HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-16-2017 Item 10 Natural resources roundtable vision plan Meeting Date: 5/16/2017
FROM: Derek Johnson, Assistant City Manager
Prepared By: Robert A. Hill, Natural Resources Manager
SUBJECT: NATURAL RESOURCES ROUNDTABLE VISION PLAN
RECOMMENDATION
As recommended by consensus of the Natural Resources Roundtable, approve a resolution
(Attachment A) adopting Saving Special Places Forever: A Vision Plan to Complete and Sustain
the San Luis Obispo Greenbelt (Attachment B).
DISCUSSION
Background
For the 2015-17 Financial Plan period, the City Council identified “Open Space Preservation” as
a Major City Goal. This provided the opportunity to establish and convene a short-term, ad-hoc
committee: “The Natural Resources Roundtable: the 20th Anniversary Proceedings of the San
Luis Obispo Greenbelt.”
Fifteen individuals agreed to serve on the Natural Resources Roundtable, representing
environmental and conservation non-profit organizations, trail groups, academia and city
advisory bodies, San Luis Obispo County staff, and at-large members of the community. Over
the course of six meetings in 2016, the Natural Resources Roundtable had the opportunity to
engage in meaningful dialogue about a variety of topics pertinent to the Greenbelt Protection
Program (see Attachment C, Meeting Notes). Saving Special Places Forever is intended to
reflect and provide a comprehensive summary of the major outcomes of the 20th Anniversary
Proceedings and represents the culmination of this work effort.
Prior Council Direction
The City Council previously directed staff to undertake renewed outreach efforts with the
environmental and conservation community. Additionally, the Council directed staff to prepare
a strategy for ascertaining the appropriate resources (e.g. staffing and program structure,
facilities and equipment, maintenance funding levels, etc.) for effective long-term stewardship of
natural resource values and passive recreational amenities in existence now and that are planned
for the future.
This has been accomplished through the Council’s adoption of the City of San Luis Obispo 2015
Open Space Maintenance Plan, the Natural Resources Roundtable process, and with the
recommended action of this Council Agenda Report. The City Council has also directed staff to
explore the formation of an Open Space Committee (see Attachment D, Council Minutes of July
7, 2015, page 7), and this was discussed and supported by the Natural Resources Roundtable.
Vision Plan
It is the intent of Saving Special Places Forever: A Vision Plan to Complete and Sustain the San
Packet Pg 179
10
Luis Obispo Greenbelt to be an aspirational document by articulating high-level, thematic vision
statements that can be achieved over the course of the next 20 years with continued City Council
and community support. These are: 1) Complete the Greenbelt; 2) Protect, Restore, and Enhance
Greenbelt Natural Resources; 3) Foster a Culture of Stewardship; 4) The Greenbelt is Relevant
and Accessible; and, 5) The Greenbelt is Sustainable. In addition to input received through the
Natural Resources Roundtable, these themes are responsive to current trends in the l arger
conservation community that suggest the importance of increasing the pace, quality, and
permanence of land conservation efforts, while also attending to growing threats from the effects
of climate change and ensuring that future generations among a changing California
demographic continue to support conservation initiatives and programs.
CONCURRENCES
The Natural Resources Roundtable met on April 24, 2017 to review and comment on a draft
version of Saving Special Places Forever: A Vision Plan to Complete and Sustain the San Luis
Obispo Greenbelt and they have provided their recommendation to the City Council by
consensus to adopt the plan.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The adoption of Saving Special Places Forever: A Vision Plan to Complete and Sustain the San
Luis Obispo Greenbelt is not considered a Project under the California Environmental Quality
Act (CEQA) as defined in Public Resources Code §21065 and CEQA Guidelines §15378(a).
The proposed document is a non-regulatory vision plan that does not have a legally binding
effect on later activities; rather, consistency and implementation of the plan is encouraged, but
not required. Further, the actions contemplated therein are Categorically Exempt under CEQA
Guidelines §15307 – Actions by Regulatory Agencies for Protection of Natural Resources;
§15313 – Acquisitions of Land for Wildlife Conservation Purposes; and, §15317 – Open Space
Contracts or Easements.
FISCAL IMPACT
The adoption of Saving Special Places Forever: A Vision Plan to Complete and Sustain the San
Luis Obispo Greenbelt does not have a fiscal impact in and of itself. It will, however, provide
priorities and guidance for future funding requests presented to the City Council and other
funding partners.
ALTERNATIVES
The City Council’s alternatives could include the following:
1. Continue the item if more information is necessary.
2. Request clarification or revisions to the plan.
3. Deny the staff recommendation, although this is not suggested as the plan represents the
Packet Pg 180
10
consensus of the Natural Resources Roundtable.
Attachments:
a - Resolution
b - Saving Special Places Forever - City Council Draft
c - Natural Resources Roundtable Meeting Notes - Combined
d - Council Minutes 07-07-2015
Packet Pg 181
10
R ______
RESOLUTION NO. ________ (2017 Series)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS
OBISPO, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING “SAVING SPECIAL PLACES
FOREVER: A VISION PLAN TO COMPLETE AND SUSTAIN THE SAN
LUIS OBISPO GREENBELT”
WHEREAS, the City of San Luis Obispo has adopted policies for protection,
management, and public use of open space lands and cultural resources acquired by the City; and
WHEREAS, the City of San Luis Obispo manages fourteen Open Space properties
totaling approximately 3,850 acres, as well Open Space or Conservation Easements totaling
approximately 3,400 acres; and
WHEREAS, the Natural Resources Roundtable and the general public have commented
upon Saving Special Places Forever: A Vision Plan to Complete and Sustain the San Luis
Obispo Greenbelt as part of a Council-directed process, and staff has considered and
incorporated those comments where appropriate.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of San Luis
Obispo as follows:
SECTION 1. Adopt Saving Special Places Forever. The City Council hereby adopts
Saving Special Places Forever: A Vision Plan to Complete and Sustain the San Luis Obispo
Greenbelt, an official copy of which shall be kept on record with the City Clerk, based on the
following findings:
a. Saving Special Places Forever: A Vision Plan to Complete and Sustain the San Luis
Obispo Greenbelt is consistent with and will be implemented in accordance with the
Conservation and Open Space Element (COSE) of the City’s General Plan, including
numerous goals and policies relating to the acquisition, oversight and management of
City open space areas, such as Goals and Policies 8.1 that calls for the City to:
“Secure and maintain a healthy and attractive Greenbelt around the urban area,
comprised of diverse and connected natural habitats, and productive agricultural land
that reflects the City’s watershed and topographic boundaries.”
b. Implementation of Saving Special Places Forever: A Vision Plan to Complete and
Sustain the San Luis Obispo Greenbelt will further COSE Policy 8.2.1: “The City
will preserve as open space or agriculture the undeveloped and agricultural land
outside the urban reserved line, including the designated Greenbelt… and will
encourage individuals, organizations, and other agencies to do likewise.”
c. Implementation of Saving Special Places Forever: A Vision Plan to Complete and
Sustain the San Luis Obispo Greenbelt will also further COSE Goal 8.2.2: “Within
the urban area, the City will secure and maintain a diverse network of open land
Packet Pg 182
10
Resolution No. _____ (2017 Series) Page 2
R ______
encompassing particularly valuable natural and agricultural resources, connected
with the landscape around the urban area…”
SECTION 2. Environmental Review. The City Council hereby finds that adoption of
Saving Special Places Forever: A Vision Plan to Complete and Sustain the San Luis Obispo
Greenbelt is not considered a Project under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as
defined in Public Resources Code §21065 and CEQA Guidelines §15378(a). The document is a
non-regulatory vision plan that does not have a legally binding effect on later activities; rather,
consistency and implementation of the plan is encouraged, but not required. Further, the actions
contemplated therein are Categorically Exempt under CEQA Guidelines §15307 – Actions by
Regulatory Agencies for Protection of Natural Resources; §15313 – Acquisitions of Land for
Wildlife Conservation Purposes; and, §15317 – Open Space Contracts or Easements.
