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HomeMy Public PortalAbout20000209 - Agendas Packet - Board of Directors (BOD) - 00-03 Regional`Open tee MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT i Meeting 00-03 SPECIAL AND REGULAR MEETINGS BOARD OF DIRECTORS MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 9, 2000 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, California Please Note: 6:30 p.m. Special Meeting Start Time 7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting Start Time AGENDA* 6:30 ROLL CALL SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT--CLOSED SESSION The Closed Session will begin at 6:30 p.m. At the conclusion of the Closed Session, the Board will adjourn the Special Meeting Closed Session to the Regular Meeting, and, at the conclusion of the Regular Meeting, the Board may reconvene the Special Meeting Closed Session. I. Conference with Real Property Negotiator - Government Code Section 54956.8 Real Propel - Santa Clara County Assessor's Parcel Numbers 517-16-009, 510-27-0334, and 510-28-012 Agency Negotiators - Craig Britton and Susan Schectman Ne otg iating, Parties - Wallace Krone and William Bishop Under Negotiations - Instructions to negotiator will concern price and terms of payment 2. Conference with Labor Negotiator - Government Code Section 54957.6 Agency Negotiators - Susan Schectman, Deirdre Dolan, John Escobar Employee Organization - S.E.I.U. Local 715 7:30 REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT ** ORAL COMMUNICATIONS — Public ADOPTION OF AGENDA ** ADOPTION OF CONSENT CALENDAR—K.Nitz 330 Distel Circle • Los Altos, CA 9402 2-1 404 • Phone:050-691-1200 FAX: 650-691-0485 . E-mail: mrosd«openspace.org + Wet)Site:www.opensl)ace.org � Board or Directors:Pete Siemens,Mary C. Davey,Jed Cyr,Deane Little, Nonette Hanko,Betsy Crowder, Kenneth C. Nitz +General Manager:1_.Craig Britton W Meeting 00-03 Page 2 BOARD BUSINESS 7:35 1 Resolution Honoring Supervisor Richard Gordon For His Work as Chair of the District's Coastal Advisory Committee-C. Britton 7:40 2 Proposed Addition of Peninsula Open Space Trust Property; Determination that the Recommended Actions are Categorically Exempt From the California Environmental Quality Act; Adoption of a Resolution Authorizing Acceptance of a Gift of the Peninsula Open Space Trust Property; Tentative Adoption of Amended Use and Management Plan Recommendations, Including Naming the Property as an Addition to the Teague Hill Open Space Preserve; and Indication of Intention to Dedicate the Property as Public Open Space at This Time - D. Woods/M. Williams 7:45 3 Operations Program Five Year Staffing Plan; Approval, in Concept, of the Operations Program Five-year Staffing Plan; Provide Direction to Staff and to the Administration and Budget Committee to Utilize the Plan as a Guide for Operations Program Staff Growth in Future Budget Preparation - J. Escobar REVISED CLAIMS 7:50 INFORMATIONAL REPORTS - Brief Reports or announcements concerning activities of District Directors and Staff CLOSED SESSION CONTINUED(if necessary) 8:00 ADJOURNMENT Times are estimated and items may appear earlier or later than listed. Agenda is subject to change of order. TO ADDRESS THE BOARD: The Chair will invite public comment on agenda items at the time each item is considered by the Board of Directors. You may address the Board concerning other matters during Oral Communications. Each speaker will ordinarily be limited to three minutes. Alternately, you may comment to the Board by a written communication, which the Board appreciates. All items on the consent calendar may be approved without discussion by one motion. Board members, the General Manager, and members of the public may request that an item be removed form the Consent Calendar during consideration of the Consent Calendar. Regional Open Ice 1 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT SPECIAL MEETING USE & MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING REVIEW OF PIG CONTROL PROGRAM IN THE SKYLINE AREA AGENDA 7:00 P.M. Jed Cyr Tuesday, February 15, 2000 Pete Siemens Administrative Office Betsy Crowder 330 Distel Circle Los Altos. CA 94022 (7:00) ROLL CALL AND INTRODUCTIONS ORAL COMMUNICATIONS —Public (on subjects not on this agenda) ADOPTION OF AGENDA (7:10) COMMIT TEE BUSINESS 1. Appointment of 2000 Committee Chair 2. Consideration of Wild Pig Control Alternatives in the South Skyline Area a. Review of meeting objectives • To evaluate and review a pig control program and report back to the Board of Director before finalizing the fiscal year 2000-2001 budget. b. Background— Staff presentation • Biology and ecological impacts of wild pigs • The history of wild pigs on District lands • Current situation regarding the joint Memorandum of Understanding with Department of Fish and Game, California State Parks and South Skyline Association (7:30) c. Wild Pig Control Alternatives— Staff presentation • Enter into a trial three-year control program with annual progress assessments. • Enter into a control program conditional on regional control efforts by South Skyline Association and State Parks. • Wait to see if population numbers stabilize over time. Do not control pigs at this point in time. (8:00) d. Committee Member Questions to Staff (8:15) e. Public Comment (8:45) f. Committee Discussion and Decision Making (9:00) ADJOURNMENT 330 Distel Circle • Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 • Phone:650-691-1200 '. FAX:650-691-0485 « E-mail: mrosd@openspace.org * Web site:www.openspace.org •. Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Mary C.Davey,Jed Cyr, Deane Little, Nonette Hanko,Betsy Crowder,Kenneth C. Nrtx +General Manager:L.Craig Britton Regional Open �_ ice s MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT R-00-22 Meeting 00-03 February 9, 2000 AGENDA ITEM 1 AGENDA ITEM Resolution Honoring Supervisor Richard Gordon For HisJWork as Chair of the District's Coastal Advisory Committee 7 r GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATIO \\\ Adopt the attached resolution honoring Supervisor Richard Gordon for his work as Chair of the District's Coastal Advisory Committee. DISCUSSION At your meeting of January 26, 2000, you declared that the key objective of the Coastal Advisory Committee(CAC) has been met and its work completed, and that it shall be dissolved with the Board's sincere thanks(see report R-00-17). Following that meeting, letters of thanks from Board President Nitz were sent to all members of the CAC. Supervisor Richard Gordon served as Chair of the CAC for its entire existence, and guided the work of the CAC through fifteen sometimes arduous meetings. His very high degree of dedication to the objectives of the CAC and his continual efforts to seek out consensus among the diverse interests of the members illustrated Supervisor Gordon's professionalism and commitment. As a token of the Board's thanks for his very hard work on this process, it is recommended that you adopt the attached resolution honoring Supervisor Gordon for his work as Chair of the CAC. Prepared by: L. Craig Britton, General Manager Contact person: Same 330 Distel Circle • Los Altos,CA 94022-1404 • Phone:650-691-1200 FAX:650-691-0485 • E-mail:mrosd@openspace.org • Web site:www.openspace.org Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Mary C.Davey,Jed Cyr,Deane Little,Nonette Hanko,Betsy Crowder,Kenneth C. Nitz •General Manager:L.Craig Britton RESOLUTION No. 00-12 Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Commending and Honoring Supervisor Richard Gordon for His Work as Chair of the Coastal Advisory Committee WHEREAS, in December of 1998 the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District formed the Coastal Advisory Committee(CAC) with the purpose of reviewing and recommending revisions to certain District polices related to the proposed annexation of the San Mateo County coast; and WHEREAS,the Board determined that the individual to be appointed as chair of the CAC must be someone who has exhibited great leadership, sensitivity,open-mindedness, firmness,political acumen, and determination; and WHEREAS,the Board therefore appealed to the one individual who clearly met these rigorous criteria, San Mateo County Supervisor Rich Gordon,who accepted the invitation with great enthusiasm; and WHEREAS, Supervisor Gordon tirelessly chaired the CAC through fifteen meetings from February of 1999 through January of 2000 with unflagging energy and dedication,always seeking consensus, never letting frustration take over, and remaining hopeful and encouraging throughout; and WHEREAS, Supervisor Gordon maintained the propriety of the meetings, fostered as much courtesy and civility among the members as was possible, prevented at least one fist fight, found conu-non ground where none was apparent,ran the meetings with aplomb and professionalism and under the appropriate rules of order, and maintained his sense of humor while bringing great credibility and integrity to the entire CAC. Now, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District commends and honors Supervisor Rich Gordon and offers its sincere thanks and gratitude for his tireless work as Chair of the Coastal Advisory Committee. Adopted by the Board of Directors February 9,2000 r Regional Open ice 1 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT R-00-25 Meeting 00-03 February 9, 2000 AGENDA ITEM 2 AGENDA ITEM Proposed Addition of Peninsula Open Space Trust Property to the Teague Hill Open Space Preserve GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATIONS �- 1. Determine that the recommended actions are categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act as set out in this report. 2. Adopt the attached resolution authorizing acceptance of a gift of the Peninsula Open Space Trust property. 3. Tentatively adopt the Amended Use and Management Plan recommendations contained in this report, including naming the property as an addition to the Teague Hill Open Space Preserve. 4. Indicate your intention to dedicate the property as public open space at this time. DESCRIPTION (see attached marl i The 2.38-acre Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) property is located within the Town of Woodside and adjacent to Teague Hill Open Space Preserve. Situated in a residential neighborhood and on the westerly side of Partition Road, this undeveloped property provides equestrian and hiking trails that climb steeply up through an attractive second growth redwood forest. Acquisition of the property is important in terms of preserving the open space character of a neighborhood trailhead that connects with the larger trail system in the Teague Hill Open Space Preserve. The rectangular-shaped property is bounded by Partition Road to the east, private property to the north, California Water Service Company property and private property to the south, and District land to the west. The property and adjacent open space preserve are comprised of steep northeast-facing slopes with large redwood groves, oaks, laurels, and ferns. The slopes in and around Partition Road are known to be unstable and are mapped in a geotechnical sensitive area by the Town of Woodside. It is therefore not unusual for the terrain to appear undulating and see signs of historic landslides and soil creep. The property is undeveloped with the exception of two trails that originate on Partition Road near the northeast and southeast corners. The northernmost trail climbs towards the central 330 Distel Circle • Los Altos,CA 94022-1404 • Phone:650-691-1200 FAX:650-691-0485 • E-mail:mrosd@openspace.org • Web site:www.openspace.orgf Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Mary C.Davey,Jed Cyr,Deane Little, Nonette Hanko,Betsy Crowder,Kenneth C.Nitz •General Manager:L.Craig Britton R4OA-25 Page 2 portion of the site and then descends back towards Partition Road. The second trail extends switchbacks up the hill to a point near the southwest boundary where it deteriorates to a footpath that climbs steeply up to a trail on the open space preserve. This trail connects to a California Water Service trail near Oakhill Drive that is managed by the Woodside Trails Club. USE AND MANAGEMENT Plannine Considerations The property is located within the Town of Woodside and zoned Special Conservation Planning District (SCP). The property is comprised of one legal parcel and has a potential density of one dwelling unit. Residential development would be difficult due to slope instability and existing trail easements that must remain unobstructed. There is a recorded trail easement across the property that serves property owners within the subdivision. According to staff at the Town of Woodside, there have been no previous planning activities, permit applications, or geotechnical problems reported, or on file, for this property. Preliminary Use and Management Recommendations The Preliminary Use and Management Plan will take effect at the close of escrow and remain effective until the plan is amended, or a Comprehensive Use and Management Plan is prepared. The property will be maintained in a natural condition, and no changes to land use are anticipated. If changes to land use are proposed in the future, the plan would be subject to further environmental review, and public input. Public Access: Remain open for equestrian and hiking trail use. Patrol: Routinely patrol the property. Signs: Install and maintain preserve signs as appropriate. Name: Name the property as an addition to the Teague Hill Open Space Preserve. Dedication: Indicate your intention to dedicate the property as public open space at this time. Site Safety Inspection: Site safety inspection has been conducted and there are no known safety hazards on the site. MPL CEQA CO IANCE adect Descd tion The project consists of the acceptance of a gift of a 2.38-acre property as an addition to Teague Hill Open Space Preserve and the concurrent adoption of a Preliminary Use and Management Plan for the addition. The property will remain open for trail use. Ultimately, the property will be included in the Comprehensive Use and Management Plan for the R-0O-25 Page 3 preserve. The property will be permanently preserved as open space and maintained in a natural condition. CEOA Determination The District concludes that this project will not have a significant effect on the environment. It is categorically exempt from CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act) under Article 19, Sections 15316, 15317, 15325, and 15061 as follows: Section 15316 exempts the acquisition of land in order to create parks if the site is in a natural condition and the management plan proposes to keep the area in a natural condition. The use and management plan specifies the land will not be developed and will remain in a natural condition. Section 15317 exempts the acceptance of fee interests in order to maintain the open space character of an area. The District will acquire fee interest and maintain the open space character of the area. No new development is proposed as part of this project. Section 15325 exempts transfers of ownership of interests in land in order to preserve open space. This acquisition will transfer fee ownership of the property to the District and ensure that it will be preserved as public open space by incorporating it into the Teague Hill Open Space Preserve. This acquisition qualifies under three sections. The actions proposed in the Preliminary Use and Management Plan are also exempt under Section 15061, as there is no possibility the actions may have a significant effect on the environment. TERMS & CONDITIONS This gift of the 2.38-acre POST property will round out and further define the public open space ownership and the neighborhood trails that connect to the Teague Hill Open Space Preserve. In 1999, POST received a gift of this property from Dennis Green with the understanding that the property would ultimately be transferred to District ownership. PUBLIC NOTIFICATION Owners of privately owned property located adjacent to or surrounding the subject property have been notified of this proposed acquisition. Prepared by: Del Woods, Senior Acquisition Planner Michael C. Williams, Real Property Representative Contact Person: Michael C. Williams, Real Property Representative RESOLUTION 00- RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT AUTHORIZING ACCEPTING GIFT OF REAL PROPERTY AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A CERTIFICATE OF ACCEPTANCE WITH RESPECT THERETO (TEAGUE HILL OPEN SPACE PRESERVE - LANDS OF PENINSULA OPEN SPACE TRUST) The Board of Directors of Midpeninsula,Regional Open Space District does resolve as follows: Section One. The Board of Directors of Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District does hereby accept, with gratitude, the gift of real property described on Exhibit A, affixed hereto and by this reference made a part hereof, and to be conveyed by Gift Deed from Peninsula Open Space Trust to the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District. Section Two. The President of the Board of Directors, or other appropriate officer, is authorized to execute a Certificate of Acceptance for said Gift Deed conveying title to the property being donated to the District. Section Three. The General Manager of the District shall cause to be given appropriate notice of acceptance to this gift. The General Manager is further authorized to execute any and all other documents necessary to the closing of this transaction. Section Four. The General Manager of the District is authorized to expend up to $5,000 to cover the cost of title insurance, escrow fees, and other miscellaneous costs related to this transaction. TEAG U E HILL OPEN SPACE PRESERVE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT HUDDART COUNTY PARK - ROAD MGS MTN PROPOSED ACQUISITION POST/GREEN PARCEL, 2.38 ACRES ` I p \ ` TEAGUE HILL OPEN SPACE PRESERVE i2F Regional Open ce MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT R-00-24 Meeting 00-03 February 9, 2000 AGENDA ITEM 3 AGENDA ITEM Operations Program Five Year Staffing Plan GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION 1. Approve, in concept,the Operations Program Five-year Staffing Plan. 2. Direct staff and the Budget Committee to utilize the plan as a guide for Operations Program staff growth in future budget preparation. INTRODUCTION The Operations Program Review, completed by The Warner Group in 1998 (see report R-98- 110), recommended the development of a multi-year staffing plan to address current field staff workload and to ensure growth necessary to address the future stewardship needs of the District. Working with the Operations Ad Hoc Committee and field staff, the recommendations contained in the consultant's report have been refined into a list of projects. Through this process, the multi-year staffing plan has continued to be viewed as a high priority project for the program. Conceptual approval of the five-year staffing plan by the Board will result in the plan's use by the staff and Budget Committee as a guide for future Operations Program staff growth in light of economic constraints and other District priorities. Specific approval of new positions will continue to be brought to the full Board, typically as part of the overall District budget approval process. BACKGROUND Since the hiring of the first District ranger in 1975, planning for field staff growth has been guided by several successive multi-year staffing plans. Past plans have been much less formal and were used exclusively by staff to guide hiring recommendations. Staff s recollection of the past two informal staffing plans is that the basic elements outlined in the plans have been achieved, however the plans have taken longer to fully implement than had initially been anticipated. Staff has been analyzing the current and anticipated future needs of the Operations Program. This analysis has been based on historical trends, and knowledge of the current and future 330 Distel Circle • Los Altos,CA 94022-1404 • Phone:650-691-1200 FAX:650-691-0485 • E-mail:mrosd@openspace.org • Web site:www.openspace.org Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Mary C. Davey,Jed Cyr,Deane Little,Nonette Hanko,Betsy Crowder,Kenneth C.Nitz -General Manager:L.Craig Britton R-00-24 Page 2 challenges of managing District lands. Field supervisors played an active role in the development of this plan through a series of meetings. Field staff had an opportunity to review and comment on an outline of the multi-year plan, prior to the development of the Board report and General Manager's recommendations. DISCUSSION The five-year staffing plan was developed based on the facts and assumptions outlined below. However, the plan does not attempt to address the impacts on staffing of future field offices or potential expansion to the coast. Although it is likely that one or both of these events will occur, significantly more research and planning will need to be undertaken before the impacts of these projects can be predicted. Future field offices and coastal expansion will also require a more thorough review of the organizational structure of the Operations Program and possibly other programs as well. Basic Assumptions • Given the economic constraints of the early and mid 1990's, staffing levels have not kept pace with the increasing field staff workload. See the attached(Appendix A - Current and Proposed Operations Staffing Levels) for a more complete analysis. • As the District continues to acquire new lands or increase the amount of land managed for other agencies, the stewardship workload will also continue to increase. The number of improvements on District owned/managed lands such as roads and trails, bridges, signs and bulletin boards, restrooms, water systems, houses, barns, and other structures will also continue to increase and require an incremental expansion of the level of maintenance and stewardship. Maintenance and stewardship may be minimized when properties and improvements are closed to the public however, management responsibilities are not eliminated. • The District will continue to enter into agreements with Peninsula Open Space Trust to manage POST lands within and adjacent to the District's boundaries. • The District has been, and will continue to be, successful in acquiring land in outlying areas of the District. Extended travel times from field offices to outlying properties impact the productivity of staff. This is particularly significant in the first year or two if the property requires substantial work to improve site security and overcome historic or