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HomeMy Public PortalAbout20090422 - Agenda Packet - Board of Directors (BOD) - 09-12 Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Meeting 09-12 REGULAR AND SPECIAL MEETINGS BOARD OF DIRECTORS MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 22, 2009 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, California AGENDA SPECIAL MEETING The Special Meeting Closed Session will begin at 6:30 p.m. At 7:00 p.m.,the Board will convene the Regular Meeting. 6:30 ROLL CALL SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT CLOSED SESSION I Conference with Legal Counsel- Existing Litigation - California Government Code Section 54956.9 Chiocchi et at. vs. Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District et al., Santa Clara Superior Court Case No. 107CV095669 REGULAR MEETING 7:00* REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT ROLL CALL ORAL COMMUNICATIONS—Public ADOPTION OF AGENDA 7:10* CONSENT CALENDAR I Approve Minutes of the Special and Regular Board Meetings of March 25, 2009 2 Approve Revised Claims Report 3 Approve Written Communications -None 7:20* BOARD BUSINESS 4 Demonstration of the District's Preserve Finder Web Too[— V. GOLI 5 Status Report on Grassland Management at Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve—C. Roessler PIeeting 09-12 Page 2 6 Approval of an Amendment to the Contract with Northgate Environmental Management, Inc., in the Amount of$30,000 to Provide Environmental Services and Oversight of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Cleanup Investigations at the former Almaden Air Force Station and Determination that the Recommended Actions are Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act—K. Lenington 7 Approval of Contract with Go Native, Inc.Not to Exceed $78,000 for Herbicide Application and Invasive Species Control at Mindego Ranch and Approval of Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring Program in Accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act—C. Koopmann 8 Informational Report on La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve Master Plan Project—A. Ruiz 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. A. Committee Reports B. Staff Reports C. Director Reports 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 v the Board of Directors. You may address the Board concerning other matters during Oral Communications. Faclispeaker will ordinarily be limited to three minutes. Alternately,you may comment to the Board by a written communication, which the Board appreciates. Consent Calendar: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 removedfirom 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. Written materials relating to an item on this Agenda that are considered to be a public record and are distributed to Board members less than 72 hours prior to the meeting,will be available for public inspection at the District's Administrative Office located at 330 Distel Circle, Los Altos,California 94022. CERTIFICATION OF POSTING OF AGENDA 1,Gregory L. Sam, District Clerk for the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (MROSD),declare that the foregoing agenda for the April 22,2009 Regular Meeting of the MROSD Board of Directors was posted and available for review on April 17,2009 at the Administrative Offices of MROSD,330 Distel Circle, Los Altos,California,94022. The agenda is also available on the District's web site at http://kNw\N,.opcn pacc.or . Signed this 17th day ot'April 2009,at Los Altos,California. District Clerk Date: 04/17/09 • Claims No. 09-08 Meeting 09-12 Date 4/22/09 Revised Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District # Amount Name Description 10152 $27,541.96 Tannerhecht Architecture Architecture Services-AO Remodel Project/Bid Package 10153 $17,850.00 Timothy C. Best,CEG Road&Trail Inventories-Bear Creek Redwoods&Sierra Azul 10154 $15,175.21 Acme Rigging&Supply Company Rigging Equipment For Bridge Installation 10155 $14,231.65 Inside Source Office Furniture For Planning Department,Equipment Closets& Corrected Wall Tracking For Overhead Shelves 10156 $13,735.07 EDAW Master Planning Services-Sierra Azul&Bear Creek Redwoods 10157 $13,282,28 John Shelton Culvert Pipe For Road Upgrades At Russian Ridge, Long Ridge& Thornewood 10158 $11,599.00 Montgomery Highlands Association Road Improvements Per Settlement Agreement 10159 $11,189.23 Patsons Media Group Printing Services-Preserve Brochures 10160 $9,942.50 Philip Williams&Associates Dambreak Analysis-RSA 10161 $9,515.00 Ifland Survey Boundary Survey At ECDM 10162 $7,774.30 The Sign Shop 202 Assorted Trail&Preserve Signs 10163 $7,757.77 Santa Clara County Sheriff Patrol Services 10164 $7,445.02 Monster Mechanical HVAC Repairs-AO 10165 $6,800.00 Wetlands&Water Resources Natural Resource Management Evaluation&Dam Condition Assessment-Thornewood 10166 $6,284.27 *1 First National Bank Field Supplies/Binoculars For Patrol/Camera With Extra Battery /Welding Supplies For Permanent Bench/Pneumatic Post Driver /Water Tank For Road Work/Fire Boxes For Patrol Vehicles/ Restroom Signs/Electric Generator For Backup Power Supply 10167 $6,278.50 Craftsmen Printing Printing Of Distict Stationery With New Logo 10168 $5,409.45 *1 First National Bank Conferences&Training Expenses-CalOSHA Seminar/ California Parks Conference/Strategic Planning Workshop/ Salmonid Restoration Federation Conference/League Of California Cities Conference/CSDA Board Secretary Training/ AEP Conference 10169 $5,043.24 Dell Commercial Credit 3 Office Pro Licenses,5 E-Port Replicators,Imaging Drum For Printer, 1 Monitor,4 Notebooks 10170 $4,337.00 CDW Government Software-Acrobat, Illustrator&Backup Software For Field Offices&Email 10171 $3,944.00 Mark Thomas&Company Field Survey At Saratoga Gap 10172 $3,637.39 Brownstein, Hyatt, Farber&Schreck Legal Services-Chiocchi Litigation 10173 $3,500.00 Pouncing Pachyderm Productions Design&Fabrication Services-Refurbishment Of Daniels Nature Center Displays 10174 $2,888.09 C.C.Creations Volunteer Vests With New Logo 10175 $2,672.50 Downey Brand Attorneys Legal Services-Land Acquisition 10176 $2,654.43 Westfall Engineers Boundary Survey At El Sereno 10177 $2,606.68 *2 Home Depot Field Supplies, Rental Residences Repair Supplies,Water Heater For Rental Residence,Lumber For Chicken Coup Restoration, Shop Supplies 10178 $2,432.00 The Davey Tree Expert Company Prune Eucalyptus Tree At RSA 10179 $2,308.89 *** AT&T Telephone Service-AO&SFO/Fax Service-AO 10180 $2,289.53 Bear Saver Recycle Container 10181 $2,231.30 The Bank Of New York Mellon Note Paying Agent Fees-2004 Revenue Bonds 10182 $2,203.07 Office Depot Office Supplies, 10 Cases Copy Paper,Printer Cartridges, Laser/ Inkjet Postcards 10183 $1,910.00 Isotech Environmental Asbestos Sampling,Analysis&Report-Sierra Azul 10184 $1,823.22 San Jose Mercury News Advertisements-Invitation To Bid For Phase 2 Of AO Remodel/ .Skyline Ridge Tree Farm Maintenance Contract 10185 $1,614.82 Pine Cone Lumber Field Supplies-78 Peeler Cores For FFO Stock 10186 $1,600.00 Bay Area Termite Termite Treatment-Ranger Residence 10187 $1,542.00 *3 San Mateo County County Fee For Review Of General Plan Conformity Of New Land Purchase 10188 $1,524.08 *1 First National Bank Volunteer Supplies-Water Bottles&Chairs Page t of 4 Claims No. 09-08 Meeting 09-12 Date 4/22/09 Revised Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District # Amount Name Description 10189 $1,516.81 *1 First National Bank Nature Center Expenses-Window Shades&Interpretive Displays 10190 $1,490.35 Roy's Repair Service Vehicle Repairs&Service 10191 $1,313.98 *1 First National Bank Out Of Town Business Meeting Expenses-Washington D.C. Lobbying Trip For Cleanup Of Mt.Umunhum 10192 $1,299.58 Los Altos Garbage Company Garbage Service-FFO/2 Debris Boxes-FFO 10193 $1,186.40 *1 First National Bank Uniform Expenses 10194 $1,157.76 Tires On The Go Tires 10195 $1,034.33 Tadco Supply Janitorial Supplies 10196 $1,030.68 *1 First National Bank Office Supplies/Copy Paper/Ink For Color Printer/Laminating Supplies/Postage Meter Labels 10197 $1,000.00 *4 North American Title Company Deposit-Land Acquisition 10198 $999.80 Eric Remington Review Of Nature Center Plant&Animal Specimens For Vitrine Case Refurbishment Project 10199 $910.00 Normal Data Citation Database Support 10200 $897.00 VP II Special Event Supplies 10201 $869.48 *1 First National Bank Computer Expenses/Hard Drives For Digital Image Workstations /Hard Drive For Server/1 Keyboard/Notebook Memory Upgrades 10202 $812.70 The Almanac Docent Recruitment Ads 10203 $800.00 Rachel Demitrios Revisions To Electronic Incident Report Form 10204 $752.30 *1 First National Bank Vehicle Supplies/Tire Disposal Fees/Oil Cooler For ATV/ Jumper Cables 10205 $700.00 Aaron's Septic Tank Service Pumping Services-RSA&Deer Hollow Farm 10206 $690.00 Macro Corporation Project Management Services-Implementation Of District's New Radio System 10207 $677.50 Cotton,Shires&Associates Conceptual Design Recommendations&Cost Estimate For Kennedy Trail Culvert 10208 $675.53 McKowan, Paul Reimbursement-Volunteer Training Supplies/Mileage 10209 $598.33 Summit Uniforms Uniform Expenses 10210 $590.87 *1 First National Bank Advertising,Subscriptions&Books-Recruitment Ad For Planning Tech/Volunteer Training Books/Annual Community Leader Subscription 10211 $575.00 Cabrillo Unified District Facility Fee For La Honda Creek Public Meeting 10212 $556.36 Northgate Environmental Management Remedial Investigations&Design At Driscoll Ranch 10213 $550.00 Neil Matthies Construction Remodel Administration Department Cubicle 10214 $546.00 ID Plus Name Tags 10215 $476.37 San Jose Water Company Water Service-RSA County Park 10216 $460.00 Green Waste Garbage Service-SFO 10217 $450.00 PT Armor Uniform Expenses 10218 $416.76 Acorn Signs Trail Sign For Ravenswood 10219 $411.26 California Water Service Company Water Service-FFO 10220 $385.00 Green Waste Dumpster For Beatty Property Cleanup 10221 $348.27 *1 First National Bank Business Related Meals/Board Meetings/Board Field Trip To Russian Ridge 10222 $345.68 All Chemical Disposal Sampling To Determine Proper Disposal Of Burned Material At Ravenswood 10223 $304.60 West Payment Center Legal Research&Books 10224 $291.81 Jackson-Hirsh Laminating Supplies 10225 $290.21 Tony&Alba's Pizza Business Related Meals-Board Meeting&Volunteer Meeting 10226 $285.31 Goodco Press Printing Services-Warning Notices 10227 $279.38 California Special Districts Association Sample Policy Handbook 10228 $278.73 Guy Plumbing&Heating Plumbing Repairs-Rental Residence 10229 $271.36 LFR Levine Fricke Engineer&Design Services-ECDM Staging Area Project Page 2 of 4 Claims No. 09-08 Meeting 09-12 Date 4/22/09 Revised Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District # Amount Name Description 10230 $266.31 Hopp, Richard Reimbursement-Uniform Expenses 10231 $261.97 Acterra Native Plants For Annex Demonstration Garden 10232 $260.00 County Of Santa Clara-Office Of The Fingerprinting Services Sheriff 10233 $252.84 Life Assist First Aid Supplies 10234 $225.00 Del Rey Building Maintenance Cleaning Service-Nature Center 10235 $200.00 *5 EJ Communications Dish TV Satellite Repair 10236 $200.00 Sommer,Sandy Reimbursement-American Planning Association&American Institute Of Certified Planners Membership Dues 10237 $157.41 Bay Area News Group Advertisements-Invitation To Bid On Mindego&District Wide Vegetation Management Project 10238 $156.00 National Notary Association Notary Insurance Renewal 10239 $153.45 Highway Technologies Parking Blocks&Paint-FFO 10240 $133.53 Turf&Industrial Equipment Company Tractor Supplies 10241 $125.15 Paterson, Loro Reimbursement-Uniform Expenses 10242 $125.00 Shute,Mihaly&Weinberger LLP Legal Services-Planning Advice 10243 $110.00 Coastal Chimney Sweep Chimney Cleaning&Repair-Rental Residence 10244 $99.00 Premiere Global Services Fax Broadcast Services 10245 $95.00 Cupertino Medical Group Employee Medical Services 10246 $80.10 State Board Of Equalization Diesel Fuel Tax 10247 $80.00 Soil&Water Conservation Society Membership Renewal-M. Baldzikowski 10248 $72.32 Brim Tractor Company Additional Freight Charges For Tractor Safety Decals 10249 $70.33 Reeves,Michael Reimbursement-Office Supplies 10250 $63.65 Cotterel,Scott Reimbursement-Uniform Expenses 10251 $60.00 Trout, Rebecca Reimbursement-Fire Training Class 10252 $60.00 Williams,Mike Reimbursement-Cell Phone 10253 $50.00 San Mateo County Health Department Tick Testing 10254 $34.53 Downing,Brendan Reimbursement-Uniform Expenses 10255 $33.40 Los Altos Hardware Plumbing Supplies 10256 $30.91 Department Of Motor Vehicles Vehicle Code Books 10257 $28.00 State Military Department Training Course Expenses-Crisis Communications And The Media 10258 $22,70 Gempler's Uniform Expense 10259 $22.48 Team Power Forklifts Tractor Supplies 10260 $18.70 Rancho Cobbler&Cleaners Dry Clean Ranger Shirts&Jacket 10261 $16.41 United Parcel Service Parcel Shipping 10262 $14.85 Warren, Ryan Reimbursement-Shipping Charges 10263 $11.90 CSK Auto Vehicle Supplies 10264 $10.70 Williams,Jennifer Reimbursement- Docent/Volunteer Meeting Supplies 10265 R $25,239.13 The Ferguson Group Legislative Consultant-Lobbyist For Mt. Umunhum 10266 R $15,999.75 Timothy C. Best,CEG Geologic&Geotechnical Investigation And Preparation Of Grading Plans For Alpine Road Bypass In Coal Creek 10267 R $4,833.33 Peckham&McKenney Retainer-Administration Manager/Clerk Of The Board Recruitment Search 10268 R $2,054.86 Department of General Services Vehicle Procurement Fee 10269 R $1,835.00 Balance Hydrologics In-Stream Sediment Monitoring-ECDM 10270 R $1,776.08 Shulman, Rogers,Gandal,Pordy& Legal Services-Telecommunications Advice For District Radio Ecker, P.A. Frequency 10271 R $995.00 Hexagon Transportation Consultants Traffic Study-ECDM 10272 R $688.83 Maze, Leigh Ann Reimbursement-CAPIO Conference Expenses 10273 R $526.24 Staples Office Supplies-Coffee 10274 R $251.40 ADT Security Services Alarm Repair-FFO Page 3 of 4 Claims No. 09-08 Meeting 09-12 Date 4/22/09 Revised Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District # Amount Name Description 10275 R $215.69 Lampson Tractor&Equipment Tractor Service-Oil&Filters Company 10276 R $198.25 San Jose Water Company Water Service-Rental Residence 10277 R $156.00 G&K Service Shop Towel Service 10278 R $150.00 *6 Elkhorn Slough Foundation Registration-Western Pond Turtle Workshop 10279 R $142.95 Green Waste Garbage Service-SFO 10280 R $121.19 FedEx Shipping Charges 10281 R $106.15 Williams, Michael Reimbursement-Mileage 10282 R $97.28 Petty Cash Office Supplies/Parking&Mileage/Business Related Meals/Nature Center Supplies 10283 R $72.50 Cotton,Shires&Associates Conceptual Design Recommendations&Cost Estimate For Kennedy Trail Culvert 10284 R $64.91 CSK Proshop Vehicle Supplies 10285 R $49.00 Paterson, Loro Reimbursement-Uniform Expense 10286 R $45.93 Kwik Key Lock&Safe Company Lock&Key Services 10287 R $27.14 *** AT&T Fax Service-FFO 10288 R $25,25 Rayne Of San Jose Water Service-Fremont Older 10289 R $13.58 United Parcel Service Parcel Shipping Total $332,386.03 *1 Urgent Check Issued 4/2/09 The Total Amount For First National Bank Is$20,826.59 *2 Urgent Check Issued 4/16/09 *3 Urgent Check Issued 4/16/09 *4 Urgent Check Issued 4/14/09 *5 Urgent Check Issued 4/8/09 *6 Urgent Check Issued 4/17/09 *** Directors Hanko And Davey Are Recusing Themselves From Voting On These Identified Claims. Director Davey Owns Stock In AT&T Which Exceeds The Permissible Level For Voting On These Claims. Director Hanko's Recusal Is Voluntary. Page 4 of 4 Claims No. 09-08 ` Meeting 09-12 Date 4/22/09 i Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District # Amount Name Description 10152 $27,541.96 Tannerhecht Architecture Architecture Services-AO Remodel Project/Bid Package 10153 $17,850.00 Timothy C. Best,CEG Road&Trail Inventories-Bear Creek Redwoods&Sierra Azul 10154 $15,175.21 Acme Rigging&Supply Company Rigging Equipment For Bridge Installation 10155 $14,231.65 Inside Source Office Furniture For Planning Department,Equipment Closets& Corrected Wall Tracking For Overhead Shelves 10156 $13,735.07 EDAW Master Planning Services-Sierra Azul&Bear Creek Redwoods 10157 $13,282.28 John Shelton Culvert Pipe For Road Upgrades At Russian Ridge, Long Ridge& Thornewood 10158 $11,599.00 Montgomery Highlands Association Road Improvements Per Settlement Agreement 10159 $11,189.23 Patsons Media Group Printing Services-Preserve Brochures 10160 $9,942.50 Philip Williams&Associates Dambreak Analysis-RSA 10161 $9,515.00 Ifland Survey Boundary Survey At ECDM 10162 $7,774.30 The Sign Shop 202 Assorted Trail&Preserve Signs 10163 $7,757.77 Santa Clara County Sheriff Patrol Services 10164 $7,445.02 Monster Mechanical HVAC Repairs-AO 10165 $6,800.00 Wetlands&Water Resources Natural Resource Management Evaluation&Dam Condition Assessment-Thornewood 10166 $6,284.27 *1 First National Bank Field Supplies/Binoculars For Patrol/Camera With Extra Battery /Welding Supplies For Permanent Bench/Pneumatic Post Driver /Water Tank For Road Work/Fire Boxes For Patrol Vehicles/ Restroom Signs/Electric Generator For Backup Power Supply 10167 $6,278.50 Craftsmen Printing Printing Of Distict Stationery With New Logo 10168 $5,409A5 *1 First National Bank Conferences&Training Expenses-CalOSHA Seminar/ California Parks Conference/Strategic Planning Workshop/ Salmonid Restoration Federation Conference/League Of California Cities Conference/CSDA Board Secretary Training/ AEP Conference 10169 $5,043.24 Dell Commercial Credit 3 Office Pro Licenses,5 E-Pork Replicators, Imaging Drum For Printer, 1 Monitor,4 Notebooks 10170 $4,337.00 CDW Government Software-Acrobat, Illustrator&Backup Software For Field Offices&Email 10171 0 $3,944.00 Mark Thomas&Company Field Survey At Saratoga Gap 10172 $3,637.39 Brownstein, Hyatt, Farber&Schreck Legal Services-Chiocchi Litigation 10173 $3,500.00 Pouncing Pachyderm Productions Design&Fabrication Services-Refurbishment Of Daniels Nature Center Displays 10174 $2,888.09 C.C. Creations Volunteer Vests With New Logo 10175 $2,672.50 Downey Brand Attorneys Legal Services-Land Acquisition 10176 $2,654.43 Westfall Engineers Boundary Survey At El Sereno 10177 $2,606.68 *2 Home Depot Field Supplies, Rental Residences Repair Supplies,Water Heater For Rental Residence, Lumber For Chicken Coup Restoration, Shop Supplies 10178 $2,432.00 The Davey Tree Expert Company Prune Eucalyptus Tree At RSA 10179 $2,308.89 AT&T Telephone Service-AO&SFO/Fax Service-AO 10180 $2,289.53 Bear Saver Recycle Container 10181 $2,231.30 The Bank Of New York Mellon Note Paying Agent Fees-2004 Revenue Bonds 10182 $2,203.07 Office Depot Office Supplies, 10 Cases Copy Paper, Printer Cartridges, Laser/ Inkjet Postcards 10183 $1,910.00 Isotech Environmental Asbestos Sampling,Analysis&Report-Sierra Azul 10184 $1,823.22 San Jose Mercury News Advertisements-Invitation To Bid For Phase 2 Of AO Remodel/ Skyline Ridge Tree Farm Maintenance Contract 10185 $1,614,82 Pine Cone Lumber Field Supplies-78 Peeler Cores For FFO Stock 10186 $1,600.00 Bay Area Termite Termite Treatment-Ranger Residence 10187 $1,542.00 *3 San Mateo County County Fee For Review Of General Plan Conformity Of New Land Purchase 10188 $1,524.08 *1 First National Bank Volunteer Supplies-Water Bottles&Chairs Page 1 of 3 Claims No. 09-08 Meeting 09-12 Date 4/22/09 Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District # Amount Name Description 10189 $1,516.81 *1 First National Bank Nature Center Expenses-Window Shades&Interpretive Displays 10190 $1,490.35 Roy's Repair Service Vehicle Repairs&Service 10191 $1,313.98 *1 First National Bank Out Of Town Business Meeting Expenses-Washington D.C. Lobbying Trip For Cleanup Of Mt. Umunhum 10192 $1,299.58 Los Altos Garbage Company Garbage Service-FFO 12 Debris Boxes-FFO 10193 $1,186.40 *1 First National Bank Uniform Expenses 10194 $1,157.76 Tires On The Go Tires 10195 $1,034.33 Tadco Supply Janitorial Supplies 10196 $1,030.68 *1 First National Bank Office Supplies/Copy Paper/Ink For Color Printer/Laminating Supplies/Postage Meter Labels 10197 $1,000.00 *4 North American Title Company Deposit-Land Acquisition 10198 $999.80 Eric Remington Review Of Nature Center Plant&Animal Specimens For Vitrine Case Refurbishment Project 10199 $910.00 Normal Data Citation Database Support 10200 $897.00 VP II Special Event Supplies 10201 $869.48 *1 First National Bank Computer Expenses/Hard Drives For Digital Image Workstations /Hard Drive For Server/1 Keyboard/Notebook Memory Upgrades 10202 $812.70 The Almanac Docent Recruitment Ads 10203 $800.00 Rachel Demitrios Revisions To Electronic Incident Report Form 10204 $752.30 *1 First National Bank Vehicle Supplies/Tire Disposal Fees/Oil Cooler For ATV! Jumper Cables i 10205 $700.00 Aaron's Septic Tank Service Pumping Services-RSA&Deer Hollow Farm 10206 $690.00 Macro Corporation Project Management Services-Implementation Of District's New Radio System 10207 $677.50 Cotton,Shires&Associates Conceptual Design Recommendations&Cost Estimate For Kennedy Trail Culvert 10208 $675.53 McKowan, Paul Reimbursement-Volunteer Training Supplies/Mileage 10209 $598.33 Summit Uniforms Uniform Expenses 10210 $590.87 *1 First National Bank Advertising, Subscriptions&Books-Recruitment Ad For Planning Tech/Volunteer Training Books/Annual Community Leader Subscription 10211 $575.00 Cabrillo Unified District Facility Fee For La Honda Creek Public Meeting 10212 $556.36 Northgate Environmental Management Remedial Investigations&Design At Driscoll Ranch 10213 $550.00 Neil Matthies Construction Remodel Administration Department Cubicle 10214 $546.00 ID Plus Name Tags 10215 $476.37 San Jose Water Company Water Service-RSA County Park 10216 $460.00 Green Waste Garbage Service-SFO 10217 $450.00 PT Armor Uniform Expenses 10218 $416.76 Acorn Signs Trail Sign For Ravenswood 10219 $411.26 California Water Service Company Water Service-FFO 10220 $385.00 Green Waste Dumpster For Beatty Property Cleanup 10221 $348.27 *1 First National Bank Business Related Meals/Board Meetings/Board Field Trip To Russian Ridge 10222 $345.68 All Chemical Disposal Sampling To Determine Proper Disposal Of Burned Material At Ravenswood 10223 $304.60 West Payment Center Legal Research&Books 10224 $291.81 Jackson-Hirsh Laminating Supplies 10225 $290.21 Tony&Alba's Pizza Business Related Meals-Board Meeting&Volunteer Meeting 10226 $285.31 Goodco Press Printing Services-Warning Notices 10227 $279.38 California Special Districts Association Sample Policy Handbook 10228 $278.73 Guy Plumbing&Heating Plumbing Repairs-Rental Residence 10229 $271.36 LFR Levine Fricke Engineer&Design Services-ECDM Staging Area Project Page 2 of 3 Claims No. 09-08 Meeting 09-12 Date 4/22/09 Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District # Amount Name Description 10230 $266.31 Hopp, Richard Reimbursement-Uniform Expenses 10231 $261.97 Acterra Native Plants For Annex Demonstration Garden ' 10232 $260.00 County Of Santa Clara-Office Of The Fingerprinting Services Sheriff 10233 $252,84 Life Assist First Aid Supplies 10234 $225.00 Del Rey Building Maintenance Cleaning Service-Nature Center 10235 $200.00 *5 EJ Communications Dish TV Satellite Repair 10236 $200.00 Sommer, Sandy Reimbursement-American Planning Association&American Institute Of Certified Planners Membership Dues 10237 $157A1 Bay Area News Group Advertisements-Invitation To Bid On Mindego&District Wide Vegetation Management Project 10238 $156.00 National Notary Association Notary Insurance Renewal 10239 $153.45 Highway Technologies Parking Blocks&Paint-FFO 10240 $133.53 Turf&Industrial Equipment Company Tractor Supplies 10241 $125.15 Paterson, Loro Reimbursement-Uniform Expenses 10242 $125.00 Shute, Mihaly&Weinberger LLP Legal Services-Planning Advice 10243 $110.00 Coastal Chimney Sweep Chimney Cleaning&Repair-Rental Residence 10244 $99.00 Premiere Global Services Fax Broadcast Services 10245 $95.00 Cupertino Medical Group Employee Medical Services 10246 $80.10 State Board Of Equalization Diesel Fuel Tax 10247 $80.00 Soil&Water Conservation Society Membership Renewal-M. Baldzikowski 10248 $72.32 Brim Tractor Company Additional Freight Charges For Tractor Safety Decals 10249 $70.33 Reeves,Michael Reimbursement-Office Supplies 10250 $63.65 Cotterel,Scott Reimbursement-Uniform Expenses 10251 $60.00 Trout, Rebecca Reimbursement-Fire Training Class 10252 $60.00 Williams,Mike Reimbursement-Cell Phone 10253 $50.00 San Mateo County Health Department Tick Testing 10254 $34.53 Downing,Brendan Reimbursement-Uniform Expenses 10255 $33.40 Los Altos Hardware Plumbing Supplies 10256 $30.91 Department Of Motor Vehicles Vehicle Code Books 10257 $28.00 State Military Department Training Course Expenses-Crisis Communications And The Media 10258 $22.70 Gempler's Uniform Expense 10259 $22.48 Team Power Forklifts Tractor Supplies 10260 $18.70 Rancho Cobbler&Cleaners Dry Clean Ranger Shirts&Jacket 10261 $16.41 United Parcel Service Parcel Shipping 10262 $14.85 Warren, Ryan Reimbursement-Shipping Charges 10263 $11.90 CSK Auto Vehicle Supplies 10264 $10.70 Williams,Jennifer Reimbursement- Docent/Volunteer Meeting Supplies Total $276,700.59 *1 Urgent Check Issued 4/2/09 The Total Amount For First National Bank Is$20,826.59 *2 Urgent Check Issued 4/16/09 *3 Urgent Check Issued 4/16/09 *4 Urgent Check Issued 4/14/09 *5 Urgent Check Issued 4/8/09 Page 3 of 3 II, I Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District R-09-3 8 Meeting 09-12 April 22, 2009 AGENDA ITEM 4 AGENDA ITEM Demonstration of the District's Preserve Finder Web Tool GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION Receive a brief demonstration by staff of the new and improved Preserve Finder powered by Google Maps. DISCUSSION This oral presentation will demonstrate features for the new and improved District Preserve Finder, an interactive online map. FISCAL IMPACT None. PUBLIC NOTICE Public notice was provided as required by the Brown Act. No additional notice is required. CEQA COMPLIANCE This proposed action is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act and no environmental review is required. NEXT STEPS N/A Prepared by: Vicky Gou, Web Content Coordinator Contact person: Same as Above t t � Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District R-09-39 Meeting 09-12 April 22, 2009 AGENDA ITEM 5 AGENDA ITEM Status Report on Grassland Management at Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve. GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION Receive report and provide comments on grassland management at Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve. DISCUSSION The District has been managing approximately 400 acres of grasslands along the ridgeline of the Santa Cruz Mountains (and the Bay Area Ridge Trail) at the Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve for approximately 20 years. During that time, several studies and reports have recommended different methods for meeting the following general goals for grassland management at the preserve: • Retain and restore