Draft EIS/EIR for the San Luis Reservoir SRA Resource ...

3. Planning Influences
3.4.3.2 Regional Population and Demographics
The growing populations and changing demographics of the Central Valley and
Merced, Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Clara counties will influence future
recreational demand at the Plan Area. In addition, planned new communities in
the immediate area will increase demand on Plan Area resources. Increased Plan
Area use associated with changes in population and demographics will increase
recreation demand, including demand for active and nature-based recreational
uses, such as hiking, mountain biking, and nature study, as indicated by the 2000
California State Parks Visitor Satisfaction Survey. CSP will respond to these
trends through appropriate unit development, while maintaining a balance
between facilities and recreation development and natural and cultural resource
protection.
Opportunities
• As population increases, regional demands for recreational and naturebased
facilities can be addressed.
Constraints
• Lack of a system to track development in the area and coordinate with
adjacent counties to help ensure that proposed Plan Area activities
facilities respond to demographic trends.
3.4.3.3 Local and Regional Plans
Several planning efforts are under way that may affect facility development and
resource management at the Plan Area, as described in Section 3.3. Adjacent
planned new communities include the Villages of Laguna San Luis and those
included in the Laguna San Luis Community Specific Plan and the Santa Nella
Specific Plan. A 1,700-acre development project (primarily residential) in the
Villages of Laguna San Luis is currently planned on the north and south sides of
SR 152 and west of I-5. Caltrans is undergoing analysis of the RTP, which
includes long-term improvements near the Plan Area along the SR 152 corridor.
The San Luis Reservoir Low Point Improvement Project, B.F. Sisk (San Luis)
Safety of Dams Project, and San Luis Renewable Resource Project may affect use
of certain portions of the Plan Area for extended periods and may affect natural
and cultural resources. Additional studies conducted as part of those efforts could
be utilized in Plan implementation efforts. The California High-Speed Rail
Corridor program is in process, and one alignment may affect land near the Plan
Area. All of these efforts will influence the Plan Area planning process and can be
opportunities to coordinate with resource collection efforts and other Plan
implementation.
Opportunities
• Consolidate data collected for nearby projects with that of the Plan Area to
better understand cumulative effects of local and regional development.
3-30 San Luis Reservoir SRA
Draft RMP/GP and Draft EIS/EIR