Joseph d. grant County park master plan amendment - January 26, 2021
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Joseph d. grant County Park
master Plan Amendment
January 26, 2021
Intentionally blank
JOSEPH D. GRANT COUNTY PARK MASTER PLAN AMENDMENT
Prepared for
Prepared by
January 26, 2021
Intentionally blank
Table of Contents Executive Summary 1 Acknowledgments5 1 Introduction and Project Overview 9 1.1 Site Location and Description 10 1.2 Purpose of Master Plan Amendment 11 1.3 A Definition for Backpack Camping 12 1.4 Goals and Objectives 13 2 History and Existing Conditions 15 2.1 History of the Park 15 2.2 Previous Planning Work 16 2.3 Existing Conditions 16 3 Design Concept Development 21 3.1 Project Team 21 3.2 Research21 3.3 Soliciting Input 22 3.4 Site Analysis 28 4 Project Description and Implementation 35 4.1 Overnight Use at Joseph D. Grant County Park 36 4.2 Access, Trails, and Circulation 45 4.3 Implementation49 4.4 Conclusion and Next Steps 54 References57 Appendix59
Intentionally blank
Figures & Charts
Fig. 1 Map of San José Area 10
Fig. 2 Illustration of the Sulphur Springs Ranch in relation to the greater Joseph D.
Grant County Park 10
Fig. 3 Map of Park 19
Fig. 4 Community Open House Word Cloud 25
Fig. 5 Map of Locations of Online Survey Participants 26
Fig. 6 Backpack Camp Alternatives 29
Fig. 7 Staging Area Alternatives 30
Fig. 8 Backcountry Toilet Alternatives 31
Fig. 9 Matrix of Backpack Camp Alternatives 32
Fig. 10 Matrix of Backcountry Toilet Location Alternatives 33
Fig. 11 Matrix of Staging Area Alternatives 33
Fig. 12 Sulphur Springs Ranch Backpack Camp Site Plan 37
Fig. 13 Sulphur Springs Ranch Backpack Campsite Typical Layout 40
Fig. 14 Valley Oak Backpack Camp Site Plan 43
Fig. 15 Valley Oak Backpack Campsite Typical Layout 45
Fig. 16 Trail Route to Backpack Camps 46
Fig. 17 Map of Trail Improvements 48
Fig. 18 Construction Sequencing 50
Fig. 19 Opinion of Construction Budget 52
Fig. 20 Competitive Bidding Percentage Differentials 53
Intentionally blank
Executive Summary
Joseph D. Grant County Park (Park) is the largest generally characterized by steep-sloping canyons
county park in the County of Santa Clara’s park that play host to oak woodland habitat and riparian
system, located eight miles east of downtown San vegetation growing in the deep ravines. The Ranch
José in the Western Diablo Range foothills of eastern is named for the seeps that occur along Sulphur
Santa Clara Valley. In 2012, the County of Santa Creek, which flows from Mt. Hamilton through
Clara Parks and Recreation Department (County the Ranch property. The cultural legacy of the Park
Parks) acquired the 1,155-acre Sulphur Springs begins with its original inhabitants of the land, the
Ranch (Ranch) adjacent to the Park’s southeastern Ohlone People and the Northern Valley Yokuts. In
boundary. Though the Ranch property has not the Nineteenth and Twentieth Century, the Park
opened for public use yet, this acquisition has and Ranch land became privately owned and were
expanded the overall acreage of the Park to more used largely for cattle grazing before being acquired
than 12,000 acres. by County Parks. The County opened Joseph D.
Grant County Park publicly in 1978.
In 2018, the County of Santa Clara Parks and
Recreation Department began planning for the The rugged quality of the Diablo Range defines the
public access and use of the Ranch property. This topography of the Park with steep ridgelines and
Master Plan Amendment builds upon the planning narrow canyons. The significant bodies of water
work detailed in the 1993 Joseph D. Grant County and creeks within the Park and Ranch include
Park Master Plan by proposing recommendations Grant Lake, McCreery Lake, Bass Lake, Eagle
for public use of the Ranch property and to fold the Lake, Pig Lake, stock ponds, Arroyo Aguague,
Ranch into the public parkland. San Felipe Creek, Smith Creek, Sulphur Creek and
their tributaries. The Park provides habitat for an
Purpose of the Master Plan Amendment abundance of local wildlife and plays a critical
This Master Plan Amendment provides planning role in conservation as a regional wildlife corridor
recommendations to facilitate opening the Sulphur connecting the Bay Area with open space areas
Springs Ranch area, including identification of areas south of Santa Clara County. Sensitive natural
for public use, such as trails, service roads, parking, communities occurring within the Park include the
staging, and backcountry camping. The plan also oak woodland habitat, the bushy spikemoss mats,
includes analysis of backcountry camping in Joseph native grasslands, and California bay forest (Nomad
D. Grant County Park as a whole but focuses on the Ecology, 2012).
previously unanalyzed opportunities at Sulphur
Springs Ranch. The rural Halls Valley features large, open
space grasslands and topography similar to its
History and Existing Conditions neighboring ranches and ecological reserve.
The natural landscape of the Park is defined by Land use within the Park tends to concentrate
the broad Halls Valley, San Felipe Creek, and human use centrally within the Snell Trail Loop
the high ridges that rim the valley. The Ranch is that encompasses group picnic areas and the
Master plan AMENDMENT 1
campgrounds. The Park currently offers 51 miles of assessed using the following criteria: consideration
hiking trails (with 46 of the total 51 miles also open of environmental or cultural resources; the quality
to equestrians and 41 of the 51 total miles open to of the users’ experience; ease of implementation;
mountain bikes), several campgrounds, and serves and operational viability. From the analysis, two
as the setting for adventure races and astronomy sites emerged as recommendations for backpack
events. Points of interest in the Park include the camp locations, one location for a backcountry
complex of historic buildings located around the toilet, one staging area (for overnight visitors), and
main ranch house near the Stockman’s Group Area, several miles of trail improvements.
Snell Barn, the Scenic Overlook along the Dutch Flat
Trail at the western boundary of the Park, Grant Recommendations for Overnight Use
Lake, and views of Lick Observatory as seen from The two backpack camps are to be located within
Isabel Ridge. the Ranch and will offer basic camping amenities.
