Coast Corridor

Draft Program EIS/EIR 3.7 Agricultural and Forest Resources

3.7-1

3.7 AGRICULTURAL AND FOREST RESOURCES

This section describes agricultural and forest lands in the study area, and estimates 

the potential for the alternatives to result in the conversion of such lands into nonagricultural uses. 

3.7.1 REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS

Federal 

Farmland Protection Policy Act

The Farmland Protection Policy Act was implemented to minimize the extent to 

which federal activities contribute to the unnecessary and irreversible conversion of 

farmland to non-agricultural use. Federal agencies are required under the FPPA1

and its regulations,2to coordinate with the National Resource Conservation Service 

(NRCS) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) prior to taking or 

approving any federal action that may irreversibly convert farmland to 

nonagricultural use. 

In accordance with the NRCS and per section 1541(b) of the FPPA,

3

federal agencies

are required to examine potential direct and indirect effects to farmland of a 

proposed action and its alternatives before approving any activity that would 

convert farmland to non-agricultural use. To the extent practicable, policies and 

plans must be made compatible with state, local, and private policies and programs 

that have been established to protect farmland.

4

Protected farmland is usually divided into three classifications: prime farmland, 

unique farmland, and farmland of statewide or local importance. Classification 

standards may differ across state lines; each state may set its own criteria for 

classification in each category. 

 

1

FPPA, 7 USC § 4201 et seq.

2

7 CFR Part 658

3

7 USC 4202(b)

4

7 CFR Section 658.1
Coast Corridor

3.7 Agricultural and Forest Resources Draft Program EIS/EIR

3.7-2

The following types of land are exempted from the FPPA and its associated 

procedures:

 Soil types determined not suitable for crops, such as rocky terrain or sand dunes 

(although some such federally-owned lands may be eligible for a grazing 

agreement from the Bureau of Land Management);

 Sites where the right-of-way for a project is located entirely within a delineated 

urban area and the project requires no prime or unique farmland, nor any 

farmland of statewide or local importance; and 

 Farmland that has already been converted to industrial, residential, commercial 

or is used for recreational activity.

United States Forest Service (USFS)

The existing railroad right of way travels through a portion of the Los Padres 

National Forest north of the Cuesta Grade. The right-of-way is on land within the 

boundary of the National Forest, but the land is not owned by the USFS. The Forest 

and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act (RPA) as amended by the 

National Forest Management Act (NFMA), establishes a process for developing, 

amending, and revising land management plans for National Forests. 

State

Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program

The California Department of Conservation maintains the Farmland Mapping and 

Monitoring Program (FMMP), a statewide inventory of California’s agricultural 

resources. The FMMP produces maps and statistical data that rate land according 

to soil quality and irrigation status. The FMMP also tracks changes in the use and 

designation of agricultural lands. 

The FMMP classifies farmland according to categories established by the USDA, but 

based on California criteria: prime farmland, farmland of statewide importance, 

unique farmland, and farmland of local importance.5

Prime farmland refers to land with the best combination of physical and chemical 

properties to sustain long-term production of agricultural crops. This land has the 

soil quality, growing season, and moisture supply needed to produce sustained high 

 

5

Cities and counties within the study area may identify additional categories of farmland, but these are 

not indexed within the FMMP.
Coast Corridor

Draft Program EIS/EIR 3.7 Agricultural and Forest Resources

3.7-3

yields. Land with this designation must have been used for production of irrigated 

crops at some point during the four years prior to the mapping date. Land must 

meet a set of criteria set by the NRCS.

Farmland of statewide importance is similar to prime farmland but exhibits minor 

shortcomings, such as steeper slopes or less ability to store moisture in the soil. 

Farmland of statewide importance also must have been used for production of 

irrigated crops at some time during the four years prior to the mapping date. 

Unique farmland is composed of lesser quality soil than prime farmland or farmland 

of statewide importance. Unique farmland is used for the production of the state’s 

leading agricultural crops. This land is usually irrigated but may include nonirrigated orchards or vineyards found in some climatic zones of California. Unique 

farmland must have been used for production of crops at some time during the four 

years prior to the mapping date. 

Farmland of local importance is defined by each county government. Monterey 

County has chosen not to implement such a definition, so there is no farmland of 

local importance in Monterey County. In San Luis Obispo County, lands that meet

all of the characteristics of prime or statewide importance, with the exception of 

irrigation, are simultaneously designated as farmland of local importance. 

