S E C T I O N T W OGOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND POLICIES

SECTION TWO CONTENTS

This section provides the framework around which the Master Plan will be formed.

2.1 Introduction 2-2

2.2 Definitions 2-2

2.3 Goals,Objectives,andPolicies 2-3

2.4 PlanningandPolicyContext 2-11

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2.1 INTRODUCTIONThroughacollaborativeplanningprocess,thefollowinggoals,objectives,andpoliciesweredevelopedtoguidethedevelopmentoftheMasterPlan.Theyweredesignedtoenhancenon-motorizedmobilityandimprovesafety,access,trafficcongestion,airquality,andthequalityoflifeforSantaCruzCountyresidents,workers,andvisitors.Thegoalsaremeanttofunctionasthecommonframeworkthatintegratesthecountywiderailtrailwithnewandexistingbicycleandpedestrianfacilities.AdditionalobjectivesandpoliciesforeachcountyjurisdictionareincludedintheirindividualplansandaresummarizedinSection2.4andAppendixAofthisMasterPlan.

2.2 DEFINITIONSThefollowingdefinitionsareprovidedtoexplaintheintentofeachgoal,objective,policy,andimplementingaction.

GOALAgeneralstatementofdesiredcommunityoutcome

OBJECTIVEAsubsetofagoal,anobjectiveismorespecificandprovidesmeasurablestrategies

POLICYActionsthatacommunitywillundertaketomeetthegoalsandobjectives

IMPLEMENTING ACTIONArecommendedactionnecessarytoimplementtheMasterPlanpolicies

The goals are meant to function as the

common framework that integrates the countywide rail trail to new and existing

bicycle and pedestrian facilities.

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2.3 GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND POLICIESGOAL 1: TRAIL SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT

DEFINE A CONTINUOUS TRAIL ALIGNMENT THAT MAXIMIZES OPPORTUNITIES FOR A MULTI-USE BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN TRAIL SEPARATE FROM ROADWAY VEHICLE TRAFFIC.

Objective 1.1 Provide a continuous public trail along the Santa Cruz Branch Line railroad corridor and connecting spur trails within Santa Cruz County.

Policy1.1.1 PrioritizefundingandimplementationforgapsintheMBSSTNetworkthatservemultiplepopulationandactivitycenters.

Policy1.1.2 Maximizeoceanviewsandsceniccoastalvistas,andemphasizeconnectionstoexistingandproposedlocaltrailsystemswithfrequentverticalaccessopportunitiesfordifferentusergroupsfromtheCoastalRailTrailtothebeach,vistapoints,interpretivefacilities,andotheractivitycentersalongtheway.

Policy1.1.3 Useexistingbuilttrails,roadways,andothertransportationfacilitiestothefullestextentpossibletoprovidefortheprimarytrailalignmentandspurtrails.

Policy1.1.4 PromotesegmentsaffordingcoastalviewsasprimarymeansforexperiencingandinterpretingtheMontereyBayNationalMarineSanctuary.

Policy1.1.5 Pursuecontiguoustraildevelopmenttomaximizecontinuoustrailutilizationinareaswithhighnumbersofactivitycentersandpopulationdensity.

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Objective 1.2: Make the trail functional as a transportation facility.

Policy1.2.1 Linktrailstoregionallysignificantactivitycenterssuchasparks,openspace,commercialcenters,schools,anduniversitiesviathemaintrailalignmentortrailconnectors.

Policy1.2.2 Providesafe,directlinkagesbetweentrailsandpavedpathways,bikelanes,transitterminals,busstops,andparkingfacilities(formotorvehiclesandbicycles).

Policy1.2.3 ConstructthetrailaccordingtoCaltransbikewaystandardsasdescribedintheCaltransHighwayDesignManual,Chapter1000,BikewayPlanningandDesign,andotherstandardsmanuals.

Policy1.2.4 Developtrailsinsuchawaysothatfuturerailtransitservicesalongthecorridorarenotprecluded.

Objective 1.3: Make the trail recognizable as a continuous facility.

Policy1.3.1 Developawayfindingidentityandregulatorysignagesystemthatisvisually clear andcohesive,aswellasphysicallydurabletoreducemaintenancerequirements.

Policy1.3.2 EnsurewayfindingidentityandregulatorysignageisconsistentwithandcomplementsthepreviouslydevelopedMontereyBaySanctuaryScenicTrailStandardsManual.

Policy1.3.3 ProvideasenseofcontinuityalongtheentiretrailroutethroughunifyingvisualelementsidentifiedinthelandscapedesignstandardsincorporatedintheMasterPlan.

Policy1.3.4 PreservetheintegrityoftheMBSSTNetwork’sidentitybyfocusingonthedevelopmentofacohesivespinetrail.

Objective 1.4: Minimize the environmental impacts of the complete trail system.

Policy1.4.1 Avoidsensitivehabitatareasandspecial-statusplantandanimalspeciestothemaximumextentfeasiblewhenidentifying,designing,andconstructingnewtrailsegments.

Policy1.4.2 CoordinatewithlocalplanningandCoastalCommissionstafftodesignandconstructtheMBSSTNetworktocomplywiththeCoastalActandlocalcoastalprogramrequirements.CoordinatewithdesignationoftheCaliforniaCoastalTrail.

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Policy1.4.3 Identifypotentialhabitatenhancementprojectsandmitigationstrategiesinassociationwithallnewtraildevelopmentplansanddesigns.

Policy1.4.4 Establishpositiveworkingrelationshipswithstate/federalwildlifeandenvironmentalresourceprotectionofficialsandstaff.

Objective 1.5: Minimize trail impacts to private lands including agricultural, residential, and other land uses.

Policy1.5.1 Avoidtraildevelopmentonprivatelandswhereafeasiblealternativealignmentexistsonadjacentpublicproperties.

