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04-01-2015 PRC Agenda Packet
City of San Luis Obispo, Agenda, Parks and Recreation Commission Wednesday, April 1, 2015 5:30PM Regular Meeting Council Chambers CALL TO ORDER: Chair ROLL CALL: Commissioners Ryan Baker, Susan Olson, Michael Parolini, Ron Regier, Douglas Single, Jeff Whitener and Susan Updegrove Public Comment Period. At this time, you may address the Commission on items that are not on the agenda but are of interest to the public and within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Parks and Recreation Commission. The Commission may not discuss or take action on issues that are not on the agenda other than to briefly respond to statements made or questions raised, or to ask staff to follow up on such issues. 1. Oath of Office (City Clerk – 5 minutes) 2. Consideration of Minutes of Regular Meeting of March 4, 2015 (deferred to May 6, 2015) 3. Election of Chair and Vice Chair (Committee – 10 minutes) 4. Subcommittee Discussion and Appointments for 2015-16 (Chair – 10 minutes) 5. Bylaws Review and Revisions if Desired (Chair – 15 minutes) 6. Terrace Hill Conservation and Open Space Plan Review (Bob Hill, Natural Resources Manager 30 minutes) 7. Review Playground Replacement Layouts for Sinsheimer Park (Bridget Fraser, City Senior Civil Engineer and Lief McKay, Principal Landscape Architect, RRM - 15 minutes) 8. Director’s Report – Highlights (Shelly Stanwyck, Director & Melissa Mudgett, Recreation Manager – 10 minutes) 9. Subcommittee Liaison Reports 10. Communications Adjourn to Regular Meeting May 6, 2015 APPEALS: Administrative decisions by the Parks and Recreation Commission may be appealed to the City Council in accordance with the appeal procedure set forth in Chapter 1.20 of the San Luis Obispo Municipal Code. The City of San Luis Obispo is committed to including the disabled in all of its services, programs, and activities. Please contact the Clerk or staff liaison prior to the meeting if you require assistance. City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle DATE: March, 25, 2015 TO: Parks and Recreation Commissioners FROM: Shelly Stanwyck, Parks and Recreation Director RE: Parks and Recreation Subcommittee Assignments Recommendation Identify which subcommittees the PRC would like to have as standing subcommittees for 2015-16 and who will serve as PRC representatives to each. Background The Parks and Recreation Commission has a policy in its Bylaws regarding “subcommittees”. At this time it is required that a Commission member shall serve as a voting member, representing Parks and Recreation programs, activities, and facilities on both the Tree and Jack House Committees. Further, the Commission has a historical practice of members attending and serving as non-voting members of both the Bicycle Advisory Body and the Youth Services Association (YSA) Board meetings. Four areas of interested have evolved into “subcommittee assignments” as well and in 2014 included: natural resources, San Luis Coastal Unified school district, Golf (Laguna Lake Golf Course) and Damon Garcia Sports Fields. Increased Community Input Effort Launched in 2015 Beginning in January 2015 staff has been coordinating outreach to specific community groups seeking input on their recreational activities and or facilities at Commission meetings. The intent by the Commission has been to provide a forum for discussion about areas of recreational interest to provide feedback to the Commission. Staff has been providing overview staff reports each month on each area of focus, members of the public have attended and provided comments. Since this effort launched in January 2015, the Commission has discussed diamond sports, turf sports, and senior activities. Natural Resources Council adopted a Major City Goal for 2015-17, Open Space: protect and maintain open space. Parks and Recreation, Ranger Service, is a partner with the City’s Natural Resource Program in accomplishing the Council’s work program for this goal. As a result, staff will be providing the Commission with frequent reports on this topic and staff does not believe that a subcommittee is needed at this time on this topic as frequent updates will be given. Furthermore, the City’s Natural Resources Manager will be providing quarterly updates to the Commission on the Laguna Lake Master Plan and can provide any added input that the Director (who supervises the Ranger Service Program) cannot. Subcommittees Assignments City Commissions often have standing subcommittees. Generally the Chair of a Commission does not serve on a subcommittee. There are times too where an ad hoc subcommittee may be appointed for a short duration. Most recently for the PRC that occurred when Damon Garcia was an “other important objective” for the 2011-13 Financial Plan. Given this backdrop staff is recommending the Staff Report Parks and Recreation Commission 1-1 City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle following subcommittees for 2015. The PRC can make additions or changes to this proposal – staff was trying to reduce the number of subcommittees given the PRC’s recent efforts to have stakeholders attend PRC meetings and with the Major City Goal for Open Space. Staff’s recommendation is intended to serve as a starting point for the PRC’s discussion. Proposed Subcommittees 2015 Subcommittee/Committee Voting? Meeting Day and Time Jack House Committee Yes 2nd Wednesday @ 5:30pm @ Parks and Rec Tree Committee Yes 4th Monday @ 5:00pm Bicycle Advisory Committee No 3rd Thursday every other month @ 7:00pm Youth Services Association (YSA) No 3rd Wednesday @ 5:30pm @ Library City Facilities (Damon Garcia, Laguna Lake Golf Course, Sinsheimer Pool, Joint Use Facilities) n/a Monthly meeting with staff: Devin Hyfield Parks and Rec Jeff Hendricks Public Works 1-2 Parks & Recreation Commission Bylaws ARTICLE I. PURPOSE The Parks & Recreation Commission is a body of citizens appointed to advise the City's Parks & Recreation Department and the City Council on the development and operation of recreation programs and parks, and on the implementation of the Parks and Recreation Element of the City's General Plan. It also provides recommendations to the City Council and San Luis Obispo Coastal Unified School District Board of Trustees regarding those facilities which have been mutually designated as joint use facilities; and for the operation of recreational facilities, priority for use of the facilities, and development of new recreation facilities at Sinsheimer Park. ARTICLE II. MEMBERSHIP A. The Parks and Recreation Commission shall consist of seven members. B. Members are appointed by the City Council for a term of four years. Members are eligible for reappointment for an additional four-year term. Members are subject to a term limit of consecutive eight years. ARTICLE III. MEETINGS A. Regular meetings of the Parks & Recreation Commission shall be held on the first Wednesday of each month at 5:30 p.m., except during the annual tour of the City's parks and facilities. B. Meetings will be held in the City Council Chambers, 990 Palm Street. In the event that the Parks & Recreation Commission chooses to hold all or any portion of a regular meeting other than at City Hall, then the place of such meeting shall be posted at least 72 hours in advance at the Parks & Recreation Department office, 1341 Nipomo and on the bulletin board located at the entrance to the City Council Chambers prior to the established meeting time. ARTICLE IV. ELECTION OF OFFICERS A. In April of each year, the Parks & Recreation Commission shall select a Chair and Vice Chair from among its members to serve a one-year term. B. Commissioners shall serve as Chair or Vice Chair at the discretion of the Commission. C. The Chair shall preside at all meetings of the Parks & Recreation Commission. The Vice Chair will act as the Chair in the absence of the Chair or in case of the inability of the Chair to act. D. In the event that the Chair and Vice Chair are unavailable to attend to their duties, the assembled members shall determine a Temporary Chair. E. No person shall serve as Chair or Vice Chair for more than three consecutive terms. ARTICLE V. CONDUCT OF MEETINGS 2-1 All meetings will be conducted in accordance with City practices, customs, and policies. Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised shall be utilized as a guide in the conduct of meetings. ARTICLE VI. QUORUM Four members of the Parks & Recreation Commission shall constitute a quorum for the purposes of conducting business. ARTICLE VII. VOTING A. Except as otherwise provided in the San Luis Obispo Municipal Code and state law, no resolution, motion or other action shall be passed or become effective without receiving the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the members present. B. Failure to receive such an affirmative vote shall result in failure or denial, as appropriate, of the motion, resolution or other action. C. Except as allowed under the Political Reform Act of 1974, as amended, any member abstaining due to a declared conflict of interest shall not participate in the discussion of the items or otherwise influence or attempt to influence in any manner the decision on the item. D. All members, when present, must vote except when abstaining due to a declared conflict of interest. F. Failure or refusal to vote when present - except for a declared conflict of interest -shall be counted as an affirmative vote. ARTICLE VIII. PUBLIC RECORDS Records of all public hearings shall be made available to the public in the offices of the Parks & Recreation Department. ARTICLE IX. ATTENDANCE Any member of the Parks & Recreation Commission who fails, for any reason, to attend three (3) consecutive regular meetings or a total of six (6) regular meetings within any 12 month period shall be automatically be considered for replacement by the City Council. The Chairperson of the Parks & Recreation Commission shall inform the Council of such a situation, explaining any special circumstances. ARTICLE X. COMMITTEES A. A member of the Parks & Recreation Commission shall represent the Commission and sit as a voting member on the following City advisory bodies: Jack House Committee and Tree Committee. B. Additional committee assignments shall be made as deemed necessary by the Chair. C. Committee assignments will be made in April of each year. 2-2 ARTICLE XI. AMENDMENTS A. These bylaws may be recommended for amendment by the majority vote of the Commission members present at a regular meeting, provided that a quorum is present. Members shall receive the proposed amendments at least seven (7) days prior to the meeting in which the amendment is proposed. B. Prior to May 1 in each odd-numbered year, these bylaws shall be reviewed by the Commission. Any proposed changes shall be submitted to the City Council for approval. If no changes are proposed, a report of the review shall be submitted. (LAST REVISED XX/XX/XXXX) 2-3 City of San Luis Obispo Parks and Recreation Commission Agenda Report Date: April 1, 2015 Subject: Terrace Hill Open Space Conservation Plan Prepared by: Robert A. Hill, Natural Resources Manager Recommended Action: Review draft Terrace Hill Open Space Conservation Plan and recommend to the City Council that the plan be adopted as presented, or as amended. SUMMARY The City’s Natural Resources Program seeks adoption of the Terrace Hill Open Space Conservation Plan that will guide the management and stewardship of the site over the next ten years. The Terrace Hill Open Space (“Terrace Hill”) is a hidden gem located entirely within the City of San Luis Obispo, offering spectacular 360 panoramic views of the City below and the surrounding region beyond, remarkable plant and wildlife diversity, a rich cultural resource legacy, and pleasant hiking and passive recreational opportunities. For these reasons, Terrace Hill is now the subject of a contemporary Conservation Plan process in order for the property to be managed in accordance with the City’s Open Space Regulations and the Conservation and Open Space Element of the City’s General Plan. Overview of Terrace Hill Open Space Terrace Hill offers a full host of both natural and modified landscape features across a site of 23 acres. The site is fundamentally a conical volcano, one of the prized Morros that define our region. Over the years, however, much of the top of the hill was excavated and removed to provide fill for construction projects elsewhere in town. In addition, terraced roads were cut around the hill in anticipation of the planned development of hundreds of individual lots, while later a small gravel operation extracted the hard dacite, resulting in the fractured bowl feature on the east side of the hill. These actions resulted in the physical land morphology and elevation of 501 feet that we see today. The site was historically grazed, but has not been used as pasture in nearly 30 years, allowing for nascent oak woodland and maritime chaparral to establish in compliment to the annual grassland and rock outcrop features of the site. Terrace Hill Open Space is a single legal parcel, APN 003-686-003. The primary entry and access to the site is from Bishop Street, where a locked gate can be opened to a dirt road that leads to the top of the hill. Terrain ranges from nearly level along the top, to steep side slopes ranging between 15% and 50%. A second trailhead exists along a narrow, paved path beginning at the corner of Rachel Street and Jennifer Street facilitated by a public, pedestrian access 3-1 Terrace Hill Open Space Conservation Plan page 2 easement. A third trailhead has been offered by the developers of 17 new residences along Rachel Court, but this facility has not yet been constructed and accepted by the City as of March, 2015. There are four memorial viewing benches that have been installed by the City along the perimeter of the loop trail at the top of the hill. A drainage basin and facility exists near the Bishop Street entrance, while five-strand barbed wire fence protects the frontage of Terrace Hill along Bishop Street to prevent unauthorized vehicle access and unsanctioned trails. The City’s Utilities Department maintains a large water storage tank at the southeast corner along Bishop Street, but this structure is on a separate parcel and is not considered a part of Terrace Hill Open Space. 