environmental assessment for trail...
TRANSCRIPT
FINAL
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
FOR
TRAIL CONSTRUCTION AND
MAINTENANCE
OF THE
BARON RIDGE TRAIL
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
FOREST SERVICE
LOS PADRES NATIONAL FOREST
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
SUPPORTED BY
THE SANTA BARBARA COUNTY TRAILS COUNCIL
APRIL 2015
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
SECTION 1.0 PURPOSE AND NEED FOR THE PROPOSED ACTION ............................ 1
1.1 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................ 1
1.2 PURPOSE AND NEED ................................................................................................. 3 1.3 DECISION FRAMEWORK ........................................................................................... 4 1.4 PUBLIC AND AGENCY INVOLVEMENT ...................................................................... 4
SECTION 2.0 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED ACTION AND ALTERNATIVES .. 5
2.1 PROPOSED ACTION................................................................................................... 5
2.2 PROPOSED ACTION ROUTE ....................................................................................... 5 2.2.1 Project Components .................................................................................... 8
2.2.2 Trail Access and Use ................................................................................ 10
2.3 PROJECT ALTERNATIVES........................................................................................ 12 2.4 MITIGATIONS AND BMPS APPLICABLE TO ALL ACTION ALTERNATIVES ............... 13
SECTION 3.0 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING AND CONSEQUENCES .......................... 17
3.1 ISSUES ELIMINATED FROM FURTHER ANALYSIS .................................................... 17 3.1.1 Air Quality ................................................................................................ 17
3.1.2 Noise ......................................................................................................... 18 3.1.3 Environmental Justice ............................................................................... 18 3.1.4 Socioeconomics ........................................................................................ 18
3.1.5 Hazardous Materials and Wastes .............................................................. 19
3.2 VISUAL RESOURCES ............................................................................................... 19 3.2.1 Affected Environment ............................................................................... 19 3.2.2 Environmental Consequences of the Proposed Action ............................. 20
3.2.3 Environmental Consequences of the Project Alternative ......................... 21 3.2.4 Environmental Consequences of the No-Action Alternative.................... 21
3.3 LAND USE .............................................................................................................. 22 3.3.1 Affected Environment ............................................................................... 22
3.3.2 Environmental Consequences of the Proposed Action ............................. 25 3.3.3 Environmental Consequences of the Project Alternative ......................... 26 3.3.4 Environmental Consequences of the No-Action Alternative.................... 27
3.4 VEGETATION AND WILDLIFE ................................................................................. 28
3.4.1 Affected Environment ............................................................................... 28 3.4.2 Environmental Consequences of the Proposed Action ............................. 34 3.4.3 Proposed Biological Best Management Practices..................................... 38
3.4.4 Environmental Consequences of the Project Alternative ......................... 40 3.4.5 Environmental Consequences of the No-Action Alternative.................... 40
3.5 GEOLOGIC CONDITIONS ......................................................................................... 40 3.5.1 Affected Environment ............................................................................... 40 3.5.2 Environmental Consequences of the Proposed Action ............................. 41 3.5.3 Proposed Erosion and Sedimentation Best Management Practices .......... 43
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3.5.4 Environmental Consequences of the Project Alternative ......................... 44
3.5.5 Environmental Consequences of the No-Action Alternative.................... 44 3.6 WATER RESOURCES ............................................................................................... 44
3.6.1 Affected Environment ............................................................................... 44
3.6.2 Environmental Consequences of the Proposed Action ............................. 46 3.6.3 Environmental Consequences of the Project Alternative ......................... 47 3.6.4 Environmental Consequences of the No-Action Alternative.................... 47
3.7 CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL RESOURCES.............................................................. 47 3.7.1 Affected Environment ............................................................................... 47
3.7.2 Environmental Consequences of the Proposed Action ............................. 50 3.7.3 Environmental Consequences of the Project Alternative ......................... 50 3.7.4 Environmental Consequences of the No-Action Alternative.................... 51
3.8 FIRE HAZARDS ....................................................................................................... 51
3.8.1 Affected Environment ............................................................................... 51 3.8.2 Environmental Consequences of the Proposed Action ............................. 51
3.8.3 Environmental Consequences of the Project Alternative ......................... 52 3.8.4 Environmental Consequences of the No-Action Alternative.................... 52
3.9 TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC SERVICES ............................................................. 52 3.9.1 Affected Environment ............................................................................... 52 3.9.2 Environmental Consequences of the Proposed Action ............................. 54
3.9.3 Environmental Consequences of the Project Alternative ......................... 54 3.9.4 Environmental Consequences of the No-Action Alternative.................... 55
3.10 RECREATION .......................................................................................................... 55 3.10.1 Affected Environment ............................................................................... 55 3.10.2 Environmental Consequences of the Proposed Action ............................. 59
3.10.3 Environmental Consequences of the Project Alternative ......................... 60
3.10.4 Environmental Consequences of the No-Action Alternative.................... 60
SECTION 4.0 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS .............................................................................. 61
4.1 KEY FACTORS IN EVALUATING CUMULATIVE IMPACTS ......................................... 61
4.2 PLANNED PROJECTS IN THE VICINITY .................................................................... 61 4.3 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS .......................................................................................... 63
SECTION 5.0 SOURCES ........................................................................................................... 64
SECTION 6.0 REPORT PREPARERS .................................................................................... 68
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LIST OF TABLES
Table 2-1. Proposed Implementation of Forest Service Trail Design Standards ............................ 8 LPNF Santa Barbara Front – Land Management Strategy ........................................................... 22 Table 3-1. Land Ownership and Use Under the Proposed Action ................................................ 25
Table 3-2. Land Ownership and Use Under the Project Alternative ............................................ 26 Table 3-3. Erosion and Sedimentation Trail Design Features ...................................................... 43
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1-1. Project Location Map and Regional Setting ................................................................ 2
Figure 2-1. Proposed Baron Ridge Trail Project Area .................................................................... 6 Figure 2-2. Connecting Trails ....................................................................................................... 11
Figure 3-1. Existing Land Use in the Vicinity of the Proposed Baron Ridge Trail ...................... 23 Figure 3-2. Recreational Uses in the Vicinity of the Proposed Baron Ridge Trail ...................... 57
APPENDICES
Appendix A Interested Federal, State, Local Agencies, and Public
Appendix B Biological Resources Technical Report for Trail Construction and
Maintenance of the Baron Ridge Trail
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LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
AIRFA American Indian Religious
Freedom Act
ARPA Archaeological Resources
Protection Act
BC Back Country
BMP Best Management Practice
CDFG California Department of Fish and
Game
CDFW California Department of Fish and
Wildlife
CEQ Council on Environmental Quality
CFR Code of Federal Regulations
CNDDB California Natural Diversity
Database
CNPS California Native Plant Society
CWA Clean Water Act
dB decibel
DNL day-night average sound level
EA Environmental Assessment
EIR Environmental Impact Report
EO Executive Order
ESA Endangered Species Act
ESU Evolutionarily Separate Unit
FEMA Federal Emergency Management
Agency
FICUN Federal Interagency Committee on
Urban Noise
LPNF Los Padres National Forest
MBTA Migratory Bird Treaty Act
msl mean sea level
NAGPRA Native American Graves
Protection and Repatriation Act
NEPA National Environmental Policy
Act
NHPA National Historic Preservation Act
NPS National Park Service
NRHP National Register of Historic
Places
p-line preliminary trail line
ROS Recreation Opportunity Spectrum
RWQCB Regional Water Quality Control
Board
SBTC Santa Barbara Trails Council
SOPA Schedule of Proposed Actions
spp. species
SWPPP Storm Water Pollution Prevention
Plan
US United States
USC United States Code
USDA United States Department of
Agriculture
USEPA US Environmental Protection
Agency
USFS United States Forest Service
USFWS United States Fish and Wildlife
Service
USGS United States Geological Survey
var. a group of organisms within a
species that differs from similar
groups
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SECTION 1.0
PURPOSE AND NEED FOR THE PROPOSED ACTION
1.1 INTRODUCTION
The Santa Barbara Trails Council (SBTC)
proposes to construct and maintain a 3.5-mile
extension of the existing Santa Barbara
County Baron Ranch Trail, primarily onto and
across land under the management of the Los
Padres National Forest (LPNF). The proposed
trail would extend from the existing Baron
Ranch Trail up to and along a ridgeline to the
crest of the Santa Ynez Mountains. The
project would be the first new trail constructed
to the crest of the Santa Ynez Mountains in
the Santa Barbara Front Country of LPNF in
more than 30 years. The proposed trail would enhance non-motorized public access to an area of
LPNF that is currently inaccessible via any established route, and would be one of only two
Front County trails to provide access to LPNF land in the 26 mile reach of the Forest west of
California State Route 154. The Trail would provide connections to the West Camino Cielo
jeepway within LPNF, and to Gaviota State Park trails to the west, creating a 14.9-mile-long trail
system across county, state, and federal land.
The proposed project is located on the Gaviota Coast in Santa Barbara County, California,
approximately 2.5 miles northwest of Refugio State Park (Figure 1-1). The proposed trail would
link the existing Baron Ranch Trail, owned and maintained by Santa Barbara County, with lands
under the management of LPNF. Short segments of the proposed new ridgeline trail route would
cross the County-owned Baron Ranch, and the Arroyo Hondo Preserve, owned and operated by
the Land Trust for Santa Barbara County.
The SBTC proposes to construct and maintain this trail at little or no direct cost to the United
States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service. The SBTC has obtained grants to fund
project construction and environmental review and proposes to open an account to cover the
expenses of Forest Service staff review of trail design and construction issues. The SBTC also
proposes to enter into a formal agreement with the Forest Service to maintain the proposed trail
and to open an account dedicated solely to funding future trail maintenance.
The proposed Baron Ridge Trail would rise approximately
1,700 feet over 3.5 miles, crossing a variety of habitats to
the crest of the Santa Ynez Mountains
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Figure 1-1. Project Location Map and Regional Setting
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1.2 PURPOSE AND NEED
The purpose of the proposed Baron Ridge
Trail is to provide non-motorized recreational
access to an area of LPNF that is currently
largely inaccessible to the public. The
proposed project would also improve
recreational opportunities and connectivity
between existing trails on County-owned land
and Gaviota State Park, and to land within the
LPNF, furthering interagency cooperation on
provision of public recreational opportunities.
The need for the proposed action stems from the very limited access to and recreational
opportunities available on LPNF land within the Gaviota area of the Santa Ynez Mountains; this
area has been recognized as appropriate for semi primitive non-motorized recreation (USDA
Forest Service 2005). Presently, only the rustic West Camino Cielo jeepway provides access to
the Gaviota portion of the Santa Ynez Mountains in the 26 miles of the LPNF west of California
State Route 154.
This limited access renders large areas of LPNF inaccessible to non-motorized recreation and
increases demand for and user conflicts on the limited number of Front Country trails east of
California State Route 154, such as the Tunnel, Romero Canyon, and Cold Springs Trails.
Existing and potential access to this section of the LPNF Front Country is severely constrained
due to the limited number of public roads that border or traverse LPNF land in this area; private
lands, including active agricultural operations in the foothills located between public roads (e.g.,
US Highway 101, Refugio Road) and LPNF-managed land; and areas of steep topography.
These constraints limit public access to LPNF lands in this 26 mile segment of the LPNF Front
Country and present challenges with regard to completion of new public trails that would provide
access to the LPNF in most of this Front Country area. Because a continuous band of public and
quasi-public land (i.e., Arroyo Hondo Preserve) extends from US Highway 101 to LPNF land in
this area, the proposed project route is one of very few locations in the region where completion
of a trail to provide access to LPNF land from a public road across primarily public land is
feasible. In addition, the project would foster interagency cooperation in meeting recreational
demand by linking a County-owned and operated trail to LPNF lands and connecting via the
West Camino Cielo jeepway to trails within Gaviota State Park, approximately 5 miles to the
west.
The proposed Baron Ridge Trail would provide access to an
area of LPNF that is currently largely inaccessible to non-
motorized public recreation.
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1.3 DECISION FRAMEWORK
The Environmental Assessment (EA) discloses the environmental consequences of implementing
the Proposed Action, the Project Alternative, and the No-Action Alternative. The responsible
official will review the EA and make a decision whether to authorize final design, construction,
and maintenance of the 3.0-mile portion of the Baron Ridge Trail in LPNF lands under the
jurisdiction of the USDA Forest Service. A separate Decision Notice and Finding of No
Significant Impact, signed by the responsible official, explains the management and
environmental rationale for selecting an alternative to be implemented. If a decision is made to
authorize the trail, then required permits will be issued in compliance with the decision.
1.4 PUBLIC AND AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
The Forest Service invited public participation in decision-making on new proposals through the
environmental impact analysis process. Several methods were used to solicit comments from
members of the public, agencies, tribes, adjacent property owners, and organizations (refer to
Appendix A for a list of contacted parties). The project was listed in the LPNF Schedule of
Proposed Actions (SOPA) online. A scoping letter was mailed to potentially interested parties,
and a notice of a scoping meeting was placed in the Santa Barbara News-Press on 29 February
2012. A scoping meeting was held at Forest Service-LPNF Headquarters on 13 March 2012.
Scoping letter responses were received from the County of Santa Barbara Resource Recovery
and Waste Management Division and the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians (see
Appendix A).
All comments from the scoping process have been analyzed and addressed as appropriate either
in the document or by direct correspondence. Comments received during the 30-day notice and
comment period have been incorporated and included in the Final EA. A list of individuals and
groups who submitted comments through the planning process, their comments, and USDA
Forest Service consideration of comments have been assembled and updated throughout
development of the EA (Appendix A).
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SECTION 2.0
DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED ACTION AND ALTERNATIVES
2.1 PROPOSED ACTION
The proposed Baron Ridge Trail would be an extension of Santa Barbara County’s Baron Ranch
Trail. The proposed extension, approximately 3.5-miles long, would provide improved
connectivity between existing trails on County land, Gaviota State Park, and land within LPNF.
The Proposed Action consists of construction, maintenance, and use of this trail extension.
2.2 PROPOSED ACTION ROUTE
The proposed trail extension would extend for
approximately 3.5 miles from the northern end of a
tributary of Arroyo Quemado Creek to the ridgeline that
separates this watershed from that of Arroyo Hondo
Creek to the west and along this ridgeline to the crest of
the Santa Ynez Mountains (Figure 2-1). A preliminary
trail line (p-line) was developed by the SBTC in 2010.
Initial design focused on identifying a direct, scenic route
from the existing Baron Ranch Trail to the West Camino
Cielo jeepway and thereby providing a connection
between lands under County ownership, those within the
LPNF, and the existing Gaviota State Park trails network
to the west. The proposed 3.5-mile-long Baron Ridge
Trail would begin along the existing County Baron Ranch
Trail, approximately 2.5 miles north of US Highway 101
in Arroyo Quemado Canyon located on the Baron Ranch.
The Baron Ranch is owned by Santa Barbara County and is managed by the County Public
Works Department’s Resource Recovery & Solid Waste Division. The Baron Ranch Loop Trail
was recently completed and opened to the public in December 2010, and is currently use-
restricted to foot traffic only; mountain bikes, dogs and equestrians are currently prohibited,
although such restrictions may be reviewed and reconsidered over the long term (Santa Barbara
County Board of Supervisors, Resolution 09254; 15 September 2009). The existing Baron Ranch
Trail provides an approximately 6-mile-long loop from the trailhead on the frontage road that
parallels the north side of US Highway 101. Future users of the proposed Baron Ridge Trail
The proposed Baron Ridge Trail would
provide expansive views of the Pacific Ocean
and Channel Islands.
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Figure 2-1. Proposed Baron Ridge Trail Project Area
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are anticipated to use the existing Baron Ranch trailhead and trail to access the proposed Baron
Ridge Trail; a minority of users would access the trail from Gaviota State Park and the West
Camino Cielo jeepway and exit via the Baron Ranch Trail.
The proposed trail would spur from a section
of the Baron Ranch Trail approximately
0.4 miles beyond a crossing of Arroyo
Quemado Creek, where it would climb a
canyon tributary to Arroyo Quemado Creek
to the west gaining about 300 feet in
elevation over 0.20 miles across County-
owned land to a saddle on the ridge that
divides the Arroyo Quemado and Arroyo
Hondo watersheds. From this saddle, the trail
would climb steeply to the northwest along
the ridgeline for 0.30 miles on the Arroyo Hondo Preserve and follow switchbacks up the west
side of and around the face of a 400-foot-high knoll and onto land under Forest Service
management. Once on top of this knoll the trail would continue for approximately 3 miles on
land under Forest Service management to 2,550 feet in elevation at the crest of the Santa Ynez
Mountains. Leaving the knoll, the trail would cut diagonally back to the northeast rising in a
series of relatively gentle steps for the next 600 feet over a number of sandstone ridges. Because
the flanks of the ridge and top of the ridgeline are relatively gentle, the route continues along
relatively level segments of the ridgeline with several areas of long switchbacks that curve
around the steeper knoll faces, avoiding the sandstone and climbing uphill at grades averaging 8-
9 percent to a 2,100-foot elevation. Approximately 0.2 miles from the mountain crest, the ridge
narrows and steepens and a series of short switchbacks are proposed to climb this segment. The
trail would terminate at the existing West
Camino Cielo jeepway that runs along the
Santa Ynez Mountain crest on lands under the
management of the LPNF. The trail would
have a total elevation gain of approximately
1,760 feet from the existing Baron Ranch Trail
to the mountain crest at an average grade of 9
percent.
