HomeMy WebLinkAboutWildlife Conservation Board notice of meeting 11.18.10 F
STATE OF CALIFORNIA-NATURAL RESOURCES AGENCY ARNOLD SCNWARZENEGGER,Governor
DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION BOARD
180713'"STREET,SUITE 103
SACRAMENTO,CALIFORNIA 95811
(916)445-8448
FAx(916)323-0280
www.wch.ca.gov
NOV "W1190ft
NOTICE OF MEETING °Ro4 f X618
041180,yArq
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION BOARD
November 18, 2010
10:00 AM
11 State Capitol, Room 113
Sacramento, California 95814
ITEM NO. PAGE NO.
1. Roll Call 1
2. Funding Status — Informational 2
3. Special Project Planning Account--- Informational 6
4. Proposed Consent Calendar (Items 4----17) 7:.
*5. Approval of Minutes —August 26, 2010 7
*6. Recovery of Funds 7
*Proposed Consent Calendar
l/These facilities are accessible to persons with disabilities
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ITEM NO. PAGE NO.
*7. Fund Shift $887,855.00 10
Various Projects
To consider fund shifts for various previously approved cooperative projects
with the San Joaquin River Conservancy, Department of Fish and Game, City
:.:of Fresno, County of Madera, and Ducks Unlimited, Inc. The proposed fund
shifts are necessary to meet existing obligations and propose to use funding
authorized for the same purpose from a subsequent enactment year
appropriation. The purposes of the proposed projects are consistent with the
proposed funding shifts. [California Clean Water, Clean Air, Safe
Neighborhood Parks, Coastal and Beach Protection Fund (Proposition 40),
Section 5096.650(b)(5) and Wildlife Restoration Fund]
*8. Hamilton City Flood Damage $10,000.00 12
Reduction and Ecosystem Restoration
Glenn County
To consider the disposal of a portion of property, the Sacramento River
Conservation Area, Expansion 4, 120± acres, funded through a Wildlife
Conservation Board grant to The Nature Conservancy, approved by the
Board in November of 2001, and to authorize the reuse of proceeds
generated by disposal to acquire 104± acres in fee title for the protection of
riparian and riverine habitat supporting threatened and endangered species.
The purposes of this project are consistent with the funding provided under
the original grant approved by the Board in November of 2001 as well as the
allocation proposed for this transaction that allow for the protection of
threatened and endangered species habitat. [Habitat Conservation Fund
(Proposition 117), Section 2786(b1c)(1 E)]
*9. Loch Lomond Vernal Pool $25,000.00 16
Ecological Reserve Exchange
Lake County
To consider the acceptance of 1.7± acres and the disposal of 1.4± acres
through an exchange of fee title land between the Department of Fish and
Game (DFG) and a private landowner to expand protection of vernal pool
habitat at the Loch Lomond Ecological Reserve, located in the community of
the Loch Lomond, in Lake County. The purposes of this project are
consistent with the proposed funding source that allows for the protection of
threatened.and endangered species habitat. [Habitat Conservation Fund
(Proposition 117), Section 2786(b/c)(1 E)]
ii
ITEM NO. PAGE NO.
*10. Swiss Ranch, Expansion 3 $430,000.00 19
Calaveras County
To consider the acquisition of a conservation easement for the Department of
Fish and Game over 304± acres of land for protection of critical habitat for the
migratory Rail Road Fiat deer herd, located in the Sierra foothills along Swiss
Ranch Road in Calaveras County. The purposes of this project are
consistent with the proposed funding source that allows for the protection of
deer range habitat. [Habitat Conservation Fund (Proposition 117), Section
2786(a)]
*11. Eticuera Creek Watershed $515,000.00 22
Habitat Restoration
Napa County
To consider the allocation for a grant to the Land Trust of Napa County for a
cooperative project with the State Coastal Conservancy, U.C. McLaughlin
Reserve, the Homestake Mining Company, the Blue Ridge Berryessa Natural
Area Conservation Partnership, and the Department of Fish and Game to
restore riparian habitat in the Eticuera Creek watershed. The purposes of this
project are consistent with the proposed funding sources that allows for the
enhancement or restoration of riparian habitat located in floodplains and for
habitat that provides corridors linking separate habitat areas to prevent
habitat fragmentation. [Habitat Conservation Fund, (Proposition 117), Section
2786 (elf)(1 E), and the California Clean Water, Clean Air, Safe Neighborhood
Parks and Coastal Protection Fund (Proposition 40), Section 5096.650]
*12. Napa-Sonoma Marshes Wildlife Area, $10,000.00 25
American Canyon
Napa County
To consider the acceptance of 352± acres of land for the Department of Fish
and Game (DFG) for protection of bay wetlands, as an addition to the DFG's
Napa-Sonoma Marshes Wildlife Area, located between the City of American
Canyon and the Napa River in Napa County. The purposes of this project are
consistent with the proposed funding source that allows for protection of
wetland habitat within the San Francisco Bay Area. [Water Security, Clean
Drinking Water, Coastal and Beach Protection Fund of 2002 (Proposition 50),
Sections 79572(c)]
iii
ITEM NO. PAGE NO.
*13. Insectaries for Pollinators and $73,000.00 27
Farm Biodiversity
Sonoma County
To consider the allocation for a grant to the Gold Ridge Resource
Conservation District to restore and enhance wildlife and pollinator habitat by
maximizing nesting and food sources for a variety of native bee species on
eight privately owned properties located in Sonoma County. The purposes of
this project are consistent with the proposed funding source that allows for
assisting farmers in integrating agricultural activities with ecosystem
restoration and wildlife protection. [Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and
Supply, Flood Control, River and Coastal Protection Fund (Proposition 84),
Section 75055(d)(4)]
*14. Goleta Slough Ecological $366,000.00 30
Reserve Restoration, Augmentation and Change of Scope
Santa Barbara County
To consider the allocation for a funding augmentation and change of scope
for a grant to the Land Trust of Santa Barbara County, for a cooperative
project with the Army Corps of Engineer and the Federal Aviation
Administration to restore and enhance the Department of Fish and Game's
Goleta Slough Ecological Reserve. The project is located within the City of
Goleta, adjacent and south of the Goleta Airport, in Santa Barbara County.
The purposes of this project are consistent with the proposed funding sources
that allow for the restoration of coastal wetlands in southern California.
[Habitat Conservation Fund, (Proposition 117), Section 2786(d), Wetlands
Outside the Central Valley, P-50 SoCal], and Water Security, Clean Drinking
Water, Coastal and Beach Protection Fund of 2002 (Proposition 50) Section
79572(a)]
*15. James San Jacinto Mountains $248,000.00 34
Reserve Renovation
Riverside County
To consider the allocation for a grant to the Regents of the University of
California to purchase and install five new manufactured cabins and one
laundry facility, make renovations to two existing buildings, and repair roads
at the James San Jacinto Mountains Reserve, located in the San Jacinto
Mountain Range approximately 10 miles south of the town of Banning in
Riverside County. The purposes of this project are consistent with the
proposed funding source that allows for grants to the University of California
for the Natural Reserve System for the construction and development of
facilities that will be used for research and training to improve the
management of natural lands and the preservation of California's wildlife
resources. [Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and Supply, Flood Control,
River and Coastal Protection Fund (Proposition 84), Section 75055(b)(3)]
iv
ITEM NO. PAGE NO.
*16. Peninsular Bighorn Sheep $5,000.00 36
Riverside County
To consider the acceptance of a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Recovery
Land Acquisition grant and authorize the use of those funds to acquire 947±
acres for the Department of Fish and Game, to protect and enhance existing
regional wildlife linkages and habitats for the Peninsular Bighorn Sheep,
located west of the community of Oasis, in Riverside County. The purposes
of this project are consistent with the proposed funding source that allows for
grants to protect habitat corridors and prevent habitat fragmentation.
[California Clean Water, Clean Air, Safe Neighborhood Parks and Coastal
Protection Fund (Proposition 40), Section 5906.650]
*17. East Elliott and $5,000.00 39
Otay Mesa Regions (Sunroad)
San Diego County
To consider the acceptance of a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Habitat
Conservation Planning Land Acquisition grant and the approval to subgrant
the federal funds to the City of San Diego to assist with the acquisition of 1±
acre of land to protect critical regional wildlife linkages, coastal sage scrub,
and to protect and preserve core areas of vernal pool habitat that will
enhance the existing Multiple Species Conservation Program and the Natural
Community Conservation Plan areas located on the western Otay Mesa,
south of Highway 905 and east of Highway 805 in the San Diego city limits.
The purposes of this project are consistent with the proposed funding source
that allows for grants to implement or assist in the establishment of Natural
Community Conservation Plans. [Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and
Supply, Flood Control, River and Coastal Protection Fund of 2006
(Proposition 84), Section 75055(c)]
18. Cow Creek Conservation Area, $1,340,000.00 42
Expansion 2
Shasta County
To consider the allocation for a grant to the American Land Conservancy to
acquire a conservation easement over 5,868± acres of land, for protection of
rangeland, riparian corridors and other significant ecosystems, located north
of State Highway 44 approximately 10 miles east of the City of Redding in
Shasta County. The purposes of this project are consistent with the proposed
funding source that allows for the protection of wildlife corridors and
significant natural landscapes. [Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and
Supply, Flood Control, River and Coastal Projection Fund of 2006
(Proposition 84), Section 75055(b)]
V
ITEM NO. PAGE NO.
