HomeMy WebLinkAboutNotice of Meeting - Wildlife Conservation Board - 2-20-14 Agenda STATE OF CALIFORNIA NATURAL RESOURCES AGENCY EDMUND G.BROWN JR.,Governor
DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION BOARD WOO1
1807 13TH STREET,SUITE 103
SACRAMENTO,CALIFORNIA 95811 F1131.1'20111
(916)445-8448 Lu
FAX(916)323-0280 CALK*"www.wcb.ca.00v WALK*"
NOTICE OF MEETING
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION BOARD
February 20, 2014
10:00 AM
1/State Capitol, Room 112
Sacramento, California 95814
FINAL AGENDA ITEMS
ITEM NO. PAGE NO.
1. Roll Call 1
2. Funding Status — Informational 2
3. Proposed Consent Calendar (Items 4-10) 6
*4. Approval of Minutes— November 21, 2013 6
*5. Recovery of Funds 7
*Proposed Consent Calendar
1/These facilities are accessible to persons with disabilities;more information on page vii
Preliminary Agenda for February 20, 2014, WCB Board Meeting
ITEM NO. PAGE NO.
*6. Star Bend Setback Levee $0.00 11
Sutter County
To consider the acceptance of CDFW of an access easement across
0.22+/- acres of from the Levee District One of Sutter County to
reestablish public access to the CDFW Feather River Wildlife Area,
O'Connor Lakes Unit that was temporarily severed due to the construction
of new setback levee along the Feather River, located approximately 10
miles south of Yuba City, in Sutter County
*7. San Joaquin River Bypass Riparian Restoration $204,000.00 14
Merced County
To consider the allocation for a grant to the National Audubon Society
DBA Audubon California, for a cooperative project with the Landowner,
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Center for Land-based
Learning to restore and enhance ±77 acres of riparian habitat on privately-
owned property adjacent to the Pick-Anderson Bypass of the San Joaquin
River, approximately seven miles southeast of the San Luis National
Wildlife Refuge and 14 miles northeast of the City of Los Banos in San
Joaquin County. The purposes of this project are consistent with the
authorizeduses of the proposed funding source, which allows for projects
to assist farmers in integrating agricultural activities with ecosystem
restoration and wildlife protection. [Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality
and Supply, Flood Control, River and Coastal Protection Fund of 2006
(Proposition 84), Public Resources Code Section 75055(d)(4)]
*8. San Joaquin River Parkway,
Islewood Golf Course Drinking Water, Feasibility Study $20,000.00 18
Fresno County
To consider the allocation for a grant to San Joaquin River Conservancy
for a project to determine the feasibility of supplying drinking water to the
San Joaquin River Conservancy's Islewood Golf Course property, located
within the City of Fresno in Fresno County. The purposes of this project
are consistent with the authorized uses of the proposed funding source,
which allows for the acquisition, development, rehabilitation, restoration
and protection of land and water resources located within the boundaries
of the San Joaquin River Conservancy. [California Clean Water, Clean
Air, Safe Neighborhood Parks, and Coastal Protection Fund (Proposition
40), Public Resources Code Section 5096.650(b)(5)]
ii
Preliminary Agenda for February 20, 2014, WCB Board Meeting
ITEM NO. PAGE NO.
*9. Allensworth Ecological Reserve, Expansion 28 $0.00 21
Tulare County
To consider the acquisition of 7+/- acres of land by the California
Department of Fish and Wildlife for the protection of habitat supporting the
San Joaquin kit fox and other rare species found within the Allensworth
Ecological Reserve, to enhance habitat linkages and connectivity, as well
as provide for future wildlife oriented public use opportunities, located near
the city of Earlimart, west of State Route 99, in Tulare County. The
purposes of this project are consistent with the authorized uses of the
proposed funding source. All of the funding for this project will be
reimbursed from the California Department of Corrections Statewide
Electric Fence Project mitigation fund assigned to CDFW.
*10. Carrizo Canyon Ecological Reserve, Expansion 1,
Suzanne Adams Trust Donation $10,000.00 24
Riverside County
To consider the acceptance of a donation from the Trust of Suzanne
Adams of 100 +/- acres of land in fee title, on behalf of the California
Department of Fish and Wildlife, as an expansion to the Carrizo Canyon
Ecological Reserve, consisting of inland high desert, mountainous habitat
supporting big horn sheep, and providing habitat connectivity, located
southeast of the City of Palm Desert, on the lower eastern slopes of the
San Jacinto Mountains in Riverside County. The purposes of this project
are consistent with the proposed funding source that allows for the
acquisition of habitat for protection of deer and mountain lions. [Habitat
Conservation Fund (Proposition 117), Section 2786(b/c)]
11. Strawberry Creek Riparian Restoration $253,000.00 27
Humboldt County
To consider the allocation for a grant to the Pacific Coast Fish, Wildlife
and Wetlands Association for a cooperative project with the Redwood
National Park and the Fisheries Restoration Grant Program to restore
approximately 1,600 linear feet of riparian habitat for coho salmon and
steelhead trout on Strawberry Creek, located approximately 1.5 miles west
of Orick in Humboldt County. The purposes of this project are consistent
with the authorized uses of the proposed funding source, which allows for
the acquisition, restoration or enhancement of riparian habitat and aquatic
habitat for salmonids and trout to protect or enhance a flood protection
corridor or bypass. [Habitat Conservation Fund (Proposition 117), Fish
and Game Code Section 2786(e/f)]
iii
Preliminary Agenda for February 20, 2014, WCB Board Meeting
ITEM NO. PAGE NO.
12. Cow Creek Conservation Area,
Expansion 3, Triple B Ranch $650,000.00 31
Shasta County
To consider the allocation for a grant to the Shasta Land Trust (SLT) to
acquire a conservation easement over 600 +/- acres of land, for protection
of rangeland, riparian, floodplain and riverine habitat and providing habitat
connectivity with the adjoining protected lands referred to as the Cow
Creek Conservation Area, located north of State Highway 44 about 10
miles east of the City of Redding in Shasta County. The proposed funding
source for this project is the WCB's Habitat Conservation Fund
(Proposition 117), Section 2786(b/c), Proposition)E, which allows for the
acquisition of habitat to protect rare, endangered, threatened or fully
protected species to protect or enhance a flood protection corridor or
bypass.
13. Usal Forest Conservation Easement Transfer $0.00 35
Mendocino County
To consider the assignment of a conservation easement by the
Conservation Fund to CALFIRE over 49,500 +/- acres in Mendocino
County pursuant to the California Forest Legacy Program Act of 2007.
14. Upper Butte Basin Wildlife Area
Little Dry Creek Habitat Restoration $515,000.00 38
Butte County
To consider the allocation for a grant to California Waterfowl Association
for a cooperative project with North American Wetlands Conservation
Council to restore 534 acres of wetlands, uplands and cereal grain habitat)
at the Department of Fish and Wildlife's (CDFW) Upper Butte Basin
Wildlife Area, Little Dry Creek Unit, and enhance an additional 200 acres
of wetlands on an adjacent privately owned property protected in
perpetuity through a CDFW conservation easement, all located seventeen
miles southwest of Oroville in Butte County. The purposes of this project
are consistent with the authorized uses of the proposed funding source,
which allows for the acquisition, enhancement or restoration of wetlands to
protect or enhance a flood protection corridor or bypass in the Central
Valley. [Habitat Conservation Fund (Proposition 117), Fish and Game
Code Section 2786(d) (Proposition 1 E), Inland Wetlands Conservation
Program]
iv
Preliminary Agenda for February 20, 2014, WCB Board Meeting
ITEM NO. PAGE NO.
15. Yolo County HCP/NCCP Development, Phase II $700,000.00 42
Yolo County
To consider the allocation for a grant to Yolo Natural Heritage Program
Joint Powers Agency to complete a second draft of and finalize an
EIR/EIS for a Habitat Conservation Plan/Natural Community Conservation
Plan (HCP/NCCP) covering the entire County of Yolo. The purposes of
this project are consistent with the authorized uses of the proposed
funding source, which allows for grants that implement or assist in the
establishment of NCCPs in and around the Sacramento — San Joaquin
Delta. [Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and Supply, Flood Control,
River and Coastal Protection Fund of 2006 (Proposition 84), Public
Resources Code Section 75055(c)(SB8)]
16. Breuner Marsh Wetland Restoration $1,000,000.00 45
Contra Costa County
To consider the allocation for a grant to the East Bay Regional Park
District for a cooperative project with the State Coastal Conservancy and
others to restore ±164 acres of wetland habitat at Breuner Marsh, located
at Point Pinole Regional Shoreline five miles north of the city of Richmond
in Contra Costa County. The proposed funding source for this project
allows for the restoration of wetlands in the San Francisco Bay area
[Water Security, Clean Drinking Water, Coastal and Beach Protection
Bond Fund of 2002 (Proposition P50), Section 795729(c).
17. East Contra Costa County NCCP/HCP
(Anna Smith) $2,424,200.00 49
Contra Costa County
To consider a Wildlife Conservation Board grant to the East Contra Costa
County Habitat Conservancy (ECCCHC) and the acceptance of a U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service Habitat Conservation Planning Acquisition grant
and the approval to sub-grant these federal funds to the (ECCCHC) for a
cooperative project with the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) to
acquire 960± acres of land for the protection and preservation of existing
regional wildlife linkages, including grassland and oak woodland savannah
habitat areas within the East Contra Costa County Natural Community
Conservation Plan/Habitat Conservation Plan, located in the Diablo
Mountain Range, west of the City of Brentwood in Contra Costa County.
The purposes of this project are consistent with the proposed funding
source that allows for the acquisition and protection of habitat for areas in
and around the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta that assist in the
establishment of Natural Community Conservation Plans. [Safe Drinking
Water, Water Quality and Supply, Flood Control, River and Coastal
Protection Fund of 2006 (Proposition 84), Public Resources Code Section
75055(c)]
v
Preliminary Agenda for February 20, 2014, WCB Board Meeting
ITEM NO. PAGE NO.
18. Blue Oak Ranch Reserve Facility Improvements $4,252,000.00 53
Santa Clara County
To consider the allocation for a grant to the Regents of the University of
California to construct new staff housing and storage facilities, enhance a
campground, improve existing structures for visiting researchers and
upgrade roads and other infrastructure at the Blue Oak Ranch Reserve,
located approximately 9 miles east of the City of San Jose in Santa Clara
County. The proposed funding source for this project provides for grants
to the University of California for the Natural Reserve System for the
construction and development of facilities that will be used for research
and training to improve the management of natural lands and the
preservation of California's wildlife resources. [Safe Drinking Water,
Water Quality and Supply, Flood Control, River and Coastal Protection
Fund (Proposition 84), Section 75055 (b)(3)].
19. Round Valley Pine Creek Unit $1,674,250.00 56
lnyo County
To consider the acquisition of 100± acres of land by the California
Department of Fish and Wildlife for the protection of important deer winter
range, wildlife corridors and riparian habitat, located 10 miles north of
Bishop in the unincorporated community of Rovana in Inyo County. The
purposes of this project are consistent with the authorized uses of the
proposed funding source, which allows for the acquisition and protection
of habitat to protect deer and mountain. [Habitat Conservation Fund
(Proposition 117), Fish and Game Code Section 2786(a)]
20. Sawmill Pebble Plain Ecological Preserve $2,015,000.00 60
San Bernardino County
To consider the allocation for a grant to the San Bernardino Mountains
Land Trust to acquire 166+/- acres of very rare and endangered pebble
plain habitat, supporting a wide variety of endemic plant species, located
just south of Big Bear Lake, in the San Bernardino Mountains, in San
Bernardino County. The purposes of this project are consistent with the
proposed funding source (Proposition 40, Section 5096.650 - statewide)
that allows for the acquisition and protection of habitat to protect rare and
endangered species, wildlife corridors and significant natural landscapes
and ecosystems, such as old growth redwoods, oak woodlands and other
significant habitat areas.
vi
Preliminary Agenda for February 20, 2014, WCB Board Meeting
ITEM NO. PAGE NO.
21. Trabuco Creek Fish Passage Physical Modeling $338,000.00 64
Orange County
To consider the allocation for a grant to Trout Unlimited for a cooperative
project with the Fisheries Restoration Grant Program to construct a
physical model of the proposed fish passage structure to determine the
physical parameters necessary to provide passage for steelhead trout
while providing flood conveyance and sediment transport on Trabuco
Creek, located in San Juan Capistrano in Orange County. The purposes
of this project are consistent with the authorized uses of the proposed
funding source, which allows for the acquisition, protection and restoration
of coastal wetlands and other wetlands connected and proximate to such
coastal wetlands and upland areas adjacent and proximate to such
coastal wetlands. [Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and Supply, Flood
Control, River and Coastal Protection Fund of 2006 (Proposition 84),
Public Resources Code Section 75055(b)]
22. San Felipe Valley Wildlife Area,
Expansion 5 (Thompson) $230,000.00 67
San Diego County
To consider the acquisition in fee of 174+/- acres of land as an expansion
to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife's San Felipe Valley
Wildlife Area for the protection of habitat supporting the state and federally
endangered least Bell's vireo and southwestern willow flycatcher and to
enhance habitat linkages and connectivity, located near the community of
Warner Springs, in northeastern San Diego county. The purposes of this
project are consistent with the authorized uses of the proposed funding
source, which allows for the acquisition of habitat to protect rare,
endangered, threatened or fully protected species. [Habitat Conservation
Fund (Proposition 117), Fish and Game Code Section 2786(b/c)]
23. Appraisal Reviews Informational 70
24. Strategic Plan Update Information/Ongoing 72
vii
Preliminary Agenda for February 20, 2014, WCB Board Meeting
PERSONS WITH DISABILITES
Persons with disabilities needing reasonable accommodation to
participate in public meetings or other CDFW activities are invited to
contact the Department's Reasonable Accommodation Coordinator Tina
Johnson at (916) 651-1214 or Tina.Johnson(cD.wildlife.ca.gov. Reasonable
Accommodation requests for facility and/or meeting accessibility should be
received by November 1, 2013. Requests for American Sign Language
Interpreters should be submitted at least two weeks prior to the event, and
requests for Real-Time Captioners at least four weeks prior to the
event. These timeframes are to help ensure that the requested
accommodation is met.
If a request for an accommodation has been submitted but due to
circumstances is no longer needed, please contact the Reasonable
Accommodation Coordinator immediately.
viii
•
STATE OF CALIFORNIA NATURAL RESOURCES AGENCY EDMUND G.BROWN JR.,Governor
DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION BOARD
1807 13TH STREET,SUITE 103
SACRAMENTO,CALIFORNIA 95811
(916)445-8448
FAX(916)323-0280
www.wcb.ca.00v
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION BOARD
•
February 20, 2014
1. Roll Call
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION BOARD MEMBERS
Charlton H. Bonham, Chair •
Director, Department of Fish and Wildlife
Michael Cohen, Member
Director, Department of Finance
Michael Sutton, Member •
President, Fish and Game Commission
JOINT LEGISLATIVE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Senator Jean Fuller
Senator Fran Pavley
Senator Lois Wolk
Assembly Member Richard Gordon
Assembly Member Anthony Rendon
Assembly Member Das Williams
•
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
John P. Donnelly
1/These facilities are accessible to persons with disabilities;more information on page vii
Final Agenda for February 20, 2014, WCB Board Meeting
2. Funding Status — Informational
The following funding status depicts Capital Outlay appropriations by year
of appropriation and by fund source and fund number.