1.0 CONSISTENCY WITH EXISTING POLICY The City’s General Plan has several areas where use and management of open space is addressed. The Conservation and Open Space Element (COSE) and the Parks and Recreation Element (P&R) are where the most pertinent policy direction is found. The list below is not exhaustive but demonstrates how the Terrace Hill Open Space Conservation Plan is consistent with the General Plan. COSE Policy 8.5.5: Passive Recreation – The City will consider allowing passive recreation where it will not degrade or significantly impact open space resources. The Conservation Plan addresses this policy by improving existing authorized trails, monitoring trails located in sensitive portions of the site, and other passive uses in a controlled manner. COSE Program 8.7.1E: Protect Open Space Resources – The City will manage its open space holdings and enforce its open space easements consistent with General Plan goals and policies and the Open Space Ordinance. The Conservation Plan implements this program by calling for certain actions to restore or enhance the lake, riparian areas and wetlands on the site, as well as providing for regular patrol and monitoring of the Reserve. COSE Program 8.7.2J: Enhance and Restore Open Space - The City will… adopt conservation plans for open space areas under City easement or fee ownership. The plans shall include a resource inventory, needs analysis, acceptable levels of change, grazing, monitoring, wildlife, management and implementation strategies, including wildfire preparedness plans. The Conservation Plan implements this program by following the protocols and addressing the matters outlined in the COSE Policy described above. P&R Policy 2.6.9: Open Space shall be managed in such a manner as to allow for habitat conservation uses, for appropriate public uses and to maintain and enhance its environmental quality. By adopting and adhering to a Conservation Plan for Terrace Hill, this policy is directly implemented. 3-2 Terrace Hill Open Space Conservation Plan page 3 2.0 PROJECT INFORMATION Site Information/Setting Site Size 22.96 acres Present Use & Development Vacant open space held for conservation and passive recreation Topography Level to Very Steep (slopes often greater than 50%) Access Bishop Street, Rachel Street, Rachel Court Surrounding Uses/Zoning Residential 3.0 PROJECT ANALYSIS Management Considerations The Terrace Hill Open Space Conservation Plan provides a framework to address long-term site stewardship of the property: Natural Resources Protection. The plan places priority on maintaining the natural ecosystem, while allowing passive public recreation as appropriate and compatible. Although Terrace Hill is ostensibly an “island” in the ecological sense (meaning it is not connected to larger terrestrial or aquatic wildlife migration corridors due to surrounding urbanization), nevertheless it provides habitat for several avian species of special concern that shall be protected and monitored over the long-term, as well as 85 different plant species. Protective status is given to native plant communities and habitats that persist or are establishing within the open space area for the functions and values that they provide. Scenic Resources. Terrace Hill is one of the most accessible of all City open space properties and the nearly level top of about 2 acres provides a pleasant walking loop with wonderful off-site views of the railroad district, downtown and surrounding neighborhoods, as well as the South Hills, Irish Hills, Cerro San Luis and Bishop Peak, Cal Poly lands, “High School Hill,” Edna Valley, and the Cuesta Ridge area in the distance. Conversely, Terrace Hill itself is highly visible from the locations mentioned above, and shall be managed as a scenic resource. Cultural Resources. The City’s Cultural Heritage Committee (CHC) reviewed a community member’s nomination for adding Terrace Hill to the City’s Contributing Property List of Historic Resources at its meeting on January 28, 2013. In consideration of the important historic events and people associated with Terrace Hill, the CHC made an affirmative recommendation to the City Council that will be introduced as counterpart to the Council’s consideration of the Terrace Hill Open Space Conservation Plan. Improved trailhead signs and a new kiosk and will provide the opportunity to present an educational panel to the public that details the historic nature of the property. Erosion and Drainage. A Custom Soil Resource Report was prepared for Terrace Hill using the United States Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) website application. The report reveals that Terrace Hill is comprised entirely of heavy clay soils known as the Diablo-Lodo Complex and identified as soil map unit no. 133. This soil is excessively well drained and characterized as having severe erosion potential, especially given the 15-50% slopes. Both the City and 3-3 Terrace Hill Open Space Conservation Plan page 4 contiguous private property owners have experienced drainage issues in the past. Accordingly, ongoing erosion control and water management strategies are necessarily a part of the Terrace Hill Open Space Conservation Plan. Fire Protection. Terrace Hill is entirely surrounded by at-risk residential land uses. Although it is not large enough to represent a significant wildland fire hazard, Terrace Hill does have the right “ingredients” to pose a localized fire hazard that could result in unacceptable safety risk and property loss. This is due to prevailing westerly winds; presence of annual grassland, chaparral, oak woodland, and mixed ornamental trees and vegetation; and the potential for human caused fire ignition associated with illicit smoking, open fire pits, and fireworks. The City has historically mowed the top of the hill and weed whacked a 20 foot strip behind the adjacent residences; this plan introduces the need to also attend to annual grassland areas of the steeper side slopes, preferably through the use of controlled and seasonal grazing with goats, or with mowing if necessary using specialized rubber track equipment to minimize any associated damage. Trails and Passive Recreation. A well-used system of trails provide access to Terrace Hill. Some of these trails have been considered formal through the City’s publication of open space trail maps, while others are informal use trails. Some of the informal trails are incorporated by this conservation plan due to their utility and location, while others will be decommissioned or restored. Terrace Hill does not lend itself well to extensive mountain bike use due to its size and steep slopes, but the flat top does provide a suitable area for youth riders to begin to gain skills and confidence in an off-road setting. This conservation plan considers bicycle use on the main access road from Bishop Street and around the loop on the top to be compatible with the other overarching conservation goals, but will be monitored over time by the City’s Rangers. Goals The Terrace Hill Open Space Conservation Plan has as its overarching goal to achieve sustainable conservation of habitat, while also allowing for passive recreational elements. The plan will accomplish this goal, and address the management issues described, above, through the following goals. The City will manage Terrace Hill Open Space with the following goals: 1. Conserve, enhance, and restore natural plant and wildlife communities by protecting their habitats in order to maintain viable wildlife populations within balanced ecosystems. 2. Provide the public with an opportunity for greater understanding and appreciation for the cultural and historic resources values associated with the Open Space. 3. Provide the public with a safe, accessible, and pleasing natural environment in which to pursue passive recreational activities, including hiking and biking, while maintaining the integrity of natural resources and minimizing the impacts on the wildlife and habitats present in the Open Space. 4. Actively address sedimentation sources and erosion both within the Open Space, and from the Open Space. 3-4 Terrace Hill Open Space Conservation Plan page 5 5. Minimize the impacts of harmful activities, such as off-trail hiking and biking use or catastrophic wildfire, while maintaining natural drainage systems as a means of conveying storm water into and within urban areas. 6. Provide signage and interpretive features to enhance user safety, prevent unauthorized entrance at neighboring private property, and for educational purposes. 7. Maintain, protect, and improve aesthetic views as seen from various locations throughout the City of San Luis Obispo. 8. Protect and officially designate the important historic and cultural resources associated with the Open Space. 9. Regularly monitor and patrol the Open Space, establish Levels of Acceptable Change (LAC), and take action to correct areas or problems that exceed LAC. Needs 1. Resource Management and Protection Biological surveys are the basis for natural resource management in Terrace Hill Open Space. After the initial surveys conducted for the creation of this plan, the City will need to monitor and protect the habitat areas and sensitive species identified. 2. Resource Enhancement Enhancement of natural resources will focus on restoration of two denuded areas. 3. Signage Signage for Terrace Hill Open Space is currently outdated compared to the standards used for the City’s other open spaces, and should therefore be upgraded. Signs located at the trailheads would be used to provide directions, apprise users of open space regulations, and identify adjacent private property ownership. A three-panel kiosk at the main Bishop Street trailhead will highlight natural and historic resources with interpretive features, as well as provide a trail map graphic. 4. Trailhead Amenities and New Trails A new entry gate and turn-style at the main trailhead at Bishop Street, as well as a garbage receptacle and “mutt mitt” dispenser are needed. Brief sections of new trail will be constructed from the other two trailheads at the corner Rachel Street and Jennifer Street and at Rachel Court. These trails will be constructed by City staff to contemporary standards for slope and drainage, and shall be designed to minimize any potential impacts to nearby neighbors. 5. Site Stewardship and “Pride of Ownership” Additional needs at Terrace Hill include the following items: Increase ranger and police patrols Promptly attend to and abate graffiti Remove trash, refuse, broken bottles Maintain drainage facilities Remove or cut in place derelict drip tubing Remove and replace dead trees and shrubs 3-5 Terrace Hill Open Space Conservation Plan page 6 4.0 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION REVIEW While the Parks and Recreation Commission may opine on any component of the Terrace Hill Open Space Conservation Plan, staff would like to suggest that the Commission focus especially on matters pertaining to the establishment of the official open space status and passive recreational uses and amenities. The Conservation Plan does not propose to change any existing passive recreational uses that occur now, such as hiking, biking, dog walking, etc. although it does specify appropriate methods and areas for these uses. The Conservation Plan also contemplates new trail sections, trail restoration activities, updated signs, and trailhead amenities. 5.0 PUBLIC COMMENT The Terrace Hill Open Space Conservation Plan seeks to accommodate community preferences while addressing the City’s goals in the Conservation and Open Space Element. A public meeting was held on March 11, 2015 in order to gather neighborhood input prior to staff’s preparation of the Conservation Plan. Both written comments and public testimony received during the advisory body review process will be considered in the Final Review Draft. 6.0 OTHER DEPARTMENT COMMENTS City of San Luis Obispo Natural Resources Program staff, Parks and Recreation Department staff, and Fire Department staff have or will review components of the plan pertinent to their departments. The item is scheduled to be heard by the City’s Planning Commission on April 8, 2015 and by the City Council on May 19, 2015. 7.0 ALTERNATIVES The Commission may wish to recommend additions or edits to the Conservation Plan, or request that staff come back to the Commission for further review and deliberation at a later time. The Commission may also recommend denial of the Conservation Plan. This is not suggested as the Plan appears to be consistent with the Conservation Guidelines adopted in 2002, and with the Conservation and Open Space Element update in 2006, and will provide direction as to proper habitat protection, compatible recreational use, and management activities for Terrace Hill. 8.0 ATTACHMENT 1. Terrace Hill Open Space Conservation Plan, Parks and Recreation Commission Review Draft, April 2015. 