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Watershed and Water Resources. Restore creeks and banks,
create additional wetlands and other opportunities for groundwater
recharge, and minimize and repair erosion. Protect seeps, springs,
and creeks.
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Resource Inventory and Monitoring. Complete inventories
of the flora and fauna; monitor management, restoration, and
preservation practices. Document short- and long-term biotic
and abiotic changes to SMF and the surrounding area.
Public
Activities and Research Policies
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Public Access. Maximize public access consistent with natural
resource protection. Provide access via SMF to offsite trails.
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Education. Coordinate with local educational institutions
and the Chumash community to provide educational and interpretive
programs. Develop, and make available through the web, educational
materials and information. Provide programs for the general
public.
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Research. Encourage research related to foothills ecosystems
and land management. Coordinate research activities and applications
for funding. Provide database, mapping systems, and photo archives
to support research.
Administrative
Organization
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Administration. Implement the plan with an oversight board
of knowledgeable, experienced individuals, and an Executive
Director/Property Manager with a small staff. Form an advisory
committee of educators, community representatives, researchers,
and volunteers to assist the board and staff. Establish partnerships
with other groups and coordinate with government organizations
for emergency and disaster planning.
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Facilities and Maintenance. Provide interpretive, maintenance,
storage, and other facilities sited to minimize impacts. Perform
maintenance consistent with Plan goals and principles. Remove
and consolidate utility lines near sensitive areas.
A Final Thought
San
Marcos Foothills is a complete representation of the
foothills ecosystem on the South Coast. Because of
its species richness, habitat diversity, and connectivity,
disturbing any segment of the system will have a negative
effect on the whole. Thanks to a long sequence of
near-miraculous escapes, the property has not only
retained its stunning beauty, but also preserved a
kind of rich organic complexity of life that used
to thrive along the South Coast before development
occurred.
We
ask decision-makers to look ahead 50 years when the
region’s population is expected to increase dramatically.
With vision and commitment now to providing respite,
recreation, and education, the Foothills will stand
as a natural oasis overlooking a busy and dense urbanized
valley.
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Nest
with Eggs: Lark Sparrow is one of dozens of species
that nest on the Foothills, including Grasshopper Sparrow,
Greater Roadrunner, Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel,
Bushtit, and Lazuli Bunting. Photo by Morgan Ball.
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2001 San Marcos Foothills Coalition |
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