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Home My WebLink About1991-02-06 - AGENDA REPORTS - NEW CITY EMPLOYEES (2)PRESENTATION DATE: SUBJECT: DEPARTMENT: 'A - r AGENDA REPORT City Manager Approval Item to be presented George Caravalho February 6, 1991 INTRODUCTION OF NEW CITY EMPLOYEES City Manager's Office BACKGROUND Presentation and introduction of new employees to the City Council. City Manager's Office - Ken Pulskamp Michael Murphy — Intergovernmental Relations Officer Debra Porter - Receptionist Clerk Community Development - by Lynn Harris Bruce Abbott - Associate Planner Diana Atlas - Graphics Intern Finance & General Services - by Andrea Daroca Delana Camusi - Accounting Intern Parks & Recreation - by Jeff Kolin Glenn Bogna - Groundskeeper I Larry French - Groundskeeper II/Arborist Frank Hogan - Park Supervisor Marie Paneno - Child Care Coordinator Agenda Item:__ __ I CITY OF SANTA CLARITA I N T E R O F F I C E M E M O R A N D U M TO: Mayor and City Council City Manager FROM: Jeff Kolin, Director of Parks and Reation DATE: February 6, 1991 SUBJECT: The Santa Clara River Recreation and Water Features Study BACKGROUND Many times during the development of the General Plan, discussion of plans for future recreation and park developments, community meetings, and conversations with residents of the Santa Clarita Valley about what they valued in their community the Santa Clara River has been repeatedly mentioned as a key asset to preserve and enhance in our community. The City of Santa Clarita included in its 1989-90 fiscal year budget an appropriation of $70,000 for consultant fees to develop a Recreation Water Features Study for the Santa Clara. River.. BSI Consultants, Inc. was selected to work with staff and a citizen task force to develop a long range conceptual plan for the development of recreation and water features on the Santa Clara River. Work began on the Santa Clara River Study in August of 1990. A twenty-six member task force was formed by the City to work with staff and the consultants to develop the Santa Clara River Study. City, State, and Federal regulatory agencies, land owners, and local special interest groups including representatives from the City of Santa Clarita Parks and Recreation Commission, U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, the Los Angeles County Public Works Department, the California. Department of Fish and Game, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Canyon Country Chamber of Commerce, the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Santa, Clarita Civic Association, Runners Association, Bicycle Clubs, Historical Society, and several local environmental organizations helped make up the task force. The first two of the task force meetings encompassed a review of the river's constraints, existing conditions, potential recreation uses, and the procedures and policies of the agencies involved with the task force. A great deal of the background and base information necessary to complete the study had to be gathered from other agencies. As a new City, the City of Santa Clarita had very little existing documentation on the river and its dynamics. A great deal of assistance was provided by the public agencies participating in the study, in particular the County Public Works Department and the water agencies were very helpful. A public workshop was held the evening preceding the third task force meeting. It was conducted by the Parks and Recreation Department with assistance from the National Parks Service Rivers and Trails Conservation Assistance Program, and the BSI Consultant team. Members of the public were encouraged to attend the meeting and share their ideas and knowledge of the river with the consulting team and staff in order to brainstorm on ideas for the river and help create a base map and recreational wish list. The following day a half-day brainstorming workshop was held for task force members conducted by the BSI Consulting team. The purpose of both of these workshops was to stimulate ideas for water and recreational opportunities. The consulting team presented a visual representation of similar successful projects and discussed feasibility of developing the river and how this development would affect the community as a whole. Succeeding meetings were devoted to the discussion of specific issues such as water resources,, landscape, preserving/promoting wildlife habitat, geology, hydrology, flood control measures and recreational uses, connections, access, and bridges. The task force's and public's biggest concerns were the river' s. potential water resources, and preserving the wildlife. habitat which includes two endangered species. BSI Consultants developed three scenario alternatives based on the ideas and findings of the task force committee and public workshops. At the fourth meeting the group chose features from each plan to develop a.consensus on a final river corridor plan. This river corridor plan along with the three scenarios originally developed by the task force will be presented to the City Council this evening. A diagram depicting the river study process is also included for the Council's information as Attachment A. The outcome of the river study process so far has been the development of a consensus which was facilitated by the open-minded attitude of the task force members and the advantages of having such a diverse human resource of information concerning the community's culture and heritage and the river's ecological, water, and hydrological resources. In the beginning, many task force members had mixed feelings ranging from cautious skepticism to enthusiasm toward the feasibility of creating a recreation resource along the dry river. However, the impact of community citizens working alongside the consulting team was invaluable, and an appreciation for the .economic, environmental, and recreational benefits of developing the Santa Clara River was cultivated throughout the community as a result of the planning and design process used for the Santa Clara River Recreation and Water Features Study. The draft study has been presented to the Parks and Recreation Commission at a study session on January 7. At this study session the Commission discussed in detail the plans, recommendations, and information. Representatives of the William S. Hart Youth Baseball and Softball League attended the. meeting and voiced concerns regarding the proposed river plaza identified in the Santa Clara River Study. The league feared that the proposed river plaza project would displace them from their existing youth athletic facilities located at the confluence of the south fork of the Santa Clara and the Santa Clara River. The Commission asked the Director of Parks and Recreation to meet with Don Cruikshank, the league president and revise the language in this section of the report to their satisfaction. The Parks and Recreation Commission met again at their regularly scheduled meeting on January 14 and adopted revised language for the river plaza section of the report which had been developed jointly by the Director of Parks and Recreation and the President of theWilliamS. Hart Youth Baseball and Softball League. This revised language was approved by the Commission and inserted into the report. The revisions are included in Attachment B. The Parks and Recreation Commission gave their consensus. approval of the Draft River Study. The draft study has also been presented to the Planning Commission at a study session held on January 24. The Planning Commission received a detailed presentation on the study, the task force process, and the recommendations and issues highlighted in the study itself. Representatives of the BSI Consultants, Inc. team were present to answer questions, as was the Director of Parks and Recreation. The Commission expressed support in concept of the study and its long range planning objectives. The' Commission did raise several specific questions and issues which it felt should be resolved prior to implementation of the study and its use as a tool in making decisions for futurd development projects. The Planning Commission concurred with staff that the study is not a regulatory document or ordinance, and that although there is substantial detail in the study, additional direction from City Council is needed for implementation. Specifically, the Planning Commission asked that staff request that the City Council provide them with direction as to the implementation direction it wishes to take for the Santa Clara River Study. Adequate direction must be given to staff on the issues of building in the flood plain, and the use of buffer zones or specific. planning or special study zones so that adequate implementation mechanisms can be developed. These would take the form of zoning ordinances, open space ordinances, and/or river and stream, ordinances. It is important to .understand that the Santa Clara River Recreation and Water Features Study, in its current form, is a conceptual study and is not meant to be used as an implementation tool or plan. It will require the development of further detailed site analysis and the development of specific guidelines and policies incorporated in the form of ordinances in order to serve as a tool for use with future development activity. The current study should beused as a guide, not a regulatory tool. The Planning Commission had several text changes which it requested to have included in the study, which staff will include in the final draft of the report presented to the City Council for their final approval at a regular Council meeting. The Commission particularly emphasized the positive aspects of the study and commented that it would like to emphasize providing increased access to the river where environmentally appropriate. Summary of Santa Clara River Study Issues. Goals and Objectives, and River Corridor Plan Recommendations: A detailed listing of the goals of the issues developed by the BSI Consulting team along with the task force members is included in pages 13-21 of the River Study. A list of the goals developed by the citizens task force and consultants used as the basis for developing the recommendations of the study are described below. 1. To design and make accessible the diverse recreational opportunities and experiences for local and regional users. 2. To preserve, protect, and enhance productivity. and diversity of wildlife and the wildlife habitat within the Santa Clara .River Basin and its tributaries. 3. To integrate the surrounding communities while providing the river lands with a positive identity and preserving its integrity as a natural recreational resource. 4. To insure that adequate flood control protection is maintained by encouraging the use of nonstructural flood and erosion control techniques, whenever possible, and the use of structural flood and erosion control techniques when necessary. S. To manage the available water resources, including ground water, surface flow, and reclaimed water to insure the maintenance and enhancement of natural communities and recreational amenities. The Santa Clara River Corridor Plan offers the citizens of Santa Clarita a vision of diverse recreational and water feature opportunities that respond to the interelated issues and concerns expressed throughout the study. The development of the river corridor plan reveals a blending of three separate scenario concepts which underscores the City's necessity to identify and create a central urban core, maintain the river's natural character, as well as the opportunity for each community to share, within a designated river reach, the special uniqueness they contribute to a city. The section from the Santa Clara River Recreation and Water Features Study which describes the Santa Clara River Corridor Plan in detail is included in pages 33-41 of the River Study. A complete copy of the Draft Santa -Clara River Recreation and Water Features Study is included for your review in Attachment C. BSI Consultants will make a detailed presentation regarding the river study development process as well as the river plan itself outlining the provisions of the river corridor plan as well as each of the three concepts considered by the task force and consultants. Ample time will be provided following the presentation for the City Council to address questions to the staff .and consulting team regarding the background information, technical reports provided, and the river corridor plan itself. ISSUE AREAS Two key issues have surfaced during the Santa Clara River Recreation and Water Features Study. The issues concern construction in the flood plain area of the river and the possible use of buffer zones to protect sensitive ecological areas of the river. The Santa Clara River,Recreation and Water Features Study currently recommends a policy which would discourage the construction of manmade structures within the 100 year flood plain unless there is significant public benefit. Implementation of this recommendation would lead to a much wider river flood plain and would severely restrict the ability to channelize the river and reclaim land behind the levees for potential development activity. Staff would like to discuss this issue in detail with the City Council and review some of the possible options available as possible policy direction concerning construction in the flood plain. Several options are outlined below, and may be applied to the Santa Clara River separately from its tributaries. - Discourage construction in the 100 year flood plain - Discourage construction in the 50 year flood plain - Allow construction in the flood fringe as long as the building pad is raised one foot above the high water mark - Allow channelization of .the river so that land can be reclaimed and additional development activities occur .behind the newly created bank protections - Use the flood way as the maximum width of the channel and allow channelization to occur at that point with development activity occurring.behind the levee - Allow concrete channel walls and soft -bottom channels - Encourage. the development of concrete -lined levy walls and channel bottoms The second major issue which has surfaced through the review and study .process. for the Santa Clara River concerns the use of buffer zones to protect sensitive ecological areas present in the river. The study currently recommends a use of a variety of types of buffer zones in order to protect existing natural resources present in the Santa Clara River. These buffers would take two forms. The first is that of a biological buffer zone which would be composed of native vegetation and would allowlimited public access in the form of trails. The second type of buffer zone is a'planning buffer zone which would allow for recreational uses such as multi -use trails, overlook areas, landscaped parks, and other public uses: The buffer zones would vary in width from 50 to 200 feet depending on the value and sensitivity of the habitat area and the type of development proposed adjacent to the habitat area. The study currently does not designate where buffer zones should be incorporated, nor does it designate where on a particular stretch or location an the river, a particular buffer should be used. It suggests that wider buffers should be used next to more sensitive areas of the river and narrow buffers or no buffers -at all could be used -next to areas with little or no sensitive habitat present. Buffers could also be part of what is currently designated as the 100 year, or even 50 year flood plain. Their use is based on the sensitivity and value of habitat areas which would be further refinements.of SEA's. Developers participating in the task force committee for the Santa Clara River Recreation and Water Features Study have indicated that they would prefer the City to use a special standard zone approach instead of buffer zones. A special standard zone would allow specific uses and activities to occur immediately adjacent to the river and sensitive habitat areas. It would not require the designation of a buffer zone per se. The representatives on the task force committee explained that this technique would provide more flexibility for development projects and encourage use and access to the river. This approach would be implemented through the zoning ordinance and would require additional biological surveys and study. Staff would like the City Council to comment on these two options and provide City staff with some direction as to which method is preferred. The Santa Clara River Corridor Plan is a conceptual plan which with the assistance of the community and members of the citizens task force creates a vision of the river that our community would like to see developed in the future. It is the positive creation of this linear greenbelt, water feature, and ecological area that will provide a lasting benefit to our community through tremendous aesthetic value as well as economic vitality. The Santa Clara River Recreation and Water Features Study by itself will not create the river and the visions developed by the community. Additional work will be required by staff to create implementing mechanisms to enact many of the recommendations and ideas included in the study. Staff of the Community Development Department will be making a presentation to the City Council to explain the relationship of the General Plan to the Santa Clara River Study as well as some of the anticipated implementation measures which. will be developed by staff and forwarded to the Planning Commission and City Council for consideration in the near future. It is recommended that the City Council review the Santa Clara River Recreation and Water Features Study and provide the consulting team and staff with input and comments on the study. The Santa Clara River Recreation and Water Features Study will be presented to the City Council at a regular session later in February for final approval. The City Council may wish to direct staff to pursue implementation mechanisms and provide specific directions on the .development of major issues highlighted in the report. ATTACHMENTS Attachment A - Planning Process Diagram Attachment B - Modifications to Central River Plaza Attachment C - The Santa Clara River Recreation and Water Features Study ATTACHMENT C Santa Clara River Recreation and Water Feature Study , &A A E- 2 I City of Santa Clarita DRAFT January 99 I Santa Clara River Recreation and Water Feature Study Prepared for: City of Santa Clarita Parks and Recreation Department Prepared by: BS/ Consultants, Inc. 7120 Hayvenhurst Avenue Suite 300 Van Nuys, California 91406 or 2001 East First Street Santa Ana, California 92705 With assistance from: The Greenway People Kimley - Horn and Associates, Inc. EMCON Associates ERCE Environmental and Energy Services Company DRAFT 1991' Preface Cities and communities are faced with a variety of decisions which can have lasting impacts on the development of their environment in the future. The Santa Clara River Recreation and Water Features Study is a project that offers the City of Santa Clarita and the residents of the Santa Clarita Valley an opportunity to make informed decisions on the future of this natural resource, which can become a key element in the development of quality community for the future. The Santa Clara River is a regional resource, which provides numerous recreational and open space opportunities. The Santa Clara River Corridor Plan will serve as a stimulus for many of the surrounding communities to begin similar planning processes, and serves as an example of the leadership which has long been a strong point of the Santa Clarita Valley. srncutw.cwmao6 i DRAFT January 199, 1991 Acknowledgement The Santa Clara River Recreation and Water Features Study could not have been possible without the participation and cooperation of numerous individuals, agencies and groups. The study was an excellent example of the progress which can be made when a group of individuals meets with a common objective of developing a consensus plan for a major community resource. Special thanks to the U.S. Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Parks Service Rivers and Trails Conservation Assistance Program, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works Control Division, the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation, the Castaic Lake Water Agency, the Upper Santa Clara River Water Committee, the City of Santa Clarita Community Development Department, the City of Santa Clarita Parks and Recreation Department, and the City of Santa Clarita Public Works Department. The task force committee members each contributed important elements to the Santa Clara River Study. Information regarding their individual agency or group perspectives was extremely valuabletp the development of an overall plan for the river. The Santa Clara River Study was an exceptional example of the consensus process for.developing master plans for major recreation and natural resources in communities. January 199911 „oo6 DRAFT n z 11 Contents I. Introduction II. Benefits of Recreational Development III. Santa Clara River Corridor Plan Synopsis IV. Planning and Design Process V. Issues,- Goals and Objectives VI. Recreational and Water Feature Opportunities VII. Design Considerations VIII. Santa Clara River Corridor Plan IX. Scenario Alternatives X. Natural Resources XI. Implementation and Funding Strategies XII. Appendices A. Task Force Committee Members B. Unarmored Threespine Stickleback Summary C. Riparian Mitigation Plant Palette XIII. Resources S'CACLRA.GV/mA06 ill Page 1 7 10 11 13 18 22 33 42 49 73 DRAr1 � FT List of Exhibits Exhibit Number Description 1 Regional Map 2 Study Area 3 Site Analysis 4 River Corridor Plan (not included) 5 Process Diagram 6 Regional Destination Points 7 White Water Boat Chute Concept 8 Trail System 9 Multiple Use Trail 10 Soft Surface Trail 11 Hard and Soft Surface Trail 12 Equestrian Trail 13 Bridge Underpass 14 Bridge Underpass 15 Trail Signage 16 Naturalistic Ponds and Streams 17 Biological and Planning Buffer 18 Multiple Use Trail and Buffer 19 Habitat Areas 20 River Corridor Plan (not included) 21 Central River Plaza Concept - Plan 22 Central River Plaza - Section 23 Interpretive Nature Center 24 Linear Greenbelt 25 Linear River Park - Concept 26 Community Theme Research 27 Water Basin 28 Scenario I - Natural River Corridor 29 Scenario 11- Central River Plaza 30 Scenario III - Community Theme Reach 31 Watershed Location 32 Watershed Subareas 33 Lag Relationships 34 Concentration Points and Peak Values 35 Discharge Frequentcy Curve near Saugus srwcr.ew.av/mroo6DRAFT anus 7 1991 IV List of Exhibits (continued) Exhibit Number Description 36 Discharge Frequentcy.Curve near Lang 37 Hydrograph at CP I - Soledad Canyon 38 Hydrograph at CP 3 - Mint Canyon 39 Hydrograph at CP 7 - Bouquet Canyon 40 Hydrograph at CP 8 - South Fork Creek 41 Hydrograph at CP 10 - Upstream Castaic Creek 42 Hydrograph at CP 12 - Downstream Castaic Creek 43 Saugus Water Reclamation Plant Location (not included) 44 Valencia Water Reclamation Plant Location (not included) 45 Vegetation Map List of. Tablas Table Description 1 Peak discharges from previously recorded floods Santa Clara River Basin, California 2 Stream Gauging Stations (USGS) 3 Basin Characteristics 4 California Water Code Wastewater Reclamation Criteria SIACL3tA.GV/mtOW DRAJFr January 1991 V I. Introduction In 1990, the City of Santa Clarita's Parks and Recreation elected to begin the Santa Clara River Recreation and Water Feature Study. The City of Santa Clarita has begun an important first step toward the positive use of this amenity by studying the issues related to recreation opportunities on the Santa Clara River. The scope of this endeavor will encompass a myriad of issues over the course of several years. Recreational development of the Santa Clara River Corridor can ultimately encompass the addition of a multi -use trail system, passive and active use parks, natural areas for vegetation and wildlife as well as river front plazas complete with restaurants and shops. Sensitive development of the river and its adjacent land will demonstrate that the residents and businesses of Santa Clarita view their river as a valuable and essential resource within the community. Successful projects. are not easy to begin, yet alone to.complete. River corridor projects are certainly no exception and by their lineal shape present many different challenges that must be overcome. Consideration must be given to complicated drainage and hydrological issues, multiple landowners and uses, and sensitive environmental factors amongst other concerns. Perhaps the most challenging concern will be that of changing the public perception from the Santa Clara River being a place where people discard unwanted household appliances or construct unsightly industrial buildings to it being a unique and valuable natural resource that can provide a wealth of enjoyment and community pride. The citizens of the City of Santa Clarita have already confirmed that the Santa Clara River is a valuable community treasure, demonstrated by their open supportand personal involvement during the Recreation and Water Feature Study development process. Indeed, many individuals have developed a comprehensive knowledge and a deep appreciation for the Santa Clara River through their personal interation with the river prior to the start of the study. These individuals became important resources for information and ideas as well as educating others about the many benefits of preserving and enhancing the Santa Clara River. DRAFT anus 7 srwcuew.ovruuoo6 1991 I 1. Introduction REGIONAL DESCRIPTION The Santa Clara River begins in the San Gabriel mountains and flows approximately 84 miles westward paralleling much of Highway 126. As Exhibit 1 illustrates, the river bed cuts through Los Angeles and Ventura County, and bypasses the City of Fillmore, Santa Paula and Ventura, and eventually meets itself into the Pacific Ocean, some 40 miles west of Santa Clarita. Throughout the majority of the year the Santa Clara River is a continuous mostly dry river basin supplemented with reclaimed water and urban and agricultural run-off. The major tributaries that contribute to the Santa Clara River include the San Francisquito, Bouquet Canyon, South Fork, Sespe and Santa Paula Creeks. As the river winds its way westward it passes through various environs, some abundant with riparian vegetation and rich in visual quality. Other areas visually convey'a sparse and dry sandy river bottom. The various environs within the river basin are valuable components that support abundant wildlife. Some species within the river are listed as endangered by the federal and state government. The Santa Clara River is unique in that it services as one of Southern California's last major watersheds in its natural state. The watershed covers an area of approximately 400 square miles. Most of the river's journey westward is not artificially deviated from its natural coarse. The river bottom remains in its natural state with broken stretches of concrete levees and rip -rap banks to protect against flood at certain points along the river. STUDY AREA The focus of the Santa Clara River Recreation and Water Feature Study dealt with a twelve mile section of the Santa Clara River, as shown in Exhibit 2, that extends from the east to the west boundaries of the city. Within this twelve mile reach the Santa Clara River enters and exits unincorporated parts of the city two separate times before exiting near Interstate 5. Although, the study concentrated mainly on the twelve mile section of the river mentioned above, it should be stated that as development occurs within the Santa Clarita Valley watershed, impacts will be created upstream and down stream of the river and should be addressed and successfully mitigated well in advance of any construction. DRAFT January1991 S'rACIAA.GV/mr006 1991 2 I. Introduction RIVER REACH AREAS On site reconnaissance and Site Analysis Map, Exhibit 3, of the Santa Clara River study area and interviews with key citizens and officials have resulted in the identification of three general areas along the river corridor. These areas are defined by existing features and land uses as well as potential proposed development and are described and commented on as follows. 