HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/17/2002, BUS 5 - APPROVAL OF CONSERVATION GUIDELINES FOR OPEN SPACE LANDS OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO +council
Acjenda RepoRt Qcm Number �_,��
CITY OF SAN LUIS O B I S P O
FROM: Wendy George, Assistant City Administrative Officer '
Prepared By: Neil Havlik, Natural Resources Manager
SUBJECT: APPROVAL OF "CONSERVATION GUIDELINES FOR OPEN SPACE
LANDS OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO"
CAO RECOMMENDATION
As recommended by the Planning Commission and Parks and Recreation Commission, adopt a
resolution adopting the "Conservation Guidelines for Open Space Lands of the City of San Luis
Obispo" (the"Guidelines").
DISCUSSION
Background
Since establishment of the Natural Resources Protection Program in 1996, much of the focus of
the program has been on land acquisition. By 2000, however, the City's open space properties
had grown and there was a perceived need for a systematic approach to the proper stewardship of
those lands. As a result, the City Natural Resources staff began to review approaches to this
matter by other agencies. It was found that some type of land classification system for park or
open space lands, regardless of size, was the basic method by which land management decisions
were guided at a systemwide level, and then those classifications were applied to individual areas
within a particular parkland or open space.
Working originally with the Land Conservancy, and later utilizing the City Biologist staff
position when it was created, a similar approach was crafted for the City of San Luis Obispo's
open space lands. The document was modeled upon the documents of other agencies, and once
the Guidelines are adopted they will be followed by specific conservation plans for individual
open space lands.
Following a period of internal review by appropriate City departments, the document was subject
to a lengthy period of public review. This included a workshop on January 30, 2002, which was
attended by about twenty persons. A number of comments were received at that workshop, and
several letters were also received during an extended review period. Following the review
period, Natural Resources staff evaluated the comments, and made a number of changes to the
draft document. These included a name change for the document itself, plus a number of other
additions and changes relating to limits of acceptable change, location of access, and more
carefully delineating boundaries between classifications. This amended document was presented
to the City Council in a study session on July 16, 2002, and comments and direction were
received from the public and from Council members at that time. Since then, the document has
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Council Agenda Report—Adoption of Conservation Guidelines
Page 2
undergone additional revision (explained below), and was presented to the Planning Commission
on August 28 and the Parks and Recreation Commission on September 4 at public meetings.
Both Commissions unanimously recommended that the City Council adopt the Guidelines. Staff
is therefore bringing them to the Council at this time for formal adoption.
Highlights
The fundamental purpose of the Guidelines is to provide policy level guidance for resource
management practices within City-owned open space lands, and to ensure that those practices are
applied in a consistent manner throughout the City's open space system. Based upon the policies
contained in the guidelines, individual Conservation Plans will be developed for each City-
owned open space property.
Five main classifications of lands are recognized: Habitat Areas, Management Areas/Trail
Corridors, Restoration Areas, Cultural/Historical Areas, and Agricultural Areas. Each of these
areas will have a different "mix" of resource management policy directives appropriate to that
classification. The policies will govern management of the following: land and vegetation,
human activities and impacts; aquatic systems; agriculture; and wildlife protection. Certain
policies may not be applicable to certain areas: for example, policies designed to protect native
plant communities would not apply to the agricultural areas, which would remain as cropland.
It should be noted that the policies are intended to proscribe the nature and extent of resource
management activities, and the real thrust of the Guidelines (through the classification process)
will be to leave large blocks of land alone through the Habitat Area designation. The main
difference between the Habitat Area designation and the Management Area/Trail Corridor
designation is that the latter will experience generally minor but more or less routine vegetation
management, such as pruning for clearance along trails, under power lines, and at the urban
interface for fire protection purposes. Also, to strengthen the integrity of the Habitat Area
designation, and for purposes of consistency, areas where livestock grazing will be permitted will
be given the Management Area/Trail Corridor designation. Existing City policies encourage
retention of agricultural uses where appropriate on City lands, and properly managed livestock
grazing in our more productive grasslands is completely consistent with other resource
management objectives and City policies supporting the preservation of agriculture in areas
surrounding the community. Historically the most significant open space activity has been trail
construction and maintenance.
With regard to access, the Guidelines require that location of public access to open space lands
be considered during that individual property's Conservation Plan preparation, or at another
appropriate time, where public input into the location and design of such access points can be
made. This has been raised as an issue by neighbors of the proposed Bowden Ranch project,
where public access to the open space above the project area has existed informally for many
years. It is expected that the approval process for the Bowden Ranch project will be the
appropriate time to address this matter at that location.
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Council Agenda Report—Adoption of Conservation Guidelines
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Changes From the July 16 Study Session and from Other Review
Changes resulting from the Council study session and additional input have been in six
categories: agricultural land, fire preparedness and fire management; potential responses to
conditions which exceed the"limits of acceptable change"; educational opportunity; a process for
amendment; and the inclusion of a glossary. Each of these is briefly discussed below.
Agricultural land. Council members and Land Conservancy Board members asked fora stronger
statement regarding the importance of agricultural lands and the role that such lands might play
in a City open space system. Staff therefore developed language to emphasize the importance of
keeping productive agricultural land that may come into City ownership in agriculture(page 11).
Fire Preparedness and Fire Management. This originated as a citizen suggestion. Staff agreed,
and working with the Fire Department, language was developed to make both fire preparedness
and fire management plans integral parts of the Conservation Plan adoption process (page 13).
Response to Exceeding "Limits of Acceptable Change". Planning Commissioners asked that
"explicit possibilities"of response to the discovery that the limits of acceptable change have been
exceeded be included in the Guidelines. Staff has therefore included language to this effect(page
17).
Educational Opportunity. Planning Commissioners and ECOSLO Board members asked that the
Conservation Plans for individual open space lands specifically include discussion of educational
opportunities for those lands. Staff therefore placed language in the Guidelines (page 22) to
ensure that such opportunities are explored as part of the Conservation Plan adoption process.
Process for Amendment. Although the original draft of the Guidelines spoke to the issue of
amendment, no formal process for amendment was included in the Guidelines. At the suggestion
of the Parks and Recreation Commission, language to permit formal amendment of the
Guidelines or of an adopted Conservation Plan was added (page 23).
Glossary. Council members had suggested that a glossary be included in the Guidelines for
purposes of clarity. This has been done(pages 25, 26).
Next Steps
Upon Council adoption of the Guidelines, staff will immediately proceed with preparation of
four conservation plans. The lands expected to be evaluated first are: (1) Irish Hills Natural
Reserve; (2) Bishop Peak Natural Reserve; (3) Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve; and (4) Johnson
Ranch Open Space. Inventory work, which is a necessary precursor to the land classification
effort, is currently underway on all of these areas. Our original goal was to complete these by the
end of fiscal 2002-2003. We are not certain that we can maintain this schedule, due in part to the
length of time spent on development of the Guidelines. However, staff feels that that was time
well spent, and it will be reflected in improved Conservation Plans for the individual open space
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Council Agenda Report—Adoption of Conservation Guidelines
Page 4
lands involved. Staff does feel that all four plans will be well underway by June 2003, and at
least one and possibly two of them will have been adopted.
Each Conservation Plan will include public participation in the development of the land
classifications, and each will be subject to environmental review. In addition, there will be a
discussion of fiscal implications of each Conservation Plan. Each will be reviewed by the
Planning Commission and Park and Recreation Commission, and adopted by the City Council.
CONCURRENCES
The draft Conservation Guidelines have been reviewed and commented upon by the following
departments: Community Development; Fire; Parks and Recreation; Police; Public Works; and
Utilities. They have also been reviewed by the Boards of the Land Conservancy and of ECOSLO
and their comments incorporated into the document. Finally, the Guidelines as noted earlier have
been reviewed by both the Planning Commission and the Park and Recreation Commission and
received both bodies' endorsements.
FISCAL IMPACT
Adoption of the Guidelines by themselves will not have any fiscal implications. Indeed, staff
believes that management of the open space lands will entail relatively little in the way of capital
expenditures, except where structures may be involved or where significant cleanup or safety
improvements may be needed. Many grant programs are available to use for habitat
enhancements and it is expected that these will be pursued vigorously. Therefore, staff feels that
fiscal impact of the various Conservation Plans will be minor. The projected fiscal impact will
be addressed during the adoption of the individual Conservation Plans and will be subject to the
normal budgeting process. Conservation Plans will include a section addressing the potential
fiscal effects of adoption of those plans.
It should be noted that the growth of the City's open space system has been accompanied by
growth of the Ranger Service; this has been supported by the Council in the past and is a likely
fiscal impact of continued growth of the system.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Meeting Update for Planning Commission Meeting of August 28, 2002.
2. Resolution and Conservation Guidelines for Open Space Lands of the City of San Luis
Obispo (Exhibit A)
Note: Minutes of Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting of September 4, 2002 and of the
Planning Commission Meeting of August 28, 2002 will be placed in the Council Red File if
available.
G/hovlik/councilagendalguidelines adoption
ATTACHMENT I
Meeting Update
SAN LUIS OBISPO PLANNING COMMISSION
August 28, 2002 Wednesday 7:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL: Commissioners Stephen Peterson, Jim Aiken, Allan Cooper, James
Caruso, Michael Boswell, Vice-Chair Orval Osborne, and Chairwoman
Alice Loh
All Commissioners were present.
ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA: The agenda was accepted as submitted.
MINUTES: The minutes of July 10, and July 24, 2002 were approved as
submitted.
PUBLIC COMMENT: Mary Beth Schroeder discussed issues of concern to her
regarding the character of residential neighborhoods.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1. 2074 Monterey Street. U 93-02; Request to allow telecommunication antennas on
the roof of an existing building (La Cuesta Motor Inn); C-T zone; Sprint PCS,
applicant. Lynn Azevedo
On motion by Commr. Cooper, seconded by Commr. Loh, the Planning Commission
voted 6-1 (Commr., Aiken voting no), to approve Use Permit 93-02 subject to two
added conditions as noted below. Chairperson Loh expressed concern with the
westernmost chimney/antenna, believing that it would look too massive at its
proposed location. There was discussion about the possibility of moving the
chimney toward the middle of the roof further. Commissioner Aiken expressed
concern with the number of antennas being proposed and concurred with
Chairperson Loh's concern.
Added conditions:
2. The applicant shall endeavor to reduce the number of chimneys by co-locating
antennas.
3. The applicant shall endeavor to setback the westernmost chimney as much as
possible to visually reduce the height and mass of that chimney.
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Planning Commission Meeting Update ATTACHMENT
August 14, 2002
Page 2
2. 1771 Johnson Avenue. TR, A and ER 177-01; Request to allow a common
interest (condominium) subdivision to create 6 lots from 2 lots; reduced street yards
from 15 feet to 10 feet; and environmental review; R-3 zone; Richard Porter,
applicant. Phil Dunsmore
On motion by Commr. Peterson seconded by Commr. Osborne, the Commission voted
6-1 (Commr. Cooper voting no) to continue the item to a date uncertain. The
Commission offered direction to the applicant's representative to return with a project
that is more in keeping with the spirit of the R-3 district, and maximizes the unit count in
order to increase the affordability of the units consistent with General Plan policies.
The Commission did not support setback exceptions with the proposed project, however
they expressed that they would not be opposed to exceptions with a project that
represents the R-3 district and supplies a creative housing solution. Commissioner
Caruso felt that the proposed project was not an R-3 project, but instead a single family
project, Commissioner Boswell agreed with the statement. Commissioner Aiken felt
that each unit should supply the required parking on each lot respectively and that
visitor parking should be included in the common lot. Residents of the neighborhood
and the existing dwellings spoke against development of the property, fearing a loss of
their rental housing.
