HomeMy Public PortalAbout20050928 - Agenda Packet - Board of Directors (BOD) Regional Open Space
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
Meeting 05-21
REGULAR AND SPECIAL MEETING
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, September 28,2005
330 Distel Circle, Los Altos, California
AGENDA*
Please Note: 6:30 p.m. Closed Session Special Meeting Start Time
7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting Start Time
6:30 ROLL CALL
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE
DISTRICT—CLOSED SESSION
The Closed Session will begin at 6:30 p.m. At the conclusion of the Closed Session, the Board will adjourn
the Special Meeting Closed Session to the Regular Meeting, and, at the conclusion of the Regular Meeting,
the Board may reconvene the Special Meeting Closed Session.
1. Conference with Real Property Negotiator—California Government Code § 54956.8
Real Property—San Mateo County APN 085-130-050, Long Ridge Road, Woodside, California
Agency Negotiator—Mike Williams, Real Property Manager
Negotiating Party—Walter Moore, POST
Under Negotiation—Price and terms of payment
2. Conference withLegal Counsel—Existing Litigation,California Government Code § 54956.9(a)
Name of Case: Zernbsch v. Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, Santa Clara County Superior
Court Case No. 105CV048582
7:30* REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE
DISTRICT
ROLL CALL
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS—Public
ADOPTION OF AGENDA—L. Hassett
ADOPTION OF CONSENT CALENDAR—L. Hassett
APPROVAL OF MINUTES—August]0, 2005 and August 24, 2005
BOARD BUSINESS
7:40* 1 Presentation by the California Oak Mortality Task Force on their Ongoing Research of Sudden Oak
Death
8:10* 2 Consideration of Use & Management Committee Recommendations Regarding Sudden Oak Death
Management on District Lands; Determine Recommended Actions are Categorically Exempt from
CEQA—C. Roessler
8:40* 3 Consideration of Use & Management Committee Recommendations Regarding Removal of Slender
False Brome in Thornewood, La Honda Creek and El Corte de Madera Open Space Preserves-,
Meeting 05-21 Page 2
Determine Recommended Actions are Cate aorically Exempt From CEQA—C. Roessler
4 Adopt Resolution Approving the Amendment to Communications Site Lease with Mountain Union
Telecom, LLC at Black Mountain, Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve; Determine
Recommended Action is Not a Project Under CEQA—M. Williams
REVISED CLAIMS
9:10* INFORMATIONAL REPORTS— Brief reports or announcements concerning pertinent activities of District
Directors and Staff-, opportunity to refer public or Board questions to Staff for factual information; request
Staff to report back to the Board on a matter at a future meeting; or direct Staff to place a matter on a future
agenda.
CLOSED SESSION CONTINUED(IF NECESSARY)
9:30* ADJOURNMENT
TIMES ARE ESTIMATED AND ITEMS MAY APPEAR EARLIER OR LATER THAN LISTED. AGENDA IS
SUBJECT TO CHANGE OF ORDER.
TO ADDRESS THE BOARD: The Chair will invite public comment on agenda items at the time each item is considered
by the Board of Directors. You may address the Board concerning other matters during Oral Communications. Each
speaker will ordinarily be limited to three minutes. Alternately,you may comment to the Board by a written
communication, which the Board appreciates.
All items,
on the consent calendar may be approved without discussion by one motion. Board members, the General
Manager, and members cif the public may request that an item be removed from the Consent Calendar during
consideration of'the Consent Calendar.
IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, IF YOU NEED
ASSISTANCE TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS MEETING, PLEASE CONTACT THE DISTRICT CLERK
AT(650)691-1200. NOTIFICATION 48 HOURS PRIOR TO THE MEETING WILL ENABLE THE
DISTRICT TO MAKE REASONABLE ARRANGEMENTS TO ENSURE ACCESSIBILITY TO THIS
MEETING.
Regional Open Space
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
R-05-106
Meeting 05-21
September 28, 2005
AGENDA ITEM I
AGENDA ITEM
Presentation by the California Oak Mortality Task Ftoondde Oak Death
GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENbATION .'
No formal action is necessary.
DISCUSSION
i a coalition of research institutions agencies and
Mortality Task Force s
CaliforniaOak Mort ,The g
Y
other organizations coordinating a response to the impacts of Sudden Oak Death in California
forests. Janice Alexander, Outreach Coordinator with the California Oak Mortality Task Force,
will make a presentation and discuss information on the pathogen causing Sudden Oak Death and
give an update regarding ongoing research.
Prepared by:
L. Craig Britton, General Manager
Contact person:
Same as above
Regional Open Space
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
R-05-104
Meeting 05-21
September 28,2005
AGENDA ITEM 2
AGENDA ITEM
Use& Management Committee Recommendations Regarding Sudden Oak Death Management on
District Lands
USE&MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
l. District Staff to initiate a program to identify, flag,tag and map trees on District lands that appear
resistant to Sudden Oak Death (SOD).—
JIJ
GCollec tissue amples from
7 resistant trees, if feasible.
r
3. District staff to initiate a program to protect heritage trees on District lands from SOD infection
by application of an appropriate and effective fungicide or other approved SOD treatment as
determined by staff. Vvt
4. Determine that recommended action number I is categorically exempt from the California
Environmental Quality Act for the reasons set out in this report. C i; Y,
._. .r.i! t{1 7 r hd/^ ^ v r`e 4 I o r k1 r co a�' I"`w Q H
BACKGROUND e, d u C 7�I r t� v�G r — J +, �/ a u." /y
Tl e se'& Management Committed("U&M Committee")met on August 25,2005 tore ve a report
from staff on the status of SOD on preserves of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District and
discuss potential future actions. C
DISCUSSION
At the August 25, 2005 U&M Committee meeting, staff provided a general background on SOD, its
status on District preserves,current information on SOD research and funding, recreational activities and
SOD, and the California Oak Mortality Task Force(COMTF). COMTF is a coalition of research
institutes, agencies and other organizations coordinating a response to the impacts of Sudden Oak Death
in California's forests.
The U&M Committee discussed an increased level of SOD mapping, sanitary practices to control the
potential spread of SOD by District maintenance activities, the possible origin of the SOD pathogen
(Phytophthora ramorum)and the possibility of biocontrol agents to reduce tree mortality, resistance of
trees to the SOD pathogen, and enhancing the educational outreach to the community. Chairperson Little
stated that the District needed to take a more proactive, creative approach to dealing with SOD.
4
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y
I
R'05-104 Page
Staff reviewed preliminary studies 6v University ofCo|ifonoiuBcrke|eyreorurcbem on coast live oak and
tanoak resistance. Although it is clear that aomo individual trees appear to be resistant to SOD infection,
a standardized method has not been developed yet to determine which trees are genetically resistant to
� SOD and which are surviving due to unique environmental or historical conditions.
� A fungicide treatment for SOD was reviewed. Currently,Agri-Fos (systemic fungicide)and PuntruBmrk
� (surfactun1\ bove6eenuppnovedbytheCu|ifhrniaDepu,1mentofpoaticidnftogu|a1ioouodtheDS
� '
Bnvicouo`cntu| Protection Agency to treat oak undtunoukm u1 high-risk ofbecoming infected with the
� SOD pathogen. The treatment in not suitable for large-scale applications in p/i|d\mnd forests. C()��TP
�
recommends the fungicide treatment be used for individual trees of significance or to prevent high-risk
conditions from developing.
The attached noenzonuoduno provides additional information regarding surveys for resistant trees and
protection ofheritage trees from SOD and staff analysis regarding the D6kMCommittee
recommendations.
COST AND SCHEDULE ESTIMATE
Surveying for resistant trees, collecting and propagating resistant plants, undpnoteotionwfherkuue1neeo
on District preserves are not included in the current Action Plan or the Five Year Resource Management
� Strategic Plan. Staff will return to the Board before the end of the calendar year with cost and uubodo|e
oxdooatoo for programs 10 survey for SOD resistant trees, to collect plant nuutcria}o from SOD n:uiotuut
trees,to protect heritage trees, and with any additional CE(}A review required prior to implementing
Recommendation Numbers 2 and 3 in this report.
CEQA COMPLIANCE
The project000uistsofaurvcy, nuuppin8undrnurkinAoftrecmupporcndyreuistuntto3ODon [)istrict
preserves us set out ioRecommendation l of this report. The District concludes that this action consists
of data collection and resource evaluation,will not result in serious or major dimtorhunce to any
environmental resources, in significant effects or in cumulative impacts and is thus categorically exempt
under Section 15306 of the CE[)& Guidelines(Class 6 Information Collection).
PUBLIC NOTIFICATION
A copy of the agenda was sent to persons requesting notification of resource managernent items and to
C0MTF.
Prepared by:
Cindy Roessler, Resource Management Specialist
Contact Person:
Same uuabove
� Attachments:
�
Sudden Oak Death Infestation Zones
� Memorandum: Implementation Actions Regarding Sudden Oak Death
�
'
/
/
Sudden Oak Death Infestation Zones
MROSD Lands
°: December 2004
F.
LA HONDA ZONE
b
�. FREMONT OLDER
�y. ZONE
SOUTH SKYLINE ZONE:
Coal Creek
Monte Bello
Russian Ridge tow"
Skyline Ridge
Long Ridge
Saratoga Gap
o
a�
- o
Infested Zone LOMA PRIETA ZONE:
Uninfested Zone only south of Loma Prieta Road
G:\Projects\$Districtwide\Sudden Oak Death\Sod_inf-Zones2004_O92105.mxd 0 2.5 5 10 Miles
I
Regional Open Space
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
�
Memorandum
To: Board ofDirectors
From: Craig Britton, General Manager
Prepared by: Cindy Roessler, Resource Management Specialist
Date: September 23. 2OO5
Re: Implementation Actions Regarding Sudden Oak Death
At the Use&Management Committee ("U&M Committee") meeting on August 25, 2005, potential
future actions to respond to Sudden Oak Death were considered. U&K8 Committee members moved
that the following action items be forwarded to the full Board for consideration:
1. Identify, flag, tag and map trees on District lands that appear resistant to Sudden Oak Death
(8{}[]).
2. Collect tissues samples from resistant trees, iffeasible.
3. Protect heritage trees on District lands from 8[}[) infection by application of an appropriate
and effective fungicide or other approved SOD treatment as determined by staff.
This memorandum provides additional information provided by staff regarding the implementation of
� these measures.
RECOMMENDATIONS 1 AND 2: SURVEY OF RESISTANT TREES AND COLLECTION OF
RESISTANT PLANT MATERIAL
Surveys of SOD on District Lands
District staff has been surveying SOD since 2ODO. This mapping effort concentrates onidentifying
� zones of infestation rather than each individual tree. Five district staff members are trained bythe
California Oak Mortality Task Force /COyNTF\ in detecting and sampling for the G(][J pathogen
(Phytophthoran3rDVoxn). Every winter, District staff looks for symptomatic plants in new zones,
� Cm|\ents samples and sends these to the California Department of Food and Agriculture's Plant Pest
� Diagnostics Center. All confirmed sites are added to the statewide SOD database and included in
the maps available at . |n addition, Sonoma State University has been
surveying portions of ten District preserves as part of their statewide Early Detection Study.
District staff is trained in the symptoms and effects of SOD on an annual basis, and the Resource
Management Specialist attends the SOD Science Symposiums, reviews monthly SOD reports, and
communicates with COMTF.
�
' Memorandum toBoard September Zl2005 Page
The attached map shows preserves with confirmed or within a %rmiks buffer area around SOD
locations including La Honda, Coal Creek, Monte Bello, Russian Ridge, Skyline Ridge, Long Ridge,
Saratoga Gap, and Fremont Older Open Space Preserves and the southern portion of Loma Pheta
in Sierra Azu| Open Space Preserve. Recent detections have been confirmed for ThornevwoodOpen
� Space Preserve, and staff expects sampling in the winter of 2005/6 will detect infections in Windy Hill
�
� and Bear Creek Open Space Preserves, and the Stevens Canyon area of Monte Bello Open Space
rreaerve
� .
� Staff has not previously surveyed for or mapped trees apparently resistant to SOD. There isablack
oak along Hickory Oak Trail in Long Ridge Open Space Preserve that was confirmed in2OOOaa
infected with SOD, however, only part ofthe tree died while the rest appears to have survived. Staff
� checks this tree for acorns but none have been present in the past two years. �
Scientific Studies of SOD-Resistant Trees
�
� Several laboratory experiments have indicated that individual coast live oak, tanoak and bay laurel �
�
�ar�d���d��� |e�� �ous�obbi|�� �D. University of California Berkeley researchers �
� tested coast live oaks from several locations throughout the state for susceptibility to the SOD �
pathogen. Cuttings collected in the field and inoculated with the pathogen under laboratory conditions
developed variably sized xvoundou. Preliminary results suggest susceptibility of coast live oak to the
� SOD pathogen ievariable and the variability existed among individuals within the same population
�
a c��h�rthen �ube�veensomp)entmhenatdiffenantmitea. Berkeley researchers grew tanoah
saplings inagreenhouse from acorns collected from Six Rivers National Forest in northern California
near Eureka. They found significant variability in the response of stems and leaves to inoculation
with the SOD pathogen indicating genetic resistance. Some, but not all, of the variability appeared to
be in response to the location of the saplings in the greenhouse indicating environmental resistance�.
A range of susceptibility was also found with bay leaves inoculated with the SOD pathogen under
|aboretorynondidonoo.
These resistance studies are expected to continue, as funding is available, and COMTF identifies
SOD host resistance ma one of its critically needed research areas for2OO5. |tim important tonote
that to date, these studies have been conducted in laboratory and greenhouse type environments,
and not under forest-type oondibono. A tree that appears tobe resistant in the forest or the laboratory
may not be resistant in another forest-type condition where the soil, climate and structure of
surrounding vegetation may make it more or less susceptible to the SOD pathogen. There is also the
possibility that some strains of the pathogen may be more virulent and could cause infestation of
seemingly resistant trees at a later date if new Vectors of infestation develop. /\recent
� David K8 Rizzo and MatteoGerbe|ottn. Sudden oak death:endangering California and Oregon forest
ecosystems. Front EcolEnviron3003; 1(G): 1A7-2O4.
a Richard S. Dodd, Daniel Hubodi, TamarY. Hornik, Brenda O'Dell and W1oteeo Garbe|otto. University of
California, Berkeley. Sudden Oak Death Second Science Symposium, January 18-21. 2005.
aRichordS. Dodd. Donie| Hubar|i. V|adDouhovnikoff. TamarY. Harnih. ZaraAfzo|-RafiiondK8etteo
Gerbe|otto. Is variation in susceptibility to Phytophthora rarnorum correlated with population genetic
structure in coast live oak ({}uornuoagrifo&y)?. New Phyto|ogiat(2DO4) doi: 1O.1111/j.1
469-8137.2004.01200.x
* KathorineHaydenandW1atteoGorbe|otto. (}uandtotiveResistencatoPhyhophthonanemurumintenkoak.
Department ofEnvironmental Science, Policy, and Management, University ofCalifornia, Berkeley, CA.
s
Daniel Huberli, Will Van Sant, Steven Swain, Jennifer Davidson, and Matteo, Garbelotto. Susceptibility
nfOmbe8u/aria califbn7/cato Phybzphbhorane/nuronn. International Congress of Plant Patho|ogy, 2-7
February 3003. Christchurch, New Zealand.
�
�
�
�
^
Memorandum\o Board September 23.2UO5 Page .
comprehensive summary of research and management of SOD states, "The pressing question is
whether these less susceptible plant individuals are truly resistant, capable of surviving when
conditions are highly favorable to the patho0en.^" However, the indication that populations ofoaks
and bays include potentially resistant individuals ieencouraging.
�
Horticultural practices such as crossbreeding have been used to develop disease resistant plants.
� For example, the UG Department ofAgriculture and The American Chestnut Foundation are
� undertaking a decades-long program to crossbreed the American chestnut with an Asian chestnut.
� They expect tm develop trees resistant to the chestnut blight that killed most American chestnut trees
� in forests of the eastern United States one hundred years ago. Staff in not currently aware ofany
such effort to develop resistant strains of oaks to SOD.
Staff Recommendations Regarding Surveys for Resistance and Collection of Plant Material
To implement a program of idert|fv)ng, mapping and marking potentially SOD-resistant trees on
District lands, staff would need to consult with SOD scientists to determine how to sort out which
trees are genetically resistant and which are surviving due to unique long term or short term
� environmental conditions. Only those trees that are genetically resistant would be appropriate for
collection of acorns, cuttings or tissue samples by which to propagate trees for replanting ininfested
forests. Testing of resistance would involve handling of the SOD pathogen, which can only occur
under permits from the US Department of Agriculture and the California Department of Food and
Agriculture.
Other common forest diseases kill oaks, although usually not at such a large landscape scale as the
SOD pathogen. Therefore, it is important to test for the presence or absence of the SOD pathogen
among apparently resistant trees.