The existing West Camino Cielo jeepway in
this area is under federal ownership, with lands
Switchbacks would be constructed along steeper portions of
the proposed route.
Oak woodlands provide shade at several locations along the
proposed route
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managed by the LPNF extending for 4.5 miles to the west of the proposed trail terminus.
Although no improvements to the jeepway are proposed as part of this project, completion of the
Baron Ridge Trail would provide a continuous trails system of approximately 14.9 miles, with
the potential for an overnight stay at the informal Squat Camp, which includes access to a spring
box, a structure engineered to protect and provide potable natural spring water.
2.2.1 Project Components
The proposed Baron Ridge Trail project would entail the final route design, construction, and
maintenance of a 3.5-mile segment of trail extending off the existing Baron Ranch Trail. Trail
construction and maintenance activities would occur in accordance with USDA Forest Service
(1996) Standard Specifications for Construction and Maintenance of Trails, EM-7720-103 (refer
to Table 2-1). Mitigation measures and Best Management Practices (BMPs) would also be
implemented to minimize potential environmental effects, as summarized in Section 2.4. Trails
design and construction would be wholly funded by grants obtained by the SBTC.
Final Trail Design
The majority of the proposed trail route would follow
the ridge, which, when constructed properly (i.e.,
using sustainable erosion control practices), would be
easier to maintain than side-slope routes where
erosion and sloughing of soil and rock can obstruct
trails, particularly after fires and heavy rains. Further,
vegetation grows more sparsely on ridge tops,
substantially reducing maintenance requirements
related to repeated trail corridor vegetation clearing.
The final trail route would be adjusted to avoid known sensitive resources to limit potential
impacts to sensitive plant species and habitats. For example, the trail corridor would generally
skirt the edge of existing oak woodlands or larger trees, providing users with views of these
scenic trees but minimizing limbing of oaks and disturbance to oak woodland understory. Known
locations of rare plants such as the Refugio manzanita (Arctostaphylos refugioensis) and late-
flowering mariposa lily (Calochortus fimbriatus) would be avoided.
Table 2-1. Proposed Implementation of Forest Service Trail Design Standards
Trail Corridor: Vegetation cleared to a width
of 5 feet with 10 foot overhead clearance.
Tread: 3 foot width using the full bench
construction method.
Grade: 8-10 percent average with short
grades not exceeding 15 percent.
Classification: Pack-and-Saddle class capable
of safe multiple use.
The final trail design would be routed to avoid
sensitive species identified during biological
surveys, such as this late-flowering mariposa lily.
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Consistent with the Forest Service Trail Design Manual, the proposed trail tread would average
3 feet in width. Trail grade would average 8 to 9 percent resulting in relatively little earth
disturbance along gently sloping ridgelines. In areas where the trail traverses the face of steep
knolls, construction of wide switchbacks would require disturbing a corridor of 5 to 8 feet to
create a level tread and to permit construction of cut or fill slopes and retaining structures
(e.g., constructed rock walls). The trail would be designed as a multi-use trail, with width and
stability sufficient to provide safe access for a variety of users, including hikers, equestrians, and
mountain bikers (Class 3 standard).
Trail Construction
The trail would be constructed in a manner consistent with Forest Service Guidelines (Forest
Service 1996). Although segments of the proposed trail would pass through relatively open
areas, trail construction would require clearing a corridor of approximately 10 feet in width,
which would remove up to 1.52 acres of existing vegetation. Clearing limits for trimming
vegetation are defined generally in Section 911 of EM-7720-103, and include provisions for
vertical clearance, upslope and downslope limits based upon the steepness of slope, and are
generally restricted to areas within 1 foot of the fill and backslope catch points. A limited
amount of grading and earthwork would also be necessary to create an average trail tread width
of 3 feet. According to established trail management objectives, the standard clearing limit is 10
feet in height, 72 inches in width. These specifications may be exceeded depending on slope and
terrain, but would fall within the trail class design parameters at FSH 2309.18 chapter 20. Trail
construction equipment would include a 36-inch-wide Kubota K-008 tractor, a 4x4 small haul
truck, compressors, hammer drills, shovels, pickaxes, chainsaws, loppers, pry bars, pulaskis, and
other standard trail construction equipment. Construction would be performed by four
experienced trail cutters and would occur over approximately 20 working days.
Trail construction would be scheduled to occur in late fall, winter or early spring while the soil is
still workable and outside the primary rain and fire seasons (e.g., November-March) and outside
of the primary migratory bird breeding season, to the extent feasible. Vegetation debris would be
placed away from the trail corridor to the extent feasible to reduce fire hazard.
The proposed trail would be constructed to incorporate features that minimize erosion, limit
downstream sedimentation, and reduce ongoing maintenance requirements utilizing erosion
control and minimization BMPs that control water flow down and across the trail. Design would
also include features to minimize conflicts between different user groups and enhance user
safety. In addition, trail construction would include weed eradication and control practices to
minimize the spread of non-native species along the trail corridor.
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Trail Maintenance
Trail maintenance is an ongoing requirement
on any trail but is particularly vital during the
first 3 years after a new trail is established.
Maintenance requirements would be reduced
via measures taken during initial construction
(refer to Table 2-1). However, maintenance in
accordance with Forest Service Standards
would occur on approximately 5-year cycles,
with annual maintenance required during the
first 3 years as the trail adjusts to prevailing
conditions. Maintenance would focus on trail tread repair, erosion control, trail slumping and
removal of slides, but would also include targeted removal of invasive weed species.
The SBTC proposes to enter into a formal maintenance agreement with the Forest Service to
assume full responsibility for all trail maintenance activities for the proposed Baron Ridge Trail.
Trail maintenance would be performed by experienced trail crews supplemented by SBTC
volunteers. Trail maintenance would also continue on portions of the existing Baron Ranch Trail
within LPNF. The SBTC would also establish a fund under the administration of the Forest
Service for the sole purpose of funding maintenance on the proposed Baron Ridge Trail.
For any substantial trail repairs (e.g., regrading) appropriate resource monitors would be engaged
to participate to ensure sensitive resources are avoided and protected appropriately.
2.2.2 Trail Access and Use
The proposed Baron Ridge Trail would be accessible from two points: from the south via the
Baron Ranch Loop Trail; and from the north via the West Camino Cielo jeepway, which also
connects to Squat Camp and Gaviota Peak approximately 2.8 miles and 5 miles to the west,
respectively. Future users of the proposed Baron Ridge Trail are anticipated to primarily use the
existing Baron Ranch trailhead on the Calle Real frontage road north of US Highway 101 and the
Baron Ranch Trail to access the proposed Baron Ridge Trail; a minority of users would access
the trail from Gaviota State Park and the West Camino Cielo jeepway and exit via the Baron
Ranch Trail (Figure 2-2).
The SBCTC would fund and perform routine maintenance of
the Baron Ridge Trail.
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Figure 2-2. Connecting Trails
The existing Baron Ranch Trail is currently use-restricted to foot traffic only; mountain bikes,
dogs and equestrians are currently prohibited. In addition, public access is limited to Saturdays,
Sundays, and Mondays, although such restrictions may be reviewed and reconsidered over the
long term (Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors, Resolution 09254; 15 September 2009).
These use restrictions are marked at the Baron Ranch trailhead. It is anticipated that the majority
of future Baron Ridge Trail users would access the proposed trail via the Baron Ranch Trail;
therefore, the use of the proposed trail by equestrians and mountain bikers is anticipated to be
minimal. For those potential users that would access the Baron Ridge Trail from West Camino
Cielo or Gaviota State Park, signage would be placed at the top of the trail to notify of use
restrictions applicable to the Baron Ranch Trail. In addition, a sign would also be placed at the
junction of the Baron Ridge Trail and the Baron Ranch Trail indicating where the Baron Ranch
Trail restrictions become applicable. The sign would also include fire hazard information,
indicating the risks of trail usage.
The relative remoteness and difficulty of access to the proposed trail would somewhat limit the
number of users. The Baron Ridge Trail would essentially function as a wilderness trail,
providing enhanced recreational opportunities to long-distance day hikers and backpackers. If the
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County opens the existing Baron Ranch Trail to multiple users, mountain bikers and equestrians
may also take advantage of this extended route to access Gaviota Peak or the West Camino Cielo
jeepway. Although the number of trail users is difficult to estimate, it is anticipated that the trail
would experience light to moderate use, which would potentially alleviate some congestion
encountered on other Santa Barbara County Front Country trails.
2.3 PROJECT ALTERNATIVES
A unique feature of the proposed Baron
Ranch Trails system (i.e., existing Baron
Ranch and proposed Baron Ridge Trails)
would be the creation of a trail system that
extends from US Highway 101 to the Santa
Ynez Crest almost entirely on public land. As
discussed in Section 1.2 (Purpose and Need)
opportunities to construct such trails face
many challenges, not the least of which is the
belt of private land that separates public land
in the LPNF from public roads such as US
Highway 101 and Refugio Road. This makes
identification of feasible alternative routes challenging. Only the El Capitan State Park location 5
miles to the east offers similar potential for completion of a highway to mountain crest tail (refer
to Figure 1-1). Mountain crest trail options on El Capitan State Park are under investigation, but
face some private land issues as well as topographic barriers.
Over the course of a 15-month exploration of potential routes for a trail to the Santa Ynez Crest
at Baron Ranch, SBTC explored a number of abandoned and existing jeep roads and fire breaks
within the Baron drainage and on both the east and west ridges on either side of the drainage. As
is the case along the entire Gaviota Coast, Baron Ranch is characterized by steep, rugged terrain,
thick layers of vertical sandstone and heavy chaparral-dominated brush. This limits potential trail
routes to one other feasible location. In addition, land north and east of the Baron Ranch is under
private ownership (refer to Figure 2-1).
East Ridge
Near the upper end of the Baron Ranch Loop Trail, an overgrown jeep road leads northeast to the
East Ridge of the Arroyo Quemado Creek Watershed (see Alternate Route on Figure 2-1). At the
point the jeep road reaches the private property boundary, the jeep road becomes open and
Steep topography and private land holdings constrain the
feasibility of alternate routes on the Gaviota Coast.
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passable and leads to the Santa Ynez crest. This alternative would also reach a privately owned
segment of the West Camino Cielo jeepway; however, because 80 percent of the route passes
through private property and reaches a private segment of the West Camino Cielo jeepway, it
would require acquisition of easements from private property owners both for the proposed trail
and for approximately 0.25 miles along the jeepway to the west to reach federal land. Use of
private lands for the Baron Ridge Trail would require cooperation of existing owners and would
likely result in added costs; both potential barriers to the construction of the trail.
No-Action Alternative
Pursuant to National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Council on Environmental Quality
(CEQ) regulations, the No-Action Alternative may be considered to provide a comparative
baseline analysis. With selection of the No-Action Alternative, the proposed trail would not be
constructed. This alternative would limit the capability of the Forest Service to provide adequate
recreational facilities in this portion of the Gaviota Coast.
2.4 MITIGATIONS AND BMPS APPLICABLE TO ALL ACTION ALTERNATIVES
This section summarizes mitigations and BMPs that apply to all action alternatives. These
measures would be applied prior to, during, and after construction, as applicable, to reduce or
avoid environmental disturbance to the greatest extent feasible during trail construction,
maintenance, and use.
Trail Construction and Maintenance Related BMPs
To the extent possible, trail construction and maintenance would occur from August 1
to March 14, outside of the migratory bird breeding season.
Since the bird breeding season dates vary from year to year, these dates can be
adjusted based on surveys conducted by a qualified biologist within one week prior to
trail construction.
Workers should receive training concerning Threatened, Endangered, and Candidate
federally listed and for Forest Service Sensitive species prior to performing project
activities.
Workers should avoid direct-interaction with wildlife while performing project
activities.
All vehicles operated within the Proposed Action area will be properly maintained to
ensure that no inadvertent discharges occur within the Arroyo Quemado watershed.
Vegetation removal should never exceed the prescribed clearing limits defined in the
established Forest Service standards (i.e., more is not better, as vegetation removal
outside the trail prism is essentially pointless habitat alteration).
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The limits of the Proposed Action area would be conspicuously defined and all
activities would be strictly limited to this area.
All Proposed Action activities, including ground clearing and trail construction
activities would be conducted during daylight hours.
Wildlife Habitat Protection BMPs
Implement BMPs from the Soil and Water Conservation Handbook and agency water
quality policy.
The proposed trail corridor would be sited and designed to avoid known locations of
sensitive plants and wildlife.
No specimen native trees would be removed during ground clearing and trail
construction related activities.
Strict erosion control measures would be included in the implementation of the
Proposed Action, as described in the Project Description and Table 3-3.
Following the implementation of the Proposed Action, signs would be posted at
trailheads to limit visitors’ direct and indirect disturbance of wildlife.
Noxious Weeds BMPs
Trail workers would be instructed in weed prevention management practices such as
entering the project area with clean boots and tools prior to conducting project
activities. Care should be taken to clean tools and boots when moving from a trail
segment with invasive weeds to and area without weeds. Maintain staging areas and
landings in a weed-free condition.
Monitor and – to the extent feasible – record the distribution and abundance of
encountered weeds to determine if additional weed control measures are needed. If
occurrences of noxious weeds are detected after project implementation, initiate
control measures immediately and attempt to eradicate any incipient infestations.
Proposed ground clearing and trail construction activities would include the removal
of highly invasive species within and immediately adjacent to the Proposed Action
area.
Following the implementation of Proposed Action, periodic maintenance, including
weeding and eradication of invasive species, would occur in order to promote the
reestablishment of native species.
Erosion and Water Quality BMPs
The following sections outline BMPs that should be implemented during clearing, grubbing, and
any other modifications with the Proposed Action area.
Maintain trail surfaces to dissipate intercepted water in a uniform manner along the
road by outsloping with rolling dips, insloping with drains, or crowning with drains.
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Where feasible and consistent with protecting public safety, utilize outsloping and
rolling the grade (rolling dips) as the primary drainage technique.
Adjust surface drainage structures to minimize hydrologic connectivity by:
o Discharging road runoff to areas of high infiltration and high surface
roughness.
o Armoring drainage outlet to dissipate energy dissipater and to prevent gully
initiation.
Clean ditches and drainage structure inlets only as often as needed to keep them
functioning. Prevent unnecessary or excessive vegetation disturbance and removal on
features such as swales, ditches, shoulders, and cut and fill slopes.
Minimize diversion potential by installing diversion prevention dips that can
accommodate overtopping runoff.
Place diversion prevention dips downslope of crossing, rather than directly over the
crossing fill, and in a location that minimizes fill loss in the event of overtopping.
Armor diversion prevention dips when the expected volume of fill loss is significant.
Address risk and consequence of future failure at the site when repairing trail failures.
Use vegetation, rock, and other native materials to help stabilize failure zones.
Maintain trail surface drainage by removing berms, unless specifically designated
otherwise.
Install and preserve markers to identify and protect drainage structures that can be
damaged during maintenance activities (that is, culverts, subdrains, and so forth).
Use and maintain surfacing materials suitable to the trail site and use to withstand
traffic and minimize runoff and erosion. Pay particular attention to areas where high
wheel slip (curves, acceleration, and braking) during motorized use generates loose
soil material.
Cultural Resources BMPs and Mitigations
Construction activities would not result in clearance of vegetation or ground
disturbance directly adjacent to the resource, with construction occurring a minimum
of six feet away from the resource (i.e., no construction would occur on the resource
side of the barbed-wire fence).
In the event that archaeological resources are discovered, construction would be
temporarily suspended until the Los Padres Heritage Program Manager, or delegated
Heritage Program personnel have been contacted to evaluate the nature and
significance of the find. After the find has been appropriately mitigated, work in the
area may resume.
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Fire Hazard BMPs
The risk of fire would be substantially reduced by implementation of construction
between November and April, when the vegetation is most lush and the risk of fire is
typically at its lowest.
The trail maintenance crew would carry fire retardant during the use of mechanical
equipment and Santa Barbara County Fire Department and Los Padres Hotshots
would be notified prior to trail construction activities.
