To: Phillip Sales
From: Pierre Joske PJ

As discussed earlier today I am responding to you to Fran Brigmann's letter of Jan. 22, 1999 to Will Stapp. I believe that you share my frustration that this letter came to our attention almost by accident 5 months after it was written and therefore was not responded to by CAC in the draft Outdoor Recreation Plan now being sent to the Board of Supervisors. I most sincerely hope that the BOS will show interest in Fran's comments and ask for their potential incorporation in the final plan.

My comments take into account the fact that Fran did not see any part of the plan other than the POLICIES. It must also be remembered that Fran works in a very different political climate. Nevertheless, her comments go directly to your Department's eventual ability to implement the plan.

My Comments:

#1 While we are talking in general terms about the "natural and cultural assets" of Sonoma County, a listing of them would help the plan in justifying the location and extent of some proposed projects.

Policy 1.2 I do not understand Fran's comment.

a} Compliance with the General Plan is required including its amendment if needed.

b) I did not find where the draft policies require approval of future developments prior to acquisition.

Policy 1.2c It is not the plan's intention to give the Department of transportation final say in trails on roads even though their input and counsel should be sought.

Possible amendments:

1st sentence - "The General Plan recommends avoiding ( add "wherever possible") the use of roads .....

Last sentence to read : "If no other option is available a mutually acceptable trail alignment on a road will be worked out in cooperation with the Department of Transportation using the following criteria."

Policy 1.3b If the words "may direct" are perceived to be an obstacle to voluntary acquisition of trail easements this policy should be eliminated. NOTE: The BOS in any case may order a study with or without this policy.

Policy 1.3c I agree with Fran and suggest word changes :

Insert "...to allow for (difficulty of terrain, access for maintenance equipment and) for creating buffer..."

Substitute "maximize ecological siting of the trail" for "minimize environmental damage."

Policy 1.4iii. I do not understand the comment.

Policy 2.1b Add the words "in locations immediately adjacent to operating or potentially operating agricultural properties" between "... for public use" and "prepare design..."

Policy 2.1c I agree with Fran but do not see any problem so long as the design guidelines are developed by Regional Parks.

Policy 2.2 Add "or the land is up for subdivision at which time policy l.4iii will be applied" after "property owner/seller" at the end of the last sentence of the 2nd paragraph.

Policy 2.3 I agree with Fran's concerns with regard to landowners immunity for uninvited guest and the general question of negligence by others. This policy should be reviewed by County Counsel.

Policy 3.2 Insert the word "intensive" between" ...open to" and "public use...".

Policy 3.3 BLM lands are only used as an example.

Policy 3.4 The Five Year Capital Project Plan applies only County projects. This needs clarification.

Policy 5.2 This policy should simply refer to the next chapter Financing Options.