The current uncertainties of genetic versus environmental resistance and the restrictions onhandling
the SOD pathogen suggest that the District's involvement inaresistance study may need to take one
of two directions:
* Survey, map and mark oak and tonoeh trees on District lands which show little hnno
symptoms of SOD although they are located close to many trees which have apparently died
from SOD and are in the vicinity of bay trees that have tested positive for the pathogen.
Continue to annually monitor the survival of these trees until such otime as research from the
scientific institutes provides evidence on how to confirm genetic resistance and guidance on
how to collect, store and propagate acorns, cuttings ortissue samples for replanting of
infested forests.
OR
m Conduct survey, mapping and marking of potentially resistant trees as described above.
Then hire a specialist, fund research or request that research funds from the federal agencies
be spent on testing samples collected from District preserves to determine resistance.
� s
� David Rizzo, �Wo�eoGarbe|otto. and Evena� nn Hansen, {nbagrahveResearch and
�
Management cfan Emerging Pathogen in California and Oregon Forests. Annu. Rev. Phyopathoi 2005.
� 4313.1-13.27.
~
Memorandum h/Board September 23.20O5 Page
�
Funded research would also develop techniques forpropoQmdngnamisLmrd9|mntathetoould
be replanted in infested District forests. �
�
�
� Fungicide Treatment
�
� There ioourrendvmJf����bk� nl��hodc� many �
� ' . ~ .
� protectionfrom the SOD pathogen. Aohoaohite fungicide treatment has been developed, hmwever,
� d has limitations for use inwi|d|ondsettings. |t works on oaks and tanooka but not on the dozens of �
� other foUar SOD host species oornrnonintheGardoCruzMourtaing. At this time, no treatment has
� been developed for bays, which are usually the primary source of SOD spores that blow throughout �
� the forest and infect other plants. Therefona, treatment with the phosphite fungicide is unlikely to stop
�
� the spread uf SOD infestation but could save individual trees. The fungicide treatment stops the
�
infection in the tree, but it does not kill the uathogen. therefore each individual oak tree must be /
� injected or sprayed every year(twice in the first year). The treatment in only effective if the tree has
� not been infected or has been infected less than one year. Therefore, the treatment |oconsidered |
� preventative but not gcure. �
�
� COMTF recommends the fungicide treatment be used for individual trees of significance (heritage) or �
to prevent high hah. |nvW|d|and settings, CC}W4TF n*oornrnends the focus should be on containing the
�
infection by preventing human-caused spread until the mechanisms of spread and tree resistance �
are better understood and a feasible method for stand-level silvicultural treatment is developed.
Survey&Treatment of Heritage Tree
To address the concern of protecting heritage trees from the S{}[J pathogen, the District could take
the following steps: identify any healthy coast live, canyon. Shreve or black oak ortanoaktrees of
heritage size (diameter of 40 inches or greater at height of 4.5 feet above ground surface), and on an
annual basis treat those trees with the appropriate fungicide (or any subsequently approved chemical
or treatment method) and monitor their health. At the same time, staff recommends that trees that
present a high aofeb/ risk (e.0. oaks near campgrounds, buildings and congregation areas) be
likewise identified and treated.
COST AND SCHEDULE ESTIMATE
Surveying for resistant tnaaa, collecting and propagating resistant p|antm, and protection of �
heritage trees on District preserves is not included in the current Action Plan or the Five Year
Resource Management Strategic Plan. Assuming that the Board approved these
recommendations, staff will return to the Board before the end of the calendar year with cost
and schedule estimates for programs to survey for and collect material from S[>[J resistant trees �
�
and protect heritage trees. At that time aCEQA evaluation will be prepared for �
� Recommendations 2 and 3. �
�
�
�
�
�
�
Slender False Brome (SFB) Further RECOMMENDATIONS:
INTRODUCTION:
Learning is an important part of an organism as well as any organization. The
recommendations in agenda item 3, do not assess what has happened in the past two
years in dealing with SFB. I believe a review is necessary to find out why we did not
reach our goal of 95% eradication, why we are basically at the same point as we were two
years ago, and how we can learn and avoid the same problems.
A: Assesment of actions taken in 2004
In 2004 we spent $20,000 in outside work and countless dollars for staff time to
get to 90-95% removal of SFB. We probably accomplished 5-15% in known areas and
have found more SFB areas since then. This SFB may have been there or may have
spread in the past year.
Why didn't our actions in 2004 work? What went wrong? What went right? Do
we know? If we don't that also is a problem.
Tasks:
- List Actions performed by staff and outside consultants
- Describe Effects of those actions
- Analysis/Assessment of those actions
- Staff reports to board by Nov. 9
B. Assesment of actions taken in 2005 (on going)
This year(2005), saw a late removal of SFB, after it had already gone to seed.
This should not happen again. Describe what went wrong.
Tasks:
- List Actions performed by staff and outside consultants
- Describe Effects of those actions
- Mark those locations on maps and on land using flags and/or tape.
- Analysis/Assessment of those actions
- Why was the removal so late in the year?
- How do we avoid this in following years?
- Why was removal so erratic? (spraying half of the area or one side of a
trail, or not up the hill above another spray area)
- Do we need to monitor more often?
- Staff reports to board by Nov. 9
C.U&M Site visit to Thornewood OSP(if not already done so)
It is important that the Board gets a clear idea of what is going on at Thornewood
d other areas and sees how widespread the SFB problem is. The tour should either be
an P
this year to see what was done or next year after new growth to see the effects of what
was done in 2005.
D. Develop and Create a SFB Removal Roadmap for 20Q6
Roadmaps and plans are based on a clear assessment of what works, what doesn't,
and when and how actions and tasks will be done.
Tasks:
- Define strategies to determine what removal procedures were effective and
what was not.
- Use assessment data from 2004 &2005
- Create test plots where different strategies are tested and can be
evaluated easily,but this should not stop overall removal.
- Develop a clear plan for when the removal of SFB will occur and why those
times were chosen. (Obviously not when SFB goes to seed). This also
applies to re-removal.
- Show when,how, and where monitoring of the removal sites will take place.
- Mark the areas (both on maps and on the land)where SFB occurs and where
removal has taken place. Use small wired flags or for larger areas where
people walk, yellow tape. This is useful in evaluation procedures for next
year.
Determine where possible, modes of seed transport. Is it by wind, gravity,
water, and/or by visitors to the preserve. From this determine possible fixes,
such as closing areas of Thornewood/La Honda/ECM or the entire preserve
(Thomewood, with discussion of tradeoffs), putting in 'transport barriers'near
water sources, etc..
Staff presents roadmap to Board by Dec. 14.
Staff presents evaluation of SFB removal in 2006 by Oct 2006 and discusses
problems and changes needed.
Slender False Brome (SFB) Further RECOMMENDATIONS:
INTRODUCTION:
Learning is an important part of an organism as well as any organization. The
recommendations in agenda item 3, do not assess what has happened in the past two
years in dealing with SFB. I believe a review is necessary to find out why we did not
reach our goal of 95% eradication, why we are basically at the same point as we were two
years ago, and how we can learn and avoid the same problems.
A: Assesment of actions taken in 2004
In 2004 we spent $20,000 in outside work and countless dollars for staff time to
get to 90-95% removal of SFB. We probably accomplished 5-15% in known areas and
have found more SFB areas since then. This SFB may have been there or may have
spread in the past year.
Why didn't our actions in 2004 work? What went wrong? What went right? Do
we know? If we don't that also is a problem.
Tasks:
- List Actions performed by staff and outside consultants
- Describe Effects of those actions
- Analysis/Assessment of those actions
- Staff reports to board by Nov. 9
B. Assesment of actions taken in 2005 (on going)
This year(2005), saw a late removal of SFB, after it had already gone to seed.
This should not happen again. Describe what went wrong.
Tasks:
- List Actions performed by staff and outside consultants
- Describe Effects of those actions
- Mark those locations on maps and on land using flags and/or tape.
- Analysis/Assessment of those actions
- Why was the removal so late in the year?
- How do we avoid this in following years?
- Why was removal so erratic? (spraying half of the area or one side of a
trail, or not up the hill above another spray area)
- Do we need to monitor more often?
- Staff reports to board by Nov. 9
C. U&M Site visit to Thornewood OSP(if not already done so)
It is important that the Board gets a clear idea of what is going on at Thomewood
and other areas and sees how widespread the SFB problem is. The tour should either be
this year to see what was done or next year after new growth to see the effects of what
was done in 2005.
D. Develop and Create a SFB Removal Roadmap for 2006
Roadmaps and plans are based on a clear assessment of what works, what doesn't,
and when and how actions and tasks will be done.
Tasks:
' e what rem
oval procedures were effective and
Define strategies to determine
what was not.
- Use assessment data from 2004 & 2005
- Create test plots where different strategies are tested and can be
evaluated easily, but this should not stop overall re
moval.
- Develop a clear plan for when the removal of SFB will occur and why those
when SFB goes to seed). This also
times were chosen. (Obviously not g )
( Y
applies to re-removal.
- Show when, how, and where monitoring of the removal sites will take pl
ace.
- Mark the areas (both on maps and on the land) where SFB occurs and where
removal has taken place. Use small wired flags or for larger areas where
for next
' i useful in ev
aluationprocedures
people walk, yellow tape. This s
year.
Determine where possible, modes of seed transport. Is it by wind, gravity,
visitors to the reserve. From this determine possible fixes,
water, and/or b s
Y P
such as closing are
as of Thornewood/L a Honda/ECM or the entire reserve
s g P
(Thornewood, with discussion of tradeoffs), putting in 'transport barriers'near
water sources, etc..
Staff presents roadmap to Board by Dec. 14.
Staff presents evaluation of SFB removal in 2006 by Oct 2006 and discusses
problems and changes needed.
Regional Open Space
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
R-05-104
Meeting 05-21
September 28, 2005
AGENDA ITEM 2
AGENDA ITEM
Use& Management Committee Recommendations Regarding Sudden Oak Death Management on
District Lands
USE& MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
I. District Staff to initiate a program to identify,flag, tag and map trees on District lands that appear
resistant to Sudden Oak Death (SOD).
2. Collect tissues samples from resistant trees, if feasible.
3. District staff to initiate a program to protect heritage trees on District lands from SOD infection
by application of an appropriate and effective fungicide or other approved SOD treatment as
determined by staff.
4. Determine that recommended action number I is categorically exempt from the California
Environmental Quality Act for the reasons set out in this report.
BACKGROUND
The Use& Management Committee ("U&M Committee") met on August 25, 2005 to receive a report
from staff on the status of SOD on preserves of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District and
discuss potential future actions.
DISCUSSION
At the August 25, 2005 U&M Committee meeting, staff provided a general background on SOD, its
status on District preserves, current information on SOD research and funding, recreational activities and
SOD, and the California Oak Mortality Task Force(COMTF). COMTF is a coalition of research
institutes, agencies and other organizations coordinating a response to the impacts of Sudden Oak Death
in California's forests.
The U&M Committee discussed an increased level of SOD mapping, sanitary practices to control the
potential spread of SOD by District maintenance activities,the possible origin of the SOD pathogen
(Phytophthora ramorum) and the possibility of biocontrol agents to reduce tree mortality, resistance of
trees to the SOD pathogen, and enhancing the educational outreach to the community. Chairperson Little
stated that the District needed to take a more proactive,creative approach to dealing with SOD.
R-05'104 Page
� Staff reviewed preliminary studies 6v University ofCalifornia Berkeley researchers on coast live oak and
� tanoukvomiotamcc. Although it is clear that some individual trees appear to be resistant to SOD infection,
� u standardized method has not been developed yet to determine which trees are genetically resistant to
� SOD and which are surviving due tn unique environmental or historical conditions.
�
� A fungicide treatment for SOD was reviewed. Currently, /\g,i'Fnn (systemic fungicide)and PcnUo0urk
(surfactant) have been approved by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation and the US
�
Environmental Protection Agency to treat oak and tanoaks at high-risk of becoming infected with the
� SOD pathogen. Tile treatment is not suitable for |urgc'aco|n applications in v/i|d|und forests. C()Ml,9
�
� recommends the fungicide treatment be used for individual trees of significance or to prevent high-risk
� conditions from developing.
�
The attached mernoranduno provides additional information regarding surveys for resistant trees and
� protection of heritage trees from SOD and staff analysis regarding the O&K8Committee
recommendations.
COST AND SCHEDULE ESTIMATE
Surveying for resistant trees, collecting and propagating resistant plants, and protection of heritage trees
� on I)imthot preserves are not included in the current Action Plan or the Five Year Resource Management
Strategic Plan. Staff will return to the Board before the end of the calendar year with cost and schedule
� emdmu1eo for programs to survey for SOD resistant trees,to collect plant mnu1cdu|a from SOD resistant
trees,to protect heritage trees, and with any additional CEQA review required prior to implementing
Recommendation Numbers 2 and ] in this report.
CEQA COMPLIANCE
The project conoistaofourvcy, mapping and marking of trees apparently resistant to SOD on District
preserves um set out inRecommendation ) of this report. The District concludes that this action consists
of data collection and resource evaluation, will not result in serious or major dis%urhuncetuuny
environmental resources, in significant effects o, in cumulative impacts and is thus categorically exempt
under Section 153O6uf the CE[)& Guidelines(Class 6 Information Co||ection).
PUBLIC NOTIFICATION
�
� A copy of the agenda was sent to persons requesting notification of resource management iterns and to
COMTF.
Prepared by:
� Cindy Roessler, Resource Management Specialist
Contact Person:
Same as above
� Attachments:
� Sudden Oak Death Infestation Zones
Memorandum: Implementation Actions Regarding Sudden Oak Death
�
�
�
�
� �� �
Sudden Oak Death Infestation Zones
MROSD Lands
December 2004
LA HONDA ZONE Q
d
6 ,8"
FREMONT OLDER
ZONE
SOUTH SKYLINE ZONE:
Coal Creek
Monte Bello wy,.
Russian Ridge "�`"
Skyline Ridge
Long Ridge
Saratoga Gap
00
Infested Zone
LOMA PRIETA ZONE:
uninfested Zone only south of Loma Prieta Road
G:\Projects\$Districtwide\Sudden Oak Death\Sod_inf-Zones2004_O92105.mxd 0 2.5 5 10 Miles
� Regional=g'~^'~~'|
^~r~'' Sr~^~~
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
Memorandum
To: Board mfDirectors
From: Craig Britton,General Manager
Prepared by: Cindy Roessler, Resource Management Specialist
Oehs: September 23. 3OO5
Re: Implementation Actions Regarding Sudden Oak Death
Ad the Use & Management Committee (''U&K8C0mmittee^) meeting onAugust 25. 2OO5. potential
future actions tm respond to Sudden Oak Death were considered. U&yW Committee members moved
that the following action items be forwarded to the full Board for consideration:
1. Identify, flag, tag and map trees on District lands that appear resistant to Sudden Oak Death
(SO[)).
2. Collect tissues samples from resistant trees, iffeasible.
3. Protect heritage trees on District lands from SOD infection by application of an appropriate
and effective fungicide or other approved SOD treatment as determined by staff.
This memorandum provides additional information provided by staff regarding the implementation of
these measures.
RECOMMENDATIONS 1 AND 2: SURVEY OF RESISTANT TREES AND COLLECTION OF
RESISTANT PLANT MATERIAL
Surveys of SOD on District Lands
District staff has been surveying SOD since 2D0O. This mapping effort concentrates on identifying
zones mf infestation rather than each individual tree. Five district staff members are trained bythe
California Oak Mortality Task Force (CC)K8TF) in detecting and sampling for the SCJO pathogen
(Phytophthoraronnonvn). Every winter, District staff looks for symptomatic plants in new zones,
collects samples and sends thane to the California Department nf Food and Agriculture's Plant Pest
Diagnostics Center. All confirmed sites are added to the statewide SOD database and included in
the maps available at www.suddenoakdeath.orq |n addition, Sonoma State University has been
surveying portions of ten District preserves aspart of their statewide Early Detection Study.
District staff is trained in the symptoms and effects of SOD on an annual basis, and the Resource
Management Specialist attends the SOD Science Symposiums, reviews monthly SOD reports, and
communicates with CCJK8TF.
Memorandum toBoard September 23.2005 Page
The attached map shows preserves with confirmed or within o1/4-mika buffer area around SOD
locations including La Honda, Coal Creek, Monte Bello, Russian Ridge, Skyline Ridge, Long Ridge,
Saratoga Gap, and Fremont Older Open Space Preserves and the southern portion mf Loma Phato
in Sierra Azu| Open Space Preserve. Recent detections have been confirmed for 7-hornewoodOpen
� Space Preserve, and staff expects sampling in the winter of 2005/6 will detect infections in Windy Hill
� and Bear Creek Open Space Preserves, and the Stevens Canyon area of Monte Bello Open Space
� Preserve.
� Staff has not previously surveyed for or mapped trees apparently resistant to SOD. There igablack
oak along Hickory Oak Trail in Long Ridge Open Space Preserve that was confirmed in2OOOaa
infected with SOD, however, only part of the tree died while the rest appears tohave survived. Staff
checks this tree for acorns but none have been present in the past two years.