To reduce the risk of fire during trail operation, fire hazard signage would be placed
at the trailhead indicating the risks of trail usage.
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SECTION 3.0
ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING AND CONSEQUENCES
This section of the EA describes relevant existing environmental conditions for resources
potentially affected by the Proposed Action, Project Alternative, and No-Action Alternative. In
compliance with NEPA, CEQ regulations (Section 1502.15), and 36 Code of Federal
Regulations (CFR) 220.7, the description of the affected environment focuses on only those
aspects potentially subject to impacts. Resources eliminated from further analysis in this section
include air quality, noise, environmental justice, socioeconomics, and hazardous materials and
wastes. Baseline data were compiled from surveys and documentation prepared for the Proposed
Action, consultation with Forest Service personnel, and queries of resource-specific databases.
Resource descriptions focus on the following areas: visual resources, land use, vegetation and
wildlife, geologic conditions, water resources, cultural and historic resources, fire hazards,
transportation and public services, and recreation.
3.1 ISSUES ELIMINATED FROM FURTHER ANALYSIS
Based on the scope of the Proposed Action, the Project Alternative, and the No-Action
Alternative, and as a result of preliminary analyses, the Forest Service eliminated the following
issues from further analysis.
3.1.1 Air Quality
The Proposed Action is located in Santa Barbara County. Santa Barbara County is currently in
attainment for all federal air quality standards. The County is in non-attainment for the state
8-hour ozone standard and the state standard for particulate matter less than 10 microns in
diameter (PM10). Since Santa Barbara County is in attainment for all federal air quality
standards, the General Conformity Rule does not apply to Proposed Action.
Construction would involve the use of limited emission-producing equipment that would include
a 36-inch-wide Kubota K-008 tractor, a 4x4 small haul truck, compressors, hammer drills, and
chainsaws. These would be utilized over a period of approximately 20 days. Ground disturbance
for the Proposed Action and Project Alternative would result in approximately 1.52 acres of
vegetation removal, which would result in minimal dust generation. Due to the nature of the
project site, the minimal construction equipment needed to accomplish construction work at the
project site, as well as air quality regulations as they relate to the project area as a whole, the
Forest Service determined that project construction would not adversely affect air quality and did
not conduct further analysis for air quality impacts.
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3.1.2 Noise
The definition of noise for this analysis is undesirable sound that interferes with speech
communication and hearing, or is otherwise annoying (i.e., unwanted sound). In June 1980, the
Federal Interagency Committee on Urban Noise (FICUN) published guidelines (FICUN 1980)
relating day-night average sound level (DNL) values to compatible land uses. Since their
issuance, Federal agencies have generally adopted these guidelines for noise analysis. Most
agencies have identified 65 decibels (dB) DNL as a criterion that protects those most affected by
noise and that can often be achieved on a practical basis.
Trail construction would result in a minor, short-term increase in the vicinity of the trail corridor.
Trail construction equipment would include a 36-inch-wide Kubota K-008 tractor, a 4x4 small
haul truck, compressors, hammer drills, shovels, pickaxes, chainsaws, loppers, pry bars, pulaskis,
and other standard trail construction equipment. Since no major ongoing construction efforts are
proposed, and no sensitive receptors are located in the vicinity of the Project Area, a short-term
increase in ambient noise levels from project construction would not cause significant adverse
impacts, and the ambient noise level would return to its normal level following construction. A
negligible increase in ambient noise is anticipated to result from recreational use of the proposed
trail. In addition, maintenance activities would be infrequent, and would result in only minor,
short-term noise increases. Therefore, the Forest Service eliminated noise from further
consideration in the EA.
3.1.3 Environmental Justice
Executive Order (EO) 12898, Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority
Populations and Low-Income Populations, assures that Federal agencies focus attention on the
potential for a proposed Federal action to cause disproportionately high and adverse health
effects on minority populations or low-income populations. There are no environmental justice
areas of low-income and/or minority populations located in the vicinity of the project site, and
site construction would not adversely impact low-income and/or minority populations.
Consequently, the Forest Service has eliminated environmental justice from detailed evaluation
in this EA.
3.1.4 Socioeconomics
Project construction would be performed by the volunteers with the SBTC, and therefore would
not result in additional benefits to local employment. Cost estimates for materials, transport, and
installation would constitute a negligible beneficial impact within the region during the
construction period. Consequently, the Forest Service has determined that the socioeconomic
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impact from this project does not warrant further evaluation and eliminated it from further
consideration in this EA.
3.1.5 Hazardous Materials and Wastes
The Proposed Action would not occur in an area where any hazardous materials are stored,
transported, or utilized. During project construction, the potential for a spill from vehicles and
construction equipment would be negligible. Further, a weed management plan, which would
cover any pesticide and/or herbicide use, would be put into place prior to any trail construction
or trail maintenance activities. Consequently, the Forest Service has determined that the potential
for hazardous materials and wastes impact from this project do not warrant further evaluation
and eliminated it from further consideration in this EA.
3.2 VISUAL RESOURCES
3.2.1 Affected Environment
The proposed project is located on the
Gaviota Coast in Santa Barbara County,
California, approximately 2.5 miles
northwest of Refugio State Park (see
Figure 1-1). The Gaviota Coast is
generally defined as the approximately
20-mile stretch of east-west trending
coastline between the western boundary
of the City of Goleta and the Gaviota
Tunnel on U.S. Highway 101. The
dominant character of the Gaviota Coast
is a rural landscape consisting of grazing
or orchard uses and large areas of undeveloped land. Coastal bluffs and terraces merge into
rolling hills that rise into the Santa Ynez Mountains. The proximity of the hills and mountains to
beaches, park lands, open space, and agricultural lands give the Gaviota Coast its unique visual
character. According to the LPNF Final Land Management Plan, the Gaviota Coast is one of the
‘Key Places’ representing some of the most picturesque national forest locations (Forest Service
2005).
The proposed Baron Ridge Trail would extend from the existing Baron Ranch Trail up to and
along a ridgeline to the crest of the Santa Ynez Mountains. The existing Baron Ranch Trail is
primarily composed of an active agricultural road that serves avocado and cherimoya orchards
The existing Baron Ranch Trail winds along dirt roads through
avocado and cherimoya orchards, oak and riparian woodlands
along Arroyo Quemado Creek and coastal sage scrub and
chaparral habitats to an elevation of 1,216 feet.
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for the first 1.5 miles, before rising along a less maintained road into oak woodlands and foothill
habitats. The trail remains low in Arroyo Quemado Canyon, the sides of which rise steeply to the
east and west of the trail, gently winding up towards Santa Ynez Mountains that rise to the north.
Arroyo Quemado Creek runs adjacent to much of the existing trail. Views in the foreground from
the first 1.5 miles of trail are primarily of orchards, interspersed with areas of mature oaks and
sycamore trees associated with riparian habitats of Arroyo Quemado Creek.
At the proposed trailhead of the Baron Ridge Trail, orchards have given-way to undeveloped
habitats, including extensive areas of oak and sycamore forest. The proposed trail would climb a
canyon tributary to Arroyo Quemado Creek to the west gaining about 300 feet in elevation to a
saddle on the ridge that divides the Arroyo Quemado and Arroyo Hondo watersheds. Views
along this portion of trail include areas of oak woodland, rising to chaparral, coyote brush, and
grassy vegetation.
From this saddle, the trail would climb steeply to the northwest along a ridgeline on the Arroyo
Hondo Preserve. The ridgeline affords expansive views of Arroyo Hondo Canyon to the east, as
well as views to the west of Arroyo Quemado Canyon. The trail would continue to the top of a
knoll, where the trail would cut diagonally back to the northeast rising in a series of relatively
gentle steps with several areas of long switchbacks that curve around the steeper knoll faces to a
2,100-foot elevation. Sections of this trail are composed of a variety of habitats that include
groves of oak woodlands, dense chaparral, coyote brush, and low-lying scrub and grasses.
Expansive views of the Santa Ynez foothills, Pacific Ocean, and Channel Islands are afforded for
substantial sections of the trail, and are only obscured by occasional areas of dense vegetation.
The trail would terminate at the existing West Camino Cielo jeepway that runs along the Santa
Ynez Mountain crest on lands managed by the LPNF. Views from the West Camino Cielo
jeepway are extensive, providing 360 degree views of the winding ridgeline to the east and west,
the Pacific Ocean to the south, and canyons and ridges of the Santa Ynez Mountains backcountry
to the north.
No structures or sensitive land uses are located in the vicinity of the proposed project. Views of
the project site are limited due to the project site’s distance from US Highway 101 and other
publicly accessible areas; however, portions of the proposed route would occur on hillsides that
are visible from US Highway 101 (County of Santa Barbara 2002).
3.2.2 Environmental Consequences of the Proposed Action
Visual changes associated with the Proposed Action include the cutting of a trail in an area that
currently contains few man-made improvements. The majority of the proposed trail route would
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follow a ridgeline, where vegetation grows more sparsely, substantially reducing trail corridor
vegetation clearing and minimizing the visual changes that would occur due to vegetation
clearance. Visual disruption would be greatest during and immediately following trail
construction, when raw earth used for cut and fill to create the trail tread would contrast existing
vegetation. In several areas, switchbacks would be constructed along the trail, which would
potentially result in more visible disruption; however, since the Proposed Action involves the
construction of a dirt trail, with limited earthwork and vegetation clearance, the visual disruption
would be minor. It is anticipated that disturbed areas along the trail would quickly be
revegetated.
Limited, brief views of the Proposed Action would be afforded from US Highway 101. In
addition, distant views of the site would potentially be available from the Arroyo Hondo
Preserve. Due to the distance from sensitive receptors, the minor levels of construction with no
permanent structures involved, and the benign nature of the project, the Proposed Action would
have no significant detrimental direct or indirect impacts to visual resources. Further, the
proposed Baron Ridge Trail would provide non-motorized recreational access to an area of
LPNF that is currently largely inaccessible to the public. The provision of public recreational
opportunities in this previously inaccessible area would expand the availability for the public to
enjoy the unique and highly scenic Gaviota Coast. Therefore, the Proposed Action would result
in beneficial impacts to the visitor experience of visual resources.
3.2.3 Environmental Consequences of the Project Alternative
Visual changes associated with Alternative 1 would be similar in nature to the Proposed Action
however, under Alternative 1, less trail cut and fill would be required as the proposed route
would occur on an existing overgrown jeep road. Since Alternative 1 would occur largely along
an area that has been previously improved, visual impacts would be minor. Similar to the
Proposed Action, views of the trail from offsite locations would be limited and beneficial visual
impacts would be realized through increased public access to this portion of the Gaviota Coast.
3.2.4 Environmental Consequences of the No-Action Alternative
Under the No-Action Alternative, the Baron Ridge Trail would not be constructed. Vistas
afforded from the proposed trail would remain unavailable to the public. Very limited public
access to LPNF land within the Gaviota Coast area of the Santa Ynez Mountains would continue.
Visual characteristics of the project area would remain the same as described in Section 3.2,
Visual Resources, and neither direct nor indirect impacts to the visual setting would occur.
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3.3 LAND USE
3.3.1 Affected Environment
The project area is located within unincorporated Santa Barbara County in the Santa Barbara
Front place of the LPNF. While the project area is designated for agriculture, no active
agricultural development occurs within the project area, and the area is generally of low
agricultural value, due to steep slopes and distance to water. Active orchards are located within
the lower portions of the Baron Ranch, outside of the project area. While the Proposed Action
would occur on land under the jurisdiction of Forest Service, this Alternative 1 would occur
outside of their jurisdiction; therefore, land use activities and policies for areas outside of Forest
Service jurisdiction are provided for informational purposes (Figure 3-1).
Forest Service
The Santa Barbara Front place of LPNF encompasses much of the steeper portions of the Santa
Ynez Mountains on the Gaviota Coast. Current management direction for LPNF is described
under the Forest Land Management Plan (LMP) for the four southern California National Forests
(Forest Service 2005). Part 3 of the LMP covers design criteria and establishes the standards,
guidelines, laws, and policy directions for National Forest lands. Most of the Santa Barbara Front
place is managed as a Developed Area Interface Zone while keeping the natural scenic backdrop
for the south coast communities. The desired condition is that the scenic qualities of the
landscape and biological diversity are maintained and recreational facilities meet standards and
provide high-quality recreation experiences and public services.
LPNF Santa Barbara Front – Land Management Strategy
Continue cooperative efforts with the Native American community, permit holders, and volunteers
to preserve cultural and historic sites; Mitigate impacts to threatened, endangered, proposed,
candidate, and sensitive species when they occur; Eliminate or reduce the spread of noxious weeds
during fire suppression (i.e., using washing stations), post wildland fire Burned Area Emergency
Rehabilitation efforts (i.e., weed monitoring and removal), volunteer weed removal projects, and
project-specific activities; Implement communication site plans; Continue to reduce special-use
permit backlog; Coordinate fire prevention and watershed protection programs with private
landowners, national forest visitors, city and county agencies and volunteer fire departments;
Complete and maintain fuel breaks and community defense zones through these cooperative
efforts; Improve public access as opportunities occur by developing, maintaining, and managing
Front Country trails and OHV routes, minimize trail conflicts, and promote user education through
cooperative efforts; Work with the recreational target shooting community to resolve issues;
Reduce illegal actions through cooperation with city and county law enforcement agencies.
Source: Forest Service 2005
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Figure 3-1. Existing Land Use in the Vicinity of the Proposed Baron Ridge Trail
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County of Santa Barbara
The southern portion of the project area and the existing Baron Ranch Trail is located within land
under ownership and management by the County Public Works Department’s Resource
Recovery & Solid Waste Division. The property has a land use designation of Agriculture II,
minimum parcel size 100 acres (A-II-100) and is zoned for 100-AG-O. The property is utilized
for open space and orchard agriculture, including approximately 90 acres of avocados and
7 acres of cherimoya. Agriculture is concentrated around Arroyo Quemado Creek and lower
portions of adjacent tributary canyons. Canyon walls and upper portions of the Baron Ranch are
undeveloped and managed as open space. In addition, the Arroyo Quemado Creek corridor on
the property is under restoration for the endangered California red-legged frog under the
Tajiguas Landfill California Red-legged Frog Management Plan (refer to Section 3.4, Vegetation
and Wildlife).
The existing Baron Ranch Trail is currently use-restricted to foot traffic only; mountain bikes,
dogs and equestrians are currently prohibited, although such restrictions may be reviewed and
reconsidered over the long term (Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors, Resolution 09254;
15 September 2009).
Land Trust for Santa Barbara County
The Arroyo Hondo Preserve, which is owned and managed by the Land Trust for Santa Barbara
County, is located adjacent to the west of the project area. The property has a land use
designation of Agricultural Commercial (AC) and is zoned for AG-II-100. Agricultural II zone is
applied to agricultural areas within the Rural Area, and the intent is to preserve these lands for
long-term agricultural use. The property is currently managed under Williamson Act Contract,
with public access available on a limited basis (California Department of Conservation [CDOC]
2010).
Private Holdings
The land in the northeastern portion of the project area is under ownership of private
landholders: Vistas Infinites. The area contains an unimproved road, but is otherwise
undeveloped. The parcel has a land use designation zoned for Agriculture II, minimum parcel
size 100 acres (A-II-100). The property is currently managed under a Williamson Act Contract
(CDOC 2010). The habitable dwelling nearest to the affected project area is located more than 1
mile east of the proposed terminus of the trail extension.
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3.3.2 Environmental Consequences of the Proposed Action
Under the Proposed Action, the trail would extend over land under ownership of Santa Barbara
County, the Land Trust for Santa Barbara County, and the Forest Service. The trail would begin
along the existing Baron Ranch Trail, which was recently completed and opened to the public in
December 2010. The proposed trail would climb a canyon tributary to Arroyo Quemado Creek to
the west over 0.20 miles across County-owned land to a saddle on the ridge that divides the
Arroyo Quemado and Arroyo Hondo watersheds. From this saddle, the trail would climb steeply
to the northwest along the ridgeline for 0.30 miles on the Arroyo Hondo Preserve and follow
switchbacks up onto land under Forest Service Management. The trail would continue on for
approximately 3.0 miles on land under USFS ownership to the crest of the Santa Ynez
Mountains, as presented Table 3-1.
Table 3-1. Land Ownership and Use Under the Proposed Action
Land Owner Trail Length Land Use Designation Zoning
County of Santa Barbara 0.20 A-II-100 100-AG-O
Land Trust for Santa Barbara County 0.30 AC AG-II-100
USFS 3.00 A-II-100 U
Private Holdings N/A N/A N/A
Implementation of the Proposed Action would be consistent with the LPNF Land Management
Plan, which recognized the project area as appropriate for semi-primitive, non-motorized
recreation (Forest Service 2005).
