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20091112 - Agenda Packet - Board of Directors (BOD) - 09-29
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Meeting 09-29 SPECIAL MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT Thursday,November 12,2009 CLOSED SESSION FOR MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT BEGINS AT 6:00 P.M. PUBLIC SESSION FOR LA HONDA MASTER PLAN BEGINS AI'7:00 P.M. 330 Distel Circle Los Altos,California AGENDA 6:00 ROLL CALL SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT-CLOSED SESSION Conference with Legal Counsel—Anticipated Litigation Significant Exposure to Litigation -California Government Code Section 54956.9(b)(1)-One Potential Case 7:00* SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT-PUBLIC SESSION ROLL CALL REPORT ON RETURN FROM CLOSED SESSION(The Board shall publicly state any reportable action taken in Closed Session pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.1) ORAL COMMUNICATIONS—PUBLIC ADOPTION OF AGENDA 7:10* CONSENT CALENDAR I Approve Minutes-None 2 Approve Revised Claims Report 3 Approve Written Communications—None 7:20* BOARD BUSINESS 4 Third Public Hearing on the La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve Draft Master Plan—A. Ruiz INFORMATIONAL REPORTS— Written or oral 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 09-29 Page 2 meeting; or direct staff to place a matter on a future agenda. A. Committee Reports B. Staff Reports C. Director Reports SPECIAL MEETING CLOSED SESSION RECONVENED(IF NECESSARY) REPORT ON RETURN FROM RECONVENED CLOSED SESSION(IF NECESSARY)(The Board shall publicly state any reportable action taken in Closed Session pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.1) ADJOURNMENT Times are estimated and items may appear earlier or later than listed.Agenda is subject to change of order. TOADDRERV THE BOARD: The Chair will invite public comment on agenda items at the time each item is considered by the Board of' Directors. You may address the Board concerning other matters during Oral Communications. Each speaker will ordinarily be limited to three minutes. Alternately,you may comment to the Board by a written communication, which the Board appreciates. 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 removed from the Consent Calendar during consideration of the Consent Calendar. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need assistance to participate in this meeting,please contact the District Clerk at(650)691-1200. Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the District to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting. Public records provided to a majority of the District's Board of Directors relating to an Agenda Item on the open session of a regular Circle, Los Board niecting will be made available for public inspection at the District's Administrative Office located at 330 Distel C Altos,California 94022 during normal business hours. CERTIFICATION OF POSTING OF AGENDA 1,Anna Duong, Interim District Clerk for the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District(MROSD),declare that the foregoing agenda for the November 12,2009 Special and Regular Meetings of the MROSD Board of Directors was posted and available for review on November 4,2009 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 hup://www.openspacc.or Signed this 4th day of November 2009.at Los Altos,California. Interim District Clerk Date: 11/04/09 Claims No. 09-18 Meeting 09-29 Date 11/12/09 Revised Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District # Amount Name Description 11405 $9,361.04 Macro Corporation Project Management Services-Implementation Of District's New Radio System 11406 $7,545.54 Santa Clara County Sheriffs Office Patrol Services 11407 $5,656.80 Macro Corporation Project Management Services-Research Additional Radio Frequency 11408 $4,146.07 The Ferguson Group Legislative Consultant-Lobbyist For Mt. Umunhum 11409 $3,930.55 Swaim Biological Biological Assessment And Monitoring For Monte Bello Burn 11410 $3,867.50 Normal Data Consulting Services-Citation Database Development&Support/ Contact Volunteer Database Development 11411 $3,749.13 Pacific Standard Press MROSD-Escape Map 11412 $3,685.00 BAGG Engineers Geotechnical Investigation&Berm Repair Design At La Honda Creek 11413 $3,580.26 Howard Rome Martin&Ridley Legal Services-Anderson Litigation 11414 $2,671.20 The Bank Of New York Mellon Note Paying Agent Fees-1999 Revenue Bonds 11415 $2,394.50 Gardenland Power Equipment Field Supplies/Saw Parts/Pole Pruner/Muffler/Sharpen Chains/Oil/Chain Saw 11416 $2,328.81 Geocon Consultants Environmental&Geotechnical Consulting Services For Mindego Ranch Landfill 11417 $2,157.39 Ecological Concerns Native Revegetation Maintenance&Monitoring-Skyline Ridge Tree Farm 11418 $2,097.62 Priority 1 Public Safety Equipment Outfit 2 Patrol Trucks With Code 3 Equipment 11419 $1,928.32 Roy's Repair Service Vehicle Repairs&Service 11420 $1,615.00 Alta Planning&Design Contract Planner Site Tour Of Cowell Purisima Coastal Trail 11421 $1,526.81 Tadco Supply Janitorial Supplies 11422 $1,401.08 Crystal Springs Painting Company Painting Services-Rental Residence 11423 $1,370.25 Lab Safety Supply Field Offices-Spill Prevention Expenses 11424 $1,354.24 Greg's Trucking Service Rock Delivery For Long Ridge Culverts 11425 $1,330,00 Haro, Kasunich&Associates Geotechnical Evaluation&Grading Plan Preparation-Russian Ridge 11426 $1,175.00 D&J Septic Cover&Services-Rental Residences 11427 $1,125.86 E.D.D. Unemployment Insurance-3rd Quarter 2009 11428 $800.00 Aaron's Septic Tank Service Pumping Services-Rental Residences 11429 $702.29 Peckham&McKenney Recruitment-Assistant General Manager Search Expenses 11430 $700.00 Al LaPierre Reimbursement-Slender False Brome Treatment 11431 $697.29 CMK Automotive Vehicle Maintenance&Repairs 11432 $619.80 Cabela's Uniform Expenses 11433 $593.57 JaVelco Equipment Service Field Equipment Repair 11434 $543.68 Accountemps Accounting Temp 11435 $528.66 Shulman, Rogers,Gandal,Pordy& Legal Services-Telecommunications Advice For District Radio k r Frequency Ec a eque cy 11436 $501.46 Summit Uniforms Uniform Expenses 11437 $492.56 Mallory Company Uniform Expenses 11438 $460.00 Green Waste Dumpster Service-SFO 11439 $447.58 Monster Mechanical HVAC Repairs-AO 11440 $420.00 Jim Davis Automotive Vehicle Repairs, Service&Smog Checks 11441 $361.27 Costco Break Room Supplies/Food For Staff Recognition Event 11442 $354.64 Waste Management Treated Wood Waste Disposal 11443 $329.69 Beckman,Craig Reimbursement-Uniform Expenses 11444 $320.00 Office Team Office Temp-Receptionist/Administrative Clerk 11445 $319,08 The Workingman's Emporium Uniform Expenses 11446 $306.35 Gartside,Ellen Reimbursement-Mileage 11447 $300.00 Wilkinson Enterprises Water Well Demolition At La Honda Creek-Additional Tree Trimming Page 1 of 3 4 Claims No. 09-18 Meeting 09-29 Date 11/12/09 Revised Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District # Amount Name Description 11448 $300.00 Cupertino Medical Group Employee Medical Services-H1 N1 Vaccinations for Emergency Responder Staff 11449 $293.58 Great Printing&Copies Printing Services-Spaces&Species Passports 11450 $293.00 Bill's Towing&Recovery Towing Services 11451 $264,60 Safety Kleen Solvent Tank Service-SFO 11452 $263,61 Orchard Supply Hardware Field Supplies/Shower Curtain-SFO/Paint/Stencil Lettering 11453 $257.80 Cartridge World Printer Cartridges 11454 $254.16 G&K Services Shop Towel Service 11455 $252.64 Jackson-Hirsh Laminating Supplies 11456 $251.00 Del Rey Building Maintenance Janitorial Supplies-AO 11457 $250.00 Hapke,Alexander Reimbursement-Motorcycle Training 11458 $237.08 ADT Security Services Alarm Service-SFO 11459 $230.28 California Water Service Company Water Service-AO,Windy Hill&Rental Residences 11460 $225.00 Del Woods Consulting Services-Land Purchase Projects 11461 $220,40 Alhambra&Sierra Springs Water Dispenser-AO 11462 $210.00 Pam Stratton Reimbursement-Slender False Brome Treatment 11463 $184.62 Kelly-Moore Paints Paint-FFO 11464 $180.00 Hooper,Stan Reimbursement-Cell Phone 11465 $160.36 Allied Waste Services Garbage Service-Hosking Barn 11466 $125.00 Pro-installers Stove Repair-Rental Residence 11467 $120.00 City Of Palo Alto Utilities Utility Fees-Black Mountain 11468 $119.35 Reed,Steve Reimbursement-Uniform Expenses 11469 $115.40 Fed Ex Shipping Charges 11470 $115.02 CSK Auto Windshield Wiper Blades/Dry Lube/Spark Plugs 11471 $114.61 Cupertino Bike Shop Patrol Bike Repairs 11472 $110.00 California Department Of Public Health Water Treatment Operator Certification Fees 11473 $102.68 Neopost Postage Machine Supplies 11474 $101.33 Kwik Key Lock&Safe Company Key Services 11475 $100.00 Roessler,Cindy Reimbursement-Cell Phone 11476 $78.00 Pacific Telemanagement Services Pay Phone-Black Mountain 11477 $63.37 Los Altos Hardware Field Supplies 11478 $58.41 Jurgensen, Rudy Reimbursement-Mileage 11479 $56.55 Fitzsimons, Renee Reimbursement-Nature Center Expenses 11480 $50.00 San Mateo County Clerk Recorder Notice Of Exemption Fee-Sudden Oak Death Research 11481 $50.00 Santa Clara County Clerk Recorders Notice Of Exemption Fee-Sudden Oak Death Research 11482 $48.99 San Jose Mercury News Quarterly Subscription 11483 $48.00 American Red Cross First Aid Class&CPR Recertification 11484 $ 43.00 AII n's Press Clipping Bureau Clipping Servi ce 11485 $19.75 Examinetics Employee Audiogram History 11486 $18.57 Reed&Graham Two Straw Bales For Picchetti Restoration 11487 R $8,076.77 Patsons Media Group Brochures,Trail Guides&Post-It Notes With New Logo 11488 R $2,743.53 Peterson Tractor Company Mini Excavator Repairs 11489 R $1,963.84 Office Depot Office Supplies/Break Room Supplies/Copy Paper/Mailing Labels/USB Drive/Calendars/Whiteboard Cleaner/Dry Erase Pens/Door Stops/Binders/Calculator/Clipboards 11490 R $1,915.75 Northgate Environmental Management Remedial Investigations&Design At Driscoll Ranch 11491 R $1,661.91 Hertz Equipment Rental Equipment Rental For Road Improvements&Culvert Installation On Various Roads In The Skyline Area 11492 R $1,533.96 Monster Mechanical HVAC Repairs&Service-AO 11493 R $1,141.37 Los Altos Garbage Company Garbage Service-AO&FFO/Debris Box For Monte Bello Road 11494 R $951.05 Balance Hydrologics In-Stream Sediment Monitoring-ECDM Page 2 of 3 i. a Claims No. 09-18 Meeting 09-29 Date 11/12/09 Revised Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District # Amount Name Description 11495 R $750.00 Wendell Kerr Associates Appraisal Services-Stanton Property 11496 R $548.16 United Site Services Sanitation Services-Sierra Azul&Fremont Older 11497 R $544.07 Langley Hill Quarry Rock For Quam Driveway/Drain Rock For Long Ridge Culverts 11498 R $469.11 San