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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAG RPTS 2003 0618 CC REG ARROYO ATTACHMENTI�R�R�0Y0 !�I►M�II T�i_Rl�ll FEASIBILITY STUDY CITY OF MOORPARK JUNE 18TH, 2003 ARROYO SIMI TRAIL FEASIBILITY STUDY Prepared For: City of Moorpark Prepared By: iii R R M D E S I G N G R O U P In Association With: Morro Group, Inc. D June 18, 2003 �Q,QOYes�Mi TRl�ll Acknowledgements The Arroyo Simi Trail Feasibility Study involved the participation of several public agencies, each of which provided input and assistance in the preparation of this report. The following agencies and individuals provided essential input and helpful suggestions: City of Moorpark, Ken Gilbert, Public Forks Director -like Mathews, Senior Nfanagement Analyst Barry Hogan, Community Development Dircctor Mary- Lindley, Director of Community Services Patrick Hunter, Mayor Keith E Milhouse, Mayor Pro Temporc Roscann Mikos, Council Membcr Clint D. Harper, Council Member Janice S. Parvin, Council Membcr City of Simi Valley Nlichael Kuhn, Senior Planner, Department of Environmental Services Jim Purtcc, Deputy Director of Economic Development County of Ventura Ginger Girardi, Ventura County Transportation Commission Robin Gester, Permit Engineer Ventura Co. Watershed Protection District California Department of Transportation Melanie Bradford, Bicycle Planner Lee Rennackcr, Permits Department Rancho Simi Recreation and Parks District Ed Hayduk, Park Planning & Development Administrator Katherine Blansctt, Park Planning Wayne Nakaoka, Development Supervisor Ventura County Transportation Commission Pcter Dc Haan, Director Transportation Programming, Legislation, and Grants Ginger Gherardi, Executive Director V, le of Contents - uK TABLE OF CONTENTS ExecutiveSummary .................................................................... ............................... E -1 1.0 Introduction ................................................................................ ............................1 -1 A. Purpose of the F=easibility Study ........................................................................ ............................... 1 -2 B. Project Study Area ................................................................................................ ............................... 1 -4 C. Trail Route Goals .................................................................................................. ............................... 1 -6 D. TrA Route Objectivcs ......................................................................................... ............................... 1 -6 F. Relationship to Othcr Documents .................................................................... ............................... 1 -6 2.0 Route Identification & Evaluation ......................................... ............................... 2 -1 A. Route ldcntification ............................................................................................. ............................... 2 -2 B. Route Evaluation Criteria ....................................................................................... ............................2 -2 C. Selection Evaluation Nfatrix ................................................................................ ............................... 2 -4 D. Route Evaluation .................................................................................................. ............................... 2 -5 3.0 Trail Feasibility Summary & Next -Step Recommendations . ............................... 3 -1 A. Route Selection Summary .1vIap .......................................................................... ............................... 3 -2 B. Near -Term Trail Route ......................................................................................... ............................... 3 -5 C. Long - 'Perm Trail Route ....................................................................................... ............................... 3 -8 D. Ncxt -Step Rccommenda6ons ............................................................................... ...........................3 -11 4.0 Preliminary Construction & Design Cost Analysis ............... ............................... 4 -1 A. Cost A ssumptions ................................................................................................ ............................... 4 -2 B. Opinion of Construction Cost ........................................................................... ............................... 4 -5 5.0 Trail Management, Operation & Maintenance A. Owncrship ............................................................................................................. ............................... 5 -2 B. Administradon ....................................................................................................... ............................... 3 -2 C. Funding .................................................................................................................. ............................... 3 -3 D. Liabilit`' ................................................................................................................... ............................... 5 -4 L'. Operations & Nl aintcnancc ................................................................................. ............................... 3 -5 F.--%faintenancc Nccds ............................................................................................... ............................... 5 -6 U. Maintenance Costs ................................. . ............................................................................................ 3 -? 6.0 Works Cited ............................................................................ ............................... 6 -1 Appendices A. Environmental Base Line Study B. Funding SourcesNfatr.ix C. Recreational land Use Statute C`y of Voorpark TOC -i Aroyo Simi frail raa abiii;y S�uUy LIST OF FIGURES ; Figure1: Class I Bikeway ............................................................................................. ............................... 1 -3 Table o Contents I.igure 2: Class II Bikeway ........................................................................................... ............................... 1 -3 Figure3: Class I Bikeway ............................................................................................. ............................... 1 -3 Figure 4: Arroyo Simi Trail Corridor Segment Map ........................................... ............................... 1 -5 Figure 5: Route Evaluation Segment A ................................................................... ............................... 2 -5 Figure 6: Route Evaluation Map - Segment A, Sheet 1 ...................................... ............................... 2 -7 Figure 7: Route 1valuation Map - Segment A, Sheet 2 ...................................... ............................... 2 -8 Figure 8: Route Evaluation Nlap - Segment A, Sheet 3 ...................................... ............................... 2 -9 Figure 9: Route I ;valuation - Segment B ............................................................... ............................... 2 -20 Figure 10: Route Evaluation flap - Segment B, Sheet 4 .................................. ............................... 2 -22 Figure 11: Route I "valuation NIap - Segment B, Sheet 5 .................................. ............................... 2 -23 Figure 12:.Route Fvaluation Segment C ................................................................... ...........................2 -50 Figure 13 : Route Lvaluation NIap - Segment C, Sheet 6 ................................. ............................... 2 -52 Figure 14: Route Evaluation Nfap - Segment C, Sheet 7 ...................................... ...........................2 -53 Figure 13: Route Selection Summary Jap ............................................................. ............................... 3 -3 Figure 16 : Near -Term 'frail Route INIap ................................................................. ............................... 3 -6 Figure 17: Long -Term Trail Route Map .................................................................. ............................... 3 -9 LIST OF TABLES Table 1: Selection Evaluation NIatrix :...................................................................... ............................... 2 -4 Table 2: Opinion of Construction Cost ...................................................................... ............................... 4 -5 .=arroyo Sirnf i:a I! TOE -ii IF Table of Contents TOC-iii Cty orvioorpai - Arroyo Simi rrad ripasabiii y Study F�, Cty orvioorpai - Arroyo Simi rrad ripasabiii y Study EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Executive --ty 0: V!(,Or;Da0< Ano,,o SiMl IDO -e3sa0lW,' .UOY E-1 A OI' CL r� cutive Summary _.. r .. S ,. .. ,fr ':. �h,. {•> ..7r`.'��.* ,'�. s,+a:'[�'%i� i� r- d.�'�;., ... � � .:.. � _� . .-t�s y, }_sv��. 3�ii ....v3xe . Executive Summary The Arroyo Simi Trail Feasibility Study establishes the most feasible near and long -term route of a multi- use pedestrian and bicycle trail along the Arroyo Simi corridor. The multi -use trail is intended to promote alternative forms of transportation and provide new recreational opportunities consistent with the goals set forth in the City of Moorpark's General Plan, City of Simi Valley's Bicycle Master Plan, and Ventura County's Regional Trails and Pathways Master Plan Report. The trail corridor is located within the jurisdictional boundaries of the City of Moorpark, County of Ventura and City of Simi Valley. Other agencies with jurisdiction in the project study area include the Ventura County \ atershed Protection District, Caltrans, and Southern California Regional Rail Authority (SCRRA). The planning effort for this Feasibility Study has included key stakeholder interviews, field investigation, jurisdictional agency coordination, environmental surveys, and applicable plan ning document research and review. The resulting routes in the Arroyo Simi Trail Feasibility Study largely reflect the input and advice provided through the planning process. The proposed trail traverses approximately ) miles stretching between the westerly Moorpark City limit and extends easterly through the City of \-loorpark and unincorporated Ventura County, to the westerly terminus of the City of Simi Valley's existing trail system crossing both privately and publicly owned property. The proposed trail route consists of a combination of Class I and Class [l. facilities with connections to neighborhoods, schools, parks, downtown Moorpark, employment centers and planned regional trail facilities. On a regional scale, the Arroyo Simi Trail section is a vital trail corridor within the "Ultimate Loop" of Southern California. The Ultimate Loop is a regional system of planned and constructed trails that will ultimately connect several communities in both Ventura and Los Angeles Counties to each other, major destinations, and neighboring regional trail networks. An assortment of trail sections make up this Ultimate loop including: • Simi to the Sea Trail (Simi Valley through Moorpark to the Santa Monica Mountains) • Saugus to the Sea Trail (Santa Clara River Corridor to the Santa Monica Mountains) • Backbone Trial (Santa Nionica Mountains to Point Mugu, • Coastal Trail (Point \ -lugu to the Santa Clara River), • Santa Paula Branch Line "frail (City of Ventura through the Santa Clara River Corridor), • Santa Clara River Trail (Ventura County to the City of Santa Clarita). Ultimately, connections to the Coastal Trail and Pacific Crest Trail via the Arroyo Simi Trail's link in the Ultimate Loop would provide Moorpark and Simi Valley residents the ability to reach Mexico and Canada. The Arroyo Simi Trail Feasibility Study provides support for an Arroyo Simi Trail concept and its ability to be developed along a continuous route and constructed within a normal cost range. The City Councils and other regulating authorities should utilize this foundation document to prepare a definitive trail alignment study for adoption. Looking forward tow providing project: funding for the trails development and documentation of public support along with business partnerships will be essential. The development of an economic strategy utilizing an enterprise group for public, private and government grants for the capital improvements should be given a priority. The development of project phasing funding � ry oi ivloorparK E -2 Ai i:>yo Simi ?r:ail' �asan!I'h i..d• " is a one to two year commitment for initial resources to become available. The primary funding source will be through transportation funding opportunities. Transportation funding is essentially provided for bicycle commuting purposes. All future planning and documentation should make an emphasis on bicycle commuting rather than recreational uses. Executive Summary Recreational trail resources are fewer, lower in overall funding and more competitive than transportation funds. Funding for master planning and preliminary environmental documentation is rarely available through agency grants. Funding for the preliminary work will need to be provided by the regulating agencies and joint venture options. Looking forward to future planning and implementation of the Arroyo Simi Trail, the following actions arc recommended: 1. City Council should authorize development of Bicycle Transportation Plan (BTP) to cover Class I, Ii & III alternate transportation bikeways and multi use trail opportunities. The BTP is the base documentation requested and usually is required when applying for transportation funding. 2. City Council should authorize preparation of updates to Circulation and Park & Recreation Elements to the City General Plan. This will provide consistency in the planning process and give an opportunity for public participation. Timing for the General Plan update should be reviewed with the City Planning Department staff. 3. City Council should authorize at a minimum the starting of environmental impact report (1 ?IR) to determine preferred alternatives for the Arroyo Simi Trail in the Citv of Moorpark. This could be expanded if the other regulating agencies on the proposed trail alignment were amenable to establishing a joint Powers Agreement o PA). This would also be the opportunity- to share funding costs for a complete EIR. If the jPA is considered it should include financial planning for the operations and maintenance conditions that will exist after construction. 4. Prepare Public Participation Plan to include all stakeholders of Arroyo Simi Trail. Establish meeting dates and locations for public notice. This is to develop a consensus support group with common interests, benefits and objectives. Through the public participation process a concentration on the development of state legislative support wit] be instrumental in future funding resources. 5. Concurrent with the development of the EIR, a project engineers cost estimate by phases should be prepared and matched with funding sources for the City of Moorpark section of the Arroyo Simi Trail. City staff should consider requesting City Council to establish a budget line item for matching funds for grant opportunities. A cash commitment and in kind services of staff and consultants will make the project competitive. 6. Planning for the longer term the City or jl?A should consider developing an Enterprise Team. This group will identify and utilize a combination of revenue centers with the emphasis of pubic /private, joint ventures, partnerships or concession agreements to provide both for additional capital improvements and the operation and maintenance of the trail. The early establishment of this group would allow it to also be involved in the grant development program for phasing the Arroyo Simi Trail construction. ��ty n. d�ccrparf< Arroyo imi Frail Feasat;iliP,, 7,! -,c!y E -3 This page intentionally lc Et blank Summary r�!y cf'vlccro , ark E-4 A(.-:,ya Simi Traii Feisability Study 1.0 INTRODUCTION Ar 10YO ')!Mi IfLla FE'asabllw 1, s L,-; dy N .......... oliftolvia Sim `1� CHAPTER Introduction Fr Sv CHAPTER] Introduction 1.0 Introduction Trails, while meeting the goals of alternative transportation and recreation provide a multiple of additional benefits to the community. Health benefits included through regular exercise arc reduced heart disease, hypertension and cholesterol. The economic benefits from trail users, visitors and vacationers provide increased sales tax revenues when they purchase equipment, meals, lodging and transportation from local retailers. Environmental and resource protection benefits should not be overlooked when reviewing the multiple benefits of trails. Well- designed trails mitigate damage by controlling public access when they route users through or around sensitive resource areas. The resource benefit examples would include riparian habitat, archeological sites and endangered species nesting areas. 'frail users receive educational benefits by learning of the natural, historical and cultural community resources, and are ideal elementary school field trips and university outdoor classrooms. Trails also provide enjoyable and interesting experiences that support a variety of wildlife viewing, photography and community volunteer activities. This section describes the Arroyo Simi Trail Fcasibdity Study's purpose, provides an over\ -,icw of the Project Study area, identifies the three trail segments and outlines the Study's goals and objectives. Also included in this section is a discussion of how the Feasibility Study relates to existing documents. A. Purpose of the Feasibility Study The purpose of this F=easibility Study is to determine route alternatives, and suggest the most feasible trail routes, within the Arroyo Simi Creek Corridor for the proposed section of the Arroyo Simi Trail that commences at the westerly Moorpark City Limits and extends easterly, through the City of Moorpark and unincorporated Ventura County, to the westerly terminus of the City of Simi Vallcy's existing trail system. Development of an implementation plan and the future construction of the arroyo Simi Trail will be contingent upon the City's selection of a final trail route. The proposed Trail is intended to serve commuter and recreational needs while reducing traffic congestion, improving air quality, and providing non - motorized forms of transportation. This section of the Arroyo Simi Trail is proposed to be a Class I /multi -use pedestrian and bicycle trail located within the Arroyo Simi Creek Corridor. Whcre environmental, regulatory, physical and /or fiscal constraints make the provision of a Class 1 /multi -use trail within the Creek Corridor infeasible an alternative route(s) and /or bicycle class system has been provided. Consistent with Section 1000 of the Caltrans Highway Design l'tanual, this Feasibility Study defines Class 1, Class 1.1, and Class III bikeways as described below: • Class I Bikeway — `Bike paths" provided within a completely seperated right -of -way designated for the exclusive use of bicycles and pedestrians with crossflows by motorists minimized. Caltrans standards require bike paths to have a minimum paved width of 8 feet and be completely seperated from a street. • Class II Bikeway — "Bike lanes" provided within a restricted right -of -way designated for the exclusive or semi - exclusive use of bicycles with through travel by motor vehicles or pedestrians prohibited, but with vehicle parking and crossflows by pedestrians and motorists permitted. Caltrans standards require bike lanes to be striped with a 6 inch solid white line that provides a minimum 4 foot exclusive bicycle travel lane. • Class III Bikeway "Bike routes" provided within the street right -of -way designated Gt y of .v:ccwa(k 1 -2 are )yo Simi IY: it sai iliry S?uciv by signs or permanent markings and shared with pedestrians or motorists. Caltrans W standards require Class III routes to be marked with the appropriate Bikc Route Signs. (, l Figure 1: Class I Bikeway (Bike Path) CHAPTER I Introduction M Figure 2: Class 11 Bikeway (Bike Lane) Pavement marking Figure 3: Class III Bikeway (Bike Route) 44 a ld4 Cay of A ,oC)ark arroyo Simi ball "asalbihi,,, ',!!jdy 1-3 3 6" B- Project Study Area The Project Study "Vla includes the propos CHAPTER I the westerly N11" Park. , ed section Of the Arroyo Simi Trail that extends from Introduction Ventura C' City L�mits castcrlt; through chc County, to the City Of Moorpark and unincorporated westerly terminus of the City )f Simi Valley's Creek Corridor Trail, This section of the existing Arroyo) Simi boundaries including the Proposed Arroy' Simi Trail crosses three jurisdictional agencies with jurisdiction of N'l()Irp,,-k, City of Simi Ville),*, and Count-Y of Ventura . Other Protection District, n In the Pro)-cct Study Area include the Ventura ' Caltrans, and Southern California ' . County Watershed For the pul-p(.)sc Of Regional Rail Author'tY (SCRRA). following three this Feasibility Study, the Proposed Axro-�,-O Simi Trail has been divided into the segments as illustrated in Figure 4: • Segment A — This Segment includes the improved portion Of the Arrovo Corridor that extends fr(-)rn the peach Hill Wash confluence near I litch ' to the limits of the existing channel ' Simi Ck Drive, improvements near the rail Boulevardcast crossing north Of Science • Segment B — This at Corridor that segment includes the unimproved portion of extends from the rail crossing north of Science Drive, cast to the Moorpark City "jrn'ts just southwest ()f Oak Park, This segment also includes the northern area ()f the City Of -Moorpark that extends south from "eights Drive cast to C Campus Park Drive, and Campus Road . i west from College • Segment C — This segment includes the Corridor that extends from the eastern unimproved porlj(,, ()f the Arroyo SIM-1 Creek east to Moorpark Citv Limits just Madera Road and the terminus of the Cju�" southwest Of Oak Park, , of Simi valley's existing trail system. 1-4 "`OYQ Simi Rail FPasFbi1j,, , S,,t,,jY Arrotjo Simi Trail Corridor Segment Map 00un of Yen oom" 0' oi� Of Ventura c PA ,IEG-MUff 'A L 0' tnl! t' °.'�; 7.a.tm�nr �! � � t7o, 'rojo Y NJ NEI - ---------- I Fig rc Qfs � E 'Ventura ire 4: Arroyo Simi Trail Corridor Segment Map N GRAM LIC SCALE zo 0 V 19� LH I I; C. Trail Route Goals For the purpose of this Feasibility Study, the following goals have been established: • Interconnectivity between neighborhoods in the City of Moorpark. • Access through rural areas of Ventura County with connections to the City of Simi Valley's regional bike system. • Opportunities for a future City -to- the -Sca trail west of the City of Moorpark. Furthermore, when evaluating a potential trail route, the route should: • Avoid and /or minimize environmental impacts to the greatest extent possible. • \-laximizc consistency with existing plans, documents and current planning efforts to the greatest extent possible. • Provide the greatest compatibility with adjacent land uses. • Minimize emrironmental permit requirements to the greatest extent possible. • Minimize impacts to private property. • Provide the greatest opportunity to maintain a consistent Class I/vfulti -use Bikeway. • Provide the most direct and consistent route. • ?Maximize commuter value to the greatest extent possible. • ?Maximize recreational value to the greatest extent possible. • Minimize construction and maintenance costs to the greatest extent possible. • Have the greatest potential for near -term construction. D. Trail Route Objectives To achieve these goals, the following objectives have been established: • Evaluate the Project Study Area, identify potential opportunities and constraints, and establish the route evaluation criteria for identifying a most feasible trail route. • Identify trail route alternatives. • Evaluate and rank alternative trail routes using the established route evaluation criteria. • Set forth the most feasible arroyo Simi Trail route for possible future construction. E. Relationship to Other Documents The section of the proposed arroyo Simi Trail included in this Feasibility Stud}- crosses three jurisdictional boundaries: the City of Moorpark, City of Simi Valley and County of Ventura (See Title Sheet). Given its cross - jurisdictional nature, this Feasibility Study must ensure any proposed route is compatible with other relevant planning efforts. The documents and planning efforts listed below have been reviewed and consulted during the preparation of this Feasibility Study: • City of Moorpark General Plan — The General Plan contains numerous policies, as well as a Bikcway Plan, that encourage the establishment of a citywidc network of bicycle routes for commuter and recreational use. The alternative routes) presented in this Feasibility Study coincide with the policies and bikeway network set forth in the Circulation Element. Introduction � :ty cf 'Acorpar'" .ai7Jyo )IMi : r:];I -!?asab:Ny .S'idy 1.6 Z47 W, • Management & Restoration Plan for the Arroyo Simi within Moorpark City Limits The Management & Restoration Plan contains goals and policies that encourage the 1 establishment and maintenance of recreation and trails along and adjacent to the Arroyo CHAPTER 1 Simi, in and around Moorpark, in order to connect Simi Valley and Point Nfugu. The Introduction alternative route(s) presented in this Feasibility Study coincide with the goals and policies set forth in the Nfanagcment & Restoration Plan. City of Simi Valley General Plan - The General Plan contains goals and policies that encourage the development of a trails network system for biking, hiking and riding that will link the parks and provide regional connections with adjacent jurisdictions. The alternative routc(s) presented in this Feasibility Study coincide with the conceptual recreation trail route shown on the Nlastcr Trails System of the General Plan. City of Simi Valley Bicycle Master Plan - The Bicycle %,faster Plan contains a detailed inventory of existing bicycle facilities and specific recommendations for the City's bicycle network. The City's existing bikcway system terminates at Nfadcra Road; the %faster Plan proposes an extension of this system to the westerly City Limits I.ine. The alternative routc(s) presented in this Feasibility Study is largely consistent with the City's proposed portion; thus facilitating connectivity to the regional bikcway system. Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District Trails Master Plan - The Trails Nfastcr Plan contains the conceptual alignments for multi purpose recreational trail corridors within the City of Simi Valley. The Plan depicts an alignment that extends west from Madera Road to the City Limits l.inc. The alternative routc(s, prescnted in this Feasibility Study is consistent with the conceptual alignments shown on the Master Plan. Ventura County General Plan - The General Plan contains goals and policies that encourage the establishment of a Countywide network of trails and promote the use of open space and other physical resources including utility casements and flood control easements. The alternative route(s) presented in this Feasibility Study support joint -usc opportunities and utilization of open space, consistent with the General Plan, through the use of existing access roads and flood control casements. Ventura County Regional Trails & Pathways Master Plan Report -The Regional Trails & Pathways Master Plan Report sets the framework for non - motorized transportation, for both commuting and recreation, in the County of Ventura. The Plan sets forth the Primary Non- motorized Transportation System necessary to create a functioning regional system extending from the Ventura /Los Angeles County line to the Pacific Ocean, which includes the Arroyo Simi Pathway. The alternative route(s) presented in this Feasibility Studv coincide with the County's Master Plan, thus facilitating connectivity to the regional bikeway system. Calleguas Creek Watershed Management Plan The Management Plan provides a comprehensive watershed management plan for the sustainable development of the Calleguas Creek watershed and its resources. Included in the Plan goals and policies is the creation of high - quality outdoor recreational opportunities through the use of public agencies creek corridor access roads and right -of -ways. The alternative routes) presented in this feasibility Study support joint -usc opportututics, consistent with the ?Management Lt-y of Moorpark 1 -7 A•" -)Yo ir•,i i'rai! rPasacility ±ur!y Plan, through the use of existing access roads. • Arroyo Simi Preliminary Design Report — The Preliminary Design Report evaluates deficiencies of the existing Arroyo Simi channel from Tierra Rejada Road to Spring Road in \.loorpark. The report also provides recommendations for the preliminary design of channel improvements including the provision of recreational opportunities by permitting use of access roads for hiking and bicycling. The alternative route(s) presented in this Feasibility Study support joint -use opportunities, consistent with the Preliminary Design Report, through the use of existing access roads. • The Canyons Project - The Canyons is a master planned community located in the northwest portion of the City of Simi Valley near the 118 freeway and city boundary. The project proposes a mix of land uses as well as the preservation of open space, wedand and oak woodland areas that integrate pedestrian and bicycle trails and provide connections to regional trail systems. The alternative route(s) presented in this Feasibility Study coincide with the trail route proposed in the project's Master Trails Plan with connections at Alamos Canyon Road and Nladcra Road. Introduction -!Cy of iMnorrarK arroyo Simi ; ra! - easabiii,y Sa. dy 1 -8 city oi`moo(park 1-9 CHAPTER ?