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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-05-2019 Item 8 - Open Space Maintenance Plan Progress ReportDepartment Name: Parks and Recreation Cost Center: 7005 & 7001 For Agenda of: February 5, 2019 Placement: Consent Estimated Time: N/A FROM: Shelly Stanwyck, Parks and Recreation Director Prepared By: Aleah Bergam, Administrative Analyst SUBJECT: OPEN SPACE MAINTENANCE PLAN PROGRESS REPORT RECOMMENDATION Receive and file the Parks and Recreation Department’s Open Space Maintenance Plan 2018 Progress Report (Attachment A). DISCUSSION Background On December 15, 2015 the City Council adopted the City’s first Open Space Maintenance Plan. Adoption of the Open Space Maintenance Plan identified annual progress reports to the Council; this Agenda Report transmits the Third Annual Report. The adopted Open Space Maintenance Plan is premised on the protection of the City’s natural resources including plants, animals, geologic, and historic features as well as the natural areas themselves. The Plan was written in a manner that affirms existing maintenance practices undertaken by staff, contractors, and volunteers. Those practices are all undertaken in a manner that is consistent with existing City policies, ordinances, and plans regarding open space. The Open Space Maintenance Plan specifically references and integrates as its foundational policy guidance the following existing City policy documents: Conservation and Open Space Element, Conservation Guidelines for Open Space Lands of the City of San Luis Obispo, and the Adopted Conservation Plans for each of the City’s open space lands. In addition to implementing the Conservation Plans for specific open space and reserve properties, the plan addresses existing maintenance needs in the City’s open space lands. It articulates the enhancement and maintenance of existing trailheads and trails in a sustainable manner for passive recreation purposes only. It also articulates removal of illicit materials and trails, improvements to user and natural resource safety, land restoration and stewardship projects, invasive species treatment and control, erosion control and stabilization, education of users via patrol and outreach and management of the wildland -urban interface areas. Packet Pg. 196 Item 8 Plan Focus The Plan is divided in three sections: 1.Maintenance Activities. Maintenance Activities have been ongoing in the City’s open space for years. They are undertaken by staff, as well as contractors and volunteers on a daily, weekly, monthly and annual basis. Maintenance Activities fall into six main categories of maintenance: 1) vegetation, 2) structure, 3) signage, 4) trail/road, 5) d rainage, and 6) trail construction. Under each category are specific tasks. Within each of these categories are focused activities that can occur seasonally or year -round. 2.Trailhead Amenities. For the purpose of standardization, the City has three different sized trailheads (small, medium, and large) with differing degrees of enhancement at each. Currently, the City has 24 trailheads throughout its open space system. The plan identifies for each trailhead amenity its purpose, design specification, loca tion, standard costs, materials, installation, maintenance, and lifespan. 3.Open Space Locations. City Ranger staff presently maintain approximately 4,040 acres of open space lands comprised of 16 properties held in open space, natural reserve, ecological reserve, or agricultural reserve status. The Conservation Plan implementation items are numerous and property specific. They include activities such as: trailhead, parking, and emergency access improvements; directional and educational trail signs and kio sks; trail installation, closures, re-routes, and erosion control; invasive species control, fire protection and native habitat restoration; and bridge, fence, and open space infrastructure replacement. Open Space Maintenance Plan Progress Report Highlights The Open Space Maintenance Plan Progress Report covers predominately calendar year 2018. It provides a visual and numerical summary for Council and the community about the work efforts undertaken to address the adopted Plan (Resolution No. 10682). 