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HomeMy Public PortalAbout20001016 - Agendas Packet - Board of Directors (BOD) - 00-27 Regional Open Spdce a MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT Meeting 00-27 SPECIAL MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT 7:00 P.M. Monday, October 16, 2000 NOTE SPECIAL DATE AND TIME: MONDAY AT 7:00 P.M. AGENDA 7:00* SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT -OPEN SESSION ** ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - Public ADOPTION OF AGENDA 7:05* BOARD BUSINESS 1. Workshop to Review the Preliminary Draft Service Plan Being Prepared for the Public Workshops Scheduled for October, 2000 and to Become Ultimately a Part of the District's Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo) Application for the San Mateo County Coastal Annexation - C. Britton 9:00* 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. 330 Distel Circle • Los Altos,CA 94022-1404 Phone:650-691-1200 Fax:650-691-0485 • E-mail: mrosd(popenspace.org • Web site: www.openspace.org Regional Open Ice MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT R-00-132 Meeting 00-27 October 16, 2000 AGENDA ITEM I AGENDA ITEM I Workshop to Review the Preliminary Draft Service Plan Being Prepared for the Public Workshops Scheduled for October, 2000 and to Ultimately Becom a Pa of the District's Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo) Application for the an Mate County Coastal Annexation. GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMEN TI Review, discuss, amend and comment on the attached Preliminary Draft Service Plan for the San Mateo County Coastal Annexation. DISCUSSION The application by the District to the San Mateo County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo) to annex the San Mateo County Coastal Area must address a number of technical questions. Therefore, the application will include the Service Plan for the annexation area, an Environmental Impact Report, and a Fiscal Analysis. The Service Plan not only outlines the way in which the District will conduct its business and the services the District will provide, it also acts as the "project description" for the environmental review process and serves as a foundation for the fiscal study. At your workshop on May 31, 2000 you provided guidance about the content of the District's Proposed I Preliminary Draft Service Plan for the San Mateo County Coastal Annexation Area. The Preliminary Draft was revised based upon your input, and was widely distributed in advance of public scoping meetings held in June, 2000. Questions and comments received at those meetings have been addressed in the Preliminary Draft Service Plan attached for your review. The Guiding Principles contained in the Preliminary Draft Service Plan recognize that while the District operates under a set of Basic Policies and related policies, many may not reflect the particular landscape and open space resources of the coastal area, and the particular needs of area residents. The Guiding Principles provide a foundation for the District's development of more specific policies for the Coastal Annexation Area following final approval of annexation by the San Mateo County LAFCo. The Plan provides a timetable for services with an overview of the District's Basic Service Plan for acquisition, development, and management programs for fifteen years after annexation. Two alternative scenarios, based upon a voter-approved funding measure, are also presented. The Basic Service Plan 330 Distel Circle • Los Altos,CA 94022-1404 • Phone:650-691-1200 FE Fax:650-691-0485 • E-mail:mrosd®openspace.org • Web site:www.openspace.org 8PEE'T 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-00-132 Page 2 and alternative scenarios assume the acquisition of lands or easements by the District would be from willing sellers only without the use of eminent domain. The purpose of the workshop is to answer questions about the Preliminary Draft Service Plan and receive comments and guidance about its content. In addition to this workshop, public workshops have been scheduled in Pescadero on October 17th and in Half Moon Bay on October 19, 2000. The Preliminary Draft Service Plan will be revised based on comments made by the general public, local agencies, and the District's Board of Directors. It will then be presented to the Board as a Draft Service Plan and reviewed following the guidelines of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Prepared by: Cathy Woodbury, Planning Manager Contact person: L. Craig Britton, General Manager i MIDPENINSUTA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT j COASTAL ANNEXATION STUDIES PUBLIC WORKSHOP ANNOUNCEMENT Thank you for your interest in the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District's annexation study for the San Mateo County Coast. As announced in the newsletter you recently received, the Preliminary Draft Service Plan is attached. Three public workshops will be held this month to review the Preliminary Draft. Monday, October 16, 2000 -- 7 P.M. MROSD Board Room 330 Distel Circle, Los Altos Tuesday, October 17a 2000 -- 7 P.M. . Board Room, Pescadero Unified School District 620 North Street, Pescadero Thursday, October 19, 2000 -- 7 P.M. Ted Adcock Community Senior Center 535 Kelly Avenue, Half Moon Bay i If you have questions or comments, please call Patrick Miller, Program Manager - Coastal Annexation Studies, 510-524-8132. III Coastal Annexation Area Preliminary .Draft Service Plan October 6 , 2000 f Summary: Coastal Annexation Area Miqlpeninsula Rezional Onen SDace District Preliminan,Draft Service Plan PREFACE This document is a working draft provided for public review. The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (the District) solicits public comment on its Preliminary Draft Service Plan for the San Mateo County Coastal Annexation Area (the Coastal Annexation Area). The Service Plan will be part of the District's application to the San Mateo County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo) to expand the District's Boundary and Sphere of Influence (SOI) to include the Coastal Annexation Area. The Service Plan will also form the basis for District policies and operations in the Coastal Annexation Area if that area is annexed. The Preliminary Draft Service Plan will be revised based on comments made by local agencies, the general public, and the District's Board of Directors. It will then be reissued as a Draft Service Plan and reviewed following the guidelines of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). After the CEQA document is complete, it, along with the Service Plan and a Fiscal Impact Analysis, will be presented as part of the District's application to the San Mateo County LAFCo. Any questions or comments about the District's annexation proposal should be directed to Mr. Patrick Miller 2M Associates Box 7036, Landscape Station Berkeley, CA 94707 510-524-8132 This is a progress report.All information outlined herein is for planning purposes only and is subject to change Page I October 6,2000 Summan,: Coastal Annexation Area ti9iderzinsula Regional Open Space District Preliminarv,Draft Service Plan INTRODUCTION Purpose of the Service Plan The purpose of the District's Service Plan is to outline the services that would be provided by the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District in the Coastal Annexation Area. This Service Plan will allow the San Mateo County LAFCo to determine if annexation of the Coastal Annexation Area to the District would be consistent with the goals of the State to encourage orderly growth and development as set forth in the Cortese-Knox Local Government Reorganization Act of 1985. The Coastal Annexation Area The proposed Coastal Annexation Area is illustrated in Figure l and is generally defined as follows: • on the east by the existing District boundary and San Francisco watershed lands • on the west by the Pacific Ocean 0 on the north by the southern boundary of the City of Pacifica • on the south by the San Mateo County/ Santa Cruz County boundary The proposed Coastal Annexation Area is located entirely within San Mateo County. Definitions Definitions of key terms used can be found at the end of this report. The Cortese-Knox Local Government Reorganization Act of 1985 The District's annexation application is governed by the requirements of the Cortese-Knox Local Government Reorganization Act of 1985 (the Cortese-Knox Act). The Cortese-Knox Act was instituted by the California Legislature to recognize that the determination of local agency boundaries is an important factor in promoting the State's policy of encouraging orderly growth and development as essential elements to the social, fiscal, and economic well-being of the State. The Legislature further declared that the best mechanism for establishing community service priorities to promote orderly urban development was a single governmental agency, in this case the San Mateo County LAFCo, rather than several limited-purpose agencies. The Cortese-Knox Act recognizes that establishing community service priorities involves two important dynamics. These are: P Y c: Note.This is a progress report.All information outlined herein is for planning purposes only and is subject to change Page 2 October 6,2000 Summary: Coastal Annexation Area Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Preliminary Draft Service Plan • that urban population densities and intensive residential, commercial, and industrial development necessitate a broad spectrum and high level of community services and controls; and • that there is a need to carefully weigh urban growth patterns against the total financial resources available for securing community services. Typically, the thrust of the Cortese-Knox Act in promoting orderly development is most applicable to the provision or expansion of traditional community services like water, sewer, and roads that support urban development. However, there is growing recognition that the preservation of open space as would be provided by the District is also an important community service. Because the District is submitting an application for a change of organization, the Cortese-Knox Act requires that a plan be presented to the San Mateo LAFCo for providing services within the affected territory, which in this case is the Coastal Annexation Area. This Service Plan must include, at a minimum, the following information: • An enumeration and description of the services to be extended to the affected territory. i • The level and range of those services. An indication of when those services can feasibly be extended to the affected territory. • An indication of any improvement or upgrading of structures, roads, sewer or water facilities, or other conditions the local agency would impose or require within the affected territory if the change of organization is completed. • Information with respect to how those services will be financed. The Cortese-Knox Act ( Section 56377) requires that the San Mateo LAFCo consider the following policies and priorities in reviewing proposals that could reasonably be expected to induce, facilitate, or lead to the conversion of existing open-space lands to uses other than open- space uses: • Development or use of land other than for open-space uses shall be guided away from existing prime agricultural lands toward areas containing nonprime agricultural lands, unless that action would not promote the planned, orderly, efficient development of an area. • Development of existing vacant or nonprime agricultural lands for urban uses within the V Note.This is a progress report All information outlined herein is for planning purposes on(v and is subject to change Page 3 October 6,2000 Coastal Area Annexation Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Figure I Proposed Annexation Area / .Pacifica' Urban and Rural Lands '�' -' ' k V y w� N Legend Gcncmlimd Boundary of IT,� Purposed Annexation Men �..r Existing District Sphere of Inlluma Boundary / San Masco County.Urban/Rand Boundary - _ •. �p` City of Hilf Moon Bay-Urban / Ciq-of LN Moon Bay SAC"of Influence San Maim Counry-Urban Coastal Zone Boundary r` �.' � Sovcc Sn Msrm:ueh Gsvy W�-Ruy uro Ux n�F` weduMUMp.. - % {~rt sM{prs 4u taro Uss MaC wrr` lsitse Mrp Mid Coast *,46, � P f, jl;� '1� { '� 'GT "fir e.: ..