Date: July 18, 2001
To: Board of Supervisors
Subject: ESTABLISHING THE SANTA MARIA RIVER PARK

Summary:
The recommended action directs the Chief Administrative Officer to work with interested parties to identify and obtain funding to acquire land along the Santa Maria Creek, within the North County Multiple Species Conservation Program (MSCP) planning sub-area, to establish the Santa Maria River Park in Ramona.

Recommendations:
SUPERVISOR DIANNE JACOB:
1. Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to work with interested individuals and organizations to identify potential sources of funding and willing sellers of land for the establishment of the Santa Maria River Park within the North County MSCP planning sub-area, stretching approximately five miles from the rural area of Ramona to its urbanized area along Main Street.

2. Direct the Chief Administrative Officer and the County's Washington, D.C. and Sacramento representatives to work with the County's state and federal legislators and other interested parties to secure funding for the establishment of the Santa Maria River Park.

Fiscal Impact:
There is no fiscal impact related to this proposal.

BACKGROUND:
Since the inception of the Multiple Species Conservation Program, the County has acquired open space lands in an effort to preserve habitats and ensure a balance between new development and the protection of the County's pristine back country. This action would further these efforts by taking the first step toward the establishment of the Santa Maria River Park in Ramona. River parks enable San Diego County's citizens to enjoy one of San Diego's most precious natural resources, while, at the same time, maintaining habitats for our indigenous species. In this sense, a river park along Santa Maria Creek would enhance the quality of life in the unincorporated area by providing a new park for recreation and by expanding the MSCP.

From this perspective, the river park serves two functions: 1) to establish a park that both enhances a community and preserves its rural character and 2) to protect species and habitats that represent an invaluable part of San Diego's resources. With the creation of this park, community members would benefit from additional trails, a buffer between their homes and surrounding non-residential areas, increased flood protection, and natural filtering of runoff water flowing into the creek. The open space would also preserve numerous habitats in the area.

With this action, the Board of Supervisors promotes San Diego's natural beauty and helps preserve an important local ecosystem. By taking these steps and expanding the MSCP, this Board can continue to protect San Diego's natural resources and ensure that they exist for the enjoyment of not only this generation but also future generations.

I urge your support.

Respectfully Submitted,

DIANNE JACOB
Supervisor, Second District