3-6 TERRACE HILL OPEN SPACE CONSERVATION PLAN Parks and Recreation Commission Review Draft City of San Luis Obispo City Administration Natural Resources Program 990 Palm Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 April 2015 3-7 Terrace Hill Open Space Conservation Plan – Parks and Recreation Commission Review Draft 1 Terrace Hill Open Space Conservation Plan Parks and Recreation Commission Review Draft Prepared by: Robert Hill Natural Resources Manager (805) 781-7211 Freddy Otte City Biologist (805) 781-7511 City of San Luis Obispo City Administration Natural Resources Program 990 Palm Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Website: http://www.slocity.org/naturalresources/index.asp Technical Assistance: Terra Verde Environmenal Consulting 3-8 Terrace Hill Open Space Conservation Plan – Parks and Recreation Commission Review Draft 2 Table of Contents PAGE List of Figures & Tables 3 Executive Summary 4 1. History 8 2. Inventory 10 2.1 Physical Inventory 10 2.2 Legal Agreements 10 2.3 Soils 11 2.4 Species Inventory 11 3. Goals and Policies 13 4. Conservation Plan 14 4.1 Naming 14 4.2 Land Use Designations 14 4.3 Photo-Monitoring Points 15 4.4 Needs Analysis 17 5. Implementation 18 6. Fiscal Statement 18 7. Updates and Amendment 18 Appendix A. Photo Monitoring Points & Map B. Soil Reports for Terrace Hill Open Space C. Summary and Results of a Plant Inventory and Wildlife Survey at Terrace Hill Open Space, City of San Luis Obispo, California (Terra Verde Enviromental, March 2015) History Center 3-9 Terrace Hill Open Space Conservation Plan – Parks and Recreation Commission Review Draft 3 List of Figures & Tables PAGE FIGURES Figure 1: Overview Photo of Terrace Hill Open Space 4 Figure 2: Site Map and Open Space Boundary 6 Figure 3: Terrace Hill Open Space and the City of San Luis Obispo Greenbelt 7 Figure 4: View of Downtown San Luis Obispo, 1907 8 Figure 5: 1877 Artist’s Rendering, “A Bird’s Eye View of San Luis Obispo” 9 Figure 6: Edwin Goodall’s Map of the Buena Vista Addition to the City of San Luis Obispo, 1887 10 Figure 7: Land Use and Management Area Map 16 Figure 8: Examples of Site Stewardship Needs at Terrace Hill Open Space 17 TABLES Table 1: Avian Species Observations at Terrace Hill Open Space 11 Table 2: Photo Monitoring Points and Map 19 Maps and Photos by City of San Luis Obispo staff, unless otherwise noted. 3-10 Terrace Hill Open Space Conservation Plan – Parks and Recreation Commission Review Draft 4 Executive Summary The Terrace Hill Open Space (“Terrace Hill”) is a hidden gem located entirely within the City of San Luis Obispo, offering spectacular 360 panoramic views of the City below and the surrounding region beyond, remarkable plant and wildlife diversity, a rich cultural resource legacy, and pleasant hiking and passive recreational opportunities. For these reasons, Terrace Hill is now the subject of a contemporary Conservation Plan process in order for the property to be managed in accordance with the City’s Open Space Regulations and the Conservation and Open Space Element of the City’s General Plan. Site Description Terrace Hill offers a full host of both natural and modified landscape features across a site of 23 acres. The site is fundamentally a conical volcano, one of the prized Morros that define our region. Over the years, however, much of the top of the hill was excavated and removed to provide fill for construction projects elsewhere in town. In addition, terraced roads were cut around the hill in anticipation of the planned development of hundreds of individual lots, while later a small gravel operation extracted the hard dacite, resulting in the fractured bowl feature on the east side of the hill. These actions resulted in the physical land morphology and elevation of 501 feet that we see today. The site was historically grazed, but has not been used as pasture in nearly 30 years, allowing for nascent oak woodland and maritime chaparral to establish in compliment to the annual grassland and rock outcrop features of the site. Figure 1: Overview Photo of Terrace Hill Open Space 3-11 Terrace Hill Open Space Conservation Plan – Parks and Recreation Commission Review Draft 5 Management Considerations The Terrace Hill Open Space Conservation Plan provides a framework to address long-term site stewardship of the property: Natural Resources Protection. The plan places priority on maintaining the natural ecosystem, while allowing passive public recreation as appropriate and compatible. Although Terrace Hill is ostensibly an “island” in the ecological sense (meaning it is not connected to larger terrestrial or aquatic wildlife migration corridors due to surrounding urbanization), nevertheless it provides habitat for several avian species of special concern that shall be protected and monitored over the long-term, as well as 85 different plant species. Protective status is given to native plant communities and habitats that persist or are establishing within the open space area for the functions and values that they provide. Scenic Resources. Terrace Hill is one of the most accessible of all City open space properties and the nearly level top of about 2 acres provides a pleasant walking loop with wonderful off- site views of the railroad district, downtown and surrounding neighborhoods, as well as the South Hills, Irish Hills, Cerro San Luis and Bishop Peak, Cal Poly lands, “High School Hill,” Edna Valley, and the Cuesta Ridge area in the distance. Conversely, Terrace Hill itself is highly visible from the locations mentioned above, and shall be managed as a scenic resource. Cultural Resources. The City’s Cultural Heritage Committee (CHC) reviewed a community member’s nomination for adding Terrace Hill to the City’s Contributing Property List of Historic Resources at its meeting on January 28, 2013. In consideration of the important historic events and people associated with Terrace Hill, the CHC made an affirmative recommendation to the City Council that will be introduced as counterpart to the Council’s consideration of the Terrace Hill Open Space Conservation Plan. Improved trailhead signs and a new kiosk and will provide the opportunity to present an educational panel to the public that details the historic nature of the property. Erosion and Drainage. A Custom Soil Resource Report was prepared for Terrace Hill using the United States Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) website application. The report reveals that Terrace Hill is comprised entirely of heavy clay soils known as the Diablo-Lodo Complex and identified as soil map unit no. 133. This soil is excessively well drained and characterized as having severe erosion potential, especially given the 15-50% slopes. Both the City and contiguous private property owners have experienced drainage issues in the past. Accordingly, ongoing erosion control and water management strategies are necessarily a part of the Terrace Hill Open Space Conservation Plan. Fire Protection. Terrace Hill is entirely surrounded by at-risk residential land uses. Although it is not large enough to represent a significant wildland fire hazard, Terrace Hill does have the right “ingredients” to pose a localized fire hazard that could result in unacceptable safety risk and property loss. This is due to prevailing westerly winds; presence of annual grassland, chaparral, oak woodland, and mixed ornamental trees and vegetation; and the potential for human caused fire ignition associated with illicit smoking, open fire pits, and fireworks. The City has historically mowed the top of the hill and weed whacked a 20 foot strip behind the adjacent residences; this plan introduces the need to also attend to annual grassland areas of the steeper side slopes, preferably through the use of controlled and seasonal grazing with goats, or with mowing if necessary using specialized rubber track equipment to minimize any associated damage. Trails and Passive Recreation. A well-used system of trails provide access to Terrace Hill. Some of these trails have been considered formal through the City’s publication of open space trail maps, while others are informal use trails. Some of the informal trails are incorporated by this conservation plan due to their utility and location, while others will be decommissioned or restored. Terrace Hill does not lend itself well to extensive mountain bike use due to its size and steep slopes, but the flat top does provide a suitable area for youth riders to begin to gain skills and confidence in an off-road setting. This conservation plan considers bicycle use on the main access road from Bishop Street and around the loop on the top to be compatible with the other overarching conservation goals, but will be monitored over time by the City’s Rangers. 3-12 Terrace Hill Open Space Conservation Plan – Parks and Recreation Commission Review Draft 6 Figure 2: Site Map and Open Space Boundary (2011 Aerial Photo) 3-13 Terrace Hill Open Space Conservation Plan – Parks and Recreation Commission Review Draft 7 Figure 3: Terrace Hill Open Space and the City of San Luis Obispo Greenbelt 3-14 Terrace Hill Open Space Conservation Plan – Parks and Recreation Commission Review Draft 8 1. History Terrace Hill is one of nine “Morros,” geologically speaking. The Morros are ancient volcanic peaks that have eroded to the core plugs. The ancient peaks, located on the Pacific Plate, originated some 400 miles southeast near the present-day area of San Diego during the Miocene era about 25 million years ago. Known as the “Nine Sisters,” or sometimes the “Seven Sisters,” the Morros include Morro Rock (State Historical Landmark No. 821), Black Hill, Cerro Cabrillo, Hollister Peak, Cerro Romauldo, Chumash Peak, Bishop Peak, Cerro San Luis Obispo, and Islay Hill. The deeply submerged Davidson's Seamount in Estero Bay, Righetti Hill and Terrace Hill are typically omitted from the named sisters (Mountains of Fire: San Luis Obispo’s Famous Nine Sisters- A Chain of Ancient Volcanic Peaks. Dickerson, 1990.) The earliest inhabitants near and around Terrace Hill were the Chumash Native Americans, followed by the Spanish and the Alta California Missions. Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa was one of the more economically successful missions and ran considerable numbers of cattle. During December 1776 the Yokut Native Americans from the San Joaquin Valley raided the mission and set its roof on fire. Subsequent to the raid, the Kokuts would raid the area to steal cattle from the mission lands. The mission placed sentinels on the top of Terrace Hill to look out for marauding Kokuts. Also, as the European grasses were replacing the native grasses, the danger of wild range fires increased, and lookouts were posted on the hill to look for the fires (Kalkowski personal communication with Krieger, December 2012). By the mid 1880’s San Luis Obispo and San Francisco leading businessmen/speculators were pushing for the Southern Pacific Railroad to continue the line from San Francisco further up the Salinas Valley and eventually extend down Cuesta Grade to San Luis Obispo. This was the impetus for extensive land speculations. Money was to be made by opening the Central Coast beyond the more limited coastal steam ships and the Pacific Coast Railway. The speculators purchased lands surrounding the small town and added named additions to the town, which were in turn divided into lots for residential development. One such subdivision was the Buena Vista Addition, a subdivision that included the top of Terrace Hill (Rails Across the Ranchos. Nicholson,1980.) The name Terrace Hill originates from the Buena Vista Addition subdivision, filed in 1887, by Edwin Goodall, president of The Goodall Syndicate Lands. A newspaper advertisement featuring the Goodall Syndicate Lands and the Buena Vista Addition discussed the hill. Some of the benefits featured in the advertisement state that the “hill… affords a sufficient elevation to give a magnificent view and perfect drainage. Water is guaranteed to parties buying on this tract as the reservoirs are now under construction and pipes being laid to carry water to the top of the hill.” The Syndicate also purchased other sizeable, largely undeveloped land surrounding the young City of San Luis Obsipo, including the Central and Phillips Additions. Goodall was also the president of West Coast Land Company, which owned the California Southern Hotel Company, builder and owner of the Ramona Hotel, and was president of the horse-drawn streetcar of the San Luis Obispo Street Railway Company. (Rails Across the Ranchos. Nicholson,1980.) Figure 4: View of downtown San Luis Obispo, 1907 3-15 Terrace Hill Open Space Conservation Plan – Parks and Recreation Commission Review Draft 9 In 1894 the region suffered from a drought and the water company supplying water to the City was running low on reserves and flowing-water pressure from their reservoirs. The Southern Pacific Railroad (SPRR) had a water system of its own pumping from their wells to storage tanks located on their higher hillside Terrace Hill lots. The water company was able to secure an agreement with the SPRR to attach their lines to the SPRR water system to maintain water pressure and supply. (Kalkowski personal communication with Krieger, December 2012). Although rough grading was done to install roads and water tanks on Terrace Hill, the residential development along the steeper slopes and top of the hill never did occur. Figure 5: 1877 Artist’s rendering, “A Bird’s Eye View of San Luis Obispo” In 1912, the majority of the hill’s land went into tax foreclosure. Sandercock Transfer Company was the successful bidder (at $63.53) for the land at the Tax Collector’s tax sale. During WW II, the hilltop was used for the location of an enemy aircraft lookout. According to Caltrans documentation, in 1948 earthen fill and rock were taken from Terrace Hill to be used for portions of the construction of Highway 101. Many San Luis Obispo families experienced life on the slopes of Terrace Hill, including the Callaway and Mazza families. In March of 2010, Betsy Bertrando and Buzz Kalkowski had a conversation with the now late Bill Callaway (retired City of San Luis Obispo Fire Marshal) and his late mother “Sis” Callaway. Mrs. Callaway was born in 1918 on a ranch above the old County Hospital just off of what today is Bishop Street. Mrs. Callaway recalls milking cows before going to school in the mornings. Pacifico Mazza, a Southern Pacific railroad employee purchased a five bedroom house at the corner of Rachel Street and Rachel Court, along with a significant portion of the Terrace Hill land. The Mazza Family ran cattle on the hill. Mr. Mazza built four additional houses north of and east of the existing five bedroom house. This large house was once a boarding house, and some of the railroad crews from San Francisco and Los Angeles would stay there, as well as in one of the smaller houses northwest of the Big House. The Mazza Family kept cattle on Terrace Hill until around 1950, when some of the property on the hill was sold to a gravel operation. On April 17, 1972, Cuesta Valley Properties, primarily owned by John D. and Charles E. French, purchased the land. Additional fill was later taken and used to construct the pad for the French Hospital parking lot. Finally, the 22.96 acre Terrace Hill was dedicated to the City of San Luis Obispo as Open Space in 1986 as part of the subdivision of Tract 926. Terrace Hill 3-16 Terrace Hill Open Space Conservation Plan – Parks and Recreation Commission Review Draft 10 Figure 6: Edwin Goodall’s Map of the Buena Vista Addition to the City of San Luis Obispo, 1887. 