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HomeMy Public PortalAbout19960522 - Agendas Packet - Board of Directors (BOD) - 96-12 Regional Ope MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT Meeting 96-12 REGULAR AND SPECIAL MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS AGENDA* 7:00 P.M. 330 Distel Circle Wednesday Los Altos, California May 22, 1996 (7:00) ROLL CALL SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS CLOSED SESSION The Closed Session will begin at 7:00 P.M. At 7:30 P.M., the Board will adjourn the Special Meeting Closed Session to the conclusion of the Regular Board Meeting, and at the conclusion of the Regular Meeting, the Board may reconvene the Special Meeting Closed Session. 1. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existinla Liti ag tion Government Code Section 54956.9(a) A. MROSD v. Holmes, Holmes v. MROSD Case Number CV-755057 2. Labor Negotiations - Government Code Section 54957.6 A. Conference with Labor Negotiator Agency Negotiators: Directors Siemens, Henshaw, and Hanko Unrepresented Employee: General Manager 3. Public Employee Performance Evaluation - Government Code Section 54957 Title: General Manager (7:30) REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS ** ORAL COMMUNICATIONS -- Public ADOPTION OF AGENDA *** ADOPTION OF CONSENT CALENDAR -- N. Hanko *** APPROVAL OF MINUTES May 6, 1996 (Consent Item) May 8, 1996 (Consent Item) 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 a Phone:415-691-1200 * FAX.415-691-0485 * E-mail:mrosd@netcom.com 0 Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Mary C.Davey,Teena Henshaw,David T.Smemoff,Nonette Hanko,Betsy Crowder,Wim de Wit Genera!Manager:L.Craig Britton Meeting 96-12 Page 2 WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS (onsent Item) BOARD BUSINESS (7:45) 1. Tentative Adoption of Trail Use Plan for El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve and Amendment of Preserve's Comprehensive Use and Management to Include Trail Use Plan and Determination that Recommended Actions Categorically Exempt from CEQA A. Use and Management Committee Report -- B. Crowder B. Staff Report -- M. de Beauvieres (8:30) 2. District Appointments to the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Financing Authority Governing Board -- N. Hanko 3. Authorization of Permit to Enter for U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for Soil Testing at Cooley Landing - Ravenswood Open Space Preserve and Determination that Project is Categorically Exempt from CEQA -- R. Anderson (8:35) INFORMATIONAL REPORTS -- Directors and Staff REVISED CLAIMS (Consent Item) CLOSED SESSION - (Continued, if necessary) ADJOURNMENT *NOTE: 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 3 minutes. Alternately, you may comment to the Board by a written communication, which the Board appreciates. ***All items on the consent calendar shall be approved without discussion by one motion, Board members, the General Manager, and members of the public mjU =w9 that an item be removed from the Consent Calendar during consideration of the Consent Calendar, Regional Open Sp" 2 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT Meeting 96-10 SPECIAL MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS May 6, 1996 MINUTES I. ROLL CALL President Nonette Hanko called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. Members Present: Peter Siemens, David Smernoff, Mary Davey, Betsy Crowder, Nonette Hanko, Teena Henshaw, and Wim de Wit Members Absent: None Personnel Present: Craig Britton II. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - None III. CLOSED SESSION The Board met in Closed Session for the purpose of conducting the General Manager's performance evaluation. The Closed Session commenced at 7:05 P.M. IV. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 9:03 p.m. Craig Britton General Manager 330 Distel Circle * Los Altos,CA 94022-1404 * Phone:415-691-1200 * FAX:415-691-0485 * E-mail:mrosd@netcom.com Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Mary C.Davey,Teena Henshaw,David T.Smernoff,Nonette Hanko,Betsy Crowder,Wim de Wit General Manager:L.Craig Britton Regional Open Spa- MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT Meeting 96-11 REGULAR AND SPECIAL MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS May 8, 1996 I. ROLL CALL President Nonette Hanko called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. Members Present: Peter Siemens, David Smernoff, Mary Davey, Betsy Crowder, Nonette Hanko, Teena Henshaw, and Wim de Wit Members Absent: None Personnel Present: Craig Britton, Jean Fiddes, and Sue Schectman II. CLOSED SESSION N. Hanko stated that the Board would adjourn to the Special Meeting Closed Session for the purpose of discussing Closed Session agenda item 1. The Board recessed to Closed Session at 7:11 p.m. and the Closed Session commenced at 7:11 p.m. The Board adjourned the Special Meeting at 7:30 p.m. and N. Hanko called the Regular Meeting to order at 7:32 p.m. and turned the chairing of the meeting over to Vice President Mary Davey. Additional Personnel Present: Malcolm Smith, Mike Williams, Carleen Bruins, and Cheryl Solomon III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Harry Haeussler, 1094 Highland Circle, Los Altos, expressed approval and appreciation to staff for making a new trail from the Alpine Road entrance to Windy Hill Open Space Preserve. IV. SPECIAL ORDER OF THE DAY Introduction of the 1996 Spring Docent Training; Class (R-96-52) C. Bruins presented an update on the docent program. She said it grows each year and there are 85 active docents who led 264 hikes last year with an estimated 4,000 visitors. She said this new group is almost finished with their training and will be graduating on June 1 at the Cheers for Volunteers recognition event. C. Solomon expressed pleasure at working with the volunteers and introduced those present: Bill Crawley, Santa Clara; Elaine Curtis, Los Altos; Ingrid Graeve, Los Altos; Paul Ingraham, Menlo Park; Joyce Neubert, San Jose; Gwen Rosser, Los Altos; Nancy Stilger, San Jose. Those not present were: Ludwik Bednarz, Los Gatos; Karl Giovacchini, Redwood City; Rich Good, Palo Alto Toni Gooch, Palo Alto; Donna Lee Hopley, Sunnyvale; Mark Reedy, Palo Alto; Gerri Tiernan Sunnyvale-and Baohsun Yank, San Jose. 330 Distel Circle * Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 * Phone:415-691-1200 * FAX:415-691-0485 * E-mail: mrosd@netcom.com 0 Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Mary C.Davey,Teena Henshaw,David T.Smernoff,Nonette Hanko,Betsy Crowder,Wim de Wit Genera!Manager:L.Craig Britton Meeting 96-11 Page 2 B. Crowder thanked the volunteers and said they did a good job of representing the District on the trails and telling people about the District. V. ADOPTION OF AGENDA Motion: T. Henshaw moved that the Board adopt the agenda. D. Smernoff seconded the motion. The motion passed 7 to 0. VI. ADOPTION OF CONSENT CALENDAR Referring to agenda item 3 concerning the Schilling Lake spillway project, Harry Haeussler expressed concern regarding the late start of the project. C. Britton informed him that staff does not yet have plans and specifications for the project; Board approval was requested because the consulting services were over $10,000. N. Hanko and B. Crowder requested removal of the April 24 minutes, and B. Crowder requested removal of agenda item 4, Authorization to Convert Resource Planner Position to Resource Management Specialist Position. Increase the Half-Time Volunteer Coordinator Position to Full-Time Position, Augment 1996-1997 Operations Program Budget by $23,500, and Fill Both Positions. Motion: P. Siemens moved that the Board adopt the Consent Calendar including responses to written communications from Cornelius F. Kelly, Box 633, Pinedale, WY; Mr. Scott Luan, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305; agenda item 3, Authorization to Retain Zumwalt Engineering Group of San Ramon for $12.000 for Civil Engineering Consulting Services on Thornewood QWnSog& Preserve's Schilling Lake Spillway Reconstruction Project Based on Determination that the Project is Categorically Exempt Under CEOA; and revised claims 96-09. B. Crowder seconded the motion. The motion passed 7 to 0. VIE. APPROVAL OF MR-TUM A 2rflil 24, 1996 N. Hanko and B. Crowder referred to page 7, third paragraph, and said the time for the Wallace Stegner event should be 10:00 a.m. rather than 11:30 a.m. Motion: N. Hanko moved that the Board approve minutes of the April 24, 1996 Regular and Special Meeting as corrected. D. Smernoff seconded the motion. The motion passed 7 to 0. VHL BOARD BUSINESS A. Agenda Item No. 1. - Proposed Acceptanc e of$600,000 Offer to Purchase Real REQWay from John C. and Susan Dean for the Sale of Surplus Parcel at Thornewood Q= Space Preserve Based on Determination that the Recommended Actions are Categorically Exempt Under CEOA ( Report R-904) Meeting 96-11 Page 3 M. Williams presented the staff report and showed the location of the property on a map. P. Siemens asked if the 180 day period until close of escrow was excessive. C. Britton said they could close escrow before the end of the 180 day period and it would not cause the District any problems. Dr. John Parmer, 773 Frenchmang Road, Stanford, referred to his letter contained in the BoardA packet. He said they were told that no one else would be able to buy this property privately and that is why they went through the process of surveying the easement. He said he was asked to pay out several thousand dollars on this easement. He said they would not have paid this money, and there was no reason for them to pay it, if anyone was able to come in and make a higher offer. Dr. Partner said he objected to some statements contained in the General Managed report noting the report talked about the modest value of the easement. He said it has substantial value and asked why he and his wife were not simply given the option to buy the land outright if it was a modest easement that was not worth any money. Dr. Parmer stated that he did not necessarily dunk the Deans' offer is a better one than theirs, adding that perhaps prior to selling the property to the Deans, the District should have the easement appraised. C. Britton said he understood that Mr. Parmer had spent some money and staff was willing to talk to him about the possibility of reimbursement. Regarding the modest value of the easement, he said it is modest in relationship to the difference between $350,000 and $600,000 selling price, especially at a time when the District is in need of acquisition money. He said when staff brought the proposal to the Board, it was with the understanding that the District got the easement as consideration for the option itself. He said the Board makes the decision on any sale or acquisition of property; staff§ job is to work with people to get an agreement and then make a recommendation to the Board. He said staff has have heard from neighboring property owners and feel that not only is the District getting more money from the sale to the Deans, but this transaction may also come closer to meeting the needs of the neighbors. S. Schectman said the Board continued this item from a previous meeting with the understanding that anyone could have submitted a competing offer for the property. Motion: W. de Wit moved that the Board determine that the recommended actions are categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act as set out in the staff report. P. Siemens seconded the motion. The motion passed 7 to 0. Motion: W. de Wit moved that the Board adopt Resolution No. 96-17, a Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Meeting 96-11 Page 4 Open Space District Declaring Property Surplus to the District's Needs, Approving and Authorizing Entering Into an Offer to Purchase Real Property and Purchase and Sale Agreement for the Sale of the Surplus Property, and Authorizing General Manager to Execute Any and All Other Documents Necessary or Appropriate to the Transaction (Thomewood Open Space Preserve - Former Lands of land). P. Siemens seconded the motion. The motion passed 7 to 0. B. Agenda Item No. 2 - Authorization for Submittal of Amicus Brief in Support of the Santa Clara QMn- Space Authority in the Matter of Coleman v. Santa Clara Q= Snare Authority (9=rt R-96-53) S. Schectman reviewed the staff report and answered questions. In regard to cost, she stated it would only be for her time and it would not be a great expenditure as she would keep the brief focused. Motion: P. Siemens moved that the Board authorize District Legal Counsel to file an arnicus brief in support of the position of the Santa Clara Open Space Authority in the matter of Coleman v. Santa Clara Open Space Authority, CV743113. T. Henshaw seconded the motion. The motion passed 7 to 0. C. Agenda Item No. 4 - Authorization to Convert Resource Planner Position to Resource Management Specialist Position. Increase the Half-Time Volunteer Coordinator Position to Full-Time Position, Augment 1996-1997 Qguafigns Program Budget by $23.500. and Fill Both Positions (Report R-96-55) B. Crowder referred to page I of the staff report, and said she wanted to make sure that the closer working relationship between the staff person and field staff mentioned in the staff report was included in the job specification. She requested an addition to description under "Ability to:" to emphasize that very close contact with field staff should take place and that field staff should be encouraged to work with this person. J. Fiddes said the phrase, "works closely with field staff members on various projects" or similar wording could be added to Examples of Important Responsibilities and Duties. Motion: B. Crowder moved that the Board approve the job specification for the Resource Management Specialist position; direct staff to amend the 1996-1997 Salary Pay Plan to eliminate the Resource Planner position and substitute the Resource Management Specialist position at the same salary level; authorize staff to fill the Resource Management Specialist position; approve the conversion of the half-time Volunteer Coordinator position to a full-time position and authorize the filling of the position; and amend the Operations Program& fiscal year 1996-1997 budget to include an additional $23,500 in salaries and benefits to fund the Meeting 96-11 Page 5 increase in the Volunteer Coordinator position from part-time to full- time. P. Siemens seconded the motion. Discussion: C. Britton stated for the record that a team composed of both field and office staff worked on this proposal; they recognized the need for this position to divide their time equally between the field and the office. In addition, he said it is critical to expand the District§ volunteer corps and increasing the Volunteer Coordinator to a full-time position will help accomplish that. P. Siemens expressed enthusiasm for making the Volunteer Coordinator a full-time position. The motion passed 7 to 0. IX. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS B. Crowder mentioned the Kingg Mountain Association announcement of their annual dinner on May 11. She said she had been working with Jean Rusmore on the revision of her Peninsula Trails since July and it has been sent to the publisher. She thanked District personnel for help in explaining District preserves for the book. W. de Wit stated he had received the report prepared by M. Smith regarding the Santa Mateo County Funding Measure Committee meeting held on Monday. D. Smernoff said he had visited Fremont Older Open Space Preserve for the first time noting the work that has been done this spring on Seven Springs and Toyon Trails looks good. He had attended the opening of new section of a trail connecting the Stevens Creek Trail with the Stevens Creek Nature Study Area. He said he and D. Woods had worked on having the bridge modified so it meets OSHA safety standards. In addition, he has been in contact with NASA to try to get progress on the trail to the observation platform. M. Davey said she will be attending the Ridge Trail meeting on May 30 that will be preceded by an orientation session. C. Britton passed around the invitation from the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council to hike the San Francisco watershed on May 19. C. Britton announced that Open Space Technician Ralph Mofica is giving a "how tos" of visual presentations at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, May 17. Meeting 96-11 Page 6 C. Britton referred to an excerpt from the League of California Cities Legislative Bulletin which talked about the Jarvis measure. N. Hanko said she had received information from the Trust for Public Land which she was forwarding to S. Schectman. C. Britton said he had asked M. Smith to put the San Mateo County Alternative Funding Committee report in memo form. He reported that AB 3239 to add parks and libraries to existing legislation for a sales tax in San Mateo County had failed in the Revenue and Taxation Committee but he had heard that Senator Sher has attached a rider to SB 1838 which will try to accomplish the same thing. C. Britton distributed wildflower seed packets that will be given out at the June 9 event. C. Britton showed the Board a weasel that had been preserved as part of the District§ Skins for Tins program. M. Smith updated Board members on the June 9 event and distributed copies of the latest press release and the advertisement that will be running in the San Jose Mercury News. He said planning is going very well and highlighted some of the programs and presentations that will take place that day. He also described the arrangements that have been made for parking and a shuttle. Volunteers are being sought for various activities at the event. He said since this is a new event, it will be evaluated. Several Board members volunteered to work at the event. S. Schectman referred to an article about the Bicycle Trails Council case out of the Ninth Circuit Court. She will give a copy of the text to Board members when she receives it. She said it is very fact specific and shows that judges and courts tend to defer to boards as policy makers. She thanked Board members for the opportunity to attend the League of California Cities City Attorney conference. X. ADJOURNMENT M. Davey adjourned the meeting at 8:15 p.m. Roberta Wolfe Recording Secretary Claims No. 96-09 Meeting 96-11 Date: May 08, 1996 REVISED MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT # Amount Name Description 146 237.05 1 Acorn Signs, Inc. Banners 147 341.62 A T & T Telephone Service 148 241.00 Battery-Tech Inc. Radio Batteries 149 1,234.72 *2 Best Impressions Skyline Event Supplies 150 1,009.78 Best Sanitation Sanitation Services 151 707.38 Diane Blackman Reimbursement--Software 152 33.10 Black Mountain Spring Water Bottled Water 153 45.00 Dave Boore Docent Training 154 107.58 Carleen Bruins Reimbursement--Volunteer Recognition Event Items 155 2,671.01 Callander Associates Landscape Consulting Service--Windy Hill Parking Lot 156 132.00 *3 California Department of Fish and Game Permit--Fremont Older Trail Project 157 23.68 Camino Medical Group Medical Services 158 301.94 Continuing Education of the Bar Resource Documents 159 712.50 *4 Century Graphics T-Shirts-Skyline Event 160 52.25 Commercial Landscape Supply, Inc. Top Loading Ramp Kit 161 50.00 Community School of Music & Arts Musicians--Volunteer Recognition Event 162 1,600.00 Dana Property Analysis Appraisal Service 163 6,793.79 Employment Development Department State Unemployment Insurance 164 65.00 Evergreen Environmental Services Waste Oil Pickup 165 1,438.60 First American Title Insurance Company Escrow and Title Insurance 166 28.01 Foster Bros. Security Systems, Inc. Keys 167 48.47 G & K Services Shop Towel Service 168 166.61 Goodco Press, Inc. Newsletter Printing 169 427.23 Goodyear Auto Service Center Tires 170 163.11 W.W. Grainger, Inc. Restroom Supplies 171 80.16 GTE Mobilnet Cellular Phone Service 172 1,008.40 Guy Plumbing & Heating, Inc. Water Heater--Bechtel House 173 400.00 Brett Hanson Mountain Bike Training Clinic 174 5,816.34 Honda Peninsula Two Motorized Wheel Barrels 175 1,779.03 Hyster Sales Company Equipment Rental and Parts 176 55.06 Kaiser Cement Baserock 177 900.00 Killroy Pest Control, Inc. Weed Abatement Service 178 73.54 Kinko's Printing--Connections 179 45.00 John Kowaleski Reimbursement--Safety Equipment 180 433.89 Judy Law Reimbursement--Grant House Supplies, Seminar and Vehicle Expense 181 65.00 *5 Lawyer's Title Reconveyance Fee 182 304.17 Los Altos Garbage Dumpster Service 183 247.50 Town of Los Gatos Construction Management Services— 184 249.98 McGrath RentCorp Skyline Office Rental 185 244.64 MetroMobileCommunications Radio Repairs 186 103.44 Moffett Supply Company Shop Towels *1 Urgent Check Issued April 26, 1996 •2 Urgent Check Issued April 25, 1996 *3 Urgent Check Issued April 25, 1996 *4 Urgent Check Issued April 25, 1996 *5 Urgent Check Issued April 26, 1996 Page 1 Claims No. 96-09 Meeting 96-11 Date: May 08, 1996 REVISED MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT # Amount Name Description 184 249.98 McGrath RentCorp Skyline Office Rental 185 244.64 MetroMobileCommunications Radio Repairs 186 103.44 Moffett Supply Company Shop Towels 187 69.48 Mountain View Garden Center Sand 188 45.00 Roger Myers Docent Training 189 4,125.00 Navarone Industries Postage Prepayment for Annual Report 190 208.35 Northern Energy Propane Service 191 299.42 Pacific Bell Telephone Service 192 50.00 City of Palo Alto Hearing Examiner Services 193 841.18 Peninsula Blueprint, Inc. Bluelines, Photocopies and Maps 194 18.49 Precision Engravers Name Tags 195 31.42 Pinecone Lumber Co., Inc. Field Supplies 196 171.75 PIP Printing Photocopies and Maps 197 3,000.00 Postage by Phone System Postage 198 70.79 *6 Repo Depo Office' Supplies 199 4,145.00 Roof Guard Roofing Co., Inc. Garage Roof-Smith House 200 125.00 Roy's Repair Service Vehicle Repair 201 63.57 Russ Enterprises, Inc. Field Safety Supplies 202 72.25 Safety-Kleen Solvent Tank Service 203 2,059.00 Sandis Humber Jones Engineering Services-Skyline Office 204 45.00 County of Santa Clara - Parks and Recreation Docent Training 205 198.18 Santa Cruz Medical Clinic Medical Services 206 100.00 Saratoga Chamber of Commerce Annual Membership 207 444.91 