HomeMy Public PortalAbout20120919 - Agenda Packet - Board of Directors (BOD) - 12-31 Midpeninsula Regional
Open Space District
Meeting 12-31
SPECIAL MEETING
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
Anillaga Family Community Center
700 Alma Street
Menlo Park,CA 94025
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT BEGINS AT 6:00 P.m.*
AGENDA
6:00 SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT—
CLOSED SESSION
ROLL CALL
1. CLOSED SESSION:CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL—ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to subdivision(b)of Section 54956.9: One Potential Case
ADJOURNMENT OF CLOSED SESSION MEETING
7:00 ROLL CALL
Approval of a Portion of the Mount Umunhum Environmental Restoration and Public Access
Project (Not Including the Radar Tower and Summit Area Amenities) as an Amendment to the
Use and Management Plan for Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve—M. Manning
9:00 ADJOURN
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.
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 he available for public inspection at the District's Administrative Office located at 330 Distel Circle,Los Altos,California 94022.
CERTIFICATION OF POSTING 01"A(.ENDA
1,Michelle Radcliffe,District Clerk for the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District(MROSD),declare that the foregoing amended agenda for the Special
Meeting of the MROSD Board of Directors was posted and available for review on September 14,2012,at the Administrative Offices of MROSD,330 Distel Circle,
Los Altos California,94022. The agenda is also available on the District's web site at http://www.openspace.org.
Signed this 14"day of September,at Los Altos,California.
District Clerk September 14,2012
Ifs`
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' ( Midpeninsula.Regional
Open Space District
R-12-91
Meeting 12-31
September 19, 2012
AGENDA ITEM I
AGENDA ITEM
Approval of the Mount Umunhum Environmental Restoration and Public Access Project
(Excluding the Radar Tower and Summit Area Amenities) as an Amendment to the Use and
Management Plan for Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve
GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION
The Board approved the demolition portion of the Mount Umunhum Environmental Restoration
and Public Access Project(Project) on June 12, 2012 (see Report R-12-59). This agenda item
addresses all remaining Project elements except for the radar tower and summit area amenities.
The Board will consider the treatment of the radar tower and approval of summit area amenities
at a subsequent public meeting.
1. Adopt the California Environmental Quality Act(CEQA) Findings of Fact(refer to
Attachment 1).
2. Approve the Mitigation Monitoring Plan(refer to Attachment 2).
3. Approve all remaining project elements except for the radar tower and summit area amenities
for the Mount Umunhum Environmental Restoration and Public Access Project(Project).
4. Adopt the attached Resolution(refer to Attachment 3).
5. Direct staff to initiate the design for the trail to the summit and a parking area at Bald
Mountain.
6. Consider approval of the revised Factors to Consider for District structures.
7. Remove consideration of the backpack camp from the project.
SIERRA AZUL/BEAR CREEK REDWOODS AD HOC COMMITTEE
RECOMMENDATION
Defer consideration of the backpack camp as a Project element at this time, and instead include a
review of suitable backpack camp sites as part of the larger Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve
Master Plan Project.
R-12-91 Page 2
SUMMARY
The Project was developed to identify public access opportunities for the former Almaden Air
Force Station(AFS) located atop Mount Umunhum and Mount Thayer at Sierra Azul Open
Space Preserve (refer to Attachment 4). Pursuant to CEQA, an Environmental Impact Report
(EIR) for the Project was certified by the Board at their regular meeting on June 12, 2012 (refer
to Report R-12-59). At the same meeting, the Board approved demolition of all existing
structures, excluding the radar tower, as part of the first phase of public access. The purpose of
the September 19a'hearing is to seek Board approval of all remaining project elements, except
the radar tower and summit area amenities,to continue progressing towards the goal of opening
the site to the public.
DISCUSSION
Project Description
The Project includes phased public access to the summit of Mount Umunhum, as well as
roadway and access improvements, environmental restoration, development of public use
facilities, and a range of possible amenities such as trails, observation and reflection areas,
interpretive displays,picnic tables, shade structures, restrooms, and a visitor center.
Development of the former Almaden AFS into an open space destination involves the demolition.
of most(possibly all) of the abandoned structures on site. The only structure that may remain is
the radar tower; this decision will not occur until later this fall when the Board deliberates on a
treatment for the radar tower and approval of summit area amenities at a subsequent public
meeting. The radar tower is an 80-foot tall, 63-foot wide, five-story concrete structure, which
can be seen from the floor of the Santa Clara Valley. It was constructed as the base for a long-
range radar antenna to detect foreign objects in airspace during the Cold War.
The public access improvements proposed for the summit of Mount Umunhum include: a paved
access road, drop-off area, Americans with Disabilities Act(ADA)parking, a summit court and
view overlook, interpretation, trails, and seating areas. Also, three options are under
consideration for the radar tower. Each option shares the goals of: 1) interpreting the site's
history and natural history, i.e., the significance of the mountain to the Ohlone people, its place
in military and Cold War history, and the unique flora and fauna that are native to the summit;
and 2)providing universal access to the summit and to the various site amenities for people of all
ability levels.
Partial Project Approval
At this time, the Board is being asked to consider approval of select project elements for the
Project, not including the radar tower and summit area amenities (refer to Attachments 4 and 5).
Project elements that are under consideration for Board approval at this meeting include:
• Vehicle staging area at Bald Mountain(estimated 30-40 car capacity)
• Multi-use trail to the summit from the Bald Mountain staging area
• Safety upgrades and improvements to Mt. Umunhum Road
• Parking areas adjacent to the summit
• Visitor center
• Vault toilet(s)
• Dedicated 911 call box
• Hang gliding/paragliding launch site
• Water tank(s)
R-12-91 Page 3
0 Horse trough(s)
• Environmental restoration
0 A new trail connection from Mount Thayer to Ralph's Mountain in the Lexington Basin
area
0 Nesting structures for avian Species of Special Concern(Purple Martin)
At a future public meeting for the Project, the Board will be asked to consider approval of the
final remaining project elements (refer to Attachments 4 and 5), including:
• Selection of a tower option
• Mount Umunhum summit amenities(circular drop off, ADA parking, summit court,
interpretation, all-access trails(with ADA design potential), shade structures,benches,
picnic tables)
Further Evaluation of a Backpack Camp
The Sierra Azul/Bear Creek Redwoods Ad Hoc Committee(Ad.Hoc Committee)concurs with
staffs recommendation to drop consideration of a backpack camp from this project. The
environmental impact and wildland fire risk of a backpack camp was evaluated in the EIR and
was found to be less-than-significant given in part the restriction on campfires and smoking,
consistency with existing local and state fire codes and requirements, and presence of water
tanks and hoses. Despite the findings in the EIR, members of the public have continued to raise
concerns about the potential for wildland fire and trespassing onto neighboring private land.
The backpack camp has remained a lower priority element that would not be expected to be
implemented for many years, and then only if funding is secured through outside sources. While
the environmental analysis still stands as a robust assessment of the risk of wildland fire
associated with the backpack camp, conditions at the summit could change during the time
period between the original analysis and the future date when the backpack camp is
implemented. This time lapse could prompt a need to conduct additional envirommental review
of the conditions that informed the analysis, and might require an addendum to the EIR.
Given the neighbor's concerns about the wildfire risk associated with the backpack camp,
coupled with the potential for a future addendum to the existing environmental analysis, the Ad
Hoc Committee and staff recommend dropping consideration of a backpack camp from this
project. Instead, a backpack camp at a different location could be considered as part of the Sierra
Azul Open Space Preserve Master Plan, which is currently on hold but anticipated to be a key
project next fiscal year. Advantages to this approach include a more inclusive look at the
potential for backpack camps at other sites that may be a better fit and more appropriately
located on the Preserve given existing and future regional trail connections. Other sites, with
less inclement weather and located farther from summit amenities and nearby neighbors may be
better suited to support a camping facility than the summit of Mount Umunhum.
The Findings of Fact(FOF)and Mitigated Monitoring Plan(MMP)describe and contain all
necessary mitigations(which are voluntary) associated with the backpack camp. If the Board
decides to defer consideration of a backpack camp,related portions of the FOF and MMP would
be removed from these two documents for the final version.
R-12-91 Page 4
Public Participation and Feedback at the July 18, 2012 Radar Tower Open House and
Board Workshop
The Open House and Workshop held in Cupertino was well-attended by approximately 250
members of the public, many of whom provided verbal comment to the Board. Written
comments were also collected regarding the three radar tower options and the project in general.
Participants were asked to submit a ballot card at the end of the meeting indicating their
reference for one or more of the three radar tower options Restoration Open Air,
p ons (Restoration, p , and Retain
and Seal). These comments are provided in their original format in Attachment 7 and are
summarized along with the preference results below.
Restoration Open Air Retain Total Number
and Seal of Responses
Ballot Cards 18 9 135 162
Comment Cards 4 3 21 28
Workshop Comments 15 4 42 61
Total by Option 37::::j 16 198 251
These comments, in their original language, have also been grouped and categorized by their
relevance to each of the Draft Factors to Consider, also shown in Attachment 7. These Draft
Factors to Consider were presented to the Board at the July 18, 2012 meeting for consideration
and revision. It is intended to help provide a framework for discussion of future decisions on the
treatment of any District-owned structure, including the radar tower. It has since been revised
and updated, and are discussed further in this report.
In addition to written public comment, participants were asked to indicate which Draft Factors to
Consider for the radar tower they thought should carry extra weight by placing stickers next to
their priorities. Results are provided in the table below.
Draft Factors to Consider Sticker
Count
a. Board-adopted policies 3
b. Compatibility with open s ace character of the site 38
c. Historic value 180
d. Partnership opportunities/cooperation 8
e. I Potential financial cost, including liability and management 12
f. Proposed and potential uses 9
g. Public sentiment and input 66
h. Tradeoffs and impacts on District resources 2
i. Visitor experience 72
Total 390
Public comments received since the July 18`b meeting are provided as Attachment 8 and late
public comments as Attachment 9.
R-12-91 Page 5
Recommended Factors to Consider for Existing Structures,Including the Radar Tower
According to Board policy, consideration of existing structures that are inherited as part of
District land purchases involves, at a minimum, an evaluation of existing conditions, a
determination of the structure's value to the District and its constituents, short-term and long-
term costs, maintenance, and staffing requirements. Because the radar tower has become the
single greatest point of focus for the Project as a whole, staff prepared a list of factors to consider
as part of the decision-making process. These factors are intended to provide a framework for
discussion to assist the Board with determining the outcome for any structure(in this case, the
radar tower) and to provide the public with an understanding of the factors that must be
considered as part of the decision-making process.
Staff resented a preliminary list of factors for Board consideration to help guide the radar tower
p p Y
decision-making process at the meeting on July 18, 2012 (refer to Report R-12-75). Since then,
staff have revised these factors and included new ones. New Factors are indicated in bold and
revised factors are indicated in italic, and a discussion of these new updates follows below. The
four new or revised Factors to Consider include:
C. Historic and Educational Value
G.Public Sentiment and Input
H. Regional Importance or Value
I. Strategic Fit
Once the Board has approved the Factors to Consider, these will be consolidated with the earlier
version and included in the Recommended Site Plan for the Project.
Factors to Consider for Existing Structures
A. Board-Adopted District Policies
B. Compatibility with Open Space Character of the Site
C. Historic and Educational Value
D. Partnership Opportunities/Cooperation
E. Potential Financial Cost, Including Liability and Management
F. Proposed and Potential Uses
G. Public Sentiment and Input
H. Regional Importance or Value
1. Strategic Fit
J. Tradeoffs and Impacts on District Resources
K. Visitor Experience
C. Historic and Educational Value
This factor was expanded to include"Educational"value because throughout the planning
process, the public has held in high value the educational opportunities that exist for visitors, and
especially younger generations, to gain a greater understanding of why a structure exists and its
relevance to historic events.
I
In the case of the radar tower,public comment has indicated that since it can be seen from
classrooms windows on the Santa Clara Valley floor, it provides a far-away yet visible teaching
tool about the Cold War without requiring a field trip; once at the summit, due to the sheer size
I
R-12-91 Page 6
of the structure, it becomes the prominent feature for further educational opportunities about the
Cold War.
G. Public Sentiment and Input (both from Constituents and Residents Living Outside District
Boundaries)
This factor was expanded to include a discussion about the necessity to consider input from
constituents whose property taxes support the District as well as the larger regional constituency
outside the District boundary. The District is divided into seven geographic wards, each
represented by an elected Board member for a four-year term. Wards are drawn to divide the
population evenly among Board members; currently each Director represents approximately
107,000 constituents, or 1/7h of the population residing within the District boundary, which is
approximately 749,000. Wards are redrawn at the conclusion of every national census, or when
land is annexed to be incorporated as part of the District. It is the responsibility of every Board
member to provide representation to their individual constituents, and to also integrate the
opinions of the larger public that reside outside the drawn boundary.
Consideration of the radar tower has elicited the strongest and most varied response from the
public. While other structures currently owned or being considered for ownership by the District
may not elicit the same level of public interest, it is important to consider and evaluate all
comments that are received as part of the decision-making process. In the case of the radar
tower, a strong voice has been heard from an assemblage of the public who reside outside the
District boundary but can see the radar tower on a daily basis and have grown up with it as a
visual point of reference on the landscape. These voices are also important to the decision-
making process as are the voices of the constituents within each ward; these two groups may or
may not share the same overall opinions. This presents an important policy consideration for the
members of the Board of Directors who are responsible for not only representing their own
constituency but also considering the best decision for the region when formulating a decision on
any structure.
H. Regional Importance or Value
Regional Importance or Value has been added as a new Factor to Consider for structures, which
segues from the discussion above regarding the best decision for the region as a whole. Even if a
structure cannot be seen from miles away, many buildings hold intangible values associated with
memories of past personal experiences, important events, or regional occurrences that affect a
wide distribution of people. The Board of Directors will consider this criterion in the context of
the District's mission to"...protect and restore the natural environment, and provide
opportunities for ecologically sensitive public enjoyment and education."
In the case of the radar tower, despite the determination by the State Office of Historic
Preservation that the structures are ineligible for listing on the National Register of Historic
Places within state, local, or national historical contexts, the radar tower is seen by some
members of the public as a symbol for the Cold War era and a previous home for military
families, and a land marker for current, former and future residents of the Santa Clara Valley and
beyond.
I. Strate2ic Fit
Strategic Fit was also added as a new Factor to Consider to ensure that decisions regarding
District structures further the District's long-term goals,consistent with the District's Strategic
Plan. When viewed in context with the District's other priorities, projects and processes that
affect the management of over 61,000 acres of public land, the Board will consider how this
R-12-91 Page 7
particular structure aligns with the District's mission—to acquire land, protect and restore it, and
provide public access and education.
In 2011, the Board of Directors approved a Strategic Plan for the District(refer to Report R-11-
96) to address the new challenges that the District is facing, including a reduced ability to
purchase land while adequately addressing its resource management needs. As a result,
consideration of any management decision on a District structure will be evaluated against the
guidelines set forth in the Strategic Plan. In the case of the radar tower,this would involve a
discussion about how each of the three options under consideration(Restoration, Open Air, or
Retain and Seal) align with the Strategic Plan goal of balancing the three-part mission within the
context of other current and future projects, as well as its role in fostering partnerships,
enhancing public support, and expanding District financial and staffing resources.
FISCAL IMPACT
Financial Implications
Including clean-up and demolition,the total cost to open the site to the public with a full build-
out of amenities is expected to be $13.1 million(refer to Attachment 6). Clean-up and
demolition will cost an estimated$4.5 million of this total. If all elements of the Project were to
be implemented, full build-out of just the environmental restoration and public access
improvements alone is expected to cost the remaining$8.6 million, not including a backpack
camp or interpretive center. $3 million dollars of this estimate is expected to be required for
repair and safety upgrades to Mount Umunhum Road alone(estimates are in 2011 dollars).
These costs can be phased in as funding allows with the assistance of external funds or grants,
District funds, or a combination of both.
Funds for the Project, including consultant fees,public meeting facility rentals, and public
notification costs, were included in the Planning Department's FYI 2-13 Budget; additional
funding will be requested to cover remaining project costs during the Midyear Budget Review.
There are no direct costs associated with this agenda item.
BOARD COMMITTEE REVIEW
The Sierra Azul/Bear Creek Redwoods Ad Hoc Committee have been continuously receiving
information and providing feedback and guidance on the Project. In the last two years, the Ad
Hoc Committee has met many times for this purpose, specifically to review Project elements and
to gain consensus on what elements to forward to the full Board of Directors. Most recently, the
Ad Hoc Committee forwarded a recommendation to the Board to defer consideration of the
backpack camp in favor of reviewing this project element as part of the larger Sierra Azul/Bear
Creek Redwoods Master Plan, which is anticipated to be a key project in the next fiscal year.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Notices about this special meeting of September 19, 2012, were sent to nearly 3,200 interested
parties, in addition to approximately 1,500 e-mail recipients, including all individuals and
organizations requesting notice. Notification about the meeting and its location was included in
the District's fall 2012 newsletter,which receives wide distribution, and the District's website.
1
I
R-12-91 Page 8
CEQA COMPLIANCE
On June 12, 2012,the Board certified the EIR for the Project(see Report R-12-59)and also
approved demolition of the remaining structures, except for the radar tower. The Board has yet
to make a decision on the remaining Project elements, including new public access facilities and
the disposition of the radar tower. The Board-certified Project EIR, however, did analyze all of
the potential environmental impacts and mitigation measures associated with the potential public
access improvements and radar tower options that are currently under public and Board review.
Prior to making any decision on any remaining Project elements, which is the purpose of this and
a future meeting, the Board will first need to consider adoption of the CEQA Findings of Fact,
adoption of the Mitigation Monitoring Plan, and adoption of a Resolution for the Project for the
relevant portions of the Project that the Board is considering to approve (refer to Attachments 1,
2, and 3).
NEXT STEPS
Draft Site Plan
A Draft Site Plan is currently being prepared for the Project. This document will provide an
inclusive summary of all Project elements, including a description of the Project purpose, goals,
public input process, individual elements,phasing, financial implications, and other
considerations. Much of the information contained in the Site Plan will be excerpted from the
EIR for ease of use for future planning and implementation. The Draft Site Plan will be
presented for Board consideration and revision at the next public meeting for the Project.
Final Project Decision Hearing and Public Meeting
A public meeting of the Board of Directors is scheduled for Wednesday, October 17, 2012 at
7:00prn at the Historic Del Monte Building in Sunnyvale. The purpose of this meeting is to
consider selection of a radar tower option and approval of the final remaining elements of the
project(i.e., the summit area amenities).
Attachment(s)
1. Findings of Fact for Portions of the Project
2. Mitigated Monitoring Plan for Portions of the Project
3. Resolution Approving Portions of the Project
4. Map of Project Area and Elements Included in Project Approval
5. Summit Site Map and Elements Included in Project Approval
6. Cost and Phasing Summary
7. Public comment gathered at the July 18, 2012 meeting.
8. Public comment through September 13, 2012
9. Late public comment through noon September 19, 2012 (will be distributed at the
September 19, 2012 meeting)
Responsible Department Head:
Ana Ruiz, Planning Manager,AICP
Prepared by:
Meredith Manning, Senior Planner
Contact person:
same
. I
ATTACHMENT 1
Findings of Fact for the
Development of Portions of the Mt. Umunhum
Environmental Restoration and Public Access Project
Environmental Impact Report
I
Prepared by:
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
33o Distel Circle
Los Altos, CA 94022
Contact:
Meredith Manning
Senior Planner
Phone: 650-691-1200
Fax: 650-691-0485
mt.um@openspace.org
I
September 19, zolz
Statement of Findings
10010041.01
I II
i
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
2 Portions of the Mount Umunhum Environmental Restoration and Public Access Project
�
TABLE OF CONTENTS
� Section Page
1J0STATEMENT OF FINDINGS...................................................................................................................1
1.1 Introduction............................................................................................................................................l
12 Description of the Approved Project......................................................................................................4
1.3 Environmental Review Process...............................................................................................................S
1.4 Description of the Record.......................................................................................................................6
l-S SignificantEnvironmental Impacts of the Project..................................................................................
1.6 General Findings.....................................................................................................................................7
� 1.� Akennat�es----------------------------------------------...9 |
� |
1.8 Findings of Fact--------------------------------------------'.9
1.9 Mitigation Monitoring Plan.................................................................................................................. 25
�
�
mNpeninsulaRegional Open Space District
Off-Summit Components of the Mount Umunhum Environmental Restoration and Public Access Project i
to STATEMENT OF FINDINGS
1.1 INTRODUCTION
a. BACKGROUND AND NEED FOR THE PROJECT
The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space Districts (MROSD or District) purpose is to purchase, permanently
protect, and restore lands forming a regional open space greenbelt, preserve unspoiled wilderness, wildlife
habitat, watershed, viewshed, and fragile ecosystems, and provide opportunities for low-intensity recreation
and environmental education.
i
In the late 1950s,the United States government procured Mount Umunhum to build the Almaden AFS, a US
Air Force early warning radar base that operated from 1958 to 1980. The base was constructed as part of the
North American Aerospace Defense NORAD Command to keep watch over northern California's airspace
o p ( ) p p
during the Cold War. With the end of the Cold War, and as a result of advancements in satellite technology,this
and other radar base sites became obsolete. The official "inactivation" date of the facility was June 30, 1980. In
June 1982, control of the property and improvements was transferred to the General Services Administration
(GSA).The District purchased the 44-acre base in April 1986 from the GSA.
The District acquired the former Almaden AFS and all remaining facilities at the site with the ultimate intent
to restore the area to a natural condition and provide public access; however, hazardous materials associated
with the construction and operation of the base had to first be removed. While a portion of hazardous materials
was cleaned up by the federal government soon after the District's purchase, other materials, particularly lead-
based paint and asbestos-containing construction materials used on buildings, fell outside the scope of the
original federal cleanup program. The District has recently been working with community, state, and federal
leaders to obtain federal funding to complete the remaining cleanup, and federal funds were committed in 2010
toward remediation of remaining hazardous materials. The District approved the structure abatement project in
August 2010,which was complete in the summer of 2011.
On June 12, 2012, the District approved the demolition phase of the proposed Mount Umunhum
Environmental Restoration and Public Access Project and certified the EIR. This approved phase did not include
demolition of the radar tower. Since the June 12`h hearing,the District hosted a public open house/workshop on
July 18, 2012 to gather public input on the radar tower options. The open house/workshop was well-attended,
and the public provided substantial comments to District staff.
Staff is currently reviewing the public input related to the tower. Selection of one of the three proposed
radar tower options will be considered at a future Board hearing, and is not a subject or the project under
consideration herein.
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
Off-Summit Components of the Mount Umunhum Environmental Restoration and Public Access Project
!
Statement of Findings
b. PROJECT GOALS/OBJECTIVES
The goal of the proposed project is to establish a fiscally and environmentally sustainable visitor destination
that aligns with the District's mission by balancing public access, enjoyment, and education with environmental
restoration.This goal will be achieved through the following objectives:
➢ Create a destination that is accessible to and accommodates a broad range of user groups and
introduces new visitors to open space.
Remove or permanently cap physical hazards and restore the native landscape and habitat for wildlife as
much as possible.
