Lake Berryessa Shoreline Trail
Management Plan
September 2012
Bureau of Reclamation Mid-Pacific Region Sacramento, California Central California Area Office, Lake Berryessa
Lake Berryessa Shoreline Trail Management Plan
TABLE136B OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... ES-1
1.0 INTRODUCTION ...... 1-1 1.1 PURPOSE OF THE TRAIL MANAGEMENT PLAN ...... 1-1 1.2 GOALS OF THE TRAIL MANAGEMENT PLAN ...... 1-2 1.3 LIMITATIONS OF THE TRAIL MANAGEMENT PLAN ...... 1-3
2.0 BACKGROUND AND SETTING ...... 2-1 2.1 RELEVANT PLANS AND POLICIES ...... 2-1 2.2 AREA DESCRIPTION AND NATURAL SETTING ...... 2-3 2.3 RECREATION RESOURCES AT LAKE BERRYESSA ...... 2-5 2.4 REGIONAL RECREATION RESOURCES ...... 2-7
3.0 THE LAKE BERRYESSA SHORELINE TRAIL SYSTEM ...... 3-1 3.1 TRAIL SYSTEM OVERVIEW ...... 3-1 3.1.1 General System Management Characteristics ...... 3-1 3.1.2 Shoreline Trail Alignment ...... 3-3 3.1.3 Regional Connections ...... 3-4 3.2 SHORELINE TRAIL USES AND TYPES ...... 3-4 3.3 CONCESSION AREAS ...... 3-4
4.0 TRAIL DESIGN FRAMEWORK ...... 4-1 4.1 DESIGN DIRECTION ...... 4-1 4.2 DESIGN AND MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES ...... 4-1 4.2.1 Reclamation Design and Management Guidelines ...... 4-1 4.2.2 Additional Trail Design and Management Guidelines ...... 4-1 4.2.3 Vehicular Roadways and Bridges ...... 4-2 4.3 SHORELINE TRAIL DESIGN ...... 4-2 4.3.1 Trail Characteristics ...... 4-2 4.3.2 Staging Areas ...... 4-3 4.3.3 Potential Water Transit Access Points ...... 4-3 4.3.4 Wetlands, Creeks, and Drainage Crossings ...... 4-4 4.3.5 Miscellaneous Trail Features ...... 4-6 4.4 ADA / UNIVERSAL ACCESS CONSIDERATIONS ...... 4-6 4.4.1 ADA Standards and Applications ...... 4-6 4.4.2 Universal Access Information...... 4-7
i Lake Berryessa Shoreline Trail Management Plan TABLE OF CONTENTS (CONTINUED)
5.0 TRAIL IDENTITY ...... 5-1 5.1 BRANDING THE SHORELINE TRAIL ...... 5-1 5.2 IDENTITY LOGO ...... 5-1 5.3 OUTREACH MATERIALS ...... 5-1 5.4 WEB-BASED INFORMATION ...... 5-1 5.5 SIGNS ...... 5-2 5.5.1 Standards ...... 5-2 5.5.2 Sign Types ...... 5-2 5.6 NATIONAL RECREATION TRAIL STATUS ...... 5-5 5.7 INTERPRETIVE SIGNS ...... 5-5
6.0 IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES ...... 6-1 6.1 TRAIL PRIORITIES ...... 6-1 6.1.1 Priority Criteria ...... 6-1 6.1.2 Priorities ...... 6-1 6.1.3 Flexibility in Priorities ...... 6-11 6.2 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW AND PERMITTING ...... 6-12 6.2.1 County of Napa ...... 6-12 6.2.2 State of California ...... 6-12 6.2.3 Federal...... 6-13 6.2.4 Trails by Others as Lead Agency ...... 6-15 6.3 COSTS ...... 6-15 6.3.1 Capital Costs ...... 6-15 6.3.2 Priority 1 Trail Environmental Review Costs ...... 6-15 6.3.3 Additional Environmental Review ...... 6-16 6.4 OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE ...... 6-16 6.4.1 Objectives ...... 6-16 6.4.2 Maintenance Activities ...... 6-17 6.4.3 Operational Considerations ...... 6-20 6.4.4 Maintenance and Operations Levels ...... 6-20 6.5 FUNDING ...... 6-25 6.5.1 Organizations and Programs ...... 6-25
ii Lake Berryessa Shoreline Trail Management Plan TABLE OF CONTENTS (CONTINUED)
7.0 REFERENCES ...... 7-1
8.0 LIST OF ACRONYMS ...... 8-1
9.0 REPORT PREPARERS AND PRINCIPAL CONTRIBUTORS ...... 9-1
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LIST137B OF TABLES
Table0B 1 Anticipated Uses by Trail Segment
Table1B 2 Firmness, Stability, and Slip Resistance for a Variety of Common Trail Surfacing Materials
Table2B 3 Priority Criteria Weighing
Table3B 4 Implementation Priorities by Trail Segment
Table4B 5 Trail Maintenance by Trail Surface Type
Table5B 6 Specific Operational Considerations by Trail Segment
Table6B 7 Anticipated Operations Levels
Table7B 8 Anticipated Annual Maintenance Levels
Table8B 9 Potential Partners by Trail Segment
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LIST138B OF FIGURES
OVERVIEW FIGURES
Figure11B 1 Trail Segments
Figure12B 2 Staging Areas and Potential Water Transit Access Points
Figure13B 3 Emphasized Trail Uses
Figure14B 4 Implementation Priorities
Figure15B 5 New Staging Areas and Implementation Priorities
SECTIONS
Figure16B S-1 Multi-Use Trail Sections
Figure17B S-2 Hiking/Accessible Trail Within Developed Recreation Areas
Figure18B S-3 Class III Bicycle Route Through Developed Recreation Areas
Figure19B S-4 Hiking Only Trail Segments
Figure20B S-5A Multiple Use Trail – Segment 25
Figure21B S-5B Multiple Use Trail Option – Segment 25
Figure22B S-5C Multiple Use Trail Option – Segment 25
Figure23B S-6 Generalized Types of Stream Crossings
Figure24B S-7 Retaining Walls
STAGING AREAS
Figure25B SA-1 Berryessa Dam/Lower Putah Creek
Figure26B SA-2 Lake Vista
Figure27B SA-3 Steel Canyon
Figure28B SA-4 Pope Creek
Figure29B SA-5 Raccoon Lagoon
Fig30B ure SA-6 Tully Canyon
CONCESSION AREAS
Figure31B C-1 Mahogany Bay
Figure32B C-2 Pleasure Cove
Figure33B C-3 Lupine Shores
Figure34B C-4 Foothill Pines
Figure35B C-5 Blue Oaks
Figure36B C-6 Manzanita Canyon
Figure37B C-7 Chaparral Cove
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ATTACHMENTS139B
Attachment9B A Summary of Policies and Guidelines Affecting the Design of the Lake Berryessa Shoreline Trail
Attachment10B B Description of the Lake Berryessa Shoreline Trail Segments
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VISION61B
Lake Berryessa Shoreline Trail
The Lake Berryessa Shoreline Trail is a non-motorized trail route for multiple uses creating a hub around the lake with trails radiating from the hub and connecting to adjacent public lands. With a community-based resource stewardship theme, the Lake Berryessa Shoreline Trail will provide varied opportunities for trail-related recreation, wildlife observation, and outdoor education. The Shoreline Trail will increase visitation at the lake, enhance economic vitality for the surrounding communities and concessions, and positively impact the overall quality of the visitor experience.
Lake Berryessa Shoreline Trail Management Plan
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Lake Berryessa Shoreline Trail Management Plan (TMP) is an integrated document that will guide the implementation of a continuous Shoreline Trail around Lake Berryessa, in northern California. The Shoreline Trail is envisioned as a continuous non-motorized trail route for multiple outdoor recreational uses. The trail would create a hub around the lake with trails emanating from the hub and eventually connecting to adjacent public lands.
Lake Berryessa was created by the construction of the Monticello Dam in the 1950s as part of the Solano Project. It is managed and operated by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation). Its primary uses include water for domestic supply and irrigation, as well as water conservation. However, recreation uses have long been a part of the lake’s purpose and vision. These recreation uses include those for activities around the lake, including trails. Trail development at Lake Berryessa has long been a goal of Reclamation, and development of a trail system around the lake has been included in the policies and goals of various planning and environmental documents.
This TMP is necessary as a strategic tool to guide the future course of trail management and development at Lake Berryessa, in accordance with Reclamation policy, directives, and standards. This TMP has been prepared with the active participation of Reclamation, as well as input from various public agencies and stakeholders, and presents options for the Shoreline Trail that promote Lake Berryessa as an outdoor recreation destination.
The TMP is expected to guide the development of the Shoreline Trail at Lake Berryessa for years to come. The development of a Shoreline Trail is not expected to occur as a complete and singular project in one phase. Rather, the trail will most likely be constructed in various segments over a period of years, even several decades, as funding and management agreements necessary for the trail are approved. Even after the Shoreline Trail is completed, continued management and maintenance will be necessary and accomplished through Reclamation partnerships with public agencies and local stakeholders. This document presents various options for partnership opportunities with stakeholders, and highlights some of the management and maintenance duties and responsibilities necessary for the Shoreline Trail’s continuous operation and success as a recreational resource for Lake Berryessa.
This document outlines the needs and desired experiences of the likely users of the Shoreline Trail, and the design, construction, and maintenance needs to ensure long-term success of the trail. The Shoreline Trail is presented both as a continuous route, then as individual segments. The discussion concerning individual trail segments includes the topography and design features of each segment, the opportunities and constraints, and the various agencies and stakeholders that need to be considered to ensure the long-term success of each segment.
Costs for individual trail segments, including those for environmental review, design, construction, and maintenance, are presented. Consideration is likewise given to the concession areas and the multi-use trail needs anticipated by the volume of recreation uses planned for these
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areas. The trail routes in this report are conceptual; they must be reviewed further before they can be constructed. This would include environmental review, but also physical review and refinement as site conditions may change during the years prior to trail construction. In addition, the schedule for trail construction is dependent on funding, both from Reclamation and possibly trail partnerships with other public agencies and non-profits. Sources for funding are uncertain, and are subject to change as well.
Design, construction, and implementation of the Shoreline Trail is presented in this report in accordance with various policies, regulations, and guidelines for recreational trail use, sign standards, and standards for recreational facilities. These include Reclamation’s Recreation Facility Design Guidelines, Americans with Disabilities Act and Access Board policies and standards, and United States Forest Service Trail Accessibility Guidelines. State and local regulations and ordinances for road signage and other features are also considered where appropriate.
The TMP also considers the policies, directives and guidelines of various federal, state, regional, and local agencies and stakeholders in planning and implementing the Shoreline Trail. These agencies include the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, California Department of Fish and Game, University of California Natural Reserve System, and the Napa County Regional Park and Open Space District, among others. Recreational development, including the design, implementation, and promotion of a regional trail network, is a design vision that is shared by many of these agencies.
The Shoreline Trail, spur and connecting trails, have been addressed throughout this document in a manner that includes these agencies primary areas of responsibility, such as wildlife management and open space conservation. Involvement by these agencies is represented in this document in a manner that includes the Shoreline Trail as a complementary and supporting use to these other land use and conservation missions. Moreover, development of the Shoreline Trail offers multiple venues for inter-agency cooperation and coordination in land use efforts, and the ultimate goals of the Shoreline Trail as an integral component to a larger, comprehensive regional trail network can be realized by consideration and implementation of the policies and guidelines presented in this plan.
ES-2
1.0
Lake Berryessa Shoreline Trail ManagementIntroduction Plan Introduction
Lake Berryessa Shoreline Trail Management Plan
1.062B INTRODUCTION
Lake Berryessa is the largest lake in Napa County, and one of the largest bodies of fresh water in the state of California. The lake is 23 miles long, 3 miles wide, and includes 165 miles of shoreline. It is the operating reservoir for the Solano Project, managed by the United States Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation), Mid-Pacific Region, under the Department of the Interior. Created by the development of Monticello Dam in the 1950s, Lake Berryessa has become a primary resource for water supply and conservation in northern California.
Reclamation manages the water supply from the lake for a wide variety of uses, including irrigation, flood control, and water supply for various agencies and municipalities throughout the region. Reclamation operates Lake Berryessa under a cooperative agreement with the Solano County Water Agency/Solano Irrigation District. The project provides flood control protection to the City of Winters and other communities downstream in the Sacramento Valley, as well as a primary water supply for the inland Bay Area cities of Vacaville, Suisun City, Vallejo, and Fairfield. At capacity, Lake Berryessa stores 1.6 million acre feet of water.
These uses are shared by a wide variety of recreation use opportunities in different management settings. These settings include developed day use and concession areas, dispersed recreation use areas, and wildlife management areas. The primary use of the lake is aquatic recreation including boating, fishing, and swimming served by various beaches, boat-launch ramps, docks, picnic and day use areas along the lakeshore. Several concession areas along the lakeshore provide overnight camping and lodging accommodations for lake visitors. On the limited trail system that does exist around the lake’s shoreline, hiking, bicycling, limited equestrian use, nature appreciation, and wildlife observation are important activities that take place.
The lake receives its heaviest use during the summer months, and is a recreation destination for the San Francisco Bay Area and the Sacramento Valley.
1.171B PURPOSE OF THE TRAIL MANAGEMENT PLAN
A shoreline trail at Lake Berryessa has long been a goal of Reclamation. The first mention of trails at Lake Berryessa occurred in the 1959 Public Use Plan, which recommended the development of recreational resources to complement the water conservation uses of the new reservoir. The Public Use Plan recommended standards for trail widths and called out the shoreline areas most suitable for trail development as part of a recreational framework for the facility.
In June 2006, the Lake Berryessa Visitor Services Plan Record of Decision (VSP/ROD) was released, prescribing basic management principles to guide and support lake-wide integration of government and commercial operations in the best interests of the visiting public. The ROD identified trails as follows:
“Reclamation will work in partnership with other Government agencies, private landowners, and private organizations to design and construct a regional trail system for non-motorized recreation. This will include a multipurpose shoreline trail on
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Reclamation-owned and managed lands at Lake Berryessa with connector trails to other public lands. New concession contracts will include provisions to develop trails within the recreation areas that also connect with the regional trail system.”
The Lake Berryessa Shoreline Trail Management Plan (TMP) is needed as a strategic tool to guide the future course of trail management and development in the Lake Berryessa Recreation Area, as prescribed in the VSP/ROD. The broad purpose of the TMP is to identify management objectives and strategies to guide the planning, development, protection, management, operations, and use of the trail system at Lake Berryessa over the next several decades.
This Reclamation plan would integrate the work of partners, coordinated effectively through planning and developing the Shoreline Trail. Increasingly, surrounding counties, local governments, local residents, and Lake Berryessa partners have been engaged in discussions and plans for the Shoreline Trail to meet new challenges and opportunities as area open space planning provides new opportunities for local and regional trail enthusiasts.
1.272B GOALS OF THE TRAIL MANAGEMENT PLAN
The Shoreline Trail will be developed for a multiuse trail along Lake Berryessa’s shoreline to benefit hikers, equestrians, mountain bicyclists, and other trail users. The following nine goals direct Reclamation’s implementation and management of the Shoreline Trail:
• Emphasize Multiple Use: Develop the Shoreline Trail to accommodates non- motorized trail use for outdoor recreation, education, and interpretation and to provide safe travel for local residents. • Build a Permanent Attraction and Legacy: Take advantage of the remarkable scenic, natural, cultural, and historical resources of Lake Berryessa. Consider the Shoreline Trail an integral component of the Lake Berryessa suite of recreation opportunities available to the general public. Increase visitation, the quality of the visitor experience, and economic vitality for Reclamation concessionaires and the surrounding community. • Steward Natural Resources: Connect visitors to the natural environment and promote community-based resource stewardship through hands-on involvement. Assure that the design, development and management of the Shoreline Trail respects the natural and cultural resources of the Lake Berryessa shoreline while interpreting them for the general public and fostering a sense of stewardship. • Provide Visitor and Local Access: Develop sufficient staging areas, access points, and trail connections to encourage access and use of the Shoreline Trail by local residents as well as regional visitors • Ensure Continuity: Strategically develop the Shoreline Trail to eventually create a continuous trail network around the lake. Allow for connectivity among regional trails.
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• Foster Safety, Health, and Wellness: Offer a range of trail-related opportunities for people of all ages, interests, and abilities while promoting healthy lifestyles. Develop public education and use programs that instruct the trail user about trail safety and resource protection. Offer in partnership with other agencies, non-profit organizations, and user groups a wide variety of trail programs that encourage use of the outdoors. • Ensure Cost Effectiveness: Implement the Shoreline Trail and its management in a cost effective manner that emphasizes maximum use for the investment made. • Emphasize Partnerships: Work with other agencies, non-profit organizations, and user groups to secure lands, develop designs, conduct environmental reviews, and construct, maintain, and operate the Shoreline Trail. • Provide Management Clarity: Identify how Reclamation can strategically implement the Shoreline Trail, the management and regulatory requirements for implementation, and the role of other agencies in sharing management and maintenance responsibilities.
1.373B LIMITATIONS OF THE TRAIL MANAGEMENT PLAN
The Trail Management Plan is intended for use as a conceptual and guiding document. The conditions utilized in setting priorities for trail development discussed in this plan could change over time. Specific trail segments have been identified based on existing physical conditions, site reconnaissance, and proximity to existing and planned connecting trails, staging areas, and other recreational facilities. It is understood that these factors are potentially subject to change due to alterations in physical conditions, development of proposed connecting trails and other recreational facilities, and changes in land use and land ownership. In addition, prior to construction, the trail segments must undergo environmental review; this review could identify potential cultural, biological, or other impacts to resources that may be unknown at this time, and potentially alter the proposed trail alignment.
Other factors that could impact the priorities for trail construction include funding and development of proposed facilities. The priorities for the timing of trail segments in this plan are, in part, derived from the understanding of development timetables for concession areas, and other recreational facilities; including those identified by Napa County Regional Park and Open Space and other agencies not directed by Reclamation. These entities, both public and private, may have funding constraints that could preclude development on the timetables that are presently understood. In addition, Reclamation may encounter funding challenges that could impact or delay planned trail development not known at this time. These potential limitations are discussed further in this plan, and should be considered when understanding its priorities and recommendations.
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2.0
Lake Berryessa Shoreline Trail
Management Plan
Background and
Setting
Lake Berryessa Shoreline Trail Management Plan
2.063B BACKGROUND AND SETTING
2.174B RELEVANT PLANS AND POLICIES
This section provides a summary of pertinent management plans and other planning documents for Reclamation-managed resources at Lake Berryessa. These documents contain policies and guidelines to be referenced in the design and management of the Shoreline Trail. Key guidance is highlighted below, and a more detailed list of applicable policies and planning considerations from these documents is included in Attachment A. In addition to the documents described in this section, there are a number of other agreements and guidelines that are applicable to the Shoreline Trail design and management, including federal, state, and local plans and policies, which are referenced throughout this report. These are summarized in Attachment A.
Lake Berryessa Visitor Services Plan The Lake Berryessa Visitor Services Plan (VSP) was prepared to identify and assess the various alternatives for the re-development and management of visitor services (commercial and non- commercial) at Lake Berryessa. The focus of the VSP was the planning and development of facilities to better serve the short-term user, including the redevelopment of the concession areas. The VSP amended the 1993 Resource Area Management Plan (RAMP), which had been the guiding resource management document for Lake Berryessa. The Record of Decision (ROD) approving the VSP addresses only certain concessions and recreation management activities at Lake Berryessa; all other items, features, activities, and operations approved in the RAMP remain unchanged. The RAMP and the 2006 VSP, along with Reclamation Directives and Standards and other federal policies and guidelines, provide the comprehensive recreation and resource management guidance for Reclamation at Lake Berryessa.
The VSP ROD provides the following guidance on trails and signage:
Trails: Reclamation will work in partnership with other Government agencies, private landowners, and private organizations to design and construct a regional trail system for non-motorized recreation. This will include a multipurpose shoreline trail on Reclamation-owned and managed lands at Lake Berryessa with connector trails to other public lands. New concession contracts will include provisions to develop trails within the recreation areas that also connect with the regional trail system. Trail development is expected to be ongoing. Reclamation will continue to work with partner groups and agencies to manage the existing trails on Reclamation-owned land at Lake Berryessa and improve their condition through repairs and reconstruction. Use of federal appropriations for this purpose will be minimal. Existing trails will be inventoried and upgraded for accessibility.
New trail construction along the shore would employ the same conservative design and construction criteria described for the resorts.
Rehabilitation and new construction would be accomplished within parameters of “Sustainable Design” and in compliance with commonly accepted environmentally sensitive practices, e.g., energy efficiency, water conserving fixtures, and recycling. In construction standards would follow “Reclamation’s Recreation Facility Design Handbook” and meet Americans with 2-1 Lake Berryessa Shoreline Trail Management Plan
Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) requirements. Construction or placement of new or additional permanent facilities would be limited within the reservoir floodplain (440 feet to 455 feet mean sea level).
Signage: All Government-operated recreation areas and all concession areas will be clearly identified as a Reclamation facility on all appropriate signage. All signage will be consistent with Reclamation Visual Identity Program requirements.
As in other locations, the architectural design of all facilities would be thematic for both the specific location and general physical and cultural heritage of the Lake Berryessa area.
Lake Berryessa Reservoir Area Management Plan The Resource Area Management Plan (RAMP) was prepared as a comprehensive land use document to guide the conservation and development of natural and recreational resources at Lake Berryessa. The RAMP included discussion and recommendations for various water and land-based recreational uses, including the development of trails.
While the RAMP calls for a multi-use trail system, it does not necessarily specify that all of the Shoreline Trail be designed to the same standard or that all users will be accommodated on the trail. As noted above, the VSP ROD superceded certain decisions in the RAMP ROD related to trails and recreational facilities. The ROD that approved the environmental review of the Plan in 1993 provided the following guidance relevant to the development of the trails:
Trail Development: Develop a predominantly unsurfaced multi-purpose riding and hiking trail system (30 to 50 miles) in dispersed recreation (Class III) and semi-primitive areas (Class IV). Trails could accommodate a variety of uses, but would not be available to motorized vehicles. Any development of trails on the eastside would have to conform with a management plan for that area.
Prohibit Construction and Placement of Facilities in the Reservoir Floodplain: Prohibit the construction or placement of new or additional permanent structures and facilities, including those for long-term uses to be located within the reservoir Floodplain (440 feet to 455 feet mean sea level), except items which have been authorized in master plans for water or related activities.
Limitations on Shoreline Modifications Below 440 Feet Mean Sea Level: Modifications of the shoreline (dredging, filling, earth shaping, revetment work) below 440 feet mean sea level will only be allowed as required for maintenance of existing facilities, to improve aesthetics, day use public access, or to alleviate health and safety problems.
North End and Oak Shores Trails Environmental Assessments The North End and Oak Shores Trails are high priority trail segments for development, due to their location near highly utilized day-use areas and outstanding scenic quality. Both these segments have been subject to Environmental Assessments (EAs) per the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). A Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for each trail segment was approved by Reclamation in March 2011. The EAs/FONSIs for each segment proscribed measures to avoid and minimize environmental impacts to native species, 2-2 Lake Berryessa Shoreline Trail Management Plan such as the Elderberry longhorn beetle, as well as measures to minimize impacts to water quality and erosion. These mitigation measures have been considered as part of this TMP and are presented in the discussions of these trail segments later in this report. In addition, a complete list of recommended measures for each segment is included in Attachment A.
Lake Berryessa Wildlife Management Area (WMA) Management Plan The Lake Berryessa Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is jointly managed by Reclamation and the California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) under a 1995 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The WMA Management Plan approved in 1998 includes objectives and policies that promote trail access in a manner that minimizes potential impact to sensitive species and biotic communities. In addition, interpretive programs and other tools are included to educate the public to the sensitive nature of the site.
Because of the sensitivity of some wildlife species to disturbance during the breeding season and the high potential for off-trail use, the WMA Management Plan recommended that bicycles be excluded from the WMA. It also recommended that the area be closed to general public use from sundown to sunrise and to overnight camping to provide for wildlife needs as well as reduce the potential for human accidents and emergency situations.
University of California Natural Reserve System The University of California (UC) Natural Reserve System protects natural lands for conservation and habitat preservation throughout California. The UC Natural Reserve System typically operates under management agreements or MOUs with federal and state agencies, as well as private landholders. The UC, from its Davis campus, operates two reserves at Lake Berryessa: the Quail Ridge Reserve and the Stebbins Cold Canyon Reserve. The MOU for Quail Ridge includes operational and management activities for the host of public agency and private stakeholder groups, including Reclamation, DFG, Napa County Land Trust, Quail Ridge Wilderness Conservancy, BLM, and University of California. The reserve is open for non- motorized, seasonal recreation, including trail hiking. In addition, UC Davis manages the Stebbins Cold Canyon Reserve, accessible by the Stebbins/Cold Canyon Trailhead just below Monticello Dam, under a similar MOU.
2.275B AREA DESCRIPTION AND NATURAL SETTING
Lake Berryessa is located in eastern Napa County, approximately 20 miles northeast of the City of Napa, 40 miles west of Sacramento, and 55 miles northeast of San Francisco. Lake Berryessa is surrounded by low to moderately-steeped slopes on its western and northeastern shore. Southeastern shores, including those close to Monticello Dam, tend to be steeper. Lake Berryessa lies within the Putah Creek watershed. The elevation of the basin ranges from 182 feet above mean sea level (msl) at the base of Monticello Dam to 4,722 feet above msl at the upper end of Putah Creek, with a majority of the basin lying below 1,500 feet in elevation (Reclamation 2005).
Slopes are generally gentle to relatively steep around Lake Berryessa with elevations reaching 2,200 feet along Trout Creek Ridge to the west and 2,500 feet along East Rock Ridge to the east. The drainage basin for the reservoir covers 568 square miles and includes these adjacent as well
2-3 Lake Berryessa Shoreline Trail Management Plan as nearby slopes extending into Lake County. The reservoir is fed primarily by Putah and Pope Creeks and their tributaries. Additional runoff from seasonal creeks and drainages from the adjacent slopes also feeds into the reservoir. Due to the seasonal precipitation occurring primarily during the winter months, these drainages usually diminish by late spring and are dry by summer.
The climate at Lake Berryessa is characterized as Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. The average air temperature ranges from a high of 56°F in January to an average of 93°F in July. The average precipitation is 24.5 inches, most of which falls between November and April, and almost exclusively as rain, with occasional light snowfall on surrounding ridgelines (Reclamation 2008).
Vegetation Six major habitat types that occur in the Lake Berryessa area include Blue Oak Woodland, Valley Oak Woodland, California Mixed Chaparral, Chamise Chaparral, Cismontane Introduced Grassland, and Mixed Northern Riparian Woodland. North-facing slopes are generally about 90 percent covered with black oak, scrub oak and chaparral. South-facing slopes are approximately 60 percent covered with more temperature resistant shrubs such as ceanothus, toyon, chamise, coyote brush, manzanita and poison oak. Forbs and grasses (fescue, wild oats, soft chess, mountain brome, and foxtails) compose much of the understory.
West-facing slopes tend to have denser tree cover as well as denser understory of shrubs due to exposure to greater precipitation levels during the winter months. Narrow stretches of riparian woodlands occur along the lower banks of major stream and several minor tributaries close to the reservoir. There are 65 identified special-status plant species known to occur in vicinity of Lake Berryessa (Reclamation 2008).
Wildlife Wildlife in the area includes a diverse mixture of birds and animals. More than 80 species of birds are found in the area, including several raptors (bald eagles, great horned owl, and Cooper’s hawk) and other notable species, including turkey vultures, Canada goose, mallard, California quail, and wild turkey. Animals found in the adjacent ridges include black-tail deer, mountain lion, black bear, bobcat, coyote, gray fox, raccoon, California ground squirrel, and several other small mammals.
Fish species within the reservoir include both largemouth and smallmouth bass, salmon, several species of trout, catfish, and smaller species, such as red-eared sunfish, that serve as primary food source for several larger species. Many of these species were introduced by DFG during various periods after formation of the reservoir, and are managed to regulate population and ensure continued survival and species propagation. A total of 42 special-status wildlife species have been identified with potential to occur in the vicinity of Lake Berryessa.
Geology and Soils Lake Berryessa is located in the northeastern portion of Napa County, among the hilly to steep mountains of the California Coast Range. The eastern shores and both ends of the lake are
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underlain predominantly by Cretaceous Knoxville sandstone and shale, over which the Bressa, Dibble, Los Gatos, Maymen, Sobrante, and Tehama soils series formed. The western side of the lake is bounded by Jurassic Franciscan sedimentary and associated intrusive rocks, such as serpentine and dolerite. The Montara, Hambright, and Henneke soils developed over these materials.
There are 11 soil types and complexes identified by the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (formerly, the Soil Conservation Service) along the shores of Lake Berryessa. These include Bressa-Dibble soils, Contra Costa loam, Hambright-Rock Outcrop complex, Los Gatos loam, and Tehama silt loam found on old alluvial fans, terraces and on upland plateaus, Bressa- Dibble soils, Los Gatos loam, Montara clay loam, and Sobrante loam found on upland foot slopes, side slopes, and ridge tops; and Bressa-Dibble soils, the Hambright-Rock Outcrop complex, Henneke gravely loam, Los Gatos loam, Millsholm loam, and Montara clay loam, situated on upland plateaus, ridge tops, side slopes, and foot slopes. In general, the soils surrounding Lake Berryessa are moderate-to-highly susceptible to erosion due to their specific properties and the topography of the surrounding terrain (Reclamation 2005).
Hydrology The water supply for Lake Berryessa is provided by the 568-square-mile drainage basin above Monticello Dam. There are four principal tributaries that contribute flow, sediment, and other materials into Lake Berryessa: Capell Creek, Pope Creek, Eticuera Creek, and Putah Creek. Putah Creek is the primary tributary to Lake Berryessa. Additional smaller tributaries include Butts Creek, Smittle Creek, Adams Creek, Maxwell Creek and numerous other small, unnamed intermittent and ephemeral tributaries.
The primary function of Monticello Dam is flood control; however, the reservoir stores water for irrigation, domestic use, and hydropower generation. Lake levels can fluctuate significantly depending on hydrological and meteorological conditions, water demands, flood control, and hydropower needs. Lake levels may fluctuate from a maximum elevation of 440 feet to a minimum of 253 feet. In total, Lake Berryessa has a storage capacity of 1.6 million acre feet of water.