(a) 2013-14 Wildlife Restoration Fund, (0447)
Budget Act $1,000,000.00
Previous Board Allocations -1,000,000.00
Unallocated Balance $0.00
(b) 2013-14 Habitat Conservation Fund, (0262)
Budget Act $20,663,000.00
Previous Board Allocations -5,402,936.00
Unallocated Balance $15,260,064.00
(c) 2012-13 Habitat Conservation Fund, (0262)
Budget Act $20,663,000.00
Previous Board Allocations -1,518,717.00
Unallocated Balance $19,144,283.00
(d) 2011-12 Habitat Conservation Fund, (0262)
Budget Act $20,663,000.00
Previous Board Allocations -10,280,242.00
Unallocated Balance $10,382,758.00
(e) 2010-11 Habitat Conservation Fund, (0262)
Budget Act $20,668,000.00
Previous Board Allocations -14,839,355.00
Unallocated Balance $5,828,645.00
(0 2009-10 Habitat Conservation Fund, (0262)
(2013-14 Reappropriation)
Budget Act $20,668,000.00
Previous Board Allocations -18,325,750.82
Unallocated Balance $2,342,249.18
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Final Agenda for February 20,2014, WCB Board Meeting
(g) 2008-09 Habitat Conservation Fund, (0262)
(2012-13 Reappropriation)
Budget Act $20,668,000.00
Previous Board Allocations -15,647,079.00
Unallocated Balance $5,020,921.00
(h) 2007-08 Habitat Conservation Fund, (0262)
(2011-12 Reappropriation)
Budget Act $20,674,000.00
Previous Board Allocations -18,826,933.45
Unallocated Balance $1,847,066.55
(i) 2006-07 Habitat Conservation Fund, (0262)
(2013-14 Reappropriation)
Budget Act $20,699,000.00
Previous Board Allocations -19,797,399.32
Unallocated Balance $901,600.68
(j) 2004-05 Habitat Conservation Fund, (0262)
Budget Act $20,577,000.00
Previous Board Allocations -19,962,032.89
Unallocated Balance $614,967.11
(k) 1999-00 Safe Neighborhood Parks, Clean Water, Clean Air, and
Coastal Protection Bond Fund, (0005)
Continuously Appropriated [Sec. 5096.350 (a)(1), (2), (4) & (7)] $36,100,000.00
Previous Board Allocations -31,224,215.01
Unallocated Balance $4,875,784.99
(I) 2001-02 California Clean Water, Clean Air, Safe Neighborhood Parks and
Coastal Protection Fund, (6029)
Continuously Appropriated (Section 5096.650) $273,000,000.00
Previous Board Allocations -237,238,256.94
Unallocated Balance $35,761,743.06
3
Final Agenda for February 20, 2014, WCB Board Meeting
(m) 2002-03 Water Security, Clean Drinking Water, Coastal and
Beach Protection Fund of 2002, (6031)
Continuously Appropriated (Sections 79565 and 79572),
including Chapter 81, Statutes of 2005 $814,350,000.00
2003-04 Budget Act Transfer to HCF from Section 79565 -21,000,000.00
2004-05 Budget Act Transfer to HCF from Section 79565 -21,000,000.00
2005-06 Budget Act Transfer to HCF from Section 79565 -4,000,000.00
2005-06 Budget Act Transfer to HCF from Section 79572 -3,100,000.00
2006-07 Budget Act Transfer to HCF from Section 79572 -17,688,000.00
2007-08 Budget Act Transfer to HCF from Section 79572 -5,150,000.00
2008-09 Budget Act Transfer to HCF from Section 79572 -1,000,000.00
Previous Board Allocations -674,051,919.23
Unallocated Balance $67,360,080.77
(n) 2009-10 Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and Supply, Flood
Control, River and Coastal Protection Fund of 2006, (6051)
(2013-14 Reappropriation)
Budget Act (San Joaquin River Conservancy Projects) $4,800,000.00
Previous Board Allocations -25.000.00
Unallocated Balance $4,775,000.00
(o) 2009-10 Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and Supply, Flood
Control, River and Coastal Protection Fund of 2006, (6051)
(2013-14 Reappropriation)
Chapter 2, Statutes of 2009 (SB 8) $15,500,000.00
Previous Board Allocations -4,871,875.00
Unallocated Balance $10,628,125.00
(p) 2008-09 Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and Supply, Flood
Control, River and Coastal Protection Fund of 2006, (6051),
(2011-12 Reappropriation)
Budget Act (NCCP Section 75055(c)) $25,000,000.00
Previous Board Allocations -8,594,048.50
Unallocated Balance $16,405,951.50
(q) 2007-08 Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and Supply, Flood
Control, River and Coastal Protection Fund of 2006 , (6051)
(2013-14 Appropriation)
Budget Act (Section 75055(d)(1)) 1,279,000.00
Previous Board Allocations -1,073,806.00
Unallocated Balance $205,194.00
4
Final Agenda for February 20, 2014, WCB Board Meeting
(r) 2007-08 Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and Supply, Flood
Control, River and Coastal Protection Fund of 2006, (6051)
(2013-14 Appropriation)
Budget Act (Section 75055(d)(2)) $1,500,000.00
Previous Board Allocations -909.398.48
Unallocated Balance $590,601.52
(s) 2007-08 Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and Supply, Flood
Control, River and Coastal Protection Fund of 2006, (6051)
(2013-14 Appropriation)
Budget Act (Section 75055(d)(4)) $2,368,000.00
Previous Board Allocations -293,236.00
Unallocated Balance $2,074,764.00
(t) 2006-07 Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and Supply, Flood
Control, River and Coastal Protection Fund of 2006, (6051)
Continuously Appropriated (Section 75055a) $164,700,000.00
Previous Board Allocations -86,356,697.96
Unallocated Balance $78,343,302.04
Continuously Appropriated (Section 75055(b)) $123,525,000.00
Previous Board Allocations -80,285,083.48
Unallocated Balance $43,239,916.52
RECAP OF FUND BALANCES
Wildlife Restoration Fund (a) $0.00
Habitat Conservation Fund (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), (g), (h), (i) and (j) $61,342,554.52
Safe Neighborhood Parks, Clean Water, Clean Air, and Coastal
Protection Bond Fund (k) $4,875,784.99
California Clean Water, Clean Air, Safe Neighborhood Parks
and Coastal Protection Bond Fund (I) $35,761,743.06
Water Security, Clean Drinking Water, Coastal and
Beach Protection Fund of 2002 (m) $67,360,080.77
Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and Supply, Flood Control,
River and Coastal Protection Fund of 2006 (n), (o), (p), (q),
(r),(s) and (t) $156,262,854.58
TOTAL —ALL FUNDS $325,603,017.92
5
Final Agenda for February 20, 2014, WCB Board Meeting
RECAP OF NATURAL HERITAGE PRESERVATION TAX CREDIT ACT OF
2000
Chapter 113, Statutes of 2000 and Chapter 715, Statutes of 2004
Tax credits awarded through June 30, 2008 $48,598,734.00
Chapter 220, Statutes of 2009 (effective January 1, 2010)
Tax credits awarded $0.00
SUMMARY OF BOND CASH
The following summary provides the status of the up-front general
obligation bond sale proceeds that the Wildlife Conservation Board has
received since the spring of 2009.
Authorized GO Expenditures Encumbrances Cash Balances
Bond Fund Bond Proceeds through through Includes
01/22/14 12/31/13 Encumbrances
Proposition 12 $12,621,973.31 $9,242,883.90 $497,884.00 $2,881,205.41
Proposition 40 $91,808,942.78 $69,066,893.71 $16,410,216.03 $6,331,833.04
Proposition 50 $164,644,999.96 $59,900,978.50 $41,732,606.07 $63,011,415.39
Proposition 84 $293,413,688.65 $218,066,719.36 $26,548,023.19 $48,798,946.10
Proposition 1E $65,725,202.07 $44,151,855.63 $16,034,193.46 $5,539,152.98
Grand Totals $628,214,806.77 $400,429,331.10 $101,222,922.75 $126,562,552.92
3. Proposed Consent Calendar (Items 4-10)
*4. Approval of Minutes— November 21, 2013
6
Final Agenda for February 20, 2014, WCB Board Meeting
*5. Recovery of Funds.
The following projects previously authorized by the Board are now
completed, and some have balances of funds that can be recovered and
returned to their respective funds. It is recommended that the following
totals be recovered and that the projects be closed.
$0.00 to the Safe Neighborhood Parks, Clean Water,
Clean Air, and Coastal Protection Bond Fund
$46,761.00 to the Habitat Conservation Fund
$0.00 to the Wildlife Restoration Fund
$6,350.00 to the California Clean Water, Clean Air, Safe
Neighborhood Parks, and Coastal
Protection Fund
$8,222.00 to the Water Security, Clean Drinking Water,
Coastal and Beach Protection Fund of 2002
$101,262.00 to the Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and
Supply, Flood Control, River and
Coastal
Protection Fund of 2006
SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS, CLEAN WATER, CLEAN AIR, AND
COASTAL PROTECTION BOND FUND
El Dorado Ranch, El Dorado and Amador Counties
Allocated $965,483.00
Expended -965,483.00
Balance for Recovery $0.00
Total Safe Neighborhood Parks, Clean Water, Clean $0.00
Air, and Coastal Protection Bond Fund
HABITAT CONSERVATION FUND
Arrastre Canyon, Los Angeles County
Allocated $125,000.00
Expended -125,000.00
Balance for Recovery $0.00
Conaway Ranch Conservation Easements (GGS,SH and TriCB), Yolo
County
Allocated $4,035,000.00
Expended -4,035,000.00
Balance for Recovery 0.00
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Final Agenda for February 20, 2014, WCB Board Meeting
Garden Bar Preserve, Nevada County
Allocated $252,000.00
Expended -244.016.00
Balance for Recovery $7,984.00
Lassen Foothills, Expansion 8 (Lower Deer Creek Falls), Tehama County
Allocated $1,100,000.00
Expended -1,088,000.00
Balance for Recovery $12,000.00
San Diego River (Palmer), San Diego County
Allocated $676,000.00
Expended -666,000.00
Balance for Recovery $10,000.00
San Joaquin River, Hidden Valley Ranch, Stanislaus County
Allocated $3,010,000.00
Expended -3,005,339.00
Balance for Recovery $4,661.00
Yuba Highlands Conservation Easement- Phase II, Yuba County
Allocated $1,104,000.00
Expended -1,091,884.00
Balance for Recovery $12,116.00
Total Habitat Conservation Fund $46,761.00
WILDLIFE RESTORATION FUND
Arrastre Canyon, Los Angeles County
Allocated $350,000.00
Expended -350.000.00
Balance for Recovery $0.00
Total Wildlife Restoration Fund $0.00
CALIFORNIA CLEAN WATER, CLEAN AIR, SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD
PARKS, AND COASTAL PROTECTION FUND
Conaway Ranch Conservation Easements (GGS,SH and TriCB), Yolo
County
Allocated $3,800,000.00
Expended -3,800,000.00
Balance for Recovery $0.00
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Final Agenda for February 20, 2014, WCB Board Meeting
El Dorado Ranch, El Dorado and Amador Counties
Allocated $2,034,517.00
Expended -2.034,517.00
Balance for Recovery $0.00
Garden Bar Preserve, Nevada County
Allocated $1,200,000.00
Expended -1,200,000.00
Balance for Recovery $0.00
Mackerricher State Park (Sec.6-2008 RLA), Mendocino County
Allocated $15,000.00
Expended -8.650.00
Balance for Recovery $6,350.00
Total California Clean Water, Clean Air, Safe $6,350.00
Neighborhood Parks, and Coastal Protection Fund
WATER SECURITY, CLEAN DRINKING WATER, COASTAL AND
BEACH PROTECTION FUND OF 2002
Arrastre Canyon, Los Angeles County
Allocated $135,000.00
Expended -126,778.00
Balance for Recovery $8,222.00
Total Water Security, Clean Drinking Water, Coastal $8,222.00
and Beach Protection Fund of 2002
SAFE DRINKING WATER, WATER QUALITY AND SUPPLY, FLOOD
CONTROL, RIVER AND COASTAL PROTECTION FUND OF 2006
Arcata Community Forest - Humphry, Humboldt County
Allocated $190,000.00
Expended -184.425.00
Balance for Recovery $5,575.00
San Diego County MSCP/HCPLA 2009 (Kemerko), San Diego County
Allocated $578,750.00
Expended -572,814.00
Balance for Recovery $5,936.00
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Final Agenda for February 20, 2014, WCB Board Meeting
San Joaquin Multi-Species Conservation Plan (2007), (2008), (2009) San
Joaquin and Contra Costa Counties
Allocated $90,000.00
Expended -13.588.00
Balance for Recovery $76,412.00
San Joaquin Multi-Species Conservation Plan (2008)-Thomas North,
Contra Costa County
Allocated $393,755.00
Expended -389.755.00
Balance for Recovery $4,000.00
Upper Mission Creek/ Big Morongo Canyon Conservation Area,
Expansion 1, Riverside County
Allocated $20,000.00
Expended 10,661.00
Balance for Recovery $9,339.00
Total Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and $101,262.00
Supply, Flood Control, River and Coastal Protection
Fund of 2006
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Final Agenda for February 20, 2014, WCB Board Meeting
*6. Star Bend Setback Levee $0.00
Sutter County
This proposal is to consider the acceptance of a public access easement
(Easement) over 0.22+/- acres of land by the California Department of
Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) from Levee District One (LD One) of Sutter
County. The Easement is needed to reestablish access from Star Bend-
road to the CDFW Feather River Wildlife Area, O'Connor Lakes Unit that
was temporarily severed due to the construction of a new setback levee
along the Feather River.
LOCATION AND SURROUNDING USES
The Easement is located at the terminus of Star Bend road, a public road
located south of Yuba City, on the west side of the Feather River, just east
of Highway 99, in Sutter County. In the past, access from Star Bend road
provided public and CDFW operational access to CDFWs O'Conner
Lakes Unit, part of the 2,500 +/- acre CDFW Feather River Wildlife Area
(FRWLA).
The FRWLA spans land located within and adjacent to the Feather River
floodplain, beginning just south of Yuba City and extending south along
the river to the Sutter Bypass. The FRWLA is home to a host of plant and
animal species, and maintains extensive riparian, floodplain, wetland, and
riverine habitat areas. There are a variety of public uses allowed and
managed by CDFW within the FRWLA including hunting, fishing, boating,
hiking, and bird watching.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
In order to provide improved flood protection along the west bank of the
Feather River, south of Yuba City, a new setback levee was recently
constructed. Prior to construction of the setback levee, Star Bend road
terminated at the location of the old levee where there was a gravel
parking area and gate providing public pedestrian and CDFW operational
access to the adjacent CDFW O'Conner Lake Unit. The setback levee
project relocated the terminus of Star Bend road and the levee
approximately 300 yards to the west of the levee's original location, on
property owned by LD One. This effectively severed legal access from the
new terminus of Star Bend road to the CDFWs O'Conner Lakes Unit.
The proposed Easement will reconnect legal access from the new Star
Bend road terminus, over the levee, across LD One property, to CDFWs
O'Conner Lakes Unit. As part of the project, gravel parking area and gate
will be constructed at the new terminus of Star Bend road along with a
gravel driveway connecting Star Bend road to an existing unpaved road
on the O'Conner Lakes Unit. The Easement will allow CDFW vehicular
access and public pedestrian access to CDFW's property, similar to what
existed prior to construction of the new setback levee.
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Final Agenda for February 20, 2014,WCB Board Meeting
AUTHORITY PROGRAM
Granting of the proposed Easement is being considered under the Wildlife
Conservation Board's (WCB) Land Acquisition Program. The Land
Acquisition Program is administered pursuant to the Board's original
enabling legislation, "The Wildlife Conservation Law of 1947" (Fish and
Game Section 1300, et seq.) and the WCB is authorized to transact real
property or rights in real property on behalf of the CDFW. Section 1348(c)
of the Fish and Game Code authorizes the WCB to acquire interests in
real property on behalf of CDFW.
MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND NEEDS
The proposed Easement continues existing access and use to CDFW's
O'Conner Lakes Unit. There are no additional lands being acquired or
opened up to public use provided by this project. The project does not
create any additional management responsibilities or costs to CDFW.
PROJECT FUNDING
The proposed funding breakdown for the project is as follows:
Wildlife Conservation Board $0.00
Total Purchase Price $0.00
Other Project-Related Costs $0.00
TOTAL WCB ALLOCATION $0.00
LD One will cover all related administrative costs associated with the
transfer and recording of the Easement.
FUNDING SOURCE
There is no funding source for this project.
CEQA AND CDFW REVIEW
The Levee District One of Sutter County, as lead agency, completed the
Environmental Impact Report for the Feather River Setback Levee Project
at Star Bend (SCH No. 2006052087) pursuant to the provisions of the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Staff considered the
Environmental Impact Report and has prepared proposed, written findings
as a responsible agency documenting WCB's compliance with CEQA.
Subject to approval of this proposal and findings by the WCB, the
appropriate Notice of Determination will be filed with the State
Clearinghouse.
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Final Agenda for February 20, 2014,WCB Board Meeting
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Wildlife Conservation Board approve the
project as proposed; authorize staff to enter into appropriate agreements
necessary to accomplish this project; and authorize staff and the California
Department of Fish and Wildlife to proceed substantially as planned.
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Final Agenda for February 20, 2014,WCB Board Meeting
*7. San Joaquin River Bypass Riparian Restoration $204,000.00
Merced County
This proposal is to consider the allocation for a grant to the National
Audubon Society DBA Audubon California, for a cooperative project with
the landowner, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), and the Center
for Land-based Learning to restore and enhance ±77 acres of riparian
habitat on privately-owned property adjacent to the Pick-Anderson Bypass
of the San Joaquin River, approximately seven miles southeast of the San
Luis National Wildlife Refuge and 14 miles northeast of the City of Los
Banos in San Joaquin County.
LOCATION AND SURROUNDING USES
The proposed project site is located on property owned by the Bowles
Farming Company(Property) in the heart of an ecologically significant
area known as the Grasslands, a mosaic of wetlands and agricultural
lands farmed using wildlife-friendly practices. The ±77-acre project site is
near three protected wetland complexes: seven miles southeast of the
FWS's San Luis National Wildlife Refuge, four miles south of the FWS's
Merced National Wildlife Area, and seven miles east of the Department of
Fish and Wildlife's Los Banos Wildlife Area. The lands immediately
surrounding the project site are farmed with a variety of row crops.
Bowles Farming Company is currently growing tomatoes, alfalfa, and corn.
The project is located within and adjacent to the Pick-Anderson Bypass
(Bypass), which is a water delivery channel that parallels the San Joaquin
River as it passes through the Property on its way to the San Luis National
Wildlife Refuge. The four-mile long channel is a remnant of an old slough
that passes through the Property and is one of a network of historic off-
river waterways. When the Bypass was constructed, levees were built on
either side of the slough to contain flood waters and the slough was
partially straightened. The flood-abating effects of the Bypass were
negligible and attempts to divert water from the San Joaquin River were
eventually halted. However, the channel was used and continues to be
used to deliver water for irrigation. The Bypass currently flows during
flood events, and throughout the summer as an irrigation conduit.
The Bypass has remnants of the once extensive riparian habitat
associated with the San Joaquin River. These habitats are now almost
non-existent on the San Joaquin River itself, especially in this reach. As
such, the proposed project has the potential to result in a significant
increase in riparian habitat on the San Joaquin River watershed. Due to
its relation to the State and federally protected wetland habitats discussed
above and the site's ability to support a healthy riparian community, this
project has unusually high ecological potential for this region.
