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BackgroundFramework for the Lafferty Ranch Planning and EIR Process Version 1.0 Prepared and approved by: To be submitted to: Table of Contents 1. BACKGROUND 2. THE ISSUES (Constraints and
Opportunities) 3. THE PLAN: How will we manage
activities to overcome constraints and maximize
opportunities? 1. BACKGROUND 1.1. Scope of Activities Proposed The Committee agreed at its December 18, 19996 meeting to define a limited scope of activities to be permitted at Lafferty Ranch. 1.1.1. In Scope: 1. Pedestrian travel (i.e. hiking, walking, jogging, etc.) 2. Nature photography 3. Nature study, including teacher and docent led tours 4. Minimum infrastructure needed to support the above, possibly including parking facilities, additional trails, warning and interpretive signs, an information kiosk. 5. Land management actions needed to ensure ecological protections and public safety (e.g. limited grazing, mowing, controlled burning, fencing.) 6. Possibly dogs on leash 1.1.2. Out of Scope: 1. Bicycles 2. Equestrian (horses, mules, etc.) 3. Structures of any kind, including permanent sanitation facilities, caretaker cottages/trailer pads, picnic tables, fire pits, camp sites, etc. 4. Hunting and fishing 5. Other recreational activities clearly not considered passive (e.g. organized sports, off road vehicles) 6. Overnight camping 1.2. Proposed Park Planning and Environmental Review Process At its 2/12/97 meeting, the Committee agreed to present its preliminary proposed management plan to the City Council prior to formal Environmental Impact Review (EIR) pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA.) The Committee also recommended that the City Council retain the services of professional environmental consultants to assist the Committee and City in refining the plan and preparing the EIR. The following two sections present a listing and brief discussion of the issues (constraints and opportunities) identified by the Committee and relevant to the scope of activities proposed, and preliminary set of recommendations for dealing with these issues (overcoming the constraints and maximizing opportunities) Important note: the assessments, policies and plans listed below are the preliminary recommendations of the Committee, and are based upon the Committee's knowledge and opinions at this time. They are intended to give the City a basis for developing a scope of work and a starting place for the EIR consultants. The Committee expects to work closely with the consultants, to review and if necessary revise these recommendations during the EIR and planning process. 2. THE ISSUES (Constraints and Opportunities) 2.1. Environmental Considering best management practices at other Bay Area parklands, the environmental information reviewed by the Committee to date does not warrant restrictions on the use of Lafferty beyond those recommended in Section 3 below. The Committee acknowledges the need for further evaluation of natural resources through the EIR. The EIR consultants should be at a minimum qualified to evaluate the following issues: 2.1.1. Land Land issues include geology, soils, topography, climate, hydrology, and scenic resources. Issues include the impact of trail placement and grazing policies on erosion potential, trail maintenance, and public safety. 2.1.2. Vegetation Land issues include native and introduced plant communities, and any rare, threatened, or endangered species, particularly in wetlands. Issues include the impact of trail placement, travel restrictions, grazing policies, etc. 2.1.3. Animals and insects Land issues include native and introduced animals, insects, etc., and any rare, threatened, or endangered species, particularly golden eagles, anadromous steelhead, and amphibians, including red legged frogs. Issues include the impact of trail placement, grazing policies, signage for travel restrictions, etc. 2.2. Right of way Right of public access to the Lafferty Ranch property from Sonoma Mountain Road, and public rights along the road, is a significant issue, but it is outside of the scope of the Committee's work. The Committee recommends the City vigorously seek quick resolution of this issue, including a boundary survey if necessary. The City should aggressively pursue the public's right to safe, fair and reasonable access to its property, in order to meet the recreational needs of the community. 2.3. Impact on neighbors 2.3.1. Impact of lawbreakers Residents of Sonoma Mountain have expressed concerns about the impact of lawbreakers in their neighborhood (e.g. trespassing, vandalism, burglary, disturbing the peace, littering, reckless driving.) These activities pose threats not only to the agricultural livelihood of the residents and park users, but to their peace of mind and, on occasion, their physical security. These historic problems, while serious and worthy of attention by the Committee, are not unique to the Sonoma Mountain area, nor can they be eliminated by any actions the Committee or the City may implement. The Committee believes that the potential for increases in crime on Sonoma Mountain resulting from its recommended uses of Lafferty Ranch do not warrant restrictions on the use of Lafferty beyond those recommended in Section 3 below (particularly, it does not warrant restriction to use only under official supervision.) The Committee, however, desires to cooperate with the neighbors in developing policies and programs that seek to reduce crime on Sonoma Mountain. 