The Proposed Action would not remove existing farmland from operation, and the passive
recreational use of the trail would not impact ongoing agricultural practices adjacent to the
existing Baron Ranch Trail. While the project area is not located within or adjacent to active
agriculture, the project would likely result in increased use of the Baron Ranch Trail, which is
within an active agricultural operation, potentially exposing users to hazards associated with
active agriculture (e.g., pesticide spray, heavy machinery, etc.). However, the number of
additional users that would access the Baron Ranch Trail due to construction of the Baron Ridge
Trail is anticipated to be limited, and would not result in significant agriculture-recreation
conflicts along the Baron Ranch Trail.
Due to the type of development and the minimal grading involved, development of the trail
within AG-II-100 and AC would not require permits from the County of Santa Barbara prior to
construction. Improvements under the Proposed Action would be consistent and compatible with
existing land use goals and priorities of the Forest Service. Therefore, implementation of the
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Proposed Action would have no direct or indirect significant impacts to land use. Finally, as
described previously, the nearest private development is located more than 1 mile east of the
proposed terminus of the trail extension. Therefore, there would be no impact to private land use
activities (e.g., residential).
3.3.3 Environmental Consequences of the Project Alternative
The Project Alternative would begin near the upper end of the Baron Ranch Loop Trail on an
overgrown jeep road that leads northeast to the east ridge of the Arroyo Quemado Creek
Watershed. Approximately 0.2 miles up the jeep road, the trail would reach the private property
boundary, where the jeep road becomes open and passable and leads to the Santa Ynez crest over
approximately 1.5 miles (Table 3-2). The private holdings are under a Williamson Act Contract;
however, trails are acceptable uses on properties under such contracts. Because 90 percent of the
route passes through private property and reaches a private segment of the West Camino Cielo
jeepway, it would require acquisition of easements from private property owners both for the
proposed trail and for approximately 0.25 miles along the jeepway to the west to reach federal
land.
Similar to the Proposed Action, recreational use is not precluded in agriculture zones, and the
County of Santa Barbara Environmental Thresholds Manual identifies rural recreation and open
space as a compatible use with agriculture. Due to the type of development and the minimal
grading involved, development of the trail within AG-II-100 would not require permits from the
County of Santa Barbara prior to construction. Implementation of the Project Alternative would
be consistent with County of Santa Barbara and LPNF plans and policies; however, procurement
of easements would require cooperation of existing owners and would likely result in added
costs, both potentially significant barriers. Impacts to land use under the Project Alternative are
Table 3-2. Land Ownership and Use Under the Project Alternative
Land Owner Trail Length Land Use Designation Zoning
County of Santa Barbara 0.20 A-II-100 A-II-100
Land Trust for Santa Barbara County N/A N/A N/A
Forest Service N/A N/A N/A
Private Holdings 1.50 AC A-II-100
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greater than those under the Proposed Action; however, impacts would remain less than
significant.
3.3.4 Environmental Consequences of the No-Action Alternative
Under the No-Action Alternative, the Baron Ridge Trail would not be constructed. Land use
within the project area would remain the same as described in Section 3.3.1, Land Use.
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3.4 VEGETATION AND WILDLIFE
The following sections discuss the potential direct and indirect impacts associated with the
implementation of the Proposed Action. The significance of potential impacts to sensitive
biological resources as well as the mitigation required to reduce these impacts is dependent on
the sensitivity and associated legal status of the species in accordance with the guidelines set
forth in the NEPA. These potential impacts as they relate to the Endangered Species Act (ESA),
Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), and NEPA are discussed in detail below.
3.4.1 Affected Environment
The Gaviota Coast is considered among the top
15 most biologically diverse locations in the
world (National Park Service [NPS] 2004).
More than 1,400 plant and animal species
depend on the habitat provided by the Gaviota
Coast, including 60 fish species and 195 bird
species (NPS 2004). The area contains at least
24 federally or state-listed threatened or
endangered plant and animal species as well as
60 rare species or species of special concern
(NPS 2004).
The rich biodiversity of the Gaviota Coast is a product of at least three factors: 1) its location at
the boundary of two distinct biogeographic regions where plant and animal assemblages overlap;
2) its connection to large, interior wildlands, which allows wildlife to move freely in and out of
the area; and 3) the largely undisturbed character of the various habitats, particularly the more
than 30 stream corridors with their riparian forests (Gaviota Coast Conservancy 2007). These
conditions provide shelter for large mammals such as black bears (Ursus americanus), mountain
lions (Felis concolor), and mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), as well as small fish and wildlife
such as tidewater goby (Eucyclogobius newberryi), southern steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss),
coast horned lizard (Phyrnosoma blanvilli), and pond turtles (Emys spp.) (Gaviota Coast
Conservancy 2007). Additionally, Gaviota’s riparian habitats harbor the highest richness of bird
species of anywhere in California (Gaviota Coast Conservancy 2007).
The proposed trail extension would extend for approximately 3.5 miles from the northern end of
a tributary of Arroyo Quemado Creek to the ridgeline, which separates this watershed from that
or Arroyo Hondo Creek to the west. Arroyo Quemado Creek, much like most drainages in Santa
Coast horned lizard is one of a variety of reptile species
potentially encountered along the trail.
(Photo courtesy of R. Ford, Santa Barbara Trails Council)
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Barbara County, is relatively dry during the summer and fall months. Consequently, significant
aquatic habitat is only present during the winter and spring, due to runoff from heavy rain events.
However, important terrestrial habitat in this watershed includes documented monarch butterfly
(Danaus plexippus) roost sites in blue gum (Eucalyptus globules) groves at the mouth of Arroyo
Quemado (Meade 1999). Additionally, important vegetation communities, such as chaparral and
coast live oak alliances occur in the higher elevation reaches of this watershed.
In contrast to Arroyo Quemado Creek, Arroyo Hondo Creek is a perennial stream, with
continuous flows and aquatic habitats occurring in at least parts of its stream bed throughout the
year. The Arroyo Hondo Preserve, which covers 316 acres, comprises approximately thirty
percent of the Arroyo Hondo Watershed. Important habitats within this area include a relatively
intact riparian corridor and coastal lagoon, supporting a number of federally listed species
including southern steelhead, tidewater goby, and California red-legged frog.
Vegetation Communities
A vegetation mapping, habitat assessment, and a rare plants survey, was conducted in the
Proposed Action area on July 19, 2011. In addition to the survey, literature and data reviews
were conducted in order to identify the historic and current occurrence of sensitive plant species
in the vicinity of the Proposed Action area. This research included a review of historic and
current aerial photographs, United States Geological Survey (USGS) topographic maps, and
USDA soil survey maps. Further, this research included a review of the California Natural
Diversity Database (CNDDB) to identify known occurrences of federally listed Threatened,
Endagered, and Proposed wildlife species and Forest Service listed sensitive wildlife species
within the Proposed Action area. In addition, relevant documents for the nearby Tajiguas
Landfill Expansion were reviewed for information relevant to sensitive plants species and
vegetation communities occurring within the vicinity of the Proposed Action area.
Eleven vegetation communities or habitat associations were documented within the Study Area,
which includes the Proposed Action area as well as a 200-foot buffer encompassing the
immediate area surrounding the proposed trail corridor. The communities in the Study Area
include, chaparral, chamise chaparral, Ceanothus megacarpus chaparral, chaparral/interior live
oak woodland/scrub oak, chaparral/scrub oak, coast live oak woodland, coast live oak
woodland/Ceanothus megacarpus chaparral, disturbed/developed, interior live oak scrub, interior
live oak woodland, Venturan coastal sage scrub. These vegetation communities as well as the
sensitive botanical species identified in the surveys are described, as well as provided in
Appendix B.
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No federally or state-listed plant species are known to occur in the Study Area. However, two
plant species which are considered sensitive by the USDA Forest Service were identified.
Refugio manzanita (Arctostaphylos refugioensis) and late-flowered mariposa lily (Calochortus
fimbriatus) were documented within the Study Area during the rare plant survey.
Refugio Manzanita
Refugio manzanita is a CNPS List 1B species. It is a local endemic evergreen shrub, which is
generally found in sandstone substrates (Hickman 1993). This plant flowers between December
and May at elevations between 1,000-2,300 feet (Hickman 1993).
Late-Flowered Mariposa Lily
Late-flowered mariposa lily is a CNPS List 1B species. This species is known to occur in the San
Marcos Pass of the Santa Ynez mountain range (Hunt and Associates 2001). Late-flowered
mariposa lily is a perennial herb found in chaparral, cismontane woodland, and riparian
woodland with serpentine soils. This plant flowers between June and August at elevations
ranging from 900 to 3,000 feet (Hickman 1993).
Wildlife
A wildlife survey, which included a wildlife habitat assessment, was conducted in conjunction
with the vegetation survey in the Proposed Action area on July 19, 2011. In addition to the
survey, literature and data reviews were conducted in order to identify potential current and
historic occurrence of sensitive wildlife species located in the vicinity of the Proposed Action
area. This research also included a review of the CNDDB to identify known occurrences of
sensitive wildlife species. In addition, relevant documents for the nearby Tajiguas Landfill
Expansion were reviewed for information relevant to wildlife present in the vicinity of the
Proposed Action area.
Federal and Forest Service Listed Species
Habitat communities in the Proposed Action area include: chaparral, chamise chaparral,
Ceanothus megacarpus chaparral, chaparral/interior live oak woodland/scrub oak,
chaparral/scrub oak, coast live oak woodland, coast live oak woodland/Ceanothus megacarpus
chaparral, disturbed/developed, interior live oak scrub, interior live oak woodland, Venturan
coastal sage scrub. No riparian habitat was identified within the Proposed Action area. Due to the
nature of habitats identified and historic occurrence of sensitive wildlife species located in the
vicinity of the Proposed Action area, it is considered unlikely that any federally listed or Forest
Service-listed sensitive wildlife would be effected within the project area. Federally listed or
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Forest Service-listed sensitive species are known to occur in the vicinity of the Proposed Action
area are associated with riparian or aquatic habitats and are therefore not likely to occur within
the immediate vicinity of project, but are discussed due to the presence of these federally listed
species in the nearby Arroyo Quemado Creek.
Southern Steelhead
The southern steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss irideus) is an evolutionarily significant unit of
steelhead trout that is federally listed, by the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), as
endangered. Southern steelhead habitat ranges from the Santa Maria River in San Luis Obispo
County to San Mateo Creek in San Diego County. Steelhead typically migrate to marine waters
after spending two years in fresh water, depending on the rainfall pattern and stream flow
(USFWS 1997). They enter the river and stream systems between early November and June,
with peak numbers in January and February. Because spawning occurs in the upper reaches of
tributaries, suitable streams and rivers must be free of barriers to migration. Suitable spawning
areas also contain gravel beds and are free of heavy sedimentation. Spawning begins in January
and continues through early June, peaking February through March. Adult southern steelhead
feed on aquatic and terrestrial insects, mollusks, crustaceans, fish eggs, minnows, and other small
fishes (including other trout) while juveniles feed mainly on zooplankton (Cadwallader and
Backhouse 1983).
Southern steelheads have not been detected within the Arroyo Quemado Creek watershed and
are not expected due to significant barriers to migration1. However, the species is known to occur
in Arroyo Hondo Creek to the west of the project area and significant efforts have been made to
enhance populations within the Arroyo Hondo Preserve through the elimination of barriers to
fish passage. Although the project area supports the very upper reaches or headwaters of several
intermittent tributaries to Arroyo Hondo Creek, this species was not observed and is not expected
due to lack of perennial flow and highly intermittent nature of the headwater tributaries within
the Proposed Action Area.
1 As part of its habitat restoration efforts along Arroyo Quemado Creek, the County of Santa
Barbara is removing barriers to fish passage on Baron Ranch; however, barriers to fish passage
would remain downstream at US Highway 101.
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California Red-legged Frog
The California red-legged frog (Rana draytonii) was federally listed as threatened in 1996. A
final Recovery Plan for the species was published in 2002 and critical habitat was designated in
2006. The critical habitat designation includes Arroyo Quemado Creek on the Baron Ranch, but
does not appear to include Arroyo Hondo Creek to the west where this species is also known to
occur.
The distribution of the California red-legged frog ranges from Redding in Shasta County south
into Baja California at elevations between sea level and 5,000 feet amsl (Jennings and Hayes
1994). This species can be found in both permanent and ephemeral streams, but populations are
unlikely to persist in ephemeral streams (Jennings and Hayes 1994, USFWS 1996). California
red-legged frogs are found in a range of aquatic and riparian habitats, preferring deep-water
pools with overhanging willows (Salix spp.), cattails (Typha spp.), and bulrushes (Scirpus spp.)
at the margins of the pools. They require specific parameters for breeding sites and also rely on
adequate uplands and riparian areas for foraging and dispersal. California red-legged frogs
typically breed between November and April, with earlier breeding periods recorded in more
southern localities. Creeks and ponds where California red-legged frogs are found most often
have dense growths of woody riparian vegetation (Hayes and Jennings 1994). This species is
known to travel up to approximately one mile from breeding ponds and streams.
The California red-legged frog was not observed during the field survey conducted in the Study
Area, which does not support suitable habitat (i.e., perennial streams and pools). This species is
known to occur within both Arroyo Quemado and Arroyo Hondo creeks. As part of its mitigation
efforts in response to impact analyses conducted in support of the proposed expansion of
Tajiguas Landfill, Santa Barbara County has undertaken extensive habitat restoration efforts
along Arroyo Quemado Creek and has relocated California red-legged frogs from Cañada de la
Pila to Arroyo Quemado Creek; this creek is now known to support a healthy population of
California red-legged frogs with no documented occurrences of bull frogs (Rana catesbeiana) (J.
Leipner Pers. Observ.).
The project area is well removed from suitable California red-legged frog habitat. While the
project area is separated from breeding habitat by hot, dry vegetation communities and elevation
differences of several hundred feet to over 1,500 feet amsl, limited potential exists for roaming
individuals to travel up intermittent drainages or through other habitats to reach the trail corridor.
Two-striped Garter Snake
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The two-striped garter snake (Thamnophis hammondii) is a CDFW species of special concern.
This snake occurs along the California coast from Monterey County to northern Baja California
(Jennings and Hayes 1994, California Herps 2008). Two-striped garter snakes are found in or
near permanent or intermittent freshwater, often along streams with rocky beds bordered by
willows or other streamside growth (Stebbins 2003). The two-striped garter snake is highly
aquatic, and is primarily active from spring to late fall. The snake is primarily active at dusk or
night, but can be found during the day (Stebbins 2003). Two-striped garter snakes breed between
March and April and live young are born from July to August. Their diet consists of amphibian
larvae, small fish, and worms (Jennings and Hayes 1994). The two-striped garter snake has a
variety of predators such as raptors, herons, raccoons, and coyotes as well as introduced exotic
species. A major threat to the species has been the reduction of its wetland habitat (Jennings and
Hayes 1994).
The two-striped garter snake was not observed during the field survey, but this species has been
observed within adjacent watersheds in the vicinity of the project area. While there is no suitable
riparian and perennial stream habitat within the Proposed Action area, perennial riparian areas in
the vicinity of the Proposed Action area may provide some suitable habitat. The two-striped
garter snake has low potential to occur within intermittent tributaries in the project area and is
unlikely to be found in the dryer habitats of the project area.
Raptors and Other Sensitive Bird Species
The USFWS maintains a list of birds protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) of
1918 (16 US Code [USC] 703-712), as amended, and EO 13186. The Proposed Action area is
located within the migratory bird route known as the Pacific Flyway. Birds protected under the
MBTA include raptors, common songbirds, waterfowl, shorebirds, seabirds, and wading birds.
Following an executive order (EO 13186) issued on January 10, 2001 by President Clinton, a
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was developed between the USFWS and the USFS
concerning the conservation of Migratory Bird populations within Bird Conservation Regions
(BCR) across the country (USDA-USDI 2001). A second MOU was created in 2008 (USDA-
USDI 2008) further developing the conservation areas and providing additional support for
analysis of migratory bird communities as integrated conservation units. USFWS developed
further supplemental documents supporting analysis of migratory bird communities by providing
a revised species list (USFWS 2010) and a list of birds of management concern and focal species
(USFWS 2011).
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Bird species that were reviewed with regard to the potential for impacts to result from
implementation of this project include all birds currently on the LPNF list of priority bird species
relevant to the MBTA (67 species), as well as bird species that could occur within the project
area that are on USFWS Birds of Conservation Concern (BCC) list (USFWS 2008) and focal
species that are on the Birds of Management Concern (BMC) list (USFWS 2011). The USFWS
identified focal species from the BMC list that need enhanced protection because they: 1) have
high conservation needs, 2) are representative of a broader group of species sharing the same or
similar conservation needs, 3) act as a potential unifier for partnerships, and/or 4) have a high
likelihood that factors affecting status can be realistically addressed. Birds which could
potentially be affected are allocated in the ground-nesting, ground-gleaning and shrub-nesting
resource-use guilds (Appendix B).
