Title
Chief Administrative Office, Parks Division recommending the Board:
1) Adopt the Negative Declaration and Initial Study for the revised River Management Plan as prepared by the Consultant; and
2) Approve and authorize the Chair to sign Resolution 018-2018 adopting the revised 2018 River Management Plan for the South Fork of the American River. (Est. Time: 20 Min.)
FUNDING: River Fees.
Body
DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATION
Chief Administrative Office, Parks Division recommending the Board:
1) Adopt the Negative Declaration and Initial Study for the revised River Management Plan (RMP) as prepared by the Consultant; and
2) Approve and authorize the Chair to sign Resolution 018-2018 adopting the revised 2018 River Management Plan for the South Fork of the American River.
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
The El Dorado County River Management Plan (RMP) focuses on white water recreation on the 20.7 mile segment of the South Fork of the American River between the Chili Bar Dam, near State Highway 193, and the confluence of the Folsom Lake State Recreation Area.
Beginning in the early 1980's the County has managed commercial and non-commercial white water recreation in this area to enhance public health, safety, and welfare, and to preserve environmental values. The project is an administrative update to the RMP that continues a periodic update and review process to the RMP, which was first adopted in 1984.
Following the September 26, 2017 Board of Supervisors meeting the County's consultant prepared and circulated an Initial Study and Negative Declaration for the update to the River Management Plan. The document was circulated for public review from December 6, 2017 to January 5, 2018 and the County received four comments. Responses to those comments are included as Appendix B to the Negative Declaration.
Pursuant to Assembly Bill 52 the County notified the traditionally and culturally affiliated Native American tribes within the geographic area of the proposed project. The County had further discussion and concluded consultation with both the United Auburn Indian Community and the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians.
The adoption of the 2018 update to the RMP continues the County's role in management of the South Fork of the American River and is consistent with the County General Plan.
Staff continues to work with the River Management Advisory Committee (RMAC) to revisit Resolution 065-2002 as directed by the Board at the September 26, 2017 meeting.
ALTERNATIVES
1) The Board could direct staff to make additional changes to the RMP and return at a later date. This could reopen the CEQA process.
2) The Board could choose to not adopt the Negative Declaration and the final draft of the RMP. This would result in the continued implementation of the 2001 RMP unless otherwise directed.
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
Planning Commission, Department of Planning and Building, Sheriff Office.
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
CAO recommends approval of staff’s recommendation.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The River Management Program 2017-18 budget is approved at $204,336. The program is funded by river fees without any General Fund contributions. Adoption of the 2018 River Management Plan does not affect the Fiscal Year 2017-18 Budget.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
N/A
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
Infrastructure
CONTACT
Vickie Sanders, Parks Manager
Laura Schwartz, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer