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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem #12 - Miossi Open SpaceMiossi Open Space Conservation PlanCity Council – January 14, 20201 Miossi Open Space Conservation PlanRecommendationApprove a resolution to:1. Adopt the Miossi Open Space Conservation Plan; and2. Adopt a Negative Declaration of environmental impact for the Project. 2 Miossi Open Space Conservation PlanBackgroundMiossi Open Space is a 266-acre property that was purchasedby the City of San Luis Obispo in November 2018 for $1.3 millionusing local revenue measure funds together with a state grantand private gift. It is the most recent addition to the City’sGreenbelt Protection Program that has conserved over 7,500acres of land since 1994.Project SummaryTheMiossi Open Space Conservation Plan(“the ConservationPlan”) is intended to guide the conservation and stewardship ofthis property long into the future. This process also formallydesignates Miossi Open Space as a City Open Space property inaccordance with the City’s Open Space Regulations (1996), theConservation Guidelines for Open Space Lands of the City ofSan Luis Obispo (2002), and the Conservation and Open SpaceElement of the City’s General Plan (2006).3 4Miossi Open Space Conservation PlanSite Map 5Miossi Open Space Conservation PlanTopo Map 6Miossi Open Space Conservation PlanGreenbelt Map 7Miossi Open Space Conservation PlanView looking south of Poly Canyon and the City in the background 8Miossi Open Space Conservation PlanView north to Cuesta Ridge, Los Padres Nat’l Forest, & Santa Lucia Wilderness 9Miossi Open Space Conservation PlanCoast live oak woodland 10Miossi Open Space Conservation PlanExisting “jeep trails” provide trail and maintenance access 11Miossi Open Space Conservation PlanSanta Lucia manzanitaBishop manzanita 12Miossi Open Space Conservation PlanBrewer’s spineflower 13Miossi Open Space Conservation PlanPalmer’s spineflower 14Miossi Open Space Conservation PlanClub-haired mariposa lily 15Miossi Open Space Conservation PlanMouse-grey dudleya 16Miossi Open Space Conservation PlanSmall-leaved lomatium 17Miossi Open Space Conservation PlanAmerican Badger 18Miossi Open Space Conservation PlanGolden eagle 19Miossi Open Space Conservation PlanOak titmouse 20Miossi Open Space Conservation PlanPeregrine falcon 21Miossi Open Space Conservation PlanWhite-tailed kite 22Miossi Open Space Conservation PlanCalifornia red-legged frog 23Miossi Open Space Conservation PlanSouth-central California coast steelhead Management Considerations1. Natural Resources Protection.The Conservation Plan placespriority on maintaining the natural ecosystem.2. Scenic Resources.Miossi Open Space represents a scenic andprominent backdrop within the San Luis Obispo Greenbelt.3. Cultural Resources.The historic dam and associated infrastructurethat was part of the initial water system supplying water to the City ofSan Luis Obispo was recorded.4. Erosion and Drainage.Ongoing erosion control and watermanagement strategies are necessary.5. Fire Protection.The Cuesta Ridge landscape, in general, representsa significant wildland.6. Trail and Passive Recreation.An existing system of old “jeep trails”provide passive recreational access, and new multi-use trails (hikingand biking) are proposed as part of the Conservation Plan in threelocations.24Miossi Open Space Conservation Plan Conservation Plan Components 1. Inventory.Physical site inventory, prior legal agreements, soils &geology, plants & animals, carbon sequestration potential.2. Goals and Policies.Conserve, protect, and maintain natural andcultural resources in accordance with existing City policies. Managepassive recreation for resourceprotection, user safety and anemjoyable experience.3. Conservation Plan.Naming, management areas, needs analysis.4. Wildfire Preparedness Plan.Ongoing grazing, fuel break, nosmoking or fires. Cal Fire has primary responsibility / jurisdiction.5. Photo Monitoring Points.Eleven photo points were established todocument the existing condition of the property in order to assess“levels of acceptable change” and overall conditions over time.25Miossi Open Space Conservation Plan 26Miossi Open Space Conservation PlanManagement Areas& Trail Map 27Miossi Open Space Conservation PlanImplementationPrior to Opening the Property to the Public:1. Provide tribal representative site visits; arrange and attend cultural resources sensitivity training with Ranger Service and Natural Resources staff, as well as volunteer trail crew members2. Install “wildlife friendly” perimeter fence along the southerly property boundary 3. Install new signage at trailheads and along trails4. Install entry gate, kiosk, parking and fencing, and trailhead amenities (trash can and mutt mitts)5. Maintain and repair erosion and drainage areas along existing access routes6. Install new trail bypass around erosive landslip area in the upper area of the property7. Begin ongoing invasive weed species treatmentGrand Opening and Dedication in Spring / Summer 2020 28Miossi Open Space Conservation PlanImplementation (Cont.)Years 1-3•Install new trail sections • Implement and monitor grazing strategy • Evaluate potential for carbon farming activities• Further evaluate the historic dam and associated infrastructure to determine eligibility for the California Register of Historic Resources Ongoing Specific Tasks• Maintain drainage systems, road, and trails• Monitor ecosystem health• Monitor non-native, dead, or dying vegetation and remove as appropriate• Regularly patrol the property and interact with users• Weed whacking, mowing, and grazing for hazardous fuel reduction • Site stewardship and “pride of ownership” tasks• Work with local universities to continue resource inventories and research opportunities Environmental ReviewAn Initial Study has been prepared that identifies several areas where“Less Than Significant” impacts have the potential to occur. These are:Aesthetics; Air Quality; BiologicalResources; Cultural Resources;Energy; Geology and Soils; Greenhouse Gas Emissions; Hazards andHazardous Materials; Hydrology and Water Quality; Noise; PublicServices; Recreation; Transportation; Tribal Cultural Resources; andWildlfire. No potentially significant or significant impacts wereidentified. Accordingly, a Negative Declaration is recommended foradoption.Public Engagement1. Public Meeting at Ludwick Community Center - December 11, 20192. Focused stakeholder and neighboring property owner outreach3. Electronic notification and City website news item4. 30-day public comment period – four (4) written comment received5. Legal notification and posting at City Hall and the property itself6. Outreach and follow up with historically and culturally affiliatedNative American tribal representatives29Miossi Open Space Conservation Plan QuestionsStaff:Bob Hill, Sustainability & Natural Resources OfficialDylan Stafforini, Sustainability & Natural Resources Intern IIIFreddy Otte, City BiologistDoug Carscaden, Senior RangerTechnical Assistance:Terra Verde EnvironmentalApplied EarthworksRincon Consultants30Miossi Open Space Conservation PlanRecommendationApprove a resolution to:1. Adopt the Miossi Open Space Conservation Plan; and2. Adopt a Negative Declaration of environmental impact for the Project.