Members of the Costa Mesa City Council
Mayor Peter Buffa
Mayor Pro Tern Gary Monahan
Council Member Joseph Erickson
Council Member Libby Cowan
Council Member Heather Somers
Fairview Park Citizens Advisory Committee Members
Richard Mehren, Chairperson
Gilbert Collins
Linda Feffer
Judith Geilow
Jeff Martin
Nancy Palmer
Steven Velasco
GENERAL GOA LS STATEMENT FOR FAIRVIEW PARK
The following brief statement describes the Fairview Park Citizens Advisory Committee general plan for Fairview Park. It can and should be read by any individual or group prior to their presentation of any proposal for activities or facilities within Fairview Park.
The Master Plan for Fairview Park is the outcome of the Committee's conceptual theme best described with the general term "passive use". This will include trails for pedestrians, runners and bicyclists. Areas will be developed with appropriate vegetation and physical conditions to create and enhance varied native habitats such as grassland, woodlands, riparian, alluvial scrub, sand dunes, coastal sage and vernal pools. Preservation of the archaeological sites will also be a top priority. Included in this concept, in addition to trails and restoration of native habitats, will be some turfed areas for picnicking, resting, children's play, and individual and small group non-organized sports activities. Special activities and facilities with appropriate educational and recreational value, such as a small museum complex, will be considered as compatible with other uses and space allocations.
No commercial ventures are encouraged within the park, and any fund raising activities within the park by any organization should require approval by the City Council.
Group activities such as track meets, kite flying, model airplanes, team games, or educational programs are to be confined to the designated trails or turfed areas.
This is in keeping with a major concern of the Committee which is the enhancement and protection of the native flora and fauna within the park. To this end, nonobtrusive signs and fencing will be used as well as the enforced leash laws.
City of Costa Mesa
The Fairview Park Citizens Advisory Committee
August 20, 1997
Fairview Park Master Plan
ATTACHMENT 5TO ACCESS THE FULL FAIRVIEW PARK MASTER PLAN - CLICK HERE
1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
INTRODUCTION
"The site could be planned as the City's premier park, to include a wide diversity of recrea tional opportunities encompassing natural passive park land. The Master Plan for this site must address the distinctive character of the location and its adjacencies providing a park with unique citywide significance. The Santa Ana River, Talbert Nature Preserve, and the bordering school properties all should influence the park design and layout.
In addition, the park contains important cultural and natural features which should be planned for future protection."
City of Costa Mesa Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan January 1996
This statement from the recently completed planning document well states the challenge for Fairview Par!<. The consultant team has operated on the premise that the text should have the insertion of "shall" in place of "could" as the third word: for the community is aware of the high potential for this rare open space. Through this Master Plan the citizens of Costa Mesa and their elected officials determine the course of planning for this land, which will affect the lives of many generations of residents. The consultant team has endeavored to create a Master Plan, which insures that the needs of the community are met, and that the great potential for the site is realized.
The site is unusual not only for its impressive bluff top location and interesting rolling hills, but for the story that it can tell of: Native American civilizations, wildlife and its habitat, unusual and subtle natural features, and our aspirations as urban dwellers to provide spaces for previously dominant living systems to continue to function. The promise of restoration built upon the existing remnant wildlife habitat, opportunities for discovery, interpre tation, recreation and enjoyment for people is a challenging and exciting prospect.
Fairview Park will be the link, which ties many existing and future resources of the City together. The Costa Mesa River - Bay Trail will connect through the park to the Talbert Nature Preserve immediately. When all portions of the Local Coastal Program are complete a continuous recreational trail will lead through parklands.
Saltwater marshes at the mouth of the Santa Ana River, South Talbert Park with Victoria Pond, Talbert Nature Preserve, Costa Mesa Vista, and Canyon Parks will be linked at Fairview Park to the arteries of the Costa Mesa bikeway system.
The Park consists of 208 acres of open space currently used for walking, biking, jogging, flying model airplanes, model railroading, and picnicking. Approximately 13 acres of the site have been improved as passive park space with lawn, trees and parking. The remainder of the site is vacant. Work on this Master Plan was begun in July of 1996.
City of Costa Mesa -2- Fairview Park Master Plan
of the Committee and the public, changes were made and the revised composite scheme was presented at a working session of the City Council on December 9, 1996.
