HomeMy Public PortalAbout20070214 - Agenda Packet - Board of Directors (BOD) - 07-04 Regional Open Space
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
Meeting 07-04
SPECIAL AND REGULAR MEETING
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
5:30 p.m.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
330 Distel Circle, Los Altos, California
Please Note: 5:30 p.m. Special Meeting Closed Session Start Time
7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting Start Time
AGENDA*
5:30 SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
ROLL CALL
CLOSED SESSION
The Special Meeting Closed Session will begin at 5:30 p.m. At 7:30 p.m.,the Board will convene the Regular
Meeting,and,at the conclusion of the Regular Meeting,the Board may reconvene the Special Meeting Closed Session.
1. Conference with Real Property Negotiator-California Government Code § 54956.8
Real Property—Smith Trust, Bill Smith, Skyline Boulevard, Palo Alto,CA approximately one mile south of the
Page Mill Road intersection with Skyline Boulevard Santa Clara County. Assessor's Parcel Number 351-12-043.
Agency Negotiator-Michael Williams
Negotiating Party- Bill Smith
Under Negotiation- Price and Terms of Purchase
2. Conference with Real Property Negotiator-California Government Code § 54956.8
Real Property—Historic Picchetti Winery located at 13 100 Monte Bello Road,Cupertino,CA 95014
Agency Negotiator-Michael Williams
Negotiating Party- Leslie Pantling
Under Negotiation- Price and Terms of Lease
3. Conference with Legal Counsel—Existing Litigation,California Government Code § 54956.9(a)
Name of Case: Fogarty v. Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District,San Mateo County Superior Court
Case No. CIV441934
4. Conference with Legal Counsel—Existing Litigation, California Government Code Code § 54956.9(A)
Name of Case—Citizens for Responsible Open Space v. San Mateo County LAFCo, Midpeninsula Regional Open
Space District, San Mateo County Superior Court Case No.CIV442954
5. Public Employment—Government Code Section 54957(b)(1)
Public Employee Performance Evaluation—General Manager
6. Public Employment—Government Code Section 54957(b)(1)
Public Employee Performance Evaluation—General Counsel
7. Public Employment—Government Code Section 54957(b)(1)
Public Employee Performance Evaluation—Controller
Meeting 07-04 Page 2
7:30 REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
ROLL CALL
REPORT ON RETURN FROM CLOSED SESSION (The Board shall publicly report any action taken in Closed Session
pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.1(a).)
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS—Public
ADOPTION OF AGENDA—K.Nitz
ADOPTION OF CONSENT CALENDAR—K.Nitz
APPROVAL OF MINUTUES
• NOVEMBER 29,2006
• DECEMBER 13,2006
• JANUARV 10,2007
BOARD BUSINESS
7:40* 1 Report on Development of Administrative Guidelines for Geocaching on District Lands;Accept the Report
Regarding the Development of Administrative Guidelines for Implementation by Staff for the Control of
Geocaching on District Lands —G.Baillie
8:10* 2 Proposed Purchase of the BDS Capital, Inc. Property as an Addition to the Mt.Umunhum Area of Sierra
Azul Open Space Preserve(Santa Clara County Assessor's Parcel Number 575-07-008)Located in
Unincorporated Santa Clara County,at the End of Reynolds Road;Determine that the Recommended
Actions are Categorically Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act(CEQA)as set out in this
Report;Adopt Resolution Authorizing Purchase of the BDS Capital, Inc. property;Adopt the Preliminary
Use and Management Plan Recommendations contained in the Report and Name the Property as an
Addition to the Mt. Umunhum Area of Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve; Indicate the Intention to Withhold
Dedication of the Property as Public Open Space at this Time —M. Williams
8:25* 3 Proposed Preliminary Action Plan for the Implementation of the District's Basic Policy for Fiscal Year
2007-2008;Review the Proposed Preliminary Action Plan for Fiscal Year 2007-2008 and Discuss Possible
Modifications for Review by the Administration and Budget Committee as a Part of the Budget
Development Process—C. Britton
9:25* 4 Acceptance of Report on the District's 2006-2007 Legislative Program and Adoption of 2007-2008
Legislative Program;Accept the 2005-2006 Legislative Program Report;Adopt the 2007-2008 Legislative
Program;Authorizing the Board President and/or General Manager to Submit Correspondence on Behalf of
the District to Local,State and Federal Elected Officials in Support of,or in Opposition to Pending
Legislation when the General Manager and General Counsel Determine Such Positions to be in the Best
Interest of the District in Order to Effectively Carry Out District Business and Accomplish the District
Purposes;Provided that any Such Correspondence be Copied to the Full Board of Directors as Part of the
Next Agenda Packet and all Such Correspondence is Reported to the Legislative, Finance,and Public
Affairs Committee on a Periodic Basis —C. Britton
9:35* 5 Award of Contract to Southwest Fence for Alpine Road Ranches Boundary Fence Upgrade Project at
Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve;Determine that the Recommendation is Categorically Exempt from the
California Environmental Quality Act(CEQA)as set out in this Report; Authorizing the General Manager
to Execute a Contract with Southwest Fence of Patterson,California for the Bid Amount of$34,906.00,
Plus an Additional Amount of up to$29,486.00 for Additional Work Apart from Base Bid Amount and any
Contingencies, for a Total Authorization not to Exceed$64,392.00 for Construction of Livestock Fencing
and Associated Infrastructure Improvements in Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve—S. Cousins
9:40* 6 Award of Contract for Metal Beam Guard Rail Installation Along Loma Prieta Road and Loma Chiquita
Road in Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve; Determine that the Recommended Action is Categorically
Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act(CEQA)as set out in this Report;Authorizing the
General Manager to Execute a Contract with PC&N Construction, Inc. of Byron,California for the Bid
Amount of$32,800.00,plus a Contingency Amount of up to$6,560.00,for a Total Amount not to Exceed
$39,360.00 for the Installation of Metal Beam Guard Rail Along Loma Prieta Road and Loma Chiquita
Road in Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve—A.Christenson
Meeting 07-04 Page 3
7 Resolution Authorizing the General Manager,or Designee,to Record a Notice of Completion,Acceptance
or Cessation Whenever Such is Appropriate for a District Project;Adopt Resolution Authorizing the
General Manager,or Designee,to Record a Notice of Completion,Acceptance or Cessation Whenever Such
is Appropriate for a District Project—D. Simmons
8 Authorization to Execute a Contract with Ecosystems West Consulting Group to Provide Consulting
Services in an Amount not to Exceed$40,000,00 to Conduct Surveys for Special-status Plants and Invasive
Weeds on Bear Creek Redwoods and La Honda Creek Open Space Preserves; Authorizing the General
Manager to Execute a Contract with Ecosystems West Consulting Group for Consulting Services in an
Amount not to Exceed$40,000.00 —L. Infante
9 Appoint Vavrinek,Trine, Day&Co.as the District's Auditor for Fiscal Year 2006-2007;Appoint
Vavrinek,Trine,Day&Co. as the District's Auditors for Fiscal Year 2006-2007 and Authorizing the
General Manager to Execute the Engagement Letter Agreement in the Amount of$22,000.00—M. Foster
REVISED CLAIMS
9:55* INFORMATIONAL REPORTS—Reports on compensable meetings attended. Brief Reports or announcements
concerning activities of District Directors and Staff,opportunity to refer public or Board questions to staff
for factual information;request staff to report back to the Board on matter at a future meeting;or direct staff
to place a matter on a future agenda.
CLOSED SESSION CONTINUED(if necessary)
REPORT ON RETURN FROM RECONVENED CLOSED SESSION(if necessary) —California Government Code
Section 54957.1(a).
10:10* ADJOURNMENT
Times are estimated and items may appear earlier or later than listed.Agenda is subject to change of order.
TO ADDRESS THE BOARD: The Chair will invite public comment on agenda items at the time each item is considered by the Board of Directors. You
may address the Board concerning other matters during Oral Communications. Each speaker will ordinarily be limited to three minutes. Alternately,
you may comment to the Board by a written communication,which the Board appreciates.
All items on the consent calendar may be approved without discussion by one motion. Board members,the General Manager,and members of the
public may request that an item be removed from the Consent Calendar during consideration of the Consent Calendar.
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.
Regional Open Space
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
R-07-08
Meeting 07-03
February 14, 2007
AGENDA ITEM I
AGENDA ITEM
Report on Development of Administrative Guidelines f Geocaching on District Lands
GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDA _
Accept this report regarding the development of administrative guidelines for implementation by
staff for the control of geocaching on District lands.
i
DISCUSSION
Geocaching is an activity where a global positioning receiver is used to find coordinates where a
small "cache" of items has been hidden. This activity has grown in popularity in recent years,
and is popular with families with children. This activity provides another opportunity for
families to get away from their home electronics, and to experience nature.
l
Geocaching is initiated by an individual hiding a cache, (normally a waterproof container with
small items inside)then recording the location with a Global Positioning Unit (GPS). The
individual then posts the GPS coordinates along with a description of the cache on a Geocaching
website. Other individuals then try to find the cache. When it is located, participants sign a
logbook, then take or leave a small item.
District staff believe this activity to be a positive and beneficial pastime which has very limited
impact on the land and on other users of District preserves. It is also already occurring on
District lands, is not in itself detrimental to District lands, and the use is compatible with existing
District ordinances. As a result, the use is considered appropriate, subject to the limitations and
restrictions which would be listed in guidelines developed by staff. The guidelines would
include criteria such as:
• A process for volunteers to assist District staff in monitoring the geocaching website to
ensure the proper placement of geocaches.
• A system for dealing with non-compliant caches, including the removal of caches.
• Reasonable restrictions on the placement of caches, and the permissible types of caches, to
protect fragile and sensitive environments. Included in these restrictions will be a
requirement that caches must not be placed in locations that will encourage erosion or trail
damage, or be located too far from the edge of designated trails.
R-07-08 Page 2
• A requirement that placement and access to the geocaches only be made during regular
preserve hours, and under District Ordinance requirements.
• Specific restrictions on the look, markings and contents of geocaches to ensure that the
presence of the cache, if inadvertently found by a visitor, will not alarm or upset other
visitors.
Staff has met with representatives of the geocaching community, and are satisfied with the
methods which the community takes to self-monitor the activity. However, the guidelines will
provide very specific direction regarding caches and the necessity to comply with current District
Ordinances. Violation of any District Ordinance by a participant would be subject to citation.
Staff feel that development of these guidelines is a prudent and appropriate measure, since
geocaching is already considered to be an allowed use of District land. The technology and
specific activity is changing and growing; and the technical nature of the activity can be
effectively managed by such administrative guidelines.
Prepared by:
Gordon Baillie, Management Analyst
Contact person:
Same as above
Geocaching and Our Parks
Come oin in the hunt!
What is geocaching? The short answer...
Geocaching is an entertaining adventure game
for GPS users.
Participating in a "cache" hunt is a great
p g g
way to experience the outdoors with your i
friends and family. ' `'
The concept is simple- hide a cache "
(usually a small Tupperware container
filled with trinkets) and to share the
location on the internet. GPS users can
download the coordinates to find the r
cache.
Once found, all the visitor is asked to do _
is to write about their journey in the log. %-
They may also leave an item in trade for ^
From the Logs:
something from the cache. "What a GREAT trail!d took Limekiln up(mv first time)and
loved it'Looking out over the quarry was neat,but even better
It's free, it's fun, and it's addictive! was the serenity of the area.d love morning hikes when the
sun is just getting tip over the hills and lighting the far side of
the mountains leaving the'gorges shudv and cool.It really is
relaxing and calming.....
Kealia found"Limekiln Cache'(Traditional Cache)
Stats
The popularity of Geocaching is reflected in its
growth over the last five years: A little History...
• Worldwide there are over 320,000 active On May 1, 2000, the Clinton
caches in over 220 countries. administration removed "Selective
• Over 25,000 cachers post logs online Availability"from the Global
each week! Positioning System. GPS receivers
became accurate to within a few
• There are currently over 8500 caches yards. This created the possibility of a
within 100 miles of the Golden Gate game such as Geocaching.
Bridge
• The Bay Area has over 5000 registered On May 2nd. 20o0, the first cache
was hidden just outside of Portland,
geocachers OR (a bronze plaque marks the spot
• Geocachers of the Bay Area (the GBA) today).
registered 1000 members in its first year!
• The average urban geocache gets 6-10 It was found the next day...
visits a month
• The average open-space geocache gets
15-30 visits a year
t
How It Works
A popular definition of Geocaching is:
"Using billions of dollars in military satellites to hunt Tupperware hidden in the woods."
Hiding a Geocache
• The hider finds an interesting spot to
hide the cache. This is usually a
scenic point or unusual place along a
trail worth sharing with others.
• The hider designs a cache to fit that
spot, making use of natural camo or
features that will hide it from a non-
cacher. The cache should be a '
water-tight container and clearly
labeled as a Geocache (stickers
and stencils are available online). � w • ' ''
Cachers are discouraged from
leaving containers that might alarm a
passerby. The cache should also From the Logs:
contain a standard note describing ;f1hat a wonderful dav,at some spots during the trek I
GeOCaching. could see downtown San Jose.MY.favorite stage was#?.As
sat by a tree to input the co-orris I heard a rustle off to the
• Caches should be placed close to side. ilooked tip and there was afamilvof deer sloirly
existingroads, paths or game trails, moving through the area.One of the little fawns stopped to
p see what I was up to,stood there for the longest time
and Geoeaches may NEVER be moving his head this wav and that,wiggling his little ears
burled. and just looking right in my eves.It's one of those times you
most like/--will always remember.-
• The hider creates a web page for the summerandnana found"Assume Nothing#7"(Multi-
cache and submits it for review. cache)
• A reviewer checks over the cache to
be sure it follows the guidelines.
• Once reviewed, the cache is published and the hunt begins!
Hunting a Geocache
• The cacher downloads the coordinates and checks the cache location against
park maps, identifying a likely trail. Part of the fun of the hunt is the use of
orienteering skills, selecting the right trails and spotting likely hiding places.
When searching for a cache, an experienced cacher avoids the urge to begin
bushwhacking when the compass arrow points into the woods. Instead, they
are taught to look down the trail for the route the cache hider took when
placing the cache.
• While searching, the cacher should be careful to "leave no trace". It is
important to leave the hide area as found so that the next cacher can enjoy
the hunt as well.
• Once the cache is found, the finder may choose to take a trade item or to
leave something behind. Suitable trade items are personal tokens, small toys
2
or coins. Cachers are not permitted to leave dangerous or illegal items, or
food. When such items are found in a cache, they are removed and trashed
out.
• Before leaving, cachers are encouraged to practice CITO (Cache In Trash
Out). If there is any trash in the area, pick it up and pack it out!
• Upon returning home, a cacher will write a log online describing the hunt and
report the condition of the cache and the hide area.
K
i
i
Geocachers often make use of natural camo that would be unnoticed by non-cachers. A
well placed cache is nearly invisible, which adds to the appeal of the hunt.
3
. I
Geocaching and the Environment
Geocachers are among the most environmentally conscientious users of our parks and
open spaces.
• Caches are placed according to strict From the logs:
guidelines and should never endanger w looked around and gat so disgusted with
all the trash that l decided to pick up as
habitat or wildlife. Caches that are found to mach as l could.l didn't ha re a trash bag,
have problems are reported by finders, and the so!lust used some of the available trash.I
felled up the trash can,but there was still
cache will be disabled until the issues are plentw,left. This would be a goodspotfor a
resolved. clro evert STPRon found"Marsh View Parking"
• Cachers will often carry a trash bag while Mi '
caching and practice CITO (Cache In Trash
Out). A trail to a popular geocache should be {�. y a .
virtually free of litter.
.,
• Cachers are encouraged to volunteer at local A
"trail days"events. Whether it's removing non- "` ';
rails Cachers are an ` -
native !ants or building trails,P
enthusiastic labor pool. Many of these events
are sponsored by Geocaching groups (and may s
art, •s,�-� =`d
even count as a "find")!
• The impact of geocaching activity on parks
most closely resembles hiking, certainly not
as rough as mountain biking or equestrians.
Cachers are encouraged to use existing trails
and to place caches out of sight of passerby, but near enough to avoid
creating "volunteer" trails. It does not deface park property, unlike
paintballing.
• The goal of hiding geocaches is to make them hard to see.
The CITO Program
http://www.eacheintrashout.orW
In April of 2003,geocachers celebrated the First International Cache In Trash Out Day. The_Trst year with short notice,
geocachers around the world organized 67 cleanup events in S countries and 28 States. There were 1180 unique logs posted
showing participation in these events, and hundreds more acted locally in recognition of this important day. The events were
such a huge success that Groundspeak committed to carrying on the tradition.
In 2004 the event was an even greater success,geocachers from around the world held more than 160 clean up events in 10
countries and 41 US states!
Cache In Trash Out Dav is made possible each year by a partnership between Groundspeak and the entire Geocaching
community with support from our sponsors, businesses and organizations everywhere.
4
Benefits of Geocaching
Family friendly activity
Geocaching is something the whole family can enjoy!
Kids can be enticed away from video games and TV
by a "treasure hunt".
Young children are often less than excited about a
"deathmarch" up to a scenic vista. But they will hike
for miles without complaining to trade trinkets in a
cache. Young techies enjoy the high tech gadgets.
Families and co-workers can form caching teams
and compete with their friends.
--` Caching is a quiet, relaxed, and sometimes stealthy
activity that is minimally disturbing to other park
users and wildlife.
r Appeals to a broad cross-section of
y population
Geocaching cuts across all segments of the
population.
It is essentially a free activity so it draws from all
From the Logs: income levels.
"Nice hike on a rainv day. The nawre trail was
quite overgrown,and the creek was a raging It appeals to men and women of all ages.
torrent. Thanks for showing its this place and It will draw in segments of the population that might
teaching its a new word...riparian.Now.how to not otherwise visit the park.
work that one into evervdav conversation.'
Mjp303 found"Swiss Family Robinson" It is popular with schools, scouts and other
(Traditional Cache) organizations.
j Brings people to parks Y! IE
Cachers are encouraged by the hides to visit
the parks, without any additional promotional
expenditure. As Cachers make repeat visits to , _ +w
find new caches, they support the parks '�. ��►
through their user and parking fees. r
Caching provides additional eyes to watch for
hazardous conditions, fires, injured persons, �' �
or illegal activities. (Having a GPS locator can
be very useful in reporting emergencies or
reporting the precise location of problem
areas.)
A new source of park supporters &
volunteers
Cachers can be recruited for volunteer
programs, individually or via geocache
organizations. "Trail Days" can be promoted From the Logs:
as events on Geocaching.com for added "it actually was a lot offun(I don't usually say that
exposure, without incurring additional costs. about shoveling piles ofdirt). our trail looks great-I
Cachers value our parks and support park can't wait to hike hip the newly opened portion,from
start to finish...Pin looking for ward to the next event..
funding and improvements. Didn't sommvdee sav that the next "Trail Days"is in a
couple of weeks at Santa Teresa?'*
mfc6l found"Trail Days:Almaden Quicksilver"
5 (CITO Event Cache)
It's Educational
Geocaching teaches useful skills, such as the use of a compass and map reading.
It brings kids into contact with nature and builds a lifelong appreciation for our parks and
open spaces.
Geocaching can be combined with programs like PEAK (Promoting Environmental
Awareness in Kids)to involve kids in new ways.
Caches are often placed to explain key features in parks. They can highlight historical
facts, natural history and scenic points that might be otherwise be missed. Parks can
create geocache "trails" to create guided tours, or introduce new routes and trailheads.
Helps eliminate trash
The practice of CITO not only
lessens the impact of
geocachers, but mitigates litter
problems from other users as
well. Parks can encourage this
practice by placing "CITO ;
Cans" (film canisters with
plastic grocery bags) in caches ,
for others to take an use.
It's the "next big thing"!
Geocaching is a hot topic right
now, and can be used to
capture the public's attention.
It n most
has been featured I
regional newspapers in the SF
Bay Area (often on the cover
page). Local and national
magazines have reported on it,
and a segment on Geocaching From the Logs:
has been aired repeatedly on "We pulled up right at 2:00pm to find geo-clause(touchstone)and Kcalia
checking out the trash dump.We promptly broke out the C[TO bags and Kealia
"Bay Area Backroads". doled out gloves and we set about cleaning up the site.Soon,workerofwood,
Geocaching classes have Nazgul,Motorbug and Digitalfish showed up and we had many hands picking
recent) been among the most up trash.Before long,it was all picked up(the people who previously DNF'd
y g this cache recently will be amazed)."
popular offerings at all Bay Marky found"Christmas Surprise"(Traditional Cache)
Area REI stores. REI has also
partnered with
Geocaching.com as a sponsor,
as have corporations like Jeep and Magellan.
Geocaching has been enthusiastically embraced by the Boy Scouts, and is being used
to teach concepts from science to geography in schools.
reintroduced to the outdoo
rs through this
Around the country, people are being 9
game.
6
ti
Common Concerns & Misconceptions
Geocaching is an unregulated sport with no official governing organization.
While it is true that anyone can place a geocache and post coordinates online, nearly all
participants in the sport use the listings at Groundspeak (Geocaching.com).
r
Groundspeak uses a network of volunteer reviewers to enforce guidelines and respond
to issues. Caches that violate the guidelines are disabled, and if the issues cannot be
resolved, they are removed and "archived".
Local geocaching enthusiast groups have sprung up around the country and have
entered into dialog with local parks authorities. These represent the most active
geocachers in their areas and are excellent partners in dealing with issues.
Since geocaches obviously cannot be hidden in the middle of a trail, they
are usually placed off the trail.
Going off-trail is against park rules in some districts. Cachers do not want to see
"volunteer trails" formed any more than you do. Volunteer trails leading to a cache are
likely to expose the cache to curious hikers, leading to its disappearance. A cache hunt
that results in a case of poison oak, or leaves a cacher picking stickers out of their socks
is NOT popular and will be reflected in the logs.
Experienced cachers try to hide in areas that can support their activity, using existing
game trails or rocky areas for travel.
Abandoning personal property
y on public lands could be
considered littering.
� * By definition, geocaches are not
really abandoned because they are
visited regularly. If for whatever
r,
reason they fall into disrepair, they
f., are usually removed by the next
finder.
Geocachers do their best to keep
the caches out of sight. Caches are
usually camouflaged and hidden so
as to be unnoticed by a non-cacher,
even when they are within reach of
the cache.
Again, the goal of the hide is NOT to
be seen!
v
Can you see it?
In a post 9111 world, finding suspicious hidden containers could cause
alarm.
Cachers are encouraged to clearly label the hide as an "Official Geocache Game-piece".
A "Stash-Note' is usually included in the cache explaining Geocaching to the uninitiated.
Cachers avoid using materials that could be easily mistaken for something sinister (and
finders are encouraged to comment on the suitability and appearance of a hide).
Park personnel should be aware of what is hidden in the parks so they can respond
appropriately if a cache is accidentally discovered. This is a key reason cachers wish to
stay above-board in their park placements.
Park officials are worried about people trampling sensitive habitats or
damaging historical sites while hiding or searching for geocaches.
Cachers invite input from the parks on areas that should be avoided. Notice can be
given in online public forums, and through the reviewers.
Finders will often comment in their logs if the cache appears to be having a detrimental
impact on the area, and the cache can be removed.
Park officials are concerned about the safety of people involved in
geocaching.
Cachers are really no more likely to be injured while using the parks than other users.
They should in fact be more aware of their surroundings as they search for a cache.
Caches are rated for difficulty so that no-one need attempt a hunt beyond their comfort
level.
Caching in parks is often a group activity, so cachers benefit from one another
experience.
Cachers develop advanced map and navigation skills, and a GPS is added insurance
that they will not easily get lost.
t
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W'n
�r 4
40,
�+ p
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r
From the Logs:
"Camp To-Ki-Ma thanks workerofw,00d(representing REI),mjp303,and Team Nazgul for introducing geocaching to our
Webelos scouts. The v had a lot of fun finding caches with these experienced cachers. Thank you,mjp303,for setting up this
special cache "Skx s the Limit",the theme of our camp this year."
Eagle8l found"Sky's the Limit" (Traditional Cache)
g
'
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,
Developing Voluntary Guidelines
It is in everyone's best interest boavoid having restrictive regulations imposed These
| common sense guidelines will minimize the impact tothe park and are in line with already �
established rules for caching:
Be SAFE
� Hike ina safe manner to avoid triggering emergency rescue efforts.
^ While rattlesnakes, ticks, Hantavirum-inhaoted nodenta, thiudes, and poison oak are e hazard
to all park ueare, geooanhero are especially vulnerable if they use their hands to search
through p|an\s, rocky, and ground holes for gaocuohem.Think before you reach.
* Avoid hiding caches in animal holes or under rock piles, as those are prime hiding places for
rattlesnakes. |
Obey the RULES
° Never go Aeoceuhing in the park after posted hours. Not only in h against the nu|am, but night
is when mountain lions are on the hunt.
* Caches may NEVER be buriad, nor may searchers dig in an attempt 1ofind them.
(Geooaohing.00m will not knowingly list buried caohamJ .
° Caches should be clearly |abe|ed, so they are not mistaken for trash or worse.
° Parks are often surrounded by private property. They may also have restricted areas where
public aooeaa is not allowed. Geocaohera should take care to avoid these areas by consulting
the park map, When in doubt. ask. !
�
� Respect Wildlife, Park Resources and the Environment
w Don't put anything edible or anything that smells like food in the cache. Don't use plastic �
� containers that smell like food, Rodents can chew through plastic containers.Wild pigs will �
root through fie|da, digging them up, which can reveal or bury geooaches. Pigs have strong
� jaws, which People hiding gmocoches should take care to
� . �
'make the caches anima|'proof. so that wild animals are not likely to get into them and ingest
the oonVarto, which can be harmful to them.
° Know about and avoid environmentally sensitive areas.
* Avoid historical structures that are not open to the public. Not only are they valuable and
delicate historical treasures that can be damaged by trespassers, they can be hazardous.
They may contain sharp objects, rusty nails, and broken glass.They may not be structurally
o1ub|a. They often harbor disease-carrying rodents, which can attract rattlesnakes.
* Maintain your caches by visiting regularly. Note the impact on surrounding areas and �
reposition or remove the cache if needed.
�
Tread Lightly
* Always carry a park map. While a simple GPS unit can tell you where a cache is located, it
may not necessarily tell you the best, the safest, or the most legal way to get there. To do
that requires e map Stay on established trails to reach the caches. Plan ahead. Before �
heading out, look up the geooache coordinates on a map nronline mopping site and plan �
your route. Don't bushwhack a shortcut orcreate illegal trails.
g
Some Practical Ideas to get you Started
Get Informed
• Sign up online for a free account at Geocaching.com. This will allow you to
view what is going on in the park, get notification of all cache activity and see
logs from ALL users. How many activities provide that kind of visibility?
• Ask the caching community to come present geocaching to your staff and
volunteers. We would be happy to show you what it is about, and welcome
the chance to begin building relationships.
Get involved
• Place a cache. Start with something that will offer a direct benefit. Put a
CITO-themed cache at a major trailhead or visitor center. Fill it with CITO
canisters*. Instruct cachers, through the cache page description, to stop by
and pick one up before heading into the park. You will meet the geocache
community this way and be able to see the level of activity. Then watch the
litter disappear.
As an alternative, pick a messy "party spot" in the park and place a CITO
cache there. Point out the problem area and let cachers help keep it clean.
• Place a trailhead cache to mark a new trail.
• Hold a "trail-days" event for cachers.
You can ask the local geocacher community for assistance. They know
how it works and can help assure a successful entry into the game!
A C/TO canister is simply an old plastic film can(available free from any developer)containing a plastic grocery bag and
a latex glove. Label it with a message from the park:"The Park District encourages Geocachers to practice CITO!Enjoy
your visit!". These can be mass produced for free,and the containers can be recycled by asking the cachers to drop
empties back at the cache on their way out.
10
Communication
Questions about Geocaching can be answered through one of the following:
• Talk to cachers, you encounter on the trails.
• Contact the Owner- the cache should be labeled with the hider's contact
information.
• Contact the Listing site- Geocaching.com can put you in touch with the local
reviewer.
• Contact the local Geocacher Organization:
Bay Area www.theGBA.net (forums are provided for park personnel to
communicate with local cachers)
Sacramento Area hftp://www.rcqds.net
North State http://qroups.vahoo.com/qrQMp/nuts
Links
• www.geocaghing.com the primary listing body for Geocaching in the world
• www.cacheintrashout.org the home of the CITO program
• hftp://www.geocaching.com/about/quidelines.aspx the guidelines for listing a
geocache
How is Geocachinq being handled by other parks departments?
• Santa Clara County Parks policy: http://w\hw.stpfriends.orqlsccp park pdf
• Greenfield (WI) Parks and Recreation (an example of a parks department that has
registered as a user at GC.com and sponsors caching events)
lit 40-5710-439a-
b21 0-b230-304f'ce59
• Official Geocache Day in Nevada
http://www.travelnevada.com/news feature detail.asp?P.ress1D=347
• Virginia http://www.virginia.orv/site/fe,,ttures.a,,p?FeaturelD=l 93
Join Us!
Land Managers are eligible for a free Premium account at Geocaching.com.
You can easily view activity in the park, and receive instant notification of new
caches. Use the account to reach out to the caching community: Sponsor an
event, hide a cache, bring people into the park! Many local cachers are already
involved with park volunteer groups and would be glad to help.
For more information, please write the Geocachers of the Bay Area at infoea-thegba.net
Regional Open Space
� MUDPENIN80LA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
� K-07-20
MeednA07-U4
February |4, 2OO7
� ����l���U�� ���l��� �
� ������������ �����~� �
/
� AGENDA0[0M
�
� Proposed Purchase of the 0C)8 Capital, Inc. Property ayan Addition b»the Mt. Dmounhumn Area ofSierra �
� Azu| Open Space Preserve(Santa Clara County Assessor'sParcel 08) located in
� Unincorporated Santa Clara County, at the End of Reynolds Road
�
� GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATIONS
_C�
|. Determine that the recommended actions are categorically exempt from the California
Environmental Quality Act(CGQA)aa set out in this Report.