grassland communities • Increase native biodiversity • Decrease cover of non-native invasive plants • Provide a recreational experience of scenic vistas and spring wildflowers Definition of Grasslands Grasslands are landscapes characterized by grasses mixed with other small plants. California grasslands tend to occur where soils are shallow or where other conditions limit the availability of soil moisture during growing periods, or where frequent disturbances otherwise prevent trees and shrubs from surviving. The amount and timing of annual precipitation is the most influential factor affecting the composition of plants in California grasslands thus the mix and density of different plants in California grasslands can change substantial) from Year to year due to annual rain patterns. Grassland species are well-adapted to disturbances, particularly grazing and burning. Most grassland species will re-sprout from their underground base or germinate from R-09-39 Page 2 seed stored in the soil after moderate levels of either grazing or burning, which remove the buildup of thatch (dead leaves covering the soil). Native California grasses are primarily perennial plants (living for longer than one year). They are often referred to as bunchgrasses because the individual plants are spaced apart due to soil moisture limitations. The spacing between bunchgrasses allows for germination of other types of plants, especially herbaceous wildflowers, during the wetter parts of the year. California grasslands have changed dramatically over the past few centuries due to the influence of European settlers who introduced normative annual grasses and ensured their dominance on the landscape by grazing domesticated animals, tilling the soil, and suppressing landscape fires. Although grasslands can adapt to disturbance, these landscape-level changes often led to a change in the plant composition. In particular, grasslands in California are now generally dominated by non-native species, primarily annual European grasses. Characterization of Russian Ridge Grasslands Russian Ridge contains annual grasslands, valley/south coastal grasslands, and weedy former pastures. The annual grasslands Occur throughout most of the preserve and contain common European annual grasses such as wild oats, soft chess, and ryegrass. These annual grasses germinate with the winter rains, grow quickly, seed, and then die by early to mid-summer, thus creating the "golden" color of California's hills. Stands of native perennial bunchgrasses are present at Russian Ridge, either as survivors from historical land disturbance or at locations where they have been seeded by the District. The most common native grass is purple needlegrass. Stands of California brome and blue wildrye are also common in addition to several other species of native grasses which occur less frequently. Because of the predominance of purple needlegrass, these stands are classified as valley/south coastal grasslands. Due to the conditions on Russian Ridge, the grasslands that occur there are intermediate between those typical of the warmer/dryer interior of the Central Valley and East Bay hills, and those closer to the coast under the influence of fog and cooler temperatures. Former locations for corrals or feeding stations for cattle now contain a greater amount of weedy plants, especially thistles. In addition, there are large and slowly spreading stands of Harding grass, a non-native, invasive, perennial grass, along the ridgeline, particularly near the northernmost intersection of Hawk Ridge and the Bay Area Ridge Trails. Harding grass gained widespread popularity through the Soil Conservation Service for both cattle forage and erosion control, and was probably planted at Russian Ridge as part of that statewide effort. Anecdotal information indicates that grazing has occurred at the preserve since the early 1900s. Ranchers likely tilled the soil on flat portions of the preserve as part of the haying operations that occurred throughout California to provide cattle forage. Most of the grassland portions of Russian Ridge were purchased by the District between 1982 and 1986. Originally, the District leased some of this land to ranchers for cattle grazing. In 1986, Rodney Tripp, a Rangeland Management consultant for the District, prepared a range management plan for Russian Ridge that recommended new leases, fencing, and water improvements to allow rotational grazing, and R-09-39 Page 3 regular spring/fall monitoring to adjust the grazing levels. He noted that purple starthistle was a troublesome weed that was increasing on the preserve and needed to be controlled. Shortly thereafter, the District decided to cease grazing at Russian Ridge due to the expense of repairing deteriorated fencing along Skyline Boulevard and Alpine Road, and also because grazing was considered to be non-compatible with open space protection. Grassland Management at Russian Ridge In 1996, Tamara Kan, a consultant hired by the District, prepared a report regarding the management of the Russian Ridge grasslands. Ms. Kan mapped the stands of purple needlegrass and weedy plants. She stated that a thick layer of thatch had developed on the preserve due to the removal of cattle and the continued suppression of wildfires. Her recommendations focused on the control of three target invasive plants: French broom, yellow starthistle and Harding grass. She recommended conducting prescribed burns in the summer or fall to control yellow starthistle and Harding grass, and to remove thatch to enhance the native wildflower display. She recommended following the burns with herbicide treatment, mowing, or hand-pulling of remaining target weeds. She noted that the amount of purple starthistle was limited, possibly due to the cessation of grazing and subsequent competition with annual grasses. Between 1997 and 2000, the District hired Rana Creek Habitat Restoration to test multiple methods of weed control at Russian Ridge and to develop a long-term strategy for management of its grasslands. The firm tested different combinations of mowing, herbicide spraying, goat grazing, prescribed fire, and seeding of native plants. All the methods used in the Russian Ridge study resulted in an initial decrease in the area covered by non-native plants. After goat grazing and burning, the number of both native and non-native plant species increased in the second year. Based on these and other studies, District staff has concluded that a combination of methods is usually most effective at restoring native grasslands as long as they are specifically adjusted to site conditions. For example, prescribed burns followed by selective herbicide treatment can be a cost-effective way to control large stands of yellow starthistle, if these activities are repeated for several years in a row. Mowing also controls yellow starthistle, but only if it is conducted several times a year at critical periods in the early summer for 3 consecutive years. However, mowing is only feasible on flat and moderately-sloped sites. In highly disturbed areas, direct seeding of native grasses may be necessary (preferably with a drill-seeder), although this is expensive and will require good rainfall and weeding in subsequent years to be successful. prescribed burns at Russian d con Following the Rana Creek report, the District decided to p Ridge in cooperation with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) as part of its grassland management strategy. Only four(4)prescribed burns could be conducted over a I0-year period, due to either the unavailability of CAL FIRE staff or increased political sensitivity in some very dry years. R-09-39 Page 4 The recent history of District prescribed fire at Russian Ridge is shown in the following table: MONTHIYEAR ACRES COMMENT BURNED Aug 1998 80 Conducted as part of the Rana Creek grassland management study in the south part of Russian Ridge. July 1999 145 A second year of burning in the south part of Russian Ridge with additional acreage. Oct 2000 56 No prescribed burn due to moratorium after Los Alamos wildfire. A wildland fire of 56 acres on the western part of Russian Ridge did occur this year. Oct 2002 65 In the northern part of Russian Ridge. July 2007 120 In the northern part of Russian Ridge. In the intervening years, District staff sought to implement other methods of invasive plant control at Russian Ridge including mowing, spraying, release of bio-control insects, and drill seeding. These methods yielded mixed results and the necessary personnel and funding were not always available for annual follow-up treatment. Also, due to funding constraints, on-going quantitative monitoring has not been conducted since the Rana Creek study. FISCAL IMPACT This review of the status of Russian Ridge grasslands will not result in any direct or immediate fiscal impacts. Implementation of future grassland management strategies may, over time, require additional District resources and funding. Staff will make annual recommendations for funding projects in light of overall District priorities and management objectives. As discrete projects are developed, budgets will be included within the annual Action Plan process and will be presented to the Board for review and approval, PUBLIC NOTICE Public notice was provided as required by the Brown Act. Notices were also sent to individuals on the Resource Management notification list. CEQA COMPLIANCE This program review is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act and no environmental review is required. NEXT STEPS The FY2009-10 Operations Department Action Plan includes a project to conduct quantitative monitoring of Russian Ridge grasslands. This monitoring program will be designed later this R-09-39 Page 5 year and will be used to inform the District's overall long-term grassland management policy and strategy. Prepared by: Cindy Roessler, Senior Resource Management Specialist Mack Casterman, Natural Resources Intern Contact person•: Cindy Roessler s } Midpeninsula Regional • ' Open Space District R-09-50 Meeting 09-12 April 22, 2009 AGENDA ITEM 6 AGENDA ITEM Approval of an Amendment to the Contract with Northgate Environmental Management, Inc., in the Amount of$30,000 to Provide Environmental Services and Oversight of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Cleanup Investigations at the former Almaden Air Force Station and Determination that the Recommended Actions are Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act. GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATIONS 1. Amend the contract with Northgate Environmental Management, Inc. for an additional $30,000, for a total amount not to exceed $55,000 to provide environmental services and oversight of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' cleanup investigations at the former Almaden Air Force Station in the Mount Umunhum area of Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve. 2. Determine that the recommended actions are categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as set out in this report. DISCUSSION In 1986, the District acquired the former Almaden Air Force Station (Almaden AFS) and all of its remaining facilities on Mount Umunhum and Mt. Thayer(see Report 86-20) with the intent of having the area restored to a natural condition and providing public access. At 3,486-feet, Mount Umunhum is the second tallest peak in the Santa Cruz Mountains and offers spectacular panoramic vistas from Monterey Bay to San Francisco. As a part of the purchase, the federal government agreed to clean up all containerized, surface, and above-ground toxic substances. After District purchase of the property, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) began investigations of contaminants and removed a number of underground fuel tanks and electrical transformers as a part of the agreed upon cleanup process performed under the FUDS (Formerly Used Defense Sites) Program. Unfortunately, contaminated soils remain on the site due to lack of follow-through by the Corps over the years in addition to the inherent limitations of work that can be performed under the FUDS Program., As a result, the District has been prevented from opening the area to the public. R-09-50 Page 2 For several years, the District has been working with community, state, and congressional leaders to obtain federal funding to complete the site cleanup work that can be completed under the FUDS Program work and also to address those major remediation tasks that are beyond the scope of the FUDS Program. Once this is accomplished, the District will proceed with plans to open the site for low-intensity public recreational use. Due in large part to the continued support of Congressional Representative Michael Honda, progress has been made over the course of the last year towards funding a portion of the remaining cleanup actions through the FY 2010 Federal Appropriations Bill. In January 2008, the District entered into a $25,000 contract with Northgate Environmental, Inc. (Northgate) for remediation oversight services to review the Corps' work at the former Almaden AFS and submit comments on the environmental investigations reports prepared by the Corps' contractor. Northgate has also provided the District with conceptual design and cost estimates for the proposed future use of the site as a visitor destination point. Staff is requesting approval to amend the contract with Northgate Environmental Management, Inc. for an additional $30,000, to fund ongoing review of the Corps work and preliminary planning for the eventual reuse of the site. Should the Board of Directors approve the contract amendment, Northgate would continue to review the Corps' work at Mt. Umunhum on a time and materials basis. Additional services would entail meetings with the Corps and the California Regional Water Quality Control Board, which is providing regulatory oversight for the former Almaden AFS cleanup actions performed by the Corps. Northgate would also continue to provide the District with revisions and additional information on the expected scope and costs to complete the cleanup of the former Almaden AFS site in order to provide members of the District's congressional delegation with adequate information. FISCAL IMPACT The Planning Department's budget for FY2009-1 0 includes $90,000 for the Mt Umunhum Remediation Project, which is listed as a Key Project in the FY2009-10 Action Plan. This project calls for oversight of the Corps cleanup efforts at the former Almaden AFS. The recommended $30,000 contract amendment with Northgate would be funded from this portion of the Planning Department budget. PUBLIC NOTICE Public notice was provided as required by the Brown Act. No additional notice is required. CEQA COMPLIANCE This project consists of planning services to address remedial investigations and future potential cleanup actions at the former Almaden AFS located within the Mount Umunhum area of Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve. R-09-50 Page 3 The District concludes that the actions authorized under this contract will not have a significant effect on the environment. It is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under sections 15306 and 15330 of the CEQA Guidelines 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. This project falls under Section 15306 because the contaminant investigations will involve only basic data collection and minimal disturbance to previously disturbed areas and will not impact an environmental resource. Section 15330 exempts certain actions to prevent, minimize, stabilize, mitigate, or eliminate the release or threat or release of hazardous waste or substances. This project falls under Section 15330 because it consists of planning and assessment work with the objective of removal and site cleanup to minimize the potential for hazardous chemicals at the site. NEXT STEPS If approved by the Board, staff will amend the original contract with Northgate Environmental Management, Inc. to continue oversight and negotiations with the Corps to complete the required cleanup actions at the former Almaden AFS that are the responsibility of the U.S. Government. Staff will also continue to work with the California Congressional Delegation to secure federal funding to design and implement actions to restore and provide public access to Mt Umunhum. Prepared by: Kirk Lenington, Senior Resource Planner Contact person: Same as Above Mid peninsula Regional ` I Open Space District R-09-20 Meeting 09-12 April 22, 2009 AGENDA ITEM 7 AGENDA ITEM Consider Adoption of a Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring Program, as Amended, Including Comments Received, Based on Findings, in Accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act and Authorize Execution of a Contract with Go Native Inc., in an amount not to exceed $78,000, for Herbicide Application and Invasive Species Control at Mindego Ranch. GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATIONS 1. Adopt the proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring Program, including the Technical Addendum, in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and make the CEQA Findings as set out in this report. 2. Authorize the General Manager to enter into an Agreement with Go Native Inc. for a total contract amount not to exceed $78,000 over a 3-year period to implement the invasive species control program and herbicide application at the Mindego Ranch portion of Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve. DISCUSSION Setting - T rt was purchased from Peninsula Open Space Trust Mindego Ranch property The 1,047 acre M �, p p y p p p (POST) in 2008 as an addition to Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve (Preserve) (see R-08-38). The Mindego Ranch area of the Preserve contains a wide diversity of habitats, occupying over 1.5 square miles of mountainous terrain covered by rolling grasslands, oak woodlands, and mixed evergreen forests that support stands of second-growth conifers. A prominent landmark, Mindego Hill, rises 2,143 feet above sea level, is visible for miles, and characterizes the terrain. Two perennial streams (Mindego and Alpine Creeks) and one intermittent stream (Rodgers Gulch) traverse the property, eventually draining into San Gregorio Creek and then out to the Pacific Ocean. One large and several small seasonal ponds are found on the property. Two small lakes, Kneudler and Mindego, provide year-round water. Numerous seeps and springs are also present. The diverse mosaic of vegetation communities and water resources on the property provide potential habitat for a wide variety of plants and animals. Downstream from the project area, the two perennial creeks provide important habitat for steelhead trout, a species listed as federally threatened under the federal. Endangered Species Act (ESA). The ponds and seeps on the property provide habitat for both California red-legged frog (CRLF), San Francisco garter snake (SFGS), and western pond turtle (WPT), species listed as threatened, endangered, and special status under the ESA respectively. Invasive Plant Species Mindego Ranch has been the site of cattle ranching since 1859, when Juan Mindecoa settled in the area. Ranching continued on the property relatively uninterrupted through successive landowners up to the time of purchase by the District. Land management practices focused on providing feed and water for livestock. Supplemental feed brought in for cattle was probably the original source of invasive plant seeds. Due to the heavy cattle stocking rates and because the cattle preferred to eat pasture grasses, non-native weeds were able to spread and thrive. A botanical survey conducted in 2008 indicated the presence of approximately 110 acres of purple starthistle (Centaurea calcitrapa) and approximately 40 acres of smooth distaff thistle (Carthamus baeticus) on Mindego Ranch ranging from sparse density to nearly 100% cover, including areas in close proximity to wetland/riparian habitat. The presence of these and other invasive plants displaces native vegetation and, if left untreated, is expected to spread further across the property and into adjacent areas. Integrated Pest Management Approach An invasive species control program utilizing an integrated pest management approach (IPMA), including the use of mechanical and manual methods and herbicide application, has been designed to control non-native plants on Mindego Ranch. The District's IPMA is a long-term strategy that specifically reviews alternatives and monitors conditions to effectively control a target pest with minimum impact to human health, the environment and non-target organisms. A key principle of the District's IPMA is to use the "least toxic" method required to obtain the desired level of pest control. The thistle populations on Mindego Ranch cover an extensive acreage and a variety of terrain, limited the effectiveness and opportunities to use large equipment or other mechanical means for control of these non-native species. Therefore, the use of herbicides, with effective Best Management Practices (BMPs) in place and the use of precautionary measures above and beyond those of the herbicide product labels, will be required in many areas. The areas selected for herbicide control have been carefully selected to protect water quality and listed species. The pest species targeted for control, purple starthistle and smooth distaff thistle, cover an area of approximately 100 to 150 acres. The control program will need to address most of this acreage annually. Due to the sheer size of this weed infestation, control is beyond the capability of field staff and volunteers and will need to be accomplished largely through the services of a contractor. �I The specific methods that will be utilized in managing non-native vegetation are: (a) Hand removal (b) Mowing (c) Spraying of aminopyralid (Milestone*)) (d) Spraying of glyphosate (Roundup Pro*)) Regulatory Constraints Endangered Species The contractor is required to implement all public and employee safety standards regarding the storage, mixing, transportation, disposal and application of herbicides, to operate in accordance with all herbicide label requirements, and to protect the environment, especially water quality and sensitive species. To better protect CRLF and SFGS and WPT, restricted use buffers for herbicide application were developed through consultation with the San Mateo County Agricultural Commissioner, and in accordance with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service guidance for potentially affected species as well as the CRLF injunction, which was stipulated by the California Northern District Court on October 20, 2006. The CRLF injunction imposes no- use buffer zones around CRLF upland and aquatic habitats for certain pesticides. Although aminopyralid is not included in the CRLF injunction, glyphosate is included. Use of herbicides and mechanized equipment adjacent to wetland/riparian habitat will be limited to better protect CRLF, SFGS and WPT and their primary habitat. Water Quality During Spring 2008, shortly after the District's purchase of Mindego Ranch became public knowledge, the District received a letter from the Cuesta La Honda Guild letting the District know their drinking water source was Mindego Creek, downstream of Mindego Ranch and requesting the District to consider this fact in any management actions taken at Mindego Ranch. To avoid impacts to water quality, the District consulted with a Pest Control Adviser to identify precautionary measures and BMPs for use prior to and during herbicide application. Additionally buffers will be established around all water features as identified in the proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring Program. District precautionary measures and BMPs are identified below. District Precautionary Measures and Best Management Practices The following BMPs will be used to implement this project to protect staff, listed species and downstream water quality: • Annual herbicide treatment will be below the maximum allowable amount recommended by the product manufacturer. • Hand removal of invasive plant species will be required within a 15-foot aquatic buffer zone around wetland/riparian areas. • When glyphosate is used, only spot treatments using handheld devices will be permitted beyond the 15-foot hand removal buffer and within 260 feet of the wetland/riparian areas. • To minimize the potential for spray drift near wetland/riparian areas, only power wands or hand application will be permitted in the floodplain of Mindego and Knuedler Lakes and surrounding areas draining downhill to the lakes. • Spot treatments will be preferred, but broadcast treatments using a power wand will be used in areas densely covered with non-native thistles. • Herbicide application will not be permitted on inside banks or bottoms of irrigation ditches, or channels that carry water that may be used for irrigation or domestic purposes. • Herbicide application will not be permitted during precipitation or when precipitation is predicted for the next 48 hours to allow for ample drying and adsorption of the herbicides. • All herbicide application equipment will require daily calibration prior to operation to provide for the most effective treatment using the least amount of herbicides. • Storage, mixing, and cleaning of equipment will be located away from any water. • Herbicide application will occur at the beginning of the dry season each year to provide for maximum drying and breakdown time of the herbicides prior to the rainy season each year. • Only rubber-tire all terrain vehicles that will not uproot the landscape will be permitted within a 660 foot precautionary zone of the wetland/riparian areas to provide additional protection for the CRLF, SFGS and WPT. • A biological monitor will be required to be present on site during hand removal, herbicide application, and preceding drill seeding equipment when working within the 660 foot precautionary zone surrounding wetland/riparian areas to determine the presence of and to avoid threatened and endangered species. • To reduce potential impacts to sensitive species, the control project will have a short annual duration, estimated at one to two week periods up to twice a year for spraying and up to one week during seeding activities which will only occur a few times. Contractor Selection Staff released a Request for Bids on March 18, 2009. A pre-bid meeting was held on site on March 27, 2009. Nine (9) contractors attended. Addenda clarifying certain issues that arose after release of the bid package were released on March 18 and on April 2, 2009. The following sealed bids were received on April 8, 2009: Contractor Average cost per acre for backpack application and for boom spraying of aminopyralid (Basis of Contract Award) Go Native, Inc $208.62 Natures Image, Inc $268.58 Go Native Inc. submitted a responsive proposal with relevant experience and lowest costs. Go Native, Inc. is