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PRAIRIE CITY STATE AREA MASTER PLAN Adopted July 20,1991 by the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission Approved September 20,1991 by R.Aralirecto r State of CaUfornia - 4e esources Agency Department of Parks and Recreation VEHICULAR RECREATION

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PRAIRIE CITYSTATE AREA

MASTER PLANAdopted July 20,1991 by the

Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission

Approved September 20,1991 by

R.Aralirector

State of CaUfornia - 4e esources AgencyDepartment of Parks and Recreation

VEHICULAR RECREATION

OFF-HIGHWAY MOTOR VEHICLE RECREATION COMMISSONSeven Members

The Honorable Betty J. Morris Chairman

The Honorable John Motley Vice-Chairman

The Honorable Eugene Chappie Member

The Honorable Paul Golde Member

The Honorable Loren L. Lutz, D.D.S Member

The Honorable Hugh McGuigan Member

The Honorable Marge Sutton Member

PRAIRIE CITY

STATE VEHICULAR RECREATION

PETE WILSON*GovernorState of California

MASTER PLAN

May 1991

DOUGLAS WHEELERSecretary for Resources

HENRY R. AGONIADirector

Department of Parks and Recreation

LEE J. CHAUVETDeputy Director

Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division

Darbit of Pa!ics ard PazeaticnP.O. Bc 942896

S&ralrei-IbD, 94296-0001

AREA

RELATED DOCUMENTS

This planning effort was initiated as a result ofChapter 1210 of the Statutes of 1988. Related documentsavailable under separate cover that relate to this MasterPlan are:

1. The Environmental Impact Report for this Master Plan.

2. The Feasibility Analysis of the proposed concessionoperation of Prairie City State Vehicular RecreationArea SVRA.

3. The Bid Prospectus for concession operation of PrairieCity SVRA. -

Copies of these documents may be obtained from the OHMVRDivision.

1

SENATE BILL NO. 2659CHAPTER 8812.10

Introduced by Senator DoolittleFebruary 19, 1988

An act to amend and supplement the Budget Act of 1988 byadding Section 3790-494 to Section 2.00 thereof, relating tooff-highway motor vehicles, making an appropriation therefor,and declaring the urgency thereof, to take affectimmediately.

Legislative Counsel’s DigestSB 2659, as amended, Doolittle. Prairie City

Off-Highway Vehicle Park: Ocotillo Wells State VehicularRecreation Area.

Existing law requires the Department of Parks andRecreation to manage state vehicular recreation areas.Existing law authorizes the appropriation of moneys in theOff-Highway Vehicle Fund for local assistance grants foroff-highway motor vehicle purposes and for purposes of thestate vehicular recreation area and trail system.

This bill would authorize the department to enter intoan operating agreementwith the County of Sacramento tooperate the Prairie City Off-Highway Vehicle Park as a statevehicular recreation area until it is transferred to thestate. The bill would appropriate $1,008,000 from the fundto the department, with $195,000 for the acquisition ofSacramentoCounty’s interest in the Prairie City Off-HighwayVehicle Park and $813,000 in augmentation of the Budget Actof 1988, for department support costs for the 1988-89 fiscalyear which are related to that off-highway vehicle park. Thebill would require the department to complete a concessionsproposal for the park which is ready for bid in the 1990-91fiscal year.

The bill would also amend and supplement the Budget Actof 1988 to reappropriate $1,584,000 to the department forconstruction at the Ocotillo Wells State Recreation Area, andwould make the funds available for expenditure until June 30,1989.

The bill would declare that it is to take effectimmediately as an urgency statute.

Vote 2/3. Appropriation: yes. Fiscal Committee:yes. State-mandatedlocal program: no.

The people of the State of California do enact as follows:

SECTION I. The Department of Parks and Recreation mayenter into an operating agreementwith the County ofSacramentoto operate the Prairie City Off-Highway Vehicle

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Park as a state vehicular recreation area until the transferto the state is completed.

SEC. 2. The sum of one million eight hundred thousanddollars $1,800,000 is hereby appropriated from theOff-Highway Vehicle Fund to the Department of Parks andRecreation for expenditure as follows:

a One hundred ninety-five thousand dollars $195,000for acquisition of the real property interest of the Countyof Sacramento in the Prairie City Off-Highway Vehicle Park.

b Eight hundred thirteen thousand dollars $813,000,in augmentation of Item 3790-001-001 of the Budget Act of1988 and the establishment of eight personnel years forsupport of the department for 1988-89 fiscal year forpersonal services and operating expensesand equipmentrelated to the Prairie City Off-Highway Vehicle Park. Theeight personnel years shall be for a limited term not toexceed three years. The department shall complete aconcessions proposal for the park which is ready for bid inthe 1990-91 fiscal year.

SEC. 3. Item 3790-494 is added to Section 2.00 of theBudget Act of 1988 Chapter 313, Statutes of 1988, to read:

3790-494 - Reappropriation, Department of Parks andRecreation. Notwithstanding any other provisions of law,the appropriation of $1,584,000 made by Item3790-301-2633, Budget Act of 1987, for initialdevelopment construction for Ocotillo Wells SVRA, isreappropriated to the department, and shall be availablefor expenditure until June 30, 1989.

SEC. 4. This act is an urgency statute necessary forthe immediate preservation of the public peace, health, orsafety within the meaning of Article IV of the Constitutionand shall go into immediate effect. The facts constitutingthe necessity are:

In order to open the Prairie City Off-Highway VehiclePark as soon as possible, and in order that the OcotilloWells State Vehicle Recreation Area initial developmentproject, which is completely designed and ready to proceedfor construction, which would require continued operationsfrom an inadequate temporary office and no maintenancefacility during a period when acquisition of lands to theOcotillo Wells State Vehicle Recreation Area is growing, itis necessary that this act take effect immediately.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION PageUnit Identification . 1

Source of Program Direction 1

Purpose of the Plan 3

Objectives of the Plan 3

SUMMARYOverview of Resource ManagementGuidelines 4

Overview of Existing and ProposedPublic Facilities .... 5

THE PLANNING PROCESSThe Process 7

Public Involvement 8

RESOURCE ELEMENTIntroduction 11

Resource Summary 12A. NaturalSelection 12B. Cultural Resources 19C. Aesthetic Resources 20D. Recreation Resources 21

Resource Policy InformationA. Classification 22B. Declaration of Purpose 22C. Zone of Primary Interest 23D. Resource ManagementPolicies 24

LAND USE AND FACILITIES ELEMENTExistingCondition 34

A. Surrounding Land Use and Ownership 34B. Vehicular Access and Circulation 34

Land Use and Development Issues 36A. Room to Ride 36B. Carrying Capacity 36C. Prairie City’s Green Sticker "Role" 36D. Regional Demand 37E. Non-Green Sticker Uses 37F. Limits Imposed by Soils 38G. Buffer Area 38H. Unit Expansion 38

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TABLE OF CONTENTSPage Two

PageLand Use Goals 39

FacilityRecommendations 40

OPERATIONS ELEMENTExistingSituation 45

A. Operational Summary 45B. Concession Operation 47C. SpecialConsideration 47

Master Plan Implementation 47A. Goals and Objectives 47B. Operational Problems, Solutions and

Strategies 4 8C. Operational Impacts 52D . Volunteerism 53

INTERPRETIVE ELEMENTExisting Situation Interpretive Summary 56

A. Existing Facilities and Programs 56B. Special Considerations 57

Master Plan Implementation 57A. Goals and Objectives 57B. Interpretive Program Problems,

Strategies, Adverse Impact 58

CONCESSIONS ELEMENTIntroduction 61

General Definition 61Purpose 61Compatibility 61Attractions Unto Themselves 61Planning 61

General ConcessionPolicies 61

Limitations 62

Current Conditions Which Relate to Concessions 62

Maintenance 64

Alcoholic Beverages 65

General 65

V

MAPS

Page

REGIONAL ORIENTATION Map 1 . 2

SOIIS Map 2 31

CONSTRAINTS Map 3 32

LAND USE Map 4 41

FACILITIES Map 5 42

SURROUNDING LAND USE Map 6 43

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PRAIRIE CITY STATE VEHICULAR RECREATION AREA SVRA

INTRODUCTION

This document is the Master Plan for future development,operation, and resource managementof Prairie City StateVehicular Recreation Area SVRA.

Unit Identification

Prairie City State Vehicular Recreation Area SVRA coveringapproximately 836 acres is located in eastern SacramentoCounty.The unit is located approximately 20 miles east of downtownSacramentoand 3 miles south of U.S. Highway 50 see Map #1 -

Regional Orientation map. The primary accessto the unit fromU.S. 50 is to take Prairie City Road south to Whiterock Road andturn west a mile and a half to the main entrance. An alternateroute is to exit U.S. Highway 50 at Sunrise Blvd. travellingsouth on Sunrise to Whiterock Road and east on Whiterock Roadapproximately 7 miles to the unit entrance.

The majority of the western portion of the unit is covered withpiles of rock cobbles dredger tailings deposited duringhydraulic gold mining operations. The cobbles area is vegetatedwith grass, thistle and scattered cottonwood trees. The easternportion of the unit is rolling hills and vegetative cover isopen grass land and oak woodland.

The unit is made available for public use as an Off-HighwayVehicle Recreation Facility for such off-highway vehicles asmotorcycles, 4-wheel drives, dune buggies, all-terrain cycles,and minicycles. The unit was operated by SacramentoCounty from1975 to 1986 through funding from the State Off-Highway VehicleFund. The County closed Prairie City OHV Park in 1986 to casualriding. The state reopenedthe facility in.April of 1989 as aState Vehicular Recreation Area.

The land surrounding Prairie City on the east, south, and westis primarily grazing land. The 12,000 acres to the north areowned by Aerojet General Corporation and operated as a rocketpropulsion manufacturing facility.

Source of Program Direction

The Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Act of 1988 recognizes there is ademand for off-highway vehicle recreation and requires theDepartment of Parks and Recreation to administer a comprehensiveprogram to provide for acquisition, management, and operation oflands for this form of recreation.

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PLACERVILLE

flY S V D A

FAIRFIELD

SACRAMENTO RIVER

PRAIRIE CIT.Y SVRA

scaIe,imes tiFf

MAP1

Purpose of the Plan

The need for a public off-road vehicle facility in Sacramentowas recognized in the early 1970’s with increased motorcycleriding on the American River Parkway. SacramentoCounty ParksDepartment made a purchase of land in 1975 and 1976 which becamePrairie City OHV Park. SacramentoCounty stopped operating thefacility for casual use in 1986. The State OHMVR Program is nowfull owner and operator of the facility.

Chapter 1210/88 which authorized funding for Prairie City SVRAalso required a bid package be let for a concession operation ofthe unit. OHMVR Commission policy requires an approved MasterPlan on which to base a proposed concession operation.

This Master Plan is intended to guide future acquisition, landuse, development, and operation of the unit. The precise designof facilities, configuration of new use areas, and nature ofprograms and concession arrangementswill be further refinedwhen implementation of specific aspects of the Master Plan arefunded through the budget process.

Objectives of the Plan

The Master Plan attempts to meet the following broad objectives:

1. Develop the land base and facilities needed to meetcurrent and future OHV recreation demands for SacramentoCounty and the surrounding area.

2. Maintain soil and habitat standards, and protect othernatural and cultural resources.

3. Promote interpretation of riding safety and provide OHVeducational information.

4. Provide interpretation of the natural environment whichoccurs at Prairie City SVRA.

5. Provide base information for a concession bid package fortotal operation of the unit by a private firm or business.

6. Provide opportunities for concession services, OHVfacilities, and special events when appropriate.

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PRAIRIE CITY STATE VEHICULAR RECREATION AREA SVRA

SUMMARY

This summary is a quick reference for the resource managementguidelines, facility and site improvements, and operations goalsfor Prairie City State Vehicular Recreation Area. These are morefully discussed under their respective sections elements ofthis Master Plan.

