Administrative programs include those operated directly through the offices of the Reserve Manager and the UCSB Natural Reserve System. Individual programs include those related to overall management administration, fiscal planning, access to Carpinteria Salt Marsh Reserve, infrastructure and equipment, and safety.
1.0 RESERVE ADMINISTRATIVE PROGRAM
The success of an ecosystem-wide reserve and its related management plan depends in large part on the administration of the overall planning effort. The complexities of coastal wetland management in southern California require strength and longevity of commitment, flexibility in approach, and expertise in resource management. A single management authority with clear mandates is key to the wise stewardship of the Reserve and to the implementation of this plan. Coordination with the many agencies that have jurisdiction or have an advisory role in the Marsh is also an important consideration. An owners, agency, and community-based Carpinteria Salt Marsh Management Advisory Committee is proposed to advise the Reserve Manager on management of the Reserve and implementation of the Carpinteria Salt Marsh Reserve Management Plan. (See Part II-D, 9.0 Management Coordination Program).
Goal 1. Develop a management structure that will provide strong leadership for the management, protection, restoration, and use of Carpinteria Salt Marsh Reserve.
Policy 1-1. Provide for the management, protection, restoration, and use of Carpinteria Salt Marsh Reserve consistent with the UC Natural Reserve System mission to contribute to the understanding and wise management of the Earth and its natural systems by supporting university level teaching, research, and public service.
Action 1-1.1. Organize and implement a Management Administration Pro-gram to oversee the management of the Carpinteria Salt Marsh Reserve and implementation of this Plan.
Action 1-1.2. Administer all activities associated with Carpinteria Salt Marsh Reserve through the local office of the University of California’s Natural Reserve System (UC NRS). The local office is the University of California, Santa Barbara, Natural Reserve System (UCSB NRS).
Action 1-1.3. The University’s Reserve Manager shall serve as the principal administrator of the Carpinteria Salt Marsh Reserve Management Plan and its various programs, in association with the Natural Reserve System Faculty Manager, UCSB Natural Reserve System Directors, and the UCSB Natural Reserve System Advisory Committee.
Action 1-1.4. Through the Management Coordination Program (See Part II-D, 9.0), the CSMR Manager and Faculty Manager shall work cooperatively with the Management Advisory Committee toward effective management and protection of the Carpinteria Salt Marsh Reserve consistent with this Plan.
Policy 1-2. Transfer authority for management of all habitat parcels within or adjacent to Carpinteria Salt Marsh to the University of California Santa Barbara’s Natural Reserve System, which will manage them cooperatively with the Carpinteria Salt Marsh Management Advisory Committee (See Part II-D, Actions 9-1.2 and 10-3.1).
Action 1-2.1. Upon the completion and endorsement of the Carpinteria Salt Marsh Management Plan (as outlined in Part II-F, Approval and Amendment Process), the City of Carpinteria, Land Trust for Santa Barbara County, University of California, and other owners shall be encouraged to sign cooperative agreements or other documents of similar intent. This action will permit the expansion of the boundaries of Carpinteria Salt Marsh Reserve to include all additional parcels, thus resulting in the Reserve and ecosystem boundaries being essentially equivalent as shown in Figure 25 (Also see Part II-D, Action 10-4.1).
Policy 1-3. Implementation and updating of the Management Plan shall be coordinated with the Natural Reserve System, Carpinteria Salt Marsh Management Advisory Committee, and other agencies and groups that have jurisdiction or an interest in the Marsh and Carpinteria Salt Marsh Reserve.
Action 1-3.1. Implementation of the Management Plan for Carpinteria Salt Marsh Reserve shall be the responsibility of the Reserve Manager who shall coordinate with the Carpinteria Salt Marsh Management Advisory Committee (as outlined in Part II-D, 9.0 Management Coordination Program) and other agencies and interested groups.
Action 1-3.2. The Plan shall be updated every five years or as needed. All changes to the Plan shall be approved by the UC NRS Advisory Committee and by the Executive Committee of the Management Advisory Committee.
Policy 1-4. Coordinate with relevant jurisdictions and agencies in the implementation of this Plan.
Action 1-4.1. Work with responsible agencies to amend their plans and policies where necessary to achieve conformity with this plan.
Action 1-4.2. Consult with responsible agencies and interest groups on issues where they have expertise or experience.