Water Quality The lake vicinity is subject to the Water Quality Control Plan for the Sacramento River and San Joaquin River Basins (Basin Plan), as amended September 2004 by the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board (CVRWQCB). The Basin Plan for the Central Valley Region covers the total area that drains into the Sacramento River and San Joaquin River basins. The Basin Plan identifies both numeric and narrative water quality objectives that apply to all surface waters in the Sacramento River and San Joaquin River basins.
2.376B RECREATION RESOURCES AT LAKE BERRYESSA
Like many Northern California areas, the Berryessa region is rich in scenic resources. However, Lake Berryessa is unique in that it is fairly close to several major urban areas, and provides residents of those areas with convenient outdoor recreational opportunities in a wildland setting. The east shore of the lake provides a particularly scenic and pastoral backdrop. The southern
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section is composed of steep, high hills that descend directly into the lake. The northern section begins with flat grasslands extending eastward from the lake toward the distant hills. The reservoir’s west shore, too, has steep hills that drop directly to the water, but more significantly, it has several open sloping areas where most of the recreational facilities have been developed. Scenic coves and inlets are numerous along the west shore, creating areas of solitude and natural quiet that are highly valued by many lake visitors.
Water-Based Activities Aquatic-based recreation is the primary activity at Lake Berryessa. Lake Berryessa is open year- round and includes a wide variety of motorized and non-motorized lake activities. Most boating activity occurs between April 1 and October 15, and the most common watercraft are runabout and ski boats (Reclamation 2005). Popular lake activities include fishing, waterskiing, jet skiing, pleasure boating, kayaking and canoeing, and swimming. The most popular areas for water recreation are in and around the concession and day use areas. The narrow portion of the reservoir, nearest to the Monticello Dam, is referred to as the "Narrows," and is sometimes busy with boaters on holidays and weekends.
In addition to existing water-based recreational activities, the VSP included recommendations for additional water based activities would include improving access to the shoreline in and around the concession areas, as well as existing and expanded day use areas. The improved lake access would include marinas, additional boat slips, and hiking and bicycling access through existing and expanded trail connections.
Land-Based Activities Lake Berryessa provides many opportunities to experience a variety of wildlife and plant exploration activities. The Monticello Dam area at the southeast corner of the lake is one of the best local birding areas. The best time to visit for the best birding opportunities is in the early spring and late fall during migration and nesting seasons. The grassy hills dotted with oak and manzanita provide excellent opportunities to view eagles, hawks, songbirds, wild turkeys, and deer. Shoreline viewing opportunities may include Canada geese, pelicans, great blue herons, western grebes, wood ducks, snow geese, and common loons.
Land-based activities include hiking, road bicycling, motorcycle biking, bird watching, wildlife observation, picnicking, and general sight-seeing. Additional land-based recreational activities as recommended in the VSP would include development of a trail system around the lake, including new and expanded staging areas, as well as water-taxi stops. Picnic and day use areas would also be improved with new and expanded facilities.
Concessions Pleasure Cove Marina operates from the south end of the lake, and provides houseboat rentals and related marina services, rental cabins, and campground and RV sites. The six other concession areas (Mahogany Bay, Lupine Shores, Foothill Pines, Blue Oaks, Manzanita Canyon, and Chaparral Cove) are undergoing redevelopment and will feature overnight camping and lodging options (tent camping, RV sites, cabins, and other overnight accommodations), retail
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(groceries, camping and hiking supplies, etc.), food and beverage outlets, and conferencing and meeting centers.
Day Use and Boat Launch Areas Reclamation currently operates several day use areas at Lake Berryessa; these include Oak Shores, Smittle Creek, Olive Orchard, Pope Creek, , and Eticuera , . These day use areas include parking, picnic areas, restrooms, and lake access for non-motorized watercraft. In addition, Reclamation operates the Capell Cove boat launch facility for motorized and non-motorized watercraft, as well as additional amenities including parking, restrooms, and picnic areas.
Existing Trails Existing trails at Lake Berryessa include Smittle Creek and North End. A third informal trail system at Markley Cove connects roadside parking areas with the shoreline. These trails occur within Reclamation lands along the lakeshore and are subject to Reclamation rules and policies regarding trail use.
Additional area trails include Pope Canyon Trail, Cedar Roughs Access, Monticello Overlook, and Stebbins Cold Canyon. Some of these trails access areas that are within conservation or other easements or management agreements for the protection of wildlife and native biotic species, such as those co-managed with Reclamation by the DFG and the UC Natural Reserve System. Trail access is therefore subject to the terms and limitations set forth in these agreements.
2.477B REGIONAL RECREATION RESOURCES
In addition to the recreational uses operated and/or managed by Reclamation or its partners at Lake Berryessa, there are a wide variety of existing and planned recreational and open spaces resources to be found in the vicinity of Lake Berryessa. Many of these are on public lands, and are managed and operated by a host of county, state and federal agencies, including the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM), DFG, and Napa County.
Cedar Roughs Wilderness Area The Cedar Roughs Wilderness Area was created by the Northern Coastal Wild Heritage Act of 2006. The wilderness comprises 6,350 acres for non-motorized recreational activities, including hiking, hunting, fishing, camping, and wildlife viewing. It is located approximately 2.2 miles west of the Pope Creek Bridge, and is accessible either on foot or by watercraft navigating the upper reaches of the Pope Creek arm of Lake Berryessa. The wilderness is managed jointly by the BLM and the DFG. Trails in the wilderness provide access to adjacent BLM lands.
Napa County Parks and Open Space The Napa County Regional Park and Open Space District operates several parks and open space areas in the vicinity of Lake Berryessa. In addition, the District has plans for development of additional parkland areas near the lake. The General Plan for Napa County identified hiking trails linking the communities of Lake Berryessa to the lake and to other visitor services to be considered integral area amenities and be located appropriately to avoid impacts to residential areas. One of the actions in the detailed policies is to complete the Lake Berryessa Trail (Policy 2-7 Lake Berryessa Shoreline Trail Management Plan
ROS-15). This policy also supports the improvement and operation of Lake Berryessa as a year- round recreation area.
The Napa County Regional Park and Open Space Master Plan 2008-2013 supplements the Conservation and Open Space and Recreation elements of the Napa County General Plan. The Master Plan 2008-2013 identified priority recreational and open space projects around and in the vicinity of Lake Berryessa. This is partly due to a 2001 survey of recreation interests at Lake Berryessa indicated 90% of respondents were interested in hiking and 65% in biking. The District is particularly interested in Seventeen Creeks trail segment (will provide overland access to the Berryessa Vista Wilderness Park) and the connection between Camp Berryessa and the main shoreline of the lake along the eastern arm of Putah Creek. Improvements are planned for the Berryessa Vista Wilderness Park. The District also seeks to develop a trail from Camp Berryessa to the Knoxville Recreation Area to the north.
Berryessa Vista Wilderness Park Located across the lake from Capell Cove, the Berryessa Vista Wildenress park includes 224 acres and is administered by the Napa County Parks and Open Space District. The only access to the park is by boat from the lake or from primitive, unimproved trails leading from the edge of the lake up into and through the park. The terrain is generally steep, and vegetation includes a mixture of oak woodland, gray pine, and dense chaparral. Views of Lake Berryessa and the surrounding ridges are provided from upper elevations in the park.
Camp Berryessa Under a Memorandum of Understanding with Reclamation, the Napa County Regional Park and Open Space District is planning to construct and operate recreation facilities and associated infrastructure at Lake Berryessa. Camp Berryessa is on a peninsula that extends into the Putah Creek arm of Lake Berryessa. The proposed facilities will serve a broad range of constituents, with a mix of outdoor education and recreation opportunities and a primary focus on students, youth organizations, and nonprofit organizations.
Quail Ridge Reserve The Quail Ridge Reserve is part of the University of California Reserve system. It is located on a peninsula projecting into the southern reaches of Lake Berryessa, and includes native grasses, including purple needlegrass, junegrass, California oniongrass, and California fescue, as well as a diverse mix of oak species, such as valley, interior live, blue, black, and scrub oak along with numerous hybrids, including oracle oak. The reserve is available for day use access, including hiking, and wildlife viewing. The reserve is managed by the University of California, under a Memorandum of Understanding with Reclamation, BLM, and the DFG.
Stebbins Cold Canyon Reserve The 638-acre Stebbins Cold Canyon Reserve is located in a steep canyon off Lake Berryessa. It is a haven for native plant habitats, including valley and foothill grasslands, blue oak woodland, chamise chaparral, lower montane chaparral, mixed riparian woodland, and intermittent foothill streams. Wildlife species include mountain lion, bobcat, deer, ringtail, and turkey. The Reserve
2-8 Lake Berryessa Shoreline Trail Management Plan is managed by the University of California under agreement with Reclamation, BLM, and DFG, and is open year-round for hiking and wildlife viewing.
Blue Ridge/Berryessa Natural Area Conservation Partnership The Blue Ridge/Berryessa Natural Area Conservation Partnership is coalition of public resource and land management agencies, nonprofit conservation and preservation organizations and private sector interests working to conserve 50,000 acres of land around and in the vicinity of Lake Berryessa, includes lands managed by Reclamation.
Blue Ridge and Other BLM Lands Large tracts adjacent to Reclamation lands on both the western and eastern sides of Lake Berryessa are within the jurisdiction of the BLM. These public lands are used primarily by hunters and hikers. The BLM operates the Blue Ridge Trail, Blue Ridge defines the eastern boundary of Napa County. The northern section extends from Cache Creek in Yolo County to Putah Creek at Monticello Dam and the outfall of Lake Berryessa. Most of the upper elevations of Blue Ridge are owned by the BLM, although the DFG is also a major public agency landowner. Additional properties are owned by non-profit land conservation organizations. However, much of this area is inaccessible to the public due to gaps between the public lands and the lack of trails. The Land Trust of Napa County has an option to obtain the approximately 800- acre Todd property. If acquired, this would enhance access via the Old Toll Road, which historically provided access to and over Blue Ridge, connecting the Knoxville Berryessa Road a few miles north of Lake Berryessa with Yolo County.
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Lake Berryessa Shoreline Trail Management Plan The Lake Berryessa Shoreline Trail System
Lake Berryessa Shoreline Trail Management Plan
3.064B THE LAKE BERRYESSA SHORELINE TRAIL SYSTEM
3.178B TRAIL SYSTEM OVERVIEW
Figure 1 presents the Shoreline Trail divided into the 28 segments that form a ring around Lake Berryessa. These segments present differing physical opportunities and constraints, and use and management conditions. A detailed description of each route segment is found in Attachment A. Detailed delineations of each route segment are presented in Figures AP-1 through AP-23. The Shoreline Trail alignment as it passes through the seven Reclamation concession areas are presented in Figures C-1 through C-7.
The majority of the Shoreline Trail is within Napa County. However portions of Segment 1 are located within Solano County and portions of Segment 28 are located within Yolo County.
3.1.196B General System Management Characteristics
The following are general characteristics that affect the design and management of the Shoreline Trail.
• Shoreline Trail Characteristics: A trail circumventing the entire lake will ultimately be developed. The trail will be routed parallel and near the shoreline of Lake Berryessa taking into account natural and cultural resource, adjacent land use, and safety constraints. The Shoreline Trail will provide for multiple uses as conditions and demand warrant. The entire Shoreline Trail will be available to hikers. Implementation of the trail is a long-term proposal. • Public Land: All portions of the Shoreline Trail will occur on public lands or on public easements within private lands. Although it is not anticipated at this time, any additional land acquisition or easement necessary for the trail would be negotiated on mutually acceptable terms. • Staging and Access: Along with existing Reclamation day use areas and concession facilities, a series of new staging areas and water transit connecting points would facilitate day use of the entire of the trail system. Figure 2 identifies these locations. Section 4.3.2 provides a more detailed description of the staging areas. • Day Use: Outside of Reclamation concession areas that provide camping and 24-hour management, the Shoreline Trail will be developed and managed for day use only (sunrise to sunset). No camping is permitted unless authorized by special permit by Reclamation.
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• Special Use Permits for Overnight Use: Over time, there may be public use areas away from Lake Berryessa that provide overnight recreation use opportunities that are accessed from the Shoreline Trail and its staging areas. An example would be overnight use of Napa County’s Berryessa Wilderness Park along the Seventeen Creeks Trail Segment (Segment 8). In this particular case, that access would be from either the existing Olive Orchard Day Use Area, the Lupine Shores concession area, or a new staging area along Steel Canyon Road (see Table 3 below). Outside the concession area, such use would require special use permits or other considerations to facilitate overnight parking of cars and /or horse trailers wishing to use staging areas managed by Reclamation. It may be advantageous to accommodate such use only from the Lupine Shores Concession area. • Potable Water: Potable water would be not provided along the trail unless located within an existing Reclamation day use area or concession area. Potable water would not be provided at new staging areas. A solar pump and water for horses, if feasible, would be developed at the existing Eticuera Staging Area and the proposed Steel Canyon Staging Area (see Section 4.3.2). • Dogs: Dogs are allowed along the trail but must remain on leash at all times. The following exceptions apply: − Segment 1 that includes portions of the U.C. Davis Stebbins-Canyon Cold Canyon Nature Reserve, where no dogs are permitted. − Segment 4 due to the adjacent Quail Ridge Nature Reserve. − Segments 25, 26, 27, and 28 that are within the Lake Berryessa Wildlife Management Area where dogs are not allowed between February 15 and July 15. • Trail Use: Bicycles are to yield to pedestrians and equestrians; pedestrians are to yield to equestrians. All users are to stay on designated trails.
The following general management rules are applicable to the Shoreline Trail (43 CFR 423 and Napa County Ordinance 12.08.030)
• Camping: No camping is permitted along the trail outside of Reclamation concession areas unless authorized by special permit by Reclamation. • Open fires: Open fires along the trail are prohibited. • Hunting: Hunting from the trail is prohibited unless certain areas are designated from time to time to be hunting areas by Reclamation and the DFG. • Trespassing: All Reclamation facilities, lands, and waterbodies are open to lawful use by the public unless they are closed to public use. • Enforcement Protocol: Enforcement of management rules is with the Napa County sheriff and any of his deputies, and, at the discretion of the sheriff, any uniformed employee of Reclamation assigned Lake Berryessa.
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3.1.297B Shoreline Trail Alignment
As presented in Figure 1, the Shoreline Trail system includes approximately 120-miles of a potential trail route around and along the shores of Lake Berryessa. With a few exceptions, the trail route generally follows the shoreline. This route includes the planned Oak Shores Trail (Segment 13A) and North End Trail (Segment 23), that have already undergone environmental review.A management premise is that all of the Shoreline Trail would be on lands controlled by Reclamation or other public agencies. While a major goal of the Shoreline Trail is to circumnavigate Lake Berryessa, this cannot be accomplished by use of Reclamation lands alone. The following ownership conditions impact this goal.
• Pope Creek Bridge: The Pope Creek- South Bank (Segment 18) and Pope Creek - North Bank (Segment 19) trails cannot be connected at their western end on Reclamation lands because of extreme topographic limitations on the south side of the lake arm. Additionally, upstream ownership involves the Cedar Rough Wildlife area owned by the DFG and possibly the Cedar Roughs Wilderness owned and managed by BLM. Trail connectivity around the lake will depend on the use of the Pope Creek bridge along the Berryessa-Knoxville Road that is owned and managed by the Napa County Public Works (see Section 6.2.1 below). • Putah Creek Bridge: While the Putah Creek-South Bank (Segment 21) and Putah Creek - North Bank (Segment 22) trails might be connected upstream they would not be within Reclamation’s ownership. As with Pope Creek, connectivity around the lake will depend on the use of the Putah Creek bridge along the Berryessa-Knoxville Road that is owned and managed by Napa County Public Works (see Section 6.2.1 below). • Monticello Dam: The trail alignment cannot cross Monticello Dam for homeland security purposes. Therefore the only trail route option is to travel around the dam, crossing Putah Creek downstream from the dam involving a new pedestrian bridge or using the SR 128 bridge crossing. The alignment to go around the dam shown on Figure 1 is outside Reclamations jurisdiction. The following conditions exist: − Segment 1: The Putah Creek / South Dam: The trail alignment is on a network of public lands including lands within the Putah Creek Wildlife Area owned and managed by the DFG, the Stebbins-Cold Canyon Reserve owned and managed by the University of California; and public lands owned and managed by the BLM. Completion of Segment 1 will only occur with the leadership and cooperation of these agencies. In addition, the segment crosses State Route 128 and would require a California Department of Transportation encroachment permit. − Segment 28: Portuguese / Monticello Dam – Traveling east, the trail alignment leaves Reclamation lands when it moves uphill and away from the lake. The alignment shown includes lands owned by BLM, including an easement through private property also owned by BLM. Public land ownership downstream from Monticello Dam is uncertain at this time and potentially private lands may be involved in order to cross Putah Creek. In any event, completion of Segment 28 will only occur through a partnership with BLM. 3-3 Lake Berryessa Shoreline Trail Management Plan
− Alignment Options – Segment 25: An alignment option is shown for the East Shore -North trail segment (Segment 25) for a majority of the segment traveling south from the Eticuera Day Use Area where the trail parallels the east side access road. The recommended alignment would travel west of the Lake Berryessa Wildlife Management Area fence line using one of two variations (see Figures S-5A and S-5B). The option would be to place the trail east of the fence line adjacent to the gravel entrance road.
3.1.398B Regional Connections
Also shown on Figure 1 are potential regional trail connections linking to existing and potential future parks, natural lands, and recreational areas. The majority of these are identified in the Recreation and Open Space Element of the Napa County General Plan. The exception is a proposed trail linkage connecting the Smittle Creek Day Use Area (Segment 13B) to the Cedar Roughs Wilderness (personal communication: Richard Burns, Bureau of Land Management). Potential regional trail corridors shown on Figure 1 are intended to illustrate desirable connections but not specific routes.
3.279B SHORELINE TRAIL USES AND TYPES
Effective trail design will address trail user needs. Around the lake these uses will vary significantly based on the number of users, the terrain conditions, staging area opportunities, management restrictions, opportunities for side excursions, and overall uninterrupted length of the trail before conditions change. Table 1 presents a summary, by segment, of the probable primary and secondary users for the Shoreline Trail. Figure 3 illustrates, by segment, a trail classification system targeting different users of the Shoreline Trail.
3.399B CONCESSION AREAS
Concession areas will be developing outdoor recreation access routes that will lend themselves to accessible pedestrian trails. Like all new trails, even if not all criteria can be met for trail accessibility, trail routes will still need to adhere to the accessibility guidelines to the maximum extent feasible. Figures C-1 through C-7 illustrates how the Shoreline Trail will be accommodated within the concession areas.
Because of the intensity of development and use within the concession areas, bicycle use will sometimes be separated from pedestrian use. In most cases bicycle use will be accommodated by the road systems as a Class 3 bikeway and a “share the road” concept employed. Class 3 bikeways are those roads that are posted with signs to identify the route. Because of the physical slope and existing facility constraints at Mahogany Bay and Pleasure Cove, the existing road system will also be used, as is now the case, by bicycles and pedestrians.
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T127B ABLE 1: ANTICIPATED USES BY TRAIL SEGMENT
Probable Type of Use
Use, Design, and
Segment No. / Segment Name Hiking Mountain Biking Road Biking Equestrian Developed Access All Area Use Management Comments
1 • No dogs permitted within Reserve X Putah Creek/South Dam (Source: UC Davis) • Hiking between proposed staging area 2 X and Mahogany Bay concession Markley Cove East • Predominant use is for fishing access • Few visitors currently visiting this 3 concession area bring bicycles Mahogany Bay X X • Complete accessibility may not (Concession Area) possible within existing topography • No dogs permitted within the adjacent Reserve (source: UC Davis) 4 X X • High level of access controls required Quail Ridge Peninsula • May require special use permit for effective management • Potential use levels and conflicts 5 discourage mountain biking unless X X X X Pleasure Cove Concession Area passing through to adjacent trail segments 6 • Potential connecting trails to Berryessa X X Wragg Point Highlands • Potential use levels and conflicts 7 discourage mountain biking unless X X Lupine Shores Concession Area passing through to adjacent trail segments 8 • Equestrians likely only accessing trail X X X Seventeen Creeks from Steel Canyon area 9 • Trail route needs to avoid conflict with X X Capell Cove boat launch operations 10 • Steep terrain unsuitable for lake access X X Spanish Flat South from trail • Potential use levels and conflicts 11 discourage mountain biking unless X X X X Foothill Pines Concession Area passing through to adjacent trail segments • Steep terrain unsuitable for lake access 12 X X from trail Spanish Flat North • Connects to visitor center • Not a challenge for mountain bikes 13A X X X X • Potential use levels and conflicts Oak Shores Day Use Area discourage mountain biking
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TABLE 1: ANTICIPATED USES BY TRAIL SEGMENT (CONTINUED)
Probable Type of Use
Use, Design, and
Segment No. / Segment Name Hiking Mountain Biking Road Biking Equestrian Developed Access All Area Use Management Comments
13B • Potential connecting trail to Cedar X X Smittle Creek Roughs Wilderness 13C • Potential use levels high due to Smittle Creek to Blue Oaks X X proximity to Blue Oaks Concession Area 14 • Potential use levels and conflicts X X X X Blue Oaks Concession Area discourage mountain biking 15 • Heavy use potential connecting two X X X X Smittle Creek Inter-Concession concession areas 16 • Potential use levels and conflicts Manzanita Canyon Concession X X X X discourage mountain biking Area 17 X X • No opportunity for equestrian staging Schoolhouse Island Vista • Not suitable for equestrians Pope Creek Bridge X X • Hiking and biking would be on street • Limited opportunity for equestrian 18 X staging Pope Creek South Bank • Bikes not allowed on adjacent lands • Limited opportunity for equestrian 19 X X staging Pope Creek North Bank • Varied terrain for hiking, biking 20 • Potential use levels and conflicts Chaparral Cove Concession X X X X discourage mountain biking Area 21 • No opportunity for equestrian staging X X Putah Creek South Bank • Opportunities for connecting trails • Not suitable for equestrians Putah Creek Bridge X X • Hiking and biking would be on street 22 • Potential connecting trail to camp X X Putah Creek North Bank Berryessa 23 X X • Trail segment ready for development North End • Generally level terrain not conducive 24 X X to serious mountain biking unless Eticuera Creek passing through to adjacent segments • Generally level terrain not conducive 25 to serious mountain biking X X X East Shore - North • Equestrian staging from Eticuera Day Use Area 3-6 Lake Berryessa Shoreline Trail Management Plan
TABLE 1: ANTICIPATED USES BY TRAIL SEGMENT (CONTINUED)
Probable Type of Use
Use, Design, and
Segment No. / Segment Name Hiking Mountain Biking Road Biking Equestrian Developed Access All Area Use Management Comments
26 • Would be more desirable for mountain X X X East Shore – South biking with new staging opportunities 27 • Potential conflict with existing cattle X X X East Shore – Gunn Ranch lease • Terrain limiting for mountain biking 28 and equestrian use Portuguese – Monticello Dam X • Other uses based on BLM Overlook management direction and easement conditions Key: Primary Use X Secondary Use X
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Lake Berryessa Shoreline Trail
Management Plan
Trail Design Framework
Photo: Napa County Regional Park and Open Space District, Master Plan 2008-2013.
Lake Berryessa Shoreline Trail Management Plan
4.065B TRAIL DESIGN FRAMEWORK
4.180B DESIGN DIRECTION
The Shoreline Trail is one component in the larger transformation of Lake Berryessa as a visitor- serving destination. As such, the ultimate goal is to create a long distance trail for multiple-uses, serving a variety of outdoor recreation and educational functions. The Shoreline Trail will provide access to virtually the entire lake, and would also serve as a hub with spur trails radiating from the shoreline to other public outdoor recreation and education opportunities provided by others.
4.281B DESIGN AND MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
4.2.1100B Reclamation Design and Management Guidelines
Reclamation’s general design criteria for trails are presented in Attachment A.
4.2.2101B Additional Trail Design and Management Guidelines
For developed trail-related facilities, such as restrooms, water transit facilities, or developed use areas the following accessible design standards apply:
• U.S. Department of Justice. 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design as amended.
The recommended guidelines for design and management of trails within developed recreation areas are contained in the following:
• United States Access Board. Draft Final Accessibility Guidelines for Outdoor Developed Areas. October, 2009.
In addition to Reclamation guidelines, the recommended guidelines for design and management of trails to be referenced are those of the United States Forest Service (USFS) contained in the following:
• United States Forest Service. Forest Service Trail Accessibility Guidelines (FSTAG). May 22, 2006. • United States Forest Service. Forest Service Outdoor Recreation Accessibility Guidelines (FSORAG). May, 2006 • United States Forest Service SH 2309.18 - Trails Management Handbook; Amendment No. 2309.18-91-2. November 8, 1991 • United States Forest Service. EM-7720-103 - Engineering Management Series - Standard Specifications for Construction and Maintenance of Trails. August 1996.
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4.2.3102B Vehicular Roadways and Bridges
Segments of the Shoreline Trail cross or use portions of the local road system rights-of-way. These include:
• Segment 1: Putah Creek / South Dam -- crosses State Route 128 at two locations • Segment 2: Markley Cove East – uses sections of State Route 128 right-of-way • Segment 9: Capell Cove -- crosses Berryessa-Knoxville Road at two locations • Segment 13A: Smittle Creek to Blue Oaks Concession -- uses shoulder of Berryessa-Knoxville Road right-of-way • Segment 18: Pope Creek South Bank -- crosses Berryessa-Knoxville Road • Segment 19: Pope Creek North Bank -- crosses Berryessa-Knoxville Road • Segment 21: Putah Creek South Bank -- crosses Berryessa-Knoxville Road • Segment 22: Putah Creek North Bank -- crosses Berryessa-Knoxville Road • Pope Creek and Putah Creek Bridges -- uses bridge • Segment 24: Eticuera Creek -- uses shoulder of Berryessa-Knoxville Road right-of-way
For these segments, the following standards apply:
• State of California, Department of Transportation (Caltrans): California Highway Design Manual
In addition, access to all proposed new staging areas (see Section 4.3.2) would require conformity with design standards for access roadway turnouts.
4.382B SHORELINE TRAIL DESIGN
4.3.1103B Trail Characteristics
Figures S-1 through S-5C present typical cross-sections for the Shoreline Trail that reflect the user types and anticipated levels of use.
Figure S-1 presents a 5-foot-wide trail tread that would be used for all multi-use trails outside of developed recreation areas. This accounts for a majority of the Shoreline Trail system.
Figure S-2 presents a 5-foot-wide trail that would be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act within Reclamation’s developed recreation areas and concession areas. It is not anticipated that it would be used by bicycles. Trail tread surface options are presented. Additionally, the first portion of the trail leading from the Eticuera Day Use Area to the first ridge that presents a vista opportunity along Segment 25 should be considered to be developed as ADA compliant. Suitability for ADA compliance for additional trail segments would be
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determined during environmental review prior to development of those segments. The possibility of ADA compliance for portions of those segments, as well as connecting or loop trails, would be determined at that time as well. Figure S-3 illustrates a “share the road” concept for bicycle use within developed recreation areas and concession areas. Selected roads through developed areas would be identified and signed for through bicycle travel and in some cases pedestrian use. For all the west shore developed use areas, while there may certainly be potential users that would bicycle, the constraints of topography, space limitations, and potential use conflict with perpendicular movement of visitors going to and from the shoreline in these areas, make it not practical to consider development of a multi-use bicycle path that would meet state standards.
Figure S-4 illustrates a 4-foot-wide natural surface trail tread that would be used for hiking only trail segments as illustrated on Figure 3.
Figures S-5A and S-5C illustrate alternatives that could be applied to Segment 25 and portions of Segment 26 where an 8-foot wide equestrian trail separated from the pedestrian/bicycle trail would consist of an annual disked trail route that would also serve as a fire break.
4.3.2104B Staging Areas
Figure 5 identifies locations of six proposed new staging areas that would provide safe off-street parking to complement existing day use area and concession area parking opportunities. Also shown are priorities for development of the staging areas. The development of these would ideally occur concurrent with the development of the associated trail section. One exception is the staging area at Raccoon Lagoon adjacent to the North End Trail that has already been permitted and is awaiting construction.
New staging areas would be located off of existing roads (not shoulder parking) and would typically include the following features:
• Identity, regulatory, and wayfinding signs • Parking areas with designated and accessible parking spaces • Restrooms (vault toilets) • Water trough and hitching posts when developed for equestrians
Figures SA-1 through SA-6 provides conceptual site plans for the individual staging areas.
4.3.3105B Potential Water Transit Access Points
Figure 2 illustrates a series of potential water transit access points that could complement vehicular access staging areas. They could provide an alternative for visitors, particularly those staying at concession area facilities, to access various parts of the trail that are either inaccessible by vehicles or to avoid using a vehicle. The extent of development of these access points could vary from simple signage where water levels may be shallow to developed boat ramps and docks. The location and extent of facilities would be also be determined by potential land use restrictions and maintenance requirements. Water transit access points would ideally require a shoreline configuration that would be sheltered from wind to the greatest extent practical and be 4-3 Lake Berryessa Shoreline Trail Management Plan
sufficiently sloped such that construction and operation of a ramp and dock as reservoir levels fluctuate would be feasible. New developed facilities would be designed to be compliant with the United States Access Board guidelines for boating facilities. Facilities would typically include:
• Identity, regulatory, and wayfinding signs • Gangways / day-use only boat slips • Accessible trail connecting the Shoreline Trail with the gangway/boat slip
If located near an accessible service route, vault toilets could be developed. Potable water would be provided at the water transit facilities unless located within a concession area.
4.3.4106B Wetlands, Creeks, and Drainage Crossings
Lake Berryessa’s shoreline includes literally hundreds of ephemeral, intermittent, and perennial creeks that the Shoreline Trail will cross. Therefore, wet crossings, culverts, and bridges will be incorporated into trail design and construction where these watercourses occur. These features will significantly affect the cost of trail construction.
Figure S-6 illustrates the different types of crossings that will likely be needed.
Wet Crossings: Wet crossings are shallow, typically ephemeral drainages armored with rocks that become the trail bed to allow for the continuation of the natural drainage course. Where possible, culverts should be avoided, but may be necessary based on the topography of the crossing.
Boardwalks: Boardwalks occur where lake waters back up into side streams and drainages containing wetland and riparian zones. In some cases these may not require bridging, but are well served with the placement of boardwalks for habitat protection. These boardwalks would generally have a tread that is a minimum of 5’ wide be 6-feet wide, low railings at the edges, and not greater than 2-feet above the ground surface.
