HomeMy Public PortalAbout20221011 - Agenda Packet - Planning and Natural Resources (PNR)
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
PLANNING AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE
Tuesday, October 11, 2022
1:00 PM
Administrative Office
5050 El Camino Real
Los Altos California, 94022
A G E N D A
Consistent with Government Code section 54953(e) and Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Resolution
21-33, and in light of the declared state of emergency, the meeting will be conducted in a hybrid manner.
Individuals can attend in-person or via Zoom. Some board members may be teleconferencing into the meeting
via a virtual platform. Members of the public can listen to the meeting and participate using the following
methods.
1. In-person at the Midpen Administrative Office – 5050 El Camino Real, Los Altos, CA 94022.
2. The meeting can be viewed in real-time at: https://openspace.zoom.us/j/81669857657 or listen to the
meeting by dialing (669) 900-6833 or (346) 248-7799 (Meeting ID 816 6985 7657).
Members of the public may submit written comments to be provided to the board or register to make oral
comments via Zoom by submitting a public comment form at: https://www.openspace.org/public-comment
• Requests to provide oral comment must be submitted prior to the time public comment on the agenda
item is closed.
• All comments shall be subject to the same rules as would otherwise govern speaker comments at the
board of directors meeting.
• All written comments or requests to speak via Zoom must be submitted via the public comment
form. Requests to provide oral comments may also be made by leaving a message at 650-772-
3614. Comments via text or social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) will not be accepted.
Any comments received after the deadline, will be provided to the Board after the meeting.
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT PLANNING AND NATURAL RESOURCES
COMMITTEE
ROLL CALL
COMMITTEE MEMBERS: KISHIMOTO, RIFFLE, SIEMENS
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
This portion of the agenda is for members of the public to comment on items not on the agenda; however,
the Brown Act (Open Meeting Law) does not allow action by the Committee on items not on the agenda.
Individuals are limited to one comment during this section.
1. Approve the August 2, 2022 Planning and Natural Resources Committee Meeting Minutes
2. Purisima-to-the-Sea Trail and Parking Area Feasibility Study – Trail Alignment Options and
Parking Area Conceptual Design Alternatives (R-22-111)
Staff Contact: Gretchen Laustsen, Senior Planner, Planning Department
General Manager’s Recommendations:
1. Receive a presentation on the Purisima-to-the-Sea Trail and Parking Area Feasibility Study and
provide feedback on the trail alignment options and parking area conceptual design alternatives.
2. Consider accepting the General Manager’s recommended Trail Alignment 1 and Connectors A and
B, and the Conceptual Parking Area Design Alterative C and forward the recommendation to the
Board of Directors for consideration as the project scope that would serve as the proposed project
description to initiate environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act.
ADJOURNMENT
TO ADDRESS THE COMMITTEE: Public comment on agenda items at the time each item is considered by
the Planning & Natural Resources Committee. Written public comments will be provided to the Committee prior
to the meeting. Please visit openspace.org/board-meetings to learn more.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need assistance to participate in this meeting,
please contact the District Clerk at (650) 691-1200. Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the
District to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting.
Written materials relating to an item on this Agenda that are considered to be a public record and are distributed
to Committee members less than 72 hours prior to the meeting, will be available for public inspection on the
District’s website at http://www.openspace.org.
CERTIFICATION OF POSTING OF AGENDA
I, Jennifer Woodworth, District Clerk for the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (MROSD), declare that
the foregoing agenda for the meeting of the Planning and Natural Resources Committee was posted and available
for review on October 6, 2022, at the Administrative Offices of MROSD, 5050 El Camino Real, Los Altos
California, 94022. The agenda and any additional written materials are also available on the District’s website at
http://www.openspace.org.
Jennifer Woodworth, MMC, CPMC
District Clerk
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
PLANNING AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE
The Committee conducted this meeting in accordance with California Government Code section
54953(e) and Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Resolution 21-33. All Committee
members and staff participated via teleconference.
Tuesday, August 2, 2022
DRAFT MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER
Director Riffle called the meeting of the Planning and Natural Resources Committee to order at
2:01 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members present: Yoriko Kishimoto, Curt Riffle, and Pete Siemens
Members absent: None
Staff present: General Manager Ana Ruiz, General Counsel Hilary Stevenson, Assistant
General Manager Susanna Chan, Assistant General Brian Malone, District
Clerk/Assistant to the General Manager Jennifer Woodworth, Planning
Manager Jane Mark, Senior Planner Tina Hugg, Planner II Tyler Smith
Director Riffle announced this meeting is being held in accordance with California Government
Code section 54953(e) and Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Resolution 21-33
allowing Committee members to participate remotely. The District has done its best to conduct a
meeting where everyone has an opportunity to listen to the meeting and to provide comment. The
public has the opportunity to comment on the agenda, and the opportunity to listen to
this meeting through the internet or via telephone. This information can be found on the meeting
agenda, which was physically posted at the District’s Administrative Office, and on the District
website. Director Riffle described the process and protocols for the meeting.
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
Motion: Director Kishimoto moved, and Director Siemens seconded the motion to adopt the
agenda.
ROLL CALL VOTE: 3-0-0
Planning & Natural Resources Committee Page 2
August 2, 2022
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
District Clerk Jennifer Woodworth reported no comments were submitted.
COMMITTEE BUSINESS
1. Approve the March 15, 2022 Planning and Natural Resources Committee Meeting
Minutes.
Motion: Director Kishimoto moved, and Director Siemens seconded the motion to approve the
March 15, 2022 Planning and Natural Resources Committee meeting minutes.
Public comment opened at 2:04 p.m.
No public comments were submitted for this item.
Public comment closed at 2:04 p.m.
ROLL CALL VOTE: 3-0-0
2. Proposed Transportation Demand Management Strategies and Preliminary
Recommendations from the Purisima Creek Preserve Multimodal Access Project (R-22-87)
Senior Planner Tina Hugg provided the staff presentation describing the project timeline and
project’s objectives and goals, including identifying ways to improve multimodal access,
evaluate existing parking resources and access, improve internal visitor circulation, etc.
Joakim Osthus, with Parisi Transportation Consulting, reviewed the various transportation
demand management (TDM) strategies related to bicycling, transit options, visitor demand
management, education/outreach, and traveler information/wayfinding. Mr. Osthus described the
various types of data collection completed by the project team, including virtual surveys,
speaking with preserve visitors, and public engagement at various locations and provided
highlights from the comments received from the public regarding the various TDM strategies.
Mr. Osthus summarized key takeaways and recurring themes, such as general support for a
shuttle system, additional parking, carpooling, and parking reservation system; consideration of
equity when implementing the TDM strategies, and support for increased wayfinding in English
and Spanish.
Director Kishimoto supported potentially closing the lower Purisima Creek parking lot, which
would have the benefit of reducing traffic for the community.
Director Riffle spoke in support of the shuttle option and commented on the need to determine
when the District’s preserves should be considered as full.
General Manager Ana Ruiz stated the current carrying capacity of the preserves is largely tied to
the parking capacity of the preserves, which limits the number of preserve visitors. The number
of people who should be in a preserve at one time will need to be studied separately from the
number of people who are able visit a preserve due to limited parking.
Planning & Natural Resources Committee Page 3
August 2, 2022
Mr. Osthus reviewed the criteria used to score the various TDM strategies, the results of the
TDM strategy scoring, and recommendations for TDM strategies.
Director Siemens commented the lower Purisima Creek Road lot should be reconfigured and
limited to shuttle parking, ADA accessible parking, and some equestrian parking. Limiting
standard parking will encourage visitors to use shuttles to visit the preserve. Additionally, a safe
route to the Verde Road parking lot is needed for those who do not take a shuttle.
Director Kishimoto suggested incorporating parking areas at the Johnston House as part of the
TDM strategies for Purisima.
Director Siemens requested and received information regarding the proposed parking lot sizes
for the proposed Purisima-to-the-Sea trail.
