RES 87327 - Laserfiche WebLink

for many species of mammals including blacktailed deer, fox, cougar and bobcat. In addition, these lands constitute a prime wintering area for raptors, chipmunk, and mice. It is for these special features that the park attracts groups organized by the City of Pleasanton, Boy Scouts, Chabot College, the Sierra. l~lub, the Green Belt Congress and the Audubon Society. As stated earlier, the property was once a portion of the Golden Cagle Farms ranch, and was used primarily for cattle grazing, wood gathering and hunting. The land is unsuitable for uses beyond these mentioned as it is composed predominately of steep slopes and rock outcrops. Graded fire roads and minor walking trails are the only means of access through the property, and are in surprisingly good condition. They currently provide access for hikers, horseback riders, and, unfortunately, an occasional off-road vehicle. The main fire road is well located with a gentle gradient which affords unique views of the entire valley. From its beglntng at Longview Drive, to its terminus at the summit, there are several wash-outs and locations of soil creep and water seepage which can be dlrectly attributable to poor drainage and neglected culverts. Generally, there are few isolated locations where slopes are below 15 percent. Some of these are presently supporting unauthorized uses such as motocross and primitive camping and are probable contributers to park deterioration. For camping and day use purposes, these locations are in adequate condition, and will only require the clean-up and clearing of old barbed-wire fences. It is the recommendation o~ this Master Plan that these level locations be reserved for interpretation or serve as areas for passive recreation or resting spots for hikers as they make their way to upper portions of the perk. A six inch water line runs from a City-owned steel water tank west o~ the site to EBRPD land along the ridgeline. In one o~ the large meadows a spigot has been connected to this line and serves a watering trough for livestock. The overflow from the trough fills a small pond lower in the meadow. This pond is an interesting visual element in the landscape and it also supports limited mquatlc life. The water line along the ridge offers the potential for further connections that would enhance use of the park by providing drin~lng water for hikers. Another water tank lower on the slte near the Longview entrance might also provide a water connection, although the lower elevation of this tank limits its potential utility. The park was also the site of a microwave tower which stood on the highest peak. Remnants of the tower's concrete foundations can still be found on the summit. Its removal opened up the most scenic point in the park with panoramic views of Sunol Ridge and the City of Pleasanton. - 5 -