HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-31-2015 B4 Natural Resources Program Annual UpdateCity of San Luis Obispo, Council Agenda Report, Meeting Date, Item Number
FROM: Michael Codron, Assistant City Manager
Prepared By: Robert A. Hill, Natural Resources Manager
Freddy Otte, City Biologist
SUBJECT: ACTIVITY REPORT FOR THE NATURAL RESOURCES
PROTECTION PROGRAM FOR 2015.
RECOMMENDATION
Receive and file the 2015 Natural Resources Protection Program Annual Activity Report.
DISCUSSION
Today, the City of San Luis Obispo owns 3,503 acres of open space and has protected 3,446
acres with open space or conservation easements, including:
1. Operation of twelve large open space reserves that are managed for natural resource
protection and are available for passive recreation, as well as numerous smaller areas.
2. Maintaining thirteen conservation easements for habitat, scenic, and agricultural
purposes.
3. Protective management and restoration activities in many areas of open space lands, as
well as along San Luis Obispo Creek and its tributaries.
4. Continued review and assessment of acquisition opportunities for land within the City’s
greenbelt.
The Natural Resources Protection Program works in close collaboration with the Parks and
Recreation Department’s Ranger Service Program to ensure the highest care, long-term
stewardship, and appropriate public use of the City’s open space network, while also partnering
with Central Coast Grown and ECOSLO to build additional capacity for land stewardship and
education purposes (Attachment 3: Central Coast Grown Annual Report; Attachment 4:
ECOSLO Quarterly Reports).
In addition, program activities include:
1. Organizational leadership for the City’s Stormwater Management Program, insuring
water quality in compliance with its Regional Water Quality Control Board permits.
2. Collaboration with City Rangers and the Police Department to enforce the City’s creek
protection ordinance.
3. Coordination with resource agencies such as the Department of Fish and Game to help
City departments, such as Utilities, acquire permits and implement and monitor required
mitigation measures associated with infrastructure construction projects.
Open Space Other Important Objective 2013-15. The Natural Resources Protection Program
in partnership with the Parks and Recreation Department Ranger Service Program and Fire
Department have worked together on the Council’s 2013-15 Other Important Objective for Open
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Natural Resources Program Activity Report for 2015 Page 2
Space, focused on expansion, maintenance and enhancement. Progress on the Other Important
Objective with respect to the adopted Action Plan is as follows:
1. Real Property Acquisition / Administration and Conservation Planning:
a. Pursue key acquisition opportunities including additions to the Reservoir Canyon
Natural Reserve and the Irish Hills Natural Reserve, as well as conservation easements
which will protect larger landscapes including scenic views and city gateways,
headwaters to San Luis Obispo Creek and several perennial streams, and valuable
habitat areas.
Status: Staff is presently pursuing two separate but contiguous land acquisitions,
the Miossi Brothers La Cuesta Ranch and the Ahearn Family Ranch, as described in
the Council Agenda Report on January 6, 2015. Appraisal reports for these property
interests are expected by June 30, 2015.
b. Ongoing annual monitoring of all City-owned open space preserves, open space
easements, and conservation easements.
Status: Complete
c. Complete Reservoir Canyon Natural Reserve Conservation Plan to include Upper
Goldtree property addition.
Status: Complete
d. Complete update of the Laguna Lake Management Program.
Status: Complete
e. Update Conservation Guidelines for Open Space Lands within the City of San Luis
Obispo to address minor inconsistencies with other policy documents.
Status: Deferred pursuant to Council direction in lieu of preparing the Bishop Peak
Natural Reserve Conservation Plan Update
f. Update the Saving Special Places reports pertaining to strategic open space acquisition
priorities.
Status: Deferred pursuant to Council direction in lieu of preparing the Bishop Peak
Natural Reserve Conservation Plan Update.
g. Prepare the Islay Hill, Righetti Hill, and Terrace Hill Conservation Plan.
Status: Partially deferred pursuant to Council direction in lieu of preparing the
Bishop Peak Natural Reserve Conservation Plan Update; the Terrace Hill Open Space
Conservation Plan is calendared for Council consideration on May 19, 2015.