Serendipity Land Yachts, LTD. Stegner Event Bus Rental 208 322.80 Shell Oil Company Fuel 209 622.58 Shelton, Inc. Culverts 210 326.82 Signs of the Times Signs 211 3,825.00 George Sipel Associates Planning Department Consulting Service 212 122.55 Skyline County Water District Water Service 213 107.74 Malcolm Smith Reimbursement--Event Supplies 214 60.00 Peter Spitzer Music--Volunteer Recognition Event 215 72.66 Stanford University-HAAS Center Student Interns 216 38.00 SWRCB Resource Documents 217 907.50 Tac/Temps Temporary Receptionist 218 663.74 Tap Plastics Sign Boards 219 33.94 University Art Center Frames 220 6.37 Unocal76 Fuel 221 300.00 Tom Warren Music-Stegner Event 222 3,312.00 Walton & Sons Masonry Stegner Memorial Bench 223 67.20 Michael Williams Vehicle Expense 224 60.00 Jim Witzel Music--Volunteer Recognition Event 225 300.00 Roberta Wolfe Recording Services 226 40.56 Yardbird Equipment Sales Field Supplies *6 Urgent Check Issued April 29, 1996 Page 2 Claims No. 96-09 Meeting 96-11 Date: May 08, 1996 REVISED MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT # Amount Name Description 227R 50,000.00 First American Title Insurance Company Property Purchase—Cutten 228R 50,000.00 First American Title insurance Company Property Purchase--Wells 229R 384.27 Malcolm Smith Reimbursement--Conference Expenses 230R 51.10 `7 Superior Specialties, Inc. Grant House Supplies 231 R 453.56 Petty Cash Docent and Volunteer Supplies, Field and Office Supplies, Photocopying, Grant House Supplies and Vehicle Expense TOTALS 158,699.76 •7 Urgent Check Issued May 7, 1996 Page 3 Regional Ope#Space 1 moo. MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT DRAFT RESPONSE PREPARED BY STAFF i FOR BOARD CONSIDERATION May 23, 1996 Dan Bernstein Peninsula Access for Dogs 809B Cuesta Drive Box 196 Mountain View, CA 94040 Dear Mr. Bernstein: Thank you for your May 10 letter regarding scheduling of a Use and Management Committee meeting to consider expansion of dog access at Windy Hill Open Space Preserve. Your letter has been forwarded to Betsy Crowder, Chair of the Use and Management Committee. The Committee has been very busy with the El Corte de Madera Trails Plan process, but with that project nearing .the Board review stage, it may be possible for the Committee to consider additional dog access at Windy Dill during the summer, as you suggest. We will keep you and other persons interested in dog access informed as to the meeting schedule. Sincerely, Nonette Hanko, President Board of Directors cc: MROSD Board of Directors ' 330 Distel Circle • Los Altos,CA 94022-1404 • Phone:415-691-1200 • FAX:415-691-0485 • E-mail:mrosdOnetcom.com Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Mary C.Davey,Teena Henshaw,David T.Smernoff,Nonette Hanko,Betsy Crowder,Wim de Wit General Manager:L.Craig Britton a RSE ACSIOp PROPOSED RS S2AFF ', _ed President Acknowledge/&*$pond Director Acknovledge/Respond Staff Acknowledge/Respond Draft Response Attached May10 1996 Staff to be Directed to prepare Draft y , &uponse for &oard Consideration par &oard Directive($) No Response Necessary Board of Directors - Mid Peninsula Open Space District 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, CA. 94022 Dear Board Members, I am writing on the behalf of the general membership of PADS (Peninsula Access for Dogs), and am respectfully requesting that a Use and Management Committee meeting be scheduled to discuss the issue of improved dog access at the Windy Hill preserve. If at all possible,we would appreciate it if this meeting could be scheduled sometime during the summer months of this year. Sincerely, Dan Bernstein Peninsula Access for Dogs 809B Cuesta Dr. Box 196 Mountain View,CA. 94040 Regional Opeftpace MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DIStICT DRAFT RESPO NSE PREPARED BY STAFF May 23, 1996 FOR BOARD CONSIDERATION Lisl Day 4374 Miller Court Palo Alto, CA 94306 Dear Ms. Day: Thank you for your May 8 letter expressing gratitude for opportunities to take dogs to Coal Creek and Thornewood Open Space Preserves, and for the new off-leash area at Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve. The expansion of dog access into these and other areas was done with a great deal of careful study. The off-leash area at Pulgas, in particular, will be monitored over the coming year to evaluate compliance with regulations, impacts on wildlife, and potential conflicts with other users. We are glad to hear that you appreciate these new dog access areas. We hope that you and other dog owners will use them considerately to demonstrate that such expanded dog access is an appropriate use of District land. Sincerely, Nonette Hanko, President Board of Directors cc: MROSD Board of Directors 330 Distel Circle • Los Altos,CA 94022-1404 • Phone:415-691-1200 • FAX:415-691-0485 • E-mail:mrosd@netcom.com 19 Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Mary C.Davey,Teena Henshaw,David T.Smernoff,Nonette Hanko,Betsy Crowder,Wim de Wit General Manager:L.Craig Britton RtSPONSR ACTION PROPOSRD RT STA►P i Board President Acknowledge/Rasps., i D tree ter AeksovI ad`a/tog Pend Staff Acknowledge/Respond q Draft Response Attached ! Staff to he Directed to prapare Draft e tespoage for Rnard COnslderatian per R.ard Direeeiro(s) s. ttspesse Necessary 4?74 Miller Ct. Palo Alto, CA 941-06 May Q 1996 To the poard of "POSE` i My d.oc? and I have recently been to Coal Creek Preserve , which makes for a rice adjunct to walking on Alpine Rd. Thank vo„ for havina one:^e(I it to dogs and their companions. Thorne- wood also provides a nice side-tri n on the 'aav to or from the reach and presents a different flora. We also were at Puleras Ridae and pleasantly surprised that there is an off-leash area. Thank you for considering the diverse requirements of the users of the various preserves. Sincerely, Lisl Day ,I Regional Ope._ Jpace MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT May 23, 1996 DRAFT RESPONSE PREPARED BY STAFF FOR BOARD CONSIDERATION Mr. Bill Hauser 148 Westridge Drive San Jose, CA 95117 Dear Mr. Hauser: Thank you for your April 28 letter regarding mountain bicycles on trails and the draft Trail Plan for El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve. As you know, the District is committed to providing multiple-use trails on El Corte de Madera Creek Preserve. A citizen task force, comprised of bicyclists, hikers, and equestrians helped staff formulate the trail plan for the preserve. We have made efforts to reduce conflicts between bicyclists and other trail users. Volunteers and staff are distributing a trail etiquette brochure. We have established a 15 MPH speed limit for bicycles, our rangers are patrolling on bicycles, and we have an active volunteer trail patrol program. We believe that multiple-use trails can work and we are committed to providing trail access to a variety of trail users. I am sorry that you have chosen not to go to District preserves anymore and that you have asked that your name be removed from our mailing list; we will remove your name. If you would like to continue to receive our newsletter, please let us know and we will add your name back to the list. Sincerely, Nonette Hanko President, Board of Directors cc: MR OSD Board of Directors 330 Distel Circle • Los Altos,CA 94022-1404 • Phone:415-691-1200 • FAX:415-691-0485 • E-mail: mrosd@netcom.com Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Mary C.Davey,Teena Henshaw,David T.Smernoff,Nonette Hanko,Betsy Crowder,Wim de Wit General Manager:L.Craig Britton RESp08$£ A'-•QN PROPOSED 6Y STAFF � board Pr. A<knovledge/Respond DS rec cor Acknov led ge/Rea pond Staff Acknovledge/Respond J / Orafc Response Attached Staff to be Dir ec:ed [:„prepare Draft Response for goard Cons Ldera:ion per ✓ 1!! Board Directive(,) / No Response Necessary Y/� �3 � '7 � b cc nn �s Ss� J� J- 7Z7/49 -k 11,10 l-I J r M Regional pen Sp as MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT MEMORANDUM May 16, 1996 TO: MROSD Board of Directors FROM: Betsy Crowder, Chairperson - Use and Management Committee I SUBJECT: Trail Plan for El Corte de Madera Open Space Preserve I At its meeting of May 15, 1996, the Use and Management Committee made its final review of the Trail Plan for El Corte de Madera Open Space Preserve. This plan was drafted by a Citizens Task Force representing the three trail user groups, neighbors, one member experienced in trail construction, and one Board member. Names of the Task Force members are listed below. District staff was invaluable in guiding the 14-month long work of the Task Force. Mary de Beauvieres, John Escobar, and David Sanguinetti attended each field trip and office session, providing maps and information as well as on-site guidance and knowledge. The Use and Management Committee held three evening workshops and conducted one field trip prior to making its recommendations. I am pleased to inform you that the recommendations presented for Board approval received unanimous committee support, and that the constituents in attendance at the meeting went away,with smiles on their faces, feeling that their concerns were being heard and would be addressed. The Use and Management Committee urges approval of the plan. Betsy Crowder, Chairperson Use and Management Committee B. Crowder W. de Wit P. Siemens ECM Task Force Barrie Freeman Kathy Freeman Kevin Maher Berry Stevens Bob Kain Brad Smith Bo Gimbal Betsy Crowder 330 Distel Circle • Los Altos CA 94022-1404 • Phone:415-691-1200 FAX:415-691-0485 ti E-mail: mroscl@netcom,com e Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Mary C. Davey,Teena Henshaw,David T.Smernoff, Nonette Hanko,Betsy Crowder,Wim de Wit General Manager:L.Craig Britton Regional Open Spa R-96-60 Meeting 96-12 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT May 22, 1996 AGENDA ITEM Review of the Trail Use Plan for El Corte de Madera Creek Preserve GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOAU14ENDAM 1. Determine that the recommended actions are categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act as set out in this report. a 2. Tentatively adopt the Trail Use Plan for El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve as contained in this report as an amendment to the Comprehensive Use and Management Plan for the Preserve. Preamble i The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District is committed to protecting and restoring the unique natural environment of El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve. To accomplish this, the District will strive to balance its mission to protect natural resources with providing opportunities for wildland recreational experiences. Balancing these sometimes conflicting goals requires a commitment by the District and preserve users to design, build and maintain trails with a rugged character that do not aggravate resource degradation problems. To meet these objectives, the District will strive to develop partnerships between various user groups and the District itself, as well as continually improving its land management strategies. The District attempts to provide an example to other land management agencies and organizations as to how to address the complex issues of balancing land management goals with the recreational use of public lands. Over the last several years, the District has held numerous public meetings regarding the reconfiguration of the trail system for El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve. During the hours of public testimony and citizen task force discussions on the preserve trail system, a common thread developed. El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve is a very special place to many people. Its rugged terrain and wilderness-like qualities easily enable preserve visitors to leave behind the stresses of urban life as they wander throughout the preserve on foot, on the seat of a mountain bicycle, or on horseback. The intention of this trail use plan is to establish a reasonable and easily-maintained trail system that allows a variety of preserve users to enjoy the preserve. In order to develop a trail use plan for this preserve, existing District policies relating to management and use of the land were considered. 330 Distel Circle * Los Altos,CA 94022-1404 * Phone:415-691-1200 * FAX:415-691-0485 # E-mail: mrosd@netcom.com Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Mary C.Davey,Teena Henshaw,David T.Smernoff,Nonette Hanko,Betsy Crowder,Wim de Wit General Manager:L.Craig Britton r R-96-60 Page 2 The District's third objective as listed in the Basic Policy document states that: "The District will follow a land management policy that provides proper care of open space land, allowing public access appropriate to the nature of the land and consistent with ecological values." While this objective implies a direction for managing the land, it does not offer specific guidance as to what constitutes "proper care." Additional adopted policies reinforce the objective by providing strategies for achieving the District's goals. The District's Resource Management Mission Statement reads: The District will protect and restore the diversity and integrity of its resources for their value to the environment and to people, and will provide for the use of the preserves consistent with resource protection." In order to achieve its resource management mission, the District will employ various strategies. For example, the following strategies apply to the conditions at El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve. ■ Favor protection of resources when use significantly interferes with resource protection and preservation. ■ Prevent or minimize human-caused and accelerated impacts, including erosion, invasion by non-native species, disruption of the natural flow of water, degradation of water quality, trampling of vegetation, and displacement of wildlife. Past use of the preserve has degraded the resource. Impacts from logging, motorcycle use and dumping have left their mark on the preserve. The impacts continue as new trail routes are created from shortcutting or the reopening of old routes. Unauthorized clearing of vegetation adds to the problem. Vandalism of the sandstone formation is occurring. At this time the District has an obligation to address these issues. In order to bring this preserve into a manageable state, some trail routes must be realigned, others eliminated, and still others properly maintained. The focus of this plan includes the following: ■ A wide range of trail experiences to accommodate a diverse group of trail users. ■ A greater degree of remote and challenging trails than in most other local public lands. ■ Special attention is given to restoring valuable wildlife habitat and maintaining the wild character of the preserve. R-96-60 Page 3 This plan is not intended to restrict visitors' enjoyment of the preserve. Rather, it is intended to balance resource conservation goals, with the ever-increasing use of the preserve, by a broad spectrum of preserve users. Introduction In 1985, the District began to acquire lands of the upper El Corte de Madera Creek watershed. Preservation of this beautiful land resource and protection from degradation were integral to the decision to incorporate this preserve into the District's land holdings. Over the next ten years, the District spent an estimated $15 million dollars to acquire the lands that now comprise the preserve. This is approximately 10% of the total expenditure made by the District to preserve over 40,000 acres of land. This preserve has sustained a long history of human impacts. During the early 1900's, most of the first growth redwoods were removed from the site. Logging of the second growth trees began in the mid- 1960's, continuing until 1989. Trespass by motorcycles and four-wheel drive vehicles was a persistent problem until the former owner authorized a motorcycle club (PITS) to lease the property and manage the trails for their use. The trail use by motorcycles was terminated with the District's initial purchase in 1985. Recently, bicyclists have adopted the motorcycle trail routes as their own. Coupled with other newly created trails, the preserve now resembles more of an off-road vehicle park than an open space preserve. The dense tree cover and topography of the preserve help to hide the impact. However, bicyclists are using approximately 38 miles of trails on this preserve. This is the greatest concentration of trails per square mile on any preserve managed by the District. This Trail Plan is an attempt to responsibly manage this preserve for restoration and protection of the resource, and the public enjoyment of the preserve by a broad spectrum of open space preserve enthusiasts. Site Description The El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve is located in unincorporated San Mateo County, west of the Town of Woodside (see Exhibit 1). The preserve is bounded by Skyline Boulevard to the northeast, Bear Gulch Road to the east, and Star Hill Road along the western boundary. Private property adjoins the remaining boundaries. The preserve has 2.6 miles of Skyline Boulevard frontage. El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve typifies the Santa Cruz Mountain range, reflecting the influence of a varied topography and micro-climate. The creek canyons provide the cool, moist air upon which the redwood forest thrive, while the high ridges experience dry, warm air. Here douglas fir, grassland, oaks and madrone are found. The preserve encompasses nearly the entire upper El Corte de Madera Creek watershed. Covering 2,788 acres, El Corte R-96-60 Page 4 de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve is one of the largest preserves owned and managed by the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District. There is no developed parking on the preserve. Informal access to the preserve is scattered along the Skyline Boulevard corridor with three separate entrances serving as public access points. Skeggs Point, a developed rest stop managed by the California Department of Transportation (CalTrans), is located near the center of the preserve on the east side of Skyline Boulevard. This vista point is a popular rest stop for recreational motorists to stop and admire the view overlooking the San Francisco Bay Area. In recent years, it has also become a very popular parking area for preserve visitors. It is not uncommon to find the parking area full by mid- to late-morning on weekends. Roadside parking is also available near the Gordon Mill Trailhead and the Methuselah Trailhead along Skyline Boulevard. They are often filled to capacity on weekends by preserve visitors. I, Use of the Preserve Use of the preserve has increased dramatically in the past several years. This use `boom' is primarily due to the popularity of the preserve with the Bay Area-wide mountain biking community. The popularity of the preserve is a result of word-of-mouth. Local bicycle shops and clubs have described El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve as one of the best local areas to mountain bike. This is primarily due to the number of `technical' trails requiring intermediate to advanced cycling ability. Technical trails may be defined as those which require a higher level cycling ability, are generally narrow, may be steep and may have obstacles in the form of roots or rock outcroppings. At El Corte de Madera Creek, most of the technical trails are unauthorized trails with grades and trail surfaces unlike trails on other District preserves. They are primarily the remainders of a motorcycle club trail system created under a lease agreement with the previous owner. The preserve has about 17 miles of designated trails and 21 miles of unauthorized trails (see Exhibit 2). Designated trails are those trails which are maintained by District staff and are included on the District's public map for the preserve. They typically have trail direction signs at their junctions. Unauthorized trails are all other trails which have been created or reopened by common use and are not maintained by District field staff. The unauthorized trails at El Corte de Madera Creek Preserve are primarily the result of shortcutting or visitors reopening old logging skid roads or motorcycle routes. This is an ongoing problem as staff has noticed in recent visits to the preserve the creation of additional unauthorized trails. The trail characteristics which currently restrict use by the hiking public are the very things that the intermediate to advanced mountain biking community thrive upon. In staffs opinion, the existing trail system (including both designated and unauthorized trails)primarily serves a small percentage of the bicycling community. By implementing the trail plan as proposed in this plan, the preserve will become accessible to a broad spectrum of open space enthusiasts. A wider range of mountain bicyclists will have opportunities on this preserve, as will hikers and R-96-60 Page 5 equestrians. At the same time, staff feels that the proposed plan retains a significant number of the trails which are attractive to the current users. The Interim Use and Management Plan for the preserve, adopted on August 23, 1989, indicates that during 1989, ranger staff estimated an equal number of hikers and bicyclists visited the preserve (see report R-89-124). Hiking now accounts for approximately 20% of the use of the preserve, concentrated primarily along the Skyline Boulevard corridor and in the area around the sandstone formation. Equestrian use of the preserve is very limited, primarily due to lack of access. History of Public Meetings Several public workshops regarding use of the preserve have occurred in the past several years. On August 27, 1992 staff held an evening public workshop at the preserve. It was attended by approximately 20 people, primarily neighboring property owners and trail users. Concerns over trespass, parking, and trail use were expressed. In late 1993, following a noticeable increase in use of unauthorized trails on the preserve, staff began to post notices at the trailheads, directing visitors to remain on the designated trails. Staff also handed out flyers in the parking areas and worked with the local bicycle club, Responsible Organized Mountain Pedalers (ROMP), to host several information barricades on the preserve. Use