OTAY VALLEY REGIONAL PARK C O N C E P T P L A N · Joe Berlanga Fred Borst John Bowen Jack...

CONCEPT PLANCONCEPT PLANCONCEPT PLANCONCEPT PLANCONCEPT PLAN 11111

C O N C E P T

OTAYVALLEYREGIONALPARK

P L A N

OTAY VALLEY REGIONAL PARKOTAY VALLEY REGIONAL PARKOTAY VALLEY REGIONAL PARKOTAY VALLEY REGIONAL PARKOTAY VALLEY REGIONAL PARK22222


Prepared By:

County of San Diego• Parks and Recreation Department

City of Chula Vista• Planning Department• Parks, Recreation and Open Space Department

City of San Diego• Community and Economic Development Department• Park and Recreation Department

C O N C E P T P L A N



PRELIMINARY DRAFTPRELIMINARY DRAFTPRELIMINARY DRAFTPRELIMINARY DRAFTPRELIMINARY DRAFT, recommended by

Otay Valley Regional ParkCitizen Advisory CommitteeFebruary 21, 1997

John Willett, CAC Chair

REVISED DRAFT,REVISED DRAFT,REVISED DRAFT,REVISED DRAFT,REVISED DRAFT, accepted by

Otay Valley Regional ParkPolicy CommitteeJuly 18, 1997

Greg Cox, SupervisorCounty of San Diego, First District

Shirley Horton, MayorCity of Chula Vista

Ralph Inzunza, CouncilmemberCity of San Diego, Eighth District

ADOPTEDADOPTEDADOPTEDADOPTEDADOPTEDCOUNTY OF SAN DIEGOCOUNTY OF SAN DIEGOCOUNTY OF SAN DIEGOCOUNTY OF SAN DIEGOCOUNTY OF SAN DIEGO ATTEST:ATTEST:ATTEST:ATTEST:ATTEST:

Chairman of the Board of Supervisors Clerk of the Board of Supervisors

CITY OF CHULA VISTACITY OF CHULA VISTACITY OF CHULA VISTACITY OF CHULA VISTACITY OF CHULA VISTA ATTEST:ATTEST:ATTEST:ATTEST:ATTEST:

Mayor City ClerkResolutuion 2001-148

CITY OF SAN DIEGOCITY OF SAN DIEGOCITY OF SAN DIEGOCITY OF SAN DIEGOCITY OF SAN DIEGO ATTEST:ATTEST:ATTEST:ATTEST:ATTEST:

Mayor City ClerkResolution R-294-777 (Plan)Resolution R-294-778 (EIR)

OTAY VALLEY REGIONAL PARKOTAY VALLEY REGIONAL PARKOTAY VALLEY REGIONAL PARKOTAY VALLEY REGIONAL PARKOTAY VALLEY REGIONAL PARKCONCEPT PLANCONCEPT PLANCONCEPT PLANCONCEPT PLANCONCEPT PLAN

RECORD OF RECOMMENDATION AND ADOPTIONRECORD OF RECOMMENDATION AND ADOPTIONRECORD OF RECOMMENDATION AND ADOPTIONRECORD OF RECOMMENDATION AND ADOPTIONRECORD OF RECOMMENDATION AND ADOPTION



Alma AguilarFred ArbuckleLinda BartholomewJoe BerlangaFred BorstJohn BowenJack BransfordCharlene Burleson*Rod CameronAndy Campbell*Joann CarsonMichelle Castagnolla*Antonio CastroChris ChaseMarco Cortes*Fred CrevelingJohn CrouseMagali CurtisVince DaviesRoque De La FuenteRoy DeVaultWayne DickeyCharles DowGreg FayPete Flores*Dave FredricksenJennie FulaszDoug FullerSusan FullerDon GardnerDavid Gomez*Carol Gove*Michelle GrifkaVal Guerra*Archie HallDonn HallJohn Hammond*George Hanson◊Laura HunterRanie Hunter

OVRP CITIZEN ADVISORY COMMITTEEOVRP CITIZEN ADVISORY COMMITTEEOVRP CITIZEN ADVISORY COMMITTEEOVRP CITIZEN ADVISORY COMMITTEEOVRP CITIZEN ADVISORY COMMITTEECURRENT AND FORMER MEMBERSCURRENT AND FORMER MEMBERSCURRENT AND FORMER MEMBERSCURRENT AND FORMER MEMBERSCURRENT AND FORMER MEMBERS

Melvin IngallsRalph InzunzaRichard InzunzaJan JohnstonAllen Jones*Kathleen KastlungerDick KauPat KruerLouis LakeGeorge LoustaletGary McCallMike McCoyPatricia McCoy*Eugene McMurdyGregory MedicoJames MillerLinda Lee MoweryKen MunsonDon NayStephen NeudeckerChristine OlguinSteve Palma*Tom Pasqua*Chris Patek*Pat PatekCarolyn Powers*Verna Quinn*Yolanda Ramos*Candace RicksDon RossKarl SchneiderRuth Schneider*Paul Slayton*Ross SpaldingAnn SteinerMartin ThompsonCharles ValkenburghDavid Van De WaterBruce WarrenJohn Willett*

*These individuals were CAC members at the time the CAC recommended approval of thepreliminary draft Concept Plan (February 21, 1997).

◊Was Chair of the Citizen Advisory Committee on February 21, 1997 when itrecommended approval of the Preliminary Draft Concept Plan.



EXECUTIVE SUMMARYEXECUTIVE SUMMARYEXECUTIVE SUMMARYEXECUTIVE SUMMARYEXECUTIVE SUMMARY Page 11 Page 11 Page 11 Page 11 Page 11

CHAPTER 1 - INTRODUCTIONCHAPTER 1 - INTRODUCTIONCHAPTER 1 - INTRODUCTIONCHAPTER 1 - INTRODUCTIONCHAPTER 1 - INTRODUCTION Page 15 Page 15 Page 15 Page 15 Page 15

CHAPTER 2 - EXISTING CONDITIONSCHAPTER 2 - EXISTING CONDITIONSCHAPTER 2 - EXISTING CONDITIONSCHAPTER 2 - EXISTING CONDITIONSCHAPTER 2 - EXISTING CONDITIONS Page 25 Page 25 Page 25 Page 25 Page 25

CHAPTER 3 - CONCEPT PLANCHAPTER 3 - CONCEPT PLANCHAPTER 3 - CONCEPT PLANCHAPTER 3 - CONCEPT PLANCHAPTER 3 - CONCEPT PLAN Page 33 Page 33 Page 33 Page 33 Page 33

CHAPTER 4 - FUTURE ACTIONSCHAPTER 4 - FUTURE ACTIONSCHAPTER 4 - FUTURE ACTIONSCHAPTER 4 - FUTURE ACTIONSCHAPTER 4 - FUTURE ACTIONS Page 61 Page 61 Page 61 Page 61 Page 61

APPENDIXAPPENDIXAPPENDIXAPPENDIXAPPENDIX Page 65 Page 65 Page 65 Page 65 Page 65

TABLE OF CONTENTSTABLE OF CONTENTSTABLE OF CONTENTSTABLE OF CONTENTSTABLE OF CONTENTS



EXECUTIVESUMMARY


EXECUTIVE SUMMARYEXECUTIVE SUMMARYEXECUTIVE SUMMARYEXECUTIVE SUMMARYEXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This Otay Valley Regional Park (OVRP) Concept Plan isthe result of a multi-jurisdictional planning effort in theOtay River Valley by the County of San Diego and thecities of Chula Vista and San Diego. In 1990, the jurisdic-tions entered into a Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement(JEPA) for coordinated planning, acquisition and designfor OVRP. The JEPA established a 3-member Policy Com-mittee (PC) of elected officials and a 30-member CitizenAdvisory Committee (CAC). In 1995 the PC and the CACreviewed a draft map for the Concept Plan and directedthat the Concept Plan be completed after additional pub-lic review and comment.

OTAY VALLEY REGIONAL PARK PLANNINGEFFORT

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

The South Bay community has been closely involved with development of this Concept Plan.The CAC, representing a variety of stakeholders in the Otay Valley, has provided ongoinginput into plans for OVRP. Community, environmental, recreational, property owner, devel-oper, resident and special interest groups were consulted throughout 1995 and 1996 throughpresentations of the preliminary draft Concept Plan’s map.

CONCEPT PLAN

The planning area for OVRP is located in the southern portion of San Diego County, four milesnorth of the United States/Mexico International Border. The Regional Park will extend about11 miles from the southeastern edge of the salt ponds, through the Otay River Valley, to theland surrounding both Lower and Upper Otay Lakes. Environmental and urban conditionsconsidered in preparing this Concept Plan were topography/land form, hydrology, biologicalresources, cultural resources, General and Community Plans, zoning and other regulations,and existing and planned land uses.

The Multiple Species Conservation Program (MSCP) andthe US Fish and Wildlife Service San Diego National Wild-life Refuge are regional public planning efforts that in-clude the Otay River Valley. In general, the goals of theseprograms are complementary, seeking to protect sensi-tive environmental resources in the region within a frame-work of private property rights. This Concept Plan hasbeen prepared to complement those future plans. Simi-larly, those plans provide synergy for creation of the Re-gional Park.

Much of the land within the Concept Plan is privately owned and has development potentialbased on existing zoning, land use plans and other development regulations. The ConceptPlan does not change existing zoning, land use plans or add new development regulations. Itdoes not preclude private development. It provides policy direction for the jurisdictions forcoordinated land acquisition and development for the Regional Park within this framework of

private property rights.


The Concept Plan proposes a boundary for OVRP and, following the direction of the PolicyCommittee in the OVRP Goal Statement adopted in 1990, it:

• provides for the protection of environmentally sensitive areas and importantcultural resources by identifying an open space core/preserve area,

• identifies areas adjacent to the open space core for active and passive recre-ational development opportunities,

• includes a trail system with staging areas, viewpoints and overlooks and con-nections to recreation areas and adjacent public lands and trails, and

• envisions two interpretive centers for environmental and educational programs.

The Concept Plan consists of a text and map.

Elements of the Concept Plan are:

• Boundary• Alternative Boundary• Open Space/Core Preserve Area• Recreation Area• Trail Corridor• Staging Area• Viewpoint and Overlook Area• Interpretive Center• Park Study Area

These Elements are applied throughout the Concept Plan area. To provide a more detailedexplanation of the application of the Elements, the Concept Plan area is divided into fivegeographic Segments.

Segments of the Concept Plan are:

• South San Diego Bay to Interstate 5• Interstate 5 to Interstate 805• Interstate 805 to Heritage Road (Paseo Ranchero)• Heritage Road (Paseo Ranchero) to Otay Lakes Vicinity• Otay Lakes Vicinity

FUTURE PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION

Adoption of this Concept Plan does not result in modification of existing jurisdictional bound-aries, change existing zoning or land use plans or add new development regulations. How-ever, it may be necessary for each jurisdiction to adopt amendments to General, Communityand Specific Plans, as well as rezone land to be consistent with the Concept Plan Elements asthey are acquired or developed by the public agencies.

Implementation actions may range from the preparation of comprehensive master plans andoverall design guidelines to acquisition and development of specific areas of the park. Coop-erative acquisition, planning and design of OVRP is expected to continue under the JEPAadopted in 1990; however, new multi-jurisdictional agreements may be necessary to addresscoordinated operational maintenance responsibilities.



CHAPTER 1INTRODUCTION


INTRODUCTION TOINTRODUCTION TOINTRODUCTION TOINTRODUCTION TOINTRODUCTION TOOTAY VALLEYOTAY VALLEYOTAY VALLEYOTAY VALLEYOTAY VALLEYREGIONAL PARKREGIONAL PARKREGIONAL PARKREGIONAL PARKREGIONAL PARKAND THISAND THISAND THISAND THISAND THISCONCEPT PLANCONCEPT PLANCONCEPT PLANCONCEPT PLANCONCEPT PLAN

INTRODUCTION

The Otay River Valley has a rich history of human occu-pation and resource use. Over 9,000 years ago, prehis-toric Native Americans were early inhabitants, takingadvantage of the Valley’s abundant natural resources.In the 1770s, Father Serra chose the Otay River Valleyas his first camp as he traveled north to establish themissions in what is now California. In the early 1800s,vast Spanish ranchos covered the area and cattle grazedon the gentle mesas surrounding the river. Later, pio-neer farmers and wine makers settled the valley, attractedby its fertile soils. South San Diego Bay became thesource for commercial salt production in the 1850s. Inthe 1900s, Otay Dam was built to support growth inSan Diego and the length of the river has been a sourceof sand and gravel resources since the 1920s.

Today, with increasing urbanization, land use in the Val-ley is still changing. With the creation of Otay ValleyRegional Park (OVRP), the Otay River Valley will con-tinue to serve its south bay residents and visitors by pro-viding recreation opportunities ranging from playingfields and picnic areas to hiking, biking and horse trails,while protecting open space, wildlife, historic, agricul-tural, and archaeological resources.

This Concept Plan forms the basis for creation of OVRP.


GOAL STATEMENT

The Otay Valley Regional Park will represent one of themajor open space areas within the southern area of SanDiego County, linking south San Diego Bay with lowerOtay Lake. The park will fulfill the need to:

• Provide a mix of active and passive recreationalactivities,

• Protect environmentally sensitive areas,• Protect cultural and scenic resources, and• Encourage compatible agricultural uses in the

park.

To insure that Otay Valley Regional Park meets the di-verse goals of a Regional Park, attention shall be fo-cused not only on providing recreation facilities and pro-tecting resources, but on coordinating the park’s devel-opment with adjacent land uses to insure compatibledevelopment, buffering, and linkages with other regionalresources.

A comprehensive management plan shall be imple-mented that will not only address the long term man-agement of the park, but will also:

• Provide for the protection of park visitors and parkneighbors,

• Develop environmental and recreational pro-grams, and

• Enhance park/open space activities and re-sources.

OVERVIEW OF THE CONCEPT PLAN

This Concept Plan is the result of a multi-jurisdictionalplanning effort in the Otay River Valley by the County ofSan Diego and the cities of Chula Vista and San Diego.Much of the land within the Concept Plan is privatelyowned and has development potential based on exist-ing zoning, land use plans and other development regu-lations. The Concept Plan does not change existing zon-ing, land use plans or add new development regulations.It does not preclude private development. It providespolicy direction for the jurisdictions for coordinated landacquisition and development for the Regional Park, withinthis framework of private property rights.

The OVRP Policy Committe (PC)adopted this Goal Statement onJune 1, 1990.

A Joint Exercise of PowersAgreement (JEPA) for coordi-nated acquisition, planning anddesign of OVRP was executed onJanuary 30, 1990.(See Appendix A)


It proposes a boundary for OVRP and, following the di-rection of the Policy Committee in the Goal Statement,

• provides for the protection of environmentallysensitive areas and important cultural resourcesin an open space core,

• identifies areas adjacent to the open space foractive and passive recreational development op-portunities,

• includes a trail system with staging areas, viewpoints and overlooks and connections to adja-cent public lands and trails, and

• envisions two interpretive centers for environmen-tal and educational programs.

The Concept Plan consists of both this text and the ac-companying map.

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

Policy CommitteePolicy CommitteePolicy CommitteePolicy CommitteePolicy Committee

The Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement (JEPA) estab-lishes a three member Policy Committee (PC), consist-ing of one member from each participating jurisdiction,to set policy for the Regional Park. The PC membersare appointed by their respective Board and Councilsand have traditionally represented the districts whichinclude the Otay River Valley. The PC provides direc-tion to the jurisdictions and to the Citizens Advisory Com-mittee (CAC), makes decisions about planning and ac-quisition for the park, and provides recommendationsrelating to OVRP to their respective jurisdictions.

This Concept Plan does not callfor specific types of recreationaldevelopment or give detaileddesign plans for specific areas.These development decisions willbe made as master plans and sitespecific development plans areprepared.

Present Policy CommitteePresent Policy CommitteePresent Policy CommitteePresent Policy CommitteePresent Policy CommitteeMembersMembersMembersMembersMembers♦County Supervisor Greg Cox

(District 1)♦San Diego Council Member

Ralph Inzunza (District 8)♦Chula Vista Mayor Shirley

Horton

Past Policy CommitteePast Policy CommitteePast Policy CommitteePast Policy CommitteePast Policy CommitteeMembersMembersMembersMembersMembers♦Juan Vargas and Bob Filner,

former San Diego City CouncilMembers, District 8

♦Greg Cox, Gayle L. McCandlissand Tim Nader, former ChulaVista Mayors

♦Brian Bilbray, former County

Supervisor


Citizen Advisory CommitteeCitizen Advisory CommitteeCitizen Advisory CommitteeCitizen Advisory CommitteeCitizen Advisory Committee

The JEPA also establishes a 30-member Citizen Advi-sory Committee (CAC) to advise the PC on matters re-lating to the planning, acquisition, and design of OVRP.The CAC also advises the PC on land use matters withinthe Focused Planning Area that could impact the Re-gional Park.

CAC membership has traditionally included people rep-resenting community organizations, property owners, de-velopers, businesses, residents and recreation and en-

vironmental interest groups.

Joint StaffJoint StaffJoint StaffJoint StaffJoint Staff

The planning effort is implemented by staff from eachjurisdiction. Joint Staff provides technical park planningsupport and administrative assistance to the PC as wellas to the CAC. The County of San Diego has the lead foradministrative responsibilities and maintains the officialrecords for the JEPA.

Joint Staff and the planning effort received significantassistance in early outreach to the community from theUS National Park Service (NPS) Rivers and Trails Con-servation Assistance Program.

Jurisdictional StaffingJurisdictional StaffingJurisdictional StaffingJurisdictional StaffingJurisdictional Staffing

♦County Parks and RecreationDepartment

♦San Diego Departments of Com-munity and Economic Develop-ment and Park and Recreation

♦Chula Vista Departments ofPlanning and Parks, Recreationand Open Space

April 22, 1994


This Program was instrumental in providing technicalassistance and with this help:

• a Work Program was formulated to provide struc-ture for Joint Staff efforts,

• a community workshop was held to elicit the vi-sion of area residents,

• the Focused Planning Area was established tofocus the planning effort,

• a brochure was designed and printed to developcommunity support for the Park,

• the Goal Statement was set forth to identify thegoals for the Park, and

• a Progress Plan was developed to provide a work-ing diagram of the proposed OVRP for interimguidance for discussions about development ofOVRP.

Executive Management TeamExecutive Management TeamExecutive Management TeamExecutive Management TeamExecutive Management Team

An Executive Management Team (EMT) consisting ofone management representative from each jurisdiction,was formed for OVRP in February, 1992. The EMT pro-vides a unified vision for the Regional Park and assuresthe commitment for staffing and resources from eachjurisdiction for the Park efforts.

FOCUSED PLANNING AREA (FPA)

This Concept Plan falls within an FPA established for thePark. The FPA stretches about thirteen miles along theOtay River from South San Diego Bay to the Otay Lakesand includes most of the drainages into the Otay River.See Appendix B.

Adopted by the jurisdictions, it focused the planning ef-forts for this Concept Plan and identifies the area whereprivate development plans may affect future develop-ment or enjoyment of the Park.

♦The PC accepted the ProgressPlan on October 5, 1990.

The FPA was adopted by thejurisdictions in December, 1992and January, 1993, with ChulaVista designating the areas ofWolf, Salt Creek and PoggiCanyons as “Special Study Areas(SSAs).”

♦San Diego County DeputyChief Administrative Officer

♦Chula Vista City Manager♦San Diego Deputy City Man-

ager


OTHER REGIONAL PUBLIC PLANNINGEFFORTS IN THE OTAY RIVER VALLEY

Several regional public planning efforts are being un-dertaken that include the Otay River Valley. In general,the goals of these planning efforts are complementary,seeking to protect sensitive environmental resources inthe region within a framework of private property rights.These regional plans have shaped the development ofthe OVRP Concept Plan. This Concept Plan has beenprepared to complement those future plans, just as theywill provide synergy for creation of the Regional Park.

The Multiple Species Conservation Program (MSCP) isa comprehensive habitat conservation planning programfor the southwestern portion of San Diego County. TheMSCP identifies the open space core of the OVRP Con-cept Plan as open space in its Multiple Habitat PlanningArea. Recognizing the importance of this regional con-servation effort, the Concept Plan has been developedto be consistent with the MSCP. Uses and developmentof the Regional Park will be subject to the developmentguidelines of the MSCP in order to meet regional goalsof protecting important environmentally sensitive areas.

The San Diego National Wildlife Refuge will be the U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service’s contribution, in cooperationwith the MSCP plan and other conservation plans, toconserve and manage wildlife habitats and to providefor wildlife-related public-use opportunities in the SanDiego Region. As currently planned, the Refuge wouldbe comprised of Otay-Sweetwater, Vernal Pools, andSouth San Diego Bay refuge units.

METHODOLOGY AND PLANNINGCONSIDERATIONS

Community InvolvementCommunity InvolvementCommunity InvolvementCommunity InvolvementCommunity Involvement

The South Bay community has been closely involvedwith development of this Concept Plan. A CommunityWorkshop co-sponsored and facilitated by the NPS inthe formative year of the planning effort elicited com-munity concerns and visions for the future of the OtayRiver Valley.

♦Multiple Species Conservation

Program (MSCP)

♦US Fish and Wildlife ServiceSan Diego National Wildlife

Refuge


These community visions were formalized by Joint Staffand the NPS in the OVRP Progress Plan, an early plan-ning document that served to frame discussions aboutacquisition and development of OVRP in early stages ofpark planning.

The CAC, representing a variety of stakeholders in theOtay Valley, has provided ongoing input into plans forOVRP. Meeting regularly and using the Progress Plan asan interim basis for its recommendations, the CAC hasadvised on acquisitions for the Park, private develop-ment plans adjacent to the FPA that would likely impactenjoyment of the Park and the land uses and policiesthat are included in the Concept Plan.

Community, environmental, recreational and propertyowner special interest groups were consulted through-out 1995 and 1996 through presentations of the pre-

liminary draft Concept Plan map by Joint Staff.

Special Interest GroupsConsulted

♦Otay Mesa/Nestor CommunityPlanning Committee

♦South Bay Recreational Council♦Park and Recreation Board

Southern Area Committee♦Otay Mesa Recreational Coun-

cil♦Otay Mesa/Nestor Community

Council♦Chula Vista Parks and Recre-

ation Commission♦Southwest Redevelopment

Project/Area Committee♦Otay Valley Road Redevelop-

mentProject Area Committee♦County of San Diego Parks and

Recreation Advisory Board♦Property Owner Forums (See

Appendix C for a listing of

meetings and dates.)


Background SourcesBackground SourcesBackground SourcesBackground SourcesBackground Sources

The Concept Plan was developed using information froma variety of sources, studies and plans. The OVRPProgress Plan, on the direction of the PC, served as theframework for developing the Elements of the ConceptPlan, linking them to the visions and expectations of thestakeholders in the Valley.

Most information about existing land uses, biological andcultural resources and hydrology in the river valley iscompiled in the Otay River Valley Resources Report (Sep-tember, 1994), which should be used as a companionto this plan. A number of other plans and studies werealso consulted. (See Appendix D for additional informa-tion about these plans and how to obtain a copy or re-view them.)

Studies and Plans Used

♦Progress Plan♦Otay River Valley Resources

Report♦City Lakes Recreational Devel-

opment Plan♦Lower Otay River Wetlands

Enhancement Plan♦Otay Valley Regional Park

Master Plan♦Conceptual Master Plan, Otay

Valley Regional Park♦Otay River Valley Resource

Enhancement Plan♦Otay Ranch Resource Manage-

ment Plan (Phase 1)♦Otay Ranch General Develop-

ment Plan (GDP)/SubregionalPlan (SRP)

♦Otay Ranch Final ProgramEnvironmental Impact Report



CHAPTER 2EXISTING CONDITIONS


EXISTING CONDITIONSEXISTING CONDITIONSEXISTING CONDITIONSEXISTING CONDITIONSEXISTING CONDITIONSIN THE OTAY RIVERIN THE OTAY RIVERIN THE OTAY RIVERIN THE OTAY RIVERIN THE OTAY RIVERVALLEYVALLEYVALLEYVALLEYVALLEY

ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING

Regional and Local SettingRegional and Local SettingRegional and Local SettingRegional and Local SettingRegional and Local Setting

The Focused Planning Area for OVRP is located in thesouthern portion of San Diego County, four miles northof the United States/Mexico International Border. TheRegional Park to be developed through this Concept Planextends from the southeastern edge of the salt ponds atthe mouth of the river, through the Otay River Valley, tothe land surrounding both Lower and Upper Otay Lakes.

Heritage Road separates the western, urban area of thevalley from the more rural, open space lands to the east.West of Heritage Road, the river’s terraces have beendeveloped with commercial, industrial and residentialuses. The Concept Plan boundary is limited to the openlands of the floodplain and valley slopes defined by thisurban development.

East of Heritage Road, the valley remains in more ruralagricultural and open space lands. Here, the RegionalPark spreads out to incorporate the important habitatlands in finger canyons and on Otay Ranch that havebeen designated as part of the Otay Ranch Preserve.

The central core of the valley, including most of the flood-plain, remains open from the Bay to the Otay Lakes.However, the river bed itself has been used as a sourceof sand and gravel extraction and has been altered fromits natural width and depth; some mining and asphalt,concrete and cement operations continue in the flood-plain.

Southwest San Diego County

♦San Diego Bay♦Coastal plains♦Marine terraces♦River Valley♦Canyons♦Mesas♦Mountain slopes


Topography/Land FormTopography/Land FormTopography/Land FormTopography/Land FormTopography/Land Form

The topography of the planning area follows a typicalSan Diego County river pattern. At its mouth, the OtayRiver flows into South San Diego Bay. Thirteen miles tothe east, at the eastern end of the Park, the slopes aroundthe Otay Lakes reach an elevation of 600 feet.

The majority of the Concept Plan area is characterizedby relatively flat lands, with slopes of less than ten per-cent. The majority of these flat lands is within the flood-way and floodplain of the Otay River.

In the western portion of the Concept Plan area, the flood-way and floodplain have been altered by mining opera-tions. Salt ponds have been created at the river/bay in-terface and several fresh water ponds have been carvedout of the floodplain. This western portion of the flood-plain is relatively flat, with a gentle upward slope to thenorth and much steeper, higher slopes along the south-ern edge, some of them greater than twenty-five per-cent.

The eastern portion of the Concept Plan area includesRock Mountain, Dennery, Johnson and O’Neal Canyons,the major finger canyons along the south side of theriver and culminates at the Otay Lakes area. The rela-tively flat areas on the mesas at the eastern end of the

Otay Valley are undisturbed and support vernal pools.

HydrologyHydrologyHydrologyHydrologyHydrology

The Otay River’s watershed lies between the SweetwaterRiver basin to the north and the Tijuana River basin tothe south. The eastern end of the watershed is at thecrest of the Laguna Mountains and flows into South SanDiego Bay. Runoff from the watershed is partially storedin Upper and Lower Otay Reservoirs and diverted fromthe river itself.

The river flows east to west from Lower Otay Lake Res-ervoir to South San Diego Bay. Once a perennial stream,it now flows only intermittently. Stream flow generallyoccurs only during and immediately after rains becauseof the diversion of water within the watershed, althoughsignificant flows have occurred as a result of spills fromthe Lower Otay Lake Reservoir. Consequently, the overallflow regime is one of little or no flow over long periods,interrupted by episodic larger flows.

♦South San Diego Bay♦River Mouth♦Salt Ponds♦Floodway♦Floodplain♦Ponds♦Vernal Pools♦Mesas♦Hillsides♦Valley/Canyon Slopes♦Otay Lakes

♦Watershed: 143 square miles


The width, depth, slope and meandering pattern of thefloodway and floodplain of the river change in responseto changes in the environment in the watershed. A dras-tic change occurred in 1916 when the dam at LowerOtay Lake broke after heavy rains. Damming and in-stream mining have created conditions that result in ero-sion and the removal of sediment along the river.

