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04/15/2003, BUS 5 - ADOPTION OF THE CONSERVATION PLAN FOR THE IRISH HILLS NATURAL RESERVE
council Wain D.& _ Is7' ^ j ACEn6A 12Epoizt ,�N JAS CITY O F SAN LUIS O B I S P O FROM: Wendy George, Assistant City Administrative Officer \6 Prepared By: Neil Havlik,Natural Resources Manager SUBJECT: ADOPTION OF THE "CONSERVATION PLAN FOR THE IRISH HILLS NATURAL RESERVE" CAO RECOMMENDATION As recommended by both the Planning Commission and the Parks and Recreation Commission, approve a resolution adoping the Conservation Plan for the Irish Hills Natural Reserve and finding a Negative Declaration of environmental impact. DISCUSSION Background On September 17, 2002 City Natural Resources Program staff presented the "Conservation Guidelines for Open Space Lands of the City of San Luis Obispo' (the "Guidelines") to the Council for review and adoption. Council review was favorable and the Guidelines were adopted by the Council at that meeting. The "Conservation Plan for Irish Hills Natural Reserve" is the first Conservation Plan to be prepared under the umbrella of the Guidelines. The Irish Hills Natural Reserve (IHNR) is a 720 acre area in the City of San Luis Obispo, west of Los Osos Valley Road. It consists of hill lands dominated by chaparral, oak woodland, and grassland. Two perennial streams, Prefurno Creek and Froom Creek, cross portions of the Reserve. The site is known for its views, its relatively pristine landscape, and trail system, which is a holdover from past mineral exploration. The property was acquired by the City of San Luis Obispo in 1999-2001. Plan Development Process The Guidelines specify that City staff will undertake the necessary inventory to develop a good understanding of the natural and cultural features of each open space, and prepare information about the property for a public workshop at which public input is solicited. Staff will then prepare a draft conservation plan and present that plan to the Parks and Recreation Commission, Planning Commission, and City Council. At each of these meetings further testimony can be taken and the recommendations from each body incorporated into the plan as it goes forward toward Council adoption. In the case of IHNR, a public workshop, attended by about 40 persons, was held on November 7, 2002 in the City-County Library Community Room and numerous ideas and suggestions for the plan were presented by citizens. Staff incorporated many of these r Council Agenda Report—Adoption of Conservation Plan for Irish Hills Page 2 into the plan. Some additional changes were recommended by the two commissions at their respective meetings, and these will be highlighted in the staff presentation on the plan. Several citizens have participated very closely in the development of the plan. Important Natural Features IHNR contains a significant number of sensitive or otherwise important natural features, including: 1. Steelhead trout in the two streams; 2. An endangered species of plant (Chorro Creek bog thistle); 3. Several other rare plant species; 4. Chaparral, oak woodland, and grassland on serpentine soils; 5. A former mine site; and 6. Significant areas of intact, high quality wildlife habitat Management issues or concerns associated with IHNR include: 1. Erosion problems associated with the Froom Creek jeep road and certain other roadways and trails; 2. Need for fire and fuel load management in certain areas; 3. Protection of sensitive resources and habitats; and 4. Proper development and functioning of the trail system. The Conservation Plan addresses these issues by calling for: 1. Completion of certain trail linkages to create a loop system; 2. Closure and revegetation of the Froom Creek jeep road and other roads and trails; 3. A fire management program, involving management of fuel loading, especially at the urban/wildland interface and use of prescribed fire in certain locations; and 4. Development of interpretive and informational signage to assist visitors. The Conservation Plan's thrust is to protect the existing resources at 1HNR and to balance recreational use, fire safety, and resource protection. The plan is considered to not have a significant effect upon the environment: therefore a negative declaration has been prepared and is recommended for adoption by the Council. CONCURRENCES Park and Recreation Department staff assisted in preparation of the Conservation Plan, and other departments, particularly the Fire Department, have reviewed it. The plan has also been reviewed by the Parks and Recreation Commission and by the Planning Commission. Both recommend approval to the City Council. G/Havliklcouncila/conservalion plan adoption 5� 2� Council Agenda Report—Adoption of Conservation Plan for Irish Hills Page 3 FISCAL IMPACT The Conservation Plan will have limited fiscal impact. There will be commitments of staff time to a certain level of monitoring of recreational use and attendant impacts, and there will be a need for monitoring of vegetation, particularly on the urban interface of the property. No major unfunded undertakings are proposed. The two major projects that are proposed—the Froom Creek jeep road decommissioning and paving of the unpaved stretch of the Foster access road— will depend upon outside funding for implementation. The City has already obtained funds for the Froom Creek jeep road project, and anticipates being able to obtain funding for the other project, perhaps later this year under the Recreational Trails grant program administered by the State Parks Department. Generally, however, the plan will not entail significant new costs, either in terms of patrol or maintenance, beyond that which is now occurring. New trail construction is expected to be accomplished almost entirely through the use of volunteers. ALTERNATIVES The Council could reject the Plan or require additional changes. These are not recommended, however, as at this time the Plan represents a comprehensive view of the future of the property that has gone through several public forums with only minor modifications and with statements of support from the public and commissions. Attachment 1. Resolution 2. Conservation Plan Note: A copy of the Conservation Plan Appendices will be available in the Council Reading File and in the City Clerk's office. G/Havliklcouncila/conservation plan adoption Sr C MACNMENT 9 RESOLUTION NO. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO ADOPTING THE "CONSERVATION PLAN FOR THE IRISH HILLS NATURAL RESERVE" WHEREAS,the City of San Luis Obispo has adopted policies for protection, management, and public use of open space lands acquired by the City; and WHEREAS,the City of San Luis Obispo has acquired and manages eleven open space areas totaling approximately 2,500 acres, including the 722 acre Irish Hills Natural Reserve; and WHEREAS,the City Council desires to have the policies for management of City- owned open space lands applied in an appropriate and consistent manner; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission, and the general public have commented upon the plan as it has moved through a Council-directed approval process, and the plan reflects those comments. NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of San Luis Obispo hereby: 1. Finds that the implementation of the Conservation Plan as presented to the City Council this date will not have a negative impact on the environment; 2. Adopts as City policy the"Conservation Plan for the Irish Hills Natural Reserve" as presented to the Council this date; and 3. Directs the City Administrative Officer to undertake all actions necessary and appropriate to carry out this resolution. On motion of Councilmember , seconded by Councilmember , and on the following roll call vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: The foregoing resolution was adopted this day of , 2003. David F. Romero, Mayor ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM: Lee Price, City Clerk Gil Trujillo, Acting City Attorney Sr ATTACHMENT 2 Conservation Plan Irish Hills Natural Reserve City of San Luis Obispo Prepared by: The Natural Resources Program Administration Department City of San Luis Obispo 990 Palm Street San Luis Obispo CA 93401 January 2003 RAFT 'muu�l�um� a City of San Luh 0&V* /+ S r ATTACHMENT 2 Land 71 fb�the Irish Hills Natural Reserve- DRAFT Executive Summary The Irish Hills Natural Reserve (IHNR) is a 722 acre area in the City of San Luis Obispo, west of Los Osos Valley Road. It consists of hill lands dominated by chaparral, oak woodland, and grassland. Two perennial streams, Prefumo Creek and Froom Creek, cross portions of the Reserve. The site is known for its views, its relatively pristine landscape,and trail system,which is a holdover from past mineral exploration. The property was acquired by the City of San Luis Obispo in 1998-2001. Important Natural Features IHNR contains a significant number of sensitive or otherwise important natural features, including: Steelhead trout in the two streams; An endangered species of thistle (Chorro Creek bog thistle); Several other rare plant and animal species; Chaparral,oak woodland, and grassland on serpentine soils; A former mine site; and Significant areas of intact, high quality wildlife habitat Management issues or concerns associated with IHNR include: Erosion problem associated with the Froom Creek jeep road and certain other roadways; Need for fire and fuel load management in certain areas; Protection of sensitive resources and habitats; and Proper development and functioning of the trail system. The Conservation Plan addresses these issues by calling for: Completion of certain trail linkages to create a loop system; Closure and revegetation of the Froom Creek jeep road and certain other roads and trails; A fire management program,involving management of fuel loading,especially at the urban/ wildland interface and use of prescribed fire in certain locations; and Development of interpretive and informational signage to assist visitors. The Conservation Plan's thrust is to protect the existing resources at IHNR and to balance recreational use, fire safety, and resource protection. The plan is considered G4nOfo to not have a significant effect upon the environment. 2 tQ ATTACHMENT 2 Table of Contents EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 2 1. INTRODUCTION 5 2. INVENTORY 6 2.1. PHYSICAL FEATURES 6 Trails 6 Unpaved Roads 6 Paved Roads 6 Electrical Utility Towers 7 Access Points 7 2.2. SOILS 7 2.3. HABITAT TYPES 7 Serpentine Chaparral &Black.Sage/Coyote Brush Scrub Habitat 7 Coast Live Oak Woodland Habitat 8 Grassland Habitat 8 Riparian Habitat 8 Aquatic Habitat 9 2.4. WILDLIFE 9 Birds 10 Mammals 12 Reptiles 12 Amphibians 12 Fish 12 Invertebrates 13 Species of Special Concern 13 2.5. CULTURAL RESOURCES 13 3. GOALS 14 4. CONSERVATION PLAN 16 4.1. SYSTEM MAP 16 4.2. NEEDS ANALYSIS 17 4.3. FIRE PREPAREDNESS/MANAGEMENT PLAN 21 4.4. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY 22 5. FISCAL STATEMENT 23 REFERENCES 24 APPENDIX 1 25 APPENDIX 2 26 �, APPENDIX 3 27 APPENDIX 4 28 City of San Cris Obispo 3 S-' ATTACHMENT 2 List of Figures FIGURE 1 —Regional Setting of the Irish Hills Natural Reserve FIGURE 2—IHNR Topography FIGURE 3—IHNR Physical Features FIGURE 4—IHNR Soil Types FIGURE 5—IHNR Habitats FIGURE 6—IHNR Sensitive Species FIGURE 7—IHNR Land Use Categories FIGURE 8—IHNR Fire management/Preparedness Plan List of Tables TABLE 1 —List of Bird Species Identified within the IHNR TABLE 2—List of Mammal Species Identified within the IHNR MAE City of S=t,-obkv 4 �' ATTACHMENT 2 1 . Introduction The protection of natural resources,development of a green belt,and provision of passive recreation opportunities are all stated goals of the open space element of the City of San Luis Obispo general plan. The conservation of land as open space is a desirable and effective means of meeting these goals. Planners and officials for the City of San Luis Obispo have envisioned the creation of an open space greenbelt around the City and have actively pursued this objective. The creation of the Irish Hills Natural Reserve (IHNR)is the result of efforts to conserve three contiguous parcels of land in the northeastern section of the Irish Hills to the west of the City of San Luis Obispo (Fig. 1). The City-owned Irish Hills Natural Reserve encompasses 722 acres of land, consisting of grasslands, oak woodland, and chaparral, on generally steep terrain ranging from 200 feet to just under 1,100 feet at the highest point(Fig. 2). The substrate is mostly derived from heavily serpentinized parent materials,which have given rise to a thin serpentine soil supporting a unique vegetation complex of serpentine-adapted grassland,woodland and chaparral. The area is drained by several small coastal streams, all tributaries of San Luis Obispo Creek. The water quality in these streams is generally good, and they support populations of endangered southern steelhead trout and other native fishes. The Irish Hills area was identified as a significant natural resource in a study carried out by the Nature Conservancy of Califomia (Nature Conservancy of Califomia 2001), the area has also recently been recognized by both the State Coastal Conservancy and the Wildlife Conservation Board as an area of interest. The Irish Hills support a rich and diverse wildlife population;and the entire range,including that portion under city ownership, is excellent wildlife habitat. Overtwo hundred species of birds have been identified in the area and many amphibian, reptile and mammal species occur there. Deer are commonly seen, and mountain lions ate occasionally reported by local residents. The IHNR is one of several areas of serpentine-derived soils in the San Luis Obispo region. Those soils have unusual chemical characteristics to which only a few species of plants have been able to adapt. As a result, the serpentine areas support a vegetative community quite different from the surrounding, non-serpentine sites. These areas are also usually free of weed species. Because of the relative rarity of serpentine, many of the plants found there are considered rare or threatened. G91 of S—L-ij 06400 TOPOI map pnn[ed on 09/06/02 from"Callfomla.[po"and"Untitled.tpg'- 121'15 UUP w 121°04 000'W 120°53.000'W 120042.000' w 120°31.000'W 120°20.000'W WGS64 120°01.000'W 1 Y Z m ��t Y� (, �Y._- - - J,Sj♦ PARD f.RA EL \gOUTM\ - jA - 999 M ru cnarrte Rr•� [/ \ 11•N:t o nen o 4 O •n• —� 6^ s•rr yaMea� 1 AaYa• ° rreao. r 36 � • M MFrm Ria °' •"•;,f � So •..`ey R�.fi: /.J C1r� / / z �. z Smea. C O 27 M `. At Z I LR O j \\ b C 'r d • I'lAu D ARALIX • p M r '-��.i � �k�-:.t Cp tO LJ!J < �• t i ryNj lift 7' �. •Ah Z fin' o-�/„}cy\ ✓ hY• a 1 J \ O p fi * tr h41 4” ir h SS. fi O •+` u' r^ � '•4 4fX' t R Win;'. t g , fir. ,� � . a' �'' W •� IJ p3 r'L �{ jf'� �• t 1.O "� _.t\�Lei' At•} r. •i7' �'' .