HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/14/1995, 1 - JOINT CITY COUNCIL/ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY TASK FORCE MEETING V,E Ft ING AGENDA
DATE 14- SITEM#
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor and City Council
VIA: Ken Hampian, Assistant City Administrative Officer
FROM: Arnold Jonas, Community Development Director
DATE: February 6, 1995
SUBJECT: Joint City Council/Environmental Quality Task Force Meeting
A workshop for the Council and EQTF has been scheduled for Tuesday, February 14, 1995
between 1:30 and 3:00 p.m. in the Hearing Room at City Hall. The meeting will cover two
primary subjects: a) Additional EQTF input concerning Major Goals to be utilized by the
Council during preparation of the upcoming city budget; and b) Discussion preparatory to EQTF
submission of their vision document to Council on February 28, 1995.
The EQTF has provided the attached documents, EOTF Goals., Natural Resources within the
City & SLO Planning, Area, and Setting a Goal for Sustainability-and Incorporating Natural
Habitat Conservation into the Planning Process for Council review prior to the workshop.
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SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: SOME QUOTABLE QUOTES
"LAST MAY, WE SET OUT TO TAKE ANOTHER BOLD STEP BY ADOPTING SUSTAINABLE
DEVELOPMENT AS A LIFESTYLE, AS THE CENTER OF OUR DAY-TO-DAY DECISION -MAKING."
Jose Maria Figueres, President of Costa Rica, Sept. '94.
"THE PATH OF ECONOMIC PROGRESS MUST SHIFT FROM THE GROWTH MODE TO THE
DEVELOPMENT MODE." This means a change from quantity to quality with efficiency. In other words,
"SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT MUST COME TO MEAN MORE EFFICIENT DIGESTION, NOT A
BIGGER DIGESTIVE TRACT."
Herman Daly, Formerly Senior Economist, The World Bank
"UNLESS WE CAN DISCOVER WAYS OF LIVING THAT INTEGRATE THE COMPETING
IMPERATIVES OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, WE WILL
NEVER BE ABLE TO REVERSE THE ALARMING DECLINE OF SPECIES AND NATURAL
HABITATS."
John C. Sawhill, President & CEO, The Nature Conservancy,
Nature Conservancy, Jan -Feb. 1995, p.6
"SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT NEEDS TO BE A BROAD, NATIONAL STRATEGY THAT
FOSTERS ENVIRONMENTAL AND ECONOMIC VITALITY. IT IS A SOCIAL AND BUSINESS
IMPERATIVE FOR CHANGE. IT CHALLENGES INDUSTRY TO TRY TO INITIATE ENVIRONMENTAL
STRATEGIES, NOT SIMPLY COMPLY WITH MANDATES..."
David Buzzelli, Vice President, Dow Chemical Co., and
Co-chair, Pres. Clinton's Council on Sustainable Development
"THE KEY TO KEEPING RANCHING SUSTAINABLE IS MARRYING GOOD SCIENCE WITH
PRACTICAL, ON -THE -GROUND KNOWLEDGE OF THE LAND. THAT IS WHAT THE MALPAI
GROUP IS TRYING TO DO -FIND OUT WHAT ENDANGERED SPECIES LIVE IN OUR PROJECT
AREA, WHY THEY'RE THERE, WHAT COULD NEGATIVELY IMPACT THEM, AND WHAT WE CAN
DO TO ENRICH THEM."
Bill McDonald, President, Malpai Borderlands Group,
S.E. Arizona/S.W. New Mexico
"IF WE DO NOT MAKE EXPLICIT RECOGNITION OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL COSTS OF
DEVELOPMENT, THOSE COST-FREE SOLUTIIONS, THAT SEEM SO ATTRACTIVE NOW, WILL
DISAPPEAR LIKE THE CHESHIRE CAT, LEAVING ONLY AN INSUBSTANTIAL COLD PROMISE."
Director of Conservation Science & Stewardship, Latin
American and Caribbean Division, The Nature Conservancy
"ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ARE INDISSOLUBLE
ELEMENTS OF THE SAME QUESTION. THE ONLY HOPE FOR CHANGE IS THAT, SOONER OR
LATER, EVEN THE RICHEST IN THE WORLD WILL BE EFFECTED BY SOCIAL AND
ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION. THEREFORE, AS ALWAYS IN THE PAST, REASON WILL BE
IMPOSED BY DESPAIR AND NOT AS A TIMELY, PROGRESSIVE AND VOLUNTARY DECISION."
Marc J. Dourojeanni, Chief, Environmental Division,
Inter -American Development Bank
CITY OF SHN LUIS OBI SPO
d ENUI RONMENTRL QURL I TV TRSK FORCE
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members oftheSLO City Council DATE: 6 February 1995
of
FROM: Kurt Kipper,Chairman.EQTF
Prepared by: Goals Sub-Comm�itt (Phil Ashley,Dick Krejsa, Carla Saunders)
Endorsed by: EQTF,2 February 1995.
SUBJECT: EQTF GOALS. NATURAL RESOURCES WITHIN THE CITE' & SIA PLANNING AREA.
Recommendations for City Council/EQTF Workshop, 14 February 1995
EQTF RECOMMENDATION
During our workshop on 14 February,we urge your Honorable Council to consider the adoption of the following
revised EQTF Goal Statements as Major Goals for the'95-97 Budget Cycle:
L Inventory,prioritize,and fund acquisition of Open Space while continuing inventories of natural
resources within the City, the urban reserve line, and greenbelt areas.
L Prepare and begin implemeutatlon of natural resource Protection Plans including adoption of a creek
setback ordinance which incorporates adequate capability for flood and habitat protection.
3. Promote Public Awareness of the City's Natural Resoarces
Also included in your packet is a Draft Copy of a document entitled: "Setting a Goal for Sustainability:
Incorporating Natural Habitat Conservation into the Planning Process." This document will become a major
component of our EQTF Vision Statement to be submitted to you on 28 February 1995. We urge you to read it and
to come prepared for a short presentation and discussion regarding its contents.
DISCUSSION
On 18 January 1995,the EQTF submitted the following list of Potential Goals for consideration and possible
adoption by the City Council as Major City Goals:
It Develop an Irmntm of the City's Natural Resources.
t Prepare Resource )raga Plarm
f Promote Public Awsm —%of the City's Natural Resources
t Enhance cooprntmen among,and MOUs between,City-County-State
Agencies Responsible for Natural Resources within SLO Creek Watershed.
At the Budget Workshop Session held on 21 January 1995,the Council adopted the following EQTF-related Goals
which,with the exception of No. 3 below,essentially were based on individual council member goals committed to
writing before receiving the written input and oral testimony from the EQTFI
item Priority
L Inventory, prioritize and fund acquisition of open space (D•8) 21 pts.
2 Adopt a creek setback ordinance which incorporates adequate capability
for flood and habitat protection. (D. 10) 18 pts.(20)
3 Develop a greenbelt and open spam preservation agreement with the County. (K 12) 16 pts.
4 Complete inventory of natural resources within the urban reserve Due and
t3reenbett aims (D.9) 15 pts.(17)
5 Establish a permanent EQTF: (D. 12) 12 pts.
i- a
At the council meeting on 24 January, two council members adjusted their numerical priorities for certain goals and,
as a result,Goal 2 was changed to 20 pts. (now a Major Goal),and Goal 4 to 17 pLs.
Daring that same council meeting, there was considerable staff input suggesting that, even though no EQTF goal
achieved "Major Goal" status, the Council goals were truly reflective of the EQTF goals and it was only a matter of
semantics that separated us. However,it was suggested by RJ. Krejsa that this was more than semantics: "Finding
Open Space funding options" and "Adopting a creek setback ordinance" were already major goals of the 1993-95
budget cycle and thus the Council was really not giving us anything by recycling those goals this time as if they
were new. Furthermore, "Establishing a permanent EQTF" was not one of our goals. In reality, then, the only
potential new EQTF-related goals adopted by the Council were goals 3 and 4, neither of which had "Major Goal"
status among the Council as a whole.
Therefore,in an effort to compromise,to reiterate our goals while at the same time taking into balanced
consideration the goals already agreed upon by the Council, we propose the following Goal Statements for your
Honorable Council's reconsideration and adoption as Major Goals for the 1995-97 Budget cycle. The underlined
pions utilize the exact wording of three of your goals(nos. 1,2,&4),adopted on 24 January.
L Inzsntary, pdaEldra,and fund acquisition of Qpeo Space while continuing inventories of natural
recourses within the MY,the nitban>emm line,and greenbelt arm.2,3
2 Prepare and begin implementation of natural resource Protection Plans Including the adapthm of creek
s d1UX ordinance which Intarpamics adequate capaW tfy &r flood and habitat pcatectian.2,3
3. Promote Public Awareness of the City's Natural Resources
We look forward to your re-consideration of these revised goal statements during our workshop. Our members will
be prepared to discuss the rationale behind the revised and consolidated statements.
On the attached page,we provide an expanded outline of revised goal statements which can be accomplished within
the time frame of the next budget cycle. We provide measureable objectives within each goal, the prioity
recommended by the EQTF for each objective, and the specific General Ilan program #s or pages within the
Environmental Activity Inventory which call for their implementation.
1 "Visions, Hopes and Goals': a Handout Packet given to public Saturday afternoon,21 January 1995, after the public hearing.
2 The majority of city residents value the city's natural resource environment(its natural beauty, clean air and open spaces)as San
Luis Obispo's greatest strength and the most important aspect of its quality of life (City General Plan Survey).
