Type: report

Article abstract: 1.1 INTRODUCTION: OSMP PROCESS AND STRUCTURE The OSMP is the framework plan to implement the Carlsbad Habitat Management Plan (HMP) that was developed, along with the Multiple Habitat Conservation Plan (MHCP), with the input of the wildlife agencies, the Coastal Commission, and the public to establish a process, standards, guidelines, and conditions for long-term conservation and management of the sensitive species and habitats within the north coastal portions of San Diego County. These two documents (HMP and MHCP) provide a regulatory context with which the OSMP must maintain consistency. The purpose of the OSMP is: I. To describe a process and structure for open space management and monitoring in the City of Carlsbad. 2. To identify and describe key open space management issues in the City. 3. To recommend strategies and solutions for effectively handling these open space management issues. 4. To quantify expected management and monitoring costs for implementation of the OSMP. The information and analysis synthesized during the development of this plan was used to help quantify management and monitoring costs in the Open Space Management Funding Analysis, which is contained in Appendix A. This plan was developed with substantial input from the wildlife agencies, key City of Carlsbad staff (Planning Department, Parks Department, and Police Department), interest groups, and the general public. Appendix B includes a list of people and organizations invited to participate . The MHCP is a comprehensive, multiple jurisdictional planning program designed to develop an ecosystem preserve in northwestern San Diego County. Implementation of the regional preserve system is intended to protect viable populations of key sensitive plant and animal species and their habitats, while accommodating continued economic development and quality of life for residents of this north county region. The MHCP is one of several large multiple jurisdictional habitat planning efforts in San Diego County each of which constitutes a subregional plan under the State of California's Natural Community Conservation Planning (NCCP) Act of 1991. The current MHCP study area encompasses approximately 29,962 acres of natural habitat across seven incorporated cities in northwestern San Diego County (Carlsbad, Encinitas, Escondido, Oceanside, San Marcos, Solana Beach, and Vista). These jurisdictions will implement their respective portions of the MH