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Encinitas staff present open‑space element update; draft available for public comment through Feb. 27
Summary
City staff walked through a draft Resource Management Element (open‑space) update that responds to new state rules on equitable access, rewilding and habitat connectivity; staff urged written comments by Feb. 27 and said the team will review and refine the draft before finalizing.
City of Encinitas staff on Tuesday presented a draft update to the Resource Management Element that focuses on open‑space conservation, outreach and implementing new state requirements, and asked residents to submit written comments by Feb. 27.
Presenter Eric (first referenced by staff during the meeting) said the update responds to recent state direction, including Senate Bill 1425 on equitable access and rewilding and Assembly Bill 1889 on habitat connectivity. "We really want to take a look at what it means to build resilience or enhance ecosystems in ways that can address vulnerabilities," Eric said, describing proposals that include green infrastructure, expanded beach‑nourishment planning and targeted habitat restoration.
Staff outlined outreach that began in April and included a project website, booths at public events and two community workshops. The team summarized recurring community input such as frequent use of local open spaces, strong interest in trails, biodiversity and native plants, and requests for amenities including restrooms and better trail access. Popular sites cited in the presentation included Manchester Preserve, Stanley Hill Lagoon, Cottonwood Creek Park and Encinitas Community Park.
The public‑review draft and an existing‑conditions report were released in January, staff said. A staff member explained how to send comments: by email to Evan (contact provided during the meeting) or by using the QR code on the project materials. "We will collect comments, review them and fine‑tune the document before it is finalized," the staff member said.
Panelists emphasized that many elements of the city’s existing work — lagoon preservation, marine protected areas and the climate action plan — will remain in place, and the update is intended to fill gaps at the general‑plan level. Staff said the draft is intentionally flexible so the city can tailor state requirements to local conditions.
Next steps: the project team will accept written comments through Feb. 27, review input and revise the draft as appropriate before proceeding through the city’s planning and council review process. All materials remain available on the project website.