3 Our peat natural beauty and high quality of life has been identified as the most important attractor of new businesses to the City
of San Luis Obispo(Julie Wright, and Ken Hampian).
Attachments:
A. Revised Goal Statements, Meamreable Objectives,and Prioritks.
B. Setting a Goal for Sustainability: Incorporating Natural Habitat Conservation Into the Planning Process
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Revised Goal Statements, M'easureable Objectives, and Priorities' °
1. Inventory, prioritize, and fund acquisition of Open Space while continuing Inventories
of natural resources within the City, the urban reserve line, and greenbelt areas:
P�1Y
( 1 ] —ronsolidate open space functions under one person:
#99 [OS 11.1.D]
[ 1 ] —inventory Natural Resource and Prager Maps:
#63 [LU 6.02]; #119 [OS 11.D.11;#121 [OS ILEA A]; #64 [LU 6.32].
[ 1 ] —Fund Acquire and Protect Open ~pace
#10 [LU 1.17.11;#11 [LU 1.17.2/0S]; #105 [OS IIA J; LU1;#155 [OS IV.21
[2] —Form agreement wirountito preserve Open Space
#8 [LU 1.16.7]; #9 [LU 1.16.8]; #96 [OS 11.1.A]
[2 J -Del'eloptr nst�of development credit program including receiver sites in Commercial Core
#55 [LU 42.1]
2. Prepare and begin implementation of Natural Resource Protection Plans Including adoption
of a Creek Setback Ordinance which Incorportes adequate capability for flood and habitat
protection.
Protecting Aquatic Habitats:
[
11 —Prepare an aWatic eco em management ol�n_
#75 [LU 6.5.101; #110 [OS II.B.1.F]
[1] —Adopt creek setback ordinance
#68 [LU 6.4.6; 6.5.1.8; #108 [OS 11.131.13; II.B.1.E] .
[2] —Remov made obstructions from creek channels
#70 [LU 6.5.1.C; 6.5.4]
(2] -Protect wetlands from agricultural anet mining operations
#114 [OS 11.4A];#115 [OS II.B.4.A]; #116 [OS 11.13.4.13];#117 [OS II.B.4.C];#118 [OS 11.13.4.D]
Protecting Terresdai Habitats:
( 1 ] —(Implement a comprehensive habitat rot - ionop I_;cv
EAI pp. 37-42
[ 1 ] —Plan for wildlife corridors with other agencies
#120 [OS II.D.1; II.E.1.131; #12 [LU1.17.3.A-D/0S]
(2] —Implement erosion control zone in non-urbanised areas
#218 [CO 4.8]
3 Promote Public Awareness of the City's Natural Resources.
(1 ] —Allocate dly promotional funds for prompting awareness, understanding and appreciation of
local natural resources amongSlty residents.
#100 [OS 11.1.E]; #113 [OS 11.13.313]
[2 J -Work with city groups to achieve a compEahensive Open Snaoe Vision
#98 [OS 11.1.C)
Item #S are as listed in CDD General Plan Implementation—work Program Assessment. pp. 1-23>1-33, 10 Jan '95
° •EAr., raters to activities listed and page location in Environmental Activity Inventory, August, 1989. 4
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SETTING A GOAL FOR SUSTAINABILITY AND INCORPORATING NATURAL
HABITAT CONSERVATION INTO THE PLANNING PROCESS
-PROLOGUE-
President Clinton has said recently that the US economy must continue to grow or we will
not survive as the leading economy in the world. Regardless of the present push for
globalization of the world economy, unlimited growth is not sustainable on a global or local
basis. Failing to recognize that economics is but one tool of many for reaching a goal,
economic growth itself has become the goal. Growth caused by following this paradigm of
the Industrial Revolution has resulted in the serious decline of the Earth's biological
resource base that we read about daily. We believe simply that neither the world nor the city
can sustain the environmental and social costs of the"economic engine"that currently
drives our growth. The industrial growth model is giving way to the sustainable growth
model.
From out perspective,the problem is clear(but not necessarily simple).
We must change our goal and re-orient the use of tools to meet that goal.
We believe that an achievable common goal could be:
To create a prosperous, sustainable future for the City of San Luis Obispo
and surrounding lands within the San Luis Obispo Creek watershed.
We believe that:
The disciplines of ecology, economics and planning should be used as the
tools that help guarantee sustainable, long term ecological and economic
health within the San Luis Obispo Planning Area.
To this end the EQTF was appointed to meet,deliberate, and propose a set of policies that
would aid the City Council in achieving sustainability for San Luis Obispo.
But policies are not enough, and EQTF cannot achieve these ends by itself. We, the City,
must solicit and elicit the cooperation,participation,and good will of all local citizens,
especially the owners of lands outside City jurisdiction, and the state,regional,and political
jurisdictions which control these lands.
-DIALOGUE-
It is a given that most of the space around the City of San Luis Obispo between the existing
city limits and the "greenbelt boundary" is not currently under the city's political control. It
is controlled by landowners under the jurisdiction of San Luis Obispo County. Much of the
city is built out to the city limit, and there is very little room to develop either a greenbelt or
a wildlife corridor within existing city limits. It is therefore critical that either.
(A)the city and the county develop an Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and a Joint
Master Plan for the city fringe areas,g
(B) the city obtains control of those lands by annexation. (It is city policy that lands may be
annexed to this end.)
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For the management of these lands,there are several planning options that are not mutually
compatible with each other.These could be free market driven,repeated subdivision to
either small ranchette or suburban density,allowing the city to 'smear'its edges outward
into an extensive moderate-density soft edge. The residents of the city are concerned,and
have expressed this concern at the polls (through initiatives,measures, etc.) that this would
not protect the countryside, and would deteriorate the quality of life experienced by those in
and out of the City. Such development removes agricultural and wildlife values from the
land,and is generally considered to be undesirable 'urban sprawl'. It does not give one the
impression of open space.
If sprawl is not a viable option for a majority of citizens,the alternative use of the land as
some sort of open space is characterized by many conflicts of purposes. Some of these
may be complementary, while others might be in conflict For example: Should housing be
concentrated in clusters or should it be absent? How clustered is a cluster? Should existing
underlying lots be utilized in their present configurations,or should either Transfer of
Development Credits (TDC's) or lot line adjustment be used to remove building rights from
certain areas? How much of an open space acreage can be devoted to a golf course or other
recreational uses,how much remain in agriculture? Is a golf course really open space or a
developed urban use of the land?How much of a public incentive can be given to private
property owners in exchange for'the right to develop'.
But most of these questions as conventionally formulated ignore wildlife and ecological
needs.Houses,golf courses,and agriculture usage, as such,have very little to do with the
needs of wildlife,or with the inherent ecological values of the land. While realizing that a
particular piece of land cannot serve all purposes,it may be able to be managed for more
than one value.Assuming that the city and county recognize ecological values,it should be
possible to have houses, agriculture and golf courses and still preserve something of
nature's values.It is to this end that the following statement is offered for consideration by
the City Council.
Some ecological needs such as the maintenance of wildlife corridors and creek flows
cannot be addressed without regional assessment of the space around the city,and should
not be attempted on a parcel-by-parcel basis. Others, such as the protection of a wetland,
can be achieved under a more geographically limited approach. If the city is to have control
of the space beyond its current jurisdiction,either for expansion,resource protection,or
other goals,the following steps must be taken:
(1)Recognize Valuable Ecosystems Within Existing City Control
(a) Creeks and Riparian Habitats.
(b)Wetlands Other Than Creeks.
(c) Serpentine Habitats.
(d) Valley Foraging Habitats as Grasslands and Grazing Lands.
(e)Oak Woodlands, Scrublands, and Hillside Grassland and Chaparral.
and, as part of all of the above...
(f)Wildlife Migration Corridors.
(2)Preservation and Establishing Political Control*:
-� (a)Develop a Joint Powers MOU with the County and Landowners.
(b)Clarify in advance the terms and conditions for a program for the annexation of
lands to the City with the County and with Local Agency Formation Commission
(LAFCO).
(c)Develop a program and funding mechanism for acquisition of lands for
conservation purposes.
(d)Develop strong and clear public policy statements about the value of preserving
open land around the city to enable private land trusts to assist in land protection.
*Nothing can be done without either annexation or a joint powers MOU with the county as
to zoning and land management around the city. As it presently stands,the green belt
concept offered in the Fall 1992 Open Space document has no means by which to anain its
goals.
(3)Develop a Meaningful Conservation Element with"Teeth"
(a)Do a preliminary habitat assessment at primary wildlife corridors and valley
foraging habitats around the city.
(b)Develop a master plan that contains a meaningful conservation element that will
'stick'. (One general plan land use amendment in the center of a wildlife corridor
can shut the door on the entire corridor.)
(1) RECOGNITION OF VALUABLE HABITAT
It is important to recognize that all habitat is valuable,and that none should be considered
expendable. The concept of biodiversity is that we should preserve as great a number of
parts of the great web of life as is possible.To paraphrase the great conservationist Aldo
Leopold ... "the key to intelligent tinkering is to throw away none of the parts". Besides
the wildlife corridors,the first four habitat types have been singled out due to their
susceptibility to degradation and alteration.There is a great deal of danger in environmental
planning occuring with only a limited understanding of the key habitats; for example,a
general love of trees and hillsides for aesthetic reasons has produced de-facto development
of the flatland habitats. These have almost vanished from much of the area surrounding the
City..