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Natural Resources Program Activity Report for 2015 Page 3
2. Land Restoration, Stewardship, and Monitoring:
a. Continue sediment removal project at Prefumo Creek inlet to Laguna Lake and
continue monitoring of four other sediment removal locations completed in 2012.
Status: Complete
b. Continue vegetative stabilization efforts associated with road decommissioning
project at Froom Ranch.
Status: Final phase of re-seeding expected in March 2015
c. Ongoing community outreach and education in partnership with ECOSLO.
Status: A re-design of the SLO Stewards newsletter and training of new Natural
San Luis Docents were completed
d. Creek and flood protection within the City’s natural waterways through Zone 9
projects and coordination and oversight of the Stormwater Management Program.
Status: Complete
e. Ongoing monitoring, remedial action, and enhancement, as needed, of existing
mitigation sites.
Status: Complete
f. Complete pampas grass treatment at Froom Ranch.
Status: Completed first round of treatment through invasive species contract with
The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County. Any necessary re-treatment
activity will occur in early winter 2015.
g. Install wetland meadow and riparian planting / invasive species control at Calle
Joaquin Agricultural Reserve using awarded EEMP grant funds.
Status: Completed first phase of installation. Second phase expected in spring
2015.
3. Open Space Improvements, Maintenance, User Safety, and Patrol:
a. Continue daily patrol of the City’s schools, parks, open space areas and creek
corridors.
Status: Ongoing
b. Continue maintenance of existing City open space trails.
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Natural Resources Program Activity Report for 2015 Page 4
Status: Ongoing
c. Continue to coordinate 65 trail work days (3,500 hours) a year utilizing volunteers.
Status: Ongoing with over 4,000 hours so far.
d. Continue to partner with the Central Coast Concerned Mountain Bikers on various
open space improvements and maintenance.
Status: Ongoing including joint meeting with national leadership sustainable
mountain biking group, International Mountain Biking Assocation (IMBA)
e. Continue to construct additional trails at Froom Ranch consistent with the approved
Irish Hills Conservation Plan.
Status: 2.4 miles of trail have been added in this area since summer 2014-with
the last trail awaiting design and final coordination with the Bureau of Land
Management.
f. Evaluate and implement long term solution to address unsanctioned and user created
trails at Bishop Peak, and continue to evaluate and address trailhead parking burdens
in surrounding neighborhoods with signs, patrol, and dissemination of directional
information on the City’s website, trail maps, and in SLO Stewards.
Status: Ongoing with trailhead posting, user outreach, and additional night-time
patrols by Ranger Service and Police Department staff conducted in fall 2014.
Additional implementation steps to be determined as part of the Council’s
consideration of the Bishop Peak Natural Reserve Conservation Plan Update scheduled
for July 7, 2015.
g. Evaluate and plan long term solution to maintain singular and sustainable access
trail at the Maino Open Space.
Status: Completed March 2015 with trail decommissioning, sustainable trail
constructed, and increased patrol to encourage appropriate useage.
h. Continue Ranger Led Hikes in the City’s open space on a monthly basis and upon
request.
Status: Ongoing
i. Continue Ranger Service environmental education program and Junior Ranger Camp
to increase open space knowledge and user safety.
Status: Complete for summer of 2014.
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Natural Resources Program Activity Report for 2015 Page 5
j. Re-route and begin construction of a trail connecting Froom Ranch to the Bureau of
Land Management’s parcel in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding
with the Department of Interior.
Status: In progress, pending BLM environmental review of proposed trail
alignment, with anticipated completion by June 30, 2015.
k. Install new trail signs and kiosks including but not limited to: Froom Ranch, Froom-
Johnson Ranch Connector Trail, and Reservoir Canyon.
Status: Deferred in-lieu of comprehensive open space trailhead improvements
program to be included in Master Plan for City Open Space maintenance
l. Complete the Reservoir Canyon bridge repairs.