continued to increase on the unauthorized trails as additional unauthorized routes were reopened and use of these established. Reopening of the unauthorized routes sometimes includes clearing of vegetation. In many cases, staff has found shrubs and small trees trimmed or removed to clear trail routes. Adjacent neighbors also began to complain of trespass by the bicyclists. As the problems of resource degradation and trespass grew, staff scheduled a second workshop in February, 1994. Approximately 55 people attended this on-site workshop to discuss trail use and the planning process for formulating a use and management plan for the preserve. While a majority of the attendees were bicyclists, several neighbors and other trail users also attended. Staff informed the workshop attendees that some of the unauthorized trails would be closed. The trails identified for immediate closure were either considered potentially hazardous, had suffered severe erosion, or encouraged trespass onto adjacent private property. Following the meeting, approximately two miles of unauthorized trails were permanently closed. Staff heard from the bicyclists in attendance that the trail experience available at El Corte de Madera Creek is unique to the Bay Area. Numerous bicyclists voiced concern over closing or altering the technical trail-riding experience that this preserve provides. On October 19, 1994, the Board's Use and Management Committee held a public workshop, again focusing on trail use at El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve. Approximately 30 people attended to hear staff presentations on the use and management planning process, the possibility of creating a citizen task force to assist staff in formulating a trail plan for the preserve, and plans to implement a demonstration trail realignment project. The concept of both I R-96-60 Page 6 the creation of a citizen task force and the demonstration trail realignment project were well received. A citizen task force comprised of 8 individuals was formed following the meeting. Citizen Task Force The Citizen Task Force brought together a group of informed preserve users representing a broad spectrum of preserve user interests. The Citizen Task Force was comprised of one Board member from the Use and Management Committee, Betsy Crowder, and seven dedicated preserve enthusiasts; Barrie and Kathy Freeman, Berry Stevens, Brad Smith, Bob Kain, Bo Gimbal, and Kevin Maher. The group met twice each month between November, 1994 and December, 1995 to hike trail routes, discuss trail layout and preserve user issues, and to prepare a trail plan map for the preserve. Of the eight task force members, three are avid mountain bicyclists, very familiar with the preserve trail system. Other members represented the interests of hikers, equestrians, and the surrounding neighbors. One task force member also has a working knowledge of trail construction techniques. Demonstration Trail Project Staff originally proposed a demonstration trail project to serve as a field example for the Use and Management Committee and task force to work together to provide a foundation for testing the trail design and construction standards necessary to formulate a trail plan. If the pilot project was successful, it would serve as a model for other areas of the preserve, and it would create an opportunity for volunteer involvement during construction as a demonstration of how much volunteer involvement could be expected in implementing the trail plan. On November 5, 1994 a joint meeting between the Citizen Task Force and the Use and Management Committee was held on the preserve to look at the proposed demonstration trail realignment project. The group hiked portions of the existing and proposed trail alignments, reaching consensus that the demonstration trail realignment project was a positive step. On November 9, 1994, tentative adoption of the amendment to the Use and Management Plan for El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve to build the demonstration trail project occurred, including the closure and restoration of the existing steep and eroded trail alignment (see report R-94-115). Final adoption occurred at the January 11, 1995 meeting (see report R- 95-12). The demonstration trail construction got off to a late start due to the unusually wet winter of 1994-1995. As a result, the new trail construction and restoration was not completed until August, 1995. Two contractors, Skyline area field staff, and numerous volunteers helped in the construction process to make the project a success. Staff is very pleased with the outcome of the trail construction and restoration. The newly constructed portion of the trail was constructed to a 10% to 15% average slope, with a width of five to eight feet, depending upon the section. Some sections of the pre-existing unauthorized trail with slopes of up to 25% slope were incorporated into the new trail. R-96-60 Page 7 Any project involving earth movement tends to look harsh to the untrained eye for a period of time. Most trail construction projects require at least a one year period for vegetation to naturalize and the slopes to stabilize, thus softening the visual impact. Restoration of the existing unauthorized trail was completed immediately following the trail construction. The unauthorized trail was severely eroded and troughed to the point that water had no escape. Instead it carved deeper into the trail's central gully, in some cases to the point of being several feet deep. The grades of the unauthorized route prior to restoration were in the range of 20% to 45%. Restoration was accomplished by ripping the trail tread and creating deep water bars across the old roadbed. Over time, the troughs created behind the water bars will fill with silt and create a habitable place for seeds to germinate and revegetation to occur. The methods used to restore this area are common forestry practices. Immediately after the construction of the demonstration trail was completed, the ranger staff began to hear complaints from the bicycling community. The complaints ranged from the width of the newly constructed trail to the method used to restore the unauthorized alignment. Since then, the impact of the new construction has lessened, and staff is now hearing compliments on the new trail from some bicyclists. Trail Plan Methodology Used by the Citizen Task Force At the onset of the Citizen Task Force meetings with staff, staff and the task force worked together to formulate the criteria which would be used in creating the trail plan. The group agreed that they would attempt to create a trail plan that accomplishes the following: ■ protects the natural resource by choosing trail corridors which minimize resource impacts, ■ provides opportunities to a variety of user groups, ■ is interesting and makes use of the variety of landscapes and plant communities, ■ offers a variety of loop trails, both short and long, ■ considers the safety of all users in both the physical characteristics of the trail and in the area of user conflicts, and ■ considers the on-going maintenance costs (including staff time). These criteria were applied during the course of formulating a trail plan. They are consistent with the adopted Trail Use Policies. In beginning the process of formulating a trail plan, the task force agreed that they would begin the process by first examining the existing designated trails. The designated trails were originally identified during review of the Interim Use and Management Plan for the preserve in August, 1989 (see report R-89-124). These trails are primarily road-width and are used for emergency response and vehicle patrol of the preserve by the District ranger staff. Since they are necessary as patrol routes, they serve as the framework of the proposed trail system. This is consistent with the trail plans of other District preserves. R-96-60 Page 8 The task force also agreed that the trails closed following the February, 1994 workshop would not be re-evaluated for opening. Two areas containing trails which were closed following the February meeting were identified as possible locations for a new trail alignment. The first area is located on the northern slopes below the sandstone formation. A new trail alignment is proposed for this area which will be discussed later in this report. The second area is located between the existing Timberview and Gordon MR Trails. A large Douglas fir is located on a wide spur trail a short distance from the Timberview Trail. A steep, narrow trail continues beyond the tree very closely following a creek drainage down to the Gordon MR Trail. In some areas, the trail and the creekbed are the same alignment. The narrow Wail was closed following the February meeting primarily due to its alignment in the creek drainage. The task force reviewed this area and later in this report a new alignment is proposed to incorporate this magnificent tree as a point-of-interest in the proposed trail system. The District Trail Use Guidelines and Mitigation Measures, adopted on January 27, 1993 establishes a procedure for designating appropriate trail use on the District's trails. This procedure includes a trail classification system (see Exhibit 3 - Trail Class Designations). The three classes of trails are intended as goals to be used in designating trail use or for developing new trails. When trails do not clearly fit into one of the three classes of trails, they are considered on a case-by-case basis. This situation applies to the unauthorized trail system of E Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve. Most of the unauthorized trails on the preserve have grades which exceed the District norm. In extreme cases, the grades fall in the 60% to 70% range. For reference, a grade of 100% means the trail drops or climbs one foot for every foot of trail distance. Also, in relation to the trails found on other District preserves, trails constructed by District staff are typically about 10% grade. Examples include the Soda Gulch Trail at Purisima Creek Redwoods or the Ridge Trail at Skyline Ridge and Russian Ridge Open Space Preserves. Staff experience indicates that over time, trails constructed at 10% grade typically require less maintenance. Generally, the steeper the grade, the greater the soil erosion. To institute a requirement that only trails meeting a 10% grade will be incorporated into the designated trail plan for the preserve would eliminate all of the existing unauthorized routes which are popular with bicyclists. While some of these trails are steeper than desired from a maintenance and resource management perspective, trails up to 25% grade were evaluated during the field investigation with the task force. An additional requirement used in evaluating the trails was that the trail needed to provide a valuable connection in a desirable location. As a rule of thumb, the task force and staff agreed they would not consider retaining any trail with a grade exceeding 25%. The task force held to the 25% rule during the formulation of the proposed trail plan, since the group typically found the trails exceeding 25% unsuitable for incorporation into the proposed trail plan either due to the physical condition of the trail or nearby alternate routes which were at a more suitable grade and in better condition. In order to accomplish the job of formulating a plan, the task force divided the preserve into five separate study areas (see Exhibit 4). The group then studied each area individually, looking at R-96-60 Page 9 the designated and unauthorized trails within each study area until a determination was made on which routes should be incorporated into the trail plan, realigned, or eliminated. After each study area was investigated and a trail plan determined for that area, the group looked at the entire preserve, revising some areas as needed, and determining the needed connections between the trail systems of the various study areas. The work of the Task Force was completed in December, 1995 and the resulting map was presented to the Use and Management Committee at their January 25, 1996 meeting. Use and Management Committee Meeting of January 25, 1996 The meeting began with a staff presentation on the task force efforts and an explanation of the trail plan map. The task force members were given the first opportunity to address the Use and Management Committee on the plan and the process. Following their comments, the remaining members of the public were given the opportunity to address the Committee about the map. All seven of the Task Force members were in attendance, although not all chose to speak. Of those that did speak, all supported the task force's work on the trail plan. A majority of the approximately 45-person audience represented the mountain bicycle community. The comments received from the approximately ten people who spoke supported leaving the preserve in its current condition. Several mentioned a fear of the District's "sanitizing" the preserve, by modifying the challenging technical trails to bring them into compliance with District trail standards. A majority of the members of the audience appeared to support this view, applauding the speakers who voiced this opinion. One speaker also addressed the impacts of bicycle use and erosion within a watershed capable of supporting steelhead trout. Several neighbors attended the meeting, speaking to staff after the meeting about their concerns of loud noise and trespass. Pursuant Use and Management Committee Meeting Three more Use and Management Committee meetings occurred to consider the plan in its draft form. The meetings occurred on April 15, May 11 and May 15, 1996. The committee's amendments and revisions are incorporated into this document. Since the beginning of the public hearing period, staff and the Board of Directors have received additional input in the form of letters, electronic mail and telephone calls. A collection of the letters and electronic mail is available upon request. Trail Plan The remainder of this report is comprised of a discussion of the conditions of the each of the five study areas and a series of recommendations. Refer to the attached Exhibits for a table identifying the physical characteristics of each of the trail segments within each study area, and a series of two maps. The first map identifies the designated and unauthorized trail routes by R-96-60 Page 10 a number. These segment numbers are referenced in the discussion and in the table of physical characteristics. The second map shows the proposed changes for the study area in the form of existing trails, proposed closures, and proposed trails. Each study area is examined individually in the order they were studied by the task force. Study Area 1 (see Exhibits 5, 6 and 7) Study Area 1 is found in the northern portion of the preserve. It is bounded by El Corte de Madera Creek to the west, the preserve boundary to the north, Skyline Boulevard to the east and the unnamed patrol road leading from the Skeggs Point entrance southwesterly through the preserve past the sandstone formation and to the vista point. Primary access to Study Area 1 is via the Skeggs Point entrance at gate CM01. Based upon visitor counts conducted on three separate occasions (July 8, 1995, September 23, 1995 and January 13, 1996), approximately 16 visitors per hour (13 bicyclists, 3 hikers) entered the preserve via the Skeggs Point gate. The visitor counts do not differentiate between the trail options available to preserve visitors. Staff also has compiled data on accidents and ordinance violations which occur on each preserve. Information for El Corte de Madera Creek Preserve is available for the period of time between February, 1995 through December, 1995. Only accidents requiring ambulance transport or airlift are noted. Ranger contacts resulting in citations or written warnings and volunteer patrol logs noting ordinance violations are kept in a database for each preserve. This information enables staff to recognize trends and helps to identify problem areas on each preserve. For Study Area 1, the predominant violation is bicyclists riding without helmets (approximately 20 accounts). Two written warnings were also issued for after hours use of the preserve in the area near the vista point. One accident involving a field staff response occurred on the trail below the vista point. Due to the limited amount of information available from the database for the preserve, no conclusions can be drawn. Staff will continue to monitor the use in this area and the entire preserve. Study Area 1 has several features of public interest. The sandstone formation is probably the most popular of these. It is located approximately 1.1 miles from the Skeggs Point entrance. The unusual sandstone outcroppings which are found in this area are the finest example of tafoni in the publically-accessible Bay area. Tafoni is the result of a natural weathering process which creates stone `caves' and areas which resemble lace fretwork, cannonballs and tree trunks. The sandstone formation is a popular destination for preserve visitors. Approximately 0.2 miles further into the preserve, is a vista point affording views of the San Mateo coastal hills and Pacific Ocean. Study Area 1 also contains the headwater of El Corte de Madera Creek. El Corte de Madera Creek empties into San Gregorio Creek before making its way to the Pacific Ocean. Study Area 1 is also the site of the worst aviation crash in San Mateo County history. Remnants of the 44 passenger DC-6 are still scattered throughout the remote interior of the Ar 1 Study ea R-96-60 Page 11 Vandalism of the sandstone rock outcroppings has increased as the preserve has grown in popularity. Campfire remains, broken bottles, litter, and graffiti carved into the fragile rock faces are evident. The sandstone rock is relatively soft and is easily damaged by scraping or carving. Rock climbing anchors have been drilled into the rock. Climbing on the rock scrapes the delicate moss and protective crust called duricrust, from the surface of the rock exposing the underlying rock to erosion. At present, trail access to the sandstone formation is via a hiking-only footpath following Segment 12. Evidence indicates this trail is also frequented by bicycles. The trail takes visitors between two large outcroppings of the fragile rock. Most visitors continue around the uppermost rock outcropping to rejoin the existing trail system, or others follow a very steep route which has been established below the rock outcropping. This route leads visitors to the headwaters of El Corte de Madera Creek and an unnamed trail along the creek bank (see Segment 12). In order to preserve the rock outcropping, staff feels it is necessary to discourage visitor access to the upper side of the rock outcroppings. Several years ago, staff installed signing to explain the fragile nature of the rock and ask people to stay off the rocks and to leave the area as they found it. Staff and the task force explored a new trail route located on the hillside below the sandstone formation. The trail route would begin at the west end of Segment 9, traversing northeasterly around the hillside below the sandstone formation. The view of the sandstone formation from the proposed trail is spectacular, allowing visitors to view the formation from its base, while keeping them from climbing on the rock outcroppings. Low fencing on the uphill side of the trail in the vicinity of the sandstone formation may be necessary to keep visitors on the trail. The El Corte de Madera Creek Corridor is one of the most beautiful areas of this preserve. It is also one of the most fragile. Logging roads, now serving as patrol roads, were built to accommodate the logging operation much too close to the creek, in some areas crossing through the creekbed several times within a short distance. The creekside patrol road is not used during the wet season due to its impact on the creek. El Corte de Madera Creek drains into San Gregorio Creek, a known steelhead fishery. Upstream erosion causes silt to be transported downstream, polluting the creek and impacting the fishery. A citizen's complaint was recently made to the Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) in regards to the erosion in El Corte de Madera Creek. RWQCB staff will be conducting an on-site investigation on May 17. Staff will be prepared to comment on the investigation at your May 22 meeting. Several downstream residences have deeded water rights on El Corte de Madera Creek in the preserve. Collection areas and a series of transport pipes carry the water down the creek corridor to the affected private properties. Upstream impacts affect their drinking water quality. In its present alignment, public use of the Perimeter Trail (Segments 2 and 3) terminates at the private property line at the northeast end of Segment 3. A locked gate across the road is marked R-96-60 Page 12 with private property signs and District boundary markers. This does not stop all preserve users, some of whom trespass onto the private property to continue on the trail alongside El Corte de Madera Creek. Public closure of Segment 3 and new construction of a trail uphill from the El Corte de Madera Creek corridor will serve two functions; it will protect the creek environment and it will provide a legitimate route for preserve users wanting to skirt the perimeter of the preserve. The proposed trail (Al, A3 and A4) will be approximately 2 miles long. In order to keep preserve visitors from trespassing onto private property from the eastern boundary, the existing gate will be moved to the junction of Segment 3 and Segment 12. Visitors are less likely to trespass if there is another trail route available. Segment 3 will remain open for patrol purposes. Trespass is also an issue for trail segments 4, 5, and 6. These three trail segments are located in the northernmost part of the preserve between El Corte de Madera Creek and the Swett Road and Skyline Boulevard intersection. Segment 6 begins at the preserve boundary, at the edge of a flat, roadside pullout at the intersection of Swett Road and Skyline Boulevard. This entry to the preserve is popular with the neighbors living in the vicinity of Swett Road. However, the flat pullout is privately owned. Some preserve visitors use this pullout as a staging area for entry to the preserve. The area to the northwest of the vista point include the site of the 1953 British Commonwealth Pacific Airlines DC-6 crash. Wreckage from the plane is still scattered on the steep slopes below the vista point. The trails in this area are extremely steep and some are very narrow. This area is of public interest for historical reasons as well as for environmental reasons. It contains one of the most beautiful redwood groves on the preserve. Construction of a new trail (A5) to replace the existing steep routes will keep this fascinating area open to the public. Recommendations (Study Area 1) 1.01 Construct a new trail (B7) from the west end of Segment 9 traversing the hillside below the sandstone formation to the main patrol route between Segments 13 and 16. 