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CC Resolution No. 4065 , ' • . ' RESOLUTION N0. 4065 ~ A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CUPERTINO DESIGNATING MC CLELLAN RANCH AS A NATURE AND/OR RURAL PRESERVE, AND ESTABLISHING REGULATIONS CONTROLING ITS USE AND GUIDELINES PERTAINING TO ITS DEVELOPMENT WHEREAS, the historic area of McClellan Ranch is now held in public owner- ship (trust) by the City of Cupertino; and WHEREAS, its combination of rustic and natural scenic features are unique within the boundaries of the City;.and WHEREAS, these features constitute valuable natural resources and their preservation will provide the surrounding urban community with extraordinary opportunities for interpretation of natural history and local heritage; and WHEREAS, such opportunities enrich the quality of life and increase the scope of spiritual, intel~lectual and physical activity of citizens of Cuper- tino; and WHEREAS, such opportunities are rarely found within an urban environment and should be treasured; and WHEREAS, in Cupertino they are extant only at McClellan Ranch, since no other site with comparable resources exists in the community; and WHEREAS, these resources are perishable, fragile and could not be recovered if lost; and WHEREAS, their preservation is in the best interests of the City and is dependent on adequate recognition and suitable protection; and WHEREAS, in order to conserve for all citizens the benefits of these resources and to establish that their use and enjoyment should be consistent with their preservation. BE IT RESOLVED, that McClellan Ranch Park shall henceforth be developed and used as a Nature and/or Rural Preserve. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the regulations and/or guidelines attached hereto as Exhibit "A", entitled "McClellan Ranch Uses" are hereby adopted. PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Cupertino this day of , 1975, by the following vote: Vote Members of the City Council AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ~ ABSTAIN: ATTEST APPROVED: City Clerk Mayor, City of Cupertino ~ . . . . . . , . . _ . ~ ' • EXHIBIT "A" . r. . , McCLELLAN RANCH USES ' . • 1, • A. NATURE TRAIL ~ . . ` l. A trail has been started by summer students at Monta ~ Vista High School. They improved the natural trail alon~ the creek from a point near the entrance to a ~ clearing about 1/3 of the wa,y around the park. ~1 written interpretive guide ~~ras planned but clearin~ the trail took longer than expected. Their work is much appreciated and is the foundation for future projects. . ~ 2. The trail will include three ma~jor areas: creek, wood- ~ ~ land and meadow. 4~~e can utilize the existing wooded +~r~ area along the creek and incorporate some meadow area ~ so that type of habitat can be experienced. 3. We need to add a greater variety of plants to the trail. Suggestions for types of plantings i~clude': . things that smell . wild flowers' . things to eat ~ . color year round . plants that attract.butterflies, birds, small animals We recomrrend the use of native plants here and through- out the park so people can become acquainted with what is indigenous to this region and to minimize rr.aintenancc. 4. The trail is to be interpretive with no.mark~ers on ~ plants or trees. A pamphlet is to be developed which would enable the user to identify vrhat he sees. ' It could also include ecological relationships amor~g things found along the trail and in the park. ~ 5. The~~trail is to be rustic with no concrete or asphalt. For this tiTinter we will leave it. in dirt and evaluate the result. '~awdust or redwood bark might be neces-~ ;~sary in wet weather. 6. The trail can be planned and its development divided into units. Then help can be~solicited for developing each unit. For example, a school class mi~ht plant ~ , things that smell. B. CREEK ' l.~~The creek should remain natural. It should not be channelized or cemented. An,y measures taken by the Water district to control erosion of the banks should be attractive. The creek is a beautif.ul and valuable addition to the park and we 4rould like to see it maintained iri that state. 2. In order to lceep the vegetation on the creek banks and still allow access to the creek a few areas suitable for creek play will be chosen and access imDroved at these points. These points will be chos~e.n to avoid conflict with the nature trail and nature cam~ Access at other , points should be discoura~ed. • - . . . . ~ . . . . . ~ . . _ ~ • . Exhibit "A" Page 2. ' . , ~3. CREEIC ( continued ) . r 3. The dam buildinp; day`was a~reat success for the par- ticipants. If the dams prove valuable the pro,~ect could be repeated yParly.' Some educational aspects could be included so the children understand the importance of the pro,j ect . f . ~ r• 4. A large pipe emptying into the creek needs to be cut - off. Sorrie concrete slabs near the pumpin~ house need to be removed. Both are hazardous. ~ . C . MEADOGJ ~ 1. The open.area or meadow should be left basically open to give a feeling of s~,reep and enhance the ~~rooded area al.on~ the creek. It is an excellent place for a child ,just to run and feel the wind on his face. ~ahat would be planted here will have further study. Additional careful plantings of native~plants and trees mi~ht add depth and value to the wooded areas without losing the feeling of openness. The wooded area alon~ the creek can be widened in places thus reducin~ the size of the meadow but the real treat of seein~; the ~aide open space should not be lost. We have plans to contact r~source people for recommendations for native ~rasses or ~round cover and design of picnic areas. 