Notice of Public Meeting San Diego River Conservancy – September 8, 2022
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, September 8, 2022
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Virtual Public Meeting
Pursuant to Government Code Section 11133 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: 841 2728 8629
Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84127288629
Call in number
(669) 444-9171, passcode 84127288629#
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 May 12, 2022 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)
5. Deputy Attorney General Report (INFORMATIONAL/ ACTION)
6. Health and Safety Report (INFORMATIONAL)
7. Senate Bill 1027 (INFORMATIONAL)
The San Diego River Conservancy Act establishes the San Diego River Conservancy in the Natural Resources Agency, and prescribes the territory, functions, and duties of the conservancy. This bill would modify the definition of the San Diego River area to mean those lands located within the watershed of the San Diego River, revise the definition of a tribal nation to mean a Kumeyaay Band that is a federally recognized tribe or a non-federally recognized California Native American tribe that is on the contact list maintained by the Native American Heritage Commission and add one new Board Member from the City of El Cajon.
Discussion:
Deanna Spehn, Policy Director for Senate President Pro Tempore Toni Atkins
8. Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation’s Proposal to Acquire In-Holdings (ACTION)
Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation’s proposed project is for land acquisition located in the East Elliott area of the Mission Trails Regional Park. The proposed acquisition area is approximately 83 acres, over four parcels. This proposed project is in support of the State of California’s and the Natural Resources Agency’s path to conserving 30% of California’s lands and coastal waters by 2030. This proposed project provides multiple benefits, which include habitat conservation, protection of wildlife corridors, public access, and watershed protection. If approved, funding would be provided through the Budget Act of 2021 or 2022. The Foundation is seeking $2,000,000, and staff recommends approval in the amount of $2,000,000.
Presentation:
Jennifer Morrisey, Executive Director, Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation
Recommendation: Approve Resolution 22-07
9. San Diego Canyonlands’ Navajo Canyon Invasive Non-Native Plant Removal, Habitat and Trails Restoration Project (Phase 1)– Request to Amend Scope of Work (ACTION)
On November 12, 2021, the Conservancy’s Governing Board previously approved Resolution 21-18 authorizing a $600,000 grant to San Diego Canyonlands for removal of invasive non-native vegetation which included palm tree removal by helicopter, native habitat and the trail restoration in Navajo Canyon. The project is located in the City of San Diego’s Open Space. The original scope of work involved helicopter removal of approximately 380 palms. San Diego Canyonlands requests revisions to the scope of work to reflect removal of approximately 315 palm trees by helicopter and a minimum of 100 palm trees by hand. The project revisions do not change the project’s budget.
Presentation:
Clayton Tschudy, Executive Director, San Diego Canyonlands
Recommendation: Approve Resolution 22-08
10. Cleveland National Forest (CNF) Proposal to Fund Kumeyaay Tribal Monitors for Previously Approved Wildfire Resilience and Forest Health Projects (ACTION)
On July 8, 2021, the Conservancy’s Governing Board previously approved activities to reduce fuel loads and construct a helicopter landing zone and three 10,000-gal underground water tanks. For these projects, there are multiple locations where Kumeyaay Tribal monitoring is requested to protect cultural and tribal resources and promote tribal preservation. CNF is requesting, and staff is recommending, funding in the amount of $150,000 to pay the tribal monitors for the work they perform to support wildfire project implementation located in the San Diego River and Tijuana River (the U.S. only) watersheds. CNF will also provide a brief report on the work that has been performed on the Wildfire Resilience and Forest Health Projects.
Presentation:
Scott Tangenberg, Forest Supervisor, Cleveland National Forest
Recommendation: Approve Resolution 22-09
11. San Diego Canyonlands’ Ruffin Canyon Habitat Restoration and Enhancement Project (Phase 1) (INFORMATIONAL)
San Diego Canyonlands will provide a presentation regarding the Ruffin Canyon project, which restored and enhanced approximately 12 acres of wetland and approximately 6 acres of upland habitat on land owned by the City of San Diego and managed by the City’s Open Space Division. The project’s goals included invasive removal, non-native plant species, restore and enhance native riparian ecosystems. The project area is located within one-half mile of a Disadvantaged Community in the City of San Diego.
Presentation:
Clayton Tschudy, Executive Director, San Diego Canyonlands
12. 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:
Proposed Board Meeting Dates for 2023
Thursday, January 12, 2023 • 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Thursday, March 9, 2023 • 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Thursday, May 11, 2023 • 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Thursday, July 13, 2023 • 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Thursday, September 14, 2023 • 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Thursday, November 9, 2023 • 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
13. Next Meeting
The next regularly scheduled Board meeting will be held Thursday, November 10, 2022, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
14. 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