Res 2003-025 - Laserfiche WebLink

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of negative environmental impacts with increased litter and increased ambient noise level potential. A. Land Use (project site and surrounding area): The proposed project will change the land use from undeveloped to public recreation (dedicated parkland). However, if the City of San Marcos does not acquire this property, plans already exist to develop the area into multi-family and commercial areas as it is currently zoned. The ultimate impact of the proposed project is preservation of approximately 97.16:f: acres of Pecan bottomland and Blackland Praire versus the development of an apartment complexes and commercial development (95% impervious cover). B. Fish and Wildlife. The increase in human traffic to the site will disturb wildlife in the area, however, large groups of park users are not expected due to the nature of the proposed park. There will not be areas set up to encourage lingering; the floodplain area of the park will primarily provide hikelbike opportunities, and nature interpretative areas. Many of the trails will follow existing deer trails, so elimination of habitat will be minimal, if at all. Litter deposited by park users may have negative impacts on wildlife. The City of San Marcos Parks and Recreation Department will maintain the regional park and access trails that are off site within the city limits, and the adjacent neighborhood will volunteer for monthly cleanups. In addition, users will be encouraged to pick up after themselves - "to leave it as clean as they found it". The parking area for park users and buildings are planned for the purchased portions of the park which will be limited to Lot 3 and 4 of the site since building is not allowed in the floodplain. c. Vegetation, geology, soils and mineral resources. No economic mineral and energy resources are known to occur within the project area. The only impact to soil and vegetation is the its removal along the proposed trails in order to establish natural substrate trails. No impacts on the site's geology are expected. Establishment of a parking lot at Lots 3 and 4 will in all likelihood impact soil and vegetation but not City of San Marcos Blanco River Preserve, Phase I ENVRIONMENT AL ASSESSMENT Page 10 of 14