2. Adopt the attached Resolution authorizing purchase of the BDS Capital, Inc. property.
3. Adopt the Preliminary Use and Management Plan recommendations contained in this Report and
name the property anao addition tothe Mt. 0nmunbumn Area of Sierra/\zu\ Open Space Preserve.
�
4. Indicate your intention to withhold dedication of the property mo public open space a1 this time.
�
PROPERTY DESCRIPTION(see attached map)
The 54-acre BDS Capital, Inc. property is located southwest of the Guadalupe Reservoir and east of
Mt. E| Snmnbrono. The property borders the Mt. Umnunhunn Area of the Sierra Azu| Open Space Preserve
along portions of its northern,western and southern boundaries. Private properties border the property tn
� the east and along a portion of the northern boundary.
�
� The property is approximately one-half mile west of the Bay Area Ridge Trail,which connects Lexington
� Reservoir County Park to A\mundcu Quicksilver County Park and passes through SicoaAzu\ Open Space
� -
� Preserve. Residential development ofthe property would severely impact the scenic qualities of the
� Ridge Trail and surrounding open space and parklands along Woods Trail, which overlooks the property
�
� and surrounding area.
The scenic qualities of the property are most evident from Almaden Quicksilver County Park tnthe
north, and from the District's Woods Trail and Newhagen Meadows(Guadalupe Land Co.)property to
the east. Toward the center ofthe property, located on ugenUy sloped ridge,there iou partially cleared
building site surrounded bylarge, mature oak trees. From the building site, an overgrown trail climbs up
the ridge into the Open Space Preserve, and connects tothe Bay Area Ridge Trail at Mt. E\ Sonmbroyoe1
an elevation of2,49Afeet. The property iaoo the southeast-facing slope overlooking the remote {lincon
Creek watershed, with good views of Mt. Umunhum to the southeast and of the Santa Clara Valley to the
north. As well as securing these scenic resources and securing valuable trail use connections for the
future, this purchase iu also vital for protecting wildlife habitat and watershed.
Access to this irregularly shaped property is from a graded driveway, which begins near the end of
Reynolds Road. Reynolds Road continues as a dirt and gravel road approximately one and one-half
K-07-26 Page
| miles to the north, where it becomes a paved County-i-naintained road that descends to Hicks Road. The
southern portion oFthe property has very steep and densely wooded slopes, while the central portion is �
gently sloping oak woodland with mature oaks and very little undergrowth, making the area easy to
explore. Chaparral and amu|| pockets m[grassland comprise the steeper slopes to tile cast. The south-
and east-facing slopes are cs/rorne|y steep, descending into the densely forested corridor above Rincon
Creek.
�
Improvements totile property are limited to an unourbacod access road, u domestic well installed in 2004,
| trails, and remnants of old fences. Deeded vehicular access from Reynolds Road is via un existing road
that includes an approximately 800-[botpavcd section o[road that goes through two private properties io
the north. The uccuma road is in good condition and was improved for development purposes in 2004. �
� USE AND MANAGEMENT
�
Planning Considerations
The property is located within unincnrponocd Santa Clara County and is zoned US (Hillside), requiring
20- |n |60-uorominirnum lot size based upon u slope density formula. The property consists o[one legal
parcel with one residential site allowable. Residential development ofthe property would be [cueib|e |
given the improved access road and relatively gentle slopes of tile building site. The property iainall �
� ..agricultural preserve" su6icottou Land Conservation (VVi||ium V (��on Act) Contract �
� ~
r4uvembcr27, 197I Pursuant to Government Code Section 5|2Q|, tile District has notified the State
� Department of Conservation ofthe proposed purchase of land within all agricultural preserve.
�
� Preliminary Use and Management Plan
Tho Preliminary Use and Management Plan will take effect u1 the close of escrow and remain effective
� until the Plan is amended oroComprehensive Use and Management Plan or Master Plan is prepared.
� Ultimately, the property will be included in the Master Plan for Sierra&zo| Open Space Preserve. Thu
� property will be maintained in a natural condition, and no changes/n land use are anticipated. If changes
� to land use are proposed in the future, the Plan would be subject to further environmental review and
� public input.
� Public Access: Closed to public use o(this|imo.
�
Patrol: Routinely patrol the property.
� Signs: |ngu|| Preserve boundary signs where appropriate.
� Name: Name the property aaall addition tothe Mi. Onouohum Area o[Sierra/\zx| Open Space Preserve.
Dedication: Indicate your intention to withhold dedication of the property as public open space.
�
Site Safety Inspection: Preliminary site safety inspection has been conducted and there are no known
� safety hazards on the site. Cap the well located on the property. |
C0QACOMPLUANC0
Project Description �
The project conmistaofthcpurrhuscofu54-ucmcpvnportyasunuddidontothcM4t. UmmunhumAreunf
Sicrxm&zu| Open Space Preserve, and the concurrent adoption ofu Preliminary Use and Management
Plan for the addition. Ultimately, thc property will be included in the Master Plan for Sierra /\zu| Open |
Space Preserve.
R'07'26 Page
� CEQA Determination
The District concludes that tills project viUn/thoveusignifioun( et6:o1onthecnvin`nnmn\. It is
| categorically exempt from CEQA (California Environmental (}uu|kv &c� uodc,Sectknm |53U|, 15316,
/ 15]}7, |5325 and |5O6| of the<�2Q/\ (]uide|ineuoshzUowu: '
|
' Section 15301 exempts the minor alteration, including dernolition or removal, of existing private or
public structures or mechanical equipment involving negligible or no expansion of use beyond that �
� existing a1 tile time of tile lead agency's determination. The projectproposes capping the existing well,
with no expansion ufuse. �
�
Section 15316 exempts dzcucquimidonof|ondinorderk/creatcoarksifthesitcisinuou1uxa| cnndidon, �
and the munagcment plan proposes to keep the area inu natural condition. The Use and Management
P|oo specifies that the land will not bc developed and will remain ill unatural condition. |
Section |53>7 exempts the acceptance mffee iutonrm<m in order to maintain tile open-space character ofan
� |
� area, The District will acquire fee interest and maintain the open-space character o[the area. No new |
development im proposed uu part of this project.
| |
Section 15325 exempts transfers of ownership of interests ill land in order to preserve open space. This
�
� acquisition will transfer fee ownership of tile property to the District and ensure that the property will be |
� preserved as public open space 6v incorporating i/ into the Mt. Umunhum Area of Sierra Azu| Open
� Space Preserve.
|
�
� This purchase qualifies under four sections. Tile uotkxnm proposed in the Preliminary Use and �
� Management Plan are also exempt under Section |506\, oy there iauo possibility the actions may have u |
� significant effect on the environment. �
� TERMB & CONDITIONS
�
The 54-acre BDS Capital, Inc. property is proposed to be purchased for$1,250,000 oil an all-cash basis |
� o1 tile close nfescrow. 'File property consists of one residential building site in Santa Clara County. The �
property is improved with a dornestic well and a graded driveway that leads to a level, oak-studded
building site that has views ofMt. (Jmuuhum and the Santa Clara Valley. The property was originally |
� |iy\ud for sale on (he open market at $2,5g5,0O0� The District and the owner entered into oyharcd �
� |
appraisal o/the property, which determined the fair market value to be $1,250,000. Staff has reviewed �
the appraisal and concurs with its conclusions.
�
|
The property is being purchased on all "/\u-la~ basis, and staff has conducted due diligence investigations
and an inspection of tile property. Staff has reviewed all o[Santa Clara Cmunty`a property records and
files, and is satisfied that no underground storage tanks or hazardous waste exists oil tile property,
BUDGET CONSIDERATIONS
,
Fiscal Year 2O06-2007 Budget for New Land Purchases:
Land Purchased This Year $ (17,673,474)
New Land Purchase Buqg,�t Remaining__ $ 831,646_
New Land* $ 19,755,120
! ` R'07-26 Puoe4
� _
�
*Reflects Mid-Year Budget Adjustment �
| Controller M4. Foster was consulted unthis proposed purchase and has indicated that, considering cash �
| flow and account balances, funds are available for this property purchase. �
PUBLIC NOTIFICATION
|
| Property owners of land located adjacent to or surrounding the subject property have been mailed written �
/ notices n[this proposed acquisition. |
Prepared by: |
Michac| C. Williams, Real Property Manager '
' '
y�uo� �v�
' i
Erica Simmons, Planning Technician
Contuc| Puson:
K4idhue| C. Williams, Rcu| ��onu��r |
Property �
�
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�
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|
RESOLUTION NO. 07-
�
� RESOLUTION OF THE 130A00UFDIRECTORS OF THE
/ MlDPENDN8U[A REGIONAL OPEN SPACCDlsTR1CT
| AUTHORIZING ACCEPTANCE OF PURCHASE AGREEMENT, �
AUTHORIZING GENERAL MANAGER 0R OFFICER T0
| �
EXECUTE CERTIFICATE 0f ACCEPTANCE OP GRANT lO �
| DISTRICT, AND AUTHORIZING GENERAL MANAGER TU �
| EXECUTE ANY AND ALL OTHER DOCUMENTS NECESSARY
|
OR APPROPRIATE TU CLOSING 0FTRETRANSACTION �
� (SIERRA AZOL OPEN SPACE PRESERVE—LANDS OF }lDS �
| CAPITAL, INC.) |
| |
The Board of Directors ofthe Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District does resolve as follows: |
� |
Section One. The Board n[Directors of the Midpeninau|u RegionalOpen Space District does hereby
accept the offer contained in that certain Purchase Agreement between HDS Capital, )uu,aCalifornia |
Corporation and M1idpeninou|o Regional Open Space District, u copy ofwhich is attached hereto and by |
reference made a part hereof, and authorizes the President or appropriate officers to execute the
/
Agreement on behalf of the District.
Section Two. 'File General Manager or tile President of the Board of Directors or other appropriate �
officer is authorized to execute a Certificate of Acceptance oil behall'of tile District.
Three.Section The (]oncra| Munugerof\he District orthe General Manager's designee eho|| cause to be
given appropriate notice of acceptance to the seller and to extend escrow if necessary. ]'he General
Manager and General Counsel are further authorized to approve any technical revisions to the attached
Agreement and other transactional documents which do not involve any material change to any terrn of
� the Agreement or other transactional document*, which are ncccouu?y or appropriate to the closing o,
|
implementation mf this transaction.
!
� Section Four. The General Manager ofthe District is authorized to expend up to $5,00010 cover the cost
� of title insurance. escrow Grcu, site clean Lip and other miscellaneous costs pc|otuJ t^ this transaction.
� Section Five. It is intended, reasonably expected, and hereby authorized that the District's general fund
will be reimbursed in the amount n[$1,250,000 hnm (hc pvocueduo[thu next long-term District note
�
| issue. This Section of this kmyo|uhmn is adopted by the Board o[Directors ufthe Midpeninmu|uRouionu|
� Open Space District solely for purposes of establishing compliance with the requirements ofSection
� }.|03'|8of the Treasury Regulations. The reimbursement of this payment expenditure is consistent with
�
� the District's budgetary and financial circumstances. There are no funds mr sources of moneys ufthe
District that have been, nr are reasonably expected to be, reserved nr allocated ono long-term basis, or |
�
uihenvimc set aside u`pay the costs of this open apuuc land acquisition project that are to be paid or
reimbursed out u[proceeds o[indebtedness iobc issued hy the District. The Board of Directors hereby !
declares tile District's official intent tu use proceeds o[indebtedness io reiouhorae itself for this open |
space land acquisition project cxpcndinxoc. |
* * * * * + * * * * * * * * * |
/
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�
BDS Capital Property
Addition to Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve
Mount Umunhum Area
m den nick '
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BDS Property -
54 Acres
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Produced by Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District,January 2007 e 0 0.125 0.25 0.5
Regional Open Space
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
R-07-28
Meeting 07-04
February 14, 2007
AGENDA ITEM 3
AGENDA ITEM
Proposed Preliminary Action Plan for the Implementation of t District's Basic Policy for Fiscal
Year 2007-2008
GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATI(O
Review the proposed Preliminary Action Plan (Attached) for fiscal year 2007-2008 and discuss
possible modifications for review by the Administration and Budget Committee as a part of the
budget development process.
DISCUSSION
An annual Action Plan that implements the Basic Policy and other Board policies guides the
District's activities for the fiscal year. The Action Plan's function is to summarize the proposed
and current emphasis of the District's major departments, to identify key projects, to allocate
budget and to be a basis for evaluation of progress.
Each Department Manager will highlight specific proposals and related projects and services
during their individual Action Plan presentations. The preliminary Action Plans by department
are presented in a"track changes" version to show differences between last year's Action Plan
emphasis and the 2007-2008 proposed Action Plan. In preparation for the proposed Action Plan,
the management team looked globally at staffing, services and supplies, and equipment needs
which would address 1)the limitations on growth the District placed during the 2-1/2 years of the
state revenue take-away, 2) the staffing and equipment needs required to grow the resource
management programs, and 3) the implementation of improved efficiencies of operations and
safety.
The proposed Action Plan could be altered as a result of your meeting deliberations. The budget
formulation, the Administration and Budget Committee review process, and final draft of the
Action Plan, which is ordinarily considered at your second meeting in March, would be modified
accordingly.
Prepared by:
L. Craig Britton,General Manager
Sally Rice, Assistant General Manager
Mike Williams, Real Property Manager
Matt Freeman, Planning Manager
John Maciel, Operations Manager
Rudy Jurgensen, Public Affairs Manager
Susan Schectman, General Counsel
Contact person:
L. Craig Britton, General Manager
ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT
Programs
A. Administration
B. Human Resources
C. Legal Services
To Implement the
BASIC POLICY OBJECTIVE:
Efficiently and effectively administer the affairs of the District on behalf of the public so
as to maximize accomplishment of the goals and objectives of the District within existing
financial, legal and other constraints.
General Program Emphasis for 2007-2008
Continue to support the District-wide efforts for improving supervisory, leadership, and
communication skills among all staff, including opportunities for employee input, in
order to enhance employee morale and the District's work environment. Foster staff
participation in carrying out the District's short and long-term goals and objectives.
Maintain the District's viability as an open space acquisition and management agency,
and support the Coastal Protection Program implementation.
Staff Resources
(Regular, full-time positions unless otherwise indicated)
General Manager
Assistant General Manager
General Counsel
Controller(25%time)
Assistant General Counsel
Management Analyst—Human Resources
Management Analyst—Administration
Senior Administrative Assistant
Senior Accounting Specialist
Administrative Assistant*
Receptionist
Network Specialist
Accounting Clerk
Under evaluation
Administration/page 1
2006-2007
Administration Proaram
Objective
To provide overall coordination, direction and administrative foundation for all District
activities so as to maximize the accomplishment of the Board's policies and directives, to
implement the Action Plan, and to maintain the District's viability as an open space land
purchase and management agency.
Key Projects
finaneial impaets of additional land pufehases on the . (Moved to Other Protects)
2 1District Funding—Continue to provide multi-year information/scenarios on
District's long-term finances, including bonded indebtedness and cash flow. Continue to
monitor the availability of grant funds for major land purchase and development projects.
Continue to pursue alternate sources of additional funding for land purchases throughout
the District, including the newly annexed Coastside Protection Area and open space
management needs. Research the need for and financial impacts of additional borrowing
for land purchases.
3.Co Hosting of Park Distriet For-unt Pr-ovide lead paAieipatien in the event, as
planned by Publie Affairs
.SCompleted1
GA A oved to Other Protects.
(Completed)
5-2Resource Management -oj e twit SA to
and use this infer-mation to assist the Bea-fd and Distf iet staff in rv,.,ising the Distf
fesotifee Sent policies. Provide analysis and recommendations on budgeting and
organizational structure and staffing for increased resource management efforts.
6. Eleetions Wofk with Santa Clafa and San Mateo Counties ofI the eleetion
pi ocess for Wards 1, , 5 and 6 for November 2 (Completed
3 Records Management- Implement Records Management Program to increase
efficiency in file retrieval and reduce hard copy storage.
II
Administration/page 2
4. Land Management Cost Analysis Database- Work with consultant and the
Operations Department to implement the database recommendations from the
study and restructure as needed, the District's budget format.
5. Succession Planning- Provide all necessary mentoring, training and support to
ensure seamless transitions as District managers and supervisors retire.
6. Connect the field offices with the Administrative Office through a VPN system to
allow field offices access to files, forms and databases.
7. Secure actuarial analysis, as required by GASB45, for the District's Retiree Medical
Benefit plans and make recommendations for method of funding for such benefits.
Administration/page 3
Other Projects and Activities
1. State Budget—Continue to monitor state budget activities, post Proposition IA.
2. Coastal Protection Program- Provide administrative support in reporting land
purchases to La Honda Pescadero, Unified School District, calculating the service
fees due to the School District and San Mateo County Fire and tracking the long
terin financial impacts of additional land purchases on the coast.
20. Ombudsperson—Facilitate communication and staff assistance as needed to
support the Ombudsperson program and renew the existing contract or recruit for
a new Ombudsperson as necessary.
3-.4. District-wide Database Program—Fund and oversee the completion of the
integrated database program.
4.5. Reeor-As Management Reseafeh various automated progf insultant,
fef more effleient feeord I .. I .ieluding r-eduetion a d s-e-P 'ies 0
Iles (Moved to Key Project)
-5-.6. Administrative Office Expansion—Work with the Planning Department on office
space expansion plans.
6-.7. Web Site—Participate as an active member of the web team and regularly post
Board meetings and minutes.
7-.8. Continue to foster a management team approach for overall management of the
District's activities.
8-.9. Provide financial management and accounting services, including investment of
temporarily idle funds and compliance with new Government Accounting
Standards. Assure compliance with Purchasing Policies through review of all
purchases and ongoing education of staff. Prepare materials for annual audit.
9-.10. Perform administrative and legal obligations as required by State law.
4-0711. Oversee coordination of equipment/infrastructure needs at the main office.
44-712. Action Plan development and coordination of the program evaluation process.
4--2L.13. _Prepare, monitor, and revise annual budget, as necessary. Coordinate
Administration and Budget Committee meetings.
4-3-.14. -Coordinate preparation and distribution of all materials for the Board's regular and
special meetings.
Administration/page 4
4-4-15.
(Completed)
i
4-5716. Provide training,policy development-and other proactive risk prevention
processes in eenjunetion with as recommended by theme Calif. Joint
Powers Insurance Authority.
4-6717. Continue upgrades of the District's network computer system as needed to
increase efficiency and reliability; provide day-to-day technical support to both
field offices; and continue to assess system, develop resources and manage
technological change and improvements. Provide ongoing computer training to
staff at all three offices.
4-7-.18. Work with other departments to implement and fully utilize database elements
in information that is shared b multiple departments per consultant
� that contain y p p
recommendations.
4-8:19. Maintain Board and staff policy and procedure manuals.
4-9.20. Continue to use recycled products, whenever feasible, in accordance with the
purchasing policy.
20721. Continue uploads of all Administrative Department documents, such as Board
Meetings, Agendas, Minutes and Reports to the web site.
?1.22 ,
and/or destruetion) as requifed by law and designated by the Pistfi Vs Re of 's
Management Plan. Maintain the r-eeofds management tMoved to Kev
Pro'ects
2-2-.23. Update the procedure manual for all administrative processes related to the
District Clerk responsibilities.
Coordinate and perform all activities required for operational and maintenance of
�_4 C P
P
q
the Guadalupe Land Co.
25. Plan and coordinate the District's annual State-of-the-District event.
16 Provide event support to Public Affairs for District sponsored events including,the
VIP tours and the Fast Bay Reizional Parks Board member tour.
Administration/page 5
I
27. 2006-2007
Human Resources Program
Objective
To provide coordination and direction for human resources activities so as to enhance the
overall quality and effectiveness of the District's work environment for all employees of
the District.
Key Projects
1 Ml rlipluee Enha ,,.e. ent Plan- Employee Relations/Organizational
Communications Program—Continue to coordinate, monitor, and support-eke
W ,.kplaee E„haneement Plan ant vibes positive employee relations and effective
organizational communication. The Plan-pro ri am consists of methods for
improving communication among all employees and management staff,
I inefea -employee input opportunities; enhancing management, supervisory,
,
leadership, and communication skills; and establishing maintaining a greater
emphasis on people management versus task management.
2. Performance Standards—Assist all departments with timely and equitable
evaluations. Complete meetings with staff and implement new performance
evaluation forms, including training of all supervisors.
3-.Labor-Relations implement any new eontfae ( Completed)
Repetitive Mot-on injury Control Program Per CAjPlA ,
wfite
and implement this ._(Determined not required.-
3
jobAnalysis Coaduet and add job analysis to all field class speeification-
aeeefdanee with r n M n „ eo , ,,nda ie . (Moved to Other Projects).
4—Conduct Labor M ana 7ement Meetin s and discuss an update of the District's
f �' p
Employer/Employee Relationship Resolution
Other Projects and Activities
1. Plan and conduct recruitment processes for all position vacancies in order to fill
vacant positions as soon as possible. Ensure consistency in hiring procedures.
Provide a comprehensive new employee orientation for all new employees.
2. Administer compensation and benefit programs for all employees.
istration/ a g
Adman p ge 6
,III
3. Provide human resources support and employee or labor relations services to all
departments. Maintain positive and productive working relationships with
represented and non-represented employees.
4. Assess training needs, identify training resources and schedule in-house training
programs as needed to develop and improve leadership, management, supervisory,
communications skills and risk management skills.
5. Coordinate, plan, and organize the annual staff recognition event on behalf of the
Board. Oversee the staff activities ("Fun") committee. Coordinate and plan other
staff events as needed.
6. Promote and oversee the District's safety program including attendance at all Safety
Committee meetings and facilitatinga_periodic Safety Fairs.
7. Continue expanded utilization of the new HRIS database system with applicable
li payroll functions to eliminate duplicate processes.
8. Conduct Meet and Confer(s), as necessary, on Personnel Rules and various
Administrative Policies.
9. Write or revise Administrative Policies and Procedures as needed, including
employee input as part of the process.
10. Continue to provide leadership in the Toastmaster's employee development program.
11. Job Analysis- Complete remaining job analysis for field office positions for fitness
for dutv and workers compensation proceedures
Administration/page 7
20062 2007-2008
Legal Services Program
Objective
To provide timely legal services to the Board and to all District Departments; to advise
and assist the Board and staff in developing and implementing District policies,
regulations and ordinances, and in accomplishing District projects in accordance with
law.
Key Proiects
1. REAL PROPERTY-Provide legal advice concerning District real property
matters, including real property purchases, disposition, management, title and
encroachment issues, easement issues, leases, licenses, and permits to enter
District land. Anticipated major projects include:
• Litigation-Continue and complete litigation to resolve property rights issues
at Ffemont Oldef Open Spaee Presef-.,e Sangoga Coupffy Club v. MROW;
and-at Coal Creek Open Space Preserve, Fogarty v. MROSD, and at Sierra
Azul Open Space Preserve, MROSD v. Lysons.
• Encroachment and Property Rights Claims-Assist Real Property
Department in resolving encroachments including-O"Ve-a-I
Monlc4le4o, Long Ridge, and Sierra Azul and Rancho Sain A
Open
Space Preserves; assist in resolution of access easement claims including Coal
Creek, a*d-Monte-Bello. Bear Greek Rv4woo4s,-and Sierra Azul Open Space
Preserves; assist in preparation of new lease or request for proposals for
Picchetti Winery. Continue working with the Real Property, Planning. and
Operations Departments identifying and resolving property rights issues on
District land; assist in resolving trail and land stability issues at Tliornewood
Open Space Preserve.
• Land Purchase-Assist Real Property Department in connection with
District ongoing operation and management of Guadalupe Land Co. property
as a corporate asset and investigate options for dissolvtwg4he-e��
grqnLof conservation easement to an appropriate land trust or government
agency (Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve); assist in transactional documents
to accomplish easement exchanges (Monte Bello-; Beaf �,' and
Fremont Older Open Space Preserves).
]Other-Projects—
Centintie wefk,ing with Real Pfoper-ty and Planning Depaftments to pufsue
global selti4ions to stfeamline the aequisition, planning and pertnitti*g
I . iel uding a Memorandum of Agy-eement with Santa Clar
C;eunty to identify aequisitions tha4 afe exempt ffem the feq*irements-4
i
i
I
the Subdivision N4ap Aet, and N4emofandum of A— th San
N4mee and Santa Clam Counties elarif�,ing the eonsisteney of aequisitions
with County planning requifements. (Moved to Project Streamlining)
■ Work with Real Property to assess legal options for District operations
within lands subject to Williamson Act contracts; assist in develop
policy recommendations for such lands.
■ Work with Real Property on drafting grazing and agricultural leases (La
Honda Creek and S Skyline Ridgep p Open ace Preserves).
2. PROJECT STREAMLINING
• Development of streamlined District public works and professional consultant
contract forms and procedures.
■ Departmental
better suit De art e
Continue to revise existing contract templates to p
needs and improve ease of use including short form contracts for routine
public works projects.
cts.
■ Determine how to achieve efficiencies in the contracting process by
measures such as delegation of administrative functions to staff and
accomplishing more routine projects by simpler bidding_procedures where
appropriate.
■ Provide inter-departmental trainingon 1 adopted contracting_procedures and
forms.
• Development of streamlined CEQA review processes for routine ongoing
projects (e routine structure maintenance routine preserve maintenance
and drainage projects); work with Planning and Real Propertyt o explore other
approaches to streamline the environmental review process.
• Development of standardized permit to enter District lands for minor projects
requested by government agencies academic institutions or other appropriate
entities.
• Continue working with Real Property and Planning Departments to pursue
global solutions to streamline the acquisition planning and permitting
processes including a Memorandum of Agreement with Santa Clara County
to identify acquisitions that are exempt from the requirements of the
Subdivision Map Act and Memorandum of Agreement with San Mateo and
Santa Clara Counties clarifying the consistency of acquisitions with County
planning requirements.
3. UPDATING OF BOARD POLICIES
0 Update Use and Management Planning, Process and Public Notification Policy
to reflect appropriate and current practices.
0 Work with Legislative, Finance and Public Affairs Committee ('11PAC-) to
develop Rules of Procedure on Board Compensation, and Expense
Reimburseinegt, in response to Assembly Bill 1234.
0 Work with LFPAC to develop an appropriate Rule of Procedure on Board
Reconsideration of Aizenda Items•, return to Board with recommended policy
for consideration.
4. -2-;--RISK MANAGEMENT-Provide advice and monitor current claims and
Mitigation against the District; represent the District's interests in insurance and
CAJPIA coverage matters; provide oversight of matters handled by outside
counsel; investigate and maximize insurance coverage for claims filed against the
District; obtain appropriate pollution liability insurance coverage for property
purchase where applicable.
S. 47-HUMAN RESOURCES-Assist in carrying out labor relations
functions; provide legal advice on personnel matters. Anticipated major projects:
Continue to advise on update of District's Personnel Policies and Procedures
Manual; eentinue to assist in implementing the legal aspeets of the Wefkplaee
Enh-aneem-ent Plan.; assist in labof negotiations in Fiseal Year-2006 2007
needed.
6. 4- COASTAL PROTECTION PROGRAM-Anticipated major projects:
Continue to provide advice concerning legal requirements applicable to
implementing the Coastal Protection Program and LAFCo's Conditions of
Approval; draft and review necessary Program documents, including eoastal
plemning pelieies and Good Neighbor-Palieypolicies required by Service Plan,
assist in appellate litigation challenging LAFCo's approval of the Program,
Citizens for Responsible Open Space v. MROSD., in the event post trial
preeeedings.,
7. OPERATIONS-Continue to assist in the development of Cooperation
Agreements for provision of law enforcement and emergency services with sister
agencies; work with Operations in resolving jurisdiction issues to assist in
developing such agreements. Work with Operations to clarify the issue of peace
officer jurisdiction outside of District lands, ineluding seeking an epinion 40m
the Att , General or- via the legislative p neede
feeess, if
ome) d. Determine
appropriate policy recommendations in light of Attorney General Opinion request
submitted by Assemblyman Ruskin; Provide legal support to Resource
Management Program, including obtaining permits to enter adjacent private lands
to conduct necessary resource management projects.
i
8. PLANNING—Advise on the Navy remediation project at Site 25 (Stevens Creek
Nature Study Area), provide advice concerning resolution of mercury NRDA,
TMDL and remediation issues at the Rancho de Guadalupe property (Sierra Azul
Open Space Preserve) , Driscoll Ranch (La Honda Open Space Preserve),
.i
assist in development of staging area alternatives at Fremont Older Open Space
Preserve-, assist in resolution of trail remediation and development projects at
Thornewood Open Space Preserve.
OTHER PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES
I. Provide legal research concerning historic parcels and chains of title to assist in
resolving real property issues and in support of Planning and Real Property
projects.
2. Provide advice concerning legal requirements applicable to the District such as
the Brown Act, conflict of interest laws, election law, and the California
Environmental Quality Act.
3. Assist Departments in bidding processes and contract administration for public
I
works and professional services contracts.
4. Prepare and review District legal documents such as contracts, easements, leases,
II
permits, regulations and ordinances.
5. Represent the District's legal interests in matters involving other government
agencies.
6. Advise the District on court rulings and legislation affecting the District and assist
in drafting and pursuing legislation proposed by the District.
REAL PROPERTY DEPARTMENT
Programs
A. Land Purchase, Funding, and Negotiation
B. Property Management
C. Land Protection
To Implement the
BASIC POLICY OBJECTIVE:
The District seeks to purchase interest in the maximum feasible area of strategic open space land
within the District planning areas, including bay lands and foothills. The District seeks to link its
open space lands with federal, state, county, and city parklands and watershed lands.
General Department Emphasis for 2006-20472007-2008
The Department's emphasis will be to purchase lands funded under the District's Financing
Authority that are critical to fill-in and complete the open space greenbelt. Other open space
land purchases will be pursued through available grant funding, bargain sales, gifts and long-
term options. The District will continue to work diligently with Peninsula Open Space Trust
(POST) to purchase land and to further the District's overall open space land purchase goals
especially in the Coastal Protection Area of San Mateo County. The Property Management
Program will focus on maximizing rental income consistent with Open Space Management
policies, working with Operations and Planning Departments to implement grazing and
agricultural leases, and maintaining and improving District rental structures as needed. The
Land Protection Program will focus on conducting comprehensive land purchase studies,
monitoring land use planning activities where interests in land may be enhanced, and protecting
District interests in land by resolving conflicts arising from easement and encroachment issues.
