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Riparian Parkways Task Force
FINAL REPORT OF RIPARIAN PARKWAYS TASK FORCE OCTOBER 14, 1992 I. INTRODUCTION What are the natural features which make a township handsome - and worth going far to dwell in? A river with its water -falls - meadows, lakes - hills, cliffs or individual rocks, a forest and single ancient trees - such things are beautiful. They have a high use which dollars and cents never represent. If the inhabitants of a town were wise they would seek to preserve these things though at a considerable expense. For such things educate far more than any hired teachers or preachers, or any at present recognized system of school education. I do not think him fit to be the founder of a state or even of a town who does not foresee the use of these things, but legislates as it were, for oxen chiefly. It would be worth the while if in each town there were a committee appointed, to see that the beauty of the town received no detriment. If here is the largest boulder in the country, then it should not belong to an individual nor be made into door - steps. In some countries precious metals belong to the crown - so here more precious objects of great natural beauty should belong to the public. Henry David Thoreau "Huckleberries" irm TABLE OF CONTENTS RIPARIAN PARKWAYS TASK FORCE FINAL REPORT I. INTRODUCTION 3 TABLE OF CONTENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • • 5 FOREWORD Carolyn Avalos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS . . . . . • • . • • • • • • • • . . . . . . . . II. REVIEW OF DOCUMENTS REGARDING TASK FORCE GOALS ENCINITAS GENERAL PLAN. . . . . . . . . . .12 ENCINITAS RECREATION SURVEY Pete Coulston. .16 CALIFORNIA RECREATION SURVEY Brad Roth . . . . . . . . . . . .20 MASTER ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 MASTER DRAINAGE PLAN UPDATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Task Force Review. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Guy Winton' s Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 III. SURVEY OF RIPARIAN AREAS THE CREEK SYSTEMS OF ENCINITAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 MAP OF STUDY AREAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 MATRIX OF RIPARIAN VALUES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Explanation of Matrix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 Matrix of Riparian Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 Definitions of Riparian Characteristics. . . . . . . . . .41 IV. RECOMMENDATIONS / RESULTS FINAL PROJECT PROPOSAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46 CREEK ENHANCEMENT PROPOSALS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49 REASONS FOR A CREEK RESTORATION PROJECT Mary Renaker . . . . .52 RECOMMENDED ACTIONS OF THE TASK FORCE Mark Wisniewski. . . . .55 FUNDING SOURCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57 AFTERWORD (CONCLUSIONS) Carolyn Avalos . . . . . . . . . . . .58 V. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION RIPARIAN WILDLIFE Carolyn Avalos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61 RIPARIAN WOODLANDS Bill Daugherty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62 GEOLOGY AND SOILS OF ENCINITAS Chris Metzler . . . . . . . . .63 CONSERVING HABITAT BIODYNAMICS Gil Voss. . . . . . . . . . . .65 ARCHEOLOGY, RIPARIAN HABITATS AND ENCINITAS Michele Fergoda. .66 THE PUBLIC TRUST DOCTRINE Mary Renaker . . . . . . . . . . . .69 WATER QUALITY Carolyn Avalos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73 SOIL QUALITY AND EROSION Carolyn Avalos. . . . . . . . . . . .74 VI. PERSONAL STORIES OF LOCAL CREEKS WHAT ESCONDIDO CREEK BELOW LA BAJADA REPRESENTS Tom Robison. .79 REQUEZA CANYON Marguerite and Bertram Butler . . . . . . . . .81 WINDSOR CANYON Agnes Stilley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83 THE SAN ELIJO LAGOON Allen and Priscilla Crutcher. . . . . . .84 ENCINITAS CHILDHOOD MEMORIES Betty Jo Truax Swaim. . . . . . .85 HORSEBACK RIDES Hank Krautter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86 WHY I LIKE CREEKS Amy Stubstad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87 -3- RECOLLECTIONS OF A NATIVE SON - THE LUX CANYON Herbert Lux THE TRABERT CANYON Herbert Lux . . . . . . . , . .90 MEMORIES OF REQUEZA CANYON Carolyn Roy Cope. . . . . . . . .91 COPPER CREEK Steve Perkins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .92 �, GREEN VALLEY - ENCINITAS RANCH John C. White. . . • . . . ,94 96 INDIAN HEAD CANYON Sheila Cameron . . . . . . . . . 98 SOME HISTORY ABOUT COTTONWOOD CREEK Ida Lou Coley . . . . . , .100 COTTONWOOD CREEK Kaz Wisniewski . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ROSSINI CREEK Jeff Fernald . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101 .102 MOUNTAIN LIONS OF UPPER ESCONDIDO CREEK Chris Kirkorowicz . .104 A VIEW FROM THE CREEK Jerry and Faith Bode. . . . . . . . . .106 RIPARIAN PARKWAYS - MEMO Maureen Gaare. . . . . . . . AN EARLY VIEW OF ESCONDIDO CREEK Courtesy of Richard Bumann .109 .110 THE FUTURE OF MOONLIGHT CREEK John Stubstad . . . . . . . . .112 APPENDICES A. LIST OF TASK FORCE MEMBERS B. AB 350 TEXT C. U. S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE WETLANDS DEFINITION D. BIBLIOGRAPHY E. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD CORRESPONDENCE F. DISTRIBUTION LIST -4- FORWARD By Carolyn Avalos I grew up with a creek running through the woods in my backyard, the source of my childish wonder and worship. It was a microcosm of the natural world, much as a house cat symbolizes for its owner the realm of animals -- a captive teacher, selflessly sharing secrets of the wild, a gracious participant in the overweening human experiment. As I stroke my tabby's fur and feel the luxuriance of jaguars, so I dangled my youthful legs in the creek, savoring the exquisite mystery of water currents. Through the years, returning from schools and city living, I noticed that the wealth of countless creatures had diminished. Turtles, sunfish, crayfish and all the surprising discoveries I had enjoyed no longer filled the creek. Like a homeowner who opens the door and sees his valuables gone, I saw emptiness where prized possessions had been. Nothing had been openly done nor seen, yet the treasures I remembered so clearly were missing; and so I began to realize that my own piece of the creek needed more than an occasional patrol to guard its riches. We who are living at the close of the century should anticipate the disappearance of our natural heritage and move to prevent it. We can all recall what flourished in our childhood then vanished, and realizing this, we should act to preserve what we cannot replace or forever lament its loss. We must not allow what remains in our trust to slip away or, surrounded by the barrenness of a manmade environment, we will only dream powerlessly of what had rested in the empty spaces. Carolyn Avalos, co -chair of the Riparian Parkways Task Force, grew up on a creek in Philadelphia called Lorraine Run, where her mother has lived since 1929. -5- INTRODUCTION ORIGIN OF THE TASK FORCE Upholding his duty to protect our common heritage of rivers and streams, Charles Warren, executive director of the California State Lands Commission, described his excitement about sponsoring a statewide program called "The California Rivers Riparian Parkway Program," modeled after the Lower American River Parkway: Such parkways could be developed and expanded. The Lands Commission wants amenities of scenic and habitat values. Many projects in the state reflect Californians, desire for recreation and habitat values for their urban waterways. The State Lands Commission hopes riparian parkways similar to the American River Parkway in Sacramento will be emulated by other communities for habitat preservation, wildlife access and recreation. We will not be a regulator but a facilitator to protect the habitat along our rivers and streams. It will institutionalize the concepts of riparian restoration and preservation for wider public support. In 1991, the Riparian Parkway Act (AB 350) was introduced to the state legislature with our local Assemblywoman Dede Alpert as coauthor. The California Association of Riparian Parkways, a statewide organization of elected officials, was created to support it. Encinitas City Councilwoman Anne Omsted was selected as a member of the Association, and she, in turn, encouraged the city to participate in the program. Mayor Maura Wiegand joined us as our second council liaison. The main function of the bill is to fund grants to municipalities and local organizations for the purpose of preparing plans for creekside parks and, in general, to encourage preservation and restoration of riparian habitats on a statewide basis. In the spring of 1991, the City Council of Encinitas established the Riparian Parkways Task Force with the primary goal of exploring the creek areas of the communities of Encinitas, to evaluate them and to recommend a site for a riparian park. Seven voting members were chosen, and numerous resource members were invited to participate in the project. TASK FORCE GOAL In September, we developed the following "mission statement ": The overall goal of this program is to identify the significant streams, creeks, drainage courses and stream systems in and sur- rounding the City of Encinitas and to approach the preservation of these drainage systems as an invaluable open space resource for the people of Encinitas and the San Diego region. This program builds on the policy base of the Encinitas General Plan and attempts to define the unique character of each stream or system relevant to the tasks of restoration and protection. -6- TASK FORCE ACTIVITIES We began by visiting the various creeks throughout the city, which led to many pleasant outings and new acquaintances. Our open meetings included presentations by guest speakers, and we consulted with experts in the fields of geology, biology, hydrology, botany and native plant revegetation. We met with local citizens, interested organizations, conservancies and city staff, as well as representatives from the Cities of Escondido, Carlsbad and San Marcos, to listen to as wide a variety as possible of expertise and opinions. Presentations were made by the California Department of Water Resources, Urban Stream Restoration Program; the U. S. National Park Service, Rivers and Trails Conservation Assistance Program; Mayor Jerry Harmon of Escondido; the Escondido Creek Conservancy and the Cottonwood Creek Conservancy. For guidance in our work, Task Force members and committees did research on city documents to see what groundwork had been laid. These documents include the General Plan, Master Drainage Plan Update, Encinitas Recreation Survey and Master Environmental Assessment. RESULTS A primary result of the Task Force's effort is the Matrix of Riparian Values. This document gives a graphic display of characteristics of the various creeks and tributaries in the city, organized by the project criteria from the text of AB 350. This was done to help evaluate the creeks as potential grant projects, and a numerical weighting system was devised to assist in this. It was necessary to keep track of the information generated by the many site visits, which should be useful for anyone needing information on Encinitas' creeks and open space in the future. Another major development is our recommendations for the treatment of many of the riparian areas of the city. Included are six potential projects at different sites. One detailed project - a site on Encinitas Creek - was submitted to the city as a proposed work project for the 1993 fiscal year. In addition, we have included pertinent information from several local experts, personal accounts of neighborhood creeks and apropos literary inspiration. Finally, we take great pleasure in presenting to the people of Encinitas a reflection of their own perspectives on creeks and quality of life. This report is an expression of the currents of thought that run through the community on the value of natural settings. Having listened to many voices around us and in adding our own, we hope to enrich the dialogue on the future of our riparian areas. Brad Roth, Chairman w l GnL -7- Carolyn Avalos, Co -chair ml�is Jones, .Secretary 1' Pe ouls n Jon �tubstad .J Alan midt Adrian Fortmann MM ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We wish to extend our gratitude to Assemblywoman Deirdre Alpert, coauthor of AB 350, whose vision and encouragement made this report possible, as well as her aide, Mary Ann McCarthy, who was instrumental in initiating our effort. We thank Mayor Maura Wiegand and Councilwoman Anne Omsted for their contributions and guidance. We are indebted to those staff persons, guest speakers, experts and people from the communities of Encinitas who generously gave their time, talent and local flavor to this work. We are grateful to those resource members and others who so willingly and faithfully supported our efforts: Ida Lou Coley, Steve Perkins, Mary Renaker, Tom Robison, Leora Elazar, the Escondido Creek and San Elijo Lagoon Conservancies, Chris Kirkorowicz, Jeff Fernald, Chris Metzler of MiraCosta College, David Acuff from the City of San Marcos and Peggy Gentry from the City of Escondido. Special thanks go to Mark Wisniewski, of People for Trees, whose ideas were invaluable. Additional thanks go to Peggy Gentry for her thoughtful comments on the draft report. Finally, the San Diego County Department of Public Works has provided us with its Resource Protection Ordinance and excellent floodplain maps, as well as the crystallizing comment by Deputy Director John Burke in his letter of August 14, 1992, "By preventing construction of houses and other structures in floodplain areas, the County minimizes the effects of damage from flood water and retains floodplains in a natural condition." -9- BULLFROG AND COMMON YELLOWTHROAT WARBLER Maureen Love Calvert is a ceramics designer, native plant enthusiast. A 24 -year resident area, she walks the neighborhood daily in the dogs: a black Labrador that followed her home the other, a mixed Australian Shepherd, found Cottonwood Creek. -10- wildlife artist and of the Moonlight Beach company of her two from Moonlight Beach; with a broken leg on II. REVIEW OF DOCUMENTS REGARDING TASK FORCE GOALS REVIEW OF THE GENERAL PLAN OF THE CITY OF ENCINITAS The Task Force has taken its cue from the General Plan and made every effort to involve the public in composing this report. A common current of thought emerges from all of the contributions we received; that is, widespread, broad -based community support for a greenway system in Encinitas, ideally reaching through other parts of the region along natural watercourses. Combining recrea- tional uses and flood - control benefits is a well- formed concept in residents' minds. What our research has made clear is that Encinitans' needs are finding expression in the vision of planned, green linkages. Reasons may vary, but the result is an overview of interconnectedness among the five communities. We have selected from the General Plan, as amended, a few sections that provide the foundations for open -space continuity: NEW ENCINITAS Parkland - Very few parks or community gathering places exist; however, the large north -south San Diego Gas and Electric easement represents a potential location for hiking /riding trails and other more passive recreational activities. Residents in this community have expressed a desire for more parks and recreational facilities. (I -8) CARDIFF Parkland - An insufficient amount of parkland for active and passive recreational uses presently exists within the community. (I -8) Railroad Right -of -Way - The right -of -way represents ...a potentially valuable area for the establishment of a riding /hiking /bicycling path for north -south movement near the coast .... (I -9) (Same as Old Encinitas, I -10.) OLD ENCINITAS Parkland - Insufficient parkland for active and passive recreational uses presently exits within the community. (I -10) OLIVENHAIN Parkland - There is a shortage of public parkland for recreational activities. (I -12) Trails - Riding and hiking trails are an important feature of the community which should be maintained and expanded to create linkages with other recreational areas. (I -12) -12- POLICY 8.10: Lands in the Ecological /Open Space /Parks category, other than public parks, and similar areas for active recreation, will be limited to uses and activities related to habitat enhancement; educational and scientific nature study; passive recreation which will have no significant adverse impact on habitat values; and, aquaculture having no significant adverse effect or negative visual impact on natural processes or scenic quality. (LU -24) Wetland /riparian areas and their associated buffers shall be permanently protected from development through the application of an open space easement or other suitable instrument. (Coastal Act 30240) (LU -25) GOAL 1: The maintenance of the open space resources in the Planning Area will continue to be emphasized. (Coastal Act /30240) (RE -3) POLICY 1.1: Continue to cooperate with property owners,. the County of San Diego, and others to preserve and maintain the riparian habitats within the planning area. (Coastal Act /30240) (RE -3) POLICY 1.11: Develop an open space program that will link the various communities together with parks, recreation/ pedestrian access and natural visual corridors. (RE -4) GOAL 2: The City will make every effort to preserve open space areas that represent a significant environmental resource in the community. (Coastal Act /30240) (RE -5) POLICY 2.1: The City should identify and seek to acquire floodplain areas for appropriate public uses. (Coastal Act/30212.5/30231/30240) (RE -5) POLICY 2.2: Provide and maintain an inter - linking network of trails for horseback riding, hiking, and bicycling; and minimize the cost of the trail system by encouraging the use of drainage channels, flood plains, existing trails, public lands, excess street rights -of -way, and major utility rights -of -way. (Coastal Act/30212.5/ 30252) (RE -5) GOAL 3: The Coastal Areas will continue to play a dominant role in providing residents with open spaces for recreation. (Coastal Act /30220) (RE -6) POLICY 3.1: The City shall continue to support the acquisition and improvement through outright purchase, private donations, establishment of tax benefits, living trusts, etc., of additional local park sites. (Coastal Act/ 30212.5/30221) (RE -7) -13- POLICY 9s2_ All drainage courses should be maintained in natural or semi - natural vegetation utilizing existing topography as opposed to concrete ditches or pipes. (Coastal Act/30231/30240) (RM -15) POLICY 9.9: The City shall develop and implement a program to preserve natural drainage courses and their associated vegetation. (Coastal Act /30240) (RM -16) POLICY 10.4: The City will develop a program to acquire or preserve the entire undeveloped riparian corridor within the City that drains into the San Elijo Lagoon and Batiquitos Lagoon. Methods of financing acquisition may include, but are not limited to, use of available State and Federal grants for such purpose; the application of developer or mitigation fees specifically for open space preservation; and creation of a non - profit or joint - powers agency for lagoon and drainage sheds acquisition and management. (Coastal Act/30231/30240) (RM -17) POLICY 10.5: The City will control development design on Coastal Mixed Chapparal and Coastal Sage Scrub environmentally sensitive habitats.... The following guidelines will be used to evaluate projects for approval: - conservation of as much existing contiguous area of Coastal Mixed Chaparral or Coastal Sage Scrub as feasible while protecting the remaining areas from highly impacting uses; - minimize fragmentation or separation of existing con- tiguous natural areas; - connection of existing natural areas with each other or other open space areas adjacent to maintain local wildlife movement corridors; - maintenance of the broadest possible configuration of natural habitat area to aid dispersal of organisms within the habitat; - conservation of the widest variety of physical and vegetational conditions on site to maintain the highest habitat diversity; - preservation of rare and endangered species on site rather than by transplantation off site. (Coastal Act/ 30240/30250) (RM -18) POLICY 10.6: The City shall preserve and protect wetlands within the City's planning area. "Wetlands" are as defined under the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service definition. There shall be no net loss of wetland acreage or resource value as a result of land use or development, and the City's goal is to realize a net gain in acreage and value when ever possible. (RM -18) (Amended 1/30/91) -14- POLICY 10.8: The City will investigate the establishment of one or more preserves for the preservation of endangered plant species, such as the Encinitas Baccharis, of sufficient size to ensure perpetuation of the species. (Coastal Act /30240) (RM -19 ) POLICY 10.10: The City will encourage and cooperate with other responsible agencies to plan and implement an integrated management plan for the long -term conservation and restoration of wetlands resources at San Elijo Lagoon (and where it applies, Batiquitos Lagoon), Escondido and Encinitas Creeks and their significant upstream feeder creeks, according to the following guidelines: - Wildlife corridors between the wetland shoreline and important upland areas and upstream riparian areas should be maintained and enhanced; - Adequate buffer zones should be utilized when development occurs adjacent to the floodplain and sensitive habitats; 100 foot wide buffers should be provided adjacent to all identified wetlands, and 50 foot wide buffers should be provided adjacent to riparian areas. In some cases, smaller buffers may be appropriate, when conditions of the site as demonstrated in a site specific biological survey, the nature of the proposed development, etc., show that a smaller buffer would provide adquate pro- tection; and when the Department of Fish and Game has been consulted and their comments have been accorded great weight. (RM -20, 21) POLICY 13.2: The City shall plan for compatible land uses within and adjacent to recreation areas, natural preserves, and agricultural areas. (Coastal Act/30240/30250) (RM -25) POLICY 13.3: Encourage the use of buffer zones to separate major thoroughfares from adjacent areas and protect them from pollutants of noise, exhaust, and light. (Coastal Act /30250/ 30521) (RM -25) POLICY 13.5: The City shall promote and require the conservation and preservation of natural resources and features of the area in their natural state and avoid the creation of a totally urbanized landscape. Encourage the planting of trees and other vegetation, especially native species, to enhance the environment. (Coastal Act/30240/30251) (RM -25) POLICY 13.6: Establish and preserve wildlife corridors. (Coastal Act/30231/30240) (RM -25) -15- REVIEW OF ENCINITAS RECREATION SURVEY By Pete Coulston A riparian area is defined in Webster's Dictionary as, "Relating to or living or located on the bank of a natural watercourse (as a river) or sometimes of a lake or a tidewater." A natural watercourse in Southern California is a rare -phenomel:on. The plants and animals that live along its banks are delicate and fragile; at the same time, they are beautiful. The sound of the stream and the green of the vegetation are calming and restoring to the soul. For these reasons, the vegetation of the area and the sounds of the water and birds should not be impaired in any way. Otherwise the uniqueness of the riparian zone is negated. There are plenty of existing school playgrounds and parks where noisy sports can be pursued. The rarity of our remaining local riparian areas is best enhanced when the focus of activities can coexist with natural values without harming or destroying them. Strolling and picnicking are obvious choices. Citizens of all ages can pursue these activities, the extremely young and extremely old, male and female included. Other activities in a riparian area might include nature observation walks, fishing, photography, sunbathing, reading or just enjoying the quiet. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR RECREATION IN RIPARIAN AREAS The Riparian Parkways Task Force offers the following recommendations for recreation in r;-%arian areas: All recreationa� activities in riparian areas should be passive. Passive uses usually do not disturb others in the area. These activities would include walking, picnicking, horseback riding, reading, suntanning and thinking. Active recreation can be degrading to the sensitive riparian environment for the following reasons: 1.) Active sports usually require destruction of the natural setting (i.e., basketball courts, tennis courts, baseball and soccer fields). 2.) The noise of these active sports is very loud and not only disturbs the other users of an area but also creates a noise level that is intrusive and distracting to people who live near the riparian zone. It especially disturbs the birds and other resident wildlife. 3.) Activities such as basketball, volleyball or baseball usually put a ball at the center of attention in the area of a non - natural setting, rather than focusing concentration on surrounding natural values. Riparian areas are very scarce, and active sports can be pursued in any urban area where the natural or riparian areas have already been destroyed. There is already an ample supply of playing fields. -16- These playing fields and ball courts are numerous at school playgrounds, existing parks and other currently developed recreational areas. Often, many appear to go unused. 