The first backpack camp, officially named hereto
Developing the Recommendations as Sulphur Springs Ranch Backpack Camp, will be
The research and development of the located approximately one mile from the existing
recommendations was conducted by the Project vehicular gate on Mt. Hamilton Road. The second
Team in close collaboration with the Consultant site, officially named hereto as Valley Oak Backpack
Team. Research efforts during the planning process Camp, will be located approximately one mile
included a literature review of previous master east of the first camp area. The Sulphur Springs
planning documents, environmental assessment Ranch Backpack Camp will offer seven campsites,
documents, property-related legal documents, six individual sites and one group site, and a
historic structures reports, resource management backcountry toilet. The Valley Oak Backpack Camp
and conservation plans, and cultural records. will include five individual sites.
Additionally, engaging the public in the Master
Plan Amendment process was a critical component Recommendations for Access,
of the planning approach and the foundation on Trails, and Circulation
which the design alternatives for consideration The existing Park trail network and staging will
were developed. Public input methods included provide connection for overnight and day-users
stakeholder interviews, a community open house seeking to access the Ranch. Day-use visitors may
event, an online survey, and a community meeting. use any parking lot within the Park for staging,
with the suggestion of using Stockman’s Group
Following the research, the Project Team identified Picnic Area parking for those day-users seeking a
the opportunities and constraints of the Park and longer journey or Twin Gates for those day-users
analyzed the site conditions. Potential locations seeking a shorter one. The Stockman’s Group Picnic
for backpack camps, staging areas, a backcountry Area parking lot will be utilized as the staging area
toilet, and trail connections were identified and for overnight visitors with reservations at one of the
selected for further analysis. Possible locations were backpack camps.
2 JOSEPH D. GRANT COUNTY PARKThe layout of the existing ranch roads forms the each phase containing improvements that could be
backbone for the recommended trail network reasonably built independent of the other phases, so
within the Ranch. Several of the ranch roads long as constructed sequentially, with each phase
will be repurposed as trails for public use while building upon previously completed improvements.
other roads will be converted to operations and
maintenance access roads or decommissioned. Future Steps
The trail recommendations in this Master Plan The next steps in fulfilling the vision of this
Amendment include the addition of two new trails Master Plan Amendment will be to determine the
to the network, officially named hereto as Sulphur order of implementation of the phases. Additional
Springs Ranch Trail and Isabel Ridge Trail, which efforts will be needed for design development
will be developed through combination of new and construction planning. Trail construction
trail construction and repurposing of ranch road. and construction of the backpack campsites can
Trail improvements also include extensions of two be implemented by County Parks staff and crew
trails currently part of the Park trail network, Smith members as schedule and budget permit. The
Creek Trail and Manzanita Trail. new bridge, access road, and backcountry toilet
facility, or any work that is to be published for
Maintenance and Operations competitive bid, may require design development
Park staff will utilize all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and preparation of construction documents.
and utility task vehicles (UTVs) for maintenance,
patrol, and emergency access of the trails and
camps. Periodic or seasonal mowing of the trails
as well as mowing or weed whipping the camps
will be required to improve wayfinding and define
camping areas.
Implementation and Construction
Budget Summary
The recommendation of this Master Plan
Amendment is to fully implement all backpack
camps, trail improvements, and vault toilet
improvements as detailed in this document. The
construction budget for implementation has been
estimated to be approximately $1.9 million (2020).
In the case it is not feasible from a budgetary
and scheduling standpoint to fully implement all
recommendations in one phase, this Master Plan
Amendment identifies four construction phases;
Master plan AMENDMENT 3Intentionally blank
Acknowledgments
County of Santa Clara Board of Supervisors
Mike Wasserman, District 1 Supervisor
Cindy Chavez, District 2 Supervisor
Dave Cortese, District 3 Supervisor
Susan Ellenberg, District 4 Supervisor
S. Joseph Simitian, District 5 Supervisor
County of Santa Clara Parks and Recreation Commission
John Gibbs, District 1 (former)
Greg West, District 1 (former)
Michele Van Zuiden, District 1
Dan McCorquodale, District 2
Steve Munzel, District 3
Chris Kangas, District 4
Ann Waltonsmith, District 5
Joe Mitchner, At Large District 3 Appointee
Frank Soriano, At Large District 4 Appointee
Project Team
Chris Kangas, Vice Chairperson, Parks and Recreation Commission
Annie Thomson, Deputy Director
Michael Hettenhausen, Project Planner
Michael Rhoades, Natural Resources Program Manager II
Melissa Hippard, Partnership Program Manager II
Michael Tobin, Senior Park Ranger
Scott Christopher, Senior Park Ranger
Brian Christensen, Senior Park Ranger
Peter Mitchell, Senior Park Maintenance Worker
John Falkowski, Senior GIS Analyst
Jeremy Farr, Resource Planner
Will Bick, Park Ranger
Mathew Silva, Park Maintenance Worker
RRM Design Group
Master plan AMENDMENT 5Intentionally blank
Consultant Team
RRM Design Group
Lief McKay, Principal
April Miller, Senior Landscape Architect
Kristen Soppe, Designer
Yuki Igarashi, Assistant Designer
Brandon Ramos, Assistant Designer
FirstCarbon Solutions
Mary Bean, Director
Elizabeth Johnson, Senior Project Manager
Dana DePietro, Division Lead, Cultural Resources
Brian Mayerle, Senior Biologist
Additional acknowledgments include The Nature Conservancy and the following individuals:
Angel Barlow Karen Lopez
Ron Bricmont Eric McFarland
Kostas Chloros Aniko Millan
Tamara Clark Aylara Odekova
Dwayne Dutton Melissa Ortiz
Seth Hiatt Lisa Pappanastos
Will Howsmon Larry Serpa.
Mason Hyland
Master plan AMENDMENT 7Image Credit: RRM Design Group
1 Introduction and Project Overview
Joseph D. Grant County Park (Park) is the largest In 2018, County Parks began developing an
park in County of Santa Clara’s park system, amendment to the 1993 Joseph D. Grant County Park
stretching over 10,882 acres and offering a variety of Master Plan to study and propose recommendations
recreational activities to visitors. In 2012, the County for public use of the Ranch property and provide
of Santa Clara Parks and Recreation Department plans for trail and road circulation, parking,
(County Parks) acquired the 1,155-acre Sulphur staging, and backcountry camping.
