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SANTIAGO PARK TRAIL AND HABITAT RESTORATION PLAN on program lands in a manner consistent with the protection of land and natural resources and economic resources in the area (Section 31173(b)). Section 31174(b) requires the Conservancy to prepare the Santa Ana River Parkway and Open Space Plan (Plan), which was approved by the Conservancy in May 2018. The Plan is required to identify and prioritize low-impact recreational and open-space needs, including additional or upgraded facilities and parks that may be necessary or desirable within the Santa Ana River watershed.This project is identified as a priority project in the Plan that will assist in upgrading facilities and parks that are necessary or desirable within the Santa Ana River watershed. Section 31174(c) states that the Conservancy shall "Give priority to river-related projects that create expanded opportunities for recreation, greening, aesthetic improvement, and wildlife habitat along the corridor of the river and in parts of the river channel that can be improved without infringing on water quality, water supply, and necessary flood control." The proposed project will help achieve the goals of the Santa Ana River Conservancy Program by awarding a grant to the City of Santa Ana to complete design for recreational opportunities, trails and wildlife habitat restoration in Santiago Park . The project will plan for expanded opportunities for recreation within the park, and plan for greening, aesthetic improvements, and wildlife habitat along Santiago Creek. The separation of trails for pedestrians and bicyclists and improved security lighting will expand and improve the recreational hiking and biking experience within the park. The installation of interpretive elements also will improve the educational experience and provide context for wildlife viewing and enjoyment. CONSISTENCY WITH CONSERVANCY'S 2023-2027 STRATEGIC PLAN GOAL(S) & OBJECTIVE(S): Consistent with Goal 1, Objective 1 of the Conservancy's 2023-2027 Strategic Plan, the proposed project will benefit disadvantaged communities by planning for park facilities that will support recreational and educational opportunities for local disadvantaged youth. Consistent with Goal 2, Objective 4, the proposed project will plan improvements to trail accessibility and safety along the Santiago Creek, a tributary to the Santa Ana River and linked to the Santa Ana River Trail and Santa Ana River Park way. Consistent with Goal 2, Objective 5, the proposed project will plan improvement to interpretive signage and trail amenities such as seating and lighting along the Santiago Creek, a tributary to the Santa Ana River and linked to the Santa Ana River Trail and Santa Ana River Park way. CEQA COMPLIANCE: The proposed planning project is statutorily exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Title 14 California Code of Regulations Chapter 3 (CEQA Guidelines), Article 18, Statutory Exemptions, Section 15262, which states that a project involving only feasibility or planning studies for possible future actions that have not yet been approved does not require the preparation of an environmental document under CEQA but does require the consideration of environmental factors. The proposed planning project consists of planning and design, will consider environmental factors, and will be subject to CEQA review and analysis Page 5of6