HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-07-13 - AGENDA REPORTS - FOREST SERVICE MP (2)NEW BUSINESS
DATE:
SUBJECT:
DEPARTMENT
Agenda Item: — ;W
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
AGENDA REPORT
City Manager Approval
Item to be presented by:
July 13, 2004
Marsha McLean
FOREST SERVICE MASTER PLAN
Planning and Building Services
RECOMMENDED ACTION
City Council receive the staff report and provide direction to the City's response and authorize
the City Manager to transfer $10,000 from the City Council Contingency Fund (#2250-7401) to
Planning Professional Services (#3120-8110).
BACKGROUND
The U. S. Forest Service is currently updating their Land Management Plan for the forests of
Southern California, including the Angeles National Forest. The last update occurred in 1987.
This dictates the future direction on the usage of the National Forest resources. The utilization of
this document by the Forest Service is very similar to a General Plan. The comments on the
document are due to the Forest Service on or before August 11, 2004.
The plan identifies six different alternatives for the forest of Southern California. The proposed
uses for the forest lands surrounding the City range from wilderness designations to motorized
vehicle uses to developed area intermix. The preferred alternative identified by the Forest
Service for the area is a mixture of Motorized and Non -motorized Back Country uses. While
these designations may allow for a specific use, additional environmental review would be
required prior to the establishment of the use.
A number of City staff is reviewing the plan and the associated environmental documents.
Currently, staff is focusing the City's response on minimizing the usage of off-road vehicles
while maximizing the ability for fire suppression in the forest areas in the Santa Clarita Valley.
A meeting was held with representatives from Congressman McKeon's office, the District
Ranger for the area, Councilmember McLean and staff to discuss the plan and the City's
concerns. At that meeting, it was determined that a stakeholders meeting would be convened
regarding the plan in addition to a letter being sent to organizations inviting them to comment on
the plan. Staff will be preparing a technical response to the Forest Service.
ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS
1. Direct staff not to comment on the Forest Management Plan.
2. Any other action identified by the Council.
FISCAL IMPACT
The scope of the City's response will require the use of an outside consultant for a specialized
review. The scope of the review will require funds to be transferred from the City Council
Contingency Fund. Staff is requesting that $10,000 be transferred from Account #2250-7401 to
Planning Professional Services Account 43120-8110. Approval of this item would leave the
remaining balance in the City Council Contingency at $990,000.