HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance 2015.007 Designating El Rio Open Space Area as a Town Preserver
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MARANA ORDINANCE NO. 2015.007
RELATING TO PARKS AND RECREATION; DESIGNATING THE MARANA PARCELS
GENERALLY LOCATED IN THE FLOODWAY ON THE WEST SIDE of THE SANTA
CRUZ RIVER NORTI of COACH LINE BOULEVARD KNOWN AS THE EL RIO OPEN
SPACE AREA AS A TOWN PRESERVE; PROVIDING THAT THE PRESERVE SHALL BE
SUBJECT To THE PARIS AND RECREATION REGULATIONS SET FORTH IN
CH Apr 13-1 of THE MARANA TOWN CODE
WHEREAS on April 1, 2003, the Town Council adopted Resolution No. 2003-29
authorizing the Town to purchase excess property from the Arizona Department of
Transportation generally located in the floodway on the west side of the Santa Cruz River north
of Coachline Boulevard; and
WHEREAS the Marana 2010 General Plan identifies the property as dedicated open
space being used as a disc golf course and serving as wildlife connectivity habitat between the
Tucson Mountains and the Santa Cruz River; and
WHEREAS on January 18, 2011, the Town Council adopted Resolution No. 2011 -08
approving and authorizing the Town Manager to implement a management plan for the area (the
"Management Plan "), with the following primary management goals: 1) maintain the site as a
disc gall.~ course; 2) preserve the site as wildlife habitat and linkage; 3) eliminate off-road vehicle
use; 4) avoid disturbance to cultural resources in the area; 5) monitor and remove invasive non--
native species; and 6) manage fire threats; and
WHEREAS hunting and other uses and activities are inconsistent with the stated goals of
the Management Plan; and
WHEREAS per Arizona Administrative Code section R12-4-321, all Town parrs and
preserves are closed to hunting, unless open by Arizona Came and Fish Commission order; and
WHEREAS Chapter 13 -1 of the Marana Town Code sets forth regulations for use of
"Do parrs; and
WHEREAS the Town Council finds that designating the area known as the El Rio open
Space Area as a preserve subject to Town parks regulations is in the best interests of the Town of
Marana.
NOW, T� IEREFOR.E, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL of THE
TOWN OF MARANA, as follows:
SECTION 1. The property generally located in the floodway on the west side of the Santa
Cruz River north of Coachline Boulevard known as the El Rio open Space .Area, generally
depicted in Exhibit A, attached to and incorporated by this reference in this resolution, and more
specifically described in the Management Plan approved by Resolution No. 2011 -08, is hereby
Manana Ordinance No. 2015.007 -- I -
20150860198
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QP411
desi as a Town of Marana preserve and shall be subject to all Parks and Recreation
Re set forth in Chapter 13-1 of the Marana Town Code.
SECTION 2. The Town's Mana and staff are hereb directed and authorized to
undertake all other and further tasks re or beneficial to carr out the terms, obli and
objectives of this ordinance.
PASSED AND ADOPTED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF MARANA,
ARIZONA, this 24th da of March, 2015.
Ma Ed Ho ea
ATTEST:
ocel V, Bronson, Town Clerk
T k ,-)'W N 0.,
9 MRANA- 7
Marami Ordimince No. 2015.007 -2-
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
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¯Exhibit A-El Rio Open Space Area
0 500250FeetMarana Council Study Session 03/24/2015 Page 10 of 92
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
aF CRcPoof
J celyn C ronson, Town Clerk I S AL
VI ,
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
rank qWsidy, To ttorney
Marana Resolution 2011 -08 00024715.DOC/}
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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
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APPENDIX B
Fire
Management
Plan for
Marana owned parcels along
the Santa Cruz River
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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
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Management Plan for the Marana Parcels Adjacent to the Santa Cruz River
and Coachline Boulevard
17