COSPRv2

CHAPTER

4

CONSERVATION, OPEN SPACE, PARKS AND RECREATION

4. CONSERVATION, OPEN SPACE, PARKS AND RECREATION

View across Greenhorn Reservoir in Greenhorn Park.

4.1.	Introduction…
4.2.	Managed Resource Production.. …2
4.3.	Mineral Resources… …2
4.4.	Agricultural and Timber Lands.. 3
4.5.	Soil Resources… …4
4.6.	Biological Resources… …4
4.7.	Air Quality… .7
4.8.	Natural Water Resources. …9
4.9.	Open Space… …I
	4.10. Parks and Recreation

4.l. Introduction

LEGAL BASIS & REQUIREMENTS

This Element combines the Open Space and Conservation Elements. Government Codes §65302(d) and §65302(e) requires that this

“A element for the conservation, development, and utilization of atura. resources including water and if ydraulic force, forests, soils, rivers and othe anders er natural shere, wildlie, minerals,

Government Code §65560 requires that the general plan for open space include:

“An open space element for the preservation of plant and animal life, including habitat for fish and wildlife; for the managed production of resources including forest lands, rangeland, agricultural lands and areas of economic importance for the production of food or fiber; for the enjoyment of outdoor recreation with access to scenic views, lakeshores, beaches, river and streams; and areas requiring special management of hazardous or special conditions for the public’s health and safety.”

The general plan is required to address various open space issues, including the preservation of natural resources (fish and wildlife habicat), managed production of resources (food, fiber and mineral resources), outdoor recreation including areas of scenic, historic and cultural value, and open space for health and safety.

OVERVIEW

Yreka is a community surrounded by prominent visible natural resources of timber and agriculture, which over the years have supported economic development of the community, yet few natural resources are found within the City planning area. Mining, the initial reason the communicy was developed, has long disappeared. The scenic quality of the valley in which Yreka is located, the City’s gently sloping topography and natural drainages account for those significant resources still affecting the community. Conservation also includes the protection of air and water resources.

The intent of this element is not only to satisfy the requirements of applicable Government Codes, but also to offer guidelines on how impacts to natural resources are addressed within Yreka and its planning area.

4.2. Managed Resource Production

OVERVIEW

The primary managed resources in the rural area surrounding Yreka are timber and agricultural production. While these activities are on the periphery of community, neither of these activities significantly affects land use within the community. Historically mining was an important resource-related activity that resulted in the founding of the city. Now the activiry is limited mostly to hobbyists.

MANAGED RESOURCES GOALS & PROGRAMS

Goal CO.I - Recognize, promote and protect the natural resources within and near the City.

Objective: As evidenced by the Yreka Creek Trail, the Ciry can take advantage of natural drainage channels to enhance the community. These trails protect habitat and link the community to the surrounding countryside. The construction of trails along these routes help with maintenance and provides non-motorized circulation. This type of dual use turns the drainage necessity into an actractive asset. The objective of this goal is to recognize the need to protect and enhance these resources, and to integrate them into new development proposals.

PROGRAM CO.I.A. Working with resource agencies, the City shall evaluate each natural drainage and stream to determine if a building and construction setback is appropriate.

4.3. Mineral Resources

Historically, gold mining was responsible for the establishment of the City of Yreka. Although some dredge milling still takes place on the Shasta and Klamath Rivers, as well as a small amount of panning for gold, the resource is essentially depleted, and no longer plays a direct role in Yreka’s economy. Gold does provide a tourist draw to the City and the region for many amateur gold-seekers.

The State Mining and Geology Board has the responsibility to inventory and classify mineral resources and could designate such mineral resources as having a “statewide” or “regional significance” and then the local agency must adopt a management plan for such identified resources. At this time there are no plans to assess local mineral resources for the study area or Siskiyou County before May 2006. (Background Report, page 5-2).

Mining within Yreka would be subject to approval by the City, based upon the benefits and impacts to the Ciry. Mining may occur on surrounding County land, but a Use Permit and Reclamation Plan is required

Given the lack of known commercial grade mineral deposits, impacts associated with largescale mining and the investment required to initiate operations, it is not likely that mining will be a significant industry within the planning area of the Ciry of Yreka.

