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HomeMy WebLinkAboutWildlife Conservation Board Minutes March 11, 2013STATE OF CALIFORNIA-NATURAL RESOURCES AGENCY EDMUND G. BROWN JR., Go~ernpr CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE WILDLIFE CONSERVATION BOARD 1807137" STREET, SUITE 103 SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA 95$11 (916) 445-$448 FAx (916} 323-02$6 ~ SllI~ERIM80RS www.wcb. ca. r~ov State of California J~lN 2 5 2013 Natural Resources Agency ~~~~ California Department of Fish and Wildlife WILDLIFE CONSERVATION BOARD Minutes March 11, 2013 ITEM NO. ~ PAGE NO. 1. Roll Call , ...................................................................................................... ............ 1 2. Funding Status -Informational . ........................................................... ...................3 *3 5-10) Proposed Consent Calendar (Items 3 8 . ~4. ,.„,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, , Approval of Minutes -November 29, 2012, January 24, 2013,,,,,,, ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,8 and March 11, 2013- ~5 Recovery of Funds 9 . ~6. ........... ......... ......................................... ..... Arcata Community Forest (Humphry) ............................................ ........ ...... ...................13 Humboldt County *7 Sacramento River Riparian ..17 . . ........... ................................................ .......... Restoration Planning, Rancho Breisgau and Jelly's Ferry ........ ........ Shasta and Tehama Counties *$. MacKerricher State Park Easement (Sec.6-2008 RLA) ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,20 Mendocino County *9. Daugherty Hill Wildlife Area, Howard Hill Unit,....~ .............................. ..................24 Easement Exchange Yuba County *10. Marysville Ranch Conservation Easement ............... ........................................27 Yuba County 11. Lower Redwood Creek Restoration, Phase Il ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,;,._.,......._..,,,,,,,,,,....31 Morin County 12. Little Chico Creek Oak Woodland Conservation Easement . ...........................36 and Expansions 1 and 2 (Mott, Smith and Brigham) Butte County 13. San Joaquin River Parkway, ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, ............... .......,.. ..........................41 Riverbottom Park and Schneider Property Habitat Restoration Madera and Fresno Counties 14. San Joaquin River Parkway ......................................................................................46 Lost Lake Park Campground Improvements Fresno County 15. Puma Canyon, and ....................................................................................................50 Expansions 1 and 2 (Swart, J. Cox, and M&B Cox) San Bernardino County Consent Calendar -~~~f' f ~-~-G.{G~ _ ~~x~. ~l! d'd~CrCC-'-~ . ~~ ~ ~ ITEM NO. 16. Boyd Deep Canyon Desert ,,,,,,,,,,,,,, Research Center Improvements Riverside County ~ 7. Appraisal Review and Disclosure Policy 18. Resolutions PAGE NO. 54 ....................:..................................... 57 62 Program Statement ....................................................................................................66 ii STATE OF CALIFORNIA-NATURAL RESOURCES AGENCY EDMUND G. BRAWN JR., Governor DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE WILDLIFE CONSERVATION BOARD 180713TH STREET, SUITE 103 SACRAMENTO, CAL{FORN[A 95811 (916) 445-8448 FAx (918) 323-0280 www.wcb.ca.gov WILDLIFE CONSERVATION BOARD March 11, 2013 The Wildlife Conservation Board met on Monday, March 11, 2013, at the State Capitol, Room 112- in Sacramento, California. Mr. Charlton H. Bonham, Director of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Chairman of fihe Wildlife Conservation Board, called the meeting to order at 1:10 P.M. Mr. John Donnelly, Executive Director of the Wildlife Conservation Board, performed the roll call. The following Board memberslstaff were present at this meeting: Chairman Charlton H. Bonham; Ms. Karen Finn, Program Budget Manager, Department of Finance;. Mr. Michael Sutton ,President of the CA Fish and Game Commission; Mr. John Donnelly, Executive Director of the Wildlife Conservation Board; Ms. Rachelle Caouette, Senator Fuller's representative; Ms. Katharine Moore, Senator Pavley's representative; Ms. Diane Colborn, Assembly Member Hueso's representative; Mr. Lucas Frerichs, Assembly Member Cordon's representative; and Ms. Erin Baum, Assembly Member William's representative. 1. Roll Call WILDLIFE CONSERVATION BOARD MEMBERS Charlton H. Bonham, Chair Director, Department of Fish and Game Ana Matosantos, Member Director, Department of Finance. Vice, Karen Finn Michael Sutton, Member President, Fish and Game Commission JOINT LEGISLATIVE ADVISORY COMMITTEE Senator Jean Fuller Vice, Rachelle Caouette Senator Fran Pavley Vice, Katharine Moore Assembly Member Richard Gordon Vice, Lucas Frerichs Assembly Member Ben Hueso Vice, Diane Colborn Assembly Member Das Williams Vice, Erin Baum EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR John P. Donnelly WCB March 11, 2013 Board Meeting Minutes Wildlife Conservation Board Staff Present: John P. Donnelly, Executive Director Dare Means, Assistant Executive Director Peter Perrine, Assistant Executive Director Cynthia Alameda, Budget and Fiscal Officer SCOtt Mcl=arlln, Public Land Management Specialist IV Natalya Kulagina, Executive Assistant Dawn Otiz-Drown, Grant Goordinator Liz Yokoyama, Senior Land Agent Colin Mills, Staff Counsel Nancy Templeton, chief counsel Others present: Lisa Ohara, Department of Fish and Wildtife Heidi West, Department of Fish and Wildlife John Thompson, Department of Fish and Wildlife Elizabeth Hubert, Department of Water Resources Carolyn Shoulders, National Park Service David Chavez, Fresno County Public Works Zach Mendes, N. CA Rangeland Trust Kurt Weber, Associate Land Agent JaSen Yee, Associate Land Agent Terry Roscoe, Public Land Management Specialist IV Lloyd Warble, Staff Services Analyst Brian Gibson, Senior Land Agent Celestial Baumback, Staff Services Analyst John Walsh, Associate Land Agent Melissa Ho, Associate Budget Analyst Teri Muzik, Senior Land Agent Candice Marg, Associate Land Agent Julle Rentner, River Partners David Neubert, River Partners JIII Bays, Transition Habitat Melinda Marks, SJR Conservancy Markley Baringer, Trust for Public Land Sharon Farrell., Golden Gate National Park Conservancy Mark Andre, Arcata, CA 2 WCB March 11, 2013 Board Meeting Minutes 2 {a) (b) (c) (d) (e) Chairman Bonham reported that the second item in the agenda is funding status. Mr. Donnelly went on to explain that we represent our funding status as informational item and added that he would be happy to answer any questions about this item. Chairman Bonham asked if there were any questions or comments about this agenda item. There were none. Funding Status -Informational The following funding status depicts Capital Outlay appropriations by year of appropriation and by fund source and fund number. 2012-13 Wildlife Restoration Fund, (0447) Budget Act $1,000,000.00 Previous Board Allocations -979,500.00 Unallocated Balance $20,500.00 2012-13 Habitat Conservation Fund, (0262) Budget Act $20,663,000.00 Previous Board Allocations -35,000;00 Unallocated Balance $20,628,000.00 2011-12 Habitat Conservation Fund, (0262) Budget Act $20,663,000.00 Previous Board Allocations -3 386 213.00 Unallocated Balance $17,276,787.00 2010-11 Habitat Conservation Fund, (0262) Budget Act $20,668,000.00 Previous Board Allocations -14 242 833.00 Unallocated Balance $6,425,167.00 2008-09 Habitat Conservation Fund, (0262) (2012-13 Reappropriation) Budget Act $20,668,000.00 Previous Board Allocations -15,644,079.00 Unallocated Balance $5,023,921..00 WCB March 11, 2013 Board Meeting Minutes (f) .2007-08 Habitat Conservation Fund, (0262} (2011-12 Reappropriation} Budget Act $20,674,000.00 Previous Board Allocations -16-780 457.05 Unallocated Balance $3,893,542.95 {g) 2006-07 Safe Neighborhood Parks, Clean Water, Clean Air, and Coastal Protection Bond Fund, {0005) (2010-11 Reappropriation) Budget Act $15,224,000.00 Previous Board Allocations -13.773,052.00 Unallocated Balance $1,450,948.00 (h) 1999-00 Safe Neighborhood Parks, Clean Water, Clean Air, and Coastal Protection Bond Fund, (0005) Continuously Appropriated [Sec. 5096.35fl (a)(1), {2), (4) & {7)] $36,100,000.00 Previous Board Allocations -29,7_63.847.45 Unallocated Balance $6,336,152.55 (i} 2004-05 Califiornia Clean Water, Clean Air, Safe Neighborhood Parks and Coastal Protection Fund, (6029) (2010-11 Reappropriation) Budget Act {San Joaquin River Conservancy Projects) $11,000,000.00 Precious Board Allocations -4 623 302.94 Unallocated Balance $6,376,697.06 (~) 2001-02 California Clean Water, Clean Air, Safe Neighborhood Parks and Coastal Protection Fund, (6029) Continuously Appropriated (Section 5096.650) $273,000,000.00 Unallocated Balance $42,423,015.76 (k) 2003-04 Water Security, Clean brinking Water, Coastal and Baach Protection Fund of 2002, (6031) (2010-11 Reappropriation) Budget Act (Section 79568) Previous Board Allocations Unallocated Balance $32,500,000.00 -21,681,299.35 $10,818,700.65 4 WGB March 11, 2013 Board Meeting Minutes (I) 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 -666,355,909.11 Unallocated Balance $75,056,090.89 (m) 2010-11 Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and Supply, Flood Contral, River and Coastal Protection Fund of 2006, (6051) Budget Act (San Joaquin River Conservancy Projects} $3,380,000.00 Previous Board Allocations -0.00 Unallocated Balance $3,380,000.00 (n) 2007-08 Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and Supply, Flovd Control, River and Coastal- Protection Fund of 2006, (6051) (2010-11 Reappropriation) Budget Act (San Joaquin River Conservancy Projects) $10,000,000.00 Previous Board Allocations -2,866,000.00 Unallacated Balance $7,134,000.00 (o} 2009-10 Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and Supply, Flood Control, River and Coastal Protection Fund of 2006, (6051) Chapter 2, Statutes ofi 2009 {SB 8) $24,OOO,Q00.00 Previous Board Allocations -5,082,901.00 Unallocated Balance $18,917,099.00 (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,OOQ,000.00 Previous Board Allocations -7,928,436.50 Unallocated Balance $17,071,563.50 5 WCB Marcf~ 11, 2093 Board Meeting Minutes (q) 2007-OS Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and Supply, Flood Control, River and Coastal Protection Fund of 2006, {6051) (2010-11 Reappropriation) Budget Act (NCCP Section 75055(c)) $25,000,000.00 Previous Board Allocations -22,897,170.00 Unallocated Balance $2,102,830.00 (r} 2007-08 Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and Supply, Flood Control, River and Coastal Protection Fund of 2006 , (6051 } {2010-11 Reappropriation) Budget Act (Section 75055{d)(1}) $14,293,000.00 Previous Board Allocations -13,013.422.00 Unallocated Balance $1,279,578.00 (s) 2007-08 Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and Supply, Fload Control, River and Coastal Protection Fund of 2006, (6051) (2010-11 Reappropriation} Budget Act (Section 75055(d)(2)) $14,293,000.00 Previous Board Allocations -12,238,437.48 Unallocated Balance $2,054,562.52 (t) 2007-08 Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and Supply, Flood Control, River and Coastal Protection Fund of 2006, (6051) (2010-11 Reappropriation) Budget Act (Section 75055{d){4)) $4,762,000.00 Previous Board Allocations -2,393,1.56.54 Unallocated Balance $2,368,843.46 (u) 2006-07 Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and Supply, Flood Control, River and Coastal Protection Fund of 2006, (6051) Continuously Appropriated (Sec#ion 75055a) Previous Board Allocations Unallocated Balance Continuously Appropriated (Section 75055(b)) Previous Board Allocations Unallocated Balance $164,700,000.00 -82,651,526.50 $82,048,473.50 $'! 23, 525, 000.00 -83,712,485.03 $39,812,514.97 6 WCB March 11, 2013 Board Meeting Minutes RECAP OF FUND BALANCES Wildlife Restoration Fund (a) $20,500.00 Habitat Conservation Fund (b), (c), (d), {e)and (f) $53,247,417.95 Safe Neighborhood Parks Clean Water Clean Air and Coastal , , Protection Bond Fund {g) and (h) California Clean Water, Clean Air, Safe Neighborhood and Coastal Protection Bond Fund (i) .and Q) Water Security, Clean Drinking Water, Coastal and Beach Protection Fund of 2002 (k) and (1) Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and Supply, Flood River and Coastal Protection Fund of 2006 (m), (n), (r),{s), (t) and (u) Parks $7,7$7,'100.55 $48,799,712.82 TOTAL -ALL FUNDS $85,874,791.54 C11on-ytJrol, ~~yJ1 (OJ F (i-) 7 (-1/ ~ $176,169,464.95 $371,898,987.81 RECAP OF NATURAL HERITAGE PRESERVATION TAX CREDIT ACT OF 2Q00 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. Bond Fund Authorized GO Expenditures Encumbrances Cash Balances Bond Proceeds through 01/31/13 through 01/31/13 Includes Encumbrances Proposition 12 $12,621,973.31 $7,487,539.40 $238,490.75 $4,895,943.16 Proposition 40 $58,555,210.88 $56,742,259.23 $19,870,976.79 -$18,058,025.14 Proposition 50 $99,161,920.79 $52,942,611.87 $40,637,720.23 $5,581,588.69 Proposition 84 $202,673,069.95 $197,150,762.59 $28,626,690.08 -$23,104,382.72 Proposition 1E $37,491,090.20 $32,983,258.38 $11,130,311.88 -$6,622,480.06 Grand Totals $410,503,265.13 $347,306,431.47 $100,504,189.73 -$37,307,356.07 7 WCB March 11, 2013 Board Meeting Minutes *3. Proposed Consent Calendar (Items 3; 5-10) Mr. Donnelly reported that we have one speaker card in support for the agenda item #10 {Marysville Ranch Conservation Easement, Yuba County). Mr. Donnelly said that this agenda item is on Consent Calendar and there is no need to pull it unless the Board members feel .it`s necessary.. Board members agreed to keep this item on the Consent Calendar. Mr. Donnelly reported that we received letters of support for the following projects from Consent Calendar: #'"6. Arcata Communit Forest Hum h Humboldt Count Letters of support received from: Senator Noreen Evans, CA State Senate, 2nd District; Assembly Member Wesley Chesbro, CA State Assembly, 1st District; Ms. Virginia Bass, Chair, Humboldt County BOS, District 2; Ms. Emily Sinkhorn, Chair, City of Arcata Open Space and Agriculture Committee; Mr. Uri Driscoll, Vice President of Northern California Horsemen's Association and Trail Chairman for CSHA Region 13. #*$. MacKerricher State Park (Sec.6-2008 RLA). Mendocino County Letters of support received from: Mr. Winston Bowen, President, Mendocino Land Trust; Ms. Becky Bowen, Lead Volunteer, Save Our Shorebirds, Mendocino Coast Audubon Society; Ms. Nancy R. Morin, President, DKY Chapter, California Native Plant Society. As one of the consent items heard at the beginning of the meeting, i# was moved by Ms. Finn that the Wildlife Conservation Board approve Consent Calendar Items 3, 5---90 as proposed in the individual agenda explanations. Motion carried. ~4. Approval of Minutes -deferred at this time November 29, 2012 WCB Board meeting minutes, we won't present this document for approval this time, and added that at the next Board meeting we will present three sets of minutes for the following Board meetings: November 29 2012, January 24 and March 11 of 2013. 