The FMMP also maintains a database of lands suitable for grazing. California 

Government Code §65570(b)(3) defines grazing land as "...land on which the 

existing vegetation, whether grown naturally or through management, is suitable 

for grazing or browsing of livestock." Whereas the designations of prime, unique, 

and locally/statewide important farmland are contingent upon the active or recent 

use of lands in agricultural activities, lands identified by FMMP as suitable for 

grazing need not be actively grazed. 

Williamson Act

The California Land Conservation Act of 1965, also known as the Williamson Act, 

established a tax incentive for the voluntary enrollment of agricultural and open 

space lands in contracts between local government and landowners.

6

 The 

agreement ensures the land will be maintained for agriculture and open space and 

other compatible uses, as defined by state law and local ordinances. In areas where 

agricultural lands interface with growing suburban or urban development, 

Williamson Act contracts are a means of ensuring the long term financial viability of

 

6

California Government Code Sections 51200 to 51295
Coast Corridor

3.7 Agricultural and Forest Resources Draft Program EIS/EIR

3.7-4

agricultural uses. Without a Williamson Act contract, the taxable basis of 

agricultural lands on the urban fringe can increase to such an extent that 

agricultural operations become economically infeasible for the landowner. 

Williamson Act contracts remain valid for a period of ten years. By default, the 

contract is renewed each year for the next ten years, unless the landowner or local 

government files to initiate nonrenewal. After ten years, the contract terminates 

with the filing of a notice of nonrenewal. Under limited circumstances and 

conditions, Williamson Act contracts may also be terminated upon petition of the 

landowner.7 Termination proceedings require the approval of the local government 

legislative body, such as the City Council or County Board of Supervisors. 

The State of California has an additional regulation to guide the public acquisition of 

and/or location of public improvements on lands under Williamson Act contracts.

8

 

These policies discourage the use of such lands for public improvements and require 

due consideration before any such lands can be acquired for any public purpose. 

It should be noted that cancellation or non-renewal of a Williamson Act contract (or 

portion thereof) is not considered a physical environmental impact under either 

CEQA or NEPA. Rather, the use of land under Williamson Act contracts for 

implementation of proposed project improvements would pose a potential conflict 

with State of California policy. California Government Code § 51290-51295 

discourages the conversion of land under an agricultural preserve to nonagricultural public use. 

Local

Monterey County General Plan

The Agricultural Element of the Monterey County General Plan contains policies to 

enhance and support long-term productivity and commercial viability of the 

County’s agricultural industry. It provides guidance for the treatment of agricultural 

land to ensure that land use policies do not inappropriately limit or constrain 

“routine and ongoing agricultural activities.” The plan also includes measures 

designed to strength the County’s Right-to-Farm Ordinance, which is designed to 

protect farmers from the pressure of urban development.

 

7

Government Code §51280 et seq.

8

GC § 51290-51295
Coast Corridor

Draft Program EIS/EIR 3.7 Agricultural and Forest Resources

3.7-5

The Monterey County Agricultural and Historical Land Conservancy manages more 

than 15,000 acres in the County, acquiring agricultural easements by gift or through 

direct purchase from landowners. 

San Luis Obispo County General Plan

The Agriculture element of the San Luis Obispo County General Plan provides a 

description of the main types and uses of agricultural land in the county, as well as a 

set of policies, goals, and objectives for each land-type. The element comprises 

numerous protective policies for supporting production and maintaining diverse and 

abundant agricultural lands in San Luis Obispo County.

3.7.2 METHODS OF EVALUATION

For the purposes of this analysis, an adverse impact to farmland or forestland 

resources would occur if an action alternative would directly or indirectly: 

 Convert to nonagricultural use any prime farmland, farmland of statewide 

importance, or unique farmland, as shown on the maps prepared pursuant to 

the FMMP of the California Resources Agency.

 Sever farmland by the placement of barriers that impede farmland access which 

could result in the creation of non-economic remnant parcels and/or conversion 

of farmland to a nonagricultural use.

 Result in the loss of forest land or conversion of forest land to non-forest use.

 Convert to nonagricultural use any land under a Williamson Act Contract.