Goal CO.2 - To ensure responsible mining and natural resource.

Objective: The Ciry does not have commercially viable mineral resources within the City Limits, but may encounter resources within the planning area. Most of the resources that may affect Yreka will be within the jurisdiction of Siskiyou County. The objective of this goal is to encourage a cooperative relationship with Siskiyou County in review and approval of future mining activities.

PROGRAM CO.2.A. Coordinate with Siskiyou County on the review of any extraction project proposed for location within or near Yreka’s Planning Area. Of particular concern will be screening views of the mining activity from the City.

PROGRAM CO.2.B. No mineral, gas, or other natural resources extraction shall occur within the City limits of Yreka without prior review and approval of the activity by the City through the Conditional Use Permit process.

PROGRAM CO.2.C. After the completion of the mineral resources study by the State Mining and Geology Board scheduled by May 2006 or later, resource.

4.4. Agricultural and Timber Lands

There are no lands being used for agricultural purposes within the City limits even though the soils covering much of the City are considered to be important agricultural soils when water is available. There are some lands within and adjacent to the Planning Area that support limited grazing and hay production. Such lands lie primarily to the south and east of the City and are identified on the Siskiyou County Important Farmland Map of 1998 as Farmlands of Local Importance. The County Board of Supervisors has determined that such identified land is of importance to the local agricultural economy. Some agricultural preserves exist within the Planning Area on the east side, another adjacent to the Planning Area on the south.

Primary crops cultivated in this area of Siskiyou County are alfalfa, hay and other grains for consumption by cattle raised in the County. Such agricultural lands, if protected by the County, will aid the local economy and also continue to be a source of open space and rural density development around the City. To date, Siskiyou County has not experienced the conversion of farmland to urban uses, which is a matter of concern in the State overall. Expansion of the

City to the east and south may impact cattle pasture and agricultural lands.

There are no timber lands within the Yreka Planning Area; however, such lands exist on public lands to the west and south in full view of the City. This land plays an important role in the local economy and is an effective part of the City’s peripheral open space. Of particular concern is the view shed from the City, and the potential for this view to be degraded by extensive logging and land clearing. Since the forest lands are not within the City limits, the City will need to work closely with the California Department of Forestry and the Klamath National Forest as well as other agencies to help manage their view shed.

Goal CO.3 - To ensure continued agriculture and timber uses in the Yreka Planning Area.

Objective: New residential uses adjacent to agriculture and timber lands can reduce its productivity and increase the cost of farming because traditional farming methods may need to be altered due to the proximity of homes. While a certain amount of encroachment will occur as the City expands, the use of buffers and careful placement of new uses can protect the commercial viability of these lands as long as possible. The objective of this goal is to reduce the impact of urban uses on agricultural lands.

Program CO.3.A. During the project review process, address the impacts of siting environmentally sensitive uses near areas where conflicts with agricultural or timber production activity may occur.

PROGRAM CO.3.B. Maintain buffer zones around areas of existing and planned agricultural and timber processing activities. Do not permit sensitive uses to encroach within buffer zones. Such buffer zones may vary in width based upon existing and proposed uses, vegetation, and simply topography. The buffers may be permanent, or phased construction areas.

PROGRAM CO.3.C. The City will work with appropriate forest management agencies to help protect the view shed from the Ciry in particular the view to the ridges around the Cicy and Planning Area.

PROGRAM CO.3.D. Those lands designated by Siskiyou County on the Important Farmland Map of 1998 as Farmlands of Local Importance, while lying within the Planning Area, should be preserved for agricultural purposes.

PROGRAM CO.3.E. Those lands lying within the Yreka Planning Area, which are located within a Williamson Act Agricultural Preserve, shall not be annexed until such time the property is no longer under a Williamson Act contract.

4.5. Soil Resources

Most of Yreka is developed on alluvial soils and consist of gravelly, clay, and sandy loams. Typically these soils have moderate shrink-swell characteristics, have slight to moderate erosion hazard potential and concain slopes which range from 0-9 percent. Only the Salisbury gravely clay loam and Pit clay soils in the south central area of the City is considered to have severe shrink swell characteristics, which could affect construction practices.

