Conservation Guidelines for Open Space Lands of the City of San Luis Obispo

Prepared by: The Natural Resources Program Administration Department City of San Luis Obispo City Hall – 990 Palm St. San Luis Obispo California 93401 October 2002 Table of Contents 1. Executive Summary ...... 3

2. Introduction ...... 5

3. Land Use Designations ...... 7 3.1 Habitat Area ...... 7 3.2 Management Area/Trail Corridor ...... 8 3.3 Restoration Area ...... 9 3.4 Cultural/Historic Area ...... 10 3.5 Agricultural Area ...... 10

4. General Policies ...... 12 4.1 Land and Vegetation Management ...... 12 4.2 Human Activities and Impacts ...... 15 4.3 Aquatic Systems ...... 17 4.4 Agriculture ...... 18 4.5 Wildlife Protection ...... 19

5. Conservation Plan Elements ...... 21 5.1 Executive Summary ...... 21 5.2 Inventory ...... 21 5.3 Goals and Policies ...... 21 5.4 System Map ...... 21 5.5 Needs Analysis ...... 22 5.6 Implementation Strategy ...... 22 5.7 Fiscal Impact of Council Adoption of Conservation Plans ...... 23 5.8 Amendment ...... 23

6. References ...... 22

7. Glossary ...... 24

8. Appendix 1 ...... 26

List of Figures Figure 1. Open Space Lands Owned by the City of San Luis Obispo Open Space Lands City of San Luis Obispo ...... 11 Conservation Guidelines Figure 2. Example: Irish Hills Natural Reserve Executive Summary | 2 Land Use Designations ...... 11

1 Executive Summary

The policies contained in this report provide guidance on the preparation of Conservation Plans for property acquired by the City of San Luis Obispo for open space purposes. They are not applicable to land owned by the City for parks, utilities, or other non-open space purposes.

Each City-owned open space has unique qualities; this requires each property to have its own plan to define the uses that will be allowed on the land, and to guide how the land will be enhanced, maintained and preserved.

The policies contained in this report describe a “tiered” approach to plan development that begins with the general and then leads to the specific. Each open space property will be divided into land use designations that define how the property will be managed. This report describes also describes the process by which policies and guidelines applicable to Conservation Plans will be prepared each land use designation. and their content.

The final decision on which adopted The concept of categorizing land policies and guidelines apply to use between or within open space individual open space properties properties has been adopted to will be made as the Conservation provide a practical means of Plan for that property is prepared achieving management objectives. and approved. The Conservation By dividing an open space property Plan will translate policies into into discrete areas, each with a unique complement of resources City of San Luis Obispo specific improvements, if any, Open Space Lands necessary for each property, and Conservation Conservation Guidelines Guidelines give direction on how the property Executive Summary will be maintained. This report continued next page Executive Summary | 3 Proposed Conservation Guidelines resources on the site and provide for Executive Summary continued land use their interpretation. Restorative measures may be implemented if and requirements, the overall designations necessary. management objectives will be achieved by addressing the needs Agricultural Area – Land that of smaller units. will be managed for the production of row crops or forage (not including The proposed land use grazing lands) in a manner consistent designations are: with the protection and preservation of natural resources represented on the site. > Habitat Area – Land on which the primary objective will be to protect For each land use natural resources essential to the designation policies continued existence of native plants and resident and migratory wildlife. have been developed to direct the management of: > Management Area/Trail > Land and Vegetation – Includes Corridor – Lands that have the policies relating to the management potential to support low levels of of vegetation, pests, fire, mitigation recreational pressure or animal projects, visual resources and grazing; or those areas that may scientific study. be impacted by adjacent land uses. Active management of land in these > Human Activities and areas will be required to facilitate Impacts – Includes policies relating approved activities while protecting to the management of recreational valuable natural resources. activities and access.

> Restoration Area – Land on > Aquatic Systems – Includes which restoration and enhancement policies relating to the management of of plant and animal habitats will be creeks, seeps and springs, stormwater, pursued in an effort to restore damaged riparian vegetation, wetlands and or impacted natural resources. aquatic habitat restoration efforts.

> Cultural/Historic Area – > Agriculture – Includes policies Land managed to preserve and/or relating to agricultural practices on enhance cultural or historic City-owned land.

> Wildlife Protection – Includes policies relating to the protection of wildlife and habitat, native plants, threatened species and species of special concern.

The final Conservation Plan for a City open space will include: a City of San Luis Obispo Open Space Lands description of the resources represented Conservation on the property; an explanation of Guidelines the land use designations identified; Executive Summary | 4 the management/resource protection goals for each designation; an analysis of the actions required to achieve stated goals; and a description of the anticipated fiscal impact of adoption of the plan to the City.

2 Introduction In January 1994, the City Council adopted an updated Open Space The Open Space Element contains In recent Element to the General Plan for the numerous policies and programs to years the City’s City of San Luis Obispo as required achieve the stated goals. Included open space by California state law (Government among these are policies that govern system has the operation and management of Code, Title 7, Section 65302). The grown rapidly. element’s stated goals are to: City-owned open space (OS 14.2). Section OS 14.2.5E requires the The amount and variety > Provide open space, agricultural, and preparation of plans that specify rural lands that meet the needs of present how City open space will be of property managed to provide recreation, and future City populations (OS 1.1.1). now in resource protection, access, security, ownership and long-term maintenance and > Protect resources (such as creeks, sensitive require that operation. These plans will be habitat, and agriculture), and be sensitive to the City the factors which allow these resources to prepared and implemented by the systematically remain viable (OS 1.1.2). Natural Resources Program with the collaboration of appropriate City plan for the > Provide a greenbelt around the City’s departments and input from the long-term perimeter to: a) define the urban limit of San public and local agencies. stewardship Luis Obispo; b) provide a physical In recent years the City’s open space of these areas. separation between urban communities; c) system has grown rapidly. The protect important agricultural areas from amount and variety of property now urban uses and maintain agriculture as an in ownership require that the City economically viable activity (OS 1.1.3). systematically plan for the long-term stewardship of these areas. This > Provide for passive recreation where will be done through the adoption such low intensity uses will not of guidelines consistent with, and damage the resources that are being designed to implement the directives protected, and preserve lands as open of the Open Space Element of the space or parkland which serve as General Plan adopted in 1994. important linkages between other open space lands, parks or trails (OS 1.1.4). City Natural Resources and Parks and Recreation staff, with support City of San Luis Obispo > Provide continuing community from staff from the Land Open Space Lands education that underscores the value Conservation Guidelines of the area’s cultural, scenic and Conservation Guidelines natural resources (OS 1.1.5). Introduction continued next page Introduction| 5 The goal Conservation Guidelines will provide information and Introduction continued of these recommendations on: Conservancy of San Luis Obispo guidelines > The Prevailing Conditions County, have developed these is to provide on the Property - A description a set of guidelines to provide direction on of the physical, natural, and standards the management and preservation biological resources represented of land, vegetation, aquatic, cultural, from which on a property (including species agricultural, recreational, and wildlife functional lists and distribution maps), resources on City-owned open space. resulting from initial surveys. Conservation This will evolve over time as Plans can The goal of these guidelines is to knowledge of the property be tailored provide a set of standards from increases, resulting from field to address which functional Conservation Plans studies and observations made can be tailored to address the during the implementation the specific specific requirements of individual requirements of management and resource open space properties. Each protection practices. of individual document will be tiered, providing open space a menu of activities appropriate to > Future Goals for the properties. each particular land use designation Property - A detailed account (or ‘area’ as defined in Section 3). of how a property has been classified (in accordance with the The recommendations contained land use designations described in within a Conservation Plan will be Section 3), the rationale behind based on the unique complement of the designations, and the future resources represented on a property, goals for each designation. the activities and practices approved for it, and the influences > Prescribed Means of of neighboring land uses. Achieving Stewardship Goals – A description of the The final product must be approved resource management/protection by the Planning Commission if it practices to be implemented, and affects issues of land use and the the rationale behind the Parks and Recreation Commission implementation. A detailed if it affects issues of recreation, account of the duration of the and must also be approved practice and the ultimate by the City Council. objectives of the The final document practice.

