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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Res 2275 1973-12-10 I '.1 . . ,~ . \.' ." .' .' , , " . . ., RESOLUTION NO. :?~1S- RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEAL BEACH APPROVING AN OPEN SPACE/RECREATION/ CONSERVATION ELEMENT TO THE GENERAL PLAN. WHEREAS, under California State law all cities lIlUst adopt an Open Space/ Recreation Element by December 31, 1973; and WHEREAS, on September 11, 1972, an interfm Open Space/Recreation Element was approved; and WHEREAS, on January 8, 1973, a revised interfm Open Space/Recreation Element was approved; and WHEREAS, on October 29, 1973, a Land Use Element to the General Plan was approved; and ,: ''':,WHEREAS, the Open Space/Recreation/Conservation Element incorporates many concepts contained in the interfm Open Space/Recreation Element and conservation provisions and is consistent with the Land Use Element; and I WHEREAS, the Planning Commission approved the Open Space/Recreation/Conservation Element on November 21, 1973, and recommended that the City Council adopt the Element. (See Exhibit "A" attached.) 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 in Exhibit "A" in this resolution. Said Exhibit "A" shall be considered a part of this resolution and is adopted by reference. PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED by,-the City C9ll'l}cil ofjlthej City of Seal Beach at a meeting thereof held on the ~ day of ~~!~ , 1973, by the following vote:~. 1 ) AYES: Councibterbl'u..).AJt "''! 04:~A(J4 b~.v~ ~I ~- NOES: Councilmen 'i'l/h<.R .J . ABSENT: Councibten ~..IJ-'7LR ./ ~~ ~-- Mayor ATTEST: 9:41(' 7/k':' y Cle . .' " Resolution Number I I OPEN SPACE/RECREATION/CONSERVATION ELEMENT ErN/ell ~# ,., Rn~tl.nDN '*'.;2;J..'js" Prepared by City of Seal Beach Planning Department I L Pall. 1973 c. I '. --1 .' . . Resolution Number . TABLE OF CONTENTS Page lntroduction Open Space/Recreation Natural Resource Land I Lands for the Production of Resources I Open Space for Public Safety Funding Action Oriented Programs 10 11 Conservation Wster 12 . 14 16 Flood Control Beach Erosion Harbors Wildlife Refuge Rivers Soils Forests Minerals I Conclusion . .' I 1 1 8 8 9 9 . 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 . '. I . I . Resolution NUmber INTRODUCTION The Open Space/Recreation/Conservation Element is concerned witn perceived community needs within these three topiceJ. areas. The first P!'l"tion of this element addresses the question of community open space and recreational needs and the second part of the report deeJ.s vi th 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 a single element. OPEN SPACE/RECREATION . It is important that during this period of rapid growth within the .County that the City of Seal Beach l'ecognize and plan for the present and future recreational and open space needs of this community. The purpose of this segment of the element is to (1) define open space and classify various types of open space uses, (2) describe those parcels or areas which are presently being used for open space purposes and discuss in concept future open space needs of the community, and (3) determine metho~ to insure that the present and futurc open space needs of the community are met. For the purpose of this element open space land sheJ.l be defined as any parcel or area of land or water which is essentially unimproved or contains only minor improvements and is devoted to an open space use. Open space use shall be define,! as land which is set aside for (1). outdoor recreation, (2) the preservation of natureJ. resources. (3) managed production of resources. or (4) the safety and generail. welfare of the community. 1 . . I . 1 Resolution 'Number RECREATION LAND Open space for outdoor recreation is defined as land which is set aside for neighborhood, cOlDlllllnity or regional parks, beaches, special use parks or . fILcili ties, green belts and open space corridors. These areas provide a pleasant environment 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. Traditionally, a nationally 'accepted standard for local parks at the city level has been four acres of park lands for each 1,000 residents. The city . recognizes the fact that this standard has not alw~s been adhered to in the past. However, in consideration of the importance of open space and recreation as contributing factors to the cOIDIIIllnity'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 residential developments wi thin the city. While providing for the recreational needs of several age groups, the neighborhood park is primarily designed to cater to needs of the 5 to 14 year old group. Children's pl~ equipment, tennis and basketball courts SlId horseshoe areas are among the facilities often found at neighborhood parks. These parks vary in size from a single lot to parcels of approximately five acres. . ~ Existing neighborhood parks: 1. Sbapell Park - College Park East 2 . . I . I Resolution Number 2. Gummere Park - College Park East 3. Marina Park - Coastal District 4. Eisenhower Park - Coastal District 5. Schooner Park - Coastal District Proposed neighborhood parks: 1. Ileather & Lampson Park - College Park East 2. Schooner Park Expansion - Coastal District 3. Los Angeles Water and Power property - Coastal District (portion to be determined by a precise plan) ,. Aster and Basswood - College Park East . 