19. Red Bank Creek $3,960,000.00 45
Tehama County
To consider the allocation for a grant to the Northern California Regional Land
Trust to acquire conservation easements over two ownerships totaling 7,132±
acres for protection of native oak woodland habitat, located approximately 20
miles northwest of the City of Red Bluff in Tehama County. The purposes of
this project are consistent with the proposed funding source that allows for the
protection of native oak woodland habitat. [Safe Drinking Water, Water
Quality and Supply, Flood Control, River and Coastal Protection Fund of 2006
(Proposition 84), Section 75055(d)(2)]
20. Heart K Ranch $1,090,000.00 48
Plumas County
To consider the acquisition of a conservation easement for the Department of
Fish and Game over approximately 880± acres for protection of critical habitat
for the Sloat Deer herd as well as protection of black oak woodland, montane
riparian, wet meadow habitats, located in the Genesee Valley along Genesee
Road in Plumas County. The purposes of this project are consistent with the
proposed funding source that allows for the acquisition of deer range, oak
woodlands and mountain lion habitat and for the preservation of habitat
located within a floodplain or flood corridor. [Habitat Conservation Fund
(Proposition 117), Section 2786(x)(1 E)]
21. Upper Butte Basin Wildlife Area, $1,120,000.00 51
Expansion 6
Butte County
To consider the acquisition of 222± acres of land for the Department of Fish
and Game for the protection of wetland habitat, located approximately five
miles west of the City of Biggs in Butte County. The purposes of this project
are consistent with the proposed funding source that allows for the protection
of wetland habitat within the inland region of California and for the
preservation of wildlife values within a floodplain or flood corridor. [Habitat
Conservation Fund (Proposition 117), Section 2786(d)(1 E), Inland Wetlands
Conservation Program]
Vi
ITEM NO. PAGE NO.
22. Lower Yuba River, Excelsior, Phase 1 $3,216,440.00 54
Nevada and Yuba Counties
To consider the acquisition of 527± acres of land by the Department of Fish
and Game (DFG) known as the Yuba Narrows Ranch for protection of deer
and mountain lion habitat, located within the lower Yuba River watershed,
situated between the DFG Daugherty Hills and Spenceville Wildlife Areas, in
Nevada and Yuba Counties. The purposes of this project are consistent with
the proposed funding source that allows for the acquisition of habitat to
protect deer range habitat and for the preservation of wildlife values within a
floodplain or flood corridor. [Habitat Conservation Fund (Proposition 117),
Section 2786(a)(1 E)]
23. Bruin Ranch Phase 1 $4,515,000.00 57
Placer County
To consider the allocation for a grant to Placer Land Trust for a cooperative
project with the Department of Fish and Game, Caltrans and Placer County to
acquire 1,773± acres of property to protect habitat for threatened and
endangered species, including blue oak woodland habitat and approximately
three miles of riparian corridor along the Bear River, located in Placer County.
Protection of this property will also allow the connection of a regional trail
through previously protected land to Placer County's Hidden Falls Regional
Park and Coon Creek. The purposes of this project are consistent with
proposed funding source that allows for protection of habitat for threatened
and endangered species and habitat corridors, and projects pursuant to the
Wildlife Conservation Law of 1947. [California Clean Water, Clean Air, Safe
Neighborhood Parks and Coastal Protection Fund (Proposition 40), Section
5096.650)]
24. Oak Hills Ranch $2,296,000.00 60
Yolo County
To consider the allocation for a grant to the California Rangeland Trust for a
conservation easement over 3,316 ± acres of native oak woodlands located
south of the community of Dunnigan and north of the town of Esparto in Yolo
County. The purposes of this project are consistent with the proposed
funding source that allows for the protection of native oak woodland habitat.
[Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and Supply, Flood Control, River and
Coastal Protection Fund of 2006 (Proposition 84), Section 75055(d)(2)]
Vii
ITEM NO. PAGE NO.
25. San Joaquin River Parkway, $1,982,513.00 63
Jensen River Ranch Phase II Construction
Fresno County
To consider'the allocation for an interagency agreement with the Department
of Water Resources for a cooperative project with the San Joaquin River
Conservancy to restore wetland and riparian habitat and construct public
access trails on the San Joaquin River Parkway near the junction of Highway
41, City of Fresno, Fresno County. The proposed funding source for this
project allows for the acquisition, development, rehabilitation, restoration and
protection of land and water resources. [California Clean Water, Clean Air,
Safe Neighborhood Parks, and Coastal Protection Fund (Proposition 40),
Section 5096.650(b)(5)]
26. Los Vaqueros Ranch $9,210,000.00 66
Conservation Easement, Phase II
Monterey County
To consider the allocation for a grant to The Nature Conservancy to acquire a
conservation easement over 800± acres of property to protect critical
steelhead habitat as well as habitat for sensitive wildlife species including the
red-legged frog, yellow-legged frog, western pond turtle and intact
populations of native fish, oak woodlands, and grasslands on the west side of
Salina Valley along the Arroyo Seco River in Monterey County. The purposes
of this project are consistent with the proposed funding source that allows for
the acquisition of habitat to protect rare, threatened and endangered or fully
protected species, and for the preservation of wildlife values within a
floodplain or flood corridor. [Habitat Conservation Fund (Proposition 117),
Section 2786(b/c)(1 E)]
27. Santa Clara River Watershed, Toticom $2,298,500.00 69
Ventura County
To consider the allocation for a grant to The Nature Conservancy, the
acceptance of a Recovery Land Acquisition Grant from the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife; and the authorization to enter into an Agreement to Subgrant to The
Nature Conservancy for a cooperative project with the State Coastal
Conservancy, Santa Clara River Trustee Council and the Department of Fish
and Game to acquire 123± acres of land for the protection of threatened and
endangered species and habitat corridors, located south of the City of
Ventura in Ventura County. The purposes of this project are consistent with
the proposed funding source that allows for protection of threatened and
endangered species and habitat corridors. [California Clean Water, Clean
Air, Safe Neighborhood Parks and Coastal Protection Fund (Proposition 40),
Section 5096.650)]
viii
ITEM NO. PAGE NO.