_ Rouie Identification & Evaluation 2.0 ROUTE IDENTIFICATION & EVALUATION ,::,y of Mcorpary Arroyo Sirni ?ai! asz:cility Siucy 2-1 A. Route Identification This Feasibility- Study presents several trail routing alternatives, or options, within each of the three trail corridor segments. Each potential trail option was identified through field tours, aerial map resources, stakeholder interviews and document research. These trail options were then numbered and mapped, graphically illustrating their location within the Project Study Area to serve as the basis for the route evaluation process. The trail options have been assigned numbers arbitrarily and do not reflect their ranking or prioritization. B. Route Evaluation Criteria One of the first steps in assessing the feasibility of potential trail route alternatives is to carefuliv establish trail route criteria against which all potential trail routes can be evaluated. The evaluation criteria arc based on the spatial requirements of the trail corridor, an understanding of potential funding sources, research of relevant planning documents and permitting requirements, and a baseline assessment of the Arroyo's environmental setting. These criteria have been divided in to four overarching categories; Environmental, Regulatory, Physical and Fiscal. The evaluation criteria described in the following section will be applied to each of the trail segments in order to make a determination as to which trail routes, if any, arc most feasible within the Arroyo Simi corridor. Fach criterion has been assigned a number which correlates to both the route selections summary matrix and the detailed route evaluation. Environmental (1) Environmental impacts — impacts to biological resources, including existing vegetation and slopes, sensitive plant and animal species, aquatic habitats, water quality, jurisdictional wetlands, and riparian habitat areas. Appendix A contains a detailed baseline report of the Arroyo Simi's Biological Resources. Regula_ tore (2) Consistency with existing plans — City of Moorpark General Plan, Management & Restoration Plan for the Arroyo Simi within �Joorpark City f,imits, City of Simi Vaflcy General Plan, City of Simi Valley Bicycle ?Master Plan, Ventura County General Plan, Ventura County Bikeway Plan, Ventura County Regional Trails & Pathways Master Plan Report, Arroyo Simi Preliminary Design Report, Vcnrura County Transportation C--,y of Mcorpirk 2 -2 A, OVOSiml Ifall e?,,sabilitySiudy 2.0 Route Identification & Evaluation iW 0 This section describes the route identification process and subsequent evaluation process for 9 p each of the CHAPTER 2 Route Identification potential alternative trail routes identified within the Project Study Area. The information is in & Evaluation provided three key areas of this section. First, a description of the route evaluation criteria is presented. Second, a route evaluation matrix is provided which ranks the feasibility of each trail option. Third, and in support of the summary matrix, an in -depth evaluation of each trail route option is provided, using the evaluation criteria established in this chapter as the basis for evaluation. A. Route Identification This Feasibility- Study presents several trail routing alternatives, or options, within each of the three trail corridor segments. Each potential trail option was identified through field tours, aerial map resources, stakeholder interviews and document research. These trail options were then numbered and mapped, graphically illustrating their location within the Project Study Area to serve as the basis for the route evaluation process. The trail options have been assigned numbers arbitrarily and do not reflect their ranking or prioritization. B. Route Evaluation Criteria One of the first steps in assessing the feasibility of potential trail route alternatives is to carefuliv establish trail route criteria against which all potential trail routes can be evaluated. The evaluation criteria arc based on the spatial requirements of the trail corridor, an understanding of potential funding sources, research of relevant planning documents and permitting requirements, and a baseline assessment of the Arroyo's environmental setting. These criteria have been divided in to four overarching categories; Environmental, Regulatory, Physical and Fiscal. The evaluation criteria described in the following section will be applied to each of the trail segments in order to make a determination as to which trail routes, if any, arc most feasible within the Arroyo Simi corridor. Fach criterion has been assigned a number which correlates to both the route selections summary matrix and the detailed route evaluation. Environmental (1) Environmental impacts — impacts to biological resources, including existing vegetation and slopes, sensitive plant and animal species, aquatic habitats, water quality, jurisdictional wetlands, and riparian habitat areas. Appendix A contains a detailed baseline report of the Arroyo Simi's Biological Resources. Regula_ tore (2) Consistency with existing plans — City of Moorpark General Plan, Management & Restoration Plan for the Arroyo Simi within �Joorpark City f,imits, City of Simi Vaflcy General Plan, City of Simi Valley Bicycle ?Master Plan, Ventura County General Plan, Ventura County Bikeway Plan, Ventura County Regional Trails & Pathways Master Plan Report, Arroyo Simi Preliminary Design Report, Vcnrura County Transportation C--,y of Mcorpirk 2 -2 A, OVOSiml Ifall e?,,sabilitySiudy MOM Commission (VCTC), Ventura County \X- arershcd Protection District, Rancho Simi Recreation & Park District, and other current planning efforts. (3) Adjacent land uses — Proximity to urban land uses such as industrial, commercial, CHAPTER 2 residential, open space, and public facilities. Route Identification & Evaluation (4) Environmental permit requirements — Environmental permits and regulatory approvals from U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USF\K'S), Department of Fish & Game (DFG), Army Corps of Engineers (ACOF.) and the Regional Water Quality Control Board (R\Xr'QCB)1 cment and /or property maintenance /access roads, channels, railroad right -of- Arroyo Simi per the intent of destinations, minimum n into the regional bikeway corridors, noise impacts, pace, public facilities, park of public land, existing ek corridors, flood control provement projects, future redevelopment projects. City of Ndcorpark Arroyo; rti hall =asabih� y oxiy 2-3 (5) Private property impacts - Coordination and eas acquisition. Physical (6) Class I /Multi -use bikeway - Placement within existing utility and access casements, creek corridors, flood control ways, and /or udlity corridors. (7) Direct and consistent route — Proximity of route to the of the Feasibility Study. (8) Commuter value — Sy stem connectivity, maximum number delay, on- street bike lane connections, access and integratio system. (9) Recreational value — Trailheads and staging areas, view odor sources, traffic and road /bikeway conditions, open s and recreational facilities. Fiscal (10) Construction and maintenance costs — Utilization maintenance /access roads, utility and access casements, cre channels, railroad right -of- ways, and /or utility corridors. (11) Near -term construction — In conjunction with capital im road improvement projects, development projects and /or r CHAPTER 2 Route Identification & Evalu C. Route Selection Evaluation Matrix SEGMENT A Option 1 (Shts 1 -3) Option 2 (Sht 1) 0 1 2 1 2 2 0 0 1 1 2 2 2 1 2 2 0 2 2 1 2 2 15 15 Option 3 (Shts 2 -3) Option 4 (Sht 3) 1 2 2 1 1 0 1 2 1 2 2 0 2 0 2 1 1 0 1 2 1 2 15 12 SEGMENT B Option 1 (Sht 4) 2 2 1 2 0 2 2 1 1 0 0 13 Option 2 (Sht 4) 2 1 1 2 1 0 0 1 0 2 2 12 Option 3 (Sht 4) Option 4 (Shts 4 -5) 2 2 0 0 1 0 2 2 2 2 1 2 1 2 1 1 1 0 15 12 Option 5 (Shts 4 -5) Option 6 (Shts 4 -5) M20 0 1 1 2 1 1 2 1 1 0 1 1 1 0 1 2Option 0 9 7 (Shts 4 -5) 1 0 1 2 1 1 1 D 0 10 Option B (Shts 4 -5) Option 9 (Sht 5 -6) 1 2 2 0 1 1 2 2 1 0 0 2 0 0 2 0 1 1 1 1 2 1 12 11 Option 10 (Sht 5) 2 1 1 2 0 2 2 1 2 1 1 15 Option 11 (Shts 5 -6) 2 1 1 2 2 0 0 1 0 2 1 12 Option 12 (Shts 5 -6) 0 1 0 0 1 2 2 2 2 0 0 10 SEGMENT C Option 1 (Sht 6) 2 1 1 2 0 2 0 1 1 1 0 11 Option 2 (Shts 6 -7) 2 1 1 2 2 0 1 1 1 2 1 14 Option 3 (Sht 6) 1 0 1 1 1 2 1 1 0 1 1 10 Option 4 (Sht 6) 0 2 0 0 1 2 2 2 2 0 0 11 Option 5 (Shls 6 -7) 1 2 1 1 0 2 2 2 2 1 1 15 LEGEND 0 = Low /Poor 1 = Moderate 2 = High /Good Gl, c. a ;loorpar< 2 -4 �rruyo Simi I.�II ��= asanlur, �iur Table 1: Selection ( "valuation - Ntatrix D. Route Evaluation The following section provides an in -depth evaluation of each alternative trail option against the criteria established in this chapter. The evaluation presents a key map, brief trail option description, and detailed listing of trail option attributes relative to the evaluation criteria. Segment A This segment (see Figure 5 below), includes the improved portion of the Arroyo Simi Creek Corridor that extends from the Peach Hill Wash confluence near Hitch Boulevard, east to the limits of the existing channel improvements at the rail crossing north of Science Drive (see Figure 4, Arroyo Simi Corridor Trial Segment Flap in Chapter 1 for trail segment detail). t r.. Figure 5: Route (valuation Segment A The following alternative route options have been identified in Segment A and are illustrated, along with their associated opportunities and constraints, on the proceeding route evaluation maps, Figures 6-8: • Option 1 A • Option 2A • Option 3A • Option 4A Detailed evaluations of each trail route option is presented following the route evaluation maps. CHAPTER 2 Route Identification & Evaluation C iy of Moo, park Arroyo Simi $rail IFeuahiliiy')iudy 2 -5 CHAPTER 2 Route Identification & Evaluation C -y ;f vioorpari< 2-6 Auoyo Sirni -.rail F °asabili�y S'tuay tionally left blank t. figure G: Routc Evahlation Jtap Scfnnent A, Shea 1 /e Ma Air A l" ” L View alon8existin8ArroyoSimi maintenance road to the wetlands mitigation area provides opixlrhmity for natureviowin8 I `l. View from existin8maintenance road into the Wei lands mitigation enhancement area J. *Theexislin8unpavedmaintenance road aion8 the Arroyo Simi provides an excellent opportrmity fora }with SCAL N 1 Route Evaluation Segment A, Sheet l alp 11 r,a,.::•1;.:,1 L—,.q (11— RI Cap•,.:. ea.. .. _> R,.,...: C.,...,.,..,, —T—d T-1 Rm— 0"h ..::1 T —. Ha.e,. T•.,:I R.:,.,, 01..x:,:7 H.,.4 - 0,,,,::..8 • Lai R., :.- Cl1,w..0 .�•. L.,J It -- 01.. ..10 - T.,.J ?,—,, 0.m,, U •.I •. 111-H....,.- 01..:,17 r,. r.,.:.,,.J R,.J6, ^ L.I,II:vi 15...1, Jr„ d.......1S. Jn .... D-: Si—. L.J IIwJ./ R... A -,.ei 4ag „J haHlw, Co:n.oaad Q�.,,:g hL..,II,:9ra,kaadR:a xING Iia:l,,..,i CtlNal,+t' L... -,n: ,.•1. RING Rali..nd ?I Ph..:;, I.—.— —d D.-.— P,•a.1.,�K.Jeaai T.aJ ” L View alon8existin8ArroyoSimi maintenance road to the wetlands mitigation area provides opixlrhmity for natureviowin8 I `l. View from existin8maintenance road into the Wei lands mitigation enhancement area J. *Theexislin8unpavedmaintenance road aion8 the Arroyo Simi provides an excellent opportrmity fora }with SCAL N 1 Route Evaluation Segment A, Sheet l alp 11 r,a,.::•1;.:,1 ... -'t•�; Figurc 8: Roucc Eviluation Map - Scginctit A, Shcct 3 ...... > . . .... P111.1'. 0, to T­ P,- 0.1 12 C. I N Yt,,4,, P-1. ­j R,- X-NG T, q 91 1 CI-11 ji(-I)f A 6 Vie- alonalcvmroadluwoydibe Spring Rut,JB,id6c which h­1 ,,n —diliod loran ".8- _zir,& 7. Vi­jn(uA,,".5lmfom Note 16 e a&4-1 e ve, I icaj c I­W', (u J — L-1 up an under cF­i n& Q r� 9. The ­,Sst'.116 rr,i6ondhrise ,quiws Route EvalUdti011 Segment A,Sbeet3 Al, Y, This page intentionally left blank i CHAPTFR 2 Route Identification Evaluation C.ty of tifoorpark U iA' l ER 2 Route Identification & Evaluation 2-11 Option 1 A - Yellow This option runs along the north side of the Arroyo Simi primarily along the existing levee roadway. It extends from Hitch Boulevard cast to the existing railroad bridge north of Science Drive. This option utilizes an existing; bridge under crossing at Spring Road as well as three proposed bridge under crossings at Tierra Rcjada, New Los Angeles Avenue and the intersection of the Arroyo Simi and SCRRA railroad. (See M.ap Sheets 1 through 3). Facility Class Length: Jurisdiction: I 21,787 linear feet County of Ventura City of Nfoorpark Ni`cntura County Watershed Protection District Southern California Regional Rail Authority (SCRRA) Caltrans Route Evaluation Criteria: (1) Potential to minimize and /or avoid environmental impacts • Utilizes existing graded Arroyo Simi levee roadway. • Requires bridge under crossing construction within creek corridor at Tierra Rejada, New Los Angeles Avenue, and the existing railroad crossing; south of New Los Angeles Ay,enuc. (2) Potential to maximize consistency with existing plans • Option runs adjacent to Arroyo Simi. • Consistent with the City of Moorpark General Plan. • Consistent with the Management & Restoration Plan for the Arroyo Simi within Moorpark City Limits. • Consistent with the Ventura County General Plan. • Consistent with the Ventura County Regional Trails & Pathways Master Plan Report. • Consistent with the arroyo Simi Preliminary Design Report. (3) Potential for compatibility with adjacent land uses • Wetlands 1litigation l?nhancement Area buffers trail from adjacent land uses. (4) Potential number of environmental permits required • Army Corps of I ngincers • Department of Fish & Game • C.S. Fish & Wildlife Scrvice • Regional Water Quality Control Board C, (I/ of Moorpar� = ,r!oyo Simi ; r,�il ; e�sar.i;ity S«�;iy (5) Potential to minimize impacts to private property • Requires coordination and easement acquisition with Ventura County Watershcd Protection District, SCRRA, and the County of Ventura. (6) Potential to maintain a consistent Class I /Multi -use bikeway • Class 1 facility on Arroyo Simi levee roadway. (7) Potential for direct and consistent route • Option runs adjacent to Arroyo Simi. (8) Potential to maximize commuter value • Potential connections to Downtown :Moorpark and 'Moorpark High School. • Option requires a controlled crossing; at the entrance to Glenwood Park on Tierra Rejada. (I) Potential to maximize recreational value • Class I. facility runs adjacent to Arroyo Simi. • Potential connection to Arroyo Vista Community Park and Recreation Center via an existing bridge at Leta Yancy and Glenwood Park. • Northern road of existing Wetlands Mitigation Enhancement Area provides additional path and /or overlook area (See Map Sheet 1). • Channel modifications and wetlands enhancements proposed from Leta Yancy west to Spring Road (See Map Sheets 2 and 31. • Potential Trail Head /Staging Facility areas at Hitch Boulevard, Moorpark Avenue, and west of existing %Vctlands Enhancement Area (Sec Nlap Sheet 1). (10) Potential to minimize construction and maintenance costs • Utilizes existing graded Arroyo Simi levee roadway. • Requires bridge under crossing construction within creek corridor at Tierra Rcjada, New Los Angeles Avenue, and the existing railroad crossing. • Construction could be coordinated with future channel modifications and wetlands mitigation enhancements extending from Leta Yancy west to Spring Road (Sec Map Sheets 2 and 31). • Existing bridge at Tierra Rcjada requires significant modifications to accommodate under crossing. Existing ramps could allow for a Class 11 connection with a safe controlled crossing near Glenwood Park. Class II connection could be utilized until the bridge underpass improvements arc completed (See Tvlap Sheet 2). • Spring Road underpass is already constructed, and just needs to be cleaned out when Ventura County Watershed Protection District does future improvements. (11) Potential for near -term construction • Construction could be coordinated with future channel modifications and wetlands enhancements extending from Lcta Yancy west to Spring Road (Sec Map Sheets 2 and 3). Option 1 could be temporarily constructed in this area with minimum path requirements until the wetlands mitigation enhancement project is complete and Option 3 could be built as the permanent path (See :''fap Sheets 2 and 3). • Requires coordination with SCRRA — Metro Link for under crossing improvements. • Potential to coordinate under crossing with proposed SCRRA railroad trestle improvements. Route Identification & Evaluation City cf �Vioor.park arroyo Simi 1 li re: sabii,ty :utiY 2 -12 n i Option 2A - Rcd 'Phis option crosses the /Arroyo Simi via a proposed bridge at the western edge of the existing Wetlands Fnhancement Area and CHAPTER 2 runs south along the east side of the existing Route Identification & Peach llill Wash levee to the limits of the Evaluation 1 2 -13 existing Class I and II bikeway connections at Countrywood Drive (See Map Sheet 1). Facility Class: I Length: 3,178 linear feet Jurisdiction: County of Ventura City of Moorpark Ventura County Watershed Protection District Route Evaluation Criteria: (1) Potential to minimize and /or avoid environmental impacts • Utilizes existing graded Peach Hill Wash levee roadway. • Requires bridge construction over Arroyo Simi. I • (r e wires gal+ 1� i (2) Potential to maximize consistency with existing plans • Option runs adjacent to Peach Hill Wash. • Potential connection to the City -'s Class I and II facilities to the south. • Consistent with the Cit )- of Moorpark Gcneral Plan. • Consistent with the Management and Restoration Plan for the Arroyo Simi within Moorpark City Limits. • Consistent with the Ventura County General Plan. (3) Potential for compatibility with adjacent land uses • Potential connection to the City's Class I and 11 facility to the south. • Provides north /south connection across Arroyo Simi. • Open Spacc buffers trail from adjacent residential land uses. (4) Potential number of environmental permits required • Army Corps of Engineers • Department of Fish & Game • L.S. Fish & Wildlife Service • Regional Water Quality Control Board (5) Potential to minimize impacts to private property • Requires coordination and easement acquisition with Ventura County Watershed Protection District and the County of Ventura. (6) Potential to maintain a consistent Class I /Multi -use bikeway — • Class I facility on Peach Hill Wash levee roadway. • Potential to connect Arroyo Simi trail to existing Class 1 City bikeway. of Nlcoroar4 A,rovo [rail, - easaniiiry Scuoy Option 2A - Rcd 'Phis option crosses the /Arroyo Simi via a proposed bridge at the western edge of the existing Wetlands Fnhancement Area and CHAPTER 2 runs south along the east side of the existing Route Identification & Peach llill Wash levee to the limits of the Evaluation 1 2 -13 existing Class I and II bikeway connections at Countrywood Drive (See Map Sheet 1). Facility Class: I Length: 3,178 linear feet Jurisdiction: County of Ventura City of Moorpark Ventura County Watershed Protection District Route Evaluation Criteria: (1) Potential to minimize and /or avoid environmental impacts • Utilizes existing graded Peach Hill Wash levee roadway. • Requires bridge construction over Arroyo Simi. I • (r e wires gal+ 1� i (2) Potential to maximize consistency with existing plans • Option runs adjacent to Peach Hill Wash. • Potential connection to the City -'s Class I and II facilities to the south. • Consistent with the Cit )- of Moorpark Gcneral Plan. • Consistent with the Management and Restoration Plan for the Arroyo Simi within Moorpark City Limits. • Consistent with the Ventura County General Plan. (3) Potential for compatibility with adjacent land uses • Potential connection to the City's Class I and 11 facility to the south. • Provides north /south connection across Arroyo Simi. • Open Spacc buffers trail from adjacent residential land uses. (4) Potential number of environmental permits required • Army Corps of Engineers • Department of Fish & Game • L.S. Fish & Wildlife Service • Regional Water Quality Control Board (5) Potential to minimize impacts to private property • Requires coordination and easement acquisition with Ventura County Watershed Protection District and the County of Ventura. (6) Potential to maintain a consistent Class I /Multi -use bikeway — • Class I facility on Peach Hill Wash levee roadway. • Potential to connect Arroyo Simi trail to existing Class 1 City bikeway. of Nlcoroar4 A,rovo [rail, - easaniiiry Scuoy (7) Potential for direct and consistent route • Option runs adjacent to Peach Hill Wash. (8) Potential to maximize commuter value • Potential connection to the City's Class I and II facilities to the south. (9) Potential to maximize recreational value • Class I facility runs adjacent to Peach Hill Wash. (10)Potential to minimize construction and maintenance costs • Utilizes existing graded Peach Hill NX,'ash levee roadway. • Requires bridge construction over Arroyo Simi. (11) Potential for near -term construction • Utilizes existing graded Pcach Hill Wash levee roadway. City &.Vooraark Arroyo Sim! lr.:it Si icy Route Identification & Evaluation 2 -14 tr - .m CHAPTER 2 Route Identification & Evaluation V }; Option 3;\ — Oran This option runs along the north side of the Proposed \X- 'etlands Mitigation Enhancement Area extending from Leta Yancy cast to Spring Road (See \-lap Sheets 2 and 3). Facility Class: 1 Length: 4,372 linear feet Jurisdiction: City of :Moorpark Ventura County Watershed Protection District Route Evaluation Criteria: (1) Potential to minimize and /or avoid environmental impacts • Construction could be coordinated with channel modifications that include a levee roadway and wetlands enhancements. (2) Potential to maximize consistency with existing plans • Option runs north of Arroyo Simi adjacent to proposed wetlands enhancement area. • Consistent with the City of 'Moorpark General Plan. • Consistent with the Ventura County General Plan. • 'Ventura County Regional Trails & Pathways Master Plan Report • Consistent with the Management and Restoration Plan for the r\rroyo Simi within Moorpark City Limits. • Consistent with the ,arroyo Simi Preliminary Design Report. (3) Potential for compatibility with adjacent land uses • Proposed Wetlands Enhancement Area will buffer the trail to the south. • Residential uses currently occur north of trail. (4) Potential number of environmental permits required • If channel modifications arc part of the pathway construction process, permits from all four agencies will be necessam • If channel modification is already planned and permitted, no further permits will be needed for path use along existing levee roads. (5) Potential to minimize impacts to private property • Requires coordination and easement acquisition with Ventura County Watershed Protection District. (6) Potential to maintain a consistent Class I /Multi -use bikeway • Class 1 facility along the north side of the proposed wetlands enhancement area. (7) Potential for direct and consistent route Cit j cf :v!ccr;: ari< 2-15 - .r;oyo S;roi �i:�ilrr- :�sabclty �iUay • Option runs north of Arroyo Simi adjacent to proposed wetlands enhancement area. (8) Potential to maximize commuter value • Potential connection to Downtown Moorpark at Leta Yancy and Moorpark Avenue. • Potential connection to - Moorpark High School via an existing bridge at Lcta Yancy. (9) Potential to maximize recreational value • Proposed wetlands enhancement area provides vista area. • Potential Trail Hcad /Staging Facility with overlook area at Moorpark Avenue. • Potential connection to Arroyo Vista Community Park and Recreation Center via an existing bridge at beta Yancy. (10) Potential to minimize construction and maintenance costs • Construction cotild be coordinated with channel modifications that include a levee roadway and wetlands enhancements extending from Leta Yancy east to Spring Road (Sec Nlap Sheets 2 and 3). Option 1 could be temporarily constructed in this area with minimum path requirements until the wetlands enhancement project is complete and Option 3 could be built as the permanent path (See tilap Sheets 2 and 3). • Ventura County Watershed Protection District could coordinate easement and property acquisition with wetlands enhancement. (11) Potential for near -term construction • Trail construction could be coordinated with future channel modifications and wetlands enhancements. Option 1 could be temporarily constructed in this area with minimum path requirements until the wetlands enhancement project is complete and Option 3 could be built as the permanent path (See Map Sheets 2 and 3). Route Identification &< Evaluation I -Ity of ib1oorpar:< Arroyo Simi I: iii r- usability 2_16 CHAPTER 2 Route Identification & Evaluation 2-17 (Option 4A - \-Iagenta This option begins at the intersection of Spring Road and New Los Angeles avenue, where it continues north on Spring Road to the intersection of lust Los Angeles Avenue. The option then continues east along fast Los Angeles Avenue to connect with Option 213. (See Map Sheet 3). Facility Class: 11 Length: 5,230 linear feet Jurisdiction: City of Moorpark Caltrans 1 1 ............. TY f M Route Evaluation Criteria: (1) Potential to minimize and /or avoid J� environmental impacts,- • Utilizes existing streets. - • Eliminates bridge under crossing - - - - -- - improvements on New Los Angeles Avenue and the railroad bridge on the Arroyo Simi required for Option 1A. (2) Potential to maximize consistency with existing plans • Spring Road widening anticipated July 2004 includes Class I1 bike lanes. • Proposed East Los Angeles Avenue widening includes Class 11 bike lanes. • Consistent with the Cit<- of Moorpark General Plan. • Consistent with the Ventura County General Plan. (3) Potential for compatibility with adjacent land uses • Potential conflicts with urban uses /streets. • Connection to an existing Class I.11 facility on Science Drive. (4) Potential number of environmental permits required • \one (5) Potential to minimize impacts to private property • Impacts existing streets. • None (6) Potential to maintain a consistent Class I /Multi -use bikeway • Class 11 facility on Spring Road. (7) Potential for direct and consistent route • Deviates from desired Arroyo Simi route. (8) Potential to maximize commuter value • Potential connection to Downtown Moorpark. • Potential connection to an existing Class III. facility on Science Drive. Ory of Moorpk", irroy Sim! ,ail ; easacility Siudy (9) Potential to maximize recreational value • Potential conflicts with urban uscsfstrects. (10) Potential to minimize construction and maintenance costs • Utilizes existing streets. • Spring Road widening anticipated July 2004 includes Class II bike lanes. • Proposed Fast Los Angeles Avenue widening includes Class If bike lanes. • I.1iminates bridge under crossing improvements on New Los Angeles Avenue and the railroad bridge on the Arroyo Simi (Option 1). (11) Potential for near -term construction • Spring Road widening anticipated July 2004 includes Class II bike lanes. • Proposed Fast Los Angeles Avenue widening includes Class I1 bike lanes. • Eliminates bridge under crossing improvements on New Los Angeles Avenue and the railroad bridge on the Arroyo Simi required for Option I.A. :ty of!✓lccroar< arroyo Sim; i ,i!! -eas ;bd!ty 5Zu<l, Route identification & Evaluation 2 -18 w HAPTER 2 Route Identification & Evaluation egment — B- C ;ty ::f Adcorpark 2.19 Arroyo irni bail = asablMy S•ucy This page intentionally left blank Segment B This segment (See Figure 9 Below) includes the unimproved portion of the Arroyo Simi Creek Corridor that extends from the rail crossing north of Science Drive, cast to the Moorpark Cin- Limits just southwest of Oak Park. This segment also includes the northern area of the City of Moorpark that extends south from Campus Park Drive, and west from College Heights Drive cast to Campus Road, see Figure 4., Arroyo Simi Corridor Trail Scgmcnt Map in Chapter 1.0 for segment trail details. r w - -.`E B Figure 9: Route FIvaluation Segment B The following alternative route options have been identified in Scfnnent B and are illustrated, along with their associated opportunities and constraints, on the proceeding route evaluation maps, Figures 10 and 11: • Option 1 B • Option 2B • Option 3B • Option 4B • Option 5B • Option 6B • Option 7B • Option 8B • Option 9B • Option 10B • Option 11 B • Option 12B Detailed evaluations of each trail route options is presented following the route evaluation maps. Route Identification 8: Evaluation Segment B Ciy of Adcorpar:< Arroyo Simi : rail ' -e sabiiiiy S Udy 2-20 CHAPTER 2 Route Identification & Evaluation B z of Mcoioaf''c „ cyo Simi ad aa0111ty study 2 -2� This pagc inten6onaUy left blank Figure 10: Route Evaluation Nlap - Segment B, Slicet 4 10. Vjc— alon6 Ezt5t L. /U6,4es AV(?L—tOWafd 116hwayll8Bticil8o .e 11. PTivote parcel ii�jacont to t6 Arroyo Simi *so 3, 'I}reesistin8lcveerxulprov ]e an oppo,ttofl 6) for a Cle- I l.cilihi Bri ye loo Narrow q ------ > 13. Tbeexmin6 SC'IaAnilnxia ffor a Argel On T,- K 10, .)-tlwm) �;FlllplffC SCALL P6.f—% --- r 1-1 K Evaluation Route Evc Se6nient B, Sh(--.ct 4 I-j It—, -0,,-7 T-, F—,. 0,,!­8 I T—K-- Upw-0 ­— N.. L --1. Ph,,: Pij, 1' ,,,,.nod P-,, . S,n, - -,-d I -I l.d I i—J/ T XIN3 _j Rl-!-l-J(---- 16 4h—.) T—I 10. Vjc— alon6 Ezt5t L. /U6,4es AV(?L—tOWafd 116hwayll8Bticil8o .e 11. PTivote parcel ii�jacont to t6 Arroyo Simi *so 3, 'I}reesistin8lcveerxulprov ]e an oppo,ttofl 6) for a Cle- I l.cilihi Bri ye loo Narrow q 13. Tbeexmin6 SC'IaAnilnxia ffor a Argel On 10, .)-tlwm) �;FlllplffC SCALL P6.f—% --- r Evaluation Route Evc Se6nient B, Sh(--.ct 4 A.,.,,, 1m: I-,: I STAY gurc 11: Route Exaluation Nlap - ScgTricnt B, Shcet 5 !Z,.k C1 +,,.,6 7 V r2 I-W J•d, C N t�. Lj C"_" k R_ Af 'd 0 1 .' . , ,, 1'. XIS E R. XING O-W F912 14. E.istm6 paved road wov O,, nn opporlunihl I.T I Inibl­) near the mobile honsepark 16. E.wi.8 t ... e1 rotder the 118 e11 L'­t IM 11 f—ill [1), .1.1 p11­iC6 Iby 17. SCRRA railroad ,.