Status: Complete 2013.
m. Assist staff and the public with a Donation Station program; creating avenues for
further support of open space maintenance and preservation (opportunities include
Iron Rangers in possible partnership with Public Art).
Status: Deferred in-lieu of comprehensive maintenance plan process proposed
for 2015-17.
4. Urban-Wildland Interface Fuel Reduction:
a. Bowden Ranch Open Space eucalyptus thinning
b. Irish Hills Open Space eucalyptus thinning and mowing
c. Terrace Hill Open Space mowing
d. Islay Hill Open Space mowing
e. Maino Open Space / Lemon Grove eucalyptus thinning
Status: Complete or expected to be complete by June 30, 2015
FISCAL IMPACT
Since its inception in 1995 the Natural Resources Protection Program has utilized approximately
$4,302,500 in City general fund monies for Open Space acquisition. This includes about
$952,500 in Measure Y funds since July 2007. This total has been matched by $4,785,000 in
outside funding support, including private, other local, State, and Federal sources, as well as
$4.050,000 in donated land value. The total value of all Open Space acquisitions since 1996 is
$13,137,500. In addition, many enhancement projects have also utilized City funds and outside
grants, or have benefitted from donations or volunteer support. The total cost of these projects is
over $1,000,000. The land transaction history and their cost breakdowns are included in the
attached Open Space Inventory.
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Natural Resources Program Activity Report for 2015 Page 6
Staff has not yet spent any of the $400,000 allocated in the 2013-15 financial period to the Open
Space CIP, but expects to do so. Historically, open space acquisition funds have been matched at
a ratio of approximately 3:1; this is a “running average” of all projects, although some projects
have enjoyed substantially more matching funds, and some less. Staff will continue to expend
Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation Program (EEMP) grant funds in contract from the
California Natural Resources Agency for the purposes of implanting riparian restoration and
installing a “wetland meadow” along Prefumo Creek at the Calle Joaquin Agricultural Reserve.
ALTERNATIVE
1. Continue the item and direct staff to make revisions or include additional information.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Open Space Inventory
2. Greenbelt Map
3. Central Coast Grown Annual Report
4. ECOSLO Quarterly Reports
T:\Council Agenda Reports\2015\2015-03-31\Natural Resources Program Activity Report for 2014 (Hill)
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Attachment 1
Open Space of the City of San Luis Obispo
as of January 1, 2015
I. pre-1996 open space lands
Terrace Hill Open Space, 30 acres
Lemon Grove Open Space, 43 acres
Ferrini Open Space, 136 acres
Laguna Lake Open Space, 140 acres
Let It Be Nature Preserve, 5 acres
South Hills Open Space, 62 acres
Reservoir Canyon Open Space, 203 acres
Lopez Canyon Open Space, 320 acres
Wolfe Open Space Easement Dedication, 95 acres
Madonna Open Space Easement Dedication, 20 acres
Islay Hill Open Space Easement Dedication, 70 acres
Total: 939 acres fee, 185 acres easement (1,124 acres total)
II. Lands Acquired 1996 through 1999
Guidetti Ranch Easement, 1,480 acres (November 1996)
$400,000 City funds
Maino Open Space, 75 acres (March 1997)
$950,000 City funds
$400,000 donation value
Bishop Peak Open Space, 108 acres (February 1998)
$400,000 City funds
$450,000 State and private funds
Total this period: 183 acres fee, 1,480 acres easement
III. Lands Acquired, 2000 – 2001
Filipponi Ecological Area, 75 acres (March 2000)
$175,000 City funds
$350,000 State grants
Stenner Springs Open Space, 49 acres (April 2000)
$55,000 City funds
$10,000 Federal grant
DeVaul Open Space, 182 acres (December 2000)
$182,000 donation value
Prefumo Canyon Open Space, 360 acres (January 2001)
$360,000 donation value
Guidetti Ranch Easement amendment, 1,480 acres (January 2001)
$50,000 City funds
$950,000 State and private grants
Hastings Open Space, 284 acres (March 2001)
$70,000 City funds
$130,000 State grant
Froom Ranch Easement Dedication, 150 acres (May 2001)
$150,000 donation value
Foster Open Space, 154 acres (September 2001)
Attachment 1
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$300,000 City funds
