Parkway Master Plan Update 2017

State of California 

SAN JOAQUIN RIVER CONSERVANCY 

RESOLUTION 18-01 

April 11, 2018 

Regarding Certification of the Environmental Impact Report for the San Joaquin River Parkway Master Plan Update and Approval of the Proposed Plan 

 

WHEREAS, the San Joaquin River Conservancy (Conservancy) was established in the California Natural Resources Agency by the California State Legislature to acquire and manage public lands within the San Joaquin River Parkway (Parkway), which will consist of the San Joaquin River and approximately 5,900 acres on both sides of the river in Fresno and Madera counties between Friant Dam and the Highway 99 crossing; and  

WHEREAS, the Conservancy is directed in the San Joaquin River Conservancy Act (Public Resources Code sections 32500 et seq.) to acquire and manage lands in the Parkway to provide a harmonious combination of low-impact recreational and educational uses and wildlife protection through the preservation of the San Joaquin River, existing publicly owned lands, the wildlife corridor, and natural reserves (PRC Section 32510); and 

WHEREAS, the San Joaquin River Conservancy Act authorizes the San Joaquin River Conservancy (Conservancy) to implement the San Joaquin River Parkway Master Plan and to adopt and carry out management plans for the protection of the natural, cultural, and recreational resources of the Parkway; and 

WHEREAS, in December 1997, the Conservancy approved the San Joaquin River Parkway Interim Master Plan, including certification of a programmatic Environmental Impact Report, together containing the goals, objectives, policies, design standards, and mitigation measures guiding future development of Parkway projects implemented by or sponsored by the Conservancy; and  

WHEREAS, the Conservancy has prepared the San Joaquin River Parkway Master Plan Update, the “proposed Project” or “proposed Plan,” which sets forth updated programmatic long-range goals, objectives, policies, and plans: to accomplish wildlife habitat conservation and enhancement, public access and recreation, environmental education, and natural and cultural resource conservation and management within the Parkway; to guide implementation of the Parkway, including but not limited to land acquisitions, developing a contiguous 22-mile multi-use trail, constructing ancillary facilities to support low-impact recreation, and creating visitor informational and educational opportunities; and to consider implementation strategies and financing mechanisms for developing and supporting the on-going operations, maintenance and management of the Parkway; and 

WHEREAS, the Conservancy, as the Lead Agency, prepared and circulated a Draft Environmental Impact Report (Draft EIR) for the proposed Plan (State Clearinghouse No. 2013061035) to meet the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA; Public Resources Code, section 21000 et seq.; California Code of Regulations, title 14, section 15000 et seq.) as detailed in the following declarations; and 

WHEREAS, the Conservancy Board held at its regular publicly-noticed meeting a workshop to discuss the proposed Plan on May 15, 2013, and a follow-up meeting on June 19, 2013; and 

WHEREAS, the Conservancy prepared a Notice of Preparation (NOP; California Code of Regulations, title 14, section 15082) to inform responsible and trustee agencies and interested parties that the Conservancy was preparing a Draft EIR for the proposed Plan and to solicit input on the scope and content of the descriptions of the significant environmental issues, mitigation measures, and reasonable range of alternatives to be examined in the Draft EIR; and  

WHEREAS, the NOP was circulated from June 17, 2013, through July 17, 2013; and 

WHEREAS, the Conservancy held a public scoping meeting on June 17, 2014, at the Pinedale Community Center, 7170 N. San Pablo, Fresno, California, to present information about the proposed Plan, describe the process and timelines, and solicit input, including written comments, on the scope and content of the Draft EIR; and 

WHEREAS, 51 comment letters and comment cards were received on the NOP at the public scoping meeting and by mail and email (included in the Draft EIR as Appendix A), which were considered during the preparation of the Draft EIR; and 

WHEREAS, the Conservancy contacted the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) to identify any areas of importance to Native peoples within the Parkway Planning Area that have been documented in the Commission’s Sacred Lands files; individuals identified by the NAHC as having knowledge of and interest in the general Plan Area were contacted to brief them on the scope of the project; and meetings were held with those requesting them to discuss Native American interest in and use of the Parkway (Appendix F of the Draft EIR); and 

WHEREAS, the Conservancy filed the Notice of Completion of the Draft EIR with the State Clearinghouse, California Office of Planning and Research on May 1, 2017, and sent notice to each responsible and trustee agency that an official 60-day public comment period for the Draft EIR was established.  The public comment period ran from May 1, 2017, through June 29, 2017; and 

WHEREAS, a Notice of Availability (NOA) of the Draft EIR was mailed and emailed on May 1, 2017, to all interested groups, organizations, individuals who had previously requested notice in writing, and to interested landowners within the Plan area; more than 730 notices were sent in total; and 

WHEREAS, the NOA stated that the Conservancy had completed the Draft EIR and that copies, including appendices, were available for review at the Conservancy website, www.sjrc.ca.gov; at the San Joaquin River Conservancy, 5469 E. Olive Avenue, Fresno, CA 93727; and copies on CD format were available free upon request; and 

WHEREAS, the Draft EIR includes an analysis of the environmental impacts of the proposed Plan, feasible mitigation measures, and two alternatives; and 

WHEREAS, following the close of the 60-day public comment period, the Conservancy had received 18 comment letters, including emails; and   

WHEREAS, the Conservancy compiled the Final EIR, which includes written responses to the written comment letters received (Chapter 5) and minor revisions to the Draft EIR and proposed Plan (Chapter 3), with the revisions indicated with underlines for revised inserted text and strikeouts for revised deleted text; and 

WHEREAS, none of the changes made within the Final EIR constitute significant new information or otherwise trigger a recirculation under CEQA; and 

WHEREAS, on March 28, 2018, the Conservancy sent notice to all public agency commenters that the Final EIR with responses to their comments was completed and available for review, consistent with CEQA Guidelines section 15088; and 

WHEREAS, on March 28, 2018, the Conservancy posted the Final EIR on the Conservancy website, and made it available in hard copy at the Conservancy office, and available on CD free upon request, and issued a notification by email of this availability to all interested groups, organizations, and individuals who had previously requested notice in writing and to those who had previously commented on the Draft EIR, and included in the notices the date, time and place of the Board meeting in which the proposed Plan would be considered; and  

WHEREAS, CEQA requires that in connection with the approval of a project for which an EIR has been prepared, the decision-makers of the lead agency must certify the Final EIR (California Code of Regulations, title 14, section 15090); and 

WHEREAS, the Conservancy Board has considered the information in the Final EIR and input provided through public comments, and recognizes the benefits of proceeding with approving the proposed Plan. 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Conservancy Board hereby certifies that: 

(a) the Final EIR (released March 28, 2018; State Clearinghouse No. 2013061035) has been completed in compliance with the requirements of CEQA; 

(b) the Final EIR was presented to the Conservancy Board and it has considered the information contained in the Final EIR before considering approving the proposed Plan; and 

(c) the Final EIR reflects the Conservancy’s independent judgment and analysis; 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, in consideration of the FINAL EIR and the entirety of the record, the Conservancy Board adopts the Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations set forth in Attachment A to this resolution.  

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Conservancy Board adopts the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program as set forth in Attachment B to this resolution. 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDERED, that in consideration of all of the foregoing, and the entirety of the record, the Conservancy Board approves the San Joaquin River Parkway Master Plan Update included as Appendix C to the Draft EIR, with the revisions indicated in the Final EIR, Chapter 3. 

BE IT FURTHER ORDERED, that in response to a request raised during the public hearing to certify the EIR and approve the proposed Plan on this day of April 11, 2018, an additional revision was made to the Parkway Master Plan Update, on Figure 5-6, to delete from the illustration a dotted line traversing a golf course that had represented a future opportunity for a hiking trail.  

BE IT FURTHER ORDERED, that Conservancy staff file the Notice of Determination with the State Clearinghouse and post it on the Conservancy’s webpage within five days. 

BE IT FURTHER ORDERED, that Conservancy staff shall implement the Parkway Master Plan Update, including initiating Parkway acquisition and development projects consistent with the Master Plan Update.  

ATTACHMENTS: 

Exhibit A:  Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations 

Exhibit B:  Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program 

 

Passed this day of April 11, 2018, by the following roll call vote of the San Joaquin River Conservancy Board: 

 

Name	Yes	No	Abstain
Mr. Frazier	X
Mr. Oliver	X
Mr. Brandau	X
Ms. Auston	X
Mr. Janzen	X
Mr. Hatler	X
Mr. Gresham	X
Mr. Donnelly	X
Ms. Alvis	X
Ms. Lucchesi	X
Ms. Finn	X
Ms. Forhan	X
Mr. Gibson	X

Attest:  

Melinda S. Marks, Executive Officer

SJRC 2018 Resolution 18-01 Regarding Certification of the EIR for the Master Plan Update

The San Joaquin River Parkway Master Plan Update, presented herein and proposed for approval in 2017, describes the San Joaquin River Parkway (Parkway) as it exists today, presents conceptual plans for acquired Parkway lands, and presents policies, guidelines, and best management practices (BMPs) for continued acquisitions, improvements, and management.

The San Joaquin River Parkway is a planned 22-mile regional natural and recreation area primarily in the river’s floodplain extending from Friant Dam to Highway 99, encompassing portions of both Fresno and Madera
Counties. The adopted and proposed updated San Joaquin River Parkway Master Plan envision: a primary multi-use trail from Friant Dam to Highway 99 (22 +/- river miles); contiguous and continuous wildlife habitat and movement corridors; a regional, multifaceted parkway experience for visitors, consisting of river access, low-impact recreation, and conservation education; and functional regional conservation and restoration of habitat, the watershed, and ecosystems. The master-planned Parkway is a net benefit project that balances the natural resources conservation and recreation needs, and will provide a harmonious combination of low-impact recreation, natural and cultural resources conservation, and educational uses. The Parkway Planning Area covers over 22 miles of river corridor including the floodplain and adjacent bluffs under multiple ownerships.

The Parkway today includes public lands and improvements owned by the San Joaquin River Conservancy (Conservancy), City of Fresno, County of Fresno, State Lands Commission, California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW)/Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB), and Fresno County Office of Education, and those owned by the nonprofit San Joaquin River Parkway & Conservation Trust (River Parkway Trust).

The Conservancy is the lead agency responsible for preparing, approving, and implementing the San Joaquin River Parkway Master Plan Update. The Conservancy is an agency of the State of California. It was established by the State Legislature in 1992 to create the Parkway by: acquiring 5,900 acres from willing sellers; enhancing and restoring riparian, floodplain, aquatic, and other habitats, and conserving other natural and cultural resources on its lands; and developing and managing its lands for public recreational and educational use compatible with resource protection. The Conservancy may also assist other entities in conserving and improving their properties for the Parkway. The Conservancy is working to facilitate the development of the Parkway, cultivate public support, and secure its future. As of 2016, the Parkway consists of 2,595 acres acquired by the San Joaquin River Conservancy for Parkway purposes and over 1,250 acres of other public lands.

The Conservancy Board adopted the Interim San Joaquin River Master Plan and Environmental Impact Report (EIR) in December 1997. The core values and policies of the Parkway Master Plan have served the Parkway well, are being implemented cooperatively by the local agencies, and are proposed to remain largely unchanged. This Update focuses on those elements of the Master Plan that are clearly out of date. The Master Plan Update and EIR have been revised to reflect regulatory changes; the San Joaquin River Restoration Program (SJR Restoration Program); practices, programs, directives, initiatives, and partnerships that have been developed over the years; lands acquired by the Conservancy; and site-specific adopted and conceptual plans. Goals, policies, and mitigation measures that are not outmoded remain essentially as-is though some language has been changed to provide clarity to the intent. New goals, policies, and mitigation measures have been added to address new requirements, to clarify previous language, and to assist with the continued
implementation of the Parkway. Implementation of the Master Plan Update will continue to expand, enhance, and protect riparian, wetland, and upland habitats; improve recreational and education facilities; and add to the region’s economic vitality and public health.

The Parkway Master Plan Update is the Proposed Project analyzed in the accompanying Environmental Impact Report prepared in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act and to be considered for approval by the Conservancy Board in 2017.

2.1 THE SAN JOAQUIN RIVER AND WATERSHED

The San Joaquin River, emerging from the Sierra Nevada foothills, has carved its channel into a landscape of a broad floodplain flanked by bluffs varying in steepness and elevation. Below Friant Dam and Highway 99, the river serves as the boundary between the counties of Madera and Fresno, and is the principal natural feature of both the Fresno-Madera metropolitan area as well as the entire San Joaquin Valley, see Figure 2-1. On either side of the river corridor urban centers in the respective counties are growing progressively toward the river.

The river corridor is primarily designated for agricultural and open space uses in the local planning documents. Several studies, including the 1986 San Joaquin River Reconnaissance Study, have identified and documented the constraints associated with the river corridor or river bottom lands. These constraints included flooding, riparian habitat, sand and gravel resources and operations, and topography. Development pressure in the area subjects the river corridor and remaining agriculture lands to diverse and often competing interests. Development characteristically results in the clearing of land to allow for construction, excavation, or landscaping that impinges on plant and wildlife habitat.

The San Joaquin River and many areas of the river bottom between Friant Dam and Highway 99 offer attractive recreational opportunities and have significant natural habitat areas. Most land use jurisdictions now have policies that protect the floodplain from urban density development in the Parkway, and updated regulations that address natural resource protection, such as water quality measures. However, development pressure and a growing population still threaten to impact the habitat and recreational opportunities of the San Joaquin River. Specialized planning is still needed to identify and protect the natural resources and recreational values in the river corridor and river bottom lands.

2.2 IMPETUS FOR ESTABLISHING A PARKWAY

The San Joaquin River is the second largest watershed in California. It serves the Fresno and Madera region’s agriculture, recreation, and water supply needs. It historically provided for commercial navigation, and now provides for recreational boating. Its waters provide for unsurpassed agricultural production throughout the San Joaquin Valley. It supports important natural ecosystems, and once provided sustenance for numerous indigenous people.

In 1988, people concerned with the future of the San Joaquin River formed the River Parkway Trust, a private nonprofit organization. The loss of 94 percent of the San Joaquin Valley’s wetlands and the conversion of wildlife habitat into urban development provided a basis for local concern about impacted river resources; others were concerned about the lack of access for the public to recreate within and along the river. Awareness of the natural resource, recreational, cultural resource, and educational values of the river, and the need for comprehensive, multi-jurisdictional coordination and planning led to State legislative action.

The State Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 3121 (Chapter 1025 of the Statutes of 1990), introduced by Assembly Member Jim Costa, as an urgency measure. This legislation provided funds for a San Joaquin River Parkway Task Force (Task Force) to seek community participation in the planning process to develop a plan based on general goals described in the legislation.

Task Force members included representatives of State and local governmental agencies and various organizations with interest in the river and concerns with the effects of the Parkway. The legislature directed the planning process to attain a high degree of consensus among the members of the Task Force. The final draft of the San Joaquin River Parkway Task Force Plan (Task Force Plan) was issued March 13, 1992.

2.3 THE PLANNED PARKWAY

The San Joaquin River Parkway is a planned 22-mile regional natural and recreation area primarily in the river’s floodplain extending from Friant Dam to Highway 99, encompassing portions of both Fresno and Madera Counties. The adopted and proposed updated San Joaquin River Parkway Master Plan envision: a primary multi-use trail from Friant Dam to Highway 99 (22+/- river miles); contiguous and continuous wildlife habitat and movement corridors; a regional, multifaceted parkway experience for visitors, consisting of river access, low-impact recreation, and conservation education; and functional regional conservation and restoration of habitat, the watershed, and ecosystems. On full build-out the Parkway will include a multi-use trail extending the entire length, an interconnected recreational trail system, habitat conservation areas and a protected wildlife movement corridor, non-motorized boating trail, low- impact recreation areas, educational and interpretive programs and features, watershed improvements, and ancillary facilities. A detailed description of the Parkway as it exists today is in Chapter 3, and as planned is in Chapter 5.

2.4 SAN JOAQUIN RIVER CONSERVANCY

The San Joaquin River Conservancy came into existence in 1992 through the passage of the San Joaquin River Conservancy Act (Public Resources Code §32500 et seq., Appendix A), to promote, develop, and manage the proposed Parkway. The Conservancy was initiated by citizens, advocacy groups, State and local agencies, and created by the State legislature to address the long-term future of the San Joaquin

River’s unique natural resources—its wildlife habitat, recreational opportunities, and beautiful park-like setting—as the pressures of urban growth from Fresno and Madera Counties accelerated.

The Conservancy adapted an interim plan derived from the San Joaquin River Parkway Task Force Plan in 1995, certified a programmatic Environmental Impact Report in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act, and approved the Interim San Joaquin River Parkway Master Plan in December 1997.

The State of California created conservancies with the explicit purpose to execute the State’s conservation goals through collaborative partnerships at the local and regional levels. Multi-agency state conservancies were created to accomplish accountability, sustain close relationships with local agencies, ensure transparency, give constituents a greater voice, and provide for integrated resources conservation/land use planning among state and local governments. With a State presence within the conservancies’ governing bodies and state fiscal support, local agencies and regional interests have additional tools to effectively protect significant resources and to collaborate in sustainable development. The State, as well as local governments, have a compelling interest in protecting threatened resources in the rapidly growing, diverse, and evolving economy of the San Joaquin Valley.

2.4.1 SAN JOAQUIN RIVER CONSERVANCY ACT

MISSION

San Joaquin River Conservancy Act (Public Resources Code § 32500 et seq.) sets forth the statutory mission and authorities of the Conservancy. In the Act’s introductory sections, “The Legislature hereby finds and declares that the San Joaquin River, its broad corridors, and its prominent bluffs constitute a unique and important environmental, cultural, scientific, agricultural, educational, recreational, scenic, flood water conveyance, and wildlife resource that should be preserved for the enjoyment of, and appreciation by, present and future generations.” “The Legislature further finds and declares that the San Joaquin River Parkway Task Force, representing diverse state and local interests, has developed a San Joaquin River Parkway Plan which, in concept, outlines and provides a structural framework for ideas for establishing the San Joaquin River Parkway. It is the intent of the Legislature in enacting this division to implement the task force recommendation for a managing entity for the proposed Parkway.”

AUTHORITIES

The following are key Conservancy authorities provided in the Act:

“The conservancy may determine acquisition priorities and may acquire real property or any interest in real property within the parkway from willing sellers and at fair market value or on other mutually acceptable terms [emphasis added]. The conservancy may acquire the property, itself, or may coordinate the acquisition through a member agency or other public agencies with appropriate responsibility and available funding or land to exchange. The conservancy does not have powers of eminent domain.” (PRC §32532)

“The conservancy shall be responsible for operation and maintenance of the parkway. The conservancy shall close to the public any lands or facilities which it is unable to maintain in a clean and safe manner and to adequately protect the wildlife and rights of adjacent property owners from the public, including areas downstream from the Highway 99 crossing affected by the use of the parkway.” (PRC §32511)

The Act provides: “The conservancy may adopt and enforce regulations governing the use of parkway lands and activities within the parkway; the protection and management of native riparian vegetation, wildlife, and other natural resources on parkway lands; and the protection of archaeological sites.” (PRC §32527)

“The conservancy may undertake site improvement projects; regulate public access; revegetate and otherwise rehabilitate degraded areas, in consultation with other public agencies with appropriate jurisdiction and expertise; upgrade deteriorating facilities; and construct new facilities as needed for outdoor recreation, nature appreciation and interpretation, and natural resource protection. These projects may be undertaken by the conservancy itself or by member agencies, with the conservancy providing overall coordination through setting priorities for projects and assuring uniformity of approach.” (PRC §32533)

The Conservancy is an agency of the State of California. The Conservancy must comply with all laws, regulations, manuals, policies, and directives that apply to State agencies, including requirements for budgeting, accounting, and fiscal management; contracting and purchasing; public records; etc. The Conservancy Board procedures, meetings, and actions must comply with the Brown Act.

MANAGEMENT AND REGULATORY JURISDICTION

The area under management and regulatory jurisdiction of the Conservancy consists of the land acquired or leased by the Conservancy for the Parkway; other public lands managed by the Conservancy on behalf of another public agency through written mutual agreement; and private lands that are in a land mitigation bank or that are adjacent to the Parkway and downstream from the Highway 99 crossing and for which the owner desires the Conservancy’s management and protection services or which are subject to a voluntary resource management agreement entered into with the Conservancy. (PRC §32512 and 32513) State-owned land managed under the Conservancy’s jurisdiction may be referred to as Conservancy land or property herein. State lands are not generally subject to local land use regulation.

All zoning and land use regulations over other lands in the Parkway Plan Area remain the exclusive authority of the local land use agencies.

2.5 PARKWAY PLANNING AREA

The area eligible for Parkway planning and development by the Conservancy, described herein as the Parkway Planning Area, is comprised of lands on both sides of the river from Friant Dam to Highway 99, see Figure 2-2. The Parkway Planning Area includes portions of Fresno County, Madera County, and the City of Fresno. This area is approximately 22-miles long, from river mile 267.6 at the face of Friant Dam to State Highway 99 at river mile 243.2, on both sides of the river. The Parkway Planning Area varies in width from a narrow wildlife corridor where the river bluff is steep and close to the river to extensive floodplains of several hundred acres that may be suitable for a natural reserve or recreation area, or are already used as parklands.

Generally floodplain lands below the river’s bluffs are the focus of Parkway planning; however, other lands, access roads, parking and staging areas, overlooks, and connections to community trails (among other possible appurtenant facilities) are eligible for acquisition, improvement, and incorporation into the Parkway. The Legislature intended that the Parkway would eventually encompass 5,900 acres, “of which 1,250 acres were already in public ownership” in 1992 (PRC §32510).

The Parkway Planning Area includes properties that are candidates for acquisition or Parkway management in order to connect existing Parkway elements, to improve the ecological values of the Parkway, or to provide for additional recreation opportunities. Indicating the general planning area of the Parkway on a map or describing it in this Plan is for planning purposes only. It does not and is not intended to initiate or to represent possible property acquisition activity. Future actions and negotiations with willing sellers will determine the ultimate configuration of the Parkway and the land and water areas included within it.