This analysis used GIS to compute acreage of various protected farmland 

classifications involved with the proposed improvements. To determine the 

quantity of protected farmland in the Corridor, California Department of 

Conservations Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program was used. United States 

Forest Service Land Ownership was also used to determine acreages of National 

Forest lands within the Corridor. The study area for both agricultural and forest 

resources includes all permanent and temporary footprints for each proposed 

realignment, siding, track/signal, and second mainline upgrade. Permanent and 

temporary impact footprints were defined in GIS as discussed below. 

The acreage of lands that would be affected under a Williamson Act Contract was 

not calculated for this program-level analysis. Williamson Act Contracts change over 

time and as such should be evaluated in detail when and if any elements of the Build 

Alternative are carried forward for further design and potential construction. 
Coast Corridor

3.7 Agricultural and Forest Resources Draft Program EIS/EIR

3.7-6

Construction-Period Effects

Construction of the physical improvements contemplated under the Build 

Alternative would involve the use of temporary construction areas to park 

construction equipment, store supplies, and otherwise serve as construction staging 

areas. If any such areas are located on farmland or forest land resources, the use of 

such lands for construction staging could temporarily alter the land use to a 

nonagricultural use. Such areas would eventually be returned/restored to preconstruction conditions. 

Given that detailed engineering designs are not available at this time, the 

construction period impacts associated with new sidings and siding extensions was 

assumed to include a 50 foot buffer on either side of the existing ROW. 

Construction period impacts associated with the second mainline include a footprint 

of 100 feet on either side of the existing ROW, and for curve realignments the 

temporary impact footprint includes 200 feet on either side of the existing ROW. 

These buffers are intended to capture indirect effects of any potential construction.

Operational Effects

Permanent impacts to farmland or forest resources would occur with the conversion 

of such resources to non-agricultural uses, such as conversion to a new station, rail 

realignment, siding, track/signal upgrade, or second mainline. Given that detailed 

engineering design is not available at this time, potential permanent impacts 

associated with curve realignments are assumed to occur up to in an area 100 feet 

beyond the potential new realigned rail centerline.

3.7.3 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT

The existing Coast Corridor railroad between Salinas and San Luis Obispo traverses 

extensive areas of land in agricultural use. Agriculture and viticulture are 

economically important industries in both Monterey and San Luis Obispo counties. 

Agriculture is the largest land use by acreage in Monterey County. The northern 

end of the study area between Salinas and King City is bordered on both sides by 

agricultural lands. Major crops include salad greens, broccoli, artichokes, spinach, 

and strawberries.

9

 The agricultural lands in this region are classified as 

predominately Prime Farmland, Farmland of Statewide Importance, and Unique 

Farmland. 

 

9

City of Salinas, 2002, Section 5.9
Coast Corridor

Draft Program EIS/EIR 3.7 Agricultural and Forest Resources

3.7-7

South of King City agricultural uses transition to vineyards and grazing land,

including areas of the Santa Lucia Mountains to the west and the Cholame Hills and 

Diablo range to the east. Prime Farmland, Farmland of Statewide Importance, and 

Unique Farmland is also present in this region to San Ardo. Grazing land dominates 

from San Ardo south to the San Luis Obispo County line.

San Luis Obispo County also has rich agriculture and extensive viticulture. The top 

value crops in 2011 included strawberries, wine grapes, cattle and calves, and 

broccoli.10 Agricultural uses along the study area are mixed and concentrated 

around Paso Robles. They include Prime Farmland, Farmland of Statewide 

Importance, Unique Farmland, Grazing Land, Farmland of Local Importance, and 

Farmland of Local Potential. Agricultural lands in this area run adjacent to US 101 

and the railroad for approximately 20 miles. Wine grapes dominate the agricultural 

landscape both in greater Paso Robles and adjacent areas. Other crops, such as 

barley, oats, wheat, apples, walnuts, pistachios, and almonds are also cultivated in 

the area.11 

South of Paso Robles, agricultural uses decline in their abundance and density

particularly through suburban communities like Atascadero. Some grazing lands dot 

the landscape. South-facing slopes surrounding Atascadero are home to chaparral 

vegetation, willows, sycamores, bay laurel, and cottonwoods.12

South of Atascadero the existing Coast Corridor railroad traverses approximately a 2 

mile portion of the Los Padres National Forest near the Cuesta Grade area of San 

Luis Obispo County. This portion of the National Forest is comprised largely of oak 

woodlands and is the only densely forested area through which the 130 mile rail line 

travels between Salinas and San Luis Obispo. The Los Padres National Forest 

Strategic Plan indicates that the mountains and the US 101 corridor in this region 

are particularly suited for special uses, including the existing railroad line and 

adjacent agricultural/ranching uses.

