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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. .