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Trail Bridges: All trail bridges will be a minimum of 5-feet-wide between railings. Bridges that accommodate bicycles should have 54-inch high railings. Foot bridges not being used by bicycles would require 42-inch high railings. There are numerous type of bridges that could be used depending on access conditions, length of bridge, and sensitivity of the surrounding landscape. Consistent with use of U.S. Forest Service guidelines for trails, trail bridge design options may be found on the web at: http://www.fs.fed.us/eng/bridges/
Bridges crossing Capell Creek on the Seventeen Creeks trail segment (Segment 8) and Quarry Canyon Creek along the Spanish Flat North trail segment (Segment 12) will be significant long- span structures. These will also be highly visible form Berryessa-Knoxville Road. As such they present an opportunity for signature, custom bridge structures that will announce and help brand the Shoreline Trail as an amenity to the visiting public.
Berryessa-Knoxville Road / Pope and Putah Creek Bridges: Pedestrian and bicycle use of both bridges is permissible, although they were not designed specifically to accommodate that use. Napa County has adopted the standards contained in the California Department of Transportation Highway Design Manual for the County. Any changes to the design or operations of the bridge or Berryessa-Knoxville Road must be in conformance with the Highway Design Manual and the California Vehicle Code.
From a structural engineering perspective, it is not feasible to attach a trail lane to the bridge. Constructing a separate bicycle bridge is possible but due to expense was not considered. The County will not entertain an alteration of the vehicular lane configuration nor other traffic calming techniques on the bridge as they would not be consistent with adopted code. If in the future the bridge is replaced, then bicycle lanes and pedestrian sidewalks would be considered. However, the bridge is now in stable condition (personal communication: Rick Marshal, Napa County Public Works). A safer pedestrian railing could be developed for the bridge if there were funding for it.
To assist pedestrians and bicyclists use the bridges safely, “share the road” signs should be installed extending from the bridges to the first intersection or driveway away from the bridge. This would allow bicyclists the option of accessing Berryessa-Knoxville Road at an established intersection. Once Shoreline Trail segments are developed that lead to the bridges, then trail crossing pavement markings and signs could be installed.
4-5 Lake Berryessa Shoreline Trail Management Plan
4.3.5107B Miscellaneous Trail Features
Retaining Walls: Figure S-7 presents the various types of retaining walls that could be used along the trail. Selection of the type of wall will be a function of access conditions, soils, height, and aesthetics.
Fencing and Gates: Little new fencing or gates are envisioned related to the trail. Fencing may be needed with the development of new staging areas or in selected locations to mark Reclamation’s boundary and discourage trespass. In these cases fencing should continue the theme of wildlife-friendly fencing already established for the lake. This would consist of simple ranch fencing of t-stakes with barbed or barbless wire depending on the circumstances, pipe vehicular entrance gates, and pipe/wooden pedestrian entrances.
4.483B ADA / UNIVERSAL ACCESS CONSIDERATIONS
4.4.1108B ADA Standards and Applications
Federal standards (see Section 4.2.2) require newly designed or newly constructed and altered portions of existing trails connecting to designated staging areas or accessible trails to comply with the proposed guidelines. However, these guidelines recognize that the natural environment often will prevent full compliance with certain technical provisions. Departures are permitted from certain technical provisions where at least one of four conditions is present:
• Where compliance would cause substantial harm to cultural, historic, religious, or significant natural features or characteristics; • Where compliance would substantially alter the nature of the setting or the purpose of the facility, or portion of the facility; • Where compliance would require construction methods or materials that are prohibited by federal, state, or local regulations or statutes; or • Where compliance would not be feasible due to terrain or the prevailing construction practices. 4-6 Lake Berryessa Shoreline Trail Management Plan
Table 2 below lists the types of trail treads that could be used in the Shoreline Trail and their applicability to accessibility guidelines.
T128B ABLE 2: FIRMNESS, STABILITY, AND SLIP RESISTANCE FOR A VARIETY OF COMMON TRAIL SURFACING MATERIALS
Slip Resistance Surface Material Firmness Stability (dry conditions) Asphalt firm stable slip resistant Concrete firm stable slip resistant* Soil with Stabilizer firm stable slip resistant Packed Soil without Stabilizer firm stable not slip resistant Soil with High Organic Content soft unstable not slip resistant Crushed rock (19 mm (¾") minus) firm stable slip resistant with Stabilizer Crushed rock without Stabilizer firm stable not slip resistant Wood Planks firm stable slip resistant Engineered Wood Fibers that moderately firm moderately stable not slip resistant comply with ASTM F1951 Grass or Vegetative Ground Cover moderately firm moderately stable not slip resistant Engineered Wood Fibers that do not soft unstable not slip resistant comply with ASTM F1951 moderately firm moderately stable Wood Chips (bark, cedar, generic) not slip resistant to soft to unstable Pea Gravel or 38 mm (1-½") Minus soft unstable not slip resistant Aggregate Sand soft unstable not slip resistant
Source: Federal Highway Administration. Designing Sidewalks and Trails for Access; Part II of II: Best Practices Design Guide
4.4.2109B Universal Access Information
It is recognized that most sections of the Shoreline Trail outside of developed recreation areas will not be fully accessible. In these situations where it is not possible to fully comply with the recommended specifications for trails, the Shoreline Trail should comply with the recommendations to the greatest extent possible. For example:
• The trail should be free of constructed barriers, and natural barriers should be removed if feasible. • If the steepest grade on the trail cannot be less than 20 percent, the segment should be as short as possible and the remainder of the trail should comply with the recommendations;
4-7 Lake Berryessa Shoreline Trail Management Plan
• If there is a segment of trail that has a 10 percent grade for more than 30 feet a level rest interval should be provided as soon as possible, and the remainder of the trail should be designed according to the recommendations; • If there is a segment of trail that has a cross slope of more than 5 percent, the segment should be as short as possible and the remainder of the trail should follow the recommended specifications; or • If the trail travels along a bluff, and a drop-off creates a tread width less than 36 inches wide, the narrow section should be made as wide as possible and the trail on either side of the narrow section should be designed according to the recommendations.
Objective information about the trail conditions (e.g., grade, cross slope, surface, width, obstacles, length) should be provided at trail staging areas. This information is needed regardless of whether or not the trail is accessible. Objective information is preferable to subjective trail difficulty ratings (e.g., easier, most difficult) because subjective ratings of difficulty typically represent the perceptions of the person making the assessment and cannot be accurate or appropriate for the range of trail users. It is recommended that the following information should be objectively measured and conveyed to the trail user through appropriate information formats:
• Trail name • Permitted users • Trail length • Change in elevation over the total trail length and maximum elevation obtained • Average running grade and maximum grades that will be encountered • Average and maximum cross slopes • Average tread width and minimum clear width • Type of surface • Location and length of any soft or unstable surfaces • Size, location, and frequency of obstacles
4-8
5.0
Lake Berryessa Shoreline Trail
Management Plan
Trail Identity
Lake Berryessa Shoreline Trail Management Plan
5.066B TRAIL IDENTITY
5.184B BRANDING THE SHORELINE TRAIL
Lake Berryessa is situated in an environment that already attracts visitors for outdoor recreation purposes. Development of the Shoreline Trail will add another amenity to increase the overall choices and quality of outdoor recreation in the area. For the Shoreline Trail to achieve a regional, statewide, and even national reputation, it will require an identity that can be realized with incorporation of the following components.
5.285B IDENTITY LOGO
The Shoreline Trail will be marked with a common logo sign similar to the one listed here to be displayed at:
• Shoreline Trail staging area kiosks • Shoreline Trail entrances • Wayfinding and trail directional signs along the Shoreline Trail • Connecting signs of other trails to the Shoreline Trail
5.386B OUTREACH MATERIALS
Other materials that may be developed about the trail and that should display the logo include, but are not limited to:
• Shoreline Trail outreach materials (guidebook, summary brochure, or nature guides for any trail segments) • Shoreline Trail maps • Shoreline Trail web site • Shoreline Trail Nature guides
5.487B WEB-BASED INFORMATION
Information on the Shoreline Trail would be maintained at the Lake Berryessa Visitor Center and on Reclamation’s Web site. Reclamation would announce the opening of new trail segments and seasonal and other closures via press releases and posting notices on the Web site and at the Visitor Center, day use areas, and staging areas. Reclamation will coordinate with the concessionaires to promote the Shoreline as a recreational feature at Lake Berryessa. Additional cross-link and promotional opportunities would be sought through partnerships with BLM, DFG, the University of California Natural Reserve System, Napa County, Yolo County, Solano County, and non-profit organizations such as Tuleyome.
5-1 Lake Berryessa Shoreline Trail Management Plan
5.588B SIGNS
5.5.1110B Standards
All Shoreline Trail signage will conform to the following:
• Reclamation Sign Guidelines: U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation. Sign Guidelines for Planning, Designing, Fabricating, Procuring, Installing, and Maintaining Signs for Public Use Areas, Visual Identity Program Compliant. March, 2002).
Selected segments of the trail will cross or parallel SR 128 and the local road network. Staging areas will be located off of these roads. In those circumstances the following sign standards will be referenced:
• California Department of Transportation Sign Guidelines: State of California, Business, Transportation and Housing Agency Department of Transportation. California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, 2012 Edition.
Water transit facilities must conform to the Aids to Navigation Standards. Signs used for the identification of land-based facilities for boaters should conform to the standards for area signs. Land-based directional signs for boaters will conform to the same standards as vehicular directional signs.
5.5.2111B Sign Types
While there are many signs employed to manage use and lands at Lake Berryessa, the following signs would be specific to the Shoreline Trail.
Recreation Component Signs (Sign Type C-1): To be used at the entrances to each of the staging areas specifically associated with the Shoreline Trail for either recreation or outdoor education purposes.
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Staging Area Kiosks: To be sited at each staging area in a prominent location so that trail users may learn about the general use regulations and trail-related information.
The following are suggested points to include in trailhead kiosk signage and in printed material for public distribution. These may be condensed for use as text on signs. This information will not apply to all trails or all uses and should only be posted as necessary in appropriate locations.
• Be friendly and courteous. • Take only pictures. Leave what you find. • If you carry it in, carry it out. • Stay on the trail. Shortcutting the trail and bypassing muddy areas destroys vegetation, leads to erosion, reduces habitat quality, and causes unsightly damage to the landscape. • Respect wildlife. Keep your distance. Never feed wild animals. • Respect private property. • Respect other visitors and their experience. Avoid excessive noise. • Use extra caution when using headphones. You may not be able to hear warnings. • Keep your dog on leash at all times. • Follow “Leave No Trace” principles. • Keep yourself and your bike or horse under control and proceed at a safe speed and within your ability at all times. Anticipate other trail users around blind curves. • Share the trail. Keep to the right except to pass. When in doubt, give the other user the right of way. Warn people when you are planning to pass. • Bicyclists yield to pedestrians and equestrians. Runners and hikers yield to equestrians.
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Information-Bulletin Board (Design Type D-1): To be used at kiosks to provide specific information about the trail and its universal access characteristics.
Trail Markers: To be used at all trail entry points and intersections with other trails. Permissible uses will be identified. Only if non- permissible uses become a management challenge will strikethrough icons be used.
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Street Signs: To involve two scenarios.
• Road Crossings: Where the Shoreline Trail crosses either State Route 128 or the Berryessa Knoxville Road. Along with pavement markings, stop signs would be directed to trail users and trail crossing signs directed to the motorists. • Use of Roadways: Where bicyclists are directed to the local street system in developed use areas, concession areas, certain sections of the Berryessa Knoxville Road, and on the Pope and Putah Creek bridges, share the road signs would posted along the roads.
5.689B NATIONAL RECREATION TRAIL STATUS
The Shoreline Trail is intended to attract visitors from a broad geographic area, draw their attention to the lake’s varied landscapes, and encourage use and exploration. Once a critical distance of trail has been completed, consideration should be given to designation as a National Recreation Trail with appropriate signage displayed on all trail facilities and marketing information about attractions at the Lake Berryessa.
5.790B INTERPRETIVE SIGNS
Selected segments of the Shoreline Trail should be identified as an “interpretive trail”. Criteria for selecting these segments would be representation of the various natural and cultural resources of the shoreline and anticipated level of use. Both traditional static and interactive interpretive panels will be used. Selected trail segments will be identified as “Quick Response (QR) Code” interpretive trails developed only with posts and web-based QR codes.
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6.0
Lake Berryessa Shoreline
Trail Management Plan
Implementation
Strategies
Lake Berryessa Shoreline Trail Management Plan
6.067B IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES
6.191B TRAIL PRIORITIES
6.1.1112B Priority Criteria
Principal criteria for evaluating broad priority rankings for trail segment implementation include:
• Usability: The trail segment would benefit a significant number of users and variety of uses. • Access: Use of the trail segment would be supported by existing staging areas. • Ease of Management: The use of the trail segment is able to be monitored and maintained by Reclamation or its partners. • Partnership Opportunity: The trail segment presents an opportunity where common goals overlap and a synergy exists that is advantageous in conducting environmental review, permitting, funding, construction, or operations and maintenance of the segment. Partnerships include both public agencies and established non-governmental organizations. Opportunities for long-term partnerships for funding are the most desirable. • Land Use Constraints: The trail segment is constrained by existing use agreements, permitting requirements, use of lands outside of Reclamation ownership, or site conditions that warrant a long-term perspective and where anticipated numbers of users relatively low.
Table 3 provides a definition of the priority criteria weighting. Criteria with a “high (1)” ranking are those that encourage implementation in the near future (1 to 5 years). At the other end of the weighting, those criteria with a “low (3)” ranking are those where anticipated low use levels or where management or physical constraints direct the outlook for implementation to the long term (greater than 10 years).
6.1.2113B Priorities
Table 4 summarizes the principal evaluation criteria as applied to individual trail segments and provides recommendations about priorities for trail segment implementation. The priority rankings for implementation were determined using a combination of the evaluation criteria scores and other considerations, noted in Table 4, for each segment. Figure 4 illustrates, by segment, implementation priorities for those trail segments of the Shoreline Trail outside of concession areas. Priorities are:
• Immediate Action • Priority 1: 1 to 5 years • Priority 2: 5 to 10 years • Priority 3: beyond 10 years 6-1 Lake Berryessa Shoreline Trail Management Plan
T129B ABLE 3: PRIORITY CRITERIA WEIGHTING
Weighting Criteria 1 = High 2 = Moderate 3= Low Environmental Complete Not Complete review Projected Use Many users Some users Few users Access Existing staging opportunity or Nearby staging opportunity or No staging currently concession area. concession area. available or difficult to establish staging. Management Good visibility and access from Good visibility and poor Low visibility and poor Capability the local road system or lake. access from road system or access from road system or lake. lake. Partnership Expressed partner support. No expressed partner support. Partners discourage use. Opportunity Management - Only constraint is financing - Moderate good access from - Existing management Constraints Relatively good access from road system and/or lake. agreements complicate trail road system and/or lake. - Topography moderate implementation. - Topography gentle or use of requiring special - Implementation is outside existing road benches making it implementation measures Reclamation jurisdiction; relatively easy to implement. (bridges, etc). lead would be by other agency. - Topography difficult and limits use. - Poor access from road system and/or lake.
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T130B ABLE 4: IMPLEMENTATION PRIORITIES BY TRAIL SEGMENT
Evaluation Criteria
Priority Considerations Note: additional considerations to be added with review
Segment Projected Use Access Management Capability Partnership Opportunity Management Constraints Priority 1 3 3 3 2 1 • Hiking only, no dogs allowed 3 Putah Creek/ • Enhanced use dependent on new South Dam staging area on other agency land 2 2 1 1 3 3 • Safe use dependent on new staging 3 Markley Cove East areas • Would involve Caltrans encroachment permit 3 Mahogany Bay concession area • Many facilities already in place 1 Mahogany Bay • Would require minimal Concession Area improvements 4 2 2 3 3 3 • Quail Ridge Reserve/UC Davis 3 Quail Ridge Peninsula 5 Pleasure Cove concession area • Many facilities already in place 1 Pleasure Cove • Would require minimal Concession Area improvements 6 2 3 3 2 2 • Staging facilities nearby at Pleasure 3 Wragg Point Cove and Lupine Shores 7 Lupine Shores concession area • There are currently no constraints in 1 Lupine Shores designing and implementing the trail Concession Area system in light of proposed development plans. 8 2 1 2 1 3 • Requires bridge crossings of Steel 2 Seventeen Creeks and Capell Creeks 9 2 1 1 2 3 • Potential water trail stop at Olive 3 Capell Cove Orchard or Capell Cove 10 2 1 1 2 2 • Staging area at Capell Cove and 3 Spanish Flat South Foothill Pines 11 Foothill Pines concession area • There are currently no constraints in 1 Foothill Pines designing and implementing the trail Concession Area in light of proposed development plans. 12 2 1 1 2 3 • Requires a bridge 3 Spanish Flat North 13A 1 1 1 1 1 • Oak Shores Trail (approved) Immediate Oak Shores Action 13B 1 1 1 1 1 • Includes existing Smittle Creek 1 Smittle Creek Trail 13C 1 1 1 1 1 • Connects Smittle Creek and Blue 1 Smittle Creek to Oaks parking areas. Blue Oks Concession 14 Blue Oaks concession area • There are currently no constraints in 1 Blue Oaks designing and implementing the
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TABLE 4: IMPLEMENTATION PRIORITIES BY TRAIL SEGMENT (CONTINUED)
Evaluation Criteria
Priority Considerations Note: additional considerations to be added with review
Segment Projected Use Access Management Capability Partnership Opportunity Management Constraints Priority Concession Shoreline Trail system in light of Area proposed development plans. 15 1 1 1 2 2 • Connects concession areas; high 1 Smittle Creek level of anticipated use. Inter-Concession Area 16 Manzanita Canyon concession area • There are currently no constraints in 1 Manzanita Canyon designing and implementing the Concession Shoreline Trail system in light of Area proposed development plans. 17 1 1 1 2 2 • Day use parking at Manzanita 1 Schoolhouse Island Canyon Vista Pope Creek Bridge 2 1 1 2 2 • Requires encroachment permit and 2 agreement on design from Napa County 18 2 2 2 2 3 • Need for bridge and steep terrain 3 Pope Canyon constrain development South Bank 19 2 1 1 1 1 • Staging areas on either end 1 Pope Canyon North Bank 20 Chaparral Cove concession area • There are currently no constraints in 1 Chaparral Cove designing and implementing the Concession Shoreline Trail system in light of proposed development plans. 21 1 1 2 3 3 • Could be developed as a point- 3 Putah Creek South access trail from concession area to Bank Reclamation ownership boundary Putah Creek Bridge 2 1 1 2 2 • Requires encroachment permit and 2 agreement on design from Napa County 22 2 2 3 3 3 • Not useful unless extension 3 Putah Creek North upstream provided by others Bank • Best access from Camp Berryessa 23 2 1 1 1 1 • Environmental review completed Immediate North End Action 24 2 1 1 2 3 • Requires encroachment permit form 3 Eticuera Creek Napa County and agreement on design • Existing staging at Eticuera Day Use area 25 2 2 1 2 2 • WMA restrictions on bikes and 2
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TABLE 4: IMPLEMENTATION PRIORITIES BY TRAIL SEGMENT (CONTINUED)
Evaluation Criteria
Priority Considerations Note: additional considerations to be added with review
Segment Projected Use Access Management Capability Partnership Opportunity Management Constraints Priority East Shore - seasonal closures North 26 3 3 2 2 2 • Long-term cattle lease 3 East Shore – • Opportunity for staging and water South transit access. 27 3 3 3 2 3 • Long-term cattle lease 3 East Shore – Gunn Ranch 28 3 3 3 2 3 • Long-term cattle lease 3 Portuguese – • Segment includes lands outside Monticello Dam Reclamation ownership (BLM) Overlook
6-5 Lake Berryessa Shoreline Trail Management Plan The west shore area that is expected to receive extensive use is generally being targeted as the high priority area to initiate the Shoreline Trail. Four of the seven concession areas are located on the west shore, and two existing Reclamation day use areas. There are numerous existing activity points along the trail and only moderate distances between them.
Immediate Action: A principal criterion for determining trail priorities is completion of environmental documentation. Currently the Oak Shores Day Use Area trail (Segment 13A) and North End trail (Segment 23) have undergone environmental review and therefore have such documentation. They therefore are for immediate action in terms of funding and construction purposes.
a. Oak Shores Day Use Area Trail (See Figure AP-11 and Figure S-4). The trail segment extends from the existing trail connecting the Reclamation Visitor Center near Acorn Beach to the Coyote Knolls parking area where the Smittle Creek Trail (Segment 13B) begins. Access to the trail would be provided from the parking areas at Acorn Beach, Foxtail Flat, McKenzie Ridge, Twin Oaks, Coyote Beach and Coyote Knolls. The segment will be developed based on the Accessibility Guidelines for Outdoor Developed Areas (AGODA) to allow people with disabilities the opportunity to use the trail. Regulations implementing the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Architectural Barriers Act have been incorporated into AGODA. The Environmental Assessment for the project prepared under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) concluded that the Oak Shores Trail would not result in a significant effect on the environment. Specific mitigation measures adopted as part of the EA include the following: • Construction would not occur during the rainy season, (October-April) unless absolutely necessary. If construction is to occur during the rainy season, a stormwater mitigation plan and map may need to be completed and reviewed by Reclamation prior to the start of construction. An NPDES permit/SWPPP would not be required because the trail is to be constructed in segments and each segment would have ground disturbance of less than one acre. • Stormwater mitigation measures/BMPs may be required to prevent erosion and sedimentation. These measures would be in place prior to construction and would be maintained throughout construction. • Outslopes of the trail would be between two and four percent to allow for water runoff. • Waterbars may be constructed to prevent erosion and allow for water runoff. • Ground equipment (trail dozer, etc.) would be washed prior to the start of construction and anytime the equipment leaves the proposed project area. This is to minimize the spread of invasive plants. • If construction is to occur during bird nesting season (February-August) a bird survey will be conducted prior to the start of construction. If an active nest is found near the proposed project area, the nesting area will be avoided. In the event it cannot be avoided, appropriate mitigation measures will be set and adhered to. • All trees to be cut will be marked and surveyed for nests prior to falling.
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• Oak trees removed for project purposes will be replaced at a 2:1 ratio with 15 gallon blue oak trees. • Brush that has been cut may be scattered out of sight of the trail. • Aggregate material would be placed on the trail in order to minimize erosion, sedimentation, dust, and to comply with AGODA surface standards. • Disturbed areas would be seeded with native grass seed to minimize erosion and the growth of non-native plant species, and prevent grass seed from drying out. Approximately 50 straw bales would be required per acre and the straw should be spread immediately after construction. • Ground disturbance will only be permitted in the proposed project area. • Retaining walls may be constructed along the proposed trail in order to minimize erosion. Within Oak Shores, a bicycle route separated from the pedestrian trail would be a share the road facility through the day use area. A pedestrian trail with connections to parking areas will be fully accessible (see Figure S-4). The EA stated the trail would be compacted aggregate; however, given level of use and maintenance considerations, a concrete tread is recommended and could be added after initial construction with additional environmental review. Management Actions: 1. Complete construction documentation and construct segment where environmental review is complete. 2. Environmental review of upgrading the Smittle Creek trail and trail connections to the existing parking area with other Priority 1 segments noted below. 3. Complete construction documentation and upgrade Smittle Creek trail segment once environmental review is complete. 4. Coordinate with the Bureau of Land Management, Tuleyome, and Napa County signage and access control designs for a link trail to Cedar Roughs Wilderness Area. b. North End Trail (See Figure AP-19, Figure S-1, and Figure SA-5). The North End Trail extends from the Putah Creek Bridge / Berryessa-Knoxville Road to the proposed Raccoon Lagoon Staging Area. It is an existing trail alignment that was originally constructed in the 1970s as a Youth Conservation Crops project. After years of use and soil erosion the trail fell into disrepair, creating a potential safety hazard for trail users. Certain segments became unusable, prompting trail users to forge off-trail segments that disturbed vegetation and wildlife habitat and caused further erosion. In addition, segments of the trail crossed into wetlands and other sensitive habitat, furthering potential impacts to riparian species and related sensitive habitats. Consequently, Reclamation sought to improve the trail and restore it to the user qualities and standards as outlined in the VSP ROD and other Reclamation guideline documents for trail and recreation uses at Lake Berryessa. In addition, Reclamation wanted to relocate
6-7 Lake Berryessa Shoreline Trail Management Plan the trail alignment away from wetlands and other sensitive areas that provided habitat for migratory birds and other animal and plant species. This segment has already undergone environmental review. Reclamation prepared an EA that resulted in a FONSI in March, 2011; the FONSI concluded that the new alignment for the North End Trail would not result in a significant effect on the environment. Specific mitigation measures were adopted as part of the EA to address sensitive habitats during both trail construction and operation. These included the following: Mitigation Measure 1: Valley Elderberry Longhorn Beetle Conservation Measures. Reclamation will implement the following conservation measures to prevent adverse impacts on the valley elderberry longhorn beetle or its host plant, the elderberry shrub: • The elderberry shrub will be flagged or fenced by a biologist according to the elderberry survey that was conducted by Reclamation to ensure easy identification. • Maintenance crews will be briefed on the need to avoid the elderberry shrub • No vehicles will enter within a 20-foot buffer zone of the elderberry drip line. • If possible, construction activities within 100 feet of elderberry shrubs will occur only between July through February, avoiding the season of emergence (March to June) of the valley elderberry longhorn beetle. Mitigation Measure 2. Nesting Migratory Bird Avoidance Measures. Construction activities, including vegetation removal and other activities that could disturb nesting birds, should be scheduled during the non-nesting period (September to February). Removal of vegetation and potential nesting substrate (e.g. bushes, trees, grass, buildings and burrows), in particular, should be scheduled prior to the onset of the nesting season (March 15) to help preclude nesting. If activities cannot be scheduled during the non-nesting period, the following measures are recommended to protect nesting migratory birds: A qualified biologist should conduct pre-construction surveys no more than 2 weeks prior to the initiation of construction in the proposed trail alignment (based on the final design) and a 500-foot corridor along the trail (250 feet on each side of the trail) to ensure that no nests of migratory birds would be disturbed during construction. The survey should focus on suitable trees and other vegetation that could provide nest sites. Any observed breeding or nesting activity should be documented, and the location(s) of active nest site(s) should be recorded. If no breeding or nesting activity is documented, no further action is necessary during the nesting season. If an active nest is found, a construction-free buffer should be established around the nest. The size of the buffer zone shall be determined by a qualified biologist in consultation with the USFWS. The buffer zone should remain in place until either the end of the nesting season (end of August) or a qualified biologist determines that the nest is no longer active.
6-8 Lake Berryessa Shoreline Trail Management Plan Mitigation Measure 3: Cultural Resource Protection Measures. Prior to construction activities, the work crews and their supervisors should undergo a training program that describes how to recognize archaeological remains and the protocol that should be carried out if suspected resources are uncovered. If cultural resources are discovered during construction, work in the vicinity of the field should be halted, and the Reclamation archaeologist should be contacted to assess the find. Additional measures may be identified to protect or recover the resources based on the direction of the archaeologist. If human remains are encountered during construction of the trail, work should halt in the area of the discovery, and the appropriate federal official should be notified immediately. At the same time, the reclamation archaeologist should be contacted to evaluate the situation. If the remains are of Native American origin, or if funerary objects, sacred objects, or items of cultural patrimony are encountered, Reclamation will follow the guidelines and requirements of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act of 1990 and the Archaeological Resources Protection act of 1979, as amended. Mitigation Measure 4: Water Quality Protection Measures The appropriate permits will be obtained prior to construction to ensure compliance with the Clean Water Act and protection of water quality during construction. A Section 404 permit would be necessary for the fill of wetlands and drainages (waters of the United States) and would likely consist of coverage under a Nationwide Permit. Water quality certification in compliance with Section 401 of the Clean Water Act would also be necessary. Coverage under the state General Permit as part of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System program (Section 402 of the Clean Water Act) would also be required. Compliance with the terms and conditions of these permits will ensure adequate protection of water quality in the drainages and Lake Berryessa. The BMPs and other measures identified in the SWPPP should satisfy the requirements of the other applicable permits. The BMPs should be consistent with EPA’s storm water BMPs for construction. The plan will need to be kept on the construction site at all times and will be implemented throughout the construction phase. Typical BMPs may include, but not be limited to: • Use of erosion control measures that use sediment traps, barriers, covers, or other methods approved by the RWQCB; • Recommendations for mulching, seeding, or other suitable erosion control stabilization measures as approved by the RWQCB; • Plans for appropriate deposition and storage of excavated and stockpiled material; • Requirements for refueling vehicles away from drainages and Lake Berryessa, and; • Covering all stockpiles of fill materials during extended periods of rain.
6-9 Lake Berryessa Shoreline Trail Management Plan No further environmental review is required. Therefore, this segment can be considered ready for construction.
Management Actions: 1. Determine if a potable water supply could be developed at the Raccoon Lagoon Staging Area. 2. Survey and design staging area sufficient for environmental documentation (30% design development). 3. Combine environmental review of staging area with other Priority 1 segments. 4. Coordinate with adjacent property owners terms of signage and design for security and access controls needed with the staging area. 5. Coordinate with Napa County for encroachment permit related to the staging area. 6. Complete construction documentation.
Priority 1 Trail Segments: All concession areas are indicated on Table 4 as Priority 1 (1 to 5 years). Within concession areas, there are no specific physical constraints in implementing the Shoreline Trail. Concession operators are to include the proposed Shoreline Trail alignment, as well as any associated spur and connecting trails, in the development plans for each concession area. In addition, Reclamation’s agreement with concession operators includes the development and operations of the Shoreline Trail. However, there is flexibility in the agreement as to when that development should take place. Development of the concession areas is expected to occur first in locations that already have facilities in place and have been cleared of prior uses; these include Mahogany Bay, Pleasure Cove, Lupine Shores, Chaparral Cove, and Foothill Pines. The remaining concession areas, including Blue Oaks and Manzanita Canyon, are expected to follow on a timetable per agreement with Reclamation.