1. Study Arra "West" - Natural and Passive This reach extends eastward from Interstate 5 to Bouquet Canyon Road. The river bottom is lush with vegetation due to the perennial flow of treated sewage that outfalls into the river at Bouquet Canyon Road. Because of the unique natural character of this reach, it is highly recommended that this area be identified for priority acquisition and preservation. The value of this reach is elevated by the location of Magic Mountain, the railroad bridge, and track, and the south fork of the Santa Clara River. All of these elements have important connection possibilities. Improvement for this reach should be .planned carefully in order to minimize impact and encroachment. In addition, buffer zones of open-space/parks should be created on adjacent land to minimize proposed housing or commercial impact on the river environment. Potential activities include: • trails, equestrian, bike, hiking • passive/natural parks • managed public access 2. Study Area "Central Reach" - Moderate Use. This reach encompasses the Santa Clara River from Bouquet Canyon Road east to Canyon Country. The area is unique because development along the south bank has only moderately impacted the river while the north edge remains mostly un -developed and natural. In addition, several large tracts of land remain undeveloped on the western edge of this reach. There are many proposed plans for development of this reach. They include: parks, a city civic center, extension of Highway 126 totaling up to six lanes, river front shops/restaurants, and a major medical building. These proposed developments need not be harmful to the Santa Clara River and can, if srwcrwA.cvimroo6 DRAFT ry anna ts9t 3 I. Introduction planned and coordinated properly provide an opportunity for enhancement and preservation of the river. It is critical that appropriate buffer zones be established in conjunction with development. However, development can be accommodated on the outer edge of these buffer zones in such a way that business can capitalize on the existing and improved open - space amenity. Appropriate activities may include: • river front shops/restaurants • architectural features (waterfalls, ponds, lakes, etc.) • active recreation (baseball, soccer, etc.) 3. Study Area "East" - High Use From Canyon Country and eastward to the east of the Santa Clarita.City boundary, the Santa Clara River provides a preview of what the remaining river corridor may possibly look like if no action is taken to enhance and preserve it. This area reflects a dry and sandy river bottom with vegetation spotted throughout this section of the river corridor. x i Concrete, trapezoid walls currently provide needed erosion protection for nearby residential and commercial zones. The river bottom is extremely dry, with only the hardiest of plants surviving. Future plans call for increased residential development on both sides of the river. Ironically, residential development may provide a major opportunity to enhance this reach of the river. The addition of sidewalks, roads, driveways, and other impervious surfaces will cause. increased storm run-off. If collected and channeled into pipes beneath the ground the resulting out flow can be utilized to supplement needed moisture for vegetation and wildlife. Potential activities include: • general use or free play areas • on and off channel water features • active recreation • community center Future neighborhood parks should be located .along the Santa Clara's banks to further provide a landscaped buffer zone as well as areas for recreation. STACI]tA.GVlmM6 DRAFT1991 4 1. Introduction Environment A healthy and beautiful natural environment on the Santa Clara will not only benefit the wildlife but will also improve the recreation value and health of citizens. Much of the aesthetic problems of the Santa Clara River can easily be resolved by removing discarded piles of trash. However, it is the lack of moisture that currently poses the largest obstacle in enhancing the ripariarl ecology. Hydrology engineers should begin to consider the Santa Clara ecosystem when making decisions on where to outlet treated sewage and .storm run-off. Biologist should be consulted to assist in any plan to channel water that will ultimately discharge into the river. It will be unlikely that a perennial flow of water will ever consistently fill the portion of the Santa Clara River passing through Santa Clarita. However, pockets of vegetation can be created through creative use of storm and waste water. This concept involves the establishment of "islands" of vegetation. These islands become seed re -distribution points for other potential .islands when and if the required environmental conditions ever occur. They also facilitate migration of wildlife throughout the entire corridor. Where perennial flows of water does exist, the river bottom should be engineered to maximize each gallon to the fullest. Shallow ponds ranging in depth from 1 to 3 feet can provide the necessary conditions for wetland establishment. In tum, wetlands are known to filter certain pollutants from the water and provide valuable wildlife habitat. Flooding/Hydrology Several issues related to hydrology have already been mentioned. It is important to remember that the Santa Clara River must always be able to effectively and efficiently convey floodwater in as safe a manner as feasible. It is easy to loose sight of the river's flooding potential when the sandy bottom remains relatively dry for several years at a time. Recreational trails, parks, pedestrian bridges, and other amenities must always be planned, designed, and constructed with potential flooding in mind. Trails should be constructed in such a way that erosive flood waters do not wash them away. They may be used for drainageway maintenance. Pedestrian bridges should be designed to lift-off of their abutments in extremely high water and float downstream, and held to the abutments with cable tethers and can be re -attached after the flood. sTAcrxA.cwmoa DRAFT 1991 7 t9v1 5 I. introduction Consideration should also be given to the design of bank erosion protection and innovative techniques utilizing rock riprap covered with soil and vegetation. The rock provides the needed strength against rushing water. Vegetation further secures and stabilizes the rock by transpiring moisture from beneath the riprap.beddings.- These methods are typically more aesthetic than concrete, usually less expensive and more beneficial to the environment. DRAFT Imo'" SfACIRA.OV/mA06 199191 6 To Becromonlo Monica hloriit D 5 lo Regional Map SANTA CLARA RIVER. RECREATION AND WATER FEATURE STUDY Exhibit 1, •nndrrn• - All s� ea `Y , 't'Z.I•. ' �� Y — 'moi- ti - Se, A i9 F R A ti _C -1 f�C /�'>...,.. " - -s+r. - ,^ '+ •j t_ - - ` _a• T - \'6' 1 e^ -� '.r.. `. _'. .,� .. i • �. ` S. •N A e - f Z7P.F / N R r e 5 A F, i .�.- : *:., : i 1 ; �� ..,Tt r.-�' -- - sem. = ,�� ', .' - • �-� t- ' �' ...: `Y' . . � t Pe... ^ Study Area Study Area BSI Consultants, Inc. Miles 0 1 2 4 City an Santa Ca SANTA C L A R A RIVER Parks and Recreationn Department Exhibit 2 RECREATION AND WATER FEATURE STUDY ANGELES NATIONAL FOREST LEGEND y. '{. , �_- _ R�.�/ •ra" i 4 :.'. ":.� - I ' _ _T..._.-.. J— Major Rrvrr %i,, • �.. . '[�-' 4 S - �+r + q .. Z�,`r/�_/ Saw. Clara Ri, er t" - �"+ Point. from '` ,y. a' `` s . ' �' T.£ y� _ 4 l • J� • i` 1 _ J `f and Tributaries . - l'ehicular Cnrridur i x „+ / �, •v 1 J . ,I1I T f , \ i "". , t 3* �K . ' .. i, �yt V .� , - '� - � el„yy -. •L g� ` L0. V 1� \, 1 _ .. _ - c_ ` Vacant Irnd Le om,..l than Hun OR Recreational 1 `J�`+' .' :t \�Lr h; [ �'.. •+ - -.`t tlti 'IWScren !Do-Emphal. rCity Enry Poins Or 0iexs .. ttgjar River � 1(;• _.[� > a r F "-a, 1{ rte/^^/�(,^,V)Corridor IL` 12 �>. '•. rT. i _., + "r •_� • ,1 , i� �1 - 6 +. ({ - it 1. �.y from Ridgelline Park nilll Terrain .. 7 h r. 'I l� > _,-r a .. -' y� � •. .a - ` F �..T� �t - _"„1_-. -. _, _ `.a i cLt �r <<. <' -.� ` ;. .fes. . _e4p A `.. � �. . t" • � � r Rrn - i � � J� 7.i-;��'Q, wt••l,.hT V /� � i � _ e� � � 1 � �[�'frt (h�.ls �/" ^1f � i Mir t 1i►:,•° `�4 • -S� ,. I�i4 r - , 3� i'9 vT� .-.c .,t AAA---... .. .r"(,� '^s Ps� .7-s ,< w f eclainfe(8a r i I i Ix(71 1 V �.} • rTr. � � \ •.�. / • � =.^-• _ t 1 ' . _'(:fn i �+• i - Y.Y j ! �' � t • RivSr 8a3o c . n.L' S: ,! •-..•^ yt ` /,t l.['.f.e �� • .fir ~ y,3 ? , �, rt'^ G .5 <�r �.. w • - , It�11eh'ILQA$ ��,1�"+4 � j f t - d & Cmv . r \v�; >a � �t ♦ j c+ ',IFS "� t rs 7 •. ��1 ''k.. t 3 � - � .I r: c \ y �-�7 �' ,��z✓ ,; ' :.5, •�^. r�: ,-: ..�� y_ .{`FI�j - \Vv J� - . 1 � - r ��-�r<�d� Y�1 <f '�f r , .,V1 � u :'. �. •�J: - -r^. t '.'ir. �- ..` o I - _ _ a e © o ' � elin4ia" ',\,'' ..: •• a "'\ `Z"C � �q---{•,'� 11• �� r �+,� •- v ✓\tel 1. ' � ' r 2• �' ,. .i55 ._ r^ \ .. 1t�•f �C i ' � ,� ... ANU �,.C1 � 1. l `, ar FL{fNp ti..'R'•'" y n a, of ANGELESNATION, `{=_ % Q FOREST AL °QQo ao�° SITE ANALYSIS iEFT M011iM BSI Consultants, Inc. ECMF1 Uhl City an Santa Cep SANTA C L A R A RIVER • Parks and Recreationn Department RECREATION AND WATER FEATURE STUDY Exhibit 3 II. Benefits of Recreational Development The Santa Clara River is a major physical and visual component of the City of Santa Clarita. Its location at Interstate 5, along Soledad Canyon Road and the Antelope Valley Freeway make the Santa Clara River one of the first impressions that people receive when entering the City. Improving the river environment and the adjacent lands has the potential to transform the Santa Clara River into Santa Clarita's most prominent feature that projects a progressive and positive image. Additionally, the community will be enriched by the fact that they accomplished something that may have seemed at fust impossible. Recreational improvements to the river environment can also create spin-off benefits. These benefits are further discussed in the following paragraphs. Environmental Benefits The Santa Clara Diver; despite the lack of free flowing surface water at some locations, still provides important habitat for many wildlife and plant species. However, expanding development along the River banks and unfortunate dumping has threatened the future quality of this resource. Recreational development of the river will provide an avenue to effectively acquire lands that can be set aside for both wildlife and vegetation. Careful planning to separate people spaces from sensitive wildlife zones will help to insure their preservation. Finally, by increasing the public's awareness through recreational access and educational programs, stewardship of the riparian habitat will be heightened. Summary of Environmental Benefits • Open space acquisition/preservation • View corridor preservation/enhancement • Establishment/enhancement of valuable wildlife corridors • Preservation/enhancement of endangered species (animal and vegetation) • Water recharge areas (detention -retention ponds, in -channel flows) • Oxygen exchange/water quality improvement (white water aeration, wetland filtration). STACIRA.GV/m[006 7 DRAFT January 1 II. Benefits of Recreation Development Educational Benefits The Santa Clara River will provide infinite opportunities for direct, hands on outdoor education. Young and old can learn the value or riparian ecosystems to wildlife and humans, providing an avenue to instill respect, responsibility and stewardship for this rare natural resource. Other subjects include learning about the rich history of the area as well as math, English, art and other disciplines through the creative use of the environment. Education on the Santa Clara River will provide a close, safe and inexpensive classroom, free from automobiles and long bus commutes. Summary of Educational Benefits • Opportunities for hands on study in a safe and accessible environment • Increase environmental stewardship/appreciation • Utilization of the outdoor environment to teach history, math, sciences, English, arts, and other disciplines • Development of a nature center/museum Economic Benefits Santa Clarita citizens enjoy and expect quality recreational amenities in their community. The early response to this study enforces the idea that the Santa Clara River should be an integral component of the City's recreation program. River corridors such as the Santa Clara River provide a myriad of recreational and leisure activities. that appeals to a broad cross-section of citizens. Individuals enjoy low-cost, efficient recreation activities and can utilize trails as an alternative to automobiles. Schools, as previously mentioned, can utilize a close, safe, and inexpensive outdoor classroom and developers market recreation on the river as one of the reasons why individuals should purchase a home in the area of Santa Clarita. City leaders relish the community involvement and pride that is often exhibited in recreational corridor improvement, using the project to demonstrate the excellent quality of life in their city, and therefore, attracting positive and appropriate economic development. While some benefits are greater than others, the combined fiscal impact can be impressive. Recreational corridors, such as the Santa Clara River, have improved adjacent land values in other cities and have set new standards for quality development on adjacent lands while preserving and enhancing open -space. January 7 srncixw.awmooa DRAFT 1991 II. Benefits of Recreation Development Summary of Economic Benefits • Attract business by providing recreational/leisure amenities • Attract business by offering a community with a unique sense of place • Attract business by demonstrating community pride and involvement • Develop adjacent lands to the Santa Clara River for "appropriate" business ventures that will benefit from the river • Improved land values The foregoing benefits only hint at the potential of the River. Future techinologies and challenges may create many more beneficial spin-offs of recreational improvements to the River. sTwcute.cWmao6 a DRAFT Ja 1991 III. Santa Clara River Corridor Plan Synopsis The River Corridor Plan, Exhibit 4, has evolved from a consensus of thoughts and ideas that reflect the preferred land and water oriented recreational opportunities. It provides a conceptual vision of how the Santa Clara River can become a major component of the City's recreational resources; and can set an example for other City's along the river to follow. The River Corridor Plan consists of a variety of features to accommodate both passive and active recreational needs. It also consists of areas to support special events and citywide celebrations. The Central River Plaza concept incorporated into the plan establishes a central City core that functions as the primary attraction along the river. Other features shown on the plan include an interpretive nature center, community center, riverfront amphitheater, conference center, outdoor cafes and restaurants, and a formal paseo system of walkways. Linear greenbelts and parks provide the opportunity to incorporate field and court type sports sq ch as baseball, softball, soccer, tennis and basketball. The River Corridor Plan distinguishes between on -channel and off -channel water features. On -channel water features includes elements located within the river basin, whereas, off - channel water features are those elements located upon or away from, the river banks. The on -channel water features, as shown in Exhibit 16, consist of small naturalistic ponds with connecting streams. These features would be located to maximize their visibility and invite public interaction. The off -channel water features would include ponds, varying in size from 5 to 20 acres, architectural fountains and reflections pools. The off -channel ponds could accommodate a greater variety of water oriented recreation needs ranging from non -motorized boating to fishing. The success of the River Corridor Plan relies much on establishing a continuous trail system that connects recreational features along the river corridor as well as local and regional destination points. Another transportation possibility that warrants further . investigation and would add a: special charm to the City's atmosphere includes the incorporation of either a train, trolley or mono -rail system. Utilizing existing rail easements would provide the opportunity to shuttle people from one end of the City to another, attracting citizens and out-of-town guests to various points of interest within the City. STACLBA.OV/MM6 10 DRAFT January 7 1991 IV. Planning and Design Process A key element in BSI's recommended River Corridor Plan for the Santa Clara River was the consensus developed by the task force committee members. This 26 -member task force was comprised of project consultants, city, state, and federal regulatory agencies, landowners, and local special interest groups, including representatives from the City of Santa Clarita Parks & Recreation Commission, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Los Angeles County Public Works Department, the California Department of Fish & Game, the U.S. Department of Fish & Wildlife, local Chamber of Commerce, Santa Clarita's Civic Association, Runner's Association, Bicycle Club, Historical Society, and several local environmental organizations. Exhibit 5 reflects the planning and design process that was taken to eventually generate the River Corridor Plan and report. The first two of the five task force meetings encompassed a review of the River's constraints,existing conditions, potential recreational uses, and the procedures and policies of the agencies involved with the task force. A public workshop was held the evening preceding the third task force meeting. It was conducted by the Parks & Recreation Department with assistance from the National Park Service Rivers and Trails Conservation Assistance Program and the BSI consulting team. The highlight of the third Task Force meeting was a half-day "brainstorming" workshop for Task Force members, conducted by the BSI consulting team. The purpose of these workshops was to stimulate ideas for water and recreational opportunities. Participants created base maps and compiled a recreational "wish list." The consulting team presented a visual representation of similar successful projects, and discussed the feasibility of developing the river and how this development would effect the community as a whole. Succeeding meetings were devoted to the discussion of specific issues such as water resources, landscape, preserving/promoting wildlife habitat, geology, . hydrology, flood control measures,* recreational uses, . connections, access, and bridges. The group's biggest concerns were of the river's potential water resources, and preserving the wildlife habitat which includes two endangered species. BSI developed three scenario alternatives based on the ideas and findings of the task force committee and public workshops. At the fourth meeting, the group chose features from each plan to develop a consensus on a Final River Corridor plan, to be presented for study session to the Parks & Recreation Commission and the Planning Commission, and for eventual approval and adoption by the City Council. The outcome of the consensus.was facilitated by the open-minded attitude of the task force members, and the advantage of having. such a diverse human resource of information concerning the community's culture and heritage. In the beginning, many task force members had mixed feeling, ranging from cautious skepticism to enthusiasm toward the feasibility of creating a recreation resource along a dry river. However, the impact of January 7 srecuu.GwDRAFT 1991 DRA1991 11 IV. Planning and Design Process community citizens worldng alongside the consulting team was invaluable, and an appreciation for the economic, environmental, and recreational benefits of developing the Santa Clara River was cultivated throughout the community, as a result of the Planning and Design process. SrACLRA.Gv w006 12 DRAFT January 91' m LIT I ^I TASK WORM�7 R:aEAaca / ANLLYEM / DIYQRDEY h*\f WORM" n TB[ rAEE PORCE E I I DEMAPIRIR RTDwt.OGY or • ■CIIIAIUO ALTERNATIVES csouNR R�All �4 r PRo MT E F> MSIR] . GOW .. AIO/ D OWICTIM {�Cf� esl Coi..wl.m.. u . City of Santa Clarita Parks and Recreation Department SANTA %CLARA RIVER RECREATION AND WATER FEATURE STUDY TAU roans RAR REPORT PAaEE a axessATION PLANNING CITY COUNCIL a DEPARThat" CONYM3ION 9EnER RIIRa CRWeOa RaYRR .t REYR► ADOPTION PUBLIC TASK roan a eowBOR RIVER CORRIDOR PLAN Alyn COXpMS RTYQ CORRIDot � urn "NATIONAL runWORKIIHOP PI.Am vx PAR[ LLTERRaIn= PLAN RElDRr REPORT REPOR 10131—' ^ oREIpH@IT sworn tr REPOlOIQR I ^I TASK WORM�7 R:aEAaca / ANLLYEM / DIYQRDEY h*\f WORM" n TB[ rAEE PORCE E I I DEMAPIRIR RTDwt.OGY or • ■CIIIAIUO ALTERNATIVES csouNR R�All �4 r PRo MT E F> MSIR] . GOW .. AIO/ D OWICTIM {�Cf� esl Coi..wl.m.. u . City of Santa Clarita Parks and Recreation Department SANTA %CLARA RIVER RECREATION AND WATER FEATURE STUDY V. Issues, Goals and Objectives The BSI Consulting team along with the task force members identified many of the social, ecological and economic issues related to the Santa Clara River Recreation and Water Feature Study. These issues were identified to provide the City with some understanding as to how future land use development might occur within the river lands, with respect to the ecological sensitivity of the river, as well as the ability to support recreational activities. The following is a summarized list of issues and their related goals and objectives. PUBLIC USE AND ACCESS Cts Chain link fences, locked gates, and "Private Property" signs typify the barriers one may encounter when utilizing the Santa Clara River. Although various public agencies and landowners deny and/or discourage public use, evidence of river dumping and off-road trails demonstrate the difficulty in managing and controlling public access. Goal To design and make accessible the diverse recreational opportunities and experiences for local and regional users. Objectives • Link together the diverse cultural, commercial, and environmental areas of the Santa Clarita Valley. • Examine the recreational uses and determine their compatibility with developed and/or natural environments. • Establish a multi -use trail system with Citywide access linking communities and subcommunities to local/regional, natural, and cultural resources. • Provide recreational opportunities for a wide range of public interests and/or group participation. sTACllU.GV/mA06 DRAYT DR"January 7 1991 13 V. Issues, Goals and Objectives WH_DLIFE HABITAT QUALITY MM. The majority of the study area is designated by the County of Los Angeles as a Significant Ecological Area, SEA k23,. due to the river's existing and. potential use for habitat of endangered and/or threatened species identified by federal and state governing bodies. The proposed recreational amenities or improvements should consider the possible impacts to the biological balance of the river system. Goal To preserve, protect, and enhance productivity and diversity of wildlife and the wildlife habitat within the Santa Clara River Basin and tributaries. Objectives • Preserve and.enhance existing habitats through the introduction of species indigenous to the river and tributary corridors. • Identify and restore damaged and/or provide enhancement of existing habitat communities provided there be no degradation to the habitat of threatened or endangered species. • Identify and maintain the areas of highly significant ecological value. • Identify and maintain existing wildlife corridors into and from surrounding natural areas. • Establish an appropriate ecological buffer system between various land uses. • Regulate and control the exotic and invasive plant communities throughout the river lands. COMMUNITY PERCEPTION Issue The Santa Clara River lacks recognition of its potential importance and positive identity possibilities within the Santa Clarita Valley. This leads to on-site problems typified by the dumping of waste material and unauthorized off-road vehicle trails. The lack of a positive perception of this natural resource can leade to unmanageable and uncontrollable use and the further degradation of the existing sensitive habitat areas within the river's corridor. January 7 m SrACLRA.cv Ao6 DRAFT 1991 14 V. Issues, Goals and Objectives [it' M To integrate the surrounding communities while providing the river lands with a positive identity and preserving its integrity as a natural recreational resource. Objectives • Create a physical and planning foundation for the Santa Clara River through a unified plan for recreational and water feature development. • Identify character of the Santa Clarita Valley and the surrounding communities and provide the opportunity to express this uniqueness. FLOOD CONTROL Issue The wide, dry natural river bottom and an occasional rip -rap or concrete. face levees, typifies the physical character of the Santa Clara. River. Throughout most of the year, the river emulates a non -threatening dry river wash. However, citizens who experienced the 1969 flood will testify to the river's devastating power that threatened human lives and property. The desire to maintain the river's natural character, yet provide adequate safety through the use of appropriate non-structural flood/erosion control measures requires a commitment that future planning decisions respect the river's potential threat. Goal To insure that adequate flood control protection is maintained by encouraging the use of non-structural flood and erosion control techniques, whenever possible and the use of structural flood and erosion control techniques when necessary. Objectives • Discourage human made structures within the 100 year floodplain, unless it can be demonstrated to significantly benefit the public's health safety and welfare. • Maintain the natural character of the river. • Utilize recreational features that are compatible with the floodplain storage needs. _ �BC� of � �.v�c,r�,✓ srecrxw.cwnu006 15 DRAFT J i�I V. Issues, Goals and Objectives WATER RESOURCES Issue When utilizing water resources for recreational needs, groundwater recharge, wildlife habitat maintenance, landscape irrigation, or purely aesthetic purposes, water management becomes extremely important. The use of reclaimed water for these purposes can significantly offset the demand for domestic water use. Maintaining and/or improving upon the existing water quality prior to groundwater recharge or entering the river's surface flow can help establish a healthier environment for people, plants and animals. Goal To manage the available water resources, including groundwater, surface flow, and reclaimed water to ensure the maintenance and enhancement of the natural communities and recreational amenities. Objectives • Provide design and water management strategies that maximize habitat productivity and on/off channel recreational water features. • Retain and/or store storm and urban run-off prior to entering the surface flow of the river. • Protect the quality and level of the existing groundwater supply. • Secure reclaimed water rights for recreational and environmental amenities. SUMMARY OF PLANNING AND DESIGN ISSUES The following list summarizes the major planning issues and concerns that the consulting team identified through the task force, public workshops, research and meetings with city staff. Flooding/Hydrology • Lack of water; ongoing local draught. • Unattractive erosion control methods that lack sensitivity to the visual character of the Santa Clara River. • Protection of improvements from flooding damage. STACIRA.GV/m'006 16 DRAFT a 1991 V. Issues, Goals and Objectives • Unattractive and poorly maintained river banks and adjacent land; need for stricter enforcement of existing regulations concerning floodplains. • Maximizing use of existing water -treated wastewater. Recreation • Lack of water oriented activities. • Need for an adopted/coordinated planning effort. • Untapped resources that include land, recreation potential, private sector involvement/cooperation/financial investment. • Balancing recreation