(,bt-,A­,j could servca bal—od- ­d and Q.. I path umiuteuaucc Sr Route EVdlUrati011 Segment B, Sheet 5 egmen 2-23 This page inwntionally, left blank Anroyo SIMi hraii w CHAPTER 2 Route Identification & Evaluation Segment B 2-24 --HAPTER 2 Route !dentification & _valuation Segment B 2 -25 Option 1 B - Yellow This option runs along the north side of the arroyo Simi from the existing railroad bridge north of Science Drive to Avenida Colonia (Class 1). The western portion follows an existing Caltrans maintenance road and continues cast running along southern property lines and the Arroyo Simi (Class I) to the alley off Averaida Colonia and then south on Avenida Colonia to the railroad (Class III, See flap Sheet 4). Facility Class: I & III Length: 3,175 linear feet Jurisdiction: City of :Moorpark Ventura County Watershed Protection District Caltrans Route Evaluation Criteria: (1) Potential to minimize and /or avoid - - - - - environmental impacts • Utilizes existing Caltrans maintenance road, an alley, and streets. (2) Potential to maximize consistency with existing plans • Portion of option runs adjacent to arroyo Simi. • Consistent with the City of Moorpark General Plan. • Consistent with the Ventura County General Plan. • Consistent with the Ventura County Regional Trails & Pathways \faster Plan Report. • Consistent with the 'Ianagemcnt. and Restoration Plan for the Arroyo Simi within Moorpark City Limits. • Consistent with the Arroyo Simi Preliminary Design Report. (3) Potential for compatibility with adjacent land uses • Potential conflicts with urban/ industrial land uses. (4) Potential number of environmental permits required • None (5) Potential to minimize impacts to private property • Requires coordination and casement acquisition with Caltrans and Ventura County \Vatershed Protection District. • Requires coordination and casement and / or property acquisition with private landowners. • Tentative agreement with Caltrans on a shared use of maintenance roads. (6) Potential to maintain a consistent Class I /Multi -use bikeway • Majority of trail is a Class I facility on existing Caltrans maintenance road. or"9corpar< Arro,io Simi i ail r9asand]0,1 • Class III facility on existing streets and alley. (7) Potential for direct and consistent route • Majority of option runs adjacent to Arroyo Simi. • Deviates temporarily from desired Arroyo Simi route. (8) Potential to maximize commuter value • Option is a direct pathway with a minimum number of delays. (9) Potential to maximize recreational value • Potential conflicts with urban/ industrial land uses. • Class I facility runs on existing Caltrans maintenance road and adjacent to the Arroyo Simi. (10)Potential to minimize construction and maintenance costs • Construct on existing Caltrans maintenance road. • Requires coordination and casement and/ or property acquisition with private land owners. • Construction could be coordinated with future channel modifications. (11) Potential for near -term construction • Construction could be coordinated with future channel modifications and wetlands enhancements. • Requires coordination and easement and / or property- acquisition with private landowners, Ventura County Watershed Protection District, and Caltrans. _:ty of ylcoroar!< Arroyo S mi '.... . ea.sabilicy S�udv Route Identification & Evaluation Segment B 2 -26 11M1 `o - 2 :HAPTER 2 Route Identification & Evaluation egment -B 2 -27 Oration 2B - Red This option runs north along an existing Caltrans maintenance road (Class 1) to Fast ' Los Angeles Avenue (Class II) where it heads ' east to Condor Drive (See ` "lap Sheet 4). Facility Class: I & 11 Length: 3,710 linear feet Jurisdiction: City of Moorpark Caltrans Route Evaluation Criteria: (1) Potential to minimize and /or avoid environmental impacts • Utilizes existing Caltrans maintenance road and existing streets. M t 4 Sheet 5 B l^ (2) Potential to maximize consistency with existing plans i �- h • Proposed Fast Los Angeles Avenue widening includes Class H bike '! lanes. • Consistent with the City of `loorpark General Plan. • Consistent with the Ventura County General Plan. (3) Potential for compatibility with adjacent land uses • Potential conflicts with urban /industrial uses. (4) Potential number of environmental permits required • None RAM (5) Potential to minimize impacts to private property • Requires coordination and casement acquisition with Caltrans. • Tentative agreement with Caltrans on a shared use of maintenance roads (6) Potential to maintain a consistent Class I /Multi -use bikeway • Majority of trail is a Class 11 facility on Last Los Angeles Avenue. • Class I facility on existing Caltrans maintenance road. (7) Potential for direct and consistent route • Deviates from desired Arroyo Simi route. u"V l_J a (8) Potential to maximize commuter value • Potential connection to Moorpark Community High School. • Option requires a controlled crossing at the intersection of the Caltrans maintenance road and Fast Los Angeles Avenue. (9) Potential to maximize recreational value c� of Vocrpac< �c:oyo Sim; aii asahiiit i Sudy • Potential connection to Virginia Colony Park. W • Potential conflicts with urban uses /streets. • Portion of trail is a Class I facility- on existing Caltrans maintcnancc road. CHAPTER 2 (10) Potential to minimize construction and maintenance costs Route Identification & • Proposed 1: ast L.os Angeles Avcnue widening includes Class Il bike lanes. Evaluation • Utilizes existing graded Caltrans maintenance road. (11) Potential for near -term construction • Proposed Fast Los Angeles Avenue widening includes Class H bike lanes. Segment B �,ry of �ilcc�� ark A mvo Simi ,rii - zasahiliiy SHAY 2 -28 HAPTER 2 Route Identification & valuation egmen -B Option 3B - Orange This option crosses under the existing railroad bridge south of Avenida Colonia, runs cast along an existing dirt road and connects to the railroad crossing at the southern terminus of Princeton Avenue (See Map Sheet 4). Facility Class: i Length: 1,211 linear feet Jurisdiction: City of Moorpark Ventura County Watershed Protection District Southern California Regional Rail Authority (SCRRA) Route Evaluation Criteria: (1) Potential to minimize and /or avoid �_ .r.�_'� environmental impacts • Utilizes an existing dirt road. L . --- -.._.1 _.- • Requires modification of existing railroad bridge under crossing (2) Potential to maximize consistency with existing plans • Option ruffs close to Arroyo Simi. • Option utilizes City- owned property. • Consistent with the Cite of Moorpark General Plan. • Consistent with the Ventura County General Plan. • Consistent with the Vcntura County Regional Trails & Pathways Master Plan Report. • Consistent with the N'lanagement and Restoration Plan for the Arroyo Simi within .Moorpark City Limits. • Consistent with the Arroyo Simi Preliminary Design Report. (3) Potential for compatibility with adjacent land uses • Utilizes City land designated as Open Space. (4) Potential number of environmental permits required • army Corps of Hngincers • Department of Fish & Game • U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service • Regional %Water Quality Control Board (5) Potential to minimize impacts to private property • Requires coordination and casement acquisition with Ventura County kxatershed Protection District and Southern California Regional Rail Authority (SCRR.A). • Majority of trail is on City owned public property. Gt., ;:f Moog park 2 -29 ^,yo Simi al sab! :i,,, iuuy (6) Potential to maintain a consistent Class I /Multi -use bikeway • Class 1 facility on existing dirt road. (7) Potential for direct and consistent route • Option runs close to Arroyo Simi. (8) Potential to maximize commuter value • Potential connection to Moorpark Community High School. (9) Potential to maximize recreational value • Potential connection Virginia Colony Park. • Potential trailhead /staging facility on City owned property south of Avenida Colonia. • Class 1 facility on existing dirt road. (10)Potential to minimize construction and maintenance costs • Class I facility on existing dirt road. • Requires modification of existing railroad bridge under crossing. • Potential to coordinate under crossing with proposed SCIM,' railroad trestle improvements. (11) Potential for near -term construction • Requires modification of existing railroad bridge under crossing. • Construction could be coordinated with future channel modifications. • Requires coordination with SCRRA 'Metro link for under crossing improvements. e Potential to coordinate under crossing with proposed SCRRA railroad trestle improvements. • Option utilizes City- owned property. C.ty of vlcorpar< A ,o Sirni fra- l'- pasabdity S,udv Route Identification & Evaluation Segment B 2 -30 Route Identification & Evaluation Option 4 B- Magenta This option begins where the City Limit Line intersects the southern terminus of Princeton Avenue, south of the existing at grade railroad crossing. The option heads cast crossing the ;lrroyo Simi via a proposed bridge, follows the City Limits Line to an existing dirt road on private property in the County of Ventura. The option continues cast running south of the existing )X "ctlancis hnhancernent Area and railroad, until it crosses the Arroyo Simi via a proposed bridge and connects with the Villa del Arroyo Mobile Home Part: (Sec Nlap Sheets 4 and S). Facility Class: I Length: 7,712 linear feet Jurisdiction: City of Moorpark County of Ventura Ventura County Watershed Protection District Route Evaluation Criteria: (1) Potential to minimize and /or avoid environmental impacts • Utilizes an existing dirt road. • Requires construction of two bridges over the Arroyo Simi. (2) Potential to maximize consistency with existing plans • Consistent with the Citv of Moorpark General Plan. • Consistent with the Ventura County General Plan. • Consistent with the _N[anagement and Restoration Plan for the Arroyo Simi within Moorpark City Limits. (3) Potential for compatibility with adjacent land uses • Option is located on privately owned property currently zoned as open space. (4) Potential number of environmental permits required • Army Corps of Fnginccrs • Department of Fish & Game • U.S. Fish & Wildlifc Service • Regional W'atcr Quality Control Board (5) Potential to minimize impacts to private property -Segment • Requires coordination and casement acquisition with Ventura County Watershed Protection District, Ventura County and private property owners. g (6) Potential to maintain a consistent Class I /Multi -use bikeway • Class 1 facility south of the Arroyo Simi. c'y of V!ocrpar< 2 -31 oyo >imi I rid .. auabiGCy Smv y (7) Potential for direct and consistent route • Class I facility south of the Arroyo Simi. (8) Potential to maximize commuter value • Requires connection to Option 10B south of the Villa del Arroyo Mobile Home Park. • Potential connection to existing Wetlands Enhancement urea. (9) Potential to maximize recreational value • Potential Trail Head /Staging Facility southeast of the existing Wetlands Enhancement Area. • Class T. facility south of the Arroyo Simi on open space parcel. • Option provides additional access, path and /or overlook area to the existing Wetlands Enhancement Area. (10) Potential to minimize construction and maintenance costs • Rcquires construction of two bridges over the Arroyo Simi. • Construction could be coordinated with future channel modifications. • Potential for a shared use agreement with City and County along with Ventura County \Vatershed Protection District for a combination of pathway and maintenance road. • Rcquires property and / or casement acquisition with private property owners. (11) Potential for near -term construction • Requires construction of two bridges. • Rcquires coordination and casement acquisition with County of Vcntura and private property owners. C!;y of bicor ?ark Arroyo Sim, `wt dy lIMI r CHAPTER 2 Route Identif;cation & Evaluation Segment B 2 -32 w� -HAPTER 2 route ldenti5cation & - valuation Segment B 2 -33 Option 5B — purple This option begins at the existing railroad bridge south of Avenida Colonia and runs cast along the north side of the existing railroad. It crosses the Arroyo Simi via a bridge proposed east of Virginia Colony Park and again north of the \Wetlands Enhancement Area. The option terminates at the existing at -grade railroad crossing northwest of the Villa del Arroyo Mobile Home Park. (Sec %tap Sheets 4 and 5). Facility Class Length: 6,977 linear feet Jurisdiction: City of Moorpark Southern California Regional Rail. Authority (SCRRA) Route Evaluation Criteria: (1) Potential to minimize and /or avoid environmental impacts • Utilizes existing roadway along the SCRRA — Metro Link. • Requires construction of two parallel bridge structures over the Arroyo Simi. • Existing railroad suffers seasonal flooding. (Z) Potential to maximize consistency with existing plans • Deviates from desired Arroyo Simi route. • Consistent with the Ventura County Clcneral Plan. (3) Potential for compatibility with adjacent land uses • Potential conflicts with railroad operations. • Potential conflicts with railroad right of way. (4) Potential number of environmental permits required • If impacts to jurisdictional areas are required as part of the bikeway bridge construction process, permits from all four agencies will be necessary. • If bridge construction is already planned and permitted as part of proposed railroad improvements, or if the pathway can be placed on an existing bridge out of jurisdiction, no further permits will be needed for path use. (5) Potential to minimize impacts to private property • Requires lengthy coordination and easement acquisition process with SCRRA — 'VIctro Link. (6) Potential to maintain a consistent Class I /Multi -use bikeway • Class 1 facility along existing SCRRA — 1V'letro link. City -)f "Acoroar< Ar:oyo Irail = �nsa'_IWY �ttidy • Option utilizes the "Rails- with - Trails" concept. (7) Potential for direct and consistent route • Deviates from desired Arroyo Simi route. (8) Potential to maximize commuter value • Potential connections to on- street bike lanes at existing at grade railroad crossings. (9) Potential to maximize recreational value • Class I facility along existing SCRRA -Metro link. (10)Potential to minimize construction and maintenance costs • Uti.lizes existing roadway along the SCRRA - Metro Lnk. • Requires construction of two parallel bridge structures. (11) Potential for near -term construction • potentially conflicts with railroad future expansion plans. • Requires construction of two parallel bridge structures. • Requires coordination with SCRRA - Metro Link , - ;ty of, \- tccraar.k Arroyo SIm! ,A easabilliy Yucy Route Identification & Evaluation egment 2 -34 I�RROYO SIMI TRl�ll t `l CHAPTER 2 Route Identification & Evaluation Segment -B 2 -35 Option 6B — Grccn This option begins where Princeton Avenue intersects with an existing Caltrans maintenance road north of the 118 Freeway. The option follows the maintenance road cast to Collins Drive, then heads north to Campus Park Drive (Class I) and follows Campus Park Drive cast to Paul Griffin Park (Class 11). It continues south along College View Avenue to its terminus (Class IM where it follows another Caltrans Maintenance Road east to an existing drainage easement (Class I, Sec 'flap Sheets 4 and S). Facility Class: 1, II & II1 Length: 7,502 linear feet Jurisdiction: City of 'Moorpark Caltrans Route Evaluation Criteria: 1 Potential to minimize and/or avoid environmental impacts • Utilizes existing Caltrans maintenance road, existing drainage easement and existing streets. (2) Potential to maximize consistency with existing plans • Deviates from desired Arroyo Simi route. • Consistent with the Ventura County General Plan. (3) Potential for compatibility with adjacent land uses • Potential conflicts with urban uses /streets. (4) Potential number of environmental permits required • Nonc (5) Potential to minimize impacts to private property • Requires coordination and casement acquisition with Caltrans. • Tentative agreement with Caltrans on a shared use of maintenance roads. (6) Potential to maintain a consistent Class I /Mull -use bikeway • Majority of trail is a Class I facility on existing Caltrans maintenance roads. • Class Ii and III facilities on existing roads. (7) Potential for direct and consistent route • Deviates from desired Arroyo Simi routs. (8) Potential to maximize commuter value • Option requires a controlled crossing at the intersection of the Caltrans maintenance road .:y of Viccrpark . , Sirr.i rai -=asa ility Mary and Princeton Avenue. • Option is a direct pathway with a minimum number of delays, and connections to on- street bike lanes. (9) Potential to maximize recreational value • Potential connection to Paul Griffin Park. • Class I1 and 111 facilities on existing roads. • Majority of trail is a Class 1 facility on existing Caltrans maintenance roads adjacent to the 118 Freeway. (10) Potential to minimize construction and maintenance costs • Utilizes existing Caltrans maintenance roads. • Utilizes Class 11 and III facilities on existing roads. (11) Potential for near -term construction • Requires coordination and casement acquisition with Caltrans. • Utilizes Class 11 and Ill facilities on existing roads. ct, of v ocr,oar< Arioyo Sin), Sul -�asabiidy tuU ; Route Identification & Evaluation -Segment B 2 -36 rX14ROAlY&TIM I I loute Identification & valuation O ,13 h ptlon i - C, artreuse This option begins at the intersection of the City Limit Linc and the Arroyo Simi. The option crosses the City limits Line and follows the Arroyo Simi north intersecting with the railroad east of Condor I)ri),,c at a proposed bridge under crossing. It crosses under the railroad tracks and follows the existing Arroyo Simi levee roadway to the 118 Freeway. The option runs east along the Freeway and across steep terrain requiring construction of a pier - supported deck structure to an existing maintenance road south of Collins Drive. The option continues along the maintenance road to the existing ailroad crossing northwest of Villa g g del Arroyo Mobile home Park (See Nlap Sheets 4 and S). I� - _.1 SlrGd�ffNTA. Facility Class: I Length: 6,169 linear feet i F Jurisdiction: City of >tiloorpark County of Vcntura Ventura County kyatershed Protection District Southern California Regional Rail Authority (SCRRA) Caltrans tK i Route Evaluation Criteria: (1) Potential to minimize and /or avoid environmental impacts • Utilizes existing graded Arroyo Simi levee roadway. • Requires bridge under crossing under the railroad tracks at the existing railroad bridge. • Requires pier- supported deck structure across steep terrain along the Freeway. (2) Potential to maximize consistency with existing plans • Option runs adjacent to Arroyo Simi. • Consistent with the City of Moorpark General Plan. • Consistent with the Ventura Count), General Plan. • Consistent with the Ventura County Regional Trails & Pathways Master Plan Report. • Consistent with the Management and Restoration Plan for the :'Arroyo Simi within Moorpark City Limits. • Consistent with the Arroyo Simi Preliminary Design Report. (3) Potential for compatibility with adjacent land uses • Potential conflicts with urban uses /Freeway 118. Segment (4) Potential number of environmental permits required B • Army Corps of Engineers • Department of Fish & Game • U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service C:-/ of Vlooroark 2.37 Nroyo Simi Frail = �as.iui;ay >idY • Regional Water (duality Control Board (5) Potential to minimize impacts to private property • Requires coordination and easement acquisition with Caltrans, Ventura County Watershed Protection District, Southern California Regional Rail Authority (SCRRA), and the County of Ventura. (6) Potential to maintain a consistent Class I /Multi -use bikeway • Class I facility adjacent to the Arroyo Simi. (7) Potential for direct and consistent route • Potential connection to on- street bike lanes at existing at grade railroad crossing. (8) Potential to maximize commuter value • Option runs adjacent to the Arroyo Simi. (9) Potential to maximize recreational value • Potential 'frail Head /Staging Facility area northeast of Itoorpark Community High School (Sec .Map Sheet 4). • Potential conflicts with urban uses /Freeway 118. (10)Potential to minimize construction and maintenance costs • Portion of the trail utilizes existing graded Arroyo Simi levee roadway. • Construction could be coordinated with future channel modifications and wetlands enhancements. • Requires pier- supported deck structure across steep terrain along the Freeway. • Requires modification of existing railroad bridge under crossing. • Potential to coordinate under crossing with proposed SCRRA railroad trestle improvements. (11) Potential for near -term construction • Construction could be coordinated with future channel modifications and wetlands enhancements. • Requires pier - supported deck structure across steep terrain along the Freeway. • Requires modification of existing railroad bridge under crossing. • Requires coordination with SCRRA - Metro Link for under crossing improvements. • Potential to coordinate under crossing with proposed SCRRA railroad trestle improvements. Route identification & Evaluation Segment B ,i*.y of Mocruars Arroyo Simi ;ni: - eas�;biiitll Stady 2_38 V uuVUU 4 Y y4y - A i __ _ • rr k I W CHAPTER 2 Route Identification & Evaluation Segment -B 2 -39 Option 8B -- Dark Green This option begins at the intersection of Princeton Avenue and the SCRRA - 'Metro Link. It extends north along Princeton Avenue to Campus Park Drive utilizing existing Class 11 bike facilities and extending east to Campus Road. At Campus Road, the option heads south along an existing drainage casement to an existing Caltrans tunnel that crosses under the 118 Freeway and runs west along the SCRRA -- Metro Link to an existing at grade railroad crossing (Class I, See Map Sheets 4 and S). Facility Class: Length: jurisdiction: I&it 11,814 linear feet (5,767 linear feet proposed; 6,047 linear - SEr MWA, feet existing G City of Moorpark "N7 Southern California ` B Regional Rail - - Authority (SCRRA' Ventura County W"Atershed Protection District Caltrans EQT C Route Evaluation Criteria: (1) Potential to minimize and /or avoid environmental impacts • Utilizes existing Ventura County %Xvatershed Protection District drainage easement, Caltrans tunnel and existing streets. • Requires bridge construction over drainage channel. (2) Potential to maximize consistency with existing plans • Utilizes existing Class II bike facilities on Campus Park Drive. • Deviates from Arroyo Simi route. • Consistent with the City of !Moorpark General Plan. • Consistent with the Ventura County General Plan. (3) Potential for compatibility with adjacent land uses • Potential conflicts with urban uses /streets. • Potential conflicts with railroad right of way. (4) Potential number of environmental permits required • None, if no bridge is required. • if a bridge is required, a clear span bridge is proposed to avoid potentially jurisdictional areas. (5) Potential to minimize impacts to private property • Requires lengthy coordination and easement acquisition process with SCRRA - fctro C:ti or ?•Aocr�at:< ..:tOVO Si,Mi ;ail =_ &Sabdl t i Sii'dy . D D' OmU((''''�OOmVIJLtWLJ Link, Caltrans, and Ventura County Watershed Protection District. � (G) Potential to maintain a consistent Class I /Multi -use bikeway • Majority of trail is a Class 11 facility on existing roads. CHAPTER Z • Small portion of trail is a Class 1 facility on the existing drainage easement. Route identification & • Utilizes existing Class I Caltrans tunnel for a freeway under crossing. Evaluation • Small portion of trail utilizes the "Rails-to-Trails" concept. (7) Potential for direct and consistent route • Deviates from desired Arroyo Simi route. (8) Potential to maximize commuter value • Potential connections to Nfoorpark College, and Moorpark Community High School. • On- street bike lane connections. (9) Potential to maximize recreational value • Class 11 facility on existing roads. • Class 1 facility on existing drainage casement. • Potential connections to Happy Camp Regional Park, Virginia Colony Park, and Paul Griffin Park. (10) Potential to minimize construction and maintenance costs • Proposed Class 11 facility on existing roads. • utilizes existing Class 11 bike facilities on Campus Park Drive. • Proposed East Los Angeles Avenue widening includes Class 11 bike lanes. • Requires bridge construction across existing drainage way. • Tunnel under the 118 Freeway would require improvements in order for Caltrans to approve bicycle and pedestrian uses. (11) Potential for near -term construction • Potential conflicts with railroad future expansion plans. • Utilizes existing roads. • Proposed East Los Angeles Avenue widening includes Class If bike lanes. • Requires construction of a bridge across existing drainage way. • Potential conflicts with railroad future expansion plans. • Requires lengthy coordination and easement acquisition process with SCRR.=1 — Nfetro Link, Caltrans, and Ventura County Watershed Protection District. Segment B City arroyo Simi -r,01 - easaWhy Study 2-40 W �l CI -IAP1 ECR 2 Route Identification & Evaluation Segment -B 2 -41 Option 913 - Blue This option extends cast along the north side ,� of the railroad from the existing Caltrans ' tunnel under the 118 Freeway north of the Villa del Arroyo Mobile Home Park to the (C Moorpark /Simi Valley City Limits Line (Beginning of Option 1, Segment Q. (Sec ?flap Sheets S and G;. M Facility Class: 1 -� Length: 3,555 linear feet - Jurisdiction: City of Moorpark I S t 4 Sheen 5_ Southern California a M M M M M Regional Rail. Authority S� (SCRRA) - I C Route Evaluation Criteria: (1) Potential to minimize and /or avoid ^_�SEGMINfA -� environmental impacts i • Utilizes existing maintenance road � d along the SCRRA —Metro link. (2) Potential to maximize consistency with existing plans • Deviates from desired Arroyo Simi route. • Consistent with the Ventura County General Plan. (3) Potential for compatibility with adjacent land uses • Potential conflicts with railroad operations. • Undeveloped, vacant Open Space adjacent to railroad/ proposed Class T. • Potential conflicts with railroad right of way. (4) Potential number of environmental permits required • -None (5) Potential to minimize impacts to private property • Requires lengthy coordination and casement acquisition process with SCRRA — Metro Link. (G) Potential to maintain a consistent Class I /Multi -use bikeway • Class I facility on existing SCRRA — Metro Link. • Option utilizes the "Rails- with - Trails" concept. (7) Potential for direct and consistent route • Deviates from Arroyo Simi. (8) Potential to maximize commuter value • Potential connections to on- street bike lanes at existing at grade railroad crossings. (9) Potential to maximize recreational value ;_,ty of ;ocrPar!< • Class I facility on existing SCR11A — Metro Link. • Undeveloped, vacant Open Space adjacent to railroad /proposed Class 1. (10)Potential to minimize construction and maintenance costs • Utilizes existing roadway along the SCRRA — _ ictro Link. (11) Potential for near -term construction • Potential conflicts with railroad future expansion plans. • Requires lengthy coordination and casement acquisition process with SCRRA — :Metro Link Oty of ("dccrpark Am)yo Sim! 'rail reasabdiiy Study SIM,1 r CHAPTER 2 Route Identification & Eva,uation Segment B 2 -42 1 -HAPTER 2 Route Identification & Evaluation egment -B Option 1013 – Dark Blue This option runs southeast from the existing at grade crossing northeast of Villa del Arroyo Mobile 1-iomc Park and follows an existing paved roadway south of the Mobile Home Park to WZ' st Los Angelcs Avenue (See blap Sheet S;, Facility Class: I Length: 4,283 linear feet Jurisdiction: Cit • of 'Moorpark Route Evaluation Criteria: (1) Potential to minimize and /or avoid environmental impacts • Utilizes an existing paved road located above the floodplain. (2) Potential to maximize consistency with existing plans • Option runs adjacent to the Arroyo Simi. - - - - -_ — `— — —.. • Consistent with the City of Moorpark General Plan. • Consistent with the Ventura County General Plan. • Consistent with the Ventura Count}, Regional Trails & pathways blaster Plan Report. • Consistent with the N'lanagement and Restoration Plan for the .Arroyo Simi within Moorpark City Limits. • Consistent with the Arroyo Simi Preliminary Design Report. (3) Potential for compatibility with adjacent land uses • Option runs adjacent to Villa del Arroyo Mobile Home Park. (4) Potential number of environmental permits required • done (5) Potential to minimize impacts to private property • Requires coordination and casement acquisition with Villa del Arroyo Mobile Home Park. (6) Potential to maintain a consistent Class I /Multi -use bikeway • Class I facility on an existing paved road. (7) Potential for direct and consistent route • Option runs adjacent to the Arroyo Simi. (8) Potential to maximize commuter value • Option requires a controlled crossing at dic intersection of the existing paved road and .t9 of .v`ccrpar 2-43 ars;,vo Sim !,ail _arability S uny %Rest Los Angeles Avenue. (9) Potential to maximize recreational value • Class 1 facility runs adjacent to the Arroyo Simi. (10)Potential to minimize construction and maintenance costs • Class I facility on an existing paved road. • Requires coordination and casement acquisition with Villa del Arroyo ,Mobile Home Park. (11) Potential for near -term construction • Class T facility on an existing paved road. • Requires coordination and easement acquisition with Villa del Arroyo Mobile Home Park. Route Identification & Evaluation Segment B 2 -44 I�R�R�OYO S�I�M,1 route Identification & valuation Option 11 B - Sea Green This option runs cast from the existing at grade crossing northeast of Villa del Arroyo Mobile Home Park on \X'est I,os Angeles Avenue to the Moorpark /Simi Valley City limits line (where it requires connection to Option 2C). (See Map Sheets 5 and 6). Facility Class: II Length: 4,528 linear feet Jurisdiction: City of Moorpark Route Evaluation Criteria: (1) Potential to minimize and /or avoid environmental impacts • Utilizes existing streets. (2) Potential to maximize consistency ^ _ 1 SEG"N'f A -. i ;s with existing plans t • Deviates from desired Arroyo Simi' .'