8 WCB March 11, 2013 Board Meeting Minutes *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. $3,950A0 to the Safe Neighborhood Parks, Clean Water, Clean Air, and Coastal Protection Bond Fund $47,127.14 to the Habitat Conservation Fund $19,855.00 to the California Clean Water, Clean Air,- Safe Neighborhood Parks, and Coastal Protection Fund $7fi,409.00 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 Allensworth Ecological Reserve, Expansion 27, Tulare County Allocated $17,500.00 Expended -17.500.00 Balance for Recovery $0.00 Santa Margarita River Ecological Reserve, Expansion 4, Riverside County Allocated $25, 000.00 Expended -21,050.00 Balance for Recovery $3,950_.00 Total Safe Neighborhood Parks, Clean Water, Clean $3,950.00 Air, and Coastal Protection Bond Fund HABITAT CONSERVATION FUND Dos Rios Ranch, Stanislaus County Allocated $5, 509,000.00 Expended -5, 505, 861.00 Balance for Recovery $3,139.00 9 WCB March 11, 2013 Board Mee#ing Minutes Goodwin Sierra Valley Ranch Conservation Easement, Plumas County Allocated $2,214,500.00 Expended- x,2,206 750.00 Balar~ce for Recovery $7,750.D0 Los Vaqueros Ranch Conservation Easement, Monterey County Allocated $8,000.00 Expended -2,760.00 Balance for Recovery $5,240.00 Suisun Marsh, Denverton Legacy Project, Solano County Allocated $1,510,000.00 Expended -1,505,592.22 Balance for Recovery $4,407.78 Suisun Marsh, Grizzly Ranch Legacy Project, Solano County Allocated $2,010,000.00 Expended -2,0____05,603.14 Balance for Recovery $4,396.86 Watsonville Slough Ecological Reserve, Expansion 5, Santa Cruz County Allocated $500,000.00 Expended -477,806.50 Balance for Recovery $22,193.50 Total Habitat Conservation Fund ~ $47,'127.14 CALIFORNIA CLEAN WATER, CLEAN AIR, SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS, AND COASTAL PROTECTION FUND Jacumba Peak (aka Jacumba-Eade), San Diego County Allocated $10,ODD.00 Balance for Recovery $7,708.D0 Lower Redwood Creek Restoration, Marin County Allocated $1,260,000.00 Expended -1,260,000.00 Balance for Recovery $0.00 10 WCB March 11, 2013 Board Meeting Minutes Redwoods to the Sea, Mattole River (Upper Tract) Property Exchange,. Humboldt County Allocated $5,000.00 Expended -1 6„03.00 Balance for Recovery $3,397.00 Webber Lake/Lacey Meadows, Sierra and Nevada Counties. Allocated $5,010,000.00 Expended _5,001,250.00 Balance for Recovery $8,750.00 Total California Clean Water, Clean Air, Safe $19,855.00 Neighborhood Parks, and Coastal Protection Fund SAFE DRINKING WATER, WATER QUALITY AND SUPPLY, FLOOD CONTROL, RIVER AND COASTAL PROTECTION FUND OF 2006 Gualala River Forest Conservation Easement, Mendocino County Allocated $19,030,000.00 Expended W 19, 024.155.00 Balance for Recovery $5,845.00 1_Ittle Shasta Conservation Easement -Townley, Siskiyou County Allocated $1,332,900.00 Expended -1,329,900.00 Balance for Recovery $3,000.00 San Diego County MSCPIHCPLA 2009 (Michelsen), San Diego County Alloca#ed $5,000.00 Expended -0.00 Balance for Recovery $5, 000.00 Santa Rosa Mountains (Desert Ranch 1}, Expansion 16, Riverside County Allocated $10,000.00 Expended -0.00 Balance for Recovery $10,000.00 Santa Rasa Mountains (Desert Ranch II), Expansion 17, Riverside County Allocated $5, 000.00 Expended -1,100.00 Balance for Recovery $3,900.00 tl WCB March 11, 2013 Baard Meeting Minutes Sierra Crest Conservation Easement, Phases I and I[, Sierra and Nevada Counties Allocated $6,430,000.00 Expended -6,423,680.00 Balance for Recovery $6,320.00 The Environmental Trust Bankruptcy, San Diego County Allocated $30,000.00 Expended -362.00 Balance for Recovery $29,838.00 Usal Forest Conservation Easement, Mendocino County Allocated $19,540,000.00 Expended -19,527,294.00 Balance for Recovery $12,706.00 Total Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and $76,409.00 Supply, Flaod Control, River and Coastal Protection Fund of 2006 As one of the consent items heard at the beginning of the meeting, it was moved by Ms. Finn that the Wildlife Conservation Board approve the Recovery of Funds for the projects listed on pages 7 through 10 of the agenda and close the project accounts. Recovery totals include $3,950.00 to the Safe Neighborhood Parks, Clean Water, Clean Air, and. Coastal Protection Bond Fund; $47,127.14 to the Habitat Conservation Fund; $19,855.00 to the California Clean Water, Clean Air, Safe Neighborhood Parks, and Coastal Protection Fund; and $76,409.00 to the Safe Drinking Water, Water 4uality and Supply, Flood Control, River and Coastal Protection Fund of 200fi. Motion carried. 12 WCB March 11, 2013 Board Meeting Minutes *6. Arcata Community Forest (Humphry) $190,000.00 Humboldt County This proposal was to consider the allocation for a grant to the City of Arcata (City) to acquire fee title to 2± acres of land in Humboldt County to expand the City's Community Forest; protect working forest habitat for important fish and wildlife species; and provide potential future wildlife-oriented public access- opportunities between the Arcata Community Forest to the north and the Sunny Brae Forest to the south. LOCATION AND SURROUNDING USES The subject property (Property) is located on Fickle Hill Road, approximately two miles east of the City of Arcata and Highway 101. To the north ofi the Property is the Arcata Community Forest, a ±793-acre protected working forest and -park area managed by the City. Adjacent and to the south of the Property is the ~-336- acre Sunny Brae Forest, which the City also manages. Further south is the Jacoby Creek watershed, a major salmonid stream and tributary into Humboldt Bay. The Jacoby Creek watershed is located within a California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFIN) Conceptual Area Protection Plan (CAPP). The Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB) has approved funding to protect approximately 820 acres of land within the Jacoby Creek watershed. The Property is in an area of rural residential estate developments where pressures to convert timberland to residential use are high. The current general plan use designation for this Property is Single Family Residential. The Property is located adjacent,to the WCB-funded Schmidbauer forest parcel which the City acquired in .2012. That parcel borders the City`s Morris forest parcel funded by WCB in 2011, and the larger Sunny Brae Forest, that the WCB helped fund in 2006. PROJECT DESCRIPTION The Property is undeveloped forestland and is relatively flab. It provides high quality forest and riparian habitat for a variety of plant and wildlife species. This includes a mature conifers#and comprised of redwood, grand-fir Sitka spruce and Douglas-fir, with several redwood trees exceeding 50" in diameter. Acquisition of the Property will protect habitat for dozens of native plants and animal .species that are known to exist on the Sunny Brae Forest tract or immediate vicinity, including the federally threatened steelhead trout and northern spotted owl, the state and federally threatened coho salmon, the federally endangered tidewater goby, and the state endangered bald eagle. State-listed Species of Special. Concern on the site include southern torrent salamander, northern red-legged frog, Del Norte salamander, foothill yellow- legged frog, coastal cutthroat trout, osprey, Cooper's hawk, sharp-shinned hawk, Pacific fisher, red tree vole, and the "Fully Protected" ring-tailed cat. 13 WCB March 11, 2013 Board Meeting Minutes Several sensitive plant species found in the Sunny Brae Forest tract and the immediate area would also benefit from the conservation of the Property. These include running pine, Indian-pipe, small ground cone, and twayblade. Other native species that may occur on the Property include Oregon bensoniella, Thurber's reed grass, leafy reed grass, meadow sedge, California lady slipper, mountain lady slipper orchid, Howell's montia, white-flowered rein orchid, maple- leafed checkerbloom, Siskiyou checkerbloom, coast checkerbloom, and trifoliate laceflower. The proposed Grant Agreement would prohibit conversion to rural residential uses or any other uses incompatible with the conservation objectives for this site. In addition to habitat benefits, the acquisition would also help reduce greenhouse gas impacts by sequestering greenhouse gas emissions. The Property will complete a more than four mile community forest greenbelt that will form an urban limit line; maintain a four mile long contiguous forested ridgeline; provide a wildlife corridor and offer the potential to create a trail that could link the two tracts of existing community forest land. The neighboring forest lands provide extensive passive recreational uses including hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and nature walks to the 16,000 town residents, as well as the surrounding communities and the greater Humboldt County area. WCB PROGRAM The proposed grant for this project is being considered under the WCB's Forest Conservation Program (Program). Grant proposals for the Program are evaluated and selected for funding by WCB staff based on established criteria approved by the Board on November 17, 2007, utilizing a peer review process involving biological and forestry expertise and including the CDFW. The Program seeks to preserve and restore productive managed forest lands, forest reserve areas, redwood forests and other forest types, including the conservation of water resources and natural habitat for native fish and wildlife and plants found on these lands. One of the primary objectives of the Program is the protection and conservation of working forests and productive managed forestlands. ecological. integrity and economic stability of the property in the context of the surrounding landscape and regional economy. MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND NEEDS The Property will be managed as an expansion to the City's Community Forest. Management objectives include harvesting timber on a sustainable basis, maintaining and enhancing the integrity of the watershed, wildlife, fisheries, plant resources and providing potential future recreation and educational opportunities for the community. 14 WCB March 11, 2013 Board Meeting Minutes The Arcata Community Forest was dedicated in 1955 as the first municipally owned forest in California. For more than 50 years it has functioned as a recreational, educational, habitat and timber resource for the community and is the first municipally owned working Community Forest in the State. In addition to owning and operating the Arcata Community Forest, the City also owns and manages other forest lands in the region including the Jacoby Creek Forest,. with a total of approximately 2,500 acres of forestlands in City stewardship. The experience and dedication of the City in managing its Community Forest resources demonstrates the strength and capability of the City to manage the Property for long-term sustainability and benefit to the local economy and quality of life. TERMS The Property has been appraised as having a fair market value of $180,000.00. 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 of $180,000.00. The terms and conditions of the proposed WCB grant to the City 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 City to encumber the Property with a conservation easement in favor of the State or another entity approved by the Stafie and seek reimbursement of funds.. Separate from this transaction, the City plans to acquire rights to the Property's timber stock before the close of escrow. After the City acquires the Property, these timber rights will merge into and be a part of the Property and be subject to the terms of the WCB Grant Agreement. PROJECT FUNDING The proposed funding breakdown for the project is as follows: Wildlife Conservatiion Board TOTAL Purchase Price Other Project Related Costs TOTAL WCB ALLOCATION $ ~ $o,ooo.aa $ 180,000.00 $ 10,000.00 $ '190,000.00 15 WCB March 11, 2013 Board Meeting Minutes It is estimated that an additional $10,000.00 will be needed to cover project- related expenses, including DGS appraisal review and closing costs, bringing the total proposed allocation for this project to $190,000.00. FUNDING SOURCE The purposes of this project are consistent with the authorized uses of the proposed funding source, Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and Supply, Flood Control, River and Coastal Protection Fund of 2006 (Proposition 84), Public Resources Code Section 75055 (a), which allows for forest conservation and protection projects in order to promote the ecological integrity and economic stability of California's diverse native forests through forest conservation, preservation and restoration of productive managed forest lands, forest reserve areas; redwood forests and other forest types, including the conservation of water resources and natural habitats for native fish, wildlife and plants found on these lands. 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 1525, Class 25, as a transfer of an ownership interest in land to presen-e open space and existing natural conditions, including plant or animal habitats. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Staff recommended that the Wildlife Conservation Board approve this project as proposed; allocate $190,000.00 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(a) for the grant and to cover interns! 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. As one of the consent items heard at the beginning of the meeting, it was moved by Ms. Finn that #hat the Wildlife Consen-ation Board approve this ._ Water Quality and Supply, Flood Control, River and Coastal Protection Fund of 2006 (Proposition 84}, Public Resources Code Section 75055(a} for the grant and 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. Motion carried. 16 WCB March 11, 2013 Board Meeting Minutes ~7. Sacramento River Riparian $151,000.00 Restoration Planning, Rancho Breisgau and Jelly's Ferry Shasta and Tehama Counties This proposal was to consider the allocation for a grant to River Partners for a cooperative project with the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM} and the Bella Vista Foundation to develop plans to restore 581± acres of riparian and wetland habitat on two separate BLM-owned properties on the Sacramento River in southern Shasta County and northern Tehama County. LOCATION AND SURROUNDING USES The -306-acre Rancho Breisgau project site and the ±155-acre Jelly's Ferry project site are located within the BLM`s 118,500 acre Sacramento River Bend Area of Critical Environmental Concern, which Congress is considering for possible designation as a National Recreation Area. Rancho Breisgau is located at the confluence of the Sacramento River and Battle Creek in Shasta County. Battle Creek is the largest Sacramento River tributary north of the Feather River, with a watershed that covers approximately 360 square miles. Its headwaters are in Lassen Volcanic National Park. The property is adjacent to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife's (CDFW} Battle Creek Wildlife Area (BCWA) and directly across the Sacramento River from the CDFW's Mouth of Cottonwood Creek Wildlife Area. Jelly's Ferry is approximately 6 miles downstream of Rancho Breisgau and approximately 11 miles north of the City of Red Bluff on the left (east) bank of the Sacramento River at River Mile 266. Both properties were intensively farmed in the past, and portions of Rancho Breisgau still contain old walnut orchards that are no longer productive. PROJECT DESCRIPTION The BLM acquired these two properties with the express goal of restoring them to native habitats. Restoration on the Sacramento River requires extensive planning and permitting. Phase 1 of the Jelly's Ferry and Rancho Breisgau Habitat Restoration projects will focus on planning only. Once the restoration plan is complete, River Partners and BLM will work in concert to obtain all necessary permits for future habitat restoration activities. These properties, once restored, will provide valuable habitat for willow flycatcher, yellow-billed cuckoo, and several special-status salmonid fish species, and offer the potential for many recreational opportunities for quiet enjoyment of the natural environment. 17 WCB March 11, 2013 Board Meeting Minutes WCB PROGRAM The proposed project will be funded through the California Riparian Habitat Conservation Program and meets the program's goal of increasing riparian habitat across California by implementing riparian habitat restoration and enhancement projects. MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND NEEDS The BLM owns and is responsible for the long-term management of the properties. The Rancho Breisgau and Jelly's Ferry Habitat Restoration Planning project supports the objectives of, and is based on the following "Resource Condition Objectives" in BLM's Redding Resource Management Plan (BLM 1993): • Protect existing and improve degraded riparian vegetation • Enhance wetlands (native and human-made) • Ensure long term survival of special status species • Maintain and improve, if feasible, scenic quality • Provide semi-primitive recreational opportunities The plan will also identify the long-term management needs after the area is restored . PROJECT FUNDING Combined Planning Budgets: Rancho Breisgau & Jelly's Ferry Item Total Cost WCB River Partners BLM Bella Vis#a Foundation Rancho Breisgau: Planning 129,500 72,000 - 27,500 30,000 Permitting 18,000 - - 18,000 - Administration 9,490 7,000 2,490 - - Subtotal -Rancho Breisgau 156,990 79,000 2,490 45,500 30,000 Jelly's Ferry: Plannin 60,000 60,000 - - Permittin 18,000 - - 18,000 - Subtotal.- Jei y's Fer 86,100 66,000 2,100 18,000 - Combined Budget: RMJV Coordination 6,000 6,000 Total 249,090 151,000 4,590 63,500 30,000 Contribution % 100% 61% 2% 25% 12% 18 WCB March ~ 1, 2013 Board Meeting Minutes The grant will provide funding to River Partners for activities necessary to develop restoration plans for the Rancho Breisgau and Jelly's Ferry areas including analyzing soil profiles to optimize the. mixture and location of restored plant species onsite. Fo{lowing an initial assessment and baseline survey of the site, River Partners will develop detailed restoration plans.that include irrigation designs and planting palates for the different ecosystems and soil types identified on the property. Once the restoration plan is complete; River Partners and BLM will work in concert to obtain all necessary permits for future habitat restoration activities. FUNDING SOURCE The proposed funding source for this project is the Habitat Conservation Fund {Proposition 117), Fish and Game Code Section 27$6(elf) {Proposition 1 E), which allows for the acquisition, restoration or enhancement of riparian habitat to protect or enhance a flood protection corridor or bypass and is consistent with the objective of this project. ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND STATE RECOMMENDATION The project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to the State CEQA Guidelines (California Code of Regulations, Title 1~, Chapter 3, Section 15Q61(b)(3) and Section 15262, Planning and Feasibility Studies). Subject to approval of this proposal by the WCB, the appropriate Notice of Exemption will be filed with the State Clearinghouse. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Staff recommended that the Wildlife Conservation Board. approve this project as proposed; allocate $151,000.00 from the Habitat Conservation Fund (Proposition 117), Fish and Game Code Section 2786(elf} (Proposition 1 E}; 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. As one of the consent items heard at the beginning of the meting, it was moved by Ms. Finn that the Wildlife Conservation Board approve this project as proposed; allocate $151,000.00 from the Habitat Conservation Fund (Proposition 117), Fish and Game Code Section 2786{elf) {Proposition 1 E), 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. Motion carried. i9 WCB March 11, 2013 Board Meeting Minutes ~`8. MacKerricher State Park $15, 000.00 (Sec.6-2008 RLA) Mendocino County This, proposal was to consider the acceptance of a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service {USFWS) Recovery Land Acquisition grant and the approval to subgrant these federal funds to the California Department of Parks and Recreation (State Parks), for a cooperative project with the State Coastal Conservancy to acquire fee title to 64.5± acres of land for the protection of sand dune habitat and several federally and state listed threatened or endangered species. The subject property (Property} is located adjacent to the Inglenook Fen-Ten Mile Dunes Natural Preserve, a preserve unit located within MacKerricher State Park in Mendocino County. LOCATION AND SURROUNDING USES The Property, also known as the Hunt property, is comprised of a single L- shaped parcel located between the Pacific Ocean and State Highway One, just south of the State Highway One bridge over Ten Mile River, approximately 10 miles north of Fort Bragg. The Property lies adjacent to the Inglenook Fen -Ten Mile Dunes Natural Preserve (Preserve), a preserve unit managed by State Parks and bcated within MacKerricher State Park. Surrounding land uses are mostly open space, rural agricultural properties, with working fores# lands located in the higher elevations of the coastal range to the east of the Property. This area along the coast consists mainly of roiling hills with coastal prairie habitat areas, coastal estuaries and wetlands, riparian corridors leading to the ocean from the coastal range, sand dunes and small stands of conifer forests. Going east of State Highway One, the topography becomes steeper and the habitat transitions more into an area predominated by larger stands of mixed conifer forests. PROJECT DESCRIPTION The Property is presently unimproved, vacant land that the owners have historically used primarily for recreation purposes. Access to the Property is the Property. The Property has hillsides that are moderately level to undulating and has excellent westerly facing views that overlook the MacKerricher State Park sand dunes and the Pacific Ocean coastline. The Property contains relatively pristine coastal dune, coastal prairie, and wetland habitats located next to the northern end of the Preserve. 20 WCB March 11, 2013 Board Meeting Minutes The Inglenook Fen-Ten Mile Dunes ecosystem, which includes the Property, represents a natural heritage treasure of statewide significance. The proposed acquisition will provide benefits to caastal dunes and wetland ecosystems by enlarging its contiguous area and bringing what is effectively a private land in- hoiding under the stewardship of State Parks. Furthermore, the Property serves as an important buffer that will help to maintain the integrity of the existing Preserve and reduce ongoing threats from development and potential destructive effects of off-road vehicles and trespassing that have been noted by State Parks staff to occur in the area. The project is one of State Parks' highest priorities in terms of new land acquisitions. The acquisition will also help enhance the recovery of three fisted species: the federally threatened western snowy plover (a Califomia species of special concern) and the federally and California listed as endangered Howell's spineflower and Menzies' wallflower. The distribution of Howell's spineflower, for example, is limited primarily to area in and around the MacKerricher State Park. In addition, there are several other rare plants associated with coastal dune habitat found on the Property, along with a number of bird species that utilize the coastal prairie areas that will benefit from this acquisition. WCB PROGRAM The proposed acquisition 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, e# seq.} authorizing the WCB to acquire real property or rights in real property on behalf of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (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. The USFWS grant proposed for acceptance for this project has been reviewed and approved by CDFW as a participant in the USFWS Recovery Land Acquisition grant selection and review process. MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND NEEDS If acquired, the Property would be added to the Preserve, and managed and operated by State Parks according to the Preserve's Management Plan. Management activities would include regular on-going monitoring by State Parks staff to ensure that the conservation values of the Property are properly protected. State Parks would enforce and prevent unauthorized access to the Property and develop plans to determine potential future recreational activities. suitable for the Property. All operational activities will be handled within their current operations budget for the Presence. 21 WCB March 9 9, 2093 Board Meeting Minutes TERMS The Property has been appraised as having a fair market value of $625,0Q0.00. The appraisal has been reviewed by WCB staff and reviewed and approved by the Department of General Services (DGS} and USFWS. The Property owner has agreed to sell the Property for $525,000.00, less than the approved value. The USFWS grant requires anon-federal match that will be provided by the State Coastal Conservancy and State Parks. The terms and conditions of the proposed WCB subgrant of USFWS grant funds 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 ofi conveyance prior to disbursement of funds directly into. the escrow account established for the acquisition. Following Board's approval, this project will need to be considered for approval by the State Public Works Board (PWB}, with the DGS reviewing and recommending approval of the project as staff to the PWB. The State Coastal Conservancy has already reviewed and approved funding for this project at its December 2012 Board meeting. PROJECT FUNDING The proposed funding breakdown for the.project is as follows: USFWS Section 6 subgrant State Coastal Conservancy (Non-Federal Match) California Department of Parks & Recreation (Non-Federal Match) TOTAL Purchase Price Other Project-Related Costs TOTAL WCB ALLOCATION $393,750.00 65,625.00 65,625.00 $525,000.00 $ 15,000.00 $ '15,000,00 It is estimated that an additional $15,000.00 will be needed to cover project- ,. and DGS. appraisal review. Under the USFWS grant, the WCB can seek reimbursement for these costs from USFWS. FUNDING SOURCE The. proposed funding source for this project is California Clean Water, Clean Air, Safe Neighborhood Parks and Coastal Protection Fund (Proposition 40), Public Resources Code Section 509G.550(a}, which allows for the acquisition, development, rehabilitation, restoration and protection of habitat to promote the recovery of threatened and endangered species, to provide corridors linking 22 WCB March 11, 2013 Board Meeting Minutes habitat areas to prevent habitat fragmentation, and to protect significant natural landscapes and ecosystems and other significant habitat areas. 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 recommended that the Wildlife Conservation Board approve this project as proposed; allocate $15,000.00 from the California Clean Water, Clean Air, Safe Neighborhood Parks and Coastal Protection Fund (Propasition 40), Public Resources Code Section 5096.650(a) to cover internal project-related expenses for the acquisition; accept the USFWS Habitat Recovery Land Acquisition grant in the amount of $393,750.00 and authorize the subgrant of these funds to California Department of Parks and Recreation; authorize staff to enter into appropriate agreements necessary to accomplish this project; and authorize staff to proceed substantially as planned. As one of .the consent items heard at the beginning of the meeting, it was moved by Ms. Finn that the Wildlife Conservation Board approve this project as proposed; allocate $'15,000.00 from the California Clean Water, Clean Air, Safe Neighborhood Parks and Coastal Protection Fund {Proposition 40], Public Resources Code Section 5096.650(a] to cover internal project-related expenses for the acquisition; accept the USFWS Habitat Recovery Land Acquisition grant in the amount of $393,750.00 and authorize the subgrant of these funds to California Department of Parks and Recreation; authorize staff to enter into appropriate agreements necessary to accomplish this project; and authorize staff to proceed substantially as planned. Motion carried. 23 WCB March 11, 2013 Board Meeting Minutes *9. Daugherty Hill Wildlife Area, Howard Hill Unit, $10,OOO.Q0 Easement Exchange Yuba County This proposal was to consider the exchange of easements between the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and two separate property owners to provide improved access and use for two adjoining landowners and improved access to CDFW's Daugherty Hills Wildlife Area (Howard Hill Unit). The easement received by CDFW will allow a less steep and safer access from a public road. onto the Howard Hill Unit. , LOCATION The two private properties are located in the Sierra Foothills, in northeastern Yuba County, specifically at the end of McGough Court, -off of Scoff Forbes Road and Highway 20 near the community of Loma Rica. The Howard Hill Unit {Property) is approximately 2 miles east of the University of California. Foothill Research and Extension Center and within the CDFW Daugherty Hill Wildlife Area. The area where the Property is located provides excellent and essential deer winter range habitat, which over the last decade has been rapidly subdivided and developed. The Property is located along the migratory corridor for the Mooretown deer herd, comprising a portion of the lower elevation wintering grounds, providing important foraging habitat for the deer herd. CDFW has recognized the need to protect this area through development of CDFW Daugherty Hill Conceptual Area Protection Pian (CAPP). The Howard Hill Unit was previously acquired as a priority acquisition because of the Property's habitat values and location within the migration corridor for the wintering Mooretown deer herd. PROJECT DESCRIPTION Shortly after the acquisition of the Howard Hill Unit by CDFW, two private homes were built on adjoining lots at the end of McGough Court. During the course of construction, the shared driveway and joint utilities were inadvertently installed from McGough Court to the Howard Hill Unit was found to be too steep to provide a safe ingress and egress point, causing considerable damage to the terrain in the process. An alternate access to the Haward Hill Unit was needed, and the only viable entry point was to cross both private property parcels in a diagonal manner. In the interim, the private property owners have allowed CDFW staff to use an existing dirt roadway across their properties to access the Howard Hill Unit; however, CDFW does not have a forma! easement at this time. A logical resolution to both concerns was to exchange like easements between the private landowners {Birch and Forde) and CDFW. Under the proposed exchange, Birch and Forde will each receive individual easements from CDFW for their existing 24 WCB March 11, 2013 Board Meeting Minutes utilities and driveway. CDFW will receive an easement from Birch and another from Forde, for roadway access to the Howard Hill Unit: The easements were all appraised as having nominal value. Since this transaction must occur on a voluntary and cooperative basis, and CDFW has an urgent need for improved, safer access, all parties agree that the mutual benefit of the exchange is satisfactory, and no monetary compensation between the parties is necessary or being provided. WCB PROGRAM The proposed exchange 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 this same authorization, the Board may also authorize the transfer or exchange of property, including easements across CDFW sands. MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND NEEDS The access easement received by CDFW will improve and reduce the cost to operate and maintain the current access to the Howard Hill Unit. The easement areas provided by CDFW are next to McGough Court, in an unfenced area, and will not impact the utility and maintenance of the Howard Hill Unit. TERMS The individual easements have each been appraised as having a nominal fair market value of less than $1,000 each. The appraisals have been reviewed by WCB staff and reviewed and approved by the Department of General Services (DGS). The private property owners have agreed to exchange the easements for no monetary consideration. WCB staff will review and approve all title documents, preliminary title reports, documents far purchase and sale, escrow instructions and instruments of conveyance prior to acceptance and transfer of the proposed easements. PROJECT FUNDING The proposed funding breakdown for the project is as follows: Wildlife Conservation Board $ 0.00 TOTAL Easement Price $ 0.00 25 WCB March 11, 2013 Board Meeting Minutes Other Project-Related Costs $10,000.00 TOTAL WCB ALLOCATION $ 10,000.00 It is estimated that an additional $10,000.00 will be needed to cover project-. related expenses, including title reports, escrow fees and closing costs, bringing the total proposed allocation for this project to $10,000.00. 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(a), which allows for the acquisition of habitat, including native aafc woodlands, to protect deer and mountain lions. ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND-STATE RECOMMENDATION This project is the grant of easements for utilities already in place and roadway use that is already occurring. These grants of easement will not lead to any new ar additional use bu# instead. provide each party with a legal right to continue its existing use. Because this project will not lead to any new or additional uses, it is exempt from the California Enuironmentai Quality Act (CEQA) because it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment. (California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3 ("CEQA Guidelines"), Section 15061 {b)(3).} The project is also categorically exempt from CEQA under CEQA Guidelines Section '15301, Class 1, Existing Facilities, as the operation of existing public or private structures and topographical features, including streets and similar facilities. Subject to the approval of this proposal by the WCB, the appropriate Notice of Exemption will be filed with the State Clearinghouse. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Staff recommended that the Wildlife Conservation Board approve the project as proposed; allocate $10,000.00 from the Habitat Conservation Fund, (Proposition 117), Fish and Game Code Section 2786(a} for the acquisition and to cover inferno[ 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. As one of the consent items heard at the beginning of the meeting, it was moved by Ms. Finn that the Wildlife Conservation Board approve the project as proposed; allocate $10,000.00 from the Habitat Conservation Fund, (Proposition 117), Fish and Game Code Section 278fi(a) 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. Motion carried. 26 WGB March 11, 2013 Board Meeting Minutes X10. Marysville Ranch Conservation Easement $265,000.00 Yuba County This proposal was to consider the acquisition of a conservation easement over 1,277± acres of land by the California Department of Fish .and Wildlife (CDFW} for a cooperative project with the U.S. Department of Defense {DOD), the California Department of Transportation, and the Trust for Public Land for the protection of oak woodland and grassland habitats, habitat linkages, and open space buffers between CDFW's Spenceville Wildlife Area (SWA) and Beale Air Force Base {BAFB) in Yuba County. LOCATION AND SURROUNDING USES The subject property (Property} is located approximately 15 miles east of Yuba City and approximately 5 miies southwest of Smartsville, in Yuba County and is situated in an L-shaped in-holding of unprotected lands. Surrounding the Property are the SWA located to the east, BAFB on its south and west, and the Yuba Highlands conservation easements, recently approved by the Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB) in two phases--on February 24, 2011 and August 23, 2012, to the north. The Property is also located within the CDFW`s Lower Yuba Watershed Conceptual Area Protection Plan (CAPP) area and identified as a priority site far protection. The CAPP and surrounding areas are located in the first series of rolling foothills rising up from the east side of the Sacramento Valley, comprised mainly of grasslands and oak savanna woodlands interspersed with riparian corridors habitat areas. One of the main goals of the CAPP is to protect open space, oak woodland areas and habitat linkages between the valley floor and foothills areas in the Lower Yuba River Watershed. Most of the surrounding uses include agricultural livestock grazing, rural residential development, and public open space. In addition to habitat values, another compelling reason for encumbering the Property is its strategic location within a ring of protected lands and the threat from development. Somewhat of a more extreme example of this development threat is the planned community development of over 14,000 residential units, located on the State Highway 65 corridor just north of the Property. Prior to the recent decline in the real estate market, there were several other major residential developments planned for this foothill region of Yuba County. These development proposals demonstrate the potential high demand for more intensive development of these rolling foothill properties as the real estate market in the State begins to rebound. 