2.6 KEY PARTNERSHIPS

2.6.1 AGENCIES

The Conservancy is governed by a board consisting of representatives of:

• Six State agencies: The California Natural Resources Agency, California Department of Finance, California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), California Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB), and State Lands Commission (SLC);
• Six local agencies: Elected officials from the City of Fresno, City of Madera, County of Fresno, and County of Madera, as well as board members or designees from the Madera Irrigation District and Fresno Metropolitan Flood Control District; and
• Three local residents nominated by local agencies and appointed by the State (PRC §32515)

The State and local agencies represented on the board are often referred to as the “member agencies.” Parkway partnerships among the member agencies are strong, as demonstrated by the following examples:

• The local member agencies have incorporated the Parkway Master Plan in relevant portions of their land use plans. The local agencies have partnered with the Conservancy in Parkway plans, projects, and management. The County of Madera Planning Department has provided contractual planning assistance, including the River West Madera Master Plan and the River Vista The City of Fresno operates and maintains the Lewis S. Eaton Trail, Riverside Trail, and Tom MacMichael Sr. Trail. They have partnered on several planning projects, including the on-going River West Fresno, Eaton Trail Extension Plan. The County of Fresno owns and operates Lost Lake Park.
• DPR provides administrative and operational services through agreements with the Conservancy, and actively participates in project development. They provide contract services to operate Friant Cove.
• WCB assists with Conservancy in administering bond fund capital improvements and land They provide professional support and bond fund accountability through a Memorandum of Understanding with the Conservancy.
• CDFW collaboratively manages its San Joaquin River Ecological Reserve in a manner that benefits Parkway purposes and provides visitor services at the San Joaquin Fish Hatchery.
• The State Lands Commission (SLC) has jurisdiction and management control over State sovereign lands, including the beds of navigable rivers such as the San Joaquin The SLC manages these lands for the benefit, use and enjoyment of all the people of the State, subject to the Public Trust.
• The California Department of Finance serves on the Conservancy board to provide oversight and direction related to State fiscal resources.
• The California Natural Resources Agency provides an umbrella for the ten State conservancies to partner in developing conservation policies and support.

The San Joaquin River Restoration Program (SJR Restoration Program), lead primarily by the State departments of Water Resources and CDFW, and the federal Bureau of Reclamation and National Marine Fisheries Service, has placed a priority on river and floodplain habitat enhancement within the Parkway and created the opportunity for interagency collaboration to achieve common goals. The San Joaquin River’s wildlife habitat and fishery resources have been severely impacted by human activities. In 2006, San Joaquin River water users and environmental groups arrived at a historic settlement agreement to restore the river. The State, federal government, Friant Water Users Authority, and environmental entities sponsoring the SJR Restoration Program will implement watershed-wide projects to change river flows and regimes, modify channel and floodplain configurations, restore aquatic and riparian habitat, and restore salmon in the river. Habitat restoration projects on Conservancy properties may be eligible for cooperative funding and joint project planning with the federal, State, and other entities.

Various public agencies may also sponsor smaller habitat restoration projects within the Parkway to meet mitigation requirements.

2.6.2 NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS

The Parkway has strong nonprofit advocacy, stewardship, and educational organizations with diverse memberships.

The River Parkway Trust is the primary advocacy and fundraising nonprofit organization with a specific mission to develop and support the Parkway. The River Parkway Trust has over 3,000 members, logs contributions of 22,000 volunteer hours per year, and educates approximately 10,000 children in its programs each year. The River Parkway Trust has secured private donations and grants totaling millions of dollars invested in the Parkway. The River Parkway Trust has agreements with the Conservancy to operate the Conservancy’s Sycamore Island, Camp Pashayan, and Ball Ranch. The River Parkway Trust is involved in several Conservancy grants, including current habitat restoration projects on the Conservancy’s River West Fresno (Spano) property and Jensen River Ranch. The River Parkway Trust owns and operates the Coke Hallowell River Center, Owl Hollow, and the Hidden Homes trail.

The River Parkway Trust, the Trust for Public Land, and the American Farmland Trust have actively worked with property owners within the Parkway area to help achieve the goals of open space and habitat preservation. Their primary role is to secure land for ultimate acquisition by the Conservancy or other public agencies, or to secure conservation easements.

The Conservancy collaborates with Parkway stewardship and educational programs. The River Parkway Trust, RiverTree Volunteers, City of Fresno PARCS Department, Fresno State, Many Lightnings American Indian Legacy Center, Fresno County Office of Education, Friends of Lost Lake Park, San Joaquin River Stewardship Program, River Partners, and Revive the San Joaquin, among others, are actively involved in native plant restoration, invasive species management, litter cleanup, environmental education, canoe and kayak excursions, nature walks, and other programs and services involving students, volunteers, and members of the public.

The Fresno County Office of Education operates Scout Island, an outdoor education center open to organized school groups within the Parkway.

2.7 HISTORY OF THE SAN JOAQUIN RIVER PARKWAY MASTER PLAN

2.7.1 1997 MASTER PLAN

The Conservancy Board certified a Program EIR and approved the Interim Parkway Master Plan in December 1997. Relevant portions were incorporated or referenced in local general plans. The goals, objectives, and policies of the Master Plan, and the mitigation measures and commitments of the Program EIR were recompiled in a concise planning document, the Recompiled San Joaquin River Parkway Master Plan (2000). The Interim Parkway Master Plan, Recompiled Master, Draft EIR, Final EIR, Mitigation Monitoring Plan, resolution certifying the EIR, findings of fact, and statement of overriding considerations can be reviewed at www.sjrc.ca.gov.

The Interim Parkway Master Plan presents goals, objectives, and policies, and envisions future uses, improvements, features, facilities, and management measures. The plan does not delineate the location of specific improvements, since Parkway land had not yet been acquired. The Plan sets forth numerous factors to be considered in locating and developing improvements.

The 1997 Interim Parkway Master Plan and Program EIR continue as the foundation for the phased implementation, and tiered site- and project-specific CEQA review of future Parkway projects.

2.7.2 PURPOSE OF THE MASTER PLAN UPDATE

Over the years since the plan was approved, a number of issues necessitated review and revision of the Master Plan and evaluation pursuant to CEQA. The Master Plan Update focuses on those elements of the Interim Master Plan that are clearly out of date. Goals, objectives, policies, commitments, and mitigation measures that are not outdated remain substantially as-is and unchanged. The Master Plan Update can now be more specific about plans for Parkway public lands and many of the originally proposed facilities and features.

The Master Plan Update and EIR provide practical guidance for implementing phased, incremental site- and project-specific environmental review for future Parkway projects. Future projects include, but are not limited to: land and easement acquisitions; habitat restoration and enhancement; public access and low-impact recreation improvements; education and interpretive improvements; non-motorized boat launches and boating rest stops; maintenance and management facilities; ancillary facilities; and associated grants, agreements, operations, services, and programs.

The Master Plan Update is intended to protect the river’s environmental, wildlife, cultural, scientific, agricultural, educational, recreational, scenic, and flood conveyance resources, which are of regional and statewide significance. The Parkway promotes public use, while it conserves, enhances, and educates visitors about natural resources that are sensitive and often negatively affected by humans’ activities. Many efforts are underway to conserve and restore the river’s natural resources, including the SJR Restoration Program’s activities and improvements to restore Chinook salmon migration and breeding.

The following are the primary environmental, regulatory, policy, and management changes since 1997 that affect Parkway planning:

• The federal Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) for the San Joaquin River were revised in 2001;
• The Central Valley Flood Protection Plan;
• The spread of invasive species, primarily scarlet wisteria;
• Adoption by the County of Fresno, County of Madera, and City of Fresno of General, Specific, and Community Plan policies that support the Parkway;
• CEQA regulatory changes, including requirements to address climate change;
• The SJR Restoration Program;
• More recently protected and listed species within the Parkway, including in particular the California Tiger Salamander;
• The Central Valley Vision, a planning document developed by the California Department of Parks and Recreation; and
• The Master Plan Update includes digitized map layers to illustrate key elements of the updated plan.

2.8 KEY TERMS USED IN THIS DOCUMENT

The following definitions clarify key terms and abbreviations used in this Master Plan Update.

• San Joaquin River Conservancy (Conservancy): The California agency created by the State Legislature to develop and manage the San Joaquin River Parkway.
• San Joaquin River Parkway (Parkway): Public lands that are acquired, developed, and managed to provide a harmonious combination of low-impact recreation, natural and cultural resources conservation, and educational It is envisioned that the Parkway will eventually be linked from Friant Dam to State Route 99 by a 22 mile-long multiple use trail and contiguous wildlife corridor.
• San Joaquin River Parkway Interim Master Plan and EIR 1997 (existing, or 1997 Parkway Master Plan): The San Joaquin River Parkway Interim Master Plan and Environmental Impact Report approved by the Conservancy in 1997. The Plan and EIR’s goals, policies, and mitigation measures guide the development of the Parkway.
• San Joaquin River Parkway Master Plan Update (The Proposed Project or Proposed Plan): This document presents the proposed updated Parkway Master Plan, and is the Proposed Project to be reviewed in the EIR.
• San Joaquin River Parkway Planning Area (Parkway Plan Area): The area eligible for Parkway planning and development by the Conservancy, comprised of lands on both sides of the river from Friant Dam to State Route 99. Floodplain lands below the river’s bluffs are the focus of Parkway planning; however, adjoining lands for appurtenant facilities are also eligible for acquisition, improvement, and incorporation into the Parkway.
• Conservancy Lands: The lands, or properties, owned by the State of California under the management jurisdiction of the Conservancy.
• Member Agencies: Any of the 12 agencies represented on the Conservancy
• State Sovereign Lands: The area of the river between the low water marks, which is in state fee title ownership. These lands are under the jurisdiction of the State Lands Commission.
• Other Public Parkway Lands: The lands dedicated to public Parkway purposes and uses, including Parkway lands owned by other State agencies, local agencies, and nonprofit organizations.
• Natural Reserves: Natural Reserves, as used in this plan, are specific Conservancy lands or other Parkway public lands designated and managed for habitat conservation, habitat enhancement, with minimal public recreation infrastructure.
• Ecological Reserves: Ecological Reserves, as used in this plan, refer to specific CDFW lands designated as units of the San Joaquin River Ecological Reserve managed to provide habitat for a rich diversity of fish, wildlife, and plant species endemic to the region.
• Restoration: Restoration, as used in this plan, refers to any effort to enhance or conserve an area in order to provide improved habitat or natural ecosystem functions, especially to disturbed, degraded or poor areas and that involve the use of native vegetation.
• Low-Impact Recreation: Low impact recreation is public recreational use compatible with natural and cultural resource protection, as more thoroughly described in this plan. Generally, extensive infrastructure dedicated to more active types of recreation commonly provided in urban parks are not envisioned in areas focusing on “low-impact” recreation.
• Parkway Multi-Use Trail; Other Trails: The Parkway multi-use trail is intended to be a continuous, multi-use trail for pedestrian, bicycle, and equestrian uses extending the entire 22-mile length of the Parkway. For continuity, the Parkway multi-use trail will need to cross the river in various It is to be a paved surface trail with a parallel unpaved equestrian trail to support relatively intensive levels of use providing recreation, transportation, and health benefits. In the City of Fresno, the Parkway multi-use trail is referred to as the Lewis S. Eaton Trail. In addition, the Parkway trail system includes hiking trails, nature trails, spur trails, other multi-use trails, and segments that are Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant. These trails provide internal loops, access routes, and connectivity to and between Parkway features as well as other regional trail and bikeway systems.

• Sensitive Habitat: Sensitive habitat includes areas of special biological significance that provide habitat for locally unique biotic species/communities and/or are adjacent to essential habitats of rare, endangered or threatened In the Parkway, sensitive habitats are mostly wetland and riparian areas, or any natural community that is vulnerable to the environmental effects of projects.

The following abbreviations are used in the Master Plan Update:

ADA – Americans with Disabilities Act

BMPs – Best Management Practices

CDFW – California Department of Fish and Wildlife

cfs – cubic feet per second

DPR – California Department of Parks and Recreation, also referred to as “State Parks” DWR – California Department of Water Resources

EIR – Environmental Impact Report (DEIR – Draft EIR) ER – A unit of the San Joaquin River Ecological Reserve FCOE – Fresno County of Education

PRC – Public Resources Code RV – recreational vehicle

SJRC – San Joaquin River Conservancy (Conservancy)

SJRPCT – San Joaquin River Parkway & Conservation Trust (River Parkway Trust) SLC – State Lands Commission

SJRRP – San Joaquin River Restoration Program (SJR Restoration Program) USBR – United States Bureau of Reclamation

WCB – Wildlife Conservation Board

For Figure 2-1 and 2-2 please contact info@sjrc.ca.gov

3.1 EXISTING PARKWAY LANDS

The Conservancy, in conjunction with its member agencies and nonprofit partners, has successfully secured for future generations two-thirds of the nearly 5,900 acres targeted in the San Joaquin River Conservancy Enabling Act for the Parkway, without the use of eminent domain. The San Joaquin River Conservancy has acquired 2,595 acres on the San Joaquin River for conservation and public access purposes. Over 1,000 acres of Conservancy lands are open for public use at least seasonally; the remaining Conservancy lands are used by supervised stewardship and education groups through license agreements.

Other public lands serving Parkway purposes include the County of Fresno’s Lost Lake Park, and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (CDFW) San Joaquin Fish Hatchery and San Joaquin River Ecological Reserve (SJR ER), among others. The State of California retains sovereign fee-title ownership of the San Joaquin River between the ordinary low water marks, under the management jurisdiction of the State Lands Commission.

Within the Parkway Plan Area, approximately 520 acres are owned and managed by local government agencies—principally the future Riverbottom Park (City of Fresno), Lost Lake Park and the Eaton Trail corridor (County of Fresno), and Scout Island and the future Diamond R Ranch (Fresno County Office of Education). Some of these acquisitions and parks were established more than 40 years ago. More than seven miles of the primary Parkway multi-use trail, designated the Lewis S. Eaton Trail in and near Fresno, have been completed.

The nonprofit San Joaquin River Parkway & Conservation Trust (River Parkway Trust) provides public recreation and conservation education at its Coke Hallowell River Center. The River Parkway Trust currently owns 59 acres in the Parkway Plan Area. The American Farmlands Trust holds a conservation easement on 95 acres in the Parkway Plan Area.

To date, the Conservancy has invested approximately $33.4 million in State bond funds for land acquisitions. Grants and partnerships have resulted in an additional $10.7 million in federal funds, $13.1 million in other State funds, and $2.4 million in private donations and nonprofit organization funds. These investments do not include public lands existing prior to the San Joaquin River Conservancy Act.

(INSERT FIGURE 3.1)

The Conservancy’s statutory goal is to develop a Parkway encompassing 5,900 acres to provide a “harmonious combination of low-impact recreational and educational uses and wildlife protection” (PRC §32510). Approximately 1,900 acres were anticipated to be in Madera County and approximately 4,000 acres were expected to be in Fresno County of which 1,250 acres were already in public ownership before the Conservancy was formed according to the Conservancy Act. As of 2017, the Conservancy owns approximately 1,150 acres in Madera County and approximately 1,445 acres in Fresno County; a roughly equal total amount of land has been protected for a variety of public purposes by other agencies and interests related to the Parkway. In addition, the California State Lands Commission has jurisdiction over State sovereign lands of the San Joaquin River between the ordinary low water marks.

There are a number of public access and/or conservation easements that directly relate to the overall Parkway goals including one agricultural easement on productive farmlands held by the American Farmlands Trust.

It is anticipated that opportunities for Parkway expansion through land dedication, mitigation lands, land bequeathed, or land offered for purchase would occur throughout the life of the Parkway.

3.2 EXISTING PUBLIC ACCESS AND RECREATION CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS

The original Parkway Master Plan was developed, and the Conservancy was created, in response to public demand for the preservation of riverbottom open space and habitat, and access to the river for boating, fishing, picnicking, environmental education, and other activities that can only be provided to the area through a river parkway. The acquisition of Parkway lands has reinforced the demand to open them for public use.

Parkway improvements have occurred on public lands within the Parkway that are owned by the Conservancy and by other entities. Several grants and bond funding have been made available for project- specific planning and implementing public access and recreation projects. The most significant investments include the Jensen River Ranch Habitat Enhancement and Public Access Project, including the Tom MacMichael Sr. Trail; the Lewis S. Eaton Trail, including the Riverside Trail segment; Friant Cove; Wildwood Native Park; San Joaquin Fish Hatchery visitor improvements; Sycamore Island/River West Madera; improvements at Lost Lake Park; and the Coke Hallowell River Center. Overlooks, vistas, and trailheads have been developed at Woodward Park, Copper River Drive, Copper Avenue, Milburn Avenue, Polk Avenue, and Riverside Drive. Local agencies are assisting with long-term operation and maintenance of trails and parks.

As the entities take advantage of improvement opportunities, needs are also met through funding sources other than the bond funds allocated to the Conservancy. For example:

• The Fresno County Office of Education has secured land within the Parkway at Scout Island and across the river from the Scout Island facility. It has developed educational facilities with its own funding sources.
• The Parkway Trust has completed and operates the Coke Hallowell River Center, a major visitor center, and has improved Owl Hollow and the Hidden Homes Trail, using donor contributions, other grants, and a relatively small Conservancy grant toward improvement of the historic home.
• A local developer fully designed, funded, and constructed a ¼-mile Parkway trail extension and vista feature, and established assessments and fees within the neighboring development that support the operation and maintenance costs.

3.3 EXISTING HABITAT CONSERVATION, ENHANCEMENT, AND RESTORATION

Habitat restoration is a mission mandated by the Conservancy’s enabling legislation. The habitat values of much of the land within the Parkway Plan Area have been significantly degraded. Habitat restoration is integral to the Parkway capital improvements program, and projects most often include both habitat enhancements and public access and recreation components.

The Conservancy is working with the River Parkway Trust, WCB, CDFW, DWR, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, and others to identify restoration needs within the Parkway. The Conservancy has sponsored projects to restore over 300 acres of riparian, floodplain, and channel habitat in the Parkway at Jensen River Ranch, Wildwood Native Park, River West Fresno, the Riverbottom Park site and the Schneider property. The Conservancy and U.S. Bureau of Reclamation are cooperatively sponsoring a gravel pit isolation, floodplain restoration, and public access improvement project, which serves Parkway and SJR Restoration Program objectives. The Conservancy has received small restoration grants from the North American Wetland Conservation Act program. The Conservancy has developed cooperative projects with the County of Fresno and Caltrans to implement mitigation enhancements on Conservancy lands.

In 2015, the Conservancy initiated a multi-benefit ecosystem and watershed protection grant program made possible by funding from the Water Quality, Supply, and Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2014 (Proposition 1).

The Conservancy has awarded local assistance grants to improve Conservancy properties through removal of invasive plants. The Fresno County Economic Opportunities Commission, Local Conservation Corps is a recipient of a three-year Conservancy grant to remove invasive species, while also providing job and learning opportunities for local disadvantaged youths. Other sources of funding, including the CDFW and U.S. Bureau of Reclamation are actively addressing eradication of invasive species in the Parkway Plan Area.

The Jensen River Ranch Habitat Enhancement and Public Access Project is among the most significant restoration projects implemented within the Parkway to date, and was funded by many sources, including the Central Valley Project Improvement Act, Conservancy funding from Proposition 12 (Parks Bond of 2000) and Proposition 40 (Resources Bond of 2002), a Resources Agency River Parkways Grant, along with funding from Caltrans. The River Parkway Trust and City of Fresno are major collaborators in implementing this project.

To date, the Conservancy has invested $29.1 million of State bond funds allocated to the Parkway in planning, design, and construction of habitat restoration, public access, recreation, and outdoor education projects. Through partnerships, the Conservancy’s bond funds have leveraged an additional

$4.2 million in federal funds, $3.3 million in other State program funds, and $10.3 million in non- governmental funding to develop the Parkway.

For Table 3-1 please contact info@sjrc.ca.gov

4.1 LEAD AGENCY

The Conservancy is the lead agency for the proposed Parkway Master Plan under CEQA. The Conservancy has the authority to approve the proposed Plan, acquire lands for the Parkway, approve specific projects on its lands, and approve grants to develop the Parkway, among other discretionary actions.

4.2 REGIONAL PLANNING CONTEXT AND REGULATORY JURISDICTIONS

Local governments are implementing zoning and land use policies to conserve the riverbottom area as open space; have incorporated Parkway Master Plan policies in their General, Community and Specific Plans; and require public access to the river in accordance with the Subdivision Map Act. Figure 4-1 shows the spheres of influence for the City of Fresno, the County of Madera, and the County of Fresno in relation to the Parkway Planning Area.

4.2.1 INCORPORATING THE PARKWAY PLAN IN LOCAL AGENCIES’ GENERAL PLANS

A brief summary of regulatory requirements affecting Parkway development and policy follows.

4.2.2 OVERVIEW OF STREAM AND FLOODPLAIN-RELATED REQUIREMENTS AND PLANS

FEDEARL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY 100-YEAR FLOOD MAPS (FLOOD INSURANCE RATE MAPS)

• Map the base flood elevation for an event with 1% probability of occurring in any year.
• Flood insurance is required in the mapped floodplain.
• Habitable structures must be flood-proofed and elevated above the 100-year base flood elevation. Structures must be designed and constructed so that they cannot be substantially damaged by flooding and must not hinder the passage of flood flows.
• Fill to elevate structures must be from on-site; there must be no net displacement of flows or capacity (generally, no imported fill).
• Revised by the US Army Corps of Engineers in 2001, after the 1997 flood.
• Map of the 100-year base flood elevation was modeled based on hypothetical uncontrolled flows from Friant Dam of 71,000 cubic feet per second (cfs).
• The 1997 flood was approximated at 60,300 +/- cfs.
• Prior to 2001, the maps were based on 100-year flows estimated to be below 20,000 cfs.

(INSERT FIGURE 4-1)

FEMA FLOODWAY, STATE DESIGNATED FLOODWAY

• During a 100-year flood, the floodway is the area expected to be conveying flows with strong currents (not areas that would experience standing inundation).
• No obstructions to flows or improvements that may come loose and become obstructions may be placed within the floodway.

CENTRAL VALLEY FLOOD PROTECTION PLAN

• This plan increased flood protection requirements in much of the San Joaquin River floodplain; this is legislatively intended to curb urban development and reliance on levees in flood prone areas.

STATE SOVEREIGN LANDS, LANDS IN THE PUBLIC TRUST

• Upon becoming a state, the State of California took ownership of lands underlying the state’s navigable and tidal waterways, known as “Sovereign ” These state sovereign lands, between the ordinary low water marks, are in State fee title ownership and are under the management jurisdiction of the California State Lands Commission (SLC).
• Sovereign lands are held by the State in public The Public Trust affirms the duty of the State to protect the people’s common heritage in navigable waters for their common use. The Public Trust Doctrine embraces the right of the public to use the navigable waters of the State for fishing, swimming, boating, and general water-related recreational purposes. The Public Trust encompasses preservation of the lands in their natural state for scientific study, as open space, and as wildlife habitat.
• The areas between the high and low water marks are within the upland land ownership; however, they are subject to the Public Private uses within these areas may not conflict with or preclude Public Trust uses.
• State Lands Commission established administrative maps of the high and low water marks for SLC purposes for the Parkway reach of the San Joaquin River in 1992.
• Leases from the SLC are required for improvements and uses on state sovereign lands.

U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS REGULATES DISCHARGES OF FILL TO WATERS OF THE U.S.

• Waters of the U.S. include jurisdictional streams riverward of the ordinary high water marks and all associated wetlands.
• Discharges of fill (very broadly construed) to waters of the S. require Section 404 permits.
• No net loss of wetland is required; avoidance is emphasized.
• Associated water quality permits (Section 401) are required by the Central Valley Water Quality Control Board.

DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME STREAMBED ALTERATION AGREEMENTS

• Written agreements are required for all projects that will alter the bed, bank, or riparian corridor of a stream.
• Avoidance of impacts is emphasized.

SAN JOAQUIN RIVER RESTORATION PROGRAM (SJR RESTORATION PROGRAM)

• The SJR Restoration Program Stipulation of Settlement sets forth the agreed upon restoration releases from Friant Dam. The maximum SJR Restoration Program flows are 4,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) for approximately two weeks in wet and normal wet years (estimated probability 50 percent of years). Fall SJR Restoration Program releases are 400 to 700 cfs for ten days and spring releases are 500- 2,000 for 8-16 weeks, in all but the driest years and varying by water year.
• SJR Restoration Program flows are not in addition to flood releases, and do not affect necessary flood releases. Potential SJR Restoration Program actions in the reach are available in Appendix G of the certified SJR Restoration Program Final Program Environmental Impact Study/Report.
• CDFW SJR Restoration Program actions and projects, including planned fisheries management actions in the Parkway reach, are described and the impacts are analyzed in the San Joaquin River Restoration Program: Salmon Conservation and Research Facility and Related Fisheries Management Actions Project EIR.

SPRING FLOOD RELEASES/ DAM OPERATIONS

• Maximum controlled releases out of Friant Dam are normally 8,000 cfs.

ENDANGERED SPECIES

• Elderberries, common streambank plants in the Parkway, are the host plant of the valley elderberry longhorn Where the species occurs, avoidance buffers are required to protect against impacts to the species. Where it is impossible to avoid impacts, relocation and replacement planting at elevated ratios is required.
• California tiger salamanders utilize small mammal burrows the majority of the year and may be presumed by the regulatory agencies to be present in some areas of the Parkway.
• Other endangered species may potentially occur in Parkway project areas.
• A Safe Harbor Agreement may be necessary to allow the Conservancy to provide and manage lawful, public activities that may inadvertently “take” federally listed species.
• Initially, salmon reintroduced to the San Joaquin River as part of the San Joaquin River Restoration Program are considered a non-essential experimental population, providing the Conservancy protection from take of that species incidental to otherwise lawful activities. However, Parkway activities potentially affecting salmon may eventually require incidental take permits.

CENTRAL VALLEY VISION, DPR 2007

• The Conservancy and the Central Valley Vision strategic plan share common goals for acquisition and development, focusing specifically on areas with the following characteristics:
  • Protecting under-represented natural resources;
  • Providing recreational water features to support multiple uses and interests;
  • Establishing river recreation corridors and parkways;
  • Providing high demand recreational activities such as trails, day use, and youth activities;
  • Linking large areas of protected habitat;
  • Serving growing communities and diverse interests; and
  • Creating partnerships among organizations and agencies.
• State Parks emphasizes the need for collaboration to implement the Central Valley Vision strategic plan. San Joaquin River Parkway projects are inherently collaborative as a result of the Conservancy’s structure and the member agencies’ inter-reliance.

4.3 PROGRAMMATIC PLAN AND EIR

The Master Plan Update and EIR are both programmatic documents that provide a framework to guide the continued phased implementation and tiered site- and project-specific CEQA review of future Parkway projects in context with the overall intent and build-out of the Parkway. This framework enables individual projects to be consistent with the overall goals and policies of the Parkway. A program-level EIR provides the following efficiencies and benefits for the Parkway:

• More exhaustive consideration of effects and alternatives than would be practical in an EIR on an individual project.
• Ensured consideration of cumulative impacts that might be slighted when reviewing individual projects.
• Avoids duplicative reconsideration of basic policy considerations.
• Allows the Conservancy to consider broad policy alternatives and program-wide mitigation measures.
• Expedited environmental review for future projects that are consistent with the Master Plan Update.

If a future project has no new effects or no new required mitigation measures, the scope of that project can be covered by the program-level EIR, and no new environmental document would be required.

When there are new effects or new required mitigation measures, or new projects not previously addressed, the program-level EIR may be used for tiering later EIRs or negative declarations, thus expediting future environmental reviews.

For Figure 4-1 please contact info@sjrc.ca.gov

FIGURE 4-1

5.1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

5.1.1 THE REGIONAL PARKWAY

The San Joaquin River Parkway is a planned 22-mile regional natural and recreation area primarily in the river’s floodplain extending from Friant Dam to Highway 99, encompassing portions of both Fresno and Madera Counties. The adopted and proposed updated San Joaquin River Parkway Master Plan envision: a primary multi-use trail from Friant Dam to Highway 99 (22+/- river miles); contiguous and continuous wildlife habitat and movement corridors; a regional, multifaceted parkway experience for visitors, consisting of river access, low-impact recreation, and conservation education; and functional regional conservation and restoration of habitat, the watershed, and ecosystems. On full build-out the Parkway will include a multi-use trail extending the entire length, an interconnected recreational trail system, habitat conservation areas and a protected wildlife movement corridor, non-motorized boating trail, low- impact recreation areas, educational and interpretive programs and features, watershed improvements, and ancillary facilities.

5.1.2 COMPONENT PROJECTS/ FUTURE PROJECTS

The Parkway Master Plan is a long-term, large-scale plan and will be constructed incrementally and in phases over many years. The Master Plan presents the goals, objectives, policies, design standards, and best management practices to guide the development and management of the Parkway. The figures in the Master Plan illustrate existing public lands and their features, as well as features and uses that are planned or opportunities. It is anticipated that future acquired lands will build on the existing lands and features and provide additional connectivity, habitat conservation, public access and recreation. All future projects will require site- and project-specific design, environmental review, and public participation, and shall be subject to the policies, design guidelines, and best management practices in the Master Plan.

Parkway Master Plan development and implementation may consist of the following types of projects:

• Land Acquisition—Acquire public conservation lands to achieve 5,900 acres for San Joaquin River Parkway Demolish abandoned buildings and infrastructure as necessary and appropriate.
• Conservation Education—Develop opportunities to provide education to people of all ages and abilities regarding the Parkway’s natural and cultural resources, wildlife, and Develop ancillary facilities and features to support educational uses, including but not limited to: outdoor classrooms and small group amphitheaters; bus parking and turnarounds; interpretive signs; turfed areas; displays, exhibits, and outdoor museum features. Protect and utilize historic and cultural resources for educational purposes. Develop Native American cultural gardens and restoration areas. Accommodate field research activities. Develop vista points, observation decks. Develop visitor and interpretive centers as feasible.
• Restoration/Habitat Enhancement—Implement improvements to preserve and/or enhance natural resources and to provide a contiguous and continuous native riparian and upland habitat corridor for wildlife movement and Restore and enhance self-sustaining riparian, wetlands, floodplain and upland habitat on Conservancy and other public lands, potentially including: grading to enhance the floodplain, ponds, and swales; wells, pumps and irrigation systems; planting native plants; non-native species eradication; fencing and other infrastructure; and hydrologic modifications. Construct berms to isolate abandoned gravel ponds from the river as feasible.
• Parkway Multi-use Trail – Create contiguous lands and rights-of-way for a connected recreational trail system consisting of a 22+/- mile primary multi-use trail, and for connected public open spaces, nature trails, river access spurs, and other secondary trails. Develop the multi-use primary trail, ideally consisting of a paved 12-foot-wide surface and a separate, parallel unpaved surface for equestrian Safe roadway crossings may be constructed.
• Other Trails – Develop secondary trails and a trail system to connect Parkway features, to link to adjacent bikeways and other entities’ trails, to provide loop routes and nature trails, and other recreational Trails in the Parkway may provide for maintenance/management vehicles.
• River Crossings – Develop permanent, temporary, and seasonal bridges and crossings (including weirs, fords, culverts, pedestrian decks on vehicle bridges, ferries, cable crossings, and other types of crossings) for pedestrian, bicycling, equestrian, maintenance and management uses as necessary and feasible to: connect the primary trail system, provide separation from roads and safety related to vehicle traffic, and cross the river and seasonal Figure 3-14 identifies 14 potential Parkway river crossings. One bridge exists between Ledger Island and Ball Ranch; all others are planned crossings. Some combination of these crossings, based on opportunities and coordination with other agencies, are proposed to provide for a continuous Parkway multi-use trail. Rehabilitate inadequate bridges and crossings.
• Staging Areas – Develop staging areas to provide vehicle parking and access to trails within recreation areas of the Parkway. Most staging areas will consist of a parking area, barrier, and gates providing access for trail users while barring unauthorized vehicle access, and informational and interpretive signs. Staging areas may include restrooms, drinking water, and equestrian staging.
• Boating Trail, Canoe Rest Stops and Launches – Develop a river boating trail (a segment of the conceptual San Joaquin River Blueway), consisting of interspersed trailered boat launches and take- outs, hand-carried boat launches and take-outs, canoe docks, and rest stops with picnic tables and restrooms, and provide for boating on internal ponds. Locations shown in Figure 3-13 are conceptual; locations will be selected to provide for shorter as well as longer duration trips. Launch areas will provide vehicle parking and/or drop-off area close to the river with sanitation facilities, and drinking water, along with regulatory, safety, and informational signage. Rest stops will include sanitary facilities, picnic tables, litter receptacles, and generally would not have vehicular access with the exception of patrol, maintenance, and rescue vehicles. Provide primarily for non-motorized watercraft and recreational fishing boats with small motors.
• Fishing and Fisheries – Develop facilities for in-stream and off-stream fishing, including but not limited to fishing piers and docks, and fish cleaning stations. Develop man-made ponds for recreational use, including fishing. Coordinate with the SJRRP to support anadromous fish restoration efforts, and collaborate to isolate abandoned gravel ponds from the river as feasible.
• Equestrian Facilities – Develop equestrian facilities, including trails and trailhead staging, and possibly involving private facilities and/or concession operations on public Where possible, separate trails will be constructed for equestrian use. Multi-use trails that allow equestrian use will have parallel unpaved surface and wide shoulders to minimize conflicts with other trail users. Equestrian staging areas could provide drive-through trailer parking, watering troughs, and hitching posts. Boarding facilities, trailer parking, and possibly training areas may be included in equestrian centers.
• Public Amenities and Support Services— Develop ancillary facilities and features to support low- impact recreational uses and Parkway infrastructure, including but not limited to: gates, fences, entrances and access roads; trailheads, parking, and staging areas; picnic areas and shade structures; restrooms; kiosks; children’s play equipment; way-finding, and regulatory signs; water service and other utility connections; on-site stormwater drainage, swales, and erosion control; drinking fountains; picnic areas and shade structures; and Americans with Disability Act (ADA)/universal access accommodations. Develop designated campgrounds, including tent camping and recreation vehicle (RV) hookups and services. Develop areas to facilitate safe swimming and wading. Consider developing visitor attractions such as landmark bridges, zip lines, bird observation stations, and underwater fish-viewing features. Develop Parkway offices; small storage facilities; shops/interfaces for visitor amenities, information, refreshments, and recreational rentals; plant nurseries; stewardship and park host residences; and equipment maintenance yards.
• Concessions and Private Recreation Facilities – Develop concessions compatible with low-impact recreation to provide needed public services. Operate and rehabilitate existing golf courses, if such facilities are acquired for Parkway Develop features and facilities to support equestrian trail riding, non-motorized boating and paddling, bicycling, and refreshments. Support area-wide links among privately owned and operated public golf courses, fishing areas, equestrian centers, refreshment and retail services, rentals, and other recreational facilities to help meet the recreational needs of the Fresno-Madera community.
• Agricultural Features—Support small-scale, limited agriculture uses compatible with resources protection and multi-use, multiple-benefit land management, g., provide for managed or prescribed grazing to reduce fuel loads and control invasive plant species, and incorporate community-supported agriculture and education regarding historic agricultural uses where appropriate to a site.

PLANS FOR EXISTING PUBLICLY OWNED PARKWAY LANDS

The Parkway consists of a mosaic of land ownership, natural resource habitats, and low-impact recreational facilities. The Parkway includes developed, publicly accessible facilities as well as limited access natural areas. Many properties are already developed, although some of these need further improvements. The Conservancy has adopted or conceptual plans for some properties, and possible projects for a few properties are in the process of being planned. In accordance with the San Joaquin River Conservancy Act, lands acquired by the Conservancy shall remain closed to public access, and planned public access projects will not be constructed until and unless adequate operations and management resources are available (PRC Section 32511). Figure 5-1 illustrates publicly owned properties within the Parkway and their existing features.

The following is a brief description and update of publicly owned Parkway properties and their existing and planned facilities along with additional opportunities for features at these sites; see Figure 5-2 for an overview. Features shown as “planned” means there is an adopted plan or a conceptual plan that has gone through some level of agency, stakeholder, and/or regulatory review that includes these features.

The conceptual diagrams in Figures 5-1 through 5-12 are graphic depictions of the Parkway vision and goals. Planned Parkway facilities and identified opportunities, including but not limited to trails, interpretative centers, canoe launches, and parking areas, are depicted in a generalized location and are not intended to be site-specific. The eventual locations of future Parkway projects are dependent on acquiring public lands and rights-of-way from willing sellers. The siting and alignments of improvements will be based on a complex interaction of numerous factors and associated Master Plan policies, including: existing habitat; potential habitat restoration and connectivity; flood hazard areas; visual impacts; recreation patterns and Parkway and regional connectivity; current and future recreational needs; available access routes; hazards and public safety; and land uses and land use plans.

Figure 5-3 gives an overview of areas of the Parkway. Figures 5-4 through 5-10 illustrate the proposed planning changes from the 1997 Master Plan based on subsequent acquisitions, developments, plans and opportunities. Figure 5-11 illustrates a boating or “blueway” trail, a water-based, non-motorized trail with launches and rest stops that support the goals laid out in the San Joaquin River Blueway. Figure 5-12 graphically depicts a conceptual alignment for the continuous Parkway multi-use trail with existing and potential river crossings. Figures 5-13 to 5-20 include adopted plans and conceptual plans for improvements to existing publicly owned Parkway properties. All Parkway lands and improvement projects may include habitat conservation, restoration, and enhancement components.

The following briefly characterizes the existing Parkway as well as plans and opportunities throughout existing Parkway and associated lands.

Millerton Lake State Recreation Area (adjacent to Parkway)

• Owned by the US Bureau of Reclamation and leased for operations to DPR.
• Existing camping, boat launches, fishing, nature observation, parking, picnicking, restrooms, swimming, marina, and cultural interests.

Cottonwood Creek Area (aka Wagner Property)

• Owned by the State of California and managed under the Conservancy’s jurisdiction.
• Existing single-family residence is used as housing for Millerton Lake State Recreation Area ranger.
• Opportunities for parking, restrooms, hiking trails, and vista overlooks.

River Vista

• Owned by the State of California and managed under the Conservancy’s jurisdiction.
• Approved plan for a hiking trail, hand-carried non-motorized boat launch, cultural interests, fishing, nature observation, parking, picnicking, and restrooms (see Figure 3-15). For additional information see the River Vista Public Access and Derelict Bridge Demolition Project Mitigated Negative Declaration adopted December 16, 2015.

Friant Cove

• Owned by the State of California and managed under the Conservancy’s jurisdiction.
• Existing facilities for hand-carried canoe launching, fishing, parking, and picnicking with ADA access, restroom facilities, and park-and-ride.

San Joaquin Fish Hatchery: FINS—Friant Interactive Nature Site

• Owned by the State of California and managed under CDFW’s jurisdiction.
• Existing picnicking, public visitation and conservation education programs with opportunities to expand outreach associated with the SJR Restoration Program Salmon Conservation and Research Facility.
• Existing Small Fry Trail—a educational play area designed for young children, parking, picnicking, restroom facilities, educational features, and hiking trails (see Figure 5-14). Multi-use Parkway trail from parking on Friant Road to neighboring Lost Lake For additional information see the San Joaquin Hatchery Public Access and Trail Project Mitigated Negative Declaration adopted June 7, 2011.

Lost Lake Park

• Owned by the County of Fresno and CDFW/WCB, with adjacent undeveloped lands owned by the State under the Conservancy’s jurisdiction.
• Existing camping, sports fields, canoe launch, cultural interests, nature observation, picnic facilities, hiking trails, and parking.
• Campground improvements under construction summer 2016.
• Conceptual plan for significant phased improvements including natural resource enhancements for improved hydrology, habitat, access, and safety; recontouring steep slopes and overburden stockpiles; expanded floodplain and riparian corridor; expansion of nature area; creation of nature trail system; community park, equestrian staging, upgrading existing facilities, expanded camping, roadway reconfiguration, canoe launches, Parkway multi-use trail segment, and concessions (see Figure 5-15). For additional information, please see the Draft Lost Lake Park Master Plan and Draft Lost Lake Park Master Plan – Screening Level Initial Study, both dated April 8, 2011.

Ledger Island

• Owned by the State of California and managed under the Conservancy’s jurisdiction.
• Opportunity for a canoe rest stop and/or launch, nature observation, hiking trails, fishing, and habitat restoration.

Ball Ranch

• Owned by the State of California and managed under the Conservancy’s jurisdiction.
• Conceptual Master Development Plan (2005) identified opportunities for a canoe rest stop, camping, parking, picnicking, habitat restoration, restrooms, and multi-use and hiking trails (see Figure 5-16).

Willow Unit, SJR Ecological Reserve

• Owned by the State of California and managed under CDFW’s jurisdiction.
• Existing Ecological Reserve with limited access
• Opportunity for some hiking trail and access improvements for limited, seasonal, or supervised uses.

Willow Lodge

• Owned by the State of California and managed under CDFW’s jurisdiction.
• On occasion available for organized conservation education programs, with limited access.

Rank Island Unit, SJR Ecological Reserve

• Owned by the State of California and managed under CDFW’s jurisdiction.
• Existing Ecological Reserve with limited access.
• Opportunity for hiking trails for limited, seasonal, or supervised uses.

Owl Hollow

• Owned by the River Parkway Trust.
• Existing conservation education programs with limited access.
• Facility improvements for conservation education and stewardship uses in progress.
• Opportunity expanded access and a hand-carried canoe launch (see Figure 5-17).

Circle V Ranch

• Owned by the State of California and managed under the Conservancy’s jurisdiction.
• Opportunity for hiking, vista, picnicking, and canoe rest stop.

Coke Hallowell River Center

• Owned by the River Parkway Trust.
• Existing hiking trails, an interpretive visitor center, conservation education programs, cultural interest, nature observation, parking, picnicking, and restroom facilities.
• Opportunity for increased visitors services such as concessions, expanded picnic facilities, outdoor exhibits, and expanded historical interpretation.

Gibson

• Owned by the State of California and managed under the Conservancy’s jurisdiction.
• Opportunity for a canoe launch, parking, hiking trails, habitat restoration, an equestrian facility, and restroom facilities.
• Opportunity for Parkway administrative and operations use.

Lewis S. Eaton Trail

• Owned by the City of Fresno and County of Fresno.
• Existing segment of the planned Parkway-wide multi-use trail, nature observation, restroom facilities, and vista overlooks.
• Planned/opportunity to extend Parkway-wide and connect with other Parkway and regional trails.

Caglia Farms

• Owned by the River Parkway Trust.
• Opportunity for hiking trails, conservation education, community supported agriculture, habitat restoration, and parking.

Jenco Farms (Margaret Roberts Jensen farm)

• Owned by the State of California under the Conservancy’s management jurisdiction.
• Opportunity for hiking trails, vista, observation, community memorial features, habitat restoration, parking, and restrooms.

Jensen River Ranch and the Tom MacMichael Sr. Trail

• Owned by the State of California under the Conservancy’s management jurisdiction.

• Existing hiking trails, fishing, cultural interest (“Pathways of Our Ancestor” Native American cultural garden), nature observation, restrooms, picnicking, and habitat restoration.
• Opportunity for a canoe rest stop and expanded trails and interest areas.

Woodward Park (adjacent to Parkway)

• Owned by the City of Fresno.
• Existing hiking trails, vista overlooks, parking, nature observation, restrooms, picnicking, and equestrian trail. Includes active recreation areas, such as bicycle track and physical courses; playgrounds; amphitheaters; developed gardens; and a dog park.
• Provides operational management and parking for the adjacent Tom MacMichael Trail.

Wildwood Native Park

• Owned by the State of California under the Conservancy’s management jurisdiction.
• Existing hiking trail, fishing, picnicking, restrooms, nature observation, parking, and habitat restoration.

River West Madera – Van Buren Unit

• Owned by the State of California under the Conservancy’s management jurisdiction.
• Planned hiking trails, canoe launch, picnicking, fishing, restrooms, nature observation, habitat restoration, parking, and vista overlooks (see Figure 5-18). See the October 2012 adopted River West- Madera Master Plan and the certified River West – Madera Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration for additional information.
• Opportunities for camping and stewardship housing.

River West Fresno

• Owned by the State of California under the Conservancy’s management jurisdiction.
• Existing habitat restoration.
• City of Fresno Spano Park and vista overlook is adjacent.
• EIR pending for multi-use Eaton Trail extension, hiking trails, fishing and nature observation, parking area(s), and restrooms (plan in development 2013 – see Figure 5-19).
• Opportunities for canoe launch additional picnicking, etc.