Upon motion of _______________________, seconded by _______________________,
and on the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
The foregoing resolution was adopted this _____ day of _____________________ 2017.
____________________________________
Mayor Heidi Harmon
ATTEST:
____________________________________
Carrie Gallagher
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_____________________________________
J. Christine Dietrick
City Attorney
Packet Pg 183
10
Resolution No. _____ (2017 Series) Page 3
R ______
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the City
of San Luis Obispo, California, this ______ day of ______________, _________.
____________________________________
Carrie Gallagher
City Clerk
Packet Pg 184
10
Saving Special Places ForeverA Vision Plan to Complete and Sustain the San Luis Obispo GreenbeltCity of San Luis ObispoNatural Resources Protection Program990 Palm StreetSan Luis Obispo, CA 93401Packet Pg 18510
Saving Special Places Forever | 1Our Lord’s Candle (Hesperoyucca whipplei) at Reservoir Canyon Natural Reserve. Photo by Judith Hildinger.Packet Pg 18610
Saving Special Places Forever | 2Natural Resources Roundtable Members:Greg BettencourtDaniel BohlmanMary CiesinskiAndrew ChristieKaila DettmanGary FelsmanTrevor KeithMarc LeaSteven MarxEric MeyerClint PearceBilly RiggsMatt RitterCarla SaundersBill WaycottStaff Members:Katie LichtigDerek JohnsonGarret OlsonMichael CodronShelly StanwyckDoug CarscadenFreddy OtteRobert HillSaving Special Places ForeverA Vision Plan to Complete and Sustain the San Luis Obispo GreenbeltPrepared for:Heidi Harmon, MayorDan Rivoire, Vice-MayorCarlyn Christianson, City CouncilAaron Gomez, City CouncilAndy Pease, City CouncilPrepared by:The Natural Resources Protection ProgramOn Behalf of:The Natural Resources RoundtableSpring 2017Packet Pg 18710
Saving Special Places Forever | 3Spring wildflowers at Johnson Ranch Open Space. Staff Photo.Packet Pg 18810
Saving Special Places Forever | 4Greenbelt History:1961 – City’s first General Plan is adopted1973 – Open Space Element added to the City’s General Plan1993 – Environmental Quality Task Force (EQTF) is established1994 – Open Space Element Update1995 –A Vision for Sustainability in San Luis Obispo and Saving Special Placesreports published1995 – 1996 - Natural Resources Protection Program and Ranger Service are established1998 – Open Space Ordinance adopted 2002 –Conservation Guidelines for Open Space Lands of the City of San Luis Obispo is published2004 –Saving Special Places report updated2006 – Conservation and Open Space Element Update2016 – Natural Resources Roundtable: The 20thAnniversary Proceedings of the San Luis Obispo GreenbeltIntroductionThe City of San Luis Obispo has established a proud land conservation and natural resources protection legacy over the course of the past 20 years through its Greenbelt Protection Program. Currently, the City of San Luis Obispo has acquired approximately 3,850 acres of open space lands comprised of fourteen major properties held in open space reserve, natural reserve, agricultural reserve, or ecological reserve status. The primary purposes for these open space acquisitions is the protection of natural resources. Where appropriate and compatible with natural resource protection, these properties, collectively, also feature a trail network of both single-use trails and multi-use trails totaling over 50 miles. Open Space and Conservation Easements permanently protect another 3,400 acres of scenic hillsides, riparian habitat, and working agricultural landscapes. The Natural Resources Protection Program works in close collaboration with the Parks and Recreation Department’s Ranger Service to form the “Open Space Team” in order to implement land acquisition projects, conservation planning, long-term stewardship, proper maintenance, and appropriate public use of the City’s Open Space network within the Greenbelt.Natural Resources RoundtableFor the 2015-17 Financial Plan period, the City Council identified “Open Space Preservation” as a Major City Goal. This provided the opportunity to establish and convene a short-term, ad-hoc committee: “The Natural Resources Roundtable: the 20thAnniversary Proceedings of the San Luis Obispo Greenbelt.” Fifteen individuals agreed to serve on the Natural Resources Roundtable, representing environmental and conservation non-profit organizations, trail groups, academia and city advisory bodies, San Luis Obispo County staff, and at-large members of the community. Over the course of six meetings in 2016, the Natural Resources Roundtable had the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue about a variety of topics pertinent to the Greenbelt Protection Program. This document reflects the major outcomes of the 20thAnniversary Proceedings.What’s in the Vision Plan?It is the intent of Saving Special Places Forever: A Vision Plan to Complete and Sustain the San Luis Obispo Greenbelt to be an aspirational document by articulating high-level, thematic vision statements that can be achieved over the course of the next 20 years with continued City Council and community support. These are found on the following pages: 1.) Complete the Greenbelt; 2.) Protect, Restore, and Enhance Greenbelt Natural Resources; 3.) Foster a Culture of Stewardship; 4.) The Greenbelt is Relevant and Accessible; and, 5.) The Greenbelt is Sustainable. Saving Special Places Foreveris not intended to be a management plan or day-to-day operating plan, nor should it be construed as being policy-setting or regulatory in nature. Rather, it is intended to provide implementation guidance that is consistent with other documents such as the Conservation and Open Space Element of the City’s General Plan (2006), Open Space Maintenance Plan (2015), Open Space Regulations (1998), and various property specific Conservation Plans that can be found by contacting Natural Resources Program staff or by visiting the City’s website.Packet Pg 18910
Saving Special Places Forever | 5Map of the San Luis Obispo Greenbelt as of Spring 2017. Staff cartography.Packet Pg 19010
Saving Special Places Forever | 6Greenbelt Facts:Total Greenbelt Area = 54,400 acresCity of San Luis Obispo Greenbelt properties = 3,850 acresCity of San Luis Obispo Open Space or Conservation Easements = 3,400 acresPublic Lands (e.g. Cal Poly lands, U.S. Forest Service / Santa Lucia Wilderness, Camp San Luis Obispo, Bureau of Land Mgmt.) = 9,500 acresWilliamson Act Contracts = 15,000 acresOther Conservation and Open Space lands (Land Conservancy, SLO County) = 1,350 acresAbout 33,000 acres, or 60%, of the Greenbelt enjoys some level and duration of conservation protection80% of City of San Luis Obispo Greenbelt properties are designated for habitat protection, with the remaining area being trail, active management, cultural / historic, and agriculture designationsIndicatorsThe City Council and community continue to support and prioritize land conservation projects within the Greenbelt.The Natural Resources Program maintains a portfolio of active and future prospects for land conservation projects.The Landowner’s Forum continues to meet annually as a means for the conservation community and Greenbelt landowners to build trust, explore opportunities, share experiences, and address areas of mutual concern.Successful OutcomesCuesta Canyon and Stenner Canyon – land acquisitions and conservation easements protect a major wildlife migration corridor and the headwaters of San Luis Obispo Creek and Stenner Creek, while also providing connectivity to the Los Padres National Forest and Santa Lucia Wilderness.Irish Hills Backcountry – conservation easements securing intact working ranches will protect important migration corridors into and out of the Irish Hills, as well as the headwaters of Prefumo and Froom Creeks.The Morros – safeguarding these iconic volcanic peaks and their rich natural resources through a variety of conservation tools will retain a vital component of San Luis Obispo’s unique sense of place and our natural and cultural heritage.High School Hill – key land acquisitions will complete a larger mosaic of existing protected lands, including natural springs and headwaters of local streams, as well as scenic view protection.Prime Farmland and Working Landscapes – proactive acquisitions and conservation easement initiatives will protect working farms and ranches in Los Osos Valley, O’Connor Valley, East and West Edna Valley, as well as along the South Higuera corridor.San Luis Obispo Creek and Urban Open Space – strategic acquisition of smaller sites, particularly along San Luis Obispo Creek, will help complete the Bob Jones Trail, while providing increased natural resource protection and positive behavior around these sensitive areas. Such linkages also provide the ability to walk between downtown, various historic / cultural sites, and City Open Space locations.Vision Statement: Complete the GreenbeltImportant land, water, and diverse natural resource conservation values are protected by proactive land conservation efforts in priority areas of the San Luis Obispo Greenbelt over the course of the next 20 years. Packet Pg 19110