2.3.2. Impact of law-abiders Lafferty Ranch has been designated as a potential park site for over three decades. The Committee recognizes that its recommendations will finally bring about an increase in the number of law-abiding visitors to Sonoma Mountain. Though the Committee will suggest policies and programs to encourage considerate behavior, the impact of law-abiding visitors on the neighbors' sense of solitude and privacy is an issue beyond the scope of the Committee's assignment. 2.4. Public Safety 2.4.1. Fire risk The threat of fire within open space areas during dry summer months is significant. However, the Committee at this time believes that the proposed uses of Lafferty Ranch will not contribute to the risk of fire starting on or near the property to a degree which warrants restrictions on the use of Lafferty beyond those recommended in Section 3 below, consistent with best management practices at other Bay Area parklands (specifically, it does not warrant restriction to use only under official supervision, or closure during the dry season.) Steps to reduce this risk, both of fires starting on the site and fires spreading beyond the site, are recommended below in the Fire Hazard Control Policy, Section 3. The Committee acknowledges the need for further evaluation of fire risks and mitigation measures through the EIR, and the EIR consultant should have expertise in this area. 2.4.2. Access road hazards Based on discussions with County and City road officials, and considering best management practices at other Bay Area parklands, the Committee believes the anticipated impacts of additional traffic on Sonoma Mountain Road do not warrant restrictions beyond those recommended in section 3 below. The Committee acknowledges the need for further evaluation of access road hazards and mitigation measures through the EIR, and the EIR consultant should have expertise in this area. 2.4.3. Hazardous conditions on property The Committee's preliminary research points to California Government Code Section 835, which limits the liability of public agencies for injuries on public property due to a "dangerous condition." A dangerous condition is generally considered something that is not a natural part of the landscape that the agency knew about but did not act to fix. Presently, the Committee has observed two areas on Lafferty Ranch that may need attention. First is the dam and bridge across Adobe Creek near the southwest corner. The other is the well near the wetland not far from Sonoma Mountain Road. The Committee does not take seriously claims that Lafferty's steep slopes are too hazardous to permit public access, or that the proximity of the Rodgers Creek fault poses undue risk to hikers. Considering best management practices at other Bay Area parklands, the Committee believes these risks to visitors and City liability do not warrant restrictions beyond those recommended in section 3 below. However, the Committee acknowledges the need for further clarification of City liabilities and immunities through the EIR, and the EIR consultant should have expertise in this area. 2.4.4. Hazardous conditions on neighboring property Lafferty is surrounded by cattle or dairy ranches. At times, there may be dangerous animals on those properties. Also, according to the testimony of neighbors, there may be some risk to Lafferty visitors from unsafe hunting practices on neighboring properties. Considering best management practices at other Bay Area parklands, the Committee believes these risks do not warrant restrictions beyond those recommended in section 3 below (e.g. elimination of unsupervised use of Lafferty Ranch.) 2.4.5. Emergency response to injury or crime The Committee believes that Lafferty, while remote in comparison to urban parks, is not unacceptably far from emergency response agencies. Considering other Bay Area parklands, many of which are equally remote from emergency response agencies, the Committee believes these risks do not warrant restrictions beyond those recommended in section 3 below (e.g. elimination of unsupervised use of Lafferty Ranch.) 2.5. Infrastructure Inside of the boundary fences, excluding the effects of cattle grazing, there is very little evidence of human activity. 2.5.1. Fences There are four border fences. The City and the neighbors should cooperate in repair and maintenance. There are also remnants of wire and rock fences within the property. 