5.14 RECREATION EXISTING CONDITIONS. Parks and Recreation Areas. Public Parks and Recreation Facilities. Inyo County Parks and Recreation

Transcription

1 5.14 RECREATION This section of the environmental impact report (EIR) describes and evaluates potential impacts to existing and future parks and recreation facilities in Inyo County EXISTING CONDITIONS Inyo County s mountains and valleys provide a variety of recreational opportunities. Most of the land in the County is under public ownership, and public agencies have developed campgrounds, recreation areas, parks, and wilderness areas, which focus on the unique recreational opportunities within Inyo County. 1 The proposed Project consists of combined use-routes for off-highway vehicles (OHVs) use throughout Inyo County including the City of Bishop for non-street-legal OHV use under certain conditions. Parks and Recreation Areas Public Parks and Recreation Facilities Table , Parks and Recreation Facilities, illustrates the parks operated by the County and the City of Bishop. Inyo County Parks and Recreation The Inyo County Parks and Recreation Department manages and maintains several parks and campgrounds throughout the County. Within Inyo County, there are approximately 139 acres of parkland, including Millpond Recreation Area, Izaak Walton Park, Starlite Park, Mendenhall Park, Dehy Park in Independence, Independence Park, and Spainhower Park (formerly Lone Pine Park). 2 Figure , Parks and Recreation Facilities within Inyo County, shows the location of the parks within the upper Owens valley area of the County. City of Bishop The City of Bishop s Community Development Department manages parks and recreation services for Bishop. The City maintains two parks including Bishop City Park and Bishop Dog Park (which is located at Bishop City Park). 1 Inyo County General Plan, Recreation Element (2001). 2 Inyo County Planning Department, Elaine Kabala, Associate Planner, written communication, February 20, Provided acreage for parkland within Inyo County. Meridian Consultants ATV Adventure Trails of the Eastern Sierra

2 Table Parks and Recreation Facilities Name Location Size Description/Amenities County Parks* Bishop Millpond Recreation Area - Park 220 Sawmill Road, Bishop acres Play equipment, pond for swimming, softball fields, tennis courts, horseshoe pitching area, and gazebo with tables and barbeque. Izaak Walton Park 3600 W. Line Street, Bishop 2.10 acres Starlite Park 880 Starlite Drive, Bishop 1.0 acres Play equipment, event-size barbeque, large serving area, and a creek running through the park. ADA-accessible drinking fountain and ADA-accessible play equipment, tennis court, and picnic tables. Big Pine Mendenhall Park 370 N. School Street, Big Pine 4.79 acres Play equipment, basketball court, picnic gazebo, and horseshoe-pitching area. Independence Dehy Park Independence Park Lone Pine Spainhower Park (Formerly Lone Pine Park) Bishop Park** 435 N. Edwards Street, Independence 609 S. Edwards Street, Independence 445 N. Main Street, Lone Pine 1.38 acres Play equipment, community food prep court, horseshoe-pitching area, basketball court, restroom, and a creek running through the park acres Shaded areas and restroom acres Bishop City Park 688 N. Main Street, Bishop 44 acres Play equipment, lawn area, tennis and basketball courts, horseshoe-pitching area, gazebo, and a creek running through the park. Baseball fields, children s play structures, tennis courts, public pool, 14-piece outdoor fitness center, shade structure, benches, bocce court, community garden, arboretum, and pond. The Bishop Dog park is located at Bishop City Park. Sources: Inyo County Parks and Recreation, Inyo County Parks (2012), Inyo County Planning Department, Elaine Kabala, Associate Planner, written communication, provided acreage for parkland within Inyo County February 20, 2014; and City of Bishop, Parks and Recreation (2013), Note: *Inyo County Parks and Recreation Department operates and maintains the parks listed. **The Bishop City Park is operated and maintained by the City of Bishop Community Services Department. Meridian Consultants ATV Adventure Trails of the Eastern Sierra

3 Bishop City Park, located in downtown Bishop, spans 44 acres 3 and includes a city pool, skate park, multiuse sports fields, dog park, outdoor fitness center, and a community garden (see Table ). The Bishop Dog Park, currently undergoing development, will create an environment that is well maintained and fenced, allowing off-leash dogs to exercise and play. Bishop Dog Park is being developed in stages and will eventually include benches, play equipment, shade structures, and trees. 4 Bureau of Land Management The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Bishop Field Office manages approximately 750,000 acres in Inyo and Mono Counties. 5 Specifically, the Owens Valley Management Area (OVMA) encompasses 153,750 acres containing the Alabama Hills, three developed campgrounds, and areas of dispersed recreation use. 6 District offices in Bishop, Ridgecrest, and Barstow manage BLM land within Inyo County. BLM lands are designated as closed, limited, or open to OHV use. OHV use is monitored throughout the resource area. Monitoring efforts are concentrated in Areas of Critical Environmental Concern, Wilderness Study Areas, other specially designated areas and areas incurring resource impacts. Mitigation, where needed, is applied to eliminate or reduce resource problems caused by OHV use. 7 Limited Use Areas Most of the public lands in the Eastern Sierra are managed as Semi-Primitive Motorized Opportunity. These areas have been designated as Limited Use areas. In these areas, motor vehicle use is limited to existing or designated routes of travel only. No cross-county vehicle use is allowed. 8 Semi-Primitive Motorized areas are managed to provide a predominantly natural or natural-appearing environment. Evidence of human activity, restriction, and controls are present but subtle. On-site interpretive facilities, trailheads and signing are minimal. 3 The City of Bishop, Parks and Recreation (2013). 4 The City of Bishop, Parks and Recreation (2013). 5 U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, Welcome to the Bishop Field Office (2013), 6 Lower Owens River Project Final EIR/EIS, Land Management Plan (2004). 7 U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, Bishop Resource Management Plan Record of Decision, Standard Operating Procedures (1993). 8 Bureau of Land Management, Off-Highway and Sport Utility Vehicle Travel (2014). /bishop/ohv_and_suv_info.html. Meridian Consultants ATV Adventure Trails of the Eastern Sierra