Saving Special Places Forever | 7Northern harrier (Circus cyaneus) above Laguna Lake Natural Reserve. Photo by Halden Petersen, Terra Verde Environmental.Packet Pg 19210
Saving Special Places Forever | 8IndicatorsThe City maintains active dialogue and partnerships with non-profit organizations and the academic community, as well as State and Federal wildlife agencies (e.g. California Department of Fish and Wildlife, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, NOAA Fisheries).The City maintains current inventories of plants and animals found within the Greenbelt, and engages in regularsurvey and monitoring of special status, rare, threatened, or endangered species and habitats. The City and its partners are active in prioritizing, planning, developing, and implementing restoration and enhancement projects for those plants and animals in need of attention.Successful OutcomesMonitoring shows that wildlife corridors are open and intact, especially key linkages within and between the Greenbelt and the Los Padres National Forest and the larger Irish Hills ecosystems.Recovery actions published by wildlife agencies are implemented and monitoring shows success, resulting in stable populations or down-listing of threatened and endangered species found within the Greenbelt.The integrity of watershed functions and riparian systems are maintained and improved, resulting in increased habitat value and reduced water quality impairments and less frequent flooding events. The common native species remain dominant by reducing current levels and new proliferations of invasive species.Active human-caused threats to sensitive plant and animal receptors are addressed and ameliorated.Conservation plans and restoration activities are closely aligned and coordinated with San Luis Obispo Creek watershed plans and the City’s Stormwater Resource Plan, with the result being a holistic, “one water” approach.Vision Statement: Protect, Restore, and Enhance Greenbelt Natural ResourcesThe outstanding aquatic, avian, botanical, and terrestrial wildlife natural resources found within the Greenbelt are protected, and those plants and animals requiring special efforts to restore or enhance habitat conditions receive priority attention and resources to ensure their long-term survival and recovery using best available science and practices.Packet Pg 19310
Saving Special Places Forever | 9The Calle Joaquin Agricultural Reserve or “City Farm”. Photo by Central Coast Grown.Packet Pg 19410
Saving Special Places Forever | 10Greenbelt Partners:Americorps CaliforniaCalifornia Conservation CorpsCalifornia Native Plant Society – Central Coast ChapterCalifornia Polytechnic State University, San Luis ObispoCentral Coast Concerned Mountain BikersCentral Coast GrownCentral Coast Salmon EnhancementCivicSparkCoastal San Luis Resource Conservation DistrictNeighbors of Open SpaceThe Environmental Center of San Luis Obispo and SLO StewardsThe Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo CountyThe Santa Lucia Fly Fishers ClubThe Sierra Club – Santa Lucia ChapterWatershed Stewards ProgramIndicatorsThe City maintains active partnerships with an array of community groups, non-profit organizations, academic and educational institutions. Environmental education, natural and cultural history, and “citizen science” programming is available and prioritized.Docent and Ranger-led outings and volunteer work days are continued, expanded, and are available on a regular basis to accommodate differing fitness levels, skills, and interests. Information about natural resource values and appropriate public use of the City’s Greenbelt Open Space areas in a manner consistent with applicable policy documents, is readily available in a variety of forms and media.Successful OutcomesThe City’s partnerships are mutually beneficial with the result being more individuals participating in the stewardship and protection of the Greenbelt. Opportunities to participate in educational forums and settings are available to all age groups and walks of life –from grade school kids, to college students, to anyone interested in life-long learning.An Environmental Education Center / Ranger Station is created and serves as a hub for Junior Ranger Camp, for special research projects, and to provide interpretive opportunities to the general public.Neighborhood groups are playing an active and meaningful role in advising the City about stewardship needs through reporting and feedback, resulting in action to improve conditions. Negative behaviors and the need for enforcement of violations of the City’s Open Space Regulations (San Luis Obispo Municipal Code chapter 12.22) are reduced, as voluntary compliance and appropriate use and behavior increases.Measurable increases can be observed in the number of individuals participating in Docent or Ranger-led outings, work days, and other stewardship activities. Vision Statement: Foster a Culture of StewardshipThe importance of land, water, and diverse natural resource conservation values are taught, understood, appreciated, and, therefore, protected by local citizens, visitors, and organizations as a way of life and through direct stewardship and educational activities. Packet Pg 19510
Saving Special Places Forever | 11Bishop Peak viewed from Cerro San Luis Obispo. Photo by Brittany App.Packet Pg 19610
Saving Special Places Forever | 12Greenbelt Use:62% of Open Space users are from the City of SLO, 31% are from other communities in the County, 7% are from elsewhere.49% of Open Space users have a college degree and 30% have a graduate degree.37% of Open Space user households make over $100,000 per year, 27% make $50-100,000 per year, 18% make less than $50,000 per year.84% of Open Space users are white, with a variety of other groups comprising the remaining 16%.Johnson Ranch, Bishop Peak, Cerro San Luis, and Irish Hills receive 90% of all Open Space use. These sites each likely see over 150,000 visits per year.40% of Open Space users visit multiple times per week.68% drive, 12% walk, and 8% bike to Open Space.Source: San Luis Obispo Open Space Survey(Riggs et. al., 2015).IndicatorsConservation plans and new policy documents are products of inclusive and participatory planning practices, and are conducted consistent with the City’s Public Engagement and Noticing Manual (2015).All user groups and demographics feel comfortable and welcome participating in plans and programs, as well as in their Greenbelt Open Space outdoor experiences.A culture of shared use and mutual respect is strong and expected on all trails in the Greenbelt. Both single-use and multi-use trails of varying length and difficulty are available at numerous Greenbelt locations.Successful OutcomesThe Greenbelt remains well-supported over the long-term, socially, politically, and financially, because it continues to be relevant and accessible to both current and future generations.Barriers to participation in planning, programming, and Open Space use are addressed, ameliorated, and reduced. This includes increased transit and mobility options for getting to Open Space, increased awareness and confidence among new Open Space users, and Open Space trailhead proximity within walking distance to all San Luis Obispo neighborhoods. The City and its partners effectively address, survey, manage, and reduce passive recreational use impacts so that they do not significantly degrade or impair native plants and vegetation, wildlife, and the surrounding environment. This includes regional trail connectivity that spreads out use away from overly-impacted trails and trailheads. New programs are developed that cultivate new, diverse, and younger audiences interested in outdoor opportunities within the Greenbelt that are responsive to changing demographics and future trends.Total trips to Greenbelt Open Space locations match the multi-modal transportation objectives set forth in the Circulation Element of the City’s General Plan (2014): 50% by motor vehicle, 20% by bike, 12% by transit, and 18% by walking, carpooling, or other forms. Vision Statement: The Greenbelt is Relevant and AccessibleGreenbelt lands are protected and projects are shaped by inclusive and participatory planning, provide equitable and responsible access, and are relevant and important to all citizens.Packet Pg 19710