a habitat restoration company located on the central California coast with extensive experience in wildland weed management. They have satisfactorily conducted invasive plant control work for the District from 2005 through 2008 and have done similar work for the Peninsula Open Space Trust, and the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy. Having reviewed the bidder's qualifications, and the bid proposal, staff recommends awarding the contract to Go Native, Inc. for a period of three years. FISCAL IMPACT The FY2009-10 Budget includes $34,000.00 to fund contracted vegetation maintenance for the Mindego Ranch region of the Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve. Annual expenditures of $22,000 are anticipated in FY201 0-11 and FY2011-12 to continue invasive plant control on Mindego Ranch. PUBLIC NOTICE A Notice of Intent to Adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration was submitted to the State Clearinghouse of the Governor's Office of Planning and Research on March 20, 2009, stating that the public review period would start on March 20, 2009 and end on April 20, 2009. On that date, the Notice of Intent was also submitted to the San Mateo County Clerk for posting, and mailed to 60 persons. Those notified included owners and occupants of property within 300 feet of the Mindego Ranch, the Cuesta La Honda Guild, other interested parties, and relevant agency personnel. The Notice, Mitigated Negative Declaration and Initial Study were made available for public review at the District's Administrative Office, and on the District's website. Therefore, all legal notice requirements of CEQA have been met, in addition to public noticing requirements of the Brown Act. CEQA COMPLIANCE District staff prepared an Initial Study and proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration evaluating the "Herbicide Application and Invasive Species Control at Mindego Ranch" project ("the project") for an implementation period of up to seven years. The Initial Study and proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration found that a number of CEQA impact criteria do not apply to the project due to its design, scope, and isolated location. The document also found that the project either avoids impacts or minimizes them to a less-than- significant level due to the specific nature of the project or because of mitigation measures that have been incorporated into the project. Most notably, the Initial Study and proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration found that the project will not adversely affect aesthetics, agricultural resources, air quality, geology and soils, hazards and hazardous materials, hydrology, land use and planning, mineral resources, noise, population and housing, public services, recreation, transportation and traffic, or utilities and service systems based on the project design that avoids potentially significant impacts as well as site specific conditions that minimize impacts to a less than significant level. The project will not adversely affect biological or cultural resources because the incorporation of mitigation measures into the project will reduce the impacts to a less than significant level. No mitigations to reduce impacts to water quality were required due to design of the project and the implementation and use of District precautionary measures and BMPs that exceed those required by the product label. In April of 2009 changes to the project description that were not analyzed in the proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Project were identified as follows: Mowing equipment will be used prior to herbicide application, and as needed throughout the duration of the project, to remove tall grasses and other vegetation. Mowing prior to herbicide application will better expose the non-native thistles, providing an opportunity for herbicide applicators to more effectively treat the non-native thistles and to reduce the overall amount of herbicides needed for treatment. Vegetation mowing will be restricted to the ridge tops located above environmentally sensitive areas. A proposed Technical Addendum to the Initial Study and proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration was prepared in April 2009 to identify and analyze possible impacts from the addition of mowing to the project scope (see Exhibit 3). Staff reviewed the Initial Study in conjunction with the mowing addition and determined that the proposed change would not result in any new or significantly adverse environmental impacts that were not identified in the proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration. Comments Received As of April 16, 2009, the District has received no comments concerning the Initial Study and proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration. The public comment period for this project ends on April 20, 2009. The Cuesta La Honda Guild contacted the District in March of 2009 and indicated that they are currently reviewing the proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration. Any comments received after April 16, 2009 will be compiled and presented at the April 22, 2009 Board of Directors meeting. Since the Technical Addendum prepared for the project did not identify any possibility of resulting adverse environmental impacts recirculation for additional public review is not required. A copy of the Technical Addendum is attached and is included with the proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration for this project. Mitigation Monitoring Program In accordance with CEQA, the District has prepared the proposed Mitigation Monitoring Program, which describes project-specific mitigation measures and monitoring process (see Exhibit 4). The proposed Mitigation Monitoring Program ensures that all adopted measures intended to mitigate potentially significant environmental impacts will be implemented. The project incorporates all of these mitigation measures. CEQA Findings Pursuant to CEQA, it is determined that the project will have no significant or cumulative effects because of implementation and adherence to mitigation measures that will prevent substantial impacts to environmental resources. It is also determined that project implementation will not result in direct and indirect substantial adverse impacts or significant risk to human beings. I I NEXT STEPS If approved by the Board, staff will file a Notice of Determination with the Clerk of the County of San Mateo and finalize execution of the agreement with the contractor. The contractor will begin weed control in May, 2009, following issuance of a Notice to Proceed. Attachments: 1. Project Map 2. Initial Study, proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration, and attachments 3. Proposed Technical Addendum 4. Proposed Mitigation Monitoring Program Prepared by: 1 n Koo marm Rangeland Ecologist Clayton p � g g Julie Andersen, Resource Planner Contact person: Clayton Koopmann, Rangeland Ecologist i i I RESOLUTION NO.09- A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT ADOPTING A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION AS AMENDED, A MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM, AND MAKING CEQA FINDINGS IN CONNECTION WITH THE HERBICIDE APPLICATION AND INVASIVE SPECIES CONTROL PROJECT AT MINDEGO RANCH, RUSSIAN RIDGE OPEN SPACE PRESERVE WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the MidpeninSilla Regional Open Space District ("District") has considered the Mitigated Negative Declaration, as amended by the Technical Addendum, ("MND")analyzing the environmental effects of the Project; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Directors that, based upon the Initial Study, Mitigated Negative Declaration, Mitigation Monitoring Program, all comments received, and all Substantial evidence in light of the whole record presented, the Board of Directors finds that: 1. Notice of the availability of the Initial Study and proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration and all hearings on the MND was given as required by law and the actions were conducted Pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act(CEQA) and the CEQA Guidelines. 2. All interested parties desiring to comment on the proposed MND were given the opportunity to submit oral and written comments on the adequacy of the MND prior to this action by the Board of Directors and all comments raised during the public comment period and at the public hearings on the MND were responded to adequately. 3. Prior to approving the Project that is the Subject of the proposed MND, the Board has considered the MND, along with all comments received during the public review process. 4. The Board finds that, on the basis of the whole record before it, including the MND and all comments received, that althOLI"ll the proposed Project could have significant effect oil the environment, there will not be a significant effect in this case since Mitigation Measures have been made a part of the Project to avoid such effects. 5. The Board adopts the proposed MND, including the"Technical Addendum, and determines that it reflects the District's independent judgment and analysis. 6. The Board adopts the attached Mitigation Monitoring Program and requires it to be implemented as part of the Project. 7. The location and Custodian of the documents or other material which constitute the record of proceedings upon which this decision is based are located at the offices of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, 330 Distel Circle, Los Altos, California 94022. Herbicide Application Map - Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve 1 Mindego Ranch Boundary j— \� Downstream Water Diversions/Pumps GteeV- de 15 foot Min n No Spray Zone above highwater mark Cuest La H da uil Pum j �- No Herbicide Application 8rg �: C=�• • • �� 260 foot buffer Glyphosate hand application) _ ��•� spot treatment only J; � �•°_� '' �nde T 0 :.... .... rnde o y rail _._ No Boom Zone take `t Hand application only: backpack sprayers, wicks and daubers,and power „ fi wand (when allowable). 0-660 foot f ,� tr Precautionary Zone Biological monitor required. Use precautionary Kn edler , measures when using ake mechanical equipment City an County of ti San Fran isco Pump ED Map produced by ` Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District r • 04/15/2009 6 00 2.600 u Feet Attachment 1: Project Map MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION Herbicide Application and Invasive Species Control at Mindego Ranch Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve San Mateo County, CA March 20, 2009 Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, CA 94022 650-691-1200 Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District NEGATIVE DECLARATION A notice, pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act of 1970, as amended (Public Resources Code 21,000, et seq.) stating that the following project: "Herbicide Application and Invasive Species Control at Mindego Ranch" when implemented, will not have a significant impact on the environment. PROJECT DESCRIPTION The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District(District) is planning herbicide application of the herbicides Milestone and Roundup Pro in conjunction with mechanical hand pulling and digging to control non-native thistles on portions of the 1,047 acre Mindego Ranch region of Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve in San Mateo County, California (Refer to Figures 1 and 2). The project area is highly disturbed due to the large number of invasive plants and past intensive grazing practices. The primary invasive plants that will be targeted include purple starthistle (Centaurea calcitrapa) and smooth distaff thistle (Carthumus baeticus). Secondary invasive plants that will also be targeted include: milk thistle (Silybum marianum), Italian thistle (Cardus pycnvicephalus), bull thistle (Cirsium vulgare), and yellow starthistle(Centaurea solstitialis). The presence of invasive thistles at Mindego Ranch is a result of the past ranching practices on the property. It is believed that feed brought in for cattle was the original source of the invasive plant seeds. Because the cattle preferred to eat native plants and pasture grasses, the non-native plants were able to spread and thrive. Previous efforts to control the non-native thistles through mowing may have actually increased their spread across the property. The presence of these invasive plants displaces native vegetation and, if left untreated, is expected to spread further across the property and into adjacent areas. Treatment of the invasive plant species includes herbicide application and hand removal to be completed by a qualified contracted herbicide applicator, and hand crews. The estimated level of work to control the two species is up to 150 acres of treatment per year for up to seven years. In development of the project plan, the District consulted with a licensed Pest Control Adviser to assist with selection of herbicides to be used, herbicide application methods, and time of year for application. A recent botanical survey conducted in 2008 indicated the presence of approximately 110 acres of purple starthistle (Refer to Figure 3) and approximately 40 acres of smooth distaff thistle (Refer to Figure 4) on Mindego Ranch ranging from sparse density to nearly 100% cover, including areas in close proximity to wetland/riparian habitat. The recommended treatment for purple starthistle and smooth distaff thistle is the application of the herbicide Milestone (Aininopyralid) applied at a rate of 5 ounces/acre/year. Application of Milestone will occur for up to two weeks during the spring (between March and June). A follow up application may also be applied in the summer(between July and September) of each year to eliminate any remaining plants. Herbicide application will be scheduled prior to bolting of the purple starthistle to achieve maximum effectiveness and to reduce the overall amount of herbicide that will be needed over the life of the project. No more than two Milestone applications (up to two weeks for each application) will occur each year. Spot treatments of Roundup Pro (Glyphosate) at a rate of up to 10.6 quarts/acre/year may be used between Milestone applications to treat any missed areas. The maximum allowable amount is not expected to be used each year because Glyphosate will only be used as a follow up to spot treat areas that were missed during application of Milestone. As the population of non-native thistles is reduced to an amount that can be treated primarily through spot treatment alone, the primary herbicide used for treatment will switch from Milestone to 2 Roundup Pro. Herbicides may be applied utilizing a variety of equipment, including a truck/tractor with a boom sprayer, all terrain vehicles (ATV) with a boom sprayer, and spot spraying with backpack sprayers, wicks and daubers, and power wands. Removal of plants by hand may occur in environmentally sensitive areas and in areas that limit equipment access due to steep terrain. Efficacy monitoring will occur 1-3 weeks after each treatment. If any areas are missed, follow up spot treatments using Glyphosate may be used to further control the non-native thistles. Erosion control methods including reseeding with pasture grasses and native perennial grasses and/or placement of groundcover will occur as needed to stabilize any exposed soils and to prevent soil erosion. Once a significant reduction in invasive species is observed, broadcast seeding and/or a drill seeder may be used to plant native perennial grass and pasture grass seeds to further displace the non-native thistles. During a formal habitat assessment conducted in 2008, the presence of threatened or endangered species (TES) at Mindego Ranch was observed. Both sufficient habitat and occurrence of California red-legged frog (Rana aurora draytonii) (CRLF), San Francisco garter snake (Thaninophis sirtalis tetrataenia) (SFGS) and western pond turtle (4ctineinvs inaf-morata) (WPT) was documented. To better protect TES, restricted use buffers for herbicide application were developed through consultation with the San Mateo County Agricultural Commissioner, United States Fish and Wildlife Service guidance for potentially affected species, and in accordance with the CRLF injunction. Although Milestone is not included in the CRLF injunction, Glyphosate is included. Use of herbicides and mechanized equipment adjacent to wetland/riparian habitat will be limited to better protect CRLF, SFGS and WPT and their primary habitat. Hand removal of invasive plant species will be required within a 15-foot aquatic buffer zone around wetland/riparian areas. When Glyphosate will be used, only spot treatments using handheld devices will be permitted beyond the 15-foot hand removal buffer, and up to 260 feet of the wetland/riparian areas. To minimize the potential for spray drift near wetland/riparian areas, only power wands or hand application will be permitted in the floodplain of Mindego and Knuedler Lakes and the area surrounding the lakes downhill toward the lakes (see Figure 5). Spot treatments will be preferred, but small scale broadcast treatments using a power wand will be used in areas of dense cover of non native thistles. As an additional precaution, no herbicide application will be permitted on inside banks or bottoms of irrigation ditches, or channels that carry water that may be used for irrigation or domestic purposes. Only rubber-tire all terrain vehicles that will not uproot the landscape will be permitted within a 660 foot precautionary zone of the wetland/riparian areas to provide additional protection for the CRLF, SFGS and WPT. A biological monitor will be required to be present on site during hand removal, herbicide application, and preceding drill seeding equipment when working within the 660 foot precautionary zone surrounding wetland/riparian areas to determine the presence of and to avoid threatened and endangered species. The short annual duration of the project, estimated at up to two, one to two week periods of spraying and up to one week of re-seeding in the fall, will also reduce the potential impact to sensitive species. A formal cultural resource survey has not yet been conducted to determine the presence of sensitive cultural resources at Mindego Ranch. However, knowledge of the area indicates the potential for culturally sensitive areas to occur near Mindego Lake and Big Spring. Herbicide application in these areas shall be by rubber-tire ATV or by hand spraying/removal to minimize the potential for ground disturbance in these areas. 3 � � � � � FINDINGS AND BASIS FOR NEGATIVE DECLARATION The Manager of the Operations Department of the MidpeninSUla Regional Open Space District, � based upon substantial evidence in the ncord` finds that: � � � � |. The mitigation measures, as listed below and incorporated into the project, areadequate to � mitigate the environmental effects vua less than significant |ovci 2. The projectwiUhaveoomdve/aemffez1 on air quality, mineral resources, Population and � housing, utilities and service systems,ortransportation/traffic because such impacts simply � do not arise 6mm the proposed project, given its minor nature and rural setting. l The projectvviU not adversely affect aesthetics, land use orpublic services, geology & soils, � hazards and hazardous materials, hydrology and water quality, noise, wrrecreation. | 4. The odniU not adversely affect biological resources and cultural resources, based on ` project-specific mitigations that reduce impacts 1ou less than significant level. l The project viU not: i * Create impacts that degrade the quality n/the environment, substantially reduce the habitat o[a fish or wildlife species,cause a fish o,wildlife population to drop below self- sustaining |cvc|s` threaten\o eliminate a plant oranimal community(excepting the targeted invasive plant species), reduce the number or restrict the range o[arare or endangered plant or animal,or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory, due tothe p jcct`yaca|c and localized nature. • Create impacts that are individually limited, but cumulatively considerable, based on project-specific mitigations that reduce these impacts to a less than significant level. * Create environmental effects that would cause substantial adverse effects onhuman � beings, either directly urindirectly. Therefore, the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District has determined that the project will have no significant effect onthe environment INCORPORATEDMITIGATION MEASURES INTO THE PROJECT The hio|mg\oa| resource mitigations identified below are discussed in section 1\/(a). (11310- 1)Tuminimize potential impacts tm California red-legged frog, Sun Francisco garter snake, and western pond turtle, worker environmental awareness training will be conducted for all herbicide application crews and contractors that will be accessing the site. The education training will be conducted prior to starting work on the project and upon the arrival of any new worker. The training will include u brief review ofthc California red-legged frog, Bun Francisco garter snake, and ncoi:rn pond |uU|c, their life history, field iden\ificu|ion, habitat requirements � for each species, location of sensitive areas, possible fines for violations, avoidance measures, and necessary actions i[sensitive species are encountered. 4 � � � i (BIO-2) In accordance with the United States Environmental Protection Agency's California red-legged frog injunction, no herbicide application shall be permitted within 15 feet of Big Spring, Mindego and Knuedler Lakes. When using Glyphosate, only localized spot treatments using handheld devices shall be permitted outside of the 15-foot hand removal buffer, but within 260 feet of Big Spring, Mindego and Knuedler Lakes. Herbicide application of Glyphosate beyond the 260 foot limited herbicide application zone, but within the 660 foot precautionary zone shall be restricted to hand application with a backpack pump, wicks and daubers, power wand, or by all terrain vehicle and boom sprayer. (BIO-3)No herbicide application shall occur during times of precipitation or when precipitation is forecasted during the subsequent 48 hour period. (BIO-4)To minimize potential impacts to California red-legged frog, San Francisco garter snake, and western pond turtle, a biological monitor will be required to be present on site during hand removal, preceding herbicide applicators,their equipment and drill seeding equipment when working within the 660 foot precautionary zone surrounding Big Spring, Mindego and Knuedler Lakes. (13I0-5) If California red-legged frog, San Francisco garter snake or western pond turtle are encountered, no work shall occur until the frog, snake or turtle has left the area on its own,or until a qualified wildlife biologist is consulted,and appropriate arrangements are made with United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the California Department of Fish and Game. Cultural resources mitigations identified below are discussed in section V(b). (ARC-1)To minimize ground disturbance and potential impacts to archaeological or paleontological resources, mechanized equipment shall be restricted to rubber-tire vehicles to prevent uprooting of soil and unintended exposure or impacts to resources. (ARC-2)To minimize ground disturbance and potential impacts to archaeological resources, a qualified archaeological monitor will survey the area prior to implementing any drill seeding activities to determine and indicate areas for avoidance. If resources cannot be avoided, mitigation measure ARC-3 shall be implemented. (ARC-3) Implementation of the following measures would reduce potential impacts to cultural and historical resources, including buried and unknown archeological, paleontological, and human remains, to a less-than-significant level: • If any commonly recognized sensitive cultural resources such as human formed artifacts including projectile points, bowls, baskets,historic bottles, cans, trash deposits, or structures etc. are encountered during herbicide application every reasonable effort shall be made to avoid the resources. Work shall stop within 30 feet of the object(s)and the contractor shall contact the District. No work shall resume within 30 feet until a qualified cultural and/or historical resources expert can assess the significance of the find. • A reasonable effort will be made by the District to avoid or minimize harm to the discovery until significance is determined and an appropriate treatment can be identified and implemented. Methods to protect finds include fencing and covering remains with protective material such as culturally sterile soil or plywood. • If vandalism is a threat, 24-hour security shall be provided. 5 / | | ~ Herbicide application outside of the find location can continue dming1kcsigni6conco evaluation period and while mitigation for cultural and/or historical resources iubeing | carried out, preferably with uquaUficd cu\turu| and/or historical resources expert monitoring any Subsurface excavations. ^ |furesource cannot bcavoided, uqun|\fiedCultural and/or historical resources expert will develop an appropriate Action Plan for treatment to minimize or mitigate the adverse effects. The District will not proceed with herbicide application activities within 30 (ec, of the find until the Action Plan has been reviewed and approved. ~ The treatment effort required to mitigate tile inadvertent exposure of significant Cultural and/or historical rcnouooy will be guided byo research design appropriate tothe � discovery and potential research data inherent in the resource in association With Suitable | field techniques and analytical strategies. Tile recovery effort will be detailed in a professional report in accordance with current professional standards. Any non-grave / � associated artifacts will 6ccurated with unappropriate repository. � ^ Project documents shall include u requirement that project personnel shall not collect cultural and/or historical resources encountered during construction. This measure is i consistent with federal guideline 36 CFR 800.13(a) for invoking unanticipated � discoveries. � (ARC-4) If human remains are encountered, all work within 100 feet o[the remains shall cease immediately and the contractor shall contact the District. The District will contact the � San Mateo County Coroner hoevaluate the remains,and follow the procedures arid protocols � set forth in §15064.5(e)of the CEQA Guidelines. No further disturbance of the site or ally nearby area reasonably Suspected to overlie adjacent rernains shall occur until tile County Coroner has mudc aJetcnniuo\inn of origin and diyposition, which shall be made within two working days frorn the tirne the Coroner is notified of the discovery, pursuant to State Health and Safety Code Section 7050.5 and Public Resources Code Section 5097.98. If tile remains are determined to be Native American,the Coroner will notify tile Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) within 24 hours, which will determine and notify tile Most Likely Descendant(MLD). The MLD may recornmend within 48 hours of their notification by tile NAHC the means of treating or disposing of, with appropriate dignity, tile human remains and grave goods. |n the event ofdifficulty locating uMLDor failure o[tile MLDto make a tirnely recommendation,the hurnan remains and grave goods shall be reburied with appropriate dignity on the property in a location not subject to further subsurface disturbance. RESPONSIBLE AGENCY CONSULTATION }4o agency consultation was initiated aya result of the project. INITIAL STUDY & copy of the initial study iaattached. REVIEW PERIOD The Review Period begins on Maruh28, 2O8o and ends onApril 20. 