HomeMy Public PortalAbout20130910 - Agenda Packet - Board of Directors (BOD) - 13-21 Midpeninsula Regional
• Open Space District
Meeting 13-21
SPECIAL MEETING
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
Elkus Ranch Environmental Education Center
1500 Purisima Creek Road, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
SPECIAL MEETING BEGINS AT 4:00 P.M.*
AGENDA
4:00 SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE
DISTRICT—STUDY SESSION
ROLL CALL
I Informational Presentation on Pre-existing Uses at the Driscoll Ranch Event Center and Potential
Use Alternatives Under Evaluation (R-13-85)
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 President 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 maybe 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.
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 OFAGENDA
1,Jennifer Woodworth,District Clerk for the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District(MROSD),declare that the foregoing agenda for the Special
Meeting of the MROSD Board of Directors was posted and available for review on September 5,2013,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 hqi):,`www.oj)cnsj)ace.orP_.
Signed this 5 1h day of September,2013 at Los Altos,California. @1 91
&�+ ua"" Uis
District Clerk ■s
Midpeninsula Regional
Open Space District
R-13-85
Meeting 13-21
September 10, 2013
AGENDA ITEM 1
AGENDA ITEM
Informational Presentation on Pre-existing Uses at the Driscoll Ranch Event Center and Potential
Use Alternatives under Evaluation
GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Receive an informational presentation on the Driscoll Ranch Event Center property,
including research findings of pre-existing uses and potential use alternatives that are under
evaluation.
2. Provide feedback and guidance on the current public outreach and analysis completed to date
to prepare the final analysis and recommendations for presentation at an upcoming Board
meeting in October.
SUMMARY
The Driscoll Ranch Event Center(Event Center), located adjacent to San Gregorio Creek on
Highway 84/La Honda Road and approximately 2 miles west of the Town of La Honda, had
previously functioned as a private ranching and equestrian facility prior to its recent purchase by
Peninsula Open Space Trust(POST)in December 2012. Midpeninsula Regional Open Space
District(District) is considering entering into a Lease and Management Agreement with POST to
steward this property. The District does not currently have an ownership interest in the property.
Given strong public interest in the Event Center and its facilities, the Board of Directors (Board)
asked staff to conduct additional research on its past uses and evaluate the condition and
stewardship actions that would apply to the reach of San Gregorio Creek that flows within the
property. The Board requested this information ahead of making a decision on whether to enter
into an Agreement with POST to manage the property. In response, District staff has prepared
this report to explain the existing conditions and prior uses at the Event Center,refer to pertinent
District policies that affect the property, describe the potential use alternatives that are currently
under evaluation, specify the stewardship actions that may apply to the affected reach of San
Gregorio Creek, and provide an update on public input received to date.
The Board is not being asked to make a decision at this meeting. Rather, staff is seeking Board
feedback and guidance on the research and analysis conducted to date.
BACKGROUND
The Event Center property, located west of the Town of La Honda, was purchased by Peninsula
Open Space Trust in December 2012. Currently, the District is considering the possibility of
entering into a Lease and Management Agreement with POST to manage the Event Center
property. Prior to making this decision, the Board has requested additional information about the
property, including its prior uses and the condition of the riparian habitat.
Prior Known Uses at the Event Center
The Event Center property(Event Center,property) currently contains equestrian facilities that
have been used by the former landowner and by the equestrian community for equine training,
horse boarding, and various ranch community events. The property and facilities have also been
used to process cattle that graze the adjacent La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve(Preserve).
