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Item 7d - Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan
Item 7d Department: Administration Cost Center: 1005 For Agenda of: 5/16/2023 Placement: Public Hearing Estimated Time: 45 minutes FROM: Greg Hermann, Deputy City Manager Prepared By: Robert Hill, Sustainability & Natural Resources Official SUBJECT: RIGHETTI HILL OPEN SPACE CONSERVATION PLAN RECOMMENDATION Adopt a Draft Resolution entitled, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of San Luis Obispo, California, approving the Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan and adoption of an Addendum to the Orcutt Area Specific Plan Final Environmental Impact Report.” POLICY CONTEXT The recommended action formally designates Righetti Hill Open Space as a City of San Luis Obispo Open Space property. The acquisition, management, and long-term stewardship of the property will be carried out in accordance with the City’s Open Space Regulations (1996), the Conservation Guidelines for Open Space Lands of the City of San Luis Obispo (2002), the Conservation and Open Space Element of the City’s General Plan (2006); and the City of San Luis Obispo 2015 Open Space Maintenance Plan . DISCUSSION Background The City of San Luis Obispo acquired the 51 -acre Righetti Hill Open Space as multiple open space parcels in 2018 as a condition of the approval of the Orcutt Area Specific Plan by the San Luis Obispo County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo) and the subsequent subdivision Tract #3063 by the City of San Luis Obispo. It is the latest addition to the City’s inventory of lands protected through the City’s long -standing Greenbelt Protection Program which has resulted in the permanent conservation of over 7,800 acres1. This report recommends that the City Council approve a resolution (Attachment A) to adopt the Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan (Attachment B, the “Conservation Plan”), pursuant to the City’s Conservation Guidelines for Open Space Lands, and an addendum to the Orcutt Area Specific Plan Final Environmental Impact Report (Attachment C) for the project. In brief, the Conservation Plan is intended to guide 1 The City of San Luis Obispo owns approximately 4,300 acres of open space lands and holds conservation easements that permanently protect approximately 3,500 acres, for a total of 7,800 acres within the Greenbelt. Page 963 of 1165 Item 7d the conservation and stewardship of this property long into the future as part of a larger mosaic of protected open space lands owned by the City. Overview of Righetti Hill Open Space Righetti Hill Open Space offers high value for natural resource conservation and passive recreational uses on a 51-acre site. Located at the corner of the Tank Farm Road and Orcutt Road intersection and nestled behind new residenti al development, Righetti Hill Open Space is a relatively small, but accessible neighborhood open space that provides pleasant hiking trails with wonderful off-site views of surrounding open space lands such as the South Hills, Islay Hill, Terrace Hill, Cerro San Luis, Bishop Peak, and Cal Poly lands as well as surrounding neighborhoods, downtown, and Edna Valley. Reaching an elevation of 563 feet, the site’s most prominent feature, Righetti Hill, is fundamentally a conical volcanic plug, one of the prized Morros that define our region. Just north of Righetti Hill, and within Righetti Hill Open Space, is a creek corridor where three creeks converge: (1) Tanglewood Creek, (2) Crotalo Creek, and (3) Hansen Creek. While the site’s historical uses of ranching and farming activities altered much of the native habitat, viable native plant communities still remain. Righetti Hill Open Space hosts exceptional plant and wildlife diversity, and is well-suited to offer pleasant hiking, biking, and passive recreational opportunities (see further discussion, below). Plan Overview The Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan provides a framework for a mix of management approaches to natural resources protection, scenic resources, cultural resources, erosion and drainage, fire protection, climate smart natural resources management, trails, and passive recreation: 1. Natural Resources Protection. The Conservation Plan places priority on maintaining the natural ecosystem, while allowing passive public recreation as appropriate and compatible, in accordance with adopted Conservation and Open Space Element (2006) policy. Righetti Hill Open Space provides habitat to numerous plant, wildlife, and avian species; including one special status plant species. Protective status is also given to all native plant communities and habitats that persist or are establishing within the open space area for the functions and values that they provide. 2. Scenic Resources. Righetti Hill Open Space is a relatively small, but accessible neighborhood open space that provides pleasant hiking trails with wonderful off - site views of surrounding open space lands such as South Hills, Islay Hill, Terrace Hill, Cerro San Luis, and Bishop Peak as well as surrounding neighborhoods, downtown, and Edna Valley. With a peak elevation of 563 feet and numerous rock outcroppings, Righetti Hill itself is a natural landmark visible from most of the southern portion of the City and represents a scenic backdrop along Orcutt Road and Tank Farm Road. The creek corridor adjacent to Righetti Hill also offers a scenic environment for residents and visitors to enjoy. Consequently, Righetti Hill Open Space shall be managed as a scenic resource. Page 964 of 1165 Item 7d 3. Cultural Resources. An Archaeological Resource Inventory was conducted by the firm, Conejo Archaeological Consultants (2004), as part of the 2010 Orcutt Area Specific Plan Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR), which included a cultural records search, outreach to historically and culturally affiliated Native American tribal representatives, and a limited field survey of the Orcutt Specific Plan Area. Conejo Archeological Consultants (2004) identified one small prehistoric site and two isolated artifacts within the Orcutt Specific Plan Area, but not within Righetti Hill Open Space. While the inventory included most of the creek corridor portion of Righetti Hill Open Space, it did not include Righetti Hill itself. Consequently, and as a result of tribal outreach that took place at that time with the Northern Chumash Tribal Council, the 2010 Orcutt Area Specific Plan FEIR included a mitigation measure that required the City to conduct an additional study for Righetti Hill prior to allowing public access to the top of the hill. In compliance with the Orcutt Area Specific Plan FEIR mitigation measure that had been required in 2010, a Cultural Resources Assessment was conducted in 2022 by Rincon Consultants, Inc., which included a cultural resources records search and an intensive pedestrian level survey of Righetti Hill. Rincon Consultants, Inc. (2022) identified no cultural resources within the Righetti Hill study area. However, 14 cultural resources were identified in the vicinity of the study area. Additionally, research indicated that the study area was formerly a mine, which provides a possibility for disturbance. Based on these findings, Rincon Consultants, Inc. considers Righetti Hill to be moderately sensitive to archaeological disturbance. However, the absence of substantial prehistoric or historic-period archaeological remains within the study area, the existing level of disturbance in the project site, and the steep slope of the project site suggests that encountering an intact subsurface archaeological deposit is unlikely. As a result, Rincon Consultants, Inc. recommended that the City conduct a Worker’s Environmental Awareness Program training and implement measures such that all personnel know what to do in the event of an unanticipated discovery. The City’s Ranger Service staff have since completed the recommended Worker’s Environmental Awareness Program training. All future work within Righetti Hill Open Space should be conducted in compliance with the Orcutt Area Specific Plan. No further work beyond what is required in the Orcutt Area Specific Plan is necessary. 4. Erosion and Drainage. A Custom Soil Resource Report was prepared for Righetti Hill Open Space using the United States Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) website application. The report reveals that Righetti Hill is comprised of three major soils: Rock outcrop-Lithic Haploxerolls complex (Unit 195), Los Osos loam (Unit 161), and Los Osos-Diablo complex (Unit 162). These soils range from well to excessively drained and are characterized as having very high runoff potential and moderate to severe erosion potential, especially given the presence of steep slopes. Additionally, the creek corridor portion of Righetti Hill Open Space is comprised of Cropley clay (Units 127 an d 128), Los Osos loam (Units 158 and 161), and Los Osos -Diablo complex (Unit 162). These soils range from moderately well drained to well drained and are characterized as having medium to very high runoff potential and slight to Page 965 of 1165 Item 7d moderate erosion potential. It is important to note that there is already a concerning area of erosion proximate to the homes along Hillside Drive on the western portion of Righetti Hill. Accordingly, ongoing erosion control and water management strategies are necessarily a part of the Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan. 5. Fire Protection. Righetti Hill Open Space is not currently considered to be located within a Fire Hazard Severity Zone by CAL FIRE. However, Righetti Hill Open Space is surrounded by at-risk residential land uses and adjacent to a Moderate Fire Hazard Severity Zone. Although it is not large enough to represent a significant wildland fire hazard, Righetti Hill Open Space does have the right “factors” to pose a localized fire hazard that could result in unacceptable safety risk and property loss. This is due to prevailing westerly winds; presence of annual grassland; proximity to historic fire perimeters; and adjacency to a Moderate Fire Hazard Severity Zone. The Conservation Plan introduces the need to monitor a nd attend to annual grassland areas, preferably through the use of controlled seasonal grazing, or with mowing, if necessary, using specialized rubber track equipment to minimize any associated damage. Additionally, as a condition of approval for subdivision development, the neighborhood Homeowner’s Association is required to maintain a 100-foot Wildland Fuel Management Zone (“Wildland FMZ”) within the established fuel reduction zone and private open spaces, including on City lots, as shown in the Fire Protection Plan for Righetti Hills Development (2014). 6. Climate Smart Natural Resources. In accordance with the City of San Luis Obispo Climate Adaptation and Safety Element (2023), the management of Righetti Hill Open Space will integrate climate projections and adaptation projects regarding changes in average temperatures, extreme heat, flooding, fire, drought, etc. Climate smart natural resource management may include but is not limited to clearing or removing dead material and replanting with more resilient shrubs and trees, controlled seasonal grazing, restoration of disturbed habitat, and reduction of wildland fuels. There are also numerous opportunities within Righetti Hill Open Space for tree planting in furtherance of the City’s Community Forest Plan (20 23) and the associated 10 Tall tree planting initiative. 7. Trails and Passive Recreation. A system of trails will provide access to Righetti Hill Open Space. A new trail leading to the summit was installed in the summer of 2022 in accordance with the Orcutt Area Specific Plan and FEIR, while other new trails will be constructed pursuant to this Conservation Plan. Righetti Hill is not considered to be conducive to extensive mountain bike use due to its small size, steep slopes, and generally narrow trails, but its flatter areas provide a suitable area for youth riders to begin to gain skills and confidence in an off -road setting. As such, the trail leading to the summit is recommended to be for hiking use only (single-use). However, bicycle use (multi-use) in a perimeter loop trail around the lower portions of Righetti Hill is considered to be compatible with the City’s other overarching conservation goals and policy framework. Trail recommendations were also informed by the City Council approved report, Saving Special Places Forever: A Vision Plan to Complete and Sustain the San Luis Obispo Greenbelt Page 966 of 1165 Item 7d (2017), which included a success performance indicator: “A culture of shared use and mutual respect is strong and expected on all trails in the Greenbelt. Both single-use and multi-use trails of varying length and difficulty are available at numerous Greenbelt locations.” (p. 12). Trail use designations and management recommendations were developed collaboratively by the City’s Natural Resources Program and Ranger Service staff and will be monitored and may be adjusted over time as the City gains more experience with operating and stewarding this new open space property. Trail maps and clearly marked trails signs will be installed at trailheads and trail junctions, respectively. Previous Council Action The City Council’s Resolution No. 10618 (2015 Series) approved Tract 3063 and other planning entitlements within the Orcutt Area Specific Plan. Council’s subsequent approval of the final maps for Tract 3063 included the dedication of various lots (as further described in the Conservation Plan) to the City for open space purposes. Public Engagement A public open house was held in partnership with the Parks & Recreation Department at the Ludwick Community Center on the evening April 11, 2023, that consisted of an open house format with stations that provided an overview of the Conservation Plan as well as proposed trails, recreational amenities, and management areas. Participants had the opportunity to learn about, ask questions, and provide input on the proposed management of Righetti Hill Open Space. The workshop was attended by approximately 200 members of the public and comments were received and recorded. CONCURRENCE The City’s Ranger Service has reviewed the plan and have provided concurrence. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW A Final Environmental Impact Report for the Orcutt Area Specific Plan (State Clearinghouse [SCH] #2004011059) was approved in 2010, which included the Project area. No potentially significant or significant impacts were identified within the Project area. Accordingly, Rincon Consultants, Inc. has prepared, and staff recommends, approval of an Addendum to the 2010 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Orcutt Area Specific Plan (Attachment C) as the appropriate environmental review document (California Environmental Quality Act [CEQA] Guidelines 15162 and 15164.) FISCAL IMPACT Budgeted: Yes Budget Year: 2023-24; Ongoing Funding Identified: Yes Page 967 of 1165 Item 7d Fiscal Analysis: Funding Sources Total Budget Available Current Funding Request Remaining Balance Annual Ongoing Cost General Fund $62,313 $0 $0 $68,544 State Federal Fees Other: Total $62,313 $ $ $68,544 Anticipated current costs are based on purchase and installation of standard specification open space amenities, as identified in the City of San Luis Obispo 2015 Open Space Maintenance Plan (p. 12), including fencing, gates, kiosks, etc. Annualized costs are estimated based on a ten-year replacement cycle of open space amenities. Trail installation is completed by Ranger Service staff and volunteers with existing equipment. Sufficient funding is available in existing budgets for 2022-23 to start installation of key elements necessary to open the property to the public, while additional implementation tasks are anticipated to be completed later this summer and fall with 2023 -24 budgets (if approved). Day-to-day management and occasional costs that may arise from time to time that are necessary to safely manage, and steward Righetti Hill Open Space will continue to be supported through the operating budgets within the Natural Resources Program and Ranger Service. Table 1. Cost Estimate for Righetti Hill Open Space Amenities Amenity Standard Cost per Unit Installation Cost per Unit Total Cost per Unit Number of Units Total Bench $750 $100 $850 2 $1,700 Kiosk - Medium $10,000 $575 $10,575 1 $10,575 Kiosk - Small $5,000 $385 $5,385 1 $5,385 Mutt-Mitts/Trash Cans $536 $100 $636 2 $1,272 Bike Rack - 4 bike $440 $48 $488 2 $976 Trail Signage - Rules $150 $48 $198 5 $990 Trail Signage - Blade $75 $24 $99 5 $495 Creek signage $75 $24 $99 5 $495 Gate - Vehicle $1,000 $435 $1,435 1 $1,435 Gate - Swing $300 $195 $495 2 $990 Trailhead Fencing $30 Included $30 1000 $30,000 Native creek planting $15 $20 $35 100 $3,500 Bridge $2,000 $2,500 $4,500 1 $4,500 Total $62,313 Source: City of San Luis Obispo Open Space Maintenance Plan (2015) Page 968 of 1165 Item 7d City staff has developed an ongoing Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) program for major maintenance activities and improvements that is considered as part of the City’s bi -annual Financial Plan. City staff will also pursue grants and support volunteers to augment funding for this plan’s identified projects. Overall, the fiscal impact of the Conservation Plan and its implementation is considered manageable given existing funding and opportunities to phase projects and leverage modest investment s of City funds. ALTERNATIVES The City Council could: 1. Request changes to the Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan and/or the addendum to the Orcutt Area Specific Plan Final Environmental Impact Report. 2. Deny the Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan, and not adopt the addendum to the Orcutt Area Specific Plan Final Environmental Impact Report. 3. Continue the item with specific direction in the event that more information or discussion time is required before taking action. ATTACHMENTS A - Draft Resolution adopting the Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan B - Draft Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan C - Addendum to the 2010 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Orcutt Area Specific Plan Page 969 of 1165 Page 970 of 1165 R ______ RESOLUTION NO. _____ (2023 SERIES) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE RIGHETTI HILL OPEN SPACE CONSERVATION PLAN AND ADOPTION OF AN ADDENDUM TO THE ORCUTT AREA SPECIFIC PLAN FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT. WHEREAS, the City of San Luis Obispo has adopted policies for protection, management, and public use of open space lands and natural and cultural resources acquired by the City; and WHEREAS, the City of San Luis Obispo owns and manages open space areas totaling over 4,300 acres, including the approximately 51 -acre Righetti Hill Open Space; and WHEREAS, the designation and management of Righetti Hill as an Open Space property is consistent with the Conservation and Open Space Element of t he City of San Luis Obispo’s General Plan (Appendix C: Management of Open Space Lands; 2006) and the Orcutt Area Specific Plan (2010); and WHEREAS, the general public has commented upon the Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan as it has moved through a Council-directed approval process, and staff has considered and incorporated those comments where appropriate; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of San Luis Obispo as follows: SECTION 1. Recitals. The recitals set forth above are hereby adopted as the findings of the City in adopting the policies herein. SECTION 2. Environmental Review. The City Council hereby adopts the Addendum to the Orcutt Area Specific Plan Final Environmental Impact Report for the project, an official copy of which shall be kept on record with the City Clerk, finding that it adequately identifies all of the potential impacts of the project and those potential impacts identified in the areas of Biological Resources; Cultural Resources; and Hazards and Hazardous Materials. These findings, together with incorporation by reference into the Project Description that the property will be managed in accordance with policies found in the City’s Conservation and Open Space Element of its General Plan (2006); the Conservation Guidelines for Management of Open Space Lands of the City of San Luis Obispo (2002); the City of San Luis Obispo 2015 Open Space Maintenance Plan; and, the City’s Open Space Regulations (Municipal Code 12.22), support a conclusion that the adoption of an Addendum is appropriate. Page 971 of 1165 Resolution No. _____ (2023 Series) Page 2 R ______ SECTION 3. Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan. The City Council hereby adopts the Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan, an official copy of which shall be kept on record with the City Clerk, based on the following findings: a) The Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan is consistent with General Plan goals and policies relating to the oversight and management of City open space areas, specifically Conservation and Open Space Element Policy 8.5.6 that calls for the development of conservation or master plans for open space properties to protect and enhance them in a way that best benefits the community as a whole; and b) Implementation of the Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan will provide protection of identified natural resources and appropriate public access to the site while maintaining a majority of the site for habitat protection and enhancement. Upon motion of Council Member ___________, seconded by Council Member ___________, and on the following roll call vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: The foregoing resolution was adopted this _____ day of _______________ 20 23. ___________________________ Mayor Erica A. Stewart ATTEST: ______________________ Teresa Purrington City Clerk APPROVED AS TO FORM: ______________________ J. Christine Dietrick City Attorney IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the City of San Luis Obispo, California, on ______________________. ___________________________ Teresa Purrington, City Clerk Page 972 of 1165 RIGHETTI HILL OPEN SPACE CONSERVATION PLAN Public Hearing Review Draft City of San Luis Obispo City Administration Office of Sustainability & Natural Resources May 2023 Page 973 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 1 Page 974 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 2 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan Public Hearing Review Draft City Council Erica A. Stewart, Mayor Jan Marx, Vice Mayor Andy Pease Michelle Shoresman Emily Francis City Management Derek Johnson, City Manager Shelly Stanwyck, Assistant City Manager, Community Services Greg Hermann, Deputy City Manager Prepared by: Robert Hill Sustainability and Natural Resources Official (805) 781-7211 Marina Varano Sustainability and Natural Resources Intern III City of San Luis Obispo City Administration Office of Sustainability & Natural Resources 990 Palm Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Technical Assistance: Rincon Consultants, Inc. Page 975 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 3 Page 976 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 4 Table of Contents List of Figures & Tables ................................................................................................................................................................................ 5 Executive Summary ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 7 1. Property History ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 13 2. Inventory ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 14 2.1 Physical Inventory ............................................................................................................................................................................. 14 2.2 Legal Agreements ............................................................................................................................................................................ 15 2.3 Soils ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 16 2.4 Vegetation and Habitat Types ..................................................................................................................................................... 18 2.5 Species Inventory.............................................................................................................................................................................. 20 2.6 Non-native Plant Species of Concern ....................................................................................................................................... 21 3. Goals and Policies .................................................................................................................................................................................... 21 4. Conservation Plan .................................................................................................................................................................................... 26 4.1 Naming ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 26 4.2 Land Use Designations ................................................................................................................................................................... 26 4.3 Photo Monitoring Points ............................................................................................................................................................... 29 4.4 Needs Analysis ................................................................................................................................................................................... 29 5. Wildfire Preparedness Plan................................................................................................................................................................... 30 6. Implementation ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 31 7. Fiscal Statement ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 32 8. Updates and Amendment ..................................................................................................................................................................... 32 9. References ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 34 Appendix .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 35 A. Photo Monitoring Points ................................................................................................................................................................. 35 B. Soil Report for Righetti Hill Open Space ................................................................................................................................... 44 C. Existing Conditions Report for the Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan ..................................................... 69 D. Cultural Resources Section of the 2010 Orcutt Area Specific Plan Final Environmental Impact Report ......... 87 E. Cultural Resources Assessment Report for the Righetti Hill Open Space .................................................................... 98 Page 977 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 5 List of Figures & Tables FIGURES Figure 1. View from the hiking trail on the east side of Righetti Hill 4 Figure 2. Righetti Hill Open Space Property Boundary Site Map 7 Figure 3. Righetti Hill Open Space Topographic Map 8 Figure 4. Righetti Hill Open Space and the San Luis Obispo Greenbelt 9 Figure 5. Dirt road at the main trailhead that continues along the west side of Righetti Hill 11 Figure 6. Incomplete paved path between Righetti Hill and the Creek Corridor 11 Figure 7. Open-top culverts along the base of Righetti Hill 12 Figure 8. Bike path along the north side of the Creek Corridor 12 Figure 9. Drainage basin in the Creek Corridor after a heavy rain event 12 Figure 10. Hydromodifications along the creek in the Creek Corridor 12 Figure 11. Vegetation Communities and Land Cover Types from the Orcutt Area Specific Plan (2010) 15 Figure 12. Cultural Resources Monitoring Area (Orcutt Area Specific Plan FEIR, 2010) 21 Figure 13. Righetti Hill Open Space Significant Features & Amenities Map 25 Figure 14. Area of erosion on Righetti Hill near the residential development along Hillside Drive 26 Figure 15. Area of erosion on the south side of the Creek Corridor 26 Figure 16. View from the hiking trail on the west side of Righetti Hill Error! Bookmark not defined. Figure 17. Photo Monitoring Points Map 39 TABLES Table 1. Cost Estimate for Righetti Hill Open Space Amenities 32 Table 2. Photo Monitoring Points 35 Maps and Photos by City of San Luis Obispo staff, Rincon Consultants, Inc., or open source. Page 978 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 6 Page 979 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 7 Executive Summary The Righetti Hill Open Space is a hidden gem located entirely within the City of San Luis Obispo, offering spectacular 360° panoramic views of the City below and the surrounding region beyond, diverse habitats for plants and wildlife, and pleasant hiking and passive recreational opportunities. For these reasons, Righetti Hill Open Space is now the subject of a contemporary Conservation Plan process in order for the property to be managed in accordance with the City’s Open Space Regulations (1998), the Conservation Guidelines for Open Space Lands of the City of San Luis Obispo (“Conservation Guidelines”; 2002) and the Conservation and Open Space Element of the City’s General Plan (2006). This policy framework, collectively, informs decision making as to natural resources protection and responsible, compatible passive recreation opportunities. The Conservation Guidelines specify open space land use designations, general policies, and property specific plan elements and recommendations. In accordance with this established City policy, the Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan (“Conservation Plan”) is intended to guide the conservation and stewardship of this property long into the future as part of a larger mosaic of open lands owned by the City. Site Description Righetti Hill Open Space offers high value for natural resource conservation and passive recreational uses on this 51-acre site. Reaching an elevation of 563 feet, the site’s most prominent feature, Righetti Hill (also known as Mine Hill), is fundamentally a conical volcano, one of the prized Morros that define our region. Just north of Righetti Hill, and within Righetti Hill Open Space, is a Creek Corridor where three creeks converge: (1) Tanglewood Creek, (2) Crotalo Creek, and (3) Hansen Creek. While the site’s historical uses of ranching and farming activities altered much of the native habitat, viable native plant communities still remain. The natural landscape includes coastal scrub, riparian woodland, wetlands, fresh water springs, and steep chaparral hillsides in complement to the annual grassland and rock outcrop features of the site. Righetti Hill Open Space is bound by the Righetti Family homestead (“Righetti Homesite”) and Orcutt Road to the east, Tank Farm Road and residential development to the south, Hillside Drive and residential development to the west, and undeveloped privately owned land to the north. Uniquely, Righetti Hill Open Space is comprised of two disconnected open space areas: (1) Righetti Hill (44.03 acres) and a (2) Creek Corridor (6.97 acres). Righetti Hill is separated from the Creek Corridor by a planned public park and trail that has yet to be built. When it is necessary to distinguish between the separate and distinct areas within Righetti Hill Open Space, the areas will be referred to as “Righetti Hill” (44.03 acres) and “Creek Corridor” (6.97 acres). Otherwise, the site will be referred to as Righetti Hill Open Space (51 acres). Figure 1. View from the trail on the east side of Righetti Hill Page 980 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 8 Management Considerations The Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan provides a framework for a mix of management approaches to natural resources protection, scenic resources, cultural resources, erosion and drainage, fire protection, climate smart natural resources, trails, and passive recreation: Natural Resources Protection. The Conservation Plan places priority on maintaining the natural ecosystem, while allowing passive public recreation as appropriate and compat ible. Righetti Hill Open Space provides habitat to numerous plant, wildlife, and avian species, including one special status plant species. Protective status is also given to all native plant communities and habitats that persist or are establishing within the open space area for the functions and values that they provide. Scenic Resources. Righetti Hill Open Space is a relatively small, but accessible neighborhood open space that provides pleasant hiking trails with wonderful off-site views of surrounding open space lands such as South Hills, Islay Hill, Terrace Hill, Cerro San Luis, and Bishop Peak as well as surrounding neighborhoods, downtown, and Edna Valley. With a peak elevation of 563 feet and numerous rock outcroppings, Righetti Hill itself is a natural landmark visible from most of the southern portion of the City and represents a scenic backdrop along Orcutt Road and Tank Farm Road. The Creek Corridor adjacent to Righetti Hill also offers a scenic environment for residents and visitors to enjoy. Consequently, Righetti Hill Open Space shall be managed as a scenic resource. Cultural Resources. An Archaeological Resource Inventory was conducted by the firm, Conejo Archaeological Consultants (2004), as part of the Orcutt Area Specific Plan Final Environmental Impact Report (2010) (FEIR), which included a cultural records search, outreach to historically and culturally affiliated Native American tribal representatives, and a limited field survey of the Orcutt Specific Plan Area. Conejo Archeological Consultants (2004) identified one small prehistoric site and two isolated artifacts within the Orcutt Specific Plan Area, but not within Righetti Hill Open Space. While the inventory included the Creek Corridor portion of Righetti Hill Open Space, it did not include Righetti Hill itself. Consequently, the Orcutt Area Specific Plan FEIR (2010) included a mitigation measure that required the City to conduct an archaeological study for Righetti Hill prior to allowing public access to the top of the hill. In compliance with the Orcutt Area Specific Plan FEIR (2010) mitigation measure, a Cultural Resources Assessment was conducted in 2022 by Rincon Consultants, Inc., which included a cultural resources records search and an intensive pedestrian level survey of Righetti Hill. Rincon Consultants, Inc. (2022) identified no cultural resources within the Righetti Hill study area. However, 14 cultural resources were identified in the vicinity of the study area. Additionally, research indicated that the study area was formerly a mine, which provides a possibility for disturbance. Based on these findings, Rincon Consultants, Inc. considers