(a) Creeks and Riparian Habitats
The value of streams and stream-side vegetation has long been recognized by the city,
although mostly in terms of flood control or tourism. These narrow zones of water and
vegetation are important migration corridors for animals, shelter for breeding and nesting
birds, amphibians,fish,reptiles and mammals, and their sources of food; they provide
shade to keep the stream temperature low, and beauty. The issues of planning setbacks,
protection of instream flows,removal of exotic plant species (for example German Ivy and
Giant Reed), and removal of debris must all be addressed. Ephemeral streams, such as
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those flowing across Johnson in the winter, should enjoy the same protection as perennial
streams.The city has started an assessment of streams,but should further consult with
biologists in regard to habitat requirements regarding setbacks,instream flow needs,and
degree to which ephemeral streams should be afforded protection similar to that of
perennial streams.The City, in planning land uses around streams,should recognize that
public access and other disturbance by people has a generally deleterious effect on creek
wildlife.
The City should seek to preserve in perpetuity the streams and watershed upstream of the
City,with the intent of controlling water quality, sediment loads, and peak flows (through
retention of unpaved areas).
(b) Wetlands Other Than Creeks
These are several extensive wetland ecosystems that should be protected. These include
springs and wet meadows on the south side of the South Street Hills, wetlands in the Tank
Farm Road area,wetlands upstream of Laguna Lake that continue to the west side of
Foothill Boulevard,and wetlands around Froom Creek. Other valuable wetlands are partly
protected,including those bearing listed plant species at Laguna Lake Park.The city should
consider creating some wetlands in association with its water treatment needs.
(c) Serpentine Habitats
The serpentine hills around San Luis Obispo offer one of the rarest habitats in North
America relative to soils and the plants that the soils support.The soils are nutrient poor,
enriched in metals,and support many rare species.The uplands support rare native
grasses,lilies,oaks,cypress, manzanttas and other plants. Rare plants occur on Froom
Ranch and in Prefumo Canyon,on the hills flanking Laguna Lake, and along Cuesta
Ridge.
It should become a City policy to prevent destruction of the serpentine habitat. This policy
may seek support in the health problems associated with the asbestos content of serpentine,
in the preservation of view shed around the city, and the steepness of most slopes on
serpentine hills.
(d) Valley Foraging Habitats as Grasslands and Grazing Lands.
As valley grasslands are underlain by rich soils,they once supported the greatest
abundancies of life. Soils on the hillsides are thinner, and do not support the same biotic
carrying capacity. The grasslands around the city of San Luis Obispo support many
animals besides domestic cattle.Many have seen deer grazing in the fields opposite the
Men's Colony or on the flanks of San Luis Mountain and Bishop Peak. There is a common
misconception that grasslands have no value since they lack the visual poetry of trees.Thus
they have usually become the default environment for development, and historically were
the first to be converted to agriculture.
As a matter of policy,the city should endeavor to retain some grasslands and other valley
floor habitat as part of the open space to maintain as high a biodiversity as possible.These
could be developed in association with other land uses, as corridors between clustered —
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development or as grazing-limited conservation easements. Even golf courses, which use
up large amounts of land but provide very little or no habitat value,could develop native
grassland corridors or in other ways enhance themselves to become a link in a grassland
corridor.Many of the grasslands around the city are currently dominated by exotic
European species, but could be restored to native grasses and to higher wildlife value.
However,in spite of the dominance by exotic plants, many of the grasslands still function
as valuable habitat.
(e) Oak Woodlands, Scrublands, and Hillside Grassland and Chaparral.
The hills surrounding the city are covered by an intermeshed association of communities.
In the sheltered valleys and the moister, northern flanks of the hills are the Coast Live Oak
woodlands. On the poorer soils and the hotter, south-facing slopes are scrublands and
chaparrals,and patches of grassland. Many of these habitats are relatively undisturbed by
man,due to their inaccessibility, their steepness, and relatively low impacts from calve
compared to the grasslands.They contain a different bird and animal population than the
flatlands.It should become City policy to preserve much of the vegetation on the steeper
slopes,and to preserve as much of the mosaic of these diverse plant communities as
possible,particularly in association with wildlife corridors.
(f) Wildlife migration corridors
One of the most commonly overlooked aspect of habitat conservation is the wildlife
corridor,usually because the values of the corridor lie beyond the boundaries of the section
of land being evaluated. In the San Luis Obispo watershed area, wildlife connection is
required between the diverse geographical elements of the surrounding landscape.
Within the city, there has been little attention paid to wildlife corridors, such as those
linldng mountains to valley creeks. Often city planning policies undercut the needs of
wildlife. (For example, the Housing Element regard the best corridor linking the east side
of San Luis Mountain with the creek system (in the 100 block of Broad Street) as best used
for a single family home site that would block the corridor).
In the larger regional landscape animals must move from the Irish Hills to the Edna Valley,
from the Santa Lucia Mountains to Cerro San Luis Obispo, from east to west and from
north to south around the city. At the present time there is still open country around the
city,and the problem appears to be restricted to freeway survival skills,but in a few
decades the Irish Hills and Morros could be as isolated as the Palos Verdes Peninsula. We
have a responsibility to future generations to guarantee the presence of healthy and varied
wildlife, and for that we must prevent the genetic isolation of wildlife populations. The
City of San Luis Obispo,in considering a green belt around itself, should as a matter of
policy use its powers the ability to provide relatively safe animal passage across this belt.
The wider the passage, the more varied the travelers will be. If sufficiently sized,travelers
could include deer, fox,coyote, possum, raccoon, bobcat, cougar, and even bear.
Planners can maintain corridors by preventing strip developments that acts as a barriers,
and by providing an ample number of opportunities for wildlife to cross major
transportation routes. Already a significant portion of the northwest-southeast movement of
bear and cat is becoming bottlenecked into the Cuesta Pass area.
The opportunities for values conflicts along a wildlife corridor are many. Open space
reserved around the City may also be considered a scenic resource that may not overlay the
most valuable lands from the ecological standpoint. Public access and recreation within
open space may severely limit its use as a corridor. a
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(2) POLITICAL CONTROL
The city should convene a series of planning conferences with biologists,landowners,city
planning staff, and county planning staff to agree on areas that might be considered for
either a joint powers planning vehicle or annexation. This would address the 'revenue-
neutral'requirement of the county relative to annexation of its territory,the relationship of
those lands to existing city land use plans and to county land use zoning, the assessment of
landowner desires,and the consideration of compensation for perceived or real take
through land use change.The conference could initiate research into incentive mechanisms
such as TDC's,lot line adjustment,purchase of conservation easements or other methods
that could be managed through land trusts or similar organizations. Consultation with
LAFCO should continue concurrently with the conferences.
(3) PRELIMINARY HABITAT ASSESSMENT AT POINTS AROUND THE
CITY.
Starting at the north end of the city, and working around the edge clockwise:
Highway One
Management will require annexation or city/county MOU with landowner-approval and
compensation. The southernmost east-west wildlife corridor crosses Highway 1 around
the famous old Mail Pouch barn,connecting Bishop Peak habitat to that of the Santa Lucia
Mountains via Cal Poly lands. Development of lands under County jurisdiction and the
Men's Colony are producing a barrier effect further to the west, and the same developments
are also disturbing the open space aspects of the Green Belt. It is,therefore,critical to
maintain a hard edge at the present city limit,to contiguously cluster(as compared to the
county's scattered,low density cluster as at Varian Ranch) any building beyond the limit,
and to maintain broad open areas around any clusters.
Lands between Highways 1 & 101
Sensitive serpentine habitat behind Cal Poly should remain in native vegetation.The
expanse of grasslands between Cal Poly and the Santa Lucia Range should be managed for
high biodiversity, and will require a City-County-CalPoly MOU. Livestock and crop
management practices at Cal Poly should be changed to enhance and protect the watershed
of upper San Luis Obispo Creek,especially in the riparian corridors of Brizziolari and
Stenner Creeks. There is room for further development by Cal Poly in the region of the old
airfield at Cal Poly.
Highway 101
There should be no further expansion of the city through the water gap at Cuesta Park. The
watershed above this point contains some of the best grassland and natural habitat in the
area,but also serves as critical watershed that controls much of the hydrologic performance
of San Luis Obispo Creek. The existing north-south corridor for wildlife through the Santa
Lucia Mountains starts at this point and continues to Santa Margarita. Some attempt should
be made to mitigate the barrier effect caused by Highway 101. Serpentine habitat in the hills
flanking the water gap, and serpentine grassland habitat.between the base of the Cuesta
Grade and the Cuesta Park water gap should also be protected,especially from flood
control projects.
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Eastern Flank
The hills flanking Johnson Ave. are valuable serpentine habitat,and development of hills
should not be allowed at any greater elevation than the present reach of the city.The small
and usually seasonal streams that flow westward from the ridge should be protected, and
setback requirements maintained as for perennial streams. There remains a strip of
grassland between the rocky hills and the dense development of the city, and this should be
protected as valuable foraging habitat for hawks, falcons,owls and other wildlife.
Orcutt Road and Highway 227
Undeveloped grasslands along Orcutt Road serve as key links in east-west wildlife
corridors that connect to the Irish Hills. Here open space zones would delineate the
southern edge of the city. Much of this land would require management through a
landowner-city-county MOU. It may be possible to maintain the corridor through the
cooperation of landowners of very large lots and agricultural lands,or with sufficiently
separated clusters of denser development that could be with property owners through lot
line adjustment and a TDC program.
The present agricultural uses of the Edna Valley should be encouraged,with some
incentives, compensation or other encouragement to landowners for restrictive zoning to
maintain open space,the east-west corridor, and agricultural land. There would be some
balance between farming,viticulture and grazing land,as the latter,much more valuable to
wildlife,is succumbing quickly to land conversion.