adverse use patterns. • Increased public use results in greater wear and tear on District roads, trails, and other improvements. High levels of bicycle use have had a significant impact on the trail maintenance workload. R-00-24 Page 3 • Mountain biking and dog use continue to demand a significant staff commitment to address high levels of non-compliance with District regulations. Mitigating impacts of shortcut trails, illegal trail construction, and related vandalism have also contributed to increasing the staff workload over the past few years. • Supervision of staff with the existing organizational structure has become very difficult, given geographic distribution of District land, seven-day per week scheduling of the ranger staff, increasing workload associated with new lands, and growing resource management and volunteer programs. • The District has acquired an average of 1,700 acres per year(based on the Regional Open Space Study calculated average). However, it is unlikely that the average will be sustained each year for the next five years, as fewer large parcels are available and current acquisition funds are depleted. Acquisition funding will be enhanced if the park bond measure (Proposition 12) on the March ballot passes. Basic Goals The plan has the following goals: • Increase staffing within budgetary constraints to address increasing workload of field staff and supervisors, and to plan for future growth. • Provide adequate leadership and supervision in the field to insure consistency, productivity, and high levels of communication. • Provide the necessary support to ensure the continued success of District volunteer programs, and the anticipated growth of the Resource Management Program, while continuing to provide for the stewardship needs of District land. • Provide continued support to the Enterprise and Planning Programs by performing structural maintenance and minor capital improvement projects. ----------------------------- R-00-24 Page 4 Basic Plan Fiscal Year Additional Positions 2000/2001 2 Lead Open Space Technicians 2 Supervising Rangers - Patrol Operation of Rancho San Antonio County Park I Open Space Technician I Seasonal Open Space technician (1,000 hours) 2001/2002 1 Open Space Technician- Foothills 2002/2003 1 Open Space Technician (work station to be determined) I Equipment Mechanic I Resource Management (type of position to be determined) 2003/2004 2 Rangers I Administrative Assistant 2004/2005 2 Open Space Technicians Features of Plan All the positions described above are additional positions, not conversions of existing positions. Increases in the number of staff in the Operations program would average 6.3% per year over the next five years. This average does not include the resource management position planned for fiscal year 2002/2003 or the positions necessary to implement the management agreement for Rancho San Antonio County Park. Supervising rangers currently supervise seven rangers working a variety of shifts spread over a seven-day per week schedule. Two additional supervising rangers would initially reduce the number of rangers supervised by each supervisor down to three or four. This would result in each work team sharing the same days off each week with their supervisor. Decreased supervisory workload would result in a greater percentage of a supervisor's workweek spent performing patrol duties and working with staff in the field. Increasing the numbers of supervisors would also provide a foundation for future growth of the ranger staff. Supervision in each maintenance workgroup is currently provided by a supervisor and one lead open space technician. There has been one lead in each maintenance workgroup since the inception of the position in 1993. Maintenance workgroup numbers have grown, providing for greater opportunities to assign work to smaller teams within the workgroup under the direction of a lead worker. R-00-24 Page 5 The addition of a second set of lead open space technicians to each workgroup would also allow supervisors to devote more time to plan work and coordinate projects with planning staff, resource management staff and staff from the volunteer program Additional ranger and open space technician positions, as well as the equipment mechanic and administrative assistant positions described in subsequent years of the plan, are intended to address the anticipated increase in workload associated with additional lands acquired and managed by the District as well as increased use, and related improvements. In keeping with the recommendations of the Operations Program Review, staff is working on a plan for the growth of the Resource Management Program. The position contained in this staffing plan is consistent with the work completed thus far in planning for the growth of the Resource Management Program. Conclusion The Operations Program experienced rapid growth in the 1980's in response to a highly successful acquisition program, the development of public use facilities, and corresponding increases in public use of District land. In the early 1990's the District experienced serious economic constraints brought on by a downturn in the economy. Public use continued to increase despite the economic downturn. Economic vitality has returned, especially to this part of California. Growing property tax revenues have enabled the District to again pursue its acquisition goals. Field staff growth since 1993 has averaged 3.7%per year. Given budget constraints and other program priorities staffing levels have not kept up with workloads. Although the process and outcome of the Operations Program Review assisted staff in identifying needs of the program, it also resulted in a delay in addressing field staffing levels. In the mean time, the acquisition program continues to be successful, with a resultant increase in field staff workload. The five year staffing plan contained in this report will address the increased workloads and enable the staff to responsibly manage District lands and anticipated acquisitions. Prepared by: John M. Escobar, Assistant General Manager Contact person: John M. Escobar, Assistant General Manager Attachment: Operations Program Staffing Charts ` ' n�-24 Appendix A Page 6 Current and Proposed Operations Program StaffingRe Ild Rangers 11 12 12 12 12 13 14 SupvRangar 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 Area Superintendent 2 2 2 Z 2 2 2 EMO 1 1 2 2 l 2 2 Lead OST 2 2 2 2 2 z 2 OST 5 5 5 b / 7 7 Subtotal'Field Positions zo 26 2/ z/ 29 2: »/ on 36 38 40 *z Percentage Increase mField U Staff 4_0Y6 3896 0.096 7.4% 0.096 6.8% 12 9% 2.9Y6 5.6% 5.396 5.096 *Seasonal DST'Regular zn o oo o o a 4 *SosT Special Projects u 'o 1 u 'o 075 ^aonr Deer Hollow Farm / 25 025 025 025 | *SoST County Park DST(Full Time) County Park | | Farm Maintenance Worker / 1 1 | / Office | | Secretary . 1 1 1 1 1 1 | upomanager / / / 1 1 / / Support Serv. 8upv 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 � � Resource Mgmt Specialist 1 1 Admin. Assistant 1 1 � Subtotal'xumm Positions 3.5 3.5 3.5 4 4 5 5 5 5 8 7 7 U | TOTAL STAFF 31 32.5 34 36 38.25 38 42U 47.5 48.5 51.5 545 56.5 � � Visitor Services Supervisor, Docent and Volunteer Coordinator positions moved from Operations to Public Affairs in 1997/98. *Full-time equivalent of total seasonal hours. Year 0odate 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 Note: All entries rounded 0n nearest acre. Acres Owned o,Managed 32.843 33.337 33.355 36.303 30.793 37.180 39.716 40.209 Acre totals begin with December|8Q2 and extend through the latest available Percentage increase m acres on 1 m 2 % 0.1Y6 8.896 13% 1 196 6.8Y6 1 2% figures. Claims No. 2000-03 Meeting 2000-03 Date: February 09, 2000 Revised MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT # Amount Name Description 1197 850.00 AAA Fence Co., Inc. BCR Fence& Gate Installation 1198 225.00 Aaron's Septic Tank Service Sanitation Service 1199 119.08 Acme & Sons Sanitation Sanitation Service 1200 134.41 ADT Security Services Alarm Service 1201 36.34 AirTouch Paging Paging Service 1202 136.72 Alamo Lighting Light Bulbs-Distel Building 1203 1,050.00 Allied Engineering Company Easement Survey Service 1204 354.00 American Red Cross CPR Equipment Rental 1205 23.80 AT&T Telephone Service 1206 110.33 Michael Bankosh Reimbursement--Uniforms 1207 23.62 Barron Park Supply Field Supplies 1208 294.44 Beck's Shoes Uniform Boots 1209 894.12 Big Creek Lumber Barricade Materials 1210 79.00 L.Craig Britton Reimbursement--Membership Dues 1211 771.10 John Cahill Reimbursement--Cellular Phone Expenses 1212 83.55 Cal-Line Equipment Inc. Equipment Parts 1213 35.06 California Water Service Company Water Service 1214 301.00 Camino Medical Group Medical Services 1215 166.62 Costco Wholesale Office Supplies 1216 10.70 CSK Auto Vehicle Parts 1217 62.79 *1 The Darkroom Photography Services 1218 80.00 John Escobar Reimbursement--Membership Dues 1219 2,418.75 Robert E. Friday Acquisition&Appraisal Services 1220 33.61 G & K Services Shop Towel Service 1221 54.13 GeoLine Positioning Systems, Inc. GPS Mounting Bracket 1222 966.15 Sandra Gimbal Sommer, Landscape Architect Contract Planning Services 1223 140A7 Goodco Press Inc. Timecard Printing 1224 200.00 Greenbrier Graphics, LLC Software 1225 88.02 GTE Wireless Cellular Phone Service 1226 600.00 Heather Heights Road Association Annual Road Dues 1227 310.96 Jobs Available Recruitment Advertisement 1228 3,397.50 Johnson&Associates Classifications &Compensation Study 1229 2,400.00 Judges &Attorneys Resolution Service. Inc. Legal Services 1230 228.35 Michael Jurich Reimbursement--Uniform Boots 1231 17112 Matthew Ken Reimbursement--Uniform Boots 1232 3,897.27 Randy D. Klein Sediment Damage Assessment-Diesel 1233 93.00 Landscape Architecture Subscription 1234 214.90 Long Island Productions Fire Extinguishers 1235 115.06 Los Altos Garbage Company Dumpster Service 1236 180.15 Los Altos Typewriter Service Call 1237 692.36 Lucent Technologies Telephone Maintenance 1238 775.00 Mayne Tree Expert Company, Inc. Tree Appraisal Services 1239 36.14 MCI Telephone Service 1240 1,600,00 McNutt&Company, Inc. Media Training Services 1241 349.10 MetroMobileCommumcations Radio Repair& Maintenance 1242 139.48 Mountain View Garden Center Field Supplies 1243 171.04 Gina Morin Reimbursement--Uniform Boots Page 1 Claims No. 2000-03 Meeting 2000-03 Date: February 09, 2000 Revised MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT # Amount Name Description 1244 59.00 National Notary Association Membership Renewal 1245 87.98 Noble Ford Tractor, Inc. Tractor Supplies 1246 2,518.87 Old Republic Title Company Title& Escrow Fees 1247 455.88 Pacific Bell Telephone Services 1248 10.39 City of Palo Alto Utilities Utilities-Black Mountain 1249 170.72 Peninsula Blueprint Printing Services 1250 250.00 PERS Public Agency Coalition Subscription Renewal 1251 172.11 Warren Phillips Reimbursement--Uniform Boots 1252 431.08 PIP Printing Printing Services 1253 3,400.00 Rana Creek Habitat Restoration Grassland Study--Russian Ridge 1254 6.02 Rancho Ace Hardware&Garden Shop Field Supplies 1255 631.68 Redwood General Tire Co., Inc. Tires 1256 2,556.00 Redwood Plumbing Co., Inc. Heat Pump--FRO Ranger Office 1257 90.69 Royal Brass Inc. Equipment Supplies 1258 932.31 Roy's Repair Service Vehicle Maintenance &Repair 1259 300.00 