COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

Department of Parks

 

DATE:

June 1, 2010

BOARD MEETING DATE:

June 22, 2010

SPECIAL NOTICE/HEARING:

None

VOTE REQUIRED:

Majority

 

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

David G. Holland, Director, Department of Parks

SUBJECT:

California Department of Parks and Recreation Nature Education Facilities Program Grant Application for Moss Beach Reef Access and Outdoor Interpretive Exhibit

 

RECOMMENDATION:

Adopt a Resolution:

1)

Approving the application for, and acceptance of, a California Department of

Parks and Recreation Nature Education Facilities grant in the amount of

$2,644,558 for the Moss Beach Reef Access and Outdoor Interpretive Exhibit;

and

2)

Authorizing the Director of the Department of Parks, or his designee, to conduct

all negotiations, sign and submit all documents, including, but not limited to

applications, agreements, amendments, and payment requests, which may be

necessary for the completion of the project; and

3)

Certifying that:

 

A)

said applicant has or will have available, prior to commencement of any work on the project included in this application, the sufficient funds to complete the project should this grant be awarded; and

 

B)

the applicant has or will have sufficient funds to operate and maintain the

project; and

 

C)

the applicant has reviewed, understands, and agrees to the General

Provisions contained in the contract shown in the Grant Administration

Guide; and

 

D)

this project is consistent with the applicable city or county, or appropriate

planning document, as the case may be; and

4)

Agreeing to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws, ordinances, rules, regulations and guidelines.

   
   
   
   

BACKGROUND:

The Department of Parks would like to submit a grant application to the California Department of Parks and Recreation Nature Education Facilities Program in the amount of $2,644,558 for the Moss Beach Reef Access and Outdoor Interpretive Exhibit.

 

One of the primary management goals at the James V. Fitzgerald Marine Reserve is marine environment stewardship education for visitors which depends on a variety of interpretive facilities and volunteer naturalist-led programs. Annually, more than 23,000 students from Grade 3 through college as well as over 110,000 other individuals visit the Reserve. This high visitation creates a critical need for safe, user-friendly facilities that support both informal visitor use and naturalist-led interpretive programs. The two components of this project are a renovated access ramp to the Moss Beach Reef and an outdoor interpretive exhibit. Moss Beach Reef Access will provide accessibility from the Moss Beach parking lot to bluff and beach-top viewing areas, and use steps and a removable bridge to cross San Vicente Creek to the beach. Along the new Moss Beach Access are opportunities for interpretation and nature study including interpretive signs, spotting scopes and benches. The outdoor interpretive exhibit will be located in the large grassy area in the Moss beach parking lot near the picnic tables and restroom. The exhibit will showcase the inhabitants of the low, middle, and high tide zones of the Moss Beach Reef with authentically-sized plant and animal species. Associated interpretive signage will allow naturalists to discuss the marine biology of the reef and Reserve visitors to learn about marine life in the reef.

 

DISCUSSION:

Approval of this grant application to the California Department of Park and Recreation Nature Education Facilities Program for the Moss Beach Reef Access and Outdoor Interpretive Exhibit contributes to the Shared Vision 2025 outcome of an environmentally conscious community as people of all ages will be able to visit the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve to see, hear, and smell the flora and fauna of the various coastal habitats and diversity of inhabitants. Each visitor gains a greater understanding and appreciation of the natural communities.

 

Performance Measure(s):

Measure

FY 2008-09
Estimated

FY 2009-10
Projected

Number of Visitors

150,000

150,000

 

County Counsel has reviewed and approved the Resolution as to form.

 

FISCAL IMPACT:

The cost estimate for the Moss Beach Reed Access and Outdoor Interpretive Exhibit is $2,644,558. There is no required grant match or Net County Cost associated with the project.