➢ Provide minimalist visitor amenities that complement and highlight the world-class views and open
space experience.
➢ Provide ample, rich,and diverse trail experiences for hikers, bicyclists,and equestrians.
➢ Highlight the rich natural and cultural history of the site through self-discovery and focused interpretive
and educational opportunities.
The project includes several elements,environmental restoration and construction of observation and
reflection facilities,trails,camping facilities,a hang gliding launch and landing site,and other amenities.
A radar tower is located on the site but is not part of the project under consideration at this time. As
described above,the first phase,which includes removal of most existing buildings (but not including removal of
the tower)was approved on June 12,2012.The project currently under consideration includes:
• Bald Mountain staging area
• trail to summit
• improvements to Mt. Umunhum Road
• parking areas
• visitor center
• interpretive features
• vault toilets
• dedicated 911 call box
• hang gliding facilities
• water tank
• horse troughs
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
2 Portions of the Mount Umunhum Environmental Restoration and Public Access Project
Statement of Findings
• backpack camp
• other amenities including environmental restoration,trail from Ralph's Mountain to Mount Thayer,and
purple martin house construction (avian Species of Special Concern)
Consideration of the summit components, including selection of a radar tower option,will occur at a future
MROSD Board hearing, likely in October.Specific components that will be considered at the future hearing and
are not part of the immediate project include:the radar tower option and elevational summit amenities,
including circular drop off,ADA parking,summit court, interpretation,all-access trails (with ADA potential),
shade structures, benches,and picnic tables.
REQUIREMENTS c. CEQA REqu s FOR FINDINGS
The California Environmental Quality Act, Public Resources Code§§21000 et seq.and the regulations
implementing that statute,Cal.Code Regs.tit. 14, §§ 15000 etseq. (the"CEQA Guidelines')(collectively,the act
and the CEQA Guidelines are referred to as "CEQA") require public agencies to consider the potential effects of
their discretionary activities on the environment and,when feasible,to adopt and implement mitigation
measures that avoid or substantially lessen the effects of those activities on the environment. Specifically,
Public Resources Code section 21002 provides that"public agencies should not approve projects as proposed if
there are feasible alternatives or feasible mitigation measures available which would substantially lessen the
significant environmental effects of such projects[.]" The same statute states that the procedures required by
CEQA"are intended to assist public agencies in systematically identifying both the significant effects of proposed
projects and the feasible alternatives or feasible mitigation measures which will avoid or substantially lessen
such significant effects." Section 21002 goes on to state that "in the event [that]specific economic,social,or
other conditions make infeasible such project alternatives or such mitigation measures, individual projects may
be approved in spite of one or more significant effects thereof."
The mandate and principles announced in Public Resources Code Section 21002 are implemented,in part,
through the requirement that agencies must adopt findings before approving projects for which EIRs are
required. (See Pub. Resources Code,§ 21081,subd. (a);CEQA Guidelines,§ 15091,subd. (a).) For each
significant environmental effect identified in an EIR for a proposed project,the approving agency must issue a
written finding reaching one or more of three permissible conclusions. The three possible findings are:
(1) Changes or alterations have been required in,or incorporated into,the project which mitigate or avoid
the significant effects on the environment.
(2) Those changes or alterations are within the responsibility and jurisdiction of another public agency and
have been,or can and should be,adopted by the other agency.
(3) Specific economic, legal,social,technological,other considerations,including considerations for the
provision of employment opportunities for highly trained workers, make infeasible the mitigation
measures or alternatives identified in the environmental impact report.
(Public Resources Code Section 21081,subd(a);see also CEQA Guidelines Sections 15091,subd. (a).)
Public Resources Code section 21061.1 defines"feasible"to mean "capable of being accomplished in a
successful manner within a reasonable period of time,taking into account economic,environmental,social and
technological factors." CEQA Guidelines section 15364 adds another factor: "legal'considerations. (See also
Citizens of Golden Valley v. Board of Supervisors(Goleta ll) (1990)52 Ca1.3d 553,565.)
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Portions of the Mount Umunhum Environmental Restoration and Public Access Project 3
Statement of Findings
The concept of"feasibility'also encompasses the question of whether a particular alternative or mitigation
measure promotes the underlying goals and objectives of a project. (City of Del Mar v. City of San Diego (1982)
133 Cal.App.3d 410,417 (City of Del Mar).) "[F]easibility"under CEQA encompasses'desirability'to the extent
that desirability is based on a reasonable balancing of the relevant economic,environmental,social,and
technological factors." (Ibid.;see also Sequoyah Hills Homeowners Assn. v. City of Oakland(1993) 23 Cal.App.4th
704,715(Sequoyah Hills);see also California Native Plant Society v. City of Santa Cruz(2009) 177 Cal.AppAth
957, 1001 [after weighing"'economic,environmental,social,and technological factors' ... 'an agency may
conclude that a mitigation measure or alternative is impracticable or undesirable from a policy standpoint and
reject it as infeasible on that ground"'].)
With respect to a project for which significant impacts are not avoided or substantially lessened,a public
agency,after adopting proper findings, may nevertheless approve the project if the agency first adopts a
statement of overriding considerations setting forth the specific reasons why the agency found that the project's
"benefits" rendered "acceptable" its"unavoidable adverse environmental effects." (CEQA Guidelines, §§ 15093,
15043,subd. (b);see also Pub. Resources Code, §21081,subd. (b).) The California Supreme Court has stated,
"[t]he wisdom of approving...any development project,a delicate task which requires a balancing of interests, is
necessarily left to the sound discretion of the local officials and their constituents who are responsible for such
decisions. The law as we interpret and apply it simply requires that those decisions be informed,and therefore
balanced."(Goleta ll,52 Cal.3d at p. 576)
Because the EIR identified significant effects that may occur as a result of the project, including
implementation of components of the project under consideration at this time, and in accordance with the
provisions of the CEQA Guidelines presented above,the District hereby adopts these Findings as part of the
approval of the development of the above-stated portions of the Mount Umunhum Environmental Restoration
and Public Access Project. These Findings constitute the District's best efforts to set forth the evidentiary and
policy bases for its decision to approve this element of the Project in a manner consistent with the requirements
of CEQA. These Findings, in other words, are not merely informational, but rather constitute a binding set of
obligations that come into effect with the District's approval of these portions of the Project.
d. ORGANIZATION OF FINDINGS
These Findings are organized into a number of sections: Section 1.1 provides the background and context of
the Project and describes the need for these Findings;Section 1.2 includes a description of the Project being
approved within the overall context of the entire Project;Section 1.3 describes the CEQA environmental review
process for the Project;Section 1.4 describes the record of documents for the Project;Section 1.5 describes the
significant environmental impacts of the Project;Section 1.6 contains the District's general Findings about the
Project;Section 1.7 contains the District's Findings regarding alternatives to the Project;Section 1.8 contains
District's Findings that the Project as a whole, and this element of the project, has no significant and
unavoidable effects;and Section 1.9 describes the Mitigation Monitoring Plan (MMP)for this element of the
Project. Because there are no significant and unavoidable impacts,a Statement of Overriding Considerations is
not needed.
1.2 DESCRIPTION OF THE APPROVED PROJECT
For a complete project description please refer to Chapter 3 of the Draft EIR,which is attached hereto as
Attachment B and modified herein to focus only on certain specific components.
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4 Portions of the Mount Umunhum Environmental Restoration and Public Access Project
Statement of Findings
a. PROJECT LOCATION
The project site is located on approximately 44 acres within the 18,000-acre Sierra Azul Open Space
Preserve. The site is located on the summits of Mount Umunhum and Mount Thayer, in the southern Santa Cruz
Mountains. The project site is the site of the former Almaden Air Force Station,which was decommissioned in
1980.The project site consists of the former military complex comprised of operations, housing and support
p 1 rY P p p g Pp
structures and self-contained infrastructure requirements(water,sewer,electrical). Among these is the five-
story high, massive concrete "radar tower"formerly used as the base supporting an 85-ton radar sail.The sail
was removed by the federal government before the District purchased the property.The buildings have been
abandoned for 30 years,and due to the passage of time,vandalism,and extreme weather conditions,the
structures are severely dilapidated.The main site access road, Mt. Umunhum Road, begins at Hicks Road and
continues for approximately five miles to the entrance of the former Almaden AFS near the summit.As a result
of prior clean-up activities,centered in removing lead based paint and asbestos-containing material, most of the
existing buildings have been substantially altered,with siding removed and similar alterations.
I
b. PROJECT DESCRIPTION
For a complete project description please refer to Chapter 3 of the Draft EIR.
As described in the Draft EIR, individual components of the project may be phased as funding and other
constraints are removed. The project under consideration herein includes:
1. Environmental Restoration:following demolition of structures,the landform and habitat on the site
would be restored.Only environmental restoration activities outside of the summit area are being
approved at this time.
2. Trails:Trails proposed outside of the summit area are being approved at this time.
3. Camping Facilities: up to 10 seasonal campsites would be provided, primarily for hikers and bicyclists,
with limited availability to visitors arriving by vehicles with disabled placards. Camping would be
allowed May 1 through October 31.
4. Hang Gliding:A hang gliding launch site and landing area would be provided,with restrictions on the
numbers of people using the facilities at any one time.
5. Parking,Circulation,Access:a new parking/staging area would be constructed on Mt. Umunhum road at
the Bald Mountain trailhead with additional parking at the summit in the future. Mt. Umunhum Road
pavement conditions would be improved and safety signage would be added.Only the
circulation/parking facilities proposed outside of the summit area are being approved at this time.
6. Other components of the project would include benches, picnic tables, utilities,all off the summit, and
staff ing.
1.3 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW PROCESS
The MROSD has prepared an EIR, pursuant to the requirements of CEQA,to analyze the potential effects
of the Project on the environment.As required by CEQA,the MROSD has conducted a thorough public outreach
effort during the environmental review process so as to ensure that District decision makers and members of
i
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Portions of the Mount Umunhum Environmental Restoration and Public Access Project 5
Statement of Findings
the public are informed about the potential for significant adverse effects on the environment from proposed
activities.
The District began its public outreach effort at the outset of the current CEQA process. Prior to initiation
of the Draft EIR,the MROSD held a public meeting to receive input on project features and preferences. This
public meeting was held September 30,2010. A public open house was held on November 18, 2010,to present
the results of the first meeting and obtain further public feedback. A public scoping meeting on the issues to be
addressed in the Draft EIR was held on December 9,2010. Following these meetings,a notice of preparation
(NOP)of this Draft EIR was released for public review,with the review period running from December 13, 2010
through January 12,2011. This Draft EIR was circulated for a 60-day review period,which exceeds CEQA 45-day
requirements specified in CEQA Guidelines§15105. The Draft EIR review period began December 12,2011 and
ended February 10, 2012.A public hearing to receive oral comments on the Draft EIR was held January 18, 2012.
The Final EIR was released May 25, 2012.
The MROSD has met with members of the public and public agencies,on request. Additionally,although the
comment period on the Draft EIR closed February 10,2012,the District responded to all comments received on
the Draft EIR prior to the May 25,2012 release of the Final EIR,even if the comments were received after
February 10.
At a public hearing held on June 12,2012,the District certified the EIR and approved the demolition phase of the
pp
project(excluding the radar tower).
1.4 DESCRIPTION OF THE RECORD
For purposes of CEQA and these Findings,the record before the MROSD Board of Directors is composed of all
documents relating to the Project in the MROSD's files on this matter, including,without limitation:
a. The Notice of Preparation prepared for the Project;
b. The Draft EIR for the Mount Umunhum Environmental Restoration and Public Access Project,together
with all appendices to the Draft EIR;
c. All comments or documents submitted by public agencies or by members of the public during or after
the comment period on the Draft EIR or up to the MROSD Board of Directors'approval of the Project;
d. The Final EIR for the Mount Umunhum Environmental Restoration and Public Access Project;
e. The Mitigation Monitoring Plan (MMP)for the demolition of existing buildings included as a separate
attachment;
f. All findings and resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors in connection with the Project and all
documents cited or referred to therein;
g. All staff reports and presentation materials related to the Project;
h. All studies conducted for the Project and contained in,or referenced by,staff reports,the Draft EIR,the
Final EIR or the MMP;
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Statement of Findings
i. All public reports and documents related to the Project prepared for or by the MROSD, including,
without limitation,all planning documents.
j. All documentary and oral evidence received and reviewed at public hearings, meetings and workshops
related to the Project,the Draft EIR,the Final EIR or the MMP;
k. All other public reports and documents relating to the Project that were used by the MROSD staff or
consultants in the preparation of the Draft EIR,the Final EIR or the MMP;and
I. All other documents, not otherwise included above, required by Public Resources Code section 21167.6.
1.5 SIGNIFICANT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF THE PROJECT
The EIR identifies significant impacts to a number of environmental resources related to the entire
Project:
• Cultural Resources
• Biological Resources
• Hydrology and Water Quality
• Geology and Solis
• Hazards and Hazardous Materials
• Air Quality
• Traffic and Circulation
All of these significant impacts can be reduced to a less-than-significant level through changes or
alterations to the project.
With respect to the development of the above-stated portions of the project that are the subject of
these findings,the EIR identifies significant effects to the same environmental resources as the overall project,
although significant impacts within each of the resource areas differ in some cases from the overall project. As
described below(Section 1.8),mitigation measures are available to reduce each of these impacts to a less-than-
significant level,and the District has adopted such measures. (It should also be noted that the MROSD will
voluntarily commit to measures to reduce fire risk,even though the Draft EIR concludes the impact to be less
than significant.)
1.6 GENERAL FINDINGS
a. CERTIFICATION OF THE EIR
The MROSD Board of Directors certified the EIR on June 12,2012,which addressed the entire project,and
the Board approved the demolition phase of the proposed project.The certified EIR also addresses the
components under consideration as described in Section 1.2,which for purposes of these findings are hereafter
generally referred to in total as the Project. In accordance with CEQA,the MROSD Board of Directors has
considered the effects of the Project on the environment,as shown in the Draft and Final EIRs and the whole of
the administrative record prior to taking any action on the Project. The Final EIR was presented to the Board of
Directors and released for public review on May 25, 2012. The Board of Directors has reviewed and considered
the certified Draft and Final EIRs and the information relating to the environmental impacts of the Project
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Statement of Findings
contained in those documents. A copy of the Board of Directors' prior resolution certifying the EIR is included as
a separate attachment. By these Findings,the Board ratifies and adopts the conclusions of the Final EIR as set
forth in these Findings, except where such conclusions are specifically modified by these Findings. The Final EIR
and these Findings represent the independent judgment and analysis of the Board of Directors.
b. EVIDENTIARY BASIS FOR FINDINGS
These Findings are based upon substantial evidence in the entire record before the District. The references
to the Draft EIR and Final EIR set forth in the Findings are for ease of reference and are not intended to provide
an exhaustive list of the evidence relied upon for these Findings.
C. FINDINGS REGARDING MITIGATION MEASURES
L MITIGATION MEASURES ADOPTED
The mitigation measures herein referenced are those identified in the Final EIR and adopted by the
District as set forth in the MMP.
H. IMPACT AFTER IMPLEMENTATION OF MITIGATION MEASURES.
{ As stated in these Findings, in accordance with CEQA Guidelines§15092,the MROSD finds that
environmental effects of portions of the Project will not be significant or will be mitigated to a less than
significant level by the adopted mitigation measures. The MROSD has substantially lessened or eliminated all
significant environmental effects. The MROSD finds that the mitigation measures incorporated into and
imposed upon the portions of the Project will not have new significant environmental impacts that were not
analyzed in the Draft EIR.
W. RELATIONSHIP OF FINDINGS AND MMP TO FINAL EIR
These Findings and the MMP are intended to summarize and describe the contents and conclusions of the
Draft and Final EIR pertaining to the demolition phase for policymakers and the public. The MROSD will
implement all measures contained in the Final EIR. In the event that there is any inconsistency between the
descriptions of mitigation measures in these Findings or the MMP and the Final EIR,the MROSD will implement
the measures as they are described in the Final EIR. In the event a mitigation measure recommended in the Final
EIR has inadvertently been omitted from these Findings or from the MMP,such a mitigation measure is hereby
adopted and incorporated in the Findings and/or MMP as applicable.
d. LOCATION AND CUSTODIAN OF RECORDS
Pursuant to Public Resource Code§15091,the MROSD is the custodian of the documents and other
materials that constitute the record of proceedings upon which the decision is based, and such documents and
other materials are located at MROSD,330 Distel circle, Los Altos,CA 94022. Copies of the Draft and Final EIRs
are also available at the MROSD's website at http://www.openspace.org/plans_projects/mt_umunhum.asp.
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8 Portions of the Mount Umunhum Environmental Restoration and Public Access Project
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Statement of Findings
1.7 ALTERNATIVES
In accordance with Section 15126.6 of the State CEQA Guidelines,a range of reasonable alternatives to the
overall project that could, potentially,accomplish the basic project objectives were addressed in the EIR. A
detailed summary of the project Alternatives is included in the Findings of Fact adopted by the MROSD Board on
June 12,2012.Consistent with the June 12,2012 Findings of Fact,the MROSD finds the alternatives to be
infeasible.
1.8 FINDINGS OF FACT
The MROSD Board of Directors has reviewed the Final EIR for the Mount Umunhum Environmental
Restoration and Public Access Phase Project,consisting of the Draft EIR (December 2011)and the Final EIR(May
2012),together which form the Final EIR. The MROSD Board of Directors has considered the public record on
the portions of the project,which, in addition to the above documents and this Statement of Findings, is
of the following
composedg element:
Mitigation Monitoring Plan (MMP)for Portions of the Mount Umunhum Environmental Restoration and
Public Access Phase Project,dated September 2012.The MMP meets the requirements of Section
21081.6 of the Public Resources Code by providing a monitoring plan designed to ensure compliance
during project implementation with mitigation measures adopted by the MROSD.
All relevant project documents are on file at MROSD,330 Distel Circle, Los Altos,CA 94022.
Pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21081,for each significant effect identified in the EIR,the
MROSD must make one or more of the findings described in Section 1.1 above.
After reviewing the public record,composed of the aforementioned elements,the Board of Directors of the
MROSD hereby makes the following findings regarding the significant effects of the proposed project, pursuant
to Public Resources Code Section 21081 and Section 15091 of the State CEQA Guidelines. The numeric
references for each impact refer to the impact/mitigation label included in the EIR.
a. CULTURAL RESOURCES
Significant Effect: Impact 4.2-3:Construction-Related Impacts on Presently Undocumented Cultural
Resources
Because the project is located in an area where"unique"or"historical' resources(per CEQA criteria)could be
encountered during project implementation, disturbances of such resources would constitute a potentially
significant impact.
Finding
Changes or alterations have been required in,or incorporated into,the project by the MROSD that mitigate or
avoid the significant effects on the environment.
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Statement of Findings
Facts in Support of Finding
The MROSD has adopted the following mitigation measures that will reduce discovery of undocumented cultural
resource impacts to less-than-significant levels:
Mitigation Measure 4.2-3—Protection of Undocumented Cultural Resources
During all ground-related construction activities(i.e.,grading, excavation, etc.)on the project site, if cultural
materials(e.g., unusual amounts of shell,animal bone, glass, ceramics,structure/building remains)are
inadvertently encountered, all work shall stop within 50 feet of the find until a qualified archaeologist can assess
the significance of the find.A reasonable effort will be made by the District to avoid or minimize harm to the
discovery until significance is determined and an appropriate treatment can be identified and implemented.
Methods to protect finds include fencing and covering remains with protective material such as culturally sterile
soil or plywood. If vandalism is a threat, 24-hour security will be considered and evaluated based on threat level,
remoteness of site, materials found,significance of find, etc. Construction operations outside 50 feet of the find
can continue during the significance evaluation period and while mitigation is being carried out,however, if the
archaeologist determines that the nature of the find may signify a high potential for other finds in the area, the
construction will be monitored by an archaeologist within 100 feet of the find. If a discovered resource is
identified as significant and cannot be avoided, a qualified archaeologist will develop an appropriate treatment
plan to minimize or mitigate the adverse effects. The District will not proceed with construction activities within
100 feet of the find until the treatment plan has been reviewed and approved by the General Manager. The
treatment effort required to mitigate the inadvertent exposure of significant cultural and/or historical resources
will be guided by a research design appropriate to the discovery and potential research data inherent in the
resource in association with suitable field techniques and analytical strategies. The recovery effort will be
detailed in a professional report in accordance with current professional standards. Any non-grave associated
artifacts will be curated with an appropriate repository. Project construction documents shall include a
requirement that project personnel shall not collect cultural and/or historical resources encountered during
construction. This measure is consistent with federal guideline 36 CFR 800.13(a)for invoking unanticipated
discoveries.
Implementation
of this mitigation
ation measure would ensure thatpo
tential undocumented cultural resourc
e
impacts would be addressed. Resources wo
uld be protected, and an archaeologist would ensure that any
resources that are uncovered are treated in accordance with CECW's and federal requirements.Therefore,this
potentially significant traffic impact would be reduced to a less-than-significant level.
Significant Effect: Impact 4.2-4:Construction-Related Impacts on Presently Undocumented Human
Remains
Because construction activities associated with the project could potentially result in the disturbance of
presently undocumented prehistoric or historic-era interments, human remains,and/or associated grave-
related articles,this impact would be potentially significant.
Finding
Changes or alterations have been required in,or incorporated into,the project by the MROSD that mitigate or
avoid the significant effects on the environment.
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io Portions of the Mount Umunhum Environmental Restoration and Public Access Project
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Statement of Findings
i
Facts in Support of Finding
The MROSD has adopted the following mitigation measures that will reduce discovery of undocumented human
remains to less-than-significant levels:
Mitigation Measure 4.2-4--Protection of Presently Undocumented Human Remains.
In accordance with the California Health and Safety Code, if human remains are uncovered during ground-
disturbing activities,potentially damaging excavation in the area of the burial will be halted and the Santa Clara
County Coroner and a professional archaeologist will be contacted to determine the nature and extent of the
remains. The MROSD Project Manager will also be notified immediately. The coroner is required to examine all
discoveries of human remains within 48 hours of receiving notice of a discovery on private or state lands(Health
and Safety Code,Section 7050.5[b)). if the coroner determines that the remains are those of a Native American,
he or she must contact the Native American Heritage Commission(NAHC)by phone within 24 hours of making
that determination(Health and Safety Code,Section 7050(c]).
Following the coroner's findings, the State of California,project contractor, an archaeologist,and the NAHC-
designated Most Likely Descendant(MLD)will determine the ultimate treatment and disposition of the remains
and take appropriate steps to ensure that additional human interments are not disturbed. The responsibilities for
acting upon notification of a discovery of Native American human remains are identified in Section 5097.9 of the
California Public Resources Code.
