Our specific plan land use plan provides for over 80% of the ranch to be preserved. More than 1,700 of our acres are intended to be preserved as ranch and rangelands, allowing for the continuation of the current ranching operations and there will be ample open space throughout the rest of the development. Small, neighborhood “pocket parks” will be cited in appropriate locations, complimenting the larger community park. One such pocket park, tucked into a single family home area, contains a stand of mature Live Oaks and offers a naturalistic setting for passive amenities such as picnic areas, benches, and trails. The larger community park will be developed with both active and passive recreational uses. In addition to ball fields and open play areas, the park facilities will include picnic areas, a playground, trails, benches, tree preserve areas, and parking. The Community Park will be linked to the Village Center, residential areas, and other areas of the Ranch through the proposed trail system and the internal roadway system. The Community Park is intended to be a resource for the recreation, entertainment, and need for diversion of all residents of the Campo/Lake Morena area and will serve as a focal point for civic and community events.
Throughout the Ranch, preservation “principles” such as the ones below will be put into place to ensure that the Star Ranch is a place of nature and beauty for years to come:
·Preserve and enhance the natural environment, which is essential to the preservation of the Campo/Lake Morena rural character
·Ensure that 80% or more of the Specific Plan area will be designated for open space uses including but not limited to agriculture, grazing (cattle ranch), conservation open space, or community or neighborhood parks
·Conserve area groundwater by regulating and metering consumptive use, collecting and treating all wastewater to tertiary levels and utilizing reclaimed water for irrigation of pastures, parks, or common landscaped areas;
·Incorporate sustainable design techniques to conserve natural resources and promote a healthy natural environment. Use low impact concepts, such as vegetated swales, and bio-retention basins to maximize the recharge of storm drain runoff back into the groundwater
·Ensure fire safety through a planned fire protection program and effective fuel management
·Harmonize development with the physical constraints of the site. Preserve important land features such as drainage areas, oak groves, hilltops, and rock outcroppings
·Protect mature oak trees and provide adequate buffers. Provide for relocation or replacement of trees when the removal of specimen oak trees is unavoidable
·Collect seedlings and cultivate new trees in a ranch tree nursery as part of ongoing ranch operations;
·New trees should be planted in clusters patterned after the existing oaks in the area
·Utilize native drought tolerant landscaping where appropriate
·Preserve or mitigate significant archaeological sites and cultural resources for future generations |
