Turning the Tide. David Sanger

Transcription

1 Turning the Tide David Sanger 1

2 2 David Sanger

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4 Why Restore the South Bay? Docent-led Interpretive Tour 1983 Alviso Floods Least Sandpipers 4

5 Presentation Overview Background Acquisition of salt ponds Transfer of salt ponds to public ownership Long-term restoration planning process 5

6 A Look Back End of Glacial Period End 15,000 of Glacial years Period ago 15,000 years ago Extensive Sea Level Rise Extensive 10,000 Sea years Level ago Rise 10,000 years ago Formation of the San Francisco Bay Estuary 5000 years ago 6

7 Natural Wilderness flocks of geese, ducks, and seabirds were so enormous that when alarmed by a rifle shot they were said to rise in a dense cloud of noise like that of a hurricane (from The Ohlone Way) 7

8 Wetlands Past and Present ca ca

9 Wetland Benefits Avocet - Peter LaTourrette Amtrak Passing Walkers on Levee Chinook Salmon 1995 San Jose Floods 9

10 San Francisco Bay Features Surrounded by over 7 million urban residents Drains approximately 40% of California s s lands Encompasses about 1,600 square miles The largest estuary on the west coast of north and south America David Sanger 10

11 Regional Planning Efforts 11

12 Past, Present, and Recommended Future Bayland Habitat Acreage for South Bay Subregion Acres x from Goals Project 1999 Past Present Future Tidal Flats Tidal Marsh Salt Ponds Diked Wetland Agricultural Baylands Bay Fill other 121

13 Salt Pond Acquisition Mark Rauzon Cargill Salt 13

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15 Cost of Acquisition May 29, 2003 Acquisition Ceremony 16,500 total acres 15,100 in south bay 1,400 along Napa river $100 million cost $72M - state of California $8M - united states government $20M - Packard, Goldman, Hewlett, and Moore foundations 15

16 Transfer of Ownership Cargill to reduce salinity levels established by state discharge permits Phase out salt production over period of years Cargill responsible for management of ponds during phase-out period Water quality testing during salt pond phase-out period 16

17 New Intake New Outlet Breach Initial Stewardship Plan - Alviso 17

18 Initial Stewardship Plan Eden Landing New Intake New Outlet 18

19 Initial Stewardship Plan Ravenswood New Intake & Outlet 19

20 Restoration Planning Mission To prepare a scientifically sound and publicly supported restoration and public access plan that can begin to be implemented within five years. 20

21 Long-term Restoration Goals A mix of habitats Flood management Wildlife-oriented recreation Kayakers enjoy touring the sloughs 1995 Floods Guadalupe Freeway 21

22 Tidal Marsh California Clapper Rail Peter LaTourrette Chinook Salmon 22

23 Salt Ponds Western Snowy Plov Northern Shoveler 23

24 Tidal Mudflats Mike Boylan 24 1

25 Flood Management 95 Floods 1 st Street & Orchard Pkwy. Salt Pond Levees 95 Floods Guadalupe River 25

26 Public Access Visitors at Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge and Recreation David Sanger Coyote Hills 26

27 Technical Issues 27

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30 SBSP Project Schedule & Process Science and Technical Studies Alternative Formulation and Engineering Environmental Review and Permitting Stakeholder Outreach and Input Funding Strategy and WRDA 2003 Data Collection 2004 Develop Goals, Objectives, & Initial Project Concepts 2005 Formulate Alternatives Draft EIS/R 2006 Prelim. Design, Costs Stakeholder Forum & Work Group Meetings Develop Long Term Funding Plan Develop Science Plan & Adaptive Management Strategy Final EIS/R ROD Phase 1 Design Permitting Phase 1 Restoration WRDA 2008 & Beyond Implement Adaptive Management Implement Restoration Plan Initial Stewardship Pond Purchase Develop ISP ROD Implement Initial Stewardship Plan Today 5/25/04 30

31 What You Can Do Contact the SF Bay National Wildlife Refuge - Visit the Refuge & Tour the Salt Ponds - Volunteer as tour docent Stay informed Visit Add your name to our mailing list to receive regular electronic updates about the status of the project Attend public meetings Participate in a work group Schedule a presentation in your community 31

32 Clyde Morris Don Edwards san Francisco bay national wildlife refuge or 510/ Carl Wilcox California department of fish and game or 707/ Amy Hutzel California state coastal conservancy or 510/ To schedule a speaking presentation: Caroline Warner San Francisco bay joint venture Cwarner@sfbayjv.org or 415/ Web site: 32