The State of California will ensure that the immediate vicinity(according to generally accepted cultural or
archaeological standards and practices)is not damaged or disturbed by further development activity until
consultation with the MLD has taken place. The MLD will have 48 hours to complete a site inspection and make
recommendations after being granted access to the site.A range of possible treatments for the remains,
including nondestructive removal and analysis,preservation in place, relinquishment of the remains and
associated items to the descendants, or other culturally appropriate treatment may be discussed.Assembly Bill
(AB)2641 suggests that the concerned parties may extend discussions beyond the initial 48 hours to allow for the
discovery of additional remains.AB 2641(e)includes a list of site protection measures and states that the
landowner shall implement one or more of the following measures:
➢ record the site with the NAHC or the appropriate Information Center,
utilize an open-space or conservation zoning designation or easement, and/or
record a document with the county in which the property is located.
The landowner or their authorized representative shall rebury the Native American human remains and
associated grave goods with appropriate dignity on the property in a location not subject to further subsurface
disturbance if the NAHC is unable to identify a MLD, or if the MLD fails to make a recommendation within 48
hours after being granted access to the site. The landowner or their authorized representative may also reinter
the remains in a location not subject to further disturbance if they reject the recommendation of the MLD, and
mediation by the NAHC fails to provide measures acceptable to the landowner.
Implementation of this mitigation measure would ensure that potential impacts related to the discovery of
undocumented human remains would be addressed. Resources would be protected in accordance with State
law,and all processes laid out by the NAHC would be followed.Therefore,this potentially significant traffic
impact would be reduced to a less-than-significant level.
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Portions of the Mount Umunhum Environmental Restoration and Public Access Project
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Statement of Findings
b. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
Significant Effect:Impact 4.3-2,Loss of Special-status Species During Trail Construction,Road
Improvements,or Other Ground-Disturbing Activities.
I
Implementation of the project could result in the degradation of habitat and loss of several special-status
species, including rare plants,special-status amphibians and reptiles,and nesting birds. Special-status species
are protected under ESA,CESA,California Fish and Game Code,CEQA or other regulations.Ground-disturbing
activities related demolition could result in a substantial adverse effect on these species.Therefore,the
potential loss of special-status species is considered a significant impact.
Finding
Changes or alterations have been required in,or incorporated into,the project by the MROSD that mitigate or
avoid the significant effects on the environment.
Facts in Support of Finding
The MROSD has adopted the following mitigation measure that will reduce to less-than-significant levels effects
to special-status species.
Mitigation Measure 4.3-2(a)-Conduct Special-status Plant Surveys,Implement Avoidance and Mitigation Measures,or
Provide Compensatory Mitigation.
Known populations of Loma Prieta hoito and Mt. Hamilton fountain thistle shall be protected during road
improvements.As directed by qualified biologist,the populations shall be fenced before construction with high
visibility fencing and an adequate buffer so that direct and indirect impacts would be minimized.Construction
personnel shall be instructed to keep project activities out of the fenced areas. A qualified botanist shall
periodically inspect the fencing to ensure that the fence is intact and the impacts to the populations are being
avoided. Indirect impacts(i.e.,changes in hydrology)shall be minimized by placing culverts away from any plant
populations,if necessary.
MROSD shall utilize a qualified botanist to conduct protocol-level preconstruction special-status plant surveys for
all potentially occurring species within the project footprint that has not previously been surveyed(e.g.,trail
connections,staging area expansion).Prior to ground-disturbance in potentially suitable habitat,surveys shall be
conducted during the appropriate blooming period when they are most readily identifiable in accordance with
Protocols for Surveying and Evaluating Impacts to Special Status Native Plant Populations and Natural
Communities(DFG 2009).If no special-status plants are found during focused surveys,the botanist shall document
the findings in a letter report,and no further mitigation shall be required.
If special-status plant populations are found in the project footprint,MROSD shall determine if the population can
be avoided by adjusting the trail alignment or project design. If the impact cannot be avoided,MROSD shall
consult with DFG and USFWS,as appropriate depending on species status,to determine the appropriate measures
to minimize direct and indirect impacts on any special-status plant population that could occur as a result of
project implementation.Mitigation measures may include preserving and enhancing existing populations,creation
of off-site populations on project mitigation sites through seed collection or transplantation,and/or restoring or
creating suitable habitat in sufficient quantities to achieve no net loss of occupied habitat or individuals.
Mitigation Measure 4.3-2(b)-Avoid and Minimize Impacts to Special-Status Amphibians and Reptiles
i
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12 Portions of the Mount Umunhum Environmental Restoration and Public Access Project
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Statement of Findings
Although the impact to special-status amphibians or reptiles is expected to be minimal due to a lack of suitable
aquatic habitat along ridgelines and headwaters of creeks,MROSD shall implement the following measures to
reduce impacts during construction of trail connections:
A Construction of the trail across drainages and streams shall occur when the drainages are dry,unless it is
not feasible to do so,in which case the following measures shall also be applied.
M R D's
r lit and prevent erosion as outlined in OS
� Guidelines shall be implemented to protect Ovate quality p ,
p
Road and Trail Typical Design Specifications(MROSD 2008).
If water is g construction,disturbance to pools and slow runs with cobble-sized substrate
present during
shall be minimized. In particular, rocks shall not be collected from in-water environments from late March
to early September to avoid disturbing frog egg masses,tadpoles,and turtle hatchlings.
Mitigation Measure 4.3-2(c)-Avoid and Minimize Impacts to Golden Eagle,White-tailed Kite,and Other
Nesting Birds.
To minimize potential disturbance to nesting birds,project activities shall occur during the non-breeding season
(September 16-February 14),unless it is not feasible to do so,in which case the following measures shall also be
applied.
During trail construction,road improvements,and other activities,removal of trees greater than 6 inches dbh shall
be limited to the greatest degree possible.
If construction activity is scheduled to occur during the nesting season(February 15 to September 15),MROSD shall
utilize a qualified biologist to conduct preconstruction surveys and to identify active nests on and within 500 feet
of the project site that could be affected by project construction. The surveys shall be conducted no less than 14
days and no more than 3o days before the beginning of construction in a particular area. If no nests are found,no
further mitigation is required.
If active nests are found,impacts on nesting raptors and songbirds shall be avoided by establishment of
appropriate buffers around the nests.No project activity shall commence within the buffer area until a qualified
biologist confirms that any young have fledged or the nest is no longer active.A Soo-foot buffer around raptor
nests and 50-foot buffer around songbird nests are generally adequate to protect them from disturbance,but the
size of the buffer may be adjusted by a qualified biologist in consultation with DFG depending on site specific
conditions.Monitoring of the nest by a qualified biologist during and after demolition activities will be required if
the activity has potential to adversely affect the nest.
Implementation of these mitigation measures would reduce significant impacts associated with potential
impacts to special-status species to a less-than-significant level by surveying for their presence prior to
construction and implementing avoidance and/or minimization measures and compensating for any loss of
habitat.
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Portions of the Mount Umunhum Environmental Restoration and Public Access Project 13
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Statement of Findings
Significant Effect:impact 4.3-3,Loss of Riparian Habitat or Other Sensitive Natural Communities and
Fill of Waters of the U.S.during Trail Construction.
Although trails are expected be located along ridgelines where wetlands and riparian areas are less likely to
occur,construction of new trails to connect with other existing trails could require crossing minor seeps or
creeks. Trail construction could require removal of riparian and wetland vegetation and could result in the
placement of fill material into waters of the U.S. This is considered a potentially significant impact.
Finding
Changes or alterations have been required in,or incorporated into,the project by the MROSD that mitigate or
avoid the significant effects on riparian habitat and other sensitive communities,as well as Waters of the U.S.
Facts in Support of Finding
The MROSD has adopted the following mitigation measure that will reduce to less-than-significant levels effects
on riparian habitat and other sensitive communities,as well as Waters of the U.S.:
Mitigation Measure 4.3-3,Avoid and Minimize Impacts to Sensitive Natural Communities and Compensate
for Loss of Riparian and Wetland Habitats.
As a first priority,MROSD will seek to avoid wetlands impacts through trail realignment,bridging,and other
avoidance measures.
Before any groundbreaking activity along the trail connections,MROSD shall have a jurisdictional wetland
delineation conducted by a qualified wetland specialist in sensitive areas that cannot be avoided. The preliminary
delineation shall be submitted to USACE for verification. The wetlands may be subject to DFG regulation under
Section 1602 of the Fish and Game Code.No grading,fill,or other ground disturbing activities shall occur until all
required permits,regulatory approvals,and permit conditions for effects on wetland habitats are secured.
If the wetlands are determined to be subject to USACE jurisdiction,the project may qualify for use of Nationwide
Permit 42 for construction of recreational trails if certain criteria are met. For those wetlands that cannot be
avoided,MROSD shall commit to replace,restore,or enhance on a"no net loss"basis(in accordance with USACE,
RWQCB,and DFG)the acreage of all wetlands and other waters of the U.S.that would be removed,lost,and/or
degraded with project implementation.Wetland habitat shall be restored,enhanced,and/or replaced at an
acreage and location and by methods agreeable to USACE,RWQCB,and DFG,as appropriate,depending on agency
jurisdiction,and as determined during the permitting processes.
Implementation of these mitigation measures would reduce significant impacts associated with loss of riparian
habitat and fill of waters of the U.S.to a less-than-significant level by providing replacement, restoration or
enhancement habitat of equal or greater value.
Significant Effect:Impact 4.3-4,Effects of Increased Recreation on Native Species and Interference
with Wildlife Movement.
Implementation of the proposed project would result in public access to wildlife habitats that previously have
had limited human disturbance. Proposed trail connections would provide recreational opportunities for hikers,
mountain bikers,and equestrians. Proposed hang glider launch sites would provide facilities for hang gliders.
Hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and hang glider launching/landing are unlikely to substantially
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14 Portions of the Mount Umunhum Environmental Restoration and Public Access Project
Statement of Findings
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adversely affect native terrestrial wildlife or plant communities.The construction and use of trails are also not
likely to substantially interfere with wildlife movement in the region.-However, birds,especially nesting raptors,
have been known to exhibit aggressive or agitated behavior in response to perceived aerial intruders such as
hang gliders, particularly during the breeding season.This behavior signifies a disturbance. Allowing a
recreational use that results in the disturbance of local wildlife is not consistent with MROSD policy. It is
unknown if local bird species might react this way to the proposed hang gliding activities.Without an
appropriate adaptive management strategy,this impact is considered potentially significant.
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Finding
Changes or alterations have been required in,or incorporated into,the project by the MROSD that mitigate or
avoid the significant effects to raptors and other bird species due to hang gliding.
Facts in Support of Finding
The MROSD has adopted the following mitigation measure that will reduce to less-than-significant levels effects
to raptors and other bird species due to hang gliding:
Mitigation Measure 4.3-4
MROSD will take the following actions to educate hang glider pilots and other visitors regarding the potential to
disturb birds,especially nesting raptors and vultures,and establish an incident reporting program:
➢ Hang glider permits will include a brochure prepared by a qualified ornithologist that describes agitated
and defensive behavior of wildlife,focusing mostly on soaring birds,such as raptors and vultures.The
permit will include a map that identifies protected air space that restricts hang gliding within a minimum
of i,000 feet of a known nest.
Hang glider permits will include an agreement,to be signed by the pilot,that the pilot shall:
— Respect local wildlife by maintaining appropriate distance and altitude(as safety permits)to minimize
disturbance.
— Watch or active occu ied ra for or vulture nests and communal roosts, and,i spotted, keep at least 1,000
/ f P P f P P
feet clear.
— Avoid approaching soaring birds. (Note that if a bird peacefully approaches a hang glider, this is not considered
a disturbance.
— Report to MROSD any bird observed behaving aggressively or agitated as a result of the pilot's glider or any
other glider.
— Immediately leave the area(as safety permits)after a bird has exhibited aggressive or acutely agitated
behavior.
Y MROSD will post signs at hang glider observation locations describing aggressive or acutely agitated bird
behavior,and encourage preserve users to report any of these observations to the provided telephone
number.
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Statement of Findings
MROSD will implement an adaptive management plan,prepared by a qualified ornithologist,to monitor and mitigate
observed agitation or potential disturbance to birds. The adaptive management plan will include(at a minimum)the
following measures:
Y MROSD staff will immediately investigate and document any legitimate reported incident of bird
aggression or acute agitation in response to presence of a hang glider.
MROSD staff will review these bird incident records continuously. if incidents in a specific area exceed
three per month,MROSD will either reduce the number of hang gliding permits issued to 5 at one time
with no more than z hang gliders per launch site or restrict the use of the affected area as a condition of
the special use permit.(Note that if the excess number of incidents occurs only during the raptor nesting
season,then the permit reduction may be limited only to March through August and may resume to
normal permitting levels after the nesting season.)
f repeated incidents occur with a specific hang glider or group,MROSD may revoke hang gliding privileges
to those individuals.
f,a ter reducing the number of permit
s or restricting the use of specific areas where the incidents have occurred,
the bird incidents are no
t reduced below three per month,MROSD will consider discontinuance of the issuance of
hang gliding permits at the project site.
Significant impacts associated with disturbance to birds from hang gliding activities and subsequent
inconsistency with MROSD policy would be reduced to a less-than-significant level by educating hang glider
pilots and other visitors of the potential disturbance for birds, by establishing an incident reporting program,
and by monitoring incidents and taking appropriate action to reduce any increased agitation levels in native
birds and raptors resulting from proposed hang gliding activities.
c. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY,GEOLOGY AND SOILS
Significant Effect:Impacts 4.4-1 and 4.5-2, Potential Short-Term Construction-Related Soil Erosion
and Water Quality Impairment.
Project construction activities could generate sediment, erosion,and other nonpoint source pollutants in on-site
stormwater,which could drain to off-site areas. On-site earthmoving and soil stockpiling activities could result in
sheet erosion during rain events. This would be a potentially significant impact.
Finding
Changes or alterations have been required in,or incorporated into,the project by the MROSD that mitigate or
avoid the significant effects on the environment related to construction-related soil erosion and water quality
impairment.
Facts in Support of Finding
The MROSD has adopted the following mitigation measure that will reduce to less-than-significant levels effects
to soil erosion and water quality impairment:
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16 Portions of the Mount Umunhum Environmental Restoration and Public Access Project
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Statement of Findings
Mitigation Measure 4.4-1—Reduction of Erosion
i
a. Prior to earthmoving activities,MROSD will consult with Santa Clara County Department of Public Works
for Municipal Regional Permit review and will also consult with the San Francisco Bay Basin Regional Water Quality
Control Board(RWQCB)to acquire the appropriate regulatory approvals that may be required to obtain Section
401 water quality certification,State Water Resources Control Board(SWRCB)statewide National Pollutant
Discharge Elimination System(NPDES)stormwater permit for general construction activities,and any other
necessary site-specific waste discharge requirements. No grading or other soil disturbance will occur until the
appropriate regulatory approvals and permits have been issued.
b. Prior to any earthmoving activities,as required under the NPDES stormwater permit for general
construction activity,MROSD will prepare and submit the appropriate Notice of Intent and prepare the SWPPP and
other necessary engineering plans and specifications for pollution prevention and control. The SWPPP will identify
i and specify the use of erosion sediment control BMPs,means of waste disposal,nonstormwater management
controls,permanent post-construction BMPs,and inspection and maintenance responsibilities. The SWPPP will
i also specify the pollutants that are likely to be used during construction and that could be present in stormwater
' drainage and nonstormwater discharges.
i
C. Construction techniques will be identified that would reduce the potential runoff,and the SWPPP will
' identify the erosion and sedimentation control measure to be implemented.BMPs designed to reduce erosion of
exposed soil may include,but are not limited to:
Use temporary mulching,seeding,or other suitable stabilization measures to protect uncovered soils;
➢ Store materials and equipment to ensure that spills or leaks cannot enter the storm drain system or
surface water;
➢ Water exposed areas for dust control;
➢ Minimize off-site sediment transport on vehicles using techniques such as gravel driving surfaces to knock
soil off tires at exit points;and
➢ Use barriers,such as perimeter silt fencing,to minimize the amount of uncontrolled runoff that could
enter drains or surface waters.
d. The SWPPP will also specify spill prevention and contingency measures,identify types of materials used for
equipment operation,and identify measures to prevent or clean up spills of hazardous materials used for
i
equipment operation. Emergency procedures for responding to spills will also be identified. The SWPPP will
identify personnel training requirements and procedures that would be used to ensure that workers are aware of
permit requirements and proper installation and performance inspection methods for BMPs specified in the
SWPPP.The SWPPP will also identify the appropriate personnel responsible for supervisory duties related to
implementation of the SWPPP. All construction contractors will be required to retain a copy of the approved
SWPPP on the construction site.
Implementation of the mitigation measures above would ensure that runoff and sediment is controlled. These
actions would reduce these impacts to a less-than-significant level.
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Statement of Findings
Significant Effect:Impact 4.4-3,Water Quality Impacts(During Project Operation).
While most facilities and activities at the project site would not result in adverse water quality impacts,the
project would result in vehicles parking in designated unpaved areas. Specific water quality protection
measures have not been identified to prevent the discharge of pollutants in stormwater on-or off-site from
these parking areas. Therefore,the project could result in potentially significant water quality impacts.
Finding
Changes or alterations have been required in,or incorporated into,the project by the MROSD that mitigate or
avoid the significant effects on the environment related to water quality impairment during project operation.
Facts in Support of Finding
The MROSD has adopted the following mitigation measure that will reduce to less-than-significant levels effects
to water quality impairment:
Mitigation Measure 4.4-3—Design Measures
i
MROSD will implement appropriate i p design measures to adequately trap and treat discharged pollutants in
designated parking areas. These design measures could include,but are not limited to structural and non-
structural BMP including'sinstallation o oil and grit separators to capture potential contaminates that are
f p p g
discharged in parking areas establishment o vegetation in drainages to achieve optimal balance o conveyance
g p g f
b
g g p f y
and water quality protection;and installation of vegetation filter strips.
With implementation of this mitigation,adequate measures would be in place to protect water quality;
therefore,this impact would be reduced to a less-than-significant level.
d. PUBLIC HEALTH AND HAZARDS
I �
Significant Effect:Impact 4.6-1:Exposure to Existing Hazardous Materials.
Small quantities of asbestos were documented in the shallow soils around the existing structures. Pesticides
were also identified above acceptable levels. Excavation and construction activities in the area could result in
the exposure of construction workers and the general public to existing hazardous materials contamination.This
impact is considered significant.
Finding
Changes or alterations have been required in,or incorporated into,the project by the MROSD that mitigate or
avoid the significant effects on the environment related to exposure to existing hazardous materials.
Facts in Support of Finding
The MROSD has adopted the following mitigation measure that will reduce to less-than-significant levels effects
associated with existing hazardous materials:
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18 Portions of the Mount Umunhum Environmental Restoration and Public Access Project
Statement of Findings
Mitigation Measure 4.6-t—Remediation Plan
Following demolition of structures,but prior to any grading activity or public access within the former Almaden Air
Force Station,MROSD will hire a qualified hazardous materials specialist to prepare a focused pesticide soil testing
and remediation program. The soil testing program will be prepared according to the recommendations in
Northgate's Sampling and Analysis Report. Based on the focused soil testing program, the perimeters and depths
of soils containing contamination above residential ESLs shall be specifically defined.Once these areas are defined,
construction barriers or fencing shall be placed around the areas prior to initiating construction within other areas
of the project site. No construction or public access may occur within the demarcated areas of contamination until
the following remediation occurs: The qualified hazardous materials specialist will prepare a remediation plan for
excavation and disposal of contaminated soils. The goal of the remediation plan will be to remove all soils
containing chemical concentrations in excess of California human health screening levels and render excavated soil
suitable for disposal at an appropriate landfill, unless the soils can be suitably treated on site, to below screening
levels, in which case the soils can be disposed onsite. Soil removal activity will be completed in accordance with
state and local regulatory requirements that provide specific targets for protection of human health.
Implementation of the above mitigation measures would reduce potential hazards associated with exposure of
construction workers and the public to contaminated soil to a less-than-significant level by requiring a testing
program.This program would identify the area of contamination, restrict construction activities within those
areas,and remediate those contaminated areas consistent with state and federal regulations before any
construction or access within those areas is allowed.
Less than Significant Effect:Impact 4.6-5:Exposure of People or Structures to Wildland Fires.
Even though more people would use the site than under existing conditions, and it is generally recognized that
the potential for ignition is higher with increased visitorship,the overall potential for ignition is decreased when
comparing the effects of placing legitimate users in a site with current abundant illegal use. The proposed
project would reduce existing potential for ignition of a wildfire by legitimizing public use of the site and
patrolling or monitoring user activities,thereby substantially restricting common ignition sources.
Implementation of the project would result in a less-than-significant impact.
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Finding
Although mitigation is not required to reduce this impact to a less-than-significant level, MROSD has
nevertheless required changes or alterations in the project by the MROSD that that further reduce this impact.
Facts in Support of Finding
The MROSD has adopted the following mitigation measures that will further reduce this already less-than-
significant impact associated with wildland fires:
i
Mitigation Measure 4.6-5—Reduction of Wildland Fire Hazard
MROSD will implement the following fire hazard minimization measures recommended by Wildland Resource
Management:
Construction-Related Fire Risk Reduction
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Portions of the Mount Umunhum Environmental Restoration and Public Access Project 19
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Statement of Findings
Prior to initiation of construction(including activities associated with mitigation measures,such as vegetation
clearing), MROSD's contractor will prepare o fire prevention plan. This fire prevention plan will include such
measures as a list of tools to have on hand,proof of spark arrestors on all gas-powered engines, a description of
available communications,specifications for the supply of water to have on hand,and descriptions of other actions
that will reduce the risk of ignition and immediate control of an incipient fire. This requirement should be included
in the contract with the District.
To minimize the risk of wildfire ignition, all motorized vehicles, including earth-moving equipment, used during this
project will be equipped with spark arresters,per California Public Resources Code 4442,and Health and Safety
Code 13001 and 13005. Other motorized vehicles used on the project site will not be parked where vegetation may
come in contact with exhaust systems and catalytic converters.
Fuel Management and Fire-safe Restoration Design
Prior to initiating construction of the proposed campground or other restoration areas, MROSD will prepare a site-
specific fuel management plan for the campground area as part of the specific site planning and design that
dictates which species of trees/shrubs should be removed or pruned,and which plants should be planted or
maintained(i.e., conifers may be replaced with hardwoods to reduce the chance of torching and ember production
and distribution). The plan will include measures above and beyond MROSD's standard fuel management plan,
such as a strategically located visitor safety zone, which includesfuel conditions appropriate for a safety zone(i.e.,,
large paved or graveled area such as a parking lot). This area will need to be inspected at least annually for
compliance. The site-specific fuel management plan will apply to the campground, the former AFS housing area,
and the summit areas, where the environmental restoration is proposed.
The fuel management plan will also identify indigenous plant materials and/or seed mixes at staging areas or
along trails. Indigenous plants are ideal due to their low maintenance and drought and fire resistant
characteristics.
The vegetation palette for the proposed restoration will identify native species that are shrubby or non-curing
herbaceous cover(as opposed to grassy species), with little ignition potential. Plantings will be irrigated at least
twice during the camping season to keep the moisture of the vegetation foliage high(keeping the dead material
wet is not effective);if plantings cannot be irrigated twice a year,fuel volume will be reduced to meet the
equivalent results in fire hazard. The spacing and design of the vegetation is more critical than the species planted.