Assistant General Manager Brian Malone expressed concern that equestrian parking would likely
not be able to accommodate equestrian parking due to its size.
Ms. Hugg stated the parking areas, including on-street parking, would likely need to be closed
for the weekend to increase the use of a shuttle and increase safety for pedestrian and cyclists
walking in the area.
Director Kishimoto inquired regarding parking options for those who are staying multiple days
in order to hike a regional trail, such as the proposed Bay-to-Sea trail.
Mr. Malone stated currently the District will issue permits for multi-day parking when needed.
Planning Manager Jane Mark stated the District and its partners will look more comprehensively
for regional staging areas to accommodate multi-day hikes as part of the regional Bay-to-Sea
Trail planning, but itis not currently being addressed as part of this project.
Ms. Hugg reviewed the next steps for the project and proposed timeline.
Director Riffle requested and received additional information regarding the suggestion to
reconfigure existing parking lots.
Public comment opened at 3:34 p.m.
No public comments submitted.
Public comment closed at 3:34 p.m.
Motion: Director Siemens moved, and Director Kishimoto seconded the motion to confirm the
preliminary scoring, prioritization and recommendations for the transportation demand
management strategies for inclusion into a draft report.
ROLL CALL VOTE: 3-0-0
Planning & Natural Resources Committee Page 4
August 2, 2022
ADJOURNMENT
Director Riffle adjourned the meeting of the Planning and Natural Resources Committee at 3:36
p.m.
____________________________
Jennifer Woodworth, MMC
District Clerk
Rev. 3/15/21
PLANNING & NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE
R-22-111
October 11, 2022
AGENDA ITEM 2
AGENDA ITEM
Purisima-to-the-Sea Trail and Parking Area Feasibility Study – Trail Alignment Options and
Parking Area Conceptual Design Alternatives
GENERAL MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Receive a presentation on the Purisima-to-the-Sea Trail and Parking Area Feasibility Study
and provide feedback on the trail alignment options and parking area conceptual design
alternatives.
2. Consider accepting the General Manager’s recommended Trail Alignment 1 and Connectors
A and B, and the Conceptual Parking Area Design Alterative C and forward the
recommendation to the Board of Directors for consideration as the project scope that would
serve as the proposed project description to initiate environmental review under the
California Environmental Quality Act.
SUMMARY
The Purisima-to-the-Sea Trail and Parking Area (Project) Feasibility Study seeks to identify a
new regional trail alignment to facilitate a link between Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space
Preserve (Preserve) and the existing Cowell-Purisima Coastal Trail as well as a new parking area
that will serve as a new public access trailhead. This connection will be an approximately 15-
mile regional trail connecting the Preserve to the San Mateo County coastline. This alignment
will create a critical east-west link in the regional trail network between the Bay Area Ridge
Trail to the California Coastal Trail and is intended to be a contributing alignment of the more
extensive Bay to Sea Trail.
Staff will present the primary trail alignment options and conceptual parking area design
alternatives. Staff will also present the preferred trail alignment and conceptual parking area
design for the Committee’s consideration. Completion of the trail is a priority project for the
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (District) as identified in the public-supported and
Board-approved 2014 Vision Plan, with significant funding approved by the voters as part of
Measure AA Portfolio 03: Purisima Creek Redwoods, Purisima-to-the-Sea Trail, Watershed
Protection and Conservation Grazing.
BACKGROUND
The purpose of the Project is to analyze several key elements, including new trail alignment
options, a new trailhead location with a parking area off Verde Road or Highway 1, and trail
R-22-111 Page 2
crossings at Verde Road and Highway 1 to ultimately facilitate a link between the Preserve and
the existing Cowell-Purisima Coastal Trail. Ultimately, the Project would result in a critical
east-west link in the regional trail network between the Bay Area Ridge Trail to the California
Coastal Trail and is intended to be a contributing alignment of the more extensive Bay to Sea
Trail (Attachment 1). Work includes planning and technical studies, field investigations, and
design services to analyze opportunities for a multi-use trail alignment, connector trails, parking
area, trailhead, and pedestrian roadway crossings. This effort also includes significant
stakeholder engagement and public outreach, as well as consultation with appropriate agencies,
organizations, and neighbors.
This Project is occurring in parallel to and in close coordination with other multiple projects
occurring within the Preserve, including the Purisima Multiuse Trail Crossing and Parking Area
Feasibility Study (located along Skyline Boulevard) and Purisima Multimodal Access Study
(Preserve-wide study). Other Preserve-wide projects focusing on resource enhancement and land
management are underway with the support of Measure AA Portfolio 03: Purisima Creek
Redwoods: Purisima-to-the-Sea Trail, Watershed Protection and Conservation Grazing. These
projects are led by Natural Resources and Land and Facilities department staff and include:
• Irish Ridge Restoration (80072)
• Lobitos Creek Restoration (MAA03-011) and Cattle Fencing (61024)
• Purisima Creek Fencing (MAA03-003)
• Purisima Uplands Site Cleanup and Soil Remediation (MAA03-002)
• Purisima-to-the-Sea Habitat Enhancement and Water Supply Improvement Plan
(MAA03-007)
• Marbled Murrelet Recovery Planning (80060)
• Badger/Burrowing Owl Habitat Assessment (80054)
• Districtwide Wildlife Camera Program (supporting project)
At the December 1, 2021 Board of Directors (Board) meeting, staff presented the results of the
preliminary technical studies and the opportunities and constraints analysis (R-21-157). The team
has conducted various field investigations, literature reviews, record searches, and traffic and
parking counts. Technical studies, including a Biological Resources Assessment, Cultural
Resources Survey, Culvert Drainage Study and Traffic Study identify the existing conditions,
call out areas that will require further investigation, and provide findings that informed the
Project’s Opportunities and Constraints Analysis.
At the December 1, 2021 Board meeting, staff also presented the proposed Project vision and
goals, designed to guide the development and selection of elements to be incorporated into
a comprehensive use and management plan, including potential parking area designs and trail
alignments, as well as other use and management considerations for the Purisima-to-the-Sea
Trail and Parking Area Project. This proposed vision and goals were informed by the findings of
the Opportunities and Constraints Analysis, public comments, and the 2014 Board-approved
Vision Plan and 2014 voter-approved Measure AA expenditure plan. The Board approved the
Project’s vision and goals at the December 15, 2021 meeting (R-21-174).
DISCUSSION
The intent of this agenda item is for the Planning and Natural Resources Committee (PNR) to
review the identified trail alignment options and the conceptual parking area design alternatives
and consider the General Manager’s recommended trail alignment and conceptual parking area
R-22-111 Page 3
design. The following discussion describes the trail scouting and alternatives analysis process,
the factors considered, and the design process for the parking area layouts and the public
engagement process and feedback received.
Trail Alignment Options
District trail crews began field scouting efforts in late 2020 to evaluate potential trail connections
from the existing Irish Ridge Trail to the proposed parking area on Verde Road. Staff evaluated a
trail connection from the proposed Verde Road parking area to the Peninsula Open Space Trust
(POST) Trail Easement that would provide access to the Cowell-Purisima Coastal Trail. Based
on the District’s trail design standards to provide an optimal trail user experience in an
ecologically sensitive way, the trail crew evaluated various trail options, including re-use of
existing ranch roads, conversion of abandoned or poorly maintained roads to trails, and
construction of new single-track trails. Potential trail alignments were identified using Lidar,
contours, and satellite imagery maps and then ground-truthed in the field.
During the trail scouting effort, staff considered many factors in evaluating feasible alignments.
Some of these considerations included constructability and long-term maintenance, impacts to
sensitive natural resources and associated regulatory permitting requirements, proximity to
private property, visibility of trails from the Highway 1 scenic corridor, the onsite conservation
grazing operation, trail user experience, and patrol/emergency access. As part of the feasibility
assessment, consulting biologists and cultural resource experts joined District staff to complete
reconnaissance-level surveys for rare plants and plant communities, wetlands and riparian
habitats, and determine the potential for cultural and archaeological resources. The findings of
these surveys factored into defining the proposed trail alignments.