BUSINESS ITEM:
3. Citywide. Review of the Conservation Guidelines for City-owned open space
lands; City of San Luis Obispo (Neil Havlik), applicant. Neil Havlik (15 minutes)
On motion by Commissioner Caruso, seconded by Commissioner Cooper, the
Commission unanimously recommended that the City Council adopt the "Conservation
Guidelines for Open Space Lands of the City of San Luis Obispo"
Commissioners were strongly supportive of the Guidelines. Suggestions were made to
expand upon the response to monitoring results (i.e., what would be done) and to
expand upon educational opportunities, which were accepted by staff and will be
incorporated into the document.
COMMENT AND DISCUSSION:
Ron Whisenand provided an Agenda Forecast.
The Meeting adjourned at 10:45 p.m. to the regularly scheduled Planning Commission
meeting of Wednesday September 11, 2002, at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall, 990 Palm Street.
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ATTACHMENT z
RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
ADOPTING THE "CONSERVATION GUIDELINES FOR OPEN SPACE LANDS
OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO"
WHEREAS,the City of San Luis Obispo has adopted policies for protection,
management, and public use of open space lands acquired by the City; and
WHEREAS,the City of San Luis Obispo has acquired and manages eleven open space
areas totaling approximately 2,500 acres; and
WHEREAS,the City Council desires to have such policies applied to those open space
lands in an appropriate and consistent manner.
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED,that the City Council of the City of San
Luis Obispo hereby
1. Adopts as City policy the "Conservation Guidelines for Open Space Lands of the City
of San Luis Obispo"(Exhibit A); and
2. Directs the City Administrative Officer to undertake all actions necessary and
appropriate to cant'out this resolution.
On motion of Councilmember , seconded by Councilmember ,
and on the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
The foregoing resolution was adopted this day of , 2002.
Allen K. Settle, Mayor
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Lee Price, City Clerk fl*tj. J ge n, ty Attorney
Conservation Guidelines for Open Space
Lands of the City of San Luis Obispo
I -
' 1{
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Prepared by:
The Natural Resources Program
Administration Department
City of San Luis Obispo
990 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo
CA 93401
September 2002
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Conservation Guideh. for City Open Space Lands
Contents
1. Executive Summary......................................................................................... 3
2. Introduction...................................................................................................... 5
3. Land Use Designations.................................................................................... 7
3.1 Habitat Area.........................................................................................................................8
3.2 ManagementArea/Trail Corridor.........................................................................................8
3.3 Restoration Area................................................................................................................10
3.4 Cultural/Histodc Area.........................................................................................................10
3.5 Agricultural Area................................................................................................................11
4. General Policies........................................................-................................... 11
4.1 Land and Vegetation Management...................................................................................11
4.2 Human Activities and Impacts...........................................................................................15
4.3 Aquatic Systems................................................................................................................17
4.4 Agriculture..........................................................................................................................18
4.5 Wildlife Protection..............................................................................................................19
5. Conservation Plan Elements ......................................................................... 20
5.1 Executive Summary...........................................................................................................21
5.2 Inventory............................................................................................................................21
5.3 Goals and Policies.............................................................................................................21
5.4 Map....................................................................................................................................21
5.5 Needs Analysis..................................................................................................................21
5.6 Implementation Strategy....................................................................................................22
5.7 Fiscal Impact of Council Adoption of Conservation Plans.................................................23
6. References .................................................................................................... 24
7. Glossary ........................................................................................................ 25
B. Appendix 1..................................................................................................... 27
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Conservation Guideh 'for City Open Space Lands
1. Executive Summary
The policies contained in this report provide guidance on the preparation of
Conservation Plans for property acquired by the City of San Luis Obispo for open
space purposes. They are not applicable to land owned by the City for parks,
utilities, or other non-open space purposes.
Each City-owned open space has unique qualities; this requires each property .to
have its own plan to define the uses that will be allowed on the land,.and to guide
how the land will be enhanced, maintained and preserved.
The policies contained in this report describe a "tiered" approach to plan
development that begins with the general and then leads to the specific. Each open
space property will be divided into land use categories that define how the property
will be managed. This report describes policies and guidelines applicable to each
land use category.
The final decision on which adopted policies and guidelines apply to individual open
space properties will be made as the Conservation Plan for that property is prepared
and approved. The Conservation Plan will translate policies into specific
improvements, if any, necessary for each property, and give direction on how the
property will be maintained. This report also describes the process by which
Conservation Plans will be prepared and their content.
The concept of categorizing land use, between or within, open space properties has
been adopted to provide a practical means of achieving management objectives. By
dividing an open space property into discrete areas, each with a unique complement
of resources and requirements, the overall management objectives will be achieved
by addressing the needs of smaller units. The proposed land use categories are:
• Habitat Area — Land on which the primary objective will be to protect natural
resources essential to the continued existence of native plants and resident
and migratory wildlife.
• Management Area/Trail Corridor — Lands that has the potential to support
low levels of recreational pressure or animal grazing; or those areas that may
be impacted by adjacent land uses. Active management of land in these
areas will be required to facilitate approved activities while protecting valuable
natural resources.
• Restoration Area — Land on which restoration and enhancement of plant and
animal habitats will be pursued in an effort to restore damaged or impacted
natural resources.
• Cultural/Historic Area — Land managed to preserve and/or enhance cultural
or historic resources on the site and provide for their interpretation.
Restorative measures may be implemented if necessary.
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Conservation Guideli. for City Open Space Lands
• Agricultural Area — Land that will be managed for the production of row
crops or forage (not include grazing lands) in a manner consistent with the
protection and preservation of natural resources represented on the site.
For each land use category, policies have been developed to direct the
management of the following:
• Land and Vegetation — Includes policies relating to the management .of
vegetation, pests, fire, mitigation projects, visual resources and scientific
study. _
• Human Activities and Impacts — Includes policies relating to the
management of recreational activities and access.
• Aquatic Systems — Includes policies relating to the management of creeks,
seeps and springs, storm water, riparian vegetation, wetlands and aquatic
habitat restoration efforts.
• Agriculture — Includes policies relating to agricultural practices on city-
owned land.
• Wildlife Protection — Includes policies relating to the protection of native
plants, wildlife habitat, threatened species and species of special concern.
The final Conservation Plan for a City open space will include: a description of the
resources represented on the property; an explanation of the land use categories
identified; the management/resource protection goals for each category; an analysis
of the actions required to achieve stated goals; and a description of the anticipated
fiscal impact of adoption of the plan to the City.
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Conservation Guidelr#for City Open Space Lands
2. Introduction
In January 1994, the City Council adopted an updated Open Space Element to the
General Plan for the City of San Luis Obispo, as required by California state law
(Government Code, Title 7, Section 65302). The element's stated goals are to:
• Provide open space, agricultural, and rural lands that meet the needs .of
present and future City populations (OS 1.1.1).
• Protect resources (such as creeks, sensitive habitat, and agriculture), and be
sensitive to the factors which allow these resources to remain viable (OS
1.1.2).
• Provide a greenbelt around the City's perimeter to: a) define the urban limit of
San Luis Obispo, b) provide a physical separation between urban
communities; c) protect important agricultural areas from urban uses and
maintain agriculture as an economically viable activity (OS 1.1.3).
• Provide for
" �; Bishop Peak
passive recreation , p
where such low
intensity uses will , s �, u , " j, ;•.'
x Reservoir Canyon
not damage the Certo
resources that arek ,
being protected,
^" Laguna Lake -
and preserve {�i 'J a''
lands as open ,..
space or parkland34
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Which serve as - ,ti _ South Hills
important linkages a *^ Irish Hills Reserve -�z ilk
between other
open space lands, !
r f - .r , r < Fdipponi Property :, _ o_
parks or trails (OS
F�A;�Johnson Ranch r `� - Islay Hill
• Provide continuing
Community Location of City Open Space Lands
education that
underscores the value of the area's cultural, scenic and natural resources
(OS 1.1.5).
The Open Space Element contains numerous policies and programs to achieve the
stated goals. Included among these are policies that govern the operation and
management of City-owned open space (OS 14.2). Section OS 14.2.5E requires
the preparation of plans that specify how City open space will be managed to
provide recreation, resource protection, access, security, and long-term
maintenance and operation.
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Conservation Guidelir._Aor City Open Space Lands
In recent years the City's open space system has grown rapidly. The amount and
variety of property now in ownership require that the City systematically plan for the
long-term stewardship of these areas. This will be done through the adoption of
guidelines consistent with, and designed to implement the directives of the Open
Space Element of the General Plan adopted in 1994.
City Natural Resources and Parks and Recreation staff, with support from staff from
the Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County, have developed these
guidelines to provide direction on the management and preservation of land,
vegetation, aquatic, agricultural, cultural, recreational, ._and wildlife resources on
City-owned open space.
The goal of these guidelines is to provide a set of standards from which functional
Conservation Plans can be tailored to address the specific requirements of
individual open space properties. Each document will be tiered providing a menu of
activities appropriate to each particular land category (or 'area' as defined in Section
3). The conservation/management recommendations contained within a
Conservation Plan will be based on the unique complement of resources
represented on a property, and the activities and practices approved for it.
The final product will provide information and recommendations on:
• The Prevailing Conditions on the Property - A description of the physical,
natural, and biological resources represented on a property (including
species lists and distribution maps), resulting from initial surveys. This will
evolve over time as knowledge of the property increases, resulting from field
studies and observations made during the implementation of management
and resource protection practices.
• Future Goals for the Property A detailed account of how a property has
been classified (in accordance with the land use designations described in
Section 3), the rationale behind the designations, and the future goals for
each designation.
• Prescribed Means of Achieving Stewardship Goals — A description of the
resource management/protection practices to be implemented, and the
rationale behind the implementation. A detailed account of the duration of
the practice and the ultimate objectives of the practice.
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Conservation Guidelir.__-for City Open Space Lands
3. Land Use Designations
The concept of categorization of ,
land among or within individual `` .
properties ace is
open s ro
P P P P �"�•
proposed. This designation will
provide a means of achieving
the management objectives of
providing a diverse range of
experiences and opportunities,
while protecting natural �• e ` k
resources on the property. 7: r
For example, it may be desirable
to manage a portion of a large
area for the protection of a
sensitive species of plant or
animal. Such areas would td£'`a' CulturaMistoric Area
remain as natural areas and k
would not contain trails or other
types of physical �.
improvements. In other
locations, managers may want
to designate different types of Management Areal a,
Trail Corridor
open space experience which
allow public use. Restoration Area
When deciding which Habitat Area
designation to assign to a
parcel of land the following Overhead view of the Irish Hills Reserve
factors will be taken into showing how areas may be designated
consideration:
o The original intent of the City when purchasing the land (e.g. provision of
recreational opportunities; protection of wildlife habitat etc).
o The quantity and quality of natural and physical resources present on the
land
o The approved uses for the land and the constraints upon the feasibility of
those uses.
o The influence of adjacent land uses
• The effect of the designation on wildlife corridors and maintenance
continuous tracts of wildlife habitat.
• Legal requirements
The policies implemented by City staff in the development of Conservation Plans
will depend upon the unique combination of the above factors relevant to each open
space parcel. A similar strategy of land categorization has been used by a number
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Conservation Guideh _ for City Open Space Lands
of private and governmental agencies to provide a frame work for the development
of management and conservation plans (' Z).
Properties will be managed in accordance with the following land use
classifications:
3.1 Habitat Area
Areas receiving this designation will primarily be those which will not be significantly
impacted by human activity. The primary purpose of this designation is to protect
natural resources essential to the continued well-being of-resident native plants and
wildlife. This designation is synonymous to an "ecological area" as defined in the
City of San Luis Obispo Municipal Code (chapter 12.22.30), which states that:
"(areas) shall be primarily utilized for their wildlife habitat or other ecological values
and may be subject to restrictions upon, or prohibition of, public access". .