27 WCB March 11, 2013 Board Meeting Minutes PROJECT DESCRIPTION The Property is unimproved, rural agricultural-zoned land and consists of rolling foothills, grasslands, oak woodlands, and a small riparian area. The 1,277 acres of the Property, combined with the 2,453 acres of the Yuba Highland conservation easements, will create a 3,730-acre block of conservation easements and buffer lands, managed by CDFW linking and protecting an expanse of land located between the SWA and BAFB. The proposed conservation easement will ensure that the wildlife linkages between SWA and BAFB are protected in perpetuity. Resident wildlife includes migratory and resident deer, raccoon, skunk, bobcat, woodpeckers and several raptor species, including prairie falcons, the red-tailed hawk and red-shouldered hawk. The conservation easement will also protect the long-term sustainability of livestock grazing on the Property and prevent the conversion from open space agricultural grazing lands to nonagricultural uses. For BAFB, the open space qualities of the Property will enhance buffer lands around the base that help avoid disturbance and conflicts associated with more intensive developed lands that may occur around defense facilities. WCB PROGRAM The proposed acquisition 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.} authorizing the WCB to acquire real property or rights in real property on behalf of the CDFW, grant funds to other governmental entities or nonprofit organizations to acquire real property ar rights in real property. Under the Program, the WCB acquires funds #o 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 the CDFVII, which evaluates the biological values of property through development of a Land Acquisition EvaluationlConceptual Area Protection Plan (LAE/CAPP). The LAEICAPP is then submitted to CDFW's Regional Operations Committee (ROC) for review and; if approved, later transmitted to the WCB with MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND NEEDS According to the terms of the conservation easement, CDFW will take the primary role in monitoring and enforcing the terms of the conservation easement; however, the DOD shall at all times retain equal rights to monitor and enforce the terms of the easement. CDFW has determined that existing staff resources will be sufficient to monitor the conservation easement, which. will be conducted in conjunction with activities at SWA. Since the conservation easement is on private land, public access will not be allowed absent landowner approval. Lives#ock grazing practices will be permitted to continue in perpetuity. The 28 WCB March 11, 2p13 Board Meeting Minutes conservation easement wil! also serve in providing a defense buffer for the Beale Air Force Base. TERMS The conservation easement has been appraised as having a fair market value of $2,040,000.00. 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 conservation easement for $1,620,000.00, less than the appraised value. TPL holds a purchase option agreement with the landowner to purchase the conservation easement. The conservation easement deed includes a provision for the assignment of TPL's interest in the conservation easement to the DOD. The assignment of TPL's interest to DOD would occur during the escrow process. Consequently, ownership interest in the conservation easement would be jointly held by both CDFW and DOD, similar to the ownership and management structure currently in place for the aforementioned Yuba Highlands conservation easements. WCB staff will 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. This project is also subject to transaction review and approval by the DGS prior to disbursement. PROJECT FUNDING The proposed funding breakdown for the project is as follows: Wildlife Conservation Board $ 250,000.00 DOD 9 , 020;000.00 Caltrans EEMP 350,000.00 TOTAL Purchase Price $1,620,000.00 Other Project-Related Costs $15,000.00 TOTAL WCB ALLOCATION $ 265,000.00 It is estimated that an additional $15,000.00 will be needed to cover project- related administrative costs, including DGS appraisal and transaction review. 29 WCB March 11, 2013 Board Meeting Minutes FUNDING SOURCE The proposed funding source is the Habitat Conservation Fund {Proposition 117), Fish and Game Code Section 2786(a} that allows for the acquisition and protection of native oak woodland habitat necessary to protect deer and mountain lion, which is consistent with this project. ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND STATE RECOMMENDATION The project 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 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 flied with the State Clearinghouse.. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Staff recommended that the Wildlife Conservation Board approve this project as proposed; allocate $265,000.00 from the from the Habitat Conservation Fund (Proposition 117}, Fish and Game Code Section 2786(a) to cover the acquisition and pay 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. Ms. Markley Baringer from the Trust for Public Land spoke in support of this project. Ms. Baringer thanked the California Department of Fish and Wildlife staff from CDFW Region 2, as weal as staff from WCB far making this project successful. Ms. Baringer added that this project will protect five rivers` watersheds going all the way up to Sierra checkerboard. Ms. Baringer thanked the Board far considering this project. As one of the consent items heard at the beginning of the meeting, it was moved by Ms. Finn that the Wildlife Conservation Board approve this project as proposed; allocate $265,000.00 from the from the Habitat to cover the acquisition and pay internal project-related expenses; authorize staff to enter into appropriate agreements necessary to accomplish this project; and authorize staff and the California Department ofFish and Wildlife to proceed substantially as planned. Motion carried. 30 WCB March 11, 2013 Board Meeting Minutes 11. Lower Redwood Creek Restoration, Phase II $450,000.00 Morin County This proposal was to consider the allocation for a grant to the Golden Gate National Recreation Area of the National Park Service (NPS) for a cooperative project with the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy {Parks Conservancy) and the California Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) to restore natural estuary function of Lower Redwood Creek estuary just upstream of Muir Beach in Morin County. Mr. Scott McFarlin of the Wildlife Conservation Board briefly described the project and its location. LOCATION AND SURROUNDING USES This project is the fourth phase of the five-phase t46-acre Redwood Creek Restoration Project at Muir Beach in southern Morin County. The project area extends along the last half-mile of the creek as it transitions from an inland stream to-the coastal interface, just west of Highway 1. Part of the UNESCO Golden Gate Biosphere Reserve, Redwood Creek flows from Mt. Tamalpais, through the old-growth redwood forest of Muir Woods National Monument, and out to the ocean at Muir Beach. Throughout that zone, a range of habitats occur, including riparian, emergent wetland, seasonal wetland, open water, intermittent tidal lagoon and dunes. The watershed is 95% public land that includes federal, State, and county property. NPS owns most of the site, which extends from a levee road to the ocean and includes a riparian parcel upstream of the county- owned road known as Pacific Way. The San Francisco Zen Center owns a small portion of the site, over which NPS has obtained a conservation easement to protect this area in perpetuity. PROJECT DESCRIPTION In 2009, NPS, working with its partner, the Parks Conservancy, began to implement large-scale actions to restore natural estuary and creek wetland and riparian habitats, re-connect floodplains, provide functional winter habitat for coho salmon, and re-establish the intricate network of habitat types at the site. Phase 1 actions were completed in 2009; Phase 2 in 2010, and Phase 3 in 2012. The Wildlife Conservation Board {WCB) provided substantial support for the Phase 3 actions.. Two additional phases of work remain to be completed. The current proposal is for Phase 4 of the project, which consists primarily of removing the visitor parking lot from the floodplain and restoring a natural wetland in the footprint of the former parking lot.. In order far NPS to maintain existing visitor access, the parking lot will be relocated out of the center of the estuary and parallel to the main road, Pacific Way. To provide access to the beach, a second 225-linear foot (LF) span of a new pedestrian bridgelboardwalk will be constructed from the new parking lot over the new wetland and will connect with the first 225-LF span of the pedestrian bridgelboardwalk that was built in 2011. These actions meet one of the primary goals of the project, which 31 WCB March 11, 2013 Board Meeting Minutes is to accommodate visitors in a manner that fully allows natural ecological processes to occur. The current visitor. parking lot extends most of the way across the heart of the estuary. By removing this lot, the floodplain width will expand to a total of 400 feet from its current 50-foot total width. All of the fill in the parking lot, even that below the natural floodplain elevation, will be removed. After all the fill is removed, the new floodplain will be regraded, adding fill from appropriate native soils (stockpiled from previous phases} to rebuild the natural floodplain elevation. The floodplain will be graded with broad swales which are connected to the expanded tidal lagoon constructed in a previous phase. -The connection to the tidal lagoon will allow the new swales to function as backwaters,.providing critical rearing habitat for coho salmon and other fish. The swales will direct flows into the expanded tidal .lagoon and help provide a mechanism to scour out sediment. The new parking lot will be built at the same time the old one is removed to minimize loss of visitor access. The new parking lot will have 165 parking spaces, a picnic area with about 10 tables, and new vault toilets. The parking lot will also have a new entrance that allows visitors to access the new lot without having to drive in front of private homes. A 225-LF span of a new pedestrian bridgelboardwalk will be constructed and connected to the firs# 225-LF bridge span built in 2011, for a total of 450-LF bridgelboardwalk over the new floodplain. Small pull-outs will be built within the new span to provide viewing and resting areas for visitors. WCB PROGRAM The proposed project will be funded through the Habitat Enhancement and Restoration Program and meets one of the program's goals by providing for. restoration of wetlands that fall outside the jurisdiction of the Inland Wetland Conservation Program. MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND NEEDS monitoring plans, management strategies, and guidelines identified in the Final EIS/EIR for this praject. The site will be managed following the 2006 NPS Management Policies, which include specific measures for land protection, .biological and water resource management, stewardship and education,- and visitor use of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Proposed actions are consistent with the Redwood Creek Watershed Vision for the Future, which was prepared by watershed stakeholders in a yearlong process to identify guiding principles and desired future conditions in the watershed. 32 WCB March 11, 2013 Board Meeting Minutes The project has been designed to restore natural, self-sustaining ecosystem function to the mouth of Redwood Creek; as such, no additional costs to maintain hydrologic benefits are anticipated. In fact, the restoration will eliminate the current costs related to periodic flood reduction actions, such as dredging. While removal of non-native vegetation is incorporated into site restoration over afour- year period, future removal and sustained control of non-native plants {harding grass and cape ivy in particular) are likely to represent the only long-term cost to maintain ecosystem function. NPS and the Parks Conservancy are dedicated to invasive species eradication at the site and have developed a plan for the long- term management and maintenance as a part of the watershed-based s#ewardship program. NP5 is also dedicated to managing and conducting necessary main#enance of this site to meet its mission to protect resources for the enjoyment of future generations. if at any time during the life of the project the NPS is unable to manage and maintain the project improvements, the Grant Agreement requires it to refund to the State of California an amortized amount of funds based on the number of years left in the project life. The project is consistent with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife's {CDFW) Recovery Strategy far California Coho Salmon, 2004, and the National Marine Fisheries Service's Public Draft Recovery Plan for the Central California Coast Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) Evolutionarily Significant Unit. It is also supported by the San Francisco Bay Joint Venture. PROJECT FUNDING The following table shows the partnership funding breakdown: Fundin Sources Task Cosco Susan Funds To Be Raised NPS Rec Fee Parks Conserrrancy DPR WGB TQTALS. Wetland Restoration $423,327 $902,500 $92,281 $0 $780,000 $344,065 $1,142,173 Parking Lot and Infrastructure $806,356 $0 $0 $0 $0 $4,500 $810,855 Pro'ectMana ement $313,097 $30,385 $79,320 $7,500 $0 $101,435 $531,737 Contin en $248,716 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $248,716 Brid a Construction $208,504 $461,944 $138,000 $120,000 $0 $0 $928,448 TQTALS $2,000,000 $594,829 $309,601 $127,500 $180,000 $450,000 $3,661,930 33 WCB March 11, 2013 Board Meeting Minutes Project costs will be for parking lot relocation; pedestrian bridge construction, restroom constructionlinstallation, native plant propagation, fencing, winterization, and project management. Funding from the Cosco Busan Settlement Agreement, the NPS, the Parks Conservancy and DPR has been confirmed. The Parks Conservancy and the NPS are currently working to raise the needed funds to complete the project. Should those efforts fall short, the NPS will augment any shortfall through their operating budget to assure that the project is completed as designed and visitor services are restored. FUNDING SOURCE The proposed funding source For this project is the Habitat Conservation Fund (Proposition 1'17}, Section 2786(d}{Proposition 1 E}, Wetlands Outside the Central Valley. This funding allows for the acquisition, enhancement or restoration of wetlands to protect or enhance a flood protection corridor or bypass outside the Central Valley, and is consistent with the objectives of this project. ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND STATE RECOMMENDATION The CDFW has reviewed this proposal and recommends it far funding by the WCB. All permits have been obtained for this project. The National Park Service and the County of Marin, as lead agencies under National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and California Environmental Quality Act {CEQA), have certified a Final EISIEIR for the project pursuant to the provisions of NEPA and CEQA. Staff has considered the Final EISIEIR and has prepared proposed, written findings documenting WCB's compliance with CEQA. Subject to approval by the WCB, the appropriate Notice of Determination will be filed with the State Clearinghouse. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Staff recommended that the Wildlife Conservation Board adopt the written findings and approve this project as proposed; allocate $450,OQ0.00 from the Habitat Conservation Fund (Proposition 117), Fish and Game Code Section 2786(d)(Proposition 1 E), Wetlands Outside the Central Valley; authorize staff to enter into appropriate agreements necessary to accomplish .this project; and substantially as planned: Mr. McFarlin introduced Ms. Carolyn Shoulder, Restoration Ecologist with the National Park Service, and Ms. Sharon Farrell, Associate Director of Parks Projects at the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, who were in the audience and available to answer questions. Ms. Finn asked what kind of connection this project has with State Parks. Mr. McFarlin responded that they have provided a portion of the funding for this project. Ms: Carolyn Shoulder added that State Parks owns land upstream of the 34 WCB March 11, 2013 Board Meeting Minutes Muir Beach area and provides funding through a Habitat Conservation Fund grant to assist in the restoration of this and other portions of the Redwood Creek watershed. Mr. Sutton thanked everyone for a great presentation and commented that it is good to see funding provided by several different partners. Mr. Sutton asked to confirm if the amount listed for this project is for Phase li only or for the whole project. Mr. McFarlin confirmed that the amount listed is for Phase II only. Chairman Bonham asked if there is a substantial difference between the current number of parking spaces and the ones that are proposed in this project. Mr. McFarlin responded that this project will have ten fewer parking spaces than the existing lot. Chairman Bonham asked if there were any other questions or comments about this agenda item. There were none. It was moved by Ms. Finn that the Wildlife Conserva#ion Board adopt the written findings and approve this project as proposed; allocate $450,000.00 from the Habitat Conservation Fund {Proposition 1'17}, Fish and Game Code Section 2786{d}{Proposition 1 E), Wetlands Outside the Central Valley; authorize staff to enter into appropriate agreements necessary to accomplish this project; and authorize staff and the California ©epartment of Fish and Wildlife to proceed substantially as planned. Motion carried. 35 WCB March 11, 2013 Board Meeting Minutes 12. Little Chico Creek Oak Woodland Conservation Easement, $555,OOOAO and Expansions 1 and 2 (Mott, Smith and Brigham) Butte County This proposal was to consider the allocation for grant funding to the Northern California Regional Land Trust (NCRLT) to acquire conservation easements over three separate properties totaling 363± acres of land in Butte County to protect and preserve oak woodland habitat, as well as to provide watershed protection benefits. The protection of these properties will expand on 1.76± acres of adjacent pro#ected land owned by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), known as the Little Chico Creek property, and enhance habitat connectivity for numerous species. Mr. Brian Gibson of the. Wildlife Conservation Board briefly described the project and its location. LOCATION AND SURROUNDING USES The three properties (Properties) are located ofF of Highway 32 on 10 Mile House Trail, approximately seven miles northeast of the City of Chico in Butte County. The Little Chico Creek Watershed is located in northwestern Butte County, trending generally northeast to southwest. The watershed spans two distinct geomorphic provinces: the Cascade Range Province and the Great Valley Province. Elevations range from approximately 115 feet near' the Sacramento River to slightly over 3,510 feet in the lower Cascade Range. The topography of the watershed is diverse, including the relatively flat valley floor, the low angle slope of the creek's alluvial fan, lower canyons, artd steep-sloped headwaters. The adjoining landscape terrain is moderately sloped with northern and southern aspects on either side of Little Chico Creek. Together the Properties and the contiguous CDFW-owned property will permanently protect approximately 539 acres (363± acre Properties and 176 acres of CDFW-owned land), including approximately one (1}river mile of riparian habi#at along Little Chico Creek, and will be known as the Little Chico Creek Linkage Project. These riverine and riparian.corridors are optimal migration corridors for plants and wildlife, providing essential habitat connec#ivity, and .greatly contribute toward ease of wildlife movement across ownerships miles of the Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve, a 3,950-acre acquisition funded by the Wildlife Conservation Board (VIICB} in 2001. Adjacent to the Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve .are the Musty Buck Ridge properties, a combination of fee land and conservation easements also funded by the WCB, totaling approximately 10,000 acres of protected lands. A major threat to the survival of many plant and animal species. in this region of the. Sierra foothills is the destruction, fragmentation and degradation of habitats through development encroachment leading up from the Sacramento Valley. The conservation of landscape connectivity, where animals, plants, and 36 WCB March 11, 2013 Board Meeting Minutes ecological processes can moue freely from one habitat to another is an important objective of environmental protection plans. Furthermore, protecting corridors and linkages that allow species to move between habitats of varying elevations can help species better adapt to potential impacts from climate change. For migratory species that spend their summers at higher elevations, such as the Tehama deer herd (once the largest migratory deer herd in California}, the project offers exceptional connectivity to large, contiguous oak woodlands at lower elevations, providing essential wintertime forage areas for deer and other species. PROJECT DESCRIPTION The Properties consist of three separate ownerships totaling 363 acres Brigham Property The first ownership (Brigham) consists of two parcels totaling 239± acres. The parcels are moderately sloped with northern and southern aspects on either side of Little Chico Creek. Onsite improvements includes 7 structures; two (2) residential dwellings (the old house and cottage); three (3) one-bedroom cabins; one (1 }barn; and one (1) outbuilding (the "stone house"}; and a developed spring and domestic water conveyance system. Expansion 1 (Matt The Expansion 1 ownership (Mott) consists of two parcels totaling 83± acres. The parcels are rolling to steep terrain with acreage on both sides of Little Chico Creek. Onsite improvements include one (1 }residential dwelling (three years old and in good condition), one (1 }barn, and several sheds and garden structures, as well as an in-ground pool. Expansion 2 (Smith) The Expansion 2 ownership (Smith) consists of one parcel totaling 41± acres. The property is rolling to steep terrain with acreage an the westerly ridge of Little Chico Creek Canyon. Onsite improvements include one (1}residential dwelling in goad condition; one (1) 9Q0-square foot music studio and extensive landscaping around the residence. Under the terms of the proposed conservation easements, existing improvements can remain and be maintained and repaired. The Properties support oak woodland habitat, primarily blue oak, and interspersed smaller numbers of valley oak, black oak, interior live oak, canyon live oak and scrub oak. Other habitats also found on the Properties to a lesser degree include annual grassland, mixed chaparral, spring-fed wetlands, and approximately one-river mile of riverine and valley-foothill riparian habitat along Little Chico Creek. 37 WCB March 11, 2013 Board Meeting Minutes Habitats onsite support over 300 common wildlife species, including western scrub jay, red-shouldered hawk, acorn woodpecker, Nuttall's woodpecker, downy woodpecker, hairy woodpecker, black phoebe, house sparrow, barn owl, great horned owl, western screech owl, local rainbow trout, mallard, wood duck, western rattlesnake, gopher snake, western fence lizard, northern alligator lizard, ground squirrel, gray squirrel, mountain lion, bobcat, stripped skunk, gray fox, and coyote. Rare and sensitive species known to occur onsite or with the potential of occurring onsite include American peregrine falcon, northwestern pond turtle, Butte County checkerbloom, California beaked-rush, Mildred's clarkia, foothill yellow-legged frog, alkali milk-vetch, Butte County morning glory, white-stemmed clarkia, and the migratory Tehama deer herd. WCB PROGRAM The proposed grant for this project is being considered under the WCB's Oak Woodlands Conservation Program (Prog.ram). Grant proposals are evaluated and selected for funding by WCB staff based on established criteria, and must be located within a county that has adopted an Oak Woodlands countywide management plan. The Program is designed to assist local efforts to achieve oak woodland protection. The Butte County Board of Supervisors adopted a countywide oak woodlands management plan in 2006: These projects represent the first conservation easements funded by WCB under its Oak Woodlands Program in the Butte County. MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND NEEDS The conservation easements will be owned and managed by the NCRLT, which holds other similar conservation easements in the vicinity. Baseline. conditions reports will be required of the grantee along with annual monitoring to assure conformance with the terms of the conservation easements, A stewardship endowment in the amount of $94,775.00 will be secured by the NCRLT prior to escrow closing. As with most oak woodland conservation easements, these easements do not convey a general right of access to the public. -r~onec The conservation easements have been appraised as having a fair market value of $540,000.00. Specifically, the Brigham conservation easement has an appraised value of $310,000.00, the Mott conservation easement has an appraised value of $180,000.00, and the Smith. conservation easement has an appraised value of $50,000.00. The appraisals have been reviewed by WCB staff and reviewed and approved by the Department of General Services (DGS). The property owners have each agreed to sell the conservation easement over their property for its approved appraised fair market value. The terms and conditions of the proposed WCB grant to NCRLT provide that staff of the WCB must review and approve all title documents, preliminary title reports, documents 38 WCB March 11, 2013 Board Meeting Minutes for purchase and safe, 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 seek specific performance of the grantor require the grantee to transfer the conservation easements to WCB or another qualified holder. PROJECT FUNDING The proposed funding breakdown for the project is as follows: Wildlife Conservation Board ..$540,000.00 TOTAL Purchase Price $540,000.00 Other Project-Related Costs $ 15,000.00 TOTAL WCB ALLOCATION $555,000.00 It is estimated that an additional $15,000.00 wi11 be needed to cover project- related administrative costs, including DGS appraisal review. The grantee will fund appraisal, escrow and title insurance 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 Bond Act of 2006 {Proposition 84), Public Resources Code Section 75055(d)(2), that allows for the preservation of native oak woodland habitat pursuant to the Oak Woodlands Conservation Act (Fish and Game Code Section 1360, et seq.}. ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND STATE RECOMMENDATION The project has been reviewed pursuant to the Califiornia Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) 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 ownership interests 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. The project has been reviewed under the WCB's Oak Woodlands Protection and has been recommended for approval. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Staff recommended that the Wildlife Conservation Board approve this project as proposed; allocate $555,000.00 from the Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and Supply, Flood Control, River and Coastal Protection Bond Act of 2006 (Proposition 84), Public Resources Code Section 75055{d)(2}for the grant and 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 Wildlifie to proceed substantially as planned. 39 WCB March 11, 2013 Board Meeting Minutes Mr. Sutton asked why the Wildlife Conservation Board is the sole funding provider in this project. Mr. Gibson responded that occasionally we have projects that don't have contributors, and added that the Northern California Regional Land Trust did apply to the Sierra Nevada Conservancy for funding, but funds were not available.. Mr. Donnelly commented that in every case we look fior other fiunders to come in and help partner on projects, but in this particular situation we did not have that opportunity. This particular project was considered to be the high priority for the. California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and is an important project under WCB's Oak Woodlands Conservation program. Mr. Donnelly went on to explain that we are supporting Butte County's Oak Woodland Management Plan, and we felt that this is a good project to take on. Chairman Bonham asked if there were any other questions or comments about this agenda item. There were none. It was moved by Mr. Sutton that the Wildlife Conservation Board approve this project as proposed; allocate $555;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(d){2) for the grant and to cover internal project-related expenses; authorize staff to enter into appropriate agreements necessary to accomplish this projec#; and authorize staff and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to proceed substantially as planned. Motion carried. 40 WCB March 11, 2413 Board Meeting Minutes 13. San Joaquin River Parkway, $704,450.00 Riverbottom Park and Schneider Property Habitat Restoration Madera and Fresno Counties This proposal was to consider the allocation for a grant to River Partners for a cooperative project with the San Joaquin River Conservancy (ConservancylSJRC} and the City of Fresno (City) to restore 147- acres of riparian habitat on the City's Riverbottom Park property in Fresno County and the Conservancy's Schneider property in Madera County. Both properties lie within the floodplain of the San Joaquin River in the vicinity of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad crossing. Mr. Scott McFarlin briefly described the project and its location. LOCATION AND SURROUNDING USES The San Joaquin River Parkway (Parkway} is defined by State law as approximately 5,900 acres on bath sides of a twenty-two mile Fong reach of the San Joaquin River between Friant Dam in the east and State Route 99 to the west, in Fresno and Madera counties. 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. River Partners developed the following proposal to enhance and restore riparian, wetland, and woodland habitat on 147 acres within the Conservancy's Schneider property and the City's Riverbottom Park property, both of which lie within the floodplain of the San Joaquin Rider in the vicinity of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad crossing. The Schneider property is in Madera County. The Riverbottom Park property is directly across the river in Fresno County and within the city limits of Fresno. The project area is situated within the Pacific Flyway, which extends the length of North and South America west of the Rocky Mountains and Andes Mountains. It is used by millions of waterfowl, shorebirds, and songbirds for migration to and from wintering and breeding grounds. In particular, this project will increase the amount of migration stopover habitat available to Neotropical migrant songbirds. It will also provide critical breeding, roosting, and foraging habitat for nesting songbirds, woodpeckers, raptors, 'and waterbirds. PROJECT DESCRIPTION The proposed project will establish diverse types of habitat. To accomplish this task, River Partners will complete a site assessment including thorough investigation of soils, existing plant communities, depth to water table, flood and fire regimes, and known wildlife occurrences near the project area to support the development of an ecologically-based habitat restoration plan. The Restoration 41 WCB March 11, 2013 Board Meeting Minutes Plan will describe target wildlife species and their habitat needs, as well as a detailed plan for site preparation, planting, maintenance and performance standards and monitoring protocols for the habitat restoration project suitable to support any permitting needs for the project. River Partners will host meetings with stakeholders at the project site to elicit detailed comments on the Restoration Plan. If necessary, a hydraulic analysis will be completed by a registered engineer to ensure the Restoration Plan will not significantly increase water surface elevations within the designated floodway. Details of site preparation and planting will be determined through the development of the Restoration Plan. In general, however, River Partners, thraugh several site visits, identified the project construction items. Weed and debris clearing will be required across the site, and standing Eucalyptus trees within the project area will be targeted for replacement through a phased removal and replanting approach. Select trees (those identified by a certified arborist as posing minimal hazard) may be girdled and left standing to enhance habitat for snag-nesting birds. A drip irrigation system will be designed and installed by a hired irrigation contractor. It is anticipated that the site will require irrigation for a period of three years. At the end of three years, the planted trees and shrubs should have large- enough root systems to exploit existing groundwater resources and the above- ground portions of the drip irrigation system will be removed from the site. River Partners will collect and process native seed and vegetation from existing stands on the properties or nearby lands on which access is granted. River Partners will contract to grow native trees, shrubs and herbs for the res#oration project at a native plant nursery. Plants will be installed per the Restoration Plan with plant protectors and sawdust mulch to facilitate weed control and favorable moisture conditions around the plantings. River Partners will plan to perform one replanting event after the first growing season to replace any trees or shrubs that did not survive the first growing season. After the second growing season, River Partners will seed perennial herbaceous species such as mugwort, Great Valley Bump{ant, and stinging nettle across the site. The restoration area will be maintained by River Partners for three years following planting. Maintenance will include regular visits to the site to operate and repair the irrigation systems, remove trash and debris, and treat problematic weeds as necessary. Annually, River Partners biology staff will prepare an "End of Season" report which summarizes the results of annual monitoring and documents site performance. Following the fourth growing season, a "Final Project Report" will be prepared and submitted to the Wildlife Conservation Board (VI1CB), the Conservancy, and interested stakeholders. 