HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-21-2017 Item 8, Sierra ClubCOUNCIL MEETING: 12 -.R I 1� � .. �. %-ow■ V �`j
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ITEM NO,:_____ _ _ FEB 21 2017
From: Santa Lucia Chapter of the Sierra Club [
Sent: Monday, February 20, 2017 5:09 PM
To: E-mail Council Website <emailcouncil@slocity.org>
Subject: 2/21/17 Agenda Item C8: Project Plan for Open Space Hours of Use Evaluation
SIERRA CLUB
" . + SANTA LUCIA
TO: San Luis Obispo City Council
RE: 2/21/17 Agenda Item C8: Project Plan for Open Space Hours of Use Evaluation
Dear Mayor Harmon and Councilmembers,
As the nation's oldest and largest grassroots environmental organization, the Sierra Club is all about exploring,
enjoying and protecting the wild places of the earth. We practice and promote the responsible use of
ecosystems and resources. So as much as we might enjoy hiking at night in San Luis Obispo's natural open
spaces, or how convenient this might be for the schedules of some residents, we must advocate for
responsible use.
Please retain the Open Space Ordinance's proscription against night hiking intact and unmodified. The
purpose of the ordinance is to protect wildlife and wildlife habitat. This — not providing a place to go hiking — is
the primary goal of the ordinance and the City's open space program.
Most wildlife is most active after sunset, and will be severely disrupted by an influx of humans bearing
flashlights and headlamps. The money to hire the rangers you would need to supervise and oversee the
locations where you might decide to relax or suspend the ordinance is money you don't have and/or an
indefensible expense compared to simple enforcement. It is also the first step down a path where the next
question will be: "What else can we allow in natural open space that is not currently allowed, but somebody
asked us to in the name of convenience?"
The language of the open space ordinance is was put in place for a good reason. Please receive and file the
staff report and proceed no further down this path.
Thank you for your attention to this issue,
Andrew Christie, Director
Santa Lucia Chapter of the Sierra Club