4 Points of Interest BLM points of interest that are located in the vicinity of the proposed Project s combined-use routes include the Alabama Hills Recreation Management Area, Goodale Creek Campground, Tuttle Creek Campground, and Volcanic Tableland and Fish Slough, as shown in Figure , BLM Points of Interest. Alabama Hills Recreation Management Area The Alabama Hills Recreation Management Area (AHRMA) features scenic vistas of Mount Whitney and the highest portion of the Sierra Nevada crest. The AHRMA is a popular recreation area located west of Lone Pine near the Lower Owens River area as shown in Figure Established in 1969, this 29,920- acre BLM recreation area sits just to the west and above the Lower Owens River. Using recent traffic counts (Fall 2012), BLM estimates 121,640 visits and 39,317 visitor days at AHRMA. 9 Goodale Creek Campground The Goodale Creek Campground is located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada at an elevation of 4,000 feet. 10 The campground is surrounded by Inyo Mountains and Owens Valley to the east. The campground is located 1.5 miles west of Aberdeen and approximately 10 miles north of Independence. Tuttle Creek Campground The Tuttle Creek Campground is at an elevation of 5,120 feet. 11 It is located approximately 4.5 miles from Lone Pine, surrounded by the Sierra Nevada. Specifically, Mount Whitney, Lone Pine Peak, and Mount Williamson surround the campground to the west. Alabama Hills, Owens Valley, and the Inyo Mountains are located to the east of the campground. This campground provides recreational opportunities, such as hiking and sightseeing. 9 Lower Owens River Recreation Use Plan, 2.3, (2013), US Department of the Interior (DOI), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Goodale Creek Campground (2014), 11 DOI, BLM, Tuttle Creek Campground (2013), Meridian Consultants ATV Adventure Trails of the Eastern Sierra

5 Volcanic Tableland and Fish Slough The Volcanic Tableland, located north of Chalk Bluffs Road and northwest of Bishop, receives a substantial amount of recreational use from rock climbers and those exploring nearby Native American petroglyphs. 12 The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) and BLM collaborate to manage recreation in this area. Fault-aligned springs at Fish Slough, located north of Bishop approximately 2.5 miles east of Highway 6, have created a unique biological oasis containing rare or threatened species of plants and animals. 13 The Chalk Bluffs are 5 miles long and 300 feet high. The boulders and cliffs of the fault scarps and bluffs offer excellent hunting, perching, and nesting sites for raptors. United State Forest Service Inyo National Forest The Inyo National Forest (INF) manages an estimated 776,000 acres of land within Inyo County. 14 The INF grants OHV access to nearly 2,200 miles of trails and roads that lead through a million acres of nonwilderness lands. In some of these areas, the routes reach to almost 12,000 feet in elevation, providing views of the Owens Valley, Sierra Nevada, and the Great Basin ranges. 15 Poleta OHV Area The Poleta OHV Area, located east of Bishop, is also illustrated in Figure Poleta OHV Area offers recreational OHV opportunities that connect to the proposed combined-use routes. This area, which is jointly managed by both INF and the BLM, covers 2,500 acres. In addition to the existing road network, the BLM and INF allow unrestricted cross-country travel within the Poleta OHV open-riding area. This area includes high desert at the base of the White Mountains in Owens Valley and provides OHV riding opportunities Owens Valley Land Management Plan, Recreation Management (2010). 13 Tom Schweich, Fish Slough, Inyo County, California, Eastern Mojave Vegetation (2014), /geocainyfishslough.html 14 Inyo County General Plan, Recreation Element (2001). 15 US Department of Agriculture (USDA), Forest Service, OHV Riding and Camping (2014), /activity/inyo/recreation/ohv. 16 Inyo National Forest Motorized Travel Management, Final Environmental Impact Statement, Recreation Resources (2009). Meridian Consultants ATV Adventure Trails of the Eastern Sierra

6 Privately-Owned Lands Los Angeles Department of Water and Power The LADWP owns extensive land in the Owens Valley that is largely open for public recreational use, as shown in Figure 3.0-3, Land Ownership Map. LADWP-owned lands offer a broad array of recreational opportunities to Owens Valley residents and have become a recreational destination for domestic and international travelers. In recent years, recreational use in the Eastern Sierra has grown rapidly, largely due to the vast range of recreational pursuits available, including rock climbing, fishing, hunting, hiking, biking, OHV driving, and wildlife viewing. 17 Camping on LADWP property is only allowed in LADWP-designated campgrounds in the Eastern Sierra. No dispersed camping is permitted on LADWP-managed lands. 18 LADWP coordinates with the INF and the BLM to discourage dispersed camping on LADWP lands. Hotels, Campgrounds, and RV Parks Inyo County has numerous hotels, campgrounds, and RV parks. Hotels As shown in Table , Hotels within Inyo County, there are 45 hotels in the northern portion of Inyo County where the proposed combined use routes are located. These hotels provide a total of 1,343 rooms for visitors to the area. Based on an average of two guests per hotel room, these hotels combined can accommodate up to 2,686 guests at full capacity. Campgrounds As shown in Table , Campgrounds within 20 Miles of the Project Area, there are 48 campgrounds located in the northern portion of Inyo County where the proposed combined-use routes are located (approximately 20-mile radius). These campgrounds provide a total of 1,719 spaces for campers visiting the area. Locations of campgrounds are illustrated in Figure , Campgrounds within 20 Miles of the Project Area. As shown, Inyo County operates nine of the 48 campgrounds. Additionally, there are 47 public campgrounds; 37 campgrounds are federal (USFS and BLM) and the remaining 10 campgrounds are 17 Owens Valley Management Plan, Recreation Management (2010). 18 Owens Valley Management Plan, Recreation Management (2010). Meridian Consultants ATV Adventure Trails of the Eastern Sierra

