Title
Receive a report on Monterey County Parks climate change and greenhouse gas reduction strategies.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended the Monterey County Parks Commission receive a report on Monterey County Parks climate change and greenhouse gas reduction strategies.
SUMMARY:
At the August 9, 2022, regularly scheduled Monterey County Parks Commission meeting, Commissioner Tibbs requested a report from Staff regarding Monterey County Parks efforts to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
DISCUSSION:
As stewards of the environment, Monterey County Parks, is actively researching and implementing ways to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from within Parks operations as well as with our vendors and visitors.
Park operations currently rely heavily on gas and diesel powered vehicles, heavy equipment, boats and power tools to provide for safe and well-maintained facilities. The County of Monterey also owns the world renowned WeatherTech® Raceway at Laguna Seca and rifle and pistol range, both of which present unique challenges in combating pollution and environmental concerns.
In addition, our park visitors generate greenhouse emissions from traveling to and from the parks, while boating, and with campfires and barbeques. Parks is aware of the catch-22 situation we are faced with and are researching and implementing effective strategies to reduce our carbon footprint. While we cannot fully do away with fossil fuels due to current limitations with equipment manufacturers, Parks is looking for ways to offset pollution generation.
Below is a list of key strategies that Parks is currently working on:
- Replacement of two-stroke equipment with cleaner four-stroke equipment such as generators and outboard motors
- Purchase of electric golf carts, UTVs and bikes for use by Rangers and Building and Grounds staff
- Replacement of aged heavy polluters such as dump trucks, bulldozers and other equipment
- Replacement of fossil fuel vehicles with electric vehicles
- Use of bio-engineered fuels when applicable and available
- Purchase of maintenance equipment such as mowers that have specialized emissions equipment
- Planting of drought resistant trees and shrubs for carbon sequestration
- Replacement of standard plumbing and lighting fixtures with automated/timed fixtures
- Installation of solar charging stations
- Energy efficiency audits and programs to replace high energy consumption equipment
- Working with vendors that have sustainability programs in place
- Purchase of compost and mulch for distribution to the community to comply with California Senate Bill 1383 and Assembly Bill 1985
- Green/food waste recycling
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Monterey County Parks is working closely and cooperatively with the County Sustainability Program and taking part in the Climate Action Plan development.
FINANCING:
Funding for replacement costs of vehicles and equipment will be needed, fortunately, many grants and rebate programs are available. Parks is working with the Sustainability Program to help identify funding sources.
Prepared by: Bryan Flores, Chief of Parks
Approved by: Randell Ishii, MS, PE, TE, PTOE, Director of Public Works, Facilities, & Parks