The three alternative schemes and the composite scheme were presented in a public workshop at the Council Chamber on Saturday June 28, 1997. Comments on the proposed land uses and the details of the physical scheme were accepted.
A progress report was made at a meeting of the City Council on August 4, 1997.
Following this report the preparation of environmental documentation for the plan was initiated concurrent with the preparation of the draft of the Master Plan.
On December 15, 1997 the City Council adopted Mitigated Negative Declaration with revisions, and adopted Resolution 97-102 approving PA-97-43, the Fairview Park Master Plan. At the same meeting the Council adopted Resolution 97-103, approving GP-97- 03A, amending the General Plan of the City of Costa Mesa incorporating the Master Plan references into the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan element.
In August and September of 2000 the City Council adopted revisions to this plan. The revisions include the elimination of some trails, the reduction in width of certain trails and the reduction of paved surfaces. All revisions are reflected on the revised Master Plan drawing and are indicated with a strikethrough.
In November 2002 the City Council adopted revisions to this plan. The revisions include the deletion of the Huscroft House relocation, deletion of the dog park on the east side, deletion of the lower parking lot in planning area C, deletion of the botanic gardens, deletion of the pond on the east side, deletion of the model railroad on the west side of the park, and the deletion of the bicycle motocross.
In June 2007 the City's consultant LSA Associates performed a complete biological survey of Fairview Park and updated the biological constraints and opportunities section of the Master Plan.
All revisions are reflected throughout this document and are indicated with a strikethrough. Figure 1 has been updated to reflect these changes.
1.3 THE MASTER PLAN
The master plan presents a park for passive uses. Facilities are provided for individual and small group activities focused upon walking, biking, picnicking, quiet contemplation, interpretation of the archaeological and biological resources, and the hobbies of kite flying, model glider airplane flying and riding the model railroad.
The passive uses included in the plan were driven by the need to protect the unique archaeological and biological resources, the City's new focus of attention on other City of Costa Mesa -4- Fairview Park Master Plan
• Provide for the continuation of the organized uses that have historically occurred on the site, including model railroading, model airplane, and model glider flying.
• Minimize addition of other similar organized uses that would require special park facilities or permanent allocation of park space.
• Provide for walking, running, and bicycling along defined trails. • Utilize and improve existing trails as much as possible. • Minimize creation of new trails.
Provide additional opportunities and services for low-key park use:
• Provide an enhanced setting for the model railroad area. • Provide a landscaped setting on the eastern area of the park that will provide continuity with the adjacent residential and golf course areas and tie to the natural habitat restoration on the western side.
• Enhance existing picnic areas and provide additional picnic facilities for small groups and on the eastern portion of the site.
• Provide additional children's play areas.
• Provide restrooms.
Provide for public safety
• Provide trail access for public safety and emergency vehicles. • Stabilize the bluffs and provide safer access across them. • Provide buffer areas for fire-wise planting adjacent to residential areas. • Provide improved vehicular access from Placentia Avenue. • Provide increased opportunities for walking and bicycling away from vehicular roadways.
• Maintain the open quality of the park that allows for visibility over the park area for observation of any public safety problems.
• Design park improvements in conformance with public safety codes and Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.
5.2 RESTORATION OBJECTIVES
Preserve the archaeological resources
• Remove existing artificial fill with minimal damage to the resources underneath.
• Protect archaeological sites from unauthorized collecting and damage.
Enhance and re-establish habitat for native plants and wildlife. • Base restoration plans on scientific recommendations related to the existing site characteristics and the best available information on pre-existing natural habitat areas.
• Conform to the federal and state restrictions concerning existing ecological resources.
City of Costa Mesa - 27 - Fairview Park Master Plan
• Coordinate restoration plans with regional and adjacent restoration and preservation efforts, in order to provide continuity of habitat and address endangered habitat concerns.
• Protect restoration areas from damage and intrusion.
• Incorporate habitat restoration areas into the NCCP/HCP.
6. THE MASTER PLAN
The Master Plan presents a park for passive uses. The natural setting will dominate and provide the opportunity for walking, jogging, biking, and quiet contemplation.