Saving Special Places Forever | 13The San Luis Obispo Greenbelt from Stenner Springs Natural Reserve. Photo by Brittany App.Packet Pg 19810
Saving Special Places Forever | 14The Greenbelt is Climate Ready:Native perennial grasses, chaparral vegetation, trees and forests help to sequester carbon from the atmosphere.Functioning watersheds and riparian systems are less prone to flooding, especially when flood plains are protected and restored. Numerous natural springs are protected within the Greenbelt that provide critical summer stream flow during drought times.Healthy ecosystems are less prone to catastrophic wildfire and other natural hazards, and are more resistant and resilient to pollution, disease, and invasive species.Agricultural conservation projects and partnerships at City Farm and elsewhere demonstrate sustainable farming practices and soil conservation, and are a model for local food systems, community building, and connecting with the land. IndicatorsThere is continued support for the City’s local revenue measure and any future general or specific revenue enhancement measures, as well as local, state, federal, and private funding initiatives and measures, that can provide financial resources for land acquisition, management, and stewardship of the Greenbelt and its natural resource values.The Natural Resources Protection Program and Ranger Service are more closely aligned and integrated to provide a holistic and enduring Greenbelt Protection Program.Important decisions effecting the Greenbelt are supported by scientific and technical advisers and trusted community leaders through the formation of an Open Space Committee that advises the City Council.Successful OutcomesEach of the Vision Statement goals described in this document function together to provide social, economic, and environmental sustainability to the Greenbelt Protection Program and to the City and surrounding region as a whole.The City has fostered a stewardship ethic within our local culture and has secured the necessary resources and institutions to sustain the Greenbelt in perpetuity for the benefit of future generations of plants, animals, and people.The Greenbelt is refugia to many plants and animals in the face of climate change; healthy ecological systems are providing resiliency to disease, drought, catastrophic wildfires, predation, pollution, and invasive species.The Greenbelt is playing an important role in protecting the City and its residents from the effects of climate change including flooding events, prolonged drought, and catastrophic wildfire, while modeling sustainable food productionand helping build community and connections with the land.The Greenbelt continues to retain the unique sense of place and character that defines San Luis Obispo, ensuring a thriving and healthy community for the future.Vision Statement: The Greenbelt is SustainableThe Greenbelt and natural resource protection efforts are supported by appropriate staffing, funding, and institutions to ensure perpetual management and stewardship activities, while a healthy, functioning Greenbelt system also provides climate change adaptation and resilience benefits to the City and surrounding region as a whole. Packet Pg 19910
Saving Special Places Forever: A Vision Plan to Complete and Sustain the San Luis Obispo Greenbelt Cover: Coast Live Oak at Bishop Peak Natural Reserve. Photo by Doug Bush.Above: Laguna Lake and Irish Hills Natural Reserves from Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve. Photo by Brittany App.www.slocity.org.Packet Pg 20010
City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle
Natural Resources Roundtable, Meeting No. 1
January 26, 2016 • 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Meeting at: San Luis Obispo Senior Center, 1445 Santa Rosa Street
Prepared by: Bob Hill, Natural Resources Manager
Distribution List
Roundtable Members – Greg Bettencourt, Kaila Dettman, Mary Ciesinski, Andrew Christie
(absent), Gary Felsman, Trevor Keith, Marc Lea, Steven Marx, Eric Meyer, Clint Pearce,
William Riggs, Matt Ritter, Carla Saunders, Bill Waycott
Staff – Doug Carscaden, Michael Codron, Bob Hill, Derek Johnson, Katie Lichtig, Chief
Garret Olson, Freddy Otte, Shelly Stanwyck
Agenda Items and Notes
1. Introductions and Background:
a. Member and staff introductions
b. Natural Resources Roundtable
purpose and guidelines
c. Expected outcomes and
deliverables
Notes:
Roundtable members and staff introduced themselves;
Bob Hill referred to the member binders that were
distributed containing the Project Plan, Guidelines, and
reference materials that are not available on-line; Bob
Hill described the Roundtable timeframe for meetings
and their content, as well as the expectation for a final
vision plan to be presented to City Council as part of
the Open Space Major City Goal work plan for 2015-
17.
2. The San Luis Obispo Greenbelt:
a. History
b. Policy framework
c. Accomplishments
d. Program structure
Notes:
Bob Hill narrated a powerpoint slide show of the San
Luis Obispo Greenbelt detailing program history,
properties protected, expenditures and results,
mapping, and an overview of each City-owned open
space property.
3. Public Testimony:
a. Former community members,
task force members, and staff
with program history
Notes:
Neil Havlik described his role as the prior Natural
Resources Manager, indicating that the program can
go in new directions to broaden its appeal, and
responding that the Ahearn and Morganti properties
are “the ones that got away” during his tenure.
Ray Belknap described his role as the former
Executive Director of the Land Conservancy of SLO at
the time the Greenbelt was being formed, the role of
mapping and place names to describe unique places
Meeting Notes
City Administration
990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Packet Pg 201
10
City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle
and landscapes and make spiritual connections to
land, and made a strong pitch that “sense of place”
should be a central criteria for priority setting.
Penny Rappa described her role as a former City
Council member when the Greenbelt was being
formed, and suggested that an Open Space
Committee should be formed to advise the City
Council on open space matters.
Kurt Kupper described his role as Chair of the
Environmental Quality Task Force (EQTF) in the early
1990s and stated that we have a strong platform to go
forward, and that furthering relationships with Cal Poly
can enhance the program.
Ken Haggard provided testimony to the Roundtable
regarding his recollections of the EQTF and how
important it is to “think in scale” (in the architect’s
sense).
Richard Schmidt was also in attendance and provided
brief remarks related to the Barbara Seymour book
Portrait of a Place that was passed around the room.
4. Roundtable Dialogue:
a. Why did you agree to join the
Roundtable?
b. Why are you passionate about
City Open Space protection?
c. What are your hopes and
dreams for the Natural
Resources Roundtable?
Notes :
Roundtable members each provided remarks
pertaining to the Greenbelt Program; common threads
included:
a. Strong “sense of place” in San Luis Obispo and
responsibility to take care of the land
b. Connecting kids to nature and providing for
future generations; providing outdoor
classrooms
c. The City’s historic commitment to the Greenbelt
Program on both a policy level (General Plan,
Open Space Ordinance, etc.) and a funding
level.
d. Concern for urban sprawl and preventing SLO
from becoming indistinguishable from the next
city.
e. Citizen engagement and the difference that can
be made by individuals supporting local
conservation efforts; the significant
conservation outcomes that can be achieved
through long-term (20 year) planning
f. The spiritual, uplifting value of mountains and
natural landscape surroundings
Packet Pg 202
10
City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle
Natural Resources Roundtable, Meeting No. 2
February 23, 2016 • 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Meeting at: San Luis Obispo Senior Center, 1445 Santa Rosa Street
Prepared by: Bob Hill, Natural Resources Manager
Distribution List
Roundtable Members – Greg Bettencourt, Kaila Dettman or Daniel Bohlman (absent
w/notice), Mary Ciesinski, Andrew Christie, Gary Felsman, Trevor Keith (absent w/notice),
Marc Lea, Steven Marx, Eric Meyer, Clint Pearce, William Riggs (absent w/notice), Matt
Ritter, Carla Saunders, Bill Waycott
Regular Staff – Doug Carscaden, Bob Hill, Freddy Otte
Attendees – Jon Hall, Land Conservancy of SLO; Seth Souza, SLO Stewards; Kurt Kupper
Agenda
1. Brief Updates and Meeting Notes
a. Members and Staff
b. Meeting Notes of Jan. 26th
Notes:
Roundtable members each shared a
memorable wildlife encounter from City open
space or the surrounding area.
