Winter 2003 Watershed Newsletter, Cambria Land Trust

8/3/2019 Winter 2003 Watershed Newsletter, Cambria Land Trust

1/6

WATERSHED

Volume IV, Issue 1 Winter

Happy 15th Anniversary toLocal Land Conservation!

Fifteen years ago, a few Cambria

esidents were concerned about the pres-

rvation of Santa Rosa Creek. They es-

ablished and chartered Greenspace The

Cambria Land Trust as a local grassrootsnvironmental group dedicated to the es-

tablishment of a conservation corridor along that creek. As

Central Coast has grown over the p

15 years, Greenspace has evolved

expanded its area of focus. Greensp

now embraces all of the areas ecolo

cal systems and has stretched its g

graphical boundaries from the MonteCounty line on the north to Villa Cr

on the south.

The Greenspace mission,

vised in 1999 to reflect the chang

needs of the area, states: The No

Coast area of San Luis Obispo Cou

is a national treasure. Greenspace

protect and enhance its ecological s

tems through land acquisition and m

agement, public education and ad

cacy. Following are some of the w

Greenspace has worked to fulfill its m

sion for the citizens of Cambria.

Last November, Greenspace held its First Annual Chinatown

n Center Street, which celebrated the history of the Chinese culture

hat had thrived on the Center Street property over a hundred years ago.

The day was filled with electricity as Chinese Lion Dancers blessed the

historic Chinese Temple,

world class Tai Chi martial art-ists demonstrated their incred-

ible prowess, historians re-

galed the audience with tales

of times past, vendors in the

Chinatown Market Place of-

fered incredible artwork, nu-

merology, face painting and

more, children had the oppor-

tunity to ride a horse around

the property and everyone en-

joyed a sumptuous Chinese

barbeque. The day ended with

the community dancing to the

East Meets WestGreenspace partners with Cambria Historical Society

Take A Walk in the Woods

The Third Annual Cambria Walk in the Woods is scheduled to b

in April. The walk will take place on Tracy and Ralph Covells Cam

Pines by the Sea Ranch (formerly

the Cambria Coast Ranch). Most

Cambrians or casual visitors to our

area have never had the opportu-nity to walk on this precious prop-

erty. Thanks to The Nature Con-

servancy, the Covells, and funding

from SafeTree and Greenspace, we

have an opportunity to visit this

wonderful property.

We now are offering ten walks

on four weekends. In addition to

the knowledge that Richard Hawley

and Brad Seek share with the hik-

ers on the tours, Greenspace has

arranged additional experts to speak

on a number of the tours. The guest

Tours of Cambria Pines-By-The-Sea Ranch return

Cambria Walk in the

Woods Tour Dates(By Reservation Only)

April 19 - 10 a.mApril 19 - 2 p.m.April 20 - 10 a.m.May 3 - 10 a.m.May 3 - 2 p.m.

May 10 - 10 a.m.May 11 - 10 a.m.May 17 - 10 a.m.May 18 - 10 a.m.May 24 - 10 a.m.

This year Greenspace is celebrating our 15th year of

ocal land conservation. Many

ommunity members have been with

s from the beginning, others have

oined more recently. We hope you

will forgive us for tooting our own

orn in this issue, but we are proud

f the accomplishments that, through

he support of the community, we have

made since our inception. That said,

we hope you will enjoy a look at what

Greenspace has been up to in the past

5 years!

Happy Anniversary(Contd on Pa

Cambria Walk in the Woods (Contd on Page 4)East Meets West (Contd on Page 4)al Poly Lion Dancer blesses the temple.


2/6

Recently Greenspace purchased two significant parcels of property.

ne is a beautiful forested parcel approximately 1/5 acre in size. It is

cated near the top of Pineridge at the corner of Ellis. The property was

rchased through a bargain sale arrangement from Lynn and Galen

Rathbun. Twelve fami-

lies in the neighborhood

banded together andhelped Greenspace with

the purchase. The ac-

quisition project was

turbo-charged by

Greenspace board mem-

ber Noel Schmidt and his

wife Mary. They offered

to match other donations,

dollar for dollar with a

$5,000 limit for cumula-

tive dollars. With this

nerous gift the neighbors rallied and the acquisition was completed.

e want to acknowledge the following neighbors for their assistance:

cy Soyster, Nancy and Skip Moss, John and Mary Dingler, Jacqueline

lly, Robert and Margaret Sullivan, Bobbie and Harold Monroe, Bill

d Barbara Marks, Katie and Walter Sterling, Patricia and Michael

himberg, Greg and Arlene Stone, and Lynn and Galen Rathbun.