Springs Ranch (Ranch) adjacent to the Park’s
southeastern boundary. Though the Ranch property
has not opened for public use yet, this acquisition
has expanded the overall acreage of the Park to just
over 12,000 acres.
Master plan AMENDMENT 9I nt
er
sta
te
U. S .
88
HIGH
0
WAY
101
Map Source: 2020 Google Earth Pro
Joseph d. grant
county park
San JosÉ
Fig. 1 Map of San José Area
Joseph D. Grant County Park is located eight miles east of downtown San José.
1.1 Site Location and Description
Joseph D. Grant County Park is located eight miles Keymap of Park Location Within California
east of downtown San José in the Western Diablo
Range foothills of eastern Santa Clara Valley, a
subsection of the California Coast Ranges (Figure
1). Nearby landmarks include Mt. Hamilton and the
University of California’s Blue Oak Ranch Reserve
and Lick Observatory. The Lick Observatory
property borders the Ranch to the north and east.
The elevation at the Park entrance is approximately
1,600 feet with the valley floor sloping down to Joseph d. grant
1,240 feet at the southern park boundary and rising Illustration credit: RRM Design Group
county park
to a height of 3,960 feet at the most eastern park
boundary. The local climate is characterized as
Sulphur Springs
Mediterranean with cool wet winters and hot dry
summers. Annual precipitation is 25-27” (Nomad
Ranch
Ecology, 2012). Winter temperatures typically reach
a low of 30 degrees Fahrenheit while summer
months reach highs above 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Fig. 2 Illustration of the Sulphur Springs Ranch in
relation to the greater Joseph D. Grant County Park
Sulphur Springs Ranch border Joseph D. Grant County Park to
the southeast
10 JOSEPH D. GRANT COUNTY PARKImage Credit: RRM Design Group
Top: Photo taken at Hawk Creek in Sulphur Springs Ranch. Top: View to west from Isabel Ridge Trail.
Bottom: Oak woodland in Sulphur Springs Ranch. Bottom: View of Lick Observatory from Isabel Ridge Trail.
The natural landscape of the Park is defined by the canyons of Smith Creek and Sulphur Creek to
the broad Halls Valley, shaped over time by the a height of 4,200 feet at Mount Isabel (the peak is
flow of San Felipe Creek, and shaded by the high beyond the property boundary).
ridges that rim the valley. Several historic structures
remain from the period when the land was used 1.2 Purpose of Master
exclusively for grazing cattle and recreational Plan Amendment
hunting. The purpose of this Master Plan Amendment is
to fold the Ranch into the public parkland. This
Sulphur Springs Ranch is generally characterized Master Plan Amendment provides planning
by steep sloping canyons that host oak woodland recommendations to facilitate opening the Sulphur
habitat and riparian vegetation in the deep Springs Ranch area, including identification of areas
ravines. Referred to as the Nolan Ranch at the for public use, such as trails, service roads, parking,
time of acquisition, the property has since been staging, and backcountry camping. The plan also
renamed Sulphur Springs Ranch for the seeps that includes analysis of backcountry camping in Joseph
occur along Sulphur Creek, which flows from Mt. D. Grant County Park as a whole but focuses on the
Hamilton through the Ranch property. A primary previously unanalyzed opportunities at Sulphur
geographic feature of the Ranch property is Isabel Springs Ranch.
Ridge, a moderately sloping ridge that rises between
Master plan AMENDMENT 11Image Credit: RRM Design Group
Photos taken throughout Sulphur Springs Ranch.
The existing Park Master Plan was approved in 1.3 A Definition for Backpack Camping
1993, several decades before the acquisition of the This document discusses backcountry uses such as
Ranch property. The intent of this Master Plan backpack camping. For purposes of this planning
Amendment is to add to the previous work included effort, the Project Team defined backpack camping
in the Master Plan by providing background as a “remote campsite location that cannot be
information on the Ranch and recommendations accessed by motor vehicle, requiring more than one
for the incorporation of the property into the mile’s travel by foot or other non-vehicular means to
public parkland. The approach of this Master Plan access and which offers a limited number of typical
Amendment is to expand on the information and campsite amenities.” This document employs this
recommendations previously included in the 1993 definition from here forward.
Master Plan and limit the duplication of text and
information.
12 JOSEPH D. GRANT COUNTY PARK1.4 Goals and Objectives
Goal Objective
The goals of this Master Plan Amendment are to: (1) The project objectives were to:
provide planning recommendations to incorporate
and connect Sulphur Springs Ranch into the • Plan for public security and safety.
existing Park by identifying areas for public use, • Engage the public and community in the
trail and road circulation, parking, staging, and planning process.
backcountry camping, and (2) analyze opportunities • Preserve the cultural and environmental
and constraints of a backcountry toilet. heritage of the Park by identifying and
locating resources and adhering to setbacks
To accomplish these goals, this Master Plan for location of improvements.
Amendment: (1) reconsiders the location of • Plan for improvements that can accommodate
backcountry camping sites listed in the 1993 a range of abilities and that have the broadest
Master Plan, (2) considers the existing ranch roads appeal to the most users.
and other landscape features within the Sulphur • Seek opportunities to facilitate and expedite
Springs Ranch boundaries in the analysis of implementation of recommendations.
access, circulation, and staging, and (3) considers • Plan for operational viability by considering
the feasibility of installing and maintaining a park operations and maintenance procedures,
backcountry toilet in the Park near a backpack staffing, and funding during the planning
camping site. process.
• Comply with California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA) requirements.
Master plan AMENDMENT 13Image Credit: RRM Design Group 14 JOSEPH D. GRANT COUNTY PARK
2 History and Existing Conditions
2.1 History of the Park his daughter, Josephine Grant McCreery, took
The cultural legacy of the Park spans the range full ownership of the land by buying her siblings’
of California history beginning with its original interests and it was Josephine who set in motion
inhabitants, the Ohlone People and the Northern the course towards future public access when she
Valley Yokuts, moving through private ownership bequeathed the land to Save the Redwoods League
during the Mexican land grant period (much of the and Menninger Foundation. Each organization
park was once part of the Rancho Cañada de Pala agreed to sell the property to the County of Santa
land grant) and the American Ranching period, Clara Department of Parks and Recreation in
and into the modern period as a publicly owned 1975 with deed restrictions to ensure future park
regional asset. development would “not impair the natural and
scenic character of the land and its environs.”