During the biological survey associated with the Proposed Action, raptors were evaluated in
terms of their potential to occur within the Study Area. Of the 67 priority species which may
occur on LPNF, 24 species could possibly be affected by project activities. These species are
discussed in greater detail in Appendix B.
3.4.2 Environmental Consequences of the Proposed Action
Impacts on Vegetation Communities
The Proposed Action would result in direct permanent impacts to a total of approximately 1.5
acres of common as well as sensitive vegetation communities within the Proposed Action area.
Approximately 0.09 acre of chaparral, 0.62 acre of Ceanothus megacarpus chaparral, 0.28 acre
of chamise chaparral, 0.06 acre of chaparral/interior live oak and scrub oak, 0.01 acre of
chaparral/scrub oak, 0.01 acre of coast live oak woodland, 0.05 acre of coast live oak/Ceanothus
megacarpus chaparral, 0.02 acre of interior live oak woodland, 0.39 acre of Venturan coastal
sage scrub, and 0.01 acre of disturbed land, would be impacted directly by the Proposed Action
during vegetation clearing and trail construction activities supporting the proposed trail.
In addition, the Proposed Action would result in indirect temporary impacts including increased
potential introduction of invasive or weedy species, fugitive dust, soil erosion, and runoff which
may potentially compromise plant respiration, photosynthesis, and growth in adjacent vegetation
communities that are not directly removed within the Proposed Action area. The Proposed
Action would also contribute in a very limited manner to cumulative impacts resulting from
changes in local vegetation alongside the trail, but this would likely not affect the overall
character of vegetation communities affected by the Proposed Action.
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Under NEPA, impacts to disturbed lands are not considered significant. Impacts to common
vegetation communities are generally considered adverse but less than significant as the
Proposed Action is not expected to reduce these vegetation communities below self-sustaining
levels. Direct permanent and indirect temporary impacts to sensitive vegetation communities are
considered adverse and significant according to NEPA, which states that cumulative impacts to
these resources should be minimized to the greatest extent feasible. The Proposed Action would
not substantially affect the coverage, species composition, or overall quality of sensitive
vegetation communities within and in the vicinity of the Proposed Action area. Therefore,
impacts to vegetation communities resulting from the Proposed Action are considered to be less
than significant.
Impacts to Sensitive Plant Species
Sensitive plant species were evaluated for their potential to occur within the Study Area and
Proposed Action Area. As described in Section 3.4.1, the following two Forest Service special
status species were documented within the Study Area: Refugio Manzanita and late-flowered
mariposa lily. While these documented special status species occur within the immediate vicinity
of the proposed trail corridor, the proposed trail would be routed in such a way that it would
avoid these populations (refer to Section 3.4.3).
The Forest Service list of sensitive plant species known to occur with the Santa Barbara Ranger
District portion of LPNF includes eight other species that have a moderate/ low potential to
occur. These species were not detected within the Proposed Action area during a rare plant
survey conducted during the appropriate respective blooming periods. As these species were not
documented no affect to these species are expected within the Proposed Action area.
Cutting, clearing and leveling the Proposed Action area to prepare the site for trail modifications
has the potential to permanently remove these known and potentially occurring sensitive plants
within the Proposed Action area. However, the proposed trail would be sited and designed to
minimize impacts to visible extant species (e.g., Refugio Manzanita) and overall changes in
habitat composition and type would be minimal, allowing for these species to persist outside of
the three to five foot proposed trail corridor. Additionally, the Proposed Action is likely to
positively impact some species such as the late-flowered mariposa lily, which is anticipated to
benefit from removal of shrub over story and is also projected to colonize trail cast off on
shoulders of turns along the proposed trail. Further, focused preconstruction surveys would be
conducted to locate and avoid or potentially salvage sensitive plants prior to any ground clearing
activities. Further, the Proposed Action includes a trail reconfiguration best management practice
to avoid individuals or populations of sensitive plant species. Consequently, the Proposed Action
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is anticipated to have no affect on sensitive plant species or lead toward reduced populations
below self-sustaining levels. Therefore, impacts to sensitive species are anticipated to be
insignificant.
Impacts to Federally Listed or Forest Service Sensitive Wildlife Species
There are no known occurrences of federally listed Threatened, Endangered, or Proposed
wildlife species, or Forest Services listed Sensitive wildlife species wildlife within the project
area. The Proposed Action would likely reduce by a small amount the habitat available to
wildlife species since there would be clearing and cutting of native vegetation communities
within the trail corridor associated with project implementation, which would create conditions
unsuitable to most wildlife species. Additionally, there would be small modifications to the three
affected drainages, with the addition of some boulders to allow ease in crossing, where the
proposed trail corridor would cross ephemeral drainages. Due to the nature of habitats identified
and historic occurrence of sensitive wildlife species located in the vicinity of the Proposed
Action area, it is considered unlikely that any federally listed or Forest Service-listed sensitive
wildlife would be effected within the project area.
California red-legged frog critical habitat designation includes Arroyo Quemado Creek on the
Baron Ranch. California red-legged frog was not observed during wildlife surveys supporting the
Proposed Action, and based on a radio telemetry study conducted on the Santa Ynez River,
California red-legged frogs do not typically travel more than 20 meters from the water’s edge
(personal communication with V. Hubbartt 2014). Due to its distance from riparian areas,
California red-legged frogs are not anticipated to occur within of the Proposed Action area.
Additionally, due to this separation distance, no sedimentation or other impacts to habitats that
could adversely affect southern steelhead or two-stripe garter snakes are anticipated to occur.
The long-term impacts of recurring trail maintenance to wildlife and wildlife habitats are
considered to be essentially neutral. The potential impacts to wildlife directly attributable to
maintenance of the trail systems is viewed as being inconsequential and indistinguishable in the
context of the recreational usage of the trail systems by the public. Public use of the proposed
trail would result in minor disturbance to habitats and species in the immediate vicinity of the
trail; however, given the large areas of similar habitat in the vicinity, low to moderate public use
of the trail is not anticipated to adversely affect sensitive species. Consequently, the Proposed
Action is anticipated to have no affect on sensitive wildlife species or lead to reduced
populations below self-sustaining levels.
Impacts to Migratory Birds
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Pursuant to the requirements of the MBTA which provides legal protection for many breeding
migratory bird species occurring in the US, the Proposed Action would be required to avoid
impacts to nesting birds in accordance with the Forest Service’s MOU with the USFWS
regarding the protection of MBTA species. To avoid impacts to nesting migratory species, the
Proposed Action would include measures to minimize potential take or disturbance to nesting
species, to the extent practicable. These measures would include performing trail construction
and maintenance from August 1 to March 14 to the extent feasible, outside the breeding season
for species protected under the MBTA.
The primary risk to migratory birds resulting from project activities would be threats to
incubating/brooding adults, eggs, and nestlings during the reproductive process. Adult birds may
be flushed off the nest during the incubation or brooding stages of reproduction, which could
result in decreased reproductive success. Disturbed or damaged nests may result in mortality to
either eggs or nestlings. Additionally, project activities may indirectly affect reproductive
success through increased depredation resulting from scent trails or from loss of cover and
concealment at the nest site due to vegetation removal.
Overall, the relative risk of individuals being injured/damaged or killed is considered low. The
possibility of nests being disturbed within the trail exists, but in most cases the incubating/
brooding adult would flush off the nest and return after the source of disturbance is gone. In such
cases where a flushing adult is observed, work crews should quickly complete project activities
in the area and move on. The event of a nest actually being damaged/destroyed resulting in direct
mortality is unlikely, and impacts to migratory birds at a population level is not considered a
statistical possibility due to a series of unlikely events which would need to occur.
Foraging adult birds and fledglings (ground-gleaning birds) would typically move away from
work crews and recreational users of the trail. Their response would be to either seek cover in
nearby vegetation or to seek other available foraging habitat. The event of individuals suffering
injury or mortality as a result of project activities is considered improbable, and the probability
of birds being affected at a population level is considered a statistical impossibility. Therefore,
impacts to migratory birds would be less than significant.
Impacts to Habitat Connectivity and Wildlife Corridors
No impacts to habitat connectivity and wildlife corridors are expected to result from
implementation of the Proposed Action. The majority of the land within the Proposed Action
area is considered a wildlife travel route because as provides habitat for wildlife moving between
the coastal foothills and the Santa Ynez Mountains. Implementation of the Proposed Action
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would encroach somewhat on existing travel routes; however, trails can also act as travel
corridors. Increased visitation may affect daylight travel along the ridgeline by some species and
expand use by others. Recreational use of the trail is anticipated to be minimal after dark, during
which time many species are most active, which would further limit potential impacts to wildlife
corridors. Therefore, implementation of the Proposed Action would result in less than significant
impacts to wildlife travel.
Impacts to Management Indicator Species
The LPNF Forest Plan contains goals to maintain or improve habitat conditions to sustain
healthy populations of Management Indicator Species (MIS) in LPNF. MIS were selected
because their population changes are believed to indicate the effects of management activities
and to serve as a focus for monitoring (USDA Forest Service 2005). MIS in the Study Area
include mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), mountain lion (Puma concolor), and song sparrow
(Melospiza melodia). Song sparrow, mule deer, and mountain lion that may be present during
construction and maintenance may be temporarily displaced but would return soon after the work
is complete. Recreational use and trail maintenance would result in minor disturbance to these
species occurring in the vicinity of the project area; however, such disturbance would not
constitute a reduction in habitat and would not be anticipated to result in a reduction in the
population of these species. Therefore, impacts to MIS would be less than significant.
3.4.3 Proposed Biological Best Management Practices
Under the Proposed Action, BMPs are proposed to ensure that any negative potential impacts to
biological resources remain less than significant. The following sections outline mitigation
measures that should be implemented during clearing, grubbing, and any other modifications
with the Proposed Action area.
Trail Construction and Maintenance Related BMPs
To the extent possible, trail construction and maintenance would occur from August 1
to March 14, outside of the migratory bird breeding season.
Since the bird breeding season dates vary from year to year, these dates can be
adjusted based on surveys conducted by a qualified biologist within one week prior to
trail construction.
Workers should receive training concerning Threatened, Endangered, and Candidate
federally listed and for Forest Service Sensitive species prior to performing project
activities.
Workers should avoid direct-interaction with wildlife while performing project
activities.
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All vehicles operated within the Proposed Action area will be properly maintained to
ensure that no inadvertent discharges occur within the Arroyo Quemado watershed.
Vegetation removal should never exceed the prescribed clearing limits defined in the
established Forest Service standards (i.e., more is not better, as vegetation removal
outside the trail prism is essentially pointless habitat alteration).
The limits of the Proposed Action area would be conspicuously defined and all
activities would be strictly limited to this area.
All Proposed Action activities, including ground clearing and trail construction
activities would be conducted during daylight hours.
Wildlife Habitat Protection BMPs
Implement BMPs from the Soil and Water Conservation Handbook and agency water
quality policy.
The proposed trail corridor would be sited and designed to avoid known locations of
sensitive plants and wildlife.
No specimen native trees would be removed during ground clearing and trail
construction related activities.
Strict erosion control measures would be included in the implementation of the
Proposed Action, as described in the Project Description and Table 3-3.
Following the implementation of the Proposed Action, signs would be posted at
trailheads to limit visitors’ direct and indirect disturbance of wildlife.
Noxious Weeds
Trail workers would be instructed in weed prevention management practices such as
entering the project area with clean boots, tools, and vehicles, prior to conducting
project activities. Care should be taken to clean tools and boots when moving from a
trail segment with invasive weeds to and area without weeds. Maintain staging areas
and landings in a weed-free condition.
Monitor and – to the extent feasible – record the distribution and abundance of
encountered weeds to determine if additional weed control measures are needed. If
occurrences of noxious weeds are detected after project implementation, initiate
control measures immediately and attempt to eradicate any incipient infestations.
Proposed ground clearing and trail construction activities would include the removal
of highly invasive species within and immediately adjacent to the Proposed Action
area.
Following the implementation of Proposed Action, periodic maintenance, including
weeding and eradication of invasive species, would occur in order to promote the
reestablishment of native species.
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3.4.4 Environmental Consequences of the Project Alternative
Under the Proposed Action Alternative, a trail would be constructed along the East Ridge of the
Arroyo Quemado Creek Watershed. This alternative is less desirable as it would require the
acquisition of easements from private property owners both for the proposed trail as well as for
approximately 0.25 mile along the jeepway to the west in order to reach federal land. Further, a
biological study along this proposed trail corridor has not been conducted. However, due to the
proximity of the proposed trail and the proposed alternative trail it can be assumed that the
vegetation communities and wildlife in the vicinity would be similar. The proposed alternative
trail would require ground clearing and trail construction activities similar to those analyzed in
Section 3.4.2. However, as the proposed alternative trail is relatively shorter in distance, the total
area of disturbance to vegetation and wildlife would be reduced. Additionally, the BMPs
described in Section 3.4.3 would also be applied to any ground clearing or trail construction
activities associated with the implementation of the Proposed Alternative Action. Therefore,
implementation of the Proposed Alternative Action would be expected to have a less than
significant impact on biological resources within and in the vicinity of the proposed alternative
trail.
3.4.5 Environmental Consequences of the No-Action Alternative
Under No-Action Alternative, no ground clearing or new trail construction would occur.
Consequently, vegetation and wildlife habitat within or in the vicinity of the Proposed Action
area would not be modified or removed. Vegetation communities and wildlife would remain as
described in Section 3.4.1. Selection of the No-Action Alternative would have neither direct nor
indirect negative impacts on vegetation or wildlife in the area.
3.5 GEOLOGIC CONDITIONS
3.5.1 Affected Environment
The project site is located in a geologically complex and seismically active region. This region is
within the Transverse Ranges Geomorphic Province, a generally mountainous region that
extends some 310 miles in an east-west direction which is in contrast to the prevailing
northwesterly structural grain of California. These ranges, stretching from Point Arguello on the
west to the Pinto and Eagle Mountains in eastern California, are in aggregate only 10 to 63 miles
wide in a north-south direction (Dibblee 1966). The province is unique in that its east-west
structural grain extends across the northwest-southeast trending San Andreas Fault, a major
dislocation of the earth’s crust that extends roughly 750 miles from the east side of the Salton
Sea to its offshore intersection with the Mendocino Fracture near Eureka, California. The San
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Andreas Fault is the primary structural boundary between the Pacific and North American
tectonic plates. Santa Barbara County is situated to the southwest of the San Andreas Fault. The
Santa Ynez Mountains and northern Channel Islands form the westernmost part of the
Transverse Ranges and are actively rising as a result of the oblique plate collision process.
The major east-west fault occurring in the vicinity of the project area is the Santa Ynez Fault. It
extends from near Jameson Lake on the upper Santa Ynez River to near Gaviota Pass,
approximately five miles from the project area, where it branches: the south branch of the Santa
Ynez fault strikes out to sea near the mouth of Alegria Canyon a few miles west of Gaviota
Beach; the other branch continues westward to join the Pacifico fault. This fault system can be
characterized as a high angle, oblique slip fault with appreciable left lateral slip (County of Santa
Barbara 2010).
Due to the steep slopes present throughout the Santa Ynez Mountains and the nature of the soils
present (see Soils discussion, below), the risk of landslide is high. Shallow landslides have been
reported on natural slopes in the vicinity of the project area (County of Santa Barbara 2009).
Soils
Soils in the vicinity of the project area are primarily composed of Maymen-Rock Outcrop
Complex, a soil type within the Maymen-Rock Outcrop Association. This Association is
characterized by moderately steep to extremely steep, well drained stony fine sandy loams and
excessively drained rock outcrop on mountain sides (USDA Soil Conservation Service 1981).
The soils formed in material weathered from sandstone, conglomerate, and shale bedrock.
Permeability is moderate.
The Maymen-Rock Outcrop Complex is characterized as very steep to extremely steep, located
in the highest parts of the Santa Ynez Range. It consists of about 45 percent Maymen soil; 40
percent Rock outcrop; 5 percent Lodo and Gaviota soils and small scattered areas that have soils
6 to 15 inches deep on soft fractured shale; and 10 percent soils similar to Maymen, but that have
a depth to bedrock of less than 10 inches. Runoff is very rapid and the hazard of erosion is very
high (USDA Soil Conservation Service 1981).
No soils within the project area are considered prime farmland (CDOC 2009).