Status
As of March 1997, Carpinteria Salt Marsh Reserve covers only 120 of the 230 acres of Carpinteria Salt Marsh and is administered by the UCSB Natural Reserve System and its Faculty and Reserve Managers. The UCSB Natural Reserve System Advisory Committee advises the reserve system directors and managers. The successful administration of the existing CSMR is an example of how an expanded reserve could operate. The Management Advisory Committee, proposed in Part II-D, 9.0 Management Coordination Program, would advise the Reserve Manager on various programmatic concerns as addressed in this Management Plan.
In 1995, UCSB provided 33% funding for the Reserve Manager, whose University position is 22% CSMR, 11% Associate Director UCSB Natural Reserve System, and 67% Executive Director of the Museum of Systematics and Ecology. With this accomplished, a major priority has been to increase the funding for the Natural Reserve System Reserve Steward (which is only a 68% University position), who currently works at CSMR only 14% of his time. This was accomplished in 1996, and the Steward is now a 100% University position with the NRS.
Implementation Priorities
As noted immediately above, the Reserve Steward position has been permanently increased to 100% time, however, only 10% remains allocated to CSMR. Carpinteria Salt Marsh Reserve needs a full-time steward to assist with implementation of the Plan and with maintenance of facilities and monitoring of restoration.
Constituents (Existing and Potential)
The Director of the UCSB Natural Reserve System (NRS) works at the discretion of the UCSB Executive Vice Chancellor (see Figure 21). At the recommendation of the Director, the Executive Vice Chancellor appoints Faculty and Reserve Managers for each reserve. Faculty Managers provide guidance to Reserve Managers, represent the reserves in matters concerning the Academic Senate, and serve as principal inves-tigators on contracts and grants. Reserve Managers are responsible for the design and implementation of reserve plans and programs. The Reserve Steward assists the Director and Reserve Managers in the daily operation of the reserves. The Administrative Assistant assists the Director, Reserve Manager, and Steward in the facilitation of reserve use, in budgetary and financial matters, and in other general administrative duties. The UCSB NRS Advisory Committee advises the directors and managers. Carpinteria Salt Marsh Reserve does not have a resident Reserve caretaker. In 1996-97, Natural Reserve System staff for CSMR include:
Dr. Scott Cooper, Director, UCSB NRS
Professor of Biology
Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology
University of California, Santa Barbara 93106
(805) 893-4508
scooper@lifesci.lscf.ucsb.edu
Dr. Frank Davis, UCSB NRS
Professor of Geography
Acting Director (April-December 1997)
Department of Geography
University of California, Santa Barbara 93106
(805) 893-3438
fd@geog.ucsb.edu
Dr. Leal Mertes, CSMR Faculty Manager
Assistant Professor of Geography
Department of Geography
University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106
(805) 895-7017
leal@geog.ucsb.edu
Mr. Wayne R. Ferren Jr., CSMR Reserve Manager and UCSB NRS Associate Director
Executive Director, Museum of Systematics and Ecology
Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology
University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106
(805) 893-2506
ferren@lifesci.lscf.ucsb.edu
Ms. Donna Moore, UCSB NRS Administrative Assistant
UCSB Natural Reserve System
Marine Science Institute
University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106
(805) 893-4127
donnam@msi.ucsb.edu
Mr. Brian Guerro, CSMR Reserve Steward
Marine Science Institute
University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106
(805) 893-4127
guerro@lifesci.lscf.ucsb.edu
Limitations, Needs, and Justification
Administration of an enlarged Reserve is dependent on the Land Trust acquiring ownership or conservation easements on private lands and on the University negotiating to manage these easements and other undeveloped lands within the ecosystem area. The Reserve may also be enlarged through purchase of land as with the City’s recent (1991-96) acquisition of the Ash Avenue parcels (5 acres total). Once the estuarine ecosystem and the Reserve boundaries are equivalent, it will be possible to preserve, restore, and manage the estuary and Reserve with the maximum benefit to its natural resources, and thereby maximize efficiency in Reserve management.
The mission of the Natural Reserve System is to contribute to the understanding and wise management of the Earth and its natural systems by supporting university-level teaching, research and public service at protected natural areas throughout California.
The University manages the Natural Reserve System reserves and this authority usually is not delegated. As noted in the Introduction, the land formally included in the Reserve and adjacent marshlands in the estuary function as one ecosystem unit. Therefore, it is most efficient and beneficial for the ecosystem if the estuary is managed as a whole. This Management Plan assumes that all marsh property owners sign cooperative or other legal agreements relating to management of the Reserve. It also assumes that the affected parties will approve the Plan, including the major restoration projects that are described in Program 12, Acquisition and Easements Program. The Management Advisory Committee will advise the Reserve Manager on management issues relating to the whole marsh, consistent with this Plan. The Ash Avenue Enhancement Area will be managed in a joint manner whereby the City will maintain the upland landscape and interpretive areas and the UC Natural Reserve System will manage the wetlands as part of the Reserve. The University has considerable interest in the design and operations of the interpretive programs to be associated with the Ash Avenue project, and will assist the City in fulfilling the educational goals of the Plan.