The large size of the park allows for the inclusion of a model railroad, glider and kite flying, and a group picnic area without compromising the overall passive nature of the plan. The landscape includes play areas for children, lawn areas for play and picnicking, and large areas of restored native plant communities. A trail system will provide access by foot, bicycle, wheelchair, park maintenance, and emergency and security vehicles. Interpretive opportunities are to be subtly provided as part of the trail system. Defined trails offer the possibility for a roaming walk among undeveloped nature for those seeking solitude or to explore the varied terrain of the mesa, bluffs, and low alluvial plain. Natural areas will contain extensive areas of local native plant communities, and a botanic garden will display a collection of California plants from many regions.
The plan is intended to provide a detailed framework for the restoration and construction work. Completio,:i of the work will undoubtedly be by phases. Some change in anticipated uses may be expected, as in the case of the museum site.
However, the overall policy direction for passive, natural preservation and restoration is to guide all detail development decisions. The Master Plan will guide the creation of a rich and varied park which will serve the residents of Costa Mesa for generations to come.
The following provides detail to the master plan by geographic section of the park.
6.1 PARK ENTRANCES AND PARKING
The major entrance to Fairview Park is planned to be at the location of the existing entrance to the western portion of the park from north or southbound Placentia Avenue. The existing entrance to Fairview Park is currently controlled by a traffic signal. This intersection is to be expanded to provide entrances to the eastern train area as well as the current western access.
Parking for 106 cars is currently provided in the existing 13-acre park area west of Placentia Avenue. These spaces are to be retained. Existing parking for 26 cars opposite Marion Parsons School is to be retained. An additional new parking area for approximately 35 cars is to be provided in the new group picnic area north of the existing entry and parking.
City of Costa Mesa - 28 - Fairview Park Master Plan
site area. The many plant communities provide variety, rich visual experiences, and interpretive opportunities.
Dog Park
3 % acres in the central area of the train tracks, bounded by the Fairviev.• Channel to the east is designated for use as an area for the running of dogs off leash.
Coordination 'Nill be required in the future for possible growth of the train rail system. /\ proposed trestle structure in this area is to be designed to accommodate pedestrian use of the dog park area.
Archaeological Site CA-ORA 506
Approximately the northern 5/8 of the eastern site is identified as a registered archaeological site. This site has been the subject of less detailed study than CA ORA 58, which lies west of Placentia Avenue. Any active development of the site would require environmental work in conformance with the City of Costa Mesa, County of Orange Public Facilities and Resources, Historical Programs, and CEQA.
This plan calls for no active development in this site. Trenching for irrigation may require archaeological monitoring.
6.3 WEST OF PLACENTIA AVENUE
Existing Park Impro vements
The thirteen acres of existing lawn, trees, and parking are to remain. As finances or volunteers are available, additional trees should be planned and planted in order to expand the single trees into groves. The western edge of the existing lawn is to be extended to join the trail system and include the glider launch and landing sites as shown on the master plan drawing.
Group Picnic Site
A new group picnic site is planned for the land north of the existing entrance adjoining the existing lawn areas. This area is to have parking for approximately 35 cars, shelter, grilles and tables to seat approximately 75 persons for picnics. A structure to provide shade and rain protection may be provided. The design of this structure should be simple, without walls, maintaining as low a profile as possible.
New lawn and tree areas will surround the group facilities. Restroom facilities are also provided.
Interpretive Area
The central interpretive area is located west of the existing park lawn, near the existing parking. This area is to serve as a starting point for learning of the archaeology of the site, as well as the plant and animal communities. The center is not to contain buildings or other structures. The story of the site can be told through low level signage, footprints, castings of artifacts at ground level and limited City of Costa Mesa - 32 - Fairview Park Master Plan
modeling. The area should allow non-guided discovery suitable to children and adults. Sufficient paving can be provided to assemble a small group for a guided tour. Additional signage should be located at key locations around the site to explain the life of the vernal pools, the various plant communities and habitats, the shell midden, the prehistoric river setting, and the Spanish / Mission use of the site.
Restroom Facilities
Restroom facilities are near the interpretive area on the route to and from parking.
This location will serve the existing developed park area, the trail system and the visitors to the interpretive area. This building should include a small storage area of approximately 125 square feet, which could be used to store glider launch equipment. The restroom building is located within the lawn and tree active park area and should be a low profile building, perhaps partially enclosed by earth mounds.
