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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/01/1994, C-5 - RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE CALIFORNIANS FOR PARKS AND WILDLIFE 1994 BOND ACT MEETING DATE: ����►�►►►u�IllllllllP° I�III city of San LUIS OBiSpo � + qq COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT STEM NUMBERA G. Ken ampian, Assistant City Administrative Officer . Prepared By: Deb Hossli, Administrative Analystt\� SUBJECT: Resolution Supporting the Californians for Parks and Wildlife 1994 Bond Act CAO RECOMMENDATION: Adopt a resolution supporting the Californians for Parks and Wildlife 1994 Bond Act DISCUSSION: A coalition of 650 grass roots environmental, business, historical and conservation groups have banded together to place the Californians for Parks and Wildlife (CALPAW) Bond Act of 1994 on the June 1994 ballot. With the assistance of 7,000 volunteers, the coalition has gathered 384,000 signatures to qualify the Bond Act for the June 1994 ballot. As proposed, CALPAW '94 will make available nearly $2 billion dollars to fund a wide variety of parks, recreation and wildlife conservation projects throughout the State. If the Bond Act passes, the County of San Luis Obispo will benefit from over $22,000,000 in grant monies and projects. Specifically, the City will receive $118,000 in "per capita" monies set aside for each jurisdiction and be able to compete for another $90 million dollars in various competitive programs offered under the Bond Act (e.g., monies to develop scenic trails, acquire sensitive habitat, etc). Also, nearly $21 million dollars will be set aside for specific projects to benefit the County as a whole. Examples of these projects include $6 million dollars to acquire and enhance coastal lands and estuary watershed areas in Morro Bay, Cayucos and Los Osos and $4 million dollars to acquire portions of the Morros. Exhibit "1" provides a more detailed listing of how the $21 million dollars is proposed to be allocated. ' It is also important to note that $138 million dollars will be allocated to State agencies for projects that will also benefit our County (e.g., it is estimated that as much as another $30 million dollars could be earmarked for coastal protection projects located in our County). In order to assuage financial concerns over the Bond Act's cost, language has been added I to the CALPAW Initiative that provides the State Governor, Treasurer and Controller with oversight on when the bonds from the Bond Act can be issued so they will not adversely i impact the State's financial picture. The Bond Act has already been endorsed by the State Controller, Treasurer and Chair of the Board of Equalization. CALPAW is currently seeking support for the Bond Act to assist in their efforts to promote it to the residents of California prior to the June 1994 election. Staff has reviewed the Bond Act and concluded that its passage will greatly aid the City and County's ability to enhance and protect sensitive recreational and wildlife areas. As such, staff has prepared a resolution supporting the passage of the Bond Act and requests Council approval. ATTACHMENTS: Resolution "1" - Listing of Projects "2" - CALPAW Funding for San Luis Obispo County RESOLUTION NO. (1994 SERIES) RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO SUPPORTING THE CALIFORNIANS FOR PARKS AND WILDLIFE (CALPAW) BOND ACT OF 1994 WHEREAS, the City of San Luis Obispo finds that providing parks and recreation services is a vital environmental,social, and economic interest to citizens of our community; and WHEREAS, a coalition of community and conservation groups, business and labor, historic preservation and other organizations have undertaken a volunteer community based effort to place a park, recreation, and wildlife General Obligation Bond Act on the June, 1994 ballot; and WHEREAS, the bond act will provide needed facilities for the enhancement of our community, including urban forestry, parks and recreation facilities, historic preservation, and a wide variety of other programs; and WHEREAS, CALPAW '94 includes funding for at-risk youth facilities, in order to reduce crime, drug activity, and gang violence in our community; and WHEREAS, passage of CALPAW '94 will bring over $22 million dollars worth of parks, recreation, and wildlife preservation projects to San Luis Obispo County; and WHEREAS, thousands of jobs will be created with passage of this bond; NOW,THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of San Luis Obispo endorses the CALPAW '94 Initiative which will be on the June 1994 ballot. Upon motion of , seconded by and on the following roll call vote: AYES: NOES: ^4W ABSENT: �•+ Resolution No. (1994 Series) Page 2 the foregoing resolution was adopted this _ day of , 1994. Mayor Peg Pinard ATTEST: Diane Gladwell, City Clerk APPROVED: r Atto e \g:calpaw C-S-3 SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY LOCAL PROJECTS INCLUDED IN CALPAW '94 CHORRO CREEK: DESCRIPTION: This project would provide for the restoration of 129 acres of land adjacent to Chorro Creek, east of South Bay Boulevard. The acreage was once riparian forest and open wetlands adjoining the Morro Bay estuary system. Its use as cropland for the last 50 years has conm'buted significantly to the filling in of Morro Bay with sediment. The Coastal San Luis Resource Conservation District recently acquired the property as part of the Morro Bay Watershed Enhancement Plan. The plan seeks to reduce sedimentation into Morro Bay, improve ground water recharge and quality, enhance wildlife and fish habitat, restore wetlands and provide public access and environmental education. The site is one of the few places along the Central California Coast where visitors could traverse riparian, freshwater wetland, tidal salt marsh, estuarine and open coastal ecosystems all within a short distance. The site could also provide a staging area for the "Peak to Peak" trail system proposed by the County. These lands require major restructuring to be returned to a natural riparian state. This project would include removing man-made levees that inhibit the flow of the creek, rechannel- ing the creek bed, increasing the flood plain and supporting the natural regeneration of native trees and shrubs. The restoration of this area would significantly enhance the native steelhead migration and fishery habitat that once thrived in the stream. These wetlands are critical to the long-term health and productivity of Morro Bay. In the last 100 years, sedimentation has doubled the size of the marsh from 200 to 400 acres and severely restricted the flow capacity of Chorro Creek. The salt water estuary will not exist in 300 years if sedimentation is not reduced. This estuary is the most significant wetland of the central California coast. The following groups are working on this project: Coastal San Luis Resource Conser- vation District, Soil Conservation Service, The CA. Dept. of Fish and Game, State Coastal Conservancy, Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board, The County of San Luis Obispo, The City of Morro Bay, the State Parks Dept., The Friends of the Estuary, The Bay Foundation and the Sierra Club. TEXT: "Seven hundred thousand dollars ($700,000) for the restoration of wetlands adjacent to the Chorro Creek estuary, in cooperation with the Coastal San Luis Resource Conservation District' These funds would be administered by the Coastal Conservancy. Attachment 111" C-S- � FEB-17-194 THU 15:03 ID: PCL SACRAMENTO TEL N0:916 444 8726 #215 PO4 LOS OSOS CREEK WETLANDS ENHANCEMENT. DESCRIPTION: This project would increase wetland acreage adjacent ro the Morro Bay estuary near T urri Road. Morro Bay has been filling in with sediment at ten times the natural rate due to the activity of humans over the last 100 years. The long, narrow, configuration of the bay, combined with a single opening at the harbor mouth, prevents sediment from escaping once it washes into the bay. Extensive dredging is performed on the harbor in order to keep the channel open to boats. Preservation and enhancement of these lands will help stop the filling in of the bay, protect endangered species, protect native fish populations, improve ground water recharge and provide soil conservation benefits. The area is part of a vital, complex, estuary system that provides habitat for varied wildlife including migratory waterfowl. This project is crucial to the long-term health of the bay which is a major tourist attraction, recreation area and marine industry resource. The following groups are working on this project: Coastal San Luis Resource Conser- vation District, Soil Conservation Service, The CA Dept. of Fish and Game, State Coastal Conservancy, Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board, The County of San Luis Obispo, The City of Morro Bay, the State Parks Dept., The Friends of the Estuary, The Bay Foundation and the Sierra Club. TEXT: "One hundred fifteen thousand dollars ($115,000) for the acquisition of easements and the restoration of wetlands in the watershed of Los Osos Creek, in cooperation with the Coastal San Luis Resource Conservation District." These funds would be administered by the Coastal Conservancy. THE MORROS. DESCRIPTION: This project would fund the purchase of natural lands on the volcanic peaks ]mown as The Seven Sisters or The Morros, in San Luis Obispo County. The Morros are a chain of ancient volcanic peaks which form a dramatic backdrop for the City of San Luis Obispo on California's Central Coast. These striking features make a significant contribution to the natural beauty that draws tourists and residents to the city. The chain stretches from San Luis Obispo, along highway 1, to the sea. The