3.5.2 Environmental Consequences of the Proposed Action
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The proposed project consists of a trail that
may be exposed to damage from geologic
processes; however, no habitable structures
are involved and the potential for future
trail users to be exposed to geologic
hazards is considered minimal.
The proposed trail would be constructed in
a manner consistent with Forest Service
Guidelines. Although segments of the
proposed trail would pass through relatively
open areas, trail construction would require
clearing a corridor of approximately 10 feet
in width and removal of up to 1.52 acres of existing vegetation, which would expose soils to
wind and water erosion. A limited amount of earthwork would also be necessary to create an
average trail tread width of 3 feet. Construction would be performed by four experienced trail
cutters and would occur over approximately 20 working days. Trail work would be scheduled to
occur in late fall, winter or early spring while the soil is still workable and outside the primary
rain and fire seasons (i.e., November through April).
The proposed Baron Ridge Trail would be designed and developed to adhere to Forest Service
Specifications for Construction and Maintenance of Trails (Forest Service 1996). Consistent with
the Forest Service Trail Design Manual, the proposed trail tread would average 3 feet in width.
Trail grade would average 8 to 9 percent resulting in relatively little earth disturbance along
gently sloping ridgelines. The majority of the proposed trail route would follow a ridge, which,
when constructed properly (i.e., using sustainable erosion control practices), would be easier to
maintain than side-slope routes where erosion and sloughing of soil and rock can obstruct trails,
particularly after fires and heavy rains. In areas where the trail traverses the face of steep knolls,
construction of wide switchbacks would require disturbing a corridor of 5 to 8 feet to create a
level tread and to permit construction of cut or fill slopes and retaining structures (e.g.,
constructed rock walls).
The proposed trail would be constructed to incorporate features that minimize erosion, limit
downstream sedimentation, and reduce ongoing maintenance requirements utilizing erosion
control features that control water flow down and across the trail (Table 3-3).
Portions of the trail would be routed along ridgelines, which
tend to be more sparsely vegetated and can reduce erosion and
required trail maintenance.
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Table 3-3. Erosion and Sedimentation Trail Design Features
Outsloping the trail 5-8 percent to allow water
to flow off the trail rather than down/along it.
Use of grade reversals to create ups and downs
along the trail so water has to flow off the trail
every 25-40 yards.
Use of rolling grade dips rather than water
bars to create larger basins for the water to
drain off the trail.
Construction of retaining or crib walls along
sections that need reinforcing.
Step-outs along the trail with added width for
passing.
Speed control through the use of choke points
especially along trail sections with more
dangerous dropoffs, poor lines of sight, and
steeper grades.
With incorporation of BMPs, impacts to soils and geology would be less than significant.
3.5.3 Proposed Erosion and Sedimentation Best Management Practices
Under the Proposed Action, BMPs are proposed to ensure that any negative potential impacts
associated with erosion and sedimentation to remain less than significant. The following sections
outline BMPs that should be implemented during clearing, grubbing, and any other modifications
with the Proposed Action area.
Maintain trail surfaces to dissipate intercepted water in a uniform manner along the
road by outsloping with rolling dips, insloping with drains, or crowning with drains.
Where feasible and consistent with protecting public safety, utilize outsloping and
rolling the grade (rolling dips) as the primary drainage technique.
Adjust surface drainage structures to minimize hydrologic connectivity by:
o Discharging road runoff to areas of high infiltration and high surface
roughness.
o Armoring drainage outlet to dissipate energy dissipater and to prevent gully
initiation.
Clean ditches and drainage structure inlets only as often as needed to keep them
functioning. Prevent unnecessary or excessive vegetation disturbance and removal on
features such as swales, ditches, shoulders, and cut and fill slopes.
Minimize diversion potential by installing diversion prevention dips that can
accommodate overtopping runoff.
Place diversion prevention dips downslope of crossing, rather than directly over the
crossing fill, and in a location that minimizes fill loss in the event of overtopping.
Armor diversion prevention dips when the expected volume of fill loss is significant.
Address risk and consequence of future failure at the site when repairing trail failures.
Use vegetation, rock, and other native materials to help stabilize failure zones.
Maintain trail surface drainage by removing berms, unless specifically designated
otherwise.
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Install and preserve markers to identify and protect drainage structures that can be
damaged during maintenance activities (that is, culverts, subdrains, and so forth).
Use and maintain surfacing materials suitable to the trail site and use to withstand
traffic and minimize runoff and erosion. Pay particular attention to areas where high
wheel slip (curves, acceleration, and braking) during motorized use generates loose
soil material.
3.5.4 Environmental Consequences of the Project Alternative
The geologic conditions, including soils, within the vicinity of the Project Alternative are the
same as those found within the Proposed Action area. The trail would be routed primarily along
an existing, but poorly maintained, dirt road, which would reduce the need for cut and fill during
construction; however, some ground disturbance would be required. With incorporation of
erosion control BMPs that minimize erosion, limit downstream sedimentation, and reduce
ongoing maintenance requirements, impacts to geologic conditions would be less than
significant.
3.5.5 Environmental Consequences of the No-Action Alternative
Under the No-Action Alternative, the Baron Ridge Trail would not be constructed. Geologic
conditions of the project area would remain the same as described in Section 3.5.1, and neither
direct nor indirect impacts would occur.
3.6 WATER RESOURCES
3.6.1 Affected Environment
Precipitation
The Mediterranean climate of the project area is typified by long, hot summers, and wet, mild
winters. According to the Central Coast (Region 3) Regional Water Quality Control Board
(RWQCB), the project site is located within the South Coast Hydrologic Unit, which generally
includes the area south of the Santa Ynez Mountains between Carpinteria and Point Arguello.
Rainfall in the region is highly variable and can range from less than 7 inches to over 40 inches
per year. In addition, drought cycles can extend over a period of a few to several years such as
the periods 1946 to 1952, 1970 to 1978, and 1984 to 1991. The average precipitation in the South
Coast Hydrologic Unit is approximately 18 inches (County of Santa Barbara 2008).
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Groundwater
Groundwater from the Santa Ynez Mountains and foothills generally flows south within the local
watersheds toward the coast at a steep hydraulic gradient. Groundwater recharge to the local
watersheds is primarily derived from infiltration of rainfall. Using measurements and estimates
of stream flow during dry periods (base flows) it has been estimated that the annual groundwater
outflow for the entire Ellwood-Gaviota area averages 5,000 acre feet. Accounting for
evapotranspiration, underflow to the ocean, and pumping of groundwater, the total annual
recharge to groundwater in the region is estimated to be 6,000 acre feet per year (Miller and
Rapp 1968).
The Baron Ranch currently uses groundwater resources to irrigate approximately 90 acres of
avocados, 7 acres of cherimoyas, as well as for the ranch domestic water supply (County of
Santa Barbara 2009).
Surface Water
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), the project site is located
within the Tajiguas Creek-Frontal Santa Barbara Channel Subwatershed (Hydrologic Unit Code
180600130105). This subwatershed comprises 31,057 acres and extends approximately from El
Capitan State Beach in the east to Gaviota State Park in the west (USEPA 2012).
The project site is located within the Arroyo Quemado Watershed, which comprises
approximately 1,940 acres. Arroyo Quemado Creek is the primary surface water feature in the
vicinity of the project area. Springs or “base flow” provide year-round surface water in the
stream system, which are the primary result of surfacing groundwater. No permanent surface
water features occur within the project vicinity. Ephemeral streams occur in some areas of the
project site during and immediately following rain events
No designated wild and scenic rivers are located in the vicinity of the project area. In addition,
there are no floodplains (Federal Emergency Management Agency [FEMA] Map Panel IDs:
06083C1305F; 06083C1285F) or wetlands located within the project area (FEMA 2008; US Fish
and Wildlife Service [USFWS] 2012).
Water Quality
Water quality in the US is regulated under the Clean Water Act (CWA), which outlines
procedures intended to facilitate the monitoring of water quality, protection of pristine water
bodies, and rehabilitation of water bodies that have already been polluted. This is accomplished
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through the establishment of numerous monitoring, permitting and funding programs that work
in conjunction with each other to provide a mechanism for protecting water quality in the US.
The County of Santa Barbara no longer regularly tests water quality of Arroyo Quemado Creek
under Environmental Health Services. Testing was done regularly between 1998 and 2004,
where the Creek flowed into the Pacific Ocean. During this time, the water quality improved
substantially. In 1998, of 35 samples collected, 86 percent were in exceedance of water quality
thresholds; however, by 2004, of 52 samples collected, only 4 percent were in exceedance
(personal communication with Willie Brummett, County of Santa Barbara Environmental Health
Service, 6 April 2012). According to County of Santa Barbara Environmental Health Services,
this water quality improvement was largely the result of seagull reduction efforts at the Tajiguas
Landfill (i.e., utilization of a falconer), which reduced pathogens that were the leading cause of
exceedances (personal communication with Willie Brummett, County of Santa Barbara
Environmental Health Service, 5 April 2012). No water quality concerns are presently known to
occur in Arroyo Quemado Creek.
3.6.2 Environmental Consequences of the Proposed Action
Water resource issues associated with the Proposed Action would primarily be those from short-
term construction-related impacts associated with grading and development and associated
potential for sedimentation and, to a lesser extent, long-term trail maintenance. Surface water is
not expected to be present during construction, as construction would occur primarily outside of
the rainy season. If surface water is present, it would be diverted away from the work area limits.
The primary source of potential water quality impacts would be the clearing and grubbing of up
to 1.52 acres of vegetation. Due to the Proposed Action site’s distance from Arroyo Quemado
Creek, runoff of storm water from the construction area is unlikely to transport sediment and
other pollutants to the creek.
Discharge into surface waters may reduce water quality resulting in toxic effects to aquatic life.
Heavy equipment (e.g., Kubota K-008 tractor, a 4x4 small haul truck, compressors, hammer
drills, and chainsaws) used within the project site may develop leaks and discharge small
amounts of lubricants, hydraulic fluid, or fuel; however such risk is minimal. In addition, heavy
equipment would be fueled off-site. With implementation of erosion and sedimentation BMPs,
(refer to Section 3.5.3) the potential for direct or indirect impact during construction would be
minimal. In addition, since disturbance would be greater than 1 acre, the SBTC would develop a
Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) prior to construction consistent with USEPA
guidelines.
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Over the long term, no operations that would affect regional hydrology or local surface water
resources are anticipated. Impacts to water resources under the Proposed Action would be less
than significant.
3.6.3 Environmental Consequences of the Project Alternative
Similar to the Proposed Action, no surface water, wetlands or floodplains occur in the Project
Alternative area. The trail would be routed primarily along an existing, but poorly maintained,
dirt road, which would reduce the need for cut and fill during construction; however, some
ground disturbance would be required. With incorporation of erosion control BMPs that
minimize erosion, limit downstream sedimentation, and reduce ongoing maintenance
requirements, impacts to water resources would be less than significant.
3.6.4 Environmental Consequences of the No-Action Alternative
Under the No-Action Alternative, the Baron Ridge Trail would not be constructed. Water
resources of the project area would remain the same as described in Section 3.6.1, and neither
direct nor indirect impacts would occur.
3.7 CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL RESOURCES
3.7.1 Affected Environment
Cultural resources represent and document activities, accomplishments, and traditions of
previous civilizations and link current and former inhabitants of an area. Depending on their
condition and historic use, cultural resources may provide insight into the living conditions of
previous civilizations and may retain cultural and religious significance for modern groups.
Cultural resources are defined as follows:
Historic properties as defined by the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA);
Cultural items as defined by the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation
Act (NAGPRA);
Archeological resources as defined by the Archaeological Resources Protection Act
(ARPA);
Sacred sites as defined in EO 13007 to which access is afforded under the American
Indian Religious Freedom Act (AIRFA); and
Collections and associated records as defined in 36 CFR 79.
The term “historic properties” refers to cultural resources that meet specific criteria for eligibility
for listing on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP); historic properties need not be
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formally listed on the NRHP. According to the Forest Management Plan (S60), until full and
appropriate evaluation has occurred, known heritage resource sites shall be afforded the same
consideration and protection as those properties evaluated as eligible for inclusion on the NRHP.
Prehistory
The local prehistoric chronology is divided into four major periods: Paleo-Indian, Early Period,
Middle Period, and Late Period. It is generally accepted that humans entered the New World
during the latter part of the Wisconsin glaciation between 40,000 and 20,000 years before present
(B.P.). The earliest unquestioned evidence of human occupation in southern Santa Barbara
County is dated to between 10,000 to 8,000 B.P. (Erlandson and Colten 1991). Paleo-Indian
groups during this time focused on hunting Pleistocene megafauna, including mammoth and
bison. Plants and smaller animals were undoubtedly part of the Paleo-Indian diet as well, and
when the availability of large game was reduced by climatic shifts near the end of the
Pleistocene, the subsistence strategy changed to a greater reliance on these resources.
Post-Pleistocene changes in climate and environment are reflected in the local archaeological
record by approximately 8,000 B.P., the beginning of the Early Period, as defined by Chester
King (1981, 1979, 1974). The Early Period of the Santa Barbara Channel mainland was
originally defined as the “Oak Grove” Period. The diagnostic feature of this period is the mano
and metate milling stones, which were used to grind hard seeds such as sage for consumption.
Toward the end of the Early Period, sea mammal hunting appears to have supplemented
subsistence strategies (Glassow et al. 1990).
The Middle Period (3,350 to 800 B.P.) is characterized by larger and more permanent
settlements, related to a generally wetter environment. Materials from Middle Period sites reflect
a greater reliance on marine resources and include marine shells, fish remains, and fishhooks. A
major shift in vegetable food exploitation occurred, as the mano and metate milling stones were
replaced by stone mortars and pestles. This indicates a transition from seed gathering to oak tree
acorn gathering and processing, a result of cooler temperatures and more expansive oak
woodland habitats. Toward the end of this period, the plank canoe was developed, making ocean
fishing and trade with the Channel Islands safer and more efficient (Arnold 1987). Terrestrial
resources continued to be exploited as evidenced by the presence of contracting-stemmed and
corner-notched projectile points from Middle Period sites (Bamforth 1984).
The Late Period (800 to 150 B.P. or approximately A.D. 1150 to 1800) was a time of increased
social and economic complexity. The increased number of permanent and semi-permanent
villages clustered along the Santa Barbara Channel and on the Channel Islands, and the diversity
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of environmental settings in which sites have been identified, indicates a substantial increase in
prehistoric population. Intensified use of terrestrial and marine resources occurred. Acorns
continued to be processed, and land mammals were hunted with the bow and arrow, rather than
exclusively by spear. Trade networks, probably controlled by village chiefs, expanded and
played an important part in local Chumash culture, reinforcing status differences and
encouraging craft specialization. Shell beads, found throughout the Early and Middle Periods,
increased in number and variety, related to status and social value. The protohistoric culture of
the Chumash was terminated by the arrival of a Spanish expedition led by Gaspar de Portola in
1769. Chumash culture changed dramatically with the establishment of the Missions of Santa
Barbara, Santa Ynez, and La Purísima.
History
The historic occupation of the project vicinity can be divided into three settlement periods: the
Mission Period (A.D. 1769 – 1830), the Rancho Period (circa A.D. 1830 -1865), and the
American Period (circa A.D. 1865 – 1915). Construction of Mission Santa Barbara in 1786,
Mission la Purísima Concepcíon in 1787, and Mission Santa Ynez in 1804, altered both the
physical and cultural landscape of the region. The missions were the center of Spanish influence
in the region and affected Native American patterns of settlement, culture, trade, industry, and
agriculture. Following the secularization of the Missions by the Mexican Government in 1821,
California became part of the Republic of Mexico.
Secularization of lands and a focus on animal husbandry marked the Rancho Period, where large
land grants of Mission lands were ceded to wealthy, prominent Spanish families. Native
Americans continued to work as laborers on ranchos during this period. With the establishment
of California statehood in 1850 and the advent of the American Period, farming and more
intensive land use steadily replaced raising cattle stock. Ranching was substantially curtailed by
a prolonged drought in the 1860s. Since statehood, major forces of regional change during the
last 150 years have been railroads, maritime shipping, agribusiness concerns, the oil industry,
and the college institutions.
Identified Archaeological Resources
Pedestrian survey of the proposed trail corridor resulted in the discovery of one prehistoric
resource (BRC-001); this resource is a single, previously unreported bedrock mortar (AMEC
Earth & Environmental, Inc. 2011). No associated artifacts were detected near the mortar;
however, visibility immediately around the outcrop was low due to dense chaparral and leaf-
duff.
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3.7.2 Environmental Consequences of the Proposed Action
The resource identified during the survey is located within the project area, approximately
10 feet from trail centerline. Construction activities would not result in clearance of vegetation or
ground disturbance directly adjacent to the resource, with construction occurring a minimum of
six feet away from the resource (i.e., no construction would occur on the resource side of the
barbed-wire fence). In addition, no indirect impacts to the resource would occur, such as
disturbance from surface water runoff, due to the sites location on a rock outcrop that is elevated
approximately 6 to 8 feet above the proposed trail.