Glider Launching Sites
There are two types of model glider airplane launch sites in use at Fairview Park:
electric motor launch operations which take place in the morning when winds tend to be calm, and bluff top launches which take place in the afternoon when the prevailing wind creates a strong updraft at the bluff. Both operations are planned to be retained and provided for in the park.
The launch system of the larger planes which rise to ride the thermal columns of the early morning calm are driven by a small battery powered electric motor which reels in a string attached to the glider. While the launch string extends out 600 feet, the aircraft rises from the launch site at a steep angle requiring a small take-off area.
The landing requires a separate small area, which must be clear of pedestrian traffic.
The laying out of the launch string can be accomplished in grassland without damage to either habitat or aircraft. Any clearing required for the launch string is not to exceed one foot in width. The plan calls for moving the current site to the east in order to remove the launch string systems from the vernal pools. A storage area for launch gear can be provided near the launch site south of the interpretive center, associated with the restroom building. This facility should not exceed approximately 125 square feet and is to be of a very low profile, as discussed under restroom facilities.
Bluff top afternoon launches are focused at the bluff near the southern boundary of the site. Due to extensive use of the area, a stabilized decomposed granite paving area should be provided in order to protect the site and the bluff edge. Signage or other vertical projections exceeding approximately 3 feet above grade should not be placed along any of the bluff edges.
Vernal Pools
The vernal pools are discussed in depth in Section 3.5.1 and Appendix C. The pools and basins are to be retained, restored, and protected. Protection involves City of Costa Mesa - 33 - Fairview Park Master Plan
Riparian Zone Along the Placentia Drain
The Placentia Drain exists in the northwest lowlands and extends along the base of the western bluffs to the southern tip of the park where it continues into Talbert Nature Preserve. The presence of seasonal water flow and, to a lesser extent, year round flows in the Fairview Channel indicates the potential for the introduction of a riparian area along the Placentia Drain. Connection of the drain to the Fairview Channel can provide year round water flow while limiting the volume of flow into this feature. The drain presents an additional habitat and plant community for exploration via the trail system. No membrane or artificial water holding basin is planned in order to avoid attracting non-native frogs which could be harmful to other native species present in the area. Preliminary engineering study indicates that the riparian zone could be feasible and act as an asset to the wetlands in lower Talbert Nature Preserve by increasing the flow in the Placentia Drain.
Coastal Strand adjoining Talbert Nature Preserve
The northern boundary of the Talbert Nature Preserve contains the coastal strand, or dune, plant community. A small zone of this community is planned at this borderline in order to make the property line less visible between the two parks.
Alluvial Scrub / Pacific Pocket Mouse Habitat
The biological study of the site has identified a remnant of alluvial scrub at the northwest lowlands. Plant materials and soil conditions define this 41 acre area. This habitat is significant due to the favorable conditions present for occupation by the Pacific Pocket Mouse, which is listed as endangered by the USFWS. This habitat is becoming extremely rare in coastal Southern California and is considered to be of great value.
6.4 PASSIVE USES AND CIRCULATION TRAILS
Passive uses for the park include walking, running, walking of leashed dogs, flying glider planes, flying kites, picnics, and other small group functions. Organized team sports requiring formal facilities or sports operated as a concession are not included.
The natural areas of the park are reserved for running, walking, limited bicycle trails, and interpretive uses. Trails in the natural areas are planned to offer access to each habitat type, and in a quantity to allow variety to the frequent park visitor, but limited in order to provide large blocks of habitat undivided by trails or the interruption of human use.
A system of trails is planned to provide access to all areas of the park by pedestrian traffic. Trails at the edge of the bluffs, and the trail to the south of the Fairview Channel are recommended to be a minimum of three feet wide. Other trails are a minimum of four feet wide. Walking trails are surfaced with soil, decomposed granite or shell midden. The bluff trail in the archaeological site area is over shell midden and is to remain on this surface in order to allow the park user to experience this contact with evidence of much earlier human use. The midden trail and trails City of Costa Mesa - 37 - Fairview Park Master Plan
ORA 58 archaeological site, each of which require careful protection. The vernal pools are recognized as a significant and rare resource to be restored. General park use traffic is to be limited to the trails in the archaeological area and in the natural restoration.
Extensive trails allow access by foot, wheelchair or bicycle, but that access is to be limited to the trail systems, allowing vegetation to be restored while creating high quality habitat for birds and small animals.