development with ecologic health. • Need for a multi -use trail network. • Potential conflicts between equestrian, bicycle and hiking activities within one corridor. • Inaccessible connections to existing and proposed facilities and resources; poor public access to river. Land Use • Need for an adopted land use plan along the Santa Clara River. • Lack of coordination/cooperation with land use upstream and downstream of Santa Clarita. • Establishment of incentives for developers to preserve the river. • Need to acquire land for preservation and recreation development. Environment • Preserve and protect wildlife habitat. • Identify erosion. control methods that are sensitive to the natural environment. • Utilize drought tolerant plant species whenever possible. • Maximize the use of existing water resources for re-establishment of vegetation. STACLJ A.GV/MrW6 17 DRAFT 190,t VI. Recreational and Water Feature .Opportunities RECREATION PLANNING .AND OPPORTUNITIES The planning .and design process involved in the Santa Clara Recreation and Water Features Study combined ecological, social and economic issues. Through the planning process several general goals were identified. Their purpose is to improve the communities positive experience in the Santa Clara River and thereby improve the image of Santa Clarita. The following goals were established to provide the framework for the recreation planning process. Additional Planning and Design Goals Recreation - To provide diverse_ opportunities and experiences for recreation that are meaningful for local and regional uses and that build upon the unique qualities of the Santa Clara River. _Cooveration - To coordinate with other municipalities, special districts and community groups in order twestablish consistency and continuity. Coordination - To consider and appropriately respond to issues such as flood hazards, traffic engineering, environment, etc. Aesthetic Quality - To improve the attractiveness of the Santa Clara River that will benefit the recreation, economic and image potential of the area. Economic Enhancement - To provide a setting that encourages special mixed used development adjacent to the river. Neighborhood Enforcement - To create a green, open -space network that is sensitive to existing neighborhoods and provide safe connections from neighborhoods to the Santa Clara River and other potential destinations. Ql&n-spacq Preservation - To provide a means to successfully acquire open -space for long term preservation and enhancement. u tion To develop and encourage the educational use of the Santa Clara River through outdoor education programs. To alter the image of the Santa Clara River from one of non-concem and . h' essness to one of community respect, stewardship and pride. STAC[]tA.CV/mi006 DRAFTJanuary7 .1991 Vl. Recreational and Water Features Opportunities RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES AND RECOMMENDED ACTIONS Presently, it must seem to many that little good can be realized from implementing major recreational amenities on the Santa Clara River. After all, most people have experienced the river through their automobile windshields, and its there, probably nice, but certainly not anything to get overly excited about. The recreation opportunities that have been identified in this study are meant to establish recreation goals and concepts that express the dreams and hopes of Santa Clarita residents. First, however, people must be educated on the many wonderful opportunities and benefits that exist by improving the Santa Clara River. Only through education and the eventual implementation of an actual improvement, can the city come to expect acceptability and broad based support. The following regional, local and water oriented opportunities identify important opportunities that can become a reality. Other cities across the nation have been successful at similar endeavors and have basked in the benefits. It is important for the Santa Clarita community to understand the long range benefits of revitalization of the corridor, but also to eventually focus, on specific projects for short term success. REGIONAL OPPORTUNITIES Development of a lineal greenway and trail system that connects Santa Clarity to the Ocean would be an ambitious task, but one that is worthy of serious consideration. Such lofty goals often provide the necessary spark that helps to launch the local project. The City's adoption. of the Trail System Map generated by Los Angeles county Department of Regional Planning, reflects the City's concern to provide a continuous trail system along the Santa Clara River and its tributaries that will link local and regional points of interest. In general, people are goal oriented and love a challenge. They also love the ocean, and getting there on bikes, foot or horseback has a certain romantic connotation that will attract interest and support. To the west is Angeles National Forest and the San Gabriel Mountains; head water for the Santa Clara River. These beautiful mountains will also provide an important major destination via a Santa Clara River trail system. At first, one should not be concerned if there is an initial lack of interest by other municipalities for the Mountain to Ocean Santa Clara River Trail concept. For the short term it is advisable to concentrate on local recreation enhancements. However, the big picture should be utilized to its full potential. Once development on the Santa Clara reach of the river has begun, other municipalities will be more convinced of the potential and may be more easily persuaded to join the effort. , STAC12A.CV/mr006 19 January 7 DRAFT 1991 V1. Recreational and Water Features Opportunities LOCAL OPPORTUNITIES It cannot be overstated as to the need for acquisition of the Santa Clara River for open space preservation and enhancement. After all, the Santa Clara River is the "only river in town" and should be considered vital to the aesthetic and physical fabric of the city. Currently, the City of Santa Clarita does not have a major multi -use trail system. Trails, developed parks and open -space along drainageways have become increasingly popular throughout the United States. Such recreational amenities and uses can be planned on an often undevelopable and therefore relatively inexpensive tract of land. The City of Santa Clarity should establish the Santa Clara River trail as the major trail corridor within the city. The river's geographical location, its 12 miles length and its proximity to neighborhoods and business districts qualify it for this priority status. WATER ORIENTED RECREATION The existing Santa Clara River offers little, if any opportunities for active water recreation. River boating is not feasible in the river reaches up -stream of Bouquet Canyon Road. Where perennial flows do exist, the water depth is shallow and slow moving providing only limited boating opportunity for shallow water craft such as kayaks. In order to provide sufficient water for boating, human made water features such as ponds, lakes and white water channels will have to be constructed. Flat water recreation can easily be provided for by construction of ponds or lakes. Flat water recreation activities such as fishing, sailing, paddle boating and swimming would all be excellent additions to the Santa Clara River corridor. More passive leisure past times such as picnicking, walking, and nature study will be greatly enhanced by the addition of water to the river corridor. White water recreation will probably have to be incorporated into the design of the ponds and lakes, where sufficient quantities of water can be impounded and then released through a white water channel or boat chute. Exhibit 7 shows the general concept of how this might be achieved. The one location suited for this type of water oriented activity is the regional park/open space site. Such water channels would be designed as the outlet of the impounded water. A series of small ponds, interconnected with water channels that are used for boat chutes would provide an exciting opportunity for white water recreation. STACIBA.GV/mM6 Tn A11 1 T+�i• January 199 1 7 JJ1�L-1 20 VI. Recreational and Water Features Opportunities Boat chutes not only provide safe boating recreation but also improve fish habitat and water quality through water aeration. Additionally, the sound and visual appeal of the rushing water enhanced the on -lookers' aesthetic experience. The ponds or lakes provide valuable ground water recharge areas and aquatic wildlife habitat not otherwise existing along the Santa Clara River. The following considerations should be included in white water channel/boat chute design. Safety - Boat chutes should be designed to allow for the boater to negotiate a series of drops in a controlled manner. The design should consider both low and high water scenarios and for beginning to intermediate skill levels. In the event that a boater is ejected from the craft, the chute must be designed to allow the person to safely float down and out of the chute. Warning Signs - Adequate signs should alert the boater as to the specific regulations concerning use of the boat chute. The type of boat allowed, required safety equipment and existing water conditions are examples of appropriate regulationslinformation on signs. hall n e - Boat chutes should be designed with pre -identified challenge levels in minds. A white water boating course can be constructed with partially and totally submerged rocks to create obstacles, eddies, etc. for the boater to negotiate. The obstacles can range from "easy" to "difficult to negotiate." A white water boating specialist and local white water boating organization should be consulted on the appropriate design of boat chutes. Aesthetic Amenity - The human made white water chute will have a higher value if the design incorporates natural or natural appearing materials into the design. In addition; the boat chute should be designed to function the same as a natural white water section of a river would. In this way the boater and on -looker will experience the look and feel of a real white water experience. Wildlife Benefits - Consideration should be given to potential white water benefits to wildlife. There are several direct benefits to both aquatic and terrestrial wildlife. White water oxygenates the water and therefore becomes habitat for may aquatic plants and insects. Fish feed on the plants and insects and reproduce. Birds, attracted by the plants, insects and fish frequent the white water in search for food. January 7 SrACIRAZVM006 DRAFT 1991 21 2 �rr r roKJ& Urr Ind r L,&r p m, S Man P �4Ibn jtl� •„ �. White Water Boat Chute Concept F4 Q1yoCre lo'""° SANTA CLARA RIVER Ppk• and R RoSanta ton DoR�Itm�nl RECREATION AND WATER FEATURE STUDY VII. Design Considerations TRAIL SYSTEM A hierarchy of different types of trail designs will determine the type of use desirable on the trail. The River Corridor Trail System Map, Exhibit 8, illustrates the proposed locatoin of the various trail designations and supports the Trail System Map generated by the Los Angeles County Department of Regional Planning, and adopted by the City of Santa Clarita. In addition, the appropriate type of recreational activity in a given landscape (natural, and sensitive, versus a developed landscape) can be regulated by the type of trail allowed in that particular landscape. Therefore, a soft surface trail designed for foot traffic only, is more appropriate for a sensitive wildlife area where user impact is to be kept at a minimum. Conversely, a hard surface multi -use trail is more appropriately located in an area where high use will not be a detriment to the local environment. Three basic trail tykes have been identified for the Santa Clara River. The three trail types are: hard surface trail with a parallel 4 -foot wide soft surface trail, equestrian trail and soft surface hiking trail. The combination of these trail types are shown in Exhibit 9. Hard Surface Trail - The hard surface trail will have a minimum width of 12 feet and will be accompanied with a 4 foot wide soft surface trail along one edge as shown in Exhibit 11. The hard surface material can be concrete or asphalt. Asphalt trails are an excellent, economical material that is generally less expensive than concrete. However, asphalt should not be utilized in areas where frequent flooding may occur. An automobile bridge underpass is an example of where a trail may be in danger of flooding. Concrete is the preferred material for frequent flooding areas since it can better withstand the force of flood waters. Typical activities that are appropriate for the hard surface trail include: bike riding, roller skating, roller blading. Persons requiring wheelchairs can also utilize a hard surface trail. The hard surface trail should also be designed to accommodate maintenance and emergency vehicles. The 4 foot wide companion soft surface trail will be constructed with decomposed granite. This material is popular because of its ability to compact tightly, its low maintenance and its low installation and construction cost. The soft surface companion trail is intended for walking and jogging. sTecrxe.ov,00e DRAFT Jan mtv91�t 22 VII. Design Considerations The location of the hard surface trail should be determined by the existing natural conditions and topography. Flat benches throughout the floodplain will provide good locations for trails. Where the river bank has been stabilized by concrete. or wood crib walls, the trail will most often be constructed on top of these structures. The existence of sensitive areas such as wetlands or unstable, eroding river banks will further guide the hard surface trails' location. Equestrian Trail - The equestrian trail, Exhibit 12, will consist of an 8 to 10 foot wide decomposed granite surface. Generally, the equestrian trail will be kept separate from the hard surface trail. However, in situations where corridor width restraints occur, the hard surface and equestrian trails will parallel. In this case, fencing or elevation change can help to visually and physically separate the trails from one another. Whenever possible, areas where equestrians can trot or run their horse should be planned into the trail corridor. Horses and riders like to run. By not providing safe areas for such activities, equestrians may be tempted to run their horse on the trail itself, creating potential hazards for themselves and other trail users. The equestrian trail should be located in the areas with the least amount of activity. It is advisable to separate the equestrian user from other recreational activities whenever to avoid potential conflicts. Fencing and trail.signs will help to confine the equestrian to the trail surface. Soft Surface Hiking Trail - In most cases, this trail will be 6 foot wide and consist of decomposed granite material (see Exhibit 10). However, depending on the specific location of the trail and an area's ecological sensitivity, the trail may vary in width to minimize any harmful impacts to sensitive habitats. The hiking trail is differentiated from the hard surface companion trail because it does not necessarily parallel the hard surface trail, nor is it generally located in the same area. The intended use of the hiking trail is for passive use in areas where minimum user impact on the environment is desirable. The hiking trail should, however, be accessible from the hard surface trail at some locations along its length. The trail should also be constructed in such a way as to accommodate wheelchairs. For safety reasons it will be important to provide for automobile bridge underpasses, as illustrated in Exhibits 13 and 14, rather than on -grade street crossings for.all three types of trails. Adequate horizontal and vertical clearance should be maintained at all times under the bridges. sTecrx.cv,mroos DRAFT lan ,.tit1 9 23 VII. Design Considem6ons Pedestrian Bridges - Bridge crossings over the Santa Clara River become important factors when, because of land constraints or a desire to provide access to an important area, a crossing is required. Unfortunately, the Santa Clara River has a wide channel that will make any pedestrian bridge expensive. One location near Cottonwood Avenue and the Santa Clara River does provide for a possible pedestrian bridge location with a moderate bridge span. Bridges designed for pedestrians should be at least ten feet in width and have a 5 ton vehicle bearing capacity to allow for maintenance vehicles to cross over them from time to time. If the cost of constructing a pedestrian bridges is prohibitive, opportunities exist at each automobile bridge for separate non -motorized access across the bridge span. Since retrofitting an existing automobile bridge is expensive, future bridges should be required to provide for non -motorized crossing as well as ramps that access the main Santa Clara River trail. Unless there is deep water flowing in the river, equestrians can easily cross on the river grade. Connections and Access - Major access points or trail heads should be provided near each end of the Santa Clara River, Santa Clarita City boundaries and at important locations throughout the entre corridor. Trail heads should provide for automobile parking and be large enough to accommodate horse trailers. Posts or fencing around the parking lot should be used to prevent automobile access onto the trails. Exhibit 15 illustrates a few ideas of how trail signage might be integrated along the Santa Clara River trail system. Landscaping, restrooms, drinking water and information signs are typical design elements of major trail heads. Efforts to improve accessibility of the Santa Clara River will be futile unless neighborhoods and major destinations are connected via trails for non -motorized usage. Santa Clara River tributaries provide for the most logical access to the river by tributary trails. When tributaries are not appropriate, selected sidewalks adjacent to roads as well as delineated lanes on streets can be created. Street lanes are most appropriate for bicycle traffic and are not well suited to pedestrians or equestrians. The major destinations that have been identified in this study along with their proposed access points and connections include the following: • Castaic Creek and Castaic Reservoir - Access via Santa Clara River and connector at the confluence of Castaic Creek and Santa Clara River. • Magic Mountain Amusement Park - Access from Santa Clara River and connector trail between the river and Magic Mountain. srecrxw.cv✓m.oa DRAFT Tann tit1 9 24 V11. Design Considerations • Angeles National Forest via San Francisquito Creek - Access from Santa Clara River. • South Fork Santa Clara River - Connects Valencia neighborhoods, business, Newhall and Placenta Creek that provides connections to William S. Hart Regional Park and Saugus Station and Museum. Continuing eastward along minor drainageway connections into the San Gabriel Mountains and Placenta Canyon Park and Nature Study Center can be made possible. Trails extend further east to connect with Sand Canyon Creek which extends northward back to the Santa Clara River nearly 11 miles upstream of where we originated on the South Fork. • Bouquet Canyon Creek - Connects Saugus neighborhoods, from Santa Clara River and Angeles National Forest. • Canyon Country - Via Santa Clara River and a connector trail. • Sand Canyon Creek - Connects residential/equestrian theme neighborhoods and is the southern link of the previously mentioned loop trail connecting Placenta Canyon, William S. Hart Regional Park, Newhall, South Fork and eventually back to the Santa Clara River. WATER FEATURES On -channel water features refers to those features located within the actual river basin. On -channel water features should be designed and managed in such a way so as not to upset the existing hydrological balance, thus minimizing the potential negative impacts to sensitive habitat areas. The use of small ponds (100 to 400 SF surface area) and connecting streams would be located in areas to achieve the maximum visual effect for active users of the system. Exhibit 16 conveys the design intent to incorporate small ponds and streams in the river basin. The two locations on the plan that have been identified to incorporate this "small natural creek effect". are the Central River Plaza and the Pedestrian Bridge River Crossing "Panhandle" area. Also, the opportunity for adults and children to explore the wonders of a "natural" creek might be provided. Off -channel water features refer to those features located beyond the river bank. The water features proposed in the River Corridor Plan suggest numerous ponds ranging from 5 to 20 acres in size. The off -channel water features also include the use of architectural fountains, reflection pools and other water oriented element that can be integrated into a formal paseo system and Greenbelts. The design and management of the larger bodies of water should consider the potential threat of introducing predator animal species and evasive non-native plant species into the biological system. srwcuu_cvimoob DRAFT January 1991 25 VII. Design Considerations BUFFERS Allowing for sufficient buffer can assure the City that adequate provision can be made for the implementation of features suggested in the River Corridor Plan. Establishing buffers should not preclude access or development, but enhance the overall attraction of the Santa Clara River. Riparian habitats are recognized as one of the most productive vegetation communities for wildlife. Of equal importance, however, is the wetland/upland interface and the connectivity of the wetland habitats with larger upland open space areas. Biological buffers that provide vertical and/or spatial separation provide protection from direct encroachment by humans, and indirect impacts such as lighting, noise, and other factors that may effect wildlife. Additionally, buffers may be used for foraging by riparian obligate species including the least Bell's vireo (Kus and Miner 1989, Jones 1990). While it is generally recognized that buffers are essential for the protection of sensitive resource areas, the appropriateness of a given buffer width is still under considerable debate. Direct and indirect impacts to the habitat being protected by proposed buffers may result from conditions acrd activities associated with different land uses immediately adjacent to the habitat being protected. The recommendations outlined in the River Corridor Plan and accompanying report and graphics should be viewed as guidelines. As additional studies are completed on buffer requirements for the specific areas of the river, these buffer recommendations may need to be amended. In addition to distance setbacks, other buffering issues including lighting, noise, feral and pet cat problems, mosquito control, human access, and optimal preserve design should be considered in buffer recommendations. Buffer areas should serve two functions. The first function is to provide a physical separation between the riparian vegetation and encroachment from human activities. The second function is to provide at least some upland areas that may be incorporated into home ranges of species primarily occupying riparian habitats, especially along the narrowest portions of each drainage. The primary focus should be the physical separation. This should include protection from light and noise pollution, cat predation; increased human activity, degradation of water quality and illegal dumping, and the increased potential for conflict between future residents and mosquito control issues. Because there is the potential that upland habitat may provide some nutrient requirement for the riparian bird species that has to date not been identified, at least SO to 100 feet of upland vegetation should be provided within the biological buffer as a minimum for foraging. The following factors have. been considered in the development of the proposed buffers: srAc[xA.cwmroo6 DRAFT anus 7 26 1991 VII. Design Considerations Buffer Development Factors Riparian Habitat Width - The width of the riparian vegetation is likely to play a key role in the potential for use of upland areas by the vireo. If the assumption is that wider riparian areas may provide greater protection from predation, especially from cats, then the decision may be made that the creation of a wider riparian swath of vegetation may be preferable to the maintenance of an existing narrow swath with the provision for a wider buffer. Adjacent Land Uses - Different land uses will require different buffers. Residential areas are generally considered to have the greatest impact on wildlife and would require the largest buffers. Tonography - Topography has not been considered in most buffer recommendations. Where significant topographic separation occurs between development and riparian areas, it is assumed that disturbance from lighting, noise, and activity is less than for those areas without topographic relief.. Connectivity or Preserve Design - Maintenance of connectivity upstream and downstream as well as between the most sensitive resources should be emphasized. Buffer Vegetation Quality - Sage scrub and chaparral plant communities should typically provide greater diversity and density of insect prey than disturbed or non-native grassland buffer areas. The taller scrub species may also provide limited protection from noise and light pollution; and provide greater cover from predation. Buffer Width and Land Use Compatibility Two forms of buffers are generally used to protect sensitive biological resources; biological . and planning buffers. Biological buffers are areas of natural habitat between the sensitive resource and the area proposed to be modified by adjacent land uses. Planning buffers occurs outside of the biological buffer and services to transition from the biological buffer to the adjacent land use. Exhibits 17 and 18 illustrates the intent of a buffering system to maintain a means of acknowledging sensitive habitat, as well as managing trails access. Generally, access is precluded from biological buffers, while trails and passive recreation may. be appropriate for planning buffers. Plantings for screening and fencing are often provided to separate the biological and planning buffer. STACLRA.GV/mA06 DRAFT January' 1991 27 VII. Design Considerations Based on the foregoing discussion, the following buffer widths are recommended: Hieh Land Use Sensitivity Biological buffers in these areas should be a minimum of 200 feet from the resource being protected. In some areas, earthen trails with fencing would be appropriate within the outer -portions of these buffer areas. Only native vegetation should be planted within these buffers. In highly sensitive areas, buffers greater than 200 feet may be appropriate. Fifty foot planning buffers are appropriate for these areas. Moderate Land Use Sensitivity Biological buffers of 50 to 150 feet would be most appropriate for these areas. Planning buffers should be 50 feet in width. Low Land Use Sensitivity Because these areas are likely to be used for water recreation activities, buffers may not be appropriate. Adjacent land uses that include night lighting and significant noise should be buffered from these areas as they may still provide wildlife values. Additionally, these areas may allow access to the water resource at certain points; but prohibit access to other areas. These, off limit areas should have biological and planning buffers of at least 50 feet each. No Land Use Sensitivity No buffers will be required for these areas. As previously stated, it should be re-emphasized that these buffer recommendations should be considered guidelines, and that as more site-specific data are collected during the implementation phase of the River Corridor Plan, the buffer -requirements may likely be redefined. Land Use Compatibility The compatibility of land uses within the study area will vary with the type of resource trying to be protected or enhanced. Four land use compatibility classifications should be developed for areas within the plan area. These four are: High Land Use Sensitivity This sensitivity ranking includes those areas supporting rare and endangered species, or are of high biological significance because of the occurrence of several sensitive biological resources. These areas should be retained as natural parks within the plan, allowing limited or no access to the habitat areas. Moderate Land Use Sensitivity Areas in this sensitivity ranking may have sensitive resources such as rare plants that could be protected through fencing or appropriate buffering. Trails would be acceptable if the resource being protected was not impacted by the park activities. srncixw.awmraoe DRAFT January 7 1991 28 V11. Design Considerations Low Land Use Sensitivity Areas that are currently disturbed or will be developed as higher recreational use areas would fall into this category. Some water related activities would be suitable in these areas. No Land Use Sensitivity These areas are currently disturbed, have no potential for future habitat restoration or enhancement, and are outside of the floodplain. These areas would be ideal for active parks including ballfields, and could act as a planning buffer between development and less intensive park uses. HABITAT PRESERVATION AREA Some areas within the study boundaries should be protected as natural parks within the River Corridor Plan. These areas may allow limited passive recreation such as birdwatching and hiking. However, more active uses should not be allowed, and trails and other park amenities within these areas should be limited to those types which minimize or avoid impacts to these areas. The designated area for Habitat Preservation and Enhancement are shown in Exhibit 19. The most important areas to be protected as a natural park is the Iiparian vegetation on the western half of the study area. Trails should be limited to the outer habitat edges and should be fenced to limit access into the habitat to foot traffic only. In addition to protecting existing habitat, maintenance of the floodplain in an unchannelized state should receive a high priority. This will help to maintain the natural hydrology and maximize the potential for future planning considerations related to wildlife. Open areas adjacent to the floodplain are likely raptor foraging sites. Some raptor foraging area should be retained within the River, Corridor Plan. These areas should be incorporated into buffers for the riparian areas, and should also be connected to the extent possible with adjacent upland habitats. Although no surveys were conducted for sensitive plant species, the slender -homed spineflower may occur in several of the tributaries, especially Mint Canyon. This species prefers drier sandy washes. Surveys for this species should be conducted prior to implementing portions of the River Corridor Plan within areas potentially suitable for this species. Adjacent upland area with sensitive resources including the San Emigdio blue butterfly and San Diego horned lizard should be identified and incorporated into the plan. sTACLR.