OVERVIEW OF RESOURCE MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES

The resource managementguidelines summarized below are intendedto protect the natural and cultural resources of the unit,thereby providing direction for future development efforts.

* Soil and habitat loss should be minimized by compliancewith Chapter 1027/87, the Off-Highway Vehicle RecreationAct of 1988.

* Design drainage crossings to minimize environmentalimpact.

* Continue monitoring on-site test wells and domestic wells.

* Further testing is required in Area 39 before opening topublic use.

* Facilities development should adhere to buildingrequirements for the Vleck, Pentz, and the Hadselvillesoil series.

* Vernal pools should be protected from OHV impacts.

* Plantings of native and exotic plants for the purposesshade, aesthetics, and erosion control should be plannedin areas of intense use.

* Vehicle traffic around native Oak trees should berestricted at the drip line.

* Areas of Elderberry vegetation should be protected fromvandalism.

* Controlled burns should be prescribed for areas of highfire potential such as sites within the open grassland.

* Middens shall be protected, however if development of thesite is necessary, excavation of the site shall occurunder direction of an archeologist.

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* Signs explaining the significance of historic resourcesshould be placed where appropriate.

* The Scott Road Scenic corridor buffer zone should bemaintained along the eastern boundary of the unit.

* Maximum noise levels for off-highway motor vehiclesidentified in the California Vehicle Code should beenforced.

* Interpretive information for users should cover naturalfeatures, history, and OHV riding information.

* All vehicles using the unit for OHV recreation shall beequipped with a legal muffler, an effective sparkarrester and currently registered.

OVERVIEW OF EXISTING AND PROPOSED PUBLIC FACILITIES

Keeping in mind that the primary goal of the plan is to maintainriding opportunity at a minimum of cost, existing facilitiesthat meet that criteria will remain and a few proposedfacilities will be added.to expand the opportunity.

EXISTING FACILITIES:

Buffer Zone - This area is set aside for protection ofVernal Pools and to comply with the County of Sacramento’s500’ buffer zone requirement on Scott Road, a countyscenic highway.

Mud Dra - Two race lanes and safety barriers.

Of f Road Car Track - Parking, fenced staging.

Pro Moto-Cross Track - Parking, safety fenced, startgate, water and electricity.

2 Practice Tracks - Safety fenced, ramadas, tables,stoves.

Staging Area - Parking, sanitary facilities, ramadas,tables, stoves, water and trees.

1/4 Midget Track - Parking, 1/4 mile track, bleachers,officials tower, concession buildings.

PROPOSED FACILITIES - The following are those facilitiesidentified on the plan that will be implemented when userdemand shows the need.

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Food and parts concession

Permanent sanitary facilities to serve the day to daydemand.

4X4 obstacle course

A sand drag course

An additional staging area

A third practice track

A go-cart track

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PRAIRIE CITY STATE VEHICULAR RECREATION AREA SVRA

THE PLANNING PROCESS

The planning process for an OHV unit must include gaining aknowledge of the guidelines for the program. It is important toread the enabling legislation, the OHV Act of 1988. This lawalong with OHMVR Commission Policy sets direction for theprogram. This was the beginning point of the Master Plandevelopment for Prairie City SVRA.

The Process

The process used in preparing the Master Plan was comprehensive,examining a broad range of concerns related to the continuedoperation of Prairie City SVRA. The main topics consideredincluded; public and governmental roles, physical resources,existing land use, public needs, demand for expansion, access,and legal constraints.

There were five main steps used to produce the Prairie CityMaster Plan: Resource Inventory, Resource Analysis, Synthesis,Development of Alternatives, and the Development of a SinglePlan.

The natural resources inventoried for this Master Plan includeclimate, topography, hydrology, geology, soils, and plant andanimal life. Information was also collected on cultural,aesthetic, and recreational resources, as well as propertyownership status. Resource information was obtained throughfile and literature searches, field observation, andpublic/agency review and comment. This information wassummarized, and is contained in the Resource Element of thisMaster Plan. Full documentation of the resource data is on filewith the State Department of Parks and Recreation in Sacramento.

Prairie City SVRA is a unit designated to serve the public withOff-Highway Vehicle Recreation opportunity being its primeresource. The natural and cultural resources were evaluated todetermine what appropriate managementpolicies would be neededto protect, enhance, or restore sensitive and importantresources. Knowledge of recreation and natural resourcesprovided definition for land use and intensity levels which wereconsidered appropriate and manageable, and which providedparameters for the planning options.

Alternative plans were generated to explore use of existing, andproposed OHV facilities, as well as various land patternarrangements. The unit is not large enough to accommodateallof the OHV needs of the community. Ways were sought to maximize

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use for fulfillment of OHV demand in the area. Although theprimary goal of the program is to provide for casual riding,tracks will accommodatemore people per square foot of area in asafe manner than open casual use.

Early in the process an advisory committee per OHMVR Commissionpolicy was created to assist with the planning for the SVRA.Graphic land use plans including some facility improvements weredeveloped following a general public meeting and severaladvisory committee meetings. After discussing many alternateproposals, the advisory committee members broke into teams oftwo or three and were given base maps and asked to develop landuse plans of their choice. Through a discussion of these landuse plans, a single plan was forged.

The limitation of the size of the unit was recognized by thecommittee and they recommendedthat the Master Plan includeacquisition as a solution to neededadditional recreationopportunity.

Public Involvement

The public was able to express their interests and concerns atall stages in the planning process. During the acquisition andoperation by the County many local citizens were involved in theplanning efforts and becamevery knowledgeable about issuesconnected with this facility. Their knowledge and experiencewere invaluable in the development of the Master Plan.

During the planning process the State began interim operation ofthe facility. This operation established a level of publicservice which planners and publics could use as a base ofservice and also provided a better index of need for certainfacilities. Since the advisory committee members eachrepresented large segments of the public they were heavilyrelied on as representatives of their various groups.

Public MeetingsPublic involvement began and ended with general publicmeetings. All meetings in between were advisory committeemeetings. The last opportunity to express concerns to the planwill be the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commissionmeeting. The following is a list of meetings participated in bythe public during the planning process.

1. February 15,1989A general public meeting held at Pancho Cordova HighSchool with 150 people present. This was a start-upmeeting intended to hear the public concerns.

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ANALYSIS2. September 1989 Advisory Committee Appointed3. March 6,1990 Advisory Meeting4. March 22,1990 Advisory Meeting5. April 17,1990 Advisory Meeting6. May 22,1990 Advisory Meeting

DEVELOP ALTERNATIVES7. June 19,1990 Advisory Meeting8. September 25,1990 Advisory Meeting9. October 23,1990 Advisory Meeting

COMPOSE A SINGLE PLAN10. November 20,1990 Advisory Meeting11. December 5,1990 General Public Meeting held in the SMUD

Auditorium about 60 people present. This meeting washeld to share with the general public the Prairie CitySVRA Master Plan shown on Map #5.

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PRAIRIE CITY STATE VEHICULAR RECREATION AREA SVRA

RESOURCE ELEMENT

IA. INTRODUCTION

Purpose

The Public Resource Code Section 5002.2b broadly defines thepurpose of the Resource Element in the General Plan. ThisResource Element serves a similar purpose in this Master Plan.

The resource element in this master plan will evaluate theunit as a constituent of an ecological region and as adistinct ecological entity, based upon historical andecological research of plant-animal and soil-geologicalrelationships and shall contain a declaration of purpose,setting forth specific long-range managementobjectives forthe unit consistent with the unit’s classification as anSVRA. This element will also contain policy sections whichwill set forth the precise actions and limitations requiredfor the achievement of the objectives established in thedeclaration of purpose.

Unit Description

Prairie City State Vehicular Recreation Area PCSVRA issituated in northeastern SacramentoCounty, approximately 13miles east of Sacramento, and four miles south of Folsom. Thisarea, within the SacramentoValley, has been characterized asGreat Valley landscape province, Great Valley ecological region,and California grassland province. The American River liesapproximately 3 miles to the north, the CosumnesRiverapproximately 7 miles to the south, and the SacramentoRiverapproximately 17 miles to the west. The portion of Folsom LakeState Recreation Area known as Lake Natoma is located threemiles north of PCSVRA. Folsom Lake is 5.5 miles north/northeastof the unit. PCSVRA occupies 836 acres and is situated in theBuffalo Creek 7.5 mm. quad in portions of Sections 25 and 36T9N R7E, and portions of Sections 30 and 31 T9N R8E MountDiablo Baseline and Meridian.

Landmarks on the unit are primarily man-madestructures. Thisis due to the relatively unvaried topography and general lack ofhighly visible features. With the possible exception of CoyoteHill located in the eastern section, above the Hangtownmotocross track, no notable natural landmarks occur on theunit. This rounded hill is one of the highest spots in theentire unit and can be seen from many areas. Man-made landmarksare the test-firing pit, the "moon room", the water tower, andpark headquarters. The test firing-pit is a large rectangular

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pit with approximate dimensions of 630 x 70 x 35 feet deep.The"nioon room" is a dome-shapedbuilding which housed theviewing and control rooms for rocket motor testing. These twostructures are located in the south central section of theunit. The large water tank built for rocket testing operationsis located near park headquarters in the southwestern section ofthe unit. This tank is currently fully functional and used tosupply domestic water. Park headquarters, located in thesouthwest corner of the unit, currently consists of a trailer, anewly paved parking lOt, and a storage facility for equipment.

PCSVRA is within a 30 minute drive of both downtown Sacramentoand Placerville El Dorado County, via U.S. Highway 50 whichruns east-west approximately 3 miles to the north. The unit canbe accessedfrom any of four roads. From U.S. Highway 50, thePrairie City Road off-ramp may be taken south to where itintersects White Rock Road. This intersection is at thenortheast corner of the unit. White Rock Road is the northernboundary of the unit, extending west beyond Sunrise Boulevardand east beyond Latrobe Road. From the southwest, GrantlineRoad can be taken north to White Rock Road and from thesoutheast, Scott Road can be taken north, also to White RockRoad. The unit entrance is located at the northwest corner ofthe unit along White Rock Road. Entrance into the riding areais south on this access road and through a gate near parkheadquarters.

Resource Summary

Natural Resources

Topography: PCSVRA lies near the upper eastern limit of theGreat Valley geomorphic province. Topography of this region istransitional from the flat valley floor to the rolling hills ofthe western Sierra Nevada. The unit generally ranges fromalmost flat in the western section, to quite hilly in theeastern section. Between these two areas, the landscape isrolling. Elevation on the unit range from 240 feet to 350 feet.

Three sources of topographic change have been: construction ofseveral siltation ponds, possible encroachment by a neighboringaggregate mining operation, and erosion at specific sites due toinherent soil/slope characteristics and/or use. Topographicdata have been updated by field survey see RI.

Meteorology: A dominant factor in the weather of northernCalifornia is the semi-persistent high pressure area of thenorth Pacific Ocean. This pressure center moves northward inthe summer, diverting storms to the north of the state. As aresult, California receives little or no precipitation duringthe summer. In winter, the Pacific high retreats southward

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permitting storm centers to swing across California. Thesestorms bring widespread, moderate precipitation in theSacramentoValley. A typical winter storm brings intermittentrain over a period from 2 to 5 days, followed by from 7 to 14days of dry weather.

