Open Space & Resource Conservation

Home , Box Springs Mountain, Lake Perris, Motte Rimrock Reserve, Mystic Lake (California)

Open Space & Resource 10 Conservation

The quality of the natural environment determines the quality of life in a community. A healthy system of open space lands, natural resources, and habitat areas will help ensure clean air and water while also providing recreational opportunities and scenic vistas. As the city and the region continue to grow, careful stewardship of environmental, cultural, and agricultural resources in the planning area will be needed, together with a focus on conservation of energy and water to provide a thriving natural environment for future generations.

This chapter satisfies the statutory requirements for the General Plan Conservation and Open Space Elements, with measures to protect and enhance open space, natural habitat, and biological and cultural resources and strategies to promote the wise use of energy and water while minimizing waste. Urban open spaces are addressed in the Land Use and Community Character and the Parks and Public Services Elements. Air and water quality are addressed in Environmental Justice Element, and historic resources are addressed in the Land Use and Community Character Element. ensure continued access to valuable areas for ecolog- Open Space Preservation ical health, natural hazard mitigation, outdoor rec- and Access reation, and education. Fostering connectivity along key wildlife migration corridors will further support Open space is a critically important resource for the environmental resilience. Some of the regional open health and success of any city. Access to open space spaces that are the most prominent and valuable to for recreation provides residents with opportunities Moreno Valley are described below. for physical activity and exposure to the natural environment, leading to a richer quality of life and Box Springs Mountain Reserve a healthier community. Open space also provides The Box Springs Mountain Reserve, at the northwest important habitat for local plants and animals and corner of Moreno Valley, is owned and operated by allows for the natural recharge of groundwater, Riverside County Regional Park and Open Space contributing to a healthy local ecosystem, and desig- District. The Reserve consists of three noncontiguous Box Springs Mountain Reserve nating areas that require special management due to land areas, two of which are within the City’s sphere hazardous conditions as open space where develop- of influence. The 3,400-acre park includes equestrian ment is restricted serves to protect public health and and hiking trails that connect to the City trail system safety. These might include flood-prone areas, areas and allow residents of Moreno Valley to enjoy its of unstable soil, watersheds, earthquake fault zones, natural resources. Guided hikes to the iconic “M” on areas of high wildland fire risk, and areas required for Box Springs Mountain are available. the protection of water quality. Lake Perris State Recreation Area There are over 6,700 acres of regional open space and conservation land in the planning area, including Built in 1973 as the southernmost reservoir of 2,700 acres within the City limit. For Moreno Valley, the California Water Project, Lake Perris State open space land can be classified into several catego- Recreation Area is located along the southern edge of ries, depending on the primary purpose for which it Moreno Valley and consists of 8,800 acres, including is used. It includes lands for preservation of natural the 1,800-acre Lake Perris. The Recreation Area con- Lake Perris State Recreation Area resources (e.g. wildlife habitat), production of resources tains a major reservoir, natural open space and facil- (e.g. farming), public health and safety (e.g. flood- ities for boating and fishing, picnicking and camping. plains), low-density residential development and out- About 1,600 acres of the property was dedicated to door recreation (e.g. parks). Map OSRC-1 shows open the State of California as mitigation for loss of wildlife space lands within and around the planning area. habitat due to development of the Moreno Valley Ranch Specific Plan. The park provides a myriad of REGIONAL OPEN SPACE recreational activities including fishing, water sports, bird watching, hiking, rock climbing, camping, and Regional open spaces both within and around horseback riding as well as facilities for exhibits, pro- Moreno Valley are integral to preserving a healthy, grams, and cultural education. The Lake Perris State safe city with a strong sense of place. Ensuring that Recreation Area also serves as one of several habitat these open spaces are protected and maintained will reserves for the endangered Stephen’s kangaroo rat.

10-2 | MoVal 2040 GENERAL PLAN Map OSRC-1: Regional Open Space and Trails SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY OSRC-1: Regional Open Space and Trails RIVERSIDE COUNTY Box Springs Mountain Calimesa Reserve 10 Bogart ¦¨§ County Park San Timoteo Canyon Norton Noble Younglove Creek Reserve Park Riverside ·|}60 Beaumont Sycamore Sunnymead Banning Canyon Community Park Park Moreno ¦¨§10 Valley Woodland Ju a Park n B a u t is March ta D Air e ·|}79 A Lake Perris n Reserve za State San Jacinto T Wildlife Area Base ra Recreation Bethune il Area Park Mystic Lake