��_ " " -_ � e� route. L • Consistent with the City of - - loorpark General Plan. • Consistent with the City of Simi Valley Gencral Plan. • Consistent with the Cit}' of Simi Valley Bicycic Master Plan. • Consistent with the Vcntura County General Plan. (3) Potential for compatibility with adjacent land uses • Potential conflicts with urban uses /streets. (4) Potential number of environmental permits required • None (5) Potential to minimize impacts to private property • Utilizes existing streets. (6) Potential to maintain a consistent Class I /Multi -use bikeway • Class 11 facility along existing roadway. (7) Potential for direct and consistent route • Deviates from desired Arroyo Simi route. (8) Potential to maximize commuter value • Proposed Class It facility with minimum delays. Segment (9) Potential to maximize recreational value B• Class If facility along the existing roadway. oark 2 -45 oyo i nl 1 !ail Suc:;, 3VTC (10) Potential to minimize construction and maintenance costs • Class 11 facility along the existing roadway. • best Los Angeles Avenue is proposed to be widened in the future as new development occurs, and Class 11 bike lanes could be incorporated (11) Potential for near -term construction • Class 11 facility along the existing roadway. • W "est Los Angeles Avenue is proposed to be widened in the future as new development occurs, and Class II bike lanes could be incorporated Route Identification & Evaluation Segment B 2 -46 qtr - Ile `lai CHAPTER 2 Route Identification & Evaluation Segment — B 2 -47 Option 12B- Turquoise This option runs cast from the southeast terminus of Option 10B (near the \-lobile Home Park and West Los Angeles Avenue) between West Los Angeles Avenue and the Arroyo Simi, to the Moorpark /Simi Valley City limits line, where it requires connection to Option 4C (See Map Sheet 51. Facility Class: I Length: 755 linear feet Jurisdiction: City of Noorpark Ventura County Watershed Protection District Route Evaluation Criteria: (1) Potential to minimize and /or avoid environmental impacts • Utilizes heavily vegetated property within the Arroyo Simi floodplain area. • Requires new construction immediately adjacent to the Arroyo. (2) Potential to maximize consistency with existing plans • Option runs adjacent to the arroyo Simi. • Consistent with the City of Noorpark General Plan. • Consistent with the City of Simi Valley General Plan. • Consistent with the City of Simi Vallee Bicycle Master Plan. • Consistent with the :Management and Restoration Plan for the Arroyo Simi within Moorpark City Limits. • Consistent with the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District Trails Master Plan. • Consistent with the Ventura County General Plan. (3) Potential for compatibility with adjacent land uses • Option runs between hest Los Angeles Avenue and the Arroyo Simi. • Area is heavily vegetated within the floodplain. (4) Potential number of environmental permits required • If impacts to jurisdictional areas are required as part of the bikeway construction process, permits from all four agencies will be necessary. (5) Potential to minimize impacts to private property • Utilizes existing streets. (6) Potential to maintain a consistent Class I /Multi -use bikeway • Class I facility north of the Arroyo Simi. -a-y of .Mcoroark Are .yo Simi rci: saoiiii.: Sta:.y (7) Potential for direct and consistent route • Class 1 facility north of the Arroyo Simi. (8) Potential to maximize commuter value • Option runs adjacent to the Arroyo Simi. (9) Potential to maximize recreational value • Class 1 facility north of the Arroyo Simi. (10)Potential to minimize construction and maintenance costs • Areas of heavy vegetation may require special construction standards. (11) Potential for near -term construction • Areas of heavy vegetation may require special construction standards. City came;(,:,» .arroyo Sirr;i iai: •-acsabilii Scov Route Identification & Fvaluation Segment B 2 -48 w '-FIAPTER 2 Zoutc, Identification & -valuation �-,y -f ',,,ucruarl< 2-49 Arr�,,yo Somi 1 j,3,j This page intentionally left blank Segment C This segment (See Figure 12 Below) includes the unimproved portion of the Arroyo Simi Creek Corridor that extends from the eastern :Moorpark City Limits just southwest of Oak Park, east to Madera Road and the terminus of the City Simi Valley's existing trail system. See Figure 4., Arroyo Simi Corridor Trail Segment Map in Chapter 1.0 for segment trail details. GNIENTC - SEGMENT A'' M .B Figure 12: Route Evaluation Segment C The following alternative route options have been identified in Segment C and are illustrated, along with their associated opportunities and constraints, on the proceeding route evaluation maps, Figures 13 and 14: • Option 1 C • Option 2C • Option 3C • Option 4C • Option 5C Detailed evaluations of each trail route options is presented following the route evaluation maps. .r p 4& If, Vd CHAPTER 2 Route Identification & Evaluation rVy k Ciiy Oi .Mcorpafk Arroyo Simi ;rail Fe:3s6c!fiy Study 2 -50 FAINNA. -IVYA. IS1-0-11 Route Identification & Evaluation C iy • ofVoorpar< 2-51 Arroyo Shni "3fl ' easabfiiy SW(cy This page intentionally left blank Polo;fid(o Deve1cp a'. f" U'e Opportunilq (u Uye OPP X, 77(' '011 low, 2�y)j (I;-,y Md Zxl -cry).qhl J Moinfenance Connect (n Atot�4 Sillp 'Z�z W 3. 0/ ""Oa( -,.-fr ('Ufa How ',crcrway h,,& ffiv Prupw,� '0' la, aS,' ea Canyony 7-radS Ohfrorlrrni� (c 118 7* Conwc,"rrad F", to Oak Parkl, I& Existin8SCRRA railroad Ira in tell anco road Coll Id pyoviac U—j an opportunity {ore Clam I ),atbWMIj Oak C., 'Par S(, etro Li-k est C)s 61L, es v gc 100 st 05 zyisfin 5foo( cn 7t 400 le ter Constraint Private Vropprf/Aii'r nj with Qumijv (Oak Pafk Arrm). 'Future f)"velopmod u Su�erf to 7raillaypolent u Pulmiiaflu DVAP 4 Clary t I-Xifi� and OAr ana(Duyl area 'Prokem I Routes Evaluation Segment C, Sheet 6 2-52 C 1-0 F--, ci— U: h—R-- 1-1 R."t. U'- 01 5 R 0-0 10 P-1-1i R1.1 gx 'L::��'4"` J&8' 13 1'.0,.,..,1,.,.. . D- R- A— 5:1iq, 1-1, c--'6Jc--p X W d- V- Polo;fid(o Deve1cp a'. f" U'e Opportunilq (u Uye OPP X, 77(' '011 low, 2�y)j (I;-,y Md Zxl -cry).qhl J Moinfenance Connect (n Atot�4 Sillp 'Z�z W 3. 0/ ""Oa( -,.-fr ('Ufa How ',crcrway h,,& ffiv Prupw,� '0' la, aS,' ea Canyony 7-radS Ohfrorlrrni� (c 118 7* Conwc,"rrad F", to Oak Parkl, I& Existin8SCRRA railroad Ira in tell anco road Coll Id pyoviac U—j an opportunity {ore Clam I ),atbWMIj Oak C., 'Par S(, etro Li-k est C)s 61L, es v gc 100 st 05 zyisfin 5foo( cn 7t 400 le ter Constraint Private Vropprf/Aii'r nj with Qumijv (Oak Pafk Arrm). 'Future f)"velopmod u Su�erf to 7raillaypolent u Pulmiiaflu DVAP 4 Clary t I-Xifi� and OAr ana(Duyl area 'Prokem I Routes Evaluation Segment C, Sheet 6 2-52 L-t ,c— I C., ' — ­V( ...... > 0'.,., 11 LJ k-1 I C,--, X.NG R., ­JC—, X.NG 4�) cl� - - - - - - - - - - - - --tV cz; W. Existing levee roadproviam a A Uppor t1ft tt 1) Ora asslyath 20. Thc levec road runs alort6cxistin8 bt,si,wsses, and al lows for commuter connections for employees 21, Existiae, 1—ce roadprovides anji,ect connection to the existing Simi Malley Trail System rr Route Evaluation Segment C, S1,ect 7 2-53 This page intentionally left blank Route Identification & Evaluation �S&900' Ar(OYO S,ml �z,asabditv Ldy 2-54 CHAPTER 2 Route Identification & Evaluation Option i C - Yclloiv This option runs cast from the City limits Line and follows the north side of the railroad to the existing at grade railroad crossing at Oak Park (Continued from Option 9, Segment B). (See _Map Sheet 6). Facility Class: I Length: 2,92 linear feet Jurisdiction: City of Simi Valley Southern California Regional Rail Authority (SCRRA) Route Evaluation Criteria: (1) Potential to minimize and /or avoid environmental impacts • Utilizes existing maintenance road along the SCRRA — \Metro [.ink. (2) Potential to maximize consistency with existing plans • Deviates from desired Arroyo Simi route. • Consistent with the Ventura County General Plan. (3) Potential for compatibility with adjacent land uses • Potential conflicts with railroad operations. • Potential conflicts with railroad right of way'. (4) Potential number of environmental permits required • None ON Cy 1 (5) Potential to minimize impacts to private property • Requires lengthy coordination and easement acquisition process with SCRRA — _Metro link. (6) Potential to maintain a consistent Class I /Multi -use bikeway • Class 1 facility on existing SCRRA — Metro l.ink. • Option utilizes the "Rails- with - Trails" concept. (7) Potential for direct and consistent route • Deviates from desired Arroyo Simi routs. (8) Potential to maximize commuter value • Potential connections to on- street bike lanes at existing at grade railroad crossings. City cf ydco,Parz 2 -55 ovo Simi I`iai! e+ sai ilii S; c (9) Potential to maximize recreational value • Class I facility on existing SCRRA - ?Metro Link. • Potential connection to Oak Park. • Potential Trail Head /Staging Facility areas at Oak Park. (10) Potential to minimize construction and maintenance costs • Class I facility on existing SCRKA - Metro Link graded maintenance road. (11) Potential for near -term construction • Potential conflicts with railroad future expansion plans. • Requires lengthy coordination and casement acquisition process with SCRR11 - Metro Link amity of A ;corpark Arroyo Simi rad �asabdity S�txiy Route Identification & Evaluation 2 -56 CHAPTER 2 Route Identification & Evaluation 0) 2tion 2C — Rcd This option runs cast from the City limits Tine on Ny cst Los Angeles Avenue to Madera Road (Continuation of Option 11, Segment B; See Nlap Shcets 5, 6 and 7). Facility Class: II Length: 11,327 linear feet Jurisdiction: City of Simi Valley Route Evaluation Criteria: (1) Potential to minimize and /or avoid environmental impacts • Utilizes existing streets. (2) Potential to maximize consistency with existing plans • Deviates from desired Arroyo Simi route. • Consistent with the City of Simi Vallcy Gcncral Plan. • Consistent with the City of Simi Valley Bicycle Master Plan. • Consistent with the Vcntura County General Plan. (3) Potential for compatibility with adjacent land uses • Potential conflicts with urban uses /streets. • Provides connection to existing Simi Valley Trail system. (4) Potential number of environmental permits required • Nonc (5) Potential to minimize impacts to private property • Utilizes existing roadway. I / d_ (6) Potential to maintain a consistent Class I /Multi -use bikeway • Class 11 facility along the existing roadway. (7) Potential for direct and consistent route • Deviates from desired Arroyo Simi route. (8) Potential to maximize commuter value • Proposed on- street bike lane with minimum delays and access to a regional bikeway system. • Option requires a controlled crossing at the entry road into Oak Park at West Los :'Angeles Avenue. City of Mocrpark 2 -57 Ar-oyo Si!ni :rail - eassbflhiy S�udy ° ° 0 11 O 2JUWLIU lJ L�i�IL.IL� (9) Potential to maximize recreational value W • Class II facility along the existing roadway. • Potential connection to Oak Park at existing at grade railroad crossing and Alamos Canyon Road. CHAPTER 2 • Potential Trail Head /Staging Facility areas at Oak Park. Route Identification & Evaluation (10)Potential to minimize construction and maintenance costs • Class 11 facility along the existing roadway. • West Los Angeles Avenue is proposed to be widened in the future as new development occurs, and Class 11 bike lanes could be incorporated (11) Potential for near -term construction • Class 11 facility along the existing roadway. • West Los Angeles Avenue is proposed to be widened in the future as new development occurs, and Class 1I bike lanes could be incorporated. e�gm�fZ; Arroyo Sim .tall -ear ablllly ur% 2 -58 F; , 'HAPTER 2 Route Identification & Evaluation Option 3C - (.hant;c This option runs south from West Los Angeles Avenue (near the intersection of Quimisa Road) to the Arroyo Simi. It continues cast along the north side of the Arroyo Simi on Waste Water Treatment Plant property where it terminates at the southeast corner of the plant, and requires connection to Option 5C. (See N'fap Sheet C). Facility Class: I Length: 4,402 linear feet Jurisdiction: City of Simi Valley City of Simi Valley Waste % atcr "Treatment Plant Ventura County \Katcrshcd Protection District Rancho Simi Recreation and Parks District c `V _ Route Evaluation Criteria: I . - - - (1) Potential to minimize and /or avoid environmental impacts • Utilizes publicly owned property adjacent to the Arroyo Simi. • Requires new bridge construction. • Requires new construction immediately adjacent to the Arroyo. (2) Potential to maximize consistency with existing plans • Majority of option runs adjacent to the arroyo Simi. • Option provides a connection from the Arroyo Simi to \Kest Los Angeles Avenue. • Consistent with the City of Moorpark General Plan. • Consistent with the City of Simi Valley General Plan. • Consistent with the City of Simi Valley Bicycic Master Plan. • Consistent with the Ventura County General Plan. • Consistent with the Vcntura County Regional Trails & Pathways Master Plan Report. • Consistent with the Management and Restoration Plan for the Arroyo Simi within Moorpark Cite Limits. • Consistent with the Arroyo Simi Preliminary Design Report. • Consistent with the Rancho Sirni Recreation and Park District Trails :Ataster Plan. (3) Potential for compatibility with adjacent land uses • Utilizes privately owned undeveloped property. • utilizes publicly opened /waste \X-ater Treatment Plant property . • Adjacent to \Faster Water Treatment Plant, and pathway could be impacted by odor and dust from plant operations. Z. ty of .,1 ocr Pa r< 2 -59 arro"o Sun: i ii feasruiii:y rcc •; (4) Potential number of environmental permits required • if impacts to jurisdictional areas arc required as part of the bikeway construction process, ; (, permits from all four agencies will be necessary. `l CHAPTER 2 (5) Potential to minimize impacts to private property Route Ideritificatian & • Utilizes privately owned undeveloped property; any future development request will Evaluation require a trail casement. • Utilizes publicly owned /Waste %Grater Treatment Plant property. • Could require coordination and casement acquisition with private property owners, Ventura County Watershed Protection District, City of Simi Valley, and the Waste Water Treatment Plant. • Additional security needed to deter public from entering the Treatment Plant. (6) Potential to maintain a consistent Class I /Multi -use bikeway • Class 1 facility on publicly /privatcly owned land. (7) Potential for direct and consistent route • Majority- of option runs adjacent to the Arroyo Simi. • Option provides a connection from the Arroyo Simi to Wcst Los Angeles Avcnue. (8) Potential to maximize commuter value • Option requires a controllcd crossing at the trail intersection with %ycst i.os Angeles Avenue near Quimisa Road. • Requires connections to Class 11 facility on West Los Angeles Avenue (Option 2C). (9) Potential to maximize recreational value • Class I facility adjacent to the Arroyo Simi. • adjacent to \Xaster \Water Treatment Plant; pathway could be impacted by odor and dust from plant operations. (10)Potential to minimize construction and maintenance costs • Class I facility on publicly/ privately owned land. • Construction could be coordinated with future channel modifications. • Construction could be coordinated with future development requests. • Additional security needed to deter public from entering the Treatment Plant. (11) Potential for near -term construction • Construction could be coordinated with future channel modifications. • Construction could be coordinated with future development requests. • Majority proposed on publicly owned property. 5 � s aLL � G iy of .'v'-oorpa (x Arroyo S mi ;rail- easahiiiiy :udy 2 -60 IOW OYO SIM1 CL W �H; rER 2. Route Identification & Fvaluation 2 -61 4; s ;S Option 4C — Magcnta This option runs cast from the southeast terminus of Option 12B (near the Moorpark /Simi Valley limits 11n6) between West Los Angeles Avenue and the Arroyo Simi. It follows the Arroyo Simi until it connects with Option K. (See Map Sheet 6). Facility Class: I Length: 2,506 linear feet Jurisdiction: City of Simi Valley Ventura County Watershed Protection District Rancho Simi Recreation and Parks District Route Evaluation Criteria: (1) Potential to minimize and /or avoid environmental impacts • Requires new construction immediately adjacent to the Arroyo. J i11 �•t ' u V ��a =iHh!= ■ (2) Potential to maximize consistency with existing plans • Option runs adjacent to Arroyo Simi. • Consistent with the City of %loorpark General Plan. • Consistent with the Ventura County General Plan. • Consistent with the City of Simi Valley Bicycle Master Plan. • Consistent with the Ventura County Regional Trails & Pathways blaster Plan Report. • Consistent with the City of Simi Valley General Plan. • Consistent with the Management and Restoration Plan for the Arroyo Simi within -Moorpark City Limits. • Consistent with the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District Trails .%Taster Plan. (3) Potential for compatibility with adjacent land uses • Utilizes undeveloped property within Arroyo Simi floodplain. • Potential conflicts with urban/ industrial land uses. (4) Potential number of environmental permits required • If impacts to jurisdictional areas are required as part of the bikeway construction process, permits from all four agencies will be necessary. (5) Potential to minimize impacts to private property • Requires coordination and casement acquisition with Ventura Count} Watershed Protection District and Rancho Simi Recreation and Parks District. Gty d Mooroar'< A: royo Simi 1 a :easabihty Siudy (6) Potential to maintain a consistent Class I /Multi -use bikeway • Class I facility proximate to the Arroyo Simi. (7) Potential for direct and consistent route • Option runs adjacent to the Arroyo Simi. (8) Potential to maximize commuter value • Proposed Class I facility adjacent to the Arroyo Simi with minimum delays. (9) Potential to maximize recreational value • Class I facility adjacent to the Arroyo Simi. (10)Potential to minimize construction and maintenance costs • Class 1 facility utilizes undeveloped property within Arroyo Simi floodplain. • Areas of heavy vegetation may require special construction standards. (11) Potential for near -term construction • Construction could be coordinated with future development requests. • Areas of heavN- vegetation may require special construction standards. C -ty of .vloc;i Oaf'< Arro)no Simi Studv Route identification & Evaluation 10 �t. t� b 2-62 -HAPTER 2 3oute Identification & valuation 2 -63 012tiC2n 5C - Purole 'phis option runs south along the \X'aste SEG Water Trcatmcnt Plant's eastern property s _ line from \XCst Los Angcles Avenue to the ,� Arroyo Simi. It continues east along the 11 ' Arroyo Simi where it joins an existing levee ' road adjacent to the Arroyo Simi to connect with the existing Simi Valley Trail System at P Madera Road. (See \4ap Shects 6 and %). � \ • Facility Class: I ' r Length: 6,135 linear feet t Jurisdiction: City of Simi Valley ' Vcntura County ),'atcrshed Protection e t District Rancho Simi Recreation and Parks _._.. District I —_ v� - C SEC 4ENT A. Route Evaluation Criteria: —� (1) Potential to minimize and /or avoid environmental impacts • Portion of Class I facility utilizes existing graded levee roadway on privately owned property. • Portion of Class I facility requires ne :w construction immediately adjacent to the arroyo. (2) Potential to maximize consistency with existing plans • Option runs adjacent to the Arroyo Simi. • Requires connections to Class 11 facility on \Xcst Los Angeles Avenue (Option 2). • Consistent with the City of Simi Valley General Plan. • Consistent with the City of Simi Valley Bicycle Master Plan. • Consistent with the Vcntura County General Plan • Consistent with the Ventura County Regional Trails tic Pathways Master Plan Report • Consistent with the Management and Restoration Plan for the Arroyo Simi within Moorpark City Limits. • Consistent with the Arroyo Simi Preliminary Design Report. • Consistent with the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District Trails Master Plan (3) Potential for compatibility with adjacent land uses • Utilizes existing 15' foot trail casement along the %x,astc Water Trcatmcnt Plant's eastern property line from \Vest Los Angeles Avenuc to the Arroyo Simi. • Utilizes privately owned commercial property. • Portion of Class 1 facility utilizes existing gradecl levee roadway on privately owned property. (4) Potential number of environmental permits required City of jblcorpx'< -aroyo Simi, f -aii S, 'I"' • if impacts to jurisdictional areas are required as part of the bikeway construction process, permits from all four agencies will be necessary. (5) Potential to minimize impacts to private property , CHAPTER "J_ • Requires coordination and casement acquisition with Ventura County I' atershcd Route Identification e Protection District, City of Simi Valley, and private property owners. Evaluation • Utilizes existing 15' foot trail easement along the %Xastc \kater Treatment Plant's eastern property line from West Los Angeles Avenue to the Arroyo Simi. (6) Potential to maintain a consistent Class I /Multi -use bikeway • Class I facility on existing trail easement and levee road adjacent to the Arroyo Simi. (7) Potential for direct and consistent route • Option runs adjacent to the Arroyo Simi. • Option provides a connection from the Arroyo Simi to Vest Los Angeles Avenue. (8) Potential to maximize commuter value • Requires connections to Class 1I facility on %Vest Los Angeles Avenue 'Option 2C). • Option requires a controlled crossing at the trail intersection with West Los Angeles Avenue. • Provides connection to the existing Simi Valley Trail system. (9) Potential to maximize recreational value • Class i facility adjacent to the Arroyo Simi. • Provides connection to existing Simi Valley Trail system. (10) Potential to minimize construction and maintenance costs • Utilizes existing 15' foot trail easement along the kk'astc \Vater Treatment Plant's eastern property line from Wcst Los Angeles Avenue to the Arroyo Simi. • Portion of Class 1 facility utilizes existing graded levee roadway on privately owned property. • Option requires coordination and casement acquisition with private property owners and Ventura County Watershed Protection District. (11) Potential for near -term construction • Option requires coordination and easement acquisition with private property owners and Ventura County Watershed Protection District. • Portion of Class I facility utilizes existing graded levee roadway on privately owned property. egm�rr G �.ity of L;ooroark :arroyo Simi! r"A 2-64 L 7H- APTER 2 Route Identification & Evaluation Gcy of N',cofpar'lk 2 -65 ArroYo Simi Frail heasabilie/ SLUOY This page intentionally left blank 3.0 TRAIL FEASIBILITY SUMMARY & RECOMMENDATIONS C,jy of Mcorpark .Arrovo ;:rr)l rica.��abijii,/ Study Trail Feasibilty Study & Recommendations 3-1 CHAPTER 3 1-rail Feasibilty Study & Recommendations 3.0 Trail Feasibility Summary & Recommendations Using the results of the Route Identification and Evaluation, this section describes the most feasible trail routes, sets forth the near- and long -term routes for the proposed Arroyo Simi Trail and recommends actions the Cite of Moorpark should undertake to idcntifv specific trail projects and potential funding strategies. The near- and long -term routes are a compilation of the routes with the highest cumulative total studied in the Route Identification and Evaluation Analysis in Chapter 2.0. The near- and long -term routes have been identified using a -10 year and 10+ year implementation timeframc, respectively. It should be anticipated that the routes may change or be adjusted as conditions change or better information becomes available through additional fieldwork, further environmental analysis, or more detailed planning. It is anticipated that implementation of the trail system will occur through the project design of public projects, design review of private projects, dedication through the subdivision approval process, and public purchases. Ownership and development patterns, as well as zoning conflicts, may present obstacles in the implementation of the trail. Development of a final implementation plan and the future construction of the Arroyo Simi frail will be contingent upon the C:it� -'s selection of a final trail route. A. Route Selection Summary Map The following Route Selection Summary Map (Figure 1 S) sets forth the most feasible trail routes as determined by the Route Identification and Evaluation process. This map is the basis for determining the near and long -term trail routes. Cary of Mocroark 3 -2 Ar'oyoSimi'rali easabii} +SC :y gurc 15: Rouic SCICC6011 SUrnimiry %Iap Route Selection Suinina Se_&Tent A. This segment incorporates Options 1A, 2A and 3A as as Class I facilities (As shown on Sheets I to 3). Segment B,. This segment incorporates Options 1B, 3B, and 4B as Class I facilities; and 2B, 8B, 10B and 11 B as Class H facilities (As shown on Sheets 4 and 5) rtj map G`J tl Segment C: This segment incorporates Option 2C, as a Class n facility; and 5C as d Class I facility (As shown on sheets 6 and 7) 7-7 Option 8B— Option 2B Option 1B -7 KW Option n 4B ff. }Option 3B ti Opt on 3A Option 10B Option IX Option IIB —Option 2C 't 4. n ; r ioa 2A., 7 N CAAJq UC SCALE 3-3 This page intentionally left blank Trail Feasibilty Study & Recommendations -'-.ty or.,Oooi park Avovo Sin-A ;,aii �Cudy 3-4 n 1 D D O O � �� *�'�k�:w^s '9�`41s �4,� ��✓,,� ,s A'�L� + '�E�"� -�i'f` alr4 *��sx� �,j�x � 4 ar � � �,i .a � `° e 1... Xi'' -� � s �_' _ L. 4ai rk of +W B. Near -Term Trail Route The most feasible near -term route utilizes the existing Arroyo Simi Creek Corridor levee roadway t/ as well as existing roads and existing Class II facilities on Campus Park Drive. Specifically, the most CHAPTER 3 feasible near -term route consists of the following trail routes: Trail Feasibilty Study & Recommendations • Originating near Hitch Boulevard and extending cast to the existing railroad bridge north of Science Drive running along the north side of the Arroyo Simi primarily along the existing levee roadway (Option 1A; Sec Map Sheets 1 through 3). • Near the western edge of the existing Wetlands linhancement Area, it crosses the Arroyo Simi via a proposed bridge and runs south along the east side of the existing Peach Hill %,'ash levee to the limits of the existing Class I and II bikeway connections at Countrywood Drive (Option 2A; See flap Sheet 1). • From the existing railroad bridge north of Science Drive it runs north along an existing Caltrans maintenance toad to Fast Los Angeles Avenue where it heads east to Condor Drive (Option 213; See Map Sheet 41. • At the intersection of Princeton Avenue, Condor Drive and the SCRRA - Metro link, it extends north along Princeton Avenue to Campus Park Drive utilizing existing Class 11 bike facilities and extending cast to Campus Road. At Campus Road it heads south along an existing drainage easement to an existing Caltrans tunnel that crosses under the 118 Freeway and runs along the SCRRA -- Metro link to an existing at grade railroad crossing (Option 813; Scc :b'Iap Sheets 4 and 5). • From the existing at grade crossing northeast of Villa del Arroyo Mobile Home Park it runs on West Los Angeles Avenue to the Moorpark /Simi Valley City i.imits line (Option I IB; See Map Sheets D5 and 6). • From the City Limits line, it continues east on West Los Angeles Avenue terminating at Madera Road (Option 2C; See Map Sheets 6 and 7). City & .Mcorpark 3 -5 Arroyo Simi !rail'Pasa'olllty Study igurc 16 : Ncar -Perm Trail Routc Nfap went A This segment incorporates C+ptions IA and 2A as Class I facilities. (As shown on Sheets 1 to 3) Near,-Term Trail Route Segment B: This segment incorporates Options 2B, 8B, and 11 B as Class II facilities (As shown on Sheets 4 and 5). Se6ment C. This segment incorporates Option 2C as a Class II facility (As shown on sheets 6 and 7) �I-P Legend Proposed Trail Under Crossing Proposed Trail Bridge Existing Railroad Crossing Existing Under Crossing Proposed Near -Term Alignment (Class I) Proposed Near -Term Alignment (Class II) 1. 1 I I N CRAII9C SCALE : Ir;......F,rio c ay M e,!:,,,, :,.,.a 1 el -lhd cy tiIudy 3 -6 This page intentionally left blank Arroyo Sir-nj Trail Feasibilty Study & Recommendations 3-7 �r C. Long -Term Trail Route ! The long -term trail route (Figure 17; is intended to supplement the near term route with additional Class I facilities. These Class i facilities arc categorized as long -term since the property over C11APTER 3 which these trail segments cross arc currently privately held. The City, in coordination with the Trail Feasibilty Study & County of Ventura, should work with property owners when new development or redevelopment Recommendations is proposed to secure casements or real property for the trail as described in this study. i'hc most feasible long term route consists of the near term route with the addition of the following supplemental sections: • Near the western edge of the existing Wetlands Enhancement Brea, it runs along the north side of the Proposed %Wetlands Enhancement Area extending from Leta Yancy east to Spring Road (Option 3A; See Map Sheets 2 and 3). • From the existing railroad bridge north of Science Drive it runs along the north side of the Arroyo Simi following an existing Caltrans maintenance road and continues cast running along southern property lines and the arroyo Simi to the alley off Avenida Colonia and then south on Avenida Colonia to the railroad (Option 1 B; See Map Sheet 4). • It then crosses under the existing railroad bridge south of Avenida Colonia, and runs cast along an existing dirt road to connect to the railroad crossing at the southern terminus of Princeton Avenue (Option 313; See %Tap Sheet 4). • At the southern terminus of Princeton Avenue, on the south side of the existing railroad, it continues east along the City Limit Line crossing the Arroyo Simi via a proposed bridge, and follows the City Limits Line to an existing dirt road on private property in the County of Ventura. It continues east running south of the existing Wetlands Enhancement Area and Arroyo Simi, until it crosses the Arroyo Simi via a proposed bridge and connects with the Villa del Arroyo ;Mobile [-Tome Park (Option 4B; See Map Sheets 4 and 31). • At the Villa del Arroyo Mobile Home Park, it runs northwest to the existing at grade railroad crossing and southeast following an existing paved roadway south of the Mobile Home Park to West Los Angeles Avenue (Option 1OB; See Map Sheet 5). • It runs south along the Waste eater Treatment Plant's eastern property line from \X'est Los Angeles Avenue to the Arroyo Simi. It continues cast along the Arroyo Simi where it joins an existing levee road adjacent to the Arroyo Simi to connect with the existing Simi Valley Trail System at viadcra Road. (Option 5C; See NIap Sheets 6 and 7). Ci?y of ,.Moorpark 3 -8 :arroyo Simi Frail Feasability Study ono�,- t= < u �r C. Long -Term Trail Route ! The long -term trail route (Figure 17; is intended to supplement the near term route with additional Class I facilities. These Class i facilities arc categorized as long -term since the property over C11APTER 3 which these trail segments cross arc currently privately held. The City, in coordination with the Trail Feasibilty Study & County of Ventura, should work with property owners when new development or redevelopment Recommendations is proposed to secure casements or real property for the trail as described in this study. i'hc most feasible long term route consists of the near term route with the addition of the following supplemental sections: • Near the western edge of the existing Wetlands Enhancement Brea, it runs along the north side of the Proposed %Wetlands Enhancement Area extending from Leta Yancy east to Spring Road (Option 3A; See Map Sheets 2 and 3). • From the existing railroad bridge north of Science Drive it runs along the north side of the Arroyo Simi following an existing Caltrans maintenance road and continues cast running along southern property lines and the arroyo Simi to the alley off Avenida Colonia and then south on Avenida Colonia to the railroad (Option 1 B; See Map Sheet 4). • It then crosses under the existing railroad bridge south of Avenida Colonia, and runs cast along an existing dirt road to connect to the railroad crossing at the southern terminus of Princeton Avenue (Option 313; See %Tap Sheet 4). • At the southern terminus of Princeton Avenue, on the south side of the existing railroad, it continues east along the City Limit Line crossing the Arroyo Simi via a proposed bridge, and follows the City Limits Line to an existing dirt road on private property in the County of Ventura. It continues east running south of the existing Wetlands Enhancement Area and Arroyo Simi, until it crosses the Arroyo Simi via a proposed bridge and connects with the Villa del Arroyo ;Mobile [-Tome Park (Option 4B; See Map Sheets 4 and 31). • At the Villa del Arroyo Mobile Home Park, it runs northwest to the existing at grade railroad crossing and southeast following an existing paved roadway south of the Mobile Home Park to West Los Angeles Avenue (Option 1OB; See Map Sheet 5). • It runs south along the Waste eater Treatment Plant's eastern property line from \X'est Los Angeles Avenue to the Arroyo Simi. It continues cast along the Arroyo Simi where it joins an existing levee road adjacent to the Arroyo Simi to connect with the existing Simi Valley Trail System at viadcra Road. (Option 5C; See NIap Sheets 6 and 7). Ci?y of ,.Moorpark 3 -8 :arroyo Simi Frail Feasability Study 7' -7 pw� Y 23 ci A. J Map Legend:- f % Proposed Trail Under Crossing Proposed Long -Term Alignment (Class I Facilities) Proposed Trail Bridge Proposed Near -Term Alignment to Remain Existing Railroad Crossing Abandoned Near -Term Alignment Existing Under Crossing GRAMC SCAII N A �,j Iv. 01 N z, , i S;m, 1,,11 IAH) ', dy 3-9 Ulu figure 17: Long -Term Trail Route Map Lon --Term Trail Route � 1� Segment - A� Segment B, Segment C- This segment incorporates Options 1A and 2A from This segment incorporates Options 2B, 8B, 11 B from the Near-Term This segment incorporates Option 2C from the the Near -Term Alignment as remaining Class I Alignment as remaining Class 11 facilities. Options IB,3B, 4B, 10B, are Near-Term Alignment as d remaining Class H facility, facilities, and adds 3A as d Class I Long -Term added as a Class I Long -Term Al (As shown on Sheets 4 and 5) and adds Option 5C as d Class I Long -Term Alignment. (As shown on Sheets I to 3) Alignment. (As shown on sheets 6 and 7) 7' -7 pw� Y 23 ci A. J Map Legend:- f % Proposed Trail Under Crossing Proposed Long -Term Alignment (Class I Facilities) Proposed Trail Bridge Proposed Near -Term Alignment to Remain Existing Railroad Crossing Abandoned Near -Term Alignment Existing Under Crossing GRAMC SCAII N A �,j Iv. 01 N z, , i S;m, 1,,11 IAH) ', dy 3-9 This page intentionally left blank CHAP FER 3 lYail Feasibilty Study & Recommendations City or i!oor� ?r4 Arroyo Simi L..., Stud,/ 3-10 CHAPTER 3 Trail Feasibilty Study & Recommendations D. Next -Step Recommendations ol its ability to The feasibility study provides support for anstrrroy within r normalcoscnrange. The City developed along a continuous route li Councils and other regulating authorities should urizc this foundation document to prepare a definitive trail alignment study for a e.ntation of public support along providing ith business opartne ship for the trails development and do will be essential. The development of an economic pro vements7should be given a priority. oThe development of government grants for the capital i p project phasing funding is a one to two year commitment for initial resources to become av ,ulable. The primary funding source will be through transportation funding oppo�� tureTplanP planning and funding is essentially provided for bicycle commuting purposes. documentation should make an emphasis on bicycle commuting rather than recreational uses. overall Recreational trail resources arc fewer, loer in and preliminryenvironmental documentation transportation funds. Funding for planning is rarely available through agency grants. Funding for the preliminary work will need to be provided by the regulating agencies and joint venture options. Action Items: 1. City staff should consider Plan (B1'P) recommendation to cover 1un2i1 &o3 alternate development of Bicycle Transportation transportation bikeways and multi use trail opportunities. The BTP is the base documentation requested and usually is required when applying for transportation funding. 2. City staff should consider preparing and Park tic Recreation on Hlem nt ton h City Gene al preparation of updates to Plan. This will provide consistency in the planning process and give an opportunity for public participation. Timing for the General Plan update should be reviewed with the City Planning Department staff. 3. Cin staff should consider p dartnnmental impact City Council eterminetpreferred a minimum the starting alternatives for Arrovo Simi Trail in Moorpark. This could be expanded if the other regulating agencies on the proposed trail alignment were amenable to establishing a Joint Powers Agreement OPA). This would also be the opportunity to share funding costs for a complete F.IR. If the JPA is considered it should include financial planning for the operations and maintenance conditions that will exist after construction. 4. Prepare Public Participation o r n to notice. lTh This stakeholders dev lop Arroyo cnsen consensus support tgroup meeting dates and locations for p with common interests, benefits and objectives. Through the public participation proccss a concentration on the development of state legislative support will be instrumental in future funding resources. City of:Vlccruar,< 3-11 larroyo Simi !rail h�-asab'dity Study 5. Concurrent with the development of the LIR a project engineers cost estimate by phases should be prepared and matched with funding sources for the Moorpark section of the Arro }-o Simi trail. City staff should consider requesting City Council to establish a budget line item for matching funds for grant opportunities. A cash commitment and in kind services of staff and consultants will make the project competitive. 6. Planning for the longer term the City or JPA should consider developing an h:nterprise Team. This group will identify and utilize a combination of revenue centers with the emphasis of pubic /private, joint ventures, partnerships or concession agreements to provide both for additional capital improvements and the operation and maintenance of the trail. The early establishment of this group would allow it to also be involved in the grant development program for phasing the Arroyo Simi Trail construction. Trail Feasibilty Study & Recommendations Cfty or;�1coroarh: Arroyo Simi ]:,ad asabil t : iud 3 -12 This page intentionally left blank CHAPTER 3 Trail Feasibilty Study & Recommendations City of Pvlocroark 3 -13 arroyo Simi (rail Feasability Stuoy �o�o� �l� 4.0 PRELIMINARY CONSTRUCTION & CHAPTER 4 Preliminary Construction DESIGN COST ANALYSIS & Design Cost Analysis —ty of Moorpar! arroyo Simi I rail .-�asaoi I! ty S*,wly 4-1 W CHAPTER 4 Preliminary Construction & Design Cost Analysis r 4.0 Preliminary Construction & Design Cost Analysis This section outlines the preliminary construction and design costs for the proposed Arroyo Simi Trail as shown in the most feasible near and long -term routes set forth in Chapter 3. These costs are preliminary only; more detailed Opinion of Construction Costs should be prepared at the final design phase. A. Cost Assumptions All costs arc planning -level opinions of probable cost for constructing the Arroyo Simi Trail. These costs arc based upon the trail description contained in this Feasibility Study for the near- and long- term trail routes. Costs are provided for specific design and construction related components of five types of trail improvements: design, trail construction, crossing construction, trail amenities, and environmental permitting. Design Design costs include final PS &F, environmental and legal processing, surveying and plan check /inspection fees. The cost of these services is estimated based upon a percentage of the cost of the trail construction, crossing construction, trail amenities, environmental permitting and construction contingency. The total design cost is provided in the Opinion of Construction Cost. Trail Construction Trail construction costs include grading the trail area at an average width of 16' and construction of a 12' wide asphalt base and paved trail to accommodate bicycle, pedestrian, and maintenance vehicles. Costs for pavement markings, striping to divide the trail lanes, and location signage arc included in the cost. The total trail construction cost is provided in the Opinion of Construction Cost. • All Class 1 facilities would require new construction of 12 -foot path with two 2 -foot shoulders. • All bridge under- crossings include 16 -foot path and fencing. • All bridge over- crossings include 100 linear -foot bridge, bridge abutments and footings. • Cost includes demolition, landscaping and trail amenities, • No streetlight, traffic signal or power pole relocation costs arc included in any of the facility cost numbers. • No utility relocation costs are included in any of the facility cost numbers. • No right -of -way values or cost are included in any of the facility cost numbers. • No environmental permitting or mitigation costs are included in any of the facility cost numbers. Cost assumptions for the Class 11 facility are as follows: • 4" AC on 12" AB section • No existing curb & gutter, no dry utilities, no storm drains. • No relocation of any dry utilities, above ground cabinets, or streetlights. • No power poles or traffic signal relocation. Cry of )VIccrpark 4 -2 Arroyo Simi Nail'- easability Study • No guardrail removal /replacement. ► • No environmental permitting or mitigation costs arc included in any of the facility cost numbers. CHAPTER 4 Preliminary Construction Crossing Construction & Design Cost Analysis Typical pre - fabricated bridge structures and trail under - crossing designs are assumed for locations where the trail crosses the Arroyo Simi Creek Corridor or crosses under existing roads or rail beds. The costs for construction of these crossings includes all structural elements, and items not considered in construction of the typical trail sections (paving, striping, signage, ctc..). The total cost of all crossings is provided in the Opinion of Construction Cost. Trail Amenities The trail amenities cost includes comfort and safety features for the trail user. This includes directional signage located at '/z mile intervals. Landscaping (ground cover and trees) would be provided in the urban areas, with trees only provided in the rural areas of the trail. The trail amenities costs also include staging areas at locations identified in the plan for trail users to park their vehicles, unload their bikes or prepare for walking different sections of the trail. Bike racks would be provided only at the staging area locations and at trail access points with other trails, as identified in the trail plan segment descriptions. The cost for trail amenities is provided for each trail segment. The total cost of all trail amenities is provided in the Opinion of Construction Cost. Environmental Permitting Environmental Permitting for the most feasible near- and long -term routes may include the following: • 404 Nationwide Permit Authorization/ Individual Permit — The Army Corps of Engineers regulates Section 404 of the Clean Water Act and requires the issuance of an Individual Permit (IP) or Nationwide Permit (NWP) authorization for activities that result in a discharge of dredge or fill material with their jurisdiction. Under Section 404 of the Clean %Rater Act, the ACOI i has jurisdiction over all waters of the United States, including wetlands and other special aquatic sites. Implementation of the project will require issuance of a \\X'T' authorization or an I It is possible that the project may be able to utilize the NAVP Program and obtain an Authorization to use NWP #14: Linear Transportation Crossing, and \W'P #33: Temporary Construction, access, and Dcwatering. Elowever, if implementation of the project exceeds the thresholds of the NV, -P Program, the ACOI? may require issuance of an 1P • 401 Water Quality Certification — The Regional kX,ater Quality Control Board regulates Section 401 of the Clean V6'ater Act and requires the issuance of a \rater Quality Certification in order to uphold state water quality standards for projects that require a 404 by cr vic0( :DXk Ai'oVO Simi Irul �e�is�b0iiy Si:dy 4 -3 A";; IL . permit from the ACOL for discharge of dredge or fill material. implementation oft the j r project will require issuance of a V"ater Quality Certification. -HAPTER 4 • 1601 Streambed Alteration Agreement — The California Department of Fish and Came Preliminary Construction R Design Cost Analysis regulates Section 1600 -1607 of the Fish and Uamc Code and requires the issuance o a 1601 (Public) or 1603 (Private) Streambed Alteration Agreement for projects that result in an impact to the bed and /or bank of a river, stream, or lake. Implementation of the project will require issuance of a 1601 Streambed Alteration Agreement. • USFWS Consultation - Potential impacts to listed species resulting from portions of the proposed project would require the ACOF, to consult with the USWFS pursuant to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act ([:SA), with the USFVOS then making a determination of the impact to a particular species. if the USF\X -'S determines that impacts to a species would likely occur, alternatives and measures to avoid or reduce impacts must be identified. The proposed project will require that the ACOL: consult with the USFWS due to the potential presence of federally protected Arroyo southwestern toad and California red - legged frog in the project area. A Biological Opinion (BO) is usually issued by the USF \X'S stating the results of their project review and recommending mitigation measures to ensure protection of species under the ESA- City of r"corpari< 4 -4 Arroyo Sim Frail reasabihcy Study B. Opinion of Construction Cost The following; Opinion of Construction Cost (Table 2; summarizes the near and long -term costs associated with construction of the proposed Arroyo Simi Trail. Near -Term Trail Route Costs Trail Construction - Class 2 0.9 Miles 150,000 $ 135,000 Option Number SSeement Description Quantity Units Cost/ Unit 1,000,000 Extension 1A Hitch Blvd to Railroad crossing north of Science Dr Environmental Permit Processing (10 %) $ 150,000 Planning and Design (15 %) $ Trail Construction - Class 1 & Trail Amenties 41 Miles 500.000 $ 2.050,000 Crossing Construction - Trail Under Crossing 3 EA 250,000 $ 750,000 Crossing Construction - Trail Bridge 1 EA 175,000 $ 175,000 5 315,000 Total Direct Costs $ $ 2,975,000 2A West of wetlands along Peach Hill Wash to Countrywood Dr Environmental Permit Processing (10 %) $ 47.250 Planning and Design (15 %) Trail Construction - Class 1 & Trail Amenfies 0.6 Miles 500.000 $ 300,000 Crossing Construction - Trail Bridge 1 EA 175,000 $ 175,000 $ 475,000 Total Direct Costs $ 3,450,000 Design Contingency (20 %) $ 690,000 Environmental Permit Processing (10 %) S 517,500 Planning and Design (15 %) S 345,000 SEGMENT A - PROJECT TOTAL $ 5,002,500 3Ontion Number Segment Description QuantitV Units Cost/ Unit Extension 2B Existing Railroad Bridge to East LA Ave, east to Condor Or Trail Construction - Class 2 01 Miles 150,000 $ 105,000 $ 105,000 8B Princeton north to Campus Park Dr, under 118 tunnel to RR crossing at West LA Ave Trail Construction - Class 1 & Trail Amenities 0.4 Miles 1,050,000 S 420,000 Trail Construction - Class 2 11 Miles 150,000 S 165,000 Crossing Construction - Trail Bridge 1 EA 175,000 $ 175,000 $ 760,000 11B RR crossing at West LA Ave along West LA Ave to Moorpark! Simi Valley City Limits Trail Construction - Class 2 0.9 Miles 150,000 $ 135,000 S 135,000 Total Direct Costs $ 1,000,000 Design Contingency (20%) $ 200,000 Environmental Permit Processing (10 %) $ 150,000 Planning and Design (15 %) $ 100,000 SEGMENT B - PROJECT TOTAL S 1,450,000 Option Number Segment Description Quantity Units Cost/ Unit Extension 2C Moorpark/ Simi Valley City Limits along West LA Ave to Madera Rd Trail Construction - Class 2 2.1 Miles 150,000 $ 315.000 5 315,000 Total Direct Costs $ 315.000 Design Contingency (201/6) $ 63,000 Environmental Permit Processing (10 %) $ 47.250 Planning and Design (15 %) $ 31.500 SEGMENT C - PROJECT TOTAL $ 456,750 TOTAL NEAR -TERM TRAIL ROUTE COSTS - SEGMENTS A, B AND C $ 6,909,250 Table 2: Opinion of Construction Cost Preliminary Construction & Design Cost Analysis City of .vl _-croar'R oyoSimi aii as<k:ilit; Siudy 4_5 "k iSY+�hh r �,� i¢ °] �'+. "a� ar K } �*r -,7.e 5"k} y+M ~ Y} i �✓ a .�. �" 'i F :F '£' 'c+i`r n 3 t . ,..T.i'' < r 4 �v 74 4:va Sr �"•; ,�• " a' s' Y ta• A.3" S" z�i r�'^ yg.�„5� .. y Long -Term Trail Route Costs t 1 / Option Number Segment Description Quantity Units Cost/ Unit Extension 1A Hitch Blvd to Railroad crossing north of Science Dr Trail Construction - Class 1 & Trail Amenties 4.1 Miles 500,000 S 2,050,000 Crossing Construction - Trail Under Crossing 3 EA 250.000 S 750,000 CHAPTER 4 Crossing Construction - Trail Bridge 1 EA 175,000 S 175,000 S 2,975,000 Preliminary Construction & Design Cost Analysis 2► West of wetlands along Peach M_III Wash to Countrywood Dr Trail Construction - Class 1 & Trail Amenties 0.6 Miles 500,000 S 300,000 Crossing Construction - frail Bridge 1 EA 175,000 S 175,000 $ 475.000 3A Leta Yancy to Spring Rd along north side of proposed wetlands Trail Construction - Class 1 & Trail Amenties 0.8 Miles 1,050,000 S 840,000 $ 840,000 Total Direct Costs S 4.290.000 Design Contingency (20 %) S 858,000 Environmental Permit Processing (10 %) S 429,000 Planning and Design (15%) S 643,500 SEGMENT A - PROJECT TOTAL $ 6,220,500 Option Number Segment Descriptio Quantity Units Cost/ Unit Extension 1 B Existing Railroad Bridge north of Science Dr. to Avenida Colonia Trail Construction - Class 1 & frail Amenties 0.4 Miles 500.000 5 200,000 S 200,000 2B Existing Railroad Bridge to East LA Ave, east to Condor Dr Trail Construction - Class 2 0.7 Miles 150,000 $ 105,000 _ S 105,000 3B Existing RR Bridge so. of Avenida Colonia to RR crossing at Princeton Trail Construction - Class 1 & Trail Amenties 0.2 Miles 500,000 S 100.000 Crossing Construction - Trail Under Crossing 1 EA 250.000 S 250.000 S 350,000 4B SE of Virginia Colony Park to Villa del Arroyo Mobile Home Park Trail Construction - Class 1 & Trail Amenties 1.5 Miles 500,000 S 750,000 Crossing Construction - Trail Bridge 2 EA 175,000 S 350,000 S 1,100,000 8B Princeton north to Campus Park Dr, under 118 tunnel to RR crossing at West LA Ave Trail Construction - Class 1 & Trail Amenties 0.4 Miles 500,000 $ 200,000 Trail Construction - Class 2 1.1 Miles 150,000 $ 165,000 Crossing Construction - Trail Bridge i EA 175.000 S 175.000 $ 540,000 10B RR crossing at West LA Ave along Mobile Home Park paved road to West LA Ave Trail Construction - Class 1 & Trail Amenties 0.81 Miles 500,000 S 405.000 S 405,000 11B RR crossing at West LA Ave along West LA Ave to Moorpark/ Simi Valley City Limits Trail Construction - Class 2 0.9 Miles 150,000 S 135,000 S 135,000 Total Direct Costs S 2.835.000 Design Contingency (20 %) S 567,000 Environmental Permit Processing (10 %) S 283.500 Planning and Design (15 %) S 425,250 SEGMENT B - PROJECT TOTAL S 4,110,750 Option Number Segment Description Quanti ty Units Cost/ Unit Extension 2C Moorpark/ Simi Valley City Limits along West LA Ave to Madera Rd frail Construction - Class 2 2.1 Miles 150,000 S 315.000 S 315,000 5C Mid -Block crossing south of Cochran St along Arroyo Simi to Madera Road Trail Construction - Class 1 & Trail Amenties 1.2 Miles 500,000 S 600,000 S 600,000 Total Direct Costs 5 915,000 Design Contingency (20 %) $ 183,000 Environmental Permit Processing (10 %) S 91500 Planning and Design (15 %) S 137,250 SEGMENT C - PROJECT TOTAL $ 1,326,750 TOTAL LONG -TERM TRAIL ROUTE COSTS - SEGMENTS A, B AND C s 11,658,000 City of mcorpark 4_6 ,arroyo Simi Iraii Feasabllity Study o �o�o� �a 5 5.0 TRAIL MANAGEMENT, OPERATION & Trail ManaCHAPTER gement, Operation & MAINTENANCE Mainteneance City of NIcor ' oark Simi Si rail �i���abmiv '-,L-J(AY 5-1 IAR,R, I S�' 7HAPTER 5 Frail Management, operation & vlainteneance i Management, Operation Maintenance This section describes future considerations adthe implementation funding, liability, operation and maintenance, Specifically, this section offers ownership, maintenance needs and maintenance cost suggestions. A. ownership Consistent with the following goals [ entitlement "mcurcm nt for the most feasible traihroucehe Ciy should pursue ownership and/or P Provide a cit vwide }stem of safe, efficient and attractive bicycle and pedestrian routes f6r commuter; school and recreational use (Goal 5, Circulation I- ;lernent Adopted May 13, 1992). New development and redevelopment projects shall be required to include safe, separate, and convenient paths for bicycles and pedestrians so as to encourgz e these alternate forms of non polluting hansportation (Policy 5. 1, Circulation I_lement Adopted ,Wqy 13, 1992). Development projects shall be required to participate in the funding of planned bikewgys that would allow employees to utilize bicycles as an alternative to automobiles (Policy 5.4, (.irculalion I-;lernent Adopted May 13, 1992). In order to implement the trail gstem proposed in the Citys adopted Circulation .Element; and as presented in this element, the cit}� must recogrri,,e that: (1) each proposal f r land development must be carefully evaluatedftr relationships to the planned syslem of trails; and (2) the trails .system must be systematical j- implemented and, moreover, linked to count3, andl or regional trails. In order to take full advantage oj' the city'j resources, the cio needs to immediately evaluate site specific alignments in order to keep pace with development proposals and to identify a financing and phasing program (Trails & .Scenic Roadways, Open Space, Conservation cam' Recreation I ;lenient Adopted August 1986). ropertics The most feasible trail route has the potential tial t procurement process may include both landru e pe and publicly. The ownershp and /or en appro,al, easement acquisition with a p t al entity, and beraffectediby he trail and the exact a private entin". Identification of the Properties ownership and /or entitlement procurement process will not occur until the City has identified a most feasible final trail route. B. Administration Administration of he iisroyo Simi Trail will agencies Ctil'l be required including he Ventura, and City of Simi Valley. Coordination City of Uloorpark 5 -2 arroyo Simi i raid FeasabiRY S[UUY Ventura County % atershcd Protection District, Caltrans, and Southern California Regional Rail Authority, (SCRRA). C. Funding Funding for the proposed trail is anticipated from two primary sources: (1) by way of exactions placed on private development, and (2) through public funding programs. Exactions on private development for the construction of trails and obtaining trail easements can be applied through design review of private projects and dedication through the subdivision approval process. A standard condition can be applied to new projects containing the potential route, requiring an irrevocable offer of dedication for a trail easement. The trail route would be reviewed as part of the overall project, helping to produce a well - integrated design. Environmcntal review and any outside permitting for the trail, such as wildlife agency permits, would be obtained as part of the overall project. The project developer would bear the cost of constructing the trail. VX`here completion of the trail necessitates construction of trail segments across some publicly owned properties and privately owned open space parcels, the City may need to bear the cost of construction of the trail, as well as the environmental analysis and any necessary permitting. There arc a variety of potential public funding sources available to the City including local, state, regional, federal, foundation and corporate funding programs. Appendix B contains a Funding Sources Matrix which provides a summary of the primary federal, state and local/ regional funding sources that may be available to this project. The matrix includes a description of the available funding and project eligibility requirements as well as contact information. Additional trail funding information can be found in the available on the Guide to Biq-cle Project and Pro;rarn l'unding in C'ali/ornia, available on the internet at httJ2:/ /ww"acalbike.org/ pdfs /guidc2.pdf. The guide outlines additional program funding sources and identifies kcv bicycle - related contacts to help obtain federal, state, local and private monies. D. Liability The proposed trail should be constructed using generally accepted design standards consistent with the required and recommended standards developed by Caltrans in Chapter 1000 of the Highway Design N'lanual and the AASHTO Guide for the Development of Bicycic Facilities. Any non - standard areas will be the result of physical constraints that cannot be avoided. The proposed trail presents liability issues for both the trail managing /owning entity(ics) and private land owners. Through Recreational Use Statutes and the California Tort Claims Act, the state has greatly limited the liability and burden of responsibility placed on private landowners and public land managers. This section provides recommendations aimed at limiting liability. Private I wndotvnerr. Private landowners affected by the proposed trail may include those who have provided an easement for a trail over their land and those who own land adjacent: to a trail corridor. People owning land adjacent to a trail arc generally concerned that trail users may be endangered Trail Management, Operation & Mainteneance y of i�icor� ark arroyo �I %i ;;ai� r =,acidly SCt.dy 5 -3 SIMI CHAPTER S Trail Management, Operation & Mainteneance f �Y by a condition on their. land. However, private landowners arc afforded a level of protection from potential injury claims by trail users who might enter their property under California's Recreational Use Statute Section 846 (See Appendix C). In conjunction with the provisions contained in Section 846, the landowner may reduce their liability by taking the following actions: • Disclosing known hazards and working with trail designers to have the trail located away from hazards that cannot be corrected. • Making it clear that trail users arc not invited onto the adjoining land through the use of signs, vegetative screening, and /or fencing. • If a hazardous condition does exist near the trail, signs should be developed to warn trail users of the hazard if it cannot be mitigated. Private property located directly adjacent to the trail also presents concerns about increased crime, vandalism, noise, and fire. A well planned, designed, operated, maintained, and used trail will decrease the likelihood of such a crime occurring. \vv'hercver possible, the path should be located as far away as possible to protect the privacy of adjacent property owners. W'lacn a private landowner provides an casement for a public -use trail over their land, the casement contract should specify that the managing agency will carry liability insurance, will design the trail to recognized standards, and will develop and carryout a maintenance plan. The landowner may also request that an indemnification agreement be created in their favor. "(.'rail ,'Wanaa,� e� - � Ownina Entz& Careful compliance to applicable laws, regulations and design standards should greatly reduce the risk of injury and provide strong evidence that the trail managing and /or owning agency used reasonable care. Showing that an agency had been acting in a responsible manner can help to limit liability and serve as an excellent defense in the event that a lawsuit develops. The following is a list of suggested precautions a jurisdiction can take to help minimize liability: • Use of Accepted Design Standards - Adhere to widely accepted standards governing the design and construction of the trail including the Uniform Building Code, Caltrans Design Manual, and A -ASHTO Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities. • Traffic Signals & Warning Devices - adhere to California law requiring the installation and maintenance of traffic signals and warning devices required under certain circumstances. • Develop Operations & Maintenance Plan - Develop a plan identifying specific responsibilities, tasks, and procedures, as well as rules and regulations for the management and use of the trail. • Enforce Trail Regulations - I ?nforcc and post the rules and regulations for trail use established in the Operations and Maintenance Plan. • Adhere to Maintenance Standards - Adhere to the recognized maintenance standards and procedures established in the Operations and Maintenance Plan. • Monitor & Record Conditions - Designate a Trail Manager responsible for monitoring the condition of the trail, ensuring on -going maintenance, keeping accurate maintenance records, and recording field observations and .incidents. • Warn of, Inspect & Correct Hazards inspect for and correct known hazards in a timely fashion and post signs warning of hazards on and around the trail. • Insurance - Obtain proper and adequate insurance coverage to cover potential liability. City of Moorpark S_4 Arroyo Simi �raii =e isahthty SCUdy lr!