Ana Maria Ruiz Reimbursement--Tuition 1260 1,424.57 Russ Enterprises, Inc. Signs 1261 1,551.60 San Francisco Newspaper Agency Recruitment Advertisement 1262 832.14 San Jose Mercury News Recruitment Advertisement 1263 10.00 *2 San Mateo County Public Health Lab Tick Testing 1264 70.37 Susan Schectman Vehicle Expense 1265 85.44 Second Cup Caf6 Local Business Meeting Expense 1266 3,920.00 Richard Seymour Amphibian Inventory Study 1267 358.30 Shell Oil Company Fuel 1268 438.06 Signs of the Times Signs 1269 4,550.00 Rick Skierka-Licensed Land Surveyor Field Survey Work 1270 176.50 Skyline County Water District Water Services 1271 47.00 Skywood Trading Post Fuel 1272 495.00 Sonoma State University Academic Foundation Archiological Research-SAOSP Area Plan 1273 50.19 Stevens Creek Quarry Road Materials 1274 318.26 Summit Uniforms Uniforms 1275 1,248.03 United Rentals Equipment Rentals 1276 144.34 University Art Center Graphic Supplies 1277 1,317.21 West Group Payment Center On-Line Subscription and Materials 1278 174.92 Michael Williams Business Meeting &Vehicle Expense 1279 200.00 Woodside &Portola Private Patrol Windy Hill Parking Lot Security 1280 77.50 Lisa Zadek Vehicle Expense 1281R 1,000.00 *3 First American Title Ins. Co. Acquisition Deposit 1282R 66.96 Travis Jensen Vehicle Expense 1283R 99.00 Jennifer Menk Reimbursement--PRAC Conference 1284R 4,000.00 Navarone Mailing Services Mailing of Spring Newsletter&H &W 1285R 25.00 San Mateo Coast Earth Fair 2000 Booth Fee for Fair 1286R 331.83 Petty Cash Vehicle Expense, Local Business Meeting Expense, Photocopying, Office and Field Expense *1 Urgent Check Issued February 4, 2000 *2 Urgent Check Issued February 4, 2000 *3 Urgent Check Issued February 4, 2000 60,200.19 Page 2 z� Claims No. 2000-03 Meeting 2000-03 Date: February 09, 2000 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT # Amount Name Description 1197 850.00 AAA Fence Co., Inc. BCR Fence & Gate Installation 1198 225.00 Aaron's Septic Tank Service Sanitation Service 1199 11.9.08 Acme &Sons Sanitation Sanitation Service 1200 134.41 ADT Security Services Alarm Service 1201 36.34 AirTouch Paging Paging Service 1202 136.72 Alamo Lighting Light Bulbs-Distel Building 1203 1,050.00 Allied Engineering Company Easement Survey Service 1204 354.00 American Red Cross CPR Equipment Rental 1205 23.80 AT &T Telephone Service 1206 110.33 Michael Bankosh Reimbursement--Uniforms 1207 23.62 Barron Park Supply Field Supplies 1208 294.44 Beck's Shoes Uniform Boots 1209 894.12 Big Creek Lumber Barricade Materials 1210 79.00 L.Craig Britton Reimbursement--Membership Dues 1211 771.10 John Cahill Reimbursement--Cellular Phone Expenses 1212 83.55 Cal-Line Equipment Inc. Equipment Parts 1213 35.06 California Water Service Company Water Service 1214 301.00 Camino Medical Group Medical Services 1215 166.62 Costco Wholesale Office Supplies 1216 10.70 CSK Auto Vehicle Parts 1217 62.79 *1 The Darkroom Photography Services 1218 80.00 John Escobar Reimbursement--Membership Dues 1219 2,418.75 Robert E. Friday Acquisition&Appraisal Services 1220 33.61 G & K Services Shop Towel Service 1221 54.13 GeoLine Positioning Systems, Inc. GPS Mounting Bracket 1.222 966.15 Sandra Gimbal Sommer, Landscape Architect Contract Planning Services 1223 140.47 Goodco Press Inc. Timecard Printing 1224 200.00 Greenbrier Graphics, LLC Software 1225 88.02 GTE Wireless Cellular Phone Service 1226 600.00 Heather Heights Road Association Annual Road Dues 1227 310.96 Jobs Available Recruitment Advertisement 1228 3,397.50 Johnson&Associates Classifications &Compensation Study 1229 2,400.00 Judges&Attorneys Resolution Service. Inc. Legal Services 1230 228.35 Michael Jurich Reimbursement--Uniform Boots 1231 172.12 Matthew Ken Reimbursement--Uniform Boots 1232 3,897.27 Randy D. Klein Sediment Damage Assessment-Diesel 1233 93.00 Landscape Architecture Subscription 1234 214.90 Long Island Productions Fire Extinguishers 1235 115.06 Los Altos Garbage Company Dumpster Service 1236 180.15 Los Altos Typewriter Service Call 1237 692.36 Lucent Technologies Telephone Maintenance 1238 775.00 Mayne Tree Expert Company, Inc. Tree Appraisal Services 1239 36.14 MCI Telephone Service 1240 1,600.00 McNutt&Company, Inc. Media Training Services 1241 349.10 MetroMobileCommunieations Radio Repair& Maintenance 1242 139.48 Mountain View Garden Center Field Supplies 1243 171.04 Gina Morin Reimbursement--Uniform Boots Page 1 Claims No. 2000-03 Meeting 2000-03 Date: February 09, 2000 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT # Amount Name Description 1244 59.00 National Notary Association Membership Renewal 1245 87.98 Noble Ford Tractor, Inc. Tractor Supplies 1246 2,518.87 Old Republic Title Company Title& Escrow Fees 1247 455.88 Pacific Bell Telephone Services 1248 10.39 City of Palo Alto Utilities Utilities-Black Mountain 1249 170.72 Peninsula Blueprint Printing Services 1250 250.00 PERS Public Agency Coalition Subscription Renewal 1251 172.11 Warren Phillips Reimbursement--Uniform Boots 1252 431.08 PIP Printing Printing Services 1253 3,400.00 Rana Creek Habitat Restoration Grassland Study--Russian Ridge 1254 6.02 Rancho Ace Hardware&Garden Shop Field Supplies 1255 63L68 Redwood General Tire Co., Inc. Tires 1256 2,556.00 Redwood Plumbing Co., Inc. Heat Pump--FRO Ranger Office 1257 90.69 Royal Brass Inc. Equipment Supplies 1258 932.31 Roy's Repair Service Vehicle Maintenance&Repair 1259 300.00 Ana Maria Ruiz Reimbursement--Tuition 1260 1,424.57 Russ Enterprises, Inc. Signs 1261 1,551.60 San Francisco Newspaper Agency Recruitment Advertisement 1262 832.14 San Jose Mercury News Recruitment Advertisement 1263 10.00 *2 San Mateo County Public Health Lab Tick Testing 1264 70.37 Susan Schectman Vehicle Expense 1265 85.44 Second Cup Cafe Local Business Meeting Expense 1266 3,920.00 Richard Seymour Amphibian Inventory Study 1267 358.30 Shell Oil Company Fuel 1268 438.06 Signs of the Times Signs 1269 4,550.00 Rick Skierka-Licensed Land Surveyor Field Survey Work 1270 176.50 Skyline County Water District Water Services 1271 47.00 Skywood Trading Post Fuel 1272 495.00 Sonoma State University Academic Foundation Archiological Research-SAOSP Area Plan 1273 50.19 Stevens Creek Quarry Road Materials 1274 318.26 Summit Uniforms Uniforms 1275 1,248.03 United Rentals Equipment Rentals 1276 144.34 University Art Center Graphic Supplies 1277 1,317.21 West Group Payment Center On-Line Subscription and Materials 1278 174.92 Michael Williams Business Meeting&Vehicle Expense 1279 200.00 Woodside &Portola Private Patrol Windy Hill Parking Lot Security 1280 77.50 Lisa Zadek Vehicle Expense *1 Urgent Check Issued February 4, 2000 *2 Urgent Check Issued February 4, 2000 54,604.61 Page 2 Regional Open Space MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT To Board of Directors From: C.Britton,General Manager Date: February 4,2000 Re: FYIs 330 Distel Circle • Los Altos,CA 94022-1404 • Phone:650-691-1200 Fax:650-691-0485 • E-mail: mrosd@openspace.org • Web site: www.openspace.org i Regional Open ^ 'ace j 1 iT� -'^`•.may�.�. MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT January 27, 2000 Honorable Rich Gordon San Mateo County Board of Supervisors 400 Government Center Redwood City, CA 94063 Dear Supervisor Gordon: On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, I'd like to offer my sincere thanks for the outstanding work you've done as Chair of the Coastal Advisory Committee (CAC). At our regular meeting last night, the Board accepted the CAC's recommendation to declare your work completed, and dissolve the committee. The Board recognizes that this committee's work has sometimes been arduous and often exhausting. You presided over nearly a year's worth of meetings at which the very contentious issue of eminent domain was the key topic of discussion. Despite the difficulty you encountered, I urge you to appreciate the fact that you were responsible for putting this critical issue into the public light. Your forum fostered a series of enlightening discussions and the resulting decision is one in which the Board has a great deal of confidence. While it was a difficult process, the Board feels that the CAC was the catalyst for the next steps to be taken in the proposed annexation. The Board's Ad Hoc Committee members, and the entire Board, came to better understand the various interest groups' concerns about our shared objective of coastal preservation, and gained a great deal of insight into what District policies might best work to achieve that objective. Again, thank you for taking the time to chair the CAC, and for sticking with it through thick and thin. Your dedication to our common objectives is commendable, and the Board truly appreciates the effort you put forth to take part in this process. The Board would like to make a small presentation to you at its meeting of February 9, 2000. We hope that you'll be available that evening at 7:30 p.m. Sincerely, s Ken Nitz President, Board of Directors KN/mcs cc: MROSD Board of Directors 330 Distel Circle • Los Alters, CA 94022-1404 • Phone: 6iC1-691-1 200 FAX: 6W-691-048-5 • E-mail: mrosd«openspace.org • %Veb site:vi ww.openspace.org, 13,wrd or[?iro tor,_Pete Siemens,titary C. Davev,led Cvr, Deane Little, Nonette Nanko, Beta Crowder, Kenneth{ Nitz • General klarm er L.Craiv,Britt<w Open Spar MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT Open spare arrogance was shocked to learn that the board` of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District has voted to ask Santa Cla- m County to require Stanford University to set aside permanent open space as a': condition of allowing the university to add further academic facilities and stu- dentffaculty howdng. The open space district was formed by - a 1972 voter initiative in northern Santa .k Clara County and extended to San Mateo County in 1976.Its mission is"to acre and preserve a regional greenbelt of open' space land in perpetuity."As a special district,it has been given both taxing and borrowing authority and the power of 4 condemnation Its creation by the elec- "k'i'��'i`l torate was based on the premise that pri- vate property owners are entitled to fair and just compensation when their land is set aside as open space. Since its origin,the district has spent over$100 million taxpayer dollars on land acquisition,primarily in the Cruz mountains and some of the ing foothills.All of us have ben j from this farsightedness,as we have also benefited from St lord's wise and care- ful stewardship of its land resources for more than 100 years.However,when a 'district official states that Stanford's ' open space"is just as valuable as what they teach there"and then the board takes the above action,one wonders whether it hasn't overstepped its bounds. If Stanford land is so important,why ' d isn t the distnct sitting own with Stall- ford to discuss acquisition of that land? Robert Augsbur9er LosAttas I I ' Regional Open iace MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT January 28, 2000 Geoff Allen Pescadero Municipal Advisory Council c/o P.O. Box 2 Pescadero, CA 94060 Dear Mr. Allen: On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, I'd like to offer my sincere thanks for the work you've done as a member of the Coastal Advisory Committee (CAC). At our regular meeting last Wednesday, the Board accepted the CAC's recommendation