Particular attention should be given to Corral de Piedra Creek and its ecosystem. This could
become the central part of a southern east-west corridor across the valley.A northern east-
west corridor can still be protected through the rapidly developing zone south of the airport,
with the corridor passing to the north of Country Club Estates.
Southern Edge.
There is an extensive and lightly developed corridor along Davenport Creek that extends in
width to the north side of Buckley Road. The open nature of this corridor should be
maintained through a county-city MOU approved by adjacent land owners.Lot line
adjustment and clustering should be used. The riparian and grassland connection with the
South Street Hills should be protected by the City immediately to prevent total isolation
from the southern habitats.
Highway 101 South
There should be no further development to the south of the City, and the San Luis Obispo
Creek and Froom-Prefumo drainages should be protected. There is extensive serpentine
rare plant habitat in the Froom Ranch area, and any development at the 'southern gate'to
the City should avoid this habitat and the seasonal wetlands below the habitat The rare
plant habitat extends to the west and occurs in Prefumo Geek.Development along the Los
Osos Valley corridor should be placed on the flatlands while avoiding the flood plains, but
could be of high density to compensate for legal lots abandoned for open space on the hills.
Preferably the development should be hard up against Los Osos Valley Road, leaving the
valley grassland habitat at the foot of the hills as open as possible. The habitat value of the
artificial channel of Prefumo Canyon, especially below the lake, should be enhanced.
i- I I
7
Los Osos Valley Road
The City should attempt to develop a hard edge at the present location along the road. There
is a broad north south corridor over most of the Los Osos Valley, but this would be
destroyed by strip development if the City extends further to the west. Serpentine
chaparrals in the hills south of the City should be protected.
O'Conner Way
The extensive wetlands and valley grasslands adjacent to, and west of Laguna Lake should
be protected.The potential for strip development along O'Conner Way should be removed,
with any development around the current cluster at the Foothill-O'Conner intersection being
either large lot or clustered. Building should be kept from the spine of the Morros to protect
the corridor along the range,and some open avenues of valley grassland should be
preserved along the base of the hills.
South Street Hills
The Hills represent serpentine habitat that has wetland on the southern flanks.They are
about to become biologically isolated,but some form of a wetland-grassland corridor could
be developed along existing small streams that flank the western edge of the airport, and
preservation of these corridors should be a high priority.The springs, wetlands, and valley
grasslands south of the Hills could be preserved as valuable integrated grassland-wetland
habitat.
Tank Farm Wetlands
The wetlands just north of Tank Farm Road should be enhanced, and surrounded with a
viable valley grassland buffer.
Cerro San Luis Obispo
The preservation of Cerro San Luis Obispo as wildlife habitat depends on keeping much of
the existing Foothill Boulevard grazing lands open and free from development that could
close off the connecting corridor with the remainder of the Morros.
8
f
MEE tING��_ ,,,/AGENDA
DATE�--....ITEM#
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor and City Council
VIA: Ken Hampian, Assistant Ci Administrator
P h'
FROM: Arnold Jonas, Community Development Director c
DATE: February 10, 1995
SUBJECT: EQTF Workshop Material
The attached information is forwarded by the Environmental Quality Task Force with a request
that you review it prior to your joint workshop next Tuesday, February 14.
RECEIVED
FEB 1 u^ 1995
CITY CLERK
SAN LUIS 0BISP0.CA
•
CITY OF BOULDER OPEN SPACE OPERATIONS CENTER
W ;; 66 SOUTH CHERRYVALE ROAD, BOULDER, COLORADO 80303
OO (303)441-4142 FAX: (303)499-6181
December 19, 1994
Phil Ashley
Biology Department
Cal. Poly. Univ.
San Luis Obispo, CA 93407
Dear Mr. Ashley;
It was a pleasure to speak with you recently regarding my position at the City of Boulder Open
Space Department. I commend you for your desire to create a similar position in the San Luis Obispo
area. The City of Boulder Open Space has a long history,some of which is covered by the enclosed
documents. I have also enclosed a map of the Open Space system.
One of the items not reflected in the enclosed documents nor in the job description of the
Wildlife Biologist is the value of my position for our department. Three things come to mind; 1)I serve
as a coordination center for biological data collected by local environmental groups, university students,
volunteers, consultants or contractors, as well as staff members,2)I am able to evaluate the validity and
power of data collected or proposals from various consultants or university staff thereby saving our
department money that would otherwise be needlessly wasted on projects that lack focus, proper
methodology, or benefit for the Department and the natural resources, finally, 3) I serve as a primary
contact with the public educating them about natural resource issues and helping to calm
administrative/political nerves by providing facts and information on sensitive or volatile issues such as
mountain lions or prairie dogs. In addition, I am able to support the City staff with information on legal
issues such as various species of special concern.
I hope the enclosed information will be of value to you. Michael Sanders, Senior Resource
Specialist, with Boulder County Parks and Open Space(303-441-3952), Brian Pritchett,Natural
Resource Supervisor, with Jefferson County Open Space(303-271-5986), or Karen Manci,Natural
Resource Supervisor,with City of Fort Collins(303-221-6600)may also be able to help answer
questions regarding the role of a wildlife biologist within an Open Space department. In addition, Mark
Gershman, Wetlands/Wildlife Coordinator for my department, would also be a good contact source. He
was partially responsible for the creation of my position and has been with the Department for a number
of years.
Please feel free to contact me again if you have any questions or need more information. Good
luck with your proposal.
Sinc I
Cli it
6
Wildlife Biologist
CC: Mark Gershman, Wetlands\Wildlife Coordinator
.f
CITY OF BOULDER,
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 791, Boulder, CO 80306
Street Address: 1101 Arapahoe, First Floor
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER
Jobline Recording: 441-3434 Hearing Impaired No: 441-3054
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
JOB NUMBER: 93-023 JOB TITLE: Wildlife Biologist
DEPARTMENT: Open Space/Real Estate
SALARY: $11.983 per hour GRADE: B-13 STANDARD
,ECRUTIMENT PERIOD: 2/8/93 through 3/12/93 FULL TIME
WORKING DAYS AND HOURS: Generally, Monday through Friday 8:00 am. to 5:00 p.m.. May include some
evening and weekend meetings
APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY 5 P.M AT 1101 ARAPAHOE AVENUE (OR BY 10:00 P.M. AT THE
PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING LOCATED AT 1805 33RD ST) ON THE CLOSING DATE OF THE
7RUITMENT PERIOD. NO LATE APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED
JERALL JOB OBJECTIVE:
Under limited supervision, to conduct wildlife management activities on Open Space properties and to perforin related
dudes as required.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Conducts wildlife management activities on Open Space properties, including the following:
• Performs wildlife management field work
• Reviews routine department projects and agricultural leases for impacts to wildlife and wildlife
habitat
• Works with odiwrtaff to coordinate and conduct the department's participation in wildlife
related research, :r:Juding deer studies, predator studies, and waterfowl counts.
• Works with other staff to develop management plans for species and or management areas and
to draft reports.
• Provides routine wildlife training for other staff.
• Participates in wildlife control activities.
• Works closely with other staff to ensure the protection of wildlife and wildlife habitats.
• Drafts reports and other documents on wildlife topics. May make presentations to Department
staff, City administration, Open Space Board of Trustees, City Council, and other groups.
• Works as part of a team to plan and oversee staff response to endangered and threatened
wildlife species, wildlife species of special concern, and other wildlife or wildlife-related issues.
2. Supervises volunteers and special interest groups as needed.
3. Performs interpretive tasks, including the following:
• Represents the City and its environmental policies positively during contact with the public.
• Conducts informational presentations to educational institutions, organizations, and the general
public.
4. Uses the following :s of tools and equipment in the pm iance of wildlife biology tasks:' hail.i
and power tools; four-wheel drive vehicles; trailer, audio-visual equipment; computers; microscopes;
portable and vehicle radios; variety of biological field equipment. `
5. Performs related dudes as required by management to meet the needs of the City.
6. Takes proper safety precautions, anticipates unsafe circumstances, and acts accordingly to F
accidents. Responsible for the safety of self, others, materials, and equipment Uses all required safety
equipment
The City of Boulder is committed to hiring employees who provide good customer service; our employees
communicate courteously and responsively and provide effective and efficient service to the public and co-workers.
Generally, duties and responsibilities are listed from most to least critical or time consuming.
REQUIREMENTS:
Bachelor's degree in dlife biology, wildlife management, or afield�he year of professional experience
in wildlife management, wildlife biology, a related field or anytbetibination of equivalent experience. Knowledge
of a broad range of wildlife managememhniques, including census and control methodology, experiment design,
.rethodninov for determining sex/age, mappine, habitat evaluation, and habit improvement techniques. Physical
ability to walk, stand, and kneel while woJg on rough terrain bility {form physical tasks outdoors in all
weather conditions and to use a variety of�els and instru onst ated verbal and written communication
skills. Ability to work :artfully and effectivelywith the
and co-workers. Physical ability to work with
livestock and care for and ride. horses. Valid Colorado driver's license.
All successful candidates hired by the City of Boulder must furnish required LD. for the federal I-9 form, such as a
valid driver's license (or a state picture I.D.) and a certified birth certificate or original social security card, or other
alternative documents.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS: �
Knowledge of dBase IV, W 7 L Knowledge of local. ,
M ecosystems, and critical wildlife habitat
designations. Knowledge of federal, state and municipal wildlife law. Experience in non-I*e and native fishery
management Knowledge of aquanogy.
r
1994 WORK PLAN/OBJECTIVES
OPEN SPACEIREAL ESTATE
This document reflects the overall work plan and objectives for this department for the coming
year. Items are listed by division/area. Due to overlapping responsibilities, some items appear
in more than one area, reflecting an integrated management process.
