HomeMy WebLinkAboutR-10858 Adopting Mitigated Negative Declaration for Winter Open Space Hours of UseRESOLUTION NO. 10858 (2018 Series)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS
OBISPO, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING A MITIGATED NEGATIVE
DECLARATION FOR A PILOT PROGRAM FOR WINTER OPEN SPACE
HOURS OF USE
WHEREAS, the City of San Luis Obispo has adopted policies for protection, management,
and public use of open space lands and cultural resources acquired by the City; and
WHEREAS, the City of San Luis Obispo manages fourteen Open Space properties totaling
approximately 3,850 acres, as well Open Space or Conservation Easements totaling approximately
3,400 acres; and
WHEREAS, members of the public provided testimony to the City Council requesting
expanded hours of use in City open space during the winter, and City staff have identified a pilot
program for winter open space hours of use at Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve following a Council -
directed process.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of San Luis Obispo
as follows:
The City Council hereby adopts a Mitigated Negative Declaration of environmental impact for a
pilot program for winter open space hours of use at Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve based on the
following findings:
1. The pilot program is considered a Project under the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) as defined in Public Resources Code §21065 because it represents an activity
which may cause either a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably
foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment, and because it is an activity
directly undertaken by a public agency.
2. An Initial Study and Environmental Review has been prepared for the pilot program that
concludes that significant impacts on the environment could occur, but these impacts will
be reduced to less than significant with mitigation measures incorporated. Potentially
significant impacts were identified in the area of Biological Resources. These potentially
significant impacts are reduced to less than significant with the following mitigation
measures, which are incorporated herein:
BIO -1 Wildlife Monitoring and Adaptive Management. City staff and biological
consultants shall conduct regular, weekly monitoring and evaluation of both human use
and wildlife use of the Reserve. This will be done by deploying an EcoCounterTM device
to track frequency of human use and hours of use at the Reserve, as well as four wildlife
game cameras (Bushnell or similar model) and a bat detector (Petterson D500x) to monitor
and track nocturnal wildlife composition, activity, and behavior. Regular evening patrols
Resolution No. 10858 (2018 Series)
Page 2
of the trails within the Reserve by Ranger Service staff will also provide anecdotal
observations.
BI0-2 Wildlife Water Sources. The Reserve features a developed spring proximate to the
historic Lemon Grove. This spring will be used to gravity feed water to two wildlife -
friendly "guzzlers," or troughs, while still returning flow to the natural drainage path of the
spring. This will provide additional watering sources that will benefit wildlife by
decreasing the level of energy required to find water and decreasing competition among
different species for water.
BI0-3 Public Information and Education Materials. City staff shall develop additional
information and educational materials for the public that is specific to this pilot program.
These materials will re -iterate the City's rules and regulations in effect, as well as highlight
the sensitivity of evening use and potential for wildlife interactions and impacts. These
informational materials will be available on the City's website, on the main kiosk at the
entrance of the Reserve, and on pamphlets that can be handed out or placed in a rack on
the kiosk.
BI0-4 Evening Use Permitting System. City staff shall develop an internet-based
permitting system in order to ensure that evening use (from one hour after sunset until 8:30
PM) during the pilot program period is kept at or below existing average daily baseline use
of 65 individuals. Individuals will be required to have evidence that they have the required
permit in their possession. Individuals that are stopped by Ranger personnel and do not
possess a permit will be subject to citation under municipal code section 12.22.050(B).
Resolution No. 10858 (2018 Series)
Page 3
3. Other less than significant impacts were also identified in the areas of Aesthetics,
Biological Resources, Cultural Resources, Geology and Soils, Greenhouse Gas Emissions,
Land Use and Planning, Noise, Public Services, and Recreation.
Upon motion of Council Member Gomez seconded by Council Member Rivoire, and on the
following roll call vote:
AYES: Council Members Gomez, Rivoire and Mayor Harmon
NOES: Council Member Pease and Vice Mayor Christianson
ABSENT: None
The foregoing resolution was adopted this 16`h day of January 2018.
ATTEST:
Carrie Gallagher
City Clerk
OVER AS -TO FORM:
City Attorney
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the City
of San Luis Obispo, California, thisday of aAMAXAk4 a01
Carrie Gallagher
City Clerk
1. .