Policy1.5.2 Documentallcostsofmodificationstolandowneroperations,accesscontrols,etc.associatedwithtraildevelopment,andincorporatesuchcostsintopubliccostestimatesfortheproject.

GOAL 2: ENHANCE APPRECIATION OF THE COASTAL ENVIRONMENT

DEVELOP PUBLIC TRAIL ACCESS ALONG THE MONTEREY BAY NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY TO ENHANCE APPRECIATION, UNDERSTANDING, AND PROTECTION OF THIS SPECIAL RESOURCE.

Objective 2.1: Use interpretive guidelines and exhibits to promote coastal alignments as the primary means for experiencing and interpreting the sanctuary, and historical and agricultural landscapes.

Policy2.1.1 ContinueworkdocumentedintheMontereyBaySanctuaryScenicTrail

StandardsManual,andtheDraftLongRangeInterpretivePlanwhendevelopinginterpretivematerials,whereappropriate.

Policy2.1.2 Establishinterpretivedesignandcontentguidelinesviaamemorandumofunderstanding(MOU)orotherformalwrittenagreementbetweenimplementingentities,asneeded.

Policy2.1.3 Providerelevant,engaginginterpretationandinformationoftherailroad,theMontereyBayNationalMarineSanctuary,thecoastalenvironment,agriculture,localhistory,andaffectedcommunities.

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Interpretive signage example

Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary information sign at Manresa State Beach

GOAL 3: EDUCATION AND AWARENESS

PROMOTE AWARENESS OF THE TRAIL, TRAIL OPPORTUNITIES, AND TRAIL USER RESPONSIBILITIES.

Objective 3.1: Promote the benefits of trail usage such as economic, transportation, safety, recreation, connectivity, community image, environmental stewardship and health.

Policy3.1.1 AcknowledgeexistingtraildesignationssuchastheCaliforniaCoastalTrail.

Policy3.1.2 Createatrailidentitythroughuseoflogos,maps,signage,andbrochures.

Policy3.1.3 Developtrailpromotionalmaterialspresentingthefacilityasalternativetransportationandtodrawtravelersoutoftheircars.

Policy3.1.4 Establishcomplementaryeducationalandregulatoryprogramsthatemphasizerespectfornaturalresources,privateproperty,andothertrailusers.

Policy3.1.5 Usetechnologytopromotetrailawarenessandopportunitiessuchas:developmentofamobilephoneapplicationwithmaps,opportunitiestoreporttrailmaintenance,andtoreceivereportsregardingtrailconditionsorclosures;provisionofQRcodesalongthetrailtoaccessadditionalinterpretiveinformation;andasocialmediapresencefortrail-relatedeventsorothercurrentnews.

Objective 3.2: Encourage use of the trail for Safe Routes to School programs.

Policy3.2.1 CoordinatewithlocalschoolstousetheMBSSTNetworkaspartofexistingandproposedSafeRoutestoSchoolsprograms.

Policy3.2.2 Coordinatewithlawenforcementonallrelevantsafetyconcernsincludingtrafficatroadcrossings.

Policy3.2.3 ProvidesignagethatdesignatesuseofthetrailforSafeRoutestoSchoolprograms.

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GOAL 4: IMPLEMENTATION

DEVELOP A LONG- AND SHORT-TERM PROGRAM TO ACHIEVE THE POLICIES SET FORTH IN THIS MASTER PLAN THROUGH A COMBINATION OF PUBLIC AND PRIVATE FUNDING, REGULATORY METHODS, AND OTHER STRATEGIES.

Objective 4.1: Identify costs associated with each defined segment and for overall improvements required to create a continuous trail.

Policy4.1.1 Developandmaintainaccurate,currentconstructionunitcostsforallmajorelementsoftherecommendedtrailfacility.

Policy4.1.2 Developandmaintainaccurate,currentlandcostswhereacquisitionofright-of-wayand/oreasementsisrequiredfortrailimplementation.

Policy4.1.3 Provideimplementingentitieswithfundingtodeveloptrailsegments.

Objective 4.2: Ensure that sponsors of the Monterey Bay Sanctuary Scenic Trail Network (MBSST Network) pursue all potential state, federal, regional, local, and other funding sources.

Policy4.2.1 Allocatestaff,retaingrantwritingvolunteers,and/orretainconsultantstopursuefundingfordirect,matching,andchallengegrantsfromotheragenciesandsourcesforimplementationoftheMBSSTNetwork.

Policy4.2.2 Developandmaintainamatrixofappropriatestateandfederalgrantsourcesforspecifictrailsegments,trailaccesspoints,andassociatedprojects.

Objective 4.3: Utilize ordinances and park conservation or trail easements to ensure significant trail development opportunities.

Policy4.3.1 WorkwithCityandCountyPlanningstafftoseekoutopportunitiesaspartofnewdevelopmentproposals.

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Objective 4.4: Utilize existing lands owned by various government entities, open space groups, institutions, and other sources to develop the trail.

Policy4.4.1. Updateandreevaluateinventoryofallpublicagency-ownedlands(RTC,county,city,otherdistrict,state,federal,etc.)andanalyzefortraildevelopmentopportunities.

Policy4.4.2 Investigatepartnershipsforcurrentorfuturecollaborationonbothprivateandpubliclands.

Policy4.4.3 Explorepropertytransfers,trades,donations,partialpurchases,jointpurchases,easements,long-termleases,encroachmentpermits,andavarietyofothermeansfromwillingsellersorpropertyowners.

Objective 4.5: Seek financial and other support for the trail.

Policy4.5.1 Seekmethodstoacquirefundingandcontributionsoflandincludingwillsandbequests,stocks,giftsoflifeinsurance,charitableremaindertrusts,andmaintenanceendowments.