2018 Open Space Maintenance and Protection efforts addressed new and deferred projects. How those efforts were accomplished is also highlighted in the report. A major accomplishment includes extensive improvements at Reservoir Canyon trailhead including the construction of parking areas, the installation of new fencing and gate, and the completion of a pedestrian bridge to provide all season access to trails. Significant trailhead improvements were also made to both entrances of Bishop Peak Natural Reser ve. Particular focus for Ranger staff this past year was the adoption by Council of the Irish Hills Natural Reserve Conservation Plan – Waddell Ranch Addition on October 16, 2018. Approximately 24,000 individuals of Chorizanthe apanantha were documented and discovered during Terra Verde’s botanical surveys in May and June 2018. Chorizanthe apanantha is currently only observed in the Irish Hills Natural Reserve. Future maintenance activities at Waddell will be consistent with the newly adopted Plan. Rangers, City staff and its contractors have already abated hazardous structures that were on the property. In September 2018, the City acquired an additional 266 acres of open space east of Cal Poly, on the Miossi Brothers La Cuesta Ranch property, bringing the City’s total open space acreage maintained by City Ranger staff to 4,040 acres. As new open space is acquired, the maintenance activities tasked to City Ranger staff continues to increase. Packet Pg. 197 Item 8 In response to prior Council discussion and direction, 2018 also saw the launch of a two-year pilot program at the Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve that allows extended evening hours of use for passive recreational purposes along approximately 4.9 miles of trails during the winter months when daylight savings time is no t in effect. Users are required to register for a free permit in order to gain access to the trails. The Open Space team, Rangers, Natural Resource Manager, Recreation Manager and Parks and Recreation Director, worked with local firm iiiDesign on the build out of the City’s website and free web based online permit application platform where open space users obtain permits at no cost. The program has seen success so far with a spike in night usage during week hours while weekend usage has remained constant . Looking Ahead to 2019 The City’s Open Space team has planned out its priority projects for 2019. This coming year will see major improvements at Johnson Ranch trailhead including parking and fencing improvements, the installation of new entry and ac cess gates, and new signage. Staff anticipates additional fencing improvements and installation amongst all open spaces. In addition, with the recent adoption of the update to the Irish Hills Natural Reserve Conservation Plan, Ranger Staff will begin plan objectives focused on the Waddell Ranch portion, including installation of trail signage, protection of resources and improvement to existing trails. A Conservation Plan for the recently acquired Miossi property will be developed, which includes its comprehensive study and planning for public access. Ranger staff will continue the second year of the two -year pilot program allowing evening hours at Cerro San Luis Natural Reserve and will continue to track usage data surrounding the pilot program to repo rt back to Council. Other anticipated activities include fire fuel reduction projects at Reservoir Canyon, Irish Hills and Bishop Peak, and additional enhancement projects and trailhead amenity improvements. Previous Council or Advisory Body Action On January 16, 2018 City Council received and filed the Parks and Recreation Department’s Open Space Maintenance Plan 2017 Progress Report and the Open Space Kiosk Panels. On December 6, 2017 the Parks and Recreation Commission received a presentation on the 2 017 Annual Progress of the Open Space Maintenance Plan and concurred with the information provided in the report. On January 3, 2017 City Council received and filed the Parks and Recreation Department’s first Open Space Maintenance Plan 2016 Progress Report. On December 15, 2015 the City Council adopted the City’s first