►.ownuary RA oos DFT Tann tit1 9 29 Vtf. Design Coosiderxtions HABITAT ENHANCEMENT AREA The Habitat Enhancement area, see Exhibit 19, identifies three general sections within and beyond the focused study area that if enhanced will elevate the ecologicalbenefits and visual quality of the river corridor. Based on the site's physical conditions and potential to restore and/or enhance the wildlife conductivity throughout the river corridor, the following three areas are recommended for habitat enhancement. Santa Clara River (East Half) This area transitions from the Pedestrian Bridge River Crossing "Panhandle" area eastward towards and beyond the City boundary. This stretch would pass by a number of recreational areas illustrated on the River Corridor Plan such as a Linear River Park and portions of Hillside Park/Open Space. South Fork Santa Clara River This enhancement area extends along the South Fork from the main channel of the Santa Clara River southward to Lyons Avenue and into areas of Placerita Canyon. The majority of this area would parallel the South Fork River Park and aesthetically enhance the Central River Plaza. San Francisquito Creek Although located beyond the focused area of study the San Francisquito Creek warrants consideration for habitat enhancement due to its relationship and connection potential with the Angeles National Forest to the north. In order to determine and delineate the limits for habitat enhancement area it is recommended that these areas be identified as "Waters of the United States" as defined by the U.S Corp of Engineers. Included in this definition of "Waters' is the term "Wetlands". Wetlands are, "Those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or ground water at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions." The determination and delineation of wetlands is based on three parameters, they are: vegetation, hydrology and soil. An area need not necessarily contain water, be wet, or even moist in order to be deemed a water of the United States. Such would be the case through much of the study area. srncuaA.cw19911 mrooe DRAFT lama 7 30 I VIL Design Considerations WILDLIFE CONNECTIVITY AND PRESERVE DESIGN Recent studies have indicated that corridors and preserve design are important for the maintenance of viable wildlife populations (Soule et. al. 1988). Open space preserve design is a rapidly evolving science, with research currently being conducted on maintaining optimal corridor widths for maximizing wildlife movement, maintenance of viable population sizes, maintenance of appropriate habitat management techniques, and other topics critical to the long-term preservation of a viable open space system. Proper preserve design allows for dispersion as populations increase in size, for the maintenance of genetic variability within the species, and the reduction in probability that a single catastrophic event will extirpate the species. The study area has been reviewed to provide recommendations that would maintain movement corridors that are contiguous with Angeles National Forest to the north and south, and the remainder of the Santa Clara River to the east and west. It should be noted that absolute numbers for corridor widths are not fixed and will vary depending on the situation. The width will also be dependent on the assemblages of organisms that are endemic to the region and would be users of the corridor. It should also be understood that there is a distinct difference between the movement corridor in which the goal to maintain movement of wildlife through an area, and preserve design, which focuses on the system as a whole. Other considerations in the preserve design include the role of the regional equestrian trails system currently being developed within the study area, and the potential for incorporating parks, golf courses, and other "open space" uses into the plan as preferred uses adjacent to biological open space areas. Open space easements which have been placed on properties for archaeology, power and sewer lines, and other planning functions should be incorporated to maximize the effectiveness of the.open space design. Upon consideration of the above factors, the following ecological goals of the Santa Clara River Corridor Plan have been developed and should serve as the objectives on which the planning and implementation of the plan are based. These are: Maintenance of Ecosystem - The primary focus of the preserve design will be to maintain the biological diversity of the Santa Clara River Valley plan area. The focus will be on the management and maintenance of ecosystems, rather than the management of single species. Maintenance of Corridor - The maintenance of adequate corridors between large blocks of different habitat types to insure movement of larger mammalian predators such as the coyote, bobcat and mountain lion, and to follow for dispersion of species into adjacent areas, especially following fire. Special consideration should be given to the maintenance or corridors between upland and wetland areas, as this may be a limiting factor for certain bird and mammal species. DRAFT January 7 SfACLRA.GVlmA06 1991 31 VII. Design Considerations Creation of Riparian Corridor - The Santa Clara River forms the major wildlife corridor through the center of the study area. The ultimate goal of the plan should include the creation of a native riparian corridor from the eastern boundary of the study area to the western boundary of the plan area. Access between this focal area and the adjacent upland areas should be a high priority of the River Corridor Plan. Tribulay Linkage - Tributaries should link the Santa Clara River to upland habitats to this north and south. The most important tributary is San Francisquito Creek, which supports the unarmo'red threespine stickleback. Biological and Planning Buffers - Adequate biological and planning buffers should be incorporated into the plan. DRAFT Januar STACIRA.GV/mA06 1991 32 ''ME L -t - . _ To Hasley Canyon %. To Pas Oms, To Angeles National Forest T., C.slisic 1AKe To Angs,l, RK eati ... I Are. %.I ... nal F,,,, LEGEND C Trarls 'A Pr 7up(� I ' d Bic�c ing. Ricer Cra"ing pp0 J-9k9ing & "alking M Existing Bridgi Proposed Muhi-Use and Equestrian Is u -44 vw.0 Accornsnodate Trail t ser., ,FP Future Bridge 41 ...... Equextrisswiliking Uninsprosed -j To Mint C..� Equestrian Only ,j fExisting Bridge - To rul a A CD A. -i7 ....... F%iNling Trail Accommodate Trail Usir, sA,C) Destination Points Proposed Pedestrian Bridge r 'SS111 j "URegional Destination Point EN Existing Railrwd Bridge I Staging AmtTrail Entry Point 0 Surfac Street Trail Crossing -tr Z_Pbu 0 se:ossmec Designates Trails to he Located 0 r9xLsGVProPosed Lerwee is 0 jj : . I w To 0 ir s" L4, Angeles % I National �j Is Form ITA AR is n. Co 1,,� ? /7 1 — . — 0 'sise $:a Area 00 is -4 Lang r its- cv,t 0-; Start= "Po Y is Z. r A osik 0 'soJ '-so• V`Z 0 Am �%6 ... ... V.♦ •11.,. 7�z 60 t s0o*0, z. 0 *0 x a % _. 000. 4 00 00-o,.,o 0OpOp b . 16, .1A Creek oOoo StevensonFish5�4 00 o.. N AJi.o'. Staging a Am Plamrit -000 Park al 6L� Studw Am .0 a Canyon ,MO. d N., 33 00 To Angeles National Forest 00 William q Hart Park Trail Saugus Station andMusetun 6-A Trail Head C�4� W--. To Angeles National Forest Rim 00 To Rim of the Valley Trail of the VaUey Trail TRAIL SYSTEM' lfl�ff 0 OiTX a Ile, 0 BSI Consultants, Inc. re "th, 0 sIo. 30,06 .00 City ofSanta Clarita Parks and Recreation Department SANTA CLARA RIVER RECREATION AND WATER FEATURE STUDY Exhibit 9 VIII. Santa Clara River Corridor Plan As growth occurs in this area consideration to incorporate the features suggested in the plan would be an asset to the overall value of the river corridor system. Providing a connection between the hotel paseo system and the trail system will draw people from one area or amenity to another along the river corridor, such as from the Interpretive Nature Center to the Central River Plaza. Also, establishing a formal paseo system linking outdoor cafes and restaurants and off -channel architectural water features creates a pleasant outdoor riverfront environment. Finally, if the City chooses to become even more regionally visible, it should consider investigating the potential of a conference and/or convention center along the Hotel Paseo System. NEWHALL COMMUNITY REACH The. designated Newhall Community Reach encompasses a portion of the South Fork Santa Clara River from Lyons Avenue to Placenta Creek. The Newhall character can be described as rustic or rural with a western town flavor. Other associations that support this image of Newhall; include, Santa Clarita's earliest settlement (1876), oil and- mining operations and large stands of oak trees. South Fork River Park Approximately half of the South Fork River Park sits within the Newhall Community Reach. This linear greenbelt has recently been acquired by the City. as a trail easement which joins the west side of the South Fork from Lyons Avenue to the main channel of the Santa Clara River. Enhancement of the South Fork River Park would necessitate further investigation as to the utilization of other adjacent utility easements as a means for additional recreational space and trail connections from nearby residential areas. Riparian enhancement of the South Fork would also help to elevate the outdoor visual quality of this linear space. The use of subtle landform changes within the greenbelt creates the opportunity to capture or retain urban run-off or non -point source pollution prior to entering the main surface flow. This simply means of retaining run-off in order to maintain the quality of surface flow, should be integrated into the design of recreational amenities (greenbelt, trails) throughout river corridor. January 7 sracrxe.cvrmroa DRAFT 1991 35 VIII: Santa Clara River Condor Plan VALENCIA COMMUNITY REACH The Valencia Community Reach extends along the west side of the South Fork Santa. Clara River from Placenta Creek to the Magic Mountain Parkway bridge. This reach could build upon the various images associated with Valencia such as the Spanish -style paseo system of walkways or the host community for the California Institute of the Arts. South. Fork River Park As stated in the Newhall Community Reach description, the trail easement designated as the South Fork River Park has been acquired by the City. Therefore, this area would be a prime candidate to demonstrate the concepts of the South Fork River Park and Trail System. Possible park features would include areas for general use play, playgrounds, informal picnicking and design of off -channel naturalistic water features. One idea in which to distinguish the Valencia Community Reach from other reaches would involve the participation of students of the California Institute of the Arts. This section of the South Fork can provide the outdoor forum for students to display their artistic talents. A sculptgfal art walk would add to the attraction of the river corridor. SAUGUS COMMUNITY REACH The Saugus Community Reach extends from the Bouquet Canyon bridge to the not yet- constructed Golden Valley bridge. The designated Saugus Community Reach, named after the. Massachusetts birthplace of Henry Mayo, might be enhanced notoriety as being the - home of an original Southern Pacific Railroad Station and/or the speedway and auto racing action. Regional Park/Open Space The regional park/open space site provides one of the best opportunities to incorporate a large off -channel water feature, 5 to 10 acres in size, as well as an organized field sports facilities such as baseball, softball and soccer. Tennis and basketball courts could also be located within this proposed regional park. The development of any water oriented recreation should consider accommodating non - motorized boating recreation (canoeing, paddle and row boats). Some amenities along the ponds edge could include a small pier or boat dock and waterfront picnicking. White water recreation could be accommodated if the hillsides are utilized to provide the necessary elevation changes. STACIRA.QVl0u0% DRAFT January 1991 1991 VIII. Santa Clara River Corridor Plan The Regional Park/Open Space site could also provide large group picnic facilities, general use play area and a large 500 seat outdoor amphitheater for diverse entertainment events. Concession stands and related facilities would provide services for trail and park users alike. Hillside Park/Open Space Another portion of the Hillside Park/Open Space includes an existing canyon with lush vegetation. This park could provide a pleasant transition from the adjacent residential areas to the river's trail system. The area that has been identified as the Hillside Park/Open Space, also. referred to as the "panhandle," is located on the northern side of the Santa Clara River and extends between the river and the future alignment of Highway 126. Due to the undeveloped nature of this area and its proximity to the Santa Clara River, future planning efforts should acknowledge the recreational value along this portion of the river corridor.and its connection to the Regional Park/Open Space site. The future alignment of Highway 126, as well as residential and/or commercial development, could easily disrupt and threaten the recreational and visual quality of this area. The design Considerations for a multiple use trail, linking the Hillside Park area and the Regional Park site, should include overpasses and underpasses in order for trail users to safely navigate across future roads and highways. The water oriented recreation would include the development of a 12 to 13 acre pond with a 1 to 2 acre.fresh water wetland area. The function of this pond would accommodate passive recreational activities such as hiking, informal picnicking and nature observation activities. If this pond were to be managed effectively to pose no threat to any endangered species, put -and -take fishing might also be feasible. The design of any trail amenities or architectural elements should take advantage of the panoramic views of the Santa Clara River from this site. Riverfront Greenbelt/Pedestrian Bridge River Crossing The Riverfront Greenbelt would be established along southern outer edge of the Santa Clara River, up along the river bank. Beginning from the Saugus Speedway site and ending at the Soledad Canyon Road bridge. The opportunities along this greenbelt would consist primarily of passive recreational activities. The greenbelt, Exhibit 24, would be connected by a trail system to other recreational and commercial focal points. As the Santa Clara River basin narrows, near the bend of the "panhandle," one of the few opportunities to propose a pedestrian bridge river crossing is created. The pedestrian bridge proximity to future commercial development and recreational areas provides an excellent opportunity to establish a riverfront promenade. Services and features along this SIACLRA.GV1wj" 37 January 7 DRAFT1991 VIII. Santa Clara River Corridor Plan promenade would include cafes, off -channel architectural water features and river over- looks. The future planning and design of structural facilities should respond to the river corridor plan concept in an effort to elevate the recreational and social benefits along the river corridor system. On -channel water features would include small ponds and streams. These water features would be designed as visual amenities to enhance the views from the pedestrian bridge as well as the river bank. Civic Center Site The site designated for the future Civic Center may not be considered a specific or critical component of the river corridor plan. However, it should be stated that such a facility, due to its hillside location and panoramic views, offers a excellent visual introduction to the Santa Clara River. As suggested in Section VII of this report, the habitat enhancement of the study area would provide additional ecological, as well as recreational benefits. Enhancement of this portion of the Santa Clara_ Iver should visually and ecologically compliment the development of any facilities associated with the Linear Park. CANYON COUNTRY COMMUNITY REACH The Canyon Country Community Reach includes a portion of the Santa Clara River beginning at Soledad Canyon bridge and ending at the eastern city boundary. One of the youngest of the four community members of Santa Clarita, Canyon Country is known for its family oriented atmosphere and its position as the eastern gateway to the City. -The river plan concept offers the opportunity for Canyon Country to explore and develop its unique contribution to the City. Linear River Park The Linear River Park is the main recreation area to be identified with the Canyon Country community. This area extends, on the south side of the Santa Clara River, from the Sierra Highway bridge to just beyond the Sand Canyon bridge. In an effort to meet the diverse recreational needs of the community, the following amenities are proposed for the Linear River Park. A community center, in conjunction with an off -channel 5 to 10 acre pond; would provide a centralize focal point in the River Park (see Exhibit 25). Organized field sports (baseball, softball and soccer) and court sports (tennis and basketball) would be accommodated at this area. Large group picnic facilities and areas for general use or free STAC[RA.GV/mAo6 DRAFT January 38 VIII. Santa Clara River Corridor Plan play such as for frisbce golf, pick-up football games, kite flying, etc. could also be accommodated. Another important recreational feature that might be accommodated in this area is a golf course. The design and management of this golf course could follow the increasing popular "Xeriscape" or drought tolerant course. Through appropriate planting and water management techniques water and chemical demands might be decreased from the requirements of a more traditional golf course. As suggested in Section VII, the habitat enhancement area on the eastern half of the study area could provide additional ecological and recreational benefits. The enhancement could visually compliment and be integrated into the development at Linear Park. WATER SOURCES Water Requirements for the River Corridor Plan The River Corridor Plan proposes a number of water features both on and off -channel that would accommodate water oriented recreation activities. The recommended River Corridor Plan, Exhibit 20, involves the construction, operation, and maintenance of 8 water basins of variable dimensions, located within the study area. The general location of these water basins are shown in Exhibit 27. - These water basins consist of approximately 38 acres area. Assuming an infiltration and evaporation loss equivalent to -a water depth of about two feet per day over a nine month period per year, it is estimated that 21,000 acre-feet of water per year would be adequate to satisfy. the water needs of the proposed River Corridor Plan. These water needs can be met through one or more of the following sources: • Construction. of storage facilities to trap and impound surface runoff during the rainy season; • Groundwater withdrawal through properly designed and spaced wells penetrating the Saugus formation and Younger Alluminum underlying the study area; and • Construction of wastewater reclamation facilities. An operations agency must be available with adequate powers to manage surface water resources, groundwater recharge sites, surface water and reclaimed water facilities, and ground water extractions. This agency will also provide coordination and liaison with interested local, regional, state, and Federal agencies, including compliance with regulatory issues and concerns. s ACLRA.cwmaa DRAFT January91 z 39 1991 . VIII. Santa Clara River Corridor Plan TRANSPORTATION CONCEPTS FOR THE RIVER CORRIDOR PLAN Transportation issues have been reviewed in the context of planning achievable access and circulation concepts for the river is recreational uses as presented in the River Corridor Plan. This effort is based upon the. current Santa Clarita General Plan - Circulation Element, and upon field review of the general area. Comments are provided according to specific areas or groupings of similar areas. Hotel Paseo System - This location will foster moderate to busy levels of access and vehicle travel because of its integration with cafes, restaurants, entertainment, hotel/conference center. Thus, it is recommended that reasonably direct access be planned from this area to Highway 126 and Interstate 5. Parking will be an important issue, adequate amounts should be formulated and incorporated into the overall area plan. Interpretive Nature Center - This location will likely see minor to moderate levels of access, primarily limited to day -use. Site planning should consider appropriate amounts of parking. Since the location is in the immediate vicinity of a freeway interchange, access should be planned.around the arterial function of The Old Road. Central River Plaza - This area will have similar access and parking concerns to the Hotel Paseo area. Attention should be focused on providing adequate support to the recreation features in addition to those needed for the proposed regional mall and other commercial' developments. This planning needs to be proactive to prevent the recreational facilities from being overwhelmed by retail and office demands. South Fork River Park and Bouguet Creek Park - Each linear location will likely be a series of small scale activity areas that should be supported by similar access and parking amenities. Attention should be focused on achieving strong pedestrian linkages to adjacent neighborhoods, thus reducing vehicle demand. Regional Park/Open Space Site - This area should support a large influx of vehicles and pedestrians/bicycles for area events such as softball leagues, company picnics, or small concerts. Several access points should be designated on Bouquet Canyon Road to process this type of travel demand. Major access points should be designed to collector standards. The site would be planned to emphasize internal circulation to reduce the demands of the adjacent street system. Parking lot and road design should accommodate buses. Civic Center Site and Pedestrian Bridge River Crossing - These areas are a connection to the river recreation areas and should be planned as a support function, particularly if a rail station occurs here. The site could be utilized for over flow parking demands or as a parking area for hikers. Access for the Civic Center function will be adequate for recreation purposes. Should outdoor cafes occur in either location, provisions should be made to support service of these functions. SIACLRA.GV/mr006 40 DRAFT 1 i� VIII. Santa Clara River Corridor Plan Linear River Park - This large linear area will serve much the same functions as the above described Regional Park. Access points should be defined at approximately 1/2 mile intervals along Soledad Canyon Road. Where major activities are planned such as the community center, ball fields, and group picnic areas, the access points should be designed similar to collector street standards. Site design for the major activity areas should also encourage internal circulation and parking to reduce conflict with the adjacent street networks. All designs should accommodate buses. General Transportation Comments These are ample opportunities for access to the proposed Santa Clara River Corridor Plan. Current thinking shows the recreational facilities distributed along the river in locations consistent with nearby land uses and access potential. In addition to the above area - specific findings, the following general recommendations are made: • Bicycle routes should be planned such that easy connection can be made to the river corridor; • Pedestrian linkages between neighborhoods and the river corridor should be planned to reduce dependence on vehicle access; • The river recreation plans should be developed independent of the rail transit system. Rail transit will serve many purposes, some of them possibly in conflict with the recreation goals of this effort; • Common signage should be developed for motorist, bicyclist, and pedestrian direction and information. This will tend to provide a unifying access theme for recreational facilities that stretch over 10 miles in length; • There are a number of bridges defined in the corridor plan. These facilities should be carefully coordinated with the road improvement plan for the City of Santa Clarita. It may be appropriate to combine pedestrian and vehicle uses in some locations; and • The proposed alignment of Highway 126 can easily become a barrier between the river corridor and the communities to the north. The City should proactively plan for means of connecting the river and these neighborhoods. Design of Highway 126 should foster an inviting means of achieving the connection. STACLAA.GV/mrOO6 DRAFT Janes 19911 41 L. set C.0 ,.,k ac. City of Sante Ctarlta Park* end R.crestlon Dep.rtm.nt I GJa n� G�ar� � I ve r Central River Plaza Concept SANTA CLARA RIVER RECREATION AND WATER FEATURE STUDY lk0,TraiI �, hanfa Clara 5o4b cork Ce- %ral %fiver Plaza 01 rededrian �ri- rZiver Crr, s rub aE�_V a„ c .... "...M.. City an $ecce ion De 8 Perk'- City end arta Recreation ri Department 2pJ* OrGkankl I't& and �reaw. 8n� i{zes't2uisirl' aft Cafes afe�h Fea�u'rtr4e' rfecturol pul,liL / al -s Central River Plaza r Y SANTA CLARA RIVER RECREATION AND WATER FEATURE STUDY U icr N w 1 F�oG,Ga e �•alInterpretive Nature Center 11"V vorks and nacrfatlon Doparlmanl a yr 1 ■n oil r L-91 RECREATION AND WATER FEATURE STUDY ntw C4reei6JE ,, tats �! ,Afdi,k VOrlous vi" N 45a,Iion r10 je , �. laf4 Nr 0 w� thin ;co�Yc lz6cfatq Linear Greenbelt SANTA.