Scientific Studies of SOD-Resistant Trees
Several laboratory experiments have indicated that individual coast live oak, tanoak and bay laurel
plants display different levels of susceptibility to SOD.' University of California Berkeley researchers
tested coast live oaks from several locations throughout the state for susceptibility to the SOD
pathogen. Cuttings collected in the field and inoculated with the pathogen under laboratory conditions
developed variably sized vvoundSu Preliminary results suggest susceptibility of coast live oak to the
SOD pathogen is variable and the variability existed among individuals within the same population
a
rather thmn 'ustbe�voensamp|aotahanatd�enentmitem. Berkeley researchers grew tanook
saplings inogreenhouse from acorns collected from Six Rivers National Forest in northern California
near Eureka. They found significant variability in the response of stems and leaves to inoculation
with the SOD pathogen indicating genetic resistance. Some, but not all, Cf the variability appeared 10
bmin response to the location ofthe saplings in the greenhouse indicating environmental neoistan,=*
A range of susceptibility was also found with bay leaves inoculated with the SOD pathogen under
|oboratoryoondidunaa.
These resistance studies are expected to continue, as funding is available, and COMTF identifies
SOD host resistance as one of its critically needed research areas for 2005. |tie important tonote
that to date, these studies have been conducted in laboratory and greenhouse type environments,
and not under forest-type conditions. A tree that appears tobe resistant in the forest or the laboratory
may not be resistant in another forest-type oondiUonwheretheooi|. cUmabaandstructure of
surrounding vegetation may make it more or less susceptible to the SOD pathogen. There io also the
possibility that some strains of the pathogen may be more virulent and could cause infestation of
seemingly resistant trees at o later date if new vectors of infestation develop. A recent
1 David M Rizzo and yWatteoGarbe|oUo. Sudden oak death: endangering California and Oregon forest
ecosystems. Front EcolEnvirnn2003; 1(5): 197-204.
a Richard S. Dodd, Daniel Hubor|i, TonnarY. Harnik, Brenda O'Dell and K8oteeo Garbe|otto. University of
California, Berkeley. Sudden Oak Death Second Science Symposium, January 18-21. 2UO5.
» RichandS. Dodd. Danie| Hubar|i. V|mdOouhovnikoff. TomorY. Hernik. ZoraAfzo|'RefiiondN1atteo
Gm/ba|oMn. Is variation in susceptibility to Phytophthora ramorum correlated with population genetic
structure in coast live oak ((]ueo:uoa0riholia)7. New Phyto|ogiet(20O4) doi: 1O.1111/j.1
460-8137.2004.01280.x
4 Katherine Hayden and Matteo Garbelotto, Quantitative Resistance to Phytophthora ramorunn in tankoak,
Department ofEnvironmental Science, Policy, and Management, University ofCalifornia, Berkeley, CA.
sDonie| Huber|i. VViUVan8ont. GtevmnSwain. JonniferDovidson. andKAatteoGarbe|otto. Susceptibility
of Un/be0u/erim oali/bn7/ueto Phy/uphhhonanannon/n7. International Congress of Plant Pathology, 2-7
February 2003. Christchurch, New Zealand.
�
Memorandum to Board September%l2005 Page
comprehensive summary of research and management of SOD states, "The pressing question is
whether these less susceptible plant individuals are truly resistant, capable of surviving when �
conditions are highly favorable to the pathogen.^« However, the indication that populations ofoaks
and bays include potentially resistant individuals is encouraging.
Horticultural practices such as crossbreeding have been used to develop disease resistant plants.
For example, the US Department of Agriculture and The American Chestnut Foundation are
undertaking a decades-long program to crossbreed the American chestnut with an Asian chestnut.
They expect to develop trees resistant 1othe chestnut blight that killed most American chestnut trees �
in forests of the eastern United States one hundred years ago. Staff im not currently aware Cfany �
such effort bldevelop resistant strains of oaks to SOD. �
Staff Recommendations Regarding Surveys for Resistance and Collection of Plant Material
�
To implement a program of identifying, mapping andmarking potentially trees on
District lands, staff would need to consult with SOD scientists to determine how to sort out which �
trees are genetically resistant and which are surviving due to unique long term or short term �
environmental conditions. CJn|y�ho���ream�hatar�Q�n��ioaUynanic�ontxv�u|d �� opprophmt�for
� �
collection of acorns, cuttings or tissue samples bv which to propagate trees for replanting ininfested �
forests. �e��in� ��n��i��anomvvou|dinvo|w� h�nd|inQC�thoG[)[] p��h���n. xvhiohc�npn|yo��ur
� �
� under permits from the US Department of Agriculture and the California Department of Food and �
Agriculture. �
� Other common forest diseases kill ooko. abhouQhusuaUynot a1 such m large landscape scale aothe
�
� SOD pathogen. Ther�bn�. biminnpod�n1��t����U�� pneeenoeor�bmenc�of�he��[] o��hooen
� ,-- -
among apparently resistant trees.
� The current uncertainties of genetic versus environmental resistance and the restrictions on handling
� the SOD pathogen suggest that the District's involvement ino resistance study may need to take one �
�
of two directions: �
w Survey, map and mark oak and tanoak trees on District lands which show little to no �
symptoms of SOD although they are located close to many trees which have apparently died �
from SOD and are in the vicinity of bay trees that have tested positive for the pathogen.
� Continue to annually monitor the survival ofthese trees until such a time as research from the
� scientific institutes provides evidence on how to confirm genetic resistance and guidance on
� how to collect, store and propagate acorns, cuttings or tissue samples for replanting of
� infested forests. �
OR �
�
* Conduct survey, mapping and marking of potentiallynmoistart trees ae described above. �
�
Then hire a specialist, fund research orrequest that research funds from the federal agencies
be spent mntesting garnp|em collected from 0athc1 preserves bJdetermine resistance.
�
s David Rizzo, yWatteoGarbe|otto. and Everett Hansen, Phyhophthonanannonxn: Integrative Research and �
Management ofon Emerging Pathogen in California and Oregon Forests. Annu. Rev. Phyopatho| 2005. �
43:13.1-13.27. �
Memorandum to Board September 23.2005 Page
Funded research would also develop techniques forpnopagabngnesiatonto|antothat could
be replanted in infested District forests.
RECOMMENDATION 3: PROTECTION OF HERITAGE TREES
Fungicide Treatment
There ie currently nn feasible method cf treating many trees over large distances toprovide
protection from the SOD pathogen. A phosphite fungicide treatment has been developed, however,
it has limitations for use invvi|d|andsettings. |t works on oaks and tonoakm but not on the dozens mf �
� other hzUar SOD host species common in the Santa Cruz Mountains. A1 this time, no treatment has
been developed for bays, which are usually the primary source of SOD spores that blow throughout �
the forest and infect other plants. Therefone, treatment with the phosphite fungicide is unlikely to stop �
�
� the spread of SOD infestation but could save individual trees. The fungicide treatment stops the
�
infection in the tree, but it does not kill the pathogen, therefore each individual oak tree must be �
� injected or sprayed every year(twice in the first year). The treatment ig only effective if the tree has �
� not been infected or has been infected less than one year. Therefore, the treatment iaconsidered �
� preventative but not mcure. �
�
� CC}MTF recommends the fungicide treatment be used for individual trees of significance(heritage)or �
to prevent high risk. In vvi|d|and oettin0o. C[JMTF recommends the focus should be on containing the �
infection by preventing human-caused spread until the mechanisms of spread and tree resistance
� are better understood and a feasible method for otand |�vo| �i|viou|tuma|�nac�men� i�deve|�ped
- . �
� Survey&Treatment of Herftage Tree �
�
�
� To address the concern of tn��afn�n� �ha8[�D . �h� D�tho� cou� �oko �
protecting - �
the fo|kJvvnQ atooa: identify any healthy coast live, canyon, Shreve or b|ooh oak or tonomk trees of
heritage size (diameter of 40 inches or greater at height of 4.5 feet above ground surface), and on an �
annual basis treat those trees with the appropriate fungicide (or any subsequently approved chemical
or treatment method) and monitor their health. Atthe same time, staff recommends that trees that �
present a high safety hoh (e.g. oaks near connpgnounde, buildings and congregation anaao\ be �
likewise identified and treated.
�
�
COST AND SCHEDULE ESTIMATE
�
�
Surveying for resistant trees, collecting and propagating resistant plants, and protection of �
heritage trees on District preserves is not included in the current Action Plan or the Five Year �
Resource Management StrategicP|on. Assuming that the Board approved these �
recommendations, staff will return to the Board before the end of the calendar year with cost �
and schedule estimates for programs to survey for and collect material from SC)O resistant trees �
and protect heritage trees. Ad that time oCEQA evaluation will be prepared for �
�
Recommendations 2 and 3.
�
�
�
Regional Open Space
--- ------..-.-..,_- -..=--.�-�m...�._ _.�---�-----�'`�—..`,ma's'`„�_�_-�.,��-__�•.--.._'`.'_.
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
R-05-105
Meeting 05-21
September 23, 2005
AGENDA ITEM 3
AGENDA ITEM
Use&Management Committee Recommendations Regarding Removal of Slender False Brome at
Thornewood, La Honda Creek and El Corte de Madera Open Space Preserves
USE&MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
,,DzIe- e
I. EtAIjcfund a resource management program with the goal of successfully eradicating slender false
brome in three years from Thornewood, La Honda and El Corte de Madera Open Space
Preserves.
2. Conduct semi-annual treatment of slender false brome in the District's preserves with an
x
herbicide deemed effective and appropriate in the professional opinion of resource management ►t
staff.
3. Review,test and implement other control methods, as appropriate, in the professional opinion of
resource management staff.
4. Apply for grants to assist in the funding of control of slender false brome. ' y
5. Petition the State of California to reclassify slender false brome as a Category A or B noxious `
weed.
6. Coordinate eradication efforts with Caltrans,the Town of Woodside,the San Mateo County
Weed Management Area and other agencies to achieve successful eradication.
7. Implement a pilot program to control slender false brome on private lands immediately adjacent
to Thornewood Open Space Preserve, where such control is necessary for eradication on the
preserve to be successful.
8. Determine that the recommended actions, numbers I through 6, are categorically exempt from the
California Environmental Quality Act for the reasons set out in this report.
Y 7 ,$/ 0 Q 0 � a �c� i , f� e r " i cry y c cr r� cz J "
k BACKGROUND / V
The Use and Management Committee("U&M Committee")met on August 25, 2005 to discuss the status
of and potential future actions regarding slender false brome(Brachypodium sylvaticum),an invasive
grass at the Thornewood Open Space Preserve and on surrounding private Woodside property.
DISCUSSION
At the August 25, 2005 U&M Committee meeting, staff provided general background on slender false
brome, its status on District preserves, and updated information from researchers in Oregon where slender
false brome has become a serious problem. A current map of known locations of slender false brome in
the Woodside area is attached. i'�
/ o .,n eh e oi t cr l lt�a t
� I
R-05-105 Page 2
The U&M Committee discussed how the District might assist in the removal of slender false brome from
private property in order for eradication on the Thornewood Open Space Preserve to be successful and to
stop it from spreading back onto the preserve. U&M Committee members were concerned about slender
false brome spreading extensively as it has done in Oregon. They asked if biocontrol agents were
available, pre-emergent herbicides could be used, nonprofits could assist in control of slender false brome
on private property, the Oregon researchers would write letters of support, and about production of an
illustrated brochure to inform neighbors about what they should do and why.
The General Manager suggested the committee consider closing the Thornewood Preserve for three years
if they felt this was an emergency situation. This is a suggestion that could also be discussed by the full
Board, but is not a recommendation of the U&M Committee at this time.
U&M Committee members concurred that, based on what has happened in Oregon, slender false brome
threatens to seriously disrupt the redwood forest of the Thornewood Preserve and natural conditions of
other District reserves. They further concurred that without its removal on adjacent private property in
Woodside,the potential for reinvasion onto the Thornewood Preserve and possible spread to other
District preserves with concurrent disruption of natural processes will remain a serious threat. Because
the current extent of slender false brome in California is greatly limited and because control methods are
feasible, a pilot program to control slender false brome on Woodside lands, on and outside of the District
preserves, would be consistent with and beneficial to the District's mission to operate and maintain a
system of open space preserves, and is necessary to have a successful program.
As a result, the overall consensus of the U&M Committee members was that the District should do more
to successfully eradicate slender false brome in the Thornewood Preserve and at other preserves where it
exists. The Committee concluded that the District should explore methods to remove this invasive grass
from adjacent private property where such removal is needed in order for eradication to be successful on
District land. Progress should also be made on other steps regarding additional treatment, grant
applications,and a noxious weed reclassification; however, these are to be considered a secondary level
of effort.
The attached staff memorandum provides additional information regarding the threat of slender false
brome and background information and analysis regarding each of the seven U&M Committee
recommendations.
COST AND SCHEDULE ESTIMATE
An increased level of effort in controlling slender false brome on District preserves and adjacent private
properties is not included in the current Action Plan or the Five Year Resource Management Strategic
Plan. If the Board adopts the U&M Committee's recommendations, staff will return to the Board before
the end of the calendar year with cost and schedule estimates for implementing the Board's directives,
and any additional CEQA review required prior to implementing Recommendation Number 7 in this
report. This would include budget increase recommendations to accomplish-the project.
CEQA COMPLIANCE
The project consists of the District's program to remove slender false brome as set out in
Recommendations 1 through 6 of this report. The District's program to control approximately 40 acres of
slender false brome on Thornewood, La Honda and El Corte de Madera Preserves consists of herbicide
spraying, and removal of plants by hand and technical methods. Spraying will be consistent with all label
requirements for the approved herbicides, such as not spraying in sensitive areas, avoiding weather
conditions that might result in drift, and avoiding native plant species. Staff will only use such approved
R-05-105 Page 3
herbicides and control methods as will avoid any potential significant environmental effects. No rare
animal or plants species are known to occur within the slender false brorne target areas of Thornewood,
La Honda and El Corte de Madera. Only aquatic approved herbicides or hand or mechanical methods
will be used at and adjacent to Schilling Lake, Dennis Martin Creek and other water bodies. Each site
that has received consistent control efforts for three consecutive years will be evaluated for restoration
with native vegetation,and seeding or installation of native plants will be initiated where sun and
understory conditions are appropriate. Therefore,this program will not have the potential to result in any
significant environmental effects.
The District concludes that the District's program on Thornewood, La Honda and El Corte de Madera
Preserves to control approximately 40 acres of slender false brome is categorically exempt under CEQA
Guidelines Section 15304 (Class 4 Minor Alterations to Land). Class 4 covers minor public alterations of
land,water, and/or vegetation that do not involve the removal of healthy, mature, scenic trees or grading
on slopes greater than 10 percent. Removing the invasive slender false brome grass from these preserves
to protect native redwood forest and wildlife habitat is consistent with subsection (d)of this section
regarding minor alteration of vegetation on wildlife management areas for improvement of habitat.
CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.4 provides that public agencies shall list specific activities which fall
within each exempt class and which are consistent with the intent of the classes as described in the state
guidelines. Under the District's Guidelines for Implementation of the California Environmental Quality
Act,the District has determined that certain day-to-day projects qualify for categorical exemptions from
CEQA, including minor resource management projects(e.g., removal of exotic species and revegetation).
Therefore,this program is consistent both with State CEQA Guidelines Section 15304 and the District's
CEQA Guidelines.
PUBLIC NOTIFICATION
A copy of the agenda was sent to persons requesting notification of resource management items,the City
Manager of the Town of Woodside,the San Mateo County Agriculture Commissioner,the California
Department of Food&Agriculture, and neighbors of Thornewood Open Space Preserve.
Prepared by:
Cindy Roessler, Resource Management Specialist
Contact Person:
Same as above
Attachments: Locations of Slender False Brome in the Woodside Area
Memorandum: Threat of Slender False Brome to Thornewood&Other District Preserves
Known Locations of Slender False Brome in the Woodside Area
;a.
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0 0,125 0.25 0.5 GA1Arcview\Projects\$Districtwide\Non-Native_Mapping\BRSY\BRSY_09-21-05.mxd
Miles ® Slender false [3rome 9/21/2005
,
� ��*��v��|
� ~ ' ^~�'~'~~ `~r~'' Sr`-~~
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
K8emOraDdU00
To Board of Directors
From: Craig Britton, General Manager
Prepared by: Cindy Roessler, Resource Management Specialist
Data: Seoternber23. 2005
� Re: Threat of Slender False BrornetoThonnevvoOd and Other District Preserves
�
�
� At the Use & Management Committee ("U&M Committee") meeting on August 25. 2005. the status of
slender false brono( 9n3ohuoVdiun xylvaticun), on invasive grass in thgThonevood Open Space
� Pn8senxa and surrounding Woodside neighborhood, was considered. U&W1 Committee members �
� moved that the following action items be recommended to the full Board for consideration:
�
� 1 Fully fund a resource management program with the goal of successfully eradicating slender
fm|oa bron)e in three years from Thornevwzod. Le Honda and E|Corte de Madera [}pan
�
Space Preserves; �
�
� 2. Conduct semi-annual treatment of slender false brome in the District's preserves with an �
� herbicide deemed effective and appropriate in the professional opinion of resource �
� management a1a��
. �
� 3. Review, test and implement other control methods, oo appropriate, inthepnofemoiona| opinion
of resource management staff; �
�
�
� 4. Apply for grants to fund control of slender false brVnle;
5 Ped�onthe State ofCo|Ubrniobzreomonfv �end�rf�|ambronl� aea ryAmrno�mue
. ^ - �
� vveeo.
