Canyon Enhancement Planning Guide - Part 2

8/12/2019 Canyon Enhancement Planning Guide - Part 2

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Step 3: Hold Stakeholder Planning Workshops

& Create a Canyon Enhancement Action Plan

Once conditions mapping has been completed its time to assemble a group of stakeholders and begin

holding planning workshops aimed at creating a comprehensive Enhancement Action Plan for the

targeted canyon.

Summary of Steps

1. Assemble Canyon Stakeholder Group.2. Hold Planning Workshops.3. Compile Canyon Enhancement Action Plan.4. Gain Additional Public Review.5. Create Project-Specific Designs

1 - Assemble Stakeholder GroupA stakeholder is anyone that may have an interest in a project or geographic area, so your canyon

stakeholder group should include anyone with a stake/interest in the canyon area, including canyon rim

property owners, other residents, local community groups and non-profits, schools, planning groups,

recreation councils, etc. Key stakeholders include representatives from agencies with jurisdiction of thecanyon and its immediate surroundings, such as rangers from the Citys Open Space and Community

Parks divisions (they most likely manage the majority of the publicly-owned area of the canyon, the

Citys Stormwater/Wastewater and Transportation Departments (they may have infrastructure in the

canyon), the US Fish & Wildlife Service and California Department of Fish and Game (the canyon may

contain protected sensitive species and/or wetlands), and others (Figure 27).

Figure 27. Manzanita Canyon stakeholders exploring access opportunities, including a short trail segment that

was ground-truthed (field verified) to be a feasible connection with Azalea Park (September 2010).


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To allow for a wide base of community and jurisdictional input on a plan to enhance a canyon, a

stakeholders group should be formed including representatives and participants from the following list

(not exhaustive):

1. All agencies with jurisdiction and authority, including the City of San Diego (Planning Division,Park & Recreation Open Space Division often a Ranger, appropriate City Council Districts,

Metropolitan Wastewater Department, Community Police), US Fish & Wildlife, CaliforniaDepartment of Fish and Game, California Regional Water Quality Control Board, US Army Corps

of Engineers (if any projects are proposed in wetlands or jurisdictional waters of the federal

government), and utility companies with infrastructure in the canyon (e.g. SDG&E).

2. Local Groupssuch as community planning groups, Town Councils, Recreation Councils, CanyonFriends Group(s), neighborhood associations, and nearby businesses and their employees.

3. Local Residentssuch as the residents in neighborhoods surrounding the canyon and propertyowners (could be residential, churches, schools, vacant lot owners, businesses, etc.).

4. Representatives from Other Non-Profit Groups such as the San Diego Audubon Society, SierraClub, C-3, San Diego Bicycle, and/or Mountain Bike Coalition, California Native Plants Society,

Ocean Discovery Institute, (formerly Aquatic Adventures), churches in the community, and

schools in the immediate area.

5. Volunteer Professionalssuch as habitat restoration consultants and urban design and planningprofessionals. There is a likelihood that professionals live or are interested in the area.

6. Others as necessary and appropriateOutreach

Youll want as much community involvement and input as possible, in order to have a thorough and

successful public planning process. Please see the SDCL publicationCanyon Friends Group Handbook:How to Create a Friends Group For Your Local Canyonfor information on how to conduct community

outreach. You can also contact SDCL to take advantage of its outreach capabilities.

2 - Hold Planning WorkshopsStakeholders should come together over the course of several indoor and outdoor planning workshops

and canyon walkthroughs (Figure 28 andFigure 30). The aim of these meetings is to examine

opportunities and constraints for planning enhancements, consider connections within the context of

the neighborhood, determine locations to provide or close access, trails, any trail improvements (e.g. on

steep, eroding access trail on a hillside), and areas prioritized for restoration and any otherissues/projects deemed worthy of consideration and planning for the targeted canyon.

Workshop Logistics

How Many?There is no hard and fast rule for how many workshops will be necessary to createa comprehensive action plan, but your canyon should require at least three (SDCL averaged five

per canyon in City Heights), and you should use as many as are necessary.
http://www.sdcanyonlands.org/images/pdfs/FGpublications/canyon_friends_group_handbook.pdfhttp://www.sdcanyonlands.org/images/pdfs/FGpublications/canyon_friends_group_handbook.pdfhttp://www.sdcanyonlands.org/images/pdfs/FGpublications/canyon_friends_group_handbook.pdfhttp://www.sdcanyonlands.org/images/pdfs/FGpublications/canyon_friends_group_handbook.pdfhttp://www.sdcanyonlands.org/images/pdfs/FGpublications/canyon_friends_group_handbook.pdfhttp://www.sdcanyonlands.org/images/pdfs/FGpublications/canyon_friends_group_handbook.pdf


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Where? For the indoor workshops, try and reserve/rent community spaces at a library, school,recreation center, etc. These areas are typically provided free of charge or at a discount to non-

profit groups. Try to use a place as close to the canyon as possible, in order to be able to

perhaps split a workshop between a short indoor session and a short walk-through to review the

issues discussed. It should be noted that an internet connection often proves itself necessary,

particularly if you plan to use Google Earth during your review (Figure 29).

