California State Parks is conducting a comprehensive update of the General Plan for Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. A General Plan is a broad-based policy document that establishes a long-range vision and goals. A General Plan also provides direction on future types of improvements, services, and programs. An Environmental Impact Report (EIR) will be prepared as required by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The EIR will evaluate potential environmental effects associated with the adoption of the General Plan.
Karen Carlson has penned an article for the Ramona Sentinel titled “Manes and Trails: Help update Cuyamaca State Park plan.” From the article:
Cuyamaca Rancho State Park is undergoing a transformation, and it’s not too late to get involved. The nearly 25,000-acre park has acquired more land and is adjacent to Anza Borrego State Park as well as other public lands and trails. The third and final public meeting was held on Nov. 12, but the public comment period is still open. Everyone with an interest in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park is invited to send comments and ideas for the General Plan process to State Parks at www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=27169. The website has been updated with a Preferred Alternative Management Zone Map and Matrix, meeting flyers and agendas from past meetings. Download or view these documents for a preview of what was presented as possible updates to the park General Plan. These documents help you to better understand the process and where you may fit into it.
Your input is valuable. “We continue to welcome your questions, comments and concerns via e-mail at enviro@parks.ca.gov,” State Parks staff says. A formal comment period for the Preliminary General Plan/Draft Environmental Impact Report will take place. This combined document should be available in the spring 2014. A last opportunity for comment on the General Plan/EIR will occur at the time of the State Parks and Recreation Commission meeting in the fall of 2014, so be thinking about what you’d like to see in the park’s update and send your comments. At the meeting the commission will vote on the General Plan.
An equestrian stakeholder group meeting was held June 25 in Ramona Community Center. Equestrians and three California parks staff participated in discussing issues of interest to equestrians. Information about the meeting is in the meeting agenda and notes, which can be found on the web page under Maps and Documents.
Among topics briefly discussed were: request that reroutes be in place before closing old alignments; correct information in Matrix; get revised Matrix posted on website within three weeks; what science was used to support hiking and prohibit equine and mountain biking use; existing equestrian trails in natural and cultural preserves are likely to remain, but re-routed around meadows or cultural resources; expansion of cultural and natural preserves; and equestrian input regarding Family Horse Camp.
From what I have seen, the equestrian recommendations are not being included at this time.
Get involved!
You can read Karen’s complete article HERE.
You can find out more about the Cuyamaca Rancho State Park General Plan HERE.