2.5.2. Trails Location of any trails on Lafferty Ranch is one of the major decision the Committee faces. Trail alignment, because it largely determines how people will use the park, must take into account all the natural resource, public safety, and privacy issues. 2.6. Recreational & educational opportunity 2.6.1. Bikes, horses, and dogs The Committee shares the community's desire for greater outdoor recreation opportunities for bicyclists and equestrians. However, given the environmental and agricultural neighbor constraints at Lafferty, the Committee cannot support inclusion of these activities. The Committee agreed to evaluate the potential for allowing dogs on leash, and will do so during the EIR process. The EIR consultant should have expertise in this area. 2.6.2. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) access issues The Committee acknowledges the need for evaluation of ADA issues through the EIR, and the EIR consultant should have expertise in this area. 2.6.3. Education Lafferty Ranch, because of its location, natural characteristics, and recent history, has great potential to provide a variety of learning experiences to park users. The Committee will explore and recommend ideas for exploiting this potential during the EIR process. 2.7. Administration The Committee will explore and recommend options for the eventual management logistics of Lafferty Ranch during and after the EIR process. 2.8. Budget The Committee will work to minimize cost of developing and implementing the Management Plan. Where possible, the Committee will utilize resources available at no cost, provided that the goal of timely delivery of an excellent plan is not compromised. The Committee recognizes that threats of may result in expenditures that would not otherwise be necessary to achieve that goal. 3. THE PLAN: How will we manage activities to overcome constraints and maximize opportunities? 3.1. Use policies Unsupervised pedestrian access is permitted year round, subject to the following restrictions: 3.1.1. Timing of use 3.1.1.1. Hours of operation 3.1.1.1.1. Regular Day Use Unless otherwise specified, Lafferty Park will be closed at night. Actual hours of operation will be determined in during the EIR process. 3.1.1.1.2. Special Night Use Lafferty Park will be open outside of Regular Day Use activities for special events such as celestial events (e.g. meteor showers, comets, lunar eclipses) and nighttime nature walks, subject to a schedule set by the park administration agency (this agency will be determined during the EIR/planning and approval process.) 3.1.1.2. Days of operation Lafferty Park will be open 365 days a year, except under the following conditions: 1. On days when the National Weather Service has posted a "red flag" fire danger alert. These closures will be declared by the appropriate fire official (to be determined during the EIR/planning and approval process) when atmospheric and vegetative conditions require it. Such closures will be made on a daily basis. Closure will be publicized through the press, radio, TV, and other appropriate means. 2. When the park administration agency determines that other conditions exist which would pose serious risk to the property (e.g. biological) or the users. 3.1.2. Permission to use 3.1.2.1. Regular Day and Special Night Use Individuals and informal groups may use Lafferty during Regular Day Use and Special Night Use hours without permission or notification of any kind. 3.1.3. Types of use 3.1.3.1. Compatible uses The following uses are considered desirable uses for Lafferty Ranch and will be encouraged. 3.1.3.1.1. Pedestrian Access The primary use of Lafferty Park will be pedestrian travel, including hiking and running. Individuals and informal groups are permitted. 3.1.3.1.2. Passive Recreation This includes activities that are generally quiet and leave no measurable negative impact on the flora and fauna, including photography, painting, sketching, nature observation (bird watching, water watching, sunrise watching, star gazing, etc.), picnicking, and other day use recreation endeavors that are compatible with the basic policy of maintaining the environment in its natural state 3.1.3.1.3. Education and Research This includes formal study of the natural environment, including school sponsored and volunteer docent-led field trips and passive observation research projects. Research into habitat restoration, which involves modification of the environment, is covered in the "Mitigation Measures" Section 3.3 below 3.1.3.1.4. Park maintenance and enhancement This includes the "Mitigation Measures" listed in Section 3.3 below. 3.1.3.1.5. Protection and preservation of water rights This includes activities and measures necessary to preserve the City's water rights in the Adobe Creek watershed, consistent with other environmental objectives. 3.1.3.2. Incompatible uses The following uses are considered incompatible and are prohibited activities within Lafferty Ranch: 1. The use of motor vehicles of any kind, except when authorized for emergency and maintenance purposes. 