ADMINISTRATION
ADMINISTRATIVEIPLANNING
► Coordinate with other departments to complete draft for city-wide ecosystem management plan.
► Complete the Open Space Long Range Management Plan (LRMP) process: release preliminary
draft after OSBT review; conduct a public participation process to gather input; focus on further
public input for issues of interest; incorporate appropriate changes; submit final draft to OSBT;
and, issue final in the 4th quarter of 1994.
► Complete facility development and assess equestrian use at Cherryvale Ranch. Seek lessee to
operate horse facility at Cherryvale Ranch beginning in 1995.
• Cooperate with county, state, federal and other City departments in the development and
implementation of an integrated planning approach to open space.
• Participate in the City Development Review Committee (DRC) review of and response to
development in the Boulder Valley, including in-city development and county referrals.
► Update the Boulder Valley Comp Plan, including the trails and open space elements.
9. Review and revise the caretaker policy.
9. Present management and access committee recommendations to OSST for adoption.
► Continue review of City code as it pertains to Open Space, revise special use provisions in
ordinance.
• Coordinate with other staffs/departments on a review of the Tributary Greenways Program.
► Coordinate and cooperate with other city agencies on mutually beneficial projects; foster
teamwork. Work with other agencies to resolve impacts of other plans on open space - i.e.,
water lines, roadways, etc.
► Review alternate transportation modes plan for Open Space.
► Review dog survey, establish leash ordinance.
► Prepare 1995 Budget and CIP, with provisions made for Amendment One.
► Assist Planning Department in development of North Boulder and Central Area Plans.
► Possible 1994 Election on open space related issues and Amendment One.
10 Coordinate Eldorado Mountain management plan; conduct environmental studies for FERC
preliminary permit and planning activities including population inventories for plants, mammals
and birds; endangered species studies for insect and herptofauna and plant community studies,
and wetlands mitigation. Review and comment on proposed power plant on the Linsday
property.
8. Review and revise current financial management practices.
so Study economic impacts of open space.
G:1wOnanrA�wa.194 1 M arah 1. 1994
Study long term use patterns, changing demographics, and papulation changes.
► Monitor concerns related to open space in Jefferson County near and adjacent to Boulder
County.
► Draft master plan criteria for environmental resources.
► Initiate studies on the biodiversity of open space as an urban-wildland boundary and the effects
of recreational uses of open space on wildlife.
• Complete recreational use and environmental resource assessments of South Boulder Creek,
Boulder Valley Ranch, Eldorado Mountain and Wonderland Lake as part of the Trails Plan and for
resource management decisions.
► Complete research proposal review process.
► Coordinate with the Planning, Parks and Recreation, and Public Works Departments to continue
ecological research, planning integration, management and monitoring of species and habitats
of special concern for part of the city-wide ecosystem plan.
► Continue to evaluate existing and proposed trails within the context of open space preservation
and integrated ecosystem management, including developing a program to monitor human use
impacts on open space.
• Complete Year 2 of the visitor use study and address impacts of human use on open space and
review requests for special uses on open space. Gather information on impacts of open space
in the community and of private development impacts on open space.
• Complete year 1 of Colorado Historical Society grant for historical resource evaluation of
Marshall Mesa.
► Continue membership in Colorado Rockies Regional Cooperative (CORCC) to accomplish multi-
level interagency planning for presenting regional ecosystems.
• Continue to develop cooperative relationships at CU, CSU and other universities by encouraging
ecological research and providing student internships.
► Establish a protocol for electronic information sharing to and from the Boulder County Audubon
Society's Wildlife Inventory.
► Cooperate with other agencies in the development of an information base on the abundance and
distribution of wildlife in Boulder County.
► Incorporate GIS technology in appropriate pardons of resource management work program.
► Continue communications with the US Fish and Wildlife Service in regard to status and listing
of various species.
► Complete resolution process for South Boulder access and management issues.
► Complete draft Trails Plan.
ACQUISITIONS
• The timing of purchases in 1994 may be affected by Amendment One in several ways: 1) the
acceptable financing techniques available from the City to property owners and the tax
consequences of each; 2) the amount of sales tax revenue available for purchases this year and
in subsequent years; and, 3) the outcome of the current lawsuit.
• The Acquisition Team will continue to consult with the City Attorney's office in devising an
acquisition strategy and the attendant financial strategies and documents which will comply with
Amendment One for open space acquisitions as well as property management procedures.
4baarLa,da .194 = Merca 1,1994
► Irn prove communications and cooperation between Property Agents and Operations staff by
defining roles and establishing procedures which increase the efficiency and service levels of the
Department.
► Coordinate and prioritize open space acquisitions within current budget constraints and
uncertainties regarding acquisition methods and availability of bond proceeds.
► Continue to provide efficient and effective real estate services to other City departments.
► Assist with the City Asset Management function as it relates to the inventory, acquisition,
management, and lease-purchase analyses of real property assets of the City.
► Assist with the acquisition of mineral rights interests under City open space and other City-
owned property.
► Undertake and complete the identification of all mineral ownership interests underlying all City
open space lands.
► Establish easement procedure check list with Operations staff, US West and PSCo.
Non-Open Space Real Estate Projects/Acquisitions
► Most of the following projects will require multiple acquisitions.
Public Works - Water Utilities: Lakewood Pipeline Project; Interruptible Supply Water Rights
acquisition from Boulder Creek Basin
d Public Works - Flood Control: Goose Creek
i
Public Works -Transportation: North Broadway widening, Phase II; Pearl Parkway; Colorado
Avenue Sidewalk.
,r Public Works - Greenways: 12 projects involving both private property
easements/acquisitions and open space properties
d City Manager: Civic Center: Acquisition of remaining private parcels at selected site; Eco-
Cycle: Assist in locating and purchasing, if necessary, Drop-off and Processing facilities.
f Parks and Recreation: 55th Street ROW Condemnation and Trial; Park encroachment
valuations; mineral rights under Boulder Reservoir.
Development Review Committee: Continue to provide staff review of all development
projects submitted to the City Planning Department for open space and real estate issues and
required actions or documents.
d Fire Department: Sale of Fire Station #5; Possible disposition of excess property in
Gunbarrel.
VOLUNTEER SERVICES
• Continue to address staff needs for ongoing trained volunteers, and provide citizens with
opportunities to volunteer for Open Space projects and programs. Work with staff in developing
new job and project request/descriptions; and to recruit, place, train, manage, evaluate, and
track individual volunteers and groups in new work assignments. Upgrade the volunteer
database.
• Coordinate with staff on the following ongoing Open Space volunteer groups and programs:
Adopt-A-Stream; Adopt-a-Trail; Denver Children's Home ECL/PSE Group; Herbarium Group;
Internships in GIS, Ranger Services, Resource Management, Volunteer Coordination, Service
Learning, Individual projects involving photography, writing, filing, data input, tool repair,
Qwsb btudwm.194 3 momh t. 1996
_.adr_>tinistrative support, and recording oral histories, and other need areas, Labor Source;
Peregrine Monitoring Group;Predator Tracking Group;Stewardship Programs; Wildlife Transect
Volunteers
► Continue to work with the Open Space Board and committees, community groups,
organizations, neighborhoods, and individuals in carrying out volunteer projects for Open Space.
► Improve tracking on all volunteers, including OSBT and task forces.
► Expand public information dissemination by volunteers.
► With Ranger staff, plan, implement, supervise, manage and do evaluation, placement, and
tracking of new Guide trainees.
► Continue planning and implementation of advanced training for the "Wise" Guides group;
continued field placements for Wise Guides.
► Continue to jointly manage and supervise the Open Space Native Plant Volunteer Group.
► Continue participation in the Boulder Regional Conservation Crewleaders (BRCC) Program.
Program goals for the year to be jointly agreed upon by participating agencies.
• Supervise and manage the contractor charged with organization of Open Space visual materials,
and database for the Open Space Visual History Program. Plan and implement the volunteer
components of this program.
► Continue implementation and expansion of the Open Space Stewardship Program, incorporating
the "adopt-a" programs, and service teaming programs into a coordinated program combining
maintenance of a selected area with environmental education and/or research opportunities.
• Continue cooperation with the City-wide Youth Initiative Program
• Continue to work with Steve Mertz on planning, implementation and evaluation of short and long
term projects involving youth organizations, agencies, and groups; and on all appropriate field
training and field supervision of volunteers.
► Continue management and supervision of service learning programs, including the New High
School and Platt Junior High programs.
• Work with the City of Boulder Volunteer Management Council (VMC) to create City-wide
volunteer policy guidelines, expand knowledge of volunteer management principles within the
City and in the community, and create City-wide recognitions for volunteers during National
Volunteer Week and at other times.
► Participate in creating training materials informing new employees of volunteer opportunities
within the City. Continue discussion with Human Resources on the addition of volunteer
experience to the City's job application; and inclusion of volunteer service in evaluations for
hiring.
► Participate in a City-wide listing of youth volunteer opportunities.
► Recognize all active Open Space volunteers during National Volunteer Week, April 17th - 24th.
► Create a Volunteer "Hall of Fame" recognizing long-term ongoing Open Space Volunteers.
► With other staff, create opportunities to express appreciation to individual volunteers and groups
for their ongoing service.
