.v aM SwNCan dePar aemrt C.eW aWrTe`er erFOMMiq. AMrA�ptWeFwn C :N SFxe
At1Artl Srsiu lVidrA¢mWM A�lAtrgage Pabq/ ssJea;Bigrle Ratl:t ivy
Emwgrcr wNeY tuneane Pelwly tti•�'e Cw:wr :FIT,
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Exhibit 3: Concept Plan
AttachmentMOUNT UMUNHUM VISIONOR PUBLIC ACCESS
Project 'd and Funding Requirements
OPEN
It 20 • 2017 i •
i
PHASE 1 PHASE 2 PHASE 3 Total Project
Cost $13.1M
CLEAN UP RESTORATION AND ACCESS FACILITIES DEVELOPMENT
$9.9M (Unsecured)
$3.2M ;$2.OM $5.8M $2.1M $3.ZM (Secured)
PROJECT PLANNING, DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION DOCS, AND PERMITTING
j Site clean up and structural demolition
Radar tower safety upgrade
Temporary parking lot at summit
Mt. Umunhum Road improvements
Trail connections to Barlow Road
and Lexington Basin
Ecological restoration at summit,
minimal visitor amenities and trails
Permanent parking lots at summit
Potentially funded Interpretive features and programming,
by grants multiuse trail
Potentially funded Foundation demolition, restoration in
by parking fee former housing area
Interpretive center,
Backpack cam
Umunhum to the Sea",
Mt.Thayer trail connections
Ongoing Costs to District Shown Below Line
New administrative and field staff positions ($500k annually)
Site maintenance (unknown)
Road maintenance ($60k annually)
Attachment 1
DRAFT Mount Umunhum Environmental Restoration and Public Access Plan
SA/BCR Ad Hoc Committee Recommendation Revised 6 Dec 2010
INTRODUCTION
Mount Umunhum is one of the highest peaks in the Santa Cruz Mountains and forms the
scenic backdrop to San Jose and Los Gatos (see Exhibit 1 Amended Regional Map). Its
massive "cube", the concrete base for a cold war-era radar dish, is a local landmark
visible for miles. Midpeninsuta Regional Open Space District (MROSD, District) is
planning to provide public access to the former Almaden Air Force Station (AFS) and its
spectacular panoramic vistas, located atop Mount Umunhum and nearby Mount Thayer.
Environmental restoration actions to re-establish natural topography and vegetation at
the former AFS are a key component of opening the site to public use.
This Draft Environmental Restoration and Public Access Plan (Plan) is the result of the
extensive and ongoing public planning process, guided by the Sierra Azut/Bear Creek
Redwoods Ad Hoc Committee. It describes how visitors will access and enjoy Mount
Umunhum, which has been closed to the public for 24 years due to the presence of
hazardous materials on the former AFS. A final plan will be presented to the District's
Board of Directors for approval after completion of an environmental review and when
all prerequisites for project consideration and approval have been completed. The
environmental review process will include ongoing public participation to help shape
the final plan.
PROJECT LOCATION
The project site is located within the Sierra Azut Open Space Preserve on the summits
of Mount Umunhum and Mount Thayer, in the southern Santa Cruz Mountains, about 13
mites south of San Jose and three mites southeast of Los Gatos (see Exhibit 2 Amended
Project Area-S#e-Map). Mount Umunhum, at 3,486 feet in elevation, is situated
approximately 50 mites due south of Mt. Diablo (3,849 feet). Views from Mount
Umunhum encompass the entire south bay area to San Francisco and beyond to the
north, and Monterey Bay, Santa Cruz, and the Pacific Ocean to the west, south, and
east.
Two separate areas, as well as several road and trail alignments, comprise the project
site: the approximately 20-acre "Main Installation" and "Family Housing Area" atop
Mount Umunhum, and the three-acre "Ground Air Transmitter Receiver" site on the
summit of Mount Thayer. Both summits are highly visible from the Santa Clara Valley.
The mountaintops are connected by a road passing through private property. Mount
Umunhum is entirety surrounded by private land, white Mount Thayer abuts District
(and to the south.
PROJECT BACKGROUND
The mountainous terrain that makes up the Mount Umunhum site has a tong and varied
history. Although specific early-history references to the site have not been found, it
is welt documented that the region figured strongly in the lives of the indigenous
peoples who resided in the Santa Cruz Mountain and coastal areas and the Santa Clara
Valley. Mount Umunhum must certainty have been part of the world view of many
generations of ancestral Native Americans, and this is indeed reflected in the very
DRAFT Mount Umunhurn Environmental Restoration and Public Access Plan 2010 December Page 1 of 4
Attachment I
name of the mountain. The word Ummun in the OhLone dialect translated to
"hummingbird," a creature that figured in their creation story that took place on a
mountain top.
