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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Res 2727 1977-12-27 I I 1 .. " . . ,. RESOLUTION NO. Of 7 a"7 I A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEAL BEACH APPROVING A REVISED OPEN SPACE/ RECREATION/CONSERVATION ELEMENT TO THE GENERAL PLAN. WHEREAS, under California State law all cities must adopt open space and conservation elements to the general plan; and WHEREAS, on December lO, 1973, the City Council adopted an Open Space/ Recreation/Conservation Element to the Gener.al Plan by Resolution No. 2275; and WHEREAS, since adoption of the element many park and open space projects have been implemented; and WHEREAS, it is the desire of the city to increase the local park land standard from 4 acres to 5 acres for each additional 1000 residents; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission approved and recommended to City Council adoption of a revised Open Space/Recreation/Conservation Element to the General Plan by Resolution ll16 adopted on December 7, 1977. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Seal Beach does hereby' approve an Open Space/Recreation/Conservation Element to the General Plan referred to as Exhibit "A" in this resolution. Said Exhibit "A" shall be considered a part of this resolution and is adopted by ref.erence. PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the Cjty of Seal Beac Caltfo nia at a meeting thereof held on the ~;7!' day of , 1977, by the f lowing vote: AYES: . 0' '-.. . ~;,,' ...... ,"\ "'"'\ ... ...... - '.. A~E~V-r: ..~...."'I ,L, ;... ~ .- . ~ ". , , ~~~ '" ',. ( I" ( -I ( " " I L " " Resolution Number I OPEN SPACE/RECREATION/CONSERVATION ELEMENT Prepared by City of Seal Beach Planning Department Fall, 1973 Revised Spring, 1978 -.J ',. " ( I ( 1 I ( ~ .' .- TAm.E OF CONTESTS Introduction Open Sp~ce/Recrention Natural Resource Land Lands for the Production of Resources Open Space for Public Safety Fundinr, Action Oriented l'rogr.ams Conservation I~ater J'lood Cuntrol Beach Erosion llarbDrs Wildlife RcCl1r;~ Rivers Soils Forests Mincrnl.s Conclusion Resolution 'Number PIr,ge 1 1 8 8 9 9 10 11 12 14 16 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 . I ',. " Resolution Number l (' INTRODUCTION . , The Open Space/Recreation/Conservation Element is concerned witli perceived community needs within these three topical areas. The first portion of this el~ment addresses the question of community open space and recreational needs and the second part of the report deals with the conservation of the city resources. Because open space, recreation and conservation are all closely related, it has been determined that these topics should be considered under '. I a single element. OPEN' SPACE/RECREA'l.'IOII It is important that during this perjod of l'a.pid gro.'th within the (I County that the City of Seal Beach recoe;nizc and plan for the preaent a.nd future recreational wid open space needs of this community. The purpose of this segment of the clement is to (1,) define open space and classify various typef' of open space uses, (2) describe those pa~rcels or areas which are presently being used for open spnce purposes and discuss in concept future open space needs of the . co:nmunjty, and (3) determine methods to insure tha.t the present and future open space needs of the community are met. I For the purpose of this element open spa~c land shall be defined as W1Y parcel or area of land or wnt.~r which js eSf;entially unimpro\'ed or contai.ns only minor improvements and is devoted to an open space use. Open space use shall be defined af' land \/hich is set aside for (1) outdoor recreation, (2) the preservation of na.tural rcsources, (3) I~QnRgcd production of resources, or (4) the safety and ( r,eneral welfare of the co~~unity. 1 -- ", . I 1 " Resolution Number RECREATION lAND Open space for outdoor recreation is defined as land which is set aside for neighborhood, community or regional parks, beaches, special use parks or facilities, green belts and open space corridors. These areas provide a pleasant envvronment for both active and passive recreational activities. Because undeveloped land is rapidly disappearing, it would be proposed " " - that land for open space uses be secured at the earliest possible time. Then, as additional funds become available, these areas could be developed in accordance with this plan. The city is establishing a standard of five acres of local parks for each l,OOO residents. The city recognizes the fact that this standard has not always been achieved in the past. However, in 'consideration of the importance of open space and recreation as contributing factors to the community's welfare, the city will strive to attain this standard in areas which