$915,000 Federal and State grants
Johnson Ranch Open Space, 242 acres (November 2001)
$300,000 City funds
$1,300,000 Federal, State, and private grants
$150,000 donation value
Bowden Ranch Easement Donation, 195 acres (December 2001)
$195,000 donation value
Total this period:1,346 acres fee, 345 acres easement (plus amendment on 1,480 easement
acres)
IV. Lands Acquired 2002 – June 2007
Bowden Ranch Open Space Dedication, 27 acres (August 2003)
$54,000 donation value
Kuden Donation, 2 acres (September 2003)
$300,000 donation value (per appraisal)
Olson Donation, 1 acre (December 2004)
$250,000 donation value (per appraisal)
Boysen Ranch Easements, 30 acres (June 2005)
$60,000 donation value
Congregation Beth David Easement, 63 acres (June 2005)
$126,000 donation value
Bowden Ranch Fee Donation, 185 acres (50% undivided interest)(October 2005)
$90,000 donation value (per appraisal---encumbered by easement)
Gearhart/McBride Donation, 12 acres (November 2005)
$60,000 donation value (“basic” farmland value)
Brughelli Ranch Easement, 390 acres (December 2006)
$650,000 City funds
$100,000 private grants
$250,000 donation value
Margarita Area Easement donation (King), 71 acres (June 2007)
$142,000 donation value
Union Pacific Railroad property donation (Land Conservancy), 315 acres (June 2007)
$448,000 donation value (per appraisal)
Total this period: 542 acres fee, 484 acres easement
V. Lands Acquired July 2007 – present (Using Measure Y funds)
Elks Lodge Creek and Trail Easement donation (Elks Lodge), 3 acres (May 2008)
$6,000 donation value
Stenner Ranch and Stenner Creek Road property easements, 852 acres (December 2008)
$300,000 Measure Y funds
$200,000 from sale of 14 acre property
$350,000 Federal funds
$150,000 donation value (Stenner Ranch)
$28,000 donation value (Stenner Creek Road property)
Bowden Ranch Open Space , 185 acres (December 2008)
$120,000 from sale of surplus 14 acre property
Attachment 1
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Froom Ranch agricultural easement (Irish Hills West, Inc.), 7 acres, June 2010
$35,000 donation value
Froom Ranch, 310 acres, July 2010
$310,000 Measure Y funds
$350,000 Federal and private grants
$40,000 donation value (Phyllis Madonna)
BLM property management agreement, 78 acres, July 2010
No financial consideration
Prefumo Commons donation (Irish Hills Plaza West, Inc.), 12 acres, August 2010
$60,000 donation value
O’Connor Ranch agricultural conservation easement (held by Land Conservancy of SLO
County), 191 acres (October 2010)
$107,500 City funds
$850,000 Federal grant
300 Lawrence Drive lots donation (Inland Pacific Co.), 1 acre, December 2011
$2,000 donation value
Rockview Close open space lot donation, (Asset Logic Group), 3 acres, December 2011
$6,000 donation value
Foster/Spangler property conservation easement donation, 38 acres (December 2011)
$250,000 donation value
Righetti Hill and Righetti Homesite conservation easements, 56 acres (April 2012)
$112,000 donation value
Upper Goldtree Vineyard Tract lots, 89 acres (June 2012)
$235,000 City funds
$15,000 Land Conservancy of SLO County grant
$325,000 donation value (Filipponi / Twisselman)
Total this period: 493 acres fee, 952 acres easement
Total Since Inception of Natural Resources Protection Program: 2,564 acres fee, 3,331 acres
easement (5,895 acres total)
Overall Total: 3,503 acres fee, 3,446 acres easement (6,952 total)
Total City Funds Expended : $4,302,500 (Including $952,500 in Measure Y funds)
Total of all “Outside” Funding Support: $4,785,000
Total Donation Value: $4,050,000
Grand Total: $13,137,500
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Date: January 27, 2015
To: Bob Hill
From: Steven Marx, Central Coast Grown
Re: City Farm San Luis Obispo Annual Report of activities, accomplishments and plans
for 2014
Goals for 2014 (From City Farm Annual Report 2013)
1. Lease out additional 3 acres to 1-4 entities
2. Develop one acre as part of CCG’s programming
3. Develop brand for City Farm
4. Hold Inaugural event on April 6th
Goal 1:
After preliminary cover cropping by CCG volunteer John Phillips using equipment
loaned free of charge by local farmer Don Warden, two entities were selected as
subtenants on acreage remaining after the rest of the 20-acre parcel was sublet to Nico
Farms for commercial organic production in 2013.