Over the last two months, District staff has been compiling a list of prior uses and activities that
have occurred at the Event Center to understand the level of prior use, range of uses, and their
connection to the San Mateo Coast ranching and agricultural community. A list of known prior
uses and associated events are provided below and are grouped into four main categories:
1. Livestock Staging for Grazing on the 4. Rodeos
Preserve • Driscoll Ranch Rodeo (annual; last
held 2011)
2. Organized Trail Rides/Training • Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transsexual
• Woodside Mounted Patrol (annual) (LGBT) Rodeo (annual; last held in
• San Mateo County Horsemen 2012)
Association (semi-annual) • Junior Rodeo
• Los Viajeros Riding Club • Los Mientos Vaqueros Rodeo
• American Competing Trail Horse
Association S. Equestrian Events
• San Francisco Horseman Association • Horse desensitization
• Cowboy Mounted Shooting Patrol • Barrel Racing
• Sheriffs Mounted Patrol Search& • Bay Area Savvy Player Horse Clinic
Rescue(annual) • Coastside Drill Team
• Cow Horse Clinics
3. Agricultural&Environmental • Team Penning
Education • Western Cow Horse shows
• Ranch Days; La Honda Elementary o Coast side Team Ropers Club (twice
School, Jean Weinguard School for weekly)
the Deaf • Jugger's Race Picnic (annual)
• 4-H; Half Moon Bay High School
Various site improvements to support ranching and equestrian use remain on the property, all of
which are in good working condition(Fig 1). More permanent infrastructure includes a cattle
chute for loading/unloading livestock and rodeo animals,holding pens, a livestock scale, and a
small office building. Movable infrastructure includes a riding ring, arena, fence paneling and
corrals, two moderately sized horse barns, and a storage shed/garage. The two horse barns and
storage shed/garage are owned by POST. The riding ring, arena, fence panels and gates were
retained by Driscoll Ranches who may choose to remove or relocate these facilities when they
vacate the property at the end of their lease term. At this time, it is not yet known which of these
R-13-85 Page 3
facilities will remain with the property. The District does not own any of the infrastructure or
equipment on the property nor have any control on the status or use of these facilities at this
time.
Aside from the infrastructure needs for the various uses and events that have been held on the
property, the equestrian community has indicated that Driscoll Ranches may have provided
livestock to facilitate community education, horse training, and rodeo events. Livestock for
these events were also hauled in from the outside. These stock animals may have been
"dedicated"to this use, rather than intended for beef production.
The Event Center has also been used to process beef cattle that have grazed on the former
Driscoll Ranch portion of La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve(Preserve). Processing includes
loading, unloading,branding, weighing, veterinary treatments, etc. The Event Center is easily
accessed from the Preserve via a tunnel that extends under La Honda Road. The cattle chute,
scale and corrals have been used to process the beef cattle.
Existing Riparian Habitat Conditions on the Property
The Event Center property abuts approximately 1,600 linear feet of San Gregorio Creek, a
perennial stream listed as"sediment-impaired"by the State Water Resources Control Board.
Erosion control and other restoration projects are a high priority in this watershed(the District is
currently implementing restoration projects in El Corte de Madera Creek and La Honda Creek
Open Space Preserves to reduce sedimentation into San Gregorio Creek; see reports R-13-58 and
R-04-1 0). However, according to the San Gregorio Watershed Restoration Plan, a lack of
overwintering habitat, combined with low flows during the dry summer months, are likely the
greatest limitations on anadromy in this reach of the creek. The National Marine Fisheries
Service has estimated that over 50 percent of the annual baseflow of San Gregorio Creek is
diverted from the stream.
The reach of the creek that extends within the property is characterized by an average width of
30 feet, and averages 6-8 inches deep with pockets of riffles and pools. Staff observed active
steelhead"redds", or spawning nests, during initial site reconnaissance in January. Therefore,
despite its impaired status, this stretch of San Gregorio Creek currently provides enough of the
critical habitat elements required to support some level of Steelhead spawning.
Mature riparian woodland extends 70 to 150 feet beyond the creek's centerline. Cape ivy, an
extremely invasive non-native vine common in coastal riparian areas, is pervasive throughout.
Due to development on both the Event Center property and private property to the south, riparian
habitat physically narrows at this location. Nevertheless, this area provides high-quality foraging
and nesting habitat.
Existing infrastructure on the Event Center property, including the riding ring, arena, corrals, and
office, range in distance from approximately 25 to 60 feet from the edge of the riparian
woodland(see Figure 1). These improvements, and the developed landform associated with
them, do not appear to be contributing sediment to San Gregorio Creek, although potential
impacts during high flow conditions have not been evaluated. No signs of active erosion such as
rills or gullies were observed on the property.
R-13-85 Page 4
DISCUSSION
Alignment with the District's Coastside Protection Area Mission Statement and Basic Policy
The District Board of Directors has adopted a mission statement and various policies to guide
day-to-day administration, operation, and management of District Preserves and evaluate what
uses are appropriate on District lands. In 2004, the District approved a second mission statement
that was been established specifically for the 220 square mile San Mateo County Coastside
Protection Area, which includes the Event Center property. This mission states the District's
intent:
"To acquire and reserve 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 public
enjoyment and recreation."
