At the intersection of Parker Flats Cut-off and Eucalyptus road is one of a series of 10 native plant reserves that where established by the Army and the California Native Plant society long before Fort Ord was closed in the late 1960’s. When the base closed in the early 1990’s these reserves were put into a legal protection agreement in perpetuity. The proposed alignment for Eastside Parkway cuts through the southern edge of the reserve located at the intersection of Parker Flats Cut-off and Eucalyptus road. Furthermore, it’s clear that construction of such a major roadway would disturb the rest of this protected area. At the 10/11/11 Board of Supervisors meeting, the Board and county staff were presented with this information. It was summarily ignored by the board despite testimony from the public, including Joyce Stevens of the California Native Plant Society. Ms. Stevens was also the base architect for many years on Fort Ord and helped establish the native plant reserves on the base. Referring to the Native Plant Reserve in question, Supervisor Potter said he “wasn’t worried about 45-year old agreements”.
Sadly, the Army may have been more environmentally conscious and forward-looking than our current Board of Supervisors.
October 2011 photos show construction of Eucalyptus Road in background. (Precursor to Eastside Parkway)
More info on the history of Fort Ord Conservation: http://www.cal-ipc.org/resources/news/pdf/newsletters881.pdf
Mockery of the Public Process: Video of the 10/11/11 Board of Supervisors Meeting where Eastside Parkway was approved: http://monterey.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=5&clip_id=1943
