By Lauren Bray, edhat staff
A group of community activists plan to hold a "Protest March to Save the Trees" on Saturday in opposition of a proposed bike path on Modoc Road.
The Community Association for the Modoc Preserve (CAMP) formed in July as a citizen-led grassroots effort opposed to a what they call a "destructive government project." They plan to march this Saturday, August 27th, at 11:00 a.m. starting at the intersection of Modoc Road and Encore Drive.
The County Public Works project is the Modoc Multi Use Path, a roughly 1 mile 10-foot-wide multiuse path providing safe, ADA-compliant access along the corridor. The path will start where the City of Santa Barbara path ends near Calle De Los Amigos and connect to the Obern Trail Bike Path across from Encore Drive. The first phase at Calle De Los Amigos to Via Senda (1/3 mile) is currently under construction, and the second phase, Via Senda to Encore (3/4 mile), is set to begin construction in summer 2023.
The project description states it aims to create a separate low-stress path for people of all ages and abilities and will provide a safer alternative to the unprotected bike lane adjacent to higher-speed traffic on Modoc Road. There are three alignments proposed, all of which require the removal of trees along the roadway.
"Alignment A" would place the path directly adjacent to Modoc Road and increase the width of the roadway and would not require any easements. This option avoids the Modoc Preserve but requires the most extensive tree removal, up to 49 of them including 29 palm trees.
"Alignment B" is also next to the roadway for portions of Modoc Road but would run along the backside of the Canary Palm trees on the eastern segment of Modoc Road. This option would preserve the majority of the Canary Palms and reduce the overall amount of tree removal to 22 trees, including zero palms. Most of the trees would be eucalyptus trees and other non-native trees. "Alignment C" would follow Vieja Drive to Nogal Drive along an existing unimproved road. Public Works staff is no longer considering this option due to its remoteness, steeper grades, and lack of connectivity to the surrounding transportation network.
The County states it prefers option B due to the enhanced user experience and reduced impacts to trees. The estimated project cost is $8 million, of which $5.4 million is funded by a grant from the California State Active Transportation Program.
Supporters of CAMP argue the path will remove too many established trees and disrupt the bio-diversity of the Modoc Preserve, including the California Live Oaks and 100-year-old Canary Island Palm trees.
They have started an online petition last month and gained 3,000 signatures and a fundraising page has garnered over $4,500 to mount a legal challenge.
"Our goal is to keep this ecologically valuable open space from encroaching urban development... We understand that Canary Island palms and Eucalyptus trees are non-native to California...however, they do provide very important habitat and shade canopy to many species of birds, mammals, and other organisms that dwell in the Modoc Preserve. Embracing biodiversity is a more sensible approach," the CAMP petition stated.
A counter-petition was started by local bicycle advocates in support of the path and has garnered nearly 1,100 signatures.
"Bike paths reduce pollution and are essential to fighting climate change. A path from Goleta to Santa Barbara can also save lives," Katie Davis wrote in an Op-Ed for edhat.
The County Board of Supervisors pushed the vote on this path to November instead of their September 13 meeting. A new Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) draft will be published next month to include another 30-day comment period. Following the Board's vote in November will be a proposal to the La Cumbre Water Company Board of Directors, as the Modoc Preserve along Modoc Road is owned by the La Cumbre Mutual Water Company.
More details on the project can be viewed here.
July 19, 2022: Op-Ed - Save Modoc Road Trees!
July 22, 2022: Actual Plan for Modoc Bikepath Connector
August 19, 2022: Op-Ed - Bikeways Nurture Cities
I for one support a continuous class 1 bike path, I enjoy cycling, it's a great idea and one that should occur. However, knocking people because they raise some concerns is not productive. If people enjoy trees they shouldn't be criticized for wanting to protect them. Ksen'_Sku'_Mu' you state "Monarch butterflies- yes, the Monarch butterfly does use eucalyptus trees to roost. But to assume that every eucalyptus tree has a roost is folly. The county staff will no doubt reply that the experts who do search for butterfly roost have not recorded any in a long time.....here from the MND " However you didn't mention if Native milkweed is planted at the Modoc Preserve? We all know Monarchs depend on milkweed , if it becomes a corridor, their is potential for the monarch to use the eucalyptus trees, removing the eucalyptus would remove that option for long term planning. Xerces Society is absolutely the perfect organization for information. I have milkweed (native and other) on my property as well as, oaks, shrubs, manzanita, sage, alium root, etc... supporting a variety of birds, butterflies, pollinators, insects and small animals. Like most, we provide habitat, bird boxes for the birds to shelter and reproduce...2 successful blue bird clutch of 5 chicks and 2 successful Oak titmice clutch of 5 chicks, which is interesting in itself this year . The monarchs particularly enjoy the fairy dusters (calliandra californica) which bloom profusely providing nectar and shelter. I see local and migrating monarchs using the yard, there are allows at least 2-4-6 circulating every day. So yes, the eucalyptus trees do have potential to be used for roosting by monarchs in the near future as well as being used by other birds, etc... Yes we can support the class 1 bike path and still want some considerations to be considered. I don't believe the people commenting are anti bike paths.....they just have concerns that need to be addressed.
I for one support a continuous class 1 bike path, I enjoy cycling, it's a great idea and one that should occur. However, knocking people because they raise some concerns is not productive. If people enjoy trees they shouldn't be criticized for wanting to protect them. Ksen'_Sku'_Mu' you state "Monarch butterflies- yes, the Monarch butterfly does use eucalyptus trees to roost. But to assume that every eucalyptus tree has a roost is folly. The county staff will no doubt reply that the experts who do search for butterfly roost have not recorded any in a long time.....here from the MND " However you didn't mention if Native milkweed is planted at the Modoc Preserve? We all know Monarchs depend on milkweed , if it becomes a corridor, their is potential for the monarch to use the eucalyptus trees, removing the eucalyptus would remove that option for long term planning. Xerces Society is absolutely the perfect organization for information.
I have milkweed (native and other) on my property as well as, oaks, shrubs, manzanita, sage, alium root, etc... supporting a variety of birds, butterflies, pollinators, insects and small animals. Like most, we provide habitat, bird boxes for the birds to shelter and reproduce...2 successful blue bird clutch of 5 chicks and 2 successful Oak titmice clutch of 5 chicks, which is interesting in itself this year .
The monarchs particularly enjoy the fairy dusters (calliandra californica) which bloom profusely providing nectar and shelter. I see local and migrating monarchs using the yard, there are allows at least 2-4-6 circulating every day.
So yes, the eucalyptus trees do have potential to be used for roosting by monarchs in the near future as well as being used by other birds, etc... Yes we can support the class 1 bike path and still want some considerations to be considered. I don't believe the people commenting are anti bike paths.....they just have concerns that need to be addressed.
Yes, you are correct I did not mention milkweed. Only because the MND only mentions Asclepias fascicularis Narrow-leaf milkweed, in the Appendix A as being found on the preserve. The Document did not attempt to make any connection between them and the butterflies. I would think that would be left to a professional in the field of lepidopterist to comment on. In a survey the focus is to state what is seen not to try and make connections as you are suggesting. The MND cites Xerces Society that there are no butterfly roosts in the preserve for many years as of there last report in 2021. Anyone who wishes to challenge the MND findings to the accuracy of butterfly roosting will have to challenge Xerces Society findings. Right now the way the regulations are set up....if no butterflies are seen, no roost are identified then there is no protections for future possibilities. For long term solutions, it can be easily requested by public comment to ask the LCMWD to plant more milk weed to bring back the butterflies. That would fall into what a preserve is all about. I think that is a great idea. I would love a new source of Milkweed for my cordage projects.