a. A five year commercial lease was signed with Green Gold Organic Farms for
two acres. They started planting strawberries in September and will also grow mini green
peppers. The business, founded by three young Poly graduates, has another farm in
Arroyo Grande and has trained and farmed at ALBA, the small-farmer incubation facility
in Salinas. They hope to expand their operation with more land leased from CCG in
2015 and adding direct sales to consumers at a farm stand at City Farm to their present
commercial accounts. Greengold has contributed time and materials to planting a small
strawberry bed with students at the adjoining Pacific Beach School Garden. For details
see: http://centralcoastgrown.org/2014/10/press-release-green-gold-organic-farms-joins-
us/
b. CCG signed an agreement with Our Global Family Demonstration Garden
(OGF), an educational program of the licensed non-profit, San Luis Obispo Permaculture
Guild headed by certified outdoor education teacher Teresa Lees. OGF is managing a
quarter acre parcel of City Farm to provide educational experiences to groups of
elementary school children and the general public. Permaculture Guild volunteers are
working with Teresa Lees to construct four distinct gardens representing food cultures
and production methods from the four corners of the globe. By the end of 2014, with the
help of volunteer surveyor, Tom Taylor, they had mapped the site, dug beds and paths,
erected a toolshed, greenhouse, seating area, and stage. For details see
http://centralcoastgrown.org/2014/12/our-global-family-childrens-garden-is-being-
created-at-city-farm-with-your-support/
Goal 2:
a. In January 2014 CCG approached Pacific Beach High School, a continuation school
for at-risk teenagers administered through the SLO-Coast Unified School District, with
an offer to collaborate in building an agricultural education program to enrich the
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curriculum and provide hands-on projects and vocational education for its students. The
location of the school, a ten-minute walk from City Farm made it possible for classes to
meet there several days per week. The School Principal Andy Marinello, and teacher
Anne Wilder agreed and worked with CCG volunteers to develop a pilot Summer School
class in June and, if successful, its incorporation into the regular school curriculum
starting in September. The school district allocated teacher salaries for staffing the classes
and CCG volunteers applied for grants to cover equipment, supplies, and eventually a
salaried Farm Manager and Educator. Grants were awarded by the Henry Mayo Newhall
Foundation, the San Luis Obispo United Way Community Improvement Project Fund,
the Janssen Foundation, through the Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County
and were not awarded by the Miossi Foundation and the US Council of Mayors.
After initial ground preparation in May, 12 students and teacher Anne Wilder worked
with CCG volunteers to map out, dig, irrigate, fertilize, plant and cultivate a wide variety
of vegetables during the month of June. Supplies were contributed by Miner’s Hardware,
Home Depot, Farm Supply and Greenheart Growers of Nipomo. The pilot program was
carefully evaluated and School authorities committed to continue the program on a
regular basis for the whole of the 2014-5 academic year. They also contributed a spare
toolshed which was moved and erected at the farm.
During Fall 2014, classes during the quarter’s three marking period took part in the
program, which combined classroom instruction in science, and a new course developed
by Anne Wilder called “Agro-Ecology” with three or two-day per week directed work at
the farm. These classes were enriched by guest presentations on cooking with solar
ovens by Rosemary Wilvert, careers in Agriculture byJim Brabeck of Farm Supply, the
history of the Agricultural Preserve by Mayor Jan Marx, the growing and food
preparation of native American food crops by Brian Englton, Sustainable Agriculture by
Hunter Francis, and principles of Organic Gardening by John Phillips, along with a
notable visit by Representative Lois Capps, members of the SLO Coastal School Board,
and SLO City officials.