Through the field scouting effort and subsequent biological and cultural resource surveys, three
trail alignment alternatives were identified, along with two connector trail options to link to the
POST trail easement (Attachment 2). For all trail options, relocation of critical cattle grazing
infrastructure may be necessary to balance public access with the grazing operation. Due to site
constraints, the three trail alternatives converge in the eastern portion of the project area where
there is only one feasible connection (shown in gold on Attachment 2) that connects up to the
existing Irish Ridge Trail in the current Preserve trail network. The existing Irish Ridge Trail is
steep in locations, and staff will evaluate opportunities to re-route this existing trail in the future,
however this area is constrained due to steep topography, intermittent and ephemeral drainages,
and tight property boundaries.
Alternative Mileage Opportunities Constraints
Irish Ridge
to Lobitos
Creek
Connection
3.5
• The only feasible, sustainable
trail alignment to connect from
the existing trail network to the
convergence of Alignments 1
through 3
• The trail is a combination of
new trail and segments of
repurposed legacy and
ranching road
• Proximity to riparian habitat and
other sensitive resources
• Multiple crossings of Lobitos
tributaries and one crossing of
Lobitos Creek mainstem
R-22-111 Page 4
Alternative Mileage Opportunities Constraints
1 2.2
• New trail with low average
trail grade
• Minimizes interaction with
conservation grazing and
associated infrastructure
• Offers vistas of the Pacific
Coast to the west, Purisima
Creek Canyon to the north, and
the Lobitos Creek drainage to
the south
• Construction cost will be higher
due to proposed new trail
development
• New trail construction is
typically more impactful than
repurposing existing/legacy
roads due to a new development
footprint on the land
• Several self-closing gates would
be necessary due to trail crossing
in and out of lease area
2 2
• Utilizes existing ranch road to
minimize natural resource
concerns
• Traverses the ridgeline,
providing panoramic vistas
• Provides highest potential for
patrol and emergency access
• Overlaps with existing grazing
infrastructure resulting in higher
potential for cattle/visitor
interactions
• Grades are steep in some
locations (>18%) and would
require rock surfacing to allow
for increased use
3 2.5
• Avoids drainage crossings
since it stays high in the
watershed
• New trail with low average
trail grade
• Offers panoramic vistas
• Higher visibility of trail with
switchbacks on the hillside
• Closest alignment to adjacent
private property (>100’)
• Trail is near stock ponds and
traverses an active pasture
• New trail construction is more
costly and typically more
impactful than repurposing
existing/legacy roads due to a
new development footprint on
the land
Connector
A 1
• Utilizes existing ranch road
• Provides excellent vistas after
short climb to hilltop
• Opportunity for short loop trail
in conjunction with Connector
B
• Requires use of the main ranch
road that connects to Verde
Road; same road is also used by
the grazing tenant to access the
property
• Will likely require additional
fencing and relocation of grazing
infrastructure
• May require periodic closure to
allow for grazing tenant to move
cattle to the corral
R-22-111 Page 5
Alternative Mileage Opportunities Constraints
Connector B 0.5
• Provides the most direct route
from the proposed Verde Road
parking area to the POST trail
easement
• Opportunity for short loop trail
in conjunction with Connector
A
• Encourages the public to use
the trail adjacent to Verde
Road rather than the road itself
• Requires multiple minor/
moderate drainage crossing
improvements
• Crosses the driveway of the
South Cowell residence
• Likely will require fence
relocation to separate visitors/
cattle
Alignment 1 has been identified as the preferred trail alignment as it provides a sustainable new
trail alignment that offers panoramic vistas of the Pacific Coast to the west, Purisima Creek
Canyon to the north, and the Lobitos Creek Drainage to the south. Alignment 1 also strives to
minimize the overlap of public access with grazing activities and infrastructure. Alignment 1
provides an enjoyable trail user experience while avoiding/minimizing impacts to known
sensitive resources and supporting the ongoing operation of working/grazing lands. Moreover,
the POST Trail Connectors A and B are also both recommended to provide a unique loop trail
opportunity from the proposed parking area.
The total mileage of this proposed trail alignment is over seven (7) miles, and encompasses the
Lobitos Ridge to Irish Ridge connection, Alignment 1, and the POST Trail Connector Loop
(Connectors A & B). Approximately 4.4 miles would be new trail construction and 2.8 miles
would be improvements to existing roads/trails. Adjustments to the final trail alignment may be
required as a result of future resource surveys, technical studies, and the design and engineering
process.
Conservation Easement
The parking area and much of the trail alignment are located on the South Cowell Ranch
property, which is subject to a Restated and Amended Grant of Conservation Easement
(conservation easement) recently entered into by the tenants-in-common owners (Marsh Trust,
POST, and the District). The conservation easement was recorded in September 2022 and is
now held by POST. The conservation easement combines and modernizes the 1989 conservation
easement, which was held by the California Coastal Conservancy, and a 1991 conservation
easement held by POST over the South Cowell property. The conservation easement continues
to protect the land’s conservation values (agriculture, scenic, habitat and natural resources, open
space and recreation), and modifies the conditions of the allowable subdivision for the ownership
of Upland property by the District, providing flexibility in locating public trails and eliminating
the potential to develop a second residence site on the Upland parcel.
Parking Area Conceptual Design Alternatives
Following the completion of the Project’s opportunities and constraints analysis and the Board’s
approval of the vision and goals, staff developed various preliminary parking area site designs
for two locations, one on the east side of Verde Road, and one on the west side of Verde Road.
Key considerations of the design process include public safety, sensitive habitats, riparian
setbacks, scenic resources, the grazing operations, and adjacent farmlands. During this exercise,
staff recognized the highly limited potential for locating a parking area to the east side of Verde
R-22-111 Page 6
Road that meets the Project’s goals due to required riparian setbacks and existing grazing
infrastructure that limit the number of viable parking spaces.
Staff ultimately prepared three conceptual parking area design alternatives, focusing on the
potential parking area to the west side of Verde Road (Attachment 3: Conceptual Parking Area
Design Alternatives).
Design elements common to each alternative are as follows:
• Works with existing topography
• Incorporates the necessary riparian corridor protections
• Minimizes environmental impacts
• Minimizes impacts to the existing grazing infrastructure
• Incorporates TDM strategies
• Includes ADA-accessible trailhead and restroom, pathways, signage and overlook
• Includes a setback from the scenic corridor along Highway 1
The parking area alternatives differ in the following ways:
• Parking lot size and capacity
• Entry road configuration and trailhead location
• Equestrian parking layout and capacity
• Use of the potential parking area to the east of Verde Road
Alternative A
• Smallest project footprint (~40 general parking spaces, ~20 priority spaces, including
ADA-parking spaces, 4 equestrian/bus spaces)
• Minimizes user conflicts with grazing operations and avoids grazing infrastructure
• Central pull-through for equestrian trailer/bus lot
• Entry road is located to the north of the trailhead and trail access pathway
• No development east of Verde Road
Alternative B
• Intermediate project footprint (~40 general parking spaces, ~35 priority spaces, including
ADA-parking spaces, 2 equestrian/bus spaces)
• Limited development east of Verde Road (restroom, education area, equestrian/bus parking)
• Entry road is located to the south of the trailhead and trail access pathway
Alternative C (Recommended)
• Larger project footprint (~70 general parking spaces, ~35 priority spaces, including
ADA-accessible parking spaces, ~6 equestrian/bus spaces)
• Equestrian/bus lot along perimeter of the parking lot for ease of circulation and pull-
through parking
• Most effectively incorporates TDM strategies, including an overflow parking / expansion
area (potential for ~80 additional parking spaces)
• Entry road is located to the south of the trailhead and trail access pathway
• No development east of Verde Road
• Minimizes impacts on the existing grazing operation by avoiding existing grazing
infrastructure
R-22-111 Page 7
Alternative C is identified as the preferred parking area design alternative. First, this alternative
provides the parking capacity that most effectively accommodates the recommended TDM
strategies, such as priority parking spaces, additional parking supply, and bicycle infrastructure
(see Purisima Multimodal Access Study Project Update below). In addition, Alternative C
includes the potential for overflow parking, or a future parking expansion, with minimal impacts
to the initial site improvements. Finally, Alternative C minimizes the impact of the new public
access improvements on the existing grazing operation by avoiding the area with existing
grazing infrastructure.