The fringe of the community lies nearer the mountains with soils with less depth and greater potential for erosion due to increased slopes which range from 10-50 percent. As the vacant lands within the older portions of the community become depleted, there is greater pressure to develop on these steeper slopes. The increased slope of these lands requires greater actention to the manner of construction that occurs, attempting to minimize the amount of soil that is disturbed.

The following table summarizes the soil characteristics of the key soils present within the Yreka planning area. (Table 4-I)

Some of the soils are classified as Class Il and III soils for agricultural production capability.

A Class II soil is considered to have moderate limitations that reduce the choice of plants or require moderate conservation practices. A Class Ill soil has severe limications that reduce the choice of plants or that require special conservation practices, or both, Given these limitations and the extent of urban development that exists, little agricultural activity exists except in the southerly portion of the Planning Area.

4.6. Biological Resources

WILDLIFE AND HABITAT OCCURRENCE

During the preparation of this General Plan, a search of the California Department of Fish and Game, Natural Heritage Division Natural Diversity Data Base (NDDB) was conducted. The detailed results of this data base search are contained within the Background Report of this General Plan.

NDDB records are organized by geographic areas consistent with U.S.G.S. quad maps. A search of the NDDB for Yreka identified the occurrence of five species or communities of special concern.

Within the City of Yreka the record search found two known locations of Yreka Phlox (Phlox hirsuta), an “endangered species” on both the federal and state lists (Figure 4-1), and the Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) in Yreka Creek, which is listed as “threatened” on the federal list and is a candidate for additional federal listing. Yreka Creek, from the confluence with Greenhorn Creek to the Shasta River, is a critical habitat for this species survival.

This protected plant was found between 15 and Juniper Drive at the northeastern end of the City. However, since detailed biological evaluations have generally not been conducted in and near Yreka, the lack of identified occurrences is not proof of the absence of a protected species.

Therefore, future urban development sites may require review by a qualified individual, to be approved by the City, to determine if protected habitat is present or suspected. If potential protected habitat is suspected, a biologist field survey may be required to determine whether protected plant species are present, and mitigation measures identified if protected species are found.

Table 4-1 - Yreka Planning Area Soils Characteristics and Limitations

	Rooting Depth	Shrink Swell	Water-Erosion Potential
#140 Dotta loam 2-9% slopes	60”	Moderate	Moderate
#141 Dotta gravelly loam 0-2% slopes	60“‘	Moderate	Slight
#143 Dubakella-Ipish complex 5-30% slopes	36”	Moderate	Moderate-High
#145 Dumps (dredging material)	…		…
#146 Duzel gravelly loam 5-9% slopes	20-40”	Low- Moderate	Moderate
#206 Pit clay 0-2% slopes	60”	Moderate- High	Slight
#213 Rock outcrop-Dubakella complex 30-50% slopes	20-40”	Moderate	Moderate-High
#219 Salisbury gravelly clay loam 0-5% slopes	20-40”	Moderate- High	Slight
#230 Stoner gravelly sandy loam 2-5% slopes	60”	Low	Slight
#231 Stoner gravelly sandy loam 5-15% slopes	60”	Low	Moderate

(Summarized from Soil Survey of Siskiyou County Prepared by United States Department of Agriculture and Soil Conservation Servicel

While most wildlife is limited in the Planning area, unique to Yreka is the presence of many deer. Herds roam much of western Yreka, having reasonably adapted to the urban environment, finding shelter on vacant lots and food on residential lots not protected with adequate tencing. (It is not uncommon to see deer casually walking on Miner Street in downtown Yreka). Easy access to the mountains to the west gives these herds a range of habitat options.

NATURAL DRAINAGE CHANNELS

hi comes have ligh to eiy vented and are still left in a near natural condition.

Drainage way management and incorporation of drainage channels in future development presents a significant challenge to the City. While drainage channels present an opportunity to restore segments of natural habitat, the primary function of such channels is to convey storm runoff. As such, vegetation associated with habitat may conflict with the primary use of the channels. Concerns also center on the difficulty of maintaining channels in an urban setting, primarily due to increased littering and refuse dumping in and near such channels.

Future development adjacent to natural drainage ways should be required to incorporate the habitat into the project design.

