McKay Community Forest Advisory Group

Transcription

1 DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT MAILING ADDRESS: 1106 SECOND STREET, EUREKA, CA AREA CODE 707 ARCATA-EUREKA AIRPORT TERMINAL McKINLEYVILLE FAX PUBLIC WORKS BUILDING SECOND & L ST., EUREKA FAX CLARK COMPLEX HARRIS & H ST., EUREKA FAX AVIATION ADMINISTRATION NATURAL RESOURCES LAND USE BUSINESS NATURAL RESOURCES PLANNING ENGINEERING PARKS FACILITY MAINTENANCE ROADS & EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE MEETING MINUTES July 9, 2015 Redwood Acres, Eureka, 4:00 pm Advisory Group Advisory Group members attending: Berit Meyer, Redwood Empire Endurance Riders Emily Sinkhorn, Redwood Community Action Agency Geoff Hales, Cutten resident and mountain biker Karen Suiker, Cutten resident and hiker Richard Yeider, Greater Eureka Area Municipal Advisory Committee Yana Valachovic, University of California Cooperative Extension Humboldt-Del Norte & Forest Advisor, Arcata Community Forest management committee, Humboldt County Forestry Review Committee Staff attending: Hank Seemann, Deputy Director, Humboldt County Public Works Michael LeGrand, Assistant Engineer, Humboldt County Public Works Denise Monday, Environmental Analyst, Humboldt County Public Works (prepared minutes) Members of public attending: Janice Savage, Eureka resident Meeting Agenda: 1. Quick Updates 1a. Funding application for Phase II expansion (180 acres) 1b. Funding application for road upgrades/decommissioning 2. Financials 2a. FY expenditures, forest fund balance 2b. Revenue opportunities 3. Trail Plan 3a. Update 3b. Review draft goals & objectives 3c. Select priority trail projects for upcoming California River Parkways Grant Program opportunity 4. Other Items and Wrap-up

2 Advisory Group Page 2 July 9, 2015 Agenda Item 1: Quick Updates The meeting began at 4:06 pm. Hank Seemann welcomed the group and introductions were made around the room. 1a. Funding application for Phase II expansion (180 acres) The County acquired the Phase I property in August This week an application will be submitted for funding to assist in the purchase of an additional approximately 180 acres that, if awarded, could close later next year, as shown on the handout (Map of EEM Project and RTF Locations). The Phase II property would expand the area available for public access and expand the land base for timber harvest revenues. It would also benefit road and trail planning by providing a larger contiguous area. Acquiring the land would expand the community forest to the east side of Ridgewood Heights. Hank Seemann mentioned that additional expansion beyond this Phase II phase is not foreseen in the short-term based on funding opportunities. 1b. Funding application for road upgrades/decommissioning In March 2015 the County applied for a grant through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), Fisheries and Restoration Grant Program. The grant would be used to upgrade and decommission portions of a legacy road next to Ryan Creek, to remedy sedimentation threats and improve conditions for coho salmon. Last week there was a site visit with the CDFW review team. The project is proposed to upgrade a road that would be needed in the future and decommission part of the road that isn t needed. Humboldt County will know by early next year if the application is accepted. Agenda Item 2: Financials 2a. FY expenditures, forest fund balance The Group reviewed a handout (Financial Balance Sheet) summarizing the overall financial picture based on the recent end of the fiscal year (cost numbers for FY are still approximate). Overall we are ending the fiscal year with a surplus, however the budget for FY includes an internal loan of $50,000. FY funding came from The Trust for Public Land, in-lieu park fees (Quimby Act) derived from subdivisions, and Headwaters funding. A lot of staff effort was needed to define property lines, planning for access and trails, preliminary layouts for trail heads, and trail alignment proposals. The staff also worked with City of Arcata staff tapping into their knowledge and experience with planning and designing forest trails, which has been productive and also good for transferring knowledge to County staff. 2b. Revenue opportunities Next year, currently the only new revenue source is release of retention funds from one of the funding sources for the Phase I acquisition, for $13,500. The County Administrative Office and the Board incorporated an internal loan which will be paid back over the next several years with timber harvest revenues. Expenditures for FY include working with Leopardo Wildlife Associates on analysis for the Northern Spotted Owl to locate and conserve habitat and avoid impacts. Prior to harvesting, there must be two years of surveys. A Registered Professional Forester will need to be hired to create a harvest plan. The County is realistically looking at 2017 for first harvest to create revenue. Two State funding opportunities were discussed. Natural Resources Agency River Parkway Program is due September 1 st, 2015, specifically for trail construction with a cap of $500,000. The second opportunity is from the Department of Parks and Recreation Recreation Trails Program, which can be used for trails and facilities, there is no max amount, but Statewide it is a $16 million grant, with a 12% cost share _Minutes_MckayCF advisory group