Public Engagement and Visitor Survey
The project has included extensive public outreach and engagement to inform the community
about the project and receive feedback. Public engagement consisted of focused stakeholder
meetings, one-on-one meetings, public workshops and open houses, and pop-up events in the
community, many held with the Purisima Multimodal and Highway 35 Multi-use Trail Crossing
and Parking Study Project teams. Attachment 4 lists the various meetings and events held to
date, which have included Purisima neighbors and visitors, agricultural community members,
local agencies, advocacy groups and subject matter experts.
The Purisima-to-the-Sea and Purisima Multimodal project teams collaborated to develop and
release a joint visitor survey that ran online from April 2022 to May 2022. The goal of the survey
was to solicit feedback on the desired trail experience, parking lot size preference, configuration,
amenities, parking needs, proposed TDMs and visitor likelihood of using them, e.g., bicycling to
the Preserve, taking a shuttle, using a reservation system, paying for parking, utilizing a carpool
priority lot, etc. Over 400 responses were received. The project team also solicited input on the
preferred parking area conceptual design alternatives at two open house events (in-person and
virtual).
Attachment 5 summarizes the key themes and topics emerging from feedback received through
the visitor surveys and public and stakeholder engagement. The feedback confirmed preference
for prioritizing biological site attributes balanced with maximizing parking capacity to
accommodate TDMs recommended from the Purisima Multimodal project. The additional
feedback received revealed the following:
• Regardless of activity, most visitors will not travel the entire distance of the proposed
trail network, supporting the need for mid-trail facilities. Survey respondents expressed a
strong preference for a rest area/bench, and a restroom.
o Equestrian amenities would also be suitable mid-trail, including a hitching post,
mounting block, and water trough.
o Additionally, there was interest in a backpack camp along the proposed trail
network.
• Preference for a loop trail experience.
• Support for the largest parking area (Alternative C) to accommodate TDM strategies.
• Importance of educating the public on the value of the conservation grazing program and
sharing the trail with cattle.
• Visitors coming to Purisima primarily come to see the preserve’s unique features.
• Minimize trail user conflicts with vehicles by locating the pedestrian crossing away from
the driveway entrance.
R-22-111 Page 8
• Interest in maximizing the quantity of equestrian parking and locating it on the perimeter
of the proposed parking area. A little over a third of survey respondents identifying as an
equestrian indicated they would use the proposed Verde Road lot at least once a month.
• Support for flexible parking uses during different times.
• Support for interpretive signage, in particular discussing wildlife, Native American
history, and ecosystems.
Feedback also garnered concerns such as:
• Road safety and emergency vehicle access.
• Concerns about trespassing over private property.
• Lack of stormwater drainage on the coastside as it relates to impervious surfaces.
• Concerns about the at-grade crossing along Highway 1.
• Overdevelopment of the site, quantity of infrastructure and amenities.
• Compliance with the San Mateo Local Coastal Program
• Concerns about delineated parking as it relates to parking capacity and the need to pave
surfaces.
• Consider impacts to prime agricultural land, sensitive habitats, and views.
• Designation of trail uses, balancing user conflict, and allowing for multi-uses.
The feedback received helped shape the recommendations for parking area design alternatives
and trail alignments.
PURISIMA MULTIMODAL ACCESS STUDY PROJECT UPDATE
The Purisima Multimodal Access Study (Purisima Multimodal) is being completed concurrently
with the Purisima-to-the-Sea project, where both project teams have been able to leverage many
opportunities to combine data collection and engagement efforts for greater effectiveness and
reach. Combining resources in this way has expanded outreach and engagement for both projects
and facilitated a better understanding from stakeholders about the direct connection between
them.
In addition to an initial survey conducted in Spring 2022, the project team completed a second
online visitor survey, in collaboration with the Purisima-to-the-Sea project team, that was
released in April and ran through May 2022. A full day of in-person surveys was also conducted
on one weekday and one weekend in mid-May. The survey in part gauged respondent reactions
to and inclinations for various proposed TDM strategies.
At the March 15, 2022 PNR meeting (R-22-38), the project team presented an overview of data
collection findings and seven categories of proposed TDM strategies. The team continued public
engagement into the spring and summer, returning to various stakeholders and engaging new
ones through a variety of forums to present the TDM strategies and solicit feedback. The team
completed public engagement for this phase of work in August 2022. Feedback from the surveys
and engagement efforts informed the prioritization of recommended TDM strategies that the
project team presented to the PNR on August 2, 2022 (R-22-87).
At the August 2, 2022 PNR (R-22-87), the project team presented an overview of the latest data
collection analysis and public and stakeholder engagement findings. The PNR confirmed the
TDM scoring, prioritization, and recommendations for the TDM strategies for inclusion into the
R-22-111 Page 9
draft report. Key recommended TDM strategies include: parking reservations during peak
periods; bicycle parking at trailheads; shuttle to/from Purisima-to-the-Sea lot to other Preserve
parking areas or trailheads; shuttles from satellite parking lots; additional parking supply; real-
time parking lot occupancy; priority parking spaces; and vehicle wayfinding signage. The PNR
directed the project team to present the draft report before the Board of Directors, which is
scheduled for November 2022.
FISCAL IMPACT
The recommended action has no direct, immediate fiscal impact. The Fiscal Year 2022-23
(FY23) adopted budget includes $176,000 for the Purisima-to-the-Sea Trail and Parking Area -
Phase I Feasibility Study project MAA03-005.
Purisima-to-the-Sea Trail and
Parking Area - Phase I Feasibility
Study
MAA03-005
Prior
Year
Actuals
FY23
Adopted
FY24
Projected
Estimated
Future
Years
TOTAL
District Funded (Fund 30): $331,164 $115,237 $0 $0 $446,401
Grant Amount: $111,508 $60,763 $0 $0 $172,271
Total Budget: $442,672 $176,000 $0 $0 $618,672
Spent-to-Date (as of 08/31/22): ($442,672) ($11,150) $0 $0 ($453,822)
Encumbrances: $0 ($10,997) $0 $0 ($10,997)
SWCA Environmental Consultants
Contract Amendment and 15%
Contingency*:
$0 ($47,768) $0 $0 ($47,768)
Budget Remaining (Proposed): $0 $106,085 $0 $0 $106,085
* At the August 10, 2022 Board meeting the Board approved a contract amendment SWCA Environmental Consultants in
the amount of $41,537 to conduct additional technical studies and support additional public engagement (R-22-94).
The following table outlines the Measure AA Portfolio 03 Purisima Creek Redwoods —
Purisima-to-the-Sea Trail, Watershed Protection and Conservation Grazing allocation, costs-to-
date, projected future project expenditures and projected portfolio balance remaining.
MAA03 Purisima Creek Redwoods — Purisima-to-the-Sea Trail, Watershed
Protection and Conservation Grazing Portfolio Allocation: $7,608,000
Grant Income (through FY26): $378,480
Fund 40 Allocation: $305,000
Total Portfolio Allocation: $8,291,480
Life-to-Date Spent (as of 08/31/22): ($6,786,984)
Encumbrances: ($10,997)
Remaining FY23 Project Budgets: ($523,463)
Future MAA03 project costs (projected through FY26): ($7,540,115)
Total Portfolio Expenditures: ($14,861,559)
Portfolio Balance Remaining (Proposed): ($6,570,079)
The following table outlines the Measure AA Portfolio 03 allocation, projected life of project
expenditures and projected portfolio balance remaining.