The Yreka Greenway project is an excellent example of how a drainage facility can function as a natural habitat, handle flood waters and provide for human use with the presence of trails and picnic facilities (Figure 4-2).

BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES PROGRAMS GOALS &

Goal CO.4 — Minimize impacts to wildlife and wildlife habitat as new development occurs withinYreka.

Yreka Phlox

Objective: The City concains two known locations of Yreka Phlox (Phlox hirsuca), an state lists, and Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) in Yreka Creek, which is listed as

“threatened” on the federal list and is a candidate for additional federal listing, and has worked to ensure that development does not negatively affect this species. The objective of this goal is to ensure that subsequent development clearly addresses its potential affect on the environment.

PROGRAM CO.4.A. Apply appropriate mitigation measures to development projects to minimize impacts to biological resources during and after construction.

PROGRAM CO.4.B. Consider opportunities for habitat preservation and enhancement in conjunction with public facility projects, particularly storm drainage facilities. Construction activity involved in such preservation and enhancement shall be assessed to determine potential impacts on Coho salmon.

PROGRAM CO.4.C. Applicants for new development proposals shall be responsible for costs related to determining the potential for occurrence of protected plant and wildlife species within the proposed project area. City staff shall make the determination on the degree of field investigation required based on the project’s location in relation to known occurrences.

PROGRAM CO.4.D. If the presence of protected species is determined to be likely, the project applicant shall be responsible for all costs associated with investigating species presence and preparation of any required mitigation plans.

4.7. Air Quality

Air QualITy REgULATOry AUTHOrITY

The federal Clean Air Act, adopted in 1970 and amended twice thereafter, escablished the framework for modern air pollution control. The Act directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish ambient air quality standards for six pollutants: ozone, carbon monoxide, lead, nitrogen, dioxide, particular matter (PMio) and sulfur dioxide. Acceptable levels for these pollutants are adopted as the National Ambient Air Quality Scandards (NAAQS)

The federal Clean Air Act requires states to submit a Scate Implementation Plan (SIP) for areas that exceed the NAAQS (such areas are referred to as “non-attainment areas”). Failure to comply with requirements for preparing the SIP can result in denial of federal funding and permits for such improvements as highway construction and sewage treatment plants.

LOCAL AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY

The City of Yreka is located in a region identified as the Northeastern Plateau Air Basin which principally includes Siskiyou, Modoc and Lassen Counties. This larger air basin is divided into local air districts which are charged with the responsibility of implementing air quality The local Air Quality District responsible for Yreka is the Siskiyou County Air Pollution Control District (SCAPCD).

Within the SCAPCD, the primary source of air pollution is the motor vehicle. In response to this source of pollutants, the state legislature adopted the California Clean Air Act which requires local air districts to develop measures to reduce emissions from mobile sources. SCAPCD reviews land development projects as part of their CEQA process to determine air quality impacts and then apply local rules as a means to mitigate air quality impacts from the project.

AIR QUALITY STANDARDS ATTAINMENT STATUS FOR SISKIYOU COUNTY

Air qualicy standards are set at both the state and federal levels of government. When the pollutants within an area are below the allowed standards, that area is considered to be in attainment with the standards.

Yreka and Siskiyou County do not have significant air quality problems and is considered to have atcained all Federal and State Air Quality Standards except PMIO. PMI0 is cypically particulate slash burning, woodstoves, and similar activities.

AIR QUALITY STANDARDS GOALS & PROGRAMS

Goal CO.5 Maintain and protect air quality within the City of Yreka at acceptable levels as defined by state and federal standards.

Objective: Most of the air quality issues in Siskiyou County reflect the rural nature of the County and agricultural industry. The County is sparsely populated and is in compliance with most of the federal and state air quality standards. The one exception is PMIO that is usually from burning (either voluntary or forest fire) or dust from grading or plowing. The objective of this goal is to work with development to ensure that their contribution to this air quality problem is kept as low as possible.

PROGRAM CO.5.A. Through the project review process, minimize adverse affects on the community of odor and emissions generated by industrial uses.

PROGRAM CO.5.B. Work with the Siskiyou County Air Quality Management District in efforts to maincain air quality standards and to minimize air qualicy impacts associated with new development.