Triangle of Funds to Purchase Critical Cultural SiteThe Archaeological Conservancy, a national organization based in New

exico, the Martin Huyck family of Altadena, California, and Greenspace-

e Cambria Land Trust pooled our resources and purchased the second

Cambria Has MoreForested Open Space

We are looking for some help with our Center Street property.

cifically we are asking members of the community if they would m

a monthly, quarterly or yearly donation to help us pay the monthly m

gage on this incredible property. Our payment is $3,100 per mon

Greenspace purchased this 1.6-acre parcel for $350,000. Th

praised value when we purchased the property was $495,000. W

gan making payment on the property in 2000 and have reduced

principal we owe to $245,500. The terms of our installment con

are $3,100 or more per month at 7.0% interest. The note will be pa

15 years or sooner.

We are looking for 150 people to make a monthly pledge of $2

month for 18 months or a donation of $360 for the 18-month pe

Your donation is tax deductible and the money you donate to Greens

will be used specifically for the Center Street mortgage payment.

Greenspace is working on a business plan for the property that w

generate a revenue stream of $800 to $1,200 per month. After st

costs are repaid, the revenue stream would apply to the payments

ditionally, the business plan would enable Greenspace to rent the p

erty for events.

Once we secure the

Chinese building,the property will be

open for public use

when not rented.

The first section of

the Cross-Town

Trail will be built by

Greenspace and will

traverse the back

third of the property.

The longer view is

to reduce the debt to

zero by the end of

2006. We will be ag-gressively pursuing

grants and other

funding sources to

augment the pay

down of this commu-

nity resource. One of

the options is to sell the front 9,000 square feet of the

1.6-acre property (that is the reason you may have noticed the

Sale sign on the gate). However, the board of directors would pre

complete the purchase of the entire parcel for public use and not se

front 9,000 square feet.

Keep in mind that if we do find the funding mechanism to purc

the property in its entirety before your commitment has ended, wenotify you and your obligation will end. Note that Greenspace ca

ceive stocks, bonds or other negotiable instruments. Donations of

instruments into our stock and bond portfolio will reduce and per

eliminate capital gain taxes and provide you, your family or bus

with a tax donation too. For more details, please call the office.

Thank you for considering our request. We have successfully

chased a number of properties in Cambria with community ple

Please remember that Greenspace has furnished the commu

with pocket parks, trails and open space for 15 years with no tlevied or government overhead.

We look forward to you becoming a partner in this project

welcome your thoughts and questions.

Help Us Save Center Street

Open Space (Contd on Page 5)

eighbors celebrate Pineridge Ellis acquisition

Greenspace Center Street property


3/6

Happy Anniversary (Contd from Page 1)

Forest Preserves andPocket ParksNearly $2 million of formerly

developable property has been

retired from development and set

aside for the enjoyment of

Cambrias residents and visitors

through our Forest Preserve and

Pocket Park Program.

Greenspace Reforestation and Inoculation ProgramSeedlings that are potentially resistant to pitch canker, a disease

that has threatened to decimate Cambrias Monterey pine forest,

will be available to plant in the community this year.

Santa Rosa Creek/SteelheadWith the creeks preservation as the original mission of the

organization, Greenspace continues to attempt to protect Santa

Rosa Creek and its steelhead through educational efforts, advoca

against MtBE pollution and advocacy for higher creek levels.

Pocahontas ParkCommunity Organic GardenThe opportunity to grow

your own is available at our

organic garden. A limited

number of individual plots

have opened up for members

of the community. Please call

the Greenspace office.

Archaeological PreservationImportant aspects of Cambrias

history are being preserved

through our acquisition of the

Chinese Association Hall on

Center Street and the continu-

ing acquisition of the Chumash

Village site on Wales Triangle.

Clean-Up and Monitoring EffortsGreenspace staff and volunteers continue to participate in an annual

Creek Clean-Up Day, Coastal Clean-Up Day, water

monitoring efforts and Snapshot Day.