When? Try to schedule a mix weekday and weekend options (e.g. weekday afternoons forworking representatives, weekend mornings for residents and others).

What To Bring?Copies of existing conditions maps, CEP orientation sheet, laptop and projectorwith existing conditions maps and Google Earth prepared, etc. (Figure 31).

Reporting? Identify someone to take and share notes of what was discussed at each workshop,to keep a record and to keep stakeholders informed throughout the CEP process.

Figure 28. Swan Canyon stakeholders reviewing existing conditions maps at the first (orientation)

planning workshop at Hamilton Elementary (August 2011).

Schedule of Agendas

Workshops should consist of both indoor and outdoor (canyon walkthru) meetings, beginning with anindoor orientation and followed by subsequent canyon walk-thrus and indoor meetings as appropriate.

A typical schedule of agendas (though you should be prepared to be flexible, as agenda items may take

more or less time than expected) is provided below.

1. Indoor Orientationa. Self-introductions.b. Introduction to CEP process and goals.LINK: Example CEP Stakeholder Orientation Sheet
http://www.sdcanyonlands.org/images/pdfs/CEP/CEPGuideMaterials/cep_stakeholderorientationsheet.pdfhttp://www.sdcanyonlands.org/images/pdfs/CEP/CEPGuideMaterials/cep_stakeholderorientationsheet.pdfhttp://www.sdcanyonlands.org/images/pdfs/CEP/CEPGuideMaterials/cep_stakeholderorientationsheet.pdfhttp://www.sdcanyonlands.org/images/pdfs/CEP/CEPGuideMaterials/cep_stakeholderorientationsheet.pdf


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c. Review of Existing Conditions Maps and Information (make subsequent updates asneeded).

d. Review of Maps to Identify Opportunities & Constraints Reporti. Land Ownership, Public Access constraints

ii. Geological and Biological constraintsiii. Constraints posed by infrastructure (sewer, electric and gas lines)iv. Other

2. Canyon Walk Through (e.g. north half of canyon).3. Canyon Walk Through (e.g. south half of canyon).4. Indoor - Draft Action Plan.5. Canyon Walk Through (review draft plan).6. Finalize/Vote on Action Plan.

Figure 29. A screenshot of FREE Google Earth showing GIS data and pin notes of Swan Canyon. If possible, using this 3-Dvirtual globe program can greatly enhance stakeholder review and consideration during indoor workshops. Layers created

from the GIS conditions data can be prepared ahead of time and turned on/off as needed. Or, the program can simply be used

to fly around the canyon, investigate issues and drop marker notes. The programs street view functionality is also very

helpful to orientate participants to otherwise unfamiliar areas.


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Figure 30. Hollywood Canyon stakeholders maps in hand as they conduct a walk to review their

draft trail plan (May 2012).

Figure 31. A screenshot of a PDF map of Hollywood Canyon, zoomed in to a given area. Use of a projector to display and

zoom in to a given map helps to focus stakeholder discussions during indoor workshops.


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3 - Compile Canyon Enhancement Action PlanThe result of these workshops should culminate in a Canyon Enhancement Action Plan that addresses

the following:

Trail Plan Decisions

Locations of access points. Locations of vista points. Trail segments to keep open & maintain. Trail segments to keep open and improve to address safety/erosion issues (discuss

feasibility of designs).

Trail segments to close and discourage the use of. Trail segments to keep open during restoration phase, but to close once restoration is

completed.

Trail Signage LocationsType(welcome, name, rules/regs, trail marker)DesignRestoration Decisions

Wetland restoration areas (prioritized). Upland restoration areas (prioritized).

Connectivity Decisions

How to provide canyon connectivity to other nearby parks or canyons, schools, library andother community centers, pedestrian/cycling opportunities, etc.

Other Decisions

Other decisions as necessary and appropriate.It should be noted that the components of the action plan are generally at the canyon-scale, and that

the specifics of each enhancement project (e.g. design of a switchback trail improvement) although

good to have are not necessarily required at this stage, but may be required later for permitting

and/or funding. The goal is to have identified a trail/access system, areas for prioritized restoration, and

other discrete projects for which permits and funding can be acquired, if necessary.

Examples

Maps: SeeFigure 32,Figure 33 andFigure 34 for examples of Enhancement Action Planmaps.

Written Description:Click here for a LINK to a written description of an action plan forManzanita Canyon.