may be developed in the future. NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS Neighborhood parks are designed to meet the needs of individual residenti~l developments within the city. While providing for the recreational needs of sever~l age groups, the neighborhood park is primarily designed to cater to needs of the 5 to 14 year old group. Children's play equipment, tennis and basketball courts and horseshoe areas are among the facilities often found at neighborbood parks. These p~rks vary in size from a single lot to parcels of approximately five acres. Existing neighborhood parks: 1. Sh~pell Park - College Park East 2 , f:....,; . .... " , .' ", . :... '~ I I , ~ Resolution Number 2. Gummere Park - College Park East 3. Heather Park - College Park East 4. Aster Park - College Park East 5. Marina Park - Coastal District , ~ 6. Eisenhower Park - Coastal District 7. Schooner Park - Coastal District Proposed neighborhood parks: 1. los Angeles Water and Power property - Coastal District 2. Marina Park Expansion - Coastal District " ,~ " ' COMMUNITY PARKS Community park$ are larger than neighborhood parks and are designed to serve the needs of a broader age group. These parks often attract people from outside the immediate area in which they are located. Typically these facilities contain tenni$, volleyball, handball and basketball courts, picnic areas and sport$ field$ for seasonal sports such as baseball and football. Community parks generally range in size from approximately 5 to 30 acres. Existing community park: 1. Edison Park - College Park West REGIONAL BEAC~ES AND PARKS .~. Regional beaches and parks are designated to meet the needs of both re$idents and non-residents and u$ually attract a large number of people from out$ide the immediate area. Generally these facilities are over 30 acres in size and appeal to all age groups. Natural surroundings and spaciousness are emphasized .~'I 3 '. I " " Resolution Number To a greater degree than in community parks. Regional facilities are oten used for day long outings. The shoreline of Seal Beach would be considered to be of regional significance. Recreational activities are associated with the ocean, beach and pier. Primary recreational activities include swimming, wading, surfing, pier and sport fishing, sunbathing, jogging, volleyball and some unorganized games. It has been proposed in the Master Plan of Regional Parks for Orange County that the area known as the los Alamitos Basin (Hellman Ranch) become a regional park. During the first phase of development of this park it is anticipated that 15 acres of the site will be devoted to facilities for baseball, football and other active sports. Ten acres of the site will be developed as a lake for boating and fishing and a remaining 13 acre section will be used as a picnic area, with parking and landscaping. Sunset Aquatic Park lies within the city limits of Seal Beach. Presently the facility has not yet been completely developed. The Aquatic Park will include boat slips, picnic areas, camping facilities, and a boat repair yard. Primary activities will include boating, swimming, fishing, and camping. SPECIAL USE PA~KS OR FACILITIES Special use parks or facilities are parklike places or special recreational I, ~ III facilities where a unique recreational activity is provided. The service areas and " size of these facilities vary according to their principal use. These facilities generally have a neighborhood or community orientation. ~.. . " . '... " ' 4 '. " Resolution Number Playgounds at school sites are considered to be special use facilities which provide area for recreational activities. It is estimated that 50% of the area of school sites are used as playgrounds or athletic fields. Existing special use parks or facilities: 1. Zoeter Elementary School - Coastal District 2. McGaugh Intermediate School - Marlna Hill 3. Gum Grove Park - Marina Hill 4. North Seal Beach Community Center - Rossmoor Center I GREENBELTS AND OPEN SPACE CORRIDORS 1 Greenbelts are recognizable expanses of undeveloped land which provide an attractive open space setting and a buffer between adjacent land uses. Recreational activities in these areas are usually limited to activities such as walking, picnicking and some organized games. Channel$ and transmission right of way offer a unique opportunity for joint use of facilities. Because of their configuration, these corridors provide an excellent opportunity to incorporate as a secondary use such things as bicycle paths, equestrian trails and hiking areas. The City should seek the cooperation of other public agencies and private utility companies to expand the uses of exi$ting or proposed corridors under the control of these agencies, or companie$. Existing greenbelt: 1. The