(https://www.flickr.com/photos/124814213@N08/sets/72157648339884610/)
In addition to planting and tending new crops, students harvested those planted in June,
and all had a chance to prepare and cook a variety of dishes in an improvised camp-stove
kitchen on site which were eaten, at first reluctantly, but later with gusto. In late 2014,
Principal Marinello indicated that the School would welcome continuation and expansion
of the program during the next academic year, 2015-16.
For more information, see: http://centralcoastgrown.org/2014/05/pacific-beach-high/
http://centralcoastgrown.org/2014/06/city-farm-school-with-pacific-beach-high-part-2/
http://centralcoastgrown.org/2014/09/press-release-pacific-beach-high-school-teaches-
students-at-city-farm/
For pictures: https://www.flickr.com/photos/124814213@N08/sets/
In December 2014, after a national search, CCG hired a professional farm manager and
educator, Nicki Anderson, to take over leadership of the PBHS program as well as to
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expand its own crop production activities on the remainder of the three acre parcel not
slated for sublet to private enterprises.
b. CCG secured a “Smart Ideas” grant from PG&E to cover costs of erecting a roofed
outdoor shade structure and meeting area to be shared by all the educational and
community service programs using City Farm.
Goal 3
By the end of 2014 City Farm SLO became Central Coast Grown’s primary focus of
activity and branding of the two endeavors will continue to overlap. City Farm activities
have been prominently featured in the Chamber of Commerce Newsletter, the Newspaper
Insert of the SLO-Coastal Unified School District, Information Press, Edible SLO, SLO
City News, and on KSBY and KCBX. CCG was also the recipient of 12 hours of free
brand development from Verdin, a local, marketing firm, resulting in a logo for CCG
farm production.
Goal 4
The Inaugural Event on April 6 highlighting the initiation of City Farm as the
culmination of efforts begun with the provisions for an Agricultural Preserve
incorporated in the 1994 General Plan was attended by about 250 people. It included a
groundbreaking ceremony, music, speeches, opportunities for planting seedlings, many
food and local, sustainable agriculture booths, fresh food from local outlets, and
educational booths and activities. For more information see,
http://centralcoastgrown.org/city-farm/fun-raiser/ and
https://www.flickr.com/photos/smarx/sets/72157643597495573/
Plans
1. Our subtenant, Nico Farms, gave notice in late December that they will no longer
occupy the sixteen acre parcel they have been leasing from CCG and will terminate their
lease. They were in arrears for rent payments, but left behind the eight-foot deer fence
they constructed along the creekside border of the farm, which is an essential asset with
high value for City Farm. CCG immediately issued an RFP for prospective new tenants
for that parcel, which is likely to be divided into smaller portions.
2. Due to the expiration and non-renewal of the large CDFA grant covering
administrative expenses, CCG has had to cut back staff and operating expenses. Our
programs are continuing to be financed by contributions, reduced rental income, and
other grants, and we are able to retain the Farm manager/Educator for the foreseeable
future. Along with numerous long-term volunteers, and increased board member
participation, she is carrying out the administrative duties required to maintain and grow
our programs.
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3. A Cal Poly Agricultural Business class taught by Professor Keri Schwab has taken
responsibility for organizing a public event on the farm on April 11 that will carry on the
tradition set by last year’s Inaugural.
4. Green Gold Organic Farms have stated an intention to lease additional acreage after
their first strawberry harvest this spring.
5. Our Global Family Garden volunteers are working to develop that site, which is
expected to initiate educational programs for school children this Spring.
6.The structure funded by PG&E is to be modeled on the “Pergola” at the Master
Gardeners Garden of the Seven Sisters County on 2156 Sierra Way in San Luis Obispo,
and construction is slated to be completed in Spring 2015. Our pergola will include a
slanted roof with stormwater collection features.