� \(^ F ' � t- ' �a y 7I� •1 `HC+�p' .f✓..1 -. � i'Y E yC�r F �yN�ip `v x41 S.KI� ._ �{. � 1s1'• z 7/j. i t... 1 dti..�. ^�•.t }f} y 'r+rCMl j�S'c 'j-� / } t `i� �e i:�..\ t .O 5 :i. .Cu' .a.� ."• :w �a� r {�� ��\ a �. 3^ ,+w 4'�� ' S r < �' 7`rri'l� t ° ,,.� T�'rr 'l,f \•-1ey7 n K - 1., M '," '� S Y t L5 ;,1 -r- .} j,,/k/�\w�4 Y ,hr. .'yam•" i *r r z 'L i t y i yg ° 4 v c •• L r •'vr,?•ri..�'.",_'i'.d2'-e1Sr � .�� :��:7'r : eM1� T .-L CI plc y l21°15 000'w 121°04.000'W 120°53.000'W 120°42.00 W 15 `✓`� TN MN 0 5 10 l3 t VIB • 0 5 10 15 70 73 3 Ported Bom TOPOI 07001 Nwwmi 0800ephr H t7 3 Figure ,. Regional setting of the Irish Hills Natural Reserve C sm Lt,tiS 45150A0 10 -- - s- -- lln A ?^� W tm C 7 z cn m Z .-.'Ilk CL 0 ABs. • _ : \. �; r�:' �. •� a I� .- O •1 .1 16 ci {/ / 11 lr•• _�'/� f+ r /� i ✓ r" ' � �.� `' _r: `fir � , .i ' J .+� S� ll ATTACHMENT 2 The earliest record of human use of the Irish Hills dates back to chromite deposit mining activities in the early 1900's (Smith & Griggs, 1944). An abandoned open-face mine site exists on the IHNR(coordinates: 35°1618712004245"),along with a number of associated shafts and prospects. In more recent years, the primary use patterns have involved recreational activities for City residents and visitors to the area. An extensive trail network has been established, consisting of narrow trails (commonly referred to as `single-track') linking several dirt roads and a 1.2 mile section of sealed asphalt. The primary recreational activities currentlyoccurring within the IHNR are hiking,mountain biking,and limited equestrian activities. 2. Inventory 2.1. Physical Features Physical changes to the landscape resulting from past human activities within the IHNR include: an established trail and dirt road system;the installation of high-tension powerlines and associated towers across the property; and an abandoned open face chromite mine dating from the 1800's. No major development sites exist on the property. Trails The IHNR has an established network of walking and hiking trails extending for 4.5 miles (Fig. 3). Trails range from single-track, less than 1ft in width, to wide trails up to 4ft wide. Historically, the main uses of the trail network have been for hiking, mountain biking, and limited equestrian activities. Unpaved Roads There are 1.5 miles of unpaved roads within the IHNR;established primarily as a means of moving cattle and farm equipment through the area (Fig. 3). Many of these roads are in a state of disrepair, and sections are now inaccessible to vehicular traffic. In areas where roads are cut into steep hillsides, several have become a major sources of soil erosion, causing sediment loading into the creek system running through the property. Paved Roads A single paved road exists on the IHNR. This extends from a gated access point at the end of Sterling Drive up the hillside to an abandoned development site just below the disused chromite mine (Fig. 3). The road is 1.2 miles in length, sealed, approximately 10ft wide, and generally in good repair; however, one short stretch of approximately 650ft remains City ofSa L"ir 06ipw unpaved. N. T g �.1 yrt J{lt - . XA All 1 i.� \' ` i; - 4.�'f r . *y .A 1.ni .. t•' t. �•�(�.•9 if ��`\ • ( t Y lwS,SYyy)�J� le . C � T !y4 ... .r �•� M1°.X'q' %r' vit - •. t *�.i'^y 7. ATTACHMENT 2 1:i-OTIL Electrical Utility Towers Four PG&E electrical utility towers span the site and support high-tension electrical cables (Fig. 3). Easements exist which allow PG&E to access the towers and cables to perform essential maintenance, repair work, and pruning of vegetation below the cables. Access Points The site currently has access at three points from public highways. Access from Prefumo Canyon Road (coordinates: 35°14'44"/120°42'43") and Madonna Road (coordinates: 35015'14"/120041'46")will be designated as official gateways to the IHNR(Fig. 3). Where necessary, parking facilities will be upgraded in these areas and informational signage installed. Access from Sterling Drive (coordinates: 35015'22"/120°42'07") will be limited to City maintenance crews and special access for the handicapped. 2.2. Soils Survey maps indicate that more than seventy-five percent of the area within the IHNR consists of Obispo-Rock outcrop complex soils (Fig. 4), derived from serpentine parent materials. Other soil types listed within the IHNR include Los Osos-Diablo complex 15 to 30%slopes; Lodo clay loam,30-50%slopes; Gaviota sandy loam, 50-75%slopes;Salinas silty clay loam, 0 to 2% slopes; Lodo-Rock outcrop complex, 30-75% slope; and Diablo and Cibo clays, 30 to 50% slopes. These soils are present in relatively small areas (<50 acres)on the lower slopes along the northern boundary of the IHNR. They are composed of material weathered from sandstone, shale, red rock, mudstone, and sedimentary rocks.. Soil depths range from shallow to very deep and most are described as well drained (see Appendix 1 fora full description of soil types). 2.3. Habitat Types Both vegetative and aquatic habitat types exist within the IHNR (Fig. 5). Serpentine Chaparral & Black Sage/Coyote Brush Scrub Habitat Serpentine chaparral covers 490 acres of the IHNR, making it the predominant natural community by area. Black sage/coyote brush scrub cover an additional 22 acres. Leather oak is endemic to serpentine soils and is found extensively throughout the IHNR in scrub and chaparral habitats. G,,fswLw,0"p • • Ap �'� ' • 114 1W 44* 4L to ISO A 1 +V/�1 4. ia .70. .. .. \W� as t iu y„ ll t'r. � eX 1 �J! ~/ � r+����a�w'L �,� � gyp•. � 'Rte I ; '-' 4 T. 4�+'Sb' .try.?yy ` ' `1 �•r `-�R'lff'•r� ��'M1yy` t 'Y '�. .ufi,Ryrb i'� r •'/ �t 4y; ! T'�� �S •+r�^ 'u} ylr :\ 1F / • .♦ fir. / _ ti Qx t-�•t4 v •' .J U'TTACH'M"N 2 A number of seep areas are present in chaparral and scrub habitats. Water from these seeps descends hundreds of feet in some areas through watercourses carved into underlying serpentine rock. These seep areas constitute an important water source for birds,mammals, reptiles and amphibians. Coast Live Oak Woodland Habitat Oak woodlands cover approximately 140 acres of the IHNR. As with scrub and chaparral habitats, the species composition, density, and height of the coast live oak community varies considerably. The live oak woodland habitat is primarily found on non-serpentine soils along hillsides and swales that face north/northeast. Oak woodland habitat vegetates the slopes around riparian areas and grades upwards to grasslands or scrub/chaparral habitats. Generally, a mixed coast live oak-toyon community vegetates the drier upper slopes and a coast live oak-California bay-laurel community is present on lower slopes adjacent to and within the riparian corridor. Grassland Habitat This habitat type is present in patches and discontinuous bands in the northeastern and north-central regions of the IHNR, and occupies a combined area of approximately 46 acres. Areas identified as grassland habitat consist of a variable mixture of native and non- native grass species. Generally,grasslands on the lower slopes are dominated by annual grasses; however, in serpentine areas, native bunch grasses are much more prevalent. Riparian Habitat Riparian habitat exists as a narrow band of vegetation lining the stream banks of Prefumo Creek, Froom