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Final Agenda for February 20, 2014, WCB Board Meeting
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Most of California's Central Valley floodplain and river forests have been
lost and what is left continues to be severely degraded by agricultural
development, urbanization and hydrological modifications. The
consequences of these changes include increased erosion from unstable
stream banks and canals as well as introduction of agricultural runoff from
adjacent fields. Large scale loss of riparian habitat in the Central Valley
has also had major impacts on riparian bird populations, with severe
population declines for many species, including important conservation
targets such as Swainson's Hawk, Least Bell's Vireo, and Yellow Warbler.
The goal of this project is to restore riparian habitat along those sections
of the Bypass on the Property that have been degraded by past
disturbances and enhance the riparian habitat that remains. The habitat
along the Bypass is a mix of mature fairly intact riparian habitat, degraded
riparian scrub, and previously farmed edges. The total size of the
restoration site is ±77 acres. Approximately 47 acres of the site have little
or no existing riparian habitat, and will be restored to mature riparian
forest. Restoration practices on the remaining ±30 acres of remnant
degraded riparian habitat will include weed control, and the planting of
native grasses and forbs. Bowles Farming Company, working with U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service staff, has initiated weed control activities in the
native habitat sites at the Property. The project area is approximately four
miles long, and the average width of the restored riparian habitat will be
100 feet on each side of the Pick-Anderson Bypass, for a total of 200 feet
wide.
Completion of the project will benefit populations of native pollinators and
an array of migratory songbirds that once depended on the San Joaquin
River riparian corridor. The habitat on the river no longer exists; therefore,
this project will provide the habitat and migratory corridor once provided by
the river. Increases in habitat complexity associated with the project also
hold the potential to benefit the federally threatened Valley Elderberry
Longhorn Beetle. Elderberries are well established along the project site,
but these beetles do better in a mix of elderberries and native riparian
forest. In addition to restoration of native habitat and wildlife corridors, the
project will help improve degraded water quality and sediment runoff by
establishing native grasses, sedges, and rushes along the Bypass.
The project is expected to serve as an excellent regional example of
successful implementation of conservation projects on a working
agricultural landscape. Throughout the restoration process, and with the
permission of the landowner, Audubon and FWS will bring interested
parties—funders, neighbors, landowners, agency staff, local government
officials -- to the project site to experience on-the-ground restoration
implementation. Audubon and USFWS staff will work with the Center for
Land-Based Learning (CLBL) and their Student and Landowner Education
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Final Agenda for February 20, 2014, WCB Board Meeting
and Watershed Stewardship (SLEWS) Academy to implement hands-on
restoration education programs for high school students on the Property
and provide training opportunities for the East Merced, Grasslands, and
San Luis Resource Conservation Districts to participate in the planning,
installation, and maintenance of the site.
Finally, Point Blue Conservation Science will conduct avian population
monitoring at the site in coordination with Audubon California to determine
the avian response to the restoration effort.
WCB PROGRAM
The proposed project will be funded through the Ecological Restoration on
Agricultural Lands Program and meets the Program's goal of assisting
landowners in developing sustainable wildlife-friendly practices on
agricultural property that can co-exist with ongoing operations.
MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND NEEDS
The project will be located on private land owned by the Bowles Farming
Company, and management of this project will be incorporated into
wildlife-friendly agricultural practices on the Property. Audubon California
and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service staff will provide technical assistance to
Bowles Farming Company through the twenty-five-year project life. The
Bowles Farming Company will be responsible for management activities,
pursuant to terms of the Grant Agreement and habitat management plan,
to ensure the successful establishment and maintenance of the restored
riparian habitat. If at any time during the life of the project, the landowner
does not manage and maintain the project improvements, the Grant
Agreement requires the Grantee to refund to the State of California an
amortized amount of funds based on the number of years left on the
project life.
PROJECT FUNDING
The proposed funding for the project is as follows:
Land Other
Task Descriptions WCB Audubon owner partners Total
Project Management $35,000 $13,000 $1,500 $12,000 $61,500
Restoration $107,546 $0. $8,207 $60,419 $176,172
Education Program $53,501 $27,510 $81,011
Avian Monitoring $20,648 $20,648
Contingency 2.5% $7,953 $0 $7,953
Total $204,000 $13,000 $9,707 $120,577 $347,284
Additional partners include the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S.
Natural Resources Conservation Service, East Merced Resource
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Final Agenda for February 20, 2014, WCB Board Meeting
Conservation District, the Center for Land-Based Learning, and Point Blue
Conservation Science.
Project costs will be for site preparation; weed control application; native
shrub and forb installation; irrigation systems; site maintenance; and
project planning, management and administration.
FUNDING SOURCE
The proposed funding source for this project is the Safe Drinking Water,
Water Quality and Supply, Flood Control, River and Coastal Protection
Fund of 2006 (Proposition 84), Public Resources Code Section
75055(d)(4), which allows for projects to assist farmers in integrating
agricultural activities with ecosystem restoration and wildlife protection,
and is consistent with the objectives of this project.
CEQA AND DFG REVIEW/ RECOMMENDATION
This project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) under Class 4 of the Categorical Exemptions, California Code of
Regulations, Title 4, Section 15304, as a minor alteration to land. Subject
to approval by the WCB, the appropriate Notice of Exemption will be filed
with the State Clearinghouse. The CDFW has reviewed this proposal and
recommends it for funding by the WCB.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Wildlife Conservation Board approve this
project as proposed; allocate $204,000.00 from Safe Drinking Water,
Water Quality and Supply, Flood Control, River and Coastal Protection
Fund of 2006 (Proposition 84), Public Resources Code Section
75055(d)(4); authorize staff to enter into appropriate agreements
necessary to accomplish this project; and authorize staff and the
Department of Fish and Wildlife to proceed substantially as planned.
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Final Agenda for February 20, 2014, WCB Board Meeting
*8. San Joaquin River Parkway,
Islewood Golf Course Drinking Water, Feasibility Study $20,000.00
Fresno County
This proposal is to consider the allocation for a grant to San Joaquin River
Conservancy for a project to determine the feasibility of supplying drinking
water to the San Joaquin River Conservancy's (Conservancy) Islewood
Golf Course property, located within the City of Fresno in Fresno County.
LOCATION
The San Joaquin River Parkway is defined by state law as approximately
5,900 acres on both sides of a twenty-two mile long reach of the San
Joaquin River between Friant Dam in the east and State Route 99 to the
west, in Fresno and Madera Counties (Public Resources Code Section
32510). The Conservancy was created in 1992 to preserve and enhance
the San Joaquin River's extraordinary biological diversity, protect its
valued cultural and natural resources, and provide educational and
recreational opportunities to local communities. The Conservancy's
mission includes providing public access and restoring habitat within the
Parkway.
Islewood Golf Course, a leased facility on the Conservancy's Liddell
property, is located within the City of Fresno, approximately one mile
upstream of the railroad bridge across the San Joaquin River, and three
miles above the Highway 99 bridge. It lies adjacent to the Millburn Unit of
the California Department of Fish and Wildlife's San Joaquin River
Ecological Reserve.
The subject site is used for a small golf operation consistent with the
Parkway Master Plan, and in the future is expected to be improved with
developed trails, river access, and non-motorized boating facilities, and
picnicking areas.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The proposed project will complete all studies necessary to secure a non-
community water system permit from the California Department of Public
Health (CDPH).
The CDPH has provided notice to the Conservancy, as landowner, that it
must secure a permit for the domestic water well at Islewood Golf Course.
The permit application requires first that the applicant determine the
feasibility of connecting to the nearby municipal water system. The City of
Fresno water system has a 14-inch pipeline potentially available for a
connection at the end of Milburn Avenue, approximately one-quarter mile
from the golf shop. If that connection proves to be infeasible, the
Conservancy must apply for a water system permit. The application
requires a technical assessment of the well and water system, and an
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Final Agenda for February 20, 2014,WCB Board Meeting
evaluation of the capacity of the Conservancy to properly manage,
monitor, and finance the system. The current lessee operates the golf
course and operates two wells: one for irrigation, and one serving the
sinks, faucets, and toilets. The lessee performs all necessary monitoring.
The lessee does not provide food service, although that might be possible
someday if an adequate domestic water supply can be developed.
The current lease extends until December 31, 2030, but the Conservancy
has the option of buying out the lease after July 1, 2017.
The Conservancy Board has recommended that the Conservancy perform
the analyses to ensure the drinking water is safe, in compliance with
regulations, and cost-effectively provided. This is important now and more
so if the site is expanded to include public use trails and river access. If a
connection to the municipal water system is proven to be feasible, it is
expected that the WCB will be requested to authorize bond funds to
construct the connection.
The development of the feasibility report will consist of:
• Preparing a base map
• Conducting a site visit to confirm existing conditions
• Evaluating the existing well and system
• Determining the City of Fresno's requirements for a connection,
Wastewater service, and fire protection
• Evaluating an extension of the City of Fresno's water system to site
• Preparing cost estimates for both options
• Preparing a report to discuss and recommend a preferred
alternative
The work would be performed by a qualified engineering consultant
secured in compliance with state contracting requirements.
WCB PROGRAM
The proposed project is being considered through the Public Access
Program and meets the program's goal of providing public access for
hunting, fishing, or other wildlife-oriented recreation statewide. Funds
were allocated to the WCB within California Clean Water, Clean Air, Safe
Neighborhood Parks, and Coastal Protection Bond Act of 2002
(Proposition 40), Public Resources Code section 5096.650(b)(5), which
provides for the acquisition, development, rehabilitation, restoration and
protection of land and water resources located within the boundaries of
the San Joaquin River Conservancy and is consistent with the objectives
of this project.
MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND NEEDS
Should this report identify a feasible alternative, and if that project is
funded and constructed, the Conservancy will be responsible for its long-
term management and maintenance.
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Final Agenda for February 20, 2014, WCB Board Meeting
PROJECT FUNDING
The WCB is the sole funder of this project as outlined below:
l Ta aka WGCB Fundin"
Feasibility report $8,500
Prepare Permit Application $3,000
Prepare Technical, Managerial,and $5,000
Financial Requirements Report, if
required
Analytical testing of the water quality $1,000
and well yield
Contingency $2,500
TOTE
FUNDING SOURCE
The proposed funding source for this project is the California Clean Water,
Clean Air, Safe Neighborhood Parks, and Coastal Protection Bond Act of
2002 (Proposition 40); Public Resources Code section 5096.650(b)(5),
which allows for acquisition, development, rehabilitation, restoration and
protection of land and water resources located within the boundaries of
the San Joaquin River Conservancy, and is consistent with the objectives
of this project.
CEQA REVIEW AND STATE RECOMMENDATION
The Conservancy's Board approved this proposal on November 20, 2013,
and recommends it for funding by the WCB. The project is statutorily
exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to
the State CEQA Guidelines (California Code of Regulations, Title 14,
Chapter 3, Section 15262) as a feasibility and planning study for possible
future actions. Subject to approval of this proposal by the WCB, the
appropriate Notice of Exemption will be filed with the State Clearinghouse.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Wildlife Conservation Board approve this
project as proposed; allocate $20,000.00 from the California Clean
Water, Clean Air, Safe Neighborhood Parks and Coastal Protection
Fund (Proposition 40), Public Resources Code Section 5096.650(a)(5);
authorize staff to enter into appropriate agreements necessary to
accomplish this project; and authorize staff and the California
Department of Fish and Wildlife to proceed substantially as planned.
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Final Agenda for February 20, 2014, WCB Board Meeting
*9. Allensworth Ecological Reserve, Expansion 28 $0.00
Tulare County
This proposal is to consider the acquisition of 7+/- acres of land by the
California Department of Fish and Wildlife for the protection of habitat
supporting the San Joaquin kit fox and other rare species found within the
Department of Fish and Wildlife's (CDFW) Allensworth Ecological Reserve
(Reserve), to enhance habitat linkages and connectivity, as well as
provide for future wildlife oriented public use opportunities. The funding
for this project will be paid directly from the California Department of
Corrections Statewide Electric Fence Project mitigation fund assigned to
CDFW. This project was initially proposed and withdrawn for
consideration at the Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB or Board)
November 2013 meeting, because the Board desired staff research
whether all project costs were reimbursable through the California
Department of Corrections Statewide Electric Fence Project mitigation
fund.
LOCATION AND SURROUNDING USES
The subject property (Property) is located northwest of the City of Delano,
southwest of the City of Pixley, west of State Route 99, near the
community of Earlimart in Tulare County. The Property lies in an area
where portions of the Reserve are comprised of small parcels typified as
open land, which are sparsely vegetated and dominated by grassland and
valley sink areas. Much of surrounding areas outside the Reserve have
been, or are currently being, converted to extensive agricultural uses
including alfalfa, grapes, or orchard use. Located west of the Reserve is
the Colonel Allensworth State Park. To the north are the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service (USFWS) Pixley National Wildlife Refuge, and to the
southwest is the USFWS Kern National Wildlife Refuge.
Over the last 15 years, the WCB has approved projects to help acquire
and protect nearly 3,000 acres of land in and around the Reserve. The
valley sink and saltbush scrub plant communities found at the Reserve
represent some of the highest quality examples of these plant
communities in the San Joaquin Valley. There are also a number of
vernal pools found within the Reserve, supporting vernal pool fairy shrimp.
The Reserve is important to the survival and recovery of several
endangered or sensitive species such as the fully protected blunt-nosed
leopard lizard, the State threatened and federally endangered San
Joaquin kit fox, the State and federally endangered Tipton kangaroo rat
and San Joaquin pocket mouse; the State threatened San Joaquin
antelope squirrel and the federally threatened Hoppings blister beetle.
Other rare and important species that either reside at or frequent the
Reserve include badger, greater Sandhill crane, merlin, Swainson's hawk,
and the western pond turtle.
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Final Agenda for February 20, 2014, WCB Board Meeting
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The Property is a rectangular 7± acre parcel, with fairly level to slightly
undulating topography. It is currently zoned for agricultural use and is
being utilized as pastureland. The dominant vegetation is native grass.
Once acquired, the Property will be managed as part of the Reserve,
expanding open space and habitat areas for wildlife species. The
acquisition of the site will also help improve habitat connectivity between
the Reserve and the Pixley National Wildlife Refuge located to the north.
WCB PROGRAM
This project is being proposed under WCB's Land Acquisition Program
(Program). The Program is administered pursuant to the Board's original
enabling legislation, "The Wildlife Conservation Law of 1947" (Fish and
Game Section 1300, et seq.) authorizing the WCB to acquire real property
or rights in real property on behalf of the CDFW, grant funds to other
government entities or nonprofit organizations to acquire real property or
rights in real property and accept federal grant funds to facilitate
acquisitions or subgrant these federal funds to assist with acquisitions of
properties. Under the Program, the WCB acquires lands and interests in
land that can successfully sustain or be restored to support wildlife and,
when practicable, provide for suitable wildlife oriented recreation
opportunities. These activities are carried out in conjunction with the
CDFW, which evaluates the biological values of property through
development of a Land Acquisition Evaluation/Conceptual Area Protection
Plan (LAE/CAPP). The LAE/CAPP is then submitted to CDFW's Regional
Operations Committee for review and, if approved, later transmitted to the
WCB with a recommendation to fund.
MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND NEEDS
The Property proposed for acquisition represents a nominal addition to the
Reserve and can be readily absorbed into existing CDFW operations.
CDFW, as fee title owner of the Property, will be able to manage and
monitor the Property within its existing budget.
TERMS
The Property owners have agreed to sell the Property for its appraised fair
market value of$4,000.00, which has been reviewed by WCB staff and
reviewed and approved by the Department of General Services (DGS).
The terms and conditions of the proposed acquisition provide that staff of
the WCB must review and approve all title documents, preliminary title
reports, documents for purchase and sale, escrow instructions and
instruments of conveyance prior to disbursement of funds directly into the
escrow account established for the acquisition.
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Final Agenda for February 20, 2014,WCB Board Meeting
PROJECT FUNDING
The proposed funding breakdown for the project is as follows:
Total Purchase Price $4,000.00
Other Project-Related Costs $3,500.00
Total Project Costs $7,500.00
TOTAL WCB ALLOCATION $ 0.00
It is estimated that $3,500.00 will be needed to cover internal project-
related expenses, including DGS appraisal review costs.
FUNDING SOURCE
All of project related costs will be paid directly from the California
Department of Corrections Statewide Electric Fence Project mitigation
fund assigned to CDFW. These mitigation funds were made available to
CDFW to offset the impacts to valley floor habitat associated with electric
fences constructed around correctional facilities in the San Joaquin Valley.
The CDFW and the WCB have both analyzed and determined the
purposes of this project are consistent with the proposed funding source.
ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND STATE RECOMMENDATION
The acquisition has been reviewed pursuant to the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and is proposed as exempt under
CEQA Guidelines Section 15313, Class 13, as an acquisition of land for
wildlife conservation purposes, and Section 15325, Class 25, as a transfer
of an ownership interest in land to preserve open space and habitat,
including plant or animal habitats. Subject to authorization by the WCB, a
Notice of Exemption will be filed with the State Clearinghouse.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Wildlife Conservation Board approve the
project as proposed; authorize staff to enter into appropriate agreements
necessary to accomplish this project; and authorize staff and the CDFW to
proceed substantially as planned.
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Final Agenda for February 20, 2014, WCB Board Meeting
*10. Carrizo Canyon Ecological Reserve, Expansion 1,
Suzanne Adams Trust Donation $5,000.00
Riverside County
This proposal is to consider the acceptance of a donation from the Trust of
Suzanne Adams of 100 +/- acres of land in fee title, on behalf of the
California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), as an expansion to
the Carrizo Canyon Ecological Reserve (Reserve), consisting of inland
high desert, mountainous habitat which supports big horn sheep and
provides habitat connectivity.