Pacific Electric right of way - Coastal District Proposed greenbelt: 1. San Gabriel River Bicycle Trail - Coastal District 5 ::;>;::. . :~~: " ; . " ~. ~ Resolution Number POTENTIAL RECREATIONAL AREAS It is important that land be dedicated for park space or fees be paid in lieu of dedication of land as residential development continues within the community. The exact amount of land to be dedicated cannot be determined at this point in time since numerous interrelated factors must be taken into account for any proposed project. The city has established a five acre per 1000 population requirement to serve the recreational needs of future residents within the community. land dedicated for park purposes should be strategically located III within any proposed development to be of greatest benefit to the future residents and ~o the community as a whol~. Several concepts related to parks and open space were presented in the land Use Element which should be implemented if they are determined to be feasible. A greenbelt may be established behind Marina Hill linking First Street with Gum Grove Park and Seal Beach Boulevard, thus providing a buffer between residential and other possible types of land uses. It would also be desirable at some future date to develop a park which would link Seal Beach Boulevard to Gum Grove Park. The exact location and size of that facility should be determined at the time that the area behind Marina Hill is proposed to be developed. PRIVATE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES I Private recreational facilities are not open to the general public but do provide open space and a service to the community which might otherwise not be provided. These facilities may be located within a residential development and owned and maintained by the residents of the community or they could consist of individually owned and operated commercial enterprises. 6 "~~ " ',. Resolution Number .,.. ( PARKLAND \ , ".--- ( ~ . . '- A__ ~ or ...........a.T.'. ....u... .. "........ I -- .-1 II . J! . ;: . .' :' . . " . ~: r ~;i , ' '-.-JI I ....- "'- WE'ST "IHITEIl &vt:. . , , , , I ..-. I I , , . I , , I I I _ _ _ _ _ _ __ /' " , __________.:l:, ... -. ...... .. . ( THE CITY OF SEAL BEACH CALlrORNIA oIULYI,t'S7 Reglonol Porks Communlly Porks Exlsling 6) A .I_~_LL..~L__~ rlo__._~ .m. Proposed o A ,.... .,. " Resolution Number Existing private recreational facilities: 1. leisure World Golf Course - leisure World 2. leisure World Club Houses - leisure World 3. Old Ranch country.Club - Adjacent to College Park East 4. Old Ranch Tennis Club - Adjacent to College Park East , " " , }: EXISTING Acreage PROPOSED Acreage Regional Parks Beaches Sunset Aquatic Park 52 # 28 # los Alamitos Retarding 38 .Basin, Ph. 1 _ Sunset Aquatic Park-' 67 * A portion of the los Angeles Water and Power property will be held in open space. A portion of school site estimated to be used for recreational purposes. Site$ are presently under lease by the City. Site is proposed to be leased by the City. Acreage includes parking lots and/or buildings. 7 ** **** ***** # '. Resolution Number " NATURAL RESOURCE lAND Within the City apreas have been designated for the preservation of natural resources. Natural resource areas would include land set aside for the preservation of plant and animal life, areas required for ecological and other scientific study purposes, bays and estuaries and coastal beaches. The Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge located at the base of Anaheim Bay lies within the City. The refuge contains approximately 1200 acres and provides a home for a number of species of fish and fowl including several endangered species The marshlands serve as a nesting place for birds on their migrations I of birds. and a spawning area for fish. The Wildlife Refuge is located within the Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station which contains large quantities of open space and provides variety within the predominantly urban setting. The City's two miles of coastal beaches provide an environment in which various types of plant and animal life exist. Attempts should be made to maintain an environment in which a majority of these life forms may continue to survive. A portion of Marina Hill contains a dense grove of eucalyptus trees which is known as Gum Grove Park. There are over 800 trees within this facility. This area should be preserved for the enjoyment of the residents of the community. lANDS FOR THE PRODUCTrON OF RESOURCES " .': I Within ~eal Beach certain parcels of land are being used for agricultural production. Presently commercial agricultural activities are restricted to the Seal Beach N~val Weapons Station. About 2000 acres of the Station are currently used for the production of staple