28. Malibu Lagoon State Beach $4,000,000.00 72
Lagoon Restoration, Construction Phase
Los Angeles County
To consider the allocation for a grant to the California Department of Parks
and Recreation to improve water circulation, remove non-native vegetation,
restore native vegetation, and provide additional educational and public use
facilities in Malibu Lagoon State Park, Los Angeles County, at the mouth of
Malibu Creek. The purposes of this project are consistent with the proposed
funding source that allows for the restoration of coastal wetlands in southern
California. [Water Security, Clean Drinking Water, Coastal and Beach
Protection Fund of 2002 (Proposition 50), Section 79572(a)]
29. Tejon Ranch $15,800,000.00 75
Kern/Los Angeles Counties
To consider the allocation for five grants to the Tejon Ranch Conservancy to
acquire five conservation easements over 62,003± acres for the protection of
significant natural landscapes and wildlife linkages and corridors, located
south of the City of Bakersfield and north of the City of Los Angeles, adjacent
to Interstate 5 and State Highway 138, in Kern and Los Angeles Counties.
The purposes of this project are consistent with the proposed funding source
that allows for the acquisition and protection of habitat that provides corridors
linking separate habitat areas to prevent fragmentation and protects
significant natural landscapes and ecosystems. [Safe Drinking Water, Water
Quality and Supply, Flood Control, River and Coastal Protection Fund of 2006
(Proposition 84), Section 75055(b)]
30. Bottle Peak $3,562,900.00 83
San Diego County
To consider the allocation for a grant to The Escondido Creek Conservancy to
assist with the acquisition of 418± acres of property to anchor regional habitat
conservation planning efforts, including a Natural Community Conservation
Plan, in central San Diego County and provide a critical ecological link
between coastal habitat and the higher elevation Cleveland National Forest.
The purposes of this project are consistent with the proposed funding source
that allows for grants to implement or assist in the establishment of Natural
Community Conservation Plans. [Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and
Supply, Flood Control, River and Coastal Protection Fund of 2006
(Proposition 84), Section 75055(c)]
!X
ITEM NO. PAGE NO.
31. DFG Presentation Informational 86
Conservation and Habitat Mapping
This item will cover a presentation by the Department of Fish and Game of
two recent complementary mapping and modeling efforts to identify areas of
high biological value in the State —Areas of Conservation Emphasis (ACE 11)
and the California Essential Habitat Connectivity Project.
32. 2011 Wildlife Conservation Board Informational 87
Tentative Meeting Schedule
r
X
1 STATE of CALIFORNIA-NATURAL RESOURCES AGENCY ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER,Governor
DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION BOARD
180713'STREET,SUITE 103
SACRAMENTO,CALIFORNIA 95811
(916)445-8448
FAx(916)323-0280
wwwmcb.ca.gov
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION BOARD
November 18, 2010
10:00 AM
State Capitol, Room 113
Sacramento, California 95814
FINAL AGENDA ITEMS
1. Roll Call
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION BOARD MEMBERS
John McCamman, Chairman
Director, Department of Fish and Game
Karen Finn, Program Budget Manager
Vice, Ana Matosantos, Member
Director, Department of Finance
Jim Kellogg, Member
President, Fish and Game Commission
JOINT LEGISLATIVE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Senator Fran Pavley
Senator Patricia Wigging
Assembly Member .tared Huffman
Assembly Member Ira Ruskin
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
John P. Donnelly
1
2. Funding Status-- Informational
(a) 2010-11 Wildlife Restoration Fund Capital Outlay Budget
Budget Act $1,000,000.00
Previous Board Allocations -117,000.00
Unallocated Balance $883,000.00
(b) 2010-11 Habitat Conservation Fund Capital Outlay Budget
Budget Act $20,668,000.00
Previous Board Allocations -0.00
Unallocated Balance $20,668,000.00
(c) 2009-10 Habitat Conservation Fund Capital Outlay Budget
Budget Act $20,668,000.00
Previous Board Allocations -333,783.00
Unallocated Balance $20,334,217.00
(d) 2008-09 Habitat Conservation Fund Capital Outlay Budget
Budget Act $20,668,000.00
Previous Board Allocations -2,542,490.00
Unallocated Balance $18,125,510.00
(e) 2006-07 Habitat Conservation Fund Capital Outlay Budget
Budget Act $20,699,000.00
Previous Board Allocations -9,357,844.30
Unallocated Balance $11,341,155.70
(f) 2006-07 Safe Neighborhood Parks, Clean Water, Clean Air, and
Coastal Protection Bond Fund Capital Outlay Budget
Budget Act (2010-11 Reappropriation) $15,224,000.00
Previous Board Allocations -12,755,109-00
Unallocated Balance $2,468,891.00
(g) 1999-00 Safe Neighborhood Parks, Clean Water, Clean Air, and
Coastal Protection Bond Fund Capital Outlay Budget
Continuously Appropriated [Sec. 5096.350 (a)(1), (2), (4) & (7)] $36,100,000.00
Previous Board Allocations -27,515,085.39
Unallocated Balance $8,584,914.61
2
(h) 2004-05 California Clean Water, Clean Air, Safe Neighborhood Parks
and Coastal Protection Fund Capital Outlay Budget (2010-11
Reappropriation)
Budget Act (San Joaquin River Conservancy Projects) $11,000,000.00
Previous Board Allocations -434,302.00 ..