13

 Exiting Los Padres National Forest, the 

railroad the railroad negotiates the sharp hillside with a few sharp turns until 

entering the city of San Luis Obispo. Figures 3.7-1 and 3.7-2 depict farmlands within 

the study area.

 

10 County of San Luis Obispo Department of Agriculture Weights and Measures, 2011 

11 City of El Paso de Robles, 2003, Open Space Element

12 City of Atascadero, 2002

13 USDA, 2005 
Coast Corridor

3.7 Agricultural and Forest Resources Draft Program EIS/EIR

3.7-8

3.7.4 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES

No Build Alternative

The No Build Alternative represents the continuation of existing freight and 

passenger rail operations along existing physical components between Salinas and 

San Luis Obispo. The only physical improvement expected under the No Build 

Alternative would be the installation of positive train control (PTC). No specific 

plans have been identified, but anticipated PTC related improvements outside trainbased equipment would most likely take the form of communications apparatus (i.e. 

antennas, signal upgrades). Such improvements are anticipated to be placed within 

the existing railroad right-of-way and would thus be assumed to have minimal or no 

effect upon agricultural uses adjacent to the railroad right-of-way. 

Between today and 2040, agricultural lands in the project corridor could be 

converted to other uses as a result of proposed population growth, transportation 

improvement projects, and other economic changes in the Coast Corridor region. 

The Monterey County General Plan EIR projects that buildout of the General Plan 

could result in the conversion to non-agricultural uses of almost 5,500 acres of 

Important Farmland and about 6,800 acres of land under Williamson Act contracts.

14

 

Some farmland conversion is also anticipated in San Luis Obispo County, but very 

little Prime Farmland conversion is expected in either county, owing to strong 

farmland protection measures each county has adopted. 

Build Alternative

Construction-Period Effects 

During construction, lands adjacent to areas of proposed improvements could be 

used for construction access. Consequently, some disruption of agricultural uses 

could occur. Such disruption would be most likely to occur due to grading and other 

ground disturbing activities that could result in increased dust levels, which could in 

turn hinder successful farming activities. Construction may also require temporary 

staging areas outside the railroad right-of-way, including on lands in agricultural use. 

Table 3.7-1 below shows potential temporary impacts to farmland resulting from 

the Build Alternative improvements.

 

14 County of Monterey, 2006, p. 4.2-1
Coast Corridor

Draft Program EIS/EIR 3.7 Agricultural and Forest Resources

3.7-9

Table 3.7-1 Construction-Period Effects of Project Improvements to Farmlands 

(in acres)