► Continue to do community outreach for recruitment and education of the public on Open Space
mission and goals, and on the Open Space Volunteer Program.
• Encourage and facilitate inter-departmental, and inter-agency cooperation in the use of
volunteers.
G:bsbt4cuds�a�.194 4 Ma,eh 1. 1994
• Maintain contact with the city Volunteer Management Council, Mountain Parks, Boulder County
• Parks and Open Space, Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado, the Volunteer Connection, and other
agencies and organizations, sharing resources and offering volunteers a variety of immediate job
possibilities.
► Continue to develop cooperative relationships with CU, CSU and other universities by
encouraging ecological research on open space and providing internship opportunities for
students.
► Continue service as advisory to Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado (VOC).
► Cooperate in the initial development of the Open Space Long Range Management Plan (LRMP)
► Continue cooperation on compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS (GIS)
► Complete the parcel database and Survey Atlas for property management and planning.
► Complete up-to-date fieldwork for each individual parcel and develop management area maps
in conjunction with Rangers, Maintenance and Natural Resources.
► Develop image processing techniques for the new digital aerial photography and integrate the
existing AutoCAD files containing complete fieldwork.
► Develop, and implement, a data structure that will best handle diverse databases spread
throughout the Department, the rest of the City and other agencies.
► Continue detailed water rights mapping including ditches laterals and diversion structures.
Attach attributes that will allow modeling and inter-relation to databases under development.
► Participate in development of a detailed veg etati on;habitat mapping program to result in GIS
capabilities for review and analysis of species and wildlife habitat by layers and relationships.
► Direct GIS development of the Wildland Fire Hazard Mitigation System (FIRMIT), including
participation in planning and initiation of mapping and data collection for the Shanahan Ridge
project area. Administer development and maps of the GIS component for inter-connectivity
with the County.
► Continue GIS involvement with sludge injection mapping and analysis on Open Space and
establishment of potential sites for organic farming.
► Participate in the GIS aspects of the mineral rights project.
► Identify and develop a system for tracking and management of ALL city owned parcels and
associated data.
► Continue participation with the City-wide GIS Committee.
► Coordinate with other agencies in exchange of information through CORRC.
SUPPORT SERVICES
► Continue to coordinate support staff services between the downtown office and Cherryvale.
► Provide staff development opportunities for all support staff, as a group, or individuals, taking
advantage of training provided by the City.
► Continue to update and maintain department file system.
► Provide administrative and secretarial support to all Open Space staff and the Board.
► Coordinate with the Volunteer program on citizen requests for information and assistance,
including scheduling for the Foothills Nature Center facility.
Q%asbfttudse .194 s March 1. 1994
OPERATIONS
ADMINISTRATIVE
► Review caretaker policy.
► Review and revise the project construction policy.
► Review Trails Program.
► Work cooperatively with other departments and agencies.
► Continue implementation of the department's safety program; design and implement wellness
program.
► Review proposal for use of open space for special group activities.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Facilitate capital improvements and trails budget planning for 1994
► Implement capital improvement and trails projects for 1994
► Participate in 1995 budget process.
► Bid out 1994 contracted services for operations.
► Assist as needed in Conda reclamation.
► Participate in the Eldorado Mountain area study.
► Complete Area Use study.
RANGER SERVICES
Administrative
► Actively work at reintegrating the ranger staff into the Operations team and work flow.
so Continue to work on staff team building.
► Assist staff, divisions, departments, agencies, the public and others as needed.
► 1 standard ranger will be hired and 2.5 temporary rangers made standard to assist with duties
related to additional open space purchases.
► 1 standard ranger to complete a certified academy.
► Participate in required or beneficial training and development activities.
Patrol
► Maximize patrol efficiency.
► Interact with the public while in the field and positively represent the Open Space Department
and the City of Boulder.
► Provide necessary law enforcement, fire and medical emergency response.
► Sign new properties and special regulation areas.
Community Outreach
► Increase environmental educational programs for the public, school districts, organizations and
other groups.
► Produce educational displays, maps, brochures and other materials for distribution to the
public and other agencies. Continue to provide programs in Spanish, and multi-lingual
materials as requested, have printed materials available in braille, and provide interpreters for
Gbaen.iva.d.l9a 9 Weep 1.1994
the heating impaired.
► Continue the production and distribution of Nature Trails.
► Work with the Coordinator of Volunteer Services to train a new class of Trails Guides while
continuing work with "Wise" Guides.
Natural Resources
► Assist with the Department's wildlife and other natural resources projects, including South
Boulder Creek and KOA lake improvements, Culver easement, wildlife transects, deer studies,
prairie dog management, predator and winter raptor surveys and peregrine monitoring.
► Assist with development of a "natural area" designation for Eldorado Mountain.
► Continue urban forestry work and expand the wildland forestry program as appropriate.
► Continue to oversee cultural resource projects, contracts and activities, including applying for
a cultural resources grant with the State.
► Assist with an open space wildlife plan and with the City wildlife management plan, as
funding allows.
► Work with the Wetlands/Wildlife Coordinator on the Open Space wetlands identification study
update.
► Review proposals for baseline studies and research project proposals.
Passive Recreation Resources
► Assist with development of a restricted permit process for passive recreational activities on
Open Space.
• Assist with development of policies for the regulation of hang gliding, parasailing, sledding,
etc.
go Continue to work with special interest groups, including Boulder County Horseman's
Association, Boulder Off-Road Alliance, Audubon, Sierra Club, etc.
MAINTENANCE
Administrative
► Work closely with the GIS team to input trails, trailheads, structures and facilities into
AutoCAD as they are mapped.
► Provide appropriate software training to staff.
► Continue development and implementation of a safety program, in cooperation with other
divisions, as part of a department safety committee.
► Provide First Aid and CPR training for department staff, as needed.
► Encourage and support staff to seek training, and provide training and educational
opportunities.
► Work with Mountain Parks, Boulder County, and Eldorado Canyon State Park on trails
maintenance plans.
► Continue to implement compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations
including possible crusher-fine trails, parking spaces, and accessible tables at various areas.
G:b.Erieuesm.194 7 M4rch 1,1994
Feld/Facilities -
Continue to computerize vehicle and equipment maintenance schedules.
Provide on-going training in safe use of equipment.
Trails, Roads, Bridges, Trailheads, Fences
d Inspect all trails twice annually; document conditions; develop maintenance plan; develop
computer data base for trail characteristics, structures and maintenance costs.
f Crusher-fines handicap accessible trail from Teller South trailhead to fishing dock; upgrade
of fishing dock.
1r Rebuild Doudy Draw and Bobolink parking lot fences.
.� Build new fences on Axelson, Minnitrista, Marble, BVR, Fiatirons Vista, Stengel, Knaus,
Johnson, and Teller properties.
Rebuild sections of Doudy Draw, Marshall Mesa, South Boulder Creek (on Gebhard) trails.
d Install dog waste stations at Four Mile creek, Dry Creek, Mt. Sanitas trailhead.
f Grade parking lots, roads and surfaced trails as needed.
• Buildings
Maintain caretaker houses and continue to upgrade electrical and heating systems and
improve energy efficiency.
New roofs on Ellison, Axelson II,.
d Take action with structures at Lewis and Telleen (cleanup, upgrades, demolitions, etc.) as
directed by planning and administrative staff.
Junior Rangers, Youth, Jail Crews & Volunteers
Routine maintenance on most of trail system.
Continue use of volunteers in building and maintaining trails.
Work with ranger staff to provide interpretive programs for Junior Ranger crews and
volunteers.
• First aid and safety training for Junior Ranger staff.
Work with Coordinator of Volunteer Services to match departmental needs with volunteers.
Pilot program with Year One for $5,000 to construct prairie dog fence.
01 Hire 1/2 time FTE to run jail crews daily April - September.
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Administrative
a. Continue transition from Agricultural Management Division to a fully integrated Resource
Management Division, including redefining remaining job descriptions/titles to reflect integrated
approach to natural resource management.
Assess future natural resource staffing needs, with particular attention to water resources,
passive recreation impacts, and changing agricultural needs.
Continue to revise task assignments re: agricultural lease management in cooperation with
Real Estate Division staff.
Foster teamwork within our department, and with other departments/agencies.
Plan staff development and training and personal growth opportunities; promote safety in the
CrlwOcunl�w.t9a 8
March t.1884
work place and emphasize opportunities that encourage creativity, provide new perspectives
and development of technical skills.
01 Provide at least one training event for staff members from other divisions.
► Continue development of task allocation among natural resource management division,
maintenance division, and ranger services division and planning staff to increase efficiency.
► Continue involvement in long range planning process.
Work with Volunteer Coordinator to develop a plan for organizing and operating resource
library.
Outreach
► Continue the Junior Ranger Bio-ecology crew in cooperation with the Maintenance Division
and CU faculty. '
► Schedule at least one volunteer event designed to highlight a resource management program
and creativity in developing solutions.
► Continue and improve the educational component of the seasonal IPM crew to enhance its
value as resource management ambassadors.
► Have each staff person work with Ranger Services to develop at least one educational
program.
Produce one educational brochure through interagency cooperation and cost-sharing.
► Continue to develop cooperative relationships with CU, CSU and other universities by
encouraging ecological research on open space and providing internship opportunities for
students.
• Present Open Space integrated weed management program to Colorado Weed Management
Association and/or Natural Area Association annual meetings.
Resource Management
► agricultural lease management procedures and
Continue development and improvement of the
database.
► Continue and refine pilot program to develop or evaluate farm and/or ranch management plans
with individual lessees, incorporating a broad range of environmental and economic
considerations.