River West Madera – Sycamore Island

• Owned by the State of California under the Conservancy’s management jurisdiction.
• Existing canoe launch, fishing, picnicking, restrooms, parking, and nature observation.
• Construction of gravel pit isolation, floodplain restoration, and emergency egress/future public access road through to the Van Buren Unit summer 2016.
• Plans for habitat restoration, vista overlooks, improved trail and ancillary See the October 2012 adopted River West-Madera Master Plan and the certified River West – Madera Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration for additional information.

• Opportunity for camping.

Palm Bluffs/Nees River Access

• State sovereign lands under the jurisdiction of the State Lands Commission.
• Opportunity for fishing, parking, restrooms, trailhead and trail connection to River West Fresno, Eaton Trail extension, vista point, and concessions. EIR pending see River West Fresno, above.

Scout Island

• Owned by the Fresno County Office of Education.
• Existing conservation education facilities and habitat restoration.

Diamond R Ranch

• Owned by the Fresno County Office of Education.
• Opportunity for conservation education.

Hanson Unit, SJR Ecological Reserve

• Owned by the State of California under CDFW’s management jurisdiction.
• Existing Ecological Reserve with limited access.
• Opportunity for habitat restoration and limited public access.

Milburn Unit, SJR Ecological Reserve

• Owned by the State of California under CDFW’s management jurisdiction.
• Existing Ecological Reserve with limited access.
• Adjacent City of Fresno vista overlook.
• Opportunity for habitat restoration and improved, although limited, public access (planning project in progress).

Liddell/Bluff Pointe Golf Course

• Owned by the State of California under the Conservancy’s management jurisdiction.
• Existing small-scale golf facility.
• Adjacent City of Fresno overlook.
• Opportunity for fishing, nature observation, a canoe launch, parking, restrooms, hiking trails, picnicking, concessions, native plant propagation site, and habitat restoration.

Riverbottom Park Site

• Owned by the City of Fresno.
• Existing habitat restoration.
• Approved plan for a hand-carried canoe launch, nature observation, parking, picnicking, and restrooms (see Figure 5-20).

Riverside Trailhead and Trail

• Owned by the City of Fresno.
• Existing paved trails, fishing, nature observation, trailhead, and parking.
• Opportunity for restrooms and vista overlooks.

Schneider

• Owned by the State of California under the Conservancy’s management jurisdiction.
• Existing habitat restoration.
• Opportunity for hiking trails and nature observation.

Camp Pashayan

• Owned by the State of California, with parts under CDFW’s and the Conservancy’s management jurisdiction.
• A portion is a unit of the SJRC Ecological Reserve.
• Existing hiking trails, a paved canoe launch for boat trailers, fishing, nature observation, parking, restroom facilities, and habitat restoration.
• Opportunities for improved restrooms, designated swimming area, nature observation, and concessions.

Parkway Multi-Use Trail

• Existing segments built in City of Fresno are named the Lewis Eaton Trail.
• A segment at the San Joaquin Fish Hatchery connects a parking area/trailhead on Friant Road with Lost Lake Park.
• Planned segments on existing public lands at Lost Lake Park, River West Madera (Van Buren Unit and Sycamore Island), and Ball Ranch.
• Opportunities to extend on existing and future public lands and easements throughout the Parkway.

Vistas and Overlooks

• Existing improved overlooks on the Lewis Eaton Trail, and at Copper River Ranch, Raptor Point, Spano Park, Milburn overlook, and Polk overlook.
• Opportunities at other publicly accessible bluff-top locations.

FUTURE PARKWAY LAND ACQUISITIONS

 

The Conservancy is charged with acquiring and managing 5,900 acres of public lands within the Parkway “…to provide a harmonious combination of low-impact recreational and educational uses and wildlife protection through the preservation of the San Joaquin River, existing publicly owned lands, the wildlife corridor, and natural reserves” (PRC §32510). Existing Parkway lands are described in Section 3.A. Additional lands will be acquired over time to bridge gaps in connectivity, to protect and create habitats, and to provide low-impact recreational and educational opportunities for the public. Lands or easements will be acquired from willing sellers as opportunities arise and as prioritized by the Conservancy in accordance with established evaluation criteria. Approximate, conceptual locations for canoe trail facilities, the Parkway multi-use trail, river crossings, and other Parkway features are shown in Figures 5-2 through 5-12; however, specific alignments and locations may vary as public land and easement acquisitions occur.

For Figure 5-1 through 5-20 please contact info@sjrc.ca.gov

FIGURE 5-1 THROUGH FIGURE 5-20

6.1 VISION AND VALUES

The Parkway preserves natural areas and resources important to the community’s quality of life as well as to wildlife. The Parkway provides outdoor nature-oriented recreational and educational experiences for the regions’ residents and visitors—of all ages and backgrounds—to enjoy and value. Some Parkway features can be experienced now, while others are being planned; the Parkway will provide a legacy far into the future.

In developing the Parkway, the Conservancy and its partners are striving to provide:

• Safe, nearby, high-quality, and affordable outdoor, nature-oriented exercise, recreation, and hobbies;
• Natural areas and parklands in a metropolitan area deficient in such amenities;
• Conservation and diversification of habitats and wildlife species that have dwindled over time; improved habitat and vitality of the wildlife of the area;
• Direct benefits to many target audiences—e.g., anglers, bicyclists, outdoors-people, families, seniors, children, etc.
• Stewardship of important resources: g., water, floodplains, cultural sites;
• Venues, programs, and displays for hands-on, in-the-environment learning;
• Involvement and engagement in stewardship and service;
• Connections to other regional recreational trails, open spaces, and land uses; trail systems that enhance non-motorized commuting and transportation;
• Quality scenery, aesthetics, and viewsheds;
• Services and features within the Parkway that, as a by-product, also enhance the views, character, amenities, and values of neighboring properties; and
• Assurance that future generations will enjoy these resources, recreational and educational experiences.

The values held in common in developing the Parkway are:

• The natural environment must be respected, cared for, and conserved;
• Water resources are extremely important to any community;

• Experiences in nature invigorate, refresh, instill wonder, and educate;
• Outdoor activities contribute to individuals’ health and well-being;
• The community deserves and needs broadly available, convenient public access to open spaces and parks;
• The Parkway must benefit the public and serve all constituencies effectively, efficiently, and equitably, to maximize the common good;
• The community must be involved in and have the opportunity to influence Parkway development; and
• The Parkway will preserve natural areas and open spaces for the benefit of generations to come.

The Parkway represents a partnership among state and local, government and private, business, tourism, homeowner, and environmental interests.

6.2 GOALS AND POLICIES

The goals, policies, guidelines, best management practices, and mitigation measures presented and adopted within the Parkway Master Plan Update and EIR will guide the siting, location, design, and management of public Parkway lands developed, funded, or managed by the Conservancy to the extent the policies are within its authorities and jurisdiction.

The goals and policies established in this document provide the framework for consideration and action by the Conservancy and shall be considered for their discretionary adoption by all jurisdictions with Parkway management responsibilities or land use regulatory authority, including the County of Fresno, the County of Madera, and the City of Fresno. Policies requiring the cooperation of private landowners and non-member agencies are advisory recommendations.

It is anticipated that each land use jurisdiction will take separate action to incorporate these goals and policies into its General Plan or the applicable community plan. The effectiveness of these goals and policies in guiding the realization of the Parkway will depend on the extent to which the actions taken by each jurisdiction conforms to the actions of the others. The Parkway will be driven by the Conservancy’s implementation of the Parkway Master Plan Update, and to a lesser extent by the policies of other jurisdictions.

Implementation of a San Joaquin River Parkway consistent with the San Joaquin River Conservancy Act’s goals of natural resources protection, public education, and low impact recreation requires a Parkway Master Plan that includes natural resources, educational, and recreational elements. In recognition of the need to coordinate with private property owners and with the programs of the appropriate land use and regulatory agencies, the Parkway Master Plan Update must be programmatic and conceptual in nature.

The Parkway Master Plan Update is a conceptual plan derived from the natural features of the San Joaquin River, its wildlife and aquatic resources, and the constraints and opportunities of the river and its surrounding conditions. The Master Plan Update is based on the goals to preserve, protect, and restore the natural resources of the river corridor and to provide public access to the river without adverse effects.

The original Parkway goals and policies have been revised for clarity of intent and parallel construction, deleted where no longer applicable or where redundant, and added to address components/issues that were not previously included. Some original policies were subdivided into separate policies. References to original goals and policies are noted in parenthesis at the end of text. In some cases, original goals and policies were included in a narrative or did not have a specific identifier; “no #” is used to note where this is the case. Goals and policies that are new are shown in bold.

6.2.1 FUNDAMENTAL GOALS

The goals expressed for the Parkway reflect a general agreement that it should provide for a harmonious combination of low-impact recreational uses, education, and natural resource protection. The particular human activities to be provided for in the Parkway become a largely subjective effort to achieve an appropriate balance between facilitating recreational and educational pursuits, protecting wildlife, buffering habitat from human habitation and activities, and minimizing conflicts with neighboring land uses.

These goals support a varied plan that includes natural reserves where wildlife protection predominates, recreation and education areas where such use is appropriate to the environmental setting, and transitional areas that blend the interface between different Parkway and non-Parkway areas.

FG.1 Preserve and restore a riparian and floodplain corridor of statewide and regional significance along the San Joaquin River from Friant Dam to the Highway 99. (FG1)

FG.2 Conserve wildlife species that depend on the river environment. (FG2)

FG.3 Provide education and recreation facilities and programs, including a continuous multi-use trail the length of the Parkway. (FG3)

FG.4 Conserve, restore, and enhance natural resources and protect cultural resources, while also meeting recreational and educational needs. (FG4)

FG.5 Conserve undeveloped areas of the floodplain to provide that they remain non-urbanized. (FG5)

FG.6 Develop the Parkway in a transparent and cooperative manner among local and state agencies; nonprofit land trusts, conservation, and stewardship organizations; neighboring landowners; and other stakeholders. (FG3)

FG.7 Create a Parkway and encourage land use and management policies for the San Joaquin River, its floodplain and bluffs, that will contribute to the economic vitality of the region, and enhance the health and quality of life of the region’s residents. (FG6)

FG.8 Develop rules, regulations, outreach, and management practices to protect public health, safety, and natural resources.

6.2.2 SPECIFIC GOALS AND POLICIES

The following present goals and policies for specific elements of the Parkway Plan.

SAN JOAQUIN RIVER RESTORATION PROGRAM (SJR RESTORATION PROGRAM)

Goals:

• Coordinate and cooperate with the SJR Restoration Program to ensure efficiency and develop projects that meet mutual objectives.
• Support, promote, and educate Parkway visitors about river history, restoration ecology, water supply, and the SJR Restoration Program.

Policies:

SJRRP.1 Cooperate and collaborate in the isolation of gravel pits on public Parkway lands from the San Joaquin River. Explore and collaborate with the Program on other restoration measures, such as floodplain habitat improvement and spawning bed enhancement, to generate multiple-use benefits from public Parkway lands.

SJRRP.2 Engage the SJRRP in Parkway planning and project design to avoid conflicting infrastructure plans or habitat restoration.

SJRRP.3 Cooperate and collaborate in providing off-stream recreational fishing.

SJRRP.4 Provide public information to enhance Parkway visitors’ knowledge of river water resources and the SJR Restoration Program and to protect the fisheries and natural resources.

SJRRP.5 Ensure that lawful public uses and management activities do not result in incidental violations of the Endangered Species Act, through safe harbor agreements or other methods.

SJRRP.6 Maximize recreation and public access, while still taking into account the goals and objectives of the SJRRP.

HABITAT CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT

Goals:

• Conserve, enhance, restore, and provide for public enjoyment of the aquatic, plant, and wildlife resources of the San Joaquin River Parkway. (NRG1)
• Conserve, enhance, restore and maintain contiguous and continuous native riparian, wetland and upland habitat on public lands and conservation easements for wildlife movement and (NRG2)
• Encourage conservation of habitat on private lands in the (NRG2) Policies:

HABITAT.1 Recommend to local land use agencies requirements, conditions, and mitigation measures consistent with the Parkway Master Plan for proposed projects that are in or adjacent to the Parkway plan area, or may affect or be affected by the Parkway. (NRO6)

HABITAT.2 Conserve the San Joaquin River as aquatic habitat. Collaborate with wildlife agencies to enhance and protect fisheries in the river and in ponds in the Parkway. (NRO1)

HABITAT.3 Establish, through purchase, easements, or other mutually satisfactory arrangements, natural resource conservation areas, open space, and a continuous wildlife corridor along the river to facilitate the movement of large mammals between habitat areas, to provide a variety of nesting and foraging areas, and to enhance and protect the aquatic habitats of the river and associated wetlands. (NRO3)

HABITAT.4 Collaborate to conserve a wildlife movement corridor from the Parkway to Little Table Mountain. (NP2)

HABITAT.5 Control and remove exotic plant species from the Parkway as feasible, including in the river channel, where they threaten to displace native plant species or disrupt natural plant community structure. Employ measures that will discourage repopulation of exotic plant species. Establish management practices to control the introduction of exotic plant species from horse feed and bedding. (NRO4)

HABITAT.6 Establish management practices to minimize the introduction of exotic species from livestock, boats, equipment, etc.

HABITAT.7 Enhance, restore, and maintain native vegetation, riparian, wetland, woodland, and grassland habitats within natural reserves, open spaces, and wildlife corridors. (NRO5)

HABITAT.8 Coordinate Parkway habitat restoration programs with agencies responsible for flood protection to ensure revegetation does not displace or obstruct floodwaters. (NP4)

HABITAT.9 Incorporate natural features (e.g., wetlands, grasslands, woodlands, and other native vegetation) and integrate supporting artificial features (e.g. existing access roads, ponds on reclaimed mined lands) into Parkway development. (NP8.2)

HABITAT.10 Minimize grading, except as necessary to improve hydrology, enhance and restore habitat, or protect public safety. (NP8.3)

HABITAT.11 Exclude dogs, or require them to be leashed, in areas designated as natural reserves. (NP8.5)

HABITAT.12 Create a framework conservation strategy for the entire Parkway to provide a broad, coordinated approach to conservation efforts, address project-level mitigation for potential impacts on species and habitats, streamline permitting, and to guide management plans for individual areas.

HABITAT.13 Within public Parkway lands, designate natural reserves of contiguous significant or high quality habitat (or future enhanced/restored habitat) that should receive higher levels of protection from public disturbance and use. (NP10.2)

HABITAT.14 Designate no less than three areas of 100 acres each as natural reserves for the purposes of conserving and supporting those species that require refuge in relatively large blocks of habitat. Parkway natural reserves shall consist of areas managed to conserve native ecological associations, unique fauna or flora, geological features, and scenic qualities.

Improvements shall be for the purpose of providing day use for public enjoyment and education in a manner consistent with the preservation of the areas’ natural features. Vehicular use in natural reserves is limited to paved areas and other areas specifically designed and maintained for normal ingress, egress, and parking. (NP10.2)

HABITAT.15 Design restoration projects based on site-specific studies of soils, water availability, slopes, hydrology, and other environmental conditions. (NP13)

HABITAT.16 Use native plant species for landscaping and vegetation restoration to the greatest extent possible. (RP5/NRD1.3)

HABITAT.17 Generally, use locally-sourced native plant species for habitat restoration projects. (RP5/NRD1.3)

HABITAT.18 Site new facilities in disturbed, reclaimed, or previously developed areas to avoid intrusion into sensitive habitat areas and to avoid habitat fragmentation, to the extent feasible. (NRD1.1)

HABITAT.19 Whenever feasible, route primary and multi-use trails on the outside edges of habitat areas, rather than through the center of mature riparian stands or other high-value habitat. (NRD1.2)

HABITAT.20     Work to accomplish a net benefit/no net loss of habitat collectively through conservation and restoration improvements in the Parkway. (NRD1.3)

HABITAT.21 To the extent feasible, conserve and re-establish the upper canopy of riparian habitat (i.e., oaks, cottonwoods, sycamores) to provide roosting and nesting habitat for raptors, herons and egrets, and other bird species. (NRPE3, NRD1.4)

HABITAT.22 Use appropriate best management practices and protection measures for restoration projects to limit damage by animals. (NRD1.4)

HABITAT.23 Provide for the managed grazing needed for fuel load reduction and invasive weed management on public Parkway lands. (NRD1.4)

HABITAT.24 Reestablish to the extent possible a continuous corridor of riparian vegetation on both sides of the river to provide for the movement and migration of wildlife, as well as the restoration and improvement of in-stream shaded habitat. (NRD1.5)

HABITAT.25 Use design features and signage to protect egret and heron rookeries from public Parkway uses.

HABITAT.26 Seasonally close specific areas of the Parkway where necessary to protect sensitive habitats during vulnerable periods, such as areas near rookeries during breeding and nesting periods.

HABITAT.27 Place informative signage a distance of 750 feet upstream from a rookery discouraging landing for at least the following 1500 feet and signage to indicate a “quiet zone” for river users to observe. (NRD5)

HABITAT.28 To minimize disturbance of breeding birds, particularly those in heron and egret rookeries, and to minimize disturbance on foraging of wintering bald eagles, work with appropriate authorities to develop boating regulations limiting gas-powered vessels between Friant Dam and the Highway 99 during the months of November through July. (NRD6)

HABITAT.29 Consider potential benefits to bald eagles in determining appropriate areas to designate as natural reserves or protected sites. (NRD7)

HABITAT.30 Avoid removal of snags, except in public use areas and near infrastructure where they may be hazards. (NRD9)

HABITAT.31 To the extent feasible, acquire, enhance, restore and maintain a continuous riparian wildlife corridor throughout public parkway lands with a minimum width of 200 feet and gaps of no greater than 200 feet or the minimum necessary to allow for infrastructure (e.g. roads or bridges). Where it is not feasible to conserve the corridor on both sides of the river, provide an offsetting expansion of the corridor on one side. (NRD10)

HABITAT.32 To the extent possible, restore a continuous distribution of elderberry shrubs throughout public Parkway lands striving for a distance no greater than 0.25 mile between elderberry plants. (NRD13)

HABITAT.33 Enhance existing ponds, swales, and other features to increase habitat diversity. (NRPE1)

HABITAT.34 Enhance pond habitat and associated wetland vegetation to benefit geese and other waterfowl (e.g. rocks, logs, nest boxes, artificial islands, foraging habitat). (NRPE2)

HABITAT.35 Incorporate a habitat enhancement component into all Parkway projects. (BZ5)

HABITAT.36 Place a high priority on riparian habitat conservation and restoration to establish and enhance wildlife habitat and corridors and improve aquatic habitat. (BZ6)

HABITAT.37 Restore a variety of habitat types, such as Great Valley cottonwood riparian forest, cottonwood willow riparian forest, and Great Valley willow scrub, taking into account the needs of varied species. (NRPV2)

HABITAT.38 Implement a low-impact wildlife-friendly landscape maintenance program, and minimize the use of pesticides and herbicides where possible. (RFP6)

FLOODPLAIN AND WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Goals:

• Develop the Parkway in a manner that will not interfere with the river’s floodwater conveyance capacity. (FP1)
• Protect the river’s water quality through appropriate management of stormwater runoff in the Parkway.
• Conserve, improve, and manage lands and natural resources in the Parkway to facilitate more reliable water supplies; restore important species and habitat; and contribute to a more resilient, sustainably managed water resources system.

Policies:

WATER.1 Design Parkway bridge crossings to minimize impacts on the natural environment, be aesthetically pleasing, meet safety requirements for cyclists and other users, and to withstand and pass flood flows as determined by regulatory agencies. (RCP3)

WATER.2 Do not construct levees (elevated flood protection structures) in the Parkway. (NP7)

WATER.3 Ensure Parkway facilities do not increase riverbank erosion. Design and manage Parkway facilities and improvements in recognition of natural fluvial processes including erosion and meanders. Remediate riverbank erosion as necessary to protect buildings and infrastructure. (FP5)

WATER.4 Design and site Parkway structures and amenities to ensure that such features do not obstruct flood flows, do not create a public safety hazard, or result in a substantial increase in off-site flows or water surface elevations. For permanent above-grade structures, the minimum level of design flood protection shall be the adopted 100-year event, or as regulated by state and federal agencies. (RFMP2/RDP1)

1. Design, place, and fasten picnic tables, litter containers, interpretive displays, and vault toilets to allow flows through or around them and minimize their becoming dislodged during flood events.
2. Fences shall be sized, placed, and securely anchored to minimize the potential to create obstructions during high flows.

WATER.5 Collaborate with emergency planning and response agencies to develop and implement emergency flood warning alert and evacuation procedures for Parkway visitors. (RFMP3)

WATER.6 Allow for the restoration of channel and floodwater flow capacity by other parties, including but not limited to the SJR Restoration Program. (FP4)

WATER.7 Install vault toilets and septic systems only in areas where community wastewater treatment is not available and feasible. Design, install, and operate such systems in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations. (RFP8)

WATER.8 Avoid, minimize, and ensure pollution prevention and compliance in the use of herbicides. (RFP5)

WATER.9 Minimize impervious surfaces to allow natural percolation and limit runoff. (ROP1)

WATER.10 Incorporate construction best management practices for stormwater quality management, including erosion and sedimentation controls and spill prevention and control, into construction specifications and permits. (RFP3/RFP4)

WATER.11 Incorporate drainage swales and other appropriate post-construction best management practices into the design of Parkway improvements to manage stormwater runoff. (RDP3)

WATER.12 Properly maintain stormwater quality management post-construction controls. (RDP11)

WATER.13 Facilitate projects that demonstrate multiple benefits to water quality, water supply, and/or ecosystem and watershed protection and restoration, including, but are not limited to: protecting healthy watersheds, fisheries, and stream flows; implementing projects within watersheds that facilitate climate change adaptation; conserving and restoring ecosystems; collaborating and coordinating with the San Joaquin River Restoration Program and collaborating with federal agencies to protect fish and wetlands; reducing wildfire risks; improving watershed health; reducing contamination of rivers, lakes and streams; and assisting in the recovery of sensitive species by improving watersheds and associated habitat.