2. Inventory 2.1 Physical Inventory Terrace Hill Open Space is a single legal parcel, APN 003-686-003. It is 22.96 acres in size with an elevation of 501 feet above mean sea level (msl). The primary entry and access to the site is from Bishop Street, where a locked gate can be opened to a dirt road that leads to the top of the hill. Terrain ranges from nearly level along the top, to steep side slopes ranging between 15% and 50%. A second trailhead exists along a narrow, paved path beginning at the corner of Rachel Street and Jennifer Street facilitated by a public, pedestrian access easement. A third trailhead has been offered by the developers of 17 new residences along Rachel Court, but this facility has not yet been constructed and accepted by the City as of March, 2015. There are four memorial viewing benches that have been installed by the City along the perimeter of the loop trail at the top of the hill. A drainage basin and facility exists near the Bishop Street entrance, while five-strand barbed wire fence protects the frontage of Terrace Hill along Bishop Street to prevent unauthorized vehicle access and unsanctioned trails. The City’s Utilities Department maintains a large water storage tank at the southeast corner along Bishop Street, but this structure is on a separate parcel and is not considered a part of Terrace Hill Open Space. 2.2 Legal Agreements There are no prior legal agreements (easements, rights of way, long-term leases, etc.) that staff is aware of that affect the management and use of Terrace Hill Open Space. 3-17 Terrace Hill Open Space Conservation Plan – Parks and Recreation Commission Review Draft 11 2.3 Soils A Custom Soil Resource Report was prepared for Terrace Hill using the United States Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) website application. The report reveals that Terrace Hill is comprised entirely of heavy clay soils known as the Diablo-Lodo Complex and identified as soil map unit no. 133. This soil is excessively well drained and characterized as having severe erosion potential, especially given the 15-50% slopes. A soils map and complete listing of soils found within Terrace Hill Open Space is included as Appendix B. 2.4 Species Inventory Several sensitive avian species have been observed at Terrace Hill Open Space. In addition, over the course of two field days in March 2015, staff from Terra Verde Environmental (biologists Rhett Blanton and Halden Petersen and botanist Sean Ryan) documented 85 different plant species, as well as numerous wildlife species either directly or through evidence of their presense . See Appendix C for Terra Verde Environmental’s complete memorandum, species list, and mapping. Table 1: Avian Species Observations at Terrace Hill Open Space Anna’s Hummingbird Calypte anna 3-18 Terrace Hill Open Space Conservation Plan – Parks and Recreation Commission Review Draft 12 Red-tailed hawk Buteo lineatus Prairie falcon Falco mexicanus Photo credit: quoteimg.com Photo Credit: Terra Verde Environmental, 2015 3-19 Terrace Hill Open Space Conservation Plan – Parks and Recreation Commission Review Draft 13 3. Goals and Policies The document Conservation Guidelines for Open Space Lands of the City of San Luis Obispo (2002) describes management guidelines and policies for all City open space properties, and is incorporated by reference into the Conservation and Open Space Element of the City’s General Plan. The Terrace Hill Open Space Conservation Plan has as its overarching goal to achieve sustainable conservation of habitat, while also allowing for passive recreational elements. The plan will accomplish this goal, and address the management issues described, above, through the following goals and policies. Goals The City will manage Terrace Hill Open Space with the following goals: 3.1 Conserve, enhance, and restore natural plant and wildlife communities by protecting their habitats in order to maintain viable wildlife populations within balanced ecosystems. 3.2 Provide the public with an opportunity for greater understanding and appreciation for the cultural and historic resources values associated with the Open Space. 3.3 Provide the public with a safe, accessible, and pleasing natural environment in which to pursue passive recreational activities, including hiking and biking, while maintaining the integrity of natural resources and minimizingthe impacts on the wildlife and habitats present in the Open Space. 3.4 Actively address sedimentation sources and erosion both within the Open Space, and from the Open Space. 3.5 Minimize the impacts of harmful activities, such as off-trail hiking and biking use or catastrophic wildfire, while maintaining natural drainage systems as a means of conveying storm water into and within urban areas. 3.6 Provide signage and interpretive features to enhance user safety, prevent unauthorized entrance at neighboring private property, and for educational purposes. 3.7 Maintain, protect, and improve aesthetic views as seen from various locations throughout the City of San Luis Obispo. 3.8 Protect and officially designate the important historic and cultural resources associated with the Open Space. 3.9 Regularly monitor and patrol the Open Space, establish Levels of Acceptable Change (LAC), and take action to correct areas or problems that exceed LAC. Policies The City will manage Terrace Hill Open Space in accordance with the City’s adopted Conservation Guidelines for Open Space Lands of the City of San Luis Obispo (2002), as well as the following policies that elaborate upon, or are in addition to, those found in the Conservation Guidelines: 3.9 Public Comment and Input This Conservation Plan seeks to accommodate community preferences while addressing the City’s goals in the Conservation and Open Space Element. A public meeting was held on March 11, 2015 in order to gather neighborhood input prior to staff’s preparation of the Conservation Plan. Both written 3-20 Terrace Hill Open Space Conservation Plan – Parks and Recreation Commission Review Draft 14 comments and public testimony received during the advisory body review process will be considered in the Final Review Draft. 3.10 Vegetation Management 3.10.1 The City will monitor and manage vegetation to meet prescribed goals for the land. Management strategies such as the following will be implemented where necessary: physical pruning/removal of unwanted or problematic vegetation – especially dead, dying, diseased, or non- native species; controlled, seasonal grazing or mowing with a rubber track piece of equipment; erosion and sediment control or removal strategies; and, application of Integrated Pest Management practices. 3.10.2 Restoration and/or re-vegetation techniques will be utilized when necessary to restore a degraded vegetative community to a fully functioning ecosystem. All restoration activities will utilize site or region-specific native grasses, herbs, shrubs, and trees. Planting of invasive, non-native species will be prohibited. Adjacent landowners are encouraged to undertake efforts to control target non-native vegetation on their land. 3.10.3 All existing native trees will be protected wherever possible, and new native trees planted to enhance wildlife habitat. Where possible, vegetation will be left to follow its natural course of succession and will not receive any form of active management. The ultimate goal will be to re-establish, or preserve, a self-sustaining ecosystem. 3.11 Passive Recreation Common passive recreational activities that take place within Terrace Hill Open Space include bird watching, kite flying, Frisbee, dog walking, hiking, and biking. All recreational uses will be monitored and patrolled in accordance with the City of San Luis Obispo’s Open Space Regulations, Municipal Code, Chapter 12.22, in general. Active recreational uses are considered more intrusive to the local natural environment and include activities such as special events, horseback riding, discharge of weapons, paintball, and hunting that will be prohibited. All passive recreation uses will be monitored for potential impacts to plant species and wildlife habitat that occur within Terrace Hill Open Space. 3.12 Scientific Research Non-destructive scientific study and research will be permitted with prior, written approval from the City’s Natural Resources Manager. A condition of approval will be that the applicant provides the City with a written report of the findings of the study. This will assist the City in compiling a detailed inventory of natural and biological resources located within Terrace Hill Open Space. Numerous research projects could arise from this Conservation Plan. Issues such as successional forest planning, non-native species control, species population monitoring, drainage and sedimentation analysis projects could easily be developed with students to further the collective knowledge base of Terrace Hill Open Space, as well as assist in adaptive management strategies. 4. Conservation Plan 4.1 Naming Terrace Hill Open Space shall be the name of the plan area. The property is comprised of a single parcel acquired at one time from one party. It is therefore an “Open Space,” according to the City’s Open Space Regulations (Municipal Code, 12.22.030). 4.2 Land Use Designations The internal land uses of Terrace Hill Open Space are explained below, and depicted in the following map, Figure 7. 3-21 Terrace Hill Open Space Conservation Plan – Parks and Recreation Commission Review Draft 15 4.2.1 Habitat Area – Land areas where the primary objective will be to protect natural resources by maintaining intact native plant communities and habitat for both resident and migratory wildlife. This is by far the largest share of the land uses, comprising approximately 20 acres of the property. 4.2.2 Management Areas a. Maintained Trails – Active management of land in these areas will be required to facilitate approved activities while protecting valuable natural resources. These trails are generally kept clear and receive maintenance as needed to prevent erosion, pooling of water, and instability. Slopes range generally from 10% or less to as much as 30%. Biking is allowable on maintained trails. The loop trail located at the top of the hill may be improved for all-weather design. b. Dirt Road – A vehicular access road provides access from Bishop Street to the top of the hill. This area will be managed primarily as a trail corridor, and requires periodic maintenance of rolling dips and tranverse trenches in order to direct water drainage to the inlet facility at the bottom. Biking is allowed on the dirt road. Vehicular use shall be restricted to authorized City personnel for management and maintenance purposes only, as well as emergency services. c. Drainage basin and culvert – Drainage facilities consisting of a small basin and culvert outlet are located near the entry point along Bishop Street and above the Buena Vista Estates property, and require periodic maintenance and soil removal in order to remain functional. d. Viewing Benches – Four memorial viewing benches have been installed along the perimeter of the loop trail around the top of the hill. e. Grazing – The grassland portions of Terrace Hill were historically grazed by cattle . Secure perimeter fencing and a steady supply of stock water are not present on the property any longer; however, “high intensity, short duration” controlled seasonal grazing with goats appears to be a viable management strategy for reducing hazardous fuel loads, while the recruitment of native bunchgrasses and annual forbs that are adapted to a disturbance regime is also a desired management goal. Successful implementation will require the use of electric “hot wire” fence, portable watering facilities, and close supervision. f. Gates, Signs, and Fencing – The entry gate at Bishop Street shall be maintained in functional condition to ensure readily available access for emergency and maintenance purposes. Signs with Terrace Hill Open Space shall also be maintained in legible and functional condition. As fencing is repaired or replaced, five-strand fencing should be installed that is barbless on the top and bottom strand, with the bottom strand being located 18” off the ground in order to allow for safe wildlife passage both over and under the fence. 4.2.3 Restoration Areas – Two areas of Terrace Hill Open Space warrant restoration activities. Below the rock outcrop along the westerly perimeter of the loop trail is a growing stand on invasive French broom that should be removed, followed by stabilization and replanting efforts. The steep trail leading from the top of the hill down to the trailhead at the corner of Rachel Street and Jennifer Street has become progressively wider in recent years as hikers seek vegetated footing under wet, slippery conditions. This area shall be restored and monitored, as it represents a visual blight as well as a sedimentation / drainage concern. 4.3 Photo Monitoring Points City staff has established photo-monitoring points throughout Terrace Hill Open Space in order to document baseline conditions and periodically observe changes. Photo points include property corners, areas of heavy public traffic, areas likely to suffer erosion damage, and habitats with sensitive plant and wildlife species. The photo points will be used to establish baseline conditions. Additional points may be added as necessary if conditions change or new issues arise. Photos points and an associated map of point locations are included as Appendix A. 3-22 Terrace Hill Open Space Conservation Plan – Parks and Recreation Commission Review Draft 16 Figure 7: Land Use and Management Area Map 3-23 Terrace Hill Open Space Conservation Plan – Parks and Recreation Commission Review Draft 17 4.4 Needs Analysis The Terrace Hill Open Space Conservation Plan contemplates the need for a variety of projects and initiatives in order provide long-term stewardship, restoration, and proper management of the land. 4.4.1 Resource Management and Protection Biological surveys are the basis for natural resource management in Terrace Hill Open Space. After the initial surveys conducted for the creation of this plan, the City will need to monitor and protect the habitat areas and sensitive species identified. 