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.
Packet Pg. 217