2. Hunting or fishing 3. Collection of any plants, animals, or minerals from the natural environment, except where authorized as an integral part of the land management program or authorized scientific study(see Section 4.3.1 below). 4. Commercial exploitation of natural resources, including minerals, timber, flora and fauna. 5. Littering or dumping of any kind. 6. Non-recreational or non-educational uses... 7. Organized team sports such soccer, baseball, Frisbee golf 8. Organized competitive events (e.g. foot races) 9. Amplified music 10. Any activities restricted under the Fire Hazard Control Policy, Section 3.3.1.1, including smoking and fires of any kind. 3.1.4. Numbers of users 3.1.4.1. Daily limitations 1. The number of users on Lafferty Ranch will be limited by the number of parking spaces available, unless the park administration agency determines that environmental risks warrant greater restrictions. 3.1.5. Geographic limitations on users Users are allowed anywhere on the site, subject only to the restrictions for protection of natural resources spelled out in Section 3.3 below. Users will be encouraged to stay on trails and discouraged from travel over areas sensitive to foot traffic (e.g. wetlands, stream beds, steep unstable slopes.) 3.1.6. Group Use Policies Formal group uses must be approved by the park administration agency. 3.2. Development Plan 3.2.1. Parking facilities Parking may be provided in a lot immediately inside the southwestern corner of the property. It is possible that primary parking, or alternative overflow park be made available along Sonoma Mountain Road uphill from the gate to Lafferty. The location of the parking will depend in part on the public's legal right's along Sonoma Mountain road. This will be determined through the survey described in Section 2.2 above. The Committee will finalize parking plans during the EIR process. The parking area should be enclosed by means adequate to prevent passage of any motorized vehicles. 3.2.2. Fencing Fencing shall be adequate to contain livestock and deter trespassing. The City will cooperate with neighbors to maintain, and if necessary, improve existing fences. As much as possible, fences will be constructed in a way to not interfere with the movement of wildlife and to be consistent with the rural character of the scenery. If livestock will have access to the meadow near the parking area, the lot shall be surrounded by suitable fence with a self closing gate. 3.2.3. Gates 3.2.3.1. Main entrance gate The Committee will consider the requirements for an entrance gate during the EIR process. 3.2.3.2. Gates to neighboring properties The Committee, in cooperation with neighbors, may specify designs and locations for gates during the EIR process. These shall take into consideration access for emergency vehicles and livestock. 3.2.4. Signs Signs shall be kept to a minimum, and be designed and constructed to be unobtrusive and vandal resistant. They could include: 1. A Lafferty Park sign at the parking lot, including park hours. 2. A park rules and hazard warning sign/kiosk at the parking lot trail head. 3. Small metal signs posted at regular intervals along the perimeter fence advising of park boundaries and the need to respect private property rights. 4. Warning signs posted near hazardous or ecologically sensitive areas. 5. Interpretative signs. The Committee will develop a detailed sign plan during the EIR process. 3.2.5. Trails Development of additional trails will be done on an as-needed basis and as resources (public or private funds, volunteer or government program labor) are available. The Committee will develop a detailed trail plan during the EIR process. 3.3. Mitigation, enhancement, and maintenance activities The Committee suggests the following measures and activities are appropriate for the Management Plan as currently proposed. The Committee will make final recommendations for mitigation measures as part of the EIR process. 3.3.1. Natural Resource Management Plan 3.3.1.1. Fire Hazard Control Policy The following measures shall be taken to reduce the risk of unmanaged fires: 1. Smoking, open fires, barbecues, and unauthorized motor vehicles are prohibited year round. Signs stating this policy and the consequences of violation will be posted in a visible location at the entrance. These regulations will be enforced as part of the overall park regulation enforcement plan (see 3.3.4.2 below.) 2. The City shall reserve the right to close Lafferty to the public during periods of extreme fire danger (see 3.1.1.2 above.) 3. The stability of plant communities in selected areas, particularly grasslands, shall be monitored to determine if brush or other heavy fuel material vegetation is encroaching. If the plant community is found to be unstable and the fire hazard is increasing because of biological succession, the City, in cooperation with the (California Division of Forestry (CDF), will investigate the most desirable means to correct the problem. The City recognizes that any corrective measures, biological or physical, will have to be tailored to each area, taking many variables into consideration. 