Jose Water Company Water Service-RSA County Park 11499 R $464.39 101 Livestock Supply Company 2 Gates&20 T-Posts 11500 R $285.00 County Of San Mateo-Human Excel 2003 Intermediate Class/Supervisor Training Course Resources Department 11501 R $279,68 Summit Uniforms Uniform Expenses 11502 R $274.16 Barron Park Supply Materials For Black Mountain Water System 11503 R $239.02 Congdon, Bunny Reimbursement-CalPELRA Workshop&Training Expenses 11504 R $119.00 Coastal Sierra Internet Service-SFO 11505 R $80.00 PT Armor Body Armor Cover 11506 R $68.20 Morrison,Sonya Reimbursement-Mileage 11507 R $66.00 Spiegel,Annetta Reimbursement-Mileage 11508 R $35.00 County Of Santa Clara-Office Of The Fingerprinting Services Sheriff Total $109,992.02 Page 3 of 3 Claims No. 09-18 Meeting 09-29 Date 11/12/09 Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District # Amount Name Description 11405 $9,361.04 Macro Corporation Project Management Services-Implementation Of District's New Radio System 11406 $7,545.54 Santa Clara County Sheriffs Office Patrol Services 11407 $5,656.80 Macro Corporation Project Management Services-Research Additional Radio Frequency 11408 $4,146.07 The Ferguson Group Legislative Consultant-Lobbyist For Mt. Umunhum 11409 $3,930.55 Swaim Biological Biological Assessment And Monitoring For Monte Bello Burn 11410 $3,867.50 Normal Data Consulting Services-Citation Database Development&Support/ Contact Volunteer Database Development 11411 $3,749.13 Pacific Standard Press MROSD-Escape Map 11412 $3,685.00 BAGG Engineers Geotechnical Investigation&Berm Repair Design At La Honda Creek 11413 $3,580.26 Howard Rome Martin&Ridley Legal Services-Anderson Litigation 11414 $2,671.20 The Bank Of New York Mellon Note Paying Agent Fees-1999 Revenue Bonds 11415 $2,394.50 Gardenland Power Equipment Field Supplies/Saw Parts/Pole Pruner/Muffler/Sharpen Chains/Oil/Chain Saw 11416 $2,328.81 Geocon Consultants Environmental&Geotechnical Consulting Services For Mindego Ranch Landfill 11417 $2,157.39 Ecological Concerns Native Revegetation Maintenance&Monitoring-Skyline Ridge Tree Farm 11418 $2,097.62 Priority 1 Public Safety Equipment Outfit 2 Patrol Trucks With Code 3 Equipment 11419 $1,928.32 Roy's Repair Service Vehicle Repairs&Service 11420 $1,615.00 Alta Planning&Design Contract Planner Site Tour Of Cowell Purisima Coastal Trail 11421 $1,526.81 Tadco Supply Janitorial Supplies 11422 $1,401.08 Crystal Springs Painting Company Painting Services-Rental Residence 11423 $1,370.25 Lab Safety Supply Field Offices-Spill Prevention Expenses 11424 $1,354.24 Greg's Trucking Service Rock Delivery For Long Ridge Culverts 11425 $1,330.00 Haro, Kasunich&Associates Geotechnical Evaluation&Grading Plan Preparation-Russian Ridge 11426 $1,175.00 D&J Septic Cover&Services-Rental Residences 11427 $1,125.86 E.D.D. Unemployment Insurance-3rd Quarter 2009 11428 $800.00 Aaron's Septic Tank Service Pumping Services-Rental Residences 11429 $702.29 Peckham&McKenney Recruitment-Assistant General Manager Search Expenses 11430 $700.00 Al LaPierre Reimbursement-Slender False Brome Treatment 11431 $697.29 CMK Automotive Vehicle Maintenance&Repairs 11432 $619,80 Cabela's Uniform Expenses 11433 $593.57 JaVelco Equipment Service Field Equipment Repair 11434 $543.68 Accountemps Accounting Temp 11435 $528.66 Shulman,Rogers,Gandal, Pordy& Legal Services-Telecommunications Advice For District Radio Ecker Frequency 11436 $501.46 Summit Uniforms Uniform Expenses 11437 $492.56 Mallory Company Uniform Expenses 11438 $460.00 Green Waste Dumpster Service-SFO 11439 $447.58 Monster Mechanical HVAC Repairs-AO 11440 $420.00 Jim Davis Automotive Vehicle Repairs,Service&Smog Checks 11441 $361.27 Costco Break Room Supplies/Food For Staff Recognition Event 11442 $354.64 Waste Management Treated Wood Waste Disposal 11443 $329.69 Beckman,Craig Reimbursement-Uniform Expenses 11444 $320.00 Office Team Office Temp-Receptionist/Administrative Clerk 11445 $319.08 The Workingman's Emporium Uniform Expenses 11446 $306.35 Gartside, Ellen Reimbursement-Mileage 11447 $300.00 Wilkinson Enterprises Water Well Demolition At La Honda Creek-Additional Tree Trimming Page 1 of 2 a Claims No. 09-18 Meeting 09-29 Date 11/12/09 Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District # Amount Name Description � 11448 $300.00 Cupertino Medical Group Employee Medical Services-H1N1 Vaccinations for Emergency Responder Staff 11449 $293.58 Great Printing&Copies Printing Services-Spaces&Species Passports 11450 $293.00 Bill's Towing&Recovery Towing Services 11451 $264.60 Safety Kleen Solvent Tank Service-SFO 11452 $263.61 Orchard Supply Hardware Field Supplies/Shower Curtain-SFO/Paint/Stencil Lettering 11453 $257.80 Cartridge World Printer Cartridges 11454 $254.16 G&K Services Shop Towel Service 11455 $252.64 Jackson-Hirsh Laminating Supplies 11456 $251.00 Del Rey Building Maintenance Janitorial Supplies-AO 11457 $250.00 Hapke,Alexander Reimbursement-Motorcycle Training 11458 $237.08 ADT Security Services Alarm Service-SFO 11459 $230.28 California Water Service Company Water Service-AO,Windy Hill&Rental Residences 11460 $225.00 Del Woods Consulting Services-Land Purchase Projects 11461 $220.40 Alhambra&Sierra Springs Water Dispenser-AO 11462 $210.00 Pam Stratton Reimbursement-Slender False Brome Treatment 11463 $184.62 Kelly-Moore Paints Paint-FFO 11464 $180.00 Hooper,Stan Reimbursement-Cell Phone 11465 $160.36 Allied Waste Services Garbage Service-Hosking Barn 11466 $125.00 Pro-installers Stove Repair-Rental Residence 11467 $120.00 City Of Palo Alto Utilities Utility Fees-Black Mountain 11468 $119.35 Reed,Steve Reimbursement-Uniform Expenses 11469 $115.40 FedEx Shipping Charges 11470 $115,02 CSK Auto Windshield Wiper Blades/Dry Lube/Spark Plugs 11471 $114.61 Cupertino Bike Shop Patrol Bike Repairs 11472 $110.00 California Department Of Public Health Water Treatment Operator Certification Fees 11473 $102.68 Neopost Postage Machine Supplies 11474 $101.33 Kwik Key Lock&Safe Company Key Services 11475 $100.00 Roessler,Cindy Reimbursement-Cell Phone 11476 $78.00 Pacific Telemanagement Services Pay Phone-Black Mountain 11477 $63.37 Los Altos Hardware Field Supplies 11478 $58.41 Jurgensen,Rudy Reimbursement-Mileage 11479 $56.55 Fitzsimons, Renee Reimbursement-Nature Center Expenses 11480 $50.00 San Mateo County Clerk Recorder Notice Of Exemption Fee-Sudden Oak Death Research 11481 $50.00 Santa Clara County Clerk Recorders Notice Of Exemption Fee-Sudden Oak Death Research 11482 $48.99 San Jose Mercury News Quarterly Subscription 11483 $48.00 American Red Cross First Aid Class&CPR Recertification 11484 $43.00 Allen's Press Clipping Bureau Clipping Service 11485 $19.75 Examinetics Employee Audiogram History 11486 $18.57 Reed&Graham Two Straw Bales For Picchetti Restoration Total $85,782.05 Page 2 of 2 Midpeninsula Regional ! ' Open Space District • j R-09-105 Meeting 09-29 November 12, 2009 AGENDA ITEM 4 AGENDA ITEM Third Public Hearing on the La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve Draft Master Plan AD HOC COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS 1 public comment on the La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve Draft 'v additional p p 1. Receive p Master Plan (Draft Master Plan). 2. Identify a preferred Public Access Option and tentatively approve the Draft Master Plan to serve as the project description for the environmental review process. 3. Schedule a fourth public hearing at the District's Administrative Office to receive tion of the environmen tal review document additional public comment consider certification add p , in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act(CEQA), and consider approval of the final La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve Master Plan. SUMMARY The La Honda Creek Master Plan Ad Hoc Committee (Committee)recommends that at tonight's meeting the Board of Directors (Board) receive a staff presentation on the Draft Master Plan that focuses on the Public Use Options described in this report, consider additional public oral comment, select a preferred Public Use Option, and tentatively approve the Draft Master Plan that incorporates the preferred Public Use Option for environmental review. The Committee also recommends scheduling a fourth public hearing at the District's Administrative Office for the Board to receive further public comment and consider certification of the environmental review document and final approval of the Master Plan. DISCUSSION Since June 2004, with assistance from the consulting firm, Design, Community and Environment (DC&E), and guidance from the La Honda Creek Master Plan Ad Hoc Committee, staff has been preparing a Draft Master Plan for La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve (Preserve). During this comprehensive planning process,the majority of the Preserve has remained closed to public access. The Master Plan will ensure responsible stewardship of the Preserve by describing ` R-09-105 Page 2 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 that data to begin identifying, analyzing and developing recommendations for resource management, conservation grazing and public access. Final decisions on such issues will be de after comp letion of the environmental review process. The following table lists the major ma p project milestones and the final tasks that remain: Master Plan Milestones Workshop #1 - Existing Conditions November 3, 2004 Public land tour of upper La Honda Creek November 20, 2004 Initial stakeholder phone interviews November—December 2004 Workshop#2 - 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 Workshop #3 - Driscoll Ranch Addition November 16, 2006 Stakeholder focus group meetings November 2006—February 2007 Preliminary Draft Plan recommendations March—December 2007 Existing Conditions Report revision July—September 2007 Open House December 4, 2007 Draft Plan document preparation January—October 2008 Fi nal Draft Plan completed December 2008 —March 2009 Draft Plan released for Board and Public Review April 13, 2009 1" Public Hearing: Receive Initial Public Comment May 19, 2009 2"d Public Hearing: Receive Additional Comments June 16, 2009 --► 3ra Public Hearing: Tentative Master Plan Approval November 12, 2009 Mitigated Negative Declaration (CEQA doc) circulated February - March 2010 41h Public Hearing: Master Plan Final Approval March 2010 The District has encouraged active public participation throughout the scoping and planning process, soliciting input from agencies, environmental organizations, neighbors and potential trail users at workshops through both phone interviews and in focus group meetings. The majority of 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, which called for a second review of the preliminary