HomeMy WebLinkAboutSHNRConsPlanSouth Hills Natural Reserve
Conservation Plan
City of San Luis
Obispo
Natural Resources Program
Natural Resources Protection Program
City of San Luis Obispo
990 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
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City of San Luis Obispo
Natural Resources Protection Program
www.slocity.org/naturalresources
South Hills Natural Reserve
Conservation Plan
Neil Havlik, Ph.D.
Natural Resources Manager
805.781.7211
Freddy Otte
City Biologist
805.781.7511
Published July 2007
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View across the valley from Cheapskate Hill, circa 1940’s.
View across the valley from Cheapskate Hill, now South Hills, September 2006.
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Table of Contents
Frontispiece………………………….3
Executive Summary........................5
1. Introduction ............................6
1.1 History
1.2 Background
1.3 Access
2. Inventory..................................7
2.1 Physical Features
2.2 Cultural/Historic Resources
2.3 Soils
2.4 Water
2.5 Habitat Types
2.6 Plants and Wildlife
2.6.1 Plants
2.6.2 Animals
3. Goals and Policies ................ 12
Public Feedback
Resource Map
Resource Protection
Resource Enhancement
Development Mitigation
4. Conservation Plan .................13
4.1 Habitat Area
4.2 Management Area/Trail
Corridor
4.3 Restoration Area
4.4 Cultural/Historic Resources
5. Implementation Strategy .........16
6. Fiscal Statement ......................17
7. Monitoring ................................18
Appendix A
List of Figures ..................................20
Figure 1 Regional setting for SHNR
Figure 2 SHNR Soil Types
Figure 3 SHNR Plant Species of Local
Concern
Figure 4 SHNR Land Use and
Proposed Trail Alignments
Figure 5 SHNR Photo Monitoring Points
Appendix B
List of Tables ....................................28
Table 1 List of sensitive plants identified
within the SHNR
Table 2 List of animal species identified
within the SHNR
Appendix C
Draft Conservation Plan Comments...30
Appendix D
City Council Resolution……………….38
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Executive Summary
The South Hills Natural Reserve
(SHNR) is bordered by the Woodbridge
and Stoneridge developments on the
north and the new Margarita Area
development will act as a boundary to
the south. The elevation ranges
between 200 and 575 feet above sea
level.
Natural Features
The SHNR contains several
natural habitat types and 8 sensitive and
rare plant species located on the
property. Serpentine bunchgrass and
rock outcrops, annual grasslands,
wetland seeps (both natural and
artificial) and several ephemeral
drainages are found on the property.
Management Issues / Concerns
Associated with SHNR
There are
several
management
issues that need
to be addressed
once the SHNR
Conservation Plan
is formally
approved. These
include: proper
level of public
access for
recreation,
erosion problems
associated with the communication site
access road, protection and
enhancement of sensitive species and
habitats located on the property,
encroachment of non-native vegetation,
and planning for mitigation from new
developments around the SHNR.
How the Conservation Plan
Addresses These Issues
The balancing of public use and
the preservation of sensitive habitats at
SHNR will be the primary focus of the
Conservation Plan. Main efforts will
include:
Correcting erosion problems on
the communication site access road and
emergency access road on the south
side of SHNR;
Discouraging access to the
western portion of SHNR “saddle area”
by installation of fencing;
Affecting a variety of habitat
improvements within SHNR, especially
at the seeps and wetlands;
Controlling non-native vegetation
which is encroaching in certain areas;
Photo-monitoring points have
been established for baseline condition
recording to ensure the resources are
protected;
Incorporating
a dedicated bicycle
trail on the
southwest side
which ties into the
existing fire road
and implements
what is called for in
the Bicycle
Transportation Plan
adopted by the City
in 1997;
Providing for
fire protection and
emergency response needs of
surrounding developed properties.
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1. Introduction
The South Hills Natural Reserve is
located on the southern part of town and
is a rocky serpentine series of hills
which are part of the Morro Rock-Islay
Hill outcrop complex. The property is
approximately 131-acres and is situated
north of Tank Farm Road, east of South
Higuera Street and south of South
Street. Being derived from serpentine,
the South Hills supports a special
complex of rare plants and animals.
1.1 History
The ridge commonly referred to as the
South Hills or South Street Hills has
been a popular walking and running
destination for San Luis Obispo
residents for many years. At one time
there was a racetrack at the northern
base of the hills. It was known as
Exposition Park and it regularly held
auto racing competitions attended by
hundreds or perhaps thousands of
people. Some, however, did not wish to
pay, and those individuals would climb
up onto the first hill above the racetrack
to watch, and as a result that hill
became known as “Cheapskate Hill”.
Exposition Park closed in 1925 and the
property was eventually developed into
a residential subdivision, known as
Woodbridge. In 1981, as part of that
project, about 7.7 acres of land was
dedicated to the City as permanent,
publicly accessible open space, which
included Cheapskate Hill.
In the early 1990’s planning for another
residential subdivision to the southeast
began, and that project, known as
Stoneridge, included a further dedication
of approximately 52.4 acres to the City,
thereby increasing the open space to
60.1 acres. Finally, as part of the large
residential development known as the
Margarita Area, a further 71 acres has
been offered to the City by the
developer, King Ventures, first as a
conservation easement, to be followed
eventually by donation of fee title. This
has been accepted by the City Council
and for that reason the entire 131-acre
site is included in this planning study.
There is potential for more land to be
added to the Reserve in the future.