�
�
� 8. Coordinate eradication efforts with the Town of Woodside, the San K8obao County Weed
�
� Management Area and other agencies to achieve successful eradication;
�
7. Implement pilotprogram to control slender false bronleon private lands immediately �
� adjacent to Thornewood Open Space Preserve,where such control is necessary for
� eradication on the preserve to be successful. �
�
U&K8 Cornnlh1ee members concurred that, based on what has happened in Oregon, slender false �
bnorne threatens to seriously disrupt the redwood forest of the ThonlgvvVod Preserve and natural �
conditions of other District reserves. They further concurred that without its removal on adjacent �
private property in Woodside, the potential forneinvaaion onto the Thornewmod Preserve and �
possible spread to other District preserves with concurrent disruption of natural processes will remain �
a serious threat. Because the current extent of slender false brome in California is greatly limited and �
�
�
Memorandum to Board Snptamber%3,2005 Page
because control methods are feasible, a pilot program to control slender false brome on Woodside
lands, on and outside of the District preserves, would be consistent with and beneficial to the
District's mission to operate and maintain a system of open space preserves, and is necessary to
have a successful program.
This memorandum provides additional information regarding the threat of slender false brome and
� background information and staff analysis regarding each of the seven U&M Committee
recommendations.
THREAT OF SLENDER FALSE BROME
Slender False Brome In Oregon
Slender false brome is a perennial grass originally from North Africa and Eurasia that reproduces
only byseed. Although originally observed in Oregon in1R39. in the past 15years slender false
bronne has spread to over 1O.00O acres where it thrives in both sunny and shady conditions inmwide
variety of field conditions, including nnemdovve, romdoidee, coniferous forests and strearnaidem. In
Oregon, this nonnative grass forms stands of up to ninety percent cover that outcompete and
exclude native grasses and herbaceous plants and change the composition of forest understory. In
meadows outside CorvaUa. (]regmn, slender false bnonneiareplacing the host lupine plants of
Fender's blue butterfly, and may reduce the already limited range of this federally endangered
species. Some researchers observe that slender false brome may be inhibiting the establishment
and growth of tree seedlings during reforestation efforts by exploiting soil rnoiatuoe, appears not to be
browsed by wildlife, may reduce forage quality for livestock on rangeland, and may change fire
regimes by building up a heavy layer of thatch, although the grass itself resprouts within a few weeks
of burning. Slender false brome has spread so widely that Oregon agencies and landowners
concentrate on spraying new and especially destructive populations, and preventing additional
spread by cleaning boots and machinery and keeping it mowed along roadsides, rather than
attempting full scale eradication.
Slender False Brome In Woodside Area
Slender false brome was first identified as occurring in the Thornewood Preserve and the
surrounding residential neighborhood in January 2DO4. Staff has indications that the grass may have
been present in the Thornewood Preserve area for as long as ten years, but do not know how and
where it first established in the Woodside area. Recent genetic tests preliminarily indicate that the
l-hornexvood population of this grass im not clear match with the Oregon popu|adona, so it may not
have been introduced from Oregon.
Approximately 40 acres of slender false brome have been mapped and treated on the Thornewood
Preserve with less than one acre occurring mtLa Honda and B Corte de Madera Preserves. Based
on staff observations from the preserve boundaries, public roads, and from those properties which
owners have requested advice, staff estimates that an additional 25Lo45 acres exist on adjacent
private property.
In the Woodside area, staff has found slender false brome growing in dense lines along roads,
recreational trails and game trails, and aa small patches to dense hillsides in sunny yards, and in
sunny to semi-shady light gaps uf redwood forests.
�
� \
� , \
Memorandum to Board September 23^2005 Page
Conclusions Re-garding Threat of Slender False Brome to District Preserves
Although the infested Willamette Valley and Cascade foothill regions of Oregon have adifferent
climate than the central coast of California, the flexibility of this grass indicates that, with time, slender
false bronne could spread as extensively in California as it has in Oregon and cause similar problems
to the natural systems and timberland and ranging interests inthe state. Staff,therefore, considers
slender false brome to be a serious threat to the redwood forests of Thornewood, to other District
preserves, and possibly to many other natural areas, rangblands and timberlands of California. Even
once the District successfully removes all slender false brome from its preserves, there is a high
probability that the preserves will be reinfaated if plants are left on adjacent private properties.
PRESERVES
RECOMMENDATION 1: SLENDER FALSE BROME ERADICATION ON DISTRICT
�
District staff has reviewed published information, and discussed and met with Oregon researchers to �
better understand the behavior of this plant and assess how their research on control methods may
apply UlCalifornia. At the present time, spraying with glyphosate (commonly known as Roundup �
ProU)) is the best method to control large areas of this grass on an immediate basis. Approximately �
40 acres of slender false brome have been sprayed twice�with glyphosate herbicide in the
Thornewood Preserve with some locations along trails and creeksides being pulled out by hand. �
� Initial treatments killed most well established p|antg, and follow-up treatments are eliminating the �
seedlings that subsequently sprout from seeds still remaining in the soil. Small stands ofslender
false brome subsequently found in La Honda and El Corte de Madera Open Space Preserves were �
sprayed this year. �
Staff recommends continuing to use both herbicide spraying and hand removal of slender false �
bnomein District preserves. Spraying will be consistent with all label requirements for the approved �
herbicides, such as not spraying in sensitive areas, avoiding weather conditions that might result in
drift, and avoiding native plant species. No rare animal or plants species are known to occur within i
the slender false bnonne target area ofThornevvood. La Honda and B Corte deMadera. Only aquatic �
approved herbicides or hand or mechanical methods will be used at and adjacent to Schilling Lake,
� Dennis Martin Creek and other water bodies. Each site that has received consistent control efforts /
� for three consecutive yeanevviUbe evaluated for restoration vvithnative msgetadon. and seeding or
� /
� installation of native plants will be initiated where sun and understory conditions are appropriate.
RECOMMENDATION 2: SEMI-ANNUAL TREATMENT
� Observations over the past year indicate that fog drip or other conditions in the central coast of |
� California providea |onggrovvngandgenninstioneemoonforo|enderte|aebnonne. thusaLoffoou|d �
� start treating it several times ayear.
� |
� Staff recommends that monitoring of the growth patterns of slender false brome in District preserves
� be increased and plants be treated one more frequent basis.
RECOMMENDATION 3: OTHER CONTROL METHODS
� It may be possible to use either pre-emergent herbicides (which kill seeds in the soil before they |
� germinate) or grass-specific herbicides (which donot affect other types of plants). |nexperiments
conducted in Oregon, super-heated foam (corn syrup and coconut oil) applied by a machine
developed bv the\8aipunm Company was also found to kill slender false bnonle. This method may /
work on properties where the outbreaks of slender false brome are located close to roads where
�
�
Memorandum toBoard September 23,2005 Page
°
there iu ease of access for the VVoipuneequipment. Costs for this method may be higher and
availability of equipment is sometimes limited.
Staff recommends that the effectiveness of other control methods be investigated, and, ifno
significant adverse effects are revealed, these methods beimplemented. |f methods have the
potential to result in any significant adverse environmental efh*ct, additional environmental review
�
� would occur priorto their implementation.
RECOMMENDATION 4: GRANT FUNDING
�
� The San Mateo Weed Management Area led u public education effort on slender false bnome
� bv holding a meeting in Woodside in April 2OO4 with informational notices mailed toapproximately
� 4OOoddremmeointhevioinib/ofThornevvoud. VViththephnnaryaeeiatanoeofC)iethct staff, this
� education outreach has expanded over the past 18 months toinclude:
� w Posting of illustrated notices sd the preserve trai|haads and Sky Londe market bulletin board
w Writing newspaper articles and providing information for the South Skyline Association and
Old La Honda Road Association newsletters
� ° Posting information on websites of the District, the California Invasive Plant Council, The
�
Nature Conservancy, and the Oregon False Bnonne Working Group
* Sharing information at meetings of the local and state weed management areas, and the
� California Native Plant Society
�
� w Contacting the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), County Parks and the
� Town of Woodside with information and requests to survey for and control slender false
� bn3rne
�
* Making presentations at community meetings for the South Skyline Association and the Old
La Honda Road Association
0 Meeting with neighbors on their properties when requested, confirming and mapping the
presence or absence of slender false brome, and teaching residents how to identify and
control slender false brome
~ Surveying and updating GIS maps showing all known locations of slender false brome in the
Woodside area
A few homeowners in the vicinity of the Thornewood Preserve have requested advice on slender
fe|eebnome from the District and subsequently sprayed slender false brome or removed it by hand
from their property.
By Fall of2OO4. it was evident that most residents in the Thornevvood area would need additional
incentives to control slender false bromeon their property. The San Mateo County VVK8A submitted e
grant proposal to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation for public education, mapping, advice to
landowners, and to hire licensed contractors to remove slender false brome in the Woodside area.
Requesting $25,000 under the Pulling Together Initiative to help local communities effectively
manage plant invaders, the grant proposal advanced to the second stage of review in late winter.
The VVK8&was notified inJune 2004that even though the proposal was well written, it was not
funded because neither federal partners nor federal land were directly involved and the Pulling
Together Initiative funds were limited this year.
The District orVVK8A could resubmit the grant 1O the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, although it
is unlikely the application will be awarded until such a time as the Pulling Together Initiative receives
greater funding. Other grant programs are available which fund invasive plant control. Staff
recommends a grant writer be hired to further investigate such grant programs and two grant
�
^
Memorandum to Board September 23.2005 Page
^
� applications be submitted over the next three years to assist with funding control of slender false
bmmeon District presenes, adjacent private lande, and related public outreach and coordination
� tasks.
RECOMMENDATION 5: RECLASSIFICATION AS A STATE NOXIOUS WEED
Upon initial identification of this plant in the Thomewood Preserve in 2004, the Plant Health and Pest
� Prevention Division ofthe California Department of Food and Agriculture (C[)F7\) confirmed that this �
� was its only known location in California and designated itmaa Cl'ratedvveed. California has a �
system for rating and prioritizing control of noxious weeds in the state. /\rating of Category Ais �
normally given to invasions of new species of weeds with limited distribution and a good potential for
� complete eradication from the state. State and the appropriate County Agriculture ��onnrnieaion�ro �
- �
share the renpVns|bi|itvfore�adioodngandoontoininQA,nahydvv��dm. andkoepingb�utofthe
~ �
nursery trade. /\ rating of Category Bia for noxious weed species that are more widespread, and, �
� their eradication, containment and control are possible within large sections of the state although �
� maybe not throughout the entire state. Control ofB-natad weeds ie directed by the County Agriculture �
�
Commissioners, New vveedawhich appear
. �
to be potentially aggressive or invasive are temporarily given oC>-ratin0 until mdlVnJugh survey
throughout the state determines their distribution and potential for eradication, control and
�
� containment wherein they may be moved upk)a Category AorBrating.
� Roo|ena��ingslender false bromeao either e {}etegoryAnrB weed could provide greater pmfi|eto
� ''
� controlling this grass and may further enlist participation of the San Mateo County Agriculture
� Commissioner and CDF/\. At the present time, staffs conclusion ia that neither of these agencies
has sufficient funds to undertake control efforts. However, they are likely to encourage coordination
with landowners rather than invoke their legal abatement authority authorized by a Category A or B
� noxious weed rating.
� Staff recommends that the District (or San Mateo County WMA, at the District's urging) petition the
� California Department of Agriculture toreclassify this invasive grass, and provide sufficient evidence
� that the grass is not widespread in other locations of California and its eradication is feasible. The
� petition and review process could take several years. �
RECOMMENDATION 6: COORDINATION WITH OTHER AGENCIES
� After being contacted by District staff, Caltrans has been spraying slender false brome along its right-
of-way on Hi-hvvoy84. To date, the Town of Woodside has not been able 8z participate in �
� discussions about the problems posed by slender false brome, controlling it along several roadways �
within �uhadiction, or coordinating wit
h residents.
� '
Staff recommends that the District continue attempts to coordinate with Caltrans, San Mateo County �
Parks, the Town of Woodside, the San Mateo County VVMA and other appropriate agencies.
RECOMMENDATION 7: SLENDER FALSE BROME ERADICATION ON DISTRICT PRESERVES
AND ADJACENT PROPERTIES
Staff recommends that a contractor be hired to coordinate and implement a slender false brome �
control pnognamoDphvateprope�vadioo�r�toDiathotpnaoervea Aeimi|orapproach0o ��in� �
~ '` � �
herbicides,
�hand removal and mechanical methods mmonThornevvood Preserve will boimplemented
with precautions bm protect native plants and landscaping. The contractor would be responsible for
Memorandum to Board September 23,2005 Page 6
coordinating a public outreach campaign and follow-up monitoring and control with participating
residents.
COST AND SCHEDULE ESTIMATE
An increased level of effort in controlling slender false brome on District preserves and adjacent
properties is not included in the current Action Plan or the Five Year Resource Management
Strategic Plan. If the Board adopts the U&M Committee's recommendations, staff will return to
the Board before the end of the calendar year with cost and schedule estimates for
implementing the Board's directives, and any necessary additional CEQA review for
Recommendation Number 7.
|
�
Regional Open Space
M|DPEN|NSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT �
�
R,05-lO5
Meeting 05-2l �
September 2], 2005 �
���l���K�� U��|��� � �
��~"��^��^�� � � ��^," ~^
�
AGENDAITEM
� Uac& Management Committee Dccommendut ions Regarding Removal of Slender False Brorneat �
� Tbnnmenmod, 1,u Honda Creek and B Corte dc Madera Open Space Preserves �
USE& MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
| Fully fund u resource management program with tile goal ofsuccessfully eradicating slender false �
� brorne in three years from Thornewood, La Honda and El Corte de Madera Open Space �
Preserves.
2. Conduct ucrni-annua|treatment of slender false b,omuc in the District's preserves with un �
� herbicide deemed effective and appropriate in the professional opinion of resource management |
� staff.
� ]. Review,test and implement other control methods, as appropriate, in the professional opinion of �
resource management staff.
�
4. Apply for grants to assist in the funding of control of slender false brome.
� 5. Petition the State of California to reclassify slender false hromeusa Category &or|} noxious �
weed.
6. Coordinate eradication efforts with Caltrans,the Town of Woodside,the San Mateo County /
Weed Management Area and other agencies to achieve successful eradication. �
7. Implement pilot program to control slender false bvomcon private lands immediately adjacent
�
0oThonmen/oodOpen Space Preserve, where such oonbnl is necessary for eradication on the
preserve tohcsuccessful. �
� 8. Determine that the recommended actions, numbers I through 6, are categorically exempt frorn the
California Environmental Quality Act for the reasons set out in this report. �
�
BACKGROUND
�
The Use and Management Committee("U&M Committee")met on August 25, 2005 to discuss the status �
of and potential future actions regarding slender false bvnnme ox/>, un invasive
grass at the Thornewood Open Space Preserve and on surrounding private Woodside property.DISCUSSION
�
�
�
At the August 25, 2005 U&M Committee meeting, staff provided general background on slender false �
bvnnne, its status on District preserves, and updated information from vuacarchom in Oregon where slender
false brunoe has become u serious problem. A current map oyknown locations of slender false boomncin �
the Woodside area isattached.
�
|
�
�
�
R-05'105 Page
� The U&K4 Committee discussed how the District might assist in the removal of slender false brome from
� private property in order for eradication oil {heThonoowood (}pen Space Preserve to be ouconamfu| and to
� stop it from spreading back onto the preserve. D&M1Committee members were concerned about slender
� fb|meb,omc spreading extensively ns it has done in Oregon. They asked ifbiocontro| agents were
�
� available, pre-emergent herbicides could be used, nonprofits could umsim{ in control of slender false hromm
� on private property, the Oregon researchers would write letters of support, and about production of an
� illustrated brochure to inform neighbors about what they should do and why.
� The General Manager suggested the committee consider closing the Thonmcvvood Preserve for three years
� if they felt this was un emergency situation. This iuu suggestion that could also he discussed by the full
�
� Board, but is not urecommendation of the D/bM Committee at this time.
U&M Committee members concurred that, based on what has happened in Oregon, slender false brome
threatens to seriously disrupt the redwood forest of tile Thornewood Preserve and natural conditions of
other District reserves. They further concurred that without its removal on adjacent private property in
Woodside,the potential for reinvasion onto the Thornewood Preserve and possible spread to other
District preserves with concurrent disruption of natural processes will remain u serious threat. Because
the current extent of slender false brornc in California is greatly limited and because control methods are
feasible, a pilot program to control slender false bnomeoil Woodside lands,on and outside o[the District
preserves, wuu|d be consistent with and beneficial to tile District's mission tooperate and maintain
system of open space preserves, and is necessary to have uouocexmfu| pong,um.