MAA03 Purisima Creek Redwoods — Purisima-to-the-Sea Trail, Watershed
Protection and Conservation Grazing Portfolio Allocation: $7,608,000
Grant Income (through FY25): $378,480
Fund 40 Allocation: $305,000
R-22-111 Page 10
Total Portfolio Allocation: $8,291,480
Projected Project Expenditures (life of project):
03-001 Purisima Uplands Lot Line Adjustment and Property Transfer ($425,113)
03-002 Purisima Upland Site Clean up and Soil Remediation ($1,004,058)
03-003 Purisima Creek Fence Construction ($169,190)
03-004 Harkins Bridge Replacement ($516,916)
03-005 Purisima-to-the-Sea Trail and Parking Area - Phase I Feasibility Study ($638,830)
03-006 South Cowell Upland Land Conservation ($4,872,967)
03-007 Purisima-to-the-Sea Habitat Enhancement and Water Supply
Improvement Plan ($568,674)
03-008 Rieser-Nelson Land Purchase ($16,715)
03-009 Purisima-to-the-Sea Parking ($3,991,687)
03-010 Purisima-to-the-Sea Trail ($2,120,000)
03-011 Lobitos Creek Fisheries Restoration ($397,410)
03-012 Purisima-to-the-Sea Comprehensive Use and Management Plan ($140,000)
Total Portfolio Expenditures: ($14,861,559)
Portfolio Balance Remaining (Proposed): ($6,570,079)
BOARD AND COMMITTEE REVIEW
While this project is being presented to the PNR for initial input on trail alignment options and
conceptual parking area design alternatives, the full Board and Committee have reviewed and
discussed project elements at these meetings, shown below:
December 1, 2021: Purisima-to-the-Sea Regional Trail and Parking Area Feasibility Study –
Opportunities and Constraints Analysis and Project Vision and Goals (R-21-157, meeting
minutes).
December 15, 2021: Purisima-to-the-Sea Regional Trail and Parking Area Project Vision and
Goals (R-21-174, meeting minutes)
March 15, 2022: Preliminary Findings from the Purisima Creek Preserve Multimodal Access
Project (R-22-38, meeting minutes)
August 2, 2022: Proposed Transportation Demand Management Strategies and Preliminary
Recommendations from the Purisima Creek Preserve Multimodal Access Project (R-22-87, draft
meeting minutes)
PUBLIC NOTICE
Public notice was provided as required by the Brown Act. In addition, post cards were sent to
project area neighbors within the Coastal Service Area and public emails notices were sent to
interested parties of the Preserve and hiking, biking, equestrian, accessibility, Regional Trails,
and Coastal interested parties.
CEQA COMPLIANCE
The feasibility study and conceptual designs will identify and evaluate possible future actions,
which the District has not yet approved, within the meaning of CEQA Section 15262. The
feasibility study and conceptual designs will inform future actions that will be subject to CEQA,
and subsequent environmental review will be conducted at that time. Pending the Board’s
R-22-111 Page 11
selection of a preferred trail alignment and conceptual parking area design at a future meeting
tentatively scheduled for Spring 2023, staff would begin environmental review for the Project.
Additionally, as stated in the background section of this report, this Project is occurring in
parallel to and in close coordination with multiple projects within the Preserve, including
restoration and maintenance projects led by the Natural Resources and Land and Facilities
departments. Projects that are occurring within the Preserve and are reasonably certain to occur
within the foreseeable future, will be evaluated for impacts as part of a comprehensive
environmental review document. In accordance with the District’s Mitigation Policy, this process
with allow staff to develop a comprehensive project description that aims to avoid and minimize
adverse impacts to natural and cultural resources across all projects while meeting the projects’
goals.
NEXT STEPS
If the Planning and Natural Resources Committee confirms the General Manager’s trail
alignment and conceptual parking area design recommendation, staff will finalize the remaining
tasks associated with feasibility study. This work includes the development of:
• Conceptual plans for roadway crossings and connector trails that consider
buffer/screening, evaluate the need for warning devices or other improvements, and
evaluate the long-term potential for below-grade or above-grade crossing,
• Permitting analysis of the trails and parking areas, and
• Parking area cost estimates.
In addition, staff would return to the Board in FY23 Quarter 4 to present the additional
information and the recommended trail alignment and conceptual parking area design for Board
consideration.
Attachments:
1. Study Area Map
2. Trail Alignment Options Map
3. Conceptual Parking Area Design Alternatives
4. Summary of Engagement Activities
5. Summary of Public Feedback
6. Draft August 2, 2022 PNR meeting minutes
Responsible Department Head:
Jane Mark, AICP, Planning Department
Prepared by:
Gretchen Laustsen, Senior Planner, Planning Department
Bryan Apple, Capital Projects Field Manager, Land and Facilities Department
Tyler Smith, Planner II, Planning Department
Staff Contact:
Gretchen Laustsen, Senior Planner, Planning Department
R-22-111 Page 12
Graphics prepared by:
Nathan Grieg, Data Analyst II
SAN
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Purisima-to-the-Sea Trail and Parking Area Feasibility Study Area
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Existing Purisima-to-the-Sea Trail
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Pedestrian crossing and
connector trail study area
Existing public trail
South Cowell property Parking study area
Study Areas
Connector trail options
Attachment 1
æ
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TunitasCreek Rd
Tunitas Creek Rd
Purisim a Creek Rd
Cowell-PurisimaTrail
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Cowell-Purisima Trail
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Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AeroGRID, IGN, and the GIS User Community ±0.55 0 0.550.275 Miles
Connection to
existing trail
network via Irish
Ridge Trail
POST Tra
i
l
E
a
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e
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Potential connection
to Cowell-Purisima Trail
1
2
3
Alignment Alternative 1
Alignment Alternative 2
Alignment Alternative 3
South Cowell
Property Boundary
New Trail Construction
Improve Existing Road/Trail
POST Trail Easement
Alignment Linking Irish Ridge
Road to Alternatives 1-3
Midpeninsula Regional
Open Space District
(Midpen)
Purisima-to-the-Sea
Trail Alignment
Alternatives
PURISIMA CREEK
REDWOODS OPEN
SPACE PRESERVE
A
B
Preferred Trail Alignment
Attachment 2
Conceptual Design | Alternative A
As Shown
6/27/2022
TS
63462.00
MB
Prepared by:
Date:
Scale:
Drawn by:
Checked by:
File #
REVISIONS
Date:Note:
Sheet Title:
SWCA Environmental Consultants
60 Stone Pine Road
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
(p) 650.440.4160
www.swca.com
Project Title:
Sheet No:
By:
Stamp:
Prepared for:
Midpeninsula Regional
Open Space District
330 Distel Circle
Los Altos, CA 94022-1404
DRA
F
T
Key Map:
PURISIMA-TO-THE-SEA
PARKING AREA & TRAIL
FEASIBILITY STUDY
0 20 40
ANSI D (22"x34") SCALE: 1"=40'
80
TABLOID (11"x17") SCALE: 1"=80'
PARKING AREA CONCEPT
ALTERNATIVE A
LP-001
Equestrian
Parking
Nature
Education
Area
Stormwater
Basin
Stormwater
Basin
Coastal
Overlook
Entry
Kiosk
Pedestrian
Path, Typ.
Equestrian
Path, Typ.