}. ., sm y\ s ). CO unty -fit <Z' Pescadero South Coast This map it conceptual and for planning purposes only. ``�• Program data,salt,louunn of areas,and other information - Santa Cruz s,- shown are suhiea to field evaluation and modifiasion. County Scale 0 1 2 4 miles �� w North Summary: Coastal Annexation Area Midpeninsula Regional open Space District Prelirninar v Draft Service Plan i existing jurisdiction or the sphere of influence of a local agency should be encouraged before any proposal is approved which would allow for or lead to the development of existing open-space lands for non-open-space use which are outside of the existing jurisdiction or outside of the existing sphere of influence of the local agency. Annexation of the San Mateo Coastal Area by the District and the acquisition and management of lands for open space purposes as defined by the Cortese-Knox Act is consistent with the above policies. The Cortese-Knox Act (Section 56425) defines the purposes and responsibilities of the San Mateo LAFCo to plan and shape logical and orderly development and to coordinate local governmental agencies so as to advantageously provide for the present and future needs of the County and its communities. In determining the District's sphere of influence, the San Mateo LAFCo must consider and prepare a written statement of its determinations with respect to each of the following: • The present and planned land uses in the area, including agricultural and open-space lands; • The present and probable need for public facilities and services in the area, which in this case involves open space conservation, resource management programs, and low-intensity recreation; • The present capacity of public facilities and adequacy of public services which the agency is authorized to provide; and • The existence of any social or economic communities of interest in the area if the Commission determines that they are relevant to the agency. Factors to be considered in the San Mateo LAFCo review of the District's Service Plan include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: • Population and population density; land area and land use; per capita assessed valuation; topography, natural boundaries, and drainage basins; proximity to other populated areas; and the likelihood of significant growth in the area during the next 10 years. • Need for organized community services; the present cost and adequacy of governmental services and controls in the area; probable future needs for those services and controls; probable effect of the proposed incorporation, formation, annexation, or exclusion of alternative courses of action on the cost and adequacy of services and controls in the area and adjacent areas. "Services," as used in this subdivision, refers to governmental services whether or not these services would be provided by local agencies, and includes T.' Note. This is a progress report.All information outlined herein is Jai planning purposes on(v and is subject to change Page 4 October 6,2000 Summary: Coastal Annexation Area Mldpeninsula Regional Open Spczce District Preliminary Draft Service Plan the public facilities necessary to provide those services. • The effect of the proposed action and of alternative actions on adjacent areas, mutual social and economic interests, and the local governmental structure of the County. • The conformity of both the proposal and its anticipated effect on providing planned, orderly, efficient patterns of urban development. • The effect of the proposal on maintaining the physical and economic integrity of agricultural lands in the area. • The definiteness and certainty of the proposed boundaries. • Consistency with city or County general and specific plans; and the sphere of influence of any local agency relative to the proposal being reviewed. • The comments of any affected local agency. Background of the Annexation Proposal Events and Factors leading to the District's proposal to expand its boundaries to include the Coastal Annexation Area include: • In 1997, resolutions from the Half Moon Bay City Council, the Mid-Coast Community Council, and the Pescadero Municipal Advisory Council, as well as a letter and petition from the Coastal Alliance (a grassroots land preservation organization), were sent to the District requesting that the District explore ways to help permanently conserve the open space resources of the San Mateo Coast. The District may realistically acquire and manage open space land and provide low-intensity recreation opportunities within its jurisdictional boundaries. To help protect agriculture, open space, and natural resources on the San Mateo County Coast, the District must amend its sphere of influence and boundaries through the LAFCo process. The District may legally acquire land outside its jurisdictional boundaries where related to accomplishing its statutory purposes. However, a series of pragmatic concerns discourage such acquisitions. These concerns include: • the potential for inefficient management where property is not adjacent to existing District land, • the desire to acquire lands which result in workable and efficient preserves which are integral units, and • the Open Meeting State law that prohibits the District Board from conducting c Note.This is a progress report.Alt information outlined herein is for planning purposes only and is subject to change Page 5 1 October 6,2000 Summary: Coastal Annexation Area Mi&eninsula Regional Open Space District Preliminary Draft Service Plan meetings outside its boundaries, which, in turn, would not provide for local representation and would not encourage local participation in District programs. • Discussions with other open space, recreation, and park service providers within the Coastal Annexation Area—including the National Park Service, the California Department of Parks and Recreation, and the San Mateo County Parks Department— indicate that these agencies have a limited capacity to provide expanded open space preservation and management services, and that there is the need, therefore, for a local organization to provide these services. • While local conservation organizations owning land in the Coastal Annexation Area will continue to be successful in acquiring land, they are not ordinarily structured to manage open space lands on a long-term basis. Thus these organizations have asked the District to manage natural resources and low-intensity public-use programs on some of their properties, as the District is the only locally represented public agency capable of providing this land management. • Economic changes within the greater San Francisco Bay Area, and within San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties in particular, have caused dramatic changes in real estate dynamics. These dynamics involve the increase in personal income associated with the economic vitality of Silicon Valley and the subsequent increase in real estate development pressures on the rural coast. The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Board of Directors agrees the agricultural and open space resources along approximately 40 miles of the San Mateo County coast are of national significance and deserve the highest level of stewardship possible. Further,the District Board believes that the continuation of active agricultural and ranching uses on the San Mateo County coast is very important in retaining the area's rural atmosphere and way of life. Over the last two years and in a variety of forums, including two public opinion polls, an advisory election, and over twenty-five community advisory and informational meetings, the District received significant public comment about the Coastal Annexation Area and the role of the District in that area. Chief among the opinions expressed during this process is that to build confidence in the District's intent and to be the most effective overall in terms of long-term programs, the District should acquire lands from willing sellers only. Adopting a policy that prohibits the use of eminent domain would also aid the District in working with private property owners who, though they may not wish to sell their property, would be interested in cooperating in a variety of management programs that would benefit the natural and agricultural resources of the Coastal Annexation Area. Additional sentiments expressed by the public about the significance of the Coastal Annexation Area and need for long-term conservation of open space resources include: cc Note This is a progress report.All information outlined herein is for planning purposes only and is subject to change Page 6 October 6,2000 Summary: Coastal Annexation Area Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District S Preliminary Draft Service Plan - 0 the outstanding natural resources and ecological diversity present within the Coastal Annexation Area due to its mountain-to-ocean landscape; 0 the integrity and dramatic visual character of the Coastal Annexation Area, its forested rural backdrop, coastal plains and valleys, continental edge, and the Pacific Ocean; and * the proximity of the Coastal Annexation Area, being within a one-hour drive, or less, to literally millions of Bay Area residents. Role and Objectives of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District in the Coastal Annexation Area The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District is a public agency that acquires and manages open space resources. Where appropriate, the District provides visitor-serving facilities for low-intensity recreation by the general public. The District is not a land regulatory agency. Within the Coastal Annexation Area the District would only purchase property or easements from willing sellers and would not exercise the power of eminent domain. As a property owner, the District must work