Yes, you are correct I did not mention milkweed. Only because the MND only mentions Asclepias fascicularis Narrow-leaf milkweed, in the Appendix A as being found on the preserve. The Document did not attempt to make any connection between them and the butterflies. I would think that would be left to a professional in the field of lepidopterist to comment on. In a survey the focus is to state what is seen not to try and make connections as you are suggesting.
The MND cites Xerces Society that there are no butterfly roosts in the preserve for many years as of there last report in 2021. Anyone who wishes to challenge the MND findings to the accuracy of butterfly roosting will have to challenge Xerces Society findings.
Right now the way the regulations are set up....if no butterflies are seen, no roost are identified then there is no protections for future possibilities.
For long term solutions, it can be easily requested by public comment to ask the LCMWD to plant more milk weed to bring back the butterflies. That would fall into what a preserve is all about. I think that is a great idea. I would love a new source of Milkweed for my cordage projects.
Can we talk about CAMP, SMRT, or whatever they call themselves now for a minute? They come out in opposition of removing trees on County property and start a petition in support of saving the palm trees because who doesn't love trees?! The County then recommends an option that preserves all of the palm trees on their property and removes 3 trees in preserve. That won't work either because a 10' path for bikes and pedestrians is now considered OC development that will decimate the forest and change the preserve forever. I thought nature preserves were about preserving the natural habitat and educating people on the value of open space. How is paving a path that already runs behind the palms and is already flat and wide going to destroy the preserve? I've read all the documents and it's clear non-native trees will be replaced with native trees. Seems pretty in-line with what a preserve is supposed to be doing anyways. It's a great location for a path like this. Connecting two awesome paths that already exist. Even the opposition can't argue with that. We can argue about butterflies and the woodpeckers till we're blue in the face but one thing seems pretty clear, more people will be walking, skating and riding through modoc after the project is built because most of us don't feel comfortable riding without protection from cars. There in lies the real problem...well at least for CAMP because they live across the street and like things how they are...private and harder to access. 3K people aren't signing a petition to maintain the status quo for the 50 homes across the street. So they knowingly spread bad information as facts, start a marketing campaign to rally the tree lovers and environmentalist, and form a small militia to cyberbully anyone with a different opinion online. That's all it seems to take to kill projects. Rally well-intentioned people behind your personal campaign to keep people out. Oh and instead of just coming out against the project, make sure you demand an EIR because it will delay the project and kill it anyways. Who agrees? Very disappointing to see. Scary times we live in y'all.
Can we talk about CAMP, SMRT, or whatever they call themselves now for a minute?
They come out in opposition of removing trees on County property and start a petition in support of saving the palm trees because who doesn't love trees?! The County then recommends an option that preserves all of the palm trees on their property and removes 3 trees in preserve.
That won't work either because a 10' path for bikes and pedestrians is now considered OC development that will decimate the forest and change the preserve forever. I thought nature preserves were about preserving the natural habitat and educating people on the value of open space. How is paving a path that already runs behind the palms and is already flat and wide going to destroy the preserve? I've read all the documents and it's clear non-native trees will be replaced with native trees. Seems pretty in-line with what a preserve is supposed to be doing anyways.
It's a great location for a path like this. Connecting two awesome paths that already exist. Even the opposition can't argue with that. We can argue about butterflies and the woodpeckers till we're blue in the face but one thing seems pretty clear, more people will be walking, skating and riding through modoc after the project is built because most of us don't feel comfortable riding without protection from cars.
There in lies the real problem...well at least for CAMP because they live across the street and like things how they are...private and harder to access.
3K people aren't signing a petition to maintain the status quo for the 50 homes across the street. So they knowingly spread bad information as facts, start a marketing campaign to rally the tree lovers and environmentalist, and form a small militia to cyberbully anyone with a different opinion online.
That's all it seems to take to kill projects. Rally well-intentioned people behind your personal campaign to keep people out. Oh and instead of just coming out against the project, make sure you demand an EIR because it will delay the project and kill it anyways.
Who agrees? Very disappointing to see. Scary times we live in y'all.
I don't happen to fully agree with CAMP but I don't find the public debate or protest scary ... this is the way to do it, as opposed to insurrections, voter suppression, doxxing, physical threats, etc. that we are seeing so much of elsewhere.
I don't happen to fully agree with CAMP but I don't find the public debate or protest scary ... this is the way to do it, as opposed to insurrections, voter suppression, doxxing, physical threats, etc. that we are seeing so much of elsewhere.
That is a pretty good summary. Pretty accurate in my experience.
That is a pretty good summary. Pretty accurate in my experience.
Thank you, you nailed it. They also may destroy any chance for the county receiving future grants so say good bye to any further sustainable transportation projects but I guess they have their cars and they'll have their little preserve so who cares if people get killed trying to ride to school and work on the side of the road- at least they saved the owls in the eucalyptus..oh wait, those will fall on the walkers and horse riders in the preserve I guess...what comes around goes around..sigh.
Thank you, you nailed it. They also may destroy any chance for the county receiving future grants so say good bye to any further sustainable transportation projects but I guess they have their cars and they'll have their little preserve so who cares if people get killed trying to ride to school and work on the side of the road- at least they saved the owls in the eucalyptus..oh wait, those will fall on the walkers and horse riders in the preserve I guess...what comes around goes around..sigh.
Building a bike path on a land preserve and cutting down priceless trees is idiotic. Option C is the only rational proposal out there so far. Good for the public for standing up to the monied bureaucracy.
Building a bike path on a land preserve and cutting down priceless trees is idiotic. Option C is the only rational proposal out there so far. Good for the public for standing up to the monied bureaucracy.
The trees we are talking about are not priceless. Pretty, sure, but not native and actually potentially damaging to a restored Preserve, as the eucalyptus trees poison the soil and when they catch fire. The palms can be moved back a little if that's important for the neighborhood ambiance. The NIMBYs are making tree removal a prime issue and that is not it. At all. Protecting the Preserve and addressing the public mobility need is. The one place where County staff was absolutely correct is that Option C is not an option. It's a fine route for those of us with appropriate bikes and tires, in daylight, but not for most people. That's the goal of the project. Most people. Including children, families riding together, folks with mobility disabilities. This project WILL happen, NIMBYs or not. They protested a potentially poor plan and it is now much better. Congrats. That's a win. There's probably still room for improvement but it is also time to move on.
The trees we are talking about are not priceless. Pretty, sure, but not native and actually potentially damaging to a restored Preserve, as the eucalyptus trees poison the soil and when they catch fire. The palms can be moved back a little if that's important for the neighborhood ambiance. The NIMBYs are making tree removal a prime issue and that is not it. At all. Protecting the Preserve and addressing the public mobility need is.
The one place where County staff was absolutely correct is that Option C is not an option. It's a fine route for those of us with appropriate bikes and tires, in daylight, but not for most people. That's the goal of the project. Most people. Including children, families riding together, folks with mobility disabilities.
This project WILL happen, NIMBYs or not. They protested a potentially poor plan and it is now much better. Congrats. That's a win. There's probably still room for improvement but it is also time to move on.
Option C will not work. No lighting, it is remote, it will require more retaining walls and more tree removal, many natives, it is NOT ADA compliant and there is no safe access to Vieja Valley School. You can't just pave over a dirt path and call it a multi-use path that is not how this works. This is about access for ALL users!