The preservation of resources and habitat shall be the dominant consideration in all
management decisions where a choice must be made between preservation of the
natural environment and recreational use. The long term goal shall be to establish
or preserve, a fully functional self-sustaining ecosystem.
3.2 Management Area/Trail Corridor
The purpose of this designation is to recognize that some areas have the potential
to support passive recreation, or may be adjacent to other land uses, and that active
management of land in these situations will be required.
Examples of land receiving this designation may include existing areas that contain
trails, and land adjacent to urban areas or beneath power lines where management
of the land to reduce fire hazard is necessary.
When considering permitted uses and undertaking maintenance activities, efforts
will be made to accommodate passive recreational activities as defined in the Open
Space Element (OS 1.1.4). The amount of land within the City's open space
system receiving this designation will kept to a minimum, and efforts will be made to
reduce the impacts of human interaction on the habitat and natural resource value
of the open space.
For example, a clearly defined and well designed trail system can limit the amount
of damaged caused by public use by focusing use in areas of non-sensitive wildlife
habitat; and well designed trails can eliminate many of the erosion problems
associated with informal or 'social trails'. When new trails are built the width the
corridor will be kept to a minimum to reduce negative impacts associated with them,
and recreational areas will be periodically closed if necessary, for resource
restoration or protection (e.g. protection of raptor nesting areas etc).
Under certain circumstances (e.g. If the City deems that a specific area is capable
of sustaining increased levels of user pressure), active recreational activities that do
impact the natural environment (such as mountain biking, or equestrian activities),
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Conservation Guideli0or City Open Space Lands
may be permissible in designated areas. Input will be sought from interested
parties on the most suitable areas.to allow these activities, and on the construction
and design of suitable trails.
The growing requirement for recreational resources challenges resource managers
to develop systematic management and monitoring frameworks. This is particularly
challenging because the provision of open.space seeks to achieve two overlapping,
yet conflicting goals: (1) protection of the resource (OS 1.1.2); and (2) providing
opportunities for passive recreation (OS 1.1.4). Inevitably, providing recreational
access to open space results in some level of impact, the management challenge is
to identify how much impact is acceptable.
To evaluate the effects of visitor use on the resources, indicators will be identified
that reflect the types of impacts recreational use creates (e.g. erosion problems; trail
corridor width; visitor use); and these indicators monitored over time. The
effectiveness of management actions designed to reduce impacts will be linked to
quantifiable Limits of Acceptable Change (LAC's). Since the amount of acceptable
impact is a value judgment, the determination of LAC's for an open space should
incorporate the interests and values of various interested parties. Comment on the
identification of LAC's, and how they should be monitored, will be sought at public
workshop sessions during which the Conservation Plan for a particular open space
property is discussed.
If the monitoring program indicated that the status of a resource fails to meet the
adopted Limits of Acceptable Change then management actions will be taken to
correct the situation. Corrective measures may include, but are no limited to
closure of an area, re-classification of a management area to a restoration area, re-
routing of a trail, closure to certain activities (e.g. mountain biking) etc.
Management for approved, low .` 1
impact, recreational activities may
be active, such as trail building and
maintenance, or may involve
leaving an area in a natural state of
succession (e.g. as grassland),
requiring minimal maintenance.
Visual resources are also an
important component of the City's K = a
open space. All management
activities that may affect the s
viewshed (e.g. trail construction, .
utility corridors, fences, signs etc)
will take into account and minimize
adverse visual impacts. Tree plantings in a Restoration Area
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Conservation Guidelii. for City Open Space Lands
3.3 Restoration Area
The purpose of this designation is to recognize that portions of some land acquired
by the City have been degraded by prior activities and requires restoration. This is
seen as a temporary designation, and after restoration is complete the land would
be re-designated as a Habitat or Management Area.
Land receiving this designation may include riparian corridors where there has been
collapse of the creek bank, eroded areas along old roads, or agricultural lands
damaged by historic land uses.
The kind of activities that would be performed are planting degraded areas with
native species, and re-grading to prevent erosion or facilitate plantings.
Each Restoration Area will have a restoration blueprint associated with it which will
make up an element of the Conservation Plan. This will include an explanation of
the restorative activities that will be performed, possible sources of funding, and
projected date for the re-classification of the area.
3.4 Cultural/Historic Area
The purpose of this designation is to provide special recognition and treatment of
cultural and historic resources. Land receiving this designation would include
archaeological sites as well as historical buildings and even mining or old railroad
rights-of-way that provide a linkage to our local history. Guidance from the City's
Cultural Heritage Committee, recognized archeologists, and historical preservation
experts will be sought in identifying these resources.
The kinds of activities that would receive priority are appropriate preservation and/or
restorative measures implemented in accordance with policies adopted in the Open
Space Element (OS 8.1.1). When appropriate, the City will apply for grant funds to
preserve and restore such historically significant sites and buildings. Whenever
possible, such areas will be open to the public and include features to educate
visitors on the heritage
value of the resource.
The City will require
appropriate mitigation
for impacts to
recognized cultural or
historic resources .
resulting from l
unforeseen City actions-- - _ -a-�-' ��
or projects.
M..
Rodriguez Adobe-Orcutt Rd,SLO
10 �II�
Conservation Guidelin,._ror City Open Space Lands
3.5 Agricultural Area
The City of San Luis Obispo is committed to the protection of agricultural land
around the City as a visual amenity for its citizens, and to assist in maintaining a
viable agricultural economy. Therefore, the purpose of this category is to identify
sites within the City open space lands which are appropriate for continued
agricultural production and provide the framework for their continued functioning in
that capacity, consistent with the overall goals of the City's open space program and
the protection of natural resources.
The kinds of uses that would be permitted include generafly accepted forms of crop
production, specialty crop production, and educational or research programs. Use
of associated facilities such as barns, existing residences, and other buildings may
also occur. Equipment and supplies may also be kept on agricultural lands in
proper storage facilities. Conflicting, or potentially conflicting, uses such as trails
may be restricted or prohibited.
City-owned open space lands leased to agriculturalists will have a program of
approved "Best Management Practices" (BMP's) developed for them that fosters
sound stewardship of the land._ BMP's shall include at a minimum, accepted
principals of proper tillage and soil and water conservation, principals of integrated
pest management, and setbacks from sensitive habitats such as creeks or
wetlands.
4. General Policies
Policy relating to potential management decisions is required for each land use
category described in Section 3 of this document. This will ensure that a
standardized management practices are implemented throughout the City's open
space system. The policies, and how they apply in each land use category are
summarized in tabular form in Appendix 1. Throughout the following,discussion the
relevant section of Appendix 1 is referenced (e.g. HA1; LV8 etc).
4.1 Land and Vegetation Management
Objectives:
To conserve, enhance, and restore natural plant communities; to protect
sensitive and endangered plant species and their habitats; and to maintain
biodiversity of native plants and animals.
Policy:
1/egetafron Management.
The City will monitor and manage vegetation to meet prescribed goals for the
land (LV10). Management strategies such as the use of selective livestock
grazing (LV1); physical pruning/removal of unwanted or problematic
11
5��g
Conservation Guidelit, for City Open Space Lands
vegetation (LV6); erosion and sediment control (LV7); application of
Integrated Pest Management practices (LV12; LV13); and prescribed burning
of native vegetative communities (LV8), will be implemented where
necessary.
Restoration and/or re-vegetation techniques will be utilized when necessary
to restore a degraded vegetative community to a fully functioning ecosystem.
All restoration activities will utilize site- or region-specific native grasses,
herbs, shrubs, and trees. Planting of invasive, non-native species will be
prohibited (LV2). Adjacent landowners will be encouraged to undertake
efforts to control target non-native vegetation on their land (LV3).
All existing native trees will be preserved wherever possible, and new native
trees planted to enhance wildlife habitat (LV4; LV5). Where possible,
vegetation will be left to follow its natural course of succession and will not
receive any form of active management. The ultimate goal will be to re-
establish, or preserve, a self-sustaining ecosystem.
Grazing
Livestock grazing may be permitted on City-owned lands under certain
circumstances (LV1). For example, grazing may be used a vegetation
management tool to reduce fire fuel load, as a strategy to remove weed
species from a restoration area, or to maintain grassland areas by
suppressing the natural process of succession. City-owned lands will not be
used for intensive grazing activities. Grazing will only be permitted during
specific times of the year when the risk of damage to the resource is minimal,
and grazing privileges may be revoked at any time at the City's discretion.
Fire Management
The status of vegetative communities will be monitored, particularly in
grassland areas, to determine if brush, weeds or other heavy fuel loads are
creating an unacceptable fire hazard (LV10). If the fire hazard is determined
to be unacceptable because of fuel loading, an evaluation will be carried out
to determine the most desirable and effective means to correct the problem.
Corrective measures may include, but are not limited to: thinning or removal
of eucalyptus, pine and cypress plantations, and shrubs or woodland
occurring along the open space/urban interface to produce a less fire prone
condition (LV6).
If appropriate, the Conservation Plan for a specific open space will include a
prescribed bum program. The decision to utilize prescribed burning of
vegetation to reduce fuel load or manage vegetation composition will lie with
the City with input from the California Department of Forestry and Fire
Protection (LV8).
At the urban/open space interface the City will, and adjacent land owners will
be encouraged to, maintain adequate defensible spaces; providing sufficient
12
6, 19
Conservation Guidelii._ _ for City Open Space Lands
space between structures and flammable vegetation to allow the fire service
to mount a defense against a wildfire. This will help protect urban
developments from fires originating on City-owned open space and vice
versa (LV9).
The City will formulate wildfire preparedness/management plans for
individual open space parcels with the co-operation of the California
Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Thisplan will .identify
appropriate firefighting methods for use in City open spaces that have
minimal impact on the natural resources represented on the site, providing
the use of such methods does not put property or human life in danger (LV9)
During periods of high fire hazard the City reserves the right to close certain
open space areas to the public (per San Luis Obispo Municipal Code,
Chapter 12.22.050C). In the interest of public safety, open fires (including
barbecues) are prohibited year-round (per San Luis Obispo Municipal Code,
Chapter 12.22.050M) (LV11).
Pest�Mana eti`►"ent � .,:°
All City open spaces will be managed in accordance with established
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) methods to control pest infestations
(LV12; LV13; AS7).
Appropriate pesticides will only be used to control noxious pests and weed
species when other non-chemical methods of control (e.g. hand removal,
grazing, planting of cover crops) do not succeed or are not practical.
The use of low toxicity, highly specific pesticides (e.g. the insecticide Bacillus
thuringiensis), will be permitted on a localized scale to protect natural
resources on City open spaces. Highly toxic, broad-spectrum pesticides
(e.g. organophosphates) will only be used in the case of a devastating pest
outbreak when a wide Variety of the City's natural resources are at significant
risk. It is anticipated that the use of chemical pesticides on City-owned open
space will be negligible.
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) will be obtained from the manufacturer
for toxicological information and personal safety protection requirements. All
on-site pesticide handling will be done away from streams, ponds, and
drainage areas. Records will be maintained for all pesticide uses as directed
by state and federal regulations. Handling, disposal, and clean up of
pesticides shall comply with the product label, and state and federal
regulations (LV14).
The City is committed to the creation of an integrated trail system that
connects City open space to other public or private lands (OS 12.1.2). The
13 O
�-a
Conservation Guidelb. for City Open Space Lands
provision of multi use trails for recreational use has been identified as a
major unmet need in the City's Parks and Recreation Element (PR 2.40.4)
Trails will be constructed and marked as such to facilitate recreational uses;
they will be located to minimize impacts to sensitive natural features and
visual resources. All newly constructed trails will conform to an adopted City
standard (e.g., a 1ft cleared tread ['single-track']; with not more than 5ft of
vegetative clearance on either side). Use of trails may be subject to
restrictions in some areas (HAl2).
