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DATE: |
May 1, 2024 and June 5, 2024 |
01 |
SUBJECT
SET HEARING FOR JUNE 5, 2024:
SANTA YSABEL COUNTY PRESERVE - APPROVE ACQUISITION OF APPROXIMATELY 540 ACRES OF OPEN SPACE PRESERVE FROM SANTA YSABEL RANCH, LLC AND RELATED CEQA EXEMPTION (5/1/2024 - SET HEARING; 6/5/2024 - HOLD HEARING) (DISTRICT: 5)
Title
Body
OVERVIEW
The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) enhances the quality of life in San Diego County by providing exceptional parks and recreation experiences and preserving natural resources. A core aspect of DPR’s conservation program is acquiring open space lands that support sensitive species and habitat. DPR has identified approximately 540 acres of vacant land available and has entered into an agreement to purchase the property adjacent to the existing Santa Ysabel County Preserve in Santa Ysabel. If acquired, the existing approximately 6,370-acre Santa Ysabel County Preserve would be expanded to approximately 6,900 acres, conserving chamise chaparral, Engelman oak woodland, and grassland habitat.
This acquisition enhances conservation under the Multiple Species Conservation Program (MSCP) set by federal and State requirements for special status species conservation. It also supports multiple County of San Diego (County) sustainability goals, habitat and biodiversity, biological connectivity, greenhouse gas reductions, and benefits water and air quality.
Through the County’s MSCP Program, the County has acquired over 46,200 acres of open space land for conservation within the three MSCP Subareas. The acreage of preserve lands within the three MSCP Plan Areas include approximately: 14,000 acres within the South County Plan Area, 25,000 acres within the draft North County Plan Area, and 7,200 acres within the proposed East County Plan Area. This acquisition would add 222 acres to the draft North County Plan Area and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 282 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per year. Additionally, conservation of the property provides flood control benefits and protection of water quality.
The County entered into an Option Agreement with the Santa Ysabel Ranch, LLC (Seller) for the purchase of approximately 540 acres as portions of Assessor’s Parcel Numbers 247-010-05-00, 247-031-02-00, 247-040-05-00, 247-062-01-00 (Property) for the appraised value of $4,304,000 ($8,000±/acre).
Today’s request is for the Board of Supervisors (Board) to set a hearing for June 5, 2024, to consider approval of the purchase of the Property, and to direct the Clerk of the Board to provide public notice of the hearing. If the Board approves the request on June 5, 2024, after making the necessary findings, the Board will be requested to authorize the Director, Department of General Services (DGS) to purchase the Property from the Seller for the appraised value of $4,304,000. The total one-time County cost, including property acquisition, staff time, and initial stewardship is $4,792,000. Funds for this request are included in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-24 Operational Plan of the Multiple Species Conservation Program Acquisition Fund. The annual costs to manage the Property are $79,458, including ongoing stewardship, fire abatement, and supervision of the preserve. These ongoing costs are included in the FY 2023-24 Operational Plan for the Department of Parks and Recreation.
RECOMMENDATION(S)
CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
On May 1, 2024:
1. Set a hearing for June 5, 2024, at which time the Board of Supervisors (Board) may authorize the Director, Department of General Services (DGS), to exercise the option to purchase portions of Assessor’s Parcel Numbers (APNs) 247-040-05-00, 247-010-05-00, 247-031-02-00, and 247-062-01-00 from Santa Ysabel Ranch, LLC for the appraised value of $4,304,000.
2. Direct the Clerk of the Board to provide notice of the June 5, 2024, hearing via publication of notice as required by law.
If, on May 1, 2024, the Board takes the actions recommended in Items 1-2 above, then on June 5, 2024:
1. Find that the proposed acquisition of portions of APNs 247-040-05-00, 247-010-05-00, 247-031-02-00, and 247-062-01-00 are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Sections 15301, 15311, 15313, 15316, and 15325 of the State CEQA Guidelines.
2. Authorize the Director, DGS, or designee to exercise the option to purchase portions of APNs 247-040-05-00, 247-010-05-00, 247-031-02-00, and 247-062-01-00 from Santa Ysabel Ranch, LLC for the appraised value of $4,304,000.
3. Authorize the Director, DGS, or designee to execute all documents, including, escrow documents, necessary to complete the purchase of portions of APNs 247-040-05-00, 247-010-05-00, 247-031-02-00, and 247-062-01-00.
EQUITY IMPACT STATEMENT
The Department of Parks and Recreation Conservation Program’s acquisition of properties with high-quality habitat is anticipated to result in positive public health impacts by improving water and air quality for all residents. The acquisition of the Property is within the Santa Ysabel and Julian community areas and will contribute acreage to multiple sustainability efforts, including expanding the draft North County Multiple Species Conservation Plan preserve area by approximately 540 acres and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 670 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per year. Acquisition of conservation land reduces emissions that would have occurred if the land were developed and prevents the loss of critical habitat.
SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT STATEMENT
The proposed acquisition supports multiple County of San Diego (County) Sustainability Goals. Acquisition of the approximately 540-acre property supports County Sustainability Goal No. 3 and the County’s Climate Action Plan by contributing to greenhouse gas reductions by approximately 670 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per year through preservation of open space. The proposed acquisition site supports County Sustainability Goal No. 4 by expanding opportunities for community members to access outdoor recreation and nature and County Sustainability Goal No. 6 by expanding open space adjacent to native ecosystems and habitats.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funds for this request are included in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-24 Operational Plan of the Multiple Species Conservation Program (MSCP) Acquisition Fund. If approved on June 5, 2024, this request will result in total one-time project costs for the Property of $4,845,900 in FY 2023-24 which includes $4,304,000 for property acquisition; $40,000 staff time and appraisal reports to complete the transaction; $4,900 for closing and title costs; and $497,000 in one-time land improvement costs (including $470,000 for comprehensively updating the existing Santa Ysabel County Preserve Resource Management Plan and initial species monitoring, and $27,000 to conduct initial stewardship that features signage, access control, and vegetation management, land surveying, and other supplies and services and ongoing management). The funding source is available prior year General Fund fund balance ($4,845,900).
Total annual ongoing costs for assessments, monitoring, and operations and management of the Property are estimated at $79,458, itemized as follows: $158 for fixed charge assessments for vector control, approximately $15,000 for adaptive management and biological monitoring, $64,300 for annual total operating costs for managing the site, including the addition of one (1) temporary Park Attendant position. Ongoing costs and funding sources are included in the FY 2023-24 Operational Plan of the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR). The funding source is existing DPR General Purpose Revenue. There will be no change in net General Fund cost and no additional staff years.
BUSINESS IMPACT STATEMENT
N/A
Details
ADVISORY BOARD STATEMENT
N/A
BACKGROUND
The Department of Parks and Recreation’s (DPR) mission is to enhance the quality of life in San Diego County by providing exceptional parks and recreation experiences and preserving natural resources. The San Diego region has one of the most diverse habitats in the United States with over 200 special-status species inhabiting the region. These species are listed or candidates to be listed under the Federal Endangered Species Act, California Endangered Species Act, State Species of Special Concern, or are found on other watch lists. In support of DPR’s mission to conserve at least 500 acres per year of biologically valuable native habitats and wildlife for current and future generations to enjoy, DPR focuses on conservation through many different program elements. A key element in DPR’s conservation program is the acquisition, management, and monitoring of open space lands to protect and preserve sensitive resources and to provide additional opportunities for passive recreation to enhance the quality of life for community members and build healthier communities.
The County of San Diego (County) identified approximately 540 acres of open space land in Santa Ysabel (Property) that met the criteria for conservation. The Property is subject to Agricultural Land Conservation Contract 6490 4900 dated February 9, 1972 (“AG Contract”). The acquisition of the Property by the County, meets the requirements of the AG Contract. The Property contributes to regional conservation due to the high-quality habitat and biodiversity, biological connectivity, access, and value. The Property is directly adjacent to the existing Santa Ysabel County Preserve and provides connectivity to public lands by expanding the existing Santa Ysabel County Preserve to the north. If acquired, the existing approximately 6,370-acre Santa Ysabel County Preserve would be expanded to over 6,900 acres. Acquiring this land would conserve large, adjacent areas of chamise chaparral, Engelman oak woodland, and grassland habitat.
This acquisition meets the DPR standard for conservation under the Multiple Species Conservation Program (MSCP) set by federal and state requirements for special status species conservation. DPR evaluates multiple factors when considering open space land for potential acquisition and inclusion into County Preserves, including biology, connectivity, accessibility, and value. The Property includes quality habitat that supports regional biodiversity and is within the draft North County MSCP Plan Area. Connectivity is another factor DPR considers. The Property’s connectivity to the existing Santa Ysabel County Preserve makes long-term management and stewardship more efficient because the same operational team can perform those functions. The contiguity between the Property and Santa Ysabel County Preserve allows for conservation of the habitat and wildlife corridors. Accessibility to acquired lands is another factor considered. DPR must be able to access all its lands to meet stewardship and monitoring requirements as well as potential access to the public for passive recreation and environmental education where appropriate. The Property is accessible for proper stewardship, monitoring, and management needs. Lastly, DPR considers financial and economic value to ensure that public resources are wisely invested. The appraised value of the approximately 540 acres is $4,304,000 ($8,000±/acre), which has been determined to be fair and reasonable.
