DATE: January 15, 2002
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT: Reopening the Corridor Between Goodan Ranch / Sycamore Canyon Open Space Preserves and the Cities of Santee and San Diego

SUMMARY:
Overview
Today's proposal will set in motion the process of working with the United States Marine Corps to survey, appraise, and seek legislation for the possible transfer of approximately 350 acres of Marine Corps Air Station Miramar property to the County of San Diego for the purpose of reopening the historic north-south corridor between Goodan Ranch / Sycamore Canyon Open Space Preserves and the cities of Santee and San
Diego.

Recommendations
SUPERVISOR DIANNE JACOB:
1. Authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to make County staff available to the Marine Corps as needed to assist in surveying and appraising the approximately 350 acres of Marine Corps property which lie between Goodan Ranch / Sycamore Canyon Open Space Preserves and the cities of Santee and San Diego.

2. Authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to make County staff available to work with the Marine Corps in the event that federal legislation is needed to authorize the possible transfer of the surveyed land into County ownership.

3. Authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to research potential funding sources for the purchase of the appraised land, and to contact prospective partners regarding operations and maintenance of the property.

Fiscal Impact
The proposed actions can be accomplished with existing staff resources. There is no fiscal impact to the FY 2001-2002 budget.

BACKGROUND:
Between the 2,143 acres of open space in Goodan Ranch and Sycamore Canyon and the cities of Santee and San Diego lie approximately 350 acres of sensitive habitat, currently owned and managed by the United States Marine Corps. These parcels, located along the eastern-most boundary of the Marine Corps Air Station·Miramar, provide a wildlife corridor between Mission Trails Regional Park to the south and the Goodan Ranch / Sycamore Canyon Open Space Preserves to the north and east.

Formerly, this four mile stretch of land also provided public access from the historic town of Stowe to what is now Mission Trails Regional Park in San Diego, as well as Santee Lakes Recreational Area in Santee. The Stowe Trail, or Old County Survey Road #55, still exists within the boundary of the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. However, as the property is restricted to military use, any public activity on the land is considered illegal trespassing. The possibility now exists to transfer title to this portion of the Marine Corps property to the County of San Diego for park use. If this transfer is approved, the wildlife corridor can continue to be preserved, and legal public access to the property and to the Stowe Trail can be reopened.

Today's proposal sets in motion the process of working with the United States Marine Corps to survey and appraise approximately 350 acres of Marine Corps Air Station·Miramar property. Should acquisition of the land by the County become a reality, this proposal also begins the process of seeking the necessary legislation to authorize the transfer of federal land into County ownership. Finally, it authorizes the Chief Administrative Officer to seek funding for the possible acquisition of the land, and to contact other potential partners regarding operations and maintenance of the property.

The ultimate goal of acquiring this corridor is truly a rare opportunity. Returning the Stowe Trail and surrounding habitat to the people of San Diego County creates a win-win situation for both the public and the Marine Corps.

I urge your support.

Respectfully submitted,

DIANNE JACOB
Supervisor, Second District