Build 

Alternative 

Components

Prime 

Farmland

Unique 

Farmland

Farmland of 

Statewide 

Importance

Farmland of 

Local Potential 

and/or 

Importance

Grazing 

Land

Salinas Powered 

Switch 0 0 0 0 0

Upgrades to 

Existing Alignment 

Section #1 

0 0 0 0 0

Spence Siding 

Extension 5 2 14 0 0

Upgrades to 

Existing Alignment 

Section #2 

0 0 0 0 0

Gonzales Powered 

Switch 0 0 0 0 0

Soledad Powered 

Switch 0 0 0 0 0

Soledad New 

Passenger Station 0 0 0 0 0

Harlem/Metz Curve 

Realignments 96 9 14 0 40

Chalone Creek New 

Siding 7 0 4 0 10

Upgrades to 

Existing Alignment 

Section #3

0 0 0 0 0

Coburn Curve 

Realignments 67 11 10 0 21

King City Siding 

Extension 6 0 0 0 3

King City New 

Passenger Station 0 0 0 0 0

King City Powered 

Switch 0 0 0 0 0
Coast Corridor

3.7 Agricultural and Forest Resources Draft Program EIS/EIR

3.7-10

Build 

Alternative 

Components

Prime 

Farmland

Unique 

Farmland

Farmland of 

Statewide 

Importance

Farmland of 

Local Potential 

and/or 

Importance

Grazing 

Land

Upgrades to 

Existing Alignment 

Section #4

0 0 0 0 0

MP 165 Curve 

Realignment 23 5 0 0 15

San Lucas New 

Siding 1 0 0 0 18

Upgrades to 

Existing Alignment 

Section #5

0 0 0 0 0

MP 172 Track 

Realignment 79 3 0 0 14

San Ardo Powered 

Switch 0 0 0 0 0

Getty/Bradley 

Curve Realignments 0 0 0 0 73

Bradley Siding 

Extension 0 0 0.5 0 29

Bradley Powered 

Switch 0 0 0 0 0

Upgrades to 

Existing Alignment 

Section #6

0 0 0 0 0

Upgrades to 

Existing Alignment 

Section #7

0 0 0 0 0

McKay/ Wellsona 

Curve Realignments 0 0 0 69 24

McKay East 

Powered Switches

0 0 0 0 0

Wellsona New 

Siding 3 0 0.5 5 6
Coast Corridor

Draft Program EIS/EIR 3.7 Agricultural and Forest Resources

3.7-11

Build 

Alternative 

Components

Prime 

Farmland

Unique 

Farmland

Farmland of 

Statewide 

Importance

Farmland of 

Local Potential 

and/or 

Importance

Grazing 

Land

Upgrades to 

Existing Alignment 

Section #8

0 0 0 0 0

Wellsona/ Paso 

Robles Curve 

Realignments

4 0 7 8 0

Templeton Siding 0 0 0 12 5

Templeton/ Henry 

Curve Realignments 0 0 0 0 0

Upgrades to 

Existing Alignment 

Section #9

0 0 0 0 0

Henry/Santa 

Margarita Curve 

Realignment

0 0 0 95 8

Santa Margarita

Powered Switch 0 0 0 0 0

Cuesta Second 

Main Track 0 0 0 5 20

Upgrades to 

Existing Alignment 

Section #10

0 0 0 0 0

Totals 290 31 51 194 286

Source: ICF, 2013.

The only forest lands in the Salinas to San Luis Obispo corridor occur near the Cuesta 

Grade area immediately north of the City of San Luis Obispo. The only proposed 

improvement in this area is the second mainline, which is proposed from southern 

Santa Margarita towards the Cuesta Grade. Review of aerial mapping indicates that 

the area of the proposed second mainline is along private inholdings within the 

boundaries of the Los Padres National Forest. These inholdings are in a variety of 

uses, including public utilities (the Santa Margarita Booster Station), and the railroad 

right-of-way. The railroad passes through a forested area here as it climbs the 
Coast Corridor

3.7 Agricultural and Forest Resources Draft Program EIS/EIR

3.7-12

Cuesta Grade. The precise location of the second mainline has not yet been 

determined but the conservative buffer area assumed herein indicates the potential 

for construction of the second mainline to potentially require tree 

removal/clearance of forest lands.15

Operational Effects

Operational effects would result from the conversion of farmland to some other use 

in perpetuity. In this case, it would result from the footprint of the proposed 

improvements requiring the acquisition of farmland.

Many of the components envisioned under the Build Alternative would be 

constructed within existing railroad right-of-way, such as rail/track upgrades, signal 

upgrades, and powered switches. As such, no land outside the existing railroad 

right-of-way would be permanently converted.

Similarly, no permanent impacts to agricultural or forest resources are expected to 

occur from the proposed new passenger stations, as both station sites are within 

the urbanized downtown areas of Soledad and King City. 

For those components requiring land outside of the existing railroad right-of-way, 

such as curve realignments, new sidings and sidings extensions, and the second 

mainline, Table 3.7-2 below quantifies potential permanent impacts to farmland.

Table 3.7-2 Operational Effects of Project Improvements to Farmlands (in 

acres)

Build 

Alternative 

Components

Prime 

Farmland

Unique 

Farmland

Farmland of 

Statewide 

Importance

Farmland of 

Local Potential 

and/or 

Importance

Grazing 

Land

Salinas Powered 

Switch 0 0 0 0 0

Upgrades to 

Existing Alignment 

Section #1 

0 0 0 0

Spence Siding 

Extension 4 0.5 13 0 0

 