Option C will not work. No lighting, it is remote, it will require more retaining walls and more tree removal, many natives, it is NOT ADA compliant and there is no safe access to Vieja Valley School. You can't just pave over a dirt path and call it a multi-use path that is not how this works. This is about access for ALL users!
What if it's a bikepath on the other side of trees where there's already a path, and the same width as the one btw the med-dent bldgs and the creek, no wider? That's one is just wide enough for bikers going opposite directions to pass each other. A drunk with no lights or reflectors on his bike wove/wobbled out of the bike path by the riding ring into/across the road one November night. (I screeched to a halt. If I hadn't had my brights on, I wouldn't have seen the peripheral motion.)
What if it's a bikepath on the other side of trees where there's already a path, and the same width as the one btw the med-dent bldgs and the creek, no wider? That's one is just wide enough for bikers going opposite directions to pass each other. A drunk with no lights or reflectors on his bike wove/wobbled out of the bike path by the riding ring into/across the road one November night. (I screeched to a halt. If I hadn't had my brights on, I wouldn't have seen the peripheral motion.)
Everyone should note that the original, extra-awful proposals for Alignments A and B have been significantly "adjusted" by County Staff following citizen input. So yay! We won the first step. There are some issues remaining here: 1. Realize that this project WILL proceed forward, NIMBYs be damned. Stopping it is not an option, but citizen input to help make it a better project, respecting the integrity of the Preserve is key. Connecting the existing bikeway from the Obern Trail bikeway through Goleta and to UCSB is necessary and important. 2. This CAN and SHOULD be done without impacting the Preserve. Construction in the Preserve proper should require a full EIR, not a MND “mitigated negative declaration” which actually means: “we know there are going to impacts and we’ve done our best to minimize them, and let’s move on”. 3. Preserve the Preserve! Those of you promoting an EIR be careful what you ask for. That might actually recommend removing a whole lot MORE non-native trees (the aging and soon to die anyway palms and toxic, fire hazard eucalyptus) to help restore the compromised habitats. 4. There is, actually, a better alternative, I call it A-Prime, not (yet) revealed but hopefully under consideration that protects the Preserve and helps keep bicyclists and pedestrians safe. Modoc Rd can be re-aligned (eg: moved 10 feet north) resulting in the removal of even fewer trees (just one eucalyptus and two or three palms, I think) and not impact the Preserve at all. Everybody wins with that one, except perhaps the few folks who will lose their sidewalks. Just get it done right, as quickly as possible, and with no impact on the Preserve. But NIMBYs get ready for Preserve Restoration. Some of your precious trees will have to go, but for an ecologically sound rationale, not asphalt expedience.
Everyone should note that the original, extra-awful proposals for Alignments A and B have been significantly "adjusted" by County Staff following citizen input. So yay! We won the first step. There are some issues remaining here:
1. Realize that this project WILL proceed forward, NIMBYs be damned. Stopping it is not an option, but citizen input to help make it a better project, respecting the integrity of the Preserve is key. Connecting the existing bikeway from the Obern Trail bikeway through Goleta and to UCSB is necessary and important.
2. This CAN and SHOULD be done without impacting the Preserve. Construction in the Preserve proper should require a full EIR, not a MND “mitigated negative declaration” which actually means: “we know there are going to impacts and we’ve done our best to minimize them, and let’s move on”.
3. Preserve the Preserve! Those of you promoting an EIR be careful what you ask for. That might actually recommend removing a whole lot MORE non-native trees (the aging and soon to die anyway palms and toxic, fire hazard eucalyptus) to help restore the compromised habitats.
4. There is, actually, a better alternative, I call it A-Prime, not (yet) revealed but hopefully under consideration that protects the Preserve and helps keep bicyclists and pedestrians safe. Modoc Rd can be re-aligned (eg: moved 10 feet north) resulting in the removal of even fewer trees (just one eucalyptus and two or three palms, I think) and not impact the Preserve at all. Everybody wins with that one, except perhaps the few folks who will lose their sidewalks.
Just get it done right, as quickly as possible, and with no impact on the Preserve. But NIMBYs get ready for Preserve Restoration. Some of your precious trees will have to go, but for an ecologically sound rationale, not asphalt expedience.
A couple of things said in this protest have been a bit off. If the folks saying these things continue it only gives the county staff a winning argument. Palms trees 100 yrs old --- not likely when they are 30ft tall. All the palms listed for removal in plan A, are in the 30 FEET tall range. Growth rate of these palms range from 6inches to 12in a year. If they grew at only 6in a year for 100yrs they would be 60ft at least. For those 30ft palms to be 100yrs old the growth rate would be 3inch a year and due to slow growth they would die off. So why do trees in the 1928 aireal flyer over seem to be the same ones....1 theory is sometime between 1950-1970 they were replanted. Research is ongoing to fact check that. 3 palms on modoc rd are 60ft but those are not part of removal. So county staff would only need to say the palms targeted for removal are younger species not 100yrs old. Land Trust- the land trust manages the land but the las canoas water district LCWD, owns the land. If the LCWD decides that they want to put in a bike path its up to them not the land managers. County staff will obviously make this a point to refute the publics comments on this. The land owner is who decides and to whom we are legally required to contact with. I mean you can all relate. If you own a home you dont expect the county to talk to you gardener/landscaper abt permission for an easement? Monarch butterflys- yes, the Monarch butterfly does use eucalyptus trees to roost. But to assume that every eucalyptus tree has a roost is folly. The county staff will no doubt reply that the experts who do search for butterfly roost have not recorded any in a long time.....here from the MND "Monarch Butterfly. This species winters in dense roosts, typically in tree stands in protected coastal areas. These winter roosts begin forming in October and persist into February, while autumnal roosts are abandoned early in November or December by individuals seeking more favorable conditions. Meade (1999) reports a roost site (Hidden Valley Park) in Hope Ranch approximately 1.0 miles south-southeast of the project site. Suitable roosting habitat (eucalyptus stands) occurs within the adjacent Modoc Preserve; however, monarch roosting has never been reported here. Monarch butterfly numbers in the region have dropped drastically in the past few years, with only six or less observed at the Hidden Valley Park aggregation site during Thanksgiving surveys conducted since 2014 (Xerces Society Thanksgiving Monarch Count data, 2021). None were observed at the Hidden Valley Park aggregation site in 2021, and none were observed at the project site during the biological survey and are unlikely to occur due to the lack of observed monarchs at established aggregation sites nearby." Recently members of the nearby community have seen butterflies at the preserve. If the butterflys are roosting or just passing by is up to a professional to make that call. Xerces society would likely be a good contact since they conducted a survey in 2021. County staff will no doubt reply that all records support the MND. In projects like this its easy to ride those slippery slopes of hyperbolic grandiose statements to win over the folks who are not into details of a project but like the sentiments of a cause. If folks wish to battle a project like this they must come to terms with what the opposition(county staff) will say in response. The topics ive posted are ones that the county can respond to. Hopefully this can be useful to the protesters.
A couple of things said in this protest have been a bit off. If the folks saying these things continue it only gives the county staff a winning argument.
Palms trees 100 yrs old --- not likely when they are 30ft tall. All the palms listed for removal in plan A, are in the 30 FEET tall range. Growth rate of these palms range from 6inches to 12in a year. If they grew at only 6in a year for 100yrs they would be 60ft at least. For those 30ft palms to be 100yrs old the growth rate would be 3inch a year and due to slow growth they would die off. So why do trees in the 1928 aireal flyer over seem to be the same ones....1 theory is sometime between 1950-1970 they were replanted. Research is ongoing to fact check that. 3 palms on modoc rd are 60ft but those are not part of removal. So county staff would only need to say the palms targeted for removal are younger species not 100yrs old.