to declare your work completed, and dissolve the committee. While it was a difficult process, the Board feels that the CAC discussions truly set the stage for the next steps to be taken in the proposed annexation. The Board's Ad Hoc Committee members, and the entire Board, came to better understand your concerns about our shared objective of coastal preservation. As a small token of our appreciation, we've prepared the enclosed certificate, which we hope will remind you of our gratitude. Again, thank you for taking the time to participate in the CAC, and for sticking with it through thick and thin. Your dedication to our common objectives is 1-1 commendable, and the Board truly appreciates the effort you put forth to take part in this process. TSinzreil Ken Nitz President, Board of Directors KN/mcs cc: MROSD Board of Directors Supervisor Rich Gordon 3.30 Distel Circle 9 Los Altos, CA 9402-1-1404 Phone: 0 0-691-1200 F AV 650-691-048 E-rnai 1: mrod«oi)t,ns[)a(e.or,,,, eh site: ww%v.openspace.orig Roxci(it Oiwctw : llete ,wmen,, %I.ir% C. ed C%r, Deane htt!e \oriote Kwko, Bo", Kenneth Goncr,d L.Craig Brilt(w, THE THANKS AND APPRECIATION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MIDPF.NINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT ARE HEREBY BE.ST OWED ON GEOFF ALLEN IN RECOGNITION OF HIS ❖ Exemplary work as a member of the Coastal Advisory Committee; and ❖ Dedication and perseverance in participating in nearly a ear's worth of arduous and sometimes exhausting P p g Y Y g meetings; and ❖ Participation in the key discussions regarding District policies; and ❖ Assistance in bringing to the public forum the critical issues related to coastal preservation; and ❖ Leadership in helping the Board of Directors understand the concerns and interests of the coastside residents regarding our shared objective of coastal preservation; and ❖ Help in making the CAC a catalyst for the next steps to be taken in the proposed annexation; and •3 Providing the Board with key insights into how District policies may be implemented to the benefit of the coastside. The Board truly appreciates the tremendous effort you put forth to play a significant role ift the Coastal Advisory Committee. � Ken Nitz, r sident Board of Directors January 28, 2000 Adfth-.d AMP— ,�' Regional Open , _ ace 2 1 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT February 1,2000 Hillary Gittleman Environmental Review Officer San Francisco Planning Department 1660 Mission Street San Francisco, CA 94103-2414 Dear Ms. Gittleman: On behalf of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District(the District) I would like to submit the following comments regarding the Peninsula Watershed Management Plan Draft Environmental Impact Report(EIR). The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District owns and manages approximately 44,000 acres of open space land on the San Francisco Peninsula in a series of 24 preserves stretching from the watershed boundary to south of Los Gatos. Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve adjoins the Peninsula watershed to the east. As an active open space preservation agency, we expect to acquire more lands abutting or near the watershed in the future. We look forward to working closely with the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission to help implement the Watershed Management Plan. 1. Watershed Management Plan Preferred Alternative The District supports the preferred alternative of the Management Plan, which strikes a careful balance between public access to the watershed lands, enhancement of water quality, and the long-term protection of the watershed's ecological and cultural resources. The wide range of management actions proposed in the plan compliments the District's mission for our adjacent lands, which is to protect and restore the natural environment while providing opportunities for ecologically sensitive public enjoyment and education. Proposed management actions regarding vegetation, wildlife,public outreach, and roads— including implementation of the Fifield/Cahill Ridge Trail—will increase public enjoyment of this area while maintaining the resource values. 2. Coordination with Partner Agencies The District encourages coordination and cooperation with agency partners to facilitate implementation of the Watershed Management Plan. The San Mateo County Parks Department has offered to partner with the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department, and the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council to provide the necessary infrastructure improvements, operational support and maintenance of the proposed Ridge Trail (refer to letter from Supervisor Gordon,dated January 20, 2000). By entering into a Memorandum of Understanding, the San Francisco Pubic Utilities Commission can greatly reduce project implementation costs. San Mateo County can facilitate interim access to the Ridge Trail by recruiting and training Ridge Trail monitors, developing a permit/reservation system for interim users, and by providing signage and portable restroom facilities. The District also hopes to coordinate on future trail connections to our lands on the east and west side of the watershed, and on resource management activities such as management of exotic species. 3. Fifield/Cahill Ridge Trail The District supports increased opportunities for public access to the watershed along the Fifield/Cahill Ridge Trail. In the long-term, we endorse the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council's proposed trail alignments Alternative A for hikers and cyclists, and Alternative B for equestrians. Because of its well-graded surface, width, and generally clear line-of-site, the existing fire road lends itself to multiple use with little potential for user conflicts. In the short-term,however, we recognize that modifications to the proposed trail alignments, including development of a phased approach, could facilitate interim access to the Ridge Trail. Under the scenario proposed by San Mateo County, the first phase would allow docent-led tours for hikers, cyclists,and equestrians. The second phase would focus on development of a permit system and implementation of Alternative C for hikers, equestrians, and cyclists. This phase could also include conditional access for Alternatives A and B. Phase three would result in full implementation of Alternative A for hikers and cyclists, and Alternative B for equestrians. By phasing access to the Ridge Trail, operations staff can evaluate success of the mitigation measures identified in the EIR and determine the need for specific infrastructure or improvements. In terms of mitigation measures, the District agrees with San Mateo County that four restroorn facilities should be adequate to serve the needs of Ridge Trail users(one at the north and south trailheads, one near the middle of the trail at the Five Points area, and one at Skyline Quarry). We also feel that 24-hour surveillance of the trail will be unnecessary. Regular patrol of the Ridge Trail with additional monitoring by volunteer trail patrol groups should be enough to mitigate off-trail use. We appreciate the opportunity to comment on the Peninsula Watershed Management Plan Draft EIR. Please contact me if you have any questions regarding our comments. Sincer ly, 7 L. Craig Britton, General Manager Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District cc: MROSD Board of Directors Richard Gordon, President, San Mateo County Board of Supervisors Mary Bums, San Mateo County Parks and Recreation Department Anson Moran, San Francisco Public Utilities Commission Clifford Janoff, Director, Bay Area Ridge Trail Council MF:LCB 2 Regional Open ace ------------------------- MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT February 3, 2000 Dear MROSD Staff Members, I would like to extend a note of thanks for all of your hard work during the past year. Unfortunately I was unable to attend the Annual State of the District meeting last Friday to personally express my gratitude and appreciation for all your fine efforts on behalf of the District and the public we serve. I believe we had a truly impressive and productive year in moving the District's mission forward on many fronts. While any organization can always be improved, I know of no other public agency which accomplishes as much and where everyone associated with it is so focused on achieving its long-term goals. Once again, thank you all for your dedication and professionalism. Sincerely, `-I'ed Cyr Past President, Board of Directors Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District 330 Distel Circle . Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 Phone:(60-691-1 )oo FAX: hi0-091-048l . E-mail:mros<]r openspace.or, . Web site:�tiww.openspace.or- Ru<:r,r n(�irtt trrr Pete Siemen Mart C. I),lve ,lE c!(�vr. Deue Little. Nc>nette f Iuikn, ehv(rr rvk'r,Kr,nnt°th C_Nitr .Ctrx°ter/3l,uxr rr:1 r,i„Rriltm California Department of PA and Recreation February 2000 CAST ,- ' ROCK 1 771 ERA - PLAN W ` f .r FEBRUARY 2000 NEWSLETTER#6 STATE PARK'S Director Areias opened the meeting by stating its Purpose, which was to aid the Department in finalizing Director, Rusty Areias the Preliminary General Plan. The Director wanted to HOLDS PUBLIC MEETING hear from all sides of the issues before making decisions on such things as park classification, m Partridge Farm development, and dispersed parking On September 20 at Fisher Middle School in and access. Dave Keck, project manager, made a Los Gatos, State Parks held their fifth public presentation of the preliminary general plan, meeting on the general plan for Castle Rock State summarizing the significant resource values and Park. Director Rusty Areias called for this meeting proposed guidelines for long-term preservation, to obtain additional input on park related planning management, and public use. Jan Anderson, Park issues. State Park personnel in attendance, were Superintendent, described the current projects and Director Areias, Chief Deputy Director Mary Wright, programs underway at the park and more detailed Santa Cruz District Superintendent Dave Vincent, resource studies and management plans that the local Santa Cruz Mtns. Sector Supervisor Jan Anderson, district is working on. For example, a Climbing and Project Manager Dave Keck, as well as other Management Plan is being prepared to guide future members of the planning team. low-impact climbing in the park. A trail committee was formed to evaluate existing trails, establish criteria for The public's interest was represented by 60 new trails, and make recommendations for future trail people, which included Santa Cruz Supervisor Jeff connections and appropriate use. Almquist and a representative from Assemblyman Keeley's office. Most of the people who attended have participated throughout the 4-year planning process, either by attending the citizens advisory Please see page 9 committee meetings, planning workshops, or on for information re din the- , field trips with resource specialists and members of gar g, the State Park Planning Team. This planning State.Park and'RM.'.Commission process has created opportunities for a frequent P u b C .Hea rl n exchange of ideas and information on a wide- g `' range of issues affecting Castle Rock State .varch.0, 2000 Park and surrounding open space lands. 