In the interest of public safety and resource protection, travel in open space
lands is restricted to designated trails, and off-trail travel is discouraged.
Construction of new trails is prohibited, except where authorized by the City
as part of an adopted Conservation Plan for the open space (HAl2).
Signage on open spaces will be limited due to aesthetic considerations. In
accordance with Open Space Element sections relating to public education,
interpretive booths and signage will be constructed where appropriate. Size
and style of signage will be standardized to maintain consistency throughout
the City's open space system (HA13).
Mitigation Projects
Mitigation for the impacts of private projects shall generally be conducted on
private lands. However, special circumstances may arise that justify use of
City-owned lands as a mitigation site, for instance:
Where there is a clear City benefit from a transaction that involves the
use of City land as a mitigation site; or
Where General Plan goals will be furthered by the appropriate use of
City lands for mitigation purposes.
Private mitigation actions on City-owned land shall have a clear resource-
protection or amenity value to the site, and shall be subject to approval by
the City Council. Under all circumstances a mitigation and monitoring plan
will be prepared that meets the requirements of the relevant state or federal
regulating agency (LV15).
Scientific Study
Non-destructive scientific study and research will be permitted with written
approval from the City. A condition of approval will be that the applicant
provides the City's Natural Resources staff with a written report of the
findings of the study. This will assist the City in compiling a detailed
inventory of natural and biological resources located on City open space
lands (LV16).
Conservation Guidelir. for City Open Space Lands
4.2 Human Activities and Impacts
Objectives: _ ; a
Provide the public with a safe and
pleasing environment in which to
pursue passive recreational
activities, while maintaining the
integrity of the resource and
minimizing the impact on the Y�
wildlife and habitats represented.
Policy:
(General.. ,
The system of open space lands Hikers at Reservoir Canyon
that has been developed within and
around the City is considered an important part of the community's setting
and character, providing opportunities for enjoyment of the natural
environment by our citizens. The Open Space Element states that uses of
open space lands owned or managed by the City should:
preserve the natural amenities of the open space land"and "may not include
uses which would degrade or significantly impact resource preservation on-
site or on an adjacent parcel"(per San Luis Obispo Municipal Code, Chapter
12.22.020).
Consistent with this direction, City open spaces will be managed to provide
limited opportunities for passive recreation as defined in the Open Space
element (OS 1.1.4), i.e.:
"low-intensity recreational activities such as hiking, bird-watching, nature
photography, trails, individual picnic areas; nature study, viewing stations,
interpretive areas, and similar uses"(OS Def-5)
Such activities will only be permitted where there are no significant
environmental or land use compatibility conflicts. All other forms of
recreation, such as mountain biking and equestrian activities, are considered
active recreation and will be subject to restrictions (HA2; HA4).
The City has adopted regulations that restrict or prohibit activities deemed
inconsistent with the goals for City open space as described in the Open
Space Element. Activities which may be so restricted or prohibited include:
camping; horseback riding; bicycling; fishing; animal trapping; boating;
walking of pets; consumption of alcohol; sound amplification; solicitation;
possession of weapons; rock climbing; parasailing; operation of motor
15
5'a�
Conservation Guidelii: br City Open Space Lands
vehicles; and plant collection (San Luis Obispo Municipal Code, Chapter
12.22.050). The reader is referred to the Municipal Code for specifics. All
management decisions relating to permitted activities on City owned or
managed open space will be consistent with these regulations (HA5; HA6;
HA7; HA8; HA9; HA1 0; HA1 1).
Special events (e.g. competitive races, weddings or memorials) should not
be permitted on City-owned open space (HA14).
In general, active recreation will be prohibited within creek corridors (except
Mission Plaza and Mission Plaza expansion areas), wetlands (except
portions of Laguna Lake and the wetland area within Meadow Park),
sensitive wildlife habitats, and areas where recreation would significantly mar
the scenic quality of the site. No camping is allowed in any City-owned
creek corridor or open space (OS 12.22.0506), as facilities to accommodate
overnight use are not provided and such use can pose a significant threat to
public health and safety.
City open space lands, where public access is permitted, shall be open to the
public from dawn to dusk. It shall be unlawful to enter or remain within such
lands between one hour after sunset and one hour before sunrise of the
following day without approval from the City (HA1).
Temporary closure of a City open space may be necessary if the prevalent
conditions pose a threat to the public safety. Such threats may include fires,
landslides, or flooding (LV11).
Any section of the City's Open Space Lands may be closed to the public at
any time, and for any interval of time. Closures may be either temporary or
at regular and stated intervals (daily or otherwise), and either entirely or
merely to certain uses, as deemed necessary (per San Luis Obispo
Municipal Code, Chapter 12.22.050B/C).
Public access may also be restricted in an area if the City determines that
adopted Limits of Acceptable Change have been exceeded, as described in
the Conservation Plan for the open space (HA1).
Access points to City-owned open space shall be established as
inconspicuous trailheads, which may or may not provide off-street parking.
Trailheads originating in residential areas will be located to minimize any
potentially disruptive effects to the local neighborhood (HA3). During the
public review of the Conservation Plan for an open space, or at another
appropriate time (such as review of a development proposal), public input will
be sought on the design and location of trailheads originating in residential
areas. Trailheads will consist of a gate preventing vehicular access, and a
sign designating the trail. Specific facilities such as restrooms and garbage
cans will generally not be provided.
16 5•a3
Conservation Guidelines for City Open Space Lands
Access issues will be reviewed on a 5-7 year cycle as the Conservation Plan
is periodically updated and amended. Should public use of a trail or trailhead
be causing disturbance to local residents, then measures to reduce these
disturbances will be considered. These may include, but are not limited to,
structural modification, re-alignment or closure of the trail or trailhead.
4.3 Aquatic Systems
Objectives:
To preserve and restore creeks, wetlands and ephemeral seeps or springs in
a natural state, and provide suitable habitat to all native aquatic and riparian
species. To minimize the impacts of harmful activities, such as the release of
pollutants, while maintaining the creek system as a means of conveying
storm water within urban areas.
Policy:
General
Riparian vegetation will be managed to preserve and enhance the wildlife
habitat value of these important resources while minimizing the danger to life
and property from flooding (AS8). New plantings within creek corridors or in
setback areas will be restricted to trees, shrubs and groundcover native to
the local area and normally found within creek corridors (AS4).
Due to their particularly •; , "�:�_ r,
sensitive nature, all wetland
habitats located on cit
y
owned property shall be
identified, mapped, monitored
r• Mbs:,�i .,,, .• ,, ,fir,.
and conserved. The City will1:
avoid actions on open space
lands that could result in a net
decrease in wetlands. When
wetland loss is unavoidable, a
mitigation strategy will be
adopted which has been
a
approved by the appropriate
state or federal regulatory
agency, and replacement will Pool habitat on SLO creek is critical for the
be at a ratio of at least 2:1 development of juvenile Southern
(OS 6:C:1) (AS2). Steelhead Trout
Waterways, wetlands and floodplains will be managed to enhance and
preserve their natural function and native fish and amphibian populations that (�
17 6 -A
Conservation Guideli#or City Open Space Lands
utilize these areas as habitat. Public access will be regulated in riparian and
wetland areas, when necessary, to protect natural resources (AS1; AS3).
Erosion and sediment control practices sufficient to stabilize disturbed or
actively eroding creek banks will be implemented when necessary (AS6).
Aquatic habitat improvements will be implemented as opportunities for
restoration arise. All restoration work intended to improve in-stream habitat
for southern steelhead will be in a manner consistent with guidelines
published in the California Department of Fish and Game Salmonid Stream
Habitat Restoration Manual(3)(AS4).
Where appropriate, efforts will be made to increase the public's knowledge
and appreciation of the City's aquatic resources by provision of interpretative
services on City-owned or managed property (AS5).
4.4 Agriculture
Objectives:
The City is committed to the permanent preservation of farmlands to protect
the agricultural economy of the County and the State (OS 10.1..1); and it is
committed to conserve and maintain adequate natural resources (such as
ground water) for productive agriculture (OS 10.1.5).
Policy:
In general, agricultural lands on City Open Space will be maintained for
agricultural uses. Publicly owned agricultural lands will be leased back to
farmers, or utilized as education or research projects of good stewardship
practices. All agricultural operations on City-owned lands must adhere to the
policies and regulations outlined in a "Best Management Practices"
document prepared for the site. These will include the provision of protective
measures for wildlife habitat and endangered species identified on the site
(AG1; AG2).
Agricultural practices on City-owned Open Space may be restricted if
continuation of those practices conflicts with higher priority objectives. For
example, farmland may be reverted to wildlife habitat if the area historically
had high habitat value (e.g. land adjacent to wetlands or creeks). Another
example of such a conflict is the use of limited groundwater supplies for
irrigation purposes on City-owned open space that may be required for
general consumptive use by the local populace during a period of extreme
drought conditions. Under such circumstances the City will make every
effort to provide an alternative source of water to support agricultural
practices. Alternative sources may be in the form of recycled water from the
City's proposed wastewater re-use system.
18
y-a5
Conservation GuideliC,br City Open Space Lands
4.5 Wildiife Protection
Objectives: 3
To conserve and protect native
plant and animal species and
enhance their habitats, in order `, , ' j
to maintain viable wildlife ,4C" ;' ,'i
populations within balanced ,
ecosystems.
Many of the City's Open Space Lands
Policy. have high wildlife habitat value
Habitat
To the extent feasible, the City will protect and conserve local native habitat
(such as grasslands) and the native wildlife that depends on it. The City will
cooperate on a regular basis with other public and private land managers,
and recognized wildlife management experts, to address wildlife
management issues on a regional scale (WP1).
City-owned open space lands shall be regarded as refuge areas for native
wildlife, and activities inconsistent with this philosophy (e.g. hunting and
fishing) will be prohibited (HA6; HA7).
Recognized restoration techniques will be used where appropriate to restore
a degraded habitat to a fully functioning ecosystem. Only native plants will
be utilized in restoration programs, and the planting of invasive, non-native
plants will be prohibited (W132).
The creation of habitat islands (habitat surrounded by developed areas) will
be avoided and necessary wildlife corridors (including corridors under
proposed major roads, highways, or other impediments which restrict animal
movement) will be provided whenever possible (WP1).
Birris
Habitat for native raptors (hawks, eagles, and owls) will be protected and
enhanced (WP4), and nesting and roosting trees will be preserved wherever
possible. Tree pruning will be performed only when nesting and brood
rearing is not occurring.
If a structure that is acting as a perching site for raptors is removed, it will be
replaced with a suitable alternative structure whenever feasible (W134).
19 � r,
Conservation Guidelir. for City Open Space Lands
The habitat of native songbirds and migrants will be protected and enhanced
whenever feasible and appropriate (WP5).
Exotics and Pests
Control programs may be implemented for exotic wildlife species, such as
bull frogs or carp, that are negatively impacting native species (WP7).
Mosquitoes may be controlled in the case of serious human or domestic
animal health threat due to disease outbreak (e.g., encephalitis) (WP6).
The City will request the aid of the California Department of Fish and Game
or County Office of Animal Control to remove any animal that poses a threat
to public health or safety; or an animal that is preying on domestic animals or
critical nesting birds (HA6; WP8). Such actions will be taken only when
passive means have been exhausted (e.g. public education; signage;
fencing; closure of open space etc).
Species of Special Concern
Conservation of rare, threatened, and endangered species of plants and
animals and their supporting habitats will take precedence over all other
management objectives.
Management activities will promote, enhance, and protect habitat used by
endangered species, threatened species, and species of local concern. In
Restoration Areas, management activities will enhance habitat that has the
potential to support these species (WP9).