Upon the completion and endorsement of the Management Plan for Carpinteria Salt Marsh, the City of Carpinteria, Land Trust for Santa Barbara County, University of California, and other owners will be encouraged to sign cooperative agreements or other documents of similar intent to permit the expansion of the boundaries of Carpinteria Salt Marsh Reserve. As these agreements are signed, the Reserve will expand to include the respective marsh parcels; thus the Reserve and ecosystem will have essentially equivalent boundaries (see 9.0 Management Coordination Program and 10.0 Acquisition and Easements Program).
2.0 FISCAL PROGRAM
Financial support for the Carpinteria Salt Marsh Reserve has been minimal since the formation of the Reserve in 1977. This is true for most reserves in the university-wide reserve system. Traditional sources of CSMR funding include:
1. University of California Natural Reserve System and UC Santa Barbara;
2. Resource, management, and monitoring grants or contracts from various federal, state, and local agencies; and
3. Private grant and contract-supported research.
Additional and potential sources include:
4. Funds from private donations including interest income from endowment funds;
5. Public and privately funded restoration and enhancement projects; and
6. Volunteer services.
Operation of a fully integrated Reserve that includes the entire estuarine ecosystem will require a significant increase in available funds for general operations, infrastructure, and stewardship issues such as resource monitoring. Funding is particularly important if optimum administrative, research, education, public service, and interagency programs are to be provided. The goals and policies of the Fiscal Program are designed to help achieve the vision of this Plan.
Goal 2. Provide adequate funding for the management of the Carpinteria Salt Marsh and CSM Reserve consistent with the goals of this Plan.
Policy 2-1. Develop a broad-based funding program for Carpinteria Salt Marsh and CSM Reserve that includes both ongoing and one-time University, endowment, and non-University sources.
Action 2-1.1. Work with the UC Natural Reserve System to provide adequate management of CSMR by maximizing the effects of the annual contributions of UC NRS fiscal resources.
Action 2-1.2. Develop contingency funding for the Reserve Manager and Reserve Steward if UCSB funding for the two positions falls below 1996-97 levels.
Action 2-1.3. If additional properties are incorporated into the Reserve through easements or other means, participating owners shall be encouraged to provide appropriate additional funds for the management of the Reserve.
Action 2-1.4. Pursue other sources of funding for management, restoration, phys-ical improvements, research, education, etc. relating to the marsh.
Policy 2-2: Develop sources of ongoing funds to support an environmental monitoring program that addresses physical attributes (e.g., water quality, tides, rainfall, and runoff) and biological attributes (e.g., benthic invertebrates, fish, birds, and vegetation) of the ecosystem.
Action 2-2.1. Work with local, state, and federal agencies and public interest groups to pursue grants and other sources of funds to support environmental monitoring programs with recurring budgets.
Policy 2-3. Develop funds to sponsor student-initiated research projects and to support on-going projects that will result in information that will improve the overall management of the Reserve.
Action 2-3.1. Work with UC Santa Barbara and other universities, colleges, schools, and museums to acquire funds to sponsor student and other research projects.
Status
In 1996-97, the Carpinteria Salt Marsh Reserve is funded only by the University of California and the Carpinteria Salt Marsh Reserve Crocker Fund. This fund includes a portion of a $100,000 gift to Carpinteria Salt Marsh Reserve from Donald W. Crocker. This money was donated in 1994 in memory of Crocker’s parents, Roy P. and Josephine Scott Crocker. In addition, some of the informal “programs” proposed for incorporation into this Management Plan have received funds from various agencies as part of their mandates. Examples include expenditure of $5,000 by parents, Roy P. and Josephine Scott Crocker. In addition, some of the informal “programs” proposed for incorporation into this Management Plan have received funds from various agencies as part of their mandates. Examples include expenditure of $5,000 by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 1995 and 1996 to hire Animal Damage Control to trap animals that potentially prey on endangered Light-footed Clapper Rails. Contract and grant-funded research and monitoring conducted by Reserve researchers are other examples of programmatic funding for ecosystem monitoring. Furthermore, field trips, tours, and classes provide a component of the Educational Program that includes financial support for salaries, transportation, and fliers funded by these participating institutions or societies. Thus, non-University administrative, research, education, and interagency sources do provide a broad basis for support, even though their funding of such activities does not appear as a Reserve budget item.