Temperature data at PCSVRA is extrapolated from four weatherstations surrounding the site. Average temperature ranges forJanuary and July are 37-54 and 58-95 degrees F,respectively. Annual average precipitation on-site,extrapolated from the four stations, is between 18-24 inches peryear. Most precipitation is received during the period fromNovember through April. Snow is an extremely rare event.Relative humidity varies inversely with temperature on a diurnaland annual basis. Average minima typically occur on late Julyafternoons, while average maxima occur on early Januarymornings. High nighttime winter humidities frequently lead tothe formation of a shallow layer of ground fog "tule fog" whenmoist air is cooled by contact with the ground. Dense fogdefined as visibility less than 0.25 mile occurs an average of35 days per year. The Sacramentoarea averages 288 days ofsunshine per year.

Southerly winds are the strongest and most prevalent at PCSVRA.These winds are probably the result of channeling of theprevailing winds through the Carquinez Straits, a narrow gap inthe coastal mountains to the southwest. Occasionally, anorth/south barometric pressure gradient can develop whichresults in a strong flow of warm, dry air from the north. Theseinfrequent winds produce heat waves in the summer.

The SacramentoValley is one of the largest air basins inCalifornia, and has a high air pollution potential. Present airquality problems result from extensive industrial, agricultural,and urban development, and especially from the widespread andincreasing use of motor vehicles. The California Air ResourcesBoard CARB and the Air Pollution Control District monitor thefive major air pollutants; 03, CO, suspendedparticulate matter,NO2, and S02. Federal standards for NO2 and S02 are being metthroughout the valley. The most recent data show continuingviolations of the federal standards for 03, CO, and suspendedparticulate matter.

Hydrology: Generally, PCSVRA slopes and drains south. Thereare 12 small watersheds in the unit, varying in size from 10 to40 acres. Watershedson the eastern portion of the unit drainto Coyote Creek, the single well-defined intermittent drainage.The western portion of the unit drains south and southwest.Areas draining south eventually drain to Laguna Creek.

With the exceptions of dredge tailings, soils at the unit have

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slow to very slow infiltration and permeability rates. Thesesoils have high runoff potential. OHV use has exacerbatedrunoff potential by denuding soils of vegetation and exposingthem to erosion by wind and water. In the area covered bydredge tailings, soils have moderate infiltration andpermeability rates. Runoff potential is not so severe.

Available data indicate groundwater gradients slope southwestinto the valley. Depth to groundwater has varied from 132 to147 feet with no discernible trend over the last ten years.The unit is not constrained by potential for flooding or a highwater table. Local groundwater is contaminated with organiccompounds, most probably emanating from the neighboring AerojetGeneral facility, to the northwest. Despite this groundwatercontamination, the on-site water supply well is tested monthlyand meets California Department of Health Services CDHSstandards for domestic use.

Geoloav: PCSVRA lies within the Great Valley geomorphicprovince. This province, a nearly horizontal alluvial plain, isapproximately 450 miles long with an average width of 50 miles.The Great Valley of California is drained by two river systems,the Sacramentoand the San Joaquin, whose tributaries have builtup the alluvial deposits that cover the floor. Both drain tothe San Francisco Bay.

The geology of the valley is described as a large, elongate,northwest-trending, asymmetric, structural trough filled with avery thick sequence up to 6,000 feet of sediments, primarilyof marine origin, and ranging in age from Jurassic to Recent.

The first geologic event pertinent to the discussion of thehistory of the Great Valley is the formation of the ancestralSierra Nevada in the late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous time theNevadian orogeny. During the Cretaceous, great quantities ofrock were removed from the mountains and deposited into anancestral sea to the west. The Sierra Nevada were planed downto an area of lower relief and topography.

Beginning in the middle to late Eocene and continuingsporadically into Miocene time, volcanic activity again upliftedthe Sierra Nevada mountains. This activity waned in the laterpart of the Pliocene and erosion of the Sierra Nevada once againdeposited sediments into the Great Valley.

Deposition of these fluviatile sediments was terminated by asignificant uplift or a series of uplifts that elevated theSierra Nevada to near its present altitude during earlyPleistocene or late Pliocene.

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Rejuvenated streams cut into the relatively soft sediments ofthe Great Valley that had been deposited during the latePliocene called the Laguna Formation. Most of the detrituswas carried westward and deposited near the axis of the valley.

Eventually, the valley floor filled in to its presenttopographic dimensions. Under the present regimen, streams areeroding the low alluvial plains and dissected uplands andaggrading the river flood plains, channels, alluvial fans, andflood basins.

PCSVRA is underlain by a number of distinct rock .types. Fromyoungest to oldest they are: 1 the Pliocene age LagunaFormation, 2 the Miocene-Pliocene age Mehrten Formation, 3 theEocene age lone Formation, 4 Jurassic age Gopher Ridgevolcanics and, 5 the Jurassic age Salt Springs Slate. Inaddition, dredge tailings from historic river placer gold miningoperations cover portions of the park. -

A review of published geologic reports indicates thatgeologically significant features, such as unique minerals,paleontological sites, or special geomorphic features are notpresent on-site. Bedrock landsliding does not occur at theunit, or in the immediate vicinity. The potential forlandsliding is considered very low.

Volcanic hazards at PCSVRA are considered very low. Active orpotentially active volcanic zones are not located near thesite. The nearest active or potentially active volcanic zone islocated approximately 100 miles northeast. of the unit, near LakeTahoe.

No active mines are registered on-site. Located immediatelynorth of PCSVRA is an active quarry. This quarry produces sandand gravel for aggregate base material. Potential mineralproducts from the unit would include sand and gravel aggregateand clay, based upon the types of rocks known to underlie theunit and the mining history of the area. The existing andfuture land use of PCSVRA should not constitute a potential lossof mineral resources.

The potential for seismic activity at PCSVRA is relatively highas it is for all of California. Earthquakes may result frommovement of the San Andreas Fault Zone or the Foothills FaultSystem until recently, believed to be inactive. The MaximumCredible Earthquake for the Foothills System is Richtermagnitude 6.5. This quake would produce estimated peak groundacceleration of 0.13 g.

Soils: PCSVRA is located in California Soil Region IV, theSacramentoValley Region. Region IV is characterized by igneous

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alluvium on the east side of the SacramentoValley, and about 15to 35 inches of annual rainfall. Native vegetation consists ofgrasses and grass-oak communities. This region occupies aboutfour percent of California’s land area. Soils vary depending onparent material, drainage, and other locally prevailinggeomorphic forces. PCSVRA is typical of this region, and doesnot include any landforins, parent material, or othercharacteristics which would represent a departure from thegeneralized description.

Ten different soil map units are identified on the site:Creviscreek Sandy Loam; Hadselville-Pentz Complex; MokelumneGravelly Loam; Mokelumne-Pits, Mine Complex; Pentz-LithicXerorthents Complex; Red Bluff Loam; Red Bluff-Redding Complex;Red Bluff-Xerorthents Complex; Redding Gravelly Loam; and VleckGravelly Loam.

Surface soil depth ranges from nine inches for the Hadselvilleseries to twenty-one inches for the Creviscreek series.Textures range from sandy loam to loam. High salinity is not aproblem. Electrical coriductivities for all area soils are wellbelow 4.0 mmhos/cm. Soil pH ranges from 4.5 to 6.5. Theseslightly acid levels reflect the acidic nature of sedimentaryparent materials. These pH values facilitate ion exchangeandnutrient availability upon periodic soil wetting.

Subsurface soil depths range from seven inches to fifty-twoinches. Textures range from sandy loam to clay. High salinityis not a problem. Soil pH ranges from 4.5 to 8.4. Subsurfacesalinity andpH each favor root respiration and nutrient uptake,and are favorable for plant growth.

Parent materials include mixed sedimentary alluvium, weaklyconsolidated andesitic tuffaceous sediments, and marinesedimentary alluvium high in kaolinite.

In addition to erosion by water and wind, other physicalconstraints and sensitivities occur for site soils.Specifically, high shrink-swell potential constrains the use ofthe Vieck series for building uses. These include thefollowing;

Dwellings with or without basementsSmall commercial buildingsLocal roads and streets.

The Pentz and Hadselville series are sensitive to uses whichrequire soil depths exceeding about sixteen inches. All serieshave severe limitations for use as septic tank absorptionfields.

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Soils at the unit may have been contaminated due to burning ofchemical wastes by a former owner i.e., Aerojet GeneralCorporation. This potential is confined to a single 90-acrearea in the southeast portion of the unit commonly known asArea 39. Under current use plans, this potential contaminationis not considered a health hazard by the California Departmentof Health Services. -

Plant Life PCSVRA is located near the eastern rim of theGreat Valley Landscape Province and within the CaliforniaFloristic Province. This region is characterized by ValleyGrassland and intermittent foothill oak woodlands.

Plant life at PCSVRA has been categorized into three distinctplant communities: open grassland, cottonwood woodland, and oakwoodland. The open grassland community, located in the middleof the unit, is comprised mostly of introduced Mediterraneangrasses and forbs. Wild oats and brome are the dominants ofthis area.

The cottonwood woodland occupies the western one third of theunit. This plant community was created by gold dredgingoperations in the 1930s that presumably disrupted subsurfacehydrology. Large cottonwoods dot the area. Willows,elderberry, and coyote brush are also common in this plantcommunity while the dominant ground cover species is starthistle. Elderberry is of interest to the U.S. Fish andWildlife Service USFWS because it constitutes potentialhabitat for the Valley elderberry longhorn beetle discussedbelow.

On the easternmost arm of the unit is the oak woodland. Thiscommunity is characteristic of the open grassland, but with theaddition of 64 blue oak and 2 valley oak trees.

Aquatic vegetation on-site is very limited. One small pond isthe only body of water that lingers for most of the year.Siltation ponds and intermittent drainages are present butsupport little or no aquatic vegetation.

Vernal pools, classified by the California Department of Fishand Game CDFG as sensitive habitat, occur in two areas of theunit. These habitats are small temporary ponds which form abovea hardpan or claypan layer during winter/spring runoff. Theydry completely by summer. These pools contain unique floraoften with narrowly endemic species. A thorough botanicalsurvey was conducted in the spring of 1985 for potentially rareand endangeredplants, many of which have been reported innearby off-site vernal pools. Only one species was noted tooccur in these off-site vernal pools; Bogg’s Lake dodder.Bogg’s Lake dodder is considered a Category 3 Candidate species

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by the USFWS and a list 4 species by CNPS these are speciesbeing considered for listing in the future.

Animal Life: Animal life at PCSVRA has yet to be intensivelyinventoried, but based upon expected plant/animal associations,is comprised of three biotic communities. These animalcommunities correspond to the plant communities of opengrassland, oak woodland, and cottonwood woodland. Eachcommunity provides habitat for several species of wildlife.

The open grassland encompassesmuch of the central portion ofthe unit. The majority of the plants are introduced grasses andprovide an important food source for a variety of invertebrates,amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Common animal speciesusing the open grassland include the whiptail lizard, northernpacific rattlesnake, California kingsnake, western ineadowlark,savannahsparrow, black-shouldered kite, red-tailed hawk,turkey, black-tailed jackrabbit, deer mouse, coyote, andblack-tailed deer. This grassland also provides foraginghabitat for species dependent on the adjacent woodlandcommunities.

The oak woodland community is dominated by mature blue oaks,with grasses and forbs in the understory. The oak woodlandoccurs on the eastern side of the unit and generally isassociated with the Coyote Creek drainage. The oaks provideessential nest sites and cover for many bird species using thearea; species such as the acorn woodpecker and scrub jay areparticularly dependent on the oaks for food and cover. Otheranimals utilizing the ok woodland are the western fence lizardand several species of invertebrates. The cottonwood woodlandis located in the western half of the unit. Cottonwood,willows, elderberries, and star thistle are the dominant plantsoccurring in this community. Common wildlife species expectedin this community are the yellow warbler, Bewick’s wren, andPacific treefrog.