within the context of existing Federal, State, County, and City land use regulations and zoning designations. Approximately three-fifths of the 144,000-acre Coastal Annexation Area is within the Coastal Zone. All lands within the Coastal Zone are subject to local coastal policies adopted by San Mateo County pursuant to the California Coastal Act. No changes in land use designations or land use controls are associated with the annexation process or are anticipated as a result of any District activities. The District strives to preserve open space in perpetuity, which would protect both the agricultural and the natural resources of the Coastal Annexation Area. Although the District is not an agricultural preservation district, and does not propose any agricultural subsidy programs, its Service Plan does recognize the importance of agriculture to the heritage of the Coastal Annexation Area. Thus, the Service Plan defines program guidelines to conserve resources on District-owned lands that could be used for agriculture, and to allow the leasing of District properties for outdoor agriculture. The Service Plan also establishes guidelines for managing the impacts of District programs that could potentially affect adjacent agricultural operations. And finally, the Service Plan provides for the acquisition of conservation easements from willing sellers over private agricultural properties, to promote the economic vitality of continued agricultural operations. The District's annexation of the Coastal Area would allow it to use currently available funding to acquire open space lands when willing-seller opportunities are presented to manage natural resources, and provide limited visitor-serving facilities for low-intensity public recreation. If the District is to play a meaningful partnership role in acquiring and/or managing properties or �c, Note:This is a progress report.All information outlined herein is for planning purposes only and is subject to change Page 7 October 6,2000 Y Summary: Coastal Annexation Area Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Preliminary Draft Service Plan easements in the Coastal Annexation Area, it would benefit from local input and an administrative presence in the area. If the Coastal Annexation Area is included within the District, the District could: • spend District resources needed to more formally involve residents of the Coastal Annexation Area in decision-making; • provide the opportunity for a local resident to be elected to the District Board of Directors; and • provide significant stewardship or resource management programs to the Coastal Annexation Area. The District's annexation of the Coastal Area, based on the proposed Service Plan, would not in itself result in an assessment of Coastal Area residents. However, annexation would allow the District to work with local interests within the Coastal Annexation Area and within the existing District to identify a funding measure that, at a later time, could be submitted for voter approval. Proposal of a new assessment and/or assessment district requires a deliberate research and analysis process to identify projected needs for funding, target uses for funds to be derived, and evaluate willingness to pay on the part of the voting constituency. Such a funding measure would require at least a two-thirds margin of approval by the voters. The District's Service Plan emphasizes working in partnership with other land conservation ' interests, both public and private, in acquiring land Fiscally, annexation will not resu lt in the District purchasing a significant area of land without partnerships. The District's Se rvice Plan emphasizes the District taking a leading role in land stewardship programs and, where appropriate, providing limited visitor-serving facilities that would generally be in the form of staging areas and trails. In evaluating what the District's potential role would be and how the District might best support long-term conservation in the Coastal Annexation Area, the following chara cteristics have become readily apparent: • As numerous public agencies and private organizations are interested in conserving the resources of the San Mateo County Coast, the District views its role as that of a"partner" in a broad-based cooperative effort, rather than being"the" solution. • The San Mateo County Coast remains relatively pristine today due in large part to: the many residents in the area who have continuously worked the land, in some cases for generations, and served as stewards of its resources; and Y the many residents in the area who have recognized the value of the open space 2 Nate;This is a progress report.All information outlined herein is for planning purposes onto and is subject to change Page 8 October 6,2000 i Summary: Coastal Annexation Area Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Preliminary Draft Service Plan resources within the Coastal Annexation Area and have encouraged public and private protection of those resources. • Many San Mateo County residents have been vigilant in urging San Mateo County to adopt strict policies in its Local Coastal Program and Skyline Area Plan that control and direct urban development and so help retain the rural character of these areas. The District would take advantage of the cumulative knowledge of these residents concerning the land, its resources, and its agricultural heritage, and the District would work with them in developing specific policies and stewardship programs for the Coastal Annexation Area. • While the rural lifestyle enjoyed by many residents in the Coastal Annexation Area involves a certain degree of self-reliance, it also involves a strong sense of community and a spirit of cooperation. The District wants to be a good neighbor in the way it establishes its priorities within the Coastal annexation Area and conducts its business, and thus will strive to develop positive relations with the residents of the Coastal Annexation Area in order to become a welcome member of the Coastal community. Recognizing that the San Mateo County Coast is a distinct landscape with unique challenges and opportunities for land conservation, the District has developed a set of Guiding Principles as an integral part of its Service Plan for the Coastal Annexation Area. These Guiding Principles are to provide the basis for the annexation review process and to inform the public about the District's plans in the Coastal Annexation Area. More detailed and comprehensive policies consistent with the Guiding Principles will be developed with full public involvement following completion of the annexation process. C�- Note.This is a progress report.Alt information outlined herein is far planning purposes onfv and is subject to change Page 9 October 6,2000 I Summary: Coastal Annexation Area Mid peninsula Regional Open Snace District Prelimirlary Draft Service Plan PRELIMINARY DRAFT SERVICE PLAN Purpose The District's enabling legislation allows it to acquire land, or rights in land, to operate and maintain a system of public ecological and open space preserves, trails, and other facilities for the use, education, and enjoyment of all the inhabitants of the District. Extending the District's boundaries to include the Coastal Annexation Area would allow the District to acquire lands and conservation easements, and to conduct stewardship programs to preserve and manage open space resources in the Coastal Annexation Area. These activities would be conducted by the District both on its own, and in partnership with other organizations and individual property owners. The District would focus its efforts in the Coastal Annexation Area on the preservation and management of open space resources that are owned by the District or other public or non-profit entities that request management assistance from the District in order to: • protect watershed integrity and water quality; • protect sensitive resources such as habitats for special-status species; • provide key links to existing District and other public open space lands; • maintain long-term opportunities for sustainable agriculture; • provide visitor-serving facilities for low-intensity recreation; • support development of an integrated regional trail system coordinated with the San Mateo County Trails Plan; and • provide opportunities for scientific research, resource conservation demonstration projects, outdoor environmental education programs, and interpretive programs. The Mission for the Coastal Annexation Area The District's mission for the Coastal Annexation Area is: To acquire and preserve in perpetuity open space land and agricultural land of regional significance, protect and restore the natural environment, preserve rural character, encourage viable agricultural use of land resources, and provide opportunities for ecologically sensitive public enjoyment and education. The District will accomplish this mission as a cooperative endeavor with public agencies, non-profit organizations, and individuals with similar goals. This mission statement is incorporated into the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District's Service Plan for the Coastal Annexation Area. Guiding Principles for the Coastal Annexation Area The District operates under a set of basic policies and related resource management, land acquisition, and recreation management policies. While many of the District's existing policies z Note:This is a progress report All information outlined herein is for planning purposes only and is subject to change Page 10 October 6, 2000 i Summary: Coastal Annexation Area Midneninsula Regional Open Space District Preliminary Draft Service Plan may apply to the Coastal Annexation Area, it is recognized that they do not necessarily reflect the particular agricultural and open space resources of the San Mateo Coast or the particular needs of area residents. The Guiding Principles provide a foundation for the District's development of more specific policies for the Coastal Annexation Area. Guiding Principles for the Coastal Annexation Area are organized into three categories: • Permanent Policies—Policy statements that the District has determined are critical to its ability to operate effectively within the Coastal Annexation Area and are intended to be carried forth over time. Permanent Policies are preceded by a"P". • Guidelines—Statements to guide decision-making and initial District programs within the Coastal Annexation Area. Guidelines indicate to the general public a clear commitment by the District. Guidelines are preceded by a "G". I • Implementation Actions—Explain how the District will operate within the Coastal Annexation Area. These actions, procedures, programs, or techniques carry out related Permanent Policies and Guidelines. Implementation Actions apply to the set of Permanent Policies or Guidelines that immediately precede them. Implementation Actions are identified with code numbers that include an "(i)". The following Guiding Principles will apply to the activities of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District within the Coastal Annexation Area. An or all of the Guiding Principles could p y g p s oud be considered b the San Mateo LAFCo as ermitted conditions of the District's annexation. Y P LAND ACQUISITION The following Permanent Policies have been adopted by the District Board of Directors based on comments made by the residents of the Coastal Annexation Area about land acquisition techniques within the Coastal Annexation Area. Permanent Policy Within the Coastal Annexation Area, the District shall only acquire P.1 lands or interests in lands from willing sellers. The power of eminent domain will not be exercised by the District within the Coastal Annexation Area. This policy is a Basic Policy for the Coastal Annexation Area. Implementation Action This policy within the defined Coastal Annexation Area shall be a P.1.A.