2. No paths of asphalt or concrete would run across the meadow. 3. The'~nature trail would go through a part of the meadow so that plants growing in that enviroment can be in- cluded. 4. The fences cutting across the meadow can be removed later. • Neva areas of cover can be planted to provide a place ~'or ~ the birds.and animals notiv livin~ along the fences. D. PICNIC USE 1. On a temporary basis picnicking can continue in the orchard. ~Then the picnic areas are ready, picnicking in ~ the orchard should cease in order to minimize damage to ' "trees there . ~ 2. Near the edge of the meadow, plant ~roves of trees in an irregular pattern to create picnic areas. This will preserve. the area along the creek and allow it to retain its natural beauty."These, Picnic areas would ' have tables but no asphalt, no water, and no barbeque facilities. Water is available elsewhere. 3. Places in the meadow planted to provide cover for small animals could also include a tree and a picnic table. ti . . . . . . . • . ' ~Exhib it'' "A" ~ Page 3 • r D. PICNIC USE.(continued) ~ " 4. A group picnic area, available by reservation, could be " created behind the.milk barn. This area j.s to be used by groups whose purpose is compatible with the park. ~ Examples of such groups are: art groups, ~eology ~roups or students on field trips. Y!ater would be available here. It is easily accessible from the parking area. Trees can be planted here and perhaps a grape arbor which would ,t; give more immediate shade. ~ ~ , }J , E ORCHARD ~ • • " 1. In order to save the existin~ trees, the ground should be disced to remove weeds which are depriving the trees of moisture. The trees should be pruned and ixrigated. 2. The variety of trees should be increased to more fully represent the fruits and nuts grown commercially in this valley. ~ ~ 3. Sponsor a class in plantinp; and care of fruit and nut trees. This might be done in an adult education class or through one of the colleges. It could include pruning, grafting, planting, care, pests, and diseases (using ecologically acceptable sprays). ' 4. Plant some of the types of grapes used in wine making. 5. 4Jater will be needed in this part of ttle ranch for irrigation. • F . iJATURE CAMP , ' 1. ..This area would be for day use only. We feel that over- ~ night camping in tiie park is unwise. Zt is in the mi•dst of an urban area but there is no provision to patrol or protect the park. There is enou~h demand for camping ' facilities that the park could be used exclusively for . this every weekend. We feel that such heavy use would destroy this area. A close watch for overuse of this facility must be kept~ , 2. The nature camp is intended to be used by groups en~aged in nature study. 3. The area can be used all ,year(watching for overuse) and would require advanced reservations. ~ . 4. Its use should be limited to about 30 participants at one time. This is not envisioned as a cook-out or campfire area.There would be no cooking in the area and no campfires. 5. Water and trash containers should be provided. 6. There should ;be, a seatin~; area - such as telephone poles ` in the ground. , ~ ~+....r~.....~~..~....~~.... .Y... . . ' . . . . ~J.... ...r~,~~... ' ' ~ Exhibit "A" ~ ~ • Page 4 , ~ F F. NATURE CAT~iP ( continued ) , r 7. The area needs some shade. More trees can be planted. , ~ 8. Groups that use'the~ nature camp could contribute to its improvement following prescribed guidelines. ~ ~ 9. At the present~time, a boy ~NOrkin~; on his Eagle Scout ~ pro,ject plans to begin creating this nature camp. . • G . NATURE I~ZUSEUM 1. The garage is a suitable buildin~ for this project. ~ 2. It can be an interpretive cent~r for the parlc includ- ing such things as photo~raphs, samples~of plant life, rock and soil samples and other items directlq related to the park. 3. There can be an area to display the work of children who have visited the park. Stories, poems, paintings, and craft pro,jects are examples of this. 4. Community members can put on display, on a rotating basis, collections of their ovrn that relate to.nature. This might include butterflies, rocks, shells, or bird eggs. 5. It is an ideal place for permanent displays dealing with water conservation, flood~control, and water related topics. A geology exhibit concernin~ earthquakes and the~~~San Andreas Fau1t would be appropriate. 6. Have a lecture series or show slides or films relating ~to plants, wildlife, water systems or ~eology. There • could also be su~ch a series for children on nature studg. 