The restoration design will place plant species such that appropriate horizontal spacing occurs between masses of
shrubs and specimen trees and appropriate vertical spacing will occur between tree branches,shrubs,and ground
cover. This will discourage the creation of'fuel ladders"—a continuous fuel path by which a fire can climb from the
ground to a shrub, to a tree,and ultimately produce and distribute embers than can start new fires far away.
The restoration design will identify a palette of appropriate native plant species that have a low fuel volume and
high foliar moisture and do not have a tendency to produce and"hold"dead wood and which also have a proper
growth form. Factors that must be considered in rating the fire performance of plants include:
Total.volumes. The greater the volume of plant material(potential fuel)present,the greater the fire
hazard.
➢ Moisture content. The moisture content of plants is an important consideration;high levels of plant
moisture can both lower fire risk and act as a heat sink if a fire occurs,reducing its intensity and spread.
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20 Portions of the Mount Umunhum Environmental Restoration and Public Access Project
Statement of Findings
Amount ancidistrib tion o_f dead material._The amount of dead material in a given plant influences the
total amount of water in the overall plant;the dead material is usually much drier than living tissue.
Whereas dead material rarely has a moisture content higher than 25%,live foliage moisture content ranges
from 6o to 80%for chaparral species in xeric conditions to a high of 200 to 400%for succulent plants or
plants under irrigation.
➢ Size_o f-leav_es,_twigs�and_hramhes._.Materials with large surface areas(such as needles, twigs,or large flat
leaves)dry more rapidly under fire conditions than materials with lower surface ratios(such as branches
and fleshy leaves).
Y Gep—metry-o-nd arm n ment9 f the plant(ov r gat-i.aLdistribution of the 1 ioma�s�._The shape of a plant
and the way in which the biomass is distributed throughout the plant is important because this bulk
density affects the air flow and heat transfer through the plant. The arrangement of material within the
plant affects its fuel continuity and its tendency to undergo preheating and promote fire spread.
Examples of plants that may be appropriate include(but are not limited to)the following:coffeeberry,
madrone, coast live oak, bay,ceanothus,and toyon. Examples of species to remove include coyote brush,black
sage, and sagebrush. The fuel management plan will include a maintenance component. The maintenance
program will require annual removal of dead material and maintenance of the vertical and horizontal spaces
that create a fire-safe design. Maintenance requirements are incorporated in the District guidelines.
Signage,Education,and Closure
Prior too opening the proposed campsite to the ublic, MROSD will install a signboard in a central and conspicuous
p 9 p p p p
location at the proposed campsite that addresses fire safety, re-states MROSD rules including prohibition of open
fires,and identifies appropriate action and behavior during a wildfire.Specifically the signboard will identify where
to go, how to stay safe, and location of call-boxes. Further, MROSD will send permitted campers additional
information/training including statement of rules and location of call boxes in case of emergency.
MROSD will close the site during times of Red Flag Warnings to further reduce the chance of ignition due to visitor
usage.
Camp Host
Prior to opening the campsite to the public, a camp host will be selected from volunteers offering such services. The
campground hosts will provide a presence of authority in the campground, will be trained in initial attack of small
fires,and will have access to the landline dedicated 911 telephone,in addition to two-way radio communication for
emergencies.
Fire Detection Camera(s)
The Santa Clara County FireSafe Council has requested the County purchase several fire detection cameras to be
placed on Mount Umunhum. The cameras detect fires using infrared wave spectrum, and also allow the viewer to
see visual light waves. The camera can be aimed and zoomed remotely so that it can be operated by other offices in
the District, or by the emergency service dispatch center. Thus detection of illegal activities, including fire ignition,
can be facilitated and response hastened. If feasible, MROSD will install at least one of these cameras and establish
a monitoring and record-keeping system prior to opening the proposed campground. MROSD will also install
signage indicating that fire detection cameras are in use and that rule violators will be fined.
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Portions of the Mount Umunhum Environmental Restoration and Public Access Project 21
Statement of Findings
Adaptive Management Strategy for Campground
MROSD will prepare and implement an adaptive management strategy for the proposed campground prior to its
opening. This adaptive management strategy will be prepared in coordination with a qualified wildland fire
prevention expert and will establish a limit for the frequency of fire/smoking reports and detections. The frequency
limit will be conservative, and would be exceeded by anything more than a rare fire or smoking report/detection.
The adaptive management strategy will require that, if the established frequency limit is exceeded, the
campground will be closed, at least temporarily, until additional rule-enforcement mechanisms can be identified
and implemented. Permanent closure of the campground will be considered.
Implementation of the above mitigation measures would reduce potential wildland fires. This impact would
remain less-than-significant.
e. AIR QUALITY
Potentially Significant Effect:Impact 4.7-1,Generation of Construction Emissions of NOX and PMio.
Construction activities associated with the project would generate exhaust and evaporative emissions of ozone
precursors, Reactive Organic Gases(ROG)and Oxides of Nitrogen (NOX), Particulate Matter under 10 microns
(PM10)exhaust,and Particulate Matter under 2.5 microns(PM2.5)exhaust. Construction-generated emissions
of ROG, NOX, PM10 exhaust, and PM2.5 exhaust would not exceed Bay Area Air Quality Management District's
(BAAQMD's) respective quantitative thresholds.Therefore,construction-generated emissions of ROG and NOX,
PM10exhaust,and PM2.5 exhaust would not substantially contribute to emissions concentrations that exceed
the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)or California Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS)and
would not violate or contribute substantially to the San Francisco Bay Area Air Basin's (SFBAAB's) nonattainment
status with respect to ozone or particulate matter. However,emissions of fugitive PM10 dust(not exhaust,as
described above)emitted during demolition,excavation, earth movement, and other ground disturbance
activities would be substantial.Thus construct ion-related emissions
e ssio s of fugitive dust(PM10 and PM2.5)could
i
violate or contrib
ute substantial) to the SFBAABs nonattainm n with
e t status th respect to PM10 and PM2.5
Y p ,
expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations,and/or conflict with air quality planning
efforts.This would be a significant impact.
Finding
Changes or alterations have been required in,or incorporated into,the project by MROSD that mitigate or avoid
the significant effects on the environment related to construction emissions.
Facts in Support of Finding
The MROSD has adopted the following mitigation measure that will reduce the potential effects related to
construction emissions to less-than-significant levels:
Mitigation Measure 4.7-1
MROSD and all construction contractors shall implement the following basic control measures during construction,
per BAAQMD's Air Quality Guidelines.
Y All un-compacted exposed surfaces(e.g.,parking areas,staging areas,soil piles,graded areas,and
unpaved access roads)shall either be watered two times per day when average winds exceed 20 miles per
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
22 Portions of the Mount Umunhum Environmental Restoration and Public Access Project
Statement of Findings
hour(mph)or covered with a dust palliative(e.g., mulch,straw). If watered,watering shall be done at a
frequency adequate to maintain minimum soil moisture of 12%.Moisture content can be verified by lab
samples or moisture probe.
➢ All haul trucks transporting soil,sand,demolished building materials,or other loose material off-site shall
be covered.
➢ Erosion control seed mix shall be planted in disturbed areas where appropriate as soon as possible and
watered as needed for up to three years.
➢ During windy days,the simultaneous occurrence of excavation,grading,and ground-disturbing
construction activities on the same area at any one time shall be limited.Activities shall be phased to
reduce the amount of disturbed surfaces at any one time.
➢ All visible mud or dirt track-out onto adjacent public roads shall be removed using wet power vacuum
street sweepers at least once per day.The use of dry power sweeping is prohibited.
➢ All vehicle speeds on unpaved roads shall be limited to 15 mph.
➢ All roadways,driveways,and sidewalks that are planned as part of the project to be paved shall be
completed as soon as possible.Any building pads shall be laid as soon as possible after grading unless
seeding or soil binders are used.
➢ Idling times shall be minimized either by shutting equipment off when not in use or reducing the maximum
idling time to 5 minutes(as required by the California airborne toxics control measures(ATCM)Title 13,
Section 2485 of California Code of Regulations[CCR]).Clear signage about this requirement shall be
provided for construction workers and truck drivers at all access points.
➢ All construction equipment shall be maintained and properly tuned in accordance with manufacturer's
specifications.All equipment shall be checked by a certified mechanic and determined to be running in
proper condition prior to operation.
➢ Post a publicly visible sign with the telephone number and person to contact at the Lead Agency regarding
dust complaints. This person shall respond and take corrective action within 48 hours.BAAQMD's phone
number shall also be visible to ensure compliance with applicable regulations.
Implementation of these mitigation measures would reduce potential emissions impacts so they are below
BAAQMD thresholds. This would reduce this impact to a less-than-significant level.
Potentially Significant Effect:Impact 4.7-5,Exposure of Sensitive Receptor to Fugitive Dust Emissions
Containing Naturally Occurring Asbestos(NOA).
During construction-related earth movement activities,serpentine soils may be disturbed. Without appropriate
controls, nearby sensitive receptors could be exposed to localized high levels of re-entrained fugitive PM10 dust,
potentially including NCIA.As a result,this impact would be considered potentially significant.
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Portions of the Mount Umunhum Environmental Restoration and Public Access Project 23
Statement of Findings
Finding
Changes or alterations have been required in,or incorporated into,the project by MROSD that mitigate or avoid
the significant effects on the environment related to NOA.
Facts in Support of Finding
The MROSD has adopted the following mitigation measure that will reduce the potential effects related to NOA
to a less-than-significant level:
Mitigation Measure 4.7-5
Utilizing a qualified geologist,project-related construction and grading would be sited to avoid ultrama fic rock to
the maximum extent feasible.If construction or grading in ultramafic substrates would be unavoidable,MROSD
shall conduct an investigation to determine whether and where NOA is present.The site investigation shall include
the collection of soil and rock samples by a qualified geologist.if the site investigation determines that NOA is
present on the project site then MROSD shall comply with the requirements of BAAQMD's naturally occurring
asbestos program by submitting an Asbestos Dust Mitigation Application and any other applicable notification
forms to BAAQMD pursuant to BAAQMD's Air Toxic Control Measure(ATCM)Inspection Guidelines Policies and
Procedures.Completion of the Asbestos Dust Mitigation Application largely consists of the development of an
asbestos dust control plan, which specifies measures for preventing or minimizing the generation of NOA
containing dust associated with track-out onto paved public roads,active storage piles,inactive disturbed surfaces
and storage piles,traffic fic on un-paved surfaces and roads,earthmoving activities,off-site transport of materials,
and stabilization of disturbed soil surfaces post construction. In order to fulfill the requirements of Section 93105
of the California Health and Safety Code,"Asbestos Airborne Toxic Control Measure for Construction,Grading,
Quarrying,and Surface Mining Operations,"the asbestos dust control plan shall specify measures,such as periodic
watering to reduce airborne dust and ceasing construction during high winds,that shall be taken to ensure that no
visible dust crosses the property line.Measures in the Asbestos Dust Control Plan may include but shall not be
limited to dust control measures required by Mitigation Measure 4.7-1.MROSD shall submit the plan to BAAQMD
for review and approval before construction. Upon approval of the asbestos dust control plan by BAAQMD,the
MROSD shall ensure that construction contractors implement the terms of the plan throughout the construction
period.
Implementation of Mitigation Measure 4.7-5 would minimize the potential for area residents to be exposed to
airborne NOA dust,and this impact would be reduced to a less-than-significant level.
f. TRAFFIC AND CIRCULATION
Potentially Significant Effect,Impact 4.10-1,Construction Traffic.
Project construction activities would generate traffic associated with the delivery of materials and equipment to
the project site and construction worker trips. In addition,trucks would be a safety concern for bike riders along
these roads.Therefore,this impact would be considered potentially significant.
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24 Portions of the Mount Umunhum Environmental Restoration and Public Access Project
Statement of Findings
Finding
Changes or alterations have been required in,or incorporated into,the project by MROSD that mitigate or avoid
the significant effects on the environment related to construction traffic.
Facts in Support of Finding
The MROSD has adopted the following mitigation measure that will reduce construction traffic to a less-than-
significant level:
Mitigation Measure 4.lo-i—Construction Traffic
MROSD shall implement the following mitigation measures to improve roadway condition/operation during and
after construction. These measures would be required with or without removal of the radar tower.
➢ Provide necessary temporary improvements(e.g.pothole repairs)to Mt.Umunhum Road.
➢ Survey the demolition truck route between Mt.Umunhum Road and Almaden Expressway(or Camden
Avenue)before project initiation and after all work is completed.Provide repair as required to all road
segments with documented pavement degradation due to project trucks.
➢ Post signs along the narrower two-lane sections of construction haul routes informing bike riders as well
as local drivers of dates and times of potential truck traffic.
➢ Post signs of potential delay in advance of construction/excavation sites along Mt.Umunhum Road.
➢ Ensure communication links between truck drivers so they are aware when there will be uphill and
downhill truck traffic at the same time on Mt.Umunhum Road and/or Hicks Road.
Survey Mt. Umunhum Road on a weekly basis during all demolition off haul,excavated material haul and any fill
importation to determine whether pavement condition remains adequate in all locations along Mt.Umunhum
Road for safe truck traffic activity.If not,provide interim pavement repairs as needed.
Implementation of these mitigation measures would reduce potential safety impacts during construction
activities. This would reduce this impact to a less-than-significant level.
1.9 MITIGATION MONITORING PLAN
CEQA Section 21081.6 requires that when a public agency is making the findings required by Section 21081,the
public agency shall adopt a reporting or monitoring program for the changes made to the project or conditions
of project approval to mitigate or avoid significant effects on the environment.
Because mitigation measures have been adopted to mitigate or avoid significant environmental effects of the
project,a mitigation monitoring Plan has been prepared for the proposed project and is adopted along with
these findings.
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Portions of the Mount Umunhum Environmental Restoration and Public Access Project 25
ATTACHMENT 2 ASCENT
CNVIRONMENTAI
Mount Umunhum
Environmental Restoration
and Public Access Project
Mitigation Monitoring Plan for
Portions of the Project
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PREPARED FOR:
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
330 Distel Circle
Los Altos, CA 94022
Mount Umunhum
Environmental Restoration and Public Access Project
Mitigation Monitoring Plan for
Portions of the Project
(The radar tower treatment is not included in this approval.)
PREPARED FOR:
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
330 Distel Circle
Los Altos, CA 94022
CONTACT:
Meredith Manning
Senior Planner
Phone: 650.691.1200
Fax: 650.691.0485
mt.um@openspace.org
PREPARED BY:
Ascent Environmental, Inc.
455 Capitol Mall, Suite 210
Sacramento, CA 95814
www.ascentenvinc.com
CONTACT:
Gary Jakobs
Principal
916.444.7301
September 2012
1001004101.
I INTRODUCTION
1.1 MITIGATION MONITORING PLAN
In compliance with the State CEQA Guidelines§ 15097(a),when significant effects are identified in an EIR,the
Lead Agency is required to adopt a program for reporting or monitoring mitigation measures that were adopted
or made conditions of approval for the proposed project. This Mitigation Monitoring Plan (MMP) has been
developed for the construction and operation of project components,excluding all components proposed on
Mount Umunhum summit(such as potential demolition of the radar tower),of the Mount Umunhum
Environmental Restoration and Public Access Project, consistent with the requirements of§ 15097.The intent of
the MMP is to prescribe and enforce a means for properly and successfully implementing the mitigation
measures identified within the Environmental Impact Report for this project. Unless otherwise noted,the
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District(MROSD or District)shall be responsible for complying with and
funding all mitigation measures identified herein.
1.2 COMPLIANCE CHECKLIST
The intent of the MMP is to ensure the effective implementation and enforcement of adopted mitigation
measures and permit conditions.The MMP is intended to be used by District staff and mitigation monitoring
personnel to ensure compliance with mitigation measures during project implementation. Mitigation measures
identified in this MMP were developed in the Environmental Impact Report prepared for the proposed project,
as modified to address only the construction and operations of project components located outside the summit
of Mount Umunhum.The specific components include:
• Bald Mountain staging area
• trail to summit
• improvements to Mt. Umunhum Road
• parking areas
• visitor center
• interpretive features
• vault toilets
• dedicated 911 call box
• hang gliding facilities
• water tank
• horse troughs
• backpack camp
• other amenities including environmental restoration,trail from Ralph's Mountain to Mount Thayer,and
purple martin house construction (avian Species of Special Concern)
The MMP will provide for monitoring of construction activities as necessary and in-the-field identification and
resolution of environmental concerns.
Monitoring and documenting the implementation of mitigation measures will be coordinated by the MROSD.
The table attached to this report identifies the mitigation measure,the responsible agency for the monitoring
action,and timing of the monitoring action. MROSD will be responsible for fully understanding and effectively
implementing the mitigation measures contained within the MMP, and will be responsible for ensuring
compliance.
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Mitigation Monitoring Plan Ascent Environmental
During implementation of the "off-summit" project components, MROSD will assign an inspector who will be
responsible for field monitoring of mitigation measure compliance.The inspector,who could be one or more
employees of MROSD with appropriate knowledge,skills, and abilities to carry out inspections,will report to the
project manager identified for MROSD and will be thoroughly familiar with permit conditions and the MMP. In
addition,the inspector will be familiar with construction contract requirements,construction schedules,
standard construction practices,and mitigation techniques. In order to track the status of mitigation measure
implementation,field-monitoring activities will be documented on compliance monitoring report worksheets.
The time commitment of the inspector will vary depending on the intensity and location of project activities.
Aided by the attached table,the inspector will be responsible for the following activities:
On-site monitoring of implementation activities as frequently as needed to ensure compliance with the
adopted mitigation measures.
i Reviewing construction plans and equipment staging/access plans to ensure conformance with adopted
mitigation measures.
Ensuring contractor knowledge of and compliance with the MMP.
Verifying the accuracy and adequacy of contract wording.
Having the authority to require correction of activities that violate mitigation measures.The inspector shall
have the ability and authority to secure compliance with the MMP.
i Acting in the role of contact for property owners or any other affected persons who wish to register
observations of violations of project permit conditions or mitigation. Upon receiving any complaints,the
inspector shall immediately contact the construction representative.The inspector shall be responsible for
verifying any such observations and for developing any necessary corrective actions in consultation with the
construction contractor and MROSD.
Obtaining assistance as necessary from technical experts, as needed, in order to develop site-specific
procedures for implementing the mitigation measures.
Maintaining a log of all significant interactions,violations of permit conditions or mitigation measures,and
necessary corrective measures.
1.3 MITIGATION MONITORING PLAN
The following table indicates the mitigation measure number,the mitigation measure text,the monitoring
agency, implementation timing,and an area to record monitoring compliance.
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4.2-3 Protection of Undocumented Cultural Resources MROSD During Construction
During all ground-related construction activities(i.e.,grading,excavation,etc.)
on the project site,if cultural materials(e.g.,unusual amounts of shell,animal
bone,glass,ceramics,structure/building remains)are inadvertently
encountered,all work shall stop within 50 feet of the find until a qualified
archaeologist can assess the significance of the find.A reasonable effort will be
made by the District to avoid or minimize harm to the discovery until
significance is determined and an appropriate treatment can be identified and
implemented. Methods to protect finds include fencing and covering remains
with protective material such as culturally sterile soil or plywood. If vandalism
is a threat,24-hour security will be considered and evaluated based on threat
level,remoteness of site,materials found,significance of find,etc.Construction
operations outside 50-feet of the find can continue during the significance
evaluation period and while mitigation is being carried out;however,if the
archaeologist determines that the nature of the find may signify a high potential
for other finds in the area,the construction will be monitored by an
archaeologist within 100-feet of the find. If a discovered resource is identified
as significant and cannot be avoided,a qualified archaeologist will develop an
appropriate treatment plan to minimize or mitigate the adverse effects.The
District will not proceed with construction activities within 100-feet of the find
until the treatment plan has been reviewed and approved by the General
Manager.The treatment effort required to mitigate the inadvertent exposure of
significant cultural and/or historical resources will be guided by a research
design appropriate to the discovery and potential research data inherent in the
resource in association with suitable field techniques and analytical strategies.
The recovery effort will be detailed in a professional report in accordance with
current professional standards. Any non-grave associated artifacts will be
curated with an appropriate repository. Project construction documents shall
include a requirement that project personnel shall not collect cultural and/or
historical resources encountered during construction.This measure is
consistent with federal guideline 36 CFR 800.13(a)for invoking unanticipated
discoveries.
Prior to any trail construction,MROSD will hire a qualified archaeologist to
conduct a pre-construction survey of the proposed trail alignments.If any
potential archaeological resources are identified during the survey,and are
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found to be significant,the archaeologist shall recommend avoidance measures
to ensure that no impacts result from trail construction or trail operation.If the
found resource cannot be avoided,the archaeologist shall prepare a treatment
plan,as described above.
4.2-4 Protection of Presently Undocumented Human Remains. MROSD During Construction
In accordance with the California Health and Safety Code,if human remains are
uncovered during ground-disturbing activities,potentially damaging excavation
in the area of the burial will be halted and the Santa Clara County Coroner and a
professional archaeologist will be contacted to determine the nature and extent
of the remains.The MROSD Project Manager will also be notified immediately.
The coroner is required to examine all discoveries of human remains within 48
hours of receiving notice of a discovery on private or state lands(Health and
Safety Code,Section 7050.5[b]). If the coroner determines that the remains are
those of a Native American,he or she must contact the Native American
Heritage Commission(NAHC)by phone within 24 hours of making that
determination (Health and Safety Code,Section 7050[c]).
Following the coroner's findings,the State of California,project contractor,an
archaeologist,and the NAHC-designated Most Likely Descendant(MLD)will
determine the ultimate treatment and disposition of the remains and take
appropriate steps to ensure that additional human interments are not
disturbed.The responsibilities for acting upon notification of a discovery of
Native American human remains are identified in Section 5097.9 of the
California Public Resources Code.
The State of California will ensure that the immediate vicinity(according to
generally accepted cultural or archaeological standards and practices)is not
damaged or disturbed by further development activity until consultation with
the MLD has taken place.The MLD will have 48 hours to complete a site
inspection and make recommendations after being granted access to the site.A
range of possible treatments for the remains,including nondestructive removal
and analysis,preservation in place,relinquishment of the remains and
associated items to the descendants,or other culturally appropriate treatment
may be discussed.Assembly Bill (AB)2641 suggests that the concerned parties
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may extend discussions beyond the initial 48 hours to allow for the discovery of
additional remains.AB 2641(e)includes a list of site protection measures and
states that the landowner shall implement one or more of the following
measures:
record the site with the NAHC or the appropriate Information Center,
utilize an open-space or conservation zoning designation or easement,
and/or
record a document with the county in which the property is located.
The landowner or their authorized representative shall rebury the Native
American human remains and associated grave goods with appropriate dignity
on the property in a location not subject to further subsurface disturbance if the
NAHC is unable to identify a MLD,or if the MLD fails to make a
recommendation within 48 hours after being granted access to the site.The
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landowner or their authorized representative may also reinter the remains in a
location not subject to further disturbance if they reject the recommendation of
the MLD,and mediation by the NAHC fails to provide measures acceptable to
the landowner.
4.3-2(a) Conduct Special-status Plant Surveys,Implement Avoidance and Mitigation MROSD Before Construction
Measures,or Provide Compensatory Mitigation.