15 Construction-period impacts associated with the second mainline include a footprint of 100 feet on 

either side of the existing railroad right-of-way.
Coast Corridor

Draft Program EIS/EIR 3.7 Agricultural and Forest Resources

3.7-13

Build 

Alternative 

Components

Prime 

Farmland

Unique 

Farmland

Farmland of 

Statewide 

Importance

Farmland of 

Local Potential 

and/or 

Importance

Grazing 

Land

Upgrades to 

Existing Alignment 

Section #2 

0 0 0 0 0

Gonzales Powered 

Switch 0 0 0 0 0

Soledad Powered 

Switch 0 0 0 0 0

Soledad New 

Passenger Station 0 0 0 0 0

Harlem/Metz Curve 

Realignments 28 2 4 0 6

Chalone Creek New 

Siding 2 0 3 0 8

Upgrades to 

Existing Alignment 

Section #3

0 0 0 0 0

Coburn Curve 

Realignments 22 1 4 0 1

King City Siding 

Extension 4 0 0 0 2

King City New 

Passenger Station 0 0 0 0 0

King City Powered 

Switch 0 0 0 0 0

Upgrades to 

Existing Alignment 

Section #4

0 0 0 0 0

MP 165 Curve 

Realignment 7 1 0 0 2

San Lucas New 

Siding 0 0 0 0 18
Coast Corridor

3.7 Agricultural and Forest Resources Draft Program EIS/EIR

3.7-14

Build 

Alternative 

Components

Prime 

Farmland

Unique 

Farmland

Farmland of 

Statewide 

Importance

Farmland of 

Local Potential 

and/or 

Importance

Grazing 

Land

Upgrades to 

Existing Alignment 

Section #5

0 0 0 0 0

MP 172 Track 

Realignment 20 1 0 0 4

San Ardo Powered 

Switch 0 0 0 0 0

Getty/Bradley 

Curve Realignments 0 0 0 0 18

Bradley Siding 

Extension 0 0 0.1 0 50

Bradley Powered 

Switch 0 0 0 0 0

Upgrades to 

Existing Alignment 

Section #6

0 0 0 0 0

Upgrades to 

Existing Alignment 

Section #7

0 0 0 0 0

McKay/ Wellsona 

Curve Realignments 0 0 0 20 5

McKay East 

Powered Switches 0 0 0 0 0

Wellsona New 

Siding 3 0 0.1 4 6

Upgrades to 

Existing Alignment 

Section #8

0 0 0 0 0

Wellsona/ Paso 

Robles Curve 

Realignments

1 0 2 2 0

Templeton Siding 0 0 0 13 4
Coast Corridor

Draft Program EIS/EIR 3.7 Agricultural and Forest Resources

3.7-15

Build 

Alternative 

Components

Prime 

Farmland

Unique 

Farmland

Farmland of 

Statewide 

Importance

Farmland of 

Local Potential 

and/or 

Importance

Grazing 

Land

Templeton/ Henry 

Curve Realignments 0 0 0 0 0

Upgrades to 

Existing Alignment 

Section #9

0 0 0 0 0

Henry/Santa 

Margarita Curve 

Realignment

0 0 0 12 1

Santa Margarita

Powered Switch 0 0 0 0 0

Cuesta Second 

Main Track 0 0 0 3 11

Upgrades to 

Existing Alignment 

Section #10

0 0 0 0 0

Total 91 6 26 57 136

Source: ICF, 2013.

As noted above, construction of the second mainline could require clearance of 

forest lands north of the Cuesta Grade. Effects to forest lands would be 

concentrated at the construction phase, which could require tree removal to 

construct the second mainline particularly if the final alignment is identified for an 

area beyond the existing railroad right-of-way. Indirect operational effects to forest 

land could occur through rail operations being extended further into forested areas 

depending on the final alignment of the second mainline. 

3.7.5 AVOIDANCE, MINIMIZATION, AND MITIGATION 

STRATEGIES

As previously stated, this analysis used a conservative approach to identifying 

potential impacts by defining a generous “buffer areas” in determining whether the 

Build Alternative has the potential to result in impacts to agricultural or forest land 

resources. Specific impact areas will be calculated as some or all proposed physical 

improvements are carried forward for further design. 
Coast Corridor

3.7 Agricultural and Forest Resources Draft Program EIS/EIR

3.7-16

Avoiding or minimizing use of farmland or forestland can be achieved through 

careful design selection of Build Alternative improvements.

If such use cannot be avoided, some farmland conversion cannot be mitigated to a 

less-than-significant level under CEQA. Generally, the conversion of Prime Farmland 

to a non-agricultural use is considered to be a significant and unavoidable impact. I 

Mitigation measures (such as placing other lands in conservation easements) can 

lessen but not fully avoid such significant effects. This is based on the principle that 

there is a finite amount of Prime Farmland; it is not possible to create or otherwise 

replace Prime Farmland when some such land is permanently converted to a nonagricultural use. 

