To: Sonoma County Board of Supervisors
Department or Agency Name(s): Sonoma County Regional Parks
Staff Name and Phone Number: Elizabeth Tyree, 707-565-2575
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): Second
Title:
Title
Tolay Gathering Area - Cultural, Community, and Natural Resources Grant
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Recommended Action:
Recommended action
Adopt a resolution authorizing the Director of Regional Parks to apply for the Cultural, Community, and Natural Resources grant program in the amount of $389,850 for Tolay Gathering Area and to execute all documents which may be necessary to carry out and administer the grant.
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Executive Summary:
Regional Parks is seeking $389,850 for the Tolay Gathering Area (“Project”), a Tolay Lake Regional Park improvement project identified in the recently adopted Master Plan. The Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria and Regional Parks are working collaboratively on developing educational materials for the public about Tolay Lake Regional Park’s (“Park”) natural and cultural history. The Tolay Gathering Area will create the space for outdoor education with a presentation and performance space. The Project is located in the Park Complex where much of the park development described in the Master Plan will occur.
Discussion:
Regional Parks is requesting the Board’s support and authority to apply for $389,850 from the California Natural Resources Agency’s Cultural, Community, and Natural Resources grant program to construct the Tolay Gathering Area. Should this funding be awarded, construction is anticipated to be complete in 2021 or early 2022.
Tolay Lake Regional Park is a natural treasure. The Master Plan and the Environmental Impact Report were approved in October 2018. The Master Plan includes development of an outdoor classroom area and a stage, or heenup tuliila (teaching circle) in the Coast Miwok language. The Project will create the space for outdoor education with a presentation and performance space in the meadow overlooking the Willow Pond in the Park Complex.
The heenup tuliila or the Tolay Gathering Area is a co-management project between the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria (FIGR) and Regional Parks. This Project includes a covered stage, campfire ring and formal seating encircled by informal seating in an amphitheater setting. The Project will provide a water permeable and accessible path of travel from existing disabled access parking and restroom to all elements within the Project area. The upper meadow would include nodes nested in planter/seat walls that provide a canvas for art by area youth. Nodes create a space for teaching or for environmental-education vendors that support events such as the annual Tolay Fall Festival. The Project also includes eucalyptus removal and restoration plantings. Complementing the Project, access to programs would be enhanced with event public shuttle service from Petaluma and for Tribal youth provided by FIGR.
With Proposition 68 funding, the California Natural Resources Agency launched the Cultural, Community, and Natural Resources competitive grant for projects that protect, restore, and enhance California’s cultural, community and natural resources. With Tolay Lake Regional Parks’ significance as a tribal cultural landscape, a pre-historic and historic site, and with an abundance of natural resources needing restoration, Regional Parks collaborated with FIGR. The resulting Tolay Gathering Area concept proposal was submitted for State evaluation in February 2019. In August, the Resources Agency requested a full application, including a resolution authorizing grant application submittal and appointing the Director of Regional Parks as agent to conduct all negotiations, execute and submit all documents which may be necessary for the completion of the Project.
Following construction, ongoing Tolay operations and maintenance costs are anticipated to increase for maintaining the improved facility. Increased operations and maintenance costs for Tolay are identified as an expenditure from Parks Measure M. This measure also provides Tolay programming funding that would make use of this new venue.
Prior Board Actions:
June 11, 2019 received the County of Sonoma Capital Project Plan 2019-2024, including subject Tolay Lake Regional Park Gathering Area project.
October 9, 2018 by Resolution No. 18-424 certified an Environmental Impact Report and adopted the Tolay Lake Regional Park Master Plan.
Fiscal Summary
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Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
There is no fiscal impact to this item. If the grant application is approved, this funding and the related expenditures will be included in the FY 2019-2020 budget. Matching funds will be allocated from funds already dedicated to this project.
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Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
None
Attachments:
Resolution
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
None