4.4.2 Resource Enhancement Enhancement of natural resources will focus on restoration of two areas, as described in 4.2.3, above. 4.4.3 Signage Signage for Terrace Hill Open Space is currently outdated compared to the standards used for the City’s other open spaces, and should therefore be upgraded. Signs located at the trailheads would be used to provide directions, apprise users of open space regulations, and identify adjacent private property ownership. A three-panel kiosk at the main Bishop Street trailhead will highlight natural and historic resources with interpretive features, as well as provide a trail map graphic. 4.4.4 Trailhead Amenities and New Trails A new entry gate and turn-style at the main trailhead at Bishop Street, as well as a garbage receptacle and “mutt mitt” dispenser are needed. Brief sections of new trail will be constructed from the other two trailheads at the corner Rachel Street and Jennifer Street and at Rachel Court. These trails will be constructed by City staff to contemporary standards for slope and drainage, and shall be designed to minimize any potential impacts to nearby neighbors. 4.4.5 Site Stewardship and “Pride of Ownership” Additional needs at Terrace Hill include the following items: Increase ranger and police patrols Promptly attend to and abate graffiti Remove trash, refuse, broken bottles Maintain drainage facilities Remove or cut in place derelict drip tubing Remove and replace dead trees and shrubs Figure 8: Examples of Site Stewardship Needs at Terrace Hill Open Space 3-24 Terrace Hill Open Space Conservation Plan – Parks and Recreation Commission Review Draft 18 5. Implementation General maintenance activities in accordance with the adopted policies described in Conservation Guidelines for Open Space Lands of the City of San Luis Obispo and the Conservation and Open Space Element shall be implemented on a regular or as-needed basis. Specific Tasks are anticipated as follows, subject to available funding: Years 1-3 Install new, updated signage at trailheads and along trails Install new trail sections, entry gate, turn-style, and trailhead amenities (trash can and mutt mitts) Implement and monitor grazing strategy Ongoing Specific Tasks Maintain sediment basins Monitor ecosystem health Monitor non-native, dead, or dying vegetation and remove as appropriate Regularly patrol the property and interact with users Weed whacking, mowing, and grazing for hazardous fuel reduction Site stewardship and “pride of ownership” tasks Work with local universities to contiunue resource inventories 6. Fiscal Statement Day-to-day management of Terrace Hill Open Space will continue to be supported through the operating budgets within the Natural Resources Program and Ranger Service. City staff has developed a Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) program for major maintenance activities and improvements that is under consideration for the 2015-17 Financial Plan. The program will include signage, trail work, and trailhead amenities. City staff will also pursue grants and volunteers to augment funding for this plan’s identified projects. Overall, the fiscal impact of the conservation plan and its implementation is considered relatively minor given opportunities to phase projects and leverage modest investments of City funds. 7. Updates and Amendment This Conservation Plan is intended to guide management actions over the course of the next ten years, after which time staff should consider the need for an update. Any portion of the plan may be considered for amendment upon request. Any citizen or other interested party may initiate such a request, and shall be directed to the City Manager or designee. Such a request will include the nature of the requested amendment and rationale for the request. If appropriate, the amendment will be processed in the same manner as the original Conservation Plan. Photo credit: Judith Hildinger 3-25 Terrace Hill Open Space Conservation Plan – Parks and Recreation Commission Review Draft 19 Appendix A: Photo Monitoring Points & Map Photo monitoring points for Terrace Hill Open Space, as discussed in Section 4.3. These locations may be modified, or new locations may be added, as conditions warrant. Table 2: Photo Monitoring Points: (All photos established May 24, 2015 by Robert A. Hill, Natural Resources Manager, using unaltered images from a Canon EOS “Rebel” T2i digital camera) 1a. 1b. 3-26 Terrace Hill Open Space Conservation Plan – Parks and Recreation Commission Review Draft 20 2. 3a. 3b. 3-27 Terrace Hill Open Space Conservation Plan – Parks and Recreation Commission Review Draft 21 4a. 4b. 5a. 3-28 Terrace Hill Open Space Conservation Plan – Parks and Recreation Commission Review Draft 22 5b. 6a. 6b. 3-29 Terrace Hill Open Space Conservation Plan – Parks and Recreation Commission Review Draft 23 6c. 7. 8. 3-30 Terrace Hill Open Space Conservation Plan – Parks and Recreation Commission Review Draft 24 9. 10. 11. 3-31 Terrace Hill Open Space Conservation Plan – Parks and Recreation Commission Review Draft 25 3-32 Terrace Hill Open Space Conservation Plan – Parks and Recreation Commission Review Draft 26 Appendix B: Soil Report for Terrace Hill Open Space 3-33 United States Department of Agriculture A product of the National Cooperative Soil Survey, a joint effort of the United States Department of Agriculture and other Federal agencies, State agencies including the Agricultural Experiment Stations, and local participants Custom Soil Resource Report for San Luis Obispo County, California, Coastal Part Natural Resources Conservation Service March 24, 20153-34 Preface Soil surveys contain information that affects land use planning in survey areas. They highlight soil limitations that affect various land uses and provide information about the properties of the soils in the survey areas. Soil surveys are designed for many different users, including farmers, ranchers, foresters, agronomists, urban planners, community officials, engineers, developers, builders, and home buyers. Also, conservationists, teachers, students, and specialists in recreation, waste disposal, and pollution control can use the surveys to help them understand, protect, or enhance the environment. Various land use regulations of Federal, State, and local governments may impose special restrictions on land use or land treatment. Soil surveys identify soil properties that are used in making various land use or land treatment decisions. The information is intended to help the land users identify and reduce the effects of soil limitations on various land uses. The landowner or user is responsible for identifying and complying with existing laws and regulations. Although soil survey information can be used for general farm, local, and wider area planning, onsite investigation is needed to supplement this information in some cases. Examples include soil quality assessments (http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/ nrcs/main/soils/health/) and certain conservation and engineering applications. For more detailed information, contact your local USDA Service Center (http:// offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app?agency=nrcs) or your NRCS State Soil Scientist (http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/soils/contactus/? cid=nrcs142p2_053951). Great differences in soil properties can occur within short distances. Some soils are seasonally wet or subject to flooding. Some are too unstable to be used as a foundation for buildings or roads. Clayey or wet soils are poorly suited to use as septic tank absorption fields. A high water table makes a soil poorly suited to basements or underground installations. The National Cooperative Soil Survey is a joint effort of the United States Department of Agriculture and other Federal agencies, State agencies including the Agricultural Experiment Stations, and local agencies. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has leadership for the Federal part of the National Cooperative Soil Survey. Information about soils is updated periodically. Updated information is available through the NRCS Web Soil Survey, the site for official soil survey information. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or a part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means 2 3-35 for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. 3 3-36 Contents Preface....................................................................................................................2 How Soil Surveys Are Made..................................................................................5 Soil Map..................................................................................................................7 Soil Map................................................................................................................8 Legend..................................................................................................................9 Map Unit Legend................................................................................................10 Map Unit Descriptions........................................................................................10 San Luis Obispo County, California, Coastal Part..........................................12 133—Diablo-Lodo complex, 15 to 50 percent slopes..................................12 References............................................................................................................14 4 3-37 How Soil Surveys Are Made Soil surveys are made to provide information about the soils and miscellaneous areas in a specific area. They include a description of the soils and miscellaneous areas and their location on the landscape and tables that show soil properties and limitations affecting various uses. Soil scientists observed the steepness, length, and shape of the slopes; the general pattern of drainage; the kinds of crops and native plants; and the kinds of bedrock. They observed and described many soil profiles. A soil profile is the sequence of natural layers, or horizons, in a soil. The profile extends from the surface down into the unconsolidated material in which the soil formed or from the surface down to bedrock. The unconsolidated material is devoid of roots and other living organisms and has not been changed by other biological activity. Currently, soils are mapped according to the boundaries of major land resource areas (MLRAs). MLRAs are geographically associated land resource units that share common characteristics related to physiography, geology, climate, water resources, soils, biological resources, and land uses (USDA, 2006). Soil survey areas typically consist of parts of one or more MLRA. The soils and miscellaneous areas in a survey area occur in an orderly pattern that is related to the geology, landforms, relief, climate, and natural vegetation of the area. Each kind of soil and miscellaneous area is associated with a particular kind of landform or with a segment of the landform. By observing the soils and miscellaneous areas in the survey area and relating their position to specific segments of the landform, a soil scientist develops a concept, or model, of how they were formed. Thus, during mapping, this model enables the soil scientist to predict with a considerable degree of accuracy the kind of soil or miscellaneous area at a specific location on the landscape. Commonly, individual soils on the landscape merge into one another as their characteristics gradually change. To construct an accurate soil map, however, soil scientists must determine the boundaries between the soils. They can observe only a limited number of soil profiles. Nevertheless, these observations, supplemented by an understanding of the soil-vegetation-landscape relationship, are sufficient to verify predictions of the kinds of soil in an area and to determine the boundaries. Soil scientists recorded the characteristics of the soil profiles that they studied. They noted soil color, texture, size and shape of soil aggregates, kind and amount of rock fragments, distribution of plant roots, reaction, and other features that enable them to identify soils. After describing the soils in the survey area and determining their properties, the soil scientists assigned the soils to taxonomic classes (units). Taxonomic classes are concepts. Each taxonomic class has a set of soil characteristics with precisely defined limits. The classes are used as a basis for comparison to classify soils systematically. Soil taxonomy, the system of taxonomic classification used in the United States, is based mainly on the kind and character of soil properties and the arrangement of horizons within the profile. After the soil scientists classified and named the soils in the survey area, they compared the 5 3-38 individual soils with similar soils in the same taxonomic class in other areas so that they could confirm data and assemble additional data based on experience and research. The objective of soil mapping is not to delineate pure map unit components; the objective is to separate the landscape into landforms or landform segments that have similar use and management requirements. Each map unit is defined by a unique combination of soil components and/or miscellaneous areas in predictable proportions. Some components may be highly contrasting to the other components of the map unit. The presence of minor components in a map unit in no way diminishes the usefulness or