Goals

1. Goal LU-4 Community Design

   Preservation and enhancement of unique community identities and their relationship with the natural environment

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Policies

1. Policy LU-4.1 Context-sensitive design in the Mountain/Desert regions

   We require new development to employ site and building design techniques and use building materials that reflect the natural mountain or desert environment and preserve scenic resources.

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2. Policy LU-4.4 Natural topography in the Mountain region

   We require new development in the Mountain region to retain natural topography and minimize grading unless it is necessary to reduce exposure to natural hazards.

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3. Policy LU-5.3 Open space for military activity and buffering

   We engage with military installations to preserve open space areas to facilitate military training and operations and to buffer civilian areas from military activity.

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Policies

1. Policy IU-3.3 Recreational use

   We prefer that stormwater facilities be designed and maintained to allow for regional open space and safe recreation use without compromising the ability to provide flood risk reduction.

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2. Policy IU-3.4 Natural floodways

   We retain existing natural floodways and watercourses on County-controlled floodways, including natural channel bottoms, unless hardening and channelization is the only feasible way to manage flood risk. On floodways not controlled by the County, we encourage the retention of natural floodways and watercourses. Our priority is to reduce flood risk, but we also strive to protect wildlife corridors, prevent loss of critical habitat, and improve the amount and quality of surface water and groundwater resources.

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3. Policy IU-5.5 Energy and fuel facilities

   We encourage the development and upgrade of energy and regional fuel facilities in areas that do not pose significant environmental or public health and safety hazards, and in a manner that is compatible with military operations and local community identity.

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Goals

1. Goal NR-3 Open Space, Parks, and Recreation

   A system of well-planned and maintained parks, trails, and open space that provides recreation opportunities for residents, attracts visitors from across the region and around the country, and preserves the natural environment.

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2. Goal NR-5 Biological Resources

   An interconnected landscape of open spaces and habitat areas that promotes biodiversity and healthy ecosystems, both for their intrinsic value and for the value placed on them by residents and visitors.

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Policies

1. Policy NR-3.1 Open space preservation

   We regulate land use and coordinate with public and nongovernmental agencies to preserve open space areas that protect natural resources, function as a buffer against natural hazards or between land uses, serve as a recreation or tourist destination, or are central to the identity of an unincorporated community.

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2. Policy NR-3.2 Residential clustering

   We allow residential development to cluster housing units in order to reduce the consumption of undeveloped land, maximize the amount of open space, preserve natural resources, conform to natural topography/grade, and/or reduce exposure of structures to natural hazards.

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3. Policy NR-3.3 Management of designated areas

   We coordinate with public and nongovernmental agencies to sustainably manage and conserve land within or adjacent to locally-, state-, or federally-designated open space or resource conservation areas.

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4. Policy NR-3.4 Land exchange

   We coordinate with state and federal agencies to exchange publicly owned lands in order to provide additional areas for open space, recreation, and resource protection. We also request the right of first refusal on publicly owned lands made available for purchase to the public.

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5. Policy NR-3.5 Private conservation efforts

   We support nongovernmental organizations and private entities who purchase, own, maintain, and expand areas for conservation and preservation. We also support the voluntary transition of privately held lands within a larger boundary designated by the state or federal government for open space and resource conservation to public ownership.

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6. Policy NR-3.6 Regional park land

   We coordinate with other jurisdictions and agencies to provide regional park land. We prioritize the maintenance and improvement of existing County parks and trails over their expansion or creation of new facilities.

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7. Policy NR-3.7 Regional park revenue

   We generate revenues from County-owned parks and facilities to offset the costs of operation and maintenance. We may also coordinate with local jurisdictions and leverage other resources to support the maintenance and improvement of park and trail facilities.

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8. Policy NR-3.9 Local parks, trails, and recreation

   We support the provision of local and community parks, trails, and recreational programs and facilities in unincorporated areas when a locally-approved funding and financing mechanism is established to pay for acquisition, construction, maintenance, and operations. We encourage unincorporated communities to apply for funding and cooperate with them in their funding applications for local trails that are identified in a non-motorized transportation plan that is accepted or adopted by the County. We also encourage, where feasible, local trails to be separated from vehicular traffic to improve the safety of trail users.

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9. Policy NR-3.10 Joint use facilities

   We promote the creation of joint use facilities for local parks and recreation programs through coordination with the County Flood Control District, local school districts, utilities, and other public agencies.

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10. Policy NR-3.11 Off-highway vehicle areas

    In areas under the County’s land use authority, we require new or expansion of existing commercial off-highway vehicle (OHV) areas to be situated and buffered to minimize effects on nearby residential uses, military activity, and environmentally sensitive areas.

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11. Policy NR-5.1 Coordinated habitat planning

    We participate in landscape-scale habitat conservation planning and coordinate with existing or proposed habitat conservation and natural resource management plans for private and public lands to increase certainty for both the conservation of species, habitats, wildlife corridors, and other important biological resources and functions; and for land development and infrastructure permitting.