� &au result,the overall consensus ofthe O8cK3 Committee mnenuhcrm was that the District should do more
to euoccey[u\|y eradicate slender false brome in theThornev/ood Preserve and a1 other preserves where it
exists. The Committee concluded that the District should explore methods to rernove this invasive grass
from udiuoeot private property where auch removal is needed in order for eradication to be uuoccomfu| on
� District land. Progress should also he made on other steps regarding additional treatment, grant
�
applications, and u noxious weed reclassification; however,these are tobe considered u secondary level
� of effort.
1[heenacbcdstm[fmmemurunduroprovideouddidonu| infbnnutiouregunding the threat of slender false
brome and background information and analysis regarding each of the seven U&M Committee
� recommendations.
COST AND SCHEDULE ESTIMATE
An increased |cvc| of effort in controlling slender false hn`meoil District preserves and adjacent private
� properties ie not included io the current Action Plan ortile Five Year Resource Management Strategic
� Plan. If the Board adopts the U8cM Committee's recommendations, staff will return to the Board before
thcendoftbeuu|cnduryeucvvithcostundsnhcdu|ccotimu1cs [brimnp|cnnen1ingtheBourd`udipcodvou,
� and any additional CEQA review required prior to implementing Recommendation Number 7 in this
� report. This would include budget increase recommendations to accomplish the project.
CEQA COMPLIANCE
The project nonoistsofthe [)ixbict`spoogrumk` rcnnovem|endortu|eehronneumsetoutin
Recomnmncndutions | through 6ofthis report. The District's pvo8ronntocontrol upproxinuutrh/4O acres of
slender false brome on Thornewood, La Honda and El Corte de Madera Preserves consists of herbicide
� spraying, and removal *f plants by hand and technical methods. Spraying will be consistent with all label
requirements for the approved herbicides, such as not spraying in sensitive areas, avoiding weather
� conditions that might result in drift, and avoiding native plant species. Staff will only use such approved
R-05-105 Page 3
herbicides and control methods as will avoid any potential significant environmental effects. No rare
animal or plants species are known to occur within the slender false brome target areas of Thornewood,
La Honda and El Corte de Madera. Only aquatic approved herbicides or hand or mechanical methods
will be used at and adjacent to Schilling Lake, Dennis Martin Creek and other water bodies. Each site
that has received consistent control efforts for three consecutive years will be evaluated for restoration
with native vegetation, and seeding or installation of native plants will be initiated where sun and
understory conditions are appropriate. Therefore,this program will not have the potential to result in any
significant environmental effects.
The District concludes that the District's program on Thornewood, La Honda and El Corte de Madera
Preserves to control approximately 40 acres of slender false brome is categorically exempt under CEQA
Guidelines Section 15304 (Class 4 Minor Alterations to Land). Class 4 covers minor public alterations of
land, water, and/or vegetation that do not involve the removal of healthy, mature, scenic trees or grading
on slopes greater than 10 percent. Removing the invasive slender false brome grass from these preserves
to protect native redwood forest and wildlife habitat is consistent with subsection (d)of this section
regarding minor alteration of vegetation on wildlife management areas for improvement of habitat.
CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.4 provides that public agencies shall list specific activities which fall
within each exempt class and which are consistent with the intent of the classes as described in the state
guidelines. Under the District's Guidelines for Implementation of the California Environmental Quality
Act,the District has determined that certain day-to-day projects qualify for categorical exemptions from
CEQA, including minor resource management projects(e.g., removal of exotic species and revegetation).
Therefore, this program is consistent both with State CEQA Guidelines Section 15304 and the District's
CEQA Guidelines.
PUBLIC NOTIFICATION
A copy of the agenda was sent to persons requesting notification of resource management items,the City
Manager of the Town of Woodside,the San Mateo County Agriculture Commissioner,the California
Department of Food& Agriculture, and neighbors of Thornewood Open Space Preserve.
Prepared by:
Cindy Roessler, Resource Management Specialist
Contact Person:
Same as above
Attachments: Locations of Slender False Brome in the Woodside Area
Memorandum: Threat of Slender False Brome to Thornewood&Other District Preserves
Known Locations of Slender False Brome in the Woodside Area
PI
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0 0.125 0.25 0.5 G:Wrcview\Projects\$Districtwide\Non-Native Mapping\BRSY\BRSY_09-21-05.mxd
Miles ® Slender False Brome 9/21/2005
Regional Open Space
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
�
Memorandum
To: Board of Directors
From: Craig Britton, General Manager �
by: C�dv������r ��moun�/�� Specialist� �-,_---'� _—' . _�_"—_' �
Dote: September23 2005 �
Re: Threat of Slender False Brome to Thornewood and Other District Preserves
�
At the Use& Management Committee ("U&M Committee") meeting on August 25. 2005, the status of
slender false bromne ( ). an invasive grass in the 7-hornevvood Open Space �
Preserve and surrounding Woodside neighborhood,was considered. U&K8 Committee members |
moved that the following action items be recommended to the full Board for consideration:
/
1. Fully fund a resource management program with the goal of successfully eradicating slender �
false brornein three years from Thornevvmod. Lm Honda and B Corte da Madera Open
�
Space Preserves;
2. Conduct semi-annual treatment of slender false brome in the District's preserves with an
herbicide deemed effective and appropriate in the professional opinion of resource /
management staff; /
�
3. Reviovv, test and implement other control n)nthnds, as opprophato, in the professional opinion
of resource management staff; /
|
4. Apply for grants to fund control of slender false brVme
5 Pedtion�h� 8tcde��(�m|ifonnio�or�d�o�ifvm|enderf�|mebrom� mam (�oteQoryAor� no�iouo
' �
weed;
�
0. Coordinate eradication efforts with the Town of Woodside, the San Mateo County Weed
Management Area and other agencies to achieve successful eradication;
�
7. Implement pilotprogram to control slender false bnorneon private lands immediately �
adjacent to Thomewood Open Space Preserve, where such control is necessary for
eradication on the preserve tVbesuccessful. �
�
U&M Committee members concurred that, based on what has happened in Oregon, slender false
brome threatens to seriously disrupt the redwood forest of the Thornewood Preserve and natural �
conditions of other District reserves. They further concurred that without its removal ¢nadjacent �
private property in Woodside, the potential for reinvasion onto the Thornewood Preserve and
possible spread to other District preserves with concurrent disruption of natural processes will remain �
a serious threat. Because the current extent of slender false brome in California is greatly limited and |
�
�
�
[
�
Memorandum toBoard September 23,3005 Page
because control methods are feasible, a pilot program to control slender false brome on Woodside
lands, on and outside of the District preserves, would be consistent with and beneficial to the
District's mission to operate and maintain o system of open space praaemoo. and is necessary to
have o successful program.
This memorandum provides additional information regarding the threat of slender false bnmrneand
background information and staff analysis regarding each of the seven U&M Committee
� recommendations.
THREAT OF SLENDER FALSE BROME
Slender False Brome In Oregon
� Slender false brome is a perennial grass originally from North Africa and Eurasia that reproduces
� only byseed. Although originally observed in Oregon in 1939, in the past 15 years slender false
� bnomno has spread to over 10,000 acres where it thrives in both sunny and shady conditions in a wide
variety of field conditions, including meadows, roadsides, coniferous forests and streamsides. In
� Oregon, this nonnative grass forms stands of up to ninety percent cover that outcompete and
� exclude native grasses and herbaceous plants and change the composition of forest uOderstory. In
nneodovxm outside Corva|ie. C)regon, slender false bronle is replacing the host lupine plants of �
� Fender's blue butterfly, and may reduce the already limited range of this federally endangered
� species. Some researchers observe that slender false brome may be inhibiting the establishment �
and growth of tree seedlings during reforestation efforts by exploiting soil moisture. appears not tobe �
� �
browsed by wildlife, may reduce forage quality for livestock on rangeland, and may change fire �
regimes by building up a heavy layer of thatch, although the grass itself resprouts within a few weeks �
of burning. ��|�ndarfo|a�bronnehmeapna�d �ovvide|y�ha�(]ra��nmQ�nniee �nd |�ndoxvn�ro �
� �
concentrate on spraying nevvandeapeciaUydeStruobvepopu|mtiona. andprevertinQadditiona| �
spread by cleaning boots and machinery and keeping it mowed along roadsides, rather than �
�
attempting full scale eradication. �
Slender False Brome In Woodside Area
� Slender false brome was first identified as occurring in the ThornewoodPreserve and the �
�
surrounding residential neighborhood inJonuory2OO4. Staff has indications that the grass may have �
been present in the Thornewood Preserve area for as long as ten years, but do not know how and
where itfirst established in the Woodside area. Recent genetic tests preliminarily indicate that the �
Thornewood population of this grass is not a clear match with the Oregon populations, so it may not
have been introduced from Oregon.
Approximately 40 acres of slender false brome have been mapped and treated on the Thornewood �
Preserve with less than one acre occurring at La Honda and El Corte de Madera Preserves. Based
on staff observations from the preserve boundaries, public roads, and from those properties which
� owners have requested advice, staff estimates that an additional 25to45acres exist onadjacent �
private property. �
In the Woodside area, staff has found slender false brome growing in dense lines along roads,
recreational trails and game trails, and aosmall patches to dense hillsides in sunny yards, and in �
sunny tn semi-shady light gaps of redwood forests. �
Memorandum toBoard September 23,2005 Page
Conclusions Regarding Threat of Slender False Brome to District Preserves
�
� Although the infested Willamette Valley and Cascade foothill regions of Oregon have adifferent
� climate than the central coast ofCo|ifornia. the f�w�bil�v ofUli�gr�onindk�m�eg�ha�. xvhht�nemhender
� �` .
� false brome could spread as extensively in California moit has iD Oregon and cause similar problems �
� to the natural ovaterns and timberland and ranging interests in the state. E8aff, therefore, considers
� '
o�nd�r�|�� ���atobemo�houa������� �d��od ��o� of��me�o� UJ�h�Oia��
� `
� preserves, and possibly to many other natural areas, rangelands ondtirnbedandaofCo|ifornio� Even
� once the Disth��gucoeoefuU U from h
� probability preserves vviU be mainfeohad if ��� |��on adimcent private properties.
� ^ -
RECOMMENDATION 1: SLENDER FALSE BROME ERADICATION ON DISTRICT
PRESERVES
�
� District staff has reviewed published information, and discussed and met with Oregon researchers to �
better understand the behavior of this plant and assess how their research on control methods may
apply toCalifornia. At the present time, spraying with glyphosate (commonly known as Roundup �
Pru60iethebemtmp�hod�000r�r�| |arQeanaaaof�hi�grmeoon �nimm�diot� bamia� /\pproximmte|y
� --' �
40 acres of slender false brome have been sprayed twice with glyphosate herbicide in the
Thornewood Preserve with some locations along trails and creekaidea being pulled out byhand. |
Initial treatments killed most well established p|ants, and follow-up treatments are eliminating the |
seedlings that subsequently sprout from seeds still remaining in the soil. Small stands ofslender
false brome subsequently found in La Honda and El Corte de Madera Open Space Preserves were |
sprayed this year. |
Staff recommends continuing to use both herbicide spraying and hand removal of slender false /
bnonnein District preserves. Spraying will be consistent with all label requirements for the approved |
herbicides, such as not spraying in sensitive areas, avoiding weather conditions that might result in
drift, and avoiding native plant species. Np rare animal or plants species are known to occur within /
� the slender false brome target area ofThornemood. Lm Honda and E| Corte deMadera. Only aquatic /
approved herbicides or hand or mechanical methods will be used at and adjacent to Schilling Lake, �
Dennis Martin Creek and other water bodies. Each site that has received consistent control efforts |
for three consecutive years will be evaluated for restoration with native vegetation, and seeding or �
installation of native plants will be initiated where sun and understory conditions are appropriate. �
|
RECOMMENDATION 2: SEMI-ANNUAL TREATMENT
Observations over the past year indicate that fog drip or other conditions in the central coast of !
California provide a long growing and germination season for slender false brome, thus staff could �
� start treating h several times ayear.
/
Staff recommends that monitoring of the growth patterns of slender false brome in District preserves |
ba increased and plants be treated onm more frequent basis.
RECOMMENDATION 3: OTHER CONTROL METHODS
It may be possible to use either pre-emergent herbicides (which kill seeds in the soil before they !
germinate) or grass-specific herbicides (which do not affect other types of plants). In experiments |
conducted in Oregon, super-heated foam (corn syrup and coconut oil) applied by a machine /
developed by the Waipuna Company was also found to kill slender false brome. This method may
� work on properties where the outbreaks of slender false bnJme are located close to roads where �
�
�
� � ��
Memorandum to Board September 23.2005 Page
� there ha ease Vf access for the\8�aipunmequipment. Costs for this method may be higher and
�
availability of equipment ie sometimes limited.
� Staff recommends that the effectiveness of other control methods bei o�. a�. ��
� _-~
i n�����r��� a� ��|� ��� ���a � im��e�� ����sha�t�
� .`� . implemented.
potential to result in any significant edverneemvironnnenta| efheot additional environmental review
would occur priorbz their implementation.
RECOMMENDATION 4: GRANT FUNDING
� The San Mateo Weed Management Area led a public education effort on slender false bronle
� by holding a meeting in Woodside in April 3004vvith informational notices mailed to approximately �
� 4OO addresses in the vicinih/ ofThornavvood. VViththe phnngryassistance of District staff, this
�
� '
education outreach has expanded over the past 19 months tVinclude: �
� ° Posting of illustrated notices ad the preserve trai|hemdo and Sky Londa market bulletin board
� w Writing newspaper articles and providing information for the South Skyline Association and �
Old Lo Honda Road Association newsletters �
�
� p Posting information onvveboi&asofthe District, the California Invasive Plant Council, The �
� Nature Conservancy, and the Oregon False Bnome Working Group �
° Sharing information at meetings of the local and state weed management areas, and the �
� California Native Plant Society �
w Contacting the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), County Parks and the �
� Town of Woodside with information and requests to survey for and control slender false �
broma
� w Making presentations at community meetings for the South Skyline Association and the Old �
� La Honda Road Association �
� • Meeting with neighbors on their properties when requested, confirming and mapping the
� presence or absence of slender false brome, and teaching residents how to identify and �
control slender false bn}me �
�
~ Surveying and updating GIS maps showing all known locations of slender false brome in the
Woodside area �
�
A few homeowners in the vicinity Cf the Thornexxnod Preserve have requested advice onslender
fa|oebrmme from the District and subsequently sprayed slender false brome or removed it by hand �
� from their property. �
By Fall of2OO4. it was evident that most residents inthe Thornevvood area would need additional �
incentives to control slender false bno,neon their property. The San Mateo County VVK8A submitted a �
� grant proposal tpthe National Fish and Wildlife Foundation for public education, mapping, advice to
� landowners, and to hire licensed contractors to remove slender false brome in the Woodside area. �
� Requesting $25.00O under the Pulling Together Initiative to help local communities effectively �
manage plant invaders, the grant proposal advanced to the second stage of review in late winter.
� The WMA was notified in June 2004 that even though the proposal was well written, it was not �
� funded because neither federal partners nor federal land were directly involved and the Pulling �
�
Together Initiative funds were limited this year.
�
The District or WMA could resubmit the grant to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, although it
�
is unlikely the application will be awarded until such a time as the Pulling Together Initiative receives
� greater funding. Other grant programs are available which fund invasive plant control. Staff �
� recommends agrant writer ba hired to further investigate such grant programs and two grant
�
�
�
�
�
� �
| �
�
Memorandum toBoard September 23.2005 Page
applications be submitted over the next three years to assist with funding control of slender false
bromeVn District preserves, adjacent private lands, and related public outreach and coordination
tasks.
RECOMMENDATION 5: RECLASSIFICATION AS A STATE NOXIOUS WEED
� Upon initial identification of this plant in the Thornewood Preserve in 2004, the Plant Health and Pest
Prevention Division Vf the California Department of Food and Agriculture /CDFA\ confirmed that this
was its only known location in California and designated itmeaC>-[atedweed. California has a
� system for rating and prioritizing control ofnoxious weeds inthe state. A rating of Category Ais
�
� normally given to invasions of new species of weeds with limited distribution and a good potential for
� complete eradication from the state. State and the appropriate County Agriculture Commissioners
� share the responsibility for eradicating and containing A-rated weeds, and keeping it out of the
� nursery trade. A rating of Category B is for noxious weed species that are more widespread, and
� their eradication, containment and control are possible within large sections of the state although
maybe not throughout the entire state. Control ofB-nahed weeds is directed by the County Agriculture
Commissioners, while the state enforces restrictions in the nursery trade. New weeds which appear
to be potentially aggressive or invasive are temporarily given a Q-rating until a thorough survey
throughout the state determines their distribution and potential for eradication, control and
� containment wherein they may be moved uptVa Category AVrBrating.
