Page 12 - mrca_robinsnest_2018
P. 12

Provide a detailed description of how the Project helps meet the State’s greenhouse gas emissions reductions targets, including a
               quantification of the metric tons of CO2 or CO2e removed or avoided, and an explanation of the methodology used to quantify
               this figure. As applicable, address the following: How (1) the Project demonstrates a reduction in baseline greenhouse gas
               emissions through carbon sequestration or other innovative techniques or Project designs, such as diverting organic material from
               landfills; (2) the Project acquires, preserves, or restores natural areas at risk of development and quantifiable avoids emissions
               associated with development; (3) the Project implements water saving technologies and techniques to yield quantifiable water and
               energy savings. Such techniques may include the use of drought-efficient landscaping, storm water filtration, impervious surfaces
               and other forms of water capture and storage; (4) the Project contributes to tree canopy cover and/or greenways in urban areas to
               mitigate heat island effects and promote public health and recreation; (5) the Project acquires and/or maintains wildlife corridors
               and linkages to provide connections between areas of undeveloped lands, particularly significant public lands and key habitat
               ecosystems; (6) the Project develops or maintains (or the acquisition provides an opportunity to develop or maintain) multi-use
               trails that connect communities, provides access to public resources and reduced vehicle miles traveled; (7) the Project engages local
               communities through outreach, education, and interpretation regarding long-term stewardship and climate change awareness.

               The Project will reduce greenhouse gas emissions through carbon sequestration:
               The Project will help meet California’s greenhouse gas emissions reductions targets by protecting this
               property, and its rich in riparian vegetation which is particularly effective in carbon sequestration.  The
                                                                                                  10
               Project's 6.13 acres of wetlands also store carbon. A successful acquisition would result in management of the
               property’s vegetation by MRCA, encouraging regeneration and decreasing the risk of wildfires and invasive
               species.

               The Project acquires, preserves, and will restore natural areas at risk of development and quantifiably avoids emissions associated
               with development:
               The Project preserves, and allows for the restoration of this important natural area at risk of development.
               Anticipated emissions related to the development of six homes or operation of an RV resort are significant.
               For example, the nearest amenities (gas station, groceries, etc.) are seven miles from the Robin's Nest
               Property, in the town of Acton. Emissions associated with travel to and from even these closest amenities by
               residents or visitors would be significant over time. As mentioned below, the Project is accordant to the
               Southern California Association of Governments’ 2012-2035 Regional Transportation Plan by preventing
               increased vehicular activity and associated emissions in the area.

               If the property is not conserved, it will likely become an RV and camping resort. Its zoning would also allow
               for up to six new homes (two homes on each of the three legal parcels). The development of these new
               homes would result in approximately 2,010,283 pounds (912 metric tons) of carbon emissions annually,
               which is equivalent to carbon that can be sequestered by 863 acres of United States forests in one year (see
               Appendix A).  The proposed acquisition would help meet the State’s greenhouse gas emissions reduction
               targets by preventing this level of emissions from ever occurring, as the property would be preserved in its
               natural condition.

               Finally, any development on the property will likely utilize existing wells onsite, which will require significant
               amounts of electricity to pump groundwater for residential uses.  Like the well documented water-energy
               nexus at the state level, reduced groundwater pumping on the property will also avoid emissions.

               The Project acquires and/or maintains wildlife corridors and linkages to provide connections between areas of undeveloped lands,
               particularly significant public lands and key habitat ecosystems:
               This Project will provide a vital wildlife linkage between two protected swaths of the Angeles National Forest
               and other public, protected lands. The linkage spans a distance of roughly six miles and the Project site is
               located at the southern edge of this gap, adjacent to the Mojave Rivers Ranger District. The essential habitats
               in the upper Santa Clara watershed, where this property is located, are largely intact, providing breeding sites,


               10  United States Department of Agriculture, “GHG and Carbon Sequestration Ranking Tool.”
               http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detailfull/national/air/?cid=stelprdb1044982



                                                             10
   7   8   9   10   11   12   13   14   15   16   17