The vernal pools at Prairie City harbor several aquaticinvertebrates. A study completed in October 1990 identifiedfour species of eubranchiopods and numerous other invertebratesinhabiting the pools. The shrimp include one fairy shrimp,Lindereilla occidentalis, a tadpole shrimp, Lepidurus packardiand two clam shrimp, Lvnceus brachyurus and Cyzicus elonatuscalifornicus. The fairy shrimp and tadpole shrimp have beenpetitioned for listing by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

No rare, threatened, or endangeredspecies were observed in theunit, but potential habitat i.e., elderberry plants for thevalley elderberry longhorn beetle VELB occurs at the unit.This beetle is listed by the USFWS as "threatened".Additionally, CDPR personnel report the occurrence of Swainson’s

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hawks at the unit. Swainson’s hawks are listed by CDFG as"threatened" by CDFG. Both species and their habitat arelegally protected.

Ecology: The unit occurs in the Great Valley EcologicalProvince. The ecosystemsat PCSVRA are: terrestrial, wetlands,and aquatic. The terrestrial component occupies most of theunit, while wetland and aquatic habitats are only minorcomponents. Three forms of terrestrial ecosystemsoccuron-site: open grassland, cottonwood woodland, and oak woodland.Wetlands are the vernal pools; aquatic areas are the siltationponds. -

This unit is significant ecologically due to the presence ofvernal pools and the presence of potential habitat for theValley elderberry longhorn beetle. Vernal pools are consideredan sensitive habitat by CDFG. They often support rare plantsand animals. One- sensitive plant, on the California NativePlant Society’s CNPS "watch list," has been identified on-siteBogg’s Lake dodder.

Six ecological units have been designated for managementpurposes: 1 open grassland, 2 cottonwood woodland, 3 oakwoodland, 4 vernal pools, 5 elderberry plants, and 6 thewatershed system.

Cultural Resources

Archeological Sites: Prehistoric finds include a potentialochre pigment quarry, an isolated basalt flake, and anassociated find of three flaked artifacts. These artifacts mayindicate the presence of a midden although no specific siteplacement was located.

Standing Structures: Three standing structures that date fromthe Aerojet rocket development period include: a large rocketmotor test pit, a control building for viewing the testing, anda large water tank originally used in the cooling process.These structures may be of interest to those who followspace/military history.

Ethnographic and Historic Background: PCSVRA lies within thegeographic province of the Valley Nisenan Maidu. The Maidupeople occupied the eastern portions of the middle and lowerSacramentoValley and Sierra Nevada foothills. Food resourcesincluded acorns and other nuts, seeds, fruits and berries, rootsand bulbs, deer, antelope, elk, rabbits, squirrels, and mice.Those living along major streams and sloughs subsisted primarilyon fish and shellfish.

Ethnographic information on villages in this area has been

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difficult to obtain becauseof the Euro-American disturbance tonative life prior to the beginning of ethnographic studies. Itis believed that Nisenan dwellings were circular,semi-subterraneanstructures of medium to large poles supportinga roof of smaller poles and sticks, covered with a matting, clayand thatch. Sides were of similar construction, sometimesbanked with earth. Village areas contained seasonal quarries,ceremonial grounds, trading sites, fishing stations, cemeteries,river crossings, and battlegrounds.

The first Euro-American contact in the project area was believedto be in 1808 by Ensign Gabriel Moraga who explored theSacramentoRiver Valley. In 1839, Captain John Sutter landed onthe banks of the American River in what is now consideredmidtown Sacramento. The fall of 1845 saw the largest everimmigration of Americans into the SacramentoValley up to thattime via the Truckee and Bear Rivers. Settlements increased inthe valley, and more were proposed each year with increasingyields of crops and cattle products. Gold was discovered in1848 by John Marshall at Coloma on the American River. Goldcamps were soon established on the major and minor rivers,resulting in an influx of new immigrants and severe disruptionof native resources, as well as disruption to farmingactivities.

Euro-American settlement in the lower SacramentoValley areaadversely affected the Indian people. Although relativelypeaceful and non-interfering, Euro-americans inadvertentlybrought serious disease. In 1833, a malarial epidemic killed anestimated 75% of the Valley’s native population.

Much of the unit was probably originally used as range or farmland. In the 1930s the Capital Dredging Company began a seriesof dredger operations on the western and southern portions ofthe unit. Aerojet purchased the land in the l960s for itsrocket testing activities and later ca 1970 sold it to RoyMcGill who removed several standing structures duringdevelopment of the OHV park in 1973.

Aesthetic Resources

Overall scenic quality at PCSVRA is low, although positivefeatures do exist. Positive scenic features include a blue oakwoodland, vernal pools, and the moon room. The oak woodland isa stand of 64 large blue oaks and 2 valley oaks in the easternsection of the unit in an area of variable topography. Severalon-site vernal pools are located in the eastern section of theunit, and exhibit a colorful wildflower display in thespringtime. The moon room is a domed man-madestructure builtabout 1960 by Aerojet General as a viewing shelter for rockettesting. Large cottonwood trees along the western one third of

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the unit are also of scenic value as they break up the monotonyof the dredge tailings. Scott Road, which borders theeasternmostsection of the unit, is a designated scenic highway.The viewshed from this road is a rolling oak woodland. A500-foot buffer zone has been established along this corridor.Many non-users see OHV trails and user facilities as a negativescenic feature. Such OHV facilities are evident from high areasin the oak woodland area to recreators in the facility. Howeververy little of the OHV trails and facilities area can be seenfrom perimeter highways.

Auditory impacts at PCSVRA are largely man-made. Ambient noiseincludes aircraft from Mather Air Force Base, rocket testing atAerojet General, surface traffic noise from nearby roads, andactivity from PCSVRA itself.

Recreation Resources

The Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission Policynumber 28 is intended to encourage other governmental agenciesand the private sector to cooperate with the state in providingopportunity for OHV recreation. Prairie City was operated from1975 to 1986 by SacramentoCounty with funding from the OHMVRprogram. In compliance with this OHNVR Commission Policy andS.B. 2659 a bid package will be advertized before July 1,1991inviting bids from the private sector to operate the PrairieCity facility.

Recreational uses on the PCSVRA site are exclusively associatedwith OHVs. The unit consists of tracks/trails for 4-wheel drivevehicles, motorcycles, and other types of motorized off-highwayvehicles OHVs. The site is used primarily by groups forspecial events sponsored by OHV organizations, which constitutes70% of the unit’s use by attendance.

Casual riding by individuals or small family groups is permittedtwo week days and on weekends, and currently, represents a minoruse of the unit 30% of the total attendance forJanuary-October, 1989. Spectators comprise as much as 90percent of the attendance at some special events. Organizationsincluding the Valley Off-Road Racing Association,the AmericanQuarter Midgets Association, Sand Champs, and Dirt Diggerssponsor events throughout the year which have attracted8000-10,000 visitors.

Facilities at the unit include an administrative center, watersupply, parking, and shaded picnic facilities. Two areas aredesignated for moto-cross use, and contain narrow trails withsmall hills and bumps. One area, designated for four-wheeldrive use, consists of rolling topography and wide trails onhard-packed surfaces.

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Potential soil contamination and/or the cost ofinvestigation/remediation in Area 39 described above alsoconstrains the use of 90 acres in the southwest portion of theunit. Natural constraints on OHV use in the unit include thedanger of grass fires during dry summer months. Spark arrestorsand restrictions on open fires reduce this hazard.

RESOURCE POLICY FORMATION

Classification

PCSVRA has a varied history. Yuba Consolidated Dredging ownedthe land in the early part of the century and dredgingoperations were carried out in the l930s. It was purchased byAerojet General about 1960 and used for rocket testingactivities. Roy and Mary McGill purchased the property in 1972from the Aerojet General Corporation and opened the McGill cyclepark to the public in 1973. The County of Sacramento,Recreation and Parks Department subsequently acquired theproperty and operated the park from 1975 through 1986. During1986-1988 the park was owned by the County, but used for specialevents only, and was not open to the public. The State ofCalifornia began to manage the unit by agreement in July 1988,and the CDPR completed purchase and opened the unit to thepublic in April 1989. The unit is classified within the StateVehicular Recreation Area and Trail System.

Declaration of Purpose

Chapter 1027 of the Statutes of 1987, the "Off-highway MotorVehicle Recreation Act of 1988", amendedthe Public ResourcesCode. Section 5090.02 of the P.R.C. states that:

a The Legislature finds that off-highway motor vehiclesare enjoying an ever-increasing popularity inCalifornia and that the indiscriminate anduncontrolled use of those vehicles may have adeleterious impact on the environment, wildlifehabitats, native wildlife and native flora.

b The Legislature hereby declares that effectivelymanagedareas and adequate facilities for the use ofoff-highway vehicles and conservation and enforcementare essential for ecologically balanced recreation.

C Accordingly, it is the intent of the Legislature that:1 Existing off-highway motor vehicle recreational

areas, facilities, and opportunities be expandedand be managed in a manner consistent with thischapter, in particular, to maintain sustainedlong-term use.

2 New off-highway motor vehicle recreational areas,facilities and opportunities be provided and

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managedpursuant to this chapter in a manner thatwill sustain long-term use.

3 When areas or trails or portions thereof cannot bemaintained to appropriate standards for sustainedlong-term use, they shall be closed to use andrepaired, to prevent accelerated erosion. Thoseareas shall remain closed until they can bemanagedwithin the soil loss standard or shall beclosed and rehabilitated.

4 Prompt and effective implementation of theOff-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Program bythe Division of Off-Highway Motor VehicleRecreation shall have an equal priority amongother programs in the department.

5 Off-Highway motor vehicle recreation be managed inaccordancewith this chapter through financialassistance to local government and jointundertakings with agencies of the United States.

The unit’s primary purpose is to provide controlled OHVrecreation opportunities to those in Sacramento, Placer, ElDorado, San Joaquin, Yolo, Solano and adjoining counties. Toaddress, in a specific way, general ecological concerns raised inparagraphs a and b, above, such use should be planned andcontrolled to preserve and protect on-site resource values.Prime resources at the unit include northern hardpan vernal poolsa CDFG sensitive habitat, oak woodland, frontage to adesignated scenic corridor Scott Rd., certain historic andpotential prehistoric cultural resources, and potential habitatfor the valley elderberry longhorn beetle listed as threatenedby the tJSFWS.

Zone of Primary Interest

The immediate zone around the unit is affected by activities atthe park, primarily due to noise during special events.Currently, residential density is very low. Surroundingdevelopment is confined to an aggregate company and AerojetGeneral Corporation, both industrial complexes relativelyunaffected by current use. According to the SacramentoCountyPlanning Department, zoning in the areas surrounding the unit isN-2* and AG-80**.

The SacramentoCounty planning department identifies 24 CommunityPlanning Areas CPA’s within SacramentoCounty. These areas arebased on certain commonalities in physical and socialcharacteristics. PCSVRA is located within Area 22, Cosumnes.

* M-2 is "heavy industrial" zoning.** AG-80 calls for agricultural plots of 80 acres or larger.

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The CosumnesCPA encompassesthe large, undeveloped agriculturalarea in the eastern section of SacramentoCounty. It completelysurrounds the separate CPA of Rancho Murieta, which is a-significant residential development. The small communities ofSloughhouse and Wilton lie within the CosumnesCPA.

In 1980, Cosumneshad a population of 44 persons 13 families,and median annual income was reported to be $35,417*** twicethe county median. The projected population for 1995 is 3000.Thus, the Cosumnesarea is in transition. If projected growthdoes occur, the area will be very different by 1995. Increasingdensity particularly residential density, may engender futureland use conflicts with the unit. For this reason unitplanning, development, and operation should incorporate themanagementpolicies suggested below.