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12. Policy NR-5.2 Capacity for resource protection and management

    We coordinate with public and nongovernmental agencies to seek funding and other resources to protect, restore, and maintain open space, habitat, and wildlife corridors for threatened, endangered, and other sensitive species.

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13. Policy NR-5.8 Invasive species

    We require the use of non-invasive plant species with new development and encourage the management of existing invasive plant species that degrade ecological function.

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Related Materials

1. Policy Maps NR-2 Parks and Open Space Resources (PDF | WEB)

Policies

1. Policy HW-3.1 Healthy environments

   We collaborate with other public agencies, not-for-profit organizations, community groups, and private developers to improve the physical and built environment in which people live. We do so by improving such things as walkability, bicycle infrastructure, transit facilities, universal design, safe routes to school, indoor and outdoor air quality, gardens, green space and open space, and access to parks and recreation amenities.

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Policies

1. Policy HZ-1.9 Hazard areas maintained as open space

   We minimize risk associated with flood, geologic, and fire hazard zones or areas by encouraging such areas to be preserved and maintained as open space.

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2. Policy HZ- 3.10 Multi use facilities

   We emphasize coordination efforts for joint use of public and private recreation facilities serving unincorporated environmental justice focus areas. We encourage that newly constructed or substantially remodeled public facilities serving unincorporated environmental justice focus areas be assessed and designed for features and spaces that improve the community’s access to physical activity and/or healthy food options, as feasible and appropriate to the needs of the community.

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1. FOCUS STATEMENT A - Improve the quality of our built environment to enhance community health, safety, neighborhood character, and the image of our business corridors.

   Action Statement A.8

   Create and maintain a healthy forest and forest fuels management program.

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2. FOCUS STATEMENT B - Reduce traffic congestion by improving transit services, roadways and recreational networks for pedestrians and bicyclists, and transit riders.

   Action Statement B.2

   IN PROCESS: Advocate for implementation of the Big Bear Valley Pedestrian, Bicycle, and Equestrian Master Plan in collaboration with partners such as the City of Big Bear Lake, County of San Bernardino Public Works, the Big Bear Valley Trails Foundation, and the Southern California Mountains Foundation and under the leadership of the Big Bear Valley Trails Coordinator.

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3. FOCUS STATEMENT C - Build human capital and promote enterprise, with a focus on environmentally friendly businesses, to strengthen the local economy and provide opportunities for residents and families to be self-reliant.

   Action Statement C.1

   Promote child and youth development, social and civic responsibility, and environmental stewardship by establishing a multigenerational community council with youth in leadership positions to advocate for and support activities that enrich our community and our environment.

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   Action Statement C.5

   Identify barriers to and implement solutions for building environmentally sensitive recreational businesses (including mountain biking, rock climbing, model plane and drone flying, and high-altitude field training) on publicly owned land.

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4. FOCUS STATEMENT D - Become a destination renowned for culture, environment, health, and well-being for people of all ages and abilities.

   Action Statement D.1

   Establish a resource conservation program to designate open space resources, establish a dedicated funding source, and actively promote open space protection through land acquisition, conservation easements, mitigation monitoring, volunteer support, and other similar tools.

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   Action Statement D.2

   Promote family- and eco-friendly tourism that educates people about our natural surroundings, dark skies, and quiet nature.

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1. FOCUS STATEMENT B - Enhance pedestrian safety and mobility along Mentone Boulevard (Highway 38).

   Action Statement B.4

   IN PROCESS: Advocate the development and expansion of pedestrian pathways and trails that connect Mentone to open space areas such as the San Bernardino Mountains and Santa Ana River.

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1. FOCUS STATEMENT B - Develop and improve parks and recreational facilities and services for all ages

   Action Statement B.1

   COMPLETED: Identify recreation needs, including facilities and programs, by working with residents from all age groups and abilities.* *Completed by Rim of the World Recreation and Parks District

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   Action Statement B.2

   IN PROCESS: Identify opportunities for joint-use of underused and vacant facilities to serve recreation needs.* *The Park District has a joint use agreement with the School District for classes.

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   Action Statement B.5

   IN PROCESS: Identify centralized open space/community gathering areas for programming of community events.* *In progress by the Crestline Community Development Alliance and Chamber of Commerce.

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2. FOCUS STATEMENT C - Create affordable outdoor recreation activities that capitalize on the natural environment, attract visitors, and provide entertainment for residents while also reducing the associated impacts to the communities

   Action Statement C.3

   Provide signage, maps, and other informational materials that identify trails and amenities.

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   Action Statement C.4

   Develop programs and marketing materials that educate visitors on the natural environment and importance of its protection in order to foster responsible tourist behavior.

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   Action Statement C.5

   Encourage the establishment of ecotourism businesses.