Runoff from the upper portion of the watershed is par-tially stored in the Upper and Lower Otay Reservoirs.These reservoirs were designed for water supply, notflood control. They capture low and moderate runoffamounts from the watershed, but have only a slight ef-fect on major flood flows.

Upper Otay Lake Reservoir is formed by a dam in Proc-tor Valley. Lower Otay Lake Reservoir is formed by Sav-age Dam. Dulzura Creek flows into the eastern arm ofLower Otay Lake and water is stored from watershedrunoff as well as supplies from a regional water supply

aqueduct system.

Biological ResourcesBiological ResourcesBiological ResourcesBiological ResourcesBiological Resources

The Otay River Valley once supported abundant veg-etation that served as a focal point for life in the southbay. But, over time, the quality and integrity of biologi-cal resources in the valley have been fragmented anddisturbed by a variety of human activities. Salt mining,sand and gravel extraction operations, agriculture, ur-ban development and damming of the river at LowerOtay Lake have contributed to the current condition ofthe biological resources in the river valley.

Seventeen vegetation communities have been identifiedin the area covered by the Concept Plan. These com-munities, as well as the ponds and lakes, function ashabitat to a variety of birds, mammals, reptiles and am-phibians, including sensitive, rare and endangered spe-cies. (See Appendix E for a description of these vegeta-tion communities.)

♦River length: 13 miles♦Precipitation: 10"-18"/yr;

typically, November throughMarch

♦Maritime succulent scrub♦Diegan coastal sage scrub♦Southern mixed chaparral♦Chamise chaparral♦Southern interior cypress forest♦Southern riparian forest♦Southern willow scrub♦Mulefat scrub♦Tamarisk scrub♦Southern coastal salt march♦Coastal and valley fresh water

marsh♦Disturbed wetlands♦Native grassland♦Non-native grassland♦San Diego mesa vernal pools♦Ruderal vegetation♦Eucalyptus woodland

♦Reservoirs/Lakes:

>50,000 ac./ft.

♦Floodway/floodplain Character-istics


Cultural ResourcesCultural ResourcesCultural ResourcesCultural ResourcesCultural Resources

People have occupied the Otay River Valley and OtayMesa over the last 9,000 years. The area provided anabundance of water and related plant and animal foodsources, as well as a rich source of metavolcanic rock,used for the production of stone tools.

Cultural research projects in the FPA have identified over280 cultural resources (both prehistoric and historic) inthe planning area for the Park. These include isolatedartifacts, lithic artifact scatters, temporary camps, habi-tations sites, historic buildings and historic trash depos-its.

Two large prehistoric village complexes are located inthe planning area. These sites provide essential infor-mation regarding prehistoric and historic use and settle-ment of the Otay River Valley, as well as the large OtayMesa area and San Diego County. The sites on OtayMesa are interrelated through both time and space andeach site provides information to understand the past9,000 years of occupation on Otay Mesa.

The first non-native settlement in the Otay River Valleytook place in the 1800s with Spanish settlements inCalifornia. Development of Otay Mesa began in the late1880s in response to an economic boom that broughtthousands of people to the San Diego area. Land onOtay Mesa was promoted by speculators on the basis ofits agricultural potential and plans for future irrigationfacilities. Otay Ranch, one of the largest land holdingsin San Diego County, was assembled by Stephen Birchin the late 1930s. Historic resources remaining withinthe planning area for the Park include the Otay Ranchcomplex, portions of the Otay Dam and the Western SaltWorks.

♦PrehistoryEarly Period

San Dieguito/La Jolla7000 B.C. to 500 B.C.

Late PeriodKumeyaayA.D.850

♦HistorySpanish Period 1769-1821Mexican Period 1821-1848American Period 1848-present


URBAN SETTING

Regional and Local SettingRegional and Local SettingRegional and Local SettingRegional and Local SettingRegional and Local Setting

The planning area for the park lies within the bound-aries of several jurisdictions, with the land within theConcept Plan Boundary in the cities of San Diego, ChulaVista and the County of San Diego. The communities ofMontgomery, Otay, Otay Mesa and Otay Mesa/Nestorborder the river. Chula Vista has designated a numberof areas along the northern edge of the river as redevel-opment areas.

Regional access is available from Interstates 5 and 805and an existing trolley station located adjacent to thePark at Palm Avenue and Hollister Street in San Diego.West of I-805, Main Street and Palm Avenue parallel thelength of the valley along its north and south sides. Anumber of existing and planned local roads that crossthe valley will provide access to the Park. Regional ac-cess from Cornado and Imperial Beach is available fromSilver Strand Boulevard and points of Palm Avenue. TheBayshore Bikeway provides regional bicycle access.

General and Community PlansGeneral and Community PlansGeneral and Community PlansGeneral and Community PlansGeneral and Community Plans

The cities of San Diego and Chula Vista and the Countyapply a variety of General and Community Plans to thearea covered by the Concept Plan. Overall, the GeneralPlans for all jurisdictions designate the majority of thearea within the Concept Plan as Open Space or Envi-ronmentally Constrained Lands. The Chula Vista Parks,Recreation and Open Space Element of the General Plancalls for establishment of the Chula Vista Greenbelt sur-rounding the city and following the Otay River at itssouthern edge.

The Community Plans covering the area recognize thevalue of the river valley as a natural asset to their com-munities. They include policies which recommend pres-ervation of open space in the river valley and encouragepublic and private recreational development in the area.Several of the Community Plans encourage establish-ment of Otay Valley Regional Park.

♦San Diego♦Chula Vista♦County of San Diego♦Imperial Beach♦Coronado

♦National City

SAN DIEGO♦Progress Guide and General

Plan♦Otay Mesa Community Plan♦Otay Mesa/Nestor Community

Plan

CHULA VISTA♦General Plan♦Chula Vista Greenbelt♦Southwest Redevelopment

Project Area/MontgomerySpecific Plan

♦Otay Valley Road Redevelop-ment Project Area Plan

♦Otay Ranch General Develop-ment Plan

COUNTY♦General Plan♦Otay Ranch Subregional Plan


Within the Concept PlanExisting♦Amphitheater♦Asphalt/Concrete Batching♦Extraction♦Golf Driving Range♦Go-Cart Track♦Nurseries/Row Crops♦Water Park

Planned♦Open Space♦Commerial Recreation

Zoning and Other RegulationsZoning and Other RegulationsZoning and Other RegulationsZoning and Other RegulationsZoning and Other Regulations

Each jurisdiction has applied zoning regulations to landswithin the Concept Plan area. The majority of land in theConcept Plan is zoned “agricultural” or “floodway” withlimited areas of residential, commercial and industrialzoning. Some of the industrially zoned areas fall withinthe floodplain of the river.

Other development regulations have been applied in thevalley. Both the City of San Diego and the County haveadopted resource protection ordinances to protect sen-sitive environmental resources. The Resource Manage-ment Plan for Otay Ranch includes guidelines for pro-tection and management of lands in the Otay RanchPreserve.

Land Uses: West of Heritage RoadLand Uses: West of Heritage RoadLand Uses: West of Heritage RoadLand Uses: West of Heritage RoadLand Uses: West of Heritage Road

Heritage Road separates the western, urban area of thevalley from the more rural, open space lands to the east.West of Heritage Road, north of the river, the river’s ter-races have been developed with a heavily urbanized mixof commercial, industrial and residential uses. On thesouth side of the river, on the valley floor and adjoiningmesa, land uses are predominately residential, with as-sociated public and commercial facilities.

Uses within the area designated for the Park include twoasphalt and concrete batch plants, some limited extrac-tion activities, commercial recreation developments (ThePalms Golf Center, Fun Farm Go Karts and Arcade,Knotts Soak City U.S.A. Water Park, and Coors Amphi-theater), and a variety of agricultural operations rang-ing from row crops to wholesale and retail nurseries.Sand and gravel resources have been exhausted andonly limited extraction occurs; however, the remnantsof these activities remain in the form of material andequipment stockpiles, ponds and assorted debris.

Planning for a regional commercial recreation use adja-cent to the amphitheater within the Concept Plan Bound-ary is underway.

Zoning♦agricultural♦floodway/plain♦limited residential, commercial,

industrial

♦Resource Protection Ordi-nances (RPOs)

♦Resource Management Plan(RMP)

♦State Mining and ReclamationAct (SMARA)

Adjacent to the Concept Plan♦residential♦commercial♦industrial w/open storage♦Western Salt Works♦Chula Vista Auto Park♦Otay Landfill♦Animal Shelter


Land Uses: East of Heritage RoadLand Uses: East of Heritage RoadLand Uses: East of Heritage RoadLand Uses: East of Heritage RoadLand Uses: East of Heritage Road

East of Heritage Road, the valley remains in more ruralagricultural and open space lands. A number of largepublic facilities have been sited in the vicinity, includingthe East Mesa Detention Facility, the R.J. Donovan Cor-rectional Facility, and Brown Field. Large private devel-opments have been sited here as well. They include theArco Olympic Training Center.

Private development plans have been approved for resi-dential, commercial and industrial developments sur-rounding OVRP. They include Otay Ranch, the largestplanned development in San Diego County, and indus-trial areas with commercial nodes in the City of San Di-ego.

In this eastern part of the valley, the Regional Park wid-ens over the important habitat lands on Otay Ranch thathave been designated as part of the Otay Ranch Pre-serve. Uses within the area designated for the Park in-clude the quarry and batching operations at Rock Moun-tain, the open space area of the East Mesa DetentionFacility, portions of the Donovan Correctional Facilityand some other open space lands owned by the County,and several public and commercial recreational uses.These recreational uses include the San Diego Air Park,the Gun Club, San Diego’s Upper and Lower Otay Lakesand the associated boat launches, and Otay LakesCounty Park.

Important habitat lands in the Otay Ranch developmentwill be conserved in the Otay Ranch Preserve. The Pre-serve extends beyond the boundary of the OVRP Con-cept Plan and will cover over 11,000 acres of open spacelands. About 1,000 acres of the Preserve are contigu-ous with OVRP.

The San Diego National Wildlife Refuge covers the south-ern rim of the valley and western slopes of Otay Moun-

tain.

Adjacent to the Concept PlanExisting♦East Mesa Detention Facility♦R.J. Donovan Correctional

Facility♦Brown Field♦Olympic Training Center

Planned♦Otay Ranch♦Residential♦Commercial♦Industrial♦Open Space

Within the Concept PlanExisting♦Rock Mountain Quarry♦Gun Club♦Otay Lakes County Park♦Otay Lakes/boat launches♦Open Space♦Air Park

Planned♦Otay Ranch Preserve♦San Diego National Wildlife

Refuge


CHAPTER 3CONCEPT PLAN


OTAY VALLEYOTAY VALLEYOTAY VALLEYOTAY VALLEYOTAY VALLEYREGIONAL PARKREGIONAL PARKREGIONAL PARKREGIONAL PARKREGIONAL PARKCONCEPT PLANCONCEPT PLANCONCEPT PLANCONCEPT PLANCONCEPT PLAN

INTRODUCTION

Much of the land within the Concept Plan is privatelyowned and has development potential based on exist-ing zoning, land use plans and other development regu-lations. The Concept Plan does not change existing zon-ing, land use plans or add new development regulations.It does not preclude private development. It providespolicy direction for the jurisdictions for coordinated landacquisition and development for the Regional Park withinthis framework of private property rights. This chapterpresents

• general policies relating to overall acquisition anddevelopment of the Regional Park,

• descriptions of the Elements Elements Elements Elements Elements of the Concept Planand the policies relating to individual Elements,and

• a description of the Concept Plan Elements bySegments Segments Segments Segments Segments throughout the length of OVRP andpolicies relating to individual Elements by Seg-ment.

GENERAL POLICIES

These general policies apply to all Elements of the Con-cept Plan throughout the Otay Valley Regional Park.

Acquisition PoliciesAcquisition PoliciesAcquisition PoliciesAcquisition PoliciesAcquisition Policies

Policy: Take steps to acquire land for public use withinthe Concept Plan Boundary from willing sellers.

Policy: Use easements to implement Concept Plan Ele-ments when public acquisition is not possible.

Policy: Support private habitat mitigation banks thatimplement OVRP as a way to protect and preserve im-portant habitat lands in private ownership.


Acquisition/Management PoliciesAcquisition/Management PoliciesAcquisition/Management PoliciesAcquisition/Management PoliciesAcquisition/Management Policies

Policy: Coordinate open space management practices

with adjacent open space areas.

Development PoliciesDevelopment PoliciesDevelopment PoliciesDevelopment PoliciesDevelopment Policies

Policy: Site and develop Park features and facilities, con-sistent with the requirements and guidelines of the MSCPand all federal, state and local policies.

Policy: In the OVRP portion of Otay Ranch Preserve, siteand develop Park features and facilities within the OpenSpace/Core Preserve Area consistent with the require-ments and guidelines of the MSCP and the RMP.

Policy: Support private development within the Bound-ary of the Park that implements Elements of the Plan.

Policy: Encourage and support continuation of the ex-isting commercial recreational uses within OVRP.

Policy: Encourage private development that occurswithin or adjacent to OVRP to provide linkages with OVRPtrails and, as appropriate, to provide open space, recre-ational facilities, staging and viewing areas in conjunc-tion with the Park.

Policy: Support commercial recreational developmentswithin the Park that offer joint public and private use offacilities, public access points, parking and trails intoand through OVRP.

Policy: Encourage mutually beneficial agreements withprivate development within the Boundary of the Park toprovide a direct economic benefit to both the Park andthe development. That benefit to the Park could be dedi-cation of land, provision of easements, contribution of aportion of revenues or user fees or some other negoti-ated benefit. Benefit to the development could includeactive support of the project by the Park, joint market-ing or publicity, shared development of joint use facili-ties, development incentives or some other negotiatedbenefits to be determined.