1.02 If necessary, install low split rail fencing to keep visitors on the new trail segment (B7). 1.03 Upon completion of trail segment B7, close the section of Segment 12 (and the return footpath)which currently leads visitors through the center of the rock outcroppings. This trail is extremely steep (58%) and eroded for much of its length. 1.04 Close and restore trail segment 5. 1.05 Designate trail segments 4 and 6 as hiking only to retain for neighborhood access. These trails will not be shown on the map for the preserve. Page 13 R-96-60 1.06 Close trail segment 3 to public use. Move the gate currently located at the west end of trail segment 3 to the east end of segment 3 to divert trail traffic onto the proposed trail discussed in recommendation 1.07 (below). Install a new vehicle gate at the west end of segment 17 to divert traffic onto the trail proposed in recommendation 1.07 (below). 1.07 Construct proposed trails Al, A2, A3, A4, and A5 to bypass the private property between segments 3 and 129 (see Study Area 5) and to replace the extremely steep and narrow trails below the vista point (segments 14, 15, 17, 18, 23, 24, and 26). Attempt to construct the trails to accommodate multi-use traffic. 1.08 Upon completion of the trails proposed in 1.07 above, close and restore segments 14, 15, 17, 18 (half), 23, 24 and 26. 1.09 Close and restore trail segment 28. It is extremely steep and eroded (with an average grade of 21-35%+ with a maximum grade of 50%). This route also duplicates an existing patrol route. 1.10 Construct trail segment B6 as a realignment of trail segment 28 (see also Study Area 5). 1.11 Close and restore trail segment 32. It is a duplicate trail with a very steep area of 45% grade. 1.12 Retain Segment 19 and a portion of Segment 18 to become part of alignments A4 and A3. 1.13 Designate trail B7 as hiking only upon completion of construction. This replaces a designated hiking only trail through the upper part of the sandstone formation. Designate all remaining trails within Study Area 1 as multi-use trails. Study Area 2 (see Exhibits 8, 9 and 10) Study Area 2 is located along the Skyline Boulevard corridor, extending south from Skeggs Point. This part of the preserve also receives high use, due to its close proximity to the highway. The Methuselah and the Gordon Mill Trailheads are located within Study Area 2. While Skeggs Point remains the most heavily used entry point to the preserve, roadside parking adjacent to both of the trailheads within Study Area 2 are also filled to capacity most weekends. Visitor counts conducted on July 8, 1995, September 23, 1995 and January 13, 1996 indicate approximately 12 visitors per hour use the Methuselah Trailhead and approximately 2-3 per hour use the Gordon Mill Trailhead. Use at both of these trailheads is consistent with the user profile found at Skeggs Point; approximately 80% of the preserve users are bicyclists while the remaining 20% are hikers. Two citations for after hours use of the preserve, and one for bicyclist in a closed area were R-96-60 Page 14 issued to visitors in the Gordon Mill Trailhead area between February and December, 1995. The remaining citations and written warnings issued in Study Area 2 during the same time period were for bicycle riding without helmets. No accidents requiring significant staff time or transport of the injured party were recorded in this study area. The key attribute of Study Area 2 is its relationship to the highway. Staff has tentatively identified an area in this Study Area as a potential location to develop preserve parking. The potential parking area location is near the Gordon Mill Trailhead. It is a relatively level site with good line of sight on the highway. Staff needs to determine the suitability of this location with input from CalTrans representatives and a landscape architect. In conjunction with the conceptual design of the parking area, staff will reinvestigate appropriate trail alignments within this Study Area. The Use and Management Committee will then reconsider the trails of Study Area 2 which are integral to the circulation patterns around the parking area. If the proposed parking area is suitable for construction, a short loop trail beginning at the parking area may serve a large group of preserve visitors (see Proposed Trail Segment C12). Some of the existing trails in the vicinity of the proposed parking are too steep in their current condition, however, with some realignment and construction of connections between segments, a short loop trail could easily be constructed. This is one of the trail alignments which will be reconsidered by the Use and Management Committee. Upon examination of the visitor use patterns of Study Area 2, visitors prefer to use a trail paralleling the highway, over bicycling on the paved road. A trail route parallels Highway 35 for nearly the entire reach of the Study Area. Extending this concept beyond Study Area 2, a trail around the perimeter of the entire preserve would become an attraction to many preserve visitors interested in a longer trail route. The trail segments which logically comprise a perimeter route are in need of realignment or rerouting in some areas. Steep sections can be realigned if the terrain allows, or rerouted to accommodate the concept of a perimeter trail route. This Study Area has the highest density of trails, compared to the remaining Study Areas. This is probably due to the close proximity of Area 2 to the highway. Because Study Area 2 is relatively small, many of the trail routes duplicate other nearby routes within the study area. Many of the trail routes are steep and the surrounding terrain does not lend itself to realignment. This Study Area also contains several 'dead-end' trail segments. In some cases, dead-end routes can serve as a starting point for a proposed new route to begin. This is not the case for this Study Area. The dead-end routes in Study Area 2 should be closed and restored. If left intact, they can encourage unauthorized construction of new trails. This has occurred on other areas of the preserve. An old gate is located at the southern tip of the preserve adjacent to Skyline Boulevard. The highway access is in a sharp bend in the road, malting ingress and egress difficult. Staff does not use this gate to access the preserve. The trail which enters the preserve from this gate has R-96-60 Page 15 some steep sections and will be reconsidered by the Use and Management Committee when the conceptual design of the parking area is complete. Staff met with the San Mateo County Committee of the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council to discuss the proposed trail plan. At present, the Bay Area Ridge Trail is located on the east side of Skyline Boulevard, linking Huddart County Park and the Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve with Wunderlich County Park opposite the southernmost Skyline Boulevard entrance to the preserve. The Bay Area Ridge Trail also crosses lands of the California Water Service Company. The long range Ridge Trail alignment crosses Skyline Boulevard, travels through El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve and connects with La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve Trails. The San Mateo County Committee reviewed the trail plan and researched the best location to cross Skyline Boulevard. The Committee recommends crossing Skyline Boulevard at the Methuselah Trailhead (gate CM02). This location provides sufficient visibility on Skyline Boulevard to facilitate a highway crossing for preserve visitors. The designated Ridge Trail alignment is located below the Methuselah Trail on the east side of Skyline Boulevard. Staff should work with CalTrans, the County of San Mateo, and the California Water Service Company to determine if a trail connection can be made at this point. The Use and Management Committee will consider the preferred alignment for the Bay Area Ridge Trail upon completion of the conceptual design of the parking area. Recommendations (Study Area 2) 2.01 Close and restore Segment 64. This route is a duplicate route in its current state. At one time it was the main route to the house site located near the Skeggs Point entrance to the preserve. Several years ago the house was demolished and the site restored. 2.02 Segment 66 parallels the Highway south of Skeggs Point. This trail is in fine condition for much of its length, however it has several steep sections which are in need of realignment. Retain a majority of the route with minor realignments as needed. 2.03 Upon completion of a conceptual design of a parking area in the vicinity of the Gordon Mill Trailhead, the Use and Management Committee will reconsider potential use patterns in the area surrounding the parking area. Potentially affected trail segments include 70, 71, 72, 76, 77, 79, 81, 82, 91, 92, and 94. In the interim, the mentioned segments shall remain status quo. 2.04 Close and restore Segments 70, 71, 72, 76, 77 and 79 upon development of Trail B8. These routes are very steep and duplicate other nearby routes. 2.05 Retain Segment 86 in its current state until such time as the area may be developed with a parking area serving the preserve. Pending approval of a parking area in the southeastern corner of the preserve, realign Segment 86 as needed. R-96-60 Page 16 2.06 Close and restore Segments 87, 88, 89 and 90. These routes duplicate nearby alignments and are very steep. 2.07 Work with CalTrans, the County of San Mateo and California Water Service Company staff to determine if a trail connection can be made to link El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve trails to the Bay Area Ridge Trail located on the east side of Skyline Boulevard. If successful, designate the Ridge Trail route through the preserve upon review of the trail system in the vicinity of the proposed parking area. Study Area 3 (see Exhibits 11, 12 and 13) Study Area 3 is located in the center of the preserve. Study Areas 1, 2, 4 and 5 bound the area on all sides. The demonstration trail project discussed in the introduction of this report is found in Study Area 3. It was completed in the summer of 1995. Completion of the demonstration trail project, which included closure and restoration or realignment of six trail segments, addressed most of the problem areas for the study area. There are several remaining routes which require additional work. Four bicycling accidents requiring transport of the injured party by ambulance or helicopter have occurred on the preserve during the last 11 months. Three of the accidents occurred in this Study Area. A steep section of the Timberview Trail, about 1 to 1.5 miles west of Skyline Boulevard is the problem area. All of the accidents involved only one person. It is a short distance between the Timberview Trail and the Gordon Mill Trail near the lower end of the junction between the demonstration trail and Timberview Trail. A connection between the Timberview and the Gordon Mill Trails will make a series of shorter loop routes possible for preserve users in the interior of the preserve. A trail connection currently exists in this location (see Segments 47 and 102 - Study Area 4), however, steep portions of this trail should be realigned. Staff will utilize that portion of the existing segments which are reasonable grades. The initial trail closures which occurred following the February, 1995 workshop included Segment 40, located adjacent to a large douglas fir mentioned earlier in this report. Segment 39 which leads to the tree remains open. The tree is one of the largest on the preserve and it makes a short sidetrip for visitors using the Timberview Trail. Segment 40 was also one of the routes identified during the early meetings with the task force as a potential route which could be re-investigated. Staff and the task force would like to keep this giant douglas fir as a point of interest in the trail system. A new route has been found which would utilize the moderate route from Timberview Trail out to the tree. From this point, a new trail route would traverse the steep hillside below the Timberview Trail, tying into an old logging road which parallels the Gordon Mill Trail (see Segment 106 - Study Area 4). This connection is a low priority. Until the connecting trail can be constructed, the short spur route from the Timberview Trail to the large tree will remain open. Access to the Gordon MR Trail from this point is also possible via a slightly longer route. R-96-60 Page 17 Trail Segment 36, which forms the connection between the Timberview Trail and the unnamed patrol road which parallels it to the north, follows a good alignment for making a necessary connection between the two routes. This connection is important to allow an east/west connection in the central western portion of the preserve. The route also has historical significance, as it is in the vicinity of the Milton Irish Mill located along a fork of El Corte de Madera Creek. The existing trail is very narrow, in some cases it is only two feet wide. It is also steep in sections, up to a grade of 32%. This alignment is important to keep open due to the three-way connection it provides between the trail system along El Corte de Madera Creek, the northern part of the preserve and the trails of the southeastern portion of the preserve. Widening the route where needed will enable easy passing room for trail users, particularly in areas where the side slope is extremely steep (90% side slope). Study Area 1 identifies a proposed trail (A5) which wraps around the hillside southwest of the vista point. Within Study Area 3, a continuation of trail A5 is proposed, which would begin on the existing patrol road below the vista point and continue in a northeasterly direction to tie into an unnamed patrol road (see Proposed Trail D14). This trail alignment was not field checked by the task force and is a low priority. Recommendations (Study Area 3) 3.01 Retain the alignment of Segment 36, however realign the steep sections, wet areas, and widen the trail as necessary. 3.02 Close and restore the following duplicate routes: Segments 59, 96, 98 and 99. 3.03 Close and restore Segment 97. It is a dead-end route. 3.04 Retain Segment 39 and a portion of 106. Connect the two segments with a new MR (D15). Close and restore those portions of the trail which are not included in the new alignment. 3.05 Restore Segment 40 as a closed trail. 3.06 Close and restore Segment 60. This steep route was originally constructed by the former owner while the property was in escrow to divert the public use away from his home. The home has since been removed and this route closely parallels an existing patrol road. 3.07 Construct the proposed trail segment D14. This route is a low priority, but when completed, would become an extension of proposed trail segment A5. 3.08 Designate all trails in Study Area 3 as multi-use. R-96-60 Page 18 Study Area 4 (see Exhibits 14, 15 and 16) Study Area 4 is located in the southeastern corner of the preserve. It includes two minor access routes located along the Bear Gulch Road corridor. Bear Gulch Road is maintained by the County of San Mateo. However, it is very narrow with poor line of sight. Neighbors in the area have long expressed concern over any public use of Bear Gulch Road due to the road conditions. The two entrance points along Bear Gulch Road are used primarily for patrol purposes. No parking exists in the vicinity of these two gates. This area contains three key designated trail routes which will comprise the core of the trail system in the area. The Gordon Mill Trail is located in the northwestern part of the study area, the Lawrence Creek Trail is found in the southern part of the study area, and a connector trail links Bear Gulch Road (at gate CM05) to the Gordon Mill Trail. All three are main patrol routes. Recently, staff discovered the footings to a bridge spanning a tributary of El Corte de Madera Creek on the Lawrence Creek Trail were in need of repair in order to retain the bridge for vehicular traffic. The bridge is necessary in order to allow through-patrol of the preserve. Winter rains have restricted vehicle traffic to the site; however, staff intend having a consultant investigate the bridge and footings and make a determination on its repair for safe vehicle access. In the meantime, it is closed to vehicle traffic. Issues of trespass along the southern boundary of the preserve were addressed in the closures which occurred following the February, 1995 meeting. These closures seem to have been effective, greatly reducing the trespass problem. This part of the preserve contains some very steep terrain which makes any trail construction difficult. With the exception of the two routes connecting to Bear Gulch Road, this area does not lend itself to additions to the trail system. Neighbors in the Bear Gulch corridor have also commented about the noise which travels up the canyons to their homes. They do not encourage development of additional trails in this study area. Several trail routes between the two Bear Gulch Road entrances exist. None of the existing connections are suitable as long term connections between the two patrol roads primarily due to the physical characteristics of the routes. A trail connection between the two patrol routes is necessary to keep preserve visitors off Bear Gulch Road. Staff propose utilizing the southern portion of Segment 119 and augmenting this route with some new construction to make the connection to Segment 122 of the northern patrol road. All other trails in this corner of the preserve should be closed and restored as they only duplicate existing or proposed alignments. Recommendations (Study Area 4) 4.01 Retain the portions of Segment 119 which will assist in making the trail connection between the two patrol routes entering the preserve from Bear Gulch Road. Construct R-96-60 Page 19 the remaining trail following the alignment of B9. Close and restore the remaining portion of Segment 119. 4.02 Close and restore Segments 118, 120, 121 and 126 as dead-end routes or steep, duplicate routes. 4.03 Upon completion of B9, close and restore Segments 114 and 124. 4.04 Work with a civil engineer to determine the suitability and load capacity of the bridge on Lawrence Creek Trail. In the event the bridge needs new footings or needs to be engineered, work with a consultant to prepare drawings to repair the bridge. 4.54 Portions of Segment 102 may be retained to make a connection between the Timberview Trail and the Gordon Mill Trail. The connection will generally follow the alignment indicated as C 13 on the proposed trail plan. Close and restore those portions of the trail which are not included in the C13 alignment. 