Implementation Priorities
The Fiscal Program for CSMR is currently based solely on income from UCSB, the UC Natural Reserve System, and from interest from the CSMR Crocker Fund. Current funding is insufficient to implement the many actions set forth in this plan. One of the initial implementation actions of this Plan will be estimating the ongoing and one time project costs for the twenty programs (see Table 2). This will be done with the assistance of the Management Advisory Committee.
Ideally, essential Reserve services should be funded before various programs can be implemented. Minimum research and education services must be provided while preserving the natural resources of the Carpinteria Salt Marsh. Many interagency programs should be funded from sources external to the UC Natural Reserve System. An endowment fund could assist with the administration of the Reserve, including maintenance of infrastructure and provision of a safety measures. This is an important goal because income from this fund would provide secure funding if the Reserve were to be faced with cutbacks from the University.
A research and education endowment also could be developed that would fund or provide matching funds or seed money for student and visiting scientist research projects that may not take place otherwise. The overall stewardship of the Reserve also is dependent on knowledge of the resources and the environmental health of the ecosystem. Although much of the research at Carpinteria Salt Marsh contributes toward the management of the estuary, a permanent “Ecosystem Monitoring Program” is an important part of this plan. Currently an informal set of monitoring activities takes place among various agencies and the UC Natural Reserve System. This should be integrated into the proposed formal program with a funding mechanism that will help determine the ongoing issues of environmental health and threats of degradation.
Constituents (Existing and Potential). Potential constituents of the Fiscal Program include all owners, users, and regulators of Carpinteria Salt Marsh. In reality, the University of California is currently the only entity that provides direct funding to the Reserve or to the estuary on an annual basis. However, staff time provided by the Land Trust, County Flood Control District, Mosquito Abatement District, City of Carpinteria, and other entities is an example of how various programs have been funded. In other cases, contract and grant funds
Limitations, Needs, and Justification. There are many financial limitations to the Fiscal Program that will require significant effort to overcome. The Management Plan includes a rather aggressive set of programs, each with financial requirements.
The Reserve Manager and CSMR Management Advisory Committee will need to work together to secure funds to achieve the many actions described herein.
Release of an annual financial report by the Reserve Manager that details the various contributions of owners, agencies, endowments, contracts, and grants. This report would demonstrate the breadth of direct and indirect contributions, might identify gaps, and could be used to identify potential new funding sources.
Establishment of general and special endowment funds to help with Carpinteria Salt Marsh Reserve administration, and with the Research and Education Programs and the Ecosystem Monitoring Program.
Coordination among City, Land Trust, University, and other entities to endow the upland landscape, access, and interpretive portion of the Ash Avenue Wetland Enhancement Area, including maintenance funds for the continuing needs of the project.
Coordination of watershed jurisdictions (e.g., U.S. Forest Service and other land owners) to develop fully and implement the “Watershed Management Plan”.
3.0 ACCESS PROGRAM
There are both formal and informal means of gaining access to the resources of Carpinteria Salt Marsh. Formal access is obtained by applying to the UCSB Natural Reserve System for access to the Carpinteria Salt Marsh Reserve. Informal access is available through the Sandyland Cove Homes Association, Sandyland Protective Association, and Land Trust for Santa Barbara County. Informal access to eastern portions of the estuary within the City of Carpinteria also occurs from the Ash Avenue area. Trespassing occurs through the mouth of the estuary from the beach at low tide and occasionally through other access points such as the northern boundary of the estuary. Refer to Fig. 22 for existing, proposed, and potential points of access to the Reserve and related properties.
Several conditions conveyed with the Grant Deed (see Appendix D) to the University of California in 1977 potentially affect the Access Program. These conditions are as follow:
1. The real property shall be maintained and used as a natural reserve for educational and scientific purposes, including bird, fish and other wildlife observation, photography, and related study…
2. Except to the extent required by law, no sporting activity, including hunting, discharge of firearms, and fishing shall be permitted on the real property by the grantee.
3. Under no circumstances shall any residential, commercial, industrial or recreational development of the real property be permitted and no residential, commercial, industrial, or recreational structures of any kind shall be constructed on the real property; provided however, that nothing herein contained shall prohibit the construction of limited residential improvements for the staff, faculty, employees or agents of the Grantee who may be engaged in the maintenance or educational or scientific use of the property as permitted herein….