Righetti Hill to be moderately sensitive to archaeological disturbance. However, the absence of substantial prehistoric or historic-period archaeological remains within the study area, the existing level of disturbance in the project site, and the steep slope of the project site suggests that encountering an intact subsurface archaeological deposit is unlikely. As a result, Rincon Consultants, Inc. recommended that the City conduct a Worker’s Environmental Awareness Program training and implement measures such that all personnel know what to do in the events of an unanticipated discovery. All future work within Righetti Hill Open Space should be conducted in compliance with the Orcutt Area Specific Plan (2010). No further work beyond what is required in the Orcutt Area Specific Plan (2010) is necessary. Erosion and Drainage. A Custom Soil Resource Report was prepared for Righetti Hill Open Space using the United States Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) website application. The report reveals that Righetti Hill is comprised of three major soils: Rock outcrop-Lithic Haploxerolls complex (Unit 195), Los Osos loam (Unit 161), and Los Osos-Diablo complex (Unit 162). These soils range from well to excessively drained and are characterized as having very high runoff potential and moderate to severe erosion potential, especially given the presence of steep slopes. Additionally, the Creek Corridor portion of Righetti Hill Open Space is comprised of Cropley clay (Units 127 and 128 ), Los Osos loam (Units 158 and 161), and Los Osos-Diablo complex (Unit 162). These soils range from moderately well Page 981 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 9 drained to well drained and are characterized as having medium to very high runoff potential and slight to moderate erosion potential. It is important to note that there is already a concerning area of erosion proximate to the homes along Hillside Drive on the western portion of Righetti Hill. Accordingly, ongoing erosion control and water management strategies are necessarily a part of t he Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan. Fire Protection. Righetti Hill Open Space is not currently considered to be located within a Fire Hazard Severity Zone by CAL FIRE. However, Righetti Hill Open Space is surrounded by at-risk residential land uses and adjacent to a Moderate Fire Hazard Severity Zone. Although it is not large enough to represent a significant wildland fire hazard, Righetti Hill Open Space does have the right “ingredients” to pose a localized fire hazard that could result in unacceptable safety risk and property loss. This is due to prevailing westerly winds; presence of annual grassland; proximity to historic fire perimeters; and adjacency to a Moderate Fire Hazard Severity Zone. The Conservation Plan introduces the need to monitor and attend to annual grassland areas, preferably through the use of controlled seasonal grazing, or with mowing, if necessary, using specialized rubber track equipment to minimize any associated damage. Additionally, as a condition of approval for subdivision development, the neighborhood homeowner’s association is required to maintain a 100-foot Wildland Fuel Management Zone (“Wildland FMZ”) within the established fuel reduction zone and private open spaces, including on City lots, as shown in the Fire Protection Plan for Righetti Hills Development (2014). Climate Smart Natural Resources. In accordance with the City of San Luis Obispo Climate Adaptation and Safety Element (2023), the management of Righetti Hill Open Space will integrate climate projections and adaptation projects regarding changes in average temperatures, extreme heat, flooding, fire, drought, etc. Climate smart natural resource management may include but is not limited to clearing or removing dead material and replanting with more resilient shrubs and trees, controlled seasonal grazing, restoration of disturbed habitat, and reduction of wildland fuels. There are also numerous opportunities within Righetti Hill Open Space for tree planting in furtherance of the City’s Community Forest Plan (2023) and the associated 10 Tall tree planting initiative. Trails and Passive Recreation. A system of trails will provide access to Righetti Hill Open Space. A new trail leading to the summit was installed in the summer of 2022 in accordance with the Orcutt Area Specific Plan and FEIR, while other new trails will be constructed pursuant to this Conservation Plan. Righetti Hill is not considered to be conducive to extensive mountain bike use due to its small size, steep slopes, and generally narrow trails, but its flatter areas provide a suitable area for youth riders to begin to gain skills and confidence in an off-road setting. As such, the trail leading to the summit is designated for hiking use only (single-use). However, bicycle use (multi-use) in a perimeter loop trail around the lower portions of Righetti Hill is compatible with the City’s other overarching conservation goals and policy framework. Trail use designations and management recommendations will be monitored and may be adjusted over time as the City gains more experience with operating and stewarding this new open space property. Trail maps and clearly marked trails signs will be installed at trailheads and trail junctions, respectively. Page 982 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 10 Figure 2. Righetti Hill Open Space Property Boundary Site Map Page 983 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 11 Figure 3. Righetti Hill Open Space Topographic Map Page 984 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 12 Figure 4. Righetti Hill Open Space and the San Luis Obispo Greenbelt Page 985 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 13 1. Property History With a peak elevation of 563 feet and numerous rock outcroppings, Righetti Hill is a natural landmark and is one of the region’s “Morros.” The Morros are ancient volcanic peaks that have eroded to the core plugs. The ancient peaks, located on the Pacific Plate, originated some 400 miles southeast near the present-day area of San Diego during the Miocene era about 25 million years ago. Known as the “Nine Sisters,” or sometimes the “Seven Sisters,” the Morros include Morro Rock (State Historical Landmark No. 821), Black Hill, Cerro Cabrillo, Hollister Peak, Cerro Romauldo, Chumash Peak, Bishop Peak, Cerro San Luis Obispo, and Islay Hill. Righetti Hill and Terrace Hill are typically omitted from the named sisters (Dickerson, 1990). Just north of Righetti Hill, and within Righetti Hill Open Space, is a Creek Corridor where three creeks converge: (1) Tanglewood Creek, (2) Crotalo Creek, and (3) Hansen Creek. Archaeological evidence suggests that Native American use of this region of the Central Coast began as early as 8000 B.C., or 10,000 years before present, across six distinct periods of pre-history. Righetti Hill Open Space is located within the Orcutt Specific Plan area planning boundary established in the 2010 Orcutt Area Specific Plan. The Orcutt area lies within the ethnographic territory of the Chumash, in an area historically occupied by the Northern (Obispeño) Chumash. A 2004 archaeological survey, based upon information visible at that time, indicated that the site was mostly utilized for hunting and gathering and was not a major village site (Appendix D). The Chumash way of life changed forever with the Spanish colonization of California. By the end of the Mission Period in 1834, the Chumash population had been decimated by disease and declining birthrates. After settlement by emigrants of European descent, the Orcutt area was used primarily for cattle grazing. The area was relatively undeveloped during the Spanish and Mexican eras (1772 through 1848 with the passing of California from Mexico to the United States). There were adjacent lands dedicated to the Rancho Pecho Y Islay and the Rodriguez Adobe. This latter structure, while not significant enough to be declared a national landmark, has been incorporated into the Arbors Development to the south of Righetti Hill Open Space. The area was partially utilized for grazing and there is written record of at least one Mission adobe residence located at the outskirts of what later became the City of San Luis Obispo. Based upon early histories, the adobe appears to have been located in the general area of Orcutt Road and Bullock lane near the intersection Laurel Lane. The first private ranch in the area, which extended all the way to present day Broad Street, was owned by the Peter McMillan family (McMillan Lane was named after this family). The next known reference is to a Major Jackson who decided to stay in San Luis Obispo "… and Walter Murray located him on 160 acres where a big old adobe house stood, that had been owned by the Mission” (Morrison, 1917, p. 85-87). Later, Jackson bought 40 more acres. He sold this land to J.H. Orcutt in 1875, and it was known for forty years as Laurel Ranch, or the “J.H. Orcutt ranch” (Morrison, 1917). Jacob Orcutt expanded his landholdings up to 500 acres, which apparently covered most of the Orcutt Area Specific Plan area (230 acres), as well as much of the adjacent area around the present-day Laurel Lane. He and his wife maintained a dairy, developed orchards, and planted many of the eucalyptus trees visible today along the numerous small creeks in the area. In the early part of the 20th century, Jacob Orcutt’s 500-acre Laurel Ranch land was divided into smaller components. 114 acres, covering much of the present Righetti Hill Open Space, was purchased by John Jacobson in 1906. This land was transferred to his son, Nis Jacobson, upon his death. In 1939, this property was sold to the Righetti Family, parents of one of the present owners. Originally, there was a house and some outbuildings located on the south side of Righetti Hill near the present-day Tank Farm Road. These structures burned down sometime in the 1920s or early 1930s. After the fire, a new house, barn, and outbuildings, which still exist today, were built by the Jacobsons lower down the hillside near the present-day intersection of Orcutt and Tank Farm Roads. These are the buildings that existed at the time of the Righetti purchase. An additional 30 acres was purchased from the Perozzi Family in 1949 to complete Righetti Ranch at 144 acres. Page 986 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 14 At the time of the Righetti purchase, the San Luis Obispo County economy was dominated by dairies, primarily owned by Swiss and Swiss-Italian farmers, including the Righetti Family, who established a dairy farm on Righetti Ranch. In the 1960s, when dairy regulations began to change, the Righetti Family sold its dairy herd and replaced it with beef cattle (Ladera at Righetti, 2019). When the Orcutt Area Specific Plan was adopted by the City in 2010, the Righetti Family designated a 13.8-acre parcel of their property, which includes their family home, as private open space under a conservation and agricultural easement with the City. The Righetti Family continues to own and live on a portion of the original farm and manages it in accordance with City standards for Open Space areas. Regarding Righetti Hill itself, topographic maps from 1965 through 2000 depict Righetti Hill as a mine for the volcanic rock, dacite. In fact, Righetti Hill was formally known as “Mine Hill” up until it was renamed by the City in 2008. Following the adoption of the Orcutt Area Specific Plan in 2010 and subsequent annexation of the Orcutt area in 2011, the City acquired the 51-acre Righetti Hill Open Space as multiple parcels in 2018, designated it as Open Space, and has since managed the property in accordance with City standards for Open Space areas. The City- owned Righetti Hill Open Space is bound by the Righetti Family homestead and Orcutt Road to the east, Tank Farm Road and residential development to the south, Hillside Drive and residential development to the west, and undeveloped privately owned land to the north. 2. Inventory 2.1 Physical Inventory Righetti Hill Open Space is comprised of six San Luis Obispo County assessor parcels: 004-706-013, 004-706-015, 004-706-023, 004-706-028, 004-719-037, and 004-719-038. It is 51 acres in size with an elevation ranging between 200 and 563 feet above mean sea level (msl). Terrain ranges from nearly level along the Creek Corridor to steep side slopes ranging between 30% to 75% on Righetti Hill. Righetti Hill Trails & Access Points The current primary entry and public access to Righetti Hill is via the corner of Twin Creek Road and Hillside Drive, where a paved path to the main trailhead of Righetti Hill is under construction. Additional entry points to the main trailhead from the Creek Corridor and an unnamed road off Orcutt Road are under construction. The main trailhead will provide access to two trails on Righetti Hill: a 1-mile out-and-back trail to the summit and an 0.85- mile loop trail around the lower portion of Righetti Hill. The main trailhead starts on a dirt road before branching off onto a narrower hiking trail to the summit. The dirt road (Figure 5) runs along the west side of Righetti Hill between the summit hiking trail and Hillside Drive and, once constructed, will transition into the loop trail. A secondary trailhead will be constructed on the southwest side of the property near Tank Farm Road to provide another access point to the loop trail via a 0.2-mile connecting trail. Additionally, a paved path and public park between Righetti Hill and the Creek Corridor is under construction and will be maintained by the City’s Public Works Department (Figure 6). Other Site Features Open-top culverts exist along the base of Righetti Hill to collect and divert stormwater from Righetti Hill and into the stormwater system (Figure 7). The drainage facilities are maintained by the homeowner’s association (HOA) for Figure 9. Incomplete paved path between Righetti Hill and the Creek Corridor Figure 8. Dirt road at the main trailhead that continues along the west side of Righetti Hill Page 987 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 15 the neighboring residential development under legal agreement with the City. A private spring box and water line to the Righetti Homesite exist on the southeast side of Righetti Hill. Fencing exists between Righetti Hill and the Righetti Homesite property to separate public and private land ownership. Additional fencing will be installed to enclose the remainder of Righetti Hill for the purpose of defining property boundaries and enabling seasonal grazing. Creek Corridor Trails & Access Points The Creek Corridor will be accessed via three main entry points: (1) the bike path between Righetti Ranch Road and Tiburon Way on the north side of the creek (Figure 8), (2) the bike path between Righetti Ranch Road and Orcutt Road on the south side of the creek, and (3) the public park between Righetti Hill and the Creek Corridor. The bike path on the south side of the creek will connect to the bike path on the north side of the creek via a bridge. The bike path, bridge, and public park facilities are under construction and have not been completed as of May 2023. Other Site Features An unenclosed drainage basin exists at the west corner of the Creek Corridor near Righetti Ranch Road (Figure 9). There are several sewer maintenance hole covers located along the south side of the creek and one street lighting box on the north side of the creek. Within the creek bed itself exist two hydromodifications: a cement wall and rock lined outlet structure that is currently lined with silt fencing (Figure 10). 2.2 Legal Agreements Righetti Hill Open Space was dedicated as multiple open space parcels as a condition of approval for the Orcutt Area Specific Plan by the San Luis Obispo County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAF Co) and the subsequent subdivision Tract 3063 by the City of San Luis Obispo. This Conservation Plan incorporates and implements several adopted policies and programs established by the Orcutt Area Specific Plan. Prior legal agreements that affect the management and use of Righetti Hill Open Space include conservation easements, restrictive covenants, private drainage easements, wildland fuel management easements, right-of-way, and reservations. Deed of Open Space and Conservation Easement In 2012, as part of a condition of the approval of the Orcutt Area Specific Plan by LAFCo, approximately 37.73 acres of the 51-acre open space was protected by dedication of a Deed of Open Space and Conservation Easement in favor of the City of San Luis Obispo. Figure 13. Hydromodifications along the creek in the Creek Corridor Figure 12. Drainage basin in the Creek Corridor after a heavy rain event Figure 11. Bike path along the north side of the Creek Corridor Figure 10. Open-top culverts along the base of Righetti Hill Page 988 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 16 Deed of Open Space and Agricultural Conservation Easement In 2012, the 13.8-acre parcel directly adjacent to Righetti Hill Open Space was protected by a Deed of Open Space and Agricultural Conservation Easement, which allowed a portion of the property commonly known as the “Righetti Homesite” to remain in private ownership while restricting future development of the property. The Righetti Homesite is therefore designated as a private open space by which the property owner retains the right to the existing number of structures onsite and manages the easement area in accordance with City standards for Open Space area. Though designated as open space, the private 13.8-acre Righetti Homesite is not within the boundary of Righetti Hill Open Space and therefore not within the purview of the Conservation Plan. However, the easement is referenced to provided context for subsequent legal agreements related to the management of Righetti Hill Open Space. Offer of Dedication and Grant Deed & Restrictive Covenant In 2017, the owners of Righetti Hill made an Offer of Dedication to grant the right title and interest in Righetti Hill to the City. The City accepted the Offer of Dedication and Grant Deed for Righetti Hill in 2018 and obtained the full title to the property through a Restrictive Covenant. One component of the transaction by which the City obtained ownership of the property was that the City shall construct, maintain, and reasonably repair a fence and “No Trespassing” signage between Righetti Hill and the Righetti Homesite to prevent people and domestic animals from trespassing onto the Righetti Homesite. Another component of the transaction by which the City obtained ownership of the property was that the owners of the adjacent Righetti Homesite retained the exclusive right to use the freshwater spring located on the south side of Righetti Hill. This reservation provides the owners of the Righetti Homesite with private easements for the for the construction, placement, repair, and maintenance and replacement (but not expansion) of a water collection system, water pipeline, and associated improvements for the collection and delivery of spring water from, through, and across Righetti Hill to the neighboring Righetti Homesite property. The practical effect of this agreement is that the spring box and water line on Righetti Hill will remain functional for the foreseeable future. This does not impair the use of the site by the City or by visitors. The Restrictive Covenant is intended to supersede and replace the Deed of Open Space and Conservation Easement, described above, with the concurrence of LAFCo. Subdivision Tract 3063 In 2018, the remaining parcels comprising Righetti Hill Open Space were dedicated as public open space easements in the approval process for subdivision Tract 3063. Private Drainage, Landscape, & Wildland Fuel Management Easement As a condition of approval of the Tract 3063 subdivision (which contains Righetti Hill Open Space), the City required the Homeowner’s Association for the subdivision to maintain a wildland fuel management zone (Wildland FMZ) and to construct and maintain drainage improvements for several open space parcels within Righetti Hill Open Space. As such, the City granted a private drainage easement to the subdivision developer for the construction and maintenance of the drainage improvements and a non-exclusive easement for wildland fuel management and weed abatement within the Wildland FMZ area. Additionally, the City issued a revocable permit to allow temporary encroachment within the public street right-of-way for the construction and maintenance of drainage improvements. The implication of this legal agreement is that the City will rely on the homeowner’s association to manage and maintain site drainage as well as wildland fuels within the Wildland FMZ area. 2.3 Soils A Custom Soil Resource Report was prepared for Righetti Hill Open Space using the United States Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) website application. The report revealed that the Righetti Hill portion (44.03 acres) of Righetti Hill Open Space consists of three major soils: Rock outcrop-Lithic Haploxerolls complex (Unit 195), Los Osos loam (Unit 161), and Los Osos-Diablo complex (Unit 162). The Creek Corridor portion (6.97 acres) of Righetti Hill Open Space is comprised of Cropley clay (Units 127 and 128), Los Osos Page 989 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 17 loam (Units 158 and 161), and Los Osos-Diablo complex (Unit 162). A soils map and complete listing of soils found within Righetti Hill Open Space is included as Appendix B. A short description of each soil type and the resulting implications for land management is provided below in order of area coverage. Rock outcrop-Lithic Haploxerolls complex (30 to 75% slopes) – Unit 195 Rock outcrop-Lithic Haploxerolls complex (30 to 75% slopes) dominates the upper slopes of Righetti Hill and comprises 41.4% of all soil within Righetti Hill Open Space. This soil is excessively well drained and characterized as having very high runoff potential, especially given the 30-75% slopes. The Land Capability classifications for this soil are 8 and 7e, which have very severe use limitations due to high erosion hazards that make them unsuitable for cultivation and restrict their use mainly to recreational purposes, wildlife habitat, watershed, or aesthetic purposes. Los Osos loam (30 to 50% slopes) – Unit 161 Los Osos loam (30 to 50% slopes) surrounds the lower reaches of Righetti Hill, as well as a small portion of the Creek Corridor, and comprises 39.3% of soil within Righetti Hill Open Space. This soil is well drained and characterized as having very high runoff potential and severe erosion potential, especially given the 30-50% slopes. The Land Capability classification for this soil is 6e, which has severe limitations due to high erosion hazards that make them generally unsuitable for cultivation and restrict their use mainly to pasture, rangeland, forestland, or wildlife habitat. Vegetation is mostly annual grasses and forbs with some perennial grasses, California sagebrush (Artemisia californica), and coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia). Los Osos-Diablo complex (5% to 9% slopes) – Unit 162 Los Osos-Diablo complex (5 to 9% slopes) represents 11.7% of soil within Righetti Hill Open Space and is located near the southern edge of Righetti Hill along Tank Farm Road as well as along the Creek Corridor. This soil is well drained and characterized as having very high runoff potential and moderate erosion potential. The Land Capability classification for this soil is 3e, which has severe limitations due to high erosion hazards that restrict the choice of plants and/or require special conservation practices. Vegetation is usually open stands of chaparral consisting of chamise (Adenostoma fasciculatum), scrub oak (Quercus berberidifolia), and, in protected sites, scattered coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia). Cropley clay (0 to 2% slopes) – Unit 127 Cropley clay (0 to 2% slopes) represents 3.7% of soil within Righetti Hill Open Space and is located in the Creek Corridor. This soil is formed in alluvium weathered from sedimentary rocks and tends to be productive and stable. This soil is moderately well drained and characterized as having medium runoff potential and slight erosion potential. The Land Capability classification for this soil is 3s, which has severe limitations that reduce the choice of plants and/or require special conservation practices due to soil limitations within the rooting zone, such as shallowness of the rooting zone, stones, low moisture-holding capacity, low fertility that is difficult to correct, and high salinity or sodium content. Cropley clay (2 to 9% slopes) – Unit 128 Cropley clay (2 to 9% slopes) represents 3.6% of soil within Righetti Hill Open Space and is located in the northern portions of the Creek Corridor. This soil is formed in alluvium weathered from sedimentary rocks and tends to be productive and stable. This soil is moderately well drained and characterized as having medium runoff potential and moderate erosion potential. The Land Capability classification for this soil is 3e, which has severe limitations due to high erosion hazards that restrict the choice of plants and/or require special conservation practices. Los Osos loam (5 to 9% slopes) – Unit 158 Los Osos loam (5 to 9% slopes) represents just 0.3% of soil within Righetti Hill Open Space and is located in the northeastern corner of the Creek Corridor. This soil is moderately well drained and characterized as having very high runoff potential and moderate erosion potential. The Land Capability classification for this soil is 3e, which has severe Page 990 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 18 limitations due to high erosion hazards that restrict the choice of plants and/or require special conservation practices. Vegetation is mostly annual grasses and forbs with some perennial grasses, California sagebrush (Artemisia californica), and coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia). 2.4 Vegetation and Habitat Types Six vegetation and habitat types occur within Righetti Hill Open Space. These include annual grassland, coastal scrub, eucalyptus, riparian woodland, wetlands, and cactus. These habitat types were described and mapped as part of the 2010 Orcutt Area Specific Plan FEIR. The aerial extent and description for each of these vegetation and habitat types in the 2010 Orcutt Area Specific Plan FEIR are consistent with the existing conditions within Righetti Hill Open Space as confirmed by a reconnaissance-level field survey conducted by Rincon Consultants, Inc. (“Rincon”) on March 31, 2023. Figure 11 illustrates the extent of these habitat types as mapped in the Orcutt Area Specific Plan (2010) which includes Righetti Hill Open Space. No new habitat types were identified during the 2023 reconnaissance survey that were not previously identified in the 2010 Orcutt Area Specific Plan FEIR. Habitat types are mapped and described to follow the second edition of A Manual of California Vegetation (MCV) classification system (Sawyer et al. 2009). Non-Native Annual Grassland Non-native annual grassland is the dominant vegetative community found in Righetti Hill Open Space. This habitat type is typically found on seasonally dry hillsides and valleys with deep, fine-grained soils. Historically, grasslands in the region were predominantly composed of native perennial bunchgrasses, such as purple needlegrass (Nassella pulchra). However, because Righetti Hill Open Space was used for cattle grazing for many decades, habitat type conversion from perennial grassland to annual grassland has occurred on-site. The dominant grass species within Righetti Hill Open Space is ender wild oat (Avena barbata) and ripgut brome (Bromus diandrus) with patches more dominated by a combination of redstemmed filaree (Erodium cicutarium) and locoweed (Astragalus sp.). The portion of this habitat type on the top of Righetti Hill is highly disturbed and appears to have supported past mining Figure 14. Vegetation Communities and Land Cover Types from the Orcutt Area Specific Plan (2010) Page 991 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 19 activities. As a result, dredge‐tailings remain and large areas of exposed rock occur. This habitat type most closely corresponds to Wild Oats and Annual Brome Grasslands in the Manual of California Vegetation, Second Edition (MCV2; Sawyer et al. 2009). Coastal Scrub Coastal scrub habitat occurs on the slope of Righetti Hill and is dominated by soft‐stemmed deciduous shrubs, most notably California sagebrush (Artemisia californica) with either an herbaceous or bare ground understory. Other plant species observed within the understory of this community include silver bush lupine (Lupinus albifrons) and California poppy (Eschscholzia californica). This habitat type most closely corresponds California Sagebrush Scrub Shrubland Alliance in the MCV2 (Sawyer et al. 2009). Eucalyptus Eucalyptus habitat occurs in the northwestern portion of Righetti Hill Open Space within the Creek Corridor. Eucalyptus is a woodland habitat type that has become naturalized in California since eucalyptus (Eucalyptus sp.) trees were first introduced to the state in the mid to late 1800s. This habitat type is dominated by mature eucalyptus trees and few under‐story species were observed within the shrub or herbaceous layers of this community. The eucalyptus stand observed within the proposed open space most closely corresponds to Eucalyptus Groves, Semi‐ Natural Woodland Stands in the MCV2 (Sawyer et al. 2009). Riparian Woodland Riparian woodland habitat is characteristic of drainage channels and stream banks where the vegetation has access to the shallow water table typical of these features. Riparian communities help to stabilize creek bank soils and maintain water quality through filtration. Riparian communities are important for many wildlife species since the abundance of moisture and associated vegetation provide structure, materials, and food sources for nesting and roosting animals. Many species forage within the understory and use riparian habitat as cover and as a corridor for movement along the edges of open areas. Riparian woodland habitat occurs within the Creek Corridor and is dominated by arroyo willow (Salix lasiolepis), with a small number of western sycamore (Platanus racemosa), California bay (Umbellularia californica), and coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia) trees interspersed. Western poison oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum), Himalayan blackberry (Rubus discolor), toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia), and California coffee berry (Frangula californica) can be found in the understory. The riparian woodland observed within the proposed open space most closely corresponds to Arroyo Willow Thicket in the MCV2 (Sawyer et al. 2009). Wetland Wetlands occur in nutrient-rich mineral soils that are saturated through part or all of the year. These communities are best developed in locations with slow-moving or stagnant shallow water such as drainage corridors in association with intermittent and perennial drainages, but can also occur as seeps or in areas with adequate hydrology that result in a dominance of hydrophytic (water -loving) vegetation. Wetland habitat within Righetti Hill Open Space occurs as isolated wetlands from seeps on the lower slopes of Righetti Hill. These wetlands support a mixture of plant species physiologically adapted to the saturated soil conditions found in these areas. No overstory canopy layers were present in these isolated wetland areas and some of the areas were created by seeps in the annual grassland. Herbaceous species observed include Italian rye grass (Lolium multiflorum) in low cover at one of the wetlands in the southwest of Righetti Hill. This wetland area was atop a small mesa that appeared to be previously disturbed from historic activities on the property. The wetland areas present on the site are degraded by historic agricultural uses, limiting the diversity of wildlife species using them. These areas may experience sporadic or opportunistic use by various animals and birds during flooded conditions, but the site does not provide suitable cover or nesting habitat for obligate marsh wildlife species. The primary value of these areas to wildlife is the presence of standing water, and the associated hydrophytic vegetation which provides a food source for birds and small mammals after the surrounding annual grasses have Page 992 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 20 withered and died. The wetlands adjacent to the riparian corridors provide greater benefits to wildlife due to their more complex structure, cover, and forage habitat. It is estimated that up to 90% of the wetland acreage formerly present in California has been eliminated by agriculture and urbanization. The on-site wetland habitat types are considered plant communities of special concern by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife in the context of substantial statewide losses. Cactus The cactus habitat type within Righetti Hill Open Space is dominated by a single non‐native species: mission prickly‐ pear (Opuntia ficus‐indica). It is a near monoculture and very few understory species were observed within it. The cactus stands intergrade with the coastal scrub community on the southern portion of Righetti Hill. This habitat type does not correspond to alliance or stand type in the MCV2 (Sawyer et al. 2009). The Existing Conditions Report comprised of the biological surveys of habitat types found within Righetti Hill Open Space is included as Appendix C. 2.5 Species Inventory A biological field survey of the Orcutt Area (including Righetti Hill Open Space) was first conducted by Rincon to inform the biological resources section of the 2010 Orcutt Area Specific Plan FEIR. A second reconnaissance-level field survey and literature review were conducted by Rincon in March 2023, to document current site conditions within Righetti Hill Open Space and compare with the biological resources section of the 2010 Orcutt Area Specific Plan FEIR. The surveys found that Righetti Hill Open Space provides habitat for numerous plant and wildlife species. Wildlife A total of six animal species were observed during surveys at the Righetti Hill Open Space property. The six animal species detected comprise two taxonomic Classes: Aves (5) and Reptilia (1). The species observed were red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensi), western scrub jay (Aphelocoma californica), house finch (Haemorhous mexicanus), american crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos), turkey vulture (Cathartes aura), and western fence lizard (Sceloperus occidentalis). All six animal species observed are native to the area. Plants A total of 21 different plant species have been observed, 13 of which are native or naturalized to the area. Rincon’s California Natural Diversity Database query identified 50 special status plant species that have been documented in the regional vicinity of Righetti Hill Open Space. However, just one special status plant species has been observed within the boundary of Righetti Hill Open Space: mouse‐gray dudleya (Dudleya abramsii ssp. murina; California Rare Plant Rank [CRPR] 1B.3). Approximately 0.38 acre of non‐native annual grassland habitat is occupied by mouse‐gray dudleya. This species is restricted to the top of Righetti Hill within the area that was previously disturbed by mining activities. It is limited to the exposed rocky substrates within this region of the site. This species was analyzed as part of the 2010 Orcutt Area Specific Plan FEIR. The Existing Conditions Report comprised of the biological surveys of species found within Righetti Hill Open Space is included as Appendix C. Page 993 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 21 2.6 Non-native Plant Species of Concern There are a number of non -native plant species on-site. City staff have observed three non-native plant species of concern that pose an ongoing threat to habitat diversity and/or public safety: (1) purple star-thistle (Centaurea calcitrapa) located on the eastern side of Righetti Hill facing Orcutt Road, (2) blue gum eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) located in the Creek Corridor and on Righetti Hill, and (3) Peruvian peppertree (Schinus molle) located in the Creek Corridor. Based on the non-native species prioritization list in the City’s Open Space Maintenance Plan (2015), the removal of purple star-thistle is recommended. Removal and replacement of Peruvian peppertree with native riparian plants is less critical and can occur as habitat is restored along the Creek Corridor. Due to logistical challenges and potential for nesting birds associated with blue gum eucalyptus, the safety pruning or removal of blue gum eucalyptus trees will occur on an as-needed basis based on fire and safety risks posed to surrounding structures and open space users. Removal of any invasive plant species that may arise in the future will be conducted in accordance with the City’s Conservation and Open Space Element (2006) and the City’s Open Space Maintenance Plan (2015). The Existing Conditions Report comprised of the biological surveys of non-native plant species found within Righetti Hill Open Space is included as Appendix C. 3. Goals and Policies The Conservation and Open Space Element of the City’s General Plan and the Conservation Guidelines for Open Space Lands of the City of San Luis Obispo (2002) describe management guidelines and policies for all City open space properties. The Conservation Guidelines document is incorporated by reference into the Conservation and Open Space Element. The Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan has an overarching goal to achieve sustainable conservation of habitat, while also allowing for passive recreational elements. The plan will accomplish this goal and address the management issues described above through the following goals and policies. 