'COMMUNITY PARKS . " Community parks 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 ih which they are located. Typically these facilities contain tennis, volleyball, handball and basketball courts, picnic areas and sports fields 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 BEACIlES AND PARKS Regional beaches and parks are designated to meet the needs of both' residents and non-residents and usually attract a large number of people from outside the immediate area. Generally these facilities are over 30 acres in size ~ and appeal to all age groups. Natural surroundings and spaciousness are emphasized 3 . . I -. 1 . Resolution Number to a greater degree than in community parks. Regional facilities are often 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 is proposed tllat additional recreation and service facilities be provided in proximity to the First Street parking lot to further enhance this regional facility. It has been proposed in the Master Plan of Regional Parl-.s 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 relllBining 13 acre section will be used as a picnic<:" ',. ...,.. area, with parking and landscaping. , A por~ion of Sunset Aquatic Park lies within the city limits of, Seal Beach. A majority of this County regional facility is located within a County island which may be annexed to :the City at some future date. 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 and fishing. . _ ..... SPECIAL USE PARKS OR FACILITIES . _ Special use parks or facilities are parklike places or special recreational. 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 .. . I . I . Resolution Number Playgrounds 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 - Coastnl District 2. McGaugh Intermediate School - Marina Hill 3. Gum Grove Park - Marina Hill 4. North Seal Beach Community Center - Rossmoor Center . , . GREENBELTS AND OPEN SPACE CORRIDORS 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. picnickin~ and some organized games. Channels and transmission rights of way offer s unique opportunity for joint use of facilities. Because o~ their configuration. dlese 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 existing or proposed corridors under the control of these agencies. -or~companies. Proposed Greenbelt: 1. The Pacific Electric right of way (to be determined by a specific plan) - Coastal District 2. San Gabriel River - Coastal District 5 . . I ., 1 Resolution Number i ; POTENTIAL RECREATIQNAL 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 communi'ty. The exact amount of land to be dedicated cannot be'determined at this point in time since munerous interrelated factors must be taken into account for 'any proposed project. The City has established a four acre per 1000 population requirement to serve 'the recreational needs of future residents wi thin the communi'ty. Land dedicated for park purposes should be strategically located within any proposed development to be of greatest benefit to the future residents and to the cormnunity as a whole. 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 mlo/-be established behind Marina Hill linking First Street with -, . Gum. pr9Y~ P!lXk and Seal Beac~ 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 Paz:k. . 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 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 mlo/ be located within a residential development and owned and maintained by the residents of the communi'ty or they could consist ~ of individually owned and oper~ted commercial enterprises. 6 . . 1 . 1 . PARKLAND \ Resolution Number "-- '- a__ '. lAUf"_ ltaU "LL'.' I' ".I.IIU. - -, ~;:r 1, , - I ,.. \..-.i ~I ! ..- ... W[STMINSTER 'YE , , , , , , -- , , , , , , , , , , , - - - - - - -- /' .." , - - - - - - - - - - .::... , - """'" THE CITY OF SEAL BEACH E.lsting o A o fJ Proposed o A o o CALIFORNIA JULY I, I'" Regional Parks Community Parks Neighborhood Parks Special Use Facilities h _ . . I ~'. ~ ". 1 . Resolution Number .. I I I EXisting private recreational facilities: 1. Leisure World Golf Course - Leisure World 2. Leisure ~Iorld Club Houses - Leisure World 3. Old Ranch County Club - Adjacent to College Park East Ii. Old Ranch Tennis Club - Adj acent to College Park' East .' EXISTING Acreage PROPOSED Acreage Regional Parks Beaches Sunset Aquatic Park 52 28 Hellman Ranch 38 (Los Alamitos Basin) Ph. 1 Sunset Aquatic Park 67 Collllllunity Parks Edison 6 **** Edison 20, . , Neighborhood Parks Shapell Marina Community Eisenho"!.er. Schooner Gutlllllere 1.8 1.4 1.4 - .8 1.3 Heather & Lampson Schooner L.A. Water & Power Property Aster & Basswood 1.6,,-., :: ' .:3. . 3." ,c* ,,_:-_ .6:':.::-" . -...... Greenbelt Pacific Electric R/w San Gabriel River 8.'2""" 2.3 Special Use Facilities Gum Grove North Seal Beach Center McGaugh School .Zoeter School 10 **** .5 6.8 ** 2.4 ** . TOTAL -- '(4(.:':.: .. 