2009. |f You have any commcnts about the Negative Declaration orInitial Study, have information that should hc included, and/or disagree with the findings of Our study as ac\ forth in the proposed Negative Declaration, please submit your comments in writing no later than 5 p.m. on April 20. 2009tu � Midpeninsu|aRcgiona} Open Space District, 330Diota| Circle, Los Altos, C/\ 94022. � 6 CONTACT PERSON Cindy Roessler, Senior Resource Management Specialist,650-691-1200 David Sanguine 0, 0 Op rations Manager Midpeninsula Regio al pen Space District ,0( 7 Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District INITIAL STUDY Project title: 7Herbicide Application and Invasive Species Control at Mindego Ranch Lead agency name and address: Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District � 330 Distel Circle, Los Altos, CA 94022 Contact person and phone number: Cindy Roessler, (650)691-1200 Project location: The project area is located west of Skyline Boulevard (Hwy 35) within the 1,047 acre Mindego Ranch region of Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve. The Russian Ridge preserve is located within unincorporated San Mateo County, approximately 1.5 miles north of the Skyline Boulevard and Alpine Road intersection. Project APN: 080-320-060; 080-340-0 10; 083-310-060 Project sponsor's name and address: �Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District 330 P i Distel Circle, Los Altos, CA 94022 General plan designation: General Open Space Zoning: RM, Resource Management and TPZ, Timberland Preserve Zone Description of project: (Describe the whole action involved, including but not limited to later phases of the project, and any secondary, support, or off-site features necessary for its implementation. Attach additional sheets if necessary.) The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (District) is planning herbicide application of the herbicides Milestone and Roundup Pro in conjunction with mechanical ]land pulling and digging to control non-native thistles on portions of the 1,047 acre Mindego Ranch region of Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve in San Mateo County, California (Refer to Figures I and 2). The project area is highly disturbed due to the large number of invasive plants and past intensive grazing practices. The primary invasive plants that will be targeted include purple starthistle (Cenfaui-ea calcilrapa) and smooth distaff thistle (Cat-thannis baelicus). Secondary invasive plants that will also be targeted include: milk thistle (Si1jbum marianum), Italian thistle (Cardlis pycnocephulus), bull thistle (Cirsium vulgure), and yellow starthistle (Centaurea solvilialis). The presence of invasive thistles at Mindego Ranch is a result of the past ranching practices oil the property. It is believed that feed brought in for cattle was the original source of the invasive plant seeds. Because the cattle preferred to eat native plants and pasture grasses, the non-native plants were able to spread and thrive. Previous efforts to control the non-native thistles through mowing may have actually increased their spread across the property. The presence of these invasive plants displaces native vegetation and, if left untreated, is expected to spread further across the property and into adjacent areas. Treatment of the invasive plant species includes herbicide application and hand removal to be completed by a qualified contracted herbicide applicator, and hand crews. The estimated level of work to control the two species is LIP to 150 acres of treatment per year for LIP to seven years. In development of the project plan, the District consulted with a licensed Pest Control Adviser to assist with selection of herbicides to be used, herbicide application methods, and time of year for application. A recent botanical survey conducted in 2008 indicated the presence of approximately 110 acres Of Purple starthistle (Refer to Figure 3) and approximately 40 acres of smooth distaff thistle (Refer to Figure 4) on 8 Mindego Ranch ranging from sparse density to nearly 100% cover, including areas in close proximity to wetland/riparian habitat. The recommended treatment for purple starthistle and smooth distaff thistle is the application of the herbicide Milestone (Aminopyralia) applied at a rate of 5 ounces/acre/year. Application of Milestone will occur for up to two weeks during the spring (between March and June). A follow up application may also be applied in the summer (between July and September) of each year to eliminate any remaining plants. Herbicide application will be scheduled prior to bolting of the purple starthistle to achieve maximum effectiveness and to reduce the overall amount of herbicide that will be needed over the life of the project. No more than two Milestone applications (up to two weeks for each application) will occur each year. Spot treatments of Roundup Pro (Glyphosate) at a rate of up to 10.6 quarts/acre/year may be used between Milestone applications to treat any missed areas. The maximum allowable amount is not expected to be used each year because Glyphosate will only be used as a follow up to spot treat areas that were missed during application of Milestone. As the population of non-native thistles is reduced to an amount that can be treated primarily through spot treatment alone, the primary herbicide used for treatment will switch from Milestone to Roundup Pro. Herbicides may be applied utilizing a variety of equipment, including a truck/tractor with a boom sprayer, all terrain vehicles (ATV) with a boom sprayer, and spot spraying with backpack sprayers, wicks and daubers, and power wands. Removal of plants by hand may occur in environmentally sensitive areas and in areas that limit equipment access due to steep terrain. Efficacy monitoring will occur 1-3 weeks after each treatment. If any areas are missed, follow up spot treatments using Glyphosate may be used to further control the non-native thistles. Erosion control methods including reseeding with pasture grasses and native perennial grasses and/or placement of groundcover will occur as needed to stabilize any exposed soils and to prevent soil erosion. Once a significant reduction in invasive species is observed, broadcast seeding and/or a drill seeder may be used to plant native perennial grass and pasture grass seeds to further displace the non-native thistles. During a formal habitat assessment conducted in 2008, the presence of threatened or endangered species (TES) at Mindego Ranch was observed. Both sufficient habitat and occurrence of California red-legged frog (Rana aurora clraytonii) (CRLF), San Francisco garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis tetrataenia) (SFGS) and western pond turtle (A1'1it7C1111°5 marmorata) (WPT) was documented. To better protect TES, restricted use buffers for herbicide application were developed through consultation with the San Mateo County Agricultural Commissioner, United States Fish and Wildlife Service guidance for potentially affected species, and in accordance with the CRLF injunction. Although Milestone is not included in the CRLF injunction, Glyphosate is included. Use of herbicides and mechanized equipment adjacent to wetland/riparian habitat will be limited to better protect CRLF, SFGS and WPT and their primary habitat. Hand removal of invasive plant species will be required within a 15-foot aquatic buffer zone around wetland/riparian areas. When Glyphosate will be used, only spot treatments using handheld devices will be permitted beyond the 15-foot hand removal buffer, and up to 260 feet of the wetland/riparian areas. To minimize the potential for spray drift near wetland/riparian areas, only power wands or hand application will be permitted in the floodplain of Mindego and Knuedler Lakes and the area surrounding the lakes downhill toward the lakes (see Figure 5). Spot treatments will be preferred, but small scale broadcast treatments using a power wand will be used in areas of dense cover of non native thistles. As an additional precaution, no herbicide application will be permitted on inside banks or bottoms of irrigation ditches, or channels that carry water that may be used for irrigation or domestic purposes. Only rubber-tire all terrain vehicles that will not uproot the landscape will be permitted within a 660 foot precautionary zone of the wetland/riparian areas to provide additional protection for the CRLF, SFGS and WPT. A biological monitor will be required to be present on site during hand removal, herbicide application, and preceding drill seeding equipment when working within the 660 foot precautionary zone surrounding wetland/riparian areas to determine the presence of and to avoid threatened and endangered species. The short annual duration of the project, estimated at up to two, one to two week periods of spraying and up to one week of re-seeding in the fall, will also reduce the potential impact to sensitive species. 9 A formal Cultural resource survey has not yet been conducted to determine the presence of sensitive Cultural resources at Mindego Ranch, However, knowledge of the area indicates the potential for Culturally sensitive areas to occur near Mindego Lake and Big Spring. Herbicide application in these areas shall be by rubber-tire ATV or by hand spraying/removal to minimize the potential for ground disturbance in these areas. The project incorporates the following guidelines: • The contractor shall secure and remove all trash at the end of each working day to maintain a clean worksite. • The contractor shall appropriately maintain all construction equipment throughout the project: fueling, cleaning and equipment maintenance shall be prohibited within 100 feet of wetland/riparian areas. The contractor shall maintain adequate containment and cleanup materials onsite in the event of spills. • As the project location falls within the San Mateo County Sudden Oak Death Syndrome (SOD) zone of infestation, the contractor shall clean all tools and equipment to prevent spread of SOD into new areas. Surrounding land uses and setting: Briefly describe the project's surroundings: SURROUNDING LAND USES To the west of the project area are lands administered by the San Francisco Youth Authority; to the east of the project area is the remaining portion of Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve. To the north and South of the project area are privately owned rural residential parcels. In general, this area of San Mateo County is dominated by open space/recreation lands and scattered rural residential properties. EXISTING SETTING The project area is located within the Mindego Ranch region of Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve managed by the MidpeninSUla Regional Open Space District. The Preserve is located within unincorporated San Mateo County in the north-central section of the Santa Cruz Mountains, and lies near the headwaters of Mindego and Alpine Creeks, both tributaries to San Gregorio Creek. 'File Mindego Ranch portion of the Preserve, where the proposed project is located, includes 1,047 acres of agriCLiltLiral/grazing land acquired by the District in 2008. The project area is located within the Timberland Preserve Zone and Resource Management zoning districts. Public use of the Mindego Ranch portion of the Preserve is Currently restricted to hiking through docent led tours and special permits only. The project area is accessed primarily by dirt and rocked ranch roads; however some portions of the project area will require off road travel over primarily grassland habitat. Slope and aspect varies throughout the project area. Project efforts will be concentrated primarily on the north, west and east slopes of Mindego Hill located above the steep Mindego Creek drainage. The project area is dominated by annual grasslands bordering a mixed evergreen forest. Riparian species intermix with the mixed evergreen forest immediately adjacent to Mindego Creek. Soils underlying the project area are primarily highly erodible stony clay loam of the Mindego soil series. Other public agencies whose approval is required (e.g., permits, financing approval, or participation agreement.) • None Document availability: All documents referenced in the Initial Study are available for review from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District administrative office at the address listed above. SUBSEQUENT ACTIONS Upon General Manager or designee certification of this negative declaration, the following actions will 0CCLir: • Contract bid and approval 10 Mindego Ranch �ev,v , J, 9 1 c Rd .,wax Russian , a Ridge gun Mindego Ranch 9�c�ssRey Skyline I .� Ridge mac': � 0 0.5 1 2 Miles FIGURE 1. PROJECT VICINITY MAP (MINDEGO RANCH) 11 Mindego Ranch �0 M;n dago Big Spring oI Mrndego Lake Mindego Hill F m 9 N m 0 0 m C7 m Knuedler o Lake m 0 9 Kp L e 0 0.125 0.25 0.5 ., Miles FIGURE 2. PROJECT LOCATION MAP (MINDEGO RANCH) 12 n r` y _ ti y iiiy e :r rI: t � Fan a fk �yv * ti v VE r� 1` CCC,A2: Cnrd'c'livau c::ikdrtipa 4puuple star ihivlel c4stribution &density neap Afi"IW Hi I lnc,;Zr,F-Wil ln,"rrry-A,4*,Arl 72rF- lov W LA Tll 1114 154 9 C, 0,5 1.0 miles 7 p C,5 i.0 ■rn FIGURE 3. DISTRIBUTION OF PURPLE STAR THISTLE AT MINDEGO RANCH 13 r�- ° . 0 t • .• �u. �ixFsi R ti y�� pq � y 9 µY Yl•y' 'ti u° • 4 4 i r n * 6 Mir oj $r1R�7:7",:. .J � . 'M°h "''-•".t Y1°..� _.e_.:�» ::Jl• °`�.+a'i�iN:1Y4._'�. �` wk.''P"daw. CAIDAS: C.- :f!armv.s 1°:c! ! s(sma)lh chstaff Nate)distnbu'ian S kIrrin ty map Mn-,;%),a Hit lgvr !r..Plant ln.,crtrry-W.t,rt :111:P. PN f A1N 5� 2 Q i?S 1 C m0n, no es 1.D t •_ �.m FIGURE 4. DISTRIBUTION OF SMOOTH DISTAFF THISTLE AT MINDEGO RANCH 14 Herbicide Application Map - Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve Mindego Ranch Boundary - 0 Downstream Water Diversions/Pumps 15 foot No Spray Zone No Hei-bicide Application Cuesta La Honda Guild Pump 260 foot buffer GINphosate hand application spot treatment onh No Boom Zone Hand application onh: bac kpac k spray a rs, %ticks and daubers, and potter wand %the n a llott able►. j/ a660 foot - Precautionary Zone Biological monitor required. Use prec anti ono I-N City and County of s measures %then San Francisco Pump using mechanical _ m_ equipment p 41 i 0 0.050.1 0.2 -- . Miles FIGURE 5. ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREA PROTECTION BUFFERS 15 � ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS POTENTIALLY AFFECTED: The environmental factors checked below would be potentiallyaffected b« this project, involving at least one impact that is a "Potentially Significant Impact" as indicated by tile � checklist nn the following pages, * Biological Resources Z Cultural Resources DGeology/Soils * Hazards & Hazardous 0 Hydrology/Water Quality 0 Land Use/Planning Materials 0 Mineral Resources 11 Noise 0 Population/Housing 0 Public Services 0 Recreation El Transportation/Traffic 13 Utilities/Service Systems 0 Mandatory Findings of Significance * Aesthetics 0 Agriculture Resources 0 Air Quality � x^E"==°..N [�n the basis of this initial evaluation: NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared. R7 I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, there will not be a significant effect in this case because revisions in the project have been made by or agreed to by the project proponent. A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared. 0 1 find that the proposed project MAY have a significant effect on tile environment, and an ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required. 0 1 find that the proposed project MAY have a "potentially significant impact" or "potentially significant unless mitigated" impact on the environment, but at least one effect 1) has been adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and 2) has been addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis as described on attached sheets, An ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required, but it must analyze only the effects that remain to be addressed. 0 1 find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, because 0 1 find that the proposed project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the environment, and aall potentially significant effects (a) have been analyzed adequately in an earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION pursuant to applicable standards, and (b) have been avoided or mitigated pursuant to that earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION, including revisions or mitigation measures that are imposed upon the proposed project, nothing further is required. David Sanguinetti, Operation tier Midpeninsula Regional Oventi—District � � � � � |& � � � � [ ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS Les Than Issues: Potentially Significant with Less Than (. AESTHETICS significant Mitigation significant No pad Impact Incorporation Impact Would the project: I(a) Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista? ❑ ❑ 2 ❑ Herbicide application will be specific to targeted broadleaf vegetation. In most areas, residual grasses and other non targeted vegetation will remain, which will provide for a similar visual appearance to the existing condition. In heavily infested areas, patches of dying or dead vegetation may occur. However,this is a temporary condition, which will be reduced or eliminated because the project area is dominated by annual grasses that naturally dry out and die back in the summer of each year. Once the drying season begins, any patches of dying or dead vegetation will be consistent with the overall visual state of the project area. Because dead plants material will remain in place, and non targeted vegetation will be minimally affected, large patches of exposed soils are not expected. Nonetheless, after herbicide application, an annual inspection will be conducted to determine if re- seeding of any disturbed areas is needed prior to the rainy season each year to promote uniform vegetation cover, thus further reducing the potential for visual impacts from patchy vegetation. etation. I(b) Substantially damage scenic resources, including,but not ❑ ❑ ❑ 0 limited to,trees, rock outcroppings,and historic buildings within a state scenic highway? I(c) Substantially degrade the existing visual character or ❑ ❑ ❑ quality of the site and its surroundings? Although some die back of vegetation will occur,this is a temporary condition that will not significantly impact the overall visual character of the area(Refer to I(a)above). Herbicide application and hand removal of non native species will provide the opportunity for native grasses, pasture grasses and wildflower species to establish, which will eventually enhance the overall visual quality of the area. I(d) Create a new source of substantial light or glare,which ❑ ❑7"_ 2' would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area? 11. AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES In determining whether impacts to agricultural resources are significant environmental effects, lead agencies may refer to the California Agricultural Land Evaluation and Site Assessment Model (1997) prepared by the California Dept. of Conservation as an optional model to use in assessing impacts on agriculture and farmland. Less than Potentially Significant with Less Then Would the project: Significant Mitigation Significant No hnpact p 1 Irn acl Incorporation Irn pact II(a) Convert Prime Farmland,Unique Farmland,or ❑ ❑ ❑ 10 Farmland of Statewide Importance(Farmland), as shown on the maps prepared pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the California Resources Agency,to non- agricultural use? II(b) Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use,or a ❑ ❑ ❑ Williamson Act contract? II(c) Involve other changes in the existing environment,which, ❑ ❑ ❑ 23 due to their location or nature,could result in conversion of Farmland, to non-agricultural use? 17 I III. AIR QUALITY Where available, the significance criteria established by the applicable air quality management or air pollution control district may be relied upon to make the following determinations. Pbten tlal IV tens Than Less than WouldWouldthe project: 5ignlficant S gut cant r,ith Sign h(ant vo Impact Inlpacl Mtl gahon hnpdct III(a) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable ❑ ❑ ❑ air ualitplan? III(b) Violate any air quality standard or contribute ❑ ❑ ❑ substantially to an existing or projected air quality violation? III(c) Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any ❑ ❑ ❑ criteria pollutant for which the project region is non-attainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard (including releasing emissions,which exceed quantitative thresholds for ozone precursors)? III(d) Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ concentrations? No air quality issues or odors associated with herbicide application(spraying) are expected to occur, because no application will occur during weather conditions that favor spray drift into non targeted areas. The following use restrictions have been set in place to prevent the spread of herbicide through the air: No boom sprayer application will be permitted when winds are greater than 5 mph; no backpack sprayer applications using a wand and nozzle hood will occur when winds are greater than 10 mph; no wick and dauber applications will occur when winds are greater than 15 m h. ___T III(e) Create objectionable odors affecting a substantiaF ❑ El ❑ 0 number of people? See II1(d)above. IV. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES test rhan Potentially Significant with Less Than Would the project: Slgnif cant Mitigation Slgnr cant o Impact Impact Incorporation In>act IV(a) Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or ❑ 0 ❑ ❑ through habitat modifications, on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG)or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)? The Project will result in an improvement to the environment by removing invasive plant species that displace native vegetation. Impacts to special-status wildlife species potentially occurring on the project area can either be avoided or reduced to less than significant levels through incorporation of USFWS buffers required for the CRLF and SFGS, and by following standard District best management practices(BMP's), and project timing. The project area is currently highly disturbed due to the large number of invasive plant species and past intensive grazing practices. Special status species occur on or potentially near the project site; however the potential for them to be affected by the proposed project is considered low. The short duration of the project, estimated at up to two weeks of spraying in spring of each year, and up to two additional weeks of spraying in summer(as needed) each year and up to one week of re-seeding in the fall of each year, reduces the potential for impacts to sensitive species even further. The following herbicides will be used and their potential effects are listed below: Milestone(Aminopyralid) 18 Aminopyralid is the active ingredient in Milestone, which is a broad spectrum herbicide used to control invasive annual, biennial, perennial and broadleaf plants. Aminopyralid functions by disrupting plant metabolic pathways that affect plant growth. The Environmental Protection Agency(EPA)classification for Aminopyralid is toxicity category 1V or"caution" signal word,the lowest toxicity category a chemical can receive. Aminopyralid is considered practically non-toxic to mammals, bird species,and fish and practically non-toxic to slightly toxic to aquatic insects, such as dragonflies and water bugs(Washington State Department of Transportation, 2009). Direct exposure to Aminopyralid for CRLF, SFGS, and WPT will be minimized by having a biological monitor precede herbicide applicators within 660 feet of areas surrounding wetland/riparian habitat(See Figure 5). Indirect exposure may occur, but because Aminopyralid is considered practically non-toxic, impacts to wildlife will be minimized if an animal comes into incidental contact with the herbicide. Effects to aquatic species will be minimized by implementing restricted use buffers surrounding water features. A 15-foot no spray zone beyond the high water mark of wetland/riparian areas will be implemented as an additional precautionary measure. To minimize the potential for spray drift near wetland/riparian areas, only power wands or hand application will be permitted in the floodplain of Mindego and Knuedler Lakes and the area surrounding the lakes downhill toward the lakes(see Figure 5). Spot treatments will be preferred, but small scale broadcast treatments using a power wand will be used in areas with a dense cover of non native thistles. As an additional precaution, no herbicide application will be permitted on inside banks or bottoms of irrigation ditches, or channels that carry water that may be used for irrigation or domestic purposes. Aminopyralid is considered minimally to moderately mobile in soils, with a typical half life of 103 days (Washington State Department of Transportation, 2009). Due to minimal to moderate transport ability, the amount of herbicide expected to transport from the upland areas into the wetland/riparian areas is expected to be minimal. Round-Up Pro(Glyphosate) Glyphosate is the active ingredient in Round-Up Pro,which is a broad spectrum herbicide used to control a variety of invasive plant species. Glyphosate functions by interrupting cellular plant processes specific to plant function. The EPA classification for Roundup is toxicity category III with a signal word of"caution". Glyphosate has low toxicity in humans if ingested, inhaled or touched, but it is considered an eye irritant. Due to application techniques and the distance from adjacent properties, eye irritation is unlikely outside of the immediate project area. To minimize eye irritation to herbicide applicators, appropriate eye protection will be required. Glyphosate is metabolized by soil bacteria and is not considered mobile in soils. Because of this, Glyphosate has a very low potential to contaminate groundwater. It has a typical half life of 47 days (Washington