trail use recommendations for the Preserve to determine whether additional trail use options could be considered 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 Ad Hoc Committee, staff prepared two public use options that provide for additional dog access in the Driscoll Ranch area as well as varying levels of additional bicycle access for Board consideration. These two options were presented at the first two public hearings earlier this year. At these hearings and through written letters, various members of the public have raised their concerns regarding the proximity of San Francisco garter snake (SFGS) habitat to the proposed multiple-use trails that are R-09-105 Page 3 identified in each public use option. SFGS is a fully protected species that may be present at the Preserve. To date, however, SFGS has neither been observed during fieldwork nor during wildlife surveys conducted in 2000, 2006, 2008, and 2009. Nonetheless, suitable habitat and the preferred prey (California red-legged frog) do exist. Additionally, in 1987, one SFGS was recorded less than a mile away from the Preserve boundary. Although no SFGS have yet been observed or recorded at the Preserve, District staff prepared the proposed Draft Master Plan recommendations with the goal of protecting this species and enhancing its habitat. For example, core SFGS habitat is proposed to be designated a Conservation Management Unit(CMU)where general public access is prohibited to protect the high quality pond and upland habitat for this and other listed species. Moreover, the Draft Master Plan proposes ongoing SFGS surveys to determine presence, and if none are found, the plan proposes the reintroduction of SFGS in the CMU. Other proposed recommendations to reduce surface erosion, improve pond habitat and restore grasslands will further help protect and benefit this species by enhancing the available habitat and improving water quality. In an effort to be as thorough and fully responsive as possible, District staff explored additional options for public use and presented relevant background information for the Ad Hoc Committee to consider. After careful consideration of staff s findings, existing conditions, the District's current fiscal limitations, and the overall goals of the project, the Ad Hoc Committee determined that Public Use Options I and 2 continue to be the best options for full Board consideration. The Ad Hoc Committee did not reach consensus on a single option and is therefore forwarding both Public Use Option I and Option 2 to the full Board for consideration and final decision. Below is a brief description of Public Use Option I and 2 (please also refer to Attachment A and B for maps that depict these options): Both Options: Hiking allowed on all trails; equestrian use allowed on all trails(unless site conditions preclude safe horse passage); dogs on leash allowed on trails north of the Vista Point once a grazing operation is established and also on one loop trail off the Sears Ranch Road entrance (actual loop to be determined with input from the grazing tenant). Public Use Option 1: Bicycle use allowed on (1) the Ridge Trail corridor once one through connection is made beyond the Preserve's boundaries and (2) via docent-led bicycle rides. Public Use Option 2: Bicycle use allowed on (1) the Ridge Trail corridor once one through connection is made beyond the Preserve's boundaries, (2) an existing ranch road between the Sears Ranch Road entrance and the Ridge Trail to connect the Town of La Honda to the Ridge Trail corridor, and (3) one loop trail off the existing ranch road. At the last public hearing, a question was raised about both options regarding the ability for a hiker or equestrian to travel through the length of the Preserve without encountering bicycles. Assuming that a hiker or equestrian begins near Skyline Boulevard and travels the length of the Preserve to exit through the Sears Ranch Road gate entrance, and selects trail segments that reduce the probability of encountering bicycles, of the two options, Public Use Option I provides the least likelihood of encountering a bicyclist. Approximately 0.6 miles of the more than 7 miles of trail along this route, as part of Public Use Option 1, would be shared by all uses (the 0.6 miles represents two short multiple-use sections of trail along the proposed Bay Area Ridge R-09-105 Page 4 Trail corridor). In Public Use Option 2, approximately 2.3 miles of the more than 7 miles of trail would be shared with bicycles. FISCAL IMPACT Consideration of public comment, identification of a preferred Public Use Option, and tentative approval of the La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve Draft Master Plan will not result in any direct or immediate fiscal impacts. However, implementation of a Board-approved Master Plan will require the allocation of District resources and expenditure of funds. 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. Also, a comparison of the estimated total and additional incremental costs between Public Use Options I and 2 are provided in Attachment C as a response to one of the Frequently Asked Questions. It is assumed that the District will need to secure additional long-term funding sources to implement the majority of the Master Plan projects. PUBLIC NOTICE AND PUBLIC COMMENTS Public notice was provided as required by the Brown Act. Interested parties and adjacent Open Space Preserve Master Plan mailing list were i hbars who are on the La Honda Creek g neighbors p g p also notified of this item. The District has received many questions from the public throughout the master planning process. Attachment C provides a list of questions received at the second public hearing and the responses prepared by staff. For a list of prior questions and responses, please refer to the ro ect website at htt ://www.o ens ace.or 7/ lans projects/la honda creek.as . project p p 1� � p � 1 p CEQA COMPLIANCE This third public hearing for the Board to receive public comment, select a preferred Public Use further analysis, and tentative) approve the Draft Master Plan does not constitute Option for f , Y pP p Y Board approval of the Master Plan, but rather will serve as the basis for the project description that will be the subject of environmental review. Future action taken by the Board to approve the Master Plan will be subject to review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) at that time. NEXT STEPS Upon receiving Board tentative approval of the Draft Master Plan, staff will proceed with completing the environmental review document and subsequently releasing it for Board and public review in accordance with CEQA. A fourth public hearing will be scheduled following this review period for the Board to consider additional public comments, certification of the environmental review document, and final approval of a Master Plan consistent with any environmental or other constraints and required mitigation measures identified during the environmental review process. Attachments: Attachment A: Public Use Option 1 Map R-09-105 Page 5 Attachment B: Public Use Option 2 Map Attachment C: La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve Draft Master Plan Questions &Answers as of June 16, 2009. Prepared by: Ana Ruiz, AICP, Planning Manager and Project Manager Contact person: Larry Hassett, Chair, La Honda Master Plan Ad Hoc Committee PUBLIC ACCESS TRA �. `` S y Driscoll Ranch Main Access Road 5.6 I I�G, ;� �® I innda e QEasy Access Loop Trail 0.9 . 7 .� 3 Vista Point Q Loop Trail 2.8 s v Trail Connection to Red Barn Area 0.3 0 • 7 Q Trail Connection to Driscoll Ranch 1.5 © La Honda Creek Loop Trail 4.8a� Q Redwood Cabin Loop Trail 2.3 •��3 i li ® Interior Loop Trail 2.4 (� Red Barn Loop Trail 2.0 19 folger Ranch Loop Trail 3.9 1 •am 11 Harrington Creek Trail 1.6 _�3 0 Sears Ranch Loop Trail 1.9 ) (' 3 1© Trail to Ray's Peak 0.1 e x NI rraih open ro hiking.(7Harail hkngt aIMwM throu�nul 4 � © All I J yn'A mlio nn unl M un„s'o ma '•• � ,..Z l ©®® dw tlMb yk` I ... I VI non Wm // 1 Bay> RW T e •sa(r.through rn I i _ \ tstal lsMl �4 ��� •• `7k`_t ��'` ` Tn 6 north n V ista Pmnl oV to Mrgs un Mash anrr Nrae nN 8 IxrPm a1A.0 M;atv.,work w th evsnng Nranng brunt to - arnnry,vuahle trail Inop txr xx,RariAt Raae r«�nn such. �,.. _,` 9 NO PUBLIC % ACCESS l I • t G L • z it �, f' �. • us 6�, ott>mi EvaiF Ctnler ' La Honda Creek Attachment A: Public Access Option 1 Open Space Preserve Trails Facilities Roads Existing Public Trads wP rny,aK..utwt�tu�.yw wc� ••••• (Hiking,Equestrian Existing Parking Area __. Unpaved RanchI 1 �_ Patrol Road mta sovc.c VS4;cw mq.a trh i[.wr, Cnnsrrval6m I ••••• Ncw Public Trail New Parking Ant Existing Paved Road "'+e^�� •'-�• (Hiking,Equestrian) Managensent Unit New Segment of the Bay Area Ridge Trad ® New Intetpretive Sile Highway (No Public Access) 0 (Hiking,Equestnan,Bicycling) PUBLIC ACCESS TRAILS 01 Driscoll Ranch Main Access Road 5.6 sky •tom, l�>r><la © Easy Access Loop Trail 0.9 All— Q3 Vista Point Loop Trail 2.8 s,ry k vp ® Trail Connection to Red Barn Area 0.3 R 05 Trail Connection to Driscoll Ranch 1.5 • © La Honda Creek Loop Trail 4.8 7 4. �7 Redwood Cabin Loop Trail 2.3 • . ® Interior Loop Trail 2.4 2!s all«; 139 Red Barn Loop Trail 2.0 I ' 1@ Folger Ranch Loop Trail 3.9 1 While Harrington Creek Trail 1.6 Sears Ranch Loop Trail 1.9 1 Trail to Ray's Peak 0.1 a� ! NO PUBLIC ACCESS r♦! wwo NAM ® All baits open W hikiw Oilarail hiking a11-1 thmugl— _M.mC artm,aara,—Unm. 4 {` ® All bails npemm�pw>frian ore,antes,�w corditimsdu nM i ••:$�.` dkAv nail mnso-,xsian m mePr Dmm�eque.nun use swdards, f Pending resance agaxy yyrwal:muhiPlw m(1)it, �( ' 1.�' •=��S �r-- Q®® —h--section ii Ilse D—Al Raerfi Road hum Sean Ranch Road m rlw Red Ram aria,(D a Prrriun of iAe la Hmda deck L:ZTrail,ad tat the drsipMed Bay Area Ridge Trail Y f•d•Y` .r mre me sale,lb—sh conrwotim n—a ea rsee ewrd). —'�—of Viva ed;at-.-�k,gs a leush after grazing .. Prr.gram n vM.11 ;d- k ah a R-i gre i y tnuM b aMuN wdabb trail lap ril Swrs Rrxh Rn.f nor Jnx�m leth. -- ®O 3 0 - 1-4 k NO PUBLIC �' 1 ( ��•••' ACCESS 1 ,ma I - 1 _ I �� ��t•a.',.,ram.. =.Y - _ _, _ rJ ...... ••'% 1• • •.••• 6 I'll, �•� •••M - - s -- - -..�.`• �.:,, + .r.r• !6l12 �. ' •T 1 +. j 1!1 n�I � ••sy••1 �t ••• •••••••• ld Honda S Hcrata Un<.rll lL�nr hrs - = -- Evmi(-ni.r - La Honda Creek Attachment B: Public Access Option 2 Open Space Preserve T`a'I' Facilities Roads •••« Existing Public Trails wP maku.,•,lur,.w tn4,.Au nz> (Hiking,Equwrian) Existing Parking Area — J,,W xl Ran,h, '�'1 Comervatkx, o•Pr-dt:,ha<w.e. PatmlRmA Management Unit ""'"'•'^"'s''s'rA •••« New Public Trails ccess(No Public A ) .