vegetable crops such as carrots, beets and 8 ',. Resolution Number corn. It would appear that agribultural production will continue on the I~apons Station for an indefinite period of time since it has been determined that agriculture production is a compatible secondary use for a portion of the base. OPEN SPACE FOR PUBLIC SAFETY I One earthquake fault is known to exist within Seal Beach. This fault is referred to as the Newport-Inglewood Fault. The fault zone is located to the north of Marina Hill and parallels the coast. The hill has resulted from uplifting action of the fault. The most recent movement of this fault which caused damage in the Seal Beach area occurred in 1952. The 1933 long Beach Earthquake was also attributed to movement along this fault. Prior to any development adjacent to the fault zone careful study should be undertaken to insure the safety of such development. The question of the safety of construction adjacent to this fault is one of the subjects of the Seismic Safety Element. At this time it would appear that certain property in the fault zone may be retained as open space in the public interest. FUNDING I In con!!i'deration of the preservation of open space as outlined in this element, it is imperative that all sources of possible funding be explored. Federal and State assistance should be sought for projects under the revenue sharing program. In addition, other possible methods of financing would include allocations from the City's general fund, general obligation bonds, assessment districts, enviro~mental reserve tax funds, park and recreation funds for ..1 . ~~. 9 .,. I 1 Resolution Number " " subdivision and non-subdivision developments, and in restricted areas, redevelopment agency funds. ACTION ORIENTED PROGRAM ", .... In an attempt to preserve open space lands, the following recommendations are made: 1. The City should explore all sources of possible federal, state and county funding for open space lands. The City should make every attempt to secure joint use of open space corridors and lands set aside for seasonal use by other public agencies and private utility companies. 3. Zoning should be investigated as an alternative to preservation of 2. open space lands. An open space zoning ordinance, which is consistent with this plan, has been adopted. '- ....' . , . . , .. ," .;. :~... - -..:.:..... 10 ',. ( I ( I <: Resolution Number CO~SER""^TIOl'l -- . , This portion of the report addresses the issues of conservation. development and utilb:ation of n:ltural resources wIthin the planning boundaries of the eit)', of Selll Beach. The follo:linf: topics are addressed within this section of the elemant: 1. I~atcr and its hydraulic fOl"ee 2. Beach erosion 3. lIarbors '. 4. Wildlife S. Rivers 6. Soils 7. Forests 8. ~lincmls 11 ',. " Resolution Number'" WATER I The City of Seal Beach is included within the Orange County Water District. The District is responsible for replenishing the ground water basin which serves an. area from the base of the Santa Ana Mountains to the ocean. Colorado River water is percolated into the underground aquifers at settling basins located at the higher elevations at the base of the mountains. Pressure is created, due to grade differential, which causes the underground water to be carried in a westerly direction. The ground water is extracted from wells located throughout the District. Each year the Board of Directors for the water district determines a ratio of ground water to imported water which will best serve the management needs of the District. Because of demands on the ground water basin, approximately 75,000 acre-feet of Colorado River water are percolated into the basin annually. In the past the City has experienced some salt water intrusion into the underground basin. Intrusion of salt water has occurred in an area beneath the San Gabriel River channel. As a result, barrier wells have been drilled which 1 inject fresh water into those areas which are referred to as "gaps." The boost in water pressure created by the injection wells prevent salt water intrusion from recurring. The barrier wells in the greater Seal Beach area are located on the west side of the San Gabriel River and are operated by the los Angeles County Flood Control Dt!itrict. This conservation measure to protect the underground basin will continue indefinitely. Seal Beach operates five domestic fresh water wells and periodically imports additional water through the Metropolitan Water District. The domestic wells supply water to all di!itricts on a routine basis. Water is purchased from the Metropolitan Water District when the well water supply is short due to l2 ~ <'" /:- \.;::- . , ' . :'!.