The Department will continue to work on improving communications with other Departments to
enhance the District's work environment. As a result of the approval of the Clean Water-, Clean
Aif, Sa4;� Neighborhood Padis, and Coastal Pfeteetion Bond Aet of 2002-Water_Quality,Safety
and Supply, Flood Control, Natural Resource Protection,Park Improvements Bond Act of 2006
(Proposition 4084), the District will eentinue to apply for Pee Capita a ompetitive grants to
maximize available grant funding.
Staff Resources
(Regular, full-time positions, unless otherwise indicated)
Real Property Manager
Senior Real Property Planner
Land Pr-eteetion Speeialisl
Real Property Specialist
Administrative Assistant
Reclassified in 2006
Real Property/ page I
2006 2007 2007-2008
Land Purchase Funding and Negotiation
Objective
To provide for the purchase of all real property rights necessary to secure an open space
in rounding out and improving public access to
greenbelt in the foothills and bay lands including o
gP
g Y g g p
existingreserves and connectingDistrict reserves with other public lands.
p P
Key Projects
l. New Land Commitments—Convert the budgeted funds in the New Land Commitments
budget category into open space lands at desirable prices, focusing on properties which are
critical to protecting the greenbelt, including rounding out and improving public access to
p g
existing preserves, connecting to other preserves and to other public lands, protecting the
natural habitat and resources and furthering p the completion of the Ba Area Ridge Trail and
Y g �
the San Francisco Bay Trail. Pursue properties admen terounding out Sierra Azul Open
Space Preserve that provide potential for trail connections, staging areas and staff facilities.
Balance the desirability of potential purchases with the availability of budgeted funds,
including, if possible, private financing with favorable terms.
2. Land Purchase Grant Projects—To augment land purchase funds explore new grant
opportunities, focusing on highly competitive land purchase projects for specific grant
programs. Seek new grant funds through existing grant programs such as Land and Water
Conservation Fund, Habitat Conservation Fund (HCF), Coastal Conservancy's regular and
San Francisco Bay Area Programs, Recreational Trails Program, Wildlife Conservation
Board, and Bay Area Ridge Trail grants. Pursue grant applications with California Coastal
Conservancy to help purchase properties that complete the Purisima to the Sea Trail
Connection Complete the Habitat Conservation Fund grant projects for property additions to
Purisima Creek Redwoods. . Pursue grant
opportunities with the Santa Clara Valley Water District for property additions to Saratepa
Gap and-Sierra Azul and El. Serreno=Open Space Preserves. Implement remaining
Proposition 40 Bond Act Per Capita and Roberti Z'Befg Grant pfojeetsfunding for property
addition to Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve and apply for related block
grants and competitive grants as they become available under Proposition 84.
3. Gifts, Bargain Sales and Joint Land Purchases—Augment land purchase funds, explore
bargain sales and/or gifts where possible. Complete joint land purchase projects with Santa
Clara County Parks in Stevens Creek Canyon and the Moody Gulch property as an addition
to Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve. Work closely with POST to
pofebase of the Stevens Creek Canyon pr-opef4y as an addition to Saratoga Gap to pursue
purchase of open space that provides potential regional and coastal lands, including a key
addition to the Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve. Work with the City of Saratoga and the
County of Santa Clara on land purchase_project along the Highway 9 scenic corridor.
Continue to pursue gifts or purchase of delinquent property tax sales of the "paper
subdivision" lots in the Redwood Park subdivision to round out the Purisima Creek
Real Property/page 2
Redwoods Open Space Preserve and lots in the Hacienda Park subdivision to round out
Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve.
4. Alternative Land Purchase Methods—Obtain Board approval of appropriate options, at
market prices or less, to purchase desirable properties that might be affordable through grant
applications in future years. Explore various alternative terms of purchase (installment
purchases, defeasable fee, exchange of agricultural easements to preserve open space lands,
etc.) to offer advantages and incentives to landowners, as well as cost savings to the District.
Complete fee and easement exchange on lands adjacent to Monte Bello, Ranehe Safi
kntonio; Bear Creek Redwoods, and Fremont Older Open Space Preserves. Pursue fee and
easement exchange to link the Bay Trail between Ravenswood Open Space Preserve
(SFPUC) to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Preserve to the north.
Other Proiects and Activities
1. Maintain a multi-year spending plan for open space land purchases that optimizes use of cash
and borrowed funds to accomplish land purchase goals within budget constraints.
2. Work closely with Legal Program to draft purchase agreements and related real estate
documents to clear and perfect title on District open space lands.
3. Assist Planning, Operations, Administration and Public Affairs Departments, where
appropriate, with policy development review as a result of the approved Coastal Protection
Program.
4. hinventofy and-feviewPrepare policy recommendations for inventoried Land Conservation
Contracts (Williamson Act) on District lands. and pfepare polie), suggestions.
5. Explore additional methods to protect open space lands for less than the total cost of fee land
purchases (open space easements, purchase of development rights, development dedication,
exchange or sale of development rights, cooperation with private individuals, land trusts,
groups, etc.).
6. Encourage other agencies to purchase through various means, including grants, park and
open space lands that are consistent with their goals and which compliment the District's
greenbelt program.
7. Initiate and maintain contacts with landowners, real estate appraisers and brokers,
developers, architects, engineers, zoning and planning officials, and financial institutions.
8. Maintain a relocation assistance program utilizing staff and consultants as necessary.
9. Compile current information on real estate market activity, including ordering preliminary
title reports on a timely basis for research into potentially available properties.
II
Real Property/page 3
10. Catalog information of special interest, such as deed restrictions, encumbrances, financing
and tax considerations. This activity includes the establishment and continuation of a
working relationship with title companies and other information sources.
11. Review and organize District funding measure files and complete necessary documentation
required for past public refinancings.
12. Continue working with Legal Services and the Planning Department to pursue global
solutions to streamline the purchasing and planning processes, including: A Memorandum
of Agreement with Santa Clara County to identify land purchases that are exempt from the
requirements of the Subdivision Map Act, and a Memorandum of Agreement with San
Mateo County clarifying the consistency of land purchases with County planning
requirements.
13. Work with Legal Services to oversee the operation and management the Guadalupe Land Co.
in Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve, and investigate a grant of conservation easement to
appropriate land trust or government agency.... and investigate options for-disselvin
eer-peration.
14. Purchase the final two sections of the Bay Trail between Palo Alto Baylands and the
Ravenswood Open Space Preserve.
15. Work with Public Affairs and other Departments on District mailing list database project.
16. Participate with the District Web Team and post all department-related items to the web site
li in compliance with the Webmaster protocols.
Real Property/ page 4
2006 20072007-2008
Property Management Program
Objective
To manage all of the District's revenue-producing activities in such a way as to maximize income
from property management accounts consistent with open space management policies,
incorporating compatible new programs when possible.
Key Proiects
I. Property Management Accounts—Administer rental accounts, communication, and
agricultural leases, consistent with open space management policies, maintain and enhance
revenue stream through competitive and current rate structure, effective maintenance
programs, and communication with tenants.
2. Rental Structures—Carry out maintenance and improvements to rental houses to keep
buildings and grounds in a safe, sanitary, and attractive condition and to increase net rental
income. Continue annual inspection of District rental and employee residences in
conjunction with Operations Department. Administer long-term and recurring maintenance
priorities on rental properties. Assess the economic viability of maintaining rental structures
at Long Ridge, Russian Ridge and Monte Bello Open Space Preserves.
3. Historic Leases—Oversee lease compliance and renovation requirements at the historic
Picchetti Winery, Thornewood estate, and Fremont Older house. �jegotiateQqmplete twea�y
five (2S4-y oar-Complete lease extension with the lessee oF advei4ise a i:equest for pFoposals- at
the historic Picchetti Winery. Complete the deck and structural restoration of the
Thornewood estate.
4. Grazing and Agricultural Leases-Work with Operations and Planning Departments to
monitor Grazing Leases at the POST (Driscoll Ranch)property addition to La Honda Creek
Open Space Preserve at the POST (Tunitas Creek) property, and implement Grazing Lease
at Alpine Road area of Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve in accordance with the use and
management process. Negotiate long-term Agricultural Lease for rahestout Chestnut or-ehar-d
Orchard at the Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve, and complete Lease aAmendment to the
Agricultural Lease for Christmas Tree Farms at Skyline Ridge and Monte Bello Open Space
Preserves.
Other Projects and Activities
1. Prepare annual rental surveys on District rental houses and Ranger residences. Work with
Operations and Planning Departments to maintain and improve employee residence
structures.
2. Maximize communication lease income at existing PG&E tower at Pulgas Ridge Open Space
Preserve,-and at Black Mountain in Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve and at Rolfe
Real Property/page 5
Repeater Site at Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve. Negotiate Lease Options with Sprint
at Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve and with San Mateo County at the Rolfe Repeater Site
at Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve.
3. lneefpefate the Residential Lease Agfeement ineltided as pai4 f the Board appr-eved P(
(Dfiseell Raneh) purehase into the Propet4y Management rental aeeetints.Work with
Operations and Planning to renovate potential future employee residence at Driscoll Ranch
property addition to La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve. Work with Operations to
monitor thfee-Driscoll Ranch residences as part of 50-year grazing lease.
4. Investigate new pfepeA-�REqperty ffianageffve*t---Mana proposals as initiated by other
cement- I
groups or individuals that would be compatible with District goals and objectives.
5. Administer lease of additional office space at 330 Distel Circle. Wofkwith Administrati
and Planning Depat4ments to fe roof the Distriet eeeupied portion of building-. Resolved
with drain iMprovements.) Work with Planning and Administration Departments to begin
evaluating future staff office-space needs for the tenant-occupied portion of the Distel office
building,
6.Ganiplete Lease Amendment to the Agr-ieulwr-al Lease for-Chfistmas T-r-ee Fafms at Skyline
Ridge and Mente Belle Open Spaee Pfese vesLALoved to KeLfro*ects j __-IjMaved to item S
I
6.Wor-!( with Planning and Administfation DepaAments to begin evaluating futufe staff Offiee
spaee needs for the tenant oeeupied pei4ien of the Distel offlee buikfi-ng
above)
XWofk with Operations, Planning and Distriet eonsultants to evaluate and fepair-the
aeeess reads to the fefmef Quam fesidenee at Russian Ridge Open Spaee Pr-esen,e and
the Saratoga Gap eabins at Saratoga Gap Open Spaee Pfeserve (Completed)
9-.6.As part of the Bear Creek Redwoods Master Plan process, work with existing stable tenant to
negotiate a Planning and Opefations to evaluate.long-term befse stable lease pr-oposallease
arranement.
Real Property/page 6
2006 2007 2007-2008
Land Protection Program
Objective
To preserve and protect District open space lands by conducting land purchasing planning
activities to identify purchasing priorities and, once purchased, to further protect
l-40)istrict lands from incompatible and encroaching land use activities.
Key Projects
Conservation Pl
anning—Provide comprehensive land conservationplanning_rig
1. Land Cons g p
a11��Iysis to guide the land purchase program, including reviewing and updating purchase
priorities_: Conduct subregional planning studies in the areas surrounding Russian Ridgy.
Mills Creek, -JlIowda ("reekF;Purisima Creek Redwoods, Monte Bello, Teague Hill, and
R�ivensx400c1'ti a� "Open Space Preserves, including portions of the planned
Bay Area Ridge Trail. ate--Stevens Creek Trail. and San Francisco Bay Trail.
?. Pro�crty lei bts l'rotc�ction - Prescr e District real .roerty ri phts, includin r flee interest
u and easement rigfits_ 1Zesolvv.pr) rtti rights disputes at the Monte.Bello, Sierra Azul. and
Coal ("reck Open Space Preserves. Coordinate closely wi_tli Operations and l,coal Settice
to defend the Qistrict"sminterests in nroncrtv cmi�hts �i5�rzte�.
�.,.1'rc)i r4-- ' ,,--I'--ri►t tLL"-€end-Encroachment Resolution—Protect open space lands
from encroachmentsitt-id--pre r e )i--A+iet-reaEl,")pert-v-r4-i 4t-, . Resolve encroachment issues
through a variety of means, including abatement compliance, obtaining restoration or
mitigation of damaged or affected areas, exchanging land or other property interests, and
boundary line adjustments in order to maximize open space protection. Negotiate resolution
of encroachments at 'Flip rnce�ood 1 1 Serena Skyline lZidoe
Long Ridge Mills n_Creek and Sierra Azul Open Space Preserves.
Coordinate closely with Operations and Legal Services to defend the District's interests in
property rights disputes.
4. Conservation Easement Monitoring Program—1�Ie r �riae l +ct cnervati
anal-oh;pace-� �;Z . Oversee the District's conservation easement monitoring
program, enforce easement terms and conditions, and prepare baseline reports for new
conservation easements, utilizing volunteers as appropriate. Incorporate any newly
purchased conservation easements into the monitoring program. Work x itli County
Re corder_ s and Assessor's oil-ices to enspre all 1)is trict conservation easements are
documented in the,Recorders.database and described on the Assessor's varcel in in
comb liance "ith Section 2725� ot`_Govern-ment Code. W
Other Projects and Activities
site dedication information Continue to_lim lement the Real
purchase and p
1. Update land pu
Property Database linking the historic and current Assessor's Parcel Numbers in Santa Clara,
San Mateo and Santa Cruz Counties with the Planning Department's GIS database.
Real Property/page 7
2. Provide site-planning information to assist in developing terms and conditions for negotiating
land purchases.
3. Prepare Board reports for property purchases, and conduct due diligence investigations as
necessarY g p. Collaborate with Planning and Operations Departments to facilitate incorporation
of newly purchased land into the District greenbelt, including resolving property line
disputes.
4: +# t+�t 1 � t4; if t-kt � �- 1ci eoefvutiaenl riliE +
to Key Proiects)
..Assist the Operations and Planning Departments in preparing gLtLul c�� s<���i 1_�E�zi�
srnasn�ent plans ;earaz.i pl for proposed grazing operations within
Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve, as well as for any new land purchases where grazing is
a desirable land management tool
(_:~.Work with Operations Department in negotiating road agreements with adjoining property
owners to ensure District's real property rights are protected and to minimize the District's
maintenance responsibilities as appropriate.
7,6.Assist Planning Department in monitoring proposed land development or land use changes
that could negatively impact public or private open space lands in and around the District
preserves. Participate in the local development review process to encourage dedications,
exchanges, or purchases of land or easements for open space purposes where there is a
relationship to the District's land protection interests.
9:7.Develop encroachment procedural guide to assist staff in resolving encroachment issues on
District land.
8. Work with Planning and Legal lfeg -Departments to update Use and Management
Planning Process.
9._ Continue to promote positive employee relations and effective workplace communication
within the department and throughout the District
Real Property/page 8
i
OPEN SPACE PLANNING DEPARTMENT
Programs
A. Advance Planning and Geographic Information Systems
B. Resource and Stewardship Planning
C. Public Access Improvements and Staff Facilities
To Implement the
BASIC POLICY OBJECTIVES:
The District follows management policies that ensure proper care of the land, provide
public access appropriate to the nature of the land, and that are consistent with ecological
values and public safety.
The District works with, and encourages, public and private agencies to preserve,
maintain and enhance open space.
The District protects and restores the natural diversity and integrity of its resources for
their value to the environment and the public, and provides for the use of the preserves
consistent with resource protection.
General Department Emphasis for 20067-20078
Planning efforts will focus on providing new public access opportunities while preserving
and protecting the diversity and integrity of the District's natural and cultural resources.
Planning staff will concentrate their efforts on completing a number of significant
projects that are underway. Key advance planning projects will include completing draft
master plans for Sierra Azul/Bear Creek Redwoods and La Honda Creek Open Space
Preserves, and completing a comprehensive Use and Management Plan for Thornewood
Open Space Preserve. Staff will continue to focus on designing new staging areas at El
Sereno and El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserves. Resource planning efforts
will focus on updating the 5-Year Resource Management Strategic Plan, completin
agreements with the resource agencies to streamline project permitting, and planning
implementing conservation grazing programs at Skyline Ridge, La Honda Creek, an
Tunitas Creek Open Space Preserves.The Open Spaee Planning DepaAment will take a
br-oad based appf�oaeh to planning and pfojeet implemeniation tha4 emphasizes feseufee
- tagernent. Planning efforts will fe ling new publie aeeess oppof4unities
while preserving and proteeting the div-er4l, I - ity of the Distfiet's efivir-onmental
and etiltur-al fesaufees. The wer4E pfegram will foeus on eempleting a fluffibef o
signifleant publie aeees nts ineluding the new tr-ail at Pulga D idj�
upgfa jes at the Pieehetti Winery, and yeaf three of the El Cef4e de M-ndefa Cre
Watefshed Pfoteetion Pr-ogfam. Key planning e&fts will be difeeted iewafd establishi*g
. )nal tfail eenneetion between Palo Alto 's Foothill's Pafk- and the Distfiet's Loss
Traneos Open Spaee Pfeser-ve, eompleting the mastef plan for Sier-fa AzuliBeaf Creek
Redwoods, integrating the Dfiseoll Raneh pfepefty into the La Honda C-feek fflastef phtft-,
the Themewood Open Spaee Pfesef-ve Use and Management planning
Planning/Page I
. Regional
pi-ocess
Management Stfategie Nan-.
Staff Resources
Planning Manager [tempofafily filled by Senior-Planner-1
Senior Planner444
Resource Planner
Open Space Planner II (2)
Geo�:raphic Information Systems Coordinator*
Open Space Planner I-(24
Resource Planner I*
Planning Technician (2)
Administrative Assistant-( -)
GIS Intern(1/2)
Open Space Planner I (additional position requested)
*Position approved by the Board during Fiscal Year 2006-2007
20076-20078
A. Advance Planning and Geographic Information Systems
Objectives
To formulate plans, policies and procedures for the management and development of
open space preserves.
Develop and maintain Geographic Information System (GIS) data sets necessary to
support projects throughout the District.
Key Projects
1. Coastside Protection Program—Work with Board and stakeholders to amend
elements of the District's Basic Policies in accordance with the Service Plan
conditions of approval. Begin-Prepare project scope and budget to update the
District-wide Master Plan and Regional Open Space Study-update. WOFIE-with
.(Completedl
2. Master Plans—Work with stakeholders, Board and staff to draft 25 Year Prepare
master plans for the two planning areas. I-vitiate CEQA review of the
preferred alternative. Unique elements of the two master plans include:Wowith
Addy-ess management md operational issues with the Operations DepaAment.
• La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve. Incorporate Driscoll Ranch into the
planning process, establish a conservation grazing program, and integrate
endangered species habitat protection with public access.eemple
Planning/Page 2
i(Proiect Ongoing]
• Sierra Azul/Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserves.
south afea Distfiet lands into the plmning pr-oeess. Complete mastef plan and
I
LProiect Ongoingl
• Identify a new field office location, confirm long-range vision for Mt.
Umunhum, and address disposition of former Alma College buildings.
3. Thornewood Open Space Preserve Use and Management Planning—
Complete Pr-epafe resource assessment and engineering studies to support a
comprehensive Use and Management planning effort. Key issues include bridge
design at Dennis Martin Road, watershed protection, parking
improvementseptions, and Schilling Lake restoration options. Integrate slender
false brome eradication efforts into thi-s-the planning process.
4. GIS Development—Develop procedures to facilitate collection of field-based
data and better integrate special-status species locations and other resource
information into the GIS database. Begin integration of GIS property ownership
data with the Real Property dedication database. Expand use of 3-D visualization
software such as Google Earth and ArcScene to increase public understanding of
District Preserves.
Other Projects and Activities
pmpefty purehases. Prepare GIS mapping standa ds fef use by field staff and
eonsultants.lMoved to Key Prolectsl
1
27l.Continue to promote positive employee relations and effective workplace
communication within the department and throughout the District.
2. Land Purchase Support—Provide Planning support on key land purchase projects as
requested, including property site assessments, interim use recommendations, and
CEQA review. Incorporate land purchases and site dedication information into the
District's GIS. Update the Use and Management Planning process to comply with
Service Plan requirements, and work with Counties to streamline the land purchase
process.
Planning/Page 3
43.Land Protection Support—Provide Planning support to determine remediation and
restoration of land and resources damaged through encroachments.
44.5---Work with the Public Affairs Department to support key events including the
Speei,l Par4is Dist let F f,,.,, in Spring 20 46Pulgas Ridge Public Access
Improvement ribbon cutting ceremony. Assist in the design of interpretive programs
at the Red Barn and Daniels Nature Center/Alpine Pond. Participate in the District
Web Team and post all department-related items to the web site in compliance with
the Webmaster protocols. Participate in the integrated database project, as necessary
to complete this District-wide project.
Pfoperty DepaAment to pufsue global solutions to streamline the land pur-ehas
planning pfoeesses. Update the Use and Management Planning Land Pur-ehase and Planning Pr-eeesses Continue wor-liingwith Legal Ser-viees and Real
aiidwofkwith
Count 0 es to stream line the lend pur-ehase . /Moved to Land Purchase Supportl
-7-.5.Standard Details and Specifications—Work with the Operations Department to
complete the seeond phase of a handbook of technical standards and Best
Management Practices (BMPs) for construction, repair, and maintenance of roads,
trails, and other improvements.
�6.Permits to Enter—Review alterations to District land or installation of facilities
proposed by other agencies or private parties in conjunction with Real Property
Department. Develop permit conditions to ensure protection,preservation, or
restoration of the affected lands. Work with Operations to monitor activities to
ensure compliance with conditions.
�7.Stevens Creek Shoreline Nature Study Area Remediation and Restoration—Work
with. Legal Serviees Counsel to represent the District's interest in the U.S. Navy's
proposed toxic cleanup of Moffett Air Field Site 25 to a standard permitting
restoration of the District's property to tidal wetlands.
/Completed)
1
4-4-78. Regional Trail Connections Pfepare plans for Board feview and appfoval to
establish a tfail eonneetion between Los T-Fanees Open Spaee 12r-eser-Ne&nd Palo
A-lto's Foot, ,'ra� l-. [Completed]Coordinate with Operations staff to lidentify a
trail connection between St. Joseph's Hill and Sierra Azul. Evaluate the feasibility o
aligning the proposed Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail through Rancho
San Antonio Open Space Preserve (grant-funded by the National Park Service).
4-279. Outside Project Review—Review agendas and minutes of Cities, Counties,
Special Districts, and other agencies. Comment on site-specific projects within close
Planning/Page 4
proximity to, or that affects District lands. Review other agencies' policies and
regional planning efforts, and comment as necessary to ensure regional coordination
and implementation of the District's mission.
• Stanford Trail Plan Implementation
• Mid-Coast Local Coastal Program Update
• San Francisquito Creek Joint Powers Authority Activities
• Peninsula Highway Corridor Study
• South Bay Salt Pond Restoration(Former Cargill lands)
• TMDL Process for San Gregorio, Pescadero, Guadalupe and San Francisquito
Creek Watersheds
0 San Jose Water Company Timber Harvest Plan
• Huddart/Wunderlich Master Plan
• Bay Area Qpen Space Council Green Vision Plan
;juan Bautista de AnFa National Hisao,.;,, Tra-1. ved to Revional Trail
Connection Project)
4-:3,10. Unanticipated Projects—Provide research and planning for unanticipated projects
that may arise due to new land purchases, resource agency actions, regional planning
efforts, and other activities.
11. Employee Relations
Continue to promote positive employee relations and effective workplace communication
within the department and throughout the District.
B. Resource and Stewardship Planning
Obiectives
To protect the District's natural and cultural resources and ensure regulatory compliance
by maintaining Lip-to-date resource inventories and conducting environmental
assessments and other focused scientific study of the District's lands. To prepare
environmental restoration, habitat enhancement and resource management plans in
conjunction with the Operations Department.
1. Resource Management Strategic Plan — Work with the staff, public, and the Board
to update the five-year plan to guide resource planning and management activities
from FY 2008-2013. Prepare draft agriculture, forestry, and wildland fuels
management policies for review by Board.
2. Conservation Grazini! Program Development—Coordinate with the Operations
and Real Property departments to develop a lease and select a grazing tenant for the
Alpine Road Area of Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve, prepare a grazing
management plan for the Tunitas Creek property; as part of the La Honda Creek
master planning process, complete a draft plan to reintroduce cattle to the preserve
and develop a monitoring program for Driscoll Ranch.
Planning/Page 5
3. Resource Agency Permit Streamlining—Continue working with appropriate
agencies to refine and streamline the environmental review and permitting process for
District projects. Complete the Memorandum of Agreement with the California
Department of Fish & Game and the Regional Water Quality Control Board for
routine maintenance and drainage facility improvements. Cross-train representatives
from the Operations Department in preparing and obtaining permits for maintenance
projects and small improvements that are not part of the Capital Improvement
Program.
4. Pond Management Plan—Coordinate with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and
the California Department of Fish and Game to prepare of a pond management plan
for Driscoll Ranch. Conduct surveys and habitat assessment for the San Francisco
garter snake.
Other Projects and Activities
I. Regional Resource Inventory—Continue ongoing studies and data collection to
complete a District-wide GIS inventory of natural and cultural resources that supports
Resource Management and Planning activities. Staff anticipates that this project will
continue annually.
2. Road and Trail Des Improvements* —Begin planning and permitting for Prop
50 (Coastal Non-point Source Pollution Control Program) grant-funded erosion
control projects at Thornewood and Los Trancos Open Space Preserves. Coordinate
with grant partners to identif y and prioritize implementation projects funded under
Prop 40 (Integrated Watershed Management Program) at La Honda Creek Open
Space Preserve.
3. Environmental Remediation —Complete site characterization at Driscoll Ranch to
define more precisely the extent of contamination. Coordinate with resource agencies
to determine necessga remediation activities and prepare plan and associated CEQA
documentation. Pending grant funding, contract for preparation of a mercury
remediation plan for the Hicks Flat area of Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve.
4. Small Grants Program —Coordinate with Operations staff to develop a pilot small
grants program. Identify
ecological research topics that would inform the District's
land management practices. Establish criteria to evaluate research proposals.
14.Guadalupe Watefshed Work with Legai Seiwices on the eompletion of the
Guadalupe Water-shed NRDA pfoeess and establish predator-eontfol pfogram at
Ravenswood. Continue in the TN4DL pFoeess and seek gran! funding,
for Hielks Flat mervur-y LCompletedl
15-Xontinue,wofking with the Real Propef4y Department to implement the land pttfehase
database linking the histofie and ettr-fent Assessof's Par-eel Number-s in Santa Clara,
Safi Matee and Santa C-,Pdz Gounties with the GIS dat 4as,---.LjLoved to GIS
Development)
Planning/Page 6
I
20067-20078
C. Public Access Improvements and Staff Facilities
Objectives
To emphasize preservation and enhancement of resources in Use and Management Plans
and in the design of public access improvements. To give the highest priority to resource
protection projects and grant-funded construction projects. €unded by grants.
Public Access Improvements
1. El Corte de Madera Creek Watershed Protection Program—Continue planning,
design, and phased implementation of priority road and trail upgrades and water
quality protection measures. Complete p'anflin r and design for-tt ifd yeaf r-aje is
Seelife the flee eSSafyp ,
apprl. Year-fourtkree projects:
• Coordinate with Operations to Realign--complete Giant Salamander Trail
realignment and contract for construction of new bridge-efass g
• Secure permits to convert El Corte de Madera Creek Trail from road-width to
single-track trail widthGonstmet thfee trail bridges on El Gof4e de N4adefa Greek
gfoups to r- align LeafTrail and other-priority t+ail segments
_7
• Continue water quality monitoring to identify and measure sediment movement
through Preserve
2.Pulgas Ridge Staging Area and Trailst Complete eonsti-aetion of the Hew"
Dusliy
Footed Woodfat Trail" a+id bFidge. Wod( with Public Aff-airs to hold a dedieation
r-eni my.Xomyletedl
3.Windy Hill improvements Complete deek design (Sausal Pond) afld subniit plans to
Town of PoAolaDe erred
ff-ovements to the winery .(Completed)
�2.E1 Corte de Madera Creek Staging Area* —Complete Use and Management
Amendment planning process and prep are-finalize plans and specifications for the
staging area and Bay Area Ridge Trail segment. Secure permits and pursue grant
funding for construction.
6.Pulgas Ridge Soil investigation Complete subsur-faee investiga4ion of potenti
Soil/gfoalj,-IAater-eontatnination. WorIE with San Mateo Count),Envir-onmental Health
Depaftment to prepare and implement a remediation ./Comnletedl
PI n'n an i g/Page 7
ation to define more pfeeisel�
u
./Moved to Resource and Stewardship Planning)
—SAMAgAren Work with Real Property to prepare plan fbi
fe as part of a land exehange agreement and legal settlement.
[Moved to Other Project Status
9.EI Sereno Permit Lot Prepare plan for Board Fek4ew and approval for a six ear
pennit staging area at the end of Over-look .[Moved to Other Project Statusl
3. FEMA Repairs*—Complete design and secure permits for repair of sites damaged
during 2006 winter storms (Coal Road and upper Alpine Road at Coal Creek Open
Space Preserve, and the Big Dipper Ranch access road at Skyline Ridge Open Space
Preserve). Coordinate with District Crew to complete repairs.
1 O.Miseellaneous Repair, Restoration and Other PFojeet-s
Other Projects and Activities
1. Fremont Older Staiiing Area—Continue working with Real Property and Legal
Counsel to prepare a plan for the relocation/reconfiguration of the stagingarea ea as
part of a land exchange agreement and legal settlement.
2. El Sereno Permit Lot—Prepare plan for Board review and approval for a six-car
permit staging area at the end of Overlook Road.
3. Pescadero Creek Watershed Roads and Trails—Prepare grant application for
submittal to the California Department of Fish and Game to fund high-priority road
and trail upgrades within Skyline and Long Ridge Open Space Preserves to protect
water quality.
