Neal Osborne,
PlannerApril 25, 2001
Re:
Olema Ranch Campground Master Plan Amendment\ Precise Development Plan
The Sierra
Club requests additional information in order to determine the completeness
of the application.
Most helpful
would be a revised site plan including, relative to the Streamside Conservation
Area, the location of existing structures to remain or be remodeled, those
to be removed, and locations of new structures.By
structures, we mean all structures or facilities, including walkways, trails,
septic fields, overhangs, as well as those areas designated as potential,
overflow or failsafe areas for structures or facilities.We
also request clarification on whether the number of employee residences
provided is adequate for the number of employees required.
We do not
see in the revised plans any mention of campground-user access to Park
Lands on the other side of Olema Creek.Pedestrians
from an expanded campground could be a significant the impact on weekend
traffic along Bear Valley Road.Pedestrians
avoiding of Bear Valley traffic by building informal rock weirs for access
across Olema Creek could be a significant impact on salmonids.We
do not see any provision for protection of the SCA so that it does not
become the de-facto recreational area for campground users.
We are also
concerned about the issue of social equity and the ability of visitors
to have fair and equal access to recreational opportunities.The
Sierra Club does not wish the Olema Campground to follow the unfortunate
pattern at Lawsons’ Landing, where a privileged few recreational users
co-opt the prime spaces year-round for decades on end.We
therefore request what safeguards the Olema Campground intends to put in
place to insure fair and equal access to its recreational spaces.
Lastly, we
request that the applicant hold a meeting open to the public to clarify
and update this project.
Sincerely,
Gordon Bennett, Conservation Committee Co-Chair