4.) Active sports can be elitist in nature and many exclude the majority of the population. These active sports usually are played by young, healthy men to the exclusion of any one else who might care to use the developed facilities. PASSIVE RECREATION NEEDS TO BE PROMOTED While there is already a great variety of playing fields, there is a huge lack of passive recreation areas. Proportionally, there is greater demand - and an even greater unmet need - for botanical -type nature parks. One very popular passive activity is enjoying the peace and quiet of a riparian area. One such place would include the stream bank on Cottonwood Creek, if it were accessible to the public and safe. This area is right in the middle of the urban area yet could be available to tourists and the community alike as a nature park. This type of streamside riparian area or one near the wetlands of the proposed Home Depot site can be most appreciated in an atmosphere of quiet. The sound of the wind and the song of the birds are not obscured by the constant thumping of a basketball. The smell of wild vegetation should not be lost to exhaust fumes. There are many other types of passive recreation that can be enjoyed which coexist with riparian values. The neighborhoods of Encinitas could be connected by hiking and horseback trails. One could hike from Elfin Forest to Beacons Beach. A trail from the state park at the mouth of Batiquitos Lagoon could meander up the south side of the lagoon to Indian Head Canyon, then on to Quail Gardens, across and down to the San Elijo Lagoon or east to Encinitas Creek and San Marcos. There has even been talk of a trail down the Escondido Creek from Escondido to the mouth of the San Elijo Lagoon. Most trails could be linked to natural reserves such as Indian Head Canyon or the Encinitas Creek /Green Valley area. Cottonwood Creek and Quail Gardens are other examples of such natural reserves. At these botanical nature reserves, the local neighborhoods would also be able to utilize the areas as passive parks. In this way, greenways would be provided for wildlife as well as humans from the ocean to the mountains and from Batiquitos Lagoon to San Elijo Lagoon. An investment in a trail system along with a published trail guide would bring destination hikers and tourists from other areas who would stop and spend money in the shops and restaurants in town. Ecotourism is currently the fastest growing segment of the tourism industry, having increased over 30 percent in the past year alone. ANALYSIS OF CITY RECREATION REPORT The purpose of this analysis of the recreation report is to back up the recommendations of the Riparian Parkways Task Force with the data that reflect the genuine opinion of the people of Encinitas. -17- The following are some statistics from the May, 1988 Community Recreation Services Needs Assessment Survey, prepared by Haug International for the City of Encinitas Community Services Department. (Copies are available at Encinitas City Hall.) There are two parts of this survey. The first part was prepared using statistically valid methods and will be used to support the Task Force conclusions. The second part will be excluded, since the results were gathered in a manner which creates a bias in its results. The statistically valid part of the study ( "Section A ") is called the preliminary phase. It was conducted by telephone in the City of Encinitas using random digit selection, which gets both listed and unlisted numbers. A 90- percent level of confidence was achieved. The statistically invalid part of the study ( "Section B ") was performed at City Hall. Section B is unrepresentative of the opinions of the total population and is the result of skewed questioning. Participants had to come to City Hall, where they were gathered together in groups and were asked leading questions. To take time out of a busy schedule to participate implies strong interest and bias on the part of the participants. Further, the self - selective nature of this survey results in findings which are unrepresentative of the true opinions of Encinitas, citizens. Once at City all the Y , group survey could not have remained uncoached or unbiased. Much of this part of the survey was used to urge the expenditure of resources for active ballsport activities. For the purposes of this analysis, the conclusions and suggested courses of action are included from the Community Recreation Needs Survey that was prepared for the City of Encinitas Community Services Department. (See attached.) These conclusions and suggested courses of action are seriously flawed and need to be looked at much more closely. CONCLUSIONS ASSERTION: Sports /athletics and water sports /aquatics activities dominate other forms of leisure and recreation. These conclusions cannot be supported by any shred of evidence in the unbiased portion of Section A. Section A of the survey shows walking and jogging to be the dominant leisure activities enjoyed by the average citizen in Encinitas; therefore, the only way that sports /athletics could be considered dominant activities is if walking and jogging are considered sports/ athletics. If this is the case, then there is nothing for the city to provide except to try to keep its natural beauty from being blighted. The city should provide joggers and walkers with the opportunity to pursue their chosen sports in the beautiful city where they chose to live, not some altered area. Watersports /aquatics need no city services either. Swimming, surfing, boating, sailing, body - -18- surfing and suntanning need nothing from the city except clean ocean water, access to beaches and a clean and safe beach. ASSERTION: Existing parks are not well known and are underutilized. The survey states that eight of 10 residents can identify a local park and recreation. This is 80 percent, which is an excellent awareness statistic. Sixty -one percent of the population associate the beach with recreation, and only 37 percent associate recreation with parks. ASSERTION: Broad -based support exists for a wide array of recreation services. Not true, and they certainly don't want it paid for out of taxes. Seventy percent of the population feel their recreation needs are already well met in Encinitas. Eighty percent of seniors say that library /reading is the most important activity to them, followed by walking. Parks and playgrounds are most important to families with children; but with existing parks, school playgrounds and the beach, this activity is already sufficiently supplied compared to other needs. SUGGESTED COURSE OF ACTION: SHORT -TERM GOAL: Take an active lead in the development of a centralized coordination of recreation /leisure activities. Nowhere in the unbiased survey can it be inferred that the citizens of Encinitas want this Chairman Mao -type of organized sports. LONG -TERM GOAL: Acquire /develop additional parks for ballsport activities. These expensive ballsport parks are not desired by the majority of citizens in Encinitas. What is needed are close, convenient, natural spaces where a person can escape for peace and quiet or go for a walk or run. Riparian zones run all through Encinitas like green fingers. Walking trails along with benches and picnic tables would greatly facilitate people's use and enjoyment of them. These riparian zones are precious assets which are being under- utilized, wasted or destroyed. Local, convenient and safe access to these natural areas is calming to the soul and refreshing to the mind. Encinitas is a beautiful and unique place. The citizens who live here ought to be allowed to enjoy its beauty and see it preserved. Pete Coulston is a certified public accountant and a member of the Riparian Parkways Task Force. -19- REVIEW OF STATE OF CALIFORNIA RECREATION SURVEY By Brad Roth This 1987 survey was done by the Department of Parks and Recreation of the State of California to "determine the opinion of the California public with respect to various outdoor recreation matters." A 15- minute telephone interview was followed by a mail questionnaire using random sampling. These are some excerpted findings from the study: *Roughly two - thirds of Californians consider public park and recreation areas important or very important to their lifestyles. *Highly developed parks and recreation areas are visited the most often; however nature - oriented parks or reserves are the preferred type of outdoor recreation areas. * . Californians strongly agree (76 %) that protection of the natural environment is important for outdoor recreation, closely followed by preservation of natural areas for use by future generations (75 %). *Based on latent (unmet) demand and public support, Cali- fornians believe that eight outdoor recreation activities should have top priority for the expenditure of public funds: walking, bicycling, camping ... birdwatching /general nature study /visiting natural areas, picnicking in developed sites, beach activities, outdoor cultural events, and visiting museums /zoos /historic sites. *In light of tight budgets, almost three - fourths of Califor- nians believed spending should be increased for the protection and management of natural and cultural resources. Increasing the protection of scenery and the natural environment was strongly supported by three - fourths of the respondents. *Californians tend to support the concept of using unpaid private citizens as park volunteers (85 %). Of those indivi- duals who had not volunteered, almost 64 percent indicated they would consider volunteering. *When park and recreation issues are involved, Californians are undeniably more similar than different; regardless of income, education, geographic location or gender, Californians tend to be much more alike in their opinions /attitudes than different. In "Table 11 - Public Support," opinions are listed on 38 recreational activities, under categories of Open Areas and Undeveloped Parks, Backcountry and Natural Area Activities, Developed Recreation Areas and Facilities, Water- oriented Activities, Winter Activities, Off - highway Vehicle Recreation, and Cultural and Spectator Activities. The -20- opinions were listed with a precise numerical index and also a corresponding High /Moderate /Low rating. Activities which are pertinent to our communities fell into the following groupings: HIGH RATING Walking (excluding trail hiking), bicycling, camping in developed sites, camping in primitive areas, birdwatching /general nature study /visiting natural areas, casual use of open turf areas (games, sunning), picnicking in developed sites, beach activities (sunning and games), attending outdoor cultural events (concerts, theater), and visiting museums, zoos, historic sites and arboretums. MODERATE RATING Driving for pleasure, trail hiking and mountain climbing, use of play equipment and tot lots, swimming (in pools), swimming (lakes, rivers, ocean), and freshwater fishing. LOW RATING Jogging and running, horseback riding, hunting, softball /baseball, basketball, football, soccer, golf, tennis, volleyball, target shooting, surfing, windsurfing, power boating, water skiing, jetskiing, saltwater fishing, offroading, and attending sports or athletic events, professional or amateur. This is not to say that there are not many people who very much enjoy playing softball or saltwater fishing. However, there are many more people who enjoy the activities which scored high ratings. When we are considering spending local tax dollars to provide public recreation, it is not fair to spend on expensive projects which benefit a minority of the citizenry. Providing public access to riparian areas within the city is vastly less expensive than building "developed recreation areas and facilities (sports fields)." We might expect some differences from these survey results for Encinitas due to our locale. For example, we would likely have somewhat higher ratings for ocean /beach activities (surfing, windsurfing, saltwater fishing), and horseback riding. But we may reasonably expect, as this survey points out, that the survey results would reflect the opinions of an entire cross section of the citizens of Encinitas. Considering the historical, semirural, coastal, agricultural and spiritual character of our community, I assert that our citizens feel a more - than - average connection with the natural world. Thus, it makes sense to put more of our recreational efforts into providing for the enjoyment of natural open space in general and riparian corridors in particular. Brad Roth is a Los Angeles refugee and 14 -year resident of Cardiff by- the -Sea, who earns his living as an engineer /enterpreneur. For the past year he has served as chairman of the Riparian Parkways Task Force, and he is a current candidate for Encinitas City Council. -21- REVIEW OF THE MASTER ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FOR THE CITY OF ENCINITAS Completed in 1987 as an adjunct to the General Plan, the Master Environmental Assessment describes in detail the ecological assets that lie within Encinitas. The Task Force has obtained and reviewed the "Biological Resources" section of the report and referred to it as a document of primary importance. It first directed our attention to Encinitas Creek and served as a basis for our reasoning in presenting a park proposal to the city for AB 350 funding. We have included here some aspects of the document as they relate to riparian zones: Within the City of Encinitas, wetlandp. are limited largely to San Elijo Lagoon and its area of ;uence. Batiquitos Lagoon would also fall into this c_-ussification. Riparian systems, which are vegetative associations of hydrophytic species growing in or adjacent to freshwater watercourses, are also considered wetland habitat, however, by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and California Department of Fish and Game. (5 -5, 10- 20 -87) Two main wetland systems occur in or near the planning area: the San Elijo Lagoon /Escondido Creek system and the Batiquitos Lagoon /Encinitas Creek system. Each system can be divided into lagoon and riparian vegetation. (5 -5, 10- 20 -87) Wetland habitats in southern California support a number of endangered, sensitive, or declining species of local, regional, and national concern, and are normally considered significant in the planning process. These areas also enrich species diversity in their vicinity. The naturally limited occurrence of these habitats also increases their intrinsic value. In San Diego County, wetland areas are recognized as sensitive. Wetland habitat is further subject to state and federal regu- lations that include the Federal Clean Water Act (Section 404) and the California Department of Fish and Game Streamcourse Alteration Agreement. (5 -5, 10- 20 -87) Riparian habitat predominates along the two major streams which occur within the planning area: Encinitas and Escondido Creeks. In addition, riparian habitat is found along a number of smaller stream channels which also flow through the planning area. The presence of water provides a favorable habitat and promotes increased plant growth of a variety of native trees, shrubs, and herbs. Where water is present near the surface in stream chan- nels year- round, a riparian woodland community can be maintained! In stream channels with intermittent surface or ground water availability, riparian scrub or freshwater marsh communities may develop. Mesic vegetation often occurs in wetland areas in which disturbance has recently ceased. (5 -6, 10- 20 -87) -22- Riparian woodland is best - developed along Escondido Creek in the vicinity of Lake Val Sereno and in Green Valley along Encinitas Creek. (5 -6, 10- 20 -87) Riparian areas also serve as important habitat for deer, and watering and movement routes for wildlife. (5 -7, 10- 20 -87) City Limits: The degree of urbanization within the City has nearly eliminated sizeable expanses of undisturbed native vege- tation .... The lack of well - developed woodland habitat in the City further limits the use of this urban area by wildlife. Several sensitive biological resources occur within the developed area of the City, although many historical occurrences have long been extirpated. (5 -7, 10- 20 -87) Sensitive riparian habitats occur along Encinitas and Escondido Creeks, and are best - developed in Green Valley and in the vicinity of Lake Val Sereno, respectively. Both areas are considered potential habitat for the federally and state - endangered songbird, least Bell's vireo, despite the absence of this species in recent (1987) surveys (P. Fromer, personal communication). Although all wetland areas are considered environmentally sensitive, potential vireo habitat may warrant specific management plans or at least recommendations regarding their use. (5 -10, 10- 20 -87) In general, riparian areas are naturally limited and remaining acreages function as important island habitat for migrant birds. Many bird species are restricted to riparian habitat and are dependent on this habitat for breeding. Overall wildlife diversity is normally higher in riparian zones than in sur- rounding habitats. Such habitat, in occupying natural drainages, also functions to control water quality and erosion, and provides a wildlife corridor effect. (5 -10, 10- 20 -87) Aside from providing an inventory of sensitive species found in Encinitas, the Master Environmental Assessment will be regarded increasingly as a chronicle, either of the biological impoverishment of our natural surroundings or of our success in countering this trend. This document is an appraisal of the wealth we share in terms of the natural systems that support the stability -in- diversity of life on earth. -23- REVIEW OF TP.E MASTER DRAINAGE PLAN UPDATE FOP. THE CITY OF ENCINITAS The Master Drainage Man Update, by ASL Consulting Engineers, was authorized on June .3, 1988. Its specific purpose is to evaluate and develop design crP-eria to conform to the Encinitas General Plan. It encourages preser ✓ation of natural drainage courses and recommends environmentally sensitive drainage improvements where required. Particular attention is directed toward ensuring that storm runoff does not significantly and adversely affect the habitat of the lagoons. The plan suggests: retaining a professional team where protection of is essential to drainage retaining a professional to create scenic corrido areas; ecologist as part of the design natural habitats and wildlife considerations; botanist and environmental experts rs within flood - plain /open -space - cremating siltation basins that are large enough to be landscaped and maintained as habitat for birds, while providing flood protection; - and, recontouring lowlands to create wetlands for wildlife. Temporary floodwater reLnntion facilities are proposed as a way to increase parkland. The dual uses of flood control and recreation are emphasized throughout the texL. and in both the recommendations and conclusions. Olivenhain, having the largest land area in the city, is characterized by steep topography which is subject to periodic flooding. It is noted that the land use goal here - and throughout the city - is to preserve the riparian habitat and to require that development be sensitive to the creek areas. Since the Olivenhain community possesses two major watershed systems, Escondido Creek and Encinitas Creek, it is of particular importance. The extensive floods of 1916 and 1927 have proven that serious flood, erosion and sedimentation hazards exist within the city, depending upon both the amount and intensity of rainfall received during the rainy season, as well as on the ever - increasing amount of development. According to Dr. Gerry Kuhn, Professor of Marine Geology at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Encinitas once held the world record for a rainfall event. On October 12, 1889, 7.58 inches of rain fell in an eight -hour period. The likelihood of future signifant rainfall events is tied to sunspot activity, which occurs in 97.3 -year cycles. -24- The historically documented results at tho end of the last century include increased ocean water temperatures and the establishment of a hurricane /tropical storm track from the south of Baja California. Finally, in the words of the "Concept Development" section of the plan: The City of Encinitas is a new city with mountainous, seaside terrain that is largely undeveloped. It has been graced with beautiful mountains and lush galleys and a rural atmosphere that sets it apart from the close, highly urbanized cities of San Diego and Los Angeles. It is the aim of the City of Encinitas to protect and preserve its natural characteristics. This Master Plan of Drainage has made every effort to keep these intei►tions in mind. -25- REVIEW OF THE CITY OF ENCINITAS MASTER DRAINAGE PLAN By Guy Winton, C.E. There is current national political debate about the definition of "wetlands." Regardless of the outcome of this debate, I believe that riparian habitat along the creeks will be included in the final definition of "wetlands," and is subject to federal control and to the President's policy of "no net loss of wetlands." The Master Drainage Plan includes a chapter on maintenance where most of the "conditions" are defined as "vegetation in channel" and "recommended maintenance" is to "clear path of flow." it is my experience that such maintenance will require permits from the California Department of Fish and Game. Most of the construction recommendations of the plan will require permits or waivers from: U.S. Corps of Engineers U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service California Department of Fish and Game California Water Polution Control Board Construction of any of the "improved channels" shown in the plan would completely destroy the riparian habitat. Guy W. Winton II has been a registered Civil Engineer since 1955 and has practiced engineering continuously in San Diego since 1953. His practice emphasis includes: subdivision design, grading design, hydrology, hydraulics, storm drain design and flooding. -26- JA CATTAILS AND WILLOW By Maureen Calvert -27- May something go always unharvested! May much stay out of our stated plan, Apples or something forgotten and left, So smelling their sweetness would be no theft. Robert Frost "Unharvested" -28- III. SURVEY OF RIPARIAN AREAS THE CREEK SYSTEMS OF ENCINITAS - STUDY AREA SUMMARIES In its 1988 report entitled, California Wetlands, the California State Department of Parks and Recreation calls the loss of California's wetlands "critical." Observing that most remaining wetlands are in private hands, the report declares, ,successful programs to preserve, restore, or enhance wetlands must encourage cooperation with the private sector." It further notes, "Public acquisition together with maintenance is the only sure way for long- term preservation of specific areas." Finally, the report says, "...We conclude that all of California's remaining riparian wetlands should be included as potential areas of acquisition, restoration, and enhancement." California clearly recognizes the need to rescue wetlands under siege by uncontrolled urbanization. Our watersheds face unprecedented degradation; however, considering the constrictions of public monies in 1992 and beyond, we will have to be inventive if we are to save what, until now, has been overlooked. Private stewardship should be given a fresh approach. We need to look at protecting watershed systems as a sound investment in Encinitas' quality of life. As a city dependent on its natural features and resources, Encinitas must consider their viability. Certainly, sensitive lands and riparian areas represent more than speculative holdings or temporary open space that can fall victim to unremitting pressure of development. In describing local creek areas, the Task Force hopes to focus attention on them and to acquaint government and the public with their enormous potential. As Director of Fish and Game Bob Radovich sees them, they are valuable resources in the form of "undeveloped open space." Riparian areas are the threads that piece together all our natural assets. Facing prospects of increasing land use intensity, creeks will only remain with us if we work to preserve them. OVERVIEW There are three major creek /lagoon systems in the City of Encinitas: 1.) Escondido Creek /San Elijo Lagoon, on the southern border; 2.) Encinitas Creek /Batiquitos Lagoon, along the northern border; and, 3.) Cottonwood Creek, in the middle of town. Other creeks are all tributaries to these creeks or lagoons. (See map on page 33.) COTTONWOOD CREEK Cottonwood Creek is unique, since its watershed is located entirely within the City of Encinitas. It is a year -round stream flowing into the ocean at Moonlight Beach close to the downtown area. In the late 18001s, the creek's reliable fresh water and abundantly available wood supplies convinced the railroad to locate a stop nearby which was to become the town of Encinitas, named for its "little oaks." -30- MOONLIGHT CREEK Moonlight Creek is a seasonal tributary to Cottonwood Creek. It flows from Leucadia Boulevard parallel to Interstate 5 and down to Encinitas Boulevard west of the Big Bear shopping center, where it joins Cottonwood Creek. A substantial part of the stream lies within the Encinitas Sanitary District property. REQUEZA CANYON Requeza Canyon is a side branch of the Cottonwood Creek drainage basin just east of and parallel to Interstate 5 south of Encinitas Boulevard. The majority of this canyon runs through property of the United Methodist Church of Encinitas. ENCINITAS CREEK /GREEN VALLEY Encinitas Creek flows west from the hills in the northwestern portion of Olivenhain parallel to Olivenhain Road, under E1 Camino Real, then north through Green Valley to Batiquitos Lagoon. It contains the best examples of riparian habitat and willow woodland in Encinitas. It is notably home to several rare and threatened bird species. Encinitas Creek is joined west of the Olivenhain Road /El Camino Real intersection by Green Valley Creek, of which the remaining uncovered section runs north along E1 Camino Real from the planned post office site. Green Valley Creek is an undiscovered asset, lying at the base of the Ecke flower fields and not visible from the steet level of E1 Camino Real. Its rather wild beauty can be seen from the parking lot of Hortensia's flower stand south of the intersection. INDIAN HEAD CANYON The Indian Head Canyon drainage flows parallel to Saxony Road north to Batiquitos Lagoon. As the last significant undeveloped canyon in the city, it was, until recently, undergoing negotiation for aquisition by the city as additional open space. Presently, the question of land use is being addressed by the city before any further discussions regarding acquisition can be initiated. ESCONDIDO CREEK /SAN ELIJO LAGOON Escondido Creek, originating east of Escondido above Lake Wohlford, flows southwest through the City of Escondido, Elfin Forest, Olivenhain, and then parallel to Manchester Avenue, emptying into San Elijo Lagoon. This is a formerly seasonal stream which now flows year- round. It is the most extensive creek system in Encinitas. Escondido Creek was divided into three distinct study areas: UPPER - from eastern city limits to Lake Val Sereno. This section is characterized by a rugged narrow canyon with steep, heavily vegetated sides and rock outcrops. The terrain makes the area relatively inaccessible and dangerous during times of sudden high -water flows. -31- LOWER - from Lake Val Sereno to San Elijo Lagoon. Characterized by substantial riparian woodland, this section is almost entirely privately owned and is largely developed. Consequently, it is substantially disturbed and contains many non - native plant species. SAN ELIJO LAGOON - The marshes begin east of the Manchester /E1 Camino Real intersection and continue west to the Pacific Ocean. This lagoon is the largest of the coastal wetlands in Northern San Diego County and is one of the most important feeding areas for migratory birds on the San Diego coast. Poor water quality and sedimentation are major threats to the lagoon ecosystem. Additional riparian areas associated with Escondido Creek include the following: COPPER CREEK - Flows southerly from Questhaven Road near Rancho Santa Fe Road to the terminus at Escondido Creek. The drainage area is under private ownership and has several small earthen dams. TRABERT CANYON - Has seasonal flows that at times move a significant amount of sediment into Lower Escondido Creek. In the past, it was dry- farmed for beans. Old retention dams still exist in the channel. It is located one -half mile east of the intersection of E1 Camino Real and Manchester Avenue. Additional drainages into San Elijo Lagoon include the following: LUX CANYON - Flows south parallel to E1 Camino Real from Santa Fe Drive to the lagoon. The upper end is mostly developed with pockets of undisturbed habitat. From Manchester Avenue to the lagoon the riparian habitat is mostly undisturbed. WINDSOR CANYON - Flows through developed open space starting below Park Place. It is piped under I -5, then flows south past the San Elijo Sanitation Treatment Facility to the lagoon. ROSSINI CANYON - Drains south from Santa Fe Drive between I -5 and Rubenstein Avenue. The upper end is dominated by commercial greenhouse facilities, followed by a section of mostly undisturbed native habitat. The lower reaches are residentially developed and partially culverted. In its 1989 report, The Coastal Wetlands of San Diego County, the California Coastal Conservancy positions coastal wetlands as a worldwide endangered habitat type "second only to tropical rain forests." According to Bob Radovich, wetlands comprise 0.4 percent of the entire land area in the state. The Coastal Conservancy declares, "San Diego County's wetlands may prove to be the most threatened natural resource on the California coast." The Conservancy adds a dire comment: "Unless further development is guided to protect wetlands and watersheds together as a system, San Diego's coastal wetlands and their wildlife will soon disappear entirely." -32- 111C or_ U W W Z U) � O H U 0 U Z Z_ O U U O = Z 3 O Q W Z J W O O pr 0- O O W IZ U M X m Z O Z U J �Q J W > 2 W — � O O Z U O U) W W CL tY U O Z Z Z W Z - >>- O w O Z Z Q Z U N V O O D U W Z W w W IM 0 W U w (Z-!) p p w Q Z O •-- N t� �fi tt7 c0 1� M m O N t7 d- � I I I I 00 ct-- 1 I rj � � C 0 ti- - - - - -J In c0 0 a r 0 m , OMDa mOXVS q .