4.06 Designate all trails in Study Area 4 as multi-use. Study Area 5 (see Exhibits 17, 18 and 19) The remaining Study Area is found along the western border of the preserve and contains the main El Corte de Madera Creek corridor. Access to this part of the preserve is very limited due to its distance from the Skyline Boulevard corridor. Four gates for patrol access to the westernmost part of the preserve are found along the Star Hill Road corridor. Both Swett Road and Star Hill Road are very narrow with poor line of sight, making public vehicle use of both roads undesirable. Parking in the vicinity of any of the four gates is also limited, further discouraging public entry from the west side of the preserve. El Corte de Madera Creek is the main focus of this study area. The creek runs north to south paralleling the western boundary of the preserve. The creek is perennial and the cool, steep canyon walls are ideal habitat for coastal redwoods. Some of the best stands of redwoods on District lands are found along this creek. One fine stand of large trees are located adjacent to Star Hill Road at gate CM09. The area under the huge trees make an nice picnic spot. Within this Study Area exists a similar situation to that found in Study Area 1. Trail Segment 129 in the northeastern corner of the preserve leaves the preserve to enter private property, re- entering the preserve within Study Area 1 (see Segment 3). In order to effectively handle the trespass problem in this area, Trail Segment 129 should also be closed to public use. A gate should be moved to the southern end of Segment 129 to deter trespass. R-96-60 Page 20 The adjacent landowners have water rights in El Corte de Madera Creek. Collection areas are located in the northwestern comer of the preserve in the creek and pipelines carry the water along the creek corridor to the adjacent properties. A foot trail alongside the pipe, commonly called the 'Pipeline Trail' is used by the caretaker on the adjacent property to maintain the water system. In recent years, the trail has also become popular with bicyclists. The steep sideslopes and large trees in the creek corridor require the narrow Pipeline Trail to zigzag across the creek to follow the path of least resistance. The physical characteristics of the trail and the close proximity of the trail to the creek severely limit its suitability as a trail. The steep canyon walls on either side of the creek inhibit rerouting the trail away from the creek. At the present time there are four creek crossings used by preserve visitors. One is located in the northern part of Study Area 5. It crosses the creek through an existing culvert with minimal impact on the creek. The second crossing is located in the middle of Study Area 5, east of gate CM08. This crossing is a roughly made wooden bridge located at the base of two steep trails. The third and fourth crossings are located at the southern part of the study area. The southernmost crossing is a ford across the stream located slightly downstream from a large logjam. The last creek crossing is located at the end of Segment 146. A large diameter tree fell across the creek and is being used by visitors as a creek crossing. The tree is about twenty feet above the creek. Retaining a creek crossing in the middle of Study Area 3 is very important to some members of the task force. Initial field investigations were less than fruitful in determining a suitable alignment for trails down to the creek and a creek crossing. The difficulty is due to the combination of large redwoods, steep hillsides and unstable soils in some areas of the creek canyon. Staff took their trail consultant out to the site to look at alternatives for crossings and the consultant now feels a crossing can be constructed at the creek with reasonable trail connections on either side. The Leaf Trail, made up of segments 136, 138 and 140, is a popular route with many in the bicycling community. The trail is very narrow in places (2-3 feet) and has some very steep sections (up to 40% grade). However, due to the distance of this trail from the Skyline Boulevard corridor, staff feel it probably receives light use from trail user groups other than bicyclists. Comments received at the public hearings indicate a willingness on the part of the bicycling community to work with the District staff to establish a volunteer program for development and maintenance of trails on the preserve. Staff would like to work with the bicycling community to preserve the experience this trail provides. Staff proposes to work with representatives of the bicycling community to develop a program whereby the group will be responsible for stabilizing the trail tread against erosion and regular upkeep of the trail. If successful, proposed realignments of the Leaf Trail to bring it into closer compliance with District standards may not be necessary. Staff anticipate this idea will be embraced by the group. Along the same line, staff will work the bicycle community to develop trail segment B16. Together, staff and the bicyclists will develop the construction standards for the trail and R-96-60 Page 21 determine a volunteer construction schedule. Staff will work with the group to offer trail construction training techniques and guidance during the early stages of construction. Ultimately, the group will work independently of staff, fully coordinating the construction project. This trail segment was originally designated as a very low priority. Through the public input process, the priority was moved up so that an earlier construction schedule could occur. Recommendations (Study Area 5) 5.01 Close the Pipeline Trail (Segment 133) to bicycling and equestrian use. Retain Segments 131 and 132 as designated trails. 5.02 Place a gate at the southern end of Segment 129 to help deter public use and trespass onto the adjacent public property. 5.03 Retain Segment 130 for public use and for patrol purposes. The route is overgrown with vegetation in some areas. 5.04 Retain Segment 135. Realign Segment 134 (proposed trail B6) in the area nearest El Corte de Madera Creek so that it does not impact the small tributary to El Corte de Madera Creek. Also, the steep sections at the lower end of the trail segments (near El Corte de Madera Creek) should be realigned to a lesser grade. 5.05 Close and restore Segment 137. This is an unnecessary spur route from Star Hill Road into the preserve. This route duplicates other nearby entrances to the preserve in the Star Hill Road area. 5.06 Retain Segments 136, 138 and 140 as the `Leaf Trail'. Work with local bicyclists to create a self-managed volunteer program to provide for trail maintenance, minor realignments and resource protection. 5.07 Close and restore Segment 141. This route duplicates designated trail segment 142. 5.08 Close and restore Segments 145 and 146. These routes duplicate Segment 144. 5.09 Retain Segments 144 and 147. Reroute and connect the two Segments following the alignment of Proposed Trail B11. 5.10 Close and restore Segment 148. A realignment is provided in proposed segment B6 (see Study Area 1). 5.11 A large log jam located slightly upstream from the creek crossing in Segment 144 may serve as a source of material to build a bridge across the creek. Using the existing R-96-60 Page 22 downed trees, staff can move several of the logs into a strategic location, cut a flat area to serve as the bridge deck, and build handrails. 5.12 Construct a trail bridge across El Corte de Madera Creek near the junction of Segments 134 and 148. 5.13 Remove the gate identified as CM09. This entrance to the preserve, located at the site of the grove of large redwoods serves no purpose. The road width trail ends slightly beyond the trees. 5.14 Construct a spur trail to the large trees from the realigned trail route downhill from the trees. 5.15 Work with representatives of the bicycle community to create a program for volunteer development and maintenance of trail segment B16 as an extension of the Leaf Trail (between segments 130 and 135). This proposed trail will allow preserve visitors to remain on the preserve rather than using Star Hill Road for the connection between Segments 130 and 135. 5.16 Designate all trails in Study Area 5 as multi-use. Proposed Trail Plan Map The compilation of all the recommendations listed above are found in the Proposed Trail Plan Map, Exhibit 20. Implementation Funding for improvements is included in both the operations and planning budgets for fiscal.year 1996-97. Implementation of this project will require many years due to the size of the plan and the recommended improvements. Although staff does not propose tying the improvements to specific years, staff would like to begin the project of implementation with a significant amount of trail construction. The new trail construction is prioritized in the order in which construction is recommended by assigning a letter A through D and a corresponding number to the segment. The `A' priority projects would be constructed first. They are all located in the northernmost part of the preserve. This trail system of high priority trails (Al - A5) addresses the problems of trespass and resource degradation by moving the trail up out of the creek corridor. Construction of the `A' priority trails could begin immediately upon final adoption of the plan. If time and resources allow this fiscal year, some of the `B' priority trails could be constructed. The `B' priority trails are scattered throughout the preserve. Most of the trails in this priority group help to form a perimeter trail around the entire preserve. The exception is the trail below R-96-60 Page 23 the sandstone formation (B7). The `B' priority trails improve circulation around the preserve. The `C' priority trails should be scheduled for construction in conjunction with the development of parking in the vicinity of the Gordon Mill Trailhead at Skyline Boulevard. Trail C 12 will make a gentle, short loop possible for visitors, should a parking area be developed in this part of the preserve. The `D' priority trails will be completed as time and resources allow. Alternate routes are available to preserve visitors in the event these trails are not built for many years. Closure of trails in the vicinity of proposed realignments will occur at the time of construction of the realignments. For example, the trails proposed for closure in Study Area 1 will occur this summer, during the construction period tentatively scheduled for trails Al through A5. If a nearby realignment is not proposed, and a duplicate trail is proposed for closure, it could occur upon final adoption of the report. For example, in Study Area 1, trail segment S is proposed for closure with no nearby realignment. This closure could occur upon final adoption of the report. Upon adoption of the trail plan, the unauthorized trails which are proposed for retention in their current state will become designated trails. Other trails will become designated trails as realignments are completed or as new trails are constructed. Until the trail plan is completely implemented, the public map and designated trail system will be continue to change, as new additions to the designated trail system are added. Designated trails are maintained trails, so drainage features will need to be added where missing, and regular maintenance of the new additions to the trail system will require more field staff time. With the ultimate buildout of the proposed plan, the authorized trail system of the preserve increases by approximately 13 miles of trail or a 43% increase. Initial investigations of trail alignments have been general. When the trail alignment is determined prior to construction, a resource specialist or botanist will field check the layout to assure the alignment does not impact any threatened or endangered plant species. Staff has spoken to a consultant who is familiar with the area and is ready to participate in the project. CEQA COMPLIANCE Project Descri to ion The project includes a Trail Use Plan and implementation of site improvement projects at El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve. The 2,788 acre open space preserve is currently open to the public and has 38 miles of trails. Implementation of the Trail Use Plan will reduce the overall trail system to 30 miles of trails by constructing 6 miles of new trails, repairing 3 miles of trail and eliminating 14 miles of unauthorized trails. Two new trail bridges will be built across El Corte de Madera. Creek and a vehicle/trail bridge will be replaced on Lawrence Creek. Fences, gates and signs will be installed to direct trail users to designated trails and restrict entry into areas undergoing restoration. J R-96-60 Page 24 A trail crossing on Skyline Boulevard is recommended to connect the Bay Area Ridge Trail to trails on the preserve. To accomplish this, trail rights or easements will need to be obtained. Trail construction on the east side of Skyline Boulevard is proposed on private property and within CalTrans right of way. Preliminary investigation indicates the crossing can be safely provided by installing appropriate signs required by CalTrans. It is not clear at this time whether the County of San Mateo or the District will undertake this aspect of the Trail Use Plan. Project Determination under CWA The project is categorically exempt under sections 15302, 15303, 15304 and 15061 of the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines. Categorical Exemption 15302 - Replacement or Reconstruction The vehicle/trail bridge across Lawrence Creek will be reconstructed in the same location and will have substantially the same purpose and capacity. The existing bridge has been used for patrol and trail use for over five years and, upon reconstruction, will be reopened for patrol and trail use. Categorical Exemption 15303 - New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures The two trail bridges to be installed on El Corte de Madera Creek will be approximately six feet wide and range in length from 20 to 50 feet long. Footings will be small and placed on existing banks with no disruption to the creekbed. Gates and fences will be under five feet in height and not obstruct wildlife movement. Categorical Exemption 15304 - Minor Alterations to Land Trail construction will consist of minor grading and clearing of vegetation in order to provide four to six foot wide trails with unobtrusive cut and fill side slopes. Trail grades will generally be under 10% and drainage will be designed to minimize soil erosion. Trail alignments in the Trail Use Plan are general and subject to minor changes during the construction phase to protect sensitive resources. Techniques for eliminating and restoring unauthorized trails will be site specific and may include soil decompaction, seating and drainage controls. A trail crossing on Skyline Boulevard will also be a minor alteration and replicate other similar highway crossings permitted by CalTrans. They will require sufficient line-of-sight and a crossing sign to provide safe access across the road. II R-96-60 Page 25 The Trail Use Plan qualifies under all three sections. In addition, the actions proposed in the Trail Use Plan are exempt under section 15061, as there is no possibility the actions may have a significant effect on the environment. Prepared by: Mary de Beauvieres, Open Space Planner John Escobar, Operations Supervisor David Sanguinetti, Area Superintendent Contact person: Mary de Beauvieres, Open Space Planner MIDMONSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT El Corte de Madera qen Space Preserve t . 1 ---------------- 1. - r -� HUDDART PURISIMA CREEK REDWOODS --- r .: OPEN SPACE PRESERVE t - #A �� f ,mot # / `✓ } J } t�� PRIVATE PROPERTY lo s f- SKYLINE BOULEVARD, , i1KERS AND RUNNERS )NLY ON TRAIL TO ANDSTONE FORMATION ' ' ``. �� ,-; �'• , (CM01) -!' SANDSTONE FORMATI N ' t SKEGGS POINTrr— {" r - {\ '�-Mi. w ,.✓` '�` - _ • �• METHUSELAH TRAILHEAD (CM02)� • w VISTA POINT ` - ROADSIDE PARKING AVAILABLE " P - GORDON MILL y - 0.8 MI. - - = - -- -- TRAILHEAD (CM03) r _ Jt (CM10) _ .�•�J_ •/� _ ) NO t+� �`%j� '� +-w{� � �' '��Mg l /t• � 1.3 M . RK� ' WUNDERLICH PA ! C _ 0.8 Mi. . Lf• '�`�; ��- --)�`h GORDON MILL TR411- - t ;�•. s;�t-�at'oV 1 5 M1. _ •. �� •� _ - - - : LAWRENCE CREEK a - 0.5 MI. TRAILHEAD (CM06) •` W `.l LAWRENCE CREEK ••�: �� � ' TRAIL �'1 / �_��,f(_Q ,1 - EXHIBIT 1 r�f i t� r. �A w.. `� LA HONDA CREEK OPEN Ste_ PACE PRESERVE ' EL CORTE DE MADER; =� OPEN SPACE PRESERV. ��� r � '�:c � ... �:- �L" ,�,,,,,,.,.• �o`�;; � �' ,00�' soar SW • ,� � �'2 � )`i it ��.--�\` �\ ��►� _ •o` Designated Trails Unauthorized Trails Tc �, ��.'�,;: � ..�` ��`.- , v •_= l �i " l� -- 1 (, �: it._�, r .•''` -- :•1„ ��o>1. `.••' \ �L`/\� •�'�, (` � �_I 1 0 1 all , 1• r EXHIBIT 2 . Trail Class Designations Class A Trail Trail Use Suitability Hiking Equestrian Running Bicycling Examples Monte Bello - Upper & Lower Canyon Trail Russian Ridge - Ridge Trail 10 feet Statistics 4- 6feet -fl Represents approximately 60% of District trails Width: 6 to 10 feet Grade: Varying grade Significant Problems Side Slope: Varying slope Line of Sight: More than 75 feet Speed increases on wide trails and roads Class B Trail ti Trail Use Suitability Hiking Equestrian Running Bicycling Examples Long Ridge -Parking to Peters Creek Monte Bello -Parking lot to Skyline "6 feet --�' a--1 feet Statistics Width: 4 to 6 feet Represents approximately 10% of District trails Grade: Less than IS`10 Side Slope: Less than 30% Significant Problems Line of Sight:More than 100 feet Passing often requires moving off trail Class C Trail Trail Use Suitability Hiking Running Examples Purisima Creek Redwoods -Soda 3vulch Trail St. Joseph's Hill -Jones Trail feet 2 feet Statistics Width. 2 to 4 feet Represents approximately 5% of District trails Grade: Varying grade Significant Problems Side Slope: More than 30% - Line of Sight: More than 50 feet Speed is alarming on blind turns EXHIBIT 3 EL. CORTE DE MADERA OPEN SPACE PRESERVE Soo, 1500, Designated Trails �; �� �.`,� Studyl�a`4. ♦,a� `� ���,�� 0 Unauthorized Trails rStu 5 i L.�\•••'--?�i •f.�' - j.� �ee-I/ l O 1 ( `V�I f:',ro �\� _ ``-`7 ,• ooa'Study Area i, ,. .• ' •,�, -- f4 •. l/ ;°_= ! ' . I (•• f•=;1 Study Area 2.4 - • ``.' ��' .... ,�- .- .• ice.- .. � : : � TO �•.,.'�. /Study Area 4•'•ti� ���' 000 �- .-� ���� �/.�� � --..jam ': �,� _ � . .•� _ � •� t/ _'• ice. -- \ v fj EXHIBIT 4 El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve Trail Plan Study Area 1: Summary of Trail Segment Physical Characteristics Segment Length Width Average Grade Max. Grade Segment 1 0.10 mi. 8+ ft 0-20% 20 Segment 2 0.67 mi. 8+ ft 11-20% 17% Segment 3 0.30 mi. 8+ ft 0-15% 15% Segment 4 0.38 mi. 8+ ft 11-25% 27% Segment 5 0.34 mi. 3 ft 11-25% 48% Segment 6 0.34 mi 8 ft 0-15% 28% Segment 7 0.28 mi. 8+ ft 0-15% 16% Segment 8 0.43 mi. 8+ ft 0-15% 17% Segment 9 0.18 mi. 8+ ft 0-10% 25% Segment 10 0.14 mi. 8+ ft 0-10% 10% 0 Segment 11 0.09 mi. 8+ ft 0-15% 14%Segment 12 0.38 mi. 4 ft 16-35+% 58% Segment 13 0.19 mi. 8 ft 0-15% 16% 50 Segment 14 0.30 mi. 4 ft 11-3 % %500 Segment 15 0.33 mi. 3 ft 16-35+% 60% Segment 16 0.45 mi. 8 ft 6-15% 23% Segment 17 0.29 mi. 4 ft 21-35+% 53% Segment 18 0.13 mi. 8 ft 6-20% 20% Segment 19 0.34 mi. 8 ft 6-15% 20% Segment 20 0.17 mi. 8 ft 0-15% 14% Segment 21 0.02 mi. 8 ft 0-5% 3of Segment 22 0.12 mi. 8 ft 0-20% 23% Segment 23 0.34 mi. 3 ft 6-30% 70% Segment 24 0.28 mi. 3-4 ft 16-30% 40% Segment 25 0.28 mi. 8 ft 0-15% 38% Segment 26 0.56 mi. 4 ft 0-30% 50% EXHIBIT 5 i _ Segment Length Width Average Grade Max. Grade Segment 27 0.17 mi. 8 ft 11-25% 27% Segment 28 0.41 mi. 8 ft 21-35+% 50% Segment 29 0.33 mi. 8 ft 6-25% 39% Segment 30 0.06 mi. 8 ft 0-20% 16% Segment 31 0.28 mi. 8 ft 6-15% 11 Segment 32 0.18 mi. 8 ft 6-10% 45% Segment 33 0.08 mi. 8 ft 11-20% 19% Segment 34 0.19 mi. 8 ft 0-15% 13% Segment 35 0.02 mi. 8 ft 0-5% 3% I i Road •••• ' r ,J •' �• \� •�� • ��. _ � 5 ! ,•.• . . � •, is rto • �� • �. 2 .. . Study Area 1e- ;'` 10 - . _ 18=�;..i�15 SP 13 19 124�. rI� 20 �. 22 121 25 • • r� • •sees `� • • , 26 27 �• 0O0 0' 1000' 2000• N • ,SC • ' �.�—_��� � •:• .. f'ram 28 `35 • 34�29 30'� �•�3 2'% . t' E 16 L C 1 ORTE DE MADERA \� OPEN SPACE PRESERVE E3 Designated Trails El Unauthorized Trails EXHIBIT 6 a 0 a SAY/;fie e;,,d • 5 000 3' .. •e. . •••.�, r GUM ....o,./ CM o1 • A3 . A2 �-r ... MOO .r am • 1 ` • so.•%6 •• . `�� 0 Sandstone �•• •.. �' •�I Formation A5•�'• .... / Vista Point Goes a ' f STUDY AREA 1 B6 00r • EL CORTE DE MADERA j 31y OPEN SPACE PRESERVE • t Designated Trails 001 1500_ Q " Proposed Trails 000-- N ' ,000' , 0-. • • • • • Proposed Closures - Point of Interest EXHIBIT 7 El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve Trail Plan Study Area 2: Summary of Trail Segment Physical Characteristics Segment Length Width Average Grade Max. Grade Segment 62 0.1 mi. 8+ ft 0-5% n/a Segment 63 0.03 mi. 8+ ft 0-5% n/a Segment 64 0.11 mi. 8+ ft 11-25% 25% Segment 65 0.16 mi. 8+ ft 6-10% 10% Segment 66 0.37 mi. 6+ ft 0-30% 37% Segment 67 0.34 mi 8 ft 0-15% 11% Segment 68 0.07 mi. 8+ ft 0-10% 10% Segment 69 0.01 mi. 8+ ft 0-5% n/a Segment 70 0.10 mi. 8+ ft 6-20% 24% Segment 71 0.48 mi. 6+ ft 15-35+% 45% Segment 72 0.14 mi. 3 ft 6-15% 42% Segment 73 0.28 mi. 8 ft 0-25% 50% Segment 74 0.19 mi. 8 ft 6-10% 8% Segment 75 0.51 mi. 8 ft 0-15% 12% Segment 76 0.51 mi. 6+ ft 0-30% 39% Segment 77 0.03 mi. 8 ft 6-10% 9% Segment 78 0.01 mi. 8 ft 6-10% 8% Segment 79 0.40 mi. 8 ft 21-30% 37% Segment 80 0.24 mi. 8 ft 6-10% 8% Segment 81 0.08 mi. 8 ft 31+ 40% Segment 82 0.27 mi. 8 ft 0-20% 35% Segment 83 0.30 mi. 8 ft 6-15% 11% Segment 84 0.01 mi. 8 ft 6-10% 8% Segment 85 0.02 mi. 8 ft 6-10% 8% Segment 86 0.26 mi. 8 ft 0-10% 17% Segment 87 0.36 mi. 8 ft 0-20% 35% EXHIBIT 8 Segment Length Width Average Grade Max. Grade Segment 88 0.07 mi. 8 ft 6-20% 20%Q Segment 89 0.09 mi. 8 ft 35% 37% Segment 90 0.06 mi. 8 ft 16-30% 27% Segment 91 0.15 mi. 5 ft 0-20% 21% Segment 92 0.45 mi. 8 ft 11-25% 40% Segment 93 0.20 mi. 8 ft 0-15% 35% Segment 94 0.28 mi. 8 ft 16-20% 17% l I EL CORTE DE MADERA OPEN SPACE PRESERVE Designated Trails ! r E3 Unauthorized Trails 64 t 65 6 2` 63�� 00, 1500 b ' 1( ; 0' ---- 1000' 2000' N 660 • �� Z • 68 69 mo LJ /C 70` .• 82 2 71 .. .•• 81 73 ' r,. �� 75 .ti78�•��.��::..•. 03 ,� -- 74' t�. Stu ArQ,a87 - ... �• 7 6 •�. �.•'� . . 911 • _ •• rr 93� . . EXHIBIT 9 EL CORTE DE MADERA OPEN SPACE PRESERVE Designated Trails FProposed Trails cmo) • • • • • Proposed Closures Skeggs Point � 10 0' i 000�B 2000• N ♦ ei�d �� cMoz ♦ ` mom • STUDY AREA 2 72• • .. cM 0.5 �'` •' �.�... ,•�••' • `` Goo¢ • � as 77 0. qo6.�. . . . • • . .`r. �•. C12 . •. • • . . • . ... •• EXHIBIT 10 El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve Trail Plan Study Area 3: Summary of Trail Segment Physical Characteristics Segment Length Width Average Grade Max. Grade Segment 36 0.89 mi. 3 ft 0-25% 34% Segment 37 0.14 mi. 8 ft 6-20% 17% Segment 38 0.03 mi. 8 ft 0-5% n/a Segment 39 0.22 mi. 8 ft 0-25% 24% Segment 40 0.43 mi. 6+ ft 0-35% 43% Segment 41 0.12 mi 8 ft 0-10% 11% Segment 42 0.60 mi. 6+ ft 0-35% 45% Segment 43 0.27 mi. 8 ft 0-20% 17% Segment 44 0. 47 mi. 6+ ft 0-10% 18% Segment 45 0.29 mi. 6+ ft 0-20+% 35% Segment 46 0.20 mi. 8 ft 16-20% 18% a Segment 47 0.10 mi. 3 ft 0-15% 1 8% Segment 48 0.45 mi. 8 ft 0-10% 20% Segment 49 0.19 mi. 8 ft 0-30% 26% Segment 50 0.18 mi. 6 ft 6-30% 30% Segment 51 0.17 mi. 8 ft 11-30% 26% Segment 52 0.36 mi. 6+ ft 0-35% 61% Segment 53 0.14 mi. 8 ft 6-25% 21% Segment 54 0.26 mi. 8 ft 0-15% 15% Segment 55 0.45 mi. 8 ft 6-20% 22% Segment 56 1.29 mi. 8 ft 6-20% 27% Segment 57 0.11 mi. 8 ft 6-15% 15% Segment 58 0.21 mi. 8 ft 0-10/0 15% Segment 59 0.08 mi. 8 ft 0-25% 24% Segment 60 0.28 mi. 8 ft 0-20% 50% Segment 61 0.35 mi. 8 ft 0-20% 19% EXHIBIT 11 Segment Length Width Average Grade Max. Grade Segment 95 0.18 mi. 8 ft 0-20% 17% Segment 96 0.13 mi. 8 ft 0-15% 12% Segment 97 0.05 mi. 8 ft 6-15% 12% Segment 98 0.22 mi. 2-3 ft 21-35% 53% Segment 99 0.28 mi. 8 ft 0-25% 32% Segment 100 0.35 mi. 8 ft 11-30% 31% Segment 101 0.40 mi. 8 ft 0-25% 24% Segment 102 0.28 mi. 4-6 ft 31+% 38% EL. CORTE DE MADERA OPEN SPACE PRESERVE ,?%4 •' ..;1% l •a•• �, , Designated Trails •�' ,• .b • • r- • • .•; ,•• .. .i. 59;•• 61 0 Unauthorized Trails t_ •• �.. -,' *, I �;.�•' .�58u 57 Cam• ���• .\-.• '.,` . •• �� gg 0' 1000' 2000' r �! �• i •� �.•, = ': r,1�,`5455 �l 56 L . . so ,� o . :�' 0 Stud ea 3 °Qz4s: •' v Ar !�N 45 • • ' -�.- • •. %0,46 , IS 1 36 41 •=• ''� 38 �. •.• ,K— - re— �61- r 39: r 98 \� 100 99 101 EXHIBIT 12 �� EL CORTE DE MADERA OPEN SPACE - PRESERVE Designated Trails • Proposed Trails • • • • • Proposed Closures 60*1 40 o° 54'.• � A • _ 1 ' < < z000 r 'r 00 OWN 1400 / �• STUDY AREA 3 .•� •96 ' •. 