112.4 TOTAL GRAND TOTAL (existing and proposed) .253.4. Acres '. * o A portion of the Los Angeles Water and Power property will be held in . open space when a precise plan is prepared for that parcel. ** A portion of school .ite estimated to be used for recreational purposes. **** Sites are presently under lease by the City. 7 11-16-73 . . I ~ . . 1 Resolution Number i I NATURAL RESOURCE LAND Within the City's planning boundaries areas 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 B~y lies within the City's planning boundaries. The refuge contains approximately 1200 acres a~ provides a home'for a'number of species of fish and fowl including several endangered species of birds. The marshlands serve as a nesting place for' birds on their migrations 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 bel!-ches provide an environment In which'c-"..' - 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 TIlE PRODUCTION OF RESOURCES . .. . Within. Seal Beach's planning boundaries certain parcels of land are ,".,..,;: ",".- being used for agricultural production. Presently commercial agricultural actiVities are restricted to the Seal . Beach Naval Weapons Station. About 2000 acres of the Station are currently used for ,the production o~ staple vegetable crops such as carrot~, beets and' 8 . Resolution Number , I I corn. It would appear that agricultural production will continue on the Weapons ~ 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 One earthquake fault is known to exist wi thin the Se'ai Beach planning area. 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 I 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 will be the subject of Seismic , Saf~'!;y- ,~l~I)Ifi!!l:t '!;O. 1;le prepared in the future. Until this element is completed. reports submitted by- geologists or other qualified experts should be required priQr :tQ any,city- ,approval for the development of projects adjacent to the fault; .,. At thJs time it would appear that certain property- in the fault zone may be retained as open space in the public interest. I FUNDING In consideration of the preservation of open space as outlined in this - , eleme~t. it-is.imperative that all sources of possible f'unding be explored. . Federal and State assistance should be sought for projects under the revenue sharing program. In addition, other possible methods of financi!1g would include .Y... - 9 . . I . I . Resolution Number allocations from the City's general fund, genersl obligation bonds, assessment districts, environmental reserve tax funds, park and recreation funds for subdivision and non-subdivis~on developments, and in restricted areas, redevelop- ment 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. Zoning should be investigated as an alternative to preservation of open space lands. An open space zoning,ordinance will be adopted which is consistent with this plan. ., 2. 3. 10 . . I . 1 . Resolution Number i i CONSERVATION This portion of the report addresses the issues of conservation, development and utilization of natural resources within the planning boundaries of the City of Seal Beach, The following topics are addressed within this .' section of the element: 1, Water and its hydraulic force 2. Beach erosion 3. I Harbors \ 4. ' Wildlife I S. Rivers 6. Soils , 7. Forests 8. Minerals 11 . . ,',1 . 1 ..... Resolution Number WATER The City of Seal Beach is included within the Orange County Water Dis~rict. The District is responsible for replenishing the ground water basin ~~ich serves an area from the base of the Santa Ana Mountains to the ocean. Colorado River water is percolated into the underground aqui~ers at settling basins . located st 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 locsted 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 Dist;r1ct. Because of demands on the ground water basin, appro~imately" 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 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 o~ the San Gabriel River and are operated by the Los Angeles County' Flood Control District. This conservation measure to protect the underground basin will continue indefinitely. . "Seal.Beach operates four domestic fresh water wells and imports additional .." '.~ . water through the Metropolitan Water District. The domestic wells supply water to' . the Coastal District, ~~rina Hill, Leisure World and College Park West. Water for ~ College Park East is purchased from the ~~tropolitan Water District. Presently 12 . . I . I . Resolution Number , . the City supplies about 70% of the c011DllUnity's water needs and acquires the remainder from the Metropolitan Water District. 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 c~pacity of seven million gallons. A four million gallon reservoir is located on Beverly Manor Road adjoining t~e San Diego Freeway and a three million gallon reserVoir is situated on the Naval- Weapons Stat'ion adjacent to Marina Hill. On an average. four milli~n 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 General Plan projects limited growth over the n~t 12 years. However. even with minor increases in population. the City should give serious' consideration to drilling a fifth fresh water well and constructing a third reservoir within the City. By completing these projects, the City would reduce its requirements for water- from the Metropolitan Water District and would expand the City's storage capacity. With the expanded capacity the City would reduce the risk of a wAter shortage in an emergency situation. 