7 County operated and leased from LADWP. The remaining campgrounds are privately owned by LADWP and run through concessionaires. Campgrounds throughout Inyo County are listed in Table RV Parks Along with campgrounds, there are 11 private RV parks within Inyo County, as illustrated in Table RV Parks near the Project Area. All of the RV parks are privately owned and operated. In total, these RV parks provide a total of 541 spaces for RV campers visiting the area. RV parks also provide temporary housing for some of the area s workforce. Locations of campgrounds are illustrated in Figure , RV Parks near the Project Area. Table Hotels within Inyo County Map No. Hotel Name Location Bishop Number of Rooms 1 Americas Best Value Inn 192 Short Street, Bishop 25 2 Bishop Elms Motel 233 East Elm Street, Bishop 9 3 Best Western Bishop Lodge 1025 N. Main Street, Bishop 89 4 Bishop Creek Lodge 2100 South Lake Road, Bishop 12 5 Bishop Village Motel 286 West Elm Street, Bishop 17 6 Cardinal Village Resort 321 Cardinal Road, Bishop 13 7 Chalfant House 213 Academy Ave, Bishop 28 8 Comfort Inn Bishop 805 N. Main Street, Bishop 54 9 Creekside Inn 725 Main Street, Bishop Days Inn 724 W. Line Street, Bishop El Rancho Motel 274 Lagoon Street, Bishop Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites 636 N. Main Street, Bishop Joseph House Inn Bed & Breakfast 376 W. Yaney Street, Bishop 6 14 Keough's Hot Springs 800 Keough's Hot Springs Road, Bishop 5 15 La Quinta Inn Bishop 651 N. Main Street, Bishop Motel N. Main Street, Bishop Mountain View Motel 730 West Line Street, Bishop Parchers Resort 5001 South Lake Road, Bishop Ramada Limited Bishop 155 E. Elm Street, Bishop Rodeway Inn 150 E. Elm Street, Bishop Super 8 Motel 535 S. Main Street, Bishop Thunderbird Motel 190 West Pine Street, Bishop Trees Motel 796 West Line Street, Bishop Townhouse Motel 625 N. Main Street, Bishop Vagabond Inn Bishop 1030 N. Main Street, Bishop 80 Meridian Consultants ATV Adventure Trails of the Eastern Sierra

8 Map No. Hotel Name Location Big Pine Number of Rooms 26 Big Pine Resort Cottages 505 S. Main Street, Big Pine 5 27 Big Pine Motel 370 S. Main Street, Big Pine Bristlecone Motel 101 N. Main Street, Big Pine Glacier Lodge PO Box 307, Big Pine 4 30 Starlight Motel 511 S. Main Street, Big Pine 63 Aberdeen No Lodging Independence 31 Independence Inn 440 S. Edwards Street, Independence 6 32 Independence Courthouse Motel 157 N. Edwards Street, Independence 5 33 Mt. Williamson Motel 515 S. Edwards Street, Independence 6 34 Ray's Den Motel 405 N. Edwards Street, Independence 8 35 Winnedumah Hotel 211 N. Edwards Street, Independence 5 Lone Pine 36 Best Western Plus Frontier Motel 1008 S. Main Street, Lone Pine Comfort Inn Lone Pine 1920 S. Main Street, Lone Pine De La Cour Ranch 5000 Horseshoe Meadow Road, Lone Pine 1 39 Dow Villa Motel 310 S. Main Street, Lone Pine Lone Pine Budget Inn & Motel 138 W. Willow Street, Lone Pine National 9 Trails Motel (The Trails Motel) 633 S. Main Street, Lone Pine Mt. Whitney Motel 305 N. Main Street, Lone Pine The Portal Motel 425 S. Main Street, Lone Pine Timberline Motel 215 E. Post Street, Lone Pine 8 45 Whitney Portal Store & Hostel 238 S. Main Street, Lone Pine 13 Total Rooms 1,343 Sources: Bishop Chamber of Commerce, Lodging (2012), and Thunderbird Motel, Great Value Lodgings in Bishop California (2014), Bishop Town House Motel (2014), Big Pine Resort Cottages (2014), Independence Inn (2014), Mount Williamson Motel (2012), Winnedumah Hotel, Independence, CA (2014), Lone Pine Chamber of Commerce, Lodging (2014), Timberline Motel, Location (2014), Whitney Portal Store & Hostel, Whitney Hostel & Hotel (2013), Tecopa Hot Springs Resort (2006), Meridian Consultants ATV Adventure Trails of the Eastern Sierra

9 Table Campgrounds within 20 Miles of the Project Area Map No. Campground Name Ownership/Operator Number of Spaces Bishop 1 Aspen Meadow Group Campground USFS - INF 1 2 Big Trees Campground USFS - INF 16 3 Bishop Park Campground USFS - INF 20 4 Bishop Park Group Campground USFS - INF 1 5 Bitterbrush Campground USFS - INF 30 6 Brown s Millpond Campground County 60 7 Brown s Owens River Campground County 75 8 Brown s Town Campground County Forks Campground USFS - INF Four Jeffrey Campground USFS - INF Holiday Campground USFS - INF Horton Creek Campground BLM Intake Two Campground USFS - INF 8 14 North Lake Campground USFS - INF Pleasant Valley Campground County Table Mountain Campground USFS - INF 1 17 Willow Campground USFS - INF 7 Big Pine 18 Baker Creek Campground County Big Pine Canyon Group Camp Sites USFS - INF 2 20 Big Pine Creek Campground USFS - INF Birch Campground USFS - INF * 22 First Falls Campground USFS - INF 5 23 Fossil Campground USFS - INF * 24 Glacier View Campground (Big Pine Triangle) County Grandview Campground USFS - INF Juniper Campground USFS - INF * 27 Pinon Campground USFS - INF * 28 Poleta Campground USFS - INF * 29 Sage Flat Campground USFS - INF Second Falls Campground USFS - INF * 31 Tinemaha Campground County Upper Sage Flat Campground USFS - INF 20 Death Valley Road No Campgrounds Meridian Consultants ATV Adventure Trails of the Eastern Sierra

10 Map No. Campground Name Ownership/Operator Number of Spaces Aberdeen No Campgrounds Independence 33 Goodale Creek Campground BLM Independence Creek Campground County Fort Independence Indian Reservation Campground Tribal Government Grays Meadow Campgrounds (Lower and Upper)** USFS - INF Onion Valley Campground USFS - INF Symmes Creek Campground BLM * 39 Taboose Creek Campground County 50 Lone Pine 40 Horseshoe Meadows Campground USFS - INF Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead Campground USFS - INF Diaz Lake Campground County Horseshoe Meadows Equestrian Camp USFS - INF Lone Pine Campground USFS - INF Whitney Portal Family Campground USFS - INF Locust Grove Campground USFS - INF * 47 Portagee Joe Campground County Tuttle Creek Campground BLM 85 Total Spaces 1,719 Sources: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Inyo National Forest, Campground Camping (2014), U.S. National Forest Campground Guide, Inyo National Forest Campgrounds (2012), The Bishop Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitor's Bureau for Bishop, California, Camping (2014), Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, Recreational Uses of City of Los Angeles Eastern Sierra Land, Campgrounds on LADWP Land (2013), Recreation.gov, Inyo National Forest, CA, US Forest Service (2014), Inyo County Parks and Recreation, Campgrounds (2012), U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, Campgrounds (2013), Note: * designates campgrounds that are walk-in, primitive, and undeveloped. Information is unavailable regarding the number of spaces within these campgrounds. ** Grays Meadow Campgrounds include Upper Grays Meadow and Lower Grays Meadow Campground. Only 31 sites are available for advance reservation. USFS = U.S. Forest Service, INF = Inyo National Forest, LADWP = Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, BLM = Bureau of Land Management Note: LADWP leases campground sites to Inyo County. Meridian Consultants ATV Adventure Trails of the Eastern Sierra