City of San Luis Obispo Open Space Lands Conservation Guidelines

Introduction| 6 The policies implemented by City staff in the development of 3 Conservation Plans will depend upon the unique combination of the above Land Use factors relevant to each open space parcel. A similar strategy of land Designations categorization has been used by a number of private and governmental The concept of categorization of agencies to provide a frame work for land among or within individual the development of management and open space properties is proposed. conservation plans (1,2). This will provide a means of achieving the management objectives Properties will be managed in of providing a diverse range of accordance with the following experiences and opportunities, land use designations: while protecting natural resources on the property. 3.1 Habitat For example, it may be desirable to Area manage a portion of a large area for the protection of a sensitive species of Areas receiving this designation will plant or animal. Such areas would primarily be those which will not remain as natural areas and would be significantly impacted by human not contain trails or other types of activity. The primary purpose of physical improvements. In other this designation is to protect natural locations, managers may want to resources essential to the continued designate different types of open space well-being of resident native plants experience which allow public use. and wildlife. This designation is synonymous to an “ecological area” When deciding which designation to as defined in the City of San Luis assign to a parcel of land the following Obispo Municipal Code (chapter factors will be taken into consideration: 12.22.30), which states that:

> The original intent of the “(areas) shall be primarily utilized for their City when purchasing the land wildlife habitat or other ecological values (e.g. provision of recreational and may be subject to restrictions upon, opportunities, protection of or prohibition of, public access.” wildlife habitat, etc.). > The quantity and quality of The preservation of resources natural and physical resources and habitat shall be the dominant present on the land. consideration in all management > The approved uses for the land decisions where a choice must and the constraints upon the be made between preservation of feasibility of those uses. the natural environment and > The influence of adjacent recreational use. The long-term land uses. goal shall be to establish or preserve > The effect of the designation a fully functional self-sustaining City of San Luis Obispo on wildlife corridors and ecosystem. Open Space Lands maintenance of continuous Conservation Conservation Guidelines Guidelines tracts of wildlife habitat. Land Use Designations > Legal requirements. continued next page Land Use Designations | 7 The Conservation Guidelines well designed trails can eliminate Land Use Designations continued provision of many of the erosion problems open space associated with informal or ‘social’ 3.2 Management Area trails. When new trails are built the seeks to / Trail Corridor width of the corridor will be kept to a achieve two minimum to reduce negative impacts overlapping yet The purpose of this designation is associated with them. Management conflicting goals: to recognize that some areas have areas may be periodically closed if protection of the the potential to support passive necessary for resource restoration or resource and recreation, or may be adjacent to protection (e.g. protection of raptor other land uses, and that active nesting areas, etc.). opportunities management of land in these for passive situations will be required. Under certain circumstances recreation. (e.g. if the City deems that a Examples of land receiving this specific area is capable of sustaining The designation may include existing increased levels of user pressure), areas that contain trails, and land active recreational activities that do growing adjacent to urban areas or beneath impact the natural environment need for powerlines where active management (such as mountain biking, or recreational of the land to reduce fire hazard equestrian activities), may be resources is necessary. permissible in designated areas. Input requires will be sought from the public and When considering permitted uses systematic interested parties on wether to allow and undertaking maintenance these activities, where they would be management activities, efforts will be made to most suitable, and on the construction and monitoring accommodate passive recreational and design of suitable trails. frameworks. activities as defined in the Open Space Element (OS 1.1.4). The The growing requirement for amount of land within the City’s recreational resources challenges open space system receiving this resource managers to develop designation will kept to a systematic management and minimum, and efforts will monitoring frameworks. This is be made to reduce the particularly challenging because impacts of human the provision of open space seeks interaction on the to achieve two overlapping, yet habitat and natural conflicting goals: (1) protection resource value of the of the resource (OS 1.1.2); and open space. (2) providing opportunities for passive recreation (OS 1.1.4). For example, a Inevitably, providing recreational clearly defined and access to open space results in some well designed trail level of impact, the management system can limit challenge is to identify how much the amount impact is acceptable. of damage caused by To evaluate the effects of public City of San Luis Obispo Open Space Lands public use by access use on the resources Conservation focusing use in indicators will be identified Guidelines areas of non-sensitive that reflect the types of impacts Land Use Designations | 8 wildlife habitat; and recreational use creates (e.g. erosion problems; trail corridor width; visitor use); and these indicators monitored over time. The effectiveness of management actions designed to reduce impacts will be linked to quantifiable Limits of Acceptable Change (LAC’s). Since the amount of acceptable impact is a value judgment, the determination of LAC’s for an open space should incorporate the interests and values of various interested parties. Comment on the identification of LAC’s, and how they should be monitored will be sought at public workshop sessions during which the Conservation Plan for a particular open space 3.3 Restoration Management property is discussed. Area for approved If the monitoring program low impact The purpose of this designation is indicates that the status of a recreational to recognize that portions of some resource fails to meet the adopted land acquired by the City have been activities may Limits of Acceptable Change then degraded by prior activities and be active, management actions will be taken require restoration. This is seen as such as trail to correct the situation. Corrective a temporary designation, and after measures may include but are building and restoration is complete the land not limited to: closure of an area; maintenance, would be re-designated as a ‘Habitat’ reclassification of a management or may involve or ‘Management’ area. area to a restoration area; re-routing leaving an area of a trail; closure to certain activities Land receiving this designation may in a natural state (e.g. mountain biking) etc. include riparian corridors where of succession there has been collapse of the creek Management for approved low requiring bank, eroded areas along old roads, impact recreational activities may minimal or agricultural lands damaged by be active, such as trail building historic land uses. maintenance. and maintenance, or may involve leaving an area in a natural state The kinds of activities that would of succession (e.g. as grassland), be performed are planting degraded requiring minimal maintenance. areas with native species, and re-grading to prevent erosion or Visual resources are also an facilitate plantings. important component of the City’s open space. All management Each ‘Restoration’ area will have a activities that may affect the restoration blueprint associated with City of San Luis Obispo viewshed (e.g. trail construction, it which will make up an element of Open Space Lands utility corridors, fences, signs etc) Conservation Conservation Guidelines Guidelines will take into account and Land Use Designations minimize adverse visual impacts. continued next page Land Use Designation | 9 Conservation Guidelines Land Use Designations continued 3.5 Agricultural Area the Conservation Plan. This will include an explanation of The City of San Luis Obispo is the restorative activities that committed to the protection of will be performed, possible agricultural land around the City as sources of funding, and a a visual amenity for its citizens, and projected date for the re- to assist in maintaining a viable classification of the area. agricultural economy. Therefore, the purpose of this designation is to 3.4 Cultural identify sites within the City open / Historic Area space lands which are appropriate for continued agricultural production Land receiving The purpose of this designation and provide the framework for their the Cultural / is to provide special recognition continued functioning in that Historic Area and treatment of cultural and capacity. historic resources. Land receiving designation this designation will include The kinds of uses that would be will include archaeological sites as well as permitted include generally accepted archaeological historical buildings and even mining forms of crop production, specialty sites as well or old railroad rights-of-way that crop production, and educational or as historical provide a linkage to our local history. research programs. Use of buildings and Guidance from the City’s Cultural associated facilities such as barns, Heritage Committee, recognized even mining existing residences, and other archeologists, and historical buildings may also occur. or old railroad preservation experts will be sought in Equipment and supplies may also be rights-of-way identifying these resources. kept on agricultural lands in proper that provide a storage facilities. Potentially The kinds of activities that would linkage to our conflicting uses such as trails may receive priority are appropriate be restricted or prohibited. local history. preservation and/or restorative measures implemented in City-owned open space lands leased accordance with policies adopted to agriculturalists will have included in the Open Space Element (OS in the terms of the lease a program of 8.1.1). When appropriate, the approved “Best Management City will apply for grant funds to Practices” (BMP’s) developed for them preserve and restore such that fosters sound stewardship of the historically significant sites and land. BMP’s shall include at a buildings. Whenever possible, minimum: accepted principals of proper such areas will be open to the tillage and soil and water conservation; public and include features to principals of integrated pest educate visitors on the heritage management; and setbacks from sensitive value of the resource. habitats such as creeks or wetlands. The City will require appropriate City of San Luis Obispo Open Space Lands mitigation for impacts to recognized Conservation cultural or historic resources Guidelines Conservation Guidelines resulting from unforeseen City General Policies Land Use Designation | 10 actions or projects. continued page 12 Fig.1 Open Space Lands Owned by the City of San Luis Obispo