(i) permanent policy of the District adopted by ordinance of the District Board of Directors. Ge' Note. this is a progress report.All information outlined herein is jor planning purposes only and is subject to change Page t t October b,2000 i Summary Coastal Annexation Area Mid peninsula Regional Open Space District Preliminary Draft Service Plan Implementation Action This policy is a basic component of the District's application to the P.I.B.(i) San Mateo Local Agency Formation Commission. It will be a basic component of the Service Plan to be approved by LAFCo. The District will request that this policy be made a Finding by the San Mateo LAFCo in its decision. Implementation Action This policy will be adopted by the District as an ordinance, and P.I.C.(i) through the District Board of Directors' certification of the Coastal Annexation Area Environmental Impact Report, will serve as an agricultural impact mitigation measure pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Implementation Action This policy will be referenced in every governing document and P.I.D.(i) proposal by the District in connection with the Coastal Annexation Area. SERVICES AND FUNDING The following statements address how the District can assure that its activities within the Coastal Annexation Area will not compromise existing services and that sufficient funding will exist before the District takes on any new responsibilities. Guideline The District shall only acquire lands or enter into management G.1 agreements with other public or non-profit entities where such agreement would not result in any negative significant impact to existing services. Implementation Action Following annexation, the District will work cooperatively with its G.I.A(i) constituents to develop appropriate District funding measures to augment existing funding sources for land acquisition and management within the Coastal Annexation Area. See also Implementation Action G.5.C(i) Guideline Prior to making any lands available to public access for low-intensity G.2 recreation in the Coastal Annexation Area, the District shall have personnel and equipment available to manage public access such that: there would be no significant negative impact on existing services; and adequate stewardship to protect natural resources will be provided. Implementation Action The District shall conduct a site assessment prior to entering into any G.2.A(i) acquisition and/or management agreements to assure that the District shall not undertake any project without sufficient resources to sustain that project. X Note, This is a progress report.All information outlined herein is for planning purposes onlvand is subject to change Page 12 October 6,2000 Summary: Coastal Annexation Area Mid en j2eninsula Regional Open Space District Preliminary Draft Service Plan AGRICULTURE Open Field agriculture is a very important rural land use and open space resource within the Coastal Annexation Area. The statements below address how the District can assure that land it acquires and manages for open space considerations can be available for the continuation of viable agriculture over the long term. Guideline The District shall conduct its land management practices such that they G. 3.1 do not have an adverse significant impact on the physical and economic integrity of prime agricultural lands on or contiguous to properties owned or managed by the District. Guideline Improvements or public uses located upon open space lands other than G.3.2 agriculture shall be located away from existing prime agricultural lands toward areas containing non-prime agricultural lands, unless such location would not promote the planned, orderly, efficient use of an area. Implementation Action In acquiring lands and preparing site assessments, the District shall G.3.A(i) recognize that agriculture in the marketplace is dynamic and that agricultural use practices must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, relative to current marketplace conditions. Implementation Action In preparing site-specific resource management and public access plans G.3.13(i) for District-owned lands within the Coastal Annexation Area, the District will pursue programs to preserve land resources for economically viable field agriculture. The District will strive to assure that all prime agricultural land and other lands suitable for agriculture which are not needed for the protection and vital functioning of a sensitive habitat will be protected for agriculture. See also Guideline G.6.3 Implementation Action The preparation of site assessments and public access plans for G.3.C(i) low-intensity public recreation by the District affecting prime agricultural lands shall include consultation with local agricultural interests and be subject to public review. See also Guidelines G.6.3 and G.7 FORESTRY The intent of the following guidelines is to recognize that the District is not in the commercial forestry business but that in limited circumstances the removal of trees is in the best interest of managing the ecological health and public safety conditions of the site. t Note. This is a progress report.All information outlined herein is for planning purposes onA,and is subject to change Page 13 October 6,2000 Summarv: Coastal Annexation Area Midpeninsula Regional peen Space District Preliminary Draft Service Plan Guideline The District shall not propose commercial harvest of timber on District- G.4.1 owned property. Guideline On a case-by-case basis, the District may purchase property or an G.4.2 easement that includes approved timber harvest plans. Guideline On rare occasions, the District may permit limited tree removal on G.4.3 District-owned property where a timber harvest plan does not previously exist, if such actions are shown to be in the best interest of managing the ecological values, protecting public safety, or controlling disease within the property or watershed. REPRESENTATION AND PLANNING Residents of the Coastal Annexation Area have asked that the District conduct its business one step at a time, that the local community be involved, and that the community's voice is represented in District decisions. The District is composed of seven wards that, by law, are approximately equal in population. Figure 2 illustrates the existing District Wards and the Coastal Annexation Area. Based on the 2000 Census, the District will be reapportioning the Ward boundaries. Representation for the Coastal Annexation Area would also require the District to reapportion its boundaries. The District could include the Coastal Annexation Area within one ward or divide it between two or more wards. On the one hand, having the Coastal Annexation Area contained within one ward would provide one clear voice on the District Board about decisions affecting the Coastal Annexation Area. It would also present for coastside residents a greater possibility of electing a Board member who resides within the Coastal Annexation Area. On the other hand, because of its scale, the Coastal Annexation Area could be divided between two or more wards, thus ensuring that more than one Board member have a vested interest in issues particular to the area. Another common thought expressed by residents of the Coastal Annexation Area is that there are numerous existing agencies and government-sponsored community forums within the area that should be consulted. Doing so would avoid an additional layer of bureaucracy while assuring public input. The following guidelines outline how the District will go about conducting its activities and how it will make sure that local viewpoints are respected. Guideline Upon annexation, the District shall institute appropriate forms of G.5.1 representation so that District planning and decision-making relating to the Coastal Annexation Area includes the input of Coastal Annexation Area residents. 4 Note.This is a progress report.Alf information outlined herein is,for planning purposes only'and is subject to change Page 14 October 6,2000 i Coastal Area Annexation Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Figure 2 Proposed Annexation Area / _' District Wards f Legend Generalized Ward Boundary 7 Ward Number Coastal Annexation Area FIA crtTR - 1p en R.cAw'City ' S t :t t Medfv E.Pab '+ Aft Pa j s + 1. ' !2? ' •. unn c. r. r :� e. t L 26 1 1 • y i'. SPwtuaa •,.. S I .+ /`- �� �M� / af'+•.. _ r, � 1�� III Thia map n amn•prual and lin planning purymaea only l ` Program data.atilt.location of.area+.and ml.,mfinmatn+n ,6—are uhjw w Wd—1-tion and modification. �• l ^"'% t Scale 0 1 2 4 miles mw%ww� ��N.rth i Summary: Coastal Annexation Area Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Preliminary Draft Service Plan Implementation Action The District Board shall conduct periodic meetings within the G.5.A(i) Coastal Annexation Area when appropriate and when significant agenda items specifically relate to the Coastal Annexation Area. All proposed Coastal Annexation Area policies will be reviewed by the full Board of Directors at public meetings held in the Coastal Annexation Area. Implementation Action Following annexation, no action regarding adoption of Coastal G.5.13(i) Annexation Area policies shall be taken by the District without consultation with local elected officials, government agencies, and government-sponsored organizations. Implementation Action To ensure that local viewpoints are considered in all significant G.5.C(i) District planning and decision-making relating to the Coastal Annexation Area, the District will consult with local elected officials, government agencies, and organizations within the Coastal Annexation Area. Implementation Action To further ensure recommendations representing local involvement G.5.1)(i) are considered in all significant District planning and decision-making relating to the Coastal Annexation Area, the District shall directly notify community-interest groups, non-profit land trusts, elected officials, and other conservation-oriented organizations about District Board meetings or other public meetings that involve subjects relating to the District's activities within the Coastal Annexation Area. Implementation Action The District shall notify owners of contiguous properties about G.5.E(i) public meetings where property acquisitions in the Coastal