42 WCB March 11, 2013 Board Meeting Minutes WCB PROGRAM The proposed project is consistent with the California Riparian Habitat Conservation Program and meets the program's goal of increasing riparian habitat across California by implementing riparian habitat restoration and enhancement projects. In addition, funds were allocated to the WCB in 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 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 Developing the Riverbottom Park and Schneider property for potential future public access and recreation is among the Conservancy's highest priorities. Habitat restoration will contribute to the values of the site for wildlife and far potential future public use, and is consistent with the goals and objectives of the San Joaquin River Parkway Master Plan and the statutory mission of the Conservancy. The project will identify the most cast effective plan for the long- term management of the property; but in any case, the management of the properky will be less problematic than is currently experienced due to the fact that mature native riparian habitats are self-sustaining and more resistant to wild fire than the existing invasive weeds. The Grant Agreement requires that River Partners, as the grantee, maintain the improvements fortwenty-lave years. If at any time during the life of the project the grantee does not manage and maintain the project improvements, the Grant Agreement requires River Partners 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 breakdown for the project is as follows: Pro'ect-Task Total Cost Per Task WCB Funding. Request River Partners Fundin Plannin $29,643 $29,643 Monitorin $69,568 $69,56$ Mona ement $35,433 $35,433 Habitat Restoration ActlVltl('S $446,287 $446,2$7 Administration $73,296 $58,093 $15,203 Contin enc $65,426 $65,426 TOTAL $7'19,fi53 $704,450 $15,203' 43 WCB March 11, 2013 Board Meeting Minutes Project costs will be for planning, management, site preparation, installation of irrigation, planting, maintenance, monitoring and administration. 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. ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND STATE RECOMMENDATION The proposed project is included among the high priority projects recommended by the Interagency Project Development Committee, which includes representatives of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and whose role is to evaluate projects to be considered by the SJRC Board. The SJRC reviewed and approved the project and recommended funding during its public meeting of October 12, 2012. 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, Minor Alterations 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 recommended that the Wildlife Conservation Board approve this project as proposed; allocate $704,450.00 from the California Clean Water, Clean Air, Safe Neighborhood Parks and Coastal Protection Fund (Proposition 40), Public Resources Code Section 5096.650{b)(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. Ms. Finn commented that this project would improve State land as well as City land. Mr. McFarlin confirmed that this is correct. Ms. Finn asked. if the Schneider property is a State property, which was confirmed by Mr. McFarlin. Ms. Finn asked about the origins of the Schneider property's name. Mr. Donnelly replied that the Schneider piece was named after the original property owner. with the. State Lands Commission. Mr. McFarlin responded that a lease would. be completed once the restoration plan is completed. Chairman Bonham asked if our distribution of funds is contingent on completing the lease. Mr. Donnelly responded that a State Lands Commission lease has to be secured before any construction or work happens. Mr. McFarlin added that the project could continue on both the Riverbottom Park and Schneider properties without a lease from the State Lands Commission, but the work would need to be restricted to areas above the low water mark. 44 WCB March 11, 2013 Board Meeting Minutes Chairman Bonham commented that, per the agenda item, following the restoration plantings there is a requirement of the grantee to maintain the restoration site for 25 years. Chairman Bonham asked if the grantee fails to perform maintenance of the site during that period, would they pay the State back. Mr. McFarlin confirmed that the grantee is responsible for maintaining the restored portions of the properties during the next 25 years. Should any plants be removed, the State would be reimbursed or require replacement of the plants. Ms. Diane Colborn commented that on page 39 of the agenda item it indicates that the restoration area is going to be maintained by River Partners for three years following planting, but an the next page it says that they are going to maintain the improvements for 25 years. Ms. Colborn asked for an explanation of the difference in maintenance requirements. Mr. McFarlin responded that during the first three years River Partners is responsible for planting and assisting plant survival by activities such as weeding and irrigating. After that period, River Partners is responsible to replace plants removed by unnatural actions. Ms. Melinda Marks commented that about 45% of the funds for projects and acquisitions within the Parkway come from sources other than SJRC and WCB. Today's project partners include not only SJRC and WCB, but the City of Fresrtio is participating by having secured land through its ownership of Riverbottom Park and committing to maintaining the land and restored habitat for the life of the project. Mr. Sutton thanked Ms. Marks for her answer and commented that this is a remarkable piece of property, Chairman Bonham asked if there were any other questions or comments about this agenda item. There were none. It was moved by Ms. Finn that the Wildlife Conservation Soard approve this project as proposed; allocate $704,450.00 from the California Clean Water, Clean Air, Safe Neighborhood Parks and Coastal Protection Fund (Proposition 40), Public Resources Code Section 5096.650(b)(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. Motion carried. 45 WCB March 11, 2013 Board Meeting Minutes 14. San Joaquin River Parkway, $1,403,OOOAO Lost Lake Park Campground Improvements Fresno County This proposal was to consider the allocation for a grant to Fresno County {County) for a cooperative project with the San Joaquin River Conservancy {Conservancy) to improve recreational vehicle and tent camping facilities at Lost Lake Park campground, located one half mile southwest of the unincorporated community of Friant, approximately 6.5 miles east of the City of Fresno. Mr. Scott McFarlin of the Wildlife Conservation Board briefly described the .project and its location. LOCATION AND SURROUNDING USES The San Joaquin -River Parkway (Parkway) is delaned 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. 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 the local communities. The Conservancy's mission includes both public access and habitat restoration within the Parkway. The County's Lost Lake Park is one of the largest and most heavily visited parks in the Parkway. The park has been open since the 1950's, and its upgrade has been-among the Conservancy's and its partners' highest priorities in the earliest Parkway master plans. Lost Lake Park, the upstream hub ofi the San Joaquin River Parkway, consists ofi. ±190 acres owned by the County and 76~ acres leased from the California. Department of Fish and Wildlife {CDFW). The campground comprises approximately five acres and is located in the northern portion of the park, adjacent to CDFW's San Joaquin Fish Hatchery (Fish Hatchery). The park has river access for fishing and non-motorized boating, picnic tables and shade structures, minimal playing fields, and a nature trail. The park is located on Recreation Area and other Sierra Nevada recreatianal areas. The park site was the source of gravel for construction of Friant Dam in the 1940's, and became a public park thereafter. PROJECT DESCRIPTION The campground has a restroom, utilities (security lighting, septic system, and. water), access road, barbeques, and a circular drive, essentially all of which are in very poor, nearly unusable condition. Due to Lost Lake Park's strategic location and important recreational use, in 2002 the Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB) granted funds to the County to replace restrooms and in 2007 to develop 46 WCB March 11, 2013 Board Meeting Minutes a Fong range Master Plan. The WCB has also funded visitor improvements on the neighboring Fish Hatchery, including a trail #hat will lead to and connect with Lost Lake Park at the campground. The project includes performing design engineering, preparing plans and specifications, and bidding and entering into construction contracts for the following proposed improvements: - Removing the narrow dirt median islands on the river side of the camping area to improve the vehicle flow and vehicle accessibility through Lost Lake Park campground; - Repairing the remaining asphalt road within the campground and the parking lot area of-the adjacent restroom; - Improving the existing RV area by redesigning the layout and, as needed, adding additional decomposed granite to the existing decomposed granite and moving locations of existing water spigots to each new RV site; - Rehabilitating or replacing the existing RV area picnic shelter;- - Replacing picnic tables and fire pitlbarbeques at each campsite; - Replacing picnic tables and fire pitlbarbeques, as needed, within the RV area; - Redesigning campsites #19 and #20 to make them Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible; - Demolishing and replacing the restroom adjacent to the campground with an ADA accessible restroom (this restroom was not among the restrooms replaced previously using WCB funds); - Purchasing and installing a new picnic shelter over the existing concrete slab in the group picnic area and running utilities from the restroom adjacent to the campground to the group picnic area; - Replacing picnic tables and appropriate size barbeques in the group picnic area; - Purchasing and installing new boulders (or bollards) on perimeter of parking lot by restroom adjacent to campground; - Purchasing and installing approximately 800' to 900' of chain link fence along Belcher Avenue to prevent illicit entry into the campground area and mitigate illegal dumping; - Establishing ADA-placard parking for visitors using the adjacent Fish Hatchery trail. All redesigned and improved areas shall remain within disturbed or previously developed areas only. Detailed design is part of the work proposed to be funded through the grant. The schedule in the grant will provide one year after executing the Grant Agreement to perform all design engineering and prepare plans and specifications, and one year to construct, for a tots! of two years. Construction in the river environs is generally limited to a short window of time between bird breeding season and the rain season, August through October. 47 WCB March 11, 2013 Board Meeting Minutes The proposed project conforms to the goals and objectives of the Parkway Master Plan. WCB PROGRAM The proposed project is consistent with WCB's Public Access Program and meets the program's goal of providing public access for hunting, fishing, or other wildlife-oriented recreation statewide. In addition, 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 The County has operated Lost Lake Park for over 60 years and has committed to the long term operation .and maintenance of the campground improvements for a minimum of 25 years. While the County and most public park agencies have significant limitations in their resources to maintain parks, quality campground facilities can generate user fees to sustain their operation.. The County utilizes a campground host, and has the support of stewardship organizations, including the Friends of Lost Lake Park, RiverTree Volunteers, the Audubon Society, California State University Fresno student volunteers and researchers, and the San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservation Trust. PROJECT FUNDING The proposed funding breakdown for the project is as follows: Rro'ect Task WC8 En ineerin , Desi n, Testin ,Ins ections $211,790 Permits $5,00.0 Construction $1,058,950 Administration $21,17'9 Construction Contin enc $106,081 TOTAL $1,403,000 Project costs will be for developing restoration and public access plans for the property, completing design, permitting, and construction of approved improvements as outlined above. 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 48 WCB March 11, 2813 Board Meeting Minutes 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. ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND STATE RECOMMENDATION The proposed project is included among the high priority projects recommended by the Conservancy's Interagency Project Development Committee, which includes representatives of the CDFW, and whose role is to evaluate projects to be considered by the Conservancy Board. The project was approved for submittal to the WCB by the Conservancy Board on September 12, 2012. The project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act {CEQA) pursuant to the State CEQA Guide{Ines (California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3, Section 15301, Class 1, as the repair or minor alteration of existing facilities involving negligible or no expansion of use; 15302, Class 2, as the replacement or reconstruction of existing facilities at the same site and with substantially the same purpose and capacity; and 15303, Class 3, as the construction or conversion of new, small facilities or structures. Subject to approval of this proposal by the WCB, the appropriate Notice of Exemption will be filed with the State Clearinghouse. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Staff recommended that the Wildlife Conservation Board approve this project as proposed; allocate $1,403,000.00 from the California Clean Water, Clean Air, Safe Neighborhood Parks and Coastal Protection Fund (Proposition 40), Public Resources Code Section 5096.650{b)(5); authorize staff to enter into appropriate agreements necessary to accomplish this project; and authorize staff and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife proceed substantially as planned. Chairman Bonham asked if there were any questions or comments about this agenda item. There were none. It was moved by Ms. Finn that the Wildlife Cor~serr-ation Board approve this project as proposed; allocate $1,403,000.00 from the California Clean Water, Clean Air, Safe Neighborhood Parks and Coastal Protection Fund (Proposition 40), Public Resources Code Section 509fi.fi50(bJ(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. Motion carried. 