► Develop integrated resource management plans for new acquisitions.
► Incorporate GIS technology in appropriate portions of resource management work program.
► Describe Integrated Weed Management program in a written plan; finalize current draft.
► Initiate development of an integrated forest management plan in cooperation with other
Boulder County land management agencies.
► Update the Prairie Dog Management Plan, incorporating a mapping and monitoring component
and other integrated pest management practices as appropriate.
► Continue work, including development of a job description for 1995, for mapping and
inventory of water delivery system and associated database containing information necessary
for efficient management of water resources.
► Continue program to develop and encourage sources of native, local plant materials for
restoration/reclamation/mitigation projects on open space and on areas adjacent to open
G:b�btVtutl�r�.19`
9 LUrch 1.1994
space.
► Develop a research grant budget component, to encourage biological and ecological research
on open space for the mutual benefit of open space and the academic community.
► Work with Wildland Fre Coordinator to develop appropriate wildland fire objectives and a
prescribed bum program.
► Work with other staff on Eldorado Mountain management plan.
► Update Wetlands Study.
► Coordinate activities with Volunteer Coordinator.
► Work with Colorado Natural Areas Program staff toward revision of the Colorado Tallgrass
Prairie Natural Area and designation of the South Boulder Creek Natural Area.
► Continue to work with Project Administrator on Conde reclamation planning and
implementation.
► Coordinated funded research project on fire history of mountain backdrop areas; native
fisheries status of South Boulder Creek, and invertebrate biodiversity baseline study.
► Evaluate reclamation plan and progress toward reclamation of Gunbarrel Hill area.
► Wildlife biologist will continue process, begun in 1993, of evaluation of ongoing wildlife
programs and will make recommendations for continuation, modification, or elimination in light
of current and future needs.
► Develop a plan for evaluating impacts to wildlife from dogs and cats, and work towards a long
range policy, including a dog leash policy.
► Natural Resource Elements of Conservation Easement Management
d work with Real Estate and Mapping staff in the inventory of conservation easements.
,l establish a schedule and protocol for monitoring of natural resource elements of
conservation easements.
inspect conservation easements for the purpose of establishing baseline information for
future monitoring.
► City Wide Ecosystem Management Plan (City Council Goal)
d work with other departments in the development of an ecosystem management plan for
City owned lands.
On-going wildlife inventory and wildlife transects
coordinate data analysis with the ranger staff
1 establish a protocol to respond to sightings of particular species or observed trends.
f establish a protocol for electronic information sharing to and from the Wildlife Inventory
maintained by the Boulder County Audubon Society.
► Recreational Impacts
d fund and conduct a survey of passive recreational impacts upon wildlife and habitat values.
d investigate opportunities to work with the Division of Wildlife and faculty from CSU on this
project.
► Watchable Wildlife Opportunities
submit an application to the Colorado Division of Wildlife to help fund several educational
or research projects to enhance public appreciation of wildlife and understanding of the
impacts of passive recreational use on wildlife.
11 continue watchable spiranthes project on Hogan property.
G:b�ltLturba�.194 10
IWrah 1,1994
Is.
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s
BQULDEkXt: QPE ' N SPACE
so
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... . ......
.. ........
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What. Over.23,000 acres::of:..iand:.::Which. has.. been...:.preserved..and..:protected... .:.. .
Wildlife habitat;;unique:geo[ogic features, .greenways and Vais:areall par
oU.Boulder's Open ,Space.:.....These:.::.lands...provide..scentc:4nio4ment.-and ..
:.:.pass ve recreation for area residents..............
. .. .......
...........
................
J.
When. Officiallysinc6 1967, wheh .86ulder.became:the:.first.city�.:In . ecount to
pass a sales-t6x.of.40% for the:acquisition:and management.ofopen space
lands. An additidnal .33% Was: approvedbythe Voters'jn1989... Boulder : .
citizens recognized-Ahe value of preservin. %:.open� la.nd.s.:.:as..:.ear.i.y:::as:.1898,
when Chautauqua..P rk s purchased asrh
: ountain�backdrop.:.:......
a w a
...........
. ............
.. . .. .....
.. ........ ..
.. . ........
Where: Boulder's Open Space forms a: buffer around:the City, helping:to:e6i blish:
its owni separate identity:from neighboring communitles.:A gn u urlan[c It a[ s
d
along: the: Boulder/Denver Turnpike: and the:Diagonal HId.hway:,provide. a
scenic entry::into BoulU.der, :Mountain Backd:top and:Apariangreenways:are:
also part:of...BoufdWsOpen Space. The Open Space. .....systern forms.::the
framework wdevelopment pment occurs in-the Nall PY
... ....... ......
Through sales tgx.:.:.revenues,,. bond. issues,,: private: donations. and
development dedications......:.To. date,::nearly 79.:milliondollars have. been.
spent on theacquisition of open apace Acquisitions::are:approved.by the
Open Space oard e of Trustees and City.Council, with extensive opportunity
for public input.
Why. To preserve land.:for:scenic, agricultural and: buftevalue.
Who: :The people of Boulders.by their support ofopen spac e. and:mountain.parks
for almost a century.
city of boulder open space deper"ont po box 791 boulder, colorado 86308:..303�4l34401303=494-2194
alfuumv November 10, 1992
BO LDER ' S OPEN ` ACE
THEN AND NOW
Boulder's- .Open Space program is the product of a long history of actions taken by the City of Bourder.
government and the citizens of Boulder in response to their concern for the preservation of buffer areas and thr
mountain backdrop. -
One of the first efforts to preserve the mountain backdrop was the purchase of Chautauqua Park at the foot of
Flagstaff Mountain through a bond issue in 1898. In 1907, the City purchased 1600 acres of land on Flagstaff
from the federal government. An additional 1200 acres was purchased in 1912 - at the cost of $1.25 an acre!
Since the early 1900's when Frederick Law Olmstead encouraged the City to preserve mountain backdrop and
major waterways, Boulder's citizens have been concerned about protecting the foothills. In 1958, a.charter
amendment was passed, establishing a 'blue line" above which city water would not be supplied. Citizens who
helped pass the bill realized that this would slow development of the foothills, but would not stop it. This, along
with the fact that Boulder's population doubled between 1950 and 1960, led concerned citizens to organize an
action group known as PLAN Boulder. The group successfully campaigned for passage of a bond issue to save
from threat of development the 160 acre Enchanted Mesa.
Citizen involvement in the open space preservation effort continued with public education a major focus.
Council lent its support to the effort. A conference was sponsored by PLAN Boulder to further educate the
public. 'Greenbelts, why and how" included speakers from the city and county government, Colorado Open
Space Council, Bureau of Outdoor Education, planning consultants and other interested groups. Committees
were formed, slide programs presented, and local drivers sported bumper stickers supporting the greenbelt issue.
As a result of a 1967 municipal election, Boulder became the first city in the country to tax itself specifically
for the acquisition, management and maintenance of open space. The measure to add 4/10 of one cent sales .
tax passed by a 57% majority, an overwhelming demonstration of support in an era of citizen tax concern.
Shortly after the election, the City Manager and City Council appointed an Advisory Committee on Open Space,
and in 1973 Council created the Open Space Board of Trustees to set policies and priorities for acquisition V
greenbelt lands. In 1989 76% of voters added 3/10 of one cent to the sales tax for a period of 15 years t,
accelerate open space preservation.
The sales tax.revenues, coupled with passage of a charter amendment in 1971 allowing City Council to issue
bonds for the acquisition of open space, set into motion an aggressive open space acquisition program. Bonds
were again issued in 1980 and 1984, and in 1986 a charter amendment providing more permanent protection
for open space lands was adopted with passage by 79% of the voters.
The Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan, adopted by the City and County in 1978, recognizes open space as
providing the basic structure for the Plan. Purposes for open space include: preservation or restoration of natural
areas;preservation of water resources in their natural or traditional state;preservation of scenic areas or vistas, wildlife
habitats, or fragile ecosystems;preservation of land for passive recreational use;preservation of agricultural uses and land
suitable for agricultural production;utilization of land for shaping the development of the city, utilization of non-urban land
for spatial definition of urban areas; utilization of land to prevent encroachment on floodplain;and preservation of loud for
its aesthetic or passive recreational value and its contribution to the quality of life of the community.
Today, Boulder citizens enjoy over 23,000 acres of open space in and around the City. Some of the land is in
agricultural production, preserving the historic nature of Boulder County while keeping the land open for wildlife
and passive recreational uses. In addition to the aesthetic pleasure of Boulder's Open Space, an extensive trail
system is available for hikers and horseback riders. Bicyclists enjoy riding on designated trails. Picnicking and
fishing areas also appeal to area residents, as well as a program of scheduled hikes and activities conducted by
open space rangers.
As Boulder prepares for the 21st century, the need for Open Space buffers between growing communities,
close-in passive recreational use and preservation of wildlife and riparian areas remains. The success of tl'
Open Space Program has been and will continue to be a direct result of citizen advocacy. Boulder's Opt
Space belongs to all of us and your involvement as supporter, user or volunteer will ensure a successful
tomorrow for this special part of Boulder.
Nov=dm 10, IM
E
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The Charter of the City of Boulder, Colorado
ARTICLE M. OPEN SPACE
Sec. 176. Open space purposes—Open space land.