Many members of the public have expressed the opinion that the Event Center promotes the
ranching lifestyle of the rural San Mateo Coast by providing a venue to showcase and practice
various equestrian and ranching techniques that are actively used as part of ongoing grazing and
ranching operations. Nonetheless, the Event Center and many of its prior uses are of much
higher intensity than is allowed on District Preserves and thus results in a concentration of use
that is contrary to the District's Basic Policy(adopted in 1999), which states the following(text
underlined for emphasize):
The District provides public access to the open space lands for low-intensity recreational
uses.
Improvements on District lands are generally limited to facilities (i.e.parking areas, trails
and patrol roads, restrooms, mapboards, and signs)for low-intensity recreational uses. Low-
intensity recreation avoids concentration of use, significant alteration of the land, and
significant impact on the natural resources or on the appreciation of nature.
However, the Basic Policy does consider Special Use Facilities and Activities, which would be
evaluated on a case-by-case basis under the following conditions:
Special Use facilities, (i.e. nature centers, historic structures,picnic tables, or backpack
camps), and Special Use activities(i.e. large recreation events, hang gliding, or of,f-leash dog
areas), are considered on a case by case basis. In some cases Special Use activities may
require a permit. These types of'uses may be allowed when they do not monopolize
siknificant areas ot'natural land, do not s4gnificantiv impact natural or aesthetic resources,
and provide benefits such as environmental education, heritage resource protection, o
public eniovnient and appreciation of nature. The cost of management and exposure to
liability of these types of facilities and activities may be aftictor in deciding whether to
permit them on District lands.
The Event Center is considered a Special Use Facility that allows for activities that are
concentrated within a specific area and are of benefit to select stakeholder groups, rather than the
R-13-85 Page 5
larger general public. Nevertheless, these uses and activities help characterize and preserve the
rural ranching culture of the San Mateo Coast.
Use Alternatives under Evaluation:
Three Use Alternatives are currently being evaluated by staff(see Table 1). These Use
Alternatives range in level of intensity, and therefore also range in the level of required oversight
and management from District administrative, patrol, and maintenance staff. Under each Use
g
Alternative, livestock staging and processing to facilitate a conservation grazing operation on La
Honda Creek Open Space Preserve would continue. The grazing operation would utilize the
connecting tunnel under Highway 84 as well as the existing corrals, cattle chute, and flat ground
for vehicle staging approximately three to five times per year to transport and sort livestock.
These facilities have been historically used for this purpose and predate District ownership of the
Preserve. Also, use of the site as an emergency staging area would continue.
Table 1: Use Alternatives Under Evaluation
" 4
4
41
t ! EA
The District has issued permits and
Staging for accommodated trail rides on the Preserve in
Group and the past;permitted group rides are typical
Organized Trail uses that are allowed at District Preserves
Rides and are already included in the District's
current use permit system.
Agricultural and
Environmental �( -if ,f Education programs are consistent with the
Education District's Mission and Basic Policy.
Unique for the District as these recreational
Horse Training uses are not provided elsewhere on District
and Clinics if Preserves.Uses would be considered on a
case-by-case basis and should not preclude
opportunities for general public recreation.
A rodeo is a very high intensive use
involving organized equine and livestock
events,competition,and spectator
attendance. This use is not consistent with
the District's Basic Policy of low intensity
public recreational use. Under this
alternative,rodeo use would be limited to the
LGBT Rodeo -if LGBT Rodeo and its permit would be
evaluated on a year-to-year basis prior to
considering reissuance. LGBT is the only
known recent sponsor of a rodeo who has
held one annually for several years(next one
coming up on September 22). The Driscoll
Ranch Rodeo has not been held for the past
two years since 2011.
Based on input received at the September 10 Board workshop, staff will further refine these Use
Alternatives and present a recommendation to the full Board of Directors at a future meeting in
R-13-85 Page G
October when the Board would consider(1) whether to enter into a Lease and Management
Agreement with POST to manage the property, and if so, (2) what uses to allow at the Event
Center prior to undergoing a more extensive use and management planning process. Any uses
allowed on the property would be included as part of a Preliminary Use and Management Plan.
Evaluation of each Alternative will include an assessment of the associated impacts on District
administrative,patrol, and maintenance staff and potential trade-offs. At this time, the District
has very limited resources to adequately facilitate and manage moderate and high intensity uses
at the Event Center, even if these uses were defined as"turn-key. Turn-key uses and events are
defined as those that would handle all set-up, clean-up, safety and security needs,portable
accessory structures,parking monitoring, and supply of material and/or livestock. Even"turn-
key" events require permit administration, oversight, and periodic maintenance of the facility.