~"1 ,-' '.;::: , , ',. " " Resolution Number', I maintenance or breakdown. Presently the City supplies 100% of the community's water needs and acquires water from the Metropolitan Water District in emergency situations only. The Surfside Colony water system is presently operated by the City of Huntington Beach. The City of Seal Beach is negotiating the purchase of this system to incorporate it into the citywide system. The City currently has two reservoirs, with a total storage capacity of seven million gallons. A four million gallon reservoir is located on Beverly Manor Road adjoining the San Diego Freeway and a three million gallon reservoir is situated on the Naval Weapons Station adjacent to Marina Hill. On an average, four ffiillion gallons of water is used each day within the community. Daily consumption varies from two and one-half million gallons in the winter to six million gallons during a hot summer day. The land Use Element of the City's Genera] Plan projects limited growth over the next 12 years. However, even with minor increases in population, the City should give serious consideration to constructing a third reservoir within the City. With the expanded storage capacity the City would reduce the risk of a water shortage in an emergency situation. ."".' I ,. .. . - . ~... . ". :.. - .' 13 '.. '...'r..... ~..,. "..LlI' ., ~ _' LI.. ...el " ~ , (' "- IL_O_' I --, , . .. ~ . ...-- ~=-~ - __~----:!t' t, '. -{ ". ,1 , ,~ ( AVE. '. ....-. ~ ' I ?ijl ('"I TIlE CITV 0 F seAL CALlrOftH'" .rULY I, II G7 U,....Cfl \ <:5 --- ~ .._.._..~rr. ."/' ,- ~ ~ ,. ~ ~.. n~,;,.. . <t;,',- ,.__.ll_' "" "..". . . .... I"'" ,- ._......::.~L..LJ r..!) ..... ',""" '\ ...~~) ~"'-::':">I! /<''i,~.}:;'' f(', ,_~'..;'~. .<"~'> ( i, . ......." <"...) - ~ ..... ....'\ I ~\ . '. {...'.. -...... .....::,~:'~~~',.,.. -:'~' ',. .... "" I -c9'" " ~[' . " . ;~'-:.'.... .'_'" ".1'11 .,., .1'- ". . : : . (" ,. Resolution Number ' FLOOD CONTROL Flood control measures have been implemented throughout the community. Major drainage channels within the City drain into the San Gabriel River, Anaheim ; Bay and Huntington Harbor. The Orange County Flood Control District and the City are responsible for the flood control improvements within the community. There are two flood control retarding basins within the City. A 38 acre basin is located south of Westminster Avenue and west of Rockwell International 's Seal Beach facility. This basin may be suitable for dual usage. These uses would consist of a flood water retarding basin during the winter and a regional park during the drier portions of the year. The Old Ranch Council Club golf course is used as a retarding basin for storm water run-off from College Park East and the los Alamitos Naval Air Station during heavy rains. In the future the City should consider the following capital improvement project: 1. Increasing the capacity of the Northwest Storm Drain system. At the County level, Orange County Flood Control District has developed a number of conservation techniques. These measures include the use of importing aqueduct$, additional reservoirs, importing of spreading works and maintenance of open bottom designed channels located on pervious ground. I 1 14 .;'~ . " ...., . . ~ ". '. "1'_(. . ~.s.;:"_ ,,!~.'~' . .,' ..... '.. ~. ',. Resolution Number BEACH EROSION Historically the stability of the shoreline was dependent upon the delicate natural balance between the erosive forces of the wind, surf and tide and the replenishment of beach building materials brought down the los Angeles and San Gabrlel Rivers. Replenishment sands from rivers have been traditionally transported southeastward by the littoral (shoreline) currents. When the Federal offshore breakwater, the First St. jetty and the breakwaters at Anaheim Bay were constructed, the littoral currents in the general area were partially blocked I and altered. Three areas will be referred to in consideration of the ~eal Beach I shoreline erosion problem. 1. The west beach is the area between the San Gabriel River and the pier. 2. The east beach extends from the pier to the west jetty of Anaheim Bay. 3. Anaheim Bay and Surfside beaches are considered together and extend from Anaheim Bay to Anderson Street. The jetties and the Federal breakwater were built in the 1940s. The construction of these public improvements changed the littoral currents affecting the east and west beaches. Instead of transporting material in a southeasterly direction, the shoreline currents were reversed and flowed in a northwesterly direction. In 1958-59 a groin was constructed at the base of the pier to restrict the erosion problem. The groin did not eliminate the erosion problem and it has been estimate~ that 20,000 cubic yards of sand is lost each year from the east beach. This sand is carried away both through the Navy harbor and west brea~water and around the end of the groin to the west beach. In addition, the San Gabriel River adds sand to the west beach. Because of the changes in the shoreline currents, this sand collects as a delta at the mouth of the river. 