4. Pup as Ridge Water Tank—Prepare scope of work and cost estimate to remove the
water tank in conjunction with the final phase of the eucalyptus tree removal project.
5. Miscellaneous Repair,Restoration and Other Projects
• Fremont Older Road Repairs—Complete plans, specs and submit permit
gppiications for repairs to drainage structure along Regmart Road. Assist
Operations staff in preparingplan to reroute or abandon the steep section of
Hunter's Point Trail
• Long Ridge Road Repairs—Determine need for vehicle access along School and
Ward Roads. Request engineering proposals to begin preparing plans and
specifications to replace drainage structures and upgrade road segments along
School and Ward Roads.
Planning/Page 8
• SierraAzol Roadway Repairs install guardrails along pof4iens of Loma Wiet
./Completed)
• Russian Ridge Road Repairs—Complete plans, specs and submit permit
applications to replace drainage structures and upgrade Rapley Ranch Road
• Provide permitting assistance on a variety of road and trail improvement projects
to determine the need for resource agency permits and consultation
trailhead signs. Update displays in the new tfailhead signbeafds with impfoved
graphic-fCompletedl
Staff Facilities
1. Skyline Field Office—Retain architect and prepare plans for expansion of
field office. Coordinate with SuppoWOperations and Real Property
departments-in preparation of a long-range strategic plan for the field
offices to meet staff, equipment, and storage needs.
C77Sy7ti7'e Field Office HYAC sy^J'CfTI7i
2. Administration Office Improvements and Build-out—Retain architect in
preparation of a plan for office build-out, improvements, and landscaping;
determine feasibility and economic benefit of adding solar panels.
3. Driscoll Ranch House Improvements—Coordinate with Real Property and
Operations Department to determine improvements necessary to upgrade house
for use as a ranger residence. Contract for necessary structural and utility
upgrades.
*Denotes grant funded project
i
Planning/Page 9
OPERATIONS DEPARTMENT
Programs
A. Field Operations
B. Resource Management
To Implement the
BASIC POLICY OBJECTIVE:
The District follows management policies that ensure proper care of the land, that provide public
access appropriate to the nature of the land, and that are consistent with ecological values and
public safety.
General Department Emphasis for 2006-200-72007-2008
Continue to provide responsible stewardship of all District lands by furnishing those public
safety, maintenance, construction, and expanded resource management activities necessary to
protect and enhance the natural resources and ensure safe and appropriate use of District lands.
Implement Board-adopted Resource Management Policies, Trail-Use Policies and Guidelines,
and focus on enhancing field staff safety.
Staff Resources
Operations Manager
Area Superintendents (2)
Support Services Supervisor
Management Analyst
Resource Management Specialist
Resource Specialist I
Supervising Rangers (4)
Maintenance/Construction Supervisors (2)
Maintenance/Resource Supervisors (2)
Administrative Assistant
Rangers (17)
Equipment Mechanic-Operators (2)
Lead Open Space Technicians (4)
Open Space Technicians (11)
Farm Maintenance Worker
8,500 Seasonal Open Space Technician hours
3,500 Seasonal OST hours for resource management
1,000 hours for Resource Management Intern
Addition of(2) FN40 Dositions
AdjLitiop of a JI/21tirne permanent. Traig oordipalor
Convert (2 statils
SAAction Plan 2007-0810perations,doc
2006 20072007-2008
Field Operations Program
Key_Projects
1. Continue to Implemen implement Phase III of the El Corte de Madera Creek Watershed
Protection Plan. Assist the Planning Department in implementation of the third phase of the
El Corte de Madera Creek Watershed Protection Plan, as approved by the Board.
2. Implement improvements recommended by the radio consultant and approved by the Board
of,Director-sa4 reN Tn ot,!he ellu rent ial... , a
�-4ho_-potential-#e+ efforts to procure a new radio ffeqaeneies
frequency for District use.
3. Ensure field staff assistance in implementation of resource management projects as identified
in the Resource Management Plan including, but not limited to: slender false brome
removal, sudden oak death response, ig, and invasive plant removal and
research and inventory of natural resources on District land.
4. Utilize the completed outline for the G n.,Aete���Maintenance Operations
Manual and-to write the Manual. Best management practices will be art of outlining work
_ g p P g
techniques, including timing of maintenance practices.
1 5. Work with the eensultant to develop the seeend phase of the land management east and
effeetiveness evaluation system feettsed on opefational issues, whieh ineludes elements sueh
as mapping efenforeement eentaets and ineidents and analysis of effeetiveness
workle Review the recommendations provided in the first phase of the Land Management
Cost Evaluation and Efficiency Study and decide what recommendations should be
implemented Develop a prioritized plan for implementation with an associated time line.
6 Continue working with a land management consultant to review options for a database
system to calculate future costs oflands which are being considered for purchase.
7 Assist the Planning Department with trail re-alignment and resource enhancement in the
Dennis Martin Road area of Thornewood Open Space Preserve.
Other Projects and Activities
1. Public Safety Services
a. Mon
itor public use and land use regulation com
pliance.liance. Assist in the education of the
p g p
visiting public on proper use of District preserves.
b. Enforce District land use regulations by providing active ranger patrol and after-hours
call-out response.
c. Respond to accidents and other emergencies occurring on District lands.
d. Respond to fires on District lands, and adjacent lands when District property is
threatened, or where specified by written agreements.
e. Identify and mitigate potential hazards on open space preserves to enhance public safety.
Operations/page 2
f. Monitor special events, use permits, and resource protection related impacts on District
lands.
g. Conduct focused ranger patrol to address undesignated trail construction and use at Sierra
Azul and El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserves.
h. Assist the Land Protection Specialist with identification and mitigation of encroachments
to District preserves.
i. Work with Santa Clara County Fire and other fire agencies to host a controlled bum on
District lands, as part of the Joint Fire Academy and/or routine fire agency training, to
provide training opportunities for District staff and other local fire agencies.
j.Implement the seeend phase of the pfogfamwhieh allews palfel staff to ear-fy and utilize
emefgeney fnedieal exygen by pufehasing neees I I .. �fit to eemplete outfit4ing
of the Distfiet patfol vehieles with ex eat-. (Completed)
k.Gontinue to ofilize teehoology to menitor pafking lots and femote sites to deteet efifflifial
aetivity. Assess Fesults and update protoeols as neeessar-y. (Discontinued in parking
lots)
Work with the Legal Services to clarify the issue of the extent of District Peace Officers'
jurisdiction.
2. Land and Facilities Management
a. Work with the Real Property and Planning Departments to secure newly purchased
properties and to incorporate them into the regular patrol and maintenance schedules.
b. Maintain lands in an environmentally sensitive manner, utilizing resource management
practices.
c. Maintain buildings, vehicles, and equipment to maximize utility and longevity.
d. Provide supervision and assistance to volunteer projects.
e. Assist in the repair and maintenance of structures that are a part of the District employee
residency program.
f. Participate with the Planning Department in the development of Master Plans and Use
and Management Plan recommendations.
Assist the Planning Department in the development of a Site Plan for the Skyline Field
Office to address growth needs.
3. Management and Administration
a. Contintue to-Pprovide enhaneed-public safety training for sworn and non-sworn staff to
promote staff safety when they encounter illicit activities on District lands.
b. Continue the liaison efforts with local police, fire, municipal court, and other public
jurisdictions. Continue to work with other agencies to develop Memoranda of
Understanding, where appropriate and feasible.
Operations/page 3
c. Continue to Wwork with a database consultant to improve the reporting abilities of the
current citations and incidents database to streamline the monthly and yearly reporting
systems and to update the current incident report forms to allow completion of the forms
on the computer, and lay the foundation for having the information seamlessly integrate
into the existing database structure.
d. Work with the database consultant to develop a structure to record status of citations
submitted to the Courts, and to track the status of citations which require amendments.
Integrate this with the current Citations and Warnings database.
4.-e.Use established purchasing practices to purchase vehicles and equipment for the best
price.
t-f. Coordinate occupational health and safety program for field operations.
fi.Ceerdina4e the Opefations PepaArAeat's paftieipatien in the planning pFeeess to develop
the Sierra AzuPBeaf Cfeek Redwoods and Ina Henda Master Plans. (Project incorporated
into Land and Facilities Management section)
g. Continue to utilize Influencing Skills and to integrate workplace enhancement methods
into the daily activities of the Operations Department.
h. Coordinate with Planning Department to provide training for various Operations
Department's positions in the use of GIS and/or GPS software and technology to provide
better information gathering and presentation skills.
i. Provide assistance and support to the Public Affairs Department as a participant in the
District's Web Team. Post appropriate department-related materials to the web in
compliance with the Webmaster protocols.
j. Continue to Pfevi k-pMyide assistance and support to the Public Affairs Department to
complete the integrated database project, as appropriate for Operations.
k. Continue to Werli work with a medical doctor to evaluate annuals review District
medical protocols and response levels to ensure that District protocols meet the standards
for the three counties in which District staff work and that the service provided is
appropriate for the public's needs.
1. Review current manual permit issuance process and develop a plan to
automate/computerize the process to increase efficiency and to provide a system of
record keeping for the permits.
4. Miscellaneous
a. Support the goals of the Public Affairs Department by providing staff for special events
and other projects, as time permits.
b. Participate in the development of Trail Use Policies and Guidelines.
Operations/page 4
f
c. Work with the Planning Department on a joint committee to develop Maintenance
Standard Guidelines.
d. Continue to ensure clear and open communications with the Real Property Department
through designated staff.
e.Wedi with the Publie Affaifs Depai4fnent and East Bay Regional PaFk Pistr-iet to host thee
' Fefum. (Completed)
will be efivifenmentally sensitive. Assist the Publieikffair-s Pepai4fnent in developing a
(Completed)
g7 Assist Planning Pepai4ment fegai-7ding planning and implementation of the tfail eenne
between Palo Alto Foothills Pafk and Distfiet . (Completed)
e Work with the Public Affairs Department to host a tour of District lands for East Bay
Regional Park District Board members and staff and any other planned VIP events.
f Continue to promote positive relations and effective workplace communications within
the department and throughout the District.
j
Operations/page 5
2006 20072007-2008
Resource Manazement Pro ram
Objective
Inventory and analyze the state of District natural resources, including the natural resources of
specific preserves to identify needs and priorities. Address immediate and critical resource
management issues utilizing District staff, volunteers, contractors and consultants to maximize
the District's responsiveness. Develop procedures and implement the Resource Management
Strategic Plan to address the resource management needs of District land. Maintain regular
contact and work with other agencies, local authorities, researchers and specialists in the field to
restore or manage the District's natural resources.
Key Projects
1. Resource Management Strategic Plan—Work with the Planning Department to Implement
Wirth-Fifth Year of the Resource Management Strategic Plan:
a. Continue next phase of eucalyptus, acacia and broom removal at Mills Creek; and
continue implementation of the Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve Habitat
Restoration Plan by removing additional area of eucalyptus, and controlling broom
and other invasive plants. Notify interested parties and the Board before any large
eucalyptus trees are removed at Pulgas Ridge.
b. . dfainages o
theObtain County grading permit to.iinplei-ncnt the next phase of restoration of
Christmas tree farm at Skyline Ridge Preserve that afe no longer-part of the farm
lease are Phase in work areas if pen-nits approved in time for construction season.
C. Nssist Planning DepaFtment with implementation of seeond phase of pond, amphibian
and Fare r-eptile study.1deptitY steps to implement recommendations of the amphibian
study including repair of and berms.
d. Identify species on new properties in coordination with Planning Department.
e. Collect detailed information on redwood forest ecolo, in coordination with Bear
g y
Creek Redwood and La Honda master plans. Monitor forest recovery at Bear Creek
Redwoods.
f. Renew_ #e the Resource Management S-Year Strategic Plazl with Planning
Department.
2. Sudden Oak Death
In accordance with the Board's direction survey for potentially resistant trees, identify and
Rd g 11 Zations
treat heritage trees with approved fungicide. Alofk with othef ageneies a Of a i
Death
to estiff- sh a collaborative 4ind Continue to identit�, and fund Sudden Oak Death
research relevant to land management issues.
Continue monitoring Sudden Oak Death, map confirmed and suspected locations,
implement precautionary actions, and educate District visitors about Sudden Oak Death.
Participate in scientific symposiums and research.
Operations/page 6
3. Slender False Brome
In accordance with the Board's direction complete the following tasks:
a. With the assistance of an integrated pest control consultant, investigate other methods for
control; treat brome several times per year, and develop and implement monitoring
program.
b. Work with the Legal, Public Affairs, and Real Property Departments to develop a public
outreach campaign, secure rights-of-entry, and treat brome on neighboring properties.
c. Pursue grant funding to assist adjacent landowners and agencies in mapping and
controlling slender false brome on their lands.
d.Pufsue feelassifleation of slender- false bfo is weed thfougli Galifarn
Depai4ment of Food and-Agnem"Itife. (Completed)
t.:!iMap and remove all resprouts of slender false brome at Thornewood, La Honda and El
Corte de Madera Open Space Preserves.
4. Grazing Plan
Work with the Planning and Real Property Departments to implement and monitor-a grazing
plan at the Alpine Road area of the Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve and the Driscoll
Ranch portion of La Honda Open Space Preserve.
5.Researeh Resouree Management ."Fog rams
Based on Boafd's direction as the fesult of the Board's Resource Management W+)fkshof)--,-,
implement the seeond phase of researeh on resoufee management, programs at other4and
management agencies to deter-mine options 14 possibie elianges at Distriet (Completed)
Other Projects and Activities
11.j1 _Resource inventory— Inventory and record observed flora, fauna, natural and geologic
features, and biotic communities, and contribute information to the natural diversity database.
1`ocLis on mapping of rare plant populations and developing GIS maps, bat surveys at
Driscoll property and marbled MUrrelet habitat in Skyline region. Coordinate mapping and
GIS database development with Planning Department staff.
212)_Invasive Plant Tracking and Monitoring System—Work with the Planning
Department to continue updating invasive plant information, and utilize this information to
prioritize resource management efforts. Provide detailed maps for field offices; support field
staff in developing GIS/GPS equipment and skill to monitor rare and invasive plant
populations. Develop methods for tracking, time and area estimates of work efforts.
X.3) Grassland Management
q16Control resprouts of Harding grass on north end of Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve.
b) Continue different methods of yellow star thistle control and restoration of native grasses
Operations/page 7
in front meadow at Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve. Im 1p emcnt experimental
seeding g of native grasses in yellow starthistle areas.
t,
4) Assist the Planning Department in the development of grassland
pkagriculture forestry, invasive species wildland fuel, ecological succession, and wildlife
corridors policies as part of the resource management policy review.
I
*i5) Wild Pig Population Control Program—Continue trapping program in the South Skyline
area and Foothills area. Coordinate with local agencies as necessary.
-5.6) Wildlife Surveys—Conduct annual surveys of bluebird nesting and fall deer herd and
share information with regional groups. Track special wildlife sightings, especially mountain
lions, and share information with surrounding land agencies. With Planning Department and
consultant, implement second phase of marbled murrelet habitat surveys in the Skyline area.
4-.7) Continue to participate in regional resource groups such as the Santa Cruz Mountains
Bioregional Council, California Invasive Plant Council, Weed Management Areas in San
Mateo and Santa Clara Counties, California Oak Mortality Task Force, and native plant and
wildlife organizations.
I
I
-7-.8) Work with and encourage local research institutions, such as Stanford University, San
Francisco State University, San Jose State University and other universities to conduct
scientific studies that would be beneficial to the District. oss-- fflelude studies of
-A�--et.iveness Of Sudden
9) Work with Public Affairs to develop and evaluate a new program to allow trained volunteers
to participate independently on defined resource management projects without site
supervision by District staff.
10)Alpine Pond—develop long;-term plan for managing pond vegetation and sediment.
i
Operations/page 8
PUBLIC AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT
Proarams
A. Public Information and Outreach
B. Legislative, Funding and Organizational Relations
C. Community Programs
To Implement the
BASIC POLICY OBJECTIVE:
The District educates and makes clearly visible to the public the purposes and actions of
the District, and actively encourages public input and involvement in the District's
decision-making process and other activities.
General Department Emphasis for 20067-200-78
Maximize the general public's awareness and understanding of, and involvement with the
District, its goals, and its activities, employing a variety of means and methods to reach
all communities served and other target audiences. Implement the top priorities of the
District's legislative plan and protect the District's funding structure. Continue to offer a
variety of community programs which enhance visitors' experiences, provide
opportunities to educate, and involve people in the preservation, restoration and
enjoyment of open space. Provide District materials and information to community
members and public officials, to ensure full knowledge and understanding of the District,
its programs and activities.
Staff Resources
(Regular, full-time positions, unless otherwise indicated)
Public Affairs Manager
Community Affairs Supervisor
Public Affairs Specialist
Volunteer Programs Coordinator
Docent Programs Coordinator
Web Content Developer/Writer
Administrative Assistant
Community Programs Aide
Public a Affairs/ e 1
Affairs/page i
i
IIII
i
20067-20078
Public Information and Outreach
Objective
To generate additional support among opinion leaders, key policymakers, and the general
public for District acquisition, preservation, restoration, and interpretive/education
projects and programs, including coastal protection, by increasing the positive perception
and awareness of the District's mission, objectives, accomplishments, programs, and
effective management of public lands and financial resources.
Key Projects
1. Outreaeh to the Coast Develop new publie informa4ion matefials,
list, and update the
Coastside Pr-eteetien Pfegfam seetion of the web site and the Open Spaee Views
ling
as needed. Pr-eaetively distribute Distf iet materials and infefmation to
knowledge and under-standing of the Distfiet, its programs and aetivities. ofgaffize
eve t for the publie on the . (Activities have been integrated in the key
proiects below)
2-1. Community Outreac h —Plan and imp implement activities and presentations to increase
—
the District's outreach to and involvement with community groups—. Continue to
pParticipate in outreach events with emphasis on events held near current master plan
project areas; promote awareness of preserves other than Rancho San Antonio.
Listen to community concerns and improve constituents' knowledge of the District.
Host events and provide activities—such as the Pulgas Ridge staging area and trail
dedication, Proactively
produce and distribute information materials about the District. Seek out partnerships,
and attend meetings with various groups and organizations (such as the Bay Area
Open Space Council). Continue to wWork with the Operations and Planning
Departments to increase public awareness of resource management goals and
successes, such as the teed-taprogram to eradicate slender false brome from the
Woodside area and the management development of new resource policies. _Outreach
� �.
opportunities and District presentations at community outreach events could involve
managers, Board members, District staff, volunteers and docents. Continue to aAssist
the Planning Department in their master plan outreach efforts (Sierra Azul and La
Honda).
3�2.Media—Enhance the District's reputation as a leader among open space districts
locally and statewide. Proactively promote regular media coverage of District
activities and accomplishments and quickly respond to media reports and inquiries.
Build relationships with reporters, conduct editorial board visits and reporter
briefings; place positive feature stories; and work to place editorials, where
appropriate, in order to focus attention on positive work the District is conducting,
Public Affairs/page 2
especially in resource management. Design and implement a spokesperson training;
for District staff and the Board.
Distriet staff and the Boafd-.
43.Good Neighbor Policy Complete the publie input pfeeess and development e
Good Neighbof , pProduce a Good Neighbor brochure based upon the
amended policies. Design and provide public education follow-up activities after the
process is complete.
4.
Speeial Distr-iets Fafum in partner-ship with East Bay Regional Park Distriet and all
Distfiet . Completefi
6-.5.Web Site Management—Continue to use the District Wweb site as a two-way
communication tool to reach out and communicate with the community and support
the administration of the Docent and Volunteer programs. Continue to ilmprove
usability of the site to-leas an effective outreach tool. Find a suitable e-mail service
provider to enable communication with constituents via e-mail and develop a plan to
integrate e-mail with the District's database. Continue to work with e-Nature to refine
and promote the `°e-nature" wildlife guides (customizable to District preserves), thus
providing a way for the public to research information on flora and fauna within
District Preserves. Work with other departments to ensure the web site maintenance
and revisions reflect current District messaging, provide consistency, and maintain
functionality and aesthetic integrity. Work with contractor, as needed, to update and
maintain Wweb site pages. Lead District Wweb team. Work tewafd enabling
6 Visitor Estimate Survey. Propose and implement a plan to estimate the number of
visitors to District preserves Data will support media outreach and internal District
planning Coordinate implementation of the survey with the Operations department.
Other Projects and Activities
1. Pfepafe an RFP to retaifi a firm to eenduet a repfesentative poll of eenstituents'
; preteeti
management,
r
�2.Contmue to promote the District's guidebook. Wok with publisher to monitor and
track sales of the trail guidebook.
-2-,3.Continue effofts to integrate the Alerkplaee Enhaneement Plan methods into the daily
Continue to promote positie employ
Public Affairs/page 3
I
relations and effective workplace communication within the department and
throughout the District.
4. Continue to support the Planning Department in: 1) Raising public awareness of the
Watershed Protection Program and the proposed staging area and trail project at El
Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve; 2) Providigge media and other support,
as needed, to support District efforts to obtain a full clean-up of toxins to tidal
restoration standards at the Moffett/NASA property referred to by the Navy as "Site
25;" and 3) Continue to wer-k with Plamiing staff4,0-Pprovidinme media and
-
community outreach activities, such as docent-led hikes, resource management
projects, and web site updates.
5. ,th Depaftment must first deteffflifle
the libr-ai-y's arehiteewfe and eest. Evaluate stfategies&ontinue to detefff4ne-evaluate
the bestan approach for building an image library; and consider outside assistance in
creating an implementation and maintenance plan.
6. Continue to provide aAssistance to the Planning and Operations Departments in
educating the public regarding appropriate preserve and trail use, and interacting with
wildlife; modify and update publications to reflect qMpolicy or rule changes, as
needed, and respond to associated public and media requests for information.
9-.7.Work with the Planning Department to create new site maps for preserve brochures
(such as La Honda and Bear Creek Redwoods) or special activities, like achinv-,
and continue updating, producing, and distributing existing site maps, brochures, and
other collateral materials. Also work with the Planning Department to develop a
prototype template for maps featuring GIS and GPS coordinates.deteffflifle t
feasibility of ifieluding GPS eeer-dinates fof fietewef4hy points of interest iii the
pr-esefve bfoehures emd adopt a phased appreaeh to implementation.
9-.8.Produce the District's quarterly newsletter, Open Space Views and evaluate
expanding t i . _ . Continue to update the mailing list; continue mailing four
issues per year, including annual report, to eeas4side residents. Publish the District's
20076-2008-7 Annual Report in the fall.
4-4:9. Conduct special events, including eelebFating the eempletion of the Pulgas Ridge
Staging Area;and trail dedication, the East Bay Regional Park District tour and the
celebrations of other noteworthy events such as the-.Ridge Trail Cruz and the VIP
tours in San Mateo and/or Santa Clara County for elected officials and
representatives.
44-710. Dr-aft-a plan Manage the District's online merchandising and-store. -potential!y
preduee and sell Distfiet me ehwn.dise.
4-2-.11. Aevise the "Eseape to Your-Open Spare" br-aehure and ineer-por-ate the n
trie's hhoundafy. Evaluate need 1"off Eques"r- ...H_es bfeehufe;
Public Affairs/page 4
,
bike, and easy aeeess fnap . (Completed)
44�12. Continue to provide staff support to District Committees such as the sign
committee, policy review committee, and the"Fun" committee.
44.13. Continue to pursue a plan to estima4e the numbef of visitors to r-epfesentative
.(Moved to Kev
Pro'ect section
4644. Continue to wofiE with Administfatien and other-depai4fneats to develop a preeess
. (Moved to Key Proiect section)
7 ri t
i c
w' h Planning Department to design, write and edit content for Dist
15. Work with the
signs and signboards.
16. Develop District notecards and stickers.
17 Develop District advertisements for public meetings announcements docent and
volunteer recruitment etc. as needed
18. Demonstrate care for the environment by using recycled materials and soy-based inks
in materials distributed by the District whenever possible.
19. Continue to dDevelop a broad District Style Guide--in order to ensure consistent use
of the District's visual identity.
21-Work with Administration and other departments to complete the integration of
various District databases. Begin pfeliminar-yplanning r"r the "+"'^`'" -1c�
AZII II Y��
Public Affairs/page 5
20076-20087
Legislative, Fundina, and Orizanizational Relations
Obiective
To carry out the high priority elements of the District's legislative plan and to inform
other public agencies and private organizations about the District's activities and goals,
Key Projects
1. State Legislation—Work with the District's legislative advocate and with legislators
and their staff to sponsor and support the Board-approved Legislative Program. Seek
coordination and support from other special districts.
2.
rating) in ordef to provide the legal and politieal tools neeessafy to eentfol the gfass
and enlist participation of the San Mateo Count), Agfieultur-e Commissioner-and
Pro'ect completed).
3. Seek Regional Funding—Work with the BayArea Open Space Council to create a
g g p P
special, personalized license late and work to obtain gain-permanent funding for the
� p P
San Francisco Bay Area Program of the State Coastal Conservancy. Generate new
ideas and corresponding legislation and seek passage.
4. Seek Local Funding— Support the Santa Clafa Count), Fks Chai4er on the une
any efforts by the San Mateo County Parks far the Future
initiative to increase the local sales tax by 1/8`h cent on a futuf the 2008 ballot.
a 5.Federal Legislation —Work with members of Congress and State and local agency
leaders to develop and implement a strategy to carry out the Board-approved
legislative program including to seek Federal legislative assistance in securing
funding for the cleanup of the former Almaden Air Force Station at Mt. Umunhum in
the Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve, which is a"Formerly Used Defense Site," or
FUDS.
6 District Funding Measure. Begin initial analysis of the need for a future District
funding measure to be submitted to the voters.
Other Projects and Activities
1, Continually review and, working with legal counsel, analyze legislation, determine
recommended District positions on bills, and take appropriate action, if any, on bills.
Public Affairs/page 6
i
2. Work with legislators, legislative committees, state and federal administrators, other
agencies, private organizations, and interested citizens to provide information and to
lobby regarding state legislation and specific local issues.
3. Support federal, state, or local legislation that will benefit the District.
4. Provide support and services for specific District projects requiring legislative
support, such as grant applications and regional and state awards. Obtain letters of
support for grant applications, such as Habitat Conservation Fund and Wildlife
Conservation Board grants.
."
feffesentatives, as needed.
6-.5.Maintain contact, and exchange information with other organizations and agencies.
Cooperate on special projects with organizations such as the regional Bay Area Open
en
Space Council, and participate in special events, such as conferences and seminars, to
keep District staff and the Board informed of current issues.
�6.Continue to provide staff support to the Legislative, Funding, and Public Affairs
Committee and work as needed to develop District positions on and involvement in
statewide open space issues.
8. Provide a District presence in key legislative activities, meetings, and conferences in
Sacramento, directly and/or with the District's legislative advocate.
9. Work with the District's legislative delegation and the Sacramento-based lobbyist to
maintain and protect the District's current percentage share of the local property tax
funding.
Public Affairs/page 7
I
20076-2008-
Community Programs
Obiective
T engage and involve a diverse range of community members and District staff in
0 en
gg g Y
programs and activities to further their meeting the eemmunity needs of enjoymentirtg
and understanding of open space. S,a d-supporti*g District staff in achieving the
District's objectives by providing high quality, ecologically sensitive public programs,
that-involvin e community members as volunteers, providing outreach events and
working in partnership with other organizations as well as inspiringe stewardship of open
space, .
Key Proiects
41. Expand Community Pro
_ P tY rams ,g
' Form a task
force to research ways to allow for non-supervised resource management volunteers
to work oil District preserves. _Continue to monitor and assess the potential for other
new or expanded volunteer and docent programs
te work on District pFesefyes.
272. Docent and Volunteer Training—implement-Continue to implement the new and
improved Outdoor Activity Docent training model as a pilot pfejec4.Adder ;
rRecruit and train new C'„w,4 „„�a -,, Trail Patrol, Outdoor Education Leaders,Nature
Center Hosts, Community Outreach Volunteers and Conservation Easement Monitors.
intr-oduee and use the new Volunteef Handbook at thes .
�I.Encourage participation and increase awareness of Outdoor Activities and other
Community Programs—Continue to eRvaluate publicity and media outreach on
Outdoor Activities and continue to i—Increase District staff s awareness and
enthusiasm of Outdoor Activities to encourage their participation as an enrichment
opportunity and an opportunity for the public to interact with staff. Organize `Mini-
Outreach Booths' featuring general District information and preserve/project-specific
information at various preserves and during outdoor volunteer service projects.
4-.Partnerships and Events—Continue to
partner with the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council in coordinating fofthe "Cruz-A-Thor"
(National Trail Pa�,$) event and outdoor service projects involving sections ofthe
Ridge _frail.. Leverage partnership with POST to support the Daniels Nature Center.
Public Affairs/page 8
-5-.2.Special Public Access—ImpleMent Supertpublic access to grant-fAm ded properties.,
as required, such by scheduling docent-led tours (such asas Miramontes Ridge), and
provide additional docent-led hikes and volunteer projects to support master-planning
efforts, as needed.
3. Geocachina— Work with geocaching groups to research and develop Y a system for
monitoring and reporting on cache sites as approved by the Board of Directors.
Other Projects and Activities
Docent Program
1. Recruit, screen and train Outdoor Education Leaders and;Nature Center Hosts and
outdoof Aetivity Deeen . Continue to pProvide enrichment opportunities for active
docents.
2. Offer a broad range of public interpretive outdoor activities on open space preserves,
encouraging docents to conduct new engaging activities at less-utilized preserves.
3. Maintain and operate the David C. Daniels Nature Center with docent involvement.
Continue to implement the District's Spaces and Species environmental education
program and explore how-opportunities for new constituent groups can to visit and
use the Nature Center * to the eente .
4. Arrange, publicize, reserve spaces for, and work with field staff to support the
Fremont Older House and Garden Tours (Spring April 29, 20076), and quarterly
Outdoor Activities.
5. Continue to nProvide for-public request activities, including soliciting and scheduling
docents and coordinating with the Operations Department, as needed, for permits.
6. Continue to engage interested docents in support of Planning and resource
management projects.
7. Work with the Operations Department to implement an Alpine Pond cattail
management 121an.