Land Trust- the land trust manages the land but the las canoas water district LCWD, owns the land. If the LCWD decides that they want to put in a bike path its up to them not the land managers. County staff will obviously make this a point to refute the publics comments on this. The land owner is who decides and to whom we are legally required to contact with. I mean you can all relate. If you own a home you dont expect the county to talk to you gardener/landscaper abt permission for an easement?
Monarch butterflys- yes, the Monarch butterfly does use eucalyptus trees to roost. But to assume that every eucalyptus tree has a roost is folly. The county staff will no doubt reply that the experts who do search for butterfly roost have not recorded any in a long time.....here from the MND
"Monarch Butterfly. This species winters in dense roosts, typically in tree stands in protected coastal areas. These winter roosts begin forming in October and persist into February, while autumnal roosts are abandoned early in November or December by individuals seeking more favorable conditions. Meade (1999) reports a roost site (Hidden Valley Park) in Hope Ranch approximately 1.0 miles south-southeast of the project site. Suitable roosting habitat (eucalyptus stands) occurs within the adjacent Modoc Preserve; however, monarch roosting has never been reported here. Monarch butterfly numbers in the region have dropped drastically in the past few years, with only six or less observed at the Hidden Valley Park aggregation site during Thanksgiving surveys conducted since 2014 (Xerces Society Thanksgiving Monarch Count data, 2021). None were observed at the Hidden Valley Park aggregation site in 2021, and none were observed at the project site during the biological survey and are unlikely to occur due to the lack of observed monarchs at established aggregation sites nearby."
Recently members of the nearby community have seen butterflies at the preserve. If the butterflys are roosting or just passing by is up to a professional to make that call. Xerces society would likely be a good contact since they conducted a survey in 2021. County staff will no doubt reply that all records support the MND.
In projects like this its easy to ride those slippery slopes of hyperbolic grandiose statements to win over the folks who are not into details of a project but like the sentiments of a cause.
If folks wish to battle a project like this they must come to terms with what the opposition(county staff) will say in response. The topics ive posted are ones that the county can respond to. Hopefully this can be useful to the protesters.
thank you for the review and reply SNOODELY. The current MND did not indicate that any owls were identified in this area. However under the Appendix B they cite Great horned owl to be nearby. Like all development projects like this one it is standard to have a biologist on-site during and also conducting a survey a week before the start of work. they are always looking for wildlife. From the MND. pg 41, Mitigations "If vegetation removal is conducted between February 1 and August 31, preconstruction nesting bird surveys shall be conducted no more than one week prior to vegetation removal. If surveys do not find active nests of bird species protected under the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act and/or the California Fish and Game Code within 100 feet (300 feet for raptors) of proposed project activities, vegetation removal and construction activities may be conducted." The biologist on-site will also have "Stop Work Authority"
thank you for the review and reply SNOODELY. The current MND did not indicate that any owls were identified in this area. However under the Appendix B they cite Great horned owl to be nearby.
Like all development projects like this one it is standard to have a biologist on-site during and also conducting a survey a week before the start of work. they are always looking for wildlife.
From the MND. pg 41, Mitigations "If vegetation removal is conducted between February 1 and August 31, preconstruction nesting bird surveys shall be conducted no more than one week prior to vegetation removal. If surveys do not find active nests of bird species protected under the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act and/or the California Fish and Game Code within 100 feet (300 feet for raptors) of proposed project activities, vegetation removal and construction activities may be conducted."
The biologist on-site will also have "Stop Work Authority"
Thank you for pointing out the facts, and correcting the misstatements, Ksen’ Sku’ Mu. We appreciate your research and your respectful response. I would also like to add that palm trees (which are not, technically "trees", by the way) can easily be moved, because of their shallow root systems. Hopefully, trees will be checked for nesting owls before removal. (Does anyone know how to save the nesting owls, if they are found?) We can do without the nesting rats!
Thank you for pointing out the facts, and correcting the misstatements, Ksen’ Sku’ Mu. We appreciate your research and your respectful response. I would also like to add that palm trees (which are not, technically "trees", by the way) can easily be moved, because of their shallow root systems. Hopefully, trees will be checked for nesting owls before removal. (Does anyone know how to save the nesting owls, if they are found?) We can do without the nesting rats!
Maybe I'm the only one who sees this, but it seems to me that the "bio-diversity of the Modoc Preserve" was compromised when they first planted the Canary Island Palms. The palms are home to ungodly numbers of "street" pigeons, which are responsible for the demise of the native band-tailed pigeons by infecting them. Funny thing is that the protestors are going to use paper, cardboard, and sticks for their "protest" signs, all of which come from chopped down trees....how ironic. After the protest, they will willfully discard their toxic signs that are covered in toxic paints and toxic ink and chuck them into the garbage and hauled to the landfill. Hmmmm....the protesting business does not seem to be very eco-friendly.
Maybe I'm the only one who sees this, but it seems to me that the "bio-diversity of the Modoc Preserve" was compromised when they first planted the Canary Island Palms. The palms are home to ungodly numbers of "street" pigeons, which are responsible for the demise of the native band-tailed pigeons by infecting them.
Funny thing is that the protestors are going to use paper, cardboard, and sticks for their "protest" signs, all of which come from chopped down trees....how ironic. After the protest, they will willfully discard their toxic signs that are covered in toxic paints and toxic ink and chuck them into the garbage and hauled to the landfill. Hmmmm....the protesting business does not seem to be very eco-friendly.
LOL. You're so funny, BC, but not intentionally.
LOL. You're so funny, BC, but not intentionally.
CAMP’s argument is lame. Build it.
CAMP’s argument is lame. Build it.
Draft Mitigated Negative Declaration https://content.civicplus.com/api/assets/c7354678-d116-4cb1-aa8d-1110a3ba3601 2.1 PROJECT CHARACTERISTICS The bike path would be 10 feet wide with minimum two foot-wide shoulders on each side. The bike path would be paved with asphalt concrete over an aggregate base. Two retaining walls (approximately 1,134 linear feet in total) would be required along the bike path to provide a level surface and limit earthwork. A 538 foot-long northern retaining wall would be visible from Modoc Road, with an average height of about five feet. A 596 foot-long southern retaining wall would be located on the south side of the bike path alignment and would not be visible from Modoc Road. What does this mean? Will there be 5 foot walls on either side of the bike path? Does this mean a fence like on Los Positas, or does this mean a solid wall? Hopefully not Solid walls....Solid walls would create hidden areas potential for crime...further more it would make for an unpleasant ride, run, walk Does anyone know?
Draft Mitigated Negative Declaration https://content.civicplus.com/api/assets/c7354678-d116-4cb1-aa8d-1110a3ba3601 2.1 PROJECT CHARACTERISTICS The bike path would be 10 feet wide with minimum two foot-wide shoulders on each side. The bike path would be paved with asphalt concrete over an aggregate base. Two retaining walls (approximately 1,134 linear feet in total) would be required along the bike path to provide a level surface and limit earthwork. A 538 foot-long northern retaining wall would be visible from Modoc Road, with an average height of about five feet. A 596 foot-long southern retaining wall would be located on the south side of the bike path alignment and would not be visible from Modoc Road.
What does this mean? Will there be 5 foot walls on either side of the bike path? Does this mean a fence like on Los Positas, or does this mean a solid wall? Hopefully not Solid walls....Solid walls would create hidden areas potential for crime...further more it would make for an unpleasant ride, run, walk Does anyone know?