Other Priority 1 trail segments are those along the west shoreline in the area of the lake that are anticipated to receive heavy use and that will connect the Oak Shores Day use Area and nearby concession areas. These include:
• Segment 13B: Smittle Creek • Segment 13C: Smittle Creek to Blue Oaks • Segment 15: Smittle Creek Inter-Concession Area • Segment 17: Schoolhouse Island Vista
Segment 19 (Pope Creek-North Bank) is also called out as a Priority 1 project. This segment utilizes an existing roadbed for a significant length of the trail alignment and with relatively minimal additional trail construction would connect the Pope Creek Staging Area with the existing Pope Creek Bridge Staging Area and provide a trail opportunity somewhat removed for the main lake area.
Management actions to implement Priority 1 segments with the segment description are contained in Attachment B.
6-10 Lake Berryessa Shoreline Trail Management Plan Priority 2 Trail Segments: These generally are those trail segments that would likely receive moderate use, offer more remote experiences between or within developed use areas along the west shore, take advantage of existing staging areas, provide opportunities for equestrians, and have been indicated as important to implement by potential partners in the trail system. These include:
• Segment 8: Seventeen Creeks Trail and the Steel Canyon Staging Area • Segment 25: East Shore North
Priority 3 Trail Segments: For trail segments shown as Priority 3, implementation is anticipated to occur beyond 10 years if funding is available. As conditions and Reclamation’s resource and recreation management needs could change over the long term, the Priority 3 segments are not further prioritized at this time. However, there are a number of additional criteria that can be applied to these trail segments in the future to differentiate between them and further prioritize them for implementation. These include:
• Terms of existing management agreements • Available public land/right-of-way • Potential environmental impacts / wildlife compatibility • Permitting requirements • Response time and access conditions for safety and public health purposes • Topographic considerations and constructability • Aesthetics/trail user experience • Function for specific user groups • Presence of connecting trails • Capital and management costs
6.1.3114B Flexibility in Priorities
This prioritization is intended to be a guide on how to logically implement the Shoreline Trail program. The prioritization indicated is not absolute. Any trail segment might be advanced at any time, if circumstances merit. Conditions that may warrant raising the implementation priority for a trail segment might include, but not be limited to: changes in land use; instances where agencies other than Reclamation would take the lead in implementing the segment; or where targeted funding opportunities for implementation become available that are unforeseen.
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6.292B ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW AND PERMITTING
The development of the Shoreline Trail around Lake Berryessa will be contingent on a number of permits, approvals, and agreements from various county, state, and federal agencies, as well as private stakeholders and property owners for construction, management, and overall maintenance of the trail system. These permits and approvals would include, but not be limited to, the following:
6.2.1115B County of Napa
Department of Public Works - Encroachment Permit: The Department of Public Works requires an Encroachment Permit for any work being done within a County road right-of-way. This requires submittal of plans and fees to the Department of Public Works. The process of obtaining an encroachment permit normally takes about 2 weeks. The County will inspect the work that is done upon completion.
6.2.2116B State of California
Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board: The Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 401 requires every applicant for a federal permit or license for any activity which may result in a discharge to a water body must obtain State Water Quality Certification (Certification) that the proposed activity will comply with state water quality standards. Most Certifications are issued in connection with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) CWA Section 404 permits for dredge and fill discharges. This permit would likely be required during trail construction activities that could potentially affect water quality within the lake or its major streams.
California Department of Transportation – Encroachment Permit: The California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) requires an Encroachment Permit for any work done within the right-of-way of a State road or highway. This will be applicable to trail crossings of State Route 128 (Segment 1) and the access needed for the Berryessa Overlook Staging Area (Segment 2).
Department of Fish and Game: Sec. 1600-1616 – Streambed Alteration Agreement: Fish and Game Code section 1602 requires any person, state or local governmental agency, or public utility to notify DFG before beginning any activity that will substantially modify a river, stream or lake. To notify DFG, a notification package must be completed and submitted with the appropriate fee to the DFG Regional Office that serves the county where the project will take place. The DGF, at its discretion, may require studies, such as a biological report or a complete CEQA or NEPA document, to be submitted as part of the SAA process.
Lake Berryessa Wildlife Management Area: The DFG has a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Reclamation for the Lake Berryessa Wildlife Management Area. The MOU contains language promoting the use of trails for wildlife viewing, and includes the following regarding public access:
• Reclamation agrees to review and consult with the Department regarding any proposed activities applicable to the Lake Berryessa Wildlife Area.
6-12 Lake Berryessa Shoreline Trail Management Plan University of California, Davis – Quail Ridge Reserve and Stebbins Cold Canyon Reserve: UC Davis operates several reserves at Lake Berryessa under the University of California Natural Reserve System. The primary purpose of these reserves is to preserve the natural plant and wildlife species which have remained relatively undisturbed and therefore represents an important conservation and preservation resource in the region. The Quail Ridge Reserve, along with two other NRS sites - McLaughlin Natural Reserve and Stebbins Cold Canyon Reserve - and UC Davis's Putah Creek Campus Reserve, represent an important link in a series of protected lands in the Putah Creek watershed.
The UC operates this area under a License from Reclamation for use of Reclamation lands included as part of the reserve. Proposed trail alignments and trail usage would require coordination and possible revisions to the License with the UC Reserve system to ensure continued preservation of sensitive biotic species, while recognizing the authorized public use and enjoyment of federal lands.
6.2.3117B Federal
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Section 7 Consultation: The Endangered Species Act (ESA) directs all Federal agencies to work to conserve endangered and threatened species and to use their authorities to further the purposes of the Act. Section 7 of the Act, called "Interagency Cooperation," is the mechanism by which Federal agencies ensure the actions they take, including those they fund or authorize, do not jeopardize the existence of any listed species.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Informal Consultation: Under Section 7, Federal agencies must consult with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) when any action the agency carries out, funds, or authorizes (such as through a permit) may affect a listed endangered or threatened species. This process usually begins as informal consultation. A Federal agency, in the early stages of project planning, approaches the FWS and requests informal consultation. Discussions between the two agencies may include what types of listed species may occur in the proposed action area, and what effect the proposed action may have on those species.
If the Federal agency, after discussions with the FWS, determines that the proposed action is not likely to affect any listed species in the project area, and if the FWS concurs, the informal consultation is complete and the proposed project moves ahead. If it appears that the agency’s action may affect a listed species, that agency may then prepare a biological assessment to assist in its determination of the project’s effect on a species.
Formal Consultation and the Biological Opinion: When a Federal agency determines, through a biological assessment or other review, that its action is likely to adversely affect a listed species, the agency submits to the FWS a request for formal consultation. During formal consultation, the FWS and the agency share information about the proposed project and the species likely to be affected. Formal consultation may last up to 90 days, after which the FWS will prepare a biological opinion on whether the proposed activity will jeopardize the continued existence of a listed species. The FWS has 45 days after completion of formal consultation to write the opinion.
6-13 Lake Berryessa Shoreline Trail Management Plan In making a determination on whether an action will result in jeopardy, the FWS begins by looking at the current status of the species, or "baseline." Added to the baseline are the various effects – direct, indirect, interrelated, and interdependent – of the proposed Federal action. The FWS also examines the cumulative effects of other non-Federal actions that may occur in the action area, including state, tribal, local, or private activities that are reasonably certain to occur in the project area.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Clean Water Act Section 404 Permit: The USACE has jurisdiction over waters of the United States. Waters of the United States include navigable waters and may include other parts of the surface water tributary system down to the smallest of streams (e.g., tributary that only contains water after a rain event), lakes, ponds, or other water bodies on those streams, and adjacent wetlands (e.g. sloughs, swamps, and some seasonally flooded areas) if they meet certain criteria. Isolated waters such as playa lakes, prairie potholes, old river scars, cutoff sloughs, and abandoned construction and mining pits may also be waters of the United States if they meet certain criteria. An important point is that waters of the United States include areas that are man-made, or man-induced, as well as natural. Activities that occur in waters of the U.S. that require a permit may include, but are not limited to, shoreline and bank stabilization; boat ramps; roads; residential and commercial developments; utilities; flood control facilities; mining; oil, gas and water wells; and in some cases dredging and other excavation.
Work to be performed within or affecting waters of the United States is subject to a Clean Water Act Section 404 permit. Responsibility for administering and enforcing Section 404 is shared by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and EPA. USACE administers the day-to-day program, including individual permit decisions and jurisdictional determinations; develops policy and guidance; and enforces Section 404 provisions. Trail development activities likely to require this permit would include installation of culverts, bridges, wet crossings, signage, and water transit access components.
Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act: The National Historic Preservation Act requires federal agencies to account for the potential actions of their projects on historic properties. The responsible federal agency first determines whether it has an undertaking that is a type of activity that could affect historic properties. Historic properties are properties that are included in the National Register of Historic Places or that meet the criteria for the National Register. If so, it must identify the appropriate State Historic Preservation Officer/Tribal Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO/THPO) to consult with during the process. It should also plan to involve the public, and identify other potential consulting parties. If it determines that it has no undertaking, or that its undertaking is a type of activity that has no potential to affect historic properties, the agency has no further Section 106 obligations. This consultation would occur if cultural resources were encountered during trail construction or operation.
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA): The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) is a United States environmental law adopted in 1969 that established a U.S. national policy promoting the enhancement of the environment and also established the President's Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ). Any project that occurs on federal land, receives (most forms) of federal funding, or requires a federal permit or approval must undergo 6-14 Lake Berryessa Shoreline Trail Management Plan environmental review through NEPA. NEPA review would be required prior to development of any remaining trail segments that have not already been subject to a ROD or FONSI.
6.2.4118B Trails by Others as Lead Agency
Trail segments 1 and 28 use substantial lands outside of the Reclamation boundary area for Lake Berryessa. These segments would be developed assuming the management lead was taken by other public agencies with support from Reclamation.
6.393B COSTS
6.3.1119B Capital Costs
A separate document to the TMP provides a range of cost projections for individual trail segments, including a breakdown of how the basic costs were determined. High-range and low- range shown are based on a 10% rounded variance from the basic projected costs outlined in this document.
All costs are in 2012 dollars. All costs assume contractors are used to construct trails and are selected through competitive bidding process using prevailing-wage standards. Costs indicated could be significantly reduced through use of in-house construction crew labor and volunteers. The projected costs do not include environmental review. In addition, the costs do not include trail segments within concession areas, since these would be assumed by the private concessionaires.
The cost projections in this document include:
• Permitting Costs– including potential permits and mitigation compliance from the US Army Corps of Engineers, Regional Water Quality Control Board, California Department of Fish and Game, Napa County (road encroachment permits), and other agencies as required. • Design/ Construction Administration – including the following: complete staging area design, trail design, signage, and special feature design; contracting; solicitation of construction contracts or agreements with partner agencies; and contract administration through construction. • Construction Costs- including the following: cost of labor (contractors selected through competitive bidding using prevailing wage standards); cost of materials to build the staging areas, trail segment, and all associated special features as appropriate; and contractors overhead and profit.
6.3.2120B Priority 1 Trail Environmental Review Costs
Environmental review has been completed for a portion of the Oak Shores / Smittle Creek Trail (Segment 13A: Oak Shores Day Use Area) and the North End Trail. Priority 1 environmental review would consist of all remaining trail segments and proposed staging areas and may be
6-15 Lake Berryessa Shoreline Trail Management Plan grouped together depending on the schedule for development. The review would include the following: topographic surveys; refining the project description (30% design documentation); baseline studies (soils, biological, archaeological); environmental documentation; public noticing; public review and comments; identification and implementation of mitigation measures as necessary, and mitigation monitoring, if required.
6.3.3121B Additional Environmental Review
Development of the concession areas would also require environmental review. The cost for this review would be the responsibility of the concession operators as indicated in their concession contracts with Reclamation. Trail development is part of their overall recreation development plan and will be evaluated in the during the environmental review process. This review would be done either separately for each concession area, or concurrently with one or more additional concession areas, as directed by Reclamation. It is anticipated that this review would require analysis of several impact areas not required for other trail segments, such as vehicular traffic and circulation. This review would be undertaken per the requirement of NEPA, with Reclamation as the lead agency.
Environmental review for the Priority 2 and 3 segments would occur at a time when those segments are proposed for development. Since development of these segments could occur over the course of a decade or more, this review should be conducted relatively close to the time when these segments are ready for development to account for current regulations and requirements for NEPA, and potentially CEQA.
Environmental review may be grouped together by more than one segment, as directed by Reclamation, to facilitate review and ensure that potential impacts are analyzed over an area that accounts for physical and other environmental concerns affecting both construction and operation of these segments. These segments could be grouped by priority, or by groups of connected segments. Groups of connected segments would likely be considered by their level of priority for development, though other factors, such as environmental or jurisdictional concerns, would also apply.
In areas where partnerships or connecting trails with county and/or state agencies are involved or when local or state trail funding is involved, CEQA review could also be required. In consultation between Reclamation and these agencies, joint NEPA and CEQA environmental review could be undertaken concurrently to facilitate cost and review. In these cases, the involved county or state agencies would function as the lead agency for CEQA, while Reclamation would continue to be the lead agency for NEPA.
6.494B OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE
6.4.1122B Objectives
Consistent with the Guiding Management Principles, the following objectives are applicable to Reclamation’s operations and maintenance program.
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• Maintain the Shoreline Trail to established standards (USFS Trail Management Handbook FSH 2309.18, Standard Specifications for Construction and Maintenance of Trails EM 7720-103). • Prepare an annual Trail Maintenance Plan following field surveys by the trail partners (volunteer associations and other agencies) that identifies trail conditions and level of maintenance needed for each trail segment, as well as any unique maintenance concerns. • Hold a meeting of all trail maintenance partners at least once each year to discuss trail maintenance issues and projects. • Provide information and advisories regarding trail safety issues. • Maintain the trail to reduce or eliminate identified hazards.
6.4.2123B Maintenance Activities
Staging Areas: Daily operational activities include general trail patrol and opening/closing entry gates. General weekly maintenance activities include litter cleanup, graffiti removal, emptying trash cans, and cleaning and repairing toilets related to the trail staging areas, trails, and potential water taxi stops.
Seasonal maintenance includes:
• Updating information in kiosks • Repairing picnic tables, benches, fencing, signs, and other staging area amenities • Recovery from illegal acts such as dumping and significant vandalism • Repairing gates, bollards, and fencing • Resurfacing / repairing parking areas • Sign maintenance and replacement
Trails: As each trail segment of the Shoreline Trail is completed, long-range operational considerations, and budgeting for them, include:
• Staffing (patrol and maintenance including overseeing maintenance and volunteer crews, managing interpretive programs, responding to fire and medical emergencies, etc.) • Routine maintenance (litter and graffiti removal) • Inspections to ensure safety and structural integrity of the trail and appurtenant facilities. These include the trail tread, drainage crossings, bridges, handrails, signage, and other improvements. Inspections would take place on an as-needed basis and would at a minimum include:
6-17 Lake Berryessa Shoreline Trail Management Plan − In the fall prior to the rain season − In the early spring after the height of the winter rain season and prior to the prime recreation season − After major storm events • Annual maintenance (brushing, minor trail repair) • Life-cycle replacement projects (contingent on normal wear-out life spans) • Emergency repairs resulting from uncontrollable acts (storm damage, vandalism)
New trails within the following Shoreline Trail segments would be designed to be accessible under state and federal accessibility guidelines:
• Within the Oak Shores Day Use Area (Segment 13A) • Concession areas • Segment between Olive Orchard Day Use Area and the Capell Creek bridge (approximaely 300 feet, Segment 8) • East Shore – North Trail (Segment 25)
The level of trail surface maintenance for accessible trails will vary depending on the type of materials used. Over time, concrete and asphalt will require less maintenance than decomposed granite or crushed stone.
Table 5 overviews routine trail maintenance considerations by surface type.
Trail Logs: Once a trail segment is opened for use, trail logs should be maintained by Reclamation in conjunction with spring condition surveys. These logs may be completed by either by volunteers or Reclamation trail crews.
The trail logs would include an inventory of the physical features on or adjacent to the trail and GPS coordinates. The trail logs should be updated when inventoried features are modified, replaced, removed or when other features are added. Trail logs are useful in the development of the maintenance budget and in determining the total dollar amount needed to fully maintain the trail system. By comparing the needed funds to available funds, a determination may be made about the amount of work that must be deferred.
Logs are also useful when performing maintenance work by contract or with volunteer groups. If kept current, logs may be used to prepare documentation for contract packages, and show the location of structures and other features that require maintenance.
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T131B ABLE 5: TRAIL MAINTENANCE BY TRAIL SURFACE TYPE
Trail Type Routine Trail Maintenance considerations
ADA - Paved (Concrete or • Inspecting for heaves and elevation changes in trail surface that can cause Asphalt) tripping hazards or exceed state or federal accessibility guidelines • Maintaining understory vegetation so that it will not encroach onto the trail and retain intended horizontal clearance • Removing debris and hazards with the aim of increasing safety, improving drainage, and reducing dust and air pollution • Removing trash and repairing vandalism repair • Inspecting, cleaning out, and repairing drainage structures (e.g., culverts, ditches, and channels) • Installing and repairing pavement markings • Removal of downed trees • Sign maintenance and replacement ADA - Compacted Crushed Same as for ADA - Paved (Concrete or Asphalt) and additionally: Gravel or Decomposed • Inspecting for loose rocks on trail surface that can cause tripping hazards or Granite exceed accessibility guidelines. • Correcting or improving drainage to retain the integrity of the trail tread structure, including assuring trail tread materials do not migrate horizontally and the trail tread is usable through all seasons. • Maintain compaction of surface. Re-compaction of aggregate surface • Removal of downed trees • Sign maintenance and replacement Natural Surface • Inspecting and repairing to avoid erosion problems and tripping hazards • Brushing and pruning adjacent vegetation to maintain clearances • Removing trash and repairing vandalism • Slough management • Replacing / reconstructing tread • Improving switchbacks to discourage shortcutting • Correcting or improving drainage to retain the integrity of the trail tread structure including cleaning water bars and rebuilding dips • Removing trail edges where berms tend to build up and where uphill slopes erode onto the trails. In flat areas, the trail should be maintained to provide a crowned trail, while trails in hillside areas should be maintained to provide an outslope. • Removal of downed trees • Sign maintenance and replacement Equestrian trails (Segments • Annual disking 25-27) • Maintaining water system if provided.
Maintenance Prescription: As part of the condition survey, a maintenance "prescription" should be recorded to show the work that is required to bring the trail segment to standard and the associated cost. This maintenance prescription would include an annual listing of maintenance actions and a listing of deferred maintenance actions. The maintenance needs identified in the prescription should be prioritized and used in the development of the annual maintenance plan and a 5-year maintenance plan with deferred maintenance items identified.
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6.4.3124B Operational Considerations
Operational needs and considerations for management of the Shoreline Trail are typical of those found in any recreation environment. These include:
• Providing interpretive programs or displays • Scheduling, issuing, and managing special use permits (e.g., trail events) • Managing use conflicts that will vary based on the level of anticipated use • Responding to emergencies including trail accidents and fire response where the degree of difficulty is a function of road vs. water access • Staffing required for opening and closing gates at trailheads and patrol for campfires and illegal campers on all segments. Table 6 overviews, by segment, special conditions that warrant additional staff consideration in trail operations and maintenance.
6.4.4125B Maintenance and Operations Levels
Table 7 assigns a preliminary projection of daily operational levels and staffing for patrolling, monitoring, and managing use along trail segments. This is based on criteria including: amount of use; potential to affect resources; safety considerations; anticipated tread repair based on slope and soil conditions; and other operational considerations (see Table 6). It is anticipated that many routine maintenance activities would be conducted by volunteers. For each segment, the anticipated Reclamation staffing needs were determined based on the operational criteria levels, input from Reclamation staff, and professional judgment.
Table 8 assigns a preliminary projection of annual maintenance levels for anticipated brushing, trail tread repair, and other trail-related facilities such as staging areas, bridges, and signs.
After completion of a trail segment, maintenance and operational levels should be reviewed and updated annually.
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T132B ABLE 6: SPECIFIC OPERATIONAL CONSIDERATIONS BY TRAIL SEGMENT
Segment No. / Segment Name Special Operational Considerations 1: Putah Creek/ Berryessa Dam Note: segment to be developed and managed by others with Reclamation as an (including Lower Putah assisting partner. DFG lands so they would maintain staging area. Creek Staging Area) • Opening/closing gate at Berryessa Dam / Lower Putah Creek Staging Area • No dogs permitted within UC Natural Reserve • Potential seasonal closures for habitat purposes • Monitoring access controls to UC Natural Reserve 2: Markley Cove East NONE 3: Mahogany Bay none 4: Quail Ridge Peninsula • No dogs permitted within adjacent UC Natural Reserve • Monitoring access controls to UC Natural Reserve • Water access only for majority of segment 5: Pleasure Cove None 6: Wragg Point • Monitoring access controls to Berryessa Highlands • Water access only for majority of segment 7: Lupine Shores • Responding to conflicts due to anticipated high use levels 8: Seventeen Creeks (including • Opening/closing gate at Steel Canyon Staging Area Steel Canyon Staging Area) • Permitting for overnight use at Berryessa Vista Wilderness Park (Napa County) • Monitoring overnight parking at either Steel Canyon Staging Area or Orchard Day Use Area • Water access only for majority of segment 9: Capell Cove None 10: Spanish Flat South (including • Opening/closing gate at Spanish Vista Staging Area Spanish Vista Staging Area) 11: Foothill Pines • Responding to conflicts due to anticipated high use levels 12: Spanish Flat North None 13A: Oak Shores Day Use Area • Responding to conflicts due to anticipated high use levels 13B: Smittle Creek • Responding to conflicts due to anticipated high use levels 13C: Smittle Creek to Blue Oaks • Responding to conflicts due to anticipated high use levels Concession Area 14: Blue Oaks Concession Area • Responding to conflicts due to anticipated high use levels 15: Smittle Creek Inter- • Responding to conflicts due to anticipated high use levels Concession 16: Manzanita Canyon • Responding to conflicts due to anticipated high use levels 17: Schoolhouse Island Vista • Monitoring access controls to Berryessa Pines Pope Creek Bridge None 18: Pope Creek South Bank • Responding to conflicts due to anticipated high use levels near bridge 19: Pope Creek North Bank • Opening/closing gate at Pope Creek Staging Area 20: Chaparral Cove • Responding to conflicts due to anticipated high use levels 21: Putah Creek South Bank none Putah Creek Bridge None 22: Putah Creek North Bank None 23: North End • Opening/closing gate at Raccoon Lagoon Staging Area 24: Eticuera Creek • Opening/closing gate at Eticuera Creek Day Use Area 25: East Shore – North (including • Monitoring access controls to ranch residences Tully Canyon Staging Area) • No dogs permitted within Wildlife Management Area (February 15 through July 15) • Opening/closing gate at Tully Canyon Staging Area
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TABLE 6: SPECIFIC OPERATIONAL CONSIDERATIONS BY TRAIL SEGMENT (CONTINUED)
Segment No. / Segment Name Special Operational Considerations 26: East Shore - South • Monitoring access controls to ranch residences • No dogs permitted within Wildlife Management Area (February 15 through July 15) 27: East Shore – Gunn Ranch • Water access only for majority of segment • No dogs permitted within Wildlife Management Area (February 15 through July 15) 28: Portuguese - Monticello Dam Note: segment to be developed and managed by others with Reclamation as an Overlook assisting partner • No dogs permitted within Wildlife Management Area (February 15 through July 15) • Water access only for majority of segment
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T133B ABLE 7: ANTICIPATED OPERATIONS LEVELS
Operation Considerations
Anticipated Reclamation Staffing / Full Time
Segment No. / Segment Name Level of Use Management Resource Safety / Response Time Other Operational Considerations Equivalent 1: Putah Creek/ Berryessa Dam (including Lower Putah • • - • 0.1 Creek Staging Area) Note: Primary management responsibility by others 2: Markley Cove East (including Lake Vista Staging Area) • - - - 0.2 3: Mahogany Bay Concession Area Responsibility 4: Quail Ridge Peninsula - • • • 0.2 5: Pleasure Cove Concession Area Responsibility 6: Wragg Point • - • • 0.2 7: Lupine Shores Concession Area Responsibility 8: Seventeen Creeks (including Steel Canyon Staging Area) • - • • 0.3 9: Capell Cove - - - - 0.1 10: Spanish Flat South (including Spanish Vista Staging Area) • - - - 0.1 11: Foothill Pines Concession Area Responsibility 12: Spanish Flat North • - - - 0.2 13A: Oak Shores Day Use Area • - - - 0.3 13B: Smittle Creek • - - - 0.2 13C: Smittle Creek to Blue Oaks Concession Area • - - - 0.2 14: Blue Oaks Concession Area Concession Area Responsibility 15 Smittle Creek Inter-Concession • - - - 0.1 16: Manzanita Canyon Concession Area Responsibility 17: Schoolhouse Island Vista • - - • 01 Pope Creek Bridge - - - - 18: Pope Canyon South Bank - - • - 0.1 19: Pope Canyon North Bank • - - - 0.2 20: Chaparral Cove Concession Area Responsibility 21: Putah Creek South Bank - - • • 0.1 Putah Creek Bridge - - - - 22: Putah Creek North Bank - • • - 0.1 23: North End (including Raccoon Lagoon Staging Area) • - • - 0.3 24: Eticuera Creek - - - - 0.1 25: East Shore – North (including Tully Canyon Staging Area) • - - - 0.1 26: East Shore - South - • 0.1 27: East Shore – Gunn Ranch - • • • 0.1 28: Portuguese - Monticello Dam Overlook - • • - 0.1 Note: cooperative management with BLM Total staff required for all segments 4.5 Key: High • Moderate • Low -
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T134B ABLE 8: ANTICIPATED ANNUAL MAINTENANCE LEVELS
Segment No. / Segment Name Maintenance Anticipated Considerations Maintenance Level
Other Trail Other Trail Features Level of Use Tread: Trail Slope / Soils 1: Putah Creek/ Berryessa Dam (including Lower Putah • • High Creek Staging Area) Note: Primary management responsibility by others 2: Markley Cove East (including Lake Vista Staging Area) • - • High 3: Mahogany Bay Concession Area Responsibility 4: Quail Ridge Peninsula - - - Low 5: Pleasure Cove Concession Area Responsibility 6: Wragg Point • - - Low 7: Lupine Shores Concession Area Responsibility 8: Seventeen Creeks (including Steel Canyon Staging Area) • • • High 9: Capell Cove - - - Low 10: Spanish Flat South (including Spanish Vista Staging Area) • • • Moderate 11: Foothill Pines Concession Area Responsibility 12: Spanish Flat North • • • Moderate 13A: Oak Shores Day Use Area • - - High 13B: Smittle Creek • - - High 13C: Smittle Creek to Blue Oaks Concession Area • - - High 14: Blue Oaks Concession Area Concession Area Responsibility 15: Smittle Creek Inter-Concession Area • - - High 16: Manzanita Canyon Concession Area Responsibility 17: Schoolhouse Island Vista • - - High Pope Creek Bridge • Low 18: Pope Creek South Bank - - • Low 19: Pope Creek North Bank • - • Moderate 20: Chaparral Cove Concession Area Responsibility 21: Putah Creek South Bank - • - Low Putah Creek Bridge - - Low 22: Putah Creek North Bank - - Low 23: North End (including Raccoon Lagoon Staging Area) • - • High 24: Eticuera Creek (including Eticuera Day Use Area) - - • Moderate 25: East Shore – North (including Tully Canyon Staging Area) - - • Moderate 26: East Shore - South - - - Low 27: East Shore – Gunn Ranch - • • Moderate 28: Portuguese - Monticello Dam Overlook - • • Moderate Note: cooperative management with BLM KEY: High • Moderate • Low -
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6.595B FUNDING
6.5.1126B Organizations and Programs
A fundamental understanding to construct the Shoreline Trail is that funding development of multiple-use trails is directly proportionate to the extent of partnership that is involved. Many grant programs are either on a matching basis or seek to ensure that local communities are involved and directly benefit from the grant. Table 9 provides an overview of the partnerships that could be involved with each Shoreline Trail segment.
Outside of budgeted Reclamation capital improvement projects, the following are the major funding sources that are trail-related and could be applied to the Shoreline Trail, its lands, and its related features.
The Land and Water Conservation Fund: The Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 was enacted “…to assist in preserving, developing and assuring accessibility to all citizens of the United States of America of present and future generations… such quality and quantity of outdoor recreation resources as may be available and are necessary and desirable for individual active participation….” There are two ways that the Shoreline Trail may be funded: directly through Reclamation as part of the federal portion of this Fund; or through the state assistance program portion of the Fund in partnership with the State of California or Napa County that would involve a 50/50 matching basis for individual projects.
Transportation Enhancement (TE): The TE program offers funding opportunities to help expand transportation choices including pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure and safety programs. Types of projects that may be applicable to portions of the Shoreline Trail would include: wide paved shoulders for non-motorized use; bike lane striping; bike parking; construction or major rehabilitation of off-road shared use paths (non-motorized transportation trails); trailside and trailhead facilities for shared use paths; bridges and underpasses for pedestrians and bicyclists and for trails.
