BOARD AGENDA MEMORANDUM
SUBJECT:
Title
Policy Framework and Outreach Plan for Use of Santa Clara Valley Water District Property for Trails.
End
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Review and provide input on the proposed trails policy framework and direct staff to proceed with the proposed public outreach plan.
Body
SUMMARY:
Santa Clara Valley Water District (Valley Water) policies provide for trails and other recreational uses of its lands that are compatible with its water supply, flood protection, and environmental stewardship mission, and do not unduly impact operations. In practice, it is often challenging for proposed trails to meet these objectives. At the same time, the Board wishes to promote trails and access to open space; in FY2017-2018, the Board Strategic Challenges Report recognized that "current Board Policy does not adequately express Board's full support of trails." Finally, public interest both for and against trails is high, resulting in the need for clear policy objectives. At this time, specific trails projects are not being recommended for approval nor will action be taken by the Board on any policy item.
Trails Policy Framework
New Board and/or administrative policy may be necessary to ensure compatibility between Valley Water's objectives of promoting trails, protecting the environment, and providing for flood protection and a reliable water supply. A new Trails Policy (Board policy) would provide compatibility criteria for trails proposed on Valley Water lands. To supplement the Trails Policy, a Trails Toolkit (administrative policy) would clarify Valley Water's interests in trail design, construction, and maintenance standards. A Trails Toolkit would provide objective guidance for trails projects to meet the compatibility criteria.
Public Outreach Plan
Broad community input is critical to create an effective trails policy. To ensure balanced yet productive input, staff are proposing a multifaceted outreach process. Firs...
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