Creek and the unnamed tributary of Prefumo Creek that flows past Sterling Drive. This riparian habitat occupies a total area of approximately 21 acres within the IHNR. The main stem of Prefumo Creek is a relatively low gradient stream reach with a diverse riparian canopy of mature coast Live oak and sycamores. The understory consists of toyon, blue elderberry,blackberry, poison oak,coyote bush, and monkey flower. Numerous introduced species are present within the understory,including:blue gum;Monterey cypress; date palm; fennel; French broom; and chicory. All GO,of Sm,t,w Gap I.f_Ulf i M ENT a r fid The unnamed tributary to Prefumo Creek has a higher gradient than the main stem with a riparian corridor dominated in the lower reaches by California bay-laurels,coast live oaks, and toyon. Understory vegetation in the shade of these mature trees is sparse but includes poison oak, wood fems and California blackberry. The reach of Froom Creek located within the IHER supports mature coast live oaks, California bay-laurel, and the occasional young sycamore. The understory vegetation is dominated by willows(including the serpentine endemic Coulterwillow),poison oak,grasses, and a variety of herbaceous species. Aquatic Habitat The major aquatic habitats represented on the site include 0.8 miles of Prefumo Creek, and 0.5 miles of an unnamed tributary both of which are ephemeral, having sections which are dry during the summer months. The 1.2 miles of Froom Creek on the IHNR is perennial. The water quality in all three creeks appears to be high,with water temperatures in the range of 16.7 - 17.8°C recorded on mid-summer afternoons. The bed of all three creeks consists of combinations of small boulders, cobble and sand. Overall,the aquatic systems represent excellent wildlife habitat, and endangered steelhead trout.have been observed in both Froom and Prefumo creeks.. In addition,a number of ephemeral seeps exist on the site,which are considered sensitive aquatic habitats (Dugan 2002). These seep areas are associated with stands of the endangered Chorro Creek bog thistle and are habitat for large populations of unidentified amphibian larva (pers obs). 2.4. Wildlife Focused wildlife surveys within the IHNR were conducted June, July and August 2002 by Tenera Environmental. The primary objective of these surveys was to determine if listed or special status species occurred on the property. Each of the major habitat types within the IHNR was canvassed thoroughly on foot during both day and nighttime surveys. Wildlife species were identified through direct observation, calls, or signs such as tracks, scat pellets, nests or dens. Sampling was also conducted from various vantage points within each of the major habitat types by stationary observers. Points were sampled in the morning and/or evening during daylight hours for a duration of between 15 to 30 minutes. uwuaM CityofSan Luit064o 9 r� �Vi L N Y 2 Land Use,Consematlon Mor il.7e!i-ish.Hillsj%ltitit;-alf?es�j-t,e' DRAFT- Riparian areas were surveyed using generally accepted methods for stream surveys. The banks and surface of each stream were scanned with binoculars as surveyors moved slowly upstream. Small mammal trapping was conducted in one grassland,two oak woodland,one riparian, and three chaparral habitat areas. A total of ten single Tomahawk live traps or Havahart live traps were places at various points within the sampling area. Four hundred and fifty-nine species of plants and animals have been identified as potentially occurring on, or directly adjacent to, the IHNR. Two hundred and sixty-two species have been positively identified as occurring within the boundary of the IHNR(Appendix 2). Birds A wide variety of birds have been observed during surveys of the IHNR. Seventy-four bird species are listed as potentially occurring on, or directly adjacent to, the IHNR(Appendix 2). Forty-two species of birds have been positively identified within the boundary of the IHNR by City appointed biologists (Table 1). � l CO,of San Luis OR** 10 <'_ 19 {y� . 1�v Table 1. List of bird species identified within the IHNR Scientifc Name Comm"on:WMWF`?� U_S:cien H Name! .Cohn nHName j,- Aphelocoma Western scrub-jay Hirundo pyrrhonta Cliff swallow californica Aquila chrysaetos GoIden-eagle Junco h emalis Dark-eyed junco Bubo virginianus Great horned owl Melospiza lincolnii Lincoln's sparrow Buteo lineatus Red-shouldered Mimus polyglottis Northern hawk mockingbird Buten jamaicensis Red-tailed hawk Parus inornatus Plain titmouse Callipepla California quail Parus rufescens Chestnut-backed californica chickadee Calypte anna Anna's hummingbird Passerculus Savanna sparrow sandwichensis Carduelis psaltria Lesser goldfinch Picoides nuttallh Nuttall's woodpecker Carduelis tristis American goldfinch Picoides Downey pubescens woodpecker Carpodacus House finch Pipilo crissalis California towhee Cathartes aura Turkey vulture Pipilo Spotted towhee erythrophthalm us Catherpes Canyon wren Polioptila caerulea Blue-gray mexicanus gnatcatcher Ceryle alcyon Belted kingfisher Psaltriparus Bushtit minimus Contopus Western wood- Regulus calendula Ruby-crowned sordidulus pewee kinglet Corvus American crow Sayornis nigricans Black phoebe brachyrhynchos Cyanocitto stelleri Steller's jay Selasphorus sasin Allen's hummingbird Elanus leucurus White-tailed kite Thryomanes Bewick's wren bewickii Empidonax difficilis Pacific-slope Toxostoma California thrasher f catcher redivivum Euphagus B.rewer's blackbird Tyto alba Common barn-owl c anoce halus Falco sparverius American kestrel Vireo huttoni Hutton's vireo Geococcyx Greater roadrunner Zenaida macroura Mourning dove californianus 'MEAN City of San L-ir OR" ).1 S�`y' %TYP 9HM"ET 2 T Mammals Twenty-six mammal species are identified as potentially occurring on,or directly adjacent to, the IHNR(Appendix 2). Fourteen of these species have been positively identified as occurring within the boundaries of the IHNR by City appointed biologists (Table 2). Most of the mammals observed were found in the riparian and scrub/chaparral habitats. Table 2. List of mammal species identified within the IHNR >-�r _c::-sw'�'^»"�-iT Y;"H Y„j•'- sir--•7r�;",�=ar.,; MYkf"c'•sr'. �q•,.... -..,, :;,-�Xa,._rOh •s-UZ , ,.�ScrentrBcHName�� ,�6ommon;Name ��Scrent�fic:,Name.,�. - aCommon,Name��;: Canis latrans coyote Mephitis mephitis Striped skunk Didelphis vir 'niana Vir inia opossum Neotoma fusci es Dusky-footed woodrat Peromyscus boylei Brush mouse Odocoileus herionus Mule deer Peromyscus califomicus California mouse Spermophilus California ground beeche i squirrel Peromyscus maniculatus Deer mouse Sylvilagus bachmani Brush rabbit Procyon lotor _ Raccoon Thomom s bottae Botta's pocket gopher Lynx rufus Bobcat Urocyon Gray fox cinereoargenteus Reptiles Seventeen reptile species have been listed as potentially occurring on or directly adjacent to the IHER(Appendix 2). Seven of these species have been identified as occurring within the boundary of the IHNR, including:western pond turtle(Clemmys marmorata);western rattlesnake (Crotalus viddis); ringneck snake (Diadophis punctataus); Southern alligator lizard (Elgaria mulitcarinatus);common king snake(Lampropeltis getulus); gopher snake (Pituophis melanoleucus); and the western fence lizard (Sceleoporus occidentalis). Amphibians Six species of amphibians have been identified as potentially occurring on of directly