The Recreational Trails Program (RTP): The program provides funds to states to develop and maintain recreational trails and trail-related facilities for non-motorized recreational trail uses. The RTP is an assistance program of the Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21) reauthorized the federal highway program and funds the RTP as a stand-alone program. This authorization was signed into law on July 6, 2012, and provides the RTP with funding through September 30, 2014. (http://www.parks.ca.gov/?Page_id=24324)
National Park Service Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance (RTCA) Program: The RTCA Program is the community assistance arm of the National Park Service. RTCA supports community-led natural resource conservation and outdoor recreation projects and by providing technical (not financial) assistance in the planning and design of trails. (www.nps.gov/pwro/rtca)
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T135B ABLE 9: POTENTIAL PARTNERS BY TRAIL SEGMENT
Segment No. / Segment Name Potential Partners 1: Putah Creek/ Berryessa Dam Solano County Parks (including Lower Putah Creek Tuleyome Staging Area) UC Davis (Stebbins Cold Canyon Reserve) BLM DFG, – Putah Creek Wildlife Area Solano Irrigation District Caltrans 2: Markley Cove East Caltrans Tuleyome 3: Mahogany Bay Concession lessee 4: Quail Ridge Peninsula Tuleyome UC Davis (Quail Ridge Reserve) Quail Ridge Wilderness Conservancy Napa Valley Land Trust (Quail Ridge Reserve) DFG (Quail Ridge Reserve) BLM 5: Pleasure Cove Concession lessee 6: Wragg Point Napa County Regional Park and Open Space District Tuleyome Berryessa Highlands property owners – nearby residential development 7: Lupine Shores Concession lessee 8: Seventeen Creeks (including Napa County Regional Park and Open Space District (connecting trails to Steel Canyon Staging Area) Berryessa Vista Wilderness) Tuleyome, BLM 9: Capell Cove Napa County Parks and Open Space Dept. Tuleyome, BLM (connecting trail to Sugarloaf Peak and Little Sugarloaf Peak) 10: Spanish Flat South (including Napa County Parks and Open Space Spanish Vista Staging Area) Tuleyome
11: Foothill Pines Concession lessee 12: Spanish Flat North Napa County Parks and Open Space District Tuleyome 13A: Oak Shores Day Use Area Napa County Parks and Open Space District Tuleyome 13B: Smittle Creek Napa County Regional Park and Open Space District Tuleyome BLM 13C: Smittle Creek to Blue Oaks Napa County Regional Park and Open Space District Concession Area Tuleyome 14: Blue Oaks Concession Concession lessee 15: Smittle Creek Inter-Concession Napa County Regional Park and Open Space District Area Tuleyome 16: Manzanita Canyon Concession lessee 17: Schoolhouse Island Vista Napa County Regional Park and Open Space District Tuleyome Berryessa Pines property owners – nearby residential area Pope Creek Bridge none
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TABLE 9: POTENTIAL PARTNERS BY TRAIL SEGMENT (CONTINUED)
Segment No. / Segment Name Potential Partners 18: Pope Creek South Bank Napa County Regional Park and Open Space District Tuleyome, BLM (connecting trail to Cedar Roughs Wildlife Area) DFG (connecting trail to Cedar Roughs Wildlife Area) 19: Pope Creek North Bank Napa County Regional Park and Open Space District Tuleyome, BLM 20: Chaparral Cove Concession lessee 21: Putah Creek South Bank Napa County Parks and Open Space District Tuleyome BLM Putah Creek Bridge 22: Putah Creek North Bank Napa County Regional Park and Open Space District (Camp Berryessa) Tuleyome BLM 23: North End Tuleyome (connection with Raccoon Lagoon trail) 24: Eticuera Creek Napa County Parks and Open Space Dept. DFG 25: East Shore – North (including DFG Tully Canyon Staging Area) BLM Private ranchers (access, easement issues, cattle ranching operations) 26: East Shore - South DFG (Lake Berryessa Wildlife Management Area) BLM (connecting trails to Blue Ridge) Private ranchers (access, easement issues, cattle ranching operations) 27: East Shore – Gunn Ranch DFG (Lake Berryessa Wildlife Management Area) BLM (connecting trails to Blue Ridge) Gunn Ranch (access, easement issues, cattle ranching operations) 28: Portuguese - Monticello Dam BLM (connecting trails to Rocky Ridge) Overlook DFG Yolo County Parks Division Tuleyome Solano Irrigation District
6-27 Lake Berryessa Shoreline Trail Management Plan California Department of Boating and Waterways Grant / Boat Launching Facility: The Department of Boating and Waterways offers planning, design, and construction grants that would be applicable to water taxi stops that are part of the Shoreline Trail . (http://www.dbw.ca.gov/Funding/Facilities.aspx#BLFG)
California Wildlife Conservation Board / California Department of Fish and Game: The Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB) carries out programs that include the development of facilities in cooperation with local agencies for public access to hunting, fishing, or other wildlife- oriented recreation. Financial assistance is available to cities, counties and public districts or corporations for development such as fishing piers or floats, access roads, boat launching ramps, trails, boardwalks, interpretive facilities, and lake or stream improvements. Support facilities such as restrooms and parking areas are also eligible for funding under this program.
Under the Wildlife Conservation Law of 1947, it is required that the State have a proprietary interest in the land or water on which the improvements are made. Prior to approval of a project by the WCB, either a Notice of Unrecorded Grant Agreement or a lease agreement may be required between the local agency and the State to secure a proprietary interest in the project site and ensure the long-term management and maintenance of the improvements. In almost all cases this will be for a period of at least 25 years. In some cases federal funds may also be used, and under these circumstances, a perpetual interest may be required. (http://www.wcb.ca.gov/Access/index.html)
California Coastal Conservancy: In general, the Conservancy’s enabling legislation, Division 21 of the California Public Resources Code, authorizes it to work within the nine counties that surround San Francisco Bay, including Napa County. The Conservancy provides support for public access purposes to and along the coast, including inland trail systems that may be linked to the California Coastal Trail. Exceptions to these usual limits on Conservancy jurisdiction are also permitted in other defined circumstances under the language of Division 21.
Napa County Regional Park and Open Space District: In November of 2006 Napa County voters approved Measure I establishing the Napa County Regional Park and Open Space District. The District is authorized to plan, improve, and operate a system of public parks, trails, outdoor recreational facilities, and outdoor science and conservation education programs, as well as to protect and preserve natural areas, wildlife habitat and other open space resources. Its jurisdiction includes all of Napa County. Funding and staffing for the District currently comes from the County of Napa, at the level determined by the County Board of Supervisors. The District is also empowered to obtain grants, accept gifts, and collect fees for services provided. Subject to voter approval, the District is authorized to raise revenues through some types of property assessments and taxes.
Private Partnership / Volunteer Opportunities: Working with local public entities, non-profit organizations may apply and/or support grants to plan, design, renovate, and construct trails and related facilities, help organize volunteers for trail construction or maintenance as well as trail programs. Of these Tuleyome, founded in 2002 as a volunteer advocacy-oriented nonprofit organization, focuses on protecting both the wild and agricultural heritages of the Inner Coastal Range and the Western Sacramento Valley for current and future generations.
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Lake Berryessa Shoreline Trail Management Plan References
Lake Berryessa Shoreline Trail Management Plan
7.068B REFERENCES
United States Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation. Lake Berryessa Reservoir Area Management Plan, Final Environmental Impact Statement. May 1992.
____. Record of Decision. February 1993.
United States Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation. Future Recreation Use and Operations of Lake Berryessa. Final Environmental Impact Statement, Solano Project, Napa County, Mid-Pacific Region. Mid-Pacific Region, Sacramento, California. October 2005.
____. Record of Decision. June 2006
United States Department of the Interior. Monticello Reservoir (Lake Berryessa) Solano Project,
California, Public Use Plan. Prepared for Region 2, Bureau of Reclamation, by Region Four, National Park Service. United States Department of the Interior. October 1959.
United States Bureau of Reclamation. Environmental Assessment, Rehabilitation of North End Trail at Lake Berryessa. March 2011.
____. Finding of No Significant Impact. March 29, 2011. No. CCAO-FONSI-11-4.
United States Bureau of Reclamation. Environmental Assessment, Oak Shores Trail Construction, Lake Berryessa. March 2011.
____. Finding of No Significant Impact. March 29, 2011. No. CCAO-FONSI-11-3.
United States Bureau of Reclamation. Lake Berryessa Park Rules.
United States Bureau of Reclamation. Final Lake Berryessa Resource Inventory. March 2008.
United States Bureau of Reclamation. Lake Berryessa Recreation Areas, Summer 2011. Central California Area Office, Lake Berryessa Field Office. Internet website: www.usbr.gov/mp/ccao/berryessa.
United States Bureau of Reclamation. Reclamation Manual, Directives and Standards. Application of Visual Identity in Corporate Materials. ADM-02-05.
United States Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation. Recreation Facility Design Guidelines. September 2002.
United States Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation. Sign Guidelines for Planning, Designing, Fabricating, Procuring, Installing and Maintaining Signs for Outdoor Public Use Areas, Visual Identity Program Compliant. October 2006.
7-1 Lake Berryessa Shoreline Trail Management Plan United States Department of the Interior, Office of Inspector General. Recreation Management Activities at Selected Sites, Bureau of Reclamation. Final Report. Report No. 95-1-870. May 1995.
North State Resources Incorporated. Final Lake Berryessa Resource Inventory. Prepared for US Bureau of Reclamation, Central California Area Office, Lake Berryessa Recreation Resource Office. March 2008.
North State Resources Incorporated. Lake Berryessa North End Trail Rehabilitation, Draft Delineation of Waters of the U.S., Including Wetlands. Prepared for US Bureau of Reclamation, Central California Area Office, Lake Berryessa Recreation Resource Office. December 8, 2008.
Richard A. Crysdale and James C. Scullin. An Analysis of the Water Carrying Capacity of Lake Berryessa, Solano Project, California. Prepared for US Department of the Interior, Division of Ecological Resources, Denver, and Bureau of Reclamation, Recreation Office, Lake Berryessa. September 1988.
United States Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, Reclamation Manual, Directives and Standards, Recreation Program Management, LND 01-03, LND P-04.
United States Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation. National Environmental Policy Act – Handbook. 2000.
United States Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, Solano Project. California.
Management Agreement Between the United states of America and Napa County Regional Park and Open Space District for Development, Management, Operations and Maintenance of Camp Berryessa. Management Agreement No. 11-LC-20-0194. July 6, 2011.
United States Department of Justice. 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, as amended.
United States Access Board. Draft Final Accessibility Guidelines for Outdoor Developed Areas. October, 2009.
United States Forest Service. Forest Service Trail Accessibility Guidelines (FSTAG). May 22, 2006.
United States Forest Service. Forest Service Outdoor Recreation Accessibility Guidelines (FSORAG). May, 2006
United States Forest Service SH 2309.18 - Trails Management Handbook; Amendment No. 2309.18-91-2. November 8, 1991
United States Forest Service. EM-7720-103 - Engineering Management Series - Standard Specifications for Construction and Maintenance of Trails. August 1996.
7-2 Lake Berryessa Shoreline Trail Management Plan State of California, Department of Transportation (Caltrans): California Highway Design Manual, Chapter 1000 — Bikeways
State of California Department of Fish and Game. Final Management Plan for the Lake Berryessa Wildlife Area, Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation. April 1998.
Colorado State University, College of Natural Resources, Department of Natural Resource Recreation and Tourism. A Study of Boater Recreation on Lake Berryessa, California, Final Report. Prepared for US Bureau of Reclamation, Mid-Pacific Region, Lake Berryessa, CA 94558. Summer 1998.
County of Napa, Department of Public Works. Napa County Road & Street Standards. Revised August 11, 2011.
____. Encroachment Permit Brochure. Revised June 30, 2010.
____. Personal communication with Rick Marshal. July 9, 2012.
Berryessa Trails and Conservation. Proposed Alignment for the Lake Berryessa Trail. Lake Berryessa Recreation Area, Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation. September 2011.
Kleinfelder. Environmental Compliance and Facility Conditions Access Report, Seven Concession Areas, Lake Berryessa, California. Prepared for US Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, December 19, 2002.
County of Napa. Napa County General Plan, Adopted by Resolution No. 08-86. June 3, 2008.
_____. Amended by Resolution No. 09-88. June 23, 2009.
County of Napa. Napa County Regional Park and Open Space District. Master Plan 2008 – 2013. January 2009.
_____. Personal communication with John Woodbury, March 25, 2012.
County of Napa. Napa County, California – Code of Ordinances. Title 12 – Streets, Sidewalks, and Public Places, Chapter 12-08 - Berryessa Lake and Park Area.
County of Solano. Solano County General Plan, Park and Recreation Element. Adopted June 24, 2003.
County of Yolo. County of Yolo 2030 General Plan, Conservation and Open Space Element. Adopted by Resolution No. 09-189, November 10, 2009.
Pensus Resorts, Berryessa Shores, Concession Development Plans Internet website: http://lakeberryessashores.com/
____.Personal communication with Georgi Mauli-Finch, April 24, 2012
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Lake Berryessa Shoreline Trail Management Plan Acronyms
Lake Berryessa Shoreline Trail Management Plan
8.069B LIST OF ACRONYMS
ADA Americans with Disabilities Act ADA Americans with Disabilities Act AGODA Accessibility Guidelines for Outdoor Developed Areas ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials BLM Bureau of Land Management BMP Best Management Practices CDFG State of California, Department of Fish and Game CEQ Council on Environmental Quality CEQA California Environmental Quality Act of 1970 CVRWQCB Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board EA Environmental Assessment EIS Environmental Impact Statement EPA Environmental Protection Agency ESA Endangered Species Act FHWA Federal Highway Administration FONSI Finding of No Significant Impact GPS Global Positioning Satellite MOU Memorandum of Understanding msl Mean sea level MUTCD Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices NDPES National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System NEPA National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 NRS Natural Reserve System QR Quick response RAMP Resource Area Management Plan ROD Record of Decision ROS Recreation Open Space RTCA National Park Service Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance RTP Recreation Trails Program RV Recreational vehicle RWQCB Regional Water Quality Control Board SAA Streambed Alteration Agreement SWPPP Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan TE Transportation Enhancement
8-1 Lake Berryessa Shoreline Trail Management Plan UC University of California USACE United States Army Corps of Engineers USDA United States Department of Agriculture USFS United States Forest Service USFWS United States Fish and Wildlife Service VSP Visitor Services Plan WCB Wildlife Conservation Board WMA Wildlife Management Area
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Lake Berryessa Shoreline Trail Management Plan Report Preparation
Lake Berryessa Shoreline Trail Management Plan
9.070B REPORT PREPARERS AND PRINCIPAL CONTRIBUTORS
Report Preparers: U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation Jason Jordan Reclamation Project Manager Outdoor Recreation Planner Warren Kasper Supervisory Park Ranger
Tetra Tech, Inc. Derek Farmer Project Manager Yashekia Evans GIS Specialist
2M Associates Patrick Miller Partner
URS, Inc. Kelly Bayer Senior Planner
Contributors: Tuleyome / Berryessa Trails Conservation Carol Kunze Herb Howe
Pensus Group Georgi Mauli-Finch Concession Manager
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Lake Berryessa Shoreline Trail Management Plan
Figures
OVERVIEW FIGURES
SECTIONS
STAGING AREAS
CONCESSION AREAS
Lake Berryessa Shoreline Trail
Management Plan
Attachments
ATTACHMENT A Summary of Policies and Guidelines Affecting the Design of the Lake Berryessa Shoreline Trail
Lake Berryessa Shoreline Trail Management Plan
Agency Document, Policies and Guidelines Plan, or Standard 1959 Public Use Plan Section IV: General Development Plans., Section C: Development Areas: for Monticello “Project lands between Putah Creek and Eticuera Creeks are recommended for Reservoir (Lake future expansion of park areas and facilities based on demand. Future uses for Berryessa), this area will include picnicking, camping, trails, organization camps, primitive Reclamation and camps, swimming and other activities. (pg. 30) National Park Service “Public use facilities on the east side of the reservoir are not considered necessary or desirable within the foreseeable future because of excessive shoreline recession die to drawdown, high temperature, sparse vegetation, extreme travel distance, and lack of road access. Future use of the area for riding trails, bank fishing, and other public uses requiring only minimum improvements may become feasible, however, of guest ranches are developed nearby. (pg. 30)
H. Recommended Standards 2. Areas and Facilities (2) Roads and Trails – Main pedestrian trails should be not less than six feet and minor trails not less than four feet in width. Napa County Zoning 12.08.030 Unlawful activities designated. Ordinance – Sec. 7. To ride, drive, lead or keep a horse or other livestock in the Berryessa Lake 12.08.030 or Park area except upon roads and trails designated for that purpose by the Bureau, or in such other areas as may be designated as pasturage areas under lease by the Bureau. No horse or other livestock shall be hitched to any tree or shrub in such manner as to cause damage to such tree or shrub. This subsections shall not apply to the use of horses for law enforcement purposes, or if prior approval has been obtained through issuance of a special permit by the Bureau;
13. To wade, swim, bathe, operate a boat or water ski within one thousand five hundred feet of Monticello Dam;
16. To enter any areas of the Berryessa Lake and Park area which are closed to entry by the Bureau, and posted against trespassing in accordance with the provisions of Section 602 of the California Penal Code; Final Napa County General Plan (2009) Policy ROS-15: - Recreation and The County, in coordination with and generally by working through the Napa Open Space Element County Regional Park and Open Space District, shall plan for and reserve land for recreational facilities and encourage non-commercial recreational development, including both parks and a comprehensive system of trails, in a manner and to the extent consistent with agricultural, water quality, and natural resource protection goals and the Trails Policy contained in this Element (Policy ROS-10). The following recreational opportunities are the County of Napa’s priorities (not necessarily in the order shown), which shall be addressed in greater detail in a park and recreation master plan to be prepared by the Napa County Regional Park and Open Space District:
• Complete the Lake Berryessa Trail.
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Agency Document, Policies and Guidelines Plan, or Standard • Support the improvement and operation of Lake Berryessa as a year- round recreation area providing a balanced and hospitable environment for nature-based recreation and motorized boating.
Policy ROS-20: Partnerships with other public agencies, non-profit organizations, and the private sector should be used where feasible to enhance recreational opportunities and appropriate nature-based recreation, including but not limited to:
• The Bureau of Reclamation and Bureau of Land Management to ensure effective, well-managed, and appropriate use of federal lands for public recreation and resource conservation. Encourage the transfer to local control those federal holdings with important recreational and resource values which the federal government is not able to effectively manage and is not interested in retaining in federal ownership.
Policy ROS-30: • Other than at Lake Berryessa, recreational facilities should be designed and scaled to serve the needs of county residents, recognizing that facilities that serve local residents will also serve visitors, that visitors can help pay for the construction and operation of recreational facilities beneficial to residents, and that the provision of additional nature based recreational opportunities is an important tool for achieving economic development goals while also reducing potential adverse impacts of tourism. In the case of Lake Berryessa, recreational facilities are understood to serve a broad regional market, but should nonetheless be designed to also serve the desire of Napa County residents for water- and nature-based recreation. Napa County • Redevelopment of Camp Berryessa (Project A.3); Regional Park and • Lake Berryessa Trail Development Phase I (Project A.10); Open Space Master • Berryessa Peak/Blue Ridge trails (Project A.11); Plan (2008-2013) • Improvements to Berryessa Vista Wilderness Park (Project A.12); • A Pope to Putah Creek trail from Berryessa Estates (Project A.13); and • Camp Berryessa to Knoxville Recreation Area (Project A.15).
The Plan states that the District is particularly interested in Seventeen Creeks trail segment (will provide overland access to the Berryessa Vista Wilderness Park) and the connection between Camp Berryessa and the main shoreline of the lake along the eastern arm of Putah Creek. The District is also interested in a trail from Camp Berryessa to the Knoxville Recreation Area to the north. Lake Berryessa Visitor Services Plan Record of Decision as applied to trails (VSP) (2006) Reclamation will work in partnership with other Government agencies, private landowners, and private organizations to design and construct a regional trail system for non-motorized recreation. This will include a multipurpose shoreline trail on Reclamation-owned and managed lands at Lake Berryessa
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Agency Document, Policies and Guidelines Plan, or Standard with connector trails to other public lands. New concession contracts will include provisions to develop trails within the recreation areas that also connect with the regional trail system. Trail development is expected to be ongoing. Reclamation will continue to work with partner groups and agencies to manage the existing trails on Reclamation-owned land at Lake Berryessa and improve their condition through repairs and reconstruction. Use of Federal appropriations for this purpose will be minimal. Existing trails will be inventoried and upgraded for accessibility. The proposed trail system is identified in Appendix C, map number 413-202-14. Construction of the trail system was evaluated in Alternatives B, C, and D.*
New trail construction along the shore would employ the same conservative design and construction criteria described for the resorts.
*Analysis in EIS basically stated there would be minor impacts to soils, vegetation and wildlife during construction of shoreline trail and that site specific NEPA would be done once designs were finalized.
Rehabilitation and new construction would be accomplished within parameters of “Sustainable Design” and in compliance with commonly accepted environmentally sensitive practices, e.g., energy efficiency, water conserving fixtures, and recycling. In construction standards would follow “Reclamation’s Recreation Facility Design Handbook” and meet Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) requirements. Construction or placement of new or additional permanent facilities would be limited within the reservoir floodplain (440 feet to455 feet mean sea level).
As in other locations, the architectural design of all facilities would be thematic for both the specific location and general physical and cultural heritage of the Lake Berryessa area. Lake Berryessa Record of Decision – Preferred Actions Selected for Implementation: Reservoir Area Management Plan 3. Dispersed Recreation Area Improvements: Develop and/or improve (RAMP) (1992) dispersed recreation areas (Class III) which could include access trails, sanitation facilities, garbage collection, parking, visitor information signing, etc., to provide for the health and safety of the public and protection of resources. In some cases, improvements would only involve a replacement of existing deteriorated facilities. Sites to be developed and/or improved generally would include areas with existing improvements and those areas being used frequently by the public which lack any improvements.
5. Smittle Creek Day Use Area: maintain Smittle Creek Day Use Area in accordance with the Oak Shores plan which retains it as a day use area. No campground development would be allowed.
7. Trail Development: Develop a predominantly unsurfaced multi-purpose riding and hiking trail system (30 to 50 miles) in dispersed recreation (Class III) and semi-primitive areas (Class IV). Trails could accommodate a variety
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Agency Document, Policies and Guidelines Plan, or Standard of uses, but would not be available to motorized vehicles. Any development of trails on the eastside would have to conform with a management plan for that area to be developed as a result of preferred action #13.
8. Boat Access Camping: Establish a boat access camping program for areas designated as semi-primitive (Class IV) and dispersed recreation (Class III) which will be administered by Reclamation. Under a permit system, resorts could provide parking and launching for a fee. Initially, only 50-100 sites would be established.
10. North Area Campground: Develop a low-density, high quality campground and day use area on the west shore, north of Putah Creek. The exact location would be made in consideration of minimizing potential impacts to bald eagles. Approximately 50-100 individual sites plus a group site on 30-40 acres of rolling grass-oak woodland would be provided for tent camping and or recreational vehicles. This would result in a land-use classification change from dispersed recreation (Class III) to general outdoor recreation (Class II) for the actual campground site. The remaining north shore lands would continue to be in the dispersed recreation classification.
23. Prohibit Construction and Placement of Facilities in the Reservoir Floodplain: Prohibit the construction or placement of new or additional permanent structures and facilities, including those for long-term uses to be located within the reservoir Floodplain (440 feet to 455 feet mean sea level), except items which have been authorized in master plans for water or related activities. This prohibition does not apply to normal routine maintenance required for existing structures and facilities. Temporary facilities serving day and short-term uses may be allowed in the Reservoir Floodplain provided they can be floodproofed or removed on short notice.
33. Limitations on Shoreline Modifications Below 440 Feet Mean Sea Level: Modifications of the shoreline (dredging, filling, earth shaping, revetment work) below 440 feet mean sea level will only be allowed as required for maintenance of existing facilities, to improve aesthetics, day use public access, or to alleviate health and safety problems. Modifications could include improvements to provide for additional day use activities such as swimming, picnicking, shoreline access, and minor marina facilities. The original shoreline configuration will not be altered to accommodate additional overnight facilities, storage areas, etc. Reclamation approval is subject to receipt of appropriate Napa County, DFG, Army Corps. Of Engineers, or other Federal or state agency permits as may be required.
38. Facility Development and Design Standards: Establish and implement facility development and design standards for resorts including size restrictions, density, architectural styles, lot development, resort motif, and utility service standards to upgrade facilities. This would supplement portions of existing State of California “Title 25” Standards. UC Davis – There is a MOU and a license agreement for the use and maintenance of the
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Agency Document, Policies and Guidelines Plan, or Standard Reclamation MOU Quail Ridge Reserve. and License Agreement for the In the license agreement, under Operation, Reclamation agrees to: Quail Ridge Reserve 3. Where budget and work schedules permit, to provide assistance in maintenance of roads, hiking trails, interpretive kiosks, trail sign, maps, etc.
In addition, under Operation, both parties agree to:
2: It is mutually understood and agreed that as between the parties hereto, Reclamation has the sole right to grant right-of-ways, leases, use permits and other authorizations on the Federal lands. The University shall, however, be consulted at least 30 days prior to any such rights or privileges being granted. The University will be given the opportunity to comment and/or suggest appropriate mitigation or alternatives to minimize the impact of such right-of- ways, leases, use permits, and other authorizations on the University’s use of the Federal lands. Reclamation Chapter 3: Recreation Facility Design Criteria Recreation Facility Design Guidelines H. Foot Trails (pg. 29-31): Foot trails at Reclamation sites are to function primarily as paths connecting recreation facilities. The primary users are expected to be pedestrians traveling short to medium distances. Trails should be designed to connect one facility element to another with the least amount of environmental impact. As such, trails are to be sited to minimize soil erosion, damage to vegetation and wildlife, degradation of streams, cost of maintenance, and circulation conflicts between pedestrians and vehicles, while maximizing user safety and esthetic experience.
1. General Layout Criteria.
Trails should be designed to avoid the following areas: • Where there are threatened or endangered species • Where there is critical or sensitive habitat • Where there are wetlands or permanently soggy soil conditions • Where a trail would cause increased soil erosion, such as on excessively steep slopes
A trail may cross a wetland for the specific purpose of interpretation, and a trail may cross a wetland if the trail is raised on a walkway above the ground (for short distances only.) Trails should be aligned to avoid crossing roads, except very low volume roads that service local circulation. If crossing a road is necessary, adequate and clearly visible signs must be posted on the road to give drivers approaching from either direction adequate warning of the crossing. When possible, trails should be aligned to avoid crossing streams. However, if crossing streams is necessary, the trail should be contained on a footbridge or other raised crossing facility. When a stream is crossed, the trail should be hard surfaced for 10 feet past the point of high soil moisture. If trails are located in wetlands or sensitive areas for the purpose of interpreting those A-5 Lake Berryessa Shoreline Trail Management Plan
Agency Document, Policies and Guidelines Plan, or Standard landscapes, the trail should be raised and handrails should be incorporated on sections that are more than 30 inches off of the ground.
To minimize soil erosion, trails should be located in areas that favor: • Coarse or gravelly soil rather than clay and silty soil • Vegetation composed of grasses rather than forbs or shrubs • The toe of a slope rather than a side slope • Flat slopes rather than steep slopes • Low soil moisture rather than high soil moisture • South and west exposures rather than north and east exposures
Surveying tools should be used to determine final alignment and grades; grades are not to be determined solely on visual judgment. Foot trails are to include any short spurs that are necessary to access nearby destination points, in order to provide logical site circulation. Trails should be clearly marked and signed at access points, and distances to destinations should be posted.
2. Design Criteria.—
a. Gradient: Trail grades should be no more than 10 percent and, preferably, less than 7 percent. On slopes over 25 percent, steps should be used, but only for short stretches. (See Appendix G - Trails.) Trails should be cross-sloped to drain at not less than 2 percent or more than 4 percent. Switchbacks should be as level as practicable.
b. Trail Width and Surface Material: Trails should be sized and surfaced to accommodate their expected level of use and to minimize soil erosion and vegetation trampling. Connecting trails that link nonlocal destination points that are a considerable distance apart should be 18 to 24 inches wide. These trails should be soil surfaced. In localized areas where the soil cannot support foot traffic, the trail should be surfaced with compacted decomposed granite or aggregate base course (class 6.) If foot traffic on these trails is very heavy, the entire length of the trail should be surfaced with compacted aggregate base course. (See Appendix G - Trails.) In extremely heavy use areas, the trail should be paved with an accessible surface or concrete. Local trails within a campground or marina area should be a minimum of 60 inches wide and surfaced with decomposed granite or aggregate base course. Boardwalks over wet areas and footbridges should be a minimum of 60 inches wide and include handrails on both sides. Railings are required for bridges higher than 30 inches off the ground and should be designed to meet codes and comply with UFAS and ADAAG. Footbridges on accessible trails are to be accessible and should include edge protection for security of wheelchairs at any turnouts. (See Appendix G - Trails.)
3. Accessible Trails.—All trails on Reclamation sites that are designated as accessible are to comply with UFAS and ADAAG. US Forest Service The US Forest Service Trail Accessibility Guidelines will be considered in Trail Accessibility design and development of the TMP. This document includes standards for A-6 Lake Berryessa Shoreline Trail Management Plan
Agency Document, Policies and Guidelines Plan, or Standard Guidelines trail classes and standards, as well as exception to accessibility standards in situations where natural and physical features render them impractical.
Section 7.3 includes technical provisions for trail design and development, summarized here:
• Trail Grade: no more than 30 percent of the total trail length may exceed a trail grade of 1:12 (8.33%). Trail grade of up to 1:20 (5%) is permitted for any distance.
• Cross Slope: The cross slope shall not exceed 1:20 (5%).
• Resting Intervals: Resting Intervals shall be at least 60 inches long, shall be at least as wide as the widest portion of the trail segment leading to the resting intervals, and shall have a slope not exceeding 1:20 (5%) in any direction.
• Surface: The trail tread surface shall be both firm and stable.
Section 7.3 includes additional trail standards and specific exceptions to those standards, and the guidelines include several appendices defining various trail classes with design parameters and managed use classifications and characteristics. North End Trail– EA The North End Trail EA and FONSI concluded that implementation of the and FONSI North End Trail would result in minimal environmental impacts. The following mitigation measures were incorporated into the EA; these will apply to construction and implementation of the Shoreline Trail as well:
Mitigation Measure 1: Valley Elderberry Longhorn Beetle Conservation Measures. Reclamation will implement the following conservation measures to prevent adverse impacts on the valley elderberry longhorn beetle or its host plant, the elderberry shrub:
• The elderberry shrub will be flagged or fenced by a biologist according to the elderberry survey that was conducted by Reclamation to ensure easy identification. • Maintenance crews will be briefed on the need to avoid the elderberry shrub • No vehicles will enter within a 20-foot buffer zone of the elderberry drip line. • If possible, construction activities within 100 feet of elderberry shrubs will occur only between July through February, avoiding the season of emergence (March to June) of the valley elderberry longhorn beetle.
Mitigation Measure 2. Nesting Migratory Bird Avoidance Measures. Construction activities, including vegetation removal and other activities that could disturb nesting birds, should be scheduled during the non-nesting period A-7 Lake Berryessa Shoreline Trail Management Plan
Agency Document, Policies and Guidelines Plan, or Standard (September to February). Removal of vegetation and potential nesting substrate (e.g. bushes, trees, grass, buildings and burrows), in particular, should be scheduled prior to the onset of the nesting season (March 15) to help preclude nesting.
If activities cannot be scheduled during the non-nesting period, the following measures are recommended to protect nesting migratory birds:
A qualified biologist should conduct pre-construction surveys no more than 2 weeks prior to the initiation of construction in the proposed trail alignment (based on the final design) and a 500-foot corridor along the trail (250 feet on each side of the trail) to ensure that no nests of migratory birds would be disturbed during construction. The survey should focus on suitable trees and other vegetation that could provide nest sites.