� • Understand the Limits of the Liability — California has legislation related to civil lawsuits that establish the limits of government liability for injuries to persons or damage to property resulting from the acts or omissions of government officials. %Y''h.de certain measures can be taken to limit liability, these measures cannot prevent accidents CHAPTER 5 from occurring nor can they prevent anyone from filing a suit against the City in the event of an Trail Management, injury. Operation && Mainteneance E. Operations & Maintenance Given the cross- jurisdictional nature of the proposed trail, it is recommended that the City commission the development of a comprehensive Operations and Maintenance Plan for the proposed Arroyo Simi Trail. The Plan should be established prior to construction of the trail and should identify a recommended management approach to be adopted by the City of Moorpark, City of Simi Valley, and County of Ventura. Each jurisdiction should independently perform their own operations and maintenance on their section of the Arroyo Simi Trail. The Operations and Maintenance Plan should identify specific responsibilities, tasks, procedures, and other aspects related to the management of the proposed trail to help ensure it is operated in an efficient and safe manner. At a minimum, the Plan should include: • Specific rules and regulations for trail use. • Methods for documenting and monitoring trail accidents. • Security measures aimed at reducing negative activities. • Access plan for emergency response vehicles. • Regular maintenance activities and inspection schedules with responsible departments and agencies. Since the majority of the proposed trail lies within the Cite of Moorpark's jurisdiction, Moorpark will be the primary agency responsible for the operation and maintenance of the majority of the trail and should provide regional coordination. However, a Trail Manager should be appointed from each of the three jurisdictions to respond to general public inquiries and for emergency purposes. Duties of the Trail Manager may include: • Creating a database of the parcels known to contain the final trail route. • Monitoring development requests to ensure trail exactions arc placed on those parcels known to contain the final trail route. • Coordinating the funding, construction, operation and maintenance of the trail with the City of Simi Valley and County of Ventura. • Developing and implementing a trail Operations and Maintenance Plan in conjunction with the City of Simi Vallee and County of Ventura. • Acquiring adequate public funding sources for trail construction and maintenance. • Establishing a work program and assigning a responsible entity for the periodic maintenance and improvement of the trail. • Monitoring and recording security and safety of the trail. • Coordinating with adjacent landowners, the general public and other interested parties. The duties suggested above may help ensure the efficient and safe maintenance and operation of the trail, and may also help limit liability. *.y of McorPa. r< arroyo Sirni !rd:!i' easaibih'ty fud�/ S -5 '^- "•yWV�o VLJYyLI�J F i 5 d �. T/ s �• rr . v � r r 'HAPTER S Trail Management, Operation & Mainteneance A'4" t { Actual operation activities on the Arroyo Simi Trail will consist primarily of maintenance, monitoring and security. Monitoring accidents including identifying the primary- cause and rectifying any physical deficiencies must be accomplished by each jurisdiction. The local police department typically has the responsibility for collecting accident information and identifying fault, while the public works department has the responsibility for identifying and improving physical or operational conditions that have contributed to the accident. The public works department typically also has the responsibility for making the determination to warn trail users of problems and to close the trail when conditions warrant. F. Maintenance Needs tifaintenance of the Arroyo Simi Trail will include the following regular activities: Item Sign replacement /repair Pavement marking replacement Tree, Shrub, & grass trimming/ fertilization Pavement scaling /potholes Pavement sweeping Shoulder and grass mowing Trash disposal Graffiti removal Maintain furniture Pruning Bridge /tunnel inspection Remove fallen trees W`ced control Irrigate /water plants Frequency 1 -3 years 1 -3 years 5 months- 1 year 5 -13 years Monthly - annually as needed As needed As needed Weekly - monthly as needed 1 year 1 -4 years 1 year As needed Monthly - as needed Weekly - monthly as needed Many of these maintenance items are dependent on the type and amount of landscaping and supporting infrastructure that is developed along the trail. As noted in Section 6.6 above, it is recommended that a consistent maintenance procedure be developed for each jurisdiction along the Arroyo Simi Trail to ensure, at a minimum, that the facility is safe for trail users. P.ach jurisdiction should have a mechanism to identify, record, and respond to maintenance problems, and to keep written records of such actions. Special maintenance equipment such as a sweeper may be purchased jointly by all local jurisdictions, thereby reducing costs. Typical maintenance vehicles for the trail will be light pick up trucks and occasionally heavy dump trucks and tractors. Care should be taken when operating heavier equipment on the Arroyo Simi Trail to warn trail users and to avoid breaking the edge of the trail surface. If the Arroyo Simi Trail will serve as a maintenance access road for the railroad, the trail width and pavement section should reflect the anticipated weight and frequency of vehicles. Gry of .Moorpark 5 -6 A,rroyoSimi Jrail FFasabiiity Srudy G. Maintenance Costs The total estimated annual maintenance cost for the Arroyo Simi Trail long -term route is approximately 581,000. This is based on an industry standard of $9,000 per mile of bike path annually. There are likely to be economies of scale when the trail is 100% complete, based on the length of the facility and the likelihood of shared maintenance agreements between agencies. �--ay .)f PAooroark arroyo Sirni ; ai: �?asabi i i y S(1icy lIM CHAPTER 5 Trail Management, Operation & Mainteneance 5 -7 IIMI a - CHAPTER 5 Trail Management, Operation & Mainteneance .+'` s`p, '§i°i� � �.� rt �•F. c is 4 _#r+r'� - 'e�. "d:F�ry,{�trhf t7�r,2a. ,r a c�+� } - s �riFys .,t �,.. , r,�`{ - •'4r w4 �,p's' ii'"'w. a'�1y, . 3f W , t- � J s This page intentionally left blank City of .Viccrpark 5 -8 Arroyo Simi Trail Fe? sIbjhty Study 6.0 WORKS CITED C:ty of ivico-Park A r R)\,/ (D Simi e,D.S DHIL/ SIUCIY 6-1 Works Cited -HAPTER 6 Norks Cited 6.0 Works Cited • • • • • • • • • AASHTO Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities, 1999. Arroyo Simi Preliminary Design Report, Ventura County Public Works Agency, August 30, 2001. Bob Jones City -to -Sea Trail Preliminary Alignment Plan, September 2002. Calleguas Creek \X'atershed -N:ianagcment Plan, Calleguas Creck \X- atcrshed Management Plan Steering Committee, June 19, 2002. City of Carlsbad Citywide Trails Program Report. City of Moorpark General Plan Circulation Element, May 13, 1992. City of Moorpark General Plan Open Space, Conservation & Recreation Element, August, 1986. City of Moorpark General Plan Safety Element, March, 2001. City of Simi Valley Bicycle Mastcr Plan, Adopted June 3, 2002. City of Simi Valley General Plan Update, Adopted October 18, 1988. City of \X'hirticr Grccnway Draft Operations & \-faintenance Plan, Alta Planning +Design, March 7, 2003. Guide to Bicycle Project & Program Funding in California, Gail Payne, February, 2002. Management & Restoration Plan for the Arroyo Simi within Moorpark City Limits, August 30, 1994. Rail -Trails & Liability: A Primer on Trail - Related Liability Issues & Risk Management Techniques, Rails -to- Trails Conservancy, September 2000. Rancho Simi Park And Recreation District Trails Master Plan Santa Paula Branch Line Recreational Trail Draft Master Plan, July 1999. Ventura County General Plan, Adopted May 24, 1988. Ventura County Regional Trails & Pathways Master Plan Report, Ventura County Regional Trails Advisory Committee, 1993. City of ,Moorpark 6 -2 Arroyo Simi rrail reacaoility Study APPENDICES City of :Moorpark Arroyo SirniT-al. �:msabilivy ST-u(ly Kv10� Appendices �� A. Environmental Base Line Study B. Funding Sources Matrix C. Recreational Land Use Statute �;*Y of M ooroark ileoyo Simi Trail feasabilliy Siudy ?'� ; ��', � �"��.�.;����•��`��'��°�� ,.k� tip' , ��l i is APPENDIX A Environmental Base Line Study .-I-,y Or V1001Qark V,.oyo Simi Trail -2-asaboity Study Cry of !Moorpark Arroyo SimiT.aii Roasabllity Stucy f Cif M City of Moorpark Arroyo Simi Trail Feasibility Study BIOLOGICAL CONSTRAINTS ANALYSIS Prepared for: City of Moorpark 799 Moorpark Avenue Moorpark, CA 93021 Prepared by: MORRO GROUP, INC. Environmental Services In association with RRM Design Group June 18, 2003 1422 Monterey Street, Suite C200 • San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 • (805) 543 -7095 • FAx 543 -2367 Arroyo Simi l rail Feasibility Study Biological Constraints Analysis TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION ............. 11. PROJECT DESCRIPTION TABLES Table 1: Special- status Plants With Potential to Occur in the Vicinity of the Project ........12 Table 2: Special- status Wildlife With Potential to Occur in the Vicinity of the Project..... 13 FIGURES Figure1: Project Vicinity ......................................................................... ..............................2 Figure2: Project Location ........................................................................ ..............................3 Figure 3: Near -term Route Constraints Map ............................................ ..............................4 Figure 4: Long -term Route Constraints Map ........................................... ..............................5 ,illorro Group, Inc. i A. Near -term Route ............................................................................................ ............................... 3 B. Long -term Route ............................................................................................ ............................... 3 111. ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS ........................................................... ..............................4 A. Methods ......................................................................................................... ............................... 4 B. Sensitive Habitats .......................................................................................... ............................... 5 1. Riverine ..................................................................................................... ..............................5 2. Southern Willow Scrub ............................................................................ ............................... 5 3. Freshwater Marsh ..................................................................................... ............................... 6 4. Important Natural Communities ............................................................... ............................... 7 5. Jurisdictional Definitions ......................................................................... ............................... 7 C. Special - status Species ..................................................................................... ..............................8 1. Special- status Plants ................................................................................. ............................... 8 2. Special- status Wildlife ........................................................................... ............................... 10 IV. REGULATORY SETTING ..................................................................... .............................12 A. Sections 404 and 401 of the Clean Water Act of 1977 ................................ ............................... 12 B. Section 7 and Section 10 of the United States Endangered Species Act of 1973 ....................... 12 C. California Endangered Species Act/California Native Plant Protection Act .............................. 13 D. California Environmental Quality Act ......................................................... ............................... 13 F. California Department of Fish and Game .................................................... ............................... 14 V. IMPACT ASSESSMENT ........................................................................ .............................14 A. Sensitive Communities and Habitat Types .................................................. ............................... 14 1. Direct Disturbance of Jurisdictional Areas ............................................ ............................... 14 2. Indirect Disturbance of Jurisdictional Areas .......................................... ............................... 15 B. Special- status Plants .................................................................................... ............................... 15 C. Special - status Wildlife ................................................................................. ............................... 15 D. Recommended Mitigation Measures ........................................................... ............................... 16 VI. SUMMARY ............................................................................................. .............................18 VII. REFERENCES ........................................................................................ .............................19 TABLES Table 1: Special- status Plants With Potential to Occur in the Vicinity of the Project ........12 Table 2: Special- status Wildlife With Potential to Occur in the Vicinity of the Project..... 13 FIGURES Figure1: Project Vicinity ......................................................................... ..............................2 Figure2: Project Location ........................................................................ ..............................3 Figure 3: Near -term Route Constraints Map ............................................ ..............................4 Figure 4: Long -term Route Constraints Map ........................................... ..............................5 ,illorro Group, Inc. i Arroyo Simi Trail Feasibility Study Biological Constraints Analysis I. INTRODUCTION This Biological Resources Constraints Analysis has been prepared by Morro Group, Inc. for the City of Moorpark, and is intended for use as a reference document to assist in the project planning process. The objective of this report is to document the condition and sensitivity of the existing natural resources at and near the proposed Arroyo Simi Trail Feasibility Study routes, and to identify potential impacts of the proposed project on these resources. The assessment will focus on sensitive communities and special - status species, and identify any constraints associated with development along the proposed routes. The information presented in this report is based on review of pertinent literature, previous studies in the area, and on -site investigations of the proposed routes. II. PROJECT DESCRIPTION The City of Moorpark is studying the feasibility of establishing a Class 1 multi -use pedestrian and bicycle trail within and adjacent to the Arroyo Simi Creek Corridor. The multi -use trail is intended to promote alternative forms of transportation and provide new recreational opportunities consistent with the goals set forth in the City of Moorpark's General Plan, the City of Simi Valley's Bicycle Master Plan, and Ventura County's Regional Trails and Pathways Master Plan Report. The proposed trail corridor is located within the jurisdictional boundaries of the City of Moorpark; County of Ventura and City of Simi Valley (refer to Figures 1 and 2). Other local agencies with jurisdiction in the project study area include the Ventura County Watershed Protection District, Caltrans, and the Southern California Regional Rail Authority (SCRRA). Resource agencies with jurisdiction over habitat types and special - status species present in the area include the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), and the U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS). The proposed trail traverses a distance of approximately 9 miles, beginning at the westerly Moorpark City Limit and extending easterly through the City of Moorpark and unincorporated Ventura County, to the westerly terminus of the City of Simi Valley's existing trail system. The proposed routes cross both privately and publicly owned property. The trail routes will consist of a combination of Class I and Class II facilities with connections to neighborhoods, schools, parks, downtown Moorpark, employment centers, and planned regional trail facilities. Two routes are under consideration: a near -term route that utilizes mainly existing roads, creek levees, and crossing points, and a long -term route that will require additional road, railroad, and creek crossings, property acquisition, and new path construction. The routes traverse a mixture of natural and man -made habitats associated with various land uses within the City and County areas. Both routes have been designed to avoid or minimize encroachment upon sensitive resources and habitats along the proposed alignments, however, some impacts to such areas will be necessary to achieve the stated project goals. The two proposed routes are discussed in greater detail below, and are detailed on Figures 3 and 4. :Morro Group, Inc. / Arroyo Simi frail feasibility Study Biological Constraints Analysis Rh I It KAULA G 42 K 0 N 0 UN 7-.4 1,V Co Q 0 PROJECT LOCATION . ....... cma CON v Z; 6i Q 1W. VALL —RILL simise 'na NT2, LAS 12 CPO 'ICLEF 4f 1101 I s" CA ICE 2? 2! E 10 0 'v NEW3URY PAR v'ay "I WTU PARS ;,OAKS , r -!T�Z . $ A AG0UvFUM,1 awl, 1 78 M:O N 1 —MSILAXE'�2� MAGE La Jolla Pk. all L.g.—'Pk. Poi.vr MUGU L 0 U STNis PARK a P s Pk 'v cosim Pbok P.i. A4,,g:l .9 Pk. as F —yj N9 SISJmr N. C. tVICINITY MAP NORTH Not to Scale FIGURE I A/ , forro Group, Inc. 2 fi 14 "Po 4114� JU fe i �Tt 0 a. ror' n} 3 JrJfj•! Arroyo Simi Trail Feasibility Study Biological Constraints Analysis Fig 3 11x17 color Morro Group, Inc. -7 ac r ! (Z Least Bair. ,m Soutri— willm scnjb AO- Striped garter snake P., I ' Lyw'. p-. 1� . R. T I NEAR-TERM CONSTRAINTS MAP MORRO BIOLOGICAL CONSTRAINTS ANALYSIS 02 -846 3 - — GROUP, IN Arroyo Simi Trail Feasiblity Study Potential Environmental Impacts 03 0Y: do kEV. CT KFApero pl- -7 ac r ! (Z Least Bair. ,m Soutri— willm scnjb AO- Striped garter snake P., I ' Lyw'. p-. 1� . R. T I NEAR-TERM CONSTRAINTS MAP MORRO BIOLOGICAL CONSTRAINTS ANALYSIS 02 -846 3 - — GROUP, IN Arroyo Simi Trail Feasiblity Study Potential Environmental Impacts 03 0Y: do kEV. CT nyertl P_ voil.t. P.tftti, XIS R.—la Z.j 0 Jill, 111 L.-I OWN k SoUUseRi mr1aw scnjb TW6eftiped ganer a ke C-1 P pt..�Wts IIt ­ �CALI. 3 MORRO BIOLOGICAL CONSTRAINTS ANALYSIS LONG-TERM CONSTRAINTS MAP 02 846 Monr.Par,\mg- GRoup, LNc. Arroyo Simi Trail Feasiblity Study Potential Environmental Impacts FIGURE 4 AY. dh REV 0 1 1 1 Arroyo Simi Trail Feasibility Study Biological Constraints Analysis Fig 4 11x17 color Morro Group, Inc. Arroyo Simi Trail Feasibility Study Biological Constraints Analysis B. SENSITIVE HABITATS Eight major plant communities and habitat types were identified within the proposed project area, and include riverine, southern willow scrub, freshwater marsh, coastal scrub, annual grassland, landscaped /turf areas, windrow, and ruderal /disturbed areas. Of these habitat types, riverine, southern willow scrub, and freshwater marsh habitats are considered sensitive by various state and federal agencies due to their limited distribution, ecological sensitivity, or potential for providing important habitat for special- status species. Riverine, southern willow scrub, and freshwater marsh habitats are described below. 1. Riverine Riverine habitat consists of the unvegetated flowing channel areas of Arroyo Simi Creek, and using the nomenclature of Cowardin et al. (1979), this habitat type would be classified as riverine, lower perennial, unconsolidated bottom /shore. This habitat type is spatially and seasonally variable, and includes open water components (active, flowing channel), unvegetated sandbars (riverwash, active floodplain), and seasonally emergent wetlands. The stream gradient of this habitat type is low, water velocities are slow, and floodplains are typically well developed. Substrate within this habitat type is variable and consists of consolidated sand, cobble, and gravel. Riverine habitat within the project area consists of broad, flat, mostly channelized areas confined by levees from the western project boundary near Flitch Boulevard to the 118/23 freeway crossing near the center of Moorpark. To the east the channel is less disturbed, and contains more natural bank structure until levees begin again just west of Madera Road. Riverine habitats are considered waters of the U.S. and are regulated by the Corps and CDFG. Riverine habitat associated with Arroyo Simi Creek has potential to support a number of aquatic species, including bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus), the Arroyo chub (Gila orcutti), and the federally threatened Santa Ana sucker (Catostomus santaanae). 2. Southern Willow Scrub Southern willow scrub is characterized as a dense, broadleaved winter deciduous riparian thickets dominated by several Salix species, with scattered occurrences of cottonwoods and sycamore (Holland, 1986). Most stands are too dense to allow significant development of understory species. This community is found on loose, sandy or fine gravelly alluvial soils deposited within stream channels during flood flows. Southern willow scrub was formerly extensive along major southern California rivers and streams, but has been significantly reduced by urban expansion and associated flood control efforts. This community is considered sensitive by the CDFG, and frequently qualifies as wetland under CDFG /Corps delineation methodologies. Within the project area, this habitat type is dominated by arroyo willow ( Salix lasiolepis), with some areas densely infested with the highly invasive exotic arundo ( Arundo donax). Species such as poison hemlock (Conium maculatum), wild blackberry (Rubus ursinus), poison oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum), black nightshade (Solanum douglasii), mulefat (Baccharis viminea), mugwort (Artemisia douglasiana), and stinging nettle (Urtica holosericea) are also present. Morro Group, Inc. 5 Arroyo Simi frail Feasibility Study Biological Constraints Analysis Southern willow scrub extends from just east of the 118/23 freeway crossing upstream past the wastewater treatment plant as mapped by the CNDDB (refer to Figure 4). Southern willow scrub areas along the proposed routes are expected to provide suitable habitat for a diverse assemblage of semi - aquatic and terrestrial wildlife species. A variety of amphibian and reptile species, including those identified as having potential to occur in association with freshwater marsh communities, are expected to occur in association with southern willow scrub areas. Other vertebrate species expected to occur in or frequent this habitat include ensatina ( Ensatina eschscholtzi), gopher snake (Pituophis melanoleucus), common garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis), Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana), striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis), raccoon (Procyon lotor), California quail (Callipepla california), American goldfinch (Carduelis tristis), black phoebe (Sayornis nigricans), as well as numerous other birds. Dense willow vegetation is also expected to provide important nesting, roosting, and foraging habitat for a variety of migratory songbirds and various raptors. 3. Freshwater Marsh Freshwater marsh communities usually occur in nutrient -rich mineral soils that are saturated or inundated on a seasonal or permanent basis. These communities can occur in areas of slow - moving or stagnant shallow water along streams, or in areas where the low permeability of existing soils results in the prolonged presence of surface water or saturated soils. These habitat types also occur along the persistent, moist areas of existing drainages, around the perimeters of ponds, and in low topographic areas that contain standing water or moist soils due to retention of rainfall /runoff (Cowardin et al., 1979). Freshwater marsh areas are considered to be wetlands under state and federal guidelines. Freshwater marsh vegetation is present throughout the project area in channel /floodplain areas of Arroyo Simi Creek. These areas contain a mixture of annual grass and weed species, and wetland plants, including Arroyo willow, blackberry (Rubus ursinus), mugwort (Artemisia douglasiana), California bulrush (Scirpus californicus), cattail (Typha spp.), spikerush (Eleocharis macrostachya), mulefat (Baccharis salicifolia), annual ryegrass (Lolium muht florztm), curly dock (Rumex crispus), prickly ox- tongue (Picris echioides), bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon), English plantain (Plantago lanceolata), brass buttons (Colula coronopifolia), and saltgrass (Distichlis spicata). Due to the extent of wetland habitat along the creek, large areas of dense vegetative cover, and permanent water availability, freshwater marsh habitat associated with Arroyo Simi Creek is expected to support a wide variety of wildlife species. Species expected to occur in or frequent freshwater marsh habitats within the project areas would include Pacific treefrog (Hyla regilla), bullfrog (Rana catesbiana), western toad (Bufo boreal), and the federally threatened California red - legged frog (Rana aurora draytonii). Great blue heron (Ardea herodias), great egret (Casmerodias albus), and snowy egret (Egretta thula), are also expected to be present in marsh areas. Iforro Group, Inc. Arroyo Simi `frail l easibility Study Biological Constraints Analysis 4. Important Natural Communities a. Riparian Corridors Riparian corridors are considered sensitive and important habitats by the CDFG and other public and private resource agencies. Along the proposed routes, the riparian corridor of Arroyo Simi Creek includes Riverine, Southern Willow Scrub, and Freshwater Marsh habitat types. Southern Willow Scrub, a subcategory of Riparian Scrub habitat, is considered a "high priority" and "rare" community type by the CDFG (Holland, 1986). The diversity of wildlife species occurring within riparian habitats is typically very high and these habitats are sensitive to disturbance. Riparian vegetation provides important roosting and foraging habitat for many migratory bird species. Riparian vegetation regulates water temperatures and provides, directly or indirectly; food sources for aquatic organisms. Riparian habitats serve as migratory corridors for wildlife, and as such, are important in linking non - contiguous or fragmented wildlife habitats. Riparian corridors, such as the Arroyo Simi Creek corridor within the project site, are regulated by the CDFG and the ACOE. 5. Jurisdictional Definitions Areas of riverine, southern willow scrub, and freshwater rnarsh habitats, and all other areas within the bed or banks of Arroyo Simi Creek are subject to regulation by the CDFG and the Corps. Impacts to these areas may also require authorization from the USFWS due to the potential presence of special- status plant and animal species. The CDFG defines a "stream" (including creeks and rivers) as "a body of water that flows at least periodically or intermittently through a bed or channel having banks and supports fish or other aquatic life. This includes watercourses having surface or subsurface flow that supports or has supported riparian vegetation. " The habitats listed above potentially qualify as wetland or other waters of the U. S. under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. Wetlands are defined in the Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual (Environmental Laboratory, 1987) as: "Those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. Wetlands generally include swamps, marshes, bogs, and similar areas. " Corps - defined wetlands are determined to be present if evidence of the following three criteria are observed: dominance by hydrophytic vegetation, presence of hydric soils, and, evidence of wetland hydrology. Areas that do not meet all three criteria above (such as unvegetated levee banks) may still be regulated as jurisdictional waters by the Corps, and still fall under the jurisdiction of the CDFG. Morro Group, Inc. 7 Arroyo Simi Trail Feasibility Study Biological Constraints Analysis C. SPECIAL - STATUS SPECIES Special - status species are plants and animals that are either listed as endangered or threatened under the Federal or California Endangered Species Acts, rare under the California Native Plant Protection Act, or considered to be rare (but not formally listed) by resource agencies, professional organizations (e.g., Audubon Society, CLAPS, The Wildlife Society), and the scientific community. Prior to visiting the site, Morro Group, Inc. biologists reviewed the NDDB for the Moorpark and Simi Valley West U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) quadrangle areas, the Cal Flora Occurrence Database (www. cal flora. orQ), and the CNPS electronic inventory. A total of 24 state /federal /CNPS listed plants and animals were reported as occurring within the general vicinity of the proposed route. These species and potential suitability of observed habitat types are identified below in Tables l and 2. 