1 California Department of PE and Recreation February 2000 SUMMARY OF Early studies did not find rare &endangered plants at Partridge Farm. PUBLIC COMMENTS Sempervirens Fund will fund addition studies for Goat Rock that will provide a basis for evaluating impacts The following represents a summary of when Partridge is opened to the public. public comments from each individual speaker Speaker 6 Support for General Plan as is. at the September public meeting: Partridge Farm is already developed. • Has good access. Speaker I Goal to restore wilderness character We can't create wilderness. Natural Preserve is as close • Desire for education facilities as we can get. • Manage for Wilderness designation As a state park, we should plan for protection and use. • Monitor improved conditions and report on progress • Goal to restore wilderness character Speaker 7 General Plan recognizes "Dark Sky"as • Centralize parking concept is valid for management resource. control 0 Plan needs more reference to light protection & minimize • Walk-in campground is not compatible with light pollution. wilderness objectives 0 Shield outdoor lights. • Campground would change the park's character 9 More guidelines needed on protecting Dark Sky resource. • Acquire Rod & Gun Club should be the goal of the Commission & DPR Speaker 8 Support for Plan: Needs active management • Noise impacts wilderness experience and preservation • Castle Rock should remain different than other However, I do not support a Natural Preserve where traditional State Parks people are not allowed to roam (as is the case in other wilderness areas). Speaker 2 Concerned for access and parking Speaker 9 Parking dispersal will not work. problems along Highways 9 and 35. 0 Don't go back to unsupervised parking and access 0 Need central entrance for Ranger contact. along highways 0 Need more Ranger staffing; build this into the State's 0 Impacts property owners—liability to handle planning process. problems 0 Partridge is fragile, but is the best alternative presented. 0 Partridge Farm is likely place for centralized parking 0 Proposed camping not needed. 0 Doesn't matter what you call it(Natural Preserve or Speaker 10 Encourage adoption of Park Plan. wilderness),just take care of it! • Want Parks to consider limited access for mountain Speaker 3 Castle Rock is prime wilderness area bikes. 0 Don't develop Partridge Farm. Need sufficient buffer Speaker 11 Su around wilderness pport for General Plan without 0 Disperse access, but keep control of parking campground Supports proposed general plan, but does not think there 0 Few managed trailheads with improved parking 0 Climbing will always impact Castle Rock Ridge. Do is enough justification for proposed walk-in camping at not add to the problems with more development at Partridge Farm. Partridge Farm Speaker 12 Dark Sky Resource needs more emphasis in General Plan. Speaker 4 Support Partridge Farm for day-use& camping. * Light pollution is impacting other parks. State Parks • Primitive trail camps not conducive for three-day should work toward protecting all parks and preserving outing for children (Girl Scout Group). Would the Dark Sky resource. support camping at Partridge Farm. Speaker 13 Object to both Gun Clubs. Speaker 5 Open Partridge •Farm to public use as 0 Noise is obscene. originally intended. a Safety issue: Bullets fly by people • Interpretive Shelter designed by noted Architect, * Concerned for lead contamination of creeks(current use exhibits by noted artist, and funded by Sempervirens produces 20-30 lbs. Lead per day) Don't know what Fund. Shelter should be more accessible for public impact this is having on the park's resources downslope. use. California Department of ParAnd Recreation February 2000 Speaker 14 R.O.M.P. supports the General Plan. Speaker e 1 State Par k rk classification pwill support • Good platform for moving forward with a I reservation balance for objectives P 1 protection & use. 0Sem ervirens Fund supports the General eral Plan. • Want regional trail connections: W e need to have Wilderness 9 e ess classification is not appropriate. ro riate. the bicycles off Hwy. 9. . Walk-in campsites are appropriate. • Dispersed parking is unmanageable Speaker 15 Representing interests in Astronomy. • Centralized facilities do work, if limited. • Telescopes are large and require vehicle access to transport to site. Speaker 22 Work toward wilderness designation • Organized groups want to use Partridge Farm for • Wilderness designation has educational value for the viewing dark skies. public. • Protect Dark Sky from light pollution. Set up scopes . Makes area accessible to explore. Could be expanded in parking lots beyond Castle Rock. • Separate from highway lights and campground lights . Development will change the park. Big Basin is an (Gas lamps should not be allowed). example of how areas have changed. • New trails can have impact on native plants. Speaker 16 Provide park resource for people. . Acquire other lands for diversity in recreational areas. • Natural Preserve limits uses to trails only-mistake. • Need expansive trail system for access to park Speaker 23 Residents along Skyline Blvd have concerns areas, for safety • Parking should provide for public recreation. • Parking should be centralized. • Increased access requires more staffing. Speaker 17 Do not over-develop Partridge • Roadside parking on Highways 35 & 9 are dangerous. • Inadequate staffing to manage use against vandalism &garbage. Speaker 24 Hiker supports the General Plan. • Camping proposals are not a good idea. • Castle Rock is not a wilderness-Highways and Gun • Provide for interpretation. Club intrusions. Speaker 18 Concern for managing access 8 use of • Camping will serve some needs, but not all would use it. trailheads Speaker 25 Supports access for people with disabilities • Increased use will increase access problems at • In California 1 out of 5 have a disability. trailheads. . Glad to see access included in the General Plan. • Need staffing to police these use areas. • Partridge Farm has good access for people with all types of disabilities. Speaker 19 Support for Plan. No need to disperse . Plan provides camping opportunities and trail access. parking • Plan would protect natural values • Adequate parking exists along Highway 9 for intended use. Speaker 26 Opposed to dispersed parking. • Most use on ridge is due to the features that visitors . Supports centralized parking. Oppose"Alternative Plan" want to see. proposal for dispersed parking. P P• Put the Rangers in the park. Speaker 20 Return to wilderness. • Staffing &manageability major concerns. • No development at Partridge Farm. 0 State Park Bond funding usually results in more land • Park will become wilderness if managed with this acquisition, fewer new services or additional staffing, and objective. an overall decline in quality. • Partridge Farm development would change the park . Need active resource management, and a plan that and the quality of the wilderness(once you start improves staffs ability to manage use. development it will not stop). Other solutions need . Reduce conflicting agency jurisdictions. to be explored. Need a place for protecting wildlife. Speaker 27 Support General Plan -Protection is there for • DPR mission is for people and resources: wildlife. Preserving biological diversity, protecting most Proposed Campground: 20 walk-in sites not a problem. valued resources, and creating opportunities for high , Castle rock is not awilderness-will never become one. quality outdoor recreation. Wilderness is a high-quality experience and fits with DPR's mission- plan should deal with problems and damage from "Wild Pigs." should be applied to Castle Rock. 3 California Department of Pa and Recreation February 2000 Speaker 28 There are legal problems with the plan Speaker 31 Dispersed parking takes Rangers away from • Violation of CEQA. No ecological superior park management alternative presented. 0 Neighbor of the park opposed to dispersed parking idea • Castle Rock location is at a critical juncture in Santa a Need control of Wild Pigs. M.O.U. developed to begin Cruz Mountains. control measures. • State Parks owns and manages a great deal of land in the region, with many recreational opportunities Speaker 32 Concern for use by Mountain Bikers. and responsibility to manage resources. • Disappointed to hear that State Parks would still consider • Could have other sensitive species in the park—not Mountain Bike use in the park. "Once they are in the yet located. park, you can't get them out" • Wilderness is legal designation and appropriate for Castle Rock. Speaker 33 Support for Dark Sky programs. • Re-write the General Plan. 0 Castle Rock accessible for viewing-educational value. • Expand Natural Preserve and classify as Wilderness * Added value to children. • Natural Preserve leaves rest of the park for 0 Support facilities needed -lighting must be screened development 0 Guidelines exist for minimizing light pollution. • Natural Preserve bisects important ecological 0 No use of gas stoves, fires and light concerns. resources. • Will impact Black Oak Woodland Speaker 34 Sierra Club Member-Supports General Plan. • Speaker believes that this General Plan is about 0 Need parking control. developing" the park. 0 Visitor Center desired. 0 Desired visitor use would support the need for more than Speaker 29 Additional staffing needed to manage 55-car parking at Partridge Farm. park use 0 Access problems with dispersed parking and use a Wild Pigs causing damage—need program for control 0 Need more rangers to manage park use Speaker 30 Nearby residents are opposed to dispersed parking 0 Need better control of parking as proposed by the General Plan at Partridge Farm Where ire ar' eIi*'n the pla.n n i,ng,,,process.