LOCATION and SURROUNDING USES
The Property is located approximately 8 miles south of the town of Palm
Desert, in the Santa Rosa mountains, north of state highway (Hwy 74) that
runs east from the Coachella Valley across and over the Santa Rosa and
San Jacinto mountains, in central Riverside County. Portions of the
property provide panoramic views of the Coachella Valley to the east. Just
southwest and higher up in the mountains from the Property is the Pinyon
Crest development, a private subdivided residential mountain community
with some 200 residential lots which represents the type of habitat
fragmentation that can occur when these areas are subdivided and
developed.
CDFW currently oversees the adjacent Carrizo Canyon Ecological
Reserve located east of the Property and located to the north is a 640±
acre Bureau of Land Management (BLM) property. Checker boarding the
surrounding area are numerous other BLM properties totaling over
200,000 acres. The donation will help enhance wildlife migration corridors
through the Santa Rosa and adjacent San Jacinto Mountains and buffer
habitat areas from encroachment from neighboring development.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The Property contains steep, arid mountainous and canyon valley terrain,
consisting mostly of desert scrub and chaparral habitat. Unusual plant
assemblages are also well represented in the desert fan palm oasis
woodland found on the canyon floor of the Property. This area is home to
the largest herd of Peninsular bighorn sheep, numbering around 200
animals, which is a federally and state-listed endangered species.
Additional species know to inhabit the area include golden eagles, redtail
hawks, mule deer, mountain lions, bobcats, Great Plains toads, western
rattlesnakes, and the federal and state listed endangered desert slender
salamander.
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Final Agenda for February 20, 2014, WCB Board Meeting
WCB PROGRAM
The proposed donation is considered under the Wildlife Conservation
Board's (WCB) Land Acquisition Program with the support and
recommendation from CDFW. The acquisition program is administered
pursuant to the Board's original enabling legislation, "The Wildlife
Conservation Law of 1947" (Fish and Game Section 1300, et seq.) to
acquire areas that can successfully sustain wildlife and provide for suitable
recreation opportunities. Under Fish and Game Code section 1348, the
Board may also authorize the acquisition of property on behalf of CDFW.
MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND NEEDS
Given the Property's location adjacent to the Carrizo Canyon Ecological
Reserve, additional management costs for staffing will be minimal. Public
access to the Reserve currently provides for low-impact recreational
activities, including hunting, hiking, bird watching, and photography. Under
the terms of the Suzanne Adams Trust, an additional $25,000.00 will be
provided to CDFW to help with management costs.
TERMS
The Property has been donated to the CDFW through the last will and
testament of Suzanne Adams and is now being administered by her estate
trust. WCB, in conjunction with the Department of General Services,
conducted site visits to the Property, whereas DGS environmental staff
reviewed the Property and determined there were no noted environmental
concerns or risks with CDFW accepting title to the Property. WCB staff
will review and approve all title documents, preliminary title reports,
documents for title transfer, escrow instructions and instruments of
conveyance prior to acceptance and transfer of the donated fee title from
the estate of Suzanne Adams. The Property has an appraised fair market
value of$ 80,000. The Department of Finance (DOF) must approve all
donations of property to the CDFW, which also requires an initial review
by DGS.
PROJECT FUNDING
The proposed funding breakdown for the project is as follows:
Wildlife Conservation Board $ 0.00
TOTAL Easement Price $ 0.00
Other Project-Related Costs $5,000.00
TOTAL WCB ALLOCATION $5,000.00
It is estimated that an additional $5,000.00 will be needed to cover project
related administrative costs, including environmental assessment,
transaction review, and escrow and title insurance costs.
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Final Agenda for February 20, 2014, WCB Board Meeting
FUNDING SOURCE
The purposes of this project are consistent with the authorized uses of the
proposed funding source, Habitat Conservation Fund (Proposition 117),
Fish and Game Code Section 2786(b/c), that allows for the acquisition and
protection of habitat to protect rare, endangered, threatened or fully
protected species.
ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND STATE RECOMMENDATION
The proposed acquisition has been reviewed for compliance with the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requirements and is
proposed as exempt under CEQA Guidelines Section 15313, Class 13, as
an acquisition of lands for wildlife conservation purposes, and Section
15325, Class 25, as a transfer of an ownership interest in land to preserve
open space and existing natural conditions, including plant or animal
habitats. Subject to authorization by the WCB, a Notice of Exemption will
be filed with the State Clearinghouse.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Wildlife Conservation Board approve the
project as proposed; allocate $5,000.00 from the Habitat Conservation
Fund, (Proposition 117), Section 2786(b/c) to cover internal project-related
expenses; authorize staff to enter into appropriate agreements necessary
to accomplish this project; and authorize staff and the California
Department of Fish and Wildlife to proceed substantially as planned.
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Final Agenda for February 20, 2014, WCB Board Meeting
11. Strawberry Creek Riparian Restoration $253,000.00
Humboldt County
This proposal is to consider the allocation for a grant to the Pacific Coast
Fish, Wildlife and Wetlands Association (PCFWWA) for a cooperative
project with the Redwood National Park (RNP) and the California
Department of Fish and Wildlife Fisheries Restoration Grant Program
(FRGP) to restore approximately 1,600 linear feet of riparian habitat for
Coho salmon and steelhead trout on Strawberry Creek, located
approximately 1.5 miles west of Orick in Humboldt County.
LOCATION
The project site is located on the low gradient reach of Strawberry Creek
within RNP, approximately 1.5 west of the City of Orick in Humboldt
County. The project area is on the floodplain approximately 1.2 miles
upstream of the confluence with Redwood Creek's South Slough and 2
miles upstream of the mouth of Redwood Creek. Historically, the project
site was cleared of riparian forest and the stream was realigned from its
historic bed when the property was a privately-owned ranch. Now this
area is part of RNP and set aside in perpetuity for conservation.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The PCFWWA, in collaboration with RNP and the California Department
of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), through the FRGP, is proposing to restore
habitat for anadromous salmonids, including the State- and federally-listed
threatened Coho salmon and federally-listed threatened steelhead trout, in
Strawberry Creek, a tributary to Redwood Creek estuary in northwestern
Humboldt County.
Strawberry Creek, a low gradient tributary of the Redwood Creek estuary,
once supported a productive coastal cutthroat trout fishery and healthy
populations of Coho salmon and steelhead. By the mid-1950s, a large
portion of the Orick valley floor had been converted to agricultural use.
Strawberry Creek was straightened and channelized, and adjacent
forested wetlands were cleared and drained. Stream alteration created
conditions favoring invasive grasses, which filled in the stream channel
and reduced aquatic habitat. The ditch-like configuration of the creek and
lack of riparian vegetation greatly reduced salmonid habitat quality in
Strawberry Creek. The grass-filled channel blocks fish passage,
decreases water quality by reducing dissolved oxygen and raises water
levels, which aggravate flooding on adjacent lands.
Flowing directly into the estuary of Redwood Creek, Strawberry Creek is
critical for providing much needed refugia and winter rearing habitat for
salmonids. The CDFW's Recovery Strategy for California Coho Salmon
identified lower portions of the Redwood Creek watershed, which includes
the lower portions of Strawberry Creek, as having the highest restoration
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Final Agenda for February 20, 2014, WCB Board Meeting
potential in the Redwood Creek watershed. The estuary has been
significantly impaired following construction of flood control levees in the
late 1960s that caused major physical changes to lower Redwood Creek,
including loss of riparian vegetation and restructuring of the estuary.
Levee construction largely disconnected Redwood Creek and its estuary
from off-channel over-wintering rearing habitat that is critical for Coho
salmon survival and recovery.
The project will restore about 2.2 acres of wetland and riparian habitats
adjacent to Strawberry Creek. It entails construction of about 1,600 linear
feet of stream channel as a wetland slough channel and construction of
smaller side channels extending into the surrounding wetland area. The
slough channels and side channels will increase habitat complexity and
provide off-channel refugia. Large wood habitat structures will be installed
within the wetland channels to provide cover habitat for salmonids and
other aquatic organisms. A 25-foot wide riparian vegetation corridor,
totaling about 2 acres, will be planted along each side of the 1,600 foot
restored channel and will be composed of densely planted Sitka spruce,
red alder, and live willow cuttings.
Four stream crossing sites on the upslope abandoned roads require
treatment to protect the downstream channel restoration efforts. The
stream crossings will be decommissioned and excavated using CDFW
protocols, saving a conservatively estimated 775 cubic yards of sediment
from delivery into Strawberry Creek. Work will include temporary access
for culvert installation, installing boulder weirs and boulder steps,
excavation for culvert installation, and installing gravel for roadway
reconstruction.
If this grant is approved, stream channel realignment work is expected to
begin in summer of 2014. In conjunction with this excavation, the adjacent
streamside reed canary grass will be grubbed using heavy equipment to
remove the grass and their roots. To lessen re-invasion and competition
from the fast growing reed canary grass, the area will be mulched using
cardboard and burlap overlain with shredded redwood bark as a weed
barrier.
WCB PROGRAM
The proposed project will be funded through the Habitat Enhancement
and Restoration Program and meets the program's goals of native
fisheries restoration, restoration of wetlands that fall outside the
jurisdiction of the Inland Wetland Conservation Program such as coastal,
tidal, or fresh water habitats, and in-stream restoration projects including
removal of fish passage barriers and other obstructions.
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MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND NEEDS
A restoration planning report was completed for the entire Strawberry
Creek, extending from the South Slough estuary upstream 9,000 feet to
the upper reaches of the watershed within RNP. The report evaluated the
hydraulic, hydrologic, topographic, geomorphic and biological
characteristics of Lower Strawberry Creek. It also provided
recommendations for restoring self-sustaining stream channels and
wetlands within Strawberry Creek with suitable fish habitat and access,
water quality and biological productivity to support non-natal rearing of
salmonids. Implementation of this plan is occurring throughout the
watershed in a phased, prioritized approach. Biological surveys for
salmonids in Strawberry Creek within and downstream of the project have
been on-going since 2008 and will continue during and after project
implementation. Cultural resource surveys that were required for CEQA
compliance have been completed.
The PCFVWVA has agreed, pursuant to the grant agreement, to ensure
that the National Parks Service (NPS) will maintain the site as part of the
RNP for the 25-year life of the project. If at any time during the life of the
project, the RNP does not manage and maintain the project
improvements, the Grant Agreement requires that the PCFVVWA refund to
the State of California an amortized amount of funds based on the number
of years left on the project life.
PROJECT FUNDING
Task FRGP NPS WCB Total
Project Management/Permitting $101,990 $67,990 $38,000 $207,980
Channel and Wetland Reconfiguration $106,616 $94,670 $169,300 $370,586
Riparian Vegetation Restoration $89,010 $0.00 $45,700 $134,710
TOTAL $297,616 $162,660 $253,000 $713,276
Project costs will be for project construction management and permitting;
erosion and sediment control; earthwork; acquisition and placement of log
structures; culvert acquisition and installation; installation of boulder weirs
and boulder steps; installation of gravel for roadway reconstruction; weed
removal; and planting of riparian vegetation.
FUNDING SOURCE
The proposed funding source is the Habitat Conservation Fund
(Proposition 117), Fish and Game Code Section 2786(e/f), which provides
funding for the acquisition, restoration or enhancement of riparian and
aquatic habitats for salmonids and trout and is consistent with the
purposes of this project.
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Final Agenda for February 20, 2014, WCB Board Meeting
CEQA AND CDFW REVIEW/ RECOMMENDATION
As Lead Agency, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife has
prepared a Mitigated Negative Declaration for the project pursuant to the
provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Staff has
considered the Mitigated Negative Declaration and prepared proposed,
written findings documenting WCB's compliance with CEQA. Subject to
Board approval of the project, staff will file a Notice of Determination with
the State Clearinghouse. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife
has reviewed this proposal and recommends it for funding by the WCB.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Wildlife Conservation Board adopt the written
findings and approve this project as proposed; allocate $253,000.00 from
the Habitat Conservation Fund (Proposition 117), Fish and Game Code
Section 2786(e/f); authorize staff and the California Department of Fish
and Wildlife to enter into appropriate agreements necessary to accomplish
this project; and authorize staff and the California Department of Fish and
Wildlife to proceed substantially as planned.
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Final Agenda for February 20, 2014, WCB Board Meeting
12. Cow Creek Conservation Area,
Expansion 3, Triple B Ranch $640,000.00
Shasta County
This proposal is to consider the allocation for a grant to the Shasta Land
Trust (SLT) to acquire a conservation easement over 600 +1- acres of land
(Property) located in Shasta County, to protect rangeland, riparian,
floodplain and riverine habitat and provide habitat connectivity with the
adjoining protected lands referred to as the Cow Creek Conservation
Area.
LOCATION AND SURROUNDING USES
The Property is a privately owned rangeland parcel located in the
Cascade Range foothills, north of State Highway 44 about 15 miles east of
the City of Redding in Shasta County. The Property is more specifically
located on South Cow Creek Road, east of Millville and Palo Cedro. The
Property has been operated as ranch, grazed and farmed, since the
1860's and is bisected by two creeks, Old Cow Creek and South Cow
Creek. Each creek runs through the Property in an east to west direction
and ultimately both creeks flow to the Sacramento River via Cow Creek.
Current land uses in the area include agriculture, recreation, residential
and protected natural resources.
The Property is listed within the California Department of Fish and Wildlife
(CDFW) Cow Creek Conceptual Area Protection Plan (CAPP) as a priority
property for protection. The Plan encompasses the Cow Creek
watershed, comprised mainly of foothill areas that support expansive oak
woodlands, riparian and stream corridors and grassland areas. The WCB
refers to this area as the Cow Creek Conservation Area and has funded
several major conservation easement acquisitions within the Cow Creek
Conservation Area, including Cow Creek Ranch totaling about 5,000
acres, the Hathaway Ranch totaling about 6,600 acres and the JS Ranch
totaling nearly 6,000 acres. The SLT also holds the approximately 5,000
acre Rickert Brothers Ranch conservation easement, which is also located
within the Cow Creek Conservation Area. With the purchase of the
proposed conservation easement, the total protected lands in the area will
grow to more than 22,000 acres.
Cow Creek is the most Northerly uncontrolled tributary to the Sacramento
River. The main stem of Cow Creek originates from the confluence of Old
Cow Creek and South Cow Creek, both of which run through the Property.
This Cow Creek watershed supports several species of anadramous fish
including fall-run Chinook salmon and the federally threatened northern
steelhead trout. South Cow Creek has been recognized by the U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service, as one of the most important for fall run Chinook
salmon spawning areas within the Sacramento River watershed.
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Final Agenda for February 20, 2014, WCB Board Meeting
The protected lands within the Cow Creek Conservation Area also support
an abundance of other wildlife species including the gray fox, Canada
goose, Rocky Mountain elk, California quail, American kestrel, red-
shouldered hawk, gopher snake, barn swallow, western blue bird, western
meadowlark, red-tailed hawk, Columbia black-tailed deer, bushy-tailed
woodrat, western harvest mouse, western fence lizard, California vole,
Botta's pocket gopher, northwestern pond turtle and western gray squirrel.
Acquisition of a conservation easement over the Property is consistent
with several regional conservation plans including the goals and desired
outcomes of the Sacramento River Conservation Program Area defined by
SB 1086 (Nielsen,1986), which focuses on preserving riparian habitat and
reestablishing continuous riparian habitat along the Sacramento River
between Chico and Redding. The project is also consistent with actions
proposed under CDFW's California Wildlife Action Plan (Plan). The
project area spans two regions in the Plan, the Central Sierra Nevada and
Cascade region and the Central Valley region. Both regions identify as
important conservation actions protection and restoration of habitat
connectivity along rivers and protection of water resources for wildlife.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The Property is marginally improved with several pumps to provide water
to ponds on the Property. There are a number of miscellaneous barn and
farm structures to provide support to the grazing activities. The Property
contains a variety of habitats, including grassland, oak woodlands,
floodplain, riparian, riverine and wetland. Acquiring a conservation
easement over the Property will help protect these valuable habitats and
the multiple species of plants and animals found in and around the
Property, including deer, elk and mountain lion as well various
anadromous fish runs including Chinook salmon and the federally
threatened northern California federal steelhead trout.
Under the terms of the proposed conservation easement, the Property
owner will retain the right to two undeveloped separate ranch steads, one
of 2 acres and the other 5 acres. How and where these sites are situated
is constrained under the terms of the conservation easement to limit any
impacts to the Property's resource values. In addition the Property owner
will also retain the right to maintain current improvements on the Property,
covering approximately 10 acres. All other development rights will be
permanently extinguished by the conservation easement. In addition, the
proposed conservation easement forbids the Property owner to
"permanently transfer, encumber, lease, sell or otherwise separate any
water rights from the Property". The SLT will work with the landowner to
develop a future public access program on the Property that will allow
docent led tours up to 4 times a year as per the terms of the conservation
easement.
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Final Agenda for February 20, 2014, WCB Board Meeting
WCB PROGRAM
The proposed grant and conservation easement for this project is being
considered under the land acquisition program at the WCB. The
acquisition program is administered pursuant to the Board's original
enabling legislation, "The Wildlife Conservation Law of 1947" (Fish and
Game Section 1300, et seq) to acquire areas that can successfully sustain
wildlife and provide for suitable recreation opportunities. Under this
program acquisition activities are carried out in conjunction with the DFG,
which evaluates the biological values of property through development of
a Conceptual Area Protection Plan (CAPP). The CAPP is then submitted
to DFG's Regional Operations Committee (ROC) for review and approval
and later transmitted to the WCB with a recommendation to fund.
MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND NEEDS
Under the terms of the proposed WCB grant, SLT will hold the
conservation easement and monitor the Property for compliance with its
terms and conditions. A stewardship fund will be established between the
Property owner and SLT to provide for this monitoring and oversight.
