A (not so) brief background: In 2008, MCAS was deeded the eight acre parcel now known as "East Sweet Springs" adjacent to the existing Sweet Springs Nature Preserve by the Trust for Public Land. The State Coastal Conservancy, the Wildlife Conservation Board, and the US Department of Fish and Wildlife provided funding for the $2,000,000 purchase. The intent of purchasing this property and deeding it to MCAS was for MCAS to protect sensitive biological and cultural resources found on site, restore habitat for the benefit of sensitive species, and provide compatible public access.
MCAS set about conducting the necessary surveys and studies required by the county. Since Morro Shoulderband Snails, a federally endangered species, were found on site, MCAS was required to prepare a "Recovery Action Plan" (RAP) that would improve habitat quality and quantity for the endangered species. Hence, MCAS hired the SWCA Environmental Consultants to prepare the plan, which was accepted by the MCAS Board and the Department of Fish and Wildlife. To help the all volunteer MCAS Board prepare the application for a Minor Use Permit (MUP) required by the County, the Board hired the SLO Land Conservancy. Finally, on September 2, 2011, the application for the MUP was filed with the County.
Currently: Community members appear to endorse the project for access improvement including trails (some built in accordance with Americans with Disabilities Act standards), benches, signage, and a viewing platform overlooking the shore, as well as removal of exotic vegetation (veldt grass) and restoration of native wildflowers, shrubs, and trees. There is disagreement and confusion, however, about the planned gradual removal of the eucalyptus trees found on site.
Clarifications:
(1) The trees slated for removal are ONLY those on the new, never-been-open-to-the-public eight acre parcel. The project does NOT include any tree removal on the existing Sweet Springs Preserve.
(2) The tree removal is called for as part of the RAP to aid habitat restoration for the Morro Shoulderband Snail and to accomplish the goals set forth for the Project.
Future: As this edition of the newsletter goes to press, MCAS is planning an Open House / tour / question-and-answer session open to the public on November 19 to be held at East Sweet Springs. MCAS is also preparing additional documents requested by the county before the project is heard by the Planning Commission sometime this winter. The MCAS Board is confident that with increased understanding that the tree removal is necessary to accomplish the goals of both the Project and the RAP and to fulfill the intent of the original purchase, the community will embrace the Project as it moves forward through the permitting process.
For more information about the Project, please visit : Morro Coast Audubon. Be sure to sign up for the MCAS Alert! to be informed about the Project progress.