Known populations of Loma Prieta hoita and Mt.Hamilton fountain thistle shall
be protected during road improvements.As directed by a qualified biologist,
the populations shall be fenced before construction with high-visibility fencing
and an adequate buffer so that direct and indirect impacts would be minimized.
Construction personnel shall be instructed to keep project activities out of the
fenced areas. A qualified botanist shall periodically inspect the fencing to
ensure that the fence is intact and the impacts to the populations are being
avoided. Indirect impacts(i.e.,changes in hydrology)shall be minimized by
placing culverts away from any plant populations,if necessary.
MROSD shall utilize a qualified botanist to conduct protocol-level MROSD Before Construction
preconstruction special-status plant surveys for all potentially occurring species
within the project footprint that has not previously been surveyed(e.g.,trail
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connections,staging area expansion).Prior to ground-disturbance in potentially
suitable habitat,surveys shall be conducted during the appropriate blooming
period when they are most readily identifiable in accordance with Protocols for
Surveying and Evaluating Impacts to Special Status Native Plant Populations and
Natural Communities(DFG 2009).If no special-status plants are found during
focused surveys,the botanist shall document the findings in a letter report,and
no further mitigation shall be required.
If special-status plant populations are found in the project footprint,MROSD MROSD Before Construction
shall determine if the population can be avoided by adjusting the trail alignment
or project design. If the impact cannot be avoided,MROSD shall consult with
DFG and USFWS,as appropriate depending on species status,to determine the
appropriate measures to minimize direct and indirect impacts on any special-
status plant population that could occur as a result of project implementation.
Mitigation measures may include preserving and enhancing existing
populations,creation of off-site populations on project mitigation sites through
seed collection or transplantation,and/or restoring or creating suitable habitat
in sufficient quantities to achieve no net loss of occupied habitat or individuals.
4.3-2(b) Avoid and Minimize Impacts to Special-Status Amphibians and Reptiles MROSD During Construction
Although the impact to special-status amphibians or reptiles is expected to be
minimal due to a lack of suitable aquatic habitat along ridgelines and
headwaters of creeks,MROSD shall implement the following measures to
reduce impacts during construction of trail connections:
Construction of the trail across drainages and streams shall occur when the
drainages are dry,unless it is not feasible to do so,in which case the
following measures shall also be applied.
) Guidelines shall be implemented to protect water quality and prevent
erosion,as outlined in MROSD's Road and Trail Typical Design
Specifications(MROSD 2008).
) If water is present during construction,disturbance to pools and slow runs
with cobble-sized substrate shall be minimized.In particular,rocks shall not
be collected from in-water environments from late March to early
September to avoid disturbing frog egg masses,tadpoles,and turtle
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hatchlings.
4.3-2(c) Avoid and Minimize Impacts to Golden Eagle,White-tailed Kite,and Other MROSD During Construction
Nesting Birds
To minimize potential disturbance to nesting birds,project activities shall occur
during the non-breeding season (September 16-February 14),unless it is not
feasible to do so,in which case the following measures shall also be applied.
During trail construction,road improvements,and other activities,removal of MROSD During Construction
trees greater than 6 inches dbh shall be limited to the greatest degree possible.
If construction activity is scheduled to occur during the nesting season MROSD Prior to Approval of
(February 15 to September 15),MROSD shall utilize a qualified biologist to Grading/Improvement
conduct preconstruction surveys and to identify active nests on and within 500 Plans AND no fewer
feet of the project site that could be affected by project construction.The than 14 days and no
surveys shall be conducted no less than 14 days and no more than 30 days more than 30 days prior
before the beginning of construction in a particular area. If no nests are found, to construction
no further mitigation is required.
If active nests are found,impacts on nesting raptors and songbirds shall be MROSD Prior to and During
avoided by establishment of appropriate buffers around the nests. No project Construction
activity shall commence within the buffer area until a qualified biologist
confirms that any young have fledged or the nest is no longer active.A 500-foot
buffer around raptor nests and 50-foot buffer around songbird nests are
generally adequate to protect them from disturbance,but the size of the buffer
may be adjusted by a qualified biologist in consultation with DFG depending on
site specific conditions.For trail construction,use of non-power hand-tools may
be permitted within the buffer area if the behavior of the nesting birds would
not be altered as a result of the construction.Monitoring of the nest by a
qualified biologist during and after construction activities will be required if the
activity has potential to adversely affect the nest.
4.3-3 Mitigation Measure 4.3-3 Avoid and Minimize Impacts to Sensitive Natural MROSD Before Construction
Communities and Compensate for loss of Riparian and Wetland Habitats.
As a first priority,MROSD will seek to avoid wetlands impacts through trail
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realignment,bridging,and other avoidance measures.
Before any groundbreaking activity along the trail connections,MROSD shall
have a jurisdictional wetland delineation conducted by a qualified wetland
specialist in sensitive areas that cannot be avoided. The preliminary delineation
shall be submitted to USACE for verification.The wetlands may be subject to
DFG regulation under Section 1602 of the Fish and Game Code.No grading,fill,
or other ground disturbing activities shall occur until all required permits,
regulatory approvals,and permit conditions for effects on wetland habitats are
secured.
If the wetlands are determined to be subject to USACE jurisdiction,the project MROSD Before Construction
may qualify for use of Nationwide Permit 42 for construction of recreational
trails if certain criteria are met. For those wetlands that cannot be avoided,
MROSD shall commit to replace,restore,or enhance on a"no net loss"basis(in
accordance with USACE,RWQCB,and DFG)the acreage of all wetlands and
other waters of the U.S.that would be removed,lost,and/or degraded with
project implementation.Wetland habitat shall be restored,enhanced,and/or
replaced at an acreage and location and by methods agreeable to USACE,
RWQCB,and DFG,as appropriate,depending on agency jurisdiction,and as
determined during the permitting processes.
4.3-4 MROSD will take the following actions to educate hang glider pilots and other MROSD During Operation
visitors regarding the potential to disturb birds,especially nesting raptors and
vultures,and establish an incident reporting program:
Hang glider permits will include a brochure prepared by a qualified
ornithologist that describes agitated and defensive behavior of wildlife,
focusing mostly on soaring birds,such as raptors and vultures.The
permit will include a map that identifies protected air space that
restricts hang gliding within a minimum of 1,000 feet of a known nest.
Hang glider permits will include an agreement,to be signed by the
pilot,that the pilot shall:
— Respect local wildlife by maintaining appropriate distance and
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altitude(as safety permits)to minimize disturbance.
— Watch for active/occupied raptor or vulture nests and communal
roosts,and,if spotted,keep at least 1,000 feet clear.
— Avoid approaching soaring birds.(Note that if a bird peacefully
approaches a hang glider,this is not considered a disturbance.)
— Report to MROSD any bird observed behaving aggressively or
agitated as a result of the pilot's glider or any other glider.
— Immediately leave the area(as safety permits)after a bird has
exhibited aggressive or acutely agitated behavior.
MROSD will post signs at hang glider observation locations describing
aggressive or acutely agitated bird behavior,and encourage preserve
users to report any of these observations to the provided telephone
number.
MROSD will implement an adaptive management plan,prepared by a qualified
ornithologist,to monitor and mitigate observed agitation or potential
disturbance to birds.The adaptive management plan will include(at a
minimum)the following measures:
MROSD staff will immediately investigate and document any legitimate
reported incident of bird aggression or acute agitation in response to
presence of a hang glider.
MROSD staff will review these bird incident records continuously.If
incidents in a specific area exceed three per month,MROSD will either
reduce the number of hang gliding permits issued to 5 at one time with
no more than 2 hang gliders per launch site or restrict the use of the
affected area as a condition of the special use permit.(Note that if the
excess number of incidents occurs only during the raptor nesting
season,then the permit reduction may be limited only to March
through August and may resume to normal permitting levels after the
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nesting season.)
} If repeated incidents occur with a specific hang glider or group,MROSD
may revoke hang gliding privileges to those individuals.
If,after reducing the number of permits or restricting the use of specific areas
where the incidents have occurred,the bird incidents are not reduced below
three per month,MROSD will consider discontinuance of the issuance of hang
gliding permits at the project site.
4.4-1 a. Prior to earthmoving activities(e.g.,grading,excavation,construction), MROSD Prior to Earthmoving
MROSD will consult with Santa Clara County Department of Public Works for Activities
Municipal Regional Permit review and will also consult with the San
Francisco Bay Basin Regional Water Quality Control Board(RWQCB)to
acquire the appropriate regulatory approvals that may be required to obtain
Section 401 water quality certification,State Water Resources Control Board
(SWRCB)statewide National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)
stormwater permit for general construction activities,and any other
necessary site-specific waste discharge requirements. No grading or other
soil disturbance will occur until the appropriate regulatory approvals and
permits have been issued.
b. Prior to any earthmoving activities,as required under the NPDES stormwater MROSD Prior to Earthmoving
permit for general construction activity,MROSD will prepare and submit the Activities
appropriate Notice of Intent and prepare the SWPPP and other necessary
engineering plans and specifications for pollution prevention and control.
The SWPPP will identify and specify the use of erosion sediment control
BMPs,means of waste disposal,nonstormwater management controls,
permanent post-construction BMPs,and inspection and maintenance
responsibilities. The SWPPP will also specify the pollutants that are likely to
be used during construction and that could be present in stormwater
drainage and nonstormwater discharges.
c. Construction techniques will be identified that would reduce the potential MROSD Prior to and During
runoff,and the SWPPP will identify the erosion and sedimentation control Construction
measure to be implemented.BMPs designed to reduce erosion of exposed
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soil may include,but are not limited to:
) Use temporary mulching,seeding,or other suitable stabilization
measures to protect uncovered soils;
) Store materials and equipment to ensure that spills or leaks cannot enter
the storm drain system or surface water,
) Water exposed areas for dust control;
Minimize off-site sediment transport on vehicles using techniques such as
gravel driving surfaces to knock soil off tires at exit points;and
} Use barriers,such as perimeter silt fencing,to minimize the amount of
uncontrolled runoff that could enter drains or surface waters.
d. The SWPPP will also specify spill prevention and contingency measures, MROSD Prior to and During
identify types of materials used for equipment operation,and identify Construction
measures to prevent or clean up spills of hazardous materials used for
equipment operation.Emergency procedures for responding to spills will
also be identified.The SWPPP will identify personnel training requirements
and procedures that would be used to ensure that workers are aware of
permit requirements and proper installation and performance inspection
methods for BMPs specified in the SWPPP.The SWPPP will also identify the
appropriate personnel responsible for supervisory duties related to
implementation of the SWPPP. All construction contractors will be required
to retain a copy of the approved SWPPP on the construction site.
4.4-3 MROSD will implement appropriate design measures to adequately trap and MROSD During Construction
treat discharged pollutants in designated parking areas. These design measures
could include,but are not limited to structural and non-structural BMPs
including installation of oil and grit separators to capture potential
contaminates that are discharged in parking areas,establishment of vegetation
in drainages to achieve optimal balance of conveyance and water quality
protection;and installation of vegetation filter strips.
4.6-1 Following demolition of structures,but prior to any grading activity or public MROSD Following demolition
access within the former Almaden Air Force Station,MROSD will hire a qualified and prior to any grading
hazardous materials specialist to prepare a focused pesticide soil testing and and public access
remediation program.The soil testing program will be prepared according to
the recommendations in Northgate's Sampling and Analysis Report.Based on
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the focused soil testing program,the perimeters and depths of soils containing
contamination above residential ESLs shall be specifically defined.Once these
areas are defined,construction barriers or fencing shall be placed around the
areas prior to initiating construction within other areas of the project site.No
construction or public access may occur within the demarcated areas of
contamination until the following remediation occurs:The qualified hazardous
materials specialist will prepare a remediation plan for excavation and disposal
of contaminated soils.The goal of the remediation plan will be to remove all
soils containing chemical concentrations in excess of California human health
screening levels and render excavated soil suitable for disposal at an
appropriate landfill,unless the soils can be suitably treated on site,to below I
screening levels,in which case the soils can be disposed onsite.Soil removal
activity will be completed in accordance with state and local regulatory
requirements that provide specific targets for protection of human health.
4.6-5 MROSD will implement the following fire hazard minimization measures MROSD Before Construction
recommended by Wildland Resource Management:
Construction-Related Fire Risk Reduction
Prior to initiation of construction(including activities associated with mitigation
measures,such as vegetation clearing), MROSD's contractor will prepare a fire
prevention plan.This fire prevention plan will include such measures as a list of
tools to have on hand,proof of spark arrestors on all gas-powered engines,a
description of available communications,specifications for the supply of water
to have on hand,and descriptions of other actions that will reduce the risk of
ignition and immediate control of an incipient fire.This requirement should be
included in the contract with the District.
To minimize the risk of wildfire ignition,all motorized vehicles,including earth- MROSD Before and During
moving equipment,used during this project will be equipped with spark Construction
arresters,per California Public Resources Code 4442,and Health and Safety Code
13001 and 13005. Other motorized vehicles used on the project site will not be
parked where vegetation may come in contact with exhaust systems and
catalytic converters.
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Fuel Management and Fire-safe Restoration Design MROSD Before Construction and
During Operation
Prior to initiating construction of the proposed campground or other restoration
areas,MROSD will prepare a site-specific fuel management plan for the
campground area as part of the specific site planning and design that dictates
which species of trees/shrubs should be removed or pruned,and which plants
should be planted or maintained(i.e.,conifers may be replaced with hardwoods
to reduce the chance of torching and ember production and distribution).The
plan will include measures above and beyond MROSD's standard fuel
management plan,such as a strategically located visitor safety zone,which
includes fuel conditions appropriate for a safety zone(i.e.,large paved or
graveled area such as a parking lot).This area will need to be inspected at least
annually for compliance.The site-specific fuel management plan will apply to the
campground,the former AFS housing area,and the summit areas,where the
environmental restoration is proposed.
The fuel management plan will also identify indigenous plant materials and/or
seed mixes at staging areas or along trails.Indigenous plants are ideal due to
their low maintenance and drought and fire resistant characteristics.
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The vegetation palette for the proposed restoration will identify native species
that are shrubby or non-curing herbaceous cover(as opposed to grassy species),
with little ignition potential.Plantings will be irrigated at least twice during the
camping season to keep the moisture of the vegetation foliage high(keeping the
dead material wet is not effective);if plantings cannot be irrigated twice a year,
fuel volume will be reduced to meet the equivalent results in fire hazard.The
spacing and design of the vegetation is more critical than the species planted.
The restoration design will place plant species such that appropriate horizontal
spacing occurs between masses of shrubs and specimen trees and appropriate
vertical spacing will occur between tree branches,shrubs,and ground cover.This
will discourage the creation of"fuel ladders"—a continuous fuel path by which a
fire can climb from the ground to a shrub,to a tree,and ultimately produce and
distribute embers than can start new fires far away.
The restoration design will identify a palette of appropriate native plant species
that have a low fuel volume and high foliar moisture and do not have a tendency
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to produce and"hold"dead wood and which also have a proper growth form.
Factors that must be considered in rating the fire performance of plants include:
Total volume. The greater the volume of plant material(potential fuel)
present,the greater the fire hazard.
Moisture content. The moisture content of plants is an important
consideration;high levels of plant moisture can both lower fire risk and act
as a heat sink if a fire occurs,reducing its intensity and spread.
Amount and distribution of dead material. The amount of dead material in a
given plant influences the total amount of water in the overall plant;the
dead material is usually much drier than living tissue. Whereas dead
material rarely has a moisture content higher than 25%,live foliage moisture
content ranges from 60 to 80%for chaparral species in xeric conditions to a
high of 200 to 400%for succulent plants or plants under irrigation.
Size of leaves,twigs,and branches. Materials with large surface areas(such
as needles,twigs,or large flat leaves)dry more rapidly under fire conditions
than materials with lower surface ratios(such as branches and fleshy
leaves).
Geometry and arrangement of the plant(overall spatial distribution of the
biomass). The shape of a plant and the way in which the biomass is
distributed throughout the plant is important because this bulk density
affects the air flow and heat transfer through the plant. The arrangement of
material within the plant affects its fuel continuity and its tendency to
undergo preheating and promote fire spread.
Examples of plants that may be appropriate include(but are not limited to)
the following:coffeeberry,madrone,coast live oak,bay,ceanothus,and
toyon.Examples of species to remove include coyote brush,black sage,and
sagebrush.The fuel management plan will include a maintenance
component.The maintenance program will require annual removal of dead
material and maintenance of the vertical and horizontal spaces that create a
fire-safe design. Maintenance requirements are incorporated in the District
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
14 Portions of the Mount Umunhum Environmental Restoration and Public Access Project
i
Ascent Environmental Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan
Mitigation Monitoring Plan
jMonitoring
Measure Description Compliance Record
Measure No. Schedule
guidelines.
i
Signage,Education,and Closure MROSD Prior to Opening
Campsite
Prior to opening the proposed campsite to the public,MROSD will install a
signboard in a central and conspicuous location at the proposed campsite that
addresses fire safety,re-states MROSD rules including prohibition of open fires,
and identifies appropriate action and behavior during a wildfire.Specifically the
signboard will identify where to go,how to stay safe,and location of call-boxes.
Further,MROSD will send permitted campers additional information/training
including statement of rules and location of call boxes in case of emergency.
MROSD will close the site during times of Red Flag Warnings to further reduce the
chance of ignition due to visitor usage.
Camp Host MROSD Prior to Opening
Campsite
Prior to opening the campsite to the public,a camp host will be selected from
volunteers offering such services.The campground hosts will provide a presence
of authority in the campground,will be trained in initial attack of small fires,and
will have access to the landline dedicated 911 telephone,in addition to two-way
radio communication for emergencies.
Fire Detection Camera(s) MROSD Prior to Opening
Campsite
The Santa Clara County FireSafe Council has requested the County purchase
several fire detection cameras to be placed on Mount Umunhum.The cameras
detect fires using infrared wave spectrum,and also allow the viewer to see visual
light waves.The camera can be aimed and zoomed remotely so that it can be
operated by other offices in the District,or by the emergency service dispatch
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
Portions of the Mount Umunhum Environmental Restoration and Public Access Project 15
I�
Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan Ascent Environmental
Mitigation Monitoring Plan
Mitigation t Implementation
Measure No. Measure iSchedule Record
D.
center. Thus detection of illegal activities,including fire ignition,can be facilitated
and response hastened.If feasible,MROSD will install at least one of these
cameras and establish a monitoring and record-keeping system prior to opening
the proposed campground. MROSD will also install signage indicating that fire
detection cameras are in use and that rule violators will be fined.
Adaptive Management Strategy for Campground MROSD Prior to Opening
Campsite
MROSD will prepare and implement an adaptive management strategy for the
proposed campground prior to its opening.This adaptive management strategy
will be prepared in coordination with a qualified wildland fire prevention expert
and will establish a limit for the frequency of fire/smoking reports and detections.
The frequency limit will be conservative,and would be exceeded by anything
more than a rare fire or smoking report/detection.The adaptive management
strategy will require that,if the established frequency limit is exceeded,the
campground will be closed,at least temporarily,until additional rule-enforcement
mechanisms can be identified and implemented.Permanent closure of the
campground will be considered.
4.7-1 MROSD and all construction contractors shall implement the following basic MROSD During Construction
control measures during construction,per BAAQMD's Air Quality Guidelines:
) All un-compacted exposed surfaces(e.g.,parking areas,staging areas,soil
piles,graded areas,and unpaved access roads)shall either be watered two
times per day when average winds exceed 20 miles per hour(mph)or
covered with a dust palliative(e.g., mulch,straw). If watered,watering
shall be done at a frequency adequate to maintain minimum soil moisture
of 12%.Moisture content can be verified by lab samples or moisture probe.
) All haul trucks transporting soil,sand,demolished building materials,or
other loose material off-site shall be covered.
Erosion control seed mix shall be planted in disturbed areas where
appropriate as soon as possible and watered as needed for up to three
years.
During windy days,the simultaneous occurrence of excavation,grading,
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
16 Portions of the Mount Umunhum Environmental Restoration and Public Access Project
Ascent Environmental Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan
Mitigation Monitoring Plan
Monitoring
Mitigation1 1 ' "ency Implementati
Measure I. Measure Description Schedule
and ground-disturbing construction activities on the same area at any one
time shall be limited.Activities shall be phased to reduce the amount of
disturbed surfaces at any one time.
All visible mud or dirt track-out onto adjacent public roads shall be
removed using wet power vacuum street sweepers at least once per day.
The use of dry power sweeping is prohibited.
) All vehicle speeds on unpaved roads shall be limited to 15 mph.
All roadways,driveways,and sidewalks that are planned as part of the
project to be paved shall be completed as soon as possible.Any building
pads shall be laid as soon as possible after grading unless seeding or soil
binders are used.
) Idling times shall be minimized either by shutting equipment off when not
in use or reducing the maximum idling time to 5 minutes(as required by
the California airborne toxics control measures(ATCM)Title 13,Section
2485 of California Code of Regulations[CCR]).Clear signage about this
requirement shall be provided for construction workers and truck drivers at
all access points.
) All construction equipment shall be maintained and properly tuned in
accordance with manufacturer's specifications.All equipment shall be
checked by a certified mechanic and determined to be running in proper
condition prior to operation.
Post a publicly visible sign with the telephone number and person to
contact at the Lead Agency regarding dust complaints.This person shall i
respond and take corrective action within 48 hours. BAAQMD's phone
number shall also be visible to ensure compliance with applicable
regulations.
4.7-5 Utilizing a qualified geologist,project-related construction and grading would MROSD Prior to and during
be sited to avoid ultramafic rock to the maximum extent feasible.If Demolition
construction or grading in u►tramafic substrates would be unavoidable,MROSD
shall conduct an investigation to determine whether and where NOA is present.
The site investigation shall include the collection of soil and rock samples by a
qualified geologist.If the site investigation determines that NOA is present on
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
Portions of the Mount Umunhum Environmental Restoration and Public Access Project 17
Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan Ascent Environmental
Mitigation Monitoring Plan
Monitoring
Mitigation Measure Description MonitoringAgency Implementation Compliance Record
Measure No. Schedule (Name/Date)
the project site then MROSD shall comply with the requirements of BAAQMD's
naturally occurring asbestos program by submitting an Asbestos Dust Mitigation
Application and any other applicable notification forms to BAAQMD pursuant to
BAAQMD's Air Toxic Control Measure(ATCM)Inspection Guidelines Policies and
Procedures.Completion of the Asbestos Dust Mitigation Application largely
consists of the development of an asbestos dust control plan,which specifies
measures for preventing or minimizing the generation of NOA-containing dust
associated with track-out onto paved public roads,active storage piles,inactive
disturbed surfaces and storage piles,traffic on un-paved surfaces and roads,
earthmoving activities,off-site transport of materials,and stabilization of
disturbed soil surfaces post construction. In order to fulfill the requirements of
Section 93105 of the California Health and Safety Code,"Asbestos Airborne
Toxic Control Measure for Construction,Grading,Quarrying,and Surface Mining
Operations,"the asbestos dust control plan shall specify measures,such as
periodic watering to reduce airborne dust and ceasing construction during high
winds,that shall be taken to ensure that no visible dust crosses the property
line. Measures in the Asbestos Dust Control Plan may include but shall not be
limited to dust control measures required by Mitigation Measure 4.7-1.MROSD
shall submit the plan to BAAQMD for review and approval before construction.