adjacent to the IHNR (Appendix 2). However, only the Pacific treefrog (Hyla regilla) has actually been observed withn the boundaries of the IHNR. Fish Endangered steelhead trout (Onchorhynchus mykiss), and speckled dace (Rhinichthys osculus) have both been observed in the sections of Froom and Prefumo creeks that MAN run through the IHNR. Gry of San WS ob4o 12 rau u�NaU�UG`8�p`91 Invertebrates No surveys have been performed which focus specifically on the invertebrate fauna of the IHNR, consequently current estimates are severely lacking. However, six notable invertebrate species have been identified as occurring on or directly adjacent to the IHNR. Five species have been positively identified as occurring within the boundaries of the IHNR, including: tarantula spider (Aphonopelma spp); Monarch butterfly (Dananus plexippus);tarantula wasp(Hemipepsis spp);Callippee fritillary butterfly(Speyeria callippe) and the endangered Morro shoulderband snail (Helminthoglypta walkeriana). Species of Special Concern Eight species of special concern (as identified by the City or other state and federal agencies) have been identified as occurring within the boundaries of the IHER (Fig. 6). These include: Chorro creek bog thistle (Cirsium fontinale var. obisponse); Brewer's spineflower (Chorizanthe brewen); San Luis mariposa lily (Calochortus obispoensis); Club-footed mariposa lily (Calochortus clavatus var. clavatus); Leopard lily (Lilium pardalinum var. pardalinum); Morro shoulderband snail (Helminthoglypta walkeriana); western pond turtle(Clemmys marmorata);steelhead trout(Onchorhyncus mykiss hideus). 2.5. Cultural Resources The mine site on the IHNR is a remnant of the early 1900's when chromite (Cr203)was mined extensively in the area. Up to 1944 the total production of chromite ore and concentrates in San Luis Obispo County was greater than that from a.ny other county in California (Smith and Giggs, 1944). The open-face mine site covers approximately 2 acres of steeply graded hillside. Shafts and prospects associated with the mine have been reported on the site, though they do not appear to represent a significant hazard. The precise location of these openings are currently being mapped. ME AN Q*of Sm Luis Obispo 13 • 10 WSW • y♦q•�r�•:h i4 } 'r � • pit~�y. F'�,�SI�>ry �'a3�;x�� y'r �. Q�'j - j � a • it �^ r �Y r. �. ♦. Y fL• CL I 4• !' hr Y.a'°moi. <�f �.' a'.G 1•n �e a Jri' a.� cz - t O �na�i> .�• ryC<_ ��%Y.+.1r � �'1`..V'S.t7 V7CL �i.) J :tet+ �6 • A i.�l„ O e co �Y� Ali• � I�h. �� i �r1. U. t"�! V U o y U}.� >_ ��, o' o rl.c0 o0 � Q cz J^�y:'<<r• (n � ..U '•fir_ • I•.f ._. i• ,` p Y �• • a � i ATlTAC� j[j i AJT 2 3. Goals The document "Conservation Guidelines for City Owned Open Space Lands", describes management guidelines and policies designed to achieve the stated goals of the City's open space element (i.e. OS1.1.1-OS1.1.4) on a system-wide basis. The stated goals relevant to the IHNR are: 3.1. To conserve,enhance,and restore natural plant communities;to protect sensitive and endangered plant species and their habitats; and to maintain biodiversity of native plants and animals. 3.2. To provide the public with a safe and pleasing natural environment in which to pursue passive recreational activities,while maintaining the integrity of the resource and minimizing the impact on the wildlife and habitats represented.. 3.3. To preserve and restore creeks, wetlands and ephemeral seeps or springs in a natural state,and provide suitable habitat to all native aquatic and riparian species. To minimize the impacts of harmful activities, such as the release of pollutants, while maintaining the creek system as a means of conveying storm water within urban areas. 3.4. To conserve and protect native plant and animal species and enhance their habitats, in order to maintain viable wildlife populations within balanced ecosystems. Goals 3.1-3.4 will be achieved by the designation of land use categories within the IHNR as described in the document"Conservation Guidelines for City Owned Open Space Lands" Designation of land use categories for the IHNR is shown on the system map in Fig. 7. Public Comment-The conservation plan aims to accommodate the desires and wishes of the general public for the IHNR, as well as addressing the general goals of the City's open space element. The specific goals detailed below are the result of input from members of the public during a workshop held on 11/7/02. 3.5. The IHNR should be expanded when possible,with the eventual goal of linking City-owned open space with the State-owned Montana De Oro state park. � Linkages (trails) at the perimeter of the property should be preserved in anticipation of this expansion. QYofS ,iuisobisp 14 'S Y< ,� � filar�r ;�+�, •�. r`�• s- \ .�'l� . Silk �l's�♦� .©\ gM�tini..�L ,y� y1 -. r fir, f P '•''MM r�.j�"3:i: (Iu.ice; � t vi, ,.`,,"••,,, i r ..iJ/.f, . . yyyya •} �r�I' y y�� 1' l�j ' Jfi r / s � .'ice✓ /✓I/.„ i �•� ... ., AMIr ac ' 7 r r / i •�1 r y' � - IMdU UG'"d 164UBUVtl '1-Y'J Y .� 3.6. All documentation relating to the management of the IHNR should be subject to public review and should be readily available via the City's website.. 3.7. The status of the resources represented on the IHNR should be monitored using the principals of 'Limits of Acceptable Change' described in `Conservation Guidelines for City Open Space Lands: Where possible, volunteer groups should be used to help with the monitoring program. Long-term trends in the population dynamics of sensitive species should be monitored. 3.8. Warnings of the level of the fire risk should be posted at trailheads during the summer months. 3.9. Mountain biking within the IHNR should be permitted,and the local mountain bike community encouraged to be actively involved in the maintenance of the trail system. 3.10. The extent of the trail system on the IHNR should not be reduced from its current size; a ridge loop trail should eventually be established. 3.11. The paved road originating at Sterling Drive and extending up to the old mine site should be maintained and made available to provide wheelchair access. 3.12. Signage on the IHNR should be small, unobtrusive and of a consistent style. The use of fencing and flagging should be kept to a minimum, and a 'natural' look maintained wherever possible. 3.13. The use of the IHNR for equestrian activities should be monitored closely, and such activities prohibited if an unacceptable level of damage to the resource is being caused. 3.14. In the interest of safety, measures should be taken to minimize potential conflicts between mountain bike users and hikers(e.g.elimination of blind comers;pruning of vegetation etc). 3.15. Educational and interpretive signage should be provided to increase the public awareness of the value of the resources on the property (e.g. serpentine soils and rare plants). Gry of-Un LI&Obirpo 15 Sr— l, FI 3.16. Mountain bike access should be prohibited/discouraged during,and immediately following, periods of heavy rain when trails are susceptible to erosion. 3.17. Entrances to disused mine shafts should be marked and barred in the interest of public safety. However, shafts should not be completely sealed as they may provide habitat for wildlife such as bats. Other areas which may be a hazard to public safety should be identified and posted. 