ResourceManagementPolicies

This section has been prepared according to CDPR guidelines.Problems specific to each resource category are discussed, andspecific recommendationsare made regarding unit development andoperations. -.

Of particular concern are areas of ecological sensitivity thatneed to be protected from further damage. Although most of theunit is designated for open riding, sensitive areas do exist.Within these sensitive areas not designated as off-limits toriders vernal pools, scenic buffer zone, a trail system shouldbe established. This system should strike a balance betweenchallenge to the OHV user recreation value- and protection ofsensitive resource values. The implications of paragraphs aand b of Public Resources Code Section 5090.02 are that"uncontrolled" use of OHVs may have deleterious ecologicalimpacts on a broad scale.

Natural Resources

Topography: Topographic changes at the unit haveresulted from:

1. construction of sedimentation ponds,2. erosion due to inherent soil characteristics and OHV

use, and3. possible encroachmentby the neighboring sand/gravel

quarry.

Unit topography is directly related to its value as arecreational resource. The prime concern in managing unit

*** Small sample size renders this value unreliable.

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topography is erosion control. Particular attention should begiven to those areas with weak soils, and which will besubjected to the most concentrated use. Policy regardingtopography overlaps largely with that of soils. Therefore,legislative policy is mentioned here and expounded upon in thesoils policy section.

Policy

Compliance with chapter 1027/87, the Off-Highway VehicleAct of 1988 will minimize soil loss.

Meteorology: Of concern to air quality is the amount ofsuspendedparticulates which may be generated by wind erosion ofexposed and denuded soils. This issue may become morecontroversial as population density immediately surrounding the

-unit increases as expected. Revegetation or seeding of theseopen areas is recommended.

Policy

None Required

Hydroloqv: Erosion/sedimentation in surface drainages isof particular concern. Detailed studies are suggested toisolate and prioritize specific problem areas. Groundwatercontamination is another concern at the unit. Monitoring ofon-site test wells should be continued. Continued periodictesting of the domestic water supply well is essential.

Policy

* Creek crossings will be properly designed and placedaccording to accepted guidelines. Recommendedguidelines are the Forest Practice Rules handbook:California Administrative Code Title 14, NaturalResources, Sections 914.6 and 914.8.

* Monitoring of on-site test wells and the domestic waterwell will be continued on a periodic basis.

Geology: The major geologic constraint is potentialseismicity.

Palicy

* The Facilities Element shall address constructionstandards for earthquake safety. Specifically,structures shall conform to local jurisdiction building

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codes and standard practices of the Structural EngineersAssociation of California.

Soils: Soil constraints include high erosion potentialall series, high shrink/swell potential Vleck series, andpossible soil contamination in Area 39. Map #2 illustrateson-site soil constraints. The Public Resources Code, as amendedin 1988, requires the department to adopt soil loss standards.It is required that the division carry out the standards adoptedby the department to monitor soils in off-highway vehicleareas. Erosion on the site is a point of concern. An estimated20% of the land surface has been exposed denuded of vegetationdue to OHV use. OHV use increases surface soil particledisruption, detachment from underlying soils, and subsequenterosion. Soil erosion has been caused by both water and wind.Periodic closures to OHV use may occur during and aftermeasurableprecipitation events, until such time that OHV use -would not result in significant damage to soils.

Policy

* To avoid excessive soil loss, compliance with Chapter- 1027/87 shall be followed. This chapter provides

several guidelines and requirements for the control ofexcessive soil erosion.

* Seasonal closure - Adapted from CDF Roads and LandingsTask Force Handbook. Operations may take place whenroads and trails are generally firm and easilypassable. Operations and maintenance should not occurwhen sediment discharged from the roads or trails willreach watercourses or lakes in amounts deleterious tothe quality and beneficial uses of water. Problem wetspots on these roads or landings should be rocked orotherwise treated to permit use during wet operatingperiods.

* Further investigation is required regarding land usechanges in Area 39. These include surface, subsurface,and groundwater testing by a qualified party.

* Facilities development should be restricted from theVleck series, and depending upon design, from the Pentzand Hadselville series.

Plant Life: Plant life at the unit has yet to beextensively inventoried, and such an inventory is recommended.Plant life of particular concern is located in on-site northernhardpan vernal pools, a CDFG sensitive habitat. These poolswere inventoried in 1985, and one sensitive plant species wasidentified. Oak trees at the unit do not appear to be

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regenerating at the expected rate most probably due toproximate OHV use. On-site elderberry offers potential habitatto the Valley elderberry longhorn beetle listed as threatenedby the USFWS.

Policy

* Vernal pools should be protected from OHV use.

* Plantings of native and exotic plants for the purposesof shade and aesthetics may be conducted in areas ofintense use. e.g., staging areas and in areas highlysubject to erosion. Policy regarding potential speciesis currently being developed by CDPR and should beconsulted prior to any new plantings.

* Oak trees should be avoided and protected. Trailsshould approach no closer than the drip line of anyindividual tree.

* Elderberries should be protected fenced and/or postedfrom vandalism. If there is adequate distance >100meters from concentrated use areas then fencing andposting are not necessary.

Animal Life: Animal life at the unit has yet to beextensively inventoried, and such an inventory is recommended.Of particular concern to animal life are vernal pools,elderberry, and oaks. Elderberry may provide habitat for theValley elderberry longhorn beetle listed by the USFWS asthreatened. These trees should be surveyed for emergenceholes, and/or utilization by mating adults during latespring/early summer. Oak trees may provide perches forforaging raptors, including the Swainson’s hawk listed by CDFGas threatened.

Policy

* A wildlife habitat protection plan will be implementedand carried out under the guidelines of PRC Section5090.35.

This statute, amended in 1988, reads: part b... Thedepartment shall also make an inventory of wildlifepopulations and their habitats in each area of thesystem and shall prepare a wildlife habitat protectionprogram to sustain a viable species composition specificto each area, by July 1, 1989. c The division shallmonitor the condition of the soils and wildlife habitatin each area of the system each year in order todetermine whether the soil loss standards and habitat

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protection plans are being met. d Upon a determinationthat the soil loss standard and habitat protectionplans are not being met in any area in the system, thedepartment shall direct the division to closetemporarily and repair, to prevent accelerated erosion,that area, or portion thereof funded by the Off-HighwayVehicle Fund, until the soil loss standard and habitatprotection plans are capable of being met.

* Vernal Pools may provide potential habitat for rareinvertebrates. These pools should be protected fromaccidental damage.

* Elderberry plants should be protected becauseof theirpotential to harbor the federally-threatened Valleyelderberry longhorn beetle. See specific policy under

plant life.

Ecology: Ecological enhancementto be considered includehabitat stratification, grassland management,and preservationof sensitive habitats.

Policy

* Trails should not approach any closer than the drip lineof any individual oak trees.Controlled burns may be prescribed for areas of high

- fire potential such as sites within the open grassland.

* Ecologically sensitive elements, such as the vernalpools, elderberry plants, and the oak woodland should beadequately protected fenced and/or posted fromaccidental encroachment and vandalism.

Cultural Resources: To enhance visitor appreciation ofhistorical resources, the standing structures i.e., the "moonroom", test pit, and water tower could be posted with signsexplaining their significance to military/space history. Ifeconomically feasible, the moon room could be improved/remodeledto provide meeting facilities for OHV user organizations. -

Isolates located during field survey indicate the possibility ofa midden occurring in the southeast portion of the unit.

Policy

* The potentially-occurring midden may have been buried or

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it may have been destroyed. If the hill at this site isto be used by OHVs, another survey will need to beconducted during summer when vegetation cover is moresparse. If the site is to be developed for facilities,an archeological monitor will be present duringexcavation. -

* Signage explaining the significance of historic resourcesshould be placed where appropriate.

Aesthetic Resources: Aesthetic resources identified at theunit include the scenic corridor along Scott Road, the oakwoodland, vernal pools, and the historic resources i.e., moonroom, test pit, and water tower. With the exception of thehistoric resources where use should be encouraged, all shouldbe protected against damage from OHV use.

At current use levels, and current population density surroundingthe unit, noise pollution does not constitute a problem. Shouldsurrounding density particularly residential increase as -expected, noise abatement may become a managementconcern. Inthis case, all vehicles should be adequately baffled.

Policy

* The Scott Road Scenic corridor buffer zone will bemaintained along the eastern boundary of the unit.

* Maximum noise levels for off-highway motor vehiclesidentified in Section 38370 g of the California VehicleCode shall be enforced. Requirements for OHV5 limitnoise emissions to not more than 101 dBA when measuredfrom a distance of 20 inches using test proceduresestablished by the Society of Automotive Engineers understandard J-l287, as revised January, 1988.

Recreation Resources: No major recreation resource problemswere identified for current use levels. The potential for grassfires is a concern during dry summer months, but spark arrestors,restrictions against open fires, and controlled burning ofdesignated areas help reduce the risks. These policies should becontinued. Should use of the unit increase, development ofpotentially-contaminated Area 39 may be desirable.

In general the unit should be made as attractive and inviting aspossible to OHV users. This would includedevelopment/improvementof facilities such as picnic areas,concessions, and meeting space.

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Policy

* Users will be informed of rules and hazards. Usersshould be made aware of the presence of rattlesnakes.Additional information may also be conveyed users suchas area history, natural resources, historic resourcesor OHV riding information.

* Section 38366 of the Vehicle Code reads: aNotwithstanding Section 4442 of the Public ResourcesCode, and except for vehicles with mufflers as providedin Article 2 commencing with Section 27150 of Chapter5 of Division 12, no person shall use, operate, orallow to be used or operated, any off-highway motorvehicle, as defined in Section 38006, on anyforest-covered land, brush-covered land, orgrass-covered land unless the vehicle is equipped witha spark arrester maintained in effective working order.

Constraints and Sensitivities -

Map #3 indicates locations of on-site constraints andsensitivities for all resource categories.

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PRAIRIE CITY STATE VEHICULAR RECREATION AREA SVRA

LAND USE AND FACILITIES ELEMENT

This element of the Master Plan describes the proposed use ofthe land at Prairie City State Vehicular Area. The goal of theOHV Division is to optimize OHV recreational opportunitiesconsistent with the requirements of CH 1027/88, The Off-HihwayVehicle Act of 1988, and programs and policies identified in theResource Element for resource protection and sustained long-termuse. It is the intent of this element to maximize the OHVrecreational opportunity while minimizing the amount of capitalimprovement necessary to meet the demand. The needs and desiresof the recreating public will be balanced against constraintsidentified in other parts of the plan.

EXISTING CONDITION

Surroungjng Land Use and Ownership: The land surroundingPrairie City SVRA on the east, south and west is largely opengrazing or undeveloped land. A large tract of land of about8,000 acres to the north of White Rock Road is owned by -Aerojet-General Corporation and is used as a rocket propulsionlaboratory. A 211 acre inholding along White Rock Road is beingused for aggregate extraction. Also a few mobile homeresidences exist on the property.

Vehicular Access and Circulation: Prairie City SVRA islocated about three miles south of the U.S. Highway 50corridor. Access is south from U.S. 50 along Prairie City Roadand one mile west on White Rock Road. The entry point on thesouth side of the road is marked with a sign. The entry roadfollows the west boundary south, about one mile before arrivingat the main entrance station, in the extreme southwest corner ofthe unit. This is the main access for the off-road motorcycleriding area. An alternate access from U.S. 50, is south onSunrise Blvd. to White Rock Road and 6 miles east to the unitentrance. About 300 yards west of the intersection of PrairieCity Road and White Rock Road is a secondary entrance into theFour-Wheeled use area of the unit. This entrance is used forspecial events in the Four-Wheel Use area of the SVRA and forcertain other special events. During special events it is thegoal of the un-it to keep a portion of the facility open tocasual use. To do this, the secondary entrance may be used andor the main entrance used with a temporary entrance stationlocated 1/2 mile into the unit where the event bound vehiclescan be separated from those desiring casual use.