Stenner Springs Terrace Hill

Bishop Peak Reservoir Canyon

Cerro San Luis

Laguna Lake

Irish Hills

Johnson Ranch South Hills

Islay Hill

Filipponi

Fig.2 Example of Land Use Designations for the Irish Hills Natural Reserve

Management Area / Trail Corridor

1, 6...... Uninterrupted, pristine wildlife habitat areas. 2, 3...... Grasslands requiring exotic vegetation removal. 4...... New section of trail serving Madonna Road access. 5...... Abandoned jeep road requiring regrading to address erosion. 7, 8, 9, 10. . . Sections of trail with excessive erosion problems requiring closure and/or revegetation.

City of San Luis Obispo Open Space Lands Conservation Guidelines

Cultural / Historic Area Habitat Area Restoration Area Land Use Designation | 11 Grazing problematic vegetation (LV6); will only be 4 erosion and sediment control (LV7); permitted application of Integrated Pest General Management practices (LV12; LV13); during specific and prescribed burning of native times of the year Policies vegetative communities (LV8), will when the risk be implemented where necessary. of damage to Policy relating to potential management decisions is required the resource is Restoration and/or re-vegetation for each land use designation techniques will be utilized when minimal. described in Section 3 of this necessary to restore a degraded document. Implementation of policy vegetative community to a will be the responsibility of the fully functioning ecosystem. All Natural Resources Program in restoration activities will utilize site- collaboration with other City or region-specific native grasses, programs or departments as herbs, shrubs, and trees. Planting of appropriate. This will ensure that invasive, non-native species will be standardized management practices prohibited (LV2). Adjacent land- are applied throughout the City’s owners will be encouraged to under- open space system. take efforts to control target non-native vegetation on their land (LV3). The policies and how they apply in each land use designation are All existing native trees will be summarized in tabular form in preserved wherever possible, and Appendix 1. Throughout the new native trees planted to enhance following discussion the relevant wildlife habitat (LV4; LV5). Where section of Appendix 1 is possible, vegetation will be left to referenced (e.g. HA1; LV8; etc). follow its natural course of succession and will not receive any form of 4.1 Land and Vegetation active management. The ultimate Management goal will be to re-establish, or preserve, a self-sustaining ecosystem. Objectives: Grazing To conserve, enhance, and restore natural plant communities; to protect Livestock grazing may be permitted sensitive and endangered plant on City-owned lands under certain species and their habitats; and to circumstances (LV1). This shall be maintain biodiversity of native subject to conditions determined plants and animals. by the Natural Resources Program with input from the public, and Policies: stated in a grazing plan which Vegetation Management shall be incorporated into the lease agreement. For example, The City will monitor and manage grazing may be used as a vegetation vegetation to meet prescribed goals for management tool to reduce fire fuel City of San Luis Obispo Open Space Lands the land (LV10). Management load, as a strategy to remove weed Conservation strategies such as the use of selective species from a restoration area, Guidelines livestock grazing (LV1); physical or to maintain grassland areas by General Policies | 12 pruning/removal of unwanted or suppressing the natural process of succession. City-owned lands will At the not be used for intensive grazing urban/open activities. Grazing will only be space interface permitted during specific times of the year when the risk of damage to the City will, the resource is minimal, and grazing and adjacent privileges may be revoked at any land owners will time at the City’s discretion. be encouraged to, maintain Fire Management adequate defensible The status of vegetative communities will be monitored, spaces. This particularly in grassland areas, to provides determine if brush, weeds or other sufficient heavy fuel loads are creating an space between unacceptable fire hazard (LV10). structures and If the fire hazard is determined to flammable be unacceptable, an evaluation will be carried out to determine the vegetation to most desirable and effective means The City will formulate Wildfire allow the fire to correct the problem. Corrective Preparedness Plans for individual service to measures may include, but are not open space parcels with the mount a defense limited to, thinning or removal of cooperation of the California against a eucalyptus, pine, cypress, and shrubs Department of Forestry and wildfire. or woodland occurring along the Fire Protection. open space/urban interface (LV6). This plan will identify appropriate If appropriate, the Conservation Plan firefighting methods for use in for a specific open space will include City open spaces that have minimal a prescribed burn program. The impact on the natural resources decision to utilize prescribed burning represented on the site, providing of vegetation to reduce fuel load or the use of such methods does not manage vegetation composition will put property or human life at lie with the City with input from the risk (LV9). California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (LV8). During periods of high fire risk the City reserves the right to close At the urban/open space interface certain open space areas to the the City will, and adjacent land public (per San Luis Obispo owners will be encouraged to, Municipal Code, Chapter maintain adequate defensible spaces. 12.22.050C). In the interest of This provides sufficient space public safety, open fires (including between structures and flammable barbecues) are prohibited year-round vegetation to allow the fire service to (per San Luis Obispo Municipal mount a defense against wildfire. Code, Chapter 12.22.050M [LV11]). City of San Luis Obispo This will help protect urban Open Space Lands developments from fires originating Conservation Conservation Guidelines Guidelines on City-owned open space and General Policies vice versa (LV9). continued next page General Policies | 13 In the interest Conservation Guidelines Material Safety Data Sheets General Policies continued of public safety (MSDS) will be obtained from and resource Pest Management the manufacturer for toxicological information and personal safety protection, protection requirements. All on-site travel in open All City open spaces will be managed in accordance with established pesticide handling will be done away space lands Integrated Pest Management (IPM) from streams, ponds, and drainage is restricted methods to control pest infestations areas. Records will be maintained to designated (LV12; LV13; AS7). for all pesticide uses as directed trails, and by state and federal regulations. Handling, disposal, and clean up off-trail travel Appropriate pesticides will only be used to control noxious pests of pesticides shall comply with the is discouraged. and weed species when other non- product label, and state and federal chemical methods of control (e.g. regulations (LV14). hand removal, grazing, planting of cover crops) do not succeed or are Trails not practical. The City is committed to the The use of low toxicity, highly creation of an integrated trail system specific pesticides (e.g. the insecticide that connects City open space to Bacillus thuringiensis), will be permitted other public or private lands (OS on a localized scale to protect natural 12.1.2). The provision of multi use resources on City-owned open trails for recreational use has been spaces. Highly toxic, broad-spectrum identified as a major unmet need pesticides (e.g. organophosphates) in the City’s Parks and Recreation will only be used in the case of a Element (PR 2.40.4) devastating pest outbreak when a wide variety of the City’s natural resources Trails will be constructed and are at significant risk. It is anticipated marked to facilitate recreational that the use of chemical pesticides on uses; they will be City-owned open space will be negligible.