The Haley Ranch Cattle Company has
leased the property for a number of
years for livestock grazing; however,
this lease will expire when construction
of the Margarita Area subdivision
begins.
A four million gallon water tank was
installed in 1972 by the City immediately
adjacent to the SHNR and its paved
access road is located on the property.
1.2 Background
As noted above, the South Hills were
acquired by the City in several portions.
The first was acquired in 1979 and the
most recent was a donation from King
Ventures as part of the further
development within the Margarita Area.
Two biological assessments were
conducted in the area by Althouse and
Meade, Inc. in 2005. The first
assessment was for the King property
as part of the Margarita Area
development, including the proposed 71
acre donation area. The second was
specifically for the 60-acre northern
portion of the SHNR property. Floristic
surveys were performed from April
through September 2005. Over 150
plant species were identified on the
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property, with 8 of them being classified
as rare species. Animal surveys
revealed 22 different species, mostly
birds. Three sensitive bird species were
observed on the property although only
one was thought to actually nest on the
property (Althouse and Meade, Inc.,
2005). Six different habitat types exist
on the property and range from
serpentine outcrop to annual grasslands
to wetland seeps. The rare and sensitive
species are distributed throughout the
different habitat types. Management
activities that exist and are proposed for
the SHNR are public recreation, fire
road management, erosion control,
sensitive habitat restoration, and
endangered species enhancement.
1.3 Access
Currently, there are two dedicated
access points to SHNR; Exposition
Drive and Bluerock Drive. On-street
parking is offered at both sites and the
access point from Bluerock Drive serves
as a maintenance road for the City’s
water tank and for emergency vehicle
access. There is an unpaved fire road
that breaks off the paved road to the
water tank and bisects the property to
serve as an access road to the
communication site located on the ridge
above the “saddle” area on private
property. Current City requirements for
new development in the surrounding
area will include three new access
points into SHNR. These include (1) a
pedestrian and bike trail access from the
King property on the south side of
SHNR, (2) another from the Bridge
Street project, and (3) a third, pedestrian
only access from the Lawrence Drive
project when it is undertaken. On street
parking is currently available at the two
access points and is expected to also be
available at the new anticipated access
points.
2. Inventory
2.1 Physical features
Area – 131 acres
Miles of trails – 2.70 miles
Miles of waterway – 0.87 miles
Access points – Two official access
points; Exposition Drive and Bluerock
Drive. Two more access points are
proposed with currently approved
development. A third is anticipated in
the future.
Upon first looking at the property, it
would appear barren but based on the
habitat available, the features and
resources on the SHNR property are
extensive. It is a natural series of short
ridges of serpentine running in a
northwest-southeast direction and
reaching an elevation of approximately
575 feet above sea level with a “saddle”
area in between the two ridges located
on the property. Wetland seeps and the
saddle area support several different
species of sensitive plants. Very few
trees are found on the property due to
the poor soil. Thus, the primary habitat
types are coastal scrub and grassland.
2.2 Cultural/Historic Resources
An Environmental Impact Report was
completed and certified in 1992 for the
Stoneridge II Subdivision. A cultural
investigation associated with that project
identified one structure of historical
interest within SHNR. This is a cistern
created from native rock pressed
against a wood form with concrete
poured over the rocks to form a
23.5x33x12-foot storage structure (ERC,
1992). A second cistern was identified
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Topographic view of the City of San Luis Obispo. The circle
indicates the location of the South Hills Natural Reserve in
relation to downtown San Luis Obispo.
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Aerial view of the South Hills Natural Reserve.
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below the first but that one was covered
to allow the Stoneridge development to
be completed. A pump system was
created to keep the water supply intact
and augment the cistern on the hill.
Since the roof on the cistern located on
the hill had fallen into the structure, the
roof from the lower cistern was used to
replace the other with native materials.
No prehistoric resources were identified
on SHNR property, however, four
archaeological sites have been
identified within 2 kilometers of the site.
2.3 Soils
According to the Natural Resource
Conservation Service’s Soil Survey of
San Luis Obispo County, California,
Coastal Part (1984), the vast majority of
SHNR consists of the Obispo-rock
outcrop complex. This soil type is best
suited to wildlife habitat and watershed,
having very limited agricultural value
(even for livestock grazing) and
presenting various engineering
problems. The type’s capability class is
VIIe, meaning it is unsuitable for crops
and characterized by high erosion
hazard.
A few areas around the edges of SHNR,
and in the “saddle” area, consist of
Cropley, Diablo, or Cibo clays. These
soils support more productive grassland
vegetation. A soil map is attached as
Figure 2.
2.4 Water
Water resources on SHNR are sparse.
Three large seeps are located on the
property along with several smaller
ones. Per mitigation requirements for
the Stoneridge development, one
existing cistern was covered by the
development and the cistern on the hill
behind the development was upgraded
to deliver water to a nearby seep for
enhancement purposes. Two natural
seeps were lost to the development so
wetland vegetation was transplanted to
the new enhancement site located
immediately behind Stoneridge Park. A
cistern under the road, where
Stoneridge meets Bluerock, collects
water then pumps it uphill to the cistern
within SHNR; from which point the water
is distributed by gravity to the enhanced
wetland seep approximately 200 yards
away, mimicking the natural water flow
(RRM, 1992). Maintenance of this
system is the requirement of the
Stoneridge project.
