Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Strengths
• Remnant population of Platanus, Quercus, and Baccharis
• Existing creek flows year-round
• Wetland soils intact
• Canyon walls buffer creek area from adjacent residential areas
• Active owner/manager/steward of site by the County Parks Department
Weaknesses
• Nonnative monoculture (eucalyptus trees) dominating the creek bottom up and
downstream: several scattered throughout the project area
• Absence of native understory along creek banks
• High pedestrian, mountain biking, equestrian trail users
• Large volume of eucalyptus leaf litter and seed bank covers soil surface
• Volunteer Phoenix palms near Spring House crowding out native vegetation
Opportunities
• Existing base of committed volunteers—Friends of Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve
• Committed stakeholder
• Control unauthorized trail development
• Return cottonwood species to drainage that was removed during ranch operation
• Draft master plan for Los Peñasquitos Canyon supports proposal
• Existing intermittent creek channels parallel to Los Peñasquitos Creek
Threats
• Series of trails for equestrians, hikers, mountain bikers
• Flood potential prior to plants being fully established
• Five historic Palms to remain, represents seed bank and potential for
future problems
• Vandalism potential is high due to persistent park use
• Surrounded by urban development
• Utility corridors and serving utilities prior rights, potential for disturbance to project area
with major utility maintenance activities
• Potential erosion and sedimentation on Ranch House trail over creek
Constraints
• Protect all historic features within project area
• Protect native vegetation within project area
• Owl's nest active
• High volume of daily park users
• Utility corridor present with requirements for uninterrupted access
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