••r w s.n w+.iw,.a•a.uRcno (Hiking,E e rianl New Parkin Arra ss„n e.e.r..t s.p•rrrlwr,m•a 9u R Existing Pawl Roil New Muhiple-Use Publk:Trails ® New lrwrpmi—Silr Highway (Hiking,Equestrian,Bicycling) New Segment of the Bay Area Ridge Trail(Hiking,Equ Tian,Bicycling) Regional 0penSpace ( Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve Master Plan Questions & Answers as of June 16,2009 Revised November 6, 2009 Note: The District's Board of Directors is holding a series of public hearings to receive public input regarding the draft La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve Master Plan. A tentative decision to approve the components of the draft Master Plan is expected on November 12, 2009. A final decision on such issues as recreational uses, trail locations, staging areas, and other Plan components will be made by the Board of Directors after completion of the environmental review, which is expected to occur in March 2010. These Questions and Answers have been prepared by District staff in response to public Second Publ ic Hearin and sol ely reflect staff s initial s of the June l6 2009 S y comments received a g assessment of these issues. District staff hopes that the public will find these Questions and Answers helpful as the District planning process continues to eventual final Board decision-making. The District's mission for the Coastal Protection Area: To acquire and preserve in perpetuity open space land and agricultural land of regional significance,protect and restore the natural environment,preserve rural character, encourage viable agricultural use of land resources, and provide opportunities for ecologically sensitive public enjoyment and education. MASTER PLAN 1. 11oo*w much did the l,a Ilonda Creek Master Plan cost'? To date, the District has spent $149,711.28 on a consultant contract with Design, Community, and Environment (DC&E), which is a Bay Area planning firm that has assisted the District with providing data, analysis, and preparing key documents in support of the Master Plan project. 2. How will the District balance expenditures and allocate resources across all preserves? How � will La Honda Creels Master Plan projects compete for funding and resources with projects located at other e Ho that 1,� higher use projects be prioritized when compared to preserves? � I p j l se (c.ri. Ranch San Antonio Open `"~pace Preserti c) or compared to projects that are essential for publics safet-0 Although the Master Plan will include an Implementation Plan that identifies phases, approximate timelines, costs, and priority ratings for each project, given limited District funding and staff resources, each Master Plan project will need to annually compete with projects located elsewhere at the District's 25 other open space preserves as part of the yearly action plan and budget review process. A project that is necessary for public safety or critical for the protection of a sensitive resource at risk, for example, would be given first priority. Since it is possible that projects at other open space preserves will be considered of higher priority any given year, the District recognizes that the Implementation Plan will function as a guiding document and that flexibility will be needed throughout the 30-year lifespan of the Master Plan to adjust to unforeseen future conditions. 3. Can the District use the La Honda Elementaij, School parking lot for overflow parking? No. Representatives from the La Honda Elementary School have specifically asked the District to avoid impacting school facilities, particularly once the Preserve is made available to public use. School officials have voiced concerns about parking, use of restroom facilities, trash, and loitering. In response, the District has identified a new parking facility at the end of Sears Ranch Road that would be set back from the school and include a standard District restroom facility. 4. Can the Master flan he changed or updated once it is adopted? Yes. The Master Plan will be periodically reviewed every 10 to 15 years to determine whether implementation is on track. If new information or opportunities arise, such as the opportunity to implement additional trail connections, the plan can be amended by the Board through a public process. RECREATIONAL USE 5. 1A ould the District consider providing baclicountry trails that are less maintained'! The District takes pride in the trails they provide to the public, and adheres to specific design and construction standards for its trails and roads to minimize erosion, reduce long-term maintenance, and preserve the rural, wildland quality of its open space preserves. Trail widths range from road- width (12 to 14 feet), which also function as patrol roads, to narrow(2 to 4 foot) paths. District trails and roads are composed of native compacted dirt and are brushed and/or mowed as needed to keep the trail path and edges clear for visitor access and where needed, for fire clearance. These construction and maintenance practices are needed to continue providing visitor access to District Preserves while protecting the natural resources. 6. Ny 11N not use Allen Road to connect 1-a Honda Creek with El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve (versus a separate future trail connection)? Allen Road is a private road, and as such, general public use of the road (other than traveling by vehicle with a District permit to access the permit parking lot) is restricted. Hikers, bicyclists, and equestrians are not allowed to travel on Allen Road to make the connection between the two preserves. In accordance with an access agreement between the District and Allen Road neighbors, the District is able to bring visitors in vehicles to its Allen Road permit parking area. This agreement limits access to no more than 20 vehicles each day. To make a connection between the two preserve, the District will continue to work with surrounding neighbors and property owners in the Bear Gulch area to secure trail easements and/or purchase properties to establish a connector trail. 7. Would the District consider additional access for dogs off Sears Ranch Road? Not at this time. Due to District-wide poor leash law compliance, the existing 50-year cattle grazing lease, and tenant residences on the preserve, on-leash dog access is proposed only on specific trails to avoid impacting ongoing uses that occur at the property. 8. ",N fiat are the public use options that the Board v8,ill he Considering'! The draft master plan identified two public use options with varying levels of bicycle access: Both Options: Hiking allowed on all trails; equestrian use allowed on all trails (unless site conditions preclude safe horse passage); dogs on leash allowed on trails north of the Vista Point once a grazing operation is established and also on one loop trail off the Sears Ranch Road entrance (actual loop to be determined with input from the grazing tenant). Public Use Option 1: Bicycle use allowed on (1) the Ridge Trail corridor once one through connection is made beyond the Preserve's boundaries and (2) via docent-led bicycle rides. Public Use Option 2: Bicycle use allowed on (1) the Ridge Trail corridor once one through connection is made beyond the Preserve's boundaries, (2) an existing ranch road between the Sears Ranch Road entrance and the Ridge Trail to connect the Town of La Honda to the Ridge Trail corridor, and (3) one loop trail off the existing ranch road. 9. What is the cost difference between the two public use options? The cost difference between Options 1 and 2 mostly relate to patrol and enforcement since Option 2 opens more miles of trail to general bicycle use (4.3 miles versus 9.4 miles). Also, maintenance costs for Option 2 may be slightly higher should bicycle use result in additional wear on the trail surface. To account for this, the District would bear the cost for additional field staff to patrol and maintain the Preserve sooner under Option 2. Below are two tables showing the Total Cost Difference and Incremental Cost Difference between the two options. (NOTE: The Operating Costs in the following tables are based the current District-wide ratios for patrol and maintenance staff per mile of trail. Because of the location of the preserve and the configuration of*the proposed trail system, the master plan assumes the intensity of public use will be low to moderate. High intensity use or inappropriate or illegal activities under any Option (e.g. riding on uphill edge of banks, construction of illegal trails, off-' trail riding) can be expected to require additional enforcement and maintenance to protect natural resources and result in significant additional costs.) Estimated TOTAL Cost Comparison Between Each Public Use Options* Public Use Operating Construction Total Cost Over Average Cost Option Cost^ Cost 30 Years Per Year Option 1 $9,643,303 $10.3 - $8.1 M $19.9M - $17.7M $665K- $591 K Option 2 $9,643,303 $10.3 - $8.1 M $19.9M - $17.7M $665K - $592K Between Each Public Use O tions** Estimated INCREMENTAL Cost Comparisonp Public Use Operating Construction Total Cost Over Average Cost Option Cost^ Cost 30 Years Per Year Option 1 -- -- -- --- Option 2 $0 $10,000 $10,000 $333 h 30-year lifes an of the Master Plan. expense over e 3 Cost reflects total expe y p ** Cost reflects incremental expense compared to Option 1 over the 30-year lifespan of the Master Plan. Operating Cost includes(1)land management staff equipment cost at$20,896 per staff and(2) land management services and supplies unit cost of$16.85 per acre(both ratios obtained from the District's 2003 Coastside Protection Area Fiscal Analysis inflated at 3%per year to 2009). 10. 1)ocs the Draft Master Platt alloNi for off-trail hiking'! Yes. It is District policy to allow, where appropriate, off-trail hiking. All others uses (equestrian use, bicycling, and dogs on leash) are required to stay on designated trails. 11. Why not allow bicycle access along the entire Driscoll Ranch main access road? Why not open more single-track trails, additional loops, access to Ray's Peak and a greater variety or trails to bicycles? Why is bicycle use not considered a default for this Preserve? The District must carefully balance the needs of all its user groups. In 2000, long before this master plan, the Board of Directors amended this Preserve's Use and Management Plan, calling for the La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve to be one of seven reserved for hiking and equestrian use to provide some areas on District land where potential use conflicts could be avoided. The amendment also changed the District's approach to trail use designations, moving away from a trail by trail review to looking at larger areas and preserves as a whole, allowing for better visitor understanding, compliance and simplified enforcement. With this in mind, staff does not recommend extending bicycle use onto the remainder of the Driscoll Ranch main access road given that hiking/equestrian loop trails intersect the main access road in this area. The trail to Ray's Peak will be a short, narrow, up and back trail. Given the steep topography and the one-way nature of the trail, mountain bicycling is not recommended to avoid user conflicts on downhill, narrow trails. The master planning process for La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve provided an opportunity to reconsider how the Use and Management Plan amendment is applied, particularly related to bicycle use. The Board of Directors is currently considering two public use options that reflect the intent of the use and management decisions while still providing for bicycle access. 