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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-03-2016 PRC Correspondence, Item 4 (Stanwyck)City of San Luis Obispo Parks and Recreation Commission Agenda Report Date: August 4, 2016 Subject: Laguna Lake Dredging and Sediment Management Project Prepared by: Robert A. Hill, Natural Resources Manager Recommended Action: Review aspects of the Laguna Lake Dredging and Sediment Management Project that are pertinent to recreational uses at Laguna Lake Park and Natural Reserve, provide comments and feedback and a recommendation to City Council. SUMMARY The City’s Natural Resources Program seeks the Parks and Recreation Commission’s input and recommendation relative to aspects of the Laguna Lake Dredging and Sediment Management Project that are pertinent to recreational uses at Laguna Lake Park and Natural Reserve. The Laguna Lake Dredging and Sediment Management Project is a primary recommendation of the Laguna Lake Natural Reserve Conservation Plan that was adopted by City Council in July 2014 and is intended to guide the management and stewardship of the site over the next ten years. OVERVIEW OF THE LAGUNA LAKE DREDGING AND SEDIMENT MANAGEMENT PROJECT In January 2016, the City retained MNS Engineers to develop phased planning and design documents to implement the dredging and sediment management elements of the Conservation Plan. The first phase of this process includes development of this Preliminary Dredging Report (“PDR”). This PDR documents several key project elements and includes: 1. An overview of additional project amenities and project enhancement opportunities 2.A review the current status of the lake, previous studies, and management documents 3.New geotechnical and water quality testing data 4. New biological and cultural resource assessments 5.A review of applicable dredging technologies and approaches 6. Development of dredging alternatives 7. Recommendations for deposition and disposal of sediments 8.A preferred alternative recommendation, 9. Dredging operations recommendations 10. Recommendations for future sediment management 11.An analysis of project funding options 3-1 Laguna Lake Dredging and Sediment Management Project page 2 Parks & Recreation Commission – August 4, 2016 Project Amenities and Enhancement Opportunities Additional enhancement opportunities should to be considered when finalizing the preferred project or list of projects for construction. These enhancement opportunities include potential amenities with a variety of community benefits. Potential projects identified for further detailed evaluation include: 1. Eroded Prefumo Creek bank restoration and stabilization at Laguna Lake Golf Course 2.Lake shoreline stabilization near the park access road 3.Creation of a sediment settling basin along Prefumo Creek at Laguna Lake Golf Course 4. Fish passage improvements at Los Osos Valley Road 5. Flood mitigation through removal of sediments and debris at stormwater outlets Park amenity upgrades include a peninsula boardwalk, accessible paths, boat launch and parking area, and improved signage. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION REVIEW While the Parks and Recreation Commission may opine on any component of the Laguna Lake Dredging and Sediment Management Project, staff would like to suggest that the Commission focus especially on matters pertaining to both the temporary impacts and the long-term benefits to recreational uses within the Park and Reserve. The Conservation Plan did not include any changes to existing passive recreational uses that occur now; however, the dredging and other projects contemplated herein will have temporary use impacts, but are anticipated to ultimately improve both environmental conditions and visitor use conditions. PUBLIC COMMENT Natural Resources Program staff and the consultant team have undertaken targeted stakeholder outreach, and will conduct a public workshop on August 4th at Laguna Middle School. The City Council hearing is anticipated for September 20, 2016. ALTERNATIVES The Commission may wish to recommend additions or changes, 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 various aspects of the project under consideration at this time. 3-2