The meeting notes of Jan. 26th were
accepted as presented.
2. Biological Resources of the San
Luis Obispo Greenbelt
a. Overview
b. Policy framework
c. Aquatic Resources
d. Rare Plants and Trees
e. Small Mammals and Birds
f. Large Mammals and Wildlife
Migration Corridors
Notes:
Bob Hill and Freddy Otte narrated a powerpoint
presentation of various biological resources
found in the San Luis Obispo Greenbelt, and
facilitated Roundtable discussion.
Meeting Notes
City Administration
990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Packet Pg 203
10
City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle
3. Roundtable Dialogue
Notes:
Matt Ritter passed out an up-to-date, never-
before-distributed, comprehensive list of rare
plants that have been documented in City Open
Space, as compiled by Dr. Ritter and Dr. David
Keil, Professor Emeritus.
Gary Felsman noted that a map set clearly
showing City limits, Sphere of Influence, Urban
Reserve line, the Greenbelt boundary, and
relationship to other cities would be useful to the
Roundtable. Follow up: staff will provide a
“conservation atlas” that is a series of maps
showing the above noted geographic boundaries,
in addition to conservation mapping that has
been previously distributed, as part of this
project.
Matt Ritter, Marc Lea, and Jon Hall noted the
City’s nascent invasive species management
program and the priority of its implementation
given invasive species threats to wildland and
biological resources, together with educational
efforts in collaboration with the California Invasive
Plant Council, CNPS, and the SLO County Weed
Management Area.
Steven Marx brought up the topic of better
integrating the urban and natural areas of San
Luis Obispo by completing the Bob Jones City-to-
Sea Trail as a means of educations and
addressing the proliferation of transients living in
the creek and the various social and
environmental challenges associated. General
discussion ensued about concepts of “Urban
Open Space”. [Note: this is supported by
Conservation and Open Space Element Goal
8.2.2 “Open Space with the Urban Area”].
Eric Meyer inquired if Open Space Acquisition
funds could be used for urban creek area
acquisitions. Staff responded yes, but that City
Council sets priorities and approves transactions.
Carla Saunders expressed concern for
expanding trails in creek areas, as well as for
expenditures of acquisition monies and the use of
Ranger Service time interacting with transients.
Greg Bettencourt apprised the Roundtable of the
positive changes that have been seen at Pogonip
Open Space in the City of Santa Cruz due to the
installation of a new trail next to an area with a
Packet Pg 204
10
City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle
long-standing, intractable population of transients
and drug use.
Matt Ritter mentioned the importance of engaging
residents and viewing them as partners in “citizen
science” to help better inform management
decisions.
Kurt Kupper brought up that better mapping of
regional connections and wildlife corridors is
important. [Note: by separate email, Dr. John
Perrine, Professor of Biological Sciences,
indicated that wildlife corridors between the Irish
Hills and Los Padres Nat’l Forest are extremely
important in a regional context]
Eric Meyer stated that the Perozzi Ranch should
be a conservation priority for the Greenbelt.
Gary Felsman, Mary Ciesinski, and Seth Souza
all mentioned the importance of education as a
program priority.
4. Meeting Schedule Adjustments for
March and June
Notes:
This topic was not addressed at the meeting.
[Note: meeting dates were changed subsequently
by email as follows:
March 22 change to March 29
June 28 change to June 23].
Packet Pg 205
10
City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle
Natural Resources Roundtable, Meeting No. 3 – Agricultural Resources
March 29, 2016 • 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Meeting at: City Hall, 990 Palm Street
Prepared by: Bob Hill, Natural Resources Manager
Distribution List
Roundtable Members – Greg Bettencourt, Kaila Dettman or Daniel Bohlman, Mary
Ciesinski, Andrew Christie, Gary Felsman, Trevor Keith, Marc Lea, Steven Marx, Eric
Meyer, Clint Pearce, William Riggs, Matt Ritter, Carla Saunders, Bill Waycott
Staff – Doug Carscaden, Bob Hill, Freddy Otte, Shelly Stanwyck, Chief Garret Olson
Guest Speakers – Nicki Anderson, Rob Rutherford, Aaron Lazonoff
Attendees – Mayor Jan Marx; Connor Culhane, Central Coast Concerned Mountain Bikers
Agenda
1. Brief Updates and Meeting Notes
a. Members and Staff
b. Meeting Notes of Feb 23rd.
Notes:
Brief introductions
Bob Hill provided an overview of agricultural
resources and management objectives in the
SLO Greenbelt. A map of prime farmland in SLO
County prepared by the California Farmland
Mapping & Monitoring Program was distributed,
and a map of the “Conservation Continuum” was
hung on the wall.
Carla Saunders provided hard copies of pertinent
sections of the Conservation and Open Space
Element of the City’s General Plan and Open
Space Regulations to all Roundtable members.
The meeting notes of Feb 23rd were
accepted as presented.
2. Overview of City Farm and
Possibilities for Sustainable
Farming in San Luis Obispo
Notes:
Nicki Anderson, Farm Manager at Central Coast
Grown / City Farm, narrated a powerpoint
presentation.
Meeting Notes
City Administration
990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Packet Pg 206
10
City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle
3. Conservation Grazing Notes:
Rob Rutherford, Cal Poly Professor Emeritus and
owner of Whole Options LLC, narrated a
powerpoint presentation.
4. Contemporary grazing practices
on Cal Poly ranchlands
Notes:
Aaron Lazonoff, Cal Poly Range Manager,
narrated a powerpoint presentation.
5. The Land Conservancy of SLO
County’s Lower SLO Creek
agriculture operations and Los
Osos Valley conservation
easement activity
Speaker:
Kaila Dettman, Executive Director of The Land
Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County,
narrated a powerpoint presentation.
6. Roundtable Dialogue
Notes:
Bob Hill noted the agricultural fringe and
ecological relationships discussed in the first
presentation, referred to the “Conservation
Continuum” graphic that was shown, and noted
that the origins of greenbelts (e.g. Howard’s
Garden Cities of Tomorrow) first intended to
provide a food source to the City within the
greenbelt.
Eric Meyer inquired about the potential for
gaining soil conservation carbon credits as a
means of financially assisting project objectives.
Bob Hill responded that he is closely watching
this emerging opportunity, noting the existence of
cap and trade in California, the Climate Action
Reserve, and the sequestration protocols that are
being developed for agricultural operations.
Matt Ritter inquired of Rob Rutherford and Aaron
Lazonoff about the impacts of grazing on oak re-
generation and age-class diversity, noting the
“oak problem”. Dialogue ensued with both
positive results and negative results described
from other areas and experiences.
Packet Pg 207
10
City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle
Gary Felsman discussed how agriculture is
another important way of linking people to open
space resources beyond just recreation. He also
noted, however, that grazing can negatively
impact trails under wet conditions.
Carla Saunders referred to Appendix C of the
Conservation and Open Space Element and its
description of primary, secondary, and tertiary
management objectives for City open space,
noting that natural resources protection is the
City’s established primary management
objective.
Bill Waycott inquired if the City is serious about
protecting prime agricultural lands (beyond
development project mitigation activity). Bob Hill
responded affirmatively (the Brughelli Ranch
conservation easement is one example),
although noting that there are relatively few prime
farmland parcels in the Greenbelt and that prime
farmland is typically considerably more expensive
than grazing land or natural resource land.