MINERAL RESOURCES

Goals:

• Work with gravel mining companies to acquire high priority properties after they have been Promote reclamation plans that enhance and complement Parkway goals and are Parkway-ready to the extent practicable. (MR1)
• Design, construct, and manage the Parkway in a manner that will not conflict with sand and gravel mining operations. (MR2)

Policies:

MINERAL.1 For new mining permit applications within the Parkway planning area, provide recommendations to local land use control agencies to ensure the appropriate application of Parkway policies. (MRO2)

MINERAL.2 For new mining permit applications in the Parkway planning area, provide recommendations to local land use control agencies to protect existing riparian woodlands, enhance or complement the revegetation of the river wildlife corridor and adjacent areas, improve excavated gravel ponds by providing for specific wildlife habitat needs or replication of natural landscapes, and to reflect public safety needs. (MRP3)

MINERAL.3 In public Parkway areas that have significant sand and gravel reserves that may be needed for the San Joaquin River Restoration Program or other habitat and floodplain restoration needs, site significant permanent structures where they will not preclude or interfere with future extraction of those resources.

AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES

Goals:

• Design, construct, and manage the Parkway in a manner that is compatible with agricultural uses (crops, livestock, orchards, and nurseries). (AO1)
• Encourage the preservation of agricultural uses in the Parkway planning (AO1)

Policies:

AGRI.1 Work with agencies that conserve farmland to secure conservation easements within the Parkway planning area.

AGRI.2 Support community supported agriculture.

AGRI.3 Provide buffers, fencing, signage and other measures to reduce potential conflicts between public Parkway use and nearby agriculture.

AGRI.4 Encourage agricultural uses as buffers between the Parkway and more intensive urban/suburban uses.

AIR RESOURCES, CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION, AND SEQUESTRATION

Goals:

• In developing the Parkway, utilize opportunities to improve regional air quality and reduce the potential for Parkway projects to contribute to air pollution. (RFP1)
• Incorporate climate adaptation and sequestration strategies in Parkway

Policies:

AIR.1 Restore habitat and conserve natural areas to contribute toward carbon sequestration.

AIR.2 Promote cooperative reforestation projects to maximize carbon sequestration.

AIR.3 Maximize habitat, diversity, wildlife movement corridors, and regional habitat linkages.

AIR.4 Work with other agencies to perform fire prevention thinning and weed abatement on property boundaries and access roads.

AIR.5 Work with community and regional interests as a positive contributor to conservation of habitat and natural resources, and partner in the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

AIR.6 Work to minimize the GHG footprint, energy and water use of Parkway operations, Conservancy and grant projects.

AIR.7 Participate in and implement state and regional strategies to address climate change.

AIR.8 Explore and support intergovernmental mitigation and sequestration partnerships.

AIR.9 Develop and incorporate climate change goals and evaluation criteria in Parkway projects and grants, elevating priorities for components such as sequestration and habitat and trail linkages.

AIR.10 Strive to connect primary multi-use trails to increase pedestrian and bicycle travel, reduce residents’ reliance on motorized vehicles, and allow for longer, contiguous sections of the Parkway trail. (no #)

AIR.11 Utilize appropriate surfaces and maintenance methods to reduce dust generation on trails, roads, and parking areas, and from un-vegetated ground surfaces where possible. (RDP3/4)

CULTURAL AND HISTORIC RESOURCES

Goals:

• Preserve and protect cultural and historic resources on Parkway public (RA1)
• Foster community pride, attract visitors and tourists to distinctive areas, provide recreational opportunities, enhance educational opportunities, and augment the body of scientific and historic knowledge through identification, appropriate recognition, and promotion of historic and cultural resources
• Utilize Parkway cultural and historic resources to educate the public about the values of this heritage (ROP10, RA1).

Policies:

CULTURE.1 Develop operations and management measures to protect cultural or historical resources within the Parkway, including providing training for Parkway staff. (ROP9)

CULTURE.2 Develop educational materials and provide them at key public use locations instructing the public on value of cultural heritage and the need to leave sites undisturbed. Include what to do in the event a cultural site is disturbed, or an artifact is discovered. (ROP10)

CULTURE.3  Evaluate the potential for cultural resources at project sites and protect all such resources from disturbance during project construction. (RDP19)

CULTURE.4 Work with local Native Americans organizations to develop programs allowing ceremonial use of Parkway lands.

CULTURE.5 Work with local Native Americans organizations to develop programs allowing cultivation and harvesting of culturally significant plants.

CULTURE.6 Solicit the views of the local Native American community in cases where development may result in disturbance to sites containing evidence of Native American activity and/or sites of cultural importance.

CULTURE.7 Coordinate with the City of Fresno, counties of Madera and Fresno, and relevant advisory councils to promote the preservation and maintenance of paleontological, archaeological, and historical resources within the Parkway.

CULTURE.8 Within the Conservancy’s power, maintain confidentiality regarding the locations of archaeological sites in order to preserve and protect these resources from vandalism and the unauthorized removal of artifacts. If significant archaeological and cultural resources are open to the public, the Conservancy shall manage public access to protect against damage or vandalism.

CULTURE.9 Promote the placement of historical markers or signs on adjacent roadways and major thoroughfares to attract and inform visitors of important historic resource sites.

CULTURE.10 To the extent feasible, preserve the original architectural character of significant historic structures acquired for the Parkway in accordance with the State Historic Building Code.

CULTURE.11 As part of any required CEQA review, identify and protect important historical, archeological, paleontological, and cultural sites and their contributing environment from damage, destruction, and abuse to the maximum extent feasible. Project-level mitigation shall include accurate site surveys, consideration of avoidance and project alternatives to preserve archaeological and historic resources, and provision for resource recovery and preservation when displacement is unavoidable.

CULTURE.12 Register cultural resources within public lands in the Parkway in appropriate landmark designations (i.e., National Register of Historic Places, California Historical Landmarks, Points of Historical Interest, or Local Landmark).

CULTURE.13 Preserve and enhance historic resources for educational and cultural purposes through maintenance as feasible and through development of interpretive programs and facilities within the Parkway.

CULTURE.14 To the extent feasible, preserve any unique geologic resources within the Parkway for public enjoyment.

CULTURE.15 Cooperate with other jurisdictions, agencies, and organizations to collect information on historic and candidate sites in the Parkway. Coordinate with the State Office of Historic Preservation and other agencies and interested parties to determine needs, design alternatives, and funding strategies to encourage people to enjoy the Parkway’s historical and cultural features.

CULTURE.16 Before demolishing any structures over fifty years old, evaluate the historical significance, including reviewing the historical register and records, and consulting with the State Office of Historic Preservation.

CULTURE.17 Before any nonemergency/nonhazard removal of historic trees or landscapes, determine potential alternative actions to avoid or otherwise preserve the resources to the extent feasible.

CULTURE.18 If the site of a proposed project is found to contain unique prehistoric (archaeological or paleontological) resources, and the project will cause damage to these resources, reasonable efforts shall be made to permit any or all of the resource to be scientifically removed, or it shall be preserved in situ (left in in an undisturbed state). In situ preservation may include the following option, or equivalent measures: amending construction plans to avoid prehistoric resources; dedicating sites containing these resources for permanent protection and conservation; capping or covering these resources with a protective layer of soil before building on the sites; and/or leaving prehistoric sites undisturbed within parks, green space, or other open space areas.

PUBLIC ACCESS AND RECREATION

Goals:

• Provide river access and high quality recreation areas and facilities to meet recreational and environmental educational needs while conserving natural and cultural resources. (RA1)
• Ensure access to all segments of the population and to all residents of the region, in metropolitan and outlying areas. (no#)
• Manage recreational uses to minimize indiscriminate activities, trespass on private lands, and human impacts to natural resources in the Parkway. (RA3)
• Encourage trail corridors of sufficient width (varying with terrain, vegetation, and land) to preserve a scenic environment for users and to minimize impacts of trail use on wildlife and their habitat and on adjacent land uses. (no #)
• Provide public information, proper maintenance, rules, and enforcement to provide for public health and safety in the Parkway.

Policies:

ACCESS.1 Acquire, through purchase, easements, or other mutually satisfactory transactions, land for recreation areas and the expansion of existing parks and recreation areas. (RP2)

ACCESS.2 Minimize potential impacts to sensitive natural resources by grouping facilities and intensive uses, or siting facilities and intensive uses in areas that are already disturbed or developed, where feasible. (RP3)

ACCESS.3 Locate relatively intensive recreational activity sites away from natural resources that may be sensitive to those uses (such as rookeries, spawning beds, etc.) and private residences (see Buffers). (RO1)

ACCESS.4 Link public Parkway lands between Highway 99 and Friant Dam with a continuous, multi-use trail on land, and with canoe put-in, take-out, and rest areas along the river to create a recreation system with a variety of recreational opportunities. (RO3)

ACCESS.5 Coordinate with local land use agencies to provide public access points where public roads and the Parkway meet. (RO3)

ACCESS.6 Support, as possible, implementation of the Central Valley Vision calling for river/water oriented recreation in the Valley and for the Parkway as a high-priority new park to serve the region.

ACCESS.7 Where feasible, provide a minimum width of 100 feet for the primary multi-use Parkway trail corridor. (no #)

ACCESS.8 Design and build the continuous multi-use trail sufficiently wide and structurally sound to permit passage of patrol, rescue, fire, and maintenance vehicles. (RP9)

ACCESS.9 Where possible, align and design trails and bikeways to avoid steep grades, environmentally sensitive areas, erodible soils, and potential hazards – see also Buffers. (RP9)

ACCESS.10 Provide separate surfaces for pedestrians, wheeled vehicles, and equestrians as feasible. (RP9)

ACCESS.11 Utilize existing paths and unimproved roads for Parkway trail alignments where appropriate. (RP9)

ACCESS.12 Provide adequate bicycle locking facilities at recreational and educational facilities. (RDP2)

ACCESS.13 Control access to the Parkway to the extent practicable with gates, fences, bollards, boulders, and other appropriate measures. (RP6)

ACCESS.14 Coordinate with local agencies to provide linkages to the regional bicycle and trail systems, and to link the continuous multi-use trail along and throughout the Parkway. (RCP1)

ACCESS.15 Facilitate alternative transportation access to the Parkway including coordinating with transit providers to develop a regional transit map showing linkages to the Parkway facilities. (RCP4)

ACCESS.16 Encourage the use of alternative transportation to Parkway events. (RCP4)

ACCESS.17 Plan for transit connections/stops at trailheads, Parkway staging areas, and activity centers during project development. (RTPP1)

ACCESS.18 Participate in regional public transit planning to secure service to the Parkway, particularly during periods of high activity such as summer weekends. (RTPP2)

ACCESS.19 Provide sufficient on-site parking at each public recreational facility for the desired usage level during peak periods and to meet the parking recommendations of the affected local jurisdiction. (RPP1)

1. Include landscaping to limit parking areas’ visual impacts on the adjacent natural areas and residences, while ensuring safety and security for users.

ACCESS.20 To the extent possible, schedule Parkway events to minimize traffic congestion and crowding. (RTP1)

ACCESS.21 Develop a trails system consisting of a continuous multi-use trail the length of the Parkway and secondary trails to provide additional connectivity to Parkway facilities and amenities including but not limited to river access, hiking trails, and trail loops. (RDP7)

ACCESS.22 Construct the continuous multi-use trail with separate, parallel trails: one with a firm granular or paved 12-foot-wide surface for cyclists, disabled individuals and other users preferring a hard surface; and one with a soft granular (e.g., decomposed granite or crushed quarry fines) or native soil 8-foot-wide surface for equestrians and hikers. Where separate trails are not appropriate or feasible, provide an extra-wide single corridor trail constructed of a 12-foot- wide firm granular or asphalt section and an 8-foot-wide soft granular or native soil shoulder on one side. (RDP7)

1. In the event there is not sufficient width to construct a multi-use trail as described above, implement restrictions (such as signage and barriers) on horse, bicycle and foot traffic to reduce potential conflicts or effects from heavy use.
2. Consider paving the primary multipurpose trail system with asphalt, concrete, or other durable smooth surface materials. Consider such paving for other trails anticipated to receive heavy traffic, sections designed to provide ADA access, and other trails where long term durability is desired.
3. For internal trails that provide access to natural reserves, river access, hiking trails, and trail loops within the trail system, construct low-impact footpaths a minimum of 24 inches wide using soft granular material, such as decomposed granite or crushed quarry fines, or native soil.

ACCESS.23 To the extent feasible, locate and design any new Parkway public access features that may generate noise to reduce disturbance at the nearest noise-sensitive land uses. (RPS2)

ACCESS.24 Maintain Parkway areas, access, and facilities in good condition and repair. (ROP4/RDP13)

ACCESS.25 Rehabilitate and improve recreation areas and facilities that existed prior to establishing the Parkway, particularly Lost Lake Park, the San Joaquin Fish Hatchery, Sycamore Island, and Camp Pashayan, on a priority basis. (RP1)

ACCESS.26 Provide recreation facilities, programs, and visitor services compatible with the environment of the recreation area. The types of uses potentially accommodated on public Parkway lands shall be primarily: hiking, jogging, bicycling, wading/swimming, canoeing, picnicking, fishing, golfing, equestrian riding, nature observation, nature study and educational interpretive programs, camping (tent, trailer, and RV), turf areas for informal and educational play, a limited number of visitor centers, ancillary facilities, and supporting retail and services.

Playgrounds, turf areas, and sports facilities should be retained, and provided in areas designated for more intensive uses if warranted by demand. Large-scale, high-intensity use facilities, such as waterslides, amusements zones, or any recreational pursuit involving motor vehicles or motorized watercraft, other than electric trolling motors on fishing boats generally are not compatible with the Parkway or other uses currently found in the riverbottom. Spectator events or other large assemblies should be limited to an occasional basis. (RP4)

ACCESS.27 Utilize the Design Guidelines for San Joaquin River Parkway Public Access and Recreation Improvements (as adopted and refined over time), California State Parks design guidelines and trail classification system, and the project operator’s design guidelines, as applicable.

ACCESS.28 Develop, operate, and manage Conservancy projects and lands in conformance with statutory requirements (PRC §32511) and Resolution 93-4: The Conservancy shall close to the public any lands or facilities which it is unable to maintain in a clean and safe manner and to adequately protect the wildlife and rights of adjacent property owners. (RP15)

ACCESS.29 Construct recreational projects only when there are sufficient long-term resources to provide for operations maintenance and management of that project. (no #)

ACCESS.30 Develop and implement Parkway public education regarding appropriate behavior while on Parkway property. (ROP6)

ACCESS.31 Provide drinking water in Parkway recreation areas where a community water system connection is available. If feasible, new public drinking water systems may be built, operated and monitored in compliance with state and local laws and regulations. (PS3)

ACCESS.32 Permit commercial activities needed to serve Parkway visitors, such as sales of food and beverages, camper’s grocery items, and books, guides, and educational materials, under special use permits or concession agreements and consistent with other Parkway goals, objectives and policies. (CP1)

ACCESS.33 Site, grade and construct equestrian facilities, equestrian trails, and other unpaved trails of suitable materials and with appropriate runoff best management practices to minimize the potential for sediments to be carried into adjacent waterways. (RDP11)

ACCESS.34 Develop equestrian staging areas with a drinking water source (if potable water is available) and no ground level obstructions such as curbs. (RDP11)

ACCESS.35 Facilitate public/private partnerships to provide equestrian facilities and services to improve equestrian trail use, such as one or more concessions, on public Parkway lands or nearby. (RDP11)

ACCESS.36 Maintain sufficient trash receptacles, including recycling bins, in numerous locations at Parkway sites and at times with heavy public use. (RDP13)

ACCESS.37 Implement a pack-it-in and pack-it-out policy for trash in lighter use and more remote Parkway areas.

ACCESS.38 Facilitate, promote, and organize community-based litter removal, stewardship, and habitat restoration programs for the Parkway. (ROP5)

ACCESS.39 Install and properly maintain restrooms, including vault toilet restrooms in areas where septic systems and community wastewater connections are infeasible, in easily accessible locations, such as parking areas, trailheads, and public use areas. (RDP15)

ACCESS.40 Limit access to or use of recreational areas within the Parkway, other than developed camping areas, to the hours between sunrise and sunset. (ROP7)

ACCESS.41 Limit vehicle access within the Parkway to designated roads and parking areas, implementing appropriate traffic control as needed, to minimize off-road use, environmental impacts, and policing problems.

ACCESS.42 Establish and implement a Parkway management program to monitor trail conditions, canoe put-ins, and bridge overcrossing approaches and footings and for regular maintenance and repair of such features. (ROP4)

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION, INTERPRETATION AND OUTREACH

Goals:

• Provide within the Parkway a range of outdoor and environmental educational opportunities and programs to serve all members of the community.
• Develop support for the Parkway through outreach and
• Assure that educational opportunities highlight and incorporate the Parkway’s natural resources, wildlife, and habitat.

Policies:

INTERP.1 Develop Parkway exhibits, interpretive walks and trails, programs, outdoor classrooms, and self-guided brochure tours. (NRPE1)

INTERP.2 Provide interpretive signs and display panels at recreation areas and other points of access to the Parkway. (NRPE1)

INTERP.3 Utilize a Parkway brand in all print media and signs in order to present a unified Parkway image. (RO4)

INTERP.4 Establish unified Parkway facility design elements for the purposes of branding the Parkway. (RP11)

INTERP.5 Provide education programs for people of all ages and abilities. (NRPE2)

INTERP.6 Develop public education elements in all Parkway projects, facilities and programs. (NRPE2)

INTERP.7 Utilize educational and recreational programs developed by volunteer, school, and nonprofit organizations in the area to provide public outreach. (RP13)

INTERP.8 Develop educational and interpretive programs to highlight the diversity of features and uses of the river. Create an interpretive theme for each area. (NRPE4)

INTERP.9 Engage in public outreach to a variety of groups and cultures; incorporate designs, text and graphics to communicate across multiple languages.

INTERP.10 Develop specific outreach messages and programs to reach a variety of audiences including, but not limited to, visitors, business and economic development interests, tourism, and others.

INTERP.11 Lead a process to secure community consensus in support of the Parkway.

INTERP.12 Conduct interpretive programs as close as feasible to the site where the physical evidence of the theme being interpreted is found. (RP12)

INTERP.13 Provide signage to discourage litter, illicit dumping, and other inappropriate behaviors. (ROP3/RDP14)

BUFFER ZONES AND ADJACENT LAND USES

Goals:

• Where possible and to the extent feasible (see 2), implement buffer zones which protect, conserve, and enhance the Parkway’s natural resources, wildlife, and habitat. (no #)
• Combine buffers, design, and management measures to adequately reduce and mitigate potential impacts from Parkway recreational uses on habitat, riparian corridors, and neighboring Screen and separate recreational uses from adjacent private property, to the extent feasible. (no #)
• Encourage local land use agencies to protect habitat and natural resources of the river and floodplain through set-backs and buffers. (no #)

Policies:

BUFFER.1 Provide buffer zones appropriate to the intensity of the planned Parkway recreational uses or improvements as depicted in Figure 6-1, and further described in the policies below. (NP8.1/BZ4)

BUFFER.2 To the extent feasible, acquire, enhance, restore and maintain a continuous riparian/wildlife corridor throughout public Parkway lands with a minimum width of 200 feet upland from the ordinary low water mark and gaps of no greater than 200 feet or the minimum necessary to allow for infrastructure (e.g. roads, bridges, boat launches, etc.). Where it is not feasible to conserve the corridor on both sides of the river, provide an offsetting expansion of the corridor on one side. (NRD10/NP1)

BUFFER.3 Build trails, bikeways and other recreation areas at least 300 feet from the boundary of active mining operations and processing plants, separate them by physical barriers, and avoid trail/bikeway crossings of active haul routes. (MRP2)

BUFFER.4 Where feasible, provide a minimum width of 100 feet for the Parkway multi-use trail corridor. (no #)

BUFFER.5 Provide native vegetation for screening wildlife from human activity as necessary to accommodate less width for a buffer zone. (BZ2)

BUFFER.6 Where use is more intensive on one side of the river, provide less intensive use on the other side of the river if feasible. (NP1)

BUFFER.7 Provide a 700-foot buffer between any Parkway improvement and sensitive habitat. (Sensitive habitat includes areas of special biological significance that provide habitat for locally unique biotic species/communities; that are adjacent to essential habitats of rare, endangered or threatened species; or any natural community vulnerable to environmental effects of projects). (BZ1)

BUFFER.8 Require observation points and trails be designed to pass no closer than 750 feet from rookeries with screening of rookeries provided along path, or close the features during the breeding season. (NP12)

BUFFER.9 Avoid more intensive recreational or other uses within 1500 feet of rookeries where feasible. (NP11)

BUFFER.10 Other than water-dependent and less intensive uses, such as fishing access, individual picnic sites and benches, wading areas, boat launches, observation points, boating rest stops, and trails other than the primary Parkway multi-use trail, avoid developing significant recreational facilities within the riparian corridor or within existing riparian woodlands. (RPS1)

BUFFER.11 Use existing vegetation or new plantings of native vegetation to buffer Parkway uses from adjacent land uses. (no #)

BUFFER.12 Provide a buffer of 150 feet between the riparian corridor or the edge of existing riparian habitat and the primary Parkway multi-use trail and more intensive Parkway recreational activities (facilities serving concentrations of people, such as campgrounds, large picnic areas, parking, visitor service facilities, and staging areas). Where the 150-foot buffer is not feasible, consider providing an offsetting expansion of the riparian corridor on the opposite bank. (BZ8)

BUFFER.13 Provide a minimum buffer of 150 feet between any occupied residence and the primary Parkway multi-use trail, and if possible provide screening vegetation as well. (RP7)

BUFFER.14 Provide a minimum buffer of 300 feet between any occupied residence and any more intensive Parkway recreational use, and if possible provide screening vegetation as well. (ROP8)

BUFFER.15 Encourage local land use agencies to require where feasible buffer zones for the protection of wildlife habitat in natural reserves and wildlife/riparian corridors. From the river wildlife corridor encourage 100-foot buffers from agriculture/pasture; 150-foot buffers from rural residences (less than .05 unit per acre); 300-foot buffers from medium density rural residences (.05 units per acre to less than 1 unit per acre); 600-foot buffers from business/industry or urban density development (more than 1 unit per acre); and 700-foot buffers for any development from sensitive habitat. (Sensitive habitat includes areas of special biological significance that provide habitat for locally unique biotic species/communities; that are adjacent to essential habitats of rare, endangered or threatened species; most wetland and riparian areas; or any natural community vulnerable to environmental effects of projects. See Figure 6-2. (BZ3)

BUFFER.16 Lighting: Minimize lighting associated with Parkway development and encourage land use policies that minimize light impacts in the floodplain. With the exception of public safety, preclude lighting in the vicinity of the wildlife corridor or a natural reserve, to the extent possible. (BZ9)

BUFFER.17 Lighting: Require all Conservancy-funded projects to reduce light pollution and intrusion; exterior luminaries should emit no light above horizontal or be Dark Sky certified. (BZ9)

OPERATIONS, MANAGEMENT, AND IMPLEMENTATION

Goals:

• Acquire lands to implement the Parkway Master Plan Update, including establishing natural reserves, recreation areas, a continuous wildlife movement corridor, and trail (LA1) Acquire lands on a willing buyer/willing seller basis. (LA2)
• Acquire lands according to established prioritization policies and criteria to ensure effective use of limited funds.
• Secure financial resources over the long-term to establish and continue the safe and efficient operation and maintenance of Parkway facilities and visitor services.
• Pursue a strategic yet flexible approach to a phased implementation of Parkway development that is responsive to funding and partnership opportunities, operations and maintenance resources, and public recreation/education needs.
• Ensure efficient and effective implementation of Parkway operations, programs, and
• Develop measurable objectives for projects, programs, and services provided on public Parkway

Policies:

OPER.1 Place a higher priority on acquiring relatively undisturbed or fragile land with higher habitat values suitable for the wildlife corridor or a natural reserve, than on acquiring previously disturbed land for restoration or for recreation. (LO1)

OPER.2 In choosing among lands from willing sellers and for which acquisition funding is available, acquire land and water areas for habitat protection before acquisitions for recreational uses. (LP3)

OPER.3 Prioritize bond funds first to land acquisitions and second to capital improvements including but not limited to habitat enhancement, public access and recreation, resources protection and education. Land and improvements shall be consistent with the Parkway Master Plan.