3.18. Grasslands should be preserved,and grazing generally not be permitted due to the high cost of fencing and the potential negative impact to the trail system. 3.19. Facilities such as trash cans and toilets should not be provided as this will add to the maintenance costs of the open space. 3.20. Inventory of natural resources on the IHNR should continue. Additional information on grasses, amphibian and invertebrate populations is required. 4. Conservation Plan The conservation describes how the City intends to manage the IHNR to fulfill adopted City goals and the desires of the communityforthe property. The land use categories proposed for the IHNR are shown on the system map (section 4.1). The general day-to-day management of these areas will be in accordance with direction in the City adopted document "Conservation Guidelines for City Owned Open Space Lands". The conservation plan also describes a series of tasks that will be implemented in order to achieve a number of goals specific to the IHNR. 4.1. System Map The land-use categories proposed for the IHNR are shown in Fig. 7. Four categories are represented: Habitat 535 acres 76.5% Cultural/Historic 2 acres 0.3% Management/Trail Corridor 132 acres 18.9% Restoration 30 acres 4.5% eIR9011 M (Agricultural land is not represented as there is none meeting the criteria for agricultural land as defined in the Cityof San Lair Obirpo Conservation Guidelines for City Owned Open Space Lands"within the current boundaries of the IHNR) 16 S- 2r1 A r N Alio F a In keeping with the City's commitment to the conservation of native wildlife and vegetation, 76.5%of the IHNR has been designated as'Habitat;this figure will increase to approximately 80% as restoration projects are completed and the land is upgraded. Two large tracts of uninterrupted pristine wildlife habitat exist to the northwest and southern regions of the IHNR (shaded areas 1 & 6; Fig. 7.). In the interests of wildlife conservation, and the protection of several sensitive species, these areas shall be maintained in their present condition and human intrusion discouraged. The areas identified as 'Management' include land adjacent to the open space/urban interface lying to the east of the IHNR. These areas will require periodic clearing of vegetation to reduce fuel hazards for adjacent properties, maintain defensible spaces for fire fighting capabilities, and protect powerlines traversing the area. The'Restoration' areas identified in Fig. 7 include:two grasslands requiring a program of exotic vegetation removal (areas 2 & 3); an abandoned jeep road requiring extensive re- grading to address severe erosion problems(area 5);and three sections of trail which are also experiencing excessive erosion problems (areas 8, 9, 10). 4.2. Needs Analysis The following tasks will be undertaken over the next 5-7 year cycle to accomplish the goals identified in section 3. To achieve goals 3.1 —3.4 the IHNR shall be managed in accordance with the City adopted policies described in "Conservation Guidelines for Open Space lands of the City of San Luis Obispo" The reader is referred to this document for specific details of how these policies relate to the land use categories identified for the IHNR on the system map (Fig. 7), and an explanation of how policies are identified in the discussion below(e.g. LV7). Many of the policies described in "Conservation Guidelines for Open Space lands of the City of San Luis Obispo"are designed to protect City open space by restricting activities that may negatively impact valuable resources (e.g. prohibition of trail construction in 'Habitat Areas' [HAl2]). Implementation of such restrictions is passive, requiring no active management or changes in prevailing conditions or activities. However, several other policies do require active management and will result in changes of resource conditions or their use. Policies requiring active management are: ME Cly of San Luis Obhpo 17 00 AT n v r,�n MRWII 4.2.1 Essential vegetation thinning will be undertaken in'ManagementlTrail Corridor' areas as identified in Fig. 7 (LV6). Thinning of native vegetation will only be undertaken when necessary to improve public safety on trails, reduce fuel loads at the urban/open space interface, or as occasional maintenance under powerlines. 4.2.2 Erosion control practices will be undertaken in 'Trail Corridor Areas' and 'Restoration Areas' identified in Fig. 7 (LV7). This will involve the implementation of acceptable trail modifications to reduce erosive forces caused by the accumulation of water on the trail. Erosion control measures are also incorporated into the restoration plan for Froom Creek road (Appendix 3). 4.2.3 Prescribed burning may be utilized as a management tool to reduce vegetative fuel loads in 'Management Areas' and 'Habitat Areas' (LV8). Such activities will be conducted in accordance with the wildfire preparedness/management plan for the IHNR(Section 4.3). 4.2.4 Defensible spaces will be maintained at the urban/open space interface in 'Management Areas' (LV9). The width and location of these spaces will be in accordance with the wildfire preparedness/management plan (Section 4.3) 4.2.5 All areas may be closed to the public during periods of extreme fire hazard or other emergencies (LV11). 4.2.6 Passive recreation (e.g. hiking; bird watching etc)will be permitted and encouraged in areas designated as'Management/Trail Corridors' and 'Cultural/Historic' in Fig. 7. Passive recreation will be discouraged in all other areas (HA1; HA2). Active recreation (e.g. mountain biking; equestrian activities etc)will only be permitted on designated trails located in 'Management/Trail Corridor' areas (HA4) identified in Fig. 7. Trails which are susceptible to erosion, pass through sensitive habitat, or are in restoration areas may be closed to active recreational activities. 4.2.7 Official trailheads will be established at Prefumo Canyon Road and All Madonna Road, as shown in Fig. 3 (HA3). City of&=L=Obgo . 18 S- � 4.2.8 Only trails identified in Fig. 7 as 'Proposed'will be constructed over the 5-7 year cycle of this conservation plan (HAl2). 4.2.9 Restoration activities will be undertaken at the seven 'Restoration' areas identified in Fig. 7. These will include closure and re-vegetation of degraded sections of the trail network (sections 6,7,8 & 9, Fig. 7), a program exotic species removal (e.g. broom [Cytisus]; pampas/jabata grass [Cortaderia]; section 2 Fig. 7), and a program to stabilize an eroding section of Froom Creek Road (section 4, Fig. 7). Funding has been applied for to complete the Froom Creek Road stabilization project, see Appendix 3 for details of this proposed project. 4.2.10 Livestock grazing will be restricted to 30 acres of perennial grassland in the 'Management Area' located in the S.E. corner of the IHNR. 4.2.11 The following additional policies will be implemented to achieve goals 3.5— 3.20: 4.2.12 As funding and purchasing opportunities arise the IHNR will be expanded, with the eventual goal of linking the property by trail with Montana De Oro state park. In addition, the boundaries of the IHNR will be expanded if feasible to facilitate the development of a 'loop'trail system originating and terminating at existing official access points and connecting to the Johnson Ranch Open Space one mile south of the IHNR (goal 3.5). 4.2.13 The IHNR web-page will be established to post information about the open space and keep the public informed of the ongoing progress of implementation of the conservation plan (goals 3.6; 3.8). 