Open space land shall be acquired, maintained, preserved,
retained, and used only for the following purposes:
(a) Preservation or restoration of natural areas character-
ized by or including terrain, geologic formations, flora,
or fauna that are unusual, spectacular, historically
important, scientifically valuable, or unique, or that rep-
resent outstanding or rare examples of native species;
(b) Preservation of water resources in their natural or tradi-
tional state, scenic areas or vistas, wildlife habitats, or
fragile ecosystems;
'(c) Preservation of land for passive recreational use, such
as hiking, photography or nature studies, and, if specifi-
cally designated, bicycling, horseback riding, or fishing;
(d) Preservation of agricultural uses and land suitable for
agricultural production;
(e) Utilization of land for shaping the development of the
city, limiting urban sprawl, and disciplining growth;
(f) Utilization of non-urban land for spatial definition of
urban areas;
(g) Utilization of land to prevent encroachment on flood.
plains; and
(h) Preservation of land for its aesthetic or passive recre-
ational value and its contribution to the quality of life of
the community.
Open space larrd m=v nor be improved afar acauvinon unlat nrch improvemena are necasmy m prorea
or maintain the land or ro provide fir paaive revrarionaL open agriealaual or u>lidlife habirat ate of
the land (Added by Ont No. 4996(IMM). 1, adopud by ekrroratt on November 4. 19M)
J
•
ARTICLE X. OPEN SPACE
Sea 170. Creation of a department of open space.
There shall be a department of open spare, which shall be responsible for all open space
land and other property associated therewith.
As used is this charter."open space land"shall mean any interest is real pmpaty purchased
or leased with the sales and use tax pledged to the open space fund pursuant to the voce of
the electorate on November 7, 1967,or proceeds thereof:any interest in real propat r dedicated
to the city for open space purposes.and any interest in real propwty that is eves placed under
the direction,supervision,or control of the open space department,unless disposed of as exp misly
provided m section 177 below. (Added by Ord. No. 4946 (1986), 11. adopted by electorate on
November 4. 1986.)
Sea 27L Functions of the department
Under the dmvcion,supervision,and conn o1 of the city manager,there shall be a director
of the department of open space,who may also save as the city's direetor of real estate.Subject
to the limitations set forth in section ITS below, the department of open space
(a) Shall supervise, adminiser, preserve, and maintain all open space lard and Other
ptopa'ty assoaated therewith and may grant norexcruave Imenses and permits and agricultural
leases for crop or gram ng purposes for a term of fire years or less:
(b)S of atr, aa. uru and execute all open space programs,plat,8mecons,and
axCi
W Shall prepare and submit to the open space board of tttistees written rxommendatiuns
on those ruar*eR on which this article requite a recommendation tom said board prior to
council or department action;
(d) May,at the request of the open space board of trusters,prepare and submit to the board
information and recommendations an such open space matters as are not provided for by (c)
above; and
(e) May request advice on any open space matter from the open space board of trustees
(Added by Ord. No. 4996 (19M, 1 1, adopted by electorate on November 4, 1986.)
Sec 1= Creation of the open space board of trustees.
Mwre shall be an open space board of ovswes cousistiag of five members appointed by
the dC7 council. The members of the board shall be rmde= of:he city. shall not bold any
other OEM it the city,and shall serve with=pay.(added by Ord.Ya 4996(1986L 31,adopted
by elecorste am Yovember 4. 1986.)
Sec 173. Term of office of board members—removal—vaeaades.
Me term of each member shall be five years provided, however, that in appo=mg the
origiral members of the board the arl council shall ori„+.e the terms of the current members
and shall stagger the initial tens so that one board members term expires in eaez year.
Five members of the cormel may remove any board member for cause
Me cos shall fill all vaca=es.(Added by Ord Ya 4996(1986L f 1.adopted by electorate
om November 4, 1986.
Sec 174 Organization and procedure of the board.
The board shall choose a chair and a secretary. The director of the department of open
apace may be designated as secretary by the boars
:Tle board shall have regular meetings once a month.Special meetings may be called at
nay time by three members of the board upon the giving of at least 24 hours' notice of said
special meeting to the board members
• Zluree members of the board shall constitute a quorum.An aIr,rnative vote of a majority
af the members Present shall be dzerrvise �y pfd hereon to authorise any acdaa by the bassi, ezcept as
Me board shall keep =mutes and reds of its meetings and traosaetions.
EMMPc as otherwise expressly provided herein,the board shall have power to make rales
for the conduct of its bimi^am (Added by Ord No.4996(19867. f 1.aid by eleam-aw on
November 4. 1986)
Sec. 175. Functions of the board
The open space board shall not perfarm any a.a...a,us=n fimcla= rmIess a4ressly
psvvfded is this charter. The board
(a) Shall make recommendarian to the council corxrning any proposed disposal of open
Spa laabe p<"a*= to sercion 17 i below;
03) Shall=aim reww=end.monns to the co®aT ers>o3Ming any I or apptflprarzom
bean the open space fund pledged pursuant to the voce of the elec:orase on Neve=bw i,L9677,
ez; -a 0 ads of property acquired with the assets of the fr=d;
(d Shall make recommendations to the onmcl mourning any land that is to be placed
under the dmvc=n,supervMon,or co=ol of the department of open space,irdudiag,without
Hca recommendations concerning use polidn on6 planned use a(;and restricdons on,
use ot; open space lard:
(d) Saa11 make reaommeadacans to the council concerning the open space pmgism:
(e) Shall review the open space element, of the boulder valley cocapreheasive plan and
malts reCCMC &M_d2 oS etmcersiag nay open spam4elated d=ges to the plan-
(D Sh2B Pursue vigmously the iaplementatfam of the
open space elements of the boulde_
vaIIsy mmpreheckve Plan and the acquisition of additional propemy required to fulfill the goals
of the open space prigra=
(g) Shall review the city manages proposed budget as it relates to open space matters
and subnut its reco=endamoms concerning said budget to the mimal;
Qil S=n make Concerning the or denial of
—� groat nay aaneaivsive license
or pe=rt is or on open space land;
O Shall make m3qoo....nam4m4 ns comcaaiag the imctarfng of any bidebtedness payable from
the open space fund. pursuant to section 97 above: and ,
Q May prepare and submit to the cmural,the city manager,or the open space department
recatormencindons on any other master relating to the open space program, and may request
and obtain foam the open space dem snf and the city manages inf u=atiarzzelad=g thereto.
The city council. the city manager, and the open space departaoent shall not act an any
.of the matters set forth in paragraphs(a)through Q above without securing a remmmendation
$am the board as above provided-,however,the eouaal,the manager,and the department may
act an the matters set forth in paragraphs(b)through O above without a board recommendation
X the board fails to submit its recomumenaa*nn within thirty days after request theref= is
made by the council
The board's re=z endation shall mot be binding upon the city=umal,escxI as expressly
provided in sedan I- below. (Added by Ord No.4996 (19M 11, adopted by electorate oa
November 41 19861
Sea 178. Open spm pmy space land
Open
space land shall be acquired maintained.Preserved.retained and used only for the
So purposes:
W Preservation or restmasioa of natural areas she ac=jzed by or indurding test geologic
£armatioas.Clara,or fauna that are unusual,specamlar,histmicany important,scientficLUy
valuable, or unique, or that represent outstanding or rare examples of native species;
(b) Preservation of water resources in their natural or traditional stats, semis areas or
vistas. wildlife babitams, or fragile ecosyste
W Preservation of land for passive mal use,such as hiking,photography or nature
seudses, and. if specfimlly a=='toad, bicycling, horaebedc riding, or A
(d) Preservation of agricultzral uses and land suitable for agricultural producioa;
W realization of load for shaping the development of the city,limiting urban sprawl,and
goy:
CD Utilization of nonarban land for spatial definition of orhan areas;
(� Utilization of land to prevent anaoachmin• on goodplai= and
Qil P.-enervation of land for its aesthetic or passive reeeadanal value and its trnutio.
to the quality of life of the community.
Open space land may not be improved after acquisition ualeag such imprvvemears are
necessary to protect ar Mftinrain the land or to provide for passive recreatiana^1 open apicultffdl,
or W%Idlife habitat use ofthe land.(Added by Ord. No.49%(1986), 11, adopted by eler.crate
en November 4, 1986)
See. 177. Disposal of open space land.
No open space land owned by the city may be sold, leased,traded, or otherwise conveyed,
nor may any exclusive license or permit on such open space Ia;d be given,uz9fl approval of
such disposal by the cy counaZ Suca approval may be given only after approval of strch disposal
by the aflsrmative vote of at least three members of the open space board of trustees atter
a Public hearing held with notice published at least ten days in advance in a newspaper of
general circulation in the city, giving the faatfon of the land fa que=oo and the intended
disposal thereof No open space land owned by the city shall be disposed of=Wsixty days
following the date of city council approval of such disposal If: within such siidy day period,
a petition meeting the requi}ements of section 45 above and signed by registered k=., of
the City to the number of at least five percent of the registered electors of the aty as of the
day vote of Pee tition is filed aith the city Clerk, requesting that such disposal be submitted to a
electors,such disposal shall not become effective aatrl the steps indicated in section
46 and section 47 above have been followed.
This section shall not apply to agricultural leases for cop or grazing purposes for a term
GE an years or less
This sect!=is to be construed liberally in favor of providing opportunities for the ddzeas
_ r
s of the city I refer measures pcoponng the disposal sp
sal of any open ace Isar. (Added by Ord
No_4996 Q9W;, 11, adopted by electorate an November 4, 1986)
CHANGES
NOW The charter,as contained here sets forth the provisions and sections ffierenf fn fun
Zane and effect as of:November S.L983.To determine what proviskm or sections of the charter
Vrer8ll a eith amended,added or repealed since the adoption of the original charter on October
foIIowing table should be consulted.