Given current resource restrictions, staff will also assess the viability of partnerships with local
agencies and/or organized groups, as well as the potential leasing of the site to a concessionaire
or tenant, to facilitate the moderate and/or high intensity uses, should that be the direction
approved by the Board.
Depending on the District's role in managing the facility, a special use of the premises may be
subject to a special use permit. Again, given District resource constraints, staff will also evaluate
whether it is prudent to limit the number of use permits that may be issued each year and whether
a fee should be established to create an on-going maintenance fund that would be used to
maintain existing facilities on the property.
Riparian Protection Measures for San Gregorio Creek
Intact riparian woodland vegetation on the Event Center property, which ranges in width from 70
to 150 feet, currently serves as a buffer to San Gregorio Creek, and also helps to moderate water
temperatures, and provide shade and micronutrients to support aquatic invertebrate abundance
and diversity. However, the property lacks a defined buffer zone to protect this habitat.
Furthermore, a dense infestation of Cape Ivy degrades the quality of the riparian habitat. Finally,
the Event Center property lacks large, woody debris within the stream channel, thus limiting
overwintering and refuge areas for juvenile Coho and steelhead, and reducing beneficial scouring
of spawning gravels.
To address these riparian issues, staff has identified the following riparian protection measures
for the property should the Lease and Management Agreement to manage the property be
approved:
• Create a riparian buffer zone south of existing facilities that would still allow for
adequate access to the arena, corrals, and riding ring. This buffer would include the
installation of fencing and signage to restrict access within the buffer zone.
• Develop plans and seek funding for landform restoration and re-vegetation.
• Assess Cape Ivy control methods that would be consistent with the District-wide
Integrated Pest Management Program.
• Seek funding to develop a feasibility study and plan to enhance large woody debris
within the stream channel.
R-13-85 Page
• Coordinate with appropriate state and local agencies to ensure that District management
of these properties aligns with regional watershed protection enhancement goals.
Staff will bring these measures to the Board for consideration of approval as part of a subsequent
meeting when the Board also considers approval of the Lease and Management Agreement.
PUBLIC NOTICE AND INPUT
Public notice was provided as required by the Brown Act.
As of this writing, the District has received 15 written comments. Many of these comments
requested to have the Event Center remain open to public use. Several written comments also
referred to the District's current process of selecting a grazing tenant for the Driscoll and
McDonald ranch portions of the Preserve. These communications requested that the District
consider selecting a tenant who has the capacity to coordinate and lease the Event Center for
community events, and to add this capacity as a qualification during the selection process.
In addition to written comments, a number of oral comments urging the District to continue the
prior ranching and equestrian uses at the Event Center were received at recent Committee,
Board, and stakeholder meetings, as described below:
Real Property Committee The District Real Property Committee met at the Event Center on
June 11, 2013 with approximately 25 members of the public in attendance. Public comment
centered on future uses of the Event Center, with representatives of the equestrian community
describing the importance of the facility for horse training and other horse-related events.
Board of Directors The Board initially considered adopting a Preliminary Use and
Management Plan for the Event Center and Apple Orchard properties in conjunction with a
proposed Lease and Management Agreement on June 26, 2013. Approximately 10 members
of the public attended the meeting urging the Board to consider the prior equestrian and
community uses of the property and continue to make the Event Center available to the
public. At that time, the Board directed staff to hold a stakeholder meeting on the Coast to
understand these prior uses of the Event Center, to consider protection measures for the
riparian habitat, and to hold a Board workshop on both these issues prior to returning to the
Board for consideration of the Preliminary Use and Management Plan and Lease and
Management Agreement with POST.
Stakeholder Meeting A community meeting held at Elkus Ranch on July 22, 2013 was
attended by approximately 35 members of the public. Attendees described past ranching and
equestrian uses of the Event Center and strongly supported continuing these uses.
NEXT STEPS
Staff will incorporate comments received during the September 10 Board Workshop to prepare
the final Board Report and recommendations, which will be forwarded to the Board of Directors
for consideration at an upcoming public meeting tentatively scheduled for October.
R-13-85 Page 8
Attachment
Figure 1: Driscoll Ranch Center
Prepared by:
Lisa Bankosh, Planner III
Contact Person:
Michael Williams, Real Property Manager
Graphics prepared by:
Au Ta,GIS Intern
♦S.