State Department of Transportation, 2006). Direct exposure to Glyphosate for CRLF, SFGS, and WPT will be minimized by having a biological monitor precede herbicide applicators in areas surrounding wetland/riparian habitat. Indirect exposure may occur, but will be minimized by implerenting a 15-foot no spray boundary beyond the high water mark of wetland/riparian areas and by restricting application to hand and Spot treatments only beyond 15 feet and within 260 feet of wetland/riparian areas. Due to limited to no application within the two buffer areas, limited half life of the product, inability of the product to transport in soils, and because Glyphosate does not bioacCUmmulate in aquatic animals, the amount of Glyphosate expected to transport from the upland areas into the wetland/riparian areas is expected to be minimal. To fiirther minimize the potential for spray drift near wetland/riparian areas,only power wands or hand application will be permitted within the floodplain of Mindego and Knuedler Lakes and the area surrounding the lakes downhill toward the lakes(see Figure 5). Spot treatments will be preferred, but small scale broadcast treatments using a power wand will be used in areas of dense cover of non native thistles. As an additional precaution, no herbicide application will be permitted inside banks or bottoms of irrigation ditches, or channels that carry water that may be used for irrigation or domestic purposes. No special-status plant species were observed or are expected to occur at the project area. Herbicide application will be completed in areas infested with invasive thistle species, primarily distaff thistle,and purple star thistle. j 19 A literature search was conducted utilizing the California Natural Resources Database (CNDDB), which revealed suitable habitat conditions for one special-status plant species adjacent to the project area, the Western Leatherwood(Dirca occidentalis). This species is easily identifiable, and is not present in the project area. SPECIAL-STATUS ANIMAL SPECIES Special-status animal species that occur, or have the potential to Occur within or adjacent to the project area include: Coho salmon, steelhead trout, CRLF, SFGS, Cooper's hawk, Sharp-shinned hawk, and the San Francisco dusky-footed woodrat. Other sensitive animal species that could occur within the project area include a variety of migratory bird species protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The natural history, potential for occurrence, and potential impacts to the species identified as affected by this project is discussed in detail below. California red-legged frog(Rana aurora draytonfi) The CRLF is federally-listed as threatened and is designated as a California species of special concern. It is one of two subspecies of red-legged frog(Rana aurora)endemic to the Pacific Coast. The CRLF is distributed throughout 26 Counties in California, but is most abundant in the San Francisco Bay Area. The northern red- legged frog(Rana aurora aurora) ranges from southern British Columbia, Canada South to northern Marin County. Although the project area is not Currently located in critical CRLF habitat,the project area is located within the United States Fish and Wildlife Service's proposed "SNM-2"critical habitat unit. If adopted,this revision Would replace the currently designated CRLF critical habitat. Although there is a proposed revision in place,this project does not result in impacts to existing CRLF critical habitat or proposed critical habitat. CRLF have been previously observed at Mindego Ranch. CRLF were found at the springs near the ranch buildings, Knuedler Lake, Big Spring and in Mindego Creek in a large pool below all 8 foot waterfall. Ponds within the project area provide habitat and breeding opportunities for CRLF. Dispersing juveniles or adult frogs in search of appropriate breeding habitat may also intermittently utilize the upland areas above the ponds. Because CRLF occupy the project area, mitigation measures have been incorporated into the project that will reduce the potential to affect this species to a less than significant level. With the implementation of the avoidance and minimization measures,the project is not expected to result in injury or mortality to the CRLF or in adverse affects to its designated or proposed critical habitat. San Francisco garter snake(Tlianinophis sirtalis tetralaenia) The SFGS is federally and state-listed as endangered and is a fully protected species Linder Section 5050 of the California Fish and Game Code. An aquatic subspecies of the common garter snake and endemic to the San Francisco Bay Area, SFGSs are distributed along the western San Francisco Peninsula from the southern Sail Francisco County border South to Waddell Lagoon south of Ario Nuevo and as far east as the Crystal Springs Reservoir Watershed. It often Occurs with its primary prey species,the California red-legged frog; however, it will opportunistically prey on a variety of species including other frogs, tadpoles, egg masses, newts, small fish, salamanders, reptiles, small mammals, birds and their eggs and several small invertebrates. SFGSs prefer densely vegetated habitats close to water where they can retreat when disturbed. The species often occurs near ponds, marshes, streams and other wetlands associated with cattails (Tyl)ha spp.), bulrushes (Amphiscirpus, Bolhoschoenus, Isolepis, Schoenopleclus and Trichophorian spp.)and rushes(Juncos and Eleocharis spp.). Mating occurs shortly after they leave their winter retreats in May and females give birth to live young between June and September. Species may hibernate near the coastal areas in fossorial inammal 20 burrows and other refuges, or remain active year-round, weather permitting. One SFGS was found at Kneedler Lake during the 2008 habitat assessment survey. Due to the presence of this snake and because suitable habitat for this species exists at the project location, mitigation measures have been incorporated into the project that will reduce the potential to affect this species to a less than significant level. With the implementation of avoidance areas and minimization measures, the project is not expected to result in harm, harrassment, injury, or mortality to the SFGS or adversely affect its potential habitat. Western Pond Turtle (Actinemys marmorat(i) WPT is a federal and state species of concern. Pond turtles are primarily aquatic, and are highly dependant on basking sites such as logs or sunny slopes for thermoregulation(Swaim, 2008). WPTs range from northern Baja California north to the Puget Sound of Washington state.Although they spend much of their active time in water, nearby upland habitat is essential for female WPT to burrow and deposit eggs. WPT were observed at Mindego Lake, and Big Spring in 2008. Due to the presence of WPT within the project site, mitigation measures have been incorporated that will reduce the potential to affect the species to a less than significant level. With the implementation of avoidance areas and minimization measures, the project is not expected to result in injury or mortality to the WPT or any adverse affects to its potential habitat. Impact 13I0-1: California red-legged frog,San Francisco garter snake,and western pond turtle occupy the project area,and could potentially be harmed or harassed by project implementation. Mitigation: (BIO- I)To minimize potential impacts to California red-legged frog, San Francisco garter snake, and western pond turtle, worker environmental awareness training will be conducted for all herbicide application crews and contractors that will be accessing the site. The education training will be conducted prior to starting work on the project and upon the arrival of any new worker. The training will include a brief review of the California red- legged frog, San Francisco garter snake, and western pond turtle,their life history, field identification, habitat requirements for each species, location of sensitive areas, possible fines for violations, avoidance measures, and necessary actions if sensitive species are encountered. (BIO-2) In accordance with the United States Environmental Protection Agency's California red-legged frog injunction, no herbicide application shall be permitted within 15 feet of Big Spring, Mindego and Knuedler Lakes. When using Glyphosate, only localized spot treatments using handheld devices shall be permitted outside of the 15-foot hand removal buffer, but within 260 feet of Big Spring, Mindego and Knuedler Lakes. Herbicide application of Glyphosate beyond the 260 foot limited herbicide application zone, but within the 660 foot precautionary zone shall be restricted to hand application with a backpack pump, wicks and daubers, power wand,or by all terrain vehicle and boom sprayer. (BIO-3)No herbicide application shall occur during times of precipitation or when precipitation is forecasted during the subsequent 48 hour period. (BIO-4)To minimize potential impacts to California red-legged frog, San Francisco garter snake, and western pond turtle, a biological monitor will be required to be present on site during hand removal, preceding herbicide applicators, their equipment and drill seeding equipment when working within the 660 foot precautionary zone surrounding Big Spring, Mindego and Knuedler Lakes. 21 (11310-5) If California red-legged frog, San Francisco garter snake or western pond turtle are encountered, no work shall Occur until the frog, snake or turtle has left the area on its own,or until a qualified wildlife biologist is consulted,and appropriate arrangements are made with United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the California Department of Fish and Game. Cooper's and sharp-shinned hawks(Accipiter cooperi,Accipiter strialus) The Cooper's hawk and sharp-shinned hawk are both State species of special concern that are considered rare breeders in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Cooper's hawks prefer forested habitats in Mountainous regions, but also use lowland riparian woodlands and forage in both dense cover and open habitats. In California, nests are usually constructed in oak trees. The local breeding season spans from February through July. Sharp-shinned hawks prey mostly on small songbirds and breed from April through July. Potentially suitable breeding habitat for sharp- shinned hawks Occurs over much of the forested mountainous terrain of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Nesting sharp-shinned hawks typically inhabit dense coniferous forests adjacent to foraging liabit; densely foliaged conifers that are Surrounded by dense canopy cover are considered prime nesting trees. The species is considered uncommon in the project area from September to early May. The project area may offer potential nesting and migrating habitat for Cooper's and sharp-shinned hawks. Temporary vehicle and equipment noise will be minimal due to the limited number of vehicles and types of equipment that will be used. Vehicle and equipment use, if Occurring during the breeding season, is considered a less than significant disturbance to nesting hawks and is unlikely to result in nest abandonment or mortality of Young. Migratory Bird Species The Migratory Bird Treaty Act(MBTA), amended in 1992, includes all migratory bird species. MBTA generally prohibits the taking, killing, possession of, or harm to nesting migratory birds species listed in Title 50 code of federal regulation(cfr) Section 10.13. Section 3513 of the California Fish and Game Code supports the MTBA. The project area may offer potential nesting and migrating habitat for migratory birds. Temporary vehicle and equipment noise will be minimal due to the limited number of vehicles and types of equipment that will be used. Vehicle use and equipment noise is similar to or less than what has previously or currently occurred on the property, and if occurring during the breeding season is considered a less than significant disturbance to nesting migratory bird species and is unlikely to result in nest abandonment and mortality of young. San Francisco dusky-footed woodrat(Neotomafuseipes annecten.v) The San Francisco dusky-footed woodrat is a state species of concerti. Woodrats are small mammals that build nests made of sticks, typically at the base of trees and shrubs. The species prefers forested habitat with a moderate canopy and brushy Linderstory, particularly on the Lipper batiks of riparian forests or within poison-oak dominated shrublands. The dusky-footed woodrat is known to feed on a variety of woody plants, fungi, flowers and seeds. Because herbicide application will primarily be located in open pasture areas, which are not the preferred habitat for this species, and no woodrat nests have been observed, no impact is anticipated. Coho salmon (Oneorhynchus kisutch) Coho salmon are federally and state listed as an endangered species. The species ranges from Santa Cruz County,northward to Alaska. Coho salmon in San Mateo County are included in the listings for the Central California Coast Evolutionarily Significant Unit(ESU). An ESU is based on genetic and regional climatic and habitat conditions that can be distinguished from other regions within the species range. 22 Coho salmon are an anadrornous(ocean going)species that begin life in coastal streams during the rainy season. Eggs are deposited in stream gravels and fertilized. Small "fry"emerge from the gravels and then grow in the strearn for their first year. Juvenile"smolts"out-migrate into the ocean during the spring and early Summer and will typically spend two years at sea before returning to their natal stream to spawn and die. Colo salmon Populations have dramatically decreased as a result of land use practices(timber harvesting, mining, agriculture, rural and urban development), water diversions, predation, and changing oceanic conditions. The proposed project is located in a steep headwater tributary within the San Gregorio Creek watershed. The proposed project area is located above the known limits of anadrorny, so direct impacts to this species will not occur. Coho salmon prefer low gradient streams for spawning and rearing. It is estimated that potential Coho salmon habitat exists approximately two miles downstream based on stream topography and past CDFG inventories. Coho salt-non Populations from San Gregorio Creek were depressed in the 1960's and are believed to have been lost from the watershed during the late 1970's and early 1980's. A flew juvenile coho salmon were once again observed in the middle portion of the main stern of San Gregorio Creek in 2006,approximately seven miles downstream of the project area. No indirect impacts to Coho salmon habitat is expected as a result of herbicides impacting water quality (see section Vill. Hydrology and Water Quality).The project proposes to remove exotic vegetation species to promote habitat for native vegetation in primarily upland and grassland sites. The potential for the proposed project to impact this species is considered less than significant. Steellicad rainbow trout (Oneorhynehits n�vkiss) Steelhead rainbow trout are an anadromous form of rainbow trout that spend part of their lives in the ocean before returning back to streams to spawn. Steelhead range from Alaska to Southern California. Steelhead trout are federally listed as threatened within the Central California Coast ESU, including San Mateo County. Steelhead are an anadrornous(ocean going) species that begin life in San Mateo County coastal streams during the rainy season. Eggs are deposited in stream gravels and fertilized. Small "fry"emerge from the gravels and then grow in the stream typically for one to three years. Juvenile "smolts"out-migrate into the ocean during the spring and early summer where they spend between one and four years before returning to their natal stream to spawn. Unlike Coho salmon, steelhead do not necessarily die after spawning, but may once again move back to the ocean and return again to spawn. Steelhead have been documented spawning in Successive years, though rarely more than two. Steelhead populations have also significantly decreased within the region due to the same factors as noted above for Coho salmon. Steelhead can utilize steeper portions of the stream network than Coho salmon,though the proposed project location is above the limits of anadrorny, and no fish are present. Steelhead trout are Currently known to inhabit Mindego Creek, below the proposed project area. Mindego Creek is a tributary to San Gregorio Creek. No direct or indirect impacts to steelhead habitat are expected as a result of herbicides impacting water quality (see section VI 11. Hydrology and Water Quality). The project proposes to remove exotic vegetation species to promote habitat for native and non invasive vegetation in primarily upland and grassland sites. The potential for the proposed project to impact this species is considered less than significant. 23 IV. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES (continued) "T'""' Potentially S��nrt[ant with Less than Would the ro ect: s.gntrcam mil'gaoon Sign�ficam �.o tr yxI h j mmct Incorxxahon Impact IV(b) Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat ❑ ❑ ❑ or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, regulations or by the California Department of Fish and Game or US Fish and Wildlife Service? Indirect impacts to habitat are not expected as a result of Aminopyralid or Glyphosate impacting water quality. See section VIII. Hydrology and Water Quality. Only targeted broadleaf species are expected to be impacted. Hand removal of the targeted species will allow for planting and natural regeneration of native plants and seeded pasture grasses to reestablish themselves in riparian and other sensitive natural communities. IV(c) Have a substantial adverse effect on federally protected ❑ ❑ ❑ 2 wetlands as defined by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means? Adverse impacts to federally protected wetlands are not expected to occur because no removal of water will occur and reseeding of disturbed areas above riparian areas will prevent erosion that could possibly result in filling of a wetland. Through implementation of restricted use buffers and avoidance of spraying directly into or adjacent to water features, minimal to no impacts to water quality are expected as a result of the project, refer to Section Vill. Hydrology and Water Quality for further information. IVA Interfere substantially with the movement of any native ❑ ❑ ❑ 21 resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nurser sites? The proposed project is located above a steep-gradient headwater stream where no fish are present. The project will not interfere with wildlife movement corridors or im ede wildlife movement or wildlife nursery sites. IV(e) Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting ❑ ❑ ❑ biological resources,such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance? IV(f) Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat ❑ ❑ ❑ 0 Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation Ian? 24 V. CULTURAL RESOURCES ant w Potentially Significant with Less than Would the project: Significant Mitigation Significant No Impact Impact Incorporation oration Impact V(a) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a ❑ 2 ❑ ❑ historical resource as defined in 15064.5? V(b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of ❑ 2 ❑ ❑ an archaeological resource pursuant to $15064.5? Archeological resources are known to exist at the project site. These archaeological resources have not been formerly evaluated for their potential to yield information. Impact ARC-1, ARC-2 ARC-3: Use of mechanized equipment such as track mounted vehicles and drill seeders can cause round disturbance that can unearth or disturb historical or archaeological or g g paleontological features. Mitigation n n potential impacts to archaeological or paleontological resources (ARC-1) To minimize ground disturbance and pote p g p b , mechanized equipment shall be restricted to rubber-tire vehicles to prevent uprooting of soil and unintended exposure or impacts to resources. (ARC-2)To minimize ground disturbance and potential impacts to archaeological resources, a qualified archaeological monitor will survey the area prior to implementing any drill seeding activities to determine and indicate areas for avoidance. If resources cannot be avoided, mitigation measure ARC-3 shall be implemented. (ARC-3) Implementation of the following measures would reduce potential impacts to cultural and historical resources, including buried and unknown archeological, paleontological, and human remains,to a less-than- significant level: • If any commonly recognized sensitive cultural resources such as human formed artifacts including projectile points, bowls, baskets, historic bottles, cans,trash deposits, or structures etc. are encountered during herbicide application every reasonable effort shall be made to avoid the resources. Work shall stop within 30 feet of the object(s) and the contractor shall contact the District.No work shall resume within 30 feet until a qualified cultural and/or historical resources expert can assess the significance of the find. • A reasonable effort will be made by the District to avoid or minimize harm to the discovery until significance is determined and an appropriate treatment can be identified and implemented. Methods to protect finds include fencing and covering remains with protective material such as culturally sterile soil or plywood. • If vandalism is a threat, 24-hour security shall be provided. • Herbicide application outside of the find location can continue during the significance evaluation period and while mitigation for cultural and/or historical resources is being carried out, preferably with a qualified cultural and/or historical resources expert monitoring any subsurface excavations. • If a resource cannot be avoided, a qualified cultural and/or historical resources expert will develop an appropriate Action Plan for treatment to minimize or mitigate the adverse effects. The District will not proceed with herbicide application activities within 30 feet of the find until the Action Plan has been reviewed and approved. • The treatment effort required to mitigate the inadvertent exposure of significant cultural and/or historical resources will be guided by a research design appropriate to the discovery and potential research data inherent in the resource in association with suitable field techniques and analytical strategies. The recovery effort will be detailed in a professional report in accordance with current professional standards. Any non-grave associated artifacts will be curated with an appropriate repository. Project documents shall include a requirement that project personnel shall not collect cultural and/or 25 historical resources encountered during construction. This measure is consistent with federal guideline 36 CFR 800.13(a) for invoking unanticipated discoveries. (ARC-4). 11"human remains are encountered, all work within 100 feet of the remains shall cease immediately and the contractor shall contact the District. The District will contact the San Mateo County Coroner to evaluate the remains, and follow the procedures and protocols set forth in §1 5064.5(e)of the CEQA Guidelines. No further disturbance of the site or any nearby area reasonably Suspected to overlie adjacent remains shall Occur until the County Coroner has made a determination of origin and disposition, which shall be made within two working days from the time the Coroner is notified of the discovery, pursuant to State Health and Safety Code Section 7050.5 and Public Resources Code Section 5097.98. If the remains are determined to be Native American,the Coroner will notify the Native American I ieritage Commission(NAHC) within 24 hours, which will determine and notify the Most I-ikely Descendant (MI.D). The MILD may recommend within 48 hours of their notification by the NAHC the means of treating or disposing of, with appropriate dignity,the human remains and grave goods. In the event of difficulty locating a MLD or failure of the MI-D to make a timely recommendation, the human remains and grave goods shall be reburied with appropriate dignity on the property in a location not Subject to further subsurface disturbance. V. CULTURAL RESOURCES (continued) Potene'fljv te's man S'g"itcant sig"ili'anl with Sign tu:anl No la ipacl Would the project: Impact Min pw Impact V(c) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological 11 0 2 ❑ resource or site or unique geologic feature? No known paleontological resources exist onsite, however in the event an undiscovered resources is suspected, please see the mitigation is section V(b)above. V(d) Disturb any human remains, including those interred 0 0 21 0 outside of formal cemeteries? See Section V(b) above. V1. GEOLOGY AND SOILS POIC'Mially Significant with Less Than Significant i Mitigation S'g"'ficaw lmpa(t Would the project: g"ifi,ant 1,npacl IncOiLm"Ition Impact VI(a) Expose people or structures to potential substantial 0 0 2 0 adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving: I i) Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as delineated on 0 0 2 0 the most recent Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map issued by the State Geologist for the area or based on other substantial evidence of a known fault? Refer to Division of Mines and Geology Special Publication 42. ii) Strong seismic ground shaking? 0 0 21 0 iii)Seismic-related ground failure, including liquefaction? 0 0 R] 0 iv)Landslides? 