Experience > Parks and Trails
Statewide Recreational Roads and Trails Change-in-Use Program EIR, Statewide, CA
California State Parks
Role: Prime Consultant, EIR Project Manager
The California Department of Parks and Recreation (State Parks) is proposing to implement the Statewide Roads and Trails Change-in-Use Program (Program) to facilitate the review of proposals to add or change uses of existing recreational roads and trails in the State Parks system. The Program is intended to facilitate consideration of changes in use of existing State Park roads and trails to best accommodate the accessibility and recreational activities that are appropriate for each road or trail facility. The Program would provide the Department with an objective process and evaluation tool to evaluate proposals to modify roads and trails to add or remove recreational uses. Ascent is managing the preparation of a Program Environmental Impact Report (EIR) to evaluate the potential environmental effects of the proposed program. Key issues include trail erosion, water quality, biology, cultural resources, aesthetics, and trail use conflicts.
Mount Umunhum Summit Public Access and Open Space EIR, Santa Clara County, CA
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (MROSD)
Role: Prime Consultant, CEQA/NEPA Document Preparation
Ascent is assisting Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (MROSD) with the environmental document preparation for the proposed restoration and development of public access facilities on the summit of Mount Umunhum. The MROSD goal is to establish the summit as a premier hiking destination for the San Francisco Bay Area. The location is the site of the former Almaden Air Force Station, a decommissioned radar station located on the peak of Mount Umunhum, the tallest mountain in the Santa Clara County. Ascent is currently assisting MROSD with preparation of an EIR for CEQA compliance and, potentially, a NEPA document, if federal funding is used for the facility development. Potential issues include grading, drainage, biology, aesthetics, public access, and cultural resources.
California State Parks General Plans and EIRs – Twelve Parks and Recreation Areas, California Statewide*
California Department of Parks and Recreation
Role: Principal-in-Charge/Strategic Direction/Technical Input
California State Parks prepared General Plans (which serve as each park unit’s recreation, natural, and cultural resources management master plan) for twelve parks throughout the state, from Del Norte County to San Diego County. CEQA compliance is provided with an EIR that is fully integrated into the General Plan. State Parks included: Sonoma Coast State Park, Bidwell Sacramento River State Park, Pacheco State Park, San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area, Malibu Creek State Park, Rio de Los Angeles State Park, and Doheny State Beach.
Hidden Falls Regional Park EIR, Placer County*
Placer County, Department of Facility Services
A 1,200-acre regional park was created through the purchase of Spears Ranch and Didion Ranch in Placer County. Detailed resources surveys were conducted to support the EIR preparation for approval of a master plan, including a facilities development area, widening of Garden Bar Road, multiuse trails with several creek bridges, and picnic areas. Key public concerns included traffic on Garden Bar Road, loss of oak trees (for the road widening), special status plants, and cultural resources protection.
Bidwell Park Master Management Plan, Trails Plan, and EIR, Butte County*
City of Chico
The City of Chico’s 3,670-acre Bidwell Park is one of the largest municipal parks in the United States. Stretching from the valley floor into the Sierra Nevada foothills and serves as an important biological corridor. Recreational opportunities include swimming, bicycling, hiking, picnicking, day camp programs and other day-time recreation activities. The Master Management Plan needed a comprehensive update with an EIR to incorporate new acquisitions, new regulations, and resolution of key planning and natural resources issues. Elements developed for the update included a parkwide trails plan, disc golf course concept plan, and specific plans for the primary day-use areas, Horseshoe Lake and Cedar Grove.
Sonoma Coast State Beach General Plan and EIR, Sonoma County*
California Department of Parks and Recreation
Sonoma Coast State Beach is one of California’s most often visited State Parks and contains 19 miles of scenic coastline with rugged headlands, sandy beaches and sweeping ocean vistas. The park contains many important historic and prehistoric and diverse biological resources. The General Plan defines State Parks’ vision and framework for resource and recreation management for the next 20 years. The plan designates cultural and natural resources preserves and addresses public safety, ADA accessibility, and carrying capacity of the park. The final product is an integrated General Plan and EIR that will guide future management and facility planning.
North Fork American River Trail Project EA/FONSI and EIR, Placer County*
County of Placer, Parks Division
A new 12.6-mile, multiuse trail was proposed by Placer County, State Parks, and the U. S. Bureau of Reclamation between the confluence of the North and Middle Forks of the American River and Ponderosa Road in the Auburn State Recreation Area. Detailed biological and cultural resources surveys, CEQA and NEPA documents, and Section 404, 401, and 1602 permit applications were prepared to support approval of the trail project. Key issues included scenic impacts, erosion potential, and habitat disturbance.
