Before new recreational features can be developed and constructed in the park, Regional Parks must complete a master plan to guide park development and management of recreation while protecting natural and cultural resources. This process includes public outreach, including a survey, and extensive environmental review. Typically, this is a multi-year process, with key milestones every few months.

The Master Plan Process

A master plan creates a vision for development of infrastructure, recreational facilities, and other capital upgrades, natural and cultural resource protection and enhancement, and overall management of the park including public access programs and amenities. It also defines areas in the park for certain types and appropriate levels of public use and recreation.

The plan is developed using a standard process, usually over the course of several years, combining broad resident and stakeholder engagement with a technical analysis to identify community needs and biological and physical considerations of the site.  The resulting plan is used to guide future programming and development of the park.

Regional Parks will work with park staff, subject matter experts from other public agencies, researchers, and consultants to provide a complete picture of the property and the potential opportunities and constraints for the park and preserve.

Public input is key to defining the community’s vision for an accessible park that provides equitable public access, protects and enhances sensitive habitat, and manages fire risk.  

The master planning process will include extensive community engagement to evaluate opportunities and constraints, comment on master plan alternatives, select a preferred master plan, and prepare an environmental permitting document and resource management plan for the park. During the master planning process, in-person surveys and online surveys will be conducted, and meetings will be hosted to discuss the property.  This website is the best resource for information about opportunities for the public to provide input.

A community engagement workshop is being planned. The meet and greet will provide the community an opportunity to get to know the Regional Parks team and the unique Monte Rio Redwoods Regional Park & Open Space Preserve property. The workshop will also provide time and opportunity for the community to ask questions and voice their interests and concerns.

Interim access is being provided to acquaint the public with the property while protecting natural resources and restoring impacted resources. Initial management activities include site cleanup; repair or replacement of existing facilities such as fencing, gates, benches and trails; minor fuel management, and habitat protection and restoration.

Environmental Review

The master plan process includes environmental review in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The environmental document will identify, discuss, and, if needed, include measures to mitigate potential environmental effects associated with implementation recreational facilities and management of facilities and resources. The environmental analyses will evaluate potential environmental impacts such as:

• aesthetics and visual resources
• biological and water resources
• archaeological, historic, and tribal cultural resources
• transportation and public services

Regional Parks will solicit feedback and this website will be updated as additional information becomes available.

Project Timeline

Once the environmental review is complete and the park’s master plan is approved by the Board of Supervisors, we’ll begin to develop precise plans for the approved project elements and apply for permits prior to beginning construction.
As master plan elements are constructed, they will be opened to the public. While construction of some projects in the park may happen in phases, based on available funding, it’s a priority to implement the master plan as soon as it is safely possible, consistent with the Resource Management Plan, Conservation Easement, and Recreational Covenant.
To learn more and provide input, please contact Planner Karen Davis-Brown via email: [email protected]