Potential Coastal
Trail Connection
Trailhead
Restroom
Bus Shelter
Native
Garden
Riparian
Setback
Pedestrian
Crossing
Connector
Trail
Existing
Corral
Pro
p
o
s
e
d
S
a
n
M
a
t
e
o
C
o
u
n
t
y
B
i
k
e
R
o
u
t
e
Priority
Parking
(Carpool/EV)
General Parking
Priority
Parking
(Carpool/EV)
ADA
Shuttle / Ride Hail Dropoff
Pro
p
o
s
e
d
S
a
n
M
a
t
e
o
C
o
u
n
t
y
B
i
k
e
R
o
u
t
e
Bike Parking
Existing Culvert:
Potential Wildlife
Enhancements To
Be Determined
Existing Screening Trees to Remain
Ver
d
e
R
o
a
d
Grazing Tenant
Access Only
Alternative
Stormwater
Basin Location
Existing Culvert:
Potential Wildlife
Enhancements To
Be Determined
High
w
a
y
1
As Shown
6/27/2022
TS
63462.00
MB
Prepared by:
Date:
Scale:
Drawn by:
Checked by:
File #
REVISIONS
Date:Note:
Sheet Title:
SWCA Environmental Consultants
60 Stone Pine Road
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
(p) 650.440.4160
www.swca.com
Project Title:
Sheet No:
By:
Stamp:
Prepared for:
Midpeninsula Regional
Open Space District
330 Distel Circle
Los Altos, CA 94022-1404
DRA
F
T
Key Map:
PURISIMA-TO-THE-SEA
PARKING AREA & TRAIL
FEASIBILITY STUDY
0 20 40
ANSI D (22"x34") SCALE: 1"=40'
80
TABLOID (11"x17") SCALE: 1"=80'
PARKING AREA CONCEPT
ALTERNATIVE A
LP-001
Equestrian
Parking
Nature
Education
Area
Stormwater
Basin
Stormwater
Basin
Coastal
Overlook
Entry
Kiosk
Pedestrian
Path, Typ.
Equestrian
Path, Typ.
Potential Coastal
Trail Connection
Trailhead
Restroom
Bus Shelter
Native
Garden
Riparian
Setback
Pedestrian
Crossing
Connector
Trail
Existing
Corral
Pro
p
o
s
e
d
S
a
n
M
a
t
e
o
C
o
u
n
t
y
B
i
k
e
R
o
u
t
e
Priority
Parking
General Parking
Priority
Parking
ADA
Shuttle / Ride Hail Dropoff
Pro
p
o
s
e
d
S
a
n
M
a
t
e
o
C
o
u
n
t
y
B
i
k
e
R
o
u
t
e
Bike Parking
Existing Culvert:
Potential Wildlife
Enhancements To
Be Determined
Existing Screening Trees to Remain
Ver
d
e
R
o
a
d
Grazing Tenant
Access Only
Alternative
Stormwater
Basin Location
Existing Culvert:
Potential Wildlife
Enhancements To
Be Determined
Attachment 3
Conceptual Design | Alternative B
As Shown
6/27/2022
TS
63462.00
MB
Prepared by:
Date:
Scale:
Drawn by:
Checked by:
File #
REVISIONS
Date:Note:
Sheet Title:
SWCA Environmental Consultants
60 Stone Pine Road
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
(p) 650.440.4160
www.swca.com
Project Title:
Sheet No:
By:
Stamp:
Prepared for:
Midpeninsula Regional
Open Space District
330 Distel Circle
Los Altos, CA 94022-1404
DRA
F
T
Key Map:
PURISIMA-TO-THE-SEA
PARKING AREA & TRAIL
FEASIBILITY STUDY
0 20 40
ANSI D (22"x34") SCALE: 1"=40'
80
TABLOID (11"x17") SCALE: 1"=80'
PARKING AREA CONCEPT
ALTERNATIVE B
LP-001
Riparian
Setback
Stormwater
Basin
Stormwater
Basin
Coastal
Overlook w/
Interpretive
Signage
Potential Coastal
Trail Connection
Pedestrian and
Equestrian Crossing
Connector
Trail
Entry Kiosk
Ranger
Parking
Corral
Agriculture
Education
Area
Eque
s
t
r
i
a
n
/
Scho
o
l
B
u
s
Restroom
Native
Pollinator
Meadow
Alternative
Stormwater
Basin Location
Native
Garden
ADA Accessible
Path
Existing Culvert:
Potential Wildlife
Enhancements To
Be Determined
Trailhead
Restroom
Bus Shelter
Graz
i
n
g
T
e
n
a
n
t
Park
i
n
g
a
n
d
L
o
a
d
i
n
g
Gravel
Access Road
Nature
Education
Area
ADA Accessible
Path
Existing Culvert:
Potential Wildlife
Enhancements To
Be Determined
Existing Screening Trees to Remain
Interpretive
Waypoint (Typ.)
Interpretive
Waypoint (Typ.)
High
w
a
y
1
Ver
d
e
R
o
a
d
Event Space
ADA Path
Existing Culvert:
Potential Wildlife
Enhancements To
Be Determined
General Parking
ADA
Shuttle / Ride Hail Dropoff
Pro
p
o
s
e
d
S
a
n
M
a
t
e
o
C
o
u
n
t
y
B
i
k
e
R
o
u
t
e
Bike Parking
Priority
Parking
(Carpool/EV)
Priority Parking
(Carpool/EV)
As Shown
6/27/2022
TS
63462.00
MB
Prepared by:
Date:
Scale:
Drawn by:
Checked by:
File #
REVISIONS
Date:Note:
Sheet Title:
SWCA Environmental Consultants
60 Stone Pine Road
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
(p) 650.440.4160
www.swca.com
Project Title:
Sheet No:
By:
Stamp:
Prepared for:
Midpeninsula Regional
Open Space District
330 Distel Circle
Los Altos, CA 94022-1404
DRA
F
T
Key Map:
PURISIMA-TO-THE-SEA
PARKING AREA & TRAIL
FEASIBILITY STUDY
0 20 40
ANSI D (22"x34") SCALE: 1"=40'
80
TABLOID (11"x17") SCALE: 1"=80'
PARKING AREA CONCEPT
ALTERNATIVE A
LP-001
Equestrian
Parking
Nature
Education
Area
Stormwater
Basin
Stormwater
Basin
Coastal
Overlook
Entry
Kiosk
Pedestrian
Path, Typ.
Equestrian
Path, Typ.
Potential Coastal
Trail Connection
Trailhead
Restroom
Bus Shelter
Native
Garden
Riparian
Setback
Pedestrian
Crossing
Connector
Trail
Existing
Corral
Pro
p
o
s
e
d
S
a
n
M
a
t
e
o
C
o
u
n
t
y
B
i
k
e
R
o
u
t
e
Priority
Parking
General Parking
Priority
Parking
ADA
Shuttle / Ride Hail Dropoff
Pro
p
o
s
e
d
S
a
n
M
a
t
e
o
C
o
u
n
t
y
B
i
k
e
R
o
u
t
e
Bike Parking
Existing Culvert:
Potential Wildlife
Enhancements To
Be Determined
Existing Screening Trees to Remain
Ver
d
e
R
o
a
d
Grazing Tenant
Access Only
Alternative
Stormwater
Basin Location
Existing Culvert:
Potential Wildlife
Enhancements To
Be Determined
Attachment 3
Recommended Conceptual Design | Alternative C
As Shown
6/27/2022
TS
63462.00
MB
Prepared by:
Date:
Scale:
Drawn by:
Checked by:
File #
REVISIONS
Date:Note:
Sheet Title:
SWCA Environmental Consultants
60 Stone Pine Road
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
(p) 650.440.4160
www.swca.com
Project Title:
Sheet No:
By:
Stamp:
Prepared for:
Midpeninsula Regional
Open Space District
330 Distel Circle
Los Altos, CA 94022-1404
DRA
F
T
Key Map:
PURISIMA-TO-THE-SEA
PARKING AREA & TRAIL
FEASIBILITY STUDY
0 20 40
ANSI D (22"x34") SCALE: 1"=40'
80
TABLOID (11"x17") SCALE: 1"=80'
PARKING AREA CONCEPT
ALTERNATIVE C
LP-001
Equestrian P
a
r
k
i
n
g
Equ
e
s
t
r
i
a
n
P
a
r
k
i
n
g
Equ
e
s
t
r
i
a
n
P
a
r
k
i
n
g
Pro
p
o
s
e
d
S
a
n
M
a
t
e
o
C
o
u
n
t
y
B
i
k
e
R
o
u
t
e
ADA
Riparian
Setback
Stormwater
Basin
Stormwater
Basin
Coastal
Overlook w/
Interpretive
Signage
Potential Coastal
Trail Connection
Connector
Trail
Entry Kiosk
Ranger
Parking
Native
Pollinator
Meadow
Alternative
Stormwater
Basin Location
Native
Garden
Shuttle / Ride Hail Dropoff
ADA Accessible
Path
Pro
p
o
s
e
d
S
a
n
M
a
t
e
o
C
o
u
n
t
y
B
i
k
e
R
o
u
t
e
Existing Culvert:
Potential Wildlife
Enhancements To
Be Determined
Trailhead
Restroom
Bus Shelter
Bike Parking
Nature
Education
Area
ADA Accessible
Path
Existing Culvert:
Potential Wildlife
Enhancements To
Be Determined
Existing Screening Trees to Remain
Interpretive
Waypoint (Typ.)