Policy4.5.2 Investigatemethodsforlandacquisitionincludinglifeestates,contributionsofsurplusrealestate,sequentialdonationsorpurchases,andpurchaseandleasebackprogramswithlandowners.

Policy4.5.3 Developanactivevolunteerprogramwithserviceclubs,communitygroups,andcitizens.Identifyinterestedcorporations,clubs,orindividuals,andcreateanactionplantailoredtofittheadoptingorganization’sbudgetandinterest.Suchentitiesmaybehelpfulinpurchasingtrailfurnishingssuchasbenches,trashcans,waterfountains,andlighting.Otherentitiesmayvolunteertimefortrailmaintenance.

Objective 4.6: Maximize funding for the project.

Policy4.6.1 DevelopandpositiontheMasterPlanforuseasasourceofdocumentationforcompetitivefundingprograms,andpursuefundingfromasmanysourcesasresourcespermit.

Policy4.6.2 FocusonfundingsourcesforwhichRTCwillqualifybestandbeabletoimplement.

Policy4.6.3 Assistimplementingentitiesinseekingindependentfunding.

Policy4.6.4 ConsiderallocatingfundingoverwhichtheRTChaslocalcontrol.

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GOAL 5: OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

DEVELOP THE NECESSARY ORGANIZATIONAL STAFFING AND FUNDING MECHANISMS TO ENSURE THAT ALL TRAIL SEGMENTS, TRAILHEADS, AND ACCESSORY FEATURES ARE SAFE, WELL-MAINTAINED, AND WELL-MANAGED.

Objective 5.1: Consider establishing a shared maintenance agreement between local, county, and state agencies and assigning management responsibilities for individual trail segments.

Policy5.1.1 Engagemanagersandmaintenancestaffforexistingbuiltsegmentsofthetrail(e.g.,WilderRanch)todetermineexistingmaintenancestandardsandcosts.

Policy5.1.2 Supportimplementingentitiesindevelopingmaintenanceagreementsforeachnewtrailsegment.

Policy5.1.3 Establishoperationandmaintenancestandardsthroughamemorandumofunderstanding(MOU)orotherformaldocumentforuniformapplicationbyallparticipatingentities.

Objective 5.2: Ensure adequate revenue for the maintenance of all trail segments and related facilities.

Policy5.2.1 Accuratelyforecastandplanfortheshort-andlong-termoperationandmaintenanceoftheoveralltrailsystemasaninitialstepinestimatingimplementationcost.

Policy5.2.2 Updatethemaintenanceandoperationsbudgetsufficientfortheleveloftrailsystemdevelopmentinanygivenyear,tobefundedthroughareliablesource.

Policy5.2.3 Asaninitialstepinplanningeachtrailsegmentproject,accuratelyestimatetheoperationsandmaintenanceimpactofeachnewprojectanddeveloparealisticstrategyandfundingforitssuccess.

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Objective 5.3: Provide for secure, safe, pleasant, and accessible use of trail facilities.

Policy5.3.1 Maintainfacilitiesatappropriatelevelsofthewrittenmaintenanceprogram.

Policy5.3.2 Establishpositiveworkingrelationshipswithlocalandcountyfireagencies,lawenforcementofficials,andstaff.

Policy5.3.3 Establishandfostera“TrailWatch”programincooperationwithlocallawenforcementofficialsandlocaladvocacygroups.

Policy5.3.4 Engagevolunteersfortrailpatrolstohelpinformandsatisfymaintenanceneeds.

Policy5.3.5 Postuserguidelinesforbikes,pedestrians,andotherformsofnon-motorizedtransportationtoinformusersofsafetyandinteractionprotocol,therebyminimizinguserconflict.

Policy5.3.6 Establishanemergencylocatorsystemwithemergencylocatormarkersplacedatevery1/8mile.

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2.4 PLANNING AND POLICY CONTEXTThefollowingdocumentswerereviewedinpreparationoftheMasterPlantrailalignmentanddevelopmentoftheMasterPlangoals,objectives,andpolicies.AppendixBprovidesacomprehensivelistofrelevantdocumentsandtheirrelationshiptotheMasterPlan.AppendixAincludesthesesamedocumentsandhighlightsrelevantgoals,objectives,andpolicies.

2.4.1 FEDERAL AND STATE PLANS

COMPLETING THE CALIFORNIA COASTAL TRAILInlate2001,theCaliforniaStateLegislature,bywayofSB908,directedtheStateCoastalConservancytodeterminewhatwasneededtoimplementaproposedpedestriantrailthatwillstretch1,300milesalongtheentireCaliforniacoastandacrossdozensofpoliticaljurisdictions.TheCaliforniaCoastalConservancywillpursuethismandateinpartbyawardinggrantstopublicagenciesandnonprofitorganizationstoacquirelandoranyinteresttherein,ortodevelop,operate,ormanagelandsforpublicaccesspurposestoandalongthecoast.

Mostrecently,in2007,theGovernorsignedSenateBill1396directingtheCaliforniaCoastalConservancytocoordinatedevelopmentoftheCaliforniaCoastalTrail(CCT)withtheDepartmentofTransportation(Caltrans).ThisbillalsorequireslocaltransportationplanningagencieswhosejurisdictionincludesaportionoftheCCTorpropertydesignatedforthetrailtocoordinatewiththeCoastalConservancy,CaliforniaCoastalCommission,andCaltransregardingdevelopmentofthetrail.

TheMBSSTNetworkwillserveastheCCTthroughSantaCruzCounty.AdditionalalignmentswillalsobeidentifiedtoserveastheCCTbytheStateCoastalConservancy,CoastalCommission,StateDepartmentofParksandRecreation,andCaltrans—thestateagenciesresponsibleforassistinglocalcommunitiesincompletingandsigningtheMBSSTNetwork.