8. Revamp the interior natural communities display cases at the Daniels Nature Center.
9. Develop a self-evaluation instrument for the docent program.
Volunteer Program
1. G Continue to provide volunteer support for resource management projects by working
with staff to schedule, conduct, and evaluate a sustainable number of resource
management volunteer projects. Identify and recruit individuals and/or groups that can
become involved with the District as new Preserve Partner volunteers. Use and monitor
the success of the new Outdoor Service Projects scheduling procedure/calendar.
Public Affairs/page 9
2-.1. Coordinate safe, educational, and productive volunteer service projects
throughout the year at various open space preserves.
-3-.2. Recruit, screen, and train new Trail Patrol, Crew Leader, Community Outreach
and Special Field Project volunteers to assist staff in maintaining and protecting
District preserves. Wofk with Real Pr-ovefty to complete
of all Distfiet eonsef-�,atiofl easements and sifflilaf weds. Offer enrichment
opportunities for active volunteers.
3. Work with Real Property to complete volunteer/staffmon.itoring of all District
conservation easements and similar monitoring needs.
4. Continue to nProvide public information about volunteer programs, projects, and
accomplishments by producing four issues of Volunteer News and work with graphic
designer to create a new masthead.
the Di t t , 1, „tea and eommunity pre gr-a,as.(Completed)
5. Continue to conduct individual evaluation hikes and rides for Trail Patrol members.
Use pre-evaluation surveys utilizing the District's new online survey system to
increase efficiency of the time spent on the evaluation hike or ride.
6. Continue to oOrganize lunchtime enrichment presentations for volunteers during
outdoor service projects. Identify appropriate speakers such as Board members, and
District docents. Coordinate logistics, and schedule a number of trial presentations.
7. Volunteer Leadership/Management Training for Staff_Continue to cConduct
formal training sessions for staff on working with volunteers and leading volunteer
projects. Also provide general orientation to the different volunteer programs.
8.8—Trail Patrol Special Assignment-
}erttContinue to refine a system where volunteers and staff work together to
form organized group patrols.
9 Coordinate with International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) members to
include them in the District's Trail Patrol program.
10 Recruit District volunteers to help in conducting the Visitor Estimate Survey,
Community Programs Projects and Activities
1. Organize, coordinate and cConduct an-anthe 2007 Volunteer Recognition Event
on September 15, and assess other recognition activities for docents and volunteers
that demonstrate the District's appreciation for the efforts and contribution of
volunteers and docents.
Public Affairs/page 10
3_:2. Sustain effective communication between Community Programs staff, field staff
and other departments involved with Community Programs.
4:3. Conduct"Earth Day" (April 22) and Q' National Trail Days June 2
events that provide appropriate ways for the community to be involved in projects or
P
outdoor activities that celebrate the environment and our natural resources during the
period of time "Eai4h Dayassociated with these nationally
recognized events."
54. Continue e£valuatin a training programs and events by using on-line surveys_
6-.5. . (Completed)
6.
Provide Community
Programs updates to the Board.
7. Plan and begin developing an interpretive project/display for the Red Barn at La
Honda Creek Preserve and for a self-guided interpretive "nature discovery"trail
g rP
around Alpine Pond at Skyline Ridge Preserve.
i
Public Affairs/page l l
Regional Open Space
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
R-07-29
Meeting 07-04
February 14, 2007
AGENDA ITEM 4
AGENDA ITEM
Acceptance of Report on the District's 2005-2006 Legislative-Program and Adoption of 2007-2008
Legislative Program.
GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDAt—IONS
1. Accept the 2005-2006 Legislative Program Report, as attached to this report.
2. Adopt the 2007-2008 Legislative Program, as attached to this report.
3. Authorize the Board President and/or General Manager to submit correspondence on behalf of
the District to local, state and federal elected officials in support of, or in opposition to
pending legislation when the General Manager and General Counsel determine such positions
to be in the best interest of the District in order to effectively carry out District business and
accomplish the District purposes; provided that any such correspondence be copied to the full
Board of Directors as part of the next agenda packet and all such correspondence is reported
to the Legislative, Finance, and Public Affairs Committee on a periodic basis.
BACKGROUND
At the beginning of each two-year session of the California State legislature, staff prepares a draft
Legislative Program outlining the District's legislative priorities for Board review and adoption.
These priorities generally include protection of the District's percentage of property tax funding,
possible development and/or sponsorship of new legislation, and monitoring and taking"support" or
"oppose" positions on legislation that may have an impact on the District. Staff also prepares a report
summarizing the District's progress on the past Legislative Program for Board review and acceptance.
Two highlights of the 2005-2006 legislative program were the reclassification of slender false brome
as a Category A weed by the California Department of Food and Agriculture in July 2006
and the campaign to increase the local sales tax in San Mateo County by 1/8'h cent. The
reclassification of slender false brome triggers the potential for significantly increased multi-agency
eradication efforts on publicly and privately-owned lands by San Mateo County and state agencies.
The District actively worked to be included in San Mateo County's Parks,for the Future initiative to
increase the local sales tax by 1/8 th cent, but Measure A lost during the November 2006 election. 55
percent voted yes and, given the number of people who actually cast ballots on Measure A, the
R-07-29 Page 2
initiative would have needed 100,538 votes to win with 2/3rds approval—over 18,000 more yes
votes. Polling had indicated there was not a strong sense that the parks were "in terrible shape" and
that we should make the case for improvement. This might support the disappointing result that a
majority of people voted for Measure A,just not the 2/3rds required for approval.
One priority project for the 2007—2008 Legislative Program is to streamline District land purchases
by seeking legislation to clarify that conveyances to and from government agencies for open space
purposes are exempt from the requirement to obtain a determination that the proposed acquisition
conforms to any applicable General Plan, and are exempt from the Subdivision Map Act.
This legislation is appropriate public policy for open space acquisitions since the primary purpose of
the Map Act is to regulate the design of development, but since park and open space districts typically
buy land solely for park and open space purposes, there is no need for the regulation of subdivision
design. Similarly, the acquisition of land solely for open space purposes precludes development and
thus would not conflict with General Plan land use policies.
Staff discussed the 2005-2006 Legislative Program Status Report and the Proposed 2007-2008
Legislative Program with the Legislative, Finance, and Public Affairs Committee (LFPAC) at its
February 9, 2009 meeting. The Committee approved both reports and they are being forwarded to the
full Board with the Committee's recommendation for approval.
Staff will be prepared to answer any questions the Board may have about 2007-2008 Legislative
Program at your meeting.
Prepared by:
L. Craig Britton, General Manager
Contact person:
Same as above
R-07-29 Page 3
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM
RESULTS OF 2005-2006 LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Goals for State Legislative Activity
Goal 1: Maintain and protect the District's current percentage share of the local property tax
funding.
Results:
This year there were no attempts to reduce the District's current percentage of local property tax
funding. Proposition ]A, which won 84 percent support during the November 2, 2004 general
election, continues to protect local agencies such as the District.
Goal 2: Clarify the issue of peace officer jurisdiction outside of District lands.
Current Public Resources Code language (Sections 5558, 5560.1, and 556 1) appears to limit the
authority of District Rangers to lands within the District's Boundary. A California Court is currently
deciding a case whose outcome will determine whether the District will pursue District-sponsored
legislation to clarify whether current Public Resources Code language limits the authority of District
Rangers to lands within the District's boundary or within District parks and therefore hampers
effective management of District lands from an overall policy perspective. If necessary, move a bill
through the legislative process in cooperation with the District's Peace Officer's Research
Association of California(PORAC) representatives.
Results:
The District did not pursue legislation because a pending California Court decision in a related
case was expected to shed light on the problem. Since the court decision did not resolve the
issue, the District has asked the California Attorney General for an opinion on the matter.
Goal 3: Work with the Bay Area Open Space Council to gain permanent funding for the San
Francisco Bay Area Program of the State Coastal Conservancy. Generate new ideas and
corresponding legislation and seek passage.
Results:
Many organizations, including those in the Bay Area Open Space Council, worked on creating a state
law permitting special, personalized license plates for state agencies, in order to obtain the
possibility of some permanent funding for the San Francisco Bay Area Program of the State Coastal
Conservancy. Such a law became effective on January 1, 2007.
Goal 4: Review State legislation and support, oppose, or seek amendments to those bills that
impact the District.
Results:
The District wrote to Assemblyman Leslie in support of AB 84, which would establish a specialty
R-07-29 Page 4
license plate program that can be used to create license plates to provide funding for important state
agencies such as the California Coastal Conservancy. The District also supported Assemblymember
Mullin on AB 1679 which would subject the Ano Nuevo hydrologic unit to the jurisdiction of the San
Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board instead of the Central Coast Regional Water
Quality Control Board The District backed Assemblymember Wolk, Chair of the Committee on
Water, Parks, & Wildlife, on AB 2916, which creates an improved system offinancial management
for the endowment funds required by the Department of Fish and Game for mitigation projects, and
allows the nonprofit land trusts who hold the properties to also hold the endowments under sound
financial accounting and reporting requirements and oversight.
The District contacted Assemblyman Salinas, Chair of the Local Government Committee, and
Governor Schwarzenegger, to express support for AB 2746 which would ensure that nonprofit land
trusts are permitted to hold conservation lands and easements that state or local public agencies may
require in order to mitigate land development in local communities.
Goal 5: Provide support to those who seek to reclassify slender false brome as either a Category
A or B weed (from the current Q rating) in order to provide the legal and political tools necessary
to control the grass and enlist participation of the San Mateo County Agriculture Commissioner
and CDFA.
Results:
Slender false brome was reclassified as a Category A weed by the California Department of Food
and Agriculture in July 2006
Goal 6: A.) Support the Santa Clara County Parks Charter on the June 2006 ballot; B.) Support
the San Mateo County Parks far the Future initiative to increase the local sales tax by 1/8 cent
on a future ballot; C.) Work with CPRS to include open space in any California infrastructure
bond; D.) Support the Water Quality Bond Act of 2006.
Results:
A: Over 70 percent voted to renew the Santa Clara County Parks Charter Fund for another 12 years.
B.- The District actively supported San Mateo County's Parks for the Future initiative to increase the
local sales tax by 1/8`h cent, but Measure A lost during the November 2006 election. 55 percent voted
yes but to win the measure required a 213rds approval. There are now ongoing discussions about the
,future of this proposal.
C and D: On November 7, 2006, voters passed Proposition 84 by 53.9 percent.
Goals for Federal Legislative Activity
Goal 7: Seek Federal legislative assistance in securing funding for the clean up of the former
Almaden Air Force Station at Mt. Umunhum in the Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve .
Results:
The District waited for the results of the November 2006 general election before acting on this
issue because prior efforts to interest Congress in funding this cleanup were unsuccessful.
R-07-29 Page S
i
However,funds budgeted for a Washington, D.C. lobbyist to develop and implement a strategy to
encourage the Army Corps of Engineers to begin the clean up of Mt. Umunhum will be spent for
the 2006-2007 Fiscal Year so the District can take advantage of potential opportunities to
generate more interest in funding this project from the current Congress.
Goal 8: Follow-up to ensure full funding of stateside Land and Water Conservation Funds.
Results:
The District hopes to persuade the new majority in Congress that funding the Land and Water
Conservation program is a necessity which should be given high legislative priority.
Goal 9: Seek Federal legislative assistance in dissolving the Guadalupe Land Company
corporation.
Results:
This was determined not to be a priority due to other options for the cost-efficient operation and
maintenance of the company.
Goal 10: Review specific pieces of Federal legislation and support, oppose, or seek amendments
to those bills that impact the District.
Results:
Review is ongoing.
I
R-07-29 Page 6
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM
FOR 2007-2008 LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Goals for State Lezislative Activity
Goal 1: Maintain and protect the District's current percentage share of the local property tax
funding.
Goal 2: Clarify the issue of peace officer jurisdiction outside of District lands.
Current Public Resources Code language(Sections 5558, 5560.1, and 5561) appears to limit the
authority of District Rangers to lands within the District's Boundary. Because a recent California
court decision in a related case has not resolved this issue, the District has asked the California
Attorney General to clarify whether current Public Resources Code language limits the authority of
District Rangers to lands within the District's boundary or within District parks and therefore
hampers effective management of District lands. If, as a result of the Attorney General's opinion, it
appears legislation is needed to resolve this issue, move a bill through the legislative process in
cooperation with the District's Peace Officer's Research Association of California(PORAC)
representatives.
Goal 3: Subdivision Map Act. To assist in streamlining District projects, develop a bill to amend
Government Code Section 66412 of the Government Code to clearly establish that conveyances to
and from regional open space and park districts solely for open space purposes are exempt from the
Subdivision Map Act.
Goal 4: General plan conformity. To assist in streamlining District acquisitions, seek a narrow
exemption to Government Code Section 65402(c) for regional park and open space districts by
amending the last sentence of this statute to read as follows: "Local agency does not include the state,
or county, or a city, or a regional park and open space district established pursuant to Division 5,
Chapter 3, of the Public Resources Code."
Goal 5: Work with the Bay Area Open Space Council to create a special, personalized license
plate and work to obtain permanent funding for the San Francisco Bay Area Program of the State
Coastal Conservancy. Generate new ideas and corresponding legislation and seek passage.
Goal 6: Support any efforts by the San Mateo County Parks for the Future initiative to increase
the local sales tax by 1/8 1h cent on the 2008 ballot. Redouble District efforts to help pass the
required 2/3 voter approval threshold.
Goal 7: After successful passage of the Water Quality Bond Act of 2006, support campaign if
another Bond Act is placed on the 2008 ballot.
Goal 8: Expand repayment of District notes to 30 years. Change the District's enabling legislation by
amending Public Resources Code Sec. 5544.2 to allow 30 years for repayment of district
indebtedness (notes) in order to bring the District's payment obligations closer in line with most
R-07-29 Page 7
public bonds, which typically have a due date of 30 years.
Goal 9: Increase the General Manager's permitted spending limit for payment of supplies, materials,
labor, etc. from $25,000 to $50,000 by amending Public Resources Code Section 5549 (2).
Goal 10: Amend Public Resources Code Sec. 4582.6 (a) by adding "any agency formed under
Section 5500 of the Public Resources Code". Currently, Section 4582.6. (a) of the Public Resources
Code provides for the review of timber harvesting plans by the Department of Fish and Game,the
appropriate California regional water quality control board, the county planning agency, and, if the
area is within its jurisdiction, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency. Because review of these plans is
vital to the District, add the words"any agency formed under Section 5500 of the Public Resources
Code"to this section.
Goal 11: Pursue methods to insure the compatibility of open space and recreational uses with lands
under Williamson Act contracts.
Goal 12: Review California Public Employees' Retirement System legislation to ensure that there is
no agency cost associated with employee-paid additional retirement service credits (ARSC).
Goal 13: Begin an initial analysis of the need for a future District funding measure to be submitted to
the voters.
Goal 14: Review State legislation and support, oppose, or seek amendments to those bills that
impact the District.
Goals for Federal Legislative Activity
Goal 15: Seek Federal legislative assistance in securing funding for the clean up of the former
Almaden Air Force Station at Mt. Umunhurn in the Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve .
Goal 16: Follow-up to ensure full funding of stateside Land and Water Conservation Funds.
Goal 17: Moffet Field. Support efforts by third parties designed to seek assistance from the
Corps of Engineers to build levees in order to restore the salt ponds at Site 25 to tidal standard.
Goal 18: Review specific pieces of Federal legislation and support, oppose, or seek amendments
to those bills that impact the District.
r
Regional Open Space
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL. OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
R-07-24
Meeting 07-04
February 14, 2007
AGENDA ITEM 5
AGENDA ITEM
Award of Contract to Southwest Fence for Alpine Road Ran�es Boun y Fence
Upgrade Project at Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve
GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATIONS --
1. Determine that the recommendation is categorically exempt from the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)as set out in this report.
2. Authorize the General Manager to execute a contract with Southwest Fence of
Patterson, California for the bid amount of$34,906.00, plus an additional amount of
up to $29,486.00 for additional Work apart from Base Bid amount and any
contingencies, for a total authorization not to $ ,392,0 0 for construction of
livestock fencing and associated infrastructure improvements in Skyline Ridge Open
Space Preserve.
BACKGROUND
The District completed the purchase of Big Dipper and Silva Ranches (Ranches) in
November 2002. Grazing operations on the Silva property ceased in November 2000,
after District purchase of that property. After the adoption of the Preliminary Use and
Management Plan in November 2002 (See Report R-02-127), the incumbent inholding
tenant continued grazing use of BigDipper Ranch. In March 2005, the Big Dipper and
g g pp
i
Silva Properties Rangeland Assessment was completed. This assessment identified the
infrastructure and upgrades necessary to facilitate a long term grazing tenant on the
Ranches. Some key recommendations were the replacement of the existing fence
Road replacement of the main Silva pasture fence, and improvement of
bordering Alpine p p p
the boundary fencing around the inholding on the Big Dipper Ranch property.
DISCUSSION
The Base Bid portion of the project includes removal of the existing Alpine Road
boundary fence sections presently in poor condition and construction of a new five-strand
wire fence in the same vicinity. The fence extends for approximately one and one half
miles and borders Alpine Road in San Mateo County. It is located on the former Silva
and Big Dipper Ranch properties in Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve.
R-07-24 Page 2
Expecting a wide range of cost estimates, staff established a more limited scope of work
for the base bid, to ensure that the fence sections in the worst conditions could be
repaired within budget. In light of the lowest bid being considerably lower than the
budgeted amount of$65,000, the District can afford to have needed upgrades to other
fence sections and to key pasture boundary areas, which comprises the additional work.
Completion of the project will contribute to preparation of the Ranches for long term
lease by a grazing operator.
A pre-bid meeting was held at the project site on January 5, 2007 and was attended by
five interested contractors. Sealed bids were due on January 31, 2007. Three bids were
received, summarized as follows:
Bidder Location Total Base Bid
1. Freitas Rangeland Improvements Fremont, CA $60,817.50
2. Marty Olsen Construction— Woodside, CA $50,675.00
1 Fencing Division I 1 1
3. 1 Southwest Fence Patterson, CA $34,906.00
Documents in the Bid Package state, "It is the intention of the District to award the
contract to the responsible bidder with the lowest responsive bid." Having reviewed the
bidders' qualifications and their Bid Proposals, staff recommends awarding the contract
to Southwest Fence, the lowest responsive and responsible bidder.
The Bid Proposal requires sufficient equipment and labor to remove and reconstruct
sections of the fence in poorest condition, as identified in the project description. Cost
for any additional Work will be controlled by unit prices established during the bidding
process. The additional services identified in the Scope of Work include fence and other
infrastructure repair or removal/replacement as appropriate in second priority sections.
These second priority sections are in place, but are failing, poorly located, or otherwise
insufficient as livestock boundaries. An allowance of$29,486.00 is expected to cover the
cost of any additional services apart from the Base Bid as well as any contingencies
encountered during the project. Staff recommends awarding this contract to Southwest
Fence for the Base Bid amount of$34,906.00, plus an allowance of up to $29,486.00 for
a total contract authorization not to exceed $64,392.00.
Staff anticipates the project will be completed by March 31, 2007. The Work will occur
in a closed area of Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve, so public access to recreational
trails will be unaffected. The inholding owner and tenant affected by this project will be
notified of the dates of construction and demolition.
FUNDING
The Board has adopted the fiscal year 2006-2007 budget and mid-year budget
adjustments, which included $65,000.00 for completion of the Big Dipper and Silva
R-07-24 Page 3
Ranch grazing improvements. Funds for this project will be allocated from this budgeted
amount.
CEQA COMPLIANCE
Project Description
The project consists of removal and construction of new five-strand wire fencing located
along an existing road and in existing pastures in Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve.
Sections bordering the road total approximately one and one half miles. Sections
bordering existing pastures total approximately one half mile. Fence removal and
construction entails minor brush removal and post driving.
CEQA Determination
District staff concludes that this project will not have a significant effect on the
environment. It is categorically exempt from CEQA under Sections 15301 and 15304 of
the CEQA Guidelines as follows:
Section 15301 exempts the minor alteration of existing structures or facilities, involving
negligible or no expansion of existing use. The Work to be performed will consist of
replacing an existing fence with the same purpose and primarily in the same location.
Section 15304 exempts minor alterations to land that do not affect sensitive resources.
Methods for construction of this fence include post driving, minor brush removal, and
incidental grading for drainage purposes. The Work will not involve removal or
degradation of mature trees.
Prepared by:
Stella Cousins, Open Space Planner I
Contact Person:
Same as above
Regional Open Space
----------
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
R-07-25
Meeting 07-04
February 14, 2007
AGENDA ITEM 6
AGENDA ITEM
Award of Contract for Metal Beam Guard Rail Installation Along Loma Prieta Road and Loma
Chiquita Road in Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve
GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Determine that the recommended action is categorically exempt from the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as set out in this report.
2. Authorize the General Manager to execute a contract with PC&N Construction, Inc. of
Byron, California for the bid amount of$32,800.00, plus a contingency amount of up to
$6,560.00, for a total amount not to exceed $39,360.00 for the installation of metal beam
guard rail along Loma Prieta Road and Loma Chiquita Road in Sierra Azul Open Space
Preserve.
DISCUSSION
This project consists of the installation of four sections of metal beam guard rail along Loma
Prieta Road and Loma Chiquita Road in Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve. The goal of installing
guard rail is to prevent access to an illegal dump site and off-road vehicular use of the adjacent
District land. Creating a barrier between the roads and the preserve land is a priority for patrol
staff, who have previously attempted to stop the dumping and off-road vehicular use by erecting
wire fences. These fences were vandalized and dismantled shortly after their installation. Guard
rail was subsequently selected as the barrier of choice because of its resistance to vandalism and
removal.
A total of 700 feet of guard rail are proposed to be installed in four sections. The section
locations are as follows (see Exhibit A):
• Section 1: Loma Prieta Road
o 200 feet along west edge of road, south of intersection with Loma Chiquita Road
• Section 2: Loma Chiquita Road
o 100 feet along north edge of road, east of intersection with Loma Prieta Road
• Section 3: Loma Prieta Road
o 275 feet along west edge of road, southeast of intersection with Loma Chiquita
Road
• Section 4: Loma Prieta Road
o 125 feet along east edge of road, northeast of intersection with Summit Road
R-07-25 Page 2
Sections I and 2 will be separated by a 14' gate provided and installed by District staff after the
guard rail project is completed.
The contracted portion of the Metal Beam Guard Rail Installation Project includes furnishing the
guard rail, posts, end caps, and standard hardware. In addition to these materials, the contractor
will provide all labor, equipment, materials, and supplies necessary to install the guard rail. This
work includes, but is not limited to, mobilization and material delivery, site preparation,
brushing, and drilling post holes. District staff estimated that the project would cost
approximately $36,000.
The bidding process commenced on January 11, 2007. The bid package was sent to ten
contractors and six builders exchanges. A legal notice was printed in the San Jose Mercury
News, and a notice of Request for Bids was posted on the District's website. An informational,
non-mandatory pre-bid meeting was held on January 22, 2007 and was attended by one
interested contractor. Sealed bids were due on February 6, 2007. Two bids were received, as
summarized below:
Bidder Location Total Base Bid Difference from
Cost Estimate
I Coral Construction Co. Wilsonville, OR $56,665.00 + 57.4%
2 PC&N Construction, Inc. Byron, CA $32,800.00 - 8.9%
The Information for Bidders states that"the Contract will be awarded to the lowest responsive,
responsible bidder" as determined by the bidder's total base bid. Having reviewed the bidders'
Bid Proposals and qualifications, staff recommends awarding the contract to PC&N
Construction, Inc.
The Bid Proposal includes sufficient materials, labor, equipment, and supplies necessary to
complete the project as described above. The costs for any additional work will be controlled by
unit prices established by the bidding process. The requested not-to-exceed amount of
$39,360.00 includes a contingency allowance of$6,560.00, which is 20 percent of the base bid.
The contingency allowance is expected to cover the cost of any additional services determined to
be necessary by District staff.
FUNDING
The Metal Beam Guard Rail Installation Project is listed as a public access improvement project
in the Board-approved Planning Department Action Plan for fiscal year 2006-2007. The
Planning Department's approved budget for fiscal year 2006-2007 includes $42,000 for the
guard rail installation project.
R-07-25 Page 3
CEQA COMPLIANCE
Project Description
This project consists of the installation of four sections of metal beam guard rail along Loma
Prieta Road and Loma Chiquita Road in Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve. The four sections of
road where guard rail is to be installed measure 200 feet, 100 feet, 275 feet, and 125 feet, for a
total of 700 feet. Guard rail installation includes minor brushing and drilling post holes.
CEQA Determination
District staff concludes that this project will not have a significant effect on the environment. It
is categorically exempt from CEQA under Sections 15301 and 15304 of the CEQA Guidelines as
follows:
Section 15301 exempts the minor alteration of existing structures or facilities, involving
negligible or no expansion of existing use. The installation of metal beam guard rail is a minor
alteration of an existing road. The guard rail installation will involve a negligible or no
expansion of the.current use of Loma Prieta Road and Loma Chiquita Road.
Section 15304 exempts minor alterations to land that do not affect sensitive resources. The
installation of metal beam guard rail will require only minor brushing and post hole digging and
will result in negligible impacts. The project does not involve removal of healthy, mature, scenic
trees.
Prepared by:
Andrea Christenson, Planning Technician
Contact person:
Same as above
Metal Beam Guard Rail Installation
KNnn�y Rd
I
9
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Rd
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a A ul
Open Spac eserve`
Mt.Thayer Mt umunhum
� MOOOtaltl
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Sections 1&2
a Chiquita Rd
�° Section 3
Priete Rd.
Section 4
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Exhibit A: Site Map e o 0.5 , z
Produced by Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, February 2007 mifv�
Regional Open Space
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
R-07-20
Meeting 07-04
February 14, 2007
AGENDA ITEM 7
AGENDA IT
Resolution authorizing the General Manager, or designee, to reed,a Notice of Completion,
Acceptance or Cessation whenever such is appropriate for a istrict prcject.
GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION
Adopt the attached Resolution authorizing the General Manager, or designee, to record a Notice
of Completion, Acceptance or Cessation whenever such is appropriate for a District project.
DISCUSSION
The purpose of this Agenda Item is to help make the District's public works contracting
process more efficient by delegating certain statutorily permitted administrative matters
to the General Manager.
A Notice of Completion or Acceptance is a document that is recorded in the public
records to give notice to providers of labor, material, equipment or services to a public
project that the project has been accepted as "complete"by the public agency. A Notice
of Cessation provides public notice of the halt in progress on a project sufficient for the
public agency to declare a contract abandoned. This procedure effectively substitutes for
what is known as "material man's liens"-the statutory protection afforded to such
providers on private construction projects. The recording of a Notice of Completion,
Acceptance or Cessation is essentially a tool designed to protect the public coffers by
shortening the time available to subcontractors and suppliers for the filing of stop notices,
essentially notices to withhold payment to a General Contractor that arise from a dispute
between the General and a sub-contractor or supplier, and for the lodging of claims
against the General Contractor's payment bonds that are required on public projects.
There is no requirement that a public agency file a Notice of Completion; failure to do so
merely lengthens the statutory time available for the making of claims. The underlying
public policy is considerably furthered by delegation of this authority to the General
Manager since it precludes the need to place the matter on a Board meeting agenda and
thus results in the more timely and efficient administration of District contracts. In light
of this purpose and effect, it is both reasonable and prudent for the Board to also
authorize the General Manager's further delegation of the authority to issue and record
Notices of Completion to appropriate District personnel.
Prepared by:
Duncan M. Simmons, Assistant General Counsel
Contact person:
Same as above
RESOLUTION NO.
RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
AUTHORIZING THE GENERAL MANAGER, OR DESIGNEE,
TO RECORD NOTICES OF COMPLETION, ACCEPTANCE
OR CESSATION WHENEVER SUCH IS APPROPRIATE FOR
A DISTRICT PROJECT
WHEREAS, Section 5538 of the Public Resources Code authorizes the Board of
Directors to fix the duties of the General Manager; and
WHEREAS, Section 5549 of the Public Resources Code charges the General Manager
with administrative and executive functions, powers and duties including the enforcement of the
terms and conditions of District contracts; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors desires to make its public works contracting process
more efficient by delegating certain statutorily permitted administrative matters to the General
Manager.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED AS FOLLOWS:
The General Manager, or designee, is authorized to record a Notice of Completion, Acceptance
or Cessation whenever such is appropriate for a District project.
Regional Open Space
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
R-07-21
Meeting 07-04
February 14, 2007
AGENDA ITEM 8
AGENDA ITEM
Authorization to Execute a Contract with Ecosystems West Consulting Group to Provide
Consulting Services in an Amount Not to Exceed $40,000 to Conduct Surveys for Special-status
Plants and Invasive Weeds on Bear Creek Redwoods and La Honda-.C. reek Open Space
Preserves.
GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION
Authorize the General Manager to execute a contract with Ecosystems West Consulting Group
for consulting services in an amount not to exceed $40,000.
DISCUSSION
The Resource Management Five-Year Strategic Plan (Strategic Plan) was developed in 2003 to
identify and implement high priority resource management projects to ensure the long-term
protection of natural and cultural resources on District preserves. The Strategic Plan identified
the need to conduct inventories of newly-acquired properties to provide information on baseline
conditions for management. The botanical surveys included in this contract will map and
describe populations of rare, threatened and endangered plants and invasive weeds on Bear
Creek Redwoods and La Honda Creek Open Space Preserves. This contract covers
approximately 5,300 acres and will result in highly accurate, electronic spatial data files for use
in the District's monitoring programs. This information will also help the District develop
specific management objectives for the preserves as well as forecast future projects.
The District received nine proposals for completing the requested services. Staff recommends
award of the Special-status Plants and Invasive Weed Survey contract to Ecosystems West due to
their extremely qualified botanical staff. Although the proposals were highly competitive, the
two primary field botanists at Ecosystems West have over 50 years of experience surveying for
rare plants. Unlike many other consultants who submitted proposals, this firm has surveyed very
large tracts of land in the past, including a 5,000-acre property in the Coast Ranges. Ecosystems
West personnel also have provided effective and original recommendations for managing rare
plant populations, according to one reference contacted. Finally, the firm is known to District
staff to be very available to questions and to provide a high-quality product.