City of San Luis Obispo Open Space Lands Conservation Guidelines

General Policies | 14 located to minimize impacts to Private mitigation actions on The system sensitive natural features and visual City-owned land shall have a clear of open space resources. All newly constructed resource protection or amenity value to lands that has trails will conform to an adopted the site, and shall be negotiated City standard (e.g., a 1ft cleared by the Natural Resources Program been developed tread [‘single-track’]; with not more with input from the public and be within and than 5ft of vegetative clearance on subject to approval by the around the City either side). Use of trails may be City Council. Under all circumstances is considered subject to restrictions in some a mitigation and monitoring plan will an important areas (HA12). be prepared that meets the part of the requirements of the relevant State or In the interest of public safety and Federal regulating agency (LV15). community’s resource protection, travel in open setting and space lands is restricted to Scientific Study character, designated trails and off-trail travel providing is discouraged. Construction of new Non-destructive scientific study and opportunities trails is prohibited, except where research will be permitted with written authorized by the City as part of an approval from the City’s Natural for enjoyment adopted Conservation Plan for the Resources Program. A condition of of the natural open space (HA12). approval will be that the applicant environment provides the City with a written report by our citizens. Signage on open spaces will be of the findings of the study. This will limited due to aesthetic assist the City in compiling a detailed considerations. In accordance inventory of natural and biological with Open Space Element sections resources located on City relating to public education, open space lands (LV16). interpretive booths and signage will be constructed where 4.2 Human Activities appropriate. Size and style of and Impacts signage will be standardized to maintain consistency throughout Objectives: the City’s open space system (HA13). Provide the public Mitigation Projects with a safe and pleasing natural environment in Mitigation for the impacts of private which to pursue passive projects shall generally be conducted recreational activities, while on private lands. However, special maintaining the integrity circumstances may arise that of the resource and justify use of City-owned lands as a minimizing the mitigation site, for instance: impact on the wildlife and Where there is a clear City benefit habitat. from a transaction that involves the use of City land as a mitigation site; City of San Luis Obispo or where General Plan goals will be Open Space Lands furthered by the appropriate use of Conservation City lands for mitigation purposes. Guidelines General Policies

| 15 City open Conservation Guidelines for City open space as described General Policies, Human Activities in the Open Space Element. spaces will be and Impacts continued managed to Activities which may be restricted or prohibited include: camping; Policies: provide limited horseback riding; bicycling; fishing; opportunities General animal trapping; boating; walking for low-intensity of pets; consumption of alcohol; sound amplification; solicitation; recreational The system of open space lands that possession of weapons; rock activities such has been developed within and climbing; parasailing; operation of as hiking, around the City is considered an motor vehicles; and plant collection important part of the community’s bird-watching, (San Luis Obispo Municipal Code, setting and character, providing photography, Chapter 12.22.050). The reader is opportunities for enjoyment of the nature study, referred to the Municipal Code for natural environment by our citizens. specifics. All management decisions interpretive The Open Space Element states that relating to permitted activities on areas, and uses of open space lands owned or City-owned or managed open space similar uses. managed by the City should: will be consistent with these regulations (HA5; HA6; HA7; HA8; “preserve the natural amenities of the open HA9; HA10; HA11). space land” and “may not include uses which would degrade or significantly impact resource Special events (e.g. competitive races, preservation on-site or on an adjacent parcel” weddings or memorials) should not (per San Luis Obispo Municipal Code, be permitted on City-owned open Chapter 12.22.020). space (HA14).

Consistent with this direction, City In general, active recreation will be open spaces will be managed to prohibited within creek corridors provide limited opportunities for (except Mission Plaza and Mission passive recreation as defined in the Open Space Element (OS 1.1.4), i.e.:

“low-intensity recreational activities such as hiking, bird-watching, nature photography, trails, individual picnic areas, nature study, viewing stations, interpretive areas, and similar uses” (OS Def-5)

Such activities will only be permitted where there are no significant environmental or land use compatibility conflicts. All other forms of recreation, such as mountain biking and equestrian activities, are considered active recreation and will be subject to restrictions (HA2; HA4). City of San Luis Obispo Open Space Lands Conservation The City has adopted regulations Guidelines that restrict or prohibit activities deemed inconsistent with the goals General Policies | 16 Plaza expansion areas), Access points to City-owned open One objective wetlands (except portions of space shall be established as is to preserve Laguna Lake and the wetland inconspicuous trailheads, which may and restore area within Meadow Park), sensitive or may not provide off-street parking. wildlife habitats, and areas where Trailheads originating in residential creeks, wetlands recreation would significantly mar areas will be located to minimize any and ephemeral the scenic quality of the site. potentially disruptive effects to the seeps or springs No camping is allowed in any local neighborhood (HA3). in a natural City-owned creek corridor or open state, and space (OS 12.22.050B), as facilities During the public review of the provide suitable to accommodate overnight use are Conservation Plan for an open space, not provided and such use can or at another appropriate time (such habitat to all pose a significant threat to as review of a development proposal), native aquatic public health and safety. public input will be sought on the and riparian design and location of trailheads species. Access originating in residential areas. Trailheads will consist of a gate City open space lands, where public preventing vehicular access, and a access is permitted, shall be open sign designating the trail. Specific from dawn to dusk. It shall be facilities such as restrooms and garbage unlawful to enter or remain within cans will generally not be provided. such lands between one hour after sunset and one hour before sunrise of Access issues will be reviewed on a the following day without approval 5-7 year cycle as the Conservation from the City (HA1). Plan is periodically updated and amended. Should public use of a trail Temporary closure of a City-owned or trailhead be causing disturbance to open space may be necessary if the local residents, then measures to reduce prevalent conditions pose a threat these disturbances will be considered. to public safety. Such threats may These may include, but are not limited to, include fires, landslides, or structural modification, re-alignment or flooding (LV11). closure of the trail or trailhead.