-CLARA RIVER RECREATION ANQWATERTEAllW_aTUDY.._ Exhibit 24 jff i e�� te..ri.mw wc. O City of Santa Clarlta Ou4 and Recreation Dopartmant t'Gllallf�� Wa}�r �Ures �I Sheu�d rrcv de, fes' r i4&r,+1 +rI l 41v5. �h041 -jV Me,retee CS pflan Linear River Park Concept SANTA ,CLARA RIVER RECREATION AND WATER FEATURE STUDY 1 LEGEND SANTA CIw0.ITp VALLEY CANYON M'T'TRY COMMUNITY THEME REACH FEE,xaxrx BSI Consultants, Inc. 6 16" 2600 2000 City an Santa e a SANTA C L A R A RIVER Parks and Recreationion Department RECREATION AND WATER FEATURE STUDY Exhibit 26 IX. Scenario Alternatives The following three scenarios are composed of recreational, social, and environmental desires and concerns that were expressed by task force members as well as community members who participated in the first public input meeting. Each scenariowasgenerated from a general concept regarding how the Santa Clara River might best reflect the community overall vision for a recreational river corridor. The. following brief descriptions represents each scenario's main focus. SCENARIO I - NATURAL RIVER CORRIDOR The Natural River Corridor Scenario typifies the community desire to maintain the Santa Clara River as a natural recreational amenity. Recreational features and improvements would reflect upon the valley natural character by incorporating indigenous material that will compliment the valleys color, texture and surrounding landform (see Exhibit 28). xx The Objectives of Scenario I are: • To provide informal linear/greenway systems to function as the landscape transition between the commercial and the ecological sensitive areas. These areas might function as a retention or filtration basin to capture urban run -off -before it would be allowed to entry the river's surface flow. • To provide on -channel water features that include small ponds, interconnected with trickle streams. Public access to these water features would be actively managed to encourage enhancement of wildlife habitat. Ponds and trickle streams should be located in areas to public visibility. • To provide off -channel water features to provide passive recreational opportunities and to enhance or restore habitat. These water features to be managed accordingly to maintain safety of the threatened/endangered species. • To establish an architectural and planting theme to reinforce and compliment the valleys natural character. srncA.cvimoos DRAFT Ja""a ue tv9t 42 IX. Scenario Alternatives The Features of Scenario I are: Nature Center Site Nature Center/Sanctuary Exhibits, Displays and Gift Shop Art and Nature Exchanges Interpretive and Interactive Nature Areas Outdoor Environmental Education Programs Wildlife/Star Gazing Platforms On -Channel Ponding and Streams with Managed Public Access River Observation Platforms Off -Channel Natural Seasonal Water Features Small River Front Outdoor Amphitheater Pedestrian Bridges Picnicking Cafe Promenade Limited Evening Use A South Fork River leach General Use Play Area Retention/Filtration Basin Trail System Access form Adjacent Residential Areas Pedestrian bridge Civic Center Site Trail system Access River View Platforms Regional ParklOpen Space Site Museum Art and Photography Events Trails and Interpretive Signs Throughout Large Group Picnic Facilities Botanic Garden General Use Sportsfields Large Outdoor Amphitheater for Cultural/Musical Events Integrate Parldng and Concessions with Natural Character of Valley Recreational Lake (10 to 15 acres) Canoeing, Rowing Lakeside Picnicking Divide Lake - Limit public access to those areas designated for wildlife STACLRA.QV/mr006 43 DRAFT January 7 1991 IX. Scenario Alternatives Hillside Park/Open Space Site Hillside Trail System Access, Provide Trail Access Accross Highway 126 Hillside Restoration Program Trailside Picnic Facilities Pedestrian River Crossing Extended Linear/Greenway Buffer Pedestrian Bridge River Crossing Cafe Promenade Off -Channel Architectural Water Features On -Channel Ponding and Trickle Stream Linear River Park Off -Channel Pond (3 to 5 acres) Passive Recreational/Open Space Area Group Picnicking Facilities Trail System Access from Existing and Future Residential Areas SCENARIO II - THE RIVER PLAZA The Central River Plaza Scenario encourages the city of Santa Clarita to identify and establish a centralized city core. The Central River Plaza Scenario attempts to create this atmosphere through the use formal paseo system that would interconnect with adjacent recreational/commercial land uses. The more extensive use of off -channel architectural water features would create a pleasant attraction for community members and travelers passing through (see Exhibit 29). The Objects of Scenario II are: • To establish a centralized developed area that would function as the main anchoring element within the river corridor. • To provide greater opportunity for recreational diversity. • On -channel water features to be passively managed to allow greater public interaction. • The proposed trail system would reflect the highest level of development that would . include directional signage, rest stops and other trail amenities. The Features of Scenario Il are: STACrRA.OV/mrM DRAFT January �... 1991 44 I IX. Scenario Alternatives Hotel Paseo System Trail System Access River Views from Hotel/Motel Restaurants Entertainment Facilities Connection to Train/Trolley System Pedestrian Bridge The River Plaza Off -Channel Architectural Water Features On -Channel Small Ponds and Trickle Stream Accessible to the Public Formal Paseo System Connected to Trail System Small Commercial/Retail Shops Outdoor Cafes and Restaurants Pedestrian Connection the Regional Mall Site Small Riverfront Outdoor Amphitheater Evening Use Connection to Train/Trolley Station Sculptural LeveesIChannels South Fork River Reach General Use Play Area Children Playground Trail System Access from Adjacent Residential Area Water Retention/Filtration Basin Pedestrian Bridge Regional Park/Open Space Site Recreational Lake - 15 to 20 acres Lakeside Promenade Paddle Boats, Sailing, and Row Boats Small Pier and Boat Dock Picnicking Put -and -Take Fishing Trail System Access Trail Users Service Shops and Facilities Organized Field Sports Activities Convention Center Site Trail System Access Hillside Architectural Features Connection and Blending into Hillside Park Recreation Area River Overlooks STAC[1iA.GVtmi006 45 DRAFT rangy 19911 IX. Scenario Altematives Hillside Park/Open Space Hillside Trail System Access, Provide Trail Access Highway 126 Hillside .Restoration Program Hillside Architectural Features Pedestrian River Crossing Linear River Park Organized Field Sports General Use Play Area, Frisbee Golf, Kite Flying. Children's Playground Picnicldng Facilities Golf Coarse SCENARIO III - COMMUNITY THEME REACH The Community Theme Reach Scenario provides each community or sub -community the opportunity to visr Wly express their community uniqueness along designated reaches of the Santa Clara River." A community unique features or special identity would be reflected in the design of trail systems amenities and other recreational improvements. This multiple theme approach attempts to establish greater community interaction and participation along a neutral, interconnecting recreational corridor (see Exhibit 30). The Features of Scenario III are: Santa Clarita Valley Reach Association/Character Rolling Hills/Natural Landform Significant Ridgeline Santa Susana Mountains San Gabriel Mountains Sierra Pelona Mountains Major Convergence Point Early Indian Village Settlements along the Santa Clara River First California Gold Discovery Possible Features Formal Paseo System with Pedestrian Bridges Ethnic Foods, Cafes and Restaurants Architectural Elements and Recreational Improvements to Compliment Historic Valley elements Small Ponds with Connecting Streams Interpretive Nature Center srAcuea.cvrauooa DRAFT Jaau199911 46 �eeci?Y- n-44"�Mr."'tar. Q IX. Sceaario Altentatives Valencia Community Reach Association/Character Named After Spanish Sister City Spanish Style Paseo System of Walkways College of the Arts 4 Possible Features Sculptural Art Walk Direct Access to the Waterfront Park Newhall Community Reach Association/Character Earliest settlement - 1876 Western Town Early Oil and Mining Operations Large Stands of Oak Trees Possible Features Western Theme Trail Amenities Direct Access to the Waterfront Park Wagon Train Trail/Park Saugus Community Reach Association/Character Named after the Massachusetts birthplace of Henry Mayo Family/Residential Area Home of an Original Southern Pacific Railroad Station The Speedway and Auto Racing Canyon Country Community Reach Association/Character Family/Residential Area Industrial Hub Surrounded by Open Space Placerita Canyon Subcommunity Reach Association/Character Oak Studded Area Rustic Equestrian Oriented Glen Oak Ranch (Disney Movie) Gene Autry Melody Ranch January 7 S'rActnA.cwmroos DRAFT ty9i 47 a. IJ Hotel/Entertainment Support Facllitles ncc Iw,;y.ay .•c I+P».c> _tea.-•..1.4r`.k„' \. ,• ya;. 11 , y 11ti y / — �`I � n ll' r• - v4r Nature Center Site r v � G South Fork River Reach rcltrltLY Mw M �4h, �•SiY�c- �� i :'t Habitat Protection Area LEGEND Symbol Regional Park/Open Space Site • .+ry :nw'ry w .W ; (swsm U•:+'•c) vn M•n Vic S+1 6a•4C •,'�„•<'lyq'•'°""[ Ecological Buffer � �jM1 . 1+nor sPmnr. w•aaa] • ••� m+s. ty� „�,, ye+_��qq T.s1 HN•g .. Aafv+M]X •2>ae m••� �]xeau....R.• .rur.Y uwr� [inu'•dn.w : t - �' cTe.ayn d uc� � u.e e.•r.[al.. � . • Reu:o•' ise - r [• 5 u< • Pev�Jw+ �- u.rb� b•as -t fl•..! rJe. Habitat Enhancement Area r _ u^'td TfAc M[s,n u.b�ie • 1¢Vrl }e#"/�U. .wlrj �i.,�wae ef�dl� Hillside Park/Open Space Site NlNe 7.1 b,ven I(rK, pyrL- y_I .. '� Lowy, war✓Vtla- MgW.v, u,. ww o.wr., wus. }earr�m ._ � '�L• L%y ' 1 ryJ- r ! . '^ J.. l.vn N !! -Oe � . r •r r ! w t 1 -°v v�',t :: •' s -...t'• - •s - ..; I sane �._._•_ �1,'.L / � of IclnTen ii Linear Rirv,re�r Perk .4 i _ I`alcv..Nr rM'.a>o 4ai li c.^ �.9y.' R�5 C' .e�mWr^� hea r r.•{ " is Pedestrian River Crossing '•"` L:.c._:_ ;�c-�,.,'': +lroel+w. t.xe +••er 40.9 • hu.b�rJ lYe/ M2 • bnp /dw� 9rv.. SCENARIO I NATURAL RIVER CORRIDOR FEET xoxrn BSI Consultants, Inc. Ph,CN a leas .... a•aa City an Santa Cep SANTA C L A R A RIVER Parks and Recreationn Department RECREATION AND WATER FEATURE STUDY F•Yhihit 29 irt x • n) A. V. ` S 2 .y - Sri i 1j 4' ♦ Vi.' ) Y: '(? > ) �CIL) •maya.--. '°• r *__. Gln Fi 's i�x "� ,t " + k` zn iJ %' :� > � Ff,' . �'b£�.\ t:�f �l• il V � �i C°'��t`� -1 , i ' ' ,x +�b C t fl r1 • wFti tt } �` Reg1008 ,'x Mall r IF R"A Hotel }Paseo System .tom. uk,'/� •17 1 � t..t . rtrn..•er r<+f... G 'r°"'"`i°r`+omOT"✓T'°r`T The River Plaza Val,ncl� > . a.. m..a..✓.m' mow.:; 7 ' F. �1 f • _ • _ . t . ravMmb�Ma s./vr fM1r >. South Fork River Reach �• l,lx �, �n. A� • .wham/ ra,.r.,.� x.s, < .'f' i' m_L:.r ' i �. 5:.: W.S. Hart Park Q Civic Center Site Regional Park/Open Space Site �j I Habitat Protection Area t LEGEND_ u . R�Ur>j qyq Symbol r � 14 1i ` J '• ` At •�... �— Ra1de Rte+ Baby Is�.ni t+'o•e'wG �— Convention Center Site ..v_ t • w.e carona r- r M Buller Hillside Perk/Open Space Site ®Ecological T�19's" ^a�.gt•Iv.� v.t •^ ' . NMN.9�IIr1 i .HwkkUC Mci.IMVi Fp4tq j ! i✓\ j ..1 Z �._ — �j I Habitat Protection Area t LEGEND_ u �. Symbol r � s ` J '• ` At • l�'ee1 No -1 /.:ms Buller -` ®Ecological Rrv+W •^ ' x.L...r..�l�� • `' 1 ' Linear River Park Z �._ — us P_Fy ° oVx,ry ft For 21 i rym • M.O Otl»s - j' Habitat Enhancement Area .inl�tt i=b =C.^.LC 1.'eiCarG II�YrueY ��e.^ . u..re.r..w4.' cm.. •>m� . e+n..y., sj,..F, evee n.ae:ee w>c.u>t O rw � m..,/s ory r `''isr �`,��la {{3 � i � Hie w.' ✓ ,r / "u. / �.' ( l4' �� Fd...iF a ........ f 1 ♦ �4 i -l. i t r. r S 1 —Pedestrian River Crossing •r�oiwl+�nawap��L} rkdna µr '• ',•, SCENARIO II THE RIVER PLAZA FEET ... rH BSI Consultants, Inc. r nrr r�x .cnra City an Santa. Cep SANTA C L A R A RIVER Parks and Recreationn DDepartment RECREATION- AND WATER FEATURE STUDY Exhibit 29 t t r � s ` J '• ` At -` ,Cnnroa ' S Ln•?i �: • `' 1 ' Linear River Park Z �._ — us P_Fy ° oVx,ry ft - 4. r 21 i rym - j' —Pedestrian River Crossing •r�oiwl+�nawap��L} rkdna µr '• ',•, SCENARIO II THE RIVER PLAZA FEET ... rH BSI Consultants, Inc. r nrr r�x .cnra City an Santa. Cep SANTA C L A R A RIVER Parks and Recreationn DDepartment RECREATION- AND WATER FEATURE STUDY Exhibit 29 i Hotel Paseo System Regional Park/ ' vwr Open Space Site Hillside Park/Open Space Saugus Community peach ' i+l erac.�,,. r✓wl� o�..,..ynE�,� l.aE r_ Habitat Protection Area .Iw. 8 a„ ti .Ilr.r.r p.sraw. . a___..:. . ,z` w�wda r -.-.se •xfr� �tw..a;� .a.m r.ws..eE.l ..�.av, ". _Fr_-� k� � •� •� t _ ®. Ecological Buller '=. "-� •j ., ..r� meqr,`'"^r y-`�1C j - f J (.• Canyon Country Reach ,u,,,k`,gtan"'r•'b. �F/^9 T�j 1'-&' ,` tilF,[}j�Y�'tS ..: % Y•� •.Ji Y V h 1! L 7 •OFn P. S •' .MtlC•(/ YY •'.b .`y'•Y'. i, 9 a_ S • I. `tee_ Lvj @� @•^c � Habitat Enhancement Area ' t ° -} �.Sq;4c,^c ` c .. �.- � ;.�A. I ' -� Jg, �i' � i� i •n'utM g.N"9° Ie Mbee Hx,r� 1`a ; 0•Lµ 1 S4 � � Elp! Y. I � I T r �� •• ; 1 f f\.•i� J1, .. �, 1 t r A h rrl �I S .' • �' � .w 1 t _ � C 1 1• 1 :�..('" 4M N� 1 V • C�. •..� 71 I � • Cterlte ' vp• II �fti.�.._t� f Y a/Lgl�. ♦ .. �. t�s_w_ •. a. • a.rxt. .. .. Y. ., _ ..,� _ �Y---.��f_<.S�'^": �. .d`. .. The Santa Clarita Valley Reach L••o rYaMs .:Pv f..a.•. w w�,y Valencia �•1•r•+••e,N�a�y eP�.�s •uhf .bpidla fMPI- Id 4upfw . J In LEGEND Symbol f^W<m �e't� ars-F.Avs H fYMraN •fA15 r+w---yq.Em -PQWMM dbAa� 11009 �.�`� CYrx't1IP7�.p.. �:+�jp�j�vf�` �-A,, i...✓.' � �� f �_ � f4 .�1 r� wj �f..- {I� f � � �� "�'.��.�`->�` `'�� • �`�� r y� 111...=�� ~ �� V. . ' • �. t �\�`,\ �'r `� ' 6 ` +♦te�a �� t �Aa ' �G �.� <,,� e 1 1. `� ��i�1V`nf � � L�� M \'� �� :lam •f5i!F1 t _ i�\ild •f..Ay / � •',tib Vi 1�. ;+fit•. "� •:t .RY .i��E. _ ._ �,�� +?i�'�3..x_�?� l�i��iJi�1 R \•AI.I�r�....� 1 "� Newhall Community Reach •lmrWa...e. � -22 s •uw.l -ne.� wx. us 7r atpM •u� I.wFMn•e.l. waterfront Park Plecerita Canyon .fs d Sue -C ammunilY Rucb Cniy.[y..•� �b�Ov�S • rw.y E�•.b•Of Pu. gyyay Hm • Wab .rwY. T J Linear River Park :CKr� Fed ��(.� .atazr A+pnf•f•.f } j Pedestrian River Crossing il.�cw�f�i ff.p+ Community Center Site .a=bey " •C t.+.�'Vf,• f46ehiM pr 4?, nef t G nrr yr sub-communlly Rffcb afb SCENARIO III COMMUNITY THEME REACH -S/ iEEI MO"TM BSI Consultants, Inc. � „ OC11ff ' O 1600 f000 0000 City an Santa Clarita SANTA C L A R A RIVER Parks and Recreation Department RECREATION AND WATER FEATURE STUDY i _ ` l •1 '• •. ✓ f � _ter ,I I �•.. I ' `-'a-.. J ✓ .. ant' .. cr f P° y / -0V. p !•'`.` - - � t� � r . >• f 3. rid i «iw:f.ti � . �.. .i ` - • / P,Or � - ! {. �:i s. Nt •'" hl i / "DADS oD .•.: j ^�' s CANYON'-••_.. ��.•,» 'r-� —:'� � � x »'$ ' N v` f R A N C I• .�C - E3:7• _ • � a• - .e .r �• _ L q ' • ' _ ^v.. ._ _ Z to }' 0. , ;. _ e' - A R R I e f 1 • i- f Af A N _ -t' i 1 (yam—•�� t 5 ' — R YF•Sv'.. - P'S LAND TdYIN LEY•Oa N'FON y-� «.• AND ERE CANYON` ' - !� �• x LANDFILL �lAxO FILL \-tet' t• < ! '� ..R «,u A N F /n MOVN lr1 'N• .. • _ .. i '.t �..:-'•I'a..• •.. 1 ... - • 1 11 i - •j t. ~ '. r'•• v a;"a, SYMBOL LEGEND • - � '�1�� DRAINAGE BOV NORY 1 ••-� >"'•' / -�•�� BUB -AREA BOUNDRV DRAINAGE AREA MAP ' CITY NOUN DRY v < - F ~• ( tT �E((D� —� BANTA CLARA RIVER .tee. .w ...—.. �— :,x .Y •J . TRIBUTARY MILES NORTH BSI Consultants, Inc. City of Santa Clarita Parks and Recreation Department D 1 q 4 SANTA CLARA RIVER Exhibit 32 RECREATION AND WATER FEATURE STt inv . , X. Natural Resources the Santa Clara River downstream from the mouth of Soledad Canyon and along the downstream parts of some of the principal tributaries. Principal tributaries in the downstream order are: • Soledad Canyon • Mint Canyon • Bouquet Canyon • San Franciscquito Canyon • Castaic Creek Further downstream are Piru, Sespe and Santa Paula Creeks. All these streams flow into the Santa Clara River from the north. The South Fork, as the name implies, flows into the Santa Clara River from the south. About 90 percent of the drainge area is on the northside of the River. Downstream from Soledad Canyon, the riverbed becomes a wide sandy wash that extends to the ocean. Vegetation - In general, the vegetal cover increases in density from the relatively and eastern part to the more humid western part of the basin. Chaparral and sagebrush are the principal types of native vegetation in the mountains and foothills.. Sycamore, willow, and cottonwood trees grow along most of the steams. Scattered woodland trees are present in many of the canyons of the western mountains. Native grasses such as wild oats, foxtail, and burclover cover most of the lower hills in the western portion of the drainage area. During the past 25-30 years, recurring forest and brush fires have denuded large areas in the basin.. Revegetation is generally more rapid in the western part than.in the eastern _.. _ .. part. In the alluvial valley areas, scattered cultivated orchards are present except for. rapidly -increasing suburban development, including residential, commercial, and industrial areas in the foothills and valleys. GEOLOGICAL AND SOILS ASSESSMENT The study area is located in the eastern part of the Ventura Basin, an east -west -trending structural basin within the Transverse Ranges physiographic province of California. The regional stratigraphy includes marine and non -marine sedimentary units from Miocene to Plio-Pleistocene age overlain by younger alluvium. Various formations have been folded and faulted in a spectacular manner, producing many complex geologic structures. Minor amounts of volcanic rocks are found in various parts of the watershed. Alluvial deposits cover the floors of the larger valleys, including the streambeds to a maximum depth of several hundred feet. The fill of the Santa Clara River Valley (Santa Clarita Valley) and the coastal plain form a series of pervious deposits that serve as underground reservoirs for water storage. January 7 u sTAcu.cwmraoe DRAFT 1991 S6 _ Fna s ,,.'. S+Sw.frs:�.c I X. Natural Resources Structure The Santa Clarita Valley is developed along the axial trend of the synclinal Ventura Basin. The geologic units exposed near the center of the valley are generally younger and less resistant to erosion than are those nearer the basin margins (Winterer and Durham, 1962). Several northeast -southwest and northwest -southeast -trending faults obliquely cut the synclinar structure. The most notable faults in the study area are the northwest -southeast - trending San Gabriel and Holser faults (SWRCB, 1975; Winterer and Durham, 1962). Both fault traces roughly bisect the study area, crossing the Santa Clara River immediately downstream from the outlet of Bouquet Canyon and crossing the mouth of San Francisquito Canyon. Although the location of the San Gabriel fault is well known, recent studies suggest that the Holser fault occurs to the north of Highway 126, which differs slightly from the location previously mapped (Seward, September 10, 1990). Most of the Holser fault, however, is outside of the study area. Stratigraphy Topographic highs: in the study area are generally composed of well -graded, semi consolidated alluvial deposits of the Plio-Pleistocene Saugus Formation. Exposures of the underlying Pico, Towsley, and Mint Canyon formations are generally restricted. to the southeastern and southwestern margins of the study area (Winterer and Durham, 1962). Below is a summary of the area. Mint Canyon Formation (Miocene) - This unit consists of non -marine greenish -gray to light -brown mudstone, siltstone, sandstone, and conglomerate and tuff beds in several locations. The formation occurs along the flanks of the Santa Clara River drainage area in the eastern portion of the study area (Canyon Country). Towsley Formation (Pliocene) - This unit is exposed along the axial trace of an anticline located south of the Santa Clara River in the western portion of Canyon Country, and consists of brown siltstone and mudstone with minor sandstone and conglomerate. Saugus Formation ' (P1io-Pleistocene) - This_ unit consists of lenticular, marine and non -marine sandstone, siltstone, and claystone and attains a maximum thickness of approximately 7,000 feet at Castaic Junction in the western end of the study area (SWRCB, 1975). The thickness of the Saugus formation slowly decreases eastward and more rapidly toward the northern and southern flanks of the basin. The Saugus Formation forms all bedrock exposures in the Bouquet Canyon and San Francisquito Canyon drainage areas. Alluvium (Recent) - This unit consists of unconsolidated, poorly bedded silt, sand, and gravel and occurs in the low-lying areas of the study area including the Santa Clara River. Thickness of the alluvium reaches a maximum of about 200 feet below the mouth of Bouquet Canyon. srAcurA.cvinuooe DRAFT anus ts9t 57 ' X. Natural Resources Future Land -Use Projections Major communities within the Santa Clarita Valley include: • Canyon County - North of the River. Well-developed residential community. • Sand Canyon - Land use consists of large custom home sites set in a landscape dominated by oak groves. • Placerita Canyon - North-westerly of Antelope Valley Freeway. Rural oak -studded. residential area. • Newhall - Oldest community in valley. Oil fields, low density residential development. • Valencia - Planned community offers new homes for a wide variety of housing markets. • Bouquet Canyon and Seco Canyon Area - Additional urban expansion is likely, except in the floodplain areas; established industrial uses. • Val V r - Residential and weekend vacation destination for people from .Los Angeles County; community park and equestrian stables; quiet rural charm. • -Castaic - Due to Castaic Reservoir and recreational activities, the area has high growth potential. Potential traffic impacts exist. • Aqua Dulce - Ranch Country. Population Projection for Santa Clarita Valley are as follows: 1987 (125% increase over the 23 -year period) 2010 Available data indicate that relatively rapid residential, commercial and industrial development is anticipated during the next two (2) decades. an 7 srxcuu.cwmroo5 DRAFT 58 1991 - X. Natural Resources Runoff Characteristics and Structures Affecting Runoff The Santa Clara River and its tributaries are ephemeral streams. Streamflow generally occurs only during and immediately following rains because climatic and drainge area characteristics are not conducive to continuous runoff. Extreme runoff events are generally produced by intense rainfall over a relatively short period of time. The semi -arid desert topography would likely reduce the runoff of shorter duration rainfall events until the soil saturation level is reached. Percolation losses occur in the alluvial channels. Due to recurring urbanization, impervious areas are increasing in magnitude; consequently, peaks and associated volumes are likely to increase in the Santa Clarita Valley. Records indicate that peak flows resulting from rainfall are usually not affected appreciably by melting snow. Some summer flow results from springs in the upper reaches. Existing structures affecting runoff are as follows: Flood Control Improvements: 4.7 qu. levee on the left bank of the Santa Clara River from south Mountain to Highway 101 completed in 1961 by COE. Standard Project Flood Criteria. Channel improvements in Los Angeles County and Ventura County to protect urban areas of Piru, Fillmore, Santa Paula, Saticoy and Oxnard - done by local interests. Water Conservation Improvements: Small irrigation diversion structures, several small storage reservoirs and spreading grounds near Piru, Santa Paula, and Saticoy adjacent to the River. Two small regulating reservoirs in Dry and Bouquet Canyons -operated by DWP in conjunction with the Los Angeles aqueduct. The drainage area above each drain is small and most the runoff from the upstream area is either released at the dams or bypassed around the reservoirs. The Santa Felicia Reservoir upstream from Santa Clara River on Piru Creek - built by the United Water Conservation District in 1955. Storage Capacity 100,000 ac. -ft. Castaic Dam and Recreation Lagoon Spillway El. =1,515 ft. MSL SPACIRA.GVlmc006 59 DRAFT January 7 1991 I X. Natural Resources Storage Capacity =323,700 ac. -ft. Total Upstream Area =100 mit Hydrometeorological Characteristics The mean seasonal precipitation for the drainage area ranges from about 16 inches in the valley areas to. about 36 inches in the higher mountain elevations. Most precipitation occurs during the months of December through March. Rainless periods of several months during the summer months are characteristics of the area. Snow is common in the mountains during the winter, but is rare in the valley and on the coastal plain. By and large, snow is not an important contributory factor to runoff. Most precipitation in the area results from general winter storms that originate over the Pacific Ocean as a result of the interaction between polar and tropical air masses and move eastward over the basin, last for several days, reflect orographic influences, and are accompanied by widespread precipitation. Thunderstorms that may result in intense precipitation during short periods of time (3 hours or, less) over small areas occur occasionally either in association with general storms or %Independently; these thunderstorms can occur at any time of the year. Tropical hurricanes are known to have occurred in the late summer and early fall but have not resulted in any major floods during the period of record. Critical storm used for the Standard Project Flood for most of the watershed is the March 3-4, 1943 storm of 3 -hour duration with total precipitation of 3.20 inches. Storms and Floods of Record Descriptions of rare storms and floods in the region are discussed in the COE's survey report. Historical records dating back to 1918 indicate that several floods have occurred in the Santa Clarita Valley. However, only descriptive rather than quantitative accounts of the magnitude and severity of floods prior to 1938 exist. In the study area, the maximum peak discharges of record.were exceeded as shown in Table 1. Available stream gages used for estimating discharge frequency relationships are summarized in Table 2. srncrxw.cwi1 tt m,we DRAFT Ianu 60 X. Natural Resources TABLE 1 PEAK DISCHARGES FROM PREVIOUSLY RECORDED FLOODS SANTA CLARA RIVER BASIN, CALIFORNIA No. Location Drainage Area Date and Discharge Maximum Discharee Date and Discharge Date and Discharge Years Zero Square Cubic feet Cubic feet Cubic feet Longitude Stream Miles per second per second per second I Santa Clara River No. Mar 2, 1938 Jan 25, 1969 Feb 25, 1969 Mi. near Montalvo 1,600 115,000 165,000 152,000 2 Santa Clara River Mar 2, 1938 Jan 25, 1969 Feb 26, 1969 at Old Hwy 99 br 410 24,000 14,760 31,800 3 Santa Clara River ]an 16, 1952 Jan 25, 1969 Feb 25, 1969 above Lang R.R. Station 157 4,200 4,350 5,910 4 South Fork of theJan 24 16, 1952 Jan 25, 1969 Feb 25, 1969 Santa Clara River-,. 