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The Markham Ravine Corridor Enhancement Project (MRCEP) MASTERPLAN is Now Being Developed

Bill Plumb

Throughout the past year Foothill Associates has been under contract with the City of Lincoln to oversee the Markham Ravine Corridor Enhancement Project (MRCEP). Their primary task responsibilities during this first year has been to conduct studies analyzing the opportunities and constraints involved as we proceed with the restoration and enhancement of the Markham Ravine, and the development of a multi-use trail system within the ravine.

Thus far, these studies have included surveying, mapping, biological assessments and wetlands delineation. During the next ten months Foothill Associates will be conducting additional environmental documentation as required by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as well as Federal environmental legislation. All of these studies will result in the preparation and adoption of a Mitigated Negative Declaration so that we can then proceed with actual implementation of the Markham Ravine Project.

During this next year Foothill Associates will also prepare the Phase 1 trail system planning documentation, including alignments, grading and design of Markham Ravine trails throughout Foskett Ranch and the adjacent MR areas located to the east of Teal Hollow Drive. This documentation is expected to be completed prior to July, 2006. In preparation for this timetable of events the Lincoln City Council has adopted a $400,000 Markham Ravine Trail System line item expenditure within their 2005-2006 City budget, which was approved on June 14th. Monies are therefore allocated to begin trail construction during this current fiscal year assuming all necessary studies are completed and environmental agencies' clearance has been obtained.

The Foothill Associates has now initiated the development of an MRCEP MASTERPLAN. The MASTERPLAN is a policy document that establishes the planning framework for the future design, implementation, and management of the Markham Ravine. The Goals and Policies in the MASTERPLAN provide specific guidance on critical restoration and trail system implementation issues so that all aspects of the Markham Ravine development and operation will conform to the completed environmental studies and analysis, and will be consistent with the agreed upon MRCEP project concepts.
Draft goals and policies for each of the following nine general topics have been proposed for the MASTERPLAN document, and are presented in the Masterplan related link below.

Natural Resources Protection & Enhancement
Recreational Uses & Programming
Public Safety
Community Awareness, Participation & Service
Financial Resources
Intergovernmental/Interagency Cooperation
Implementation of Improvements
Maintenance & Management of Facilities
Education

The Markham Ravine Neighborhood Committee invites the Lincoln community to participate in the development and refinement of this MASTERPLAN. It is expected that this document will be completed and presented to the City Council in the Fall of 2005. It is scheduled for adoption on November 1st, 2005. The next public opportunity to discuss the MASTERPLAN will be on the agenda of the Markham Ravine Task Force, which will meet on August 10th, 2005. It will take place at the Lincoln City Hall, starting at 6 pm. Please visit the Calendar section of our website for meeting agenda details. We also invite all interested persons to submit written comments to our website email address at webmaster@markhamravine.org. Please visit the related links below for additional information.