Notice of Public Meeting San Diego River Conservancy – November 12, 2021
A public meeting of the Governing Board of
The San Diego River Conservancy will be held
Friday, November 12, 2021
1:00 pm – 3:00 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: 874 4906 7378
Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87449067378
Audio only
(669) 900-6833, passcode 874 4906 7378
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 September 9, 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. Proposition 68 Grant Program (INFORMATION)
The Conservancy will provide a summary and update on the grant program for Proposition 68, “The Parks, Environment, and Water Bond Act of 2018.”
Presentation:
Julia Richards, Executive Officer
7A. San Diego State University Mission Valley River Park (ACTION)
San Diego State University (SDSU) proposes to install a prefabricated restroom facility and associated infrastructure on the eastern portion of the River Park. This proposed project is located in Mission Valley, a park deficient community. The restroom facilities will provide a needed amenity for SDSU’s expansive 34-acre River Park. The River Park will use open space in a manner that revitalizes and restores the property while providing public access. Conservancy staff recommends funding in the amount of $738,000. If approved, funding would be provided through Proposition 68.
Presentation:
Paul Jackson, DBIA, Program Manager – Mission Valley Development
Recommendation: Approve Resolution 21-15
7B. Pocket Park Along the San Diego River Trail (ACTION)
Lakeside’s River Park Conservancy proposes to construct a 0.22-acre pocket park adjacent to the San Diego River Trail. The pocket park is a good location to stop, rest, have a snack, and provides an opportunity to observe wildlife without entering the riparian area of the San Diego River. This pocket park will be located on a vacant lot. Conservancy staff recommends funding in the amount of $147,150. If approved, funding would be provided through Proposition 68.
Presentation:
Robin Rierdan, Executive Director, Lakeside River Park Conservancy
Recommendation: Approve Resolution 21-16
7C. Revegetation of Alvarado Creek (ACTION)
The proposed project plans to restore two sections of Alvarado Creek by revegetating approximately 3 acres where invasive non-native plant species were previously removed. Unfortunately, natural recruitment of native species were not present in enough numbers to repopulate areas devoid of vegetation. The restoration of native habitat for this section of Alvarado Creek is necessary for maintenance, to reduce erosion and sediment entering the creek, and to promote biodiversity. The return of the area to a more natural state will help and support native fauna and flora. Conservancy staff recommends funding in the amount of $467,691. If approved, funding would be provided through Proposition 68
Presentation:
Julie Lambert, Program Director, Soil Ecology and Restoration Group, San Diego State University
Recommendation: Approve Resolution 21-17
7D. Navajo Canyon Invasive Non-Native Plant Removal, Habitat and Trails Restoration Project, Phase 1 (ACTION)
San Diego Canyonlands proposes to remove invasive non-native vegetation including palm trees, restore native habitat and improve portions of the trail in Navajo Canyon. The City of San Diego owns 141 acres in Navajo Canyon and the creek, which is a tributary to the San Diego River. Navajo Canyon is within the City of San Diego Multiple Habitat Preserve Area and managed by the City’s Open Space. Conservancy staff recommends $600,000 for the project, and if approved funding would be provided by Proposition 68.
Presentation:
Clayton Tschudy, Executive Director, San Diego Canyonlands
Recommendation: Approve Resolution 21-18
8. State Parks’ Native American Conservation Corps (ACTION)
The Colorado Desert District at California State Parks is looking to partner with local tribes from the Kumeyaay, Cahuilla, Cupeño, and Luiseño Nations to create a workforce training program to conduct fuels reduction work on State Park land. These Native American Conservation Corps’ activities will increase wildfire and forest resiliency in San Diego County. State Parks will lead this effort and work with local tribes to train crew members in chainsaw use, basic fire, and first aid and increase their workforce skills, making successful conservation corps crew members ideal candidates for subsequent forestry and fire-related positions. This two-year pilot program will also incorporate Traditional Ecological Knowledge from local Native American elders who will share and teach traditional burning and sustainable land management practices with the Corps members and State Parks Resource Management Staff. Conservancy staff recommends $1,000,000 for the project and, if approved, funding will be provided from the $1,000,000 local assistance allocation from Budget Act 21/22 (Senate Bill 170).
Presentation:
Lisa Gonzales-Kramer, Cuyamaca Rancho State Park Reforestation Project Manager, California State Parks
Recommendation: Approve Resolution 21-19
9. 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:
- The new Iipay-Tipay Kumeyaay Mut Niihepok park @ Old Town State Historic Park
- Notice of Surplus Property – Sports Arena
- Update on Strategic Planning – Sweetwater and Otay River watershed
10. Next Meeting
The next regularly scheduled Board meeting will be held Thursday, January 13, 2022, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
11. 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