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The exit plan for major events provides for traffic to exit fromboth the main and secondary entrances and allowing traffic toexit east on White Rock Road and on to Prairie City Road andwest bound traffic to go southwest toward Elk Grove and Stocktonor turn again onto White Rock Road and continue onto SunriseBoulevard. -

Existing Facilities: Prior uses of this land have left anumber of facilities which provide a useful purpose in thepresent operation of Prairie City SVRA. The "Placer Mining"during the Gold Rush era has left about 200 acres of hydraulicdredger tailings which provide for challenging trail riding.

During the 1960’s the Aerojet-General Corporation developed arocket testing facility on the property. Several of theexisting facilities were developed for that project. Theyinclude the following:

1. A potable water system including a 500,000 gallonstorage tank, a pump, and a distribution system.

2. About 1 1/2 miles of asphaltic concrete paved roads.

3. An electrical distribution- system including poles- andlines which parallel the paved roads.

4. A building which appears as a concrete domed structuredesigned as a control center for the Aerojet rockettest project. The 8,000 square foot building hasreinforced concrete walls 4’ to 7’ thick, and has twoentries adjacent to one another.

5. A concrete rocket test pad site and pit exists at theend of the paved road in the center the unit.

6. A storage building on the north side of the rocket testpad.

During the time SacramentoCounty operated the OHV park1983-1986, the following facilities were provided:

1. Hangtown Pro-track

2. A central staging area

3. Two practice tracks

4. Off-Road Car Track

5. Mud Drag facility

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6. A thirty-five acre buffer zone along the easternboundary.

7. BMX Bicycle track.

LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT ISSUES

Room To Ride: The primary issue with Off-Highway VehicleRecreation is finding a site to use for the recreation that isdesired by the users, suitable for it from an environmentalstandpoint and in which the land use is compatible with adjacent.land use. Prairie City SVRA is the only place in SacramentoCounty for the off-highway vehicle recreationist to practicetheir sport. Once a suitable site has been found, the nextquestion is how much space is enough to accommodatetheactivities that are to be provided.

In other sports there is an acceptable size space to accommodatethe activity such as a 9 or an 18 hole golf course and not athree hole course. Also, in down hill skiing, a multi milliondollar support facility is not constructed to support a 50’ downhill run. If an adequate experience for the particular sport isnot offered, the customer will not patronize the facility.There is no documented standard for off-road motor cycle riding,however based on the experience of the OHMVR Division ourrecommendation is a minimum of about three thousand acres or andone hour of riding without retraversing the same trails.Although Prairie City does not meet this minimum, the State willmaximize the opportunity by providing practice tracks and welldesigned trails incorporating a series of planned experiencesand challenges.

Carrying Capacity: Carrying capacity is that number ofvisitors beyond which either the human experience is adverselyimpacted or the natural resources of the site are beingcompromised. There is another factor which occurs in SVRA’swhich must be considered, that is the safety factor. When therecreation type is Off-Highway Vehicles, another factor oftencomes into play before aesthetics or environmental protection.That is the point at which the accident rate rises sharply withadditional increases in vehicles to the site.

Prairie City’s Green Sticker "Role": There are three mainlevels of Off-Highway Vehicle demand:

1. The three to four hour drive to large tracks ofFederal land

2. The two to three hour drive to a regional facility3. The one hour or less drive to local or community

facility

- 36 -

The "Green Sticker Program" is designed to satisfy demand in allthree of these categories. Funds are provided to the Federalgovernment for projects on large tracts of public land, to localmunicipalities for community projects, and the State Off-HighwayMotor Vehicle Recreation Program operates seven State VehicularRecreation Area’s SVRA which are intended to be regionalfacilities. -

Regional Demand: Prairie City SVRA is the only off-highwayvehicle facility open to casual riding in SacramentoCounty.There are a number of riding opportunities 2 + hours away,however a demandexists for opportunities to ride after work orschool, and for a few hours on the weekend. The DMVregistration figures for May 1990 show the following numbers ofoff-highway vehicles in SacramentoCounty:

registered motorcycles 6,475registered ATV’s 1,336

Users looking for large tracts of federal land in the 2 + hourtravel time zone, can find such opportunity in the El Dorado andthe Tahoe National Forests. The OHMVR Grant Program has funded12 project areas in these forests for a total of $4.8 million.

Prairie City SVRA is too small and is without significantfeatures which would cause it to draw users from great enoughdistance as to classify it as a regional unit. The majority ofit’s users will travel one hour or less to get to the unit.Therefore the Master Plan has been oriented toward supplying theneeds associated with a community facility.

The intent of the Plan is that one Special Event will not closethe unit to casual use in most cases and in fact in some casestwo or more events may occur with casual use continuing.

Non-Green Sticker Uses: SacramentoCounty is a rapidlydeveloping county with little open space left. Many activitiestherefore, that require substantial space have difficulty infinding it within the county. As a result, there have beennumerous requests for space for non-green sticker programs to beallowed use of some portion of Prairie City SVRA.. One exampleof a non-green sticker program is the Quarter Midget Racers whohad county approved use of the site prior to the State takingcontrol. Becauseof the already crowded condition of thefacility these requests will be judged based upon the followingcriteria:

1. The proposal will not remove usable riding spacefrom the SVRA.

- 37 -

2. The proposer must pay commensuratefees for theiruse of the facility.

Limits Imposed by Soils: Most of the soils in the motor cycleriding areas are high in expansive clays. Following a rain thetrails become very slick and the vehicles load up rapidly withmud which seriously impacts the riding opportunity. -

The 4-wheel area of the unit also has high clay content in thesurface soil and an underlying impervious layer hard pan thatsometimes can result in extremely soggy conditions. Duringheavy rains the soil becomescompletely saturated so that even alight weight vehicle sinks and the suction power makes itdifficult to extract a vehicle once stuck.

In contrast once these soils dry they become very hard causing asignificant decline in their riding desirability.

Possible solutions to enhancing the riding opportunity for theof f seasonare to provide tracks that can be intensivelymanaged. A sprinkler system on the track to incorporate waterand equipment to work the soil, will make a ridable facilityduring the dry season. Riding during the wet seasoncan beimproved by designing the track to drain and incorporating soilamendmentswhich will allow for faster drainage.

Buffer Area: The buffer area is about 35 acres and contiguouswith Scott Road along the eastern boundary. It has been setaside to protect vernal pools which provide habitat for severalendangeredplant species. The vernal pools exist becauseofsome very impervious soils which hold water for long periodsduring the spring rainy season. The buffer also serves as ascenic easement for Scott Road which has been identified as aScenic County Road.

Unit Expansion: Previous portions of this section on issueshave documentedthe demand for more room to fully meet the OHVrecreational need of Sacramento County and surrounding area.Many county OHV recreationists fulfill their quest for ridingopportunity through unauthorized riding on vacant land. Becauseof the rapid growth of the county this is an opportunity that isquickly disappearing. The Department of Finance Census and DataCenter is projecting a 16% growth rate for SacramentoCountythrough the 1990’s. -

Because of an already too small unit and given the projectedcounty growth rate, it is imperative that the State adopt anaggressive expansion plan for the unit. The zone of interestmap on page 43 delineates the general land area around the unitthat the State would be interested in. This should not be

- 38 -

considered a commitment that the State will buy any specifiedpiece of property.

LAND USE GOALS

The land use goals identified in this plan will not beimmediately-implemented after the plan is adopted, but they areobjectives that the land manager will implement over timecommensuratewith demand, funding and staffing. The dominatetheme of this section is that the land uses in the plan must beversatile allowing as much as possible for multiple use. Thisis necessarybecause, as has been mentioned previously, the sizeof the unit is not large enough to satisfy all the localdemands.

The following are some specific land use goals:

1. Design areas as much as possible to serve multipleuses, such as, the same parking area serving twospecial event areas.

2. Separate the 4-wheel area and the motor cycleareas by fence, and also fence special event areasfor safety and to allow concurrent casual ridingand special events.

3. A satisfactory balance will be sought betweentrack areas which allow more riding opportunityper acre of land and space for casual riding.

4. Maintain the largest area possible for casualmotorcycle riding.

5. Provide only for day use, becausethe greatermajority of users are within the one to two hourtravel time zone.

6. Continue the tree planting program to provideshade in the staging areas and to improve theaesthetic appearanceof the unit.

7. Continue to protect the buffer area from 0EV use.A visual plant screen should be developed alongthe fence line between the riding area and thebuffer zone. Care will be taken not to impact thevernal pools.

8. Intensively test the restricted zone for toxicsubstances, and if dangerous levels of any toxicsubstance are not found, the State Health -

- 39 -

Department will be asked to clear the site forpublic use.

9. Develop a designed trail system for the unit thatcan receive regular grooming and that will offerchallenges desired by the users.

10. Develop and implement habitat managementplans.

FACILITY RECOMMENDATIONS

An important objective of this plan is to provide a maximum ofriding opportunity with a minimum dollar expenditure. Many ofthe facilities neededto accomplish this are already in place.The following is a list of those facilities identified on theplan that will be implemented when user demand shows the need:

1. 4x4 obstacle course

2. A sand drag course

3. An additional staging area

4. A third practice track

5. A go-cart track

6. Food and parts concession

7. Permanent sanitary facilities to serve the day today demand

8. A permanent office building

- 40 -

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ZONE OF INTERESTThe acreage contained within this -‘ZONE OF INTEREST LINE" alongwith theexisting unit is about 3000 acres.This meets what the OHMVR Divisionconsiders to be minimum size for anSVRA and also will accommodatefacilities necessary to meet the needsof the users in the Sacramento ValleyRegion.

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PRAIRIE CITY STATE VEHICULAR RECREATION AREA SVRA

OPERATIONS ELEMENT

The Operations Element records the present operations programand the managementstandard set by the State from the opening ofthe unit in April 1989 to the present. The standard ofmanagementis important becausebefore the end of the 90/91fiscal year a bid will be let for the operation of the unit by aprivate operator.

This element also identifies existing or potential operationsproblems and strategies for dealing with all elements of theMaster Plan.

EXISTING SITUATION

A. Operational Summary:

The District is one of five within the 0ff-HighwayMotor Vehicle Recreation Division of the CaliforniaDepartment of Parks and Recreation. The current staffconsists of a District Superintendent I, two RangersI’ s, one Ranger I P. I., a Park Maintenance Chief 1, aState Park Equipment Operator and is currentlysupplementedwith two inmate prison crews consisting of24-30 inmates and two state employed crew leaders.Routine duties are also completed through severalservice contracts.

The District Superintendent is the supervising peaceofficer for the ranger staff. The District’s peaceofficers conduct routine law enforcement duties whichinclude:

Operation of major special events, coordination withlocal law enforcement agencies, security and crimeprevention programs, crime reporting, identification ofhazards, fire suppression, search, rescue andfirst-aid, and public information and education. TheDistrict’s peace officers also collect and report fees,inspect vehicles entering the unit for registration,noise, and spark arrestor requirements, operate thesign program, and conduct interpretive activities.

Visitor Safety is a primary concern of the District’sstaff. Rangers identify hazards and maintenancepersonnel correct them. Visitor use patterns aredesigned with safety in mind. Tracks and pit areas arefenced for safe one- directional riding, trails arewidened and marked for safety, visitor accessto the

- 45 -

unit is controlled at several points to allow formulti-uses and off-street stacking and signs are postedthroughout the unit for information and education ofvisitors. All terrain vehicle rider safety courses areconducted within the unit by authorized state trainingorganizations. The District also conducts a youthawarenessand outreach program to train area youths insafe all terrain vehicle operations.