CommunityWorkshopsWorkshops have been offered

to the community on such

diverse subjects as the Santa

Rosa Creek watershed, saving

the Arctic wilderness, IRS

regulations for non-profit

organizations and how to use

the California Environmental

Quality Act to protect the

North Coast of San Luis

Obispo County.

Funding PropertyMaintenanceMaintenance of our forest

preserves and pocket parks is

partially funded through our

bench program, our name-a-

park program and our

memorial tree grove pro-

gram.

Property RestorationGreenspace staff and volunteers are continually restoring forest

preserves and pocket parks by various methods, including erosion

control and planting programs.


4/6

speakers will have expertise in forest genetics, botany and forest p

ogy. Greenspace is very fortunate to have developed partnershipsstate and international experts on Monterey pines and looks forw

sharing this good fortune with local residents and with visitors t

community.

People wishing to participate must RSVP with Greenspace, as is limited to twenty people per tour. Each tour will last approxima

hours. When you RSVP, the Greenspace staff will let you knolocation of the hike and, if driving to the event, where to park.

Having a sturdy pair of walking shoes, a water bottle, hat and

screen is strongly suggested. In addition, wearing light colored, la

clothing is considered the prudent attire for the event.

If you are interested in joining us on one of these scheduled Ca

Walks in the Woods, please call early to reserve your spot. We a

pate a high degree of interest in this activity and space will be i

mand.

In 1993 Greenspace introduced the Santa Rosa Creek Enhance-

ent Plan for the lower reach of the creek. The Plan addressed issues from

e Pacific Ocean to Santa Lucia High School. A steering committee di-

cted the Plan. Steering committee members included the Cambria Cam-

ber of Commerce, Trust for PublicLand, State Coastal Conservancy,

California Department of Parks and

Recreation, San Luis Obispo County

Parks and Recreation, San Luis

Obispo Department of Planning and

Building, California Department of

Fish and Game, Cambria Community

Services District, United States Fish

and Wildlife Service, public member

at large and Greenspace.

Many of the recommenda-

tions in the Plan have been success-

fully realized. The high profile rec-ommendations included the purchase

of Rancho Pacifica (East Ranch) and

e MidState Bank property. These two properties, now under public own-

ship, would protect the flood plain of Santa Rosa creek from develop-

ent and subsequently provide the community with an alternative flood

ntrol project that protects the West Village from future flood events while

ving the community valuable open space and passive recreational oppor-nities.

It is important to realize that in 2003 Santa Rosa Creek has three

deral and state protected species, whereas when the 1993 Plan was writ-

n it had one. It is also important to understand that the population of

ambria has grown from just over 4,000 people to now just under 7,000

ople and our domestic water use has grown proportionately.The steelhead trout require a flow of water in Santa Rosa Creek in

der to migrate from the ocean to spawning areas in the upper watershed

d return in subsequent years. The trouts offspring require water to sus-

n themselves over the few years they reside in the creek and then migrate

the ocean to begin the reproductive cycle again.

In order to enhance opportunities for successful fish migration, an

sessment of the entire watershed is needed. Some of the issues that this

sessment would analyze include habitat type, stream bank stabilization

ojects, mid-stream sediment bar and willow removal, and opportunities to

ork with cooperating land owners to improve habitat on their properties.

Greenspace is looking for people living in the Santa Rosa Creek

atershed who share an interest in enhancing fishery habitat. Assessmentthe fishery conditions in the watershed and developing a cooperative

proach to watershed enhancement will improve water flow for agricul-

re users, other property owners and for wildlife. The possibility to obtain

ant funding to begin a Santa Rosa Creek Enhancement Plan is available,

t the process to be awarded the funds is extremely competitive. There is

better time than the present to begin this vital exercise in thoughtful and

operative partnerships. This practical approach to watershed enhance-

ent eliminates litigation and builds community stewardship and ethical

andards. Water is a basic human right and is not a commodity.

Now is the Time for a SantaRosa Creek Watershed

Enhancement Plan

HELP US SAVE THE NORTH COASTand receive a subscription to the Greenspace Insider

Family-$30 Contributing-$50 Sponsoring-$100Patron-$250 Sustaining-$500 Benefactor-$1,000

New Member Membership Renewal

Enclosed is my $___________ donation (100% tax deductible)

Name _________________________________________________

Address________________________________________________

City/State/Zip___________________________________________

GIFT MEMBERSHIP: Id like to give a $_______ Gift Membership to:

Name__________________________________________________

Address________________________________________________

City/State/Zip___________________________________________

PAYMENT Check enclosed VISA M/C

Card # _________________________________________________

Signature_______________________________________________

Send your tax-deductible donations to:

GREENSPACE, P . O. Box 1505, Cambria, CA 93428

Cambria Walk in the Woods (Cont from Page 1)

Welcome to New Greenspace

Board Member Ken Dunn!