11 Table RV Parks near the Project Area Map No. RV Park Name Location Bishop 1 Creekside RV Park 2 Crowley Lake RV Park 3 Highlands RV Park 4 J Diamond Mobile Ranch 5 Keough's Hot Springs RV Parking 6 Mcgee Creek RV Park 7 Parchers Resort RV Spaces Aberdeen 8 Aberdeen Resort Lone Pine 9 Boulder Creek RV Resort 10 Olancha RV and Mobile Home Park (in Olancha on the way to Lone Pine) 11 Sierra View Mobile Home and RV Park 1949 S. Lake Road, Bishop 515 S. Landing Road, Crowley Lake (near Bishop) 2275 N. Sierra Highway, Bishop 771 N. Main Street, Bishop 800 Keough Hot Springs Road, Bishop 74 W. Park Rd, Crowley Lake (near Bishop) 5001 S. Lake Road, Bishop 150 Tinemaha Road # 106, Independence 2550 S. Highway US 395, Lone Pine 1075 S. Highway US 395, Olancha 532 N. Main Street, Lone Pine Ownership/Op erator Number of Spaces Private 49 Private 51 Private 128 Private 52 Private 10 Private 50 Private 3 Private 35 Private 103 Private 50 Private 10 Total RV Spaces 541 Sources: Bishop Chamber of Commerce, Camping, RV Parks in and around Bishop (2012), Crowley Lake RV Park (2014), Aberdeen Resort, Aberdeen Resort (2014), Lone Pine Chamber of Commerce, Lodging (2014), Olancha RV Park and Motel (2014), Meridian Consultants ATV Adventure Trails of the Eastern Sierra

12 REGULATORY SETTING Federal Regulation Bureau of Land Management Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 The Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA) of 1976 constitutes the organic act for the BLM and governs most uses of the federal public lands. 19 This act was created to establish public land policy, to establish guidelines for its administration, and to provide for the management, protection, development, and enhancement of the public lands. 20 FLPMA of 1976 has long been considered the landmark legislation that changed the operations of BLM, providing a multiple-use framework for managing the nation's public lands by focusing on the needs of both present and future generations. Under FLPMA, land managers are required to take into account the long-term needs of present and future generations as they make important decisions in the management of renewable and nonrenewable resources, including recreation, timber, minerals, watershed, fish, wildlife, rangeland, and scientific and historical values. 21 California Desert Conservation Area Plan The BLM California Desert Conservation Area (CDCA) consists of 25 million acres in Southern California. 22 The CDCA Plan is intended to be a comprehensive long-range plan for the management, use, development, and protection of the public lands within the CDCA. The plan s goal is to provide for the use of the public lands and resources of the CDCA, including economic, educational, scientific, and recreational uses, in a manner that enhances the environmental, cultural, and aesthetic values of the desert and its productivity. 23 The desert provides the resources necessary for a variety of recreational experiences. BLM provides opportunities for visitors to participate in various types of outdoor recreational experiences and benefits, based on a combination of the (1) kind of activity desired, (2) physical or locational setting, and (3) level of experiences (psychological and/or physiological). The planning tool used to consider these 19 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Habitat Conservation, Federal Resource Laws (n.d.), /habitatconservation/federal_resource.pdf. 20 DOI, BLM and Office of the Solicitor, eds., The Federal Land Policy and Management Act, as Amended (Washington, DC: BLM Office of Public Affairs, 2001), 21 DOI, BLM, Western Mojave Off Road Vehicle Designation Project: Environmental Assessment and Draft CDCA Plan Amendment (2003), 22 DOI, BLM, California Desert Conservation Area (2012), 23 California Desert Conservation Area Plan, Introduction (1980). Meridian Consultants ATV Adventure Trails of the Eastern Sierra

13 opportunities is the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS). Various recreational opportunities are grouped along a continuum of opportunities that range from intensive motorized-vehicle-oriented activities to resource-oriented activities. 24 The plan addresses motorized-vehicle play open areas, which are designated for the enjoyment and challenge of the vehicle operator. These areas feature a variety of terrain types and grade variations. Additionally, the CDCA plan discusses vehicle access, which is one of the most important recreation issues in the desert. Therefore, a primary consideration of the recreation program is to ensure that access routes necessary for recreation enjoyment are provided. Bishop Resource Management Plan The BLM has 26 resource management plans for public land in California. Within Inyo County, BLM manages the Bishop Resource Area with the Bishop Resource Management Plan, which encompasses 750,000 acres of public land in the eastern Sierra region of Inyo County and Mono County. 25 The Bishop Resource Management Plan guides the management of public lands within the resource area. There are six Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) within the Bishop Resource Management Plan area, including Fish Slough, Bodie Bowl, Travertine Hot Springs, and Crater Mountain. Under the California Desert Protection Act of 1994, 69 BLM wilderness areas were designated in Inyo County and other Southern California counties. 26 United States Forest Service (USFS) Inyo National Forest Travel Management Travel management is a priority for the USFS. The INF Travel Management proposal is part of the forest s effort to manage the transportation system to meet current and future needs. 27 INF is a popular destination for outdoor-based recreation opportunities. Annually, INF receives 3.9 million visits, making it the one of the most popular national forests in California (National Visitor Use Monitoring Survey, 2006). 28 INF is renowned for its sweeping vistas, natural and geologic variability, and variety of recreation opportunities and destinations. Activities in the INF include driving for pleasure and off-highway vehicle participation. In 2006, driving for pleasure totaled 972,582 participants, while off-highway vehicle participation totaled 70, California Desert Conservation Area Plan, Recreation Element (1980). 25 DOI BLM, Resource Management Plans for California s Public Lands (2006). 26 Inyo County General Plan, Recreation Element (2001). 27 Inyo National Forest Motorized Travel Management, Final Environmental Impact Statement (2009). 28 Inyo National Forest Motorized Travel Management, Final Environmental Impact Statement (2009). Meridian Consultants ATV Adventure Trails of the Eastern Sierra

