Project Partners Steve Degeorge City of Oxnard U.S
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Ventura County Transportation Commission Project Partners Steve DeGeorge City of Oxnard U.S. Fish and Wildlife Matthew Wineger Michael Henderson Jenny Marek Ashley Golden, Project Manager California Department of Fish and Game Rhea Voll Daniel Blankenship Earnel Bihis Sue Martin California Department of Transportation Paul Wendt David Lewis Cynthia Daniels Michael Klima Robert Hearne Cliff Waer, Senior Officer Channel Islands Bicycle Club Alta Planning + Design Neal Abramson George Hudson, Principal River Ridge Golf Course Mary Stewart, Project Manager Otto Kanny Emily Duchon, Designer State Coastal Conservancy Birge Engineering Peter Brand Gary Bradshaw, Project Manager Rio School District AMEC Rob Corley Daniel Gira, Project Manager The Nature Conservancy Ventura County Watershed Protection District Catherine McCalvin Gerard Kapuscik Ventura Coastkeeper Joseph Lampar Jason Weiner Ventura Regional Sanitation District Friends of the Santa Clara River Chi Herman Richard Sweet Table of Contents Chapter 1: Existing Conditions ..........................................................................................................................................................1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................................................1 Goals and Objectives .........................................................................................................................................................................2 Site Setting ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 4 Segment Analysis............................................................................................................................................................................... 12 Relevant Projects and Plans ....................................................................................................................................................... 25 Important Agencies/Partners .................................................................................................................................................... 28 Opportunities and Constraints ................................................................................................................................................ 29 Chapter 2: Summary of Gap Analysis, Geographic Impediments and Alternatives Analysis .................... 37 Gap Analysis ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 37 Geographic Impediments ............................................................................................................................................................40 Alignment Alternatives ..................................................................................................................................................................41 Preferred Alignment .......................................................................................................................................................................46 Chapter 3: Summary of Project Public Involvement .......................................................................................................... 55 Project Partners ................................................................................................................................................................................. 55 Stakeholder and Technical Advisory Committees ........................................................................................................ 56 Chapter 4: Entitlement Process and Policy Review........................................................................................................... 57 Potentially Required Permits .................................................................................................................................................... 57 Permit Triggers/Extra Info .......................................................................................................................................................... 60 Chapter 5: Benefit Cost Analysis .................................................................................................................................................. 65 Chapter 6: Summary of Design Guidelines, Maintenance Schedules and Best Practices .............................. 71 Design Guidelines ............................................................................................................................................................................. 71 Trail Design Features ..................................................................................................................................................................... 78 Safety and Maintenance Recommendations..................................................................................................................... 88 Project Implementation Plan ..................................................................................................................................................... 95 Funding Sources ............................................................................................................................................................................. 106 Appendix A: City of Oxnard Santa Clara River Trail Master Plan - Field Review Report Letter.................................................................................................................See separate document Appendix B: Public Involvement Meeting Notes ...................................................................See separate document Santa Clara River Trail Plan Chapter 1: Existing Conditions Introduction Background The Santa Clara River is an ecologically rich, valuable and beautiful ecosystem. It is one of the last remaining naturalized river systems in Southern California and home to several threatened and endangered species. The project site sits nestled between emerald green farmland to the west, the Santa Clara River to the north and the City of Oxnard to the south and east. The near perfect weather of the area enables the citizens of Oxnard to enjoy outdoor recreation year- round. In 1991, the Ventura County Watershed Protection District (VCWPD) and the California State Coastal The project site is located south of the Conservancy (CCC) initiated a management plan for Santa Clara River and north of the City of Oxnard. the Santa Clara River and its resources. In addition to the preservation of the river’s physical, biological, and economic resources, the management plan promoted the enhancement of recreational, education and public access opportunities. In response to the Santa Clara River Enhancement & Management Plan, the city is pursuing the opportunity for a multi-use trail system along the stream bank protection (SBP) and levee system on the southern bank of the Santa Clara River. The Santa Clara River Trail (SCRT) Master Plan project study area encompasses the southern bank of the Santa Clara River from Central Avenue in the northeast down to N. Victoria Avenue in the southwest as well as connections to W. Gonzales Road, currently a bicycle route to the Pacific Ocean. The Master Plan Process The purpose of the Santa Clara River Trail Master Plan is to evaluate a Class I multi-use path along the southern bank of the Santa Clara River. The study includes a review of existing setting and conditions, an analysis of gaps and geographic impediments, public outreach, a review of trail design standards and safety standard, an implementation program, as well as a financial element. The SCRT Master Plan includes a preferred alternative and the process followed to arrive at this recommendation. City of Oxnard | 1 Chapter 1: Existing Conditions Goals and Objectives A vision for increasing public access along the Santa Clara River has been supported by a number of agencies and non-profit groups for many years including: The California State Coastal Conservancy, Ventura County Watershed Protection District, and The Nature Conservancy. Building upon this regional vision, the following goals and objectives for the SCRT were developed with input from the City of Oxnard, the SCRT Steering Committee, and the SCRT Technical Advisory Committee. 1. Create a safe and attractive trail fully accessible to a wide variety of non- motorized activities for recreation and transportation. Coordinate with regional efforts to increase opportunities for recreation and transportation along the Santa Clara River Corridor. Build a trail that meets the Americans for Disabilities Act (ADA) Guidelines which will accommodate a diverse group of users of all ages including pedestrians, and bicyclists. Incorporate trail amenities to enhance the experience of the trail user such as: Scenic views along the Santa Clara River seating, interpretive elements, gateways, lighting, way-finding information, trail rules and regulations signage, and recycling/trash receptacles. 2. Provide connectivity to existing or planned trails, schools, parks, and other key destinations Establish strong access points to the SCRT. Establish strong access to the Pacific Ocean. Coordinate with City of Oxnard