00' 1500_ Q �°► t a� ww o* 1000� - z000• EXHIBIT 13 El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve Trail Plan Study Area 4: Summary of Trail Segment Physical Characteristics L Segment Length 7FWidth Average Grade Max Grade Segment 103 0.25 mi. 8 ft 0-15% 11% Segment 104 0.43 mi. 8 ft 0-15% 11% Segment 106 0.44 mi. 8 ft 0-20% 22% Segment 107 0.72 mi. 8 ft 0-15% 11% Segment 108 0.62 mi. 8 ft 0-15% 33% Segment 109 0.68 mi 8 ft 6-20% 21% Segment 110 1.04 mi. 8 ft 0-20% 26% Segment 111 1.45 mi. 8 ft 0-15% 18% Segment 112 0.19 mi. 8 ft 6-20% 16% Segment 113 0.19 mi. 8 ft 11-15% 12% Segment 114 0.10 mi. 4 ft 20-35% 35% Segment 115 0.14 mi. 8 ft 0-5% 5% Segment 116 0.05 mi. 8 ft 0-5% 4% Segment 117 0.63 mi. 8 ft 0-15% 18% Segment 118 0.31 mi. 8 ft 11-30% 29% Segment 119 0.71 mi. 8 ft 0-20o' 25% j Segment'120 0.14 mi. n/a n/a n/a Segment 121 0.16 mi. 8 ft 26-35% 37% Segment 122 0.03 mi. 8 ft 6-10% 10% Segment 123 0.46 mi. 8 ft 0-20% 26% Segment 124 0.60 mi. 8 ft 0-20% 45% Segment 125 0.25 mi. 8 ft 0-15% 22% Segment 126 0.18 mi. 2-4 ft 16-35% 35% Segment 127 0.22 mi. 8 ft 0-10% 9% Segment 128 0.05 mi. 12 ft 6-10% 10% EXH IBIT 14 EL CORTE DE MADERA OPEN SPACE PRESERVE 00'__ 1500- Q - -- N o� ,000� 2000• 0 Designated Trails 0 Unauthorized Trails , 102 " Sty. � J _ . �. 127� �- 126�--SV, ��� ..: •..•• �, 123 Stud Area 4 �'-1;ti � a J 15" • :���t -107 r 122 _.� ; 114, • --�� /120 \ \��112JA 113 108 109 111 � 1 110 �� ✓:' � ` EXHIBIT 15 EL CORTE DE MADERA OPEN SPACE PRESERVE Designated Trails Proposed Trails • • • • • Proposed Closures C13 __ •.`� STUDY AREA 4 oo, ,soo_ a • o*.- --- �k 100 Z000• N now �o ..••• ; �O • • • • t cno5 D15 r ••'•• 4t �� �,.. Bear • !ZI Jib ..• '� ••. . • . .. •••• ii4• Gulch ••• Road • B9 • t Jam; •.woo • ee � � � �4i�en R o ` K06 oad ' t � tic • • EXHIBIT 16 El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve Trail Plan Study Area S: Summary of Trail Segment Physical Characteristics Segment Length Width Average Grade i lax. Grade Segment 129 0.65 mi. 8 ft 0-10% 10% Segment 130 0.45 mi. 8 ft 6-20% 16% Segment 131 0.04 mi. 8 ft 0-5% 3% Segment 132 0.21 mi. 2-4 ft 0-10% 26% Segment 133 0.74 mi. 2-4 ft 16-35+% 55% Segment 134 0.11 mi. 2-4 ft 16-30% 30% Segment 135 0.89 mi. 8 ft 0-15% 45% Segment 136 0.37 mi. 8 ft 11-25% 40% Segment 137 n/a n/a n/a n/a Segment 138 0.82 mi. 2-4 ft 0-20% 40% Segment 139 0.02 mi. 8 ft 0-5% 2% j Segment 140 0.22 mi. 8 ft 0-10% 38% i Segment 141 0.43 mi. 8 ft 0-25% 50% Segment 142 1.04 mi. 8 ft 0-15% 15% Segment 143 0.30 mi. 8 ft 0-15% 16% Segment 144 0.72 mi. 8 ft 0-25% 32% Segment 145 0.23 mi. 8 ft 16-25% 50% Segment 146 0.26 mi. 8 ft 0-15% 15% Segment 147 0.42 mi. 8 ft 0-15% 17% Segment 148 0.14 mi. 4 ft 16-25% 45% EXHIBIT 17 ^y ` � �129 :' 131 ; y •i( \��O ,,-t--�� �132 '• ,130 ; •;. EL CORTE DE MADERA OPEN SPACE PRESERVE 1. ' Study Area 5 � , �135 ': 1 . , ID 134 � ��- ��� `, ••�:�1�.`� `. ` ••• Designated Trails ~��� •';' -136 0 Unauthorized Trails 137 139 �140' o:-- 1000, 000• N �141 r1142 �� 143! _ 46' �'� �• �r. r r . ,��. ;000 �- 144.E 145 . 147 : :•, EXHIBIT 18 o < Star Hill Road ''• ' ' EL CORTE DE MADERA • OPEN SPACE PRESERVE �w l� Designated Trails 1 ' • Proposed Trails • • • • • Proposed Closures GHo7 00' 1500' Q B 16 ` -- y • 0' 1000' 2000' cM° STUDY AREA 5 B6 13Z . CM 0.9 0 Coto • "`9e �` wr 1 ' r , r • :$ ` r j B11 \ EXHIBIT 19 r EL CORTE DE MADERA - =--' -= OPEN SPACE PRESERVE i Swett Road) - D' 1000' 2000' 1`1 1 1 \•.�L �r���/:~:— -. .f•"..1; l''(. ^ L�`c.;, , `� scale 1• 500' � ,,���- •�'���. !,(=vim._ ;"�.. •/� -�� +�l'/� r: Ilb-e 'v_ ,: Proposed Trails ;lli \ i,%1�:�''_•=qr_ _ _�, '�.;ii, i - -.� ' �1'i%^ 8 Existing Trails +- .+ ' �/� /. ill. ,\ ',�( /( 'i�( _` :1�;�;"�-J. -_ ,J• .11 i,-� ��. ..`'•'t•` �l, ., ; �.r•-� 1 r ��� .�/:l�:�f'lrrl g`,": I V..�'��1!�• J :/,w('..(.C_ 1{• �\� ,_i:.c.l r;i,�Gr►ss � _•� i! �It'!1, �•�\ - :!� l''�� ,��� ',�ojlt � �.:':`�� ���•••en�r ZT3/ L\� 4 101 ��,} �� `•v� � :� 3' � ;,,Jam- _-��_-��-f, � :.�((� � y i `,.`���f0�( j � ) .\ `'.�: ��1 ..,i• �7 ��.!`���(t �'-• � ( Sli�li` _,�),\ ra •i 1' ��M � Yf—..\'�� JJ/(�'�.�\Jrl li "'i I �� � \�• 1�; f�i 'i�l�j~l./'��', '�,�•'�,,tit'; .1,;,'i_ ,\�'r'• �:'��•'��{\ ` 1' `��} v ! ^ ✓� I ice+ I '�•:/�<( •ter_ 71 1 ( II. - ''', i`,r/, f��• /�t�f•' i \.�1 '1 /��J� \. � r ; �L,.- ---' •� �/�""� ;� �`• � C EXHIBIT 20 Regional Open Spate g h i a MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT R-96-58 Meeting 96-12 May 22, 1996 AGENDA ITEM District Appointments to the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Financing Authority Governing Board GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATIO Approve the President's appointment of Mary Davey (Vice-President), Teena Henshaw (Chair, Administration and Budget Committee), and David Smernoff (Treasurer) to the governing Board of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Financing Authority. N. Hanko, as District Board President, is to be the fourth District representative on the Authority's Board. DISCUSSION The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors approved the Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement by and between the District and the County of Santa Clara creating the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Financing Authority at their May 7 meeting. You approved the agreement at your April 24 Regular Meeting (see report R-96-48). The Authority is to be governed by a Board consisting of five members, one member of which shall be, at all times, the District's Board President and three members of which shall be, at all times, District directors appointed to the Authority's Board by the District's Board President. The fifth member of the Authority's Board is the member of the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors whose district (currently District No. 5) encompasses the greatest territory of the District in the County. At your April 24 meeting, President Hanko announced that she planned to appoint Mary Davey (Vice-President), Teena Henshaw (Chair, Administration and Budget Committee), and David Smernoff (Treasurer) to the Authority's Board. Prepared by; Jean Fiddes, District Clerk Contact person: L. Craig Britton, General Manager 330 Distel Circle • Los Altos,CA 94022-1404 • Phone:415-691-1200 • FAX:415-691-0485 • E-mail: mrosd@netcom.com Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Mary C.Davey,Teena Henshaw,David T.Smernoff,Nonette Hanko,Betsy Crowder,Wim de Wit General Manager:L.Craig Britton Regional Open Sp, 1 R-96-59 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT Meeting 96-12 May 22, 1996 AGENDA ITEM Permit to Enter for U. S. Environmental Protection Agency Soil Testing at Cooley Landing, Ravenswood Open Space Preserve GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION 1. Determine that the project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) based on the findings contained in this report. 2. Authorize the General Manager to sign the attached Permit to Enter. DISCUSSION The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been assisting the City of East Palo Alto to investigate, and potentially remediate, soil and groundwater contamination in the Ravenswood industrial area, near the District's Ravenswood Open Space Preserve. EPA is providing these services under a federal program entitled the Brownfields Initiative. This program is intended to streamline the remediation process for contaminated sites. Although Cooley Landing was not used for industrial purposes, it is constructed of undocumented fill materials and has been used as a shipyard. The City of East Palo Alto has requested that EPA include Cooley Landing in its studies to determine if there is any toxic contamination that would constrain future use of the site. EPA has already obtained permission from Carl Schoof, who owns the center portion of the Cooley Landing peninsula, to do testing on his property. The proposed tests consist of approximately six borings, using a truck-mounted rig, up to a depth of thirty feet, as noted on the attached map. The borings would be conducted during the week after Memorial Day, May 27, by Bechtel Engineers, EPA's consultant for the project. The permit to enter requires that the sampling hole be immediately refilled and compacted and requires that the District be provided with a copy of the study results. If any toxic contamination is found, EPA would return to the District to discuss any plans for remediation. CEQA Compliance Project Description The project consists of approximately six soil borings to a depth of up to thirty feet on the District-owned portion of Cooley Landing, an approximately 10-acre peninsula constructed of artificial fill extending into San Francisco Bay. 330 Distel Circle • Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 • Phone:415-691-1200 • FAX:415-691-0485 • E-mail:mrosd@netcom.com netcom.com Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Mary C.Davey,Teena Henshaw,David T.Smernoff,Nonette Hanko,Betsy Crowder,Winn de Wit General Manager:L.Craig Britton R-96-59 Page 2 CEQA Determination The District concludes that this project will not have a significant effect on the environment. It is categorically exempt from CEQA (the California Environmental Quality Act) under Section 15301 of the CEQA guidelines. Section 15301 exempts the operation, repair, maintenance, or minor alteration of existing public facilities involving negligible expansion of use beyond that previously existing. Prepared by: Randy Anderson, Senior Planner Contact person: Same as above PERAM TO ENTER This Permit to Enter is by and between the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, a public District (hereinafter -MROSD'), and the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (hereinafter "EPA"). The parties hereby agree as follows: 1.0 Property MROSD grants EPA permission to enter the portion of Ravenswood Open Space Preserve (hereinafter the "Property") located on Cooley Landing in East Palo Alto, as shown on the attached map. Access to the Property will be via Bay Road. 2.0 Purpose This permit to enter is for the sole purpose of conducting soil borings to investigate subsurface conditions of landfill materials. Approximately six samples will be taken with a truck-mounted rig to a depth of up to thirty feet, in the general locations noted on the attached map. 3.0 Activity Conditions The activity shall be subject to the following conditions: a. EPA will be responsible for obtaining all necessary government permits and following all pertinent procedures. b. Hours of work shall be 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, unless otherwise approved by Annette Coleman, Foothills Area Superintendent (TEL. 415-961-2165) C. EPA shall notify MROSD at least 48 hours prior to commencement of the work. d. EPA will provide MROSD with a schedule of operations and keep MROSD informed of any changes in the schedule. e. EPA or its agents will be responsible for replacing excavated material in test holes and recompacting soil, and taking other necessary measures to protect the public from any injury or damage resulting from the activities. Holes will be filled in immediately after testing is completed. In no case will equipment or materials be left unattended on the site. EPA and its agents will make every effort to restore the site to a condition equal to or better than that which was originally found. Page 2 f. EPA or its agents shall notify MROSD upon completion of all work and arrange for a site inspection with MROSD staff before vacating the site. 9. A copy of this permit shall be maintained on site at all time that the work is taking place. h. EPA shall provide MROSD with a copy of any date, test results, samples, reports, notes, memos and results of the soil borings. 4.0 Term Access to the site for the purposes of conducting this study is limited to weekdays during the period between May 28, 1996 and June 7, 1996. 5.0 Notice Any notice or notices required or permitted to be given pursuant to this license may be personally served on the other party by the party giving such notice, or may be served by U.S. mail to the following address: MROSD: L. Craig Britton, General Manager Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, CA 94022 (415) 691-1200 (415) 691-0485 (FAX) copy to: Annette Coleman, Area Superintendent Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, CA 94022 (415) 691-2165 (415) 691-2168 (FAX) EPA: Tom McMenamin Site Assessment Project Manager Environmental Protection Agency 75 Hawthorne Street San Francisco, CA 94105 Mail Code H-l-S (415) 744-1306 Page 3 6.0 Indemnification and Release of Liability EPA agrees that the use of equipment and tools on the property of MROSD shall be effected with all reasonable diligence and precautions to avoid damage to the land,property, or personnel of MROSD or to the public. EPA agrees to indemnify, hold harmless, defend, and protect MROSD, its officers, directors, agents and employees from any and all claims, losses, damages, demands, liabilities, suits, costs, expenses (including all reasonable attorney's fees), penalties, judgments, or obligations whatsoever in connection with any injury, death, or damage to any person or property or pecuniary or monetary loss that results from, arises out of, or in any way relates to the activities of the EPA both on and off the project. EPA hereby waives all claims and recourse against MROSD, including the right of contribution for loss or damage to property, and releases MROSD from any liability related to or in any way connected to EPA's activities or EPA's use of the project site, premises, or facilities. EPA and its subcontractors shall have sole responsibility for the safeguard of their equipment, property, and personnel (i.e., employees, agents officers) from any and all injury, death, or damage. 7.0 Insurance Through out the term of this agreement, EPA's contractor, at its sole cost and expense, shall maintain in full force and effect comprehensive automobile and general liability insurance covering bodily and personal injury and property damage. Limits shall be not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence for bodily injury and $500,000 per occurrence for property damage. This permit is not valid without EPA's contractor's insurance in effect as shown on the attached Certificate of Insurance, which is made a part of this permit. The policy shall name MROSD as an additional insured. Throughout the term of this agreement, EPA's contractor, at its sole cost and expense, shall maintain in full force and effect a policy of Worker's Compensation Insurance covering all its employees as required by law. Such insurance policies shall not be canceled or materially changed without thirty (30) days' advance written notice to MROSD at the address shown under NOTICES. 8.0 Cancellation This Permit To Enter shall be cancelable by MROSD upon 24 hours notice to EPA. Page 4 The above permit to enter has been read and understood and is hereby agreed to and accepted. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency By Date Print Title XMPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT By Date L. Craig Britton General Manager Attest Jean Fiddes District Clerk Claims No. 96-10 Meeting 96-12 Date: May 22, 1996 Revised MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT # Amount Name Description 232 300.00 Aaron's Septic Tank Service Sanitation Services 233 1500.00 A-1 Septic Tank Service Sanitation Services 234 444.82 Acme & Sons Sanitation Sanitation Services 235 420.79 Acute Computer Technology Computer Upgrade 236 186.86 All Laser Service Office Printer Maintenance Service 237 6.60 American Welding Supply Welding Service 238 967.00 Atlas Heating & Air Conditioning Furnace and Ducting Repair 239 342.09 AT & T Telephone Service 240 100.00 Bay Area Ridge Trail Council Membership Renewal 241 145.00 Bill's Towing & Recovery Towing Services 242 77.89 Breon, O'Donnell, Miller, Brown & Dannis Legal Services 243 55.80 Continuing Education of the Bar Resource Documents 244 168.14 California Water Service Company Water Service 245 64.00 Camino Medical Services Medical Services 246 39.75 Clark's Auto Parts/Machine Shop Vehicle Repairs 247 426.91 Clyde Robin Seed Company Inc. Wildflower Packets with Logo--6/9 Event 248 2150.00 Sheryl Marioni Cochran Trail Use Consulting--Fremont Older 249 403.09 Annette Coleman Reimbursement--Uniform and Field Supplies 250 323.64 Communication & Control Inc. Mt. Umunhum P G & E Pump Utilities 251 81.25 Computer Resource Center Computer Class--B. Congdon 252 20.00 Country Home Products Field Supplies 253 25.00 Jim Davis Automotive Vehicle Smog Inspection 254 104.40 Mary de Beauvieres Private Vehicle Expense 255 190-00 Enshallah Site Analysis Consulting Services-- Teague Hill Property 256 15.03 Film To Frame Photo Processing 257 350.00 Foothill College Facilities Office Parking Lot Rental--6/9 Event 258 2111.76 Gardeniand Power Equipment Equipment Repair and Parts 259 31.34 G & K Services Shop Towel Service 260 157.72 Goodco Press Incorporated Invitations--Volunteer Recognition Event 351.67 Grainger Restroorn Door Replacement 261 24.09 GTE Mobilnet Cellular Phone Service 262 124.81 Hengehold Motor Co., Inc. Van Rental--FOOSP House Tour 263 252.63 Home Depot Field Supplies 264 18.05 Honda Peninsula Vehicle Repair Part 265 400.00 Integrated Training Resources LTD Weaponless Defense/Baton Training 266 620.00 Frank W. Isidoro Grading Services--Windy Hill 267 5085.81 Jeda Publications Brochures 268 31.86 Kelly-Moore Paint Company, Inc. Grant Cabin Supplies 269 356.21 Lab Safety Supply Inc. Field Safety Supplies 270 75.92 Langley Hill Quarry Baserock 271 652.72 Lanier Worldwide, Inc. Photocopier Maintenance Agreement 272 275.00 League of California Cities Registration Fee--S.Schectman 273 1615.00 D. Martinez Electrical Contractor Storage Shed Electrical Upgrade Page 1 Claims No. 96-10 Meeting 96-12 Date: May 22, 1996 Revised MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT # Amount Name Description 274 249.98 McGrath RentCorp Skyline Office Rental 275 123.25 MetroMobileCommunications Radio Repair 276 840.00 Micro Accounting Solutions Computer Consulting Services 277 234.11 Minton's Lumber & Supply Lumber, Concrete and Mortar 278 89.00 Moffett Supply Company Sanitation Supplies 279 19.50 Netcom Monthly Internet Fee 280 59.73 Noble Ford Tractor, Inc. Tractor Parts 281 650.83 Office Depot Office Supplies 282 587.04 Orchard Supply Hardware Field Supplies 283 910.57 Pacific Bell Telephone Service 284 1275.13 Page & Turnbull Consulting Services--Picchetti Ranch Homestead Stabilization Project 285 160.01 PIP Printing Training Booklets 286 1616.25 Platypus Revisions to Exhibits--Daniels Nature 287 48.49 *1 Porter Rents Stegner Event Sound System Center 288 600.00 Portola Park Heights Property Owners Assoc. Road Dues 289 7190.00 POST Pezzoli Acquisition Settlement 290 12.87 Precision Engravers, Inc. Name Tags 291 230.00 Quicksilver Printing Printing--Letterhead 292 34.13 Rayne Water Conditioning Water Service 293 745.63 Rich's Tire Service Vehicle Tires 294 1445.49 Roy's Repair Service Vehicle Repair Service 295 102.36 Safety-Kleen Solvent Tank Service 296 157.63 San Lorenzo Valley Locksmith Keys 297 504.46 Susan Schectman Reimbursement--Professional Conference 298 4740.00 E.R. Sheehan Trail Building Services 299 177.14 John Shelton, Inc. Culvert 300 972.69 Signs of the Times Field Signs 301 60.00 Silicon Valley/IABC Awards Entry Fee--Public Affairs 302 357.87 Silverado Avionics Inc. Radio Batteries 303 172.32 Malcolm Smith Reimbursement--Canopies for Special 304 39.81 Summit Uniforms Uniform Expense 305 1900.00 Sutter Equipment Co. Dozer Rental 306 19976.79 *2 Swift Auto World North 1 Vehicle 307 39953,58 Swift Auto World North 2 Vehicles 308 240.00 Tac/Temps Temporary Receptionist 309 680.16 Teater & Etc. Sign and Map Revisions 310 520.96 Triple A Plumbing Service Water Heater--DHF Blacksmith Shop 311 40.78 University Art Center Planning Office Supplies 312 1184.81 Vallen Safety Supply Company Safety Supplies 313 57.00 Doug Vu Private Vehicle Expense *1 Urgent Check Issued May 16, 1996 *2 Urgent Check Issued May 16, 1996 Page 2 Claims No. 96-10 Meeting 96-12 Date: May 22, 1996 Revised MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT # Amount Name Description 314 175.00 WAC Corporation Aerial Photos--Russian Ridge Grass Land Study 315 360.00 West Valley Mission Community College District Law Enforcement Update Training 316 389.20 Whitmore, Johnson & Bolanos Legal Services 317 300.00 Roberta Wolfe Recording Services 318 115.24 The Workingman's Emporium Uniform Expense 319R 967.50 County of Santa Clara Permit Fees--Homestead House 320R 362.10 Petty Cash Film and Developing, Recognition Event Supplies, Training and Seminars, Docent Supplies, Local Business Meetings and Postage TOTALS 112722.06 Page 3 Claims No. 96-10 Meeting 96-12 Date: May 22, 1996 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT # Amount Name Description 232 300.00 Aaron's Septic Tank Service Sanitation Services 233 1500.00 A-1 Septic Tank Service Sanitation Services 234 444.82 Acme & Sons Sanitation Sanitation Services 235 420.79 Acute Computer Technology Computer Upgrade 236 186.86 All Laser Service Office Printer Maintenance Service 237 6.60 American Welding Supply Welding Service 238 967.00 Atlas Heating & Air Conditioning Furnace and Ducting Repair 239 342.09 AT & T Telephone Service 240 100.00 Bay Area Ridge Trail Council Membership Renewal 241 145.00 Bill's Towing & Recovery Towing Services 242 77.89 Breon, O'Donnell, Miller, Brown & Dannis Legal Services 243 55.80 Continuing Education of the Bar Resource Documents 244 168.14 California Water Service Company Water Service 245 64.00 Camino Medical Services Medical Services 246 39.75 Clark's Auto Parts/Machine Shop Vehicle Repairs 247 426.91 Clyde Robin Seed Company Inc. Wildflower Packets with Logo--6/9 Event 248 2150.00 Sheryl Marioni Cochran Trail Use Consulting--Fremont Older 249 403.09 Annette Coleman Reimbursement--Uniform and Field Supplies 250 323.64 Communication & Control Inc. Mt. Umunhurn P G & E Pump Utilities 251 81.25 Computer Resource Center Computer Class--B. Congdon 252 20.00 Country Home Products Field Supplies 253 25.00 Jim Davis Automotive Vehicle Smog Inspection 254 104.40 Mary de Beauvieres Private Vehicle Expense 255 190.00 Enshallah Site Analysis Consulting Services-- Teague Hill Property 256 15.03 Film To Frame Photo Processing 257 350.00 Foothill College Facilities Office Parking Lot Rental--6/9 Event 258 2111.76 Gardenland Power Equipment Equipment Repair and Parts 259 31.34 G & K Services Shop Towel Service 260 157.72 Goodco Press Incorporated Invitations--Volunteer