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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSaratoga City Council Presentation_FINAL for Council (2)MROSD Overview Pete Siemens, Director, Ward 1 Saratoga City Council -January 20, 2016 Highlights •Measure AA –$300 Million General Obligation Bond; $10 Million per year for capital program for next 30 years •Financial Operational Sustainability Model for growth •Preparing to open new preserves and areas •Land acquisitions to enable trail connections and provide critical wildlife habitat Opening Preserves to the Public –next three years •Mt. Umunhum Summit –Sierra Azul (est. opening fall 2016) Trail to the top ADA Accessible summit views Interpretive area Guadalupe Creek Overlook •Bear Creek Redwoods Stables Former Alma College Invasive Weed Management Majestic Redwood Forest •La Honda Open Space New parking areas and access Stunning views to the coast Iconic Red Barn area with trails On the Horizon •Hwy 17 Safe Crossing for Wildlife/Extension of Ridge Trail •Saratoga-to-the-Sea Trail •Upper and Middle Stevens Creek Trail Connection •El Sereno –Dog access and trail connections Mt. Umunhum •Fourth-highest peak in the Santa Cruz Mountains •Integral part of the Amah Mutsun creation story •Home to 63 native plant and animal species •Former Air Force Station radar station •In 2009, Midpen received federal funding to clean up the site Current Status •Bald Mt. Parking Lot Opened 2014 •4.5 mile summit trail near completion •Guadalupe Creek Scenic Overlook completed •Access Rights to Road/Road Improvements •Summit Restoration and Interpretation •Grand Opening –Fall 2016 Summit Features •Parking •ADA accessible pathways and trails •Multiple viewing Coves •Vault toilets •Restoration of natural landforms •Planting of native vegetation Visitor amenities include: Cube Structure •Former Radar Foundation •Board Decision 2012 – to wait 5 years for decision •Options after 2017 OPTION 1: Remove Tower/Restore to Nature OPTION 2: Open Air Gathering Place OPTION 3: Seal and Retain Get Involved •Sign-up for E-news mailing list for upcoming events; •Send an email to info@openspace.org to be added to specific planning and project mailings; •Join our group of volunteers; •Connect through social media –Facebook, Twitter, Instagram www.openspace.org www.openspace.org