4. Except to the extent required by law, no access will be provided by the Grantee for the public through or across the real property to adjoining beach properties, whether public or private.
Goal 3. Provide reasonable access to Carpinteria Salt Marsh and CSM Reserve to increase our knowledge and understanding of the importance of coastal wetland systems in general and Carpinteria Salt Marsh in particular.
Policy 3-1: Provide access to CSM and CSM Reserve for research, education, and public service purposes while protecting the estuary
s functions and values.
Action 3-1.1. The Reserve Manager and UCSB Natural Reserve System office shall provide an application process for all uses consistent with the mission of the UC Natural Reserve System and this Plan.
Action 3-1.2. The Reserve Manager, Faculty Manager, Administrative Assistant, or someone appointed in their absence, shall be the sole source of approval of all access to the Reserve.
Action 3-1.3. Requests for reasonable access to CSMR shall be approved unless they are inconsistent with the mission of the UC Natural Reserve System and with the goals of this Plan.
Action 3-1.4. Develop a system whereby Sandyland and Sandyland Cove home-owners can get information about people who are authorized to have access in the marsh including researchers, class and special interest groups, etc., on an ongoing and special event basis. Consider providing a telephone at the Estero Way entrance to the marsh so that people who are already authorized to enter the marsh can notify the Reserve Manager and/or the Sandyland and Sandyland Cove gatekeepers of their visit.
Action 3-1.5. Access to the marsh via Sand Point Road, Sandyland Cove Road, or Avenue Del Mar shall be coordinated with the Reserve Manager and the gatekeepers of the two homeowners associations. The Reserve Manager and two homeowners associations shall work out a means to provide the Reserve Manager with data about the number of users that access the marsh through the two associations and the nature of their use the two homeowners associations. The Reserve Manager and two homeowners’ associations shall work out a means to provide the Reserve Manager with data about the number of users that access the marsh through the two associations and the nature of their use.
Policy 3-2: Provide meaningful access to Ash Avenue Wetland Area for education, research, and other activities consistent with the goals of this Plan.
Action 3-2.1. The Reserve Manager shall assist the City of Carpinteria, per the continuing efforts of the City’s Marsh/Park Steering Committee and/or the Management Advisory Committee, with the access and interpretation program to be implemented on properties purchased along Ash Avenue.
Action 3-2.2. Work with the City of Carpinteria, CalTrans, Santa Barbara County and other agencies to provide bicycle access in the vicinity of Carpinteria Salt Marsh. Provide interpretive opportunities along the bicycle trail proposed from Carpinteria Avenue to Santa Claus Lane.
Status
It is the intent of the UCSB Natural Reserve System that user application forms (research, education, and field trip types) and release forms (for researchers) should be filled out by all formal users of CSMR. Applications have been available for use for over ten years, but not all users (particularly for casual tours) complete one.
Implementation Priorities
The City of Carpinteria and the Land Trust, with assistance from the City’s Marsh/Park Steering Committee, including the Reserve Manager, are currently implementing the Carpinteria Salt Marsh Restoration Plan, Phase I – Ash Avenue Wetland Area. This Restoration Plan will result in the provision of public access and self-guided interpretation on the east side of the marsh. This is the top access priority of the Reserve Manager and the Carpinteria Marsh/Park Steering Committee (see Part II-D, 12.0 Restoration and Enhancement Program for details). Representatives of CSMR, the City of Carpinteria, Land Trust for Santa Barbara County, State Coastal Conservancy, County Flood Control and others will work closely to develop an access and interpretive experience for the public along this eastern-most portion of the estuary. All federal, state, County, and City permits for the Ash Avenue project have been acquired. Final design plans and specifications have been completed by consultants for the wetland restoration and access components of the plan and funds have been acquired by the State Coastal Conservancy for implementation of major portions of the plan. Implementation of the plan will take place in 1997-98. UCSB will manage the restored wetlands as a part of the Reserve under a cooperative agreement.
Constituents (Existing and Potential)
Reserve users who have requested access in the past decade years have been grouped into research, education, and public service categories. The following examples represent constituents who have gained access or signed the user registry during the past six years:
Research:
S.B. Museum of Natural History University of Georgia
UC Los Angeles
University of Montana
UC Santa Barbara
Westmont College
Education:
Aliso School
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
Antioch College
Santa Barbara City College
Brooks Institute of Photography
S. B. Museum of Natural History
Canalino School
UC Los Angeles
Cate School
UC Santa Barbara
Crane School
Ventura Community College
Montessori School
Washington School
Santa Barbara Adult Education
Westmont College
Public Service:
Boy Scouts of America
Fugro Inc.
