Draft Environmental Impact Report - California Off Highway Vehicle ...

Chapter S.0 – Summary
S.0 Summary
This summary section of the draft environmental impact report (DEIR) for the Clay Pit State
Vehicular Recreation Area General Plan (Clay Pit SVRA General Plan or the General Plan) is
provided in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section
15123, which specifies that an environmental impact report (EIR) contain a brief summary of the
proposed action and its consequences with clear and simple language. It also states that the
summary identify each significant effect with proposed mitigation measures and alternatives that
would reduce or avoid that effect; areas of controversy known to the lead agency, including issues
raised by agencies and the public; and issues to be resolved, including the choice among
alternatives and whether or how to mitigate the significant effects. Accordingly, this summary
includes a brief description of the project, environmental impacts and mitigation, areas of known
controversy, and alternatives to the project.
S.1 Project Overview
Clay Pit State Vehicular Recreation Area (Clay Pit SVRA or SVRA) is considered a destination for
beginner and intermediate riders and offers hills to climb, an open riding area, and informal trails.
A limited number of developed facilities support recreation opportunities within the 220‐acre
SVRA. Existing facilities include a paved parking lot, an interpretive sign, two shade ramadas, two
picnic tables, and a vault toilet.
All units operated by California State Parks (State Parks) must have a general plan prepared
before new facilities are developed that may result in the permanent commitment of resources.
The Clay Pit SVRA General Plan outlined in this DEIR is the first general plan prepared for this unit.
General plans are broad‐based policy documents that establish long‐range visions and goals and
provide direction on future types of improvements, services, and programs. The project
considered in this DEIR is the implementation of the Clay Pit SVRA General Plan, including
construction and operation of the headquarters facilities. The General Plan is a guidance document
intended for use over many years, and it outlines goals and guidelines that apply to the entire Clay
Pit SVRA. The goals and guidelines address existing issues and provide ongoing guidance to
management that can be implemented to achieve the long‐term vision for the SVRA, which is to
provide an effectively managed and convenient place for friends, families, and groups to enjoy the
outdoor recreational setting through OHV (off‐highway vehicle) activity and other compatible
recreational uses.
In addition to the long‐range planning provided through the Clay Pit SVRA General Plan, the
project includes multiple improvements to provide basic park facilities related to administration,
maintenance operations, and recreation opportunities in the near term (within 2 years). Proposed
improvements include a relocated entrance, a headquarters building to house administrative and
Clay Pit State Vehicular Recreation Area
Draft EIR S-1 February 2012