I'm surprised by your question, Sun, as you are usually so well informed. (Not being sarcastic--clarifying because it's often hard to tell.) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Retaining_wall
I'm surprised by your question, Sun, as you are usually so well informed. (Not being sarcastic--clarifying because it's often hard to tell.)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Retaining_wall
the area you are talking about by Calle de los Amigos and the 101 falls under the City of Santa Barbara jurisdiction. I have not kept up with that work as closely as this project. But someone where can correct me, i believe most of that work is nearly finished or on the way to be finished. As you are heading towards Hollister on Modoc rd, Starting with Via Senda there is a small bluff type landform. Its not more than 15ft in height. As you get closer to the Boy scouts building the bluff tapers off to a flat open surface. for which the bike path will continue on.
the area you are talking about by Calle de los Amigos and the 101 falls under the City of Santa Barbara jurisdiction. I have not kept up with that work as closely as this project. But someone where can correct me, i believe most of that work is nearly finished or on the way to be finished. As you are heading towards Hollister on Modoc rd, Starting with Via Senda there is a small bluff type landform. Its not more than 15ft in height. As you get closer to the Boy scouts building the bluff tapers off to a flat open surface. for which the bike path will continue on.
However , during heavy rains, that hillside has slid and trees were lost.... Doc states.... pg 56 https://content.civicplus.com/api/assets/c7354678-d116-4cb1-aa8d-1110a3ba3601 a. Based on the Seismic Safety and Safety Element of the Santa Barbara County Comprehensive Plan, the project site is located in an area assigned low problem ratings for liquefaction, slope stability, tsunami, expansive soils, soil creep, and compressible- collapsible soils and a high problem rating (includes entire south coast) for seismic- tectonic. The project site does not include any slopes, such that landslides and slope stability is not an issue. The immediate project area has been assigned a low-moderate overall geologic problems index. The proposed project would not include any habitable structures; therefore, no persons would be exposed to geologic hazards. b. Earthwork associated with the proposed project would be limited to minor grading for the bike path. Mass grading or slope construction would not be required. Only a small amount of cut and fill would be required and would be minimized by the use of retaining walls. i. No grading of slopes is proposed.
However , during heavy rains, that hillside has slid and trees were lost.... Doc states.... pg 56 https://content.civicplus.com/api/assets/c7354678-d116-4cb1-aa8d-1110a3ba3601
a. Based on the Seismic Safety and Safety Element of the Santa Barbara County Comprehensive Plan, the project site is located in an area assigned low problem ratings for liquefaction, slope stability, tsunami, expansive soils, soil creep, and compressible- collapsible soils and a high problem rating (includes entire south coast) for seismic- tectonic. The project site does not include any slopes, such that landslides and slope stability is not an issue. The immediate project area has been assigned a low-moderate overall geologic problems index. The proposed project would not include any habitable structures; therefore, no persons would be exposed to geologic hazards.
b. Earthwork associated with the proposed project would be limited to minor grading for the bike path. Mass grading or slope construction would not be required. Only a small amount of cut and fill would be required and would be minimized by the use of retaining walls.
i. No grading of slopes is proposed.
@ Ksen'_Sku'_Mu' thank you for your response.. Is this the hillside between the 101 ramp and Calle de Los Amigos? This answers my previous question regarding space for the path between Via Senda and Calle de Los Amingos ...You have informed me they will cut into the hillside which would increase space. During Heavy rains that hillside has slid taking out trees, is it stable ?...might cutting into the hillside potentially destablize it? Is there potential that during heavy rains it would take out the retaining wall and more? What do engineers say? Is there an option to go around the hill side?
@ Ksen'_Sku'_Mu' thank you for your response.. Is this the hillside between the 101 ramp and Calle de Los Amigos?
This answers my previous question regarding space for the path between Via Senda and Calle de Los Amingos ...You have informed me they will cut into the hillside which would increase space. During Heavy rains that hillside has slid taking out trees, is it stable ?...might cutting into the hillside potentially destablize it? Is there potential that during heavy rains it would take out the retaining wall and more? What do engineers say? Is there an option to go around the hill side?
The retaining walls are placed in areas where the land has a hill. The plan is to 'cut' into the hillside to make room for the path. For example as you start on the road on modoc at via senda, the landscape rises like a knoll, this is where they need to cut back the knoll and place a retaining wall to prevent the knoll from collapsing on to the roadway. So there will not be any place for anyone to hide behind. Those walls are visible on modoc, the ones not visible are in the lower elevation in the preserve and on the preserve side of another knoll.
The retaining walls are placed in areas where the land has a hill. The plan is to 'cut' into the hillside to make room for the path. For example as you start on the road on modoc at via senda, the landscape rises like a knoll, this is where they need to cut back the knoll and place a retaining wall to prevent the knoll from collapsing on to the roadway. So there will not be any place for anyone to hide behind. Those walls are visible on modoc, the ones not visible are in the lower elevation in the preserve and on the preserve side of another knoll.
As a biker option B. Although I'm totally fine as it is and have always loved (and felt safe) on that stretch. It's even a great decent and climb going east towards La Cumbre that provides for a great little workout with a rest at the stop sign. BTW - These all purpose paths? Please drive down lower Modoc where the lanes were squeezed and see if you can stay in a lane without hitting paint. Also look over to the all purpose path at any time/any day and think of what you see. So far for me? It's constantly empty.
As a biker option B. Although I'm totally fine as it is and have always loved (and felt safe) on that stretch. It's even a great decent and climb going east towards La Cumbre that provides for a great little workout with a rest at the stop sign. BTW - These all purpose paths? Please drive down lower Modoc where the lanes were squeezed and see if you can stay in a lane without hitting paint. Also look over to the all purpose path at any time/any day and think of what you see. So far for me? It's constantly empty.
I always see people on the paths when I go by them. Must be different times of day.
I always see people on the paths when I go by them. Must be different times of day.
You know we support bicycles and pathways. If we could move the protected nature preserve we would. Can you say that about the bike pathway? There are options.
You know we support bicycles and pathways. If we could move the protected nature preserve we would. Can you say that about the bike pathway? There are options.