In 1880, Joseph D. Grant began acquiring the rancho (Amphion Environmental, 1993). The park opened
lands (Carey & Co., Inc., 2012). Grant used the to the public in 1978.
property for grazing cattle and recreation such as
hunting game and fishing. After Grant’s passing,
Master plan AMENDMENT 15The Ranch was purchased from Owen Nolan in Ed R. Levin County Parks Resource Management
2012 by the County of Santa Clara with assistance Plan for the Park and the 2012 Sulphur Springs
from The Nature Conservancy and the San Easement Documentation Report and the 2012 Phase
Francisco Public Utilities Commission, the former as 1 Environmental Site Assessment Update of Nolan
an Easement Holder. Prior to Mr. Nolan’s purchase, Property for the Ranch.
the property was in private ownership used for
annual cow-only cattle grazing (Nomad Ecology, Environmental Conditions
2012). The rugged quality of the Diablo Range defines
the topography of the Park with steep ridgelines
2.2 Previous Planning Work and narrow canyons. The geology of the Park
This Master Plan Amendment document is contains Franciscan Eastern belt rocks consisting of
precedented by a legacy of work over the decades metagraywacke, basal chert, and greenstone layers
to plan for and implement improvements at the (Nomad Ecology, 2012). Soils in the Park consist
Park since the original property acquisition in of Vallecitos loams, Gaviota loams, and Los Gatos
1975. Following is a condensed list of the planning gravelly loam (Diablo Green Consulting, 2012).
studies to date:
The geomorphology of the land is shaped by several
1. Master Plan, prepared by EDAW, 1976 creeks. Significant creeks include Arroyo Aguague,
2. Program Report, prepared by Hardesty San Felipe Creek, Smith Creek, Sulphur Creek and
Associates, September 1990 their tributaries. The significant bodies of water
3. Preliminary Master Plan, the Amphion team, within the Park and Ranch include Grant Lake,
prepared by Amphion Environmental, Inc. & McCreery Lake, Bass Lake, Eagle Lake, Pig Lake,
2M Associates, March 1991 and stock ponds. In addition to the mentioned
4. Environmental Initial Studies, prepared by hydrological features, several seasonal wetlands
EIP, July 1991 occur within the property boundaries. Water
5. Joseph D. Grant County Park Master Plan, quality varies by hydrological feature due to local
prepared by Amphion Environmental, Inc. & disturbances such as erosion from grazing, seasonal
2M Associates, July 1993 run-off, non-native plants, feral animals, or human
6. Joseph D. Grant and Ed R. Levin County use. Arroyo Aguague and San Felipe Creek drain
Parks Resource Management Plan, October through the Coyote Creek Watershed and Smith
1996 and Sulphur Creek drain through the Alameda
Creek Watershed.
2.3 Existing Conditions
The following section summarizes the The Park provides habitat for an abundance of
environmental conditions and built infrastructure local wildlife and is home to a variety of special-
occurring at both the Park and the Ranch property. status plant and wildlife species. The Park plays a
Further analysis and detailing of the information critical role in conservation as a regional wildlife
that follows can be found in the Joseph D. Grant corridor connecting the Bay Area with open
County Park Master Plan and Joseph D. Grant and space areas south of Santa Clara County. This
16 JOSEPH D. GRANT COUNTY PARKImage Credit: RRM Design Group
Historic structures located within the park. Left: Ranch House. Right: Livestock Structure.
connectivity fosters migrating species as well as possibility a number of sensitive species greater
plants and smaller animal species that benefit from than those listed here may occur.
an unfragmented landscape, supporting ecological
diversity in the region. Existing Structures and Park Use
The rural Halls Valley features large, open
The Park mainly contains mixed oak woodland space grasslands and topography similar to its
habitat and the rolling hills display a variety of neighboring ranches and ecological reserve. Prior
native and non-native species of vegetation. Mixed to acquisition as public parkland, the Ranch had
riparian vegetation including white alder (Alnus primarily been used as rangeland. Land use within
rhombifolia) and associated herbaceous vegetation the greater Grant County Park concentrates human
are associated with the aquatic features in the Park. use centrally within the Snell Trail Loop where the
Park’s group picnic areas and the campgrounds are
Sensitive natural communities occurring within located (Figure 3).
the Park include the oak woodland habitat, bushy
spikemoss mats, native grasslands, and California The Park consists of historic structures and
bay forest (Nomad Ecology, 2012). Sensitive or ranch roads associated with the former owners,
locally rare species observed during the 2012 open meadows and oak woodland expanses,
Ranch property assessment include the Santa Clara and sweeping vistas of Halls Valley. The Park
thornmint, California red-legged frog, foothill currently offers 51 miles of hiking trails (with
yellow-legged frog, sharp-shinned hawk, and San 46 of the total 51 miles also open to equestrians
Francisco dusky-footed woodrat (Nomad Ecology, and 41 of the 51 total miles open to mountain
2012). It is worth noting that suitable habitat for bikes), several campgrounds, and serves as the
other sensitive species exists on site so there is the setting for adventure races, astronomy events, and
Master plan AMENDMENT 17Image Credit: RRM Design Group
Views across Halls Valley at Joseph D. Grant County Park. Photo taken along Brush trail, an unpaved hiking and
equestrian trail.
other programs. Camping is offered at the Snell significant improvements on the Ranch dating back
Campground (closed in winter), the Halls Valley to 1897 (Diablo Green Consulting, 2012). Vehicular
Campground, the Equestrian Campground, and the access from State Highway 130 is via the vehicular
Woodland Youth Camp. Both the Halls Valley and gate approximately one half-mile east of the CalFire
Snell campgrounds have fully developed restrooms Smith Creek Station. Pedestrian access to the Ranch
and showers. Day use areas within the Park offer from the Park’s main parking and use areas can be
a variety of activities including multi-use trails, gained by hiking the Smith Creek Trail, an existing
group picnic areas, historic interpretive exhibits at trail within the Park network.