The resource would not be adversely impacted from public use of the trail due to nature of the
site, which would preclude removal of the resource and the site’s limited visibility – the site is
only minimally visible from the proposed trail, is surrounded by dense vegetation on a tall rock
outcrop, and is on the opposite side of an existing barbed-wire fence that would discourage
public trail users from approaching the site. The existing vegetation around the outcrop would
not be removed during trail construction, and the barbed-wire fence would remain in place in the
vicinity of the resource to protect against adverse impacts to the resource.
Due to the potential for archaeological resources to be unearthed during project construction, a
certified Native American monitor would be onsite during earth disturbing work.2 In the event
that archaeological resources are discovered, construction would be temporarily suspended until
the Los Padres Heritage Program Manager, or delegated Heritage Program personnel have been
contacted to evaluate the nature and significance of the find. After the find has been
appropriately mitigated, work in the area may resume. Therefore, no adverse impacts to historic
properties are anticipated to result from implementation of the Proposed Action.
3.7.3 Environmental Consequences of the Project Alternative
No cultural resources within vicinity of the Project Alternative were identified during the records
search of the archaeological study. No pedestrian survey of the Project Alternative route was
performed due to the route’s location on private property; however, the majority of the Project
Alternative route would occur on an existing jeep road, which would have likely previously
disturbed any cultural resources that may have been located within the proposed route. However,
due to the potential for archaeological resources to be unearthed during project construction, a
certified Native American monitor would be onsite during earth disturbing work. In the event
that archaeological resources are discovered, construction would be temporarily suspended until
2 It is important to note that LPNF does not compensate for Native American monitors and will not be liable for any
such accounting.
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a qualified archaeologist has evaluated the nature and significance of the find. After the find has
been appropriately mitigated, work in the area may resume. Therefore, impacts to cultural
resources from implementation of the Project Alternative would be less than significant.
3.7.4 Environmental Consequences of the No-Action Alternative
Under the No-Action Alternative, no trail construction, maintenance, or use would occur.
Cultural and historical resources would remain as described in Section 3.7.1. Selection of the
No-Action Alternative would not have direct or indirect impacts on cultural and historical
resources.
3.8 FIRE HAZARDS
3.8.1 Affected Environment
The project area is considered to be a Very High Fire Hazard Area (California Department of
Forestry and Fire Protection 2007). The combination of steep terrain, rocky outcroppings, dense
chaparral vegetation, dry summer climate, and local Santa Ana and Sundowner winds creates the
high fire hazard environment. The Santa Ynez front country has a history of large and sometimes
devastating wildland fire events. Several fires have occurred in the immediate vicinity of the
project area within the past 10 years. The Gaviota Fire in 2004 burned 7,440 acres in the Santa
Ynez foothills on the Gaviota Coast, approximately 2 miles to the west of the project area. In
2007, the Mariposa Fire burned 176 acres, approximately 4.5 miles west of the project site.
Fire protection in the project area is provided by Santa Barbara County Fire Department within
the County and Arroyo Hondo portions of the project site, and by the Forest Service Los Padres
Hotshots for the portion of the trail that occurs within the LPNF; however, the Santa Barbara
County Fire Department has a mutual aid agreement with the Forest Service for wildland fire
protection services during the high fire hazard season. LPNF fire resources located in the vicinity
are stationed at Figueroa, San Marcos, Santa Ynez Airport Station, Los Prietos, and Foothill
(Santa Barbara Airport) (USDA Forest Service 2011).
Difficult and limited access makes Santa Ynez wildland fires extremely challenging to battle
after ignition. Several fire access roads are located within the vicinity of the project area, and
include the West Camino Cielo jeepway.
3.8.2 Environmental Consequences of the Proposed Action
The proposed action would be developed in a high fire hazard area. Project-induced impacts may
occur from the accidental or deliberate starting of a fire during construction, maintenance, or
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operation of the trail. Therefore, the proposed trail has the potential to increase fire hazards. Fire
hazard would be greatest during construction and maintenance on the proposed trail, where
machinery or tools could ignite vegetation. The risk of fire would be substantially reduced by
implementation of construction between November and April, when the vegetation is most lush
and the risk of fire is typically at its lowest. In addition, the trail maintenance crew would carry
fire retardant during the use of mechanical equipment and Santa Barbara County Fire
Department and Los Padres Hotshots would be notified prior to trail construction activities.
Further, to reduce the risk of fire during trail operation, fire hazard signage would be placed at
the trailhead indicating the risks of trail usage. Upon implementation of these measures, impacts
to fire hazard under the Proposed Action would be less than significant.
3.8.3 Environmental Consequences of the Project Alternative
The Project Alternative would be located in a high fire hazard area, characterized by steep slopes
and dense vegetation. The existing jeepway would potentially allow for better fire crew access in
the event of a wildland fire; however, conditions would remain extremely challenging. Similar to
the Proposed Action, the risk of fire would be substantially reduced by implementation of
construction between November and April. In addition, the trail maintenance crew would carry
fire retardant during the use of mechanical equipment and Santa Barbara County Fire
Department and Los Padres Hotshots would be notified prior to trail blazing activities.. Further,
to reduce the risk of fire during trail operation, fire hazard signage would be placed at the
trailhead indicating the risks of trail usage. With implementation of these measures, impacts
related to fire hazard under the Project Alternative would be less than significant.
3.8.4 Environmental Consequences of the No-Action Alternative
Under the No-Action Alternative, no trail construction, maintenance, or use would occur. The
fire hazard would remain as described in Section 3.8.1. Selection of the No-Action Alternative
would not have direct or indirect impacts on the fire hazard.
3.9 TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC SERVICES
3.9.1 Affected Environment
Site Access and Parking
The proposed project is located on the Gaviota Coast in Santa Barbara County, approximately
2.5 miles northwest of Refugio State Park (refer to Figure 1-1). The proposed Baron Ridge Trail
would be accessible from two points: from the south via the Baron Ranch Loop Trail; and from
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the north via the West Camino Cielo jeepway, which also connects to Squat Camp and Gaviota
Peak trail approximately 2.8 miles and 5 miles to the west, respectively.
Transportation to the proposed trailhead is provided via US Highway 101 from the Baron Ranch
Loop Trail, and via the West Camino Cielo jeepway.
Access to the project area from the Baron Ranch
Loop Trail is via the Calle Real frontage road north
of US Highway 101. Calle Real is accessed by an
unmarked turnoff from US Highway 101
approximately 2.5 miles northwest of Refugio State
Park and 2 miles southeast of the View Point turnoff.
The Calle Real frontage ends approximately 0.75
miles from the turnoff. No signage or formal exit
occurs for the existing Baron Ranch Trail, and
travelers on US Highway 101 would likely have to
cross a paved median for either ingress or egress.
The paved median and a sign indicate where cross traffic would occur. Line-of-sight from the
turnout is consistent with California Department of Transportation guidelines. Posted traffic
speed limits are 65 miles per hour in the vicinity of the turnoff. Parking for the Baron Ranch
Loop Trail is provided on the shoulders of the road. Access to the project site from the parking
area is accessible only via hiking. Line of sight for ingress and egress to Calle Real from US
Highway 101 are considered adequate.
Access to the project area from the West Camino Cielo jeepway is provided from the west via
the Gaviota Peak Trail or from the east via approximately 20 miles of dirt road. Parking for the
Gaviota Peak Trail / Gaviota Hot Springs is accessed from US Highway 101, exiting at the
Highway 1 turnoff, and following a frontage road to the south, on the east side of US Highway
101. An established parking area provides approximately 12 spaces with additional parking
available along the roadside. Access from the east would require travel on West Camino Cielo
approximately 20 miles from the junction with State Highway 154. It is anticipated that access to
the project site from West Camino Cielo would be minimal.
Public Services
Due to the rural nature of the project area, public services are limited. Water in the vicinity is
provided by on-site wells and sewage is controlled with on-site septic systems. Fire protection is
Parking for the Baron Ranch Trail is available on
the shoulder of Calle Real frontage road, outside of
the gate to the Baron Ranch.
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provided by Santa Barbara County Fire and the Forest Service Los Padres Hotshots (refer to
Section 3.8, Fire Hazards). Electricity is provided by Southern California Edison.
Police protection is provided by the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department. Due to the
difficulty of access and the project area’s undeveloped nature, crime within the project area is
virtually non-existent. Marijuana cultivation is known to occur in LPNF; however, it is not
anticipated to occur in the vicinity of the project area, as the project area is in the vicinity of
active County of Santa Barbara operations. Growing operations tend to occur in remote canyons
with access to water.
3.9.2 Environmental Consequences of the Proposed Action
Future users of the proposed Baron Ridge Trail are anticipated to primarily use the existing
Baron Ranch trailhead to access the proposed Baron Ridge Trail. Public access to the site would
only be to non-motorized transportation and no new parking or roadways are proposed. Although
the number of trail users is difficult to estimate, it is anticipated that the trail would experience
light to moderate use, which would not result in the need for additional parking or result in traffic
congestion. Ingress and egress to the existing Baron Ranch Trail can require crossing US
Highway 101 at an unsignalized crossing; however, the low additional traffic levels anticipated
would not result in hazardous or unsafe traffic conditions.
No facilities or structures that would require the provision of water, sewer systems, or electricity
are proposed; therefore, no impact to these public services would occur. Additional police
services potentially related to theft, trespassing, or other issues, are anticipated to be negligible.
Signs on the existing Baron Ranch Trail discourage fruit theft from agricultural operations, and
potential for increased fruit theft by users of the Baron Ranch Trail to access the Baron Ridge
Trail, is anticipated to be negligible. Therefore, no long-term direct or indirect impacts to
transportation or public services would result from implementation of the Proposed Action.
3.9.3 Environmental Consequences of the Project Alternative
The public services and transportation infrastructure within the vicinity of the Project Alternative
are the same as those found within the Proposed Action area. The Project Alternative trail would
be routed primarily along an existing, but poorly maintained, private dirt road, which is not open
for public access. Transportation and parking are the same as described under the Proposed
Action and would be adequate. Similarly, no structures requiring public utilities are proposed.
Additional concerns related to trespass on private property would result from implementation of
the Project Alternative; however, due to the rugged terrain and dense vegetation, it is not
anticipated that users would deviate from the trail. Therefore, no long-term direct or indirect
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impacts to transportation or public services would result from implementation of the Project
Alternative.
3.9.4 Environmental Consequences of the No-Action Alternative
Under the No-Action Alternative, no trail construction, maintenance, or use would occur.
Transportation and public services would remain as described in Section 3.9.1. Selection of the
No-Action Alternative would not have direct or indirect impacts on the transportation or public
services.
3.10 RECREATION
3.10.1 Affected Environment
The scenic vistas, beaches, and panoramic coastal hillsides and mesas that characterize the
Gaviota coastline are popular venues for a variety of recreational activities including hiking,
camping, swimming, picnicking, fishing, and surfing. Recreational opportunities are located
within the Gaviota Coast in areas managed by County, State, and Federal parks, as well as
several private facilities, as presented in Figure 3-2.
The Baron Ranch is owned by Santa Barbara County and is managed by the County Public
Works Department’s Resource Recovery & Solid Waste Division. The Baron Ranch Loop Trail
was opened to the public in December 2010, and is currently use-restricted to foot traffic only;
mountain bikes, dogs, and equestrians are currently prohibited. Signs have been placed at the
trailhead indicating use restrictions. In addition, signs have been posted throughout the length of
the trail to reduce the potential for conflicts between agricultural uses and recreation. Current
trail restrictions may be reviewed and reconsidered over the long term to allow a multi-use trail
(Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors, Resolution 09254; 15 September 2009). The
existing Baron Ranch Trail provides an approximately 6-mile-long loop from the trailhead on the
frontage road that parallels the north side of US Highway 101.
No other County of Santa Barbara parks or recreation areas occur in the vicinity of the project
area.
State Parks
Approximately 11 miles of the Gaviota coastline, encompassing over 5,000 acres are in State
ownership. Three major state parks exist within the Gaviota Coast: Gaviota, El Capitan, and
Refugio Beach.
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Gaviota State Park, located approximately 5 miles west of the project area, makes up
2,513 acres of this total acreage, and offer 52 campsites, swimming, picnicking, and
surf fishing. A combination of hiking trails and dirt fire roads within Gaviota State
Park provide access to more than 2,000 acres of oak woodland and chaparral
backcountry.
Refugio Beach State Park, located approximately 3.5 miles east of the project area,
encompasses 93 acres and offers 85 overnight camping sites, as well as coastal
fishing, trails and picnic areas.
El Capitan State Park, located 7 miles east of the project area, is 2,634 acres and
offers 137 campsites, swimming, fishing, surfing, and picnicking.
California State Parks also manages six other properties along the Gaviota Coast: Canada del
Leon, Canada San Onofre, Canada del Molino, Canada de Guillermo, Corral Beach, and Phillips
Tajiguas West. Activities at each of the beaches are predominantly passive, such as walking and
jogging. There are no improvements at these locations, so most have insufficient parking, lack
restrooms, and are difficult to access (County of Santa Barbara 2002).
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Figure 3-2. Recreational Uses in the Vicinity of the Proposed Baron Ridge Trail
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Forest Service
The LPNF, under the management of the Forest Service, manages approximately 16,811 acres of
land in the Gaviota area. Recreational access to and recreational opportunities available on LPNF
land within the Gaviota portion of the Santa Ynez Mountains is very limited. No formal LPNF
recreational amenities are located within on the Gaviota; however, informal day-use recreation
activities, such as hiking, equestrian use, and nature study, are available. The area of the Gaviota
within the vicinity of the project has been recognized as appropriate for semi primitive non-
motorized recreation (USDA Forest Service 2005).
Existing and potential access to the Gaviota section of the LPNF Front Country is severely
constrained due to the limited number of public roads that border or traverse LPNF land in this
area. Access to LPNF owned lands are largely unavailable due to the prevalence of private lands,
including active agricultural operations, which are located between major roadways (e.g., US
Highway 101, Refugio Road) and LPNF-owned land.
Presently, only the rustic West Camino Cielo jeepway provides access to the Gaviota portion of
the Santa Ynez Mountains in the 26 miles of the LPNF west of California State Route 154. This
limited access renders large areas of LPNF inaccessible to non-motorized recreation and
increases demand for and user conflicts on the limited number of Front Country trails east of
California State Route 154, such as the Tunnel, Romero Canyon, and Cold Springs Trails.
Trails
There are few existing trails open to the public within the Gaviota Coast. Most existing public
trails, particularly the few existing vertical coastal access trails, running from shoreline inland,
are associated with the State Parks. The Bill Wallace Trail, within El Capitan State Park, extends
into the lower foothill areas of the Santa Ynez Mountains for approximately 10 miles; however,
no connectivity to other trails or LPNF lands is available from this trail. The Gaviota Peak Trail,
which begins in Gaviota State Park, extends for approximately 3 miles, rising to 2,458 feet at
Gaviota Peak, onto LPNF land. The Gaviota Peak Trail is the only formal trail that extends to the
crest of the Santa Ynez Mountains within the 26 mile stretch of the Gaviota Coast between State
Highway 154 and where US Highway 101 turns north from the coast. The West Camino Cielo
jeepway can also be utilized for long-distance hiking; however, since the jeepway lacks
connectivity to other trails, it primarily provides a route for multi-day hikes, which constrains its
utilization for recreational use.
Expansion of recreational opportunities, in particular public trails, has been studied on the
Gaviota Coast. As discussed earlier in this section, much of the Gaviota Coast is privately owned
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with restricted public access through these areas. These constraints limit public access of LPNF
lands in this 26 mile segment to the LPNF Front Country and present challenges with regard to
completion of new public trails that would provide access to the LPNF in most of this Front
Country area. In light of these constrains, numerous trail routes have been proposed, but have not
been feasible to implement; however, the process is ongoing with a Trail Subcommittee
responsible for making trail route recommendations for inclusion in the Gaviota Coast Plan,
currently under preparation.
3.10.2 Environmental Consequences of the Proposed Action
The Proposed Action would provide connections to the West Camino Cielo jeepway within
LPNF, and to Gaviota State Park trails to the west, creating a 14.9-mile-long trail system across
county, state, and federal land. Because a continuous band of public and quasi-public land (i.e.,
Arroyo Hondo Preserve) extends from US Highway 101 to LPNF land in this area, the proposed
project route is one of very few locations in the region where completion of a trail to provide
access to LPNF land from a public road across primarily public land is feasible. In addition, the
project would foster interagency cooperation in meeting recreational demand by linking a
County-owned and operated trail to LPNF lands and connecting via the West Camino Cielo
jeepway to trails within Gaviota State Park, approximately 5 miles to the west. Further, the trail
could incrementally reduce demand for and user conflicts on the limited number of Front
Country trails east of California State Route 154, such as the Tunnel, Romero Canyon, and Cold
Springs Trails.