3.1 Goals The City will manage Righetti Hill Open Space with the following goals in mind: 3.1.1 Conserve, enhance, and restore natural plant and wildlife communities by protecting their habitats in order to maintain viable wildlife populations within balanced ecosystems. 3.1.2 Provide the public with an opportunity for greater understanding and appreciation for the natural, cultural, and historic resources values associated with Righetti Hill Open Space. 3.1.3 Provide the public with a safe, accessible, and pleasing natural environment in which to pursue passive recreational activities, including hiking and biking, while maintaining the integrity of natural resources and minimizing impacts to wildlife and habitats present in Righetti Hill Open Space. 3.1.4 Actively address sedimentation sources and erosion both within and originating from Righetti Hill Open Space. 3.1.5 Minimize the impacts of harmful activities, such as off-trail hiking and biking use or catastrophic wildfire, while maintaining natural drainage systems as a means of conveying stormwater into downstream urban areas. 3.1.6 Provide signage and interpretive features to enhance user safety, prevent unauthorized entrance at neighboring private property, and facilitate educational opportunities. Page 994 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 22 3.1.7 Maintain, protect, and improve aesthetic views as seen from various locations throughout the City of San Luis Obispo and along Tank Farm Road. 3.1.8 Regularly monitor and patrol Righetti Hill Open Space, establish Levels of Acceptable Change (LAC), and take action to correct areas or problems that exceed LAC. 3.1.9 Identify and protect migratory corridors for wildlife species found on-site and that are moving through the site. 3.1.10 Explore natural solutions to the spread of non-native or potential invasive weed species and habitat restoration through the use of livestock grazing and browsing; minimize use of synthetic methods that often have detrimental impacts to the comprehensive ecological footprint in accordance with Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices. 3.2 Policies The City will manage Righetti Hill Open Space in accordance with the City’s adopted Conservation Guidelines for Open Space Lands of the City of San Luis Obispo (2002), as well as the following policies that elaborate upon, or are in addition to, those found in the Conservation Guidelines: 3.2.1 Public Comment and Input This Conservation Plan seeks to accommodate community preferences while addressing the City’s goals in the Conservation and Open Space Element. A public open house was held on April 11, 2023, in order to gather community input on key components of the draft Conservation Plan. Both written comments and public testimony received during the review process will be considered in the final version of the document. 3.2.2 Natural Resources Protection The 51-acre Righetti Hill Open Space property supports a diverse assemblage of species and habitats. Righetti Hill Open Space is also vulnerable to challenges associated with invasive species and erosion. To aid the City in preparing to open the property for public recreational use, the following protective management considerations will be practiced: 1. Wherever possible, the City will avoid constructing new trails near or within mapped populations of special- status species. 2. Trails and roads at stream crossings will be constructed in a manner that avoids downstream sedimentation or discharges of soil or other materials. 3. Recreational access to creeks will be discouraged by planting native plant species between trail and other recreation features and the wetland/riparian habitat. 4. Maintaining existing roads and fire breaks, including culvert repair or replacement, will reduce erosion and prevent sediment from entering nearby streams. The City will monitor responsible parties to ensure proper and timely maintenance of road, fire breaks, and drainage facilities. 5. Vehicles, hand tools, and other equipment brought on site will be cleaned of all soil/mud and other debris to avoid the spread of non-native or invasive plants, pathogens, and insects to the site. Further, all tools and equipment will be cleaned after use at the site to avoid the spread of invasive species from Righetti Hill Open Space to other City-owned open space areas. Page 995 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 23 6. The City will install interpretive trail signs to inform the public of the sensitivity of resources on the property and important ways in which those resources can be protected (e.g., stay on trail, pack-in/pack-out trash, don’t pick wildflowers). 7. The City will ensure that all fencing on the property allows for safe passage of wildlife. 8. To avoid disturbances to nocturnal wildlife, the City will limit site access to the hours between dawn and dusk in accordance with San Luis Obispo Municipal Code 12.22. 9. The City will ensure that all installed trash receptacles are wildlife-proof and are emptied frequently enough to prevent overflow. 10. The City will require that dog owners bag and remove their dog’s feces from the site to prevent the spread of disease to wildlife populations in accordance with San Luis Obispo Municipal Code 12.22. Implementing these management strategies on the Righetti Hill Open Space will support passive recreation while ensuring the persistence of healthy native habitats and diverse species assemblages. 3.2.3 Climate Smart Natural Resources Management In accordance with the City of San Luis Obispo Climate Adaptation and Safety Element (2023), the management of Righetti Hill Open Space will integrate climate projections and adaptation projects regarding changes in average temperatures, extreme heat, flooding, fire, drought, etc. Climate smart natural resource management may include but is not limited to clearing or removing dead material and replanting with more resilient shrubs and trees, controlled seasonal grazing, restoration of disturbed habitat, and reduction of wildland fuels. There are also numerous opportunities within Righetti Hill Open Space for tree planting in furtherance of the City’s Community Forest Plan (2023) and the associated 10 Tall tree planting initiative. 3.2.4 Vegetation Management 3.2.4.1 The City will monitor and manage vegetation to meet prescribed goals for the land. Management strategies such as the following will be implemented where necessary: physical pruning/removal of unwanted or problematic vegetation – especially dead, dying, diseased, or non-native species; controlled, seasonal grazing; erosion and sediment control or removal strategies; and application of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices. 3.2.4.2 Restoration and/or re-vegetation techniques will be utilized when necessary to restore degraded vegetative communities to serve as healthier components of a fully functioning ecosystem. All restoration activities will utilize site or region-specific native grasses, herbs, shrubs, and trees. Planting of invasive, non- native species will be prohibited. Adjacent landowners are encouraged to undertake efforts to control non - native vegetation on their land. 3.2.4.3 All existing native trees will be protected wherever possible, and new native trees will be planted to enhance wildlife habitat. Where possible, vegetation will be left to follow its natural course of succession . However, hazardous trees and fire protection will necessitate active management in some areas and instances. The ultimate goal will be to re-establish, or preserve, a self-sustaining ecosystem. 3.2.5 Cultural Resources Management An Archaeological Resource Inventory was conducted in 2004 by Conejo Archaeological Consultants (“Conejo”) as part of the 2010 Orcutt Area Specific Plan FEIR (Appendix D). The inventory included a cultural records search, outreach to historically and culturally affiliated Native American tribal representatives, and a limited field survey of Page 996 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 24 the Orcutt Specific Plan Area. The field survey included the Creek Corridor portion of Righetti Hill Open Space; however, it did not include Righetti Hill itself. Consequently, the 2010 Orcutt Area Specific Plan FEIR included mitigation measure CR-1(b), which required the City to conduct an archaeological study for Righetti Hill prior to allowing public access to the top of the hill. While Conejo identified one small prehistoric site and two isolated artifacts within the Orcutt Specific Plan Area, it did not identify any cultural resources within the boundaries of Righetti Hill Open Space. However, as displayed in Figure 12, a portion of the Creek Corridor is within the “Monitoring Area” and in close proximity to “Isolate 1.” Given the presence of an archaeological site, isolated artifacts, and historic ranch operat ions within the Orcutt Specific Plan Area, there is potential for buried archaeological deposits and/or human remains to occur within the Righetti Hill Open Space. Conejo’s recommendations relevant to Righetti Hill Open Space were incorporated as policy in the Orcutt Area Specific Plan (2010) as follows: Goal 2.5: Long-term protection of cultural resources. Policy 2.5.1: Provide for the protection of both known and potential archaeological resources. Program 2.5.1a: Implement mitigation measures included in Appendix C as appropriate when entitlements in the Orcutt Plan Area are requested from the City. Policy 2.5.2: Section 4.30 of the City of San Luis Obispo’s Archeological Resource Preservation Guidelines, Mitigation Methods, and Avoidance, are hereby included by reference. Figure 15. Cultural Resources Monitoring Area (Orcutt Area Specific Plan FEIR, 2010) Page 997 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 25 Relevant mitigation measures from the 2010 Orcutt Area Specific Plan FEIR, and referenced as policy within the Orcutt Area Specific Plan (2010), are as follows: CR-1(a) Areas Not Surveyed. All areas that were not surveyed by Conejo that will be subject to project-related earth disturbance shall be subject to archaeological survey prior to any such disturbances. This shall include APNs 076-481-014, 076-481-012, 076-491-003, 075-491-004, and 076-491- 001, any planned trails or other developments within the areas designated as open space. CR-1(b) Righetti Hill. Even though it is located within an area designated as open space, the top of Righetti Hill should be subject to archaeological survey. The City is responsible for the survey as part of any project to create a trail system that would provide access to the top of the hill by the general public. CR-1(c) Vegetation Clearance Monitoring. Due to poor ground surface visibility, vegetation clearance/initial grading of the areas shown on Figure 4.5-2 should be monitored by an archaeologist. The archaeologist shall have the power to temporarily halt or redirect project construction in the event that potentially significant archaeological resources are exposed. Based on monitoring observations the lead archaeologist shall have the authority to refine the monitoring requirements as appropriate (i.e., change to spot checks, reduce the area to be monitored) in consultation with the lead agency. If potentially significant prehistoric or historic resources are exposed the lead archaeologist shall be responsible for evaluating the nature and significance of the find. If no archaeological resources are observed following the vegetation clearance/initial grading, then no further monitoring shall be required. A monitoring report shall be provided to the City of San Luis Obispo and the Central Coast Information Center. CR-1(d) Archaeological Resource Construction Monitoring. At the commencement of project construction, an orientation meeting shall be conducted by an archaeologist for construction workers associated with earth disturbing procedures. The orientation meeting shall describe the possibility of exposing unexpected archaeological resources and directions as to what steps are to be taken if such a find is encountered. An archaeologist shall monitor construction grading within 50 meters (164 feet) of the two isolated finds. In the event that prehistoric or historic archaeological resources are exposed during project construction, all earth disturbing work within 50 meters (164 feet) of the find must be temporarily suspended or redirected until an archaeologist has evaluated the nature and significance of the find. After the find has been appropriately mitigated (e.g., curation, preservation in place, etc.), work in the area may resume. The City should consider retaining a Chumash representative to monitor any field work associated with Native American cultural material. If human remains are exposed, State Health and Safety Code Section 7050.5 requires that no further disturbance shall occur until the County Coroner has made the necessary findings as to origin and disposition pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 5097.98. In compliance with mitigation measure CR-1(b) from the 2010 Orcutt Area Specific Plan FEIR, a Cultural Resources Assessment was conducted in 2022 by Rincon (Appendix E), which included a cultural resources records search and an intensive pedestrian level survey of Righetti Hill. Rincon identified no cultural resources within the Righetti Hill study area. However, 14 cultural resources were identified in the vicinity of the study area. Additionally, research indicated that the study area was formerly a mine, which provides a possibility for disturbance. Based on these findings, Rincon considers Righetti Hill to be moderately sensitive to archaeological disturbance. However, the absence of substantial prehistoric or historic-period archaeological remains within the study area, the existing level of disturbance in the project site, and the steep slope of the project site suggests that encountering an intact subsurface archaeological deposit is unlikely. As a result, Rincon recommended the following mitigation measures in compliance with the CR-1(d) of the Orcutt Area Specific Plan (2010): Worker’s Environmental Awareness Program training and an unanticipated discovery measure. All future work within Righetti Hill Open Space should be conducted in compliance with the mitigation measures defined in the 2010 Orcutt Area Specific Plan FEIR. No further work beyond what is required in the Orcutt Area Specific Plan (2010) is necessary for cultural resources management within Righetti Hill Open Space. 3.2.6 Passive Recreation Common passive recreational activities that are anticipated to take place within Righetti Hill Open Space include wildlife viewing, hiking, biking, and dog walking. While biking is permitted on most trails within Righetti Hill Open Space, biking is not permitted on the trail to the summit of Righetti Hill. All recreational uses will be monitored and patrolled in accordance with the City of San Luis Obispo’s Open Space Regulations, Municipal Code, Chapter 12.22, in general. Active recreational activities, such as high intensity events, horseback riding, discharge of weapons, paintball, and hunting, are considered more intrusive to the local natural environment and will be prohibited. All Page 998 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 26 passive recreation uses will be monitored for potential impacts to plant species and wildlife habitat that occur within Righetti Hill Open Space. 3.2.7 Scientific Research Non-destructive scientific study and research will be permitted with prior, written approval from the City’s Sustainability and Natural Resources Official. A condition of approval will be that the applicant provides the City with a written report of the findings of the study. This will assist the City in compiling a detailed inventory of natural and biological resources located within Righetti Hill Open Space. Numerous research projects could arise from this Conservation Plan. Issues s uch as successional vegetation planning for climate change, non-native species control, species population monitoring, and drainage and sedimentation analysis projects could easily be developed with students to further the collective knowledge base regarding Righetti Hill Open Space, as well as assist in the creation and revision of adaptive management strategies. 4. Conservation Plan 4.1 Naming Righetti Hill Open Space shall be the name of the plan area. The property is comprised of six open space parcels acquired from multiple parties in 2018. It is therefore an “Open Space,” according to the City’s Open Space Regulations (Municipal Code, 12.22.030). 4.2 Land Use Designations The majority of the property is designated as an Open Space land use and is zoned for Conservation/Open Space (C/OS-SP). However, one 2.82-acre parcel (APN 004-719-037) contains three different land use designations (Open Space, Park, and Low Density Residential) and three different zones (Conservation/Open Space (C/OS-SP), Public Facility (PF), and Low Density Residential (R-1)). Internal land uses of Righetti Hill Open Space are explained below, and depicted in the following map, Figure 13. 4.2.1 Management Areas a. Habitat Area – Land areas where the primary objective will be to protect natural resources by maintaining intact native plant communities and habitat for both resident and migratory wildlife. This is by far the largest share of the land uses within Righetti Hill Open Space. b. Maintained Trails – Active management of land in these areas will be required to facilitate approved activities while protecting valuable natural resources. These trails are generally kept clear and receive maintenance as needed to prevent erosion, pooling of water, and instability. Slopes range generally from 10% or less to as much as 30%. While biking is permitted on most trails within Righetti Hill Open Space, biking is not permitted on the trail to the summit of Righetti Hill. c. Dirt Road – A roughly 0.3-mile vehicular access road provides access through the lower portion of the western side of Righetti Hill. This road will be managed primarily as a trail corridor to connect to the main network of hiking trails on Righetti Hill and will require periodic maintenance of rolling dips and transverse trenches in order to manage erosion and direct water drainage to drainage facilities at the bottom of Righetti Hill. Both hiking and biking are allowed on the dirt road as it connects the main trailhead to the loop trail. Vehicular use shall be restricted to authorized City personnel and partner entities for management and maintenance purposes only, for emergency services, and in accordance with the legal agreements with the neighboring HOA. d. Drainage and Culverts – Drainage facilities consisting of small concrete channels and open-top culvert outlets are located along the base of Righetti Hill and will be managed and maintained by the HOA for Page 999 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 27 the neighboring subdivision under a Private Drainage, Landscape, & Wildland Fuel Management Easement with the City. Under this easement, the HOA will be responsible for short-term repair, as well as periodic maintenance and soil removal in order to maintain functionality of the drainage facilities. e. Viewing Benches – Two viewing benches will be installed at the top of Righetti Hill to provide hikers with a seat to take in the scenic views of San Luis Obispo. f. Grazing – The grassland portions of Righetti Hill Open Space were historically grazed by livestock cattle. As a result, much of the habitat has been overgrazed and degraded. To allow natural plant communities to regenerate, the Orcutt Area Specific Plan prohibited livestock grazing on Righetti Hill. However, controlled seasonal grazing is a valuable wildfire management strategy for reducing hazardous fuel loads and can facilitate the recruitment of native bunchgrasses and annual forbs that are adapted to a disturbance regime. Controlled seasonal grazing will be permitted within a designated area of Righetti Hill Open Space to reduce fire hazard in the wildland-urban interface. Successful implementation will require secure perimeter fencing, a steady supply of stock water, and close supervision. Additionally, implementation may require the use of electric “hot wire” fence and portable watering facilities. Secure perimeter fencing and a steady supply of stock water will require periodic maintenance. g. Gates, Kiosks, Signs, and Fencing – New trailhead entry gates and kiosks, trailhead fencing, informational displays, and signs will be installed within Righetti Hill Open Space, all of which will require ongoing maintenance to remain in functional condition. Any gates, kiosks, signs, and fencing will be selected and installed in accordance with the City of San Luis Obispo Open Space Maintenance Plan (2015). h. Restoration Areas – Several areas of Righetti Hill Open Space warrant restoration activities. These include the removal of non-native plant species of concern along the Creek Corridor and on Righetti Hill as well as two areas of erosion: (1) an area of erosion proximate to the homes along Hillside Drive on the western portion of Righetti Hill and (2) creek bank erosion on the south side of the Creek Corridor along the trail. There is one area that is approximately one acre in size on the west side of the Creek Corridor that was identified as a mitigation site for replanting of San Luis Obispo owl’s clover (Castilleja densiflora var. obispoensis) that was impacted elsewhere in the development of Tract 3063. Page 1000 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 28 Figure 16. Righetti Hill Open Space Significant Features & Amenities Map *This map is provided for illustrative purposes only and site conditions may result in slight modifications to proposed amenities. Page 1001 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 29 4.3 Photo Monitoring Points Photo monitoring points throughout Righetti Hill Open Space have been established in order to document baseline conditions and periodically observe changes. Photo points include property corners, significant site features, existing and planned trails, views of surrounding areas, and habitats with sensitive plant and wildlife species. The photo points will be used to establish baseline conditions. Additional points may be added as necessary if conditions change or new issues arise. Current photo points as of this writing are included as Appendix A. 4.4 Needs Analysis The Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan contemplates the need for a variety of projects and initiatives in order to provide long-term stewardship, restoration, and proper management of the land. 4.4.1 Resource Management and Protection Biological surveys are the basis for natural resource management in Righetti Hill Open Space. After the initial surveys conducted for the creation of this Conservation Plan, the City will need to monitor and protect the habitat areas as well as update species inventories from time to time. Resource protection will include informational signage and native planting along the Creek Corridor to keep visitors from crossing into sensitive habitat; regular clearing of tree undergrowth to reduce wildland fuel and maintain visual transparency along the Creek Corridor; and ongoing invasive plant removal and control. 4.4.2 Resource Enhancement Enhancement of natural resources will focus on restoration of three areas, as described in 4.2.1(h), above. 4.4.3 Erosion Management The steep slopes of Righetti Hill combined with historic mining and grazing have produced conditions with high erosion and runoff potential. In fact, there is already a concerning area of erosion proximate to the homes along Hillside Drive on the western portion of Righetti Hill (Figure 14). Additionally, portions of the creek bank in the Creek Corridor are eroded and require bank stabilization (Figure 15). Consequently, erosion repairs will be made to existing areas of erosion and ongoing erosion control and water management strategies will be used in the management of Righetti Hill Open Space. 4.4.4 Signage Signage does not currently exist for Righetti Hill Open Space and should therefore be installed. Signs located at the trailhead and throughout the property will be used to provide directions and location for safety purposes, apprise users of open space regulations, identify adjacent private property ownership to discourage trespass, and facilitate environmental education. Additionally, in accordance with Orcutt Area Specific Plan Program 2.2.5b (2010), educational signage to provide information about wetland and creek habitats shall be installed on public trails and/or in public open space areas. Signage for Righetti Hill Open Space will Figure 17. Area of erosion on Righetti Hill near the residential development along Hillside Drive Figure 18. Area of erosion on the south side of the Creek Corridor Page 1002 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 30 include a three-panel kiosk at the main trailhead that will highlight natural and historic resources with interpretive features, as well as provide a trail map graphic. 4.4.5 Trailhead Amenities and New Trails All new trailhead amenities and trails will be constructed in accordance with City’s Open Space Maintenance Plan (2015). A new entry gate, trailhead fencing, and a wildlife-friendly garbage receptacle and “mutt mitt” dispenser will be installed at the main trailhead. The City proposes to update the existing 1-mile out-and- back trail to the summit of Righetti Hill, as well as create a new 0.85-mile loop trail and secondary trailhead on the southwest side of the property near Tank Farm Road. The existing trail is a 1-mile out-and-back trail from the main trailhead to the summit of Righetti Hill. The proposed new trails will be created as a 0.85- mile loop around the lower portion of Righetti Hill with an additional 0.2-mile connecting trail from the secondary trailhead. These trails will be constructed by City staff to contemporary standards for slope and drainage and shall be designed to minimize any potential impacts to sensitive resources or nearby neighbors. 4.4.6 Site Stewardship and “Pride of Ownership” Additional needs at Righetti Hill Open Space include the following items: Regular ranger patrols Promptly attend to and abate graffiti Remove trash, refuse, broken bottles Monitor drainage facilities to ensure proper and timely maintenance by the HOA Remove and replace dead trees and shrubs 4.4.7 Residential Housing Compatibility The City recognizes that the close proximity of Righetti Hill Open Space to residential housing may result in future incompatibility issues, such as an increase in noise and a loss of privacy. Current property owners were invited to provide feedback at a public workshop on April 11, 2023. However, because Righetti Hill Open Space sits within a new subdivision, much of the residential housing adjacent to the site has yet to be built. As a result, the future property owners of these homes have not had an opportunity to engage in the planning process for Righetti Hill Open Space. Should issues arise with current or future neighbors of Righetti Hill Open Space, the City will monitor and respond to feedback from property owners directly adjacent to Righetti Hill Open Space and act accordingly to resolve concerns. 5. Wildfire Preparedness Plan Righetti Hill Open Space is not currently considered to be located within a Fire Hazard Severity Zone by CAL FIRE. However, Righetti Hill Open Space is adjacent to a Moderate Fire Hazard Severity Zone, within a wildland-urban Interface (WUI) area and surrounded by at-risk residential land uses. Although it is not large enough to represent a significant wildland fire hazard, Righetti Hill Open Space does have the right “ingredients” to pose a localized fire hazard that could result in unacceptable safety risk and property loss. This is due to prevailing westerly winds; presence of annual grassland; proximity to historic fire perimeters; and adjacency to a Moderate Fire Hazard Severity Zone. The worst-case wildfire threat to Righetti Hill Open Space would be offsite from the north and northeast and would probably involve fire coming over Righetti Hill from northeast or from the west through the riparian area if dry, and the eucalyptus trees, if not maintained (Hunt Research Corporation, 2014). A key component of the Conservation Plan is to address fire hazard that could result in unacceptable safety risk, property loss, and impacts to the environment. Accordingly, City Open Space Regulations prohibit fires, smoking, Page 1003 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 31 discharge of weapons, and fireworks or any kind, and also allow for closure if hazardous conditions warrant such action (12.22.050). One of the conditions of approval for the subdivision requires the HOA to maintain a Wildland Fuel Management Zone (“Wildland FMZ”) within the established fuel reduction zone and private open spaces, including on City lots, as shown in the Fire Protection Plan for Righetti Hills Development (2014). This Fire Protection Plan requires a 100- foot Fuel Modification Zone (starting at the structure) on all of the perimeters of the development and states “The HOA or other responsible entity shall assure proper vegetation maintenance is done on an ongoing basis, in compliance with this plan, in common areas, beyond private lots, manufactured slopes, o pen space, roadsides, and parks within the development (other than the City park which will be maintained by the City)” (Hunt Research Corporation, 2014, p.9). Although the HOA is responsible for the ongoing maintenance of the Wildland FMZ, the City will monitor and manage fuel reduction in areas of Righetti Hill Open Space beyond the Wildland FMZ. Important pre-fire activity includes the use of controlled seasonal grazing (as described in 4.2.1(f), above) or with mowing, if necessary, using specialized rubber track equipment to minimize any associated damage. Exclusion of fire as a management strategy and as part of the natural fire ecology is anticipated, so this plan also calls for the removal of dead and downed trees and shrubs, as well as any invasive species that are known to be highly flammable during the dry season. The primary fire response unit for Righetti Hill Open Space would be Fire Station 3 at 1280 Laurel Lane, which is approximately 1.5 miles away and is typically equipped with wildland fire fighting apparatus (Type III or similar). Vegetation fires result in a multi-agency response, which would also automatically include CAL FIRE (Hunt Research Corporation, 2014). Driving access into Righetti Open Space is through the access road located off of an unnamed underconstruction road off of Orcutt Road. There are other access points that provide emergency ingress and egress to open space users from the northern and southern portions of the property. Aerial wildland fire fighting apparatus may also be called for in the event of any fire on or near the property. The City does not maintain any critical, at- risk infrastructure within the property itself. 