Implementation of the Special-status Plants and Invasive Weeds Survey contract at the specified
preserves is expected to extend from February of the 2006-2007 fiscal year to October of the
2007-2008 fiscal year. Initial reconnaissance surveys of the preserves and development of
Report 07-21 Page 2
detailed survey protocols is expected to occur in late February and March, 2007. The bulk of the
survey field work will occur during the months of April through June, with some late-season
surveys to be conducted in August. A draft report will be submitted to the District in mid-
October.
FUNDING
The total cost for the botanical surveys is $40,000. Funding to cover the cost of this contract is
budgeted for both FY 06-07and FY 07-08 as a component of Rare Threatened and Endangered
Species Surveys of New Properties. Of the total budget, staff estimates that up to $15,000 will
be charged in FY 06-07 and $25,000 will be charged in FY 07-08.
CEQA COMPLIANCE
The project involves the assessment botanical resources on two Open Space Preserves. This
includes extensive field surveys on foot and the collection of voucher specimens for species
identification purposes.
The District concludes that the project will not have a significant effect on the environment. It is
categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under Section
15306 of the CEQA Guidelines (Class 6) as follows:
Section 15306 exempts basic data collection, research, experimental management, and resource
evaluation activities that do not result in major disturbances to an environmental resource.
The botanical survey project sites are not located in particularly sensitive environments. The
project will not contribute significantly to cumulative environmental impacts nor result in a
significant effect on the environment or scenic resources. No hazardous waste sites or historical
resources will be affected by the project.
Prepared by:
Lisa Infante, Resource Specialist
Contact Person:
Same as above
Regional Open Space
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
R-07-27
Meeting 07-04
February 14, 2007
AGENDA ITEM 9
AGENDA ITEM
Appoint Vavrinek, Trine, Day & Co. as the District's Auditor for Fiscal Year 2006-2007
CONTROLLER'S RECOMMENDATIONS
Appoint Vavrinek, Trine, Day & Co. as the District's auditors for fiscal year 2006-2007 and
authorize the General Manager to execute the engagement letter agreement in the amount of
$22,000.
DISCUSSION
In 2005, the District began a three-year agreement with Vavrinek, Trine, Day & Co. (VTD)to
serve as District's auditor. VTD audit services were excellent for the 2004-2005 and 2005-2006
audits and I recommend that the District continue to retain VTD in 2007. By prior agreement,
VTD's audit fee for 2006-2007 will be $22,000, up $2,000, or 10%, from last year.
Prepared by:
Michael Foster, Controller
Contact person:
L. Craig Britton, General Manager
Claims No. 07-03
Meeting 07-04
Date 2/14/07
Revised
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
# Amount Name Description
6294 $1,225.00 Aaron's Septic Tank Service Pumping Services-Lower Windy Hill&Saratoga Gap
6295 $175.63 ADT Security Services Alarm Service-SFO
6296 $727.84 *1 ADT Security Services Install Alarm Keypad-FFO
6297 $37.00 Allen's Press Clipping Bureau Clipping Service
6298 $141.05 Allied Waste Services Garbage Service
6299 $56.00 American Red Cross First Aid Certificate Fee
6300 $481.93 AmeriGas PropanefTank Rental
6301 $2,749.89 ASC Scientific GPS Unit&Software
6302 $1,435.02 AT&T Telephone Service-AO, SFO&FFO Alarm Service-
FFO/Fax Service-AO
6303 $37.50 Baillie,Gordon Reimbursement-Membership Dues
6304 $37.50 Barresi,Chris Reimbursement-Membership Dues
6305 $25.93 Barron Park Supply Plumbing Supplies
6306 $300.00 Barry Parr/Coastsider.com Advertisement For Board Meeting
6307 $2,656.00 Bay Area Asphalt&Cement Works, Repaint 1.6 miles Of Center Median Line-Mt. Umunhum
Inc. Road
6308 $21.95 Bay Nature Magazine Annual Subscription
6309 $1,500.00 California Department Of Fish And Streambed Alteration Fee
Game
6310 $27.43 California Water Service Company Water Service-Windy Hill
6311 $19,438.57 Carter Industries Crane&Service Body For District Truck
6312 $263.60 Cascade Fire Equipment Company Field Supplies
6313 $32.00 City Of Mountain View Seminar Registration Fee
6314 $1,659.43 CMK Automotive Inc. Vehicle Maintenance&Repairs
6315 $2,739.46 Coast Range Biological LLC Consulting Services-Vegetation Mapping Biotic
Assessments&Services
6316 $119.00 Coastal Sierra,Inc. Internet Service-SFO
6317 $50.01 Conoco Phillips 76 Fuel
6318 $106.78 Costco Office&Local Business Meeting Supplies
6319 $1,671.00 Cresco Equipment Rental Cat Excavator Rental-Pulgas Ridge Eucalyptus Removal
6320 $696.75 Cresco,Equipment Rental Double Drum Asphalt Roller Rental-Picchetti Winery
Seismic Upgrades
6321 $311.76 Cube Solutions Ergonomic Supplies
6322 $211.40 Cupertino Bike Shop Bicycle Tune Up&Repairs
6323 $11 0.00 Department Of Health Services Water Treatment Operator Certification Renewal-S.
Hooper&G. Kern
6324 $30.91 Department Of Motor Vehicles 2007 California Vehicle Code Books
6325 $385.00 Divine Catering Catering-Volunteer Training
6326 $194.79 Dolan, Brendan Reimbursement-Uniform Expense
6327 $4,582.84 EDAW, Inc. Master Plan Contract Services-Sierra Azul&Bear Creek
Redwoods
6328 $396.25 Ergo Vera Ergonomic Evaluations
6329 $23,80 Forestry Suppliers, Inc. Field Supplies
6330 $963.39 Foster Brothers Lock&Key Services
6331 $30.78 Galls Incorporated Field Supplies
6332 $308.31 Gardenland Power Equipment Field Supplies
6333 $15,100.32 Go Native Nursery Pest Management Consulting Services/Development
And Implementation Of A Public Outreach Program
6334 $108.03 Goodco Press, Inc, Printing Services-Field Time Cards
6335 $540.17 Grainger, Inc. Field Supplies
6336 $54.07 Grand Prix Vehicle Supply
6337 $305.88 Great Printing&Copies Printing Services-Volunteer Newsletter
Page 1 of 3
Claims No. 07-03
Meeting 07-04
Date 2/14/07
Revised
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
# Amount Name Description
6338 $650.22 Green Waste Recovery, Inc. Garbage&Recycle Service-SFO
6339 $90-00 Half Moon Bay Review Advertisement-Invitation To Bid: Skyline Ridge Fence
6340 $988.09 Home Depot Field Supplies& Equipment
6341 $475.49 Indoff Incorporated Ergonomic Chair
6342 $200.00 Land Trust Alliance Online Advertisement For OSP 11&Real Property
Specialist
6343 $194.05 Langley Hill Quarry Base Rock-Russian Ridge
6344 $227.72 Life Assist First Aid Supplies
6345 $571.65 Los Altos Garbage Company Garbage Service-AD&FFO
6346 $69.26 Malone, Brian Reimbursement-Uniform Expense
6347 $400.00 Matt Mann Web Design Services
6348 $102.00 Miller, Ken Reimbursement-EMT Certificate&Fingerprinting
6349 $991.13 Miller, Starr&Regalia Legal Services-Review Purchase Agreement
6350 $1,054.03 Monster Mechanical, Inc. HVAC Maintenance&Repairs-AO
6351 $163.57 Mountain View Garden Center Landscaping Supplies
6352 $20.00 Mountain View Los Altos Union High Fingerprinting Services
School District
6353 $8,105.00 North American Title Company Escrow Fee-Land Acquisition
6354 $1,240,000.00 ## Old Republic Title Company Land Acquisition-BDS Capital
6355 $461,500.00 ### Old Republic Title Company Land Acquisition-POST Tunitas Creek
6356 $783.90 Orchard Supply Hardware Field Equipment&Supplies
6357 $406.63 Priority 1 Vehicle Repair
6358 $85,48 Rancho Ace Hardware&Garden Shop Field Supplies
6359 $28.00 Redwood General Tire Co. Inc. Tire Repair
6360 $22.19 Reed&Graham, Inc. Straw Wattle-Restoration Project
6361 $1,140,00 Rhus Ridge Associates 2007 Road Association Dues
6362 $1,16L60 Richard Seaver Pig Control Services
ill 6363 $187.94 Robert's Hardware Field Supplies
6364 $51.45 Roessler, Cindy Reimbursement-Mileage
6365 $5,08611 Roy's Repair Service Vehicle Repairs&Service
6366 $86.13 Ruiz,Ana Reimbursement-Mileage
6367 $212.85 Safety Kleen Solvent Tank Supplies-FFO
6368 $521.16 San Jose Mercury News Advertisement-Invitation To Bid:Guard Rails At Sierra
Azul
6369 $50,000.00 San Mateo County Fire Truck Fee-Per Coastal Agreement
6370 $422.50 Sanguinetti,David Reimbursement-Vehicle Repair
6371 $3,682.39 Shute,Mihaly&Weinberger LLP Legal Services-Coastal Annexation Litigation
6372 $37.50 Smutnak,Greg Reimbursement-Membership Dues
6373 $259.08 Stevens Creek Quarry Drain Rock-Deer Hollow Farm Project/Base Rock-
Picchetti Seismic Retrofit Project
6374 $300.40 Summit Uniforms Uniform Expenses
6375 $14.00 Sunset Magazine Annual Subscription
6376 $67.00 Terminix Pest Control-A.O.
6377 $4,750.00 The Bank of New York Note Paying Agent Fees-2007 Refunding: 1996, 1999#2
& 1999 Notes
6378 $58.71 The Ed Jones Company Uniform Expense
6379 $160A8 The Workingman's Emporium Uniform Expenses
6380 $2,306.14 Tires On The Go Tires
6381 $105.00 Trucker Huss Legal Services
6382 $15.93 United Parcel Service Parcel Shipping
6383 $130.94 United Rentals Highway Technologies Field Supplies
Page 2 of 3
,
, Claims No. O7-03
Meeting 07-0
Oobs 2/14/07
Revised
| Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
�
� # Amount Name Description
/
638* $60.00 Williams, Mike n=mobumemem-Cel|Pxnne
. 6385R *100.00 AePvvom000ps CEQA Workshop
VnaaR $37A6 Ar&T Long Distance'*D
| 6387R $18.75 AT&T/MCI Long Distance Fax Service-Spo
| 6308R $29500 Barrie o. Coate Horticultural Consultant-Evaluate Removal O,Redwood
Trees At AO
8389n g12o93 Barron Park Supply Plumbing Supplies
� nxeon $1.300.00 Guy Plumbing&Heating, Inc. Install Water Heater&Plumbing Fixtures'Rental
Residence eo ence �
83e1R s238,00 Half Moon Bay Review Auvemnnment-Couo,meetingAnnuuncoment
6392R $45,00 Lo Honda Elementary Room Rental Fee-Lo Honda Master Plan Meeting
6393n $1.283.00 Liouan Cassidy Whitmore Legal Services
| 6394R $aoe.*O Mort.Jim Reimbursoment-Vnnonn Expenses
� 6385R $3.615.00 wFp Accounting Technologies p"nuworo Support&Annual Maintenance
eamsR $71O5 wFP8p|vuonm Fundwana 1099ronns |
|
6397n g206A0 Office Team Office Temporary Hnlp-pvboc*ffoirs /
6388R *45.*2 O,|anmTrai|e, Trailer Accessories
�
onoeR $228.00 Palo Alto Weekly ^dwo*immom-Coaa Meeting Announcement
n^onn $65.70 Peninsula Digital Imaging Printing Services
6401 n $363.53 Petty Cash Business Meetings,Training,Office Supplies, Postage,
Parking u Mileage,Volunteer Supplies
6402w *223.92 Quality Toner Products Toner Cartridges
6403n $309A2 Rice,Sally Reimbursement-Training Supplies,Office Supplies&
Local Business Meeting
6404R $15100 Rich Voss Trucking, Inc. RooxoeowswCha,ges-P|ccxethSeivmivupgrado
pn4em
6405R $3e9.26 San Jose Water Company Water Service
6*06n $50.00 San Mateo County Chapter O, Membership Dues
� C.S.D.A.
� V^mR $267.e0 San Mateo County Environmental Petroleum Release Groundwater Protection Program
Health Oversight'PvlgasRidge
� huooR $193.4e Summit Uniforms Uniform Expenses
� 8409n $1.398.80 Tadoo8upp|y Janitorial Supplies
� 6410R $9*6,21 Target Specialty Products Landscaping Supplies
� 6411 R *25*81 The Workingman's Emporium Uniform Expenses
� Total $1.862.611.84
� ^1 Urgent Check Issued 1/28/0,
�
�
w� In The Event Is
Not Approved,This Claim Will
Not BmProcessed
� *#w Land Acquisition Was
� 8
� ppmveux�zn/V7 peciu| �
Meeting
Page 3 of 3
�
Claims No. 07-03
Meeting 07-04
Date 2/14/07
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
# Amount Name Description
6294 $1,225.00 Aaron's Septic Tank Service Pumping Services-Lower Windy Hill&Saratoga Gap
6295 $175.63 ADT Security Services Alarm Service-SFO
6296 $727.84 -1 ADT Security Services Install Alarm Keypad-FFO
6297 $37.00 Allen's Press Clipping Bureau Clipping Service
6298 $141.05 Allied Waste Services Garbage Service
6299 $56.00 American Red Cross First Aid Certificate Fee
6300 $481.93 AmeriGas Propane/Tank Rental
6301 $2,749.89 ASC Scientific GPS Unit&Software
6302 $1,435.02 AT&T Telephone Service-AD,SFO&FFO I Alarm Service-
FFO/Fax Service-AO
6303 $37.50 Baillie,Gordon Reimbursement-Membership Dues
6304 $37,50 Barresi,Chris Reimbursement-Membership Dues
6305 $25.93 Barron Park Supply Plumbing Supplies
6306 $300.00 Barry Parr/Coastsider.com Advertisement For Board Meeting
6307 $2,656.00 Bay Area Asphalt&Cement Works, Repaint 1.6 miles Of Center Median Line-Mt. Umunhum
Inc. Road
6308 $21.95 Bay Nature Magazine Annual Subscription
6309 $1,500.00 California Department Of Fish And Streambed Alteration Fee
Game
6310 $27,43 California Water Service Company Water Service-Windy Hill
6311 $19,438.57 Carter Industries Crane&Service Body For District Truck
6312 $263.60 Cascade Fire Equipment Company Field Supplies
6313 $32.00 City Of Mountain View Seminar Registration Fee
6314 $1,659.43 CMK Automotive Inc. Vehicle Maintenance&Repairs
6315 $2,739.46 Coast Range Biological LLC Consulting Services-Vegetation Mapping Biotic
Assessments&Services
6316 $119,00 Coastal Sierra,Inc. Internet Service-SFO
6317 $%01 Conoco Phillips 76 Fuel
6318 $106.78 Costco Office&Local Business Meeting Supplies
6319 $1,671.00 Cresco Equipment Rental Cat Excavator Rental-Pulgas Ridge Eucalyptus Removal
6320 $696.75 Cresco Equipment Rental Double Drum Asphalt Roller Rental-Picchetti Winery
Seismic Upgrades
6321 $311.76 Cube Solutions Ergonomic Supplies
6322 $211,40 Cupertino Bike Shop Bicycle Tune Up&Repairs
6323 $110.00 Department Of Health Services Water Treatment Operator Certification Renewal-S.
Hooper&G. Kern
6324 $30.91 Department Of Motor Vehicles 2007 California Vehicle Code Books
6325 $385.00 Divine Catering Catering-Volunteer Training
6326 $194.79 Dolan, Brendan Reimbursement-Uniform Expense
6327 $4,582.84 EDAW, Inc. Master Plan Contract Services-Sierra Azul&Bear Creek
Redwoods
6328 $396,25 Ergo Vera Ergonomic Evaluations
6329 $2180 Forestry Suppliers, Inc. Field Supplies
6330 $963.39 Foster Brothers Lock&Key Services
6331 $30.78 Galls Incorporated Field Supplies
6332 $308.31 Gardenland Power Equipment Field Supplies
6333 $15,100.32 Go Native Nursery Pest Management Consulting Services/Development
And Implementation Of A Public Outreach Program
6334 $108.03 Goodco Press, Inc. Printing Services-Field Time Cards
6335 $540.17 Grainger, Inc. Field Supplies
6336 $54.07 Grand Prix Vehicle Supply
6337 $305.88 Great Printing&Copies Printing Services-Volunteer Newsletter
Page 1 of 3
Claims No. 07-03
Meeting 07-04
Date 2/14/07
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
# Amount Name Description
6338 $650.22 Green Waste Recovery, Inc, Garbage&Recycle Service-SFO
6339 $90.00 Half Moon Bay Review Advertisement-Invitation To Bid: Skyline Ridge Fence
6340 $988.09 Home Depot Field Supplies&Equipment
6341 $475.49 Indoff Incorporated Ergonomic Chair
6342 $200.00 Land Trust Alliance Online Advertisement For OSP 11&Real Property
Specialist
6343 $194.05 Langley Hill Quarry Base Rock-Russian Ridge
6344 $227.72 Life Assist First Aid Supplies
6345 $571.65 Los Altos Garbage Company Garbage Service-AO&FFO
6346 $69.26 Malone, Brian Reimbursement-Uniform Expense
6347 $400.00 Matt Mann Web Design Services
6348 $102,00 Miller, Ken Reimbursement-EMT Certificate&Fingerprinting
6349 $991.13 Miller, Starr&Regalia Legal Services-Review Purchase Agreement
6350 $1,054.03 Monster Mechanical, Inc. HVAC Maintenance&Repairs-AO
6351 $163,57 Mountain View Garden Center Landscaping Supplies
6352 $20,00 Mountain View Los Altos Union High Fingerprinting Services
School District
6353 $8,105.00 North American Title Company Escrow Fee-Land Acquisition
6354 $1,240,000,00 ## Old Republic Title Company Land Acquisition-BDS Capital
6355 $461,500.00 ### Old Republic Title Company Land Acquisition-POST Tunitas Creek
6356 $78190 Orchard Supply Hardware Field Equipment&Supplies
6357 $406.63 Priority 1 Vehicle Repair
6358 $85.48 Rancho Ace Hardware&Garden Shop Field Supplies
6359 $28.00 Redwood General Tire Co. Inc. Tire Repair
6360 $22.19 Reed&Graham,Inc, Straw Wattle-Restoration Project
6361 $1,140.00 Rhus Ridge Associates 2007 Road Association Dues
6362 $1,161.60 Richard Seever Pig Control Services
6363 $187.94 Robert's Hardware Field Supplies
6364 $51,45 Roessler,Cindy Reimbursement-Mileage
6365 $5,086,21 Roy's Repair Service Vehicle Repairs&Service
6366 $86.13 Ruiz,Ana Reimbursement-Mileage
6367 $212,85 Safety Kleen Solvent Tank Supplies-FFO
6368 $521.16 San Jose Mercury News Advertisement-Invitation To Bid:Guard Rails At Sierra
Azul
6369 $50,000.00 San Mateo County Fire Truck Fee-Per Coastal Agreement
6370 $422.50 Sanguinetti,David Reimbursement-Vehicle Repair
6371 $3,682.39 Shute, Mihaly&Weinberger LLP Legal Services-Coastal Annexation Litigation
6372 $37.50 Smutnak,Greg Reimbursement-Membership Dues
6373 $259.08 Stevens Creek Quarry Drain Rock-Deer Hollow Farm Project/Base Rock-
Picchetti Seismic Retrofit Project
6374 $300.40 Summit Uniforms Uniform Expenses
6375 $14.00 Sunset Magazine Annual Subscription
6376 $67.00 Terminix Pest Control-A.O.
6377 $4,750.00 The Bank of New York Note Paying Agent Fees-2007 Refunding: 1996, 1999#2
& 1999 Notes
6378 $58.71 The Ed Jones Company Uniform Expense
6379 $160.48 The Workingman's Emporium Uniform Expenses
6380 $2,306.14 Tires On The Go Tires
6381 $105.00 Trucker Huss Legal Services
6382 $15.93 United Parcel Service Parcel Shipping
6383 $130.94 United Rentals Highway Technologies Field Supplies
Page 2 of 3
Claims No. 07-03
Meeting 07-04
Date 2/14/07
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
# Amount Name Description
6384 $60,00 Williams, Mike Reimbursement-Cell Phone
Total $1,850,015.79
*1 Urgent Check Issued 1/29/07
## In The Event Agenda Item Is
Not Approved,This Claim Will
Not Be Processed
### Land Acquisition Was
Approved At 217/07 Special
Meeting
Page 3 of 3
i
Regional Open Space
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
i
TO: Board of Directors
i
FROM: L. Craig Britton, General Manage J
I
DATE: February 9, 2007
I
RE: FYl,s
To: Kenneth Nitz, President, Pete Siemens, Mary Davey, Nonette
Hanko, Larry Hassett, Jed Cyr, Curt Riffle
CC: Craig Britton, Sally Rice
From: Carol L. Joyce, Ombudsperson
Date: 2/7/2007
Re: 2006 Fourth Quarter Report
I did not receive any inquires from the public during the fourth quarter of
2006.
I attended the October 25 2006 meeting to present my third quarter
report and accept reappointment to the position of volunteer
ombudsperson. Thank you for your continued support.
At the October 2 5th meeting, a motion was passed adopting my
suggestion that the reports I submit to the Board be reduced from 4 times
a year to 2 times a year based on the volume of inquires I have received
since being appointed ombudsperson in October, 2004. Accordingly, this
is my last quarterly report for 2006. My next report for the period January
through June, 2007 will be submitted in July, 2007. If an inquiry requires
attention before July, 2007, 1 will immediately bring it to the Board's
attention. .
Respectfully submitted,
Carol L. Joyce
Ombudsperson
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
i
SAN FRANCISCO BAY TRAIL PROJECT
Ngtiows Release
1;
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Maureen Gaffney
New Bay Trail Maps Available Bay Trail Planner
February 5, 2007 510-464-7909
New Maps Offer Fresh Look at Sites and Adventures along the Bay
New Bay Trail maps that offer walkers, skaters, bicyclists, and wildlife watchers a fresh
look at sites and adventures along the San Francisco and San Pablo Bays are now
available for purchase. The set of six maps feature over 270 miles of completed trail
and showcase attractions in all nine Bay Area counties. Recreation sites are displayed
in full-color and different segments of the trail are distinguished to help plan hikes, bike
rides, and family excursions.
The back of the maps feature enticing photographs and 40 recommended routes to
inspire and guide shoreline recreation. Details for each route include directions,
distance trail surface natural and historic points of interest, and parking and transit
p p 9
information.
II
These maps, which were designed by mapping consultants Reineck & Reineck of San
Francisco, replace those last printed in 2003 and include an additional 40 miles of trail.
Publication was made possible by financial support from the Association of Bay Area
Governments (ABAG).
The six-map set is priced at $15.00 and individual maps are $3.50, plus tax and
shipping. To order, visit www.baytrail.org or call the ABAG at 510-464-7900.
The San Francisco Bay Trail is a continuous shared-use path that, when complete, will
encircle San Francisco and San Pablo Bays. Extending over 500 miles, the Bay Trail
network will ultimately link the shoreline of all nine Bay Area counties, pass through 47
cities, and cross seven toll bridges. Depending on its location, the Bay Trail consists of
paved paths, dirt trails, bike lanes, sidewalks or signed bike routes.
The Bay Trail Project is a nonprofit organization administered by ABAG that plans,
promotes, and advocates for implementation of the Bay Trail.
San Francisco Bay Trail Project
P.O. Box 2050
Oakland,CA 94604-2050
www.baytraii.org
�
�
|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Nina Nowak
Feb. 2, 2OO7 Director ofCommunications
Phone: (650) 854'7696
nnowak@openspacetrust.org
Terri Lyon
| Phone: (650) 851-6760
\ t|yon@cava||iassoc.conn
�
|
' POST°s 14THA0N0WUAL WALLACE STEG98ERLECTURE SERIES
| DESIGNED TO EDUCATE AND INSPIRE
Menlo Park, Calif. - The Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) opens its 14thAnnua| Wallace �
� Stegner Lecture Series with photographer Frans Lanting, hailed as one of the great nature �
photographers of our time. The director o[photography for National Geographic writes, "As a �
chronicler ofnatural history today, Frans Lanting is a singular extraordinary talent. He has the
mind of scientist, the heart of hunter, and the eyes of poet." Lanting's current project, �
"Life: A Journey Through Time," presents images and stories of planet Earth's amazing �
biodiversity, from prehistoric trilobites and delicate jellies to spiny octopus trees and giant
tortoises. �
�
Frans Lanting's lecture will be held at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Ads on
February 15 at8:OO p.m., and will be followed by quest|on-and-answersession and book- �
sign|ng reception. |
Lanting's lecture is the first in a four-part series presented by POST in honor ofthe late !
Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist and conservationist Wallace Stegner. The series is dedicated to /
exploring important issues involving land, nature and conservation. The series features .
� writers, artists and thinkers who help shape current ideas about our natural environment.
� The 14th Annual Wallace Stegner Lecture Series also includes Richard Louv, author ofLast �
� Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder, on March 22, and Tim
� Cahill, travel adventure writer and Outside magazine founding editor, on May 24. Bay Area
� organic chef and restaurateur Jesse Cool will be a special lecture for Stegner Circle and Patron �
�
� subscribers onApril 24.
�
� For fourteen consecutive years Ambassador Bill and Mrs. Jean Lane have sponsored the
� lecture series. POST thanks Bill and Jean for their dedication and support. This year's generous
� sponsors also include The Mercury News, Mark and Wynne Dubovoy, Chris and Carol Espinosa,
Sand Hill Advisors and Hewlett-Packard Company.
For more information on the Wallace Stegner Lecture Series or to purchase a subscription,
please contact POST at (650) 854-7696. Single tickets for Frans Lanting, Richard Louv and
Tim Cahill are $Z2 and can be ordered through the box office atthe Mountain View Center for
the Performing Arts at (65O) 983'6OOO.
### �
�
POST isa leading private, nonprofit land trust dedicated to preserving the beauty, character �
and diversity of the San Francisco Peninsula landscape. Since its founding in 1977, the �
organization has been responsible for saving nearly 60,000 acres as permanent open space
and parkland in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. �
�
�
�
�
Regional Open Space
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
TO: Board of Directors
FROM: L. Craig Britton, General Manager
DATE: February 14, 2007
RE: FYI's
•, ���m� �zylhi s
"
R r+ er ne managers of.Bay Area.Rcrnge�aads
Volume 4,Issue 1 " University of California � _� � _ � � r
rnia Cooperative Extension Winter 2007
A newsletter provided by UC Cooperative Extension Natural Resources Program in the
Sheila Barry San Francisco Bay Area. This newsletter provides information
Natural Resources Advisor UCCE Santa Clara County to managers of both public and private rangelands. RANGELAND, which is land
1553 Berger Drive,Bldg I characterized by natural vegetation i.e.,grass,.forbs and shrubs and managed as a
San lose CA 95112 natural ecosystem, is the predominate source of OPEN SPACE in the San Francisco
(408)282-3106 Bay Area.
sbarry{)ucdavis.edu Sheila Barry, UCCE Bay Area Natural ResourcesfLivestock Advisor
Certified Rangeland Manager#63
In This Issue
Grazing for Biological Grazing for Biological
°' I Conservation
Association of Vegetation
Composition and Caney It has been well established that grazing by domestic livestock modifies
Structure with songbirds in plant and animal communities. The assumption is often that this
California Valley Grasslands
Page 2 modification degrades habitat for native plants and animals. But as more
threatened and endangered species are recognized in the west, an increasing
number of these species occur in habitats grazed by domestic livestock.