The following strategies have been identified at this preliminary stage to avoid, 

minimize, and/or mitigate any potentially significant impacts.

A-AG-1. Careful design practices, such as constructing the second mainline to be 

completely within existing railroad right-of-way, could avoid potential impacts to 

agricultural and forest resources along the Corridor, as feasible. Other Build 

Alternative improvements could avoid or minimize farmland effects through similar 

design approaches. 

MM-AG-1. All Farmland impacts could be at least partially offset through purchase 

of conservation easements that would permanently maintain such lands in 

agricultural use. These conservation easements would be acquired over agricultural 

lands of equal quality to those affected.

With regard to Williamson Act contracts, specific conflicts with Williamson Act 

contracts would need to be identified prior to implementation of any project 

elements under the Build Alternative. 

MIN-AG-2. When there is a need to acquire and convert land enrolled in a 

Williamson Act contract, the Department of Conservation will be notified and 

requirements of Government Code Section 51290-51295 and 51296.6 will be met.

To the extent the second mainline would require either temporary or permanent 

use of land outside the existing railroad right of way that traverses the Los Padres 

National Forest, the Forest Service would be consulted to identify appropriate and 

feasible means to avoid, minimize, or compensate for any forest land impacts. 

MM-AG-3. To the extent forest land use could not be fully avoided, potentially 

feasible mitigation measures include land swaps, fee mitigation, or other similar 

measures that would compensate for loss of forest lands. 

The incorporation of mitigation measures would minimize effects related to

construction and operation of the physical improvements comprising the Build 
Coast Corridor

Draft Program EIS/EIR 3.7 Agricultural and Forest Resources

3.7-17

Alternative, but even with mitigation, the Build Alternative could result in the 

permanent conversion of farmland to rail corridor uses. Mitigation strategies would 

be further refined at project-level analysis.

3.7.6 SUBSEQUENT ANALYSIS

Prior to implementation of any elements of the Build Alternative, additional analysis 

may be needed to determine precise impacts of agricultural and forest resources. 

As discussed in Subsection 3.7.3, Affected Environment, the existing right-of-way as 

well as a 100 foot wide corridor (for curve realignments) was used to evaluate 

permanent impacts, while up to 500 foot buffers were used to evaluate

construction-period impacts. Conflicts with Williamson Act contracts should also be 

evaluated in detail prior to implementing any elements of the Build Alternative.
Coast Corridor

3.7 Agricultural and Forest Resources Draft Program EIS/EIR

3.7-18

Page Intentionally Left Blank
Spence Siding

H

EA-2

EA-1 H

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EA-1

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Spreckels

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Salinas

Coast Corridor Improvements EIR/EIS

San Luis

Obispo

Monterey

c

d

e

f

a

b

Important Farmland in Monterey County

Figure 3.7-1a

Legend

Important Farmland

Unique Farmland

Farmland of Statewide Importance

Prime Farmland

Grazing Land

Project Components

Existing Alignment

Sidings

Realignments

Source: ICF International, 2013

±

±

0 1 2

Miles

1:75,000

Page 1a
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Harlem/Metz Harlem/Metz

Harlem/Metz New Chalone Creek

H

EA-3

EA-2 H

Gonzales

Soledad

£¤101

£¤101

Coast Corridor Improvements EIR/EIS

San Luis

Obispo

Monterey

c

d

e

f

a

b

Important Farmland in Monterey County

Figure 3.7-1b

Legend

Important Farmland

Unique Farmland

Farmland of Statewide Importance

Prime Farmland

Grazing Land

Project Components

Existing Alignment

Sidings

Realignments

Source: ICF International, 2013

±

±

0 1 2

Miles

1:75,000

Page 1b
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Harlem/Metz Realign Tracks at MP 165

Coburn

Coburn 

Harlem/Metz

King City Siding

New Chalone Creek

E

H

EA-4

EA-3 H

H

EA-3

EA-2 H

Greenfield

King

City

£¤101

Coast Corridor Improvements EIR/EIS

San Luis

Obispo

Monterey

c

d

e

f

a

b

Important Farmland in Monterey County

Figure 3.7-1c

Legend

Important Farmland

Unique Farmland

Farmland of Statewide Importance

Prime Farmland

Grazing Land

Project Components

Existing Alignment

Sidings

Realignments

Source: ICF International, 2013

±

±

0 1 2

Miles

1:75,000

Page 1c
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Realign Tracks at MP 165 Realign Tracks at MP 172