6. Implementation General maintenance activities in accordance with the adopted policies described in Conservation Guidelines for Open Space Lands of the City of San Luis Obispo and the Conservation and Open Space Element shall be implemented on a regular or as-needed basis. Specific Tasks are anticipated as follows, subject to available funding: Prior to Opening the Property to the Public Arrange and attend cultural resources sensitivity training for Ranger Service and Natural Resources staff, as well as volunteer trail crew members, as required by the 2010 Orcutt Area Specific Plan FEIR (complete summer 2022) Collect and analyze soil samples around the entrance and down gradient of the abandoned mine, as required by the 2010 Orcutt Area Specific Plan FEIR Maintain and repair erosion areas as appropriate Install new trail sections (summit trail complete summer 2022) Install new signage at trailheads and along trails Install entry gate, kiosk, fencing, and trailhead amenities (trash can and mutt mitts) Years 1-3 Begin ongoing non-native and invasive plant species removal Install fencing along the Righetti Hill property boundary Page 1004 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 32 Ongoing Specific Tasks Implement and monitor grazing strategy, as necessary Maintain drainage systems, road, and trails Monitor HOA-managed drainage systems to ensure proper and timely maintenance Monitor ecosystem health Monitor non-native, dead, or dying vegetation and remove as appropriate Regularly patrol the property and interact with users Implement weed trimming, mowing, and grazing for hazardous fuel reduction Pursue site stewardship and “pride of ownership” tasks Work with local universities to continue resource inventories and research opportunities 7. Fiscal Statement Day-to-day management of Righetti Hill Open Space will continue to be supported through the operating budgets within the Office of Sustainability and Natural Resources and Ranger Service. City staff has developed an ongoing Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) program for major maintenance activities and improvements that is considered part of the City’s bi-annual Financial Plan. The program will include signage, trail work, and trailhead amenities. City staff will also pursue grants and volunteers to augment funding for this plan’s identified projects. Overall, the fiscal impact of the Conservation Plan and its implementation is considered relatively minor given opportunities to phase projects and leverage modest investments of City funds. Table 1. Cost Estimate for Righetti Hill Open Space Amenities Amenity Standard Cost per Unit Installation Cost per Unit Total Cost per Unit Number of Units Total Bench $750 $100 $850 2 $1,700 Kiosk - Medium $10,000 $575 $10,575 1 $10,575 Kiosk - Small $5,000 $385 $5,385 1 $5,385 Mutt-Mitts/Trash Cans $536 $100 $636 2 $1,272 Bike Rack - 4 bike $440 $48 $488 2 $976 Trail Signage - Rules $150 $48 $198 5 $990 Trail Signage - Blade $75 $24 $99 5 $495 Creek signage $75 $24 $99 5 $495 Gate - Vehicle $1,000 $435 $1,435 1 $1,435 Gate - Swing $300 $195 $495 2 $990 Trailhead Fencing $30 Included $30 1000 $30,000 Native creek planting $15 $20 $35 100 $3,500 Bridge $2,000 $2,500 $4,500 1 $4,500 Total $62,313 Source: City of San Luis Obispo 2015 Open Space Maintenance Plan 8. Updates and Amendment This Conservation Plan is intended to guide management actions over the course of the next 10 years, after which time staff should consider the need for an update. Any portion of the plan may be considered for amendment upon request. Any citizen or other interested party may initiate such a request and shall be directed to the City Manager or designee. Such a request will include the nature of the requested amendment and rationale for the request. If appropriate, the amendment will be processed in the same manner as the original Conservation Plan. Page 1005 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 33 Page 1006 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 34 9. References The following sources are available by request: 1. City of San Luis Obispo. (1998). City of San Luis Obispo Municipal Code, Chapter 12.22, Open Space Regulations. 2. City of San Luis Obispo. (2002). Conservation Guidelines for Open Space Lands of the City of San Luis Obispo. 3. City of San Luis Obispo. (2006). Conservation and Open Space Element, General Plan. 4. City of San Luis Obispo. (2010). Orcutt Area Specific Plan. 5. City of San Luis Obispo. (2010). Orcutt Area Specific Plan Final Environmental Impact Report. 6. City of San Luis Obispo. (2015). Open Space Maintenance Plan. 7. City of San Luis Obispo. (2023). Climate Adaptation and Safety Element, General Plan. 8. City of San Luis Obispo. (2023). Community Forest Plan. 9. Dickerson, S. L. (1990). Mountains of Fire: San Luis Obispo County’s Famous Nine Sisters-- a Chain of Ancient Volcanic Peaks. 10. Hunt Research Corporation. (2014). Fire Protection Plan for Righetti Hills Development. 11. Ladera at Righetti. (2019). Our Community. https://righettiladera.com/our-community/ 12. Morrison, A. L. S. (1917). History of San Luis Obispo County and Environs, California. 13. Sawyer, J. et al. (2009). A Manual of California Vegetation, Second Edition. California Native Plant SocietyPress. 14. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. (2022). National Soil Survey Handbook. Figure 19. View from the hiking trail on the west side of Righetti Hill Page 1007 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 35 15. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. (2019). Web Soil Survey. Retrieved January 23, 2023, from http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/ Appendix A. Photo Monitoring Points Photo monitoring points for Righetti Hill Open Space, as discussed in Section 4.3, are shown below. These locations may be modified, or new locations may be added, as conditions warrant. (All photos established April 13, 2023 by City staff) Table 2. Photo Monitoring Points 1. 2a. Page 1008 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 36 2b. 2c. 3a. Page 1009 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 37 3b. 3c. 3d. Page 1010 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 38 4. 5. 6a. Page 1011 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 39 6b. 6c. 7a. Page 1012 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 40 7b. 7c. 8a. Page 1013 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 41 8b. 8c. 9. Page 1014 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 42 10a. 10b. Page 1015 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 43 Figure 20. Photo Monitoring Points Map Page 1016 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 44 B. Soil Report for Righetti Hill Open Space Page 1017 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 45 Page 1018 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 46 Page 1019 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 47 Page 1020 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 48 Page 1021 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 49 Page 1022 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 50 Page 1023 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 51 Page 1024 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 52 Page 1025 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 53 Page 1026 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 54 Page 1027 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 55 Page 1028 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 56 Page 1029 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 57 Page 1030 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 58 Page 1031 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 59 Page 1032 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 60 Page 1033 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 61 Page 1034 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 62 Page 1035 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 63 Page 1036 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 64 Page 1037 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 65 Page 1038 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 66 Page 1039 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 67 Page 1040 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 68 Page 1041 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 69 C. Existing Conditions Report for the Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan (Rincon Consultants, Inc., 2023) Page 1042 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 70 Page 1043 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 71 Page 1044 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 72 Page 1045 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 73 Page 1046 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 74 Page 1047 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 75 Page 1048 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 76 Page 1049 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 77 Page 1050 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 78 Page 1051 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 79 Page 1052 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 80 Page 1053 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 81 Page 1054 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 82 Page 1055 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 83 Page 1056 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 84 Page 1057 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 85 Page 1058 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 86 Page 1059 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 87 D. Cultural Resources Section of the 2010 Orcutt Area Specific Plan Final Environmental Impact Report Page 1060 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 88 Page 1061 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 89 Page 1062 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 90 Page 1063 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 91 Page 1064 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 92 Page 1065 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 93 Page 1066 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 94 Page 1067 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 95 Page 1068 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 96 Page 1069 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 97 Page 1070 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 98 CONFIDENTIAL APPENDIX* Not for Public Distribution E. Cultural Resources Assessment Report for the Righetti Hill Open Space (Rincon Consultants, Inc., 2022) Page 1071 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 99 * A Cultural Resources Assessment Report of Righetti Hill Open Space was prepared for the City of San Luis Obispo by Rincon Consultants, Inc. in February 2022. The report contains sensitive and confidential information concerning archaeological sites. Archaeological site location information is exempt from the California Public Records Act, as specified in Government Code 6254.10 and from the Freedom of Information Act (Exemption 3) under the legal authority of both the National Historic Preservation Act (PL 102-574, Section 304[a]) and the Archaeological Resources Protection Act (PL 96-95, Section 9[a]). Therefore, this report is held confidential and is available by request on a case-by-case basis. Page 1072 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan Addendum to the 2010 Final Environmental Impact Report for the Orcutt Area Specific Plan SCH #2004011059 prepared by City of San Luis Obispo Natural Resources Protection Program 990 Palm Street San Luis Obispo, California 93401 Contact: Robert Hill, Sustainability & Natural Resources Official prepared with the assistance of Rincon Consultants, Inc. 1530 Monterey Street, Suite D San Luis Obispo, California 93401 April 2023 Page 1073 of 1165 Page 1074 of 1165 Table of Contents Addendum to the 2010 Final Environmental Impact Report i Table of Contents 1 Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Background and Purpose of the EIR Addendum ................................................................. 1 1.2 Basis for the Addendum ...................................................................................................... 2 2 Project Description ......................................................................................................................... 5 2.1 Project Title ......................................................................................................................... 5 2.2 Lead Agency Name and Address ......................................................................................... 5 2.3 Contact Person and Phone Number ................................................................................... 5 2.4 Project Location .................................................................................................................. 5 2.5 Project Sponsor’s Name and Address ................................................................................. 5 2.6 General Plan Designation and Zoning ................................................................................. 5 2.7 Description of Project ......................................................................................................... 8 2.8 Surrounding Land Uses and Setting .................................................................................... 8 2.9 Other Public Agencies Whose Approval is Required .......................................................... 8 3 Potential Impacts of the Modified Project ................................................................................... 10 3.1 Aesthetics/Visual Resources ............................................................................................. 12 3.2 Agriculture and Forestry Resources .................................................................................. 14 3.3 Air Quality ......................................................................................................................... 16 3.4 Biological Resources .......................................................................................................... 18 3.5 Cultural Resources ............................................................................................................ 22 3.6 Energy ............................................................................................................................... 24 3.7 Geology and Soils .............................................................................................................. 26 3.8 Greenhouse Gas Emissions ............................................................................................... 30 3.9 Hazards and Hazardous Materials .................................................................................... 32 3.10 Hydrology and Water Quality ........................................................................................... 36 3.11 Land Use and Planning ...................................................................................................... 40 3.12 Mineral Resources ............................................................................................................ 42 3.13 Noise ................................................................................................................................. 44 3.14 Population and Housing .................................................................................................... 46 3.15 Public Service .................................................................................................................... 48 3.16 Recreation ......................................................................................................................... 50 3.17 Transportation .................................................................................................................. 52 3.18 Tribal Cultural Resources .................................................................................................. 54 3.19 Utilities and Service Systems ............................................................................................ 56 3.20 Wildfire.............................................................................................................................. 58 3.21 Mandatory Findings of Significance .................................................................................. 60 4 Conclusion..................................................................................................................................... 64 5 References .................................................................................................................................... 66 Page 1075 of 1165 City of San Luis Obispo Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan ii Figures Figure 1 Regional Location ................................................................................................................ 6 Figure 2 Project Location .................................................................................................................. 7 Figure 3 Proposed Trail Plan ............................................................................................................. 9 Appendices Appendix A Existing Conditions Report Appendix B Applicable 2010 Orcutt Area Specific Plan Final EIR Mitigation Measures Page 1076 of 1165 Introduction Addendum to the 2010 Final Environmental Impact Report 1 1 Introduction This EIR Addendum has been prepared in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the State CEQA Guidelines. This document has been prepared to serve as an Addendum to the previously approved 2010 Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR; State Clearinghouse [SCH] #2004011059) for the Orcutt Area Specific Plan (OASP). The City of San Luis Obispo was the lead agency for the 2010 Final EIR and is the lead agency for the environmental review in this Addendum. This Addendum addresses the proposed Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan in relation to the previous environmental review for the OASP. Section 15164 of the State CEQA Guidelines states that an Addendum is the appropriate environmental document in the following instances: (a) The lead agency or responsible agency shall prepare an addendum to a previously certified EIR if some changes or additions are necessary but none of the conditions described in Section 15162 calling for preparation of a subsequent EIR have occurred. (b) An addendum to an adopted negative declaration may be prepared if only minor technical changes or additions are necessary or none of the conditions described in Section 15162 calling for the preparation of a subsequent EIR or negative declaration have occurred. 1.1 Background and Purpose of the EIR Addendum Righetti Hill was designated as Open Space in the OASP and 2010 OASP Final EIR, which was adopted and certified in March 2010 by the City of San Luis Obispo. In 2015, the City Council adopted a suite of items including the IS-MND for amendments to the General Plan and OASP that address revisions to the Urban Reserve Line located on Righetti Hill, reconfiguration of open space and parklands, modifications to residential land use and zoning, reorientation of wetlands mitigation sites, modifications to bike paths/trails and addition of Section 9.10 to the OASP to “track” amendments, adjustments, and clarifications within the OASP. The Council’s findings for the 2015 IS-MND included the conclusion that additional mitigation measures to those imposed by the 2010 OASP Final EIR, to be incorporated into the General Plan and OASP Amendments and the mitigation monitoring programs, would reduce all potentially significant effects to a level of insignificance. The 2010 Final EIR is further supported by an accompanying Environmental Mitigation Monitoring Program. Information and technical analyses from the 2010 Final EIR are utilized or referenced throughout this Addendum. Relevant passages from the 2010 Final EIR are cited and available for review at the City of San Luis Obispo’s Community Development Department office located at 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, California 93401 and online on the City’s Community Development Department website. The 2010 Final EIR for the OASP evaluated a range of land uses in the 231-acre OASP east of the southern portion of the City, including 113 acres of residential, 0.25 acres of neighborhood commercial, 81 acres of open space, 21 acres of parks, and a 5-acre school site. Planned development in the OASP includes a residential neighborhood with up to 979 homes in a variety of housing types, parks, bicycle and pedestrian paths, and natural habitat and visual resource protection in open space areas. Urban infrastructure to support this planned development included roads, water and wastewater conveyance systems, and stormwater conveyance systems. The OASP also included an adjustment of the Urban Reserve Line (URL) to include the entire OASP within the City’s Urban Reserve Area. Page 1077 of 1165 City of San Luis Obispo Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 2 Project The Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan will be prepared internally by the City’s Office of Sustainability and Natural Resources staff with consultant support. The Conservation Plan is intended to guide the long-term conservation, stewardship, and recreation access of Righetti Hill in accordance with City’s Conservation Guidelines for Open Space Lands of the City of San Luis Obispo and the Conservation and Open Space Element of the City’s General Plan. Addendum This document is an Addendum to the adopted 2010 Final EIR and has been prepared by the City of San Luis Obispo to evaluate the potential environmental impacts of the Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan. This Addendum has been prepared in accordance with the relevant provisions of CEQA and Section 15164 of the State CEQA Guidelines. A detailed description of the Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan is provided in Section 2, Project Description. 1.2 Basis for the Addendum When an EIR has been adopted and a project is modified or otherwise changed after adoption, additional CEQA review may be necessary. The key considerations in determining the need for the appropriate type of additional CEQA review are outlined in Section 21166 of the Public Resources Code (CEQA) and Sections 15162, 15163 and 15164 of the State CEQA Guidelines. Section 15162(a) of the State CEQA Guidelines states no subsequent EIR shall be prepared for a project unless the lead agency determines, on the basis of substantial evidence in the light of the whole record, one or more of the following: (1) Substantial changes are proposed in the project which will require major revisions of the previous EIR or negative declaration due to the involvement of new significant environmental effects or a substantial increase in the severity of previously identified significant effects; (2) Substantial changes occur with respect to the circumstances under which the project is undertaken which will require major revisions of the previous EIR or Negative Declaration due to the involvement of new significant environmental effects or a substantial increase in the severity of previously identified significant effects; or (3) New information of substantial importance, which was not known and could not have been known with the exercise of reasonable diligence at the time the previous EIR was certified as complete or the Negative Declaration was adopted, shows any of the following: (A) The project will have one or more significant effects not discussed in the previous EIR or negative declaration; (B) Significant effects previously examined will be substantially more severe than shown in the previous EIR; (C) Mitigation measures or alternatives previously found not to be feasible would in fact be feasible, and would substantially reduce one or more significant effects of the project, but the project proponents decline to adopt the mitigation measure or alternative; or (D) Mitigation measures or alternatives which are considerably different from those analyzed in the previous EIR would substantially reduce one or more significant effects on the environment, but the project proponents decline to adopt the mitigation measure or alternative. Page 1078 of 1165 Introduction Addendum to the 2010 Final Environmental Impact Report 3 Pursuant to Section 15164(b) of the State CEQA Guidelines, an Addendum to an EIR may be prepared by the lead agency that prepared the original EIR if only minor technical changes or additions are necessary or none of the conditions described in Section 15162 have occurred that require preparation of a subsequent EIR or negative declaration. An Addendum must include a brief explanation of the agency’s decision not to prepare a subsequent EIR and be supported by substantial evidence (Section 15164[e]). An Addendum need not be circulated for public review, but it may be included in or attached to the final EIR or adopted negative declaration (Section 15164[c]). The decision-making body must consider the Addendum with the final EIR or adopted negative declaration prior to making a decision on the project (Section 15164[d]). An Addendum to the 2010 Final EIR is appropriate to address the proposed Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan because the Conservation Plan does not include modifications to the OASP that meet the conditions of Section 15162(a) for preparation of a subsequent EIR or negative declaration. The Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan would not result in new or more severe impacts related to: 1) substantial changes to the Original Project which require major revisions to the adopted 2010 Final EIR; 2) substantial changes to the circumstances under which the Original Project are being undertaken which will require major revisions to the adopted 2010 Final EIR; or 3) new information of substantial importance showing significant effects not previously examined. The 2010 Final EIR and this Addendum serve as informational documents to inform decision-makers and the public of the potential environmental consequences of approving the Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan. This Addendum neither controls nor determines the ultimate decision for approval of the Conservation Plan, described further in Section 2, Project Description. The information presented in this Addendum to the 2010 Final EIR will be considered by the City of San Luis Obispo alongside the 2010 Final EIR prior to making a decision on the Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan. Page 1079 of 1165 City of San Luis Obispo Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 4 This page intentionally left blank. Page 1080 of 1165 Project Description Addendum to the 2010 Final Environmental Impact Report 5 2 Project Description 2.1 Project Title Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 2.2 Lead Agency Name and Address City of San Luis Obispo Natural Resources Protection Program 990 Palm Street San Luis Obispo, California 93401 2.3 Contact Person and Phone Number Robert Hill, Sustainability & Natural Resources Official (805) 781-7211 2.4 Project Location The City-owned Righetti Hill Open Space (the “Open Space Plan Area”) is a 51-acre site located southeast of the City of San Luis Obispo within the Orcutt Area Specific Plan. The project site is located east of the State Route (SR) 227 and includes portions of County Assessor’s Parcel Numbers (APNs) 004-706-013, 004-706-015, 004-706-023, 004-706-028, 004-719-037, and 004-719-038. The Open Space Plan Area consists of 51-acres comprised of two disconnected open space areas separated from one another by a planned public park and trail (refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2). The project site includes portions of six parcels and has an elevation ranging between 200 and 563 feet above average mean sea level. Terrain ranges from nearly level along the Creek Corridor to steep side slopes ranging between 30 percent to 75 percent on Righetti Hill. The current primary entry and public access to Righetti Hill is via the corner of Twin Creek Road and Hillside Drive, where a path to the main trailhead of Righetti Hill is under construction. Additional entry points to the main trailhead from the Creek Corridor and a private road off Orcutt Road are under construction. 2.5 Project Sponsor’s Name and Address City of San Luis Obispo City Administration Department, Natural Resources Protection Program 990 Palm Street San Luis Obispo, California 93401 2.6 General Plan Designation and Zoning The Open Space Plan Area contains approximately 48.2 acres of land designated as an Open Space land use and zoned for Conservation/Open Space (C/OS-SP). The Open Space Plan Area additionally Page 1081 of 1165 City of San Luis Obispo Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 6 Figure 1 Regional Location Page 1082 of 1165 Project Description Addendum to the 2010 Final Environmental Impact Report 7 Figure 2 Project Location Page 1083 of 1165 City of San Luis Obispo Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 8 contains one parcel (2.8 acres) with land use designations of Open Space, Park, and Low Density Residential that is zoned Conservation/Open Space (C/OS-SP), Public Facility (PF), and Low Density Residential (R-1). 2.7 Description of Project The OASP calls for the preservation of Righetti Hill as open space to provide a scenic backdrop for the Orcutt Area neighborhoods and to protect the wildlife habitat and creeks of the area. The Conservation Plan is intended to guide the long-term conservation, stewardship, and recreation access of Righetti Hill in accordance with City’s Conservation Guidelines for Open Space Lands of the City of San Luis Obispo (2002) and the Conservation and Open Space Element of the City’s General Plan (2006). The Conservation Plan provides a framework for a mix of management approaches to natural resources protection, scenic resources, cultural resources, erosion and drainage, fire protection, trails, and passive recreation. Implementing the Conservation Plan would involve trail improvements to existing trails to provide the public a new passive recreation opportunity in the City. The improved trails would encompass the topmost point of Righetti Hill and be created within a circular pattern around and up Righetti Hill. The proposed trail plan is shown in Figure 3. The trail improvements would be conducted in two separate phases using both hand tools and specialized trail building equipment designed to be low impact in its footprint. Phase I would consist of a trail totaling approximately 0.3-linear mile around the topmost boundary of Righetti Hill. Phase 2 would construct a trail that intersects the existing trail and goes around Righetti Hill in a circular pattern to the southernmost portion of Phase I. Phase 2 would consist of an approximately 0.9-linear mile trail. Additionally, the Open Space Area contains an existing, paved, bike trail that was constructed under the OASP. The passive recreation tails would be open to the public between dawn and dusk in accordance with San Luis Obispo Municipal Code 12.22. 2.8 Surrounding Land Uses and Setting The project site is bordered by undeveloped land to the north, Orcutt Road and the Righetti Family homestead to the east, Tank Farm Road to the south and residential development to the west. The undeveloped land to the north of the project site is zoned low density residential (R-1) and public facility (PF), the land beyond Orcutt Road to the east has a San Luis Obispo County zoning and land use designation of agriculture (AG), and the land to the south and west is zoned low density residential (R-1). The Union Pacific Railroad is located approximately 367 feet southwest of the Open Space Plan Area at its closest point. 2.9 Other Public Agencies Whose Approval is Required The City of San Luis Obispo is the lead agency with responsibility for approving this project. No other public agency approval is required. Page 1084 of 1165 Project Description Addendum to the 2010 Final Environmental Impact Report 9 Figure 3 Proposed Trail Plan Page 1085 of 1165 City of San Luis Obispo Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 10 3 Potential Impacts of the Modified Project This addendum evaluates potential environmental impacts that could result from the Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan. Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines provides a checklist of environmental issue areas that are suggested as the issue areas that should be assessed in CEQA analyses. This addendum tiers from the 2010 Final EIR for the OASP, addressing each of the environmental issue areas described in Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines and updating the analysis based on current conditions. For the purposes of this impact analysis, the term “OASP” refers to the actions approved by the 2010 Final EIR. All mitigation measures identified in the 2010 Final EIR that are applicable to the Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan are listed in Appendix B of this addendum. The following checklist indicates environmental issue areas for which applicable Mitigation Measures were required in the OASP EIR. CEQA Guidelines Appendix G Environmental Checklist □ Aesthetics/Visual Resources □ Agriculture and Forestry Resources □ Air Quality ■ Biological Resources ■ Cultural Resources □ Energy □ Geology/Soils □ Greenhouse Gas Emissions ■ Hazards & Hazardous Materials □ Hydrology/Water Quality □ Land Use and Planning □ Mineral Resources □ Noise □ Population and Housing □ Public Services □ Recreation □ Transportation □ Tribal Cultural Resources □ Utilities/Service Systems □ Wildfire □ Mandatory Findings of Significance Page 1086 of 1165 Potential Impacts of the Modified Project Addendum to the 2010 Final Environmental Impact Report 11 This page intentionally left blank. Page 1087 of 1165 City of San Luis Obispo Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 12 3.1 Aesthetics/Visual Resources Where was Impact Analyzed in the 2010 Final EIR? Do Proposed Changes Require Major Revisions to the 2010 Final EIR? Do New Circumstances Require Major Revisions to the 2010 Final EIR? Any New Information Resulting in New or Substantially More Severe Significant Impacts? Would the project: a. Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista? Section 4.1 No No No b. Substantially damage scenic resources, including but not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a state scenic highway? Section 4.1 No No No c. Substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of public views of the site and its surroundings? (Public views are those that are experienced from a publicly accessible vantage point). Section 4.1 No No No d. Create a new source of substantial light or glare that would adversely affect daytime or nighttime views in the area? Section 4.1 No No No a. Would the project have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista? b. Would the project substantially damage scenic resources, including but not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a state scenic highway? According to the 2010 Final EIR, the OASP is not substantially visible from any State-designated scenic highways or routes. However, Righetti Hill is an important natural landmark listed in the City’s General Plan as one of the defining Morros (City of San Luis Obispo 2010). The proposed Conservation Plan would provide an account of the current visual condition of Righetti Hill Open Space and set future goals related to habitat restoration, recreation access, and wildfire management. The Conservation Plan does not include any new structural development; rather the Conservation Plan is intended to guide the conservation and stewardship of Righetti Hill Open Space. Implementation of the proposed natural resources protection policies included in the Conservation Plan would ensure that potential impacts to scenic resources would be less than significant. Page 1088 of 1165 Potential Impacts of the Modified Project Aesthetics/Visual Resources Addendum to the 2010 Final Environmental Impact Report 13 c. Would the project substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of public views of the site and its surroundings? (Public views are those that are experienced from a publicly accessible vantage point). The visual character of the area surrounding the project primarily consists of undeveloped open space and developed residential land. The proposed Conservation Plan would remain consistent with the existing visual character of the area by maintaining open space supplemented by recreational uses. The project would provide an account of the prevailing condition of Righetti Hill Open Space and set future goals related to habitat restoration, recreation access, and wildfire management, and would not substantially degrade the natural scenery associated with the existing visual character of the area. D. Would the project create a new source of substantial light or glare that would adversely affect daytime or nighttime views in the area? The proposed Conservation Plan does not include any plans for new lighting associated with the Righetti Hill Open Space. New sources of light associated with passive recreational use could include the use of headlamps or flashlights by public users of the Open Space in evening or early morning hours. However, in accordance with San Luis Obispo Municipal Code 12.22, the City will limit site access to the Open Space between dawn and dusk. Therefore, new sources of light would be minimal and would not adversely affect daytime or nighttime views in the area. Therefore, impacts related to light and glare would be less than significant. Page 1089 of 1165 City of San Luis Obispo Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 14 3.2 Agriculture and Forestry Resources Where was Impact Analyzed in the 2010 Final EIR? Do Proposed Changes Require Major Revisions to the 2010 Final EIR? Do New Circumstances Require Major Revisions to the 2010 Final EIR? Any New Information Resulting in New or Substantially More Severe Significant Impacts? Would the project: a. Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland), as shown on maps prepared pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the California Resources Agency, to non- agricultural use? Section 1.5 No No No b. Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use or a Williamson Act contract? Section 1.5 No No No c. Conflict with existing zoning for, or cause rezoning of, forest land (as defined in Public Resources Code Section 12220(g)); timberland (as defined by Public Resources Code Section 4526); or timberland zoned Timberland Production (as defined by Government Code Section 51104(g))? Section 1.5 No No No d. Result in the loss of forest land or conversion of forest land to non-forest use? Section 1.5 No No No e. Involve other changes in the existing environment which, due to their location or nature, could result in conversion of Farmland to non-agricultural use or conversion of forest land to non-forest use? Section 1.5 No No No Page 1090 of 1165 Potential Impacts of the Modified Project Agriculture and Forestry Resources Addendum to the 2010 Final Environmental Impact Report 15 a. Would the project convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland), as shown on maps prepared pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the California Resources Agency, to non-agricultural use? b. Would the project conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use or a Williamson Act contract? The proposed Conservation Plan would not result in new residential uses or other land uses that would convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland), as shown on maps prepared pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the California Resources Agency, to non-agricultural use. The Conservation Plan would provide a framework for a mix of management approaches to natural resources protection, scenic resources, cultural resources, erosion and drainage, fire protection, trails, and passive recreation. Furthermore, the proposed Conservation Plan would not include any land under an active Williamson Act contract. Therefore, the Conservation Plan would not result in impacts related to the conversion of farmland or conflict with any Williamson Act contracts. c. Would the project conflict with existing zoning for, or cause rezoning of, forest land (as defined in Public Resources Code Section 12220(g)); timberland (as defined by Public Resources Code Section 4526); or timberland zoned Timberland Production (as defined by Government Code Section 51104(g))? d. Would the project result in the loss of forest land or conversion of forest land to non-forest use? e. Would the project involve other changes in the existing environment which, due to their location or nature, could result in conversion of Farmland to non-agricultural use or conversion of forest land to non-forest use? The Open Space Plan Area contains approximately 48.2 acres of land designated as an Open Space land use and zoned for Conservation/Open Space (C/OS-SP). The Open Space Plan Area additionally contains one parcel (2.8 acres) with land use designations of Open Space, Park, and Low Density Residential that is zoned Conservation/Open Space (C/OS-SP), Public Facility (PF), and Low Density Residential (R-1). The Conservation Plan would not result in the rezoning or conversion of any land with existing zoning of forest land, timberland, or timberland zoned Timberland Production. Therefore, implementation of the Conservation Plan would not result in impacts related to forest land, timberland, or the conversion of farmland. Page 1091 of 1165 City of San Luis Obispo Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 16 3.3 Air Quality Where was Impact Analyzed in the 2010 Final EIR? Do Proposed Changes Require Major Revisions to the 2010 Final EIR? Do New Circumstances Require Major Revisions to the 2010 Final EIR? Any New Information Resulting in New or Substantially More Severe Significant Impacts? Would the project: a. Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan? Section 4.3 No No No b. Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is non-attainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard? Section 4.3 No No No c. Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations? Section 4.3 No No No d. Result in other emissions (such as those leading to odors) adversely affecting a substantial number of people? Section 4.3 No No No a. Would the project conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan? b. Would the project result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is non-attainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard? c. Would the project expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations? A significant impact would only occur if the proposed Conservation Plan would result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is non- attainment. Minor existing public access improvements within the Open Space Area have been implemented under the OASP, including a paved bike trail. Planned trail improvements and installation of recreational amenities under the Conservation Plan would be completed using hand tools and specialized trail building equipment designed to be low impact in its footprint. The Conservation Plan would not result in any new land uses that would directly generate criteria pollutant emissions or other substantial pollutant concentrations that would affect sensitive receptors. Long-term recreational use of the Righetti Hill Open Space would not result in an increase in vehicle trips that would result in a substantial increase in off-site operational emissions (refer to Section 3.17, Transportation). Therefore, the Conservation Plan would not be a significant source of Page 1092 of 1165 Potential Impacts of the Modified Project Air Quality Addendum to the 2010 Final Environmental Impact Report 17 air pollutants, and would not conflict with or obstruct implementation of the 2001 Clean Air Plan or other air quality management plans. d. Would the project result in other emissions (such as those leading to odors) adversely affecting a substantial number of people? Typical sources of objectionable odors include landfills, rendering plants, chemical plants, agricultural uses, wastewater treatment plants, and refineries. Exhaust from vehicles travelling along roadways may also release objectionable odors. The proposed Conservation Plan does not involve any land use identified by SLOAPCD as a potential source of odors and would not change the capacity or volume on existing roadways. Potential impacts associated with odors or other emissions would be less than significant. Page 1093 of 1165 City of San Luis Obispo Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 18 3.4 Biological Resources Where was Impact Analyzed in the 2010 Final EIR? Do Proposed Changes Require Major Revisions to the 2010 Final EIR? Do New Circumstances Require Major Revisions to the 2010 Final EIR? Any New Information Resulting in New or Substantially More Severe Significant Impacts? Would the project: a. Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modifications, on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? Section 4.4 No No No b. Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? Section 4.4 No No No c. Have a substantial adverse effect on state or federally protected wetlands (including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means? Section 4.4 No No No d. Interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites? Section 4.4 No No No Page 1094 of 1165 Potential Impacts of the Modified Project Biological Resources Addendum to the 2010 Final Environmental Impact Report 19 Where was Impact Analyzed in the 2010 Final EIR? Do Proposed Changes Require Major Revisions to the 2010 Final EIR? Do New Circumstances Require Major Revisions to the 2010 Final EIR? Any New Information Resulting in New or Substantially More Severe Significant Impacts? e. Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance? Section 4.4 No No No f. Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan? Section 4.4 No No No This section is based on the information and findings included in an Existing Conditions Report, prepared by Rincon Consultants Inc., for the project in 2023 (Appendix A). a. Would the project have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modifications, on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? As discussed in the 2010 Final EIR, the California Natural Diversity Database contains records of 33 special-status plant species, and 20 special-status wildlife species that are known from relatively localized occurrences near the OASP area. The 2010 Final EIR concluded that development under the OASP had the potential to impact special-status plant species, plant communities of special concern, and special-status wildlife species and their habitats within the OASP. The Existing Conditions Report prepared in 2023 evaluated conditions within the Open Space Plan Area and concluded that the biological conditions have not changed significantly between 2010 when the Final EIR was prepared and 2023. The proposed Conservation Plan is intended to guide management actions over the next 10 years by providing a framework for maintaining the natural ecosystem, while allowing passive public recreation in the Open Space. As noted in the Conservation Plan, the City will avoid constructing new passive public recreation trails near or within mapped populations of special status species. The City’s Open Space Regulations protect natural resources, including all naturally-occurring plants within City open space lands from collection, gathering, or other disturbance except for pruning or removal of materials in conjunction with city-sponsored activities, such as trail construction or maintenance (San Luis Obispo Municipal Code, Chapter 12.22.050A). Additionally, the City’s Open Space Regulations protect natural resources, including all naturally-occurring animals within City open space lands from collection, gathering, or other disturbance except for removal of materials in conjunction with city-sponsored activities, such as trail construction or maintenance (San Luis Obispo Municipal Code, Chapter 12.22.050A). Page 1095 of 1165 City of San Luis Obispo Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 20 The Conservation Plan includes the following policies intended to ensure potential impacts to special status plant species are minimized: Policy 3.2.2.1. Wherever possible, the City will avoid constructing new trails near or within mapped populations of special-status species. Policy 3.2.4.1 The City will monitor and manage vegetation to meet prescribed goals for the land. Management strategies such as the following will be implemented where necessary: physical pruning/removal of unwanted or problematic vegetation – especially dead, dying, diseased, or non-native species; controlled, seasonal grazing; erosion and sediment control or removal strategies; and application of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices. Policy 3.2.4.2. Restoration and/or re-vegetation techniques will be utilized when necessary to restore a degraded vegetative community to a fully functioning ecosystem. All restoration activities will utilize site or region-specific native grasses, herbs, shrubs, and trees. Planting of invasive, non-native species will be prohibited. Adjacent landowners are encouraged to undertake efforts to control non-native vegetation on their land. Policy 3.2.4.3. All existing native trees will be protected wherever possible, and new native trees will be planted to enhance wildlife habitat. Where possible, vegetation will be left to follow its natural course of succession. However, hazardous trees and fire protection will necessitate active management in some areas and instances. The ultimate goal will be to re-establish, or preserve, a self-sustaining ecosystem. The implementation of the proposed natural resources protection, vegetation management, and passive recreation management policies included in the Conservation Plan would support passive recreation while ensuring that potential impacts to special status plant species would be less than significant. Therefore, the Conservation Plan would result in less than significant impacts to candidate, sensitive, or special status species. b. Would the project have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? c. Would the project have a substantial adverse effect on state or federally protected wetlands (including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means? As discussed in the 2010 Final EIR, the OASP goals, policies and programs include open space buffers, required clear span bridges, setback requirements, and other development standards to minimize impacts to wetland, creek, and riparian areas. 2010 Final EIR Mitigation Measure B-4(a) requires trails be set back from riparian habitat by a minimum distance of 20 feet from top of bank or from the edge of riparian canopy, whichever is farther, and that trails shall be set back from wetland habitat by a minimum distance of 30 feet and shall not be within the buffer. 2010 Final EIR Mitigation Measure D-2(c) establishes standards for riparian enhancement of creek corridors that may require channel modifications including shaping, widening, deepening, straightening, and armoring to protect sensitive riparian and aquatic habitat. The proposed Conservation Plan is intended to guide the conservation and stewardship of Righetti Hill Open Space as part of a larger mosaic of open lands owned and managed by the City. The Conservation Plan includes Policy 3.15 which would require the following: Page 1096 of 1165 Potential Impacts of the Modified Project Biological Resources Addendum to the 2010 Final Environmental Impact Report 21 ▪ Wherever possible, the City will avoid constructing new trails near or within mapped populations of special-status species. ▪ Recreational access to creeks will be discouraged by planting native plant species between trail and other recreation features and the wetland/riparian habitat. ▪ To avoid disturbances to nocturnal wildlife, the City will limit site access to the hours between dawn and dusk in accordance with San Luis Obispo Municipal Code 12.22. Therefore, the Conservation Plan would implement 2010 Final EIR Mitigation Measures B-4(a) and D-2(c), and would not result in new or substantially more severe impacts to federally protected wetlands, riparian habitat, or other sensitive natural communities, than those identified in the 2010 Final EIR. d. Would the project interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites? The proposed Conservation Plan would provide a framework for maintaining the natural ecosystem, while allowing passive public recreation. Policy 3.2.2 of the Conservation Plan requires the City to ensure all fencing on the Righetti Hill Open Space allows for safe passage of wildlife. As existing fencing is repaired or replaced, barbless five-strand fencing would be installed on the top and bottom strand, to allow for safe wildlife passage both over and under the fence. Therefore, the Conservation Plan would result in less than significant impacts to native resident or migratory fish or wildlife. e. Would the project conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance? f. Would the project conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan? According to the 2010 Final EIR, the OASP did not conflict with local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, any adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan. The proposed Conservation Plan would implement the City’s Conservation Guidelines for Open Space Lands (2002), and the Conservation and Open Space Element of the City’s General Plan (2006). Therefore, the Conservation Plan would not conflict with any adopted conservation plans, local policies or ordinances protecting trees or other biological resources, or other approved local regional, or state habitat conservation plans, and no impact would occur. Page 1097 of 1165 City of San Luis Obispo Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 22 3.5 Cultural Resources Where was Impact Analyzed in the 2010 Final EIR? Do Proposed Changes Require Major Revisions to the 2010 Final EIR? Do New Circumstances Require Major Revisions to the 2010 Final EIR? Any New Information Resulting in New or Substantially More Severe Significant Impacts? Would the project: a. Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource pursuant to §15064.5? Section 4.5 No No No b. Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological pursuant to §15064.5? Section 4.5 No No No c. Disturb any human remains, including those interred outside of formal cemeteries? Section 4.5 No No No This section is based on a Cultural Resources Assessment prepared by Rincon Consultants Inc. for the project in 2022. a. Would the project cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource as defined in §15064.5? b. Would the project cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological resource pursuant to §15064.5? An Archaeological Resource Inventory was conducted by Conejo Archaeological Consultants in 2004 as part of 2010 Final EIR, which included a cultural records search, outreach to historically and culturally affiliated Native American tribal representatives, and a limited field survey of the OASP area. The Conservation Plan incorporates the requirements of 2010 Final EIR Mitigation Measures CR-1(a) through CR-1(d), which describe requirements for areas subject to further archaeological evaluation, including the top of Righetti Hill, archaeological monitoring requirements for vegetation management and earth-disturbing procedures, Native American monitoring requirements, and appropriate stop-work and resource evaluation requirements in the event that prehistoric or historic archaeological resources are exposed during project construction. In compliance with 2010 Final EIR Mitigation Measure CR-1(b), a Cultural Resources Assessment was conducted in 2022 by Rincon Consultants, Inc., which included a cultural resources records search and a pedestrian level survey of Righetti Hill. No cultural resources were identified during the CCIC records search or pedestrian survey. Although this assessment did not identify any archaeological resources or archaeological deposits in the study area, the lack of surface evidence of archaeological materials does not preclude their subsurface existence. The Open Space Plan Area is considered moderately sensitive based on the presence of multiple previously recorded prehistoric archaeological resources within a 0.5-mile radius of the OASP; however, the absence of substantial Page 1098 of 1165 Potential Impacts of the Modified Project Cultural Resources Addendum to the 2010 Final Environmental Impact Report 23 prehistoric or historic-period archaeological remains within the study area, the existing level of disturbance in the Open Space Plan Area, and the steep slope of the Open Space Plan Area, suggests that encountering intact subsurface archaeological deposits in the OASP is unlikely. The City’s Open Space Regulations protect cultural resources, including historic artifacts, structures, and remains of structures within City open space lands from collection or other disturbance except for removal of materials in conjunction with city-sponsored activities, such as trail construction or maintenance (San Luis Obispo Municipal Code, Chapter 12.22.050A). Implementation of the proposed goals included in the Conservation Plan implement 2010 Final EIR Mitigation Measure CR- 3(a), and would ensure potential impacts to historic-era resources would be less than significant. Minor existing public access improvements within the Open Space Area have been implemented under the OASP, including a paved bike trail. Planned trail improvements and installation of recreational amenities under the Conservation Plan would be completed using hand tools and specialized trail building equipment designed to be low impact in its footprint. Therefore, the Conservation Plan would implement 2010 Final EIR Mitigation Measures CR-1(a) through CR-1(d) and CR-3(a), and would not result in new or substantially more severe impacts to historical or archaeological resources, than those identified in the 2010 Final EIR. c. Would the project disturb any human remains, including those interred outside of formal cemeteries? No human remains have been identified in the OASP. Based on the findings of the 2004 Archaeological Resource Inventory and the 2022 Cultural Resources Assessment, the potential for encountering human remains on the site is low. Trail improvements would be completed using hand tools and specialized trail building equipment designed to be low impact in its footprint. Consistent with State Health and Safety Code Section 7050.5, if human remains are encountered during ground-disturbing activities, no further disturbance shall occur until the County Coroner has made the necessary findings as to origin and disposition pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 5097.98. If the coroner determines that identified remains are of Native American origin, State law describes requirements pertaining to the disposition of Native American burials, which fall within the jurisdiction of the NAHC. The NAHC would contact the most likely descendent(s) who would be afforded the opportunity to recommend means for treatment of the remains following protocols in PRC 5097.98. Compliance with these requirements would ensure that the Conservation Plan would result in less than significant impacts associated with the potential to disturb any human remains. Page 1099 of 1165 City of San Luis Obispo Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 24 3.6 Energy Where was Impact Analyzed in the 2010 Final EIR? Do Proposed Changes Require Major Revisions to the 2010 Final EIR? Do New Circumstances Require Major Revisions to the 2010 Final EIR? Any New Information Resulting in New or Substantially More Severe Significant Impacts? Would the project: a. Result in a potentially significant environmental impact due to wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of energy resources, during project construction or operation? N/A; New CEQA checklist item added after 2010 Final EIR published No No No b. Conflict with or obstruct a state or local plan for renewable energy or energy efficiency? N/A; New CEQA checklist item added after 2010 Final EIR published No No No a. Would the project result in a potentially significant environmental impact due to wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of energy resources, during project construction or operation? Minor existing public access improvements within the Open Space Area have been implemented under the OASP, including a paved bike trail. Planned trail improvements and installation of recreational amenities under the Conservation Plan would be completed using hand tools and specialized trail building equipment designed to be low impact in its footprint. The proposed passive recreational use of the Open Space Plan Area would not establish new land uses that would require energy to operate or an increase in vehicle trips that would result in a substantial increase in off-site energy consumption (refer to Section 3.17, Transportation). Therefore, implementation of the Conservation Plan would not result in wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of energy resources. This impact would not be less than significant. b. Would the project conflict with or obstruct a state or local plan for renewable energy or energy efficiency? The most recent City of San Luis Obispo Climate Action Plan (CAP) was adopted by the City Council in 2020. The CAP encourages pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly neighborhoods, increasing transportation options, improved energy efficiency, reduced waste and increased recycling, protection of open space, and quantifies the estimated greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions savings of such programs. The Conservation Plan would preserve open space for passive recreational use and habitat conservation efforts. The Open Space Plan Area would be accessible by vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists. Therefore, the Conservation Plan would not conflict with the City’s CAP or any other State or local plan for renewable energy or energy efficiency, and no impact would occur. Page 1100 of 1165 Potential Impacts of the Modified Project Energy Addendum to the 2010 Final Environmental Impact Report 25 This page intentionally left blank. Page 1101 of 1165 City of San Luis Obispo Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 26 3.7 Geology and Soils Where was Impact Analyzed in the 2010 Final EIR? Do Proposed Changes Require Major Revisions to the 2010 Final EIR? Do New Circumstances Require Major Revisions to the 2010 Final EIR? Any New Information Resulting in New or Substantially More Severe Significant Impacts? Would the project: a. Directly or indirectly cause potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving: 1. Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as delineated on the most recent Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map issued by the State Geologist for the area or based on other substantial evidence of a known fault? Section 4.7 No No No 2. Strong seismic ground shaking? Section 4.7 No No No 3. Seismic-related ground failure, including liquefaction? Section 4.7 No No No 4. Landslides? Section 4.7 No No No b. Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil? Section 4.7 and 4.12 No No No c. Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, or that would become unstable as a result of the project, and potentially result in on- or off-site landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction, or collapse? Section 4.7 No No No d. Be located on expansive soil, as defined in Table 18-1-B of the Uniform Building Code (1994), creating substantial direct or indirect risks to life or property? Section 4.7 No No No Page 1102 of 1165 Potential Impacts of the Modified Project Geology and Soils Addendum to the 2010 Final Environmental Impact Report 27 Where was Impact Analyzed in the 2010 Final EIR? Do Proposed Changes Require Major Revisions to the 2010 Final EIR? Do New Circumstances Require Major Revisions to the 2010 Final EIR? Any New Information Resulting in New or Substantially More Severe Significant Impacts? e. Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks or alternative wastewater disposal systems where sewers are not available for the disposal of wastewater? Section 4.7 No No No f. Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique geologic feature? Section 4.7 No No No a. Would the project directly or indirectly cause potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving: a.1 Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as delineated on the most recent Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map issued by the State Geologist for the area or based on other substantial evidence of a known fault? a.2 Strong seismic ground shaking? a.3 Seismic-related ground failure, including liquefaction? a.4 Landslides? c. Would the project be located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, or that would become unstable as a result of the project, and potentially result in on- or off-site landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction, or collapse? d. Would the project be located on expansive soil, as defined in Table 18-1-B of the Uniform Building Code (1994), creating substantial risks to life or property? The Conservation Plan Area does not contain any fault lines and is not within an earthquake fault zone (DOC 2023a, DOC 2023b). The Open Space Plan Area is in a location identified as having a low potential for liquefaction and high potential for landslides (County of San Luis Obispo 2014). The proposed Conservation Plan would not result in any new structures that would exacerbate landslide risk, could collapse as a result of groundshaking or surface rupture, or which would otherwise directly or indirectly subject people to substantial adverse effects involving liquefaction, landslides, or rupture of a known earthquake fault. Planned recreational improvements would be installed using hand tools and specialized trail building equipment designed to be low impact in its footprint. These improvements would not require extensive grading or other work that would exacerbate any liquefaction, landsliding, or ground shaking impacts. Therefore, the Conservation Plan would result in less than significant impacts related to any liquefaction, landsliding, or ground shaking. Page 1103 of 1165 City of San Luis Obispo Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 28 b. Would the project result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil? Planned improvements within the Open Space Plan Area involve minimal vegetation removal or soil disturbance, including removing a few inches of topsoil in the locations of planned trails. Planned trail improvements would be installed using hand tools and specialized trail building equipment designed to be low impact in its footprint. These improvements would not require grading or other work that would result in substantial changes to the topography of the Open Space Plan Area. The Conservation Plan includes the following policies intended to minimize potential effects of erosion: Policy 3.2.2.4. Maintaining existing roads and fire breaks, including culvert repair or replacement, will reduce erosion and prevent sediment from entering nearby streams. The City will monitor responsible parties to ensure proper and timely maintenance of road, fire breaks, and drainage facilities. Policy 3.2.4.1. The City will monitor and manage vegetation to meet prescribed goals for the land. Management strategies such as the following will be implemented where necessary: physical pruning/removal of unwanted or problematic vegetation – especially dead, dying, diseased, or non-native species; controlled, seasonal grazing; erosion and sediment control or removal strategies; and application of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices. As a result, the proposed Conservation Plan would result in less than significant impacts related to erosion. e. Would the project have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks or alternative wastewater disposal systems where sewers are not available for the disposal of wastewater? The Conservation Plan would not require the use of septic tanks. No impact would occur. f. Would the project directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique geologic feature? Paleontological resources may be present in fossil-bearing soils and rock formations below the ground surface. Planned improvements on the Open Space Plan Area would require minimal soil disturbance, including removing a few inches of topsoil in the locations of planned trails. Planned trail improvements would be installed using hand tools and specialized trail building equipment designed to be low impact in its footprint. These improvements would not require grading or other work that would result in substantial ground surface disturbance. Existing trails and access roads would be utilized where feasible to reduce physical modifications to the Open Space Plan Area. In accordance with Conservation Guidelines for Open Space Lands of the City of San Luis Obispo (2014), the Conservation Plan includes appropriate treatment if paleontological resources are identified on the Open Space Plan Area. The City’s Open Space Regulations protect cultural resources, including prehistoric and historic artifacts within City open space lands from collection or other disturbance except for removal of materials in conjunction with city-sponsored activities, such as trail construction or maintenance (San Luis Obispo Municipal Code, Chapter 12.22.050A). Therefore, the Conservation Plan would result in less than significant impacts to unique paleontological resources or geologic features. Page 1104 of 1165 Potential Impacts of the Modified Project Geology and Soils Addendum to the 2010 Final Environmental Impact Report 29 This page intentionally left blank. Page 1105 of 1165 City of San Luis Obispo Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 30 3.8 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Where was Impact Analyzed in the 2010 Final EIR? Do Proposed Changes Require Major Revisions to the 2010 Final EIR? Do New Circumstances Require Major Revisions to the 2010 Final EIR? Any New Information Resulting in New or Substantially More Severe Significant Impacts? Would the project: a. Generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly or indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the environment? Section 7.0 No No No b. Conflict with an applicable plan, policy, or regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases? Section 7.0 No No No a. Would the project generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly or indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the environment? b. Conflict with an applicable plan, policy, or regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases? The proposed Conservation Plan would guide the conservation and stewardship of Righetti Hill Open Space by providing an account of the prevailing condition of Righetti Hill Open Space and setting future goals related to habitat restoration, recreation access, and wildfire management. Minor existing public access improvements within the Open Space Area have been implemented under the OASP, including a paved bike trail. Planned trail improvements and installation of recreational amenities under the Conservation Plan would be completed using hand tools and specialized trail building equipment designed to be low impact in its footprint. As discussed in Section 3.17, Transportation, the Conservation Plan would not generate a substantial increase in area vehicle trips, which are the primary source of GHG emissions in San Luis Obispo (City of San Luis Obispo 2012). Therefore, the Conservation Plan would generate less than significant amounts of GHG emissions. The City of San Luis Obispo CAP encourages pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly neighborhoods, increasing transportation options, improved energy efficiency, reduced waste and increased recycling, protection of open space, and quantifies the estimated GHG reductions savings of such programs. The Open Space Plan Area would be accessible by vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists, and the proposed new trails would expand the City’s existing network of recreational trails. The Conservation Plan would also preserve open space for passive recreational use and habitat conservation efforts. Therefore, the Conservation Plan would not conflict with the CAP or any other State or local plan, policy, or regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing GHG emissions. The proposed Conservation Plan would not result in significant impacts related to GHG emissions. Page 1106 of 1165 Potential Impacts of the Modified Project Greenhouse Gas Emissions Addendum to the 2010 Final Environmental Impact Report 31 This page intentionally left blank. Page 1107 of 1165 City of San Luis Obispo Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 32 3.9 Hazards and Hazardous Materials Where was Impact Analyzed in the 2010 Final EIR? Do Proposed Changes Require Major Revisions to the 2010 Final EIR? Do New Circumstances Require Major Revisions to the 2010 Final EIR? Any New Information Resulting in New or Substantially More Severe Significant Impacts? Would the project: a. Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials? Section 4.9 No No No b. Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment? Section 4.9 No No No c. Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste within 0.25 mile of an existing or proposed school? Section 4.9 No No No d. Be located on a site that is included on a list of hazardous material sites compiled pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5 and, as a result, would it create a significant hazard to the public or the environment? Section 4.9 No No No e. For a project located in an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project result in a safety hazard or excessive noise for people residing or working in the project area? Section 4.9 No No No Page 1108 of 1165 Potential Impacts of the Modified Project Hazards and Hazardous Materials Addendum to the 2010 Final Environmental Impact Report 33 Where was Impact Analyzed in the 2010 Final EIR? Do Proposed Changes Require Major Revisions to the 2010 Final EIR? Do New Circumstances Require Major Revisions to the 2010 Final EIR? Any New Information Resulting in New or Substantially More Severe Significant Impacts? f. Impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan? Section 4.9 No No No g. Expose people or structures, either directly or indirectly, to a significant risk of loss, injury, or death involving wildland fires? Section 4.9 No No No a. Would the project create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials? b. Would the project create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment? The Conservation Plan would not result in any change to the existing transportation of hazardous materials and would not result in any new or exacerbated upset or accident conditions. The Conservation Plan does not plan any actions that would involve the transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials. Planned trail improvements and installation of recreational amenities under the Conservation Plan would be completed using hand tools and specialized trail building equipment designed to be low impact in its footprint. Therefore, the Conservation Plan would not create a significant hazard to the public or the environment or expose people or structures to harm from hazardous materials. I Conservation Plan would not result in significant impacts from the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials. c. Would the project emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste within 0.25 mile of an existing or proposed school? The nearest school to the Conservation Plan would be Montessori School at Unity, which is located 1 mile to the northwest. No schools are located within 0.25 mile of the Open Space Plan Area. This impact would be less than significant. d. Would the project be located on a site that is included on a list of hazardous material sites compiled pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5 and, as a result, would it create a significant hazard to the public or the environment? The following databases and sites were searched for records relating to any known hazardous materials contamination within the project site: ▪ The State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) Geotracker database; Page 1109 of 1165 City of San Luis Obispo Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 34 ▪ Department of Toxic Substances Control’s (DTSC) EnviroStor and Hazardous Waste Tracking System databases; and ▪ The Cortese List. No hazardous materials or sites were identified on or adjacent to the Conservation Plan site. As discussed in the 2010 Final EIR, there is an abandoned mine on the southern face of Righetti Hill that was previously used for quarrying. 2010 Final EIR Mitigation Measure S-4(b) requires the City to analyze soils samples for heavy metals by CCR Title 22 metals prior to allowing public access in the vicinity of the abandoned mine (refer to Appendix B for full mitigation measure). This mitigation would be implemented prior to allowing public access to the Open Space Plan Area. e. For a project located in an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project result in a safety hazard or excessive noise for people residing or working in the project area? Airport Influence Area safety zones are intended to ensure land use compatibility by providing guidance for development with the safety zones. The Conservation Plan is within the Airport Influence Area Safety Zone 6, Traffic Pattern Zone (San Luis Obispo County 2021). Safety Zone 6 is considered to be low-risk zone. The Conversation Plan does not include new structural development or an increase in vehicle trips (refer to Section 3.17, Transportation) that would conflict with allowed uses in Safety Zone 6. Therefore, the project would not result in significant impacts from hazards associated with aircraft safety. f. Would the project impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan? g. Would the project expose people or structures, either directly or indirectly, to a significant risk of loss, injury, or death involving wildland fires? Impairment or physical interference with an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan and wildfire were not identified as potential impacts associated with the OASP in the 2010 Final EIR. The Conservation Plan is located in a local responsibility area that is not classified as a very high fire hazard severity zone (VHFHSZ) (CAL FIRE 2023). However, the land across Orcutt Road to the northeast of the Conservation Plan is a State responsibility area that is classified as a moderate FHSZ (CAL FIRE 2023). The Conservation Plan Area is susceptible to wildfires due to the dry climate, steep topographic features, and proximity to land classified as moderate FHSZ. The Conservation Plan includes vegetation control measures to reduce fuel in the Open Space Plan Area and a Wildfire Preparedness Plan. City Open Space Regulations prohibit fires, smoking, discharge of weapons, and fireworks of any kind, and also allow for closure if hazardous conditions warrant such action (San Luis Obispo Municipal Code, Chapter 12.22.050A). Fire protection services would be provided by the San Luis Obispo City Fire Department, Fire Station 3, which is approximately 1.5 miles northwest of the Open Space Plan Area and is typically equipped with wildland fire fighting apparatus (Type III or similar). The Open Space Plan Area would remain accessible to wildland fire fighting apparatus (Type III or similar). The Conservation Plan does not envision any new residential or commercial land uses that would expose people or structures to significant wildfire risks. Therefore, the Conservation Plan and ongoing preservation of the open space area would not impair or interfere with the City’s emergency response plans. This impact would be less than significant. Page 1110 of 1165 Potential Impacts of the Modified Project Hazards and Hazardous Materials Addendum to the 2010 Final Environmental Impact Report 35 This page intentionally left blank. Page 1111 of 1165 City of San Luis Obispo Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 36 3.10 Hydrology and Water Quality Where was Impact Analyzed in the 2010 Final EIR? Do Proposed Changes Require Major Revisions to the 2010 Final EIR? Do New Circumstances Require Major Revisions to the 2010 Final EIR? Any New Information Resulting in New or Substantially More Severe Significant Impacts? Would the project: a. Violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements or otherwise substantially degrade surface or ground water quality? Section 4.12 No No No b. Substantially decrease groundwater supplies or interfere substantially with groundwater recharge such that the project may impede sustainable groundwater management of the basin? Section 4.12 No No No c. Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river or through the addition of impervious surfaces, in a manner which would: Section 4.12 No No No (i) Result in substantial erosion or siltation on- or off-site Section 4.12 No No No (ii) Substantially increase the rate or amount of surface runoff in a manner which would result in flooding on- or off-site Section 4.12 No No No (iii) Create or contribute runoff water which would exceed the capacity of existing or planned stormwater drainage systems or provide substantial additional sources of polluted runoff Section 4.12 No No No Page 1112 of 1165 Potential Impacts of the Modified Project Hydrology and Water Quality Addendum to the 2010 Final Environmental Impact Report 37 Where was Impact Analyzed in the 2010 Final EIR? Do Proposed Changes Require Major Revisions to the 2010 Final EIR? Do New Circumstances Require Major Revisions to the 2010 Final EIR? Any New Information Resulting in New or Substantially More Severe Significant Impacts? (iv) Impede or redirect flood flows? Section 4.12 No No No d. In flood hazard, tsunami, or seiche zones, risk release of pollutants due to project inundation? Section 4.12 No No No e. Conflict with or obstruct implementation of a water quality control plan or sustainable groundwater management plan? Section 4.12 No No No a. Would the project violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements or otherwise substantially degrade surface or ground water quality? c.(i) Would the project substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river or through the addition of impervious surfaces, in a manner which would result in substantial erosion or siltation on- or off-site? c.(iii) Would the project substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river or through the addition of impervious surfaces, in a manner that would create or contribute runoff water which would exceed the capacity of existing or planned stormwater drainage systems or provide substantial additional sources of polluted runoff? The proposed Conservation Plan is located in the San Luis Obispo Creek Watershed. Maintenance and passive recreation activities would have the potential to result in erosion that could lead to siltation of waterways in the Open Space Plan Area vicinity. The only components of the Conservation Plan that would result in earthmoving or slope modifications are the proposed recreational trails, which would be developed using hand tools and specialized trail building equipment designed to be low impact in its footprint. These improvements would not result in disturbance on excess of one acre. Therefore, implementing the Conservation Plan would not require a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). Minor existing public access improvements within the Open Space Area have been implemented under the OASP, including a paved bike trail. However, trail improvements and installation of recreational amenities under the Conservation Plan would not introduce new impervious surfaces to the Open Space Area. Therefore, the Conservation Plan would not result in substantial erosion or siltation or substantially increase the rate or amount of surface runoff. The City’s open space trails are closed during rain events when the greatest potential for erosion could occur. As discussed in Section 3.7, Geology and Soils, the Conservation Plan includes strategies for erosion management to ensure the planned improvements associated with public access would not result in substantial erosion or siltation and would not negatively impact water quality standards or discharge Page 1113 of 1165 City of San Luis Obispo Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 38 requirements. Therefore, the Conservation Plan would not result in significant impacts associated with water quality standards or waste discharge requirements, or substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the Open Space Area. b. Would the project substantially decrease groundwater supplies or interfere substantially with groundwater recharge such that the project may impede sustainable groundwater management of the basin? e. Would the project conflict with or obstruct implementation of a water quality control plan or sustainable groundwater management plan? The planned passive recreational opportunities would not require use of existing groundwater supplies or interfere with groundwater recharge. In areas identified for restoration, new trees and plants would be planted in order to enhance wildlife habitat. However, any new trees and plants would be native and would not require supplementary watering. Therefore, the Conservation Plan would not decrease groundwater supplies, interfere with groundwater recharge, or impair or interfere with the City’s water quality control or sustainable groundwater management plans. This impact would be less than significant. c.(ii) Would the project substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river or through the addition of impervious surfaces, in a manner which would substantially increase the rate or amount of surface runoff in a manner which would result in flooding on- or off-site? c.(iv) Would the project substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river or through the addition of impervious surfaces, in a manner which would impede or redirect flood flows? Planned improvements on the Open Space Plan Area would require minimal soil disturbance, including removing a few inches of topsoil in the locations of planned trails. Planned trail improvements would be installed using hand tools and specialized trail building equipment designed to be low impact in its footprint. These improvements would not require extensive grading or other work that would result in substantial changes to the topography of the site. Therefore, the Conservation Plan would not substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site, introduce new impervious surfaces, or otherwise increase the rate or amount of surface runoff from the Open Space Plan Area. d. In flood hazard, tsunami, or seiche zones, would the project risk release of pollutants due to project inundation? The Conservation Plan is located approximately seven miles northeast of the Pacific Ocean, approximately four miles southeast of Drumm Reservoir, and approximately seven miles east of the unnamed lake along Righetti Road. The Conservation Plan is not within a dam inundation area as identified by the County of San Luis Obispo, or a tsunami hazard zone as identified by the Department of Conservation (County of San Luis Obispo 2014, DOC 2023d). Therefore, the Open Space Plan Area would not be at risk from tsunami or seiche inundation. The Conservation Plan is not located in the 100-year flood zone. Therefore, the proposed Conservation Plan would not result in significant impacts related to the release of pollutants due to inundation. Page 1114 of 1165 Potential Impacts of the Modified Project Hydrology and Water Quality Addendum to the 2010 Final Environmental Impact Report 39 This page intentionally left blank. Page 1115 of 1165 City of San Luis Obispo Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 40 3.11 Land Use and Planning Where was Impact Analyzed in the 2010 Final EIR? Do Proposed Changes Require Major Revisions to the 2010 Final EIR? Do New Circumstances Require Major Revisions to the 2010 Final EIR? Any New Information Resulting in New or Substantially More Severe Significant Impacts? Would the project: a. Physically divide an established community? Section 5.0 No No No b. Cause a significant environmental impact due to a conflict with any land use plan, policy, or regulation adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect? Section 5.0 No No No a. Would the project physically divide an established community? b. Would the project cause a significant environmental impact due to a conflict with any land use plan, policy, or regulation adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect? The proposed Conservation Plan does not include any zone changes and would not involve new development that could physically divide an established community. The Conservation Plan is consistent with the County’s General Plan Conservation and Open Space Element and the City’s Conservation Guidelines for Open Space Lands. For these reasons, the Conservation Plan would not result in impacts related to land use and planning. Page 1116 of 1165 Potential Impacts of the Modified Project Land Use and Planning Addendum to the 2010 Final Environmental Impact Report 41 This page intentionally left blank. Page 1117 of 1165 City of San Luis Obispo Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 42 3.12 Mineral Resources Where was Impact Analyzed in the 2010 Final EIR? Do Proposed Changes Require Major Revisions to the 2010 Final EIR? Do New Circumstances Require Major Revisions to the 2010 Final EIR? Any New Information Resulting in New or Substantially More Severe Significant Impacts? Would the project: a. Result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource that would be of value to the region and the residents of the state? Section 1.5 No No No b. Result in the loss of availability of a locally important mineral resource recovery site delineated on a local general plan, specific plan, or other land use plan? Section 1.5 No No No a. Would the project result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource that would be of value to the region and the residents of the state? b. Would the project result in the loss of availability of a locally important mineral resource recovery site delineated on a local general plan, specific plan, or other land use plan? Planned improvements in the Open Space Plan Area would require minimal soil disturbance, including removing a few inches of topsoil in the locations of planned trails. Planned trails and other recreational improvements would be developed using hand tools and specialized trail building equipment designed to be low impact in its footprint. These improvements would not result in disturbance or removal of mineral resources of the site. As a result, the Conservation Plan would result in less than significant impacts to mineral resources. Page 1118 of 1165 Potential Impacts of the Modified Project Mineral Resources Addendum to the 2010 Final Environmental Impact Report 43 This page intentionally left blank. Page 1119 of 1165 City of San Luis Obispo Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 44 3.13 Noise Where was Impact Analyzed in the 2010 Final EIR? Do Proposed Changes Require Major Revisions to the 2010 Final EIR? Do New Circumstances Require Major Revisions to the 2010 Final EIR? Any New Information Resulting in New or Substantially More Severe Significant Impacts? Would the project: a. Generate a substantial temporary or permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the vicinity of the project in excess of standards established in the local general plan or noise ordinance, or applicable standards of other agencies? Section 4.8 No No No b. Generate excessive groundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels? Section 4.8 No No No c. For a project located within the vicinity of a private airstrip or an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels? Section 4.8 No No No a. Would the project result in generation of a substantial temporary or permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the vicinity of the project in excess of standards established in the local general plan or noise ordinance, or applicable standards of other agencies? b. Would the project generate excessive groundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels? The proposed Conservation Plan does not include any new structural development that would result in new or increased long-term sources of noise in or around the Open Space Area. The primary long- term noise associated with the proposed passive recreational uses would be from users arriving at and departing, vehicles starting, car doors opening and closing, and conversations between users of the proposed recreational amenities. However, these would not result in a substantial increase in existing noise levels. The City’s Open Space Regulations prohibit use of sound amplifying equipment within City open space lands except by authorized law enforcement (San Luis Obispo Municipal Code, Chapter 12.22.050H). Installation of recreational amenities, including signage, fencing, and trails, would be completed using hand tools and specialized trail building equipment designed to be low impact in its footprint. These improvements would not result in a substantial increase in short-term noise or groundborne Page 1120 of 1165 Potential Impacts of the Modified Project Noise Addendum to the 2010 Final Environmental Impact Report 45 vibration. The paving of some trails within the Open Space Area could require minimal grading or the use of diesel-powered equipment. However, use of diesel-powered equipment would be minimal and temporary. Therefore, the Conservation Plan would not result in significant impacts related to noise or groundborne vibration. c. Would the project be located within the vicinity of a private airstrip or an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, and expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels? Airport Influence Area safety zones are intended to ensure land use compatibility by providing guidance for development with the safety zones. The Open Space Plan Area is within the Airport Influence Area within Safety Zone 6, Traffic Pattern Zone (San Luis Obispo County 2021). Safety Zone 6, Traffic Pattern Zone, is considered low risk zone. The Conversation Plan does not envision any new development and would not substantially increase vehicle trips (refer to Section 3.17, Transportation). Therefore, the Conservation Plan would not result in significant impacts related to exposing people residing or working in the Conservation Plan area to excessive noise. Page 1121 of 1165 City of San Luis Obispo Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 46 3.14 Population and Housing Where was Impact Analyzed in the 2010 Final EIR? Do Proposed Changes Require Major Revisions to the 2010 Final EIR? Do New Circumstances Require Major Revisions to the 2010 Final EIR? Any New Information Resulting in New or Substantially More Severe Significant Impacts? Would the project: a. Induce substantial unplanned population growth in an area, either directly (e.g., by proposing new homes and businesses) or indirectly (e.g., through extension of roads or other infrastructure)? Section 1.5 and 6.0 No No No b. Displace substantial numbers of existing people or housing, necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere? Section 1.5 and 6.0 No No No a. Would the project induce substantial unplanned population growth in an area, either directly (e.g., by proposing new homes and businesses) or indirectly (e.g., through extension of roads or other infrastructure)? b. Would the project displace substantial numbers of existing people or housing, necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere? The Open Space Plan Area is vacant, and the Conservation Plan does not include any new residential uses that would induce population growth in the area. Therefore, no people or housing would be displaced by the implementation of the Conservation Plan, and no impact would occur. Page 1122 of 1165 Potential Impacts of the Modified Project Population and Housing Addendum to the 2010 Final Environmental Impact Report 47 This page intentionally left blank. Page 1123 of 1165 City of San Luis Obispo Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 48 3.15 Public Service Where was Impact Analyzed in the 2010 Final EIR? Do Proposed Changes Require Major Revisions to the 2010 Final EIR? Do New Circumstances Require Major Revisions to the 2010 Final EIR? Any New Information Resulting in New or Substantially More Severe Significant Impacts? Would the project: a. Result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered governmental facilities, or the need for new or physically altered governmental facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios, response times or other performance objectives for any of the public services: 1 Fire protection? Section 4.10 No No No 2 Police protection? Section 4.10 No No No 3 Schools? Section 4.10 No No No 4 Parks? Section 4.10 No No No 5 Other public facilities? Section 4.10 No No No a.1. Would the project result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered fire protection facilities, or the need for new or physically altered fire protection facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios, response times or other performance objectives? a.2. Would the project result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered police protection facilities, or the need for new or physically altered police protection facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios, response times or other performance objectives? a.3. Would the project result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered schools, or the need for new or physically altered schools, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios or other performance objectives? Page 1124 of 1165 Potential Impacts of the Modified Project Public Service Addendum to the 2010 Final Environmental Impact Report 49 a.4. Would the project result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered parks, or the need for new or physically altered parks, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios or other performance objectives? a.5. Would the project result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of other new or physically altered public facilities, or the need for other new or physically altered public facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios, response times or other performance objectives? Police protection services would be provided by the San Luis Obispo Police Department. Fire services would be provided by the San Luis Obispo City Fire Department, Fire Station 3, which is approximately 1.5 miles northwest of the Open Space Plan Area and is typically equipped with wildland fire fighting apparatus (Type III or similar). The City Parks and Recreation Department, through its Ranger Service, has the primary responsibility for enforcing the City’s Open Space Regulations on City open space lands (San Luis Obispo Municipal Code, Chapter 12.22.050). Calls for emergency medical service in City open space have historically been low compared to overall call volume, and typically involve instances of heat exhaustion or minor injuries such as sprained ankles. The Conservation Plan would not result in new residential uses or other land uses that would increase demand for fire protection, police protection, schools, or public facilities in a manner that would result in the need for new, physically altered facilities, or require provision of any new parks. The Conservation Plan would provide a framework for a mix of management approaches to natural resources protection, scenic resources, cultural resources, erosion and drainage, fire protection, trails, and passive recreation. Therefore, the proposed Conservation Plan would not result in significant impacts associated with the provision of any public services. Page 1125 of 1165 City of San Luis Obispo Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 50 3.16 Recreation Where was Impact Analyzed in the 2010 Final EIR? Do Proposed Changes Require Major Revisions to the 2010 Final EIR? Do New Circumstances Require Major Revisions to the 2010Final EIR? Any New Information Resulting in New or Substantially More Severe Significant Impacts? Would the project: a. Increase the use of existing neighborhood and regional parks or other recreational facilities such that substantial physical deterioration of the facility would occur or be accelerated? Section 1.5 No No No b. Include recreational facilities or require the construction or expansion of recreational facilities which might have an adverse physical effect on the environment? Section 1.5 No No No a. Would the project increase the use of existing neighborhood and regional parks or other recreational facilities such that substantial physical deterioration of the facility would occur or be accelerated? b. Would the project include recreational facilities or require the construction or expansion of recreational facilities which might have an adverse physical effect on the environment? The 2010 Final EIR states that with the dedication of Righetti Hill as open space for passive recreation, OASP would not have an adverse physical effect on the environment. The Conservation Plan would provide passive recreational opportunities that would supplement the City’s existing parks and other public recreational uses. A system of existing trails provides access to Righetti Hill Open Space, some of which are previously informal and would be incorporated by the Conservation Plan due to their utility and location, while others will be new trails constructed under the proposed Conservation Plan. By adding new trails to the Righetti Hill area, the Conservation Plan would increase the use of existing trails and open spaces in the Open Space Plan Area vicinity but would not substantially impact the use of any dedicated City or County parks or other formal recreational facilities in a manner that would result in substantial physical deterioration of such facilities. This impact would be less than significant. Page 1126 of 1165 Potential Impacts of the Modified Project Recreation Addendum to the 2010 Final Environmental Impact Report 51 This page intentionally left blank. Page 1127 of 1165 City of San Luis Obispo Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 52 3.17 Transportation Where was Impact Analyzed in the 2010 Final EIR? Do Proposed Changes Require Major Revisions to the 2010 Final EIR? Do New Circumstances Require Major Revisions to the 2010 Final EIR? Any New Information Resulting in New or Substantially More Severe Significant Impacts? Would the project: a. Conflict with a program, plan, ordinance or policy addressing the circulation system, including transit, roadway, bicycle and pedestrian facilities? Section 4.11 No No No b. Conflict or be inconsistent with CEQA Guidelines section 15064.3, subdivision (b)? N/A; New CEQA checklist item added after 2010 Final EIR published No No No c. Substantially increase hazards due to a geometric design feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or incompatible use (e.g., farm equipment)? Section 4.11 No No No d. Result in inadequate emergency access? Section 4.11 No No No a. Would the project conflict with a program, plan, ordinance or policy addressing the circulation system, including transit, roadway, bicycle and pedestrian facilities? b. Would the project conflict or be inconsistent with CEQA Guidelines section 15064.3, subdivision (b)? The planned passive recreational use of the Open Space Area is intended to primarily serve residents of the OASP and the surrounding area. The Conservation Plan envisions residents of the OASP and the surrounding area would be able to walk or drive very short distances to access the planned passive recreational opportunities in the Open Space Area. Implementation of the Conservation Plan is not expected to increase trips to the area, as the Open Space Plan Area consists of a relatively small passive recreational opportunities in comparison to other similar resources in the region (e.g., Miossi Open Space, Pismo Preserve) that is intended primarily for local passive recreation use, and habitat restoration. The Conservation Plan itself was planned for within the 2010 Final EIR and would therefore not induce unanticipated trips. Therefore, the proposed Conservation Plan would not result in new or substantially more severe transportation impacts than were identified in the 2010 Final EIR. Page 1128 of 1165 Potential Impacts of the Modified Project Transportation Addendum to the 2010 Final Environmental Impact Report 53 c. Would the project substantially increase hazards due to a geometric design feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or incompatible use (e.g., farm equipment)? The proposed Conservation Plan does not include any new development or roadway changes that could substantially increase hazards due to a geometric design feature. Therefore, the proposed Conservation Plan would not result in hazards due to a geometric design feature. d. Would the project result in inadequate emergency access? The 2010 Final EIR determined that the OASP includes site access, emergency access, and internal access road standards to accommodate traffic within the OASP Area. Vehicular access to the Open Space Plan Area is available via an unnamed road that is currently under construction off of Orcutt Road. The Conservation Plan would not result in inadequate emergency access. This impact would be less than significant. Page 1129 of 1165 City of San Luis Obispo Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 54 3.18 Tribal Cultural Resources Where was Impact Analyzed in the 2010 Final EIR? Do Proposed Changes Require Major Revisions to the 2010 Final EIR? Do New Circumstances Require Major Revisions to the 2010 Final EIR? Any New Information Resulting in New or