1. Special - status Plants A general -level botanical survey was conducted along accessible areas of the proposed routes in May, 2003. None of the nine sensitive plant species listed in Table 1 were observed during the survey. Private property areas south of Arroyo Simi Creek opposite the Villa Del Arroyo Mobile Home Park (Section 4B of the long -term route) were not accessible, therefore, these areas and associated habitats were assessed for their potential to contain special- status plant species known to be present in the project area. One species, Lyon's pentachaeta, is known to be present on the hillside above Arroyo Simi Creek opposite the Mobile Home Park, and could potentially be present along this section of the proposed long -term route. Morro Group, Inc. Arroyo Simi Trail Feasibility Study Biological Constraints Analysis Table 1 Sensitive Plant Species Potentially Occurring Within or Near the Project Corridor Special Status Habitat and Flower Status Suitable Habitat Within or Species Distribution Season Designation Adjacent to Project Corridor Calochortus plummerae Perennial bulbiferous lierb. Occurs in MAY - Fed: None Areas of potentially suitable habitat Plummer's mariposa lily chaparral, cismonhme woodland, coastal JULY Calif: None occur along sections of the long -term scrub, valley and foothill grassland, on CLAPS: List 1B route. This species was not rocky /sandy sites, usually of granitic or R- E- D:2 -2 -3 observed. alluvial material. Elevation 90 -1.700 feet. Delphinium parry ssp. Perennial herb. Occurs in chaparral and APRIL - Fed: None Areas of potentially suitable habitat blochmaniae coastal dunes, rocky areas. Elevation 0 - MAY Calif. None occur along sections of the long -term dune larkspur 1,230 feet. CLAPS: List 1B route. This species was not R -E -D: 3 -2 -3 observed. Dudleya blochmaniae Perennial herb. Coastal bluff scrub, APRIL - Fed: None Areas of potentially suitable habitat ssp. blochmaniae chaparral, coastal scrub, valley and foothill ,TUNE Calif: None occur along sections of the long -tern Blochman's dudleya grassland, rocky, often clay or serpentinite. CLAPS: List IB route. This species was not Elevation 1 - 1,476 feet. R -E -D: 2 -3-2 observed. Dudleya parva Perennial herb. Coastal scrub, valley and MAY - Fed: Threatened Areas of potentially suitable habitat Conejo dudleya foothill grassland. Endemic to Ventura JUNE Calif: None occur along sections of the long -term county in clayey or volcanic soils on rocky CLAPS: List 113 route. This species was not slopes and grassy hillsides. Elevation 213 - R -E -D: 3 -2 -3 observed. 1,476 feet. Dudleya verityi Perennial herb. Chaparral, cismontane MAY - Fed: Threatened Areas of potentially suitable habitat Verity's dudleya woodland, coastal scrub. Endemic to JUNE Calif. None occur along sections of the long -term Ventura County. Found on volcanic rock CLAPS: List I route. This species was not outcrops in the Santa Monica mountains. R- E- D:3 -2 -3 observed. Elevation 213 - 395 feet. F'riogonum crocarum Perennial herb. Occurs in chaparral. APRIL - Fed: None Areas of potentially suitable habitat Conejo buckwheat coastal scrub, and valley and foothill JUNE Calif Rare occur along sections of the long -terns grassland. Endemic to Ventura county on CNPS: List 1B route. This species was not Conejo volcanic outcrops and rocky sites. R -E -D: 2 -2 -3 observed. Elevation 164 - 1.900 feet. f•.'rodium macrophyllum Annual herb. Occurs in cismontane MARCH - Fed: None Areas of potentially suitable habitat round - leaved fnlaree woodland and valley and foothill MAY Calif: None occur along sections of the long -tern grassland, on clay soils. Elevation 45 — CNPS: List 2 route. This species was not observed 3,600 feet. R -E -D: 2 -3 -1 Orcuttia californica Annual herb. Occurs in vernal pools APRIL - Fed: Endangered No suitable habitat occurs within the California Orcutt grass known only from southern California and AUGUST Calif: Endangered Project corridor. This species was Baja. Elevation 50 - 2, 165 feet. CNPS: List I B not observed. R- E- D:3 -3 -2 Pentachaem I*W /nii Annual herb. Edges of clearings in MARCH - Fed: Endangered This species is known to occur on Lyon's pentachaeta chaparral usually at the ecotone between AUGUST Calif: Endangered hillsides along the southern side of valley and foothill grassland, coastal scrub, CNPS: List 113 Arroyo Simi Creek, near proposed and chaparral or edges of firebreaks. R- E- D:3 -.3 -3 Section 4B of the long -tern route. Elevation 100 - 2,o67 feet. This species was not observed. Senecio aphanactis Annual herb. Cismontane woodland, JANUARY Fed: None Areas of potentially suitable habitat rayless ragwort coastal scrub, and chaparral on drying - APRIL Calif None occur along sections of the long -term alkaline flats. Elevation 50 - 1,886 feet. CNPS: List 2 route. This species was not R- E- D:3 -2 -1 observed. General references: CDFG 1999 Hickman ed. 1993, Murv. 1974, CNDDB 2003, Tibor, 2001. Status Codes C.': \ -7.Sl; are- F.iadongertnent- Distribution - -- NO status Rare: 1) rare, but found in sufficient numbers and distributed widely enough Federal: that the potential for extinction is low at this time. 2) distributed in a limited FE = Federal Endangered number of occurrences, occasionally more if each occurrence is sr alL 3) FT—Federal Threatened distributed in one to several highly restricted occurrences, or present in such SE =State Endangered small numbers that it is seldom reported. California Nativc Plant Society (CNPS): Endangerment: 1) not endangered: 2) endangered in a portion of its range, List 1 B = rare, threatened, or endangered 3) endangered throughout a portion of its range. in California and elsewhere. Distribution: 1) more or less widespread outside California: 2) rare outside List 2= Plants rare, threatened, or endangered California: 3) endemic to California. in California but more common elsewhere. Morro Group, Inc. 9 Arroyo Simi Trail Feasibility Study Biological Constraints Analysis 2. Special- status Wildlife Focused surveys for the wildlife species listed above were not conducted as part of this analysis. These special - status wildlife species are considered to have the potential to occur in the vicinity of the proposed project due to the presence of suitable habitats. Additional survey work will be necessary to determine presence or absence of these species prior to construction of the project. In addition to the species listed below, areas in the vicinity of the project corridor provide suitable foraging and nesting habitat for several raptor species, including Cooper's hawk (Accipiter cooperii ), white - tailed kite (Elanus leucurus), American peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus anatum), red - tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis), red - shouldered hawk (Buteo lineatus), and American kestrel (Falco sparverius). Raptor species that may be present only during winter months include the sharp- shinned hawk (Accipiter striatus), the ferruginous hawk (Buteo regalis), and bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalits). Table 2 Sensitive Wildlife Species Potentially Occurring Within or Near the Project Corridor Scientific Name Common Name Status Habitat and Suitable Habitat Within or Distribution Adjacent to Project Corridor CLASS BRINE AND FAIRY BRANCHIOPODA SHRIMPS Streptocephalus rvootoni Riverside fairy shrimp FE Endemic to western Riverside and No suitable habitat occurs within San Diego counties in areas of the Project corridor. This species tectonic swales/carth slump basins in was not observed. grasshmd and coastal sage. Inhabits seasonally astatic pools filled by winter / spring rains. CLASS OSTEICIITHYF,S FISH Catostonius santaonae Santa Ana sucker F1', CSC Found in several southern California Suitable habitat occurs within streams that retain pools and natural Arroyo Sirni Creek. This species bank structure. Primarily feeds on was not observed. algal material. Gila orcutti Arroyo chub CSC Generally found in slow water stream Suitable habitat occurs within sections with mud or sand bottoms. Arroyo Simi Creek, and the Feeds on aquatic vegetation and species is rrrtupped as present in associated invertebrates. Introduced in the eastern portion of the project regions north of Ventura County. area by the CNDDB. This species was not observed. CLASS AMPHH3IA AMPHIBIANS Bulb microscaphus Arroyo southwestern FE Found in semi -arid regions near Suitable habitat occurs along the toad washes or intermittent drainages. Arroyo Simi Creek riparian corridor. This species was not observed Rana aurora drayronii California red - legged FT, CSC Found in lowlands and foothills in or Suitable habitat occurs along the Frog near permanent sources of deep water Arroyo Simi Creek riparian with dense. shrubby or emergent corridor. This species was not riparian vegetation. Requires 11 -20 observed weeks of permanent water for larval development and must have access to estivation habitat. Morro Group, Inc. 10 Arroyo Simi Trail Feasibility Study Biological Constraints Analysis Scientific Name Common Name Status Habitat and Suitable Habitat Within or Athene cunicularia burrowing owl CSC Distribution Adjacent to Project (burrow sites) perennial grasslands, deserts and Corridor CLASS REPTILiA REPTILES scrublands characterized by low- areas along Arroyo Simi Creek. Clermnys marmorata pallida southwestern pond CSC Inhabits permanent or nearly Suitable habitat occurs along the turtle permanent bodies of water below 600 Arroyo Sind Creek riparian ft. Require basking sites such as corridor. This species was not Coccyzus amerrcanus western yellow - billed SE partially submerged logs, vegetation observed occidentalis cuckoo mats or open mud banks. portions of Arroyo Simi Creek Cnemidophorus tigris Coastal western CSC Inhabits a wide variety of habitat types Suitable habitat occurs along the inultiscutatus whiptail including coastal sage scrub, chaparral, Arroyo Simi Creek riparian Dnpidonax tradhi extimus southwestern willow FE, SE and sandy wash areas.. Prefers densely corridor. This species was not flycatcher vegetated areas. observed 7hamnophishanunoncin two- striped garter CSC Inhabits highly aquatic areas from Suitable habitat occurs along the snake Salinas to northwest Baja California. Arroyo Simi Creek riparian Found in or near permanent fresh water corridor. This species was not Polioptila californica coastal California FT. CSC often along streams with rocky beds observed. californica guatcatcher and riparian growth. Project corridor in open coastal CLASS AVES BIRDS Athene cunicularia burrowing owl CSC Found in open, dry annual or Suitable habitat occurs within the (burrow sites) perennial grasslands, deserts and Project corridor in open grassland scrublands characterized by low- areas along Arroyo Simi Creek. growing vegetation. Subterranean This species was not observed. nester dependent upon burrowing mamnnals. Coccyzus amerrcanus western yellow - billed SE i;ests in riparian areas of willow, Suitable habitat occurs along occidentalis cuckoo often mixed with cottonwoods, with portions of Arroyo Simi Creek (nesting) lower story of blackberry, nettles, or that contain dense willow cover. wild era . This species was not observed. Dnpidonax tradhi extimus southwestern willow FE, SE inhabit extensive thickets of low. Suitable habitat occurs along flycatcher dense willow's. Often found along portions of Arroyo Simi Creek (nesting) the edge of wet meadows, ponds, or that contain dense willow cover. backwaters. Require dense willow This species was not observed. thickets for nesting and roosting. Polioptila californica coastal California FT. CSC Requires low, coastal sage scrub in Suitable habitat occurs within the californica guatcatcher arid washes, on mesas and slopes. Project corridor in open coastal scrub areas along Arroyo Sinu Creek. This species was not observed. Virea belle pucilfus least Bell's vireo FE Summer resident of southern Suitable habitat occurs along (nesting) SE California. inhabits low riparian portions of Arroyo Simi Creek growth in view of water or in dry that contain dense willow cover. river bottonns: below 2,000 feet in This species was not observed. elevation. CLASS MAMNIALIA MANMALS Neotoma lepida intermedia San Diego desert CSC inhabits coastal southern California Suitable habitat occurs within the woodrtt from San Diego county to San Luis Project corridor in open coastal Obispo county. Abundant in rock scrub areas along Arroyo Simi outcrops, rocky cliffs and slopes with Creek. This species was not moderate to dense canopies preferred. observed. LEGEND Status Codes State Federal (FED) ST = State listed: Threatened FE = Federally listed, Endangered SE = State listed; Endangered FE = Federally listed, Threatened CSC = California Species of Special Concern FSC = Federal S ccies of Concern Source: California Department tment of Fish and Game Natural Diversity Database of California, 2003. Morro Group, Inc. 11 Arroyo Simi Trail Feasibility Study Biological Constraints Analysis IV. REGULATORY SETTING A. SECTIONS 404 AND 401 OF THE CLEAN WATER ACT OF 1977 Regulatory protection for water resources throughout the United States is under the jurisdiction of the Arrny Corps of Engineers. Section 404 of the Clean Water Act prohibits the discharge of dredged or fill material into waters of the United States without formal consent from the Corps. Waters of the U.S. include marine waters, tidal areas, stream channels, and associated wetlands. Wetlands include freshwater marshes, vernal pools, freshwater seeps, and riparian areas. Impacts to biological resources associated with riparian and wetland areas are assessed as part of the 404 permitting process through consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Policies relating to the loss of wetlands generally stress the need to compensate for wetland acreage losses by replacing wetland habitats on at least an acre - for -acre (l:l mitigation ratio) basis. Under Section 404, activities in Waters of the U.S. may be subject to either an individual permit or a general permit, or may be exempt from regulatory requirements. Some activities have been given blanket authorization under the provisions of a general permit through the Nationwide Permit system. Individual Permits require the applicant to prepare and submit an alternatives analysis of the project. The Corps distribution and review period typically takes 6 to 10 months from application to Individual Permit issuance. Section 401 of the Clean Water Act and its provisions ensure that federally permitted activities comply with the federal Clean Water Act and state water quality laws. Section 401 is implemented through a review process conducted by the Regional Water Quality Control Board ( RWQCB), and is usually triggered by the 404 permitting process. Specifically, the RWQCB certifies via section 401 that the proposed project complies with applicable effluent limitations, water quality standards, and other conditions of California law. If the RWQCB denies certification, the lead federal agency must deny the federal permit application. Construction of portions of the project have potential to impact existing wetland and riparian habitats associated with Arroyo Simi Creek. Potential impacts will result from new bridge construction, underpass construction, renovation of existing levee roads, and grading and construction of new trail sections adjacent to the creek. B. SECTION 7 AND SECTION 10 OF THE UNITED STATES ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT OF 1973 The Federal Endangered Species Act (FESA) of 1973 (50 CFR 17) provides legal protection for plant and animal taxa that are in danger of extinction, and classified as either threatened or endangered. The FESA requires Federal agencies to make a finding on all Federal actions, including the approval by an agency of a public or private action, such as the issuance of an Corps permit, as to the potential to jeopardize the continued existence of any listed species potentially impacted by the action. Impacts to listed species resulting from the implementation of a project would require the responsible agency to consult the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USWFS). Morro Group, Inc. 12 Arroyo Simi Trail Feasibility Study Biological Constraints Analysis Formal consultations must take place with the USFWS pursuant to Sections 7 and 10 of the Endangered Species Act, with the USFWS then making a determination as to the extent of impact to a particular species. If the USFWS determines that impacts to a species would likely occur, alternatives and measures to avoid or reduce impacts must be identified. A Biological Opinion (BO) is usually issued by the USFWS stating the results of their project review, and recommending mitigation measures to ensure protection of species under the ESA. USFWS requirements within the BO are often incorporated into Corps permit conditions. The proposed project could require a Section 7 /Section 10 consultation with the USFWS due to the potential presence of federally listed plant and animal species within the vicinity of the project area. Additional focused surveys will be necessary to determine actual presence /absence of federally listed plant and animal species within or adjacent to the proposed pathway, and project plans must be developed to a level of completion that allows impacts to be quantified. C. CALIFORNIA ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT /CALIFORNIA NATIVE PLANT PROTECTION ACT California has a parallel mandate to the FESA, which is embodied in the California Endangered Species Act (CESA) of 1984 and the California Native Plant Protection Act of 1977. These laws regulate the listing and take of plant and animal species designated as endangered, threatened, or rare. The State of California also lists Species of Special Concern based on limited distribution, declining populations, diminishing habitat, or unusual scientific, recreational, or educational value. Under State law, the California Department of Fish and Game is empowered to review projects for their potential to impact listed species and their habitats. The CDFG must review project plans and any proposed mitigation measures for impacts to special- status species. D. CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), was enacted by the California Legislature in 1970 to provide a system of checks and balances for land use, development, and management decisions for projects approved by public agencies. CEQA applies to all California government agencies, and requires a lead agency to analyze the potential environmental effects of proposed projects under its jurisdiction. CEQA grants public agencies the authority to require feasible changes in proposed projects to lessen or avoid significant environmental impacts. CEQA also provides a regulatory basis for protection of sensitive species and habitats not addressed under the State and Federal Endangered Species Acts, and establishes a framework for impact assessment and mitigation requirement determination by the lead agency for a proposed project. The presence of wetland and riparian habitats, and the potential for presence of special - status plant and animal species in and adjacent to the proposed project areas must be addressed under CEQA. Morro Group, Inc. 13 Arroyo Simi `frail Feasibility Study Biological Constraints Analysis E. CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME The Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) is responsible for conserving, protecting, and managing California's fish, wildlife, and native plant resources. California law requires any person, agency, or public utility proposing a project that may impact a river, stream, or lake to notify the CDFG before beginning the project. If the CDFG determines that the project may adversely affect existing fish and wildlife resources, a Lake or Streambed Alteration Agreement is required. This Agreement lists the CDFG conditions of approval for the proposed project, and serves as an agreement between applicants and the CDFG for a term of not more than five years for the performance of activities subject to this section. A Lake or Streambed Alteration Agreement will be required for any project activities within the bed or bank of Arroyo Simi Creek, including bridge and undercrossing construction. V. IMPACT ASSESSMENT The impact assessment process focuses on identifying potential impacts associated with implementation of both the near -term and long -term phases of the proposed project. The emphasis of the assessment is on effects of the proposed project on sensitive communities and special- status species known from the project area. Adverse impacts are expected to occur where proposed construction or development activities would result in temporary or permanent modification of sensitive communities or habitats occupied by special- status species. A. SENSITIVE COMMUNITIES AND HABITAT TYPES 1. Direct Disturbance of Jurisdictional Areas New bridge construction, underpass construction, and grading and construction of new pathway sections adjacent to Arroyo Simi Creek could result in direct impacts to and degradation of riverine, southern willow scrub and freshwater marsh habitats if equipment, construction materials, or spoils enter or are placed within or adjacent to the creek during construction. Impacts could include placement of footings, riprap or other structures within the creek channel, disturbance of streambed and streambank vegetation and soils, and release of sediment, construction materials, or gas /oil into the creek. a. `ear -term Route The near -term route proposes to construct two new bridges, and three new undercrossings associated with existing road and railway bridges. All impacts described above could occur during construction of the near -term route. Permit authorization and implementation of mitigation strategies would be required. b. Long -term Route The long -term route proposes to construct two additional new bridges, one additional new undercrossing associated with an existing railway bridge, and several new trail segments immediately adjacent to Arroyo Simi Creek. All impacts described above could occur during Morro Group, Inc. 14 Arroyo Simi T rad Feasibility Study Biological Constraints Analysis construction of the long -term route. Permit authorization and implementation of mitigation strategies would be required. 2. Indirect Disturbance of Jurisdictional Areas Indirect disturbance of riverine, southern willow scrub and freshwater marsh habitat areas could occur along both near -term and long -term routes as a result of proposed construction activities adjacent to and within Arroyo Simi Creek. Riverine, southern willow scrub and freshwater marsh habitat areas adjacent to proposed construction areas could be impacted by erosion and sedimentation, fuel or construction material spills, equipment wash residues, or dust, during or after construction of all phases of the project. After project completion, normal uses of the pathway have potential to indirectly impact adjacent habitat areas through increased noise, lighting, bicycle and foot traffic density, and water quality issues. B. SPECIAL- STATUS PLANTS The majority of the proposed routes will occupy existing streets, levee roads, and urban disturbed areas that have very low potential to impact special- status plant species. Proposed long -term trail routes on undeveloped private property adjacent to and south of Arroyo Simi Creek have potential to contain special- status plants. a. Near -term Route The near -term route would mostly occupy existing road and levee paths, and has little likelihood of impacting special- status plant species. b. Long -term Route The long -term route proposes to construct several new segments of pathway immediately adjacent to Arroyo Simi Creek, and a segment through undeveloped property south of the creek. Construction activities in these areas could potentially impact any special- status plants present. Prior to construction of these segments, a botanical survey should be performed during the normal spring flowering period to determine presence /absence of special- status plants with potential to be present in the vicinity. C. SPECIAL - STATUS WILDLIFE While no sensitive wildlife species were observed during surveys of the proposed routes, several species have been identified as potentially present along the route (refer to Table 2). Impacts to wildlife species are most likely to occur during construction in and adjacent to Arroyo Simi Creek; in undisturbed grassland areas, and during activities involving tree pruning or removal. a. Ncar -term Route The near -tenn route would occupy existing road and levee paths, however, construction of new bridges and undercrossings could result in impacts to special - status wildlife species associated with riverine, southern willow scrub and freshwater marsh habitats of Arroyo Simi Creek. Morro Group, Inc. 15 Arroyo Simi "Trail h'easibility Study Biological Constraints Analysis b. Long -term Route The long -term route proposes to construct several new bridges, undercrossings, new segments of pathway immediately adjacent to Arroyo Simi Creek, and a segment through undeveloped property south of the creek. Construction activities in these areas could potentially impact special- status wildlife species associated with Arroyo Simi Creek and adjacent undeveloped areas. D. RECOMMENDED MITIGATION MEASURES To minimize the potential for direct and indirect impacts to the sensitive habitats and species of Arroyo Simi Creek adjacent to the proposed project area, implementation of the following general measures is recommended: NINI -1: Prior to construction, the applicant should retain an agency- approved biological monitor to ensure compliance with conditions of approval within the project environmental document. The monitor should be qualified to perform or supervise any required special - status species surveys, document project- related construction impacts, and direct mitigation efforts. Monitoring shall be at a frequency and duration determined by the affected natural resource agencies (e.g., USFWS, Corps and CDFG). NIM -2: Prior to construction, the applicant should prepare a stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWPPP) that addresses surface water management during construction, and specifies measures for erosion control following development activities. MINI -3: Prior to and during construction, clearly mark the boundaries of construction areas, and restrict all vehicles and equipment to within the defined work area. Avoid the use of heavy equipment in and immediately adjacent to Arroyo Simi Creek. MINI -4: During construction, implement appropriate erosion control measures and limit ground disturbance activities to dry weather to avoid increased surface water runoff and erosion on site, and to avoid sedimentation of the creek. Install appropriate erosion control devices (i.e., hay bales, silt fences) around the perimeter of all construction zones and areas experiencing disturbance of the ground surface. Erosion control devices should be checked on a daily basis to ensure proper function. NINI -5: During construction, prohibit stockpiling of any soil in areas located in the vicinity of the creek, or in areas that have potential to experience significant runoff during the rainy season. N'INI -6: Following completion of construction- related activities, immediately revegetate all disturbed and barren areas with appropriate vegetation to reduce the risk of erosion from the site and sedimentation into the creek and downstream aquatic