CALIFORNIA COASTAL ACT OF 1976TheCaliforniaCoastalCommission,inpartnershipwithcoastalcitiesandcounties,plansandregulatestheuseoflandandwaterinthecoastalzone.Developmentactivities,whicharebroadlydefinedbytheCaliforniaCoastalActtoincludeconstructionofbuildings,divisionsofland,andactivitiesthatchangetheintensityofuseoflandorpublicaccesstocoastalwaters,generallyrequireacoastalpermitfromeithertheCaliforniaCoastalCommissionorthelocalgovernment.

TheCaliforniaCoastalActincludesspecificpoliciesthataddressissuessuchasshorelinepublicaccessandrecreation,lower-costvisitoraccommodations,terrestrialandmarinehabitatprotection,visualresources,landformalteration,agriculturallands,commercialfisheries,industrialuses,waterquality,offshoreoilandgasdevelopment,transportation,developmentdesign,powerplants,ports,andpublicworks.ThepoliciesoftheCaliforniaCoastalActconstitutethestatutorystandardsappliedtoplanningandregulatorydecisionsmadebytheCoastalCommissionandbylocalgovernments,pursuanttotheCaliforniaCoastalAct.

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CALIFORNIA COASTAL NATIONAL MONUMENT RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN ThepurposeoftheCaliforniaCoastalNationalMonument(CCNM)ResourcesManagementPlan(RMP)istoestablishguidance,objectives,policies,andmanagementactionsforthepubliclandsoftheCCNMadministeredbytheU.S.DepartmentoftheInterior’sBureauofLandManagement(BLM).TheRMPattemptstoresolveawiderangeofnaturalresourceandlanduseissueswithintheCCNMareainacomprehensivemanner.Thedocumentaddressesandintegrates,wherepossible,thenumerousrelatedmanagementissuesofthevariouscurrentandpotentialfuturecoastalpartnerswhoareincludedintheplanningeffort.

2.4.2 REGIONAL PLANS

CALTRANS STATE ROUTES 1 &183 CORRIDOR SYSTEM MANAGEMENT PLAN (CSMP)ThepurposeoftheCSMPistocreateapartnershipplanningprocessandresultantguidancedocumentwhichfocusesonsystemmanagementstrategiesthatcoordinatealltheindividualtransportationmodesandthatincludesperformancemeasurestotracktheeffectivenessofthestrategiesandprojects.ThegoaloftheCSMPistoimprovemobilityalongtheStateRoute1corridorbytheintegratedmanagementofthetransportationnetworkincludingtheselectedhighway,parallel/connectorroadways,transit,bicycle,andtraveldemandmanagementcomponentsofthecorridor.

CALTRANS STATE ROUTE 1 TRANSPORTATION CONCEPT REPORTTheTransportationConceptReport(TCR)isthelong-termplanningdocumentforStateRoute1(Route1orSR1)inDistrict5oftheCaliforniaDepartmentofTransportation(Caltrans).TheTCR:(1)evaluatescurrentandprojectedconditionsalongtheroute;(2)establishesa20-yearplanningvisionorconcept;and(3)recommendslong-andshort-termimprovementstoachievetheconcept.TheTCRreflectsregionalplansforaccommodatingtraveldemandonSR1,aswellaslocalconcernsandpriorities.

MOVING FORWARD MONTEREY BAY 2035FederalregulationsrequiretheAssociationofMontereyBayAreaGovernments(AMBAG)todevelopalong-rangetransportationplanforthethree-countyMontereyBaymetropolitanregionthatisbothfinanciallyconstrainedandfallsundertheon-roadmotorvehicleemissionsbudgetincludedintheFederalAirQualityMaintenancePlan.TheAMBAGregioniscurrentlyincompliancewithitsvehicleemissionsbudget.Statelegislation—SenateBill375—callsformetropolitanplanningorganizations(MPOs)toprepareasustainablecommunitiesstrategy(SCS)tobeusedtosynchronizeandcoordinateboththemetropolitantransportationplanningprocessandtheregionalhousingneedsallocationprocess.Programsandprojectslistedinthisplanservethestatedgoalsandobjectives,aswellasaddressthetransportationneedsanddeficiencies.ProgramsandprojectsarefirstproposedandadoptedintherespectiveRegionalTransportationPlans(RTPs)ofthethreeMontereyBayareacounties:Monterey,SanBenito,andSantaCruz.TheprojectlistsfromeachRTParethenincorporated,intheirentirety,intotheMetropolitanTransportationPlan(MTP).Theprojectlistsprovideallfundedprojectsandpotentialprojects(shouldfundingbecomeavailable)from2010to2035.TheAMBAGSCS/MTPandRTC’sRTPupdatesarecurrentlyunderdevelopmentandscheduledforadoptionin2014.

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2.4.3 COUNTY PLANS

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY BICYCLE PLANThepurposeofthisplanistoconsolidateintoonedocumentallbicycle-relatedCountyplansandprojectsthatarecurrentlyidentifiedintheCountyGeneralPlan,theSantaCruzCountyRegionalTransportationPlan,andotherlocaldocuments.AlthoughnotapartoftheGeneralPlan,theSantaCruzCountyBicyclePlanisconsistentwithandimplementsactionstatementsoftheCirculationElementoftheGeneralPlanand/orCountyandregionalplans.TheBicyclePlanisintendedtoaidCountyplannersandengineersinselectingandimplementingbicycleimprovementswiththegoalofincreasingbicyclecommuting.

