Public Meeting San Diego River Conservancy – May 13, 2021 – Teleconference
Notice of Public Meeting
San Diego River Conservancy
A public meeting of the Governing Board of
The San Diego River Conservancy
will be held
Thursday, May 13, 2021
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
In Person Meeting Participation Prohibited
In accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order N-29-20 issued December 14, 2020, and to maximize social distancing and public safety, the San Diego River Conservancy will conduct this meeting by video and audio only. Board members, staff, and the public may participate remotely.
Zoom Meeting ID: 933 6769 0240
Join Zoom Meeting
Audio only
(669) 900-6833, passcode 93367690240#
For Questions Contact:
Wendell Taper at wendell.taper@sdrc.ca.gov or (619) 390-0568
Meeting Agenda
The Board may take agenda items out of order to accommodate speakers and to maintain a quorum, unless noted as time specific.
1. Roll Call
2. Approval of Minutes (ACTION)
Consider approval of minutes for the January 14, 2021 meeting.
3. Public Comment (INFORMATIONAL)
Any person may address the Governing Board at this time regarding any matter within the Board’s authority. Presentations will be limited to three minutes for individuals and five minutes for representatives of organizations. Submission of information in writing is encouraged. The Board is prohibited by law from taking any action on matters that are discussed that are not on the agenda; no adverse conclusions should be drawn by the Board’s not responding to such matters or public comments.
4. Chairperson’s and Governing Board Members’ Report (INFORMATIONAL/ ACTION)
5. Deputy Attorney General Report (INFORMATIONAL/ ACTION)
6. Health and Safety Report (INFORMATIONAL)
7. Senate Bill 85 – Wildfire Early Action Plan (INFORMATIONAL)
In April 2021, Governor Newsom and the State Legislature approved $536 million for wildfire protection projects throughout state including $12 million in the 2021-2022 state budget for the San Diego River Conservancy to enact early action projects to reduce the risk of wildfires. The intent of the allocation is to take action to restore the ecological health of forests and watersheds, establish fuel breaks and reduce the chance of wildfires prior to the start of the wildfire season.
Presentation:
Deanna Spehn, Policy Director of Senate President pro Tempore Toni Atkins
8. Wildfire and Forest Resilience Plan (INFORMATIONAL/ ACTION)
The San Diego River Conservancy through its partners will implement projects including fuel reduction and healthy forest activities that advance wildfire preparedness and improve defensible space to mitigate the risk of wildfires. Project funding provided by the Wildfire Early Action Plan through Senate Bill 85.
Presentation:
Julia Richards, Executive Officer, San Diego River Conservancy
9. Resource Conservation District of Greater San Diego County (ACTION)
The Resource Conservation District of Greater San Diego County (Resource Conservation District) has existing programs for defensible space, chipping and educational outreach to mitigate risk of wildfire. These programs and services foster fire prevention and safety throughout the County and encourage community involvement. Conservancy staff recommends funding $3,500,000 to expand program capacity and assist private landowners through fuel reduction activities in the County of San Diego. Funding provided by the Wildfire Early Action Plan through Senate Bill 85.
Presentation:
Ann Baldridge, Community Programs Director, Resource Conservation District
Videos:
Sheryl Landrum, Executive Director, Resource Conservation District of Greater San Diego
Don Butz, Chairman, Resource Conservation District and President of the Fire Safe Council of San Diego County
Recommendation: Approve Resolution 21-04
10. San Diego Canyonlands – San Diego River Watershed Canyons Fire Resiliency Program (ACTION)
San Diego Canyonlands proposes to reduce fuel loads in the following canyons: Ruffin/Sandrock, Rueda, Shepard, and Navajo, which are tributaries to the San Diego River. All potential project areas are owned by the City of San Diego and are within the jurisdiction of the City of San Diego Parks and Recreation Department, Open Space Division. Conservancy staff recommends funding $1,000,000 for fuel reduction activities to mitigate fire risk in the City of San Diego. Funding provided by the Wildfire Early Action Plan through Senate Bill 85.
Presentation:
Clayton Tschudy, Executive Director, San Diego Canyonlands
Recommendation: Approve Resolution 21-05
11. San Diego County – Department of Parks and Recreation (INFOMATIONAL)
San Diego County Board of Supervisors approved $3,300,000 to acquire 98 acres in El Monte Valley adjacent to the San Diego River. San Diego County Board of Supervisors also approved additional investments, which include updating baseball little league facility, trail construction, and native habitat restoration. County Parks staff will provide an overview.
Presentation:
Ieszic Formeller, Park Project Manager, County of San Diego Parks and Recreation
12. Old Town San Diego State Historic Park (INFORMATIONAL)
After over 23 years of visioning and planning, California State Parks transformed the old Caltrans District 11 Office into a new public open space located in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park on Taylor Street in the City of San Diego. California State Parks has been meeting with the Old Town Working Group since 2013 to discuss interpretation and education for the Land of the First People Exhibit Area at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. This Working Group has been instrumental in providing an opportunity for the Kumeyaay Nation to shape the interpretation of Kumeyaay culture and their connections to the San Diego River and to Old Town San Diego.
Presentation:
Nancy Mendez, Interpretive Development, California State Parks
Marla Mealey, Archaeologist, California State Parks
Megan Suster, Interpretive Implementation and Operation, California State Parks
13. Executive Officer’s Report (INFORMATIONAL/ ACTION)
The following topics may be included in the Executive Officer’s Report. The Board may take action regarding any of them:
- US Forest Service, Cleveland National Forest Agreement
- Proposition 68 Update
14. Next Meeting
The next regularly scheduled Board meeting will be held July 8, 2021, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
15. Adjournment
Accessibility
If you require a disability related modification or accommodation to participate in this meeting, including auxiliary aids or services, please call Wendell Taper at 619-390-0568 or Julia Richards at 619-507-5085