San Lucas Siding

EA-5

H

EA-4

H

H

EA-4

UV198

San

Lucas

£¤101

£¤101

Coast Corridor Improvements EIR/EIS

San Luis

Obispo

Monterey

c

d

e

f

a

b

Important Farmland in Monterey County

Figure 3.7-1d

Legend

Important Farmland

Unique Farmland

Farmland of Statewide Importance

Prime Farmland

Grazing Land

Project Components

Existing Alignment

Sidings

Realignments

Source: ICF International, 2013

±

±

0 1 2

Miles

1:75,000

Page 1d
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Getty/Bradley

Getty/Bradley

Getty/Bradley

Bradley Siding

EA-6 H

H

EA-6

H

EA-5

Bradley

San Ardo

£¤101

£¤101

Coast Corridor Improvements EIR/EIS

San Luis

Obispo

Monterey

c

d

e

f

a

b

Important Farmland in Monterey County

Figure 3.7-1e

Legend

Important Farmland

Unique Farmland

Farmland of Statewide Importance

Prime Farmland

Grazing Land

Project Components

Existing Alignment

Sidings

Realignments

Source: ICF International, 2013

±

±

0 1 2

Miles

1:75,000

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Wellsona/Paso Robles

McKay/Wellsona

McKay/Wellsona

McKay/Wellsona

Wellsona Siding

H

EA-8

H

H

EA-7

EA-6 H

EA-7

San

Luis

Obispo County

Monterey County

El Paso de

Robles (Paso

Robles)

San

Miguel

£¤101

£¤101

Coast Corridor Improvements EIR/EIS

San Luis

Obispo

Monterey

c

d

e

f

a

b

Important Farmland in Monterey County

Figure 3.7-1f

Legend

Important Farmland

Unique Farmland

Farmland of Statewide Importance

Prime Farmland

Grazing Land

Project Components

Existing Alignment

Sidings

Realignments

Source: ICF International, 2013

±

±

0 1 2

Miles

1:75,000

Page 1f
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Wellsona/Paso Robles

McKay/Wellsona

McKay/Wellsona

McKay/Wellsona

Wellsona Siding

H

EA-8

H

H

EA-7

EA-6 H

EA-7

San

Luis

Obispo County

Monterey County

El Paso de

Robles (Paso

Robles)

San

Miguel

£¤101

£¤101

Coast Corridor Improvements EIR/EIS

c

a

b

Important Farmland in San Luis Obispo County

Figure 3.7-2a

±

0 1 2

Miles

Legend

Important Farmland

Unique Farmland

Farmland of Local Importance

Farmland of Statewide Importance

Local Potential Farmland

Prime Farmland

Grazing Land

Project Components

Existing Alignment

Sidings

Realignments

Source: ICF International, 2013

±

1:75,000

Page 2a
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Henry/Santa Margarita Templeton/Henry

Henry/Santa Margarita

Henry/Santa Margarita

Henry/Santa Margarita

Templeton Siding

Second Main Line

H

EA-10

EA-9 H

H

EA-9

EA-8 H

UV46

Atascadero

El Paso de

Robles (Paso

Robles)

Templeton

£¤101

£¤101

Coast Corridor Improvements EIR/EIS

c

a

b

Important Farmland in San Luis Obispo County

Figure 3.7-2b

±

0 1 2

Miles

Legend

Important Farmland

Unique Farmland

Farmland of Local Importance

Farmland of Statewide Importance

Local Potential Farmland

Prime Farmland

Grazing Land

Project Components

Existing Alignment

Sidings

Realignments

Source: ICF International, 2013

±

1:75,000

Page 2b
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Henry/Santa Margarita

Second Main Line

EA-10 H

H

EA-10

EA-9 H

UV1

UV227

Arroyo

Grande

San Luis

Obispo

£¤101

£¤101

Coast Corridor Improvements EIR/EIS

c

a

b

Important Farmland in San Luis Obispo County

Figure 3.7-2c

±

0 1 2

Miles

Legend

Important Farmland

Unique Farmland

Farmland of Local Importance

Farmland of Statewide Importance

Local Potential Farmland

Prime Farmland

Grazing Land

Project Components

Existing Alignment

Sidings

Realignments

Source: ICF International, 2013

±

1:75,000

Page 2c
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