Policy: If questions arise aboutthe location or extent of theBoundary, give consideration tothe suitability of the questionedarea for the use identified by theConcept Plan for that portion ofthe Park.

Policy: Incorporate Staging Areas and Viewpoint andOverlook Areas within Recreation Areas whenever pos-sible.

Policy: Encourage recreational uses as buffers betweenthe Open Space/Core Preserve Area and new privatedevelopment.

Policy: Encourage development standards for new roadsacross the Otay River to minimize impacts to habitatand wildlife movement as well as trail connectivity. This

may include bridge and other roadway design criteria.

CONCEPT PLAN ELEMENTS

This section describes the Elements of the Concept Planand states policies related to the Elements. The Ele-ments are:• Boundary• Alternative Boundary• Open Space/Core Preserve Area• Recreation Area• Trail Corridor• Staging Area• Viewpoint and Overlook Area• Interpretive Center• Park Study Area

BoundaryBoundaryBoundaryBoundaryBoundary

The Boundary defines the area in which future park ac-quisition and development should occur. The Bound-ary is located within the FPA boundary and is a concep-tual boundary that does not strictly follow property lines.It is intended to outline and generally identify the areasneeded to protect sensitive resources or the areas thatwould be suitable for recreational uses.

Much of the property within the Boundary is privatelyowned. It is intended that this property will eventuallybe acquired for public park use; however, private devel-opment consistent with existing zoning and developmentregulations may occur. Private development of recre-ational uses or preservation of open space is appropri-ate and can serve to implement the Concept Plan Ele-ments.


Trail or open space easements within the Boundary couldbe used to implement the Concept Plan Elements.

Alternative BoundaryAlternative BoundaryAlternative BoundaryAlternative BoundaryAlternative Boundary

The Concept Plan includes an Alternative Boundary. TheAlternative Boundary is used for areas that

• are outside of the FPA but have been identifiedas open space in private development plans andconnect to the Open Space/Core Preserve Areaof the Park, or

• have the potential to offer a significant opportu-nity for open space or recreation in the future.

Open Space/Core Preserve AreaOpen Space/Core Preserve AreaOpen Space/Core Preserve AreaOpen Space/Core Preserve AreaOpen Space/Core Preserve Area

The Concept Plan Open Space/Core Preserve Area isintended to protect biologically sensitive habitat areasand provide a regional wildlife corridor from South SanDiego Bay to the Otay Lakes. It consists of wetland ar-eas including the Otay River, permanent and seasonalponds and vernal pools, steep slopes, biologically sen-sitive areas, habitat linkages and disturbed areas whereresources will be enhanced. In general, most of the flood-way and floodplain of the river and most slopes over25% have been included within the Open Space/CorePreserve Area.

The boundary of the Open Space/Core Preserve Area iscontiguous with the Multiple Habitat Planning Area(MHPA) boundary designated in the Subarea Plans forthe cities of San Diego and Chula Vista and the County’sSouthern Segment Plan of the Multiple Species Conser-vation Program (MSCP). Trails, staging areas, viewpointsand overlooks and interpretive centers may be locatedand developed within this area, subject to the require-ments and guidelines of the MSCP.

A portion of the Open Space/Core Preserve Area in-cludes sensitive resource lands that will be assembledwest of Otay Lakes for the Otay Ranch Preserve. TheOtay Ranch Resource Management Plan (RMP) guidesmanagement of Preserve lands and includes guidelinesfor siting and developing uses within the Otay RanchPreserve.

Policy: Consider connectivity tothe Open Space/Core PreserveArea as well as appropriateownership and financing mecha-nisms for managing the openspace when determining theultimate Boundary for the Park.

Policy: Restore and enhancedisturbed areas in the OpenSpace/Core Preserve Area con-sistent with the MSCP.

Policy: Maintain the naturalfloodplain; prohibitchannelization of the floodplain.


Policy: If questions arise aboutthe extent of a Recreation Area,give consideration to its suitabil-ity for recreation, open space orother private development or asa buffer between developmentand the Open Space/Core Pre-serve Area.

Policy: Develop Recreation Areasconsistent with the policies andguidelines of the MSCP for devel-opment adjacent to the MHPA.

Policy: Support joint use ofcommercial recreational facilitieswithin OVRP. Consider alternateprivate/public uses when and

where appropriate.

Recreation AreaRecreation AreaRecreation AreaRecreation AreaRecreation Area

Recreation Areas are areas that may be suitable for avariety of active or passive recreational uses. They maybe vacant or have existing recreational uses, are rela-tively flat, have been previously disturbed or lack sensi-tive biological resources and have the potential for ac-cess from regional or local circulation roads. They areintended to provide land suitable for development of rec-reational facilities that are regional in scope and mayalso serve community and neighborhood needs. Theymay also provide Staging Areas and Viewpoint and Over-look Areas, as appropriate.

The Recreation Areas are shown as “bubbles” on theConcept Plan Map, and, like the Park Boundary, these“bubbles” do not strictly follow property lines. They areintended to identify the general extent of areas that wouldbe suitable for recreational uses.

Recreation Areas are located outside of the boundariesof the MHPA of the MSCP and many have existing pri-vate development potential, consistent with zoning,planned land uses and other development regulations,including the potential for private and public recreationaldevelopment. Both public and private recreational de-velopments may implement this Element of the Con-cept Plan.

The Concept Plan does not change existing zoning,planned land uses or add new development regulations,nor does it preclude private development in RecreationAreas consistent with existing zoning or planned landuses. It is expected that some Recreation Areas or por-tions of Recreation Areas may be developed privatelywith uses that do not implement the Concept Plan. Rec-reation Areas are proposed in conjunction with the re-quirements of the Otay Ranch development. The OtayRanch RMP includes guidelines for siting and develop-ing recreational uses within the area of the Otay RanchPreserve.


Trail CorridorTrail CorridorTrail CorridorTrail CorridorTrail Corridor

Trail Corridors are intended to provide a continuous linkthrough the Park, connecting the Recreation Areas andInterpretive Centers through the Open Space/Core Pre-serve Area. The Trail Corridor provides for hiking, bicy-cling and equestrian trails, although these trails may notshare the same locations and may not all be establishedalong the entire length of OVRP.

A Trail Corridor is intended to identify a generalized lo-cation for trails in the Park. Trails should be located onboth sides of the river wherever possible, with crossingswhere appropriate. Trail Corridors should provide loopedtrails and should connect to other regional trails offsite,including the Bayshore Bikeway to the west, the City ofChula Vista Greenbelt trails which will provide a con-nection to Sweetwater Regional Park, and the Bureau ofLand Management (BLM) holdings to the east.

Staging AreaStaging AreaStaging AreaStaging AreaStaging Area

Staging Areas function as neighborhood or regional ac-cess points to the Park and may be located convenientlynear public transit stations or stops. They may provideaccess to Trail Corridors or Recreation Areas or link thetwo. There may be car and/or bicycle parking, picnicfacilities and interpretive kiosks or signs in Staging Ar-eas.

Staging Areas should not be limited to those specifiedon the Concept Plan map, but should be developed asopportunities are presented.

Viewpoint and Overlook AreaViewpoint and Overlook AreaViewpoint and Overlook AreaViewpoint and Overlook AreaViewpoint and Overlook Area

Viewpoint and Overlook Areas provide sites for shortand long range views into and through the Park. Theyare generally located at the edges of the Park Boundary.Some are designated outside of the Park Boundary atpublic facilities or along public roads.

They are intended to be used as areas for passive en-joyment of the Park and may include minimal seatingand interpretive signage. They are generally associatedwith Recreation Areas, Trail Corridors and Staging Ar-eas and do not stand alone in the Open Space/Core Pre-serve Area.

Policy: Provide trails that connectto other regional trails offsite andto existing and future park facili-ties located adjacent to or nearOVRP.

Policy: Utilize existing fire andutility roads and easements fortrails to minimize impacts tosensitive resources.

Policy: With the exception ofborder patrol, maintenance and/or emergency vehicles, prohibitoff highway (motorized) vehicleuse throughout OVRP.

Policy: Encourage joint develop-ment of interpretive displays atViewpoint and Overlook Areaslocated at public facilities outsideof the Concept Plan Boundary.


Viewpoint and Overlook Areas should not be limited tothose specified on the Concept Plan map, but should bedeveloped as opportunities are presented.

Interpretive CenterInterpretive CenterInterpretive CenterInterpretive CenterInterpretive Center

Interpretive Centers are intended to provide an opportu-nity to present environmental education and historicalinterpretation for OVRP users. They may include a struc-ture with related parking areas or may be as simple as asmall outdoor area with a kiosk, located along a trail orstaging area.

The Otay Ranch Resource Management Plan (RMP) callsfor an Interpretive Center for the Otay Ranch Preserve.The Concept Plan envisions this Interpretive Center withinthe Boundary of the Park. The RMP will guide siting anddeveloping an Interpretive Center within the Park andthe Otay Ranch Preserve.

Park Study AreaPark Study AreaPark Study AreaPark Study AreaPark Study Area

Park Study Areas are areas that have a special relation-ship to the Regional Park. They have the potential tooffer a significant opportunity for open space or recre-ation in the future but are:

• outside of the Focused Planning Area, or

• under a conditional use permit with such a longterm that the future use cannot be determined atthis time, or

• have a potential for habitat restoration or resourcepreservation that has not been sufficiently ad-dress.

Additional environmental and land use analysis may benecessary to determine appropriate land uses for ParkStudy Areas.

Policy: Provide InterpretiveCenters in both the western andeastern areas of the Park.

Policy: Give special consider-ation to recreational uses infuture analyses to determine theappropriate land uses for ParkStudy Areas.


CONCEPT PLAN SEGMENTS

For ease of description, the Concept Plan has been di-vided into five Segments. This section identifies and de-scribes each Segment, the Elements in each Segment,and the Policies for each Segment.

The Segments are:

• South San Diego Bay to Interstate 5,• Interstate 5 to Interstate 805,• Interstate 805 to Heritage Road

(Paseo Ranchero),• Heritage Road (Paseo Ranchero) to

Otay Lakes Vicinity, and• Otay Lakes Vicinity.

Concept PlanConcept PlanConcept PlanConcept PlanConcept PlanOtay Valley Regional ParkOtay Valley Regional ParkOtay Valley Regional ParkOtay Valley Regional ParkOtay Valley Regional Park


South San Diego Bay to Interstate 5South San Diego Bay to Interstate 5South San Diego Bay to Interstate 5South San Diego Bay to Interstate 5South San Diego Bay to Interstate 5

This Segment is the western anchor of the OVRP. It con-tains:

• a portion of the South Bay Marine BiologyStudy Area, an area of the bay under lease bySan Diego County from the U.S. Navy, which in-cludes a parking area and a bicycle trail segmentrunning along Silver Strand Boulevard.

• the important habitat lands of the Bay that havetraditionally been used for salt mining, includingthe dikes and salt ponds,

• the mouth of the river which creates the marsh-lands of the bay/river interface, and

• a flatter disturbed area to the south of the riverthat is vacant and has been used for agriculturalactivities.

Regional access is available from Interstate 5, MainStreet, Palm Avenue and Silver Strand Boulevard. TheBayshore Bikeway is proposed to extend through the

Segment.


SEGMENT: SOUTH SAN DIEGO BAY TO INTERSTATE 5SEGMENT: SOUTH SAN DIEGO BAY TO INTERSTATE 5SEGMENT: SOUTH SAN DIEGO BAY TO INTERSTATE 5SEGMENT: SOUTH SAN DIEGO BAY TO INTERSTATE 5SEGMENT: SOUTH SAN DIEGO BAY TO INTERSTATE 5

Other Map Information

Municipal Boundary

Existing Roads

Rivers

Trolley Lines

Lakes/Bays

Plan Elements

Boundary

Alternative Boundary

Trail Corridor

Open Space/Preserve Area

Recreation Area

Park Study Area

South Bay

Wildlife Refuge

Staging Area

Interpretive Center

Interpretive CenterAlternative Sites

Viewpoint/Overlook

Legend


Elements in This Segment

The Salt WorksSalt WorksSalt WorksSalt WorksSalt Works, including the salt ponds are within thejurisdictions of Imperial Beach, National City, Coronado,San Diego, and Chula Vista. While this area was includedwithin the Focused Planning Area, it is now within theSouth Bay Wildlife Refuge, owned and managed by theU.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The wildlife refuge formsthe western boundary of Otay Valley Regional Park.

The salt ponds area, with its current operations supportimportant nesting and foraging areas extending from themouth of the Otay River to the Silver Strand. The U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service proposes to phase out the saltworks and to restore the area to its historic natural habi-tat.

A Recreation Area Recreation Area Recreation Area Recreation Area Recreation Area (Recreation Area #1) of about 40acres is designated on a site on the south side of theriver between Nestor Creek and I-5 that is vacant andhas been disturbed previously by agriculture.

Three Trail CorridorsTrail CorridorsTrail CorridorsTrail CorridorsTrail Corridors run through this Segment. Oneruns north/south along the existing bicycle path on Sat-urn Boulevard and could provide a connection to theeast. A second follows the existing bicycle path alongSilver Strand Boulevard. The third is intended to pro-vide a corridor for the proposed Bayshore Bikeway whichwill link the existing trails.

One Staging Area Staging Area Staging Area Staging Area Staging Area is located at the South Bay MarineBiology Study Area.

Policies for This Segment

Policy: Encourage continuationof salt mining as a way to protectand preserve important habitatlands.

Policy: Revegetate and enhancesalt marsh and riparian habitatsat the bay/river interface.


Several Viewpoint and Overlook AreasViewpoint and Overlook AreasViewpoint and Overlook AreasViewpoint and Overlook AreasViewpoint and Overlook Areas are located ad-jacent to the Segment. The first is at the South Bay Ma-rine Biology Study Area. This Viewpoint and OverlookArea offers short range views into the salt ponds andlong range views across the Bay to the mountains at theeastern end of OVRP. It provides an excellent opportu-nity for bird watching.