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3. FOCUS STATEMENT D - Provide a thriving and vibrant local small business environment

   Action Statement D.1

   Attract and retain permanent residents by developing and implementing a marketing campaign to highlight the values of mountain living for young families focusing on education, family values, community, natural environment, and activities.

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   Action Statement D.2

   Establish a marketing plan that focuses on the natural environment and existing tourist attractions and amenities, such as Lake Gregory Regional Park.

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1. FOCUS STATEMENT A - Preserve the desert ecosystem, its natural beauty, and the community’s harmonious relationship with the environment

   Action Statement A.1

   Partner with organizations such as Mojave Desert Land Trust to conserve natural desert habitats and wildlife corridors and to protect native plants and animals.

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   Action Statement A.3

   Develop a master plan to connect existing designated open spaces with Joshua Tree National Park.

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2. FOCUS STATEMENT D - Grow the local economy in a manner consistent with the rural desert character

   Action Statement D.1

   Enhance ecotourism by creating an economic development and marketing strategy that promotes the local environment and associated activities.

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3. FOCUS STATEMENT E - Improve roads and other public infrastructure throughout the community while preserving the desert landscape and rural character

   Action Statement E.1

   Design a trail system for both bicycles and pedestrians, connecting the downtown with surrounding open space and communities.

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   Action Statement E.2

   Establish desert road development standards that downplay the need for urban street improvements such as street lighting, curb and gutter, and sidewalks except as needed for safety.

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1. FOCUS STATEMENT B - Encourage community involvement in civic beautification and maintaining the community’s rural character

   Action Statement B.1

   Establish a community cleanup program utilizing local youth organizations to clean up trash, debris, and weeds in the Muscoy community at least four times a year.

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2. FOCUS STATEMENT C - Improve public and equestrian safety within Muscoy

   Action Statement C.5

   Identify existing and potential horse and pedestrian trails with a community-sponsored wayfinding program.

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1. FOCUS STATEMENT E - Improve open space and recreational opportunities for Helendale residents

   Action Statement E.2

   Establish more walking and multi-use trails within the community including areas such as the wash and the Mojave River.

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1. FOCUS STATEMENT A - Provide economic development opportunities that capitalize on the natural environment, attract visitors, and provide entertainment for residents

   Action Statement A.1

   Establish a marketing strategy to promote the natural environment and associated activities to encourage the eco-tourism businesses (e.g. snow-related, parasailing, off-highway vehicle (OHV) trails, hiking, etc.).

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2. FOCUS STATEMENT C - Improve mobility and reduce vehicle trips through the development of multi-purpose trails that connect key nodes/activity areas within and between the communities

   Action Statement C.2

   IN PROCESS: Identify opportunities to extend existing trails or modify existing trails to serve multiple uses.

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1. FOCUS STATEMENT A - Preserve and enhance the unique environmental features of the Lake Arrowhead Communities and surrounding areas

   Action Statement A.2

   Identify incentives for landowners to maintain undeveloped property as open space.

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2. FOCUS STATEMENT E - Provide economic development opportunities that capitalize on the natural environment, attract visitors, and provide entertainment for residents

   Action Statement E.2

   Investigate opportunities with the Lake Arrowhead Communities Chamber of Commerce, San Bernardino County Special Districts, US Forest Service, and other agencies as appropriate to provide amenities to support visitors to the area such as parking, restrooms, seating areas, open space, and trails that connect key nodes/activity centers.

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3. FOCUS STATEMENT G - Improve public safety within the Lake Arrowhead communities

   Action Statement G.4

   Advocate with the US Forest Service to increase staffing and enforcement of forest lands.

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1. FOCUS STATEMENT B - Manage and improve open space recreational resources.

   Action Statement B.1

   Working with the U.S. Forest Service, provide adequate bilingual signage to instruct people on the rules and regulations in recreating in Lytle Creek Canyon.

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   Action Statement B.3

   Provide canyon recreational site maps and history, recreational, environmental, and other educational materials for canyon visitors and new residents.

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1. FOCUS STATEMENT C - Preserve the historic treasures within the community for future generations

   Action Statement C.2

   Construct community monuments along historic trails and within the community that can be sponsored by businesses and individuals.

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   Action Statement C.3

   Partner with local schools to sponsor student art contests for historic monument and trail wayfinding signage.

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2. FOCUS STATEMENT E - Create or provide a cost-effective approach to developing equestrian trails and trails for non-motorized vehicles.

   Action Statement E.2

   Protect and develop equestrian, walking, bicycle, and multi-use trails using dedicated easements (utility and drainage) or connecting to existing destinations (e.g. parks, trails, etc.).

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1. FOCUS STATEMENT E - Grow the local economy in a manner consistent with the rural character of Homestead Valley

   Action Statement E.2

   Promote the seasonal wildflower blooms in and around Homestead Valley.*

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1. FOCUS STATEMENT A - Preserve the historic western themed rural lifestyle

   Action Statement A.7

   Protect, maintain, and expand open spaces in the community.

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