Any section of the City’s open 4.3 Aquatic space lands may be closed to the Systems public at any time, and for any interval of time. Closures may be Objectives: either temporary or at regular and stated intervals (daily or otherwise), To preserve and restore creeks, and either entirely or merely to wetlands and ephemeral seeps or certain uses, as deemed necessary springs in a natural state, and (per San Luis Obispo Municipal provide suitable habitat to all native Code, Chapter 12.22.050B/C). aquatic and riparian species. To minimize the impacts of harmful Public access may also be restricted activities, such as the release of in an area if the City determines that pollutants, while maintaining the City of San Luis Obispo adopted Limits of Acceptable Open Space Lands Change have been exceeded, as Conservation described in the Conservation Plan Guidelines for the open space (HA1). General Policies | 17 Conservation Guidelines Aquatic habitat improvements will General Policies continued be implemented as opportunities for restoration arise. All restoration creek system as a means of conveying work intended to improve in-stream stormwater within urban areas. habitat for southern steelhead will be in a manner consistent with City-owned open Policies: guidelines published in the California space lands shall Dept. of Fish and Game Salmonid Stream be regarded as General Habitat Restoration Manual (3) (AS4). refuge areas for native Riparian vegetation will be Where appropriate, efforts will managed to preserve and be made to increase the public’s wildlife. enhance the wildlife habitat value knowledge and appreciation of the of these important resources while City’s aquatic resources by provision minimizing the danger to life and of interpretative services on City- property from flooding (AS8). owned or managed property (AS5). New plantings within creek corridors or in setback areas 4.4 Agricultural will be restricted to trees, shrubs Lands and groundcover native to the local area and normally found within creek corridors (AS4). Objectives:

Due to their particularly sensitive The City is committed to the nature, all wetland habitats located permanent preservation of farmlands on City-owned property shall be to protect the agricultural economy identified, mapped, monitored and of the County and the State (OS conserved. The City will avoid 10.1.1); and it is committed to conserve actions on open space lands that and maintain adequate natural could result in a net decrease in resources (such as ground water) for wetlands. When wetland loss is productive agriculture (OS 10.1.5). unavoidable, a mitigation strategy will be adopted which has been Policies: approved by the appropriate state or federal regulatory agency, and In general, agricultural lands on City replacement will be at a ratio of at open space will be maintained for least 2:1 (OS 6:C:1) (AS2). agricultural uses. Publicly owned agricultural lands will be leased back Waterways, wetlands and floodplains to farmers, or utilized as education will be managed to enhance and or research projects of good preserve their natural function and stewardship practices. Organic native fish and amphibian populations farming practices shall be that utilize these areas as habitat. Public encouraged. All agricultural access will be regulated in riparian and operations on City-owned lands must wetland areas when necessary to protect adhere to the policies and regulations natural resources (AS1; AS3). Erosion outlined in a “Best Management City of San Luis Obispo and sediment control practices sufficient Practices” document prepared for Open Space Lands Conservation to stabilize disturbed or actively eroding the site and incorporated into the Guidelines creek banks will be implemented when terms of the lease. These will include General Policies | 18 necessary (AS6). the provision of protective measures for wildlife habitat and 4.5 Wildlife The City is endangered species identified Protection committed to on the site (AG1; AG2). the permanent preservation Agricultural practices on Objectives: City-owned open space may be of farmlands To conserve and protect native plant restricted if continuation of those to protect the and animal species and enhance practices conflicts with higher agricultural their habitats, in order to maintain priority objectives. economy of viable wildlife populations within balanced ecosystems. the County For example, farmland may be and the State. reverted to wildlife habitat if the Policies: area historically had high habitat Organic farming value (e.g. land adjacent to wetlands Habitat or creeks). Another example of such practices a conflict is the use of limited To the extent feasible, the City will shall be groundwater supplies for irrigation protect and conserve local native encouraged. purposes on City-owned open space. habitat (such as grasslands) and the This may be required for general native wildlife that depends on it. consumptive use by the local The City will cooperate on a regular populace during a period of basis with other public and private extreme drought conditions. land managers and recognized wildlife management experts, to Under such circumstances the City address wildlife management issues will make every effort to provide an on a regional scale (WP1). alternative source of water to support agricultural practices. Alternative City-owned open space lands shall be sources may be in the form of regarded as refuge areas for native recycled water from the City’s proposed wastewater re-use system.

City of San Luis Obispo Open Space Lands Conservation Guidelines

General Policies | 19 The Conservation Guidelines Exotics and Pests habitat General Policies continued Control programs may be implemented of native wildlife; activities inconsistent with for exotic wildlife species, such as birds and this philosophy (e.g. hunting and bullfrogs or carp, that are negatively fishing) will be prohibited migrants will impacting native species (WP7). be protected (HA6; HA7). and enhanced. Mosquitoes may be controlled in the Recognized restoration techniques case of serious human or domestic will be used where appropriate to animal health threat due to disease restore a degraded habitat to a fully outbreak (e.g., encephalitis) (WP6). functioning ecosystem. Only native plants will be utilized in restoration The City will request the aid of the programs; the planting of invasive California Department of Fish and non-native species will be Game or County Office of Animal prohibited (WP2). Control to remove any animal that poses a threat to public health or The creation of habitat islands safety; or an animal that is preying (habitat surrounded by developed on domestic animals or critical areas) will be avoided and necessary nesting birds (HA6; WP8). Such wildlife corridors (including corridors actions will be taken only when under proposed major roads, passive means have been exhausted highways, or other impediments (e.g. public education; signage; which restrict animal movement) fencing; closure of open space, etc). will be provided whenever possible (WP1). Species of Special Concern

Birds Conservation of rare, threatened, and endangered species of plants Habitat for native raptors and animals, and their supporting (hawks, eagles, and owls) habitats, will take precedence over all will be protected and enhanced other management objectives. (WP4), and nesting and roosting trees will be preserved wherever Management activities will possible. Tree pruning will be promote, enhance, and protect habitat performed only when nesting used by endangered species, threatened and brood rearing is species, and species of local concern. In not occurring. ‘Restoration’ areas management activities will enhance habitat that has If a structure that is acting as a the potential to support these perching site for raptors is removed, species (WP9). it will be replaced with a suitable alternative structure whenever Native plant species of special concern feasible (WP4). (according to listings by the California