Annexation Area or any significant use or improvements proposed on District-owned lands in the Coastal Annexation Area are considered. Guideline The District will develop a set of Basic Policies for the Coastal G.6.1 Annexation Area. Guideline The District's existing Master Plan and Regional Open Space Study G.6.2 will be expanded to include the Coastal Annexation Area. Note:This is a progress report.All information outlined herein is for planning purposes oah,and is subject to change Page 15 October 6,2000 Summary: Coastal Annexation Area Midpeninstda Regional Open Space District Preliminant Draft Service Plan Guideline Inherent in the preservation of open space resources is the G.6.3 protection of. rare, threatened and endangered plant and animal species; ecological systems; water quality; visual resources; and the P g Y q Y unique cultural resources in the Coastal Annexation Area, including historic, archaeological and paleontological resources. Therefore, refore prior to making any lands available to low-intensity public recreational access, the District shall prepare and adopt a site-specific resource management and public access plan for any lands acquired by the District or managed through contract for other public or private non-profit property owners. Implementation Action Upon completion of the annexation process and with public G.6.A(i) involvement through local groups, the District shall conduct hearings to develop its Basic Policies for the Coastal Annexation Area. These hearings shall address, at a minimum, the following topics: public participation; resource management; public access; recreational use; public safety; cultural resources; agriculture and timber production; inter-agency relationships; and public information. See also Implementation Actions G.5.C(i) and G.5.E(i) Implementation Action Following adoption of Basic Policies for the Coastal Annexation G.6.11(i) Area, the District shall complete an expansion of its Master Plan for the Coastal Annexation Area. The Master Plan shall include guidelines for District acquisitions and show the relative desirability of lands as potential open space, without establishing a priority for land acquisition. See also Implementation Actions G.5.C(i) and G.5.E(i) Implementation Action A District staff liaison will be assigned to the Coastal Annexation G.6.C(i) Area to work with local residents, property owners, government, and interest groups in developing recommendations to the District Board of Directors. Implementation Action The District will open a field office and maintenance facilities G.6.1)(i) within the Coastal Annexation Area once the District has the need and funding for permanent management presence in the area. Guideline G.7 In implementing any specific management or public access plans, the District shall obtain all necessary permits from appropriate Federal, State, and local land and resource regulatory agencies. Such agencies include, but are not limited to, San Mateo County, the City of Half Moon Bay, and the California Coastal Commission. ;e; Note:This is a progress report.All information outlined herein is for planning purposes oniv,and is subject to change Page 16 October 6,2000 Summary: Coastal Annexation Area Mir.peninsula Regional Open Space District Preliminary Draft Service Plan PARTNERSHIPS The following guidelines recognize that the District can successfully acquire and manage open space resources and provide visitor-serving facilities for low-intensity recreation if the District works with others in the community in developing and implementing such programs. Potential local public partners include: the California Department of Parks and Recreation, the California Department of Fish and Game, the California Coastal Conservancy, the San Mateo County Department of Parks and Recreation, the San Mateo County Resource Conservation District, the City of Half Moon Bay, the Midcoast Community Council, the Pescadero Municipal Advisory Council, and the San Mateo County Agricultural Advisory Committee. Potential private partners interested in land and resource conservation include: the Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST), the Nature Conservancy, Save the Redwoods League, Save Our Bay, and the California Farm Bureau. The District could also benefit by working with individuals and groups of private property owners to develop site-specific stewardship programs. Guideline The District shall work with other public recreation and open space G.8 providers, conservation agencies, non-profit land trusts, and community organizations for the preservation and management of open space resources that are regionally significant. District participation, to the extent allowed by law, could include: partial financing for land acquisition; temporary receivership of property; coordination of technical planning and legal services relating to open space issues;joint grant proposals; co-sponsorship and participation in demonstration projects; and joint open space resource management training. Guideline The District will encourage active public participation in: maintaining, G.9 restoring, and protecting natural resources; assisting in scientific research programs; and providing science and conservation education opportunities to the public. LAND USE As a property owner, the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District must work within the context of existing County and City land use and zoning designations. It is likely that much of the land that may be acquired or managed by the District will be in one of the following San Mateo County General Plan land use designations: • General Open Space 0 Agriculture • Timber Production • Public Recreation Note:This is a progress report.All information outlined herein is for planning purposes onto and is subject to change Page 17 October 6,2000 Summary: Coastal Annexation Area Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Preliminary Draft Service Plan The following policy will direct District activities to assure that existing land use and zoning designations will be retained. Permanent Policy Within the Coastal Zone, the District will not initiate any activities that P.2 would require a General Plan amendment or zoning change. Permanent Policy The District shall secure County and other required agency permits on P.3 lands it owns or manages for open space and visitor-serving low-intensity recreation uses and for staff facilities. Such uses shall comply with all applicable County land use policies and regulations. Changes in Land Use and Land Use Controls if LAFCo Proceedings are Completed The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District is not a land use regulatory agency. There are no foreseeable changes in land use designations or land use controls if the annexation proceedings are completed. The purpose of the District presence in the Coastal Annexation Area is to acquire and manage open space resources and, where appropriate, provide low-intensity recreation opportunities for the general public. Description of Services to be Extended to the Coastal Annexation Area (Affected Territory) Services of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District to be extended to the Coastal Annexation Area will be consistent with its Mission. Services would include: • Acquisition of lands and/or easements subject to availability of funding, based upon negotiations with willing sellers, and without the use of eminent domain. • Management of lands acquired by the District or management of lands through contract with other property owners (e.g. the Peninsula Open Space Trust, State of California, and the like) involving stewardship programs and visitor-serving low-intensity recreation access. Contracts for ranger patrol, maintenance, and improvements to manage other property owners' lands would be subject to available District resources such that no significant negative impact to existing District services would result. • Development and approval by the District Board of Directors of long-range plans to guide District programs. These plans would be in the form of. (1) revision of the District Master Plan to include the Coastal Annexation Area; and (2) revision of the Regional Open Space Study to include the Coastal Annexation Area. • Potential sale or lease of District-owned lands for: (1) agricultural uses after conservation or public access easements or conditions are applied to the property based on the site-specific resource characteristics of the property; and (2) appropriate recreation uses sponsored by public agencies, such as San Mateo County Department of Parks and Recreation, that would be consistent with applicable general plan and zoning regulations. Ce Note.This is a progress report.All information outlined herein is for planning purposes only and is subject to change Page 18 October 6,2000 i Summary: Coastal Annexation Area Mid.peninsula Regional Open Space District Preliminary DraftSel-vice Plan • Preparation of site assessments or use and management plans for individual properties that are either acquired by the District or managed by the District for other public or non- profit landowners. District actions within the Coastal Annexation Area would be similar to existing District actions within its current boundaries, modified by the Guiding Principles for the Coastal Annexation Area. Implementing the District's Service Plan within the Coastal Annexation Area would involve the following assumptions: • District activities will not degrade the economic potential of prime agricultural lands. The District will strive to assure that all prime agricultural land and other lands suitable for agriculture and that are not needed for the protection and vital functioning of a sensitive habitat will be protected for economically viable field agriculture. • The District will carefully plan and conduct its land management practices to minimize impacts to adjacent property. • Parcels of 40 or more acres will typically be considered for purchase, however some smaller parcels may be sought for acquisition. These may include parcels that are key habitat, trail routes, inholdings, or parcels needed for service access. • The land acquisition program of the District will be limited by the District's fiscal capability to manage lands. • Acquisition of conservation easements will account for approximately 20%of the acquisitions by the District. • District land acquisition will tend to emphasize properties that are contiguous with District lands alongand west of Skyline Ridge. Y g • Eventual improvements the District would likely develop include a ranger office, maintenance facilities and related facilities to support stewardship activities, and visitor-serving facilities for public low-intensity recreation. Improvements for low-intensity public recreation on District-owned or managed lands will be similar to existing improvements and use patterns now typical throughout much of the Skyline area. It is anticipated that publicly accessible trails would be provided at a ratio of approximately 10 miles per 1,720 acres of