The unincorporated county is comprised of three MSCP Plan Areas: the adopted South County Subarea Plan, the draft North County Plan, and the future East County Plan. Each MSCP Plan has been or will be designed to meet the needs of the habitats and species located within the respective Plan Area’s unique geography. The Property is within the MSCP draft North County Plan Area. The MSCP is a long term, regional habitat conservation program focused on balancing the protection of plant and animal species with recreation, development, and agricultural activities within San Diego County. This unique regional conservation program works across jurisdictional boundaries, protects watersheds and water quality, and accommodates future growth by simplifying building regulations. It also ensures compliance with the Federal Endangered Species Act, State Endangered Species Act, and State Natural Communities Conservation Planning Act and associated permits. On October 28, 2020 (6), the Board directed staff to develop a plan for the draft MSCP North County Plan Area, like the plan that is currently in place for the MSCP South County Subarea Plan. The draft North County MSCP Plan will cover the northwestern portion of the county. The draft MSCP North County Plan is anticipated to be completed by Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26. The eastern portion of the county is covered by the future MSCP East County Plan. Each MSCP Plan has been or will be designed to meet the needs of the habitats and species located within its respective Plan area’s unique geography. All three MSCP Plans comprise the County’s MSCP Program.
DPR’s analysis of potential open space acquisitions includes a sustainability perspective with a cross-departmental Acquisition Roundtable team consisting of staff from the Land Use & Environment Group, DGS, the Department of Public Works (DPW), the Department of Environmental Health and Quality (DEHQ), Planning & Development Services (PDS), and Agriculture, Weights and Measures. This coordination will ensure alignment with the County’s sustainability efforts including habitat and species conservation, connectivity, public access, flood and stormwater control, fire risk reduction, groundwater conservation, water and air quality, and achievement of greenhouse gas emission reductions and other climate goals under the Climate Action Plan (CAP) update and Regional Decarbonization Framework. The Property was presented to the Acquisition Roundtable and received support from PDS, DEHQ, and DPW as the proposed acquisition of open space would have positive benefits to these programs. DGS is an Internal Service department and supports on the real estate tasks associated with the Acquisition Roundtable. PDS confirmed that acquiring this property supports the 2018 CAP Measure T-1.1 goal of preserving 438 acres of open space land per year that could otherwise be developed and reducing greenhouse gas emissions as well as adding preserve acreage to the draft North County Plan Area. DEHQ reviewed the site and confirmed the site is environmentally sound. Additionally, conservation of the property provides flood control benefits and protection of water quality.
Today’s request is for the Board of Supervisors (Board) to set a hearing for June 5, 2024, to consider approval of the purchase of the Property and direct the Clerk of the Board to provide public notice of the hearing. If the Board approves the request on June 5, 2024, after making the necessary findings, the Board will be requested to authorize the Director, Department of General Services to purchase the Property from the Seller for the appraised value of $4,304,000. The total one-time County cost, including property acquisition, staff time, and initial stewardship is $4,845,900. Funds for this request are included in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-24 Operational Plan of the Multiple Species Conservation Program Acquisition Fund. The annual costs to manage the Property are $79,458, including ongoing stewardship, fire abatement, and supervision of the preserve. These ongoing costs are included in the FY 2023-24 Operational Plan.
ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT
Acquisition of the Property and associated actions are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15301 (Existing Facilities), 15311 (Accessory Structures), 15313 (Acquisition of Lands for Wildlife Conservation Purposes), 15316 (Transfer of Ownership of Land in Order to Create Parks) and 15325 (Transfers of Ownership of Interest in Land to Preserve Existing Natural Conditions and Historical Resources).
Section 15301 is applicable because initial stewardship activities may include repair of existing fencing and signage. Additionally, fuel management activities will be performed to ensure conformance with applicable fire code standards. Section 15311 is appropriate because new on-site signage may be needed. Sections 15313 and 15325 are applicable because the land is being acquired for preservation of natural resources. Section 15316 is applicable because the land is being acquired for park purposes, the land is in natural condition, and no management plan has been prepared.
The project is not subject to any of the exceptions to Categorical Exemptions listed in Section 15300.2 of the CEQA Guidelines. Any new uses of the Property will be subject to funding and environmental review.
LINKAGE TO THE COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO STRATEGIC PLAN
Today’s proposed action to acquire land for conservation purposes supports the Sustainability Initiative in the County of San Diego’s 2024-2029 Strategic Plan by protecting natural resources, diverse habitats, and sensitive species as well as providing recreational opportunities that enrich residents’ quality of life.
Respectfully submitted,
dahvia lynch
Interim Deputy Chief Administrative Officer
ATTACHMENT(S)
Attachment A - Location Map
Attachment B - Site Map