Any observed breeding or nesting activity should be documented, and the location(s) of active nest site(s) should be recorded. If no breeding or nesting activity is documented, no further action is necessary during the nesting season.
If an active nest is found, a construction-free buffer should be established around the nest. The size of the buffer zone shall be determined by a qualified biologist in consultation with the USFWS.
The buffer zone should remain in place until either the end of the nesting season (end of August) or a qualified biologist determines that the nest is no longer active.
Mitigation Measure 3: Cultural Resource Protection Measures Prior to construction activities, the work crews and their supervisors should undergo a training program that describes how to recognize archaeological remains and the protocol that should be carried out if suspected resources are uncovered. If cultural resources are discovered during construction, work in the vicinity of the field should be halted, and the Reclamation archaeologist should be contacted to assess the find. Additional measures may be identified to protect or recover the resources based on the direction of the archaeologist.
If human remains are encountered during construction of the trail, work should halt in the area of the discovery, and the appropriate federal official should be notified immediately. At the same time, the reclamation archaeologist should be contacted to evaluate the situation. If the remains are of Native American origin, or if funerary objects, sacred objects, or items of cultural patrimony are encountered, Reclamation will follow the guidelines and requirements of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act of 1990 and the Archaeological Resources Protection act of 1979, as amended.
Mitigation Measure 4: Water Quality Protection Measures The appropriate permits will be obtained prior to construction to ensure
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Agency Document, Policies and Guidelines Plan, or Standard compliance with the Clean Water Act and protection of water quality during construction. A Section 404 permit for the necessary for the fill of wetlands and drainages (waters of the United States) and would likely consist of coverage under a Nationwide Permit. Water quality certification in compliance with Section 401 of the Clean Water Act would also be necessary. Coverage under the state General Permit as part of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System program (Section 402 of the Clean Water Act) would also be required.
Compliance with the terms and conditions of these permits will ensure adequate protection of water quality in the drainages and Lake Berryessa.
The BMPs and other measures identified in the SWPPP should satisfy the requirements of the other applicable permits. The BMPs should be consistent with EPA’s storm water BMPs for construction. The plan will need to be kept on the construction site at all times and will be implemented throughout the construction phase. Typical BMPs may include, but not be limited to:
• Use of erosion control measures that use sediment traps, barriers, covers, or other methods approved by the RWQCB; • Recommendations for mulching, seeding, or other suitable erosion control stabilization measures as approved by the RWQCB; • Plans for appropriate deposition and storage of excavated and stockpiled material; • Requirements for refueling vehicles away from drainages and Lake Berryessa, and; • Covering all stockpiles of fill materials during extended periods of rain. Oak Shores – EA and The Oak Shores Trail EA and FONSI concluded that implementation of the FONSI trail would result in minimal environmental impacts. The following mitigation measures were incorporated into the EA; these will apply to construction and implementation of the Shoreline Trail as well:
• Construction would not occur during the rainy season, (October-April) unless absolutely necessary. If construction is to occur during the rainy season, a stormwater mitigation plan and map may need to be completed and reviewed by Reclamation prior to the start of construction. An NPDES permit/SWPPP would not be required because the trail is to be constructed in segments and each segment would have ground disturbance of less than one acre. • Stormwater mitigation measures/BMPs may be required to prevent erosion and sedimentation. These measures would be in place prior to construction and would be maintained throughout construction. • Outslopes of the trail would be between two and four percent to allow for water runoff. • Waterbars may be constructed to prevent erosion and allow for water runoff.
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Agency Document, Policies and Guidelines Plan, or Standard • Ground equipment (trail dozer, etc.) would be washed priot to the start of construction and anytime the equipment leaves the proposed project area. This is to minimize the spread of invasive plants. • If construction is to occur during bird nesting season (February- August) a bird survey will be conducted prior to the start of construction. If an active nest is found near the proposed project area, the nesting area will be avoided. In the event it cannot be avoided, appropriate mitigation measures will be set and adhered to. • All trees to be cut will be marked and surveyed for nests prior to falling. • Oak trees removed for project purposes will be replaced at a 2:1 ratio with 15 gallon blue oak trees. • Brush that has been cut may be scattered out of sight of the trail. • Aggregate material would be placed on the trail in order to minimize erosion, sedimentation, dust, and to comply with AGODA standards. • Disturbed areas would be seeded with native grass seed to minimize erosion and the growth of non-native plant species, and prevent grass seed from drying out. Approximately 50 straw bales would be required per acre and the straw should be spread immediately after construction. • Ground disturbance will only be permitted in the proposed project area. • Retaining walls may be constructed along the proposed trail in order to minimize erosion. Lake Berryessa 1998 WMA Management Plan Wildlife The WMA is jointly managed by Reclamation and CDFG under a 1995 Management Area Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). (WMA) 1998 Management Plan Public Use Elements: Goals, Objectives and Environmental Impacts. (pg. 24) Summary: The physical setting of the wildlife area (ie. a very long and narrow stretch of upland) precludes the development of an extensive trail system within the wildlife area. To accomplish the proposed wildlife habitat enhancement goals, (e.g., oak regeneration sites and pond/riparian corridors) may require fencing during the development stages. Hence, trails could not be accommodated through these areas. The eastside road itself is a dirt/gravel road that was designed for lower traffic volumes of traffic.
Trail Element: Recreational Trail Use:
Throughout the winter migration, several species of shorebirds, wading birds, waterfowl, raptors, and neo-tropical migrants utilize the east shore of Lake Berryessa for staging areas and wintering habitat. During the spring and summer months, breeding and nesting activity occurs on a limited basis. The proposed habitat enhancements are designed to encourage breeding activity. Because of the sensitivity of some wildlife species to disturbance during the breeding season and the high potential for off-trail use, it is recommended that bicycles be excluded from the WMA. It is also recommended that the area be
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Agency Document, Policies and Guidelines Plan, or Standard closed to general public use from sundown to sunrise to provide for wildlife needs as well as reduce the potential for human accidents and emergency situations. The areas would also be closed to overnight camping.
• A1 Goal: Provide opportunities for public use, learning and enjoyment of the natural resources on the east shore of Lake Berryessa while minimizing impacts to resources and adjacent property owners.
• A1 a Objective: Develop public access to areas which are not disruptive of fish and wildlife resources and adjacent property owners.
• A1a(1) Task: Evaluate and develop a designated general public access parking area, viewing and interpretive area and loop trail(s) on the northern portion of the wildlife area to serve as a self-guided nature trail.
• A1a(2) Task: Develop a wildlife compatible fence line or barrier system on the west side of the gravel road to the Gunn Grazing easement that would preclude unauthorized vehicle access into the wildlife area.
• A1a(3) Task: Evaluate potential parking areas, observation points and overlooks along the new wildlife compatible fence line of barrier system on the west side of the gravel road.
• A1a(4) Task: Develop appropriate signing at the entrance of the LBWA and at the public parking area setting forth rules and regulations for public use of the area, and the conditions in which the wildlife area may be closed to public use at certain designated times.
• A1a(5) Task: Identify and close existing non-designated trails within the wildlife area and post to discourage continued use.
• A1a(6) Task: Rehabilitate closed trails be revegetation and/or physical blockage to prevent continued use.
Potential Impact: Excessive or inappropriate public use could result in damage to native plant communities, disrupt use by migratory birds species, disrupt use by migratory bird species, disrupt use of the area by endangered bald eagles, and become a problem for adjacent landowners.
Mitigation: Trail siting and design will incorporate all available data on plant communities, preferred use areas for wintering waterfowl, on roost trees used by bald eagles. The proposed tasks above will be implemented only if adverse impacts to bald eagles can be avoided. An interpretive program will be developed to educate the public to the sensitive nature of the site. The trail will be monitored to detect evidence of resource damage or inappropriate use and will be closed if necessary to protect resource values. A-11 Lake Berryessa Shoreline Trail Management Plan
Agency Document, Policies and Guidelines Plan, or Standard
A2 Goal – Fishing Access
A2a Objective: Evaluate appropriate fishing access for all anglers
A2a(1) Task: Develop access for persons with disabilities A2a(2) Task: Develop bank fishing opportunities where possible A2a(3) Task: Provide fishing access trails designed to minimize adverse impacts on fish, wildlife, and habitat
Potential Impacts: Use of fishing access trails could adversely impact wildlife.
Mitigation: Close specific trails or areas at specific times of the year.
B Interpretation Element: Resource Interpretation
B1 Goal: Develop LBWA Information and Interpretation Program
B1a Objective: Develop and maintain interpretation materials for wildlife area visitors
B1a(1) Task: Develop a trail guide keyed to the trail resources and habitat enhancement project being implemented. B1a(2) Task: Develop an informative leaflet on the sensitive resources of the wildlife area. B1a(3) Task: Develop interpretive displays at parking areas and other appropriate areas.
Potential Impact: Increased public use could adversely impact resource values.
Mitigation: Public access will be controlled, when and where appropriate
Appendix 1: LBWA Action Plan Outline
II. Public Use Elements: Goals, Objectives, Tasks
A. Recreational Trail Element 1. Provide for public use while minimizing resource and landowner impacts. (a) Controlled public access - 1. Evaluate/develop parking, viewing, and interpretive area and loop trail(s) on the northern portion of the wildlife area. - 2. Develop a wildlife compatible fence line or barrier system on the west side of the gravel road. - 3. Evaluate potential parking areas along the new fence line. - 4. Develop appropriate signing for the area.
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Agency Document, Policies and Guidelines Plan, or Standard - 5. Identify and close existing non-designated trails within the wildlife area and post to discourage continued use. - 6. Rehabilitate closed trails by revegetation and/or physical blockage to prevent continued use.
2. Fishing access (a) Develop primitive fishing access for all anglers. - 1. Develop access for persons with disabilities. - 2. Develop bank fishing opportunities where possible. - 3. Provide fishing access trails designed to minimize adverse impacts on fish and wildlife.
Appendix N: CDFG Enforcement Regulations
(Section 550 Code, Type C Area Regulations)
(2) Entry Restrictions: The department may limit the number of persons entering any area listed in section 550 or 551 of this title during any period for safety reasons, to reduce crowding, to provide for the limited take of a species, or may close portions or areas or close areas entirely to public entry or to specific activities.
(3) Procedures for Issuing Entry Permits. In the event that the department elects to limit the number of hunters, trappers, or other users, entry permits will be issued on a first-come, first-serve basis, or by a drawing to be held at a designated department office. The department shall inform the commission in writing and the public via the news media of any implementation of the provisions of this subsection, when limits imposed under this subsection differ substantially for a specific area from the prior year. Such notification shall include the: the state wildlife area affected, the time period, the reason for the limitation of closure, the number of entry permits to be issued, and the method of issuance.
(12) Camping and Unattended Personal Property. No person shall camp in any part of a State Wildlife Area except in areas designated by the department. Camping on wildlife areas shall be limited to not more than seven consecutive days, and not more than 14 days total in any calendar year, except by written permission of the Regional Manager. Personal property may not be left on state wildlife areas for camping or other purposes, except at authorized locations. Decoys may not be left in the field overnight, except as provided in subsection 551 (q).
(14) The Department may prohibit or restrict the use of dogs on any State wildlife area. Dogs must be leashed at designated campsites and check station areas.
Actions/Agreements from Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) pertaining to project:
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Agency Document, Policies and Guidelines Plan, or Standard
2. Reclamation agrees to review and consult with the Department (CDFG) regarding any proposed activities applicable to the Lake Berryessa Wildlife Area. Reclamation Manual Specific Directives and Standards applicable to the TMP include: (RM) Directive and Standard (D&S), LND 01-03 establishes roles, responsibilities and direction that provide Recreation Program consistency in planning, developing and managing public outdoor reclamation Management, LND resources on Reclamation lands and waterbodies. 01-03 and LND P04 LND P04 Defines Reclamation’s overall roles and responsibilities in providing public outdoor recreational facilities and opportunities:
Key points:
1) Full consideration of recreation with Reclamation’s duties and responsibilities. 2) Use effective approaches in managing Reclamation’s land and water recreation resources in cooperation with non-federal agencies, private businesses, concessionaires, landowners, etc. 3) Consider regulation and policies of managing partners when developing management agreements. 4) Fulfill Reclamation’s stewardship responsibilities by providing recreational opportunities consistent with project purposes, resource management plans, authorized uses, and other planning documents. Reclamation Visual Reclamation Manual: Directives and Standards Identity Standards Subject: Incorporation of Visual Identity into Outdoor Public Use Area and Design Signage Guidelines Source: Reclamation Sign Guidelines for Planning, Designing, Fabricating, Procuring, Installing and Maintaining Signs for Public Use Areas, Visual Identity Program Compliant, October 2006.
This document contains policies and directives for sign placement, design, size, ADA accessibility, and related standards for sign programs. The following standards pertain directly to signage for hiking and horse trails:
Chapter III: Sign Classification, E: Miscellaneous Signs
7. Hiking and/or Horse Trails There are two types of signs associated with hiking and/or horse trails. They are:
a. Staging Area Signs: These types of signs should use graphic symbols to identify trails. The choice of symbol or symbol combinations depends on the intended trail use. A staging area sign may also have the trail name and not more than three destinations. When destinations are listed, the distance to the destinations should also be listed. These signs should be rectangular in shape
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Agency Document, Policies and Guidelines Plan, or Standard and reflectorized with white letters on a brown background. Sign size should be 18 by 21 inches.
b. Guide Signs: (1) Destination Signs. These signs are posted at intersections to show changes in direction and to provide reassurance to the trail users. The distance should be shown in miles and, if fractions are used, they should be to the nearest 1/4 or 1/2 mile. These signs should be in the shape of a truncated triangle and made with reflectorized sheeting. (2) Trail Blazers. These signs are used at key locations to delineate the trail and to provide reassurance to the users. Placement and erection of trail signs should be considered during the planning phase of development. Signs should be located: 1. Far enough off a trail so they will not be damaged by users. 2. Away from obvious hazards. 3. So that they do not compete with the view of the surrounding landscape. 4. So that the height of the sign is in scale with the intended viewer.
For foot traffic, the suggested mounting height is approximately 4 feet, measured from the lower edge of the sign. When the trail is intended to be accessible to people with disabilities, the mounting height should meet all accessibility standards and guidelines (ADAAG 4.30). The height of the sign should increase approximately 2 feet for horse trails. 5. With sign supports in scale to the size of the sign. Two posts should be used for signs of 37 inches in width or greater.
The sign manual also contains guidelines for boating signs that would apply if a water trail/water taxi system is incorporated into the Shoreline Trail. Lake Berryessa Park Reclamation has posted park rules applicable to day and overnight recreational Rules uses at Lake Berryessa. Those applicable to trail use and function include:
2. No camping 4. Please keep pets on leash (maximum of 6 foot in length). 5. Use park grills or personal gas/propane grills only. No wood or open fires. 7. Dispose of garbage in designated locations. Or use the pack-it-in, pack-it- out method. 10.Bicycles not permitted in picnic areas 12.Respect wildlife and their habitat. Please do not collect or disturb plants, animals, or any other natural objects. Final Accessibility These guidelines are formatted for incorporation into the Americans with Guidelines for Disabilities Act and Architectural Barriers Act (ADA-ABA) Accessibility Outdoor Developed Guidelines. The Access Board issued the ADA-ABA Accessibility Guidelines Areas in 2004 to revise and update the accessibility guidelines for buildings and facilities covered by Americans with Disabilities Act and the Architectural Barriers Act. The General Services Administration and the Department of Defense have adopted the relevant chapters of the ADA-ABA Accessibility
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Agency Document, Policies and Guidelines Plan, or Standard Guidelines as enforceable standards for the Architectural Barriers Act.
The Access Board is developing a separate technical assistance document, in cooperation with the Federal land management agencies, to accompany the final accessibility guidelines.
The NPRM contained an exception based on the Regulatory Negotiation Committee Report that addressed situations where it would be impractical to require an entire trail to comply with the technical provisions. These situations were described as follows: • The combination of running slope and cross slope exceeds 40 percent for over 20 feet. • A trail obstacle 30 inches or more in height extends across the full tread width of the trail. • The surface is neither firm nor stable for a distance of 45 feet or more. • The clear tread width is less than 12 inches for a distance of 20 feet or more. • The conditional exceptions result in over 15 percent of the length of the trail departing from the technical provisions.
Trails are defined in Section F106.5 as a pedestrian route developed primarily for outdoor recreational purposes. The Summary of Provisions for Trails is provided in Chapter 10, Section 1017. This section includes provisions for trail accessibility and establishes standards for width, size, slope, passing spaces, and related physical features. Also included are exceptions to these provisions due to obstacles or other natural or physical characteristics which would make the provisions impractical from a construction, maintenance and safety standpoint.
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ATTACHMENT B Description of the Lake Berryessa Shoreline Trail Segments
Table of Contents
Trail Segments Segment 1: Putah Creek – South Dam B-1 Segment 2: Markley Cove East B-5 Segment 3: Mahogany Bay Concession Area B-8 Segment 4: Quail Ridge Peninsula B-12 Segment 5: Pleasure Cove Concession Area B-16 Segment 6: Wragg Point B-20 Segment 7: Lupine Shores Concession Area B-24 Segment 8: Seventeen Creeks B-28 Segment 9: Capell Cove B-32 Segment 10: Spanish Flat South B-35 Segment 11: Foothill Pines Concession Area B-37 Segment 12: Spanish Flat North B-40 Segment 13a: Oak Shores Day Use Area B-44 Segment 13b: Smittle Creek B-48 Segment 13c: Smittle Creek to Blue Oaks Concession Area B-52 Segment 14: Blue Oaks Concession Area B-54 Segment 15: Smittle Creek Inter-Concession Area B-57 Segment 16: Manzanita Canyon Concession Area B-59 Segment 17: School House Island Vista B-62 Segment 18: Pope Creek – South Bank B-66 Pope Creek Bridge B-70 Segment 19: Pope Creek – North Bank B-71 Segment 20: Chaparral Cove Concession Area B-74 Segment 21: Putah Creek – South Bank B-78 Putah Creek Bridge B-82 Segment 22: Putah Creek – North Bank B-83 Segment 23: North End B-85 Segment 24: Eticuera Creek B-89 Segment 25: East Shore North B-93 Segment 26: East Shore South B-98 Segment 27: Gunn Ranch B-102 Segment 28: Portuguese – Monticello Dam Overlook B-105
Trail Segment Figures Figure AP-1: Segment 1 – Putah Creek – South Dam B-4 Figure AP-2: Segment 2 – Markley Cove East B-7 Figure AP-3: Segment 3 - Mahogany Bay Concession Area B-11 Figure AP-4: Segment 4 – Quail Ridge Peninsula B-15 Figure AP-5: Segment 5 – Pleasure Cove Concession Area B-19 Figure AP-6: Segment 6 – Wragg Point B-23 Figure AP-7: Segment 7 – Lupine Shores Concession Area B-27 Figure AP-8: Segments 8, 9, 10 – Seventeen Creeks, B-31 Capell Cove, Spanish Flat South
Figure AP-9: Segment 11 – Foothill Pines Concession Area B-39 Figure AP-10: Segment 12 – Spanish Flat North B-43 Figure AP-11: Segment 13a – Oak Shores Day Use Area B-47 Figure AP-12: Segments 13b, 13c – Smittle Creek, B-51 Smittle Creek to Blue Oaks Figure AP-13: Segment 14, 15 – Blue Oaks Concession Area, B-56 Smittle Creek Inter-Concession Figure AP-14: Segment 16 – Manzanita Canyon Concession Area B-61 Figure AP-15: Segment 17 – School House Island Vista B-65 Figure AP-16: Segments 18, 19 – Pope Creek – North and South B-69 Figure AP-17: Segment 20 – Chaparral Cove Concession Area B-77 Figure AP-18: Segments 21, 22 – Putah Creek – North and South B-81 Figure AP-19: Segment 23 – North End B-88 Figure AP-20: Segment 24 – Eticuera Creek B-92 Figure AP-21: Segment 25 – East Shore North B-97 Figure AP-22: Segments 26, 27 – East Shore South, Gunn Ranch B-101 Figure AP-23: Segment 28 - Portuguese – Monticello Dam Overlook B-108
Lake Berryessa Shoreline Trail Management Plan
Segment 1 – Putah Creek / South Dam Reference: Figure 1; Figure AP-1; Figure SA-1
From: Putah Creek south shore (below Monticello Dam) To: Lake Berryessa shoreline at SR 128 Approximate Length: 1.4 miles Trail Type: Foot trail (see Figure S-4)
Summary: This segment lies entirely outside of Reclamation jurisdiction on lands owned and managed by either DFG, BLM and the U.C. Davis Stebbins Cold Canyon Nature Reserve. The Nature Reserve does not allow bicycles. This segment therefore is limited to hikers only. The Shoreline Trail would follow a portion of the Blue Ridge to Cold Canyon Trail loop to the ridgeline. This existing trail is highly popular as it is the closest high-elevation trail from Davis and nearby areas of the Central Valley. It is also well used by school groups although safe bus parking is not available.
Of note is that the trail alignment would cross State Route 128 in two locations.
Traveling west, the segment begins at an existing undeveloped staging area for fishing access owned and managed by DFG that is proposed for improvements that would provide safe off- street parking for anglers, hikers, and school groups (see Figure 1SA- : Berryessa Dam / Lower Putah Creek Staging Area). A section of new trail alignment would travel south from the staging area following Cold Creek to cross State Route 128 and connect with the existing Blue Ridge to
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Cold Canyon Trail loop. Existing shoulder parking off State Route 128 at the Cold Creek bridge used for accessing the existing trail would be relocated to the new staging area. From the ridgeline a new trail section would be constructed through a series of switchbacks on land owned by BLM to then cross State Route 128.
Land ownership: BLM, UC Davis, DFG, Caltrans.
Principal partners: Solano County, BLM, DFG, UC Davis, Caltrans, Tuleyome.
Need for land / easement No. acquisition:
Staging / access: Proposed Berryessa Dam / Lower Putah Creek Staging Area (see Figure SA-1). Could be accessed via Segment 2 and the proposed Lake Vista Staging Area (see Figure SA-2).
Potable water supply: No.
Sanitary facilities: Yes, at proposed Berryessa Dam / Lower Putah Creek Staging Area.
Overnight camping: No.
Anticipated levels of use: High.
Emergency access: Moderate because of proximity to Highway 128.
Spur / connecting trails: Connecting trails downstream along Putah Creek and Stebbins Cold Canyon Nature Reserve.
Water transit: No.
Adjacent land use: Putah Creek Wildlife Area; Stebbins Cold Canyon Nature Reserve
Topography: Steep with moderate to steep cross slope.
Vegetation: Foothill pine forest; chaparral.
Stream / drainage Minor drainage crossings. crossings:
Anticipated level of Low to moderate. maintenance:
Interpretive Interpretive opportunities with Stebbins Cold Canyon Reserve;
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opportunities: vistas.
Special circumstances: State Route 128 highway crossings and need for an encroachment permit form Caltrans.
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Segment 2 – Markley Cove East Reference: Figure 1; Figure AP-2; Figure SA-2
From: Lake Vista Staging Area To: Mahogany Bay concession boundary Approximate Length: 1.0 mile Trail Type: Multi-use trail (see Figure S-1)
Summary: Because of its close proximity to the Central Valley and a series of shoulder pullouts along State Route 128, this is very popular for fishing and day use. This segment parallels SR 128 after it tees off from its intersection with Segment 1. To the north the trail connects with the proposed Lake Vista Staging Area (see Figure SA-2). To the south it connects with the Mahogany Bay concession area. The Shoreline Trail would involve realigning and connecting a series of existing fishing access trail sections. Most of these fishing access trails lead from SR 128 to the water but to the water without necessarily paralleling the shoreline. For continuity within the segment, some trail sections would require use of the SR 128 right-of-way. The proposed Lake Vista Staging Area would provide safe parking off SR 128.
Land ownership: Reclamation, Caltrans.
Principal partners: Napa County, Caltrans, Tuleyome.
Need for land / easement No. acquisition:
Staging / access: Proposed Lake Vista Staging Area (see Figure SA-2) Could be accessed via Segment 2 and the proposed Lake Vista Staging Area (see Figure SA-2).
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Potable water supply: No.
Sanitary facilities: Yes, at proposed Lake Vista Staging Area and at adjacent Mahogany Bay concession area.
Overnight camping: Available at Mahogany Bay concession area.
Anticipated levels of use: High.
Emergency access: Good because of proximity to Highway 128.
Spur / connecting trails: No.
Water transit: No.
Adjacent land use: State Route 128.
Topography: General level trail bed following contours with moderate to steep cross slope.
Vegetation: Open to forested.
Stream / drainage One stream crossing requiring an approximately 20-foot-long crossings: bridge and minor drainages.
Anticipated level of Low to moderate. maintenance:
Special circumstances: Require encroachment permit to use Caltrans ROW for sections of the trail and to access Lake Vista Staging Area.
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Segment 3 – Mahogany Bay Concession Area Reference: Figure 1; Figure AP-3; Figure C-1
From: Mahogany Bay lease area at SR 128 To: Mahogany Bay lease boundary (west shore) Approximate Length: 1.0 mile Trail Type: Signed trail route – share the road for bicycles and pedestrians
Summary: This segment includes the Mahogany Bay Concession Area, a highly developed concession area where future development plans submitted by concessionaire propose a lodge, several stores, lakefront cabins, camping areas, picnic areas, and several boat launch facilities. This concession area is open all year, but would see its greatest uses in the summer months due to the amount of water-intensive uses found here.
Because of existing development constraints and in order to avoid use conflicts, the Shoreline Trail will be a signed route that follows the existing roadway system using the “share the road” principal. This route generally follows the shoreline around the eastern shore to northwestern terminus of the concession area. Here the trail will convert to a multi-purpose trial route as it enters the Quail Ridge Peninsula at the beginning of Segment 4.
Land ownership: Reclamation lease area to private concessionaire. The northern and western portions of Reclamation’s ownership are part of the Quail Ridge Reserve. B-8
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Principal partners: Lessee to develop, operate and maintain the trail segment.
Need for land / easement No. acquisition:
Staging / access: Day use parking at concession area.
Potable water supply: Yes.
Sanitary facilities: Yes.
Overnight camping: Yes.
Anticipated levels of use: High.
Emergency access: Good.
Spur / connecting trails: No. Access to Quail Ridge Nature Reserve to be prohibited.
Water transit: Yes. Water transit stop, to be managed and operated by concessionaire.
Adjacent land use: Large private properties.
Topography: Level with moderate.
Vegetation: Open to mixed oak and coulter pine forest. Tree cover moderate in most locations.
Stream / drainage None. crossings:
Anticipated level of High. maintenance:
Special circumstances: Sharing road minimizes conflicts with lessee operations.
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Segment 4 – Quail Ridge Peninsula Reference: Figure 1; Figure AP-4
From: Mahogany Bay concession area To: Pleasure Cove concession boundary at Wragg Canyon Road Approximate Length: 11.6 mile s Trail Type: Multi-use trail (see Figure S-1)
Summary: This segment will link the Mahogany Bay and Pleasure Cove concession areas. It offers a highly varied shoreline, forest cover in many stretches, varied habitat conditions, and ever-changing views of the lake. The adjacent Quail Ridge Reserve is subject of management agreements among various agencies and organizations (BLM, DFG, Reclamation, UC Davis, and Quail Ridge Wilderness Conservancy (QRWC) and is not open to general public use. While guided hikes are regularly scheduled, they access the Reserve directly from State Route 128. Because the Quail Ridge Reserve is a research facility management of use along the Shoreline Trail to discourage trespass will require special management consideration in terms of wildlife-friendly fencing, lockable gates, signage, and patrol. Until access is provided from both the concession areas that define the segment, the trail would not be open to the public. The trail segment could not be accessed from the west until a floating
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boardwalk was developed to cross the upper high-water areas of the lake along Cherry Creek within the Pleasure Cove concession area.
Land ownership: Reclamation.
Principal partners: UC Davis, BLM, DFG. Reclamation, and Quail Ridge Wilderness Conservancy, Tuleyome.
Need for land / easement No acquisition:
Staging / access: Day use parking at Mahogany Bay and Pleasure Cove Marina.
Potable water supply: At either end of trail at Mahogany Bay and Pleasure Cove concession areas.
Sanitary facilities: At either end of trail at Mahogany Bay and Pleasure Cove Marina concession areas.
Overnight camping: At either end of trail at Mahogany Bay and Pleasure Cove Marina concession areas.
Anticipated levels of use: Moderate to high near concession areas with lower use further away from concession areas.
Emergency access: Poor.
Spur / connecting trails: No. Access to Quail Ridge Nature Reserve to be prohibited. Water trail:
Adjacent land use: Large parcel of public and private ownership (Quail Ridge Reserve and principal partners).
Topography: General level trail bed following contours with moderate to steep cross slope.
Vegetation: Open to mixed oak and foothill pine forest. Tree cover moderate in most locations.
Stream / drainage crossings: Decker Canyon, six intermittent streams, and numerous drainages. Approximately 33 wet crossings and 9 bridges between 10 and 30 feet in length will be required.
Anticipated level of Moderate to high because of adjacency to Quail Ridge maintenance: Reserve.
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Special circumstances: Managing potential trespass from the Shoreline Trail into the Quail Ridge Reserve will require facilities and management levels not typical elsewhere along the trail.
Because of proximity the Quail Ridge Reserve facilities, fire risk reduction will be of particular interest on this segment.
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Segment 5 – Pleasure Cove Concession Area Reference: Figure 1; Figure AP-5; Figure C-2
From: Pleasure Cove Marina Lease Boundary at Wragg Canyon Road To: Pleasure Cove Marina lease boundary (west shore) Approximate Length: 1.6 miles Trail Type: Signed trail route – share the road for bicycles and pedestrians
Summary: The Pleasure Cove concession area includes day-use parking for vehicles and dry- boat storage, boat launch facilities, store, camping, and lakefront cabins. The trail segment would be a signed route using the existing concession access roads that parallel the shoreline through the developed portion of the concession area. This alignment would be able to be accessed from the Concession day use parking and allow access from most of the concession operations. Private property located along Cherry Creek near the west end of the segment at Pleasure Cove will not permit the trail to travel entirely around the south arm of the cove and will require the trail to cross the upper high-water areas of the lake via a floating boardwalk.