Packet Pg 208
10
City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle
Natural Resources Roundtable, Meeting No. 4 – Trails & Passive Recreation
April 26, 2016 • 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Meeting at: San Luis Obispo Senior Center, 1445 Santa Rosa Street
Prepared by: Bob Hill, Natural Resources Manager
Attendance
Roundtable Members – Greg Bettencourt, Kaila Dettman, Mary Ciesinski, Andrew
Christie, Gary Felsman, Marc Lea, Steven Marx, Eric Meyer, Clint Pearce, William Riggs,
Matt Ritter, Carla Saunders, Bill Waycott
Staff – Doug Carscaden, Bob Hill, Freddy Otte, Shelly Stanwyck
Attendees – Connor Culhane, Seth Souza, Kurt Kupper
Agenda
1. Brief Updates and Meeting
Notes
a. Members and Staff
b. Meeting Notes of March 29th.
Notes:
Brief introductions.
Bob Hill provided the following:
a. trail maps of each City open space property
for review over the table
b. hard copies of a spreadsheet of open
space land use designations and allowed
public access uses by property
c. two news articles pertaining to multi-use
trails were distributed by email prior to the
meeting as discussion starters: “Fun hogs
and the future of conservation” (Jackson
Hole News and Guide, 2014) and “Is the
birthplace of mountain biking destined to
become the worst place for mountain
biking?” (Peninsula Press, 2016)
Carla Saunders provided hard copies of prior
letters and notes submitted to Planning
Commission and City Council pertaining to
recreational use from neighbors of Bishop Peak
Natural Reserve.
The meeting notes of March 29th were
accepted as presented.
Meeting Notes
City Administration
990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Packet Pg 209
10
City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle
2. Overview of the SLO Stewards
Docent Program
Notes:
Mary Ciesinski narrated a powerpoint presentation.
Roundtable questions and dialogue ensued:
a. Gary Felsman asked if there is a
possibility to create a mountain biking
SLO Steward docent to assist with
teaching trail etiquette for bikers?
(response: potentially in the future)
b. Carla Saunders inquired if there are limits
to group size for docent-led hikes?
(response: not now, but potentially in the
future)
c. Barriers to entry for new trail users were
discussed including:
i. fear / understanding of nature
ii. financial resources necessary for
access (time, proximity, transit
options)
3. Sustainable Trails &
Roundtable Discussion
Notes:
Greg Bettencourt provided a narrative overview of
the history and current activities of Central Coast
Concerned Mountain Bikers (“CCCMB”):
a. Formed to work collaboratively with land
managers to protect multi-use access
b. Started out working at Montana de Oro,
U.S. Forest Service, and County Parks;
City partnership came later
c. Early work focused on trail maintenance,
which led to trail repair and re-routes, which
led to developing skills in routing and
constructing new trails
d. CCCMB trail work benefits all trail users,
not just mountain bikers, including
numerous cases of working on single-use
hiking only trails
e. Funding partnerships with San Luis Open
Space and Trails Foundation (SLOPOST)
f. CCCMB also provides trail etiquette
education; bike bells program (cost =
~$3,500/year); bike skills program
Ranger Doug Carscaden narrated a powerpoint
presentation along with discussion about the City’s
trail construction and trail maintenance work:
a. Trail work is only a part of what Ranger Packet Pg 210
10
City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle
Service does (in addition to after school
and Jr. Ranger programming, routine
monitoring & maintenance, open space
patrol and enforcement, interface with
transient populations, etc.)
b. Regular “Wednesday” volunteers are
dedicated and highly skilled
c. New trail construction is carefully
considered, starting with the Conservation
Plan / CEQA process, lengthy in-the-field
route planning, and taking the time to
“know the land”
d. Contemporary trail construction follows
elevation contours, maintains grades of
10% or less, and uses “rolling dips” and
“grade reversals” to minimize erosion;
maintains vegetation buffers to minimize
scenic impacts; and maintains “line of sight”
to minimize user conflicts
e. Older, legacy trails created from historic
jeep trails etc. often-times are problematic
in terms of erosion due to excessive grade
and poor construction
(Review Note: at this time the presentation
blended into Roundtable Discussion until the end
of the meeting)
Carla Saunders brought to the attention of the
group an American Hiking Society (“AHS”) position
statement on mountain biking & trail use (see:
http://www.americanhiking.org/advocacy/mountain-
bike-position-statement/) noting that “Where there
are multi-purpose trail systems or corridors,
American Hiking supports the development and
stewardship of parallel stretches of foot-only trails
within those systems to avoid the loss of hiker use
because of substantial user conflict” (2013). AHS’
three main design and management criteria when
evaluating proposals for multi-use trails include
safety, environmental protection, and “the
experience of hiking”.
Greg Bettencourt stated that sharing trails is a
fundamental part of our local culture.
Connor Culhane noted that the Cal Poly
Wheelmen also provide trail etiquette education.
Packet Pg 211
10
City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle
He also provided location examples such Phoenix,
Austin (Texas), and Vancouver (British Columbia)
where trail user conflicts have been minimized and
largely avoided through trail system design.
Eric Meyer suggested that one way to determine
what SLO trail users really want would be to do
some outreach and a survey.
Billy Riggs responded that this type of work has
been recently completed with the
City of San Luis Obispo 2015 Open Space
Maintenance Plan (Riggs et al., 2015). Bob Hill
added that open space land management
decisions are not necessarily democratic or
equitable (in a social sense); rather, decisions are
based on natural resources protection priorities.
Kurt Kupper recalled a prior experience of really
fast mountain bikers creating a scary trail hiking
experience, but also noted that on a recent outing
at Johnson Ranch Open Space everyone was
well-behaved and respectful.
Greg Bettencourt explained that regional trail
connectivity (e.g. from City Open Space to USFS,
Cal Poly, County Parks etc.) is a high priority for
multi-use trail systems because longer distances
provide a higher quality experience for bikers,
while also diffusing impacts. Billy Riggs and Matt
Ritter responded that providing more area as a
means of spreading impacts out doesn’t
necessarily always hold true based on academic
planning literature.
Andrew Christie inquired as to how City staff
determines if a trail is to be single use or multi-
use? Bob Hill responded that this is done through
the Conservation Plan/CEQA process in
accordance with existing policy framework.
Bill Waycott illustrated that on any given day he
may be a trail hiker, a trail runner, or a trail
mountain biker, and that each experience is vastly
different and pursued for different reasons.
Marc Lea encouraged the Roundtable to avoid
generalizations and value judgments about user
types / groups and appropriate trail uses.
Packet Pg 212
10
City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle
Billy Riggs noted that it is of concern that the land
conservation and trail community spends too much
time “splitting hairs” about recreational use, while
potentially losing sight of our larger conservation
goals and the maintenance of Greenbelt integrity,
citing a recent controversial land use decision.
Shelly Stanwyck summarized what she felt were
the major themes of the evening’s discussion as
follows:
a. there is a definitive education theme
b. there is a culture of shared use and
stewardship in San Luis Obispo
c. there are multiple valid passive
recreational uses for open space that can
sometimes co-exist, and sometimes
should be kept separate for environmental
protection, user safety, or user experience
reasons.
4. Next steps During the course of the Roundtable Discussion,
above, Kurt Kupper inquired as to the next steps
for the Roundtable and how the process will be
wrapped up. Bob Hill responded that meeting no.