K
La Honda • ' • _ Prese
Driscoll Ranch Portion
Access Tunnel
-Event Cent
corral
f'
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w
2
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3 �
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e
Figure 1 : Driscoll Ranch Event Center Midpeninsula Regional
Open Space District
Apple Orchard 8 Event Center (M{ROSD)
s
Driscott Ranch •
August,2013
Riparian Habitat Miles . .
V/ 0 0.025 0.05
4
tJ E.ant4rnbr„.5[�dysenronWacf+a lE'm.
White the District strives to use the best available ctgttal data,this data does not represent a legal surrey and is rxrety a graphic Nlustration of scoltraphic features.
�
Jennifer Woodworth
From: Ana Ruiz
Sent: PM
To: CenUyHarho; Curt Riffle; Jed Cyr; Jennifer Woodworth; Larry H000ett; NonetteHanko; Pete
Siemens; Sheryl '8ohm�ner� StaveAbboro; YohkoKimhimobo
��c: yWiheVViUiom � |oinm<�u� k; Kevin Woodhouse; Kirk Lenington
Subject: RE: FVV: dhsoo| questions
| Dear Board,
i
Please see answers to questions raised by Director Kishimoto on today's Board workshop re:
the Driscoll Event [enter' - Ana
-----DrlQinal Message-----
From: Yorlko Kishimoto
Sent: Monday, September 08^ 2013 4:49 PM
To: Steve Abbors
Subject: driscoII questions
Hello - a couple questions:
� For these previous uses - what were terms of use (fees paid, insurance requirements, etc.) �
!
- just a couple examples might help'
For the LGBT rodeo being held this weekend, Driscoll Ranches did not provide the event fee;
however, they indicated the following items are either taken on by the event sponsor or
Driscoll Ranches and billed to the event sponsor:
l' Dumpster and trash collection fee = $800 fee 2' Order and install tents 3' Bleacher
installation fee between $6500 and $10,080 4. Water Truck and tractor with rake drag to
smooth event surface between events.
5' Set up for event 2 to 3 days before the event, and break down after event'
G. Charge for parking
7. Supply 40 pens for livestock and animals.
8. Liquor license signed off by County Q Driscoll Ranch 9. Approximately 1000 attendees over
� 2 day weekend (Driscoll Rodeo several years ago had attendance as high as 2'000 people)' �
18' $2*000,008'General Liability insurance |
Organized trail rides (large group events) on District Preserves:
No fees charged by the District for rides that do not charge for participation (i.e.
trainings, mounted patrol) Fees are charged for rides where fees are charged for
� participation'
$50 per ranger per hour when ranger presence is needed
�
� Other requirements for large group events:
� General liability and property damage insurance to a minimum of $1^000"000 A refundable
$250.00 deposit
� Please refer to the link below for additional permit conditions for large group events. |
�
� * Are there non-profits or community organizations that have stepped up to offer to manage an
event center? �
�
No non-profits have come forward to date.
* [reek: what is requirement for creek set back in San Mateo county?
San 6regorio Creek Setback: San Mateo County does not have a setback requirement outside of
the Coastal Zone. Son Mateo County Planners have told us that they would require a
� biological assessment to establish an appropriate setback. Within the Coastal Zone, the
Local Coastal Program requires a 50 foot setback for perennial creeks. The Coastal Zone
boundary is immediately west of the Event [enter parcel.
Thanks! Yoriho
�
�
�
Z
�
Frequently Asked Questions regarding the Driscoll Ranch Event Center
The following Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)has been prepared in response to numerous
public inquiries regarding the District's consideration of a lease and management agreement for
the Driscoll Ranch Event Center. This property is located within the Coastside Protection Area
of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (District), whose mission statement for this
area states our intent:
"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.
1. Who is the current owner of the Driscoll Ranch Event Center?
The Driscoll Ranch Event Center(Event Center), located adjacent to San Gregorio Creek on
Highway 84ILa Honda Road and approximately 2 miles west o the Town of La Honda, is
)f
owned by Peninsula Open Space Trust(POST), who purchased the property on December
2012.
2. What is the role of the District with the Event Center?
The District is considering entering into a Lease and Management Agreement with POST to
steward the Event Center property. The District has no current ownership interest in the
property or any of its facilities.
3. Would you envision the Event Center to be available to Coastside residents for use on a
regular basis?