215 Lake ¦¨§ Perris San Jacinto Wildlife Area Morgan Perris Park

Paragon San Jacinto Motte Park River Park Rimrock Reserve

Existing Trails Major Highways San Jacinto Parks, Recreation & Open Space Major Roads Prime Farmland Railroads Farmland of Local Importance City of Moreno Valley Maze Stone Park Williamson Act Parcels Sphere of Influence Perris 0 1 2 4 Miles San Jacinto Wildlife Area CitiesValley 74 UV WaterAirport Data Source: City of Moreno Valley, 2019; Riverside County GIS, 2019; Dyett & Bhatia, 2020. Menifee Sources: Esri, USGS, NOAA UV74 San Jacinto Wildlife Area and animal species that have been classified as rare, production in the state. An additional 9,689 acres of sensitive, threatened, or endangered. land in the planning area is classified as farmland of The San Jacinto Wildlife Area in the southeastern local importance, defined as important to the local corner of the planning area consists of gently sloping Motte Rimrock Reserve economy. The areas of Prime Farmland and Locally grasslands, sage scrub and natural and man-made The Motte Rimrock Reserve encompasses approxi- Important Farmland are generally concentrated in the wetlands that support migratory birds and resident mately 715 acres to the south of the city at the western eastern portion of the planning area, as shown in Map wildlife. Bird watching and hunting are popular edge of Perris Valley. The private ecological reserve OSRC-1. Within the City limit, Locally Important activities. The area encompasses approximately and biological field station protects critical habitat Farmland in the southern portion of the city has been 19,000 acres, with 900 acres of restored wetlands and for a variety of animals, including two federally listed converted to urban uses. offers wildlife viewing, hunting, field trips for school species and ten more rare animal species. The park children, and a field trails area for dog training. The is visited by high school and university students for property was designated as a wildlife area by the Habitat Conservation and educational research. Fish and Game Commission in 1982. In the follow- Species Protection ing years, areas within the wildlife area have been The Motte Rimrock Reserve is affiliated with the altered to enhance and enlarge wetland habitats for University of California, Riverside. This ecolog- Biological resources include not only the plants, trees, conservation and for native animal species. The area ical reserve and biological field station is located animals, fish, birds, and microorganisms present in provides habitat to a diverse range of wildlife includ- on a small plateau overlooking the Perris Valley in the urban and natural environment around us, but ing waterfowl, wading birds, and quail. Some of the west-central Riverside County. This is the smallest of also the water, soil, habitats, and ecosystems that adjoining property is owned by private organizations the SKR Reserves totaling approximately 630 acres. make up the ecological community in which we live. and dedicated to hunting and wildlife conservation. The richer the diversity of life around us, the greater AGRICULTURE the opportunity for healthy living, economic develop- San Timoteo Canyon Park ment, and adaptive responses to new challenges such San Timoteo Canyon Park is located east of the City’s The area around Moreno Valley has a long history as climate change. sphere of influence along the north side of State Route of agricultural use dating back to the 19th Century, 60. The park is owned and operated by the Riverside although the viability of farming has diminished over Moreno Valley and the surrounding area is home County Regional Park and Open Space District, time with the high cost of water and the rising cost of to a diverse range of important plant and animal with some areas – including the Badlands Landfill – land. Today there are few farms in the planning area species. Many of the open spaces in and around the jointly owned and operated with Riverside County and ongoing agricultural activities are generally lim- planning area house unique and endangered species, Waste Management District. ited to grazing on rural residential lands. Nevertheless, which are commonly referred to as special-status approximately 157 acres of land within the planning species and given protection under federal and State Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park area is classified by the California Department of law. Box Springs Canyon Reserve alone is home to Conservation as Prime Farmland, meaning it has Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park encompasses 16 species of mammals and over 85 bird species. The among the best combination of characteristics for crop approximately 1,500 acres to the west of the City. City has participated in multiple planning efforts to The park offers recreational opportunities including conserve habitat and support important species in hiking, biking, bird watching, and free family-friendly the area, collaborating in the development of both events with nature-based crafts, activities, and natu- the Western Riverside County Multiple Species ralist-led nature walks. Along with the Federally-listed Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP) and the endangered species, the Stephen’s Kangaroo Rat, the Stephens’ Kangaroo Rat Habitat Conservation Plan park is also home to nearly one hundred other plant (SKRHCP). Map OSRC-2 shows recorded special- status species occurrences within the planning area.

10-4 | MoVal 2040 GENERAL PLAN Map OSRC-2: Special Status Species Map OSRC-2:Special Status Species SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY Map OSRC-2 Special Status Species 60 Jurupa Valley Calimesa

Eastvale 10

Riverside Beaumont 60 Banning Norco Moreno Valley 79 10

Corona 15 Palm Springs 215

Perris San Jacinto RIVERSIDE ORANGE COUNTY COUNTY

74 Hemet

Canyon Menifee 79 MSHCP Species Lake Lake Elsinore Birds Mammals 215 Reptiles Wildomar Rare Plants 74 USFWS Species Observations Murrieta Birds Mammals Invertebrates Te m e c u l a Stephen's Kangaroo Rat Core Reserve Area 15

Western Riverside County 79 Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan San Jacinto Wildlife Area City of Moreno Valley