- I Data,Gatherin4, '2. IdentifyUsues andconcerns, 3., 'Pr6pafe Alternatives 4.', ' ',,Develop Preferred bra' ft Plan 5 'PrePare,G, eri6raFPIan,, ocumen' f .6. PublicReView(C EQA) 7 R -RESOONSE"f0"PUBLIC-COMMENTS- - 8. Park CpllrrlissiohApproval 4 California Department of Pa, ind Recreation February 2000 The following text (in Italics) are excerpts of the GENERAL PLAN language modifications or additions, as described in "the Addendum to the Preliminary General Plan. Modifications These are presented under the four major Based on the input that we received during headings below: the September public meeting, our Department . Unit Vision (revised) recognized that portions of the plan would . Managing Resources & Visitor Impacts require some modifications. While we felt . Partridge Farm Area Land Use Management there was general consensus on the vision for and Development a "wildlands" park, we acknowledge that we did • Overnight use of Partridge Farm Area not accurately reflect management's intent to protect and preserve significant resources, or The Department's vision for the future of Castle clarify future considerations for public access Rock SP is best described in the following revised unit and facilities development. vision statement: Specific plan modifications are described in Unit Vision (Revised) the form of an Addendum to the Preliminary General Plan. Please see page 9 for Castle Rock State Park is a place of outstanding information on how to obtain or view a copy of scenic beauty possessing the vestigial wilderness this addendum to the Preliminary General qualities of the Santa Cruz Mountains, linked through Plan. biocorridors with other remnant natural ecosystems of the region. A management philosophy of protecting wildness guides visitors through the scenic vistas, Plan modifications include: interesting vegetation, and unique landforms. • Strengthening the language of several The park lands and adjacent open space appear as guidelines in the plan, to emphasize the interconnected wildlands recovering from previous Department's commitment to protecting human use. The visitor's quest for open space and resources, solitude are met through an integrated system of trails and protected natural areas. Encounters with the most • Rewriting the unit's vision, as shown significant park values intensify as visitors penetrate below, to reflect the interrelationship deeper into these forested canyons. An environmental between visitors and the park's enduring ethic impactsdes on the naturallsystems.or and minimizes visitor There its heightened natural resource values, and awareness of the significance and se►rsitivity of paik resources and the effect recreation may have on the • Clarifying the need for resource health of the ecosystem, with a recognition to preserve assessments and evaluations prior to this area for future generations. considering new access and facility improvements. The Department recognizes the park's special qualities and believes that the State Park classification gives priority protection for resources, with emphasis on the protection of the core ecological area afforded by the proposed Natural Preserve. 5 Northwest view from the Ridge Trial I I � r♦ i California Department of Pa and Recreation February 2000 Managing Resources & Visitor Impacts headquarters area on this site that provides basic visitor services and information, with programs stressing park It is recognized that any recreational use values and recreational opportunities. The open-air produces at least some impact, and that the interpretive shelter will exhibit known natural and Department needs to manage visitor impacts. Also cultural features, and occasionally serve as an outdoor recognized is the importance of providing and classroom. Overnight use will be considered in the form maintaining diversity in resource features and of walk-in campsites. However, day use and public conditions of the park. contact facilities will be given a higher priority for implementation. New facilities will be esthetically Goal.. Apply processes and methods of visitor designed to blend with their surroundings and respect impact analysis to minimize resource impacts and the environment and its preservation. The entry maintain appropriate types and levels of visitor use experience for visitors to Castle Rock State Park, within this unit. through Partridge Farm, will prepare visitors for a wildlands experience they will get when entering the Guidelines: In accordance with the California trail system beyond. Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), prior to site specific development or preparation of Future management and use of the Partridge Farm management plans, the area of potential impact will Area will be guided through proper site planning and on- be surveyed and reviewed by appropriate going evaluation of resource conditions, as well as personnel and responsible agencies. Resource understanding visitor and operational needs. The conditions will be periodically assessed and introduction of public access and use to this site will appropriate actions taken to maintain acceptable transform some of the current open space to developed conditions and manage use accordingly. parking, buildings, and outdoor use areas. However, the predominance of open space will be preserved and native vegetation reestablished to provide wildlife habitat and serve as a buffer between facilities and surrounding natural areas. Visitors can be oriented to the appropriate use areas and informed about the resource values and park rules and regulations. The Department will focus on mitigating visitor impacts in sensitive resource areas, establishing the initial public contact and operating functions, and improving access for people with disabilities. An overall site plan will be prepared for the Partridge ' Farm Area, reflecting a phased approach to future development (see guidelines). This proposed change in land use will involve the design and construction of sue;- '°" "'^ parking lots and entrance road in areas previous) interpretive shelter in the Partridge Farm area y developed before the land became a state park. The design process will integrate facilities and vehicle and Partridge Farm Area Land Use pedestrian circulation into the site with the least impacts Management and Development on resources and surrounding activities. This site transformation and changes in the patterns of use will The management intent is that the Partridge occur incrementally. The first phase of new parking at Farm Area provide the primary access, contact, Partridge Farm will be managed for the primary visitor and orientation for visitors to Castle Rock State access and use of the Castle Rock Ridge area. Initially, Park. For most visitors, this entrance area will any spaces retained in the existing parking lot will serve serve as the main trailhead parking and transitional as a secondary access for trail use. Roadside parking zone between the park's wildland areas and the will be removed along the highway outside both of these urbanized setting from which they come. parking areas. The Partridge area parking will serve Management will establish a new park first time visitors and others coming to the park 6 California Department of Parend Recreation February 2000 headquarters office, as well as for special events. Prior to facility development, a resource assessment Visitors will be directed to trailheads and will be implemented in order to direct management on designated perimeter parking areas, depending on development, use limitations, and public access to the their interests and need for visitor services. Partridge Farm Area and its surroundings. The Ultimately, the goal is for Partridge to become the restoration and protection of the natural communities in primary entrance and day use parking area, where the area will offset unavoidable impacts associated with visitor use can be effectively managed and any development. As well, there is a commitment to resources protected. provide quality interpretation of the natural and cultural values therein. Such interpretation is intended to stimulate an awareness and appreciation by all park Overnight use of Partridge Farm Area visitors to share in the protection and preservation of these resource values. The park was evaluated during the general plan process for its potential to create opportunities for =ti high-quality outdoor recreation, consistent with its resource values and c!sssif,;cation. It was recognized that some park visitors enjoy a primitive type of recreational experience and would like - extended hours of use. Others wanted campsites that were more accessible from the main parking lot. ; ' It is also recognized that the provision for 20 r' walk-in campsites at the Partridge.Farm area will not meet a significant amount of the demand for camping in the San Francisco Bay Metropolitan Area. However, it could provide an opportunity for Soil erosion at the base of Goat Rock statewide visitors to have the unique experience of camping on the Castle Rock Ridge and enjoying PARK PROJECTS spectacular evening, nighttime, and morning hours. Currently, this is available only to those who can backpack 3 miles into the park or reside in the local A committee, composed of local climbers from community. around the Bay Area, has been established to work with the park and write a management plan for climbing. Goal: Expand access opportunities for visitors The purpose is to develop guidelines and climbing rules who may travel a greater distance or want to that will help protect Castle Rock's natural resources experience the park's envircnment during the while still providing enjoyable and reasonably safe morning and evening hours. Also, eliminate climbing experiences. physical barriers and provide equal accessibility to all programs and facilities. A trail committee is also being formed to evaluate existing trails, establish criteria for new trails, and make The management intent is to establish recommendations for future trail connections and approximately 20 walk-in campsites in the Partridge appropriate use. Farm Area. The walk-in campsites, unlike automobile campgrounds, will not have vehicle The Department, with help from the Sempervirens parking next to each campsite, and visitors will be Fund and the Varian Foundation, provided funding to do required to walk a reasonable distance from a resource studies and site investigations in the vicinity of common parking area to campsites situated in a Goat Rock. This project will provide baseline data for more natural setting. Campsites and support evaluation of resource conditions and visitor impacts. facilities will be designed for accessibility in For more information, please contact the Santa Cruz accordance with ADA guidelines, and sited with Mountains Sector Office at (831) 338-8865. minimal impact on resource values. 7 i California Department of Pa ind Recreation February 2000 a Where We Go From Here How to get Information The Department has reviewed all of the --,,If you would like additional planning public comments that have been received and information about Castle Rock State.Park-, completed an addendum to the Preliminary please givens a call, or write_ to the General Plan in response to the public's address.below: concerns. The Preliminary General Plan that was submitted for CEQA review, along with the Dave-Keck, Project Manager addendum, public comments and Department 1725.23rd Street, Suite.200 responses, will be forwarded to the State Park Sacramento, CA 95816 and Recreation Commission for their review Phone:(916) 322-2997. and approval in March 2000. This newsletter Email: dkeck(dparks.ca.gov and the addendum will be available for viewing on the State Parks Website. For:state parks in the Santa Cruz Mountains, please call (831) 338-8865. The planning team very much appreciated the open and frank discussions at the public For information on other parks and meeting. We have been making every effort to programs in the.State Park System, please understand the diverse interests that people visitthe State Parks�Website•at: have regarding the future of Castle Rock State Park. Our goal is to present a general plan hftp://www.cal-parks.ca.gov that establishes a clear vision for the future of this park, where public use is in harmony with resource preservation. `r 11 � : f Sr4 � Volunteers help build and maintain trails 8 i California Department of Par&nd Recreation February 2000 PUBLIC HEARING The California State Park and Recreation Commission will hold a public hearing to consider the adoption of the Castle Rock SP General Plan & proposed Natural Preserve Subclassification. When: March 8, 2000 Public hearing will begin around 9:30 am, or shortly thereafter Where: Issac Newton Senter Auditorium 70 West Hedding Street San Jose, California Copies of the Preliminary General Plan document 2199, Addendum 1/00, and the Department's response to public comments are available for public review at the following locations: San Jose Main Library Santa Cruz Public Library Big Basin Redwoods SP 180 W. San Carlos Street 224 Church Street 21600 Big Basin Way San Jose, CA 95113 Santa Cruz, CA 95060 Boulder Creek, CA 95006 Saratoga Comm. Library San Francisco City Library Santa Cruz District Office 13650 Saratoga Avenue Civic Center 600 Ocean Street Saratoga, CA 95113 San Francisco, CA 94142 Santa Cruz, CA 95060 Santa Clara Central Library Los Gatos City Library 2635 Homested Road 110 E. Main Street Santa Clara, CA 95051 Los Gatos, CA 95032 9 i Regional Open Sp..