Have you done a test drive of Alignment C yet? I’d be happy to take you, C is far superior to A (Awful) and B (Bad)! ✅Learn the A’s, B’s & C’s: https://www.independent.com/2022/08/04/dont-choose-bad-or-awful-for-modoc-paths/ ✅Sign the SMRT petition: https://www.change.org/SaveModocRoadTrees ✅Donate to our legal fund if you can: https://www.gofundme.com/f/save-the-modoc-road-trees ✅Take a guided walk on the Preserve and get to KNOW these trees: msg Shelly Cobb to RSVP, 7am or 7pm daily! ✅Email County Planners Sneddon, Jones & Wageneck and tell them to recommend C! Csneddo@countyofsb.org mmjones@countyofsb.org Lwageneck@countyofsb.org ghart@countyofsb.org ✅Email Supervisor Hart and tell him NO on A(wful) & B(ad) - vote C! ✅Invite all your friends to MAKE SIGNS ��� and join us at the SMRT Rally, Sat Aug 27, at 11am. (Meet under the tallest trees at the west end of the Modoc. Walk, ride your bike ��, or park your � on Modoc/Encore…) ✅Become a CAMP volunteer: msg Deb Thomas to sign up https://facebook.com/modocpreserve https://instagram.com/modocpreserve
Have you done a test drive of Alignment C yet? I’d be happy to take you, C is far superior to A (Awful) and B (Bad)! ✅Learn the A’s, B’s & C’s: https://www.independent.com/2022/08/04/dont-choose-bad-or-awful-for-modoc-paths/ ✅Sign the SMRT petition: https://www.change.org/SaveModocRoadTrees ✅Donate to our legal fund if you can: https://www.gofundme.com/f/save-the-modoc-road-trees ✅Take a guided walk on the Preserve and get to KNOW these trees: msg Shelly Cobb to RSVP, 7am or 7pm daily! ✅Email County Planners Sneddon, Jones & Wageneck and tell them to recommend C! Csneddo@countyofsb.org mmjones@countyofsb.org Lwageneck@countyofsb.org ghart@countyofsb.org ✅Email Supervisor Hart and tell him NO on A(wful) & B(ad) - vote C! ✅Invite all your friends to MAKE SIGNS ��� and join us at the SMRT Rally, Sat Aug 27, at 11am. (Meet under the tallest trees at the west end of the Modoc. Walk, ride your bike ��, or park your � on Modoc/Encore…) ✅Become a CAMP volunteer: msg Deb Thomas to sign up https://facebook.com/modocpreserve https://instagram.com/modocpreserve
It’s crazy making that people are protesting this like a preserve is being illegally deforested when the conservation easement allows for it. Especially when there’s explicit language that allows for the removal of non-native trees for the purpose of restoration. The current habitat is disturbed and planted with trees that don’t naturally occur. Why do you think oaks and sycamores are protected while other trees aren’t? To say a disturbed environment shouldn’t be restored is insanity. Plus there’s a needed multi use connection going on as well. I’m tired of the haters. Every bike infrastructure project has people that have some issue with it. Also these types of complaints are not unique.
It’s crazy making that people are protesting this like a preserve is being illegally deforested when the conservation easement allows for it. Especially when there’s explicit language that allows for the removal of non-native trees for the purpose of restoration. The current habitat is disturbed and planted with trees that don’t naturally occur. Why do you think oaks and sycamores are protected while other trees aren’t? To say a disturbed environment shouldn’t be restored is insanity. Plus there’s a needed multi use connection going on as well. I’m tired of the haters. Every bike infrastructure project has people that have some issue with it. Also these types of complaints are not unique.
You clearly don't know what you're talking about. Or maybe you hired a bad land use lawyer?
You clearly don't know what you're talking about. Or maybe you hired a bad land use lawyer?
That is correct. And now the s b land trust can spend their contributions on legal defense instead of maintaining the nature preserve.
That is correct. And now the s b land trust can spend their contributions on legal defense instead of maintaining the nature preserve.
You sound very educated on the Deed of Conservation Easement. Have you even read it? The Land Trust has written a letter to the La Cumbre Water Board and to the County. They were not even notified about this destructive project that proposes putting 2000 tons of concrete and asphalt and 1100’ of 5’ tall retaining walls on the Preserve, let alone cutting down trees. No offense but you simply do not know what you’re talking about. I hope you will sign up for a docent-led guided walking tour so I can show you this beautiful Open Space, the Modoc Preserve, that was designed for pedestrians, equestrians and wildlife, as well as the A, B and C options. To RSVP, email modocpreserve@gmail.com.
You sound very educated on the Deed of Conservation Easement. Have you even read it? The Land Trust has written a letter to the La Cumbre Water Board and to the County. They were not even notified about this destructive project that proposes putting 2000 tons of concrete and asphalt and 1100’ of 5’ tall retaining walls on the Preserve, let alone cutting down trees. No offense but you simply do not know what you’re talking about. I hope you will sign up for a docent-led guided walking tour so I can show you this beautiful Open Space, the Modoc Preserve, that was designed for pedestrians, equestrians and wildlife, as well as the A, B and C options. To RSVP, email modocpreserve@gmail.com.
CAMP is made up of a few "NIMBY" folks trying to preserve their protected view corridor at the expense of hard working commuters, school children, college students and faculty, hospitality workers, less-abled people and many others who are going to work, school and play by either choosing to or having to ride a bike or walk or roll to their destination. Transportation is the leading cause of emissions in California. By providing safe, separated paths for biking and walking, we can encourage more people to leave their car at home or be able to access their work and schools without driving. How selfish are these people who claim to be saving some trees when the best thing for the environment is to get people out of cars, remove dangerous, fire hazard, water hungry non-native species. I am appalled at the elitist people in this group who are not thinking about the future and all the people that completing this bike path will serve. Sorry if your morning walk with your dog might have to be shared with some folks on bikes but this project is NOT tearing down the forest, it is NOT paving a parking lot or shopping mall. It is creating a path that will SAVE LIVES and serve our whole community. Not to mention that alignment C will involve the removal of approximately 50 trees, many native, it has few and steep access points, is remote, has NO lighting and so is extremely unsafe at night and is simply off the table. Please support alignment B- it is a compromise, it is the safest and best solution for the environment and all users and it completes a small gap in an amazing path that we will all enjoy.
CAMP is made up of a few "NIMBY" folks trying to preserve their protected view corridor at the expense of hard working commuters, school children, college students and faculty, hospitality workers, less-abled people and many others who are going to work, school and play by either choosing to or having to ride a bike or walk or roll to their destination. Transportation is the leading cause of emissions in California. By providing safe, separated paths for biking and walking, we can encourage more people to leave their car at home or be able to access their work and schools without driving. How selfish are these people who claim to be saving some trees when the best thing for the environment is to get people out of cars, remove dangerous, fire hazard, water hungry non-native species. I am appalled at the elitist people in this group who are not thinking about the future and all the people that completing this bike path will serve. Sorry if your morning walk with your dog might have to be shared with some folks on bikes but this project is NOT tearing down the forest, it is NOT paving a parking lot or shopping mall. It is creating a path that will SAVE LIVES and serve our whole community. Not to mention that alignment C will involve the removal of approximately 50 trees, many native, it has few and steep access points, is remote, has NO lighting and so is extremely unsafe at night and is simply off the table. Please support alignment B- it is a compromise, it is the safest and best solution for the environment and all users and it completes a small gap in an amazing path that we will all enjoy.
Just because something isn't what you care about, that doesn't mean that this isn't about it. "Yes I really feel sorry for you." How very unpleasant.
Just because something isn't what you care about, that doesn't mean that this isn't about it.
"Yes I really feel sorry for you."