The Proposed Action would enhance non-motorized public access to an area of LPNF that is
currently inaccessible via any established route, which is consistent with the goals of the LPNF
Management Plan (USDA Forest Service 2005). In addition, the trail would be consistent with
County of Santa Barbara policy. The County of Santa Barbara CLUP recognizes that “… there is
a need for trails for hiking, biking, and equestrian use to provide increased opportunities for
coastal access and recreational use.” In addition, the CLUP Policy 7-18 states, “Expanded
opportunities for access and recreation shall be provided in the Gaviota Coast planning area”.
While the Proposed Action would not be located within the Coastal Zone, the proposed trail
would enact County and Forest Service goals and policy regarding the provision of recreational
opportunities in the Gaviota Coast. Therefore, implementation of the Proposed Action would
result in beneficial impacts to recreation.
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3.10.3 Environmental Consequences of the Project Alternative
The recreation opportunities, including trails, within the vicinity of the Project Alternative are
the same as those found within the Proposed Action area. The proposed trail would provide a
route to the crest of the Santa Ynez Mountains and connectivity to the Gaviota Peak Trail and
West Camino Cielo; however, the trail would be constructed primarily over private holdings.
Implementation of the Project Alternative would be consistent with County of Santa Barbara and
LPNF plans and policies. Impacts to recreation under the Project Alternative would be
beneficial; however, procurement of easements would require cooperation of existing owners
and would likely result in added costs, both potential barriers to project implementation.
3.10.4 Environmental Consequences of the No-Action Alternative
Under the No-Action Alternative, no trail construction, maintenance, or use would occur.
Recreation would remain as described in Section 3.10.1., and would remain deficient for non-
motorized access for the Santa Ynez Front Country of the Gaviota Coast. Selection of the No-
Action Alternative would not have direct or indirect impacts on the recreation.
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SECTION 4.0
CUMULATIVE IMPACTS
Cumulative impacts on environmental resources result from incremental impacts of the Proposed
Action when combined with other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future projects in an
affected area. Cumulative impacts can result from minor but collectively substantial actions
undertaken over a period of time by various agencies (federal, state, or local) or persons (40 CFR
1508.7). In accordance with NEPA, the cumulative impacts resulting from projects that are
proposed, under construction, recently completed, or anticipated to be implemented in the near
future are discussed below.
4.1 KEY FACTORS IN EVALUATING CUMULATIVE IMPACTS
NEPA requires analysis of the cumulative environmental effects of a Proposed Action and other
actions not only at the project site but also in the region, recognizing that effects on biological
resources, fire hazard, recreation, and other resources might often be manifested only at that
level.
4.2 PLANNED PROJECTS IN THE VICINITY
Evaluation of potential environmental impacts associated with the Proposed Action, Project
Alternative, and the No-Action Alternative includes consideration of the effects of other actions
proposed for development in proximity to the Baron Ridge Trail within the Gaviota Coast. The
following list of projects was gathered based on past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future
actions, as identified by the County of Santa Barbara.
Tajiguas Landfill Expansion and Reconfiguration Project
The Tajiguas Landfill Expansion Project consists of the horizontal and vertical expansion of the
landfill outside of the Coastal Zone, providing 8.2 million cubic yards of additional waste
disposal capacity for a total permitted capacity of 23.3 million cubic yards. The proposed
Reconfiguration Project would modify a portion of the permitted footprint (approximately 12
acres of the 118 acre permitted footprint), but would not modify the permitted operational
parameters (e.g., waste disposal capacity, operating hours).
The projects are currently being implemented. According to the project’s Supplemental
Environmental Impact Report (EIR), the proposed Reconfiguration Project would result in:
potentially significant impacts to wetlands and riparian habitat areas not previously associated
with the approved and permitted Tajiguas Landfill Expansion Project, an increase in the
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previously identified significant impact to native coast live oak trees; and an increase in the
severity of the previously identified significant impact to the California red-legged frog which is
listed as a “Threatened” species under the Federal Endangered Species Act.
Baron Ranch Restoration Plan
The Baron Ranch Restoration Plan includes implementation of a comprehensive habitat
Restoration Plan and California Red-legged Frog Management and Monitoring Plan on the
Baron Ranch. The project is intended to compensate for the loss of native habitat and offset the
effects of the proposed Tajiguas landfill reconfiguration on the California red-legged frog. The
Baron Ranch Restoration Plan focuses on enhancement of developed and degraded portions of
the Arroyo Quemado watershed, including enhancement, restoration, and creation of marshes,
coast live oak riparian forest, chaparral, southern willow scrub, and removal of invasive plants.
The Baron Ranch Restoration Plan provides approximately 38 acres of habitat restoration, most
of which is composed of coast live oak riparian forest and expanding habitat diversity of the
existing riparian corridor along Arroyo Quemado. The Restoration Plan also includes
approximately 14.6 acres of habitat restoration as mitigation for habitat loss associated with the
approved and permitted Tajiguas Landfill Expansion Project This habitat restoration would be
comprised of 12.0 acres of coast live oak woodland and 2.6 acres of Venturan coastal sage scrub.
In addition, the plan includes implementation of a monitoring plan to ensure habitat benefits for
the California red-legged frog. The plans are currently being implemented by the Santa Barbara
County Resource Recovery and Waste Management Division.
Lower Baron Ranch Trail Project
Although still conceptual at this time, the SBTC is working with the County Public Works
Department and Park Division to realign the lower 1.5 miles of the existing Baron Ranch Trail to
an existing unpaved ranch road on the west side of Arroyo Quemado Creek in order to route its
passage around (west of) existing agricultural operations. Implementation of this project would
also involve establishment of additional parking areas, interpretive signage, and other small-scale
trailhead amenities.
Santa Barbara Ranch
The Santa Barbara Ranch project includes proposed equestrian facilities and agricultural support
buildings encompassing a 13,421 square-foot horse barn, 547 square-foot ranch office, and
equipment storage building of 5,530 square-feet. Public facilities including an access roadway to
a 30-space public auto and horse trailer parking area, public use horse stalls, 423 square-foot
public restrooms, and picnic areas with covered tables.
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Venoco Line 96 Modification Project
The Venoco Line 96 Modification Project consists of construction of an approximate 8.5 mile
processed oil pipeline from Ellwood to the Las Flores Canyon connection of the Plains Pipeline
system. Development of this project eliminated marine barging from the Ellwood Marine
Terminal. The project was built and has been operational since 2012.
4.3 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS
Due to the minimal impacts anticipated upon implementation of the Proposed Action or the
Project Alternative, the proposed project would not result in potentially cumulatively significant
impacts, such as substantial loss of habitat or impairment of water quality or other resource
areas.
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SECTION 5.0
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AMEC Earth & Environmental, Inc. 2011. Site visit performed by Dan Gira, Benjamin Botkin,
and Andrea Bardsley, RPA. June.
Arnold, J.E. 1987. Craft Specialization in the Prehistoric Channel Islands, California.
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Bamforth, D.B. 1984. Analysis of Chipped Stone Artifacts. In Archaeological Investigations on
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Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles District.
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of Nature) 2011. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2011.2. Available at:
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California Department of Conservation. 2009. Santa Barbara County Important Farmland 2008.
Prepared by the California Department of Conservation, Division of Land Resource
Protection. Published August.
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Barbara Williamson Act Lands 2009: Land Enrolled in Williams Act and Farmland
Security Zone Contracts as of 01-01-2009. March.
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http://www.dfg.ca.gov/biogeodata/cnddb/pdfs/spanimals.pdf. Accessed on: 14 May 2012.
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. 2007. Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map:
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County of Santa Barbara. 2002. Gaviota Coast Resource Study. June.
County of Santa Barbara. 2005. Zoning Ordinance Number 661. As amended through February
6, 1984. Republished July 2005.
County of Santa Barbara. 2008. Santa Barbara Ranch Final EIR. June.
County of Santa Barbara. 2009. Final Subsequent Environmental Impact Report for the Tajiguas
Landfill Reconfiguration and Baron Ranch Restoration Project. SCH No. 2008021052.
March.
County of Santa Barbara. 2010. Seismic Safety and Safety Element. Republished August 2010.
County of Santa Barbara. 2011. Land Use Element. Adopted 1980. Amended February 2011.
Dibblee, T.W., Jr. 1966. Geology of the Central Santa Ynez Mountains, Santa Barbara County,
California, Bulletin 166. Calif. Div. Mines and Geology. 99 pp.
Erlandson, Jon M., and Roger Colten. 1991. Hunter-Gatherers of Early Holocene Coastal
California. Perspectives in California Archaeology, Volume I. Edited by Jon M.
Erlandson and Roger Colten. Institute of Archaeology, University of California, Los
Angeles.
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Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). 2008. Map Service Center. Accessed 14
March 2012.
Federal Interagency Committee on Urban Noise (FIUCN). 1980. Guidelines for Considering
Noise in Land Use Planning and Control. June.
Gaviota Coast Conservancy. 2007. President’s Message, An Irreplaceable Environment.
Coastline. Issue 11.
Glassow, M.A. 1990. Archaeological Investigations on Vandenberg Air Force Base in
Connection with the Development of Space Transportation System Facilities, Volume I.
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Guthrie, D.L. Johnson, and P.L. Walker.
Hickman, J.C. 1993. The Jepson Manual: Higher Plant of California. University of California
Press. Berkley, CA.
Hollingsworth, B. and G.A. Hammerson. 2007. Phrynosoma blainvilli. In: IUCN 2011. Red List
of Threatened Species. Version 2011.2. Available at: www.iucnredlist.org. Accessed on:
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Hunt and Associates. 2001. Biological Assessment: Tajiguas Landfill Expansion Project, Santa
Barbara County, California. Prepared for TRC Environmental Solutions, Irvine,
California and County of Santa Barbara Department of Public Works. May.
Jennings, M.R. and M.P. Hayes. 1994. Amphibian and Reptile Species of Special Concern in
California. Final Report to the California Department of Fish and Game, Inland Fisheries
Division, Rancho Cordova, California.
Johnson, J. 1968. USDA Forest Service Archaeological Reconnaissance Report: Tip Top and
Camino-Gaviota Fuelbreaks. Report on File at Central Coastal Information Center.
King, Chester. 1974. The Explanation of Differences and Similarities Among Beads Used in
Prehistoric and Early Historic California. In Antap, California Indian Political and
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King, Chester. 1979. Beads and Selected Ornaments. In Final Report: Archaeological Studies at
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Archaeological Research Unit, University of California, Riverside.
King, Chester. 1981. The Evolution of Chumash Society: A Comparative Study of Artifacts Used
in Social System Maintenance in the Santa Barbara Channel Region before A.D. 1804.
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Leipner, J. 2011. Personal Communication. May.
Linzey, A.V., R. Tim, S.T. Alvarez-Castaneda, I. Castro-Arellano, and T. Lacher. 2008.
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Available at: www.iucnredlist.org. Accessed on: 15 May 2012.
Meade, D.E. 1999. Monarch butterfly overwintering sites in Santa Barbara County, California.
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Miller, G.A., and J.R. Rapp. 1968. Reconnaissance of the Ground-Water Resources of the
Ellwood-Gaviota Area, Santa Barbara County, California. Prepared in cooperation with
the Santa Barbara County Water Agency. U.S. Department of the Interior, Geological
Survey, Water Resources Division, Menlo Park, CA. April 10.
Moore, J. and Messman, A. 1985. Phase I Archaeological Survey, Southern California Edison
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of the Interior. March.
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Available at: http://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/075. Accessed on: 15 May 2012.
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(Lichtenstein, 1830). Zeitschrift für Säugetierkunde 45: 73-81.
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Schub, L. 1989. USDA Forest Service Archaeological Reconnaissance Report: Ocean View
Jeepway/ Gaviota Road Maintenance and Continuing Use. Report on File at Central
Coastal Information Center.
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Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory.
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(Bassariscus astutus flavus). Carnivore 1: 46-53.
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astutus javus). In: J.A. Chapman and D. Pursley (eds), Proceedings of the Worldwide
Furbearers Conference, Frostburg, Maryland, USA.
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Trails. Washington, DC. September.
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Website. Available at: http://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/!ut/p/c5/
04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gjAwhwtDDw9_AI8zPwhQoY6IeDdGCqCPO
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=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&cid=FSE_003853&navid=091000000000000&pnavid=null&
position=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&ttype=main&pname=Los%2520Padres%2520Nationa
l%2520Forest-%2520Home/fire/. Accessed 9 April.
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at: http://watersgeo.epa.gov/mwm/. Accessed 26 March 2012.
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mykiss Habitat Suitability Survey of the Santa Margarita River, San Mateo, and San
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SECTION 6.0
REPORT PREPARERS
This report was prepared for, and under the direction of the SBTC and Forest Service, by AMEC
Environment & Infrastructure, Inc. Personnel involved with this report preparation are listed
below:
Project Management
Doug McFarling, Project Manager, QA/QC
BA, Environmental Studies
Benjamin Botkin, Deputy Project Manager/ Lead Analyst
BA, Environmental Studies
Technical Analysis
Andrea Bardsley, RPA, Cultural Resources
MA, Archaeology
Nicholas Meisinger, Environmental Analyst
BS, Environmental Studies
Marcie Martin, Technical Review
MS, Environmental Management and Industrial Hygiene
APPENDIX A
INTERESTED FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AGENCIES, AND PUBLIC
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APPENDIX A
INTERESTED FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AGENCIES, AND PUBLIC
DISTRIBUTION LIST
Santa Barbara Ranger District
John Smith – District Ranger
3505 Paradise Road
Santa Barbara, CA 93105
Forest Supervisor's Office
6755 Hollister Avenue
Suite 150
Goleta, CA 93117
Jeff Kuyper
Los Padres Forestwatch
P.O. Box 831
Santa Barbara, CA 93102
Gaviota Coast Conservancy
P.O. Box 1099
Goleta, CA 93116
Los Padres Sierra Club
P.O. Box 31241
Santa Barbara, CA 93130
Land Trust for Santa Barbara
P.O. Box 91830
Santa Barbara, CA 93190
Jeff Hunt
County of Santa Barbara
Planning and Development Department
123 East Anapamu Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Claude Garciacelay
County of Santa Barbara
Parks Department
610 Mission Canyon Road
Santa Barbara, CA 93105
County of Santa Barbara
Resource Recovery and Waste Management
Division
130 East Victoria Street, Suite 100
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
County of Santa Barbara
Fire Department
4410 Cathedral Oaks Road
Santa Barbara, CA 93110
Caltrans
District 5
50 Higuera Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Lois Grunwald
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Ventura Fish and Wildlife Office
2493 Portola Road, Suite B
Ventura, CA 93003
California Department of Fish and Wildlife
South Coast Region
3883 Ruffin Road
San Diego, CA 92123
California State Parks Department
Channel Coast District
911 San Pedro Street
Ventura, CA 93001
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Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control
District
260 North San Antonio Road, Suite A
Santa Barbara, CA 93110
Doreen Farr
3rd District Supervisor
Santa Barbara County
105 E. Anapamu Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Santa Barbara Mountain Bike Trail
Volunteers
http://www.sbmtv.org/about/contact-us/
Milford Wayne Donaldson
State Historic Preservation Officer
1416 9th Street, Room 1442-7
Sacramento, CA 95814
Central Coast Regional Water Quality
Control Board
895 Aerovista Place, Suite 101
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians
Business Committee and Elders Council
P.O. Box 517
Santa Ynez, CA 93460
Anita Klinger, President
Los Padres Trail Riders
6225 Aberdeen Avenue
Goleta, CA 93117
Bryan Conant
Director
Los Padres Forest Association
Winter Hawk LLC
14000 Calle Real
Goleta, CA 93117
Vistas Infinitas, LLC
1191 Huntington Drive, #10
Duarte, CA 91010
Bean Blossom, LLC
14000 Calle Real
Goleta, CA 93117
Maz Properties Inc.
14000 Calle Real
Goleta, CA 93117
Joan Antolini
120 East Hermosa Street
Santa Maria, CA 93454
Loren and Bernice Nicholson
156 Del Norte Way
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Hart Family Trust
3412 State Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93105
Aera Energy, LLC
P.O. Box 11164
Bakersfield, CA 93389
Santa Barbara Trail Riders
Box 3011
Santa Barbara, CA
APPENDIX B
BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES TECHNICAL REPORT
FOR TRAIL CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE
OF THE BARON RIDGE TRAIL