TERMS
The Property owner has agreed to sell a conservation easement to the
Shasta Land Trust for $625,000. The appraised fair market value of
$650,000 has been reviewed by WCB staff and reviewed and approved by
the Department of General Services (DGS). The terms and conditions of
the proposed grant provide that WCB staff must review and approve all
title documents, appraisals, preliminary reports, documents connected
with the purchase and sale including escrow instructions and instruments
of conveyance, as well as baseline report and monitoring protocol prior to
disbursement of funds into an escrow account established for the
transaction. In the event of breach of the grant terms, the WCB can seek
specific performance or require the grantee to transfer the conservation
easement to WCB or another qualifying entity approved by WCB.
PROJECT FUNDING
The proposed funding breakdown for the project is as follows:
WCB Grant Allocation $625,000.00
Total Purchase Price $625,000.00
Other Project-related Costs $ 15,000.00
TOTAL WCB ALLOCATION $640,000.00
It is estimated that an additional $15,000.00 will be needed to cover
project-related expenses, including DGS review costs and appraisal costs.
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Final Agenda for February 20, 2014, WCB Board Meeting
FUNDING SOURCE
The purposes of this project are consistent with the authorized uses of the
proposed funding sources which are the WCB's Habitat Conservation
Fund Section 2786(b/c) and Section 2786(b/c) (PropositionlE), that allows
for the acquisition and protection of habitat to protect rare, endangered,
threatened or fully protected species within a floodplain or flood corridor.
ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND STATE RECOMMENDATION
The project has been reviewed pursuant to the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA) and is proposed as exempt under CEQA Guidelines
Section 15313, Class 13, as an acquisition of land for wildlife conservation
purposes, and Section 15325, Class 25, as a transfer of an ownership
interest in land to preserve open space and existing natural conditions,
including plant or animal habitats. Subject to authorization by the WCB, a
Notice of Exemption will be filed with the State Clearinghouse.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Wildlife Conservation Board approve this
project as proposed; allocate $640,000.00 from the Habitat Conservation
Funds, Section 2786(b/c) and Section 2786(b/c) (Proposition)E), to cover
the grant amount and internal project-related expenses; authorize staff to
enter into appropriate agreements necessary to accomplish this project;
and authorize staff to proceed substantially as planned.
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Final Agenda for February 20, 2014, WCB Board Meeting
13. Usal Forest Conservation Easement Transfer $0.00
Mendocino County
This proposal is to consider the authorization for Department of Forestry
and Fire Protection (CALFIRE) to accept a conservation easement over
49,500+/- acres in Mendocino County currently held by The Conservation
Fund (TCF), pursuant to the California Forest Legacy Program Act of
2007. The conservation easement conserves and protects an
economically sustainable working forest, oak woodlands, grasslands and
important habitat for native fish, wildlife and plants.
LOCATION AND SURROUNDING USES
The conservation easement covers property known as the Usal Tract
(Property) located east of Highway 101 and the community of Leggett in
the northwest corner of Mendocino County. The Property is bounded on
the west by the Sinkyone Wilderness State Park and the Pacific Ocean.
Several major fish-bearing creeks located on the Property flow into the
south fork of the Eel River, which runs along most of the Property's
eastern boundary. The Property is accessible from an established network
of State, county, and private roads. There is a well-developed system of
internal roads with all mainline roads in place.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
In July 2011, WCB approved the allocation of a grant to TCF to assist with
the acquisition of the conservation easement. The WCB Grant Agreement
(Grant) acknowledges TCF's intent to transfer the conservation easement
to CALFIRE at some point in the future. The Grant approves such a
transfer so long as CALFIRE agrees to hold, administer, maintain, enforce
and defend the conservation easement in a manner consistent with the
Grant, including the purposes of the Grant to preserve the Property in its
natural scenic, forested, open-space condition and to preserve
productively managed forest lands.
On September 11, 2013, The Board of Forestry and Fire Protection
approved a resolution authorizing CALFIRE to accept Grant responsibility
for the acquisition of the conservation easement on the Property
(Resolution). In addition, the Director for CALFIRE has requested that
WCB staff act as its land agent and seek authorization from WCB for
CALFIRE to accept the conservation easement from TFC pursuant to the
California Forest Legacy Program Act of 2007.
WCB PROGRAM
The California Forest Legacy Program Act of 2007 (Act) is set out in
Division 10.5 of the California Public Resources Code, Sections 12200—
12292. Public Resources Code Section 12240 establishes the California
Forest Legacy Program (Program) and states that WCB may acquire
conservation easements on behalf of CALFIRE pursuant to the Act.
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Final Agenda for February 20, 2014, WCB Board Meeting
Effective January 1, 2013, California Government Code Section 15853(0
(Property Acquisition Law) specifically exempted the acquisition of
conservation easements made pursuant to the Act from review and
approval of the Public Works Board. Acquisitions of conservation
easements on behalf of CALFIRE made pursuant to the Act may instead
be carried out by WCB. If the proposal is approved by WCB, the
transaction is also subject to review and approval by the Department of
General Services (DGS).
MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND NEEDS
CALFIRE will hold, manage and be responsible for the monitoring and
enforcement of the conservation easement in perpetuity per the terms of
the Grant. The terms and conditions of the Grant will remain unmodified
and in full force and effect after the transfer to CALFIRE.
TERMS
Under this proposal, WCB would authorize CALFIRE to accept an
assignment of the conservation easement. Concurrently with the
assignment, and as authorized by the Resolution, CALFIRE would also
accept the obligations of TCF to WCB as Grantee of the Grant. At the
time TCF acquired the conservation easement, the landowner established
an endowment fund in the amount of$200,000.00 to assist TCF with the
expenses associated with the monitoring and management of the
conservation easement. TCF has agreed to transfer the endowment to
CALFIRE at the time the conservation easement is transferred.
PROJECT FUNDING
No state funding will be required for this transaction. The conservation
easement is being proposed for assignment to CALFIRE as a no cost
transaction. In addition to the endowment funds that TCF has agreed to
transfer to CALFIRE, the federal Forest Legacy Program has committed to
provide funds to CALFIRE to cover administrative expenses related to the
management and monitoring of the conservation easement. All costs
associated with the DGS transaction review would also be covered by the
federal Forest Legacy Program funds.
ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND STATE RECOMMENDATION
The proposed action is not subject to the California Environmental Quality
Act (CEQA), which only applies where a public agency proposes to carry
out or approve a discretionary project (Pub. Resources Code, § 21080,
subd. (a).). Here, the proposal is for WCB to authorize CALFIRE to
accept the assignment of an existing conservation easement. Although
that action requires WCB discretionary approval under the Act, the
transfer of the conservation easement from TCF to CALFIRE is not a
project for purposes of CEQA as it will not and is not expected to result in
any direct change or any reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change
to the environment.
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Final Agenda for February 20, 2014, WCB Board Meeting
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Wildlife Conservation Board approve this
project as proposed; authorize CALFIRE to accept the assignment of the
conservation easement and assume the obligations of the Grantee under
the conservation easement; authorize staff to enter into appropriate
agreements necessary to accomplish this project; and authorize staff and
CALFIRE to proceed substantially as planned.
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Final Agenda for February 20, 2014, WCB Board Meeting
14. Upper Butte Basin Wildlife Area
Little Dry Creek Habitat Restoration $515,000.00
Butte County
This proposal is to consider the allocation for a grant to the California
Waterfowl Association (CWA) for a cooperative project with the North
American Wetlands Conservation Council to restore ±534 acres of
wetlands, uplands and cereal grain habitats at the Department of Fish and
Wildlife's (CDFW) Upper Butte Basin Wildlife Area, Little Dry Creek Unit,
and enhance an additional ±200 acres of wetlands on an adjacent
privately-owned property protected in perpetuity through a CDFW-held
conservation easement, all located seventeen miles southwest of Oroville
in Butte County.
LOCATION
The Upper Butte Basin Wildlife Area (UBBWA) currently consists of three
units, the ±1,521 acre Llano Seco Unit, the ±4,010 acre Howard Slough
Unit, and the ±3,762 acre Little Dry Creek Unit. The UBBWA is located
within the Butte Basin, a low-lying area extending south and east of the
Sacramento River from near Chico on the north to the Sutter Buttes on the
south. Historically the Butte Basin consisted of a braided network of
sloughs, channels, and oxbows resulting from the meanderings of the
Sacramento River and Butte Creek, and comprised a significant portion of
the wetland habitat available for wintering, migratory, and breeding birds in
the Central Valley.
The UBBWA was created to protect and restore historically important
wetland, upland, and riparian habitat systems. UBBWA staff, working with
many partners over the years, has transformed the Little Dry Creek Unit
from a monoculture of rice to a diversified habitat complex providing year-
round wildlife habitat. The previously restored units over the years have
established new wetland and riparian habitats, funded by WCB, the North
American Wetlands Conservation Act, and the California Duck Stamp
Program.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The portion of the project site at UBBWA is the only remaining unrestored
acreage on the Little Dry Creek Unit, with fields still laid out as they were
when this land was privately farmed. Currently it is managed as a mix of
seasonal wetlands, semi-permanent wetlands, fallow uplands, and a
couple of units planted to corn specifically for sandhi!! cranes. There is
little topographic diversity within any of the units, they are for the most part
level fields as constructed in the past for rice production.
The farming that took place allowed for efficient manipulation for crop
production; however, the basic infrastructure to allow for habitat
management, needs to be developed. Reworked fields with built-in
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Final Agenda for February 20, 2014, WCB Board Meeting
diversity of habitat types and an enhanced water delivery system will
significantly increase management capabilities and habitat quality. The
development and expansion of desired seasonal and semi-permanent
wetlands along with significant blocks of seeded perennial upland grasses
will provide ideal brood rearing, nesting cover and wintering habitat for
wetland and upland dependent bird species. In addition, a portion of the
project will be dedicated to the production of cereal grains specifically to
provide food for wintering sandhill cranes.
The project will reconstruct the existing level fields through the
construction of new levees, swales, islands and water control structures.
The new wetland and upland units will provide much more diverse
habitats, with areas that can be flooded easily, either seasonally or semi-
permanently, and upland areas with greater topographic relief. The
restoration efforts will provide CDFW staff with the infrastructure to provide
high quality upland and wetland habitats for dependent wintering,
migrating, and resident species.
The proposed improvements will allow the CDFW to more efficiently move
water around the units. Improved irrigation, flood up and draw down water
on seasonal wetlands will increase seed production of moist soil plants
within the wetland basins. Upland areas will see increased stature and
development of high quality perennial grasses for nesting cover. These
enhanced practices will lead to much higher quality habitat for all
dependent species as described above. Secondly, increased control of
the water supplies will lead to a reduction in mosquito production in known
problem areas helping to reduce mosquito abatement costs. It is
anticipated that with the expansion of upland nesting cover and the
development of areas that can be managed as semi-permanent wetlands,
waterfowl and upland bird species reproductive success will increase.
The project also includes the enhancement of±200 acres of the privately-
owned Mom's Farm property located immediately adjacent to the UBBWA.
The restoration work on Mom's Farm is funded in part through the federal
North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) program and by the
landowners. WCB acquired a perpetual conservation easement over the
Mom's Farm in 1994 and the property was restored at that time. Since its
original restoration 20 years ago, restoration biologists have revolutionized
restoration design and construction. This project will renovate existing
seasonal wetland units, thereby improving habitat for wintering waterfowl,
and will reduce mosquito production and make management of the
property more efficient.
The project will benefit a wide variety of wetland and upland species
including breeding and wintering waterfowl, wintering shorebirds and
grassland species such as Lincoln's and savannah sparrows. In addition,
the project site is especially important for thousands of wintering sandhill
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Final Agenda for February 20, 2014,WCB Board Meeting
cranes. Finally, the proposed project will assist with the Central Valley
Joint Venture's (CVJV) goal of restoring 17,395 acres of seasonal wetland
habitat in the Butte Basin, as outlined in the CVJV's 2006 Implementation
Plan.
WCB PROGRAM
The proposed project will be funded through the Inland Wetland
Conservation Program (Fish and Game Code Section 1400, et seq.) and
meets the program's goal of assisting the Central Valley Joint Venture's
mission to protect, restore, and enhance wetlands and associated habitats
within California's Central Valley.
MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND NEEDS
CWA will ensure that the restored and enhanced habitats on Mom's Farm
is operated, used and maintained throughout the twenty-five-year project
life pursuant to the management plan described in the Grant Agreement.
If at any time during the life of the project, CWA does not manage and
maintain the project improvements, the Grant Agreement requires that it
refund to the State of California an amortized amount of funds based on
the number of years left on the project life.
The restored habitats on the UBBWA will be managed CDFW staff
pursuant to the management plan for the UBBWA. The restored habitats
and upgraded infrastructure will allow CDFW to manage the site to provide
improved habitats with less effort and at a lower cost.
PROJECT FUNDING
Moms
Item WCB Farm NAWCA TOTALS
Earth Work/Water $404,395 $26,385 $24,985 $455,765
Control
CWA Project $63,700 $63,700
Management
Topographic survey $1,400 $1,400
Contingencies $46,905 $46,905
TOTAL $515,000 $26,385 $26,385 $567,770
Project costs funded by WCB will be for earth work (levees, swales,
islands, ground leveling), water control structures, upland restoration
(planting native grasses), tule transplants, replacement of a lift pump, well
refurbishment, and construction supervision and administration.
FUNDING SOURCE
The proposed funding source for this project is the Habitat Conservation
Fund (Proposition 117), Fish and Game Code Section 2786(d)(Proposition
1E), Inland Wetlands Conservation Program, which allows for the
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Final Agenda for February 20, 2014, WCB Board Meeting
acquisition, enhancement or restoration of wetlands to protect or enhance
a flood protection corridor or bypass in the Central Valley, and is
consistent with the purposes of this project.
CEQA AND CDFW REVIEW/ RECOMMENDATION
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has reviewed this proposal
and recommends it for funding by the WCB. The project is categorically
exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to
the State CEQA Guidelines (California Code of Regulations, Title 14,
Chapter 3, Section 15304, Class 4, as a minor alteration to land. Subject
to approval of this proposal by the WCB, the appropriate Notice of
Exemption will be filed with the State Clearinghouse.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Wildlife Conservation Board approve this
project as proposed; allocate $515,000.00 from the Habitat Conservation
Fund (Proposition 117), Fish and Game Code Section 2786(d)
(Proposition 1 E); authorize staff and the California Department of Fish and
Wildlife to enter into appropriate agreements necessary to accomplish this
project; and authorize staff and the California Department of Fish and
Wildlife to proceed substantially as planned.
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Final Agenda for February 20, 2014, WCB Board Meeting
15. Yolo County HCP/NCCP Development, Phase II $700,000.00
Yolo County
This proposal is to consider the allocation for a grant to Yolo County
Habitat Conservation Plan/Natural Community Conservation Plan Joint
Powers Agency (JPA) to complete a second draft of a Habitat
Conservation Plan/Natural Community Conservation Plan (HCP/NCCP)
and the administrative draft of an EIR/EIS for that plan covering the entire
County of Yolo.
LOCATION
The proposed HCP/NCCP covers all of Yolo County, an area totaling
approximately 652,603 acres.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The HCP/NCCP program was developed by the California Department of
Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to
provide a unified effort by the CDFW, FWS, and numerous private and
public partners to take a broad-based ecosystem approach to planning for
the protection and perpetuation of biological diversity. An HCP/NCCP
identifies and provides for the regional or area-wide protection of plants,
animals, and their habitats, while allowing compatible and appropriate
economic activity. The primary objective of the HCP/NCCP program is to
conserve natural communities at the ecosystem level while
accommodating compatible land use. The program seeks to anticipate
and prevent the controversies and gridlock caused by species' listings by
focusing on the long-term stability of wildlife and plant communities and
including key interests in the process.
The JPA is preparing the Yolo Natural Heritage Program (NHP),
comprised of the countywide HCP/NCCP and a local conservation
strategy. The NHP will conserve 10 covered species in the plan area and
the natural communities on which these species depend. This NHP will
both mitigate for the impacts to habitat from covered activities over the 50-
year plan term and conserve natural communities in the plan area. The
JPA released the first administrative draft of the NHP on June 28, 2013;
this project will complete the second administrative draft, the third public
review draft and the Administrative Draft of the EIR/EIS.
The NHP covers the entire Yolo County area totaling approximately
652,603 acres and including six categories of community types (broad
habitat classifications), 28 habitats within those community types, and
further refined to104 vegetation types. The NHP is designed to provide
the basis for regulatory guidance for 11 species over a 50-year period.
Activities proposed to be covered by the plan, include planned urban
development, infrastructure projects, agricultural activities, and certain
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Final Agenda for February 20,2014,WCB Board Meeting
conservation-related actions. Impacts from covered activities are
preliminarily estimated to total approximately 19,000 acres.
What sets the Yolo NHP planning effort apart from others is that it is not
driven by developer interests or significant amounts of planned urban
development, but rather by a desire to protect, preserve, and integrate the
agricultural landscape with habitat protection and regional conservation
strategies.
This proposed WCB Grant is a critical part of the funding necessary to
complete the NHP. In addition, it will provide the 25% matching fund
requirement for a recently awarded Section 6 planning grant from the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service.
The grant will directly result in preparation of the following:
• Completion of the 2nd Administrative Draft of the NHP.
• Completion and commencement of implementation of public outreach
plan (including revised/updated web site).
• Completion of Public Review Draft of the NHP.
• Completion of Administrative Draft of the EIS/EIR.
• Completion of draft implementing agreement.
• Completion of draft conservation easement template.
• Completion of draft HCP/NCCP application
• Various staff reports and presentations.