Reclassifying slender false brome as either a Category A or B weed could provide greater profile to
controlling this grass and may further enlist participation of the San Mateo County Agriculture
Commissioner and CDFA. At the present time, staffs conclusion is that neither of these agencies
� has sufficient funds toundertake control efforts. However, they are likely to encourage coordination
with landowners rather than invoke their legal abatement authority authorized by a Category A or B
noxious weed rating.
Staff recommends that the District(or San Mateo Counb/VVK8/\. at the [>i5thoi's urging) petition the
California Department ofAgriculture tV reclassify this invasive grmaa, and provide sufficient evidence
that the grass is not widespread in other locations of California and its eradication is feasible. The �
petition and review process could take several years.
RECOMMENDATION 6: COORDINATION WITH OTHER AGENCIES
After being contacted bvDistrict staff, Caltrang has been spraying slender false bronle along its right-
of-way on Highway 84. To date, the Town of Woodside has not been able tq participate in
discussions about the problems posed by slender false brome, controlling it along several roadways
within Woodside juhsdiotion, or coordinating with Woodside residents. �
Staff recommends that the District continue attempts to coordinate with Ca|tnana. Son K8mbeo County �
Parke the the San �
. . ~ �
RECOMMENDATION 7: SLENDER FALSE BROME ERADICATION ON DISTRICT PRESERVES
�
AND ADJACENT PROPERTIES
Staff recommends that a contractor be hired to coordinate and implement a slender false brome
control program on private property adjacent to District preserves. A similar approach b) using
herbicides, hand removal and mechanical methods as on Thornewood Preserve will be implemented
with precautions to protect native plants and landscaping. The contractor would ba responsible for
�
Memorandum to Board September 23,2005 Page 6
coordinating a public outreach campaign and follow-up monitoring and control with participating
residents.
COST AND SCHEDULE ESTIMATE
An increased level of effort in controlling slender false brome on District preserves and adjacent
properties is not included in the current Action Plan or the Five Year Resource Management
Strategic Plan. If the Board adopts the U&M Committee's recommendations, staff will return to
the Board before the end of the calendar year with cost and schedule estimates for
implementing the Board's directives, and any necessary additional CEQA review for
Recommendation Number 7.
Regional Open Space
M|OPEN|NWULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
Q-05-lO3
MeetiogO5-2l
September 28, 2AO5
AGENDA ITEM
AGENDAITEM
� Black
� ^^',..,.. ~^ ....~....~~ ^. ~~.—_.—_-_- -.— _--_ . �
� oovuxmu, Rancho San Antonio Open Space PreserveGENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATIONS
�
� |. Determine that the recommended action io not a projectunder the California Environ n ntd (}uubv
� Act(CE(}&) because there iano possibility nfu significant impact ontile environment.
� 2. Adopt the attached Resolution approving the Amendment to the Communications Site Lease with
Mountain Union Telecom, LLC at Black Mountain, Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve.
DISCUSSION
� /\t your September \3, 20OO@ogu|urMecting(meoReportH-U0-\|O), 9ouupprovedufive-yoarleumcv/hb
� Mountain Union Telecom, LLC with four five-year options for uCommunications facility located at I\|uck
Mountain, Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve. Mountain Union Telecom isu private company that
owns,operates and manages towers throughout the United States. In June 2005, Mountain Union
exercised tile first of its four option terms of five years. Staff has negotiated u new base rent nf$3`528,
which iou four percent increase over the existing monthly base rent o[$3,]oJ. During the new lease term,
� the monthly rental rate shall be the greater o[the following:
l. A base monthly rent starting ot $3,528 increasing annually by four percent per year during the second
� 5-year term, or
2 Twenty-five percent gross nonoU�|y f��a Lcmsoc receives from its subtenants.
�
� �
The new lease rate currently represents approximately 35 percent of the gross monthly fees that Mountain
Union Telecom collects from its subtenants.
Staff has reviewed the Mountain Union mub|euscu and reviewed each auh1cnunt`o equipment utthe site. �
For tile year ending December 3|, 2004, Mountain Union received $| |3,|37 from its subtenants, and the
District received the minimum rent of$39,537 (or 34.9 percent of the Gross Income). The subtenants are
divided into three categories:
l. Paging Companies �
�
2. Unlicensed Internet Service Providers
3. Two Way Mobile Radio Communication Companies �
�
�
�
�
�
R-05-103 Page 2
Mountain Union's paging business was growing at a fast pace when the lease was completed in 2000, but
has declined since that time due to innovations in cellular and Internet technologies. More cabinet space is
available today than when Mountain Union entered into the original Lease Agreement with the District in
2000.
OPTION PROPOSAL
Staff proposes an increase in the base rent of four percent each year during the option period while
retaining the alternate provision of 25 percent of the gross monthly fees that Mountain Union collects from
its subtenants, thereby ensuring that District rental income will increase if subtenant occupancy and rents
outpace the base monthly rental structure. Base rent in the first year of the option period would be $3,529
increasing to $4,169 in the last year of the option period.
Since the District has a number of long-term leases with lessee option provisions, staff will come back to
the Board at a future meeting to seek authorization for the General Manager to approve future rent
increases under lessee's exercise of options contained in Board-approved leases. General Manager would
report these decisions to the Board at subsequent meetings.
USE AND MANAGEMENT
On December 8, 1982, the District adopted a communications policy for the existing facilities at Black
Mountain entitled Policies for the Black Mountain Communications Facilities (see Memorandum M-82-
119,November 19, 1982). This policy states that new lease renewals will be considered on a case-by-case
basis. As only the continued use of existing communication facilities being proposed,the Communications
Site Lease and Agreement is in compliance with the objectives of the above-referenced communications
policy.
CEQA Determination
The project involves the exercise of an option for extension of an existing lease of public land involving no
expansion of use with no possibility of a significant impact on the environment. It is, therefore, not a
project under CEQA.
Recommendation
Staff supports the Amendment to the Communications Site Lease because the continued use of an existing
communications facility provides increased rental income to the District and conforms to District policy.
Prepared by:
John P. Dickey, Real Property Specialist
Contact:
Michael C. Williams, Real Property Manager
Mountain Union Telecom - Communication Lease
Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve
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i
RESOLUTION NO. 05-
RESOLUTION OF THE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
APPROVING THE AMENDMENT TO COMMUNICATIONS
SITE LEASE WITH THE MOUNTAIN UNION TELECOM
RVE BLACK MOUNT
AIN)
(RANCHO SAN ANTONIO OPEN SPACE PRESERVE, )
The P g P P
i
h Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District does resolve as
follows:
Section One. The District may, under the provisions of Sections 5540 and 5563 of the
Public Resources Code, lease property owned by the District for a period of up to twenty-five
(25) years, and the Board of Directors finds that the premises to be leased for Communication
Facilities remains temporarily unnecessary for park and open space purposes and considers that
amendment of the lease of such premises for Communication Facilities is in the public interest
on the terms hereinafter set forth.
Section Two. The Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
does hereby approve the Amendment to the Communications Site Lease between the
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District and Mountain Union Telecom, a copy of which is
attached hereto and by reference made a part hereof, and does hereby authorize the General
Manager to execute said Amendment to the Communication Site Lease of behalf of the District.
Section Three. The General Manager of the District shall be authorized to execute any
and all other documents necessary or appropriate to the closing of the transaction.
Regional Open �, -ice
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
TO: Board of Directors
FROM: L. Craig Britton, General Manager
DATE: September 28, 2005
RE: FYI s
I
�FRHES
F EE
_gTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM
September 1.6, 2005
TO: L. Craig Britton, General Manager
FROM: G. Baillie, Management Analyst
SUBJECT: MONTHLY FIELD ACTIVITY SUMMARY
Month August Year 2005
DISTRICT VIOLATIONS CITES TOTALS OTHER CRIMES TOTALS
Bicycles Shooting - officer hit l
Closed area 6 7 Marijuana cultivation 1
Speed 7 16 Driving on revoked license 1
Helmet 7 12 Petty theft 1
Night-riding 0 0 False info to Peace Officer 1
Dogs
g
Prohibited area 1 1 ACCIDENTS/INCIDENTS
Off-leash 4 5 Bicycle accident 1
Off-road vehicles 1 2 Equestrian accident 0
Closed area 3 3 Hiking/running accident 2
After hours 29 48 Ot
her first aid 2
Fishing 0 3 Search &Rescue 0
Swimming 0 0 Vehicle accident 0
Vandalism 0 6 LZ air evacuation 0
Parking 28 33 Fire I
Parking after hours 13 24
Dumping 0 0 ENFORCEMENT
Camping 5 6 Parking citations 41
Campfires 0 0 Other citations 68
Weapons Written warnings 52
Actual contact 0 1 Arrests 0
Report only 0 0 Police assistance 1
Evidence of 0 0
Nudity 0 6 MUTUAL AID
Smoking 1 1 Accident 4
Metal detector 0 1 Fire (vehicle) 1
Off trail bicyclist in sensitive Fire (acres) 0
Closed area 0 5 Law enforcement I
Bicyclist w/headset 0 1 Landing zone off-site 0
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT INCIDENTS BY DATE
Date
8 B. Guzman was assisting the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Marijuana Eradication Team in Sierra
Azul in an attempt to eradicate a known cultivation site. Soon after the officers entered the site
shots were fired in their direction. One bullet struck Fish and Game Warden Kroll in both legs.
The officers returned fire and shot and killed one suspect. Officer Kroll was evacuated by CDF
Alma Helicopter and transported to a field at Los Gatos Christian church, where he was
transferred to a LifeFlight air ambulance and taken to Valley Medical Center. The eradication
was turned over to the Coalition Against Marijuana Planting(CAMP). They removed
approximately 22,500 plants from numerous sophisticated, interconnected sites.
9 At El Corte de Madera a person was issued a citation for excessive speed on a bicycle. When the
cyclist realized he was going to be issued a citation, he became irrate and hostile. He lifted his
bicycle over his head and violently threw it to the ground.
12 A bicycle speed violation stop (for 31 mph)was made on Canyon Trail at Monte Bello. The
violator continuously provided false identity information to the ranger, until he was advised that
a sheriff's deputy was responding. Correct information was then provided and the citation was
issued.
12 Two separate groups of juveniles at Windy Hill were contacted for after-hours violations. One
group was believed to have been smoking marijuana and their parents were called to come and
get them. In total, twelve citations were issued.
13 New illegal trail construction was discovered in Purisima, connecting the life estate road (on
District land) to the Borden Hatch Trail. Approximately one-half mile of trail had been
constructed, including bench cuts and retaining walls built with logs. The access point was
intentionally well-hidden.
14 T. Lausten was on patrol at Rancho San Antonio County Park, when he was waved down by a
trail patrol volunteer advising of a model airplane accident in the upper parking lot. A model
airplane crashed into a vehicle with four occupants. The sunroof was smashed in, but no injuries
were involved. T. Lausten determined the owner of the plane and acquired his identification.
The parties exchanged information and the owner of the plane stated he would pay for the
repairs.
16 Five bicyclists were issued misdemeanor citations for riding off designated trails in a"Resource
Protection Area" in El Corte de Madera Creek. The five attempted to flee when they realized a
ranger was in the area, but stopped when ordered to do so.
18 At Long Ridge seven women were issued citations for"after hours use". The group of women
said they had been coming to Turtle Rock for ten years during the full moon. They said they had
only been warned in the past.
19 At Monte Bello a couple who had a camping permit were contacted for a second time this
summer for camping outside the designated camping area. The man was hostile and
uncooperative. The woman who held the permit was issued a citation. It was later determined
that the man, who had received a written warning, had provided false identity information to the
contacting ranger. His true identity has been established.
21 At El Corte de Madera a dog off leash and dog prohibited violations occurred. The man
attempted to flee after the initial contact, but stopped when ordered to do so. The man was
issued a citation for"dog prohibited." He also had an outstanding misdemeanor warrant out of
Santa Cruz County.
25 M. Newburn observed a vehicle stuck in Sierra Azul in the newly acquired Davidson property. A
short time later the owner came to retrieve his truck. He was cited for off road vehicle use and
required to get an insured and bonded tow truck to.remove his vehicle.
I
i
28 A couple at Russian Ridge received written warnings for after hours use, one was issued a
citation for smoking(in tall dry grass), and their vehicle was cited for parking after hours.
28 B. Guzman observed the remnants of an intentionally set fire in Sierra Azul, adjacent to a gate on
Mt. Umunhum Road. The ashes appeared to have been cardboard and covered an approximately
2'x2' area.
August vandalism
I Mora gate at Rancho was closed but not locked. One lock was missing, presumed stolen.
4 A steel cable was cut at the North house in Sierra Azul.
7 Plexiglass was scratched on a signboard at Long Ridge.
9 In Bear Creek at the building complex the chain-link fence was cut, chapel door pried open, and
plywood pulled off another window.
28 "15 mph"bicycle regulation was scratched off a regulation sign at El Corte de Madera.
29 A horse trough on the PG&E Trail at Rancho was tagged by blue paint.
-----Original Message-----
From: Santa Clara Valley Water District [mailto:info@valleywater.org]
Sent: Friday, September 23, 2005 3:51 PM
To: Craig Britton
Subject: News Release: Tidal flood-protection for Santa Clara County's bayside communities
moves forward
NEWS RELEASE
From the Santa Clara Valley Water District & California Coastal Conservancy
Tidal flood-protection for Santa Clara County's bayside communities moves
forward
Contact:
Ann Draper Mike Di Marco
(408) 265-2607, ext. 2655 (408) 265-2607, ext. 2423
adraper La)valleywaterorg Mobile : (408) 314-0559
indii-narcog�.valleywatei*.or�
Date: Sept. 23, 2005
SANTA CLARA COUNTY - The Santa Clara Valley Water District, in partnership with
the California Coastal Conservancy, will be leading an effort with the U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers to better protect Santa Clara County bayside communities from tidal and
creek flooding.
The Water District and Coastal Conservancy agreed this week to cost-share a study with
the Corps of Engineers that will address tidal flooding protection and ecosystem
restoration for the South Bay cities of San Jose, Sunnyvale, Mountain View and Palo
Alto.
The study - known as the South San Francisco Bay Shoreline Study - will incorporate
findings from the South Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project, a massive effort to restore
historic wetlands on 15,000 acres of former salt-harvesting ponds in the South Bay.
"We have the opportunity to move swiftly so that we can prevent the kind of tragedy we
saw with Hurricane Katrina," said Richard P. Santos, chairman of the Water District
board of directors. "By co-sponsoring the project and providing meaningful funding, the
Water District will be better able to protect areas like Alviso, which is 13 feet below sea
level, from storm surges that could devastate the community."
The total cost of the shoreline study is $15.8 million. The Water District is providing $6.4
million, or 82 percent, of the expected $7.8 million "local sponsor" share of the costs and
the Coastal Conservancy is providing $1.4 million. The Corps of Engineers is providing
the other half of the shoreline study cost.
In addition to the Coastal Conservancy and Corps of Engineers, the Water District is
working with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, California Department of Fish and
Game, and Alameda County Flood Control and Water Conservation District to create the
largest tidal wetlands restoration project on the West Coast.
One goal of the South Bay wetland-restoration project is increased flood capacities on
local creeks by widening the mouths of waterways and reestablishing historical flood
plains.
As former salt-evaporation ponds are breeched and opened to the bay's tides, levees
between newly created tidal marsh and Santa Clara County communities would be built
up or strengthened to provide better flood protection.
In Santa Clara County , there are several streams that carry runoff through the valley and
north to San Francisco Bay . The two largest rivers -the Guadalupe River and Coyote
Creek - have been retrofitted to provide flood protection to most communities along their
banks, including the community of Alviso in north San Jose.
Although the risk from creek flooding has been reduced, Alviso is as much as 13 feet
below sea level and remains vulnerable to tidal flooding.
The Water District's partnership in the shoreline study will fortify our efforts to improve
flood protection in the South Bay as we work to restore historic wetlands and make the
baylands more accessible to the public," said Steve Ritchie, the Coastal Conservancy's
executive project manager for the South Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project. "We
welcome the partnership."
Ritchie's comment was echoed by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Lt. Col. Philip T.
"Tom" Feir, whose agency is spearheading tidal-flood protection elements of the
restoration plan.
"We continue to embrace our partnerships with the Coastal Conservancy and Santa Clara
Valley Water District as we forge ahead with flood control and environmental restoration
initiatives in the South Bay," Feir said.
.........................................
The Santa Clara Valley Water District manages wholesale drinking water resources andprovides
stewardship for the couqv's vast watersheds, including a series of reservoirs, more than 800 miles of
streams and groundwater basins. The District also promotes flood protection far Santa Clara County 's
1.7 million residents
POWERED BY
EMIR* 4
-----------------------------
-----Original Message-----
From: Karen DeMello
To: MROSD Docent Program
Sent: Saturday, September 24, 2005 4:44 PM
Subject: you sure know how to throw a party!
