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Home My WebLink AboutResolution 2011-008 approving el rio open space area MARANA RESOLUTION NO. 2011-08 RELATING TO PARKS AND RECREATION; APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE TOWN MANAGER TO IMPLEMENT THE MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE MARANA PARCELS ADJACENT TO THE SANTA CRUZ RIVER AND COACHLINE BOULEVARD KNOWN AS THE EL RIO OPEN SPACE AREA WHEREAS on February 3, 2009, the Town Council adopted the Town of Marana Strategic Plan to serve as the foundation for the Town's future and the Strategic Plan identified Recreation as one of the five focus areas for the Town; and WHEREAS the Recreation focus area includes an initiative to identify, undertake and /or complete planning processes for parks, open space, and recreation facilities and an initiative to ensure that future development, land -use and projects protect and showcase the Sonoran Desert and all its inhabitants; and WHEREAS Environmental Engineering and Parks and Recreation staff, Northwest Fire District personnel, members of the disc golf community, and the Marana Technical Biological Team developed a land management plan for the Marana parcels known as the El Rio Open Space Area; and WHEREAS the Town Council finds that adoption of the Management Plan for the Marana parcels adjacent to the Santa Cruz River and Coachline Boulevard known as the El Rio Open Space Area as set forth in this resolution is in the best interests of the Town and its residents. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF MARANA, ARIZONA, AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. The Management Plan for the Marana parcels adjacent to the Santa Cruz River and Coachline Boulevard known as the El Rio Open Space Area, attached to and incorporated by this reference in this resolution as Exhibit A, is hereby approved, and the Town Manager is hereby au- thorized to implement it for and on behalf of the Town of Marana. SECTION 2. The Town's Manager and staff are hereby directed and authorized to undertake all other and further tasks required or beneficial to carry out the terms, obligations, and objectives of the aforementioned Management Plan for the Marana parcels adjacent to the Santa Cruz River and Coachline Boulevard known as the El Rio Open Space Area. Marana Resolution 2011 -08 {00024715.DOC/f PASSED AND ADOPTED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF MARANA, ARIZONA, this 18 day of January, 2011. z Mayor Ed Honea ATTEST: AlO a6v=�� es�� ►nnrrg a F C�RcPoof - J celyn C ronson, Town Clerk I S AL VI , APPROVED AS TO FORM: rank qWsidy, To ttorney Marana Resolution 2011 -08 {00024715.DOC/} j owN o i 7 q A " 7 4 RIZON�' TOWN OF MARANA MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE MARANA PARCELS ADJACENT TO THE SANTA CRUZ RIVER AND COACHLINE BOULEVARD I MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE MARANA PARCELS ADJACENT TO THE SANTA CRUZ RIVER AND COACHLINE BOULEVARD PAGE I . Introduction ........................................... ............................... II. Existing Conditions ................................. ............................... 2 Topography and Vegetation .............. ............................... 3 CurrentLand Use .......................... ............................... 3 III. Management Goals .................................. ............................... IV. Management Objectives and Strategies for Achieving Objectives.......... 3 Objective 1: Maintain Community Disc Golf Course ................ 3 Objective 2: Maintain the Three Parcels as Wildlife Habitat and Preserve Movement Patterns ......... ............................... 3 Objective 3: Eliminate Off -road Vehicle Trespass and Other Unauthorized Activities .................. ............................... 4 Objective 4: Preserve and Protect Cultural Resource Areas ........ 5 Objective 5: Invasive Species Plant and Weed Control ............. 5 Objective 6: Fire Prevention Management ............................ 6 V. Measures of Success ................................ ............................... 6 VI. Monitoring ............................................ ............................... 7 VII. Implementation Plan ................................ ............................... 7 VIII. List of Contacts ...................................... ............................... 9 APPENDIXES A. Maps ................................................... .....................:......... 