Expected timeline for completion of above tasks is as follows:
December 1, 2014: Release of the 2nd Administrative Draft of the NHP to
CDFW and FWS.
May 1, 2015: Release of Draft NHP to the public for review.
August 15, 2015: Release of Administrative Draft of the EIR/EIS to CDFW
and FWS.
MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND NEEDS
Upon adoption of the HCP/NCCP and issuance of the regulatory permits,
the NHP will transition to implementation, moving to land protection and
habitat restoration pursuant to the adopted plan. The JPA or a successor
agency will undertake the subsequent duties of long-term management,
implementation, monitoring, and compliance over the 50-year term of the
NHP. It is anticipated that funding for implementation will come from
project fees and implementation grants.
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PROJECT FUNDING
The proposed funding breakdown for the project, as proposed, is as
follows:
Wildlife Conservation Board $700,000.00
FWS Section 6 grant $884,000.00
TOTAL: $1,584,000.00
Project costs will be for completing a second administrative draft of a Yolo
County HCP/NCCP, circulation of that draft to the DFG and the FWS,
development and circulation of a public review draft of that Plan and the
development of an administrative draft of an EIR/EIS.
FUNDING SOURCE
The proposed funding source for this project is the Safe Drinking Water,
Water Quality and Supply, Flood Control, River and Coastal Protection
Fund of 2006 (Proposition 84), Public Resources Code Section
75055(c)(SB8), which allows grants that implement or assist in the
establishment of natural community conservation plans for areas in and
around the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.
CEQA AND CDFW REVIEW/ RECOMMENDATION (IF NEEDED)
CDFW has reviewed this project and recommends it for funding by the
WCB. The project is statutorily exempt from the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to the State CEQA Guidelines (California
Code of Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3, Section 15262), as it involves
only feasibility and planning studies for possible future actions. Subject to
approval of this proposal by the WCB, the appropriate Notice of
Exemption will be filed with the State Clearinghouse.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Wildlife Conservation Board approve this
project as proposed; allocate $700,000.00 from the Safe Drinking Water,
Water Quality and Supply, Flood Control, River and Coastal Protection
Fund of 2006 (Proposition 84), Public Resources Code Section
75055(c)(SB8); authorize staff and the Department of Fish and Wildlife to
enter into appropriate agreements necessary to accomplish this project;
and authorize staff and the Department of Fish and Wildlife to proceed
substantially as planned.
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Final Agenda for February 20, 2014, WCB Board Meeting
16. Breuner Marsh Wetland Restoration $1,000,000.00
Contra Costa County
This proposal is to consider the allocation for a grant to the East Bay
Regional Park District (EBRPD) for a cooperative project with the State
Coastal Conservancy and others to restore ±164 acres of wetland habitat
at Breuner Marsh, located at Point Pinole Regional Shoreline five miles
north of the city of Richmond in Contra Costa County. Additionally, this
proposal is to consider the acceptance of funds from the U.S. Department
of the Interior Natural Resources Damage Assessment and Restoration
Fund (NRDAR), a.k.a. "Castro Cove Funds", to assist in the funding of the
project and approval to apply these funds to the project.
LOCATION AND SURROUNDING USES
The ±164-acre Breuner Marsh project area is located within the Point
Pinole Regional Shoreline, a regional park located in the northwest part of
the City of Richmond on the San Francisco Bay shoreline immediately
south of the Point Pinole Peninsula. Breuner Marsh, purchased by
EBRPD in 2009, is bordered by Rheem Creek to the south and merges
generally with other protected marshes and upland areas to the north.
The proposed project area is comprised of over 100 acres of the Breuner
property, along with 30 acres of other marshes and upland areas within
the Point Pinole Regional Shoreline Park.
The area is currently degraded by patches of construction debris, concrete
blocks, old fences, and areas of artificial fill, its surface has been
artificially modified by imported fill; and invasive weeds are widespread
providing poor-quality wildlife habitat. Although degraded, the land is
scenically attractive, and provides a large expanse of Bay margin open
space close to urban Richmond. The public accesses the site now
through a series of use trails that crisscross the area.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The Breuner Marsh Restoration Project will include removal of the existing
structures, debris, hazardous materials, and existing non-native
vegetation. Much of the southern portion of the site will be re-graded, and
existing wetland areas will be enhanced by excavating new channels to
reconnect them to the San Francisco Bay to allow tidal flooding. Material
removed from wetland areas will be used to build upland areas with gentle
slopes and to create broad transitional zone habitat that will allow for the
expansion of the tidal marsh as sea level rises in line with predictions.
Following grading, the project area will be re-vegetated with appropriate
native plants, and weeded and irrigated as necessary to ensure that the
plants become established. Non-native invasive Spartina (cordgrass) will
be eradicated from existing tidal marsh areas before site grading.
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Final Agenda for February 20, 2014, WCB Board Meeting
Two trails will be built across the project site to provide appropriate public
access. The Main Trail, which will serve as a section of the Bay Trail, will
begin at a new parking lot located in the south of the site, cross a new
bridge over Rheem Creek to the east of the existing paved trail, and
continue north parallel to the railroad tracks to connect with existing trails.
The Main Trail will be paved and will cross slough and wetland areas by a
variety of bridges and boardwalk segments. The Spit Trail will diverge
from the Main Trail to connect to the existing fishing spit. Although the
Main Trail will be for bicycle and pedestrian access, the Spit Trail will be
pedestrian only. A picnic area and rest area will be built by the side of the
Main Trail with appropriate interpretative signs located at intervals along
the trail.
WCB PROGRAM
The proposed project will be funded through the Habitat Enhancement
and Restoration Program and meets the program's goal of providing for
the restoration of wetlands that fall outside the jurisdiction of the Inland
Wetland Conservation Program such as coastal, tidal, or fresh water
habitats.
MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND NEEDS
Following implementation of the restoration, a ten-year monitoring
program will be conducted to determine whether the proposed restoration
site has achieved functions typical of San Francisco Bay tidal marsh
habitat, and will identify corrective actions if necessary.
Vegetation monitoring will include survival, plant species composition and
percent cover of native plants, and surveys for invasive species. Survival
of the planted shrubs serving as a buffer for the restoration site will be
assessed at the end of the growing season during the first five years of
monitoring. Any shrubs not surviving will be replanted (with a suitable
native species as needed) to meet the target percent survivorship for
that year, but concluding in the final monitoring year for vegetation
monitoring, Year 5. Photographs will be taken at selected permanent
photopoints to provide year-to-year visual comparison during each
monitoring year.
After the first ten years of the project, the wetlands should be established
and require minimal management beyond trash removal and site
inspections, which EBRPD will do as part of its management of the Point
Pinole Regional Park. If at any time during the twenty-five-year life of the
project EBRPD does not manage and maintain the project improvements,
the Grant Agreement requires EBRPD to refund to the State of California
an amortized amount of funds based on the number of years left on the
project life.
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Final Agenda for February 20, 2014, WCB Board Meeting
PROJECT FUNDING
Task NRDAR WCB Other Total
Funds Funding
Project Planning $1,425,000 $1,425,000
Weed control (three years) $75,000 $75,000
Construction permits $200,000 $200,000
Earthwork $630,000 $800,000 $1,690,000 $3,120,000
Planting/establishment/monitoring $220,000 $180,000 $400,000
Public Access $100,000 $2,700,000 $2,800,000
Construction Management & $100,000 $100,000 $563,000 $763,000
Contingency
Total $950,000 $1,000,000 $6,833,000 $8,783,000
Other funding is from the following sources: East Bay Regional Park
District, State Coastal Conservancy, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's
National Coastal Wetlands Program, U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency, California Department of Parks and Recreation, Land and Water
Conservation Fund, and the California Department of Water Resources.
WCB project costs will be for environmental protection of habitats not
directly affected by construction (Best Management Practices), site
grading, native plant establishment, trail construction, and construction
management.
FUNDING SOURCE
The proposed funding source for this project is the Water Security, Clean
Drinking Water, Coastal and Beach Protection Bond Fund of 2002
(Proposition P50), Water Code Section 79572(c), which allows for the
acquisition, protection and restoration of coastal wetlands, upland areas
adjacent to coastal wetlands and coastal watershed lands within the San
Francisco Bay Area and is consistent with the objectives of this project.
WCB also will be accepting an advance of$1,000,000.00 from the Castro
Cove Mitigation Fund, which includes administrative costs for WCB. This
fund was established based on natural resource damages resulting from
historic releases of contaminants into Castro Cove from the Chevron
refinery in Richmond. The settlement funds have been deposited into the
Department of the Interior Natural Resource Damage and Restoration
Fund (NRDAR Fund). NRDAR funds are disbursed to a State entity that
has been delegated Trustee authority for purposes of the Oil Pollution Act
of 1990 (OPA) and/or the Comprehensive, Environmental Response,
Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA). On October 5, 2007, the
Governor designated the Secretary of Resources as California's Natural
Resource Trustee and representative authorized to act on behalf of the
public as trustee for natural resources within the purview of the Natural
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Resources Agency. Pursuant to a Consent Decree entered into by the
United States District Court for the Northern District of California on March
18, 2010, the Natural Resource Agency Secretary agreed to include the
Wildlife Conservation Board as a State Natural Resource Trustee. This
allows NRDAR funds to be advanced to WCB, for direct expenditure on
projects pursuant to the Castro Cove settlement. Of the NRDAR funds
received by WCB, $50,000 will be used to cover WCB's administrative
costs. Once these funds are disbursed from the NRDAR Fund to the
WCB, they become State funds for purposes of a non-federal cost share
match.
ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND STATE RECOMMENDATION
As Lead Agency, the East Bay Regional Park District has prepared an
Environmental Impact Report (EIR) pursuant to the provisions of the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Staff has considered the
EIR and prepared proposed, written findings documenting WCB's
compliance with CEQA. Subject to Board approval of the project, staff will
file a Notice of Determination with the State Clearinghouse. The CDFW
has reviewed this proposal and recommends it for funding by the WCB.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Wildlife Conservation Board adopt the written
findings and approve this project as proposed; allocate $1,000,000.00
from the Water Security, Clean Drinking Water, Coastal and Beach
Protection Bond Fund of 2002 (Proposition P50), Water Code Section
79572(c); approve the acceptance of$1,000,000.00 from the Natural
Resource Damage and Restoration Fund (including administrative costs)
and apply those funds to the project; authorize staff to enter into
appropriate agreements necessary to accomplish this project; and
authorize staff and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to
proceed substantially as planned.
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Final Agenda for February 20, 2014, WCB Board Meeting
17. East Contra Costa County NCCP/HCP
(Anna Smith) $2,424,200.00
Contra Costa County
This proposal is to consider the allocation of a grant to the East Contra
Costa County Habitat Conservancy (ECCCHC) as well as the acceptance
of a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Habitat Conservation Planning
Acquisition grant and the approval to sub-grant these federal funds to the
ECCCHC, for a cooperative project with the East Bay Regional Park
District (EBRPD) to acquire 960± acres of land for the protection and
preservation of existing regional wildlife linkages, including grassland and
oak woodland savannah habitat areas, within the East Contra Costa
County Natural Community Conservation Plan/Habitat Conservation Plan
(ECCC HCP/NCCP) plan area.
LOCATION and SURROUNDING USES
The subject property (Property) is located at the base of the Diablo
Mountain range, at the terminus of Briones Valley Road in an
unincorporated area of Contra Costa County, approximately three miles
west of the City of Brentwood and 2.5 miles south of the City of Antioch.
This acquisition is a priority acquisition within the ECCC HCP/NCCP. It
would protect a critical and central piece of the wildlife corridor connecting
Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve to Marsh Creek State Park and
Round Valley Regional Preserve. Surrounding land uses include existing
natural park lands, wildlife mitigation lands, and private cattle ranching.
The ECCC HCP/NCCP designates the Property as a high priority for
acquisition and protection due to its location within a critical linkage
between previously conserved areas within the ECCC HCP/NCCP plan
area. Over the past several years the WCB, USFWS, ECCCHC and
EBRPD have partnered to acquire just over 9,000± acres of habitat within
the ECCC.HCP/NCCP plan area, helping protect essential habitat and
connectivity for multiple wildlife species. The project is also consistent
with action proposed under the California Department of Fish and
Wildlife's California Wildlife Action Plan (Plan). The project is located
within the Central Valley and Bay Delta region within the Plan. One of the
recommended conservation actions called out for this region is protection
of upland linkages and reducing the risk of habitat isolation in the eastern
San Francisco Bay area.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The Property is 960± acres in size and is currently used as rural
agricultural grazing land. The terrain includes one broad valley with rolling
to steeply sloping terrain rising on each side. Elevations along the valley
floors range from 400 to 550 feet. The northerly ridge elevations range
from about 600 to 1,020 feet, while the southerly ridge elevations range
from approximately 550 to 1,200 feet. Habitat types found on the Property
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Final Agenda for February 20, 2014;WCB Board Meeting
include annual grassland, chaparral, oak savannah, oak woodland, pond,
wetland, and seasonal wetland. The Property also provides benefits to
wildlife in terms of future climate change resiliency by providing and
connecting with varied terrains and elevations for species movement.
The Property's size and terrain provide major ecosystem benefits to
species both on and off the Property by linking with other protected lands
within the ECCC HCP/NCCP) and providing habitat corridors. These
linkages include a northwest-southeast movement corridor for the state
threatened and federally endangered San Joaquin kit fox. Acquisition of
the Property will protect suitable habitat for the conservation of the
California-listed threatened red-legged frog and a variety of other rare and
important wildlife species including California tiger salamander, golden
eagle, western burrowing owl, Swainson's hawk, Alameda whipsnake,
silvery legless lizard, western pond turtle and covered fairy shrimp.
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION BOARD (WCB) PROGRAM
The proposed grant and subgrant for this project is being considered
under the WCB's Land Acquisition Program (Program). The Program is
administered pursuant to the Board's original enabling legislation, "The
Wildlife Conservation Law of 1947" (Fish and Game Section 1300, et seq.)
and enables the WCB to pursue acquisitions and accept federal grant
funds to facilitate acquisitions or subgrant these federal funds to assist
with acquisitions of properties. The project has been reviewed and
approved by the CDFW under its Natural Community Conservation Plan
program, substantiating the biological values of the Property and
recommending it for funding. The USFWS grants proposed for
acceptance for this project have also been reviewed and approved by the
CDFW as a participant in the USFWS Land Acquisition grant selection
and review process.
MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND NEEDS
EBRPD has agreed to manage the property once it is acquired. Funding of
future management activities for this Property will be provided by ECCCHC
and EBRPD, in part through wind turbine and communication tower lease
revenue from prior acquisitions within the ECCC HCP/NCCP plan area. It is
anticipated that the Property will offer future opportunities for passive
recreational uses, an allowed use under the ECCC HCP/NCCP. The
habitat will be maintained in conjunction with other properties acquired by
EBRPD.
TERMS
The Property has been appraised as having a fair market value of
$5,376,000.00. The appraisal has been reviewed by WCB staff and
reviewed and approved by the Department of General Services (DGS)
and the USFWS. The Property owner has agreed to sell the Property for
the approved appraised fair market value. The USFWS funds require a
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Final Agenda for February 20, 2014, WCB Board Meeting
non-federal match that is being provided by EBRPD bond funds and a
WCB grant to ECCCHC. The terms and conditions of the proposed WCB
grant and subgrant to the ECCCHC provide that staff of the WCB must
review and approve all title documents, preliminary title reports,
documents for purchase and sale, escrow instructions and instruments of
conveyance prior to disbursement of funds directly into the escrow
account established for the acquisition. In the event of a breach of the
grant terms, the WCB can require the grantee to encumber the Property
with a conservation easement in favor of WCB and seek reimbursement of
funds.
PROJECT FUNDING
The proposed funding breakdown for the project is as follows:
WCB Grant $2,419,200.00
USFWS subgrant funds $2,419,200.00
East Bay Regional Park District $ 537,600.00
TOTAL Purchase Price $5,376,000.00
Other Project Related Costs: $ 5,000.00
Total WCB Allocation $2,424,200.0
It is estimated that an additional $5,000.00 will be needed to cover project-
related expenses, including DGS appraisal review costs. Under the terms
of the USFWS grant the WCB may seek partial reimbursement of these
costs.
FUNDING SOURCE
The purposes of this project are consistent with the proposed funding
source, the Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and Supply, Flood Control,
River and Coastal Protection Fund of 2006 (Proposition 84), Public
Resources Code Section 75055c (SSJD-NCCP) that allows for the
acquisition and protection of habitat for areas in and around the
Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta that assist in the establishment of Natural
Community Conservation Plans.
CEQA
The acquisition has been reviewed for compliance with California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requirements and is proposed as
exempt under CEQA Guidelines Section 15313, Class 13, as an
acquisition of land for wildlife conservation purposes, and Section 15325,
Class 25, as a transfer of an ownership interest in land to preserve open
space and habitat. Subject to authorization by the WCB, a Notice of
Exemption will be filed with the State Clearinghouse.
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STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Wildlife Conservation Board approve the
project as proposed; approve the acceptance of Habitat Conservation
Plan Land Acquisition grant funds from USFWS in the amount of
$2,419,200.00 and approve the subgrant of the federal funds to the East
Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy; allocate $2,424,200.00 from
the Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and Supply, Flood Control, River
and Coastal Protection Fund of 2006 (Proposition 84), Section 75055(c)
(SSJD-NCCP) for the grant to East Contra Costa County Habitat
Conservancy and to cover the project-related costs; authorize staff to
enter into appropriate agreements necessary to accomplish this project;
and authorize staff to proceed substantially as planned.