East Meets West (Cont from Page 1)

anta Rosa Creek

sounds of a great band, Minds Eye.

In a perfect marriage of two dedicated groups, this

Greenspace is partnering with the Cambria Historical Society toduce East Meets West The Cambria Heritage Celebration.event will combine the Cambria Historical Societys Fifth Annual

tage Day with Greenspaces Second Annual Chinatown on Center S

This exciting celebration will take place on Saturday, June 21st

11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. There will be lots of entertainment, the China

Market Place, wine tasting, a delicious East Meets West barbeq

silent auction and many more surprises.

The admission for the celebration will be $10.00 for a

with children 12 and under free (if accompanied by an adult). Th

ceeds from the day will be used to help both organizations preserv

protect the East Village Historic District.

For more information on this celebration of Cambrias

please contact the Greenspace office at 927-2866.


5/6

If anyone would like to know how to have a great retirement, new

reenspace Director Cheryl Geigle is the one to ask. Cheryl, and her

usband Ray, moved to Cambria from Bakersfield a few years ago where

heryl first worked in hospital administration and then as a fifth grade

chool teacher, and Ray was the Dean of Arts and Sciences at Cal

StateUniversity, Bakers-

field. Since moving here,Cheryl has been busier

than ever in her new life.

Cheryl began her rela-

tionship with Greenspace

over a year ago when she

began to volunteer in the

office one day per week.

The office staff is always

happy to see her coming.

Whether she is entering

names into a huge data-

base or folding letters forbulk mailing, Cheryl always has a smile on her face. Then, at the end

f last year, Greenspace was lucky enough to have her accept a nomina-

on to the Board of Directors.

But Greenspace isnt the only thing on Cheryls agenda. She has

een taking classes at Cuesta College and has become especially inter-

sted in geology. Cheryl works part time at Seekers Glass Gallery and

so is a volunteer at The Learning Center. But one of her favorite pas-

mes involves great big mammals with huge noses!

Cheryl has been a docent for the Friends of the Elephant Seals since

999. As a docent, Cheryl spends one day per week on the shores north

f Cambria with these massive creatures to educate the public about

hese incredible animals. The elephant seals winter along the beach

bove San Simeon and it is Cheryls job, along with the other docents, torotect both the visitors and the seals from disruptions that can occur

om too close contact. The docents also count and categorize the num-

er and sex of the seals for

he Monterey Bay National

Marine Sanctuary.

The elephant seals spend

heir time hanging out at the

each and playing in the wa-

r. They usually dont pay

much attention to the two-

gged beasts that are staring

om the observation areas.

rouble comes when one ofhose human beasts decides

hey cant see well enough

om where they are and de-

de to join the elephant seals

n their own turf. That is

hen Cheryl steps in, to protect both the seals and the people from an

ncounter that just couldnt end well.

With all of her interests and activities, Greenspace is lucky that Cheryl

eigle is taking the time to be one of the new members of our Board of

irectors. She is a delight to work with and we look forward to a long

lationship with her.

Seal of ApprovalNew Greenspace Board Member splits her time between

open space and elephant seals

On a recent Santa Rosa Creek Walk, the idea to remove a barri

fish passage was discussed. It was apparent that during times o

water flow steelhead and other fish could not migrate (depending

side of the barrier they were on) either upstream or downstream

cause of a massive concrete apron that spans the width of Santa

Creek directly under the Burton Drive Bridge.

Since Greenspace has collaborated with the California Constion Corps on past projects, we thought that their creek expertise

needed. After discussion with the Corps, a plan was made on ho

best remove the barrier. Greenspace used labor figures provide

the Corps and went to local excavation contractor, Tim Winsor, fo

views. Thanks to Winsor and the Corps, a budget for the projec

developed by

Greenspace. The

project will be pre-

sented to various

agencies for permit

requirements and

for potential fund-

ing sources.