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION PLANThis2010RegionalTransportationPlan(calledthe2010RTP)isaminorupdateofthelastversion,completedin2005,andprovidesguidancefortransportationpolicyandprojectsthroughtheyear2035.The2010RTPistheRTC’scomprehensiveplanningdocument,whichidentifiesthegoals,projects,andprogramsthatwillmaintainandimprovetransportationsystemsoverthenext25years.Individualprojectslistedinthe2010RTPmuststillundergoseparatedesignandenvironmentalprocesses,andcanonlybeimplementedaslocal,state,andfederalfundsbecomeavailable.TheRTCiscurrentlyundergoingamajorupdatetothe2010RTPwhichisscheduledforadoptionin2014.

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY GENERAL PLAN LOCAL COASTAL PROGRAM (LCP)TheLocalCoastalProgram(LCP)ispartoftheSantaCruzCountyGeneralPlanandiscomprisedoftheLandUsePlan,implementingpoliciesandordinances,andmapsapplicabletothecoastalzoneportionsofthecountytopreserveuniquecoastalresourcespursuanttotherequirementsoftheCaliforniaCoastalAct.TheCountylastpreparedandadopteditsLCPasapartoftheGeneralPlanin1994.

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY GENERAL PLAN CIRCULATION ELEMENTTheCirculationElementisintendedtobethekeypolicystatementoftheCountyregardingtransportationfacilitiesandprogramsservingtheunincorporatedareas.ItisanintegralpartoftheGeneralPlanandLCPLandUsePlansthatprovidesabasisfortransportation-relateddecisionsandcomplementstheotherGeneralPlanandLCPLandUsePlanelements.Specifically,theCirculationElementclarifiestransportationissuesraisedinotherGeneralPlanelementsandoffersguidancetowardsolutions.

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY TRANSIT CORRIDORS PLANTheTransitCorridorsPlanforSantaCruzCountyiscurrentlyunderdevelopment.Oncecompleted,theTransitCorridorsPlanwillintegratetheCounty’slanduseandtransportationpoliciesinawaythatprotectsenvironmentalresources,supportseconomicgrowth,andincreasesaccesstoopportunityforallcountyresidents.

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2.4.4 LOCAL PLANS AND TECHNICAL REPORTS

ARANA GULCH MASTER PLANTheCityofSantaCruzacquiredAranaGulchin1994asoneofthegreenbeltlandsand,shortlythereafter,openedthepropertytothepublic.Whilepopularwithhikersstrollingalongthemeadow,bicyclistsridingtotheUpperHarbor,andvisitorsofallagesenjoyingthesceneryandwildlife,recreationaluseonthepropertyislimitedtoearthentrails—mostofwhichexistedpriortotheCity’sownership.Onlytwovisitorentrancescurrentlyexistandtherearenovisitorfacilities,excepttrailsandassociatedsignage.TheintentoftheAranaGulchMasterPlanistoestablishavisionandgoalsthatwillshapethefutureofAranaGulchasauniqueopenspacewithinthecityofSantaCruzthatincludesamenitiessuchasabicycleandpedestrianpath.Inaddition,theMasterPlanidentifiesrecreationalusesandresourcemanagementguidelinestodirectfuturemanagementandenhancementofthisnaturalarea.

SEACLIFF VILLAGE PLANTheSeacliffVillagePlanwaspreparedbythecommunityandPlanningDepartmentstafftoestablishlanduse,circulation,anddesignstandardsfortheSeacliffVillagePlanArea.TheSeacliffVillagePlanprovidesamoredetailedexaminationofplanningissuesandrecommendsmorespecificsolutionsthancanbeprovidedinageneralplan.

SAN LORENZO VALLEY TRAIL FEASIBILITY STUDYImprovedbicycleandpedestrianrouteshavebeendiscussedintheSanLorenzoValleyformanyyears.Inthepastfewyears,theSanLorenzoValleyTrailCommitteeformedandconductedfieldstudiestofocusonthisobjective.In2001,theSantaCruzCountyPublicWorksDepartmentandtheRails-To-TrailsConservancycollaboratedonanapplicationsubmittedforaCaltransCommunity-BasedTransportationPlanningGrant.InMay2002,CaltransapprovedthegranttoconductafeasibilitystudyofatrailalongtheSanLorenzoValley/Highway9corridorbetweenSantaCruzandBoulderCreek(approximately15miles),includinganassessmentofthepotentialtousetheBigTrees/RoaringCampRailroadlineaspartofthetrail.

SANTA CRUZ INDUSTRIAL LEAD SUPPLEMENTAL STRUCTURAL ASSESSMENT REPORTThisreportprovidesastructuralassessmentofselectedstructuresontheSantaCruzIndustrialLead.TheSupplementalStructuralAssessmentReportsupplementspreviouslycompletedstructuralassessmentsofrailroadtrestlescompletedbyotherconsultantsinJuly2005andAugust2005.TheJuly2005StructuralAssessmentandAugust2005LaSelvaTrestleSupplementalReportshighlightedspecificstructuresthatwereinneedofadditionalstructuralassessment“duetoaPoorConditionRating,advanceageofthestructure,importance/visibilityofthestructure,and/orpotentiallyhighcapitalandmaintenancecostsofthestructure.”ThepurposeoftheSupplementalStructuralAssessmentReportistopresentfindingsfromHNTB’sstructuralassessmentofthosespecificstructures.

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APTOS VILLAGE PLANTheAptosVillagePlanprovidesaplanningframeworktoguidefuturepublicandprivateimprovementsintheAptosVillage.Itaddressesdevelopmentissuesrelatedtolanduse,circulation,design,andimprovementsinthevillagearea.