-- ® CIFIC OC N fA -33- EXPLANATION OF MATRIX AND CREEK RATING SYSTEM The Task Force visited many local creek sites and noted information on each one according to a number of distinguishing categories. So much information was generated that we decided to arrange it in a table or matrix format to facilitate its organization. The various creeks are listed vertically down the left side, and their different characteristics, or riparian values, are listed across the top. The creeks and tributaries are grouped according to the major drainage systems of Encinitas: 1.) Escondido Creek /San Elijo Lagoon, 2.) Encinitas Creek /Batiquitos Lagoon, or 3.) Cottonwood Creek. In each case, the data in the matrix reflect primarily the site or sites visited by the Task Force, which are indicated on the "Map of Study Areas." In addition, information on portions not visited but gained from local residents and experts was included where pertinent. Across the top of the matrix the riparian values are grouped using the language of Section 8642.1 of AB 350 for organizational structure. For each rectangle in the table, a value of 0 to 4 was assigned reflecting the degree to which that characteristic is evident for that particular creek or site. The 0 to 4 values were represented in pie -chart fashion (see the bottom line on each page of the matrix); for example, for Cottonwood Creek under the heading "MARSH" on the first page, the half - filled pie indicates that the site visited, the lower part of the creek west of Highway 101 is characterized by moderately marshy habitat. Under the heading o "TOPOGRAPHY- STEEP," the quarter - filled pie indicates that a slight amount of the entire creek system has slopes of greater than 25 percent. NUMERICAL RATING SYSTEM The matrix presentation of information gathered during the site visits naturally lends itself to the use of a numerical rating system to help evaluate each one's potential for park projects. Each of the riparian values listed across the top of the matrix was assigned a numerical value (shown across the bottom) from 0 t• 4, in order of importance in the opinion of the Task Force. For every creek or tributary, the numerical value for each column was multiplied by the pie -chart value for that creek, then these were added together, giving a total for each creek. This total was divided by the highest possible score (100 %) to give a percentage rating. The result is a ranking of every individual site as to its potential for an enhancement project. -34- J u ai v v Y L'i z � °o +fin U0 )n -� 00 cn (D �t I� d CM r� W 7 3 W Q ix cwi U W .. IL Z 0 000•o00o0a000 J Q cr �0 OOa00o000000(3� z W W z V) OQ0aO�0000as�sa� F- L i Vf a0000o••000000 z W C9 J ; Z °o00••000•�•ooO z Q W V a_ O LL. K 0aO (3 0 aOS0� Q z o = in CL Z a CLw 100o11000001 OOOOOzI 000000000 QQOOO•••sao•o0o0z Z s Ld Q =o 0000000000000Q z , Z o Z NZ••a0000010••11 z Q O U O o0Qaooaoo0oa0•o0oz � V 1- CD L) O Ld LLI LLJ _ ZW W ��.''.; W O} z z z W d W W W V) D Z J �r OW CY a J WJ Z Q X� Q NO = pU O U XV zV OV Lv Q 5 U W LLI L) CL C) U J CC o Z ° o °n Z O " V) 3 Y o o n w W W -. W Y ? 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Z O W y LU Q00000000000000 z t" E LLI CE W G = =00a0a0a0a0ossa +� W o U �j Ul O iz • H z LLJ 1 '� l O `�SSasasO.OAaO�Oa z3 , s Li Q C) I0 a00�fOSasa0a0a0 +' w V) ww S Q U 3° 10 ~O 00 Q U Z W W z W d W W mZ Z7r� pZ V)Z ZW 7� pw QZ d LLJ }Q Z in U U X U U O U v �U a. > U Q U zuuxujj O p o N Z w O 0 ? z N33NO o0 Z U w o ? 00I0NOOS3 -39- f - z U (D z it- �w w W 3:: � �3II Q w�Q °W Lj �= ia0as aC a 0sas0 + LL Z ui Q V) _ Z W m 0 w = a a osa0.O30 a0 CN + o * Co s ZOO U 0 + CL u Z LL- p C3 X0 4OO*I( •a osoo0a ww O 0 000000000000000 z W f-- 1000000000003 00z Q -� j LL p J Clf CIOOOa0000o00a0 Z LLJ z Q Q U A LLI U00000000000000z � _ � z 0 0 LLI z m 00000000000000z� U Q V) w i 0 J z loas3as•sass000z � Z 1 10, J LAJ = V N Z J Y w 0 z W 0 F m W W Wm O �� Z� , Z - pw Oz d w� z Q ¢ Q z o Z in z z<lo< i ! 0x wa a �Q a a- 00 0 � : U J Q � OC z = a w ,u v � c A3380 " �' ou U w U z OOICIN00S3 DEFINITIONS OF RIPARIAN CHARACTERISTICS FOR THE ENCINITAS AREA: Marsh - Wetland (palustrine) area inundated with standing water a significant portion of the year and covered with predominantly aquatic or riparian vegetation. Coastal Canyon - A relatively steep and narrow break in the hills, within approximately one mile of the ocean. Coastal Hills - The series of ridges lying between E1 Camino Real and the ocean bluffs. Inland Valley - Broad, flat, low -lying areas between ridges, that drain into either Batiquitos or San Elijo Lagoon. Foothills - The series of ridges east of El Camino Real, less than 500 feet in height. Topography - 25 percent slope - Vertical rise divided by horizontal run, expressed as a percentage. For example, more than 25 percent slope describes steep canyon walls. Linda Vista Formation - Orange - colored, relatively impermeable, 2 million years old, contemporaneous with Bay Point Formation found on local coastal bluffs. (Bay point is similar in color but softer.) Torrey Sandstone - 47 million years old, light- colored and highly erodible. Del Mar Shale - 47 million years plus, grey - colored, composed of materials from local lagoons including shells, vulnerable to movement of the earth. Alluvial - Originating from clay, silt, gravel, etc., that is deposited by running water. Annual Flow - Year -round flow or relative percentage of year. Degradation - Relative degree of negative disturbance resulting from human activity. Threat of Degradation - Relative degree of anticipated future negative disturbance. Native Plants - Extent of vegetation by plants that were living in the area before 1700. Exotic Invaders - Vigorous, competitive plants introduced into area since 1700. Noxious Weeds - Very aggressive invaders that crowd out native plants. -41- Present Wildlife - Extent and diversity of naturally occurring mammals, amphibians, reptiles, insects, microbes, fish, crustaceans, birds, etc. Potential Wildlife - Ability of area to sustain large numbers and diversity of animals. Prospects of Imminent Vegetative Change - Likelihood of significant negative human disruption in the next three years. Long -term - Likelihood of negative disruption beyond three years in the future. Urban Density - Area characterized by the impact of extensive and ongoing human activity. Suburban - Area of moderate human activity. Rural - Relatively underdeveloped areas. Car Transportation - Extent of accessibility by auto. Bus - Accessibility by public transportation. Bike - Accessibility by bicycle. Foot - Accessibility by pedestrians. Train - Accessibility by rail transit. Public Ownership - Title held by a government or government agency. Private Ownership - Title held by non - governmental entity. Developed - Degree of human construction and impact. Receptive to Access - Degree of favorable opinions toward public use by owners or neighbors. Currently Accessible - Degree to which area is conveniently available for use by the general public. Potentially Accessible - Degree to which area is conveniently available for use by the general public if appropriate development occurs. Degree of Current Use - Present level of public activity on the site. History - Extent to which site has historical significance since European settlement. -42- Archeology /Paleontology - Prehistoric significance of a site based on artifacts of human settlements before the European Mission Period. Potential for Recreation - Strolling, casual walking (paved paths not required). Nature observation, sensory enjoyment of the site, ranging from quiet viewing to intense study to unbridled, enthusiastic capture and release of resident amphibians and crustaceans. Birding - Observation of resident and transient species. Picnicking - Casual dining. Hiking - Vigorous walking for exercise, pleasure or as alternative transportation to alleviate traffic congestion. Biking - Segregated trail system for non - motorized vehicles, where appropriate. Horseback Riding - Extent of area suitable for equestrian trails or mixed pedestrian /equestrian trails, where negative habitat impacts would be minimal. Photography - Suitability for sound, still or video recording of natural impressions. Freshwater - Range of water salinity from fresh to brackish. Water Quality - Absence of contamination from non - natural sources. Natural Watershed Stream Source - Creeks fed by springs, rain runoff, lakes or other streams. Municipal Runoff - Fed by storm sewers, pavement and other constructed sources. Discharge Releases - Treated or untreated water from water treatment or containment areas. Existing Aquatic Biology - Measure of quantity and diversity of naturally- occurring fish, crayfish, clams, etc. Potential Aquatic Biology - Extent of diversity and quantity of fish, crayfish, clams, etc., if habitat is fully restored or enhanced. Natural Watercourse - Stream bed with minimal impact of human intervention. Gabioned - Stream bed or sides lined with rocks in wire -mesh cages. Riprap - Installed, inert material, usually rocks or boulders, used to prevent erosion. -43- Channel - Engineered, constructed, usually straightened, concrete stream courses. Culvert - Big, concrete pipe, usually underground, typically for a road crossing or other use of the site above the stream. Dammed - Constructed obstruction to natural flow of stream. Existing Flooding - Extent to which present stream overflows define banks. Natural Flood- Control Potential - Extent to which riparian flood plain can be used to decrease inundation. Potential Fisheries Habitat - Extent to which sportfish can successfully grow to legal size. Restoration Needs - Work required to cause sportfish habitat to reach natural and sustainable state. There is a spiritual corollary to the way we are currently deforesting and denaturing our planet. In the end what we must most defoliate and deprive is ourselves. We might as soon start collecting up the world's poetry, every line and every copy, to burn it in a final pyre - and think we should lead richer and happier lives thereafter. John Fowles "Seeing Nature Whole" -44- IV. RECOMMENDATIONS / RESULTS RIPAAIAN PARKWAYS TASK FORCE, CITY OF ENCINITAS ENCINITAS CREEK: GATEWAY TO THE CITY The following proposal was submitted to the Encinitas City Council on March 30, 1992. It represents the Task Force's final work project recommendations submitted for consideration to the Encinitas City Council, in accordance with the requirements of AB 350 and the criteria set forth in the bill. It is our consensus that, measured against the many other worthy candidates for funding, this selection evinces the most compelling qualifications. GOALS: To preserve one of the last vestiges of riparian areas in the City of Encinitas. To restore degraded habitat and provide recreational trails (walking, hiking and horseback riding), nature observation sites and picnicking. PROJECT AREA: ENCINITAS CREEK Areas zoned Ecological Resource /Open Space /Park, contained between E1 Camino Real on the west to the Bridgewater development on the east, Olivenhain Road on the north to Adobe Point on the south. PROPOSALS: a) Remove exotic, invasive and noxious plants; restore and protect appropriate native vegetation and habitats. b) Provide natural flood control in accordance with the Master Drainage Plan. Promote control of off -site runoff. c) Promote usage consistent with existing Ecological Resource zoning and other General Plan requirements. d) Establish a buffer zone around the Ecological Resource zone. e) Provide and promote recreational usage of the flood plain outside of the Ecological Resource boundary, as specified in the Recreational Element of the General Plan. f) Provide and extend linkage with other existing and proposed recreational trails. g) Provide designated public access, nature observation sites and protection of sensitive areas. RATIONALE: As set forth on pp. 5 -9 and 5 -10 of the Master Environmental Assessment, City of Encinitas, 10- 20 -87: -46- The most important biological areas within the City are the two major wetland systems: San Elijo Lagoon /Escondido Creek and Batiquitos Lagoon /Encinitas Creek. These systems function as the primary wildlife corridors in the Encinitas region. Although Batiquitos Lagoon is actually outside the planning area, it is just as important biologically as San Elijo Lagoon. Coastal salt marsh habitat, which occurs in both lagoons, is considered a rare and sensitive resource at the federal, state, and local levels. This rapidly declining habitat supports a unique set of plants and animals including a number of high interest species. City of Encinitas General Plan, Page LU -52: Many unique plant and animal communities are found within the City and residents are concerned that future development will destroy these habitats. Many of these ecologically sensitive areas correspond to those areas with environmental constraints including potential for flooding and steep slopes. Page LU -41: The Land Use Policy Maps denotes a specific plan area within the community of New Encinitas at the southeast quadrant of E1 Camino Real and Olivenhain Road. This land area is currently undeveloped, and includes a portion of the Encinitas Creek streambed and floodplain, and significant steep inland hillsides /bluff within the El Camino Real scenic corridor, which are significant environmental and aesthetic resources. The intersection of E1 Camino Real and Olivenhain Road is a major entry point into the City, which deserves design attention as such in terms of streetscape and the developed appearance of adjacent properties.... Careful and comprehensive consideration must be given to the development of this area to insure protection of its visual /environmental resources and realization of its industrial and residential uses in a manner compatible and supportive of one another. That is the purpose of this specific plan. As development continues to march up El Camino Real through Encinitas and down from La Costa, Green Valley Falls directly in its path. In the context of emerging plans for the Ecke (Encinitas) Ranch property development and the projected Home Depot site, the land's natural assets appear increasingly precious. The Task Force urges that special attention be placed on this area's existing natural resources so as to preserve them. They clearly belong to a disappearing landscape Such natural surroundings are irreplaceable within the city itself. Having considered this, the Task Force sets forth the following reasons for the preservation and enhancement of Encinitas Creek: -47- a) Of the two major waterways identified in the Master Environmental Assessment, Encinitas Creek is the more vulnerable to rapidly changing influences and mounting pressures on its integrity. b) This area is outside the Coastal Zone and requires special protection not provided by the California Coastal Act. c) Preservation would establish a gateway to the city in a location that needs both a park and protection of sensitive resources. d) Enhancement and protection of this area would secure a major wildlife corridor within a highly urbanized area, while setting a good -faith precedent for the City of Carlsbad. e) Provision of low- maintenance and low -cost flood control as a preferred means of natural stream bank stabilization is consistent with the goals of AB 350. f) Provision for vital sediment retention is entirely consistent with the Coastal Conservancy's recommendation that the area be conserved to prevent siltation of Batiquitos Lagoon, while fulfilling interjurisdictional responsibilities for this vital and essential greenway. g) This habitat possesses an exemplary quality of rare native vegetation unmatched in other urbanized riparian areas. h) This site is located in an easily accessible urban area. i) Inclusion of such a greenway will increase property values in the immediate vicinity and enrich the community as a whole. What would the world be, once bereft Of wet and of wildness? Let them be left, O let them be left, wildness and wet; Long live the creeks and the wilderness yet. Gerard Manley Hopkins -48- RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CREEK ENHANCEMENT PROJECTS The Task Force has looked in detail themselves to riparian restoration. for improving each of the sites are Other creeks in Encinitas could cer, particular ones as being especially forth in AB 350, but, ideally, none for recovery. 1) ENCINITAS CREEK at six creek areas that lend The following recommendations proposed as bases for enhancement. tainly be included. We chose these compatible with the criteria set need be excluded from consideration a.) Remove exotic, invasive and noxious plants; restore and protect native vegetation and habitats. b.) Promote natural flood control in accordance with the Master Drainage Plan Update. c.) Promote usage consistent with existing Ecological Resource zoning and other General Plan requirements. d.) Provide and promote recreational usage of the flood plain outside of the Ecological Resource boundary, as specified in the Recreational Element of the General Plan. e.) Establish a buffer zone around the Ecological Resource zone. f.) Provide and extend linkages with other existing and proposed recreation areas via a linked system of trails. g.) Provide controlled public access and nature observation sites. 2) COTTONWOOD CREEK a.) Remove exotic, invasive and noxious plants; restore and protect native vegetation and habitats. b.) Reinstall gabions in a tiered or stepped design and naturalize the creek bed to allow for meanders. Encourage a small channel and wider flood plain to allow natural processes to occur. C.) Create nature observation sites and elevated walkways. d.) Remove the tennis court. e.) Provide picnic areas appropriate to the site. f.) Provide educational and interpretive displays. -49- 3) SANITARY DISTRICT a.) Daylight the creek. b.) Provide bank stabilization consistent with the requirements of a natural stream bed. c.) Preserve and restore the northern tributary to Leucadia Boulevard. Coordinate a trail extension from Union Street north with appropriate agencies /private owners. d.) Connect trails with other riparian zones and existing downtown areas. e.) Remove exotic, invasive and noxious plants; restore native vegetation and habitats. f.) Provide picnic areas, tennis courts, tot lots and opportunities for passive recreation of many types. 4) REQUEZA CANYON a.) Aquire property and establish Ecological Resource /Open Space /Park zoning for the project area. b.) Remove exotic, invasive and noxious plants; restore native vegetation where appropriate. c.) Provide for a city park with a predominantly natural environment in the riparian area and a basketball court on the western upland. .) Connect the park via green linkages to other parks and school sites in the city. e.) Restore the existing amphitheater for outdoor gatherings. f.) Provide a dog exercise area. 5) GREEN VALLEY CREEK a.) Remove existing culverts; restore the stream bed to a natural state. b.) Remove exotic, invasive and noxious plants; restore native vegetation and habitats. c.) Establish a trail along the riparian area to connect with Encinitas Creek, Batiquitos Lagoon and other city green spaces. -50- d.) Lay groundwork for cooperation with the City of Carlsbad for a joint preservation effort of the entire Green Valley corridor. e.) Provide for on -site soil retention in agricultural areas to the west to eliminate the need for siltation basins. Coordinate efforts with the Soil Conservation Service. 6) ESCONDIDO CREEK a.) Improve the water quality by controlling runoff. Establish liaisons with the Cities of Escondido and San Marcos and the County of San Diego to accomplish this objective. b.) Control siltation, especially at Trabert Canyon. Coordinate efforts with the Soil Conservation Service. c.) Remove exotic, invasive and noxious plants; restore native vegetation and habitats, especially trees, where possible and appropriate. d.) Restore the creek bed to its natural state where possible and appropriate. e.) Restore the natural fish habitat, especially at lower Escondido Creek. f.) Provide and promote recreational usage of the flood plain, as specified in the Recreational Element of the General Plan. g.) Establish recreational trails where appropriate and safe and connect them with other city green spaces. h.) Work with San Diego County on the La Bajada Bridge project for development of an appropriate mitigation plan. -51- REASONS FOR A CREEK RESTORATION PROJECT AT COTTONWOOD CREEK By Mary Renaker, President Cottonwood Creek Conservancy Some arguments in support of Urban Stream Restoration project funding for Cottonwood Creek: 1. The purpose of AB 350 is to "save the last vestiges of riparian areas in ..he state," according to Kata Bartoloni of the State Lands Commission. we should apply that thinking to what rei:,:- ins of our creeks. It is a foundation for our approach to .wetlands. Cottonwood Creek demands our attention. It is the only creek in Encinitas that flows into the ocean year- round. It is highly visible, accessible to the public and centrally located. It is the only creek in the city designated a "point of historical interest" by the State of California. 2. A public program in a high -use area would generate interest and volunteers for riparian restoration, revegetation, tree planting and exotic weed pest removal at creeks throughout Encinitas. The volunteers trained and the organization developed through this project would be beneficial in formu- lating future projects. Getting an initial, small -but- exemplary one funded and successfully implemented would make it easier to obtain subsequent grants. In such a way, some early costs of th-is first demonstration could be amortized over a series of projects. 3. In these times of tight budgets and fiscal constraints, we should encourage people who wish to donate time, labor, materials, money, expertise and community support to a common effort that would benefit San Diego County's rare riparian habitats and wildlife. This would present folks with the chance to translate their concerns into accomplishments. 4. One of the primary goals of the Urban Stream Restoration program is to educate future generations on environmentally sensitive alternatives to traditional flood control. The rewards of making multi -use, open space available to neighborhoods would be self - evident. A project at Cottonwood Creek would benefit the old downtown, our students and the state beach. The site would draw interest and attract pedestrian and bicycle traffic, nature study in the midst of an urban setting (of particular value to the two grammar schools within walking distance) and half -shade at the beach where visitors might increasingly want protection from full sun as a result of well - publicized hazards associated with depletion of the ozone layer. -52- 5. Finally, Southern California is not getting its share of Proposition 70 funding, which is scheduled to end next year. It was a voter - approved ballot measure, and we're paying for it with our taxes. On the basis of these arguments, a proposal could be drawn up in accordance with the requirements of this grant or future grants. A successfully accomplished project would be a model for Encinitas and the entire county of what can be achieved by cooperation among the private sector, city dwellers and city government. This could also furnish an example of how to attract funds to the city by accentuating the importance of its natural resources. ...We counsel for the welfare of that seventh generation to come. It should be foremost in our minds. Not even our generation, not even ourselves, but those that are unborn. So that when their time comes here, they may enjoy the same things that we're enjoying now. Oren Lyons, 1990 Onondaga Chief -53- You understand better now why we have gone on and on about the need for trees on the surface of the Earth. Great forests must flourish and man must see to this if he wishes to continue to live on this planet. The knowledge of this necessity must become part of his consciousness; as much accepted as his need for water in order to live. He need trees just as much; the two are interlinked .... Nothing could be more vital to life as a whole than trees. From The Findhorn Garden -54- RECOMMENDED ACTIONS OF THE TASK FORCE By Mark Wisniewski The following recommendations have been developed by the Task Force in the process of evaluating the potential of our drainage systems and flood plains in Encinitas. It is clear that we need to visualize a coherent plan for our open spaces and riparian areas. As in other areas of San Diego County, we should actively join in the effort to identify and weave connective threads of green throughout populated areas: 1.) The city should develop an integrated, inclusive plan for both developed and undeveloped green spaces within its boundaries. 2.) Future schools and active park sites should be jointly developed to expand potential uses and reduce aquisition, construction and maintenance costs. 3.) All schools, parks, open green spaces and riparian areas within the city should be linked by greenways, trails or walkways, which can also serve as natural biological linkages. This would encourage walking and hiking for recreation, while reducing vehicular traffic by providing alternatives to our reliance on cars. 4.) The city should integrate all schools and parks with the natural sourrounding vegetation types of the community. This would offset the native habitat lost to local development, while providing expanded habitat to other areas linked by the green corridors. This would facilitate species movement, migration, dispersal and emigration. 5.) The city should encourage the preservation and installation of native species in the landscaping of all residential and commercial developments. 6.) The city should develop the formulation and adoption of a local, water - efficient landscape ordinance prior to January 1, 1993. If the city does not develop its own ordinance, AB 325 mandates that the city adopt the state's model ordinance. 7.) AB 939 requires a reduction of green waste entering landfill sites. Significant amounts of mulched material could be utilized around trees and in shrub areas throughout the city. In particular, large amounts of mulch could be used at parks and schools, as well as for continuing the current mulch applications along the railroad right -of -way north of Encinitas Boulevard and in the Highway 101 medians of Leucadia. -55- 8.) A city- sustainable landscape ordinance would give preference to native trees and plant material and reduce expanses of lawns, especially at parks and schools. Appropriate planting would decrease the water, labor and fossil fuel required to maintain the landscape, while simultaneously: - lessening the amounts of air and noise pollution occurrir_. with current landscape maintenance practices. This woui._z also coincide with the global precepts of the Rio Earth Summit, which stress sustainability of economies, forestry, agriculture and responsible stewardship of the planet. Mark Wisniewski is a licensed landscape architect and contractor, as well as a certified arborist. He is a and the first dues - paying member of San Diego People -56- landscape past president for Trees. FUNDING SOURCES This list is meant to be a starting point in the search for funding: 1. AB 350, state parks bonds, if funded 2. Corporate sponsorship 3. Special assessment & Mello -Roos tax districts 4. State landscaping and lighting district funds designated for wildlife corridors 5. California Department of Water Resources, Urban Streams Restoration Grant Program 6. California State Coastal Conservancy 7. Land trusts, land conservancies 8. State Fish and Game, Wildlife Conservation Board 9. San Diego County Fish and Game Commission 10. Water districts 11. JPA's 12. U. S. National Park Service Rivers and Trails Conservation Assistance Program 13. State Land and Water Conservation Fund Program 14. Soil Conservation districts 15. Mitigation credits, as a last resort. -57- AFTERWORD By Carolyn Avalos After a year of intensive review, discussion and deliberation, we come away with the renewed conviction that wetlands, flood plains and riparian zones are the most valuable of resources within the community. These close -to -home amenities serve as green "liv-nr4 rooms," providing escape from confining surroundings, a place for friendly walks with companions and pets, a haven for wild pla,lts and animals, as well as a living classroom for our children. Open space integrated into the city and interconnected wh, :rever possible enhances nearby property values, while providing intrinsic desirability to entire neighborhoods. Attractive parks that provide for unstructured activities are relatively low -cost, do not require of taxpayers expensive infrastructure building and maintenance, and discourage all types of abuse becr.use of their high visibility and visitor frequency. They have an invaluable potential of fostering the feeling of community we often find so elusive. Among residents of Encinitas, the phrase, "quality of life," is constantly used when considering what is essentially important and deserving of protection. Part of the pleasure of living here is sharing the sense of an extenc�ad back yard. Unfortunately, this has become our neighborhors streets and isolated, squared - off parks. Considering the h3;jn level of need, it is our conclusion that we should amplify what we have with an intercommunity greenway system following naturdi creeks and drainage patterns. It is easy to look into an onrushing future and see that the local remnants of our natural world will only prevail if we are willing to bring a coherent, open -space network to our city. Frederick Law Omstead gave us marvellous urban parks over 100 years ago; soon after, President Theodore Roosevelt gifted us with a national park system. We have reaped the benefits of such foresight throughout the Twentieth Century. Now, faced with the culture of megalopolis, we need local, low- profile reserves to prepare us for the tumult of the Twenty- First. A post - World- War -Two phenomenon of converting large swathes of land into private, planned communities has removed most open space from our reach. what remains for the moment is often neglected and misused. We need a vital series of green linkages, accessible to pedestrians, to act as a restorative force in the place where we live. There is still time in Encinitas to make this vision a reality. -58- V. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION WE NEED ANOTHER AND A WISER AND PERHAPS A MORE MYSTICAL CONCEPT OF ANIMALS. Remote from universal nature, and living by complicated artifice, man in civilization surveys the creature through the glass of his knowledge and sees thereby a feather magnified and the whole image in distortion. We patronize them for their incompleteness, for their tragic fate of having taken form so far below ourselves. And therein we err, and greatly err. For the animal shall not be measured by man. In a world older and more complete than ours they move finished and complete, gifted with extensions of the senses we have lost or never attained, living by voices we shall never hear. They are not brethren, they are not underlings; they are other nations, caught with ourselves in the net of life and time, fellow prisoners of the splendour and travail of the earth. Henry Beston The Outermost House o RIPARIAN WILDLIFE By Carolyn Avalos Without water, of course, nothing is possible. Its presence, no matter how intermittent, allows riparian areas to give refuge and replenishment to countless creatures displaced elsewhere in the city by houses, roads and shopping malls. The unstructured plant community and comparatively untrammeled state of our remaining creeks provide a home for much more than the familiar skunks and opossums that crisscross our backyards. Kingfishers, native grey foxes, and Pacific treefrogs are all riparian. We must remember that these restorative places are utterly essential to the nonhuman residents of our community. They represent the animals' last refuge. Deprived of the shelter of creeks, they would disappear altogether. In a 1988 report by the California Department of Parks and Recreation entitled "California Wetlands," wetlands are called "nursery and habitat holding areas" that contain 1155 percent of the animal and 25 percent of the plant species designated as threatened or endangered by the state." This report was issued as an element of the California Outdoor Recreation Planning Program and stresses multiple uses of the flood plain and the need for riparian preservation. Above all, it emphasizes the value of habitat: Riparian wetlands are important to a large number (roughly 50$) of state and federally - listed endangered and threatened fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals. This impor- tance is a function of both the tremendous losses of riparian wetlands that California has suffered and the above - discussed utility of riparian wetlands to a wide variety of fish and wildlife species. Threats: It has been estimated that as much as 95% of California's historic complement of riparian wetlands has been lost to agricultural conversion, urban development, industrial development, flood control activities, and hydroelectric development and operation. Most of California's remaining riparian wetlands are not regulated with either strength or consistency. Consequently, losses of riparian wetland areas continue at an alarming rate. It has been estimated, for example, that San Diego County riparian wetlands have been reduced by as much as 40% in the past decade alone. Creeks shelter the animals that are our heritage and legacy. These animals personify our lore, populate our mythology and act out our children's bedtime stories. We share their images in our lives. Sighting and listing their ever - diminishing numbers is not improving their prospects for survival. We must preserve their living space. For many of us, seeking them out is unnecessary. Merely knowing that they have some place to hide is enough. -61- RIPARIAN WOODLANDS By Bill Daugherty Riparian woodlands occur along stream banks and flood plains where water is abundant during some portion of the year. Of the 140 species of breeding birds listed for Southern California, 88 are strictly riparian and 23 are users of riparian habitat; that totals 79 percent of our bird population. In addition, many migratory birds move through riparian areas during spring and fall. Many insects, reptiles and mammals are dependent upon the riparian community. According to a recent survey, San Diego County has lost over 60 percent of the riparian forests that existed at the turn of the century. This is one of the primary reasons for Audubon`s efforts to modify the Endangered Species Act to utilize endangered habitats as the principal method of protecting threatened species. At present, the act limits consideration to a single species at a time. This is an inefficient approach to the problem. As an example, coastal sage scrub is the habitat of several threatened species of plants and animals in addition to the California Gnatcatcher. Considering the dependency of wildlife upon riparian woodlands, it is no wonder that with the loss of about 90 percent of the riparian communities in Southern California, our wildlife populations have dropped drastically during the past three decades. In spite of this, most riparian areas, although dependent upon water, do not have the requisite characteristics to qualify as wetlands for regulation under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. Protection, therefore, will only be provided to a riparian habitat if it is inhabited by an endangered species. Developers, landowners and governments have yet to understand that greenways (e.g., riparian woodlands) add over 32 percent to the value of the land adjacent to a greenway, as compared to equivalent land only 3,200 feet away (U. S. National Park Service). Even businesses profit from their proximity to a greenway; worker productivity is increased, medical costs are lowered, and personnel turnover and absenteeism are reduced. Audubon is striving to have Congress make the necessary change to the existing laws. Development interests, however, are working equally hard to eliminate even the existing environmental programs. We need your help. Bill Daugherty is president of the Buena Vista Audubon Society in Oceanside, California. -62- GEOLOGY AND SOILS OF ENCINITAS, CALIFORNIA By Chris Metzler GEOLOGY Rocks of the Encinitas area are sedimentary rocks, mostly sandstone with some siltstone and shale. These rocks are nearly flat - lying, with older, Eocene -age rocks (deposited approximately 47 to 49 million years before present, Kennedy, 1975) of the Torrey Sandstone and Del Mar Formations (Abbott, 1985) being overlain by much younger Linda Vista Formation and Bay Point Formation. (These latter two formations were lumped together as the Schweitzer Formation by Eisenberg and Abbott, 1985.) These younger rocks are of Pleistocene age (deposited within the last two million years). The reddish - orange Linda Vista formation is cemented by iron oxide and is quite resistant to erosion. Where it happens to be breached by stream flow, however, the underlying older but softer Torrey Sandstone and Del Mar Formations erode readily, forming stream valleys. SOILS Soils developed within the riparian areas of Encinitas are mostly loamy sands of the Corralitos Series (U. S. Department of Agriculture, 1973). They are generally very deep (generally 100 inches) and formed on alluvium derived from the surrounding sandstone bedrock. The soils are typically grayish -brown and slightly acid at the surface to neutral chemistry at deeper levels. Fertility is medium; permeability is rapid; runoff is generally medium, but with some variability depending on the slope. Less common than the Corralitos Series, but occurring nonetheless in the Encinitas area, are soils of the Tujunga sand and the Chino silt loam. These soils are similar in most characteristics (color, thickness, permeability); however the fertility is more variable. Detailed maps showing distribution are in U. S. Department of Agriculture, 1973. SOURCES ABBOTT, P. A. (editor), 1985, On the Manner of Deposition of Eocene Strata in Northern San Diego County, San Diego Association of Geologists. Eisenberg, L. I. and Abbott, P. A., 1985, Eocene Lithofacies and Geologic History, Northern San Diego County, in Abbott, P. A. (ed.) 20n the Manner of Deposition of Eocene Strata in Northern San Diego County, San Diego Association of Geologists, pp. 19 -35. Kennedy, M. P., 1975, Geology of the San Diego Metropolitan Area, California Division of Mines and Geology, Bulletin 200. United States Department of Agriculture, 1973, Soil Survey San Diecro Area, California. -63- Dr. Chris Metzler is Professor of Geology and Oceanography at Mira - Costa College. He received his B. S. in Earth Sciences from U. C. Santa Cruz, his M. S. in Earth Sciences from Scripps Institution of Oceanography and his Ph.D. in Oceanography from Scripps Institution of Oceanography. The "New Country" to Americans in 1840 was the land of Oregon and California Territories. California, that far -off Mexican province, was said to be an earthly paradise where the sun always shone and fruit grew wild.... The claim of the Indians to the lands they had lived on for over a thousand years was universally nullified by the assertion that they had neither tilled the land nor built upon it. Americans saw only "free land," and they were drawn toward it as if by a magnet. Lillian Schlissel Women's Diaries of the Westward Journey -64- CONSERVING HABITAT BIODYNAMICS ON PRESERVING THE INTEGRITY OF FRAGMENTED WILDLANDS By G. A. Voss Our native vegetation represents a living ecosystem with many layers of life forms dependent on each other. The various plant species growing on the site host a myriad of tiny -to- microscopic organisms that are, in turn, prey for larger animals such as spiders and insects. These arthropods are primary food sources for both the resident and migratory birds and other small vertebrates. When development impacts the various habitats found in communities, they become fragmented. All levels of life are affected. These fragmented habitats begin to lose the dynamics of their ecosystems. Vertebrates having wide ranges are first eliminated by their inability to find food. Some, like the coyote, adapt to an urbanized environment. The fragmented habitats are further reduced in size until other living components, plant and animal species, begin to be exterminated. Development and urbanization can and do reach an equilibrium with the need to conserve wildlands. Careful planning, employing biologists of several types, can allow for habitat corridors that will preserve the free interchange of animal and plant lifeforms. Animals can safely cross streets and roads using these corridors, and an inter- change of plant germplasm is allowed for. Birds, mammals and the wind all play a part in the dispersal of plant species. Careful revegetation practices can restore disturbed habitats only very slowly. Preserving natural links before they are destroyed should be first on the agenda of any environmentally sound planning. Gil Voss is a second - generation Southern Californian who came to Encinitas in 1957. He was curator of Quail Botanical Gardens for 16 years until opening his own horticultural consulting business in Vista. He is both an economic botanist and ethnobotanist, as well as a fellow of the Royal Horticultural Society in England. M-1-15 ARCHEOLOGY, RIPARIAN HABITATS AND ENCINITAS By Michele Fergoda whether we are aware of it or not, we are nearly always in the presence of the past in Encinitas, particularly along the old waterways that have meandered through the community for thousands of years. The City of Encinitas and its surrounding communities are one of the most intensely concentrated areas for known archeological sites in San Diego County. Record searches in the 1970's conducted by the San Diego Museum of Man and San Diego State University Department of Anthropology inventoried over 700 recorded sites in the community. As of late 1980's, an additional 200 sites had been identified beyond the 1979 figure, which suggests the presence of many undisclosed sites still to be discovered. A significant amount of these sites were found near the creeks and rivers of Encinitas. PREHISTORY OF ENCINITAS Three cultures have been recognized for the area: the San Dieguito aspect of the western big -game- hunting tradition (12,000 BP* to 8,500 BP); the La Jollan, an aspect of the early milling -stone tradition (7,500 BP to 1,000 BP); and the Kumeyaay /Luiseno, an aspect of the late milling -stone tradition (1,000 BP). As much as 14,000 years ago, the people who had roamed and lived in the community as hunters and gatherers depended upon animals and plants still found in the riparian habitats of the Encinitas region today. Some of these traditional plants and animals presently - or until recently - found in our midst are: acorns, pine nuts, buckwheat, sage, sunflower, cactus, yucca, wild onion, manzanita, deer, rabbit, squirrel, rodents and lizards. Both the San Dieguito River and Escondido Creek, which empty into the Pacific Ocean, provided potable water as well as a vast variety of food sources for these early inhabitants. One of the most significant sites in San Diego County was found near Rancho Santa Fe Road along Escondido Creek and has been dated to 4,000 BP. The artifacts or remains of the material culture left by these early populations are varied but contain little information on site use or cultural associations. The types of sites found in Encinitas include: lithic scatters, bedrock milling stations, pictographs, shell scatters comprised of oyster and mussels, various petroglyphs and four village sites. The later Kumeyaay Indians of the Encinitas region are hypothesized to have practiced an elementary form of agriculture prior to Hispanic contact. This purportedly involved broadcasting seeds of maize, squash and beans in the alluvial plains found in the whispering Palms area and the flood basins near Manchester Avenue and Olivenhain Road. Kumeyaay *BP is the scientific abbreviation for "Before Present" time. .. means "for those who face the water from the cliff." For many years, the Kumeyaay who lived north of Los Penasquitos Lagoon were called Northern Dieguenos and those who lived south of it, Southern Dieguenos. The arrival of the Spanish in 1769 to 1822 disrupted many Kumeyaay groups along the coast and inland river valleys. The Mexican land program and the American gold rush and statehood period further displaced these people. HISTORY Documentation of the Indians of the Encinitas area began in 1769 when Don Gaspar Portola traversed the mouth of the river area near E1 Camino Real and Via de la Valle. The Spaniards named the river valley and the Indians' "prehistoric" village "San Dieguito" after Saint James the Lesser. The highway, El Camino Real (The Kings' Highway or Royal Road), was the principal link between Old Town and the missions of Baja and Northern California. From 1769 to 1810, the San Dieguito Indian Village was called "Jallaque" and was controlled by the Spanish, whose influence is reflected in the Indian baptisms recorded at both Missions San Luis Rey and Alcala. The Mexican Revolution in 1822 awarded land grants to those loyal to the revolt; hence, the land grant of Rancho San Dieguito was awarded to Juan Osuna, the first mayor of Old Town, in 1836. The land grant was 8,824 acres in all. Other land grants were also awarded; one of the largest was the 133,440 -acre Rancho Santa Margarita de las Flores, which is much of Camp Pendleton. In 1842, a 4,431 -acre tract called Los Encinitos Rancho was granted to Don Andres Ybarra and adjoined San Dieguito Rancho to the south, a few miles east of present -day Encinitas. Ten years earlier during the Mexican Period, inhabitants from Old Town went to San Dieguito to form a self- sufficient community using Indian labor from the "rancheria." After statehood, the newly - spelled Las Encinitas Rancho was sold in 1860 and the adobe became a stage station. By 1868, the original adobe was in ruins. In 1885, Adam Wiegand left Chicago and joined the German Colony Olivenhain. The Wiegand Family occupied the station, which was to become part of their 2,000 -acre cattle - grazing ranch. The San Dieguito Rancho had begun to be sold off in the 1860's; however, members of the Osuna Family lived in the San Dieguito Ranch until 1906. By 1880, the Township 14, Range 3, which was part of the San Luis Rey District, had been formed into the San Dieguito Township, covering 40 square miles. California statehood disallowed early land grants, forcing the selling or parcelizing of most of the area's "ranchos." By 1899, Rancher Alfred H. Smith was owner of the majority of Rancho San Dieguito. As in the early days, described by the San Diego Union in 1889: -67- The willing valley (Encinitas) calls out for more families to share its bounties.... The community is an intelligent, sociable and prosperous one, and in time will have a population befitting its ample acres. The old homesteaders must have foreseen the development of the area. In summary, it can be legitimately argued that the entire community is an enormous archeological treasure chest, which could, if preserved, answer a host of questions having relevance to our lives today. At present, over 500 archeological sites in the community can potentially be destroyed, along with the sensitive riparian habitats which guard them. Continual increase in population, urbanization and the extension of public services, road improvements and back - country recreational activities all will take their toll on our heritage unless more care is given to the conservation of our environment. Preservation of these resources will provide an exceptional opportunity to impart to the community a sense of pride and the much - needed connection to our land via remnants of the past. Michele Fergoda, anthropologist and archeologist, is a third - generation Californian and resident of Encinitas. She grew up in both the Los Angeles area and San Diego. Completing her graduate studies in anthropology in Mexico, she stayed on to work in Latin America as an archeologist. For many years, she was an archeologist/ environmental analyst for San Diego County. Currently, she is the housing coordinator for the City of Irvine. She recently won the Orange County and then State American Planning Association Awards for a documentary on the working homeless. UfE THE PUBLIC TRUST DOCTRINE AND RIVERS IN THE CITY By Mary Renaker Traditionally, during Southern California's development, streams and rivers have been excavated and forced down smooth cement canals called "storm drains." I grew up here believing this was for our protection. In a semi - desert where rain is torrential and sporadic and water is imported, two or three generations have grown up in this land not knowing what a free - flowing creek was. I was one of those. It was a startling discovery - at age 39 - to find a real creek in Southern California, in my town of Encinitas, flowing into the ocean as it had for millennia. Meanwhile, plans for box - culverting this creek and covering it with parking lots and tennis courts were continuing apace. Having recently joined the Urban Creeks Council in Berkeley in order to find help for preserving native streams and watercourses, I noticed an upcoming conference in their newsletter called, "Rivers in the City - Design and Management in the Age of Public Trust." I leapt from my seat to call for information. In November, 1990, I attended the conference at the Berkeley School of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Design. Participating speakers included experts on environmental and western water law, along with representatives of the State Lands Commission and the State Attorney General's Office. Hydrologist and Landscape Architecture Professor Mathias Kondolf opened the conference by saying: Concrete, single -use, flood - control channels are expensive, kill habitats and don't work. Stream channels and floodplains are parts of the same unit. It is artificial to think otherwise. In California we have tremendous variety and change in river flows, channel instability and channel migration. There is nothing inherently wrong with rivers' moving sand and silt to the sea. The error is in our not being aware of these natural pro- cesses that are going to occur as long as the wind and rain erode the mountains. Professor Kondolf stressed that we need to make room for these natural processes instead of ignoring them. He further noted, "There is a lot of interest in 'daylighting' urban rivers," and that, "a healthy urban river should have: flood flow (area to allow for flood overflow), riparian habitat, aquatic habitat, recreational value and esthetic value." THE PUBLIC TRUST DOCTRINE A primary reason for the conference was to provide information on the Public Trust Doctrine and to explain how recent court cases have .• applied it to our state's wetlands and streams. Two major court cases, Marks v. Whitney (1971) and particularly the Mono Lake decision (1983), have brought water and its natural values to a high priority within the State Attorney General's Office and the State Lands Commission. The Mono Lake decision has given new applications to the Public Trust Doctrine. It affirms that ecological resources maintained by natural waters constitute a public trust. The lake was becoming saline and toxic to birds because of water diversions by the Los Angeles Metropolitan Water District (MWD). National Audubon sued MWD to stop the diversions and the State Lands Commission was "invited" into the case as an "interested party." The court held that the commission has a "duty to protect waterways under its control for future generations" and that "there is a duty to reduce harm to the public trust." In its opinion, the court went on to say: There is growing public recognition that one of the most important public uses is the preservation of those lands in their natural state as environments which provide food and habitat for birds and marine life and which favorably affect the scenery and climate of the area. Quoting Shakespeare, "The law hath not been dead, though it hath slept," Environmental Law Professor Joe Sax explained that "the Public Trust Doctrine has a long history of applications to coastal land use and water ... the doctrine has been with us since Roman times, was reaffirmed in the Magna Carta, and became established in !-- 'erican law in 1820 with navigational servitude." This concept affir7.ed the responsibility of the federal government to maintain open waterways after individuals tried to rope off parts of the Mississippi River to restrict passage by others. The doctrine was also established in Spanish law that once governed California. It is an ancient legal concept that holds that certain lands must be held in trust for future generations and cannot be privately held. Rooted in the customs of the seafaring Greeks and Romans, it is remarkable both for its age and vigor. "It is a legal doctrine with very old roots which fits ideally into the interests of modern environmental goals and policies," he said. "It's an anti - arivatization doctrine. It deals with natural resources in a way that prot-�—:,-� them from development. It's about government responsibilities tol public claims." According to Deputy Attorney General Jan Stevens, this doctrine has evolved to become one of the most effective safeguards of public rights. Since the time of Emperor Justinian, it has held that navigable waters, their beds and banks, should be enjoyed by all people because they are too important to be reserved for private use. From earliest times, societies have recognized the importance of waterways to their people. In the Roman era, rivers, the sea and its shore were held in common. Any person was at liberty to use the swim seashore to the highest tide, to dry his nets or to fasten vessels to the banks. The Public Trust Doctrine is currently being extended to protect the modern recreational and esthetic values of waterways. "The new application of this doctrine comes at a time of increasing interest in restoration of natural values to urban rivers and streams," says Stevens. Professor Sax noted: "The Public Trust Doctrine should meet the needs of the time. As part of the living legal system, it should be used to protect instream water rights. It's the proper use of a dynamic legal system." There is growing awareness in Encinitas and elsewhere that we have lost too much already and that our wetland resources are irreplaceable. An Oregon court stated in the case of Morse v. Oregon Division of State Lands 11 978): These resources, after all, can only be spent once. The law has consistently and historically recognized that rivers and estuaries once destroyed or diminished may never be restored to the public, thus requiring the highest degree of protection. On October 3, 1991, Bob Radovich, current director of the California Department of Fish and Game, told an audience of 450 attending a wetlands conference in Del Mar, "We could protect all our wetlands in California tomorrow and it wouldn't make any difference in the economy, because 99.6 percent of the land would not be affected." It is now midway through 1992. Creeks are still being threatened with channelization in San Marcos; floodplains are slated for development in Encinitas and higher channel walls are recommended for the L. A. River - after the rains last February - by the Army Corp of Engineers. Only constant public pressure will protect the last vestiges of wetlands in southern California. You need to know that the beds of streams and rivers belong to you; that our wetlands, tidelands, estuaries and creeks are our common heritage, to be held in trust for us and for future generations by the State of California and that preserving these lands in their natural state is "their highest and best use." That you have the law, the spirit of the law, and public opinion on your side if you want to protect them from development. Mary Renaker, a resident of Encinitas since 1978, is founder and president of the Cottonwood Creek Conservancy. She serves on the state board for the Urban Creeks Council and has a column on the editorial page of The Blade- Citizen entitled, "The Natural Landscape." -71- AH, DRINK again This river that is the taker -away of pain, And the giver -back of beauty! Edna St. Vincent Millay "Lethe" -72- WATER QUALITY By Carolyn Avalos In semi -arid zones like Southern California, the presence of water in a riparian area is volatile. Droughts, floods, runoff, dams and development all play key roles in influencing water quantity. Water quality, on the other hand, is more subtly affected, yet even more crucial to the future of the living landscape. San Diegan Ecological Designer and Consultant Jim Bell, director of Ecological Life Systems Institute, served on four subcommittees of the Mission Bay Park Master Plan Committee, for which water pollution control was of utmost concern. He recently made some relevant observations on the subject in the San Dieao Union (May 21, 1992), which with his permission we include here: 1. First, the public needs to better understand how their activities affect the bay's water quality and how they can minimize bay contamination. Simple modifications like re- cycling used oil instead of dumping it, handling pet wastes properly, using nontoxic pest - control products and using fewer fertilizers on lawns and landscaping can go a long way toward reducing the pollutants that enter the bay. 2. Second, the Mission Bay watershed should be revegetated. Healthy plant canopies and the leaves that fall from them, along with native grasses, can minimize silt in the bay by protecting soils from pounding rain. In a healthy watershed, bacteria and viruses are quickly devoured by hungry soil organisms. Fallen leaves and grasses are also effective at trapping pollutants like oil. oil trapped by plants and then exposed to sunlight and bacteria will quickly break down into simpler, nonpolluting compounds. 3. Third, a freshwater wetland area in the Rose Creek channel should be developed. Freshwater systems have an established track record of effectively removing pollutants like heavy metals and excess nutrients from water. These observations could be easily applied to Encinitas. Aside from encouraging the natural movement of sand downstream, free - flowing creeks that boast of ample vegetation can cleanse and revitalize the water moving through them. The results would be most beneficial to our local beaches - a healthier aquatic environment with a viable future. -73- SOIL QUALITY AND EROSION By Carolyn Avalos As the California State Coastal Conservancy points out in its Annual Report.for 1989 -1990: Coastal resource conservation demands attention to watersheds, river valleys, and landscape linkages. Wetland restoration is an exercise in futility if it is continually undermined by upstream impacts of development, farming, timber harvesting, and public works. In San Diego, Sonoma, and Marin counties, and elsewhere, the Conservancy is showing how government, local resource conservation districts, nonprofit organiza- tions, ranchers, and other private property owners can work together toward protecting entire watersheds for everyone's benefit. Encinitas' two major watershed systems - San Elijo Lagoon (Escondido Creek) and Batiquitos Lagoon (Encinitas Creek) - are under constant threat of sedimentation resulting from upstream human activity. The Coastal Conservancy's 1989 publication, The Coastal Wetlands of San Diego County, states the problem in this way: Sedimentation problems are not well studied at San Elijo Lagoon. Much of the Escondido Creek floodplain directly above the lagoon remains natural, covered with marsh and riparian forest. Sediment is stored within this area and little may be reaching the lagoon. Efforts to channelize the creek could easily change this situation since this floodplain remains privately owned and subject to develop- ment proposals. Erosion of the bluffs surrounding the lagoon by urban stormwater and sedimentaton of wetlands, are quite apparent, particularly along the southeastern lagoon edge. On the Batiquitos Lagoon: In its current state, the lagoon also accumulates all sediment which flows in, particularly fine sediment which is not collected by the sediment basins that have been installed on several lagoon tributaries. Topographic surveys over a three -year period showed substantial filling of the eastern lagoon. This problem can be expected, given the large amount of development occurring in the watershed. If sedimentation rates remain at their historic levels, the entire lagoon could be filled in within 50 years. The Coastal Conservancy, in its 1987 Batiquitos Lagoon Watershed Sediment Control Plan further notes: -74- Source control is by far the most cost effective method of reducing sedimentation into Batiquitos Lagoon. Controlling erosion in the watershed also reduces both fine and heavy sediments; structural control measures, such as sediment basins, can only catch heavy sediment leaving fine sediment to be carried out through the lagoon. Should the lagoon mouth be closed, these fine sediments would deposit in the lagoon. Upstream, grading and agriculture alike contribute to the loading up of our creek waters. Often, agriculture gives way to development, creating an increase in sedimentation during drastic disturbance of the topsoil in construction as well as a a loss of productive land. The General Plan addresses soil conservation in this manner: Policy 12.2: No "prime" agriculture lands are located within the City of Encinitas Coastal Zone. However, the Ecke Holdings, et al., are within the City of Encinitas' Coastal Zone sphere of influence, and may, therefore, be influenced by the City's LCP and General Plan policies. The City recognizes this land as "prime" agriculture suitability and as such designates it for long term preservation as "Agriculture /Open Space Preserve." (Coastal Act /30241) (RM -24) Among the conservation measures proposed by the Coastal Commission in its Batiquitos Lagoon sediment control plan are the following: Contour farming should be practiced throughout the watershed. Farm rows should be plowed along the contour of the land. Despite the obvious erosion problems created by non - contour plowing, some landowners in Green Valley have yet to use this practice. Stream channel protection should be practiced. Farming activities should be limited within twenty feet of a natural floodplain or channel area. Plowing of soil adjacent to a channel can result in de- stabilizing of stream banks and bank failures. A riparian corridor should separate agricultural lands from stream channels. Riparian corridors can function to collect sediment and as a buffer for waterways. The Coastal Conservancy goes on to say in its "Floodplain Management" section of this report, "Concrete channels offer no sediment retention capacity and generally cause stream bed erosion problems for any natural channel lying downstream due to the great velocity at which cement channels pass stormflows." The nation's annual loss of topsoil is alarming, and Encinitas is no exception. When the soil is exposed, rainfall and irrigation move this invaluable resource wastefully through the creeks to the lagoons and beyond. Riparian systems form a "sponge" that absorbs and filters this and other runoff and, in such a way, act as natural retention zones ... one of the many benefits of greenways. -75- I go and lie down where the wood drake rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds. I come into the peace of wild things who do not tax their lives with forethought of grief. I come into the presence of still water And I feel above me the day -blind stars waiting with their light. For a time I rest in the grace of the world, and am free. Wendell Berry -76- VI. PERSONAL STORIES OF LOCAL CREEKS The shining water that moves in the streams and rivers is not just water, but the blood of our ancestors. If we sell you our land, you must remember that it is sacred. Each ghostly reflection in the clear waters of the lakes tells of events and memories in the life of my people. The water's murmur is the voice of my father's father. The rivers are our brothers. They quench our thirst. They carry our canoes and feed our children. So you must give the rivers the kindness you would give any brother. Chief Sealth (Seattle), 1852 -78- WHAT ESCONDIDO CREEK BELOW LA BAJADA REPRESENTS By Tom Robison Growing up in Western Pennsylvania with trees and creeks causes one never to forget nature and the peace extolled in such places. Fortunately for me, I discovered a similarity without snow in the Escondido Creek along Manchester Avenue. The appeal caused me and my family to remain in escrow and to turn down a management position in Ohio, while reason should have indicated otherwise. But such tranquility is threatened by developers, traffic diverters, urbanizers, boom boxes, polluters, trail blazers, homeless, thieves, vandals, and on and on.... Fortunately tranquility has friends. I learned in the mid - Seventies that the creek does not dry up without Escondido's processed sewage. I also learned that the floodplain is a place for sewer lines and roads because the resale value is debatable while taxes are not. When the Lake Val Sereno sewer was graded and a pond remained, it was my responsibility if it became contaminated. I learned the government might put a Highway 680 arterial feeder - of little redemptive value - through the valley. But I also realized a small pontoon boat on the creek could ease all the day's problems in an evening as I watched ducks, hawks, and herons come and go, while bass jumped from the creek to get mosquitoes. With this came fishermen who would catch and throw back, seine and not throw back, firearm enthusiasts, kids who would shoot whatever and cut trees for the fun and daring. I learned there were nature lovers who would form alliances to protect such places. I was reassured of the value of sharing the paradise when my cancer -laden friend composed a poem about God's given paradise, while sitting in solitude beside the creek: For Tom and Wanda Written By Your Stream Gently the finger of God moved the water. Joyfully the air caught hold of His breath. Leaves that were pushed by His breath into swimming, Floated the current and came to their rest. -79- Joy is alive in the stream He created. Sunshine filters softly spreading around. Take off your shoes as you quietly come here, You are standing on God's most precious ground. Carol Hatlen June, 1981 I have relived my youth as I watched my son grow and enjoy deer, coyotes, sunfish, catfish, bass, bluegill, fox, bobcats, opossoms, pheasants, hawks, heron, ducks, geese, quail, skunk, raccoons, and.... Now my granddaughter is showing signs of attachment to what the creek extolls and the life nearby. So go the happiness and worries with such a place. Let's let nature take its course (whatever that course is ?). In the Seventies cattle grazed and sedimentation and floods came and went freely because grazed brush and plant life offered little resistance to the flow. One could walk across the floodplain most anywhere without getting wet or muddy. Today one has to search for a dry route. The Kirkorowicz property is a mass of flow- inhibiting cattails, causing water backup upstream and sedimentation into the pond at the head of the narrows. What was once a wide, deep fish pond is now unrecognizable. But Saddam's oilfires, volcanoes, escaping wastes, and Bush's redefinition of wetlands may cause Mother Nature to give up, to retaliate or to redefine herself. City dwellers and bikers foresee little need for cattle, horses, sheep, goats or wildlife. But then again farm animals are questionable as a wildlife entity. Irrigation runoff is also questionable in nature. How will we ever mandate a synergistic public access, utilities and nature ? ?? Tom Robison is a former high school math and science teacher, inventor, author, computer systems analyst and lover of creeks and wildlife conservation. He has lived in the 4000 block of Manchester Avenue adjoining Escondido Creek since 1973. frlm REQUEZA CANY011 By Marguerite and Bertram Butler Since the Interstate 5 freeway came through this canyon 30 years ago, surrounding neighbors have sought to protect the remaining seven -and- a -half acres. Our representative body before incorporation of Encinitas was the San Dieguito Citizens' Planning Group. Chairman Neil Marshal and the members of that group recommended the canyon for a neighborhood park to the San Diego Parks and Recreation Department, which agreed, if funding could be arranged. The Sierra Club referred to this ancient coastal pocket as being of a sensitive nature because it contains the fast - disappearing coastal sage scrub, which in turn supports many bird and plant species, the latter including rare Ceonothus verrucosus, Del Mar Manzanita and Encinitas baccharis. A willow -lined arroyo provides natural drainage for this area and is a branch of historic Cottonwood Creek. In this area, Audubon Member Freeman Hall noted the presence of a pair of Northern Orioles, several Anna's Hummingbirds, a pair of Bewick Wrens, numerous Bush Tits, while a Red - Shouldered Hawk soared overhead. This is obviously a wildlife corridor! Many families in this area have walked in this canyon both for pleasure and as an easy pedestrian access to local shopping centers. It is a true community connector. In the past, the adjoining United Methodist Church conducted outdoor services in the wooded amphi- theater, which our children and many more attended. A resident of 40 years, Mrs. Agnes Stilley, has many memories and some recommendations for its future: Our family has lived in Encinitas since before the freeway, and our children played in the pre- freeway era, flying kites over the Requeza Canyon area and exploring adobe formations and caves, picking cattails from the stream and bringing me wildflowers. If the Methodist Church - which now owns what is left of the canyon - could be persuaded to share it with the City of Encinitas, to be developed as a park similar to Glen Park in Cardiff, the people of the area could work together with the church, possibly even developing a teen center there, a small playground, installing picnic tables, a walkway and redeveloping the amphitheater already there, while still retaining the native flora and fauna. It would really be a beautiful center of Old Encinitas to be enjoyed by all as a peaceful retreat. Another longtime resident since 1967, Mrs. Jean Saltmarsh, tells US'. As a resident of Encinitas, I've seen an enormous amount of construction. The open land and agricultural land is fast disappearing. That makes the remaining small parcels more precious. -81- Requeza Canyon is a unique area which should be saved for all the community. For years I've walked through the canyon and enjoyed the openness and access from Requeza Street to the shopping center. My son remembers playing with his friends near the creek bed and among the trees. It was the only open and unspoiled land near us for children to be off the streets and enjoy freedom to explore. Requeza Canyon should be preserved for future generations in this fast - growing community. Once the land is built and paved over, it is lost to the community as a place for recreation and getting close to nature. Riparian habitats in the center of this fast - growing city, such as Requeza Canyon, are vital for cooling and cleaning the atmosphere. The green acres are essential for our health and the wellbeing of our future. "Cynthia" and Bert came to Encinitas from Canada by way of Ohio. They live in the original house that they bought here in 1962. Cynthia is a member of the San Dieguito Garden Club and the Welcome Wagon, and she and Bert are founding members of the Encinitas Highlands Community Association. They have both been gracious guides and guardians of Requeza Canyon. -82- WINDSOR CANYON By Mrs. Agnes Stilley Did you know that there was once a lake in Windsor Park, where one could catch many bluegill in an afternoon? wouldn't it be nice to see it there again? Maybe there are too many legal impossibilities for this to happen. There is a beautiful Little League ballfield there now in part of the area. There is a large naturally wooded, untouched area where trails or walkways could be maintained, possibly by community cooperation with the present owners. A trail could be a community connector between Windsor Avenue and Lake Drive through this beautiful canyon area, possibly with picnic tables. Isn't this something to think about? Mrs. Agnes Stilley has lived in the same house in Encinitas for the last 36 years. All five of her children graduated from San Dieguito High School. She is a volunteer at the Senior Center and also a member of the Site Council, which is involved in the fundraising activities for the Senior Center. To heal the Earth, which is create an ecological balance We do so by recognizing that interrelationship. from The Findhorn Garden -83- our greater body, we must within as well as without. the basis of life is THE SAN ELIJO LAGOON By Allen and Priscilla Crutcher Our enjoyment of the San Elijo Lagoon comes in many ways. Its open space gives us relief from our increasingly urban environment and serves as a visual definition of our community from the neighboring City of Solana Beach to the south and Rancho Santa Fe to the east. We often go a little out of our way to go by the lagoon on our way around town just to feel the visual relief it brings us. As a location for outdoor recreation, the San Elijo Lagoon gives us some of the best birdwatching opportunities and outdoor trails in all of North County San Diego. Visitors and family from other areas are amazed to find such an oasis of wildlife so close to our living and working places. We maze it a point to visit the lagoon at different times of the year to see the migratory birds. Psychologically and spiritually it gives us great pleasure to know that the lagoon exists as a sanctuary for wildlife and plants that are running out of habitat throughout coastal California. It is extremely important to us to live in a community that values the intricate web of life upon which we all ultimately depend. Over the years, we have benefitted in many ways from the reserve as an opportunity for social interaction and community activity. The County Parks Department volunteer program and the San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy have given us and others a chance to work outdoors together, do something good for the community and meet people from all age groups and backgrounds who share common interests. Cleanup activities with the Park Rangers and Solana Recyclers give us a chance to care for our park. We greatly enjoy taking visiting friends and family, school and scout groups through the lagoon for recreational and educational purposes. The ocean and the San Elijo Lagoon are the most beautiful features in this community and provide recreation for everyone. Allen and Priscilla Crutcher have been residents of the Cardiff area for the last eight years. Priscilla is an therapist and Allen is an architect. They are members Elijo Lagoon Conservancy and the San Diego County Parks Recreation Department volunteer program. -84- Encinitas/ educational of the San and ENCINITAS CHILDHOOD MEMORIES As told to Ida Lou Coley by Betty Jo Truax Swaim Canyons and creeks in Encinitas have attracted youngsters through the years and serve as natural playgronds for them. So it was for the Noonan children and their cousins, the Truax twins Betty Jo and Bonnie Jean, back in the 19301s. The Noonan families were made up of Norman and Hazel Noonan and their children, Jim and Jean, and Val and Nina Noonan and their children, John, Pat and Keith. They all shared a summer ranch house far up on the hill off Ocean View in Leucadia. But a more interesting route to their house was by foot along Cottonwood Creek which wandered beside the narrow two -lane San Marcos Road leading to the back country. At the turn of the hill, one continued up the canyon and through an avocado grove at the back side of the ranch. For the older children, this was the usual way, in reverse order, to Moonlight Beach and a more adventurous pathway than walking down an asphalt road, especially when the children reached the drainage pipe running under Old Highway 101. Here they crawled through a shallow trough of water to a small waterfall, where the creek continued westward toward the beach and ocean. Betty Jo and Bonnie Jean say they preferred to climb up the bank and cross over the highway at that point because the pipe was dark and scary. Before I -5 was built, the terrain east of the Noonan backyard was a natural hollow, forming a watershed for Cottonwood Creek. The area was filled with growth and bamboo and was a setting for cousins John and Jim to play out their Tarzan and Alley Oop fantasies. During summer evenings the children would build a bonfire in the backyard overlooking the canyon and roast marshmallows and wait for the moonlight to come. A BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF THE TRUAX TWINS, BETTY JO SWAIM AND BONNIE JEAN GEDDIE By Ida Lou Coley Betty Jo Swaim and Bonnie Jean Geddie probably know more oldtimers than anyone around. They grew up here and drew everyone's eye with their vivaciousness and natural beauty. They were a popular choice to be cheerleaders at San Dieguito High School in 1941 and 1942. The twins are granddaughters of James Noonan, an early pioneer who brought his family here in 1888 and built a home for them on the point now called "Swami's." Their mother was the late Ida Truax, who taught in Encinitas schools and later served as city librarian for many years. Betty Jo and Bonnie Jean have raised their children here, and today both live in the historic downtown area, which is very fitting. They have many stories to tell of years past, especially of Old Encinitas and, like their mother before them, are a valuable resource to historians. -85- HORSEBACK RIDES By Hank Krautter as told to Ida Lou Coley Years ago, grownups, as well as children, spent time along the trails bordering the creek and canyon area east of Vulcan Avenue. When Hank Krautter returned to Encinitas after the war in November, 1945, he went to work the next day at Jendersen's Petunia Gardens just over the dip on Old Highway 101. On the north side of the gardens was a shed and corral for John Jendersen's horses. There were three of them. One had once belonged to Bing Crosby; it was a high- strung race horse, easily spooked and always wanting to go. If work was slack, John, Hank and John's niece, Vona, would saddle up the horses and go for a ride in the back country. Hank remembers that he rode the gray mare called "Babe." The riders crossed over to Vulcan, and then before it met San Marcos Road, they turned east and descended into the canyon and followed meandering paths along the creek. There were few buildings around in those days - just bush and a scattering of trees. San Marcos Road had yet to be reshaped and refaced into Encinitas Boulevard. The creek and canyon east of Vulcan were a gateway to miles of back - country paths that crisscrossed hill after hill all the way to the ridge overlooking Green Valley. The terrain provided an exhilarating horseback ride. A BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF HENRY "HANK" KRAUTTER By Ida Lou Coley Today, Hank Krautter still speaks with a tinge of his Brooklyn accent, 55 years after leaving New York to come west to Encinitas, California, in 1937. Here he met young, native -born June Maas, and they were married in 1941. After the war, he and June built their home on Crest Drive and raised their family of four children - Gail, Carol, Gary, and Henry, Jr. Hank was widowed in July of 1990. He yarns with the many Encinitas friends over the years and visiting, and being grandchildren. ME:I-z now spends his hours spinning and acquaintances he has made visited by, his children and 1 3 } t - � 1 PIP C', 2r-+, erg m c rc \�a a no c, e o+e i f 1 !V 2- Y)O An �,v C 5 y D \A a -�P- 3- �i -87- t to ,�� C 00 pl rl��� WSJ 1 C) U u by AMY �`� ±ubsf� a Ulmm 0 ---------- 89- RECOLLECTIONS OF t. NATIVE SON - THE LUX CANYON As told to Ida Lrju Coley by Herbert Lux Those who livFd on large farms in the back country as youngsters in years paps don't always have abundant, carefree, childhood memories of trips to the beach, explorations of creeks and picnics. For some, there wasn;t much time for outings, but there was plenty of work to do. Whe:i I asked Herbert Lux, now in his mid - sixties, what things come to mind when he thinks back to Lux Canyon of bygone years, he replied, "Tumbleweeds, snakes,.hard work, being hot and miserable." In the 1900's, the Lux family expanded their property to include the land west of today's El Camino Real. :ears before in the 1880's, three Lux brothers - Peter, John and Henry - arrived here from Luxembourg and became one of the most res��cted families in the area. Herbert is a descendant of John Lux. Fdrly _n, this family turned to dry farming the land, since water was scarce. The canyon floor became lima bean fields and crops were harvested in Septe.nber and October. There were also shorter plating seasons for hay ana barley. It was pretty much open country - no E1 Camino Real. The higi.way was cut through in the 1960's. No houses and apartments on the t,.i.11 over- looking the canyon - they emerged later. I asked Herbert if he could remember just when the land came tc be called "Lux Canyon." He laughed and said: It happened this way. One day I was out walking on the land and met up with a surveyor. He asked me what the area was called. "Nothing," I replied. "Are you the owner ?" he inquired. "Yes, I am." "And what's your name ?" he questioned. "Lux," I said. "Hmmm, Lux Canyon. Heck, that's close enough," and he wrote something on a piece of paper. Later, I noticed the name of Lux Canyon began to appear on maps. There is also another side to this native -born son of the back country. That became clearer when he said, "You know, I planted Torrey Pine along the canyon. I've planted lots of trees around here. Perhaps the years of hard work in the hot sun inspired Herbert to create shade or maybe he instinctively gave something to the land, which year after year yielded a harvest. Could it be that Herbert just likes to plant trees? Lots of people do. .M THE TRABERT CANYON As told to Ida Lou Coley by Herbert Lux The Trabert Canyon lies to the east of the Lux property along Manchester Avenue, but Herbert Lux says it had another name until... "Some people moved in and one dal a sign went up aiel that's pretty much how it got the name Trabert Canyon." Locals, however, referred to the property as "Fish Canyon." When I asked Herbert to explain, he replied, "Oh, I don't know. People around here just started naming places Skunk Canyon, Pigeon Peak, Fish Canyon - things like that. That's the way locals talked about places." He had a story about Fish. Canyon: One day I was on my way to the mailbox. I was about 10 or 11 years old. I remember it was in August, 1937, at 11:30 a.m., just before noon. I looked up and saw two birlanes collide in the sky right before my eyes and fall to earth. One landed in Fish Canyon, the other about a half -mile away in Rancho Santa Fe...as the crow flies. There were just two people involved, the pilots, and they both lived. I'll never forget that day. Everything stopped. The day was over as far as work was concerned. People came from miles around to view the crash site. But the name of the canyon didn't change, remained Fish Canyon ... until the Traberts A BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF HERBERT LUX By Ida Lou Coley to "Crash Site Canyon." It arrived. Herbert Lux is not one to talk about himself, but history tells the story of his family. He is the son of Alex Lux and Amelia Wiegand Lux and grandson of John Lux who came from Luxembourg and settled in the back country around the turn of the century. In 1902, John bought land that had once been a part of the Las Encinitas Rancho, owned by Andres Ybarra. The portion he owned included the rancho's old adobes, where John and his family lived until 1916. Today, the City of Carlsbad owns the property. John also had land adjoining the multi -owned Lux Land Company, which in 1910 acquired as much as 2,300 acres. The company was purchased by Roger Revelle in 1955. Hands -on stories about the land pass from one Lux generation to the next. So when it comes to the back country, Herbert Lux knows whereof he speaks and tells it like it is. -91- MEMORIES OF REQUEZA CANYON As told to Ida Lou Coley by Carolyn Roy Cope I was born in Encinitas and have lived most of my life in the same spot up on McNeill Avenue overlooking downtown. When I was a child my best friend was Ann Hicks who lived farther up the hill and across a back fence. In the late Fifties her family moved out in the country, or so we thought of it then, to a home nestled among eucalyptus trees above Requeza Canyon. The canyon was to become Ann's and my favorite playground. Not too many children ventured so far from town in those days, but I would jump on my bicycle and head for "Jet Bomber" hill, the name we dubbed the area of Requeza Road now bridged over, but in those days our bikes