11 B. Fire Management Plan for Marana Owned Parcels along the Santa CruzRiver ............................................ ............................... 13 Management Plan for the Marana Parcels Adjacent to the Santa Cruz River and Coachline Boulevard 1 I. INTRODUCTION The subject property is vacant land located in the floodway of the Santa Cruz River, known as the El Rio Open Space Area. The property is an abandoned gravel pit, owned by the Town of Marana, which consists of three parcels. The legal description is as follows: NE4 NE4 40 Ac Sec. 17 - 12 -12; NW 4 NE4 40 Ac Sec. 17-12-12; and Tri Pcl. in SW Cor S2 SE4 24.93Ac Sec 08 -12 -12 (see attached map #1). The purpose of the Management Plan is to define the recreation and conservation goals on the parcel, ensure that recreation activities and wildlife habitat are compatible, identify the strategies by which the goals will be achieved, and the means by which success will be measured. In addition, this document will address specific management practices to be implemented to maintain a wildlife corridor through the area from the Tucson Mountains to the Santa Cruz River, while avoiding disturbance to cultural resources. II. EXISTING CONDITIONS TOPOGRAPHY AND VEGETATION The site was previously a borrow pit for Arizona Department of Transportation. It was acquired by the Town of Marana in 2003. The area is vacant land in the floodway, with some riparian scrub and tamarisk (Tamarix sp.) vegetation. The Pima County Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan maps designate the site as having high cultural sensitivity. Another constraint is the flood potential when the Santa Cruz River overflows its banks. The site acts as a water retention basin during floods and the two southern parcels can be inundated for extended periods during the monsoon season. The elevation ranges from 2,070 to 2,080 feet and there are berms along the eastern and southern boundaries. CURRENT LAND USE A disc golf course has been constructed on the site, with 18 baskets, 18 concrete launching pads (4'x8'), and railroad tie steps on existing hills. There is also a railroad tie retaining wall at one tee. There are garbage receptacles and two -track trails running to the tee pads and baskets. Current management practices consist of mowing weeds, trimming up some of the trees, and emptying trash. There is an unimproved lot being used for parking and signage on the south side of the site. In addition to the disc golf course, the area serves as a wildlife habitat and has been identified as an important connector for species moving between the Tucson and Tortolita Mountains and the Santa Cruz River. There are regional plans to incorporate this site into a wildlife linkage that is defined in the Marana Draft Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) including a future crossing at Avra Valley Road and Interstate 10. Roads and development create habitat fragmentation which profoundly affects species and can lead to isolation, a reduction in robust genetic variability, increased edge effect, increased road kill, and can lead to extirpation of species. Wildlife corridors can alleviate some of the Management Plan for the Marana Parcels Adjacent to the Santa Cruz River and Coachline Boulevard 2 effects of urbanization by allowing species to move through the landscape. Corridors also provide sufficient natural resources to serve as core habitat for smaller species. The parcels are adjacent to an important archaeological site and sherds were identified along the berms. Pima County plans to extend the historic Juan Batista de Anza Trail through the area also. The route followed by de Anza was designated a National Historic Trail by Congress in 1990. The Juan Bautista de Anza Trail runs from Sinaloa Mexico through southern Arizona, and in California up to San Francisco. III. MANAGEMENT GOALS PRIMARY GOALS The primary goals for this site are to (1) maintain the site as a disc golf course; (2) preserve the site as wildlife habitat and linkage; (3) eliminate off -road vehicle use; (4) avoid of disturbance to cultural resources in the area; (5) monitor invasive non - native species and remove except for tamarisk, as described below; and (6) manage fire threats. IV. MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND STRATEGIES FOR ACHIEVING OBJECTIVES OBJECTIVE 1: MAINTAIN COMMUNITY DISC GOLF COURSE (MARANA ROCK DISC GOLF COURSE) • The disc golf course will remain at its current size (18 holes). See Attached Map #2; • Use (events and tournaments) will continue at the levels agreed upon: • Daily use by individuals and small groups; • Weekly events (Saturday mornings at 8:OOam); • Four tournaments per year, consisting of approximately 60 people. • Trash pick -up by the Town at receptacles will occur on a regular basis. o Trash cans will be limited to six in number, to reduce the extent of roads and habitat disturbance. Any additional trash cans will be removed and roads will be blocked. Signage will encourage recreationists to pack out their trash from other areas of the course; o Trash will be picked up every two weeks. OBJECTIVE 2: MAINTAIN THE THREE PARCELS AS WILDLIFE HABITAT AND PRESERVE MOVEMENT PATTERNS • Vegetation will be managed in accordance with the plan laid out in this document to maintain habitat suitable for wildlife: o Tamarisk trees will not be cut down unless a native tree (i.e. mesquite, hackberry, etc.) is provided to replace it somewhere on the property. Although tamarisk trees are non - native, they provide significant habitat for Management Plan for the Marana Parcels Adjacent to the Santa Cruz River and Coachline Boulevard 3 avian species on site such as Bell's vireo, yellow warblers, and Gambel's quail; o Any removal of tamarisk trees will be phased with native tree- planting, so that habitat remains at all times; 0 Trees directly adjacent to disc golf tee pads may be limbed up to provide shade for recreationists; however, other trees will not be limbed, and understory shrubs will be preserved in place; • Marana will provide an interpretive sign explaining the importance of the site as wildlife habitat, a wildlife connector, and how the public can participate in wildlife habitat protection and enhancement; • Continue to allow seasonal water to flow into the site (i.e. do not block or dam water off of the site); 0 Restrict activities on site if the vegetation becomes degraded or erosion occurs due to over -use, and revegetate disturbed areas with native plant species as needed; 0 Trees or shrubs must be planted to coincide with expected rains and must be provided water bi- monthly during the dry season, either with an irrigation system or hauled by trucks. • Human disturbance will be limited to the extent agreed upon in this document. 0 No harm or harassment of any wildlife species is allowed and signs stating such prohibitions will be posted; 0 Refer to Objective 1 for disc golf use allowances; 0 No paintball or similar activities will be permitted. 0 No lighting will be installed on site; 0 No permanent bleachers, concession stands, or other structures not specifically described as acceptable in this document will be permitted; 0 Allowable activities may include birding, research, walking, jogging or other non destructive use of land. OBJECTIVE 3: ELIMINATE OFF -ROAD VEHICLE TRESPASS AND OTHER UNAUTHORIZED ACTIVITIES • The property will be managed so that opportunities for vehicular trespass and vandalism are minimized. Off -road vehicles (ORVs) destroy habitat, fragment habitat by leaving trails, create sound and dust pollution that disturbs wildlife, and could be potentially lethal to wildlife. Actions • The community groups will assist in erecting a perimeter of wildlife- friendly fencing and will patrol the property on a bi- monthly basis, for fence repair needs, vandalism, ORV use, livestock trespass, or other issues; Management Plan for the Marana Parcels Adjacent to the Santa Cruz River and Coachline Boulevard 4 • The Town of Marana will provide fencing supplies; • "No -ORV" signs will be posted by the Town on the fence on all sides of the property; • "Dogs on a Leash, Pick up After Your Dog" signs will also be posted; • In the event that there are serious vandalism issues on the parcel, Marana Parks & Recreation Department will coordinate with the Police Department; • Interpretive signs for the public will include rules of conduct, allowable activities, and information on the hazards of human and companion animal disturbance to wildlife habitat. OBJECTIVE 4: PRESERVE AND PROTECT CULTURAL RESOURCE AREAS • No ground disturbing activities will be permitted in the area unless a cultural survey is completed; • Marana will coordinate conservation measures to avoid impacts to culturally sensitive areas. OBJECTIVE 5: INVASIVE SPECIES PLANT AND WEED CONTROL Reduce, or prevent, to the extent possible, the proliferation of noxious and invasive plant species. Invasive species often lack the natural predators or diseases that normally keep them in check in their native environment. The invasive species have aggressive growth habits and tend to out - compete native vegetation, reducing the habitat for wildlife. Species such as buffelgrass (Pennisetum ciliare) also create an extreme fire hazard, reaching temperatures that can kill saguaros (Carnegiea gigantea) and other native plants not well adapted to a fire regime. Early detection and eradication of small infestations and prevention of new infestations provide the most cost effective method to manage these weeds. Sahara mustard (Brassica tourneffortii) is another invasive weed that will be controlled on the property. There is a large quantity of Tamarisk plants on the site and the Town has a goal of removal, but since the Tamarisk is currently providing habitat for several species, the Tamarisk will be preserved as wildlife habitat until native species are planted to replace the tamarisk. Action • The Town will record the type and location of any invasive species problems noted during general fence and property inspections, bird surveys, etc.; • Marana will use standard treatments for invasive species infestations, within 45 days of detection; • If weeds are sprayed, herbicides that are recommended for riparian areas and wetlands will be used; • Herbicide applicators boots and vehicles will be washed down before entering and leaving the premises; Management Plan for the Marana Parcels Adjacent to the Santa Cruz River and Coachline Boulevard 5 • Tamarisk will be preserved as wildlife habitat until a plan is developed to replace tamarisk, in phases, with native trees and shrubs. • The Town will coordinate with the disc golf club or volunteer organizations for the removal of invasive species on the property. OBJECTIVE 6: FIRE PREVENTION MANAGEMENT The parcels are in the Northwest Fire District and complete fire suppression is the goal at this site. Town will reduce the potential for fire on the parcel by controlling invasive species, posting signage, and coordinating with the Northwest Fire District. The Northwest Fire District has developed a Fire Management Plan for Marana -Owned Parcels along the Santa Cruz River (Appendix B). The property has been GPS'd and broken into fire management parcels with access information for fire fighting crews, expected labor needs in the event of a fire, and fuel load information. Actions • The Town and the NW Fire District have developed a fire prevention and suppression plan for the property. This plan will be updated if circumstances change; • Fire suppression is the goal on this property, due to the proximity to houses. The Town will maintain close coordination with the local fire district; • The Town of Marana will monitor and remove invasive species such as Russian thistle (Salsola Kali), Sahara mustard (Brassica tourneforth), and buffelgrass (Pennisetum ciliare); • During routine property inspections, the Town will identify any other fire threats in the area; • Interpretive signs will include information on fire hazards such as invasive species and cigarette butts. V. MEASURES OF SUCCESS Measures of success will be used by the Town of Marana to evaluate whether management actions are working to achieve the objectives and goals, and to adjust those actions when necessary, through adaptive management. Success will be measured by the following: • Habitat will be maintained with shrubs and trees preserved within the management area; • Marana will monitor and document responses to ORV's, etc. in order to decrease the frequency of issues; • Invasive species will be controlled; Management Plan for the Marana Parcels Adjacent to the Santa Cruz River and Coachline Boulevard 6 Trees and shrubs that are planted should have a survival rate of at least 50 percent. (It is assumed that the surviving plants will naturally reproduce over time.) Management Plan for the Marana Parcels Adjacent to the Santa Cruz River and Coachline Boulevard 7 VI. MONITORING • The Town of Marana will monitor vegetation three times per year to assure that trees are surviving and not being removed and to document invasive species occurrence; • Threats to wildlife will be monitored concurrently during monitoring visits, such as the presence of feral dogs, evidence of human disturbance, etc.; • Marana will coordinate with the USFWS to develop adaptive management strategies if wildlife species or habitat appears to be declining on the property. VII. IMPLEMENTATION PLAN 1. MAINTAIN COMMUNITY DISC GOLF TARGET RESPONSIBLE COURSE DATE PARTIES Town of Marana Course will remain at 18 holes NA (TOM) and Marana Disc Golf Club Use will continue at the levels agreed upon in NA TOM and