2.5 Habitat Types
2.5.1 Serpentine bunchgrass
A search of the California Department of
Fish and Game (DFG) Wildlife Habitat
Relationship System (WHR) identified
serpentine bunchgrass as a sensitive
natural community. This habitat type is
located scattered around the SHNR
property and in a larger expanse on the
“saddle” portion where there is better
soil. Purple needlegrass, Nasella
pulchra, dominates this habitat type.
The rare plants that are located in this
habitat are Obispo Indian paintbrush,
Castilleja densiflora ssp. obispoensis,
Cambria morning glory, Calystegia
subacaulis ssp. episcopalism, and San
Luis Obispo clay mariposa lily,
Calochortus argillosus.
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Obispo Indian Paintbrush
2.5.2 Serpentine Outcrops
Habitat areas of thinner soils or with
exposed rock are termed serpentine
outcrops. The chemical properties of
serpentine rock and their associated
soils, high in magnesium, low in
calcium, containing large amounts of
iron and nickel, and typically deficient in
nitrogen and phosphorus, make
vegetation establishment very difficult.
Only certain plant species which are
serpentine endemic are found here.
Brewer’s spineflower, Chorizanthe
breweri, and San Luis Obispo dudleya,
Dudleya abramsii ssp. murina, are two
rare plants found only on serpentine
outcrops in San Luis Obispo County and
are abundant in the SHNR.
Brewer’s Spineflower
2.5.3 Annual Grassland
Annual grassland habitat is found along
the northern portion of the SHNR
property where soils are deeper and
richer. There are small areas where the
serpentine outcrop recedes and open
area has been colonized by wild oats,
ryegrass and brome. These habitat
types are dominated by Mediterranean
annuals following farming or grazing.
Grazing is a practice that will be
removed to allow further restoration on
the property. Plant species commonly
encountered in grassland habitat on
the site include:
• Foxtail barley (Hordeum sp.)
• Ryegrass (Lolium sp.)
• Wild oats (Avena fatua)
• Ripgut (Bromus diandrus)
• Purple needlegrass (Nasella
pulchra)
2.5.4 Coastal Scrub
There is a coastal scrub habitat located
on the southeast portion of the
serpentine ridge that bisects the SHNR
property. The dominant plant is
California sagebrush, Artemisia
californica, and is the most common
shrub found on the property. Palmer’s
spineflower, Chorizanthe palmeri, is a
rare plant species with a List 4
determination and is abundant in rocky
areas and within the coastal scrub
habitat. Plant species commonly noted
within coastal scrub habitat during the
surveys include:
• California sagebrush
(Artemisia californica)
• Black sage (Salvia mellifera)
• Coyote bush (Baccharis
pilularis)
• Chamise (Adenostoma
fasciculatum)
• Toyon (Heteromeles
arbutifolia)
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• Coast live oak (Quercus
agrifolia)
• Deerweed (Lotus junceus)
• Poison oak (Toxicodendron
diversilobum)
• Monkeyflower (Mimulus sp.)
• Blue elderberry (Sambucus
mexicana)
• Wild buckwheat (Eriogonum
sp.)
• Morning glory (Calystegia
macrostegia)
• Saw-toothed goldenbush
(Hazardia squarrosa)
• Wild rose (Rosa californica)
Palmer’s Spineflower
2.6 Plants and Wildlife
2.6.1 Plants
Floristic surveys were conducted from
April to September 2005 with over 150
plant species identified on the SHNR
property. There are 103 native species,
with 8 of those considered rare
according to the CNPS, and 48
introduced species. The rare plants
found on the property have status
recordings of List 1B and List 4. The
categories are on a scale of low threat
(List 4) to species that are presumed
extinct (List 1A). There are 1038 plants
on List 1B and are rare throughout their
range. All but a few are endemic to
California and all are judged to be
vulnerable under present
circumstances, or to have a high
potential to be vulnerable. Vulnerability
is due to limited or sensitive habitat, low
numbers of individuals per population,
or low numbers of populations. The
majority of these species are serpentine
dependent. Due to the harsh
environment where most of these plants
are found, along with the disturbance
from cattle, their distribution classifies
them for listing as sensitive species. The
protection of the SHNR provides these
plants with protection and leads to
possible enhancement and increase in
numbers.
Very few trees are found on the property
and all but very few have been planted
by various projects and mitigation
efforts.
A list of sensitive plant species found on
the property is provided in Table 1
(Appendix B).
Clay Mariposa Lily
2.6.2 Animals
Animal surveys were conducted on the
SHNR property in August 2005. There
were 77 different species expected to be
encountered on the SHNR property
based on literature searches and habitat
type descriptions; of these, 22 species
were actually found by on-site surveys.
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Sixteen species of birds, reptiles,
amphibians, small mammals, and a
small population of red foxes exist in the
SHNR.
The different habitat types present offer
forage and hiding areas for small
mammals which in turn act as prey for
larger mammals and raptors. Deer mice
were the most prolific rodents on the
property apparently feeding coyotes,
resident red foxes, peregrine falcons,
and American kestrels. The raptors
probably migrate through while foraging
but several smaller birds like sparrows,
finches, swallows and doves may
actually nest on the property.
Larger animals such as fox, coyote, and
deer are occasionally seen at SHNR;
however cover for these species is
limited and, except for the foxes, they
appear to only be visitants.
A list of potential and encountered
animal species is provided in Table 2
(Appendix B).
3. Goals and Policies
The “Conservation Guidelines for Open
Space Lands of the City of San Luis
Obispo” describes City-adopted
management guidelines and policies
which are outlined in the City’s
“Conservation and Open Space
Element”.