A second Viewpoint and Overlook Area is proposed atthe north end of 13th Street. It provides views into thesalt ponds and north across the Bay to downtown SanDiego.

A third is proposed at Palm Avenue between 13th Streetand 15th Street It also provides views into the salt pondsand north across the Bay to downtown San Diego.

An Interpretive Center Interpretive Center Interpretive Center Interpretive Center Interpretive Center within the adjacent South BayWildlife Refuge could capture the opportunity to pro-vide interpretation and information about the resourcesat the bay/river interface and the unique relationshipbetween the salt mining activities and natural resources.


Interstate 5 to Interstate 805Interstate 5 to Interstate 805Interstate 5 to Interstate 805Interstate 5 to Interstate 805Interstate 5 to Interstate 805

This Segment runs through a highly urbanized area. Itcontains:

• about 78 acres of habitat lands in the floodway/floodplain that were purchased by the cities ofChula Vista and San Diego for OVRP with fundsfrom the California Coastal Conservancy.

• lands in private ownership currently operating un-der conditional/special use permits from the cit-ies of San Diego and Chula Vista for mining andconcrete and asphalt batching activities. Theselands include a series of seasonal and perma-nent fresh water ponds created by previous min-ing activities,

• private property currently developed with thePalms Golf Center and Fun Farm Go-Kart andArcade,

• disturbed and undisturbed steep slopes along thesouth side of the river in the eastern portion ofthe Segment, and

• sites with gentler slopes and level areas alongthe floodplain fringe on both sides of the river.These sites are being used for agricultural op-erations or are vacant and have no sensitive bio-logical resources. A eucalyptus grove exists onthe south side of the river.

Regional access is available from Interstate 5 and 805as well as a Trolley Station at Palm Avenue and HollisterStreet. Local access is available from Palm Avenue, MainStreet, Hollister Street, Beyer Boulevard and Beyer Way.


SEGMENT: INTERSTATE 5 TO INTERSTATE 805SEGMENT: INTERSTATE 5 TO INTERSTATE 805SEGMENT: INTERSTATE 5 TO INTERSTATE 805SEGMENT: INTERSTATE 5 TO INTERSTATE 805SEGMENT: INTERSTATE 5 TO INTERSTATE 805


Municipal Boundary

Existing Roads

Rivers

Trolley Lines

Lakes/Bays

Plan Elements

Boundary


Trail Corridor


Recreation Area

Park Study Area

Staging Area

Interpretive Center


Viewpoint/Overlook

Legend


Elements in This Segment :

The Open Space/Core Preserve Area Open Space/Core Preserve Area Open Space/Core Preserve Area Open Space/Core Preserve Area Open Space/Core Preserve Area is designated overa major portion of the floodway and floodplain in thisSegment. Areas currently used by mining and batchingoperations are recommended to be converted to openspace at the end of their permitted operations.

Six Recreation Areas Recreation Areas Recreation Areas Recreation Areas Recreation Areas totaling about 185 acres are in-cluded along both sides of the river in this Segment.

• Recreation Area #2: about 25 acres; partially de-veloped with the Palms Golf Center and Fun FarmGo-Kart and Arcade.

• Recreation Area #3: about 45 acres; some agri-cultural activities and vacant land.

• Recreation Area #4: about 45 acres; associatedwith the Southwest Redevelopment Project Areain Chula Vista.

• Recreation Area #5: about 10 acres; vacant, witha creek drainage running north to south.

• Recreation Area #6: about 35 acres, vacant, witha creek drainage running north to south.

• Recreation Area #7: about 25 acres, eucalyptusgroves, vacant, adjacent to I-805.

Trail CorridorsTrail CorridorsTrail CorridorsTrail CorridorsTrail Corridors are shown along both the north and southsides of the river with looped connections where pos-sible in order to create a series of shorter loops suitablefor use in this urbanized area.


Policy: Convert land uses fromsand and gravel mining andbatching operations to openspace or uses consistent with theConcept Plan as conditional usepermit terms expire.

Policy: In light of the potentialvalue of the terrace lands west ofI-805 and north of the river foraccommodating active recreationand for providing a buffer to thefloodway of the river channel, beamenable to acquisition of par-cels in these terrace lands asthey become available, and ifthey are not encumbered byenvironmental pollution or otherfactors making them unsuitablefor park development.


Five Staging Areas Staging Areas Staging Areas Staging Areas Staging Areas are shown on the south side of theriver. One is proposed in conjunction with the TrolleyStation at Hollister and Palm. The second is on the northside of Palm Avenue, adjacent to the Baptist Church.The third is at a site on Beyer Boulevard that is currentlybeing used by an agricultural operation. The fourth isadjacent to important resource areas and is reached fromBeyer Way. The fifth is on Murrieta Circle, as part of aSan Diego Gas and Electric Company maintenance road.This fifth Staging Area is appropriate for neighborhood,rather than regional, access.

Viewpoint and Overlook Viewpoint and Overlook Viewpoint and Overlook Viewpoint and Overlook Viewpoint and Overlook Areas are identified at four pointsoutside of the Concept Plan Boundary on the southernbluffs overlooking the river. Two offer long distance viewsto the east and west from schools located just outsidethe southern Boundary of the Park. One is located at therear of the Montgomery High School stadium, anotheris at Finney Elementary School. These Areas offer uniqueopportunities to coordinate with the schools to provideinterpretive signage and materials for students. Specialarrangements will have to be made if access is to beprovided to the general public.

Two more Viewpoint and Overlook Areas are located inresidential developments on the south side of the river.One is the northern end of Cochran Avenue; the secondis on Murrieta Circle at the Staging Area.


Interstate 805 to Heritage RoadInterstate 805 to Heritage RoadInterstate 805 to Heritage RoadInterstate 805 to Heritage RoadInterstate 805 to Heritage Road(Paseo Ranchero)(Paseo Ranchero)(Paseo Ranchero)(Paseo Ranchero)(Paseo Ranchero)

This Segment is very environmentally disturbed and de-graded. Sand and gravel extraction in the stream bedhave shifted the natural path of the river and createdartificial elevations in the floodway/floodplain. Devel-opment along both sides of the river and widening ofOtay Valley Road have constrained the river to a verynarrow corridor in this Segment.

This Segment contains:

• agricultural uses adjacent to I-805,

• a narrow floodway/floodplain corridor where noactivities currently occur,

• an area proposed, but not yet finalized, as openspace in Dennery Canyon, part of approved pri-vate development plans,

• an area at the southern end of Brandywine Street,developed as part of the Chula Vista Auto Parkand identified as a Staging Area for the Park, and

• the Otay Rio Business Park, where infrastructurehas been installed on a portion of the site.

Access is available from Otay Valley Road, at the southend of Brandywine and at the Otay Rio Business Park.


An Alternative Boundary Alternative Boundary Alternative Boundary Alternative Boundary Alternative Boundary extends the Park southwest,with the Open Space/Core Preserve Area designation,to provide open space on additional canyon slopes andhillsides contiguous with Dennery Canyon. This area isoutside of the FPA, but it is designated for open spaceand appears to connect habitat and a wildlife corridorwith the OVRP.



SEGMENT: INTERSTATE 805 TO HERITAGE ROAD (Paseo Ranchero)SEGMENT: INTERSTATE 805 TO HERITAGE ROAD (Paseo Ranchero)SEGMENT: INTERSTATE 805 TO HERITAGE ROAD (Paseo Ranchero)SEGMENT: INTERSTATE 805 TO HERITAGE ROAD (Paseo Ranchero)SEGMENT: INTERSTATE 805 TO HERITAGE ROAD (Paseo Ranchero)


Municipal Boundary

Existing Roads

Future Roads

Rivers

Trolley Lines

Lakes/Bays

Plan Elements

Boundary


Trail Corridor


Recreation Area

Park Study Area

Interpretive Center

Interpretive Center

Alternative Sites

Viewpoint/Overlook

Legend

Staging Area


The final configuration of this open space area has notyet been determined. Therefore, the connection to theOpen Space/Core Preserve Area of the Park cannot beassessed. In addition, maintenance and managementcosts for the area may be borne more appropriately bythe development rather than the Regional Park.

However, regardless of whether this area is ultimatelyincluded within the Park, management practices for thePark Open Space/Core Preserve Area should be coor-dinated with this open space area.

An Alternative Boundary also extends the Park north,with the Park Study Area designation, to the Otay Land-fill. The Landfill is outside of the FPA and has a longoperating term. Final uses for the site have not yet beendetermined. Therefore, the connection and use withinthe Regional Park cannot be assessed. The AlternativeBoundary is used for the Landfill so that future openspace or recreational opportunities within the context ofthe Regional Park may be assessed.

The narrow river corridor and Dennery Canyon havebeen designated as Open Space/Core Preserve Area Open Space/Core Preserve Area Open Space/Core Preserve Area Open Space/Core Preserve Area Open Space/Core Preserve Area inthis Segment.

Two Recreation Areas Recreation Areas Recreation Areas Recreation Areas Recreation Areas are located in the Segment.

• Recreation Area #8: about 35 acres, adjacent toI- 805, with some warehousing, truck storage andagricultural uses occurring, and

• Recreation Area #9: The Otay Rio Business Park,about 145 acres, a multi-purpose amphitheaterand a water park have been developed on thissite that was previously designated for industrialdevelopment.

Trail CorridorsTrail CorridorsTrail CorridorsTrail CorridorsTrail Corridors run along both sides of the Boundary andextend south into Dennery Canyon and north to the OtayLandfill. The Trail Corridors are shown crossing the riverto provide a loop trail in this Segment; however, a looptrail may be difficult to implement because of the nar-row river corridor.


Although the Open Space/Core Preserve Area is nar-row in this Segment, it may be possible to site trails alongthe lower slope easement for Otay Valley Road on thenorth side of the river and along utility easements run-ning along the bottom of the slopes of the south side ofthe river.

A small Staging AreaStaging AreaStaging AreaStaging AreaStaging Area exists at the southern end ofBrandywine Street.

The Otay Landfill is designated as a Park Study Area.Park Study Area.Park Study Area.Park Study Area.Park Study Area.Although it is outside of the FPA for the Park and it has along operating term, when it closes it may offer recre-ational or open space opportunities for the region. Theseopportunities should be explored in the context of theirproximity to OVRP.

Viewpoint and Overlook Areas are not identified in thisSegment; however, they should be developed as oppor-tunities are presented.

Policy: When the Otay Landfillcloses, if open space or recre-ational uses are developed,extend trails from OVRP toconnect to the Landfill area.

Policy: When considering enduses for the Otay Landfill, con-sider the area’s proximity toOVRP

Policy: Encourage developmentof Viewpoints and Overlooks inthis Segment.


Heritage Road (Paseo Ranchero) to OtayHeritage Road (Paseo Ranchero) to OtayHeritage Road (Paseo Ranchero) to OtayHeritage Road (Paseo Ranchero) to OtayHeritage Road (Paseo Ranchero) to OtayLakes VicinityLakes VicinityLakes VicinityLakes VicinityLakes Vicinity

With the exception of Rock Mountain, the majority ofthis Segment is part of the planned Otay Ranch Pre-serve.

This Segment includes:

• Rock Mountain, a quarry operation with associ-ated asphalt and concrete operations,

• a portion of the planned Otay Ranch Preserve,which will cover important habitat lands in theSegment, including a large vernal pool area, andsensitive cultural sites,

• the Gun Club/Bird Ranch, which is developed witha private shooting range, and

• a portion of undeveloped area of the R.J.Donovan Correctional Facility.

Access is limited currently but will become possible atLa Media Road, SR-125, Alta Road and Hunte Parkwayas Otay Ranch develops.


The Open Space/Core Preserve Area Open Space/Core Preserve Area Open Space/Core Preserve Area Open Space/Core Preserve Area Open Space/Core Preserve Area is contiguous witha portion of the Otay Ranch Preserve in this segment.

Two Recreation Areas Recreation Areas Recreation Areas Recreation Areas Recreation Areas are designated in this Segment.These Recreation Areas will be developed in conjunc-tion with the Resource Management Plan for the OtayRanch Preserve, which calls for up to 400 acres of rec-reational uses within the Preserve.

• Recreation Area #10: about 125 acres, currentlyused as the Bird Ranch/Gun Club.

• Recreation Area #11: about 200 acres, vacantland disturbed by agricultural activities and graz-ing. It should be located on both sides of thecorridor for SR 125. Sensitive cultural resourcesmay constrain development of this area.


Policy: Encourage and supportcreation of the Otay RanchPreserve as a method of imple-menting Park goals.

Policy: Arrange coordinationbetween Otay Ranch plannersand OVRP staff so as to preserveviable wildlife corridors andmeaningful recreational connec-tions between Poggi and Wolfcanyons and OVRP.

Policy: Cluster Recreation Area#11 development around SR 125and Hunte Parkway to provideconvenient access and minimizedisturbance to the Open Space/Core Preserve Area.


SEGMENT: HERITAGE ROAD (Paseo Ranchero)SEGMENT: HERITAGE ROAD (Paseo Ranchero)SEGMENT: HERITAGE ROAD (Paseo Ranchero)SEGMENT: HERITAGE ROAD (Paseo Ranchero)SEGMENT: HERITAGE ROAD (Paseo Ranchero)TO OTAY LAKES VICINITYTO OTAY LAKES VICINITYTO OTAY LAKES VICINITYTO OTAY LAKES VICINITYTO OTAY LAKES VICINITY


Municipal Boundary

Existing Roads

Future Roads

Rivers

Trolley Lines

Lakes/Bays

Plan Elements

Boundary


Trail Corridor


Recreation Area

Park Study Area

Staging Area

Interpretive Center


Viewpoint/Overlook

Legend


Policy: Consider regional recre-ation uses at Rock Mountainwhen operations are discontin-ued. If recreational uses are notappropriate, consider open spaceuses or other uses compatiblewith OVRP.

Policy: Conduct further environ-mental studies of the area east ofthe Gun Club/Bird Ranch todetermine the resource value andappropriate use of the site.

