HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-21-2017 Item 17, Marx (2)VEi7
COUNCIL MEETING: RECE
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ITEM NO.: . I MAR 2 0 2017
From: Jan Marx[
Sent: Monday, March 20, 2017 9:24 AM
To: E-mail Council Website <emailcouncil@slocity.org>; Hill, Robert <rhill@slocitv.org>; Santa Lucia Chapter of the Sierra
Club <
Subject: Re: Oppose night time hiking in City protected Open Space
Also in Appendix C, paragraph 4: "Any encroachment of a private use onto the City's land must benefit the
City's ownership and management objectives, and shall be subject to approval by the City Council," What is so
special about this private hiking club that would make Council even considering giving them this special
privilege to encroach on open space at night? I urge you to consider the majority of city residents, who value
our long standing strong protections for open space.
Jan Marx
San Luis Obispo
On Sun, Mar 19, 2017 at 3:53 PM, Jan Marx wrote:
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
µ 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
Drive
San Luis Obispo