Management of SHNR will be
undertaken by the City with the following
goals:
3.1 To conserve, enhance, and
restore natural plant communities; to
protect sensitive endangered plant
species and their habitats; and to
maintain biodiversity of native plants
and animals.
3.2 To provide the public with a
safe and pleasing natural environment
in which to pursue recreational activities,
while maintaining the integrity of the
resources and minimizing the impacts
on the wildlife and habitats present in
the Reserve.
3.3 To preserve and restore
creeks, wetlands and ephemeral seeps
or springs to a natural state, and provide
suitable habitat for all native aquatic and
riparian species. To minimize the
impacts of harmful activities, such as the
release of pollutants, while maintaining
the drainage systems as a means of
conveying storm water into and within
urban areas.
3.4 To protect and preserve
native plant and animal species and
enhance their habitats, in order to
maintain viable wildlife populations
within balanced ecosystems.
Public Comment and Input
This conservation plan aims to
accommodate the wishes and desires of
the general public while addressing the
City’s goals in the Conservation and
Open Space Element. A public meeting
was held in February 2006 as well as
meetings with other groups for input on
the conservation plan and the following
comments were recorded:
• No public road (e.g. connecting
the road by the water tank for
through traffic).
• Visual impact of fences, other
structures a concern among
residents.
• Leave area alone, it is beautiful
the way it is. It is “open space”
not a park.
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• Encourage volunteer programs
for hikes, upkeep, improvements.
• Have restricted access to the
commercial radio tower hill.
• Consider trail augmentation from
Crystal Springs Co.
• Concern with bike vs. pedestrian
conflicts; small size of property
not conducive to bike trail.
• Bike use needs to be controlled,
especially on the ridges.
• Cross-country riding can be
damaging.
• Keep improvements simple and
low key.
• Split-use (½ pedestrian trails, ½
bike trails) may bring pressure for
more bike trails.
• Have reasonable/safe access
during wet conditions.
• Bike clubs could build a safe trail
along the north east side of the
property to develop a loop trail
system.
4. Conservation Plan
4.1 Naming
This area has had the unofficial name of
South Street Hills, or South Hills, for a
number of years. The City Council has
never designated a formal name for the
site, and it is considered appropriate to
do so at this time. Given that the
property consists of several independent
acquisitions, it is consistent with the
City’s Open Space Ordinance
(Municipal Code 12.22.30) to identify the
site as a “Natural Reserve”. Further-
more, given the seeming incongruous
name of “South Street Hills”, naming an
ancient natural feature for a road, it is
recommended that the name “South
Hills Natural Reserve” be declared
official.
4.2 Land Designations
Four land designations are
recommended for SHNR. These
include Habitat (125.5 acres or 96%),
Management/Trail Corridor (4 acres or
3%); Restorative (1.5 acres or 1%); and
Historic/Cultural (0.01 acres or 0.1%).
4.2.1 Habitat Area
The great majority of SHNR will be
designated as Habitat Area. The
primary purpose of this area will be to
protect the natural environment that
exists with only limited human
intervention. Due to the serpentine
backbone that extends along the ridge
of the SHNR, the plant species present
on the property have adapted to the soil
and habitat conditions. By limiting and
designating specific trail routes and
allowed uses of the routes, the City will
seek to maintain natural state of the
property while allowing the public the
opportunity to enjoy this open space
island. In addition, as time and
resources are available, small plantings
of suitable native species will be
undertaken in and around the seeps,
springs, and other wet areas of the site,
to encourage an increase in plant
diversity. Finally, efforts will also be
made to remove aggressive exotic
species, chiefly Scotch broom, which
have established in a few areas of the
Reserve.
4.2.2 Management Area/Trail
Corridor
Currently two access points service the
SHNR property. Three new access
points are proposed with new
developments around the SHNR. Two
recreational trail types are proposed for
use on the SHNR property; pedestrian
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(passive) and bicycle (active) trails. To
reduce the impact to the sensitive areas
of SHNR, mountain bikes will be
restricted to roads and the connection
from the “saddle” to Exposition Drive.
The entryway at Exposition Drive is
suitable for some tree planting to add to
that which has been done there in the
past, and this will be done on an “as
time and resources are available” basis.
Pursuant to Council-directed
requirements for the development of the
Margarita Area, a Class I bike path is to
be installed connecting those
developments to the Damon-Garcia
Sports Complex: about one-half mile of
this bike path will be within SHNR. In
accordance with the City of San Luis
Obispo’s Bicycle Transportation Plan of
1997, this is part of the series of off-
street transportation network to promote
alternative transportation. That Plan
formally established a framework of
goals, policies, procedures, and
standards for the development of a
citywide bicycle transportation network.
Only pedestrian traffic will be allowed on
the ridge trail due to the rocky, uneven
substrate which would make riding there
unsafe. Appropriate signage will be
placed at trailheads and other proper
locations to direct users accordingly.
In addition, staff will continue to study a
trail which would complete a loop
around the SHNR connecting the
entrances at Exposition and Stoneridge
without having to use the ridge trail. The
area along the northeast portion of the
property will be monitored to determine
if increased usage calls for a dedicated
trail there.
Finally, the 20 foot perimeter of SHNR
that abuts developed properties is also
placed in the Management Area/Trail
Corridor designation, due to its highly
managed nature, including fuel
management and localized storm
drainage facilities.