1. Candidate land acquisitions offered by willing sellers shall be reviewed by staff and the Interagency Project Development Committee to make recommendations to the Conservancy Board based on the following criteria: habitat values, potential for restoration or enhancement of natural resources or habitat, connectivity for a wildlife movement corridor, cultural and historical values, public access and recreation potential, connectivity for trails, contiguous public lands and uses, operations and management issues, potential lease and concession revenue, need for conservation, development threats, and other relevant criteria.
2. Candidate capital improvement projects shall be reviewed by staff and the Interagency Project Development Committee to make recommendations to the Conservancy Board based on the following criteria: identification of a potential or committed operator; public demand/acceptance; environmental impacts and benefits; connectivity for trails, other public uses, habitat and wildlife movement; project readiness; independent function of improvements; underserved population served by the project; long term benefits; demonstration of Parkway success; meets partner agency needs; potential funding/in-kind support; potential lease/concession revenue; interagency complexity; capital cost; and other relevant criteria.

OPER.4 Ensure that Parkway plans do not interfere with others’ existing development entitlements. (LO3)

OPER.5 Develop operating plans for each Parkway segment, including access control locations, park hours, fees, and enforcement provisions, and adopt rules and regulations to minimize undesirable activities in conjunction with affected local jurisdictions. (RTP4/RO2)

OPER.6 Design off-site improvements needed for access to and from Parkway facilities in accordance with standards of the applicable local jurisdictions. (RTP5)

OPER.7 Collect day use, user, and other fees to support Parkway operations and deter indiscriminate activities. Manage high-demand Parkway uses through permits or additional fees as needed. (no #)

OPER.8 As appropriate, seek donations, facilitate land exchanges, acquire easements, and create mitigation partnerships whenever possible to minimize expenditures of public funds for land acquisitions. (LP4)

OPER.9 Acquire lands from willing sellers for no more than fair market value and mutually satisfactory terms. (LP1)

OPER.10 Encourage public-public and public-private partnerships with other agencies and organizations that can assist in funding, implementing, managing, and maintaining Parkway facilities and programs.

OPER.11 Consider establishing a Friends of the Parkway group to provide opportunities for community involvement.

OPER.12 To the extent possible meet multiple-purposes in developing and funding Parkway facilities and programs.

OPER.13 Coordinate with game wardens and enforcement authorities to prevent and control undesirable activities and unlawful conduct in the Parkway. (NP9)

OPER.14 Develop appropriate authorities, rules, regulations, and resources to supplement enforcement capacity. (NP9)

OPER.15 Coordinate in the development and implementation of a public safety operational plan for the Parkway with all affected state and local law enforcement agencies that addresses, but is not limited to, emergency response planning, coordination with public safety and response agencies, park closures due to high flows, and other hazards. (RFMP3)

OPER.16 Develop and implement best management practices to encourage water safety.

For Figure 6-1 and 6-2 please contact info@sjrc.ca.gov

7.1 DESIGN GUIDELINES

This section provides guidance for the design and construction of specific Parkway components, while allowing for flexibility and innovative design solutions.

The Parkway Master Plan Update presents conceptual locations for habitat enhancements, low-impact recreation and environmental education facilities and features on existing and potential public lands. These facilities would generally include vehicular access, parking and staging areas, kiosks, restrooms, a variety of trails, river access facilities for non-motorized boating, interpretive features including outdoor classrooms, and operations and management facilities. Parkway features may also include visitor and nature centers, on-site stewardship housing, and other improvements.

7.1.1 AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

Parkway facilities shall meet the requirements of the American with Disabilities Act. The following standards apply to all Parkway features:

• United States Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Guidelines; Outdoor Developed Areas. September 26, 2013 (effective November 25, 2013)
• California Department of Parks and California State Parks Accessibility Guidelines, 2009 Edition.

Federal standards require newly designed or newly constructed and altered portions of existing trails connecting to designated staging areas or accessible trails to comply with the guidelines. The ADA guidelines recognize that the natural environment often prevents full implementation of certain technical provisions. Departures are permitted from certain technical provisions where at least one of four conditions is present:

• Where compliance would cause substantial harm to cultural, historic, religious, or significant natural features or characteristics;
• Where compliance would substantially alter the nature of the setting or the purpose of the facility, or portion of the facility;

• Where compliance would require construction methods or materials that are prohibited by federal, state, or local regulations or statutes; or
• Where compliance would not be feasible due to terrain or the prevailing construction

Table 7-1 below lists the types of trail treads that could be used in the Parkway and their applicability to accessibility guidelines.

7.1.2 UTILITIES AND INFRASTRUCTURE

The utilities and infrastructure necessary to support the Parkway’s operations and recreational uses will be as low-impact as possible, allowing for efficient water and energy use and minimizing impacts to natural resources. All new utilities and infrastructure will be limited to that which is essential for providing high-quality visitor experiences.

LIGHTING

Parkway outdoor lighting will be limited to individual entrances of individual Parkway facilities, security lighting associated with structures, and for safety within any overnight campground areas. All lighting will be dark sky compliant, may be motion detection activated, and will not be directed into sensitive habitats to limit effects.

WATER STORAGE

Water storage will be in accordance with State regulations and will be evaluated based on the number of proposed service connections, the number of guests expected to be served and the production capacities of wells within any particular unit of the Parkway, and the need for fire suppression.

POTABLE WATER

Provided access to a community water main is feasible, drinking fountains will be located at Parkway staging areas, picnic grounds, features designed for school or student use, Parkway hubs, and along the Parkway multi-use trail at least every mile. All drinking fountains shall provide for wheelchair access. In areas allowing leashed dogs, shallow basins may be provided to provide the dogs with water. Watering facilities (potable or non-potable water) for horses shall be provided if feasible at specific equestrian resting and staging area locations.

SANITARY SEWER

Where feasible, new restroom facilities should be connected to municipal sanitary service collection systems. Where such connections cannot be made, new restroom facilities, whether a vault toilet or serviced by a septic tank and leach field system, should be located above the 100-year base flood elevation. In some circumstances this may involve facility construction on raised topography. In situations where site topography is not conducive to gravity flow, a wastewater lift station may be utilized. If a lift station is used, the lift stations within the 100-year floodplain will be equipped with mechanisms to terminate operation in the event of a flood.

7.1.3 STAGING AREAS

New staging areas would be located for access from existing public roads or easements and would typically include the following features:

• Identity, regulatory, and wayfinding signs
• Universal access information
• Parking areas with designated ADA-accessible parking spaces and bicycle parking
• Restrooms if not located within the 100-year floodplain
• Drinking water (if available)
• Water trough and hitching posts when developed for equestrians

Bicycle parking should be provided at all major facilities within the Parkway, at key entrance points, and in all parking areas. Bicycle racks should be galvanized steel U-racks, looped-racks, or racks with similar design, with metal or painted finish. If paint is necessary, racks should be painted with neutral tones.

All parking areas should be designed for efficient circulation and to maximize permeable surfaces. The surface for parking areas should be compatible with anticipated use. Parking areas that receive heavy and regular use should be paved with asphalt or porous paving systems such as open grid paving systems and permeable asphalt. For parking areas that experience lighter use, unpaved surfaces with road base material may be appropriate. Overflow parking areas for special event parking should be unpaved or planted with low growing grasses that can meet guidelines for non-point source pollution control.

Parking areas should all be designed to comply with the appropriate California Regional Water Quality Control Stormwater NPDES Permit post-construction requirements. These requirements promote on-site stormwater treatment and detention and emphasize infiltration, water harvesting and re-use. In addition to utilizing permeable surfaces that allow for infiltration, the use of swales and other stormwater best management practices should be used. Swales should have flat bottoms at least 18-inches wide, utilize rock cobble at points of concentrated flow, and be vegetated with native plants.

7.1.4 TRAILS

PARKWAY MULTI-PURPOSE TRAIL

The San Joaquin Parkway Master Plan Update envisions a Parkway multi-use trail for pedestrian, bicycle, and equestrian uses extending the entire 22-mile length of the Parkway. For continuity, the Parkway multi-use trail will cross the river in various locations. Figures 7-1 and 7-2 illustrate the portions of the Parkway multi-use trail that have been constructed in the City of Fresno and Fresno County, and other segments that have been planned within the Parkway. The Parkway multi-use trail is to be paved to support relatively intensive levels of use providing recreation, transportation, and health benefits. It is intended to connect with other Parkway trail systems within individual facilities of the Parkway.

Equestrian use can be accommodated with an 8-foot-wide graded shoulder or as a separate 10-foot wide trail composed of natural surfaces. A natural-surface equestrian trail should be disked once each year.

Design recommendations for the Parkway multi-use trail and its signage are contained in:

• State of California, Department of Transportation (Caltrans): California Highway Design Manual Chapter 1000 — Bikeways (latest edition)
• State of California, Department of Transportation (Caltrans): California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (latest edition)
• American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO): Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities (latest edition)
• Julie Bondurant, Laura Thompson, et al: Trail Planning for California Communities (Solano Press Books)

SECONDARY TRAILS

The State Department of Parks and Recreation’s Trails Handbook (undated), is the primary document referenced for detailed design criteria for secondary trails. Secondary trails include interpretive trails and fishing access trails, and may be used by bicycles or equestrians; they may be paved or natural surfaced. In most cases secondary trails or segments of secondary trails would be ADA accessible. DPR’s minimum trail characteristics of secondary trails that can serve as a guideline for similar trails in similar settings within the Parkway are outlined in Table 7-2.

TRAIL ACCESS

It is recognized that the Parkway multi-use trail and most secondary trails within the Parkway are intended to provide access to Parkway facilities. In the situations where it is not possible to provide ADA accessible trails, trails should strive to provide as much access as feasible and should follow the recommendations for universal access to the greatest extent possible. For example:

• The trail should be free of constructed barriers, and natural barriers should be removed if feasible.
• If the steepest grade on a trail cannot be less than 20 percent, the segment should be as short as possible and the remainder of the trail should comply with the recommendations.
• If there is a segment of trail that has a 10 percent grade for more than 30 feet a level rest interval should be provided as soon as possible, and the remainder of the trail should be designed according to the recommendations.
• If there is a segment of trail that has a cross slope of more than 5 percent, the segment should be as short as possible and the remainder of the trail should follow the recommended specifications; or
• If a trail travels along a bluff or bank, and a drop-off creates a tread width less than 36 inches wide, the narrow section should be made as wide as possible and the trail on either side of the narrow section should be designed according to the recommendations.

7.1.5 STRUCTURES

All new structures within the Parkway will incorporate sustainable design principles to reduce energy consumption. Structures include but are not limited to entrance stations, restrooms, picnic shelters, concession buildings, and the interpretive/nature/visitor centers. Energy saving measures include consideration of the following:

• LEED building certification based on the current S. Green Building Council certification criteria at the time of design.
• Compliance with the latest California Energy Commission building standards.
• Solar orientation, use of solar panels, employment of passive solar designs with a surrounding vegetation design not blocking solar access.
• Use of Energy Star roofs to exceed Title 24 requirements where possible.
• For non-roof surfaces, provide shade, light-colored/high-albedo materials, and open grid pervious pavement where possible.
• Use of recycled building and facility materials where possible.

All structures built within the Parkway should utilize an architectural style that is consistent with other structures in the Parkway or that are historically appropriate.

Structures that will be used by the public should be designed to highlight the Parkway’s historical landscape. Structures may be designed to maximize views to the San Joaquin River, its riverine setting, and the Sierra Nevada to the east. Structures that will be used for Parkway operations, such as storage buildings, should be designed to complement the character of the riverbottom lands and use materials that blend with the landscape backdrop to minimize visual impacts.

7.1.6 ACCESS CONTROL: BOLLARDS, GATES AND FENCES

GATES

Parkway entrance and service roads gates should use pipe or other sturdy vehicular entrance gates. In some locations gates may be necessary to limit access to maintenance vehicles and personnel.

BOLLARDS

Access control bollards shall be used as necessary to control inappropriate vehicular access. Bollards should be removable and striped as per guidelines indicated for the Parkway multi-use trail.

FENCES

The main categories of fences that will be required for the Parkway are security fences, boundary fences, grazing fences, and low barriers. Low barriers may also include hedgerows or boulders as a substitute to constructed fences. Fences may be coupled with vegetative buffers of native plants that create aesthetically pleasing and high-functioning barriers. Fencing may be associated with the development of new staging areas, around use areas, or in selected locations to mark property boundaries and discourage trespass.

For staging areas, trails, and use areas that are highly visible to the general public, wood split-rail or composite fencing should be used.

Chain link fencing may be used in areas where access control from adjacent land uses is important to the safety and security of the Parkway visitor or neighbors. Such conditions include, but are not limited to, active railroad facilities, mining operations, residential areas, or near the top edges of steep bluffs.

In other Parkway areas, fencing should be wildlife-friendly consisting of t-stakes with barbed or barbless wire depending on the circumstances. Examples of fences are illustrated in Figure 7-3.

7.1.7 BENCHES

Benches will be placed to take advantage of views or shade. Along the Parkway multi-use trail benches should be placed at least at every one-half-mile interval.

7.1.8 PICNIC TABLES

Picnic tables will be pre-cast concrete or other sturdy construction, individually or clustered in groups to be used for family or group use. Based on the scale of the picnic area, appropriate numbers of tables should accommodate ADA requirements.

7.1.9 SIGNS

PARKWAY IDENTITY AND BRANDING

The Parkway consists of lands and facilities owned and managed by numerous agencies and organizations. A brand has been adopted by the Conservancy for use by the partner organizations. The San Joaquin River Parkway identity logo consists of an egret silhouette and the text “San Joaquin River Parkway, Explore. Experience. Enjoy!” The identity logo is intended to be incorporated into signs and collateral public outreach materials of many entities. Parkway facilities and activities are inherently cooperative, involving multiple partners in funding, development, promotions, operations, and programs. All efforts should be made to create the common Parkway-wide visual identity by prominently displaying the brand, and designing layouts that minimize clutters of confusing logos while appropriately recognizing the entities’ contributions.

Ideally all Parkway units, regardless of ownership, will include the common logo and will be displayed at:

• Entrances.
• Staging area kiosks.
• Wayfinding and trail directional signs along the Parkway.

STANDARDS

All Parkway facility and trail signage should conform to the sign standards of California State Parks.

Selected segments of the Parkway multi-use trail and connecting trails leading to surrounding communities will cross or parallel the local road network. In those circumstances the following sign standards should be referenced:

• California Department of Transportation Sign Guidelines: State of California, Business, Transportation and Housing Agency Department of Transportation. California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, 2012 Edition.

SIGN TYPES

The following types of signs should be used within the Parkway.

• Entrance Signs: To be used at the entrances to each Parkway facility or staging areas naming the specific facility.
• Information Signs: To be used to provide a wide-range of information including fees, hours of operation, wayfinding, education and interpretation, rules and courtesies, sponsors/operators, and other pieces of information.
• Site Control and Safety: To be used to provide speed limits, property boundaries, prohibitions and other safety related information.
• Staging Area Kiosks: To be sited at each staging area in a prominent location so that may learn about the general use regulations and trail-related information.

The following are suggested points to include in kiosk signage and in printed material for public distribution. These may be condensed for use as text on signs. This information will not apply to all trails or all uses and should only be posted as necessary in appropriate locations.

• Be friendly and courteous.
• Take only pictures. Leave what you find.
• If you carry it in, carry it out.
• Stay on designated trails. Shortcutting and bypassing the trail destroys vegetation, leads to erosion, reduces habitat quality, and causes unsightly damage to the landscape.
• Respect Keep your distance. Never feed wild animals.
• Respect private property.
• Respect other visitors and their Avoid excessive noise.
• Use extra caution when using You may not be able to hear warnings.
• Keep your dog on leash at all times or noting if dogs are prohibited.
• Follow “Leave No Trace” principles.
• Keep yourself and your bike or horse under control and proceed at a safe speed and within your ability at all times. Anticipate other trail users around blind curves.
• Share trails. Keep to the right except to pass. When in doubt, give the other user the right of way. Warn people when you are planning to pass.
• Bicyclists yield to pedestrians and equestrians. Runners and hikers yield to equestrians.

Information-Bulletin Board: To be used at kiosks to provide specific information, for example, information about the trail and its universal access characteristics.

Objective information about the trail conditions (e.g., grade, cross slope, surface, width, obstacles, length) should be provided at trail staging area kiosks. This information is needed regardless of whether or not the trail is accessible. Objective information is preferable to subjective trail difficulty ratings (e.g., easier, most difficult) because subjective ratings of difficulty typically represent the perceptions of the person making the assessment and cannot be accurate or appropriate for the range of trail users. The following information should be objectively measured and conveyed to the trail user through appropriate information formats:

• Trail name
• Permitted users
• Trail length
• Change in elevation over the total trail length and maximum elevation obtained
• Average running grade and maximum grades that will be encountered
• Average and maximum cross slopes
• Average tread width and minimum clear width
• Type of surface
• Location and length of any soft or unstable surfaces
• Size, location, and frequency of obstacles

Trail Markers: To be used at all trail entry points and intersections with other trails. Permissible uses will be identified. Non-permissible uses should be identified where they present management challenges.

Street Signs:

• Road Crossings: Where the Parkway multi-use trail crosses a local road, stop signs would be directed to trail users and trail crossing signs directed to the motorists along with pavement markings.
• Roadways: If bicyclists or pedestrians are directed to use the local street system or Parkway access roads, “share the road signs” should be posted along the roads.
• Interpretive Signs: Selected segments of the parkway trail system should be developed as “interpretive” Criteria for selecting these segments would include representation of the various natural and cultural resources of the Parkway and anticipated level of use. Both traditional static and interactive interpretive panels should be used. Selected trail segments should be identified as “Quick Response (QR) Code” interpretive trails developed only with posts and web-based QR codes for smart phone users.

7.2 PLANTING GUIDELINES

7.2.1 NEW VEGETATION

Revegetation, habitat enhancement, and amenity plantings within use areas, such as for shade and access control, should recognize the overall goals of the Parkway to enhance the habitats along the river corridor. All new vegetation in the Parkway should consist of plants native within the region. Goals of the vegetation program are to:

• Enhance the Parkway visitors experience and the overall image as a riverside setting.
• Provide shade for recreation use areas and for river- and water-dependent biotics.
• Screen views between selected use areas and surrounding land uses.
• Enhance habitat diversity.
• Reflect the river’s dynamic hydrology over time.
• Replace existing non-native plants with native plants.

New vegetation shall include the species identified on Table 7-3, Master Plan Plant List. Plants are identified for each of eight general vegetation zones within the Parkway. Plants listed may be complemented with additional native species as appropriate for an individual area and site- specific design goals.

Normally temporary irrigation must be provided for native shrubs and trees for at least three years, and then the plants are weaned from irrigation for two to three more years, prior to discontinuing irrigation. Trees planted for shade or to screen use areas that do not survive within the first three years should be evaluated and replaced as determined appropriate.

7.2.2 INVASIVE SPECIES

Invasive plants are those species that, once established, spread quickly from their introduced location and cause harm by forcing out native species. The invasive plant species that were mapped in the study area during summer and fall 2012 are listed in Table 7-4. No planting in the Parkway shall include invasive species listed either in Table 7-4 or in the California Invasive Plant Council’s (Cal-IPC) list of invasive species in the Parkway region.

Cal-IPC’s mission is to protect California’s lands and waters from ecologically-damaging invasive plants. They work with other agencies and non-profits to monitor the spread of invasive plant species in California. They publish a “Don’t Plant a Pest” list and keep lists of invasive species by region.

Removal of invasive plant species shall be included in all Parkway projects to the extent feasible and based on the scale of the project.

7.3 BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

As individual facilities of the Parkway are implemented there are a number of best management practices that should be employed to minimize environmental impacts either during construction, operation, or maintenance. These are listed below.

7.3.1 AIR QUALITY

BMP AIR-1 Rule 9510 Compliance

Construction plans and specifications shall include measures to ensure compliance with San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District Rules and Regulations, including Rule 9510 and Regulation VIII (Fugitive PM 10 Prohibitions). Rule 9510 requires that an Air Impact Assessment (AIA) be submitted to the District prior to filing for discretionary approval.

BMP AIR-2 Air Quality Plans

Construction plans and specifications shall comply with the Air District’s current Air Quality Plans, and all District rules and regulations as deemed relevant through consultation with the District.

The following dust control practices shall be followed during the construction phase of the project to mitigate potential impacts from particulate matter and construction equipment:

• Water all active construction areas at least twice daily.
• Water or cover stockpiles of debris, soil, sand or other materials that can be blown by the wind.
• Cover all trucks hauling soil, sand, and other loose materials or require all trucks to maintain at least two feet of free board.
• Apply water three times daily, or apply (non-toxic) soil stabilizers on all unpaved access roads, parking areas and staging areas at construction-sites.
• Sweep daily (with water sweepers) any paved access roads, parking areas and staging areas at the site.
• Sweep streets on construction routes daily (with water sweepers) if visible soil material is carried onto them.
• Use alternative fueled construction equipment.
• Minimize idling time (e.g. 5-minute max).
• Maintain properly tuned equipment.
• Limit the hours of operation of heavy duty equipment and/or the amount of equipment in use.
• Replant vegetation and/or hydroseed disturbed areas as quickly as possible.