District-owned or managed lands. It is anticipated that approximately one-third would be new trails built by the District, with the remaining two- thirds being existing ranch roads, fire roads, or trails. Staging areas would be provided at the same per trail mile ratio as they are in existing District lands, which is approximately one staging area per 18 miles of trail. i Cc ,Vote:This is a progress report.All information outlined herein is for planning purposes only and is subject to change Page 19 October 6,2000 Surnmarv: Coastal Annexation Area Midpeninsula Regional Open Space Disn•ict Preliminary Draft Service Plan f public access and stewardship programs, it is anticipated that an average of For management o p p p g p g one field staff person would be provided to manage every 1,720 acres of land or 3,440 acres of conservation easements. Additional personnel would be required to manage lands with more than 10 miles of trails per 1,720 acres. Staff will also be added as District holdings on the Coast increase to meet corresponding resource management needs for more planning and i administrative service. In the near term, temporary field staff offices will be provided in existing buildings owned or acquired by the District. A full field staff office and maintenance facility would only be economically justifiable and would be developed once the District manages approximately 15,000 acres of land within the Coastal annexation Area. Level, Range, and Timing of Services District services can feasibly be extended to properties within the Coastal Annexation Area following final approval of annexation by the San Mateo County LAFCo. Financing for services would be from existing District revenues augmented by other government and private funding. District services will emphasize land stewardship and management programs working cooperatively with agencies active within the Coastal Annexation Area, interest groups, and individual property owners. The acquisition of land or conservation easements would be a modest part of the District's Basic Service Plan. The extent and level of the expansion of services, and in particular acquisition programs, will be dependent on a number of factors including: opportunities to acquire land offered by willing sellers without the use of eminent domain; additional funding opportunities from public or private sources to complement existing District resources for land acquisition grants; requests by other public or private non-profit property owners for land management expertise and services; and the potential for expanded District revenues through a voter-approved funding measure. Existing Improvements The District is most interested in obtaining and/or managing"o en space"properties. These are properties that typically have few or very limited existing improvements. Municipal sewer or water services are not normally sought by the District unless already available to the property. Should the District acquire lands that contain existing structures, these structures may be maintained and improved for uses such as staff or caretaker housing or for rental to others at market rates. Rental preference would be provided to other open space or recreation providers, such as the San Mateo County Parks and Recreation Department, where use of such facilities would benefit public recreation or open space programs. Structures may or may not be retained depending on their condition and potential for compatible use. If retained, structures would iC Note:This is a progress report.A11 information outlined herein is for planning purposes onh and is subject to change Page 20 October 6,2000 r I i Summary: Coastal Annexation Area Mielpeninsula Regional Open Space District Preliminary Draft Service Plan 1 likely not be expanded. Dilapidated or dangerous structures and other hazardous structures not of historic or scenic value may be demolished. Financial Arrangements Financing for construction of low-intensity public access improvements and operation of District services has typically been provided from District general revenues augmented by Federal and State grant programs. Entry fees for public recreational use of District lands are generally not charged. On a case-by-case basis, the District charges fees for commercial use, residential rentals, or agricultural leases. District operations, stewardship and interpretive programs are funded from District general funds and interpretive programs are supplemented by Docents and other volunteers. Following annexation, the District will work cooperatively with its constituents to develop appropriate voter-approved District funding measures to provide services within the Coastal Annexation Area. Timetable for Services District services will be provided within the Coastal Annexation Area effective immediately upon final annexation and would be implemented in a phased program that is reflective of the District's Guiding Principles for the Coastal Annexation Area. Table 1 presents an overview of the District's Basic Service Plan for acquisition, development, and management programs for fifteen years after annexation. The Basic Service Plan assumes the acquisition of lands or easements by the District would be from willing sellers only without the use of eminent domain and presents a general projection of the amount of land that could reasonably be acquired anticipated to be and/or managed without additional tax funding. This p projection is based on a program involving no additional voter-approved funding measure. Also presented are two alternative scenarios for District programs that may be possible. If a voter-approved funding measure is sponsored either within the Coastal Annexation Area alone (Alternative Scenario #1) or District-wide (Alternative Scenario #2), it is anticipated (based on polling) that the maximum tax would be up to $1 per month or$12 per parcel per year. This would generate an additional 300,000 to 400,000 dollars annually if limited to the Coastal Annexation Area only, or about 3 to 4 million dollars annually if the funding measure was approved District-wide. The scenarios are: Basic Service Plan—Funding only from existing District revenue sources; emphasis on managing land acquired by others. Assumptions: District expenditures by the Board would primarily be directed to managing open space resources and public access for low-intensity recreation. District ie Note.This is a progress report.All information outlined herein is or tannin ur oses onh and is sub cet to change, Page 21 I P 8 V f I P 8P P l' 8' g October 6,2000 i Summary: Coastal Annexation Area MidReninsula Regional Open Space District Preliminan,Draft Service Plan i land acquisition within the Coastal Annexation Area would be limited to those properties presented by willing sellers and to funding available from government grants and private sources. Some new acquisitions would occur in the Coastal Annexation Area through the District's ongoing program to add land to the west from the existing Skyline area Open Space Preserves. The District would work in partnership with other public agencies and private non-profit land trusts to provide land management expertise where the District has the ability to do so. The District would also work with local agencies and organizations to develop a long-term funding mechanism for voter approval that would complement existing District funding programs. • Alternate Scenario#1—Additional funding would be available from a voter-approved measure in the Coastal Annexation Area; emphasis on managing land acquired by others, plus a modest District acquisition program. Assumptions: A new funding source is approved by a vote requiring at least a two-thirds majority of Coastal Annexation Area residents. At a rate of$1 per month or$12 per year per parcel, $300,000 to $400,000 per year would be generated. The District could expand its program of managing land acquired by other agencies and organizations. In addition to current Skyline area acquisition and management programs, the District could have a modest acquisition program within the Coastal Annexation Area. • Alternate Scenario #2—Additional fundingfrom a voter-approved measure p! District-wide; emphasis of District programs balanced between managing land acquired by other agencies or organizations and on land acquisition by the District. Assumptions: A new funding source is approved by a vote requiring at least a two-thirds majority of District-wide residents. At a rate of$1 per month or$12 per year per parcel, $3 to $4 million per year would be generated. The Board would determine, with input from constituents, what proportion of the additional funding would be directed to Coastal Annexation Area programs. The District's program to manage lands, whether acquired by the District or by other agencies and organizations within Coastal Annexation Area, could be significantly expanded and the District could undertake a broader acquisition program of its own, in addition to ongoing acquisition activities in the Skyline area. I V Note.This is a progress report.All information outlined herein is for planning purposes on/v and is subject to change Page 22 October 6,2000 i Summary: Coastal Annexation Area Mid,Qtninnrla Regional O,prn Space District Preliminary Draft Service Plan TABLE 1: BASIC SERVICE PLAN AND ALTERNATIVE SCENARIOS Approximate Basic Service Plan Alternative Scenario #1 Alternative Scenario #2 Time Frame Premise: Funding for land acquisition Premise: Funding for land acquisition principally Premise: Funding for land acquisition from grants principally from grants;emphasis on land from grants;land management funded from and new District-wide voter-approved funding; management funded from existing sources. existing sources and new voter-approved funding emphasis balanced between land acquisition and from within Coastal Annexation Area. management. Years 0-3 Planning Planning Planning • Focused planning discussions with local • Same as Basic Service Plan • Same as Basic Service Plan interests to include: - Policy Review for the Coastal Annexation Area - Update of the District Master Plan and Open Space Study to include the Coastal Annexation Area Funding Fug Funding • Use of existing District revenues; • Same as Basic Service Plan • Same as Basic Service Plan apply for public and privite grants • Develop and place new District funding measure on ballot Land Acquisition Land Acquisition Land Acquisition • Acquire 30 to 160 acres/ year via • Same as Basic Service Plan • Same as Basic Service Plan existing District funding • Acquire 10 to 40 acres of easements / year via existing District funding • Apply for grants based on specific opportunities; acquire land (acres unknown) based on grant programs" Land Management Land Management Land Management • Screen partnership opportunities for • Same as Basic Service Plan • Same as Basic Service Plan resource and public access management • Limited program expansion of resource and public access management by apex. 400 to 600 acres/ year based on partnership opportunities and existing District funding 0 Alt:Thit