3 Advisory Group Page 3 July 9, 2015 Karen Suiker suggested looking into the Tourism Business Improvement District for revenue. The Transient Occupancy tax of 2% generates about $1 million a year. It would need to be shown that the Community Forest would bring in tourists and contribute to lodging and travel spending. Agenda Item 3: Trail Plan 3a. Update The group looked at Map #1, Proposed Access Points, to think about priority projects. The proposed access point east of Redwood Acres will likely be the first access point to develop. The site has the area to develop parking, and can lead into trails that are internal to the Community Forest, without connectivity issues or challenges. There was discussion of the need to work with adjacent private owners on connectivity issues, which continues to be a top priority. The advantage of the Redwood Acres area is the direct public access to Ryan Creek, which is a good fit for the River Parkways Program funding, because they want public access to waterways. An agreement still needs to be negotiated with the Redwood Acres Board which will likely involve collaboration on facility development, driveway and parking improvements and restrooms. Michael LeGrand, looked at Northridge for an access point, there is the potential for parking adjacent to the county road, but would have to be improved to accommodate parking. The key next step is outreach with neighbors to identify and address their concerns. He suggests placing it higher on the priority list, because it will be used as access and if the formal parking was in place, it would be better for the neighborhood. It is a great place to get into the forest quickly. There was a consensus to prioritize Redwood Acres and Northridge, if possible, for access points. It takes a lot of time to prepare and revise plans, it is moving forward but not at super high speed. 3b. Review draft goals & objectives Hank Seemann asked the advisory group to review the Goals and Objectives handout. It was suggested to insert the word Timber with harvest on Goal #2 Objectives. A suggestion was made to add an objective for achieving connectivity with adjacent neighborhoods. The overall consensus was that the Goals and Objectives can be considered complete. 3c. Select priority trail projects for upcoming California River Parkways Grant Program opportunity Agenda Item 4: Other Items and Wrap-up Hank Seemann suggested cancelling the meeting in August, due to summer travel and meet again on September 10 th. The meeting adjourned at 5:07 pm _Minutes_MckayCF advisory group

4 Walnut Dr Rd Map of EEM Project and RTF Locations Crescent City Redwood NP Eureka Map Area King Mtn National Conservation Area (BLM) Ft. Bragg Point Arena Klamath R. Tr i nity R. Eel Russian Point Reyes NS mile kilometers R. Oregon California Ukiah R. Redding Sacramento River Santa Rosa GGNRA San Francisco Pacific Ocean Samoa Beach New Navy Base Rd Ma-le l Dunes Humboldt Bay NWR Samoa Lanphere Dunes Unit Humboldt Bay NWR 255 4th St 5th St Arcata Bay Freshwater Mad Redwood Hwy Central Ave Arcata South quadrangle Old Arcata Rd Humboldt State University Grotzman Beith Cree k River Arcata Community Forest Creek Jacoby Sunny Brae Forest Creek Jacoby Creek Forest (Arcata) Fickle Hill Rd Slough Campton Rd Myrtle St To Trinidad and Crescent City 255 Mad River Slough Wildlife Area Mad River Bridges Replacement Project (RTF) Eureka Slough Unit HBNWR Arcata Marsh Humboldt Bay NWR Bracut Marsh Coastal Conservancy Fay Slough Wildlife Area (DFW) McKinleyville Arcata To Willow Creek and Redding Eureka Dunes Protected Area Samoa Dunes Recreation Area Elk River Wildlife Sanctuary Broadway Harris St Eureka Fairway Dr I St H St H St F St Cooper Gulch Sequoia Park Myrtle St Redwood Acres Fairground Dolbeer St Harrison St Park St Hall Ave Ryan Slough Dead Mouse Marsh Mitchell Myrtle St Myrtle St Freshwater Farms Reserve Bay Martin Herrick St Municipal Golf Course Cr e e k Freshwate r Freshwater County Park South Spit Cooperative Management Area (BLM) King Salmon Elk River Rd Elk River Wildlife Area (DFW) McKay Community Forest McKAY TRACT Creek Fields Landing County PArk Humboldt Redwood Hwy To Fortuna Elk Eureka quadrangle River Ridgewood Proposed EEM Project Elk River Rd To Headwaters Forest Elk River Trailhead Dr West Fork Wrigley Rd North Fork Mapped by Pease Press Cartography for the Trust for Public Land Arcata South quadrangle McWhinney Creek quadrangle The Trust for Public Land conserves land for people to enjoy as parks, gardens, and other natural places, ensuring livable communities for generations to come. Phase II (proposed EEM project) Phase 1 (August 2014) Gulch Tom McKay Tract Conservation Easement (2015) Retained by GDRCo Other Public Land Proposed Public Access Points Updated 6/23/15 Version 22 from v miles kilometers Hookton Rd 66 Headwaters Forest Reserve South Fork