Unallocated Balance $10,565,698.00
(i) Chapter 983, Statutes of 2002, Oak Woodlands Conservation Act
Budget Act (2009-10 Reappropriation) $4,800,000.00
Previous Board Allocations -4,586,689.51
Unallocated Balance $213,310.49
(j) 2001-02 California Clean Water, Clean Air, Safe Neighborhood Parks and
Coastal Protection Fund Capital Outlay Budget
Continuously Appropriated (Section 5096.650) $273,000,000.00
Previous Board Allocations -185,331,174:82
Unallocated Balance $87,668,825.18
(k) 2003-04 Water Security, Clean Drinking Water, Coastal and
Beach Protection Fund of 2002 Capital Outlay Budget (Section 79568)
Budget Act (2010-11 Reappropriation) $32,500,000.00
Previous Board Allocations -21,681,299.35
Unallocated Balance $10,818,700.65
(1) 2002.03 Water Security, Clean Drinking Water, Coastal and
Beach Protection Fund of 2002 Capital Outlay Budget
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 -666,754,469.48
Unallocated Balance $74,657,530.52
3
(m) 2010-11 Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and Supply, Flood
Control, River and Coastal Protection Fund of 2006 Capital Outlay
Budget
Budget Act (San Joaquin River Conservancy Projects) $3,380,000.00 .
Previous Board Allocations -0.00
Unallocated Balance $3,380,000.00
(n) 2009-10 Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and Supply, Flood
Control, River and Coastal Protection Fund of 2006 Capital Outlay
Budget
Budget Act (San Joaquin River Conservancy Projects) $10,000,000.00
Previous Board Allocations -0.00
Unallocated Balance $10,000,000.00
(o) 2008-09 Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and Supply, Flood
Control, River and Coastal Protection Fund of 2006 Capital Outlay
Budget
Budget Act (San Joaquin River Conservancy Projects) $10,000,000.00
Previous Board Allocations --0.00
Unallocated Balance $10,000,000.00
(p) 2007-08 Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and Supply, Flood
Control, River and Coastal Protection Fund of 2006 Capital Outlay
Budget (2010-11 Reappropriation)
Budget Act (San Joaquin River Conservancy Projects) $10,000,000.00
Previous Board Allocations -75,000.00
Unallocated Balance $9,925,000.00
(q) 2009-10 Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and Supply, Flood
Control, River and Coastal Protection Fund of 2006 Capital Outlay
Budget
Budget Act (NCCP Section 75055(c)) $10,000,000.00
Previous Board Allocations -0.00
2010-11 Budget Act Reversion -3,000,000.00
Unallocated Balance $7,000,000.00
4
(r) 2009-10 Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and Supply, Flood
Control, River and Coastal Protection Fund of 2006 Capital Outlay
Budget
Chapter 2, Statutes of 2009 (SB 8) $24,000,000.00
Previous Board Allocations -0.00
Unallocated Balance $24,000,000.00
(s) 2008-09 Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and Supply, Flood
Control, River and Coastal Protection Fund-of 2006 Capital Outlay
Budget
Budget Act (NCCP Section 75055(c)) $25,000,000.00
Previous Board Allocations -1,180,000.00
Unallocated Balance $23,820,000.00
(t) 2007-08 Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and Supply, Flood
Control, River and Coastal Protection Fund of 2006 Capital Outlay
Budget (2010-11 Reappropriation)
Budget Act (NCCP Section 75055(c)) $25,000,000.00
Previous Board Allocations -13,887,872.00
Unallocated Balance $11,112,128.00
(u) 2007-08 Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and Supply, Flood
Control, River and Coastal Protection Fund of 2006 Capital Outlay
Budget
Budget Act (Section 75055(d)(1)), (2010-11 Reappropriation) $14,293,000.00
Previous Board Allocations -8,464,968.00
Unallocated Balance $5,828,032.00
(v) 2007-08 Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and Supply, Flood
Control, River and Coastal Protection Fund of 2006 Capital Outlay
Budget
Budget Act (Section 75055(d)(2)), (2010-11 Reap propriation) $14,293,000.00
Previous Board Allocations -5,378,444.00
Unallocated Balance $8,914,556.00
(w) 2007-08 Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and Supply, Flood
Control, River and Coastal Protection Fund of 2006 Capital Outlay
Budget
Budget Act (Section 75055(d)(4)), (2010-11 Reappropriation) $4,762,000.00
Previous Board Allocations -1,722,600.00
Unallocated Balance $3,039,400.00
5
(x) 2006-07 Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and Supply, Flood
Control, River and Coastal Protection Fund of 2006 Capital Outlay
Budget
Continuously Appropriated (Section 75055a) $164,700,000.00
Previous Board Allocations -14,490,000.00
Unallocated Balance $150,29 0,000.00
Continuously Appropriated (Section 75055(b)) $123,525,000.00
Previous Board Allocations -50,762,633.50
Unallocated Balance $72,762,366.50
RECAP OF FUND BALANCES
Wildlife Restoration Fund (a) $883,000.00
Habitat Conservation Fund (b), (c), (d) and (e) $70,468,882.70
Safe Neighborhood Parks, Clean Water, Clean Air, and Coastal
Protection Bond Fund (f) and (g) $11,053,805.61
California Clean Water, Clean Air, Safe Neighborhood Parks
and Coastal Protection Bond Fund (h), (i) and 0) $98,447,833.67
Water Security, Clean Drinking Water, Coastal and
Beach Protection Fund of 2002 (k) and (l) $95,567,185.94
Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and Supply, Flood Control,
River and Coastal Protection Fund of 2006 (m), (n), (o), (p), (q), (r),
(s), (i), (u), (v), (w) and (x) $339,991,482.50
RECAP OF NATURAL HERITAGE PRESERVATION TAX CREDIT ACT OF 2000
Chapter 113, Statutes of 2000 and Chapter 715, Statutes of 2004
Tax credits awarded through June 30, 2008 $48,598,734.00
Chapter 220, Statutes of 2009 (effective January 1, 2010)
Tax credits awarded $0.00
3. Special Project Planning Account— Informational -
The Board has historically used a special project account to provide working
funds for staff evaluation (appraisals, engineering, preliminary title reports, etc.)