Interpretive
Waypoint (Typ.)
High
w
a
y
1
Ver
d
e
R
o
a
d
Grazing Tenant
Access Only
Pedestrian and
Equestrian Crossing
ADA Path
Existing Culvert:
Potential Wildlife
Enhancements To
Be Determined
General Parking
Gen
e
r
a
l
P
a
r
k
i
n
g
Greater Parking Capacity
(Optional Overflow Parking /
Equestrian Area)
Existing
Corral
Priority
Parking
(Carpool/EV)
Priority Parking
(Carpool/EV)
As Shown
6/27/2022
TS
63462.00
MB
Prepared by:
Date:
Scale:
Drawn by:
Checked by:
File #
REVISIONS
Date:Note:
Sheet Title:
SWCA Environmental Consultants
60 Stone Pine Road
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
(p) 650.440.4160
www.swca.com
Project Title:
Sheet No:
By:
Stamp:
Prepared for:
Midpeninsula Regional
Open Space District
330 Distel Circle
Los Altos, CA 94022-1404
DRA
F
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Key Map:
PURISIMA-TO-THE-SEA
PARKING AREA & TRAIL
FEASIBILITY STUDY
0 20 40
ANSI D (22"x34") SCALE: 1"=40'
80
TABLOID (11"x17") SCALE: 1"=80'
PARKING AREA CONCEPT
ALTERNATIVE A
LP-001
Equestrian
Parking
Nature
Education
Area
Stormwater
Basin
Stormwater
Basin
Coastal
Overlook
Entry
Kiosk
Pedestrian
Path, Typ.
Equestrian
Path, Typ.
Potential Coastal
Trail Connection
Trailhead
Restroom
Bus Shelter
Native
Garden
Riparian
Setback
Pedestrian
Crossing
Connector
Trail
Existing
Corral
Pro
p
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S
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M
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C
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t
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B
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k
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R
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Priority
Parking
General Parking
Priority
Parking
ADA
Shuttle / Ride Hail Dropoff
Pro
p
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S
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M
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C
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B
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Bike Parking
Existing Culvert:
Potential Wildlife
Enhancements To
Be Determined
Existing Screening Trees to Remain
Ver
d
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R
o
a
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Grazing Tenant
Access Only
Alternative
Stormwater
Basin Location
Existing Culvert:
Potential Wildlife
Enhancements To
Be Determined
Attachment 3
Page 1 of 1
Attachment 4:
Purisima-to-the-Sea – Summary of Total Engagement Activities
October 11, 2022
Date Meeting / Event
July 13, 2021* Purisima-to-the-Sea Neighbor Meeting
July 27, 2021 Coastal and Trail User Community Meeting
August 18, 2021 Peninsula Trails Team (Bay Area Ridge Trail, Santa Cruz Mountains
Stewardship Network, National Park Service, San Francisco Public
Utilities Commission, County of San Mateo)
September 28, 2021 Agricultural Community Onsite Meeting
November 4, 2021** Make It Main Street (Half Moon Bay community event)
November 9, 2021* Pescadero Municipal Advisory Council
December 1, 2021* Purisima-to-the-Sea Public Open House and Special Meeting
December 15, 2021* Purisima-to-the-Sea Vision and Goals
December 18, 2021* Tabling at Coastside Farmers Market (Half Moon Bay)
February 23, 2022* Midcoast Community Council
March 15, 2022 Kings Mountain Association
May 14, 2022** College of San Mateo Farmer’s Market
May 15, 2022** Purisima hike with Spanish speaking group
June 07, 2022 San Mateo County Farm Bureau consultation
June 29, 2022 Purisima projects open house (in-person)
July 12, 2022 Purisima projects open house (virtual)
July 27, 2022 Green Foothills staff
September 21, 2022 Trail User Stakeholder Meeting
September 29, 2022 Trail User Stakeholder Meeting
* Public meeting
** Public event
Page 1 of 3
Attachment 5: Summary of Public Feedback Received to Date
Purisima-to-the-Sea Feasibility Study – Trail Alignment Options and Parking Area Conceptual
Design Alternatives
October 11, 2022
Theme/Topic General Feedback/Comments1
Visitor Behavior • 95% are hikers, with a preference for 4 to 7-mile hikes.
• 45% ride their bicycle or horse, with a preference for 10 to 15-mile
rides.
• 90% prefer a loop trail, as opposed to 7% preferring out and back,
and 3% preferring a one-way with shuttle.
• 75% stated they come to Purisima either on weekday mornings or
afternoons; 50% visit on weekday mornings.
Destinations
people are
interested in
seeing when
coming to
Purisima
• 50% prefer Purisima’s unique features.
• 19% prefer the nearby inland vistas and viewpoints.
• 15% prefer the coastal overlooks and beaches.
Priorities of
survey
respondents
• When asked about the most important factors that should be
considered in planning for the Purisima-to-the-Sea project, 50%
prioritized biological site attributes, and 25% prioritized physical
site attributes.
Preferred parking
design alternative • At open house events, members of the public overwhelmingly
supported a larger parking area to accommodate TDM strategies.
• Survey respondents heavily favored standard and larger parking area
sizes.
Impacts to
Parking Lot
Design and
amenities
• Trail Access
o Preference for accessing the trail without having to cross the
drive aisle near the parking area’s drive entrance.
• Shuttle Pick-Up/Drop-Off
o 50% reported that they would use a shuttle if their preferred
parking area was full; 25% said that they may be interested.
o Design should consider shuttle pick-up/drop-off area and
parking quantity to accommodate those taking the shuttle in
addition to parking for those using the trailhead.
• Electric vehicle parking:
o Public expressed interest in electric vehicle parking.
• Flexible Parking Uses
o 66% were open to flexible parking uses at different times.
o Commenters noted that flexible parking areas would need to
be clearly signed. Education would be necessary to inform
the public.
Page 2 of 3
• Bikes
o ~50% indicated they would visit by bike
o Interest in bike racks, bike lockers, and bike repair stations
o Bike brushes to remove debris off tires and prevent spread of
Sudden Oak Death
o E-bike charging station
• Equestrians
o Majority of those parking with equestrian trailers would like
to see at least 4 equestrian trailer spaces at the new lot.
o ~66% prefer having a natural surface parking area and
pathways
o ~50% expressed interest in having hitching posts and
mounting blocks available.
o Preference for having equestrian parking on the outer ring in
the parking alternatives
• Parking / Parking Surface
o Interest in loading zone adjacent to / back of parking spaces
o Commenters note that the coastal areas lack storm water
drainage and that the proposed parking should incorporate
impervious surfaces into the design
o If overflow lot is proposed, there was interest in natural
surface for overflow parking.
• Restroom
o Interest in having a second vault toilet near equestrian
parking.