Sphere of Influence SAN DIEGO COUNTY Counties 0 2.25 4.5 9 Water Miles Parks and Recreation Data Source: City of Moreno Valley, 2019; Riverside County GIS, 2019;Sources: Dyett Esri, & Bhatia, USGS, 2020. NOAA The MSHCP is a comprehensive, multi-jurisdictional Proposed trails in nearby neighborhoods would be Habitat Conservation Plan focusing on conservation Recreational Trails connected to the San Jacinto Wildlife Area. Proposed of species and their habitats in western Riverside trails in the city not only provide opportunity for County. The plan was approved in 2003 and encom- MULTI-USE TRAIL SYSTEM recreational activity, but afford off-street connectivity passes approximately 1.2 million acres, including between neighborhoods, parks, schools, public facili- Moreno Valley’s Multi-Use Trail System is one of Moreno Valley. The MSHCP protects 146 native ties, and major job centers. the City’s greatest assets. The system is partially species of plants, birds, and animals and designates constructed, with improved primarily located in the half a million acres of habitat in western Riverside northwest near Sunnymead Ranch and in the hills in REGIONAL TRAIL SYSTEMS County as protected. the southern portion of the city bordering the Lake Many of the open spaces surrounding Moreno Valley The SKRHCP, developed and managed by the Perris Recreation Area. Recreational trails in and have robust regional trail networks. In addition, the Riverside County Habitat Conservation Agency, is around the City are shown in Map OSRC-1. The 1,200 mile Juan Bautista de Anza trail passes through focused on protecting and preserving major habitat multi-use trails accommodate pedestrians, bicyclists, Moreno Valley as it follows the historic route of the areas of the Stephens’ Kangaroo Rat, a small rodent and equestrians. The City’s trail system provides Spanish explorer from Nogales, Arizona to the San endemic to the area that is listed as an endangered connections to both regional and State trails, as well Francisco Bay Area. The City is actively working to species. The plan was adopted in 1996 and covers as equestrian staging areas. Expansion of the system improve and develop the section of the Juan Bautista a planning area of 533,954 acres. The SKRHCP is guided by the Master Plan of Trails, which envi- de Anza trail that travels through Moreno Valley, preserved 41,221 acres of land in seven core reserves sions a 56-mile network of City trails in the future which extends from the Town Gate area to Lake to protect 12,460 acres of Stephens’ Kangaroo Rat connecting Box Springs Mountain Regional Park Perris. The City received a federal grant to develop habitat. Due to the success of the efforts to protect its with the Lake Perris State Recreation area through a comprehensive plan along the entire existing Juan critical habitat, the US Fish and Wildlife Service has the northern and eastern portions of the city. Bautista de Anza Trail, and has received three grants proposed that the Stephens’ Kangaroo Rat be under the Active Transportation Program, providing To encourage maintenance and use of the trail re-classified from an endangered to a threatened full funding for design and construction for the entire system, the City has established the Beautify MoVal species, a lower-risk classification. trail. In addition to planning and improving the Juan program, an enhanced “Adopt-a-Trail” program, Bautista de Anza Trail, the City is working to close which allows any private organization, business, gaps and connect the trail to local regional parks and non-profit, civic group, or individual resident to take open spaces, and neighboring cities’ trail networks. an active role in maintaining trails. The City’s Parks, Community Services and Trails Committee also recruits volunteers and public input to enhance the multi-use trail system. The City is continuing work to develop and expand the trail network. Proposed trails in the City would close gaps between trails in the northwest, northeast, middle, and southern parts of the city and support active transportation in Moreno Valley. Some examples of proposed connections are:

◆ The Cold Creek Trail in the middle of the city would be connected to the existing trail along Stephens’ Kangaroo Rat Photo credit: Western Riverside County MSHCP Cactus Avenue.

10-6 | MoVal 2040 GENERAL PLAN poor water quality, less overall available water, Water Quality and and even ground subsidence, in which less water Goal OSRC-1: Preserve, protect, Groundwater Protection in the ground causes soil to compact and sink, and enhance natural cracking infrastructure and destabilizing buildings. resources, habitats, Surface water resources in and near Moreno Valley Groundwater levels can also be impacted by urban and watersheds in include Lake Perris, Mystic Lake, and several small places that contain extensive impermeable sur- Moreno Valley and reservoirs and creeks throughout the City. Most of the faces like asphalt and concrete, which restrict water the surrounding area, planning area drains into the San Jacinto River, while infiltration into the soil. California’s groundwater is promoting responsible the northwest portion of the planning area drains to regulated under the 2014 Sustainable Groundwater management practices. the west into a tributary of the Santa Ana River. Management Act (SGMA), which requires Groundwater Sustainability Plans to be adopted for Open Space Preservation and Access Water resources in the city and throughout Riverside medium or high-priority basins. County are sustained by substantial groundwater POLICIES basins, which are used as reservoirs to store water Moreno Valley’s groundwater falls within the West during wet years. These underground reservoirs are San Jacinto Groundwater Management Area, along OSRC.1-1: Retain the maximum feasible amount tapped throughout the year according to the demand with most of the groundwater in western Riverside of open space and agricultural land for water. Groundwater conditions in these basins are County. The San Jacinto Groundwater Basin is in areas outside the city surrounding influenced by natural hydrologic conditions such as deemed a high priority basin but is not currently Moreno Valley, recognizing its habitat percolation of precipitation, groundwater seepage, critically overdrafted. As such, the Groundwater value as well as its contribution to the and stream flow within the watershed areas. While Sustainability Agency is required to develop a local economy, quality of life, healthy air groundwater no longer provides a significant per- Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP) for the basin quality, and community character. centage of the local water supply for Moreno Valley, by 2022 and implement the plan by 2042. The GSP it is still an important natural resource for the area will document basin conditions and basin manage- OSRC.1-2: Support regional efforts to preserve, that should be protected. Groundwater aquifers are ment will be based on measurable objectives and protect, and enhance environmentally natural storage tanks that can store water for use sustainability indicators. sensitive areas, including hillsides, during drought periods. Groundwater supplies can canyon areas, wildlife corridors, natural be damaged and depleted due to excessive extraction, watercourses, and riparian areas in and and polluted by uncontrolled substances including adjacent to the planning area. agricultural chemicals, domestic sewage, and chem- ical spills. There are two hydrological groundwater OSRC.1-3: Maximize public access to natural basins in the planning area—the Perris Basin is on the resource areas where appropriate, to western side of Moreno Valley and the San Jacinto enhance environmental awareness and Basin is on eastern side of the planning area. provide recreational opportunities. Groundwater throughout the state, and especially OSRC.1-4: Encourage the development of in the arid Inland Empire region, is an important interpretive facilities that provide resource that is highly regulated and controlled. education about local environmental Without proper management, groundwater basins resources and ecosystems. can be overdrawn, leading to less storage capacity, Surface water sources like Lake Perris, shown above, are part of Moreno Valley’s watershed.