SANTA CRUZ BRANCH RAIL LINE ALIGNMENT AND BRIDGE EVALUATION REPORTJ.L.Patterson&Associates(JLP)assistedtheRTCinidentifying,reassessingandprioritizing$6millionincapitalimprovements.The$6millionisgenerallydirectedtowardsmaintainingandexpandingfreightandrecreationalrailserviceontheSantaCruzBranchRailLineandincludesprojectcostanalysisandbudgetingforthoseinvestmentsthataremostcost-beneficialforextendingtheusefullifeoftherailline.JLPreviewedpreviouslypreparedinspection,conditions,environmental,andotherrelatedreports,andconductedsupplementaldatacollection,fieldinspections,testing,andanalysisasneededtodeterminetheoverallscopeofrequiredrehabilitation,reconstruction,andotherimprovements.Next,JLPprioritizedthemostimportantrepairsneededthatcanbeperformedwithinthe$6millionconstructionbudget.

CITY OF CAPITOLA GENERAL PLAN CIRCULATION ELEMENTTheCityofCapitolaGeneralPlanCirculationElementcontainsobjectives,policies,andimplementationmeasures.Anupdateiscurrentlyunderdevelopment.

CITY OF CAPITOLA BICYCLE TRANSPORTATION PLANTheCityofCapitolaBicycleTransportationPlan(BTP)assessescommuterneeds,identifiesfundingsourcesanddirectsthefuturedevelopmentofbicyclefacilitiesinthecity.Italsoseekstocarryoutthe“FiveE’s”usedbytheLeagueofAmericanBicycliststoidentifyandrankBicycleFriendlyCommunitiesSM.The“FiveE’s”are:Evaluation,Engineering,Education,Encouragement,andEnforcement.TheCapitolaBTPsetsgoalsandobjectivesforthepurposeofincreasingthesafetyandconvenienceofbicyclecommutinginthearea.TheBTPisanupdateofthe2005CityofCapitolaBicycleTransportationPlan.Itincludesorexpandsuponthegoalsandobjectivesputforthin2005toimprovenetworkconnectivity,addressdangerousorhazardousareas,andincreaseeducationandbicycleresources.InadditiontoremainingconsistentwithmajorCityplanningdocuments,theBTPimplementsthepoliciesandprogramsoftheCirculationElementoftheGeneralPlan.TheBTPisintendedtoaidtheCapitolaCityplannersandengineersinprioritizationofbicycleimprovementprojectswiththegoalofincreasingbicyclecommuting,recreation,tourism,andsafety.TheBTPcomplieswiththerequirementsandguidelinesarticulatedinSection891.2oftheCaliforniaStreetsandHighwaysCode.BycomplyingwiththiselementoftheCode,theBTPmeetstherequirementsoftheBicycleTransportationAccount(BTA)—aCaltransfundingsourceforbicycleimprovementsprojects.

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CITY OF CAPITOLA CERTIFIED LOCAL COASTAL PROGRAM (LCP)TheCityofCapitola’sCertifiedLocalCoastalProgramconsistsofaLandUsePlanandImplementationPlan.TheLandUsePlanisacomprehensivelong-termplanforlanduseandphysicaldevelopmentwithinthecity’scoastalzone.TheplanconsistsofpoliciesandrecommendationsforlandusedesignationsthatareconsistentwiththeprovisionsoftheCaliforniaCoastalAct.TheImplementationPlanincludeszoning,regulations,andotherprogramsneededtocarryoutthegoals,policies,andlandusedesignationsoftheLandUsePlan.

CITY OF SANTA CRUZ GENERAL PLAN 2030 MOBILITY CHAPTERThischaptercorrespondstotherequiredcirculationelementunderstatelaw.Itspurposeistosetforthpoliciesandwaystoeasetheabilityofpeopleandvehiclestomoveinto,around,andoutofthecityinthelongterm,through2030.Thischapterincludesgoals,policies,andactionsthatguidecitybodiesinmakingdecisionsrelatedtothecity’stransportationandroadsystemsaswellasimplementingtheactionsrecommendedinthischapter.

CITY OF SANTA CRUZ BICYCLE TRANSPORTATION PLAN 2008Theemphasisofthe2008BicycleTransportationPlan(BTP)isshiftedfromthatofthe2000and2004plans.Manyofthesignificantprojectsfromthoseplanshavebeencompleted—BayStreet,BeachStreet,HighStreet,SoquelAvenue,andmajorportionsoftheSanLorenzoRiverPath.The2008BTPfocusedoncreatingadetailednetworkofroutestogivebicyclistsagreaterrangeofchoices.Thereispotentialtodevelopamulti-purposetrailforbicyclistsandpedestrianswithintheSantaCruzBranchRailright-of-way.TheCityofSantaCruzshouldestablishandmaintainaccesstotherailright-of-wayandpotentialnewtransportationfacilitieswhenconsideringnewdevelopmentprojects.ThisBTPincludesawidervarietyofbicyclefacilities,notjustbikelanesandbikepaths,butsignedbikeroutes,traffic-calmedbikeboulevards,sharedpavementmarkingsor“sharrows,”anddevelopedmulti-purposetrails.The2008BTPsupportsthegrandscaleoftheregionalMBSSTNetwork,aswellasthesmallscaleofsimplecut-througheasementsforaccessandimprovedrailroadcrossings.TheBTPcomplieswiththerequirementsandguidelinesarticulatedinSection891.2oftheCaliforniaStreetsandHighwaysCode.BycomplyingwiththiselementoftheCode,theBTPmeetstherequirementsoftheBicycleTransportationAccount(BTA)—aCaltransfundingsourceforbicycleimprovementsprojects.

CITY OF SANTA CRUZ LOCAL COASTAL PROGRAM (LCP)ThepastLCPforthecityofSantaCruzhadbeenintegratedinthepastupdateoftheGeneralPlan.TheGeneralPlan2030updateseparatesouttheLCPintoaseparateentity,whichwillprovideanadditionallayerofpolicyforparcelslocatedwithinthecity’sCoastalZone.However,theLCPisstillunderdevelopmentandwillbereleasedoncecompleted.

