Open Space and Conservation Element

Only areas below are considered part of the General Plan.

Overview

Land devoted to recreation and open space is a key factor in sustaining a desirable and livable community. As cities throughout the region face the increasing demands of population and economic growth, open space, groundwater, farmland, and other systems serve as essential infrastructure. The well-being of these natural systems indicates the importance cities place on the provision of basic services-clean air, available potable water, and power.

Menifee's Open Space and Conservation Element provides direction on how to cultivate and manage these resources in the city, while preserving the rich historical and cultural resources located within the city's boundaries. Taken together with the goals and policies presented elsewhere in this General Plan, particularly in the Land Use, Circulation, and Community Design elements, the City of Menifee can strengthen its already notable open space areas and protect their rich natural and cultural resources for future generations to learn from and enjoy.

Purpose of Element

California state law requires that general plans set forth policies and programs to preserve open space for park and recreation purposes as well as address the comprehensive and long-range preservation of mountains, deserts, floodplains, and other open space areas. In addition, general plans are required to provide guidance related to the protection of habitat and wildlife resources and the responsible conservation and use of minerals, energy, and water. This element provides policy direction for Menifee's parks and open space areas, recreational trails, and the conservation, development, and utilization of the city's natural resources with an overall goal of maintaining the high quality of life Menifee residents have enjoyed for generations, while also preserving and protecting the numerous nonrenewable and unique cultural and historic resources located within the city.

Background

Menifee's parks and recreational facilities, meandering trails, rolling hills, and environmental resources are identifiable features of the community and work together to shape the small town character and lifestyle Menifee residents cherish. Until the city incorporated in October of 2008, Menifee's parks, open space, and natural resources were planned for and managed by Riverside County. Now, through its Open Space and Conservation goals and policies, and in coordination with Valley-Wide Recreation and Park District and the Riverside County Economic Development Agency (who provide park maintenance), the city can define how it wants its parks, open space, and natural resources to be expanded, preserved, and protected. Based on the city's vision and values, Menifee can now chart its own course to best meet the recreation and open space needs of its current and future residents.

The Open Space and Conservation Element covers 8 general topics: parks and recreation, recreational trails, natural landforms, energy and mineral resources, paleontological and cultural resources, agriculture, water resources, and biological resources. To provide context, a brief description of each of these topics is presented alongside the related goal and policies. For more detailed information on each of these issues, please review the Open Space and Conservation Background Documents and Definitions.

Goals

Click on the goal links below to see the policies that are associated with the individual goals identified in this element. Readers should also refer to the Implementation Actions for additional items that must be undertaken by the city to achieve the goals and policies for this element.

  • OSC-1: Parks and Recreation. A comprehensive system of high quality parks and recreation programs that meets the diverse needs of the community.
  • OSC-2: Recreational Trails. A comprehensive network of hiking, biking, and equestrian recreation trails that do not negatively impact the natural environment.
  • OSC-3: Natural Landforms. Undisturbed slopes, hillsides, rock outcroppings, and other natural landforms that enhance the city's environmental setting.
  • OSC-4: Energy and Mineral. Efficient and environmentally appropriate use and management of energy and mineral resources to ensure their availability for future generations.
  • OSC-5: Paleontological and Cultural Resources. Archaeological, historical, and cultural resources that are protected and integrated into the city's built environment.
  • OSC-6: Agriculture. High value agricultural lands available for long-term agricultural production in limited areas of the city.
  • OSC-7: Water. A reliable and safe water supply that effectively meets current and future user demands.
  • OSC-8: Biological. Protected biological resources, especially sensitive and special status wildlife species and their natural habitats.
  • OSC-9: Air Quality. Reduced impacts to air quality at the local level by minimizing pollution and particulate matter.
  • OSC-10: Environmentally Aware Community. An environmentally aware community that is responsive to changing climate conditions and actively seeks to reduce local greenhouse gas emissions.

General Plan Exhibits