12. XN ould the District consider njakina the Sears Ranch Road parking area accessible to horse trails r�? The District intends for the Sears Ranch Road parking area to encroach as little as possible into one of the more productive pastures in the entire ranch area. For this reason, the proposed parking area in this location is notably small (10-20 vehicles). No horse trailers are currently proposed to keep the footprint as small as possible (horse trailers require a much larger parking space and sufficient space for turnarounds). Instead, the Draft Master Plan identifies two other parking areas that can accommodate 3-6 horse trailers each. One is located adjacent to the Red Barn and the second near the Driscoll Ranch West Gate. 13. Would the District consider alternate days or weekday access for bicycles? Would the District consider uphill only access for bicycles? The District has not had success with similar limited use techniques in the past (walk only and one- way travel zones) and feels strongly that opening trails to specific uses on alternate days is difficult for users to be informed about and remember and for patrol staff to enforce. The District aims to simplify trail use rules. 14. "k ill there he interpretive signs in the Red Barn area? The Red Barn area offers a number of exciting interpretive opportunities, which can enhance the visitor experience and contribute to environmental and historical education. The information can be conveyed using signs, brochures, self-guided hikes, docent-led hikes and school field trips. Additional research will be needed to develop what specific interpretive materials will be used. I kN ill there be a through trail that hikers and equestrians cart use xN ithout encountering mountain bicycles! Assuming that a hiker or equestrian begins near Skyline Boulevard and travels the length of the Preserve to exit through the Sears Ranch Road gate entrance, and selects trail segments that reduce the probability of encountering bicycles, of the two options, Public Use Option 1 provides the least likelihood of encountering a bicyclist. Approximately 0.6 miles of the more than 7 miles of trail along this route, as part of Public Use Option 1, would be shared by all uses (the 0.6 miles represents two short multiple-use sections of trail along the proposed Bay Area Ridge Trail corridor). In Public Use Option 2, approximately 2.3 miles of the more than 7 miles of trail would be shared with bicycles. Moreover, the Preserve would offer areas for hiking and equestrian use only in both public use options. These areas include the northernmost trail network, which would be accessible from the Allen Road permit parking area(two loops, +2.9 miles) and the southeastern trail network (three loops, +9.7 miles), which would be accessible from the propose new Driscoll Ranch parking area across from the Driscoll Events Center. RESOURCES MANAGEMENT 16. Can we move fish habitat restoration up to Phase I? Habitat restoration for fish species in the creeks is slated to begin in Phase 1 (Years 0-5), and will continue through to the final phase as funding allows. 17. Can we increase salmon populations to historic levels`' How does the Master Plan support this larger regional goal`' All three creeks in this preserve host threatened steelhead trout and have the potential to host endangered Coho salmon. Relative to their historic levels, current populations of both species are very low. It is a multifaceted and monumental task to try and bring them back to their historic levels and not one the District can do alone. The creeks in the La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve are part of the larger San Gregorio Watershed, of which nearly 40% is District-owned. The District works as a partner on a larger planning and restoration effort in the watershed. Components of the La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve master plan aid the health of these fish populations. For example, the master plan contains projects intended to reduce the amount of sediment flowing into the creeks and restore fish habitats within the creeks. 18. Does the proposed trail network impact w8 ildlife Corridors? Because of the open, rural nature of the landscape in the La Honda area, habitat connectivity is not mar issue however it may be in the future depending on how the area develops. currently a primary p Y p Y Y District roads and trails do not impede the movement of wildlife through the landscape. Highway 84 poses the greatest risk to wildlife movement in the area, though does not impede it. 19. 'Would the District consider nominating the White Barn for the historic. registers? An important part of the District's mission on the Coastside is to preserve and protect agriculture and rural heritage. The master plan calls for the District to hire an architectural historian to evaluate the Red Barn for possible inclusion on the California Register of Historical Resources and the National Register of Historic Places. The Red Barn was built around 1900 and is an important local landmark visible from Highway 84. The White Barn was likely built in the 1860's, retains good structural integrity and will be retained for public interpretation as a cultural landmark reminiscent of past agricultural activities on the site. It will also be assessed by an architectural historian for its historical significance. 20. l low is the Master Plan addressing setbacks/buffers for wetlands and riparian corridors? The Master Plan addresses setbacks from wetlands and riparian corridors in several sections of the document: Conservation Management Units. The Master Plan proposes the creation of two Conservation Management Units (CMUs) totaling over 1,610 acres, roughly 28% of the Open Space Preserve area. These CMUs were designated in large part due to the large quantity of high quality aquatic habitats and riparian areas within these areas of the preserve. The CMU designation restricts all public access, permitting the District to manage these areas for their resource values. Public Access Trail System. The proposed trail system minimizes the construction of trails within riparian areas. Trail planning throughout the Preserve was accomplished following the guidelines established in the District's Coastside Protection Program that calls for"minimizing the construction of new trail and road segments to minimize potential water pollution and stream bank erosion. Equestrian trails shall not be sited parallel to "blue line" streams and major drainages within 150 feet of the streambank in such watersheds. Where equestrian trails must cross streams or major drainages in water supply watersheds, the trail shall be sites perpendicular to the stream through the 300-foot buffer zone." Livestock Grazing. The Master Plan identifies the need for restoration projects to restore riparian vegetation and habitats previously damaged through unmanaged livestock access. The projects will include the construction of fencing and gates, stream bank restoration and reinforcement, and other riparian vegetation planting. 21. NN hat is the definition of a ('o Ilse rtatio o N1 anagenlent [ nit, or C'Vl11.) In accordance with District policy, highly unique and sensitive areas can be designated as Conservation Management Units (CMU). These are areas in the preserve where public access is restricted to protect fragile resources such as habitat for the threatened California red-legged frog, potential habitat for the endangered San Francisco garter snake, and riparian habitat for anadromous fish. CMUs are not managed for recreation, but rather for resource protection, conservation and viewshed values. By setting these areas aside as a"preserve within a preserve", conservation projects within them will be afforded the best opportunity for success. GRAZING 22. 'Ito would be responsible for installing fencing along riparian corridors to keep cattle out: The master plan identifies the importance of protecting sensitive riparian areas from cattle with fencing. The District will work with the grazing tenant to determine who is responsible for installing the fencing. 4 2 Midpeninsula Regional ' Open Space District To: Board of Directors From: Stephen E. Abbors Date: November 12, 2009 Re: FYIs http://us l.campaign-arehive.com/?u=cf60d90ac20de I d557d559b l e&id=7... Email not displaying correctly? your bro:, V 11c11vninsula Regional OpenSpace District For Immediate Release October 29,2009 Contact: Leigh Ann Maze(650)691-1200 MROSD board actions taken on trails,watersheds and sudden oak death The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District's publicly-elected board of directors took actions at their regular meeting last night that may interest your readers.The District is a public agency protecting land as open space for environmental preservation, public recreation and education. Currently,the District manages 26 open space preserves totaling nearly 60,000 acres in the South Bay, Peninsula and Coastside areas.At the public meeting last night: 1. The board entered into a contract allowing federal stimulus funding to be used to complete trail improvement and sediment reduction projects at the Thornewood and Los Trances Open Space Preserves. Both are grant-funded y :r y projects aimed at protecting the San Franasquito Watershed that were halted in December 2008 due to the state budget crisis. The federal stimulus money will allow the projects to be completed next fall.At the Thornewood Open Space Preserve in Woodside,the Bridle Trail will be improved, lengthened, and in parts rerouted while the old alignment is restored.A new crossing at Dennis Martin Creek will allow safer passage for hikers and equestrians while reducing erosion.At the Los Trancos Open Space Preserve located in the Skyline area near Page Mill Road and Skyline Boulevard, the Page Mill Trail will be improved and a stream channel restored. 