most westward and famous of the peaks is Morro Rock, a State Landmark sometimes called "the Gibraltar of the Pacific." it was cited by Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo in his explorations and has been used by navigators throughout the years. The rocky buttes are the domes and plugs of extinct volcanos and range in height from Morro Rock at 578 feet, to Bishop's Peak at 1,559 feet. There are several trails leading up Bishop's Peak. The view from the top includes the whole of San Luis Obispo and extends south to Point Sal, west to Morro Bay and north to Cayucos. The bases of the peaks are sloping, grazing and agricultural lands. As the elevation increases, the terrain changes to chaparral and small forests of oaks with a ground cover of woodfem and native plants. Manzanita, huckleberry, coyote brush, sage and saral can all be C-5-5 Ft1:l-1'/-'y4 II1U 15:04 ID: PCL 5RCRRMENTU TEL NU:916 444 6726 #215 P05 r found in various places. Owls, eagles, Peregrine Falcons and even California Condon have made homes on'the peaks at one time or another. The peaks have archaeological significance as well, containing remnants of the Chumash Indian culture. The Morros are threatened by encroaching development and rock and gravel quarrying. This project would create open space or easements that would begin to preserve these scenic, historic, geological treasures. These acquisitions could help to implement the "Peak to Peak" trail system proposed by the County of San Luis Obispo. The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County is working on this project. TEXT: "Four million dollars ($4,000,000) for acquisition of natural lands in the volcanic peaks known as the Morins or Seven Sisters in San Luis Obispo County." These funds would be administered by the Coastal Conservancy. MORRO BAYAREA NATIVE HABITAT: DESCRIPTION: This project will fund the acquisition of open space containing significant native habitat and natural features in the coastal area near Morro Bay. These funds would also be used for the restoration of native habitat and to create and improve public access to these areas. Although impressive scenery draws both residents and visitors to the Central Coast, much of this natural beauty is privately owned and can only be viewed from a distance'. This project seeks to preserve that beauty and create appropriate trails and pathways that will allow people to participate in the environment, not just observe it. In some places, the public regularly trespasses and the result is harmful to the native plants, streams and wildlife. Multiple trails, heavy use, or poorly chosen pathways, cause erosion and loss of habitat as well-meaning nature lovers trample sensitive areas. This project would serve the recreational needs of people and the survival needs of plants and wildlife. Improving access to natural lands would provide a valuable educational resource for school districts throughout the county. The area is unique in the state including rare plants, tree and wildlife, and significant geological, archaeological and coastal features. One of the areas of acquisition lies north of Cayucos, on the coastal terrace. This pristine natural coastline has potential for beach access, offers vistas to a harbor seal rookery and sea otters in the offshore kelp beds, cormorants, pelicans, egrets, oyster catchers and other birds. In the spring, a blanket of colorful wildflowers unfurls toward the sea. These are the only lands left in the Estero Bay area with unobstructed ocean views and they are threatened by development. The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County and the Cayucos Citizens Advisory Council are working on this project. TEXT: "Six million dollars ($6,000,000) for acquisition, enhancement and access to natural lands in the Morro Bay and estuary watershed, and near Cayucos, such as the Morros, Chorro Flats, El Moro Elfin Forest, Baywood, Los Osos Greenbelt, and coastal lands near Cayucos along Estero Bay." These funds would be administered by the Coastal Conservancy. C-5-Co FEB-17-194 THU 15:05 ID: PCL SACRAMENTO TEL NO:916 444 0726 9215 P06 SAUNAS R CORRIDOR DESCRIPTION: This project would help fund the acquisition of lands in and near the Salinas riverbed. The Salinas River is unique in several ways. It is a north-flowing river in private ownership. It contains significant amounts of groundwater and is the major source of irrigation for farmers and ranchers in the area even though it appears dry most of the time. In many places property lines cross, and include, the riverbed. Trespassing, off-road vehicle use and criminal activities are causing social and environmental problems. This project would help identify and acquire land suitable for active recreation purposes. The river environment would benefit by providing public access to appropriate areas and protecting sensitive