CAMBRIA FOREST COMMITTEE
TO CONSERVE AND MANAGE THE NATIVE FOREST OF CAMBRIA
July 13, 2016, 6:30 PM
A quorum was present: Laura and Crosby Swartz, JoEllen Butler, Connie Gannon, Julie Jorgenson, Christine Heinrichs. Also attending were Nancy Anderson, Tony Church and Jim Bahringer.
Public Comment and Ask the Experts Q&A
JoEllen asked Connie Gannon for the exact location of the property for which she wrote a grant to the California State Department of Natural Resources for funds to purchase. It’s between Strawberry Canyon and Rancho Marino and, together with those properties, will provide 537 acres of habitat and wildlife corridor. The money, if granted, will be available in March 2017. The significance is that the property is habitat for two rare native grasses.
Christine Heinrichs reported that Camp Ocean Pines is having a course for training as a Certified California Naturalist. The week-long course is held twice each year, in August and February.
Minutes of June Meeting were approved without amendment.
Treasurer’s Report
Laura Swartz reported that all bills are paid and the balance is $2,149.98, including $495.13 of the Community Council grant. She will use some funds to buy plastic containers for brochures to be placed on the Historical Society kiosk. Connie will check the Forest Management Plan to see if language from that can be adapted to the brochure. Jim Bahringer suggested that she apply for a grant from the CTB to pay for that.
Sub-Committee Reports
Education/Planting/Mitigation/Operations
At Home in the Forest Brochure Distribution: Bahringer offered to share the brochure with the marketing people at the Cambria Tourism Board for possible inclusion in its marketing materials. Discussion of tourism led to exploring building an app for natural history in Strawberry Canyon that families could use. Bahringer suggested applying to the CTB for funding to pay to develop an app. Connie Gannon suggested having a Family Picnic Day in Strawberry canyon.
Website Updates – Domain Name Registration
Christine Heinrichs is still working to get the user name and password for the GoDaddy account to secure the domain name for the CFC.
Forest Management
Info for Dr Douglas Piirto speech to Cambria Lions Club
Christine will follow up with Doug Piirto as to whether he has the information he needs for his talk. He will speak at the September 27 Lions Club meeting, 6 pm at the Joslyn Center.
Cambria Forest Health / Greenhouse Gas Project Implementation
Bahringer is concerned that CSD management has not pursued the Biomass Cogeneration project. Gail Robinette reported to the Fire Safe Focus Group that she did not contact the company. He will follow up.
Fiscalini Ranch Preserve Project
Treatment of two plots was deferred due to nesting birds. Wood has been chipped and will be spread on trails.
Endorsement Letter for Greenspace Grant Project
The letter supporting the grant to purchase property was sent.
Report From Fire Safe Focus Group
All Power Labs in Berkeley is accepting applications to locate a portable biomass unit. Cambria could have one at the wastewater treatment plant, which would use the power generated by converting wood chips into electricity. Bahringer said he will have the general manager follow up when he returns from vacation in two weeks.
The Fire Safe Focus Group is working to include Cambria in the state Tree Mortality Task Force. Crosby will contact Cherie McKee and Bruce Gibson to be included in meetings. Connie will research background information on it and distribute to CFC members.
New Business
Consideration of new Director Candidate
Discussion was deferred to August meeting.
Unfinished Business
Guidelines for Annual Weed Abatement Program in Forest Preserves
The contract has been awarded to Bushwacker for a second year. Connie said Greenspace will hold bilingual training workshops next year for workers. Crosby and Laura will check the list of lots scheduled for weed abatement next year. They will question lots listed as non-compliant.
Laura questioned whether the 52 lots designated to be retired from development were ever transferred to the CSD. Bahringer said he will check on them
County Approval of Orellana Building Permit During Water Emergency
Christine and Mary Webb both requested a hearing on the permit before the Board of Supervisors. The hearing has not yet been scheduled.
Additional development is happening in Cambria, without permits. The Rod & Reel Trailer Park was demolished today, without care being taken to dispose of asbestos in the house on the property. Kathe Tanner said a Stop Work order was issued. Bahringer said that the permit for development of a manufactured home development comes under state regulations.
State Legislation to Waive CEQA and Coastal Act for Affordable Housing
Trailer Bill 707 has not been acted on. CFC members have sent letters and made phone calls to legislators.
Agenda Items and Speaker for Next Month
Connie suggested adding the Tree Mortality Task Force to the agenda.
Laura suggested discussing forming a new assessment district to fund the Forest Management Plan. LAFCO probably will not approve a new district. Connie suggested working with the organizations protecting the two other Monterey Pine forests to form a special State Protective District.
Adjourned at 8:52 pm.
Next Meeting August 10, 2016