4.2.3 Restorative Area
The wetland on the northeast side of
SHNR would benefit from additional
wetland and riparian plantings. For that
reason it is designated as a restorative
Area. Once restoration activities have
been successfully completed, this area
would revert to a Habitat Area
designation.
4.2.4 Cultural/Historic Area
The cistern located on the property is a
large structure, but does not require any
special management. There is an
access hatch in the roof of the structure
that is locked so the maintenance
requirement for the system is minimal,
and that maintenance is an obligation of
the Stoneridge Homeowners’
Association. The structure and its
immediate surroundings will be
designated a cultural/historic area.
Resource Map
The Natural Resources Program and
the City’s GIS Department staff will be
building a concise detailed map of the
distribution of sensitive plants and
animals located on the property. Once
these areas are identified, the final trail
system and interpretive signage can be
designed in such a way to educate the
users on the property and also keep
these resources protected and allow
them to flourish. With future
development still in the future for
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properties on the southern portion of
SHNR, the resource map will be
updated as new property or trails are
added to the system in place now.
Resource protection
There are several natural seeps present
on SHNR property that could be
rehabilitated once cattle are removed.
The cattle use these areas for water and
forage, trampling the vegetation as they
roam. Once the cattle are removed, the
areas can be fenced, if necessary, to
prevent people from damaging these
areas and begin restoration of sensitive
species.
Erosion is a significant problem on the
SHNR property. As water collects and is
conveyed through small swales that
intersect with the fire/access road,
significant gully erosion occurs. Some
remedies that have been implemented
on the property are non-native gravel
importation to facilitate access and geo-
textile erosion prevention measures.
Neither of these two methods has
proved very successful. The gravel is
now dispersed through the lower
drainage areas and the geo-textile has
simply failed to keep the erosion on the
road from happening. New techniques
need to be researched to decrease the
erosion along the road.
Resource Enhancement
Potential exists at SHNR for rare and
endangered plant restoration. Several
natural seeps and an engineered seep
exist on the SHNR property that could
be used to expand the coverage of rare
and endangered plants endemic to SLO
County. Once cattle are removed from
the property and some exclusionary
fencing and/or signage is erected to
keep people out of sensitive areas, rare
and endangered species like the Chorro
Creek bog thistle, Cirsium fontinale
obispoense, could be transplanted and
encouraged to spread naturally in the
seeps present on the property. A
Section 10 permit would be required to
transplant endangered plant species as
they are covered under the direction of
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service following
the Endangered Species Act.
Development Mitigation
Several species of concern will be
impacted by the Margarita Area
Development project: these are mostly
plant species, but also include one
potentially affected animal species.
These are discussed individually below.
Palmer’s Spineflower (Chorizanthe
palmeri). This species is found
throughout the South Hills. A small
portion of the population will be lost
through development; however, the
open space dedication of the project will
secure a much larger area of occupied
habitat.
Brewer’s Spineflower (Chorizanthe
breweri). The situation for this species
is the same as for the above.
Obispo Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja
densiflora ssp. obispoensis). In 2005
this species was found in large numbers
both within the Margarita area (including
the open space lot) and on the Unocal
Tank Farm property nearby. Hoover
(1970) reported this subspecies as
occurring from about Ragged Point on
the northern boundary of San Luis
Obispo County to the San Luis Obispo
area. It is not certain whether the
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subspecies was observed in the more
northerly areas or not, but it is
reasonable to assume so, as conditions
in the North County area have not
changed much in the years since
publication of the Vascular Plants of San
Luis Obispo County.
Miles Milkvetch (Astragalus
didymocarpus var. milesianus). This
rare variety is reported from locations in
coastal San Luis Obispo and Santa
Barbara Counties. Hoover reports it as
found in clay soils, usually derived from
serpentine, from Morro Bay to San Luis
Obispo. The approximately 25
individuals found in the survey were
observed within the project development
envelope.
San Luis Obispo Dudleya (Dudleya
abramsii ssp. murina). There are eight
individuals of this species that will be
lost to development. The species has
considerable habitat in the South Hills
and those individuals are proposed to
be transplanted into the Reserve.
San Luis Obispo Mariposa Lily
(Calochortus simulans). Approximately
25 individuals of this species will be lost
to development. The species has
additional occupied habitat in the South
Hills. The open space dedication of the
project will secure much of that habitat
(some is already secured). The bulbs
may be hard to find, could be damaged
while being searched for, and could be
time-consuming to replant. The
relocation of these individuals may be
considered and undertaken if it can be
accomplished at low cost.
Adobe Sanicle (Sanicula maritima).
Approximately 500 individuals of this
species have been found within the
project area and they would be lost due
to the development. This species is
considered very rare and San Luis
Obispo may be the only area where it is
found, according to the Jepson Manual.
A small population is known from a seep
in Laguna Lake Park within the City.
Rescue and relocation of as many
individuals as feasible is underway.
5. Implementation
The priority and order in which these
tasks shall be implemented is detailed
below. Each task has been designated
to staff from the City’s Natural
Resources Program (NR), Parks and
Recreation Department (PR) or other
City staff as specified.
Ongoing Tasks
General maintenance activities in
accordance with the adopted policies
described in “Conservation Guidelines
for Open Space Lands of the City of San
Luis Obispo” shall be implemented on a
regular or ‘as needed’ basis throughout
the 5-7 years covered by this
Conservation Plan (NR/PR).
Specific Tasks
Years 1-2
• Install educational signage at
City sanctioned trailheads.
• Study the potential for a loop
trail system to support both
passive and active recreation
users.