of proposed projects. Upon the Board's approval of a project, all expenditures
incurred and recorded in the Special Project Planning Account are transferred
to the Board approved project account which then reduces the Special Project
Planning Account expenditures. This procedure provides a revolving account
for the pre-project expenses.
Some appropriations now made to the Board do not include a specific budgeted
planning line item appropriation necessary to begin a project without prior
6
Board authorization. Pre-project costs are a necessary expenditure in most all
capital outlay projects. The Special Project Planning Account is available to be
used for these costs.
The Board, at its May 6, 1986 meeting, authorized the Executive Director to use
up to 1% of a budgeted appropriation to set up and maintain an appropriate
planning account with the provision it would be reported to the Board as an
informational item.
Accordingly, a planning account has been set up as follows:
Safe Neighborhood Parks, Clean Water, Clean Air
and Coastal Protection Fund ................................................................$35,000.00
Habitat Conservation Fund ...................................................................$35,000.00
4. Proposed Consent Calendar (items 4--17)
*5. Approval of Minutes —August 26, 2010
*6. 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.
$8,881.83 to the Habitat Conservation Fund
$0.00 to the Wildlife Restoration Fund
$1,191,838.99 to the California Clean Water, Clean Air, Safe
Neighborhood Parks, and Coastal Protection
Fund
$43,796.21 to the Water Security, Clean Drinking Water,
Coastal and Beach Protection Fund of 2002
$735.00 to the Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and
Supply, Flood Control, River and Coastal
Protection Fund of 2006
HABITAT CONSERVATION FUND
Montna Farms Wetland Restoration, Sutter County
Allocated $150,000.00
Expended -149.635.17
Balance for Recovery $364.83
7
Truckee River Wildlife Area, Gray Creek Canyon Unit, Nevada County
Allocated $15,000.00
Expended -6,483.00
Balance for Recovery $8,517.00
Total Habitat Conservation Fund $8,881.83
WILDLIFE RESTORATION FUND
Kings River Fishing Access, Fresno County
Allocated $11,824.00
Expended -11,824,00
Balance for Recovery $0.00
Total Wildlife Restoration Fund $0.00
CALIFORNIA CLEAN WATER, CLEAN AIR, SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD
PARKS, AND COASTAL PROTECTION FUND
California Fisheries Restoration Projects - 2007, Chorro Creek Floodplain and
Riparian Restoration, San Luis Obispo County
Allocated $1,157,073.00
Expended -158.50
Balance for Recovery $1,153,231.50
Eastern Mojave Desert Springs Habitat Restoration, San Bernardino County
Allocated $43,000.00
Expended -4,075.01
Balance for Recovery $38,924.99
Kings River Fishing Access, Fresno County
Allocated $112,176.00
Expended -112,176.00
Balance for Recovery $0.00
Pacifica Fishing Pier Improvements, San Mateo County
Allocated $500,252.00
Expended -500,252-00
Balance for Recovery $0.00
Total California Clean Water, Clean Air, Safe $1,191,838.99
Neighborhood Parks, and Coastal Protection Fund
8
WATER SECURITY, CLEAN DRINKING WATER, COASTAL AND BEACH
PROTECTION FUND OF-2002
Loch Lomond Marina [ntertidal Enhancement, Marin County
Allocated $207,775.00
Expended -163,979.79
Balance for Recovery $43,795.21
Total Water Security, Clean Drinking Water, Coastal $43,795.21
and Beach Protection Fund of 2002
SAFE DRINKING WATER, WATER QUALITY AND SUPPLY, FLOOD
CONTROL, RIVER AND COASTAL PROTECTION FUND OF 2006
Iron Mountain Wildlife Area, Expansion 4, San Diego County
Allocated $15,000.00
Expended -14,265.00
Balance for Recovery $735.00
Total Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and $735.00
Supply, Flood Control, River and Coastal Protection
Fund of 2006
9
*7. Fund Shift, Various Projects $887,855.00
Fresno, Madera and Monterey Counties
This proposal is to consider various fund shifts for six previously approved San
Joaquin River (SJR) Conservancy and Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB)
projects. The cooperative projects involve the SJR Conservancy, Department of
Fish and Game, City of Fresno, County of Madera, and Ducks Unlimited, Inc. The
proposed fund shifts are necessary to meet existing Grant Agreement obligations
and will utilize funding authorized for the same purpose from a subsequent
enactment year appropriation.