Arco Wetlands Committee
Habitat Restoration Inc.
Calif. Coastal Commission
La Purisima Audubon Society
Calif. Native Plant Society
Land Trust for Santa Barbara Co.
Calif. Dept. of Fish and Game
Moffatt-Nichol Engineers, Inc.
Calif. Dept. of Parks and Recreation
Regional Water Quality Control Bd.
Calif. State Coastal Conservancy
Sandyland Cove Homes Association
CalTrans
Sandyland Protective Association
Campaign to Save Calif.
Wetlands Santa Barbara Audubon Society
Carpinteria Girls Club Inc.
S.B. Co. Flood Control District
Carpinteria High School
S.B. Co. Resource Management Dept.
Carpinteria Junior Life Guards
SAIC
Carpinteria Valley Mosquito
The Nature Conservancy
Abatement District
The Oak Group Artists
City of Carpinteria
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Clean Seas Inc.
U.S Fish and Wildlife Service
Environmental Defense Center
Van Atta & Associates
Environmental Protection Agency
Vista del Estero Residents
Details on use for research, education, and public service are presented in the programs related to these types of activities. Table 3 includes totals and averages for the six year period 1990-91 to 1995-96. These numbers are based solely on entries in the user registry at the entrance to CSMR, and thus represent minimum figures.
Limitations, Needs, and Justification. Access to CSMR is limited and controlled because of the sensitivity of the resources and the nature of the research activities and equipment that are used at the Reserve. Conditions conveyed with the Grant Deed (see Appendix D) to the University of California also provide restrictions to access and use. In past years, trespassers caused damage to resources and research plots that necessitated the installation of a six-foot high chain-link fence topped with barbed-wire along a portion of the northern boundary of the Marsh. This fence has been quite successful in nearly eliminating all unauthorized access between Santa Monica Creek to the east and beyond the western limit of the Carpinteria Business Park. The fencing cost approximately $25,000, which was provided as a grant from the Arco Foundation and as mitigation for the Business Park.
Current access problems are concentrated at the mouth of the estuary, where there is little control of human and pet access from the beach at low tide or from the ends of two private roads to the east and west of the mouth of the estuary. The guard at the gate to Sandyland Cove assists with policing this area, but most access is not controlled. The area cannot be reached from the south end of the Estero Way Extension at incoming or high tides. On occasion, a local warden from the Department of Fish and Game has ticketed individuals who are clamming illegally. Fishing and spear-fishing for halibut, sharks, and other fish also take place. This is particularly troublesome during summer months when K-12 schools are not in session and vacationers arrive in Carpinteria. Reserve signs are posted stating that neither access nor fishing are permitted, but these generally have little effect. Because the two private parcels at the mouth do not belong to the University and are not developed, there is no one on site to assist with controlling access. Most intruders are persons interested in the estuary and do not pose a particular threat to the Reserve although a few have created problems or have interfered with research activities. However, the various birds that congregate on the cobble beach just inside the mouth are disturbed by trespassers and pet dogs. Recreational access to the University’s portion of the Reserve is prohibited as a condition of the Grant Deed (see Appendix D), except as included with the University’s educational and scientific endeavors.
Parking for Reserve users is limited but is available at several locations (Fig. 22). At the Estero Way gate to the UC Natural Reserve System Reserve, there is parking on Estero Way, Carpinteria Avenue, and within the Reserve at the main gate, the northern berm at the juncture with Santa Monica Creek, and at the southern terminus of Estero Way Extension. Parking within the Reserve, however, is discouraged other than that required for research purposes or for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Additional limited parking for access to various portions of Carpinteria Salt Marsh is available to the west on Santa Claus Lane and to the east on Ash Avenue. Permission for parking on private property can be obtained from the Sandyland Protective Association for Sand Point Road and from the Sandyland Cove Homes Association for Avenue del Mar.