Continued use of the livestock staging area of the Event Center(includes cattle chute, scale,
and corrals), is being considered to support the long-term grazing lease on the La Honda
Creek Preserve, which is an ongoing use that has occurred over the last 12 years, The 12-
acre property also provides a great opportunity to provide a small public parking1staging
area to access the La Honda Creek Preserve. Additional ideas such as: Organized Trail
Rides;Agricultural&Environmental Education Opportunities; Equestrian Events and
Trainings; and Rodeos are being discussed at a public workshop on September 10 th at the
Elkus Ranch Conference Center.
4. Will equestrian events be held at the Event Center?
This is currently being considered by the District's Board of Directors as part of the Lease &
Management Agreement to manage the property for POST
5. Will you have an equestrian tenant at the Event Center in the equestrian barns?
A range of equestrian use alternatives for the Event Center are being discussed by the
District's Board of Directors at a public workshop on September 10 th at the Elkus Ranch
Conference Center. These uses will be considered in light of the District's current staff and
funding constraints. The viability of partnerships and/or management through a
concessionaire or management service would also be evaluated.
6. What will happen with all the grazing leases when the Driscoll Ranches lease ends in
November?
The current grazing leases that affect the Driscoll Ranch area of the Preserve, the Apple
Orchard, and the Event Center will expire on November 1, 2013. A Request for Proposals to
solicit interest from prospective grazing tenants for the Driscoll Ranch and McDonald Ranch
areas of the Preserve was issued by the District on May 17, 2013. At this time, the District is
still evaluating the proposals and has not yet made a decision on whom to award the grazing
lease. The livestock staging area and facilities located at the Event Center may be made
available for use by the grazing tenant to ship, receive, and process cattle. The new grazing
lease far the Driscoll Ranch area of the Preserve is intended to commence later this calendar
year.
7. Will you be keeping all the cattle equipment at the Event Center?
While some of the infrastructure at the Event Center is permanent and will most likely
remain in place, the majority of the fencing and corrals are not and are still owned by the
former property owner, who will most likely sell the panels and non permanent
infrastructure. The District has expressed an interest to the former owner in purchasing
some of the panels and gates to maintain the operational integrity of the Event Center if they
become available, but understands that this may not be an option and alternatives may need
to be considered.
8. Why was the Event Center not included in the Grazing Request for Proposals (RFP) for the
former Driscoll Ranch area of the La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve?
Only the possible use of the livestock staging facilities at the Event Center was included in
the Grazing RFP. The livestock staging facilities include a cattle chute, scale, corrals, and
access tunnel, which have been actively used to support the grazing on the La Honda Creek
Preserve over the last 12 years. The remaining facilities are not integral to the grazing
operation. Moreover, management of the Event Center for outside events is also not a use
that is integral to a grazing operation and requires different management skills, experience,
and background from what is expected of a grazing operator.
9. Why doesn't the Grazing RFP that is currently out for response include the Apple Orchard
property?
The Apple Orchard property has three seasonal access roads that pass through riparian
areas: one fords San Gregorio Creek off of La Honda Road, the second access is off Sears
Ranch Road in the Town of La Honda, and a third road accesses the property from the
Preserve. Staff needs to evaluate these access roads further to determine the most
appropriate way to continue grazing the property, whether as part of the long-term Driscoll
grazing lease or as a part of a separate grazing lease.
10. Are the Event Center equestrian uses and the grazing operation on the Driscoll Ranch area of
the Preserve integral and are they required to be run together by one tenant?
The purpose of the grazing operation on the 3,700-acre Driscoll Ranch area of the Preserve
is to enhance grassland management,protect riparian resources, reduce fuel loads and
support agricultural uses. The Event Center uses are more recreational in purpose though
some uses serve to practice equestrian and livestock skills. The only connection that exists
between the grazing operation and the Event Center is the possible periodic use of the
livestock staging facilities (cattle chute, scale, corrals, and access tunnel) located at the
Event Center by the grazing operation to receive, ship, and process cattle. Use of these
facilities to support a grazing operation on the Preserve has been ongoing over the last 12
years. The remaining Event Center facilities are not integral to the grazing operation.
Moreover, management of the Event Center for outside events is also not a use that is
integral to a grazing operation and requires a very different set of management skills,
experience, and background from what is expected of a grazing operator.
11. What is your policy regarding current agricultural/grazing tenants on the coastside?
The District's practice is to work with existing or inherited grazing and agricultural tenants
in the short term and to enter into longer term lease arrangements once a resource grazing
or agricultural production plan for the property is prepared. When a grazing or agricultural
operator moves or tenant leaves, the District will typically prepare a Request for Proposal to
seek a new long-term tenant.