Policy: Coordinate trail planningwith the State Department ofCorrections to determine feasibil-ity of trail corridors in the vicinityof the R. J. Donovan CorrectionalFacility.

Policy: Encourage developmentof Staging Areas and Viewpointsand Overlooks in this Segment.

Trail CorridorsTrail CorridorsTrail CorridorsTrail CorridorsTrail Corridors extend along both sides of the river, fol-low Johnson, and O’Neal Canyons and continue offsiteto regional trails proposed in Salt Creek Canyon andfurther to the east\southeast. A Trail Corridor is shownbetween the planned private development on Otay Mesato the south of the Park and the RJ Donovan Correc-tional Facility. This Trail Corridor is an important link toBLM lands to the east.

Staging Areas and Viewpoint and Overlook Areas arenot identified in this Segment; however, they should bedeveloped as opportunities are presented.

An Interpretive CenterInterpretive CenterInterpretive CenterInterpretive CenterInterpretive Center is included in this Segment and isalso proposed as part of the Otay Ranch RMP. The RMPdoes not specify the location of the Interpretive Centerbut identifies this potential area as a possible location.

The Concept Plan envisions one Interpretive Center inthe eastern portion of the Park. This Segment providesa possible location in the vicinity of Recreation Area #11.However, another location may be developed and theConcept Plan map shows a second possible location foran Interpretive Center in the eastern area of the Park inthe Otay Lakes and Vicinity Segment.

Rock Mountain and a 30-50 acre disturbed site south ofthe river and east of the Gun Club/Bird Ranch have beendesignated as Park Study Areas.Park Study Areas.Park Study Areas.Park Study Areas.Park Study Areas.

Operations at Rock Mountain are expected to continuefor about 50 years. A number of land uses, includingrecreational uses, may be appropriate when operationsare discontinued and the site is reclaimed.

The 30-50 acre site east of the Gun Club/Bird Ranchhas been disturbed by agricultural operations and ap-pears to be suitable for recreational development. How-ever, the habitat and wildlife corridor value of the sitehave not been determined at this time and further studyis needed before the site can be designated for recre-ational or other uses.


Otay Lakes VicinityOtay Lakes VicinityOtay Lakes VicinityOtay Lakes VicinityOtay Lakes Vicinity

This Segment encompasses both Upper and Lower OtayLakes, the surrounding slopes and the area to the southof the lakes.

This Segment includes:

• land owned by the City of San Diego Water Utili-ties Department, including the lakes, which pro-vides opportunities for picnicking, fishing andboating, and the San Diego Air Park,

• the 70-acre Otay Lakes County Park,

• the open space area designated for habitat pres-ervation on the County’s East Otay Mesa Deten-tion Facility site (The development area for theDetention Facility is within the Boundary of theRegional Park but it is not a part of the ConceptPlan),

• a 10 acre site used as a private habitat mitiga-tion bank, northeast of O’Neil Canyon and southof Otay Lake County Park, managed by The En-vironmental Trust, and

• a large vernal pool area located southeast ofLower Otay Lake.

Access is available to this Segment from Wueste Roadand Otay Lakes Road.


Policy: Coordinate trail planningwith the Detention Facility.

Policies for This Segment Elements in This Segment

The majority of this Segment is designated as OpenOpenOpenOpenOpenSpace/Core Preserve Area.Space/Core Preserve Area.Space/Core Preserve Area.Space/Core Preserve Area.Space/Core Preserve Area. This designation covers thelakes and surrounding slopes, the County’s open spacelands, the area designated for open space protection onthe East Mesa Detention Facility site, the vernal poolarea and a 10 acre private habitat mitigation bank site.

A number of Recreation Areas Recreation Areas Recreation Areas Recreation Areas Recreation Areas are designated on prop-erties with existing recreational uses. These uses are bothpublic recreational areas and private commercial op-erations. They include:

• Recreation Area #12: about 70 acres, Otay LakesCounty park which was renovated and reopenedin 1999, includes picnic areas and associated dayuses, and approximately 50 acres for natural openspace.

• Recreation Area #13: about 15 acres, the City ofSan Diego’s existing public boat launch area withparking and picnic facilities.

• Recreation Area #14: about 15 acres, boat launcharea associated with the Arco Olympic TrainingCenter.

• Recreation Area #15: about 20 acres, a picnicarea with parking and access to fishing aroundthe Harvey Arm of Lower Otay Lake.

• Recreation Area #16: about 60 acres, owned bythe City of San Diego and leased to the existingSan Diego Air Sports Inc., used as a landing fieldand observation area for gliders, ultra light air-craft and parachutists.

Trail CorridorsTrail CorridorsTrail CorridorsTrail CorridorsTrail Corridors loop around the upper and lower lakesand extend off site to BLM lands to the east and south-east and other regional trails to Proctor Valley to the northand to Salt Creek Canyon to the northwest.


SEGMENT: OTAY LAKES VICINITYSEGMENT: OTAY LAKES VICINITYSEGMENT: OTAY LAKES VICINITYSEGMENT: OTAY LAKES VICINITYSEGMENT: OTAY LAKES VICINITY


Municipal Boundary

Existing Roads

Future Roads

Rivers

Trolley Lines

Lakes/Bays

Plan Elements

Boundary


Trail Corridor


Recreation Area

Park Study Area

Staging Area

Interpretive Center


Viewpoint/Overlook

Legend



CHAPTER 4FUTURE ACTIONS


♦Recommendation of accep-tance by CAC

♦Acceptance by PC♦Adoption by Board of Supervi-

sors and City Councils

FUTURE ACTIONSFUTURE ACTIONSFUTURE ACTIONSFUTURE ACTIONSFUTURE ACTIONS

FUTURE PLANNING ANDIMPLEMENTATION

Acquisition and development of OVRP will be a long termeffort accomplished through a variety of actions. Theseactions will range from preparation of comprehensivemaster plans and overall design guidelines to acquisi-tion and development of specific areas in the Park. Con-cept Plan Elements and Policies must be implementedin both comprehensive plans and individual, incremen-

tal actions.

CONCEPT PLAN ACCEPTANCE ANDADOPTION

Acceptance and adoption of this Concept Plan has con-sisted of several steps. The OVRP Citizen Advisory Com-mittee (CAC) reviewed a preliminary draft Concept Plan,provided comments and made a recommendation to thePolicy Committee (PC) to accept the preliminary draft.The PC considered the recommendations, made modi-fications to the preliminary draft and accepted the draftConcept Plan.

The draft Concept Plan was transmitted to the County ofSan Diego Board of Supervisors and the City Councilsof the cities of San Diego and Chula Vista, through theirrespective Planning Commissions, for adoption by eachjurisdiction.

Adoption of this Concept Plan does not result in modifi-cation of existing jurisdictional boundaries, change ex-isting zoning or land use plans or add new developmentregulations. However, it may be necessary for each ju-risdiction to adopt amendments to General, Commu-nity and Specific Plans and to rezone land to be consis-tent with the Concept Plan Elements as they are acquiredor developed by the public agencies.


♦regional recreation marketing/needs analysis and assessment

♦Recreation Area master plans,site development and construc-tion plans

♦Open Space/Core PreserveArea habitat restoration andenhancement plans.

♦master trail plan and trailsegment plans

♦overall design guidelines:architecture, land form, signs,trails, parking lots, fencing,lighting, and landscaping

♦Boundary changes♦Element changes♦Amendment process

ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW

Analysis of the potential environmental impacts of thisConcept Plan consistent with the California Environmen-tal Quality Act (CEQA) was conducted through the en-vironmental review of the City of San Diego’s MultipleSpecies Conservation Program (MSCP) Plan. A pro-grammatic analysis was conducted of this OVRP Con-cept Plan within the MSCP Environmental Impact Re-port (EIR).

CONCEPT PLAN AMENDMENTS

This Concept Plan is intended to be a dynamic and flex-ible document. While it is intended to provide long-rangepolicy guidance for the acquisition and development ofOVRP, amendments to the Concept Plan may be nec-essary to respond to unanticipated changes in environ-mental, social, economic or other conditions.

Acquisition and development for OVRP will be consid-ered in substantial conformance with this Concept Planwhen they meet the intent of the Plan. Amendments maybe needed to change the Boundary or to develop usesthat are not consistent with the Concept Plan. The pro-cess to amend the Concept Plan is the same as that to

accept and adopt it.

ADDITIONAL PLANS AND STUDIES

Future park planning may be needed to provide morespecific guidance and/or detailed plans for developmentof Elements in the Regional Park. Studies, plans anddesign documents should address specific uses, circu-lation, linkages to other features and areas both insideand adjacent to the park development guidelines. ParkStudy Areas require additional land use and environ-mental analysis to determine the appropriate uses forthese sites.


♦acquisition of individual parcels♦habitat restoration and/or

enhancement♦limited construction of trail

segments, staging areas,viewpoints and overlooks

♦passive recreation facilities♦renovation of existing facilities♦installation of signage

INTERIM ACTIONS

In order to take advantage of opportunities for acquisi-tion and development as they are presented and becauseimplementation of OVRP is expected to occur over anumber of years, some implementation is expected tooccur before comprehensive plans are completed.

FUTURE PARK ADMINISTRATION ANDMANAGEMENT

Cooperative acquisition, planning and design of OVRPis expected to continue under the JEPA adopted in 1990.However, as land is acquired and developed, operationaland maintenance needs may call for new agreementsamong the jurisdictions. Various options that could beconsidered to address coordinated operations and main-tenance responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• additional agreements within the existing JEPA,

• establishment of a Joint Powers Authority,through the JEPA, to manage acquisition, devel-opment and operations, or

• contracting with a private park management firmor non-profit organization.

The JEPA provides a forum to determine these issues.


APPENDIX


APPENDIX “A”Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement


APPENDIX A


APPENDIX A


APPENDIX A


APPENDIX A


APPENDIX A


APPENDIX A


APPENDIX A


APPENDIX A


APPENDIX A


APPENDIX A


APPENDIX A


APPENDIX A


APPENDIX “B”Focused Planning Area Map


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APPENDIX B


APPENDIX “C”Public Meetings


APPENDIX CProperty Owner Forums

November 3, 1995January 24, 1996May 7, 1997

San Diego County Park Advisory CommitteeJuly 27, 1995April 12, 1997December 3, 1997

Otay Valley Road Project Area Committee (Chula Vista)November 6, 1995

Southwest Redevelopment Project Area Committee (Chula Vista)November 6, 1995

Otay Mesa Recreation Council (San Diego)November 9, 1995

South Bay Recreation Council (San Diego)November 15, 1995

Otay Mesa Community Planning Group (San Diego)November 15, 1995

Chula Vista Parks and Recreation CommissionNovember 16, 1995

Southern Area Committee (San Diego)December 6, 1995

Otay Mesa/Nestor Community Planning Group (San Diego)January 10, 1996

San Diego Planning Commission WorkshopJune 26, 1997

Chula Vista Planning Commission WorkshopAugust 20, 1997


APPENDIX CCity of San Diego, Planning Commission,Approves the Draft Concept Plan

April 30, 1998

County of San Diego, Planning Commission,Approves the Draft Concept Plan

December 19, 1997

City of Chula Vista, Planning Commission,Approves the Draft Concept Plan

August 12, 1998

City of National City, Council,Approves the Draft Concept Plan

November 17, 1998

City of San Diego, City Council,Approves the Concept Plan

April 17, 2001

City of Chula Vista, City Council,Approves the Concept Plan

May 15, 2001

County of San Diego, Board of Supervisors,Approves the Concept Plan

May 23, 2001



APPENDIX “D”Other Relevant Plans and Studies


APPENDIX D• CITY LAKES RECREATION DEVELOPMENT PLAN

Prepared for: City of San Diego Park and Recreation BoardPrepared by: City of San Diego (1987)Available for review at the San Diego Water Utilities Department, City Lakes Office

• LOWER OTAY RIVER WETLANDS ENHANCEMENT PLANPrepared for: The Southwest Wetlands Interpretive Association and California StateCoastal ConservancyPrepared by: Michael Brandman Associates, August 1989Available for review at the San Diego County Department of Parks & Recreation

• OTAY VALLEY REGIONAL PARK MASTER PLANPrepared for: The City of San DiegoPrepared by: Estrada Land Planning Inc., May 9, 1990Available for review at the San Diego Community and Economic DevelopmentDepartment

• CONCEPTUAL MASTER PLAN OTAY VALLEY REGIONAL PARKPrepared for: City of San DiegoPrepared by: City of San Diego Planning Department, August 8, 1990Available for review at the San Diego Community and Economic DevelopmentDepartment

• OTAY RIVER VALLEY RESOURCE ENHANCEMENT PLANPrepared for: State of California Coastal Conservancy and City of Chula VistaPrepared by: Wallace, Roberts and Todd, August 26, 1991Available for review at the Chula Vista Planning Department

• OTAY RANCH RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLANPrepared for: City of Chula Vista and County of San DiegoPrepared by: The Baldwin Company/Otay Ranch TeamAvailable for review at the County of San Diego Department of Parks & Recreationand the Chula Vista Planning Department

• OTAY RANCH GENERAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN (GDP)/SUBREGIONALPrepared for: City of Chula Vista and San Diego County, adopted October 28, 1993Prepared by: The Baldwin Company/Otay Ranch TeamAvailable for review at the Chula Vista Planning Department and the CountyDepartment of Planning and Land Use

• OTAY RANCH FINAL PROGRAM ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT:Prepared for: The Baldwin Company/Otay Ranch Team, December 1992Prepared by: Odgen Environmental and Energy ServicesAvailable for review at the Chula Vista Planning Department and the CountyDepartment of Planning and Land Use

Additional plans that provide information:Otay Mesa Nesor Community PlanOtay Mesa Community Plan and EIRDonovan State Prison EIR


APPENDIX “E”Vegetation Communities within

Otay Valley Regional Park


Diegan Coastal Sage ScrubDiegan Coastal Sage ScrubDiegan Coastal Sage ScrubDiegan Coastal Sage ScrubDiegan Coastal Sage ScrubThis scrub is one of two major shrub types that occurin California. This habitat type occupies dry sites char-acterized by shallow soils. Sage scrub is dominatedby subshrubs whose leaves fall during summer droughtand are replaced by a lesser amount of small leaves.This adaption of drought evasion allows these speciesto better withstand the prolonged drought period inthe summer and fall in areas of low precipitation. Sagescrub species have relatively shallow root systems andopen canopies. This last trait allows for the occur-rence of substantial herbaceous component in coastalsage scrub.