5 Financial Balance Sheet Humboldt County Public Works Date updated: July 9, 2015 Fiscal Year Projected Budgeted Revenue The Trust for Public Land $108, $0 Quimby Act $6, $0 Headwaters $31,000 $0 River Parkways $0 $13,500 Timber Revenue $0 $0 Donations $0 $0 Total: $145, $13,500 Internal County Loan $50,000 Expenditures County staff $94,000 $75,000 County expenses $900 $2,000 City of Arcata $6,100 TBD RCAA $1,600 TBD Leopardo Wildlife Associates $0 $27,200 Consulting Forester $0 TBD Total: $102,600 $104,200 Balance: $43, $2, Grant Opportunities USFS Awarded Aug 2014 $400,000 Phase II acquisition EEM Applied July 2015 $800,000 Phase II acquisition FRGP Applied March 2015 $509,309 Road Upgrade/Decommissioning (total 0.85 miles) Natural Resources Agency - River Parkways Program Department of Parks and Recreation - Recreational Trails Program Due September 1 TBD Trail Construction Due September 15 TBD Trail and Facility Construction

6 Vision for Public Access and Recreation: TRAIL PLAN GOALS AND OBJECTIVES July 9, DRAFT The supports active living and enhances quality of life by providing high-quality recreational opportunities with a network of access points and trails that are compatible with forest stewardship, resource conservation, and a working forest. GOALS OBJECTIVES Comments/Suggestions Provide multiple access points with parking and other support facilities where appropriate. Provide a combination of multi-use and single-use trails with a range of challenge levels. Provide accessible trails near access points where feasible based on Goal #1: Provide an integrated terrain and other constraints. trail system for a diversity of trail users. Provide trail connectivity between different portions of the community forest. Establish standards for trail development and maintenance. Coordinate with the Humboldt County Planning and Building Department to incorporate proposed long-term access points into appropriate planning documents. Goal #2: Promote a safe and secure environment for families and visitors of all ages and abilities. Plan to avoid user conflicts by designing trails with consideration for appropriate trail widths, passing areas, visibility, and signage. Develop an ordinance with appropriate rules and regulations. Encourage appropriate trail etiquette with signs, brochures, and other methods. Provide regular safety patrols with a combination of staff presence and volunteer eyes and ears. Coordinate with Humboldt Bay Fire, the Humboldt County Sheriff s Office, and mutual aid agencies. Perform consistent trail inspections and maintenance based on established standards. Ensure safety for trail users during harvest operations. Page 1 July 9, DRAFT

7 Goal #3: Protect the community forest s natural and cultural resources. Goal #4: Provide a trail information system. Goal #5: Foster partnerships with community members, the Volunteer Trail Stewards, and other organizations to assist with trail development and maintenance. Goal #6: Promote trail-oriented tourism and special events. Goal #7: Pursue linkages with other trails and recreational facilities. TRAIL PLAN GOALS AND OBJECTIVES July 9, DRAFT Evaluate sensitive resources including rare species and important habitat areas and features. Design and maintain trails to avoid impacts to forest resources and landscape constraints. Design and maintain trails to discourage short-cutting. Design and maintain trails to avoid impacts to adjacent property. Provide interpretation to encourage appreciation of the forest s resources and voluntary practices to avoid impacts. Develop and implement a uniform signage system for trails and access points. Develop trail maps in a variety of physical and digital forms. Execute a Memorandum of Agreement with the Humboldt Trails Council for assistance by the Volunteer Trail Stewards. Develop staffing capacity to provide coordination and oversight of volunteer work. Maintain a working list of volunteer projects. Develop opportunities for financial donations to be applied directly to specific trail projects. Develop guidelines for trail-related events. Coordinate with organizations that promote local and regional tourism. Evaluate potential connections with the Headwaters Forest and the Humboldt Bay Trail. Pursue collaboration opportunities with Sequoia Park Zoo. Page 2 July 9, DRAFT

8 Secondary L L S S S S L L S Proposed Access Points Map Prepared: May 14, 2015 Humboldt County Public Works Imagery: USDA NAIP 2014 All locations are approximate. PRELIMINARY DRAFT 0 1,000 2,000 Feetμ Legend Color Type Use Arterial Multi-use Multi-use Secondary Pedestrian-only ADA Path Access Points S = short-term development L = long-term development McKayTract Map # 1