City of San Luis Obispo Native Plant Society and the California Open Space Lands The habitat of native songbirds Department of Fish and Game) may Conservation and migrants will be protected and be reintroduced into suitable habitat on Guidelines enhanced whenever feasible and City open space only if targeted by General Policies | 20 appropriate (WP5). special projects or grants (WP3). 5.2 Inventory A Conservation 5 Plan prescribes an ongoing land Conservation The inventory will describe the management physical, biological, natural, Plan Elements cultural and recreational resources program represented on a property. of activity A Conservation Plan prescribes an Establishing a detailed resource undertaken ongoing land management program inventory is likely to be a long-term, to prevent of activity undertaken to prevent or ongoing process. The initial plan minimize adverse impacts of approved or minimize will be formulated using the adverse impacts land uses on resources of importance information gathered during to the City of San Luis Obispo. base-line studies performed during of approved land preparation of the first draft of the uses on resources Plans should be completed for a Conservation Plan. Plans will be of importance property within 2 years following updated periodically as new acquisition. Plans for newly to the City of resource information San Luis Obispo. acquired properties adjoining becomes available. existing City-owned open space may take the form of an amendment or addition to an 5.3 Goals and existing Conservation Plan. Policies

The overall purpose of a Clearly defined goals for the long Conservation Plan is threefold: and short-term management of the 1) to provide an account of the property will be set out; and the prevailing condition of a property; adopted policies and guidelines that 2) to set out future goals for will be implemented to achieve these the property; goals identified. When a property 3) to prescribe a means of has multiple land use designations as achieving those goals. described in Section 3, individual sets of goals and policies may be established Each plan will consist of the for each designation. following elements: 5.4 System 5.1 Executive Map Summary The system map will show the This will include a concise location and configuration of all summary of the plan’s significant proposed management, restoration, findings relative to recreational, habitat, cultural/historic and visual, wildlife, habitat, agricultural areas together with agricultural, cultural/historic justification for each designation. and land management needs The proposed location of new trails on the property, and the actions or other physical improvements proposed to meet those needs. City of San Luis Obispo will also be identified. Open Space Lands Conservation Conservation Guidelines Guidelines Conservation Plan Elements continued next page Plan Elements | 21 Conservation Guidelines 5.6 Implementation Conservation Plan Elements continued Strategy

5.5 Needs The implementation strategy Analysis provides direction for the orderly and coordinated execution of The Conservation Plan will include an the Conservation Plan. Actions evaluation of the adequacy of current should relate logically to the needs management practices to satisfy identified and should be based upon present and projected public demands the adopted policies detailed in The and desires for open space. The needs Appendix 1. implementation analysis will address such topics as: The implementation strategy > strategy provides A description of the existing represents the City’s decisions for direction, and wildlife habitat value of addressing needs and goals based represents the the property, together with on the desires of the community City’s decisions recommendations on how to and the City’s fiscal constraints. It preserve and improve this value. for addressing should encompass specified time- needs and goals > A description of any restorative periods and should be updated every work required on the property. 5-7 years to report on progress, based on the make adjustments, and include any desires of the > A description of current proposals for new actions. community and agricultural practices occurring the City’s fiscal on the property and how these The following points will be addressed when formulating the constraints. practices are likely to change in the foreseeable future. implementation strategy: > A description of cultural/historic > Time Frame – In this section resources occurring on the property the goals set out in Section 5.3 and recommendations on how these will be prioritized and a timeline resources can be preserved and/or established to define when these restored in the future. goals should be met. > A description of current > Physical Improvements – This recreational activity levels, section will include a blueprint participation patterns, and trends for any restorative work and/or likely to affect activity levels in plans for physical structures; such the future. Recommendations as informational booths, road on changes that need to occur to improvements, footbridges etc, meet future goals (e.g., new trails or that are recommended for the trailheads). Description of adopted site. When appropriate, detailed Limits of Acceptable Change plans and engineer’s drawings for the site, and identification of describing the structure should be remedial measures that should be included in this section. implemented if these limits > are exceeded. Cost Evaluation – This section

City of San Luis Obispo will contain the projected costs Open Space Lands > A description of educational of recommended management Conservation resources (e.g. trail maps, activities and physical Guidelines brochures, interpretive signs etc), improvements. Any costs that Plan Elements | 22 if any, appropriate for the site. fall outside the approved normal operational budgets for the City’s 5.8 Amendment [We stand] open space program will be today poised acknowledged, and possible sources on a pinnacle of external funding identified. The Conservation Guidelines, and individual Conservation Plans, or of wealth and > Staffing resources – This section any portion thereof, may be power, yet we will outline the staff necessary to considered for amendment upon live in a land meet specified goals. It is request. Any citizen or other of vanishing anticipated that staff from the interested party may initiate such a beauty, of Natural Resources Program and request, however such requests shall increasing Parks and Recreation Department be directed to the City will play a major role in the Administrative Officer or designee. ugliness, of day-to-day management of the Such a request will include the nature shrinking open open space system. Additional of the requested amendment and space and of assistance from other City rationale for the request. If an overall departments and groups such as appropriate, the amendment will be environment the California Conservation Corps processed in the same manner as the that is and local non-profits will be original Conservation Guidelines or solicited as necessary. individual Conservation Plan. diminished daily by 5.7 Fiscal Impact of pollution and noise and blight. Council Adoption of 6 Conservation Plans This, in brief, References is the quiet Adoption of this document as a policy conservation guide for City-owned open space lands 1. City of Fort Collins. Natural crisis. will not of itself involve any expenditures Resources Dept. 1995. General not currently anticipated by the City Management Guidelines for City-owned – Stewart L. Udall Council or by staff. However, adoption Open Spaces and Natural Areas. 281 does imply a greater level of inventory N. College Ave. P.O. Box 580, Fort and planning for City-owned open Collins, CO 80522-0580. space lands than has heretofore been the case. Therefore, some increased level of 2. Jefferson County Open Space. resource management activities (such as 1998. Open Space Master Plan. 700 vegetation manipulation, prescribed Jefferson County Pkwy. Suite 100 burning, in-stream habitat Golden, CO 80401. enhancements, restoration of degraded areas, and development of trailheads 3. Flosi, G., S. Downie, J. Hupelain, and trail systems) is a possible result of M. Bird, R. Cowy, and B. Collins. this planning effort as it applies to each 1998. California Salmonid Stream open space area. Additional effort and Habitat Restoration Manual. California costs will be estimated as part of the Department of Fish and Game, development process for individual Inland Fisheries Division, Conservation Plans. Sacramento, CA. 227 pages.

City of San Luis Obispo Open Space Lands Conservation Guidelines

References | 23 7 Glossary

Fairy Lantern Active Recreation All forms of high intensity recreation not consistent with the adopted definition of passive recreation at described in the Open Space Element (OS Def-5) of the City’s general plan (includes: horse riding; biking; and team events)

Agricultural Areas Lands utilized for the production of approved cultivated row crops. Such lands may be used to produce forage crops, but does not include grazing land. Chocolate Lily Best Management Practices (BMP’s) A technique or methodology that through experience and research, has proven to reliably lead to a desired result.

Conservation All the processes of looking after places or objects so as to retain their natural functions.

Monkeyflower Conservation Plan A plan for the long term stewardship and conservation of resources located on City-owned open space, that are of importance to the citizens of the City of San Luis Obispo.

Cultural/Historic Areas Lands that support resources of significant cultural or historic interest.

Ecosystem Unit including a community of organisms, the physical and Wild Morning Glory chemical environment of that community, and all the interactions among those organisms and between the organisms and their environment.

Grazing The consumption of forage in situ by wild and/or domestic animals.