-e MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT To Board of Directors From: C. Britton,General Manager Date: February 9,2000 Re: FYls 330 Distel Circle • Los Altos,CA 94022-1404 • Phone:650-691-1200 Fax:650-691-0485 • E-mail: mrosd@openspace.org • Web site: www.openspace.org Feb., 2000 Director Crowder received this message in a fortune cookie. You will learn that money does not buy happiness . . . . but it does preserve open space. --- -- - - - - - - - Regional Open - ace MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT February 8, 2000 California State Parks and Recreation Commission California Department of Parks and Recreation P. O. Box 942896 Sacramento, CA 94296 Re: Proposed Proposition 12 Projects for the State Park System Dear State Park and Recreation Commissioners: The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District appreciates having this opportunity to recommend acquisition, development and rehabilitation projects for the Sate Park system to be considered for funding from the Safe Neighborhood Parks, Clean Water, Clean Air, and Coastal Protection Bond Act of 2000. These proposed projects are of keen interest to the District as they would be complimentary to our existing open space program. The District currently owns and manages more than 45,000 acres of public open space lands within the San Francisco Peninsula and South Bay region. The following five projects being recommended are located on the western slopes of the Santa Cruz Mountains in both San Mateo and Santa Cruz Counties(see attached maps). Each project would make a major contribution in the regional efforts to provide continuous park and recreation corridors between existing parklands and coastal beaches. These efforts are being pursued by a number of local, regional, state and national agencies and organizations. The projects would have statewide significance by protecting unique and diverse habitats as well as providing recreational opportunities attracting millions of visitors within and beyond the San Francisco Bay Area. 1. Burleigh Murray Ranch State Park Trail Corridor to the Sea The Burleigh Murray Ranch State Park Trail Corridor to the Sea would connect existing and planned parklands along Skyline Boulevard to the California Coastal Trail south of Half Moon Bay. Burleigh Murray Ranch and adjoining District and Peninsula Open Space Trust lands comprise nearly 5,500 acres of potential parkland, and extend nearly two-thirds the distance between Skyline ridge and the coastline. The recommended Ridge Trail to the Sea corridor would provide an extremely important trail connection between the Bay Area Ridge Trail and the California Coastal Trail. In addition, the District is continuing to acquire open space lands and trail corridors that connect with Burleigh Murray Ranch, Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve and the proposed Mills Creek Open Space Preserve near the intersection of the Skyline Boulevard and State Highway 92. 130 Distel Cirde * Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 * Phone: 0-691-1200 FAX: 650-691-0483 o E-mail: mrosd(01 openlm(e.org, o Web site:ili%'�%v,.o[)ens[)ace.org do Bo,irel,,t Piro tor, Pete Sierren, \1,iry C, W\ev, Jed Ciiir,Deane 1-ittle, \onette H,inko, Bet,Ctm%der.Kenneth C. Nit/ - General Ali,in,it-ior i 13rittor, 41 2. La Honda Creek State Park Approximately 5,000 acres of scenic grassland ridges, forests and riparian corridors would become a new state park. Located west of La Honda and south of the District's 2,000-acre La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve, the area includes a distinctive wildlife habitat along broad and heavily overgrown riparian corridors that lack human disturbance. Harrington and Bogess creeks are year-round, clear-flowing creeks where there is an abundance of aquatic insects that attract spawning steelhead. The property is home to species of special concern, including the California Red-Legged Frog, Western Pond Turtle and Golden Eagle. The District's biologist believes the property is also home to the Tiger Salamander and San Francisco Garter Snake. Acquisition by the State would preserve these unique habitats as well as provide an expansive public trail system, offering panoramic views of the coast. The property has excellent access from State Highway 84 with site conditions suitable for developing major staging and interpretative facilities. 3. Portola Redwoods State Park Additions (Oil Creek Area) Extending the boundaries of Portola Redwoods State Park to incorporate the headwaters of Oil Creek would protect one of the most rugged and remote creek corridors in Santa Cruz and San Mateo counties. In addition, it would successfully complete the ongoing efforts by the District and State to round out and protect the valuable watersheds contained in both the state park and the adjacent Long Ridge Open Space Preserve. Few creeks in the Santa Cruz Mountains exhibit the qualities of Oil Creek and deserve the highest level of protection. California Department of Fish and Game has identified the creek as an important steelhead stream and has recommended it as a recovery site for Coho Salmon. The District's biologist has reported the presence of the California Red- Legged Frog in the upper reaches of the creek. Incorporation of the Oil Creek watershed would also protect an important second growth redwood forest and provide trail connections to the Bay Area Ridge Trail and Castle Rock State Park. 4. Castle Rock State Park Addition (San Lorenzo Valley Water District Land) The San Lorenzo Valley Water District owns and manages approximately 1300 acres of watershed land near Waterman Gap that is recommended to be added to the adjacent to Castle Rock State Park. The property is managed for watershed purposes and is comprised of an unusually large second growth redwood and Douglas fir forest. The forest is believed to provide habitat to the Marbled Murrelet and the creeks are home to rainbow trout and steelhead. The headwaters of the San Lorenzo River are within the property and adjacent parkland so both agencies share interests and watershed management concerns. Both have similar natural and cultural resources. Currently, public access into the property is limited to recreation easements granted to the State but could be expanded if the property is acquired for parkland. We understand that Sempervirens Fund, a local land trust, has been working with the property owners on this possible project. Page 2 5. Forest of Nisene Marks State Park Addition (Loma Prieta Ranch) Perched high on the southwestern slope of Mt. Loma Prieta, the 500-acre Loma Prieta Ranch property is a natural extension of the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park and Soquel Demonstration State Forest. The property was acquired in 1999 by Peninsula Open Space Trust because of its valuable wildlife habitat and importance in providing a trail connection between the District's 15,300-acre Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve and Forest of Nisene Marks State Park. The upper reaches of Soquel Creek originate on the property and have been identified as pristine steelhead habitat and a recovery site for Coho Salmon. The central portion of the site has been identified as a potential site for a backpacking campground. Being located outside the District but close to existing State facilities, it could be more easily and efficiently managed by the State. Acquisition by the State would complete the most vital link in a trail to the sea that originates in Los Gatos and connects the Bay Area Ridge Trail with Santa Cruz County's Coastal Trail. In summary, the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District enthusiastically supports Proposition 12, recognizing it will provide significant funds for much-needed park and open space land acquisitions and development of public park facilities. The projects we are recommending are those we feel will enhance the efforts the District and other local agencies and organizations have undertaken to help meet both statewide and regional park and open space needs. For further information, you may contact me at (650) 691-1200. Si Scerely, L. Craig Britton General Manager cc: MROSD Board of Directors Peninsula Open Space Trust Sempervirens Fund Page 3 4b MIDPENINSUA REGIONAL OPEItPACE DISTRICT Eft—d Rd. Fiwi 1S Cevar Ed@--d Redwood s.r Re. I County hh euat Murray caw-wbNaon.( city Fi Ste "" c A Slate Park Rbon"" \ \ n Atherton 4 �� PNegs E.U. Palo C�"Fwk Woodside B1 ay Menlo r� Alto o Park qy 04 d a' e ss > ''s; '. Wuaaferlia� W4/aJlia�nw 5a A— 3 y'>p x.3s f4 Na.RR Portola m, 4 valley f ►ab Mbl & -... Ph� f 3� Lis g'�; 2 >A Altos � (� Hills � �qq 6 F-thi4 `J P Fe ! t A rah Rd,b hw t o\w N' Nbl f 2 San 86 "*q reg-orio M.0—W Cr i r'h 4� ss qd upp- a$ Eavnr [-k Y °",ry rah s-Mal- a ❑ C'wly M..° -W Frk 3 SWA �.. Pescadero aa'`00 Raa.-a. LEGEND O a' __— Boundary or sphere of influence of the ms� � Midpeninwla Regional Open Space District County Line c - Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District preserves Major city,county,state,and federal parks and - open space preserves San Mateo County J Private land trusts -- Wwn Swe Pah I Sd/Etd�NI COWIfy Private water company and public water department watershed lands 9 ' 0 1 2 3 4 5 I Scale in Miles 1 a.r'ea s w. I wand, ' s�rah so AP I ►ah ' � 1 .4 AP 11 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT LEGEND M-la,am Rd N� s aRt _ �� Boundary or ss sphere of influence of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District oe�e'ret F Rd.. H—Al—A.. --- County Line llppe, a <�— (I'c�et ti ' o Slevnr �ancfi C Are. I cr«t •1 � Mid peninsula Regional Open Space a Pe eg pe District preserves nR CPrk slee LI °%� To Major city,county,state,and federal parks and S.C—h � San ose open space reserves `a, f IrNek N� as Campbell 1 P P preserves i Ire c Io,Cr 1 I_- I Private land trusts F° a se°� T car P" Private water company and public water department watershed lands Porlola Fe.frlq Redwoods y Sa log 5's ^a'7ri1 0 1 2 3 4 5 State Aeekff Park -- - 9 I e Scale in Miles '\ M xdw rO�aiFr, c= 3 g rrk � ss I S onte *° y� reno UAW Rot, S.&—Sk/'N^r' vC 17 ( � Seale h.k —Y hh � San Maleu County Los Gatos —— Santa Cruz County —— St.—ph. � Hill P.e.... 1 Run J 4 Pn, ��Rd �, Akwedew QWmaer CooeAF Prk 17 'rMa SP IS ` Rew 4 f C x I lotfi loud Retxalloml Boulder eke Creek � a 17 � o °° 9 f J of 1 d M ar' Ben g �� Lomond ■.et..oae !) sea�el oea,w»I..Roe 541e ForeN Sble►ark C FJ Cnd D' u:l �.. . Forest of Nisene Marks Slate Park 'I �( I I