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COUNTY OF SAN MATEO
Inter-Departmental Correspondence
Department of Parks
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DATE:
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September 10, 2010
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BOARD MEETING DATE:
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September 28, 2010
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SPECIAL NOTICE/HEARING:
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None
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VOTE REQUIRED:
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Majority
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TO:
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Honorable Board of Supervisors
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FROM:
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David G. Holland, Director, Department of Parks
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SUBJECT:
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California Department of Parks and Recreation Habitat Conservation Fund Program Grant Application for the Bill and Jean Lane Education Center at Edgewood Park and Natural Preserve Stewardship Program
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RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a Resolution:
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1)
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Approving the application for and acceptance of a California Department of Parks and Recreation Habitat Conservation Fund Program grant in the amount of up to $100,000 for the Bill and Jean Lane Education Center at Edgewood County Park and Natural Preserve Stewardship Program; and
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2)
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Authorizing the Director of Parks or his designee to execute in the name of the County of San Mateo all necessary applications, contracts, agreements, amendments and payment requests hereto for the purpose of implementing the purposes specified in the grant application, and make necessary grant assurances.
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BACKGROUND:
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Groundbreaking for the Bill and Jean Lane Education Center at the Edgewood County Park and Natural Preserve occurred on February 11, 2010 with the opening expected in early 2011. The Center will support and increase education and volunteer programs at the Preserve with a special emphasis on stewardship. It will provide a year-round setting for education and research activities and promote community involvement in on-going habitat restoration efforts. The Center, offering exhibits linked to California curriculum standards, will support docent–led educational programs for youth and adults and increase local field-based learning opportunities.
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DISCUSSION:
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The Habitat Conservation Fund grant being applied for and if awarded will provide funds for the Department of Parks to hire an AmeriCorps volunteer, or other short-term position, to enhance and build the community programs provided at the Preserve. Working with various park partners and the existing volunteer programs, this position would be responsible for:
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Launching the volunteer host program that will staff the Center
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Increasing the numbers and capacity of volunteers to provide programs at the Preserve such as docent guided walks, Junior Explorer school programs, trail patrol, trail workdays and habitat restoration projects including the Weed Warriors activities
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Initiating community outreach programs to increase the number of visitors engaging in park stewardship programming
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The programs will highlight the importance of the Preserve’s various plant communities that provide habitat for frogs, lizards, foxes, coyote, bobcat, raccoon, deer, mountain lions, over 70 resident and migratory birds, and the federally listed endangered Bay checkerspot butterfly. In addition to education, the programs also will provide opportunities for volunteers to become involved in the stewardship of the park.
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The position’s work space will be in the Center’s office and the position will provide some staff coverage for the Center. A goal is to design programs that are led by volunteers with minimal coordination and supervision from County Park staff.
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Approval of this Resolution contributes to the Shared Vision 2025 outcome of an Environmentally Conscious Community as the Center and interpretive programs will enhance the quality of natural experiences for County Park visitors. Each visitor that experiences the County’s natural resources gains a greater appreciation of the need for their stewardship and preservation.
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County Counsel has reviewed and approved the Resolution as to form.
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Performance Measure(s):
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Measure
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FY 2009-10
Actual
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FY 2010-11
Projected
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Volunteer Hours
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6,000
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7,000
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FISCAL IMPACT:
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There is no Net County Cost. The value of in-kind volunteer labor (estimated at over $60,000 a year), the value of County Park staff time already devoted to these programs, and cash contributions from San Mateo County Parks and Recreation Foundation and the Friends of Edgewood Park will provide the 50% match required by the Habitat Conservation Fund Program.
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