• Start restoration projects for
sensitive plant species
impacted by near-by
development upon removal of
livestock.
• Investigate transplanting of
local endangered species for
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propagation on the SHNR
property.
• Produce wildflower guide for
the SHNR.
• Confirm alignment and proper
form, appearance and
function (i.e. pedestrian only)
of a local access trail from the
Lawrence Drive project to the
existing ridge trail. Install the
trail.
• Confirm alignment, and
proper form, appearance and
function of a local access trail
from the Bridge Street project.
Install the trail in proper form
to allow bicycles.
Years 3-4
• Continue activities outlined
above to completion.
• Assess success of introduced
sensitive plant species and
determine if the habitat used
is encouraging growth.
• Investigate expanding
transplanting potential to
increase populations of
sensitive plant species.
• Consider potential for
installation of a new northeast
trail.
Years 5-6
• Continue activities outlined
above to completion.
Addressing the Issues
A functioning loop trail system appears
desirable but has some local residents
concerned. Work needs to be done on
the access roads on the property to
reduce the impact from the erosion
happening on the property.
Development of interpretive signs to
educate visitors about the resources
and importance of SHNR should be
done. Identification of the locations of
the sensitive plant and animal species
on the property partnered with
enhancement actions to encourage
natural propagation through time and
removal of small “islands” of non-native
grasses and shrubs and replacement
with native vegetation will be done.
Develop ongoing monitoring programs
to ensure sensitive areas and
restoration areas are protected. All
these actions, goals and
recommendations will be achieved when
funds and opportunities become
available.
Wildfire Preparedness Plan
Since there is basically no brush to be
controlled or modified for fire protection
purposes at SHNR, wildfire
preparedness will concentrate on
ensuring that emergency access
designated in the Conservation Plan will
be able to serve those needs, and that a
minimum 20 foot mowed buffer will be
maintained on the perimeter of the
Reserve where it is adjacent to
developed property. Some adjacent
developments are already required to do
such work, but in some places this
requirement is not in effect, and City
staff will ensure that this program is
carried out in those areas.
Livestock Grazing
Livestock grazing is currently permitted
since SHNR is not separately fenced
from the adjacent private property on
the south, owned by King Ventures.
Once that property begins to develop, it
is expected that livestock will be
removed from both the private property
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and from SHNR. After that time
livestock grazing will not be permitted as
soils on the property are too poor and
water resources too limited to support a
livestock grazing program.
6. Fiscal Statement
The fiscal impact of the adoption of the
SHNR Conservation Plan is expected to
be minor. It will consist of patrol and
maintenance of the property at a slightly
increased level than currently exists,
and the implementation of several small-
scale capital improvements. The latter
include:
• Mitigation measures from
development to protect sensitive
plant species (not a City
obligation);
• Enhancement of existing trails,
and continued study of a single
trail route along the north east
side of the property to form a loop
route;
• Installation of educational and
directional signage to identify
pedestrian and bicycle trails; and
• Fencing of certain sensitive areas
as needed to control access and
foster habitat restoration and
enhancement in those areas.
None of these projects is considered
costly. The new trail plus the related
closures, would call for expenditures in
the $1,000-$2,000 range for materials.
These could be paid out of maintenance
funds from the Natural Resources
program. The restoration projects may
be funded internally or may utilize grant
fund or mitigation sources.
The fire preparedness plan has certain
minor maintenance costs associated
with it, specifically, periodic mowing of
the grass areas to form a buffer and
removal of vegetation litter in a limited
area. It is expected that the level of
staffing for the Reserve would not
change unless there was a major
change in its status.
7. Monitoring
A series of six photo-points have been
established at SHNR which include
areas of exotic species, grasslands,
restoration sites, major trails and
existing erosion gullies. Figure 5 details
where these monitoring points are
located. The sites will be visited at least
biannually and photographs taken from
the same perspective. This will give a
temporal record of the status of the
resources present at SHNR over time.
Should examination of subsequent
photographs suggest that the status of
the resource is being negatively
impacted (i.e. exceeding limits of
acceptable change) by visitor activity or
management decisions, permitted uses
and management strategy will be re-
evaluated.
Photo-point 1: This point is the main
entrance on Exposition Drive. The City
will realign this entrance to move foot
traffic away from the residences and
also avoid a steep and potentially
unsafe section of trail. This entry area
may be suitable for mitigation or
enhancement plantings; these will be
considered on their own merits.
Photo-point 2: This is one of the
ephemeral seeps located on the SHNR
with sensitive species located within it
and the City will undertake further
enhancement of this drainage with
plantings such as Chorro Creek bog
thistle.
20
Photo-point 3: This point looks down
slope on either side of where a new trail
may run through on the northeast side.
There is Scotch broom located on the
adjacent property whose seeds are
carried onto the SHNR. Close
monitoring and regular removal of
invading Scotch broom will be done to
prevent this species from becoming
established.
Photo-point 4: This point looks over the
saddle area and down into the southern
portion of the property. The Margarita
Area development anticipates use of
this area for grassland mitigation.
Photo-point 5: This point has several
sensitive issues tied to it. This is where
the erosion of the fire road will be
monitored, transplanting of sensitive
vegetation from the King development
will occur in the seasonal creek adjacent
to the road, and monitoring of the seeps
on the hillside over time. The area to
the west (downhill) of the road will be
fenced to discourage access to this
steep and sensitive site.