The table below outlines the fund shifts for the previously approved cooperative
projects which include five projects for the SJR Conservancy from the California
Clean Water, Clean Air, Safe Neighborhood Parks, and Coastal Protection Fund
(Proposition 40) and one project for the WCB from the Wildlife Restoration Fund
(WRF).
Grant WCB Fund Shift
Grantee Approval Project Name County Amount
Agreement Date* (Maximum)
SJR Parkway, Lewis
WC-2043TC City of Fresno 11/17/05 S. Eaton Trail, Friant Fresno $140,000.00
Road Segment
County of SJR Parkway, Lost
WC-6084TC Fresno 05/24/07 Lake Regional Park Fresno $223,445.00
Master Plan
SJR SJR Parkway, Lewis
WC-7019TC Conservancy 08/23/07 S. Eaton Trail River Fresno $125,600.00
West CEQA
Department of SJ Hatchery Public
WC-7056BT Fish and 02/20/08 Access,Phase 1, Fresno $187,500.00
Game Preconstruction
Planning&Design
SJR Parkway, River
County of West-Madera
WC-8004BT Madera 05/22/08 Restoration Planning Madera $37,100.00
&Environmental
Review
WC-9022AL Ducks 05/27/10 Moss Landing Wildlife Monterey $174,210.00
Unlimited, Inc. Area Public Access
Total
(Maximum $887,855.00
Amount)
'The project descriptions for the previously approved items may be viewed at www.wcb.ca.gov in the WCB Meeting
Minutes for the respective Board meeting.
The fund shifts for the SJR Conservancy projects are necessary as the Grant
Agreements require no cost time extensions in order for the Grantee's to fulfill
10
existing obligations. The no cost time extensions are due, in part, to the Pooled
Money Investment Account (PMIA) bond freeze of December 2008 which recently
lifted. As a result of the PMIA freeze, the Grantee's work was either slowed or
stopped by the Grantor until funding for the project allocations could be secured
from up front bond sale proceeds. The current allocations for these Grantee
obligations are due to revert at the end of the fiscal year.
With regard to the Moss Landing Wildlife Area Public Access project, the fund shift
is necessary due to an accounting error wherein a previous approved WCB project
allocation was paid from a later year appropriation from the same fund source for
the same purpose. The error was discovered during reconciliation and within one
week of release of the monthly Agency Reconciliation Report. A Correction
Memorandum was immediately sent to the State Controllers Office (SCO);
however, the SCO was unable to revive the reverted appropriation. This
unfortunate situation has left a cash shortage in the appropriation from which the
Moss Landing Wildlife Area Public Access project was funded requiring the WCB
to fund shift a part of this Grantee obligation to the current fiscal year WRF
appropriation established for the same purpose.
The table outlines the maximum amount proposed for the fund shift. The amount
of the shift will be based on the unliquidated agreement balance at the time of the
fund shift. A revised Funding Certification will be prepared for each Grant
Agreement and submitted to the SCO. The fund shifts will utilize funding
authorized for the same purpose from a subsequent fiscal year appropriation. The
shifted amounts from the previous WCB allocations will be recovered and returned
to their respective fund sources; therefore, the net effect of the project fund shift on
the WCB allocation for the project is zero.
Staff recommends that the Wildlife Conservation Board approve the fund shifts
as proposed; allocate up to $713,645.00 from the California Clean Water,
Clean Air, Safe Neighborhood Parks, and Coastal Protection Fund (Proposition
40), Section 5096.650(b)(5); allocate up to $174,210.00 from the Wildlife
Restoration Fund; and authorize staff and the Department of Fish and Game to
proceed substantially as planned.
11
*8. Hamilton City Flood Damage $10,000.00
Reduction and Ecosystem Restoration
Glenn County
This proposal is to consider the disposal of 120± acres of a larger 482± acre
property located in the Sacramento River Conservation Area, Expansion 4
(Expansion 4), and to authorize the reuse of the proceeds to acquire 104±
acres in fee title for the protection of riparian and riverine habitat supporting
threatened and endangered species. The property was acquired with a.Wildlife
Conservation Board (WCB) grant to The Nature Conservancy (TNC), which
was approved by WCB in November 2001.
LOCATION
The disposal property and proposed acquisition property (Stiles Ranch) are
located approximately 10 miles west of Chico and southeast of the Hamilton
City, on the west side of the Sacramento River in Glenn County. Both
properties are improved with orchards and are located outside the immediate
levee system of the Sacramento River. Various governmental.agencies and
nonprofits own property within the vicinity, including TNC, Department of Fish
and Game (DFG), California Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).
The DFG's Sacramento River Wildlife Area (SRWA) is located further east of
Expansion 4, along the Sacramento River. SRWA is 1,078± acres in size and
was acquired in a number of separate transactions between the fate eighties
and early nineties. USFWS holdings in the area include the Sacramento River
National Wildlife Refuge (SRNWR), located immediately north of Stiles Ranch
property. Immediately east of the Stiles Ranch property is the Bidwell -
Sacramento River State Park.
