Fitzgerald Marine Reserve

Appeal A-2-SMC-11-010
The 2002 Fitzgerald Marine Reserve Master Plan recognized
the area's rich natural resources through its guiding
principles: 
"The fundamental concept underlying the
Master Plan is that protection of the
outstanding natural resources of the Fitzgerald
Marine Reserve will require a new approach to
management of ecological systems and visitors
in future years, and the best way to accomplish
this goal is to emphasize the sensitivity of the
resource, to enhance the educational value of
the Reserve, to manage visitation, and to limit
use of the Reserve as a recreation destination."
1/4 mile trail

.26 mile
 “The Commissions’s staff
biologist has reviewed the WRA
report and concluded that the
area in question could be
considered a wetland pursuant to
the Coastal Commission’s
definition of a wetland...”
Page 3 of the Staff Report
Dardenelle Trail 3’-4’ wide June 2, 2010
“In fact, 50% of the herbaceous
vegetative cover at one of the
sample locations was provided
by species designated Obligate
and Facultative Wetland,
indicating they most commonly
occur in wetlands.”
Page 3 of the Staff Report
June 2, 2010
 “In comparison, the WRA report
concludes that although there are wetland
species present, the area is not a wetland
due to upland conditions observed.
However, the observations done in the
report were conducted in August, and the
conclusion that the area did not pond
water during the rainy season was an
anecdotal recollection by a Park Ranger.”
Page 3 of the Staff Report
June 2, 2010
 “In addition, lack of inundation does not
mean the area may not saturate near the
surface during the rainy season. Therefore,
the data collected and the analysis by
WRA Environmental Consultants is
insufficient to enable the Commission to
conclude that the area is not a wetland.”

Page 4 of the Staff Report

June 2, 2010

3’-4’ wide
“The actual developed trail will be only
approximately 2 feet wider than the
existing undeveloped trail footprint.”
Page 5 of the Staff Report

PLEASE NOTE: This is not

accurate information. Most of the
existing trail is 3-4 feet wide, the
proposed width is 8 feet.
 Dardenelle Trail

The proximity of the pond to the trail was not

considered by the County, and therefore not
considered by the Commission staff either.
 Ponds and Lakes are
sensitive habitats and
development requires
a 100 foot setback

This pond is 60’ from the Dardenelle Trail

 Dardenelle Trail

The Dardenelle Pond is

60’ feet from the trail
 Dardenelle Pond

Native American
Archeological Site
 Native
American
Archeological
Site

Proposed
Bridge Site

Existing Bridge over San Vicente Creek

 The Dardenelle Trail is isolated
from southern and northern
strands of the Coastal Trail because
of erosion, rip-rap, development,
and geographical constraints.
 north

Access is Coastal Trail

blocked by
rip-rap, connections are
erosion and
development
FMR blocked to the north
and south of the FMR

Ocean Blvd.
is closed due
to landslide in
2006

south
The Pillar Point Bluff segment
of the Coastal Trail is ADA
accessible and is located on
the bluff above the Fitzgerald
Marine Reserve.
 Pillar Point Bluff
Jean Lauer Trail
With funding from the California
Coastal Conservancy, POST created
an important segment of the 1,200-
mile California Coastal Trail.
The Jean Lauer Trail overlooks a
seasonal wetland and the Fitzgerald
Marine Reserve.

POST acquired this property in August 2004

 POST
Pillar Point Bluff
Coastal Trail

Multi-Use
ADA accessible
 POST
Pillar Point Bluff
Coastal Trail

4 foot trail width

Multi-Use
ADA accessible
 5 foot wide

POST Pillar Point Bluff Coastal Trail — Multi-Use and ADA accessible
Appeal Summary:

4 foot wide trail is ADA compliant and multi-

use.

Significant new information regarding the

location of the pond should be considered.

200 linear feet of trail in the riparian area

should maintain 4 foot width through ESHA.

New bridge width should be reduced to 6 feet

wide.
Thank you.

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