4. Perennial grasses and other fire-resistant vegetation may be introduced in high hazard areas, such as the lower meadow bordering the gate/parking area, on a limited basis, consistent with the Biodiversity Management Policy outlined in 3.3.1.2 below. 5. Any parking areas will be surrounded by stable, non-combustible material wide enough to prevent accidental release of burning material from a vehicle onto the grass. 6. Disking of grasslands may be used to establish firebreaks in strategic areas, such as along the eastern and western borders and around the entrance area, consistent with the Biodiversity Management Policy. The City will seek the cooperation of neighbors in the maintenance of these firebreaks. 7. Limited grazing may be used to reduce fire hazard conditions on a selective and controlled basis, consistent with the Biodiversity Management Policy. 8. The City, through the City Fire Chief, will ensure that the Rancho Adobe Fire District (RAFD) and CDF are provided with up-to-date information on fire prevention and control for Lafferty Park, including status of firebreaks and access points. 9. The City should encourage the appropriate agencies to periodically remind neighboring property owners of their responsibility under the State public resources code to take reasonable precautions against wildfires. 10. The City should encourage the CDF and RAFD to inspect the properties around Lafferty for fire fighting access, contacting neighbors and making arrangements for installation of CDF locks and strategically placed access gates. 11. Should the City wish to take additional fire risk mitigation measures, the City shall investigate the construction of strategically placed water storage facilities to be used for fire fighting, consulting as needed with the CDF. The Committee will explore this issue during the EIR process. 3.3.1.2. Biodiversity Management Policy 3.3.1.2.1. Animals, insects. The Committee will explore and recommend measures to address these issues during the EIR process. 3.3.1.2.2. Vegetation The Committee will explore and recommend measures to address these issues during the EIR process. 3.3.1.3. Water quality and erosion control Policy The Committee will explore and recommend measures to address these issues during the EIR process. 3.3.1.4. Grazing policy Continued livestock grazing on Lafferty affects a wide variety of natural resource issues and public safety issues. The Committee will explore and recommend grazing options during the EIR process. 3.3.2. Community Participation in Recreational and Educational Opportunity Enhancement 3.3.2.1. Lafferty Ranch "Naturehood Watch" volunteer program The Committee recommends the creation of the Lafferty Ranch Naturehood Watch. This volunteer group would seek to improve the quality of visits to Lafferty Ranch and Sonoma Mountain, with the creed, "leave it better than you found it." Volunteer activists, educators, amateur and professional naturalists, and the Sonoma Mountain neighbors, would create and build the membership of the Naturehood Watch by leading guided tours of Lafferty immediately after it opens. The tours would cover subjects that would support the protection and enjoyment of Lafferty and the rights of neighbors, things like interpretive earth and bio sciences, safety and first aid, and farm land and back-country etiquette. Some of these visitors could be "certified" Naturehood Watch members, and would later provide volunteer patrols and lead educational field trips. Others visitors, who opt for a lesser commitment, would simply be better-educated users, more motivated to detect, report, or correct problems. The Committee will develop this idea during the EIR process. 3.3.2.2. Cooperation with educational and community groups The Committee will explore and recommend measures to address this topic during the EIR process. This would include efforts to encourage volunteer activities which support park management objectives. 3.3.3. Public Safety and Emergency Response 3.3.3.1. Road Safety The Committee will explore and recommend measures to the County for improving the safety of Sonoma Mountain Road, during the EIR process. 3.3.3.2. Emergency phone The Committee will explore options for placement and maintenance of a solar powered emergency phone near the entrance to the park. 3.3.4. Routine Operation and Maintenance 3.3.4.1. Opening and closing gate, maintenance, vandalism repair The Committee will explore and recommend measures to address these issues during the EIR process. 3.3.4.2. Enforcement or park regulations The Committee will explore and recommend measures to address these issues during the EIR process, including arrangements with Sonoma County Regional Parks, County Sheriff, City Parks and Recreation Department, neighbors, the Farm Watch, and citizen volunteers (e.g. the Naturehood Watch.) 3.3.4.3. Patrols, litter removal, fence maintenance The Committee will explore and recommend measures to address these issues during the EIR process. |