The intent is to make a smooth transition to the ninety acre Talbert Nature Preserve, which adjoins Fairview Park to the west at the base of the bluff.
An interpretive area is designated in the western section to illuminate the rich resources of natural history. The only building construction provided for in the western section of the park by the plan will be restrooms, a small glider storage facility, and a shade structure for the group picnic area. These facilities are to be designed to have low visibility, be low key and have minimal impact on the visual image of the park.
A detailed Resource Management Plan is to be developed at the time of preparation of restoration documents and drawings. This plan is to specify methods for weed control, vector control, irrigation and monitoring of plants and wildlife.
Conceptual Restoration Plan Plant Palettes -- Fairview Park, Costa Mesa The following provides conceptual native plant palettes for four new plant communities currently planned for restoration/establishment within Fairview Park in the City of Costa Mesa. The specified plants are found within the park and general vicinity (i.e., the lower Santa Ana River ecosystem). Final plant palettes, quantities, planting techniques, and other relevant information will be prepared as part of final restoration plans to be completed in the future. The Coastal Strand area adjacent to Talbert Nature Preserve is to repeat the plant species found to have been successful in this existing planting. Plant communities in the vernal pools are presently established by the current restoration biologist.
California Native Grassland
This plant palette is planned for the mesa, primarily in the area presently covered with fill. The existing fill should be removed from the site in order to return the mesa to its original, flat topography and to remove the extensive weed seed bed within the fill. Efforts to reestablish the mosaic of vernal pools on the southern third of the mesa have been started and are to continue until the natural grade and condition of the pools for the area is reached.
Common Name Scientific Name
Containers
Purple Needlegrass Nassella pulchra
City of Costa Mesa - 39 - Fairview Park Master Plan
8. DESCRIPTION OF ALTERNATIVE I, II, & Ill
8.1 ALTERNATIVE I
SOUTH WEST QUADRANT: Bluffs to Placentia:
Major habitat/ plant communities:
1. Maintain and restore vernal pools providing fencing around each pool.
2. Establish grasslands along upper bluff areas.
3. Re-vegetate bluffs with Coastal Bluff Scrub.
4. Establish Coastal Bluff Scrub community in the north-south canyon.
Circulation Routes:
1. Establish new pedestrian trails at top of bluffs and stairway at southwest corner.
2. Establish north-south circulation for bicycles, security, maintenance, and joggers.
Facilities
1. Maintain active park along Placentia Avenue in its present condition.
2. Add a restroom in the active park area.
3. Add a visitor information facility to acquaint visitors with the park and its features.
4. Maintain the glider facility in the southwest portion of the park.
5. Correct flooding at west of Canyon Drive - provide new surface drain south of vernal pool to bluff and pipe drain from southeast corner near apartments to drain to bluff/ Placentia Drain. Protect from further erosion at bluff.
6. Stop erosion at north end of bluff to protect archeological site.
NORTH WEST QUADRANT: Fairview Channel to bluff, Talbert Nature Preserve to Placentia
Major habitat/ plant communities:
1. Develop Riparian Community south of Fairview Channel (remove south portion of berm and reconstruct same further south into park. Enhance the watercourse.
2. Establish Coastal Dune and Alluvial Scrub community to maintain pocket mouse habitat.
3. Establish Grassland community.
Circulation Routes:
1. Establish circulation connecting Talbert Nature Preserve trails with Placentia Avenue including bicycles, security, and maintenance and jogging.
2. Establish pedestrian trails along Riparian Area and Coastal Dunes.
Facilities
1. Add parking along Plaoentia Avenue 111ith a pionio area and 'Dog Park'.
2. Add picnic area between Fairview Channel and residential community along north edge of park.
NORTH EAST QUADRANT: Canary, Fairview Channel to golf course Major habitat/ plant communities:
1. Establish Oak Woodland plant community on slopes.
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Circulation Routes:
1 Establish circulation in the park for bicycles, security, maintenance, and jogging park with lawn and tot lot at the end of Canary Drive. 2 Establish pedestrian trail connecting Canary Drive to Fairview Channel Bridge.
Facilities:
1. Establish neighbo rhood local neighborhood play area.
SOUTH EAST QUADRANT: Railroad area, Placentia to the golf course Major habitat/ plant communities:
1 Establish Oak Woodland plant community on slopes.
2. Establish botanic garden throughout Narrow Gauge Railroad.
Circulation Routes:
1. Establish circulation for bicycles, security, maintenance, and jogging, which connects new signaled intersection with Fairview Channel. Extend same circulation south along Placentia Avenue to second signaled intersection across from Estancia High School.