12. Are you intending to mix recreational uses on La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve with
cattle grazing? Including dogs?
Per the La Honda Creek Master Plan,yes, mixed recreational uses will be allowed on the
preserve alongside cattle grazing. These uses include hiking, equestrian use, and bike use.
Dog use would be allowed only on certain areas of the Preserve under specific conditions,
one of which includes prior discussions with the grazing tenant to identify any new signage,
outreach, education, or infrastructure that may be needed ahead of opening the area to dogs.
13. 1 have been riding on Driscoll Ranch—will I be able to continue riding on Driscoll Ranch?
Groups such as the Woodside Mounted Patrol &San Mateo County Horsemen have been
issued riding permits to access the Driscoll Ranch area of the Preserve. Similarly,permits
for other groups or individuals who have historically used the property will continue to be
considered on a case-by-case basis until the property is open for general public access.
14. What is going to happen with the tunnel under Hwy. 84?
The District is working with Caltrans to secure public access rights to the tunnel as part of
an exchange agreement for slope and drainage easements located elsewhere along Highway
84 and Highway 9 in Santa Clara County.
44
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Open Spat e
FACT SHEET:
PENINSULA OPEN SPACE TRUST
(DRISCOLL APPLE ORCHARD & EVENT CENTER) PROPERTIES
Size: 308 acres
Location: The properties are situated in rural San Mateo County along La Honda Road(Highway 84)
west of the Town of La Honda. The 292 acre Apple Orchard property is situated at the western edge
of the Town of La Honda with San Gregorio Creek running along its southern boundary and the La
Honda Creek Open Space Preserve (Preserve) along its northerly boundary. The 12-acre Event Center
and La Honda Road Residence parcels are located approximately two miles west of the Town of La
Honda along Highway 84. The Event Center parcel is located on the south side of Highway 84 with
San Gregorio Creek running along its southern boundary, and the 3.65-acre La Honda Residence
parcel sits on the north side of the highway and is surrounded by the Preserve to the east, west and
north.
Lease and Management Agreement and Funding: Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
(District) anticipates entering into a lease agreement with Peninsula Open Space Trust(POST) to
manage these properties as part of the La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve in the summer of 2013
and intends to eventually purchase these properties in 2015 when funding is secured.
EXISTING CONDITIONS
Land Use: Current land uses on these properties consist of residential, cattle grazing and equestrian
facilities. The Apple Orchard property includes an older residence, barn, associated outbuildings,
livestock watering troughs and a small, senescent apple orchard. The property has a central,
unimproved ranch road with two access points: one fording San Gregorio Creek off of La Honda Road
which provides seasonal access to the residence and western portion of the property, and the second off
Sears Ranch Road in the Town of La Honda at the eastern property boundary.
The Event Center property includes several fenced corrals, two horse barns, a storage shed/garage, and
a small office building. This property was previously used for an annual coastal rodeo. The former
owner decided not to hold a rodeo last year. On the north side of the event center is a tunnel crossing
under La Honda Road which is used for moving cattle from the corrals to the grassland areas of the
Preserve to the north. The tunnel allows for small vehicles, pedestrians and livestock to pass under La
Honda Road.
The La Honda Road Residence is a two bedroom house which is leased back by the former owner for
three(3) years until November 1, 2015.
Landscape: The Apple Orchard property consists of rolling grassland ridges, steep wooded and
brushy canyons, and a small but impressive redwood grove along San Gregorio Creek which provides
high-quality riparian habitat. Both steelhead trout and coho salmon are known to occur in this reach of
San Gregorio Creek. The perennial Harrington Creek and an intermittent tributary to it cross the
western portion of the property, and San Gregorio Creek forms much of the southern property
boundary. Several springs on the property are developed for livestock watering troughs, but no ponds
are known to be present. The terrain varies from an elevation of 840 feet along the northerly boundary
to an elevation of 300 feet along San Gregorio Creek.
The Event Center property is relatively level, and located between La Honda Road to the north and San
Gregorio Creek to the south. Some of the property lies within the flood plain of the creek. The San
Gregorio riparian corridor is generally densely wooded with a mixture of oak,bays, alders, firs and
redwoods. Along much of the Event Center property, riparian habitat has been altered or replaced by
the adjacent event center grounds and associated infrastructure. The La Honda Residence parcel
enjoys good views of the Preserve and surrounding San Gregorio watershed.