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Final Agenda for February 20, 2014, WCB Board Meeting
18. Blue Oak Ranch Reserve Facility Improvements $4,252,000.00
Santa Clara County
This proposal is to consider the allocation for a grant to the Regents of the
University of California to construct new staff housing and storage
facilities, enhance a campground, improve existing structures for visiting
researchers, and upgrade roads and other infrastructure at the Blue Oak
Ranch Reserve (BORR), located approximately 9 miles east of the City of
San Jose in Santa Clara County.
LOCATION
The BORR is located in Santa Clara County, situated three miles north of
Mt. Hamilton Road, nine air miles from downtown San Jose, and eleven
miles from the Lick Observatory on the summit of Mount Hamilton, the
highest peak in the East Bay. The BORR shares a south-east border with
the Joseph Grant Ranch County Park. BORR comprises 3,260 acres of
mixed species oak woodland and savanna, coastal chaparral, ponds, and
extensive riparian habitat including two miles of the Arroyo Hondo, the
primary water source for the Calaveras reservoir. Healthy populations of
California tiger salamander, Western pond turtle, and California red-
legged frog occur throughout the reserve and take advantage of numerous
man-made stock ponds for breeding and reproduction.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The project will complete site planning, engineering, architectural design,
and construction for a project to enhance facilities at the field station with
dormitory rooms, private apartment(s), an administrative office, common
kitchen and dining hall, classrooms and meeting spaces, and a small
laboratory/workshop. The project will enhance the infrastructure at a
campground to provide year-round accommodations to be serviced by a
common restroom and outdoor kitchen, and construct two modular staff
housing units and a maintenance shop. Utility systems will be upgraded
including a sanitary well, large capacity water tank, a solar photovoltaic
energy system tied into the local power grid, advanced human waste
management systems, and gravel road work to facilitate year-round
access. These additions will dramatically enhance the suitability of BORR
for continuous research, instruction, public outreach activities, and
resource stewardship. Completion of these upgrades will allow BORR to
accommodate up to 50 concurrent users, two residences for staff
members and their families, and provide safe, year-round access for
instruction, research, and training.
WCB PROGRAM
The mission of the University of California, Natural Reserve System
(UCNRS) is to contribute to the understanding and wise management of
the earth and its natural systems by supporting university-level teaching,
research, and public service at protected areas throughout California.
Under Proposition 84, the WCB received funding to provide matching
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Final Agenda for February 20, 2014, WCB Board Meeting
grant dollars to the UCNRS for land acquisitions, and construction or
development of facilities that will be used for research and training to
improve the management of natural lands and the preservation of
California's wildlife resources. To implement this funding the WCB and
the UCNRS developed guidelines for identifying eligible projects and the
UCNRS established an Ad Hoc Advisory Subcommittee to review and set
priorities for project proposals to be submitted to the WCB for funding.
MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND NEEDS
The management of this project will be incorporated into the existing
management at BORR and, pursuant to the Grant Agreement, will be
maintained by BORR for thirty years.
PROJECT FUNDING
The proposed funding breakdown for the project is as follows:
Item WCB UCB
Construction and Contracts $3,764,000
Project Management(e.g. design, oversight,
surveying) 188,000
Contingency 300,000
Property donation 0 $4,252,000
TOTAL $4,252,000 $4,252,000
Project costs will be for the construction and development of facilities that
will be used for research and training to improve the management of natural
lands and the preservation of California's wildlife resources. The University
of California, Berkeley's (UCB) contribution came from a portion of the
appraised value of a land donation that expanded the reserve.
FUNDING SOURCE
The proposed funding source for this project is the Safe Drinking Water,
Water Quality and Supply, Flood Control, River and Coastal Protection Fund
(Proposition 84), Public Resources Code Section 75055 (b)(3), which
provides for grants to the University of California for the Natural Reserve
System for the construction and development of facilities that will be used
for research and training to improve the management of natural lands and
the preservation of California's wildlife resources and are consistent with the
objectives of this project.
CEQA AND STATE REVIEW/ RECOMMENDATION
The Regents of the University of California, as lead agency, prepared a
Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) for the project pursuant to the
provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Staff
considered the MND and has prepared proposed, written findings
documenting WCB's compliance with CEQA. Subject to approval of this
proposal by the WCB, the appropriate Notice of Determination will be filed
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with the State Clearinghouse. The project was vetted through the UCNRS's
Ad Hoc Subcommittee and recommended for funding.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Wildlife Conservation Board approve this project
as proposed; allocate $4,252,000.00 from the Safe Drinking Water, Water
Quality and Supply, Flood Control, River and Coastal Protection Fund
(Proposition 84), Public Resources Code Section 75055 (b)(3); authorize
staff to enter into appropriate agreements necessary to accomplish this
project; and authorize staff and the Department of Fish and Wildlife to
proceed substantially as planned.
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19. Round Valley Pine Creek Unit $1,674,250.00
Inyo County
This proposal is to consider the acquisition of 100± acres of land by the
California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) for the protection of
important deer wintering range, wildlife corridors, and riparian habitat
located on the lower slopes of the eastern Sierra Nevada mountains which
will protect winter range and migration corridors for the Round Valley deer
herd and bighorn sheep.
LOCATION AND SURROUNDING USES
The subject property (Property) is located in the small residential
community of Rovana, between Pine Creek Road and Vanadium Ranch
Road, on lower slopes of the eastern Sierra Mountains, ten miles north of
Bishop in northern lnyo County. This local area overlooks the Little Round
Valley and the Upper Owens Valley. Nearby residential developments
include the communities of Paradise and Swall Meadows located along
Lower Rock Creek Road that runs north to south just east of the Property.
The community of Rovana is one the few developments along the lower
slopes of the Sierra Mountains that extends out into Round Valley. The
Property, if developed to its current allowed zoning, would create a pinch
point in the deer migration corridor that runs through Round Valley.
The Property falls within CDFW's Round Valley Conceptual Area
Protection Plan (CAPP). The main objectives of the CAPP are to protect
the critical winter range for the Round Valley deer herd and habitat for
mountain lions and the Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep Wheeler Ridge herd
unit. Protection of the Property is seen as a high priority within the CAPP
and critical to maintaining the Round Valley deer herd population, as well
as other wildlife species that reside in Round Valley. The Round Valley
deer herd has supported up to 6,000 deer in the past; however, the
population declined to a low of 950 animals in 1990 due to a variety of
factors. Present day population counts estimate the Round Valley deer
herd to be around 2,000 animals. The Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB)
previously approved a number of grants in beginning in 2007 to assist in
acquisitions, in close proximity to this Property, for the protection of the
Round Valley mule deer herd within the nearby Wheeler Ridge CAPP.
The project is also consistent with action proposed under CDFW's
California Wildlife Action Plan.(Plan). The project is located within the
Plan's Sierra Nevada and Cascade region. One of the recommended
conservation actions called out for this region is for state and federal land
management and wildlife agencies to identify and protect from
development those critical wildlife migration or dispersal corridors that
cross ownership boundaries.
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PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The Property is mostly rectangular and undeveloped. The current zoning
allows for medium density residential and residential ranch development.
The landowner has invested and developed plans to maximize residential
development on the Property.
The Property supports mature riparian habitat along two perennial
waterways that run through the Property, Mill Creek and the Arcularius
irrigation ditch. The riparian habitat provides forage and cover for the
Round Valley deer herd in the winter and fall/spring transition periods as
well as fawning cover during the summer months. Riparian habitat is
extremely limited in Round Valley and serves as a focal point for wildlife.
This habitat also supports wildlife movement and migration through Round
Valley.
Native vegetation found on site includes Fremont's cottonwood,
sagebrush, yellow rabbit brush, and bitterbrush. The general terrain of the
Property consists of gently sloping alluvial material originating from Pine
Creek Canyon. Preservation of this Property will not only protect an
important migration corridor but will also benefit many other species such
as the Sierra Nevada red fox, mountain lion, migratory songbirds, and the
Wheeler Ridge Herd Unit of Sierra Nevada Bighorn Sheep.
WCB PROGRAM
The proposed project is being considered under the Wildlife Conservation
Board's (WCB) Land Acquisition Program (Program). The Program is
administered pursuant to the Board's original enabling legislation, "The
Wildlife Conservation Law of 1947" (Fish and Game Code Section 1300,
et seq.) authorizing the WCB to acquire real property or rights in real
property on behalf of CDFW, grant funds to other governmental entities or
nonprofit organizations to acquire real property or rights in real property
and accept federal grant funds to facilitate acquisitions or subgrant these
federal funds to assist with acquisitions of properties. Under the Program,
the WCB provides funds to facilitate the acquisition of lands and interests
in land that can successfully sustain or be restored to support wildlife and,
when practicable, provide for suitable wildlife oriented recreation
opportunities. These activities are carried out in conjunction with CDFW,
which evaluates the biological values of property through development of
a Land Acquisition Evaluation/Conceptual Area Protection Plan
(LAE/CAPP). The LAE/CAPP is then submitted to CDFW's Regional
Operations Committee (ROC) for review and, if approved, later transmitted
to the WCB with a recommendation to fund.
MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND NEEDS
CDFW estimates that operation and management costs for the Property
will be minimal, not exceeding $2,000.00 per fiscal year, with said costs to
be allocated from existing lands and facility management budgets for the
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northern area of the Inland Deserts Region (Region 6). The primary
management objective will be to conserve, protect,and enhance habitat
for mule deer. Management may include activities such as irrigation,
stream bank stabilization, and aspen stand reforesting. Other potential
habitat enhancement projects could be undertaken through support and in
partnership with other non-profit organizations, such as the California Deer
Association.
TERMS
The Property has been appraised as having a fair market value of
$1,644,250.00. The appraisal has been reviewed by WCB staff and
reviewed and approved by the Department of General Services (DGS).
The Property owner has agreed to sell the Property for the approved
appraised fair market value, $1,644,250.00. The terms and conditions of
the proposed WCB grant provide that staff of the WCB must review and
approve all title documents, preliminary title reports, documents for
purchase and sale, escrow instructions and instruments of conveyance
prior to disbursement of funds directly into the escrow account established
for the acquisition. Once approved by the WCB the transaction must also
be reviewed and approved by the DGS.
PROJECT FUNDING
The proposed funding breakdown for the project is as follows:
Wildlife Conservation Board $1,644,250.00
Total Purchase Price $1,644,250.00
Other Project-Related Costs $ 30,000.00
TOTAL WCB ALLOCATION $1,674,250.00
It is estimated that an additional $30,000.00 will be needed to cover
project-related administrative costs, including DGS appraisal review.
FUNDING SOURCE
The purposes of this project are consistent with the authorized uses of the
proposed funding source, the Habitat Conservation Fund (Proposition
117), Fish and Game Code Section 2786(a), which allows for the
acquisition and protection of habitat to protect deer and mountain lions.
ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE
The project has been reviewed for compliance with California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requirements and is proposed as
exempt under CEQA Guidelines Section 15313, Class 13, as an
acquisition of land for wildlife conservation purposes, and Section 15325,
Class 25, as a transfer of an ownership interest in land to preserve open
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space and existing natural conditions, including plant or animal habitats.
Subject to authorization by the WCB, a Notice of Exemption will be filed
with the State Clearinghouse.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Wildlife Conservation Board approve this
project as proposed; allocate $1,674,250.00 from the Habitat
Conservation Fund (Proposition 117), Fish and Game Code Section
2786(a) for the acquisition funding and to cover internal project-related
expenses; authorize staff to enter into appropriate agreements necessary
to accomplish this project; and authorize staff and the CDFW to proceed
substantially as planned.
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Final Agenda for February 20, 2014, WCB Board Meeting
20. Sawmill Pebble Plain Ecological Preserve $2,015,000.00
San Bernardino County
This proposal is to consider the allocation for a grant to the San
Bernardino Mountains Land Trust (SBMLT) to acquire 166+1- acres of rare
and sensitive pebble plain habitat supporting a wide variety of endemic
plant species, located just south of Big Bear Lake, in the San Bernardino
Mountains in southern California.
LOCATION and SURROUNDING USES
The subject property (Property) is located approximately one mile
southeast of Big Bear City, adjacent to and northeast of the Moonridge
subdivision and directly west of the Sugarloaf subdivision. U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service (USFWS) and undeveloped lands occur to the north and
northwest of the Property with residential development occurring on its
south and east edges. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife's
(CDFW) Baldwin Lake Ecological Reserve is located approximately 3
miles to the northeast on the north shore of Lake Baldwin. Other uses in
the area include two major ski resort facilities located southwest of the
Property.
The Property contains one of the largest intact remaining pebble plain
habitats in the area. Pebble plains are unique open areas and known as
relics of the Pleistocene Age. These areas are covered with miniature
rare plants and contain some of the most threatened and biologically rare
plant communities found in California. In fact, only 246 acres of this type
of pebble plain exist in the world, all of it in the Big Bear and Holcomb
Valleys located in the San Bernardino Mountains.
Pebble plains were formed when ancient glaciers in the area receded.
They have underlying dense clay soils that freeze during the winter, which
causes pebbles contained in the soil to heave to the surface. Due to the
unique clay soil composition and isolation from other mountain ranges, the
pebble plain flora has gradually changed and adapted to the drier, desert
montane climate to the degree that many of the pebble plain species are
unique to only this area. The pebble plain contains important examples of
California's biological diversity and is identified by CDFW as a Significant
Natural Area (SNA), and within the California Natural Diversity Data Base,
the pebble plain habitat is ranked as Cl S1, the highest level of rarity and
endangerment. There are eleven primary endemic plant species
associated with pebble plain habitats, of which three are federally listed as
threatened.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The Property is currently unimproved and its topography ranges from
relatively flat to moderately steep terrain with elevations from 6,880 feet to
7,101 feet with a large,centrally located plateau surrounded by a mixture
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Final Agenda for February 20, 2014,WCB Board Meeting
of Montane conifer, pinyon pine and juniper woodlands. The Property is
currently owned by a development company, with tentative plans for
custom single family residential development.
The pebble plain area covers approximately 10.2± acres within the
Property, although relatively small compared to overall size of the Property
it represents the second largest remaining pebble plain habitat area
known to exist. Equally important the Sawmill Pebble Plain also contains
all eleven of the endemic and rare species mentioned above that are
associated with pebble plains; including the three federally endangered
plants, the ash-gray Indian paintbrush, Bear Valley sandwort and the
southern mountain buckwheat. The Property also supports other rare
animal species, such as the California spotted owl, the southern rubber
boa, the San Bernardino flying squirrel, the sharp-skinned hawk, Cooper's
hawk, northern goshawk and the Lewis woodpecker.
Protection of this unique habitat is consistent with one of the major habitat
protection goals of CDFW which is to maintain native plant species and
natural communities for their intrinsic and ecological value and their
benefits to people. This includes providing habitat protection and
maintenance in a sufficient amount and quality to ensure the survival of all
species and natural communities.
WCB PROGRAM
The proposed grant for this project is being considered under the Wildlife
Conservation Board's (WCB or Board) Land Acquisition Program
(Program). The Program is administered pursuant to the Board's original
enabling legislation, "The Wildlife Conservation Law of 1947" (Fish and
Game Code Section 1300, et seq.) authorizing the WCB to acquire real
property or rights in real property on behalf of CDFW, grant funds to other
governmental entities or nonprofit organizations to acquire real property or
rights in real property and accept federal grant funds to facilitate
acquisitions or subgrant these federal funds to assist with acquisitions of
properties. Under the Program the WCB provides funds to facilitate the
acquisition of lands and interests inland that can successfully sustain or
be restored to support wildlife and, when practicable, provide for suitable
wildlife oriented recreation opportunities. These activities are carried out
in conjunction with CDFW, which evaluates the biological values of
property through development of a Land Acquisition Evaluation
(LAE)/Conceptual Area Protection Plan (CAPP). The LAE/CAPP is then
submitted to CDFW's Regional Operations Committee (ROC) for review
and, if approved, later transmitted to the WCB with a recommendation to
fund.
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MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND NEEDS
The Property will be owned by SBMLT, which will manage it in conjunction
with the adjacent USFWS property. The preponderance of the Property is
natural open space, and will be maintained as such. Historic trails, some
currently in disuse, may be re-established in the future for use by the
public on docent led tours, connecting with other existing public use trails
located to the north and south of the Property.
TERMS
The Property owners have agreed to sell the Property to the San
Bernardino Mountains Land Trust for $2,200,000.00. Its appraised fair
market value of$2,522,000.00 has been reviewed by WCB staff and
reviewed and approved by the Department of General Services (DGS).
The terms and conditions of the proposed grant provide that WCB staff
must review and approve all title documents, appraisals, preliminary
reports, documents connected with the purchase and sale including
escrow instructions and instruments of conveyance prior to disbursement
of funds into the established escrow account. In the event of a breach of
the grant terms, the WCB can require the grantee to encumber the
Property with a conservation easement in favor of WCB and seek
reimbursement of funds.
PROJECT FUNDING
The proposed funding breakdown for the project is as follows:
Wildlife Conservation Board $2,000,000.00
San Bernardino Mountains Land Trust $ 200,000.00
TOTAL $2,200,000.00
Other Project-related Costs $ 15,000.00
Total WCB Allocation $2,015,000.00
It is estimated that the $15,000.00 will be needed to cover internal project-
related costs including the appraisal review costs by the DGS.
FUNDING SOURCE
The purposes of this project are consistent with the proposed funding
source, the California Clean Water, Clean Air, Safe Neighborhood Parks
and Coastal Protection Fund (Proposition 40), Public Resources Code
Section 5096.650(a), that allows for the acquisition, development,
rehabilitation, restoration and protection of habitat to promote the recovery
of threatened and endangered species, provide corridors linking separate
habitat areas to prevent habitat fragmentation, and protect significant
natural landscapes and ecosystems and other significant habitat areas.