4 Gain Additional Public ReviewStakeholder CEP provides valuable community input on planning decisions. SDCL suggest you gain also

gain formal approval from any applicable localCity community planning group(s)and/or recreation

council(s), even if representatives from these groups have attended the stakeholder workshops.
http://www.sdcanyonlands.org/images/pdfs/CEP/CEPGuideMaterials/manzanitacep_actionplan.pdfhttp://www.sdcanyonlands.org/images/pdfs/CEP/CEPGuideMaterials/manzanitacep_actionplan.pdfhttp://www.sdcanyonlands.org/images/pdfs/CEP/CEPGuideMaterials/manzanitacep_actionplan.pdfhttp://www.sdcanyonlands.org/images/pdfs/CEP/CEPGuideMaterials/manzanitacep_actionplan.pdfhttp://www.sdcanyonlands.org/images/pdfs/CEP/CEPGuideMaterials/manzanitacep_actionplan.pdfhttp://www.sandiego.gov/planning/community/http://www.sandiego.gov/planning/community/http://www.sandiego.gov/planning/community/http://www.sandiego.gov/planning/community/http://www.sdcanyonlands.org/images/pdfs/CEP/CEPGuideMaterials/manzanitacep_actionplan.pdfhttp://www.sdcanyonlands.org/images/pdfs/CEP/CEPGuideMaterials/manzanitacep_actionplan.pdf


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Figure 32. Example of a Canyon Enhancement Action Plan (Hollywood Canyon, City Heights). Note the trail and access

plan, signage, areas for wetland and upland restoration, connection to nearby canyons, and other projects.


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Figure 33. Example of a Canyon Enhancement Action Plan (Swan Canyon, City Heights). Note the trail and access plan,

signage, areas for wetland and upland restoration, connection to nearby canyons, integration with existing

maintenance project and their mitigation, and other projects.


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Figure 34. Example of an action plan created by adding simple notes to a socio-infrastructural map (Manzanita Canyon, City

Heights).

5 Create Project-Specific DesignsAgain, although not required at this stage, it will be helpful to create specific designs/plans for the

projects identified in the enhancement action plan. This is particularly true of projects that will require

review/permission from the City Development Services Department (DSD). This is also true for projects

that may require funding, since the more shovel-ready you can demonstrate your projects to be, the

more successful any grant applications will tend to be.

FiguresFigure 35 throughFigure 40 provide examples of project-specific designs that include much of

the necessary information and details required for permitting from the City Development Services

Department (DSD).


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Figure 35. A route identified as an excellent potential "canyon corridor" between Manzanita and Hollywood Canyons

(City Heights). that has been targeted for improvements to enhance the pedestrian experience along this segment.

Figure 36. A simulation depicting possible enhancements to a planned "canyon corridor" between Manzanita and Hollywood

Canyons (Jamie's Way, City Heights). The goal of "canyon corridors" is to maintain the canyon/open space experience in the

urban streetscape.


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Figure 37. Example of a trail improvement design (connection between Manzanita Canyon and Azalea Park, City Heights).

Whenever possible, the use of materials that require long-term maintenance (e.g. wood) should be avoided, although

some situations may require them. Design: John Holloway of KTU+A.


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Figure 38. Map of a proposed trail access/improvement at 39th Street (Manzanita Canyon, City Heights).


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Figure 39. First of two maps of proposed improvements to east Olive Street access in Swan Canyon, City Heights.


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Step 4: Seek Necessary Permits & Funding and

Execute Action Plan Projects

Once the Action Plan is completed, stakeholders can begin pursuing any necessary project permits and

funding and begin performing work to enhance access and trails, restore degraded habitat, and

accomplish other enhancements.

IMPORTANT NOTESDCL is still moving forward with the permitting process for many projects in City Heights. We will

update and embellish this section of the CEP Guide as we move forward with this project.

Permits

Statement of Regulatory ComplianceProjects in open spaces will often impact sensitive habitat and other environmentally sensitive lands

such as steep hillsides. The lands are regulated and protected by agencies and regulations. Compliance

with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) is essential and requires documented analysis of

potential environmental impacts and a public review process.

Some projects, particularly restoration projects, may be exempt from CEQA requirements but a check-

list of environmental analysis is still required by the Citys Development Services Department (DSD).

Sensitive habitats are also regulated by several agencies which may require permits from the U.S. Fish

and Wildlife Service, California Regional Water Quality Control Board, California Department of Fish and

Game and the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers. The City DSD requires Site Development Permits for manyactivities including some that might be exempt from CEQA. The Park and Recreation Department

requires a Right of Entry Permit process for specific project areas on City land.

SDCL Seeking Master Permit

At the time of this writing, SDCL is working with the City of San Diego Park & Recreation Department

Open Space Division to obtain a Master Permit for Canyon Enhancement Planning that will streamline

the process for environmental review and permitting for related projects that are consistent with the

goals of this CEP Guide.

FundingSan Diego Canyonlands may be willing to serve as fiscal sponsor for stewardship groups that apply for

grants aimed at canyon enhancement projects. Please contact SDCL Executive Director Eric Bowlby

([email protected]) for more information.

Documents

Canyon Enhancement Planning Guide - Part 2