habitats. Areas experiencing only temporary disturbance should be replanted with species that are characteristic of grassland and riparian habitats of the project area. MNI -7: Installation of filtration devices, designed to remove oil, grease, and other potential pollutants from stonnwater runoff should be required for all project site storm drains leading to Arroyo Simi Creek. Morro Group, Inc. 16 Arroyo Simi Trail Feasibility Study Biological Constraints Analysis MM -8: To avoid take or disturbance of nesting birds, any necessary tree removals should be conducted between mid - September and mid - February, outside of the typical breeding season. If tree removals are determined to be necessary during the typical breeding season, a nesting bird survey should be conducted by a qualified biologist prior to proposed development activities. If the biologist determines that a tree planned for removal is being used for nesting at that time, disturbance shall be avoided until after the young have fledged from the nest and achieved independence. If no nesting is found to occur, necessary tree removal could then proceed. If the survey detects the presence of active nests within trees to remain on -site, noise- producing construction activities within 100 feet of the identified nest should be delayed until the young birds have fledged and left the nest. MM -9: Prior to construction of the proposed project, a qualified botanist should be retained to conduct focused surveys for special- status plants within the project site, focusing on natural areas that will be disturbed by new construction. Surveys should be conducted during the appropriate flowering period for species as listed in Table 1. In the event that special- status plants are found in areas proposed for disturbance, the project should be redesigned (to the extent feasible) to avoid disturbance or loss of identified plants. All verified occurrences of sensitive plant species revealed during the survey work should be reported to the NDDB by the qualified botanist within 30 days of the observation. MM -I0:If disturbance of special- status plants cannot be avoided through design modification, a qualified botanist or restoration specialist should be retained to implement appropriate conservation measures, which may include transplanting of individual plants to unaffected suitable habitats located on site, or plant propagation and revegetation within appropriate on -site habitats. MM -11: If identified rare plants can be avoided through project design, a biological monitor shall be retained to ensure that remaining plants are not inadvertently disturbed during construction activities. Prior to any project- related ground disturbance, all contractors associated with the construction phases of the proposed project shall be trained by the biological monitor on the identification and biology of sensitive species known in the vicinity of the pro.ject area. Work areas should also be clearly delineated and flagged to limit vehicular and foot access to only those areas necessary for project completion. These areas should be designated by the biological monitor to avoid /discourage unnecessary damage to sensitive species and habitats within and near the project area. Morro Group, Inc. 17 Arroyo Simi Trail Feasibility Study Biological Constraints Analysis VI. SUMMARY General construction activities associated with all phases of project implementation have potential to impact terrestrial and aquatic resources present along the proposed routes. As expected, construction of segments on existing roadway or levee path areas have lesser potential to impact sensitive resources, with impacts resulting primarily from indirect causes such as sedimentation or materials spills. Constriction of bridge, undercrossing, and new trail segments of the route have greater potential to impact sensitive resources, from both direct and indirect causes. Normal uses of the pathway after construction have potential to affect wildlife activity in adjacent creek areas through increased noise from foot and bicycle traffic, lighting, and water quality issues. Construction of the proposed near -term route would require coordination with and permit approval from state and federal agencies for bridge and undercrossing construction, and may also require implementation of mitigation efforts for impacts to jurisdictional habitats. Construction of the long -term route would require similar permit approval and mitigation efforts, and would likely also require completion of focused special- status plant and animal surveys on undeveloped portions of the proposed route. _'Morro Group, Inc. 18 Arroyo Simi TrailFeasihility,*udy Biological Constraints Analysis VII. REFERENCES California Natural Diversity Data Base (NDDB). 2002. Database records search of RareFind for USGS 7.5- minute quadrangles Moorpark and Simi Valley West. California Department of Fish and Garne. Sacramento, California. CNPS. 2001. Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants of California. (Sixth edition). Rare Plant Scientific Advisory Committee, David P. Tibor, Convening Editor. California Native Plant Society. Sacramento, California. California Department of Fish and Game. 2002. Endangered, Threatened and Rare Plants of California. State of California, Natural Heritage Division, Sacramento California. California Department of Fish and Game. 2002. Natural Diversity Data Base. Special Plants List. 115 pp. Sacramento California. Cowardin, Lewis M., V. Carter, F.C. Golet, and E. T. LaRoe. 1979. Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the United States. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Washington, D.C. Environmental Laboratory. 1987. . Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual. An Interagency Cooperative Publication. 100 pp Hickman, J. C. (ed.). 1993. The Jepson Manual. Higher Plants of California. Univ. of California Press, Berkeley, Los Angeles, and London. Holland, Robert F. 1986. Preliminary Description of, Terrestrial Natural Communities of California. State of California, The Resources Agency, Department of Fish and Game. Morro Group, Inc. 2002. ATT Fiber Optic Cable Project San Luis Obispo to Los Angeles Environmental Impact Report. San Luis Obispo, California. Sawyer, John and T. Keeler -Wolf. 1995. A Manual of California Vegetation. California Native Plant Society Publication. 470 pp. Stebbins, Robert C. 1972. California Amphibians and Reptiles. U.C. Press, Berkeley, CA. Zeiner, David C., William Laudenslayer, Jr., and Kenneth E. Mayer, editors. 1988. California's Wildlife Volume 1: Amphibians and Reptiles. California Dept. of Fish and Game, Sacramento, California. Zeiner, David C., William Laudenslayer, Jr., and Kenneth E. Mayer, editors. 1990. California's Wildlife Volume IT Birds. California Dept. of Fish and Game. Sacramento, California. Zeiner, David C., W.F. Laudenslayer, Jr., K.E. Mayer, and M. White. 1990. California's Wildlife, Vol. III, Mammals. California Dept. of Fish & Game. Sacramento, California. Morro Group, Inc. 19 APPENDIX B Funding Sources Matrix C-ty of vloo-nar< Arroya, Simi 'r3d 7c, s3bili'v S;.,,,iy City , 0";VicOrPark Arroyo Sim) Tail t - '?'lsabflity Sz,dy ;r PRIMARY FEDERAL FUNDING RESOURCES Category Description Target Project Components Congestion Mitigation Provides funds aimed at projects that help improve air Bicycle and pedestrian facilities, and Air Quality quality in regions that are designated as non - traffic flow improvement Improvement Program attainment or maintenance areas as defined by air programs. (CMAQ) quality standards. Major emphasis is placed upon Caltrans Local Programs Allocated to the local councils of governments for projects that support alternative modes of allocation to local projects on a competitive basis. www.dot.ca. <,ov /hc1 transportation, provide congestion relief measures, Peter DcHahn 805 -642- itransproJreports /Official provide non - polluting transit vehicles and equipment, CMAQ Web Pa(_�e.htm pedestrian and bicycling facilities, and new or improved technologies geared toward providing a Ventura County more efficient and safer transportation system. Transportation Commission (VCTC) Caltrans District 7 Fernando Castro, 213 -897 1905, Fernando castro dot. ca eov Call for projects is anticipated July 2003 for budget years 2003 -2004 and 2004 -2005. Applications will be available on -line at w>ww•.goventura.or, =. Upon approval of the reauthorization act by the federal government a subsequent call for projects will be made. Transportation Funds environmental and alternative transportation Enhancement Activities projects which enhance the transportation system. (TEA) Projects should creatively and sensitively integrate multi -modal transportation facilities into their www dot.ca.Rovhg surrounding communities. TEA projects must have a TransEnhAct direct relationship, by function, proximity or impact, to surface transportation (streets, roads, highways). Caltrans Local Programs Allocated to the local councils of governments for 916- 654 -2477 allocation to local projects on a competitive basis. VCTC Upon approval of the reauthorization act by the Peter DcHahn 805 -642- federal government a call for projects will be made. 1591 ext 106 pdehaan goventura.on* Regional Surface Transportation Program www.dot.ca Rov/'hq ? transprowcmagrtsp htm VCTC Peter DeHahn 805 -642- 1591 ext 106 pdehaan a s,oventura.org Caltrans District 7 Fernando Castro, 213 -897- 1905, Fernando castro Li,dot.ca.gov Programs and projects that facilitate non - automobile travel and generally reduce the need for single occupant vehicle travel. In addition, programs for new construction and major reconstructions of paths, tracks or areas solely for the use by pedestrian or other non - motorized means of transportation when economically feasible and in the public interest. STP funds may be used for either the construction of bicycle transportation facilities and pedestrian walkways, or non - construction projects (such as maps, brochures, and public service announcements) related to safe bicycle use and walking. Allocations are made on the basis of priorities developed in the RTP by the MPO in cooperation with local jurisdictions. Trail construction, benches, bike racks, interpretive exhibits, directional and safety signage, tradside rest facilities, staging nodes. Trail construction, bike lanes, trail connections, traffic signals. Category Description Target Project Components Recreational Trails Provides federal funding for recreational trails and Trail acquisitions, trail Program trails- related projects to public agencies and non- construction, restoration and profit organizations that manage public lands. maintenance, trailside rest California Department of Fundina is available on a competitive basis to these facilities, educational programs, Parks and Recreation agencies and may be used for maintenance and and directional and safety (DPR). State Parks Staff restoration of existing trails; development and signage. for Ventura County: rehabilitation of trailside and trailhead facilities, and Joshua Brady, 651 -8459 trail linkages; construction of new recreational trails; jbradv(.a_)parks.ca.gov acquisition of easements and fee simple title to property for recreational trails or corridors; and operation of educational or safety programs relatin, Rivers, Trails, and to the use of the recreational trails. A 20% minimum Grant writing, funding proposals, Conservation Assistance match is required. lobbying consultation. Safe Routes to School Enhance pedestrian and bicycle safety facilities and Trail segments proximate to (SR2S) related infrastructure. To be eligible for these funds, schools and /or that provide safe So CA Field Office 323- the project must be located on any state highway or connections to school campuses. Cal Trans District Office 7 on any local road. Projects must correct an identified Fernando Castro, 213 -897- safety hazard or problem on a route that students use 1905, for trips to and from school. federal reimbursement Fernando castro,rib.dot. rate is 90 %. ca.,ov Land and Water Acquisition or development of neighborhood, Trail acquisition, construction, Conservation Fund community, and regional parks that include top maintenance, interpretive (LWCF) priority recreation projects or acquisitions of exhibits. wetlands. (Combination acquisition and development www.i)arks.ca.gov/--rants/ projects are not eligible.) Property acquired or lwcf/Iwcf.htm developed under the program must be retained in perpetuity for public outdoor recreation use. This is a Department of Parks and reimbursement program. Applicants are expected to Recreation Local Services finance the entire project. Fifty percent of the actual Section 916 -653 -8758, expenditures up to the support ceiling of the grant will be refunded when the project has been completed. Rivers, Trails, and National Park Service program provides technical Grant writing, funding proposals, Conservation Assistance assistance at the request of citizens, community lobbying consultation. www.nps. <„ov /pwro /rtca groups, and government to establish and restore eenways, rivers, trails, watersheds and open space. So CA Field Office 323- Not all applicants are able to be assisted. Projects that 441-2117 rank the highest focus on conservation and community partnerships. PRIMARY STATE FUNDING RESOURCES Category Description Target Project Components Bicycle Transportation Provides grant funds for new bike paths, bike lanes, New bike segments that serve Account (BTA) and bike routes, bicycle parking facilities, bike racks major transportation corridors, on buses, and traffic control devices to improve the secure bicycle parking, bicycle - www.dot.ca.gov /hq/Local safety and convenience of bicycle commuting. To be carrying facilities on transit Programs/ eligible for BTA funding, cities and counties must vehicles, installation of traffic have an adopted Bicycle Transportation Plan that control devices, bike trail /lane Caltrans District 7 complies with Streets and Highways Code §891.2 and improvements, maintenance, and Fernando Castro, 213 -897- has been approved by the appropriate regional hazard eliminations. 1905, Fernando Castro transportation agency and Caltrans. Local match is ��dotca.gov ten percent of the total project cost. Environmental Offers grants to local state and federal agencies and Depends on timing and Enhancement and non - profit organizations for projects to mitigate the availability of transportation Mitigation Program environmental impacts caused by new or modified mitigation projects that could (EEV1P) state transportation facilities. These are not stand- provide additional mitigation alone grants. EEMP projects must piggyback or add through this program. www.dot.ca.gov/'hq/Land onto other mitigation projects. Grants are awarded in Arch /eem /eemframe.htm three categories: Highway Landscape and Urban Forestry; Resource Lands; Roadside Recreational. State Resources Agency Transportation mitigation projects are ineligible. Carolyn Dudley, 916- 653 -5656 Habitat Conservation Fund Provides a competitive grant program for trail (HCF) projects, land acquisition, and wildlife corridor restoration. Projects must employ CA Conservation http: / /'www.narks.ca.gov�! Corps, when feasible, or local conservation corps. grantsi1icf/hcf.htm Trails, programs and urban access projects evaluated according to benefit, long -term commitment of Joshua Brady, 916-65 1 - applicant, coordination with larger project, existing 8459, CA Department of adopted plans or programs, and matching funds that Parks and Recreation, (916) are already budgeted. 653 -7423, i brady,Ca,Vark s. ca. -yov Safe Routes to School (S R2S) Cal "Frans District Office 7 Fernando Castro, 213 -897- 1905, Fernando castro(a-),dot. ca.gov State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC) Peter DeHahn 805 -642- 1591 ext 106 pdehaan 0a oventura.org Competitive grant program to enhance pedestrian and bicycle safety facilities and related infrastructure that correct an identified safety hazard or problem on a route that students use for trips to and from school. Projects must be located on any state highway or on any local road. Federal reimbursement rate is 90 %; local match 10 %. State funding for a variety of transportation projects including bicycle and pedestrian facilities. The Regional Transportation Planning Agency (Ventura County Transportation Commission is the RTPA for Moorpark) includes projects on the long - term Regional Transportation Improvement Plan (RTIP). Evaluation criteria determined by the RlPA. Trail segments that attract urban residents to park and wildlife areas and programs that educate them about state wildlife resources. Creek crossings, creek side trails near natural or proposed restored habitat areas, coastal trail connections. Trail segments and facilities that are proximate to schools and /or that provide safe connections to school campuses such as bikeways, signals, signs, traffic calming measures. Permits and environmental studies, design, right -of -way acquisition, and construction. Category Description Target Project Components Community Based Caltrans program supports demonstration planning Trail connections to high volume Transportation Planning projects that project an example of livable community pedestrian / transit usage or Demonstration Grant concepts. CBTP grants assist local agencies to better residential neighborhoods. Program integrate land use and transportation planning, to ibradv@parks.ca.gov www.dot.ca.gov,�hghp /off develop alternatives for addressing growth and to • Acquisition of park and recreation lands and ices /ocp /cbtpg.htm assess efficient infrastructure investments that meet • Development/rehabilitation of park and community needs, including those that expand recreation lands and facilities Caltrans Contact: transportation choices and provide pedestrian Leigh Levine 916 -651- bicycle/ transit linkages. • Innovative Recreation Programs 6012 Petroleum Violation Funds projects that conserve energy and that benefit Bicycle facilities with high Escrow Account (PVEA) directly or indirectly consumers of petroleum commuter benefits. products in the state. Local CA Legislature Representative, and Caltrans Federal Resources Office, Budgcts Program 916 - 654 -7287 CA Conservation Corps Not a grants program, but a free source of volunteer Can assist with grant writincy . labor and potential project partner. Projects must Trail construction, installation of Margaret Behan, provide a natural resource or other public benefit, and bike facilities such as bike racks, www.ecc.ca.gov provide corps members with education and training in staging areas, etc. 916 -341 -3155 employable skills. Project sites must be public land or publicly accessible. Regular maintenance is not eligible for CCC projects, however restoration and major repairs considered. Roberti- Z'berg- Harris Available for the acquisition, development, or special Trail acquisition, trail Program (RZH) major maintenance of recreational lands and facilities: construction. and innovative recreation programs that respond to Joshua Brady, 916 -651- unique and other wise unmet recreation needs of 8459, CA Department of special urban populations. This program consists of Parks and Recreation, (916) block grants and competitive giants to special 653 -7423, districts, cities, counties, and regional districts. ibradv@parks.ca.gov Eligible projects include: • Acquisition of park and recreation lands and facilities • Development/rehabilitation of park and recreation lands and facilities • Special Major Maintenance of park and recreation lands and facilities • Innovative Recreation Programs PRIMARY LOCAL FUNDING RESOURCES Category Description Target Project Components Transportation One quarter cent of retail sales tax is returned to the General bicycle and pedestrian Development Act (TDA) county of origin in order to fund transportation facilities. Article 3 improvements in that county. Article 3 allows RTPAs and related facilities such as to earmark 2% of the Local Transportation Fund VCTC (LTF) towards bicycle and pedestrian facilities, Peter DeHahn 805 -642- including safety programs and planning projects. TDS 1591 ext 106 monies can be used as a local match for federal and pdehaanngoventura.or; state grants within one year of their allocation. May Supervisor be a competitive process within the County. Local Air District Various state legislation have authorized air districts Project components with Funding for Vehicle in California to impose a two to four dollar motor measurable commuter benefits Registration Fees vehicle registration fee to provide funds for air and related facilities such as districts to meet CA Clean Air Act mandates. The transit bike racks, bike lanes that Ventura County APCD funds can be used to support programs and projects connect to commuter routes. Chuck "Thomas; that reduce air pollution from motor vehicles and to Supervisor implement Transportation Control Measures (TCM) 805;645 -1427 contained in local Air Quality Attainment Plans. chuck @vcapcd.org Proposals need to show the project's anticipated air quality benefits through vehicle trip reduction predictions and other data. Developer Impact Fees Local government charge to developers to offset the Trail and facility segments public costs required to accommodate new proximate to new development development with public infrastructure. The fee must areas that will generate traffic have a direct relationship between the need for increases. facilities and the growth from new development. Generally used for local rather than regional improvements such as water and sewer. The amount of the fee must equal the cost of the proposed project or service. Sometimes these fees are known as traffic mitigation fees. OTHER F"DING RESOURCES Category Description Target Project Components Gifts and Endowments General contributions from private individuals or Trail amenities (benches, lights, businesses are an attractive source of financing. staving areas, trees, etc.). Although fundraising through donations is unpredictable, it could help supplement other more reliable sources. Adopt a Trail / Adopt a Donated monies may be earmarked to pay for trail Interpretive kiosks, lighting, or Trail Feature construction or trail fixtures is to provide name benches, trail segments. recognition to donors or those who helped pay for specific features. A small plaque or sign could be fastened to the appropriate fixture or at trail heads of appropriate trail segments. This program would have to either be developed by the city or a local community group willing to assume responsibility for coordinating donors with projects. CA ReLeaf Tree Funds available to community-based groups Creekside trail enhancement / Planting Grant throughout California for projects that plan Marge- revegetation projects. crowning environmentally tolerant trees on public California Department of property to provide shade and other benefits. The City Forestry & Fire Protection. could collaborate with a group such as Urban Tree CA Rel.eaf 949 - 642 -0127 Foundation to acquire ReLeaf grant funding. V or 916 -557 -1673, ext. 12. Bikes Belong Coalition, Grants for facility project objective: To connect Trail connections, construction, Ltd. existing facilities or create new opportunities; and programs that include leverage federal, state and private funds; influence measurable benefits. May be Tim Baldwin, Grants policy; and generate economic activity. beneficial to combine with Administrator Eligible proiects includes APCD project components for tun bikesbelong.org Bike paths, trails, routes, lanes, parking, and transit corresponding measurable or 617-734-2111 Innovative and unique high profile projects benefits. Proposals must include a specific program or project that is measurable. Applicants are also strongly encouraged, but not required, to contact Bikes Belong to ensure the proposal's eligibility. APPENDIX C Recreational Land Use Statute C AM,'YO Simi ',,id S-,--dy State of California Recreational Use Statute 846. An owner of any estate o- any other _.nterest in real property, w- eter possessory or nonpossessory, owes no duty of care to keep the premises sa=e for entry or use by others for any recreational purpose or �:o give any warning of. - azardous conditions, uses of, str.uct•.:res, or activities on such premises to persons entering for s-.:ch n ---pose, except as orovided in th'..s section. A "recreational purpose," as used in t'r_is section, _nc:uces such activities as `ish_ng, ^untinc, camping, water sperLs, hikirc, spe-lunking, sport parachuting, ridinq, including animal r d_nq, s- ow--nobiling, and a-1 other types of ve- _cu:ar riding, rock collecting, s- ghtseeir.c, picnicking, nature study, nature centact_ng, recreational cardening, gleaning, ' -ang gliding, winter sports, and view.nq or enjoyLnq historical, a_chaeoioq_ca:, scenic, natural, or scientific sites. An owner of any estate or any other _nteresL in real property, w- et: -er possessory or nonpossessory, w:no gives permission to anct er for entry or use for t:.e above purpose upon the oremises does not -e_eby (a) extend any assurance that the premises are sa_`e for such rnose, or (b) ccnstit•.ite t -e person to whom permission has been cranLed the _cgal stat.:s of an _nvitee or - _censee to whom a d --ty of care is owed, or (c) assume resoonsi.bility for or inc--- iiabi -_ty for any ry to person or property ca sed by any act of s-. person to whom permission has been cr.anted except as provided in t -_s sect'_on. s section does not 1__m_t L e l i ab__iLy whi.c otherwise exists (a) for w__ -fu1 or malicious cailure to guard or warn against a dangerous condi.t_cn, use, str.:cture or activity; or (b) for injury suffered in any case w ere perm -scion to enter for t: -e above purpose was granted for a consideration other than the consideration, __ any, pa 'd to said landowner by the state, or w -ere consideration has been received from others Ecr the same p_-°pose; or (c) to any persons who are express -y invited rat�.er than rere -y perrri.tted to core upon the preT,_ses by the landowner. Nothinc in this section creates a duty of care or ground of liability for injury to person or property. 816.1. (a) Except as provided in subdivision (c), ar owner of any estate or interest in real. property, w -eLher possessory or nonpossessory, who gives permission -o the public for entry on or use cf the real property pursuant to an agreemenzi wit` a public or ncnor.ofit agency for .p_'-poses of recreational trail use, and is a defendant ir. a civil action brouc: -t by, or on behalf of, a oerson w -.o _s a-- egedly injured or a'_!eged:.y s,.ffers damages on the real property, may presenz� a c -ai.m to the State Board o` Control for reasonab -e attorney's fees incurred in t:-is civil action if any of the f.._lowinq occurs: (1) The co-rt has dismissed the civil action upor a der",�ffer or Cri of Mcoroark ,•:lfi;yJ Si'l);?ra I! motion for summary judgment made by the owner or upon its own motion for lack of prosecution. (2) Inc action was dismissed by the plaintiff without any payment from the owner. (3) The owner prevails Ln the civil action. (b) Except as provided in subdivision (c), a public entity, as defined in Section 831.5 of the Government Code, that dyes permission to the public for entry on or use of real property for a recreational purpose, as defined in Section 846, and is a defendant ..n a civil action brought by, or on behalf of, a person who is alleqedly injured or allegedly suffers damages on the real property, may preseni a claim to the Stave Board of Controi for reasonable attorney's fees incurred in this civil action if any of the following occurs: (1) The court has dismissed the civil action, upon a demurrer or motion for summary judgment made by this public entity or upon its own motion for lack of prosecution. (2) The action was dismissed by the plaintiff without any payment from the public entity. (3) The publi.c entity preva`.is in the civil action. (c) An owner of any estate or interest in real property, whether possessory or nonpossessory, or a public entity, as defined in Section. 831.5 of the Government Code, that gives permi.ssion to the public for entry on, or use of, the real property for a recreational purpose, as defined in Section 846, pursuant to an agreement with a public or nonprofit agency, and is a defendant in a civil action bro�ght by, or on behaif of, a person who seeks to restrict, prevent-, or delay public use of that property, may present a claim to the State Board of Control for reasonable attorney's fees Lncvrred in the civil action 't any of the following occurs: (') "he court has dismissed the civil action .:pon a demurrer or notion for summary fudgment made by the owner or pubic entity or upon its own- motion for lack o` prosec.:t_on.. (2) The action was dismissed by the plaintiff;: withc:zt any payment from the owner or public entity. (3) The owner or public entity prevails in the civil action. (d) The State Board of Control shall allow the claim if the requirements of this section are met. he claim shall be paid from an appropriation to be :Wade for that purpose. Reasonable attorneys' fees, for purposes of this section, may not exceed an hoer -y rate greater Shan the rate charged by the Attorney General at the time the award is made, and may not exceed an aggregate amount of twenty-Ave thousand dollars ($25,000). This subdivision shall. not apply if a public entity has provided for the defense o= this civil action p..:rsnant to Section 995 of the Government Code. This s::bdiv_sion, shall also non apply if an owner or public entity has been provided a lega; defense by the state pursuant to any contract or other regal obligation. (e) The Iota_ of claims a -lowed by the board pursuant to this section, sr.a;_ not exceed two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000) per fiscal year. C ty Moorpark