picked up exhilarating speed during the descent to the canyon. Ann and I were in the canyon after school, on weekends and during summertime. It always seemed to be cool and inviting there. The canyon fueled our active imaginations and we created names for various areas. There was "Rib Canyon" where water had eroded slopes, leaving rib -like projections. Sometimes we would slide down the ribs, probably innocently adding to the erosion process. Another area we christened "Red Rock Mesa." This flat mesa was covered with small clay -like rocks, possibly adobe, which we crushed and made into paint that served the purpose well. But our most prized and favorite place we kept a secret, even from our friends. To us, in our young poetic minds, it was a fairyland - private, secluded, unknown. It was a deep, narrow ravine six -to- eight feet deep and two -to -four feet wide running down the canyon and ending just above the junction where the canyon's watershed met Cottonwood Creek. We could easily hear the flowing water but could not reach it, for the banks were marshy and lined with overgrowth, especially bamboo. Our ravine had damp walls, but there was no water at its base. It contained moisture - nourished beautiful moss, lichen and ferns. We had to enter the ravine from either end; its edges were too steep and slick for our young legs to manage. Once inside, we were in our own fanciful world. Sometimes the ravine was our castle house; at other times, a fort. No one trespassed, intruded or saw us, hidden as we were inside the moss -lined walls. The canyon was not completely without danger. Once we saw a rattlesnake, which sent us scurrying for the safety of Ann's house. There was also an incident of Ann's father, Archie Hicks, Jr., being bitten by a scorpion. But mostly the animals and insects there were harmless, such as the little ground squirrels and skunks, which we gave plenty of leeway, of course. There was heavy sagebrush and large manzanita and riding trails. At times the canyon would fill with heavy fog which would hang there, as though quite content to rest for awhile. Requeza Canyon was a chunk of my childhood. -92- A BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF CAROLYN ROY COPE By Ida Lou Coley Native Carolyn Cope loves her home town and her home. She considers herself fortunate to be one of those rare individuals living on the ground where she was born, so to speak. Today, she and her husband Tom are raising their three children on the familiar turf of her childhood. Because she is happy to live here, Carolyn spends as much time as her busy schedule allows, giving back to the community through involvement in the San Dieguito Heritage Museum, the Encinitas Historical Society, the Sister City Committee, the Coast Community Foundation and last, but not least, the Parent Teachers Association at Pacific View School, where her daughter Rosannah is a student. Carolyn may be in the PTA for years to come. Morgan and Joey are waiting in the wings to start kindergarten. What a busy lady! I've known rivers, I've known rivers ancient as the world and older than the flow of human blood in human veins. My soul has grown deep like the rivers. Langston Hughes -93- COPPER CREEK By Steve Perkins A creek similar in a general way to thousands of others along the Southern California coast emerges out of the rocky foothills and meanders through a small valley before it joins forces with a larger stream and heads southwest to its final destination - a coastal lagoon. Toward its upper reaches is an abandoned copper mine, which inspired the creek's name, "Copper Creek." The old timers said, "In good years, the creek will run into June but don't expect much rain until late October," meaning the creek is usually dry for about half the year. At the upper reaches of the creek, a subtle shift in topography dictates whether a drop of rain will run west, eventually entering Batiquitos Lagoon or whether it will go south, down Copper Creek and finally into the San Elijo Lagoon. Forty years ago when my family bought a ranch in the Copper Creek area, most of the land was being used for cattle grazing. Only a few yards from what is now Questhaven Road, a small earthen dam had been scooped out of the red earth for cattle watering. One of my earliest recollections of this area was of the white -faced cattle standing around this hoof - textured mudhole as hundreds of newly hatched bullfrogs bobbed in the water a few feet from shore. The water hole was in the middle of a small east -west valley, and, set back up a ravine to the east, quietly stood a modest homestead. A north -south row of eucalyptus trees wound their way south, soon disappearing into the steep canyons of Copper Creek. Today, this starting point for Copper Creek has all changed. The dam is now leveled ground a short distance from a landfill toll booth. Both the homestead and the ravine in which it sat are under several hundred feet of fill dirt and trash. All the eucalyptus trees have been cut for firewood. About half a mile south of the landfill - where the brush - covered hills which flank Copper Creek are the most precipitous - the Encinitas copper mine sits in the bottom of the canyon. The original mining machinery was sold and hauled away shortly after the mine was closed many years ago; but the concrete platforms with their rusting anchor bolts still remain. The first of several catchment dams is just upstream from the mine, but its rock and cement wall only hold dirt and sand now. Another quarter -mile below the mine is an earthen catchment dam which was built by my father in the Fifties as a stock - watering hole. This dam has leaked, and the effect on downstream plant growth and wildlife abundance has been appreciable. Past the old hand -dug well and antiquated gasoline engine and pump, another half -mile distant, is another dam built by my father. The stock have gone, but the large eucalyptus trees which surround both mul'a this and the upper dam still stand to record the past era. only a short distance south is the third in the series of earthen dams. This one we have always called the Lloyd dam. It was built at a time when government was encouraging agricultural development. This dam was built with the expertise and financial assistance of the Army Corps of Engineers. At the foot of the downhill side of this dam is a natural spring area, comprised of a number of large live oak and sycamore trees, which flank a small stream filled with watercress and wild celery. It was in this area, when my family would come home at night, that we would look our hardest for the raccoon, skunk family or the scurrying opossum. This spring water runs on the surface for half a mile or so, and even in those times exotic plants such as pepper, eucalyptus and palm trees had established themselves. In recent years, a final earthen dam has been built only a short distance from Escondido Creek. This dam is different from all the others previously mentioned. Before, we could always tell if Copper Creek would be running just by checking our rain gauge, and if we had had two- and -a -half to three inches of good, steady rain, we would know the dams were filling up; but now this dam fills up with only half an inch. For this last dam collects its water off the pavement of Lone Jack Road and from the multitude of sprinklers and leaky faucets of suburbia, which is rapidly encroaching on a once -wild area called Copper Creek. Steve Perkins, is a 20 -year resident of olivenhain. -95- GREEN VALLEY - ENCINITAS RANCH By John C. White Green Valley refers to an area along the west side of El Camino Real, north of the mobile home park, east of the bluff area and south of La Costa Avenue. The subject of this report is the Carltas land, the southern portion of Green Valley which is approximately 150 acres with a northernly boundary just north of Olivenhain Road and the El Camino Real intersection. The northern portion of the valley is in the City of Carlsbad and consists of approximately 200 acres owned by the Hunt family of Texas. Acreages of the valley described above are approximate and exclude the bluffs and hillsides. The Green Valley portion of the Encinitas Ranch is owned by the Carltas Company, a California limited partnership of the Paul Ecke, Jr. family. Green Valley is part of the 700 -acre Encinitas Ranch, the western portion of which'is the location of the Paul Ecke Ranch, a major grower of poinsettia plants, and the mesa area which is currently used for variety of field floriculture operations. Carltas Dovelopme: -,mpany is an operating company which handles real estate nlanni._ -:d management issues. Green Valley has been owned by Carltas since the early 1950's and is presently part of the County cf San Diego but within the sphere of influence of the Cit1• of Encinitas. The property has been In agricultural productio2 since about 1950, although the lanrl is below average farmland due to poor soil condi�_'ons, inadequate drainage, and the area is also subject ti frost. During the last 20 years, mane changes have occurred in the surrounding area which have impacted Green galley. El Camino Real was widened as a major traffic arterial about 197u. At that time, the county requested that the natural drainage course be relocated from its historic natural course on the west side. The channel relocation has allowed by Carltas provided that the county maintain the drainage course, ark subsequently a portion of the channel was improved with concrete lining. Illegal camping by undocumented workers has also been a constant problem in the sensitive bluff areas on the western hillsides of Green Valley. The County Department of Health Services has - )nally demanded major cleanup in the area and constant security been required to control this issue. Major commercial projects and housing tracts have been developed both in Encinitas and in Carlsbad almost surrounding the property and have changed its rural character. Increases in traffic volumes on E1 Camino Real and Olivenhain Road have also impacted the farming operations. The two flower shops located on the property are under constant scrutiny by county officals for zoning code enforcement issues. The 1986 incorporation of the City of Encinitas and -the 1988 acquisition of five acres by the U. S. Postal Service to locate the Encinitas Post Office main branch at Garden View Road intersection have also impacted the property. At the January, 1992 Economic Development Workshop, the Encinitas City Council directed staff to begin discussions with Carltas representatives regarding developing a specific plan for the entire Encinitas Ranch, which is in the city's sphere of influence. A related issue is the alignment and design of the Leucadia Boulevard connection between Sidonia Street and E1 Camino Real. In general, because nonagricultural land use development will occur as a part of the jurisdiction of the City of Encinitas, Carltas proposed that all processing and planning be done in conjunction with the city. Environmental review and other matters will be conducted solely with the city as lead agency and other actions which would involve substantive land use determinations will be made on a basis that would be effective with annexation to the city. The product of this planning process will be an adopted specific plan integrated with the General Plan, zoning ordinances, and Local Coastal Plan of the City of Encinitas. The specific plan as adopted will cover the entire Encinitas Ranch, although the majority of the Ranch will remain in agricultural production as the poinsettia operations continue to expand. S a preliminary belief that there are s -,me service and other community land use needs which pan only reasonably be satisfied by some devel�nment occurring in the Green Valley portion of the Encinitas Ranct in the rear future, within two to five years. It is anticipated that tht entitlement processing will occur over the next two years which will most likely provide mixed -use development including residential, commercial and recreation uses. This planning will occur with a series of public workshops and public hearings which will provide for a cohesive community planning effort. Major issues are, of course, traffic and circulation, the extension of Leucadia Boulevard, agricultural conversion, bluff protection and the treatment of the drainage course. It is the intention of Carltas to sensitively treat the existing drainage course and use the best planning efforts to accomplish the goals of the city, the community and the land owner. We believe there is a substantial opportunity to provide a shape and form to this part of the community which preserves and enhances the Encinitas community's quality of life. The planning process will also provide predictability of the influence and character which the ultimate changes in the Encinitas Ranch may have upon Encinitas as well as surrounding communities. We look forward to working with you and others in a cooperative manner. John C. White, president of Carltas Development Company, resides in Olivenhain. He has lived here for quite a few years, after moving to this area from Los Angeles. -97- INDIAN HEAD CANYON By Sheila Cameron "Greenway projects in this country are as rich and diverse as human ingenuity and topographic opportunity can make them." from Greenways for America by Charles E. Little The riparian wetlands of Indian Head Canyon are a feeder stream flowing down into the Batiquitos Lagoon. Indian Head Canyon is the name given to 59 acres of coastal land located just south of the lagoon at the corner of Saxony Road and Quail Hollow Road. The archeological history of this area probably accounts for how Indian Head Canyon got its local name. The most recent excavation was carried out by Russel Kaldenberg in 1976. Components of both the Late Archaic (Kumeyaay) and Early Archaic (La Jolla) Horizons were found with radiocarbon dates from about 4370 BC and 2570 BC. Five burials were recovered in excavations in 1973, with one dated at 5,000 years BP (Smith, 1973). Still earlier archeology on the site had a radiocarbon date of 5340 BC (Crabtree, Warren and True, 1963). Historically, the first mention of this area was by Fages in his diary of Portolas in 1769. The diary describes his trek north from San Diego and camping at a spring near the Batiquitos Lagoon ( Fages, 1781). Fages indicated that at that time there was a village of approximately 20 Indians living at their campsite. Two of the Indian children were reported sick and dying, so Fathers Crespi and Gabez baptized them. This act of baptizing gave the lagoon its original name " Batiquitos" or the "Baptized Ones." During the Spanish land grants, the area fell between two larger ,rants: Rancho Las Encinitas to the south and Rancho Aqua Hedionda ) the north. The first non - Indian person actually known to live near ae lagoon was Nathan Eaton in 1875. For a time this area was known 3s Eatonville. By the mid- 1880's, the area became popular for sheep ranchers and farmers. T. W. Cozens settled east of the Town of Leucadia and owned a large tract of land which probably took in the present property. Now, this area of land known as Indian Head Canyon is owned by a group of people under the name Quail Associates. The biology of Indian Head Canyon is diverse with native habitat. Some 141 species of flora have been identified. Much of the site is characterized by Coastal Sage Scrub; about 10 percent is chamisal; and a small section is riparian woodland, with a collection of mesic species accumulated along lower drainage areas. Several rare and /or endangered or otherwise noteworthy plant species have been identified: Adolphia californica; Ceanothus verrucosus; Salaginella cinerascons; comarostaphylis diversifolia and Rhamnus pilosa. Iff-M Some 28 species of birds have been recorded including Blacktailed Gnatcatchers, American Kestrel, Red - tailed Hawk, Cliff Swallow, Bewick's Wren, Loggerhead Shriko and Lesser Goldfinch. Recent sightings of owls have been reported but not identified. Common species of amphibians and reptiles have been seen on the site such as the California Slender Salamander, Batrachoseps attenuatus; and the Pacific Tree Frog, Hyla regilla; along with the Side - blotched Lizard, Uta stansburiana; and Eastern Fence Lizard, Sceloporus occidentalis. Over the years, a relatively small list of mammals have been sighted or identified by their tracks or burrows, including the Brush Rabbit, Dusty- footed Woodrat, and Canis latrans - Coyote, about nine species in all. Indian Head Canyon represents the cornerstone anchoring the north end of a greenway and riparian watershed that can extend across the whole City of Encinitas connecting our parks and open space in a green network. The most significant thing about Indian Head Canyon is that it is large enough to offer a wide range of mixed -use activities and park- land for our city. Indian Head Canyon can provide three distinct types of greenways in its almost 60 acres: *First, "Paths and Trails" would be available for the many people who love to go hiking along nature walks, ride horseback or ride bicycles along bikepaths. *Second, Indian Head Canyon acts as a "Nature Corridor" for native and sensitive plants to propagate and prosper. *Third, it is a large "Network of Green" that offers substantial space for future growth and development of baseball and soccer fields and basketball courts. A heritage museum would be appropriately located here, where ancient Indian cultures thrived and the early settlement of Encinitas began. Indian Head Canyon is unique today because it represents a partnership between the City of Encinitas and dedicated citizens to acquire this land as parkland in planning for the future. It is a greenway acquisition worth pursuing, because its potential to fulfill a variety of the needs of our citizens is great. Sheila Cameron is an 18 -year resident of Encinitas. MOVOM SOME HISTORY ABOUT COTTONWOOD CREEK By Ida Lou Coley When Annie Cozens wrote her "Brief History of Encinitas," she commented that for years after the Spanish padres and Spanish rancheros bypassed the coast in favor of the inland grassy areas, Encinitas was unoccupied. "Its little creek gradually filled up the slough and formed a small valley, then washed out again, probably many times." But Cottonwood Creek gained major significance when the California Southern Railroad was established between National City and Oceanside in 1881. It provided water for the trains, engines, making this area a trainstop, and it consequently followed that a small, coastal village grew up along the tracks nearby. The creek was a source of water for the town of Encinitas as well, especially in times of drought. It helped to sustain the community from the period of 1881 until the Lake Hodges dam was built in 1916 and water districts were formed in 1922. Ida Lou Coley came to this area from Oklahoma in 1937 with her mother, sister and older brothers. The family soon settled in downtown Encinitas. There Ida Lou formed lifelong friendships with other neighborhood youngsters. Together, they spent childhood hours exploring tide pools at Swami's, gathering wildflowers at Cottonwood Creek, hiking country roads and footpaths and watching sunsets at Stone Steps. In time, Ida Lou became an occupational therapist and for 33 years worked with chronically ill children at Children's Hospital at Stanford in Palo Alto, California. Upon retirement, she returned to the family home on McNeill Avenue in Old Encinitas. -100- UJ7��� Cp1-2�� 1V {l�n .Z coj') �U ���,1''�C,J �t' ►,� �1 /YY1 �i�i� fl��� �� 1J I (�/a "t �� �� WC>'� �o �Ig �v �J ��.�r.l'J•J•�C� Cf'i7Ch, T �JZ()PP f g o Cr, (3 j1 � Feel tl,e wAtP,i a`"�C till �`��c� v�� /► h�'7 E�<<'. n M� / "hc C./ cItvck„tS iko-', l_�A�4 Ueo�(` t�,�f� ��,�,� �,�p 1,,1� cjl,cre z scl�,. �� t���Ic�, hGr tVCcS s,�lnvl 1� �lrj� = Cc,� /rt �,�1 im�� /icy i►: /' /�� n "1J �L'�r "'r r:re. ei� -101- ri Arj s bP. Cc,/t� �������.. fr "�i;� c, �.,1 �'�y;� nnn( -101- ROSSINI CREEK By Jeff Fernald Rossini Creek is a significant north -south watercourse in Cardiff that runs roughly midway between Highway 101 and the 1 -5 freeway. Habitat quality ranges from a nearly undisturbed, natural state, through the partial degradation of retaining walls, riprap, agricultural development and channelization, to the total loss of habitat by underground culverting. The creek's tributaries begin on land developed with greenhouses of Funaki and Hall and the semi -rural neighborhood of Warwick Road. It passes through the Smith property, across single and multi - family residential lots, through and under commercial development, under a Montgomery Avenue bridge, through culverts under Birmingham and San Elijo Avenues, through the semi - natural "Cardiff Flats" area of the Santa Fe Railway right -of -way, and back into a pipe and concrete channel paralleling the Highway 101 bridge over the creek /lagoon, just before emptying into the Pacific ocean. ownership ranges from small, urban lots downstream of the Smith property to large acreages upstream of the Smith property, the latter comprising the largest undeveloped piece of land in Cardiff. The Smith property at about five acres appears to be the most natural, least disturbed and biologically valuable portion of Rossini Creek. Here the creek cuts through a deep canyon of rugged and steep topography. Biologically, most of the creek is riparian habitat and year -round wetlands. It is lushly vegetated with willows, toyon, lemonade berry, bush mallow and other members of the coastal sage community. There are also introduced specimens of torrey and cottonwood trees. The canyon is home to several native species including grey foxes, coyotes, red - tailed hawks and cormorants. Geologically, it is a youthful, "V "- shaped stream cutting through bluffs of Torrey Sand- stone beneath an orange - colored cap of Linda Vista Formation. Archeologically, the canyon was probably inhabited by Kumeyaay Native Americans. Years ago the Smith Family offered this five -acre portion of their property to the County of San Diego for parkland, perhaps as open space dedication to allow development of their other acreage. The county may have returned the property to the Smiths, possibly forgetting an open -space agreement. The "Rossini Park" designation, however, remains on assessors' maps. The Smith Family has now submitted a development proposal for seven homes to the City of Encinitas. The ruggedness and sensitivity of the site should limit its development to considerably fewer units. The City of Encinitas General Plan Resource Element and the Local Coastal Plan strive to save watercourses like this in their natural state as much as possible. They discourage undergrounding, channelization, and other degrading techniques usually designed to -102- maximize development. They also limit development of steep topography to minimize grading and consequent degradation of adjacent water- courses. In so doing, they recognize the incompatibility of excessive human activity in close proximity to wildlife habitat. For these reasons, residential development should be very limited and probably confined to the northwest portion of the property, a location of somewhat less severe topography. On the other side of the creek, Rossini Drive, a "paper street" atop the east slope of the creek should never be built as a paved road because massive grading and retaining walls would be required by the steep topography adjacent to wetlands. It could, however, be a trail. Intensive residential and commercial development proposed for acreages upstream, with its attendant runoff from roofs and paving, could threaten the viability and very life of the creek without (and possibly with) hydrology, soils investigation, and adequate mitigation. Undergrounding, channelization and flooding are some of the threats. Rossini Creek in its present state represents a rare opportunity to preserve an urban oasis of natural beauty useful to man as passive parkland or dedicated open space. More important, in view of rapid, piecemeal habitat disappearance, its preservation is essential to Southern California wildlife for its very survival. There remains a significant and viable, nearly complete and representative coastal sage community worth saving. The vision for development is one of "less is more." A flat area of city right -of -way of Rubenstein Drive to the Smith canyon property would be most suitable for a few picnic tables and an overlook with nature information. This is probably the best and most accessible location for such a facility, being a short walk uphill from Cardiff Elementary School. As a community facility it could be useful for specific educational purposes as well as general public observation, education and enjoyment. Rossini Drive could serve as a trail, narrow in places to minimize or eliminate grading, suitable for nature walks, "a safe route to school" and an enjoyable way for neighbors to walk to the store. It would provide in -depth observation, education and enjoyment to individuals and small groups. Jeff Fernald, a native Californian and 20 -year resident of Encinitas, owns property on Rossini Canyon. He has been involved with the community as a member of the town council and citizens' planning groups and as a charter member of both the Olivenhain Community Advisory Board and the Encinitas Planning Commission. Jeff is an environmental designer. He is also a vegetarian and grows much of his food in an organic orchard and garden at his home. -103- THE MOUNTAIN LIONS OF UPPER ESCONDIDO CREEK By Chris Kirkorowicz Predators at the top of the food chain are the most sensitive indicators of habitat integrity. The entire food chain must function in order to support them. In this area, such a predator is the mountain lion, also known as "puma" or "cougar." The mountain lion is actually not so closely related to the lion as it is related to the domestic cat. Mountain lion ( Felis concolor) is the largest member of genus Felis, which includes domestic cats, wildcats, bobcats and ocelots. It is different from the genus Panthera, which includes lions, tigers, leopards and jaguars. The jaguar is the only "new world" member of the genus Panthera. One characteristic that differentiates the mountain lion from the genus Panthera is that members of the Panthera genus roar and mountain lions do not. The reason for this distinction is an anatomical difference in the larynx. In this area, mountain lions historically occupied the top of the food chain. The range of the jaguar stopped just south and east of this area. The California Coastal Grizzly, reknowned for its size and light color, was living primarily to the north of here. First Spanish explorers described this area as full of deer. This is a good clue that mountain lions were quite numerous since the deer are their main prey. The conflict between the Spanish settlers and mountain lions was inevitable as the deer declined and became replaced by domestic animals. The Spaniards not only hunted mountain lions in order to eliminate them but also used mountain lions in a rather macabre sport. Adobe arenas were constructed, reminiscent of the Roman Colosseum, and fights staged therein among animals such as bulls, bears and mountain lions. The similarity to the Colosseum was not incidental; it was actually a continuation of the Roman tradition of combat as a spectacle sport. The bullfights in Spain are an outgrowth of this same tradition. With the onset of the European settlement of the Encinitas area, mountain lions were pushed to the most inaccessible areas, such as steep canyons, creek beds and mountain peaks. Fortunately, mountain lions are rather shy and elusive, avoiding confrontation with people. They are more capable of coexisting in close proximity to humans than other members of the genus Panthera, such as jaguars. Mr. Jesse Lux remembers mountain lions travelling along Escondido Creek all the way to the San Elijo Lagoon. He recalls hearing them screaming in the night (they do not roar). The last time he remembers seeing mountain lions in the lagoon was in the early 1930's. He has not seen nor heard them near the coast since then. However elusive and evasive, the mountain lions continue to visit upper Escondido Creek to this present day. There have been renewed sightings near the E1 Camino Del Norte crossing. But sightings above Lake Val Sereno