Marana Objective 1 Disc Golf Club Trash cans and roads to the receptacles will be NA TOM limited to (6) in number. Any additional trash cans will be removed and 3/1/2011 Marana Disc Golf roads will be blocked Club Trash picked up will occur every two weeks or 3/1/2011 TOM more often if needed 2. WILDLIFE HABITAT AND CORRIDOR TARGET RESPONSIBLE CONSERVATION DATE PARTIES Tamarisk trees will not be removed, and pruning 3/1/2011 TOM, Marana Disc will be allowed only on trees at golf tees Golf Any removal of tamarisk trees will be phased with native tree planting, so that habitat remains TOM, Marana Disc Golf at all times Marana will provide an interpretive sign explaining the importance this site has to wildlife TOM connectivi Management Plan for the Marana Parcels Adjacent to the Santa Cruz River and Coachline Boulevard 8 The USFWS will review and have final approval of the Land Management Plan for credit in the USFWS HCP as contributing to a wildlife corridor and habitat If vegetation becomes degraded or erosion occurs due to over use, the disturbed areas will As needed TOM be reve etated with nativespecies 3. ELIMINATE ORV AND OTHER TARGET RESPONSIBLE UNAUTHORIZED ACTIVITIES DATE PARTIES Install "No ORVs" signage on perimeter fences Install "Dogs on Leash — Pick up After Your 3/1/2011 TOM Dog" signs Install wildlife - friendly fencing to deter ORV 3/1/2011 Marana Disc Golf use and other disturbance activities Club and Town Report to the Town Parks and Recreation Director if fence maintenance, vandalism, ORV Ongoing Marana Disc Golf use, livestock trespass, or other issues are Club observed For serious vandalism, coordinate with the Ongoing TOM Police Department Include information on the threats to wildlife of 3/1/2011 TOM human disturbance on interpretive signs 4. PRESERVE AND PROTECT CULTURAL TARGET RESPONSIBLE RESOURCES DATE PARTIES Coordinate and fund a cultural resources survey before any ground disturbing activities Ongoing TOM associated with habitat restoration are initiated Coordinate activities to avoid impacts to culturally sensitive areas Ongoing TOM 5. INVASIVE SPECIES TARGET RESPONSIBLE DATE PARTIES Monitor invasive species such as buffelgrass and Russian thistle during routine inspections Ongoing TOM Treat invasive species infestations within 45 Ongoing TOM days of detection Tamarisk will be preserved as wildlife habitat unless a plan is developed to replace portions of the tamarisk, in phases, with native trees and Ongoing TOM shrubs. Management Plan for the Marana Parcels Adjacent to the Santa Cruz River and Coachline Boulevard 9 6. FIRE MANAGEMENT TARGET RESPONSIBLE DATE PARTIES Coordinate with the NW Fire District to update the Fire Plan as needed. Ongoing TOM Fire Suppression is the goal for the property. The Town will maintain close coordination with the Ongoing TOM local fire district Monitor and remove invasive species such as Russian thistle and buffet rass Ongoing TOM Identify any fire threats during routine property inspections (Tucson) and monitoring (Marana) Ongoing Town of Marana Include information on interpretive signs regarding fire hazards such as invasive species 3/1/2011 Town of Marana and cigarette butts VIII. LIST OF CONTACTS Tom Ellis, Marana Parks & Recreation Director Phone: (520) 382 -1954 tellis(iDmarana.com Jennifer Christelman, Marana Environmental Engineering Div. Manager Phone: (520) 382 -2665 jchristelman(&marana.com Dugger Hughes, Northwest Fire/Rescue District Battalion Chief/Fire Mgt. Officer, Special Ops and Wildlands Phone: (520) 730 -1748 Pager: (520) 712 -8833 dhughesAnorthwestfire.org Sean Kimble, Northwest Fire/Rescue District Division Chief / Fire Marshall, Life Safety Services Phone: (520)887-1010x5001 skimble(a)northwestfire.org Scott Richardson, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Biologist Phone: 670 -6150 x 242 scott richardson(&fws.gov Janine Spencer, Marana Environmental Projects Coordinator Phone: 382 -2658 jspencer(&,marana.com Management Plan for the Marana Parcels Adjacent to the Santa Cruz River and Coachline Boulevard 10 Aa W a U 03 0 U Q i N y U a Cd Ld 0 w � o GG A, y a� � N Y V e4 FZu�3 v u C Z✓'a t s . R3 fi i > AV x r t IIpI 4 i' :_ r q • C4 j • �s, < z CZ t U M Ci U � X 0) -MinC ro i - tVt6 Pomr-OOGN � 1 m c) N O "t N t� V M N Q N cf c7 low N C7 N t'? C7 t1) '7 co �� rN4x7 d' lC)t01� W � r rrrrr r rr N n «� i n. S r+ +{"` :f " ,�"' r'bF wit � ♦ �t . . t *� i a Q £ a APPENDIX B Fire Management Plan for Marana owned parcels along the Santa Cruz River F) fi w f* r� x ' a x A i Management Plan for the