December 2016 Advocacy Minutes

Advocacy Meeting

December 5th, 2016  6:00  – 8:30 p.m.

4499 Ruffin Road, San Diego

Ben Stone – Advocacy Committee Chairperson/Vice-President SDMBA

 

Meeting started at 6:04 p.m.

Welcome and Introductions (Ben Stone)
Guest Speaker – Eric Bowlby, San Diego Canyonlands (SDC)
Eric gave a summary of the San Diego Foundation Opening the Outdoors Grant that has

been awarded to SD Canyonlands, SDMBA and the SD Urban Corps.  This project will

include trail work on the Oak Park branch of Chollas Creek.  Work to start on this

partnership project on February 4 and 11, 2017.  Project area extends from Salta Place

to Euclid.  Ave.  Eric explained the Canyon Enhancement Program which involves cooperation from  City land managers, partner groups,  planning groups, and any other identified

stakeholders.  This trail project involves about ¾ mile of natural surface singletrack.  

4’ trail standard based on MSCP guidelines to avoid fragmentation of habitat.  Eric

described the programmatic CEQA that SDC is obtaining for all City of SD property that

potentially could be used by SDMBA or other organizations for future projects.  

Questions or comments? (General Questions)
Pamo Valley/Orosco Ridge Forest Service Field Visit (Susie & Ben)
Ben gave a summary of NFS(National Forest Service) staff visit at last advocacy meeting.  The Cleveland NFS has new staff members who are willing to work with SDMBA on prospective trails plan.  SDMBA has been in contact with Progressive Trails Design about creating a master plan for this area which would cost about $15,000.  The Cleveland NFS will be giving SDMBA a letter of intent.  NEPA would have to be completed.  Could lead to 70-100 miles of trails.  Would be a project done in phases.  Next steps for SDMBA are to contact Ramona stakeholders, govt. Reps, Ramona Trails Association, etc. and raise funds for master plan.  

Hollenbeck CDFW update (Susie/Jose)
CDFW has acquired about 500 additional acres of property in the last couple of years that will allow for official authorization of current trails on the ground.   Jose and Susie met with Tracie Nelson, who manages Hollenbeck on 11/28 to discuss opportunities.  A field visit will be scheduled to get an overview of current trails and opportunities.  

USFW Mother Miguel/Rock House update (Susie/Jose/Jason)
Jose reported on community outreach day that was held on 12/3.  Community representation was good and included SDMBA board members, SoCal League riders from Eastlake High and neighbors.  Trail work will begin in late January.  Dates to be announced soon.  

MCAS/Stowe Trail update – (Ben Stone/Kevin Loomis)
Kevin Loomis attended Task Force meeting and is now officially a member of the CAC.  Marines say they will implement permitting process for access to Stowe Trail in early 2017.  Permitting will include online background check; minors do not need a permit.  SDMBA will keep the community posted as this process is put into place. The City of San Diego does not acknowledge any trails North of the 52 at this time but will in the future.  Kevin will be out reviewing signs again this week with Marines. Do not enter trails at Strathmore, ever.  SDMBA working with the City on access on Fanita Parkway area.

Black Mountain New Trail Building (Matt)
Great progress made on Manzanita Loop trail work opening day last Saturday 12/3 by over 20 volunteers. ½ mile trail finished.  More work to continue 12/10 and 12/17.  Black Widow Trail and Cuca Street still held up in the City approval process.  There may be options to rehabilitate some areas to allow for more mitigation area to allow for desired re-alignments.   Trail needs rain to set in and is not officially open.  

Open volunteer positions Review and Additions (Susie)
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1-JIlBb5D2gqXE9j4RX-AlgetxRV1aNjIBc5IEao3WXY/edit?usp=sharing
Evan Sollberger suggested that it may be beneficial for additional liaisons in the Tri-Canyon area and other City of SD open space areas that have land managers.

Sycamore Goodan Ranch Update (Ben)
Ben reported that the County is reviewing the current public access plan. Not sure we will like the results. Attempting to get a meeting and get a preview of the plan.

 World Summit Overview (Susie)
Kevin, Ben, Jose and Susie shared their riding and presentation/session experience regarding wilderness and e-bikes.  SDMBA had meetings with Ted Stroll (STC) and Wilderness Society reps.  All CA IMBA chapter reps also met to discuss pertinent issues, challenges and opportunities.

 

Old Business (Non-discussion items)

Tecolote Trails plan – (Evan) – (In progress 2016 build 2017)
Fanita Ranch Trails Plan (Ben Stone) (end of 2016)
Castlerock project date June 2016 grading has begun (One year) Ben
Black Mountain/Black Widow (Matt/Susie 2017)
San Diego County Bike Park (Jason Showalter)
Del Mar Mesa Surrounding Development
Rock House / San Diego Wildlife Refuge- update (Jose/Jason)
Otay Valley Regional Park – (Jose)
Tijuana River Valley (Jose)
Palm Canyon Update (in Progress October-November)
San Diego County PLDO Funds
Village 13 Projected Date “(First Quarter 2017)”
Mission Trails Master Plan (Summer 2017)
 

Next meeting: Monday, January 9 2016 (pushed back to second Monday due to holiday)

 

Upcoming events

(check sdmba.com calendar or SDMBA meetup for all details)

 

12/8  Baja Divide Bike Packing Presentation – REI Chula Vista

 

12/10  Trail Work – Black Mountain

 

12/11 Trail Work – Chico Ravine/Laguna

 

12/17 Trail Work Black Mountain

 

Attendees:

Minette Ozaki

Susie Murphy

Kevin Loomis

Ben Stone

Matt Bartelt

Andy Darragh

Seth Hanson

Jose Galaz

Mike Jennings

Luis Ibarra

Tony Dickey-Rubio

Evan Sollberger

Sean Murphy

Mark Webb

Kirk Bennett

Matt Bartelt

Bob Ponting

Daniel Briceno

Philip Erdelsky

Don Sutton

Doug Johnson

John Steele

Matt DiBatista

Rod Simmons

Jesse Craycraft

Jenn Craycraft

Eric Bowlby