13. - . F L 000 CHANNELS a BASINS !:<l CD Ul 0 ..... c u__ r1" ",. , , 0 i:l . ~ z c g. ; '-. CD " .-- t1 . { " I ~ . ,. I --- . ............,.,. C.~....I II' .......... . ,- - - --. ;fr ~~.. .' . [: ; " \-J I: - "I''' ..- .....- .~- WE'TIIIINITEII .. r. , , , , , , , , ~,-. . 'O, ..... , , , . , -1_"_______... I' -, ~ ----------~..... .. '. , . .. ..... , " , " : THE C I T Y 0 F,. SEA LIE A C H ." " 1i '. CALIFORNIA JULY I, I" T ....r. '''1 -, " . . I . 1 . Resolution Number FLOOD CONTROL - Flood-control measures,have been ~mplemented throughout the -community. Major drainage channels within the City dratn into the San Cariel River, Anaheim Bay and Huntington Harbour. The Orange County Flood Control ];listrict 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. The City has designed this basin for a dual use. 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 Country Club golf course is used as a retarding basin for ground 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 projects: 1. Enclosing the flood control channel located on the north side of Pacific Coast Highway between Balboa Drive and Seal Beach Boulevard. 2. Improving the outlet system between the golf course retarding basin and the adjacent flood control channel. . 3. Installing additional storm drains in Electric Avenue and connecting them to the Flood Control District pump station at the intersection of SeaiBeach Boulevard and Electric Avenue. . ~ ... - - _ ,4. Determine the cost and feasibility of enclosing the Federal concrete - ..channel-which is located adjacent to Golden Rain Road within Lei:sure' '"' World. If enclosing the channel is not practical, additional landscaping . on fences adjoining the channel would enhance the aesthetics of the area..- :. 14 .. . I . I . Resolution Numbr r At the County level, Orange County Flood Control District has developed a number of conservation techniques. These measures include the use of importing aqueducts, additional reservoirs, importing of spreading works and maintenance of open bottom designed channels located on pervious ground. . 15 . . I . 1 . Resolution Number BEACH EROS ION Historically the stability of the shoreline was dependent upon the delicate natural balance between the erosive forces of the wind and tide and the replenishment of beach building materials brought down the Los'Angeles and San Gabriel 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 AnaheiJ:\ Bay were constructed the littoral currents in tIle general area'were'partially blocked and altered. Three areas will be referred to in consideration of the Seal Beacll shoreline erosion problem. The west beach is the area between the San Gabriel River and the pier. . The east beach extends from the pier to the west jetty of Anaheim Bay. 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 cllanged 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 estimated 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 breakwater. and around the end of the groin to the west beach. In addition, the, ~.~. H ,.... San GaDriel,River adds sand to the west beach. Because of the changes in the <,~,,, ,>. .1.. shoreline, currents , this sand collects as a delta at the mouth of the river. . - . - 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, 1. 2. , 3. . ~ " -' , . '. 16 . . I . . I . Resolution Number I I 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 1.5 million cubic yards of sand pumped ,from Anaheim Bay. T1Jis project ia designed to fulfill the repleniahment needs of these beaches until 1978. Beca~8e the 11 ttoial currents' have blien al tered, the problem of 'beach eroSion W,ill_~Ont1nue -lnd~finitely. While the Corps of Engineers replen1.shes"ssnd , - . , at Surfside, the City must assume full responsibility for rediatribution 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 ot maintaining this faCility of regional signif~cance. -. "' '. 17 . . I~ ....: " . , i : ~ ! .:'. , , f ;:--.----:'_.::,::-::......r. ..._....~ I J .- "':1 . .. '. , .-...;.-0;..... . AE rUG(" , BOUNDARY T . !I .. S ~ ~ ..... BOLSA AvE ..... ~ ~ 0 r . - ~ I- ~ z 0 ..- ;; . . Ii; ..... !~1f lBif ;"11 .. SLouGH RD --=-==-::$~" . ..... ~ ~ --::::=====-- u -A-- "0 18 " 13 ~ ~ ... z .... ~ .... ~ .... .1 + - PEAII\olETE'A ROAD REFUGE FLOOD CONTROL CHANNel. -- - ,; ~ j , Po cilic o C tJ 0 n ;- 24 N I~ l.' . }.. o 1000 2000 5000 SCALE IN FEET' SAN IERNARDINO MERIDIAN Resolu~ion Number 7 '. -,:,.. STATES DEPAATMENT~ OF THE 'INTERIOR FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE . - BUREAU OF SPORT FtSHERIES AND WILDLIFE GENERAL PLAN - EXHIBIT 'A" US NAVAL WEAPONS STATION' SEAL BEACt<, CALIFORNIA -" 4QOO SEAL BEACH NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE 5000 ORANGE COUNTY' CALIFORNIA DECEMBER 1972 PORTL4ND, OREGON " .. . . I . .....1 . Resolution Number HARBORS Anaheim Bay is located in the Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station