5 will be a Landowner’s Forum (in association with
targeted landowner outreach) that will help
ascertain owners that are interested or potentially
interested in participating in the Greenbelt
Protection Program over the course of the next 20
years. Following meeting no. 5, a comprehensive
memo will be distributed to the Roundtable that
summarizes the major themes of the Roundtable
proceedings, as well as identifies prospective land
conservation projects and sustainable program
initiatives for discussion and prioritization at
meeting no. 6. There is also a potential for a
meeting no. 7 in July if necessary (the Senior
Center space is already reserved for July 26th).
Following the Roundtable proceedings, Natural
Resources staff will prepare a report and vision
plan tentatively titled, Saving Special Places III:
Towards a Sustainable Greenbelt that will be
distributed first to the Roundtable in winter 2016-
17 for its review, followed by advisory body and
City Council review and consideration of approval
by the end of June 2017.
Packet Pg 213
10
City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle
Natural Resources Roundtable, Meeting No. 5 – Landowner’s Forum
May 24, 2016 • 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Meeting at: San Luis Obispo Senior Center, 1445 Santa Rosa Street
Prepared by: Bob Hill, Natural Resources Manager
Attendance
Roundtable Members – Greg Bettencourt, Kaila Dettman, Mary Ciesinski, Gary Felsman,
Trevor Keith, Marc Lea, Steven Marx, Eric Meyer, Clint Pearce, Matt Ritter, Carla
Saunders, Bill Waycott
Staff – Doug Carscaden, Michael Codron, Bob Hill, Freddy Otte, Shelly Stanwyck
Attendees – Connor Culhane
Landowners – Gabriel Miossi and Kathy Henderson (Miossi Brothers La Cuesta Ranch);
Sandy Ahearn and Mark Rhomberg (Ahearn Ranch); Herb Filipponi (Filipponi Ranch); Tim
Perozzi (Perozzi Ranch); Chuck Kirshner and Tom Kirshner (Stenner Creek Ranch); John
Madonna (John Madonna Ranch); Roy and Dolly Garcia and Heidi Brees (Garcia Ranch);
John Wallace (O’Connor Way Farms); Eleanor Truocchio (Lone Valley Ranch).
Notes
1. Brief Updates and Meeting Notes
a. Members and Staff
b. Meeting Notes of April 26th.
Notes:
Brief introductions.
Carla Saunders requested that the meeting notes
be edited to state that Shelly Stanwyck’s
summary of major themes (p. 4) were her
summary, and not necessarily reflective of the
entire Roundtable.
The meeting notes of April 26th were
accepted with the above change noted.
2. Presentation Notes:
Bob Hill narrated a powerpoint presentation and
discussed:
a. Greenbelt Landownership Patterns
b. The Conservation “Toolbox”
c. Methods for Protecting the Family Ranch
d. Examples of three different Greenbelt
conservation projects.
Meeting Notes
City Administration
990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Packet Pg 214
10
City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle
3. Landowner’s Forum Notes:
Landowners introduced themselves and their
family ranches.
Common themes that were discussed included:
a. City upkeep and maintenance of existing
open space properties (both positive and
negative comments)
b. property and estate taxes
c. invasive species
d. transient encampments
e. trespassing hikers and Cal Poly students,
esp. during WOW week.
f. dumping
g. insurance
h. rural road upkeep and patrol
i. income producing opportunities
j. water availability
k. interest in how land conservation
transactions actually work
l. interest in learning more about estate
planning and tax strategies
Clint Pearce suggested that it would be a good
idea to continue the Landowner’s Forum in the
future with meetings taking place from time to
time in order to continue to discuss issues such
as those stated above.
Clint Pearce also highlighted that perhaps there
is another category of land ownership
conservation status, noting that many long-
standing family ranches are in stable land tenure
where there is no imminent threat of sale,
development, subdivision, etc.
Packet Pg 215
10
City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle
Natural Resources Roundtable, Meeting No. 6 – Major Themes and Priorities
June 23, 2016 • 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Meeting at: San Luis Obispo Senior Center, 1445 Santa Rosa Street
Prepared by: Bob Hill, Natural Resources Manager
Attendance
Roundtable Members – Greg Bettencourt, Daniel Bohlman, Mary Ciesinski, Steven Marx,
Eric Meyer, Billy Riggs, Matt Ritter, Carla Saunders, Bill Waycott
Staff –Bob Hill, Freddy Otte, Max McGuire
Attendees – Connor Culhane
Notes
1. Brief Updates and Meeting Notes
a. Members and Staff
b. Meeting Notes of May 24th.
Notes:
Brief updates.
The meeting notes of May 24th were accepted.
2. Presentation and Discussion Notes:
Bob Hill provided a memorandum regarding
major themes and potential priorities in advance
of the meeting and narrated a brief powerpoint
presentation that discussed:
a. Land Conservation Priorities
b. Land Stewardship and Enhancement
Priorities
c. Future staffing, program initiatives,
funding strategies, and sustainability
measures.
Carla Saunders provided copies of letters sent to
City Council from neighbors of Bishop Peak
highlighting ongoing overuse and lack of
enforcement issues.
Steven Marx and Eric Meyer responded to the
meeting notes of 5/24 and re-iterated the success
of the Landowner’s Forum and desire to continue
it into the future, noting the value of peer-to-peer
dialogue, especially between landowners that are
considering conservation options and those that
have already done it.
Meeting Notes
City Administration
990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Packet Pg 216
10
City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle
Billy Riggs discussed the importance of capturing
a broad cross section of the community in open
space plans and programs.
Carla Saunders noted the need for increased
education and outreach about natural resource
protection, and Steven Marx elaborated by
describing the education efforts underway with
Pacific Beach High School students and with
grade school kids in the Learning Among the
Oaks program.
It was further noted by Carla Saunders that
outreach should not be confused with large
events and gatherings, and Eric Meyer warned to
be careful of tourism backlash.
There was discussion about future trends and
threats; Freddy Otte mentioned conducting
research about climate change impacts to natural
resources and advancing “citizen science”
initiatives, and Daniel Bohlman indicated that
collecting data is only valuable if you do
something about what you learn from that data;
other trends such as the fairly recent advent of
electric powered bikes in open space came up as
an example of something the City will have to
manage (review note: there was not interest or
support for allowing electric bikes).
The topic of forming a separate Open Space
Committee was discussed and was supported by
consensus. Roundtable members in attendance
felt there was substantial value in staff and the
City Council benefitting from technical expertise
and individuals experienced in topics pertinent to
natural resources management and
conservation. There was some brief discussion
about the possibility of the Parks and Recreation
Committee adding an open space review
function, but it was ultimately agreed that these
are different topics requiring different skill sets
and experience.
Eric Meyer discussed the importance of looking
at the Greenbelt through a regional “lens” that
takes into account land use trends and future
pressures outside of City jurisdiction.
Future funding and staffing levels were discussed
as being most important to program success, but
meeting time did not allow a robust discussion on
funding strategies.
Packet Pg 217
10
Council Minutes
I, City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo
Tuesday, July 7, 2015
Regular and Special Meetings of the City Council
CALL TO ORDER
A Special Meeting of the San Luis Obispo City Council was called to order on Tuesday, July 7,
2015 at 4:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, located at 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo,
California, by Mayor Marx.
ROLL CALL
Council Members
Present: Council Members Dan Carpenter, Carlyn Christianson, Dan Rivoire, Vice Mayor
John Ashbaugh, and Mayor Jan Marx.
Council Members
Absent: None
City Staff
Present: Katie Lichtig, City Manager; Christine Dietrick, City Attorney; Michael Codron,
Assistant City Manager; and Anthony Mejia, City Clerk; were present at Roll
Call. Other staff members presented reports or responded to questions as indicated
in the minutes.
BUSINESS ITEM
B1. WATER RESOURCE RECOVERY FACILITY PROJECT — FACILITIES PLAN
AND DESIGN ENGINEERING REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
Utilities Director Mattingly, Utilities Deputy Director Hix, and Jeff Szytel, of Water
Systems Consulting, narrated a PowerPoint presentation entitled "Water Resource
Recovery Facility Project" and responded to Council inquiries.
Following discussion, MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER CARPENTER, SECOND
BY COUNCIL MEMBER RIVOIRE, CARRIED 5 -0, to:
1. Adopt the Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF) Facilities Plan.
2. Authorize the issuance of a Request for Proposals for design engineering services for
the WRRF Project.
3. Authorize the City Manager to award a design engineering consultant services
agreement if the selected proposal does not exceed $6.3 million.
RECESS
Council recessed at 4:39 p.m. Packet Pg 218
10
San Luis Obispo City Council Minutes of July 7 2015 Pave 7
Donald Hedrick, San Luis Obispo, questioned whether the trail at Bishop Peak was ADA
compliant; encouraged visitors to access the trails through the Madonna trailhead, noting
that the primary access to Bishop Peak is located in the neighborhoods; stated that the
trail should be extended to the Bishop Peak summit.
Joanne Ruggles, San Luis Obispo, spoke about owning a home that runs along the trail at
Bishop Peak; opined that the mountain should not be scarred with new trails where it
would be visible from afar; stressed the importance of enforcing trail regulations.
There being no others desiring to speak on this item, the public hearing was closed.
During the course of discussion, Council directed staff to explore the formation of an
open space committee to provide advice on matters of open space acquisition and/or
maintenance.
Following discussion, MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER RIVOIRE, SECOND BY
COUNCIL MEMBER CHRISTIANSON, CARRIED 4 -0 (VICE MAYOR ASHBAUGH
RECUSED), to adopt Resolution No. 10646 (2015 Series entitled "A Resolution of the
City Council of the City of San Luis Obispo, California, approving the Bishop Peak
Natural Reserve Conservation Plan 2015 Update and adoption of a Negative Declaration."
RECESS
Council recessed at 7:55 p.m. and reconvened at 8:10 p.m., with all Council Members present.
PH2. REVIEW OF A TENTATIVE TRACT MAP TO CREATE 35 COMMERCIAL
LOT'S WITHIN THE AIRPORT AREA SPECIFIC PLAN ALONG TANK FARM
ROAD INCLUDING AN ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION (MITIGATED
NEGATIVE DECLARATION)_- RESOLUTION
Individual members of Council announced they had no ex -parte communications with
representatives of the subject property.
Community Development Director Johnson, Senior Planner Dunsmore, and
Transportation Operations Manager Hudson narrated a PowerPoint presentation entitled
250 Tank Farm Road, A Commercial Subdivision Proposing 35 Lots" and responded to
Council inquiries.
Mayor Marx opened the public hearing.
Cocker Ellsworth, Applicant, Arroyo Grande, spoke on the history of purchasing and
planning for the development of the subject property; noted that the lots can be easily
merged together if necessary. In response to Council inquiry, Mr. Ellsworth advised that
the remnant lot will likely be merged with the Chevron property.
Donald Hedrick, San Luis Obispo, pointed out that the lot sizes are appropriate for start-
up businesses; opined that the lot sizes should be more diverse in size.
Steve Delmartini, San Luis Obispo, urged Council to approve the proposed project,
noting that it will allow businesses to purchase property that meets their needs.
Packet Pg 219
10
Page intentionally left
blank.
Packet Pg 220
10
Rotary Presentation 1-20-2016
Saving Special Places Forever:
A Vision Plan to Complete and Sustain the San Luis Obispo
�Vrawjgz, to City Council — May 16, 2017
Savirg_ Special Places Forever
Background:
,
❑ Origins of Greenbelts
�i
❑ The City of San Luis Obispo's Greenbelt history and current status
I `r
Cl EQTF, General Plan Updates
.._.�
❑ Saving Special Places reports
Natural Resources Roundtable:
GARDEN
❑ 2015-17 Financial Plan Major City Goal: "Open Space Preservation"
❑ Four key tasks to Major City Goal — Planning and Doing
CITIM OF
TOMORROW
❑ 201' Anniversary Proceedings of the San Luis Obispo Greenbelt
0
Vision Plan:
❑ High-level, aspirational document with thematic vision statements that
Sl. sorsa. Howuw
can be achieved over the course of the next 20 years
❑ Not intended to policy -setting or regulatory in nature
❑ Implementation guidance for priority actions consistent with
Conservation and Open Space Element, Open Space Regulations, and
property -specific Conservation Plans
ATY OF Son Luis 1
•JL'.
•.-:��'
1/4/2016
1
Rotary Presentation 1-20-2016
Savin Special Placas Forever
Important land, water, and diverse natural resource conservation
values are protected by proactive land conservation efforts in
priority areas of the San Luis Obispo Greenbelt over the course of
the next 20 years.
Savina Special Places Forever
�v
On � fl" O
The outstanding aquatic, avian, botanical, and terrestrial wildlife
natural resources fountl within the Greenbelt are Drotected, and
those plants and animals requiring special efforts to restore or
enhance habitat conditions receive priority attention and resources
to ensure their long-term survival and recovery using best available
science and practices
F1
1/4/2016
2
ly aww c�w.wrrNAe e..-:
� i �
•J�
_ !
f
N
Important land, water, and diverse natural resource conservation
values are protected by proactive land conservation efforts in
priority areas of the San Luis Obispo Greenbelt over the course of
the next 20 years.
Savina Special Places Forever
�v
On � fl" O
The outstanding aquatic, avian, botanical, and terrestrial wildlife
natural resources fountl within the Greenbelt are Drotected, and
those plants and animals requiring special efforts to restore or
enhance habitat conditions receive priority attention and resources
to ensure their long-term survival and recovery using best available
science and practices
F1
1/4/2016
2
Rotary Presentation 1-20-2016
Saving Special Places Forever
77
i 1n Statement: Foster a Culture of Stewardship
The importance of land, water, and diverse natural resource
conservation values are taught, understood, appreciated, and,
therefore, protected by local citizens, visitors, and organizations
asa way of lire and through direct stewardship and educational
I activities- I
Saving
Special
Places FQrev�r
Vision1'
Relevant
and Accessible
i
i
Greenbeltlands
are protected and projects are
shaped by inclusive
and
participatory
planning, provide equitable
and responsible access,
and
are relevant
and important to all citizens.
CITY
OF
SHR
LUIS OBISPO
1/4/2016
3
Rotary Presentation 1-20-2016
Saving
Special
Places Forever
-
r:
- v
A. �R.
Vision1
The Greenbelt
and natural resource protection efforts are supported
by appropriate
staffing, funding, and institutions to ensure
perpetual
management
and stewardship activities, while a healthy,
Functioning
Greenbelt
system also provides climate change adaptation
and resilience
benefits to the City and surrounding region as a
whoe•
Saving Special Places Forever
City of San Luis Obispo
Natural Resources
Protection Program
990 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo, CA
Robert Hill
Natural Resources Mgr
(805)781-7211
rhill@slocily.org
I;jt=.. HiT IIIII
Doug Bush
Halden Petersen
Central Coast Grown
As recommended by consensus of the Natural Resources Roundtable,
approve a resolution adopting Saving Special Places Forever: A Brittany App
Vision Plan to Complete and Sustain the San Luis Obispo Greenbelt.
1/4/2016
4