West Mojave Plan FEIR/S - Desert Managers Group

scale developments through specific plans with a residential density not to exceed two dwellingunits per gross acre (Id. at page 9).The Open Space/Conservation Element of the town general plan establishes a goal to“…conserve and protect natural resources within the planning area.” Goal OSC-2 states: “TheTown will make every effort to preserve significant mature native trees, native vegetation,landforms and wildlife habitat within the planning area” (Id. at page 9 and 10). Rock knolls inthe town, Bell Mountain, Fairview Mountain, Apple Valley Country Club and the Mojave RiverValley are identified as Open Space and are planned to remain in a natural condition (Id. at page17). The objectives of Open Space Districts (OSD) include “the preservation of … nativevegetation … and wildlife habitat” and “the preservation of the integrity, function, productivityand long-term viability of environmentally sensitive habitats” (Apple Valley Code at Section9.55.020). The Apple Valley Code allows the designation of both Conservation and RecreationOSDs. Conservation OSDs are intended in part to “assure the continued existence of adequatewildlife habitat and foster the free movement of wildlife within the desert” (Id. at Section9.55.020).The Lewis Science Center is a regional educational facility located on the north side ofthe Mojave River in Apple Valley. The Center provides training for teachers from throughoutthe western portion of San Bernardino County and hosts many classroom visits. Riparian andadjacent upland habitat is protected at this location, including rock outcrops and portions of alevee that support the endemic Mojave shoulderband snail.3.1.3.7 City of BarstowThe City of Barstow is located in San Bernardino County along the Mojave River at theintersection of Interstates 15 and 40. The Land Use Element of the City of Barstow General Plan(1996) identifies six Principal Growth Areas where most of the city growth over the next 20years is expected to take place. The city has set general plan designations to accommodate thisgrowth. The growth areas are as follows (City of Barstow General Plan at Part B, I.18 and 19):• Growth Area 1: Most of the expected residential and associated neighborhoodcommercial activity is expected to occur adjacent to Barstow Road, between RimrockRoad and the southerly city limits. Barstow Community College and the CaliforniaVeterans Home are located in this area.• Growth Area 2: “Wholesale to the public” retailing outlets are expected to expand tothe south along the east side of Interstate 15 from the existing outlet malls at LenwoodRoad and 1-15.• Growth Area 3: The Lenwood Specific Plan area located on either side of LenwoodRoad, north of Interstate 15 is planned for new industrial and commercial activity.• Growth Area 4: The area along the railroad between Highway 58 and West Main Streetis expected to have commercial and industrial growth. Distribution activities and visitorChapter 3 3-22