Upon approval of the asbestos dust control plan by BAAQMD,the MROSD shall
ensure construction
su that co st uction contractors implement the terms of the plan
throughout the construction period.
4.10-1 MROSD shall implement the following mitigation measures to improve roadway MROSD Before,During,and
condition/operation during and after construction.These measures would be After Construction
required with or without removal of the radar tower.
) Improve and repave Mt. Umunhum Road to increase vehicle accessibility
after completion of demolition. In the interim,provide necessary
temporary improvements(e.g. pothole repairs).
) Survey the demolition and construction truck route between Mt.
Umunhum Road and Almaden Expressway(or Camden Avenue)before
project initiation and after all work is completed.Provide repair as required
to all road segments with documented pavement degradation due to
project trucks.
) Post signs along the narrower two-lane sections of construction haul routes
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
18 Portions of the Mount Umunhum Environmental Restoration and Public Access Project
Ascent Environmental Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan
Mitigation Monitoring Plan
Monitoring
Mitigation , . ,
RecordMeasure No. Measure Description Schedule Compliance
D.
informing bike riders as well as local drivers of dates and times of potential
truck traffic.
Post signs of potential delay in advance of construction/excavation sites
along Mt. Umunhum Road.
} Ensure communication links between truck drivers so they are aware when
there will be uphill and downhill truck traffic at the same time on Mt.
Umunhum Road and/or Hicks Road.
Survey Mt. Umunhum Road on a weekly basis during all demolition off haul,
excavated material haul and any fill importation to determine whether
pavement condition remains adequate in all locations along Mt.Umunhum
Road for safe truck traffic activity.If not,provide interim pavement repairs as
needed.
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
Portions of the Mount Umunhum Environmental Restoration and Public Access Project 19
ATTACHMENT 3
RESOLUTION NO. 12-XX
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
RESOLUTION APPROVING PORTIONS OF THE
MOUNT UMUNHUM ENVIRONMENTAL RESTORATION AND PUBLIC ACCESS
PROJECT
WHEREAS,the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District(MROSD or the District)
acquired the former Almaden Air Force Station and all remaining facilities at the site in 1986;
and
WHEREAS,the primary goal for the overall Mount Umunhum Environmental
Restoration and Public Access Project is to establish a fiscally and environmentally sustainable
visitor destination that aligns with the District's mission by balancing public access, enjoyment,
and education with environmental restoration; and
WHEREAS,the overall project includes several elements, including three options for a
radar tower, trails, and demolition of existing buildings on the site but not necessarily including
demolition of the radar tower; and
WHEREAS,on June 12, 2012, the District certified that an Environmental Impact
Report(EIR)was prepared for the proposed project, including all elements, and that the EIR was
completed in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act(CEQA); and
WHEREAS, a Mitigation Monitoring Plan has been prepared to address implementation
of all project components except for the three radar tower options and other project elements
located around its base near the summit of Mount Umunhum; and
WHEREAS, the Board has conducted multiple planning meetings, as well as a number
of hearings related to the project and the CEQA process, and has reviewed all project materials
including the EIR and its appendices, staff reports, and attachments; and
WHEREAS, the Board previously approved the demolition of all buildings on the
project site except the radar tower and certified the EIR; and
WHEREAS, the Board will hold a subsequent hearing to consider project components
proposed at the summit of Mount Umunhum, including the treatment of the radar tower.
BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Directors that implementation of all of the
remaining portions of the overall project, with the exception of the tower and summit amenities,
(which will be addressed separately) are hereby approved.
1 i
�. �a ".... Mt. El Sombroso
s
2999 ft. y.
1'^(' j
a I
Radar Tower and s rrd� i
a 4
Summit Area are
not included as part of
the project decision on
t
P J
t
the 9/19/2012
Public Hearing and will be 1
Mt.Thay No Public Access considered on 10/17/2012
3483 ft. Demolition and Patrol
Access Only W
c �a 'eade,, :`o
R°aa Bald Moun
Mt. Umu mnhu
a' /''�� 2387 ft _
s No Public Access j 3486 ft.
Lo
West of This Point + 3
i
e
1.4
r
_----1S__; -•,'-�_" �,�� Potential Staging
Area Location
< <L �.' Currently
closed to public
_� Ralph's beyond this point.
� Mountain
2716 ft.
U to
�O
a
Attachment 4: Map of Project Area and Elements Included in Project Approval
Midpeninsula Regional
Project Area Considered for Approval Existing Conditions Open Space District
Considered on 9/19/2012 Considered on10/17/2012
Project Site Mt. Umunhum Road Radar Tower and MROSD Preserves Private Road e September 2012
Summit Area Private Property Existing Trail •
Potential Proposed Trail Miles ,
Staging Area Connection O MROSD Gate O Private Property Gate 0 0.5
While the District strives to use the best available digital data,this data does not represent a legal survey and is merely a graphic illustration of geographic features.
ATTACHMENT 5
MOUNT ' •NMENTAL RESTORATION AND PUBLIC ACCESS PLAN
Plan_Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Concem
•' Elements Proposed for Approval Radar Tower or
September 19,2012
Restored Summit � Foundation
Elements Proposed for Approval Environmental Restoration/ Remediation or Demolition/
October 17,2012 ADA-accessible Paths/ h Interpretive Panels
Ceremonial Space/Seating ADAa d se De
Vehicle A—sible
Ramp ADA-accessible K, J
Parkug and ape
Drop-ff
` \ O sum,"t ADA- V et
' \PdDene\ viewpoint sta,nay essible
a {- \ \ Paths ��9 Toilet
Private Property Beyond This Point Public Access to Mount Thayer, /Turnaround
urnar1\ Lexington Basin and Woods Trail �� Toilet `\ /� T,anp� '90
\\ Not Yet seoored
is
T�•
Landing
Zone _ r -� ='� �0ey Picnic �� \ \
�'`r° Tables
Af1` \ \ Hitching Post/
^� J� \�Existing�T�
Picnic I Terryoi►ry/ f Mullf-y Tables
) Water Tank
ehi ~��, I ( Tables overflow ( ���nsil ' / Tables \✓ 1 Summit Court and Drop-off
ice y
Hitching Pos[ \ Parking i '�1 J�
l" r o n �1`�' f //� \ \ Seating/Bicycle Rack/Potential
Picnic Toile,\� �'-'� Interpretive Center y�
Tables �\ �o'° ! Viewpoint/
Ceremonial Space
ADA-a Mufti useTrail to
/ rtoss� \\ Bald Mountain
e^ \ Parkug Area
Former Housing Area
Environmental Restoration/
vlewpofm / Potential Backpack Camp with
/ ADA-accessible Sites/Picnic
Tables/Non-potable Water/
Dedicated 911 Call Box \ To Band Mountain
Pa,xing Area
Mount Umunhum
Yorwi¢,semaiw 3,486'
+ EN INb
{ .�/�// VYwedSub Cw ChcunroMps,e Yu,bw aYnp - '
•vI/r Rn1oM S,nxMAroe Comecb
AOA xq Swwce Sunni x,E SumY Cau, DrePoe p 9ummh CwM aa6r Tower aFaWe,en ADA�ce.r,tl.FeD Ceremo'�e 5cece 4
1111RR S -AW�wc ,,PneYp l SMug IBrycM Retlil bVrowpaM
Enwa.,..y v.,:w rYr.row wnu.,iro.raem.c.ar AOA.a...e. '
U-pMM YUNF,Ye TrMI ImerP'erMe Trel -
SeeOrp I inarpr.ew
uri.PMip Area.Y rnr SYefer^
E.n D'm
MountENVIRONMENTAL RESTORATION AND PUBLIC ACCESS PROJECT
ScheduleProject Phasing -.
� 2011 20121 14 1 20151 12018 2019 2020
PHASE 1 PHASE 2 PHASE 3 PHASE 4
TOTAL
PROJECT
CLEAN UP TRAILS and STAGING RADAR TOWER and SUMMIT AREA FULL PROJECT DEVELOPMENT COST
1 $13.1m
TOTAL $4.3 - 4.6m TOTAL $1 .3m TOTAL $2.0 - 2.3m TOTAL $2.0 - 2.5m $9.9m (Unsecured)
�- - ----- - - S3.2m (Secured)
PROJECT PLANNING, DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS, AND PERMITTING /
Remediation of
hazardous materials
Demolition of
existing structures $2.2- 2.5m
Trail connections from Bald Mountain $200k Mt. Umunhum Road
and Barlow Road to summit improvements
— $3.Om
Minimal restoration, amenities $500k (unscheduted)
and trails
Construct new staging area $600k
at Bald Mountain
Radar tower safety upgrade
or partial demolition $817k 1.1 m
Restoration, summit court,
accessible trails at radar tower area $1.2m
Interpretive features and
programming, multi-use trail, $2.0 - 2.5m
native vegetation restoration
Interpretive center',
Backpack camp"
Ongoing Costs to District Shown Below Line not included in costs
\ `r New administrative and field staff positions ($500k annually)
Site maintenance (unknown)
_ Road maintenance ($60k annually, unknown start, potentially funded by parking feel
ATTACHMENT 7
.,t, .=.,.h ,.ti.. :, t .:' .3 ,"i_; .,y n!,y,r ,+ .r, .r :"n. r.•r'.. "a a: ,,,.., ✓. w,: r ,,:�;F z�,6==s; <, ,r,t�� 'iu � r€ ,.M„`�,,..,�.:. � ,� ,s, � :�. t^r�?;- �i�: .,k� ... .; {ri,.�.�• r, ,x �,„„ �`t� C7�L�1� It1g,��+CIrOC„.-,
C.Asturias San Jose Open Air Preserve the story,restore the view Board Adopted District Policies
Mission of MSROD is open space preservation not historic renovation
George Clifford Los Altos Hills Restoration Board Adopted District Policies
Remember your mission statement!RESTORE
Steve Nestle San Jose Restoration Board Adopted District Policies
Plotter Paper Restoration Remember your mission statement"Restore" Board Adopted District Policies
Better option than keeping the cube because it wont block panoramic
views.But restoration to it natural state is the best option-best views and
Plotter Paper Open Air nature experience. Compatibility with open space character of the site
This option preserves the memory&honors the view that nature
Plotter Paper Open Air provided...a good compromise Compatibility with open space character of the site
Natural?!With driveways,signs,visitor center..."near"not.
Plotter Paper Restoration Compatibility with open space character of the site
Which plants or animals would suffer extinction or near demise if not
Plotter Paper Restoration restored? Compatibility with open space character of the site
20+years of history in contrast to 10,000+year of existence.With all due
respect to the building and their noble purposes and the people stationed
there,it should be restored as best as possible to"natural state"
Plotter Paper Restoration Compatibility with open space character of the site
Restoration is the best option-provides the best nature experience.The
cube looks hideous up close and blocks the wonderful panoramic views.
Plotter Paper Restoration Compatibility with open space character of the site
It's a great view and a wonderful site with the tower-after cleanup,it will
Plotter Paper Restoration still look natural.I agree with that guy/gal! Compatibility with open space character of the site
The cube has no aesthetic value and blocks the 360 degree views from
anywhere on the summit.Remove it to provide the best nature
experience.Most cost effective for tax payers to remove it.
Plotter Paper Retain and Seal Compatibility with open space character of the site
This ugly,concrete cube which is also a monument to the failed cold war to
stop communism need to be raised(razed?)e.g.communist China is more
James Urban ICampbell I Restoration jalive than?! lCompatibilty with open space character of the site
Restoraton natural but if you must open air as an alternative-no camping!
Cathy Helgersen Cupertino Restoration lCompatibilty with open space character of the site
It has to go
Steve Nestle San Jose Restoration Compatibilty with open space character of the site
as above(marked Restoration as#1,Open Air as compromise,drew line
Roger Little San Jose Restoration through Retain and Seal) Compatibilty with open space character of the site
I am in favor of the restoration option for the best nature experience and
unobstructed 360 views.Please consider this when evaluatin ghe comment
from those in favor of retaining the tower-most of them have never seen
it in person up close so they can't know how its presence will negatively
impact the nature-i.e.,OPEN SPACE-experience.If they could know how
it looks up clase they may not be in favor of keeping it.Viewing it from the
valley is not obtrusive-standing next to it would be.Please consider the
restoration option seriously.As 2nd best option-the open air option.
Lori Logan San Jose Restoration Compatibilty with open space character of the site
Worst option-agree with S1 mercury-Doesn't really reflect history-
Plotter Paper Open Air Would you show half of an Ohlone lodge? Historic Value
This is no compromise.Half a building demolished by man has no
Plotter Paper Open Air historical,aesthetic or any other value-All or nothing! Historic Value
Plotter Paper Open Air Great....kill a historic landmark,and leave its corpse. Historic Value
Gary Ston Los Altos Restoration Honor Ohlone Indians and restore back to natural beauty! Historic Value
The tower is an eyesore!There is not sufficient historical significance to
justify the expense of retaining it. (Open Air-would accept as a
Alicia L Barela Los Gatos Restoration compromise.) Historic Value
I don't see the historical significance see efforts there were deemed a
Isabel S.Gloege Saratoga Restoration failure. Historic Value
My brother-in-law was commander there in the late 1460's-Keep the
Plotter Paper Restoration tower-historical Historic Value
This mountain needs to stay as it is with"the cube"Part of our history-
I've been here 68 years-Keep it and preserve it-"visitors center,
Plotter Paper Restoration museum" Historic Value
This option loses the unique Mt.Um history.Looks like every other
Plotter Paper Restoration mountain peak in the area Historic Value
This is way too important part of our history to destroy.
Bob Dougert Campbell Retain and Seal Historic Value
Please do not remove the tower.Make it easily accessible-educational
Mahesh Gurikar Campbell Retain and Seal value-Cold War was real. Historic Value
When an icon of history that is so visible to all is on its original site-save it
Laura Moore Campbell Retain and Seal great opportunity to acknowledge our Cold War history. Historic Value
Retain and provide interpretive info.about history of site along with
Ron Schro Tenbroer Cupertino Retain and Seal historic photos. Historic Value
Annonymous Los Altos Retain and Seal Keep it!Definitely has historical value. Historic Value
Cultural history is important here! Retaining this impressive landmark will
John Seyforth Los Altos Retain and Seal help attract more visitors. Increased usage of our open space! Historic Value
Like the Nike Museum or Computer History Museum,keep this bit our
Charles Myers Los Gatos Retain and Seal history. Historic Value
Please retain the radar tower for its rich history and iconic presence.SAVE
John Pfister Los Gatos Retain and Seal THE TOWER! Historic Value
(Bonus)While keeping the historic landmark monumnet tower intact,
install&put a flag pole on the very top of the tower where the American
flag can be seen from the different highways,freeways,roads htat have a
direct seen view eye sight coming from down below the valley(s).This
tower is a great sight structure building with a flag&pole included to see
on that mountain?to Fremong Mission Peaks which has an American Fig
&pole on top installed on the peak mountain
Steven C.Clarke Los Gatos Retain and Seal Historic Value
It should be preserved for all vets who served their country.God Bless the
Robert Watts Morgan Hill Retain and Seal U.S.A. Historic Value
It should be preserved as a monument for the Veterans that served&
Sherrie Watts Morgan Hill Retain and Seal protected Historic Value
The tower is part of our country's history.We do not have so much history
we can throw it away.If we preserve the tower for our descendents I'm
Paul Gozis Mountain View Retain and Seal sure they will be glad we did. Historic Value
New Almaden lRetain and Seal ISave History Save the cube I Historic Value
I
i
I
It is a landmark and beacon which can be seen from as far away as
Monterey.It adds tremendous value to the visitor experience of the site
and adds value as an interpretive site,much better than simply an
interpretive panel explaining what was.For example,seeing a 300 year old
oak tree has a much more powerful impact than seeing a picture of what
Annonymous Retain and Seal the tree looked like. Historic Value
Raised in Bay area-this is a landmark on Mt Umunhum-its always been
there-like the Golden Gate Bridge or Hangar at Moffett Field
Marcia Bishop Palo Alto Retain and Seal Historic Value
Anthony J.2erbo San Jose Retain and Seal Keep the tower as a tribute to Cold War Veterans in all 3 services Historic Value
Regional landmark,icon,historical monument of national significance.
Ronald Horii San Jose Retain and Seal Deserves to be preserved,can partner for cost. Historic Value
San Jose Retain and Seal Keep the tower,it is a part of history! Historic Value
George Ewers San Jose Retain and Seal Historical landmark;stationed at Mt.Um in 1970. Historic Value
Historical.Part of Silicon Valley Santa Clara Co.technology development
military significant historically.Some many folks moved to California
because of War through Cold War issues defense.It would be great if the
tower could serve as an educational center for 20th changes to the valley
that came about from defense(war)/(!.e.tech)development technology
cost/expenses.It would be great if it could serve all a memorial to the
valley's service men&women.It could be unique in that sense&beautiful
setting,too.
Mary Hines San Jose Retain and Seal Historic Value
Veterans already understand the significants of keeping the tower.For
others it is a reminder of what our dedicated military,and their families,
Charles A.Berls Jr. San Jose Retain and Seal sacrificed for our freedoms. Historic Value
The tower was a wonderful sentinel&landmark when we 1st moved to S1-
Almaden Valley 28 yrs.ago and it still is,Our children grew up with it's
Rosemaries Flowers San Jose Retain and Seal history. Historic Value
The tower can be seen by most in this valley and serves as an historic
landmark.The history of the cold war is part of the Tower&an excellent
Gayle Frank San Jose Retain and Seal reminder&educational tool. Historic Value
I
I have grown up in view of Mt.Um.And have always wanted to go up
there(legally).1 teach at a school at the base(sort of).We can see it...I
teach it...It's a landmark.Please Retain and Seal.I'll help fund raise!
Eileen Sargent San Jose Retain and Seal Historic Value
Knocking down the tower would be like knocking down the Eiffel Tower-
Chris Tann San Jose Retain and Seal PTO- Historic Value
Landmark,historical,protecting the new Silicon Valley from WWIII
San Jose Retain and Seal Historic Value
This is a unique landmark in the Bay Area and has been part of our sense of
place for half a century.When I moved here as a child,it was the first
landmark I learned to recognize,and it also still reminds me of where
we've come from as a nation in the cold war.Pictures really can't convey
the magnitude of our efforts to protect ourselves.I mentioned this
meeting to my parents(Cupertino residents).All of us are life long hikers
and nature lovers,donators to and supporters of environmental
organizations.They expressed surprise and a bit of dismay that the
question would even arise about removing it-seems so obvious to keep
it.We have lots of other mountaintops with nothing on them,but no
others with the Mount Um Radar Tower and all the memories,both
personal and cultural,that it holds.It would be a crime for this to be taken
down at all.
Ellen Finch San Jose Retain and Seal Historic Value
Annonymous San Jose Retain and Seal This is a historical site.We love being able to see it from the valley floor. Historic Value
Keep as landmark;as honoring people who served there;as monument to
Alan Noyes San Jose Retain and Seal the folly of war. Historic Value
Restoration is not real restoration:"Open Air"fails to restore the site or
preserve history.Cost is a problem,but protecting what's left of this old
Craig Puvada San Jose Retain and Seal fort is important! Historic Value
Annonymous San Jose Retain and Seal Need to retain the history of this site. Historic Value
Monica Toole San Jose 1 Retain and Seal lSave our history.Save the tower. I Historic Value
If not for the tower,it's possible we might not have a view to enjoy.
Dramatic?Yes,but maybe true.We have to save this so that its historical
Annonymous San Jose Retain and Seal importance may be retained and celebrated.Don't forget the Cold War! Historic Value
Ellenetta Longworth San Jose Retain and Seal We must save the tower as an historical landmark! Historic Value
Hella Bluhm-Stieber San Jose Retain and Seal I use it as a landmark for orientation. It is also part of the history. Historic Value
Tower is historic landmark for those of us who have lived under its shadow
Bobbi Lotman San Jose Retain and Seal for many years.Signals to me I'm nearby home.Thank you. Historic Value
This tower is important to me because it marks Umunhum apart from the
Ashlyn San Jose Retain and Seal other mountains and it is a memorable display of history of our area. Historic Value
Jack C.Furlow.ECV 1850 Please save this important structure.It represents an impressive and
NGH San Jose Retain and Seal significant part of our valley's history. Historic Value
San Jose(Almaden This is a local landmark that should be kept for future generations.
Mzhrdaud Mib-Ahd Valley) Retain and Seal Historic Value
Preserving the tower is the right thing.It's a part of our local history,like
Craig Spink San Jose/Almaden Retain and Seal the Moffett hangar.Why should we just erase it? Historic Value
Bob Wallach Saratoga Retain and Seal Retain as a monument to our unwarranted fears and stupidity Historic Value
Saratoga Retain and Seal Please save our Historical past for future generations. Historic Value
Please save the Tower-it's a mountain top rich in history and beauty.With
murals on the tower sides and museum facts it will be educational to
newcomres to San Jose,and those of us natives who love it!
Suzanne Gaumont So.San Jose Retain and Seal Historic Value
The tower is a momument;a memorial.To dismantle it,would be akin to
curring up an American flag,because its size obscures your views!
Sunnyvale Retain and Seal Historic Value
The Umunhum tower is an important reminder of a critical period in
Harry Pottol Sunnyvale Retain and Seal American History. Historic Value
The retained tower provides historical context as well as a park focus
which potentially would increase community and visitor participation
Ed Hennum Sunnyvale Retain and Seal Historic Value
Retain the whole tower in its original form-it's a historical landmark-also,
can distinguish Mt Um from the highway To seal it makes it huge&ugly
(crossed out word Seal in Retain and Seal category)
Kay Weaver Sunnyvale Retain and Seal Historic Value
History tells the story;iconic structure for those who grew up in the Bay
Annonymous Sunnyvale Retain and Seal Area;honors our military. Historic Value
Keep it: I use the tower an orientation point.It is also of important
historical significance My son would love to see a climbing wall on side of
Plotter Paper Retain and Seal the tower. Historic Value
Keep it whole:it is a memorial,commemoration the time with the air force
watched the skies to protect us.They still do,with different technology.
We must remember their service,the past,and protect our future.
Plotter Paper Retain and Seal Historic Value
Please don't erase a portion of our local history.The men and families
worked&lived with pride up there.Don't take away a focal point of the
Plotter Paper Retain and Seal South Bay! Historic Value
Keep the tower.It's a distinctive focal point and an historical feature.
History should be preserved,especially here where there are few pieces of
Plotter Paper Retain and Seal history in evidence. Historic Value
This is the best option,maintaining this structure gives the community a
piece of history that would be lost if it is torn down.Please keep the tower
Plotter Paper Retain and Seal standing. Historic Value
Plotter Paper Retain and Seal For all the veterans-save the tower Historic Value
Please retain the tower-it is a landmark-part of history:should become a
Plotter Paper Retain and Seal historic monument. Historic Value
Future generations may find a Cold War structure with such a rich history
far more interesting and valuable than some of us who've lived with the
"eyesore"on the hill.Let's give them the opportunity to appreciate it,even
if some of us don't(now).When a child asks,"Mom,what's that?"Let the
answer be"Let's go see-and learn"
Plotter Paper lRetain and Seal I lHistoric Value
Plotter Paper lRetain and Seal I Keep it-An important part of silicon valley history. Historic Value
Hey,why not seal up Alcatraz,or the California Missions too?This feels a
lot like a modern Presidential election-we're given a few bad options and
told that we have a"choice".Sure it would be cheaper and more expedient
to seal it up.But at what cost to its historical value?