In the late 1950s, the United States government procured Mount Umunhum and the
nearby Mount Thayer to build the Almaden Air Force Station, a US Air Force early
warning radar base that operated from 1958 to 1980. It was constructed as part of the
North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) to keep watch over northern
California's airspace during the Cold War. With the end of the Cold War, and as a
result of advancements in satellite technology, the need to staff and operate the early
warning bases became obsolete. The official "inactivation" date of the facility was
June 30, 1980. In June 1982, control of the property and improvements was
transferred to the Genera( Services Administration (GSA). The District purchased the
44-acre base in April 1986 from the GSA for then fair market value of $260,000.
The District acquired the former Almaden AFS and all remaining facilities at the site
with the ultimate intent to restore the area to a natural condition and provide public
access. While a portion of hazardous materials were cleaned up by the federal
government, other materials fell outside the federal cleanup program in which it was
placed. The District has recently been working with community, state, and federal
leaders to obtain federal funding to complete the cleanup, which is now scheduled to
be complete by summer 2011.
SITE DESCRIPTION
The project site consists of a complex of former military buildings and associated
facilities (including driveways, parking lots, storage buildings, as well as other base
structures and technical facilities). Among these is a large concrete structure (known
as "the cube"), formerly used as a podium supporting an 85-ton radar dish. The dish
was removed before the District purchased the property. The buildings have been
abandoned for 30 years and over time, due to the passage of time, vandalism and
extreme weather conditions, are severely dilapidated. Ornamental Landscaping species
have become established and the main access road, interior roads, parking lots and
infrastructure have deteriorated. The main access road, Mt. Umunhum Road, begins at
Hicks Road and continues for five mites to the entrance of the former Almaden AFS,
near the summit. The road is held in various ownerships and exists in various states of
disrepair. Obtaining public easement rights or ownership of the road is a prerequisite
to allowing full public access. Potential multi-use trait connections could link existing
traits to the summit and are part of the proposed plan for public access.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The goal of the proposed Plan is to establish a fiscally sustainable visitor destination
that balances public access, enjoyment, and education with environmental
restoration. This goal aligns with two directives of the District's Mission: to protect
and restore the natural environment, and to provide opportunities for ecologically
sensitive public enjoyment and education. This goal will be achieved through the
ORAFT Mount UrMinhum Environmentat Restoration and Pubtic Access Nan 2010 Decf Mbel Paq,,(- 2 of 4
Attachment 1
following objectives:
• Create a destination that is accessible to and accommodates a broad range of
user groups and introduces new visitors to open space.
• Remove or permanently cap physical hazards and restore the native landscape
and habitat for wildlife as much as possible.
• Provide minimal visitor amenities that complement and highlight the world-class
views and open space experience.
• Provide ample, rich, and diverse trail experiences for hikers, bicyclists, and
equestrians.
• Highlight the rich natural and cultural history of the site through self-discovery
and focused interpretive and educational opportunities.
SITE ELEMENTS
Facilities, traits, and access features (see Exhibit 3 Amended Concept Plan) will be
designed to help create memorable Mount Umunhum experiences for visitors. While
the full range of opportunities for public enjoyment at Mount Umunhum are described
in this section, individual components wilt be phased in as feasible, and as funding,
property ownership and other constraints allow. The proposed plan will be comprised
of elements that meet the objectives described above, and wilt be designed to
accommodate hikers, equestrians, bicyclists, hang gliders, and vehicles at or near the
summit.
Mount Umunhum Road wit[ provide paved, two-lane, five-mile vehicular access from
the intersection of Hicks Road at the Jacques Ridge parking lot. An electric gate will
be installed at Jacques Ridge and an "iron ranger" fee collection system may be
located either at this gate or at the summit parking area.
Easy-access or ADA accessibility will be provided. Paved roads, unpaved traits, and
viewpoints will provide diverse destination points for social interactions and quiet
solitude. Interpretation of recent and historic cultural activity and ecology will be
emphasized via self-guided interpretive traits, signs, and/or cellular phone audio
tours. Special permitted activities (such as geocaching, and night activities such as
astronomy) and docent-led tours wilt be offered similar to those at other Open Space
Preserves, and will be phased in as funding allows.
The proposed plan for Mount Umunhum wilt restore the elevationat summit as close as
practical to original, pre-construction topography and improve the habitat with native
plants. ADA-accessible traits wilt lead to seating oriented to views among this
environmental restoration. A viewpoint/ceremonial space marked with the four
cardinal directions wilt provide a peaceful place for contemplation. Adjacent to the
peak, a summit court is expected to provide paved passenger and emergency vehicle
turnaround, ADA-accessible parking and seating, and the seated radar tower or tower
foundation may provide an opportunity for interpretation of military history. An ADA-
accessi b Le/service vehicle ramp wilt connect the summit court with the restored
summit. A second ADA-accessible interpretive trail and second viewpoint/ceremonial
space wilt emphasize views as well as the site's natural and Native American and
military cultural history. A multi-use trail network wilt guide visitors around the site
DRAFT Mount Umunhum Environmental Restoration and Pubtic Access Plan 2010 December Page 3 of 4
Attachment 1
separately from vehicles and connect to regional traits. A summit stairway will connect
the upper parking area to the restored summit.