Open Space and Resource Conservation | 10-7 OSRC.1-5: Design stormwater detention basins as OSRC.1-C: Partner with public agencies to offer OSRC.1-12: Limit to the extent feasible the removal of multi-use amenities providing recreation, programs that foster local environmental natural vegetation in hillside areas when aesthetic value, and wildlife habitat along awareness and encourage the protection retaining natural habitat does not pose with flood control. of natural resources. threats to public safety.

OSRC.1-6: Where agriculture exists within the City Habitat Conservation and Species Protection OSRC.1-13: Promote the use of conservation limits, allow uses to continue until urban POLICIES easements and preserves as means to development occurs on these properties conserve natural habitats and protect and support appropriate commercial OSRC.1-8: Cooperate with federal, State, and local natural resources. activities (i.e. horse stables, agri-tourism) regulatory agencies as well as non-profit in rural areas in and around Moreno organizations to promote the responsible ACTIONS Valley. stewardship of natural resources and OSRC.1-D: Continue to participate in the habitats within the planning area. implementation of regional habitat OSRC.1-7: Require that grading plans include conservation and restoration programs, appropriate and feasible measures to OSRC.1-9: Ensure that adverse impacts on sensitive including the Western Riverside County minimize erosion, sedimentation, wind biological resources, sensitive natural com- Multiple Species Habitat Conservation erosion and fugitive dust. Particularly munities, sensitive habitat, and wetlands Plan and the Stephens’ Kangaroo Rat in hillside areas, new roadways and are avoided or mitigated to the greatest Habitat Conservation Plan. trails should follow natural contours to extent feasible as development takes place. minimize grading. OSRC.1-10: In areas where development (including ACTIONS trails or other improvements) has the OSRC.1-A: Work with responsible public agencies, potential for adverse effects on special- including the Riverside Transit Agency, status species, require project proponents Lake Perris State Recreation Area, and to submit a study conducted by a Box Springs Mountain Reserve Park, qualified professional that identifies the to provide convenient public access to presence or absence of special-status open space lands and trails, except in species at the proposed development site. those areas where public safety would If special-status species are determined be compromised or significant land use to be present, require incorporation of conflicts would occur. appropriate mitigation measures as part of the proposed development prior to final approval. OSRC.1-B: Work with public agencies and non-profit organizations to establish a coordinated web-presence and region-wide map OSRC.1-11: Require all development, including The San Diego Banded Gecko, Walker Canyon roads, proposed adjacent to riparian and Superbloom, Quino Checkerspot Butterfly, and the Coyote of open space areas and recreational are some of the flora and fauna protected under the facilities. other biologically sensitive habitats to Western Riverside County MSHCP. mitigate impacts to such areas. Photo credit: Western Riverside County Regional Conservation Authority

10-8 | MoVal 2040 GENERAL PLAN Recreational Trails OSRC.1-18: Preserve natural drainage courses in OSRC.1-G: In concert with Eastern Municipal their natural state to the extent feasible. Water District, identify aquifer recharge POLICIES areas and establish regulations to OSRC.1-19: Maximize the amount of pervious protect recharge areas and regulate new OSRC.1-14: Coordinate with public and private individual wells. entities to link regional open spaces with surfaces in public spaces to permit a network of paths and trails, including the percolation of urban runoff while connections to Moreno Valley’s Multi- implementing best practices for OSRC.1-H: Pursue funding from the Sustainable Use Trail System. stormwater pollution prevention. Groundwater Management Grant Program and other sources for OSRC.1-20: Facilitate groundwater recharge investments in groundwater recharge and OSRC.1-15: Expand the City’s network of multi-use projects to implement the Basin Plan. trails and provide connections from in Moreno Valley by encouraging residential and commercial areas within development projects to use Low Impact the city to surrounding hillsides, ridgelines, Development (LID) practices such OSRC.1-I: Monitor groundwater production, open spaces and other scenic areas. as bioretention, porous paving, and recharge and related activities in the rainwater harvesting systems, and by Hemet/San Jacinto Groundwater encouraging private property owners Management Area to ensure adequate OSRC.1-16: Provide sufficient resources for the to design or retrofit landscaped or protections for groundwater available in maintenance of trails and staging areas impervious areas to better capture storm Moreno Valley. through a combination of grant funding, water runoff. city resources, and volunteer efforts.