The maintenance of the unit is carried out through avariety of methods. Tracks, trails and staging areasare maintained by the unit’s Heavy Equipment Operatorprimarily using the District’s equipment fleet.Occasionally heavy equipment may be borrowed from otherDistricts or leased as needed. The Equipment Operatoralso repairs and installs water, electric, and sewerlines, grades unpaved roads, plants trees, installsfences and participates in resource managementprojects.

Routine maintenance of toilets, shop, office andstorage buildings along with litter pick-up andremoval, weeding, landscape maintenance and other dailydetails are completed by inmate labor crews and private -

contractors under the direction of the Park MaintenanceChief. Major and minor capital outlay projects areplanned and budgeted for and primarily completed bycontract.

Visitors currently have access to the unit four daysper week between the hours of eight a.m. and sunset.Casual day riding has steadily increased as the unithas developed and news has reached the riding public.Special events such as moto-cross, cross country,off-road car, quarter midget car and mud drag races areheld up to thirty times a year. These events drawanywhere from 200 to 10,000 visitors. The unit hasbeen designed to accommodateone to three specialevents and casual day use riding at the same time.Only the largest of the events or cross country racesclose the entire park for casual use. These types ofevents are therefore limited. Environmentallysensitive areas have been closed or to various degreesrestricted. Visitors can enter the unit at variouslocations. Casual users enter at the main entrancearea and are greeted by District personnel. Duringspecial events visitors can enter through the maingates or at two other locations. These locations maybe staffed by District personnel, volunteers or racepromoter staff.

- 46 -

B. ConcessionOperation

The Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation OHNVRDivision by law S.B. 2659, as amended, Doolittle, "CE1210 of the Budget Act of 1988." must publish aprospectus which invites private business to bid forthe operation of Prairie City State VehicularRecreation Area SVRA. Therefore assuming asatisfactory bidder is found the future operation ofthe unit will be handled by a private operator.

It is well documented in the Master Plan that the Statehas established a level of service to the public whichmust be continued in the future operation. The goalsand objectives identified in this element areapplicable regardless of the organization chosen to beresponsible for operation of the facility.

C. Special Considerations

The limited size of the unit is the overridinglimitation to its development. At 836 acres it isconsiderably less than half the minimum size requiredto operate at desired levels. Staff limitations alsoconstrain the operation by restricting the days andhours available for public use.

Other limiting factors deal mainly with environmentalconcerns. PRC Section 5090.35 requires extensive soilloss standards and wildlife enhancementactivities.Vernal pools with rare species and an old growth oakgrove require specialized managementtechniques.Undesirable exotic plant species and a large portion ofthe unit altered in the past through gold dredgingactivities also require additional managementtechniques and staffing requirements. All of thesefactors could limit riding opportunities withoutspecial considerations.

II. MASTER PLAN IMPLEMENTATION

A. Goals And Objectives

1. Construct And Maintain Facilities Identified InThe Plan.

2. Provide Adequate Funding And Staffing To OperateThe Unit At State Standards Through:a. Utilization of the budget process.b. Interagency agreements.c Volunteerism.

- 47 -

d. Concessionagreements

3. Insure The Health And Safety Of Visitors And Staff_

a. Law enforcement presence and crime preventionprogram.

b. Adequate emergency first-aid training andequipment.

c. Maintenance of water, waste and sewer systemsat state standards.

d. Resolving issues related to toxics and airborne pollutants.

e. Insuring a safe work environment for employeesand volunteers in accordancewith CAL-OSHAstandards.

4. Provide For ResourceManagementAt A Level ThatAddresses Major Requirements:a. Soil loss standards.b. Wildlife habitat protection.c. Revegetation, sediment collection and

prescribed burn programs. -d. Protection of rare and endangered.plants and

animals.

5. Implement Public Education And InformationPrograms:a. Interpretive program.b. Youth awarenessand outreach program.c. Public relations.d. Visitor services activities.

6. Real Property Management:a. Resolve trespass or encroachmentsas they

occur.b. Conduct investigations and budget for land

acquisition.

7. Provide For Special Use Permits:a. Conduct various user orientated special

events.b. Meet all required regulations and insurance

requirementsc. Design concession contract to allow user

groups to conduct their own events

8. Maintain Liaison With Outside Agencies To AssistIn Implementation Of The Above Objectives.

- B. Operational Problems. Solutions And Strategies

- 48 -

1. Limited Size Of The Unit: The unit currently issmall in size as compared to other State VehicularRecreation Areas. The demand is steadilyincreasing and the diversity of activitiescompressesthe unit into even smaller use areas.

The unit needs to continue to be operated toprovide for the maximum rider opportunity for thediversity of uses desired. To expand theseopportunities the unit needs to increase in size.All adjacent properties have been investigated forpossible inclusion into the unit. Budgetpreparations have been made to acquire some ofthese properties if and when they becomeavailable. This needs to continue until the unitreaches optimum operational size.

The number and types of activities and facilitiesoutlined in the Master Plan make this approachessential.

2. Traffic Control On Adjacent CountY Roads: Theunit currently conducts up to thirty specialevents per year. These events can host up to10,000 visitors at a time. Casual day use is andshould not be a traffic problem unless connectedwith a simultaneous special event. Traffic tendsto only be a problem at the end of the events asmost visitors will leave at one time. Trafficmust exit onto Whiterock Road east or west.Without proper planning and control this importantCounty road could be adversely impacted.

The current operation plans include the use of twoexits to reduce the impact on one location.Mutual aid from the California Highway Patrol andthe County Sheriff’s Office and from other stateunits is employed to control traffic enteringWhite Rock Road.

- The Master Plan addressesthe road infrastructurewithin the unit along with fence and gatingpatterns. These plans will maximize traffic flowwithin the unit; however, it is essential thatsome roads be brought up to all weather standardsand that all roads be maintained at statestandards.

3. Possible Toxic Site Evaluation: In the 1960’sAerojet General Corporation owned the land now inthe unit. They conducted rocket testing

- 49 -

activities which included burning excess fuels.One area identified as Site 39 has been determinedto be a possible toxic site. The area has beenfenced off and closed to the public. Aerojetconducted testing of the site and has found notoxic substancesabove legal limits present. TheOff-Highway Motor Vehicle Division has testedsurrounding area water runoff and the unit’s welland found no contaminants.

To fully develop the facilities described in theMaster Plan and to maximize riding opportunitiesthe State Department of Health needs to certifySite 39 as usable by the public. If clean-upoperations are required they need to be detailed,budgeted for, and completed as soon as possible.

4. Dredger Tailing Terrain: From the late 1800’sto the early 1950’s parts of the unit were dredgedfor gold. iDuring these operations, areas wereflooded and large floating dredges excavated thearea pulling up and depositing river cobbles onthe surface. This -cobbled area makes off-highwayvehicle operation difficult. Two solutions existto remedy this problem. First, the cobbles couldbe removed, however, they may be as deep as thirtyfeet making it impractical to remove all thecobbles. Some of the surface cobbles could beremoved and fill material could be placed over theremaining cobbles. The area could then be -contoured. Secondly a trail system could beconstructed and fill material used just on theestablished trails. This would be more costeffective but could eliminate some riding areas.

The Master Plan designates this area as openriding and operational plans should attempt toincorporate as much as the area as possible.

5. Multi-Simultaneous Special Events And Casual DaY: The Off-Highway Motor Vehicle RecreationCommission Policy number 31 refers to competitionin state funded facilities. The Policy encouragescompetition while recognizing that others arebetter equipped to sponsor these events. Avariety of specialized user groups conductnumerous special events within the unit. Thebasic mission of the unit is to provide for casualday riding. Currently, the unit has been fencedinto separate user areas. Casual day use canoccur with up to four simultaneous special events;

- 50 -

however, the casual use area is reduced in size.The entire park is also closed to accommodatecross- country races and large moto-cross racesthat need to utilize the entire park to make theevent feasible. These types of events arerestricted to three or four per year and in scopeto events that would generally interest the casualuse rider and give them a chance to compete in anorganized event if they desired.

The Master Plan outlines these same use areas andprovides for the continuation of special events.Adequate staffing must be maintained to meetoperational needs. Existing and additionalvisitor control techniques will be required. Itis essential that special events continue to beoperated in such a way that casual day riding canbe maximized.

6. Soil Loss StandardsAnd Wildlife HabitatProtection: Existing laws require that the unitmeets standardized soil loss and wildlife habitatprotection requirements.

A potential conflict arises in that therequirement of these laws and the extensive use ofthe unit, as outlined in the Master Plan, mayseverely limit rider opportunity given the smallsize of the unit. Managementtechniques must takethese concerns into account at each developmentphase of the Master Plan. All requirements can bemet and riding opportunity maximized by theeffective use of tracks, specialized use areas anda designated trail system. Some areas betweenthese use areas may be developed as permanentvegetative belts to stabilize soils and maintainpermanent habitat, while other use areas can berotated through a restoration process. Adequatefunding, staffing, and planning will be anintegral part of these operations.

7. Suburban Encroachment. Adjacent Land Uses:SacramentoCounty has been rapidly developing inall directions. The rural lands as close as twomiles from the unit have been developed forindustrial and residential uses. Land adjacent tothe unit is owned by major corporations and thepossibility of extensive development next to theunit is imminent. Currently adjacent land usesinclude cattle grazing, rocket development andtesting, mining and aggregate by-product

- 51 -

manufacturing. The industrial uses all impact theunit to some degree. Burning of spent rocket fuelsends air borne pollutants into the un-it,aggregate production produces increased traffic onaccessroutes to the unit, dust and noisepollution are also by-products of theseoperations.

The full implementation of the Master Plan willincrease visitor use of the unit while at the sametime increased surrounding development will bringthe unit into direct conflict with these users.

Managementpractices should include constantmonitoring of potential threats from adjacent landusers. At the same time the activities andconditions that prevail within the unit should bemonitored to insure minimal impacts to adjacentusers. Activities that directly affect the healthand safety of visitors must be addressed to insurethat public health standards are met.

8. Adeauate Staffing Levels: The unit is currentlyoperated with seven permanent positions and oneseasonal position. As attendance increases andmore facilities are constructed additionalstaffing may be required to provide visitor andmaintenance services. Legislation requires theDivision to let a bid for concession operation ofthe unit by end of the 90/91 fiscal year. Thecontract for concession operation of the unit willstipulate minimum staffing levels and a requiredlevel of service delivered to the user. The Statewill continue operation of the unit if anacceptable bidder is not found.

C. Operational Impacts

1. Visitor Services: A fully implemented MasterPlan may require additional staffing. The currentstaffing level is minimal. The staffing levelshould be adequateto staff the fully implementedMaster Plan with the following exceptions:

a. If attendance substantially increases overexpected levels additional help may be -required to collect fees.

b. If additional land is acquired andadditional facilities built correspondingincreases in staffing may be required.

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c. If the operation of the unit is expandedto meet public demand from four days ofoperation per week to seven days,additional full time visitor service -andpart-time seasonal staff will be required.

2. Maintenance Services: - Maintenance equipment issufficient to operate a-fully implemented masterplan with the exception of of a crawler tractor ofsufficient size to accomplish required tasks.Maintenance staff will need to be increased tomaintain additional facilities identified in-theplan.

3. Administrative Services: Administrative staffis minimal; however, it could meet the needs of afully implemented master plan. -

The Master Plan addressesthe needs of anoperational center within the unit. The existingleased office trailer would be replaced by a-permanent structure under the plan and this -would address long term administrative servicesneeds.

D. Volunteerism

The District has established a volunteer organizationto assist with the operation of the unit. Organizationefforts have produced over fifty volunteers withadditional persons signing up on a regular basis. Keyvolunteers have been assigned to assist staff withorganization and operation of the volunteer group.