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WATSONVILLE VISTA 2030 GENERAL PLAN CIRCULATION ELEMENTTheOctober2012updatetotheVista2030GeneralPlanincludesupdatestotheCirculationElementpolicies.ThesepoliciesareconsistentwiththeWatsonvilleBicyclePlanandCountyRTPpoliciesandcontainobjectives,policies,andimplementationmeasures.

CITY OF WATSONVILLE WETLANDS TRAILS MASTER PLANTheTrailsMasterPlanfortheCityofWatsonvillewaspreparedtoimprovepublicaccessandrecreationtoareassurroundingWatsonvilleandStruveSloughs.TheWatsonvilleWetlandsTrailsMasterPlansystemprovidesarichvarietyofnaturalwetlandandotherhabitatswithinthecityandoutlyingunincorporatedareasofSantaCruzCounty.Awell-designednetworkoftrailswillallowforbetterpublicaccesstothesloughsandpromotegreatercommunityawarenessofitsassets.ThisWetlandsTrailsMasterPlancallsforasystemofpavedpedestrianfootpathsthatwillincorporatebicycleuseandaccessfordisabledusers.TheWetlandsTrailsMasterPlanwasdevelopedconsideringahostoffactors,includingvariousmeansoftravel,AmericanswithDisabilitiesActrequirements,publicsafetyconcerns,biologicalandwaterqualityimpacts,erosioncontrol,andconstructionandmaintenancecosts.Trailalignment,grade,type,construction,anddesignhavealsobeenconsideredinproducingtheWetlandsTrailsMasterPlan.TheWetlandsTrailsMasterPlancomplieswiththerequirementsandguidelinesarticulatedinSection891.2oftheCaliforniaStreetsandHighwaysCode.BycomplyingwiththiselementoftheCode,theWetlandsTrailsMasterPlanmeetstherequirementsoftheBicycleTransportationAccount(BTA)—aCaltransfundingsourceforbicycleimprovementsprojects.

CITY OF WATSONVILLE TRAILS & BICYCLE MASTER PLANThepurposeoftheWatsonvilleTrails&BicycleMasterPlan,containedwithintheCityofWatsonvilleUrbanGreeningPlan,istodevelopaframeworkforbuildinganintegratedsystemofpathwaysandbikewaysthatwilllinkresidentstotheoutdoors.ThefuturenetworkwillprovideresidentsofWatsonvilleandthegreaterregionwithclose-to-homeandclose-to-workaccesstobicycleandpedestriantrailsthatconnecttothecity’smostpopulardestinationsandsurroundingnaturalareas,includingthevastnetworkofsloughsthatareuniquetosouthSantaCruzCounty.Thetrailsandgreenwayswillserveasnon-vehiculartransportationandrecreationneedsandwillhelptoencouragequality,sustainableeconomicgrowth.TheWatsonvilleTrails&BicycleMasterPlanwillalsoserveastheBicycleTransportationPlan.TheWatsonvilleTrails&BicycleMasterPlancomplieswiththerequirementsandguidelinesarticulatedinSection891.2oftheCaliforniaStreetsandHighwaysCode.BycomplyingwiththiselementoftheCode,theWatsonvilleTrails&BicycleMasterPlanmeetstherequirementsoftheBicycleTransportationAccount(BTA)—aCaltransfundingsourceforbicycleimprovementsprojects.

CITY OF WATSONVILLE 2005 LOCAL COASTAL PROGRAM (LCP)TheWatsonville2005LCPcontainspoliciesthathavebeenadoptedbytheCityCouncilandcertifiedbytheCaliforniaCoastalCommissiontoensurecarefullyplanneddevelopment,consistentwithcoastalresourceprotection,oflandslyingwithinthesixareaswheretheWatsonvillecitylimitsoverlapthecoastalzone.ThepolicieshaveimportantrelationshipswiththeWatsonvilleGeneralPlanandZoningOrdinance,theCaliforniaCoastalAct,andwiththeplansofindividualpropertyowners.

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UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SANTA CRUZ 2008 BICYCLE PLANThepurposeoftheUCSantaCruz2008BicyclePlanistoserveasaguideforimprovingbicyclingconditionsandtocontinuetoencourageandsupportbicyclingasasustainabletransportationmodeon,to,andfromthecampus.Assuch,thisdocumentdescribestheexistingpoliciesandfacilitiesrelatedtobicyclinginthecampuscontext,anditincludesalistofprojectsandprogramsintendedtoimprovebicyclingasaviablecommutemodeinthefuture.TheplancomplieswiththerequirementsandguidelinesarticulatedinSection891.2oftheCaliforniaStreetsandHighwaysCode.BycomplyingwiththiselementoftheCode,the2008BicyclePlanmeetstherequirementsoftheBicycleTransportationAccount(BTA)—aCaltransfundingsourceforbicycleimprovementsprojects.The2008BicyclePlanisnotintendedtoserveasastandardsmanualfordesignandconstructionofbicyclefacilities.

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SANTA CRUZ LONG-RANGE DEVELOPMENT PLAN (UCSC LRDP) 2005-2020Similartothe1963foundingplanforthecampusandsubsequentUCSCLRDPs,the2005LRDPidentifiestheneedtoextenddevelopmenttothenorthtomeettheacademic,research,andhousingneedsofthecampusasitmatures.TheLRDPbalancesdevelopmentopportunitywithconservationofnaturalresourcesandopenspacebyclusteringnewpotentialdevelopmentareasandrecognizingthatadditionaldensitycanbeaddedtoexistingdevelopedareas.TheLRDPalsoidentifiescirculationpatternsandimprovements.

