Introduction:

The Meadowview Community Association is very fortunate to have approximately 300 acres of common area in the form of the meadow. Due to changes in climate, demographics, and conservation awareness, now may be a good time to visit the future care of this valuable Meadowview resource. This can not only be financially advantageous for the MCA (Meadowview Community Association), but improve the quality of life for Meadowview residents and increase home values. Already, new developments across the country are planning homes with nearby or incorporated open space areas. Isn’t it wonderful that Meadowview already has this open space available and protected by the MCA?

Elements of Protection (and Preservation):

The common area is already owned and protected by the MCA. While legal advice will be necessary, it does not appear that a legal conservation area need be established, merely a desire and commitment by residents and the MCA to protect this area through a community organization such as Seeing Green, the MCA Preservation Group, or even MCA Native Plant Society.

The meadow has in the past been used for agricultural purposes and is not currently "native", but careful planning by experts, volunteers, and the MCA can begin a process whereby the meadow can be returned over the next 20 to 30 years to its natural state. This will have the added benefit of guaranteeing home values through a stable and desirable place to live. And continued participation in the project of current and future residents will give a feeling of Meadowview as an actual community and not just an address.

Fire safety is of utmost importance. Working with the local officials and fire authorities, MCA can develop a fire safe meadow with fire breaks and natural fire control, such as sheep or goats. This will not only give more natural protection but will save the MCA money and reduce pollution by limiting the amount of motorized vehicles needed to maintain fire control.

We are fortunate to live in California; one of the most forward thinking ecological states in the country. In addition, the current City of Temecula City Council is very conservation minded (as in the quarry debate), and we have at our disposal many local experts in water and land conservation, native plants, wildlife corridors, stress reduction, and improved quality of life. All of these resources can be used to make sure that the meadow can be the top rated preservation area that it deserves to be.

This does not mean that the meadow will not be available for residents to enjoy and use. Quite the contrary; currently there are 10-15 miles of trails for biking, hiking, and horseback riding. That will not change. Also, fitness trails and other recreational activities can be incorporated into the plan at minimal cost to the Association and its members. There can also be land designated outside of the actual preservation areas for more suburban pursuits as golf putting greens, Frisbee, horse stable, etc.

This proposal is specifically designed to reduce overall long term and short term costs to the MCA and its members, while at the same time keeping a little slice of heaven in the middle of a fast growing urban area.

Items of Implementation:

It is suggested that with the recent addition of round pens to the meadow and the hiring of a licensed arborist, now would be a good time for Seeing Green Committee to begin mapping out small acreages within the meadow for initial plantings of Native plants, seating, and general improvements for the relaxation and enjoyment of all residents. Here are some of the initial areas proposed:

• The area around the current water tower – trim two trees and map out planting schedule; add benches
• The round pen at Pina Colada – some work on this area has already begun
• The round pen at Buena Suerte – plant native ceonathus around the pen area and carry the improvements up to the tree at the intersection of Buena Suerte and Avenida Centenario. Put that tree as a priority for trimming by our arborists, evaluate the brush underneath and replace if necessary to incorporate native vegetation. Add benches.
• The area north of Via Norte and near Paseo Sereno. Fence round pen area, plant native plants, add benches and tie ups for horses.
• Nada Lane – this area has been cleared previously. Get with experts to determine what types of plants should replace the current brush.
• The creek area between N. General Kearney and Calle Madero. This area has natural water and would be an excellent place to begin planting some of the larger natives. It is also a place for a lot of our wildlife, such as burrowing owls.

Costs:

The costs for preserving the meadow within Meadowview are actually quite frugal. Native plants take longer to establish, but once established need little or no water, no pesticides, and minimal care. During the first year, they only need deep watering every 7 – 10 days which can be accomplished by the MCA and/or volunteers.

Use of the sheep or goats will not only save money in disking but allow native plants to flourish (yes, these do indeed exist en masse under their brown summer cover) and further reduce the need to buy seeds or plants.

Costs will always be rising in energy, food, housing and we as residents can do little to control this. But by preserving the meadow, our direct costs to the MCA for water, landscape supplies, etc. will initially be greatly reduced and future costs will decline as well.

Proposal:

I am committed to living in Meadowview and keeping its unique quality. Toward that end I will do whatever is needed to help move this process along. I welcome the Board’s support for approval of the concept of a long range commitment to protect the MCA Meadow. Tonight I am asking for approval and endorsement by the Board to designate the Meadow at Meadowview as a conservation area (note: changed to preservation area since this was first presented on the date below), totally maintained and owned by the Association (and its members).

The current logical steps would be:

• Approval of the concept by the Board
• Obtaining volunteers and support of the community
• Planning and procedure with MCA and outside experts
• Long and short term planning up to 20 years
• Support of the city

Thank you.

Jan Austin

July 17, 2007