14 participants. 29 Typical seasons of use vary greatly across the INF depending on the onset and duration of snowfall, which is mostly determined by vast differences in elevation. Inyo National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan The Land and Resource Management Plan (LRMP) manages each of the national forests. The INF LRMP, completed in 1988, contains standards and guidelines that set minimum resource conditions that must be maintained throughout INF. The LRMP seeks to provide a broad range of recreation opportunities in balance with existing and future demand. 30 The LRMP also includes directions for designating OHV routes by updating the 1977 Interagency Motor Vehicle Use Plan. Recreation resource zoning in the LRMP uses ROS as the basis inventory. The ROS provided a broad range of forest- and rangeland-related outdoor recreation opportunities. The LRMP also sets forth specific objectives that relate to OHV trails. LRMP encourages the designation of OHV trails and open areas to minimize conflicts with existing or potentially developed recreation sites, private property, special uses, adjacent wilderness, administrative areas, cultural resources, riparian areas, key wildlife habitat, and sensitive watershed areas. The LRMP permits OHV use on designated trails and routes State Regulation California State Parks Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division The California State Parks Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Division advocates managed, environmentally responsible OHV use. This division also encompasses the OHMVR Commission, which is required to periodically report to the governor and the legislature on the status of off-highway motor vehicle recreation in California. 31 The mission statement of the commission is the following: 32 [T]o provide leadership statewide in the area of off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreation; to acquire, develop, and operate state-owned vehicular recreation areas; and to otherwise provide for a statewide system of managed OHV recreational opportunities through funding to other public agencies. The OHMVR Division works to ensure quality recreational opportunities remain available for future generations by providing for education, conservation, and enforcement efforts that balance OHV recreation impacts with programs that conserve and protect cultural and natural resources. 29 Inyo National Forest Motorized Travel Management, Final Environmental Impact Statement (2009). 30 Inyo National Forest Motorized Travel Management, Final Environmental Impact Statement (2009). 31 California State Parks Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR), OHMVR Division (2014), California State Parks, OHMVR Division, Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission Program Report (2014). Meridian Consultants ATV Adventure Trails of the Eastern Sierra

15 California s OHMVR program s primary goal consists of dual central themes that (1) OHV recreation be managed to provide high-quality opportunities for OHV recreation, and that (2) OHV recreation be balanced with protecting the state s natural and cultural resources. 33 The OHMVR program seeks to provide well-managed OHV recreation, protect lands, maintain habitat, and repair damage caused by both legal and unauthorized OHV recreation. California Outdoor Recreation Plan California State Parks prepared the 2008 California Outdoor Recreation Plan (CORP), a comprehensive statewide outdoor recreation planning document that reflects the current and projected changes in California s population, trends, and economy. 34 The plan aims to accomplish the following objectives: serve as a comprehensive strategy and action guide, provide leadership, provide project selection criteria, maintain funding eligibility, and provide a source of information. A Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) is required of every state to be eligible for grants from the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act. California State Parks views CORP as the State s strategy for identifying a wide range of ways in which recreation providers can deal with obstacles and create the outdoor recreation opportunities to meet public demand now and in the coming years. California Recreation Policy The California State Park and Recreation Commission recommends recreation policy for the State. In 2005, California State Park and Recreation Commission created the California Recreation Policy, which is intended to be a broad, comprehensive policy to cover a full range of recreation activities that includes active, passive, indoors, and out-of-doors. 35 The California Recreation Policy is intended for recreation providers at all service levels: federal, State, and local agencies and special districts; private suppliers; and quasi-public or nonprofit organizations. The goal is for all suppliers of park facilities and recreation opportunities to be guided by California s Recreation Policy as they work to provide high-quality recreation experiences. 33 California State Parks, OHMVR Division, Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission Program Report (2014). 34 California State Parks, California Outdoor Recreation Plan (2008). 35 California State Parks, California Recreation Policy (2005). Meridian Consultants ATV Adventure Trails of the Eastern Sierra

16 Regional Regulation Los Angeles Department of Water and Power Lower Owens River Recreation Use Plan The Lower Owens River Recreation Use Plan is intended to provide a conceptual framework to protect the area from the unintended consequences of increased use in the absence of a common, balanced recreation vision and management strategy. 36 The plan s purpose is to support Lower Owens River Project (LORP) goals while creating opportunities for local residents and visitors to experience recreation, learn more about the ecosystem, and become active stewards of the Lower Owens River. Fishing, birding, wildlife viewing, hunting, and OHV riding are the most popular recreation activities within the LORP area. The plan also demonstrates that seasonal tourism is increasingly important to the area s economy. The plan addresses policies and regulations regarding public access. As the number of recreation users increases, clearly defined, enforceable policies will be needed to define allowable activities, overnight use restrictions, OHV/ATV restrictions, gate use, laws protecting cultural artifacts, and leave no trace principles. LADWP and Inyo County jointly manage the LORP. The public has largely unrestricted access for recreational uses during the day on City of Los Angeles owned land within the LORP planning area. Virtually all City-owned lands in the Eastern Sierra outside the towns, including those within the LORP area, are part of ranch leases. The City requires its ranch lessees to leave approximately 75 percent of their lands open to the public for recreational uses. 37 The distribution of recreational use in the LORP area is not collected, and so quantitative information on the number of recreational users in the Owens Valley and their impacts is not currently available. The information that is collected comes from LADWP and Inyo County staff involved in construction, survey, and other field work, as well as from lessees, who report to LADWP when violations of recreational use policies are observed or high concentrations of recreational uses are noted. 38 Additionally, local residents or recreational users themselves place calls to LADWP personnel. Based on these information sources, current recreational usage of the LORP area is characterized by LADWP staff as light and lowimpact, with few recreationists observed. 36 Lower Owens River Recreation Use Plan, Purpose of the Recreation Use Plan (2013). 37 Lower Owens River Project Final EIR/EIS, Recreation (2004). 38 Lower Owens River Project Final EIR/EIS, Recreation (2004). Meridian Consultants ATV Adventure Trails of the Eastern Sierra