0 0 10 0 26 V1. GEOLOGY AND SOILS (continued) nee Potentially Significcanntt wish less Than Would the project: significant Mitigation significant No Impact l Im act Incorporation Im art VI(b) Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, or ❑ ❑ 2 ❑ that would become unstable as a result of the project, and potentially result in on-or off-site landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction or collapse? According to the California Geological Survey, Seismic Hazard Zones Mindego Hill Quadrangle map, the project area is located in an "area where previous occurrence of landslide movement, or local topographic, geologic, geotechnical and subsurface water conditions indicate a potential for permanent ground displacements."Although the proposed project is located in an area where landslides may occur,the limited scope of the project is not expected to increase the potential for landslides. No cut, fill, or grading of material will be required as a result of this project. The project is located within an unpopulated setting, no structures are proposed, and no new roads or trails will be constructed. Little to no ground disturbance will occur. The major active faults in the vicinity of the project area are the San Andreas and San Gregorio faults, which are located approximately 4 miles northeast and 5 miles southwest, respectively. The La Honda fault passes approximately one mile to the southwest of the project area,trending from the northwest to the southeast. There is the potential for on-site fault rupture or severe ground shaking during a large magnitude earthquake. These risks are considered negligible and highly unlikely in the project area. VI(c) Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil? ❑ ❑ 2 ❑ Herbicide application of Milestone and Roundup Pro will target two broadleaf invasive species: distaff and purple star thistle. Targeted application rarely results in complete removal of groundcover, as the targeted broadleaf species are usually intermixed with annual grasses and wildflower species. To minimize erosion of exposed soils, targeted herbicide application will occur in the spring, after larger winter storms have passed and T grasses n in when most annual gasses begin seasonal dieback, Th e roots of dead vegetation and leaf litter will remain b g g place which will help to stabilize soils until reseeding occurs. Summer follow up application will occur after annual grasses and wildflowers have already set seed. To minimize ground disturbance from vehicles on steep slopes, backpack spraying and hand removal will occur. Post herbicide application inspections will be conducted prior to the rainy season each year to determine if any erosion control methods are needed to minimized soil erosion. If needed, placement of ground cover, or seeding of native perennial grasses and pasture grasses will occur to stabilize exposed soils and to reduce the potential for erosion as a result of this project. VIA Be located on expansive soil, as defined in Table 18-1-B ❑ ❑ ❑ 0 of the Uniform Building Code (1994), creating substantial risks to life or property? VI(e) Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of ❑ ❑ ❑ 2 septic tanks or alternative wastewater disposal systems where sewers are not available for the disposal of wastewater? 27 VI1. HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS Iesarl""' Pozen Nally $ignihcant with Less Than , Would the ti Significant Nfiig„tion Significant Impact project: Im pact Incor po,ailon Im tact VII(a) Create a significant hazard to the public or the ❑ ❑ © ❑ environment through the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials? Hazardous materials (herbicide)will be transported to and from the project site rising public roads. Only a qualified contractor will be approved and selected to transport herbicide to and from the project site.Contractors will follow all necessary regulations involved in the transportation and storage of hazardous materials. No public accesswill be allowed to the preserve during herbicide application. Qualified applicators wearing appropriate personal protective equipment will apply the herbicide in accordance with product labels, following recommendations from a qualified pest control adviser, and under the supervision of a qualified applicator. No public entry to sprayed areas will be allowed for 48 hours following application to provide a more than adequate ' amount of timeY for the herbicide to dry to minimize hazards to the public. A staging area adjacent to the Mindego Ranch buildings will provide running water for decontamination of personnel and equipment. A portable eye wash and washing station will be available onsite to decontaminate personnel and to prevent the spread of herbicides outside of the project area. In the event an unintended spill or other hazardous material incident occurs, District Rangers trained in first aid will be available as first responders to potential emergencies, until a hazardous materials team can arrive. The District's radio and repeater system together with ranger and staff availability on call 24 hours per day provides for effective communication for prompt notification to emergency service providers in the event of a hazardous materials emergency. The nearest neighbors adjacent to the project area are greater than 0.1 mile away. Due to the rural character of their property, and the distance to neighboring structures, adjoining landowners will not be affected by hazardous materials involved with the project. VII(b) Create a significant hazard to the public or the ❑ ❑ 2 ❑ environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment? See VII(a)above. VII(c) Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or ❑ ❑ ❑ 2 acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste within one- quarter mile of an existing or proposed school? The nearest school, La Honda elementary school, is located over two miles to the west of the roject location. VII(d) For a project located within an airport land use plan or, ❑ ❑ ❑ 2 where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area? VII(e) For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, ❑ ❑ ❑ 2 would the project result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area? VII(f) Impair implementation of or physically interfere with an ❑ ❑ ❑ adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation Ian? VII(g) Expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ injury or death involving wildland fires, including where wildlands are adjacent to urbanized areas or where residences are intermixed with wildlands? The Preserve is in the minimally developed western portion of San Mateo County in the Santa Cruz Mountains. According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the project area is located in a high fire hazard zone, based on vegetation type (fuel loading), slope and weather. This designation notwithstanding,the 28 project Would not change the degree of exposure to wildfires. Equipment operation has the potential to ignite fires; however adequate fire suppression tools including an"ABC" Fire extinguisher and hand tools will be required on site during the project to extinguish any accidental ignitions. During periods of high fire danger, no vehicles having catalytic converters shall be allowed off of established roadways. Herbicide application is expected to Occur during spring and fall prior to and following the fire season for the local area. The short duration of the project, and on site fire suppression capabilities reduce this potential impact to less than significant. In addition, District Ordinance 93-1, Section 404, prohibits fires and smoking on District lands. District Rangers trained in fire-fighting techniques and carrying fire Suppression equipment regularly patrol the Preserve. District staff are often first responders to fire emergencies, with the primary fire protection falling to the California Department of Forestry, County Fire Departments, and municipal fire protection agencies. The District's radio and repeater system together with ranger patrols and staff on call 24 hours per day provides for effective communication for prompt notification to emergency service providers in the event of a wildland fire or emergency response call. V111.HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY Potentially Significant wdh Less Than Would the Significant Mitigation Significant No Impact project: Impact Incorporation Impact V111(a) Violate any water quality standards or waste discharge 0 0 0 2 requirements? V111(b) Substantially deplete groundwater supplies or interfere 0 0 0 21 substantially with groundwater recharge such that there would be a net deficit in aquifer volume or a lowering of the local groundwater table level (e.g., the production rate of pre-existing nearby wells would drop to a level which would not support existing land uses or planned uses for which permits have been granted)? V111(c) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site 0 0 0 2 or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river, in a manner, which would result in substantial erosion or siltation on-or off-site? V111(d) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the 0 0 0 2 site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river, or substantially increase the rate or amount of surface runoff in a manner, which would result in flooding on- or off-site? Vill(e) Create or contribute runoff water which would exceed 0 0 2 0 the capacity of existing or planned storm water drainage systems or provide substantial additional sources of polluted runoff? To minimize the potential for polluted runoff from the project site, herbicide application will not Occur during rainy days or when precipitation is forecasted within the next 48 hours. Arninopyralid and Glyphosate are both broken down by either Sunlight or soil microbes(or both) and due to the timing of the application immediately prior to or during the dry season, the potential for Polluted runoff to occur will be minimized. V111(f) Otherwise substantially degrade water quality? 1 0 1 0 1 0 2 The project is located above Mindego Creek,a tributary to the impaired San Gregorio Creek. San Gregorio Creek is impaired because of high coliform count and sedimentation/siltation (San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board, 2003). The nearest known water sources for human use are located to the west of the project area on Mindego Creek, and include the Cuesta La Honda Guild Pump located approximately 0.1 mile from the Preserve boundary and the City and County of San Francisco Pump located approximately 0.3 mile from the Preserve boundary (see Figure 5). Because limited populations Of purple star and smooth distaff thistles exist within 0.5 mile of these two water sources(see Figures 3 and 4), very little herbicide application 29 will need to occur within this area. The majority of the applications will be located greater than 0.5 mile from these water sources. To further minimize impacts to water quality, no herbicides will be applied directly to any water sources, within 15 feet of water sources, or on inside banks or bottoms of irrigation ditches, or other channels that carry water for irrigation or domestic purposes. All herbicide application will be in accordance with product labels and based on pest control recommendations developed by a licensed Pest Control Adviser. A Qualified Applicator with a License(QAL)Category "B"(Landscape Maintenance)or Category "D"(Plant Agriculture)will supervise all contractor herbicide application. A Qualified Applicator with a Certificate(QAC) will supervise all District herbicide application. To prevent transport of herbicide off site, no herbicide application will Occur during rain events, or if precipitation is predicted within 48 hours of application to allow thorough drying and adsorption time. Additional restricted use buffers around on site water Sources have been put in place to protect water quality and sensitive biological species within the immediate project area(See Section IV). These use buffers coupled with application recommendations from a licensed Pest Control Adviser will restrict the ability of applied products to enter onsite or transport to offsite water features. Milestone is classified by the EPA as a category IV(low toxicity) with a signal word of"caution"(Washington State Department of Transportation, 2009). Arninopyralid, the active ingredient, has very low toxicity and is not regulated as a carcinogen(Washington State Department of Transportation, 2009). Milestone was selected because of its effectiveness in treating the targeted plant species at low doses in order to minimize the amount of product introduced into the environment over time(the label specifies no more than 7 ounces/acre/year). The typical half life of Arninopyralid is 103 days; both soil ►nicrobes and Sunlight break down the product. The typical half life of Glyphosate is 47 days; microbes break down the product. Because herbicide application will occur near the beginning or during the dry season each year,the product is expected to break down Substantially each year further minimizing the potential for product transport. The limited half life, and break down of the product over time will further reduce the potential for herbicide transport to adjacent water supplies. Roundup Pro is a commonly used product that has a signal word of"caution".Glyphosate, the active ingredient has a low toxicity level and is considered a group-D"human carcinogen (unclassifiable due to insufficient or conflicting data); however, multiple Studies show that Glyphosate is not a rnUtagen (Washington State Department of Transportation, 2006). Roundup Pro when used for spot application will not exceed the label specification of 10.6 quarts/acre/year. Glyphosate is not mobile and has a very low potential to contaminate groundwater(Washington State Department of Transportation, 2006). The District is aware of downstream water uses and has implemented best management practices(BMPs) to prevent herbicide from entering the water Supply. These BMPs include: consultation with and implementation of recommendations from a licensed Pest Control Adviser; selecting herbicides with minimal transport ability that break down over time; timing herbicide application(immediately prior to or during the dry season)to allow for thorough drying of the products and maximum adsorption by plants; and limiting or excluding herbicide application in ditches and channels that carry water,and in areas surrounding water sources. Any exposed soils resulting from herbicide application will be covered or seeded prior to the rainy season each year to reduce the potential for sediment transport and run off to enter waterways. Preventing run off that can diminish water quality will reduce any impacts to water quality to a less than significant level. 30 VI11.HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY (continued) LessTnan Potentially Significant with lass Than Would the project: Significant Mitigation significam No Impact Impact Incorporation Impact VIII(g) Place housing within a 100-year flood hazard area as ❑ ❑ ❑ 2 mapped on a federal Flood Hazard Boundary or Flood Insurance Rate Map or other flood hazard delineation map? V111(h) Place within a 100-year flood hazard area structures, ❑ ❑ ❑ 2 which would impede or redirect flood flows? VIII(i) Expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, ❑ ❑ ❑ 2 injury or death involving flooding, including flooding as a result of the failure of a levee or dam? V111(j) Inundation by seiche, tsunami, or mudflow? ❑ ❑ ❑ 0 han IX. LAND USE AND PLANNING Lesc nt Potettially Significant with Less Than Would the project: Significant Mitigation significant No Impact Im act Incorporation Impact IX(a) Physically divide an established community? ❑ ❑ ❑ 0 IX(b) Conflict with any applicable land use plan, policy, or ❑ ❑ ❑ regulation of an agency with jurisdiction over the project (including, but not limited to the general plan, specific plan, local coastal program, or zoning ordinance)adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect? The project is consistent with the San Mateo County General Plan in that the Preserve is designated is General Open Space and Agricultural/Grazing Lands. In these areas,outdoor recreation and cattle grazing are designated as compatible uses. The open space designation supports recreational uses typically found in publicly owned parks and natural preserves. The agricultural/grazing designation allows for cattle grazing. Therefore, current and future use of the land for outdoor public recreation and future cattle usage are consistent with San Mateo County's General Plan. The project area is consistent with the San Mateo County Zoning Regulation in that the Preserve is on land zoned Resource Management(RMZ)and Timberland Preserve Zones(TPZ). Within the RMZ, agriculture, livestock raising and grazing, and public recreation are permitted uses. The proposed project complies with all environmental quality criteria identified within the Zoning Regulations for the RMZ including, water resources, cultural resources, primary scenic resources areas, fish and wildlife habitat and all environmental regulations for emissions of air pollutants, introduction of noxious odors, pesticide use, noise levels, changes in vegetation cover,erosion control,and effects to wildlife resources. The proposed project is considered a compatible use within the TPZ, because it will not result in development and will not impact any timber growing or harvesting operations. Resource protection activities, such as invasive weed management, erosion control, and watershed protection, when implemented to enhance public recreation and future grazing Opportunities that does not impact the ability to grow and harvest timber does not conflict with the San Mateo County General Plan or Zoning Regulations for the RMZ or TPZs. IX(c) Conflict with any applicable habitat conservation plan or ❑ ❑ ❑ natural community conservationplan? Less fh an X. MINERAL RESOURCES Potentially Significant with Less Than Would the Y1 significant Mitigation Significant No Impap project: Irn pact Incorporation ko tact X(a) Result in the loss of availability of a known mineral ❑ ❑ ❑ 171 resource that would be of value to the region and the residents of the state? X(b) Result in the loss of availability of a locally-important ❑ ❑ ❑ 2 mineral resource recovery site delineated on a local general Ian, specific plan or other land use Ian? 31 �es, 1,,I, ° XI. NOISE Potentially Signii�cuit wish Less Than i Would the ti result in: �'�"'°`a"' M" „'°" S`�"'nea"' °''»"a" project Impact Incur toution Impacl XI(a) Exposure of persons to or generation of noise levels in ❑ ❑ 2 ❑ excess of standards established in the local general plan or noise ordinance, or applicable standards of other agencies? According to the San Mateo County General Plan Noise Element, significant noise impacts occur when the noise levels are equal to or above 60 Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL). Exterior noise exposure levels of 70 CNEL or greater are considered significant for residential developments according to the State of California. Within the Preserve, current ambient noise levels are well under 60 CNEL.. Noise-generating activities such as driving of vehicles to the project area, and operation of trucks and all terrain vehicles would occur during the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. within the remote setting of the Preserve, well removed from nearby residences. XI(b) Exposure of persons to or generation of excessive ❑ ❑ ❑ roundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels? XRO A substantial permanent increase in ambient noise levels ❑ ❑ ❑ in the project vicinity above levels existing without theproject? XI(d) A substantial temporary or periodic increase in ambient ❑ ❑ 2 ❑ noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without theproject? During herbicide application, vehicles and equipment will generate temporary increases in noise levels. However, given that project work will occur in a remote open space preserve that is closed to public use, the tem ora , short-term increase in noise will result in a less than si 7nificant impact. XI(e) For a project located within an airport land use plan or, ❑ ❑ ❑ where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels? XI(f) For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, ❑ ❑ ❑ C✓I would the project expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels? XII. POPULATION AND HOUSING `" a"I"' Potentially Signifir( with Less Than Would the r0 ject: signit cant Wigan(", Sign hcaw %0 1 l""I p Impact hx or)oeahon In part XII(a) Induce substantial population growth in an area, either ❑ ❑ ❑ directly (for example, by proposing new homes and businesses) or indirectly (for example, through extension of roads or other infrastructure)? XII(b) Displace substantial numbers of existing housing, ❑ ❑ ❑ 0 necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere? XII(c) Displace substantial numbers of people, necessitating ❑ ❑ ❑ Rl the construction of replacement housing elsewhere? 32 XIII.PUBLIC SERVICES `essrna° Potentially Significant with t_ess Than Significant Mitigation Significant No Impala hn act Incorporation Impact X111(a) Would the project result in substantial adverse physical ❑ ❑ ❑ 2 impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered governmental facilities, need for new or physically altered governmental facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios, response times or other performance objectives for any of the public services: XIII(b) Fire protection? Police protection? Schools? Parks? ❑ ❑ ❑ Other public facilities? Less iotentiall XIV.RECREATION Significant cant y Signi with Less Than Significant Mitigation Significant No Irnpaa Im pact Incorporation Impact XIV a Would the j roect increase the use of existin ❑ 0 ❑ p g neighborhood and regional parks or other recreational facilities such that substantial physical deterioration of the facility would occur or be accelerated? The preserve is currently closed to the public. Approximately 4 docent led hikes occur at Mindego Ranch each year. During herbicide application,the preserve will be closed to the public. Timing of the application will not interfere with currently scheduled docent led tours. Although scheduling of future tours and spraying will need to be coordinated, no reduction in the total number of tours will occur as a result of the project. XIV(b) Does the project include recreational facilities or require ❑ ❑ ❑ 10 the construction or expansion of recreational facilities which might have an adverse physical effect on the environment? Th XV. TRANSPORTATION/TRAFFIC ` `"' Potentially Signi ficanficant with Less Than Would the project: Significant Mitigation Significant No Impart p Im pact Incorporation Impact XV(a) Cause an increase in traffic which is substantial in ❑ ❑ ❑ 0 relation to the existing traffic load and capacity of the street system (i.e., result in a substantial increase in either the number of vehicle trips, the volume to capacity ratio on roads, or congestion at intersections)? Due to the small scale temporary nature of the project only a few additional vehicles will be traveling on the roads to and from the project site. The number of vehicles and trips to the site are not expected to increase traffic to the Surrounding area any more than occurrence of a similar small scale events(such as a cattle roundup, a private party,or other local events)that occur on adjacent properties.Although additional vehicles will be traveling to the site, implementation of the project is short term in nature(no more that two weeks per herbicide application and no more than one week for reseeding)each year, which further limits the effects of increased traffic. XV(b) Exceed, either individually or cumulatively, a level of ❑ ❑ ❑ 21 service standard established by the county congestion mana ement agency for designated roads or highways? XV(c) Result in a change in air traffic patterns, including either ❑ ❑ ❑ 0 an increase in traffic levels or a change in location that results in substantial safety risks? XV(d) Substantially increase hazards due to a design feature ❑ ❑ ❑ 2 (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g., farm equipment)? 33 s,I hao XV. TRANSPORTATION/TRAFFIC (continued) Potential Y Si I"gnificant with Less Than significant Mitigation significant No ",fwt Would the project: Impoct locorporation Impact XV(e) Result in inadequate emergency access? 0 0 cl 2 A staging and parking area adjacent to the Mindego Ranch buildings will allow organized assembly of vehicles and equipment to ensure that Preserve roads and trails remain open to routine Ranger patrol and allow for through access in the event of an emergency. XV(f) Result in inadequate parking capacity? 0 0 EJ Z See XV(e)above. XV(g) Conflict with adopted policies, plans, or programs 0 0 0 2 supporting alternative transportation (e.g., bus turnouts, bicycle racks)? No existing alternative transportation programs exist within the confines of the Preserve. 1han XVI.UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS Polentoll1v sig"i le,ficant with Loss Than Would the �,gmh(ant W"gation significant No Impact proj ect: nqm(t mo,po'Mion Impat XVI(a) Exceed wastewater treatment requirements of the 0 0 0 z applicable Regional Water Quality Control Board? XVI(b) Require or result in the construction of new water or 0 0 0 21 wastewater treatment facilities or expansion of existing facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental effects? XVI(c) Require or result in the construction of new storm water 0 0 0 10 drainage facilities or expansion of existing facilities,the construction of which could cause significant environmental effects? XVIA Have sufficient water supplies available to serve the 0 0 0 0 project from existing entitlements and resources, or are new or expanded entitlements needed? XVI(e) Result in a determination by the wastewater treatment 0 0 0 provider which serves or may serve the project that it has adequate capacity to serve the project's projected demand in addition to the provider's existing commitments? XVIM Be served by a landfill with sufficient permitted capacity 0 0 0 2 to accommodate the project's solid waste disposal needs? XVI(g) Comply with federal, state, and local statutes and 0 0 0 2 regulations related to solid waste? XVII. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE Potentially Significant with Less Than Significant kfiligahon sign'ticant NG I pa,t I )act Inco,po"Ition Im[ma XVII(a) Does the project have the potential to degrade the 171 13 10 11 quality of the environment, substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife population to drop below self-sustaining levels, threaten to eliminate a plant or animal community, reduce the number or restrict the range of a rare or endangered plant or animal or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory? The purpose of the project is to reduce invasive plant species to enhance native vegetation habitat. Implementation of mitigation measures will prevent substantial impacts to native fish, wildlife, and non targeted plants species and their habitats. Adhering to mitigation measures will prevent impacts to Cultural, historical and paleontological resources that may represent important periods of California history or prehistory. 