the Cook House, Ranch House, and Rose Garden,
and areas for weddings and special events at the Points of interest in the Park include the complex of
Ranch House and Rose Garden. Vehicular access historic buildings located around the main ranch
to the Park and Ranch is via State Highway 130/Mt. house near the Stockman’s Group Area, Snell Barn,
Hamilton Road. Parking is available in the interior the Scenic Overlook along the Dutch Flat Trail at
of the park as well as at two trailhead staging areas the western boundary of the Park, Grant Lake,
located along State Highway 130, which bisects the views of Lick Observatory as seen from Isabel
Park in a northwest/southeast direction. Ridge, and the many vistas of Halls Valley or Deer
Valley as observed from the network of trails. In
Existing improvements within the Ranch property addition, there are known artifacts related to the
include a concrete pad and picnic table, a small residence and use of the land by indigenous people
livestock corral, a man-made stock pond, and prior to the public use and, therefore, activity and
unpaved access roads and trails. The Environmental construction within the Park must comply with
Site Assessment document, completed as part of the federal and local regulations for disturbance, or
Ranch property acquisition, found no evidence of inadvertent discovery, of human remains or cultural
18 JOSEPH D. GRANT COUNTY PARKIllustration: RRM Design Group
Fig. 3 Map of Park
The red hatch area indicates higher use areas within the park.
resources. For security and preservation concerns, middle eastern boundary. An overhead electrical
these locations will remain undisclosed in this line is installed within the Ranch property near
document. the vehicular gate entrance though no additional
utility services exist. Local emergency services are
Existing utilities within the Park have been available at the park ranger station or CalFire Smith
developed in its central areas and provide service to Creek Station at 22805 Mt. Hamilton Road.
the ranger station, campgrounds, restroom facilities,
the ranch complex, and other such amenities. Grazing is an integral component of the vegetation
Utilities include domestic water supply, electricity, management program within the Park. Grazing
propane gas system, and septic drain field for the infrastructure is found throughout the Park,
restroom facilities (Amphion Environmental, 1993). including cattle gates, fencing, and troughs, and can
Two electrical transmission lines and associated be encountered along trails. Stock corrals and ponds
easements cross the Park—the first crosses in the are also located within the parkland, though are
western portion and the second transmission more dispersed than other grazing features.
corridor traversing from the southwest corner to the
Master plan AMENDMENT 19Image Credit: RRM Design Group
3 Design Concept Development
This chapter describes the planning process, the planning process. Project team meetings were held
Project Team and role, research conducted, public onsite at the Park.
outreach, and site analysis.
The consultant team included the design team,
3.1 Project Team RRM Design Group, who prepared the site
The Project Team was formed to assist in the improvement recommendations in consultation
planning process and provide direction on with Department staff and the Project Team, and
the development of the site plans and Master the environmental consultant firm FirstCarbon
Plan Amendment. The project team included Solutions who conducted the environmental review
Department staff, a representative from the Parks of the Master Plan Amendment recommendations.
& Recreation Commission, and the consultant team
(RRM Design Group). The Project Team members 3.2 Research
participated in the planning process from August Research efforts during the planning process
2018 through October 2019 and provided oversight included a literature review of previous master
of the analysis and input at each step of the planning documents, environmental assessment
Master plan AMENDMENT 21documents, property-related legal documents, documenting the various biological communities
historic structures reports, resource management on-site; gaining a sense of the potential cultural
and conservation plans, and cultural records. resource impacts; and identifying potential
Geographic information systems (GIS) databases locations for improvements. Field research included
were employed in the research of existing hiking miles of existing trails within the publicly
conditions and in the development of site open park areas as well as the ranch roads currently
improvement recommendations. Other parks and closed to public access.
open space agencies, for example MidPeninsula
Regional Open Space District and East Bay Regional 3.3 Soliciting Input
Park District, were consulted about current Engaging the public in the Master Plan Amendment
recreational trends as well as comparable uses and process was a critical component of the planning
practices. approach. Stakeholders, park volunteers, visitors
to the park, neighbors, outdoor enthusiasts,
Several site visits were conducted by Project and members of the general public shared their
Team members over the course of a year, covering personal knowledge of the site and its history and
environmental conditions for all four seasons. provided key insights on preferences for potential
Goals for the field research included examining trail development and campsite amenities. This
the Park setting, site context, topography, terrain, input was the foundation on which the design
and existing Park amenities; identifying and alternatives for consideration were developed. A
variety of methods were used to capture public
input, including several stakeholder interviews, a
community workshop event, an online survey, and
a community meeting on the project alternatives.
Stakeholder Interviews
Stakeholder interviews were held on February
12, 2019 at the County of Santa Clara Parks and
Recreation Administration Building in Los Gatos.
The invited stakeholders were representatives of
neighboring properties, members of organizations
involved in the 2012 acquisition of the Ranch
property, representatives of organizations offering
Image Credit: RRM Design Group
possible partnership opportunities, and historians
of the Park and Ranch. The interviews were
conducted in a group format.
Project Team
members
conducting
field
research
22 JOSEPH D. GRANT COUNTY PARKParticipants included volunteers from Joseph the park’s service area, the Project Team determined
D. Grant County Park, a representative from providing multiple means of engagement would
a neighboring property, and an ecologist and result in a higher participation rate. Three methods
conservationist involved in the acquisition of the of public engagement were selected. The first was
Ranch. Collectively, these stakeholders hold a a conventional open-house format event with a set
deep familiarity with the Sulphur Springs Ranch time and location, which provided the community
property, as well as knowledge of the local ecology an opportunity to communicate in-person with the
and history of Halls Valley, Mt. Hamilton, and the Project Team. The second method was an online
Western Diablo Range. survey utilizing social media platforms to provide
the public flexibility to participate in the planning
In addition to sharing their knowledge of the process at a time convenient to them. Those who
existing conditions of the Ranch, stakeholders could not attend the workshop could participate in
expressed: the online survey and invite others, by sharing the
weblink, who may be interested in the project to
• Support for opening Sulphur Springs Ranch to participate. The third method involved a traditional
public use. community meeting in which the Project Team’s
• The belief human activity on the property draft recommendations were presented to the
should be controlled and/or the public should public.
be educated about the sensitive habitats of
the site as well as the best practices they can Community Open House Event
employ while visiting the site to help protect The first public workshop was held on February
the ecology. 12, 2019 at Alum Rock Branch Library in San José.