Facilities:
1 . Retain Narrow Gauge Railroad. '
2. Construct new ponds.
3. Retain gravel parking lot for railroad.
8.2 ALTERNATIVE II
All items as included in Alternate I with the following additions / changes SOUTH WEST QUADRANT: Bluffs to Placentia:
Facilities:
1. Retain glider landing zone, but move further north into park. (East of vernal pool).
2. Add glider equipment storage facility.
3. Add Children's play at Canyon Drive entry.
NORTH WEST QUADRANT: Fairview Channel to bluff, Talbert Nature Preserve to Placentia
1. Same as Alternate I.
NORTH EAST QUADRANT: Canary, Fairview Channel to golf course
1. Same as Alternate I.
SOUTH EAST QUADRANT: Railroad area, Placentia to the golf course Facilities:
1. Add 'Historic Village' comprised of train station, cafe/restroom, Historic Society headquarters, Natural History office headquarters. (The Village is thought of as a 'home' for historic buildings needing relocation from their present sites in the County). New parking areas and possibly sites for small social functions could occur in this location.
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8.3 ALTERNATIVE Ill
All items as included in Alternate I and II with the following additions/ changes SOUTH WEST QUADRANT: Bluffs to Placentia:
Facilities:
1 . Add parking along the south property line between Canyon Drive and Pacific Avenue.
2. Propose an alternative glider take off zone north of the landing zone to help protect sensitive grass communities south of the vernal pool.
3. Add a second stairway down the bluff at the northwest end of the bluffs.
4. Relocate parking in the active park to alloi.v f.or the addition of a soccer field and a baseball diamond.
5. Add additional narrow gauge rail line in this quadrant.
NORTH WEST QUADRANT: Fairview Channel to bluff, Talbert Nature Preserve to Placentia
1. Same as Alternate I.
NORTH EAST QUADRANT: Canary, Fairview Channel to golf course
1. Same as Alternate I.
SOUTH EAST QUADRANT: Railroad area, Placentia to the golf course Facilities:
1. Extend Narrow Gauge Railroad further north into Oak Woodland.
2. Add a bridge across Placentia Avenue for the railroad and pedestrians.
3. Add a median in Placentia Avenue with trees, groundcover, and shrubs.
8.4 ALTERNATIVE COMPOSITE OF I, II AND Ill
All items as included in Alternate I, II and Ill with the following additions / changes SOUTH WEST QUADRANT: Bluffs to Placentia Avenue:
Facilities:
1. Change parking along the south property line at Pacific Avenue.
2. Dog park added near Estancia athletic field.
3. Added group picnic area.
4. Added raptor roosts.
NORTH WEST QUADRANT: Fairview Channel to bluff, Talbert Nature Preserve to Placentia
1. Added pond and riparian / wetlands area.
2. Added high-speed bike path north of Fairview Channel.
NORTH EAST QUADRANT: Canary, Fairview Channel to golf course
1. Added a view area and tot lot.
SOUTH EAST QUADRANT: Railroad area, Placentia to the golf course Facilities:
1. Redesign of parking areas.
City of Costa Mesa - 62 Fairview Park Master Plan
of eradication with the County. Effective eradication of Giant Reed is labor-intensive, requiring follow-up treatments for up to several years after initial removal. If complete eradication were achieved, Giant Reed would be unlikely to re-invade the alluvial scrub community after eradication, since the area is unconnected to the Santa Ana River or other streambeds that could deliver seeds or other propagules into the area from upstream. (The eradication of Giant Reed has been undertaken by the City of Costa Mesa since the writing of this report.)
Coastal Bluff Scrub - Disturbed
Two degraded areas within the park have good potential for restoration to coastal bluff scrub habitat. One is the park's western bluff, where the original coastal bluff scrub community has been invaded by ruderal forbs and grasses. The other area is a northtrending canyon near the park entrance, which is heavily disturbed and supports almost no native vegetation. Due to the topography of these areas and the general difficulty of establishing coastal bluff scrub vegetation, successful restoration of these areas would be difficult and fairly costly, requiring 1) eradication of the existing ruderal vegetation, 2) planting and seeding of appropriate native species, 3) provision of irrigation during establishment of plantings, and 4) follow-up weeding for at least two or three years. The potential may exist for coastal bluff scrub restoration to be funded by outside sources as an off-site mitigation for loss of upland scrub habitat elsewhere in the local area.