34 i XVII(b) Does the project have impacts that are individually ❑ ❑ 2 ❑ limited, but cumulatively considerable? ("Cumulatively considerable" means that the incremental effects of a project are considerable when viewed in connection with the effects of past projects, the effects of other current projects, and the effects of probable futureprojects)? Analysis of cumulative impacts identifies existing and possible future projects that may produce related impacts, and then examines how the proposed project and these possible future open space management actions may combine to act cumulatively. Application of herbicide will occur yearly (up to a maximum of 7 years) until the Population is reduced to an amount manageable by spot application or non chemical means. Although concentration of the herbicide may buildup during the first few years, Aminopyralid has a preemergent quality which will reduce the number of thistles that grow each year, which will then reduce the total amount of herbicide needed to treat the area each subsequent year.Neither Aminopyralid nor Glyphosate bioaccumulate through the food chain, so their presence on the landscape and in the soil over time is not expected to have cumulative adverse effects. According to the Washington Department of Transportation,the typical half-life of Aminopyralid is 103 days, and the typical half-life of Glyphosate is 47 days. Because these herbicides have a limited half life, and are broken down by either sunlight or soil microbes (or both),their presence on the landscape is expected to decrease over time. Although Aminopyralid has a moderate potential to leach through soils, limited amount of the product will be used. Limited mobility of the product over time is anticipated due to the time of the year of the applications, distance to water sources, and implementation of restricted use buffers. Glyphosate is not mobile and has a very low potential to contaminate groundwater. The cumulative use of Milestone and Roundup Pro through proper use will not be cumulatively detrimental to the environment. XVII(c) Does the project have environmental effects, which will ❑ ❑ 2 ❑ cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly? Project implementation will not result in direct and indirect substantial adverse impacts to human beings. Herbicide applicators will wear necessary personal protective gear when applying herbicides. When properly mixed and applied, the proposed herbicides do not pose a significant risk to human beings. 35 REFERENCES I. Ash,Pest Control Recommendation Milestone Herbicide,March 2009. 2. California Department of and Game Stream Inventory Report,Mindego Creek, 1997. 3. California Department of Fish and Game.California Natural Diversity Database. Database search of Mindego Hill and surrounding quadrangles,accessed February 5,2009. 4. California Department of Fish and Game. Draft Strategic Plan fir Restoration of the Endangered Collo Salmon South of San Francisco Bay,September 1998. 5. California Geological Survey,Seismic Hazards Map,Mindego Bill Quadrangle,August 2005. 6. Durkin,Aminopyralid-Human Health and Ecological Risk Assessment,Final Report prepared for USDA Forest Service and National Park Service,2007 7. Durkin,Glyphosate-Haman Health and Ecological Risk Assessment,Final Report prepared for USDA Forest Service,2003 8. Jennings and Hayes final report to California Department of Fish and Game,inland Fisheries Division, Amphibian and Reptile Species of Special Concern in California, 1994. 9. Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Mitigated Negative Declaration POST Mindego Ranch Additions to Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve,San Mateo County,CA, February 15,2008. 10. Natural Resources Conservation Service. Web Soil Survey accessed online: (littp://websoilSLirvey.tircS.Lisda.gov),February 4,2009. 11. Peninsula Open Space Trust,Mindego Hill Invasive Plant Inventory August 2008. 12. San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board,2002 CWA Section 303(d)List of Water Quality Limited Sediment,Approved by United States,Environmental Protection Agency,July 2003.Accessed online:litip://www.waterboards.ca.gov/Nvatcr_issues/progriiiis/tilidi/docs/2002reg2303dlist.pdl', March 19,2009. 13. San Mateo County,General Plan,Community Noise Map accessed online: (littp://www.sforoutidtable.org/P&B/gp/niaps/gp%20cotii III Lill ity%20no ise%20(1 I x I 7).pdl) February 5,2009. 14. San Mateo County,General Plan,Existing Rural Land Use Map accessed online: (littp://wwNv.st'oroLliidtable.org/l'&B/gp/niaps/gp"%2Oexistiiig%20rural"/o2Olittid"/o2OLlse.pdf) February 5,2009. 15. San Mateo County,Zoning Map for Unincorporated San Mateo County,Sheet 36,accessed online: http://www.st'oroutidtable.org/P&B/pdt`/itidex%20niaps/slieet_36.pdf,February 5,2009. 16. Swann Biological,Inc. Habitat Assessment for the San Francisco Garter Snake and California Red-Legged frog at True Ranch,San Mateo County,California.January 2009. 17. United States Environmental Protection Agency,Court Issues Stipulated Injunction Regarding Pesticides and the California Red-legged Frog accessed online:(littp://www.epa.gov/espp/l it statUs/red leg-frog/rI f.h tm) 18. United States Fish and Wildlife Service,Recovery Plan for the California Red-legged Frog,2002. 19. United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Recovery Plan for the San Francisco Garter Snake, 1985, 20. United States Office of Prevention, Pesticides Environmental Protection and Toxic Substances Agency (7501C),Pesticide Fact Sheet:Aminopyralid,August 10,2005. 21. Washington State Department of Transportation,Aminopyralid,Roadside Vegetation Management Herbicide Fact Sheet,accessed online February 2009. 22. Washington State Department of Transportation,Glyphosate,Roadside Vegetation Management Herbicide Fact Sheet,accessed online February 2009. 36 Technical Addendum Pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act 14 Section 15164 Herbicide Application and Invasive Species Control at Mindego Ranch 1. Introduction This Addendum was prepared in order to identify and analyze the changes proposed to the project description, which were originally analyzed in the Mitigated Negative Declaration for the project known as Herbicide Application and Invasive Species Control at Mindego Ranch (the Project). This Addendum has been prepared pursuant to Section 15164 of the CEQA guidelines to make a technical addition and add clarification to the Mitigated Negative Declaration prepared in March of 2009 for the Project. Section 15264 provides in pertinent part as follows: (b) An addendum to an adopted negative declaration may be prepared if only minor technical changes or additions are necessary or none of the conditions described in Section 15162 calling for the preparation of a subsequent EIR or Mitigated Negative Declaration has occurred. (c) An addendum need not be circulated for public review, but can be included in or attached to the final EIR or adopted Mitigated Negative Declaration. 2. Project Changes: The changes to the original project, which were not analyzed in the Mitigated Negative Declaration adopted for the Project, are as follows: Mowing equipment will be used prior to herbicide application, and as needed throughout the duration of the project, to remove tall grasses and other vegetation. The tall grasses and other vegetation make it difficult for herbicide applicators to access the project site and to see the non-native thistles species. Mowing prior to herbicide application will better expose the non-native thistles, providing an opportunity for herbicide applicators to more effectively treat the non-native thistles and to reduce the overall amount of herbicides needed for treatment. Vegetation mowing will be restricted to the ridge tops located above environmentally sensitive areas. Once the project begins, herbicide application is expected to be timed each year to reduce the amount of mowing that will be required. 3. Analysis: Staff reviewed the Initial Study in conjunction with the current project and has determined that the proposed changes described in this Addendum would not result in any substantial changes to, or result in any new or significantly adverse environmental impacts identified for the previously adopted Mitigated Negative Declaration. Analysis of the current Project compared to the previous project is as follows: The Project, as originally analyzed through the Initial Study, identified mitigation measures to reduce potential environmental impacts to a less than significant level for biological and cultural resources. Because mowing will not occur in environmentally sensitive areas, including the use of mowing does not exceed the threshold of those impacts identified in the Initial Study. Technical review regarding aesthetics, agricultural resources, air quality, biological and cultural resources, geology and soils, hazards and hazardous materials, hydrology and water quality, land use and planning, mineral resources, noise, population and housing, public services, recreation, transportation and traffic, and utilities indicated no new information and no additional impacts as a result of including the use of mowing equipment to the Project. Therefore, District staff concludes that the addition of mowing equipment to the scope of the project does not affect the conclusions in the previously adopted Mitigated Negative Declaration and that the environmental review is adequate for the proposed project. The original scope of the project, as analyzed in the previously completed Initial Study, identified mitigation measures to reduce potential environmental impacts to a less than significant level, including impacts from the use of herbicides, herbicide application and drill seeder equipment. When the Mitigated Negative Declaration was originally prepared, grasses in the area had not yet experienced spring growth and were much lower to the ground. However, after the spring rains, grasses and other vegetation has grown much taller making it more difficult to effectively access and accurately treat the invasive plants. Use of a mower will reduce the amount of herbicide that will be needed by exposing the invasive plants and making it easier to apply herbicide directly to the plants (instead Of using larger amounts of herbicide to kill all of the plants in an effort to kill the invasive weeds that remain unseen below taller vegetation). Because mowed areas will be located on the ridge tops above and away from environmentally sensitive areas, no additional mitigation measures to protect biological or cultural resources have been identified. Therefore, the proposed addition of mowing as described above does not affect the conclusions in the previously adopted Mitigated Negative Declaration and the environmental review is adequate for the proposed project. 4. Conclusion Staff concludes that the aforementioned change does not exceed the thresholds established in the Mitigated Negative Declaration. This Addendum to the project will not result in new environmental effects or circumstances that would require substantial changes or revisions to the previous Mitigated Negative Declaration. No new information showing significant effects, or more severe effects was indentified. No mitigation measures or alternatives previously found not to be feasible were now determined to be feasible. No mitigation measures or alternatives that were considerably different from those analyzed in the previous Mitigated Negative Declaration were identified that would reduce effects to the environment. MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM Mindego Herbicide Application and Invasive Species Control Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve State Clearinghouse Number TBD San Mateo County, CA April 2009 MidpeninSUla Regional Open Space District 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 MITIGATION RING PROGRAM CONTENTS This mitigation nnwnitorinvprog,an includes u brief discussion of the |ogm| basis and purpose of the program, a key to understanding the monitoring matrix, discussion and direction regarding noncompliance complaints, and the mitigation monitoring rnatrix itmt|[ LEGAL BASIS AND PURPOSE OF THE MITGATION MONITORING PROGRAM Public Resources Code (PRC) 21081.6 requires public agencies to adopt mitigation � monitoring or reporting prograrns whenever certifying and environmental impact report � or mitigated negative declaration. This requirement facilitates inop|cnocntuiion of all mitigation measures adopted through the California Environmental Quality /\ut (CBA/\) process. MONITORING MATRIX Tile following pages provide o series nf tables identifying the mitigations incorporated into the K4indcgo Herbicide Application and Invasive Species Control project at Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve (the pr 'ecA. Theaenoitigodonmurur#produccdfimnnthc Mitigated Negative Declaration for the project. The uo|urnus within the tables have the � following meanings: �y4unnhcc The number in this column refers tothe )nido| Study selection where the � mitigation is discussed. Mitigation: This column lists the specific onidgudon identified within the Mitigated Negative Declaration. Timing: This column identifies o1 what point in douc, ,cvicvv process, nr phase the mitigation will be completed. The mitigations are organized 6v order in which they appear inthe Mitigated Negative Declaration. Who vvi|| Thisxo|unnn references the District staff that will ensure innp|cnnoniu\ion vchFv? of the mitigation. � &&cncY / This column references any public agency or District Department with � Dcpudnncn6 which coordination im required 1oensure implementation o[the mitigation. | Consultation: California Department ofFish and (]anns is listed as [DF(3. O.S. Fish and � Y/i|d|i6: Service is listed as USFVVS. � Verification: This column will be initialed and dated hythe individual designated to confirm implementation. NONCOMPLIANCE COMPLAINTS Any person or agency may file a complaint asserting noncompliance with the mitigation noeomurc associated with the project. The complaint shall be directed to the District's General Manager in written fb,nn, providing specific information mn the asserted violation. The General Manager shall cause an investigation and determine the validity of the complaint; if noncompliance with the mitigation has occurred, the General Manager shall cause appropriate actions to rernedy any violation. The complainant shall receive written confirmation indicating the results of the investigation or the final action corresponding to the particular noncompliance. Department Verification Number Mitigation Timing Who will verify? or Agency (Date& Consultation Initials) Mitigation (BIO-1) To minimize potential impacts to California red-legged Annually,prior to each District N/A in Section frog, San Francisco garter snake, and western pond turtle, worker herbicide application, Rangeland IV(a). environmental awareness training will be conducted for all hand treatments,or drill Ecologist or herbicide application crews and contractors that will be accessing seeding and on an as their designee the site. The education training will be conducted prior to starting needed basis in the work on the project and upon the arrival of any new worker. The event of new contractor training will include a brief review of the California red-legged staff. Training will be frog, San Francisco garter snake, and western pond turtle,their life provided each year and history, field identification, habitat requirements for each species, on an as needed basis to location of sensitive areas, possible fines for violations, avoidance ensure that new staff is measures, and necessary actions if sensitive species are trained prior to each encountered. treatment and keep information current. Mitigation (BIO-2)In accordance with the United States Environmental During herbicide District N/A in Section Protection Agency's California red-legged frog injunction,no application Rangeland IV(a): herbicide application shall be permitted within 15 feet of Big Ecologist or Spring, Mindego and Knuedler Lakes. When using Glyphosate, their designee only localized spot treatments using handheld devices shall be permitted outside of the 15-foot hand removal buffer, but within 260 feet of Big Spring, Mindego and Knuedler Lakes. Herbicide application of Glyphosate beyond the 260 foot limited herbicide application zone, but within the 660 foot precautionary zone shall be restricted to hand application with a backpack pump, wicks and daubers, power wand,or by all terrain vehicle and boom sprayer. Mitigation (BIO-3)No herbicide application shall occur during times of Throughout the project, District N/A in Section precipitation or when precipitation is forecasted during the prior to the contractor Rangeland IV(a). subsequent 48 hour period. accessing the treatment Ecologist or site,the District shall their designee verify precipitation in the forecast during the upcoming 48 hour period. Mitigation (BIO-4)To minimize potential impacts to California red-legged During hand removal, District N/A in Section frog,San Francisco garter snake,and western pond turtle, a herbicide application, Rangeland IV(a). biological monitor will be required to be present on site during and drill seeding work. Ecologist or hand removal, preceding herbicide applicators, their equipment their designee and drill seeding equipment when working within the 660 foot precautionary zone surrounding Big Spring, Mindego and Knuedler Lakes. Mitigation (BIO-5) If California red-legged frog, San Francisco garter snake If California Red- District Wildlife in Section or western pond turtle are encountered, no work shall occur until legged Frog,San Rangeland Biologist, IV(a). the frog,snake or turtle has left the area on its own,or until a Francisco Garter Snake Ecologist or USFWS,and qualified wildlife biologist is consulted, and appropriate or Western Pond Turtle their designee CDFG. arrangements are made with the United States Fish and Wildlife are encountered. Service and the California Department of Fish and Game. Mitigation (ARC-1)To minimize ground disturbance and potential impacts to Throughout project District N/A implementation. Rangeland in Section archaeological or paleontological resources, mechanized p g g V(b). equipment shall be restricted to rubber-tire vehicles to prevent Ecologist or uprooting of soil and unintended exposure or impacts to resources. their designee Mitigation (ARC-2)To minimize ground disturbance and potential impacts to Prior to any drill District N/A in Section archaeological resources,a qualified archaeological monitor will seeding operations. Rangeland V(b). survey the area prior to implementing any drill seeding activities to Ecologist or determine and indicate areas for avoidance. If resources cannot be their designee avoided,mitigation measures ARC-3 shall be implemented. Mitigation (ARC-3) Implementation of the following measures would reduce In the event cultural or District N/A in Section potential impacts to cultural and historical resources, including historical resources are Rangeland V(b). buried and unknown archeological, paleontological, and human found. Ecologist or remains,to a less-than-significant level: their designee in conjunction with • If any commonly recognized sensitive cultural resources District Cultural such as human formed artifacts including projectile points, Resources Staff bowls, baskets,historic bottles,cans,trash deposits, or structures etc. are encountered during the herbicide application every reasonable effort shall be made to avoid the resources. Work shall stop within 30 feet of the objects(s)and the contractor shall contact the District.No work shall resume within 30 feet until a qualified cultural and/or historical resources expert can assess the signification of the find. • A reasonable effort will be made by the District to avoid or minimize harm to the discovery until significance is determined and an appropriate treatment can be identified and implemented. Methods to protect finds include fencing and covering remains with protective material such as culturally sterile soil or plywood. • If vandalism is a threat, 24-hour security shall be provided. • Herbicide application outside of the find location can continue during the significance evaluation period and while mitigation for cultural and/or historical resources is being carried out, preferably with a qualified cultural and/or historical resources expert monitoring any subsurface excavations. • If a resource cannot be avoided, a qualified cultural and/or historical resources expert will develop an appropriate Action Plan for treatment to minimize or mitigate the adverse effects. The District will not proceed with herbicide application activities within 30 feet of the find until the Action Plan has been reviewed and approved. • The treatment effort required to mitigate the inadvertent exposure of significant cultural and/or historical resources will be guided by a research design appropriate to the discovery and potential research data inherent in the resource in associated with the suitable field techniques and analytical strategies. The recovery effort will be detailed in a professional report in accordance with current professional standards. Any non-grave associated artifacts will be curated with an appropriate repository. • Project documents shall include a requirement that project personnel shall not collect cultural and/or historical resources encountered during construction. This measure is consistent with federal guidelines 36 CFR 800.13(a)for invoking unanticipated discoveries. i i Mitigation (ARC-4)If human remains are encountered, all work within 100 In the event human District N/A in Section feet of the remains shall cease immediately and the contractor shall remains are Rangeland V(b). contact the District. Tile District will contact the San Mateo encountered. Ecologist or County Coroner to evaluate the renames, and follow the their designee in procedures and protocol set forth in §15064.5(e)of the CEQA conjunction with Guidelines. No further disturbance of the site or any nearby area District Cultural reasonably suspected to overlie adjacent remains shall occur until resources staff. the County Coroner has made a determination of origin and disposition,which shall be made within two working days from the time the Coroner is notified of the discovery, pursuant to State Health and Safety Code Section 7050.5 and Public Resources Code Section 5097.98. If the remains are determined to be Native American,the Coroner will notify the Native American Heritage Commission(NAHC)within 24 hours,which will determine and notify the Most Likely Descendant(MLD). The MLD may recommend within 48 hours of their notification by the NAHC the means of treating or disposing of,with appropriate dignity,the human remains and grave goods. In the event of difficultly locating a MLD or failure of the MLD to make a timely recommendation, the human remains and grave goods shall be reburied with appropriate dignity on the property in a location no subject to further subsurface disturbance. Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District R-09-54 Meeting 09-12 April 22, 2009 AGENDA ITEM 8 AGENDA ITEM Informational Report on La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve Master Plan Project GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION Receive this informational presentation of the La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve Master Plan Project by District staff. DISCUSSION Since June 2004, staff with assistance from the consulting firm Design, Community and Environment (DC&E) and guidance from the Board of Director's La Honda Creek Master Plan Ad Hoc Committee has been preparing a Draft Master Plan for La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve (Preserve). During this comprehensive planning process, the Preserve has remained closed to public access. The Master Plan will ensure responsible stewardship of the Preserve by describing the actions the District will take to protect natural and cultural resources, expand conservation grazing, and provide public environmental education and ecologically-sensitive recreation. The first phase of the project focused on data collection and review with subsequent phases utilizing those data to identify, analyze, and solidify recommendations for resource management, conservation grazing, and public access. The following table lists the major project milestones and the final tasks that remain: Master Plan Milestones Workshop 91 - Existing Conditions November 3, 2004 Public land tour of upper La Honda Creek November 20, 2004 Initial stakeholder phone interviews November—December 2004 Workshop 92 - Issues and Opportunities December 6, 2004 Driscoll Ranch Purchase October 2005 —December 2006 Public land tours of Driscoll Ranch October 13 and 14, 2006 Additional stakeholder phone interviews November 2006 R-09-54 Page 2 Workshop #3 - Driscoll Ranch Addition November 16, 2006 Hold stakeholder focus group meetings November 2006 — February 2007 Develop preliminary Draft Plan recommendations March—December 2007 Revise the Existing Conditions Report July— September 2007 Hold Open House December 4, 2007 Prepare Draft Plan document January—October 2008 Complete Final Draft Plan December 2008 —March 2009 Release Draft Plan for Board and Public Review April 13, 2009 First Public Hearing: Draft Plan Tentative Adoption May 19, 2009 Circulate Mitigated Negative Declaration (CEQA doc) June—July 2009 Second Public Hearing: Master Plan Final Adoption July 2009 The District has encouraged active public participation throughout the planning process, soliciting input from agencies, environmental organizations, local neighbors, and trail users at workshops, through phone interviews, and in focus group meetings. The majority of the comments have centered on public access and trail use, particularly bicycle and dog access. These comments were discussed at length by the Ad Hoc Committee members, who called for a second review of the preliminary trail use recommendations for the Preserve to determine whether additional trail use options could be considered for this Preserve that would not impact natural resources or conflict with existing and future grazing operations. In response to comments from the public and suggestions from the Board Ad f loc Committee, staff prepared alternative recommendations with additional bicycle and dog access opportunities in the Draft Master Plan for consideration by the full Board of Directors. However, the introduction of bicycle use or dog use as described in either alternative will require formal approval from the resource agencies due to potential impacts to the San Francisco garter snake (SFGS), which is a fully protected species that may be present at the Preserve. To date, SFGS has not been observed either during fieldwork or as part of wildlife surveys, however, suitable habitat and the preferred prey (California red-legged frog) do exist in the Preserve. Additionally, in 1987, one SFGS was recorded less than a mile away from the Preserve boundary. Staff will provide a brief presentation on the master planning process and focus on key topics including public access. The first public hearing for tentative Board adoption of the Draft Master Plan and selection of a preferred trail use option is scheduled for May 19, 2009. FISCAL IMPACT Review of the background and status of the La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve Master Plan Project will not result in any direct or immediate fiscal impacts. Implementation of a Board- approved Master Plan will require the allocation of District resources and funding. Estimated implementation costs for each Master Plan action and long-term operational costs are included in the Draft Master Plan that is currently under