Resources: Annual grasslands and coastal scrub habitat includes coffeeberry, coyote brush, sticky
monkey flower, sage, lupine and poison oak. Western Leatherwood, a rare plant species, was found
between the grassland and wooded riparian area at the northwest comer of the property. The property's
creeks support dense riparian habitat including redwoods, alders and willows.
The property provides varied habitat for wild animals to roam, including mammals such as mountain
lions, deer, coyotes, and bobcats. A wide variety of birds frequent this landscape, such as Golden
Eagles, red tailed hawks, Cooper's hawks, white tailed kite, peregrine falcon, and sharp-shinned
hawks. Aquatic species such as Steelhead and coho salmon inhabit the creek, and California red-
legged frog and Western pond turtle, special status species, inhabit the wetland and creek areas.
Hydrology: The Apple Orchard and Event Center properties possess significant watershed and
riparian values along San Gregorio Creek. The Apple Orchard includes a tributary and several seeps
which flow into San Gregorio Creek.
NEXT STEPS
Environmental Review: Environmental review (Categorical Exemption) is underway in compliance
with California Environmental Quality Act(CEQA).
Board Action: The District's Board of Directors will consider entering into a Lease and Management
Agreement (Lease) with POST at its June 26, 2013 Board meeting. The Lease includes an assignment
of the residential and grazing lease, and license for up to five(5) horses. Under the Lease,the
properties will be managed as an addition to the Preserve. The property's Preliminary Use and
Management Plan will propose District patrolling and opening the property only to the existing grazing
and residential tenants and future grazing and residential tenants,pending further planning(as
described below).
Additional Planning Considerations: The District is in the process of requesting proposals for a long
term grazing tenant for the 3,681 acre Driscoll Ranch area of the Preserve and the Event Center to
coincide with the expiration of the existing grazing lease on November 1, 2013. A subsequent
planning process will address the selection of a new long term grazing tenant, compatible public
staging and trail use opportunities,patrol office, natural resource management and protection of San
Gregorio Creek. Further environmental review will be prepared as required. Subsequent planning will
be done in accordance with the District's Coastside Protection Program Service Plan, including
consultation with appropriate agencies and organizations. The planning process will include public
workshops to gather input, and public hearings to receive comments on draft and final plans.
Public Participation: Interested parties are encouraged to contact Jean Chung, Real Property
Administrative Assistant, at the District office(650) 691-1200 to request that their names be added to
the public notification list for this proposed property purchase.
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Attachment A-1 : POST (Driscoll) Apple Orchard It Event Center Midpeninsula Regional
Open Space District
Apple Orchard & Event Center Other Protected Open Space Private Property
or Park Lands (MROSD)
Driscoll Ranch Other Public Agency Developed Land
May,2013
18
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MROSD Preserves or Agricultural Easement
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While the District strives to use the best available digital data.this data does not represent a legal sw vey and is merely a graphic illustration of geographic features
Steve Krause
T:+1 650 747-9525
president@lohondafire.org
August 18, 2013
Mid-Peninsula Region Open Space District
Administrative Office
330 Distel Circle
Los Altos, CA 94022-1404
RE: Driscoll Ranch Event Center
Dear Yoriko Kishimoto,
On behalf of the La Honda Fire Brigade Board of Directors, I wish to provide input on the intended
lease of the Driscoll Ranch Event Center.
The La Honda Fire Brigade is an all-volunteer fire department that has been serving La Honda and
the South Coast region for more than 60 years. The Brigade is primarily funded through community
support — membership drives, fund raisers and donations made by our generous friends and
neighbors.
As well as connecting us to the rodeo community, the Driscoll Ranch Event Center have provided
the Brigade with a significant source of revenue in the form of donations— up to $7,600 per year—
in exchange for our firefighters donating their time at various events. For this reason, the Brigade
requests that you strongly consider leasing the Event Center to a grout) or individual who intends to
carry on the rodeo tradition in La Honda.
While we expect that the purchase of the Driscoll Ranch will provide the public with the opportunity
to enjoy our beautiful region, this change also brings the possibility of additional demand on our
volunteer department. With this in mind, the Brigade strongly urges to you to ensure that the rodeo
community will have the opportunity to continue to support the fire department, which in turn
supports all residents and visitors to our area.
If you have questions or wish to discuss, 1 can be reached at 650-747-9525 or by email at
president@lahondafire.org.
Best regards,
La Honda Fire Brigade
r
Steve Krause
President—Board of Directors
I