4.8. Natural Water Resources

The City’s primary natural water resource concern is that water discharged to drainage channels is of acceptable quality and does not reduce water quality downstream from Yreka. Discussion of water supply for domestic service is discussed in the Public Facilities Element of this General Plan.

SURFACE WATER QUALITY

Surface water quality is regulated by the North Coast Regional Water Qualicy Control Board, Region | (NCRWQCB). The NCRWQCB establishes water quality standards for surface water discharge within its Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan), Sacramento River Basin, 1996.

4. CONSERVATION, OPEN SPACE, PARKS AND RECREATION

The City affects Yreka Creek as it releases the treated water into percolation ponds near Creek. This discharge method requires that the City operate under a NCRWQCB discharge permit and the standards for the treated wastewater are quite rigorous. (See Background Report for detailed discussion on wastewater treatment)

Another area where the City will seek to minimize impacts to surface water is the regulation construction practices. Construction activities, particularly site grading have the potential to cause erosion which can lead to siltation of waterways. New development plan shall be submicted with each tentative parcel projects will include measures designed to minimize erosion.

Of concern is the expansion of the City onto steeper hillsides which usually results in the disturbance of more earth to accommodate roads and housing, resulting in exposure of cut and fill slopes to runoff and erosion. The requirement for larger lots with construction practices which readily fit the dwelling to natural terrain, along with good erosion control practices, can minimize negative impacts.

NATURAL WATER RESOURCES GOALS & PROGRAMS

Goal CO.6 Protect the quantity of community water supplies and avoid degradation of water quality.

Objective: Water quality is important to the community and the region as a whole. By taking measures during construction the City can minimize erosion of soil. The objective of this goal is to ensure that erosion control measures are considered early in the construction process and ensure that water quality impacts resulting from discharges into drainage channels are minimized.

PROGRAM CO.6.A. Grading in hillside areas should be minimized by increasing minimum lot sizes and utilizing construction techniques which are readily adaptable to natural terrain, reducing the need to create level pads for dwellings.

PROGRAM CO.6.B. Require applicants for new development projects to identify specific measures for minimizing project-related erosion and resulting siltation of drainage channels. Where such action may result in significant erosion or siltation in channels of the Yreka Creek drainage basin, such erosion control measures must be consistent with National Marine Fisheries Service conservation and minimization requirements as a means to minimize impacts on Coho salmon.

PROGRAM CO.6.C. A grading and erosion control and tentative subdivision map. Best management practices shall be incorporated in these plans as a means to minimize erosion impacts. Such maps should be referred to the Soil Conservation Service for comments and recommendations, prior to action by the City.

PROGRAM CO.6.D. Review City Standards for drainage structures and adopt requirements for grease and sediment traps for roads and parking lots to improve water quality of urban runoff.

PROGRAM CO.6.E. Require wells located on land annexed to the Ciry and served by City water service to be properly abandoned in accordance with Siskiyou Councy Health Department guidelines.

PROGRAM CO.6.F. Participate in local and regional discussions regarding whether exportation of local water supplies to agencies or jurisdictions outside of Siskiyou County should be allowed or discouraged.

PROGRAM CO.6.G. Promote the use of water conserving landscape strategies, such as drip irrigation and drought tolerant plantings.

PROGRAM CO.6.H. Investigate and implement as determined appropriate programs to supply information, services and equipment to homeowners and local businesses to conserve water resources within the Ciry.

PROGRAM CO.6.I. The City shall implement policies to protect vegetation along natural drainages.

4.9. Open Space

The intent of this segment of the Element is to satisfy not only the requirements of applicable Government Codes, but also to offer guidelines to potential developers on how impacts to resources are addressed within Yreka.

OPEN SPACE LAND

Open space land, as fined in the Government Code 65560, includes all uses of land which in some manner provide public recreation, scenic enjoyment, agricultural production, conservation, or use of natural resources and special uses which enhance the aesthetic appearance and livability of the community. Open space lands include, but are not limited to, the following areas:

• Agricultural lands
• Natural resource lands
• Playlots and vest pocket parks
• Neighborhood parks
• District parks and large urban parks
• Regional Parks
• Special Areas
• Cemeteries
• Watersheds and ground water recharge land
• Reservoirs
• Stream channels and flood plains
• Scenic areas
• Wildlife habitats
• Public lands (BLM & NFS)

Nearly all of the above are present in the Yreka Planning area and add to the open space resource.

