Manes and Trails: Get involved in Cuyamaca state park update
The first meeting in October 2012 went well with a large turnout and tons of public comment and opinion. The meeting was a workshop setting with stations set up to provide information for the attendees to make informed suggestions to the park staff regarding the future of the park.
Containing more than 24,000 acres, the large park in close proximity to Ramona holds a great deal of interest to our community as well as Julian, Descanso, Alpine, and many others.
Having to take into consideration the devastating wildfires of 2003 and 2007 where 24,308 acres within the park burned — 95 percent of the conifer trees burned and 75 percent of the park’s oak trees were instantly charcoal — the Parks Department is working on the General Plan Update for CRSP that was last looked at in 1986.
The next meeting is set and you are encouraged to SAVE THE DATE: The public meeting will be held May 23 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Marriott San Diego Mission Valley, “Cabrillo” Room, 8757 Rio San Diego Drive. Everyone with an interest in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park is invited. State Parks staff will update you on the General Plan process, describe alternative plan proposals, and take your input. Check the General Plan webpage for pre-meeting handouts and materials.
This meeting should provide much more information about the plan process and where they are within the plan update. They set up a webpage with updated information at www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=27169. It includes an Initial Public Outreach Summary and a Park Information and Statistics page. Download or view these documents for a good introduction to the public outreach process, summary of public responses and issue themes, planning process hierarchy, and other useful information.
Current and future fees may also be on the GP update. The fee issue was brought up in October 2012 with most stating the fees were too high and areas that used to be free are now fee areas.
This information on the website will provide maps, information regarding cultural and biological resources, and much more.
State Parks says, “Your input is greatly appreciated as we develop the General Plan. We would welcome your questions, comments and concerns via e-mail at enviro@parks.ca.gov.” I hope to see you there!
Injured rider update
Last time I told you about a Ramona equestrienne who had a riding accident and is in great need of assistance. She is completely unaware of the aid coming her way.
Kristen’s Recovery account has been set up at Wells Fargo to accept donations to aid severely injured rider Kristin Heinecke, who remains hospitalized. You may visit any Wells Fargo branch and tell them you’d like to donate to “Kristen’s Recovery.”
Note the spelling of the name is different. I will be updating you on her status soon.