7. Hold classes in doing thin~s w3th natural materials found in the park. ~ 8.' We suggest the formation of a T~IcClellan Ranch Auxiliary to. help with exhibits, plan lectures, staff the museum, and lead park tours. ~ 9• ~It could be used as a meeting place for groups who will ~ tour the park. Tours would include the nature trail, orchard, organic gardens and the 4-~i area. After the tour groups could meet here to discuss what they've seen. I:. ORGANIC GARDENS ~ l. The gardens are a good interim use of land t•hat would . otherwise be vacant. At this time there is renewed interest in ~;ardening and this is'a good way to serve that interest. . - . _.....Y.... , ' . . . . . . . . . . . J:.._ . ....,.w _..._..r._____... z . ~ ~ . . Exhibit "A" Page ~ 5 • H. ORGANIC GARDENS (continued) ~ ~ . 2. Until space is needed for another aspect of the ranch, ~ the number o.f plots could be increased to 50. There is ~ limited parking and access so 50 seems a reasonable number. As other uses expand the number could be cut back to about 25. _ ~ . 3. A few garden plots could.be set aside for use by youth groups such as Cubs or Brownies. Interested troops could have 1/3 of a plot for 3 months on a. rotating Uasis. • ~ ~ 4. If more people want plots than are available, a~ssign- ' ment should be on a rotating basis so everyone has an . opportunity to garden.~ 5. Continue the ~;lass in organic gardenin~. It mi~ht expand to include cannin~, preserving, dryin~; and winemaking by including produce from the orchard. Encourage the instructor to be available(.by appointment) to talk with children who tour the.park.. 6.~ Sponsor a Farm and Home Show where gardeners, 4-H members, and anyone in the city can display produce and animals, exchange ideas, seeds and vegetables, and demonstrate such thin~s as soap malcing, butter churning, ot horse shoeing. ~ , 7. Other classes in gardening could be conducted by Garden clubs demonstratin~ various te~chniques, materials, designs, etc. There could be changing displays of the kinds of plants from different climates; roclc gardens; cactus gardens; window boxes and potted plants; composting techniques. ~ ~ I . ~ ~ 4-H ~ l. They should have a continuing place in the park commen- • surate w3.th their importance to society. 2. There is an overvahelming interest in farms, animals, and related activities. • ~ 3. Tours of the~area can be conducted by ~4-H members. 4. They provide a service to the community both in the children they reach as members and throu~;h those who view their ~ ar-ea; ~ J. BUILDINGS l. The buil.dings that are to be retained should not be be allowed to deteriorate any further: - . • . . . , . . . . . Exhibit "A" ~ ~ Page 6. . J. BUILDINGS (continued) ~ ~ ~ ~ 2. Barn ' . We recorrunenci leaving it as a barn. E~reryone who visits the park ` is intrigued by the barn and wants to explore it. Since a major expense must be made before the barn can be used for public assembly, ~ restoration should be included in a later phase of development when ' more money is available. 4-H an~ma.ls could be housed there. It can be used for the Farm and Home Show. Farm ma.chinery could be i~ kept here on exhibit and used to work a field ac~jacent to the barn where typical farm crops could be ~own. Have a Plowing Day, ' ~ Planting Day, Harvesting Day when al1 interested people are +~''c . encouraged to attend. ' • ~ 3. Milk Barn ~ ~ Informa,tion center and restrooms can go here., Other potential items are demonstrations on the care of milk; cream separatian; and butter ch~rning, ~ 4. Small building near barn ~ This building can be used for class projects related to the park. 5. Garage We propose beginnir~ the nature museum here as described in topic 'G'. 6. Quonset hut ' . • . This building can be used as a meeting place for groups or tours, for handing out awards, outdoor meetings and such gatherings. Using it as a gathering place reduces traffic through the museum and the building is readily accessible to the~parking area. Benches might be•.incl.uded in part of the building . K• PARKING and ROADS ' ~ ' l~• Parking and general vehicular access would be limited to the area near the quor~set hut and milk barn. Parking should be provided for no more than 30 cars. ~ 2. .Professional guidance is needed to design the entrance and exit roads, parking, and safe ~edestrian access to all facilities. Visibility at the park entrance is not very good. 3• Requirements of such vehicles as school buses for parkirig and turn around spa.ce must be considered. The safety of the children involved ~ here is very important. 4. There will not be a road for general use through the park to meet the the access road ~a,t comes down the hill fY~om the new homes nor will there be a road to the organic gardens and 4-H area. 5. The Sheriff's department should be consulted as to what would be advisable for safety and patrol purposes and for emergency vehicular traffic. These 'roads' would not be used by the cars of the general public and should be in keeping with the park philosophy in appearance. 6• Encourage people to park at Monta Vista High School and walk to the • . .~..:..r . . . . . . . . . . . . ~ ~ . . . _ . ' ' ' ~ Exhibi~."A" ~ • . Page ' K. PAF~ffNG and ROADS (continued) ' " . a.; ~ 6. (continued) park. This is especial~ly ~converiient for people who picnic in the orchard. The pedestrian walkways and bikeways between the High School. and access road ma.y need improvement. 