• The suggestion camping should be confined to Notice of the event was posted to the County Park’s
the western areas of the Ranch property, near dedicated project website, mailed and emailed to
the existing park boundaries. contacts on file, mailed to neighboring properties,
• An interest in an all-weather access road provided to each Board of Supervisors’ office, and
through the Sulphur Springs Ranch property promoted via County Park’s social media websites.
to Joseph D. Grant County Park to be used by
firefighters to gain access to Lick Observatory The purpose of the workshop event was to: (1)
and as an alternate evacuation route for introduce the project to the public, (2) gather the
residents. public’s knowledge of the site, (3) listen to concerns,
(4) suggest planning alternatives and solicit
Public Outreach feedback, (5) launch the online survey, and (6)
A goal for the public outreach process was to provide an opportunity for the public to meet with
reach as many members of the public as possible – the Project Team face-to-face.
particularly potential park users - using traditional
and contemporary engagement techniques. Given
the remote location of the park, the few neighbors
residing in the rural area, and the regional scope of
Master plan AMENDMENT 23Image Credit: RRM Design Group
Participants engaging in conversation at workshop event.
The format for the workshop was an open-house Participants engaged with the Department staff
style event. A series of exhibits were displayed and Consultant Team and each other in discussions
for attendees to peruse, and facilitators were about the materials presented and other topics
available to answer questions and participate in related to the Park, including trails, habitat and
discussion. The exhibits provided a summary of the ecology, and concerns regarding access. Several
project, including the purpose of the Master Plan people provided recommendations on their favorite
Amendment, the project goals, and background areas of the Park. Dot stickers were placed on
information. Representative campsite amenities workshop boards to mark suggestions for backpack
and backcountry toilet images, aerial imagery, trail campsites, favorite vista points, or particularly
alternatives, photos from the site, and a map of scenic areas of the park.
existing trails in both the Park and Ranch were also
available.
24 JOSEPH D. GRANT COUNTY PARKIllustration: RRM Design Group
Fig. 4 Community Open House Word Cloud
Generated to identify trends and patterns from the input received during the community workshop. Common words are
displayed in larger text for visual emphasis. Less frequently used words are displayed in smaller text.
Common themes provided by workshop Park trail improvements included reducing
participants are listed below and reflected in the existing trail widths to single track and
word cloud (Figure 4): recommendations for trail connections.
• The theme of restricting access to some
• General support for the trail development locations of the park was echoed in several
options as presented. One person expressed of the comments. Workshop participants
concern the trail option that includes expressed concerns about locating a backpack
a strenuous hiking route, proposed at campsite in environmentally sensitive
approximately 6 miles, was too great a areas of the Park or an interest in locating a
distance. backpack campsite in a remote location in
• Participants expressed different preferences an attempt to reduce the number of users,
for the trail uses within Sulphur Springs another community member felt the backpack
Ranch. Support for mountain bike and campsite should not be located near creeks or
equestrian trail use were voiced as was ponds.
accommodating bike-in camping. Others • A comment was received expressing concern
countered these comments by requesting trail that camping could lead to the ignition of
access at Sulphur Springs Ranch be limited to wildfires.
hiking only. • Several people stressed the importance of
• Several people shared thoughts on the uses ranger surveillance of the backpack campsites.
of the existing Park trails: some wanted trails • Several community members stated cattle
to continue to be multi-use, while others grazing should be eliminated at the Ranch.
expressed an interest in limiting bikes or • A community member felt potable water
equestrians. Other suggestions for existing should be provided at the backpack campsite.
Master plan AMENDMENT 25Illustration: RRM Design Group
Fig. 5 Map of Locations of Online Survey Participants
Orange dots represent zip code of residency for participants in online survey throughout the Bay Area.
Following the community workshop, all workshop The launch of the online survey was synchronized
materials were made available on the County Park’s with the community workshop event, and the
website for the public to view (see Appendix). survey link went live the evening of Tuesday,
After reviewing the posters and engaging in February 12, 2019. Participants gained access to the
discussions with the Project Team, participants survey using a custom weblink. The survey ran for
were encouraged to take an online survey. three weeks, through March 5, 2019.
Online Survey Overview In total, 414 people responded. A map of the
An online survey was developed to complement residential zip-code data provided revealed people
the in-person community workshop. The goal from across the greater Bay Area and beyond
for the online survey was to gather public input participated in the online survey. Though a few
to determine the type of backpack campsite that individuals submitted survey responses from as
most appeals to the public, the necessity of having far away as Texas and Washington states, most
potable water and toilet facilities near a backpack respondents were within a reasonable “weekend
campsite, and the public’s opinions on the level trip” driving distance of the project site (Figure 5).
of difficulty appropriate for the trail accessing a
backpack campsite. The aim was for a high rate of
participation from constituents across Santa Clara
County and the Bay Area.
26 JOSEPH D. GRANT COUNTY PARKThe survey was promoted by the following Community Meeting
methods: fliers with the QR code and website link On September 25, 2019, a community meeting was
to the survey domain address were provided at held at the Alum Rock Branch library in San José.
the community workshop; a weblink to the survey Attendees received a brief update of the project
was posted on the County Parks website dedicated goals and objectives as well as a description of
to the project (www.parkhere.org/jdgrantmpa); the the analysis conducted for potential locations of
survey weblink was emailed to contacts on the backpack camps, staging areas, and toilets. The
project distribution list; and the weblink was posted meeting concluded with the Project Team’s draft
to County Parks social media Facebook, Twitter, and recommendations, explanation of the next steps in
Nextdoor pages. the planning process, and a question-and-answer
session about the project.
To increase the participation rate, the survey was
designed to be brief and easily completed. A total Common questions voiced by meeting attendees
of ten closed-ended questions were included which included:
typically took less than five minutes to finish.
Questions were developed by the Consultant • Emergency services accessibility to the
Team in consultation with Department staff using backpack camps,
straight-forward common language that would • Proposed reservations systems, and
be familiar to people with backcountry hiking • Operational considerations, such as closures
experience as well as those without. Only zip code due to inclement weather.
demographic information was collected during the
survey. For the list of questions and brief summary Summary of Outreach Process
of responses, see Appendix. A few common themes emerged through the public
engagement process. First, there is generally an
In summary, the majority of the survey appreciation for the feeling of remoteness the Park
respondents: and Ranch provide, despite its proximity to the
San José metro area. A second theme is the Park
• Prefer the hike to a backpack camp be a is seen as a treasured but underutilized amenity.
moderate distance and elevation gain. Third, there is general support and enthusiasm
• Prefer a toilet near a backpack camp. for opening the Ranch to public access, but access
• Are comfortable with group camping being should be limited. And lastly, people feel that the
available at a backpack camp. natural features and wildlife, as well as the history
• Are comfortable filtering water from a creek or of the Park and Ranch, are unique assets that are
carrying in water. important to preserve and protect.