2. The board heard an update on the success of the District's Slender False Brome Program in Woodside,aimed at helping private property owners eradicate the invasive weed slender false brome from their land.Woodside is the only known location of this weed in the state. If allowed to spread, it could negatively impact the ecology of the redwood forest and California. Piloted this year with the help of grant funding,the program helped 21 Woodside homeowners treat 51 acres of slender false brome on their land.Treatments will continue in the spring,and the District has received another round of grant funding for the program,enabling more Woodside residents to participate in 2010. ea ' 3. The board approved treatment of canyon live oaks in the Los Trancos Open Space Preserve for sudden oak death, a plant disease killing oaks and tanoaks in coastal California forests that currently has no cure. Researchers recently determined that SOD is causing the mysterious symptoms i and deaths of mature canyon live oaks in Los Trancos, currently the only known location in California where this oak 1 of 2 10/29/2009 2:05 PM http://us 1.campaign-arc hive.com/?u—cf60d90ac2Ode 1 d557d559b I e&id=7... f. s species has died from SOD. Heritage-sized oaks with scenic and ecological values will be located and scientists will administer treatment intended to save these specimen trees _ beginning in November.The board also approved continuation of several other SOD m, -,h proiects being conductod on Oistrict preserve If you are interested in covering any of these projects for your readers, I am happy to provide you with further information. Created by voters in 1972, the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District protects and manages more than 57,000 acres of open space. The District's preserves are open to the public 365 days a year. The District is a public agency whose mission is to acquire and preserve a regional greenbelt of open space land in perpetuity,protect and restore the natural environment and provide opportunities for ecologically sensitive public enjoyment and education. www.openspace.org You received this message because you have opted-in with the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (MROSD) to receive emails. If you wish to be removed from this distribution, please click on the link below. <<Email Address>> from the Media list. To ensure deiiverabiiity of future emails, please add the MROSD to your Address Book. Outlook Express I Outlook I Thunderbird I Eudora I Ear ,_ink I Yahoo I Gmail I Hotmail I A01 Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District 330 Distel Circle Los Altos,CA 94022 650-691-1200 ©Copyright 2009. Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District.All rights reserved. Terms o-Use&Privacy Policy Forward this email to a friend. Update Your profile 2 of 2 10/29/2009 2:05 PM Regi l Open SpacelDist ictnal For Immediate Release Date: November 1, 2009 Contact: Leigh Ann Maze(650)691-1200 Gather your own chestnuts on Skyline Historic orchard on MROSD land open to public LOS ALTOS,CA [November 1, 2009]—Bay Area residents can gather their own chestnuts from a historic orchard on Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District land in the scenic hills above Palo Alto while supplies last,and no later than November 22.The first two weeks of November are often the peak of the harvest. Since 2004,the Open Space District has leased the orchard to the Johsens family, incredible stewards of the trees and land and managers of the"gather your own"operation. Visitors are welcome when the gate is open,generally 9 a.m. to dusk.A sign along Skyline Boulevard directs drivers up a dirt road where the Johsens greet them,providing buckets,gloves and friendly advice. Chestnuts can be gathered from the ground only and cost$5.25 per pound. The 119 large, impressive trees in the orchard are thought to have been planted by a Spaniard around the time California became a state in 1850.They are mainly European Chestnuts,although four are believed to be American hybrids and a handful show Chinese characteristics. Stewardship of the orchard is in keeping with the Open Space District's mission to preserve the natural environment,cultural history and agriculture on behalf of the public,while also providing for ecologically sensitive recreation. The American Chestnut, once widely spread throughout the eastern U.S.,was nearly wiped out by a fungal blight in the 1920's.To this day, few chestnut orchards remain. The Skyline orchard survived in part due to its isolation and is one of three of its kind in California. Most chestnuts purchased in the U.S. are now imported from Europe and Asia,where they are a popular food for many cultures. For updated orchard information call (408)395-0337,visit skylinechestnuts.coin,or email Hans Johsens at h.johsens a,trmail.com. 9 Is j dp AST r Created by voters in 1972,the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District has successfully protected and managed nearly 60,000 acres of open space.The public enjoys the Districts diverse and beaultJul preserves 365 days a year.The District is public agency whose mission is to acquire and preserve a regional greenbelt of open apace land in perpetuity,protect and restore the natural environment,and provide opportunities for ecologically sensitive public enjoyment and education. rvNw•.uncnsnrtre.nrr gio Open SpaceiDist ict For Immediate Release Date: November 4, 2009 Contact: Leigh Ann Maze(650)691-1200 Public hearing Nov. 12 in Los Altos on La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve's master plan Los Altos,California (November 4,20091—The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District is holding a public hearing Nov. 12 regarding the La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve's master plan. Please help the Open Space District inform your audience about this hearing to be held: Thursday, Nov. 12, 2009 Ae 7:00 p.m. MROSD Administrative Office 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, CA. 94022 At the hearing,Open Space District staff will present the master plan focusing on the two public use options developed for the preserve.The public will again have an opportunity to comment on the plan,as they have at two previous public hearings held in May and June.The Open Space District's board of directors is expected to vote for a preferred public use option and tentatively approve the master plan. Once the board takes these actions, an environmental review will be conducted and released for public comment in early 2010. Final adoption of the master plan will occur during a public meeting at a later date. The master planning process began with extensive data collected on the plants,animals,water sources, ranch infrastructure,trails,roads and other features of the preserve.Community input was gathered through public meetings, land tours, interviews and focus groups.The upcoming hearing is an opportunity for the public to continue their involvement and input through the planning process. The 5,759-acre La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve consists of a working ranch,grasslands and forests near the town of La Honda.The Open Space District,a public agency, is creating a 30 year master plan for this preserve which aims to balance the preservation of the natural environment,viable grazing,and cultural history with public education and low intensity recreation. To read the master plan, or for more information please visit www.openspace.org or call(650)691-1200. Created by voters in 1972,the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District has successfully protected nearly 60,000 acres of open space The public enjoys the District's diverse and beautiful preserves 365 days a year. The District is a public agency whose mission is to acquire and preserve in perpetuity open space land and agricultural land of regional significance,protect and restore the natural environment,preserve rural character,encourage viable agricultural use of land resources,and provide opportunities for ecologically sensitive public enjoyment and education.www.openspoce.ore i fits -- ' Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District To: Board of Directors From: Stephen E. Abbors Date: November 12, 2009 Re: Late FYI .................. COMPILATION OF PUBLIC COMMENTS RECEIVED ON THE LA HONDA CREEK EMAIL RESPONSE Dear 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. Your input has been collected, is now part of the public comment record for the project, and has been forwarded to the District's Board of Directors for their review and consideration. We would like to remind you that the third public hearing is scheduled for tonight where we welcome any additional oral comments. At this hearing, the Board will consider approval of the Draft Master Plan and is expected to select a public use option. This hearing will be held at the District's Administrative Office, located at 330 Distel Circle in Los Altos, CA. For more information on this hearing and for a copy of the Agenda and staff report, please visit our website at Details of the third hearing are as follows: � Thursday, November 12, 2009 /:VV p.m. MROSDAdministraUve Office � 330 D|mtm| Circle Los Altos, CA94O22 Sinoano|y, Ana Ruiz. Project Manager ----- Original Message --- Fmom: Zor To: Sent: VVednosday, NovennberD4. 2009 11:4K3 /\K8 Subject: LHCMP Hello, "Participation is key to a great plan"... Well, that sounds great in thoorx, but in practice, that seems devoid of any meaning. Cyclists have repeated over and over that neither option is paUatab|e. C|amdy, the district has decided to treat cyclists ao3nd o|aoo citizens by making it clear that this new preserve would be pretty much exclusively used by equestrians (a very small minority of all users) and hikers. All hearings so far have changed nothing to that fact. |t seems tome that those hearings are a complete farce and meaningless. The district has apparently decided long ago not to let cyclists use the preserve, and is using these hearings to rubbermtamp the decisions already made while having a semblance of citizen participation. What do cyclists need todoio have decent access to the preserves we pay for with our taxes? J-CPoussin LHC &1aa�erp|�nComn�eo�s �� Noven�ber 2OOQ Page � uY 1() 1 ----- Original Message ----- From: Jim Cather To: lahondamasterplan(aopenspace.orq Sent: Thursday, November 05, 2009 9:24 AM Subject: La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve Master Plan Ladies and Gentlemen: The open space plan is coming along nicely and is quite exciting, except for one aspect. We urge you to please confine ALL mechanized and/or wheeled recreational machines of any kind to paved surfaces ONLY. The bikes, the skateboards, or any recreational machines must be limited to access on paved surfaces only. Those who own bikes can still enjoy nature, but must leave their machines out of natural areas. We don't allow cars and/or motorcycles in many open space areas--why not apply the same standard to all recreational machines? By implementing such restrictions, enforcing laws regarding speeding, trail and obstacle building and other illegal activities will be less problematic. More importantly, all citizens will be be able to enjoy nature and opens spaces as they were intended--as natural and as safely as possible. Thank you for considering our views. Jim Cather and Family iimcather(a-),hotmail.com ----- Original Message ----- From: "Karen Sullivan" greymare56@.gmail.com To: <lahondamasterplan@openspace.org> Sent: Thursday, November 05, 2009 8:50 AM Subject: Correction please Re: Draft plan La Honda Open Space Preserve Sorry, correction to my last letter...the bike problem is in Purissima Creek Park, NOT Pescadero Creek park Thanks On 11/4/09, Karen Sullivan <greymare56@gmail.com> wrote: Nov 4, 2009 Dear Midpenninsula Open Space Preserve, I will not be able to attend the next meeting and am requesting my comments here be added to the public record. 