Recognition Event 351.67 Grainger Restroom Door Replacement 261 24.09 GTE Mobilnet Cellular Phone Service 262 124.81 Hengehold Motor Co., Inc. Van Rental--FOOSP House Tour 263 252.63 Home Depot Field Supplies 264 18.05 Honda Peninsula Vehicle Repair Part 265 400.00 Integrated Training Resources LTD Weaponless Defense/Baton Training 266 620.00 Frank W. Isidoro Grading Services--Windy Hill 267 5085.81 Jeda Publications Brochures 268 31.86 Kelly-Moore Paint Company, Inc. Grant Cabin Supplies 269 356.21 Lab Safety Supply Inc. Field Safety Supplies 270 75.92 Langley Hill Quarry Baserock 271 652.72 Lanier Worldwide, Inc. Photocopier Maintenance Agreement 272 275.00 League of California Cities Registration Fee--S.Schectman 273 1615.00 D. Martinez Electrical Contractor Storage Shed Electrical Upgrade Page 1 Melanie BUILDERS EXCHANGE OF S.F. 850 So. Van Ness San Francisco, CA 94110 (415) 282-8220 i I Claims No. 96-10 Meeting 96-12 Date: May 22, 1996 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT # Amount Name Description 274 249.98 McGrath RentCorp Skyline Office Rental 275 123.25 MetroMobileCommunications Radio Repair 276 840.00 Micro Accounting Solutions Computer Consulting Services 277 234.11 Minton Lumber & Supply Lumber, Concrete and Mortar 278 89.00 Moffett Supply Company Sanitation Supplies 279 19.50 Netcom Monthly Internet Fee 280 59.73 Noble Ford Tractor, Inc. Tractor Parts 281 650.83 Office Depot Office Supplies 282 587.04 Orchard Supply Hardware Field Supplies 283 910.57 Pacific Bell Telephone Service 284 1275.13 Page & Turnbull Consulting Services--Picchetti Ranch Homestead Stabilization Project 285 160.01 PIP Printing Training Booklets 286 1616.25 Platypus Revisions to Exhibits--Daniels Nature 287 48.49 *1 Porter Rents Stegner Event Sound System Center 288 600.00 Portola Park Heights Property Owners Assoc. Road Dues 289 7190.00 POST Pezzoli Acquisition Settlement 290 12.87 Precision Engravers, Inc. Name Tags 291 230.00 Quicksilver Printing Printing--Letterhead 292 34.13 Rayne Water Conditioning Water Service 293 745.63 Rich's Tire Service Vehicle Tires 294 1445.49 Roy's Repair Service Vehicle Repair Service 295 102.36 Safety-Kleen Solvent Tank Service 296 157.63 San Lorenzo Valley Locksmith Keys 297 504.46 Susan Schectman Reimbursement--Professional Conference 298 4740.00 E.R. Sheehan Trail Building Services 299 177.14 John Shelton, Inc. Culvert 300 972.69 Signs of the Times Field Signs 301 60.00 Silicon Valley/IABC Awards Entry Fee--Public Affairs 302 357.87 Silverado Avionics Inc. Radio Batteries 303 172.32 Malcolm Smith Reimbursement-Canopies for Special 304 39.81 Summit Uniforms Uniform Expense 305 1900.00 Sutter Equipment Co. Dozer Rental 306 19976.79 *2 Swift Auto World North 1 Vehicle 307 39953.58 Swift Auto World North 2 Vehicles 308 240.00 Tac/Temps Temporary Receptionist 309 680.16 Teater & Etc. Sign and Map Revisions 310 520.96 Triple A Plumbing Service Water Heater--DHF Blacksmith Shop 311 40.78 University Art Center Planning Office Supplies 312 1184.81 Vallen Safety Supply Company Safety Supplies 313 57.00 Doug Vu Private Vehicle Expense *1 Urgent Check Issued May 16, 1996 *2 Urgent Check Issued May 16, 1996 Page 2 Claims No. 96-10 Meeting 96-12 Date: May 22, 1996 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT # Amount Name Description 314 175.00 WAC Corporation Aerial Photos--Russian Ridge Grass Land Study 315 360.00 West Valley Mission Community College District Law Enforcement Update Training 316 389.20 Whitmore, Johnson & Bolanos Legal Services 317 300.00 Roberta Wolfe Recording Services 318 115.24 The Workingman's Emporium Uniform Expense TOTALS 111392.46 Page 3 i Regional Oerg Spi ------------------ MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT TO: Board of Directors FROM: C. Britton, General Manager DATE: May 22, 1996 SUBJECT: FYI i 330 Distel Circle • Los Altos,CA 94022-1404 • Phone:415-691-1200 • FAX:415-691-0485 • E-mail: mrosd@netcom.com Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Mary C.Davey,Teena Henshaw,David T.Smernoff,Nonette Hanko,Betsy Crowder,Wim de Wit Genera!Manager:L.Craig Britton I , ► Regional Open Spa* ------------ MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT For Immediate Release Contact: Malcolm Smith May 21, 1996 Public Affairs Manager (415) 691-1200 Open Space District ' s Web Site Includes Trail Maps , Newsletters , Trail Conditions , and More Los Altos, CA -- The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District announced today that its web site is now available for public access. Located at http://www.openspace.org, the web site includes District information for hikers, mountain bicyclists, equestrians, and anyone seeking information on the 41,000 acres, 200 miles of trails, and 23 open space preserves available for low-intensity recreational use. The site includes a series of maps of the District and its preserves, starting with an aerial view of the District boundaries, linking to the "Preserve Finder Map" and the Visitors Map, then bringing the virtual visitors to the trail map and text for a specific preserve. Any section of the web site, including maps, may be downloaded and printed. Visitors may also navigate the open space preserves sections using a text-only environment. Also included in the web site are sections with general information, news releases, photographs of District lands, Board of Directors meeting agendas and minutes, the District's quarterly newsletter, schedules of hikes and walks, trail regulations, a list of full-access trails, I updated trail conditions, upcoming special events, a visitor survey, and a list of links to many other land conservation and environmental organizations. The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, extending from the City of San Carlos to the Town of Los Gatos, is a public agency which has preserved over 41,000 acres of diverse open space and manages 23 open space preserves. (more) 330 Distel Circle • Los Altos,CA 94022-1404 • Phone:415-691-1200 • FAX:415-691-0485 • E-mail:mrosd®netcom.com ! Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Mary C.Davey,Teena Henshaw,David T.Smernoff,Nonette Hanko,Betsy Crowder,Wim de Wit General Manager:L.Craig Britton I , Funding is provided by a small share of the annual total property tax revenues collected within District boundaries. The District permanently protects wildlife habitat,watershed, and a variety of ecosystems,restores damaged natural resources, and provides trail improvements for passive recreational use by the public. The District's goals are to acquire a continuous greenbelt of protected open space lands for public use and enjoyment, and to preserve open space for future generations to enjoy. There are approximately 20,000 - 30,000 acres of land still at risk of being lost to development within the District's planning area. The District is divided into seven geographic wards, each represented for a four year term by an elected Board member. The Board holds public meetings on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at 7:30 p.m., at the District offices. Date: Sat, 18 May 1996 09:40:52 -070U From: Jim Ryan <james.ryan(a- ,)arnail.amdahl.com MIME-Version: 1.0 To: mrosdgopenspace.org Subject: Thank you. X-URL: http://www.openspace.org/5_8-96A.html Dear Board Members, I would like to thank and complement you on the work you are doing. I am always amazed at the beauty of the land here in Northern California. It is important that we continue to preserve that beauty. It is my understanding that the land known as El Corte de Madera Open Space Preserve is under review. I am a frequent visitor to El Corte de Madera. I understand that you, as board members, are often pulled by conflicting wishes, wants, and needs by members of the community. It is my hope that El Corte de Madera be left alone. It is a rugged and beautiful place. As a former volunteer fireman for Pescadero, I spent much time protecting the land within your holdings. Please continue to protect our land by preserving this beautiful Preserve. Once again, Thank you. James P. Ryan Regional Open Spa MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT TO: Board of Directors I FROM: C. Britton, General Manager DATE: May 17, 1996 SUBJECT: FYI 330 Distel Circle Los Altos,CA 94022-1404 = Phone:415-691-1200 FAX:415-691-0485 E-mail: mrosd@netcom.com Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Mary C.Davey,Teena Henshaw,David T.Smernoff,Nonette Hanko,Betsy Crowder,Wim de Wit Genera!Manager:L.Craig Britton i Segment Length Width Average Grade Max. Grade Segment 27 0.17 mi. 8 ft 11-25% 27% Segment 28 0.41 mi. 8 ft 21-35+% 50% Segment 29 0.33 mi. 8 ft 6-25% 39% j Segment 30 0.06 mi. 8 ft 0-20% 16% Segment 31 0.28 mi. 8 ft 6-15% 11% Segment 32 0:18 mi. 8 ft 6-10% 45% Segment 33 0.08 mi. 8 ft 11-20% 19% Segment 34 0.19 mi. 8 ft 0-15% 13% Segment 35 0.02 mi. 8 ft 0-5% 1 3% Open Space MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT INTER-OFFICE MEMORANDUM May 17, 1996 TO: Craig Britton, General Manger FROM: John Escobar, Operations Manager SUBJECT: MONTHLY FIELD ACTIVITY SUMMARY Month April Year 1996 VIOLATIONS TOTALS (*) ACCIDENTS TOTALS Bicycles Bicycle 4 Closed area 10 (10) Equestrian SPA 7 (5) Hiking/running 3 Helmet 53 (27) Other first-aid Night riding 2 (2) Search/rescue . 0 Dogs Helicopter evacuations --- Prohibited area 6 (3) Off-leash —9 (2) ENFORCEMENT Fishing/swimming 2 (0) Citations 82 Off-road vehicles 3 (1) Written warnings 101 Closed area 3 (0) Police assistance I After hours _5 (19) Weapons CRIl Actual contacts 1 (1) Resisting peace officer Reports only I ---- Burglary Vandalism 1 (0) Stolen vehicle found Parking 24 (9) Occult activity 1 After hours parking (2) Dumping/littering l (1) MUTUAL AID Accidents 4 Enforcement (*) = number of citations issued Fire LZ for off-site accidents SUMMARLES OF SIGNIFICANT INCIDENTS Apr. 1: The south end of the main office was vandalized with spray paint. K. Miller and Los Altos police completed reports. Cleanup was handled by staff. Apr. 6: T. Randall contacted a subject at Sierra Azul with a pellet gun. The subject was issued a citation. Apr. 7: T. Karnofel defused a disturbance/loud verbal argument between a couple at Rancho San Ant onio. The couple left the area with no further problems. Apr. 13: A visitor's vehicle was vandalized on Alpine Rd. adjacent to the Russian Ridge parking lot. The rear window of a Jeep Cherokee was shattered by a rock or pellet. The incident was reported to B. Downing. San Mateo SO was notified. Apr. 14: A bicyclist at Fremont Older sustained lower back and facial injuries as the result of an accident. The bicyclist was evacuated by air ambulance to Valley Medical Center. Apr. 14: L. Hyman investigated a possible ritual site near Purisima Creek and Harkins Trails at Purisima Creek OSP. Cow horns and cornmeal were arranged in a known occult fashion. Apr. 17: B. Downing attempted to stop a person for a 'helmet required' violation on Monte Bello OSP. The bicyclist fled down Page Mill Road and escaped. Apr. 17: A bicyclist at Sierra Azul sustained a spinal cord injury and was transported to San Jose Medical Center. The incident was handled by M. Newburn, a Los Gatos town ranger, Central Fire, and paramedics. Apr. 21: K. Carlson received second-hand information about a possible indecent exposure incident on Wildcat Loop in Rancho San Antonio. He checked the area and was unable to locate the victim or suspect. Apr. 21: L. Hyman and M. Ken, with San Mateo SO, searched for two people who were seen entering Purisima with rifles, machetes, and camping gear. They were not located. Apr. 22: On the Hickory Oaks section of the Ridge Trail at Long Ridge a bicyclist sustained a fractured femur and was flown by air ambulance to San Jose Hospital. l Apr. 23: T. Randall found broken glass and pellets from a pellet gun stuck in the split rail fence at the Fremont Older parking lot. Apr. 27: A bicyclist briefly lost consciousness as the result of an accident on the Timberview Trail at El Corte de Madera. The bicyclist was evacuated by air ambulance to Stanford Hospital. The patient was diagnosed with a concussion and released the following day. Apr. 28: A break-in occurred at the KFJC transmitter site on Black Mtn. Unauthorized recorded transmissions were broadcast over the KFJC frequency. Palo Alto police and L. Paterson investigated the incident. Apr. 28: T. Karnofel received a report that the indecent exposure suspect was in Rancho San Antonio. The parking lot and nearby trails were checked by M. Newburn, P. Hearin, and K. Miller. The subject was not located. The reporting party was the same person from the April 21 st report. i W22400�11iam• Ob SKYLINE BOULEVARD #22 i ermayer LA HONDA, CA 94020 May 7, 1996 L. Craig Britton General Manager Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 Dear Craig: Thank you for your offer of indemnification as outlined in your letter to Dick Carter, President of our Property Owners' Association, of April 26, 1996. I prefer there be no public use of my private road. The proposed trail will inevitable interfere with my free passage on my easement. This new change in use is an unreasonable interference with my property rights for which I should be compensated as required by the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution. Additionally, if there is going to be public use on my private easement then, under the specific circum- stances that apply to me, the following conditions are fair, reasonable, and logical: 1. The District should maintain the gate to their preserve and rental property at Skyline Boulevard and Portola Heights Road; 2. I should be relieved of all liability for any portion of the road the public is invited to use plus a reasonable buffer zone; 3. This road crossing s a change a in use and we need to alter the maintenance agree- ment to reflect it; 4. I, and anyone coming to my property,should be indemnified through District lands or wherever the public might access the easement from District lands; 5. The District should provide a new electric gate—to be maintained by the Prop- erty Owners Association—separating the District's public lands from the private community; and 6. Preferably, the crossing should be over or under the road. If it is on the road, There should be one and only one crossing at the crossroads of Portola Heights Road Sorich Lower Road, the old logging road, and the District trail. The change in use you are proposing is large. Has there been an environmental impact report as required by state law? Very truly yours, William Obermayer cc: Board of Directors, MROSD Portola Park Heights Property Owners' Association C r listoric Cottle Ranch to become coon park ?appttol E. Cott f mi y t0 donate he was a hard worker,"Sn er with government officials is that o said."But he was aloof.W n we the future park retain the name $f�` 0 valuable acres would have family reu ons, he of their grandfather, Martial wouldn't be there." Cottle,who died in 1909,before iANCN a For those re aso ,the Lesters they were born. Neither Walter ` would seem to a been a good nor Edith had children oa i 1[age IA match for th ales. "They really relish that name, 81.—H,II Ad, Guinn's" istory of the State of Cottle, the whole family," said 'hen you think about the val• • • Califo ' and Biographical Re- Lee Lester."I'm surprised Walter tat that property,the generosi- L cord" — which includes family didn't change his name." an individual like Mr.Lester ries offered by the subjects The ranch has remained largely ,re so deeply about the land emselves — says of the Les- intact. A 63-acre portion on the to forgo the economic value ters'grandfather,Martial Cottle, north side of Blossom fill[Road Mounding," said Pat Dando, that his"tastes are domestic and was sold to a housing developer In letters to the cit .c San Jose City Council dis- he takes little part in public af- in I980 to satisfy Ethel Lester's ty,the Lesters atton,- Includes the Edenvale dis- fairs,preferring to devote himself estate and pay inheritance taxes. the land will be don. Where the Cottle Ranch is to the improvement of his attrac- But the remaining acreage—4th the death of the sw ri]. tive homestead near Edenvale times as big as the nearby Oak- though some official• -ten it comes into public R ec MARnN_M Rcuev�ws and to such work as falls to the ridge Mall and parking lot—still Walter Lester has ea s,it will become the largest lot of a busy agriculturist." stretches from Branham Lane on terest in donating the utd park in San Jose.Exact) Birds soar over the _ f'a Y ,« Martial Cottle had arrived in the north to Highway 86, along so that he can see tl it will be used is still to be family home on the ��. Santa Clara County with his par- with a slim strip that extends come a reality during i mined,but most discussions historic Cottle Ranch,a ents and siblings by wagon train south of the new freeway to Blos- Local officials aren', focused on a historic farm, 300-acre parcel in the flt: in 1864.His father,Edward,pur- som Hill Road. the cost of turning tit, rig future generations to ex- Edenvale district of chased a portion of the former Ionleq 6hiDge a park will be—or It Zoning a pitwe of 19th-century San Jose,that will Santa Teresa Rancho(which in- covered. ,t the valley. given to Sa is CIara eludes present-day Edenvale) in To accommodate the planned the request of the present Cou y Walter k 1864, and Martial inherited his donation,the city council in No- They are awaiting rs,Waiter Cottle Lester,70, 360-acre share after his father's vember amended theproperty's Walter Lester to learn ds sister,Edith Ethel Lester, L and his sister, death four years later.The youn• designation on San Jose's geneal his vision for the lan tttle has been said ublfcI Edith Lester.Theintense the future act, P gest of Martial Cottle's five chit- plan — the city's development t thepropertyand the - parcel would become land,the cheaper its deco,Ethel Elizabeth Cottle,was blueprint that includes the under- unation.The sib' are de- the largest flatland born there in 1891, marrying lying zoning of all property—to opmen[cos[will be. ed as"ver vate people" park in the county. Amos Lestrr mardal Cottle Henry Lester at age 22. a park use from its former resi- But based on size all ,ov ant officials who But the family never made the dential status, one that could talking in the hundrr• -n in contact with them, money it might have from Cottle have accommodated nearly 2,400 sands, or millions (o, "reclusive" and "with- yard, Conn., who immigrated to ing some 860 acres of orchards in Ranch.Unlike most of the nearby homes. said Alan LeFieur, S tt" by many of the Lester California in the 1890s. Amos various places, according to a flatlands, the ranch was not When the transfer will take County's deputy park Cottle family cousins who was one of six Lester brothers 1930 story in the San Jose Mercu- planted with fruit orchards. place is unknown. In 1991, the Local officials belie• around the valley. The sib- who came West,and their descen- ry Herald. Grains and hay were the princi- county board of supervisors ters chose to leave t declined to be interviewed dants have figured prominently But Henry and his family kept pal crops, along with some row passed a resolution declaring the Santa Clara County his article. in Santa Clara County's develop- to themselves,said Rixford Sny- crops and cattle. county's intent to accept Edith San Jose because the[ ily hedt9e ment. One branch of the family der,87,the retired Stanford Uni- Walter Lester followed that Lester's share of the land as part disliked City Hall.Cot, became partners in Cupertino's versity admissions dean and his- lead, of her estate. That would allow Dando said she hopes Lesters'personal style,like Vallco Park development, while torian whose grandfather, Na- Lee Lester said it was the wish Walter Lester to continue living will change their min land holdings, has roots the land of another line of the than Lester, was one of Amos' of the Lesters'mother,who died there should she die before him the land to the city i, in the family's past. family became home to Good Sa- brothers. Nathan Lester's wife, in 1977, that the land be pre- while not burdening him with an she said that's not a It •ir father,Henry,was one of maritan Hospital. Sarah,was also the sister of Car- served for public use. The one inheritance that would force sale "My main concern,' ,urviving children of Amos Henry Lester was once the val. rie,Amos Lester's wife. condition that the Lesters have of more of the ranch to pay the "is to accommodate th, arrie Lester,natives of Led- ley's biggest prune grower,own- Henry Lester "was a worker, included in all their discussions taxes. Mr.Lester and his list Regional Open Spate t �►- .ter'... MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT May 10, 1996 Ms. Susan Whelan Chief Administrative Officer Town of Portola Valley 765 Portola Road Portola Valley, CA 94028 Dear Susan: This letter is in response to your April 2, 1996 letter request for a schedule of when a trail connection between the existing Windy Hill trails and the northern border of the Fogarty property could be constructed. I apologize for my slow response. The District is certainly interested in this trail connection, however, a few things need to occur before we are ready to construct our portion of this trail. A preferred alignment for the trail must first be located on the Windy Hill Preserve. Staff will need to spend some time investigating the best alignment, as well as coordinating with the Town Trail Committee regarding the location of the proposed easement on the Fogarty property. Once an alignment is selected, the project requires the approval of the District's Board of Directors. The trail layout and approval, process could be completed by the end of the calendar year, with construction of the trail on the preserve to follow in 1997. In parallel to finding the preferred trail alignment, District staff will begin to work with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to obtain an encroachment permit for a trail crossing at Skyline Boulevard. A sketch of a proposed crossing alignment is enclosed. No funding was allocated to this project during this fiscal year. If this project is approved by the Board of Directors, funding could be included in our 1997 fiscal year budget. I believe the trail could be constructed by mid-summer of 1997. I hope this helps you in your planning. Si 1 L. Craig Britton General Manager LCB/mdb cc: MROSD Board of Directors Admiral Quilter, P.V. Trails Committee 330 Distel Circle • Los Altos,CA 94022-1404 • Phone:415-691-1200 • FAX:415-691-0485 • E-mail:mrosd@netcom.com !�? Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Mary C.Davey,Teena Henshaw,David T.Smernoff,Nonette Hanko,Betsy Crowder,Wim de Wit General Manager:L.Craig Britton RUSSIAN RIDGE CALTRANS OPEN SPACE PRESERVE 6 MILE MARK (SM 35 600) '�/ BERM RAPLEY RANCH ROAD ���•� PROPOSED TRAIL J� ENCROACHMENT �►--CALL BOX AND CROSSING e (SM-035-061) NATIONAL AUDUBON / SOCIETY DRIVEWAY--* i �a FOGARTY PROPERTY Al TO WINDY HILL IT NOT TO SCALE OPEN SPACE p� PRESERVE EASEMENT AREA Fl=E O.S.P. SCHEMATIC SITE MAP PR°"Rn PfloPEATY moo' m� �J �,g♦NATIONAL AUDUBON SOCIETY 3P `pr r VMDY HILL O.S.P. SHAM P110�[TY LOCATION MAP NOT TO SCALE ZOWIn of TOIRZOLA UALLE� Town Hall and Offices: 765 Portola Road, flortola Valley CA 94028 Fel: (415)851-1700 Fax: (415)851-4677 Ct?1-NC IL TOV 4 OF'F CC1,K": Met ("A0'C7cr�� Rr<t1.ut> `L tih RK )y%II� T. Vice IIt1)'or 111urt1<'1' Ctz\tc - i�u,,April 2, 1996 N 1, �� AVN VIA\ L. Craig Britton, General Manager Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District 330 Distel Circle ) Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 Re: Windy Hill Trails Dear Craig: Sorry to be a pest, but another scheduling matter arose at a recent Town Council meeting -- relating to the dedication to the Town of a trail easement by Dr. Fogarty as part of his winery Conditional Use Permit approval. According to the condition, the Council must set a hearing and make several findings before requiring the dedication, one of which is that"The easement connects at each end with either improved public trails or trails which will be improved within a reasonable period of time following the required dedication". What the Council is requesting is a definitive statement of when a connection will be installed between the existing Windy Hill trails and the northern border of the Fogarty property in order to proceed with setting the hearing. i Thanks very much for the update last week on the underground project. Sincerely, Susan Whelan Chief Administrative Officer and Town Clerk 19,96 MY 0 81,996 CITY OF OUNTAIN VIEW Community Services Department • 201 S.Rengstorff Avenue 0 Post Office Box 7540 • Mountain View,CA 94039-7540 415-903-6331 • FAX 415-962-1069 May 5, 1996 Malcolm Smith Public Affairs Manager Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, Ca 94022-1404 Dear Mr. Britton: The Parks and Recreation Commissioners are looking forward to your presentation of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space Districts' current projects and challenges for the future. The Commission meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 5, 1996, 7:00 p.m., Community Center, 201 South Rengstorff Avenue. We will have a projection screen available for your use. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at (415) 903-6331. Sincerely, Jayne Matsumoto Executive Assistant cc: L. Craig Britton,Jo Combs, c/f Recycled Paper 4 h MAY 0 California Trails & Greenways Foundation May 6, 1996 California Trails Foundation Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Board of Directors; 330 Distel Circle, Use Bymes Los Altos, CA 94022 President Claude(Tony)Look Attn: Mr. Craig Britton, General Manager and Mr. Randy Anderson, Executive Director Ron Brow„ Senior Planner Mary Cahill Lauren Ficaro Dear Craig and Randy: Seymour Greben Hulet Hornbeck The Urban Creeks Creative Grants Committee of the California 'Trails Mark Ivy and Greenways Foundation is please to announce an award of$1,875 to Michael Kelley the Mid peninsula Regional Open Space District. Elaine Macdonald P g P P Ronald Mincer Richard Nichols The purpose of the award is for the removal of invasivc, non-native Richard Trudeau vegetation, the removal of remaining dumped household items with the cataloguing of historic items and the revegetation of the affected area California Greenways Board cataloguing native riparian plants. Keith Hay ate"io The Committee appreciates your objectives in restoring the native Nortbern California vegetation to a tributary of Stevens Creek and the use of volunteers and Richard Trudeau Excrutivc Directorsite tenants in providing the labor and salvage of historical objects. Richard Bishop Frank Borg, According to the provisions of the Urban Creeks Creative Grants Seymour Groben program we will need a written and photographic report by May 1, Bob Hansen 1997, or sooner, and, also a copy of any news clippings or publications Dan Johnson regarding the project for which this grant was awarded. Claude(Tony)Look Pat O'Brien William Pond incerely, r Anne Sands Douglas Wheeler Southern California Claude A. Look, Ilse Byrn Executive Director Lisa Crystal Chris Jarvl encl.: check# Ed McCombs Ed Messner Richard Trudeau Douglas Wheeler California Trails Foundation California Greenways Board c/o Richard C.Trudeau P.O.Box 183 Los Altos CA 94023• 633 Los Palos Drive 415/948-1829 FAX 415/948-1437 Lafayette,CA 94549 510/284.5120 Regional Open Spa 1 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT For Immediate Release Contact: Cheryl Solomon May 9, 1996 Docent Coordinator (415)691-1200 ATTENTION CALENDAR EDITORS Free June Hikes On Open Space Preserves Los Altos, CA -- Docents for the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District have scheduled 14 fun and interesting free hikes for the month of June, all taking place on the District's permanently preserved open space lands. Here is the Hikes & Walks schedule for June, 1996: Saturday June 1 Russian Ridge Friday June 14 10 am-2:30 pm Picchetti Ranch Lunch at Native American Grinding Rock 11 am-2 pm Meet docent Trudy Bidstrup at the Russian Ridge parking lot to Through the Bay Trees arrange a car shuttle for this leisurely-paced 4 1/2-mile hike.You You'll venture through a mixed forest into a small valley.crossing will journey through a variety of terrain and past open fields,a several small streams along the way on this 3-mile trail. Docents Native American grinding rock,wildflowers,and ancient oaks. Sam and Delpha Berry will lead this leisurely hike beginning and ending at the historic Picchetti Ranch Winery. Sunday June 2 Los Trancos and Monte Bello Saturday June 15 2 pm-4:30 pm Picchetti Ranch Earthquake Walk 9:30 am- 1:30 pm Learn how the San Andreas Fault has left its imprint on the Waterwheel Creek Trail to Black Mountain surrounding landscape. This leisurely walk take 2(hours to cover Docent Vivian Turnbull will lead hikers on a leisurely 4-mile climb about 2 miles. Docent Gwen Rosser will lead this interesting hike. up Black Mountain. Following the Waterwheel Creek Trail and part Meet at the Los Trancos parking lot. of Montebello Road to the top of Black Mountain,you'll enjoy broad views of the canyon and the distant hills to the west. On the return, Saturday June 8 you can explore the old Picchetti Ranch and maybe sample some Purisima Creek Redwoods wines at the Sunrise Winery. 10am-2:30pm The Redwood Community:Life in the Fog Drip Zone Sunday June 16 Docents Stephen Buckhout and Baohsun Yang will take you 4 1/2 Russian Ridge miles through this cool,shady ecosystem. Stopping frequently,you 5 pm-9 pm will attempt to identify the wide variety of flowering plants found Second Annual Father's Day Hike there and discuss what makes this plant community so unusual. Bring Dad on this pleasant 4-mile evening hike with Docent Dianne Meet at the Higgins-Purisima entrance. Hunt. There will be lots of flowers and views to see as you hike leisurely to a wooden deck for dinner with spectacular views of the Sunday June 9 **SPECL4L EVENT** ocean and the countryside. Bring dinner,wane clothes,and a Skyline Ridge flashlight.Also,be prepared for fog. Reservations ar e required. 10am-4pm This Land is Your Land-A Day in Open Space Your entire family will enjoy this outdoor festival of environmental information,displays,and activities. Docents Harry Cornbleet, Dianne Hunt,Joyce Nicholas,and Carol Belew will be leading 45- minute hikes exploring the nearby trails. These hikes will begin at 11 am, 12 pm, t pm,and 2 pm. The District will provide free shuttle service to Skyline Ridge parking lot from Foothill College lot"B" every half hour. 330 Distel Circle • Los Altos,CA 94022-1404 .,Phone:415-691-1200 • FAX:415-691-0485 • E-mail:mrosd@netcom.com Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Mary C.Davey,Teena Henshaw,David T.Smernoff,Nonette Hanko,Betsy Crowder,Wim de Wit General Manager:L.C�aig Britton - ' ' Wednesday June |9 Rancho San Antonio Sunday June 23 6pm-8:30pm Picchuh Ranch Mid-Week Stress Relief |Vam' i pm Take advantage nf the summer evening light and join docent Anne Farewell toSpring ' Curran onon after-work stroll. You'll take u leisurely 2'mi|eround- Join docents Marilyn Bavhede|and Gwen Rosser for majestic trip hike to Deer Hollow Farm and enjoy u picnic dinner. Along the canyon views and late wildflowers on this leisurely}'mi|c loop hike. way,you'll learn about some plants native^o the area. _ You will enjoy beautiful Surroundings while you cat your picnic lunch. Thursday June 20 Windy Hill Saturday June 29 � 8:15um- 12:15pm PioheuiKxuch Relish Views from the Top of Our World bpm' |Opm l[you are vp for u real climb,join docent David Weber for^ Indian Legends hyMoonlight modonue|y strenuous 7-mi|e hike op Windy Hill. Once at the top. Docents Rick Leonard and Stephen Ruckhvut have scheduled this your efforts will h^rewarded with breathtaking views o[the bay. event m coincide with m spectacular full moon. A leisurely stroll will � � Your route will hc shady uphill and sunny downhill.us you travel bring you tn their favorite storytelling spot where.after dinner.they � � through this wonderfully diverse preserve-x real gem! Bring will share several Native American legends. Bring a picnic dinner tv binoculars and u snack i[you wish. enjoy along the trail,something tv sit on,clothing tv ward off Meet m the/-280 and Page Mill Road Park&Ride lot. evening chill,and a flashlight. Reservations are required. � 9nmnkay June 22 Sunday /vum30 Duvenezk Windmill Pasture Picchetti Ranch 10mn'2pm 10:30um-2pm Can Oaks Heal?-Au Alternative View of the Ancient Oaks Map and Compass � Surrounding Duvenexk Windmill Pasture Docent Foster Thompson will help you identify m 'ior|aodmmk,v[ Hidden mnumdDovcoeck\viodmiUPmuun:mr some of the largest the South Bay and coo�hnmthe top o[Black Nnuntziu. He will and most majestic coast live oaks mhc found io the area. Thix4- provide basic instruction vn using u map and ucompass. Then),on � mile leisurely-paced hike will^uncvve,^the magnificent architecture will have u chance to practice your newly-learned skills! of these trees and explore the possibility dbatouktrrmumhc|p ` people in their personal lives.Docent Tim McGarry will present the Sunday June]0 ways many people have found personal awareness and even Russian Ridge "healing"from these grand old oaks. Z pm'4:30pm Hiking Among the Old Oaks Saturday June 22 Come spend the afternoon hiking on the Ancient Oaks Trail with Monte Bello docents Chuck and Julie Muir. You will explore the grassland 10um-2:30pm habitat and the role the ancient oaks play. A hat iu recommended on Reptile Ramble this leisurely-m moderate y-puccdhike. Join docents Roger Myers and Tom Gchode,hvk for u visit with the scaly critters of Monte Bello. This moderate 4-miic hike has become � u perennial favorite. While all critters are protected and cannot b^ removed,hik�nwiU����h��huoc*mm��ynm�nfuuc\ooa| � . � reptiles,amphibians,and other creatures"up close and persomd." Dress iu layers uo accommodate unpredictable weather conditions. The Midneoinmola Regional Open Space District,extending from the City of San Carlos tU the Town of Los Gatos, ima public agency which has preserved over 40,00O acres mf diverse open space and manages 23open � space preserves. The District permanently protects wildlife habitat, watershed, and uvariety of ecosystems,restores � � damaged natural resources, and provides trail improvements for passive recreational use by the public. ' � � ' May 10, 1996 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 11rom: CSHA State TT Program 21931 Via Regina Saratoga, Ca 95020 Contact: Sheila Daly 408/741-1093 EQUESTRIANS TRY OUT SKYLINE RIDGE FOR TRAIL TRIALS Peninsula equestrians will be in for a rattling good time on the trails of Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve on Sunday, June 23rd, when the California State Horsemen's Association (CSHA) presents Temblor Trail Trials A trail trials (TT) is an obstacle course for horses and riders in which competitors are judged on how safely and smoothly they negotiate designated obstacles. All competitors are judged against a written standard. For the Temblor- TT, the standard will be the CSHA State Trail Trials Program Rulebook. The Temblor TT course winds over the San Andreas Fault and allows participants to enjoy panoramic views, cool forest trails, and terrain varying from flat and easy io steep and challenging. They can reserve a catered barbecue lunch and compete for prizes and ribbons through sixth place. T h.-_ -_o rn-pt ti tion is open to -.11 Cqwestrians, with divisions f.or Advanced and Novice horses and riders; Junior and Senior riders; and Schooling, for riders or horses who are just getting familiar with the event. Entry fees for the 7 to 8 mile ride will be: • Adults 18 and over: $21.00 pre registration, $25.00 day of ride. • Juniors under 18: $15.00, $20.00 day of ride. • Schooling: $15.00 A drug test fee is included in all entry fees. The ride registration desk will open at 9 a.m. There will be a rider's briefing at 10 a.m. First rider out at 10:15 a.m. Judging and scoring of the competitors will be done by expert, experienced volunteers. Members of Responsible Organized Mountain Pedalers (ROMP) will serve as course marshals, crossing guides and score card messengers. There will also be an opportunity to pick up practical trailriding knowledge from three CSHA Senior Judges who will be at the event, Sheila Daly, Cindi James, and Phetsy Calderon. Calderon will be the officiating Senior Judge. To pre-register or for more information, call Sheila Daly at (408) 741-1093. Regional Open Spa 2 Idol l 1 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT May 13, 1996 Honorable Byron Sher Member, Senate Natural Resources and Wildlife Committee Fax: (916) 323-4529 Dear Senator Sher: I'm writing on behalf of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District to urge you to support SB 1948 (Thompson) when it is-heard tomorrow morning (May 14) before the Senate Natural Resources and Wildlife Committee. SB 1948 is urgently needed to address the state's substantial backlog in park and wildlife project funding by putting a state park bond act before the voters. In recent years available funds to acquire key open space areas and improve park facilities have significantly declined. These dramatic funding shortages make it exceedingly difficult to protect our natural areas and provide park facilities for California's growing population. I hope we can count on your support for this bill. Thank you for your continuing dedication to parks and open space, and to the programs of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District. Si ely, L. Craig Britton General Manager LCB/mcs cc: MROSD Board of Directors Senator Mike Thompson Ralph Heim 330 Distel Circle • Los Altos,CA 94022-1404 . Phone:415-691-1200 • FAX:415-691-0485 • E-mail: mrosd®netcom.com (3) Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Mary C.Davey,Teena Henshaw,David T.Smernoff,Nonette Hanko,Betsy Crowder,Wim de Wit General Manager:L.Craig Britton MAY 16 '►g96 BAY AREA RIDGE TRAIL TMC0UNCIL 31 1 CALIFORNIA STREET, SUITE 510 SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA 94104 14 May 1996 To: Friends and Partners of the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council From: Brian O'Neill and Marcia McNally Chair and Vice-Chair, Board of Directors RE: New Executive Director We are pleased to announce the appointment of Andrew Lisac as our new Executive Director. Andrew comes to us with many strengths in the education, philanthropic, political, and business communities. For thirteen years he served at Stanford University as a teacher and administrator, ultimately as Assistant Dean of Continuing Studies and Summer Session. His focus in this role was to recruit minority students for summer college, serve as Resident Fellow for the Native American theme dorm, and diversify Stanford's curriculum.Andrew also served as the administrator for a large grant from the Irvine Foundation to broaden the educational pipeline for minority students wishing to pursue careers in higher education. He worked closely with local community groups and individuals throughout the state, and has extensive expertise in volunteer support and management. In 1994 Andrew founded the Computer Learning Curve, a consulting firm specializing in computer training. After remarkable growth and success, the company was purchased by a conglomerate earlier this year.Along with his business activities,Andrew has served on numerous Boards of community organizations, and he founded the Amphion Fund, which raises money for non-profit organizations through the power of music. He is an avid supporter of diverse cultures and arts, and serves as honorary coordinator of the Native American Cultural Center. He was recently appointed to the San Francisco Arts Commission by Mayor Willie Brown. Born and raised in southern Oregon,where his father served on the local planning commission for many years,Andrew has a deep appreciation for open space, agricultural land use planning, and trail development. His first trail dedication (at the age of 10)was along Bear Creek,which runs from Ashland to Medford, traversing a rich array of park, open space, urban, and orchard/agricultural areas. We had many high quality applicants for the Executive Director position and feel fortunate to be involved in,an organization that attracts this level of interest. We are excited about Andrew's strong commitment to the environmental ethic, creative approaches to fundraising, and his ability to recruit a broad base of volunteers from the diverse Bay Area communities. We are lucky to have his leadership as our organization enters its second phase of trail development. Among his many talents,Andrew is an excellent listener. Please feel free to call him about any issue that you are facing that involves the Ridge Trail. (415) 391-0697. PHONE (415) 391-0697 FAX (415) 391-2649 Printed an r yrrea payer F P E O P L, E F O R O P E N S P A C F. MEDIA ADVISORY For Release: April 18, 1996 Contact: Vicki Moore (408) 983-0539 To Celebrate Earth Day 1996: West Valley Hillside Preservation Effort in Full Swing Urban Growth Boundaries to Halt Sprawl News Conference Date: Tuesday, April 23 Time: 9:00 A.M. sharp Place: In front of Los Gatos Town Hall, 110 E. Main Street(directions below) Summary: Officials from the cities of Cupertino, Los Gatos, Monte Sereno, Saratoga and Santa Clara County will unveil a map of the West Valley Hillside Preservation area covering a 13,000 acre continuous swath of scenic and environmentally sensitive hillside lands. The Hillside Preservation program aims to achieve: - Adoption of long-term urban growth boundaries around Cupertino, Saratoga, Los Gatos and Monte Sereno which will halt sprawl up the hillsides. - Consistent hillside land use policies between the cities and the county to assure that the entire West Valley hillside range is protected to a high standard. - Strong political support for further public acquisition of hillside land around the West Valley Cities for permanent open space protection. According to Greenbelt Alliance's analysis,over 4,000 acres are currently at risk from sprawling subdivisions in the West Valley hillsides. This situation would change dramatically if urban growth boundaries are adopted with strong,enforceable policies to keep them in place for the long term. This unprecedented 5-party agreement and hillside protection policies to protect a regional hillside resource are scheduled to be completed by year end by the four city councils and the Board of Supervisors. Visuals: Poster sized color map of 13,000 acre hillside preservation area. Local elected officials shaking hands representing their cooperation eration around hillsidepr otection. The speakers will be surrounded by fifty Go Greenbelt! bicyclists who will begin their second day of a seven day tour around the Bay Area's Greenbelt in support of efforts to stop sprawl. Confirmed Speakers include: Mayor Paul Jacobs, Saratoga; Councilman Wally Dean, Cupertino; Mayor Nancy Hobbes, Monte Sereno; Vice-Mayor Joanne Benjamin, Los Gatos; Supervisor Mike Honda, Santa Clara County; Planning Commissioner Brent Ventura, Santa Clara County; Pete Siemens, Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District; Vicki Moore, Associate Policy Director,Greenbelt Alliance. Directions: Take Hwy 17, exit at East Los Gatos, go to the second signal and turn right at Los Gatos Blvd. which turns into Main Street, turn left on Siesta and turn right into the parking lot. Greenbelt Alliance is the Bay Area's regionwide citizen land conservation organization dedicated to protection of the region's Greenbelt and enhancing the livability of its cities. MAIN OFFICE ♦ 116 New Montgomery Suite 640, San Francisco CA 94105 ♦ (415)543-4291 SOUTH BAY OFFICE ♦ 1922 The Alameda Suite 213, San Jose CA 95126 ♦ (408)983-0539 io 101 880 8 Kaiser ,? Quarry x'. M _ za0 • deb �a� e � e c ♦� t ,.,r'E• Pie, ♦ e of Sfa` e • (1 3 • F� ��a 17 14 • 4 w 9 - • 85 ♦ lop — o� y� ♦ � 35b' 'Lip%, ~' • • �� Guadalupe • • • �eservoir Lexington Reservoir Soda <p SO G� S Ld ^a Mt. + West Valley Umunhum S Hillsides G��i� Lake �Isman joint Planning Review �� R Loma Miles as Prieta . 4 County Scenic Roads (Partial) 0 2 Cupertino City Limits (__i Cupertino Urban Service Area µ, Los Gatos City Limits Los Gatos Urban Service Area Monte Sereno City Limits Saratoga City Limits Saratoga Urban Service Area 1� Study Area Boundary (approximate) GI9FILE STAF MAFi NOTE This map is still older construction Jan.1996 { c3 (Cal