Land ownership: Reclamation lease area to be managed and operated by a private concessionaire
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Principal partners: Concession lessee to develop, operate and maintain.
Need for land / No. easement acquisition:
Staging / access: Day use parking at Pleasure Cove.
Potable water supply: Yes.
Sanitary facilities: Yes.
Overnight camping: Yes.
Anticipated levels of Moderate, with pedestrian and bicycle use use:
Emergency access: Good
Spur / connecting No. Access to Quail Ridge Nature Reserve to be prohibited. trails:
Water transit: Potential; not within current concession plans.
Adjacent land use: Large parcel of private ownership.
Topography: Generally level along existing road alignment.
Vegetation: Open to mixed oak and foothill pine forest.
Stream / drainage Approximately 400-foot-long floating boardwalk over Cherry Creek crossings: arm of Reservoir; culverts exist under road.
Anticipated level of Low maintenance:
Special circumstances: Boardwalk at upper arm of lake across Cherry Creek will require a custom design solution. Would require consultation with DFG to determine if Section 1600 Streambed Alteration agreement is required, and possibly Sec. 404 permits from the USACE.
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Segment 6 – Wragg Point Reference: Figure 1; Figure AP-6
From: Pleasure Cove concession area To: Lupine Shores concession area Approximate Length: 19.5 miles Trail Type: Multi-use trail (see Figure S-1)
Summary: Because of its proximity to residents within Berryessa Highlands and bounded by two concession areas, this segment is potentially one of the more well used trail segments away from the west shore of the lake. It offers highly varied habitat conditions, a sinuous alignment along the shoreline, and changing views of the Lake Berryessa Narrows and open lake to the north. Because of the highly dendritic topography, there will be considerable number of wet crossings and bridges needed to be constructed along the trail. This trail will run below Berryessa Highlands, including the gated Oak Ridge section, the largest residential area at the Lake. Along the west side of the segment, near the Lupine Shores concession area, the Shoreline Trail will connect with the existing “Hidden Trails” that routes on old road beds and that provide two loop trail opportunities.
Land ownership: Reclamation.
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Principal partners: Berryessa Highlands; Napa Berryessa Resort Improvement District.
Need for land / No. easement acquisition:
Staging / access: Day use parking at Pleasure Cove and Lupine Shores concession areas.
Potable water supply: At either end of trail at Pleasure Cove and Lupine Shores concession areas, once provided.
Sanitary facilities: At either end of trail at Pleasure Cove and Lupine Shores concession areas.
Overnight camping: At either end of trail at Pleasure Cove and Lupine Shores concession areas.
Anticipated levels of Moderate to high near concession areas with lower use further away use: from concession areas.
Emergency access: Fair near concession areas; poor elsewhere.
Spur / connecting Links with Berryessa Highlands over fire road system. Trail spurs trails: possible in a few locations within the peninsula.
Water transit: Yes.
Adjacent land use: Berryessa Highlands and large areas of private ownership on the outer portions of the ridge.
Topography: General level trail bed following contours with highly variable low to steep cross slopes.
Vegetation: Open to mixed oak and foothill pine forest. Tree cover moderate in most locations.
Stream / drainage Approximately 81 wet crossings; 13 bridges ranging in 8 to 45 feet in crossings: length.
Anticipated level of Low. maintenance: Special circumstances: The trail alignment runs across the local water district water line that services Berryessa Highlands. Coordination may be required with Berryessa Highlands about need for no-trespass regulations into the developed residential area.
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Would require consultation with DFG to determine if Section 1600 Streambed Alteration Agreement is required, and possibly Sec. 404 permits from the USACE.
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Segment 7 – Lupine Shores Concession Area Reference: Figure 1; Figure AP-7; Figure C-3
From: Lupine Shores lease boundary (north) To: Lupine Shores lease boundary (south) at Steel Canyon Road Length: 1.0 mile Trail Type: Accessible trail – ADA (see Figure S-2); Shared Cart Path; Signed trail route – share the road for bicycles
Summary: The Lupine Shores Concession area would be one of the most heavily developed concession areas at Lake Berryessa. Proposed amenities would include lodge, offices, store, day use parking and dry-boat parking and storage, picnic areas, camping, and lakefront cabins. Use at Lupine Shores is anticipated to be heavy, given the amount of boat slips proposed, and the number of campsite and cabins at the site. The Shoreline Trail would traverse this concession area with a variety of options to accommodate the anticipated heavy trail use along with the variety of trail users expected. The trail would enter the concession area from Segment 6 – Wragg Point where it would change from the multi-use trail to a shared cart path as identified in proposed development plans; this option would maximize ADA accessibility as well as casual pedestrian and bicycle use anticipated. This portion would act as a connector path to the different concession activities comprising Lupine Shores and would connect the day use parking and boat launch areas with the cabins and camping areas.
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This path would lead into a spur trail that would provide more direct trail access to the shoreline and would link many shoreline activities and recreational uses. This spur trail would be classified as a foot trail for ADA and pedestrian uses only and would designed for casual use. It is anticipated that this segment would receive heavy usage due to its location in the central portion of the concession area and the number of activities it would connect.
Bicyclists would travel through the concession area using the proposed road system. A “share the road” route would also serve to minimize potential conflicts between ADA/pedestrian and bicycle users in an area that is anticipated to receive heavy recreation visitor usage.
The trail would revert back to the multi-use shoreline segment at the southern boundary of the concession area and its linkage with the Seventeen Creeks portion of the Shoreline Trail and the Steel Canyon Staging Area (see Figure SA-3).
Land ownership: Reclamation lease area to be managed and operated by private concessionaire.
Principal partners: Lessee to develop, operate and maintain.
Need for land / No. easement acquisition:
Staging / access: Day use parking in concession area.
Potable water supply: Yes, in concession area, when provided.
Sanitary facilities: Yes, in concession area.
Overnight camping: Yes, in concession area.
Anticipated levels of High. use: Emergency access: Good.
Spur / connecting Through concession area per development plans. trails:
Water transit: Yes, to be developed and operated by concessionaire.
Adjacent land use: Berryessa Highlands subdivision.
Topography: Nearly level along most of trail alignment with shallow cross slopes.
Vegetation: Open to scrub and chaparral with sparse mixed oak and foothill pine forest.
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Stream / drainage Few; culverts predominantly in place. crossings:
Anticipated level of Low. maintenance:
Special Coordination required with Berryessa Highlands about need for no- circumstances: trespass regulations into the developed residential area that may require additional facilities and management actions that normally would be anticipated along a trail.
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Segment 8 – Seventeen Creeks Reference: Figure 1; Figure AP-8; Figure C-3
From: Lupine Shores lease boundary (south) at Steel Canyon Road) To: Olive Orchard Day Use Area Length: 5.9 miles Trail Type: Multi-use trail (see Figure S-1)
Summary: Traveling west leaving Lupine Shores, the trail would revert back to the multi-use trail at the southern boundary of the concession and almost immediately pas by the proposed Steel Canyon Staging Area (see Figure SA-3) to be developed for equestrian, hiking, and mountain biking staging. This staging area would be the primary access to the trail segment.
The trail will travel up the eastern side of Steel Canyon, cross it at the upper elevation of the reservoir waters, then follow a contour line above and away from eroded areas along the shoreline. As the trail approaches the Olive Orchard Day Use Area, it will require a significant bridge crossing of Capell Creek.
The Seventeen Creeks trail segment has been identified as a high priority trail in the Napa County Regional Park and Open Space District Master Plan 2012 Update. This is because the Seventeen Creeks trail segment will provides access to the County’s Berryessa Vista Wilderness Park. With the exception of existing dirt roads and trails, the Park is undeveloped. There are currently no formal development plans for the Park. Since acquisition of this 224-acre property from the Land Trust of Napa County the District has obtained legal access rights across adjoining Bureau of Reclamation property, prepared a property resources inventory and obtained
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a Use Permit for public recreational use. Development of rustic facilities at Berryessa Vista Wilderness Park, to serve overnight backcountry camping, is proposed after overland trail access via the Seventeen Creeks Trail to the Park is established. When opened for overnight use and accessed from either the existing Olive Orchard Day Use Area or the Steel Canyon Staging Area, special permits would be needed for overnight parking. Equestrian use of the Seventeen Creeks trail segment would only be possible if the Steel Canyon Staging Area were developed and if the trails in Berryessa Vista Wilderness Park Vista are to be open for equestrian use.
Land ownership: Reclamation; Napa County
Principal partners: Napa County, Tuleyome
Need for land / No. easement acquisition:
Staging / access: Olive Orchard Day Use Area and the Steel Canyon Staging Area; potentially at Lake Berryessa Wilderness park (Napa County)
Potable water supply: No unless developed at Lake Berryessa Wilderness Park (Napa County).
Sanitary facilities: Yes, at Olive Orchard Day Use Area and the Steel Canyon Staging Area. Potentially at Lake Berryessa Wilderness park (Napa County).
Overnight camping: Lupine Shores; potentially at Lake Berryessa Wilderness Park (Napa County).
Anticipated levels of Moderate to high. use:
Emergency access: Good.
Spur / connecting Possible loop / connecting trail to BLM property and regional trail trails: system (Berryessa Vista Wilderness Park (Napa County).
Water transit: No.
Adjacent land use: Berryessa Vista Wilderness Park, BLM; large parcel private ownership.
Topography: Nearly level with steep cross slopes.
Vegetation: Mixed oak and foothill pine forest, riparian and wetland vegetation at B-29
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major creek crossings in Steel Canyon and Capell Creek.
Stream / drainage Approximately 19 wet crossings; 16 bridges from 8 feet to 45 feet in crossings: length. Significant custom bridge to cross Capell Creek.
Anticipated level of Moderate to High. maintenance:
Special circumstances: Capell Creek requires a major bridge. Trail crossing across Steel and Capell Creeks would require Section 1600 Streambed Alteration agreement from CDFG, and possibly Sec. 401 and 404 permits from the USACE. Other stream crossing within this segment also might require consultation with these agencies to determine if permitting is required.
Coordination with Napa County for overnight parking permits and monitoring at Steel Canyon and Olive Orchard Staging Areas.
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Segment 9 – Capell Cove Reference: Figure 1; Figure AP-8
From: Olive Orchard Day Use Area To: East of Capell Cove Boat Launch on Berryessa-Knoxville Road Length: 2.4 miles Trail Type: Multi-use trail (see Figure S-1)
Summary: In order to avoid conflicts with overflow roadside parking generated from the Capell Cove Boat Launch, the trail will cross the Berryessa-Knoxville Road and travel on Reclamation land west and north of the road. The route will include some elevated sections that provide commanding vistas over Capell Cove. While the Capell Cove Public Boat Launch area would ordinarily be considered to have all the features of a potential trailhead (restroom, large paved parking area), its primary purpose is a boat launch. The majority of the parking spaces are for vehicles with boat trailers with few spaces for individual vehicles for trailhead use during much of the primary recreation season.
Land ownership: Reclamation; Napa County.
Principal partners: Napa County.
Need for land / easement acquisition: No.
Staging / access: Olive Orchard Day Use Area.
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Potable water supply: No.
Sanitary facilities: Olive Orchard Day Use Area.
Overnight camping: No.
Anticipated levels of use: Low.
Emergency access: Good, due to access from Berryessa-Knoxville Road.
Spur / connecting trails: Possibly with additional land acquisition by others to Sugarloaf Peak and Cedar Rough Wilderness Area (BLM) as illustrated in the 2008 Napa County General Plan (Figure ROS-4).
Water transit: No.
Adjacent land use: Berryessa-Knoxville Road; large parcel private ownership; BLM nearby.
Topography: Generally level trail bed following contours with moderate to steep cross slope.
Vegetation: Open, chaparral and scattered foothill pine forests.
Stream / drainage crossings: Approximately 6 wet crossings; possibly a short boardwalk crossing wetland area adjacent to road.
Anticipated level of maintenance: Low.
Special circumstances: Two crossings of Berryessa-Knoxville Road will require design concurrence and encroachment permit from Napa County Public Works.
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Segment 10 – Spanish Flat South Reference: Figure 1; Figure AP-8
From: East of Capell Cove Boat Launch on Berryessa-Knoxville Road To: Foothill Pines Concession Area Length: 1.3 miles Trail Type: Multi-use trail (see Figure S-1)
Summary: The trail segment extends to the Foothill Pines Concession Area along the upper slopes of the shoreline. Views over the lake will be similar to those now available along Berryessa-Knoxville Road. The shoreline is generally steep making it unsuitable for lake access. Because of the topography, the trail will involve a relatively large number of drainage crossings.
Land ownership: Reclamation.
Principal partners: Napa County, Tuleyome.
Need for land / No. easement acquisition:
Staging / access: Yes, at Foothill Pines.
Potable water supply: Yes, at Foothill Pines once developed.
Sanitary facilities: Yes, at Foothill Pines.
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Overnight camping: No.
Anticipated levels of Low. use:
Emergency access: Good because of access from Berryessa-Knoxville Road.
Spur / connecting No. trails:
Water transit: No.
Adjacent land use: Berryessa-Knoxville Road.
Topography: Level to moderately steep with steep cross slopes in sections.
Vegetation: Open, chaparral and scattered foothill pines.
Stream / drainage Approximately 9 wet crossings; 8 bridges from 6 feet to 32 feet in crossings: length.
Anticipated level of Low. maintenance:
Special Two crossings of Berryessa-Knoxville Road will require design circumstances: concurrence and encroachment permit from Napa County. Consultation with DFG and USACE would determine if permits and approvals are required for bridge crossings.
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Segment 11 – Foothill Pines Concession Area Reference: Figure 1; Figure AP-9; Figure C-4
From: Foothill Pines concession boundary (south) To: Foothill Pines concession boundary (north) Length: 1.7 miles Trail Type: Multi-use trail (see Figure S-1)
Summary: In order to avoid conflicts with developed facilities within the concession area and their operations, a multi-use trail will be located on the slopes between Berryessa-Knoxville Road and concession facilities. The trail will cross the concession entrance road near the facilities visitor contact point.
Land ownership: Reclamation lease area to private concessionaire.
Principal partners: Lessee to develop, operate and maintain the trail segment.
Need for land / No. easement acquisition:
Staging / access: Day use parking at concession area.
Potable water supply: Yes.
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Sanitary facilities: Yes.
Overnight camping: Yes.
Anticipated levels of High. use:
Emergency access: Good.
Spur / connecting No. trails:
Water transit: Yes. Water transit stop, to be managed and operated by concessionaire.
Adjacent land use: Large and small parcel private ownership.
Topography: Generally level trail bed following contours with moderate to steep cross slope.
Vegetation: Open, chaparral, and foothill pine forest.
Stream / drainage Drainage from Spanish Flat may require a bridge; minor drainage crossings: crossings.
Anticipated level of Moderate. maintenance:
Special None. circumstances:
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Segment 12 – Spanish Flat North Reference: Figure 1; Figure AP-10
From: Foothill Pines Concession Area To: Oak Shores Day Use Area Length: 4.5 miles Trail Type: Multi-use trail (see Figure S-1)
Summary: The trail segment extends from the Foothill Pines Concession Area and connects with the newly constructed trail between the Dufer Point Visitor Center and the Oak Shores Day Use Area. The shoreline is steep making it generally unsuitable for lake access. The terrain consists of very steep hills with the trail alignment located a significant distance away from the lake to reduce the length of the numerous bridges required to cross some very deep drainages. The trail will require a major bridge crossing of Quarry Canyon and use of a portion of the Berryessa-Knoxville Road right of way.
Land ownership: Reclamation; Napa County.
Principal partners: Napa County, Tuleyome.
Need for land / easement No. acquisition:
Staging / access: Yes. Available at Oak Shores, Visitor Center, Foothill Pines.
Potable water supply: No.
Sanitary facilities: Yes. Available at Oak Shores, Visitor Center, Foothill Pines.
Overnight camping: No.
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Anticipated levels of use: Moderate.
Emergency access: Good because of access from Berryessa-Knoxville Road
Spur / connecting trails: No.
Water transit: No.
Adjacent land use: Berryessa-Knoxville Road
Topography: Generally level trail bed following contours with steep cross slopes.
Vegetation: Chaparral and foothill pine forest
Stream / drainage Approximately 21 wet crossings; 19 bridges from 6 feet to 40 feet crossings: in length; one custom bridge over Quarry Canyon
Anticipated level of Moderate because of number of drainage crossings. maintenance:
Special circumstances: Quarry Canyon crossing will require a custom bridge. Trail alignment within Berryessa-Knoxville Road right-of-way would require an encroachment permit from the Napa County Public Works for trail construction and alignment.
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Segment 13A –Oak Shores Day Use Area (Immediate Action) Reference: Figure 1; Figure AP-11
From: Oak Shores Day Use Area (south) To: Oak Shores Day Use Area (north) Length: 2.7 miles Trail Type: Accessible Trail (see Figure S-2)
Summary: The trail segment extends from the existing trail connecting the Dufer Point Visitor Center at the southern boundary of the Oak Shores Day Use Area to Coyote Knolls. This is one of the most heavily used and popular areas at Lake Berryessa. This will be a fully accessible trail. Access to the trail would be provided from Access to the trail would be provided from the parking areas at Acorn Beach, Foxtail Flat, McKenzie Ridge, Twin Oaks, Coyote Beach and Coyote Knolls.
The Oak Shores portion of the trail segment has already undergone environmental review. A FONSI was issued for this segment in March 2011, and mitigation measures were included for consideration during trail construction and operation
Land ownership: Reclamation.
Principal partners: Napa County, Tuleyome.
Need for land / easement No.
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acquisition:
Staging / access: Acorn Beach, Foxtail Flat, McKenzie Ridge, Twin Oaks, Coyote Beach and Coyote Knolls parking areas.
Potable water supply: Yes. Available throughout the Oak Shores Day Use Area.
Sanitary facilities: Yes. Available in the Oak Shores Day Use Area. Accessible restrooms at Acorn Beach, Coyote Beach.
Overnight camping: No.
Anticipated levels of use: High. This segment is anticipated to receive high usage throughout the year. Trail usage would primarily be hikers.
Emergency access: Good because of access from Berryessa-Knoxville Road, reclamation headquarters complex, and use area roads.
Spur / connecting trails: One loop trail to be developed within Oak Shores Day Use Area.
Water transit: Potential water transit stop at Foxtail Flat and Coyote Knolls hand launch ramps.
Adjacent land use: Berryessa-Knoxville Road.
Topography: Generally level trail bed following contours with shallow cross slopes.
Vegetation: Open with scattered segments of oak forest.
Stream / drainage Approximately 2 wet crossings. crossings:
Anticipated level of High because of number of visitors and need to meet accessibility maintenance: criteria.
Special circumstances: Trail maintenance to meet accessibility criteria.
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Segment 13B – Smittle Creek (Priority 1) Reference: Figure 1, Figure AP-12
From: Oak Shores Day Use Area (Coyote Knolls parking area) To: Smittle Creek (parking area) Length: 2.6 miles Trail Type: Multi-use trail (see Figure S-1)
Summary: The trail segment rehabilitates an existing trail that extends from Oak Shores Day Use Area to the Smittle Creek parking area. This trail provides views to Big Island and is generally shaded. The parking area would also eventually serve as a staging area for a connecting trail on public lands west of the Berryessa-Knoxville Road to the Cedar Roughs Wilderness Area (BLM) as illustrated in the 2008 Napa County General Plan (Figure ROS-4).
Land ownership: Reclamation.
Principal partners: Napa County, Tuleyome, BLM.
Need for land / easement No. acquisition:
Staging / access: Yes. Available at Smittle Creek parking area, Coyote Beach (Oak Shores).
Potable water supply: Yes.
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Sanitary facilities: Yes.
Overnight camping: No.
Anticipated levels of use: High. This segment is anticipated to receive high usage throughout the year. Trail usage would primarily be hikers.
Emergency access: Good because of access from Berryessa-Knoxville Road.
Spur / connecting trails: Connecting trail from the Smittle Creek staging area west across Berryessa Knoxville Road leading to the Bureau of Land Management’s Cedar Rough’s Wilderness Area (BLM lead agency for this connecting trail).
Water transit: No.
Adjacent land use: Berryessa-Knoxville Road.
Topography: Generally level trail bed following contours with moderate to steep cross slopes.
Vegetation: Oak woodland.
Stream / drainage Approximately 2 wet crossings; Approximately 5 bridges needing crossings: repair.
Anticipated level of Low. maintenance:
Special circumstances: None.
Priority 1 Management Actions: 1. Survey existing trail and design multi-use trail alignment and related facilities sufficient for environmental documentation (30% design development). 2. Combine environmental review associated with other Priority 1 segments. 3. Complete construction documentation. 4. Coordinate with BLM, Tuleyome, and Napa County for trail connections west across Berryessa-Knoxville Road from the staging area to other public lands.
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Segment 13C – Smittle Creek to Blue Oaks Concession (Priority 1) Reference: Figure 1, Figure AP-12
From: Smittle Creek (parking area) To: Blue Oaks Concession Area boundary (parking area) Length: 0.6 miles Trail Type: Multi-use trail (see Figure S-1)
Summary: A multi-use trail segment connecting Reclamations developed use areas with the Blue Oaks Concession Area. Because of topography, a portion of the trail alignment will follow along the shoulder of the Berryessa-Knoxville Road right-of-way.
Land ownership: Reclamation.
Principal partners: Napa County, Tuleyome.
Need for land / easement No. acquisition:
Staging / access: Yes. Available at Smittle Creek parking area and Blue Oaks concession area.
Potable water supply: No.
Sanitary facilities: Yes. Available at Smittle Creek.
Overnight camping: No.
Anticipated levels of use: Moderate to High. This segment is anticipated to be used by visitors from the Blue Oaks Concession Area.
Emergency access: Good because of access from Berryessa-Knoxville Road.
Spur / connecting trails: No.
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Water transit: No.
Adjacent land use: Berryessa-Knoxville Road.
Topography: Generally level trail bed following contours with steep cross slopes requiring retaining walls in some locations.
Vegetation: Oak woodland.
Stream / drainage 1 bridge approximately 75 feet long. crossings:
Anticipated level of Low. maintenance:
Special circumstances: None.
Priority 1 Management Actions: 1. Survey and design multi-use trail alignment and related facilities sufficient for environmental documentation (30% design development). 2. Combine environmental review associated with other Priority 1 segments. 3. Complete construction documentation. 4. Coordinate with Napa County for encroachment permit along Berryessa-Knoxville Road.
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Segment 14 – Blue Oaks Concession Reference: Figure 1, Figure AP-13, Figure CA-5
From: Blue Oaks Concession Area boundary (south) To: Blue Oaks Concession Area boundary (north) Length: 0.7 miles Trail Type: Accessible trail – ADA (see Figure S-2) or possibly along Shared Cart Path; Signed trail route – share the road for bicycles; southern portion a multi-use path (see Figure S-1).
Summary: The concession area is to include a visitor and education center along with lakefront lodging units, spa, store, day use parking, and dry-boat parking and storage. Pedestrian use will follow a path that also services waterfront lodges. Bicycles passing through the area will be directed with signs to use the internal road system.
Land ownership: Reclamation lease area to be managed and operated by private concessionaire.
Principal partners: Lessee to develop, operate and maintain.
Need for land / easement No. acquisition:
Staging / access: Day use parking in concession area.
Potable water supply: Yes, in concession area, once developed.
Sanitary facilities: Yes, in concession area, once developed.
Overnight camping: Tent camping proposed, once developed.
Anticipated levels of use: High.
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Emergency access: Good because of access from Berryessa-Knoxville Road and concession area road system.
Spur / connecting trails: Viewpoint within concession area to be connected with trail system.
Water transit: Yes.
Adjacent land use: Berryessa-Knoxville Road.
Topography: Generally level trail bed following contours with shallow to moderate cross slopes. May require retaining walls to accommodate surrounding development.
Vegetation: Oak woodland.
Stream / drainage Few; culverts predominantly in place. crossings:
Anticipated level of Low. maintenance:
Special circumstances: None.
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Segment 15 – Smittle Creek Inter-Concession Area (Priority 1) Reference: Figure 1, Figure AP-13
From: Blue Oaks Concession Area boundary (north) To: Manzanita Canyon Concession Area boundary (south) Length: 0.2 miles Trail Type: Multi-use path (see Figure S-1).
Summary: This is a short segment connecting the two concessions located generally along steep cross-slopes and through chaparral.
Land ownership: Reclamation.
Principal partners: None.
Need for land / easement No. acquisition:
Staging / access: At parking areas within Blue Oaks and Manzanita concession areas.
Potable water supply: No.
Sanitary facilities: No.
Overnight camping: No.
Anticipated levels of use: High because of access to differing amenities in the two B-57
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concession areas.
Emergency access: Good because of access from Berryessa-Knoxville Road.
Spur / connecting trails: No.
Water transit: No.
Adjacent land use: Berryessa-Knoxville Road.
Topography: Generally level trail bed following contours with steep cross slopes at mouth of Smittle Creek. May require retaining walls to accommodate surrounding development.
Vegetation: Chaparral.
Stream / drainage 1 bridge at 26 feet in length. crossings: Anticipated level of Low. maintenance:
Special circumstances: None.
Priority 1 Management Actions: 1. Survey and design multi-use trail alignment and related facilities sufficient for environmental documentation (30% design development). 2. Combine environmental review associated with other Priority 1 segments. 3. Complete construction documentation.
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Segment 16 – Manzanita Canyon Concession Area Reference: Figure 1; Figure AP-14; Figure CA-6
From: Manzanita Canyon Concession Area boundary (south) To: Manzanita Canyon Concession Area boundary (north) Length: 1.9 miles Trail Type: Combination of accessible trail (see Figure S-2) mostly along a Shared Cart Path and signed trail route – share the road for bicycles.
Summary: The concession area is to include a camp store and cottages, day use parking, beach, boat ramp, and dry-boat parking and storage. Pedestrian use will follow a path that also services waterfront cottages. Bicycles passing through the area will be directed with signs to use the internal road system.
Land ownership: Reclamation lease area to be managed and operated by private concessionaire.
Principal partners: Lessee to develop, operate and maintain.
Need for land / easement No. acquisition:
Staging / access: Yes. Day use parking in concession area.
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Potable water supply: Yes, in concession area.
Sanitary facilities: Yes, in concession area.
Overnight camping: Yes, in concession area.
Anticipated levels of use: High because of access to differing amenities in the two concession areas.
Emergency access: Good because of access from Berryessa-Knoxville Road and concession area road system.
Spur / connecting trails: No.
Water transit: No.
Adjacent land use: Berryessa-Knoxville Road.
Topography: Generally level trail bed following contours with shallow to moderate cross slopes. May require retaining walls to accommodate surrounding development. Vegetation: Oak woodland.
Stream / drainage Few; culverts predominantly in place. crossings:
Anticipated level of Low. maintenance:
Special circumstances: None.
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Segment 17 – Schoolhouse Island Vista (Priority 1) Reference: Figure 1; Figure AP-15
From: Manzanita Canyon Concession Area boundary (south) To: Pope Creek Bridge / Berryessa-Knoxville Road (north) Length: 1.9 miles Trail Type: Multi-use trail (see Figure S-1)
Summary: This segment is located between the Manzanita Canyon Concession Area and the Pope Creek Bridge. There are existing staging facilities at the day use parking area at Manzanita Canyon. In addition, this concession area has facilities for overnight camping and other activities that would facilitate moderate to heavy usage along this segment. The trail alignment passes through oak woodlands, around marshy areas, and through patches of chaparral. This trail provides easy water access in some areas. Schoolhouse Island is just offshore and becomes a peninsula when the water is low.
The trail follows the shoreline below the Berryessa Pines residential area. The alignment also crosses an intake pipeline owned by the Spanish Flat Water District.
Land ownership: Reclamation.
Principal partners: Napa County, Tuleyome. Possible public-private partnership with Berryessa Pines.
Need for land / No. easement acquisition:
Staging / access: Day use parking at Manzanita Canyon Concession Area and possibly
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at Pope Creek Bridge (north side).
Potable water supply: Available at Manzanita Canyon Concession Area.
Sanitary facilities: Available at Manzanita Canyon Concession Area.
Overnight camping: Available at Manzanita Canyon Concession Area.
Anticipated levels of Moderate to high. use:
Emergency access: Fair to good, with access to Berryessa-Knoxville Road and the Manzanita Canyon Concession Area.
Spur / connecting Putah Creek bridge. Private spur trails lead into Berryessa Pines trails: residential subdivision.
Water transit: No.
Adjacent land use: Berryessa-Knoxville Road; Berryessa Pines small parcel private ownership; residential development; Berryessa-Knoxville Road.
Topography: Moderately level trail tread following contours with moderate to steep cross slopes.
Vegetation: Forested with oak woodlands and scattered pines; chaparral.
Stream / drainage Approximately 12 wet crossings; 4 bridges from 15 feet to 35 feet in crossings: length.
Anticipated level of Low to moderate, given the moderate slopes. Heavy user activity, maintenance: particularly with bicyclists, could require erosion control measures at a later date.
Special circumstances: Potential access control requirements with private trail / access road leading to adjacent residential area at Berryessa Pines.
Potential conflict with Berryessa Pines water supply system.
Priority 1 Management Actions: 1. Survey and design multi-use trail alignment and related facilities sufficient for environmental documentation (30% design development). 2. Combine environmental review associated with other Priority 1 segments. 3. Coordinate with Berryessa Pines signage and access control designs for security. 4. Coordinate with Spanish Flat Water District signage and access control designs for security.
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5. Complete construction documentation. 6. Coordinate with Berryessa Pines, Tuleyome, and Napa County signage and access control designs for security.
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Segment 18 – Pope Creek - South Bank Reference: Figure 1, Figure AP-16
From: Pope Creek Bridge / Berryessa-Knoxville Road To: Trail connection to Cedar Rough Wilderness Area (BLM) Length: 3.3 miles Trail Type: Foot trail (see Figure S-4) Summary: This segment begins at the Pope Creek Bridge, and because of topographic constraints, cannot feasibly continue up Pope Creek. It therefore is essentially an access route to the BLM Cedar Roughs Wilderness Area as illustrated in the 2008 Napa County General Plan (Figure ROS-4). That access could be a long loop trail that ends up at the Smittle Creek trailhead. Initially on an old road bed, the trail crosses some steep hillsides among oak, pine and chaparral and will need to be bridged at several creeks and drainages. Steep hills around Trout Creek require that the trail follow the creek for about a third of a mile before bridging it and returning to Pope Creek. This trail is designed for hikers only. The adjoining DFG land did not include bikes in its management plan and adjoining that is the Cedar Roughs Wilderness where bikes are not allowed.