Substantially More Severe Significant Impacts? Would the project cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a tribal cultural resource, defined in a Public Resources Code Section 21074 as either a site, feature, place, or cultural landscape that is geographically defined in terms of the size and scope of the landscape, sacred place, or obj ect with cultural value to a California Native American tribe, and that is: a. Listed or eligible for listing in the California Register of Historical Resources, or in a local register of historical resources as defined in Public Resources Code Section 5020.1(k)? N/A; New CEQA checklist item added after 2010 Final EIR published No No No b. A resource determined by the lead agency, in its discretion and supported by substantial evidence, to be significant pursuant to criteria set forth in subdivision (c) of Public Resources Code Section 5024.1? In applying the criteria set forth in subdivision (c) of Public Resources Code Section 5024.1, the lead agency shall consider the significance of the resource to a California Native American tribe. N/A; New CEQA checklist item added after 2010 Final EIR published No No No Would the project cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a tribal cultural resource, defined in a Public Resources Code Section 21074 as either a site, feature, place, or cultural landscape that is geographically defined in terms of the size and scope of the landscape, sacred place, or object with cultural value to a California Native American tribe, and that is: a. Listed or eligible for listing in the California Register of Historical Resources, or in a local register of historical resources as defined in Public Resources Code Section 5020.1(k)? b. A resource determined by the lead agency, in its discretion and supported by substantial evidence, to be significant pursuant to criteria set forth in subdivision (c) of Public Resources Code Section 5024.1. In applying the criteria set forth in subdivision (c) of Public Resources Code Section 5024.1, the lead agency shall consider the significance of the resource to a California Native American tribe? Page 1130 of 1165 Potential Impacts of the Modified Project Tribal Cultural Resources Addendum to the 2010 Final Environmental Impact Report 55 Because the 2010 Final EIR, from which this Addendum tiers, was initiated prior to July 2015, Native American consultation pursuant to AB 52 was not conducted for the OASP and is not required for the proposed Conservation Plan. As discussed Section 3.5, Cultural Resources, in compliance with 2010 Final EIR mitigation measures, a Cultural Resources Assessment was conducted in 2022 by Rincon Consultants, Inc., which included a records search and an pedestrian level survey of Righetti Hill. As discussed in the Cultural Resources Assessment, the California Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) did not respond to the Sacred Lands File request. Based on the cultural resources assessment conducted by Mary Maki of Conejo Archaeological Consultants in 2004 for the 2010 Final EIR, it is anticipated that the Sacred Lands File search results will be negative. The City’s Open Space Regulations protect cultural resources, including prehistoric and historic artifacts within City open space lands from collection or other disturbance except for removal of materials in conjunction with city-sponsored activities, such as trail construction or maintenance (San Luis Obispo Municipal Code, Chapter 12.22.050A). Implementation of the proposed cultural resources management goals and policies included in the Conservation Plan would incorporate recommendations from the Cultural Resources Study, ensuring potential impacts to tribal cultural resources would be less than significant. Page 1131 of 1165 City of San Luis Obispo Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 56 3.19 Utilities and Service Systems Where was Impact Analyzed in the 2010 Final EIR? Do Proposed Changes Require Major Revisions to the 2010 Final EIR? Do New Circumstances Require Major Revisions to the 2010 Final EIR? Any New Information Resulting in New or Substantially More Severe Significant Impacts? Would the project: a. Require or result in the relocation or construction of new or expanded water, wastewater treatment or storm water drainage, electric power, natural gas, or telecommunications facilities, the construction or relocation of which could cause significant environmental effects? Section 1.5 No No No b. Have sufficient water supplies available to serve the project and reasonably foreseeable future development during normal, dry and multiple dry years? Section 1.5 No No No c. Result in a determination by the wastewater treatment provider which serves or may serve the project that it has adequate capacity to serve the project’s projected demand in addition to the provider’s existing commitments? Section 1.5 No No No d. Generate solid waste in excess of State or local standards, or in excess of the capacity of local infrastructure, or otherwise impair the attainment of solid waste reduction goals? Section 1.5 No No No e. Comply with federal, state, and local management and reduction statutes and regulations related to solid waste? Section 1.5 No No No Page 1132 of 1165 Potential Impacts of the Modified Project Utilities and Service Systems Addendum to the 2010 Final Environmental Impact Report 57 a. Would the project require or result in the relocation or construction of new or expanded water, wastewater treatment or storm water drainage, electric power, natural gas, or telecommunications facilities, the construction or relocation of which could cause significant environmental effects? b. Would the project have sufficient water supplies available to serve the project and reasonably foreseeable future development during normal, dry and multiple dry years? c. Would the project result in a determination by the wastewater treatment provider which serves or may serve the project that it has adequate capacity to serve the project’s projected demand d. Would the project generate solid waste in excess of State or local standards, or in excess of the capacity of local infrastructure, or otherwise impair the attainment of solid waste reduction goals? e. Would the project comply with federal, state, and local management and reduction statutes and regulations related to solid waste? The Conservation Plan does not include residential or commercial uses that would require additional water supply or generate storm water, wastewater, or solid waste. The Conservation plan would not require new electrical power, natural gas, or telecommunications facilities. As discussed in Section 3.10, Hydrology and Water Quality, the Conservation Plan would not require the construction of new or expanded water, wastewater treatment, or storm water or drainage facilities. Therefore, the Conservation Plan would not result in significant impacts related to utilities and service systems. Page 1133 of 1165 City of San Luis Obispo Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 58 3.20 Wildfire Where was Impact Analyzed in the 2010 Final EIR? Do Proposed Changes Require Major Revisions to the 2010 Final EIR? Do New Circumstances Require Major Revisions to the 2010 Final EIR? Any New Information Resulting in New or Substantially More Severe Significant Impacts? If located in or near state responsibility areas or lands classified as very high fire hazard severity zones, would the project: a. Substantially impair an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan? N/A; New CEQA checklist item added after 2010 Final EIR published No No No b. Due to slope, prevailing winds, and other factors, exacerbate wildfire risks and thereby expose project occupants to pollutant concentrations from a wildfire or the uncontrolled spread of a wildfire? N/A; New CEQA checklist item added after 2010 Final EIR published No No No c. Require the installation or maintenance of associated infrastructure (such as roads, fuel breaks, emergency water sources, power lines or other utilities) that may exacerbate fire risk or that may result in temporary or ongoing impacts to the environment? N/A; New CEQA checklist item added after 2010 Final EIR published No No No d. Expose people or structures to significant risks, including downslopes or downstream flooding or landslides, as a result of runoff, post-fire slope instability, or drainage changes? N/A; New CEQA checklist item added after 2010 Final EIR published No No No If located in or near state responsibility areas or lands classified as very high fire hazard severity zones, would the project: a. Substantially impair an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan? c. Require the installation or maintenance of associated infrastructure (such as roads, fuel breaks, emergency water sources, power lines or other utilities) that may exacerbate fire risk or that may result in temporary or ongoing impacts to the environment? Page 1134 of 1165 Potential Impacts of the Modified Project Wildfire Addendum to the 2010 Final Environmental Impact Report 59 The analysis in the 2010 Final EIR predates updates to the State CEQA Guidelines requiring the evaluation of potential impacts related to wildfire and, therefore, did not address wildfire impacts beyond the discussion of hazards and hazardous materials. The Conservation Plan is located in a local responsibility area that is not classified as a VHFHSZ (CAL FIRE 2023). However, the land across Orcutt road to the northeast is a state responsibility area that is classified as moderate FHSZ (CAL FIRE 2023). The Open Space Plan Area is susceptible to wildfires due to the dry climate, steep topographic features, and proximity to land classified as moderate FHSZ. The Conservation Plan would provide an account of the prevailing condition of Righetti Hill Open Space and set future goals related to habitat restoration, recreation access, and wildfire management. The Conservation Plan includes a Wildfire Preparedness Plan, and fuel reduction strategies intended to minimize wildfire risk. Additionally, as a condition of approval for subdivision development within the OASP, the neighborhood Homeowner’s Association is required to maintain a Wildland Fuel Management Zone (“Wildland FMZ”) within the established fuel reduction zone and private open spaces, including on City lots, as shown in the Fire Protection Plan for Righetti Hills Development (Hunt Research Corporation 2014). The Conservation Plan does not include new residential or commercial land uses that would expose people or structures to significant wildfire risks. Therefore, the Conservation Plan and ongoing preservation of the open space area would not impair or interfere with the City’s emergency response plans. The Conservation Plan does not propose new residential or commercial land uses that would require the installation or maintenance of associated infrastructure that may exacerbate fire risk. This impact would be less than significant. b. Due to slope, prevailing winds, and other factors, exacerbate wildfire risks and thereby expose project occupants to pollutant concentrations from a wildfire or the uncontrolled spread of a wildfire? d. Expose people or structures to significant risks, including downslopes or downstream flooding or landslides, as a result of runoff, post-fire slope instability, or drainage changes? The analysis in the 2010 Final EIR predates updates to the State CEQA Guidelines requiring the evaluation of potential impacts related to wildfire and, therefore, did not address wildfire impacts beyond the discussion of hazards and hazardous materials. The Conservation Plan is located in a local responsibility area that is not classified as a VHFHSZ (CAL FIRE 2023). However, the land across Orcutt Road to the northeast of the Conservation Plan area is a state responsibility area that is classified as a moderate FHSZ (CAL FIRE 2023). Righetti Hill Open Space is surrounded by at-risk residential land uses and could present a wildland fire hazard due to prevailing westerly winds, presence of annual grassland, proximity to historic fire perimeters, and proximity to a moderate FHSZ. The Conservation Plan includes vegetation control measures to reduce fuel on site and a Wildfire Preparedness Plan. City Open Space Regulations prohibit fires, smoking, discharge of weapons, and fireworks or any kind, and also allow for closure if hazardous conditions warrant such action (San Luis Obispo Municipal Code, Chapter 12.22.050C), which would be enforced by the City Parks and Recreation Department, through its Ranger Service (San Luis Obispo Municipal Code, Chapter 12.22.050). The Conservation Plan does not propose new residential or commercial land uses that would exacerbate wildfire risks, including downslopes or downstream flooding or landslides, as a result of runoff, post-fire slope instability, or drainage changes. This impact would be less than significant. Page 1135 of 1165 City of San Luis Obispo Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 60 3.21 Mandatory Findings of Significance Where was Impact Analyzed in the 2010 Final EIR? Do Proposed Changes Require Major Revisions to the 2010 Final EIR? Do New Circumstances Require Major Revisions to the 2010 Final EIR? Any New Information Resulting in New or Substantially More Severe Significant Impacts? a. Does the project have the potential to substantially degrade the quality of the environment, substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife population to drop below self-sustaining levels, threaten to eliminate a plant or animal community, substantially reduce the number or restrict the range of a rare or endangered plant or animal or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory? Throughout 2010 Final EIR No No No b. Does the project have impacts that are individually limited, but cumulatively considerable? ("Cumulatively considerable" means that the incremental effects of a project are considerable when viewed in connection with the effects of past projects, the effects of other current projects, and the effects of probable future projects)? Throughout 2010 Final EIR No No No c. Does the project have environmental effects which will cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly? Throughout 2010 Final EIR No No No Page 1136 of 1165 Potential Impacts of the Modified Project Mandatory Findings of Significance Addendum to the 2010 Final Environmental Impact Report 61 a. Does the project have the potential to substantially degrade the quality of the environment, substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife population to drop below self-sustaining levels, threaten to eliminate a plant or animal community, substantially reduce the number or restrict the range of a rare or endangered plant or animal or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory? The proposed Conservation Plan would enhance an existing open space area by formally establishing habitat conservation practices and passive recreation. As described in Section 3.4, Biological Resources, the proposed improvements, passive recreation, and habitat conservation practices would not substantially alter the existing habitat value of the project site. The Conservation Plan would not have the potential to substantially impact wildlife species or habitat, due to the incorporation of natural resources protection, vegetation management, and passive recreation management policies into the proposed Conservation Plan. The Conservation Plan would not result in any new or substantially more severe impacts to wildlife habitats, populations, ranges, or important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory beyond those identified in the 2010 Final EIR. b. Does the project have impacts that are individually limited, but cumulatively considerable? ("Cumulatively considerable" means that the incremental effects of a project are considerable when viewed in connection with the effects of past projects, the effects of other current projects, and the effects of probable future projects)? As described in the discussion of environmental checklist Sections 3.1-3.20, the proposed Conservation Plan would not result in any new or substantially more severe impacts for any environmental topic beyond those identified in the 2010 Final EIR. Each topic section (i.e., Air Quality, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, and Transportation and Circulation) of the 2015 Final EIR included an evaluation of the OASP’s contribution to cumulative effects, based in part on a review of the City’s Major Development List as well as regional forecasts. Minor existing public access improvements within the Open Space Area have been implemented under the OASP, including a paved bike trail. Planned trail improvements and installation of recreational amenities under the Conservation Plan would be completed using hand tools and specialized trail building equipment designed to be low impact in its footprint. Long-term use of the Righetti Hill Open Space would not result in substantial long-term increases in noise or local vehicle trips. There are no proposed, planned, or probable City or County projects in the immediate project vicinity that would result in impacts which would be exacerbated by the project’s less than significant effects. The Conservation Plan would not affect City population or housing, or otherwise conflict with development potential identified in the OASP or General Plan. The Conservation Plan would not generate growth or new vehicle trips that could contribute to cumulative impacts to the City’s circulation system, regional VMT, air quality, or ambient noise levels. As a result, operational impacts would not be cumulatively considerable. In summary, the Conservation Plan would not result in any new or substantially more severe cumulative impacts than those analyzed in the 2010 Final EIR. c. Does the project have environmental effects which will cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly? The proposed Conservation Plan does not have environmental effects that would cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly, as discussed in Section 3.3, Air Page 1137 of 1165 City of San Luis Obispo Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 62 Quality, Section 3.10, Hazards and Hazardous Materials, and Section 3.13, Noise. The Conservation Plan would not conflict with an air quality management plan, expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations or hazardous materials, or expose sensitive receptors to substantial noise pollution. The project would not result in a permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the vicinity of the project, or other new or substantially more severe environmental effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly, beyond what was analyzed in the 2010 Final EIR. Page 1138 of 1165 Potential Impacts of the Modified Project Mandatory Findings of Significance Addendum to the 2010 Final Environmental Impact Report 63 This page intentionally left blank. Page 1139 of 1165 City of San Luis Obispo Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 64 4 Conclusion In accordance with Section 15164 of the CEQA Guidelines, the City of San Luis Obispo has determined this Addendum to the 2010 Final EIR is appropriate to document changes or additions that have occurred in the project description since the 2010 Final EIR was originally prepared. No new significant impacts or impacts of substantially greater severity beyond those previously disclosed in the 2010 Final EIR would occur as a result of the Modified Project. Therefore, the following determinations have been found to be applicable: ▪ No further evaluation of environmental impacts is required for the proposed project; ▪ No Subsequent EIR is necessary per CEQA Guidelines Section 15162; and ▪ This addendum is the appropriate level of environmental analysis and documentation for the proposed project in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15164. As demonstrated by the analysis throughout Section 3 of this addendum, the Conservation Plan would not introduce any new significant environmental impacts beyond those which have already been identified and characterized in the 2010 Final EIR. None of the conditions described in CEQA Guidelines Section 15162 calling for preparation of a subsequent EIR have occurred as a result of the Conservation Plan. The City has reviewed and considered the information contained in this Addendum in its consideration of the 2010 Final EIR and finds the preparation of a Subsequent EIR is not necessary. Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15164(c), this addendum would be included in the public record for the 2010 Final EIR. Page 1140 of 1165 Conclusion Addendum to the 2010 Final Environmental Impact Report 65 This page intentionally left blank. Page 1141 of 1165 City of San Luis Obispo Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan 66 5 References California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE). 2023. FHSZ Viewer. https://egis.fire.ca.gov/FHSZ/ City of, San Luis Obispo. 2010. Orcutt Area Specific Plan. https://www.slocity.org/home/showpublisheddocument/4262/635501857723870000 ______.2020. Climate Action Plan. https://www.slocity.org/government/department-directory/city- administration/office-of-sustainability-and-natural-resources/climate-action/climate-action- plan County of, San Luis Obispo. 2021. Amended and Restated San Luis Obispo County Reginal Airport Land Use Plan. https://www.slocounty.ca.gov/Departments/Planning-Building/Forms- Documents/Plans-and-Elements/Airport-Land-Use-Plans/Airport-Land-Use-Plan-(Amended- Restated).pdf ______.2014. Dam Inundation County of San Luis Obispo https://www.slocounty.ca.gov/Departments/Planning-Building/Forms-Documents/Plans- and-Elements/Elements/Safety-Element-Maps/6-Dam-Inundation-Map.pdf County of, San Luis Obispo. 2014. https://www.slocounty.ca.gov/Departments/Planning- Building/Forms-Documents/Plans-and-Elements/Elements/Safety-Element-Maps.aspx Department of Conservation (DOC). 2023a. Fault Activity Map of California. https://maps.conservation.ca.gov/cgs/fam/ ______.2023b. Earthquake Zones of Required Investigation. https://maps.conservation.ca.gov/cgs/EQZApp/app/ ______.2023c. California Tsunami Maps. https://www.conservation.ca.gov/cgs/tsunami/maps Hunt Research Corporation. 2014. Fire Protection Plan for Righetti Hills Development. Page 1142 of 1165 References Addendum to the 2010 Final Environmental Impact Report 67 This page intentionally left blank. Page 1143 of 1165 Appendix A Existing Conditions Report Page 1144 of 1165 Rincon Consultants, Inc. 1530 Monterey Street, Suite D San Luis Obispo, California 93401 805 -547 -0900 info@rinconconsultants.com www.rinconconsultants.com E n v i r o n m e n t a l S c i e n t i s t s P l a n n e r s E n g i n e e r s April 19, 2023 Rincon Project No. 23-14143 Robert Hill, Sustainability & Natural Resources Official City of San Luis Obispo, Department of Natural Resources 990 Palm Street San Luis Obispo, California 93401-3249 Via email: rhill@slocity.org Subject: Existing Conditions Report for the Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan, San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo County, California Dear Mr. Hill, Rincon Consultants, Inc. (Rincon) is pleased to submit this existing conditions report for the Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan (Conservation Plan) in the City of San Luis Obispo (City), San Luis Obispo County (County), California. This report documents the existing conditions within the proposed open space at Righetti Hill (Figure 1). The purpose of the report is to support the Initial Study and Addendum to the 2010 Orcutt Area Specific Plan (OASP) Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR), which will discuss the potential environmental effects of the proposed project, including identifying mitigation from the 2010 OASP FEIR and other certified and adopted CEQA documentation required to ensure the project’s potential impacts would remain less than significant. The Conservation Plan will be prepared internally by the City’s Office of Sustainability and Natural Resources staff with consultant support. The Conservation Plan is intended to guide the long-term conservation, stewardship, and recreation access of Righetti Hill in accordance with the City’s Conservation Guidelines for Open Space Lands of the City of San Luis Obispo (2002) and the Conservation and Open Space Element of the City’s General Plan (2006). The Righetti Hill Open Space Plan Area (Plan Area) consists of approximately 51 acres comprised of two disconnected open space areas separated from one another by a planned public park and trail (Figure 2). The Plan Area includes portions of six parcels and has an elevation ranging between 200 and 563 feet above average mean sea level. Terrain ranges from nearly level along the creek corridor to steep side slopes ranging between 30 to 75 percent on Righetti Hill. The current primary entry and public access to Righetti Hill is via the corner of Twin Creek Road and Hillside Drive, where a path to the main trailhead of Righetti Hill is under construction. Additional entry points to the main trailhead from the creek corridor and a private road off Orcutt Road are under construction. The OASP calls for the preservation of Righetti Hill as open space to provide a scenic backdrop for the Orcutt Area neighborhoods and to protect the wildlife habitat and creeks of the area. The Conservation Plan provides a framework for a mix of management approaches to natural resources protection, scenic resources, cultural resources, erosion and drainage, fire protection, trails, and passive recreation. Page 1145 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan Existing Conditions Report 2 Figure 1. Project Regional Location Page 1146 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan Existing Conditions Report 3 Figure 2. Project Boundary Page 1147 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan Existing Conditions Report 4 Project Location The City-owned Plan Area is a 51-acre site located in the southeast portion of the City of San Luis Obispo within the Orcutt Area Specific Plan. The Plan Area is located east of the State Route (SR) 227 and includes portions of County Assessor’s Parcel Numbers (APNs) 004-706-013, 004-706-015, 004-706-023, 004-706-028, 004-719-037, and 004-719-038. The Plan Area is depicted on the San Luis Obispo, California United States Geological Survey (USGS) 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle. Methodology This analysis consisted of a review of relevant literature followed by a reconnaissance-level field survey. The literature review included information on regionally occurring sensitive biological resources from the following sources and was conducted consistent with the 2010 OASP FEIR for comparison: California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) of state and federally listed and other special-status species within potential to occur within the San Luis Obispo, Lopez Mtn., Pismo Beach, and Arroyo Grande NE, California USGS 7.5-minute topographic quadrangles (CDFW 2023a) (Attachment C); U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Critical Habitat Portal (USFWS 2023a); USFWS National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) Mapper (USFWS 2023b); and U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA, NRCS) Web Soil Survey (USDA, NRCS 2023). The purposes of the reconnaissance-level field survey were to document existing site conditions and compare the biological resources section of the 2019 OASP FEIR analysis to the current conditions within the Plan Area. The field survey consisted of a visual inspection of the Plan Area. Resources observed included plant and wildlife species and vegetation communities/habitat types. Definitive surveys to confirm the presence or absence of special-status species were not performed and are not included with this analysis. Definitive surveys for special-status plant and wildlife species generally require specific survey protocols, extensive field survey time, and are conducted only at specific time periods of the year. The findings and opinions conveyed in this report are based exclusively on the literature review and reconnaissance-level field survey. The reconnaissance-level field survey was conducted by Senior Biologist Michael Tom on March 31, 2023. Weather conditions during the survey were mild. Average temperature was approximately 60 degrees Fahrenheit, with partly cloudy skies and variable winds from 1-5 miles per hour. Photographs of the Plan Area are included as Attachment B. Existing Site Conditions Drainages The proposed open space is located within the Central Coastal Watershed, as defined by the USGS. More specifically, the Plan Area is located with the San Luis Obispo Creek watershed. One unnamed drainage is present in the northern portion of the proposed open space across from Calle Crotalo and is a tributary to the East Fork of San Luis Obispo Creek. The unnamed drainage flows through the proposed open space in a southwesterly direction and exits the Plan Area through a culvert that conveys flows under Righetti Ranch Road and under the Union Pacific Railroad property. The unnamed drainage is identified and mapped in the 2010 OASP FEIR and supporting technical studies. Riparian and wetland habitats are associated with this unnamed drainage as described in the next section. Page 1148 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan Existing Conditions Report 5 Vegetation and Habitat Types Six vegetation and habitat types occur within the proposed open space. These include annual grassland, coastal scrub, eucalyptus, riparian woodland and adjacent wetlands, wetlands, and cactus. These vegetation and habitat types were described and mapped within the proposed open space as part of the 2010 FEIR. The aerial extent and description for each of these vegetation and habitat types in the 2010 FEIR are consistent with the existing conditions within the Plan Area. Figures 3 illustrates the extent of these habitat types as mapped in the 2010 OASP FEIR which includes the proposed open space. No new habitat types were identified during the reconnaissance survey that were not previously identified in the 2010 FEIR. Annual Grassland This habitat type is present in the majority of the proposed open space and is dominated by non-native grasses and forbs. The dominant grass species within the proposed open space is ender wild oat (Avena barbata) and ripgut brome (Bromus diandrus) with patches more dominated by a combination of red- stemmed filaree (Erodium cicutarium) and locoweed (Astragalus sp.). The portion of this habitat type on the top of Righetti Hill is highly disturbed and appears to have supported past mining activities. As a result, dredge-tailings remain and large areas of exposed rock occur. This habitat type most closely corresponds to Wild Oats and Annual Brome Grasslands in the Manual of California Vegetation, Second Edition (MCV2; Sawyer et al. 2009). Coastal Scrub This habitat occurs on the slope of Righetti Hill and is dominated by soft-stemmed deciduous shrubs, most notably California sagebrush (Artemisia californica) with either an herbaceous or bare ground understory. Other plant species observed within the understory of this community include silver bush lupine (Lupinus albifrons) and California poppy (Eschscholzia californica). This habitat type most closely corresponds California Sagebrush Scrub Shrubland Alliance in the MCV2 (Sawyer et al. 2009). Eucalyptus This habitat type occurs in the northwestern portion of the open space adjacent to the unnamed drainage. Eucalyptus is a woodland habitat type that has become naturalized in California since eucalyptus (Eucalyptus sp.) trees were first introduced to the state in the mid to late 1800s. This habitat type is dominated by mature eucalyptus trees and few under-story species were observed within the shrub or herbaceous layers of this community. The eucalyptus stand observed within the proposed open space most closely corresponds to Eucalyptus Groves, Semi-Natural Woodland Stands in the MCV2 (Sawyer et al. 2009). Riparian Woodland and Adjacent Wetlands Riparian woodland habitat and adjacent wetlands surrounds unnamed drainage in the northern portion of the proposed open space. This habitat type within the proposed open space is dominated by arroyo willow (Salix lasiolepis), with a small number of western sycamore (Platanus racemosa), California bay (Umbellularia californica) and coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia) trees interspersed. Western poison oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum), Himalayan blackberry (Rubus discolor), toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia), and California coffee berry (Frangula californica) can be found in the understory. The riparian woodland observed within the proposed open space most closely corresponds to Arroyo Willow Thicket in the MCV2 (Sawyer et al. 2009). This habitat type is considered sensitive in the context of CEQA; however, the 2010 FEIR addressed impacts to riparian habitats which includes a mitigation measure requiring avoidance (Measure B-4[a]) compensatory mitigation (Measure B-4[c]) if avoidance is not possible. Page 1149 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan Existing Conditions Report 6 Figure 3. Vegetation Communities and Land Cover Types from the 2010 OASP FEIR Page 1150 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan Existing Conditions Report 7 Wetlands These areas consist of isolated wetlands from seeps on the lower slopes of Righetti Hill. These wetlands support a mixture of plant species physiologically adapted to the saturated soil conditions found in these areas. No overstory canopy layers were present in these isolated wetland areas and some of the areas were created by seeps in the annual grassland. Herbaceous species observed include Italian rye grass (Lolium multiflorum) in low cover at one of the wetlands in the southwest of Righetti Hill. This wetland area was atop a small mesa that appeared to be previously disturbed from historic activities on the property. This habitat type is considered sensitive in the context of CEQA, however the 2010 OASP FEIR addressed impacts to riparian habitats which includes a mitigation measure requiring avoidance (Measure B-4[a]) compensatory mitigation (Measure B-4[c]) if avoidance is not possible. Cactus The cactus habitat type within the project site is dominated by a single non-native species; mission prickly-pear (Opuntia ficus‐indica). It is a near monoculture and very few understory species were observed within it. The cactus stands intergrade with the coastal scrub community on the southern portion of Righetti Hill. This habitat type does not correspond to alliance or stand type in the MCV2 (Sawyer et al. 2009). Special Status Plants One special status plant species has been observed within the proposed open space during focused botanical surveys that Rincon conducted in spring of 2013, mouse-gray dudleya (Dudleya abramsii ssp. murina; California Rare Plant Rank [CRPR] 1B.3) (Rincon Consultants, Inc. 2016). Approximately 0.38 acre of non-native annual grassland habitat is occupied