Hi Renee,
The fiesta today was just fabulous!! Every detail was covered, from the signs directing
us how to get there, to rangers directing us to park, the amazing location (ahhhh, that was
comfy under the oaks), to the sign in table, the pinata(yep, you should have been in the
movies -- what a great photo!), the raffle table (AMAZING!!! Last years gift baskets
were impressive -- this years were OUT OF THIS WORLD!!!), the drinks, the food, the
comaraderie, the talks, the walks. It was great to have time to chat with folks before
lunch and also during the walk after lunch. The view from the rocky outcropping was
just terrific, especially on a clear day like today. That's quite a hike up to get there -- I've
got to start hiking hills more! Everything went like clockwork, and that's all thanks to
the staff. As you know, I volunteer for quite a few organizations. I think the MROSD is
tops when it comes to organization and creativity. Thanks for a wonderful day,
-karen
�
�
� Contact: Anne Sharman For Immediate Release
Director ofCommunications SeptemberZ6, 2005
� Phone: (650) 854-7696
� asharman@openspacetrust.org
� POST Raises $784,000 at 'Under the Harvest Moon' Event
(Menlo Park, Calif.) - The Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) hooted 500 guests at its 'Under the
Harvest Moon' event at Runnymede Farm on September 17. The sold-out event raised $784,O0Oto
� support open space protection through POST's $200 million Saving the Endangered Coast campaign,
� and contributions from event guests continue tu come in.
�
� ^VVe are pleased that so many friends and supporters of POST were able to join us to celebrate the
� land and the generosity of our comnnunity," said Mark Wan, a member nfPO5T's Board of Directors
and an "We as POST is
� . '
� only $4,585,8O0 million away from completing the campaign."
�
Emceed by Doug McConnell, host nf "Bay Area 8ackroads" onKRDN- Channel 4, and featuring a
� performance by legendary ingepsongwhter]oan Baez, the evening began with remarks from event
co-chairs Mark and Lisa Wan and Steve and Karla ]urvetson. Campaign chair Karie Thomson took the
� stage to welcome guests and announce a stunning $3 million gift from Woodside resident Kathleen
Scutohfie|d
� .
"We were delighted to announce Kathy Scutchfield's gift at Under the Harvest Moon," said Thomson.
"The audience was truly thrilled to learn about this incredibly generous gift, and the announcement
�
electrified an already exciting evening."
After dinner POST President Audrey Rust invited guests to give to the campaign by bringing her cell
phone on stage and providing the number to the guests. As she continued with her remarks, her
phone rang periodically with gifts from guests at the event. ''I hope her battery holds out," remarked
Gordon Moore.
� Rust then welcomed longtime POST supporters Gordon Moore and Julie Packard to the stage. Both
� the Moore Foundation and the Packard Foundation contributed $50 million each early in POST'scoasta|
campaign. Moore spoke toa rapt audience about his experience growing up in the coastal town of
� Pescadero and his childhood memories of the beach at Whaler's Cove near Pigeon Point Light Station.
� Packard engaged the audience explaining the importance of land conservation to her family and to all
Californians.
"The evening was filled with enjoyable speakers and tributes to the land and the families who have
been instrumental in protecting it," said event co-chair and POST Board member, Kar|a ]urvetson.
"The event underscored the devotion of POST supporters to protecting the threatened lands of the San
Mateo Coast."
As the evening drew to a dose, Susan Ford Dorsey, current chair of the POST Board, introduced
Woodside resident and legendary folk singer, Joan Baez, who serenaded guests with two poems and
four songs, including "Diamonds and Rust" and Bob Dy|an'y "A Hard Rain'sGonna Fall."
� When the event was over, guests exited the 9,000-square-hoottent, admiring the large-format
photographs of properties protected by POST through the campaign. Of the eight 6' x 10'
photographs, seven are the work of Robert Buelteman and one is the work of William Matthais.
###
POST is a leading private, nonprofit land trust dedicated to preserving the beauty, character and
� diversity of the San Francisco Peninsula landscape. Since its founding in 1977, the organization has
been responsible for saving nearly 55,000 acres as permanent open space and parkland in San Mateo
and Santa Clara counties. Included in that total are 14,272 acres of coastal land POST has protected in
the last four years through its $200 million Saving the Endangered Coast campaign.
Regional Open Space
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
Memorandum
To: Craig Britton,General Manager
From: Sally Thielfoldt,Asst. General Manager
Date: September 27, 2005
Re: San Mateo County LAFCO Commission Presentation
LAFCO Commissioners Hill and Kaufman requested that the District give an informational
report at the September 21 st LAFCo meeting on the status of the District's Good Neighbor
Policy and an update on the Ombudsperson Program.
I attended the meeting and gave a 15-minute update on all of the District's efforts to pro-actively
reach out to our new constituents on the coast. I highlighted the following:
N Redistricting: The District held three public meetings on the coast and extended two wards
(6 & 7).
N Ombudsperson Program: The District adopted the program, interviewed candidates and
hired Carol Joyce. Carol and Board Members attended several coastal groups, and provided
a recap of the six inquiries to the Ombudsperson to date from constituents.
■ Good Neighbor Policy: I described the process to date, including the interviews which have
been conducted with various interest groups and Commissioner Kaufman, the three Board
Committee Meetings, and the series of upcoming public meetings which will be conducted as
the new policy is written.
■ I also informed LAFCo that our Area Superintendent, David Sanguinetti, attends several
homeowner/neighborhood group meetings per year and that our Planning Department
conducts meetings with neighbors and constituents as part of the Master Planning process.
Area Superintendent Michael Newburn also attended the meeting and very effectively addressed
questions of the Commission regarding citations and general enforcement issues. I ended the
presentation with the news that the District closed escrow this month on the first 670 acres of
coastal property, known as Miramontes Ridge.
Individual Commissioners expressed appreciation to the District for the extensive outreach effort
and also expressed pleasure that the number of inquiries and/or complaints from constituents,
since the annexation, has been very limited.
Regional Open #ce �
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
TO: Board of Directors
FROM: L. Craig Britton, General Manager f '
G ,
DATE: September 23, 2005
RE: FYI's
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I
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FREEST
�
For Immediate Release �
September 22, 3OO5 �
�
� Contact: Anne Sharman �
�
Director ofCommunications '
�
Phone: �.
�
�
� POST Announces $3 Million Gift st 'Under the Harvest Moon' Event �
� |
(Menlo Park, Calif.) - Ms. Kathleen Scutzhfidd, a longtime friend and supporter ofPeninsula
� Open Space Trust (POST), made a $] million gift to the organizaUon'sSaving the Endangered �
� Coast campaign on the eve of POST's 'Under the Harvest Moon' event on September 17.
i
� "l got involved with POST in 1Q91 and have watched them doa wonderful job acquiring major �
� pieces of property to preserve," said 5cutchfie|d. "The preservation of the beautiful open space
|
� we have is so important, especially considering what's happening up and down the Coast with
� development."
' |
� The gift from ScutchDe|d benefits POST's $200 million and 20,000-acre Saving the Endangered �
� Coast campaign, the largest land protection initiative ever undertaken by a local {and trust. /
�
Scutchfield's gift pushes the campaign past the $193 million mark and moves the organization
� closer to earning a $1.75 million Kresge Foundation challenge grant. |
�
"Kathy 5cutchMe|d's extraordinary gift comes ata critical time for us. We are so close to �
� completing the campaign with $4,585,8O0 million remaining tomeet the Kresge challenge by �
� December 31," said POST President Audrey Rust. ^VVe announced Kathy's gift atour 'Under |
the Harvest Moon' event and hope that it will encourage other friends of POST to step forward �
and help us complete this important campaign." |
�
5 tch�e|d asbornandnaisedinTexas Anavidequesthan shehascaUedVVondsidehume
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since 1973. Scutchfie|d co-founded the non-profit organization Until There's a Cure
(www.unti|.nrg) that raises funds for AIDS vaccine development, care and services for AIDS
patients, and AIDS education. She is also a trustee emeritus of the San Francisco Ballet. �
|
"The Coast is spectacular, unspoiled swath of land that we're so lucky to have a half-hour �
away," said Scutchhe|d "I enjoy looking at hills and love the don't see them
' ' |
� dotted with houses and big estates, and having it be so dose to San Francisco. If this land �
were available to be developed, it would be developed."
|
�
� POST isa leading private, nonprofit land trust dedicated to preserving the beauty, character
� and diversity of the San Francisco Peninsula landscape. Since its founding in 1977, the |
organization has been responsible for saving nearly 55,000 acres as permanent open space �
and parkland in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. Included in that total are 14,I72 acres of |
� coastal land POST has protected in the last four years through its $200 million Saving the �
� Endangered Coast campaign. !
�
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� |
�
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Regional Open Sayce
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
September 21, 2005
State Parks and Recreation Commission
Santa Clara County Government Center
70 West Hedding Street
San Jose, CA 95110
RE: Nisene Marks State Park Amended General Plan/Final EIR
Dear State Parks and Recreation Commissioners,
On behalf of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (District), please accept the
following comments regarding the Amended General Plan/FEIR(July 2005), which was
prepared following a stipulated court settlement on April 8, 2005. The District owns and
manages approximately 50,000 acres of open space land on the San Francisco Peninsula in
a series of 25 reserves stretching from the San Francisco (Crystal Springs) Watershed
p g y
Lands to south of Los Gatos (Mt. Loma Prieta . Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve (Sierra
Azul), which is the District's largest at over 17,000 acres, is located just north of the Forest
of Nisene Marks, opposite Highland Avenue.
The District is currently preparing a Master Plan for Sierra Azul, as part of the Plan, we are
advocating a multi-use "summit to the sea"regional trail connection that would allow the
public to travel from the Santa Cruz ridgeline in Sierra Azul, through the Forest of Nisene
Marks, Soquel Demonstration Forest, and eventually out to the Santa Cruz coastline. This
trail would also directly connect to the Bay Area Ridge Trail alignment. The District
considers this regional trail connection of state-wide importance because of its scale,
desirability, and reasonable feasibility given the existing public lands that stretch from the
summit to the sea. For this reason, the District is particularly interested in the trails and
uses allowed on the Forest of Nisene Marks lands.
It is the District's understanding that the court settlement has determined that the deed
restrictions imposed by the Marks Family forbid mountain biking in approximately 9,000
acres of the park above the Soquel Augmentation Line, except on the Aptos Creek Fire
Road. The regional summit to the sea trail that is envisioned would be opened to multi-
use, which includes hiking, equestrian, and bicycle use. Long distance trails are highly
popular and well suited to trail users who are on horse or bicycle. Sierra Azul itself is very
popular among mountain bicyclists because of its rugged terrain and long miles of trail.
Many of our constituents have expressed a strong desire for such a regional trail
connection through the State Park. For these reasons, the District urges the State Parks and
Recreation Commissioners to adopt the preferred Plan Alternative B, which provides a
multi-use trail corridor that will allow bicyclists traveling south on Sierra Azul to ride
through the Forest of Nicene Marks and continue on to the Santa Cruz coast.
We appreciate the opportunity to comment on the Amended General Plan/FEIR. If you
have any questions regarding this letter or the Sierra Azul Master Plan Project, please
contact Ana Ruiz, AICP, Open Space Planner II, at (650) 691-1200.
Sincerely,
L. Craig Britton, General Manager
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
cc: MROSD Board of Directors
Kirk Lingenfelter
144 School St.
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
i
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Regional Open Spdce
September 21, 2005 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
G. Scott Hubbard, Director
NASA Ames Research Center
Moffett Field, CA 94305
Dear Mr. Hubbard:
On behalf of the Midpemnsula Regional Open Space District, congratulations on becoming the new Director of the
NASA Ames Research Center and welcome to your new position! With your experience in collaborating with
government entities as well as other areas of academia and business, I am pleased that you have accepted this
leadership role at NASA Ames and hope that you will find it greatly rewarding.
Some of the projects we're looking forward to working with you on in the future include:
0 Environmental Cleanup at Site 25
This eastern diked marsh and stormwater retention basin located at Moffett Field is connected to the 54-
acre Stevens Creek Shoreline Nature Study Area property owned by the Open Space District.The
District has requested cleanup to a standard that allows for tidal marsh restoration.
• San Francisco Bay Trail
Implementation of the planned Bay Trail route through the District's Stevens Creek Shoreline Nature
Study Area and adjacent NASA Ames Research Center and Moffett Field lands.
South Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project
The Open Space District supports the goals of the Restoration Project and is an active and contributing
member of the Stakeholders Forum, which was appointed by the Project Management Team to represent
a broad array of interests and provide input on wetland habitat restoration,wildlife-oriented public
access, and flood management.
The District welcomes the opportunity to work with someone who has your partnership and collaboration
experience, and an innovative approach to projects of interagency interest. As an introduction to the Midpeninsula
Regional Open Space District and its open space preserves and programs, I have included the District's Escape to
Your Open Space visitor map.
Congratulations again on your acceptance of this important position, and I look forward to working with you on
these projects of mutual interest.
Since ely,ince ely,
L L Cr iL
L. Craig ritton
General Manager
LCB/ka
cc: MROSD Board of Directors
Enclosure
33o Distel Circle 650-691-1200 info@openspace.org BOARD OF DIRECTORS:Pete Siemens,Mary Davey,Jed Cyr, GENERAL MANAGER:
Los Altos CA 94022-1404 650-69i-0485 fax www.openspace.org Deane Little,Nonette Hanko,Larry Hassett,Kenneth C.Nitz L.Craig Britton
-----Original Message-----
From: General Information
Sent: Monday, September 19, 2005 2:43 PM
To: Craig Britton; Sally Thielfoldt; Rudy Jurgensen
Subject: Fw: 09/13/2005 - edwardacton@comcast.net - Visitor Feedback
----- Original Message -----
From: <volunteer@openspace.org>
To: <info@openspace.org>
Sent: Tuesday, September 13, 2005 3:25 PM
Subject: 09/13/2005 - edwardacton@comcast.net - Visitor Feedback
> Email Address: eciwardacton@con-icast.net
> Feedback: The El Sereno group walk from Saratoga Retieement Community
on Monday AM Sep 12 was enjoyable in every way. Having grown up in
this area and lived in this area all my life, I found it a real treat
to see the valley for the first time from that location at that
elevation. Many familiar landmarks looked different. I am so glad to
find this area set aside in a preserve. The docent was great--
identifying plants, trees, and rocks, and telling about Native
Americans originally in this area. It was interesting also to hear
about non-native plant pests. I especially appreciated being
transported by bus to the starting point, which made this walk
possible. Ed Acton
Regional Open SpOce
September 15,2005 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
Mitch V. Matheu
185 Philip Road
Woodside, CA 94062
Dear Mr. Mathew:
Thank you for your letter received via facsimile on August 24, 2005 regarding the planting of redwood
trees at Windy Hill Open Space Preserve. We value the input of all of our constituents, especially those
whose livelihoods and interests have direct relevance to the District. The Board of Directors reviewed
your letter at its regular meeting on September 14,2005.
In your letter, you request permission to plant redwood trees for a memorial grove at Windy Hill Open
Space Preserve. You also indicate that you would like to place a card with information about your
service, including your contact information and the cost of trees, at the preserve. We appreciate your
intent to restore habitat and improve the natural conditions on District preserves. In the past, we have
purchased quality redwood trees from you to plant on our restoration projects and we will keep you in
mind for any future needs. Unfortunately, the District cannot accommodate this request for many
reasons.
First, as a public agency, the District does not allow private individuals to sell or attempt to solicit or sell
goods or services on District lands. (See Regulations for Use of Midpeninsula Regional Open Space
g I
District Lands Section 600.1. A co PY is enclosed.) Second,the District does not allow the planting of
District lands unless authorized for specific land or resource mana ement purposes(see
trees on g
p
S
Regulations for Use of Midp g p p eninsula Regional Open ace District Lands Section 702.1).) Finally,
we are
currently working with Save-the-Redwoods League, a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting and
to create memorial roves at Purisima Creek Redwoods
restoring redwood trees in their native habitats, g
Open Space Preserve. We believe.that this is an appropriate environment to memorialize existing groves
of redwood trees in a way that values District lands and its natural resources and benefits the community.
The District has enacted resource management policies and prepared plans to restore and protect our
lands. To this end, we rely heavily on volunteers to work with the District on many restoration projects
e tree planting. I urge you to consider
participating in these projects if you have not done
that often include t p J
p g g y P p g
so already. We believe that it would be a great experience for someone such as yourself who cares about
preserving habitat on the District's open space preserves.
Thank you again for your interest in and concern about the District.
