HomeMy Public PortalAbout20001016 - Agendas Packet - Board of Directors (BOD) - 00-27 Regional Open Spdce
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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• 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
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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
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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:
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October 6,2000
Summary: Coastal Annexation Area
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District S Preliminary Draft Service Plan
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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
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October 6,2000
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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
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October 6,2000
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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
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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
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October 6, 2000
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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.
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October b,2000
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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.
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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
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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
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Summary: Coastal Annexation Area
h1i�eninsula Regional Qpen Space District Prelinainary Draft Service Plan
SERVICE PLAN DEFINITIONS
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As used above, the following definitions apply:
SAN MATEO COUNTY COASTAL ANNEXATION AREA: is generally defined as follows:
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• 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.
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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
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October 6,2000
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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
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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.
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October 6,2000
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