riparian habitat. The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County is working on this project. TEXT: "One million five hundred thousand dollars ($1,500,000) for the acquisition of riparian habitat along the Salinas River in San Luis Obispo County." These funds would be administered by the Coastal Conservancy. SAN LUIS O ISPO AGRICULTURE: DESCRIPTION: This project would help fund the acquisition of easements and/or develop- ment rights to preserve agricultural land in San Luis Obispo County. Priority would be given to conservation easements. This project would also provide buffer zones between development and agricultural lands, and between agricultural lands and sensitive habitat including streams. A portion of these funds could be used to improve the compatibility of fanning with the preservation of sensitive areas. An example would be the development of low-impact-farming demonstration projects. The purpose would be to demonstrate the feasibilty and advantages of sustainable agricultural practices, such as contouring land to lessen erosion and runoff into stream environments, the use of biological pest controls, cover crops and other methods. This part of the project would assist farmers who wish to implement efficient, productive, sustainable methods that would benefit a sensitive natural area. The purpose is to preserve the natural environment while enabling farmers to continue to productively farm. The county is currently developing an agricultural/open space element of the General Plan. These acquisitions could enhance the viability of that plan. TEXT: "Two million dollars ($2,000,000) for the preservation of, and for grants to qualified nonprofit organizations for preservation of agricultural lands in San Luis Obispo County. These funds shall be used to acquire interests in agricultural lands with preference given to conser- vation easements. Up to five percent of the funds may be used to fund voluntary sustainable capital outlay agricultural projects including improvements which would increase the compatibility of agricultural operations with sensitive natural areas." These funds would be administered by the Coastal Conservancy. SAN LUIS OBISPO NORTH COASTAL LANDS: DESCRIPTION: This project would fund the acquisition of coastal lands in northern San Luis Obispo County. The purpose of the acquisitions would be to preserve open space and C--5.7 secure or improve public access to forests, coastal plains, creekside environments and VV �+ accompanying coastal lagoons. Acquisitions involving coastal lagoon and stream environments rttrir- y4 ihu 15:e7 ill: rLL 5RLHRMhNr0 TEL N0:916 444 8726 #215 P67 would contribute to the enhancement of native steelhead populations by protecting migratory routes. The primary goal of this project is the acquisition of"Rancho Pacifica" in Cambria. The spectacular 416-acre parcel includes one mile of pristine coastline, 1 1/4 miles of Santa Rosa Creek riparian habitat, 72 acres of undisturbed Monterey Pine forest and a large Chumash Indian Midden The project would work to establish public access while preserving sensitive areas The property is home to threatened and endangered species such as the Tidewater Goby, Western Pond Turtle, California Red-Legged Frog, Two Striped Garter Snake and the Monarch Butterfly. Preservation of Rancho Pacifica and other similar lands would help protect both the scenic and habitat values of the Central Coast. Greenspace and The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County are working on this project. TEXT. "Four million five hundred thousand dollars ($4,500,000) for the acquisition, enhancement and access to natural lands in northern coastal San Luis Obispo County, including coastal riparian lands, forests, marine terrace and arroyo lagoon systems, including but not limited to, Santa Rosa Creek and the Cambrian Pine Forest." These funds would be administered by the Coastal Conservancy. SAN LUIS OBISPO OAK WOODLANDS: DESCRIPTION.' This project would provide for the acquisition of native oak woodlands. These lands contain threatened stands of native California Live Oak, Valley Oak and Blue Oak. Native oaks have disappeared in many parts of California as a result of grazing, agriculture and development. Foraging cattle feed or trample on emerging oaks and in many areas there are no young trees to replace the old ones when they die. Acquisition of lands will help insure the continuation of the species. Oak forests provide habitat for a variety of plants and wildlife, help conserve water, prevent desertification and contribute to local climate control. These ancient sentinels characterize the scenic allure of San Luis Obispo County, providing a valuable economic resource. The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County is working on this project. TEXT. "One million dollars ($1,000,000) for the acquisition of