17 Hunting, birding, and fishing are the primary recreational uses in the LORP planning area. Other recreational uses that occur in the project area include hiking, walking, sightseeing, running, bicycling, tubing, picnicking, horseback riding, OHV/4-wheeling, photography, and wildlife appreciation. 39 Vehicular travel, including OHVs, All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV), and Recreational Vehicles (RV), is limited to existing roads and trails and away from residential areas. An interagency OHV Management Group, consisting of BLM, USFS, LADWP, and Inyo County, provides a way for member agencies to coordinate efforts to manage vehicle access within their respective lands in the Owens Valley. Existing guidelines are in place for OHV use within the LORP area. For example, all OHV recreationists are expected to respect the concerns and needs of other recreational users. Since many users frequent the LORP area to fish, hunt, hike, canoe, or observe birds and other wildlife. Noise and dust from offroad vehicles can be disturbing to wildlife, livestock, plants, and soils. Care should be exercised to not use OHV near areas used by other recreationists, who are seeking a natural outdoor experience, or in close proximity to grazing operations. Owens Valley Land Management Plan The Owens Valley Land Management Plan (OVLMP) prepared by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) contains a recreation management section that sets forth goals, objectives, and tools. LADWP manages approximately 310,000 acres in Inyo and Mono Counties. 40 City of Los Angeles owned lands in Inyo County are currently managed under a multiple-use concept, with a substantial portion leased for agriculture, livestock, and other uses. As mentioned previously, LADWP allows approximately 75 percent of its leased lands to remain open to the public for recreation and enjoyment (with the exception of critical areas such as irrigated pastures). 41 These lands are also managed with a multiple-use concept, with a portion of the lands leased for agriculture, livestock, and other uses, and a portion of the leased lands made available to the public. Recreation is widespread throughout LADWP lands in the Owens Valley. Fishing, hiking, biking, OHV use, sightseeing, camping, hunting, and bird watching occur at various locations on LADWP lands, and are vital to maintaining the multiple-use nature of LADWP lands in the Owens Valley. Tourists, who come to the Owens Valley to recreate on LADWP lands, are important to the local economy Lower Owens River Project Final EIR/EIS, Recreation (2004). 40 DOI, BLM, Bishop (2013). 41 Owens Valley Management Plan, Recreation Management (2010). 42 Owens Valley Management Plan, Habitat Conservation Planning (2010). Meridian Consultants ATV Adventure Trails of the Eastern Sierra

18 Recreation management on LADWP-owned lands is mainly based on the ROS, a nationally recognized recreation management tool that is adopted by many land management agencies, including the INF and the BLM Bishop Field Office. The recreational management tool provides a framework for categorizing and defining classes of outdoor recreation environments, activities, and experience opportunities. As mentioned previously, the ROS arranges experiences and opportunities along a continuum divided into six classes: (1) primitive, (2) semi-primitive non-motorized, (3) semi-primitive motorized, (4) roaded natural, (5) rural, and (6) urban. The ROS classes that apply to recreation opportunities on LADWPmanaged lands include semi-primitive motorized and roaded natural areas, characterized by: Maintaining a natural-appearing environment, with few, if any, developments. Hosting a low to moderate concentration of users, with little evidence of human use (including litter, formal parking areas, and sanitation facilities, etc.). Providing adequate management and controls with minimal signage and/or formal facilities (if facilities, such as toilets, kiosks, etc., are needed, they shall blend with the surrounding environment). Permitting vehicle use on designated roadways only, prohibiting off-road vehicle use. The OVLMP indicates that OHV use on LADWP-owned lands is limited to existing roads and trails, away from residential areas. OHVs should not be used to create new roads and trails or damage existing vegetation. The OVLMP also encourages recreation users to take extra caution when using OHVs in areas where livestock are present. The OVLMP advises that OHV use, like any recreational use on City of Los Angeles owned lands, is done at the user s risk. Additionally, OHV use, use of firearms, and any other potentially disturbing recreational activities are not permitted near livestock or in their pastures. The plan also contains recreation management tools for LADWP to prevent unauthorized off-highway vehicle use, which include the following: Install and maintain appropriate signage where violations are known to occur. Produce and distribute educational brochures and flyers about LADWP policies and resource concerns. Post recreational policies on LADWP website. Conduct periodic controls of problem areas and report violations to local authorities. Meridian Consultants ATV Adventure Trails of the Eastern Sierra

19 Install barricades to prevent access to problem areas. Designate area for localized OHV use. The junction of Poleta Road and the Owens River experiences a high degree of recreational use throughout the year, including OVH use, fishing, and float tubing. Resource damage is mostly due to vehicles parking on the banks and unauthorized OHV use on the sand dunes, which are located directly west of this junction. Recreation management in this area is a high priority because the river is sustaining direct impact from recreational uses. However, recreational uses would not be restricted in this area because it is a popular location Local Regulations Inyo County General Plan The recreation section from the Conservation/Open Space Element addresses the County s parks and recreation needs, management of parks and use of these facilities, and the expansion of additional park resources. The Recreation section of the Conservation/Open Space Element also contains general recreationrelated goals, objectives, and implementation measures. The goal set forth in the Recreation section is the development of a public parks, recreation, and open space system that provides adequate space and facilities to meet the varied needs of County residents and visitors. 43 The applicable policies of the Recreation goal include: Policy REC-1.1 Natural Environment as Recreation: Encourage the use of the natural environment for passive recreational opportunities. Implementation Measure 1.0: Work with federal and state agencies that manage land with Inyo County to ensure that appropriate access to open space and recreational areas is provided for all sectors of the population, including those with special needs. Policy REC-1.2 Recreational Opportunities on Federal, State, and LADWP Lands: Encourage the continued management of existing recreation areas and open space and appropriate expansion of new recreational opportunities. 43 Inyo County General Plan, Conservation/Open Space Element (2001). Meridian Consultants ATV Adventure Trails of the Eastern Sierra

20 Policy REC-1.4 Adequate Parkland: The County shall provide adequate parkland throughout the County. The County shall require parkland dedication and/or developer impact fees for new subdivisions within the County to provide adequate recreation space for residents. Policy REC-1.6 Range of Recreational Activities/Facilities: The County shall provide for a broad range of active and passive recreational activities in community parks designed to accommodate populations with special needs, such as the elderly, disabled, children, and teenagers. When possible, this should include active sports fields and facilities in community parks that will provide for the needs of leagues and programs. City of Bishop General Plan The City s Parks and Recreation Element provides goals and policies to provide for the recreational needs of Bishop s residents. The following goals relate to the proposed Project: to increase outdoor recreational opportunities and recreational use of the area s vast open space resources, and to prevent the degradation of the City s and area s recreational resources. 44 A recreation policy applicable to the proposed Project states: The City shall cooperate with Inyo County, State, and Federal agencies to assure that regional parks and recreational facilities are provided and maintained in the Bishop area THRESHOLDS OF SIGNIFICANCE In order to assist in determining whether a project would have a significant effect on the environment, the City determines a project may be deemed to have a significant impact on recreation if it would: Increase the use of existing neighborhood and regional parks or other recreational facilities such that substantial physical deterioration of the facility would occur or be accelerated? Include recreational facilities or require the construction or expansion of recreational facilities, which might have an adverse physical effect on the environment? Potential recreation impacts that were determined to be less than significant or have no impact are discussed in Section 7.1, Effects Found Not to Be Significant. 44 City of Bishop General Plan, Conservation/Open Space Element (1993). 45 City of Bishop General Plan, Conservation/Open Space Element (1993). Meridian Consultants ATV Adventure Trails of the Eastern Sierra