are more reliable and frequent. -104- In 1972, while exploring upper Escondido Creek, I came by a partially eaten mule deer carcass. In the soft sand were paw prints. They were larger than the paw prints of any dog I have ever seen. Apart from being rounder, the paw prints do not show claw marks. Mountain lions (like other cats) have retractable claws. Dogs' claws are not retractable, so they leave imprints on the soft ground. Also, mountain lions are more fastidious travellers than dogs and will jump across mud or water rather than walk through it as dogs do. After following tracks for three days, I had just one brief glimpse of an amazingly large mountain lion. I estimate the body length at almost six feet. I have seen paw prints of mountain lions a few more times in Escondido Creek in the years since. The tracks were typically a few days old and not associated with any major kills. In 1975, I saw a much smaller mountain lion, most likely not a mature adult. My neighbor, Jeff Lyon, reported seeing a smallish mountain lion, probably the same animal. In 1977 and 1978, Olivenhain was plagued by a mountain lion that developed a taste for German Shepards. After numerous dogs and other farm animals were taken, a professional tracker killed a male mountain lion weighing more than 200 lbs. In 1982, one of my neighbors lost two goats to a night raider. While coyotes and dogs were suspected, the method of kill (torn throat and a partial paw print) indicates the work of a mountain lion. In 1986, I got a brief look at a mountain lion on uppper Escondido Creek. The animal was rather dark in color, long but slender, with the body about five feet long and weighing maybe 140 pounds. My neighbor, Jeff Ingraham, reported seeing a similar animal in the same area about six months earlier. As recently as 1988, Ginger Perkins and her daughter, Camille, reported seeing a mountain lion in the area. Interestingly, in March, 1992, a mountain lion weighing 150 pounds was shot along the beach in Oceanside. This clearly indicates that mountain lions can exist very near human settlements and enter largely urbanized area. On the other hand, because of the scarcity of natural game - especially deer, the rarity of sightings and an absence of paw prints, it appears likely that this area is visited only sporadically by no more than a few animals roaming across much larger areas. They use creeks like Escondido Creek as needed safe corridors. Chris Kirkorowicz is a 20 -year resident of Olivenhain and has experience in tracking large animals. -105- A VIEW FROM THE CREEK By Jerry and Faith Bode For the past 19 years we have had the privilege of living and owning land which includes part of Escondido Creek. To give an indication of the rural nature of the area at that time, Lone Jack Road was just a graded dirt road and Fortuna Ranch Road was "maintained" by the Olivenhain Water District when the ruts became too great for their trucks to negotiate. Bumann Road was maintained by the neighborhood, which meant several weekends a year the neighbors getting together and repairing drainages and, when that didn't work, bringing in sand or decomposed granite. Today, one can drive on paved roads to within a half -mile of our house. Then, depending on when the last rain was, continue on a very rutted adobe road which still shows some signs of decomposed granite from past maintenance efforts. As much as the roads have changed over the almost 20 years, Escondido Creek has changed as much, but not necessarily for the better. When my wife and I first moved to our home the creek was very open with just a couple of willows, a stand of California sycamores and a couple of eucalyptus trees that were planted some 20 years earlier by the son of the original homesteader. One of the sycamores was gigantic, towering over all the other trees around it, even the nearby eucalyptus. From our deck we had an unobstructed view to the west and could easily see the Olivenhain Water District pipe as it bridged the stream valley. To the east the view was open for about a quarter of a mile to where a stand of eucalyptus began to obscure the view of the creek bottom. In the small section where we live the edges of the stream valley are very steep. Indeed, just below our deck, which stands 120 feet above the creek, the cliff is steep enough to afford protection to owls who have nested there every year. In a calm part of the stream, we have frequently seen nesting mallards. The stream itself was alive with water life - abundant bluegill, crayfish, turtles and water snakes. And, of course, the predators were always close at hand. One frequently saw the tracks of raccoons in the mud left behind as they searched out the hiding crayfish, and blue herons were a common sight along the creek,, where they also fed on the crayfish and fish. Deer, coyotes and bobcats were less common, but regular visitors to the creek. Rattlesnakes were and are always present. Kites and hawks abounded and soared through the air searching the creek and surrounding areas for prey. The evenings were always a treat because of the quiet. One could hear bullfrogs, their croaks so loud one could imagine them to be the size of Godzilla. Night hawks and poorwills could be heard, but never seen, phantoms of the night. We could watch the owls emerge from their nest and land in the eucalyptus trees to finish waking up and wait for the full arrival of darkness. Mornings -106- were greeted not by the crow of a rooster but to the hoots of an owl sitting on our TV antenna as he bragged about his hunting. successes to neighboring owls who answered in kind. We have had to replace antennas as these birds became large enough to break the antennas themselves. One of the first things we learned from our neighbor who had lived here all of his life was Escondido Creek had not always been a year -round creek as it is now. Up till the mid - Sixties the stream would stop flowing and settle into a time of quiet quiescence. Pools of water would remain which supported the water life, but the surrounding floodplain would dry up killing any growth it had. Then the City of Escondido started to dump millions of gallons per day of secondarily treated sewerage down the creek making it into a year -round stream. It was shortly after they started this that we moved into our home. The constant flow of water has had a drastic effect -on the ecology of the creek over the years. The change has been slow but steady to where now the creek looks nothing like it did 20 years ago. Willows have taken over the banks of the creek, blocking our view of the water, and now rival the sycamores in height. During the rainy season, when the creek can rise 10 to 20 feet above its normal level, the willows increase the erosion of the creek bottom and canyon walls as the rushing waters are forced around these over- expanding obstacles. We have seen the creek level rise several feet in a matter of minutes and in this part of the creek, people and animals could easily be trapped by the waters. It would not be a place to camp in rainy season. Green grasses are now year -round plants and the eucalyptus are rivaling the willows in their expansion of territory. Stinging nettle, cockleburs and other water- loving plants have pushed out the native plants and have made the creek bottom unpleasant except after a weed - clearing flood. The quiet parts of the stream become clogged with algae blooms during the warm summer months and the water doesn't really clear up till the rains arrive. The first floods of the year are always looked for because of their cleansing action, but they are also the most disgusting to see, as the floodwaters look like dirty dishwater with foam and garbage everywhere. In this section the of creek there have also been some profound changes in the water life. Bullfrogs have been silenced and the stream is almost totally barren of fish, crayfish, water snakes and turtles. The herons are seldom seen except in their flights further inland in search for feeding areas or on their return again to their nesting areas. On a recent visit to the creek only the skeleton of one crayfish was found. When we first moved here the creek was alive with them and it was a game to see if you could catch one. My wife, who teaches special education, used to bring her students here to let them catch fish. All usually did. Now it is rare to see a fish. And it has been years since the last sighting of a turtle. -107- The Escondido Creek is a wildlife resource that should be rehabilitated. This could be done by cutting off the offending sewer water from Escondido and letting it return to its natural state as an intermittent stream. Access to this area should be limited so as not to be a threat to the native wildlife that still is present. Even with the growth in the area, bobcats and deer can still be seen. Raccoons still occasionally leave their tracks as they search for food in the barren water. Owls and other birds of prey are still around, but in much fewer numbers. If the Escondido Creek corridor is opened to the public these remaining bits of our natural heritage will be pushed into local extinction. We have an inherent distrust of government to make the right decisions concerning open space and how to preserve it. There are certain groups who are pushing to make Escondido Creek a linear park and open to all comers. While this would be noble for the people, it would spell disaster for the environment and the native animals that live there. There is little need to invade this area as there are many parks available within the City of Encinitas that are poorly utilized which could satisfy the recreational needs of its citizens. We are particularly concerned about any governmental agency to oversee the operation of the proposed Escondido Creek Linear Park. These agencies are tools of the politicians and not the people. While they may live up to promises and contracts in the near future, in the long run these agencies will be influenced by changing political climates and pressures, and the environment will end up being the sacrificial pig to a burgeoning population. The pressures now from trespassers are having an effect. Trails are being pounded into the ground, preventing vegetation from growing, the importation of non - native plants is pushing out native plants, and the dung of horses and other domestic animals is subtly and permanently changing what plants can grow in the soils, the native plants being the least tolerant of these enriched sources of nitrogen. The best protection is to leave the creek to private ownership and use already existing zoning codes to prevent adulteration of the open space. Opening up these areas to the public and encouraging their visitation is inviting the destruction of what we're trying to preserve. People such as myself who own parts of the creek are very militant to preserve it as best we can. The very fact that water flows down the creek year -round is ample demonstration of government's inability to make the right environmental decisions. Just as now we see a creek without life, if governmental agencies were to be making the decisions we would eventually have open space without native animals. Jerry Bode is an oceanographer with Oceanography. He and his wife Faith above Escondido Creek since 1973. -108- the Scripps Institution of have lived in their home RIPARIAN PARKWAYS MEMO FROM MAUREEN GAARE, FORMER CHAIRMAN, CITY OF ENCINITAS PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION By Maureen Gaare I was thrilled when the Riparian Parkways Task Force was established by the City of Encinitas because I saw the potential for recreation facilities that these riparian areas would offer. The Recreation Element of the General Plan (Policy 1.1) states that our city's goal should be to preserve and maintain the riparian habitats within the city. Recently the State of California Department of Parks and Recreation did a survey of the residents of the State of California and found that people picked hiking in natural areas as their number one choice for recreational acitivity. Riparian areas which are protected by policies in our General Plan provide us with the opportunity to supply the residents of our community with just such natural areas for hiking. Groups of children (Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, school classes) are often looking for a place to hike, and there are not that many opportunities which are not on private property. At the present time if your youth group, such as Girl Scouts, has gone on three hikes, you have virtually exhausted the natural hiking trails in our city. We can and should supply so many more opportunities to observe animals, plants, and birds in their natural settings. The Recreation Element (Policy 1.4) charges us as a Parks and Recreation Commission to establish a balance of natural open space and "improved" recreational open space. Riparian areas are the most feasible way for this city to establish some natural open space to keep the balance between natural and improved parks. The city should also identify and seek to acquire floodplain areas for appropriate public uses (Policy 2.1, as required by the Coastal Act/30212.5/30231/30240). The potential of these riparian parkways to fulfill so many of the goals of our General Plan cannot be ignored. As a city we should seek now to preserve these areas before they are lost through development or misuse. We should be aggressively seeking funding through state, federal and private grants to pay for the preservation of these areas. Without an extraordinary effort now these areas will not be available to those who will live here in the future. Maureen Gaare, a lifetime resident of the San Dieguito area, is a Girl Scout leader, foster parent and PTA board member. She served on the City of Encinitas Parks and Recreation Commission from 1989 to 1992 and was elected chairman of the commission. -109- AN EARLY VIEW OF ESCONDIDO CREEK Richard Bumann's splendid book, Colony Olivenhain, gives us a local account of Olivenhain's past. It is a good source for retracing the historical watershed in that area. The earliest depiction of Escondido Creek comes from a map prepared by the United States Surveyor General in 1858. It established the legal boundaries of Rancho Los Encinitos, finally confirmed to Andres Ybarra. (See map page 111.) It shows Escondido Creek - here called San Alejo Creek - with lines of trees along its banks. Also present are Copper Creek, referred to as "Dry Creek," and Encinitas Creek. A newspaper reporter from the National City Record visited the Olivenhain Colony on March 22, 1885. While he concentrated on describing the rapid pace of turning the river valley into agricultural land, he provides a glimpse of lower Escondido Creek as it once was: After allowing the horses a breathing spell, the procession again proceeded to the head of the canyon where, under the heavy branches of mammoth native cottonwood trees, were arranged seats and staging.... The brass band... entertained the picnicers with choice selections of music, seated here in the shade of trees which voluntarily sprang from the seeds ages ago, surrounded on every hand by rich verdure and beautiful flowers ... an experience never to be forgotten. -110- RANCHO I OJ E—YCIEXf TOS Ze, This survey map of the Rancho Los Encinitos was drawn by the United States Surveyor General in 1858 and established the legal boundaries of the rancho. Reproduction courtesy of the San Diego Historical Society. —111— W/4 F,?- 04c, 3. t.4f 7 I re v e j G, % �1,\ . ...... RANCHO I OJ E—YCIEXf TOS Ze, This survey map of the Rancho Los Encinitos was drawn by the United States Surveyor General in 1858 and established the legal boundaries of the rancho. Reproduction courtesy of the San Diego Historical Society. —111— THE FUTURE OF MOONLIGHT CREEK By John Stubstad Every year our area loses more of its precious creeks and wetlands to the bulldozers. Every year this city looks more like Los Angeles. The San Marcos City Council wants to put San Marcos Creek into a concrete channel, thereby killing the ducks and other wildlife. Developers in Encinitas want to put parts of Encinitas Creek and Green Valley Creek into culverts. We are told they cannot be stopped because they own the property, they have the legal right to develop it and city government cannot afford to buy the land to protect it. The City of Encinitas has a low -cost opportunity to turn around this destruction of wetlands. On property owned by the Encinitas Sanitary District, a portion of Cottonwood Creek was buried many years ago. Cottonwood Creek is arguably the most important, most historic, most accessible, most centrally located creek in the city. This creek may have been visited by Portola in the seventeenth century. It is the reason the railroad built a station in Encinitas. It was the source of drinking water for the city until the completion of Lake Hodges Dam in 1922. Cottonwood Creek is the reason the City of Encinitas is where it is. There is a good chance the Sanitary District property between Vulcan and the Big Bear store, stretching north to Union Street, will eventually become a city park. The neighborhood has voted twice to make this land a park, once in 1973 and again in 1990. In fact, the neighbors, who also own the property, voted by a resounding 72 percent to give the land to the city for free if the city would turn it into a park. I challenge the city to do the right thing: to "daylight" this creek within the Sanitary District property. This will restore a beautiful creek, create a delightful pathway stretching from Moonlight Beach through the canyon (sometimes called Moonlight Creek) and eventually connect with other trails throughout the city while at the same time providing for wildlife the corridor they need to survive in a developed city. John Stubstad, a member of the Riparian Parkways Task Force, is a five -year resident of Old Encinitas and president of the Moonlight Creek Park Association. -112- APPENDICES NoText APPENDIX A CITY OF ENCINITAS RIPARIAN PARKWAYS TASK FORCE REGULAR VOTING MEMBERS Bradford Roth, Chairman Cardiff by- the -Sea Carolyn Avalos, Co -Chair Leucadia Marcia Jones, Secretary Leucadia Pete Coulston Encinitas Adrian Fortmann Leucadia John Stubstad Encinitas Alan Schmidt Encinitas CITY OF ENCINITAS RIPARIAN PARKWAYS TASK FORCE NON - VOTING RESOURCE MEMBERS 1. David Acuff City of San Marcos 2. Allen Crutcher San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy 3. Curtis Scott Englehorn San Elijo Lagoon Foundation 4. Peter T. Fletcher La Bajada Task Force 5. Richard Houk Parks and Recreation Commission 6. Steve Perkins Property Owner 7. Dr. Dan Pertschuk Moonlight Beach Improvement Committee 8. Mary Renaker Cottonwood Creek Conservancy 9. Thomas Robinson Property Owner 10. Barbara Simmons San Diego County Parks Department 11. Robert Spellman Encinitas Trails Subcommittee 12. Donald Sutton Biologist 13. Mark Wisniewski San Diego People for Trees 14. Steve Barker Escondido Creek Conservancy 15. Hon. Deirdre Alpert California State Assemblywoman, 75th District 16. Leora Elazar SanDag, San Dieguito River Parkway Association I APPENDIX B AMENDED IN SENATE FEBRUARY 11, 1992 AMENDED IN SENATE JULY 16, 1991 AMENDED IN SENATE JUNE 26, 1991 AMENDED IN ASSEMBLY MAY 24, 1991 AMENDED IN ASSEMBLY MAY 2, 1991 AMENDED IN ASSEMBLY APRIL 18, 1991 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE- 1991 -92 REGULAR SESSION ASSEMBLY BILL No. 350 Introduced by Assembly Member Costa (Principal Assembly coauthor: Assembly Member Cortese) (Principal Senate coauthor: Senator Bergeson) (Coauthors: Assembly Members Alpert, Gotch, and Hauser) (Coauthors: Senators Alquist, Killea, and Rosenthal) January 29, 1991 An act to add Division 7.2 (commencing with Section 8640) to the Public Resources Code, relating to Pe .river green ways. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DICEST AB 350, as amended, Costa. River r-ipetrien parlewa:- green way plans. Existing law does not establish a program for state review and funding for the implementation of local river petrleA-� green way plans. This bill would require the &ete Imands Getrunissieft to establish the California River Greenways Board within the Resources Agency, consisting of the Secretary of the Resources Agency, the executive officer of the State Lands Corrected 2 -14 -92 --.See last page. 91 80 AB 350 —2— Commission, and the Director of Parks and Recreation as members. The bill would require the board to review proposals submitted by a local agency, as defined, for the preparation of California rivers matt psrkrve�- river greenways plans and would require the board to develop and promulgate plan standards and * its components to promote specified purposes and goals. The bill would authorize the 55.5ft board to undertake specified actions to participate in the preparation of the plans, including financial participation as prescribed..The bill would require the board and local agency to consult and cooperate with specified agencies and would require the plans to be in the form of a proposed amendment to the local general plan containing specified components. The bill would create the Natural Resources Restoration and Development Fund, would specify the sources of moneys which may be deposited in the fund, and would make the moneys in the fund available, upon appropriation, to the board for financial assistance in preparing and implementing plans, for the acquisition of land or interests in land, and for reasonable administrative expenses of the commission, the department, and the Resources Agency. The bill would require the board to review and approve proposed plans in accordance with prescribed procedures and would authorize the board to make grants from the fund for implementation of approved plans in accordance with prescribed requirements. The bill would require the commission to administer state sovereign lands within the boundaries of an approved plan in a manner consistent with the plan and prescribed requirements. The bill would require the i board to submit a specified annual report to the Governor and the Legislature and would require local agencies receiving moneys from the fund to file specified progress reports. The bill would make legislative findings and declarations. Vote: majority. Appropriation: no. Fiscal committee: yes. State - mandated local program: no. 93 100 -3— AB 350 The people of the State of California do enact as follows. 1 SECTION 1. Division 7.2 (commencing with Section 2 8640) is added to the Public Resources Code, to read: 3 4 DIVISION 7.2. CALIFORNIA RIVERS RIPARIAN 5 t'r-r irri'r' R1vER GREENwAYS ACT 6 7 CHAPTER 1. , GENERAL PROVISIONS 8 9 8640. This division shall be known and may be cited 10 as the California Viers Aipariaa Parkway River 11 Green ways Act. 12 8640.1. The Legislature finds and declares as follows: 13 (a) California's rivers and waterways are a valuable 14 and finite resource which benefit all people of the state. 15 (b) These waterways provide water necessary to 16 support wildlife, agriculture, and urban areas of the state. 17 (c) The public interest requires that waterways be 18 managed to meet the needs of, among other things, 19 recreation, environmental protection, commercial 20 development, agricultural and urban water users, flood 21 control, and public safety. 22 (d) The State Lands Commission has - exclusive 23 jurisdiction over lands underlying the state's navigable 24 waterways and tide and submerged lands as set forth in 25 Section 6301. 26 (e) The Department of Parks and Recreation has 27 control of the state parks system, including its planning 28 and development, as set forth in Section 5001. 29 (f) The state's waterways pass through some of its 30 major urban areas and provide for unique access and 31 recreational opportunities. 32x- 33 (g) Riparian vegetation along the state's waterways 34 provides unique scenic benefits to urban population 35 centers and supports abundant and varied populations of 36 plants and animals, including rare, threatened, and 37 endangered species, and further provides benefits to 38 fisheries and other water- dependent resources. 93 130 AB 330 —4— 1 it+ 2 (h) Ninety -five percent of native riparian vegetation 3 in the state has been lost, with corresponding adverse 4 impacts to the state's environment and economy. 5 -(fir} 6 (i) Increased human populations will place additional 7 demands on the state's waterways which can be met best 8 through cooperative management by the state and local 9 governments. 10 {i} 11 (j) Some local governments are seeking to preserve, 12 protect, and restore riparian vegetation and to provide 13 public recreational opportur. ities on and along 14 waterways within their jurisdictions. 15 8640.2. The Legislature further finds and declares as 16 follows: 17 (a) It is necessary to establish a statewide program 18 which encourages the development of plans to protect 19 riparian vegetation, and to enhance public use and 20 enjoyment and balance competing uses of the state's 21 waterways. 22 (b) Protection and development of the resources of 23 the state's waterways can best be accomplished through 24 voluntary cooperative efforts by the state and local 25 governments in the development and implementation of 26 local river npat4en p&rleway greenway plans. 27 (c) It is the policy of the state, in furtherance of Article 28 10 of Section 4 of the California Constitution, to support 29 the, development and -implementation of these plans. 30 31 CHAPTER 2. DEFINITIONS 32 33 8641. The following definitions apply only to this 34 division: 35 (a) "Board" means to Calffornia River Green cva js 36 Board established in Section 8642. 37 (b) "California 'pari$n pariewey river 38 greenways plan" or "plan" means a plan developed 39 pursuant to Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 8642). 40 =13} 93 150 -5— AB 350 1 (c) "Commission" means the State Lands 2 Commission. 3 je} 4 (d) "Department" means the Department of Parks 5 and Recreation. 6 - (e) "Fund" means the Natural Resources Restoration 7 and Development Fund created pursuant to Section 8 8643. 9' 10 (1 "Local agency" means any chartered or general 11 law city, chartered or general law county, any city and 12 county, or any special district as defined in Section 17520 13 of the Government Code. 14 ' 15 (g) "Waterway" means any body of water flowing 16 through a watercourse, including, but not limited to, 17 rivers, sloughs, streams, and creeks. 18 19 CHAPTER 3. CALIFORNIA vztrV-3EERs °P- AN 20 P ' T RIVER GREENWAYS PLANS 21 22 864-2: There is mthift the the Gall 23 bier Parko-&5- nreffrinm.. The slid 24 &&4se en4 eersalt Yeith le'eal agencies s s e 25 any prepesa} ubin -i ed to the by a leesl 26 sge>�ey tl3e of s E� re:� 27 �y parr to tl�is isierr The 28 ffmy make gds to leee4 egeneies purstiant . to this 29 di,,-isiee fer prepafatien of pkits where the 30 he--i €ems a prepese4 to be eensistent w4h tl4s :en: 31 8642. (a) The California River Greenways Board is 32 established within the Resources Agency. The members 33 of the board are the Secretary of the Resources Agency, 34 who shall serve as chairperson of the board, the executive 35 officer of the State Lands Commission, and the Director- 36 of Parks and Recreation. 37 ' (b) The board shall advise and consult with local 38 agencies and shall review any proposal submitted for the 39 preparation of a California river greenways plan. The 40 commission shall review all proposals for the preparation 93 170 AB 350 —6— 1 of a plan for consistencv with public trust needs and 2 resources and shall advise the board of its Findings. The 3 department shall review all proposals for potential 4 recreation benefits and shall advise the board of its 5 findings. 6 8642.1. Proposals for preparation of plans submitted 7 to the board pursuant to Section 8642 shall, 8 to the extent feasible, promote the following: 9 (a) Preservation, protection, restoration, and 10 maintenance of riparian ecosystem values. 11 (b) Public access and riverfront recreation. 12 (c) Fishing and other forms of water oriented 13 recreation. 14 (d) Flood control activities and facilities. 15 (e) Enhancement of fisheries and wildlife habitat, 16 spawning areas, and similar areas. 17 (f) Enhancement of commercial and recreational 18 navigation. 19 (g) Public safety, including any necessary regulation 20 of the use of public facilities. 