by mouse-gray dudleya. This species is restricted to the top of Righetti Hill within the area that was previously disturbed by mining activities. It is limited to the exposed rocky substrates within this region of the site. This species analyzed as part of the 2010 OASP FEIR. The CNDDB query identified 50 special status plant species (special status refers to federal and/or state listed/candidate, and plants with CRPR of 1 or 2) that have been documented in the regional vicinity of the proposed open space. Of those, the following 19 species were not analyzed in the 2010 OASP FEIR: Hoover’s bent grass (Agrostis hooveri; CRPR 1B.2) Oso Manzanita (Arctostaphylos osoensis; CRPR 1B.2) La Panza mariposa lily (Calochortus simulans; CRPR 1B.3) Nipomo Mesa ceanothus (Ceanothus impressus var. nipomensis; CRPR 1B.2) Irish Hills spineflower (Chorizanthe aphanantha; CRPR 1B.1) Straight-awned spineflower (Chorizanthe rectispina; CRPR 1B.2) Cuesta Ridge thistle (Cirsium occidentale var. lucianum; CRPR 1B.2) Eastwood's larkspur (Delphinium parryi ssp. eastwoodiae; CRPR 1B.2) Umbrella larkspur (Delphinium umbraculorum; CRPR 1B.3) Blochman's leafy daisy (Erigeron blochmaniae; CRPR 1B.2) Irish Hills monkeyflower (Erythranthe serpentinicola; CRPR 1B.1) Mesa horkelia (Horkelia cuneata var. puberula; CRPR 1B.1) Kellogg's horkelia (Horkelia cuneata var. sericea; CRPR 1B.1) Slender bush-mallow (Malacothamnus gracilis; CRPR 1B.1) Palmer's monardella (Monardella palmeri; CRPR 1B.2) Southern curly-leaved monardella (Monardella sinuata ssp. sinuata; CRPR 1B.2) Page 1151 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan Existing Conditions Report 8 Aparejo grass (Muhlenbergia utilis; CRPR 2B.2) Hooked popcornflower (Plagiobothrys uncinatus; CRPR 1B.2) Caper-fruited tropidocarpum (Tropidocarpum capparideum; CRPR 1B.1) While these species were not included in the 2010 OASP FEIR, None of the above species are federally or state listed and the 2010 OASP FEIR addresses impacts to CRPR 1 and 2 plant species which includes mitigation measures requiring seasonally timed botanical surveys (Measure B-2[a]), avoidance measures (Measure B-2[b]) and compensatory mitigation (Measure B-2[d] and B-2[e]) if avoidance is not possible. In addition, the goal of the Conservation Plan is to conserve the space and allow only passive recreational activities within the open space. No improvements within the open space are proposed that would significantly impact special status plant species. Special Status Wildlife The CNDDB query identified 28 special status wildlife species (special status refers to federal and/or state listed/candidate, fully protected, watch list, and Species of Special Concern [SSC]) that have been documented in the regional vicinity of the proposed open space. Of those, the following eight species were not analyzed in the 2010 OASP FEIR: Lesser slender salamander (Batrachoseps minor; SSC) Crotch bumble bee (Bombus crotchii; Candidate State Endangered) Western bumble bee (Bombus occidentalis; Candidate State Endangered) Ferruginous hawk (Buteo regalis; Watch List) Western mastiff bat (Eumops perotis californicus; SSC) Merlin (Falco columbarius; WL) Foothill yellow-legged frog - south coast DPS (Rana boylii pop. 6, Proposed Federally Endangered and State Endangered) American badger (Taxidea taxus; SSC) The open space does not provide suitable habitat for the western mastiff bat and foothill yellow-legged frog. While the remaining species were not included in the 2010 OASP FEIR, the 2010 OASP FEIR addresses impacts to birds that may nest within the OASP area (Measure B-5[a]). In addition, the goal of the Conservation Plan is to conserve the space and allow only passive recreational activities within the Open Space. No improvements within the open space are proposed that would significantly impact special status wildlife species. Wildlife Movement Features The unnamed drainage in the northern portion of the proposed open space may provide movement opportunities for semi aquatic species as well as medium sized to large mammal species, such as raccoon (Procyon lotor). Righetti Hill provides limited opportunities for movement based on the topography. In addition, Righetti Hill is mostly surrounded by urban and rural development and is not situated in a way that provides a linkage that facilitates regional wildlife movement. Consistency with the 2010 OASP FEIR The current physical condition of the proposed open space, including the habitats found on it are consistent with that analyzed in the 2010 OASP FEIR. Although additional 27 special status species were included as part of the updated CNDDB query that were not analyzed in the 2010 OASP FEIR, no additional analysis would be required because the 2010 OASP FEIR addresses special status plants and wildlife impacts as well as provides mitigation measures to reduce impacts to less than significant. Additionally, the goal of the Conservation Plan is to conserve the space and allow only passive Page 1152 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan Existing Conditions Report 9 recreational activities within the open space. No improvements within the open space are proposed that would significantly impact special status plant or wildlife species. Thank you for the opportunity to support your environmental analysis needs for this important project. Please contact us if you have any questions. Sincerely, Rincon Consultants, Inc. Colby J. Boggs, M.S. Michael Tom, MS Principal/Senior Ecologist Senior Biologist References California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). 2023. California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB), Rarefind 5 (online). Commercial Version. Rincon Consultants, Inc. 2016. Orcutt Area Specific Plan Project Biological Resources Assessment. Sawyer, J. et al., 2009. A Manual of California Vegetation, Second Edition. California Native Plant Society Press. Sacramento, California. United States Department of Agricultural (USDA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). 2023. Web Soil Survey. Available at: http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/. United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2023a. Designated Critical Habitat Portal. Available online at: http://criticalhabitat.fws.gov/crithab/. -----. 2023b. National Wetlands Inventory Online Application. Available online at: http://www.fws.gov/wetlands/Data/Mapper.html. Page 1153 of 1165 10 Scientific Name Common Name Status Native or Introduced Trees and Shrubs Artemisia californica California sagebrush Common Native Lupinus albifrons Silver bush lupine Common Native Eucalyptus globulus Blue gum eucalyptus Common Native Quercus agrifolia Coast live oak Common Native Platanus racemosa Sycamore Common Native Salix lasiolepis Arroyo willow Common Native Opuntia ficus‐indica Mission prickly-pear Common Introduced Heteromeles arbutifolia Toyon Common Native Frangula californica California coffee berry Common Native Herbs Erodium cicutarium Red-stemmed filaree Common Introduced Astragalus sp. Locoweed Common Introduced Lactuca serriola Prickly lettuce Common Introduced Eschscholzia californica California poppy Common Native Phacelia tanacetifolia Lacy Phacelia Common Native Dichelostemma capitatum Blue dicks Common Native Viola pedunculata Johnny jump-up Common Native Toxicodendron diversilobum Western poison oak Common Native Rubus discolor Himalayan blackberry Common Introduced Grasses Avena barbata Slender wild oat Common Introduced Bromus diandrus Rip gut brome Common Introduced Lolium multiflorum Italian rye grass Common Introduced Wildlife Species Observed Within the Open Space on March 31, 2023 Scientific Name Common Name Status Native or Introduced Birds Buteo jamaicensis Red-tailed hawk Common Native Aphelocoma californica Western scrub jay Common Native Haemorhous mexicanus House finch Common Native Corvus brachyrhynchos American crow Common Native Cathartes aura Turkey vulture Common Native Reptiles Sceloperus occidentalis Western fence lizard Common Native Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan Existing Conditions Report Attachment A: Plant Species Observed Plant Species Observed Within the Within the Open Space on March 31, 2023 Page 1154 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan Existing Conditions Report 11 Attachment B: Plan Area Photographs Photograph 1: Photograph showing riparian woodland on the north side of the proposed open space. Photograph 2: Photograph showing riparian woodland on the north side of the proposed open space. Page 1155 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan Existing Conditions Report 12 Photograph 3: Photograph showing annual grassland and coastal scrub on Righetti Hill. Photograph 4: Photograph showing annual grassland and coastal scrub on Righetti Hill. Page 1156 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan Existing Conditions Report 13 Attachment C: California Natural Diversity Database Query Page 1157 of 1165 Species Element Code Federal Status State Status Global Rank State Rank Rare Plant Rank/CDFW SSC or FP Agelaius tricolor tricolored blackbird ABPBXB0020 None Threatened G1G2 S2 SSC Agrostis hooveri Hoover's bent grass PMPOA040M0 None None G2 S2 1B.2 Anniella pulchra Northern California legless lizard ARACC01020 None None G3 S2S3 SSC Antrozous pallidus pallid bat AMACC10010 None None G4 S3 SSC Arctostaphylos luciana Santa Lucia manzanita PDERI040N0 None None G2 S2 1B.2 Arctostaphylos osoensis Oso manzanita PDERI042S0 None None G1 S1 1B.2 Arctostaphylos pechoensis Pecho manzanita PDERI04140 None None G2 S2 1B.2 Arctostaphylos pilosula Santa Margarita manzanita PDERI042Z0 None None G2?S2?1B.2 Arctostaphylos rudis sand mesa manzanita PDERI041E0 None None G2 S2 1B.2 Arenaria paludicola marsh sandwort PDCAR040L0 Endangered Endangered G1 S1 1B.1 Astragalus didymocarpus var. milesianus Miles' milk-vetch PDFAB0F2X3 None None G5T2 S2 1B.2 Athene cunicularia burrowing owl ABNSB10010 None None G4 S3 SSC Atractelmis wawona Wawona riffle beetle IICOL58010 None None G3 S1S2 Batrachoseps minor lesser slender salamander AAAAD02170 None None G1 S1 SSC Bombus caliginosus obscure bumble bee IIHYM24380 None None G2G3 S1S2 Bombus crotchii Crotch bumble bee IIHYM24480 None Candidate Endangered G2 S2 Bombus occidentalis western bumble bee IIHYM24252 None Candidate Endangered G3 S1 Branchinecta lynchi vernal pool fairy shrimp ICBRA03030 Threatened None G3 S3 Buteo regalis ferruginous hawk ABNKC19120 None None G4 S3S4 WL Quad<span style='color:Red'> IS </span>(San Luis Obispo (3512036)<span style='color:Red'> OR </span>Lopez Mtn. (3512035)<span style='color:Red'> OR </span>Pismo Beach (3512026)<span style='color:Red'> OR </span>Arroyo Grande NE (3512025)) Query Criteria: Report Printed on Thursday, April 13, 2023 Page 1 of 5Commercial Version -- Dated April, 1 2023 -- Biogeographic Data Branch Information Expires 10/1/2023 Selected Elements by Scientific Name California Department of Fish and Wildlife California Natural Diversity Database Page 1158 of 1165 Species Element Code Federal Status State Status Global Rank State Rank Rare Plant Rank/CDFW SSC or FP Calochortus obispoensis San Luis mariposa-lily PMLIL0D110 None None G2 S2 1B.2 Calochortus simulans La Panza mariposa-lily PMLIL0D170 None None G2 S2 1B.3 Calystegia subacaulis ssp. episcopalis Cambria morning-glory PDCON040J1 None None G3T2?S2?4.2 Carex obispoensis San Luis Obispo sedge PMCYP039J0 None None G3?S3?1B.2 Castilleja densiflora var. obispoensis San Luis Obispo owl's-clover PDSCR0D453 None None G5T2 S2 1B.2 Ceanothus impressus var. nipomensis Nipomo Mesa ceanothus PDRHA040L2 None None G3T2 S2 1B.2 Central Foredunes Central Foredunes CTT21220CA None None G1 S1.2 Central Maritime Chaparral Central Maritime Chaparral CTT37C20CA None None G2 S2.2 Centromadia parryi ssp. congdonii Congdon's tarplant PDAST4R0P1 None None G3T2 S2 1B.1 Charadrius nivosus nivosus western snowy plover ABNNB03031 Threatened None G3T3 S3 SSC Chlorogalum pomeridianum var. minus dwarf soaproot PMLIL0G042 None None G5T3 S3 1B.2 Chorizanthe aphanantha Irish Hills spineflower PDPGN04110 None None G1 S1 1B.1 Chorizanthe breweri Brewer's spineflower PDPGN04050 None None G3 S3 1B.3 Chorizanthe rectispina straight-awned spineflower PDPGN040N0 None None G2 S2 1B.2 Cicindela hirticollis gravida sandy beach tiger beetle IICOL02101 None None G5T2 S2 Cirsium fontinale var. obispoense Chorro Creek bog thistle PDAST2E162 Endangered Endangered G2T2 S2 1B.2 Cirsium occidentale var. lucianum Cuesta Ridge thistle PDAST2E1Z6 None None G3G4T2 S2 1B.2 Cirsium rhothophilum surf thistle PDAST2E2J0 None Threatened G1 S1 1B.2 Clarkia speciosa ssp. immaculata Pismo clarkia PDONA05111 Endangered Rare G4T1 S1 1B.1 Coastal and Valley Freshwater Marsh Coastal and Valley Freshwater Marsh CTT52410CA None None G3 S2.1 Coccyzus americanus occidentalis western yellow-billed cuckoo ABNRB02022 Threatened Endangered G5T2T3 S1 Report Printed on Thursday, April 13, 2023 Page 2 of 5Commercial Version -- Dated April, 1 2023 -- Biogeographic Data Branch Information Expires 10/1/2023 Selected Elements by Scientific Name California Department of Fish and Wildlife California Natural Diversity Database Page 1159 of 1165 Species Element Code Federal Status State Status Global Rank State Rank Rare Plant Rank/CDFW SSC or FP Coelus globosus globose dune beetle IICOL4A010 None None G1G2 S1S2 Corynorhinus townsendii Townsend's big-eared bat AMACC08010 None None G4 S2 SSC Danaus plexippus plexippus pop. 1 monarch - California overwintering population IILEPP2012 Candidate None G4T1T2Q S2 Delphinium parryi ssp. blochmaniae dune larkspur PDRAN0B1B1 None None G4T2 S2 1B.2 Delphinium parryi ssp. eastwoodiae Eastwood's larkspur PDRAN0B1B2 None None G4T2 S2 1B.2 Delphinium umbraculorum umbrella larkspur PDRAN0B1W0 None None G3 S3 1B.3 Dithyrea maritima beach spectaclepod PDBRA10020 None Threatened G1 S1 1B.1 Dudleya abramsii ssp. bettinae Betty's dudleya PDCRA04011 None None G4T2 S2 1B.2 Dudleya abramsii ssp. murina mouse-gray dudleya PDCRA04012 None None G4T2 S2 1B.3 Dudleya blochmaniae ssp. blochmaniae Blochman's dudleya PDCRA04051 None None G3T2 S2 1B.1 Elanus leucurus white-tailed kite ABNKC06010 None None G5 S3S4 FP Emys marmorata western pond turtle ARAAD02030 None None G3G4 S3 SSC Eremophila alpestris actia California horned lark ABPAT02011 None None G5T4Q S4 WL Erigeron blochmaniae Blochman's leafy daisy PDAST3M5J0 None None G2 S2 1B.2 Eriodictyon altissimum Indian Knob mountainbalm PDHYD04010 Endangered Endangered G1 S1 1B.1 Eryngium aristulatum var. hooveri Hoover's button-celery PDAPI0Z043 None None G5T1 S1 1B.1 Erythranthe serpentinicola Irish Hills monkeyflower PDPHR01290 None None G1 S1 1B.1 Eucyclogobius newberryi tidewater goby AFCQN04010 Endangered None G3 S3 Eumops perotis californicus western mastiff bat AMACD02011 None None G4G5T4 S3S4 SSC Falco columbarius merlin ABNKD06030 None None G5 S3S4 WL Falco mexicanus prairie falcon ABNKD06090 None None G5 S4 WL Report Printed on Thursday, April 13, 2023 Page 3 of 5Commercial Version -- Dated April, 1 2023 -- Biogeographic Data Branch Information Expires 10/1/2023 Selected Elements by Scientific Name California Department of Fish and Wildlife California Natural Diversity Database Page 1160 of 1165 Species Element Code Federal Status State Status Global Rank State Rank Rare Plant Rank/CDFW SSC or FP Fritillaria ojaiensis Ojai fritillary PMLIL0V0N0 None None G3 S3 1B.2 Horkelia cuneata var. puberula mesa horkelia PDROS0W045 None None G4T1 S1 1B.1 Horkelia cuneata var. sericea Kellogg's horkelia PDROS0W043 None None G4T1?S1?1B.1 Lanius ludovicianus loggerhead shrike ABPBR01030 None None G4 S4 SSC Layia jonesii Jones' layia PDAST5N090 None None G2 S2 1B.2 Linderiella occidentalis California linderiella ICBRA06010 None None G2G3 S2S3 Lupinus ludovicianus San Luis Obispo County lupine PDFAB2B2G0 None None G1 S1 1B.2 Malacothamnus gracilis slender bush-mallow PDMAL0Q0J0 None None G1Q S1 1B.1 Monardella palmeri Palmer's monardella PDLAM180H0 None None G2 S2 1B.2 Monardella sinuata ssp. sinuata southern curly-leaved monardella PDLAM18161 None None G3T2 S2 1B.2 Muhlenbergia utilis aparejo grass PMPOA481X0 None None G4 S2S3 2B.2 Northern Interior Cypress Forest Northern Interior Cypress Forest CTT83220CA None None G2 S2.2 Oncorhynchus mykiss irideus pop. 9 steelhead - south-central California coast DPS AFCHA0209H Threatened None G5T2Q S2 Phrynosoma blainvillii coast horned lizard ARACF12100 None None G4 S4 SSC Plagiobothrys uncinatus hooked popcornflower PDBOR0V170 None None G2 S2 1B.2 Polyphylla nubila Atascadero June beetle IICOL68040 None None G1 S1 Progne subis purple martin ABPAU01010 None None G5 S3 SSC Pyrgulopsis taylori San Luis Obispo pyrg IMGASJ0A50 None None G1 S1 Rana boylii pop. 6 foothill yellow-legged frog - south coast DPS AAABH01056 Proposed Endangered Endangered G3T1 S1 Rana draytonii California red-legged frog AAABH01022 Threatened None G2G3 S2S3 SSC Sanicula maritima adobe sanicle PDAPI1Z0D0 None Rare G2 S2 1B.1 Report Printed on Thursday, April 13, 2023 Page 4 of 5Commercial Version -- Dated April, 1 2023 -- Biogeographic Data Branch Information Expires 10/1/2023 Selected Elements by Scientific Name California Department of Fish and Wildlife California Natural Diversity Database Page 1161 of 1165 Species Element Code Federal Status State Status Global Rank State Rank Rare Plant Rank/CDFW SSC or FP Scrophularia atrata black-flowered figwort PDSCR1S010 None None G2?S2?1B.2 Senecio aphanactis chaparral ragwort PDAST8H060 None None G3 S2 2B.2 Serpentine Bunchgrass Serpentine Bunchgrass CTT42130CA None None G2 S2.2 Sidalcea hickmanii ssp. anomala Cuesta Pass checkerbloom PDMAL110A1 None Rare G3T1 S1 1B.2 Streptanthus albidus ssp. peramoenus most beautiful jewelflower PDBRA2G012 None None G2T2 S2 1B.2 Taricha torosa Coast Range newt AAAAF02032 None None G4 S4 SSC Taxidea taxus American badger AMAJF04010 None None G5 S3 SSC Trifolium hydrophilum saline clover PDFAB400R5 None None G2 S2 1B.2 Tropidocarpum capparideum caper-fruited tropidocarpum PDBRA2R010 None None G1 S1 1B.1 Record Count: 91 Report Printed on Thursday, April 13, 2023 Page 5 of 5Commercial Version -- Dated April, 1 2023 -- Biogeographic Data Branch Information Expires 10/1/2023 Selected Elements by Scientific Name California Department of Fish and Wildlife California Natural Diversity Database Page 1162 of 1165 Appendix B Applicable 2010 Orcutt Area Specific Plan Final EIR Mitigation Measures Page 1163 of 1165 Applicable Mi ga on Measures from the 2010 Orcu Area Specific Plan Final EIR The mitigation measures identified in the 2010 Final EIR which are applicable to, and incorporated into, the Conservation Plan are listed below for reference. B-4(a) Trail Setbacks. Trails shall be setback out of riparian habitat and out of the buffer area. The trail shall be a minimum distance of 20 feet from top of bank or from the edge of riparian canopy, whichever is farther. Trails shall be setback from wetland habitat at a minimum distance of 30 feet and shall not be within the buffer. Na ve plant species that will deter human disturbance shall be planted in the area between the trail and the wetland/ riparian habitat including plants such as California rose (Rosa californica) and California blackberry (Rubus ursinus). No passive recrea onal use shall be allowed in the riparian or wetland habitats or drainage corridors. CR-1(a) Areas Not Surveyed. All areas that were not surveyed by Conejo, as indicated in Figure 4.5-1, that will be subject to project-related earth disturbance shall be subject to archaeological survey prior to any such disturbances. This shall include APNs 076-481-014, 076-481-012, 076-491-003, 075-491-004, and 076-491- 001, any planned trails or other developments within the areas designated as open space. CR-1(b) Righe Hill. Even though it is located within an area designated as open space, the top of Righe Hill should be subject to archaeological survey. The City is responsible for the survey as part of any project to create a trail system that would provide access to the top of the hill by the general public. CR-1(c) Vegeta on Clearance Monitoring. Due to poor ground surface visibility, vegeta on clearance/ini al grading of the areas shown on Figure 4.5-2 should be monitored by an archaeologist. The archaeologist shall have the power to temporarily halt or redirect project construc on in the event that poten ally significant archaeological resources are exposed. Based on monitoring observa ons the lead archaeologist shall have the authority to refine the monitoring requirements as appropriate (i.e., change to spot checks, reduce the area to be monitored) in consulta on with the lead agency. If poten ally significant prehistoric or historic resources are exposed the lead archaeologist shall be responsible for evalua ng the nature and significance of the find. If no archaeological resources are observed following the vegeta on clearance/ini al grading then no further monitoring shall be required. A monitoring report shall be provided to the City of San Luis Obispo and the CCIC. CR-1(d) Archaeological Resource Construc on Monitoring. At the commencement of project construc on, an orienta on mee ng shall be conducted by an archaeologist for construc on workers associated with earth disturbing procedures. The orienta on mee ng shall describe the possibility of exposing unexpected archaeological resources and direc ons as to what steps are to be taken if such a find is encountered. An archaeologist shall monitor construc on grading within 50 meters (164 feet) of the two isolated finds. In the event that prehistoric or historic archaeological resources are exposed during project construc on, all earth disturbing work within 50 meters (164 feet) of the find must be temporarily suspended or redirected un l an archaeologist has evaluated the nature and significance of the find. A er the find has been appropriately mi gated (e.g., cura on, preserva on in place, etc.), work in the area may resume. The City should consider retaining a Chumash representa ve to monitor any field work associated with Na ve American cultural material. If human remains are exposed, State Health and Safety Code Sec on 7050.5 requires that no further disturbance shall occur un l the County Page 1164 of 1165 Coroner has made the necessary findings as to origin and disposi on pursuant to Public Resources Code Sec on 5097.98. CR-3(a) Prohibi on of Archaeological Site Tampering. Off-road vehicle use, unauthorized collec ng of ar facts, and other ac vi es that could destroy or damage archaeological or cultural sites shall be prohibited. Signs shall be posted on the property to discourage these types of ac vi es and warn of trespassing viola ons and imposed fines. D-2(c) Riparian Zone Plan ng. The OASP proposes riparian enhancement of creek corridors. Sec on 11 guidelines of the SLO Creek Drainage Design Manual shall be followed for riparian areas that are modified, created and/or managed for flood damage reduc on, stream enhancement, and bank repair. Linear park terrace vegeta on, streambank repair and channel maintenance projects may require stream channel modifica ons that include shaping, widening, deepening, straightening, and armoring. Many channel management projects also require building access roads for maintenance vehicles and other equipment. These construc on ac vi es can cause a variety of impacts to exis ng sensi ve riparian and aqua c habitat that, depending on the selected design alterna ve, range from slight disturbances to complete removal of desirable woody vegeta on and faunal communi es. In urban areas within the SLO creek watershed, riparian vegeta on o en provides the only remaining natural habitat available for wildlife popula ons. S-4(b) Righe Hill Abandoned Mine. Prior to allowing public access in the vicinity of the abandoned mine soils samples shall be taken around the entrance and down gradient and analyzed for heavy metals by CCR Title 22 metals. Page 1165 of 1165 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan City Council Public Hearing –May 16, 2023 1 Staff Recommendation Adopt a Draft Resolution entitled, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of San Luis Obispo, California, approving the Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan and adoption of an Addendum to the Orcutt Area Specific Plan Final Environmental Impact Report.” 2 Presentation Overview Site Context Property History Biological Inventory Conservation Plan Goals Site Needs & Recommendations Public Engagement 3 Conservation Plan 4 Conservation Plans guide how City open spaces will be enhanced, maintained, and preserved over time. Conservation Plans are required and guided by a number of adopted plans. General Plan Alignment & Points of Authority General Plan COSE Policy 8.5.5:Passive Recreation –The City will consider allowing passive recreation where it will not degrade or significantly impact open space resources. COSE Program 8.7.1E:Protect Open Space Resources –The City will manage its open space holdings and enforce its open space easements consistent with General Plan goals and policies and the Open Space Ordinance. COSE Program 8.7.2J:Enhance and Restore Open Space -The City will…adopt conservation plans for open space areas under City easement or fee ownership.The plans shall include a resource inventory,needs analysis,acceptable levels of change, grazing,monitoring,wildlife,management and implementation strategies,including wildfire preparedness plans. P&R Element Policy 2.6.9:Open Space shall be managed in such a manner as to allow for habitat conservation uses,for appropriate public uses and to maintain and enhance its environmental quality. Other Points of Authority City of San Luis Obispo Municipal Code 12.22 et seq. Conservation Guidelines for Open Space Lands of the City of San Luis Obispo City of San Luis Obispo 2015 Open Space Maintenance Plan 2010 Orcutt Area Specific Plan 5 Required Conservation Plan Components Property History Inventory (physical, cultural/historic, soils, legal agreements, habitat types, and species lists) Goals & Policies Needs Analysis; land use designations; photo points Wildfire Preparedness Plan Implementation (strategy and project development, timeline, adaptive management, monitoring & evaluation) Fiscal Impact & Financing Amendments & Updates Pursuant to Conservation & Open Space Element (2006) and Conservation Guidelines for Open Space Lands of the City of San Luis Obispo (2002) 6 Site Context 7 Righetti Hill Open Space Location 8 Scenic Views from Righetti Hill North South 9 Scenic Views from Righetti Hill East West 10 Property History 11 History of Righetti Hill Open Space Located on the traditional territory of the Northern Chumash. After colonization and European settlement, the area was predominately used for cattle grazing. A portion of Righetti Hill was mined for the volcanic rock, dacite. 12 Orcutt Area Specific Plan (2010)13 Righetti Ranch Conceptual Drawing 14 Proposed Orcutt Area Community Park 15 Concept Plan Option 1 Concept Plan Option 2 *Park is included for reference, but not within boundary of Righetti Hill Open Space. Legal Agreements Offer of Dedication and Grant Deed & Restrictive Covenant (2018) The City obtained the full title the property,the majority of which is subject to a Restrictive Covenant. Subdivision Tract 3063 (2018) The remaining parcels of Righetti Hill Open Space were dedicated as public open space lots. Private Drainage, Landscape, & Wildland Fuel Management Easement (2018) HOA is responsible for maintaining drainage improvements and wildland fuel management zone. 16 Biological Inventory 17 Two surveys were conducted for: 2010 Orcutt Area Specific Plan Environmental Impact Report 2023 Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan Findings: Biological conditions have not changed significantly between the two surveys. Righetti Hill Open Space provides habitat for numerous plant and wildlife species, though only one sensitive status species was identified. Biological Surveys 18 Annual Grassland 19 Coastal Scrub 20 Riparian Woodland 21 Native Plants Mouse-gray Dudleya (special status) 22 Source: © 2011 Chris Winchell Native Plants California Poppy 23 Blue Dicks Native Plants 24 Coast Morning Glory Native Plants 25 Rusty Popcornflower Native Plants 26 Stinging Lupine Native Plants 27 Wildlife Red-tailed Hawk 28 Wildlife Western Scrub Jay 29 Wildlife House Finch 30 Wildlife Great Horned Owl 31 Conservation Plan 32 The City will manage Righetti Hill Open Space with the following goals: 1.Conserve, enhance, and restore natural plant and wildlife communities by protecting their habitats in order to maintain viable wildlife populations within balanced ecosystems. 2.Provide the public with an opportunity for greater understanding and appreciation for the cultural and historic resources values associated with Righetti Hill Open Space. 3.Provide the public with a safe, accessible, and pleasing natural environment in which to pursue passive recreational activities, including hiking and biking, while maintaining the integrity of natural resources and minimizing the impacts on the wildlife and habitats present in Righetti Hill Open Space. 4.Actively address sedimentation sources and erosion both within and originating from Righetti Hill Open Space. 5.Minimize the impacts of harmful activities, such as off-trail hiking and biking use or catastrophic wildfire, while maintaining natural drainage systems as a means of conveying stormwater into downstream urban areas. Management Goals 33 Management Goals The City will manage Righetti Hill Open Space with the following goals: 6.Provide signage and interpretive features to enhance user safety, prevent unauthorized entrance at neighboring private property, and facilitate educational opportunities. 7.Maintain, protect, and improve aesthetic views as seen from various locations throughout the City of San Luis Obispo and along Tank Farm Road. 8.Regularly monitor and patrol Righetti Hill Open Space, establish Levels of Acceptable Change (LAC), and take action to correct areas or problems that exceed LAC. 9.Identify and protect migratory corridors for wildlife species found on-site and that are moving through the site. 10.Explore natural solutions to the spread of non-native or potential invasive weed species and habitat restoration through the use of livestock grazing and browsing; minimize use of synthetic methods that often have detrimental impacts to the comprehensive ecological footprint in accordance with Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices. 34 Site Needs & Recommendations 35 The following needs are identified for Righetti Hill Open Space: New trails and trailhead facilities Directional and educational/interpretive signage Improved trail accessibility and circulation New trailhead and access from planned adjacent parks and bike paths Erosion repair Creek stabilization repair Non-native plant removal Regular ranger patrols Monitoring and maintenance of drainage facilities Removal and replacement of dead trees and shrubs Soil sample collection around the entrance and down gradient of the abandoned mine, as required by the 2010 Orcutt Area Specific Plan FEIR Identified Needs Analysis 36 Non-Native Plants Eucalyptus Trees Pepper Trees Palm Trees Purple Star-Thistle 37 Erosion & Drainage Steep slopes high surface water runoff & erosion potential Culverts in place to capture and direct stormwater to reduce erosion damage 38 Erosion & Drainage Erosion control and water management are essential Several erosion repairs are needed due to unprecedented rains 39 Trail Use & Amenities New Trails (hiking only & hiking/biking) Trailhead Kiosks, Gates, Bike Racks Trail Signage Viewing Benches Fencing Native Planting 40 Fiscal Statement Ongoing program budgets and CIP for Natural Resources Program & Ranger Service. Amenity Standard Cost per Unit Installation Cost per Unit Total Cost per Unit Number of Units Total Bench $750 $100 $850 2 $1,700 Kiosk -Medium $10,000 $575 $10,575 1 $10,575 Kiosk -Small $5,000 $385 $5,385 1 $5,385 Mutt-Mitts/Trash Cans $536 $100 $636 2 $1,272 Bike Rack -4 bike $440 $48 $488 2 $976 Trail Signage –Rules $150 $48 $198 5 $990 Trail Signage –Blade $75 $24 $99 5 $495 Creek signage $75 $24 $99 5 $495 Gate –Vehicle $1,000 $435 $1,435 1 $1,435 Gate –Swing $300 $195 $495 2 $990 Trailhead Fencing $30 Included $30 1,000 $30,000 Native creek planting $15 $20 $35 100 $3,500 Bridge $2,000 $2,500 $4,500 1 $4,500 Total $62,313 Cost per unit estimates are based on City of San Luis Obispo 2015 Open Space Maintenance Plan 41 Updates & Amendments Updates are anticipated in the 7-10 year time horizon, as needed Amendments may be requested by formal written correspondence addressed to the attention of the City Manager (Conservation Guidelines, 2002) 42 EIR Addendum 43 Addendum to the 2010 Orcutt Area Specific Plan Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act,staff has prepared an EIR Addendum to document changes or additions that have occurred since the 2010 Orcutt Area Specific Plan Final EIR was originally prepared. The analysis included in the Addendum determined Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan would not result in new or more severe impacts related to: 1.substantial changes to the Original Project which require major revisions to the adopted 2010 Final EIR; 2.substantial changes to the circumstances under which the Original Project are being undertaken which will require major revisions to the adopted 2010 Final EIR;or 3.new information of substantial importance showing significant effects not previously examined. 44 Addendum to the 2010 Orcutt Area Specific Plan Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) No new significant impacts or impacts of substantially greater severity beyond those previously disclosed in the 2010 Final EIR would occur as a result of the Modified Project.Therefore,staff have found the following determinations have been found to be applicable: No further evaluation of environmental impacts is required for the proposed project; No Subsequent EIR is necessary per CEQA Guidelines Section 15162;and The prepared addendum is the appropriate level of environmental analysis and documentation for the proposed project in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15164. Staff find the Addendum to the 2010 Final EIR is appropriate to address the proposed Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan because the Conservation Plan does not include modifications to the OASP that meet the conditions of Section 15162(a)for preparation of a subsequent EIR or negative declaration. 45 Public Engagement 46 Righetti Ranch/Orcutt Area Open House April 11, 2023 Ludwick Community Center ~200 participants 47 Public Comment 48 Staff Recommendation 49 Adopt a Draft Resolution entitled, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of San Luis Obispo, California, approving the Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan and adoption of an Addendum to the Orcutt Area Specific Plan Final Environmental Impact Report.” Righetti Hill Open Space Conservation Plan Robert A. Hill Sustainability & Natural Resources Official (805) 781-7211 or rhill@slocity.org Marina Varano Sustainability & Natural Resources Intern mvarano@slocity.org Technical Assistance Rincon Consultants, Inc. 50