40.9 6,800 6,000 7,180 5 Mint Canyon at Dec 15, 1959 Jan 25, 1969 Feb 25, 1969 Fitch Avenue 26.9 708 1,400 4,000 6 Castaic Creek at 11108145 Dec 29, 1965 Jan 25, 1969 Feb 25, 1969 _ Highway 126 202 9,900 15,770 19.260 TABLE 2 STREAM GAUGING STATIONS (USGS) STACLRA.Gv,� 199911 DRAFT Jahn 7 61 Drainage Period of Years Zero Gauge Latitude Longitude Stream Area Sq. Record of 'Flow STD Adopted No. Mi. Record Years Deviation Skew Santa Clara 1107745 342552 1182122 River 157.0 54.77 24 0 1.0154 -2.00 Near Lang Castaic 11108145 342542 1183740 Creek Near 184.0 54-76 23 1 1.0492 -.50 Saugus STACLRA.Gv,� 199911 DRAFT Jahn 7 61 X. Natural Resourccs SYNTHESIS OF THE STANDARD PROJECT FLOOD The standards project flood (SPF) represents the flood that would result from the most severe combination of meteorological and hydrologic conditions considered reasonably characteristic of the region. It is normally larger than any past recorded flood in the area and can be expected to be exceeded in magnitude only on rare occasions. SPF peak discharges were determined in accordance with COE's EM 1110-2-1411 (Reference 6), using HEC -1 in conjunction with the Los Angeles District Flood Hydrograph Preprocessor LAPRE-1 Package Computer Programs. =I . , NW The 3 -hour thunderstorm of March 1943 transposed and centered over the area tributary to the selected concentration points was found to be the storm that represents the most severe flood - producing factors that may reasonably be expected to occur in the general area. It was, therefore, selected as the standard project storm for the smaller area. Standard Project Storm. General Winter Type: The critical storm for the larger areas tributary to the proposed flood control improvements is based on the assumed occurrence of the storm equivalent in magnitude to that of the January 1943 transposed and centered. over the area tributary to the concentration point. Precipitation -Runoff Relationships The Santa Clara River Watershed was divided into 12 subareas. Delineation of these subareas is shown on. Exhibit 32. Basin characteristics of each subarea are summarized in -Table 3. Runoff for each subarea was computed using synthetic unit hydrograph approach derived from the Santa Clara (average of 5) S -graph. a. Unit hydrograph and S -graph. A unit hydrograph is the runoff hydrograph that results form one inch of rainfall excess.(unit rainfall) occurring uniformly over a subarea watershed in a specified period of time. The Los Angeles District's normal .unit hydrograph procedure utilizes the S -graph, which is a summation graph of discharge in percent of ultimate discharge versus time in percent of lag time. Lag time is defined as the time required for 50 percent of the total volume (ultimate discharge) of. the unit hydrograph to occur. The basin lag time for ungaged.watersheds can be approximated by the use of the lag relationships presented on Exhibit 33. The basin n -value is a variable in the lag equation that permits adjustment of the lag time depending on the type of ground cover and other characteristics affecting basin response to rainfall excess. The Santa Clara River S -graph developed by the COE Los Angeles District was used to describe the time distribution of runoff for the watershed. srAcA.cv/mr006 DRAFT January 7 ue 1991 62 X. Natural Resources b. Basin n -values, Precipitation and Percolation Loss Rates. The basin n -values used in computing SPF peak discharges and other floods in the mountain areas ranged from 0.035 to 0.040. In the more urbanized downstream valley areas n -values varied from 0.030 to 0.035. SiACIRA.GVlmA06 63 DRAFT rams 9191 91 .��5 Y^�s y�2°?i•�Y X. Natural Resources TABLE 3 BASIN CHARACTERISTICS Sub -basin. Location Drainage Area Sq. Mi. L (mi.) Lca (mi.) Slope (FHmi.) Basin N -value 1 Soledad Canyon 170.4 25.5 11.50 174 .040 2 Oak Spring Canyon 7.3 5.08 2.54 484 .035 3 Mint Canyon 29.8 15.63 8.40 1 234.5 .035 4 Sand Canyon 14.13 10.36 5.47 235.0 .035 5 Solemint Area 4.34 4.30 1.95 227.9 .035 6 Honby Area 7.88 6.64 3.52 165.1 .035 7 Bouquet Canyon 77.0 17.59 7.23 214.4 .035 8 South Fork Creek 46.7 11.83 3.67 226.0 .035 9 San Francisquito Canyon 49.13 21.56 13.24 139.0 .035 10 Castaic Lake 150.2 15.24 3.52 279.7 1 .030 11 D/S Castaic Lake 14.99 8.11 4.60 219.7 .030 12 Hasley Canyon 19.7 11.72 4.69 219.5 .030 Note: 1. Locations of subbasins are shown on Plate 1. 2. L= Length of the longest watercourse in the subarea. 3. Lca= Length of the longest watercourse from the subarea concentration point to a point on the longest watercourse perpendicular to the centroid of the subarea. ' 4. Slope= Slope of the subarea basin. ry SrACLRA.cvimroo6 DRAFT Ja❑ua 19911 7 64 X. Natural Resources Precipitation -loss rates cannot be accurately determined because of the absence of adequate runoff data for the area. For the general storm, a variable precipitation -loss rate with an average of 0.30 inch per hour and a minimum of 0.15 inch per hour was considered applicable. Studies of loss rates show that runoff occurs during the periods when precipitation -intensity rates are less than the indicated loss rates. Such runoff is attributable to high-intensity precipitation in part of the area and to imperviousness of part of the area. Consequently, the loss rate was assumed at 90 percent of the precipitation intensity for the periods having an average precipitation intensity of less than the indicated loss rate. The average loss rate of 0.30 inch per hour was assumed constant during the local storm. On the basis of previous studies of probable population increase and resulting urban and suburban development during the next 100 years, the assumption that 30 percent of the valley area would become impervious in that time was considered reasonable. The above loss rates were assumed applicable for use in computing the standard project flood. Losses due to streambed percolation were determined from estimates based on Reference 5. The percolation loss was calculated by multiplying the wetted area of flow for each routing reach by an estimated percolation loss rate of 1.5 cubic feet per second per wetted acre for the natural,channels in alluvial deposits where the groundwater level is several feet below the streambed. C. Baseflow and Snowmelt. The Santa Clara River and its tributaries flow only for short durations in response to appreciable rainstorms. Baseflow is not an appreciable contributor to runoff peak and therefore 'was considered insignificant. Also, snow is not considered to be an important contributory factor to.runoff. d. Flood Routing. Flood routing procedures in accordance with COE's EM 1110-2- 1408 (Reference 4) were used for this study. The Muskingum flood routing method.was used to route computed flood hydrographs on the Santa Clara River. - Muskingum "X" which represents the wedge storage in a routing reach, depends primarily on the shape of .the cross-section and is relatively independent of river slope, roughness coefficient and length of routing reach. An "X" value of 0.30 was used for all conditions. This value is appropriate for channels having rectangular cross-sections and in reaches where the overflow area is a small part of the total flow area. Muskingum "K" is approximated by the travel time of a flood wave through a routing reach. A "K" value of 0.50 (hours) was used for all routing reaches. Discharge -Frequency Analysis There are currently only two stream gaging stations in the Santa Clarita Valley areas that have records of sufficient length and can be used in the development of discharge - frequency relationships. The data from these gages were used in an attempt, to develop discharge -frequency relationships for the study area and the results of the analytical SCACIRA.GV/m006 65 DRAFT J i99i X. Natural Resources analyses are used for comparison only. The development of these two analyses are described in the following paragraphs: a. Analytical Analysis. The Hydrologic Engineering Center's "Flood Flow Frequency Analysis" computer program (HEC -WRC) was used to compute frequency curves for the two streamgaging stations. This program essentially applies a log --Pearson Type III distribution to the given data in the computation. DEVELOPMENT OF N -YEAR RAINFALL -RUNOFF MODEL. The determina- tion of 100-, 50-, and 10 -year peak discharges on the Santa Clara River was accomplished by developing the flood hydrographs for these events, using the same procedure as described above for the SPF. Storm estimates were developed using precipitation depths from precipitation depth -duration frequency tables of three rain gages in the Santa CMta Valley area and averaging them to obtain values for the 100-, 50-, and 10 -year return periods. These values were then adjusted by an appropriate area reduction factor. Percent of SPF hydrograph was then determined for each frequency by dividing each adjusted depth by the total depth of the 3 -hour 1943 stone, used in the SPF determination. Percent of the SPF for the 100-, 50-, and 10 -year floods were calculated as 87 percent, 84 percent, and 33.4 percent, respectively. Precipitation loss rates were adjusted to approximate the response of the watershed under less than SPF conditions. Peak Discharges Presentation of Results: Results of discharge frequency analysis are shown on Exhibits 35 and 36. In addition, SPF and 100-, 50-, and 10 -year flood discharges are graphically presented on Exhibits 37 through 42. A schematic showing present condition 100 -year peak discharges at various concentration points is presented on Exhibit 34. WATER SOURCES Water Requirements for the River Corridor Plan The River Corridor Plan proposes a number of water features both on and off -channel that would accommodate water oriented recreation activities. The recommended River Corridor Plan, Exhibit 20, involves the construction, operation, and maintenance of 8 water basins of variable dimensions, located within the study area. The general location of these water basins are shown in Exhibit 27. These water basins consist of approximately 38 acres area. Assuming an infiltration and evaporation loss equivalent to a water depth of about two feet per day over a nine month period per year, STACrRA.GV/mA06 W DRAFT '�i991 X. Natural Resources it is estimated that 21,000 acre-feet of water per year would be adequate to satisfy the water needs of the proposed.River Corridor Plan. These water needs can be met through one or more of the following sources: • Construction of storage facilities to trap and impound surface runoff during the rainy season; • Groundwater withdrawal through properly designed and spaced wells penetrating the Saugus formation and Younger. Alluminum underlying the study area; and • Construction of wastewater reclamation facilities. An operations agency must be available with adequate powers to manage surface water resources, groundwater recharge sites, surface water and reclaimed water facilities, and ground water extractions. This agency will also provide coordination and liaison with interested local, regional, state, and Federal agencies, including compliance with regulatory issues and concerns. WASTEWATER RECLAMATION Definition and Objective - Treatment and management of "a municipal, industrial or agricultural wastewater to produce water of suitable quality for additional beneficial uses constitutes wastewater reclamation. Advantages of wastewater reclamation are as follows: Reclamation Projects can: • extend water supplies • reduce wastewater disposal costs • save users costs for water • save energy • improve water quality • reduce the discharge of pollutants to the environment • help the City become less dependent on imported water The objective herein is to examine the potential for a conjunctive -use program using reclaimed water. Conjunctive -use of surface and groundwater may be broadly defined as any scheme that capitalizes on the interaction of surface water and groundwater to achieve a greater degree of beneficial use than if the interaction were ignored. Groundwater recharge with reclaimed water shows a great deal of promise for recreational uses within the study area. However, the project must be carried out under stringent public health scrutiny. DRAFT January 7 sracuen.cwa oob 1991 67 X. Natural Resources Reclaimed waters are being used successfully for the irrigation of golf courses and other recreational purposes in many areas of the southwest, including California. Literature review indicates that public acceptance of such facilities has generally been exceptionally enthusiastic in recent years. Reuse of Effluent Through Recharge to Groundwater A review of pertinent literature reveals that groundwater levels in the vicinity of the subject site have been declining and are not being recovered through natural means. Waters which are suitable for artificial recharge may be derived from floodwaters and municipal wastewater for the subject site. Such waters may be introduced into the ground by surface spreading or by pumping underground (injection wells). The following are some of the advantages to be gained by artificial groundwater recharge: • Supplementation of natural recharge • Reduction of aquifer overdrafts • Provision for concurrent development of surface and groundwater supplies Waste flows (effluents) from treatment plants constitute a potentially valuable and significant source of supplies for groundwater recharge. Wastes that have undergone secondary or tertiary treatment before spreading are considered viable and safe. Periodic chlorine injection and redevelopment of the injection well are the usual prerequisites. to assure continued operation. There is mounting evidence that groundwater recharge by direct injection is safe and hydraulically feasible, although relatively - more expensive than spreading. It is a - documented fact that spreading basin functions as an excellent natural treatment operation in which oxidation is provided for waste stabilization. Aquifer Characteristics Size of groundwater basin underlying the Santa Clarita Valley, consisting.of Saugus formation and overlying strips of alluvium, has an areal extent of about 84 square miles. Review of available information indicates the following values of basin safe yield. Alluvial Aquifer:32,500 Acre-feet Saugus Aquifer:21,000 Acre-feet In the present context, safe yield may be defined as the rate (expressed in AF/yr.) at which groundwater can be extracted from the underlying aquifer(s) within the Santa Clarita Valley study area for beneficial use without depleting the supply to the extent that withdrawal at this rate is no longer economically feasible and/or causes water quality deterioration in the aquifer(s). STACIRA.GV/mr006 DRAFTJanuary FT 199 1 7 i�t1r 1 X. Natural Resources Aquifer transmissivity ranges from 80,000-160,000 gallons per day/ft; this value is indicative of potentially good aquifers. Storativity (or storage coefficient) is of the order of 0.00084 which is typical of confined aquifers. Existing Wastewater Facilities Currently, two wastewater facilities exist in the Santa Clarita Valley. These are: • The Saugus Water Reclamation Plant (WRP), operational since 1962; and • The Valencia WRP, operational since 1966. Locations of both these facilities are shown on Exhibit 43 and 44, respectively. Current combined treatment capacity of both the plants is approximately 12.5 MGD. Available information indicates that both WRPs are nearly tertiary treatment facilities and produce relatively high quality effluent. Primary sources of wastewater toboth the WRPs are domestic, with negligible contribution from industrial sources. Further planned expansions are currently underway to ensure compliance with discharge requirements of California Regional Water Quality Control Board, Los Angeles Region. Advanced Wastewater Treatment :,r The quality of effluent provided by secondary treatment is not always sufficient to meet discharge requirements or to meet water quality standards for a specific reuse of the wastewater. This is certainly the case when delicate ecosystems are involved such as the subject site. In such an instance, additional treatment to polish the effluent form secondary systems may be required. Additional treatment, usually referred to as tertiary treatment, will involve the removal of nitrogen and phosperous compounds, plant nutrients associated with eutrophication as well as suspended solids, dissolved inorganic saltsand refractory organics, if necessary. Combination of these treatment processes can be used to restore wastewater to potable quality. Relative cost considerations are important factors and are justified where potable water reuse is essential. Proposed Project An appropriately designed and implemented reclamation project will provide for the development of a series of artificial lakes fed by the effluent of standard activated -sludge treatment plant(s). The effluent from the treatment plants may be held in a lagoon of adequate size for a specified time period (say 30 days). It may be chlorinated and spread onto a percolation area of sand and gravel through which it will travel for about 0.5 mile. sTAcutA.cv/moos m DRAFT January 7 1991 X. Natural Resources The percolated water will then be collected in an interceptor trench and will then be allowed to flow into a series of cascading artificial lakes and ultimately into the Santa Clara River as overflow. The downstream lakes can be used for fishing, boating, and possibly swimming. Playgrounds and picnic areas may line the shores. California Department of Public Health approval will be required for the use of lake(s) for swimming and other contact sports. Biological, hydrological, bacteriological and virological data and information will form the basis of approval by the State Health Director or his designated representative. The detailed evaluation will be in accordance with the California Watercode, presented on Table 4. Siting Considerations for Lake Development and Spreading Basins - Groundwater bearing units in the study area are limited to the Saugus Formation and the younger alluvium. Groundwater in the Saugus Formation occurs under confined conditions, while groundwater in the alluvium is unconfined. Groundwater within the alluvium has historically fluctuated up to 20 feet or more. The most likely area for lake. development is in the area where .groundwater occurs near the surface within the Santa Clara River and near the confluence of the San Francisquito and Bouquet Canyons with the Santa Clara River. Further evaluation will be required to assess the feasibility of the development of lakes in these areas and potential water sources for the lakes. Attention should be given to the following additional considerations for siting of the proposed recharge basins: • . Areas having good to . high infiltration characteristics (permeability higher than 4.0 ft/day) when saturated, will constitute desirable sites for recharge operations. • Recharge efforts in close proximity to the upgradient side of the faults where groundwater level may be close.to the ground surface, not be considered. • Avoid areas overlain by aquitards, they tend to restrict vertical percolation and increase evapotranspiration losses in downstream areas. The following two-phase approach for wastewater reclamation is recommended: Phase I: Examine the availability of a reclaimed water system for both potable and non -potable water uses within the study area for most recreational purposes. This will free up scarce fresh water supplies for other beneficial uses requiring high quality water. STACLRA.GV/m,006 70 DRAFT January 7 1991 I X. Natural Resources Phase 1I: Develop a plan for the development, financing, and implementation of the reclaimed water system. Conduct appropriate analysis and develop the necessary information to satisfy the requirements of a Facilities Plan Report for submission to the State Water Resources Control Board to support the application for a low-interest loan. The implementation of wastewater reclamation concept would consist of recharging nearly tertiary treated effluent in such a way that a sub -basin is created, which can be hydrolically - separated from the rest of the aquifer. The soil -aquifer system will provide for additional effluent treatment by a variety of processes and for storage; the bulk of the recharged effluent can be extracted by properly designed and spaced recovery wells and supplied to uses compatible with its quality. Accurate monitoring of the effluent will be necessary for the proper operation of such a system. In addition to its major purification effect, groundwater recharge of treated effluent, as proposed herein, fulfills several additional functions: x • It provides seasonal and multiannual storage; • It is a safety barrier against any predictable water quality deterioration; and • It will increase the system's reliability, and will have -an important psychological effect, since the consumers will be supplied from groundwater wells and not from the treatment plants outlets. AGGREGATE RESOURCES Located along the south side of the Santa Clara River and beyond the eastern boundary of the City, sand and gravel operations or lode mining activities are currently taking place. As the General Plan by MBA (1990) points out, the sand and gravel resources are collectively known as "aggregate material." The aggregate material is a key component for construction products such as Portland cement, cement, asphalt, road base and fill. The availability of this material and it's proximity to the market is reflected in the strength of the economy. Due to the potential of directly or indirectly effecting so many businesses the importance of this resource should not go overlooked provided that the environmental impacts have been responsibly addressed. Existing and future aggregate mining operations within the Santa Clara River watershed should be managed to alleviate any harmful environmental impacts associated with these types of operations. Concerns should be focused on the prevention of groundwater pollution as well as soil erosion. STAC[RA.GV1mr006 71 DRAFT January X. Natural Resources It is encouraging that mining operations provide reclamation plans for mined sites that may become extensions of the recreational amenities along the river corridor. Reclamation plans should address the planning and design considerations for recreation and wildlife enhancement and to safely accommodate the recreational amenities so as not to pose a threat to the general public. The general public and recreational activities should be kept a minimum of 300' from active mining operations. The stockpiling of topsoil for later use would be recommended and beneficial to reclaim the land. The extraction of these materials should be prohibited near "sensitive," mature riparian vegetation areas designated for mitigation and upland plant communities. STACL1ZA.Gwmf006 DRAX 1 January 7 1991 72 li—=— asr C. wr«n.. x . City of Santa Clarita Parks and Recreation Department MAI LO Watershed Study Area SANTA CLARA RIVER RECREATION AND WATER FEATURE STUDY Lea MILES 11.6 4,3 2.5 4.8 4.4 3.0 19.6 11.3 22.0 34.3 1.5 7.3 10.3 9.0 8.0 4.6 1.7 71 0 74 O 37.0 66.0 9.7 89 20.7 9.9 S FTJML 350 450 690 440 600 IA17 140 150 105 83' 700 290 95 145 315 83 ID"0 29 32 65 43 141 122 83 102 LAG HOURS 3.3 I.6 1.1 1.3 1.3 12 5.6 3.7 7.3 9.5 .8 23 4.0 3.5 2.4 .6 .29 21.3 20.6 10.3 16.6 2.B 3.2 5.1 23 ESTIMATED 8 0.050 .050 .050 .050 .050 .055 .0$0 .050 .055 .055 ,070 .030 .030 .050 .050 ,.015 .015- .030 .050 .050 .030 .044 .042 .035 .031 GUIDE FOR ESTIMATING BASIN FACTOR(K) 1'10200' DRAINAGE AREA HAS COMPARATIVELY UNIFORM SLOPES AN0 7iURFACE CHARACTERISTICS SUCH THAT CHANNELIZATION DOES NOT OCCUR. GROUND COVER CONSISTS OF CULTIVATED -CROPS OR SUBSTANTIAL GROWTHS OF -GRASS AND FAIRLY DENSE SMALL SHRUBS, CACTI, OR SIMILAR VEGETATION. NO DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS EXIST W THE AREA. K -Q030= DRAINAGE AREA IS'.OUITE RUGGED, WITH SHARP RIDGES AND NARROW, STEEP CANYONS THROUGH .WHICH WATERCOURSES MEANDER AROUND SHARP BENDS, OVER LARGE BOULDERS, AND CONSIDERABLE DEBRIS OBSTRUCTION. THE GROUND COVER, EXCLUDING SMALL AREAS OF ROCK OUTCROPS, INCLUDES MANY TREES AND CONSIDERABLE UNDERBRUSH. NO ;DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS EXIST IN THE. AREA. _ K=0.030:' DRAINAGE AREA IS GENERALLY ROLLING, WITH ROUNDED RIDGES AND MODERATE SIDE SLOPES. WATERCOURSES MEANDER W FAIRLY STRAIGHT, UNIMPROVED CHANNELS WITH SOME 'BOULDERS AND 'LODGED. DEBRIS. GROUND COVER INCLUDES, SCATTERED BRUSH AND GRASSES. NO DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS EXIST IN :THE AREA. K -0O15: DRAINAGE AREA HAS FAIRLY UNIFORM GENTLE SLOPES WITH MOST WATERCOURSES EITHER IMPROVED Od ALONG PAVED STREETS. GROUND COVER CONSISTS OF SOME GRASSES WITH APPRECIABLE AREAS DEVELOPED TO THE EXTENT THAT A LARGE PERCENTAGE OF THE AREA IS IMPERVIOUS. L - LCO. Sty TERMINOLOGY L -LENGTH OF LONGEST WATERCOURSE. Lea -LENGTH ALONG LONGEST WATERCOURSE, MEASURED UPSTREAM TO POINT OPPOSITE CENTER OF AREA. 3 -OVER-ALL SLOPE OF LONGEST WATERCOURSE BETWEEN HEADWATEW AND COLLECTION POINT. LAB -ELAPSED TIME FROM BEGINNING OF'UN17 PRECIPITATION( TO INSTANT THAT SUMMATION HYDROGRAPH .REACHES SO % OF ,ULTIMATE DISCHARGE. W -VISUALLY ESTIMATED MEAN OF THE n (MANNINGS FORMULA) VALUES OF ALL THE CHANNELS WITHIN AN AREA. NOTE: TO.OBTAIN THE LAG (IN HOURS) FOR ANY AREA, JAULTIPLY THE LAG OBTAINED FROM THE CURVE BY: O O. SO OR 201 rte, Exhibit 33. CONTRIBUTING AREA L 50. MI. MILES t SAN GABRIEL RIVER AT SAN GABRIEL DAM, CALIF. 162.0 23.2 E - WEST FORT SAN GABRIEL RIVER AT COGSWELL DAM, CALIF. 40.4 9.3 J. SAN ANITA CREEK AT SANTA ANITA OAM,CALIF. - IO.B 5.0 4. SAN DIMAS CREEK AT SAN DIMAS DAM, CALIF. 16.2 8.6 S. EATON WASH AT EATON WASH DAM,CALIF. 9.5 7.3 6• -SAN ANTONIO CREEK NEAR CLAREMONT, CALIF. 16.9 5.9 7. SANTA CLARA RIVER NEAR SAUGUS, CALIF 335.0 36.0 J. TEMECULA CREEK AT PAUSA CANYON,CALIF. 168.0 26.0 S SANTA MARGARITA RIVER NEAR FALLSROOK,CAUF. 645.0 46.0 /0. SANTA MARGARITA RIVER AT YSIDORA,CALIF. 740.0 61.2 '/A LIVE OAK CREEK AT LIVE OAK DAM, CALIF. 23 2.9 14 TUJUNGA CREEK AT 816 TUJUNGA DAM. -CALIF. 81.4 15.1 /J MURRIETA CREEK AT TEMECULA, CALIF. 220.0 27.2 %I. LOS ANGELES RIVER AT SEPULVEDA DAM,CALIF. 152.0 19.0 11 PACOIMA WASH'AT PACOIMA DAM,CALIF. 27.8 13.0 16 ALHAMBRA WASH -ABOVE SHORT STREET,CALIF. 14.0 93 /7.. BROADWAY DRAIN ABOVE RAYMOND DIKE,CALIF. 2.5 .. 3.4 !8. GILA RIVER AT CONNOR NQ.4 CAM SITE, ARIZ. 2840.0 131.0 !R SAN FRANCISCO RIVER AT JUNCTION WITH BLUE RIVER, ARIZ. 2000.0 130.0 2Q BLUE RIVER NEAR CLIFTON, ARIZ. 790.0 77.0 PA SALT RIVER NEAR ROOSEVELT, ARIZ. 4310.0 160.0 22 NEW RIVER AT ROCK SPRINGS, ARIZ. 67.3 202 21 .NEW RIVER AT NEW RIVER, ARIZ. 83.7 26.2 24. NEW RIVER AT .BELL ROAD,ARIZ. 187.0 47.6 25. SKUNK CREEK NEAR PHOENIX,ARIZ. 64.6 17.6 Lea MILES 11.6 4,3 2.5 4.8 4.4 3.0 19.6 11.3 22.0 34.3 1.5 7.3 10.3 9.0 8.0 4.6 1.7 71 0 74 O 37.0 66.0 9.7 89 20.7 9.9 S FTJML 350 450 690 440 600 IA17 140 150 105 83' 700 290 95 145 315 83 ID"0 29 32 65 43 141 122 83 102 LAG HOURS 3.3 I.6 1.1 1.3 1.3 12 5.6 3.7 7.3 9.5 .8 23 4.0 3.5 2.4 .6 .29 21.3 20.6 10.3 16.6 2.B 3.2 5.1 23 ESTIMATED 8 0.050 .050 .050 .050 .050 .055 .0$0 .050 .055 .055 ,070 .030 .030 .050 .050 ,.015 .015- .030 .050 .050 .030 .044 .042 .035 .031 GUIDE FOR ESTIMATING BASIN FACTOR(K) 1'10200' DRAINAGE AREA HAS COMPARATIVELY UNIFORM SLOPES AN0 7iURFACE CHARACTERISTICS SUCH THAT CHANNELIZATION DOES NOT OCCUR. GROUND COVER CONSISTS OF CULTIVATED -CROPS OR SUBSTANTIAL GROWTHS OF -GRASS AND FAIRLY DENSE SMALL SHRUBS, CACTI, OR SIMILAR VEGETATION. NO DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS EXIST W THE AREA. K -Q030= DRAINAGE AREA IS'.OUITE RUGGED, WITH SHARP RIDGES AND NARROW, STEEP CANYONS THROUGH .WHICH WATERCOURSES MEANDER AROUND SHARP BENDS, OVER LARGE BOULDERS, AND CONSIDERABLE DEBRIS OBSTRUCTION. THE GROUND COVER, EXCLUDING SMALL AREAS OF ROCK OUTCROPS, INCLUDES MANY TREES AND CONSIDERABLE UNDERBRUSH. NO ;DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS EXIST IN THE. AREA. _ K=0.030:' DRAINAGE AREA IS GENERALLY ROLLING, WITH ROUNDED RIDGES AND MODERATE SIDE SLOPES. WATERCOURSES MEANDER W FAIRLY STRAIGHT, UNIMPROVED CHANNELS WITH SOME 'BOULDERS AND 'LODGED. DEBRIS. GROUND COVER INCLUDES, SCATTERED BRUSH AND GRASSES. NO DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS EXIST IN :THE AREA. K -0O15: DRAINAGE AREA HAS FAIRLY UNIFORM GENTLE SLOPES WITH MOST WATERCOURSES EITHER IMPROVED Od ALONG PAVED STREETS. GROUND COVER CONSISTS OF SOME GRASSES WITH APPRECIABLE AREAS DEVELOPED TO THE EXTENT THAT A LARGE PERCENTAGE OF THE AREA IS IMPERVIOUS. L - LCO. Sty TERMINOLOGY L -LENGTH OF LONGEST WATERCOURSE. Lea -LENGTH ALONG LONGEST WATERCOURSE, MEASURED UPSTREAM TO POINT OPPOSITE CENTER OF AREA. 3 -OVER-ALL SLOPE OF LONGEST WATERCOURSE BETWEEN HEADWATEW AND COLLECTION POINT. LAB -ELAPSED TIME FROM BEGINNING OF'UN17 PRECIPITATION( TO INSTANT THAT SUMMATION HYDROGRAPH .REACHES SO % OF ,ULTIMATE DISCHARGE. W -VISUALLY ESTIMATED MEAN OF THE n (MANNINGS FORMULA) VALUES OF ALL THE CHANNELS WITHIN AN AREA. NOTE: TO.OBTAIN THE LAG (IN HOURS) FOR ANY AREA, JAULTIPLY THE LAG OBTAINED FROM THE CURVE BY: O O. SO OR 201 rte, Exhibit 33. Combined Concentration Schematic Showing Concentration Points and Peaks Values Corresponding to 100 Year Frequency Floods City of Sete SANTA CLARA RIVER Park• .nd R.tr..tlonlon Department RECREATION AND WATER FEATURE STUDY Exhibit 34 OCEECANCE FREOUENCY RER NUNORED +EARS Exhibit 35 45000 PEAK DISCHARDE— 40600 OF LEGEND 40000• VOLUME- 19000 AC -FT STANDARD PROJECT FLOOD 100 YEAR FLOOD 35000 ------ 50 YEAR FLOOD — — – 10 YEAR FLOOD 30000 PEAK DISCHARGE- TOTAL DRAINAGE AREA 170.40 SO ML 28800 CFO / \ 25000 N VOLUME - U. AC -FT / 20000 z PEAK DISCHARGE -10700 CFS VOLUME -6300 AC -FT 15000 z � \ 10000 0 // \�\ PEAK DISCHARGE -•4200 CFS VOLUME -1200 AC -FT 5000 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 S 9 10 II 12 TIME IN HOURS FROM BEGINNING OF STORM Hydrograph at CP 1 "" C..'