4.2.14 A monitoring program shall be implemented to gather data on the intensity of visitor use; patterns of visitor use (e.g. hiking; mountain biking; equestrian etc); changing trail widths; population dynamics of the chorro creek bog thistle (goals 3.7; 3.20) 4.2.15 Fire risk warning signs will be posted at both official access points to the Q11111 property from May thru October (goal 3.8). City of San Lair Obirpo 19 �! �� A T` ACV,riq-P re DFLAFT; 4.2.16 The current trail system shall be maintained as is, with the option to add a loop should the necessary land be acquired at a future date (goal 3.10). 4.2.17 The paved road extending from Sterling Drive will be preserved, and the unpaved section realigned and paved to provide access to the IHNR for disabled persons and for emergencies. Access via this point will be restricted and gate keys will be available only by written request from the Parks and Recreation Department(goal 3.11). 4.2.18 The trail system will be mapped and routes identified with trail markers. All signage will be small, unobtrusive and of a consistent style(see Appendix 4 for examples). Maps of approved routes and access points will be made available at official trailheads, in the IHNR brochure and on the IHNR web site (goal 3.12). 4.2.19 In the interest of public safety, vegetation alongside the trail system will be managed to increase visibility on blind corners and reduce the risk of collisions between fast moving mountain bikes and hikers. Additionally, a code of trail etiquette will be published on the IHNR web site, the IHNR brochure and at the official trailheads (goals 3.14; 3.16). 4.2.20 Funding, in the form of state, federal and private educational grants, shall be pursued to provide educational resources on the site. Alternatively, funds may be collected to contribute to a single educational center providing information about the entire open space system which is planned for in the Laguna Lake Park development plan. 4.2.21 Educational resources will also be made available via the IHNR website;the IHNR brochure; and on trailhead signage(goal 3.15). 4.2.22 In the interest of public safety the location of all mine openings on the IHNR will be identified and fenced if they constitute a hazard. However, openings will not be completely sealed due to the potential for gas accumulation within the openings and the fact that such areas may represent habitat for sensitive wildlife species such as bats (goal 3.17). �i City of aw,oaspo 20 . •uov l"a YJ Y C. 1 b' 4.2.23. No trash cans or toilet facilities will be provided within the IHNR. At trailheads, and on all IHNR educational materials, users will be encouraged to adopt the 'pack-in, pack-out philosophy with regards to garbage and waste. This principal has worked well at other City open spaces in the past (goal 3.19). 4.2.24 The City biologist, in conjunction with consultants and students from CalPoly,will expand the current biological inventory for the IHNR. Specifically data will be collected on the temporal dynamics of Chorro creek bog thistle populations; and further identification of invertebrate, amphibian and reptile species(goal 3.20). 4.3 Fire Preparedness/Management Plan The City document "Conservation Guidelines for City Owned Open Space Lands" recommends that a wildfire preparedness/management plan be developed for City open space lands. After consultation with the City's fire department, four areas have been identified that will receive specific treatment with respect to fighting wildfires and prescribed burning (Fig. 8). The process of identification of these areas takes into account a number of factors, including:the topography of the land;proximityto urban developments;vegetation type; and the presence of sensitive species. The areas are: Potential prescribed burning area—areas identified as supporting a high load of vegetative fuel that could be safely reduced by burning under prescribed weather and wind conditions. Fuel management area—areas adjacent to the urban/wildland interface that could not be safely burned in a controlled manner. These areas will require active pruning, mowing and/or other active management of the vegetation to reduce fuel loads adjacent to developed areas. Active fire fighting area - areas acting as a buffer between the surrounding urban developments and the pristine habitat lying to the west but still within the IHNR. Active fire fighting techniques such as the use of heavy machinery and cutting of fuel breaks can be utilized to protect life and property from an advancing wildfire. These areas have also been identified because the physical resources and topography are conducive to successful restoration efforts following a wildfire. MIEN City_of San Luir Obirpo . 21 ��32 � ' y �,-�i':V �I�'.r4 fl"i #q;• i� �y..moi ' ��. �'.T1 „`a..- ", :���_. .b. r �... 1 "L> �� '1.Yt yf'.'�.'. ' `+W ; �" .�V Y� .ICS '�_. % ,M.,^ �' %•', ;. tit• r � `��..� rt �:• t��� 1 4 Y a �'. ',f'r "• .fie' +f• b Atm fob I w 'r t� r 1 ♦ J' µ•ow' ... ........ /I �,w t ,L t:•r ✓ , 7 r•"� . 1 4. .• � r :� 'i^iiPr 1 - " •' ' � ! r' x { ..r:::........... a . ............ .,.;: _.............................. .._............................................_........_........::;:r -- - ........................................ ........................ .... .......... s $ (r .... ........... j ......... .. . ............... .............. X'. ............... :..::::::::::: f' ,9 ................................." ._ ....................................... ..... _ ................................................................................ .......... s ................................................................................................. y . ..................................._................................................-•..y. �... •_r. -•.a'+. ....................._............................................... ................................................................ .........................,...,.......... ':`...x l .........._.........................:............._............ .....:r- r t ................... ..:..... �iEiE zit . i,t�. :.n. '•'� ., ....................................... ..................................... j . .`'� .��t^� k .. y fir. �•w,�. �'�. `• . F� �•1 S a, 2iyJ, J. y-� F .y��(�/(�'Mj�jI�I''�� +A" .. � +i. I s MIME h�0 Passive (habitat sensitive) fire fighting area — areas of important wildlife habitat, mostly on steep hill sides and thin serpentine-derived soils. These areas are also somewhat removed from urban development. They are particularly sensitive to aggressive fire fighting techniques such as the use of heavy machinery. Therefore,wherever practicable fire fighting strategies in these areas should be limited to low impact, habitat friendly methods. 