East Elliott to Close!

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and California Department of Fish and Wildlife conducted site visits on June 4 and 25, 2013.  The Wildlife agencies made the following comments in a letter to the City of San Diego:

-Based on our site visits, we believe the construction and use of unauthorized trails far exceeded the level of impact anticipated by the MSCP.

-The unauthorized construction and use of trails should be immediately addressed and effectively controlled.

-Any trails, including user created trails, that were not part of the 1985 MPU should be considered unauthorized regardless of current use patters or how long the trail has existed.

-Provide a project level map and associated descriptions for all utilities/easements/access easements within MTRP.

-Potential impacts from trail(s) within close proximity to rock faces that could result in wildlife impacts should be thoroughly evaluated and adequate buffers should be provided in these areas.  Acess roads or trails adjacent to the buffer should be fenced to preclude human intrusion.

Fortuna Mountain, Cowles Mountain, West Sycamore, and Lake Murray all have specific issues that must be adressed in addition to the East Elliott closure.

MTRP Rangers and USFW Game Warrdens will be issueing tickets in excess of $1,500 for first time trespassing offenses.