Marana Parcels Adjacent to the Santa Cruz River and Coachline Boulevard 14 This Fire Management Plan has been developed to provide direction for fire management at the Marana Rock Disc Golf Course and surrounding areas. In the event of fire in this area, the Marana property has been parceled into units with identified fuel breaks. A variety of plant species have been identified, each having unique burning characteristics. Marana property has been identified by a blue border. Because of topography, some of these parcels will require containment strategies to utilize fuel breaks outside this area. This property is directly adjacent to the Santa Cruz River. The river can be accessed by UTV from both north and south of the Marana property. There is a fire hydrant at the corner of W. Lapis Moon Lane and N. Turquoise Moon Way for water supply. The following is a description of each parcel: Parcel A Parcel A has homes along approximately '/2 of its western boundary. The west boundary has utilized a dirt easement that is accessed off of W. Milligan Road. This easement is best accessed by UTV or on foot. The North, East and southern boundaries utilize existing two -track roads. The eastern boundary has considerable growth and would require approximately 1.5 hours work by a 20 person hand crew to provide an adequate fire break. Fuels range from light grasses to dense brush. Moderate to extreme fire behavior could be expected. Parcel B Parcel B has utilized existing two -track roads for all boundaries. The western boundary is shared with parcel A and would require the work specified above. The remaining boundaries would require little to no preparation. Fuels are primarily grasses with areas of moderate brush. Moderate to extreme fire behavior could be expected. Parcel C This parcel utilizes existing two -track roads on all sides. The North and East boundaries are on levees with little to no vegetation and would need minimal to no improvement. Fuels are primarily grasses with a fenced marsh in the southern 1/3 of the parcel. Moderate to extreme fire behavior could be expected. Parcel D This parcel covers the Santa Cruz River and utilizes levees on the East and West banks of the river. The North and South boundaries utilize existing intermittent foot trails and would require 1 to 2 hours work by a 20 person hand crew to provide an adequate fire break. Fuels consist of dense brush with mixed timber and tall grasses. Moderate to extreme fire behavior could be expected. Santa Cruz River water levels could moderate fire behavior. Water levels could also dictate need for additional water supply. Management Plan for the Marana Parcels Adjacent to the Santa Cruz River and Coachline Boulevard 15 Parcel E This parcel is along the slope of the western levee of the Santa Cruz River. The western boundary is a two -track road along the levee. The remaining boundaries utilize foot trails and would require approximately 1 hour of work by a 20 person hand crew to provide an adequate fire break. Fuels consist of moderate brush and grasses. Moderate fire behavior could be expected. Parcel F This parcel covers the Santa Cruz River and utilizes levees on the East and West banks of the river. The North and South boundaries utilize existing intermittent foot trails and would require 1 to 2 hours work by a 20 person hand crew to provide an adequate fire break. Fuels consist of dense brush with mixed timber and tall grasses. Moderate to extreme fire behavior could be expected. Santa Cruz River water levels could moderate fire behavior. Water levels could also dictate need for additional water supply. Parcel G This parcel utilizes continuation of the easement for its Western boundary and the levee of the Santa Cruz River for its Eastern boundary. The Southern boundary utilizes a two -track road and would need little to no improvement. The Northern boundary utilizes a foot trail and would need approximately 30 minutes work by a 20 person hand crew to provide an adequate fire break. Fuels consist of moderate brush and grasses. Moderate to extreme fire behavior could be expected. All fires in this area would be affected greatly by the weather at the time of the fire. Fires in parcels D and F could expect to be labor intensive due to the vegetation. Management Plan for the Marana Parcels Adjacent to the Santa Cruz River and Coachline Boulevard 16 t w � 3 # `v Ott : Y , e ., M } , '• a ° z y •�� ^ �� O r ' ' 4 !kW e r,• _ x , Management Plan for the Marana Parcels Adjacent to the Santa Cruz River and Coachline Boulevard 17