ACTIONS OSRC.1-21: Continue to regulate new commercial and industrial activities as well as OSRC.1-E: Develop standards for planning, design, construction and demolition practices management, and maintenance of trails to minimize discharge of pollutants and pathways within parks, preserves, and sedimentation into the stormwater open space, and rights-of-way. drainage system.

Water Quality and Groundwater Protection OSRC.1-22: Allow new development to use individual wells only where an adequate supply of POLICIES good quality groundwater is available.

OSRC.1-17: Continue to participate in regional ACTIONS efforts to proactively manage surface and groundwater resources and ensure their OSRC.1-F: Continue to provide information to long-term health and viability, including local residents and businesses regarding the development and implementation proper disposal practices for common of the San Jacinto Groundwater Basin household waste items, such as paints, Groundwater Sustainability Plan (Basin pool chemicals, pesticides, motor oil, and Low Impact Development practices like bioretention and porous paveing help retain groundwater and capture Plan). household cleaners and disinfectants. storm water runoff.

Open Space and Resource Conservation | 10-9 Mystic Lake. Views of the San Bernardino and San California became part of the United States in 1850 Scenic Resources and Gabriel mountains are evident at times from the valley and settlement was spurred with the development Cultural Heritage floor. Winter snows in the San Bernardino and San of transportation links. John Butterfield operated Jacinto Mountains often provide a striking view. a stagecoach line between Tucson, San Diego, Los SCENIC RESOURCES Angeles and San Francisco. A separate stage line went CULTURAL RESOURCES through Moreno Valley from Perris Valley to Pigeon The City of Moreno Valley lies on a relatively flat Pass and Reche Canyon. valley floor surrounded by rugged hills and moun- The area around Moreno Valley has a rich heritage tains that provide a stunning natural backdrop to that involves a confluence of cultures. The earli- Water too was essential for settlement and an irri- the community. Panoramic views of the San Jacinto est inhabitants were people of the Western Pluvial gation district was formed in 1891 for the purpose Valley can be seen from elevated segments of some Lakes Tradition, whose presence in the area dates of importing water from a reservoir in the San local roads and from hillside residences. The views back to the early Holocene more than 10,000 years Bernardino Mountains. Most of the valley was subdi- are particularly attractive on clear days and at night ago. These peoples were hunter gatherers who lived vided and two town sites were established in antici- when the glow of city lights can be seen. on or near former pluvial lakeshores or along old pation of the new water supply. The town of Moreno streams. In the late Holocene, about 1,500 years ago, was established at the intersection of Alessandro and As shown on Map OSRC-3, the principal scenic Shoshonean-speaking people from the Colorado Redlands Boulevards. Alessandro was located along resources in the planning area are all visible from River region moved westward into the area, possibly the Southern California Railway line at the intersec- State Route 60, a major regional transportation bringing bow-and-arrow technology with them. tion of Iris Avenue and Elsworth Street. At the time corridor that runs through the area. Upon entering the original subdivision map was drawn up, major Within the planning area, the traditional territories of Moreno Valley from the west, the dominant view is north-south streets were established at half-mile inter- three Native American peoples intersect: the Luiseño, of Box Springs Mountain to the immediate north vals with names in alphabetical order from west to the Cahuilla, and the Gabrieliño. The Luiseño are and the Bernasconi Hills to the south. Both moun- east. The avenues, oriented east to west, were estab- linguistically and culturally related to the Gabrieliño tain ranges display numerous rock outcroppings and lished at quarter-mile intervals. The names of the and Cahuilla and appear to be the direct descendants boulders that add visual character to these landforms. avenues were also established in alphabetical order; of Late Prehistoric populations. These peoples were Moreno Peak is part of a prominent landform located tree names north of Alessandro Boulevard; botanical also hunter gatherers and lived in villages. Artifacts within the City limit, south of State Route 60 (SR60) names south of Alessandro Boulevard. along Moreno Beach Drive. This landform only rises and resources they have left behind include Brown a few hundred feet above the valley floor but has a Ware ceramics, red and black pictographs, cremation unique location near the center of the valley. Moreno remains in urns, and historic materials such as glass Beach Drive, the main route to Lake Perris from beads and metal objects. State Route 60, offers views of Moreno Peak and a Early European settlers arrived in the area in the panoramic view of Moreno Valley. late 18th Century, traveling north from Mexico to At the eastern edge of the city, SR60 passes through various mission settlements along a trail charted the Badlands area, characterized by steep and eroded in 1774 by Juan Bautista de Anza. The trail passed hillsides. Expanses of open land are found throughout through the San Jacinto Valley, the Perris Valley this portion of the planning area and these tracts of and southwest Moreno Valley. The mission system land allow for uninterrupted scenic vistas from SR60, introduced horses, cattle, sheep, and agricultural goods, and provided new construction methods and Luiseño pictographic rock art found at Lake Perris State Gilman Springs Road and other roadways and pro- Recreation Area. vide views of the San Jacinto Valley and the ephemeral architectural styles. Moreno Valley and the rest of Photo credit: Weekend Sherpa

10-10 | MoVal 2040 GENERAL PLAN Map OSRC-3: Scenic Resources and Ridgelines Pigeon Pass B O Map OSRC-3: Scenic Resources and Ridgelines X S P Map OSRC-3 Scenic ResourcesR and Ridge Lines S I a 2 N 4 n 0 G 0 S T M D 23 i R m