Land ownership: Reclamation.
Principal partners: BLM, Napa County, Tuleyome.
Need for land / No. easement acquisition:
Staging / access: Day use parking at Pope Creek Bridge (north side).
Potable water supply: No.
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Sanitary facilities: No.
Overnight camping: No.
Anticipated levels of Low use:
Emergency access: Poor.
Spur / connecting Pope Creek Bridge. Potential connecting trail to adjoining DFG and trails: the Cedar Roughs Wilderness Area (BLM) as illustrated in the 2008 Napa County General Plan (Figure ROS-4) and other upstream locations.
Water transit: No.
Adjacent land use: Large parcel private ownership.
Topography: Variable steepness trail tread following contours with steep cross slopes.
Vegetation: Chaparral, oak woodlands and foothill pine forests.
Stream / drainage Approximately 14 wet crossings; 4 bridges from 24 feet to 40 feet in crossings: length.
Anticipated level of Moderate to high given north facing aspect of trail and erosion maintenance: potential.
Special circumstances: Crossing of Berryessa/Knoxville Road.
Would require encroachment permit with Napa County Public Works department for restriping and traffic calming techniques to allow for pedestrian and bicycle traffic on the bridge. Signage at the approach to the bridge from both sides would also require approval from Napa County Public Works.
Consider trail development only in association with access to the BLM Cedar Roughs Wilderness Area.
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Pope Creek Bridge Reference: Figure 1; Figure AP-16
From: Segment 18 To: Segment 19 Length: 850 feet Trail Type: Signed pedestrian and bicycle access
Summary: The Pope Creek Bridge on the Berryessa-Knoxville Road is approximately 850-feet long. Pedestrian and bicycle use of the Pope Creek Bridge is permissible, although the bridge was not designed specifically to accommodate that use. In April, 2004 the average daily traffic for the bridge was 530 vehicles. Napa County has adopted the standards contained in the California Department of Transportation Highway Design Manual for the County. Any changes to the design or operations of the bridge or Berryessa-Knoxville Road must be in conformance with the Highway Design Manual and the California Vehicle Code.
From a structural engineering perspective, it is not feasible to attach a trail lane to the bridge. The County will not entertain an alteration of the vehicular lane configuration on the bridge as that is not consistent with adopted code. If in the future the bridge is replaced, then bicycle lanes and pedestrian sidewalks would be considered. However, the bridge is now in stable condition. A safer pedestrian railing could be developed for the bridge if there were funding for it.
Land ownership: Napa County.
Principal partners: Napa County.
Special circumstances: Trail access to Pope Creek Bridge would require encroachment permit with Napa County Public Works Department to provide share the road signage for pedestrian and bicycle traffic on the bridge. Signage at the approach to the bridge from both sides would also require approval from Napa County Public Works.
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Segment 19 – Pope Creek - North Bank (Priority 1) Reference: Figure 1; Figure AP-16; Figure SA-4
From: Pope Creek crossing (north side of creek at boundary of Recreation Area) To: Pope Creek Bridge / Berryessa-Knoxville Road (north) Length: 3.0 miles Trail Type: Multi-use trail (see Figure S-1)
Summary: This segment is located along the Pope Creek arm of Lake Berryessa and would connect an existing staging area at the Pope Creek Bridge with a new proposed staging area at the other end. A significant portion of the trail follows an old road bed that existed from before Lake Berryessa was created. The trail segment provides an excellent opportunity for exploring one of the side canyons of the lake and has varied terrain.
This segment would see moderate usage. However, it would provide an alternate trail experience for hikers and bicyclists who desire a quieter and more secluded trail experience away from the lakeshore.
Land ownership: Reclamation.
Principal partners: Napa County, Tuleyome, BLM.
Need for land / No. easement acquisition:
Staging / access: There is a parking lot that could be used as a staging area at the
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intersection of Pope Canyon Road and Berryessa-Knoxville Road. However, it is sometimes at capacity, and there is currently no existing water supply. In addition, this parking lot does not provide for equestrian uses, and has limited size for parking of equestrian trailers and vehicles. A new staging area is proposed at the end of the Pope Creek arm of this segment, at the intersection with Segment 18. This staging area would accommodate hikers and bicyclists and include both potable water supply and sanitary facilities. It would not include provisions of equestrian staging.
Potable water supply: No.
Sanitary facilities: Available at the existing Pope Creek Bridge staging area; planned at Pope Creek Staging Area. (see Figure SA-4)
Overnight camping: No.
Anticipated levels of Moderate. Moderate. Some hikers and bicyclists would choose the use: option of coming from the Chaparral Cove Concession Area and Segment 17 via the Pope Creek Bridge as a direct link to the Pope Creek arm of the lake.
Emergency access: Poor.
Spur / connecting No. trails:
Water transit: No.
Adjacent land use: Large parcel private ownership. DFG.
Topography: Moderately level trail tread moderate to severe cross slopes.
Vegetation: Riparian along the lower elevations near the lake; mixed chaparral and forest of oak woodland and scatted pines at upper elevation slopes.
Stream / drainage Approximately 6 wet crossings; 6 bridges from 15 feet to 75 feet in crossings: length.
Anticipated level of Low to moderate, due to use of abandoned road bed, moderately level maintenance: terrain, and expected moderate usage levels.
Special circumstances: Potential conflict with access roads to lake from adjacent private properties.
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Crossing of Berryessa/Knoxville Road at Pope Creek bridge. Would require encroachment permit with Napa County Public Works department for restriping and traffic calming techniques to allow for pedestrian and bicycle traffic on the bridge. Signage at the approach to the bridge from both sides would also require approval from Napa County Public Works.
Priority 1 Management Actions: 1. Survey and design multi-use trail alignment and related facilities sufficient for environmental documentation (30% design development). 2. Combine environmental review associated with other Priority 1 segments. 3. Complete construction documentation. 4. Coordinate with Napa County for encroachment permit from Pope Canyon Road to staging area 5. Coordinate with Tuleyome and Napa County for trail connections north across Pope Canyon Road from the staging area to other public lands.
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Segment 20 – Chaparral Cove Concession Area Reference: Figure 1; Figure AP-17; Figure CA-5
From: Chaparral Cove concession boundary (south) To: Chaparral Cove concession boundary (north along Putah Creek and to Putah Creek Bridge) Length: 1.3 miles Trail Type: Combination of multi-use trail (see Figure S-1), accessible trail (see Figure S-2) and signed trail route – share the road for bicycles
Summary: This segment is located along the south side of the Putah Creek arm of Lake Berryessa. This is a very popular area of the lake for shoreline access both from the Pope Creek Bridge Staging Area to the south and the concession area. Chaparral Cove will be developed as a major camping area with support marina, boat launch, and store facilities.
A multi-use trail will extend from the southern portion of the Concession lease area up the south side of Putah Creek (Segment 21). Hikers wishing to travel north to the Putah Creek Bridge will be directed onto an accessible trail through a campground on the west side Berryessa-Knoxville Road that will connect at the bridge across Berryessa-Knoxville Road to the east side campground area of the concession. Within the concession area, bicycles wishing to travel north along the shoreline will be directed onto the Berryessa-Knoxville Road to the Putah Creek Bridge.
Land ownership: Reclamation.
Principal partners: Lessee to develop, operate and maintain. Napa County Public Works for encroachment permit to cross Berryessa-Knoxville Road in two locations.
Need for land / No.
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easement acquisition:
Staging / access: Yes, in concession area.
Potable water supply: Yes, in concession area.
Sanitary facilities: Yes, in concession area.
Overnight camping: Yes, in concession area.
Anticipated levels of High. use:
Emergency access: Good because of access from Berryessa-Knoxville Road and concession area road system.
Spur / connecting Putah Creek bridge. trails:
Water transit: Yes, in concession area.
Adjacent land use: Berryessa-Knoxville Road, Large parcel private ownership.
Topography: Moderately level trail tread moderate cross slopes.
Vegetation: Oak woodland and foothill pine forest.
Stream / drainage Few; culverts predominantly in place. crossings:
Anticipated level of High. maintenance:
Special circumstances: Crossing of Berryessa/Knoxville Road in two locations. Trail crossing and construction within Berryessa-Knoxville Road right-of- way would require an encroachment permit from Napa County Public Works.
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Segment 21 – Putah Creek - South Bank Reference: Figure 1; Figure AP-18
From: Chaparral Cove concession boundary (south/west) To: Reclamation boundary on south side of Putah Creek arm of lake) Length: 4.7 miles Trail Type: Multi-use trail (see Figure S-1)
Summary: This segment is located along the south side of the Putah Creek arm of Lake Berryessa. This is a very popular area of the lake for shoreline access.
A multi-use trail will extend from the western portion of the Chaparral Cove Concession Area up the south side of Putah Creek to the end of reclamations ownership. The trail on this south side traverses hillside woodlands turning eventually into chaparral.
Land ownership: Reclamation.
Principal partners: Napa County, BLM, Tuleyome.
Need for land / No. easement acquisition:
Staging / access: Yes, in Chaparral Cove Concession Area.
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Potable water supply: Yes, in Chaparral Cove Concession Area.
Sanitary facilities: Yes, in Chaparral Cove Concession Area.
Overnight camping: Yes, in Chaparral Cove Concession Area.
Anticipated levels of Moderate near the Chaparral Cove Concession Area and light further use: upstream until trail is extended to other public lands.
Emergency access: Good near concession area; poor upstream.
Spur / connecting Putah Creek bridge. Potentially upstream to public lands being trails: acquired by Napa County and BLM with connection to the Pope to Putah Trail as illustrated in the 2008 Napa County General Plan (Figure ROS-4) and other upstream locations.
Water transit: No.
Adjacent land use: Large parcel private ownership.
Topography: Moderately level trail tread following contours with moderate to steep cross slopes.
Vegetation: Oak woodland and chaparral.
Stream / drainage Approximately 10 wet crossings; 2 bridges from 24 feet to 35 feet in crossings: length.
Anticipated level of Low to moderate near the Chaparral Cove Concession Area. maintenance:
Special circumstances: Consider trail development only in association with upstream land acquisition by others access to other public lands.
Trail access at Putah Creek Bridge would require encroachment permit with Napa County Public Works department for restriping and traffic calming techniques to allow for pedestrian and bicycle traffic on the bridge. Signage at the approach to the bridge from both sides would also require approval from Napa County Public Works.
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Putah Creek Bridge Reference: Figure 1; Figure AP-18
From: Segment 21 To: Segment 22 Length: 750 feet Trail Type: Signed pedestrian and bicycle access
Summary: Pedestrian and bicycle use of the Putah Creek Bridge is permissible, although the bridge was not designed specifically to accommodate that use. In April, 2004 the average daily traffic for the bridge was 676 vehicles. Napa County has adopted the standards contained in the California Department of Transportation Highway Design Manual for the County. Any changes to the design or operations of the bridge or Berryessa-Knoxville Road must be in conformance with the Highway Design Manual and the California Vehicle Code.
From a structural engineering perspective, it is not feasible to attach a trail lane to the bridge. The County will not entertain an alteration of the vehicular lane configuration on the bridge as that is not consistent with adopted code. If in the future the bridge is replaced, then bicycle lanes and pedestrian sidewalks would be considered. However, the bridge is now in stable condition. A safer pedestrian railing could be developed for the bridge if there were funding for it.
Land ownership: Napa County.
Principal partners: Napa County.
Special circumstances: Trail access crossing t Berryessa-Knoxville Road at either end of the Putah Creek Bridge will require an encroachment permit with Napa County Public Works. Napa County’s approval would also be needed to provide “share the road signage” for pedestrian and bicycle use on the bridge.
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Segment 22 – Putah Creek - North Bank Reference: Figure 1; Figure AP-18; Figure SA-4
From: Putah Creek Bridge / Berryessa-Knoxville Road To: Reclamation boundary on north side of Putah Creek arm of lake) Length: 3.5 miles Trail Type: Multi-use trail (see Figure S-1)
Summary: This segment is located along the north side of the Putah Creek arm of Lake Berryessa. It would connect Napa County’s Camp Berryessa across Berryessa-Knoxville Road with the main lake area and provide upstream hiking and biking opportunities for the camp visitors. Camp Berryessa is now in the planning and preliminary design stages and its final public use program has yet to be determined.
Land ownership: Reclamation.
Principal partners: Napa County, BLM, Tuleyome.
Need for land / No. easement acquisition:
Staging / access: Yes, at Camp Berryessa if open to the public.
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Potable water supply: Yes, at Camp Berryessa if open to the public.
Sanitary facilities: Yes, at Camp Berryessa if open to the public.
Overnight camping: Yes, at Camp Berryessa if open to the public.
Anticipated levels of High between Camp Berryessa and the Putah Creek Bridge, use: Moderate moving upstream form Camp Berryessa and light further upstream until trail is extended to other public lands.
Emergency access: Good near Camp Berryessa; poor upstream.
Spur / connecting Putah Creek bridge. Potentially upstream to public lands being trails: acquired by Napa County and BLM with a potential trail connection to Barton Hill as illustrated in the 2008 Napa County General Plan (Figure ROS-4) and other upstream locations.
Water transit: No.
Adjacent land use: Large parcel private ownership.
Topography: Moderately level trail tread following contours with moderate to steep cross slopes.
Vegetation: Oak woodland and chaparral.
Stream / drainage Approximately 10 wet crossings; 2 bridges from 24 feet to 35 feet in crossings: length.
Anticipated level of Low to moderate near the Chaparral Cove Concession Area maintenance:
Special circumstances: Consider trail development upstream of Camp Berryessa only if regional trail connections can be made by others in association with upstream land acquisition or Barton Hill and access to other public lands.
Trail access at Putah Creek Bridge would require encroachment permit with Napa County Public Works Department for restriping and traffic calming techniques to allow for pedestrian and bicycle traffic on the bridge. Signage at the approach to the bridge from both sides would also require approval from Napa County Public Works.
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Segment 23 – North End (Immediate Action) Reference: Figure 1; Figure AP-19; Figure SA-5
From: Putah Creek Bridge / Berryessa-Knoxville Road (south) To: End of trail at Raccoon Lagoon Staging Area on Berryessa-Knoxville Road (north) Length: 6.6 miles Trail Type: Multi-use trail (see Figure S-1)
Summary: The North End Trail is an existing trail alignment that was originally constructed in the 1970s as a Youth Conservation Crops project. After years of use and soil erosion the trail fell into disrepair, creating a potential safety hazard for trail users. Certain segments became unusable, prompting trail users to forge off-trail segments that disturbed vegetation and wildlife habitat and caused further erosion. In addition, segments of the trail crossed into wetlands and other sensitive habitat, furthering potential impacts to riparian species and related sensitive habitats.
Consequently, Reclamation sought to improve the trail and restore it to the user qualities and standards as outlined in the VSP ROD and other Reclamation guideline documents for trail and recreation uses at Lake Berryessa. In addition, Reclamation wanted to relocate the trail alignment from the high water mark and away from wetlands and other sensitive areas that provided habitat for migratory birds and other animal and plant species.
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Land ownership: Reclamation.
Principal partners: Tuleyome.
Need for land / No. easement acquisition:
Staging / access: Raccoon Lagoon Staging Area (see Figure SA-5).
Potable water supply: No.
Sanitary facilities: Yes, at Raccoon Lagoon Staging Area.
Overnight camping: No.
Anticipated levels of Moderate. Given the location near the Putah Creek Bridge and the use: Chaparral Cove concession area to the south, as well as proximity to Camp Berryessa, this segment would attract hikers and bicyclists from these concession and camping areas. This segment offers good lakefront views and has a number of scenic vistas and natural features that would heighten the trail experience. However, this segment is not expected to have a lot of equestrian use, given the lack of equestrian staging areas near the segment and its anticipated heavier usage by bicyclists and hikers. This trail segment would cross several intermittent streams, ephemeral drainages, and wetlands.
Emergency access: Good. Near Berryessa-Knoxville Road.
Spur / connecting Putah Creek bridge. Raccoon Lagoon Trail. trails:
Water transit: No.
Adjacent land use: Generally Reclamation property extends to Berryessa/Knoxville Road. However, some sections of private property are between Berryessa/Knoxville Road and the Reclamation property boundary.
Topography: Fairly level trail tread following contours with moderate cross slopes.
Vegetation: Oak woodland and chaparral.
Stream / drainage Approximately 22 wet crossings. Bridge lengths would vary from crossings: creek to creek, ranging from 12 to 24 feet. Boardwalks across wetland areas may be required.
Anticipated level of Low to moderate, due to fairly level topography. Maintenance levels
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maintenance: would primarily be determined by level of trail usage.
Special circumstances: Encroachment Permit from Napa County Public Works for Raccoon Lagoon Staging area.
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Segment 24 – Eticuera Creek Reference: Figure 1; Figure AP-20
From: Raccoon Lagoon Staging Area To: Eticuera Day Use Area Length: 2.1 miles Trail Type: Multi-use trail (see Figure S-1)
Summary: This trail segment links the east and west sides of Lake Berryessa, transitioning from a dense oak woodland landscape over the Berryessa-Knoxville Road causeway to an open grassland and wetland environment. The topography on the west side of the causeway is eroded and very steep. The trail will go onto Knoxville Road at the causeway. Traveling along the causeway will occur along the side of the road. Because of the emergent wetland/riparian growth that occurs at the upper end of the lake, waterfowl are often present.
Land ownership: Reclamation, Napa County.
Principal partners: Napa County.
Need for land / No. easement acquisition:
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Staging / access: Yes. At Raccoon Lagoon Staging Area (see Figure SA-5) and existing Eticuera Day Use Area.
Potable water supply: No. Potential solar pump and horse trough at Eticuera Day Use Area.
Sanitary facilities: Yes. At Raccoon Lagoon Staging Area (see Figure SA-5) and existing Eticuera Day Use Area.
Overnight camping: No.
Anticipated levels of Low to moderate. Because of the staging areas at each end of the use: trail, use would likely be through hikers and equestrians.
Emergency access: Good. Near Berryessa-Knoxville Road.
Spur / connecting No. trails:
Water transit: Yes, potentially from the car-top boat launch at the Eticuera Day Use Area.
Adjacent land use: Berryessa/Knoxville Road.
Topography: Steep on west end of Berryessa-Knoxville Road. Steep across the causeway. Gentle to flat to the Eticuera Day Use Area.
Vegetation: Oak woodland on the west side of the causeway. Grasslands and wetlands across the causeway and to the Eticuera Day Use Area.
Stream / drainage Approximately 7 wet crossings. 1 bridge at 20 feet in length. Low crossings: boardwalk of approximately 40 feet across wetland area.
Anticipated level of Low. maintenance:
Special circumstances: Retaining wall and guardrail separation may be needed along Berryessa-Knoxville Road.
Encroachment permit from Napa County Public Works for trail section along shoulder of Berryessa-Knoxville Road.
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Segment 25 – East Shore North (including Tully Canyon Staging Area) Reference: Figure 1; Figure AP-21; Figures S-5A, S-5B, S-5C
From: Eticuera Day Use Area To: Gate at end of Reclamation maintained east shore road and Tully Canyon Staging Area Length: 7.1 miles Trail Type: Multi-use trail (see Figures S-5A, S-5B, and S-5C)
Summary: The Eticuera Day Use Area includes both general vehicle parking and an equestrian staging area. It is the gateway to the east side of Lake Berryessa. The northeastern shore offers a much different recreation and educational opportunity as compared to the Lake Berryessa Narrows or the more developed west shore. It includes the Lake Berryessa Wildlife Area, comprised of 2000 acres of annual grasslands and blue oak woodlands owned by Reclamation and managed by the DFG. The area extends along the entire east shore of the lake from Eticuera Creek to Monticello Dam.
The trail segment is composed of two sections. The first travels west into the Wildlife Area, then turns south with a loop trail around a small knoll. This segment would be constructed to be fully accessible to provide an approximately 1-1/2 mile round-trip from the staging area. From the loop, the trail would leave the fenced wildlife area, briefly follow the west side of the road alignment to pass by a ranch complex, and then re-enter the Wildlife Management Area to the proposed Tully Canyon Staging Area.
There are two trail alignment options south of the ranch complex. One is to stay within the Wildlife Area (but near the eastern fence line) south of the ranch complex. The other is to use the road right-of-way. Within the Wildlife Management Area three design options are also presented (Figures S-5A, S-5B, and S-5C). One option would separate equestrians onto a disked trail that would also serve as a fire break.
Land ownership: Reclamation, DFG (Lake Berryessa Wildlife Area management
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agreement.
Principal partners: DFG, equestrian groups, ranchers.
Need for land / No. easement acquisition:
Staging / access: Eticuera Day Use Area; Tully Canyon Staging Area (see Figure SA- 6)
Potable water supply: No. Potential well and solar pump for horse trough at Eticuera Day Use Area and Tully Canyon Staging Area.
Sanitary facilities: Yes, at existing Eticuera Day Use Area. To be developed at Tully Canyon Staging Area.
Overnight camping: No.
Anticipated levels of Low to moderate due to the distance away from the main developed use: facilities of the west shore. Significant use could be anticipated by equestrians.
Emergency access: Good. Parallels east side access road.
Spur / connecting Yes. Potential access based on land acquisition by others to Berryessa trails: Peak and Blue Ridge as illustrated in the 2008 Napa County General Plan (Figure ROS-4).
Water transit: Yes, potentially from the car-top boat launch at the Eticuera Day Use Area.
Adjacent land use: East side access road, private ranchland, scattered ranch residences.
Topography: Gentle to flat.
Vegetation: Grassland.
Stream / drainage 1 wet creek crossings; 1 bridge at 10 feet in length; low boardwalk of crossings: approximately 140 feet across wetland area.
Anticipated level of Low. Annual disking of equestrian trail. maintenance:
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Special circumstances: Concurrence with DFG for trail within Wildlife Area.
Green Canyon Creek, Harris Canyon Creek, Anderson Canyon Creek, Tully Canyon Creek, minor drainages. Creek crossings would require Section 1600 Streambed Alteration Agreement from DFG, and possibly Sec. 401 and 404 permits from the USACE. Other stream crossing within this segment also might require consultation with these agencies to determine if permitting is required.
Encroachment permit from Napa County Public Works for trail section along shoulder of Berryessa-Knoxville Road.
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Segment 26 – East Shore-South Reference: Figure 1; Figure AP-22; Figure SA-6
From: Gate at end of Reclamation maintained east shore road and Tully Canyon Staging Area To: Gunn Gate Length: 2.6 miles Trail Type: Multi-use trail (see S-1)
Summary: From the Jackson Creek Staging Area the topography becomes more varied with more side channels entering the lake. This section of the Lake Berryessa Wildlife Area in not fenced and the area is currently under a grazing lease. The trail alignment meanders in and out of the oak forest providing varied views of Big Island and the west shore.
Land ownership: Reclamation, BLM, DFG (Lake Berryessa Wildlife Area management agreement), long-term cattle grazing lease agreement.
Principal partners: DFG, equestrian groups, concession operators of water transit system.
Need for land / No. easement acquisition:
Staging / access: Tully Canyon Staging Area (see Figure SA-6)
Potable water supply: No. Potential well and solar pump for horse trough at Tully Canyon Staging Area.
Sanitary facilities: Yes, at Tully Canyon Staging Area.
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Overnight camping: No.
Anticipated levels of Low to moderate due to the distance away from the main developed use: facilities of the west shore. Pedestrian use levels could be significantly increased with operations of the water transit.
Emergency access: Good. Parallels east side access road leading to Gunn Ranch.
Spur / connecting No. trails:
Water transit: Yes, roughly at the midpoint of the segment.
Adjacent land use: East side access road, private ranchland, scattered ranch residences.
Topography: Gentle to rolling terrain with slight to moderate cross slope.
Vegetation: Grassland with scattered oaks; Oak woodland approaching Gunn gate.
Stream / drainage 5 wet crossings. crossings:
Anticipated level of Low. maintenance:
Special circumstances: Concurrence with DFG for trail within Wildlife Area.
Jackson Creek; Tin Can Creek; Oil Well Canyon Creek; few side drainages. Creek crossings would require Section 1600 Streambed Alteration Agreement from DFG, and possibly Sec. 401 and 404 permits from the USACE. Other stream crossing within this segment also might require consultation with these agencies to determine if permitting is required.
Implementation of the trail segment is subject to termination or renewal of existing long-term grazing lease.
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Segment 27 – Gunn Ranch Reference: Figure 1; Figure AP-22; Figure SA-6
From: Gunn Gate To: Peninsula south of Gunn Ranch complex at water transit stop. Length: 4.7 miles Trail Type: Multi-use trail along ranch road
Summary: The trail alignment meanders parallel to the Gunn Ranch access road through oak woodlands past the Gunn Ranch complex. The trail alignment could stay on Reclamation property, but would pass very close to the Gunn Ranch residences and outbuildings. An alternative would be to pull the trail back from the Gunn Ranch peninsula. However, this would leave Reclamation property.
Land ownership: Reclamation, DFG (Lake Berryessa Wildlife Area management agreement), long-term cattle grazing lease agreement.
Principal partners: DFG, concession operators of water transit system.
Need for land / No. If segment were to pass through Gunn property to avoid ranch easement acquisition: complex an easement would be needed.
Staging / access: No.
Potable water supply: No.
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Overnight camping: No.
Anticipated levels of Low to due to the distance away from the access points. Pedestrian use: use levels could be significantly increased with operations of the water transit.
Emergency access: Good. Parallels east side access road.
Spur / connecting No. trails:
Water transit: Yes, at south end of segment.
Adjacent land use: East side access road, private ranchland, ranch residences.
Topography: Gentle to moderate following ranch road.
Vegetation: Oak woodland.
Stream / drainage Approximately 15 wet crossings; 2 bridges from 16 to 20 feet in crossings: length.
Anticipated level of Low. maintenance:
Special circumstances: Concurrence with DFG for trail within Wildlife Area.
Gosling Canyon Creek; three unnamed intermittent creeks; few side drainages. Gosling Canyon Creek crossing would require Section 1600 Streambed Alteration Agreement from DFG, and possibly Sec. 401 and 404 permits from the USACE. Other stream crossing within this segment also might require consultation with these agencies to determine if permitting is required.
Implementation of the trail segment is subject to termination or renewal of existing long-term grazing lease.
Conflicts with Gunn Ranch residence and operations. Gunn Ranch operates under existing long-term easement that expires in 2040. Trail access through the ranch would need to be coordinated with Gunn Ranch owners and operators. Easement terms could be modified for trail access with agreement of both Reclamation and Gunn Ranch. Potential trail access restrictions would address potential impacts to cattle operations and related land uses currently operating under the terms of the existing easement. Easements with
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other land ranches or private inholdings could also be affected.
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Segment 28 – Portuguese / Monticello Dam Overlook Reference: Figure 1; Figure AP-23; Figure SA-1
From: Peninsula south of Gunn Ranch complex To: Lower Putah Creek Staging Area (Segment 1) below Monticello Dam Length: 16.8 miles Trail Type: Hiking-only trail (see Figures S-4)
Summary: The very long segment travels along the shoreline of the Lake Berryessa Narrows then diverges away from the lake through BLM land up to Blue Ridge (via a route sometimes referred to as the Monticello Overlook trail). From the ridge the trail alignment follows a number of switchbacks down the slope through a BLM easement on private lands leading to Putah Creek. Access is very limited for this trail segment. From the shoreline portions of the trail, the Jackson Creek Staging Area is anywhere from approximately 7 to 19 miles away, or a minimum 4 miles from the proposed Lower Putah Creek Staging Area (see Figure SA-1). Land-based vehicular access is not possible. Water taxi access points are indicated; these would make the segment more usable to lake visitors.
The trail segment will be rugged and because of steepness and need for water bars, limited to foot traffic only. It will offer access to the more remote portions of Lake Berryessa and provide spectacular vistas over the lake from Blue Ridge.
The trail crossing of Putah Creek indicated on Figure SA-1 is conceptual and subject to a feasibility study.
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Lake Berryessa Shoreline Trail Management Plan
Land ownership: Reclamation, BLM, DFG (Lake Berryessa Wildlife Area management agreement), long-term cattle grazing lease agreement.
Principal partners: DFG, BLM, Solano County Water Agency, Tuleyome, concession operators for water transit system.
Need for land / No. easement acquisition: A public access easement held by BLM on private land was purchased approximately 30 years ago. The easement is 30 feet wide and effectively represents the trail alignment.
Staging / access: Lower Putah Creek Staging Area (see Figure SA-1)
Potable water supply: No.
Sanitary facilities: Limited to Lower Putah Creek Staging Area.
Overnight camping: No.
Anticipated levels of Low; limited to hiking. Pedestrian use levels could be significantly use: increased with operations of the water transit.
Emergency access: Poor.
Spur / connecting Regional trail along Blue Ridge. trails:
Water transit: Yes, at south end of segment and at point where trail travels up to Blue Ridge (Monticello Overlook trail).
Adjacent land use: BLM lands; private ranchland.
Topography: Along shoreline level trail following contours with moderate to steep cross slopes. On BLM lands and easement, steep trail with steep cross slopes. Retaining walls will be required in some sections.
Vegetation: Chaparral and oak woodland with some riparian in cove arms along shoreline.
Stream / drainage Approximately 61 wet creek crossings; 17 bridges from 12 to 32 feet crossings: in length; 1 pre-fabricated bridge to cross Putah Creek.
Anticipated level of Low because of remoteness and levels of use. maintenance:
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Lake Berryessa Shoreline Trail Management Plan
Special circumstances: Concurrence with DFG for trail within Wildlife Area.
Little Portuguese Canyon Creek; Portuguese Canyon Creek; Putah Creek; Thompson Canyon Creek; five unnamed intermittent creeks. Creek crossings would require Section 1600 Streambed Alteration Agreement from DFG, and possibly Sec. 401 and 404 permits from the USACE. Other stream crossing within this segment also might require consultation with these agencies to determine if permitting is required. Bridge crossing of Putah Creek would require building permit from Napa County.
Implementation of the trail segment is subject to a number of other conditions that may include: - termination / renewal of existing long-term grazing lease. - involvement by BLM. - results of a feasibility study for a pedestrian trail bridge across Putah Creek. - Transmission line access route could be used for portion of trail.
FERC License for Solano irrigation District expires 12/31/30 that may present opportunity for funding bridge construction over lower Putah Creek.
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Lake Berryessa Shoreline Trail Management Plan
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