15 . .:~.:~ - :. . (: -:. " . '.. . ~~ ..... ',- Resolution Number " .' Artificial means must be used in order to replenish sand to the east beach. In 1970, 100,000 cubic yards of beach sand was redistributed to the east beach. The City maintained a continuing redistribution program during the winter months to provide protection from flooding due to high tides. Because of the changes in littoral currents, the beach at Surfside erodes at a rate of about 70 lineal feet per year. In 1972, the Corps of Engineers replenished the Surfside and Sunset Beach beaches with l.5 million cubic yards of sand pumped from Anaheim Bay. This project is designed to fulfill the replenishment needs of these beaches until 1978. I erosion wi'll continue indefinitely. ~Ihile the Corps of Engineers replenishes sand Because the littoral currents have been altered, the problem of beach at Surfside, the City must assume full responsibility for redistribution of sand from the west to the east beach. The City should continue to seek assistance from State and Federal agencies in order that the City might be relieved of a portion of the burden and expense of maintaining this facility of regional significance. I 16 I " . ,I' ~. .' . ~. ~'.'{../f I '. . ,; " ;'"'1 ~-~ , i '., c~ ,~~~,:~,,:?- _ . ":'"tI:w....;, '. ;1'""". .. ~:!~/:" .........:.... :' "r' 10, .~ .' . .. ',. .-- --...-- .. Resolution Number ~ORS ( , I Anaheio Bay is located in the Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station between the Coastal District and Surfside Colony. The Bay was first used as a cO!ll1~,ercial harbor in the 1860s. Cargo was shipped inland to the Santa P-na valley. Anaheim' Bay served the interior of Orange County for fifteen years. In the mid-1870s rail lines were extended into Orange Count.y and the commercial activity at the bay declined. In the 1920s the strand at An:lheim Bay took on a resident.ial character. In the early 1940s the Federal Government purchased Anaheim Bay and the adjacmlt land and developed the Seal Beach Naval Ucq,oM St.atf,011. The configuration of the bay \ms modified to accommodate the Navy's needs nnrl in 1944, two jetties \lere constructed into the ocean to form a harbor entrnncc. -A-IOOO foot long wharf wa:; constructed to service navnl vessels. The I?cal'ons Statinn handles over 600 mil~tar)' ships per year. Anaheim Bay also l,royide3 a channel entrance to Sunset Aquatic Park and Huntington Ilarbor~ Pref'ently, there arc npproximntely 250 boat slips 1,n Sunset AquaUc lIarbor. It is anticipate<l that harbor expansion yi11 be limited because of the possible adverse effects upon the National Wildlife Refugc~ located on the lIeapons Station. In ( addition to reducing the number of boat slips, the configuration of the park I facility has been altered to lessen its impact on the marshlands to the west. Decause of small craft traffic ',n the Snnset-Bolsa Harbor areas, a channel is being considered for de-..elopment adjbccmt to Uarner Avenue. If this channel is constructed, access through Anaheim B;ty would be li"lited, thus reducing the impact 'on the Wildlife Reflll;e. Anah~im !lay links the salt marshlands ~Iith the ol;e..n. '1.110 hay provides tlccess <. to the marshlnnds for fish and h.-CalIse of tJ.dal fluClu..lions, circulates "ater throllghout the mllTl'h. 17 ',- I " I, .' Resolution Number ~, " , , ( 7 ~~' .' " REFUGE: BDUNDARY ", .. M . U T !l S .... BOLSA AvE - 1'.. .. .: '"' ...., ..~ "~--.,-- ~ :;; , .';~,- [_.,--- ---l~ "'-.€ \ .; " c I' ..... .. " . .. w; <, "I , .... i~~; ..f Iig. ;"1:8 __==-:=.~f . --:==:=-- .~":i3- ...~ .. ..... .. 'SLOUGH .. M " U .., 18 " M . .. .. l .... .... .... ... ... - Pf'RIftETEA' ROAD REFUGC CONTROL COUNTY FlOOD CHANNEl. ..... Poclllc Oceon - 24 19 N \ UNITED STATES DEI'II"TMEQT OF THE INTEIUOR 'I$ft AND WILDLIFE 5ERVICE BUREAU OF SPO~' 'ISHEIU[, AND WILDLIFE GENEIlAL PLAN - EXIIIBIT 'A' U.S ."'^VAL WEAPONS STATIO" SEAL BEACti. CALIFORNIA ( o 1000 2000 --Ml~----!.091L-_ 5000 ~--7 --=:.T.----r.:~=:r 5=--::=:3 SC.ALC IN FEeT SA" tErcHARDIUO "'ERIOIi'." SEAL BEACH NATlOllAL WILDLIFE REFUGE ORA"GE courlTY C.