49 WCB March 11, 2p13 Board Meeting Minutes 15. Puma Canyon, and $4$$,000.00 Expansions ~ and 2 (Swart, J. Cox, and M&B Cox} San Bernardino County Mr. Donnelly reported that letters of support for this project were received from the following people: Ms. Anne Dove, Outdoor Recreation. Planner, US Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Rivers, Trails & Conservation Assistance Program; Ms. Cindy Mitton, Senior Engineer, Califarnia Regional Water Quality Control Board, Lahontan Region; Mr. Albert Morrissette, Phelan Pinon Hills Community Services District, Parks and. Recreation Chairperson & Board Director; Mr. E.J. Remson, Senior Program Manager, The Nature Conservancy; Ms. Ann Croissant, Ph.D., President, Board of Directors of San Gabriel Mountains Regional Conservancy; Ms. Pat Flanagan, Program Coordinator, the Mojave Desert Land Trust; Mr. Jeff Weinstein, Board Member, California Trails and Greenways Foundation; Trails and Open Space Specialist - City of Glendale; and Pinon Hills Chamber of Commerce. This proposal was to consider the allocation of grant funding to the Transition Habitat Conservancy {THC) to acquire fee title to three separate properties totaling 124± acres, to conserve high desert habitat, provide for habitat connectivity and protect wildlife corridors. Mr. John Walsh of the Wildlife Conservation Board briefly described the project and its location. LOCATION AND SURROUNDING USES The subject properties (Properties) are all adjacent to one another, located approximately five miles south of the community of Pinon Hills, southwest of Phelan on the southern border of the San Bernardino National Forest and the high Mojave Desert, and range in elevation from 4,470 to 5,658 feet. Surrounding land uses are primarily rural/suburban home sites. Puma Canyon itself contains a unique blend of vegetative communities that only occur at the transition zone of two distinct ecoregions: the Mojave Desert and the San Gabriel Mountains. The general terrain in the subject area is high desert, with large washes and arroyos separated by small undulafiing hills and ridges, leading to steeper terrain towards the San Gabriel Mountains. Pinyon pines, juniper and Joshua tree dominate the landscape and provide important habitat to many The Properties fall within the California Department of Fish and Wildlife's (CDFW) Puma Canyon Conceptual Area Protection Plan (CAPP). Puma Canyon plays an important role in maintaining regional landscape connectivity. The main objectives of this CAPP are to conserve and enhance biodiversity, and protect threatened vegetative communities along with other rare and important plants and animals. This project and CAPP also seek to protect the upper Sheep Creek Wash watershed, infiltration area, and drainage tributary, located east of the subject property. 50 WCB March 11, 2013 Board Meeting Minutes PROJECT DESCRIPTION The Properties are all covered with natural vegetation consisting of desert shrubs, Pinyon pines, junipers, and Joshua trees. The Properties have a series of alternating ridges and canyons running north to south and the ridge tops afford good views of Victor Valley to the north and east. All three Properties provide important habitat for wide-ranging species such as mountain lion, bobcat, Cooper's hawk, golden eagles, and loggerhead shrikes, as well as other special status species such as the Arroyo toad, California red-legged frog, coastal horned lizard, and the southwestern willow.flycatcher. WCB PROGRAM The proposed grant #or this project is being made 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 Cade 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 the 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 (LAE)IConceptual Area Protection Plan {CAPP). The LAEICAPP is then submitted to CDFW`s Regional Operations Committee {ROC) for review and, if approved, la#er transmitted to the WCB with a recommendation to fund. MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND NEEDS The Properties will be managed and owned by THC who will provide resource stewardship, monitoring and offer wildlife oriented public access as appropriate. TERMS The Properties have been appraised as having a combined fair market value of $468,000.00 and are broken out as follows: M&B Cox $7fi,000.00{20± ac}; J Cox $162,000.00 (43± ac); and Swart $230,000.00(fi1~- ac). The appraisal has been reviewed by WCB staff and reviewed and approved by the Department of General Services (DGS). The terms and conditions of the grants between WCB and THC provide that staff of the WCB must review and approve all title documents, appraisals, 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 Sl WCB March 11, 2013 Board Meeting Minutes encumber the Properties with a conservation easement in favor of the State or another entity approved by the State and seek reimbursement of funds. PROJECT FUNDING . The proposed funding breakdown for the project is as follows: Wildlife Conservation Board Total Purchase Price $4fi8,000.00 ~46s,ooo.oo Other Project-Related Costs TOTAL WCB ALLOCATION $20, 000.00 $488,000.00 It is estimated that an additional $20,000.00 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, California Clean Water, Clean Air, Safe Neighborhood Parks and Coastal Protection Fund {Proposition 40), Public Resources Code Section 5096.650{a)(2}, which allows for the acquisition and protection of habitat and to provide habitat corridors to prevent habitat fragmentation,- and to protect significant natural landscapes and ecosystems and other significant habitat areas. ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND STATE RECOMMENDATION The project 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 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. Staff recommended that the Wildlife Conservation Board approve this project as praposed; allocate $488,000.00 from the California Clean Water, Clean Air, Safe Neighborhood Parks and Coastal Protection Fund (Proposition 40}, Public Resources Code Section 5096.650(a)(2} for the grant 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 California Department of Fish and Wildlife to proceed substantially as planned. Ms. ,fill Bays, President of the Transition Habitat Conservancy, spoke in support of this project. Ms. Bays thanked the Wildlife Conservation Board for considering 52 UVCB March 11, 2013 Board Meeting Minutes this project. Ms. Bays stated that they have been working for eight years to bring this project to fruition. Ms. Bays commented that this is a very rural, underserved area in the west Mojave, and the Transition- Habitat Conservancy was formed to take on this project. This project contains the only place where the Qeste Aquifer gets any recharge. The Qeste Aquifer is where all the groundwater for drinking water comes from for 35,000 people. There is a thick clay layer everywhere else, except in this CAPP project, that prevents infiltration into the groundwater basin. Ms. Bays thanked Mr. Dave Means and Mr. John Walsh of the Wildlife Conservation Board, as well as the folks from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. for their work on this project. Ms. Finn asked if we require all the grantees to record a notice of unrecorded grant agreement on the deed. Mr. Donnelly responded that we do require the grantees to record a Notice of Unrecorded Grant Agreement on .actual title, thus providing a notice that the property is encumbered with restrictions, such as the property is going to be managed and maintained for wildlife conservation purposes only and anything different from that is restricted. Mr. Donnelly went on to explain that if there is a breach in the grant agreement, WCB can require the grantee to encumber the property with a conservation easement in favor of the State or another entity approved by the State and.seek reimbursement of funds. Ms. Finn asked if this process applies to all WCB grantees. Mr. Donnelly confirmed that this is correct. Chairman Bonham asked if there were any other questions or comments about this agenda item. There were none. It was moved by Mr. Sutton that the Wildlife Conservation Board approve this project as proposed; allocate $488,000.00 from the California Clean Water, Clean Air, Safe Neighborhood Parks and Coastal Protection Fund (Proposition 40}, Public Resources Code Section 5096.650(a} for the grant 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 Caliifornia lepartment of Fish and Wildlife to proceed substantially as planned. Motion carried. 53 WCB March 11, 2013 Baard Meeting Minutes 16. Boyd Deep Canyon Desert $1,182,000:00 Research Center Improvements Riverside County This proposal was to consider the allocation for a grant to the Regents of the University of California to construct a new educational facility, construct new student housing facilities, and renovate the existing access road at the Boyd Deep Canyon Desert Research Center, located 6 miles south of the City of Palm Desert in Riverside County. Mr. Peter Perrine of the Wildlife Conservation Board briefly described the project and its location. LOCATION AND SURROUNDING USES The Boyd Deep Canyon Desert Research Center is located in the Coachella Valley and is comprised of 6,122 acres of University-owned land and 10,000 acres of adjacent federal lands made available for research under use agreements. Deep Canyon is within the Santa Rasa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument, and farms the northern boundary of the Monument in the Deep Canyon watershed. PROJECT DESCRIPTION In the fifty-three year history of Deep Canyon, there has never been an indoor facility to support academic teaching and community outreach. This project will rectify that by constructing an education facility and student housing facilities, and reconstructing the existing access road. The newly constructed education facility will promote new opportunities for teaching by providing a facility that will enable indoor classroom instruction and provide access to library and computer resources. The current outdoor teaching facilities at Deep Canyon are inadequate to support more than short-term field classes in primitive campground conditions during late fall and spring. Extreme temperatures discourage class use ftom mid-May, through September. The newly constructed housing facilities will encourage classes and researchers to conduct more complex field exercises than can be accomplished in extended or overnight visits. This project will construct __ - ; structures, and restroom facilities to accommodate up to 24 students. Lastly, the sole access road to the si#e is badly deteriorated and requires replacement. MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND NEEDS UC Riverside, as Grantee, has agreed to manage the improvements for twenty- fi~e years, pursuant to the grant agreement, and agreed to pay back amount commensurate with the period of time the property is not managed and maintained as agreed. 54 WCB March 11, 2013 Board Meeting Minutes WCB PROGRAM Under Proposition 84, the Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB) received funding to provide matching grant dollars to the University of California for the Natural Reserve System for land acquisi#ions and 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 mission of the University of California, Natural Reserve System (NRS) is to contribute to the understanding and wise management of the earth and its natural systems by supporting university-!eve! teaching, research, and public service at protected areas throughout California. To implement this funding, the WCB and the UCNRS developed guidefnes for selecting eligible projects. This also included establishment of a UCNRS Ad Hoc Advisory Subcommittee to review and set priorities far project proposals prior to submittal to the WCB. PROJECT FUNDING The proposed funding breakdown for the project is as follows: Construction Project Planning & Design Project Management Conservation Easement {Donation) Contingency Cost UCR WCB $1,128, 000 $245, 000 $883, 000 $153,000 $73,000 $80,000 $342, 000 $204, 000 $138, 000 $634,000 $634,000 $107, 000 $26, 000 $81, 000 Total Project Costs $2,364,000 ~ $1,182,000 $'!,982,080 Project costs will be for new facility construction; road renovation; and design, engineering and management. A portion of UCR's contribution will come from an 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 $4), Public Resources Cade Section 75055(b)(3). This. funding may be granted 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 is consistent with the objectives of this project. ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND STATE RECOMMENDATION The project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under CEQA Guidelines Sections 15301 and 15303, as maintenance of existing. facilities and construction of new small structures. Subject to approval by the Board, the appropriate Notice of Exemption will be filed with the State. 55 WCB March 11, 2013 Board Meeting Minutes Clearinghouse. The project was vetted through the University of California Natural Reserve System's Ad Hoc Subcommittee and recommended for funding. STAFF .RECOMMENDATION Staff recommended that the Wildlife Conservation Board approve this project as proposed; allocate $1,182,000.00 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{b)(3}; 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. Mr. Sutton asked if the funding from. Proposition 84 is specific to UC Reserve System. Mr. Donnelly responded that the Wildlife Conservation Board received $135 million in Proposition 84 for state-wide uses and programs, of which up to $25 million can be granted to the US Reserve System for land acquisition or facility upgrades. Mr. Perrine added that there is a committee within the UC Reserve System to evaluate and prioritize projects far funding. Mr. Donnelly went on to explain that WCB staff were part of a team that set up the program. Mr. Donnelly added that we provide 50% of the total project cost, and the remainder must come from the UC, as required by Proposition 84. In this particular project, the UC Reserve matched our grant with both cash and with the acquisition of a conservation easement to protect property that will be included in the Reserve. The WCB encumbered that land with a Notice of Unrecorded Grant Agreement to assure that the property will be maintained as part of the Reserve. Chairman Bonham asked if there were any additional questions or comments about this agenda item. There were none. It was moved by Ms. Finn- that the Wildlife Conservation Board approve this project as proposed; allocate $1,182,000AO from the Safe Drinkins Water, Water Quality and Supply, Flood Control, River and Coastal Protection Fund of 2006 (Proposition 84}, Public Resources Code Section T5055{b}(3); authorize stafF to enter into appropriate agreements necessary to of Fish and Wildlife to proceed substantially as planned. Motion carried. SG. WCB March 11, 2Q13 Board Meeting Minutes 17. Appraisal Review and Disclosure Policy ACtlon This was a proposal to consider an amendment to the Wildlife Conservation Board's Appraisal Review and Disclosure Policy (Policy} adopted during its meeting of May 2012. Mr. Donnelly reported that subsequent to the adoption of the Policy, legisla#ion was signed into law [Chapter 394, Statutes of 2012 (SB 1266, Corbett}], which among other things prescribes actions for which one or more agencies must undertake when proposing to spend more than $15 million of State funds and makes other changes to existing law, ail of which will became effective on January 1, 2013. Among these changes include a prohibition on the use of acreage as a categorical threshold to impose an independent review. The following is a "redline° of the Board's Policy showing the proposed changes consistent with law. WILDLIFE CONSERVATION BOARD APPRAISAL REVIEW AND DISCLOSURE POLICY AMENDED MARCH 2013 The Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB) is authorized by statute to acquire, and make grants for the acquisition of, interests in real property to preserve and protect fish and wildlife and provide suitable recreation throughout the State. The purchase price for the real property must not exceed fair market value as established by an approved appraisal. To ensure public confidence in amounts paid and procedures used for the acquisition of real properly, while also ensuring that transactions can proceed efficiently and expeditiously, before approving an acquisition project where an agency proposes to spend more than $25 million of -State funds WCB must also have the appraisal reviewed by a qualified independent appraiser and make the independent review report available to the public. Cha ter 394 Statutes of 2012 SB 1266 extends the inde endent a raisal review requirement to any acquisition for which one or more. agencies_propose to spend more than $15 million of State funds_and makes other chances to existin To continue to ensure public trust and confidence in the WCB acquisition process= ate-provide additional transparency in the purchase of real property, and conform to the re uirements of SB 1266 independent review and disclosure of appraisal information as provided for in the following policy is deemed appropriate. ~erefon?-ilt is the policy of the Wildlife Conservation Board that: 57 WCB March 11, 2013 Board Meeting Minutes or proposed projects involving a "Substantial Acquisition" (as defined. below) or a "major acquisition" of "conservation sands" (as defined in Public Resources Code section 5096.501'), 1. WCB staff shall contract for an independent appraisal of the fair market value of the property or interest to be acquired (unless the project is a proposed grant under the California Rangeland, Grazing Land and Grassland Protection Program2). The independent appraisal must~e: {a) be prepared by a licensed appraiser3 ~~©;-~-~aior ir,~+:+„+d ,n,h„ .r i;,.or,~o,~ in good standing-pursuant to the Real Estate Appraisers' Licensing and Certification Law4~ who does not have a financial interest in the t~ropertv beina appraised and is auaiified to ise the specific property; and (b) nrcr.hrd.