Endangered Amphibian Researchers are no longer simply looking at in versus rest; instead
Research within G g p y g grazing
Grasslands they are evaluating grazing strategies that vary intensity, timing and/or
Page 4species of domestic herbivore to achieve specific habitat conservation
Cattle Grazing Impacts on objectives. They are also identifying management tradeoffs: the positive
California Coastal Prairie versus negative impacts of grazing strategies on various conservation
and Associated Wildflowers objectives.
over a Broad Geographic Range
Page 6
The fact that properly managed livestock grazing and conservation can be
mutually compatible is significant and completely changes the way
conservationist frame and solve grassland conservation issues. Livestock
Keeping Landscapes grazing not only becomes another tool that can be used against the threats
Working that degrade habitat, but is also an important strategy for conserving large
is published through the landscapes across public and private lands. This past summer a symposium
cooperative efforts of the was held to address this new paradigm. It featured researchers from various
University of California disciplines and affiliations who have been studying the impact of grazing
Cooperative Extension and on specific conservation issues in the western United States. Their research
Contra Costa and.Santa.Clam Provided valuable insight for the design of future of grazing/conservation
Countie& studies, and called attention to management considerations for conserving
grasslands worldwide. This issue of Keeping Landscapes Working includes
summaries from three presentations made at the symposium. A proceedings
of the symposium is available on CD. Contact Sheila Barry,
_..0 sb_ arru.(ii!uedavis.edu if you would like to receive a copy.
i
Keeping Landscapes Working Winter 2007
Association of Vegetation Composition and Canopy Str .eture with
Songbirds in California Valley Grasslands
Sasha Gennet, Michele Hammond, James Bartolome- UC Berkeley
Sasha Gennet presented a small component of a fifty centimeters of rainfall annually. Valley
larger, long-term research project initiated in 2002 grassland ecosystems of the East Bay have been
by James Bartolome, East Bay Regional Park heavily impacted and due to development have
District and UC Berkeley's collaborative become islands of habitat in a sea of urban sprawl.
grasslands monitoring program. The goal of the Therefore, quantifying the effects of plant
program is to investigate the effects of grazing community composition, land use, and landscape
management in addition to several environmental characteristics on birds utilizing the remaining
variables such as annual weather, soils, habitat is quite urgent. Four songbird species were
topography, and landscape characteristics on the studied as part of the grassland-dependent
plant, avian, and small mammal communities songbird guild. The species range from the
within East Bay Regional Park grasslands. The Grasshopper Sparrow(Ammodramus
program aims to develop a better understanding of savannarum), which is a habitat specialist and
the dri-,. g factors and trends in these non- quite rare, to the Western Meadowlark(Sturnella
equilibrium grassland ecosystems. Sasha's neglecta), at the opposite end of the spectrum,
presentation focused on the 2004 and 2005 data which is a habitat generalist and is common in
that was collected on the grassland songbird guild many grasslands across the country. The Savannah
as part of the larger program. Sparrow(Passerculus sandwichensis) and Horned
Lark(Eremophila alpestris)were the other two
Researchers aimed to determine whether grassland species researched and fall inbetween the
birds are associated with the structural complexity aforementioned species in terms of abundance and
of the local plant community, variance in canopy special habitat requirements. Grasshopper
height,presence of litter,and bare ground were the Sparrows are of particular concern because they
structural attributes quantified. Researchers also have experienced a widespread decline in recent 1
looked at the relationship between the abundance years and are considered rare in California. Data is
of native plants and grassland songbirds since the collected three times annually at each of 62 plots
species likely coevolved an association. Scientists located at eight sites within the park district.
also investigated the key question regarding During the breeding season from March 15
t counts are
` 11 through June 15 three ten-minute on co
whether or not grassland songbirds referenda p
1� g preferentially g �
utilize grazed sites in the park district. Researchers conducted for songbirds utilizing the standard
also classified specific identifiable plant variable-radius circular plot method. Vegetation
communities within the Valley Grassland matrix plots coincide with the bird count areas and data is
to see whether there is any association between gathered within plots 36 meters in diameter
communities and songbird abundance. utilizing four line point transects with forty points
per line. Species and height data as well as litter
The project area consists of eight study sites on and bare soil are recorded along the vegetation
East Bay Regional Park District lands,a transacts.
patchwork of public lands totaling close to 1
100,000 acres in Contra Costa and Alameda As expected, data demonstrated that Meadowlarks
counties. The project also includes a ninth site on were three to four times more frequently observed
army reserve land in Dublin. The region is than Grasshopper Sparrows. Sasha noted that
characterized by a Mediterranean climate with researchers presume that each sighting represents
cool winters and hot, dry summers, and averaging a breeding pair, as females tend to be quite
iv Extension
2 University of CaliforniaCal�fa �a cooperative
Keeping Landscapes Working Winter 2007
secretive during the breeding season. Since low various measures of canopy structure. However
numbers of songbirds were recorded the data was some specific measures of structure really can't be
converted to a binary response variable indicating separated, such as percent litter and percent bare
either the presence or absence of the songbirds. ground. Savannah Sparrows were also observed to
Analyses were run for all four songbirds together, be associated primarily with grazed plots; one
and for each of the four species independently. Savannah Sparrow was recorded in an ungrazed
The predictor variables in the full model for the plot in 2005.
logistic regression included: grazing(binary),
percent native composition, coefficient of Grasshopper Sparrows were only observed on
variation percent height(continuous), percent litter twenty-five occasions over two years, making it
cover(continuous), percent bare ground or rock impossible to draw any statistically significant
(continuous), and solar radiation (continuous). conclusions. However, qualitative evidence of the
Classification of plant communities was interaction between Grasshopper Sparrows and the
accomplished using a cluster analysis to identify study variables was evident. No ungrazed plots
eight distinct plant communities that remained contained the sparrows in 2004 or 2005. An odds-
surprisingly consistent between years. An ratio comparison was performed and indicated that
indicator species analysis was performed to plots with more than five percent cover of native
provide an index of frequency and abundance in plant species were 8.6 times more likely to contain
identified sub-groupings. A multi-response Grasshopper Sparrows, and additionally, that
permutation procedure was then run to check the grazed plots are 9.4 times more likely to contain
strength of the relationships. A non-parametric more than five percent cover of native species. In
multiple group comparison was also utilized. summary,plots containing more native plants
were more likely to contain Grasshopper
The results for all birds indicated that grassland- Sparrows,and grazed plots were more likely to
dependent passerines in Valley Grasslands within contain more native species.
the East Bay Regional Park District, as an
avifaunal guild,were not significantly associated Key findings include the strong preferential use of
with structure or plant composition. However, the grazed plots by all four species studied. Excluding
guild was observed to be consistently positively Western Meadowlarks all species demonstrated
associated with grazing, as expected. patchy, sparse distribution,possibly due to niche
saturation. Homed Larks and Savannah Sparrows
Western Meadowlarks demonstrated no clear are associated with plant community composition.
patterns,which is logical given this generalist's There were inconsistent responses among the four
ability to do well in a variety of habitats. Although bird species to predictor variables of structure, and
some variables pertaining to structure did the presence of native plants.
demonstrate positive coefficients they could not be
reliably separated and were therefore not included In conclusion, there is no indication from this
in the final model. analysis that ongoing livestock grazing in East
Bay Regional Park District grasslands is
Numbers were too low to be statistically negatively impacting songbird populations. Also,
significant, however Homed Larks appear to songbird species had variable associations with
associate with community composition and measurements of structure and species
canopy structure, favoring a high degree of composition, suggesting that a mosaic of
variation in canopy height. Furthermore, Homed landscapes is preferable for maintaining these
Larks were only observed in grazed plots. species.
Results for Savannah Sparrows were similar to
Homed Larks; the sparrows are strongly
associated with community composition and
3 University of California Cooperative Extension
1
Keeping Landscapes Working Winter 2007
Endangered Amphibian Research within Grazed Grasslands
Joseph DiDonato, East Bay Regional Park District
Joseph DiDonato presented an overview of known to utilize these burrows as refuge sites, in
research since 1996 pertaining to amphibian this case most notably amphibians. It is important
populations in pond habitats. Although researchers to understand that in the case of California tiger
gathered data on all amphibian species at all life salamanders especially, ponds only play a role in i
stages and all macro-invertebrates at each pond part of their life cycle. Adult California tiger
surveyed, the results presented were focused on salamanders enter ponds after the first heavy rains
pond habitat for two endangered species; red- in winter usually from about November through
legged frogs and tiger salamanders. The January. Tiger salamanders may enter ponds very
presentation further focused on the inter- infrequently; in fact they may only enter once in
relationship of grazing as a habitat management five years and take up to seven years to begin
tool for maintaining vegetation at appropriate breeding. Joe further emphasized that although
levels in ponds and the surrounding uplands as these ponds certainly play a critical role for tiger
part of species management in the East Bay salamanders to compete the reproductive phase of
1
Regional Park District. The East Bay Regional their lifecycle, they spend the majority of their
Park District is a patchwork of regional parks time in the surrounding uplands. During their time
comprising close to 100,000 acres in Alameda and in the uplands it has been verified by spotlight
Contra Costa Counties. Most surveys that tiger salamanders
species of concern occur East of are in and out of ground
the very densely populated squirrel burrows and from
highway 80 corridor in Eastern under debris in the uplands. Joe
and Southern Alameda and also cited research done by (Dr. f
Eastern Contra Costa Counties; H. Bradley Schafer, UC Davis)
this was also the location of the on the life history of this
study sites. Adjacent private lands species. Researchers have
also contain similar populations of concluded that pond and upland
these species of special concern. habitat as well as cattle are
important to the maintenance of
Researchers wanted to entertain these communities and will
the management of habitat for red- continue to integrate cattle
legged frogs and tiger salamanders Tiqer'Salamande' r management with these species €
in conjunction with cattle grazing. to meet the needs of all.
They aimed to shed light on the management
of these ponds for a variety of species, but have Pond data was collected utilizing dip-nets, seines,
decided to use the two aforementioned species as and other tools during the surveys. Out of a total
an example to illustrate how utilizing livestock of 275 ponds in the district 179 were surveyed in
grazing and its' effects on ponds where these 1996, 210 in 2000, and 186 in 2004, not all of the
species breed and spend a significant amount of ponds were full in any one year for a variety of
time is productive. The effects of grazing also reasons. Researchers evaluated pond vegetation in f
enhance the habitat for other species most notably and around ponds; for this presentation percent
the California ground squirrel, which tends to be a submerged and percent emerged vegetation were
keystone species in Valley Grassland focused on, and were categorized as zero percent,
environments; they serve to provide habitat less than 15 percent, or more than 15 percent. The
development underground and as a prey species majority of the ponds evaluated were exposed to
above ground. Many species in the District are livestock grazing, very few are enclosed because
4 University of California Cooperative Extension
I
Keeping Landscapes Working Winter 2007
managers have realized the value of the habitat negatively correlated with the percent emergent
goes down and species of concern utilize the vegetation contained in the pond. The fact that 47
habitat less frequently when grazing is removed. percent of detections were in ponds with five
percent or less emergent vegetation demonstrates
In the case of the California tiger salamander if that not a lot of vegetation is required to sustain
they are present in the pond then they are breeding populations of red-legged frogs. Joe
definitely breeding. The number of ponds with acknowledged that these results may have been
breeding was compared to the number of ponds somewhat skewed due to reduced detection rates
available for breeding in a given survey year to associated with increased vegetation density; these
rates are likely variable with different amounts of
yield values for the percent of available ponds
with tiger salamanders breeding. The number of vegetation.
ponds available varies annually, however results
for 1996, 2000,and 2004 illustrate that One possible reason given for the above trend is
approximately fifty percent of ponds within the that these amphibians may avoid ponds with lots
range and with necessary requirements for tiger of vegetation because they are more susceptible to
salamanders were occupied by them. predacious aquatic hexapods that presumably feed
on their larvae. Researchers found that although
In the case of red-legged frogs, if a pond is California tiger salamanders do coexist with
occupied by them it does not necessarily mean hexapods; there is a significant negative
they will breed that year. The number of ponds correlation between populations of predacious
occupied by red-legged frogs was compared with insects and the occurrence of tiger salamanders in
the number of ponds with breeding to yield a the ponds. This trend is probably a result of the
value for percent of ponds with breeding. From 73 fact that these insects require vegetation to breed
to 89 percent of ponds with frogs also had and prey from vegetative perches. Additionally,
breeding in 1996, 2000, and 2004. Red-legged Joe mentioned that introduced fish and bullfrogs
frogs were more consistently present at individual also cause severe problems for amphibians in local
ponds from year to year than tiger salamanders. ponds.
Rese-.�hers examined the vegetation structure in In conclusion, livestock grazing is an effective
ponds a result of livestock grazing, and found tool for maintaining open grasslands and oak
that for California tiger salamanders to savannah communities. There appears to be a
successfully breed they must have significantly strong association between these grazed
reduced vegetative structure. Furthermore, they communities,burrowing rodents, and the presence
found that these ponds can support red-legged of tiger salamanders. Furthermore, compaction
frogs and a variety of other species as well. and reduction of vegetation by livestock has been
Researchers also noted that the density of ground documented to increase the ponding duration of
squirrel burrows was also higher around grazed vernal pools and seasonal ponds. The creation of
ponds with less vegetative structure, and as noted stockponds has created highly suitable
earlier these burrows are critical refuge sites for reproductive habitat for tiger salamanders. On
tiger salamanders and a variety of sp��ies in the District lands tiger salamanders breed exclusively
uplands. Results demonstrate that the relative in seasonal and perennial stockponds. The district
frequency of California tiger salamander supports over 500 adult red-legged frogs, and the
occurrence is negatively correlated with the vast majority of water bodies that support red-
percent emergent vegetation in the ponds. The legged frogs also provide water for livestock.
majority of salamanders occurred in ponds These stockponds provide highly suitable habitat
containing very little emergent vegetation. In the that has augmented the red-legged frog population
case of red-legged frogs,the relative frequency of in the East Bay.
their occurrence was also demonstrated to be
5 University of California Cooperative Extension
Keeping Landscapes Working Winter 2007
In summary, red-legged frogs are certainly
compatible with range management utilizing Chico State Beef Day
livestock as a tool. Amphibians evolved with Saturday, February 17, 2007, 8:00AM-4:0013M
disturbances associated with large herbivores and Chico University Farm Pavilion
such animals continue to play an important role in Featuring Dr. Gary Smith of
Colorado State University.
Featuring h
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Saturday,
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Un
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Colorado
these ecosystems. Furthermore, the USFWS recent Baxter Black will perform at 7:00 p.m.
4d rule exempts routine grazing practices as part For more information please contact
rl
Sean Earley: searley@csuchico.edu
of the Endangered Species Act. It was also (5 0) 891
(530) 898-5777 or Dave Daley at
stressed that private lands highly complement y0c,
rddaleyocsuchico.edu
) 8 1
public lands in long-term species management. (530) 898-4S39.
Cattle Grazing Impacts on California Coastal Prairie
and Associated Wildflowers over a Broad Geographic Range
Grey F. Hayes and Karen D. Holl, Department of Environmental Studies
University of California, Santa Cruz
Grey Hayes presented work done as part of his doctoral dissertation at the University of California, Santa Cruz in the
Department of Environmental Studies. Grey acknowledged that Karen D. Holl was his major professor at the
University and co-author of the published work presented here.
Most people have the preconception that grazing of the coastline has been set aside in conservation
harms biodiversity, however the results of this status. Once lands are set aside the removal and
study suggest otherwise at least with native annual cessation of livestock grazing is often
wildflowers. The study was done on California implemented. Now, annual wildflowers, many of
coastal prairie ecosystems that range from the which are rare and endangered are found
Channel Islands in Southern California to commonly more on private lands adjoining
Southern Oregon. The California coastal prairie conservation lands. The objective of this work was
ecosystem is different from inland grasslands to investigate this pattern.
because the habitat is moderated by summer fog,
which is an important driving influence related to Despite the uniqueness of California coastal
the fact that California coastal prairies have prairies with their huge abundance of wildflowers
demonstrated to be the most diverse grassland and forbs, most studies have focused on the
ecosystem in North America, and(related to Dr, grasses; both native perennial species and exotic
Provenza's previous presentation) diversity may annual grasses. One study done by Heady 1956,
create more animal health and choices,providing included a series of photographs with varying
more choices than any other grassland system in degrees of residual dry matter. The study indicated
North America. Sadly, this ecosystem is also the that with heavy litter there is an abundance of non-
most urbanized major habitat type in the United native annual grasses and also a taller canopy.
States; 24%of California coastal prairie has been When litter was removed the photographs showed
lost to urban sprawl. several native wildflowers. These results were the
impetus for the utilization of residual dry matter
Grey Hayes began the project after a number of standards to maintain grassland productivity.
botanists suggested that he look into the
disappearance of annual wildflowers on California The resulting hypothesis of this study is that cattle
coastal prairies with conservation work being done grazing increases the diversity and abundance of
on the coast. Over the last 20-30 years one quarter native forbs by several mechanisms; decreased
6 University of California Cooperative Extension
Keeping Landscapes Working Winter 2007
vegetation height,decreased litter depth, and an paired site.The pH,organic matter content, total
increase in bare soil. The sites for the study keJeladahl nitrogen, cation exchange capacity, and
consisted of paired plots in proximity and having phosphorous,potassium,calcium, and magnesium
similar slopes less than thirty percent, soils, and concentrations in the soil were found to be the
aspects. The sites must have been grazed only by same under grazed and ungrazed sites.
cattle. The ungrazed sites must have been
ungrazed for at least five years, and,because after As expected the ungrazed sights demonstrated
15-30 years ungrazed California coastal prairies significantly deeper litter and taller canopies, and
almost all turn to coastal scrub, the study targeted less bare ground compared to grazed sites. A
ungrazed sights that hadn't been ungrazed for regression analysis was done to compare litter and
more than 25 years. Access was another important canopy with and without annual forts and
and challenging aspect of sight selection. Several demonstrated that vegetation height is a very
sights were selected along the California coast important variable pertaining to native annual
ranging from as far south as the Mount Diablo fortis.
nuclear power plant in the south to just north of
Fort Bragg in Westport. Several meaningful conclusions can be drawn
from this study. First, grazing increases native
Each sight included five 50 meter transacts. Line annual forb diversity and abundance in California
transect data was collected at one meter intervals. coastal prairies.This may be due to decreased
Any species touching a pin lowered through the vegetation height and litter depth. Grasses show
canopy was recorded, if none were touching it was mixed responses to grazing. Exotic forb
reported as bare ground; this method yielded data abundance increases with grazing. Finally, native
pertaining to bare soil and dominant plant perennial forb abundance decreases with grazing;
community composition. At five meter intervals this is probably due to native coastal scrub
along the transects,vegetation height and litter incursion.
depth were reported and soil samples collected for
analysis. Since this study focused on annual Some land management recommendations
wildflowers that are rare; researchers also centered resulting from this study are that grazing should be
a one meter wide belt transect on each line considered as a management tool in mesic
transect and looked for annual wildflowers. When grasslands, and that disturbance regimes should be
found they recorded aerial cover, species, and in varied across the landscape.
center litter depth and vegetation height were
measured. Several other studies around the world that have
looked at the same trend show a shift from
After two years of data collection in 2000 and perennial to annual species with grazing, and a
2001 the results demonstrate several important benefit to forb species richness. Studies cited and
trends. First, annual forb species richness and their locations are included in the PowerPoint
cover increases significantly with grazing on the presentation given at the symposium.
California coastal prairie sights analyzed. Other
results pertaining to species richness guilds Finally, Grey Hayes posed the question that
indicate that exotic annual grass trends higher on maybe we should expand on the idea uk cesidual
grazed sights, exotic annual forb richness is also dry matter minimums already in place, and
higher on grazed sights, and that native perennial consider implementing maximums as well. He
grass and native perennial forb richness trends asked managers and planners to consider the
higher on ungrazed sights. following question when conserving native annual
wildflowers: What about vegetation height
The soil samples gathered at five meter intervals guidelines?
along the transacts were analyzed as composites
and compared with the characteristics of the
7 University of California Cooperative Extension
Keeping Landscapes Working NONPROFIT ORG
University of California Cooperative Extension US POSTAGE PAID
1553 Berger Drive,Bldg I SAN JOSE CA
San Jose CA 95112 PERMIT NO 109
Matt Freeman
Midpen. Reg. Open Space District
330 Distel Circle
Los Altos, CA 94022
The University of California prohibits discrunination against or harassment of any person employed by or seeking aWk)yment with the University on the basis of race,color,
national origin,religion,sex,physical or nicatal disability,niedwal condition(cancer-retated or genctic charwwnsucs}ancestry,roarital status,age,smial orientation,
citizenship,or stabs as a covered veteran(covered veterans are special disabled veterans,recently separated veterans,Vietnam era velcruns.or any offiff vacruns who saved
on active duty during a war or i fgnoam 'gn badge==,zod H ' intended to be consistent with the provisions
in laws,
n1YM*%nondiscri 'MV of applicable State and Federal I nTV=j W . es!T= 'AAw#"YiMMP*or,
University of California,Agriculture and Natural Resources,I I I I Franklin, Floor,Oakland,CA 94607-5200(510)987-0096.
0Z/13/87 13:36:44 31Z-9ZZ-Z480 -> GS0691840S MEDIRMRP - PRDDUCTID Page 08Z
..........................
�w
For Immediate Release Contact: Nina Nowak
February 13,2007 Director of Communications
Phone: (650)854-7696
Email: nnocvak4openspacetrust.org
Web: www.openspacetrust.org
Peninsula Open Space Trust Appoints
Sandra Thompson to Board of Directors
(Menlo Park, Calif.)- The Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) has
appointed Sandra Thompson to its Board of Directors.
Thompson is a native of Iowa, where she grew up on her family's farm. She
spent 18 years in various sales,marketing and strategy positions with IBM,
where she led e-commerce and Internet infrastructure initiatives worldwide as
vice president of network solutions.
After leaving IBM, Thompson attended law school, graduating in May 2002
from the University of California Hastings College of Law.She later joined
Fenwick& West as an international corporate tax attorney. She is currently self-
employed representing clients pro Bono in tax litigation.
"Sandra Thompson brings a rich mix of expertise and interests to POST's
Board," said POST President Audrey Rust. "With her business acumen,legal
training and deep personal connection to the land stemming back to childhood,
she appreciates and understands POST's strategic approach to land conservation.
13:37:30 312-922-2400 650010405 HEDIAHAP - PRODUCTIO Page 083
We're thrilled to benefit from her energy and insights as POST works to provide
permanent protection for our local natural lands."
Thompson joined POST's Board in January. An active community
volunteer,she serves as a regional board member for Teach for America.She also
sits on the planning commission for the town of Woodside, where she lives
with her husband,John,chairman and CEO of Symantec Corporation. She says
her farming background and interest in land conservation and the environment
are what motivated her to join POST's Board.
"The Peninsula is an amazingly beautiful place,but it's not like this by
accident. It's the result of hard work over a long period of time by concerned
individuals supporting groups like POST," Thompson said. "I love
our wonderful California and want to ensure that future generations are able to
do the same."
POST is a leading private, nonprofit land trust dedicated to preserving the beauty,
character and diversity of the San Francisco Peninsula landscape, Since its founding in
1977, the organization has been responsible for saving nearly 60,000 acres as permanent
open space and parkland in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties.
RE
OUTDOOR SCHOO , 01
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In-store classes -
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Instructional outings
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Friendly experts and
gear included
F � I
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Take the guesswork out of learning a new hobby.Friend
4 experienced instructors will teach you the basics of the activity
of your choice,from sea kayaking to digital photography.Our
classes and outings are great opportunities to increase your
knowledge and build confidence before setting off on your own.
r
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Virtual bottomless pits of knowledge,our professional instructors
ti are well versed in their activity of choice.What's more,they're
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committed to sharing this knowledge with you and creating an
enjoyable experience for every participant.
• � 1 1 I I • t • • �
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Introduction to Road Cycling GPS Navigation Trip
Member price:$50 Nonmember price:$65 9am-3pm Member price:$35 Nonmember price:$50
This outing is perfect for people just starting out or returning riders We recommend you attend the GPS Basics class,above,prior to this
looking to brush up on their skills.REI Outdoor School will offer helpful outing.Embark on a day hike using your new GPS navigation skills.
instruction regarding all things cycling.Novara bikes are provided for Hone your skills using waypoints and routes to navigate your way.
those without a bike of their own(no extra cost). Member combo package with class:$50.Combo package includes
Sept.2: Sacramento Sept.24: Folsom(women only) GPS Basics class,above.
Oct.8: Santa Rosa Oct.28: Folsom Oct.21: San Carlos Oct.22: Saratoga Nov.4: Berkeley
Nov.5: Folsom(women only) Nov.12: Sacramento Nov.18: Mountain View Dec.3: Fremont Dec.9: Santa Rosa
Dec.9: Folsom March 31: Sacramento Jan.20 Concord Jan.21: Fremont Jan.27: Santa Rosa
Jan.28: San Carlos Feb.10: Mountain View Feb.11: San Francisco
Introduction to Mountain Biking Feb.17: Saratoga Feb.25: Berkeley March3: San Carlos
Member price:$50 Nonmember price:$65 March 10: Corte Madera
Join us for a great ride as our instructors teach you proper techniques
for shifting,braking,climbs and descents,and navigating minor Introduction to Geocaching
obstacles.Don't have a bike?We'll provide Novara bikes at no 7pm-8:45pm Free!
extra charge. Come join uS for a presentation by local cacher Steve Wood.He will
Sept.9: Corte Madera Sept.9: Roseville Sept.23: Sacramento answer all your questions about this exciting new family activity.Learn
Sept.24: Saratoga Oct.1: Sacramento(women only) how toTind caches using a GPS,and how to hide one of your own.
Oct.15: Folsom Oct.15: San Francisco Sept.19: San Carlos Oct.24: San Carlos Nov.7: Mountain View
nuv.4: aacramemo arcn ia:aacramento Nov.28: Concord Feb.6: San Carlos
Map & Compass Basics Geocaching Trip
7pm-8:45pm Member price:$20 Nonmember price:$35 Member price:$35 Nonmember price:$50
Come learn how to read a map and use a compass to find your way. Young and old alike can enjoy this modern-day game of"hide and
Then we'll triangulate your position and plan a route by looking at a seek,"using GPS coordinates for clues.After this guided day of
map.Member combo package:$40.Combo package includes Map& exploration,you'll be ready to go off on your own,exploring the globe
Compass Field Trip,below for hidden caches.Member combo package with class:$50.Combo
Sept.5: Concord Sept.7: Saratoga Sept.12: Mountain View package includes GPS Basics class,above.
Sept.21: Corte Madera Sept.28: Santa Rosa Oct.11: Fremont Sept.3: Folsom Sept.30: San Carlos Oct.29: Roseville
Oct.18: San Francisco Oct.25: San Carlos Nov.11: San Francisco Nov.26: Folsom Dec.2: Concord
Dec.17: Folsom Jan.6: Sacramento Feb.17: Sacramento
Map & Compass Field Trip March4: Roseville
9am-3pm Member price:$35 Nonmember price:S50
Introduction to Snowshoeing {
The counterpart to our Map&Compass Basics class,above.Member
combo package:$40.Combo package includes Map&Compass Basics 7pm-8:30pm Member price:$20 Nonmember price:$35
class,above. Join our instructors for an evening to learn the basics of snowshoeing.
We will share how to choose snowshoes,what to wear,how to pack,
Sept.2: Berkeley Sept.16: Concord Sept.17: Saratoga and where to go for the best experiences.
Oct.1: Corte Madera Oct.7: Santa Rosa Oct.21: Fremont
Oct.29: San Francisco Nov.5: San Carlos Dec.5: Roseville Jan.5: Reno Jan. 25: Folsom
Feb.14: Sacramento Feb.23: Reno March 9: Reno
GPS Basics for Navigation & Geocaching
7pm-8:45pm Member price:$20 Nonmember price:$35 Snowshoe Field Trip
Learn how to pinpoint your location,mark waypoints,create and follow Member price:$35 Nonmember price:$50
routes and tracks.Some demo GPS units will be available for class use. Join us for a wintry snowshoe hike.You'll learn the basics of
Member combo package with outing:$50.Combo price includes your snowshoeing and get tips on how to make every trip a success.
choice of outings:GPS Navigation or Geocaching(below). Snowshoes are provided.Reno outings meet at venue.
Sept.12: San Carlos Oct.10: San Carlos Oct.12: Saratoga Dec.10: Roseville Dec.27: Roseville Dec.31: Roseville
Oct.31: Berkeley Nov.1: San Francisco Nov.9: Corte Madera Jan.6: Reno Jan.7: Folsom
Nov.29: Fremont Nov.30: Santa Rosa Jan.9: Concord Jan.13: Roseville(women only) Jan.21: Roseville
Jan.10: Fremont Jan.16: San Carlos Jan.18: Santa Rosa Jan.28: Folsom Feb.3: Roseville
Jan.23: Mountain View Jan.24: San Francisco Feb.8: Saratoga Feb.11: Roseville(women only) Feb.18: Folsom
Feb.13: Berkeley Feb.20: San Carlos March 1: Corte Madera Feb.24: Reno March 3: Folsom March 10: Reno
March 11: Folsom March 17: Roseville(women only)
'® Introduction to Navigation: March 25: Roseville
GPS, Map & Compass
' Member price:$35 Nonmember price:$50 � snowshoeing with Children
Member price:$35 Nonmember price:$50
Head out with REI Outdoor School instructors for a day of hands-on
navigation.If you own a GPS or compass,please bring it with you.Demo Similar to our Snowshoe Field Trip,but focused on getting
GPS units will be available to use as we enjoy a scenic hike or snowshoe. out with your kids.
Sept.17: Roseville Oct.7: Folsom Nov.11: Roseville Jan.27: Sacramento Feb.25: Sacramento
Dec.2: Roseville Jan.14: Sacramento Feb.4: Sacramento
March 24: Folsom Introduction to Hiking
Member price:$25 • Nonmember price:$40
Come with us for an instructional hike at one of Northern California's
little-visited hiking destinations.We'll share our favorite tips and tricks I
to make every hiking experience extraordinary.
Sept.30: Roseville Oct.14: Sacramento Nov.19: Roseville
Dec.3: Sacramento E
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Recreational Equipment,Inc. First-Class Mail
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rruv.4: aacramento arcn t ac�amenro v_ Nov.28: Concord Feb.6: San Carlos V
Map & Compass Basics Geocaching Trip
7pm-8:45pm Member price:$20 Nonmember price:$35 Member price:$35 Nonmember price:$50
Come learn how to read a map and use a compass to find your way. Young and old alike can enjoy this modern-day game of"hide and
Then we'll triangulate your position and plan a route by looking at a seek,"using GPS coordinates for clues.After this guided day of
map.Member combo package:S40.Combo package includes Map& exploration,you'll be ready to go off on your own,exploring the globe
Compass Field Trip,below. for hidden caches.Member combo package with class:S50. Combo
Sept.5: Concord Sept.7: Saratoga Sept.12: Mountain View package includes GPS Basics class,above.
Sept.21: Corte Madera Sept.28: Santa Rosa Oct.11: Fremont Sept.3: Folsom Sept.30: San Carlos Oct.29: Roseville
Oct.18: San Francisco Oct.25: San Carlos Nov.11: San Francisco Nov.26: Folsom Dec.2: Concord
Dec.17: Folsom Jan.6: Sacramento Feb.17: Sacramento f
K-700 Map & Compass Field Trip March4: Roseville
9am-3pm Member price:$35 Nonmember price:$50 !
� Introduction to Snowshoeing �
The counterpart to our Map&Compass Basics class,above.Member 7pm-8:30pm Member price:$20 Nonmember price:$35
combo package:S40. Combo package includes Map&Compass Basics
class,above. Join our instructors for an evening to learn the basics of Snowshoeing.
Sept.2: Berkeley Sept.16: Concord Sept.17: Saratoga We will share how to choose snowshoes,what to wear,how to pack,
Oct.1: Corte Madera Oct.7: Santa Rosa Oct.21: Fremont and where to go for the best experiences.
