CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: SEPTEMBER 7, 2016
PREPARED BY: Tanya Carothers, Environmental Programs Coordinator
APPROVED BY: City Manager
TITLE
GRANT APPLICATION FOR LITTLE LLAGAS CREEK TRAIL PROJECT
END
RECOMMENDATION(S)
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt resolution authorizing the submission of a grant application to the State of California Habitat Conservation Fund (HCF) Program and the execution of grant documents if the grant application is successful.
BODY
COUNCIL PRIORITIES, GOALS & STRATEGIES:
Ongoing Priorities
Protecting the environment
Maintaining fiscal responsibility
Supporting youth
2016 Focus Areas
Developing Our Community
Enhancing Our Services
REPORT NARRATIVE:
Currently, the West Little Llagas Creek Trail is a Class 1 pedestrian/bicycle pathway that extends from near the Downtown Morgan Hill area at Spring Avenue south to Watsonville Road. At Watsonville Road the pedestrian/bicycle pathway ends and the creek alignment turns sharply toward the east. Phase 1 of the Santa Clara Valley Water District (SCVWD) Upper Llagas Creek Flood Protection Project (SCVWD Flood Protection Project) will eliminate the creek's existing turn to the east, and will realign the creek in a new channel to flow under Watsonville Road and continue to the south, past Lake Silveira to Monterey Road.
Morgan Hill's Lake Silveira is an existing passive walking area located south of Middle Avenue on a 52-acre parcel. Lake Silveira will be restored as a wetland area during Phase 1 of the SCVWD Flood Protection Project. Restorative components planned for Lake Silveira currently include eradication of nonnative plant species, planting of native plants and/or trees, a turtle basking log, the creation of islands and wetlands where native birds can breed and nest without predator interference, and open water areas. Additionally, West Little Llagas Creek is a locally designated Interpretive Wildlife Corridor, and the new creek channel south of Watsonville Road...
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