accuracy of the data. The delineation of such landforms and landform segments on the map provides sufficient information for the development of resource plans. If intensive use of small areas is planned, onsite investigation is needed to define and locate the soils and miscellaneous areas. Soil scientists make many field observations in the process of producing a soil map. The frequency of observation is dependent upon several factors, including scale of mapping, intensity of mapping, design of map units, complexity of the landscape, and experience of the soil scientist. Observations are made to test and refine the soil- landscape model and predictions and to verify the classification of the soils at specific locations. Once the soil-landscape model is refined, a significantly smaller number of measurements of individual soil properties are made and recorded. These measurements may include field measurements, such as those for color, depth to bedrock, and texture, and laboratory measurements, such as those for content of sand, silt, clay, salt, and other components. Properties of each soil typically vary from one point to another across the landscape. Observations for map unit components are aggregated to develop ranges of characteristics for the components. The aggregated values are presented. Direct measurements do not exist for every property presented for every map unit component. Values for some properties are estimated from combinations of other properties. While a soil survey is in progress, samples of some of the soils in the area generally are collected for laboratory analyses and for engineering tests. Soil scientists interpret the data from these analyses and tests as well as the field-observed characteristics and the soil properties to determine the expected behavior of the soils under different uses. Interpretations for all of the soils are field tested through observation of the soils in different uses and under different levels of management. Some interpretations are modified to fit local conditions, and some new interpretations are developed to meet local needs. Data are assembled from other sources, such as research information, production records, and field experience of specialists. For example, data on crop yields under defined levels of management are assembled from farm records and from field or plot experiments on the same kinds of soil. Predictions about soil behavior are based not only on soil properties but also on such variables as climate and biological activity. Soil conditions are predictable over long periods of time, but they are not predictable from year to year. For example, soil scientists can predict with a fairly high degree of accuracy that a given soil will have a high water table within certain depths in most years, but they cannot predict that a high water table will always be at a specific level in the soil on a specific date. After soil scientists located and identified the significant natural bodies of soil in the survey area, they drew the boundaries of these bodies on aerial photographs and identified each as a specific map unit. Aerial photographs show trees, buildings, fields, roads, and rivers, all of which help in locating boundaries accurately. Custom Soil Resource Report 6 3-39 Soil Map The soil map section includes the soil map for the defined area of interest, a list of soil map units on the map and extent of each map unit, and cartographic symbols displayed on the map. Also presented are various metadata about data used to produce the map, and a description of each soil map unit. 7 3-40 8 Custom Soil Resource Report Soil Map 39 0 5 6 7 0 39 0 5 7 4 0 39 0 5 8 1 0 39 0 5 8 8 0 39 0 5 9 5 0 39 0 6 0 2 0 39 0 6 0 9 0 39 0 5 7 4 0 39 0 5 8 1 0 39 0 5 8 8 0 39 0 5 9 5 0 39 0 6 0 2 0 39 0 6 0 9 0 713360 713430 713500 713570 713640 713710 713780 713850 713920 713990 713360 713430 713500 713570 713640 713710 713780 713850 713920 713990 35° 16' 31'' N 12 0 ° 3 9 ' 1 6 ' ' W 35° 16' 31'' N 12 0 ° 3 8 ' 4 9 ' ' W 35° 16' 17'' N 12 0 ° 3 9 ' 1 6 ' ' W 35° 16' 17'' N 12 0 ° 3 8 ' 4 9 ' ' W N Map projection: Web Mercator Corner coordinates: WGS84 Edge tics: UTM Zone 10N WGS84 0 150300 600 900 Feet 0 45 90 180 270 Meters Map Scale: 1:3,090 if printed on A landscape (11" x 8.5") sheet. 3-41 MAP LEGEND MAP INFORMATION Area of Interest (AOI) Area of Interest (AOI) Soils Soil Map Unit Polygons Soil Map Unit Lines Soil Map Unit Points Special Point Features Blowout Borrow Pit Clay Spot Closed Depression Gravel Pit Gravelly Spot Landfill Lava Flow Marsh or swamp Mine or Quarry Miscellaneous Water Perennial Water Rock Outcrop Saline Spot Sandy Spot Severely Eroded Spot Sinkhole Slide or Slip Sodic Spot Spoil Area Stony Spot Very Stony Spot Wet Spot Other Special Line Features Water Features Streams and Canals Transportation Rails Interstate Highways US Routes Major Roads Local Roads Background Aerial Photography The soil surveys that comprise your AOI were mapped at 1:24,000. Warning: Soil Map may not be valid at this scale. Enlargement of maps beyond the scale of mapping can cause misunderstanding of the detail of mapping and accuracy of soil line placement. The maps do not show the small areas of contrasting soils that could have been shown at a more detailed scale. Please rely on the bar scale on each map sheet for map measurements. Source of Map: Natural Resources Conservation Service Web Soil Survey URL: http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov Coordinate System: Web Mercator (EPSG:3857) Maps from the Web Soil Survey are based on the Web Mercator projection, which preserves direction and shape but distorts distance and area. A projection that preserves area, such as the Albers equal-area conic projection, should be used if more accurate calculations of distance or area are required. This product is generated from the USDA-NRCS certified data as of the version date(s) listed below. Soil Survey Area: San Luis Obispo County, California, Coastal Part Survey Area Data: Version 6, Sep 26, 2014 Soil map units are labeled (as space allows) for map scales 1:50,000 or larger. Date(s) aerial images were photographed: May 8, 2010—May 21, 2010 The orthophoto or other base map on which the soil lines were compiled and digitized probably differs from the background imagery displayed on these maps. As a result, some minor shifting of map unit boundaries may be evident. Custom Soil Resource Report 9 3-42 Map Unit Legend San Luis Obispo County, California, Coastal Part (CA664) Map Unit Symbol Map Unit Name Acres in AOI Percent of AOI 133 Diablo-Lodo complex, 15 to 50 percent slopes 22.0 100.0% Totals for Area of Interest 22.0 100.0% Map Unit Descriptions The map units delineated on the detailed soil maps in a soil survey represent the soils or miscellaneous areas in the survey area. The map unit descriptions, along with the maps, can be used to determine the composition and properties of a unit. A map unit delineation on a soil map represents an area dominated by one or more major kinds of soil or miscellaneous areas. A map unit is identified and named according to the taxonomic classification of the dominant soils. Within a taxonomic class there are precisely defined limits for the properties of the soils. On the landscape, however, the soils are natural phenomena, and they have the characteristic variability of all natural phenomena. Thus, the range of some observed properties may extend beyond the limits defined for a taxonomic class. Areas of soils of a single taxonomic class rarely, if ever, can be mapped without including areas of other taxonomic classes. Consequently, every map unit is made up of the soils or miscellaneous areas for which it is named and some minor components that belong to taxonomic classes other than those of the major soils. Most minor soils have properties similar to those of the dominant soil or soils in the map unit, and thus they do not affect use and management. These are called noncontrasting, or similar, components. They may or may not be mentioned in a particular map unit description. Other minor components, however, have properties and behavioral characteristics divergent enough to affect use or to require different management. These are called contrasting, or dissimilar, components. They generally are in small areas and could not be mapped separately because of the scale used. Some small areas of strongly contrasting soils or miscellaneous areas are identified by a special symbol on the maps. If included in the database for a given area, the contrasting minor components are identified in the map unit descriptions along with some characteristics of each. A few areas of minor components may not have been observed, and consequently they are not mentioned in the descriptions, especially where the pattern was so complex that it was impractical to make enough observations to identify all the soils and miscellaneous areas on the landscape. The presence of minor components in a map unit in no way diminishes the usefulness or accuracy of the data. The objective of mapping is not to delineate pure taxonomic classes but rather to separate the landscape into landforms or landform segments that have similar use and management requirements. The delineation of such segments on the map provides sufficient information for the development of resource plans. If intensive use of small areas is planned, however, onsite investigation is needed to define and locate the soils and miscellaneous areas. Custom Soil Resource Report 10 3-43 An identifying symbol precedes the map unit name in the map unit descriptions. Each description includes general facts about the unit and gives important soil properties and qualities. Soils that have profiles that are almost alike make up a soil series. Except for differences in texture of the surface layer, all the soils of a series have major horizons that are similar in composition, thickness, and arrangement. Soils of one series can differ in texture of the surface layer, slope, stoniness, salinity, degree of erosion, and other characteristics that affect their use. On the basis of such differences, a soil series is divided into soil phases. Most of the areas shown on the detailed soil maps are phases of soil series. The name of a soil phase commonly indicates a feature that affects use or management. For example, Alpha silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, is a phase of the Alpha series. Some map units are made up of two or more major soils or miscellaneous areas. These map units are complexes, associations, or undifferentiated groups. A complex consists of two or more soils or miscellaneous areas in such an intricate pattern or in such small areas that they cannot be shown separately on the maps. The pattern and proportion of the soils or miscellaneous areas are somewhat similar in all areas. Alpha-Beta complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes, is an example. An association is made up of two or more geographically associated soils or miscellaneous areas that are shown as one unit on the maps. Because of present or anticipated uses of the map units in the survey area, it was not considered practical or necessary to map the soils or miscellaneous areas separately. The pattern and relative proportion of the soils or miscellaneous areas are somewhat similar. Alpha- Beta association, 0 to 2 percent slopes, is an example. An undifferentiated group is made up of two or more soils or miscellaneous areas that could be mapped individually but are mapped as one unit because similar interpretations can be made for use and management. The pattern and proportion of the soils or miscellaneous areas in a mapped area are not uniform. An area can be made up of only one of the major soils or miscellaneous areas, or it can be made up of all of them. Alpha and Beta soils, 0 to 2 percent slopes, is an example. Some surveys include miscellaneous areas. Such areas have little or no soil material and support little or no vegetation. Rock outcrop is an example. Custom Soil Resource Report 11 3-44 San Luis Obispo County, California, Coastal Part 133—Diablo-Lodo complex, 15 to 50 percent slopes Map Unit Setting National map unit symbol: hbnb Elevation: 300 to 3,000 feet Mean annual precipitation: 14 to 28 inches Mean annual air temperature: 59 degrees F Frost-free period: 275 to 350 days Farmland classification: Not prime farmland Map Unit Composition Diablo and similar soils: 45 percent Lodo and similar soils: 35 percent Minor components: 20 percent Estimates are based on observations, descriptions, and transects of the mapunit. Description of Diablo Setting Landform: Hills, mountains Landform position (two-dimensional): Backslope, summit Landform position (three-dimensional): Mountainflank, crest, side slope Down-slope shape: Convex, linear Across-slope shape: Convex Parent material: Residuum weathered from mudstone, sandstone and/or shale Typical profile H1 - 0 to 38 inches: clay H2 - 38 to 58 inches: clay H3 - 58 to 62 inches: weathered bedrock Properties and qualities Slope: 15 to 50 percent Depth to restrictive feature: 45 to 58 inches to paralithic bedrock Natural drainage class: Well drained Runoff class: Very high Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat): Very low (0.00 in/hr) Depth to water table: More than 80 inches Frequency of flooding: None Frequency of ponding: None Salinity, maximum in profile: Nonsaline (0.0 to 2.0 mmhos/cm) Available water storage in profile: High (about 9.8 inches) Interpretive groups Land capability classification (irrigated): 6e Land capability classification (nonirrigated): 6e Hydrologic Soil Group: C Ecological site: Clayey (R015XD001CA) Description of Lodo Setting Landform: Hills, mountains Landform position (two-dimensional): Backslope, summit Custom Soil Resource Report 12 3-45 Landform position (three-dimensional): Mountainflank, crest, side slope Down-slope shape: Convex, linear Across-slope shape: Convex Parent material: Residuum weathered from sandstone and shale Typical profile H1 - 0 to 12 inches: clay loam H2 - 12 to 22 inches: unweathered bedrock Properties and qualities Slope: 15 to 50 percent Depth to restrictive feature: 4 to 20 inches to lithic bedrock Natural drainage class: Somewhat excessively drained Runoff class: High Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat): Very low (0.00 in/hr) Depth to water table: More than 80 inches Frequency of flooding: None Frequency of ponding: None Available water storage in profile: Very low (about 1.9 inches) Interpretive groups Land capability classification (irrigated): 6e Land capability classification (nonirrigated): 6e Hydrologic Soil Group: D Ecological site: Shallow fine loamy (R015XD070CA) Minor Components Cibo, clay Percent of map unit: 3 percent Lopez, very shaly clay loam Percent of map unit: 3 percent Los osos, loam Percent of map unit: 3 percent Millsap, loam Percent of map unit: 3 percent Obispo, clay Percent of map unit: 3 percent Rock outcrop Percent of map unit: 3 percent Unnamed Percent of map unit: 2 percent Custom Soil Resource Report 13 3-46 References American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). 