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services when any special status species is seen -such as when a California Tiger <br />Salamander was observed on the site. Wetlands Research Associates may also use its <br />professional expertise to modify the intensity and timing of grazing to take into account <br />seasonal variations in rainfall, grass propagation, and other factors. The lessee must <br />comply with such direction within 72 hours of being advised of any needed <br />modifications, including reducing the number of cattle below 22, or shortening the time <br />period when grazing is allowed. <br />Because the lessee owns property directly adjacent to the proposed pastures, the cattle <br />do not need to be transported to the site via Happy Valley neighborhood streets, or <br />service roads on the golf course. This adjacency also allows for a faster response to <br />any changes in grazing required by the consulting rangeland manager (for example, if it <br />is determined that fewer than 22 cattle should be on site, the lessee can easily move <br />cattle back to his adjacent property). <br />At this time, the pastures proposed to be leased require capital improvements to <br />upgrade the fence posts and wire on the far eastern side of the property to properly <br />contain cattle. The terms of the proposed lease require the lessee to undertake these <br />improvements at his expense, and maintain all fencing throughout the term of the lease. <br />The proposed lease has a five (5) year term, with no rent charged for the first three (3) <br />years in recognition of both the required capital improvements, as well as the significant <br />grazing restrictions. For the fourth and fifth years of the lease, it is proposed that the <br />lessee be charged one-half of the animal unit month (A.U.M.) rate charged by the San <br />Francisco Public Utilities Commission for its watershed properties leased for grazing in <br />Alameda County. This is expected to generate about $1,000 per year. The proposed <br />A.U.M. rate reflects the many restrictions on the use of the pastures, as well as the <br />uncertainty arising from the ability of the consulting rangeland manager to modify the <br />number of cattle and time period when grazing is allowed. <br />As the pastures are adjacent to active golf course play areas, and crossed by the City's <br />hiking and equestrian trail, the terms of the proposed lease require the lessee to <br />acknowledge impacts to the cattle that might arise from stray golf balls, golf course <br />irrigation and fertilization, hikers, and other public access into the leased area. <br />Additionally, in conjunction with the consulting rangeland manager, the City's Parks <br />Maintenance Superintendent may delay the lessee's ability to start grazing the leased <br />area if a particularly wet winter has left the hiking trail subject to extensive erosion from <br />cattle. <br />Submitted by: <br />James W. Wolfe <br />Director of Parks & <br />Community Services <br />~ ~~ <br />Michael Roush <br />City Attorney <br />Attachment: 1. Proposed Grazing Lease <br />Fiscal Review: <br />avi P. ulver <br />Finance Director <br />Ap ov d y: <br />Nelson Fi Iho <br />City Manager <br />Page 3 of 3 <br />