\L1FORNIA f)tCEIADER 1972 PORTL A", 0. DRfGal' :- " Resolution Number WILULIFE REFUGE . ( ~ , In 1972, the United ,States Congress established the Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge on the Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station. The refuge contains 700 acres of,marshland and 500 acres outside the slough area proposed to he -,. . '. restored to their natural condition in a short period of time. ' It has been established that over 100 species of birds are found within the boundaries of the refuge during the Cilurse of a year. The t'larshland is primarily used as a roosting area for birds. During peak migration in December I over 10,000 birds use the marshlands in the courr:c of the month. Four species of bires which are presently on the State and/or Federal. lis::s of endangered SpeCiE!S habituate the marshlands. These endangered species are the Light-footcd Clapper Rai)" the California Brown Pe1:l.can. the Peregrine Fal,con, and the California ( Least Tern. In addition to the birds, 61 species of fish have been identified in Anaheim Bay and the tidal chal1ll;:!l.s of the tnarshlands. A U'JL,ber of these specic9 spend at least a portion of their life cycle in the 10a1.'s1. estuarine system. , The Naval l'lcapons Station h:;.s developed a llildl.ife management program. This progl"am incl\ldes the develop:aent and :!\IlpleMent..Uon of a tdldlife mnagement and conservation plan consisting of the folloving: I l. 2. 3. 4. 5.- 6. ( Identification of key fish and t4ildlifc f'l,ecies found ~1.tthin the refuge. Restorntion of additional tidelands on the Station. Increasing natural control of rodents. TIle development of nesting areas for various species of birds. The estnbJ.jshm~nt of feeding areas fOI: bi~ds. Establ:i.shi,lI[; pennDnent fresh t~ater ponds th(:rehy c:reat5ng new habitats. l8 -.- .. .' Resolution Number RIVERS ( . , TIle San Gabriel River is located on the western boundary of the City. The river which originates in Los Angeles County empties into the ocean at , Seal Beach. The river transports sands which aid in the replenishment of beach sands. In addition, the river provides an outlet for flood control basins and channels within the City. I . ( 1 ( 19 '. Resolution Number " .' SOILS I Within the City of Seal Beach, soils are generally considered good for agricultural purposes. Prior to the rapid urban development in western Orange County much of the land was used for growing crops. Today the greatest majority of the land is developed with the exception of the Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station. The Navy leases over 2,000 acres of land for truck farming. The soils on the Station are fertile and subject to few limitations with a low risk of damage when cultivated. As long as farming does not interfere with the primary mission of the Weapons Station it would appear that crops will continue to be grown as a secondary use of the land. 1 20 .1, I o. . ,..... .'1.... . " . :.\ , . ~_... .. ~ . '-:., :.;....=;. Woo ,..". . .... ":-'~ : . . ,> . '. Resolution Number " FORESTS-, .1 Within the City one area would qualify as a forest within a highly urbanized area. This would be the 10+ acre site located on the north slopes of Marina Hill, known as Gum Grove Park. There are over 800 eucalyptus trees in the park. These trees provide a nature area for passive recreation and a buffer between the single family residential development on the Hill and the oil extraction operation conducted on the Hellman property to the north. The City presently has a lease on the Gum Grove Park which will terminate. Whether the Gum Grove remains under private ownership at that time or is purchased by the City, it should be a goal of the community to preserve this grove of eucalyptus trees. I 21 _ .~:: ~..~;,w. .....": '. , ' " . " .. .... .;r..... 0", ....""; I . . ~ ':'?'.:.~,~":.I . ~ ~~;. ?:":" . .. o!. ,- .;;.~ '= . Resolution Number " MINERALS I Some oil extraction operations are conducted within the City. Two oil extraction sites are maintained within the tidelands area of Seal Beach. These sites are known as Belmont II, an oil drilling platform, and Esther Island. Oil extraction operations are also conducted along the Newport-Inglewood Fault on the Hellman Estate and on an oil lease site in the National Wildlife Refuge on the Seal Beach Weapons Station. It would appear that the oil fields within the City's sphere of influence will continue in operation through 1985. Should oil extraction activities be proposed within the City, existing ordinances would regulate the operations to insure compatibility with other types of surrounding land uses. I 22 " " .,~. ..- ..' r,....- ~'.. .- .... ':-...~ .:~"';""'~"I,::. . I ;;~//;J..'.," . ..;o~jJ.~" ',' .j~::~;~. . ,f;;'''!.J.''(- '. ~, ~...... -:::;,:';,.,;:.. .1"'~~4;~' .. ,->',"":.. ,," . ~.;. ~lt :. ob,'il'j.J!\ . :~~..a"'~ " ' '. c I ( I " " Resolution Number . ." CONCI.USION It is the intent of the Open Space/Recreation/Conservation Element to provide direction for the City in meeting the communities needs in these three topical areas. It is l,roposed that this element be reviewed periodically to insure that it reflects t.he current thinking of the co~~unity. " < 23