7.3.2 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES

BMP BIO-1. Conduct Pre-Construction Protocol Surveys.

A qualified biologist shall conduct pre-construction protocol surveys to determine the presence or absence of listed or special-status species. If present, and in association with CDFW and the US Department of Fish & Wildlife Service, additional appropriate development or construction- related restrictions and mitigation requirements than what is outlined in these BMPs shall be determined.

BMP BIO-2. Prepare Wetland Delineations.

If federally protected waters of the U.S. or wetlands as defined by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act are present and the project may result in fill of those waters or wetlands:

• Coordinate with the US Army Corps of Engineers and prepare a wetland delineation of the area. Follow the Corp’s mitigation protocol regarding jurisdictional waters and wetlands impacted by the project.
• Appropriate US Army Corps of Engineers permits shall be obtained prior to implementation of the project.
• Cumulatively, Parkway projects should result in beneficial management and protection of waters and wetlands.

BMP BIO-3. Prepare and Present a Worker Environmental Awareness Program

A qualified biologist shall prepare a Worker Environmental Awareness Program to be presented to all construction personnel and employees before any ground-disturbing activities commence at a project site. If special status species may be present, this presentation shall explain to construction personnel how best to avoid the accidental take of those species during construction. The program shall consist of a brief presentation explaining endangered species concerns to all personnel involved in the project. The program shall include a description of special-status species potentially on the project site and their habitat needs; an explanation of the status of the species and their protection under the FESA, the CESA, the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and the California Fish and Game Code; specific mitigation measures applicable to special-status species; and the penalties for take.

The program shall also explain to construction personnel how to avoid impacts on USACE and CDFW jurisdictional areas. The program shall include a description of these respective jurisdictional areas on the site, specifically permitted impacts, and avoidance measures to protect jurisdictional areas. It will include maps or field markers showing the location of jurisdictional areas and permitted impacts.

The Worker Environmental Awareness Program shall be implemented before the start of ground disturbance and shall be continued through the construction phase for all construction personnel.

BMP BIO-4. Avoid and Minimize Impacts on Special-Status Plants and Sensitive Natural Communities including Wetlands

All projects to install or construct trails, kiosks, restrooms, and other Parkway improvements shall be preceded by a pre-construction survey during which a qualified botanist will identify sensitive natural vegetation communities, including wetlands and other waters and elderberry shrubs, within the project footprint and clearly map or delineate them as needed in order to avoid and/or minimize disturbance. The botanist will use the results of the pre-construction survey, as well as information available from the CNDDB, the Master Plan Update EIR, and/or other suitable tools to determine whether habitat for special-status plants is present in or adjacent to the project area. If the qualified botanist determines that no special-status plants are reasonably expected to occur on the site, no further action will be warranted. If the biologist determines that suitable habitat for special-status plants is present, the botanist shall conduct a focused survey for special- status plants during the appropriate time of the year to adequately identify special-status plants that could occur on the site.

One or more of the following shall be implemented to avoid and/or minimize impacts on sensitive natural communities and special-status plants as appropriate, per the botanist’s recommendation:

• Flag or otherwise delineate in the field the special-status plant populations and/or sensitive natural communities to be All such areas to be avoided shall be clearly marked on construction plans and designated as “no construction” zones.
• Allow adequate buffers around plants or habitat; the location of the buffer zone shall be shown on the maintenance design drawings and marked in the field with stakes and/or flagging in such a way that exclusion zones are visible to maintenance personnel without excessive disturbance of the sensitive habitat or population itself (e.g., from installation of fencing).
• Time construction or other activities during dormant and/or non-critical life cycle period;
• Limit the operation of construction equipment to established roads wherever

BMP BIO-5. Avoid and Minimize Impacts on Special-status Amphibian and Reptile Species

All projects to install or construct trails, kiosks, restrooms, and other Parkway improvements shall be preceded by an analysis of the results of the pre-construction survey (see BMP BIO-1), as well as information available from the CNDDB, the Master Plan Update EIR, and/or other suitable tools to determine whether suitable special-status amphibian or reptile habitat is present in or adjacent to the project area. For the assessment of the potential for California tiger salamanders to occur in the project area, the analysis shall be conducted according to the guidelines provided in the Interim Guidance on Conducting Site Assessments and Field Surveys for Determining Presence or a Negative Finding of the California Tiger Salamander (USFWS 2003) or an updated version of this document.

If it is determined that no special-status amphibian or reptile is reasonably expected to occur on the site due to the absence of suitable habitat, no further action will be warranted.

If it is determined that suitable habitat for the California tiger salamander may be present, a site assessment shall be submitted to the USFWS and CDFW. If the USFWS and/or CDFW determines that surveys for the California tiger salamander are warranted then either (a) presence/absence surveys for California tiger salamanders shall be conducted according to approved protocols or

(b) the presence of California tiger salamanders in the project area shall be assumed. If protocol surveys determine that no California tiger salamanders are present, no further action will be warranted. If surveys determine that California tiger salamanders are present, or if the presence of California tiger salamanders is assumed, a site-specific species protection plan shall be prepared for the project and delivered to the USFWS and CDFW. Similarly, if any other special- status amphibian or reptile could occur in the project area, the same process shall apply.

Elements of the plan may include: work rescheduling, training work crews, daily surveys, establishment of buffers and buffer fencing, on-site monitoring, habitat modification in advance of work activities, capture and relocation of individual special-status species (with USFWS and/or CDFW approval, depending on the listing status of the species in question), methods of documentation, and reporting of results. At a minimum, the Site-specific Species Protection Plan shall include the following measures:

• A qualified biologist will conduct one daytime and one nighttime survey within a 48-hour period preceding the onset of construction activities. Such surveys shall focus on wetlands, streams, ponds, riparian habitats, and areas within 200 feet of these features, but they shall also include a pedestrian survey of the entire impact area to survey for California tiger salamanders, western spadefoots, and western pond turtles in vegetation, under debris, in culverts, or in other areas that could provide refugia for these species.
• A qualified biologist shall conduct a special-status species survey on each morning of and prior to the scheduled work commencing.
• If no special-status amphibian or reptile is found within the activity area during a pre-activity survey, the work may proceed.
• If eggs or larvae of a special-status species are found, a buffer will be established around the location of the eggs/larvae and work may proceed outside of the buffer zone. No work will occur within the buffer Work within the buffer zone will be rescheduled until the time that eggs have hatched and/or larvae have metamorphosed, at which time the following measure shall be implemented.
• If adults or non-larval juveniles of a special-status species are present, the individuals will be allowed to leave the activity area undisturbed or captured and relocated by a qualified biologist (with USFWS and/or CDFW approval, depending on the listing status of the species in question), after which work may proceed. The candidate sites for relocation shall be identified before construction begins and shall be selected based on the size and type of habitat present, the potential for negative interactions with resident species, and the species’ range.

BMP BIO-6. Avoid and Minimize Impacts on Nesting Birds

Projects to install or construct trails, kiosks, restrooms, and other Parkway improvements and that occur between January 15 and August 31 shall be preceded by a survey for nesting birds. Activity areas will be checked by a qualified biologist for nesting birds no more than one week prior to starting work. If a lapse in project-related work of one week or longer occurs, another focused survey will be conducted before project work can be reinitiated.

If an active nest is found sufficiently close to the project work area (i.e., within 300 feet for raptors or 50 feet for non-raptors), a qualified biologist will determine the extent of a disturbance-free buffer zone to be established around the nest (typically 300 feet for raptors and 50 feet for non-raptors), to ensure that no nests of species protected by the MBTA and California Fish and Game Code will be disturbed during project construction. The buffer distance is measured as the straight-line distance between an active nest and the activity, taking both horizontal and vertical distance into account. No project-related activities shall be performed within the buffer until the young have fledged or the nest has been determined to be inactive by a qualified biologist. The boundary of each buffer zone will be marked with fencing, flagging, or other easily identifiable marking if work will occur immediately outside the buffer zone.

Reductions in the standard buffers (i.e., buffers less than 50 feet for non-raptors and less than 300 feet for raptors) may be allowed where circumstances suggest the birds will not abandon the active nest with a reduced buffer size. A qualified biologist will determine whether reducing the buffer is likely to substantially increase disturbance of nesting birds, taking into account the presence or absence of dense vegetation, topography, or structures that would block project activities from view; the life history and behavior of the bird species in question; and the nature of the proposed activity. If a reduced buffer is implemented, the biologist shall monitor bird behavior in relation to work activities. At a minimum, the biologist will monitor the baseline behavior of the birds for at least 30 minutes prior to the commencement of the activity (to determine the birds’ behavior in the absence of the activity) and for at least one hour immediately following the initiation of the activity, when response by the nesting birds to the novel activity is expected to be greatest. If the birds exhibit abnormal nesting behavior which may cause reproductive failure (e.g., nest abandonment and loss of eggs and/or young), such as agitated/defensive flights and vocalizations directed towards project personnel, birds standing up from a brooding position, birds flushing from the active nest, or cessation of provisioning of young with food, the disturbance-free buffer shall immediately be adjusted out to the standard buffer distance (300 feet for raptors and 50 feet for non-raptors) until the birds have resumed their normal behavior (e.g., incubation or feeding of young). After two hours with all work confined to the area outside the standard buffer, work would again be attempted in the area within the reduced buffer, and the process would be repeated to determine if the birds have habituated to the activity. If the process is repeated three times without the birds indicating that they are habituating to the activity, then the standard buffer will be maintained until the next day, when the process above would again be attempted. If the birds do not indicate that they are habituated to project activities during the initial two days of attempting work within a reduced buffer, the standard buffer shall be implemented. Project activities within the reduced buffers shall not resume until the qualified biologist confirms that the birds’ behavior has normalized, or until the nest is no longer active.

BMP BIO-7. Avoid and Minimize Impacts on Burrowing Owls

All projects to install or construct trails, kiosks, restrooms, and other Parkway improvements shall be preceded by an analysis of the results of the pre-construction survey (see BMP BIO-1), as well as information available from the CNDDB, the Master Plan Update EIR, and/or other suitable tools to determine whether potentially suitable habitat for burrowing owls is present in or adjacent to the project activity area. If the qualified biologist determines that potentially suitable habitat for burrowing owls is present, the following measures shall be implemented:

• Pre-construction surveys for burrowing owls shall be performed before project-related ground-disturbing activities commence. A survey to determine presence or absence of burrowing owls may be performed at any time to facilitate passive relocation efforts [which generally occurs during the nonbreeding season (generally September 1 to January 31)]. In addition, a pre-construction survey must be conducted no more than 15 days prior to the commencement of ground disturbing activities, to confirm the absence of burrowing owls. This survey will be conducted in all areas on and within 500 feet of the impact area, where access allows, and will be conducted in accordance with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s 2012 Staff Report on Burrowing Owl Mitigation or an updated version of this document.
• For burrowing owls present during the nonbreeding season (generally September to January 31), a 150-foot buffer zone will be maintained around the occupied burrow(s) if such a buffer is not practicable, then a buffer adequate to avoid injury or mortality of owls will be maintained, or the birds will be passively relocated. During the breeding season (generally February 1 to August 31), a 250-foot buffer, within which no new impactful activity will be permissible, will be maintained between project activities and occupied burrows. Owls present on the site after February 1 will be assumed to be nesting unless evidence indicates otherwise. This protected buffer area will remain in effect until August 31, or based upon monitoring evidence, until the young owls are foraging independently, or the nest is no longer active.

• If construction will directly impact occupied burrows, eviction of owls to prevent injury or mortality of individual owls should occur outside the nesting season. No burrowing owls will be evicted from burrows during the nesting season (February 1 through August 31) unless evidence indicates that nesting is not actively occurring (e.g., because the owls have not yet begun nesting early in the season, or because young have already fledged late in the season). Relocation of owls during the nonbreeding season will be performed by a qualified biologist using one-way doors, which should be installed in all burrows within the impact area and left in place for at least two nights. These one-way doors will then be removed, and the burrows backfilled immediately prior to the initiation of grading.

BMP BIO-8. Protection of Bat Colonies

All projects to install or construct trails, kiosks, restrooms, and other Parkway improvements, no matter what time of year, shall be preceded by an analysis of the results of the pre-construction survey (see BMP BIO-1), as well as information available from the CNDDB, the Master Plan Update EIR, and/or other suitable tools to determine whether suitable habitat (i.e., appropriate roost trees or anthropogenic structures) is present for bat colonies within 100 feet of the work site, staging areas, or access routes.

If potential bat colony habitat is determined to be present, within two weeks prior to the onset of work activities a qualified bat biologist will conduct a survey to look for evidence of bat use. If evidence is observed, or if potential roost sites are present in areas where evidence of bat use might not be detectable (such as a tree cavity), an evening survey and/or nocturnal acoustic survey may be necessary to determine if the bat colony is active and to identify the specific location of the bat colony.

If an active bat maternity colony is present, then the qualified biologist will make the following determinations:

• The work can proceed without unduly disturbing the bat colony.
• There is a need for a buffer zone to prevent disturbance to the bat colony, and implementation of the buffer zone (determined on a case-by-case basis by a qualified bat biologist) will reduce or eliminate the disturbance to an acceptable level.
• Work cannot proceed without unduly disturbing the active maternity colony; thus, construction work may only take place after July 31 and before March 1.

If a non-breeding bat hibernaculum is found in a tree or structure that must be removed or physically disturbed, the qualified biologist will consult with CDFW prior to initiating any removal or exclusion activities.

BMP BIO-9. Minimize Impacts on American Badgers

All projects to install or construct trails, kiosks, restrooms, and other Parkway improvements shall be preceded by an analysis of the results of the pre-construction survey (see BMP BIO-1), as well as information available from the CNDDB, the Master Plan Update EIR, and/or other suitable tools to determine whether potentially suitable habitat for American badgers is present in or adjacent to the project area. If the qualified biologist determines that potentially suitable habitat for badgers is present, the following measures shall be implemented:

• No more than 30 days before the start of construction activities, a qualified biologist shall conduct pre-construction surveys for American badgers within suitable habitat on the project site. If a potentially active den is found in a construction area, a burrow probe shall be used to determine the presence of badgers, or the den openings may be monitored with tracking medium or an infrared-beam camera for three consecutive nights to determine current use. Potential (inactive) dens within the limits of disturbance shall be blocked or excavated to prevent use during construction. If American badgers or active dens are detected during these surveys, the following measures shall be implemented.
• Disturbance of any American badger dens shall be avoided to the extent practicable. American badger dens are used for shelter, escape, cover, and reproduction, and are thus vital to the survival of American badgers. If present, occupied badger dens shall be flagged, and ground-disturbing activities avoided, within 50 feet of the occupied den during the nonbreeding season (July 1 through February 14). Dens determined to be occupied during the breeding season (February 15 through June 30) shall be flagged, and ground-disturbing activities avoided, within 200 feet to protect adults and nursing young. Buffers may be modified by the qualified biologist provided the badgers are protected.
• If avoidance of an active non-maternity den is not feasible, badgers shall be relocated by slowly excavating the burrow (either by hand or with mechanized equipment under the direct supervision of a qualified biologist) before or after the rearing season (February 15 through June 30). Any passive relocation of American badgers shall occur only under the direction of a qualified biologist.

BMP BIO-10. Construction Site Housekeeping

• Employees and contractors shall maintain the work site in neat and orderly conditions on a daily basis, and leave the site in a neat, clean, and orderly condition when work is complete.
• For activities that last more than one day, materials or equipment left on the site overnight shall be stored in a manner that avoids erosion, leaks, or other potential impacts to water quality.
• All trash that is brought to a project site (e.g., plastic water bottles, plastic lunch bags, cigarettes) shall be collected at the site daily and removed or stored in a secured container.

BMP BIO-11. Lighting

During construction and operation, any lights needed to illuminate construction areas, staging areas, recreational areas, interpretive centers, parking lots, kiosks, etc. shall be directed away from any adjacent sensitive wildlife habitat for sensitive wildlife.

Lighting in the Parkway shall be limited to reduce light pollution. Any lighting shall be Dark Sky certified or emit no light above horizontal. With the exception of public safety, lighting shall not occur in the vicinity of the wildlife corridor or a natural reserve, to the extent possible.

BMP BIO-12. Herbicide Use

A qualified biologist will determine presence/absence of sensitive resources in areas where the use of herbicides for invasive species management or habitat restoration is planned. A certified pest control advisor will then prepare a written recommendation including site-specific control methods (including the use of approved herbicides and surfactants), which shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

• All applications of herbicides and adjuvants shall occur in accordance with federal and state
• Herbicide application shall not occur when wind conditions may result in

BMP BIO-13. Restore Temporarily Impacted Habitats

Habitat types that support herbaceous vegetation and can be reestablished within one growing season of the impacts may be temporarily impacted by Parkway projects.

Areas over .5 acres in size where temporary, construction-related impacts have taken place shall be restored in accordance with a project Habitat Restoration and Revegetation Plan (HRRP). The plan shall prescribe restoration actions needed to treat disturbed soils and vegetation. The HRRP shall be developed by a qualified restoration ecologist, knowledgeable in in restoration of habitats dominated by herbaceous vegetation. The HRRP shall detail the process or processes to be implemented to restore the target habitats and shall, at a minimum, include the following project-specific information:

• Habitat impacts summary and proposed habitat restoration actions.
• The location of the restoration sites and existing site conditions.
• Restoration design including:
  • Proposed restoration site schedule.
  • Description of existing and proposed soils and hydrology,
• Site preparation requirements including soil amendments, if required.
• Invasive species eradication plan, if applicable.
• Planting plan.
• Maintenance plan.
• Monitoring measures, performance and success criteria.
• Monitoring methods, duration, and schedule.
• Contingency measures and remedial actions.

For projects under 0.5 acres in size where temporary, construction-related impacts have taken place, shall be restored to treat disturbed soils and plant herbaceous vegetation.

7.3.3 CULTURAL RESOURCES

BMP Cult 1- Evaluate Cultural Resources for Eligibility for Inclusion in the California Register of Historic Resources (CRHR), and Implement Appropriate Measures for Eligible Resources

The Conservancy shall ensure that all cultural resources identified prior to or during construction of the various proposed Project components will be evaluated for eligibility for inclusion in the CHRR. Where implementation of the proposed Project necessitates ground disturbance, a records search and pedestrian survey shall be conducted prior to construction. Resource evaluations will be conducted by qualified individuals who meet professional standards in archeology and architectural history. If any of the resources that are identified during this evaluation meet the eligibility criteria identified in PRC Section 5024.1 or PRC Section 21083.2 the Conservancy will develop and implement mitigation measures according to CEQA Guidelines section 1526.4(b) before construction begins or resumes.

For resources eligible for listing in the CRHR that would be rendered ineligible by project construction, the Conservancy shall implement mitigation measures selected from the following: avoidance; dedication of sites within parks, green-space or other open space; capping the site; or date recovery excavation. Mitigation measures for archaeological resources shall be developed in consultation with responsible agencies, including but not limited to the State Office of Historic Preservation and, as appropriate, interested parties such as Native American tribes.

Implementation of the approved mitigation would be required before beginning any construction activities with potential to affect identified eligible resources at the site.

BMP Cult-2 – Immediately Halt Construction if Cultural Resources are Discovered

If any cultural resources, such as structural features, unusual amounts of bone or shell, flaked or ground stone artifacts, historic-era artifacts, human remains, or architectural remains are encountered during any project construction activities, work shall be suspended immediately at the location of the find and within an appropriate radius of at least 50 feet. A qualified archaeologist shall conduct a field investigation of the specific site and recommend mitigation necessary for the protection or recovery of any cultural resource concluded by the archaeologist to represent a historical resource or unique archaeological resource.

BMP Cult-3 – Immediately Halt Construction if Human Remains are Discovered and Implement California Health and Safety Code.

If human remains are accidentally discovered during the proposed Project’s construction activities, the requirements of California Health and Human Safety Code section 7050.5 must be followed. Potentially damaging excavation must halt in the area of the remains, with a minimum radius of 50 feet, and the local County Coroner must be notified. The Coroner is required to examine all discoveries of human remains within 48 hours of receiving notice of a discovery on private or state lands (Health and Safety Code section 7050.50(b).) If the Coroner determines that the remains are those of a Native American, he or she must contact the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) by phone within 24 hours of making that determination (Health and Safety Code section 7050 (c) ). Pursuant to the provisions of the PRC section 5097.98, the NAHC shall identify a Most Likely Descendant (MLD). The MLD designated by the NAHC shall have at least 48 hours to inspect the site and propose treatment and disposition of the remains and any associated grave goods.

7.3.4 GEOLOGY AND SOILS

BMP GEO-1. Geology During construction:

• Any excavated topsoil shall be stockpiled and reused on-site.
• The construction contractor shall develop and comply with the provisions of an approved Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP).
• Disturbed slopes shall be hydroseeded and stabilized following disturbance.

7.3.5 AIR, NOISE, AND GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS

BMP GHG-1. Air Quality

• Encourage contractors to use alternative fueled construction equipment, minimize idling time, and require that equipment is properly tuned.

7.3.6 RECYCLING

BMP RECYCLING-1. Recycling

• Reduce waste generation by providing for recycling.

7.3.7 WILDFIRE HAZARDS

BMP FIRE-1. Fire Prevention

• All structures shall comply with County and CAL FIRE standards.
• Fire prevention measures shall be implemented including mowing shoulders of roads, parking areas and trails, buffers around buildings, and buffers at boundaries of Parkway lands if adjacent to urban development; and clearing ladder fuels around structures.

7.3.8 HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY

BMP WATER-1. NPDES

Comply with all Phase II Non Point Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit requirements for the construction. Submit a Notice of Intent (NOI) with the State Water Resource Control Board’s (SWRCB) Division of Water Quality. The contractor shall also be required to prepare a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP).