Board and public review. The District will be required to seek additional sources of funding to fully implement the Master Plan. R-09-54 Page 3 PUBLIC NOTICE Public notice was provided as required by the Brown Act. Also, interested par-ties and adjacent neighbors who are on the La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve Master Plan project mailing list were notified of this item. CEQA COMPLIANCE This information report does not constitute a project under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Future action taken by the Board to adopt the Master Plan will be subject to CEQA review at that time. NEXT STEPS The Board of Directors will consider tentative adoption of the Draft Master Plan, including tentative adoption of the preferred public use option at a public hearing scheduled for May 19, 2009 at 6:30 p.m., at the Alvin S. Hatch Elementary School Multi-Purpose Room in Half Moon Bay, CA. Prepared by: Ana Ruiz AICP, Interim Planning Manager and Master Plan Project Manager Contact person: Same as above V2- Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District To: Board of Directors From: Stephen E. Abbors Date: April 22, 2009 Re: Late FYI's 8 NEWS. PRESS-BANNER FRIDAY,APRIL 11,2 IN NATURE:Stephen Slade, Land Trust of Santa Cruz County director of development and communications, (left)and Matt Freeman, director of conservation,tour the Glenwood wilderness area in Scotts valley. Lucian Szewczyk/Press-Banner r si s. elk z By Peter Burke servation groups in the county. Press-Banner It protects farmland in the Pajaro Valley and natural Light-blue lupine flowers cover the hillside, animal and plant habitats countywide.The organization swaying in the crisp spring breeze as Matt has protected 2,200 acres in the county and has worked Freeman and Stephen Slade hike up a mild incline with partners to protect 10,000 more through grants, for a view of the pond that lies between two grassy private donations and various other income sources. hills on the Glenwood Open Space in Scotts Valley. A$488,000 grant from the Gordon and Betty Moore In the distance,a red-tailed hawk rides the Foundation has launched an effort to build a 20 year updrafts,and what looks like a coyote lopes to the blueprint for land conservation in Santa Cruz County, top of a nearby hill. including Scotts Valley and the San Lorenzo Valley.. This picturesque landscape is one of the things The plan will use cutting-edge conservation sci- the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County is focused on ence—analyzing rainfall and soils while running preserving. complex computer models—and input from com- Upkeep of the 160-acre plot at the north end of munity forums throughout the county to find out Scotts Valley visited by Freeman and Slade is the what the public wants to protect. latest endeavor for the Land Trust,which agreed "A conservation vision only works if it's the with the city to manage the land.Future plans vision of the community,"Slade said. include a possible trail system for hikers while pre- No specific areas are targeted yet,but sandhill serving the land for the dozen horses that graze habitats prevalent in SLV and Scotts Valley are there and the numerous animals that call it home. high on the list. When the Land Trust opened its doors in 1978,it In addition,the Land Trust is lobbying for coun- had one goal in mind:keep Santa Cruz County the ty supervisors to make Santa Cruz County its own way it is. open-space district.Forming such a district would Slade,the agency's development director,recites allow bond funds to be used to purchase land in the story of how Santa Clara and San Jose once the county,protecting it from development. boasted some of the richest farm land in the state, The Land Trust would then work with the open- before the numerous orchards were replaced with space district to preserve and maintain the lands. concrete office buildings and paved roads. Similar models are in place in Sonoma County "(Santa Cruz)is a county that puts a high value and in the Mid-Peninsula Regional Open Space on the environment,"Slade said. District,which covers much of the San Francisco The Land Trust is one of the primary land con- Bay area. Midpeninsula Regional Memorandum Open Space District r To: MROSD Board of Directors 'rN From: Tina Hugg, Open Space Planner II Date: April 22, 2009 Re: Update on the Administrative Office Remodel Project This update is being provided to the Board regarding the current status of the remodel project as of April 21, 2009. • The revised permit drawing set that addresses the City of Los Altos' comments was re-submitted for final approval. Additional last minute comments have been received regarding the ramp and accessible parking spaces at the front doors. A response and solution are under way. • The Request for Bids was released on Monday, March 30, 2009. Two pre-bid meetings were conducted, a mandatory pre-bid meeting for general contractors on April 8, 2009 and an optional pre-bid meeting for subcontractors on April 15, 2009. Bid Proposals are due on April 24, 2009. • A service call was placed to Monster Mechanical to address continuing noticeable and problematic temperature fluctuations. The diagnosis included a malfunctioning thermostat, a broken velocity sensor, and two broken controllers. Some issues were resolved immediately; others require new parts and are ongoing. Monster Mechanical has previously advised the District that given the age of the HVAC system, malfunctions and maintenance issues can be expected to increase with each successive year. This is becoming more apparent. • Data loggers were retrieved by Monster Mechanical and a printout of data given to staff for study. Two data loggers were returned and placed in the General Manager's office to collect additional data due to continuing problems observed in this zone. Next Steps Staff will continue to make progress on: • Evaluating the data logger printouts • Determining further mid-to long-term HVAC improvements for the entire AO building • Preparing for the opening of Bid Proposals for the Basic Improvements phase of work (the kitchen remodel and IT server room upgrade work) An update will be provided through an informational memorandum to the Board at the next meeting. N Midpeninsula Regional Memorandum Open Space District To: MROSD Board of Directors From: Tina Hugg, Open Space Planner II Date: April 22, 2009 Re: Update on the Skyline Field Office Remodel Project This update is being provided to the Board regarding the current status of the Skyline Field Office remodel project as of April 21, 2009. Based on Director Hassett's feedback on last week's FYI during the Board meeting of April 8th, the following are confirmed action items for the SFO remodel project. 1. Confirmed action item: Re-evaluate the cost estimate for Design Option 3 2. Confirmed action item: Assess how the SFO building project should relate to other District staff facility projects, both current and future 3. Added action item: Study the cost and implications of constructing a new building • Tannerhecht and Don Todd Associates (DTA), their cost estimator, were asked to re-evaluate the cost estimate for Design Option 3 given the current economic downturn. However, because the project is not expected to be put out to bid for over a year from now, DTA does not recommend applying current market prices to the cost estimate. Their opinion is that only the escalation rate (5%) that was used in the estimate can be changed. From an April 91h email to David Hecht at Tannerhecht, please see the findings of Emil Vinuya at DTA: "David, Per our conversation, I think the only thing we can change in the SFO Estimate is the escalation. Regarding the Market Conditions, we cannot apply it to projects that will be put to bid more than one year from now. See my analysis below. 1. Escalation DTA based the escalation rates until midpoint of construction from publications which are making the trend analysis, and one of them is Engineering News Record(ENR) which is widely used by the construction industry. Based on the latest issue of ENR, one year Construction Cost Index is about 6.5% which included the cost increased that happened last summer; though we noticed that the index started to go down since October of 2008. The 5-year average for ENR CCI is 5.5% and 10-year average is about 3.5%. Other publication like Lee Saylor indicated a rate of 4.5% while GSA Federal Projects issued a new escalation rate for Oakland Area of about$3.57%. DTA assessment due to current economic condition is to use 3%, 3.5% and 4% escalation rate for year 2009, 2010 and 2011 respectively. 2. Market Conuitions Due to current economic situation and the downturn of housing markets, there are more available contractors and subcontractors to bid the current jobs on the market. But it is very hard to incorporate this market condition to SFO project because we do not know yet when this project will be out to bid. The current market condition is very favorable to projects that will be out to bid in the next six months because there is anticipation that there will be more possible bidders just to stay in business. DTA cost estimates of fair market cost is based on a minimum of 5 Contractors and 4 subcontractors bidding on the project. The more bids we received, the lower the price will be because of competition. Though we are still studying the trends of future projects that will bid in the next 2-3 months, we have experienced receiving 14 bids in one of the schools in West Contra Costa, resulting to lower price, about 35% of the Engineer's Estimate. Usually we received about 4-5 bids in the last 5 years we have been estimating in the West Contra Costa School District." • Planning staff met internally to discuss information needed for facility strategic planning, such as projected facility expansion, staff growth, priorities, and timelines. • Tannerhecht was asked for a fee proposal to prepare a presentation of sustainable practices, concepts, and ideas to consider for a new SFO building. They were also asked to research and confirm square footage pricing for constructing a new green building. Tannerhecht will also present their previous experience and work related to green building practices and new construction. Next Steps • Meet with Operations staff to gather needed information related to facility strategic planning. • Follow up with Tannerhecht for the fee proposal. An update will be provided through an informational memorandum to the Board at the next meeting. i Interoffice Memorandum April 22, 2009 To: Stephen E. Abbors, General Manager From: Gordon Baillie, Management Analyst—Operations Subject: Monthly Field Activity Summary—March,2009 DISTRICT VIOLATIONS CITES TOTALS OTHER CRIMES CITES TOTALS Bicycles Auto burglaries 0 0 Closed Area 0 6 False information 0 0 Speed 3 6 Trespass on private property 0 1 Helmet 2 4 Possess/Cultivation marijuana 0 1 Night Riding 0 0 ACCIDENTS/INCIDENTS Dogs Bicycle accident` 2 Prohibited area 5 16 Equestrian accident 0 Off-leash 9 15 Hiking/Running accident 1 Vehicles prohibited 1 7 Other first aid 1_ Closed area 3 9 Search & Rescue 0 After hours 8 20 Vehicle accident 3 Fishing 0 0 LZ air evacuation 0 Vandalism 0 5 Fire 0 Parking 8 15 ENFORCEMENT Parking after hours 13 14 "Subject" citations 30 Disabled parking 3 4 Parking citations /� ol 24 Dumping/Litter 0 0 Written warnings ol 56 Campfires 0 1 Arrests 0 Weapons Police assistance 5 o Actual contact 0 0 Evidence of 0 0 MUTUAL AID Other: Accident j 5 Smoking 0 4 Law Enforcement 1 Permit required 0 1 Fire (Acres) 0 Reckless driving I 1 Fire (Vehicle) 0 Woodcutting/poss. of tools 0 1 LZ's for offsite 1 — — Occurrences of Special Interest Date: 2 District personnel observed a suspicious, unoccupied vehicle, parked of Highway 35 in the turnout south of WH02 adjacent to Windy Hill OSP. The next day staff took GPS coordinates, and photographed suspected illegal trails east of the turnout leading into a clearing, and a suspected marijuana garden site. A report was sent to the San Mateo County Sheriffs Office. 4 A ranger on patrol at Bear Creek Redwoods OSP discovered that a District gate had been struck by a vehicle causing the lock shank to break. A second District gate was also struck by a vehicle causing the locking post to be pulled out. In addition, there were fresh tire marks in the grassland of the preserve. O:\Enforcement Activity Reports\2009 Monthly Summaries\March 2009-Monthly Enforcement Summary.doc 9 At El Sereno OSP a gate appeared to have been struck by a vehicle, causing damage to the locking post. The vehicle did not gain access to the preserve. 14 An auto burglary occurred at Rancho San Antonio County Park as the equestrian parking lot. The vehicle's window had been smashed, and a purse was taken. 18 A visitor at El Sereno OSP reported seeing a male subject smoking and lying on a sleeping bag inside the preserve. A ranger investigated, but did not find the suspect. A sleeping bag was located covered by a tarp, a propane cylinder, a cooking stove, and a duffel bag containing two tents. 21 A 2nd auto burglary within a week occurred at Rancho San Antonio County Park equestrian parking lot. The vehicle's window had been smashed, and a purse was taken. 22 District personnel responded to the report of a vandalized fence near Kneudler Pond in the Mindego Ranch area of the Russian Ridge OSP. Approximately 200 feet of wire was cut. 23 A suspect attempted to push in a gate at El Sereno OSP with a vehicle, which damaged the locking post. A nearby neighbor heard the activity at approximately 3:30 AM, but was unable to identify the vehicle. 25 A suspect was seen burglarizing a car at the Rancho San Antonio County Park Equestrian Parking lot by rangers while on surveillance (3rd in two weeks). Sheriff's deputies were called, but did not arrive in time to apprehend the suspect. 27 A ranger observed several vehicles parked in the Fremont Older OSP parking lot after closing. Individuals were seen walking up to an unoccupied neighboring house. Santa Clara County Sheriff's Deputies were called and determined that a"house" party was occurring involving approximately 25 juveniles. One subject was arrested for narcotics and marijuana possession. Parents were called to retrieve the rest of the juveniles. 28 District personnel met with the San Francisco Probation Department Assistant Director regarding suspicious activity on their land and possibly within the Mindego Ranch Area of Russian Ridge OSP. An ATV track was located on SF property, in addition to a fenced in garden area that had yet to be planted. San Mateo County Sheriff Deputy's were advised of a possible future marijuana garden. March Vandalism 10 Skyline Ridge OSP: A Nortenos gang sign, X4, was scratched into a District Regulatory sign at the Circle Parking Lot. 17 Bear Creek Redwoods OSP: Evidence of two break-ins in the Alma College buildings. 18 Sierra Azul OSP: A 2C 10 lock was cut on gate SA-31. 23 El Sereno OSP: The gate at ES-03 was damaged by a vehicle. O:\Enforcement Activity Reports\2009 Monthly Summaries\March 2009-Monthly Enforcement Summary.doc Midpeninsula Regional • ' Open Space District Subject: Re: La Honda Creek mountain bike access Dear Mr, Crane, Thank you for your interest in the La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve Master Plan project and for taking the time to send in your comments on the Draft Plan. You input has been collected, is now part of the public comment record for the project, and is being forwarded to the District's Board of Directors for their review and consideration. Please feel free to send in any additional comments by May 13 so that we may be able to forward them to the Board of Directors prior to the May 19 first public hearing when the Board will consider tentative adoption of the Draft Master Plan. You are also welcome to attend this first hearing to provide oral comments. Details of this meeting are provided below: Tuesday, May 19, 2009 6:30 p.m. -9:00 p.m. Alvin S. Hatch Elementary School Multipurpose Room 490 Miramontes Avenue Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 Sincerely, Ana Ruiz Project Manager ----- Original Message ----- From: "David Crane" <dklljcrane@coastside.net> To: <lahondamasterplan@openspace.org> Sent: Wednesday, April 15, 2009 7:28 PM Subject: La Honda Creek mountain bike access > Hi Ana, > I clearly support scenario 2 proposed in the La Honda Creek Draft master > plan. I think there should actually be more mountain bike access, > especially since there has been a substantial amount of interest > expressed to the MROSD in support of mountain biking: > > -300 La Honda residents signed a petition expressing a desire for > mountain bike access. > - Mountain bikers attended the public workshops in good faith, and > clearly demonstrated an interest in being included as trail users. > -The La Honda Pescadero School Board submitted Resolution Number > 07-08-09 in support of mountain bike access. > .. Numerous people have expressed interest in having mountain bike access > in La Honda Creek Open Space. > Sincerely, > Dave Crane Subject: Fw: Comments on La Honda Creek Draft Master Plan Dear Mr. Barnes, Thank you for your interest in the La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve Master Plan project and for taking the time to send in your comments on the Draft Plan. You input has been collected, is now part of the public comment record for the project, and is being forwarded to the District's Board of Directors for their review and consideration. Please feel free to send in any additional comments by May 13 so that we may be able to forward them to the Board of Directors prior to the May 19 first public hearing when the Board will consider tentative adoption of the Draft Master Plan. You are also welcome to attend this first hearing to provide oral comments. Details of this meeting are provided below: TuesY. Y Tuesday, May 19 2009 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Alvin S. Hatch Elementary School Multipurpose Room 490 Miramontes Avenue Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 Sincerely, Ana Ruiz Project Manager -----Original Message ----- From: Greg Barnes To: lahondamasterplan(cDopenspace.org Sent: Wednesday, April 15, 2009 12:51 PM Subject: Comments on La Honda Creek Draft Master Plan To Ana Ruiz, for consideration by the Board prior to the May 19th planning meeting: To the Board: Thank you for accepting comments prior to the public meeting, I am a long time resident of the area, who has biked, hiked, and baby strollered extensively in OSPs. I lived in La Honda for one summer while attending Stanford, and commuted by bicycle. The La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve should be entirely open to bicycles. There is no reason to close this remote preserve to bicycle use, particularly when equestrians are permitted. The neighboring Sam McDonald and Pescadero Creek county parks are extremely heavily impacted by equestrians. Hiking at these parks is disgusting, with every trail ditched out by horses, dusty, full of horse manure, and plagued by flies. My mother, who is 70 and hikes at OSPs at least twice every week (primarily Rancho), hiked with me there and did not want to return due to the poor trail conditions due to horses. I would not even consider bringing my child there due to the pervasive manure, dust, and flies. If anything like option 1 is considered for La Honda Creek, the entire preserve should be CLOSED to equestrians- that way at least hiking and baby stroller use will be pleasant instead of a carbon copy of the disgusting trail conditions of the neighboring parks. I and many other bicyclists ride from various points up into the hills to visit OSPs, then return on our bicycles to home. La Honda is a key connector that would allow much safer riding back from the beach (for instance biking up Windy Hill, along through El Corte de Madera, down through Purissima Creek Redwoods to the beach, then back up 84, which is only narrow and dangerous above La Honda). At a minimum, I would respectfully request that the fireroad from the Driscoll Ranch entrance be opened to bikes, at least in the up-from-the-beach direction. This would greatly increase the ability of bicyclists to bike up from the beach safely. ^ |fLa Honda Creek OSPks opened only ho equestrians and hikers, the already heavy equestrian presence in the area will make the preserve another de facto equestrian-only preserve. If restrictive options such as option 1 are seriously considered, | ash as a hiker, and as o father with o baby, that the entire preserve be | hiking ONLY. | But I think due to the location that La Honda Creek OSP is an appropriate preserve for full multiple use on all trails, including bicycles. Thank you for your time, Gregory Barnes QGO ||imaWay Palo Alto, CAQ43D8 nuni0out@hotmaiicom � � � | � � � | � / / _ Subject: Fw: Comment on La Honda Creek open space master plan. Dear Mr. Engovatov, Thank you for your interest in the La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve Master Plan project and for n collected, is now art of has been co f Plan. You input , � n he Drat p r comments o t taking the time to send in you c p the public comment record for the project, and is being forwarded to the District's Board of Directors for their review and consideration. Please feel free to send in any additional comments by May 13 so that we may be able to forward them to the Board of Directors prior to the May 19 first public hearing when the Board will consider tentative adoption of the Draft Master Plan. You are also welcome to attend this first hearing to provide oral comments. Details of this meeting are provided below: Tuesday, May 19, 2009 6:30 p.m. -9:00 P.M. Alvin S. Hatch Elementary School Multipurpose Room 490 Miramontes Avenue Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 Sincerely, Ana Ruiz Project Manager -----Original Message ----- From: "Daniel Engovatov" <w3c@tilariths.com> To: <lahondamasterplan@openspace.org> Sent: Monday, April 13, 2009 1:41 PM Subject: Comment on La Honda Creek open space master plan. > Dear Sir/Madam > > I am writing to comment on La Honda Creek Master Plan. I am concerned j > about a lack of proposed trails that are open for cycling. I do not > have enough resources to buy and maintain a horse, and hiking is not a > very goo option for me due to knee pain. Accessing remote area of the > OSP on foot is not feasible for me. Cycling is a low impact activity > human powered activity- there are no metal hooves erosion or animal > waste on trail -that is accessible to everybody, not just to a few > wealthy people who are undoubtedly have a lot of free time and lobby > influence. I do not think it is an appropriate use of public funds to > cater to that high impact and dangerous activity while shutting out a > much bigger group of low impact users. > I propose that this plan need to be enhanced to provide more trail access > to cycling. > Respectfully, > Daniel Engovatov >437 Beaume ct > Mountain View CA 94043 > (650) 906 3176 I — Subject: Fw: Spring 2009 Newsletter: La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve Master Plan Project Dear J-C Poussin, Thank you for your interest in the La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve Master Plan project and for taking the time to send in your comments on the Draft Plan. You input has been collected, is now part of the public comment record for the project, and is being forwarded to the District's Board of Directors for their review and consideration. Please feel free to send in any additional comments by May 13 so that we may be able to forward them to the Board of Directors prior to the May 19 first public hearing when the Board will consider tentative adoption of the Draft Master Plan. You are also welcome to attend this first hearing to provide oral comments. Details of this meeting are provided below: Tuesday, May 19, 2009 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Alvin S. Hatch Elementary School Multipurpose Room 490 Miramontes Avenue Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 Sincerely, Ana Ruiz Project Manager ----- Original g Ori mal Message ----- From: Zorglub To: Ana Ruiz, MROSD Sent: Monday, April 13, 2009 12:46 PM Subject: Re: Spring 2009 Newsletter: La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve Master Plan Project P 9 Hello, I would like to have my comments logged in. I am a mountain biker, and occasionally a hiker. I noticed how equestrians (less than 1% of all users) are getting significantly preferential treatment over mountain bikers (probably the fastest growing user group in the preserves). I don't understand while the master plan wants to discriminate against a low impact user group like bicyclists. Environmental studies have shown that bikes have no more impact on trails than hikers, and definitely less than horses, and yet, your study implies that bikes harm the preserves more than horses, which is factually incorrect. The options presented(1 and 2) are egregiously slanted against cyclists for no rational reason. I would guess that user groups with more lobbying pull have managed to influence the decision making process as the only reason for such discrimination. The master plan needs to be amended to give access to a majority of the preserve to cyclists. Discriminating against your fastest growing user group is definitely not a smart way to build long term community support for the preserves. As it stands, the draft is woefully inadequate and patently discriminates against cyclists. Regards, J-C Poussin Subject: Fw: LHC Draft Master Plan Dear Mr. de la Riva, Thank you for your interest in the La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve Master Plan project and for taking the time to send in your comments on the Draft Plan. You input has been collected, is now part of the public comment record for the project, and is being forwarded to the District's Board of Directors for their review and consideration. Please feel free to send in any additional comments by May 13 so that we may be able to forward them to the Board of Directors prior to the May 19 first public hearing when the Board will consider tentative adoption of the Draft Master Plan. You are also welcome to attend this first hearing to provide oral comments. Details of this meeting are provided below: Tuesday, May 19, 2009 6:30 p.m. -9:00 p.m. Alvin S. Hatch Elementary School Multipurpose Room 490 Miramontes Avenue Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 Sincerely, Ana Ruiz Project Manager -----Original Message ----- From: Jim de la Riva To: la hondamasterplan 5-popen space.orq Sent: Monday, April 13, 2009 11:39 AM Subject: LHC Draft Master Plan Please do not forget to consider off road cycling in the preserve. 1 and many more residents of the peninsula would appreciate more bike friendly recreation in our parks. Currently, their are not enough trails to support the growing sport of off road cycling. Best regards, Jim de la Riva San Mateo CA