Discussion
With full implementation of the Management Plan for all parcels, access to the Reserve for general Reserve users, i.e., non-owners, will be relatively formal and available only through application to the UCSB Natural Reserve System. This process will provide better protection of the resources, will reduce ambiguities regarding permission for access, and will provide more accurate records for use analysis and reporting. Application to the UCSB Natural Reserve System also will be essential when use of the Reserve and its resources (e.g., for organized painting and bird watching activities) takes place along Avenue Del Mar in Sandyland Cove and along Sand Point Road in Sandyland. Accurate records of Reserve use will demonstrate the scope of the socio-economic benefit of the Reserve, which is now underestimated because use figures are based solely upon formal access to the University’s property from the Reserve gate at Estero Way. Currently, there is no intention to require applications and release forms for the Ash Avenue Wetland and the adjacent access trails and interpretive areas. However, a guest register could provide useful information. The possible addition of a telephone at the Estero Way entrance to the marsh will provide a means whereby access can be better monitored. Repeat users of the Reserve, who enter from Estero Way, would be able to call the gate keeper for Sandyland and Sandyland Cove to inform them of their Reserve-related activities.
For some time, the citizens of Carpinteria have attempted to provide better bicycle trails through the Carpinteria Valley. One particularly difficult area has been along U.S. Highway 101 and the Union Pacific Railroad, from Santa Claus Lane west to the City of Carpinteria. In early 1997, there is a proposal to place the trail on the eastbound lane of U.S. 101 as it passes Carpinteria Salt Marsh. The trail would then continue west past the Estero Way entrance to CSMR and into the center of town. This trail also would be linked to the bicycle trail along Sandyland Road to Ash Avenue. Both the U.S. 101 and Ash Avenue components of the trail system provide opportunities to educate passersby on the important functions and values of the Marsh. Bicycles, however, will be limited to the street and sidewalk along Ash Avenue.
5.0 SAFETY PROGRAM
Due to the formal nature of the Natural Reserve System application process used for access to CSMR and other UC reserves, it is essential that a safety program exists to inform, protect, and assist the Reserve users. Although Carpinteria Salt Marsh appears as a rather benign site, many hazards exist including the railroad corridor, moving vehicles, ocean tides, rock revetments, marine animals such as sting rays, and potential threats from other humans. For example, in the late 1980s, there was an attack on a CalTrans worker near CSMR along the railroad tracks. A release form to be signed by all authorized research users not only protects the University from various liabilities, it also serves as a vehicle to inform users of the potential hazards. Safety concerns originating outside the Reserve, such as oil or hazardous materials spills, are addressed in the Catastrophic Event Response Program (see 17.0).
Goal 5. Provide safe conditions and safety procedures at CSMR.
Policy 5-1. Develop an “Emergency Action and Fire Prevention Plan” (EAFPP) for CSMR.
Action 5-1.1. Coordinate the EAFPP with local and University public safety and fire departments.
Action 5-1.2. Coordinate the EAFPP with the CSMR Catastrophic Event Response Program (See 17.0).
Action 5-1.3. Coordinate the EAFPP with the Vector Control Program (see 15.0), and obtain any necessary permits from the Animal Care Council, particularly as it relates to hanta virus.
Policy 5.2. Determine the responsibilities of safety agencies that have jurisdiction in the marsh.
Action 5.2.1. Work with Carpinteria-Summerland Fire Protection District, CalTrans, Union Pacific Railroad, and other agencies to determine individual and mutual aid responsibilities for emergencies in the Reserve, marsh, and vicinity.
Policy 5-3. Maintain CSMR in a condition that minimizes safety risks for all authorized Reserve users.
Action 5-3.1. Eliminate or minimize safety hazards to the extent practicable.
Action 5-3.2. Work with Union Pacific Railroad to install and maintain railroad crossing signs and safe conditions at the entrance to the Reserve and other access points.
Action 5-3.3. Keep a first-aid kit in the sign-in podium at the main entrance into CSMR.
Policy 5-4. Ensure that activities at CSMR are consistent with the safety policies and guidelines of the Natural Reserve System, the CAL/OSHA Injury and Illness Prevention Program, and UCSB Environmental Health and Safety.
Action 5-4.1. All Reserve users and members of their party, as determined to be necessary by the UCSB NRS, shall sign release forms that identify various hazards at CSMR.
Action 5-4.2. All Reserve users shall sign the guest register at the main entrance to CSMR (Estero Way) each time they enter or leave the Reserve at Estero Way. The names of each member of a party or the number of individuals of large parties shall be indicated in the guest register.
Action 5-4.3. During user orientation meetings and Reserve tours, the Reserve Manager shall inform users of potential Reserve-related hazards.
Action 5-4.4. A copy of the UCSB Field Safety Guide shall be made available to users at the sign-in podium at the entrance to the Reserve.
Action 5-4.5. All Reserve users should visit CSMR in teams of two or more to facilitate safety procedures.
Policy 5-5. UCSB shall be responsible for the permitting of animal care and handling at CSMR, unless appropriate permits have been obtained from the researchers home institution.