native oak woodlands in San Luis Obispo County.' These funds would be administered by the Coastal Conservancy. SAN LUIS OBISPO WETLANDS, RIPARIAN: DESCRIPTION: This project has two-main focal points, San Luis Creek and Black Lake Canyon The San Luis Creek project would help implement the "City to the Sea Greenway" by establishing a permanent riparian and biking corridor along San Luis Creek from highway 101 to Avila Beach. The bikeway would provide for alternative transportation to the beach which has insufficient parking for peak use periods. Bicycling from San Luis Obispo to Avila Beach is popular and easy but unsafe in the section that parallels the creek through the canyon. The bikeway would provide a safe recreation resource for locals and tourists, ease traffic congestion and improve air quality. FE8-17-'94 THU 15:06 ID: PCL SACRAMENTO TEL NO:916 444 0726 #215 P00 The riparian corridor would help restore the natural vegetation in the creek environ- ment, benefitting commercial and sport fishing activities by supporting native salmon and steelhead populations. Riparian restoration would protect and enhance critical migratory and hatchery environments. Salmon and Steelhead are ocean-going fish that return to the streams where they were born to lay their eggs. In many locations, drought and human activity have made it impossible for the fish to swim upstream to spawn, or survive once they do. The return of native plants to the creeks and its banks will provide shade, food, oxygen and pools where the fish can reproduce. The project would also provide for enhancement of the intertidal lagoon area where the creek meets the Pacific Ocean. The Black lake Canyon project would work with landowners to protect sensitive native habitat through acquisitions and easements. The canyon provides a seasonal riparian corridor that drains into Black Lake and the dune lakes complex. Viewed from the air, the canyon is the dominant physical feature on the Nipomo Mesa. The canyon supports a grassland and coastal sage environment on the south side and old growth oak woodlands on the north. Both types of plant communities are threatened throughout California. Preservation of these watershed lands would assist in the preservation of Black Lake and the dune lakes complex which is an extremely unique and sensitive environment. The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County is working on this project. TEXT: "One million dollars ($1,000,000) for the acquisition and enhancement of and access to natural wetlands, coastal riparian and lagoon habitats in southern San Luis Obispo County coastal areas such as San Luis Creek and Black Lake Canyon on Nipomo Mesa." These funds would be administered by the Coastal Conservancy. C-5-9 Californian for Pars & Wildlife 1994 SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY BENEFITS no A11b and Wildlife Initiative(known as CALFAW'94)is a general obligation bond set which Will provide nearly 32 billion to w4uirs,protect and develop p utland,wildlife babitu,prime a ricMmrd land,coaxal areas,river bsbiun,as&oeighbahood paha,an well as cultural and historical resources. This Is aceomplishod by three metboda: (1)designated tegioml projects."ifyini w'bere and hoar funds will be mss. (Z)per capita Allocations and the Roberti-Tbeag-Harda 0=block grant proeass,available to community park and neravion ageocies. par capita allaoaions are based solely an papulation, and RZH block Seems are based an urban reoraadonsl mods. P)Competitive gram projects will be selected based on their=me is the appropriew caugorics. Designated Sal Luis Obispo County Projects (S20.8Is mmi* Ckorto Crack .7 Las Osoa Geek .115 Sae Iris Obispo Co.Ag.Lard 2 Morro Bay Are•Habitat 6 Morton 4 SW Nath Cass Habitat 4.5 SW Co.Oak Woodland 1 Salinas River Corridor 1.5 SI.O Wedads.Riparian 1 1994 Bond Act Per Capita Allocations&Roberti-Vberg-Harris Block Grants estimate based on 1988 population figures (5878,051) Arroyo Gonda,City of S 41.000 Alwadero,Cay of S 66,000 M Aso De Robloa,City of S 46,000 Crtvae9 City.City of S 33,000 Mono Bay,Cay of S 30,000 Plano Beach,City of S 30,000 Sao loris Obispo,City of 5 118.000 San iris Obispo.County of 5 514,037 Statewide Competitive Grant Funding That Could Benefit San Luis Obispo County ($90 minium) Atchsedogrcal 5 At-Rist Yomb Programs 10 Community Conservation Corps 15 win osica: 10 River parkways is Tralls 13 Urban Person S Urban Suesms is Statewide Projects That Could Benefit San Luis Obispo County (5138 million) BaWq alt Waterways 5 Coastal Casrtmvamy 30 Saltmooidn s Sim Park Acq.(unallocated) 25 Sun Park Development 20 State Parks Cultural S stats Pans Famoriwl 4 Ste Arks stewatdahip 10 Sure Arid Treat 8 VFddlib Cartsnvadan Board 19 Wild Your Habitat S The abom i rliammon i0oatiatw Nods available to San Leis Obupo County if CALPAW 94 is passed by voters in Jame 19%. Attachment "2"