Native plant species of special concern (according to listings by the Califomia
Native Plant Society and the California Department of Fish and Game) may
be reintroduced into suitable habitat on City open space only if targeted by
special projects or grants (WP3).
5. Conservation Plan Elements
A Conservation Plan prescribes an ongoing land management program of
activity undertaken to prevent or minimize adverse impacts of approved land
uses on resources of importance to the City of San Luis Obispo. Plans
should be completed for a property within 2 years following acquisition.
Plans for newly acquired properties adjoining existing City-owned open
space may take the form of an amendment or addition to the existing
Conservation Plan for the previously owned open space.
The overall purpose of a Conservation Plan is threefold: 1) to provide an
account of the prevailing condition of a property; 2) to set out future goals for
the property; 3) to prescribe a means of achieving those goals.
20 6-a1-
Conservation GuideliAO'dr City Open Space Lands
Each plan will consist of the following elements.
5.1 Executive Summary
This will include a concise summary of the plan's significant findings relative
to recreational, visual, wildlife, habitat, agricultural, cultural/historic and land
management needs on the property, and the actions proposed to meet those
needs. It will also include a discussion of the public participation processes
used to prepare the Conservation Plan as well as its origin and purpose.
5,2 Inventory
The inventory will be a catalog of the physical, biological, natural, cultural and
recreational resources represented on a property. Establishing a detailed
resource inventory is likely to be a long-term, ongoing process. The initial
plan will be formulated using the information gathered during base-line
studies performed during preparation of the first draft of the Conservation
Plan. Plans will be updated periodically as new resource information
becomes available.
5.3 Goals and Policies
Clearly defined goals for the long and short-term management of the property
will be set out; and the adopted policies and guidelines that will be
implemented to achieve these goals identified. When a property is
designated with multiple categories as described in Section 3, individual sets
of goals and policies will be established for each land use category.
5.4 Map
The map will show the location and configuration of all proposed
management, restoration, habitat, cultural/historic and agricultural areas
together with justification for each designation. The proposed location of new
trails or other physical improvements will also be identified.
5.5 Needs Analysis
The Conservation Plan will include an evaluation of the adequacy of current
management practices to satisfy present and projected public demands and
desires for open space. The needs analysis will address such topics as:
• A description of the existing wildlife habitat value of the property, together
with recommendations on how to preserve and improve this value.
• A description of any restorative work required on the property.
• A description of current agricultural practices occurring on the property; and
how these practices are likely to change in the foreseeable future. A
description of cultural/historic resources occurring on the property; and
recommendations on how these resources can be preserved and/or restored
in the future
21 5-'A
Conservation GuideA for City Open Space Lands
• A description of current recreational activity levels, participation patterns, and
trends likely to affect activity levels in the future: Recommendations on
changes that need to occur to meet future goals (e.g., new trails or
trailheads). Description of adopted Limits of Acceptable Change for the site,
and identification of remedial measures that should be implemented if these
limits are exceeded.
• A description of educational resources (e.g. trail . maps, brochures,
interpretive signs etc), if any, appropriate for the site.
5.6 Implementation Strategy
The implementation strategy provides direction for the orderly and
coordinated execution of the Conservation Plan. Actions should relate
logically to the needs identified and should be based upon the adopted
policies detailed in Appendix 1. The implementation strategy represents the
City's decisions for addressing needs and goals based on the desires of the
community and the City's fiscal constraints. It should encompass specified
time-periods and should be updated every 5-7 years to report on progress,
make adjustments, and include any proposals for new actions.
The following points will be addressed when formulating the implementation
strategy:
• Time Frame — In this section the goals set out in Section 5.3 will be
prioritized and a time-line established to define when these goals should be
met.
• Physical Improvements - This section will include a blueprint for any
restorative work and/or plans for physical structures; such as informational
booths, road improvements, footbridges etc, that are recommended for the
site. When appropriate, detailed plans and engineer's drawings describing
the structure should be included in this section.
• Cost Evaluation — This section will contain the projected costs of
recommended management activities and physical improvements. Any costs
that fall outside the approved normal operational budgets for the City's open
space program will be acknowledged, and possible sources of external
funding identified.
• Staffing resources — This section will outline the staff necessary to meet
specified goals. It is anticipated that staff from the Natural Resources
Program and Parks and Recreation Department will play a major role in the
day-to-day management of the open space system. Additional assistance,
from other City departments and groups such as the California Conservation
Corps and local non-profits, will be solicited as necessary.
22 �a�
i
Conservation Guidelines for City Open Space Lands
5.7 . Fiscal Impact of Council Adoption of Conservation Plans
Adoption of this document as a policy guide for City-owned open space lands
will not of itself involve any expenditures not currently anticipated by the City
Council or by staff. However, adoption does imply a greater level of
inventory and planning for City-owned open space lands than has heretofore
been the case. Therefore, some increased level of resource management
activities (such as vegetation manipulation, prescribed burning, in=stream
habitat enhancements, restoration of degraded areas, and development of
trailheads and trail systems) is a possible result of this planning effort as it
applies to each open space area. Additional effort and costs will be
estimated as part of the development process for individual Conservation
Plans.
5.8 Amendment
The Conservation Guidelines, and individual Conservation Plans, or any
portion thereof, may be considered for amendment upon request. Any
citizen of other interested party may initiate such a request, however such
request shall be directed to the City Administrative Officer or designee. Such
request will include the nature of the requested amendment and rationale for
the request. If appropriate, the amendment will be processed in the same
manner as the original Conservation Guidelines or individual Conservation
Plan.
23 5�
Conservation Guideiir,.,_ .or City Open Space Lands
6. References
1. City of Fort Collins. Natural Resources Dept. 1995. General Management
Guidelines for City-owned Open Spaces and Natural Areas. 281 N. College
Ave. P.O. Box 580, Fort Collins, CO 80522-0580.
2. Jefferson County Open Space. 1998. Open Space Master Plan. 7.0.0
Jefferson County Pkwy. Suite 100 Golden, CO 80401.
3. Flosi, G., S. Downie, J. Hupelain, M. Bird, R. Cowy, and B. Collins. 1998.
California Salmonid Stream Habitat Restoration Manual. California
Department. of Fish and Game, Inland Fisheries Division, Sacramento, CA.
227 pages.
24 � �'
Conservation Guidelin,, . or City Open Space Lands
T Glossary
Active Recreation All forms of high intensity recreation not consistent with the
adopted definition of passive recreation at described in the
Open Space (OS Def-5) element of the City's general plan
(includes horse riding; biking; and team events)
Agricultural Areas Lands utilized for the production of approved cultivated row
crops. Such lands may be used-to produce forage crops,
but does not include grazing land.
Best Management Practices A technique or methodology that, through experience and
(BMP's) research, has proven to reliably lead to a desired result.
Conservation All the processes of looking after places or objects so as to
retain their natural functions.
Conservation Plan A plan for the long term stewardship and conservation of
resources located on City-owned open space, that are of
importance to the citizens of the City of San Luis Obispo.
Cultural/Historic Areas Lands that support resources of significant cultural or
historic interest.
Ecosystem Unit including a community of organisms, the physical and
chemical environment of that community, and all the
interactions among those organisms and between the
organisms and their environment.
Fire Management Plan A plan formulated by the City in conjunction with the
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, to
identify appropriate methods of fire fighting on City-owned
open space lands. Such methods should effectively control
wildfires at minimal risk to life and property, and minimize
the amount of damage caused to the natural resources
represented on the site.
Grazing The consumption of forage in situ by wild and/or domestic
animals.
Habitat The normal locality or place of living for an organism.
Habitat Areas Lands that have special value as wildlife habitat and will be
protected as such.
Limits of Acceptable A planning tool that establishes explicit measures of
Change (LAC's) acceptable and appropriate resource conditions, as well as
strategies for maintaining or achieving those desired
conditions.
25 5�2�'
Conservation Guideia or City Open Space Lands
Management Areas Lands requiring active management of vegetation for
reasons of public safety or to accommodate City-approved
grazing leases.
Mitigation The restoration, creation, enhancement and preservation of
habitat, undertaken expressly to provide for the advance
compensation of unavoidable habitat losses usually
resulting from development actions.
Passive Recreation Low-intensity recreational activities such as hiking, bird-
watching, nature photography, trails, individual picnic areas,
nature study, viewing stations, interpretive areas, and
similar uses (OS-Def 5).
Preservation Maintenance of land or habitat in its existing state and
preventing deterioration..
Prescribed Fire (Bum) A fire deliberately lit and controlled by humans, usually as
part of a land management program, for example, to reduce
the chance of uncontrollable wildfires or to control weeds..
Restoration Areas Lands actively managed to restore habitat value that has
been degraded by past land use practices.
Riparian Geographically delineated areas with distinct resource
values that occur adjacent to streams, lakes, ponds,
wetlands, and other specified water bodies.
Trail Corridors Areas extending up to, but not more than, 5' either side of
an existing or proposed City-approved trail.
Viewshed The area which can be seen from any particular viewing
place, vista or viewpoint and conversely the areas from
which these view points may be seen.
Wetlands Areas of marsh, fen, peatland or water, whether natural or
artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or
flowing and associated riparian vegetation.
Wildlife corridors Areas of land or water that are capable of providing habitat
in their own right while allowing for use by fauna to move to
and between other habitats.
26
5.33
Conservation Guidelir. .'or City Open Space Lands
8. Appendix 1
The following table contains the official language that will be used when preparing
individual Conservation Plans for land acquired for open space purposes; and
shows how policies will be implemented within the various land use categorizations.
Habitat Restoration Management Cultural/Historic Agricultural
Land and Vegetation -
Generally Permit the use of livestock grazing
prohibit as a management technique to
LV1 (may be help maintain a balanced and Not Applicable.
Livestock permitted diverse ecosystem; increase the pp
grazing under special biodiversity of native plants; or
circumstance). reduce fire risk.
Preserve and protect native vegetative communities. Restore native
LV2 vegetative communities by employing restoration and/or re-vegetation
Native techniques. Utilize only site or region specific native trees, grasses, herbs Not Applicable.
vegetative and shrubs; prohibit the planting of invasive, non-native species within
communities native vegetative communities.
LV3 Encourage adjacent landowners to undertake efforts to control targeted non-native vegetation on
Adjacent land their lands.
LV4 Preserve all native trees when feasible.
Native trees
Plant new native trees to increase benefits to wildlife where appropriate.
LV5 Use fencing to exclude livestock and damaging wildlife(e.g. deer)from Not Applicable.
Tree planting newly planted areas.
Thin eucalyptus, pine and cypress
LV6 plantations, shrub-land or woodland areas
Vegetation Prohibit. occurring along the wildland/urban Not Applicable.
thinning interface to create a less fire—prone
condition.
Implement erosion and sediment control practices (e.g. vegetation, water bars etc)sufficient to
stabilize disturbed areas, where appropriate.
LV7
Erosion control Reclaim burnt areas that are deemed susceptible to excessive erosion.
Manage un aved access roads to minimize erosion or decommission and re-vegetate them.
LV8 Use controlled bums for vegetation or pest management, as per prescribed burn plan prescribed
Controlled fires for the site. All affected residents will be notified prior to any prescribed bum.
Maintain adequate defensible spaces at the urban/open space interface, providing sufficient
space between structures and flammable vegetation within which the fire service can mount a
defense against fire.
LV9
Fire safety Formulate fire preparedness/management plans for City open spaces. Employ firefighting
methods which have the least impact on the natural resources represented on the site, providing
the use of such methods do not put property or human life in danger.
27
5.31
Conservation Guidefir,_ for City Open Space Lands
Habitat Restoration T Management CulturaUHistoric Agricultural
Monitor the stability of plant communities inselected areas, particularly grassland areas, to
LV10 determine if brush, weeds or other heavy fuel materials are encroaching.
