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Attachment 3 154 Patrick R. Mallett From: Rich Shaw Sent: Thursday, May 14, 2015 1:43 PM To: Patrick R. Mallett Cc: Peter Sandbeck Subject: DEAPR comments: Emerson Waldorf SUP Patrick, Thank you for the opportunity to review and comment on the proposed Class A SUP for the Emerson Waldorf School. The following are comments on behalf of the Department of Environment, Agriculture, Parks and Recreation (DEAPR): Natural Resources There is no significant natural heritage area known to exist on or adjacent to the subject property, however there is a stream that flows through the southernmost parcel (PIN X-1935)that should be protected from any future development activities. The stream appears(from aerial photography)to have forested buffer on both sides and it would be important to maintain (and possibly enhance)those buffers to protect water quality and stream habitats. The northernmost Waldorf properties are in fairly close proximity to a forested riparian corridor along New Hope Creek, which is located about 0.4 mile north of the Waldorf parcel on Gililean Trail. That section of New Hope Creek is identified as a significant wildlife corridor that links other protected open space properties. Maintaining the forest cover on the northernmost Waldorf parcels(as much as feasible)will contribute to the current relatively forested and open space character of that neighborhood,which also provides habitat to plants and wildlife that utilize the New Hope Creek corridor. So no highly significant natural features that I'm aware of; the School and their contractors should just be mindful of the benefits of protecting the stream(s) and maintaining forest cover. Historic and Cultural Resources Based on Peter Sandbeck's review,there are no previously identified historic properties or resources located on those parcels. However,there is a recorded historic farmstead,formally known as the Blackwood Farm (0110432) but now better known as Spence's Farm, located immediately south of the subject property.The Blackwood Farm (PIN 9871634523) property consists of an early house (built c. 1825-50), plus several 19th century log and stone outbuildings, and thus represents a noteworthy agricultural complex from that period.Therefore, any proposed development activity should take into consideration its impact on this adjacent historic resource. Also, given the proximity of the school parcels to the early farmstead, care should be taken to locate, identify and protect any potential human burial sites or cemeteries.The current Cemetery Census map does not show any identified burials on these parcels. Please contact Peter or me if you have any questions. Rich Rich Shaw, Land Conservation Manager Orange County Department of Environment, Agriculture, Parks and Recreation 1