2004. Standard specifications for transportation materials and methods of sampling and testing. 24th edition. American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). 2005. Standard classification of soils for engineering purposes. ASTM Standard D2487-00. Cowardin, L.M., V. Carter, F.C. Golet, and E.T. LaRoe. 1979. Classification of wetlands and deep-water habitats of the United States. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service FWS/OBS-79/31. Federal Register. July 13, 1994. Changes in hydric soils of the United States. Federal Register. September 18, 2002. Hydric soils of the United States. Hurt, G.W., and L.M. Vasilas, editors. Version 6.0, 2006. Field indicators of hydric soils in the United States. National Research Council. 1995. Wetlands: Characteristics and boundaries. Soil Survey Division Staff. 1993. Soil survey manual. Soil Conservation Service. U.S. Department of Agriculture Handbook 18. http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/ detail/national/soils/?cid=nrcs142p2_054262 Soil Survey Staff. 1999. Soil taxonomy: A basic system of soil classification for making and interpreting soil surveys. 2nd edition. Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture Handbook 436. http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/ nrcs/detail/national/soils/?cid=nrcs142p2_053577 Soil Survey Staff. 2010. Keys to soil taxonomy. 11th edition. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/ portal/nrcs/detail/national/soils/?cid=nrcs142p2_053580 Tiner, R.W., Jr. 1985. Wetlands of Delaware. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, Wetlands Section. United States Army Corps of Engineers, Environmental Laboratory. 1987. Corps of Engineers wetlands delineation manual. Waterways Experiment Station Technical Report Y-87-1. United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. National forestry manual. http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/soils/ home/?cid=nrcs142p2_053374 United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. National range and pasture handbook. http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/ detail/national/landuse/rangepasture/?cid=stelprdb1043084 14 3-47 United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. National soil survey handbook, title 430-VI. http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/ nrcs/detail/soils/scientists/?cid=nrcs142p2_054242 United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2006. Land resource regions and major land resource areas of the United States, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Basin. U.S. Department of Agriculture Handbook 296. http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/soils/? cid=nrcs142p2_053624 United States Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service. 1961. Land capability classification. U.S. Department of Agriculture Handbook 210. http:// www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/nrcs142p2_052290.pdf Custom Soil Resource Report 15 3-48 Terrace Hill Open Space Conservation Plan – Parks and Recreation Commission Review Draft 27 Appendix C: Summary and Results of a Plant Inventory and Wildlife Survey at Terrace Hill Open Space, City of San Luis Obispo, California 3-49 3765 South Higuera Street, Suite 102 San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 March 16, 2015 Mr. Bob Hill Natural Resources Manager City of San Luis Obispo 990 Palm Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 RE: Summary and Results of a Plant Inventory and Wildlife Survey at Terrace Hill Open Space, City of San Luis Obispo, California In support of the proposed updates to the City of San Luis Obispo (City) Conservation Plan for the Terrace Hill Open Space (Open Space), Terra Verde Environmental Consulting, LLC (Terra Verde) was retained to conduct a plant and wildlife survey of the Open Space. Prior to conducting the survey, results of a California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) query were evaluated as well as a review of available aerial site imagery and proposed trail alignments (see Attachment A ‐ Figure 1: 1.5‐mile CNDDB Map). Survey Methodology Terra Verde biologist Rhett Blanton and botanist Sean Ryan conducted a reconnaissance level survey on March 3, 2015 of the entire 30‐acre Open Space. Environmental conditions consisted of clear skies, 2‐5 mile per hour winds, and temperatures ranging between 55‐62° F. Seasonal timing and weather conditions were suitable for detection of botanical and wildlife resources occurring in the open space area. A follow‐up site visit was performed by Terra Verde biologist Halden Petersen on the afternoon of March 8, 2015. The botanical and wildlife inventories focused on documenting all detectable plant and wildlife species. Special‐status plant and/or wildlife species were mapped using a hand‐held Trimble Global Positioning System (GPS) and plotted on the Terrace Hill Open Space Map (refer to Appendix A – Figure 2). A Peterson bat detector was employed at a Terra Verde residence near the base of the Open Space’s southern slope. The detector was employed on March 6, 2015 and collected data for a single night period. Full spectrum acoustical data was analyzed using SonoBat US West (Szewczak). Results of the acoustic monitoring are included in the results section of this report. 3-50 3765 South Higuera Street, Suite 102 San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Plants During the botanical portion of the survey, a comprehensive floristic survey was conducted. The timing of the survey coincided with the blooming period of several special‐status species known to occur within a 1.5‐mile radius of the Open Space; however, it may have been early for the detection of Cambria morning‐glory (Calystegia subacaulis ssp. episcopalis). Cambria morning‐glory typically blooms from April to June and may have been missed due to the timing of the survey. Refer to Attachment B for a full list of botanical species observed. The majority of the Open Space (i.e., the hilltop terrace, and the western and southern slopes) is comprised of non‐native annual grassland habitat dominated by wild oats (Avena spp.), bromes (Bromus spp.), and barley (Hordeum spp.), with abundant black mustard (Brassica nigra) and localized patches of purple needle grass (Stipa pulchra), coast morning‐glory (Calystegia macrostegia), and silver bush lupine (Lupinus albifrons). Large portions of the north slope and perimeter of the hilltop loop are dominated by Coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia) with native and ornamental tree species intermixed. The northeast slope contains a mosaic of coastal sage scrub habitat co‐dominated by black sage (Salvia mellifera) and California sagebrush (Artemisia californica) with scattered toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia), coffee berry (Frangula californica), and individual oak trees. Upslope of the eastern entrance from Bishop Street is coast sage scrub habitat dominated by California buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum) with occasional buckbrush (Ceanothus cuneatus) and Hooker’s manzanita (Arctostaphylos hookeri ssp. hookeri). Just below the crest of the north‐facing slope is a rock outcrop with a small population of lance‐leaved dudleya (Dudleya lanceolata), and abundant native wildflowers (e.g., Johnny‐jump‐up [Viola pedunculata] and blue dicks [Dichelostemma capitatum]). Additionally, ornamental trees such as acacia, ash, pine, redwood, pepper tree, and eucalyptus have been planted in several locations within the Open Space. Wildlife During the wildlife portion of the survey, all species observed directly and/or indirectly (i.e., sign such as tracks, scat, remains, etc.) were documented. The majority of the wildlife species were avifauna. Raptor species such as red‐tail hawk (Buteo lineatus) and prairie falcon (Falco mexicanus) were observed foraging over open grasslands on the northwestern portion of the Open Space while passerine species such as oak titmouse (Baeolophus inornatus) and Townsend’s warbler (Dendroica townsendi) were observed foraging in Coast live oak trees in the northern section of the site. No active bird nests were identified during the survey effort, however the Open Space offers suitable nesting habitat for a variety of raptor and passerine species. Night time acoustic monitoring was 3-51 3765 South Higuera Street, Suite 102 San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 limited to the identification of Mexican free‐tailed bat (Tadarida brasiliensis), a common bat species. Refer to Attachment B for a full list of wildlife species observed within the Open Space and their listing status. In summary, Terra Verde’s survey effort resulted in a total of 87 common plant species, and 28 wildlife species. Of those, one raptor (prairie falcon) is on the CDFW Watch List and one passerine (oak titmouse) is on the North American Bird Conservation Initiative (NABCI) Yellow Watch List. Lastly, one sensitive invertebrate species (Monarch butterfly) is on the CDFW Special Animal list. If you should have any questions or require further information please contact me at sryan@terraverdeweb.com or at (805) 550‐7332. Sincerely, Sean Ryan Botanist Attachments A – Maps Figure 1: 2‐mile CNDDB Map Figure 2: Terrace Hill Open Space Map B – List of Species Observed in the Terrace Hill Open Space C – Representative Site Photographs 3-52 3765 South Higuera Street, Suite 102 San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 This page intentionally left blank. 3-53 3765 South Higuera Street, Suite 102 San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 ATTACHMENT A – Maps Figure 1: 2‐mile CNDDB Map Figure 2: Terrace Hill Open Space Map 3-54 3765 South Higuera Street, Suite 102 San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 This page intentionally left blank. 3-55 ^ Sources: Esri, HERE, DeLorme, TomTom, Intermap, increment P Corp., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL, Ordnance Survey, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), swisstopo, MapmyIndia, © OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community City of San Luis Obispo Figure 1: Terrace Hill Open Space 1.5-mile CNDDB Map 0 10.5 Miles ¯ ^Location 1.5-mile Buffer Adobe Sanicle Atascadero June Beetle Cambria Morning-glory Chaparral Ragwort Coast Range Newt Eastwood's Larkspur Ferruginous Hawk Jones' Layia La Panza Mariposa-lily Loggerhead Shrike Miles' Milk-vetch Monarch Butterfly Most Beautiful Jewelflower Mouse-gray Dudleya Pallid Bat Prairie Falcon San Luis Obispo Fountain Thistle San Luis Obispo Owl's-clover San Luis Obispo Sedge San Luis Mariposa-lily Steelhead - S/Cen CA Coast DPS Western Mastiff Bat Western Pond Turtle Western Yellow-billed Cuckoo 16 Mar 2015 3-56 Bish o p S t r e e t Ella S t r e e t A u g u s t a S t r e e t Ra c h e l S t r e e t Florence Street J o h n s o n A v e n u e Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, i-cubed, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AEX, Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the GIS User Community City of San Luis ObispoFigure 2: Terrace Hill Open Space Map 0 500250 Feet ¯Oak Titmouse (NABCI: Yellow Watch List) Prairie Falcon (CDFW: Watch List) Approximate Open Space Boundary 16 Mar 2015 ^Project Location 3-57 3765 South Higuera Street, Suite 102 San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 ATTACHMENT B ‐ Species List 3-58 3765 South Higuera Street, Suite 102 San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 This page intentionally left blank. 