SANCTUARY SCENIC TRAIL STANDARDS MANUALThisStandardsManualcontainstheguidelines,specifications,andconstructiondocumentsforthesignageandexhibitprogramalongthe11-mileoriginalalignmentoftheMontereyBaySanctuaryScenicTrailinSantaCruzCounty.ThepurposeoftheStandardsManualistoassistparticipatingjurisdictionswhentheycreateandinstalltrailelementsandexhibitsalongtheirsegmentofthetrail.Itdescribessites,placement,sitepreparation,signtypes,content,andfrequencyofsigns.

This“blueprint”hasbeenacceptedbyofficialsineachofthejurisdictionsalongthe11-miletrailsegmentinSantaCruzCounty.Itshouldbereferredtowhendevelopingsignsandexhibitsbyeachofthesejurisdictions.Withinthebroadframeworkoftheguidelinesestablishedinthismanual,eachjurisdictionwillhavethelatitudetodeterminecontent,exactsiting,andcontextualdetails.

TheStandardsManualestablishesguidelinestomakeeachsiteconsistentwiththeoveralltrailplan.Eachjurisdictionwillberesponsibleforfollowingtheseguidelines.TheStandardsManualoutlinesthisprocesstomakeitaseasyaspossibletoimplementtheoverallplan.

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DRAFT LONG RANGE INTERPRETIVE PLAN FOR THE MONTEREY BAY SANCTUARY SCENIC TRAILThisLongRangeInterpretivePlanwascreatedfortwopurposes:(1)tohelpguidethefuturealignmentoftheMontereyBaySanctuaryScenicTrailtowardresourcesworthyofappreciationandprotection,and(2)togivelocalentitiesdirectionfordevelopinginterpretivefeatureswithintheirjurisdictionbydescribingthesignificanceoffeaturesalongthetrailandtranslatingthoseintoasetofcompellingstoriesorthemes.Theplanoffersa“blueprint”forinterpretationthatiscomprehensive,site-appropriate,andmeaningfulthroughoutthetrailcorridor.

CALTRANS HIGHWAY DESIGN MANUAL, CHAPTER 1000 - BICYCLE TRANSPORTATION DESIGNTheneedsofnon-motorizedtransportationareanessentialpartofallhighwayprojects.Mobilityforalltravelmodesisrecognizedasanintegralelementofthetransportationsystem.Chapter1000includesdesignguidanceforClassIbikepaths,ClassIIbikelanes,andClassIIIbikeroutes.Designguidancethataddressesthemobilityneedsofbicyclistsonallroadsisdistributedthroughoutthemanualwhereappropriate.

ADMINISTRATION AND COORDINATION LICENSE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE SANTA CRUZ COUNTY REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION AND SANTA CRUZ AND MONTEREY BAY RAILWAY COMPANYTheadministrationandcoordinationlicenseagreementbetweentheSantaCruzCountyRegionalTransportationCommission(RTC)andSantaCruzandMontereyBayRailwayCompanyestablishestherespectiverightsandobligationswithrespecttothepropertyandthefreighteasementalongtherailcorridor.TheRTCgrantedtherailoperatortheexclusiverightandobligationtouse,maintain,repair,andoperatealloftherailroadfacilitiesforfreightservicepurposes,andanon-exclusivelicencetouseapartialportionofrailroadfacilitiesforrailwaytouristservice.

2.4.5 STATE PARK PLANS

BIG BASIN REDWOODS STATE PARK GENERAL PLANTheBigBasinRedwoodsStateParkGeneralPlanistheprimarymanagementdocumentforaparkwithintheCaliforniaStateParkssystem,establishingitspurposeandamanagementdirectionforthefuture.Byprovidingadefinedpurposeandvisionwithlong-termgoalsandguidelines,itprovidestheframeworkforaunit’sresourcestewardship,interpretation,visitoruse,operation,anddevelopment.Subsequently,thisestablishedframeworkhelpsguidedailydecisionmakingandservesasthebasisfordevelopingmoredetailedmanagementandsite-specificprojectplans.

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COAST DAIRIES LONG-TERM RESOURCE PROTECTION AND ACCESS PLANThespecificpurposeoftheCoastDairiesPlanistoprovidedirectionandguidanceonhowbesttomanagenaturalandphysicalresources,visitoruse,developmentanduseoflandsandfacilities,andresourceprotectionoftheproperty.ThisCoastDairiesPlanwillbethebasisfortheproposedactionforsubsequentNationalEnvironmentalPolicyAct(NEPA)andCaliforniaEnvironmentalQualityAct(CEQA)analysis,andisexpectedtobeadoptedasaStateParkGeneralPlanandasaBLMResourceManagementPlanAmendment.Oncecompleted,theCoastDairiesPlanwillbeusedasatemplateagainstwhichfutureprojectimplementationplansarereviewedtodeterminewhethersuchprojectswillprotectandenhancethevaluesoftheproperty.

THE FOREST OF NISENE MARKS STATE PARK GENERAL PLANTheGeneralPlanforTheForestofNiseneMarksStateParkprovidesavisionforthepark.Althoughbroadinscope,theStateParkGeneralPlandoesidentifyandanalyzeparkresourcesinordertoprovideanassessmentofpotentialenvironmentalimpactsasaresultoftheStateParkGeneralPlan’simplementation.Inordertodoso,theStateParkGeneralPlanrecommendsthedevelopmentofacomprehensivetrailsplanandaresourcemanagementplanthatwillguidefutureneeds.Theseguidelinesproposeimprovementsforlandusecompatibility,thenatureandlocationofpossiblefuturedevelopments,possibleacquisition,andotherspecificactions.

WILDER RANCH STATE PARK GENERAL PLANTheWilderRanchStateParkGeneralPlanrecognizesthepotentialofWilderRanchStateParktohelpmeetCalifornia’scriticalrecreationdemands.Atthesametime,itprovidesforthepreservationofthosenaturalandculturalresourcesthatareofspecialsignificanceandfortheproperprotectionofallresources.