HomeMy WebLinkAbout1/16/2018 Item 9, Rowley
From:Sandra Rowley <
To:Harmon, Heidi; Rivoire, Dan; Christianson, Carlyn; Pease, Andy; Gomez, Aaron
Cc:Gallagher, Carrie; Mattingly, Carrie; Hill, Robert
Subject:City Council, Item 9 - Pilot Program for Winter Open Space/Natural Reserves Hours of
Use
SUBJECT: Pilot Program for Winter Open Space/Natural Reserves Hours of Use
Dear Major Harmon and Members of the Council,
Does it not bother everyone that the observed average nightly, after-hours use of Cerro San Luis is 65
individuals - when it’s not allowed? That means there is sometimes fewer than 65 and sometimes lots
more. And what about the other Natural Reserves? Residents near those areas report night use
happening there, too. Do those Open Space/Natural Reserves average a 65-individual-nightly use,
too? In total, how many hiking and mountain biking enthusiasts are totally ignoring the allowed hours of
use? And what else might some of them be ignoring... no fires...? not going off the trails...? other
things?
This is a demonstrated lack of concern by a segment of both hiking and mountain biking enthusiasts for
the protections we have in place for the use of Open Space/Natural Reserves, i.e., the allowed hours of
use. There has been a similar lack of concern by these segments of enthusiasts for the wildlife who live
there.
As you know, the allowed hours of use of our Open Space/Natural Reserves is one hour before sunrise to
one hour after sunset. A resident mountain biker has calculated that, even on the shortest day, eleven
(11) hours of use are still allowed.
Ranger Services’ enforcement has not been able to curb the current after-hours use. Why do we think
they will be able to enforce the 65-permit limit. And will this “night-use-is-allowed” Pilot Program result in
additional night usage of the other Open Space/Natural Reserve areas?
Although you have the ability to approve this Two-year Pilot Program for night hiking and mountain biking,
doing so will be contrary to the wishes of the majority of this city’s residents.
In 2014 when we were starting work on the Land Use Element update, a survey was provided to all
residences and businesses. Two questions dealt specifically with our Open Space/Natural Reserves, one
was a priority question and one was a dollar question. The results showed that protection of Open Space
was the community’s #1 priority, and it was the only thing for which the community was willing to tax
itself. (Emphasis added)
Is there at least one alternative available, besides doing something else during the winter
months? Yes. Montaña de Oro is open from 6am to 10pm and has hiking trails and bike trails.
IF even after considering the above you decide to approve the Pilot Program, please consider:
1. Limiting the Pilot Program to hiking; it is the least destructive of two activities.
2. Forbidding night use in February and the included part of March. The environmental consultants
reported that, generally, most species breed, nest and rear from February (not March) through early
September.
Thank you for your time and your consideration of these comments.
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Sincerely,
Sandra Rowley
SLO Resident
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