Maritime Succulent ScrubMaritime Succulent ScrubMaritime Succulent ScrubMaritime Succulent ScrubMaritime Succulent ScrubThis scrub is a low open scrub community that is domi-nated by a mixture of stem and leaf succulent speciesand drought deciduous species that all occur withinsage scrub communities. This plant community oc-curs on thin rocky or sandy soils, on steep slopes ofcoastal headlands and bluffs

Common plantsCommon plantsCommon plantsCommon plantsCommon plantsCoast Barrel Cactus

Ferocactus viridescensVelvet Cactus

Bergerocactus emoriDudleya

Dudleya spp.Desert Thorn

Lycium californicumCliff Spurge

Euphorbia misera

Location:Location:Location:Location:Location: A large block of this habitat may be found on the southern slopes from DenneryA large block of this habitat may be found on the southern slopes from DenneryA large block of this habitat may be found on the southern slopes from DenneryA large block of this habitat may be found on the southern slopes from DenneryA large block of this habitat may be found on the southern slopes from DenneryCanyon to I—805. Small to medium size patches may be found hroughout the adjacentCanyon to I—805. Small to medium size patches may be found hroughout the adjacentCanyon to I—805. Small to medium size patches may be found hroughout the adjacentCanyon to I—805. Small to medium size patches may be found hroughout the adjacentCanyon to I—805. Small to medium size patches may be found hroughout the adjacentslopes of Salt Creek, lower south facing slopes, north of the river, between Rock Mountainslopes of Salt Creek, lower south facing slopes, north of the river, between Rock Mountainslopes of Salt Creek, lower south facing slopes, north of the river, between Rock Mountainslopes of Salt Creek, lower south facing slopes, north of the river, between Rock Mountainslopes of Salt Creek, lower south facing slopes, north of the river, between Rock Mountainand Salt Creek.and Salt Creek.and Salt Creek.and Salt Creek.and Salt Creek.

Common plantsCommon plantsCommon plantsCommon plantsCommon plantsCalifornia sagebrushArtemisia californicaFlat—top buckwheat

Eriogonum fasciculatumLaurel Sumac

Malosma laurinaLemonade BerryRhus integrifolia

Black SageSalvia melifera

Location:Location:Location:Location:Location: Large continuous blocks of this community occur east of I—805 from BrownLarge continuous blocks of this community occur east of I—805 from BrownLarge continuous blocks of this community occur east of I—805 from BrownLarge continuous blocks of this community occur east of I—805 from BrownLarge continuous blocks of this community occur east of I—805 from BrownField to the periphery of both lower and upper Otay Lakes, on Rock Mountain and on theField to the periphery of both lower and upper Otay Lakes, on Rock Mountain and on theField to the periphery of both lower and upper Otay Lakes, on Rock Mountain and on theField to the periphery of both lower and upper Otay Lakes, on Rock Mountain and on theField to the periphery of both lower and upper Otay Lakes, on Rock Mountain and on theslopes of Salt Creek. West of I—805 discontinuous blocks occur on slopes north and southslopes of Salt Creek. West of I—805 discontinuous blocks occur on slopes north and southslopes of Salt Creek. West of I—805 discontinuous blocks occur on slopes north and southslopes of Salt Creek. West of I—805 discontinuous blocks occur on slopes north and southslopes of Salt Creek. West of I—805 discontinuous blocks occur on slopes north and southof the river.of the river.of the river.of the river.of the river.

APPENDIX E

Chamise ChaparralChamise ChaparralChamise ChaparralChamise ChaparralChamise ChaparralThe most widely distributed chaparral shrub is chamise.Chamise’s large distribution may be a result of it be-ing the only chaparral species that regenerates fromfire from both an underground root crown and the pro-duction of seeds traits. It often occurs on dry slopesand ridges, and is found on shallower, drier soils or atsomewhat lower elevations than southern mixed chap-arral.

Common plantsCommon plantsCommon plantsCommon plantsCommon plantsChamise

Adenostoma fasciculatumMission ManzanitaXylococcu bicolor

Lord’s CandleYucca whipplei

Location:Location:Location:Location:Location: Blocks of this community are restricted to portions of the slopes south and westBlocks of this community are restricted to portions of the slopes south and westBlocks of this community are restricted to portions of the slopes south and westBlocks of this community are restricted to portions of the slopes south and westBlocks of this community are restricted to portions of the slopes south and westof Lower Otay Reservoir.of Lower Otay Reservoir.of Lower Otay Reservoir.of Lower Otay Reservoir.of Lower Otay Reservoir.


Southern Riparian ForestSouthern Riparian ForestSouthern Riparian ForestSouthern Riparian ForestSouthern Riparian ForestSouthern riparian forest is an open or closed canopyforest that is generally greater than 20 feet high andoccupies relatively broad drainages and floodplainssupporting perennially wet streams. This communityis dominated by mature individuals of winter decidu-ous trees, and often has a dense understory of plantmaterial. The dominant species require moist baresoils for germination and establishment. This is pro-vided after flood waters recede, which leads to uni-form—aged stands.

Common plantsCommon plantsCommon plantsCommon plantsCommon plantsFremont’s Cottonwood

Populus fremontii var. fremontiiWillow species

Salix gooddingiiSalix lasiandraSalix lasiolepis

SycamorePlatanus racemosa

Location:Location:Location:Location:Location: This habitat occurs along Jamul Creek immediately upstream of Lower OtayThis habitat occurs along Jamul Creek immediately upstream of Lower OtayThis habitat occurs along Jamul Creek immediately upstream of Lower OtayThis habitat occurs along Jamul Creek immediately upstream of Lower OtayThis habitat occurs along Jamul Creek immediately upstream of Lower OtayLake. A disturbed block, primarily of willow species, is located west of I—805.Lake. A disturbed block, primarily of willow species, is located west of I—805.Lake. A disturbed block, primarily of willow species, is located west of I—805.Lake. A disturbed block, primarily of willow species, is located west of I—805.Lake. A disturbed block, primarily of willow species, is located west of I—805.

APPENDIX E

Southern Interior Cypress ForestSouthern Interior Cypress ForestSouthern Interior Cypress ForestSouthern Interior Cypress ForestSouthern Interior Cypress ForestSouthern interior cypress forest is a relatively dense,low, fire—maintained coniferous forest dominated byTecate cypress. Stands of this association are ofteneven—aged due to high mortality rates during fires andthe requirement of high temperature to stimulate seedgermination. Tree density varies in relation to site fac-tors and fire history.

Southern Mixed ChaparralSouthern Mixed ChaparralSouthern Mixed ChaparralSouthern Mixed ChaparralSouthern Mixed ChaparralChaparral is composed of shrubs that grow to aboutsix to ten feet tall and form dense often nearly impen-etrable stands. The plants of this association are typi-cally deep—rooted. This habitat occurs on dry, rocky,often steep north—facing slopes with little soil.

Common plantsCommon plantsCommon plantsCommon plantsCommon plantsChamise

Adenostoma fasciculatumMission manzanitaXylococcus bicolor

Scrub oakQuercus berberidifolia

Ramona LilacCeanothus tomentosus

ToyonHeteromeles arbutifolia

MalosmaMalosma laurina

Location:Location:Location:Location:Location: Blocks of this community are restricted to portions of the slopes south and westBlocks of this community are restricted to portions of the slopes south and westBlocks of this community are restricted to portions of the slopes south and westBlocks of this community are restricted to portions of the slopes south and westBlocks of this community are restricted to portions of the slopes south and westof Lower Otay Reservoir.of Lower Otay Reservoir.of Lower Otay Reservoir.of Lower Otay Reservoir.of Lower Otay Reservoir.

Common plantsCommon plantsCommon plantsCommon plantsCommon plantsTecate Cypress

Cupressus forbesii

Location:Location:Location:Location:Location: The only occurrence of this community is within the drainage that flows intoThe only occurrence of this community is within the drainage that flows intoThe only occurrence of this community is within the drainage that flows intoThe only occurrence of this community is within the drainage that flows intoThe only occurrence of this community is within the drainage that flows intoBauschalaugh Cove in the Lower Otay Lake.Bauschalaugh Cove in the Lower Otay Lake.Bauschalaugh Cove in the Lower Otay Lake.Bauschalaugh Cove in the Lower Otay Lake.Bauschalaugh Cove in the Lower Otay Lake.


Mulefat ScrubMulefat ScrubMulefat ScrubMulefat ScrubMulefat ScrubThis is a riparian scrub community dominated bymulefat and interspersed with shrubby willows. Thishabitat occurs along intermittent stream channels witha fairly course substrate and moderate depth to thewater table. This plant community is maintained byfrequent flooding, the absence of which would lead toa riparian woodland or forest.

Southern Willow ScrubSouthern Willow ScrubSouthern Willow ScrubSouthern Willow ScrubSouthern Willow ScrubThis scrub consists of dense, broadleaved, winter—de-ciduous stands of trees dominated by shrubby wil-lows in association with mulefat. This habitat occurson loose, sandy or fine gravelly alluvium depositednear stream channels during flood flows.

Southern Riparian ScrubSouthern Riparian ScrubSouthern Riparian ScrubSouthern Riparian ScrubSouthern Riparian ScrubSouthern Riparian Scrub is a generic term for severalshrub dominated communities that occur along drain-ages and/or riparian corridors. Southern willow scrub,mulefat scrub, and tamarisk scrub are the three mostcommon to the plan area. (This is mapped as a singleentity by the MSCP.)

Location:Location:Location:Location:Location: These communities occur from Lower Otay Lake downriver to Beyer Way.These communities occur from Lower Otay Lake downriver to Beyer Way.These communities occur from Lower Otay Lake downriver to Beyer Way.These communities occur from Lower Otay Lake downriver to Beyer Way.These communities occur from Lower Otay Lake downriver to Beyer Way.Scattered patches of disturbed riparian scrub exist along the Otay River from Beyer Blvd.Scattered patches of disturbed riparian scrub exist along the Otay River from Beyer Blvd.Scattered patches of disturbed riparian scrub exist along the Otay River from Beyer Blvd.Scattered patches of disturbed riparian scrub exist along the Otay River from Beyer Blvd.Scattered patches of disturbed riparian scrub exist along the Otay River from Beyer Blvd.downriver to I—5.downriver to I—5.downriver to I—5.downriver to I—5.downriver to I—5.

Common plantsCommon plantsCommon plantsCommon plantsCommon plantsMulefat

Baccharis glutinnosaCurly Dock

Rumex crispusCocklebur

Xanthium strumarium var. canadenseWestern Ragweed

Ambrosia psilostachya

Common plantsCommon plantsCommon plantsCommon plantsCommon plantsMulefat

Baccharis glutinosa

APPENDIX E

Coastal and Valley Freshwater MarshCoastal and Valley Freshwater MarshCoastal and Valley Freshwater MarshCoastal and Valley Freshwater MarshCoastal and Valley Freshwater MarshFreshwater marsh occurs in wetlands that arepermanently flooded by standing water. It is oftencharacterized by uniform stands of bulrushes orcattails.

Common plantsCommon plantsCommon plantsCommon plantsCommon plantsRush

Juncus sp.Cattails

Typha sppUmbrella sedge

Cyperus sp.Spike Sedge

Eleocharis sp.

Location: Location: Location: Location: Location: Freshwater marshes exists as mosaics with other riparian communities withinFreshwater marshes exists as mosaics with other riparian communities withinFreshwater marshes exists as mosaics with other riparian communities withinFreshwater marshes exists as mosaics with other riparian communities withinFreshwater marshes exists as mosaics with other riparian communities withinthe Otay River Valley down river from Lower Otay Lake.the Otay River Valley down river from Lower Otay Lake.the Otay River Valley down river from Lower Otay Lake.the Otay River Valley down river from Lower Otay Lake.the Otay River Valley down river from Lower Otay Lake.


Disturbed WetlandsDisturbed WetlandsDisturbed WetlandsDisturbed WetlandsDisturbed WetlandsThis community is dominated by exotic wetland spe-cies that have invaded sites that have been disturbedor undergone periodic disturbances such that theseinvasive non—natives have displaced the native wet-land vegetation.

Common plantsCommon plantsCommon plantsCommon plantsCommon plantsGiant Reed

Arundo donaxOx Tongue

Picris echioidesCocklebur

Xanthium strumarium L.Tamarisk

Tamarix species

Location:Location:Location:Location:Location: These are the mudflats associated with the Otay River delta. These are the mudflats associated with the Otay River delta. These are the mudflats associated with the Otay River delta. These are the mudflats associated with the Otay River delta. These are the mudflats associated with the Otay River delta.

APPENDIX E

Tamarisk ScrubTamarisk ScrubTamarisk ScrubTamarisk ScrubTamarisk ScrubThis scrub is a weedy stand of tamarisk species, all ofwhich are non—native species that displace native veg-etation subsequent to a major disturbance. This habi-tat occurs along intermittent steams in areas wherehigh evaporation rates increase the salinity level of thesoil. Tamarisk is a plant that can obtain water from anunderground water table. Because of its deep rootsystem and high transpiration rates, tamarisk can sub-stantially lower the water table to below the root zoneof native species, thereby competitively excludingthem. As a prolific seeder, it is able to rapidly replacethe native species that it displaces within a drainage.

Southern Coastal Salt MarshSouthern Coastal Salt MarshSouthern Coastal Salt MarshSouthern Coastal Salt MarshSouthern Coastal Salt MarshSalt marsh is a highly productive community of plantsnot more that three feet tall, that are adapted to wetand salt ladened soils. This plant community is foundalong sheltered inland margins of bays, lagoons, andestuaries where the wet soils are subjected to regulartidal inundation by salt water.