21 METHODOLOGY PROJECT IMPACTS The environmental impact analysis presented below is based on determinations made in the Initial Study (IS) for impacts considered to be potentially significant and for impacts identified by reviewing agencies, organizations, or individuals commenting on the Notice of Preparation (NOP) as potentially significant (see Responses to NOP, Appendix 2.0-d) Increase the use of existing neighborhood and regional parks or other recreational facilities such that substantial physical deterioration of the facility would occur or be accelerated Impact Analysis The proposed Project would not involve the construction of a new development and would not result in a temporary increase in population as a result of construction. As stated in Section 5.12, Population and Housing, The proposed Project would result in a temporary increase in transient population. The estimated peak for transient OHV users during the peak season (March 21 through June 21 and September 1 through October 31), would be 1,046 OHV users and during off-peak season (June 22 through August 31), would be 523 OHV users. Inyo County has numerous parks and other recreational opportunities within the vicinity of the proposed Project routes. Approximately 98 percent of land is public land, which provides significant open space and recreation for residents and tourists. The Inyo County General Plan states that the County will maintain a level of service standard of 3 acres per 1,000 residents for community parks. 46 Within in the County, there are 139 acres of parkland for approximately 18,573 residents, which results in 7.48 acres per 1,000 residents. 47 Parkland is ample, exceeding the County s standard by 4.48 acres. To accommodate an additional temporary population of 1,046 OHV users to the County, the County would need approximately 0.4 acres of parkland per 1,000 residents to maintain the current ratio of 7.48 acres per 1,000 residents. During the peak season, this would result in a ratio of 7.08 acres of 46 Inyo County General Plan, Conservation/Open Space Element (2001). 47 California Department of Finance, E-5: Population and Housing Estimate for Cities, Counties, and the State, with 2010 Census Benchmark (2013), The data indicates that there were 18,573 residents in Inyo County in ,573 residents/1,000 = ; 139 acres of parkland/ = 7.48 acres of parkland per 1,000 residents. Meridian Consultants ATV Adventure Trails of the Eastern Sierra

22 parkland per 1,000 residents during peak season; which would be within the County s standards. 48 Campgrounds around the Birch Creek area include Taboose Creek Campground and Tinemaha Campground. As previously indicated, Taboose Creek Campground has 50 camping spaces; Tinemaha Campground provides 55 spaces. Although these campgrounds often overflow on spring and fall weekends, the multitude of other campgrounds throughout the Project area provides adequate parkland to accommodate the anticipated increase. If the OHV resident users are combined with the transient OHV users during peak season, a maximum amount of 1,231 OHV users would use recreational amenities. When resident OHV users are factored into OHV user rates, the parkland ratio of 7.08 acres of parkland per 1,000 residents would be maintained; as they have been accounted for in the current County ratio of 7.48 per 1,000 residents. Therefore the temporary increase in the use of recreational facilities by the proposed Project s OHV users at any one particular park or facility would be less than significant. Peak OHV season occurs March 21 through June 21, and September 1 to October 31. Off-peak season for OHV recreational use occurs June 22 through August 31, and November 1 to March 20. Due to the seasonal use of OHV riding, use of facilities would be temporary and short term; it would be dispersed throughout the County, depending on which areas the OHV users would utilize. Given that the use would be seasonal, it would not result in substantial physical deterioration of recreational facilities, including campgrounds and parks. Impacts to existing neighborhood and regional parks or other recreation facilities such that substantial physical deterioration of the facility would occur or be accelerated would be less than significant. The proposed Project complies with the recreation goal and several of the recreation policies established in the Inyo County General Plan Open Space and Conservation Element. The proposed Project aims to expand and connect current OHV recreational opportunities, which is further discussed in Section The implementation of the proposed Project could result in increased recreational use in the proposed Project routes, but this increase would not be expected to cause significant adverse impacts. The increase in recreational opportunities due to the proposed Project s increased connectivity would likely attract a greater number of recreational users to the proposed Project routes during the peak OHV season compared to existing conditions. The maximum number of OHV users that may be attracted to 48 Resident OHV user population is accounted for in the general population of 18,573. Meridian Consultants ATV Adventure Trails of the Eastern Sierra

23 the area and use the proposed Project routes during peak season (March 21 to June 21 and September 1 to October 31) is estimated to be 1,046 users. The temporary population growth would result in the proposed Project would contribute an additional 1,406 average daily trips over the six areas during peak seasons (March 21 through June 21, and September 1 through October 31), and an additional 805 average daily trips over the six areas during off-peak seasons (June 22 through August 31, and November 1 through March 20). This corresponds to an average increase in OHV use throughout the proposed network of combined-use routes of approximately 2.7 percent during peak season, and 1.35 percent during the off-peak season. These relatively low increases in ridership would not result in a concentration of usage in any one area, and existing facilities would be adequate to serve both current and projected demand. Additionally, OHV users would be utilizing open space provided throughout the County by a wide range of providers (federal, State, and local facilities). Therefore, increase in visitor use would not cause a deterioration of existing facilities or necessitate expanded recreational facilities. Impacts would be less than significant. Mitigation Measures No mitigation is required. Level of Significance after Mitigation Impacts would be less than significant Inclusion of recreational facilities or requirement for construction or expansion of recreational facilities which might have an adverse physical effect on the environment Impact Analysis While, the proposed Project would not result in significant permanent population growth, the proposed Project would provide new recreational opportunities by improving connectivity between existing roads and trailheads. Even with increased OHV users, the County would maintain a ratio of 7.08 acres of parkland per 1,000 residents, which exceeds the County s standard by 4.48 acres. As stated in Section 5.12, Population and Housing, any increase in transient population would be temporary and seasonal, with peaks occurring from March 21 through June 1, and September 1 through October 31. Therefore, the proposed Project would not result in the requirement for construction or the Meridian Consultants ATV Adventure Trails of the Eastern Sierra