Monitoring Employ Limits of Acceptable Change standards to evaluate the impacts of human use on land
and vegetation.
Reserve the right to close certain open space areas to the public during periods of extreme fire
hazard conditions or other emergencies, and/or to protect natural resources, including
LV11 endangered species. Reserve the right to limit the use of vehicular traffic and machinery on
Public safety agricultural lands during periods of extreme fire risk. Closures will be made on�a daily basis,
except in certain areas mutually agreed upon for long-term closure.
LV12 Manage City open spaces in accordance with established-Integrated Pest Management(IPM)
IPM methods methods to control noxious weed and pest infestations.
Use appropriate herbicides only when other IPM measures have failed to control noxious weeds
LV13 and invasive, non-native shrubs.
Pesticide usage
Use insecticides only for devastating pests e. . gypsy moth outbreak).
Obtain Material Safety Data Sheets(MSDS) from the manufacturer for toxicological information
and personal safety protection requirements.
Handle on-site pesticides away from streams, ponds and drainage areas.
LV14
Pesticide safety Maintain records of the use of restricted use pesticides as directed by state or federal
regulations.
Handle, dispose, and clean up pesticides in compliance with the product label, and state or
federal regulations.
Permit the use of degraded areas on City open space for mitigation projects:
Where there is a clear City benefit from a transaction that involves the use of City land as a
mitigation site; or
LV15
Mitigation b. Where General Plan goals will be furthered by the appropriate use of City lands for
Projects mitigation purposes.
Private mitigation actions on City-owned land shall have a clear resource-protection or amenity
value to the site, and shall be subject to approval by the City Council. Under all circumstances a
mitigation and monitoring plan will be prepared that meets the requirements of the relevant state
or federal reaulating agency.
LV16 Permit non-destructive scientific study and research on City open spaces with the prior
Scientific Study evaluation and written approval. Approval will only be granted on the condition that a written
[report of findings is submitted to the City on completion of the study.
28
5'35
Conservation Guidelir, br City Open Space Lands
Habitat Restoration management Cultural/Historic A ricultural
Human Activities and Impacts
Permit public access to City open spaces
from dusk until dawn.
Entry to such lands shall be unlawful
between the hour after sunset and one
HA1hour before sunrise of the following day prohibit,,unless
Public access Discourage. Prohibit. without approval of the City. posted otherwise.
Pub
Public access may be restricted in an
area if the City determines that the Limits
of Acceptable Change have been
exceeded; as described in the
Conservation Plan for the open sace.
Permit passive recreation as defined in the City's Open Space
element(OS 1.1.4).
HA2 Discourage. Prohibit. Such activities will only be permitted where there are no
Passive significant environmental or land use compatibility conflicts, as
Recreation determined by the City.
Establish access points to City-owned
open space as an inconspicuous trailhead
which may or may not provide off street
parking.
HA3 Prohibit. Prohibit.
Trailheads Locate trailheads originating in residential
areas in such a manner as to minimize
any potentially disruptive effects to the
local neighborhood.
Permit in
designated areas
HA4 as per Open
Active Prohibit. Space regulations, Prohibit.
Recreation (San Luis Obispo
Municipal Code,
12.22.040).
HA5 Permit dogs on a leash (per San Luis Obispo Municipal Code,
Dogs Prohibit. Chapter 12.22.050F.1.e). Unless otherwise posted.
Prohibit, except for special circumstances to trap nuisance wildlife (i.e. wildlife posing a threat to
HA6 people, property or pets neighboring open space areas; or users of open space when other
Animal trapping/ means of addressing the problem [e.g. temporary closure] have failed), or to conduct research in
collecting/ cooperation with the City's Natural Resources Department. Any trapping activities will require
hunting written approval from the City.
HA7 Prohibit, unless posted (except for Laguna Lake).
Fishing
HA8 Prohibit the use of firearms, bows, paintballs, and fireworks on City open space lands (San Luis
Weapons Obispo Municipal Code, 12.22.050M).
29 5,-3[o
Conservation Guidelk ,or City Open Space Lands
Habitat Restoration Management Cultural/Historic Agricultural
Permit only in
designated
areas with prior
City
HA9 authorization.
Rock Prohibit. Said areas are Prohibit.
climbing subject to
closure during
raptor nesting
periods.
Permit only in _
designated
areas and with
prior City
HA10 Prohibit. authorization. Prohibit.
Parasailing Said areas are
subject to
closure during
raptor nesting
periods.
Prohibit collection of any plants, animals or minerals from the natural environment, except where
HA11 authorized as an integral part of the land management program or for scientific study (with
Collection of written City approval). Approval will only be granted on the condition that a written report of
specimens findings is submitted to the City on completion of the study.
Construct and mark trails to facilitate
recreational uses as part of an approved
trail systems plan. Place trails to avoid
HAl2 Prohibit. impacts to sensitive features of the site.
Trails Prohibit construction of trails without city Not Applicable.
authorization.
Restrict the use of trails on sensitive sites.
HA13 All management activities that may affect the viewshed (e.g. trail construction, utility corridors,
Visual fences, signs etc)will take into account and minimize adverse visual impacts.
Resources and
Signage Allow interpretive features for educational purposes.
HA14 Special events (e.g. competitive races, weddings or memorials) should not be permitted on City-
Special Events owned open space.
Aquatic Systems
Conserve, enhance and restore native fish and amphibian populations and their habitats;
AS1 monitor fisheries resources to determine species composition, size, and population; and
Aquatic habitat cooperate with the State Department of Fish and Game to conserve, enhance and manage its
fisheries resources for ecological benefit.
Avoid initiation of actions on City open space lands that could result in a net decrease in
wetlands. If City actions do result in a decrease in wetlands mitigation shall consist of creating
AS2 twice the area of habitat of equal quality (OS 6.C.1).
Wetland habitat Manage wetland areas to enhance and preserve populations of native species.
Restrict livestock access to riparian and wetland areas, when necessary to protect natural
resources.
30 [ QZ
Conservation Guidelirc or City Open Space Lands
Habitat Restoration Management Cultural[Historic Agricultural
AS3 Regulate public access in riparian and wetland areas, when necessary to Not Applicable.
Public access protect natural resources.
Restore and rehabilitate creek, wetland and seep/spring vegetation to
enhance and preserve the natural value of the habitat. New plantings within
creek corridors should be California native plants (trees, shrubs and ground
cover) normally found in creek corridors.
AS4 Not Applicable.
Restoration Follow pertinent guidelines published in the California Department of Fish
and Game Salmonid Stream Habitat Restoration Manual (CDFG, 1988),
when performing in-stream restoration work designed to improve habitat for
southern steelhead.
AS5 Increase public knowledge and appreciation of natural resources and provide public
Public interpretative services on City-owned or managed property.
awareness
AS6 Implement erosion and sediment control practices sufficient to stabilize disturbed or actively
Erosion control eroding creek banks.
AS7 Limit the use of pesticides within creek corridors. When herbicides are used they should be
Pesticide use hand applied only to those species identified as appropriate to remove.
AS8 Generally prohibit(may be Manage waterways, wetlands and floodplains to enhance and
Flood control permitted under special preserve their natural function and native fish and amphibian
circumstance), populations that utilize these areas as habitat
Agriculture
Maintain
agricultural lands
for agricultural
uses, except in
cases where:
past agricultural
practices have
AG1 degraded the
Protection of Not Applicable. area and
agricultural restoration is
lands needed; or
threatened or
endangered
species occupy
the area, and
protection of
sensitive habitat
is necessa .
31 J-OV
Conservation Guidelir, or City Open Space Lands
Habitat Restoration Management Cultural/Historic A ricultural
Lease publicly
owned
agricultural lands
AG2 back to farmers,
Leasing of or utilize such
publicly owned Not Applicable. land as
lands demonstration
projects that will
benefit local
farmers and the
environment.
Wildlife Protection
Protect native wildlife and habitat. The City will cooperate on a regular basis with other public
and private land managers and recognized wildlife management experts to address wildlife
WPi management issues on a regional scale.
Wildlife and
habitat Avoid the creation of habitat islands(habitat surrounded by developed areas); provide necessary
protection wildlife corridors(including corridors under proposed major roads and highways, around
agricultural land, or other impediments that restrict animal movements).
WP2 Employ restoration techniques where required to achieve a self sustaining
Habitat natural system; use only native plants in restoration areas, and prohibit the Not Applicable.
restoration planting of invasive, non-nativespecies.
WP3
Reintroductions Target native species reintroductions for special projects. Not Applicable.
Promote, enhance, and protect habitat of raptors(hawks, eagles and owls).
WP4 Preserve nesting and roosting trees wherever possible.
Raptors Delay tree pruning until nesting and brood rearing is completed.
Preserve or replace historic raptor perching sites wherever possible.
WP5 Promote, enhance and protect habitat of native songbirds as appropriate for site characteristics.
Song birds
WP6 Control mosquitoes in the case of serious human or domestic animal health threat due to
Mosquitoes disease outbreak(e.g., encephalitis).
WP7 Control exotic wildlife species (e.g. bull frogs, carp) if they are endangering the continued
Exotics existence of native species of special concern.
Control problem individual animals(e.g., Coyotes) preying on domestic animals or nesting birds.
WP$ Action will be taken only when passive means of control been exhausted (e.g. public education;
Animal control signage; closure of open space etc).
WP9
Rare, Conserve rare, threatened, and endangered species of plants and animals and their supporting
threatened and habitats in precedence over all other activities.
endangered
species
32
5�3�
Heather Clark-Open Space Guideline, r PaKi j
NBA
DATE-1- 11-w- ITEM#_�sL..__
From: Don & Ellen Dollar<ddollar@pacbell.net>
To: John Ewan <jewan@slocity.org>, Jan Howell Marx<jmarx@slocity.org>,Allen Settle
<asettle@slocity.org>, Ken Schwartz<kschwartz@slocity.org>, Christine Mulholland
<cmulholland@slocity.org>
Date: 9/15/02 3:13PM
Subject: Open Space Guidelines
City Council,
Attached are my comments on the Open Space Guidelines. I will not be
able to attend the meeting this Tuesday. I request that my comments be
read into the public comment period (Clerk?)..
Thank you,
Don Dollar
SLO
CC: Neil Havlik<nhavlik@slocity.org>, Michael Clarke<mclarke@slocity.org>
RECEIVED
SEP 16 ?DO?
SLO CITY CLERK
❑ CDD DIR
❑ FIN DIR
FJ,CA70 [3 FIRE CHIEF❑ PW DIR18
CL0 POLICE CHF❑� ❑ RECI
d ❑ UTIL DIR
❑ HRDIR
Heather Clark-Comments on Guidelir x Open Space Sept Q2.doc Page 1 I
Comments on Guidelines for Open Space
Overall,this is a very good set of Guidelines for City Open Space. Obviously the Natural
Resources staff has put lots of time and effort into this product. I would like to see the
city of SLO recognized as a leader in proactive management of Open Spaces. This set of
guidelines is a great start in that direction. I would like to offer some specific comments
to help fine tune these guidelines. I believe that it is important that even small Open
Space areas be effectively managed as Open Space and not as Parks,the sense of
naturalness in our urbanized world is all to alien to too many of our residents.
• l feel that the City should state clearly that the Natural Resources Manager is in
charge of the Open Space Program.This includes day-to-day operational
oversight,developing plans such as this,approving various policy exceptions and
managing the implementation of individual Open Space Plans.The Natural
Resources Manager would work closely with the Parks and Recreation Director.
• Page 4—Agriculture—add"leased and easement lands"to include these lands
• Page 4—Wildlife—add"wildlife"to clarify
• Page 9 - 1 st paragraph—I think it is also important to get early on input from those
that oppose increased levels of use,such as active recreation; not just input from
those that want a change.This makes for a better public dialogue on the issue.
