City Council Memorandum
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL DATE: JUNE 24, 2025 FROM: PARKS, RECREATION AND COMMUNITY WARD: 2
SERVICES DEPARTMENT
SUBJECT: USE OF NON-WASTING ENDOWMENT FUNDS FOR TRAIL REPAIR AND LAND MANAGEMENT PURPOSES WITHIN SYCAMORE CANYON PARK RESERVE – SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $121,486.35 ISSUES:
Accept $121,486.35 from the Sycamore Canyon Park Reserve non-wasting endowment fund to be used for equipment purchases for trail repair and land management purposes, including invasive species removal which will directly improve habitat for Stephens’ Kangaroo Rat and other native species within the reserve and approve a supplemental appropriation in the same amount.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
That the City Council:
Accept $121,486.35 from the Riverside County Habitat Conservation Agency for equipment purchases to be used for trail repair and land management purposes, including invasive species removal which will directly improve habitat for Stephens’ Kangaroo Rat and other native species within the reserve; and With at least five affirmative votes, authorize the Chief Financial Officer, or designee, to record an increase in revenue in the amount of $121,486.35, and appropriate an equal amount in the Grants and Restricted Programs Fund, Sycamore Canyon SKR Endowment revenue and expenditure accounts.
BACKGROUND:
In August 1989, the City Council adopted an ordinance authorizing the City to collect fees for the preservation of threatened and endangered species.
Sycamore Canyon Park is one of several reserves in a system created by the Riverside County Conservation Agency (RCHCA) to protect habitat for the endangered Stephens’ Kangaroo Rat (SKR). The RCHCA is a Joint Powers Agreement Agency comprised of the cities of Corona, Hemet, Lake Elsinore, Menifee, Moreno Valley, Murrieta, Perris, Riverside, Temecula, Wildomar and the County of Riverside.
When Sycamore Canyon Park became part of the reserve system, a non-wasting endowment account was established by the RCHCA to assist the City with SKR management activities. The endowment was $500,000, and it was set up specifically for the monitoring and maintenance of the Stephen’s Kangaroo Rat (SKR) habitat within Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park. Interest earned from the endowment is to be used solely for implementing the SKR Management Plan in the park. The account is managed by the RCHCA and requests for use of funds must be approved by the Agency.
DISCUSSION:
The City submitted a funding request to the RCHCA to purchase equipment for trail repair and land management purposes, including invasive species removal which will directly improve habitat for SKR and other native species within the reserve.
The RCHCA Board of Directors met on September 12, 2024, and viewed the request as an appropriate use of endowment funds and approved the request for funding, in an amount not to exceed $121,486.35.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT:
This action contributes to Strategic Priority 1 – Arts, Culture & Recreation, and Goal No. 1.3 – Improve parks, recreational amenities, open space, and trail development, and fulfill lifecycle and facility maintenance needs.
This action aligns with the following Cross-Cutting Threads:
Community Trust – This item contributes to protecting local habitat and caring for Riverside’s parks and trails.
Equity – This item is neutral toward this Cross-Cutting Thread.
Fiscal Responsibility – Endowment funds will be used for this action.
Innovation – This item is neutral toward this Cross-Cutting Thread.
Sustainability and Resiliency – This action will improve trails throughout the reserve for community use and improve habitat for SKR and other native species.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The total fiscal impact of this action is an increase of revenue and expenditures in the amount of $121,486.35. There is no City match required. Upon City Council approval, an increase in revenue will be recorded in the amount of $121,486.35 and an equal amount in expenditures will be appropriated as shown in the following table below.
Fund
Program
Account
Amount
Grants and Restricted Programs
Sycamore Canyon SKR Endowment
Revenue
9775200-339000
$121,486.35
Expenditures
9775200-440301
$121,486.35
Prepared by: Ryan Gibson, Parks Supervisor
Approved by: Pamela M. Galera, Parks, Recreation and Community Services Director Certified as to availability
of funds: Kristie Thomas, Finance Director/Assistant Chief Financial Officer Approved by: Kris Martinez, Assistant City Manager
Approved as to form: Rebecca McKee-Reimbold, Interim City Attorney Attachments:
Sycamore Canyon Endowment Funds Request
Presentation
Sycamore Canyon Endowment Fund ● Page 2