Cambria board adopts updated Fiscalini Ranch management plan after review with Friends group

The Cambria Community Services District board unanimously approved an updated Fiscalini Ranch public access and resource management plan (revised 06/17/2026) after months of ad hoc review and negotiations with the Friends of Fiscalini Ranch Preserve (FFRP).

General Manager McElhaney told the board staff and the ad hoc committees had worked through proposed edits and that both the FFRP and the State Coastal Conservancy had concurred; he noted the conservancy agreed to waive a remaining 45‑day waiting period so the item could return to the board for action. "We reviewed those additional comments, incorporated a majority of those," McElhaney said during the staff presentation.

FFRP leadership told the board the organization backed the update. "After careful review, we're confident that the core responsibilities, authorities, and obligations of both CCSD and FFRP remain unchanged," Diane Anderson, FFRP board chair, told the board. FFRP executive director Kitty Connolly added that the conservation easement remains the controlling legal document: "The easement is the controlling document. The management plan is different — it guides stewardship and cannot conflict with the easement."

Public comment reflected a mix of approval and concern. Longtime resident Ted Siegler criticized the plan's tone and its discussion of district fiscal discipline, saying the draft contained "excuses" about water and wastewater costs and voiced concern that new initiatives (including a skate park discussed later in the meeting) could crowd out long‑term stewardship. Siegler asked the board for a stronger, clearer commitment to removing invasive and hazardous vegetation, including eucalyptus removal along Santa Rosa Creek to reduce fire and flood risk.

Board members discussed specific language changes requested by Director Thomas; staff and the ad hoc committee said most of those edits had been considered and either incorporated or rejected after consultation with FFRP. Director Thomas said he wanted precise wording so the plan would "last another generation," while other directors praised the collaborative outcome.

Director Thomas moved to approve the revised plan; Director Scott seconded. Miss Dodson conducted a roll call vote that recorded unanimous approval: Directors Thomas, Scott, Gray, Vice President Dean and President Farmer all voted "Aye." The board noted that the revision process included a change log and that unresolved topics (for example, a more detailed eucalyptus removal plan) could be returned to staff or an ad hoc group for follow‑up.

What happens next: The board adopted the stewardship document as written and directed staff to continue collaborative work with FFRP and relevant agencies. Several public speakers asked the district to return later with a staff analysis and options specifically addressing invasive‑species removal and creek restoration funding sources, including potential Cal Fire, Coastal Conservancy or FEMA assistance.

The vote: Motion to approve the Fiscalini Ranch public access and resource management plan (revised 06/17/2026) — moved by Director Thomas, seconded by Director Scott — APPROVED by unanimous roll call.

Funding and authority: The board and FFRP repeatedly emphasized the conservation easement remains binding and that the management plan is a stewardship guide; any changes that would conflict with the easement would require separate legal review and could restart conservancy notice periods.

Next procedural step: Staff will post the adopted plan and maintain an accounting of edits; the board and public urged staff to return with a focused analysis on invasive vegetation and creek corridor fire/flood mitigation options.