Master plan AMENDMENT 273.4 Site Analysis
Opportunities and Constraints
The opportunities and constraints were identified 3. Nearby streams that become too arid and hot
through various research methods previously in late season conditions to provide a reliable
described. Opportunities to reuse existing potable water source;
infrastructure were identified, including the 4. Proximity to cultural resources or sensitive
extensive Park trail network, the unpaved road habitat; and
network at Sulphur Springs Ranch, parking lots 5. Areas deemed less scenic, such as Pig or
at Stockman’s Group Picnic Area, Grant Lake, Eagle Lake.
and Twin Gates, and restroom facilities. Potable
and non-potable water sources were located and Identification of Alternatives
identified as opportunities. On the Ranch, Smith With opportunities and constraints identified,
Creek upstream of the confluence with Sulphur the Project Team began exploring sites within the
Creek was identified as one such potable water Park and Ranch as potential locations for backpack
source. The sheer remoteness of the outer reaches camps, staging areas, toilet locations, and the trail
of the Park was also identified as an opportunity to routes to connect these three amenities. There is an
experience open space as a contrast to the typical obvious relationship between these amenities so the
daily life of most Bay Area residents. analysis of these three components of the project
occurred in tandem with each other.
Constraints identified included the rugged
and steep terrain of the upper areas of Sulphur Given that a significant part of the visitors’
Springs Ranch as well as the Cañada de Pala and experience hinges upon the character and quality
Deer Valley areas of the Park where providing of the camp location, the analysis began with
daily ranger access, emergency access, or toilet assessing potential camp location’s scenic quality
infrastructure would overburden staffing resources and remoteness. Other considerations included trail
or be prohibitively challenging to implement or difficulty (the majority of the input indicated the
maintain. Other constraints included: public is seeking a moderate level of trail difficulty),
and the proximity to a creek or water feature where
1. Visual nuisances, such as views to man- campers can pump and filter water. The analysis
made structures or infrastructure, including also prioritized utilizing existing infrastructure
overhead transmission lines; wherever possible, including existing parking lots,
2. Areas with little tree canopy cover; trails, buildings, roads, and utilities.
28 JOSEPH D. GRANT COUNTY PARKIllustration: RRM Design Group
Alternative Camp Locations
8 Sites Considered
regarding maintenance access and road
Existing Multi-Use Trail
infrastructure requirements, providing a toilet in
State Highway 130 / Mt. Hamilton Road the backcountry near a remote campsite proved to
be one of the greater challenges of this analysis.
Fig. 6 Backpack Camp Alternatives
Eight locations were considered for a backpack camp area.
The potential camp locations were assessed on their
Another top consideration important to mention proximity to currently serviceable roads or existing
included the feasibility of locating a backpack routes that could be improved through reasonable
camp site which could be accessible by a service means. Additional considerations included the
truck. This consideration was driven from the frequency and ease with which maintenance
online survey data which indicated the majority crews could access a potential location and ability
of respondents prefer a backpack camp to have a for rangers to provide emergency response to a
backcountry toilet. However, due to constraints location.
Master plan AMENDMENT 29Illustration: RRM Design Group
Staging Area
3 Sites Considered
In addition to potential camp locations, the Project
Existing Multi-Use Trail Team identified possible staging areas. The Project
Team considered the eight identified possible
State Highway 130 / Mt. Hamilton Road
backpack campsites in the process of considering
Fig. 7 Staging Area Alternatives potential staging areas and assessed whether the
Three locations were considered for use as a staging area. locations provided for a moderate hike. In addition,
sites with infrastructure such as a parking lot that
The initial list of backpack camp locations included could be used to service staging uses were given
two sites from the 1993 Master Plan, four sites extra consideration. A list of five potential existing
identified by stakeholders and Park staff, and two staging areas were identified, in addition to one
sites identified by the Project Team through site undeveloped site that could be improved to allow
visits to the Ranch. These eight sites, shown in staging. Through discussion with Park staff, three
Figure 6, were identified and selected for further sites were eliminated from consideration due to
analysis. remoteness and the extent of improvements that
30 JOSEPH D. GRANT COUNTY PARKIllustration: RRM Design Group
Alternative Toilet Locations
3 Sites Considered
determined based on potential proximity to
Existing Multi-Use Trail campground locations with suitable topography
and accessible routes for pumper trucks.
State Highway 130 / Mt. Hamilton Road
Environmental context, such as wetlands, creeks,
Fig. 8 Backcountry Toilet Alternatives and sensitive habitats, were also considered in the
Three locations were considered for a backcountry toilet selection of potential backcountry toilet locations.
location.
would have been required and three were selected A matrix, shown in Figures 9-11, evaluates the
for further analysis. These selected three sites are top criteria and the recommendations derived
shown in Figure 7. from the analysis. The columns list considerations
and key criteria organized by four categories:
The three potential sites identified by the Project 1) consideration of environmental or cultural
Team for a backcountry toilet location were resources; 2) the quality of the users’ experience; 3)
analyzed. These sites, shown in Figure 8, were ease of implementation; and 4) operational viability.
Master plan AMENDMENT 31Site Considerations Overall Evaluation
Near Toilet
Trail Difficulty Creek / water What is the overall Sensitive Ranger/ staff truck
Location Recommendation
Level nearby? user experience? Habitat or access? access
Species possible?
Scenic, remote,
Sulphur Springs Moderately
Yes moderately strenuous No Direct Yes Consider
Ranch Site 1 Strenuous
access.
Scenic, remote,
Sulphur Springs Moderately
Yes moderately strenuous No Restricted No Consider
Ranch Site 2 Strenuous
access.
Scenic, not remote.
Dutch Flat Moderately
Possibly Possibly water from No Direct Yes Eliminate
Overlook Strenuous
water tank
Hot, dry & windy.
Possible visible man-
Pala Seca Moderate Unknown No Restricted No Eliminate
made structures. May
lack water.
Scenic, remote,
Moderately
Deer Valley No moderately strenuous Possibly Restricted No Eliminate
Strenuous
access. No Water.