Open Space Maintenance Plan (Resolution No. 10682). Policy Context All activities undertaken in protecting the City’s Open Space by the Rangers, are done in a manner consistent with all adopted City policies, ordinances, and open space and/or natural preserve conservation plans. Public Engagement Public engagement was done surrounding the initial development and adoption of the Open Space Maintenance Plan. No new public engagement has bee n done surrounding the development of the 2018 Annual Progress Report on the Open Space Maintenance Plan. Packet Pg. 198 Item 8 CONCURRENCE Administration’s Natural Resources Manager, Bob Hill, concurs with this report. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW When adopted on December 15, 2015, a Negative Declaration was approved for the Maintenance Plan. In addition, to being compliant with the Plan, all activities undertaken in protecting the City’s Open Space by the Rangers, are done in a manner consistent with all adopted City policies, o rdinances, and open space and/or natural preserve conservation plans. The City’s consideration of an Open Space Maintenance Plan 2018 Progress Report is not a project within the meaning of CEQA Guidelines Section 15378. FISCAL IMPACT Budgeted: Yes Budget Year: 2018-19 Funding Identified: Fiscal Analysis: Funding Sources Current FY Cost Annualized On-going Cost Total Project Cost General Fund N/A State Federal Fees Other: Measure G Total N/A This report on maintenance activities does not have a new fiscal impact. The activities are funded through the adopted 2017-19 Financial Plan and include the Annual Open Space Maintenance CIP and resources from the operational budget for the Ranger Service Program in the Parks and Recreation Department and Natural Resources Protection Program in Administration. ALTERNATIVES Do not receive and file the 2018 Annual Progress Report for the Open Space Maintenance Plan and direct staff to make revisions to the Report. Attachments: a - Op en Space Maintenance Plan 2018 Progress Report Packet Pg. 199 Item 8 Annual Open Space Maintenance Report 2018 PROGRESS REPORT CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO OPEN SPACE MAINTENANCE PLAN Packet Pg. 200 Item 8 Annual Open Space Maintenance Report Page 2 NEW 2018TRAILHEAD AMENITIES Reservoir Canyon Constructed New Parking Area Constructed New Fencing and Gate Built Pedestrian Bridge Packet Pg. 201 Item 8 Annual Open Space Maintenance Report Page 3 Bishop Peak Improved eroding entry and added fence Built New Kiosk Little Falls Located behind Lopez Lake Designed and Built New Rules Signs NEW 2018TRAILHEAD AMENITIES Packet Pg. 202 Item 8 Annual Open Space Maintenance Report Page 4 Waddell Property Irish Hills Conservation Plan-Adopted by Council October 16, 2018 3,620 acres BEFORE 4,040 total acres in Open Space +266 acres in Miossi +154 acres in Waddell Built New Deck Water for animal residents Demo of old residence and abatement of hazardous materials Before After Before NEW 2018OPEN SPACE Packet Pg. 203 Item 8 Miossi Open Space City Rangers discovered 2 new populations of the endangered Chorro Creek Bog Thistle. Chorizanthe apanantha was discovered in Irish Hills & described by Kristen Nelson during Terra Verde’s botanical surveys. Approximately 24,000 individuals were documented during botanical surveys in May and June 2018. Currently only observed in Irish Hills Natural Reserve. NEW DISCOVERY! Road Repair Annual Open Space Maintenance Report Page 5 Culvert Fix Waddell Property Cont. NEW 2018OPEN SPACE NEW population Packet Pg. 204 Item 8 Fire Fuel Reduction Cal Fire Captains supervising & working on the project per day 1-2 2-4 Rangers supervising & working on the project per day Hours crews supervised by ranger staff Total Days on the project CDCR crews 2018 24 Hours of use: Chipper 19 3 Annual Open Space Maintenance Report Page 6 4 Packet Pg. 205 Item 8 Annual Open Space Maintenance Report Page 7 CDCR crew hours of labor 360 Fire Fuel Reduction 2018 CDCR Crew Cost $900 6Truck Loads 8 Trailer Loads Packet Pg. 206 Item 8 EQUIPMENT USE 2018 Annual Open Space Maintenance Report Page 8 Mini Excavator Sutter of Use Hours 61 244 of Use Hours of Use Hours 208350 Of Use Hours Gator