Habitat The normal locality or place of living for an organism.

Columbine Habitat Areas Lands that have special value as wildlife habitat and will be protected as such.

Limits of Acceptable Change (LAC’s) A planning tool that establishes explicit measures of acceptable and appropriate resource conditions, as well as strategies for maintaining or achieving those desired conditions.

Management Areas Lands requiring active management Lupine of vegetation for reasons of public safety or to accommodate

City of San Luis Obispo City-approved grazing leases. Open Space Lands Conservation Guidelines Glossary | 24 Mitigation The restoration, creation, enhancement and preservation of habitat, undertaken expressly to provide for the advance compensation of unavoidable habitat losses usually resulting from development actions. Hummingbird Sage Passive Recreation Low-intensity recreational activities such as hiking, bird-watching, nature photography, trails, individual picnic areas, nature study, viewing stations, interpretive areas, and similar uses (OS-Def 5).

Pesticide Poisonous or hazardous chemicals of any kind used to control noxious pests, insects or weed species.

Blue-Eyed Grass Preservation Maintenance of land or habitat in its existing state and preventing deterioration.

Prescribed Fire (Burn) A fire deliberately lit and controlled by humans, usually as part of a land management program, for example, to reduce the chance of uncontrollable wildfires or to control weeds.

Restoration Areas Lands actively managed to restore habitat value Wild Rose that has been degraded by historic land use practices.

Riparian Geographically delineated areas with distinct resource values that occur adjacent to streams, lakes, ponds, wetlands, and other specified water bodies.

Trail Corridors Areas extending up to, but not more than 5’ either side of an existing or proposed City-approved trail. Pearly Everlasting

Viewshed The area which can be seen from any particular viewing place, vista or viewpoint and conversely the areas from which these view points may be seen.

Wetlands Areas of marsh, fen, peatland or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing and Paintbrush associated riparian vegetation.

Wildlife Corridors Areas of land or water that are capable of providing habitat in their own right while allowing for use by fauna to move to and between other habitats.

Wildfire Preparedness Plan A plan formulated by the City in conjunction with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, to identify California Poppy appropriate methods of fire fighting on City-owned open space lands. City of San Luis Obispo Such methods should effectively control wildfires with minimal risk to life Open Space Lands and liberty, and minimize the amount of damage caused to the natural Conservation Guidelines resources represented on the site. Glossary | 25 8 Appendix 1

Conservation Guidelines for City Open Space Lands

The following table contains the official language that will be used to direct the preparation of individual Conservation Plans for land acquired for open space purposes, and shows how policies will be implemented within the various land use

City of San Luis Obispo designations. Open Space Lands Conservation Guidelines

Appendix 1 | 26 Habitat Restoration Management Cultural/Historic Agricultural Land and Vegetation LV1 Generally Permit the use of livestock Livestock prohibit grazing, with a grazing plan, grazing (may be as a management technique permitted to help maintain a balanced under and diverse ecosystem; special increase the biodiversity of circum- native plants; or reduce fire stance). risk. LV2 Preserve and protect native vegetative communities. Restore Not Native native vegetative communities by employing restoration and/or Applicable. vegetative re-vegetation techniques. Utilize only site or region specifi c native communities trees, grasses, herbs and shrubs; prohibit the planting of invasive, non-native species within native vegetative communities. LV3 Encourage adjacent landowners to undertake efforts to control targeted Adjacent non-native vegetation on their lands. land LV4 Preserve all native trees when feasible. Native trees LV5 Plant new native trees to increase benefi ts to wildlife where Not Tree planting appropriate. Use fencing to exclude livestock and damaging Applicable. wildlife (e.g. deer) from newly planted areas. LV6 Prohibit. Thin eucalyptus, pine and Not Vegetation cypress plantations, shrub-land or Applicable. thinning woodland areas occurring along the wildland/urban interface to create a less fire–prone condition. LV7 Implement erosion and sediment control practices (e.g. vegetation, water bars Erosion etc) sufficient to stabilize disturbed areas, where appropriate. control Reclaim burnt areas that are deemed susceptible to excessive erosion. Manage unpaved access roads to minimize erosion or decommission and re- vegetate them. LV8 Use controlled burns for vegetation or pest management, as per prescribed Controlled burn plan prescribed for the site. All affected residents will be notified prior to fi r e s any prescribed burn. LV9 Maintain adequate defensible spaces at the urban/open space interface, Fire safety providing suffi cient space between structures and fl ammable vegetation within which the fi re service can mount a defense against fi re. Formulate fire preparedness/management plans for City open spaces. Employ firefighting methods which have the least impact on the natural resources represented on the site, providing the use of such methods do not put property or human life in danger.

Appendix 1 | 27 Habitat Restoration Management Cultural/Historic Agricultural LV10 Monitor the stability of plant communities in selected areas, particularly Monitoring grassland areas, to determine if brush, weeds or other heavy fuel materials are encroaching.

Employ Limits of Acceptable Change standards to evaluate the impacts of human use on land and vegetation. LV11 Reserve the right to close certain open space areas to the public during periods Public safety of extreme fi re hazard conditions or other emergencies, and/or to protect natural resources, including endangered species. Reserve the right to limit the use of vehicular traffi c and machinery on agricultural lands during periods of extreme fi re risk. Closures will be made on a daily basis, except in certain areas mutually agreed upon for long-term closure. LV12 Manage City open spaces in accordance with established Integrated Pest IPM methods Management (IPM) methods to control noxious weed and pest infestations. LV13 Use appropriate herbicides only when other IPM measures have failed to Pesticide control noxious weeds and invasive, non-native shrubs. usage Use insecticides only for devastating pests (e.g. gypsy moth outbreak). Obtain Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) from the manufacturer for toxicological information and personal safety protection requirements.

Handle on-site pesticides away from streams, ponds and drainage areas. LV14 Pesticide Maintain records of the use of restricted use pesticides as directed by state or safety federal regulations.

Handle, dispose, and clean up pesticides in compliance with the product label, and state or federal regulations. Permit the use of degraded areas on City open space for mitigation projects:

Where there is a clear City benefit from a transaction that involves the use of City land as a mitigation site; or

LV15 Where General Plan goals will be furthered by the appropriate use of City lands Mitigation for mitigation purposes. Projects Private mitigation actions on City-owned land shall have a clear resource- protection or amenity value to the site, and shall be subject to approval by the City Council. Under all circumstances a mitigation and monitoring plan will be prepared that meets the requirements of the relevant state or federal regulating agency. Permit non-destructive scientific study and research on City open spaces with LV16 the prior evaluation and written approval of the Natural Resources Program. Scientific Approval will only be granted on the condition that a written report of findings is Study submitted to the City on completion of the study.

Appendix 1 | 28 Habitat Restoration Management Cultural/Historic Agricultural Human Activities and Impacts Permit public access to City open spaces from dusk until dawn.