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Sphere of Influence Data Source: City of Moreno Valley, 2019; Riverside County GIS, 2S01o9u; rDceyest:t E &s rBi,h aUtSia,G 2S02, 0N.OAA Water deliveries began in 1891 from a new aqueduct OSRC.2-5: Recognize the scenic value of views of that terminated at the northeast corner of the valley; Goal OSRC-2: Preserve and respect hills surrounding Moreno Valley from however, the flow of water was soon interrupted by Moreno Valley’s unique Gilman Springs Road, Moreno Beach a period of drought and a legal dispute over water cultural and scenic Drive, and State Route 60 and encourage rights with the City of Redlands. In 1899, the Perris resources, recognizing measures to preserve viewsheds, as & Alessandro Irrigation District lost its claim and as their contribution to local possible. The view of Mystic Lake from crops failed due to drought in subsequent years, most character and sense of Gilman Springs Road should also be of the residents left, relocating many of the original place. considered. homes to other areas. Development interest in the western side of the valley was renewed with activation POLICIES OSRC.2-6: The use of natural materials such as of March Air Force Base in 1918, and in the 1920s stone, brick, and wood is preferable well drilling provided access to local groundwater. OSRC.2-1: Limit development on hillsides and to metal posts and rails for roadside Mutual water companies were formed, land was ridgelines where structures interrupt the appurtenances along local scenic roads. subdivided, and people began to settle in the commu- skyline. nities of Edgemont and Sunnymead. Development OSRC.2-7: Ensure any signage along local scenic activity slowed during the depression era until March OSRC.2-2: Incorporate significant rock formations roads does not detract from the area’s Air Force Base was reactivated during World War II. into the design of hillside developments. scenic character.

Today, the planning area contains numerous archae- OSRC.2-3: Minimize alteration of the topography, ological resources that provide testament to the his- OSRC.2-8: Require cultural resource assessments drainage patterns and vegetation of prior to the approval of development tory of the region. These resources include prehistoric land with slopes of ten percent or more sites, such as bedrock milling features, rock shelters, proposals on properties located in and maintain development standards to archaeologically sensitive areas. hearths, ground stone scatters, ceramics, and rock protect the environmental and aesthetic art, as well as historic sites, including grave sites, integrity of hillside areas. ACTIONS cisterns, foundations, trash scatters, walls, adobe rem- nants, or ranch features. Prehistoric resources tend to OSRC.2-A: OSRC.2-4: Reduce or avoid visual intrusion Update the Municipal Code to require be located within the foothills, principally along the from energy and telecommunications a Hillside Development Permit as part northern and southeastern edges of the present-day infrastructure. Encourage the of a proposed subdivision for proposed City limit. The potential for as-yet-undiscovered pre- undergrounding of utility lines wherever development or new land use on that historic resources is highest in these areas. The City feasible and promote the use of “stealth” portion of a site with a slope of 10 percent consults with Native American tribes with traditional designs that locate wireless infrastructure or greater. and cultural affiliations to the planning area. on existing poles, buildings and other structures. OSRC.2-B: Maintain a map of sensitive archaeological sites in Moreno Valley and use it to inform project applicants of the need for cultural resource assessments.

10-12 | MoVal 2040 GENERAL PLAN supply abundant: as water seeps into the ground, it Figure OSRC-4: Water Use in Moreno Water and Energy gets filtered by soils and rock, and gets naturally stored Valley Conservation underground until it is pulled up as drinking water.

Water is a precious resource, particularly in the As the main water purveyor to the community, Inland Empire, where water is imported from other Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD) is pri- regions of the state and rising average annual daily marily responsible for encouraging water conserva- temperatures are increasingly straining availability. tion within Moreno Valley. EMWD has established Energy too is indispensable to our daily lives and water conservation requirements applicable through- our energy choices and impact the natural systems out its service area, including mandatory water-ef- around us in many ways. Responsible management ficient landscaping requirements and water use of energy and water will be critical if Moreno Valley efficiency requirements. EMWD maintains a Water is to thrive. Individual residents, businesses, and Waste mobile app that allows community members developers all have a role to play in the conservation to take photos and alert EMWD staff to potential of local water and energy resources. water waste situations. The City also has a role to play in implementing water conservation measures WATER EFFICIENCY in its own operations and promoting efficient use of water throughout the community. Public landscap- Residential development accounts for the largest ing within Moreno Valley Ranch is predominately share of water demand in Moreno Valley, followed by irrigated with recycled water, and the City also Source: EMWD 2015 Urban Water Management Plan, 2016. landscaping. Statewide, the California Green Building maintains landscaping in the Moreno Valley Ranch Standards Code (CalGreen) requires the installation area in the southeast of the community with recycled of water-efficient indoor infrastructure for all newly water, in addition to publicizing water conserva- constructed buildings or structures, which will help tion tips and information on rebate programs and reduce water consumption by 20 percent in new water-efficient appurtenances via its website. construction. Additionally, in Moreno Valley’s arid climate, using drought-tolerant, locally adapted plants throughout the city can save thousands of gallons of water per year and reduce demand for groundwater. Greywater systems, which reuse water from showers, sinks, and laundry, can get multiple uses out of a single gallon of water, and are becoming more common in both new multi-family buildings and as retrofits in single-family homes. Rainwater harvesting can save water for a rainless day: barrel storage can keep water ready for landscaping irrigation in the dry summer months, and can also help residents be prepared for emergencies. And making sure that water Rainwater harvesting can take the form of a greywater can infiltrate into the aquifer keeps the groundwater system (left) or a low-tech barrel in one’s backyard that stores rain for a future dry day (above).