Plotter Paper Retain and Seal Historic Value
Plotter Paper Retain and Seal No need to tear down history.Keep the building. Historic Value
Please save the radar tower-there is too much significant history there.
We can not forget why the air Station/Tower was there-it was a silent
Plotter Paper Retain and Seal blanket of security for many years. Historic Value
Veterans understand the significance of what the radar tower means.Non-
veterans will be reminded that it is a symbol of what veterans have
Plotter Paper Retain and Seal sacrifices to preserve their freedoms. Historic Value
Joanne Chappell Campbell Retain and Seal Please accept the private$offer(if indeed it is true) Partnership Opportunities/Cooperation
Keep the tower-and let people go to the top to take photographs and
have a great view.And it will be a great tourist attraction.Maybe we could
have elevator going up the side(like hotels).Maybe we could have a
restaurant on the bottom floor.Or maybe tear the tower down except for
the bottom and rebuild it in the same cube form and dementions but put
in rooms&windows.License store&restaurants&rooms.But have
Royal Oaks displays on the tower&the nature in the area.
Norman I.Abe (Watsonville) Retain and Seal Partnership Opportunities/Cooperation
Keep it-use it to augment the open space uses,celebrate it's history&
that of the area,Indians,etc.Preserve until a partner program can be
Plotter Paper Retain and Seal developed to fund rehab&operation Partnership Opportunities/Cooperation
163 signatures on that petition are people who live in the district Potential Financial Cost including liability and
Diane Siemens Los Gatos Open Air (assuming blanks don't)the rest aren't paying for this. management
Retain only if the tower is safe(from quakes),easy to maintain and graffiti
proof.I prefer a balanced approach.Mt Um is not only a military Potential Financial Cost including liability and
San Jose Open Air monument. management
Keep expense to the minimum and maintenance to a minimum long team! Potential Financial Cost including liability and
Robert D.Frost Palo Alto Restoration management
(in response)but leaving it up will generate vandalism,and access to top
will generate suicide attempts,as at the golden gate bridge,sad to say. Potential Financial Cost including liability and
Plotter Paper Retain and Seal management
At least this option provides space for educational purposes.This could
become a fine destination for field trips&classes @ cold war&Ohlone
Plotter Paper Open Air people Proposed and potential uses
I live in Monterey Co.every time I come to San Joes,I look for the tower-
every time.I think it would be a great tourist attraction if people and
photographers and tourists can go to the top of the tower
Plotter Paper Open Air Proposed and potential uses
I have lived here all my life-nearly 70 years-I look at it everyday.The
tower needs to stay on the mountain!Think of visitors center-viewing
Plotter Paper Open Air floor(5th)history museum. Proposed and potential uses
Plotter Paper Open Air I like it best.How about a tall lighted flag! Proposed and potential uses
Marked two options: Restoration and Open Air 2nd choice,Restoration.
This way the area will be actually usable,and cost less.Also,please
prioritize 1st Nation's wishes&native habitat restoration.Using an arrow
to point at Retain and Seal drawing wrote Expensive,ugly block of
Los Gatos Other concrete. Proposed and potential uses
Campground should be accessible to those of us who can't walk very far
Plotter Paper Other (re)car.Camps Proposed and potential uses
Visible from my house.If there is not public access to the tower it should
Michael Boyll Cupertino Restoration go Proposed and potential uses
Yes,we need to restore Mt.Um to its natural state for us to enjoy-no
more concrete"monuments"to a failed"cold war"to stop communism,
Plotter Paper Restoration EG communist China,Vietnam,etc. Proposed and potential uses
A speaker just mentioned a fourth option.Construct a four wall safe replica
if needed.Please consider lighting the structure on top at night!A clear
lighted 8 story structure would allow a compromise.(Thanks after We
Alan Carwile Los Gatos Retain and Seal Want Your Input!) Proposed and potential uses
Needs a restaurant on top and a youth hostel inside-only for those who
Karl Allmendinger Milpitas Retain and Seal hike up from the valley Proposed and potential uses
Michael Wright San Jose Retain and Seal Turn the tower into a visitor center/observation tower. Proposed and potential uses
It would be preferable to not only retain and preserve the tower,but also
to open it up and host a museum within. An oberservation platform on
Jason Ferguson San Jose Retain and Seal top would be nice. Proposed and potential uses
I
i
Keep as visitor center/viewing platform so can see valley even when
Larry Ames San Jose Retain and Seal nearby trees grow taller. Proposed and potential uses
Keep the tower,clean up the inside and open the tower for the public as a
San Jose Retain and Seal visitor book/gift shop. Proposed and potential uses
This mountain-"Mt.Um"-is distinctive and familiar because of the tower.
We do not need to tear down history.This tower would make a superb
museum and visitors center.A lot of people would support this idea and
Kristine Ferguson San Jose Retain and Seal volunteer to make it happen. Proposed and potential uses
Ken Hazen San Jose Retain and Seal Museum? Proposed and potential uses
Preserve and restore the ground floor interior for a museum showing the
Sharon Sweeney San Jose Retain and Seal mountain's history and as an activity center. Proposed and potential uses
San Jose(Fox Redwood Would like the tower utilized in some way other than as a monument!
Estates resident for 28
Richard Ouellette yrs) Retain and Seal Proposed and potential uses
Put a hummingbird on top.Consider running a podcar automated
Bryan Williams Sunnyvale Retain and Seal guideway instead of a road.Solves parking,generates revenue. Proposed and potential uses
If the tower is kept,please consider public access to top!Open Air-NO-
Chuck Fry Sunnyvale Retain and Seal All or nothing! Proposed and potential uses
Save the tower!Instead of sealing it,clean-up the hazmat&open the
tower to the public as a visitor center with books and brochures on the
Plotter Paper Retain and Seal radar tower. Proposed and potential uses
Keep the tower-but make use of it too-let people,tourists,
photographers,geologists,students,etc,go to the top.Put restaurants,
hotels,meeting rooms on the inside(exhibit the radar history,native
Plotter Paper Retain and Seal American history,natural history,etc.) Proposed and potential uses
Plotter Paper Retain and Seal Save it! Proposed and potential uses
If you keep it:decorate the building with Christmas lights for the holiday
Plotter Paper Retain and Seal season.It was visible with binoculars! Proposed and potential uses
Plotter Paper Retain and Seal If the tower is retained,please build public access to the top! Proposed and potential uses
Plotter Paper Retain and Seal Why must the tower be sealed?Could it become a museum? Proposed and potential uses
Worst of both worlds!A phony"ruin"-fake history without restoration
Plotter Paper Open Air I I Public sentiment and input
Plotter Paper 10pen Air Yes!Very good tax payer.Do not want cube.Rad too jPublic sentiment and input
Agree w/top comment-worst of both worlds.Keep the whole tower or
Plotter Paper Open Air level it! Public sentiment and input
Plotter Paper Open Air What are you thinking-It's ugly Public sentiment and input
Plotter Paper Open Air Agree,waste of$.Keep the building whole! Public sentiment and input
Plotter Paper Open Air Not a good option.Waste of money.Fake experience. Public sentiment and input
Plotter Paper Open Air Keep the whole tower or level it. Public sentiment and input
Plotter Paper Open Air Terrible idea. Public sentiment and input
This is the lamest possible idea that I can imagine.Short sighted,narrow
Plotter Paper Open Air vision 100%-keep the historical tower intact! Public sentiment and input
Plotter Paper Open Air Poop or get off the pot!Halfway is not a good option Public sentiment and input
Plotter Paper Open Air Not the way to go.Bad Compromise. Public sentiment and input
No visibility from the valley.This option misses opportunity to attract
Plotter Paper Open Air wider visitor base. Public sentiment and input
I'd rather have the whole Parthenon-the whole coliseum-not that it's in
Plotter Paper Open Air the same league-but this looks like a purposeful ruin Public sentiment and input
Marked two options: Restoration and Retain and Seal Either would be
Julie Barney Palo Alto Other acceptable-but not the"open air"option Public sentiment and input
Plotter Paper Other Mount Um needs to be restored to its natural state. Public sentiment and input
Preference is for restoration.It does no honor to"partially restore"an
already partially deconstructed building:partial honor.
George Castro San Jose Restoration Public sentiment and input
If tower is retained we would like it understood that it will not be replaced
Val Lopez Galt Restoration once it deteriorates to point that it must be taken down Public sentiment and input
The priest who married my husband and me was the chaplain at Mt.
Plotter Paper Restoration Umunhum.Keep the cube! Public sentiment and input
Plotter Paper Restoration Been there all my life.Keep it! Public sentiment and input
Daniel A.Padilla Campbell Retain and Seal Retired at 682 R Sq on return from Vietnam. Public sentiment and input
Sanyasi Naidu Tekkali Cupertino Retain and Seal Good for people. Public sentiment and input
Chuck Jeronimo Livermore Retain and Seal USAF Vet-served there 1959-1960 Public sentiment and input
Ben Lardler Los Gatos Retain and Seal The tower is a part of who we are in Santa Clara County. Public sentiment and input
James F.Finkle Los Gatos Retain and Seal My grandson wants very much to save the tower,as do my wife and I. Public sentiment and input
Please save the Tower-we will always know where the park and Mt
Umunhum are.You wouldn't take the observatory off Mt.Hamilton.
Johnny L.Reed Milpitas Retain and Seal Public sentiment and input
Mike Boullard New Almaden Retain and Seal Save the tower! Public sentiment and input
2nd Choice: Open Air/The tower has many long-term possibilities to
Annonymous Retain and Seal support and expand the value of the site. Preserve until then! Public sentiment and input
Without the cube,it won't be long until no one will know which mountain
Pat Herd San lose Retain and Seal is Mount Umunhum Public sentiment and input
Please consider the overwhelming public opinion and desire to keep the
Jeff Gordon San Jose Retain and Seal tower Public sentiment and input
I've been looking at this landmark for almost 40 years and look forward
John Tolvanen San Jose Retain and Seal hiking around it for the next 40 years. Public sentiment and input
Given the overwhelming number of those interested who want to keep the
Heather Dixon San Jose Retain and Seal tower,whyis it still in doubt?? Public sentiment and input
Marcus San Jose Retain and Seal Keep the tower Public sentiment and input
I look out at the tower from my sliding glass door.Please make sure it
Mary Ann Holly San Jose Retain and Seal stays there. Public sentiment and input
Raymond A.Holly San Jose Retain and Seal Keep the tower!We have a great view from our home. Public sentiment and input
Great presentations and options.Thank you MROSD for all of efforts to
Annonymous San Jose Retain and Seal include the public in your decision about such a special place. Public sentiment and input
This is a part,a unique aspect of the San Jose skyline!It should not fall to
Ric Bretschneider San Jose Retain and Seal scorched earth revisionists. Public sentiment and input
Annonymous San Jose Retain and Seal Thank you! Public sentiment and input
Jim Bangsund San Jose Retain and Seal Will send comments by e-mail Public sentiment and input
R.K. San lose Retain and Seal Don't rush to destroy a life long landmark. Public sentiment and input
Kelly Frazer San Jose Retain and Seal Save the building! Public sentiment and input
Allan J.MacLaren San Jose Retain and Seal It is an icon of the valley. Public sentiment and input
Bruce Frazeu San Jose Retain and Seal Keep it! Public sentiment and input
I can see Mount Umunhum from my front window.This is my home and I
Grace Wright San Jose Retain and Seal want to contiue to see the tower. Public sentiment and input
Please,please,please retain and seal Mt.Umunhum.I looked up to the
Roberta Yamagami I San lose lRetain and Seal Iraclar tower daily for the past 40 years. jPublic sentiment and input
i
Jeff Wooldridge San Jose Retain and Seal Save Mt.Um Public sentiment and input
Patricia Adams San Jose Retain and Seal Please keep the cube! Public sentiment and input
Steve Wooldridge San Jose Retain and Seal Save the cube!! Public sentiment and input
The box is the reason most people go up Mt.Um.If you remove it or
Henry Cunningham San Jose Retain and Seal reduce it,you'll be making a mistake. Public sentiment and input
Greg Smith San Jose Retain and Seal Glad to help work on the trails. Public sentiment and input
Jared Hazen San Jose Retain and Seal Just it's cool!! Public sentiment and input
Tony Stieber San Jose Retain and Seal Will send via web Public sentiment and input
San Jose-Almaden Save&Open
Gay Hazen Valley Retain and Seal Public sentiment and input
I do not have a military affiliation,but I do think preservation of the tower
Annonymous Saratoga Retain and Seal is the best option. Public sentiment and input
Annonymous Saratoga Retain and Seal Please keep the landmark Public sentiment and input
Saratoga Retain and Seal Keep the cube! Public sentiment and input
#1 Need better fire protection plan for park#2 Where will hanggliders
Jerry Hess Stockton Retain and Seal land?Who will rescue them#3 Improve the road Public sentiment and input
William Likens Sunnyvale Retain and Seal It's our castle.Important to all who can see it. Public sentiment and input
The workshop and speakers have changed my vote from"Open Air"to
"Retain and Seal."Ohlone Culture a plus.PEACEFUL iconic landmark to
Helen Sheahan West San Jose Retain and Seal Silicon Valley a focal point. Public sentiment and input
keep the whole tower it is a beacon&icon-when you see it coming from
Monterey you know your home.Think of it like a lighthouse.
Plotter Paper Retain and Seal Public sentiment and input
Keep the tower-if you keep it people will come just to see what it is,and
Plotter Paper Retain and Seal also to enjoy-without-people wont know where to go. Public sentiment and input
Plotter Paper Retain and Seal Tearing it down would be vandalism! Public sentiment and input
(in response)Well,I guess we'd better shut the bridge down,right.That
Plotter Paper Retain and Seal does not solve the cause of suicide attempts! Public sentiment and input
Plotter Paper Retain and Seal Keep the whole tower-an important landmark/beacon Public sentiment and input
There are not too many young people at this meeting but on behalf of all
those in Almaden Valley and Silicon valley as a whole,the building is
something we always look up to and always expect it to be there.Even if
not open to public,it would serve its purpose.
Plotter Paper I lRetain and Seal I I Public sentiment and input
i
This mountain should stay as is with the tower.It is part of out history and
a landmark.It is"Mt.Um".I have looked at this mountain all my life and
the tower is part of the mountains"personality".With it,it would blend
with the rest and not stand out as it does now.
Plotter Paper Retain and Seal Public sentiment and input
Plotter Paper Retain and Seal Take it down. Public sentiment and input
Plotter Paper Retain and Seal Retain but don't seal it! Public sentiment and input
Leave it for all to know&enjoy&if you don't like it move so you can't see
Plotter Paper Retain and Seal it Public sentiment and input
This tower structure confirms it ever more;when(rich)the architect guy
showed&viewed those pictures,photos from the city valley(s),roads,
highways of the different direct views showing how the tower looks intact
and staying put on the mountain Umunhum top.But,if when seeing,
viewing the Umunhum mountain top from sown the valleys,highways,
roads,cities,etc.with no tower showing,it just shows was there even
something on top of there?on that mountain top?You have got to keep
that mt.Umunhum tower(intact).This shows there was important history
that there was a building structure that existed.with a purpose on top of
the mount Umunhum top.Yes,please keep the tower you can see,view it
from the valley lower distance.
Plotter Paper Retain and Seal Public sentiment and input
I rely on the visibility of this landmark everyday.It needs to remain in our
Plotter Paper Retain and Seal visual site as our history Public sentiment and input
Marked two options: Restoration and Retain and Seal Wish to know
effects of Soda Springs Road on the Honda Project-
Lois Murray Los Gatos Other murrayhill22@gmail.com Tradeoffs and impacts on District resources
Of course,honor the men(&women)who protected us...but that is easily
accomplished w/o the tower-And who speaks for the Ohlone,who
occupied the area off and on for thousands of years Also,what is the
Plotter Paper Restoration stated goal of Midpen?....I Tradeoffs and impacts on District resources
Spend the money saved on acquisition&trails.The attack never came!
Plotter Paper lRestoration JTradeoffs and impacts on District resources
I
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Open air shell provides needed wind breaks as well as most historical
R.Goldthwaite Los Gatos Open Air displays,as well as respecting original nature Visitor Experience
Please don't promote the use of"Mt.Um."It's a dumbing down.Best
Collette Lynner Los Gatos Open Air option for educational purposes. Visitor Experience
Plotter Paper Retain and Seal Keep it!It will attract more visitors! Visitor Experience
This is the only option.People go up Mt.Um to see the box.If it is
Plotter Paper Retain and Seal destroyed,Mt.Um will be no different than the surrounding hills. Visitor Experience
Cupertino Open Air
Patricia Appelquist San Jose Open Air The open air option allows for public?of space Proposed and potential uses
Open Air
James Cittz Cupertino Restoration
Plotter Paper Restoration Yes!Natural is best taxpayers should not pay for a
What natural EA-200 years ago-1000-Little age on the global warming
Plotter Paper Restoration period before the little ice age?
Restoration is the best for long-term history-no need to commemorate 30
years of fear,like Hadrian's wall or China's great wall.
Plotter Paper Restoration I
Annonymous Campbell Retain and Seal
Cupertino Retain and Seal
Bruce Bailey Cupertino Retain and Seal
Rob Garlow Garden Gate Retain and Seal
David J.Lawler Gilroy Retain and Seal
Barrish Los Gatos Retain and Seal
Curt Hoppins Los Gatos Retain and Seal
George H.Royer Los Gatos Retain and Seal
Paul Harrison Mountain View Retain and Seal
Kitty Monahan New Almaden Retain and Seal
Annonymous Retain and Seal
K.Likens Retain and Seal
Annonymous Retain and Seal
Taylor Wing Retain and Seal
Peter Fuerst Palo Alto Retain and Seal
Frank Sweeney Isan lose lRetain and Seal
Sam Drake ISan Jose IRetain and Seal
i
Steven Kurtz San Jose Retain and Seal
Zachary Padro San Jose Retain and Seal
Matt Lawler San Jose Retain and Seal
Jeff Adams San Jose Retain and Seal
Dietrich&Suzanne Fellenz San Jose Retain and Seal
Annonymous San Jose Retain and Seal
Alex Polussa San Jose Retain and Seal
Arthur Polussa San Jose Retain and Seal
Jeff Helgecoch San Jose Retain and Seal
Ron Yamagami San Jose Retain and Seal
David Campbell San Jose Retain and Seal
Damon Hazen San Jose Retain and Seal
Wesley VanOrdd San Jose Retain and Seal
San Jose-Almaden
Valley Retain and Seal
Michael O'Halloran Santa Clara Retain and Seal
Tim Towers Santa Clara Retain and Seal
Stacy Muccino Willow Glen Retain and Seal
Retain and Seal
Retain and Seal
It'll look good on a MROSD report book,or fundraising postcard.People
Plotter Paper Retain and Seal will know who you are.
As is-let it weather like any old fortification-from our own 30-years"war"
Plotter Paper Retain and Seal
Plotter Paper Retain and Seal This is a taggers paradise!What about the graffiti?
Plotter Paper Retain and Seal Natural observation only no{
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Attachment
Mount Umnmohumn Environmental Restoration and Public Access Project
Public comments received Jwlyog tmSeptennber19,201u(noon)
x, --'Origymai Message--'
' Sent:Thursday,July 14, 2012 8:26AK4
To: BOARD;Clerk;Vicky GVu; General Information
First Name: Sanjay
Last Name: Upadhyayo
Ward / Location: San 'ose
Please save the Tower. It is a distinct and reassuring landmark.You have Mt Hamilton
landmark on one side and oNtU'onthe other side. |tis very unique among all the land marks �
� in the World! �
| �
' 2- | �
� ~, �
Sent VVednesday,Juk/1Q. 2012 2:I8 PM �
To: BOAR[;Clerk;Vicky Gou; General Information .
First Name:Jason
Last Name: Sherry
Wand /Looation: Los Gatos �
| am unable to attend this evening's meeting in Cupertino Vn the fate of Mt Unmunhumn so |
am writing directly. | personally am grateful to the families that stood vigil mn the mountain �
top for so many years-they did nothing less than protect the lives of millions. But �
"Umunhum" means"resting place of the hummingbird". It does not mean "early-warning �
radar station" or"Cold War relic". It doesn't mean "eyesore".The name comes from a
peaceful people and it connotes a natural environment at peace.The time has come tm
� move on.The reasons to restore the summit are many---habitat, recreation, money to name
�
a few. But what mf the reasons to keep the radar station?
Certainly it's a landmark, but remove it and the profile of the peak becomes the landmark it
was for thousands of years before the atomic bomb.Certainly it's an homage to those who
served' But dovve maintain every building, ship or plane that was used by crew of service
personnel?Can't we honor them by enjoying the land they protected?
! The reasons to keep it boil down to one-sentimentality. Sentimentality for a icon of a war
that never was. | have no such sentimentality.
It will be a huge expense to tear down, but a far bigger expense to maintain safely for—how
long?/\generation?Ten generations?Would those who love this monstrosity be willing to
foot the bill for years to come or would they prefer to share the expense with all tax payers? �
Will they be enjoying their"|andmmark» up close and personal or just from southbound 87,
leaving those ofuswho use Open Space to grimace asvve walk past it?
And let's not lose sight of the purpose of"Open Space". It is not to maintain sentimental
� icons of bygone era' It is to allow the public tmen'nythe land as it once was, "'''to
� .
� purchase, permanently protect, and restore lands forming a regional open space greenbelt".
Restore Uhurnhumn. |tispoised to be the only peak inthe South Bay that people can hike to
and explore,the only one unobstructed by buildings or antennae--so no,the tower does not
/
/
make it unique. If people want landmarks let them look at Lick observatory. If they want
ugly let them look at the antennae on Mt. Loma Prieta.As a 48-year resident of the shadow
of Umunhum, one born in San Jose, I say let's make Umunhum unique.
However if you absolutely must keep the box, I challenge you to go all the way and change
the mountain's name from "Umunhum"to "Mt. Nuclear Threat"---just to be sure you don't
forget a war that never was.Otherwise let's tear down the box, keep the name and let the
mountain--and the cold war--rest in peace.
Jason Sherry P.S. If you need manpower, I'll buy a sledgehammer and meet you at the
summit.
3. -----Original Message----]
Sent:Tuesday,July 17, 201210:36 AM
To: BOARD;Clerk;Vicky Gou; General Information
First Name: Glenn
Last Name: Grigg
Ward/ Location: Sunnyvale
Sure,we need to save the radar tower.All of the"taggers" in the valley are salivating over
the thought of marking it up as their territory with their gang graffiti!
