South Skyline Association

After the public meeting in January the State planning team issued a "Clarification" which adopted some of the suggestions from the public meetings and clarified other points. These include wildland values, ranger station, parking, and "dark sky." They are focused on balancing preservation and recreation. The current draft of the plan appears to satisfy Skyline residents' concerns about parking, ranger availability and balanced usage.

The SSA hike on the "Partridge Farm" on January 11 was very well attended. The large number of people that turned out, many with umbrellas due to the marginal weather, showed the great interest Skyline residents have in the Park.

On January 15 and 16, the planning team hosted public meetings in Santa Cruz and Saratoga to present the 1st draft of the proposed general plan. Reactions by the audience included the issues anticipated such as rock climbing, mountain biking and preservation. Astronomers who asked that the "dark sky" resource of the park be protected and that the park be open after dark for astronomy activities articulated a new issue.

The letter of clarification issued after the public included a number of important points.

	While the planning staff and others believe strongly that Castle Rock is not "wilderness," they have committed to include a statement on "wildland values" in the Park's purpose.
	Access to the that half of the park designated "natural preserve" will be limited to hiking trails and interpretive signing with no other activities or facilities allowed.
	The suggestion of a Multi-Agency Visitor Center at Saratoga has been set aside; the old Caltrans site does not play a role in the General Plan, except as a possible maintenance and administrative site.
	The Park HQ and "public contact facilities" will be at Partridge. Tin Can Ranch will be an outdoor education facility and alternate maintenance and administrative site.
	Parking at the present lot and along Skyline would be progressively phased out and moved to Partridge. There would be no net increase in parking except for possibly 20-30 walk-in campsites.
	"Dark sky" will be listed as a Park resource to be preserved.

An alternative to the draft plan proposed by the planning staff has been proposed by Las Cumbres resident Bruce Bettencourt. It proposes that Partridge be restored to its original natural state instead of being used for visitor facilities and parking. Parking would instead be distributed at several small sites along Skyline. The Park purpose would state preservation and restoration of wilderness to be the "the highest management priority." This alternate has support from the local Sierra Club Chapter, the local California Native Plant Society, and others, but not from the Advisory Committee or Park Managers.

Within a month or so, a final draft of the plan will be prepared and reviewed by the Advisory Committee. Presentation to and adoption by the State Parks Commission is expected in the Fall.

If you would like further information or have comments please contact Eric Isacson at (408) 395-6543. If you're interested the alternate plan, please contact Bruce Bettencourt at (408) 354 5661.