it a progress report.All information outlined herein it for planning purposes only and it tubjert to Change Page 23 October , 2000 Summary: Coastal Annexation Area � Midpeninsula Regional Open Spare District Preliminary Drat Service Plan TABLE 1: BASIC SERVICE PLAN AND ALTERNATIVE SCENARIOS Approximate Basic Service Plan Alternative Scenario #1 Alternative Scenario #2 Time Frame Premise: Funding for land acquisition Premise: Funding for land acquisition principally Premise: Funding for land acquisition from grants principally from grants;emphasis on land from grants;land management funded from and new District-wide voter-approved funding; management funded from existing sources. existing sources and new voter-approved funding emphasis balanced between land acquisition and from within Coastal Annexation Area. °r management. Years 0-3 Improvements Improvements Improvements (continued) • Establish District presence through • Same as Basic Service Plan • Same as Basic Service Plan ranger residency program in housing located on properties acquired by the District 0 No areas open to unrestricted public access End of Lands/Easements Acquired"" 120 to 600 acres • Same as Basic Service Plan • Same as Basic Service Plan Year 3 Lands Managed:0.4) 1320 to 2400 acres - with tenant or District staff living on property: 264 to 480 acres - without tenant or District staff living on property; no or limited public use: 1,056 to 1,920 acres - w without anchor tenant; with public use: none Facilities:(5) - trails: existing roads /trails none - trails: new none - staging areas none Note: This it a progreu report.All information outlined brain is for planning purpoiet only and is subject to change Page 24 October 6e 2000 Summary: Coastal Annexation Area M"d eninsula Regional Open Space District Preliminary Draft Service Plan TABLE 1: BASIC SERVICE PLAN AND ALTERNATIVE SCENARIOS Approximate Basic Service Plan Alternative Scenario #1 Alternative Scenario #2 Time Frame Premise: Funding for land acquisition Premise: Funding for land acquisition principally Premise: Funding for land acquisition from grants principally from grants;emphasis on land from grants;land management funded from and new District-wide voter-approved funding; management funded from existing sources. existing sources and new voter-approved funding emphasis balanced between land acquisition and from within Coastal Annexation Area. management. Years 4-5 Planning Planning Planning 0 Initiate land use and management plans * Same as Basic Service Plan 0 Same as Basic Service Plan for District-owned property for public access Land Acquisition Land Acquisition Land Acquisition • Acquire 30 to 160 acres / year via • Same as Basic Service Plan • Acquire 200 to 400 acres / year via grants existing District funding or through District funding • Acquire 10 to 40 acres of easements year via existing District funding • Apply for grants based on specific opportunities; acquire land (acres unknown) based on grant programs Land Management "' Land Management Land Management'4' • Limited expansion of resource and 0 Moderate expansion of resource and • Expansion of resource and public access public access management by public access management by management by approximately 800 to approximately 400 to 600 acres / year approximately 600 to 800 acres / year 1200 acres / year based on partnership based principally on partnership based on partnership opportunities with opportunities with others and lands opportunities and existing District others and lands acquired by the District acquired by the District funding Improvements ' Improvements Improvements(6) • Expand District presence through • Similar to Basic Service Plan except with • Similar to Basic Service Plan except with ranger residency program in housing proportionally more staffing and low- proportionally more staffing and low- located on properties acquired by the intensity recreation facilities provided intensity recreation facilities provided District • Initiate public access by opening constructing staging areas, trails and related facilities based on site-specific resource management and public access pTans (c) Note: This is it progress report.All inhrination outlined berrin is lbr pbrining purposes only and is subject to didngr Pacie 2 5 October 6 , 2000 Summary: Coastal Annexation Area Mid Regional Qpen Space District Preliinary Draft Service Plan ,peninsula Re m — - I TABLE 1: BASIC SERVICE PLAN AND ALTERNATIVE SCENARIOS Approximate Basic Service Plan Alternative Scenario #1 Alternative Scenario #2 Time Frame Premise: Funding for land acquisition Premise: Funding for land acquisition principally Premise: Funding for land acquisition from grants principally from grants;emphasis on land from grants; land management funded from and new District-wide voter-approved funding; management funded from existing sources. existing sources and new voter-approved funding emphasis balanced between land acquisition and from within Coastal Annexation Area. ti> management. End of Lands/Easements Acquired: 200 to 1000 acres Lands Acquired: 200 to 1000 acres Lands Acquired: 520 to 1400 acres Year 5 Lands Managed:`1,4� CIA) (3A) 2200 to 4000 acres Lands Managed: 2600 to 4400 acres Lands Managed: 3320 to 5600 acres - with tenant living on - W/anchor tenant: 520 to 880 acres w/anchor tenant: 664 to 1,120 acres property: 440 to 800 acres w/o anchor tenant; W/o anchor tenant; - without tenant living on no or limited public use: 1,040 to 1,760 acres no or limited public use: 1,328 to 2,240 acres property; no or limited W/o anchor tenant and W/o anchor tenant and public use: 880 to 1,600 acres Public use: 1,040 to 1,760 acres public use: 1,328 to 2,240 acres - without tenant living on Facilities:(6) Facilities:(`) property;with public use 880 to 1,600 acres trails: existing roads /trails 10 to 17 miles trails: existing roads /trails 13 to 21 miles Facilities:�6) trails: new 5 to 9 miles trails: new 7 to I I miles - trails: existing roads /trails 8 to 15 miles staging areas I area staging areas I to 2 areas - trails: new 4 to 8 miles - staging areas I area (c) Note, 7h6 is a progress report.All inficniettion outlined herein is for pkinning purposes Only and is subject to change Page 26 October 6 , 2000 Mid R onal Summary: Coastal Annexation Area peninsula __f4 Open Space District Preliminary Draft Service Plan TABLE 1: BASIC SERVICE PLAN AND ALTERNATIVE SCENARIOS Approximate Basic Service Plan Alternative Scenario #1 Alternative Scenario #2 Time Frame Premise: Funding for land acquisition Premise: Funding for land acquisition principally Premise: Funding for land acquisition from grants principally from grants;emphasis on land from grants;land management funded from and new District-wide voter-approved funding; management funded from existing sources.u7 existing sources and new voter-approved funding emphasis balanced between land acquisition and from within Coastal Annexation Area. management. Years 6-15 Planning Planning Planning Continue land use and management 0 Same as Basic Service Plan • Same as Basic Service Plan plans for District-owned property Land Acquisition Land Acquisition Land Acquisition • Acquire 30 to 160 acres / year via • Same as Basic Service Plan • Same as Basic Service Plan except: existing District funding Acquire 200 to 400 acres / year via • Acquire 10 to 40 acres of easements grants or through District funding year via existing District funding • Apply for grants based on specific opportunities; acquire land (acres unknown) based on grant programs Land Management"' Land Management"' Land Management") 41 Limited expansion of resource and • Moderate expansion of resource and • Expansion of resource and public access public access management by public access management by management by approximately 800 to approximately 400 to 600 acres / year approximately 600 to 800 acres / year 1200 acres / year based on partnership based principally on partnership based on partnership opportunities with opportunities with others and lands opportunities and existing District others and lands acquired by the District acquired by the District funding(3) Improvements(6) Improvements ' Improvements ') • Expand District presence through • Similar to Basic Service Plan except with * Similar to Basic Service Plan except with Ranger residency program in housing proportionally more staffing and low- proportionally more staffing and low- on properties acquired by the District intensity recreation facilities provided intensity recreation facilities provided, • Expand public access by opening / and: constructing staging areas, trails and 0 Construct new District field office and related facilities based on site-specific maintenance shop resource management and public access plans • Establish District field office and maintenance shop in facilities existing on properties acquired by the District 0 Note: This is aprqreis report.All in1brination oudinedberein is for planning purposes only and is subject to change Page 27 October 6, 2000 Mid Summary: Coastal Annexation Area ,peninsula Regional Open Sp ace District Preliminary Draft Service Plan TABLE 1: BASIC SERVICE PLAN AND ALTERNATIVE SCENARIOS Approximate Basic Service Plan Alternative Scenario #1 Alternative Scenario #2 Time Frame Premise: Funding for land acquisition Premise: Funding for land acquisition principally Premise: Funding for land acquisition from grants principally from grants;emphasis on land from grants; land management funded from and new District-wide voter-approved funding; management funded from existing sources. existing sources and new voter-approved funding emphasis balanced between land acquisition and from within Coastal Annexation Area. "' management.