Sibley LUPA Board Executive Committee Meeting December 7, 2017
Project Location & Project Area
1,318-acre Robert Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve Project Area
Purpose Project Purpose & Goals Append the 1985 LUPD to incorporate the Western Hills and McCosker sub-areas and developed local trails into Robert Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve Preserve the rich heritage of natural and cultural resources and provide open space, trails, and safe and healthful recreation and environmental education in accordance with the District 2013 Master Plan Goals Maintain the natural ecology of the project area and enhance ecosystem functioning in key locations Incorporate climate adaptation and resiliency strategies into creek restoration actions, recreational facility design, and program development Maintain and augment existing public recreation and interpretive opportunities within the project area
Preserve Sub-area Proposed Recreation Amenities Repair & repave Old Tunnel Road Trail use change to add bike use to connect to bike use trails Expand parking at Main Sibley Staging Area from 34 55 spaces & extend water line to existing backpack camp site Close, restore & realign trail segment
Western Hills Sub-area Recreation Amenities Wilder Park with dedicated parking for Sibley Preserve Red Tail Hawk Staging Area 19 cars & 2 horse trailers Multi-use Ranch Road Trail Connection to Sibley Preserve NEW 4-6 Wide Multi-use Trails Linking Sibley Preserve to McCosker and Huckleberry Multi-use Ranch Road Trail Connection to Sibley Preserve Multi-use 4-6 Wide Trail Connection to Sibley Preserve 389-Acre Conservation Easement
Huckleberry Proposed Trails Close, restore & realign trail segment Construct new 4-6 wide trail for hikers and equestrians
McCosker Sub-area
Existing Site Conditions Open creek channel Fill Terraces from Prior Land Uses Proposed Developed Recreation Site Failed culverts Proposed Creek Restoration Site
Potential Recreation Sites Kitchen Orchard Terrace (Lower Terrace) and Fiddleneck Field (Middle Terrace) Fern View Terrace (Upper Terrace)
Technical Study Findings for McCosker Sub-area
Technical Studies - Preliminary Stream Assessment Findings Soils & Geology Disturbed areas contain 7-30 feet of fill material with an average depth of 20-25 feet It will be possible to balance cut and fill material on-site Stream channel fill material is suitable for onsite reuse Stream design can be designed to include habitat features suitable The gradient for of rainbow the stream s trout main including stem is about : 6 % A mix of cascades, resting pools, and spawning sites Over summering pools with a minimum depth of 1.5 feet A low flow channel 8-12 feet wide Circulation Primary access into the site can accommodate an allweather surface off Pinehurst Rd. and the stream restoration work
Options Considered
Comparative Development Areas Temescal Building & Parking - 0.9 acre Capacity: 130 people, 28 cars Redwood Group Camp 0.7 Acre (capacity : 50 people, 10 cars) Tilden Botanic Garden Building & Parking -10 acres Capacity: Tours 20 people, 20-40 cars Trudeau Meeting Facility Building & Parking - 1.3 Acres Capacity:164 people, capacity 30 cars
Community Input for McCosker Sub-area Top Community Rankings: Stream Ecology, Restoration & Streamoriented Nature Programs Parking & Access Trails & Trail Activities Community Camping Preferences Backpack Camps Overnight Group Camp - Rustic - Tents on the Ground Top Community Trail Connections: Trail Connection to Huckleberry Trail Connection to Sibley Ridgeline Access to Quiet, Peaceful Spaces
Concept Plan Focus Creek Restoration & Rustic Developed Recreation Areas Master Plan goals of balancing conservation with recreation & interpretive activities Community preferences for creek restoration & limited recreation facility development Site constraints including: Degraded creek system with opportunities to enhance habitat Limited site access Limited opportunities for parking Water availability limited no connections to City water systems Limited sewage management capabilities - no connections to City sewage systems
McCosker Sub-area Recommendations
McCosker Sub-area Watershed Creek Restoration & Developed Recreation Area
Creek Restoration Recommendations Options Presented at January 2017 Community Meeting Restore & enhance 1,900 linear feet of creek, tributaries, and adjacent uplands in the McCosker sub-area Revised Recommendations Restore enhance 2,900 linear feet of creek, tributaries, and adjacent uplands in the McCosker sub-area
Camping Recommendations Options Presented at January 2017 Community Meeting Provide a combined group camp and interpretive program area within previously disturbed areas for up to 75 people with parking for up to 25 cars by reservation only Revised Recommendations Provide a combined group camp/backpack camp area and interpretive program area within previously disturbed areas for up to 50 people with parking for up to 26 cars by reservation only
McCosker Sub-area Proposed Concept Plan Open existing 4-6 wide trail for hikers, bicyclists, equestrians and dogs on leash Open existing ranch road trails for hikers, bicyclists, equestrians, & dogs on leash Creek restoration & developed recreation area Rename 10-car staging area Eastport Staging Area Construct new 4-6 wide trail for hikers, equestrians, & dogs on leash Infrastructure Improvements 3,200 lf of new water line to serve recreation area, 4,000 gallon water tank & water treatment system Underground utility lines & emergency phone service at Fiddleneck Field
Proposed Restoration & Recreation Concept Plan -McCosker Sub-area Develop Fern View Terrace (Upper Terrace) as a picnic & interpretive site Develop Kitchen Orchard Terrace (Lower Terrace) & Fiddleneck Field (Middle Terrace) as a combined group campsite & interpretive program area for up to 50 people Improve circulation including 3 new bridges, & ADA trails to provide access throughout developed recreation area Restore 2,900 linear feet of creek channel & riparian habitat
Project Trail Recommendations
Proposed Trail Recommendations Options Presented at January 2017 Community Meeting Expand existing trail system taking into consideration hiking, biking, equestrian and dog walking opportunities recognizing that not all trails will be available for all trail uses Revised Recommendations Expanded trail system would include: No change to existing trail uses in the Preserve, except a section of Round Top where bikes will be added to connect to other bike-allowed trails to make connections to Orinda Multi-use trails -hike, bike, horse, dogs on leash in Western Hills accordance with Conservation easement allowable uses No dogs, bikes, or horses along Alder Creek Nature Trail Dogs on leash in remainder of McCosker Bikes on ranch road trails and selected 4-6 wide trails No bikes in Huckleberry Preserve in accordance with existing trail access policies Closure and realignment of a trail segment in Huckleberry and a new trail connection to McCosker for hikers, equestrians and dog-walkers
Trail Types
Trail Uses
Trail Types Trail Uses
Project Status 2016-2017 Community Engagement 3 community meetings including CEQA scoping meeting, 2 on-site meetings & 2 youth engagement meetings June 19, 2017 NOP issued - Responsible & Trustee Agencies, over 550 community members & local government entities & 179 email notices 12 responses Late Fall 2017 Winter 2018 2018 Preferred Concept Plan Presentation to PAC & Board Executive Committee Public Draft LUPA/EIR Permitting
Questions?