SCH Number 2015091001

Project Info

Title

SkyPark at Santa's Village

Description

Project includes the redevelopment of existing attractions and the development of new amenities and services. It will also create, operate, and maintain new and existing hiking and mountain biking trails. The project will occur within three 'zones' - the Amusement Park Zone, Wilderness Adventure/Zip Line and Aerial Park Zone, and Natural Area Zone. The Amusement Park Zone is an area within the property boundary where more concentrated amusement park activities will take place. within this one, the replacement of attractions and/or amenities that may occur include, but not limited to the implementation of an original car ride, as well as, the construction of playground amenities and small support structures, such as storage sheds and/or concession stands. The Wilderness Adventure/Zip Line and Aerial Park Zone will include zip lines, rope courses, adventure swings, climbing walls, balance features, log crossings, and exploration trails. An engineered treehouse, approx. 30 feet in height, will be constructed either using a tree as the base, or as a standalone structure. A zip line originating from the treehouse, approx. 16 to 30 feet in height and 1,200 feet in length will be established. Two other zip lines, a forest sip line, averaging 30 feet in height and approx. 1,200 feet in length, and a small children's zip line, approx. 8 feet high and 30 feet long, will also be included within the aerial park. The Natural Area Zone contains a large area of forested, undeveloped land. Various outdoor activities will be implemented within the 'Natural Area Zone' for recreational and educational purposes and include habitat restoration, fly fishing, and trail hiking and biking. To direct water low away from Santa's Village and the parking lot downslope into the preexisting pond, the Natural Resource Conservation Service created a series of water and sediment control basins and installed streambed and shoreline protection along Hook's Creek. The adjacent habitat surrounding the stream, Henck's Meadow, has also been restored to include cover (e.g. rock and downed log piles), as well as, native annuals and shrubs. A water aeration system controlled daily by the use of a solar array and water pumps will be installed. Approx. twelve structures will be placed along Hook's Creek and Henck's Meadow for wildlife viewing. Silver Slipper Pond, located along the upper western boundary and Lady Bug Pond, located within the restored Henck's meadow within the lower western portion fo the Project, were historically stocked with trout. Fish stocking may be reinitiated with fly-fishing clinics, guides, and lessons being offered. To access areas throughout the project, existing roads and trails will be utilized, as well as, new trails created. Three existing trails and an access road occur within the project: 1) a multi-use road double wheel, side by side, 4-wheel drive roadway that has been used for accessing utilities throughout the Natural Zone. The road will continue to be accessible to park guests, utility companies, and emergency vehicles. 2) The Fantasy Forest hiking trail has acted as a nature trail during the original years of the Santa's Village Park operation. It will be replaced along sections of up to 100 feet in length with an elevated plank walkway. Segments of the trail that are not elevated will be surface with decomposed granite and/or native soil. The trial will be open for both daytime and nighttime use. 3) An existing special-use single-track bike trail will continue to accommodate one-way directional bike traffic only. 4)A double-track bike trail that was historically used for lumber operations, emergency access and recreation will be utilized for hiking, bicycle and emergency access use. Three trails will be created within the Project: 1) A special-use hiking trail will be established primarily for recreation; however, signage, fencing, and other structures and materials will be used throughout for educational purposes. The trail will retain the natural substrate, with elevated walkways being used in wetted areas to prohibit soil disturbance. Construction will be with hand tools (e.g. McLeod's, shovels, and rakes). 2) A Multi-use trail which will be surfaced with decomposed granite, will be used for bicycle, wheel chair, pedal assist, and pedestrian traffic. Construction will include small mechanical equipment, such as a small backhoe and skid steer. 3) A special-use single track trail for one-way directional bike use will be built with special features implemented, including log crossings, water bars for slope erosion, safety rails, and riding features such as protective berms and wood features. Construction will be by hand tools and will include McLeod's, shovels, and rakes. Project is expected to cause the permanent loss of 0.51 acres of Covered Species habitat with the construction, operation, and maintenance of new trails. Also the Project would result in 5.93 acres impact from the long-term operation and maintenance of existing trails for the southern rubber boa (Charina umbratica). The project is expected to result in incidental take of southern rubber boa, which is designated as threatened under CESA. The ITP referenced above as issued by CDFW authorizes incidental take of species listed under CESA that may occur as a result of project implementation.

3 documents in project