BMP WATER-2. SWPPP

Stormwater pollution prevention BMPs designed to prevent construction-related discharges into surface waters shall be implemented. These BMPs must consider erosion, sedimentation, and pollutant controls during construction and post-construction. These BMPs shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

• Requiring standard erosion control and slope stabilization measures in any area where erosion could lead to sedimentation of a waterbody;
• Performing major vehicle maintenance, repair jobs, and equipment washing at appropriate off-site locations;
• Regularly maintaining equipment to prevent fluid leaks. Any leaks shall be captured in containers until the equipment is moved to a repair A spill prevention and response plan shall be prepared prior to construction and shall be implemented immediately for cleanup of fluid or hazardous materials spills;
• Designating one area of the construction-site, well away from streams or storm drain inlets, for auto and equipment parking and routine vehicle and equipment maintenance;
• Cleaning-up spilled dry materials Spills are not to be “washed away” with water or buried;
• Using the minimum amount of water necessary for dust control;
• Cleaning-up liquid spills on paved or impermeable surfaces using “dry” cleanup methods (e.g. absorbent materials such as cat litter, and/or rags);
• Cleaning-up spills on dirt areas by removing and properly disposing of the contaminated soil;
• Storing stockpiled materials, wastes, containers and dumpsters under a temporary roof or secured plastic sheeting where they cannot enter into or be washed by rainfall or runoff into waters of the U.S./State or aquatic habitat.;
• Properly storing containers of paints, chemicals, solvents, and other hazardous materials in garages or sheds with double containment during rainy periods;
• Applying concrete, asphalt, and seal coat during dry weather. Keeping contaminants from fresh concrete and asphalt out of the storm drains and creeks by scheduling paving jobs during periods of dry weather and allowing new pavement to cure before storm water flows across it;
• Covering catch basins and manholes when applying seal coat, slurry seal and fog seal; and
• Operating no equipment in a live stream channel, unless

Post-construction, all runoff from new improvements shall be retained on-site. Engineered grading and drainage plans shall be prepared to show how additional stormwater will be managed.

Best management practices for treating, detaining, and percolating stormwater runoff, such as bioswales, bioretention areas and seasonal wetlands, shall be implemented.

BMP WATER-3. Wells

Prior to implementation any construction project, any existing wells currently in use and any future wells shall obtain the necessary water quality clearance and permits from the California Department of Public Health, Office of Drinking Water, and other California departments with jurisdiction of the testing and monitoring of potable water for a public water system.

BMP WATER-4. Flood Zone Work

Any work within designated flood zones shall conform to provisions established in local ordinances.

BMP WATER-5. Water Efficiency

New water fixtures shall be designed for low-flow and high-efficiency.

Parkway landscaped areas shall be designed to minimize water demand by using native and/or climate-appropriate plants where possible; limiting turf areas to areas that will be used as multiple-use meadows; and installing smart irrigation systems to avoid excessive water use.

BMP WATER-6. Trail Erosion

Trails shall be inspected periodically to ensure that any erosion issues are corrected.

7.3.9 HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

BMP HAZ-1. Construction Site Hazardous Materials and Wastewater Management

• An inventory of all hazardous materials used (and/or expected to be used) at the worksite and the end products that are produced (and/or expected to be produced) after their use shall be maintained by the worksite manager.
• As appropriate, containers shall be properly labeled with a “Hazardous Waste” label and hazardous waste will be properly recycled or disposed of off-site.
• Contact of chemicals with precipitation shall be minimized by storing chemicals in watertight containers with appropriate secondary containment to prevent any spillage or leakage.
• Quantities of toxic materials, such as equipment fuels and lubricants, shall be stored with secondary containment that is capable of containing 110 percent of the primary container(s).
• Petroleum products, chemicals, cement, fuels, lubricants, and non-storm drainage water or water contaminated with the aforementioned materials shall not contact soil and shall not be allowed to enter surface waters or a storm drainage system.
• All toxic materials, including waste disposal containers, shall be covered when they are not in use, and located as far away as possible from a direct connection to the storm drainage system or surface water.
• Sanitation facilities (e.g., portable toilets) shall be placed at least 100 feet away from the bank of a river, water channel, or pond.
• Sanitation facilities shall be regularly cleaned and/or replaced, and inspected daily for leaks and spills.

BMP HAZ-2. Parking Area Inspection

• Vehicle parking areas shall be periodically inspected for leaks. Offending vehicles shall be removed from the area when possible and leaked fluid shall be cleaned up using appropriate absorbent materials. Absorbent materials shall be placed in sealed containers and disposed of as hazardous waste.

For Figures 7-1, 7-2, and 7-3 please contact info@sjrc.ca.gov

For Tables 7-1 through 7-4 please contact info@sjrc.ca.gov

8.1 PENDING PARKWAY DEVELOPMENT

8.1.1 BOND FUNDS APPROVED BY VOTERS FOR PARKWAY DEVELOPMENT

Funds specifically allocated to the Conservancy to provide for Parkway capital development have been included in the following voter-authorized bonds:

In 2000, the voters of California approved the Safe Neighborhood Parks, Clean Water, Clean Air, and Coastal Protection Bond Act (Proposition 12), which contained $15 million for the Conservancy to acquire property and provide for habitat enhancement, public access, and recreation.

In 2000, the voters also approved the Safe Drinking Water, Clean Water, Watershed Protection, and Flood Protection Bond Act (Proposition 13) which contained $10 million for the Conservancy to acquire property.

The Clean Water, Clean Air, Safe Neighborhood Parks, and Coastal Protection Bond Act (Proposition 40, Resources Bond) approved by the voters in March 2002 included an additional $25 million for Parkway land acquisitions and public access and recreation projects.

The Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and Supply, Flood Control, River and Coastal Protection Bond Act (Proposition 84, 2006) included $36 million for the Conservancy to acquire property and provide for habitat enhancement, public access, and recreation.

The bond funds are authorized for acquisition, development, rehabilitation, restoration and protection of land and water resources to achieve the mission of the Conservancy. Bond funds may only be used for land acquisitions and capital improvement projects, not for operations, management, maintenance, administration, and other on-going programs.

The Water Quality, Supply, and Infrastructure Improvement Act (Proposition 1, 2014) included $10 million for San Joaquin River multi-benefit ecosystem and watershed protection and restoration projects implemented by the Conservancy (PRC §79731(g)). The bond fund allows the Conservancy to carry out local assistance and capital outlay projects associated with watershed climate change adaptation, river parkway restoration, state obligations of the SJR Restoration Program settlement, reducing wildfire risks and surface water pollution, and other projects consistent with Proposition 1, statewide priorities, and the Conservancy’s mission and plans.

As of the public release of this plan, the Conservancy has available a balance of approximately $34 million in voter-authorized bond funds to invest in future land acquisitions, and habitat restoration, watershed protection, public access and recreation, and environmental education projects. The Conservancy partners with other agencies and non-profit organizations to invest Conservancy bond funds in high- priority public access and recreation projects, where those projects will be operated and maintained by the partnering entity.

The Conservancy’s bond funds are appropriated in the California Wildlife Conservation Board’s (WCB’s) budget. Any acquisitions, improvements, or grants using these funds are at the direction of and require approval by the Conservancy, as well as the WCB.

The available bond funds will provide for significant development of the Parkway in the near term; however, they will not fund full build-out of the long-term planned Parkway. As the currently authorized bond funds are expended, other sources of funding for acquisition and development of the Parkway will need to be secured.

8.1.2 PRIORITIES FOR BUILDOUT

The Conservancy, in conjunction with its member agencies and nonprofit partners, has successfully secured for future generations almost two-thirds of the nearly 5,900 acres targeted in the San Joaquin River Conservancy Enabling Act for the Parkway, without the use of eminent domain. The San Joaquin River Conservancy has acquired 2,595 acres on the San Joaquin River for conservation and public access purposes along with 1,250 acres of other lands in public ownership within the Parkway before the Conservancy was created.

Achieving the Conservancy’s mission requires land acquisition and infrastructure development. All Conservancy land acquisitions and projects must be in conformance with the San Joaquin River Parkway Master Plan and Program Environmental Impact Report approved and certified by the Conservancy governing board in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act.

The Board sets priorities for specific acquisitions and projects based on extensive evaluations and recommendations by staff and the Conservancy’s Interagency Project Development Committee. The committee evaluates potential land acquisitions and capital improvement projects in light of established criteria. Site visits are included in the evaluation process.

THE LAND ACQUISITION PROGRAM

Conservancy land acquisitions for the Parkway must be offered by willing sellers and be within the Conservancy’s planning jurisdiction: the San Joaquin River floodplain and adjoining lands from Friant Dam to Highway 99. All of the lands acquired by the Conservancy to date have been held in state ownership and managed by the Conservancy or other state agencies. The Conservancy may award funds to assist local agency and nonprofit partners in acquiring lands, where this would more effectively accomplish Parkway development and management objectives. All lands must be purchased from willing sellers at no greater than fair market value as established by independent appraisers.

Acquiring lands to complete the 5,900-acre Parkway is the highest program priority, driven by development threats, real estate values, and the momentum of concurrent negotiations. The San Joaquin River Parkway is within the path of northern urban growth within Fresno County, and southeastern urban growth in Madera County.

The Interagency Project Development Committee is involved in making land acquisition recommendations to the Conservancy Board. In addition, an ad hoc subcommittee of the Conservancy Board may review the technical recommendations and make recommendations to the full Conservancy Board.

The Conservancy evaluates offered properties to prioritize potential acquisitions in light of established evaluation criteria, which may be expected to evolve over time. The Conservancy evaluates:

• Habitat values; the potential for habitat enhancement, connectivity for wildlife movement within the river corridor and other key linkages, such as tributary watersheds; benefits associated with the San Joaquin River Restoration Program;
• Cultural and historic resource values;
• Public access and recreation potential, river frontage, and connectivity for trails;
• Contiguous public lands and uses;
• Potential resources for management, potential lease/concession revenue; and
• Threats of urban/suburban development, need for conservation.

Final priorities for property acquisition consider price and terms of the negotiations and are set by the Board. The Conservancy does not have the power of eminent domain; therefore, the process of prioritizing lands to purchase is and must be flexible.

Land acquisitions funded by the Conservancy must be approved by the Conservancy Board and WCB (as long as the funds are appropriated to WCB). Working cooperatively, the Conservancy and WCB oversee appraisals, environmental site assessments, title documents, and negotiate purchase agreements. The State Lands Commission provides surveys of state sovereign lands to protect the state’s rights along the San Joaquin River.

As the state invests in these properties, the demand for public use is generated, and, after years of degradation, habitat restoration can proceed.

IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS:

Parkway projects include environmental enhancement and restoration, public access and recreation, education, cultural and natural resource conservation.

The Parkway Master Plan generally identifies the areas appropriate for wildlife habitat enhancement, natural and cultural resource conservation, and for managed low-impact recreation, public access, and outdoor education. As an ongoing planning process, the Conservancy, its member agencies, the Parkway Trust, other nonprofit organizations, and community stakeholders evaluate capital improvement needs. Site- and project-specific refinements are made over time.

While the Conservancy and its partners have been successful in acquiring land for future Parkway purposes, there are currently limited opportunities for the public to access acquired lands for recreation and education purposes. There is need and demand for improved public access.

Candidate projects to be sponsored or approved by the Conservancy must be consistent with the Parkway Master Plan. The Interagency Project Development Committee is involved in making improvement project recommendations to the Conservancy Board. The Conservancy evaluates possible projects in light of established evaluation criteria, which may be expected to evolve over time:

• Projects may proceed through the planning process if there is a potential long-term operator; a project may only proceed to final design and construction if an entity is committed to long-term operations and maintenance;
• Net new costs;
• Public demand and acceptance;
• Possible environmental impacts and benefits;
• Connectivity for trails, other public uses, and wildlife movement and habitat;
• Project readiness;
• The independent function of the project, without relying on future improvements;
• Serving an underserved population or user group;
• Achieving long term as well as short term benefits;
• Demonstrates Parkway success;
• Meets member and partner agency needs;
• Potential for grant or outside funding and in-kind support;
• Potential lease revenue, users fees, and concession operations;
• Complexity—multiple jurisdictions, competing interests and values;
• Capital, operations, and maintenance costs.

The Conservancy’s Proposition 1 Multi-Benefit Water Quality, Water Supply, Ecosystem and Watershed Protection and Restoration grants are is solicited, evaluated, and awarded competitively in accordance with adopted Guidelines.

Capital improvement projects funded by the Conservancy must be approved by the Conservancy Board and WCB boards (as long as the funds are appropriated to WCB). Implementation of preliminary design, environmental review, development of working drawings, and construction of improvements is phased to stay within appropriated funds and cash flow schedules, secure operations and maintenance resources, and develop functional, sustainable public facilities.

Any project must be conducted in accordance with an agreement among the Conservancy, WCB, and the contractor or local assistance grantee. The objectives, scope, and budget are developed under the direction of the Conservancy and WCB. The Conservancy may contract for and oversee projects directly; funds for Parkway projects may also be awarded by the Conservancy governing board to local agency and nonprofit partners.

Final documents for all habitat enhancement, watershed protection, public access and recreation planning projects funded via Conservancy-directed bond funds are maintained by the Conservancy and WCB and are made available to the public.

8.2 PARKWAY MANAGEMENT

The San Joaquin River ecosystem is dynamic, therefore, the Master Plan Update has a considerable degree of flexibility as it is carried out over time. Implementation will require adaptive management to achieve Parkway goals.

8.2.1 RECREATION AREAS

The Master Plan Update proposes more intensively developed hubs of Parkway recreation facilities near and adjacent to existing recreation facilities located at Lost Lake Park, the Coke Hallowell River Center, Woodward Park, and the crossing at Highway 41, and near Highway 99. Impacts of more intensive recreation will be reduced by improving and expanding these existing facilities rather than accommodating them at new locations along the river. Impacts can be minimized by using existing access routes, sharing support facilities, and concentrating uses away from environmentally and archaeologically sensitive areas. The proposed recreation areas will, where possible, capitalize on opportunities associated with the reclamation of former sand and gravel operations.

Parkway recreation areas will be linked by a continuous Parkway multi-use trail. The trail system will include surfaces for pedestrian, equestrian, bicycles and wheeled uses, and ADA accessible surfaces. There will be other trails that serve as feeders from pedestrian and bicycle routes in nearby urbanized areas. The internal trail system will include the Parkway multi-use trail and additional supplemental hiking, bicycling, and equestrian trails and narrow footpaths. In addition to the land-based trails, the river itself will serve as a blueway trail for non-motorized watercraft. Canoe facilities will include put-in and take-out areas, spaced to provide opportunities for canoe and paddling trips of varying lengths. Canoe rest areas with vault toilets will be located so as to reduce trespass problems on private land adjacent to the river.

Use levels should be monitored to ensure that facilities can handle demands. In protected areas, such as near or in the natural and ecological reserves, a permit system for certain activities, users fees, escorted tours in sensitive habitat areas, or other management techniques could be implemented. In sensitive areas access will be restricted to escorted, supervised or guided groups. Temporary trail or area closures may be necessary seasonally or at other times because of conditions such as flood hazard, agricultural spraying, or the presence of sensitive wildlife.

8.2.2 NATURAL AREAS

Focusing more intensive recreation areas adjacent to existing recreation and away from the river helps accommodate a continuous corridor of wildlife habitat, with buffers, along the length of the Parkway. Natural and ecological reserves adjoining or within the Parkway will be clearly demarcated to better protect these sensitive areas. The Conservancy will collaborate with CDFW, the SJR Restoration Program, and other regulatory agencies and jurisdictions with natural resource protection responsibilities to monitor, study, and gather data.

Monitoring will also be utilized to assess the status of habitat restoration projects and their use by wildlife. These analyses could determine the effectiveness of wildlife corridors, baseline conditions, and habitat succession.

8.2.3 SAFETY

Effective management and operation of the Parkway will be crucial to minimizing undesirable activities and unlawful conduct, improving acceptance by adjacent landowners, and protecting environmentally and archaeologically sensitive areas. Undesirable or unlawful activities such as vandalism, after-hours use, and loitering should be controlled with a regular patrol presence by working with local law enforcement agencies.

Adjacent landowners have expressed concerns regarding trespass, vandalism, and other undesirable activities. While these fears are understandable, and sometimes based on past experiences, they are generally absent in well-managed parkland. The experiences of landowners adjacent to similar facilities throughout California show that in most cases the undesirable activities are actually reduced when open land or land with no obvious purpose becomes a trail or other recreational facility with proper management. One such study documented landowner attitudes before and after a trail was developed and showed that in most cases, landowners had a better-than-expected experience living next to the trail (East Bay Regional Park District; A Trails Study, Neighbor and User Viewpoints, 1978). The presence of legitimate users and park personnel in the Parkway will discourage undesirable activities and unlawful conduct, thereby creating a climate where those activities will not be tolerated and where there will be a larger number of potential witnesses to report inappropriate conduct.

The creation of controlled, gated access with the payment of a day-use fee will deter entrance by persons with no legitimate recreational pursuit. In addition, cooperation should be sought from private parties having legal control of access routes into the river bottom to reduce opportunities for persons to enter the Parkway and nearby private property and engage in undesirable conduct.

A ”Park Watch” program, with appropriate signs throughout the Parkway, could be implemented to encourage visitors and residents to be alert and report suspicious activities to law enforcement authorities.

Vandalism can be reduced by regular maintenance and cleaning of Parkway facilities. Vandalism is less likely to occur when a high level of maintenance is visible.

A volunteer program to supplement maintenance of the Parkway should be encouraged when problems occur. Volunteers should limit their assistance to reporting undesirable or unlawful activities to law enforcement personnel.

Interpretative programs offer an effective method of managing visitors and informing them about the Parkway and its sensitive and fragile features.

8.3 OPERATIONS AND MANAGEMENT

Secure resources for comprehensive and long-term operation and maintenance (O & M) of the Parkway have not been identified. At the time the Conservancy was established one school of thought was that the entire Parkway would eventually be operated and maintained as a single entity, perhaps becoming a unit of the California Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR). Over the last decade or so, a variety of challenges associated with operating and managing a river corridor as diverse as the San Joaquin River Parkway have become evident. A more gradual and practical approach has evolved to handle the operating and maintenance needs of the Parkway, which is still a work in progress.

Parkway operations, maintenance and management resources must be developed and sustained. Adequate long term management resources must be identified before each project is authorized for construction. The Conservancy and its partners are working to develop long-term strategies for operating and maintaining the Parkway through cooperative projects, public and political support, stewardship agreements and leases, and other opportunities. As part of the Master Plan Update process, an O & M FUNDING TOOLBOX: An Analysis of Options for Funding Ongoing Operations and Maintenance was developed; see Appendix B. The funding toolbox identifies appropriate resources and strategies for maintaining and operating projects identified in the Master Plan Update and makes the following recommendations:

• Continue to use the mosaic model for providing services for the near to mid-term.
• Look first to established entities with previous partner experience.
• Expand the support from user fees where possible.
• Expand the support from concession and lease agreements where possible.
• Capture the value added to private real estate.
• Cultivate relationships with one or more foundations and seek endowments.
• Monitor growing public support for a general regional tax support measure.
• Strategically foster general public support.
• Tactically consider specific opportunities as they arise.

See Appendix B for additional information on O&M strategies.

The Master Plan Update has benefitted from the guidance, involvement and review of the Interagency Project Development Committee and a technical advisory committee consisting of representatives of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, California Department of Parks and Recreation, Wildlife Conservation Board, State Lands Commission, County of Madera, and San Joaquin River Parkway & Conservation Trust. City of Fresno Planning Department staff have been consulted to provide coordination between the Parkway Master Plan Update and the 2014 City of Fresno General Plan, which was being updated during the development of this Master Plan Update.

San Joaquin River Conservancy

Melinda Marks, Executive Officer

Joshua Morgan, Staff Services Analyst

Technical Advisory Committee

Eric Gilles, State Lands Commission

Kent Gresham, California Department of Parks and Recreation

Scott McFarlin, Wildlife Conservation Board

Jeff Single, California Department of Fish and Wildlife

Matt Treber, County of Madera

Sharon Weaver, San Joaquin River Parkway & Conservation Trust

Interagency Project Development Committee

Lee Ayres, TreeFresno

Michelle Banonis, US Bureau of Reclamation

Keith Bergthold, City of Fresno

David Chavez, County of Fresno Public Works and Planning Department

Dave Encinas, California Department of Water Resources

Alicia Forsythe, US Bureau of Reclamation

Eric Gilles, State Lands Commission

Steve Greer, City of Madera

Kent Gresham, California Department of Parks and Recreation

Gerald Hatler, California Department of Fish and Wildlife

Steve Haze, San Joaquin Valley Leadership Forum

Dave Koehler, San Joaquin River Parkway & Conservation Trust

Deborah Kruse, San Joaquin Valley Leadership Forum

Rachel Locke, San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservation Trust

Scott McFarlin, Wildlife Conservation Board

Leona Montalvo, County of Madera

Cheryl Moxley, California Department of Fish and Wildlife

Paul Romero, California Department of Water Resources

Daniel Rourke, Fresno Metropolitan Flood Control District

Jeff Single, California Department of Fish and Wildlife

Richard Sloan, RiverTree Volunteers

Mark Somma, RiverTree Volunteers

Steve Starcher, San Joaquin River Stewardship Program

John Thompson, County of Fresno

Krista Tomlinson, California Department of Fish and Wildlife

Matt Treber, County of Madera

Laura Wass, Many Lightnings Native American Legacy Center

Sharon Weaver, San Joaquin River Parkway & Conservation Trust

Eric VonBerg, URS Corp.

Irma Yepez-Perez, City of Fresno

Michelle Zumwalt, City of Fresno Planning and Development Department

CONSERVANCY BOARD

Manuel Nevarez, County of Madera

Steve Brandau, City of Fresno

Andreas Borgeas, Fresno County Board of Supervisors

Donald Holley, City of Madera

Barbara Goodwin, Fresno Metropolitan Flood Control District

Carl Janzen, Madera Irrigation District

Jeffrey Single, California Department of Fish and Wildlife

Kent Gresham, California Department of Parks and Recreation

John Donnelly, Wildlife Conservation Board

Patrick Kemp, Natural Resources Agency

Michael McKown, State Lands Commission

Karen Finn, Department of Finance

Bryn Forhan

Paul Gibson

Carolyn Nolan

CONSULTANT TEAM

PlaceWorks

2M Associates

H.T. Harvey & Associates

Blair, Church & Flynn Consulting Engineers

Sierra Valley Cultural Planning

C2 Consult Corp.

Land Economics Consultants