The radar tower wilt either remain (once structurally repaired), be mostly removed,
leaving the foundation of the former tower as a monument, or removed entirely. If the
tower remains, it will be permanently seated to prevent all access to the interior; if
partially removed, the remaining concrete watts wilt be neatly sawcut and, depending
on their height, provide seating, frame views, or shelter visitors from sun and wind. If
the tower is completely removed, only the subsurface foundation would remain, the
original elevations would be restored, and habitat improved with native plants.
A range of potential minimal amenities will include two permanent, paved-surface and
one temporary/overflow gravel-surfaced parking areas, seating, picnic tables, vault
toilets, hitching posts, bicycle racks, non-potable water for dGgs-, horses, and fire
protection (contained in an onsite large-capacity water tank) a dedicated 911 cat[box,
and a landing zone for emergency aircraft. Additional secondary amenities such as
wind and shade protection, rustic backpack camp with ADA-accessible sites, an
interpretive center, and increased trait connections, including those to Mount Thayer,
towards the Lexington Basin, and cenneet to the existing Woods Trait (part of the
Bay Area Ridge Trait), and an Umunhum-to-the-Sea Trait may be phased in over time
as funding, property ownership and other constraints allow.
PUBLIC ACCESS PHASING
Public access to Mount Umunhum may be phased in conjunction with individual site
elements. This phasing scheme was developed in response to stakeholder, staff, and
general public input, and provides access to the summit as quickly as possible white
simultaneously allowing deliberative and sustainable site development.
Special docent-led shuttle tours may bring participants to the summit in passenger
vehicles following remediation of hazardous materials; hiking, biking, equestrian use,
hang gliding and permit parking may begin fallowing safety upgrades to Mt. Umunhum
Road, the main access to the summit; full vehicle access may begin following
resurfacing of Mt. Umunhum Road.
STAFFING
The plan wilt allow phasing of design elements as funding and staffing allows; in its
current iteration, it is estimated to require additional staff to carry out the design
elements as described. One additional administrative staff is estimated to be
necessary to perform increased workload to manage docents, permitting, and
volunteer activities, and two additional ranger and one maintenance field staff are
estimated to be necessary to add patrol and maintenance needs for this site to the
existing requirements of the surrounding preserve.
DRAFT Mount Urnunhum Environmental Re,�tnratk'w and Public Access Ptan 2010 December Page 4 of 4
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Exhibit 1 - Amended: Regional Map Midpeninsula Regional
Open Space District
- MROSD Watershed Land MROSD Boundary December 2010
Other Protected Open Space ® Conservation or --- MROSD Sphere of Influence
or Park Lands Agricultural Easement 0 0.5 1 row,.
Nonprofit Land Other Public Agency e Miles '
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Exhibit 2 - Amended: Project Area Midpeninsula Regional
Project Area Land Ownership Current Public Access Open Space District
Mt. Thayer (2.86 acres) MROSD Hiking, Bicycling — Hiking, Bicycling, December 2010
Mt. Umunhum (19.89 acres) Private Land: Vehicle Access ,
Public Access Hiking, Bicycling, e Miles ,
— — — Proposed Trail Connection Easement Required — — — Equestrian Gate 0 0.125 0.25 0.5
MOUNT ENVIRONMENTAL RESTORATION , PUBLIC ACCESS PLAN
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
Concept Ptan
Radar Tower or
Restored Summit Foundation
Environmental Restoration/ �Remediat or De I nmolition/
CeremonialADA-accesSible Space a/Seating Interpretive Panels
ADA and Service
o ADA-accessible K JYa
Parking and she
Lower summit
\\Parking Viewpoint stairway Pacegsible 1 0 U
t
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od ADA-accaa
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to Barlow Road
Former Housing Area \'
I Environmental Restoration/ /
V—P-1 / Potential Backpack Camp with
ADA-accessible Sites/Picnic
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Dedicated 911 Call Box ` To Elodnc Gale at
Jacques Ridge Ir...,
Mount Umunhum
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Exhibit 3 -Amended: Concept Plan
I
PUBLICAttachment 2 MOUNT UMUNHUM VISION FOR
Project • andFundingRequirements
PHASE 1 PHASE 2 PHASE 3 Total Project
Cost $13.1 M
CLEAN UP RESTORATION AND ACCESS FACILITIES DEVELOPMENT
$9.9M (Unsecured)
$3.2M $2.0M $5.8M $2. 1 M $3.2M (Secured)
j PROJECT PLANNING, DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION DOCS, AND PERMITTING
rVINFINOWWWWRand structural demolition
Radar tower safety upgrade
Temporary parking lot at summit
Mt.Umunhum Road improvements
Trail connections to Barlow Road
and Lexington Basin
Ecological restoration at summit,
minimal visitor amenities and trails
Permanent parking lots at summit
Potentially funded Interpretive features and programming,
by grants multi-use trail
Potentially funded Foundation demolition, restoration in
�_. by parking fee former housing area
Interpretive center,
Backpack cam
"Umunhum to the Sea",
Mt.Thayer trail connections
Ongoing Costs to District Shown Below Line
New administrative and field staff positions ($500k annually)
Site maintenance (unknown)
Road maintenance ($60k annually)