7. A small farmstand selling produce produced at City Farm is expected to be constructed
and staffed by volunteers this Spring.
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Natural Resources Protection Program
Annual Report to City Council ~ March 31, 2015
Great Horned Owl at Laguna Lake Natural Reserve
Terra Verde 2014
Natural Resources Protection Program
Annual Report to City Council ~ March 31, 2015
Natural Resources Protection Program
Annual Report to City Council ~ March 31, 2015
Presentation Outline:
Natural Resources Protection Program Overview
Highlights From the 2014-15 Open Space Work Plan
Public / Private Partnerships
City Biologist’s Activities
Looking Forward
Questions and Discussion
Recommendation:
Receive and file the 2015 Natural Resources Protection
Program Annual Activity Report
1961 – City’s first General Plan adopted
1973 – Open Space Element added to City’s General Plan
1989 – Environmental Activity Inventory Compiled
1993 – Environmental Quality Task Force Established
1994 – Open Space Element and Land Use Element updated
1994 – Open Space & Natural Resources Protection adopted as City goals
1995 – Natural Resources Protection Program is developed and approved
1996 – Natural Resources Manager hired
2000 – City Biologist hired
2002 – Conservation Guidelines for City open space adopted
2006 – Updated Conservation and Open Space Element adopted
Ongoing – Conservation Plans adopted and updated in a 7-10 year cycle
Ongoing – Acquisition, planning, monitoring, maintenance, & stewardship
History of
Natural
Resources
Protection
Program
Natural Resources Protection Program
Annual Report to City Council ~ March 31, 2015
Greenbelt Protection Program
Land conservation with willing sellers
Land dedications associated with land use entitlements
Conservation Plans for City-owned open space
Management goals and objectives
Identification of appropriate uses within open space
Monitoring and maintenance procedures
Implementation of Conservation Plans with Ranger Service & FD
Restoration activities
Erosion control and fencing
Signs and kiosks
Trail construction, enhancement, and visitor access
Biological Monitoring, Stormwater Program and Environmental Review
Public Outreach and Education
Natural
Resources
Protection
Program
Overview
Natural Resources Protection Program
Annual Report to City Council ~ March 31, 2015
Pre-1996: City owned about 1,000 acres of land as open space
Since 1996 the City has:
acquired 2,564 acres of land in fee simple for open space
acquired conservation easements on 3,331 acres of agricultural or
open space lands
Total protected land = ~7,000 acres
Since 1996 the City has:
expended $4,302,500 of City funds for acquisition/resource
enhancement (including $952,500 in Measure Y funds)
been awarded $4,785,000 in grants for acquisition/resource
enhancement
obtained land and easement dedications worth approximately
$4,050,000
Total value obtained: $13,137,500
Greenbelt
Protection
Program
Natural Resources Protection Program
Annual Report to City Council ~ March 31, 2015
Total Greenbelt Area = 54,404 ac.
City of SLO: = 7,000 ac.
Public Lands = 9,500 ac.
Williamson Act = 15,000 ac.
Other open space = 1,350 ac.
TOTAL (approx.) = 32,850 ac.