., . Soledad Canyon JR4City an Sacra Ciarita SANTA CLARA RIVER Parks .�a n.�,..uo„ o.p.,im.nj RECREATION AND WATER FEATURE STUDY PEAK DISCHARGE— 13900 CFO VOLUME -3200 AC -FT 14000 PEAK DISCHARGE — 12000 10100 CFO VOLUME - 2300 AC -FT 10000 in U. U /8000 z W /6000 a / z I 4000 o / 2000 0 I 2 3 4 11 LEGEND STANDARD PROJECT FL0OD 100 YEAR FLOOD -------' 50 YEAR FLOOD — — 10 YEAR FLOOD TOTAL DRAINAGE AREA 29.80. SO ML PEAK DISCHARGE -6900 CFO VOLUME -1500 AC -FT PEAK OISCHARGE — 1 100 CFO VOLUME -200 AC -FT 5 6 7 a 9 10 II 12 TIME IN HOURS FROM BEGINNING OF STORM Y Hydrograph at CP 3 Mint Canyon Cltyofrk@an Santa bareClarlt. SANTA CLARA •RIVER V�rk� end H�cr��tlon Op�rl m.nl RECREATION AND WATER FEATURE STUDY 28000 PEAK DISCHARGE— 27100 OF VOLUME -6800 AC -FT l< 20000 N u. v 16000 z W 12000 a U 8000 N o / 4000 0 1 2 3 4 LEGEND STANDARD PROJECT FLOOD 100 YEAR FLOOD ------- 50 YEAR FLOOD rt 10 YEAR FLOOD TOTAL DRAINAGE AREA 77.00 SO ML PEAK DISCHARGE -20200 CFS VOLUME -5000 AC -FT PEAK DISCHARGE= 14000 CFS VOLUME -3400 AC -FT PEAK DISCHARGE -2100 CFS VOLUME -400 AC -FT 5 G 7 8 9 10 II 12 TIME IN HOURS FROM 8EGINNING OF STORM Hydrograph at CP 7 "' `....• ` Bouquet Canyon City ofSanta C1.r11. SANTA 'CLARA RIVER P.,k$ and n.croc,..uon osm.. .,�t RECREATION AND WATER FEATURE STUDY m 28000 PEAK DISCHARGE - 25300 CFS 24000 VOLUME - 4900AC-FT gee• W, U. �1 U 16000 z LU / -` 12000 a ` 8000 0 / `\ 4000 \ LEGEND STANDARD PROJECT FLOOD 100 YEAR FLOOD ------- 50 YEAR FLOOD ---••—•— 10 YEAR FLOOD TOTAL DRAINAGE AREA 46.47 SO ML PEAK DISCHARGE-1oeoo CFS VOLUME -3700 AC -FT PEAK DISCHARGE -14400 CFS VOLUME -2700 AC -FT PEAK DISCHARGE -4000 CFS VOLUME -590 AC -FT 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 TIME IN HOURS FROM BEGMINING OF STORM �..Ic.wn.....r . City of Sante Clerlta Park. end Rocr..11on D.O.rl"nt 8 9 10 II 12 Hydrograph at CP 8 South Fork CrPPk SANTA CLARA RIVER RECREATION AND WATER FEATURE STUDY H 90000 PEAK DISCHARGE - 87400 CF8 LEGEND 80000 VOLUME -34000 AC -FT STANDARD PROJECT FLOOD PEAK DISCHARGE - 100 YEAR FLOOD 70000 93400 CFS ------- 50 YEAR FLOOD VOLUME- " — — 10 YEAR FLOOD 60000 25000 ACTT TOTAL DRAINAGE AREA 406.45 SO ML / 50000 N PEAK DISCHARGE -43500 CFS v VOLUME -17000 AC -FT 40000 z w 30000 v \ PEAK DISCHARGE -a 700 CFS 20000 0 \ VOLUME -3400 AC -FT \\ 10000 �� \\ O 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 TIME IN HOURS FROM BEGINNING OF STORM t=7 Hydrograph at CP 10 ;9allUpstream Castaic Creek City Park an Santa lonDClar*p SANTA' CLARA RIVER �, v.,k...e a.a,.., on o.o.r�m.M RECREATION AND WATER FEATURE STUDY u PEAK DISCHARGE— 148700 CFS 120000 100000♦- y U 80000 2 W 00DOO Q x U 40000 to a LEGEND STANDARD PROJECT FLOOD 100 YEAR FLOOD ------- 50 YEAR FLOOD — x — — 10 YEAR FLOOD DRAINAGE AREA 591 SO MI PEAK DISCHARGE- 106900 CFS DISCHARGE— 70800 CF8 PEAK DISCHARGE— 16600 CFS 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 TIME IN HOURS FROM BEGINNING OF STORM Aff'�' all CenwNMR Yic. Park end eion De City of Santa Recreation Cl ratsa Mnt u 10 II 12 c Hydrograph at CP 11 Downstream of Castaic Creek SANTA 'CLARA RIVER RECREATION AND WATER FEATURE STUDY - 4:16M 1111 �� Or f.: JilF' pull!! ) _ �I1b+Niilllllp��m _� _ _ "b�lq� :..•. �,111!'I ,,..Iwo •�r �_ I!Ii = _ = l�4 ,��'""'a". �a �' �Ill,� • ,i111111j1' �g�' , ' � --II ��• — - �� IliIIIIIIIIIII//.nN.1/xnumN"'N Vegetation Map �+ Lw/�f.' BSI Conwl4Ml/. Mt. Cr -' City of Santa Clarita SANTA CLARA RIVER Parks and Recreation Department RECREATION AND WATER FEATURE STUDY H! SEWAGE COLLECITON SYSTEM PRIMARY EFFLUENT (Removol Of Sewage Sollds) Surface Surface IrrigotiOn Irrigation Orchards And I Fadder, Fiber h I Vineyards Seed Crops Surface Surface Irrigation Irrigation Food Crops Pasture For Milking Animals C_= esi ca..wt.nt.. x . City of Santa Glance . •- Parks and Ree,estion Department Landscape igation Parks Table 4 CALIFORNIA WATER CODE WASTE WATER RECLAMATION CRITERIA The greater the potential degree of human contact the stricter the crlterla. (This Figure Illustrates The Types Of Reuse Regulated by the slate, speclRc numeric criteria are slabllshed for each subuse either by category or on a case — by — case basis. Although not shown below industrial reuse, usually requiring tertiary treatment, also Is regulated on a come — by — case bails.) SECONDARY EFFLUENT (Oxidized And Disinfected) Landscape Irrigation Golf Courses, Cemeteries, ect. Spray Irrigation Food crops Restricted Recreational Impoundment Recreational Impoundment TERTIARY EFFLUENT (Oxidized, Disinfected, Coagulated, Clarified, and Filtered) Landscape Impoundment Ground Water Recharge Case By Case Public Hearings Required SANTA CLARA. RIVER .RECREATION AND WATER FEATURE STUDY XI. Implementation and Funding Strategies Throughout the United States, hundreds of recreational corridor projects have been completed or are presently underway. The City of Santa Clarita, realizing the great aesthetic, recreation and economic potential that exists along the Santa Clara River and its tributaries has begun a similar journey. We have already discussed the value, benefits and potential of the Santa Clara River. Defensible arguments for adoption of a vision to enhance, utilize and preserve the River have been presented. Now we must look ahead and plan for how this package of ideas can be elevated into action. IMPLEMENTATION PLAN After adoption of the River Corridor Pian, an implementation strategy or marketing plan should be put into place as soon as possible. It is important to keep the momentum created by the River Corridor Plan process and focus it into action. There are several key ingredients that are helpful in facilitating a successful project. They include: 1. Coordirtation/Management In 1978, the Heritage Conservation and Recreation Services studied a sample of waterfront projects in an attempt to identify those factors that led to success. The results were not conclusive though certain key ingredients were present. The most conspicuous was the presence of an individual, and/or small group of citizens, who was totally committed to revitalizing their river or waterfront. There needs to be a single contact person who can organize, communicate and answer questions whether the scenario involves an individual or a group of citizens. This may include giving tours, making presentations; fund_ raid, coordinating efforts, making contacts, reporting back to supervisors and basically do what is required to keeepmt a Santa Clara River project moving forward. Most river revitalization projects that have succeeded were able to effectively communicate the benefits of the proposed project to a wide cross section of constituents, educate the business community on positive economic potentials and mobilize civic organizations and volunteers. January srActxA.owa,roo6 73 DRAFT ams 1991 XI. implementation and Funding Strategies 2. Community Support The most important ingredient for success is having the constituents supportive of the project. For this to happen, the benefits of the project should be presented to a broad cross section of interest groups. Education, safety, water oriented activities, equestrian activities, bike.riding, environment preservation, economic development, etc., are all items that spark the interest and eventual support from individuals, organizations and businesses. A more specific assessment of recreational amenities is encouuraged to establish a priority of improvement for a designated community these reach. In addition, it is important to explain what will become of the Santa Clara River in the event nothing is done. People will probably identify with the most recognizable component of the entire project, the recreation bike path. Always stress that the project is "more than just a trail" and that the trails are only one of the ways in which the Santa Clara River is made a continuous and accessible .lineal greenbelt. 3. Political Supp rt It is important to have political support to back the project through completion. There may be times when the project will compete with funds or resources for other projects. Therefore, it must be a high priority to local political leaders to keep it going. Effectively motivating the public and business sectors behind the project is the single best method to gain political support. 4. Realistic Budget Have a realistic budget, with commitment to construct the project in a quality fashion. Funding is always difficult. No matter how many dollars you have, it is never enough. A preliminary budget should be drafted so that costs, priorities and funding sources can be clearly identified and acted upon. Avoid constructing one -mile of river 50% correct in order to build twice as much. It is much more difficult to go back and raise the other 50% to make it right. More importantly, what is constructed today will become a tool to raise more funds for tomorrow. Supporters must be able to see progress happening, but also must be happy with what they see. Phasing of the project is critical. You can't do everything at once, so the segments that make the most sense should be prioritized and completed first. STACLRA.GV/mAo6 74 '� DRAFT 1991 1991 0 XI. implementation and Funding Strategies 5. The Demonstration Project Perhaps the single most important factor in creating success is the construction of a Demonstration Project. After all the words, presentations, and beautiful concept sketches, the demonstration project focuses ideas, hopes, dreams, and the vision under a magnifying glass for all to observe. The Demonstration Project should be selected with the strategy of implementing the River Corridor Plan's goals and showing that the Santa Clara River improvement has now become a reality. Construction of the fust project is likely to be highly visible in the media, so the rewards of success can be catapulted into the next phase. It is critical to concentrate on quality since this first effort will become a tool for future funding support and a measurement on the city's ability to get the job accomplished. 6. Building and Maintaining Momentum It will be imporfant to understand how momentum can enhance and expedite implementation of the Santa Clara River project. Momentum generally begins during the initial planning phase because of the interest in a new idea. To long of a planning phase with no evidence of reality can eventually cause a loss of interest and support. The most critical time period for keeping momentum occurs during the gap between planning/design and construction. If the gap is to long, momentum is likely to stall. The momentum gathered during the planning phase must therefore be passed "on to actual implementation in a timely manner. It is always easier to keep momentum/support active than attempting to revive it once it's lost. News of implementation should be released to the public with a marketing -like approach. Success should be celebrated and shared with the public. Those who have contributed to the success must always be properly acknowledged. Finally, recreation programs that influence people to use the new amenity will help to build future support. Events such as concerts, bike/equestrian rides, educational tours and fund raising events should be provided or encouraged. Remember that the efforts to create the Santa Clara River improvements may be wasted unless someone is going to use it. 7. Land Acquisition Successful acquisition of land for recreational improvements should include the addition of land for natural areas that will either have low impact to the environment or none at all. When considering land acquisition it should be realized that the adjacent lands and their STACIRA.Gwmt006 75 DRAFT January 1 XL Implementation and Funding Strategies subsequent use will impact the character of the river environs. All property owners within twelve miles of the river should be identified. A successful, well planned land acquisition program should be implemented in such a way that a minimum corridor width is established throughout the river's entire length. In addition, areas that have been identified as valuable resources should be prioritized for acquisition. The minimum corridor width can be defined as the minimum width that the desired recreational activities can safely take place. In most instances the minimum width will be dependent on the trails that will be located within a specific reach. Combining the hard surface, soft surface and equestrian trails with the required setbacks for safety results in a minimum trail corridor width of 70 feet. This width does not account for buffer zones. In some instances, the 70 foot width for trails may not be possible. In these instances the 20 foot setback for fencing on either edge of the trail corridor can be reduced or eliminated on one or both sides. Whenever possible;, - the City of Santa Clarita should acquire the widest corridor width possible, especially when buffer zones are needed or where developed parks are desired. The minimum width for buffers are best determined on a site specific basis. Some ecological areas may be more sensitive than others, requiring a greater distance from undesirable activity. When acquiring land for creation of -buffers where none existed before, a minimum width standard may be desirable. All potential avenues should be explored when acquiring land. Several methods to --- consider include: Land Dedication - Land dedication as part of a development agreement is a common and valuable negotiating tool. The developer often dedicates land within the floodplain that may otherwise be to expensive to develop and gains open -space dedication credits in return.. Meanwhile, the public obtains desirable open -space. The developer also gains an amenity that will be next door to their project and can turn the open -space and recreational amenity into a marketing advantage. Some landowners, once they have realized that the river corridor amenities will improve value and marketability of their properties may donate, provide for long term lease, or sell for a trivial cost. In some cities it is not unusual for developers to pay for the recreational improvements themselves and then dedicate the amenity and land to the city. Land Trades - Land trades are negotiated when a landowner owns a property that the City of Santa Clarita wants and the landowner desires a property that the City owns. When beneficial to both, the land trade can be an easy, low cost alternative for acquiring land. DRAFT anus STACI]2A.GVlmA06 1991 76 XI. Implementation and Funding Strategies Easements - Easements for recreation access and use can often be negotiated with property owners. Sometimes the easement is part of an existing development agreement or can be negotiated as one on future applications for zoning or development of the property. In some instances existing casements exist across a property for utility use (electric, sewer, water, etc.). In those instances the recreation easement, especially one that can utilize a lineal corridor can be added to the original agreement. Incentives of the landowner to successfully negotiate a recreational easement include: possible tax benefits; future development considerations; future zoning considerations; and, potential for improved land value. Land Trusts - Land trusts are generally nonprofit organizations. Land trusts may acquire land through gift or purchase, sometimes for future conveyance to a government agency, by establishing conservation easements that place. permanent legal restrictions on future development and use of the land. Landowners who are seeking tax benefits or who want to preserve land for personal reasons typically prefer to donate their land to nonprofit land trusts. x. Qpgn_-pace Districts - Open -space districts are generally special tax districts .with the purpose of generating tax revenues for land purchases. Purchase of Land - At times, direct purchase of a desired property is the easiest and perhaps the only method of acquiring land. Such purchases may be possible with existing funds or in some cases a general obligation bond issue can generate the required funds within a short period of time. Other methods of generating land acquisition funds is to share the cost with other organizations who will benefit from the purchase. Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts organizations, other levels of state goverment and nonprofit grant organizations are examples of potential funding partners. As the Santa Clarita vicinity continues to grow in population, demands on land will increase along with property values. Securing the desired land will increasingly become more difficult and expensive. Timely action will help to make the Santa Clara River safe from undesirable encroachment and provide visual relief in an otherwise human made environment. The long range planning efforts for the Santa Clara River should consider the possibilities of linking various cities located near the river. Establishing an intergovernmental group with representatives from Los Angeles County, Ventura County and the cities of Piru, Fillmore, Santa Paula, and Ventura. S'rACt.RA.GV1mA06 77 DRAFT �' 1991 Xt. Implementation and Funding Strategies FUNDING STRATEGIES It can be anticipated that thecoststo fulfill the proposed amentities of the Santa Clara River Corridor Plan will be substantial. Therefore, the obvious concern for funding becomes prominent. Funding the project need not create an attitude of hopelessness and if approached in a positive manner can be a rewarding experience. Potential sources are relatively easy to identify, but obtaining money from them can be difficult. Financial assistance can come in many shapes and sizes. From volunteer donated labor to million dollar grants and from girl scout troops to large corporate foundations. No amount of effort or money will be too little or too much. When an individual or an organization is approached for funding assistance, the presentation should always be tailored to the agenda (goals and objectives) of the donor. If the individual or organization is convinced that the Santa Clara River project matches their particular goals and objectives that the relationship offers a win-win situation, the possibility of success is greatly enhanced. Another concept is that "success breeds success". The Demonstration Project, the first major financial contributor, or even a group of volunteers working on a particular project along the river all point to success. This success should be celebrated so that others can witness or learn that the project is moving forward. Funding sources can be grouped as either public (federal, state or localgovernment) or private (business, foundations, civic organizations and individuals). For most communities both sectors must be successfully approached since neither sector has the resources to fund it alone. The magic in the community that is created when the public and private sectors work together when focused on a similar goal is rare and rewarding. The following list describes potential areas of funding assistance: 1. biter -Governmental Cooperation Various agencies have different goals and objectives concerning the Santa Clara River. Many times their goals are the same but are described differently. Consider the proposed recreational trail as one example. To some the trail provides recreation opportunity. To a public works department or flood control district the same trail could be regarded as providing valuable maintenance access to an otherwise in- accessible area. Other examples include flood control structures that are also attractive water features or detention or retention ponds that are pocket parks when not flooded or act as permanent wildlife sanctuaries. srwcrxA-cvrmooe DRAFT January 7 1991 XI. Implementation and Funding Strategies The following list identifies some agencies that should be communicated with: U.S. Corp of Engineers U.S. Soil Conservation Service Environmental Protection Agency Federal and State Fish and Wildlife Federal, State and Local Parks and Recreation Departments Federal, State and Local Road and Bridge Agencies Drainage Control Districts Federal, state and local water quality/health agencies Public Works Departments School Districts 2. Business and Corporate Business has become increasingly more involved in the development of waterfront projects, and., -for good reason; people who are potential consumers are attracted to water, nature and recreation opportunity. Since most business enterprises require a mechanism to attract customers, river corridor projects such as the Santa Clara offer opportunities. 3. Citizens Typically citizen donations can not match the large contributions generated by government, business or large grant foundations. Even so, their support is just as important. Often, potential donors from the corporate or business sector evaluate a project by how the community, has supported it. Volunteers giving time and materials as well as small cash donations are all direct proof of public support. A remarkable thing about people is how they, themselves find ways to raise money for a cause such as the Santa Clara River. Bike-A-Thons, Trash-A-Thons, raffles, floating duck races, concerts, dinners, dances and more are excellent ways in which the public can become actively involved in the funding for the project. In the process, a strong, positive constituency is developed for years to come. srACLRA.GV/av006 T7l A 7•�i• Tama 1 7 ili�Lir 1 t99t 79 XII. Appendices APPENDIX A - TASK FORCE COMMITTEE MEMBERS Jeff Kolin Director of Parks and Recreation CITY OF SANTA CLARITA 23920 Valencia Boulevard Santa Clarita, CA 91355 Chris Kudija Assistant Planner CITY OF SANTA CLARITA 23920 Valencia Boulevard Santa Clarita, CA 91355 A Jim Van Winkle City Engineer CITY OF SANTA CLARITA 23920 Valencia Boulevard Santa Claiita, CA 91355 Laurene Weste Chairman, Parks and Recreation Commission CITY OF SANTA CLARITA 23920 Valencia Boulevard Santa Clarita, CA 91355 Frank Havore Placenta Canyon Nature Center Los Angeles County Parks & Recreation 19152 Placenta Canyon Road Newhall, CA 91321 Dave Castanon U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles District P.O. Box 2711 Los Angeles, CA 90053-2325 SPACIRA.GV/mA06 DRAFT ' 11 199911 APPENDIX A (continued) Carl Blum Assistant Deputy Director Los Angeles County Public Works Land Development Division 900 South Fremont Avenue Alhambra, CA 91803 Jack Spruill/John Fisher California Department of Fish and Game 330 Golden Shore, Suite 50 Long Beach, CA 90802 Bob Leemon Equestrian Clubs 21231 Simay Lane Newhall, CA 91321 Peg Henderson/Susan Harris Rivers and Trails Conservation Assistance National Park Service, Western Region 450 Golden Gate Avenue Boz 36063 San Francisco, CA 94102 Bill Manetta Upper Santa Clara River Water Committee 22722 Soledad Canyon Road Santa Clarita, CA 91350 Karen Cameron SCOPE 27612 Ennismore Santa Clarita, CA 91351 Bob Kellar Canyon Country Chamber of Commerce 26166 Ravenhill Road Canyon Country, CA 91351 SPACLRA.GV/nu006 131 XII. Appendices DRAFT January' 1991 APPENDIX A (continued) James McCarthy Los Angeles County Parks & Recreation 433 South Vermont Avenue Los Angeles, CA .90020 Joe Edmiston Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy Solstice Canyon Park 3700 Solstice Canyon Road Malibu, CA 90265 Paul Kreutzer Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society 24107 San Fernando Road P.O. Box 875 Newhall, CA 913x22 John Morisette American Beauty Homes 16830 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 3600 Encino, CA 91436 John Hanlon U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 24000 Avila Road Laguna Niguel, CA 92656 Pam Holt Los Angeles County Regional Planning Department Zoning Administration Branch Land Development Coordinating Center 170 Hall of Records 320 West Temple Street Los Angeles, CA 90012 Bob Sagehom Castaic Lake Water Agency 23560 West Lyons Avenue Newhall, CA- 91321 STACI2A.GV/mc006 EN XII. Appendices DRAFT January 7 1991 E XIL Appendices APPENDIX A (continued) Mark Subbotin Newhall Land and Farming Company 23823 West Valencia Boulevard Santa Clarita, CA 91355 Castaic Lake Water Agency Los Angeles County Sanitation District Vera Johnson Santa Clarita Civic Association P.O. Box 237 Saugus, CA 91350 Mike Nicolaidet Santa Clarita Valley Bicycle Club 23829 Daisetta Drive Newhall, CA 91321 Scott Butler Santa Clarita Runners Association 26818 Oak Avenue, #A Canyon Country, CA 91351 Duffy Watson Santa Clarity Valley Chamber of Commerce Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital 23845 McBean Parkway Santa Clarita, CA 91355 Peggy Freeman Santa Clarita Visions Masters College P.O. Box 878 Newhall, CA 91321 srAcuew.cv1n X005 DRAFT January 71991 83 XII. Appendices APPENDIX B - UNARMORED THREESPINE STICKLEBACK SUMMARY Threespine sticklebacks (family Gasterosteidae) are distributed throughout much of the Northern Hemisphere. They are streamlined fish with a maximum total length of 3 inches. Male threespine sticklebacks are known for the bright breeding coloration of red on the throat and forebelly. The most striking morphological features of this species, however, are the bony pelvic girdle with a toothed spine on either side and the large, lateral bony plates of varying number (0 to about 35). It is this variation in the number of lateral plates that serves as the most apparent distinguishing feature of the three subspecies recognized by Miller and Hubbs (1969): G. a. aculeatus (fully plated form), G. a. microcephalus (low plated form), and G. a. williamsoni (unplated or unarmored form). The unarmored threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeates williamsom) is listed as endangered by both the federal government and the State of California. Information reported in this section relies heavily on the Revised Unarmored Threespine Stickleback Recovery Plan (USFWS 1985). The only presently recognized populations of G. a. williamsoni in Los Angeles County are found in the headwaters of the Santa Clara River (between Lang and Acton, and near the confluence of the Santa Clara River and Castaic Creek) and in San Francisquito Creek. The unarmored threespine stickleback was formerly distributed through souther . California; including the Los Angeles, San Gabriel, Santa Ana, and Santa Clara Rivers. The subspecies was extirpated from the Los Angeles basin by 1942 (Miller 1961). Its extinction was attributed to habitat destruction as a result of channelization, drying of streams by groundwater pumping, and the introduction of exotic organisms,particularly the mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis). The unarmored threespine stickleback build its nest only in backwater areas with slow or negligible flow (Baskin 1974). Urbanization and the resulting channelization of streams destroys the backwater and side streams required by sticklebacks. Mosquitofish are likely to compete with sticklebacks for food or prey upon-, - - their fry. Introgression of unarmored forms with armored forms is another reason for the decline of the subspecies (USFWS 1985). Miller and Hubbs (1969) reported that G. a. Mlliamsoni populations from the Santa Maria drainage had been introgressed by G. a. microcephalus that were inadvertently included with introductions of trout. The plate counts of the introgressed populations were confirmed by Baskin and Bell (1976). All of the known populations of G. a. williamsoni