The Modoc Preserve is privately owned land that is managed by the Land Trust of Santa Barbara. The conservation easement that was granted in 1999 was a hard-fought battle to keep this Open Space from development. If we had not fought and won this battle, Laguna Blanca school and houses would be on it now. The thing you are completely missing is this land is preserved in perpetuity. It is open to the Public to enjoy in its natural state. Forever. C is a county-owned unimproved fire/access road and all you’d have to do is pave it. No trees would need to be cut down. It’s wide, safe, ADA-accessible, elevated views of the Modoc Preserve, away from cars, and not steep at all. Come join me on a bike tour, I took both Gregg Hart and Das Williams this week, they think it is a gorgeous path and has potential. ✅Learn the A’s, B’s & C’s: https://www.independent.com/2022/08/04/dont-choose-bad-or-awful-for-modoc-paths/ ✅Sign the SMRT petition: https://www.change.org/SaveModocRoadTrees ✅Donate to our legal fund if you can: https://www.gofundme.com/f/save-the-modoc-road-trees ✅Take a guided walk on the Preserve and get to KNOW these trees: msg ModocPreserve@gmail.com to RSVP, 7am or 7pm daily! ✅Email County Planners Sneddon, Jones & Wageneck and tell them to recommend C! Csneddo@countyofsb.org mmjones@countyofsb.org Lwageneck@countyofsb.org ghart@countyofsb.org ✅Email Supervisor Hart and tell him NO on A(wful) & B(ad) - vote C! ✅Invite all your friends to MAKE SIGNS ��� and join us at the SMRT Rally, Sat Aug 27, at 11am. (Meet under the tallest trees at the west end of the Modoc. Walk, ride your bike ��, or park your � on Modoc/Encore…) ✅Become a CAMP volunteer: msg ModocPreserve@gmail.com to sign up https://facebook.com/modocpreserve https://instagram.com/modocpreserve
The Modoc Preserve is privately owned land that is managed by the Land Trust of Santa Barbara. The conservation easement that was granted in 1999 was a hard-fought battle to keep this Open Space from development. If we had not fought and won this battle, Laguna Blanca school and houses would be on it now. The thing you are completely missing is this land is preserved in perpetuity. It is open to the Public to enjoy in its natural state. Forever. C is a county-owned unimproved fire/access road and all you’d have to do is pave it. No trees would need to be cut down. It’s wide, safe, ADA-accessible, elevated views of the Modoc Preserve, away from cars, and not steep at all. Come join me on a bike tour, I took both Gregg Hart and Das Williams this week, they think it is a gorgeous path and has potential. ✅Learn the A’s, B’s & C’s: https://www.independent.com/2022/08/04/dont-choose-bad-or-awful-for-modoc-paths/ ✅Sign the SMRT petition: https://www.change.org/SaveModocRoadTrees ✅Donate to our legal fund if you can: https://www.gofundme.com/f/save-the-modoc-road-trees ✅Take a guided walk on the Preserve and get to KNOW these trees: msg ModocPreserve@gmail.com to RSVP, 7am or 7pm daily! ✅Email County Planners Sneddon, Jones & Wageneck and tell them to recommend C! Csneddo@countyofsb.org mmjones@countyofsb.org Lwageneck@countyofsb.org ghart@countyofsb.org ✅Email Supervisor Hart and tell him NO on A(wful) & B(ad) - vote C! ✅Invite all your friends to MAKE SIGNS ��� and join us at the SMRT Rally, Sat Aug 27, at 11am. (Meet under the tallest trees at the west end of the Modoc. Walk, ride your bike ��, or park your � on Modoc/Encore…) ✅Become a CAMP volunteer: msg ModocPreserve@gmail.com to sign up https://facebook.com/modocpreserve https://instagram.com/modocpreserve
It has nothing to do with emissions , school, work, none of that. It had to do with honor and respect. The land is a nature preserve protected by an agreement to leave it as a nature preserve, protect if. Forever. I would support the class 1 bike path next to the class 2 bike path anywhere else but not in a land preserve. The Santa Barbara Land Trust protects many many acres of land, they rely on peoples generosity and compassion to support them. The money that they will now be forced to legally protect this potential bike path will be taken out of their operational funds. Yes I really feel sorry for you.
It has nothing to do with emissions , school, work, none of that. It had to do with honor and respect. The land is a nature preserve protected by an agreement to leave it as a nature preserve, protect if. Forever. I would support the class 1 bike path next to the class 2 bike path anywhere else but not in a land preserve. The Santa Barbara Land Trust protects many many acres of land, they rely on peoples generosity and compassion to support them. The money that they will now be forced to legally protect this potential bike path will be taken out of their operational funds. Yes I really feel sorry for you.
No good deed goes unpunished. The county got a free grant to build a bike path that saves lives and makes life in SB better, while also reducing fire risk, and this is the thanks they get.
No good deed goes unpunished. The county got a free grant to build a bike path that saves lives and makes life in SB better, while also reducing fire risk, and this is the thanks they get.
*disclose significant impacts to the public.
*disclose significant impacts to the public.
Or maybe the County can go with Option A and you don't have the easement argument because it's out of the preserve. But I'm sure even then you'll come up with some argument to stop that because you don't want it! CEQA is designed to disclose significant impacts without public disclosure. This project has no significant impacts. You may have emotional impacts, but there are far worse things going on every day within this county that you should be upset about. Actual environmental justice issues. Even if you cause the funding to be lost this will not be forgotten. What a legacy you can have here in SB. I will make sure the absurdity of this is on the national news. The tree removal is less than one percent probably of the trees onsite. These trees were planted by the people who probably chopped down way more oak trees than you could imagine. Be sure to share that history on your nature walks. Maybe you can install a plaque adjacent to one of your "non-impactful" desire lines.
Or maybe the County can go with Option A and you don't have the easement argument because it's out of the preserve. But I'm sure even then you'll come up with some argument to stop that because you don't want it! CEQA is designed to disclose significant impacts without public disclosure. This project has no significant impacts. You may have emotional impacts, but there are far worse things going on every day within this county that you should be upset about. Actual environmental justice issues. Even if you cause the funding to be lost this will not be forgotten. What a legacy you can have here in SB. I will make sure the absurdity of this is on the national news. The tree removal is less than one percent probably of the trees onsite. These trees were planted by the people who probably chopped down way more oak trees than you could imagine. Be sure to share that history on your nature walks. Maybe you can install a plaque adjacent to one of your "non-impactful" desire lines.
@Arbiter you are right, “no good deed goes unpunished”. Many good people fought long and hard back in 1999 to Preserve this 25 acres of Open Space. It is open to the Public for pedestrians and equestrians to enjoy, as well as wildlife. Everyone is invited to come on a guided walking tour so you can learn more about the Preserve and see what you’re missing. RSVP to ModocPreserve@gmail.com.
@Arbiter you are right, “no good deed goes unpunished”. Many good people fought long and hard back in 1999 to Preserve this 25 acres of Open Space. It is open to the Public for pedestrians and equestrians to enjoy, as well as wildlife. Everyone is invited to come on a guided walking tour so you can learn more about the Preserve and see what you’re missing. RSVP to ModocPreserve@gmail.com.
The Modoc Preserve Deed of Conservation Easement does not permit paths made of 2000 tons of concrete, asphalt, road base , nor 5’ tall retaining walls. Sorry, @DaughterMotherSister, you need to come up with another plan.
The Modoc Preserve Deed of Conservation Easement does not permit paths made of 2000 tons of concrete, asphalt, road base , nor 5’ tall retaining walls. Sorry, @DaughterMotherSister, you need to come up with another plan.
The Modoc Preserve Deed of Conservation Easement does not permit paths made of 2000 tons of concrete, asphalt, road base , nor 5’ tall retaining walls. Sorry, @DaughterMotherSister, you need to come up with another plan. @Arbiter, you’re right “no good deed goes unpunished”, we fought a long hard battle to Preserve this 25 acres of Open Space and open it to the Public for pedestrians and equestrians as well as wildlife. Please come on a guided walking tour so I can show you what you’re missing.
The Modoc Preserve Deed of Conservation Easement does not permit paths made of 2000 tons of concrete, asphalt, road base , nor 5’ tall retaining walls. Sorry, @DaughterMotherSister, you need to come up with another plan.
@Arbiter, you’re right “no good deed goes unpunished”, we fought a long hard battle to Preserve this 25 acres of Open Space and open it to the Public for pedestrians and equestrians as well as wildlife. Please come on a guided walking tour so I can show you what you’re missing.
The preserve is to protect native species and restore the oak woodland. Invasive species can legally be removed for restoration purposes per the conservation easement. This improves public access + restores some of the natural habitat when developers plowed over the natural habitat to develop Hope ranch and hope ranch annex. Too bad you weren’t around back then to complain about that.
