HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-21-2017 Item 17, MarxCOUNCIL MEETING:
!TEM NO.:
From: Jan Marx <
Sent: Sunday, March 19, 2017 3:53:56 PM
To: E-mail Council Website; Hill, Robert; Santa Lucia Chapter of the Sierra Club; info_@ecoslo.org
Subject: Oppose night time hiking in City protected Open Space
14ECEIVED
MAR 2 0 2017
0_ CITY CLERK
I am writing to oppose any change in City policy to allow hiking in our open space after dark. The prohibition
on night time hiking has been in place since the inception of the City open space program and is fundamental to
its protection. The City's standards of environmental protection should not be lowered, especially given the
stress on wildlife and habitat resulting from climate change.
Furthermore, every single dollar of grant, general fund, sales tax, nonprofit and individual donations devoted to
protection of the city's greenbelt was invested in reliance on the strong policy that open space is closed to
recreation at night and that the night sky would be protected for nocturnal wildlife. I know because I have been
personally involved in advocacy for City open space protection since 1988. Has Council communicated with all
of these granting agencies and donors regarding this proposed, wrong headed weakening of City open space
protection?
Night time hiking is fundamentally incompatible with protection of wildlife and the natural habitat. As clearly
stated in Appendix C to the Conservation and Open Space Element, where uses conflict, the first priority is
"Protection of existing wildlife and natural habitat generally." The second priority is "Public access and passive
recreation." To allow night time hiking would have negative environmental impacts on wildlife and the habitat,
as stated in the staff report. Has there been an EIR?
Why is Council even considering this profound policy change? Apparently, a small, special interest group has
asked Council to cater to their wish to hike open space at night after work a higher priority than protection of
nocturnal wildlife. Apparently, this group feels entitled to have what they want when they want it, despite the
destructive environmental consequences and objections of property owners who do not want strangers
wandering near their homes at night. Apparently, this group does not care if night time rescues would increase
due to night time hiking. There are so many alternate ways to exercise after work, none of which undermine the
integrity of our open space protection. Why should this group get special treatment? To cater to their wishes
would set a dangerous precedent for other groups wanting to violate open space policy. What's next? Night time
trail biking? Hunting in open space?
Councils since the 1990's have been progressively more and more protective of open space. Does this Council
want to be the first one to lower the level of protection? I urge you to stand up for open space protection and
reject the proposal to allowing hiking at night.
Jan Marx
San Luis Obispo