CITY COUNCIL: Resolution in Support of H.R. 4040, the Big Sur Forest Service Management Unit Act

Meeting Date: 14 September 2010
Prepared by: Rich Guillen

City Council
Agenda Item Summary

Name: Consideration of a Resolution in Support of H.R. 4040, the Big Sur Forest Service Management Unit Act, which will enhance the protection of the public lands and waterways of the Big Sur area.

Description: H.R. 4040, the Big Sur Forest Service management Act of 2009, sponsored by Congressman Sam Farr, makes structural changes designed to improve the management of the Los Padres National Forest’s Monterey Ranger District.

These changes include: reorganizing the Monterey Ranger District into a Management Unit known as the Big Sur Management Unit (BSMU); directing the US Forest Service to develop a wildlife management plan tailored to the new BSMU; revising the Forest Service boundaries of the new BSMU to more closely match the boundary with actual Federal ownership and remove the Big Sur Valley and other private lands from the current boundary; designating several river segments with the Federal lands of the LPNF as wild and scenic under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act; and making several minor boundary changes to wilderness designations enacted by Congress in 2002.

Overall Cost:
City Funds: N/A
Grant Funds: N/A

Staff Recommendation: Adopt the Resolution.

Important Considerations: H.R. 4040 is an important step to protect and preserve the scenic and natural public lands and waterways in the Big Sur area.

Decision Record: N/A

Reviewed by:

Rich Guillen, City Administrator Date

CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA
RESOLUTION 2010-
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA SUPPORTING H.R. 4040, THE BIG SUR FOREST SERVICE MANAGEMENT UNIT ACT,
WHICH WILL ENHANCE THE PROTECTION OF PUBLIC LANDS AND WATERWAYS OF THE BIG SUR AREA

WHEREAS, Congressman Sam Farr sponsored H.R. 4040, the Big Sur Forest
Service Management Unit Act of 2009, to protect the wild and scenic nature of the Big Sur Region; and

WHEREAS, the Big Sur region is host to a unique set of local concerns, and H.R. 4040 would establish the Big Sur Management Unit (BSMU) which would reorganize the Monterey Ranger District. Converting the 325,000 acres of the Monterey Ranger District into the Big Sur Management Unit (BSMU) will provide the region with the autonomy and budget authority this spectacular public land deserves. Furthermore, Section 104, which designates the BSMU as a Wildland Urban Interface Special Study Area and directs the United States Forest Service to develop and annually update a fire management plan specifically for the BMSU, will ensure this region’s specific fire protection needs are met and further protect its wild public resources; and

WHEREAS, the rivers and streams flowing through public lands in the northern Santa Lucia Mountains are of incredible ecological and recreational value and H.R. 4040 will designate 90 miles of the most biologically and culturally sensitive rivers and streams in the Los Padres National Forest as federal Wild and Scenic Rivers, including sections of the Arroyo Seco River, Big Creek, Carmel River, San Antonio River, and the
San Carpoforo Creek. This is the highest legal protection a waterway may be granted, and will protect them in perpetuity; and

WHEREAS, the Big Sur Wilderness Areas are of priceless value and importance to the state, as well as outstanding recreational value to the County, H.R. 4040 will modify certain boundaries and incorporate new areas for a gain of approximately 2,000 acres of National Wilderness; and

WHEREAS, thousands of people visit the region every year, and the Arroyo
Seco/Indians Road will be converted into a National Recreation Trail so it may continue to be used by hikers, equestrians and mountain bikers.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of
Carmel-by-the-Sea hereby supports the passage of H.R. 4040, as it will be an instrumental step in the protection of the public lands and waterways of the Big Sur area, and will preserve the natural quality of the Central Coast for all to enjoy.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor is directed to transmit a copy of
this Resolution and indicate the City’s support of H.R. 4040 to Congressman Farr, Senators Feinstein and Boxer, and President Obama.

PASSED AND ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA on this 14th day of September 2010 by the following roll call vote:

AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS:

SIGNED:

_________________________
SUE McCLOUD, MAYOR

ATTEST:

____________________________
Heidi Burch, City Clerk