60% of the Greenbelt enjoys some
level and duration of conservation
status
Natural Resources Protection Program
Annual Report to City Council ~ March 31, 2015
Natural Resources Protection Program
Annual Report to City Council ~ March 31, 2015
Laguna Lake Natural Reserve Conservation Plan
Highlights of Work Plan 2014-15
Real Property Acquisition and Conservation Planning
Land Restoration, Stewardship, and Monitoring
Open Space Improvements, Maintenance, User Safety, and Patrol
Urban-Wildland Interface Fuel Reduction
Natural Resources Protection Program
Annual Report to City Council ~ March 31, 2015
Highlights of Work Plan 2014-15 ~ Reservoir Canyon Natural Reserve Bridge Repair and Refurbishment
Natural Resources Protection Program
Annual Report to City Council ~ March 31, 2015
Highlights of Work Plan 2014-15
~ Froom Ranch Trails
Natural Resources Protection Program
Annual Report to City Council ~ March 31, 2015
Highlights of Work Plan 2014-15 ~ Froom Ranch Trails
Natural Resources Protection Program
Annual Report to City Council ~ March 31, 2015
Highlights of Work Plan 2014-15 ~ Cerro San Luis Trail Re-Route and Decommissioning
Natural Resources Protection Program
Annual Report to City Council ~ March 31, 2015
Highlights of Work Plan 2014-15 ~ Cerro San Luis Lemon Grove Restoration with Leadership SLO Class XXII
Natural Resources Protection Program
Annual Report to City Council ~ March 31, 2015
Partnerships ~ Central Coast Grown
Steven Marx 2014
Natural Resources Protection Program
Annual Report to City Council ~ March 31, 2015
Partnerships ~ Environmental Center of San Luis Obispo (ECOSLO)
Natural Resources Protection Program
Annual Report to City Council ~ March 31, 2015
Partnerships ~ The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County
Natural Resources Protection Program
Annual Report to City Council ~ March 31, 2015
Partnerships ~ Central Coast Concerned Mountain Bikers
Natural Resources Protection Program
Annual Report to City Council ~ March 31, 2015
City Biologist’s Activities ~ Hill Street Sediment Capture
Natural Resources Protection Program
Annual Report to City Council ~ March 31, 2015
City Biologist’s Activities ~ Let It Be Preserve Culvert Outlet
BEFORE
Natural Resources Protection Program
Annual Report to City Council ~ March 31, 2015
City Biologist’s Activities ~ Let It Be Preserve Culvert Outlet
DURING
Natural Resources Protection Program
Annual Report to City Council ~ March 31, 2015
City Biologist’s Activities ~ Let It Be Preserve Culvert Outlet
AFTER
Natural Resources Protection Program
Annual Report to City Council ~ March 31, 2015
City Biologist’s Activities ~ Transient Encampment Under Downtown
AFTER
BEFORE
Natural Resources Protection Program
Annual Report to City Council ~ March 31, 2015
City Biologist’s Activities ~ Steelhead Monitoring with Santa Lucia Fly Fishing Club
Pit
Mound Water
Flow
Blue Rock
Natural Resources
web page
SLO Stewards
Trail Maps
Publications
Community Presentations
Partnerships with Cal Poly
Public Education
Natural Resources Protection Program
Annual Report to City Council ~ March 31, 2015
Looking Forward ~ Terrace Open Space Conservation Plan
Natural Resources Protection Program
Annual Report to City Council ~ March 31, 2015
Terra Verde 2015
Looking Forward ~ Bishop Peak Natural Reserve Conservation Plan, 2015 Update
Natural Resources Protection Program
Annual Report to City Council ~ March 31, 2015
Doug Bush 2015
Looking Forward ~ Negotiations with Miossi Brothers La Cuesta Ranch
Natural Resources Protection Program
Annual Report to City Council ~ March 31, 2015
Doug Bush 2015
Looking Forward ~ Negotiations with Miossi Brothers La Cuesta Ranch
Natural Resources Protection Program
Annual Report to City Council ~ March 31, 2015
Doug Bush 2015
Looking Forward ~ Negotiations with Ahearn Ranch
Natural Resources Protection Program
Annual Report to City Council ~ March 31, 2015
Doug Bush 2015
Looking Forward ~ Negotiations with Ahearn Ranch
Natural Resources Protection Program
Annual Report to City Council ~ March 31, 2015
Doug Bush 2015
Looking Forward ~ Negotiations with Ahearn Ranch
Natural Resources Protection Program
Annual Report to City Council ~ March 31, 2015
Doug Bush 2015
Robert A. Hill
Natural Resources Manager
(805) 781-7211 or rhill@slocity.org
Freddy Otte
City Biologist
(805) 781-7511 or fotte@slocity.org
City of San Luis Obispo
City Administration
990 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo, CA
http://www.slocity.org/government/department-directory/city-
administration/natural-resources
In Partnership and Collaboration with Ranger Service,
Fire Department & the Entire Open Space Team
Natural Resources Protection Program
Annual Report to City Council ~ March 31, 2015