• Page 11 —2nd paragraph—I think it would be better not to allow any new buildings,
storage areas,etc. on Open Space lands.They certainly distract from the visual
quality of the landscape. Considering all the problems with various hazardous
material site clean ups,I would suggest that you prohibit any storage of hazardous
materials,loading,transferring, etc.on Open Space lands. Also,do not allow
repair and or fueling of heavy equipment on Open Space lands for the same
reasons. It's much better to avoid any possible haz mat problems than to try and
remediate them.
• Page 12—Grazing—I think grazing should be only done with individual grazing
plans that quantify the objects of grazing.Certainly need to get into cost of forage,
how many units of livestock,length of season,trespass issues for early on,too
many,late off, fence maintenance,etc. On lands that are grazed,I suggest that you
prohibit feeding,mineral lick, loading and watering areas,due to the heavy impact
they cause land and resources. I think it should be clearly stated here that the
Natural Resource Manager is in charge of the grazing program.
• Page 12—6'paragraph—Should state who's in charge—I suggest the Natural
Resources Manager.
• Page 13—3'd paragraph—add"smoking may be banned during periods of high fire
danger"
• Page 14 -last paragraph—State who's responsible here—I suggest the Natural
Resources Manager
• Page 15 -11'paragraph—change safe and pleasing to"natural"
• Page 16 -4'paragraph—state who grants approval—I suggest the Natural Resources
Manager
Heather Clark-Comments on Guidelb `or Open Space Sept 02,doc Page 2
• Page 20-8th-paragraphs-last sentence add,"provided the resources are very
similar". I'm concerned that a more natural area and an agricultural area next to
each other will need very different type of management plans.
• Page 27-LV 1 -under Restoration and Management-add,"grazing plans will be
made for all grazing activity.The grazing plan will identify natural resource
objectives and use and control of livestock. The plan will also address forage cost
and trespass issues.
• Page 28-LV 15-last sentence-Suggest that the Natural Resources Staff review
any proposed mitigation and submit a written report to Council for action.
Suggest that the report be available for review by the public well before any
Council action is taken(30 days plus).
• Page 28-LV 16-Suggest that the Natural Resources Manager be the approving
official.
• Page 29-HA 4-under Management,suggest that the Natural Resources Manager be
the approving official.
• Page 30-HA 11 -suggest that the Natural Resources Manager be the approving
official
• Page 30-HA-suggest adding a section HA 15-Monitoring-to monitor resource
impacts from items HA 1- 14.
• Page 31 -AS-suggest adding a section AS 9-Monitoring-to monitor resource
impacts from items AS 1-8.
• Page 32-AG-suggest adding a section AG 3-Monitoring-to monitor resource
impacts from items AG 1 -2
• Page 32 - WP-suggest adding a section WP 10-Monitoring-to monitor resource
impacts from items WP 1-9
In closing, I urge the City Council to take proactive steps to safeguard these very valuable
Open Space lands we have. Please continue to work hard to acquire more Open Space
lands. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Don Dollar
SLO
781-0118
"OnN AGEN
Dnp E `° '(TEM#t S
t, council memoi.anbum
[cityu san LUIS osis o. aDmmtstmation de ainment
DATE: September 17,2002 r OUNCIL
G CDD DIR
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TO: City CounciliACLERKICRIG
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ORNEY ❑ PW DIR
FROM: Ken Hampian,City Administrative Officer ❑ POLICE CHF
p�YT DS 0 REO CLIA
VIA: Neil Havlik,Natural Resources Manager -� - 0 U71L DIS
Hifi 6(R -
SUBJECT: Conservation Guidelines
This memo is to follow up on certain communication staff has had on the Conservation Guidelines since
sending out the agenda material. We have had written communication from Mr. Don Dollar and from
Councilmember Marx(attachments 1 and 2),and verbal communication from Councilmember Schwartz.
Most of the comments from Mr. Dollar and from Councilmember Marx involve clarifying language.
These are acceptable;staff response is on the attached sheets in italics.
Mr. Dollar's suggestion to identify the Natural Resources Manager as the responsible party for a variety
of items in his correspondence,while gratifying, is counter to the customary identification of"the City"or
"city staff' in such situations. This allows the CAO the flexibility to assign responsibilities to particular
duties as the program or situation may require. As a practical matter it is likely that the Natural Resources
Manager will be assigned many or most of these duties,but use of the customary language gives the CAO
that discretion. Councilmember Marx suggests use of the phrase "Natural Resources Program" and
perhaps this is appropriate.
The important points where staff does not agree with Mr. Dollar's memo are:
• Regarding leased and easement lands: staff feels that the lease or easement language would be
controlling, and in any case State and Federal grants for acquisition of agricultural easements
generally restrict those scope of those easements to prohibitions on subdivision or other land use
conversions,thus more restrictive language would be problematic to granting agencies.
• Regarding buildings, etc., on agricultural areas: staff can envision situations in which the open
space lands are the only place where such support infrastructure can be placed,therefore it would
be inappropriate to restrict them. Proper controls can be placed on infrastructure at the time of
Conservation Plan development.
Staff supports the suggested changes in Councilmember Marx' memo. However, as noted above Council
will need to determine whether to use the phrase "city staff' or "Natural Resources Program" as the
operative terns for assignment of responsibilities.
Finally, staff had verbal communication from Councilmember Schwartz, who expressed the concern that
the Guidelines were being too restrictive upon agriculture, particularly with regard to livestock grazing.
Staff unfortunately must disagree with this, and the reasons for such disagreement are outlined in an
accompanying memo (attachment 3).
Finally, as noted on the agenda report, staff includes the draft minutes of the Park and Recreation
Commission meeting of September 4,2002(attachment 4). RECEIVED
SEP 17 2QUeil memo on Conservation Guulelimm
SLO CITY CLERK
i
A
TE ETING
AGENDA
GM�A8 S
, �
(BUSINESS ITEM #5)
To: Mayor& City Council
From: Jan Howell Marx, Vice Mayor
Re: Conservation Guidelines for Open Space
Date: September 17, 2002
I commend staff on these excellent guidelines. Open Space is treasured by its owners, the
taxpayers of our city, and demands the highest level of stewardship. I have a few suggested
changes in the text which I hope my colleagues will also support. My general comment is that the
locus of responsibility needs to be clarified now, so as to avoid confusion or problems down the
road.
Unaltered words are existing text. Underlined words are to be added and lined through words are to be deleted.
Page 4 Wildlife Protection--Includes policies relating to the protection wil if ,native plants...
Page 5 add to end of last paragraph:
These plans will be prepared.approved and implemented by the Natural Resources
Program with the collaboration of appropriate City Departments and input from the
public and local agencies.
Page 6 add to the end of third paragraph:
resources represented on a property,the activities and practices approved for it,and
the influences of neighboring land uses.
The final product must be approved by the Planning Commission if it effects issues
of Land Use and the Parks and Recreation Commission if it effects issues of
recreation and must also be approved by the City Council The final product will
provide information and recommendations on:
Page 8 last paragraph:
City deems that a specific area is may a capable of sustaining...
Page 9 first paragraph,second sentence:
Input will be sought from theun blic and interested parties on
whether to allow these activities,and if so where they would be most suitable.and
on...
N.CIL _ ..'D I R
third paragraph,first sentence: RECEIVED r4ccR.'4Ey QNN DIRSEP 16 2002 �w:aif
PKORia 6 P@Efdt6HF
SLO CITY CLERK g €€s NAl�TI6,D11�
H DIR
l
the effects of visite, ase public access on the resources....
Third paragraph,second sentence:
...Limits of Acceptable Change(LAC's)(HAI).
Page 11
third paragraph;first sentence
lands leased to agriculturalists will.have included in the terms of the lease a program
of...
Fourth paragraph,after fust sentence:
...Section 3 of this document. Such decisions will be the responsibili, of the
Natural Resources Program in collaboration with other City Programs or
Dbgpartments as appropriate.
Page 12 fourth paragraph,first sentence:
Under certain circumstances(LV 1)and subject to certain conditions which shall be
determined by the Natural Resources Program with input from the public and stated
in a Brazing plan which shall be incomorated into the lease agreement.
Page 14 eighth paragraph,first sentence:
...resource protection or amenity value to the site,and shall be negotiated by the
Natural Resources Program with input from the public and be subject to approval
by the City Council.
last paragraph,first sentence:
...approval from the City's Natural Resources Program,
Page 15 fust paragraph,first sentence:
Provide the public with a.safe and pleasing natural environment...
Page 18 fifth paragraph,inserted after second sentence:
...good stewardship practices. Organic farming practices shall be encouraged All
agricultural operations....
fifth paragraph,nest to last sentence:
...prepared for the site and incotvorated into the terms of the lease These will
include...
Page 26
Add after Passive Recreation:
Pesticide Poisonous or hazardous chemicals of any kind used to control
noxious pests.insects or weeds ep cies.
Page 27 LV 1 under Restoration and Management
Permit the use of livestock grazing with a grazinglanan as a management....
Page 28 LV 16
...prior written evaluation and written approval of the Natural Resources Program,
Page 29 HA1
...determines that the Limits of Acceptable ChangeL( AC>s)have been exceeded...
HA5
Permit dogs on trails on a leash...
Page 30
HA 12 under Agricultural
Prohibit unless posted otherwise. Not appiicabie.
Page 31 AS3
HAI applies in riparian and wetland areas. Generally public access is allowed in
these areas only when necessary to protect natural resources.
ATTACHMENT 2
DATE
�NG AGENDA �
--
(BUSINESS ITEM #5)
To: Mayor& City Council
From: Jan Howell Marx, Vice Mayor
Re: Conservation Guidelines for Open Space
Date: September 17, 2002
I commend staff on these excellent guidelines. Open Space is treasured by its owners, the
taxpayers of our city, and demands the highest level of stewardship. I-have a few suggested
changes in the text which I hope my colleagues will also support: My general comment is that the
locus of responsibility needs to be clarified now, so as to avoid confusion or problems down the
road.
Unaltered words are existing teat.Underlined words are to be added and lined through words are to be deleted.
Page 4 Wildlife Protection--Includes policies relating to the protection wildlife,native plants...
Page 5 add to end of last paragraph:
®
These plans_will be prepared approved and implemented by the Natural Resources
y Program with the collaboration of appropriate City Departments and input from the
public and local agencies
Page 6 add to the end of third paragraph:
resources represented on a property,the activities and practices approved for it,and
the influences of neighboring land uses
The final product must be approved by the Planning Commission if it effects issues
of Land Use and the Parks and Recreation Commission if it-effects issues of
recreation and must also be approved by the City Council The final product will
Provide information and recommendations on:
Page 8 last paragraph:
City deems that a specific area is may-be capable of sustaining...
Page 9 first paragraph,second sentence:
Input will be sought from the public and interested parties on
whe r to allow these activities,and if so where they would be most suitable,and
on...
ft fE
NCIL _ L DIAthird paragraph,fust sentence: RECEIVED ,N UP
SEP 16 2002 �R"Ev 0 a f-RKOft'is l fI6HP
SLO CITY CLERK 8 AL 61m
�fi6 1�
- HFA bIR
ATTACHMENT 2
the effects of visitor use public access on the resources....
Third paragraph,second sentence:
...Limits of Acceptable Change(LAC's)(HAI).
Page 11
third paragraph,first sentence
Lands leased to agriculturalists will have included in the terms of the lease a program
Of..
Fourth paragraph,after first sentence: —
...Section 3 of this document. Such decisions will be the responsibility of the
Natural Resources Program in collaboration with other Cijy Programs or
Departments as appro
Page 12 fourth paragraph,fust sentence:
Under certain circumstances(LV I)and subject to certain conditions which shall be
determined by the Natural Resources Program with input from the public and stated
in a grazing plan which shall be incorporated into the lease agreement.