• Other amenities suggested:
o Availability of restrooms
o Stroller and wheelchair rentals
o Seating / rest area
o Potable water / drinking fountains
o Trash collection
o Pay phone
o Connections to other transit
o Signboard w/ maps, showing nearby points of interest
o Interpretive signage
o WiFi
o Cell phone charging
o Wayfinding signage
o Animal waste bags
o Fire lanes / loading zones
Mid-Trail facilities • 89% expressed interest in a rest area / bench and 82% in a restroom
as mid-trail (interior preserve) amenities.
• 22% were interested in a picnic area as a mid-trail amenity
• Hitching post, mounting block, and non-potable water trough
received support from 8% of respondents
Page 3 of 3
• Over half of survey respondents identifying as equestrians would
like to see a hitching post, mounting block, and water trough at a
mid-trail location.
• Backpack camping
Impacts to
Grazing • When asked what measures the District should consider to ensure
compatibility of the existing conservation grazing and future
recreational access, 50% supported providing on-site education
about the value of the conservation grazing program. ~25%
supported providing education on sharing the trail with cattle.
Interpretive
Signage Topics • Survey respondents had a preference for interpretive signage topics
discussing wildlife (20%), Native American history (19%) and
Ecosystems (19%).
Trail Uses • Interest in allowing multi-uses on trails
• Interest in single-track bike trails
Highway Crossing • Concerns about at grade crossing
• Suggestions for above grade or below grade crossings
o Underpass study to accommodate wildlife crossing
Equity • Signage available in English and Spanish
Additional
comments /
concerns
• Road safety and emergency vehicle access
• Concerns about preserve visitors trespassing over private property
• Consider that Cowell Ranch Beach trailhead exceeds capacity on
good weather days, this lot may be used as an overflow lot for beach
use and other nearby open space destinations.
• Ensure project is compatible with San Mateo Local Coastal
Program.
• Consider impacts to prime agricultural land, sensitive habitats,
views.
• Balance square footage of parking area with protecting habitat
• Allow backpacking and reservation camping
• Allow dog access
• Real-time parking information
• Clear signage, and enforcement of violations
• Strong etiquette education program
• Allow e-bike use
• Limit equestrian use / limit bike use
• Minimize infrastructure in parking areas
1Feedback noted above is based on visitor survey and input received during engagement activities; percentages
reflect respondent responses from the visitor survey.
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
PLANNING AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE
The Committee conducted this meeting in accordance with California Government Code section
54953(e) and Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Resolution 21-33. All Committee
members and staff participated via teleconference.
Tuesday, August 2, 2022
DRAFT MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER
Director Riffle called the meeting of the Planning and Natural Resources Committee to order at
2:01 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members present: Yoriko Kishimoto, Curt Riffle, and Pete Siemens
Members absent: None
Staff present: General Manager Ana Ruiz, General Counsel Hilary Stevenson, Assistant
General Manager Susanna Chan, Assistant General Brian Malone, District
Clerk/Assistant to the General Manager Jennifer Woodworth, Planning
Manager Jane Mark, Senior Planner Tina Hugg, Planner II Tyler Smith
Director Riffle announced this meeting is being held in accordance with California Government
Code section 54953(e) and Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Resolution 21-33
allowing Committee members to participate remotely. The District has done its best to conduct a
meeting where everyone has an opportunity to listen to the meeting and to provide comment. The
public has the opportunity to comment on the agenda, and the opportunity to listen to
this meeting through the internet or via telephone. This information can be found on the meeting
agenda, which was physically posted at the District’s Administrative Office, and on the District
website. Director Riffle described the process and protocols for the meeting.
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
Motion: Director Kishimoto moved, and Director Siemens seconded the motion to adopt the
agenda.
ROLL CALL VOTE: 3-0-0
Planning & Natural Resources Committee Page 2
August 2, 2022
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
District Clerk Jennifer Woodworth reported no comments were submitted.
COMMITTEE BUSINESS
1. Approve the March 15, 2022 Planning and Natural Resources Committee Meeting
Minutes.
Motion: Director Kishimoto moved, and Director Siemens seconded the motion to approve the
March 15, 2022 Planning and Natural Resources Committee meeting minutes.
Public comment opened at 2:04 p.m.
No public comments were submitted for this item.
Public comment closed at 2:04 p.m.
ROLL CALL VOTE: 3-0-0
2. Proposed Transportation Demand Management Strategies and Preliminary
Recommendations from the Purisima Creek Preserve Multimodal Access Project (R-22-87)
Senior Planner Tina Hugg provided the staff presentation describing the project timeline and
project’s objectives and goals, including identifying ways to improve multimodal access,
evaluate existing parking resources and access, improve internal visitor circulation, etc.
Joakim Osthus, with Parisi Transportation Consulting, reviewed the various transportation
demand management (TDM) strategies related to bicycling, transit options, visitor demand
management, education/outreach, and traveler information/wayfinding. Mr. Osthus described the
various types of data collection completed by the project team, including virtual surveys,
speaking with preserve visitors, and public engagement at various locations and provided
highlights from the comments received from the public regarding the various TDM strategies.
Mr. Osthus summarized key takeaways and recurring themes, such as general support for a
shuttle system, additional parking, carpooling, and parking reservation system; consideration of
equity when implementing the TDM strategies, and support for increased wayfinding in English
and Spanish.
Director Kishimoto supported potentially closing the lower Purisima Creek parking lot, which
would have the benefit of reducing traffic for the community.
Director Riffle spoke in support of the shuttle option and commented on the need to determine
when the District’s preserves should be considered as full.
General Manager Ana Ruiz stated the current carrying capacity of the preserves is largely tied to
the parking capacity of the preserves, which limits the number of preserve visitors. The number
of people who should be in a preserve at one time will need to be studied separately from the
number of people who are able visit a preserve due to limited parking.
Planning & Natural Resources Committee Page 3
August 2, 2022
Mr. Osthus reviewed the criteria used to score the various TDM strategies, the results of the
TDM strategy scoring, and recommendations for TDM strategies.
Director Siemens commented the lower Purisima Creek Road lot should be reconfigured and
limited to shuttle parking, ADA accessible parking, and some equestrian parking. Limiting
standard parking will encourage visitors to use shuttles to visit the preserve. Additionally, a safe
route to the Verde Road parking lot is needed for those who do not take a shuttle.
Director Kishimoto suggested incorporating parking areas at the Johnston House as part of the
TDM strategies for Purisima.
Director Siemens requested and received information regarding the proposed parking lot sizes
for the proposed Purisima-to-the-Sea trail.
Assistant General Manager Brian Malone expressed concern that equestrian parking would likely
not be able to accommodate equestrian parking due to its size.
Ms. Hugg stated the parking areas, including on-street parking, would likely need to be closed
for the weekend to increase the use of a shuttle and increase safety for pedestrian and cyclists
walking in the area.
Director Kishimoto inquired regarding parking options for those who are staying multiple days
in order to hike a regional trail, such as the proposed Bay-to-Sea trail.
Mr. Malone stated currently the District will issue permits for multi-day parking when needed.
Planning Manager Jane Mark stated the District and its partners will look more comprehensively
for regional staging areas to accommodate multi-day hikes as part of the regional Bay-to-Sea
Trail planning, but itis not currently being addressed as part of this project.
Ms. Hugg reviewed the next steps for the project and proposed timeline.
Director Riffle requested and received additional information regarding the suggestion to
reconfigure existing parking lots.
Public comment opened at 3:34 p.m.
No public comments submitted.
Public comment closed at 3:34 p.m.
Motion: Director Siemens moved, and Director Kishimoto seconded the motion to confirm the
preliminary scoring, prioritization and recommendations for the transportation demand
management strategies for inclusion into a draft report.
ROLL CALL VOTE: 3-0-0
Planning & Natural Resources Committee Page 4
August 2, 2022
ADJOURNMENT
Director Riffle adjourned the meeting of the Planning and Natural Resources Committee at 3:36
p.m.
____________________________
Jennifer Woodworth, MMC
District Clerk