21 (h) Operation of water supply systems. 22 8642.2• Tae , in eeits t t miih 4te 23 Departmefti of Parles eftd Reereatieft eitd t-1-te 24 Depenrt.-ft 4 F-iek an Game, sha4 de-�-eleg aftd 25 8642.2. The board may make grants to local agencies 26 pursuant to this division for the preparation of a plan if 27 the board has found a plan proposal to be consistent with 28 this division.. On or before November 1 of each year, the 29 Secretary of the Resources Agency shall forw,ard the 30 boards decisions for funding the preparation of plans to 31 the Governor- for inclusion in the Budget Bill. The 32 submittal by the secretary shall include a description of 33 each recommendation, the benefits to be realized, and . 34 the comments of the secretarv. - 35 8642.3. The board shall develop and promulgate 36' standards and plan components for the purposes set forth 37 in Section 8642.1, for proposals. submitted by local 38 * agencies" pursuant to Section 8642.6 8642.8 for the 39 preparation of plans. The components shall include, but 40 are not.limited to, the following: 93 180 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 -7— AB 350 (a) -A statement of the purposes and goals and objectives to be achieved through the preparation of a plan. (b) A description of the waterway or portion thereof subject to the plan. (c) A description of the public uses and resources which may be protected, improved, or restored in, the plan. (d) A description of e; sting riparian habitat within the proposed green way and the measures to be taken to protect, restore, and maintain riparian habitat. (e) A description of existing land uses along the waterway. (t) An identification of parcels or resources along the waterway presently owned or used by public agencies within the area subject to the plan. (g) The level of financial support the local agency can provide for the preparation of the plan. (h) A description of'the proposed planning process. 8642.4. Upon approval of a proposal for preparation of a plan, the commission shall, where appropriate, among other actions, do any of the following: (a) Identify areas of title uncertainty and make all reasonable efforts to resolve those uncertainties. (b) Defer any oLction which will adversely affect the ability of the local agency to develop a plan. Applications for new leases of state lands within or potentially affecting the area of the plan shall not be granted until the plan is completed and the applications are determined by the commission to be consistent with and in furtherance of an approved plan. However, amendments to existing electric and gas utility master leases may be granted before plan completion. 8642.5. The board shall provide technical assistance to the local agency or to other entities during development 93 200 AB 350 —8— 1 of the plan, including assistance in such areas as th 2 preservation and restoration of riparian habitat, and the 3 determination of recreational activities or facilities or 4 other enhancements for public use and enjoyment. 6 8642.6. The approval by the board of a 7 proposal for preparation of a plan shall provide for the` 8 financial participation of the state in the preparation of 9 the plan. Moneys for this purpose shall be granted by the' 10 t board from the fund. The amount of funding; 11 provided by the board shall be determined 'i 12 by the total amount of moneys in the fund, the urgency "I 13 of the project relative to other eligible parkway projects; 14 and the degree to which the proposed plan will promote 15 the provisions of Section 8642.1 in and along the 16• waterway involved. The board may grant an 17 amount not to exceed 50 percent of the cost of preparing 18 the plan, except that the board may, upon 19 the application of the local agency, and based upon 20 furdings-of the commission, determine that a greater 21 percentage of state funds are necessary for the 22 preparation of the plan. 23 8642:a- 24 8642.7. During the preparation of the plan, the local 25 agency and the board shall consult and 26 cooperate w4h ether state 8334 lee.4 agei-ieie:5. These 27 ageneies shel} ode; ft , the feUewing, 28 4.a+ The 8tate Gems . 29 +b+ eke Bearel. 30 +ee The Pepartmeft* of F49k e 4 31 -�d} T-ke Pepwtmeftt of Parle s sf� ReereaSeft. ; 32 Tnke Pepanrtfne e€ Peres si e Pte: 33 ' Pie Reelamati Beard. 34 } T-Ite e€ Wetter Resettrees. 35. Tk} The Depftrbffie of Beating- srd Waterways. 36 ' -{4} 94a-e gyp: 37 * T,eee1 le%-ee eftd reelainatieft distriets. 38 86G.6. with the following: 39 (a) State agencies, including, as appropriate, the 40 following. 93 220 -9— AB 350 1 (1) The State Coastal Conservancy. 2 (2) The Wildlife Conservation Board. 3 (3) The Department of Fish and Came. 4 (4) The Department of Forestr}, and Fire Protection. J (J) The Reclamation Board. 6 (6) The Department of Water Resources. 7 (7) The Department of Boating and Waterways. 8 (8) The California Conservation Corps. 9 (9) The Tahoe Conservancy. . 10 (b) Local agencies, including, as appropriate, the 11 following: 12 (1) Park districts. 13 (2) Levee and reclamation districts. 14 (3) . Flood control districts. 15 8642.8. A local agency determining to develop a 16 r4par-i� parkway California river greenways plan under 17 this division shall submit the proposed plan to the 18 board. 19 864 20 8642.9. The plan shall be submitted to the 21 board for approval not later than three years after the 22 approval by the board of the proposal for 23 preparation of the plan. Plans submitted to the 24 board for approval pursuant to this chapter 25 shall be in the form of a proposed amendment to the local 26 general plan and contain, at a minimum, the following: 27 (a) A description of the waterway's present resources, 28 including quantification and delineation of riparian 29 habitat. 30 (b) A description of public land ownership within the 31 planning area, including lands of special districts, 32 including park, levee, reclamation, and flood control 33 districts. 34 (c) Habitat and recreation components which shall 33 specify the following: 36 (1) The location of existing and anticipated 37 recreational facilities, including, trails of any type, rest 38 areas, and fishing and boating access. • 39 (2) Those areas designated for maintenance of esdsting 40 riparian habitat and for restoration of riparian habitat and 93 240 AB 350 —10— 1 procedures to resolve conflicts between these uses and 2 recreational uses. 3 (3) Measures to protect native plants and enhance 4 wildlife, including rare, threatened, and endangered 5 species and species of special concern. 6 (4) Mitigation - measures within the pay 7 greenuay to avoid or to offset any loss of riparian habitat 8 or other wildlife habitat which `may result from 9 implementation of the plan. 10 (5) Reasonable measures within the greenway to 11 reduce trespass on adjacent private property. 12 (6) A maintenance program which addresses the 13 long -term use and care of riparian habitat and physical 14 improvements within the planning area. 15 (d) Specific policies and implementation measures 16 which promote the interests specified in Section 6091 17 8642.1 and which prevent or reduce potential conflicts 18 with- agricultural activities and. incorporate, to the 19 maximum extent feasible, and consistent with the plan, 20 existing or planned flood control activities. 21 (e) A listing of all individuals,. groups, agencies, and 22 academic institutions consulted during the preparation of 23 the plan. 24 (f) A proposed implementation schedule which 23 specifies each phase, its cost, and the total budget.for the 26 plan. 27 (g) The relationship between the plan and efforts by 28 nearby communities to establish river greenways and 29 otherwise protect. riparian habitat. 30 31 CHAPTER 4. NATURAL RESOURCES RESTORATION 32 AND DEVELOPMENT FUND 33 34 8643. There is in the State Treasury, the Natural 35 Resources Restoration and Development Fund. Moneys 36 may be deposited in 'the fund from (1) any source 37 designated by the Legislature, (2) grants to the 38 board or to the commission, the department, 39. or the Resources Agency, (3) gifts and bequests, (4) 40 moneys available for this purpose from bond measures, 93 2% i -11— AB 350 1 (5) sources otherwise prescribed by law, and (6) 2 revenues from the administration of leases, consistent 3 with subdivision (c) of Section 8643. The moneys in the 4 fund shall be available, upon appropriation, for 3 expenditure pursuant to this division for purposes of 6 financial assistance to local agencies, for preparation and 7 implementation of plans, for the acquisition of land or 8 interests in land, and for the reasonable expenses of the 9 commission, the department, and the Resources Agency 10 in the administration of this division. 11 12 CHAPTER 5. PLAN EVALUATION AND APPROVAL 13 14 8644. The board shall review any plan ; 15 ine wt�- plan adepted prier to january 4; 432 16 :,h is submitted by a local agency to the 17 board to determine if it complies with this division. The 18 commission shall review all plans for consistency with 19 public trust needs and resources and shall advise the 20 board of its findings. The department shall review 21 proposals for potential recreation benefits and shall 22 advise the board of its findings. The board 23 shall, as appropriate, provide a written evaluation of any 24 plan submitted which shall specify any changes in the 25 plan necessary to comply with this division. If a local 26 agency has adopted a master plan- for a river green way 27 prior to January 1, 1990, the master plan shall be 28 presumed to comply with this division. 29 8644.1. Upon approval of a plan by the _ 30 board, the local agency shall be eligible for state grants for 31 implementation of the plan. Implementation of the plan 32 shall qualify for state financial assistance only if the plan ;.33 is adopted by the local agency as an amendment to its X34 general plan or if the plan is a master plan qualified - r33 pursuant to Section 8644, and the plan is adopted by the g-36 local agency prior to January 1, 1990. State financial x.'37 assistance shall be available only for purposes specified in ` "38 the approved plan, except for long term maintenance. `39 These purposes may include the acquisition of land or ;40 interests in land, restoration of riparian habitat or other 93 270 AB 350 2 4 5 7 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 —12— habitat, and development of recreational facilities. , to any land along state -owned waterways purchased wi moneys froin the fund shall be held by the state as pub trust lands with the same status as sovereign tide submerged lands. Title to any land purchased wi moneys from the fund along waterways not owned by th state shall be held in trust by the local agency. The loc agency shall permanently dedicate the lands to. th purposes called for in its approved parkway plan. If the lands are not used for those purposes, title shall pass to the state. If necessary for implementation of the plan, the state may lease tide and submerged lands to the local; agency or to other public agenc4es. � 8644.2. The board may make grants ; �e extent f�ds a s� � to %d; pursuant to',' Section 8643 to implement approved plans. The amount " of funding provided by the _ board shall be determined by the total amount of moneys in the fund, the urgency of the project relative to other eligible fey greenway projects, and the degree to which the approved plan will promote the provisions of Section 8642.1 in and along the waterway involved. Any local agency that expends moneys appropriated from the fund for environmental restoration or improvement projects shall, to the extent feasible, utilize the serN ices of the California Conservation Corps and local conservation corps in those efforts. 8644.3. On or before _November 1 of each year, the Secretary of the Resources Agency shall forward the board's decisions for funding the implementation ofplans to the Governor for inclusion in the Budget Bill. The submittal by the secretary shall include a descri ption of each recommendation, the benefits to be realized, and the comments of the secretary. 8644.4. As a condition to the receipt of grant funds, the local agency shall agree that it will reimburse the state for those funds if the _ board finds, after notice and public hearing, that the local agency has violated or failed to implement of appres-ed pleft its plan or to spend those funds in a manner consistent with the approved 93 290 13— AB 350 I plan or master plan qualified pursuant to Section 8644. 2 Those funds shall be returned to the fund. No plan may 3 be amended without the consent of the � 4 board. 3 8644 -4- 6 8644.5. No local agency shall be eligible to receive funds 7 in any fiscal year for implementation of an approved plan 8 in an amount greater than 20 percent of the total amount 9 of funds available for expenditure from the fund during 10 that year. 11 8644.6. Nothing in this division shall affect the 12 a uthority of the commission with respect to local agencies 13 which do not participate in the preparation of a plan. 14 15 CHAPTER 6. PLAN IMPLEMENTATION 16 17 8645. The commission shall administer state 18 sovereign lands within the boundaries of an approved 19 plan in a manner consistent with, and in furtherance of, 20 the plan, and in accordance with the following: 21 (a) State lands within the area of the plan shall be 22 leased only for purposes consistent with the plan. 23 (b) The commission shall ensure that existing lessees 24 conduct their activities in a manner consistent with the 25 plan. 26 (c) Income from state leases within the area of an 27 approved plan shall be deposited in the fund and may be 28 granted to the applicable local agency for purposes 29 consistent with the plan. 30 (d) Moneys from title settlements which occur within 31 the area of an approved plan shall be deposited in the 32 fund and may be expended by the commission for the 33 purchase of additional lands within the area of the plan. 34' The lands shall be used for purposes consistent with the 35 plan and in accordance with Section 8644.1. =36 (e) Nothing in this division shall amend the terns of 37 existing leases between the commission and a private 38 party or between the commission and a local agency not w39 participating in the preparation of a plan. X40 864.1. Local agency revenues- attributed to facilities, y M W APPENDIX C WETLANDS WETLANDS are lands transitional between terrestrial and aquatic systems where the water table is usually at or near the surface or the land is covered by shallow water. For purposes of this classification wetlands must have one or more of the following three attributes: (1) at least periodically, the land supports predominantly hydrophytes; (2) the substrate is predominantly undrained hydric soil; and (3) the substrate is nonsoil and is saturated with water or covered by shallow water at some time during the growing season of each year. U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the United States December, 1979 APPENDIX D BIBLIOGRAPHY 1. ASL Consulting Engineers and Williamson and Schmid, City gf Encinitas Master Drainage Plan Update (Draft), 1989, "Environ- mental Enhancement," " Olivenhain Basin," "Recommendations," and "Conclusions" (no pagination). 2. Bell, Jim, "Keep Ideas Flowing on How to Save Mission Bay," The San Diego Union - Tribune, May 21, 1992, editorial page. 3. Beston, Henry, The Outermost House, Holt, Rinehart and Winston, Boston, 1928. 4. Bumann, Richard, Colony Olivenhain, Nova Typesetting & Graphics, Solana Beach, 1981, pp. 5, 34. 5. California Dept. of Parks and Recreation, California Wetlands, Sacramento, 1988, pp. 2, 3, 26. - -- Public Opinions and Attitudes on Outdoor Recreation in California, Sacramento, Sept., 1987, "Executive Summary," and text. 6. California State Coastal Conservancy, Annual Report 1989 -1990, Calif. State Coastal Conservancy, Oakland, 1990, p. 3. - - -The Coastal Wetlands of San Diego County, Calif. State Coastal Conservancy, Oakland, 1989, pp. 3, 49, 51. 7. Campbell, Joseph with B. Moyers, The Power of Myth, Doubleday New York, 1988. 8. City of Encinitas, Encinitas General Plan, March 29, 1989, as amended, "Recreation," "Land Use," and "Resource Management" ele- ments, pp. cited in text. - -- Encinitas Master Environmental Assessment, Oct. 20, 1987, pp. 5 -5 to 5 -7, 5 -10. 9. Connaroe, Joel (ed.), Six American Poets, Random House, New York, 1991, p. 218. 10. The Findhorn Community, The Findhorn Garden, Harper and Row, New York, 1975, pp. 28, 175. 11. Fish and Wildlife Service, Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the United States, U. S. Dept. of Interior, Wash, D.C., Dec., 1979, p. 3. 12. Fowles, John, "Seeing Nature Whole," Harpers Magazine, vol. 259, Nov., 1979, p. 68. 13. Haug International, Community Recreation Services Needs ,� Assessment Survey, May, 1988, Section A, Section B, , Summary and "Conclusions." 14. Henley, Don and Dave Marsh (eds.), Heaven Is Under Our Feet: A Book for Walden Woods, Longmeadow Press, Stamford, 1991, p. 156. 15. Marcos, Laurie, Batiquitos Lagoon Watershed Sediment Control Plan, Calif. State Coastal Conservancy, Oakland, 1987, pp. 24, 29, 33 -4. 16. Millay, Edna St. Vincent, The Buck in the Snow, House of Harper, New York, 1928, P. 56. 17. Moyers, Bill, A World of Ideas, vol. II, Bantam Doubleday Dell, New York, Nov., 1990, p. 179. 18. Roberts, Elizabeth and Elias Amidon (eds.), Earth Prayers, HarperCollins, New York, 1991, pp. 102, 142, 154. 19. Schlissel, Lillian, Women's Diaries of the Westward Journey, Schocken Books, New York, 1982, p. 19. CITY OF e)SC07n-011'DO { PLANNING DEPARTMENT CIVIC CENTER PLAZA ; 201 North Broadway, Escondido California 92025 -2798 (619) 741 -4671 September 9, 1992 SEP 1 4 Richard Phillips City of Encinitas 527 Encinitas Boulevard Encinitas, CA 92024 Subject: Draft Report of Riparian Parkways Task Force Dear Richard: '�� ►O�IITLO �l` The City of Escondido appreciates the opportunity to provide comments on the Draft Report of the Riparian Parkways Task Force. The efforts by the Task Force to provide a comprehensive analysis of the Encinitas creeks are to be commended. The following are our comments relative to the draft report: 1. The Task Force may want to include how the trails would link to other regional corridors (page 16 & 17). In addition, the Escondido Creek is identified as a regional trail corridor on the proposed San Diego County Trails Policy currently out for public comment until September 17, 1992. 2. Each of the discussions by various Task Force members reflect each of their own viewpoints and expertise. However, it may be desirable to consolidate the recommendations to reflect a consensus by the committee. 3. The matrix provides an excellent way to compare the various attributes of each of the creeks. It would be helpful to have a summary of the result of the numerical rating system so that a specific creek is clearly identified as to it's potential for enhancement. 4. The creeks systems is discussed on page 30 and 31. Although the existing conditions of each of these creeks Is listed on the matrix, 4 may be more informative to provide several sentences for each of the creeks that states specifically what the existing conditions are and provides additional analysis on vegetation, fauna, existing uses and any trails currently being used. 5. A summary on how the water quality was assessed would be informative. 6. The list of possible funding sources is included. The list should include the funding dollars available, the target for the funds and the dates for submittals. 7. The recommendations should include which creeks are a priority for enhancement, acquisition and restoration. In addition, within each creek the Task Force should assess which goals are a priority.' August 14, 1992 Riparian Parkways Task Force c/o Community Services Department City of Encinitas 527 Encinitas Boulevard Encinitas, CA 92024 Subject: Draft Report Comments Your draft report dated July 22, 1992, has been reviewed. The report presents an overview of the many complex and varied issues surrounding the use of riparian lands. We did not find mention of the County's Resource Protection Ordinance or Floodplain Mapping Program, both key elements used to regulate growth in rivers and creeks. By preventing construction of houses and other structures in floodplain areas, the County minimizes the effects of damage from flood water and retains floodplains in a natural condition. It is recommended that the Task Force review the flood plain maps for the streams under consideration and the related ordinances, policies and regulations. If you have any questions, please contact Joe Hill at 694 -2138. Very trul yours, ��� JOHN S. BURKE Deputy Director JSB:JCH:sb sb /hill /rippkWy.ltr Pn..,. APPENDIX E -moo &tIntv 1111 of I` 447 � COUNTY ENGINEER COUNTY AIRPORTS GRANVILLE M. BOWMAN ��-- -- COUNTY ROAD COMMISSIONER TRANSPORTATION OPERATIONS DIRECTOR 4619) 694 -2272 DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS COUNTY SURVEYOR FLOOD CONTROL (LOCATION CODE 750) LIQUID WASTE 5555 OVERLAND AVE. SAN DIEGO. CALIFORNIA 92123-1295 SOLID WASTE August 14, 1992 Riparian Parkways Task Force c/o Community Services Department City of Encinitas 527 Encinitas Boulevard Encinitas, CA 92024 Subject: Draft Report Comments Your draft report dated July 22, 1992, has been reviewed. The report presents an overview of the many complex and varied issues surrounding the use of riparian lands. We did not find mention of the County's Resource Protection Ordinance or Floodplain Mapping Program, both key elements used to regulate growth in rivers and creeks. By preventing construction of houses and other structures in floodplain areas, the County minimizes the effects of damage from flood water and retains floodplains in a natural condition. It is recommended that the Task Force review the flood plain maps for the streams under consideration and the related ordinances, policies and regulations. If you have any questions, please contact Joe Hill at 694 -2138. Very trul yours, ��� JOHN S. BURKE Deputy Director JSB:JCH:sb sb /hill /rippkWy.ltr Pn..,. APPENDIX F REPORT DISTRIBUTION LIST 1. Assemblywoman Deirdre Alpert 3262 Holiday Court, #205B La Jolla, CA 92037 2. Hon. Jerry Harmon, Mayor of Escondido 3. Hon. Lucy Killea, State Senator 4. Ruth Potter - SanDAG #800 First Interstate Plaza 401 B Street San Diego, CA 92101 5. Charles Warren - State Lands Commission, Sacramento 1807 13th Street Sacramento, CA 95814 6. Barbara Simmons San Diego County Parks Department 5201 Ruffin Road, #P San Diego, CA 7. San Diego Fish and Game Department 8. Sacramento Fish and Game Dept. - The Heritage Division Todd Keeler -Wolf and Roxanne L. Bittman 1416 Ninth Street The 12th Floor Sacramento, CA 95814 9. Charles Schaffer, Director City of San Marcos, Developmental Services 10. Jerry Backoff, Director City of San Marcos, Planning Division 11. Hon. Gloria McLellan, Mayor, City of Vista 12. Jay Petrek, City Planner City of Escondido, Planning Department 201 N. Broadway Escondido, CA 92025 13. Will Shafroth and Doug Wheeler California Resources Agency 1416 Ninth Street, #1311 Sacramento, CA 95814 14. Drew Silvern, San Diego Union 820 S. Hill Street Oceanside, CA 92054 15. John LaMontaigne, Blade- Citizen 1722 S. Hill Street Oceanside, CA 92056 16. The Coast Dispatch P.O. Box 878 Encinitas, CA 92024 17. The Beach News P.O. Box 396 Encinitas, CA 92024 18. John Gliona, The Times, San Diego Edition 701 B Street, Suite 501 San Diego, CA 92101 19. Inez Yoder - Shoreline Studies Center 7738 Madrilena Carlsbad, CA 92009 20. Don Rideout City of Carlsbad, Community Development Department 2075 Las Palmas Drive Carlsbad, CA 92009 21. Robert Radovich, Director California Department of Fish and Game 330 Golden Shore Long Beach, CA 90802 22. Joe Hill - Flood Control San Diego County Department of Public Works 5201 Ruffin Road San Diego, CA 23. Bill Fait, District Supervisor California Parks and Recreation Dept. 1333 Camino Del Rio, S #200 San Diego, CA 92108 24. Carrie Phillips U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service 2730 Loker Avenue W Carlsbad, CA 92008 25. Escondido Creek Conservancy Leonard Wittwer & Martha Blaine 19828 Fortuna Del Este Escondido, CA 26. Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation Seth Shulberg /Dolores Welty 27. San Elijc Lagoon Foundation Scott Englehorn 28. San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy Kevin Johnson P.O. Box 230634 Encinitas, CA 92024 29. Paul Webb The California Coastal Commission 3111 Camino Del Rio, N #200 San Diego, CA 92108 30. Janet Diehl The California Coastal Conservancy 1330 Broadway #1100 Oakland, CA 94612 31. Tim Dillingham The Wildlife Conservation Board California Department of Fish & Game 1350 Front St. #2041 San Diego, CA 92101 32. Caroline Stabile, President Quail Gardens Foundation 33. Dennis Cunningham Carlsbad Planning Systems 2111 Palomar Airport Road, #100 Carlsbad, CA 92009 34. Mike Evans 3640 8th Ave. San Diego, CA 92103 35. Susan Harris National Park Service Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Harrison Street, #600 San Francisco, CA 94102 36. Earle Cummings, Sara Denzler Department of Water Resources 1025 P Street, #163 Sacramento, CA 95814 37. Meral Gerald Planning and Conservation League 909 12th Street, #203 Sacramento, CA 95814 38. Elizabeth White U. S. Army Corps of Engineers 9868 Scranton Road #415 San Diego, CA 92121 39. Tecolote Canyon Citizens Committee 5635 Tamres Drive San Diego, CA 92111 40. Urban Creeks Council 2530 San Pablo Avenue Berkeley, CA 94702 41. Friends of Santa Margarita River P.O. Box 923 Fallbrook, CA 92028 42. Bill Daugherty Buena Vista Audubon P.O. Box 480 Oceanside, CA 92054 43. Robert Anderson North County Coastal Greens P.O. Box 231063 Encinitas, CA 92023 -1063 44. Mike Kelly Friends of Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve, Inc. P.O. Box 26523 San Diego, CA 92196 45. Sandra Cleisz City of San Diego Planning Dept. Exec. Complex /M.S. 660 1010 2nd Ave. #600 San Diego, CA 92101 46. The Nature Conservancy Merrilee Fellows 7th Floor 35 North Lake Pasadena, CA 91101 47. Home Depot Corporation Arthur Blank CEO 2 Paces West 2727 Paces Ferry Road Atlanta, GA 30339 48. Bill Tippetts, District Superintendent State Parks and Recreation 1333 Camino del Rio South, Suite 200 San Diego, CA 92108 48. Bill Tippetts, District Superintendent State Parks and Recreation 1333 Camino del Rio South, Suite 200 San Diego, CA 92108 49. San Diego River Parkway 401 B Street, Suite 340 San Diego, CA 92101 50. Terry Williams Wetlands Advisory Committee City of San Diego Parks and Recreation Dept. 2581 Quivira Court San Diego, CA 92107 51. Dolores Welty 2076 Sheridan Leucadia, CA 92024 52. Karen & Wallace Tucker Fallbrook Land Conservancy P.O. Box 170 Fallbrook, CA 92028 53. Jan Luchs San Dieguito River Valley Land Conservancy P.O. Box 89 Del Mar, CA 9203.4 54. Kathy Bartoloni Department of Fish & Game 1220 S Street Sacramento, CA 95814 55. Jim Bell 2923 E. Spruce Street San Diego, CA 92104 56. Gil Voss 1751 S. Hannolli Drive Vista, CA 92083 57. Dr. Chris Metzler MiraCosta College One Barnard Drive Oceanside, CA 92056 -3899 58. Guy Winton Winton Engineering 1133 Columbia Street Suite 102 San Diego, CA 92101 60. Bill Haag Audobon Society 10601 -A Tierra Santa Blvd Suite 127 San Diego, CA 92124 61. Gerry Kuhn 2439 Sacada Circle Rancho La Costa, CA 92009 62. Tom Robison 4030 Manchester Encinitas, CA 92024 63. Anza - Borrego Foundation P.O. Box 2001 Borrego Springs, CA 92004 64. Cynthia and Bert Butler 669 Stratford Drive Encinitas, CA 92024 65. Ida Lou Coley 61 McNeill Encinitas, CA 92024 66. Earle Cummings Urban Streams Restoration Program 1416 Ninth Street Sacramento, CA 95814 67. Supervisor Susan Golding 1600 Pacific Highway Room 335 San Diego, CA 92101 Overall the report provides an excellent summary of the Encinitas' creeks. Additional commentary is included that does not pertain to the Encinitas' Creeks. It may be desirable to delete those portions and focus directly on the creeks within Encinitas. Once again, thank you for providing the City of Escondido with a copy of the Task Force's draft report and including our staff in the Task Force's discussions. Sincerely, (JPegg Associate Planner cc: Jerry Harmon, Mayor Jay Petrek, Senior Planner Charlie Grimm, Director of Planning and Building Craig Jones, Senior Planner, City of Encinitas