4. -----Original Message-----]
Sent: Monday,July 23, 2012 1:02 PM
To: BOARD; Clerk;Vicky Gou; General Information
First Name: David
Last Name:Collins
Ward/ Location: Monte Sereno
Dear Directors,
The radar tower is an eyesore that is simply not worth preserving. I know that a vocal few,
including the Mercury News, have been outspoken. However, I believe the vast majority of
people would prefer the mountain top to be restored to a natural state.
The tower is an ugly, blockish protuberance on an otherwise beautiful ridge line. Sadly,this
block of concrete is visible every day to millions of people in Santa Clara Valley.
Yes,for us baby boomers,the radar tower recalls the days of the 'Cold War.' Yes,fine
people did their duty there,watching vigilantly for missiles that thankfully never came. But
the story is not really heroic or inspiring. Our children and grandchildren will not be
uplifted;they will just wonder why such an ugly thing of modest significance was allowed to
spoil the entire mountain.
Humbly, I suggest the compromise solution. Tear the tower down(so it cannot be seen
from the valley floor)---but leave the foundation as a kind of memorial .complete with
displays, photos, recollections that maintain the memory of the tower and why it was on the
mountaintop. This is appropriate. Even the vociferous 'save-the-tower' people will accept
that outcome. Not thrilled, but accepting. Stand firm for the mountain.Cordially, David
Collins
5. Original Message-----
CEIVED
July 21,2012 Ili =(Q
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
330 Distal Circle
Los Altos, CA 94022-1404
Re: Decision on Radar Tower atop Mt. Umunhurn
I recently wrote to encourage removal of the tower on Mt. Umunhum,and now
wish to offer further support to tear it down.
My ideas were expressed in a letter to columnist Scott Herhold last fall,which
was forwarded to the District,and a letter to the District on January 18,2012.
My feelings were mixed, While I could appreciate the tower as a landmark to get
one's bearings in our community, I savored memories of camping on the summit
as a young teenager, and still believed it was perhaps the most special place in
our community.
As it is time to decide, I feel more strongly about removing the tower.The
District's interest in the mountain project is the preservation and restoration of
open space, Keeping the tower is in harsh contrast to the essence of the
District's purpose,and Its values,
While a preserved tower can serve as a handy navigational guide and a war
monument,those purposes have nothing to do with open space,and are beside
the point.
I cannot ignore that the tower is an abandoned object,one that is not unique,and
lacking in aesthetic appeal.
Since r 01y,
Lar E.,Moriis
larry@coffeeshake,com
|
/
^
6.
From:Jim Kimball, Elkhorn, CA �
Sent Tuesday,July 17, 20121I:51PK4
I would like to suggest that before a final decision is made allowing hang gliders and para
gliders use of the Mount Umunhuml area,that further research is needed to evaluate the
potential influence of the hang g|ider/pana glider presence will have on the expansion ofthe
bald eagle in the area.The recent article in the San Jose Mercury mentions the progress of
the bald eagle's return tothe Peninsula area and several experts mentioned in the said �
article should be contacted and interviewed as to their expert opinion on the effects of hang �
glider presence in the area. �
I feel that it certainly does not encourage the bald eagle's recovery to allow such usage and
� it very well would hinder it. Contacting specialized experts in the field should be done to
�
| insure the integrity of the final decision.The Hang Glider Association isa special interest and
access should not be allowed, if to the detriment of the bald eagle, other raptors, and other
individuals who would prefer to enjoy a natural setting without interruption. Hang Gliders
have other areas torecreate
I realize that I have addressed this note to perhaps not the correct individual, but have the
hope that you could forward iton the proper destination. |
The persons mentioned in Denis[uff's article are:
Doug Bell,Wildlife Biologist, East Bay Regional Park District
Glen Stewart, Director of the Santa Cruz Predatory Bird Research Group
Carl 8attistone/ State Fish and Game scientist
Maury Stern, Lafayette birder for over 4Oyears
Jim Smith, Biologist for East Bay Municipal Utility District
FYI:
Bald eagles soar tm recovery:Pinto Lake pair part mf a statewide trend
� ByDanis[uff-ContraCostaTirnes
Posted: o7/18/2p1lV6z17:50Pk8PDT
Updated: 07/16/2012 o6:26:39PM PDT
httpl:/Iwww.mlercurynews.com/ci—,21,llo,8�451
7, --Original Message---
�
From: Bert Olson
Sent: Monday,July 30, I01Z9:41/\K8
To: 01ROSD'Mt. Um
� I am interested in being informed on public notices for input on the Mt. Umunhum tower.
�
� | moved tm the Almaden Valley from Texas. | anm delighted with the views mf the mountains. |
am strongly in favor of keeping the Mt. Umunhum tower. It is a focal point of the area, much
as Mt. Hamilton. |
8. -----Original Message--- �
Fmmrm: HarshKaushikkar
Sent:Tuesday, September O4, Zo12 10:36AN1
To: 0NROSD-Mt. Um
�
'
Cc: Harsh Kaushikkar; Dastidar
Subject Donation for clean-up
Hi, please see the following.We would like to send in a donation of$ioo on behalf of my son
Abhishek. Please let me know what is the easiest way to do that, check or pay-pal etc.
Thanks'HarshKaushikkar
------------------------------------------
MY 7 yr. old son Abhishek is turning into an avid hiker. Recently on our trip to Northern
California he hiked a6 mile round trip with mneat Mt. Shasta till vve got to85o0ftelevation
� along the Avalanche Gulch trail.
He is extremely excited that I am now a decent at the Open Space Authority.
He has been intrigued by Mt. Umunhum.At 3486 feet elevation, Mt. Umunhum is the
second tallest peak in the Santa Cruz Mountains and towers over the South Bay area.VVe
can seen Mt. Unmunhunm all the time from our backyard and Abhishek keeps asking nmeabout
� it. So I decided to talk to him about it and gave him a bit of a history lesson about Mt.
Umunhum as to how the Air Force used it as a radar station waiting for waves of Soviet
Bombers during the cold war. He also asked me"what a Soviet was" by the way, and I had
to come up with a nice explanation without making the Russians look bad.
Abhishek now wants to hike up to the top of Mt. Umunhum. Oh well, now what?Since that
is closed to public access:-(
I explained to him that the Air Force used a lot of poisonous material like Asbestos and Lead
when they constructed the radar facility and unfortunately when they left,they did not
clean up after themselves. I then showed him the Mid-Peninsula Open Space Authority web-
sitethatdetai\s the on-going cleanup Prn'ect
' �
http:llwww.openspace.org/pIans_projects/mt h�ln�sp �
Together vve navigated the vveb-siteand gatharedmore information about the clean-up
effort and how they need to gather upwards mf Ten Million Dollars for the whole project! |f
the project succeeds they are hoping to convert it into a park and then he can go hiking
there. I mentioned to him that they Open Space authority is asking for donations from the
public to help them with the work.
So Friday I returned home after work and I noticed that on our dining table were a bunch of
� neatly arranged OuanLers, Dinn�sand �enni�s'Along vvithafevv neatly kept Dollar bills and
� �
one $2o bill. Next to it lay Abhishek's empty piggy bank.As soon as I saw it and I was about
to ask what all that was,Abhishek came running and excited called out to me, "I have almost
forty-three Dollars including the twenty Dollars I got for my Birthday.That's all the money I
have and I would like to donate it to help clean-up Mount Umunhum, how about you would
you like to donate too?". I was STUNNED to say the least. His gesture was worth a Million
Bucks!!
So we decided to double down on his contribution and send it the the Open Space
Authority. In anticipation of that day when he will be able to hike to the top,Abhishek and I
decided to hike up to Priest Rock via the strenuous Kennedy trail on Sunday morning,a
long arduous 8 mile hike!
| urge all to see that web-site and spread the message about Mt. Umunhum so all of us can
one day gothere.
Thanks.-Harsh |
�
9. -----Original Message-----
From:Jean Struthers
Sent:Thursday, September o6, 2012 2:57 PM
To: MROSD- Mt. Um
I think there are people who want the tower just to be able to identify the mountain from all
the others. Is there another monument like an big flag pole which would signify which is
Umanhum and would also be a tribute to the radar guys who spent their lives up there
watching for enemies?That box is about the ugliest thing ever. It would be a shame to leave
it there to mar the site. 1 cant believe that the folk who want it there have actually seen it up
close. Please tear it down. Maybe you could have a contest to get ideas for a more aesthetic
type of monument. Maybe just a light beam.(solar of course).Thanks.
to. -----Original Message-----
Sent: Friday,August 10, 2012 7:35 PM
To: BOARD; Clerk;Vicky Gou; General Information
First Name: Basim
Last Name:Jaber
Greetings MROSD Board of Directors,
I wish to inform you that today, I gave my 25th slide show presentation on the history of
Almaden Air Force Station. With today's audience, I've now presented to over 1,500
attendees. Moreover, I am still scheduled to present six(6)more times(as of today)
through January, 2013.Surprisingly, I have only had to reach out to about three of these
audience groups and the rest have been booked by "word of mouth chain reaction". This
tells me that there are still thousands more people who all want to learn about Almaden Air
Force Station and it's fascinating military history. Many of my presentation attendees come
to speak to me after the presentations and all of them want the tower to stay and express
great interest in learning more about the military history of the site. So I started an online
petition online which has started to spread throughout the bay area very well. This petition
has 1768 signatures as of writing this message.
The groups that book me to speak are Rotary clubs, Kiwanis clubs, Santa Clara County Parks,
public libraries, retirement clubs, Santa Clara Pioneers, historical societies,community clubs,
and more...I've even been invited to give a presentation at the MROSD Admin Office as well
as at the Skyline Field Office.
All this "desire"to learn about the history of Almaden Air Force Station reaffirms the public's
strong yearning for seeing something tangible on the site to "connect with" when they
finally get to visit the site after all these decade of waiting patiently.
I urge you to please vote to save the Radar Tower(Option 3)so that it lays the foundation
(so to speak)for future possibilities of educational programs up on the summit.
I understand the Native American history is also important, but there's plenty of room on
the hill for both and the presence of the radar tower on Mt. Umunhum makes for so much
more fascinating of a destination.
People often argue that the tower is "ugly" and it "disrupts the ridge line", but you have to
understand that Cold War architecture was not meant for aesthetics...it was meant for
functionality. The structural design and coating of the tower was designed to withstand a
I
-
nuclear detonation and the heat energy associated with such ablast. |f you want ugly
� aesthetics,then look at the power lines and PG&E towers that mar the El Sombroso(Sierra
� Azul)ridge line which can be seen already today by every preserve guest from the summit of
Mt. Urnunhurn (when its open)as well as people in the valley looking up.
Mt. Umunhum has a lot to offer to the public, but the majority of the people who have
waited sV long for their chance tm visit the site legitimately will be saddened when they
finally get to complete that goal and there will be nothing left for them to be inspired by and
experience. |'nn not discounting the views...they are fabulous...but views aren't everything.
Imagine if K8t'Tarna|peis, Mt. Diablo, and Mt. Hamilton were void of anything but views.
Recall that if you visited those sites, you might have also enjoyed the visitor facilities
there...and the various historical structures and landmarks which were there as well.
I understand you visited the summit of Mt. Umunhum recently and spent a lot of time
experiencing the radar tower itself...around it..in it...on top of it...taking photos with it, in
| front ofit'''ofit. What a fabulous experience you had. Imagine how others will feel ifthey
|
� get to experience it. Now imagine how many good thoughts will come out ofitwhen
visitors tell every one of their friends and family that Midpen saved this landmark and let �
people experience itas they should.
Please, do the right thing...save this historic landmark. |tis part of the bay area and "home".
ii. Original--- Message—
Sent:Thursday,August 09, 2012 10:02 AM �
�
To: BOARD;Clerk;Vicky Gnu; General information
First Name: Lee
Last Name: Esquibe|
Ward / Location: San Jose
Looking at your ward maps I don't see where those of us living in unincorporated areas are
included. I live in the New Almaden area and am concerned about the natural environment
� of the Santa Cruz mountains but I don't know if we are considered to be within the MROSD
� or not. I've lived in this valley since 1947 and was unhappy to see beautiful K8tUrnunhunm
desecrated by that radar tower back in1958' | always hoped tw see|t restored to its original
beauty but now Midpen is being asked to ignore its basic charge:to restore scenic areas to
� their original state. Please live upto your responsibilities and the reason for your existence.
Either remove the entire radar tower base or bring it down to a level such that it doesn't
continue to mar the natural features Vf the mountain. Thank you.
12. -----Original Message---
Sent; Saturday,Auguot11, 2o131zz57PKA |
To: BOARD;Clerk;Vicky Gmu; General Information
First Name: Ryan
Last Name: Smith
Ward /Location: San Jose �
Hello, I am writing to you about the Open Space's District's forthcoming decision regarding
the Mt. Umnunhurn Radar Tower. | have been a resident of the South Bay for 3o years and
have been gratefulfor the Open Space's Districts efforts tn preserve precious lands hm
protect the environment and contribute to the Valley's excellent quality of life.
It is my hope the Open Space District makes the right decision this fall and saves the Radar
Tower from demolition. The tower is a huge part of the history of Almaden, San Jose, and �
the Bay Area atlarge. |tis one mf the few landmarks we, as residents ofthe South Bay, have
to enjoy. While the name Umunhum and the the restoration of other areas of the mountain /
top and nearby peaks honors the Ohlone,the current residents of the South Bay also look to i
the mountain as something special, and I think it would be awful to lose that. |tis also arelic
of the Cold War, and whether one feels pride in our armed services or is critical of the
military industrial complex,the tower is an important piece of our local and national history.
|n sum, please do not tear down the tower. |t will bea grave loss that vve will greatly regret.
| 13. ---Or&mYnal Message--'
� Sent;Thursday,August16, 201Z5:33PK8
To: BOARD;Clerk;Vicky Gnu; General Information
First Name: Robert
Last Name: Edwards
Ward / Location:San Jose, CA
Please do not tear down the UnnunhunmTower. |tisan iconic symbol of the last line of |
|
defense against USSR Bombers. |t serves asan important reminder uf how serious the �
threat mf nuclear annihilation was during the "Cold\Nar./'
VVe have plenty of other"open space" available for returning toNature. There isnological
reason for removing the tower other than to obtain another flat, empty space to hold future �
indigenous plants. | contend that vve have plenty of those areas, but only one tower. Save
it, please!!!
v4. -----Original N&esmage---
Sent: Monday,August z7, 2o12G:5JPK4
To: BOARD; Clerk;Vicky Gou;General Information �
First Name: Scott
Last Name: pN��ean
` '
Ward / Location: Mt. Urnunhumn
Thank you again for including meon your visit to Mt. Umunhum. It was great to meet with
some of you onsite to hear how plans have changed over the last two years and what is
going mn now. I appreciate the time taken ho get out in the field,to get a better prospective
| of the other issues that you will face on the top of this mountain once opened.
! I plan to continue to work with your staff to assist in opening the mountain for some very
special views,asvve saw on our visit. Safety, security and trespassing have always been rny
priorities in protecting our land and our business.The communications I have had with
Meredith and Gina have been outstanding in keeping rnefn the loop todate.
As recommended, I will follow up with Staff and Operations to answer many of my
questions(gate locations, hours, emergency phones,fire prevention,the district can help in
deterring trespassing onto our property and ability for rangers to cite for trespassing)
�
__ __
However | did want tm repeat my position on the Backpack Camping and why local
homeowners,the San Jose Water Co.and | stronglyoppose it.
� First, it's hard for me to call it a backpack camp when you can drive to less than 300 feet
from the camp and drop all your supplies off. Year round | often need to work onthe
mountain late at night. There are very few(nice)nights on the mountain tmwork or camp.
It's too hot,too cold,too windy,too wet and even snow a few days every year. There was
talk ofa camp host to oversee rny concerns and even a Ranger residence. Now that raises
en entire new set of issues and questions. Do you really expect enough activity towarrant �
�
� and pay for a full time camp host position,as I have been told usage would be limited?
� Usually camp hosts have no enforcement ability,therefore would need tm call a ranger or
the Sheriff to deal with any problem. What dm you dnat night if the problem isan illegal fire
�
or drinking, drugs after rangers have all gone off duty? Visitors have been known tostash
beer and other supplies before dark on your trails and come back,what will happen when �
| they have access to the top? With visitors being so close to our communication sites with
/ equipment and towers, how can you stop the wandering and trespassing day or night to our
sites only 1/0 mile at most away.
| I take the security of our customers and our property very seriously as they include Federal,
!
State,and local law enforcement as well as critical utility communication links.
As neighbors we both will have many new challenges to deal with when the park opens
during daylight hours. Evenings and afterhours may even create more problems. I'm not
sure the District can control trespassing, as they have not been able to for the last several
years. Please do not approve any kind of camping on this site until you can prove to me you
can control the safety and security of the camp, campers and our property and business.
Sincerely, Scott McQueen, Communications 8^Control Inc.Vice President' Operations �
� x5. ---OriginaU Message--'
FrVrn: LindaSpencer, San Jose
Sent:Thursday, September o6, 2o123;49PK4 �
To: General Information
Those of us who live in the shadow of Mt. Umunhum have noticed that the meetings about
its future are being held farther and farther away from the Almaden Valley-Los Gatos area
� where vve can see the mountain. Will there be any consideration of holding a meeting closer
� tm Mt. Unlunhunm before the final decision is made on the radar tower?
�
18. --OriginaUMesaage---
Fromm; Brent Pearse �
� Sent:Thursday, September o8, I0127:35PK8
To: MROSD-Mt. Um
� Hello, May I ask why all of these meetings are being held over 25 plus miles from the project
site?The most recent meeting isn't even scheduled in Santa Clara County. I would hope that
there will be future attempts to schedule a meeting inor near San Jose.
i
l
17. -----Original Message----
August 25,2012
Board of Directors
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District AN is
330 Distei Grcie
-
OPLP
Los Altos,CA 94022 1404
Board of Directors:
I am writing to share my thoughts and opinion of how the Midpeninsula Regional Open
Space District(hereafterllistri should proceed in the matter of the five-story
concrete radar tower building(hereafter The aAM located atop Mount Umunhum
within the Sierra Arul Open Space Preserve.
The Cube represents an odious period in the history of the United States during which:
I
huge amounts of money were expended ostensibly to"win"the so-called"Cold
War";
other countries and their peoples were destroyed—economically,spiritually and
! literally;
• ever larger amounts of taxpayer money were,and continue to be,expended in
i preparation for the final war from which here will be no"winner";
i
the nation's worst occurrences of the release of hazardous materials to the
environment were promulgated in the name of national defense;and
fear was spread amongst the nation's people—fear that"they"were winning and
fear that we would all wake up to an early dawn signaling the detonation of
hundreds,or thousands,of thereto-nudear bombs.
I well remember my time in elementary school when drills were held in which we
students were instructed to"duck and cover"under our desks,as if the desk,the
building in which we were learning,the sanctuary of our city and neighborhood,or
would not
rve n a higher bed would somehow save us.Of course salvation
irate ratio by i9 rag
occur.
I believe there Is a rightful place of honor to those that gave their life and limb for our
nation—such a place is inviolate and must be acknowledged and maintained.However,
Uwe is no such place for memorializing through preservation,at the expense of the
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District and the taxpayers that support the District,
The Cube atop Mount Urnunhum.This follows from three fads—(1)No person that
Page 1 of 2
r worked at The Mount munhum was Involved in he violent and
served o o Cube atop ou U o eel t o
p
deadly aspects of war during such service and(2)The stated mission of the District,
and Its sole responsibility to the public is—
"Our mission is to acquire and preserve a regional greenbelt of open space land in
perpetuity; protect and restore the natural environment; and provide ecologically
sensitive public enjoyment and education."
and (3) Many land stewardship issues exist on District lands, Issues that require
money to resolve. Such issues are the superior need to all other issues confronting
the District.
My recommendation Is that The Cube be demolished in-place and the rubble
securely entombed in a trick veneer of local Earth material reconfigured to the
former natural ridge line of Mount Umunhum. Following entombment, a ten ton
boulder of hard Sierra Nevada granite should be places atop the buried rubble with
an affixed brass plaque that contains the following quote—
"Eyeball of water,arched over to Asla,
Australia and white Antarctica,those are the eyelids that never
dose;
this/s the staring unsleeping
Eye of the earth;and what it watches is not our wars
The Eye, by Robbinson Jeffers
I
Sincerely, 2
Robert Zatkin
Citizen/Taxpayer
i
i
ICI
Page 2 of 2
18. -----Original Message-----
From: Jane Parks-McKay, Santa Cruz
Sent: Thursday, September 06, 2012 8:20 PM
To: MROSD- Mt. Um
Hello: thanks for all our cautious work regarding the Mt. Um project, we appreciate that!
I grew up in the Almaden area of San Jose and my Dad worked in classifed work for the space program. I
am sure he went up there from time to time for his work so that area has very special memories for me.
Aside from that, there is something very comforting about that Tower up there. To this day, all these years
later, when I am in the Santa Clara County area, I look up there and it feels like an old friend there. That is
extremely important to me as my goals align with yours:to try and preserve things and keep them nice.
I am requesting from my heart that you keep the Mt. Um Tower there. The people who helped build our
great area and worked there for so many years,to me,deserve that honor. Thanks for your consideration.
Continued next page
g
i
tg- -----Original Message-----
I
Military Officers Association of America RECEIVED
�� Silicon Valley Chapter
P. Box 2
Moffett Federal
Airfield,CA 94035
17JUEL-Nthy:ILwJEli10NAl.OPt:N
C July 19,2012 SPRCEpISmCT
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
ATTN7 Board of Directors
330 Distel Circle
Los Altos,CA 94022-1404
Re: Mt.Umunhum/Almaden Air Force Station
This is an appeal on behalf of more than 200 Peninsula and South Bay Armed Forces
commissioned officer chapter members to retain the radar tower at Mt.Umunhum,your
option#3. The chapter's Board of Directors on Thursday,July S1h,voted unanimously to make
this request.
Chapter president CAPT Paul Barrish,USN(RET),summarized the feelings of board members
and others. "The sentinel structure atop Mt.Umunhum deserves to he retained,reminding
current Bay Area residents of a time when 20'h century threats existed This highly visible
monument will honor those who stood watch 24/7;their efforts helped make it certain that we
would not have radioactive fallout blowing in the wind."
Here are typical comments of chapter members
--If for nothing else, if anyone was a former military veteran of the Cold War(even if they
never served in the area),tearing down Almaden Air Force Station entirely might be viewed as a
travesty and disrespectful to the military service personnel who manned these sites...just my 2-
cents worth. LCDR RH(USN)
That tower is a historic landmark and should be saved. I have already voted(signed the
petition)to retain the tower. CAPT LM(USN)
--The radar tower has become a art of local history and we just can't let it disappear. L .
� P Y 1 ppe t
Col.1C(USAF).
i
Members have seen the Steve Abbors article in the July 12"'issue of the San Jose Mercury
iNews and are sensitive to the rare opportunity presented. We reinforce and support the
notion,based on cultural and historical perspectives,that both the original inhabitants and
veterans must be honored.
i
Sincerely,
WARREN B.ENOS,COL,AUS(RET)
Secretary,MOAA Silicon Valley Chapter
1073 Helena Drive,Sunnyvale,CA 94087
408 245-2217
eenos comcast.net
End of Attachment 8