3-59 3765 South Higuera Street, Suite 102 San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Terrace Hill Open Space Plant List Species Observed by Terra Verde on March 03, 2015 *indicates non‐native species Scientific Name Common Name Adoxaceae Muskroot Family Sambucus nigra ssp. caerulea Blue elderberry Agavaceae Century Plant Family Agave americana* American century plant Chlorogalum pomeridianum Soap plant Anacardiaceae Sumac Family Rhus integrifolia Lemonade berry Rhus ovata Sugar bush Schinus molle* Pepper tree Toxicodendron diversilobum Poison‐oak Apiaceae Carrot Family Foeniculum vulgare* Fennel Asteraceae Composite Family Artemisia californica California sagebrush Baccharis pilularis Coyote brush Hazardia squarrosa Saw‐toothed goldenbush Helminthotheca echioides* Bristly ox‐tongue Hypochaeris glabra* Smooth cats ear Pseudognaphalium thermale Small headed cudweed Sonchus oleraceus* Common sow thistle Boraginaceae Borage Family Amsinckia intermedia Common fiddleneck Phacelia distans Common phacelia Brassicaceae Mustard Family Brassica nigra* Black mustard Hirschfeldia incana* Perennial mustard Cactaceae Cactus Family Opuntia littoralis Western prickly‐pear Caryophyllaceae Pink Family Spergularia bocconi* Boccone’s sand‐spurrey Stellaria media* Common chickweed Casuarinaceae She‐oak Family Casuarina cunninghamiana* River sheoak Convolvulaceae Morning‐glory Family Calystegia macrostegia Coast morning‐glory 3-60 3765 South Higuera Street, Suite 102 San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Convolvulus arvensis* Bindweed Crassulaceae Stonecrop Family Dudleya lanceolata Lance‐leaved dudleya Cucurbitaceae Gourd Family Marah fabacea California man‐root Cupressaceae Cypress Family Calocedrus decurrens Incense cedar Juniperus sp. Juniper Sequoia sempervirens Coast redwood Ericaceae Heath Family Arctostaphylos glauca Big berry manzanita Arctostaphylos hookeri ssp. hookeri Hooker’s manzanita Fabaceae Legume Family Acacia melanoxylon* Blackwood acacia Acmispon glaber Deerweed Cercis occidentalis Western redbud Genista monspessulana* French broom Lupinus albifrons var. albifrons Silver bush lupine Medicago polymorpha* California burclover Melilotus indicus* Sourclover Vicia sativa* Spring vetch Vicia villosa* Hairy vetch Fagaceae Oak Family Quercus agrifolia Coast live oak Quercus durata Leather oak Quercus lobata Valley oak Geraniaceae Geranium Family Erodium botrys* Longbeak stork’s bill Erodium cicutarium* Redstem filaree Geranium molle* Woodland geranium Iridaceae Iris Family Sisyrinchium bellum Western blue‐eyed grass Lamiaceae Mint Family Salvia mellifera Black sage Lauraceae Laurel Family Umbellularia californica California bay Malvaceae Mallow Family Fremontodendron californicum Flannelbush Malva parviflora* Cheeseweed Myrtaceae Myrtle Family Eucalyptus globulus* Blue gum Eucalyptus citriodora* Lemon‐scented gum 3-61 3765 South Higuera Street, Suite 102 San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Oleaceae Olive Family Fraxinus velutina Velvet ash Oxalidaceae Oxalis Family Oxalis pes‐caprae* Bermuda buttercup Papaveraceae Poppy Family Eschscholzia californica California poppy Pinaceae Pine Family Pinus pinea* Italian stone pine Pinus radiata Monterey pine Plantaginaceae Plantain Family Plantago lanceolata* English plantain Poaceae Grass Family Avena barbata* Slender wild oat Avena fatua* Wild oat Bromus diandrus* Ripgut grass Bromus hordeaceus* Soft chess Festuca microstachys Small fescue Festuca perennis* Rye grass Hordeum murinum* Wall barley Hordeum vulgare* Barley Lamarckia aurea* Goldentop grass Melica imperfecta Little California melica Pennisetum setaceum* Crimson fountain grass Phalaris aquatica* Harding grass Stipa pulchra Purple needle grass Polypodiaceae Polypody Family Polypodium californicum California polypody Polygonaceae Buckwheat Family Eriogonum fasciculatum California buckwheat Rumex crispus* Curly dock Rhamnaceae Buckthorn Family Ceanothus cuneatus var. cuneatus Buckbrush Ceanothus oliganthus Hairy ceanothus Ceanothus thyrsiflorus Blueblossom Frangula californica California coffee berry Rosaceae Rose Family Heteromeles arbutifolia Toyon Prunus ilicifolia ssp. ilicifolia Islay cherry Salicaceae Willow Family Salix laevigata Red willow Salix lasiolepis Arroyo willow 3-62 3765 South Higuera Street, Suite 102 San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Sapindaceae Soapberry Family Aesculus californica California buckeye Themidaceae Brodiaea Family Dichelostemma capitatum ssp. capitatum Blue dicks Violaceae Violet Family Viola pedunculata Johnny‐jump‐up 3-63 3765 South Higuera Street, Suite 102 San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Terrace Hill Open Space Wildlife List Species Observed by Terra Verde on March 03 and 08, 2015 Scientific Name Common Name Listing Status Avian Species Aphelocoma californica Western scrub‐jay Baeolophus inornatus Oak titmouse NABCI – Yellow Watch List Buteo jamaicensis Red‐tailed hawk Buteo lineatus Red‐shouldered hawk Calypte anna Anna's hummingbird Cathartes aura Turkey vulture Corvus brachyrhynchos American crow Dendroica townsendi Townsend’s warbler Falco mexicanus Prairie falcon CDFW – Watch List Falco sparverius American kestrel Larus occidentalis Western gull Melospiza melodia Song sparrow Melozone crissalis California towhee Mimus polyglottos Northern mockingbird Patagioenas fasciata Band‐tailed pigeon Pipilo maculatus Spotted towhee Sialia mexicana Western bluebird Zenaida macroura Mourning dove Mammal Species Lepus californicus Black‐tailed jackrabbit Odocoileus hemionus columbianus Columbian black‐tailed deer Tadarida brasiliensis Mexican free‐tailed bat Thomomys bottae Botta's pocket gopher Reptile Species Sceloporus occidentalis Fence lizard Amphibian species Pseudacris regilla Pacific chorus frog Invertebrate Species Bombus chinensis Bumblebee Cornu asperum European garden snail Danaus plexippus Monarch butterfly CDFW – Special Animal Papilio sp. Swallowtail butterfly 3-64 3765 South Higuera Street, Suite 102 San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 ATTACHMENT C ‐ Representative Site Photographs 3-65 3765 South Higuera Street, Suite 102 San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 This page intentionally left blank. 3-66 3765 South Higuera Street, Suite 102 San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Photo 1. Coast live oak and grassland habitat areas on north side of the Open Space, view east (March 8, 2015). Photo 2. Grasslands on Open Space hilltop terrace, view northwest (March 8, 2015). 3-67 3765 South Higuera Street, Suite 102 San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Photo 3. Mixed vegetation near a rock outcrop just below the top of the Open Space, view south (March 8, 2015). Photo 4. Blue dicks in flower on the northwest slope (March 03, 2015). 3-68 3765 South Higuera Street, Suite 102 San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Photo 5. Western blue‐eyed grass in flower on the northeast slope (March 03, 2015). Photo 6. Flannelbush in flower near the southeastern gate entrance (March 03, 2015). 3-69 3765 South Higuera Street, Suite 102 San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Photo 7. Coast morning‐glory in flower on the southwestern slope, view southeast (March 03, 2015). Photo 8. Black‐tailed jackrabbit among non‐native fountain grass, view west (March 8, 2015) 3-70 3765 South Higuera Street, Suite 102 San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Photo 9. Anna’s hummingbird perched on black sage in the Open Space (March 8, 2015). Photo 10. Red‐tailed hawk foraging over open grassland within the Open Space, view northwest (March 03, 2015). 3-71 City of San Luis Obispo Parks and Recreation Commission Agenda Report Date: April 1, 2015 Subject: Sinsheimer Park Playground Renovation Prepared by: Bridget Fraser, Sr. Civil Engineer, Public Works Department RECOMMENDATION Approve the proposed improvements to the Sinsheimer Park playground and forward the recommendation to the City Council. DISCUSSION Background Sinsheimer Park is a highly used community park which provides for many uses and a range of facilities which attract users from throughout the city and county. The park includes the pool complex, baseball stadium, softball fields, tennis courts, group barbeque areas, volley ball courts and a playground. The park is also situated adjacent to Sinsheimer Elementary School making the play area a convenient after-school destination for school age kids. The play equipment at Sinsheimer Park was originally installed in 1991 and retrofitted in 1998. The California State Playground Safety Regulations require public agencies to bring playgrounds and play equipment installed before 1999 into compliance with current playground related standards set forth by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and the guidelines set forth by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPCS). In addition, the Parks and Recreation Department has a policy of scheduling play equipment replacement on a 15 year cycle which is considered the equipment’s useful life. The existing equipment is currently 17 – 24 years old and is overdue for replacement. Utilizing savings from prior play equipment projects has allowed this project to elevate from a simple play equipment replacement project to a complete playground renovation with expectations of Sinsheimer Playground becoming a destination park. Additional budget has been directed to larger and/or additional play equipment, an expanded play area as well as site improvements including additional trees and landscaping, benches, and correcting accessibility issues with the existing steeply graded pathways as well as addressing the pathways damaged by tree roots. Design Development Process Recap On June 30, 2014, a Community Playground Design workshop was held at the entrance to the Sinsheimer Stadium prior to a Blues Baseball game where over 50 participants (from the neighborhood and those attending the ball game) provided feedback on preferred play equipment and design themes with emerging trends as follows: 4-1 Parks and Recreation Commission April 1, 2015 Page 2 of 3 G:\ADMIN\Parks & Rec Commission\2015\Agenda Packets\04.01.15\PRC Sinsheimer Playground.docx Utilize the terrain (hillside) in the design Include an iconic structure (tower) Providing accessibility is important Provide shade Provide challenging equipment for all ages Climbing and sliding features are popular Provide appropriate equipment/areas for different age groups Site Concepts were developed and various play equipment layouts obtained from several manufacturers based on this feedback. Two equipment layouts that best responded to the design intent were presented to the Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC) on February 4, 2015. A majority of the Commissioners preferred the equipment submitted by Miracle Recreation Equipment. On February 18, 2015, a second community meeting was held at Sinsheimer Elementary School. Notices were mailed to residents surrounding the park (1,500+) and flyers given to school officials to post around the school. Approximately 20 kids and a handful of adults attended the afternoon meeting. Participants were presented with the playground layout and equipment selections based on the input from the first community meeting and the February PRC meeting. Participants were also given an opportunity to help refine equipment layout by selecting their preferred colors and picking their preferred components on a few of the standalone play components. Neighbors who were not able to attend the afternoon meeting provided feed back to staff via email. Final Design Concept The final design for the Sinsheimer playground provides a variety of play experiences that are currently unavailable in San Luis Obispo. The adjacency of play equipment allows for ‘circuit’ play - children can move from feature to feature from different directions, and with varied levels of challenging elements, this design will grow with the children who use it. The upper and lower pads of the existing playground have been modified in shape and position in order to allow for a three-tier tower element on the upper pad to connect to the lower pad. Access to this upper pad is accessible via a new pedestrian path that bisects the tot lot and lower play pad and then loops around behind the upper pad. A play bridge connects this path to the middle tier of the tower element, where there is a tube slide to the lower pad. Two more tube slides from the upper tier connect to the upper and lower pads, respectively. This new pedestrian path then ends at a double hill slide with a 14’ drop in elevation, and is flanked by climbing features for access from the bottom of the slope. Adjacent to the hill slide is a tumbling/sliding hill with synthetic turf surfacing. The lower pad also features a zip line element and a snowboard freestyle feature, both of which received overwhelming support at our public meetings. The 2-5 year play area also features a hill slide, but with a 3’ drop in elevation, and is accompanied by a small “tower” play structure with a spiral slide and swings. Also included in this design is increased shade via new trees, landscaping in and around the playground and seating opportunities throughout. 4-2 Parks and Recreation Commission April 1, 2015 Page 3 of 3 G:\ADMIN\Parks & Rec Commission\2015\Agenda Packets\04.01.15\PRC Sinsheimer Playground.docx The concept plan and exhibits prepared for the 2/18/2015 community meeting is shown in Attachment 1. A final revised concept plan is shown in Attachment 2. FISCAL IMPACT There is currently $555,000 available budget for this project. The preliminary cost estimate for equipment and installation is $510,000-525,000 not including any contingency. Project is funded Measure Y General Funds. FURTHER ACTION Upon approval by the Parks and Recreation Commission and after subsequent architectural review by the Community Development Department, construction documents will be prepared for installation and presented to the City Council for approval to proceed with construction. ATTACHMENTS 1. Play area concept plan and exhibits as presented to community on 2/18/2015 2. Final play area concept plan 4-3 Si n s h e i m e r P a r k P l a y g r o u n d | MA R C H 2 5 , 2 0 1 5 CO N C E P T U A L D E S I G N P L A N Zip Line ‘Viper’ (rope balance)Big Kid Swings‘Reflex’ (see-saw) Ho o p z C l i m b e r Ne t C l i m b e r Gr o u p S a u c e r S w i n g Gr o u p S p i n n e r Sn o w b o a r d F r e e s t y l e Ja x C l i m b e r Do u b l e S l i d e s Bi g K i d s (5 - 1 2 ) Bi g K i d s Li t t l e K i d s (2 - 5 ) Br i d g e Lo o p C l i m b e r s Ro p e P u l l Tu m b l i n g / Sl i d i n g H i l l Sl i d e Sw i n g s Pl a y St r u c t u r e Gr a s s Gr a s s Be n c h ATTACHMENT 1 4-4 Si n s h e i m e r P a r k P l a y g r o u n d | MA R C H 2 5 , 2 0 1 5 CO L O R O P T I O N S A B C DATTACHMENT 1 4-5 Si n s h e i m e r P a r k P l a y g r o u n d | MA R C H 2 5 , 2 0 1 5 CO N C E P T U A L P L A N U P D A T E Do u b l e S l i d e s Bi g K i d s (5 - 1 2 ) Bi g K i d s Li t t l e K i d s (2 - 5 ) Br i d g e Lo o p C l i m b e r s Ro p e P u l l Tu m b l i n g / Sl i d i n g H i l l Sl i d e Sw i n g s Pl a y St r u c t u r e Gr a s s Gr a s s Zi p L i n e Sn o w b o a r d Fr e e s t y l e F e a t u r e To w e r El e m e n t Li m i t o f ne w p a v i n g PLAN CHANGES tUpper play pad reduced in size tPath to Double Hill slides shifted to work better with existing topo (resulting in bridge extension)tLower pad reshaped to accommodate Zip Line feature tNew pedestrian path extended to meet extents of future re-paving planned by Parks & RecATTACHMENT 2 4-6