Sincerely,
Larry assett
Pr ►dent
i
Enclosure
cc: MROSD Board of Directors
i
33o Distel Circle 650-6gi-1200 info@openspace.org BOARD OF DIRECTORS:Pete Siemens,Mary Davey,Jed Cyr, GENERAL MANAGER:
Los Altos CA 94022-1404 650-691-0485 fax www.openspace.org Deane tittle,Nonette Hanko,tarry Hassett,Kenneth C.Nitz L.Craig Britton
Regional Open SpW e �
eptember 15, 2005
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
The Honorable Arnold Schwarzenegger
Governor of California
State Capitol Building
Sacramento, CA 95814
Re: SB 658—SUPPORTJSIGN
Dear Governor Schwarzenegger:
I
On behalf of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, I urge you to sign SB 658, authorizing the
Coastal Environment Motor Vehicle Mitigation Program to allow counties adjacent to the coast and San
Francisco Bay to collect up to $6 per vehicle to fund projects that mitigate for the adverse environmental
impacts of motor vehicles and their associated infrastructure.
As you may know, counties on the coast of California and the San Francisco Bay Area contain 77%of the
state's population. This economically important area offers an attractive environment for businesses and
tourism to flourish. Correspondingly,the motor vehicle infrastructure to support this important economic
area continues to grow. Currently, the state has a program to address the air quality impacts of motor
impacts of
in a wide range of other significant
vehicles, but there is no comparable program for addressing gp
motor vehicles and their related infrastructure of roads, bridges, levees, culverts, and public parking areas.
These impacts include water pollution, flooding and erosion, habitat destruction, and elimination of
critical fish and wildlife habitat connections. The Coastal Environment Motor Vehicle Mitigation
Program would provide local funds to reduce, prevent,and remediate these adverse environmental
impacts, maintaining the attractiveness of the California ocean and coast for Californians and state
visitors to enjoy.
SB 658 is fully self-funded and uses existing agencies for program administration. Each county can
_ assessed annua
lly
e fee u to 6 is
choose to participate by"opting-In"to the program, where a small user ( p $ ) y
on registered vehicles within that county. This fee is then returned to the"opted-in" county, who can then
direct funds to those local programs that it deems valuable in addressing the environmental impacts from
motor vehicles in its community. This bill places no financial burden on the State government and at the
same time allows county governments to contribute in an innovative, voluntary program to mitigate the
impacts of motor vehicles.
California's coast is a defining feature and major attraction of our Golden State. It is imperative for our
state,with our burgeoning population and increased usage of motor vehicles,to put in place a funding
program to prevent and mitigate the environmental impacts of motor vehicle infrastructure for the coastal
region and the San Francisco Bay area. SB 658 is the right choice for the future and future Californians,
and deserves your signature.
Sincerely,
Larry assett, President
Board of Directors
cc: Ralph Heim, Public Policy Advocates
MROSD Board of Directors
33o Distel Circle 650-691-1200 info@openspace.org BOARD OF DIRECTORS:Pete Siemens,Mary Davey,led Cyr, GENERAL MANAGER:,
Los Altos CA 94022-1404 650-691-0485 fax www.openspace.org Deane Little,Nonette Hanko,Larry Hassett,Kenneth C.Nitz L.Craig Britton
A..«w.Eo
Regional Open Spce
�—
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
The Honorabl
e Arnold Schwarzenegg er
Governor of California
State Capitol Building
Sacramento, CA 95814
Re: SB 203 (Simitian with Principal Co-Authors Senator Speier,Assemblymembers Mullin,
Ruskin,Yee)—REQUEST SIGNATURE
Dear Governor Schwarzenegger:
On behalf of Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, I respectfully request your signature on SB
203. SB 203 would allow San Mateo County voters—through a two-thirds vote requirement—to decide
whether to support parks and recreation activities in San Mateo County through a one-eighth cent increase
of the County's sales tax.
Parks and recreation programs play a critical role in supporting our communities in areas like public
safety, health and the environment. In one park alone(San Bruno Mountain State and County Park), 14
species of rare and endangered plant life and four threatened and endangered butterflies are found.
like those at San Bruno Mou
ntain, San
e
Despite increasing demand for parks and recreation services 1
Mateo County does not have the funds to meet parks and recreation program needs. Staff reductions in
2004 resulted in the closure of numerous facilities within the parks and the complete closure of 4 parks 3
days a week last summer. Cities within the County have similar funding needs.
Recognizing the growing challenge of adequately funding parks programs, a wide-ranging group of local
leaders including interested residents,and representatives from nonprofits, cities, the County and special
districts have been working for over two years to meet the County's parks funding needs. SB 203
represents a key step in that effort. SB 203 unties the hands of our local leaders to solve the local
challenge of funding parks and recreation programs.
Current law provides counties the authority to seek similar sales tax increases in one-fourth cent
increments. SB 203 would enable San Mateo County to ask voters for a one-eighth cent tax increase—
less than allowed in current law. Requiring both an expenditure plan describing the parks and recreation
purposes for which revenues will be dedicated and approval from two-thirds of San Mateo County voters,
SB 203 requires a high voter threshold and accountability. With these protections, SB 203 garnered bi-
partisan support in the Legislature.
Again, Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District supports SB 203 and respectfully requests your
signature.
Sincerely,
a
LaXrdof
ett, President
Boirectors
cc: San Mateo County State Legislative Delegation
Julia Butt,San Mateo County Parks and Recreation Foundation
Ralph Heim,Public Policy Advocates
MROSD Board of Directors
33o Distel Circle 650-6gt-t2oo info@openspace.org BOARD OF DIRECTORS:Pete Siemens,Mary Davey,Jed Cyr, GENERAL MANAGER:
Los Altos CA 94622-1404 650-6gr0485 fax www.openspace.org Deane Little,Nonette Hanko,Larry Hassett,Kenneth C.Nitz L.Craig Britton
Claims No 05-17
Meeting 05-21
Date 9/28/05
Revised
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
# Amount Name Description
3439 $60.50 A-Tool Shed,Inc. Field Equipment Rental-FFO
3440 $518.26 Acme&Sons Sanitation Pumping/Disposal Fee&Weekly Services
3441 $587.80 Acterra Native Plants For ECDM
3442 $238.71 ADT Security Services Burglar Alarm Service
3443 $37.00 Allen's Press Clipping Bureau Clipping Service
3444 $2,303.97 Allied Auto Works Vehicle Repairs&Maintenance
3445 $176.00 American Red Cross Red Cross Training
3446 $151.13 AT&T Telephone Service
3447 $189.72 Barg Coffin Lewis&Trapp Legal Services-Guadalupe Watershed
3448 $121.39 Butler's Uniforms Name Tags
3449 $168.05 California Water Service Company Water Service-AO
3450 $31.58 Cascade Fire Equipment Company Field Supplies
3451 $270.51 Clean Source Janitorial Supplies
3452 $811.20 CMK Automotive Inc. Vehicle Maintenance Service
3453 $928.21 Cresco Equipment Rentals Equipment Rental-ECDM Road Upgrades
3454 $1,057.60 Custom Alignment Vehicle Repair
3455 $175.00 D&J Rooter Septic Tank Services-Rental Residence
3456 $5,106.31 Deborah Mills-Design Concepts Brochures/Fall 2005 Newsletter&Calendar/Invitations-
Volunteer Recognition Event
3457 $27,067.88 EKI Soil Screening&Level Survey
3458 $76.78 Fed Ex Shipping Charges
3459 $93.33 Foster Brothers Lock&Key Services
3460 $163.95 G&K Service Shop Towel Service
3461 $3,500.00 Geoinsite,Inc. Engineering Services-Picchetti Winery Seismic Upgrade
Project
3462 $120.00 Graphic Arts Center Publishing Freight For Returned Trail Guide Books
Company
P Y I
3463 $593.11 Great Printing&Copies Maps-ECDM,El Sereno&FFO
3464 $187.77 Green Waste Recovery,Inc. SFO Dumpster&Recycling
3465 $940.15 Hertz Equipment Rental Equipment Rental-Skyline Ranch Road Improvements
3466 $967.96 John Shelton,Inc. Materials For Tree Farm Road Restoration
3467 $61.91 Keeble&Shuchat Photography Photo Processing
3468 $6.01 Kwik Key Lock&Safe Co.Inc. Keys Services
3469 $174.29 Langley Hill Quarry Base Rock For ECDM Project
3470 $97.20 Lenington,Kirk Reimbursement-Mileage
3471 $1,553.92 LFR Levine Fricke Engineer&Design Services-Pulgas Ridge
3472 $439.00 Liebert Cassidy Whitmore Legal Services
3473 $20.00 Los Alto Town Crier Yearly Subscription
3474 $543.83 McKowan,Paul Reimbursement-Volunteer Recognition Event Supplies
3475 $302.24 Metal Craft ID Tags
3476 $634.85 MetroMobile Communications Radio-Batteries,Microphones&Chargers
3477 $226.28 Muniquip Equipment Rental For South Canyon Trail
3478 $161.85 Norton,Julie Reimbursement-Volunteer Recognition Event Supplies
3479 $525.00 Orrin Chrisman Engineering Support For Openspace.org
3480 $378.58 PIP Printing Printing-Purchase Order Forms
3481 $6,810.00 Platinum Roofing,Inc. Re-roofing-Skyline Rental Unit
3482 $1,200.00 Portola Park Heights Property 2005 Road Dues
3483 $249.00 Protection One Quarterly Alarm Service-AO
3484 $40.19 Rayne Water Conditioning Water Conditioner Service
3485 $195.75 Rice Trucking-Soil Farm Rock Delivery Services-ECDM
3486 $676.46 Roy's Repair Service Vehicle Repairs&Service
Page 1 of 2
Claims No 05-17
Meeting 05-21
Date 9/28/05
Revised
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
# Amount Name Description
3487 $1,105.63 SBC Telephone/Fax Service-AO
3488 $16.99 SBC Faxline-FFO
3489 $177.00 Sequoia Analytical Soil Sample Analysis
3490 $1,115.74 Shell Credit Card Center Fuel
3491 $9,112.29 Shute,Mihaly&Weinberger LLP Legal Services-Coastal Annexation Litigation
3492 $100.00 Stacey Ricketts Fumigation Preparation-Skyline Rental Unit
3493 $9,567.12 Stiles Truck Body&Equipment,Inc. Two Utility Bodies For New Trucks
3494 $254.40 Summit Uniforms Uniform Expense
3495 $78.24 Sunnyvale Dodge Vehicle Supplies
3496 $867.56 Tadco Supply Janitorial Supplies-FFO&Rancho San Antonio
3497 $2,883.20 The Bank of New York Note Paying Agent Fee-1999 Bonds,Second Issue
3498 $323.64 The Workingman's Emporium Uniforms
3499 $6,960.00 Timothy C.Best,CEG Consulting Services-Driscoll Ranch
3500 $135.14 Tony&Albas Pizza Local Business Meetings
3501 $17.78 United Parcel Service Parcel Shipping
3502 $150.00 Verisign Email Security Service
3503 $310.88 Verizon Cellular Phone Service
3504 $153.65 WearGuard Uniforms
3505 $1,800.00 West Valley-Mission College Registration Fee-4WD Training
3506 R $125.97 Altieri,Kristi Reimbursement-VRE Supplies&Mileage
3507 R $7,228.98 First Bankcard Field Supplies-2,866.98 Advertising-238.29 Computer
Expense-129.89 Local Business Mtgs-299.35 Office
Supplies-1472.10 Conferences&Training-2,067.44
Staff Activities-154.93
3508 R $89.35 Freeman,Matt Reimbursement-Mileage
3509 R $12,080.00 King Grading Road Repairs&Maintenance-St.Joseph's Hill Preserve
3510 R $100.00 Mountain Lion Foundation Speaker Fee-Staff Recognition Event
3511 R $783.29 Office Depot Office Supplies-AO
3512 R $224.08 SBC Telephone Service-AO&SFO
3513 R $670.98 West Coast Aggregates,Inc. Base Rock for El Corte de Madera
3514 R $600.00 West Valley-Mission College Registration Fee-4WD Training
Total $117,972.14
i
i
Page 2 of 2
_ _III
Claims No 05-17
Meeting 05-21
Date 9/28/05
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
# Amount Name Description
3439 $60.50 A-Tool Shed, Inc. Field Equipment Rental-FFO
3440 $518.26 Acme&Sons Sanitation Pumping/Disposal Fee&Weekly Services
3441 $587.80 Acterra Native Plants For ECDM
3442 $238.71 ADT Security Services Burglar Alarm Service
3443 $37.00 Allen's Press Clipping Bureau Clipping Service
3444 $2,303.97 Allied Auto Works Vehicle Repairs&Maintenance
3445 $176.00 American Red Cross Red Cross Training
3446 $151.13 AT&T Telephone Service
3447 $189.72 Barg Coffin Lewis&Trapp Legal Services-Guadalupe Watershed
3448 $121.39 Butler's Uniforms Name Tags
3449 $168.05 California Water Service Company Water Service-AO
3450 $31.58 Cascade Fire Equipment Company Field Supplies
3451 $270.51 Clean Source Janitorial Supplies
3452 $811.20 CMK Automotive Inc. Vehicle Maintenance Service
3453 $928.21 Cresco Equipment Rentals Equipment Rental-ECDM Road Upgrades
3454 $1,057.60 Custom Alignment Vehicle Repair
3455 $175.00 D&J Rooter Septic Tank Services-Rental Residence
3456 $5,106.31 Deborah Mills-Design Concepts Brochures/Fall 2005 Newsletter&Calendar/Invitations-
Volunteer Recognition Event
3457 $27,067.88 EKI Soil Screening&Level Survey
3458 $76.78 Fed Ex Shipping Charges
3459 $93.33 Foster Brothers Lock&Key Services
3460 $163.95 G&K Service Shop Towel Service
3461 $3,500.00 Geoinsite,Inc. Engineering Services-Picchetti Winery Seismic Upgrade
Project
3462 $120.00 Graphic Arts Center Publishing Freight For Returned Trail Guide Books
Company
3463 $593.11 Great Printing&Copies Maps-ECDM,El Sereno&FFO
3464 $187.77 Green Waste Recovery,Inc. SFO Dumpster&Recycling
3465 $940.15 Hertz Equipment Rental Equipment Rental-Skyline Ranch Road Improvements
3466 $967.96 John Shelton,Inc. Materials For Tree Farm Road Restoration
3467 $61.91 Keeble&Shuchat Photography Photo Processing
3468 $6.01 Kwik Key Lock&Safe Co.Inc. Keys Services
3469 $174.29 Langley Hill Quarry Base Rock For ECDM Project
3470 $97.20 Lenington,Kirk Reimbursement-Mileage
3471 $1,553.92 LFR Levine Fricke Engineer&Design Services-Pulgas Ridge
3472 $439.00 Liebert Cassidy Whitmore Legal Services
3473 $20.00 Los Alto Town Crier Yearly Subscription
3474 $543.83 McKowan,Paul Reimbursement-Volunteer Recognition Event Supplies
3475 $302.24 Metal Craft ID Tags
3476 $634.85 MetroMobile Communications Radio-Batteries,Microphones&Chargers
3477 $226.28 Muniquip Equipment Rental For South Canyon Trail
3478 $161.85 Norton,Julie Reimbursement-Volunteer Recognition Event Supplies
3479 $525.00 Orrin Chrisman Engineering Support For Openspace.org
3480 $378.58 PIP Printing Printing-Purchase Order Forms
3481 $6,810.00 Platinum Roofing,Inc. Re-roofing-Skyline Rental Unit
3482 $1,200.00 Portola Park Heights Property 2005 Road Dues
3483 $249.00 Protection One Quarterly Alarm Service-AO
3484 $40.19 Rayne Water Conditioning Water Conditioner Service
3485 $195.75 Rice Trucking-Soil Farm Rock Delivery Services-ECDM
3486 $676.46 Roy's Repair Service Vehicle Repairs&Service
Page 1 of 2
i
Claims No 05-17
Meeting 05-21
Date 9/28/05
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
# Amount Name Description
3487 $1,105.63 SBC Telephone/Fax Service-AO
3488 $16.99 SBC Faxline-FFO
3489 $177.00 Sequoia Analytical Soil Sample Analysis
3490 $1,115.74 Shell Credit Card Center Fuel
3491 $9,112.29 Shute,Mihaly&Weinberger LLP Legal Services-Coastal Annexation Litigation
3492 $100.00 Stacey Ricketts Fumigation Preparation-Skyline Rental Unit
3493 $9,567.12 Stiles Truck Body&Equipment,Inc. Two Utility Bodies For New Trucks
3494 $254.40 Summit Uniforms Uniform Expense
3495 $78.24 Sunnyvale Dodge Vehicle Supplies
3496 $867.56 Tadco Supply Janitorial Supplies-FFO&Rancho San Antonio
3497 $2,883.20 The Bank of New York Note Paying Agent Fee-1999 Bonds,Second Issue
3498 $323.64 The Workingman's Emporium Uniforms
3499 $6,960.00 Timothy C.Best,CEG Consulting Services-Driscoll Ranch
3500 $135.14 Tony&Albas Pizza Local Business Meetings
3501 $17.78 United Parcel Service Parcel Shipping
3502 $150.00 Verisign Email Security Service
3503 $310.88 Verizon Cellular Phone Service
3504 $153.65 WearGuard Uniforms
3505 $1,800.00 West Valley-Mission College Registration Fee-4WD Training
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Total $96,069.49
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