1 am updating a letter I sent a few years ago regarding development of the La Honda Open Space Preseve Draft Plan, I have seen both proposals and would like to strongly suggest that NO MOUNTAIN BIKES are allowed in this pristine area! I am a bit astounded that the district is even considering letting bikes into this area considering all the problems bikers are causing in Pescadero Creek, and El Corte de Madera with illegal riding, and trail cutting, building of obstacles and night riding. Despite all the efforts of ROMP to convince everyone they will 'self-police" .this does NOT happen and even ROMP members brag about how fast they can ride and doloops in these parks. The danger presented to hikers and equestrians is enormous, and the lack ofrespect and damage to trails from mountain bikers is extreme.. A growing body of evidence is proving that allowing mountain bike access on trails shared by hikers and/or equestrians is a recipe for disaster. User conflicts are a foct, with reported injuries and even death from collisions from bikes with hikers and horses. Both hikers and horses are going a speed ofappnox 2-4 MPH while mountain bikes are travelling at |emm1 5to 10 MPH TIMES faster. This is NOT compatible use, and the faster bike speedo are also causing extreme trail dornoge, both by downhill akidding, or even just continuous tire track m bike leaves. This trackchannels water down the � � trail, leaving m gully that only gets widened and deepened by each passing bike. There is � also NOT a compatible trail experience desired bv user groups. Hikers and equestrians are, as user groups, looking for a re|axod, quiet trail experience that a||ovvn them to enjoy nature. Bike riders are looking for speed, thri||o, jumps, etc. User displacement is also a result of multi-use trails; because of risk ofinjury and the danger ofhaving speeding bikes mn the trails; hikers and equestrians end up using other parks and trails that ban bikeo....Both China Camp State Park in Sonoma County. and Boggs Mountain State Demonstration Forest in Lake County have such high or unregulated Mountain Bike use that equestrians and riding e|oewhere, or only on week days. China Camp State Park is showing extensive damage with trail cuttiDg, erosion, and illegal trails by mountain bikes. Bike proponents are pushing for all trails 10 be mu|d- use, but few trails can be built to meet any federal, state or even |K8BA (international � Mountain Bike Association) standards. Multi use trails MUST have adequate width, i | � grade and visual siQht|inesto be safe for hikers, horses and bike riders. Very few � � oing|atrauk trails meet any reasonable criteria. Shared use can work successfully only on � wide fireroedo. etc. � � Mountain bikers would have you believe the answer is education, but two decades have � proven that self-education by bikes groups or even parks dmao not work. |||ego| bike riding and trail building continues, with so-called responsible key bike advocates being � caught and cited for building illegal trails. The mountain bike problems associated alone � in E| Corte de Madera park (nighttime riding, illegal trail cutting, recorded speed records, � eto), should indicate that allowing mountain bikes into Bay Area State Parks, or Open � Space Districts iocrazy. Mountain bike damages in California parks and open space districts are costing taxpayers and agencies thousands of dollars every year in additional policing, and repairs. |tia estimated that an illegally built bike trail, the Split Rock Trail, will cost the Merin Municipal Water District and K8arin County Open Space District approximately $250.000to restore. Recent LEGAL decisions onthe Federal level have proven that land mangers and � agencies have no obligation to provide for mountain bike access toparks. Riding � bicycles on trails is NOT a right, it's a priviledge. Land managers have legal right to � consider user conflicts, damage, resource management first. Federal Court decision � Bicycle Trails Council ofK8arin vs. Babbi1. interprets the Organic Act 10 give the National � Park Service authority to close trails 10 mountain bikes. The [th District Federal Court of Appeals upheld a summary judgement which was supported by damage to the LHC Master P|an 3 of 10 environment, and unacceptable user conflicts; the result being that bikes are not allowed ono|nQ|etnaok trails in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. More and more parks every year are banning mountain bikes as a result of user � conf|icte, resource damage, injuries, mto, and returning to earlier regulations. F,mrke and � open space districts that are closing trails and land tomountain bikes include Golden � � Gate National Recreation area and Seashore; Pt. Reyes National � � � Seaohone.;K8idpenninou|a Regional Open Space District; Big Baain, Butmno. Castle � Rockjornales Bay, Clear Lake State Parks, East Bay Regional Parks District, Marin � � County Open Space Diothct, Santa Clara County Parks, Son Mateo County Pad«e. Muir � Woods National Monuments, ma well ao many open space preserves. � Statistics prove that mountain bike sales and usage are down, and that it's m tiny but � vociferous group of users that are demanding to take wheeled vehicles on our narrow trails. According to Nov/Dec 2007 Adventure Cyclist; in this decade, the number of adult cyclists has dropped dramatically. The number of bike shops have dropped, and 99% of bikes sold in the U.S. are imported from overseas. This is not a sport that is contributing significantly to the economy. However, adult recreational horseback riding is growing. The California horse industry produces goods and services valued at4.1 bi||ion, and the national industry has a 7 billion impact on the Calif. economy. Equestrian trail usage is growing, and horseback riders and hikers need trails where they won't be accosted by fast and rude cyclists. According to K8idpenninau|o Open Space Diatrict, Edgevvoud Park and Natural Preserve, � and U.S forest Service; honaao are classified as low impact uaena, oa far ootrail and � wildlife disturbance. -[henaa are very few places now that equestrians can safely ride � without worrying about speeding mountain bikers. Mountain bike use is much more suited and appropriate for ORV areas, where they will � have the rni|eo of trails, grades and excitement they crave. According to a retired State � Park Trail official; old roadways are better designed for the speed associated with � mountain bikes, as they are graded appropriately. � Please don't open parks to the inevitable problems and damage that will occur if you � mUovvrnountainbik�aonth���tnai|� � . � | Please note that yearly, | visit and stay at Jack Brook horse camp in Peooadero County Park, with a large group. VVego out to eat, support the local economy.mnd one ofthe reasons that park ismo treasured and valued igNC} BIKES on the trails. / Sinoene|y, / . Karen Sullivan formerly La Honda resident Ke|aeyviUe. CA � --- Original Message --- Fromm: Mike Vandeman To: Sent: Saturday, November O7. 3OO98:4O/\K8 Subject La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve's Master Plan P.S. In order to protect the San Francisco garter anaka, bicycles must not be o||oxved off of pavement. The snakes are very vulnerable to being run over and killed. While hiking on the Peninsula once, | saw one lying across the trail. If had been riding a mountain bike, it would be dead. Mountain bikers consider anything lying onthe trail tobajust another fun obstacle on which to exercise their bicycle-handling skill. The University of California at Berkeley's Museum of Vertebrate Zoology has two specimens of snakes killed by mountain bikers. One is a federally Threatened Alameda whipsnake. The other is ahngneck snake killed by a mountain biker illegally riding a trail in Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve next to U.C. Berhe|ey'g Ecological Study Area. See: Vandemon. Michael J. / 'vande@pocbe||.neU. 20O8. The |mpaotmofK8ountmin Biking on Amphibians and Reptiles. In Urban Herpetology. J. C. &Vitohm||. R. E. Jung Brown, and B. Bartholomew, editors. Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles, � Herpetological Conservation 3:155-150; expanded version also available ot . -----Original Message From: Tim Nelson [mailto:tknelson(a)-slacstanford.edu Sent: Tuesday, November 10. 