The preserve is to protect native species and restore the oak woodland. Invasive species can legally be removed for restoration purposes per the conservation easement. This improves public access + restores some of the natural habitat when developers plowed over the natural habitat to develop Hope ranch and hope ranch annex. Too bad you weren’t around back then to complain about that.
4 traffics accidents in 10 years. ?? 2 are cars fault and 2 are bikes fault?? Fire ? It’s a 25 acre nature preserve. I can go and see concrete and asphalt anywhere all the time. Build your bike path on the other side. It may be piscine to have both
4 traffics accidents in 10 years. ?? 2 are cars fault and 2 are bikes fault?? Fire ? It’s a 25 acre nature preserve. I can go and see concrete and asphalt anywhere all the time. Build your bike path on the other side. It may be piscine to have both
3 minute explainer video for Plan B bike path on Modoc here: https://youtu.be/COyYB8vNtSY -$5.4MM for County to build -Safe bike path and walkway for the community -Replaces fire hazard trees with Oaks, net zero loss of trees -Only 3 out of hundreds of trees in Preserve actually replaced. -19 trees outside Preserve replaced by Oaks Sign petition for safe biking on Modoc here. Don't let a small group of people living across the street from the Preserve deprive the community of $5.4MM and the final link in safe biking from Isla Vista to Hendry's Beach just so they can keep it exclusively convenient for themselves. https://www.change.org/p/support-the-completion-of-the-modoc-road-multi-use-path
3 minute explainer video for Plan B bike path on Modoc here:
https://youtu.be/COyYB8vNtSY
-$5.4MM for County to build -Safe bike path and walkway for the community -Replaces fire hazard trees with Oaks, net zero loss of trees -Only 3 out of hundreds of trees in Preserve actually replaced. -19 trees outside Preserve replaced by Oaks
Sign petition for safe biking on Modoc here. Don't let a small group of people living across the street from the Preserve deprive the community of $5.4MM and the final link in safe biking from Isla Vista to Hendry's Beach just so they can keep it exclusively convenient for themselves.
https://www.change.org/p/support-the-completion-of-the-modoc-road-multi-use-path
That $8. Million dollar bike path has over 3000 supporters and a terrific go fund me account and a lawyer on retainer and ready. Take your 8 million dollars and build it anywhere but in a nature preserve
That $8. Million dollar bike path has over 3000 supporters and a terrific go fund me account and a lawyer on retainer and ready. Take your 8 million dollars and build it anywhere but in a nature preserve
Modoc on Encore 2019 a 54 year old bicycler was killed. 2018 a college aged female, 21 ejected from her bike Apparently there have been 2 other accidents requiring emergency services. No one I know thinks that bike path is safe for any kids 5-18, kids commuting to college, families, and or older folks. Ride outside the lines on Modoc and risk getting getting hit, lose your balance, get hit, avoid a palm frond, get hit. Plan B calls for only 3 of 500+ trees to be replaced by Oaks, and for this, protesters are trying to kill the bike lane. So the protestors want to deny the community: -$5.4MM in funding for -Safe public biking for kids, families, college kids, commuters, etc... -Replacing fire hazardous trees with oaks -Expanding access and enjoyment of nature beyond residents living across the street -BTW, THE ORIGINATING PRESERVE DOCUMENTS CALL FOR THE REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT OF NON NATIVE PLANTS, so the protesters are actually violating the original plans and stipulations guiding the preserve But the worst aspect of this is Depriving kids, families, commuters, etc. of 5.4MM in state funding to build a safe bike path is cruel, especially since it may affect multiple generations thereafter. If they care about safe biking for the community, with limited impact to trees, they can support Plan B, which runs parallel to Modoc on the perimeter of the Preserve: -Replace 3 out of 500 preserve trees with Oaks -Replace 19 trees outside the Preserve with Oaks Net effect is 0, and in 5 years, no one will know which trees were removed. If the protestors keep this up, the county will have to take Option A which will eliminate double the trees, AND make a less desireable bike lane as it runs closer to Modoc - lose, lose. As you read the protestors however, it's clear they just don't want a bike path period, whether it has minimal impact on the Preserve, or runs outside the Preserve and leaves 100% of the Preserve trees in tact - either way, they don't want the bike path. Neither Option A or B would block their access and enjoyment of the preserve, but they seek to block $5.4MM that would benefit the community and all the people that would like to bike along Modoc but are afraid to. They aren't protecting the Preserve from a Corporation trying to reap profits, they are depriving the community of $5.4MM of a project that can provide joy for the community at large.
Modoc on Encore 2019 a 54 year old bicycler was killed. 2018 a college aged female, 21 ejected from her bike Apparently there have been 2 other accidents requiring emergency services.
No one I know thinks that bike path is safe for any kids 5-18, kids commuting to college, families, and or older folks. Ride outside the lines on Modoc and risk getting getting hit, lose your balance, get hit, avoid a palm frond, get hit.
Plan B calls for only 3 of 500+ trees to be replaced by Oaks, and for this, protesters are trying to kill the bike lane.
So the protestors want to deny the community: -$5.4MM in funding for -Safe public biking for kids, families, college kids, commuters, etc... -Replacing fire hazardous trees with oaks -Expanding access and enjoyment of nature beyond residents living across the street -BTW, THE ORIGINATING PRESERVE DOCUMENTS CALL FOR THE REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT OF NON NATIVE PLANTS, so the protesters are actually violating the original plans and stipulations guiding the preserve
But the worst aspect of this is Depriving kids, families, commuters, etc. of 5.4MM in state funding to build a safe bike path is cruel, especially since it may affect multiple generations thereafter.
If they care about safe biking for the community, with limited impact to trees, they can support Plan B, which runs parallel to Modoc on the perimeter of the Preserve: -Replace 3 out of 500 preserve trees with Oaks -Replace 19 trees outside the Preserve with Oaks Net effect is 0, and in 5 years, no one will know which trees were removed.
If the protestors keep this up, the county will have to take Option A which will eliminate double the trees, AND make a less desireable bike lane as it runs closer to Modoc - lose, lose.
As you read the protestors however, it's clear they just don't want a bike path period, whether it has minimal impact on the Preserve, or runs outside the Preserve and leaves 100% of the Preserve trees in tact - either way, they don't want the bike path.
Neither Option A or B would block their access and enjoyment of the preserve, but they seek to block $5.4MM that would benefit the community and all the people that would like to bike along Modoc but are afraid to.
They aren't protecting the Preserve from a Corporation trying to reap profits, they are depriving the community of $5.4MM of a project that can provide joy for the community at large.
Many good people fought long and hard back in 1999 to Preserve this 25 acres of Open Space. It is open to the Public for pedestrians and equestrians to enjoy, as well as wildlife. Everyone is invited to come on a guided walking tour so you can learn more about the Preserve and see what you’re missing. RSVP to ModocPreserve@gmail.com.
Many good people fought long and hard back in 1999 to Preserve this 25 acres of Open Space. It is open to the Public for pedestrians and equestrians to enjoy, as well as wildlife. Everyone is invited to come on a guided walking tour so you can learn more about the Preserve and see what you’re missing. RSVP to ModocPreserve@gmail.com.
I know half of Santa Barbara would be grateful with the class 2 pathway you already have?
I know half of Santa Barbara would be grateful with the class 2 pathway you already have?
Don’t want to deny you anything. Build it else where and I’ll help you but not in a nature preserve. ? It’s really not that hard.
Don’t want to deny you anything. Build it else where and I’ll help you but not in a nature preserve. ? It’s really not that hard.
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