Page 14 eighth paragraph,first sentence:
...resource protection or amenity value to the site,and shall be neeotiated by the
Natural Resources Program with input from the public and be subject to approval
by the City Council.
last paragraph,first sentence:
...approval from the City's Natural Resources Program
Page 15 fust paragraph,first sentence:
Provide the public with a safe and pleasing natural environment...
Page 18 fifth paragraph,inserted after second sentence:
...good stewardship practices. Organic fanning practices shall be encouraged All
agricultural operations....
fifth paragraph,next to last sentence:
...prepared for the site and incorporated into the terms of the lease. These will
include...
ATTACHMENT 2
Page 26
Add after Passive Recreation:
Pesticide Poisonous or hazardous chemicals of any kind used to control
noxious pests insects or weed species.
Page 27 LV 1 under Restoration and Management
Permit the use of livestock grazing with a grazing plan as a management..., .
Page 28 LV 16 _.
...prior written evaluation and written approval of the Natural Resources Program,
Page 29 HAI
...determines that the Limits of Acceptable ChangeL( AC,$)have been exceeded...
HA5
Permit dogs on trails on a leash...
Page 30
HA 12 under Agricultural
Prohibit unless posted otherwise. Notappikable..
Page 31 AS3
HAI applies in riparian and wetland areas. Generall public access is allowed in
these areas galy when necessary to protect natural resources.
ATTACHMENT 3
Livestock Grazing on Public Lands
The issue of livestock grazing on public lands has long been an area of controversy, and
that controversy shows no signs of abating. One of the primary points of contention is
the fundamental purpose of publicly owned lands. At the Federal level, there was for
many years virtually no oversight of livestock use on Federal lands, and the management
of those lands was in the hands of livestock operators. Passage of the Taylor Grazing Act
in 1934 led to the creation of grazing advisory boards,but these boards tended to be made
up of livestock operators with other user groups having little knowledge of the advisory
board's activities or even its existence. This began to change in the 1960's and 1970's
with increasing interest in recreation,water quality, wildlife habitat, and other facets of
public land management; this interest has translated into voluminous legislation that
ensures a more balanced outlook on the uses of public lands. This evolution of thinking
has been paralleled in non-Federal lands; indeed, many local and State agencies are far
ahead of Federal agencies in their approach to management.
Today the granting of special privileges such as livestock grazing on public lands is
considered subordinate to the primary public benefit purposes, whether those purposes be
recreation,water quality, wildlife habitat, or something else. As a practical matter, this
means that livestock grazing is considered a management tool to accomplish specific
management purposes on public lands, such as fire hazard reduction or manipulating
species composition. It must be consistent with the resource management objectives of
the agency, or at least not be inconsistent with them. To do this, grazing lease
arrangements generally set parameters such as number of stock, season of use, area
involved, rental, protection of sensitive sites,protection of the general rights of the
public, and other items of consideration. Virtually all public agencies at the local, State,
and Federal level today include such language in their lease documents. The City of San
Luis Obispo's Conservation Guidelines on the subject of livestock grazing are directed at
the use of livestock grazing as a management tool to carry out the public benefit purposes
of the specific open space land that is involved.
"The cow, the plow, the axe, the match, and the gun: these are the traditional tools of the
wildlife manager. Where these tools are improperly used great damage can and does
occur, but when they are used with imagination and foresight, wildlife habitat can be
greatly enhanced and damaged lands can be restored.
A. Starker Leopold
ATTACHMENT 4
Parks and Recreation Commission
MINUTES
City-County Library Conference Room
Wednesday, September 4, 2002, 7:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Peter Dunan called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Chair Peter Dunan, Commissioners Debbie Black, Daniel Buckshi, Gary
Clay,Teresa Larson,Jim Neville, and Bill Pyper.
ABSENT: All present.
STAFF: Director Paul LeSage, Michael Clarke, Neil Havlik, Lary Tolson, and
Cindy McDonald.
Council Member Ken Schwartz and Jack House Committee Member Martha Schwartz were also in
attendance.
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD:
There was no public comment
CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES:
The minutes of the August 7, 2002 meeting were approved.
1. Volunteer of the Month
Andy Owens was presented with a Volunteer for the Month certificate for his service in the
Department's City Corp program.
2. Presentation by Alice Loh on 1095 Marsh Street
LeSage presented the Commission with background regarding the City owned property at 1095
Marsh Street. Alice Loh, Planning Commissioner, and Chinese Garden SLO Chairperson
presented design ideas for the 1095 Marsh Street site. She explained some of the history and feels
an Asian theme would make be ideal for this site. Ms. Loh stated that the Downtown Association
is supportive of this idea. The Commission discussed the presentation. Pete Dunan recommended
that the Chinese Garden SLO suggest a name for the park to bring before this Commission at the
next meeting.
a. The Commission recommends to City Council the Alice Loh design concept for the
1095 Marsh Street site. (Black/Pyper, unanimous).
b. The Commission recommends to City Council to accept this donation from the Chinese
Garden SLO. (Black/Clay,unanimous).
Parks and Recreation Commission ATTACHMENT 4
Minutes for September 4, 2002
Page 2
3. Presentation by Neil Havlik, Natural Resources Manager and Michael Clarke, City
Biologist regarding the Conservation Guidelines for Open Space Lands of the City of
San Luis Obispo.
Neil Havlik and Michael Clarke presented the Conservation Guidelines for Open Space to the
Commissioners. Due to the growth of the open spaces located within City of San Luis Obispo, the
Natural Resources Program needed guidelines for the preparation of Conservation Plans for
property acquired by the City. The Commission thanked Michael Clarke and Neil Havlik for their
thorough presentation. The Commission discussed the guidelines.
Recommendation that the City Council approve the Conservation Guidelines for Open Space
Lands. (Teresa/Pyper, unanimous).
Major City Goals
t meeting with Joint Use Committee on Octobrian it
ssioners who are not able to attend will inform
al
St
ten
Committee Reports
Commissioners gave their reports on the meetings they attend.
❖ Jack House—Pyper ❖ Joint Use Committee—Black
❖ Tree Committee—Larson ❖ Mayor's youth Task Force—Dunan
❖ Golf—Clay ❖ Landscaped Parkways—Black
❖ Damon-Garcia Sports Fields—Dunan
7. Communications
None
8. Adjourned
The meeting was adjourned at 9:06 pm.
i
ATTACHMENT 1
Comments on Guidelines for Open Space
Overall,this is a very good set of Guidelines for City Open Space. Obviously the Natural
Resources staff has put lots of time and effort into this product. I would like to see the
city of SLO recognized as a leader in proactive management of Open Spaces. This set of
guidelines is a great start in that direction. I would like to offer some specific comments
to help fine tune these guidelines. I believe that it is important that even small Open
Space areas be effectively managed as Open Space and not as Parks, the sense of
naturalness in our urbanized world is all to alien to too many of our residents.
• I feel that the City should state clearly that the Natural Resources Manager is in
charge of the Open Space Program. This includes day-to-day operational
oversight, developing plans such as this, approving various policy exceptions and
managing the implementation of individual Open Space Plans. The Natural
Resources Manager would work closely with the Parks and Recreation Director.
It is customary in Citypolicies to use the terms "City"or "city staff'when
designating responsible parties. That allows the City Administrative Officer to
determine the most appropriate staff member to undertake the particular duties.
• Page 4—Agriculture—add"leased and easement lands"to include these lands
The language of each lease or easement will control the use of such lands; staff
feels it is inappropriate and may be self-defeating to presume the nature of the
lease or easement.
• Page 4—Wildlife—add"wildlife"to clarify OK
• Page 9 - 1 st paragraph—I think it is also important to get early on input from
those that oppose increased levels of use, such as active recreation; not just input
from those that want a change. This makes for a better public dialogue on the
issue.
Staff agrees with the intent of the comment: we recommend incorporating the
language suggested by Councilmember Marx.
• Page 11 —2nd paragraph—I think it would be better not to allow any new
buildings, storage areas, etc. on Open Space lands. They certainly distract from
the visual quality of the landscape. Considering all the problems with various
hazardous material site clean ups, I would suggest that you prohibit any storage of
hazardous materials, loading, transferring, etc. on Open Space lands. Also, do not
allow repair and or fueling of heavy equipment on Open Space lands for the same
reasons. It's much better to avoid any possible haz mat problems than to try and
remediate them.
Staff can envision situations in the future where the City is the owner of an large
agricultural property and that property is the only reasonable place to locate
support infrastructure. The suggested language is therefore seen as problematic.
In should be addressed as part of the Conservation Plan for the
particular property.
• Page 12—Grazing—I think grazing should be only done with individual grazing
plans that quantify the objects of grazing. Certainly need to get into cost of forage,
how many units of livestock, length of season, trespass issues for early on, too
many, late off, fence maintenance, etc. On lands that are grazed, I suggest that
ATTACHMENT I
you prohibit feeding, mineral lick, loading and watering areas, due to the heavy
impact they cause land and resources. I think it should be clearly stated here that
the Natural Resource Manager is in charge of the grazing program.
While staff respects the sentiments prompting this suggestion, we again feel that
this is best determined by the situation on specific properties. For example, the
Johnson Ranch has corrals, barns, and other support infrastructure which staff
feels are reasonable to retain and continue to use. We therefore recommend
language that states "open space lands where livestock grazing is considered
appropriate will include a grazing plan".
• Page 12—6`h paragraph—Should state who's in charge—I suggest the Natural
Resources Manager. See above
• Page 13 —P paragraph—add"smoking may be banned during periods of high
fire danger". OK
• Page 14 - last paragraph—State who's responsible here—I suggest the Natural
Resources Manager. See above
• Page 15 -1"paragraph—change safe and pleasing to "natural"
Staff supports the language suggested by Councilmember Marx.
• Page 16 -4th paragraph—state who grants approval—I suggest the Natural
Resources Manager See above
• Page 20 -8th—paragraphs—last sentence add, "provided the resources are very
similar". I'm concerned that a more natural area and an agricultural area next to
each other will need very different type of management plans. OK
• Page 27—LV 1 —under Restoration and Management—add, "grazing plans will
be made for all grazing activity. The grazing plan will identify natural resource
objectives and use and control of livestock. The plan will also address forage cost
and trespass issues.
See above.
• Page 28—LV 15 —last sentence—Suggest that the Natural Resources Staff
review any proposed mitigation and submit a written report to Council for action.
Suggest that the report be available for review by the public well before any
Council action is taken(30 days plus).
The staff-recommended language meets the intent of the suggestion, and is
consistent with previous Council direction .
• Page 28 —LV 16—Suggest that the Natural Resources Manager be the approving
official. See above
• Page 29—HA 4—under Management, suggest that the Natural Resources
Manager be the approving official. See above
• Page 30- HA 11 —suggest that the Natural Resources Manager be the approving
official. See above
• Page 30—HA—suggest adding a section HA 15 —Monitoring—to monitor
resource impacts from items HA 1- 14.
• Page 31 —AS—suggest adding a section AS 9—Monitoring—to monitor resource
impacts from items AS 1-8.
• Page 32—AG—suggest adding a section AG 3 —Monitoring-to monitor
resource impacts from items AG 1 —2
ATTACHMENT 1
• Page 32 - WP — suggest adding a section WP 10 — Monitoring — to monitor
resource impacts from items WP 1-9
Staff agrees with the concept and recommends adding a new text section 5.8 (with
current section 5.8, Amendment, to become 5.9) describing the role of monitoring
and addressing the intent of the above suggestions regarding monitoring.
In closing, I urge the City Council to take proactive steps to safeguard these very valuable
Open Space lands we have. Please continue to work hard to acquire more Open Space
lands. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Don Dollar
SLO
781-0118