Open Space and Resource Conservation | 10-13 ENERGY EFFICIENCY OSRC.3-6: Encourage new development to Goal OSRC-3: Use energy and water incorporate as many water-wise Southern California Edison (SCE) and the Moreno wisely and promote practices as feasible in their design and Valley Electric Utility (MVU) provide electricity to reduced consumption. construction. the city, while SoCalGas provides natural gas service. POLICIES MVU is a municipally-owned utility company, which OSRC.3-7: Conserve water through the provision provides the City with an avenue to directly influence OSRC.3-1: Promote energy conservation throughout of water-efficient infrastructure, drought consumer behavior through programs and incentives tolerant plantings, and greywater usage that encourage energy conservation. MVU runs the community and encourage the use of renewable energy systems and to support public parks and landscaped energy efficiency programs that offer retrofits, rebates, areas. and energy audits to residential and commercial technologies to supplement or replace customers. There are also many other regional and traditional building energy systems. OSRC.3-8: Conserve water through the planting and state programs to help local residents and businesses maintenance of trees, which will provide defray the costs of installing energy efficient upgrades. OSRC.3-2: Participate in regional energy efficiency for the capture of precipitation and runoff MVU has installed Smart Meters for all residential financing programs such as low-interest to recharge groundwater, in addition to customers to allow for easier tracking of energy use revolving loan funds, the California providing shading for other landscaping and the utility is working to install this technology Comprehensive Residential Building to reduce irrigation requirements. Ensure for commercial and industrial customers. MVU has Retrofit Program, and California that any ‘community greening’ projects also converted streetlights within its service area to First that enable property owners to utilize water-efficient landscape. energy-efficient LED technology, which use at least obtain low-interest financing for energy improvements. 75 percent less energy and last 25 times longer than ACTIONS incandescent lighting. Additionally, MVU sponsors community events and provides information to all OSRC.3-3: Promote energy and water use awareness OSRC.3-A: Use the Climate Action Plan to help residents and businesses in the community, not just its community-wide by informing the guide energy and water reduction efforts. customers. community regarding energy audits and incentive programs (tax credits, The City’s Climate Action Plan is also an important rebates, exchanges, etc.) available for tool for promoting energy efficiency throughout the energy conservation as well as water community. It includes an array of measures that conservation techniques, services, address energy efficiency in the residential, commer- devices, and rebates. cial, and industrial sectors, including energy efficient upgrade programs, expanded incentives for retrofits, OSRC.3-4: Continue to implement energy and water and new informational campaigns, as well as actions conservation measures in City facilities to further enhance the energy efficiency of municipal and operations. buildings and operations. OSRC.3-5: Promote the retention and reuse of rainwater onsite and promote the use of rain barrels or other rainwater reuse MVU and other regional and state partners offer rebates and assisance to help customers install energy efficient systems throughout the community. upgrades such as solar panels.

10-14 | MoVal 2040 GENERAL PLAN OSRC.3-B: Connect businesses and residents with goal of 75 percent, and AB 1826, passed in 2014, voluntary programs that provide free Waste Reduction which mandated commercial organics recycling. or low-cost energy and water efficiency Organics like food scraps, yard trimmings, paper, audits, retrofit installations, rebates, and The City is subject to various State mandates that and cardboard make up half of what Californians financing by publishing information on were instituted for the purposes of achieving land- dump in landfills. Reducing Short-Lived Climate the City’s website. fill diversion. Diversion is defined as the process of Super Pollutants like organic waste will have the redirecting waste away from a landfill destination fastest impact on the climate crisis we are starting OSRC.3-C: Seek funding programs to assist low and to be recycled or reused in some capacity. Typically, to see in cities and counties throughout California. moderate-income households in energy aluminum cans, paper, cardboard, and some plastics To reduce statewide methane emissions in various conservation. can be recycled, which achieve landfill diversion. sectors of California’s economy, in 2016, the State Similarly, organic waste such as grass clippings and signed into law SB 1383, the most significant waste yard waste (“green waste”) and food waste can be OSRC.3-D: Encourage City employees to submit reduction mandate to be adopted in California in the energy efficiency and conservation diverted away from landfills by composting and other last 30 years. SB 1383 requires the State to reduce recommendations for City operations and forms of organic recycling. organic waste disposal, including disposal of food follow up on the recommendations. waste, green waste, paper products, by 75 percent by Landfills are a key source of greenhouse gas emissions 2025, an amount equivalent to more than 20 million and beginning in the late 1980’s, the State passed a tons annually. The law also requires the State to OSRC.3-E: Periodically review and update City series of laws aimed at reducing the quantity of waste increase edible food recovery by 20 percent over the plans, resolutions, and ordinances to sent to landfills. Of particular significance was the promote greater energy efficiency in same timeframe. This has significant policy and legal passage of AB 341 in 2011, which mandated commer- implications for local governments. both existing and new construction in cial recycling and established the statewide diversion regard to site planning, architecture, and The State relies on the Department of Resources landscape design. Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle), a division of the California Environmental Protection Agency, to implement the regulations associated with the laws that the legislature passes related to solid waste and recycling. The following is a detailed summary of these laws:

◆ Assembly Bill 939, the California Integrated Waste Management Act of 1989, requires cities and counties to reduce, reuse, and recycle (includ- Native plant gardens support ing composting) solid waste generated in their local ecosystems and watersheds jurisdictions to the maximum extent feasible and are easy to maintain. This sample garden from the California before any incineration or landfill disposal of Native Plant Society showcases waste, to conserve water, energy, and other natu- a biodiverse and water-efficient ral resources, and to protect the environment. native landscape for Riverside County. Photo credit: California Native Plant Society, BeWaterWise

Open Space and Resource Conservation | 10-15 ◆ Assembly Bill 341 (2011) places requirements on Through its partnership with Waste Management, businesses and multi-family property owners the franchise hauler, the City provides an array of Goal OSRC-4: Optimize the use of that generate a specified threshold amount of programs and tools intended to support statewide available resources by solid waste to arrange for recycling services and objectives. The hauler and City staff promote recy- encouraging residents, requires jurisdictions to implement a Mandatory cling programs through billing inserts, flyers, social businesses and visitors to Commercial Recycling program. media postings, site visits, and outreach to the various reuse and recycle. ◆ Assembly Bill 1826 of 2014, requires businesses businesses and organizations. Moreover, the City and multi-family property owners that generate takes proactive steps to ensure compliance with AB POLICIES a specified threshold amount of solid waste, and 341 and/or AB 1826 requirements. OSRC.4-1: Reduce the amount of solid waste organic waste per week to arrange for recycling Waste Management provides trash, recycling, com- services for that waste. disposed in landfills by promoting posting, and special waste handling services to local source reduction and recycling ◆ AB 1826 requires jurisdictions to implement a residents and businesses. The majority of solid waste throughout Moreno Valley and by Mandatory Commercial Organics Recycling generated within the city is disposed of at El Sobrante expanding the range of programs and program to divert organic waste from businesses Landfill, which has sufficient capacity to accommo- information available to local residents subject to the law. date the community through 2040. Organic waste, and businesses, consistent with State ◆ SB 1383, the Short-lived Climate Pollutant including food waste, grass, and pruning account for requirements. Reduction Act of 2016, requires CalRecycle to by far the largest share of the local waste stream. As develop regulations to reduce organics in land- such, organic waste is a primary focus of local waste OSRC.4-2: Strive to reduce at source, recycle, fills as a source of methane. The regulations reduction initiatives. or compost 75 percent of solid waste place requirements on multiple entities including generated in the community from the jurisdictions, residential households, commer- year 2021 forward, consistent with State cial businesses and business owners, commercial targets. edible food generators, haulers, self-haulers, food recovery organizations, and food recovery services OSRC.4-3: Continue to promote the safe disposal to support achievement of Statewide Organics of household hazardous waste through Waste disposal reduction targets. Jurisdictions public education. are required to adopt and enforce and ordinance or enforceable mechanism to implement relevant OSRC.4-4: Provide information via the City’s provisions of SB 1383 regulations. This ordinance website on curbside pick up of donations will also help reduce food insecurity by requiring by local organizations such as Goodwill commercial edible food generators to arrange to and Salvation Army. have the maximum amount of their edible food, that would otherwise be disposed, be recovered OSRC.4-5: Ensure the continued provision of for human consumption. With the passage of SB adequate solid waste and recycling 1383, the City and hauler are required to resource services in Moreno Valley, including the the programs and services compliant with AB 341, availability of adequate landfill capacity AB 1826, and SB 1383, which consists of organic to meet the City’s future needs. waste collection to all residents and businesses.

10-16 | MoVal 2040 GENERAL PLAN OSRC.4-6: Plan and secure access for recycling and OSRC.4-D: Work with commercial and industrial edible food recovery capacity. generators to develop and implement a source reduction and recycling plan ACTIONS tailored to their individual waste streams.

OSRC.4-A: Plan and implement programmatic and budgetary changes to address regulatory OSRC.4-E: Establish a procurement target for requirements, such as enforcement, recyclable and recovered organic inspections, education, and collection. products used in City operations. The Adopt an ordinance, or similarly target should be linked to the City’s enforceable mechanism that is consistent population. with these regulatory requirements prior to 2022. OSRC.4-F: Explore the feasibility of providing compost receptacles in parks and public spaces, in addition to trash and recycling OSRC.4-B: Continue to monitor compliance and conduct enforcement on non-compliant receptacles. entities. OSRC.4-G: Establish edible food recovery program for all Tier 1 and 2 commercial edible OSRC.4-C: Work with the waste hauler and other appropriate businesses and agencies food generators to reduce organic waste to identify additional incentives and in the community and divert consumable programs to encourage recycling and food to those in need. (See also healthy waste management as needed to meet food policies and actions in the State mandates. Environmental Justice Element).

Open Space and Resource Conservation | 10-17