-! .r, ,,,,,„re-~^r,.,o ,..,+'~Conform to the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP}; the Department of General Services ("DGS") regulations in California Code of Regulations, Ti#le 2, Section 1880; and any other applicable State c+°~~'~~laws and policies including, without limits#ion, any applicable,reauirements of Chapter 1.695 (beginning with Section 5096.500) of Division 5 of the Public Resources Code (together, "Applicable Requirements"). For purposes of this policy, "Substantial Acquisition" means the grant or use of State bond funds to acquire an interest in real property r^rr,r.r~oer,^ ~ flnn .Sr•rce~ nr , m,-„~o~for which the WCB proposes to allocate five million dollars ($5,000,000.00) or more of State funds.. As of January 1, 2013, a "Major acquisition" is defined in Public Resources Cpde section 5096.501 in Public Resources Code section 5096.501 (b} as any land or interest therein to be acquired by an acquisition agency, or that is owned by the sta#e. ("Acquisition agency' is defined in Public Resources Code section 5096.501 (a) as the Wildlife Conservation Board, the Department of Parks and Recreation) or a state conservancy.} z Under Public Resources Cade section 10338 (b} each applica#ion for a grant under the California Rangeland, Grazing Land and Grassland Protection Program must include "an independent and impartial appraisal prepared by a real estate appraiser who is licensed pursuan# to the Real Estate Appraisers' Licensing and Certification Law (Part 3 (commencing with Section 11300) of Division 4 of the Business and Professions Code)." s Fish and Game Code section 1348.2 a Public Resources Code section 5096.514 5 Public Resources Code Section 5096.510 (b)(3) and (c) 58 WCB March 11, 2013 Board Meeting Minutes 2. WCB staff shall contract for an independent technical review ("independent review") of the appraisal for each Substantial Acquisition and major acquisition of conservation lands unless, in the opinion of staff, the appraisal fails to meet Applicable Requirements. The independent review must be performed by a qualified independent appraiser who is licensed pursuant to the Real Estate Appraisers' Licensing and Certification Law,6 did not conduct the appraisal under review and has no financial interest in the proposed project.' The independent review must include a field review8 and meet the requirements of Standard 3 of USPAP and written instructions issued by staff. The written instructions shall call for an independent review consistent with this policy that includes the reviewer's opinions about-the quality of the entire appraisal report under review (without the reviewer's own opinion of value), the reasonableness of the fair market value conclusion and whether or not the appraisal conforms to Applicable Requirements, all of which must be provided in a written narrative report. The narrative review report shall contain at least the information and opinions in Appendix A to this policy, including a summary of the appraisal, a statement of the basis on which the value of the land was established, ttie conclusion of highest and best use, a description of the standards used to prepare the appraisal, and a determination of whether or not the appraisal meets the relevant standards established under USPAP.9 3. WCB staff shall provide the independent review report to the DGS during its review and evaluation of the appraisal for any Substantial Acquisition or major acquisition of conservation [ands that staff anticipates recommending to the WCB for approval. If DGS approves the appraisal and staff will be recommending the proposed project to the WCB for approval, then not less than 30 days in advance of the WCB holding a public hearing to consider such recommendation, staff shall post the independent review report on the WCB website (www.wcb.ca.gov_). The independent review report may omit any proprietary information provided by or on behalf of the seller or that is otherwise exempt from public disclosure pursuant to the California Public Records Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing wi#h Section 6250) of Division 7 of Title 1 of the Government Code). ° Public Resources Code section 5096.512 (a){2) ' Public Resources Code section 5096.512 (a)(1) a A "field review" must include a field inspection of the subject property (and, if improved, an inspection of the exterior and interior of the improvements) as well as independent verification and analysis of the appropriateness and completeness of market and other data. Such verification and analysis may also require field inspection of properties used as comparable sales. s Public Resources Code section 5096.512 (b) 59 WCB March 11, 2013 Board Meeting Minutes , t~nfa f~ ~nrle~ fr~r +ho nrnnr~ooe-0 nr~i~nF• nnrl i Iz+l ~~ 1a~c+ r.na C+nfa ~ar~ar•Emon~ hnorr~ r~r nnnoon~nnn~i hnn .~~~+h~ri~c..•I j°' , i r ~ 45. This policy is intended to provide additional appraisal review and. public disclosure of appraisal information for 6 -10 percent of the total number of acquisition projects approved by WCB, representing 40 - 50 percent of the acquisition funding allocated by WCB fnr i~rhinh lAl(`Q F~rso ~~ ~+4,.-.ri~ori n~ inh ~~ ~nrlinrf If implementation of this policy does not meet these goals, subject to approval of the Board, the Executive Director may recommend changes to assist in achieving- these policy goals. WCB staff shall report to the WCB on the effectiveness of the appraisal review process after this policy has been in effect for at least 12 months, but no longer than 18 months. At a minimum, the report shall include data such as the number of projects impacted by the policy represented as a percentage of WCB acquisition projects approved during the 12 - 1$ month time period; and the WCB dollar allocations impacted by the policy represented as a percentage of the total dollars allocated by the Board during the 12 -18 month time period; The report shall also include a cost benefit analysis of the policy and include at a minimum, such information as the cost associated with implementing the policy, any impact the policy has had on staff workload necessary to complete a project, any impact the policy has had on the appraisal industry and availability of WCB to commission appraisers and independent reviewers and any indicators of public satisfaction or dissatisfaction with the nature of the appraisal reviews. 60 WCB March 11, 2013 Board Meeting Minutes STAFF RECOMMENDATION StafF recommended that the Board approve the policy as amended. Mr. Sutton asked if the Board has ever paid more than appraised value of the property. Mr. Donnelly responded that we have not, as we are not allowed to do so by law and explained that we are allowed to pay less than approved fair market value but not more than approved fair market value. Chairman Bonham asked if there were any additional questions or comments about this agenda item. There were none. It was moved by Chairman Bonham that the Wildlife Conservation Board approve the policy as amended. . Motion carried. 61 WCB March 19, 2013 Board Meeting Minutes 18. Resolutions Congressman Jared Huffman WHEREAS, Congressman Jared Huffman, while a member of the California State Assembly, served with distinction as a member of the Joint Legislative Advisory Committee of the Wildlife Conservation Board for five years, leaving this position upon his election to the United State Congress in November of 2012; and WHEREAS, Congressman Huffman's commitment and personal devotion to protecting and preserving Califiornia's natural resources and environmental health, coupled with his sound judgment and experience with California's wildlife resources, has greatly assisted the Board on numerous occasions in carrying out its duties and responsibilities; and WHEREAS, as an Assembly Member, he actively supported the Board's program through his tenure as Chairman of the Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee, and due to his unwavering resolve was able to promote the Board's mission of wildlifie resource conservation; and WHEREAS, it is the desire of the Board to gratefully acknowledge Congressman Huffman's contributions to the work of the Board through his personal support, advice and leadership, as well as that of his great staff; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that we, the Members of the Wildlife Conservation Board, the Joint Legislative Advisory Committee, and the Board staff convey to Congressman Huffman our sincere appreciation for his noteworthy contributions to the Board, and express our best wishes as he continues his distinguished career as a member of the United States Congress; and be it further RESOLVED, that this resolution be made a part of the official minutes of this Board meeting and that a copy be provided to Congressman Huffman. Assembly Member Michael Allen WHEREAS, Assembly Member Michael Allen, in his capaci#y as a Member of the California State Assembly, has served as a dedicated member of the Joint Legislative Advisory Committee of the Wildlife Conservation Board; and WHEREAS, Assembly Member Allen's cammitment and personal devotion to protecting and preserving California's natural resources and environmental health, coupled with his sound judgment and experience with California's wildlife 62 WCB March 11, 2013 Board Meeting Minutes resources, has greatly assisted the Board on numerous occasions in carrying out its duties and responsibilities; and WHEREAS, it is the desire of the Board to gratefully acknowledge Assembly Member Allen's contributions to the work of the Board through his personal support, advice and leadership, as well as that of his great staff; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that we, the Members of the Wildlife Conservation Board, the Joint Legislative Advisory Committee, and the Board staff convey to Assembly Member Allen our sincere appreciation for his noteworthy contributions to the Board, and express our best wishes to him and his family; and, be it further RESOLVED, that this resolution be made a part of the official minutes of this Board meeting and that a copy be provided to Assembly Member Allen. It was moved by Chairman Bonham that the Board approve the Resolutions as proposed. Motion carried. Mr. Donnelly reported that the WCB 2012 Annual Report is up on our website available for the public. This Annual.-Report is a quick, brief synopsis of what we have done in 2012. Mr. Donnelly encouraged everyone to look at it. Chairman Bonham explained to Mr. Sutton that about a year ago he, Board members Karen Finn and Jim Kellogg, as well as the .Board's Advisory Committee members have decided that it would be smart to do a strategic plan for the Wildlife Conservation Board as it has never had one. After having a year's worth of conversation, we have approved staff pursuing a contract for outside help to do the planning process. Chairman Bonham reported that we have been recently informed by the Department of General Services (DGS) that the approach we used, in their view, was one not exempted from State service mandate. Chairman Bonham stated that he, as the Director of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), would like the Board to complete its strategic plan, so we can make it a component of CDFW's strategic plan, which is currently underway, and, on behalf of the CDFW and the Board, Chairman Bonham would like to write the DGS expressing our view and asking them to reconsider their conclusion about us hiring consultants. Ms. Finn asked if the DGS were saying that activities that we were proposing to contract for should have been done by State service. Mr. Donnelly responded that this is correct, and added that there are positions within the State that can be used to provide kinds of services we were requesting. Mr. Donnelly went on to 63 WCB March 11, 2013 Board Meeting Minutes explain that we have completed an appeal and it is ready to be submitted to DGS. Mr. Sutton commented that it is very important for the Wildlife Conservation Board to have its own strategic plan. With no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 2.10 P.M Respectfully submitted, n Donnelly Executive Director 64 WCB March 11, 2013 Board Meeting Minutes PROGRAM STATEMENT At the close of the meeting on March 11, 2013, the amount allocated to projects since the Wildlife Conservation Board's inception in 1947 totaled $2,465,106,271.75. This total includes funds reimbursed by the Federal Government under the Accelerated Public Works Program completed in 1966, the Land and Water Conservation Fund Program, the Anadromous Fish Act Program, the Sport Fish Restoration Act Program, the Pittman-Robertson Program, and the Estuarine Sanctuary Program. The statement includes projects completed under the 1964 State Beach, Park, Recreational and Historical Facilities Bond Act, the 1970 Recreation and Fish and Wildlife Enhancement Bond Fund, the Bagley Conservation Fund, the State Beach, Park, Recreational and Historical Facilities Bond Act of 1974, the General Fund, the Energy Resources Fund, the Environmental License Plate Fund, the State, Urban and Coastal Park Bond Act of 1976, the 1984 Parklands Fund, the 1984 Fish and Wildlife Habitat Enhancement Bond Act, the California Wildlife, Coastal and Park Land Conservation Act of 1988, Cigarette and Tobacco Products Surtax Fund of 1988, California Wildlife Protection Act of 1990, the Safe, Clean, Reliable Water Supply Act of 1996, the Natural Resources Infrastructure Fund, the Harbors and Watercraft Revolving Fund, Forest Resources Improvement Fund, the Safe Neighborhood Parks, Clean Water, Clean Air, and Coastal Protection Bond,. Safe Drinking Water, Clean Water; Watershed Protection, and Flood Protection Fund, California Clean Water, Clean Air, Safe Neighborhood Parks, and Coastal Protection Fund, Water Security, Clean Drinking Water, Coastal and Beach Protection Fund of 2002, Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and Supply, Flood Control, River and Coastal Protection Fund of 2006, and the Wildlife Restoration Fund. In addition to projects completed with the above funding sources; this statement includes tax credits awarded under the Natural Heritage Preservation Tax Credit Act. The tax credits are not reflected in the total amount allocated to projects. A. Fish Hatchery and Stocking Projects .................................................. $18,264,719.06 B. Fish Habitat Preservation, Development & Improvement ......................45,459,717.50 Reservoir Construction or Improvement ..................5,605,699.00 Stream Clearance and Improvement ..............:.....31,958,906.86 Stream. Flow Maintenance Dams ...............................542,719.86 Marine Habitat.-• ......................................................3,191,619.07 Fish Screens, Ladders and Weir Projects ...............4,160,772.71 C. Fishing Access Projects ...........-• ...........................................................58,457,786.38 Coastal and Bay .......:................................:.............5,524,134.53 River and Aqueduct Access ..................................21,117,175,38 Lake and Reservoir Access ..................................10,813,623.43 Piers ............................... . ~ - --..................................21, 002,553.04 D. Game Farm Projects ........................................................................:.........146,894.49 E. Wildlife Habitat Acquisition, Development and Improvement ...........2,262,273,863.32 Wildlife Areas {General} ......................................426,786,491.69 65 WCB March 11, 2013 Board Meeting Minutes Miscellaneous Wildlife Habitat Development ........32,893,575.88 Wildlife AreaslEcological Reserves, (Threatened, Endangered or Unique Habitat) ....................775,291,324.89 Land Conservation Area .......................................14,361,940.18 Inland Wetlands Conser. Grants & Easements.....26,737,966.69 Riparian Habitat Conser. Grants & Easements ... ..85,146,525.24 Other Wildlife Habitat Grants .............................. 901,056,038.75 F. Hunting Access Projects ........................................... ............................. ..1,366,898:57 G. Miscellaneous Projects (including leases) ................ ............................. 37,152,374.61 H. Special Project Allocations ....................................... ............................. ..1,892,496.37 1. Miscellaneous Public Access Projects ...................... .............................. 39,556,463.38 State Owned ..........................................~-----......... ....2,286,884.42 Grants ................................................................... ..37,269,578.96 J. Sales andlor exchanges ........................................... ............................. .....535,058,07 K. Natural Heritage Preservation Tax Credit Act (tax credits awarded) .. {48,598,734.00) Sta#utory plans ..................................................... ................ (0.00) Corridors, wetlands, wildlife habitat, streams and riparian habitat .............:.................................... .. (6,234,658.00) Agricultural lands .................................................. (13,775,640.07) Water and water rigf~ts ......................................... ................ (0.00) State and local parks, open space and archaeological resources .................................. (28,588,435.93) Total Allocated to Projects $2,465,106,271.75 66