Tractor Packet Pg. 207 Item 8 Annual Open Space Maintenance Report Page 10 NEW 2018TRAILHEAD PANEL Packet Pg. 208 Item 8 Annual Open Space Maintenance Report Page 9 Cerro San Luis | Lemon Grove Loop and M Trail ONLY City Council approved, 2 year pilot program to allow winter evening access on the City owned trails on Cerro San Luis November through March up until 8:30pm USE IS BY PERMIT ONLY AND LIMITED TO 65 INDIVIDUALS PER EVENING. City Website Ranger Page Desktop ‘App’ where users can get a permit slonighthikepermit.info PILOT PROGRAM 2018WINTER EVENING ACESS Packet Pg. 209 Item 8 Annual Open Space Maintenance Report Page 11 Junior Ranger Activity Camp (JRAC) June | 15 students= 450 hrs 6 hours per day X 5 days August | 19 students= 570 hrs 6 hours per day X 5 days Family Camp Out Laguna Lake Elementary School Talks & Hikes PUBLIC EDUCATION These numbers only represent the education efforts provided by ranger staff consistent with major programs. Rangers engage with hundreds of visitors a week and are constantly educating the public about rules, wildlife, plants, trails and more. 300 Hrs Hiked South Hills Open Space November 175 Hrs After School Program | Five 1 hr talks | 175 Students SOLD OUT: 100 people 25 people went on the 2 Ranger Led Hikes 900 Cal Poly WOW Contacts 1,020 hrs NOT looking at a screen Johnson Ranch Educational Farm House: 408 hours Tree climbing: 340 hours Outdoor games and activities: 272 hours Guest speaker lessons: 132 hours 12.5 Hrs Packet Pg. 210 Item 8 Annual Open Space Maintenance Report Page 12 Using Instagram to promote laws & trails less traveled Hike Reservoir Canyon Loop, Orange Loop, Lemon Grove Loop, King Trail, Terrace Hill, Bob Jones (Prado Rd) and Allen K. Settle Take a photo at each & tag @pixonpeaks Then come into our office to show us all the photos to receive a FREE hat! PUBLIC OUTREACH 2018 Ranger Led Hike and Volunteer Day Handouts Distibuted to users to spark awareness of new trails and volunteer opportunities Winter Evening Use program awareness: Multiple social media posts across all platforms Facebook, Twitter, Instagram Continued use of Maps 1,000 handed out and picked up in office! Packet Pg. 211 Item 8 Annual Open Space Maintenance Report Page 13 COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS In addition to maintenance work Rangers do, they partner with local groups to get the community involved in Open Space projects. Ranger Wednesday Work Day Every week, every Wednesday morning! 277 Volunteers | 891 hrs 88TREES PLANTED ON ARBOR DAY 8 docents led roughly 30 hikes 230participants Packet Pg. 212 Item 8 VOLUNTEER HOURSJAN 2018 to DEC 2018Total volunteer hours spent atBishop Peak Volunteers’ Value $28,455.19 957Number of Volunteers Total Hours Worked 1059 Annual Open Space Maintenance Report Page 14 Total volunteer hours spent atIrish Hills Total volunteer hours spent atSouth Hills Total volunteer hours spent atStenner Springs 277Volunteers891Hours Wednesday Workday 546 87 21 192 Total volunteer hours spent atMiossi 45 Packet Pg. 213 Item 8 Annual Open Space Maintenance Report Page 15 ADDITIONAL PROJECTS 2018 Equipment training at Santa Margarita Goats Grazing on Terrace Hill Fire Reduction June/July 2018 Memorial Bench Installation South hills November 2018, Bishop Peak Pond August 2018, Bishop Peak Green Gate October 2018 Before After Graffiti Removal Bishop Peak March 2018 & Terrace Hill Oct 2018 Packet Pg. 214 Item 8 1/11/18 1/15/18 1/18/18 5/29/18 8/16/18 9/17/184460 lbs 4700 lbs 4620 lbs 4200 lbs 6100 lbs 5880 lbs CREEK STEWARDSHIP Annual Open Space Maintenance Report Page 16 Rangers Total ACTUAL January 1- November 30 6,135 lbs TOTAL COMBINED as of December 2018 44,445 lbs Contract Total 2018 EST 34,760 lbs + Illegal Camps as of December 2018 Contract Cleanups On-going Creek Maintenance Illegal camps create trash that rangers remove daily.2018 182 Dean Arrighi, volunteer 3,100 lbs Public Creek Cleanup Day 450 lbs 11/6/18 11/7/18 3140 lbs 1660 lbs Packet Pg. 215 RANGER SERVICE TEAM 2018 2018 PROGRESS REPORT CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO OPEN SPACE MAINTENANCE PLAN Packet Pg. 216 Page intentionally left blank. 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