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

4. Plan Overview
motorized boating and other existing activities, which are subject to the maximum
speed limit of 5 mph. Water skiing and other high-speed boating activities will not
be allowed. Swimming and non-motorized boating will be permitted. In RN
Zones, the target boat capacity (for boats on the water at any one time) is between
50 acres per boat and 110 acres per boat.
4.3.4 Administration and Operations Zone (AO)
4.3.4.1 Existing Features
The Administration and Operations Zone (AO) is the smallest of the proposed
management zones. This zone encompasses approximately 1,231 acres near San
Luis Reservoir and 128 acres at Los Banos Creek Reservoir (Map 8). This zone
includes lands known as “joint use” areas, which defines lands that are managed
by DWR for water operations and by CSP for recreation. O’Neill Forebay also
has an area of joint use; however, this is strictly for DWR operations and no new
uses or activities are proposed.
The San Luis Reservoir AO Zone contains several built structures, most notably
B.F. Sisk Dam, operating facilities for DWR and CSP, the Cal Fire Station, and a
range used for law enforcement training. The zone can be accessed from SR 152,
where it is partially visible from the highway, or from Gonzaga Road. This zone
is the most developed portion of the Plan Area and is primarily used for water
operations rather than for recreation. Portions of the landscape are open and
generally undeveloped within the AO Zone; these areas currently contain no
visitor facilities except for small parking areas with interpretive signage, access
roads to other use areas, and chemical toilets.
The Los Banos Creek Reservoir AO Zone contains Los Banos Dam and
associated water operations facilities. Minimal buildings exist in this zone. Most
visitors using the recreational facilities and boating access into the Los Banos
Creek Use Area must check in at the CSP-managed entry station structure. The
zone also includes some open and undeveloped areas, as well as a wetland area
that is located along and crossing the main access road. Generally, most of the
landscape within this zone has been altered by the construction of the dam.
4.3.4.2 Purpose and Intent
The intent of the AO Zone will be to keep the Plan Area’s administrative,
operational, and maintenance activities clustered together and to provide for the
separation of staff work areas from public use areas. Accordingly, administrative
offices, work areas, equipment and materials storage, and staff parking and
housing areas will be located in the AO Zone. Public access to this zone is
permitted, but it is limited and intended to enable the public to gather information
and seek assistance or law enforcement, if necessary. Open, undeveloped land is
limited in this zone; therefore, resource management will be focused on activities
that support the existing operations yet remain consistent with efforts on other
Plan Area lands.
San Luis Reservoir SRA 4-37
Draft RMP/GP and Draft EIS/EIR