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ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND STATE RECOMMENDATION
The acquisition has been reviewed pursuant to the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and is proposed as exempt under
CEQA Guidelines Section 15313, Class 13, as an acquisition of land for
wildlife conservation purposes, and Section 15325, Class 25, as a transfer
of an ownership interest in land to preserve open space and existing
natural conditions, including plant or animal habitats. Subject to
authorization by the WCB, a Notice of Exemption will be filed with the
State Clearinghouse.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Wildlife Conservation Board approve this
project as proposed; allocate $2,015,000.00 from the California Clean
Water, Clean Air, Safe Neighborhood Parks and Coastal Protection Fund
(Proposition 40), Public Resources Code Section 5096.650(a)(3) for the
grant and to cover internal project -related expenses; authorize staff to
enter into appropriate agreements as necessary to accomplish this
project; and authorize staff and the Department of Fish and Wildlife to
proceed substantially as planned.
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Final Agenda for February 20, 2014, WCB Board Meeting
21. Trabuco Creek Fish Passage Physical Modeling $338,000.00
Orange County
This proposal is to consider the allocation for a grant to Trout Unlimited for
a cooperative project with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife,
Fisheries Restoration Grant Program to construct a physical model of a
proposed fish passage structure to determine the parameters necessary
to provide passage for steelhead trout while providing flood conveyance
and sediment transport on Trabuco Creek, located in San Juan Capistrano
in Orange County.
LOCATION
The physical modelling effort will evaluate various flows through a reach of
Trabuco Creek located at the Metrolink light rail bridge crossing
approximately 0.5 mile downstream of the 1-5 crossing of Trabuco Creek
in the City of San Juan Capistrano, Orange County. The project site is
near the Trabuco Creek/Oso Creek confluence, approximately 2.2 miles
upstream of the Trabuco Creek/San Juan Creek confluence. The project
area is within a critical habitat area for the endangered southern
steelhead, as identified by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife
(CDFW), California Coastal Conservancy and National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS).
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The Trabuco Creek Fish Passage Physical Modeling Project involves
developing a physical model for a potential project to replace an existing
grouted rock drop structure with an engineered fishway. The structure
protects a pipeline and the Metrolink light rail crossing of Trabuco Creek.
The structure is a complete barrier to southern steelhead trout, an at-risk
species, preventing its passage to miles of excellent spawning habitat in
the upper watershed.
The intent of this work is to evaluate the performance and refine the
design of a proposed fishway to ensure that it provides effective fish
passage conditions in terms of water depths, velocities and energy
dissipation factors for juvenile and adult steelhead for design flows as
specified by the CDFG and NMFS, while minimizing sediment
accumulation within the fishway and maintaining upstream and
downstream channel stability. The model will demonstrate that the
replaced structure will not be subjected to excessive erosion or deposition,
and will remain structurally stable at the expected flood discharges. The
model will provide a hands-on demonstration of the design concept to
project stakeholders including project design and construction engineers,
environmental agencies, and public and private contributors to enable
effective collaboration, permitting and implementation.
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The preliminary design for the fishway involves a series of cascades and
rock pools in the upstream portion and a roughened channel in the
downstream portion. The project will be designed for fish passage at
flows between 1 cubic foot per second (cfs) and 425 cfs (50% of 2-year
flow). The fishway structure would replace an existing grade control for
the stream that protects a pipeline and the Metrolink bridge infrastructure.
Stability of the structure during flood events is therefore important both for
longevity of the fish passage improvements and for protection of
infrastructure.
WCB PROGRAM
The proposed project will be funded through the Habitat Enhancement
and Restoration Program and meets the program's goal of providing for
native fisheries restoration, restoration of threatened and endangered
species habitats, and in-stream restoration projects including removal of
fish passage barriers and other obstructions.
MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND NEEDS
The project design is based on present and future predicted conditions
within the project reach. The methods and technologies being employed
are well-proven technologies that have been previously used on other
projects. The design incorporates steelhead specific fish passage and
habitat criteria, stakeholder input and other technical criteria (i.e.
regulatory floodplain requirements), infrastructure impacts, and
geomorphic stability. The project will be designed to be self-maintaining
with minimal long-term management needs for sediment removal.
PROJECT FUNDING
The proposed funding breakdown for the project, as proposed, is as
follows:
TASK WCB FRGP Total
Model Design & $162,000 $30,400 $192,400
Construction
Model Testing $128,000 $46,194 $174,194
Reporting $43,000 $5,400 $48,400
Administration $5,000 $5,000
TOTAL $338,000 $81,994 $419,994
FUNDING SOURCE
The proposed funding source for this project is the Safe Drinking Water,
Water Quality and Supply, Flood Control, River and Coastal Protection
Fund of 2006 (Proposition 84), Public Resources Code Section 75055(b),
which can be used for the development of scientific data, habitat mapping
and other research information necessary to determine the priorities for
restoration and acquisition statewide, and is consistent with the objectives
of this project.
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CEQA AND CDFW REVIEW/ RECOMMENDATION
The project is statutorily exempt from the California Environmental Quality
Act (CEQA) pursuant to the State CEQA Guidelines (California Code of
Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3, Section 15262), as it involves only
feasibility and planning studies for possible future actions. The California
Department of Fish and Wildlife has reviewed this proposal and
recommends it for funding by the WCB.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Wildlife Conservation Board approve this
project as proposed; allocate $338,000.00 from Safe Drinking Water,
Water Quality and Supply, Flood Control, River and Coastal Protection
Fund of 2006 (Proposition 84), Public Resources Code Section 75055(b);
authorize staff and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to enter
into appropriate agreements necessary to accomplish this project; and
authorize staff and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to
proceed substantially as planned.
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Final Agenda for February 20, 2014,WCB Board Meeting
22. San Felipe Valley Wildlife Area,
Expansion 5 (Thompson) $230,000.00
San Diego County
This proposal is to consider the acquisition in fee of 174+/- acres of land
as an expansion to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife's
(CDFW) San Felipe Valley Wildlife Area (SFVWLA) for the protection of
habitat supporting the state and federally endangered least Bell's vireo
and southwestern willow flycatcher and to enhance habitat linkages and
connectivity.
LOCATION AND SURROUNDING USES
The Property lies in the Volcan Mountain-San Felipe Valley area of
northeastern San Diego County, more specifically southeast of the
community of Warner Springs, east of rural Highway 79 and south of San
Felipe road. The general land uses consist of rural land uses, publicly
protected lands, and large areas of valley and mountain open space. The
Volcan Mountains contain the headwaters of the San Dieguito River and
San Felipe Creek which have been a conservation priority for CDFW
dating back to the early 1990's. Located adjacent to SFVWLA are Bureau
of Land Management and County of San Diego owned and protected
lands. Major habitat types in the Volcan Mountain-San Felipe Valley area
include coastal sage, coastal chaparral, oak woodlands, interspersed with
conifer and riparian forests along the western slopes of the mountains that
transition drastically to arid, high desert areas found on the eastern
slopes. Protection of these areas has helped create a landscape linkage
and protect wildlife corridors between protected desert habitats located
east of the mountains, including the Anza Borrego Desert State Park, and
the coastal watershed and forested areas located to the west found within
the Santa Ysabel Open Space Preserve and the Cleveland National
Forest.
Acquisition of the Property will expand the SFVWLA to the northeast. In
1995, the Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB or Board) approved the initial
SFVWLA acquisition, consisting of 566± acres, together with a 200± acre
donation. Additional expansions have occurred over the last ten years
bringing the total acreage of the SFVWLA to 14,550± acres.
The San Diego National History Museum has identified the San Felipe
Valley as one of the most important inland flyways for migratory birds in
San Diego County. Two bird species, the federal and state listed
endangered Least Bell's vireo and the federal listed endangered and state
listed threatened Southwestern willow flycatcher utilize the San Felipe
Valley. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have designated this area as
critical habitat for these same bird species. The San Felipe Valley is also
important to the survival and recovery of California Species of Special
Concern such as the Cooper's hawk, golden eagle, American badger, and
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the ringtail cat.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The Property is an irregular 174± acre parcel consisting of somewhat level
to steep topography and includes two stream gullies that run north and
south, fed by year round springs. It is currently zoned to allow one
dwelling per 8 acres. The dominant vegetation consists of various
communities of oak and fir trees, with riparian corridors.
Acquisition of the Property will provide additional protected habitat for the
federal and state listed endangered Least Bell's vireo and the federal
listed endangered and state listed threatened Southwestern willow
flycatcher. The Property will also help enhance habitat connectivity
between the desert habitats to the east and the coastal watershed and
forested areas to the west.
WCB PROGRAM
This acquisition is being proposed under WCB's Land Acquisition Program
(Program). The Program is administered pursuant to the Board's original
enabling legislation, "The Wildlife Conservation Law of 1947" (Fish and
Game Section 1300, et seq.) authorizing the WCB to acquire areas that
can successfully sustain wildlife and provide for suitable recreation
opportunities. Under this Program acquisition activities are carried out in
conjunction with the CDFW, which evaluates the biological values of the
property through development of a Conceptual Area Protection Plan
(CAPP). The CAPP is then submitted to CDFW's Regional Operations
Committee (ROC) for review and, if approved, later transmitted to the
WCB with a recommendation to fund.
MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND NEEDS
Once acquired, the Property will be managed as part of the SFVWLA,
expanding open space and habitat areas for wildlife species and potential
future public use opportunities. The SFVWLA is well known in southern
California for superb hunting, wildlife viewing, hiking and wildlife research.
The Property will help support additional habitat and species diversity, as
well as offer potential for increased public access opportunities. CDFW
feels because of the remote and unimproved condition of the Property
staff will be able to easily absorb the addition of the Property within the
current management, operations and budget of the SFVWLA.
TERMS
The Property owners have agreed to sell the Property for its appraised fair
market value of$210,000.00, which has been reviewed by WCB staff and
reviewed and approved by the Department of General Services (DGS).
The terms and conditions of the proposed acquisition provide that staff of
the WCB must review and approve all title documents, preliminary title
reports, documents for purchase and sale, escrow instructions and
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instruments of conveyance prior to disbursement of funds directly into the
escrow account established for the acquisition.
PROJECT FUNDING
The proposed funding breakdown for the project is as follows:
Wildlife Conservation Board $210,000.00
Total Purchase Price $210,000.00
Other Project-Related Costs $ 20,000.00
TOTAL WCB ALLOCATION $230,000.00
It is estimated that $20,000.00 will be needed to cover internal project-
related expenses, including the appraisal, DGS appraisal review costs and
DGS transaction review costs.
FUNDING SOURCE
The purposes of this project are consistent with the proposed funding
source, the Habitat Conservation Fund, Fish and Game Code Section
2786(b/c) which allows for the acquisition of habitat to protect rare,
endangered, threatened or fully protectedspecies, and in which unique
species or natural communities exist.
ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND STATE RECOMMENDATION
The acquisition has been reviewed pursuant to the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and is proposed as exempt under
CEQA Guidelines Section 15313, Class 13, as an acquisition of land for
wildlife conservation purposes, and Section 15325, Class 25, as a transfer
of an ownership interest in land to preserve open space and existing
natural conditions, including plant or animal habitats. Subject to
authorization by the WCB, a Notice of Exemption will be filed with the
State Clearinghouse.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Wildlife Conservation Board approve the
project as proposed; allocate $230,000.00 from the Habitat Conservation
Fund, Fish and Game Code Section 2786(b/c) to cover the acquisition
cost and internal project-related expenses; authorize staff to enter into
appropriate agreements necessary to accomplish this project; and
authorize staff and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to
proceed substantially as planned.
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23. Appraisal Reviews Information Item
It is the current policy of the Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB) to have
the Department of General Services (DGS) review and approve all real
estate appraisals (Appraisal) used to support the allocation of grant funds
to acquire real property. This policy is consistent with the policy statement
issued by the Natural Resources Agency (Agency), dated March 30, 2011,
pertaining to Third Party Appraisal Review. Over the last year the WCB
has seen a dramatic increase in the number of Appraisals reviewed and
rejected by DGS. This information item is provided so the Board can be
brought current on this issue.
In preparation for this information item, WCB analyzed the DGS appraisal
rejections to determine if there is any cause as it relates to current WCB
appraisal practices. Currently on WCB projects requiring allocations
greater than $5,000,000.00, the WCB contracts out the appraisal. On
projects under $5,000,000.00, appraisals can be contracted out by the
WCB or by the project proponent. As far as whether or not the Appraisal
was contracted out by WCB or by project proponents there does not
appear to be any significant difference in terms of appraisal rejections.
The same can be said regarding the size, value or location of the property.
In reading through the rejections the reasons stated cover a fairly wide
range of issues, including questions about the highest and best use and
development potential of subject properties, quality of comparable sales
data, market adjustments made for the comparable sales data, the range
of values used to determine fair market value, adequate consideration and
clarification of title issues, competency of the appraiser, concerns over
existence and the type of access available to subject properties,
differences and adjustments made for before and after valuations on
conservation easements, etc.
As reported at the November 2013 Board meeting, DGS Appraisal
rejections and costs have increased dramatically over the last year.
Looking closely at these numbers, a more telling factor is appraisal
rejections rates in some cases have increased recently to as high as 70%;
compared to a 25% to 30% that has been more of a historical norm. This
sudden rise in rejections has caused concerns with many WCB partners
and willing landowners, causing delays, loss of projects, forfeiture of costs
incurred by non-profits and other partners preparing projects for WCB
consideration and also putting at risk the WCB's ability to utilize federal
matching funds that are time sensitive.
Other impacts include frustration and some ill will between WCB, our
partners and the appraisal industry, which has in part led to most
appraisers charging more to work on WCB Appraisals. Some partners
have also indicated the inability to have appraisals approved is impairing
their credibility with private landowners, based on their ability to complete
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projects in a timely manner. This has resulted in lost opportunities to
protect lands and potentially putting at risk the conversion of important
resource lands to private development.
As a result, numerous discussion between Agency, legislative members
and staff, WCB, other state Agencies, federal partners, project
proponents, professional appraisers and DGS management have been
occurring over the last 3 months to address this issue. Recently the DGS
agreed to change some of their review practices, one of the more
important ones being, prior to issuing a rejection DGS will engage WCB
and the contract appraiser to address concerns raised during the review;
providing an opportunity for DGS and the appraiser to reconcile concerns
prior to DGS completing their review.
At the same time WCB partners have been requesting WCB adopt
practices similar to other State Conservancies, where instead of DGS
appraisal reviews some other form of third party appraisal review is
provided. For WCB this could occur either by contracting out for an
independent third party Appraisal review or in the case where federal
funds are the major source of funding, utilize a federal Appraisal review.
To date WCB staff has been reluctant to seek a policy change where DGS
review would not be obtained. Over the last month, WCB has seen an
improvement in the ability to work with DGS regarding resolving and
approving appraisals. At this point the WCB will continue to monitor these
activities and can report back to the Board to ensure the Board is kept
aware of this issue.
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Final Agenda for February 20, 2014, WCB Board Meeting
24. Strategic Plan Update Information/Ongoing
MIG, the Wildlife Conservation Board's contractor for its Strategic Plan,
administered an online questionnaire seeking feedback on the draft WCB
Strategic Plan. The questionnaire targeted individuals and organizations
involved or interested in the conservation field (i.e., conservation planners
and advocates, and individuals who have completed projects with the
Wildlife Conservation Board). The questionnaire was online from
December 16th-until February 1st.
The goal of the questionnaire was to provide an opportunity to comment
on the proposed WCB Strategic Plan elements. Specific questions
focused on the following:
• Mission Statement
• Vision Statement
• Values Statement
• Guiding Principles
• Goals, Performance Measures, Objectives and Strategic Directions
A total of 61 people completed the questionnaire. All questions were
optional, so not every participant provided an answer to every question.
For this reason, specific results are reported based on question response
levels (vs. the total number of questionnaire participants).
Overall, a strong majority of respondents agree with WCB's draft strategic
plan framework. Of WCB's Mission, Vision, Values and Guiding
Principles:
• Approximately 70-75% of respondents indicated that they"Agree"
with the statements as they are proposed.
• Approximately 20-25% of the respondents "Agreed, with changes"
and provided their comments for improvement.
• No more than two respondents indicated that they "Disagreed" on
any proposed statement, and included their comments.
Of WCB's goals, performance measures, objectives and strategic
directions, a strong majority of respondents indicated they "Agree" as
proposed. However, there is more variation on the level of agreement than
with the mission, vision, values and guiding principles, with a higher
percentage of respondents indicating they "Agreed, with changes."
In addition to the questionnaire, public workshops to solicit feedback on
WCB's Strategic Plan were held in Ontario, San Jose and Redding during
the month of January. Staff will present the results of the workshops as
well as discuss the overall results of the comments received through the
questionnaire process and recommend a course of action to finalize
WCB's Strategic Plan.
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Final Agenda for February 20, 2014, WCB Board Meeting
PERSONS WITH DISABILITES
Persons with disabilities needing reasonable accommodation to
participate in public meetings or other CDFW activities are invited to
contact the Department's Reasonable Accommodation Coordinator Tina
Johnson at (916) 651-1214 or Tina.Johnsonwildlife.ca.qov. Reasonable
Accommodation requests for facility and/or meeting accessibility should be
received by November 1, 2013. Requests for American Sign Language
Interpreters should be submitted at least two weeks prior to the event, and
requests for Real-Time Captioners at least four weeks prior to the event.
These timeframes are to help ensure that the requested accommodation
is met.
If a request for an accommodation has been submitted but due to
circumstances is no longer needed, please contact the Reasonable
Accommodation Coordinator immediately.
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