2008 1:39AM To: BOARD � 8ubi��� La Honda [|r��� K8�m��r ��|mn options � -^ . Greetings, � � � As m member of the community of [a Hondm, it is with great excitement that | read the � draft plan for the La Honda Creek (]Pen Space Preserve. In any oane, it will be enjoyed � � greatly by many. However, | have some strong feelings about the options � � � � access that | believe are worthy of your attention. � Although | omnan avid road cyclist, you might be surprised to know that | arn much more likely togo hiking than cycling on our local trails. VVh||e | do own a mountain bike. | generally like to enjoy the wilderness at o slower pace. Furthmrnlono, as a hiker. | mnl � | sympathetic with those who would aovena|y |inni[ bicycle a00000: | am much more likely to be annoyed by disrespectful bicyclists on a1nai| than to be upset that | am denied bicycle access. However, as a parent, | have a very different perspective. We have a four-year-old who loves to ride her little bicycle and m one-year-old not far behind. While La Hondo is � heaven for serious oyo|iste, our roads are no place for children or beginners: they are either very steep, carry dangerous traffic, or both. As a n*su|t, it is with some sadness that we take our daughter to the parking lot at the La Honda Elementary School to ride her bicycle and we cannot even imagine a time when we might be comfortable with her riding on our roads. With so many families in La Honda, it is clear that we are not alone, LHC KHaaterHanCommen�s 12 Novend�ar �OQ8 Page5o| |0 � and I occasionally see families unwisely riding on CA84 for lack of anyplace else to go: a tragedy waiting to happen. For this reason, I urge you to implement Bicycle Use Option 2 which includes bicycle access from the Sears Ranch Road trailhead to the Red Barn. The section in question is relatively easy, short and quite suitable for families and children who have nowhere safe to ride. Meanwhile, those same attributes will make these trails much less attractive to the serious mountain bikers that might compromise the peace and quiet of the preserve. Best Regards, Tim and Silke Nelson 526 Cuesta Real La Honda --------------------------------------------------------- Dr. Timothy K. Nelson Stanford Linear Accelerator Center office: 650.926.2274 cell: 650.201.2431 --------------------------------------------------------- Dr. Silke Nelson Stanford Linear Accelerator Center office: 650.926.2067 cell: 650.283.0825 --------------------------------------------------------- ----- Original Message ----- From: dkIlfficrane(a)-coastside.net To: Vicky Gou Information : Board Sent: Wednesday, November 11, 2009 9:36 PM Subject: 11/11/2009 - dkllicrane(o-)-coastside.net - Contact Board First Name: David Last Name: Crane Phone Number: 650-678-4707 Email Address: dkllicrane(cD-coastside.net Ward / Location: La Honda Comments: Dear MROSD directors, I sincerely hope that the Option 2 is selected tomorrow night for the La Honda Creek Open Space master plan. From all the MROSD online documents about the master plan there is very strong support for multi-use trails that support bike access. Hopefully the user input will be taken into consideration when voting for the bike access options in the master plan. I think this article in today's San Jose Mercury news gives a good overview of the situation. The article can be found at: http://www.mercurynews.com/california/ci 13766478 Sincerely, Dave Crane � ^ -- Ohinal Message ----- From: Jim de la Riva To: Sent: Thursday, November 12. 2OO81:42PK8 Smbject: LHCMP Hello, Thank you for all your hard work with regards to the improvements being made to the Mid-Pen Open Space. I urge you to please consider more bicycle friendly single track for the project. 8o much land and beautiful open space are not accessible to cyclist. Please help expand the enjoyment 1oagroupthothmmbeenignoredforaornanyyeana. Best regards, Jim de |a Riva San Mateo, CA ----- Original Message --- FroMN: To: Sent: Thursday, November 12. 2OO91:31 PM Subject: new trail use � | cannot attend tonight's meeting due to work commitments. � � Here are my connrnertg for the new LaHnnda (]SFz and, by extension, to all of the Open � Space locations. | am an avid hiker, and | enjoy the many area trails weekly. | have observed that mountain bikes simply DO NOT work well in any mined trail use. Hikers and horses are OK But bikes should have their own dedicated locations (i.e., | mrn certainly in favor of � providing fun trails for the bikers), and then bikes should be restricted to those locations � only. P|ease, p|ease, no bikes on hiking trai|a, and no bikes on equestrian trails. Our speeds and intentions are completely different. Hikers and horse people are out there to enjoy theao|itudeendtotmhetimevviththe � outdoor beauty. Bikers are out there togo as fast as possib|e, to cut across trails and � switchbacks, and to blow through the scenery without pause. � - Brian Be|et � Campbell, CA � �. --- C�rk.�ina| --- � From: Bachman To: .< Sent: Thursday, November 12` 2009 12:32 P&0 Subject: La Honda Open Space Dear Ms. Ruiz. | support the Open space Option 2. (Although | onnm member mf the CuestmLaHonda | Guild board of directors, this email naMmcta only my own opinion.) Sincerely, Sarah Bachman � S. L. Boohrnan, P[]BG27. Le Honda, CA94O2O � LHC K4�-erP|enComn�en�e 12 November2O0Q Page7o� 1O � � � � � � i --- [)hoinm| --- � Original —_--"- � Fromm: iohann miller � To: Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District � Sent: Thursday, Noxennber12. 2OO911:34/\K8 � Subject: Re: Reminder: Public hearing tonight � H��� �� Open� `~ ,_ �� � Preserve master plan � Dear Staff: � | won't be able to make this meeting in person, but | would like to have my voice � counted. | orn both o hiker and mountain biker. and | encourage you to make as many � miles of trails open to mountain bikes as possible. � Please think creatively on how to make this happon, such as season passes for ridona, donation/fee bomthe, odd/even riding days. VVe want to ride, but it doesn't have to be everyday. and we'd be willing to pay a little extra and contribute to trail work. Thanks, johenn --- Original K8eoamge ----- From: "Mike\/andemaO" < 'uande@pacbeU.net> To: <|ahondamaab*rp|an@openapooe.org> Sent: Thurodoy, November 12, 2009 3:14 PM � Subject: La Hondo Creak (]pen Space Pnanen*a Master Plan | am worried that you will make m bad decnion, based on pm|dUoe instead of science. Unfortunote|y, the wildlife cannot speak for themse|veu, or you would get an earful! It is totally absurd for humans to act as if the Earth belongs to us. We got here some 4 billion years after the other species. VVe are 1OOY6 dependent onthe existence and vva|tore of other species. And we should act accordingly: only a||ovv K4|N|K8AL naonaadon on wild lands: ONLY ON FOOT. As much as the mountain bikers would like you to believe otherwise, they ARE capable of walking. Trails m/hena bikes aren't allowed are sd|| {)PEN TO EVERYONE. There is no need to build more trails. Trail building just destroys more habitat. Because wildlife are sensitive to the presence of humans up to five nni|ea oxvaV (see —Ghost Bears_, by Ed Grunnbina), o trail doesn't just destroy three feet ofhabitat, but more like a 10 mile-wide avveth of habitat. Please do what is right. Sincerely, Mike Vandernan. Ph.D. / i<C 0as/e/ P|an Co'nn�en�s 12 Nuven�be/ 2OOQ Poye 8 o1 1O --- Origina| Message ----- From: To: Sent: Thursday, KJovernber12. 2009 12:48PK8 | Subject: Allowing mountain bike vehicles on 1nai|a � / | DearK8idpeninsu|a Open Space Folk, � | | understand that tonight you will have public input regarding allowing mountain bike vehicles on trails. | volunteer at the K8idpenineu|m Media Center tonight, so | will share my experience by this email. | hope it is useful. My wife and | have contributed to you if you are the same organization that preserved the ranch between the K8ontaro Peaks and the ucean, however we most recently contribute 1othe Nature Conservancy. | hike once or twice a week, VVundodioh. Los Tnanoom, Focthi||, Araatradero, Larry Lana, Windy Hill, Bone||, Coyote Hi||a, North Peak mf&4ontaro Mountain, Sweeney, Bay|anda, etc. eto., and we like totake our nine grandchildren and our grandson hiking when we can. We are in our seventies, however | also usually do parts of the JK8T every year, so we are more than oamum| etno||enn. My experiences with people riding mountain bike vehicles on trails have been scary and � | would be afraid to take a grandchild on otrmi| if knew that mountain bike vehicles were allowed. They are more of a danger than many other vehicles benauae, if fact if not necessarily in phnuip|e, their riders go too fast when going down hill. | They may be fun but they are as compatible with the hiking experience as motorcycles. ' The positive difference is that they are narrower and quieter than gasoline powered nnoton:yo|em, but the concomitant negative in that you can't hear them coming. They also tear up the trails when itia wet. | don't think they would be a problem ondirt � roads or on dedicated off-road mreoe, only on hiking trails. The problem is not just a function ofa few vehicle riders' attitudes and/or youthful ' � exuberance. The scariest encounter | had with a mountain biker was with a � conservative rider of middle age who was actually going very o|mxx. However, because � mf the simple physics pertaining to someone trying to stop a two-wheel vehicle mnmtrail that has leaves or pine needles mr dirt on a rock surface or moisture, he couldn't atop when he came downhill around a blind corner onm steep narrow trail next to a drop off and met a six year old walking with her grandfather. Think motorcycles without loud motors; would you allow battery-powered two-wheel vehicles on hiking trails? | have owned two motorcycles, including off-road experience, � and have bicycled over 18.000 miles, so | am not prejudiced against either motorcycle riders orbicycle riders. Two-wheel vehicles, both motorized and oe|f-prope||ed, are wonderful and fun on roads and in dedicated off-road areea, but not on hiking trails. � Thanks for all you do and have done. � | hope nnyexperience ia helpful toyou. � Respectfully, John McGuire, phone S5O4938858 � � LH� K8aa\e/ P/mn �ommenLs 12 Nuven`bar2OUg �age 9 uf 1O i -----Original Message----- From:`Randall R,.H. Adams [mailto:r3r3r(c7yahoo.corn Sent: Thursday, November 12, 2009 2:24 PM To: Jeannie Buscaglia Subject: Support for Mountain Biking at La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve Midpeninsula Open Space District Board of Directors 11/12/09 Hearing - Draft Master Plan for La Honda Creek Open Space I am writing in regards to the decision to allow mountain biking as a component of the Master Plan for the La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve. As a peninsula native, a hiker, and as an avid mountain biker (with over 25 years of mountain biking experience), I strongly agree with and support the decision to allow mountain bikes at this preserve. Thank you for considering this a component of the Master Plan for this treasured open space. 1 have an environmental and land use background and I understand the potential issues associated with allowing multiple uses within the District preserves. With proper trail design and alignment I do not feel that allowing mountain bikes will create problems with other trail users or cause any additional environmental impacts (beyond creating trails for hikers and/or equestrians). I am a frequent visitor of the District's open space preserves and I enjoy the connectivity of mountain bike trails within the Skyline corridor and elsewhere. I encourage the Board to continue to work to create additional mountain bike trail connections and loop rides in all of the District preserves. Thank you for the opportunity to comment. Randall Adams 332 Linden Street Santa Cruz, Ca 95062 I g( ' ......... . .