Photo-point 6: This point is for the
overview of the SHNR. Monitoring of the
roads and trails can take place here as
well as the changing landscape of the
City of San Luis Obispo.
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Appendix A
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
Appendix B
30
Table 1
Table 2
Common Name Scientific Name Special
Status
Habitat Type
Pacific chorus frog Pseudacris regilla None Many habitats near water
Western fence lizard Scloeporus occidentalis None Wide range
Rufous-crowned sparrow Aimophila ruficeps None Rocky areas
Grasshopper sparrow Ammodramus
savannarum
BSSC-2nd
priority ¹
Grasslands
Red-tailed hawk Buteo jamaicensis None Open, semi-open country
Anna’s hummingbird Calypte anna None Oak, riparian woodland,
scrub
Lesser goldfinch Carduleius psaltria None Riparian, oak woodlands
House finch Carpodacus mexicanus None Wide habitat range
Turkey vulture Cathartes aura None Open country, oak
woodland
Peregrine falcon Falco peregrina SE² Nests on cliffs
American kestrel Falco sparverius None Open, semi-open country
Barn swallow Hirundo rustica None Open country, farmyards
Loggerhead shrike Lanius ludovicianus CSC³ Open areas with dense
shrubs for nesting
Cliff swallow Petrochelidon pyrrhonota None Urban, open areas near
water
Rock wren Salpinctes obsoletus None Rock outcrops
European starling Sturnus vulgaris None Agricultural, urban
Violet-green swallow Tachycineta thalassina None Woodlands, meadows
Mourning dove Zenaida macroura None Open, semi-open country
Deer mouse Peromyscus maniculatus None All dry land habitats
California ground
squirrel
Spermophilus beecheyi None Grasslands
Valley pocket gopher Thomomys bottae None Variety of habitats
Red fox Vulpes fulva None Forest and open country
Common Name Scientific Name Status Native/
Introduced
San Luis mariposa lily Calochortus obispoensis List 1B Native
San Luis Obispo mariposa lily Calochortus simulans List 1B Native
Cambria morning glory Calystegia subacaulis ssp.
episcopalis
List 1B Native
Obispo Indian paintbrush Castilleja densiflora ssp.
obispoensis
List 1B Native
Brewer’s spineflower Chorizanthe breweri List 1B Native
Palmer’s spineflower Chorizanthe palmeri List 4 Native
San Luis Obispo dudleya Dudleya abramsii ssp. murina List 1B Native
Blochman’s dudleya Dudleya blochmaniae ssp.
blochmaniae
List 1B Native
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Appendix C
32
Below are the comments and responses to issues raised at the City
Planning Commission meeting (9/27/06). Most of the issues related to
minor changes in the language used or to modification of graphics.
Only the item in Section 5: Implementation; Specific Tasks, Years 1-2
relating to the northeast trail will result in a substantive change in
Plan implementation. City staff will monitor conditions on the
northeast side of the Reserve for at least two years prior to
undertaking any development thereof. In the meantime, however,
staff will work with the developers of the Lawrence Drive project to
identify a trail route connecting to the Ridge Trail to provide an
appropriate access into the Reserve from that location that directs
users toward the ridge. Further consideration of the balance of the
northeast trail would return to the Parks and Recreation Commission
prior to taking any further action on that route.
Staff Response to Comments Received at the Planning Commission
Meeting 9/27/06
1.1 Comment
Commissioner Ashbaugh – Please include a topographic map.
1.2 Staff Response
Concur.
1.3 Proposed Change
A USGS map of appropriate scale will be included in the final version of the
document.
2.1 Comment
Commissioner Christianson – Bicycle route discussion refers to both 1993 and
1997 Bicycle Plan. Please clarify. Also, is it the intent to install Class I bikeways?
2.2 Staff Response
Staff will reference the most recent City Bicycle plan. Also, it is not the intent to
have paved routes for all routes open to bicycles. Paving will be only on the
proposed connection to the Damon-Garcia Sports Complex, and on the existing
access road to the Edna Saddle Water Tank.
2.3 Proposed Changes
The above corrections will be included in the final version of the document.
3.1 Comment
Commissioner Stevenson – Questioned if more recent archeological work had
been done.
3.2 Staff Response
During the planning for the Stoneridge project the Reserve had been surveyed by archeologists, and
the only site within the Reserve that was considered to be of archeological significance was the
stone cistern. It was therefore felt that the survey done at that time was still valid.
33
3.3 Proposed Changes
None.
4.1 Comment
(Several Speakers). Opposed to NE Trail, due to visual impacts, possible conflicts
with wildlife, and erosion problems. The Ridge Trail is the real destination.
4.2 Staff Response
Staff has observed evidence of use on the NE side of the ridge, and expects this
type of use to continue and intensify, especially when the adjacent private property
at the end of Lawrence Drive is built, since it is required to have a neighborhood
access to the Reserve. It is therefore appropriate to plan for such use and direct
foot traffic rather than have it form on its own, which may not be the best location
from a variety of standpoints. However, this is clearly tied in to the Lawrence Drive
project, whose timing is uncertain.
4.3 Proposed Changes
Staff will modify the proposal to be for continued study of the NE trail alignment
and for realignment of the access from Lawrence Drive to “angle” uphill to more
quickly reach the Ridge Trail, consistent with proper trail construction standards
(i.e., 12% grade or less). Staff would return to the Parks and Recreation
Commission no sooner than Year 3 for evaluation of further work on the NE Trail
prior to initiating such work. Language in Section 5, Implementation: Specific
Tasks will be modified for Years 1-2 to reflect further study, and to Years 3-4 to
reflect possible reconsideration of the Trail during that time period. Also that
language will be amended to clarify the location of a trail from the end of Lawrence
Drive to the Ridge Trail when the Lawrence Drive project is approved.
