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MT. UMUNHUM UPDATE
The Latest on the Remediation and Site Planning Projects
Remediation Project
The federally-funded Remediation Project, which will clean up
the contaminants at the former Almaden Air Force Station
at Mt. Umunhum (Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve), is being
completed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and is moving
along quickly. To date, approximately 30 structures have been
completely abated. The remediation contractor is currently working
inside the radar tower structure. When that work is complete, the
exterior of the radar tower will be cleaned, as well as the exterior
of all other structures on site. We anticipate that all work on site
will be completed by June 2011. This work is the first step in the
remediation project; after removing the hazardous materials,
demolition and restoration work is planned. To see photographs
of the work progress, refer to the project Web site noted at the
end of this article.
Environmental Restoration and Public Access Project
As reported in the spring 2011 edition of Open Space Views,
the District continues its work on the Environmental Restoration
and Public Access Project, which will plan and implement
the site restoration and improvements for public access and
enjoyment of the Mt. Umunhum site.
FIELD NOTES
La Honda Creek
Open Space Preserve
Pond Restoration Project
In the winter 2010-2011 edition of
Open Space Views, staff reported that
the pond restoration project at La Honda
Creek Open Space Preserve, to repair
a failing earthen berm, was successfully
completed. The pond restoration provides
for improved wetland habitat – a deeper,
longer lasting pond and prevention of
sedimentation in downstream Harrington
and San Gregorio Creeks, (which
provides habitat for endangered Coho
salmon and threatened steelhead trout).
The restored pond provides breeding
habitat for the federally threatened
California red-legged frog, a food source
for the federally endangered San Francisco
garter snake, which are found nearby and
with a restored food source, may eventually
colonize the area around the pond. As
part of the restoration efforts, District
volunteers removed invasive vegetation
surrounding the pond and replaced it
with native wetland plants, including
rushes, sedges, and arroyo willow. Since
frogs typically lay their eggs on this type
of vegetation, restoration planting is a
key final step in habitat enhancement.
Update & Next Steps
The pond filled with winter 2010 rains,
and frogs have already used the restored
pond for their breeding efforts. During
the upcoming months, staff will continue
red-legged frog surveys to determine if
eggs laid in January and February have
developed into frog larvae (or tadpoles).
Staff will monitor the ponds again in
late summer to determine water levels
and to look for frog larvae that have
metamorphosed (or changed into) subadult
* Conservation grazing occurs at La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve. Cattle can be used as
an effective tool to remove thatch from annual grasses and control invasive, non-native weeds.
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Project Schedule
Staff is currently preparing the Draft Environmental Impact Report
(DEIR) for the Environmental Restoration and Public Access Project.
Public Release of the DEIR (Public Input Opportunity):
Watch for the public release of the DEIR this summer (anticipated
in June 2011). The DEIR will be available on the District’s Web
site for review by the public and the District’s Board of Directors.
A 45-day public comment period will follow.
September 2011 – Tentative (Public Input Opportunity):
A Board of Directors public hearing to consider final approval
of the Public Access Plan and CEQA Certification will be held
tentatively in September 2011.
Shortly thereafter, District staff will use the project description
analyzed in the Environmental Impact Report to prepare a more
detailed site and implementation plan that will be presented to
the Board of Directors for its consideration. The public will
also have the opportunity to comment at this meeting.
For any questions regarding the Environmental Restoration
and Public Access Project, contact Meredith Manning, Senior
Planner, at 650-691-1200 or mt.um@openspace.org.
To see photographs of the remediation work progress, for more
information on the project goals and objectives, or to review a
copy of the DEIR when released to the public, visit the District’s
Web site at: www.openspace.org/plans_projects/
mt_umunhum.asp.
(or juvenile) frogs. These young frogs will
leave the ponds after the first rains and
will return again when they are ready to
begin breeding (usually within 1-2 years).
Monitoring for frogs throughout their life
cycle provides an opportunity for the
District to confirm if breeding efforts are
successful each year. Prior to restoration,
the pond dried early each year (May
or June) smothering tadpoles before
they could develop into adult frogs. If
restoration efforts are successful, the
restored pond will provide water long
enough (through August or September)
for frog larvae to fully develop into adult
frogs each year.
This fall, wildlife friendly fencing will
be installed around half of the pond to
exclude cattle* and protect frogs and
egg masses from trampling during their
breeding season. The remainder of the
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