(1) End of Lands/Easements Acquired: 600 to 3,000 acres Lands Acquired: 600 to 3,000 acres Lands Acquired: 2,520 to 5,400 acres Year 15 Lands Managed("' 6,600 to 12,000 acres Lands Managed:(1,4) 9,000 to 14,400 acres Lands Managed:(3,4) 13,320 to 21,600 acres - with anchor tenant living - W/anchor tenant: 1,800 to 2,880 acres W/anchor tenant: 2,664 to 4,320 acres on property: 1,340 to 2,400 acres - w/o anchor tenant; W/o anchor tenant; - without tenant living on; no or limited public use: 3,600 to 5,760 acres no or limited public use: 5,328 to 8,640 acres property; no or limited - W/o anchor tenant and W/o anchor tenant and public use: 2,680 to 4,800 acres public use: 3,600 to 5,760 acres public use: 5,328 to 8,640 acres - without tenant living on Facilities:(`') Facilities:16) property;with public use: 2,680 to 4,800 acres trails: existing roads /trails 35 to 55 miles trails: existing roads /trails 51 to 83 miles Facilities:") trails: new 18 to 28 miles trails: new 26 to 43 miles trails: existing roads /trails 25 to 46 miles staging areas 3 to 5 areas staging areas 4 to 7 areas trails: new 13 to 24 miles staging areas 2 to 4 areas (1) Funding opportunities from grant programs for land acquisition vary significantly over time. Grant programs also vary in Purpose, geographic area,and requirements fir matching funds. (2) An application will be made to the Bay Area Conservancy Program to acquire approximately 700 acres of land from the Peninsula Open Space Trust in the 2001-2002 timeframe .This property is located near located near Half Moon Bay within the Coastal Annexation Area,and is adjacent to existing District-owned properties, However, no assurances exist that the District's application will be successful. (3) Acreage projections are cumulative; projections for lands managed include both land acquired and land managed through partnership contracts. (4) Land management scenarios assume the following: - 20%of property will involve an anchor tenant living on the property(casement of lease); - 40%of property will be without an anchor tenant,and without general public access except for limited use for scientific,educational,or active stewardship programs;and - 401%of property will be without an anchor tenant and with low-intensity public use. (5) Assumes that preliminary use and management plans focus on site safety and resource protection,therefore no areas would be opened for public use and no access facilities developed. (6) Assumes the following: - approximately 10 miles of trail opened to public use per 1,720 acres of land owned or managed by the District;of these approximately 213 will be trails that either exist or are unpaved rancliffire roads converted to trail use;and - staging areas are provided at a rate of one area per 18 miles of trails. o) Nine: phis is a progress report.All information outhriedherrin is for planning purposes only and is subjett to change Page 26 October 6, 2000 i Summary: Coastal Annexation Area h1i�eninsula Regional Qpen Space District Prelinainary Draft Service Plan SERVICE PLAN DEFINITIONS I As used above, the following definitions apply: SAN MATEO COUNTY COASTAL ANNEXATION AREA: is generally defined as follows: I • on the east by the existing District boundary and San Francisco Watershed Lands • on the west by the Pacific Ocean • on the north by the southern boundary of the City of Pacifica • on the south by the San Mateo County I Santa Cruz County boundary AGRICULTURAL LAND: means land currently used for the purpose of producing an agricultural commodity for commercial purposes, land left fallow under a crop rotational program, or land enrolled in an agricultural subsidy or set-aside program. source: Section 56016 of the Cortese-Knox Local Government Reorganization Act of 1985 BASIC POLICIES: an existing set of general policies adopted by the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Board of Directors that define open space, the District's purpose, and strategic planning goals. Basic policies provide guidance to District activities in the areas of: open space acquisition; planning; resource management; public recreational use and improvements; public safety; cultural resources; agriculture and revenue-producing use; interagency relationships (including cooperation, participation, and joint projects); research activities; public involvement (including public information, meeting procedures, public input, neighbor relations, participation, and volunteerism); and administration. PRIME AGRICULTURAL LAND: means any of the following: 1. All land that qualifies for rating as class I or class 11 in the Natural Resource Conservation Service land use capability classifications. 2. Land which qualifies for rating 80 through 100 in the Storie Index Rating. 3. Land which supports livestock used for the production of food and fiber and which has an annual carrying capacity equivalent to at least one animal unit per acre as defined by the United States Department of Agriculture. 4. Land planted with fruit- or nut-bearing trees, vines, bushes or crops which have a nonbearing period of less than five years and which will normally return during the commercial bearing period on an annual basis from the production of unprocessed agricultural plant production not less than two hundred dollars ($200)per acre. 5. Land which has returned from the production of unprocessed agricultural plant products previous five an annual gross value of not less than two hundred dollars ($200) per acre for three of the years. (C Note:This is a progress reporr.All information outlined herein is for planning purposes onh,and is subject to change Page.2 9 October 6,2000 i Summary: Coastal Annexation Area Mid Regional O»en Space District Preliminary Draft Service Plan source: Section 51201 of the California Land Conservation Act of 1965 or also known as the Williamson Act LOW-INTENSITY RECREATION: means recreation that avoids concentration of use, significant alteration of the land, and significant impact on natural resources or on the visitor's appreciation of nature. Criteria for evaluating types, timing, and level of access for low-intensity public recreational use of open space lands include: I 1. Protection of natural resources; 2. Preservation of the opportunity for tranquil nature study and observation; 3. Avoidance of significant user conflicts; 4. Availability of Board and staff time, funding, and/or other means, to plan and manage the use. source: Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Basic Policy, March 10, 1999 IMPROVEMENTS: Typical improvements the District might eventually develop within the Coastal Annexation Area would include a field office, maintenance facilities and related facilities to support stewardship activities, and visitor-serving facilities for public low-intensity recreation. Visitor-serving facilities typically would include: small, unpaved staging areas usually less than 1 acre in size to accommodate 20-30 parking spaces; self-contained sanitary facilities; map boards; safety and regulatory signs; natural-surfaced trails; and patrol and emergency access routes. MASTER PLAN; REGIONAL OPEN SPACE STUDY: To guide the District's open space preservation efforts, the District maintains a Master Plan and a Regional Open Space Study. The Master Plan sets forth guidelines for District acquisitions and shows the relative desirability of potential open space preservation without establishing a priority for land acquisition. The Regional Open Space Study shows the general extent of lands and public access improvements existing and under consideration by the District and complementary agencies to complete the District's mission. Both documents are subject to periodic review and modification by the Board of Directors after public hearings. The Regional Open Space Study is subject to periodic technical updates. source: Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Basic Policy, March 10, 1999 OPEN SPACE: means any parcel or area of land or water which is substantially unimproved and devoted to an open-space use, or which is designated on a local, regional or state open-space plan as any of the following: 1. Open space for the preservation of natural resources including, but not limited to: areas required for the preservation of plant and animal life, including habitat for fish and K' Note This is a progress report.All information outlined herein is for planning purposes only and is subject to change Page 3 0 October 6,2000 I I I Summary: Coastal Annexation Area Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Preliminary Draft Sen4ce Plan wildlife species; areas required for ecological and other scientific study purposes; rivers, streams, bays and estuaries; and coastal beaches, lake shores, banks of rivers and streams, and watershed lands. 2. Open space used for the managed production of resources, including but not limited to: forest lands, rangeland, agricultural lands and areas of economic importance for the production of food or fiber; areas required for recharge of ground water basins; bays, estuaries, marshes, rivers and streams which are important for the management of commercial fisheries; and areas containing major mineral deposits, including those in short supply. 3. Open space for low-intensity outdoor recreation, including but not limited to: areas of outstanding scenic, historic and cultural value; areas particularly suited for recreation purposes, including access to lake shores, beaches, and rivers and streams; and areas which serve as links between major recreation and open-space reservations, including utility easements, banks of rivers and streams, trails, and scenic highway corridors. 4. Open space for public health and safety, including, but not limited to: areas which require special management or regulation because of hazardous or special conditions such as earthquake fault zones, unstable soil areas, flood plains, watersheds, areas presenting high fire risks, areas required for the protection of water quality and water reservoirs; and areas required for the protection and enhancement of air quality. sources: Sections 56059 of the Cortese-Knox Local Government Reorganization Act of 1985 and Section 65563 of the California Government Code SERVICE PLAN: Whenever a local government agency submits an application for a change of agency organization to the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo), the local ag Y submits a plan for providing services within the affected territory. The plan for providing services includes all of the following information and any additional information required by the Commission or the LAFCo executive officer: 1. An enumeration and description of the services to be extended to the affected territory. 2. The level and range of those services. 3. An indication of when those services can feasibly be extended to the affected territory. 4. An indication of any improvement or upgrading of structures, roads, sewer or water pg g facilities or other conditions the local agency would impose or require within the affected territory if the change of organization or reorganization is completed. 5. Information with respect to how those services will be financed. source: Sections 56653 of the Cortese-Knox Local Government Reorganization Act of 1985 SITE ASSESSMENT: Prior to property acquisition or entering into management agreements with another public or private non-profit land owner, the District conducts basic research about legal i and property conditions associated with the property. Using information that is gathered, issues that may affect use and management of the property are identified. This assessment would C Now. This is a progress report.All information outlined herein is for planning purposes only and is subject to change Page 3 1 October 6,2000 r Summary: Coastal Annexation Area Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Preliminary Draft Draft Sel°vice Plan typically include, but not necessarily be limited to: resource management opportunities and constraints,public access opportunities and constraints; and the role of any prime agricultural lands on the site relative to current marketplace conditions. An assessment is then made about the District resources that would be needed to sustain a responsible level of use and management of the property and its resources. I I 1 r, Note.This is a progress report.All information outlined herein is for planning purposes only and is subject to change Page 3 2 October 6,2000 F