Vernal Pools and Associated Grasslands
MBA's two vernal pool reports (see Appendices C and D) note that artificial fill has apparently been placed within approximately two acres of "Vernal Pool Basin No. 1," the park's largest vernal pool. It is recommended that the Master Plan address removal of fill from this vernal pool and restoration of its original contours.
Fairview Park's vernal pools occur in a portion of the park that is subject to ongoing disturbance and soil compaction due to foot traffic, biking, pets, model airplane flyers and periodic mowing. The pools and associated grasslands show some signs of degradation due to these ongoing processes, including 1) encroachment of trails into the margins of some pools, and 2) the presence of a variety of non-native plant species in and around the pools. In· addition, standard vector control practices may diminish water quality in the park's vernal pools, possibly impacting both invertebrate and vertebrate wildlife species that use the pools. Over time, such processes may degrade the park's vernal pools, limiting their value as habitats for plants and wildlife. Management practices that would limit these adverse effects and ensure the continued health of these sensitive areas include the following:
Identify areas where paths and trails impinge on vernal pools and associated grasslands, and regulate public access to these areas. This may be accomplished by 1) developing a formalized trail system in this area that avoids highly sensitive areas to the extent feasible, 2) installing educational signs, and 3) possibly erecting temporary fencing to divert foot traffic away from recovering areas during the year or two· it would take for desired City of Costa Mesa - 103 - Fairview Park Master Plan
LSA ASSOCIATES. INC.
Specifically, the study area is located within Section 8 in Township 6 South, Range 10 West with approximate Universal Transverse Mercator coordinates of 4 12469m by 3725750m along the north, 412536m by 3724642m along the south, 413340m by 3725282m along the east, and 412567m by 3725196m along the west as shown on the 7.5-minute series United States Geological Survey (USGS) topographic Newport Beach, California quadrangle map. Area topography includes a low-lying area in the northern portion of the study area, with rolling slopes and a flat mesa to the south and east. Elevation ranges from 1. 5 meters (m) (5 feet [ft]) to 24 m (80 ft) above mean sea level. Most of the study area is vegetated with ruderal exotic species including extensive patches of black mustard (Brassica nigra) and sweet fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) (Figure 2).
There are over I 00 acres of habitat potentially suitable for burrowing owl use during both the winter (i.e., migratory, nonbreeding) and breeding seasons. These areas are primarily grassland and ruderal habitats and, in general, are located in the north and east portions of the Park and the ruderal mesa along the west edge. The southern area also has potential habitat but is adjacent to school and residential areas and is highly disturbed by pedestrian and model airplane activity. The central area of the Park is similarly not suitable for burrowing owls due to heavy use by Park visitors and their pets (e.g., dogs). This area is planted with ornamental trees and turf grass surrounding a series of parking lots and is well maintained.
METHODOLOGY
LSA biologists followed the recommended Burrowing Owl Survey Protocol while conducting nonbreeding winter season surveys in 2005. LSA also conducted several breeding season surveys in conjunction with additional field work throughout Fairview Park (Table A).
Table A: Survey Conditions and Results
Nonbreeding Season Surveys
Date 2005 Time Conditions No. of Owls; Owl Sign Surveyors Dec 19 0545-0845 Low 60-30% cover, cool, None IB, LS
calm
Dec20 1445-1745 30% cover, mild-cool, calm None IB,LS
Dec 21 1445-1745 25% cover, mild-cool, 2 owls at burrows east IB,LS light breeze of Placentia Ave.
Dec 22 0600-0900 Low coastal fog-clearing, 2 owls at burrows east IB, LS cool-mild, calm of Placentia Ave.
Breeding Season Surveys
Date 2006 Time Conditions No. of Owls; Owl Sign Surveyors April 24 0700-0930 Clear, mild, calm None IB
May3 0715-1 045 Overcast, mild, light breeze None IB,LD May 11 0815-1130 Overcast, cool-mild, calm None IB
May24 0715-0915 Clear, mild, calm-light air None IB,MW
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