Entry to such lands shall be unlawful between the hour after sunset and one hour before Prohibit, HA1 sunrise of the following day without unless Public Discourage. Prohibit. approval of the City. posted access otherwise. Public access may be restricted in an area if the City determines that the Limits of Acceptable Change (LAC’s) have been exceeded; as described in the Conservation Plan for the open space. Permit passive recreation as defi ned in the City’s HA2 Open Space element (OS 1.1.4). Discourage. Prohibit. Passive Such activities will only be permitted where there Recreation are no signifi cant environmental or land use compatibility confl icts, as determined by the City. Establish access points to City-owned open space as an inconspicuous trailhead which may or may not provide off street HA3 parking. Prohibit. Prohibit. Trailheads Locate trailheads originating in residential areas in such a manner as to minimize any potentially disruptive effects to the local neighborhood.

Appendix 1 | 29 Habitat Restoration Management Cultural/Historic Agricultural Permit in designated areas as per Open Space HA4 regulations, Active Prohibit. Prohibit. (San Luis Recreation Obispo Municipal Code, 12.22.040). HA5 Permit dogs on trails on a leash (per San Dogs Prohibit. Luis Obispo Municipal Code, Chapter 12.22.050F.1.e). Unless otherwise posted. Prohibit, except for special circumstances to trap nuisance wildlife (i.e. wildlife HA6 posing a threat to people, property or pets neighboring open space areas; Animal or users of open space when other means of addressing the problem [e.g. trapping/ temporary closure] have failed), or to conduct research in cooperation with collecting/ the City’s Natural Resources Department. Any trapping activities will require hunting written approval from the City. HA7 Prohibit, unless posted (except for Laguna Lake). Fishing HA8 Prohibit the use of fi rearms, bows, paintballs, and fi reworks on City open space Weapons lands (San Luis Obispo Municipal Code, 12.22.050M). Permit only in designated areas with prior City HA9 authorization. Rock Prohibit. Said areas Prohibit. climbing are subject to closure during raptor nesting periods. Permit only in designated areas and with prior City HA10 authorization. Prohibit. Prohibit. Parasailing Said areas are subject to closure during raptor nesting periods.

Appendix 1 | 30 Habitat Restoration Management Cultural/Historic Agricultural Prohibit collection of any plants, animals or minerals from the natural environment, HA11 except where authorized as an integral part of the land management program Collection of or for scientifi c study (with written City approval). Approval will only be granted specimens on the condition that a written report of fi ndings is submitted to the City on completion of the study. Construct and mark trails to facilitate recreational uses as part of an approved trail systems plan. Place trails to avoid impacts to Prohibit HA12 sensitive features of the site. Prohibit. unless Trails Prohibit construction of trails otherwise without city authorization. posted. Restrict the use of trails on sensitive sites. HA13 All management activities that may affect the viewshed (e.g. trail construction, Visual utility corridors, fences, signs etc) will take into account and minimize adverse Resources visual impacts. and Signage Allow interpretive features for educational purposes. HA14 Special events (e.g. competitive races, weddings or memorials) should not be Special permitted on City-owned open space. Events Aquatic Systems Conserve, enhance and restore native fi sh and amphibian populations and AS1 their habitats; monitor fi sheries resources to determine species composition, Aquatic size, and population; and cooperate with the State Department of Fish and habitat Game to conserve, enhance and manage its fi sheries resources for ecological benefi t. Avoid initiation of actions on City open space lands that could result in a net decrease in wetlands. If City actions do result in a decrease in wetlands mitigation shall consist of creating twice the area of habitat of equal quality AS2 (OS 6.C.1). Wetland habitat Manage wetland areas to enhance and preserve populations of native species.

Restrict livestock access to riparian and wetland areas, when necessary to protect natural resources.

Appendix 1 | 31 Habitat Restoration Management Cultural/Historic Agricultural AS3 HA1 applies in riparian and wetland areas. Public access to Not Public these areas will be regulated to protect natural resources. Applicable. access Restore and rehabilitate creek, wetland and seep/spring vegetation to enhance and preserve the natural value of the habitat. New plantings within creek corridors should be California native plants (trees, shrubs and ground cover) normally found in creek corridors. AS4 Not Restoration Applicable. Follow pertinent guidelines published in the California Department of Fish and Game Salmonid Stream Habitat Restoration Manual (CDFG, 1988), when performing in-stream restoration work designed to improve habitat for southern steelhead. AS5 Increase public knowledge and appreciation of natural resources and provide Public public interpretative services on City-owned or managed property. awareness AS6 Implement erosion and sediment control practices suffi cient to stabilize Erosion disturbed or actively eroding creek banks. control AS7 Limit the use of pesticides within creek corridors. When herbicides are used Pesticide they should be hand applied only to those species identifi ed as appropriate to use remove. Manage waterways, wetlands and floodplains to Generally prohibit (may be AS8 enhance and preserve their natural function and permitted under special Flood control native fish and amphibian populations that utilize circumstance). these areas as habitat.

Appendix 1 | 32 Habitat Restoration Management Cultural/Historic Agricultural Agriculture Maintain agricultural lands for agricultural uses, except in cases where: past agricultural practices have degraded AG1 the area Protection of Not Applicable. and agricultural restoration lands is needed; or threatened or en- dangered species occupy the area, and protection of sensitive habitat is necessary. Lease publicly owned agricultural lands back to farmers, or utilize AG2 such land Leasing demonstra- Not Applicable. of publicly tion owned lands projects that will benefit local farmers and the environ- ment.

Appendix 1 | 33 Habitat Restoration Management Cultural/Historic Agricultural Wildlife Protection Protect native wildlife and habitat. The City will cooperate on a regular basis with other public and private land managers and recognized wildlife management experts to address wildlife management issues on a regional WP1 scale. Wildlife and habitat Avoid the creation of habitat islands (habitat surrounded by developed areas); protection provide necessary wildlife corridors (including corridors under proposed major roads and highways, around agricultural land, or other impediments that restrict animal movements). WP2 Employ restoration techniques where required to achieve a self Not Habitat sustaining natural system; use only native plants in restoration Applicable. restoration areas, and prohibit the planting of invasive, non-native species. WP3 Not Reintro- Target native species reintroductions for special projects. Applicable. ductions Promote, enhance, and protect habitat of raptors (hawks, eagles and owls).

Preserve nesting and roosting trees wherever possible. WP4 Raptors Delay tree pruning until nesting and brood rearing is completed.

Preserve or replace historic raptor perching sites wherever possible. WP5 Promote, enhance and protect habitat of native songbirds as appropriate for Song birds site characteristics. WP6 Control mosquitoes in the case of serious human or domestic animal health Mosquitoes threat due to disease outbreak (e.g., encephalitis). WP7 Control exotic wildlife species (e.g. bull frogs, carp) if they are endangering the Exotics continued existence of native species of special concern. WP8 Control problem individual animals (e.g., Coyotes) preying on domestic animals Animal or nesting birds. Action will be taken only when passive means of control been control exhausted (e.g. public education; signage; closure of open space etc). WP9 Rare, threatened Conserve rare, threatened, and endangered species of plants and animals and and their supporting habitats in precedence over all other activities. endangered species

Appendix 1 | 34 City of San Luis Obispo Natural Resources Protection Program

Neil Havlik, Ph.D. Natural Resources Manager 805 | 781-7211

Michael Clarke, Ph.D. Biologist 805 | 781-7511

Melissa Ellsworth Administrative Assistant 805 | 781-7123

Published October 2003