The mountains which surround the Yreka planning area and the abundance of vacant lands within and adjacent, are a significant open space feature of the community. Their presence provides scenic vistas throughout most of the community and enhances the feeling of openness. The City is active in development of parks adding to the open space and improving the residential quality of the community.

The importance of open space increases as community population grows and the urban character becomes more predominant. Because the loss of open space is incremencal and nearly invisible, it is important to identify future open space as early as possible. This helps assure that the open space is considered before significant development occurs rather than “missed” once it is gone.

OPEN SPACE GOALS & PROGRAMS

Goal CO.7 - Continue to expand acreage of public open space as a means to maintain the rural character of Yreka.

Objective: Open space and views are a way of life in Siskiyou County. The objective of this goal is to encourage new development to reflect the openness of the region and to include open space in the design.

PROGRAM CO.7.A. Encourage the use of Planned Developments wherein public and private open space lands (parks, drainage areas, wildlife habitats, etc.) are set aside for public benefit.

PROGRAM CO.7.B. Consider the possibility of acquiring view sensitive lands or open space easements for public open space or recreational use.

4.10. Parks and Recreation

Public parks, and the passive and active recreation opportunities they provide, are important contributors to a community’s quality of life. In addition, the Quimby Act (Section 66477) authorizes those cities and counties with a general plan to require dedication of parkland or recreational spaces, or the payment of in-lieu fees, as a condition of tentative subdivision map approval.

PARKS AND RECREATION

As defined in Table 6.l of the General Plan Background Report, the City now has 26.96 acres of neighborhood parks and recreation facilities and 400 acres in Greenhorn Park, a park which serves the region. Excluding Greenhorn Park, the City is providing 3.7 acres per thousand persons, which falls into the recognized standard of 3 to 5 acres of parkland per thousand population.

4. CONSERVATION, OPEN SPACE, PARKS AND RECREATION

Over the years the City has essentially “shifted” PROGRAM CO.8.A. Require Quimby Fees on all the duties of providing most recreational residential subdivision projects, or dedication as programs and activities to the local college, appropriate. schools, YMCA, and private agencies. The City co-facilitates recreational offering by providing facilities and direction.

Recreational opportunities for both youth and adults are varied in the City of Yreka. Between the City, schools, and private recreation in and around the community, there is a basic provision for programs and activities available to Yreka’s residents, especially those requiring user fees.

Since the City is no longer providing recreational programs, those programs which are typically provided at lictle or no cost to youth and seniors are now almost non-existent. The recent removal of the unsafe small skateboard facility in Newton Park has added to this deficiency. Such facilities help to provide a recreational outlet for some of the Ciry’s youth. In addition to replacing the skateboard facility, interest has been expressed within the community for a rollerskating rink, a year around aquatic facility and further improvements to Greenhorn Park. Bathrooms in all parks should also be updated to meet ADA standards.

PARKS PROGRAMS AND RECREATION GOALS &

Goal CO.8 - To provide a variety of parks and recreation facilities maintaining a level of one acre of park land for each 1,000 persons.

Objective: In order for the City to keep pace development, new parks, trails improvements and amenities need to be shown on planning maps and reports. The objective of this goal is to establish standards and provide for the future park improvements needed.

PROGRAM CO.8.B. Increase the effectiveness of existing underdeveloped parks by adding additional facilities.

PROGRAM CO.8.C. Provide neighborhood parks within easy walking distance of residential neighborhoods they are to serve, placing a priority on acquisition of those parks or adding improvements in those areas where recreation facilities are currently limited or non-existent.

PROGRAM CO.8.D. Continue to provide and expand where appropriate, joint use with public schools.

PROGRAM CO.8.E. Continue to provide user funded recreational programs for Yreka residents.

PROGRAM CO.8.F. Continue to improve and add to the facilities of Greenhorn Park, expanding its use for both the City and area residents.

Program CO.8.G. The City shall work to update park restroom facilities to meet ADA access.

Program CO.8.H. Continue to encourage the use of trails to connect parks, schools, shopping and employment centers.