Siskiyou staff present Circulation Element; commissioners ask to add rail and clarify wildlife-design policies

County staff presented a draft Circulation Element intended to satisfy state general-plan requirements. The element summarizes the county's transportation system — roads, airports, and rail — and sets out goals, policies and required figures and maps. Staff said the draft was kept brief and would incorporate the local transportation plan to ensure required content is included.

Commissioners raised several substantive suggestions. One commissioner pressed to add explicit discussion of rail (a proposed new section 3.4), noting local businesses and timber interests are exploring rail as a way to reduce vehicle miles traveled and trucking costs. Staff agreed it would be appropriate to add a rail section. Commissioners also discussed the current condition of short-line rail spurs around Montague and Yreka and noted segments of track have been pulled and some lines are not in operation.

The draft also proposes adopting "wildlife-friendly design guidelines" for roads and culverts in coordination with California Department of Fish and Wildlife and Caltrans. Commissioner Lindler asked staff to clarify what those guidelines would require for county road projects, warning that hydrologically disconnecting road systems or wholesale regrading could be prohibitively expensive for the county. Staff acknowledged the need for clearer policy language and follow-up on practical implications.

Staff additionally suggested including broadband and digital infrastructure as part of the circulation element to support transportation and to position the county for state and federal funding for rural broadband expansion. Staff will take commissioners' comments and return with revisions.