Initially the volunteers duty statement is focused onthe operation of specific facilities, such as racetracks, that are not currently available for generalpublic use. Volunteers will assist staff in operatingthese facilities. They will provide for maintenance,user screening for ability levels, and user safety ofthese facilities.

Volunteers as individuals and as groups have assistedthe unit in the construction of various facilities andin improving other existing facilities. Projectsinclude fence installation and repair, installing waterlines, grooming tracks, building special use areas,planting trees, maintaining structures, etc. Theseefforts assist the District in providing for userriding opportunities and should continue and expand inthe future.

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Volunteers require coordination by a full time visitorservices staff member on a part time basis. Thecontrol, planning and organization of the program isdirected by the District Superintendent.

Volunteers are estimated to contribute between two andfour personnel years of time for the. District everyyear. This represents $30,000 to $60,000 in currentdollar value savings per year based on seasonalemployee wages.

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PRAIRIE CITY STATE VEHICULAR RECREATION AREA SVRA

INTERPRETIVE ELEMENT

The Interpretive Element of the Prairie City SVRA Master Plan isguided by the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Commission’s PolicyNumber 23, Interpretation which is reproduced below in itsentirity.

Commission Policy Number 23

"The Department of Parks and Recreation shall interpret theunits of the SVRAT System. Information shall be presentedobjectively and in accordancewith the highest standards of theprofession."

"A quality interpretive experience is essential to promotepublic safety, as well as understanding, appreciation, andconcern for the environment. Programsshall be easily available, -tailored to diverse human needs, and meaningfully structured."

In planning, development, and implementation of interpretiveprograms in the units of the SVRAT System, the division shallidentify and emphasizeall interpretive values and objectivesfor each unit by requiring the preparation of an ‘interpretiveplan’ as part of the master plan."

"A continuous effort must be maintained to assure that allpersonnel of the division, including seasonal employees, areoriented and appropriately trained to carry out the objectivesof the interpretive programs. 0EV commissioners shall haveopportunities to review and comment on interpretive materialsfor statewide distribution before they are printed."

I. Existing Situation -

A. Interpretive Summary

Existing Facilities and Programsa. ATV Junior Ranger Program - A youth awareness

and out-reach program designed to inform,educate and train young visitors in the properuse of all terrain vehicles. The coursecontains extensive information onenvironmental issues.

b. Safety Display Center - A series of safetyinterpretive panels graphically displayingsafety rules, regulations and guidelines. The

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panels are strategically located within theunit.

c. Brochures, Maps - Available to each vis-itor,these hand-outs inform the public ofrecreational resources within the unit.

d. School Group Presentations - An interpretiveprogram to explain the resources availablewithin the unit and directed towards peoplewho normally do not visit the unit.

e. Informative Signing - Located throughout theunit to inform and direct visitor use patternsand to educate visitors on various managementprojects.

1. Special Considerations

a. Vernal Pools - Vernal pools are rapidlydisappearing throughout California. The fewremaining pools are usually located on publiclands. These pools contain rare plantsanimals and provide wintering grounds formigratory water-fowl. Several of these poolshave been protected within the unit’s bufferzone.

b. Oak Grove - Oak trees are on the declinethroughout the State. The remaining oldgrowth oaks need to be protected andinterpreted to show their significance in thenatural environment. A small stand of treesis located in the eastern portion of the unit.

c. Wildlife - A variety of wildlife lives in orvisits the unit on a regular basis. Coyotes,wild turkeys, pheasants, ducks, dove, deer andraptors can be seen by visitors while ridingthrough the unit.

d. History - Gold mining and the aerospaceindustries have extensively used the area inthe recent past and left their heavy mark uponthe landscape. Interpretive efforts will helpexplain these unusual features.

II. Master Plan Implementation

A.. Goals and Objectives

1. Interpret the natural, cultural and historicfeatures within the unit.

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2. Gain visitor appreciation and support for thefeatures and programs within the unit.

3. Help protect the natural and historic features inthe unit through an increased awarenessof their -significance.

4. Increase the visitors understanding of the naturalprocessesoccurring in the unit.

5. Develop interpretive display panels to include:a. Unit History

1. Gold Mining days.2. The Aerospaceyears.

b. WildlifeC. Vegetation

1. Revegetation project descriptions.2. Soil erosion control and related project

work.d. Vernal Pools -

1. The faunaa. Fairy shrimp. -b. Tadpole shrimp.c. Spade-footed toad.

2. The flora -e. Display cases and other related materials in

the administrative area. -6. Continue and expand the ATV Junior Ranger Program.7. Develop a self-guided nature trail in

environmentally unique areas such as the bufferzone.

8. Conduct ranger led off-highway vehicle trailrides. - -

9. Broaden the unit’s interpretive school programs.10. Involve the unit’s volunteer organization in

interpretive activities.11. Develop "pocket" cards or other materials to hand

out to visitors during personal contacts. Thesematerials would interpret natural, cultural,historical or safety information about the unit’sresources.

12. Refine and expand the unit’s slide program for usein interpretive presentations to include:a. Safety.b. Natural features and their protection and

restoration.c. Historical features.d. Recreational activities and special events.

B. Interpretive Program Problems. Strategies - AdverseImpact

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There are currently no substantial obstacles to theimplementation ofthe goals and objectives of this program.The full implementation of the Master Plan should notadversely impact the operation of the unit’s interpretiveefforts. The only exception would be the additionalworkloads created for both visitor and maintenance servicesby the implementation of the Master Plan. These concernshave been addressed in budget submittals and with therequested augmentations the programshould proceed unimpeded.

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PRAIRIE CITY STATE VEHICULAR RECREATION AREA SVRA

CONCESSIONS ELEMENT

Introduction

Concession operations within this State Vehicular RecreationArea SVRA shall be governed in part by Public ResourcesCode, Section 5080.02 et seq. and by the CaliforniaOff-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission Policiesespecially OHMVR Policy No. 19.

General Definition: A concession is defined as authorityto permit specific use of State Vehicular Recreation Arealands and/or facilities for a specific period of time. Theintent is to provide the public with goods, services, orfacilities which the Department cannot provide asconveniently or efficiently, or to permit the limited use ofState Vehicular Area lands for other purposes compatible withthe public interest, and consistent with the Public ResourceCode.

Purpose: It is the OHMVR Division’s policy to enter intoconcession contracts for the provision of services, products,facilities, programs, management,and visitor services whichwill provide for the enhancementof visitor use andenjoyment, as well as visitor safety and convenience. Suchconcessions should not create added financial burdens on the

- State, and wherever possible, shall reduce costs and/orgenerate revenues to aid in maintaining and expanding theSVRA System.

Compatibility: Concession developments, programs, orservices must be compatible with this unit’s classificationas a State Vehicular Recreation Area and with the unit’sobjectives and master plan provisions.

Attractions Unto Themselves: Concessions which relate toSVRA activities can be attractions unto themselves.

Planning: Concession opportunities may be considered atall stages of planning and operaton.

General Concession Policies

1. The economic feasibility of proposed concessions shallbe studied to determine viability as well as contractterms and conditions. Final approval for developmentand operation of a proposed concession will be made by

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the Director of the Department of Parks andRecreation.

2. It is the policy of the OHMVR Division to cultivateand encourage small businessesand ethnic minoritiesas concessionaires.

3. It is the OHNVR Division policy to generally avoidentering into convenience-type concession agreementsfor facilities, products, or programs that areadequately provided for a short distance outside theunit boundaries, when such travel will neither undulyendanger or inconvenience visitors, nor lead tounreasonable consumption of transportation fuels.

4. It is the policy of the OHNVR Division thatconcessionswill provide facilities, products,programs, or services at prices competitive with

- similar businessesoutside the SVRAT System unit.

Limitations

Appropriate concession activities for the SVRAT unit arelimited to:

1. Concessionsthat do not unnecessarily commerciallyexploit the resources.

2. Special events.

3. Commercial/retail-type concessions for which there isa need.

4. Concessionswhich enhancethe SVRAT theme andpolicies.

5. The water plant facilities and building shall not beutilitzed for direct commercial gain by theconcessionaire. The plant site should not be an areaof public access. The goal is to operate and maintainthe water plant as a support facility for the entirepark operation.

Current Conditions Which Relate to Concessions

The facilities which currently lend themselves to concessionuse potential are summarized as follows:

1. Park access/entry kiosk 4’x 8’ portable wood frame.

2. Mud drag facility.

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3. Off-road car track.

4. Pro motocross track.

5. Practice Track

6. 90cc Track

7. Quarter midget track.

8. Staging Area

9. Park-wide hare scramble areas/trails.

10. Moon Room: A 12,000 square foot concretemulti-storied circular domed structure.

11. A 25’x 40’ concrete building adjacent to staging areaand near the future concession modular structure.

12. A 6’x 7’ wood frame building with pay phone inside atthe quarter midget track area.

13. A concession building, l5’x 21’ wood frame, with sink,electricity, and plumbing at quarter midget area.

14. A 30’x 60’ metal shop and garage building in thecurrent operation headquarters area.

Proposedand Potential ConcessionUses

1. Store.

a.

b.

c.

0EV supplies, accessories and rental items.

0EV parts.

Food and beverages excluding beer and wine andincluding satellite vending machines.

d. Camping supplies for special event staging areaswith fully contained RV units.

2. Storage space rental for off-highway vehicles.

a. The moon room.

b. The 25’x 40’ concrete building. -

c. The 30’x 60’ metal building.

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3. Concessionwarehousing.

a. All existing facilities at concessionaire’sdisposal.

b. Exclude the 8’x 8’ water control building andwater plant.

4. The 15’x 21’ wood frame building at the quarter midgettrack area should be used as a rental concessionoutlet.

5. Possible sites for repair and preparation of user’svehicles.

a. The 25’ x40’ concrete building.

b. The 30’x 60’ metal building.

6. Large equipment storage.

a. The 300’x 150’ operations yard.

b. Various operation yard buildings.

7. Competitive and special event sites.

a. Mud drag.

b. 0ff-road car track.

c. Pro motocross track.

d. 4’x 4’ obstacle course.*

e. Sand drag course.*

f. Multi-use go cart track.*

g. Hare scramble trails.

h. Various staging and picnic areas.

8. Meeting hall rental space.

a. Via a modular unit, possible located at part ofthe concession office.

Maintenance

The State’s goal is for the total unit area and facilities to

*Proposed and currently non-existent.- 64 -

be maintained to the highest standards of health and safetyas well as for the enhancementand protection of resources.Trail development and maintenance responsibilities must bepart of the concession. All maintenance stand-ards must beequivalent to those levels established by the OHMVR Divisionof the State Department of Parks and Recreation.

Alcoholic Beverages

The sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages on SVRA landshall be dictated by OHNVR Commission Policy Number 6.Because of the State’s need to protect the health and safetyof park visitors and its duty to preserve the peace withinthe SVRA unit, the sale of alcoholic beverageswithin PrairieCity SVRA boundaries is generally prohibited unless expresslyauthorized under limited exceptions detailed in Policy 6.

General

An active concessions presence in the unit is necessary inorder to properly serve the needs of the public and enhancethe recreational use and enjoyment of the SVRA

It is the State’s intent that the concessionaire assume --

complete operation of Prairie City SVRA including but notlimited to the supervision of daily casual 0EV use, providingall competitive events, providing adequatepolice andemergency medical protection at all times, providing for allproposed development, performing all maintenance andoperational tasks utilizing concessionaire providedequipment. The State will periodically inspect the facilityto determine that all applicable OHNVR standards and policiesas well as Public Resource Code Sections are being carriedout and the public is being provided a facility to recreatein that is both attractive and safe.

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