Encinitas begins update of Resource Management Element to address equitable access, climate resilience, rewilding and habitat connectivity

City planners and their consultants outlined an update to the Resource Management Element of the City of Encinitas' general plan and asked residents for feedback on four state‑required topics: equitable access to open space, climate resilience, rewilding and habitat (wildlife) connectivity.

Eric DeCock, project manager with Ascent, told attendees the Resource Management Element "covers both open space and conservation," and guides how the city governs designated open spaces and conserves natural resources within and adjacent to city limits. He said the state has passed new laws that require local plans to address the four topics and that the city's update must respond to those requirements "by next year."

The presenters said the project team has completed data collection and staff interviews and is preparing a draft report that will summarize existing conditions and identify issues and opportunities. "We're in the process of preparing a draft report that kind of, like I said, does look at those existing conditions, those issues, and opportunities," DeCock said. The team plans further workshops to develop concrete policy or program recommendations, then a formal review and adoption process with the…