Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Sarah Birkeland, Acting Parks Director
Subject: Measure K Funding Agreement Amendment with Pacifica Land Trust for Pedro Point Headlands Restoration and Trail Building Project
RECOMMENDATION:
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Measure K: Adopt a resolution authorizing the County Parks Acting Director to amend the agreement with the Pacifica Land Trust to provide trail building and restoration activities for the Pedro Point Headlands Restoration and Trail Building Project, extending the term to June 30, 2018.
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BACKGROUND:
The Pedro Point Headlands (PPH) and Devil’s Slide Trail (DST) Coast Area is a prime destination for San Mateo County residents and visitors. Although the PPH presents a rich natural cultural history, spectacular views and exceptional recreational opportunities, it also poses challenging management issues, primarily from an extensive network of historic off-highway vehicle (OHV) use. The persistent OHV scars are the source of serious erosion problems that threaten to cause landslides onto Highway 1 and the future California Coastal Trail. They also threaten steelhead and red-legged frog populations in San Pedro Creek. The Pacifica Land Trust (PLT), a 501(c)-(3) nonprofit organization, has been instrumental in saving PPH from development and restoring damage caused by off-highway vehicles. PLT has stewarded the property since 1993, blocking motorcycle use, removing invasive plants, and maintaining recreational trails.
DISCUSSION:
Through the use of Measure K funding, PLT has established a temporary on-site native plant nursery, including water storage, fencing and signage. The extension of the agreement through June 30, 2018 will provide enough time to complete the construction of over 1.5 miles of safe, sustainable recreational trails, preserve nearly 20 acres of sensitive coastal habitats, and revegetate areas with native plants.
County Counsel has reviewed and approved the amendment as to form.
This amendment contributes to the Shared Vision 2025 outcomes of an Environmentally Conscious Community as restoration and trail building of the Pedro Point Headlands will increase the number and quality of natural experiences of park and open space visitors. Each visitor that experiences the County’s natural and recreational resources gains a greater appreciation of the need for their preservation.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The amendment will only extend the term of the agreement through June 30, 2018 and does not request additional funding. There is no additional fiscal impact as a result of this change.