If funded, the

project is antici-

pated to take a

week to complete.

Greenspace will

work with sur-

rounding property

owners, informing

them of hours of

operation and the

benefits of the

project to the community. Burton Drive will require flaggers dthe removal phase of the barrier, as traffic will be regulated to one

for small periods of time as concrete is craned from the bridge to

ing trucks.

Once the barrier is removed, steelhead trout and other fish resi

in the Santa Rosa Creek Watershed will have unimpeded access t

stream and downstream reaches of the lower creek. This will

protect the fish from predators and other hazards that the barrie

posed.

As part of our continued educational efforts in the waters

Greenspace will provide interested members of the community

surrounding property owners a preview of the project. Watch the n

paper for details.

Freeing Our FishGreenspace working to remove barrier under

Burton Drive Bridge

piece of a seven parcel configuration that contains the most intact

tural site remaining in our area. Through a unique arrangemen

cultural preservation and open space acquisition, the property was

cessfully purchased in December of 2002. Mr. Huyck donated

necessary funds to Greenspace for one half of the purchase price.

forts to acquire the remaining parcels continue with cooperating o

ers. Mark Michel, President of The Archaeological Conservancy sta

The partnership with Greenspace has worked very well and we

ticipate future acquisitions throughout the nation using this part

ship as a model. The property is held in joint tenancy with The

chaeological Conservancy and Greenspace.

Open Space (Contd From Page 2)

Elephant seal taking a break

Barrier under Burton Bridge


6/6

Greenspace Board of DirectorsWayne Attoe, President

Jacque Kelly, Vice President

Cathie Bates, TreasurerDoreen Deppler, Secretary

Arthur Van RhynJim Brownell

Noel Schmidt

Mary WebbCheryl Geigle

Ken DunnDeborah Parker, Administrator

Post Office Box 1505, Cambria, CA 93428

Telephone: 805-927-2866; Fax 805-927-7530email: [email protected]

www.GreenspaceCambria.org

Local Land Conservation Since 1988

WaltandKateSterling,DeborahCox,CraigandDorothyLoud

ofLoudDesigns,ClydeWarren,TimWindsor,ArlaStevens,

HarryFarmer,NancyHarris,Americorp,ParkerGroup,Jennifer

andHarveySmithofHarveysHoneyhuts,DavidCahn,Rickand

MarciaBruceoftheVillageWizard,MarcelleBakula,Kathie

Briles,JulieCoogan,TeelaDupond,ConstanceandZdravkoBaov,

CindyGustafson,CynthiaHawley,Jane&DougHay,Molly

Lynch,Kathleen,Craig&CaseyMarlo,RhodaMiller,Earline&

LeePutnam,LynnRathbun,GailSpiegel,BarbaraRomley,Mary

Schmidt,LucySoyster,PatVanRhyn,WendyWeatherford,Dawn

Dunlap,MichaelHuynhandtheCalPolyLionDancers,Annie

LawrenceofTheLetteringArtist,TomMcDannold,JohnParker,LiYuandNormPetradeanoftheWushuTaiChiCenter,Paula

Schroeder,VivianThompson,GailSewellofChambersGallery,

LissaMcConnellofExoticNature,HarmonySunofNatural

Renaissance,BillMueller&AdinaBurbankofCambriaComputer

&Internet,MikeRice,FrankandGloriaBadger,EllisandSusan

BassettiofGreenValleyFarms,ChrisBates,Lorin&JoyCarey,

SLOHistoricalSociety,MindsEye,LarryFiscalini,Marcieand

KurtFoeller,VictoriaGreen,JohnMierswa,JohnRumlandthe

CambriaHistoricalSociety,UnityofSLO,JimWebbandKaren&

KellieWolfe.

Thankstoourfriendsandvolunteers,Greenspacecancontinuetoworktopreserveand

protecttheNorthCoastofSanLuisObispoCounty.Wecouldntdoitwithoutyou!

AmericorpVolunteersonMartinLutherKingsBirthday

Special thanks to Craig Loud of Loud Designfor his incredible help with The Watershed

Richard Hawley, Executive Director

Non-Profit OrganizationU.S. Postage

Paid

Permit #37Cambria, CA 93428

Winter 2003 Watershed Newsletter, Cambria Land Trust

Documents

Transcript of Winter 2003 Watershed Newsletter, Cambria Land Trust