24 expansion of existing recreational facilities, which may have an adverse physical effect on the environment. As shown in Table , Table , and Table , hotels, campgrounds, and RV parks provide temporary housing for OHV visitors. Increased OHV use has the potential to increase the use of area campgrounds and an increase in OHV use on other public lands. However, the proposed Project would increase the number of OHV users to 1,046. Assuming 10 percent of the campground spaces are occupied by OHV users and there are 4 OHV users per camping space, OHV users would occupy 688 campground spaces; 1,031 campground spaces would be remaining. 49. The current availability of hotel rooms, camping spaces, and RV spaces is adequate to accommodate any increase in OHV use. The designation of combined-use routes would expand OHV recreation opportunities in Inyo County by providing connectivity and enabling OHV recreationists to access public services within area communities. County and City of Bishop parks could be utilized as staging areas for OHVs, and some of the parks are near the vicinity of the proposed Project routes. The proposed Project would aim to provide restricted access to reduce OHV trespass on private land. By increasing authorized access to specific recreation areas and by including appropriate signage per Assembly Bill (AB) 628, the proposed Project would provide connectivity to OHV users, reducing the unauthorized use of routes that help OHVs access remote recreation areas. The proposed Project does not include a residential or park development component. The proposed Project would not result in population growth, which would necessitate the expansion or construction of additional parks and recreational facilities. Impacts would be less than significant. Mitigation Measures No mitigation is required. Level of Significance after Mitigation Impacts would be less than significant. 49 Note: There are a total 1,719 campground spaces within the County. This number does not include all walk-in campgrounds or dispersed camping total campground spaces x 4 OHV users per campground space = 6, percent of 6,876 = 688 campground spaces = 1,031 campgrounds spaces remaining. Meridian Consultants ATV Adventure Trails of the Eastern Sierra

25 INDIRECT IMPACTS Impact Analysis As stated in Section 5.12, Population and Housing, the proposed Project would not involve development that would induce permanent population growth. As stated previously, transient OHV population when combined with resident OHV population during peak season would be approximately 1,231 OHV riders (1,046 transient OHV users and 185 resident OHV riders), and during off-peak season would be 708 OHV riders (523 transient OHV users and 185 resident OHV riders). All transient OHV population is expected to occur within County lands. However, indirect demand on surrounding recreational areas (campgrounds and RV parks) may occur. Any increase in indirect population growth in surrounding lands would be short term and temporary, and would not induce substantial permanent population growth. Any limits on the rental of campground spaces, RV spaces and other lodging areas would be limited or restricted by the applicable landowner or agency, and impacts would be less than significant. Indirect impacts would be less than significant. Mitigation Measures No mitigation is required. Level of Significance after Mitigation Indirect Impacts would be less than significant CUMULATIVE IMPACTS Impact Analysis As noted in Section 4.0, Environmental Setting, the related projects are a combination of potential, proposed, and future projects, along with applicable planning. The related projects would not directly result in the addition of new residents or the development of residential units because recreational facilities are generally directly affected by an increase in resident population. When combined with the proposed Project, related projects would result in approximately 80,000 square feet of hotel and casino space, approximately 13,273.5 acres of industrial space (mostly solar facilities), and 54.7 acres of ranch space. The proposed Project, along with related projects, would not result in cumulative significant increase in the use of existing parks and would not contribute to acceleration in the physical deterioration of these facilities. Meridian Consultants ATV Adventure Trails of the Eastern Sierra

26 As mentioned previously, the County aims to maintain level of service standard of 3 acres per 1,000 residents for community parks. 50 Because related projects, when considered with the proposed Project, would not create an increase in the permanent population, the current ratio of 7.48 acres per 1,000 residents would remain the same. 51 Cumulative impacts would be less than significant. Mitigation Measures No mitigation measures are required. Level of Significance after Mitigation Cumulative impacts would be less than significant. 50 Inyo County General Plan, Conservation/Open Space Element (2001). 51 California Department of Finance, E-5: Population and Housing Estimate (2013). The data indicates that there were 18,573 residents in Inyo County in ,573 residents/1,000 = ; 139 acres of parkland/ = 7.48 acres of parkland per 1,000 residents. Meridian Consultants ATV Adventure Trails of the Eastern Sierra

27 TINNEMAHA RD Aberdeen Wyman Canyon Rd Silver Canyon Rd 4 Bishop Area BLACK CYN RD 5 Death Valley Road Area Big Pine Area DEATH VALLEY RD Aberdeen Area DIVISION CREEK RD Independence Area 6 FOOTHILL RD 7 Lone Pine Area SOURCE: Inyo County Parks and Recreation Department ; City of Bishop ; Google Earth LEGEND Project Routes Parks and Recreation 1 Millpond Recreation Area - Park 2 Izaak Walton Park 3 Bishop City Park (city owned) 4 Starlite Park 5 Mendenhall Park 6 Dehy Park 7 Independence Park 8 Spainhower Park N FIGURE Parks and Recreation Facilities within Inyo County

28 FOOTHILL RD Aberdeen Silver Canyon Rd Wyman Canyon Rd 4 Bishop Area BLACK CYN RD Death Valley Road Area Big Pine Area DEATH VALLEY RD Aberdeen Area 5 TINNEMAHA RD DIVISION CREEK RD Independence Area Lone Pine Area LEGEND Project Routes Points of Interest Volcanic Tableland 2 Fish Slough Area 3 Horton Creek Campground 4 Poleta OHV Area 5 Goodale Creek Campground 6 Alabama HIlls 7 Tuttle Creek Campground N SOURCE: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, Bishop Field Office FIGURE BLM Points of Interest

29 Aberdeen Lone Pine Area Death Valley Road Area Wyman Canyon Rd DEATH VALLEY RD Aberdeen Area Independence Area Silver Canyon Rd BLACK CYN RD Big Pine Area TINNEMAHA RD DIVISION CREEK RD FOOTHILL RD Bishop Area LEGEND # Map Key Number Project Routes Campgrounds SOURCE: Inyo County Planning Department ; U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service ; Google Earth N APPROXIMATE SCALE IN FEET FIGURE Campgrounds within 20 Miles of the Project Area

30 FOOTHILL RD TINNEMAHA RD Aberdeen Wyman Canyon Rd Silver Canyon Rd Bishop Area BLACK CYN RD Death Valley Road Area Big Pine Area DEATH VALLEY RD Aberdeen Area DIVISION CREEK RD Independence Area Lone Pine Area LEGEND # Map Key Number RV Park Project Routes N APPROXIMATE SCALE IN MILES SOURCE: Google Earth FIGURE RV Parks near the Project Area