4.4 Implementation Strategy The priority and order in which various tasks will implemented is detailed below,together with a designation of each specific task to staff from the City's Natural Resources Program (NR) or the Parks and Recreation Department (PR). Ongoing Tasks Tasks 4.1-4.12 are general maintenance activities which will be implemented on a regular or'as needed' basis through out the 5-7 year cycle covered by this conservation plan(NR/ PR). Specific tasks Years 1-2 • Construct IHNR web-page (task 4.2.13 [NR]) • Initiate monitoring program and additional biological studies (task 4.2.14; 4.2.24 [NR/PR]) • Post fire risk warning signs May thru October(task 4.2.15 [PR]) • Identify and fence all hazardous mine shaft openings (task 4.2.22 [PR]) • Construct "proposed" trails (task 4,2.8 [PR/NR]) • Closure and rehabilitation of all 'Restoration Areas' (tasks 4.2.2; 4.2.9 [PR/NR]). • Produce IHNR educational brochure(task 4.2.21 [NR/PR]) • Install informational signs at official access points (task 4.2.21 [PR]) Years 3-4 • Map and mark trail system (task 4.2.18 [NR/PR]) • Assess trail system for potential points of conflict between users ('blind spots'), and take measures to correct these problems (task 4.2.19 [PR]) • Re-align and complete improvements to paved road originating at Sterling Drive; encourage access to the site by disabled users (task 4.2.17 [NR/PR]). Ci of San L b obirpo 22 �r ' (R1Y tlDllM'Y YYVY LmYV v. Years 5-7 • Complete first cycle of monitoring studies (task 4.2.14 [NR]) • Complete additional biological inventorying studies (task 4.2.24 [NR]) • Update Conservation Plan for IHNR. As funds/opportunities become available • Develop a system of educational resources for the IHNR,or include information at a centralized City open space resource center planned for Laguna Lake Park(task 4.2.20 [NR/PR]). • Acquire adjoining parcels of land to expand IHNR to join with other state owned land,and facilitate the development of a`looped'trail system from approved access points (task 4.2.12 [NR]). • Conduct prescribed burning in areas identified in the fire preparedness plan. 5. Fiscal Statement The fiscal impact of the plan is expected to be minor. It will consist of routine patrol and monitoring of the property at essentially the same scale as occurs now,and implementation of several capital improvements. These include: 5.1 Stabilization of the Froom Creek Jeep Road and associated activity 5.2 Paving of the unpaved section of the Ridge Road 5.3 Construction of a livestock fence for the pasture area 5.4 Construction of several new trail connections 5.5 Closure and revegetation of unsuitable trails The first three of these are the most expensive. The City of San Luis Obispo has been awarded a$75,000 grant for Item 5.1 above,and grant funding will also be sought for Item 5.2, as it will assist handicapped access to the Reserve. Item 5.3 will be installed using City funds as it is an important part of the fire preparedness plan for the Reserve. The other projects are expected to have only minor costs associated with them, and can be done largely with volunteer labor. The fire preparedness plan has certain maintenance costs associated with regular(annual in some cases, every few years in others) mowing or pruning of vegetation to ensure an acceptable level of fuel load management between IHNR and adjacent developed properties. 11 Larger scale efforts such as prescribed burning or significant vegetation manipulation MMISMoft"M (such as meadow restoration)will be pursued as resources are available. City of Sms L-ir Obispo 23 �- 3S References Dugan, D(2002). Final Survey Report on the Wildlife Resources of the Irish Hills Ecological Area. Tenera Environmental, SLO, CA 93401. Nature Conservancy of California (2001). Coastal Watershed Conservation Plan—Irish Hills. 99 pp. Smith, C.T & Griggs, A. B (1944). Chromite Deposits near San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo County California. pp 23-44. Strategic Minerals Investigations, 1944. United States Department of the Interior. U.S. Printing Office, Washington. City of Sm Luis Obirpo 24 �b:ITa�G�6�b�GS !� Appendix 1 Soil Type Descriptions for the Irish Hills Natural Reserve Please note: All appendices are available for viewing at City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo CA City of San Lair Obirpo 25 Sr�� Vk21:. 9 2 Appendix 2 Final Survey Report on the Wildlife Resources of the Irish Hills Natural Reserve Please note: All appendices are available for viewing at City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo CA d City of San Luis Obispo 26 (/ :r -I Appendix 3 Froom Creek Road Stabilization Proposal to California Department of Fish & Game Please note: All appendices are available for viewing at City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo CA City of Son Lair Obispo 27 r„-gam_,-��,,,�-r- f' z Appendix 4 Examples of Signage Please note: All appendices are available for viewing at City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo CA QU City of San Lair 064a 28 IP-6-lie O'Connor- Irish Hills-Council Mee April 15, 2003 From: "D. & E. Dollar' <ddollar@pacbell.net> To: <joconnor@slocity.org>, John Ewan <jewan@slocity.org>, Allen Settle <asettle@slocity.org>, Ken Schwartz<kschwartz@slocity.org>, Christine Mulholland <cmulholland@slocity.org>, Dave Romero <dromero@slocity.org> Date: 4/15/03 8:21AM Subject: Irish Hills-Council Meeting April 15, 2003 RECEIVED City Council, APR 15 2003 Please enter my comments below into the public record on Irish Hills. SLG CITY CLERK Can they be read into the read?Thank you. Irish Hills I support the Irish Hills Plan and urge you to adopt it. It is a good plan, with lots of measures for resource protection. I have worked with the City's Natural Resource staff on the draft and the two commission meetings. As the first Open Space plan, it is a very good start. I do have several areas that I think could use improvements and I will note them. *Active recreational use of Irish Hills-the Wildlife Report for Irish Hills, page 18, under Discussion, states that"The potential for erosion is high in Obispo-rock outcrop soils and minimizing erosion should be a primary management concern." I am concerned that active recreation may not be suitable in the Irish Hills. RED FILE *Grazing Plan -this is a small plan, but future plans should more MEETING AGEND clearly spell out resource objectives, responses to drought ��(�b conditions and livestock management. On Bishop Peak and other DA�TEM # LS areas where there is more grazing, these could be more difficult. I am not against grazing, but feel that Open Space grazing should have very clear resource objectives as stated in the Conservation Guidelines for Open Spaces. *Monitoring of resources, Level of Acceptable Change (LAC). Here, I would like to see movement towards more quantifiable LACs as listed in the Conservation Guidelines for Open Space. I understand the city budget situation and potential impact on the Natural Resources staff, but would like to see movement towards more objective LACs. We are fortunate to have a good start on a Greenbelt program for the city. The Open Space Plans can be a productive step towards wise stewardship of public resources for current and future generations. If I.GCOUNCIL we think about future generations when we deal with Open Space areas, 2TAO TCDD DIR Z--FIN DIR let us err on the side of resourceprotection so that we can proudly -aACA0 hand these areas to the future. Please support the Open Space program A'ATTORNEY �PWEDICRHIEF through effective budget allocation so that.seed money to acquire future la'CLERK/ORIG 27-POLICE CHF areas is available and day to day management functions can be properly L7 DEPT HEADS ZREC DIR cared out. �� B'UTIL DIR 2lgR DIR Sincerely, Don Dollar SLO 781-0118 CC: Neil Havlik <nhavlik@slocity.org>, Michael Clarke <MClarke@slocity.org>