Action 5-5.1. All researchers shall obtain the necessary permits from the UCSB Animal Care Council, Department of Fish and Game, and/or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regarding the care and handling of animals at CSMR.
Action 5-5.2. Researchers shall provide UCSB animal care permits to the Reserve Manager upon request.
Action 5-5.3. A copy of the UCSB Field Safety Guide containing information on hanta virus (obtained from small mammals) shall be made available to users at the sign-in podium at the entrance to the Reserve.
Status
No formal program that integrates the various aspects and procedures for safety occurs at CSMR. The lack of buildings and other major facilities and the distance from the UCSB campus contribute to the lack of involvement by various campus offices such as Environmental Health and Safety, and Public Safety, including the Campus Police and Fire Marshall. Traditionally, State, County, and City agencies have dealt with various issues at CSMR that have arisen. These include, but are not limited to, trespassing, thefts, fires, muggings, homelessness, and hazardous materials spills. A flier is made available at the registration podium that contains the following points:
Take care to protect yourself from injury due to broken glass, rusty pipes, nails in boards, unstable banks, and other things that can cause bodily harm (refer to the Release Form for additional details). A small first aid kit is located in the registration podium at the gate to the Reserve.
Use caution when crossing the railroad tracks. Watch for red or yellow train signals located along the tracks some distance to the east and west of the gate to the Reserve, which indicate possible on-coming trains. If children are present in your group, do not permit them to linger on the tracks.
Collect refuse found in the Reserve and put it in the trash can located near the Reserve gate. Please take care to distinguish between refuse and research equipmeent, such as markers, stakes, pipes, flags, traps, etc. When collecting refuse as an organized group activity, make certain the volunteers wear gloves and are aware that they could encounter glass, medical refuse including needles, and other dangerous items.
Record in the register or report to the Reserve Manager all items of interest that might assist with the management of the Reserve. At the earliest convenience, please report to the Reserve Manager or other UC or public official any acts of vandalism, unauthorized use, or other illegal activities. However, do not put yourself in a potentially difficult or threatening situation by confronting those who may be acting without proper authorization or with criminal intent.
Implementation Priorities
As outlined in the goal, policies, and actions of the this Program, implementation priorities include the development of an Emergency Action and Fire Prevention Plan (EAFPP). This should include coordination with UCSB Environmental Health and Safety, the Campus Police, and the Fire Marshall. Representatives from each of the offices should be invited to tour the Reserve and make recommendations concerning issues of health, safety, and fire. The CSMR EAFPP should be coordinated with other state, County, and City offices and their policies and procedures. The overall Safety Program also should be coordinated with the Vector Control Program (see 15.0) and the Catastrophic Event Response Program (17.0).
Other implementation priorities include: (1) installation of an emergency phone at the Estero Way entrance to CSMR; (2) placement of a copy of the CSMR EAFPP and the “UCSB Field Safety Guide” at the visitor registration podium; (3) placement of a list of safety procedures and requirements at the registration podium including the potential need for user applications, release forms, and permits from the UCSB Animal Care Council or other agencies if necessary.
Constituents (Existing and Potential)
Constituents of the CSMR Safety Program include all users of the Reserve whether they are (1) University personnel, researchers, or students; (2) non-University visitors who formally apply for access for research, education, and public service purposes; or (3) local residents who may wish to have access to the Reserve.
Limitations, Needs, and Justification
Limitations to the Safety Plan include questions about the University’s responsibility for events that occur on the adjacent railroad corridor, channel desilting sites owned by the County, and private roads (e.g., Sand Point Road at Sandyland and Sandyland Cove Road and Avenue del Mar at Sandyland Cove), all of which are outside the jurisdiction of the University. Other issues will include safety on the public access along trails to be constructed on the City-owned Ash Avenue parcels adjacent to the expanded Reserve boundaries.
There is a clear need to improve communication between Reserve personnel and Reserve users regarding the issues of safety. Safety includes concern for safe practices by Reserve users and the preparation for response to accidents or incidents that may pose a threat to personal health and/or to the health of the natural resources of the Reserve.
There have been train wrecks and car/truck accidents in the local region that have resulted in the spill of hazardous materials. Reserve personnel must be prepared for a potentially serious event occurring in proximity to the Reserve. Such an event could result in hazardous materials entering the Reserve, causing a threat to resources, personnel, Reserve users, and local residents. The Catastrophic Event Response Program (17.0) addresses, to some degree, the safety issues concerning these situations.