between the Coastal District and Surfside Colony. The Bay was first used as a commercial harbor in the l860s. Cargo was shipped inland to the Santa Ana valley. Anaheim Bay served the interior of Orange County for fifteen years. In the mid-1870s rail lines were extended into Orange County and the commercial activity at the bay declined. In the 1920s the strand at Anaheim Bay took on a residential character. In the early 1940s the Federal Government purchased Anaheim Bay and the adjacent' land and developed the Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station. The configuration of the bay was,modifi~d to accommodate the Navy's needs and in 1944, two jetties were , constructed i~t9~he ocean to form a harbor entrance. A 1000 foot long wharf was constructed to service naval vessels. .. The.Weapons Station handles over 600 military ships per year. Anaheim Bay also provides a channel entrance to Sunset Aquatic Park and Huntington Harbor. Presently, there are approximately 250 boat slips in Sunset Aquatic Harbor. It is anticipated that harbor expansion will be limited because of the possible ~dverse effects upon.,the.National Wildlife Refuge located on the Weapons Station.- In., addition to reducing the number of boat slips, the configuration of the park' ,facility has been altered to lessen its impact on the marshlands to the west. _ BecaUSe of small craft traffic in the Sunset-Bolsa Harbor areas, a channel is being considered for development adjacent to Warner Avenue. If this channel is const.J.:ucte4, .a!:cess through Anaheim Bay would be limited, thus reducing the', . -:; L' impact 'on the Wildlife Refuge. Anaheim Bay links the salt marshlands with the ocean. The bay provides access' . -,_ to the_marshlands for fish and because of tidal fluctuations, circulates water throughout the marsh. 18 . . I . "1 . Resolution Number I I WILDLIFE 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 be 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 course of a year. The marshland is primarily used as a roosting area for birds. During peak migration in December over 10,000 b~rds use ~he__marshland8 in the course of the month. Four species of birds which~re presently on the State and/or Federal lists of endangered species habituate ti)e manhlands. These endangered species are the Light-footed Clapper.' " " ..Rail. tl'!~"Cal:!-f:Qrnia_Brown Pelican. the Peregrine Falcon. and the California',' .,,(..,., ~" Least Tern. - ...... ..... .In addition to the. birds. 61 species of fish have been identified in .....~.... ...-or~..... Anaheim Bay and the tidal channels of the marshlands. A number of these species' spe!\d, ,a,~ ,~~!IIl~~.l!-,po7ition of their. life cyc.le_i.n the marsh estuarine systeai. .. .. . ,The.:Naval Weapons Station has developed a wildlife management program. . , " This. program~.inc.ludes the development and implementation of a wildlife management:, '."" '. and conservation plan consisting of the following: .1.. ,Identification of key fish and wildlife species found within the refuge.': :r:~ 2. Restoration of additional tidelands on the Station. 3. Increasing natural control of rodents. ~.4.::.:,.::'l;he . development of nesting' areas for .various species of birds. .;.':.l,-~ .. _.;. 5: The establishment of feeding areas for birds. 6. Establishing permanent fresh water ponds thereby creating new habitats.' . . 19 . . 1 . I . Resolution Number " RIVERS The 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. , , . 20 . . I . I . Resolution Number I I SOILS Within the Planning boundaries of tbe City. 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 WDuld appear that crops will continue to be grown as a secondary use of the land. , 21 . . I . I . Resolution 'Number FORESTS Within the planning boundaries of the City one area would qualify as a forest w:Lth:Ln a highly urban:Lzed area. This would be the 10+ acre s:Lte located on the north slopes of Mar:Lna Rill, known as Gum Grove Park. 'rhere are over 800 eucalyptus trees :Ln the park. These trees provide a nature area for passive recreation and a ,buffer between the single family residential development on the Rill and the oil extraction operation conducted on the Hellman property to the north. The City presently has ,8 lease on the Gum Grove Park wh:Lch will terminate in 1976. Whether the Gum Grove remains under pr:Lvate ownership at that t:Lme or :Ls purchased by the City, :Lt should be a goal of the community to preserve this grove of eucalyptus trees. . .' 22 . . ,I' . I . . Resolution Number I I ~IINERALS Some oil extractioD'.operations are conducted within the planning boundaries of 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 Ilellman EGtata 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, the horizon year of the General Plan. Should 011 extraction activities be proposed within the City existing ordinances would regulate the operations to insure compatibility , with other types of surrounding land uses. 23 . . I . I . Resolution Number CONCLUSION 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 proposed that this element be reviewed periodically to i~ure that it reflects the current thinking'of the community. . 24