Common plantsCommon plantsCommon plantsCommon plantsCommon plantsTamarisk

Tamarix species

Common PlantsCommon PlantsCommon PlantsCommon PlantsCommon PlantsPacific CordgrassSpartina foliosa

Perennial PickleweedSalicornia virginica

Location:Location:Location:Location:Location: This community occurs along the banks of the Otay River west of I—5 to theThis community occurs along the banks of the Otay River west of I—5 to theThis community occurs along the banks of the Otay River west of I—5 to theThis community occurs along the banks of the Otay River west of I—5 to theThis community occurs along the banks of the Otay River west of I—5 to themouth of the river., and in scattered patches along the southern shores of San Diego Bay.mouth of the river., and in scattered patches along the southern shores of San Diego Bay.mouth of the river., and in scattered patches along the southern shores of San Diego Bay.mouth of the river., and in scattered patches along the southern shores of San Diego Bay.mouth of the river., and in scattered patches along the southern shores of San Diego Bay.


Non-Native GrasslandNon-Native GrasslandNon-Native GrasslandNon-Native GrasslandNon-Native GrasslandThis grassland is a dense to sparse cover of annualgrasses, often associated with numerous species ofshowy—flowered native annual forbs. This associationoccurs on gradual slopes with deep, fine—textured, usu-ally clay soils. Most of the annual introduced speciesthat comprise the majority of species and biomasswithin the non—native grassland originated from theMediterranean region. An area with a long history ofagriculture and a climate similar to California. Thesetwo factors, in addition to intensive grazing and agri-cultural practices, in conjunction with severe droughts,contributed to the successful invasion and establish-ment of these species and the replacement of nativegrasslands with an annual dominated non—native grass-land.

Native GrasslandNative GrasslandNative GrasslandNative GrasslandNative GrasslandThis grassland is a community dominated by peren-nial bunchgrasses such as purple needle grass withannual and perennial forbs such as common goldenstars and California blue—eyed grass. Native grass-lands generally occur on fine—textured soils that aremoist or wet in winter, but very dry in summer. Shrubsare infrequent, probably due to the unstable clay soils.

Common plantsCommon plantsCommon plantsCommon plantsCommon plantsPurple Needlegrass

Achnatherum pulchraBlue—eyed grass

Sisyrinchium bellumGolden Stars

Bloomeria crocea ssp. crocea

Location: Location: Location: Location: Location: There may be significant pockets of native grasslands within large blocks ofThere may be significant pockets of native grasslands within large blocks ofThere may be significant pockets of native grasslands within large blocks ofThere may be significant pockets of native grasslands within large blocks ofThere may be significant pockets of native grasslands within large blocks ofnon—native grasslands on the slopes and mesas south of the Otay River Valley, fromnon—native grasslands on the slopes and mesas south of the Otay River Valley, fromnon—native grasslands on the slopes and mesas south of the Otay River Valley, fromnon—native grasslands on the slopes and mesas south of the Otay River Valley, fromnon—native grasslands on the slopes and mesas south of the Otay River Valley, fromJohnson to Dennery canyons; and fro the south—facing slopes east of Rock Mountain toJohnson to Dennery canyons; and fro the south—facing slopes east of Rock Mountain toJohnson to Dennery canyons; and fro the south—facing slopes east of Rock Mountain toJohnson to Dennery canyons; and fro the south—facing slopes east of Rock Mountain toJohnson to Dennery canyons; and fro the south—facing slopes east of Rock Mountain tothe upper slopes west of Salt Creek.the upper slopes west of Salt Creek.the upper slopes west of Salt Creek.the upper slopes west of Salt Creek.the upper slopes west of Salt Creek.

Common plantsCommon plantsCommon plantsCommon plantsCommon plantsWild OatAvena sp.Soft Chess

Bromus mollisRed Brome

Bromus rubensRipgutgrass

Bromus diandrusRyegrass

Lolium sp.Mustard

Brassica species

Location:Location:Location:Location:Location: Refer to native grasslandsRefer to native grasslandsRefer to native grasslandsRefer to native grasslandsRefer to native grasslands

APPENDIX E

Ruderal VegetationRuderal VegetationRuderal VegetationRuderal VegetationRuderal VegetationThese vegetation areas that are highly disturbed aredominated by non—native weedy species that areadapted to a regime of frequent disturbance. Many ofthe characteristic species of ruderal habitat are alsoindicator species of annual grasslands, but ruderal ar-eas tend to be more dominated by forbs than grasses.

Common PlantsCommon PlantsCommon PlantsCommon PlantsCommon PlantsRed Brome

Bromus speciesMustard

Brassica speciesTocalote

Centaurea melitenisRussian ThistleSalsola australis

Location: Location: Location: Location: Location: Large blocks occur on the slopes and mesas south of the Otay River Valley,Large blocks occur on the slopes and mesas south of the Otay River Valley,Large blocks occur on the slopes and mesas south of the Otay River Valley,Large blocks occur on the slopes and mesas south of the Otay River Valley,Large blocks occur on the slopes and mesas south of the Otay River Valley,between I—805 and Dennery Canyon.between I—805 and Dennery Canyon.between I—805 and Dennery Canyon.between I—805 and Dennery Canyon.between I—805 and Dennery Canyon.


Eucalyptus WoodlandEucalyptus WoodlandEucalyptus WoodlandEucalyptus WoodlandEucalyptus WoodlandEucalyptus woodland is typically characterized bydense stands of gum trees. Plants in this genus, im-ported primarily from Australia, were originally plantedin groves throughout many regions of coastal Califor-nia as a potential source of lumber and building mate-rials, for their use as windbreaks, and for their horti-cultural novelty. They have increased their coverthrough natural regeneration, particularly in moist ar-eas sheltered from strong coastal winds. Gum treesnaturalize readily in the state and, where they formdense stands, tend to take the place of native vegeta-tion, greatly altering community structure and dynam-ics. Very few native plants are compatible with euca-lyptus.

San Diego Mesa Vernal PoolsSan Diego Mesa Vernal PoolsSan Diego Mesa Vernal PoolsSan Diego Mesa Vernal PoolsSan Diego Mesa Vernal PoolsVernal pools are a highly specialized plant habitat oc-curring on undeveloped mesa tops and supporting aunique succession of floral species. These pools fillwith rainwater which does not drain off or percolateaway because of the mesa top topography and under-lying soil conditions (i.e., a hardpan or claypan layerthat prevents or impedes subsurface drainage). Ver-nal pools are often surrounded by hummocks calledmima mounds. Pools and their supporting watershedconstitute vernal pool habitat. Many of the species char-acteristic of vernal pools are also some of the mostsensitive species in San Diego County and California.

Common PlantsCommon PlantsCommon PlantsCommon PlantsCommon PlantsOtay Mesa Mint

Pogogyne nudiusculaSan Diego Button Celery

Eryngium aristulatum var. ParishiiOrcutt’s Grass

Orcuttia californicaProstrate navarretiaNavarretia fossalis

Little MousetailMyosurus minimus ssp. apus

Variegated DudleyaDudleya variegated

San Diego GoldenstarMuilla clevelandii

Location: Location: Location: Location: Location: The best of the vernal pool complexes occurs on the mesa betweenThe best of the vernal pool complexes occurs on the mesa betweenThe best of the vernal pool complexes occurs on the mesa betweenThe best of the vernal pool complexes occurs on the mesa betweenThe best of the vernal pool complexes occurs on the mesa betweenJohnson and O’Neal Canyons. Complexes also are located on mesa tops betweenJohnson and O’Neal Canyons. Complexes also are located on mesa tops betweenJohnson and O’Neal Canyons. Complexes also are located on mesa tops betweenJohnson and O’Neal Canyons. Complexes also are located on mesa tops betweenJohnson and O’Neal Canyons. Complexes also are located on mesa tops betweenJohnson Canyon and Brown Field, and on mesas immediately east and west of DenneryJohnson Canyon and Brown Field, and on mesas immediately east and west of DenneryJohnson Canyon and Brown Field, and on mesas immediately east and west of DenneryJohnson Canyon and Brown Field, and on mesas immediately east and west of DenneryJohnson Canyon and Brown Field, and on mesas immediately east and west of DenneryCanyon.Canyon.Canyon.Canyon.Canyon.

Common PlantsCommon PlantsCommon PlantsCommon PlantsCommon PlantsGum Trees

Eucalyptus species

Location:Location:Location:Location:Location: A large block of this community occurs just west of I—805 on the south side ofA large block of this community occurs just west of I—805 on the south side ofA large block of this community occurs just west of I—805 on the south side ofA large block of this community occurs just west of I—805 on the south side ofA large block of this community occurs just west of I—805 on the south side ofthe river. Small patches occur along the floodplain of the Otay River valley.the river. Small patches occur along the floodplain of the Otay River valley.the river. Small patches occur along the floodplain of the Otay River valley.the river. Small patches occur along the floodplain of the Otay River valley.the river. Small patches occur along the floodplain of the Otay River valley.

APPENDIX E



Acknowledgementsand

Special Thanks


ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSACKNOWLEDGEMENTSACKNOWLEDGEMENTSACKNOWLEDGEMENTSACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

CHULA VISTA CITY COUNCILCHULA VISTA CITY COUNCILCHULA VISTA CITY COUNCILCHULA VISTA CITY COUNCILCHULA VISTA CITY COUNCILShirley Horton, MayorStephen C. Padilla, Vice MayorPatty DavisJerry R. RindoneMary Salas

SAN DIEGO CITY COUNCILSAN DIEGO CITY COUNCILSAN DIEGO CITY COUNCILSAN DIEGO CITY COUNCILSAN DIEGO CITY COUNCILDick Murphy, MayorScott Peters, First DistrictByron Wear, Second DistrictToni Atkins, Third DistrictGeorge Stevens, Fourth DistrictBrian Maienschein, Fifth DistrictVacant, Sixth DistrictJim Madaffwe, Seventh DistrictRalph Inzunza, Eighth District

SAN DIEGO COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORSSAN DIEGO COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORSSAN DIEGO COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORSSAN DIEGO COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORSSAN DIEGO COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORSGreg Cox, First District, ChairDianne Jacob, Second DistrictPam Slater, Third DistrictRon Roberts, Fourth DistrictBill Horn, Fifth District

OVRP POLICY COMMITTEEOVRP POLICY COMMITTEEOVRP POLICY COMMITTEEOVRP POLICY COMMITTEEOVRP POLICY COMMITTEEGreg Cox, Supervisor, County of San Diego, First DistrictShirley Horton, Mayor, Chula VistaRalph Inzunza, Councilmember, City of San Diego, Eighth District

OVRP CITIZEN ADVISORY COMMITTEEOVRP CITIZEN ADVISORY COMMITTEEOVRP CITIZEN ADVISORY COMMITTEEOVRP CITIZEN ADVISORY COMMITTEEOVRP CITIZEN ADVISORY COMMITTEEGeorge Hanson, Chair, January 1996 - December 1997John Willett, Chair, June 1991 - December 1995 and January1998 - Present

ALTERNATES TO THE OVRP CITIZEN ADVISORY COMMITTEEALTERNATES TO THE OVRP CITIZEN ADVISORY COMMITTEEALTERNATES TO THE OVRP CITIZEN ADVISORY COMMITTEEALTERNATES TO THE OVRP CITIZEN ADVISORY COMMITTEEALTERNATES TO THE OVRP CITIZEN ADVISORY COMMITTEEFred CagleTom DaviesJose EsparzaAndrew MillsLes StarkJanet Wart


OVRP JOINT STAFF, Concept Plan PreparationOVRP JOINT STAFF, Concept Plan PreparationOVRP JOINT STAFF, Concept Plan PreparationOVRP JOINT STAFF, Concept Plan PreparationOVRP JOINT STAFF, Concept Plan PreparationDuane Bazzel, Chula Vista Planning DepartmentMarette Esperance, County of San Diego Department of Parks and RecreationHoward Greenstein, San Diego Community and Economic Development DepartmentJeff Harkness, San Diego Park and Recreation DepartmentFrank J. Herrera-A, Chula Vista Planning DepartmentBill Levin, City of San Diego Planning DepartmentRobert Rushlow, County of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation

ONA, INC., Design and PublishingONA, INC., Design and PublishingONA, INC., Design and PublishingONA, INC., Design and PublishingONA, INC., Design and PublishingDennis Otsuji, FASLAJoseph Esposito, ASLA

SAN DIEGO DATA PROCESSING CORPORATION, MapsSAN DIEGO DATA PROCESSING CORPORATION, MapsSAN DIEGO DATA PROCESSING CORPORATION, MapsSAN DIEGO DATA PROCESSING CORPORATION, MapsSAN DIEGO DATA PROCESSING CORPORATION, MapsTom McDowell

Martha Sievers


SPECIAL THANKSSPECIAL THANKSSPECIAL THANKSSPECIAL THANKSSPECIAL THANKS

CHULA VISTACHULA VISTACHULA VISTACHULA VISTACHULA VISTABarbara BamburgerDuane BazzelAndy CampbellJohn GossGeorge KremplBob LeiterDaniel M. PassDavid RowlandsMartin SchmidtShauna StokesDoug ReidJess Valenzuela

SAN DIEGOSAN DIEGOSAN DIEGOSAN DIEGOSAN DIEGOKimberly AbeNancy AcevedoSevero EsquivelPaul FiskeErnie FreemanRachel HurstJohn KovacGeorge LovelandMarcia McLatchyTed MedinaDon PrisbyRobert SpaldingMike StangMike StepnerTom StoryDeborah Van Wanseele

COUNTY OF SAN DIEGOCOUNTY OF SAN DIEGOCOUNTY OF SAN DIEGOCOUNTY OF SAN DIEGOCOUNTY OF SAN DIEGOMatt BohanRobert CopperKelly DuffekBob DownerKen GenglerSusan HectorSteve HendrixMichael G. KempCory LinderAlex A. MartinezTom OberbauerJanet PineaultAnne RastRic RepasyLari SheehanMark Webb


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