Ease of Access. Hot,
Illustration: RRM Design Group
Yerba Buena /
Easy No dry & windy, roadway Possibly Restricted No Eliminate
Canada de Pala
noise. No water.
Eagle Lake / Pig Hot, dry, poor scenic
Easy No No Restricted No Eliminate
Lake quality, no water.
Hot, dry, compromised
Brush Field Easy No No Restricted No Eliminate
views. No water.
Fig. 9 Matrix of Backpack Camp Alternatives
The sites referred to in the analysis as “Sulphur Springs Ranch Site 1” and “Sulphur Springs Ranch Site 2” rated most desirably1.
The rows list the potential sites considered and the as the most ideal for potential camp sites. While
findings of that site for each criterion listed in the scenic areas such as Dutch Flat Overlook and Deer
columns. The column on the far right indicates an Valley were considered, Dutch Flat Overlook was
overall recommendation based on a balance of all eliminated due to its proximity to developed areas
the factors. of the Park and Deer Valley was eliminated due to
its restricted operational and patrol accessibility.
Of the listed locations, Sulphur Springs Ranch Site Both were eliminated due to the uncertainty of
1 and Sulphur Springs Ranch Site 2 were selected viable water sources. Pala Seca and Yerba Buena/
1 To facilitate the planning work, during the site analysis process, these sites were referred to as Sulphur Springs
Ranch Site 1 (SSR1) and as Sulphur Springs Ranch Site 2 (SSR2). They were officially named by the Parks and
Recreation Commission’s Naming Subcommittee on October 2, 2019 to Sulphur Springs Ranch Backpack Camp and
Valley Oak Backpack Camp, respectively.
32 JOSEPH D. GRANT COUNTY PARKAccess for Potable Can facility be
Need for service Turnaround
Location pumper water concealed from Recommendation
road improvements? space?
truck? source? view?
Illustration: RRM Design Group
Sulphur
Springs Yes Yes Yes No Yes Consider
Ranch 1
SSR Concrete
Yes Yes Yes No No Eliminate
Pad
Deer Valley No Yes No No Yes Eliminate
Fig. 10 Matrix of Backcountry Toilet Location Alternatives
The site referred to in the analysis as “Sulphur Springs Ranch Site 1” rated most desirably.
Moderate distance Would an expansion
Illustration: RRM Design Group
Secure
Location from camp of facility be Recommendation
Overnight?
locations? needed?
Stockman's Yes No Yes Consider
Grant Lake Yes Yes Possibly Eliminate
Twin Gates Yes Yes No Eliminate
Fig. 11 Matrix of Staging Area Alternatives
The Stockman’s Group Picnic Area Parking Lot rated most favorably
Canada de Pala, though scenic, did not have reliable Stockman’s was the most secure and required
water sources. Brush Field and Eagle / Pig Lake the least amount of additional staging area
locations were limited by their restricted patrol infrastructure in comparison to Grant Lake and
access and unfavorable user experiences that Twin Gates.
ultimately did not compare to the scenic quality
found at other locations. California Environmental Quality Act
An independent environmental consultant prepared
Of the potential locations for backcountry toilet the CEQA Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND)
sites, Sulphur Springs Ranch 1 was rated most on behalf of the Lead Agency, Santa Clara County
desirable due to its remote location, proximity to and Recreation Department. The MND was publicly
Sulphur Springs Ranch Site 1, and pumper truck circulated for thirty days to gather public comment
accessibility. SSR Concrete Pad was too near to the
This document was created by an application that isn’t licensed to use novaPDF.
on the CEQA document.
highway
Purchase for
a license a backpack
to generate campthisand
PDF files without the Deer Valley
notice.
location would add significant cost to provide the The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors
necessary service road improvements. adopted a Resolution to adopt the MND, adopt the
Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan, and
While each of the potential staging areas were approve the Master Plan Amendment at the January
strategically distanced from camp locations, 26, 2021 meeting.
Master plan AMENDMENT 33Image Credit: RRM Design Group
4 Project Description and Implementation
This chapter contains recommendations for ranch roads within the Sulphur Springs Ranch
overnight facilities and amenities that emerged boundaries in the analysis of access, circulation
from the planning process. A description of the and staging, and studied the feasibility of installing
circulation, trails, and access recommendations for a backcountry toilet in the Park near a backpack
Sulphur Springs Ranch follows. camping site. In addition, the planning process
re-examined the suggested backpack camping
This Master Plan Amendment considers public locations listed in the 1993 Master Plan and
access to the Ranch for both day and overnight reconsidered these locations for overnight use.
use. The planning process considered the existing
Master plan AMENDMENT 35Image Credit: RRM Design Group
Image Credit: RRM Design Group
Above photos show area of Sulphur Springs Ranch Backpack Camp.
4.1 Overnight Use at Joseph Sulphur Springs Ranch Backpack Camp
D. Grant County Park The recommended Sulphur Springs Ranch
Eight possible backpack camp locations within Backpack Camp site is located on a grassy hilltop
the Park and Ranch, including the two from the in the northwestern area of the Ranch. The site is
existing master plan, were considered. From distinguished by its gentle, rolling topography,
the analysis, two sites emerged as the final blue oak trees, foothill pines, and grassland. As
recommended locations. Both sites are located proposed, the Sulphur Springs Ranch Backpack
within the Ranch. Camp will offer seven campsites within an
approximately 9-acre area (Figure 12). This includes
The Backpack Camps six individual sites and one larger group site. The
Referred to in the site analysis phase as “Sulphur campsites would be designed to a minimum 180-
Springs Ranch Site 1”, the first site, officially named foot setback from each other to maintain a high-
and hereto referred to as the Sulphur Springs Ranch quality user experience.
Backpack Camp, will be located approximately
one mile from the existing vehicular gate on Mt. Individual campsites will feature a flat area of
Hamilton Road. The second site, referred to in the compacted earth, a metal food locker (15-cubic
site analysis phase as “Sulphur Springs Ranch Site foot volume), a log bench, and an embedded pad
2” officially named hereto referred to as the Valley for camp stove cooking. Of the six individual sites,
Oak Backpack Camp, will be located approximately five will accommodate up to four people, and are
one mile east of the first camp area. Each backpack approximately 230-square feet in area each. The
camping area will offer basic camping amenities. sixth individual site will have a concealed location
36 JOSEPH D. GRANT COUNTY PARKYou can also read