in the Santa Clara River system and San Antonio Creek (Santa Barbara County), have either been extirpated or become introgressed. The populations of G. a. williamsoni in the Santa Clara River system have survived because of the lack of urbanization and the existence of barriers to dispersal of plated sticklebacks and exotic organisms. SCACC1ZA.GVImA06 DRAFT '1 1991991 84 XII. Appendices APPENDIX B (continued) NATURAL HISTORY The Santa Clara River populations of G. a. vWliamroni spend all of their life in freshwater in the.upper portions of that system (USFWS 1985, Baskin 1974, 1975). Adult male sticklebacks construct a nest in quiet vegetated areas to which they attract a female. The female deposits her eggs in the nest which are then fanned by the male to increase water flow over the eggs for several days. The nest surrounding territory are also actively guarded by the male (Baskin 1974, 1975). The parental care by the male stickleback is crucial for reproductive success. The number of suitable nesting sites may limit population growth of sticklebacks. Stickleback young emerge from the nest as a size of less than 0.5 inch and remain in areas of dense vegetation (USFWS 1985). Other sub -adult sticklebacks (less than 314 inch) also tend to remain in areas of vegetative cover. Adult sticklebacks (1.25 inch or longer) are distributed throughout the stream, however, they tend to prefer slower moving or standing water areas (USFVYS 1985). In faster moving waters the adults tend to be found at the edge of streams under algal mats and behind obstructions. In pools, sticklebacks tend to gather at the upstream end where inflowing water enters the pool. No adults have been found living in permanently isolated pond habitats (USFWS 1985). Sticklebacks appear to live for only one year. While reproduction appears to be continuous through the year, recruitment is low during winter months. As such population densities appear to decline during the winter. Reproductive activity peaks in. the spring and continues at lower levels through summer and fall (USFWS 1985). Sources of stickleback mortality include wash out to less favorable habitats by flooding, competition, egg predation, and predation of sub -adults and adults. Mosquitofish and fathead minnows (Pimphales promek is) are likely competitors of G. a. williamaoni. Prickly sculpin (Cornus asper) have been reported to feed on stickleback eggs and fry (Moodie 1972). Non-native fishes such as catfish (Ictalurus spp.), sunfish (Lepomis spp.), and bass (Micropterus spp.) are capable of preying on sticklebacks of all sizes and the juveniles of some of these species may act as competitors as well. African clawed frogs (Xenopus laevis) are regarded as a threat to native fishes including G. a. iiilliamsoni. Two other predators, garter snakes (Thamnophis sp.) and invertebrate predators (dytiscid beetle larvae and belastomid bugs) also occur in the essential habitat of G. a. williamsoni. A two -striped garter snake (7hamnophis couchi hammondt) was observed foraging on a populations of G. a. microcephalus introduced into the upper Sweetwater River, San Diego County (M. White, personal observation) and garter snakes are likely to prey on G. a. williamsoni where the two co-occur. Belastomid bugs are abundant in the Santa Clara River (USFWS 1985) and are likely to prey on G. a. williamsoni, especially sub -adults. STACLYA.Gv/mrM M DRAFT 1991 a. a._...e X3..3-. ... J. .x. ... .m- XII. Appendices APPENDIX B (continued) Sticklebacks appear to be an opportunistic feeder, taking a variety of food items. Its diet consists mostly of insects (both terrestrial and aquatic), snails, amphipods, ostracods, and eggs of other sticklebacks (stickleback eggs were found in 12% of stomachs examined [USFWS 1985]). THREATS A variety of threats to the survival and recovery of G. a. willlamaoni populations exist and are compounded by the susceptibility of this subspecies to introgression by G. a. microcephalus. The discussion of these threats follows the discussion outlined in the Revised Unarmored Threespine Stickleback Recovery Plan (USFWS 1985) and have been discussed elsewhere as well (Baskin 1974; Baskin and Bell 1976; Bell 1975, 1976x, b). Stream Channelization: The channelization of streams presents a number of threats to G. a. williamsoni. Perhaps the major consequence of channelization of the Santa Clara River system is that is mdy allow a continuous flow of water over presently dry areas that act to isolate G. a. microcephalus. The dry areas between Bouquet Canyon Road and Lang, and at the lower end of San Francisquito Creek are crucial to the continued survival of G. a. williamsoni populations in Los Angeles County. Stream channelization can also alter natural flow regimes in . stream systems. Channelization increases water velocity and peak flood flows, scours away aquatic vegetation, eliminates backwater areas, and may eliminate pools. G. a. Wiliamsoni prefers quiet backwater habitats, quiet pools, and nests in vegetated areas. Flood flows can result in the wash out of individuals to less preferred habitats.- Thus channelization of. the Santa Clara River system poses threats to the habitat of G. a. tvilliamaoni. . Urbanization and Agriculture: Urbanization and increased agriculture in the Santa Clara River system may also pose a number of threats to G. a. wllllamsoni. Urbanization of the area may result in increased pressure for stream channelization and modification of G. a. williamsoni habitat. Urbanization is also likely to increase the chances of introductions of G. a. microcephalus and exotic organisms into the Santa Clara River system: Perhaps the greatest threat to G. a..williwwoni from urbanization and agriculture, however, is the likelihood of degradation of water quality from runoff. Intense development and agriculture in areas adjacent to the Santa Clara River systems would likely increase runoff, siltation, nutrients (causing cultural eutrophication), pesticides, and other pollutants in the river. Pollution has been hypothesized to cause physical deformities in other subspecies of G. aculeatus (USFWS 1985) and would presumably affect G. a. williamsoni in a similar manner. sTAcutn.cvrao6 DRAFT January 7 m 1991 86 XIL Appendices APPENDIX B (continued) Introduction of Exotic Organisms: Predators may adversely affect G. a. williamsoni by reducing population densities, selectively removing low plated individuals, restricting available habitat, and forcing individuals into less preferred habitats. Competitors may cause morphologic change or reduce the size of G. a. williamsoni populations. Exotic species may enter G. a. williamsoni habitat by introduction from bait buckets, releases from home aquaria, and plants of sport fish populations. Continuous water flows over the presently dry portions of the Santa Clara River system would also provide corridors for the movement of existing populations of exotic species. Introgression: Introgression results from the flow of genes from one population (such as G. a. microcephalus) to another population (such as G. a, williamsonr). The result is that the population receiving the gene flow will come to resemble the population providing the genes. In the case of the introgression of G. a. williamsoni, this subspecies would lose its distinctive characteristics and come to resemble G. a. microcephalus. Introductions of G. a, microcephalus into the Santa Clara River system by any means would be extremely detrimental to the continued survival and recovery of this subspecies. Groundwater Removal: Groundwater and surface flows are intimately connected especially in the sandy soils characteristic of the Santa Clara River bed. Removal of groundwater poses a threat to G. a. williamsoni if too much water is removed by pumping, resulting in a contraction of its habitat. This is especially true in dry years when surface flows are reduced by lack of natural inputs of water. In addition, reduced flow volume is a result of groundwater pumping can result in the remaining flow becoming shallower and elevated in temperature. Off-road Vehicles: The use of off-road vehicles (ORV) in the areas around the Santa Clara River poses a threat to G. a. williamsoni. The effects of ORV includes destruction of vegetation, increased erosion and, ultimately, increased water flow. ORV activity in streams can destroy pools, aquatic vegetation, and the nests of G. a. willha coni. Toxic Spills and Discharges: The floodplain of the Santa Clara River is crossed by the Southern Pacific Railroad tracks, Interstate 5; State Route 14, Soledad Canyon Road, and several commercial campgrounds. The possibility exists that a toxic chemical spill from private land, railroad, or a highway accident could destroy the entire Santa Clara River population of G. a. williamsoni. The discharge of chlorine from recreation lakes and pools in Soledad Canyon is also a problem. DRAFT January1991 STACIIU.CVlmA(M 1991 87 X11. Appendices APPENDIX B (continued) Additions of Water: The addition of water to the Santa Clara River basin could be beneficial or harmful depending on the quantity and quality of the water released. Tertiary treated sewage water would probably be of sufficient quality to increase the size and productivity of G. a. williamsoni habitat. If too much water is released, however, increased flow rates may occur resulting in reduction of G. a. williamsoni habitat quality or establishing a continuous flow over presently dry stretches of the river. Both of these results would be detrimental to G. a. willlarasoni populations as has been previously discussed. Poor quality water additions to the Santa Clara River system would likely be detrimental to populations of G. a. williamsoni. If sewage water contained elevated concentrations of nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorous), cultural eutrophication could occur which often results in oxygen depletion and changes in the composition of aquatic flora and fauna. Water imported to the Santa Clara River system from other drainages may result in introductions of predators, competitors, or parasites to G. a. williamsoni. Any source of water used as a source for additions to the Santa Clara River system should be considered based on a thorough analysis of its chemical and biological constituents. ESSENTIAL HABITAT ZONES AND ESSENTIAL MANAGEMENT AREA The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS has designated two habitat management categories for the unarmored threespine stickleback: essential habitat zones and essential management areas. Essential habitat zones coincide with the areas proposed as critical habitat for G. a. vWliamsoni and require intensive management including (but not limited to) maintenance of essential stream characteristics, restoration -of degraded habitat, and removal of exotic . organisms (see CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS below). Essential management areas require less intensive management, however, they must be managed to the extent that adequate flows of good quality water are maintained in the essential habitat areas. Three essential habitat zones for G. a. Mlliamsonf have been designated in Los:Angeles County. Del Valle Zone - An area of land and water along the Santa Clara River beginning at its confluence with San Martinez Grande Canyon, at a point 0.9 mile southwest of Del Valle settlement, and extending upstream approximately 5.6 miles to the overcrossing of Interstate 5. A portion of the City of Santa Clara is located in this zone. January 199 mroos DRAFT ua 1 7 88 1 X11. Appendices APPENDIX B (continued) Transplants to Establish G a williamsoni in Other Water : The possible establishment of a population of G. a. williamsoni in Honda Creek, Santa Barbara County has been documented (USFWS 1985) and a population of G. a. williamsoni was successfully introduced into San Felipe Creek, San Diego County (considered outside of its natural range). Establishment of G. a. williamsoni into habitats that are likely to support it is crucial to the recovery of this subspecies. The small number of existing populations of G. a. williamsoni increase the probability of extinction resulting from a catastrophic event. Work should be conducted in the City of Santa Clarita to determine if suitable or potentially suitable habitat exits for introductions of G. a. williamsoni. Potentially suitable habitats may be restored for occupation by G. a. williamsoni. Alternatively, potential habitat may be created with the use of good quality reclaimed water. Reclaimed water could be piped into currently dry washes to increase available habitat for this subspecies. Surveys to Discover and Eradicate Exotic Organisms: Exotic predators and competitors are a serious threat to G. a. williamsoni in the Santa Clara River system. Information concerning the types and distribution of exotic organisms is essential to effectively control their populations. Efforts to control the introduction and spread of exotic organisms in the Santa Clara River system should be a high priority. Regular surveys of G. a. williamsoni habitat should be conducted to detect the presence of exotic species at an early stage. Periodic surveys of nearby unoccupied habitats should also be made to assess the potential for these species to move into occupied habitats. High priority should be given to preventing continuous flow of water between G. a. williamsoni occupied habitats and unoccupied habitats that contain exotic species (e.g., the Santa Clara River below Bouquet Canyon Road to Agua Dulce Canyon) or transfer of water from bodies that contain exotic species (Bouquet Reservoir, Drinkwater Reservoir, Lake Piru, and Castaic Lake) into occupied habitat. Exotic predators that cannot reproduce in the Santa Clara River (e.g., rainbow trout) may be permitted in private ponds but those that can reproduce (e.g., sunfish and bass). should not be allowed. Prevent the Introduction of G a microcephalus: The introduction of G. a. microcephalus should be prevented to prevent introgression and the loss of the distinct characters of G. a. williamsoni. Laws prohibiting the use of small bait fish should be strictly enforced. Plants of game fish should be carefully scrutinized to assure the absence of unwanted exotics and G. a. microcephalus. Trout plants into the upper Sweetwater River in San Diego County have resulted in the establishment of G. a. microcephalus in this system. DRAFT January 7 srwcuu.cvrm,00a 1991 ' XII. Appendices APPENDIX B (continued) Reponse Procedures in the Event of Oil or Toxic Chemical Spills: Given the lower number of populations of G. a. williamsoni and the presence of major highways and rail lines traversing the Santa Clara River system, a single spill of toxic material could result in the extirpation of the subspecies from the system. Contingency plans to save existing individuals of G. a. williamsoni in case of such an event should be established and made available to local wardens and resource managers. These plans should include provisions for a temporary holding facility to maintain rescued fish in the event of a catastrophic event. A mobile facility may be desirable to rapidly transport sticklebacks to an appropriate site in the event of an emergency. Responsible personnel from the CDFG, Forest Service (FS), and USFWS should be notified immediately in the event of such a catastrophe. Establishment of Re=nse Procedures in the Event of Stream Desiccation: The potential for consecutive drought years and the desiccation of G. a. williamsoni habitat is high in the Santa Clara River system. The amount of water to maintain G. a. williamsoni habitat and the many of th;.factors that control the distribution and abundance of water within its habitat are unknown (USFWS 1985). Knowledge of these factors will allow utilization of groundwater in the upper Santa Clara River without destroying G. a. williammni habitat. Consideration should be given to using reclaimed water for groundwater recharge in the upper Santa Clara River system, provided it does not result in continuous flows over presently dry stretches of river bed. Establishment of a water distribution system to provide water during severe drought years may provide emergency supplemental flows if needed. Restricting Off-road Vehicle Activities: Off-road vehicle activities in areas adjacent to G. a. williamroni occupied habitat can result in destruction of aquatic vegetation, increased erosion, increased water flows and the destruction of G. a. williamaoni nests. Off-road vehicle activities should be eliminated in areas occupied by G. a. williamroni or that are targeted for restoration and introduction of this subspecies. Determining G a willimonl Life History and Obtain Needed Ecological and Genetic Information: Information is available regarding habitat requirements and distribution of G. a. williamsoni, however, much remains to be learned about its life history, ecology and genetics. Future research may provide data that will increase the ability to manage G. a. williamsoni with the goal to remove it from the Endangered Species List. Recent taxonomic work may also result in the change of taxonomic status of one or more of the recognized extant populations (USFWS 1985). Further taxonomic work may also result in the discovery of additional G. a. williamsoni populations. Research priorities include determining natural habitat condition, assessing the effects of exotic predators, determining SCACLAA.6wmf006 91 DRAFT '1 1991991 XII. Appendices APPENDIX B (continued) water quality and quantity requirements, establishing the determinants of water distribution and abundance within occupied habitat, determining the optimum size of a self-sustaining population, and determining the genetic composition of populations of unknown origin. STACLAA.GV/mA06 DRAFT'uary j 9 7 92 «r. XII. Appendices APPENDIX B (continued) REFERENCES Baskin, J. N. 1974. Survey of the unarmored threespine stickleback,, Gasterosteus aculeatus williamsoni, in the upper Santa Clara River drainage. Unpubl. Rept., Contract No. 14-16-001-5387SE, U.S. Bureau of Sport Fish and Wildlife, Sacramento. Baskin, J. N. 1975. Biology and the habitat of the unarmored threespine stickleback, Gasterosteus aculeatus williamcnni, in the upper Santa Clara River, California. Unpubl. Rept., Contract No. AB -27, Calif. Dept. of Fish and Game, Sacramento. Baskin, J. N., and M. A. Bell. 1976. Unarmored threespine-stickleback survey and report. Unpubl. Rept., Contract No, 39-5495. U.S. Dept. Agr. Forest Serv., San Francisco. x x' Bell, M. A. 1975. The distribution and systematics of the unarmored threespine stickleback, Gasterosteus aculeatus william ni (Girard), in the Santa Clara River system. Unpubl. Rept., Contract No.. AB -23, Calif. Dept. Fish -and Game, Sacramento. Bell, M. A. 1976x. Evolution and phenotypic diversity in Gasterosteus aculeates superspecies on the Pacific coast of North America. Syst. Zool. 25:211-227. Bell, M. A. 1976b. The evolution of phenotypic diversity in threespine-sticklebacks, Gasterosteus aculeatus. Ph.D. Dissertation, Univ. California, Los Angeles. - Miller, R. R. 1961. Man and the changing fauna of the American Southwest. Pap. Michigan Acad. Sci., Arts Lett. 47:365404. Miller, R. R., and C. L. Hubbs. 1969. Systematics of Gasterosteus aculeatus, with particular reference to intergradation and introgression along the Pacific coast of North America: a commentary on a recent distribution. Copeia 1961:52-69. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1985. Unarmored Threespine Stickleback Recovery Plan (Revised). U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Portland, Oregon. 80 pp. STACLRA.GV1m,006 93 DRAFT Janus 7 19911 XII. Appendices APPENDIX C - RIPARIAN MITIGATION PLANT PALETTE Scientific Name WILLOW WOODLAND Overstory Common Name Salix hindsiana sandbar willow Salix lasiolepis arroyo willow Salix Gooddingii black willow Baccharis glutinosa mulefat Salix laevigata red willow Populus fremondi Fremont poplar Understtiry Container Shrubs Solidago occidentalis western goldenrod Rosa califomica California rose Toxicodendron diversilobum poison:oak Juncus mexicanus Mexican rush Rubus ursinus blackberry Urtica holosericea nettle Artemisia douglasiana Douglas sagewort Artemisia pabneri _ Palmer's sagewort Anemopsis califomica yerba mansa Juncus acurus spiny rush Rumex salicifolius willow leaved dock Mimulus cardinalis scarlet monkey flower Mimulus guttatus streamside monkey flower Unica holosericea nettle SCACIRA.GV/mAff 06 Dn A X19 7 1�L'1i 1 1991 94 XII. Appendices APPENDIX C (continued) Scientific Name Common Name POPLAR MULEFAT WOODLAND OverstoU Baccharis glutinosa mulefat Populus fremontii Fremont poplar Salix lasiolepis or Salix hindsiana arroyo willow/ Rhamnus ilicifolia sandbar willow Rosa californfca California rose Anemisia douglasiana Douglas sagewort Rubus ursinus blackberry Elymus condensatus wild rye x SYCAMORE WOODLAND Platanus racemosa western sycamore Acer negundo ssp. cWornicum box elder Quercus agrifolia coast live oak Pluchea sericea Sambucus. mexicana Mexican elderberry Toxicodendron diversilobum poison oak Muhlenbergia rigens or Iva hayesiana deer grass/Hayes' iva Rhamnus ilicifolia holly -leaf redberry Ribes speciosum fuchsia flwd. gooseberry Heteromeles arbutifolia toyon Clematis ligusticifolia virgin's bower Baccharis glutinosa mulefat sracueA cvimooe DRAFT January 7 1991 95 XII..Appendicts APPENDIX C (continued) Scientific Name Common Name Festuca megalura zorro fescue Eriogonum fasciculatum flat -top buckwheat Artemisia pabneri Palmer's sagewort Lupinus succulenw arroyo lupine Eschscholva califormca California poppy Lotus scoparius deerweed Asclepias fascicularis narrowleaf milkweed Oenothera hookeri Hooker's primrose Elymus macoides beardless wild rye grass Atriplex patula ssp. hastala halberd -leaf saltbush Sysrinchium bellum blue-eyed grass x x" Quercus agrifolia coast live oak erstory Container Shubs Stachys bullata hedge nettle Sambucus mexicana Mexican elderberry Toxicodendron radicans Lonicera subspicata var. denudata southern honeysuckle Heteromeles arbutifolia toyon Elymus condensates giant rye Ribes speciosum fuchsia flwd. gooseberry Rhamnus ilicifolia holly -leaf redberry Clematis ligusticifolia virgin's bower Solidago californica California goldenrod Prunus.ilicifolia hollyleaf cherry SrACIRA.GV/mAo6 DRAFT '�° � a :f 7lba� it .... x.14.. p±x.y ` _ • :: CiF 'a\v 2-.3.�3'�s�nL. �1Y'.. XII. Appendices APPENDIX C (continued) Scientific Name Common Name Understory Hydroseed List 1: Grass Mix Achithea millefolium yarrow Festuca megalura wrro fescue Lupinus bicolor dove lupine Luptnus succulentus arroyo lupine Eschscholzia californica California poppy Sisrinchium bellum blue-eyed grass Bromus rubens foxtail chess Bromus mollis soft chess List;: Coast Sae Mix Festuca megalura wren fescue Eriogonum fasciculatum flat -top buckwheat Artemisia palmeri Palmer's sagewort Lupinus succulentus arroydlupine Lupimcs bicolor dove lupine Achillea millefolium yarrow Eschscholda californica California poppy Lotus scoparius deerweed Encelia calfondca California sunflower Artemisia dracunculus tarragon Otihocarpus purpurescens owl's clover Happlopappus venetus goldenbush Salvia mellifera black sage Artemesia califondca California sagebrush List 3: To Be Hand Planted Thalictrum polycarpum meadow rue Potentilla glandulosa common potentilla srwcueA.cvrmroo6 DRAFT J�1991 97 XIII. Resources American Ornithologists' Union, committee on classification and nomenclature. 1986. Thirty-fourth supplement to the A.O.U. Checklist of North American birds. The Auk 99(3). Baskin, J. N. 1974. Survey of the unarmored threespine stickleback, Gasterosteus aculeatus williamsoni, in the upper Santa Clara River drainage. Unpubl. Rept., Contract No. 14-16-001-5387SE, U.S. Bureau of Sport Fish and Wildlife, Sacramento. Baskin, J. N. 1975. Biology and the habitat of the unarmored threespine stickleback, Gasterosteus aculeatus williamsoni, in the upper Santa Clara River, California. Unpubl. Rept., Contract No. AB -27, Calif. Dept. of Fish and Game, Sacramento. Baskin, J. N., and M. A. Bell. 1976. Unarmored threespine stickleback survey and report. Unpubl. Rept., Contract No. 39-5495. U.S. Dept. Agr. Forest Serv., San Francisco. Bell, M. A. 1975. The distribution and systematics of the unarmored threespine stickleback, Qgsterosteus aculeatus williamsoni (Girard), in the Santa Clara River system. Unpubl. Rept., Contract No. AB -23, Calif. Dept. Fish and Game, Sacramento. Bell, M. A. 1976x. Evolution and phenotypic diversity in Gasterosteus aculeatus superspecies on the Pacific coast of North America. Syst. Zool. 25:211-227. Bell, M. A. 1976b. The evolution of phenotypic diversity in threespine sticklebacks, Gasterosteus aculeatus. Ph.D. Dissertation, Univ. California, Los Angeles. California Department of Fish and Game. 1965. California fish and wildlife plan. The Resources Agency, Volume 3(c):908. California Department of Fish and Game. 1980 At the Crossroads. A report on California's endangered and rare fish and wildlife. The Resources Agency. California Department of Fish and Game. 198-. Designated endangered or rare plants. The Resources Agency, June 19. California Department of Fish and Game. 198-. Special animals. Natural Diversity Data Base. STACUA.GVInUM DRAFT January 7 :.. 1991 98 M. Resources Cowardin, L. M., F. C. Golet, and E. T. LaRoe. 1979. Classification of wetlands and deepwater habitats of the United States. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Department of Interior, December. Kudija, Christine M., 1988. Ecosystematic Stormwater and Flood Management Practices of Southern California. Landscape Architecture Master Thesis, California State. Polytechnic University, Pomona. Michael Brandman Associates, 1990. Draft Background Study - Santa Clarita Planning Program. Prepared for: City of Santa Clarita. Miller, R. R. 1961. Man and. the changing fauna of the American Southwest. Pip. Michigan Acad. Sci., Arts Lett. 47:365-404. Miller, R. R., and C. L. Hubbs. 1969. Systematics of Gasterosteus aculea c, with particular reference to intergradation and introgression along the Pacific coast of North America: a commentary on a recent distribution. Copeia 1961:52-69. National Parks Service, Trails Management Handbook, Reinen, R. H. 1978. Notice of exercise of Section 404 jurisdictoin over.certain streams and wetlands in California. Los Angeles District, Corps of Engineers, July 15. Remsen, V. 1978. The species of special concem list: an annotated list of declining or vulnerable birds in California. Westem Field Ornithologist, Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, University of California, Berkeley. SANDAG. 1990. Comprehensive species management plan for the least Bell's vireo. Slade, Richard C., 1988. "Hydrogeologic Assessment of the Saugus Formation in the Santa Clara Valley of Los Angeles County, California", Volume I - Report Text, Volume II - Report Plates,February. Smith, J. P., and K. Berg. 1988. Inventory of rare and endangered vascular plants of California. California Native Plant Society, Special Publication No. 1, 4th edition. Soule,.M., D. Bolger, A. Alberts, J. Wright, M. Sorice, and S. Hill. 1988. Reconstruc- ted dynamics of rapid extinctions of chaparral -requiring birds in urban habitat islands. Conservation Biology 2:75-92. Tate, J. Jr., and D. J. Tate. 1982. The Blue List for 1982. American Birds 35(1):3-10. Tate, J. Jr. 1986. The Blue. List for 1986. American Birds 40:227-236. STACLRA.GV/nuOo6 we DRAFT January 7 lit I X111. Resources Trail Standards, June 1990. City of Santa Clarita, Parks and Recreation Department. United States Army Corps of Engineers 1981. "Generalized Computer Program HEC -I - Flood Hydrograph Package", The Hydrologic Engineering Center, September (Revised March 1987). United States Army Corps of Engineers 1989. "Preprocessor to HEC -1, LAPRE-1", Los Angeles District, January. United States Army Corps of Engineers 1982. "Flood Flow Frequency Analysis Computer Program 723 -X6 -L7550", The Hydrologic Engineering Center, February. United States Army Corps of Engineers 1960. "Routing of Floods Through River Channels," EM1110-2-1408, March. 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