7. Investigate the possibility of a shuttle bus between the High School and the park when large numbers of peopl.e are expected ~ for special functions such as the dam building or the Farm and Home ~ Show. ~ ;x ~ 8. Consider gravel instead~of concrete or asphalt for the parlting area and any required access roads. L. HISTORY l. This area is of much historical interest. Until. recently a winery stood nearby. By ~owing the types of grapes used for winemalcir~g in this area and by planting represe~tative trees in the orchard we hope ~ to create an understanding of the agricultural history of this valley. Perhaps e}chi.bits of winemaking equipment could be developed. 2. Water has played an important role in this valley and the creek in . ~the park was a maj or contributor. Displays of inethods for obtaining ~ and transporting water could be set up. Ma.chinery used in these processes could be displayed. , M. Ga~EftAL RII~IARKS l. There should be,no concessions or corrnnercialism in the park. • • . 2. ~We would like to see a naturalist on the staff of the Parks and Recreation Department. He would be in charge of nature pro~ams, ~ lead nature'walks, be ~mowledgeable about plants and anirr~.ls in the park, be in cY~arge of displays i.n the musewn and participa.te in the nature program for the school children. If we have a ~ McClellan Ranch Auxiliary, he would be in charge of training ~ volunteers. Until~such a person can be hired, we can look for a volunteer f~om our. corrm7uiv.ty. 3• There should be..a minimum of concrete and aspha.lt in~the park. 4. Encourage and protect wildlife and plants. 5. Put a chain across the access road through the new homes so it cari not be used by a~ars. Put up a sign indicating that this is a ~ pedestrian and bicycle access to the park and cars can park at Monta Vista High School. 6. Place benches at particularly scenic spots in the ranch so people can sit down, relax and~er~joy the view. Good places for benches are under the large oak near the creek, very close to the bike path (excellent ~~ews), and below the first pump house overlookir~ the creek. ~ . ~ . , . J, . . , . . . . . . . . ' . Exhibit "A" ` • Page $ , M. GENER/~L RE~'lARKS (continued) ' ~ 7. Utility wires should be~under~round. When this is done, it must . ~ take place wl.th special caution for tree ~oots and a m~.nvrium of . disruption. . ~ . 8. For now the fences should be left in place.~° They provide wildlife habitat for birds and small animals. When the meadow is planted ~ they can be removed as replacement cover is provided. The fences ~ along the edge define the nature study area and should be left ~ . ~ permanently. Some repair work needs to be done. A group of Boy ~ ~ Scouts has removed the.barbed wire in the meadow while being very careful not to disturb the wildlife living there. 9. The area around the office~and parking lot should be designed and planted in keeping with native plantings in,the rest of the park. 10: Some lighting will be necessary. It should blend with the park, not be obtrusive, and be only as extensive as is required for safety. 11. Don't remove any more topsoil from the park. It is a part of the flood plain envirorunent and should not be a resource to be quarried. 12. WYien the buildirgs at Memorial park are completed the Parks and Recreation offices should move up there. The access to this parlc is awkward and it is not as convenient for peopl.e as Memorial Park'. 13. This is not a sui~able place for horseback riding. Access is dan- ~ gerous, the area is small, it has no connection to other riding areas, and sanitation could pose a problem. 14. Break down each section of the park into projects that can be . handled by vol~}nteers. These should be carefLilly considered ~ ~ on our part.anc~ include requirements, desired results, location, types of materials, etc. but can leave some opportunities for volunteers to make decisions of their own if they wish. We have received numerou~ offers of help already and feel tha,t the park will be more important to the cor?ununity if they help create it. Some work will no doubt have to be contracted out. ~ 15. Ra.ther than have a formal Botanical Garden or Arboretum we would like to see everything kept looking as natural as possible. A , possible exception to this is a specially designated wildflower area. ~ We would use native plants as much as possible. • 16. Encourage a photography club to take pictures of the park for display in the museum and to document the change taking placer A photography ~ contest could be sponsored. . 17. The possible inclusion of a fY~esh water marsh is under consideration. 18. Only functions and activities directly related to the park should . . take place here. Parking and access are lix~ited. The area should be protected from activities that can take place elsewhere. . ~ ~ . . _ . . . . • . . , ~ ' Exhibit "A" Page 9 . A little spot in the country is part of the dream of many a city man. w McClellan Ranch is one of the last remaining properties in Cupertino ' where our rural heritage can still be seen and felt. To us it is a ~ real pearl. This small ranch in the center of a farming community would a~ not be anything outsfanding, but it becomes a treat in the cenrer of the ~ city. Somehow the study of nature helps us to feel our rooCS. [de envision this as not only a place to study, but also a place Co dream. . . • . ~ ~ ~ l ~ ' ~