Oct.29: San Francisco Nov.5: San Carlos Dec.5: Roseville Jan.5: Reno Jan. 25: Folsom
Feb.14: Sacramento Feb.23: Reno March 9: Reno
GPS Basics for Navigation & Geocaching
7pm-8:45pm Member price:$20 - Nonmember price:$35 Snowshoe Field Trip
Learn how to pinpoint your location,mark waypoints,create and follow Member price:$35 Nonmember price:$50
routes and tracks.Some demo GPS units will be available for class use. Join us for a wintry snowshoe hike.You'll learn the basics of
Member combo package with outing:S50.Combo price includes your snowshoeing and get tips on how to make every trip a success.
choice of outings:GPS Navigation or Geocaching (below). Snowshoes are provided.Reno outings meet at venue.
Sept.12: San Carlos Oct.10: San Carlos Oct.12: Saratoga Dec.10: Roseville Dec.27: Roseville Dec.31: Roseville
Oct.31: Berkeley Nov.1: San Francisco Nov.9: Corte Madera Jan.6: Reno Jan.7: Folsom
Nov.29: Fremont Nov.30: Santa Rosa Jan.9: Concord Jan.13: Roseville(women only) Jan.21: Roseville ,
Jan.10: Fremont Jan.16: San Carlos Jan.18: Santa Rosa Jan.28: Folsom Feb.3: Roseville
Jan.23: Mountain View Jan.24: San Francisco Feb.8: Saratoga Feb.11: Roseville(women only) Feb.18: Folsom
Feb.13: Berkeley Feb.20: San Carlos March 1: Corte Madera Feb.24: Reno March 3: Folsom March 10: Reno
March 11: Folsom March 17: Roseville(women only)
'® Introduction to Navigation: March 25: Roseville
GPS, Map & Compass
Member price:$35 Nonmember price:$50 Snowshoeing with Children
Member price:$35 Nonmember price:$50
Head outwith REI Outdoor School instructors for a day of hands-on
navigation.If you own a GPS or compass,please bring it with you.Demo Similar to our Snowshoe Field Trip,but focused on getting
GPS units will be available to use as we enjoy a scenic hike or snowshoe. out with your kids.
Sept.17: Roseville Oct.7: Folsom Nov.11: Roseville Jan.27: Sacramento Feb.25: Sacramento
Dec.2: Roseville Jan.14: Sacramento Feb.4: Sacramento
March 24: Folsom Introduction to Hiking
Member price:$25 Nonmember price:$40
Come with us for an instructional hike at one of Northern California's
little-visited hiking destinations.We'll share our favorite tips and tricks
to make every hiking experience extraordinary. ,
Sept.30: Roseville Oct.14: Sacramento Nov.19: Roseville
Dec.3: Sacramento
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Take the guesswork out of learning a new hobby.Friendly,
q experienced instructors will teach you the basics of the activity
of your choice,from sea kayaking to digital photography.Our
classes and outings are great opportunities to increase your
knowledge and build confidence before setting off on your own.
y Virtual bottomless pits of knowledge,our professional instructors
are well versed in their activity of choice.What's more,they're
committed to sharing this knowledge with you and creating an
i
enjoyable experience for every participant.
--771
REI Outdc
�.
outingsClasses &
.
I
Introduction to Road Cycling GPS Navigation Trip
Member price:$50 Nonmember price:$65 9am-3pm Member price:$35 Nonmember price:$50
I
This outing is perfect for people just starting out or returning riders We recommend you attend the GPS Basics class,above,prior to this
looking to brush up on their skills.REI Outdoor School will offer helpful outing.Embark on a day hike using your new GPS navigation skills.
instruction regarding all things cycling.Novara bikes are provided for Hone your skills using waypoints and routes to navigate your way.
those without a bike of their own(no extra cost). Member combo package with class:$50.Combo package includes
Sept.2: Sacramento Sept.24: Folsom(women only) GPS Basics class,above. I
Oct.8: Santa Rosa Oct.28: Folsom Oct.21: San Carlos Oct.22: Saratoga Nov.4: Berkeley f
Nov.5: Folsom(women only) Nov.12: Sacramento Nov.18: Mountain View Dec.3: Fremont Dec.9: Santa Rosa
Dec.9: Folsom March 31: Sacramento Jan.20 Concord Jan.21: Fremont Jan.27: Santa Rosa
Jan.28: San Carlos Feb.10: Mountain View Feb.11: San Francisco
Introduction to Mountain Biking Feb.17: Saratoga Feb.25: Berkeley March3: San Carlos
Member price:$50 Nonmember price:$65 Marchl0: Corte Madera
Join us for a great ride as our instructors teach you proper techniques
for shifting,braking,climbs and descents,and navigating minor Introduction to Geocaching
obstacles.Don't have a bike?We'll provide Novara bikes at no 7pm-8:45pm Free!
extra charge. Come join us for a presentation by local cacher Steve Wood.He will
Sept.9: Corte Madera Sept.9: Roseville Sept.23: Sacramento answer all your questions about this exciting new family activity.Learn
Sept.24: Saratoga Oct.1: Sacramento(women only) howtofiind caches using a GPS,and howto hide one of your own. t'
Oct.15: Folsom Oct.15: San Francisco
Sept.19: San Carlos Oct.24: San Carlos Nov.7: Mountain View G
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At RE I
= our goal is to get you
• outdoors
There's just so much to do outside! Hiking,biking,
exploring,paddling,camping—be it for fun or fitness,
the list goes on and on.
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In fact,there are so many ways to spend time outdoors
that it can be hard to know where to start.That's why
i41 • the REI Outdoor School is here.
f We can teach you how to have fun outdoors.Whether
'r- 't, r„ you want to learn a new activity or just brush up on your
skills,our expert instructors can teach you anything
from techniques for biking up a hill to properly composing
' outdoor photographs.We even supply the needed gear;
_ you just supply the willingness to learn and have fun.
To get started,see our selection of classes and outings
inside this flyer.Then get signed up and go outside
' •C ` �,a3r,_ _ and play!
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We keep it as simple as possible:You bring your necessary personal
items and we bring nearly everything else.We'll take care of park fees
and provide area maps,first-aid kits and even major equipment like bikes,
boats and GPS units. aan REI store
Visit REI.com/stores for maps and more information.
REI Berkeley REI Fremont REI San Carlos
Find a class or outing that interests you and sign up at any local REI store. 0:
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reregistration and payment are required for all trips.And while you REI REI Mountain View REI San Francisco
can sign up for a class up until the start time,classes can fill up,so we 0�0 ,
recommend that you register early.Need more details?You'll find the REI Corte Madera REI Roseville REI Santa Rosa
answers you seek at REI.com/outdoorschool or by calling your local store. , ,, ,,
25
REI Sacramento
REI Folsom REI Saratoga
408-871-8765
School
,inter 2006/2007
REI.corn/outdoorschool
Hiking Successfully with Children Intermediate Kayak Touring
Member price:$25 per family Nonmember:$40 per family 5 Hours Member price:$90 Nonmember price:$105
Join our REI Outdoor School instructors to learn how to plan kid- Prerequisite:Introduction to Kayak Touring or equivalent skill level.
friendly trips.This easy hike will introduce your kids to the outdoors Take the next step! Learn capsize recovery skills and proper use of
and leave them wanting more.Free goodies for the kids! safety gear that are essential to paddling safely on open water.All
Sept.23: Concord Oct.14: Saratoga Oct.22: Sacramento necessary gear is included.We'll meet at the venue listed below.
Sept.4: Redwood City Marina Oct.22: Elkhorn Slough
Naturalist-Led Classic Hike
9am-3pm Member price:$25 Nonmember price:$40 Introduction to Rock Climbing
Come explore and gain new insight into the diversity and richness of 7pm-8:30pm Member price:$15 Nonmember price:$25
your favorite hiking spots.REI Outdoor School naturalist Ralph Schardt Learn the basics of climbing in a relaxed,friendly atmosphere:the REI
will lead you on an interpretive hike through some of the Bay Area's Sacramento Climbing Wall.This class will include a broad overview
classic hiking destinations. of the dynamic sport of climbing as well as an individualized focus on
Nov.19: Corte Madera Jan.13: Fremont Feb.3: Mountain View participants.
l Sept.6 Sept.20 Oct.4 Oct.25
Day Hiking with Dogs Nov.15 March28
Member price:$25 • Nonmember price:$40
Led by professional dog trainer Jen Worth,you and other dog owners Open Climb
will embark on an afternoon hike through the hills.Along the way,you
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social skills and basic dog safety. Members climb for free at the REI Sacramento Wall.A climbing
Sept.23: Berkeley Oct.7: Fremont instructor will be on location to belay and motivate climbers.
All ages and abilities are welcome.Shoes and harness are included.
Digital Camera Basics This is a first-come,first-served event.No advance sign-up required.
�
7pm-8:45pm Member price:$20 Nonmember price:$35 Sept.16 Oct.21 Dec.16 Feb.24
Sept.30 Nov.4 Jan.6 March 24
Find out everything you need to know about the basic functions of your
digital camera from professional photographer and instructor Brandon
Andre.Member combo package:$55.Combo package includes Digital Outdoor Photography
Camera Basics Field Trip below. Composition Techniques
Jan.11: Saratoga Jan.16: Berkeley Jan.31: San Carlos 7pm-8:30pm Member price:$20 . Nonmember price:$35
Feb.1: Corte Madera Feb.6: Concord Feb.7: Fremont Learn techniques that will enable you to transform would-be
Feb.15: Santa Rosa Feb.20: Mountain View Feb.21: San Francisco snapshots into beautiful compositions.You'll learn to see beyond your
primary subject so that everything in the frame improves the image.
Digital Camera Basics Field Trip Membercombo package:$55.Combo package includes the Outdoor
Member price:$40 Nonmember price:$55 Photography Composition Field Trip,below.
Professional photographer Brandon Andre will take you on an outing Sept.6: Fremont Sept.12: Roseville Sept.13: San Francisco
to photograph nature,sharing exposure and composition tips along the Sept.20: San Carlos Sept.26: Berkeley Sept.27: Sacramento
way.Member combo package.-$55. Combo package includes Digital Oct.17: Mountain View Oct.19: Corte Madera Oct.19: Folsom
Camera Basics class,above. Oct.24: Concord Nov.2: Saratoga Nov.7: Roseville
Dec.13: Sacramento Jan.11: Folsom Jan.23: Roseville
Jan.21: Saratoga Jan.27: Berkeley Feb.10: San Carlos Feb.7: Sacramento Feb.22: Folsom March6: Roseville
Feb.11: Corte Madera Feb.18: Fremont Feb.24: Santa Rosa March 21: Sacramento
March 3: Mtn.View March 4: San Francisco
Basic Kayak Navigation &Trip Planning Outdoor Photography
7pm-9pm Member price:$20 ., Nonmember price:$35 Composition Field Trip
Member price:$40 ` Nonmember price:$55
Have an REI Outdoor School instructor teach you the basics of kayak
navigation.You'll learn how to use tides to your advantage,plot courses With personalized attention and instruction,you'll learn eliminate
across shipping lanes and how to best handle the hazards of fog,wind, distractions,utilize human subjects and use leading liness and the
waves and boat traffic. Rule of Thirds to create dynamic images.Member combo package:
$55.Combo package includes Outdoor Photography Composition
Sept.5: San Carlos Oct.3: San Carlos Techniques class,above.
Nov.8: San Carlos Feb.28: San Carlos
Sept.16: Fremont Sept.17: San Francisco
Oct.1: San Carlos Oct.8: Roseville Oct.14: Berkeley
Introduction to Kayak Touring Oct.28: Mountain View Oct.29: Corte Madera Nov.5: Concord
4.5 Hours Member price:$80 Nonmember price:$95 Nov.18: Folsom Nov.12: Saratoga Dec.30: Folsom
Learn the basics of kayaking.Lessons cover proper gear selection
and fit,boat control,water safety and correct techniques and skills to Introduction to Birding
progress toward kayaking on your own.All necessary gear is included. Member price:$25 Nonmember price:$40
We'll meet at the venue below. Join REI Outdoor School naturalists who will teach you the tools,tips
Sept.2: Russian River Sept.3: Elkhorn Slough and techniques to become a birder in your own right.Please bring your
Sept.16: REI Sacramento Sept.24: Redwood City Marina binoculars for this outing.
Oct.14: Elkhorn Slough Oct.28: Redwood City Marina Sept.10: Fremont Sept.10: Sacramento Sept.30: Corte Madera
Nov.12: Elkhorn Slough Dec.9 Redwood City Marina Oct.15: Concord Oct.21: Roseville Nov.25: Sacramento
Dec.16: Sacramento Jan.20: Folsom Feb.10: Folsom
March 10: Sacramento
A,
4
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PROTECT
-,., LOS GATOS CREEK
WAT ERS H E D
lit
A Permanent Solution
an
Open Space
PROTECTION OF COMMUNITY VALUES
Fire Safe Landscape • Water Quality * Slope Stability • Wildlife Habitat
NAIL
gole
L — Clear-cut 1800s —l— Upper Los Gatos Creek Watershed Now and Into The Future
STOP SAN JOSE WATER COMPANYS LOG(�
"This proposal is deeply flawed — the commercial loggin
simply makes no sense. FORMER VICE PRESIDENT AL
FIRE CONCERNS
To open up the normally dense crown cover to more sunlight and solar heating
will reduce live and dead fuel moisture,thereby increasing fire spread,fire
R� intensity and flame lengths.
RICHARD MONTAGUE,Western Regional Director, US Forest Service(retired) {
The report(TSS)is misleading insofar as it builds an apparent rationale for timber
• harvest under the guise of wildfire hazard reduction.
' DR PHILLIP OMI,PROFESSOR,Forest Fire Science,Colorado Stale University
There is broad scientific consensus that large and old trees should generally be
t' retained due to their fire resistance and their natural ability to reduce light to the
?s; forest floor,thus reducing ground fuels.The young trees that replace the cut trees
` ' r are highly susceptible to fire. North Coast Regional Water i Control Board
'� g y 1?• Si 2�•h'
The critical question that must first be answered in this analysis is"Do the redwood
forests in the proposed project area pose a fire hazard problem to the surrounding
urban wildland intermix communities?"After reading the literature applicable to this
area,visiting the forest,and talking with Dr.Finney,I believe the answer is no.
DR. SCOTT STEPHENS,PROFESSOR, U.C.Berkeley, Forest Fire Science
Today's closed canopy forest is proposed to be opened in each cutting cycle,thus
' increasing growth of shrub and hardwood species that are now not common over
the primary timber production areas. Such increased shrub growth increases fire
u�! �► . �f - . danger.Santa Clara County Expert ROBERT CURRY,PhD,Hydrologist
There is no need for augmenting lopping standards if there is no slash generated
Protect Ilu
by timber harvesting.The augmentation of road safety zones and defensible space
Los Gatos Creek around habitable structures can be completed now,without the proposed NTMP.
Watershed Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
.f' Ay, +ear �,�•. .��y: �,iwiL'rl ..��""`?��`""'"'`i�,r,�•ti...��itt'a ..9T:r .� !' v,ad�A.. �'�'sR"
�.
Y'•-',�w,ice'
Los Gatos
47
..,.k. 00
-ton Reservoir,
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Vt
�. � is •%,�Zi
1
Proposed Logging Zone _
i
LOS GATOS CREEK WATERSHED
A Watershed in Recovery
t Los Gatos r;f`V-4
The current Upper Los �.
has 120 year old Redwood and Dou AV
;i ��'� ♦
t .J i �.
a very small number-of old growth
and a mix of younger trees. k
V _` br Pro ae&'jot
' ! LO + �>
I N G PLAN Jr�
g of these trees
&MMA"
'YORE
i
LANDSLIDES and • •
...it is certain that the proposed harvest schedule will seriously exacerbate slide stability.
The primary basic premise of the authors of the NTMP is false.They say that timber y
removal from deep-seated slides is contemplated but that it will not destabilize slide r
masses...Timber removal will accelerate sliding near the slide head and near its base.
The middle will follow.Santa Clara County Expert ROBERT CURRY,PhD,Hydrologist
The NTMP is incorrect and misleading in its characterization of sediment sources,blaming
most on roads outside of the plan.However,the road system inside the property boundaries
is a very serious source of sediment to Los Gatos Creek.
North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board
...we believe that there is information within the NTMP that is incorrect,incomplete or
misleading in a material way,and is therefore insufficient to evaluate significant environmental "
effects of the proposed NTMP. Midpeninsula Regional Open Space Districtti
r - .
WATER QUALITY
a. 1
We are concerned about the potential impacts of this project on Los Gatos Creek and
Lexington Reservoir. Santa Clara Valley Water District
...we conclude that NTMP 1-06-NTMP-012-SCL has the potential to result in discharges
in violation of Water Quality Control Plan(Basin Plan)standards.
North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board
The disturbance levels associated with the NTMP have the potential to seriously degrade
water quality,public water supplies,and to degrade habitat for aquatic resources,including
resident trout,and the California red-legged frog.
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
. r
THE LOGGING PLAN IN A NUTSHELL
San Jose Water Company proposes logging, in perpetuity, 1000
acres stretching 6 miles along Los Gatos Creek and the San Andreas
Fault Zone.The logging zone nestles between the Sierra Azul Open
Space Preserve and the homes of thousands of mountain residents.
It will adversely impact water quality, fire, slope stability, wildlife
habitat,traffic,and public health and safety.
i
...WHAT PEOPLE CAN DO...
Send written comments to the California Department of Forestry:
santarosapubliccomment@fire.ca.gov
Ms. Leslie Markham
Deputy Chief, Forest Practice `
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
135 Ridgeway Avenue
Santa Rosa, CA 95401
WHO HAS FILED MAJOR OBJECTIONS TO THE PLAN?
SANTA CLARA COUNTY
CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FISH & GAME
NORTH COAST REGIONAL WATER QUALITY CONTROL BOARD
II MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
SANTA CLARA VALLEY WATER DISTRICT
FOUR NATIONALLY RENOWNED FIRE EXPERTS
CHEMEKETA WATER COMPANY
SIERRA CLUB - LOMA PRIETA CHAPTER
Please make your tax
`~r phow. Save the Watershed deductible donations to:
Interior Map: NAIL II' ''� �''� Mountain Resource Group—NAIL
Thanks io •//• I1 ,p`�
GooRiefarth! g� Post Office Box 1975
H00KEDnL0SGATOS ■.n..r. .wwa Los Gatos, CA 95031
www.mountainresource.org/nail
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Open
a {�J Space
4 Authority
Message Frvsof IAO tjemerae Mamager Board of Directors
Alex Kennett
A
an agency, the question often comes up, can we be District One
everything to everybody. The pressure to provide as much Jim Foran
as possible is real but it is my belief that when we focus our Chairperson/District Two
attention on our mission,we find the most success. Sequoia Hall
It all starts with a solid foundation and clear mission. As one Vice-Chairperson/District Three
who loves to study history, I find that success is closely tied Garnetta Annable
to the lessons offered by experiences from the past and how District Four
we incorporate what we've learned into Virginia Holtz
future work.
District Five
When we look back at the 1960s and the Mike Potter
District Six
Apollo program, commitment and
acknowledgement of the mission stand Citizen's Advisory
out. I couldn't remove myself from the
Committee
couch as I waited in heightened anticipa-
tion for that first step on the moon.What Susan Districtt One
n
ne
an accomplishment—and after so much
adversity. It's a true example of know- Carmen Montano
District Two
ing what was being asked of you, setting
realistic goals and objectives, and making Jan Chairperson/District Three
ir meister
it happen. pers
Eric Carruthers
The Authority's future is dependent on District Four
understanding and putting into place
Karna Carlson
actions that work toward its mission. It District Five
will take a community of partnerships to protect open space, Daniel J. Kenney
preserve the quality of life in the county, and provide for public Development Community
access that is compatible with land protection and management.
David Poeschel
As you read through the 2005-2006 Annual Report,you'll see Environmental/Open Space
examples of what the Authority is doing to meet goals and Son Cheong Kuan
objectives related to its mission. From agreements with private Labor
property owners to protect agricultural and open space values Kitty Monahan
in perpetuity to enhanced opportunities for public access,we Trails
work toward fulfilling our mission. Dorsey Moore
If we stay focused on the mission of open space protection we Parks
too can achieve success that is out of this world.
6830 Via del Oro, Sui'1e 200
San Jose, CA 95119
tel: 408.224.7476
q fax: 408.224.7548
L 01)(,nSl)a( eAL1111urit", .Or<"
Open Space Acludsitions
Trail Easement
A trail easement on 54 acres
along Alum Rock Falls Road in
the foothills east of San Jose
(photo, right)was OS.Ns first
acquisition of 2005-2006.The
easement will enable the land to
be maintained in its natural state and provide potential trail connections
JN 2005-2006 including a possible alignment for the Bay Area Ridge Trail. Coast live oak
Me opeN Space and chaparral cover many of the steep hillsides on the property.
AaNiority protected Land Purchase
642 acres of eaNd In January 2006 the Open Space Authority added 40 acres to 1,105 acres
iN SANta eeara of existing Authority lands in the upper Uvas Creek watershed. The
combined properties,lying directly north of Uvas Canyon County Park,
eot.Nty at a Net cyst preserve important habitat,protect watershed and hillsides, and provide
o f $1,420,000. Me for future connections to established public trails.
actioNs iNcet4ded
Agricultural Easement
parcliase Of a trale Joining with Califor-
easetheNt,pwcaas¢ nia Department of
aNd trams f er sae¢ to Conservation and U.S.
Natural Resources
SaNta Ceara eowNty
Conservation Service,
pargs aNd Recreatiom OSA helped secure an
of a Aistvricae raNcQ, agricultural easement
comtrAutioN (photo, deft)on 510 acres
of farmland along the
to aN agrict.ettlrae Pajaro River in South
easethamt,aNd Me County with a contribution of $500,000. The easement will be held by
pt.rcAase of property
Silicon Valley Land Conservancy and will enable the property to remain in
active agricultural production.
ad jviNiNg vt/#er
GSA eaNds iN tie Purchase and Transfer Sale
The June 2006 purchase of the historic 38-acre Jackson Ranch and its
WesterN (CvUt�i'lees, resale to Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation for the full purchase
price of $1,050,000 will enable the preservation of a significant cultural
landmark and its surrounding open space. OSA acted as the intermediary
for the purchase of the ranch,which is located on the east side of
Anderson Reservoir. As funding permits, the County plans to restore
the buildings and open the ranch to the public.
o help the county and participating cities meet their open
space goals, the Open Space Authority sets aside 20% of its
revenues each year for urban
open space projects. Funds
are allocated to the cities and Total Funding Allocations as of 6/30/2006
county based on their percent- city Assessment Assessment Projects Funded Funding Balance
age of the parcels within OSA District 1 District 2 (District 1 Only)
assessment districts.
Campbell 290,809 243,049 (173,021) 360,837
South Page Ponds Milpitas 361,604 361,939 — 723,563
An allocation of $109,000 will Morgan Hill 151,919 228,057 379,976
help the City of Campbell San lose 5,712,310 5,200,058 (3,700,000) 7,212,367
install trails, landscaping and
Santa Clara 692,883 604,842 (512,953) 784,772
benches on the site of perco-
lation ponds along Hacienda County 549,369 560,980 — 1,110,350
Avenue. The ponds will offer Total $7,758,894 $7,198,945 $(4,385,974) $10,571,865
the public a small oasis in a j
busy urban neighborhood.
Mardal Cottle Perk Rr6aN opeN space
A 287-acre property on Snell 1• } provides a Pdaea
Avenue at Branham Lane owned (!t
by Santa Clara County and the
Near their Ro8"as
State of California is on its way For peopee
to becoming a historic agricultur- to eoNNeet with
al park. OSA allocated $450,000
to the county to fund initial trail HAtf�ra ANd for
building and the development of Natarae Aa61tats to
active agriculture or community thrive.GSA reserves
gardens. 20% of its revehaes
The land,which has been e4CA year to keep
cultivated since 1864 by four f wNd opah Space
- generations of the Cottle and
Lester families,will focus on projects iN
displaying the farming heri- partieipatiN,g
tage of the county. eOIh/1�pNities.
Public recreation facilities at
the park will include trails and
picnic sites.
4 OpenSpaceAuthonty.org
T
Land Management „3
a Open space technicians _ t`
patrol OSA trails and
preserves every day and also
construct and maintain facili-
ties, conduct resource surveys,
�. and protect and restore
habitat and natural communi-
ties on thousands of acres of
open space lands.
Invasive Plants
Staff and volunteers worked Construction
throughout the year to remove The December 2005 opening of a staging area on
invasive plants such as French Rancho Canada del Oro Open Space Preserve required
broom,milk thistle, stinkwort, the construction of fencing and the installation of sign
yellow starthistle, and purple boards and picnic tables. During the year staff also
starthistle that crowd out native installed a new water system on property in the east
species,reducing important foothills and made repairs to a historic structure on OSA
habitat for wildlife. lands east of Coyote Reservoir.
After several years a major infesta- CbBn up
don of purple starthistle (above)in
Llagas Creek Meadow has been Recognizing how widespread the problem of marijuana
cultivation on public lands has become, OSA's general
reduced to only a few plants.
manager organized a meeting of park managers,law
— -- � enforcement officers,and elected
officials to determine collab-
Innovation for Equines orative ways of addressing the
Providing water for horses at Rancho Canada del challenge. Field staff (pboto above)
Oro that would stay clean and not provide a breed- worked with deputies of the
ing ground for mosquitos was a challenge that field Santa Clara County Sheriff's
staff met in an inventive way. To solve the problem Office to clean up the debris
they combined from several plantations on
a covered water OSA lands.
trough with
a nose pump Resource Survevs
that can be Using GPS (global positioning
operated by a system) technology, staff inspect-
horse. ed,recorded and mapped features
of OSA properties,including
- - ---- -- plant communities, habitat types
and historical artifacts.
Fiscal Year 2005-2006 5
Volunteer Program
= A the Open Space Authority
volunteers contribute many
hundreds of hours each year
helping visitors,meeting the
public, and working with staff on
projects that improve open space lands.
Four different programs offer volunteers a broad array of
opportunities.Trail patrol members provide information
to hikers, equestrians and bicyclists and keep staff
q Y p
informed about trail conditions. Land steward vol-
unteers work on projects such as --
' invasive plante vas ve ant removal ha to left) i Park Management Interns
and native plant surveys.
Meeting the public at commu- c ince 2000, the Open Space
nity festivals and other events is U Authority has partnered with
the primary duty of community West Valley College in offering
outreach volunteers (photo, above). park management opportuni-
They share their knowledge of ties for interns. Five students
OSA,its preserves and trails, and worked with staff in fiscal year
its activities and programs. 2005-2006 on construction and
Finally, special projects ranging maintenance projects such as
from research and mapping to
water system improvements
pp g
and parking lot railings. Several
bird counts andphotographyrovide
P g g
p
interns also had the opportunity
additional ways for community members ty
to share their skills while supporting the to develop interpretivee materials �
preservation of open space. All volunteers and programs,including park
receive training in the particular tasks they signage and visitor activities.
will be performing.
Fiscae year 2005-2006
7otae Voewhteer Koars 1,7615
farad Steward Projects 464
00rtirtwNity GatreacA 125
Speane Projects 407
7raie Patroe 219
JNterns 550
L
6 OpenSpaceAuthonty.org
r
Santa Clara County Open Space Authority
Gar missioN:to preserve,protect amd "Jamaga,
jot the ase and eNjoysmeht of a8e peopee,
a wade-6aeaNced systaom o f ar6am aNd NON-ar6am areas
of oatstandime wmic,reCreatiomae aNd agriemetaraL is"Portamee.
Staff Revenues
Lark Burkhart Available revenue for fiscal year 2005-2006 was
Public Information $4.4 million. Additional annual revenue of $8.6
Specialist million, raised for purchase and improvement of
Megan Chamberlin open space lands under a benefit assessment
Open Space Technician district,will remain unavailable until resolution of
Patrick Congdon an existing lawsuit.
General Manager
Lauren Crook Expenses
Office Manager/ For fiscal year 2005-2006, OSA incurred operating
Clerk of the Board expenses of $5.26 million,which included Board
I Josh Lazarus of Directors election costs of $289,000. The
� Planner II
transfer sale of the Jackson Ranch property,
Kevin Lurie purchased for$1 050 000 in fiscal year 2005-2006,Accountant
Brennon McKibbin was recorded in fiscal year 2006-2007.
Open Space Technician
Derek Neumann
Supervising Open Space !
Technician f How the Money was Spent
Brad Pennington
Open Space Technician Capital Improvements Salaries
Doug Reynaud 4% Benefits
Open Space Technician 2�0 2% Outside Services
Rachel Santos
Planner II Administrative&Legal
CarolTakeda
Office Assistant
47% 6% Land Management* '
Land Purchases
6% Board of Directors
14% Urban Open Space Program
(20%Funding)
*includes field staff salaries
Photo Credits
Michelle Acuna-p.6:outreach booth/Cait Hutnik and Howard Craven; Lark Burkhart-cover:
Palassou Ridge,p.3:trail easement and farm land;p.4:Martial Cottle Park,p.8: Rancho staging area;
Lauren Crook—p.2:Pat Congdon;Derek Neumann—p.5:marijuana cleanup,p.6:interns;Brad
Pennington—p.5 horse trough; David Tharp—p. 7:Rancho landscape
Calero
County Park
T!i¢ opeNiNg
Satarday,
Dec.3,2006, Qe
�a
of a stagimp area oa
oN Casa 1001a
Longwall Canyon Tra%\ 0.5
Road greatey z,
expanded access
RaldyRyanCreek MEMO Casa Loma road
for Aigers amd Staging Area
egaestriahs
visitiNg Rancho Canada del Oro
Ramcao eaitada Open Space Preserve
deb Oro GpeN
Space Preserve.
® Equestrian Lot
Picnic Tables
J ® Vault Toilet
Santa Clara
0 Paved Parking
County
A Milestone
The Open Space Authority opened its first staging area in Decem-
ber 2005 at the 3,017-acre Rancho Canada del Oro Open Space
Preserve. More than 100 hikers and equestrians joined OSA
directors, staff, and volunteers to celebrate the preservation of an
important California landscape and the development of new
facilities. Peninsula Open Space Trust was instrumental in helping
to arrange the purchase of a key portion of the preserve.
1
i � 4
i