5.1 Comment
(Several Speakers). Fire hazard is a concern. The proposed 20 foot buffer is not
large enough, and livestock grazing should be continued. It was also questioned
as to who was responsibility for the cutting of the firebreaks.
5.2 Staff Response
Mowing or weed-whipping of a 20 foot buffer at the end of the growing season
where the Reserve adjoins developed property is consistent with City practices on
other open space lands. Livestock grazing has been permitted at SHNR as an
accommodation to the neighboring landowner as there is no fence separating the
properties and to install one is not desirable. When the Margarita project gets
underway, it is expected that the livestock grazing operation will cease, and it is
not practical to continue it on only the steep, rocky, low productivity lands of the
Reserve. Staff will double check on the responsibility for fire hazard abatement on
the perimeter of the Reserve.
5.3 Proposed Changes
Responsibilities for fire hazard abatement will be clarified in Section 5, Wildfire
Preparedness Plan.
34
6.1 Comment
(Several Speakers). The potential bicycle connection to the Bridge Street project
is unnecessary: Connection can be made a few hundred feet further north.
6.2 Staff Response
Concur.
6.3 Proposed Changes
A specific task in Section 5 will be added to identify the connection to the Bridge
Street project as pedestrian only, and the connection to Woodbridge Street as the
bicycle route.
7.1 Comment
A steep “short cut“ adjacent to homes on Sendero Court is a problem: it should be
closed and foot traffic routed to the formal trailhead, which is only a short distance
away.
7.2 Staff Response
Staff will evaluate this unauthorized trail
7.3 Proposed Changes
Closure or realignment of this trail, if warranted, will be included in the Specific
Tasks for Years 1 and 2.
8.1 Comment
Two citizens spoke in favor of the access from Lawrence Drive, stating it had been
used for many years informally and was recently cut off by the property owner.
8.2 Staff Response
Staff has anticipated that such an access would be created at the end of
Lawrence Drive.
8.3 Proposed Changes
This will added as a specific task in Section 5: Implementation: Specific Tasks for
Years 1 and 2 as it is anticipated that the Lawrence Drive project may be
completed within that timeframe.
9.1 Comment
The Conservation Plan should reference the Conservation and Open Space
Element of the General Plan.
9.2 Staff Response
Concur.
9.3 Proposed Changes
Appropriate reference to the Conservation and Open Space element will be made
in the final document.
10.1.Comment
The South Hills have been closed to bicycles for years. Why are they suddenly
being opened up to them?
10.2 Staff Response
Certain bicycle connections are called for in City planning documents. Bicyclists
are using certain routes within the open space. The bicycling community has
35
requested that such use be allowed within the open space. Staff feels that
allowing bicycle use on existing service roads within the open space (some of
them paved), and on the connection to Woodbridge Drive, will not significantly
affect the character of the site.
10.3 Proposed Changes
See notes in 2.1 to 2.3 above.
11.1 Comment
Do not plant trees, the soils are not conducive to such planting.
11.2 Staff Response
Certain areas of and deeper soils within the open space are conducive to tree
planting: these include the area near the Woodbridge Street access point and the
constructed wetland near Stoneridge Park. Planting of suitable species is
proposed in these areas only.
11.3 Proposed Changes
None.
12.1 Comment
Clarify access points, especially where derived from a document or plan other
than the Conservation Plan. Planning for areas outside of open space lands
should not dictate open space planning.
12.2 Staff Response
Staff feels that the Bridge Street and Lawrence Drive accesses are logical
accesses that will improve accessibility to the open space, and are called for in
City planning documents. No other new accesses are proposed or anticipated at
this time.
12.3 Proposed Changes
See notes in 4.1 to 4.3 above.
13.1 Comment
Under specific tasks, years 1 and 2, add Monitoring, Removal of Livestock, and
installation of trail signage.
13.2 Staff Response
Concur.
13.3 Proposed Changes
These tasks will be included in Years 1 and 2.
14.1.Comment
In the initial study, Item “a” under Land use and Planning and Item “c” in Biology
conflict with the Conservation and Open Space element.
14.2 Staff Response
Staff does not agree that the proposed conservation plan conflicts with the
Conservation and Open Space Element.
14.3 Proposed Changes
None.
36
A public meeting was held to introduce the conservation plan to the public on
February 14, 2006 and written comments have been received regarding the plan
as well. A summary of these comments and suggestions are listed below.
• No public road
• Keep visual impacts of fences to a minimum
• Encourage volunteer organizations for hikes, upkeep, and improvements
• Have restricted access to the radio tower hill
• Consider trail expansion south to Crystal Springs property (easement)
• Consider active and passive recreation interaction
• Keep improvements simple and low-key
• Have reasonable/safe access during wet conditions
• Access road from water tank be extended to Damon Garcia Sports
Complex for bicycle commuting and recreational use.
• Address erosion and accessibility as access road crosses the two
drainages
• Keep revegetation from local stock (cuttings or seeds)
• Weeds gaining foothold in the “wetland restoration area”
• Establish effective monitoring of uses and non-native plant encroachment
• Carefully incorporate access from Lawrence Drive; seep grade and erosion
concerns
37
Appendix D
38
39