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The Loma Prietan
April/May 1999Public Needed to Preserve Castle Rock
by Bruce Bettencourt
The Castle Rock State Park General Plan California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Draft is out. This begins a 45 day public comment period ending April 15th - If you want to have input to State Parks, you must get it to the Planning Team before that date.
Photo: Bruce BettencourtThe CEQA Draft contains few surprises. While it includes much protective language, some of it is excellent, some of it is deceptive. But all is offered as "guidelines" only, diluted down from "directives," as we knew it would be. It is still essentially a development plan, proposing to expand parking, access and usage at Castle Rock Ridge, an area where the carrying capacity has long ago been exceeded.
The Plan proposes to move 100 parking sites from the current location at the main parking lot to the much more ecologically sensitive Partridge Farm area. Full development of Partridge will include another 30 parking spaces, day use facilities, a park headquarters, and 20 campsites.
The Plan asserts that this concentrated parking, access, and usage, will result in "operational efficiencies" that will facilitate protection of the ecological resources. Paradoxically, the proposed Plan to develop Partridge would be implemented in 2 phases: 50 cars now, 50 later. The latter 2nd phase would come, very optimistically, in 3 years. The obvious result is an outcome exactly the opposite of the stated goals. The Park will have two major access points, both on Castle Rock Ridge, and only one ranger.
A better alternative would be to maintain the current parking lot (50 cars) and close the highway parking just outside the main lot (another 50 cars). If adequate recovery of Castle Rock Ridge can be demonstrated, a second controlled parking lot on Highway 35 across from Mt Bielowski could be opened. This area can easily and safely accommodate 50 cars. It accesses the Saratoga Gap trail on the east side of Highway 35. Visitors could then access the main lot via a controlled crosswalk, where the staff can orient the visiting public.
90% of public input is in favor of no development at CRSP, while maintaining a wilderness visitor experience. State Parks can always modify a General Plan later if they can show a need, and if they can demonstrate that ecological resources can be protected.
Some additional copies of the CEQA Draft may be available for individual use and may be ordered at the cost of postage, $3.00. Checks payable to California Department of Parks and Recreation, sent to Castle Rock SP Planning Team, Northern Service Sector, 1725 23rd Street, Suite 200, Sacramento CA 95816.
For more information, join us for a hike Saturday April 3rd at 10:00 at the CRSP parking lot. We will discuss the General Plan and alternatives. Contact Friends of Castle Rock State Park to be apart of the email distribution list.