The Expansion 4 property lies on the protected side of the J levee, outside the
main floodplain of the Sacramento River. When Expansion 4 was presented to
the Board in 2000 for funding, it was anticipated the new setback levee would
run through the middle of the Expansion 4, from north to south. The portion of
the Expansion 4 located on the river side of the levee would be restored to
riparian habitat and the portion outside the levee would be excess and
considered for disposal.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Since the early 2000s, the WCB has approved six grants for acquisitions and
expansions at its meetings under the title of the Sacramento River
Conservation Area (SCRA). The WCB's grant to acquire Expansion 4 was one
of these. The SCRA acquisitions provide protection of riparian habitat for
threatened and endangered species and 'public access, as well as assistance in
the implementation of the Hamilton City Flood Damage and Ecosystem
Restoration project (Flood and Ecosystem Project).
12
The two main objectives of the Flood and Ecosystem Project are to expand the
floodplain to create a more natural hydrology, increasing riverine and riparian
habitat and provide an improved level of flood protection for Hamilton City. The
riparian areas will provide an important seasonal habitat for migratory birds,
waterfowl, native amphibians and salmonids. This includes a number of federal
and State listed threatened and endangered species, such as the western
yellow-billed cuckoo, giant garter snake, greater sandhill crane, bank swallow,
western pond turtle and Swainson's hawk. Improved riverine habitat will
provide improved spawning areas for the central valley steelhead and winter-
run Chinook salmon. With regard to Expansion 4, the Flood and Ecosystem
Project essentially called for the removal of a private levee, referred to as the J
levee, and construction of a new (setback) levee further away from the river.
At this time, the current configuration of the Setback Levee Project has been
established so that excess portion of Expansion 4 can be determined. Part of
this proposal is for TNC to dispose of the excess 120± acres of Expansion 4
and reuse the proceeds from this disposal to assist in the acquisition of
additional property along the Sacramento River_ The acquisition will further
implement the Flood and Ecosystem Project. The Stiles Ranch property is
located within the boundary area of the Flood and Ecosystem Project and will
allow for the construction of the new setback levee and the further restoration of
riparian habitat within the newly expanded floodplain area of the Sacramento
River.
WCB PROGRAM
The proposed acquisition of this project is being made under the Land
Acquisition Program at WCB. The Acquisition Program is administered
pursuant to the WCB's original enabling legislation, the Wildlife Conservation
Law of 1947 (Fish and Game Code Section 1300 et seq.) to acquire areas that
can successfully sustain wildlife and provide for suitable recreation
opportunities. Under this program, acquisition activities are carried out in
conjunction with the DFG, which will evaluate the biological values of property.
In this particular case the DFG, as a member of the Sacramento River
Conservation Area Forum (SRCAF), authorized acquisition of properties lying
within the boundary of the purview of the SRCAF.
The SRCAF was established from Senate Bill 1086, passed by the State
Legislature in 1986, calling for development of a management plan to protect,
restore and enhance fisheries and riparian habitat along the Sacramento River
and its tributaries along the 222 miles of the Sacramento River between
Keswick and Verona. The SRCAF is governed by a board of directors that
includes both private landowners and public interest appointees from each of
the seven involved counties and an appointee of the Natural Resources
Agency. The SRCAF is advised by a panel of representatives from three State
agencies: the Department of Water Resources, DFG and the Reclamation
Board; and three federal agencies: the Army Corps of Engineers, the USFWS
13
and the Bureau of Reclamation. Both proposed projects have been presented
to the SRCAF Board as informational items.
MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND NEEDS
TNC and its partners, including the USFWS, the DFG, the WCB, and
stakeholders participating in the SRCAF, have undertaken the largest riparian
restoration project in the United States. The goal is to restore a continuous
100-mile stretch of ecologically viable riparian habitat to flood-prone lands
along the river between Red Bluff and Colusa. On some sites the river will
revegetate its banks and meander through the natural process of winter
flooding and deposition. On other sites, TNC is contracting with local farmers
to plant native trees and shrubs, pumping money into the local economy and
helping to generate interest and involvement in local communities in the fate of
the river ecosystem.
TNC, the USFWS, the DFG, and the WCB have acquired 14,000 acres along
the river. Three thousand acres have been restored thus far to native riparian
forest.
TNC intends to manage the properties in the immediate future, with the
possibility of combining Expansion 4 with the.adjacent SRWA, Pine Creek Unit.
The Stiles Ranch property could potentially be added to the SRNWR.
TERMS
The grant for Expansion 4 provides that the Grantee, TNC, may dispose or
transfer ownership of all or a portion of the property with the approval of the
WCB Executive Director. The Executive Director has authorized the disposal of
the excess portions of Expansion 4. Those proceeds are to be held in an
escrow account. If approved by the Board, the funds will be used to help
acquire the 104} acre Stiles Ranch property. The newly acquired Stiles Ranch
property will also fall under the terms of the grant agreement and a Notice of
Unrecorded Grant referring back to the original agreement will be recorded on
the property. If the Board does not approve, then the funds will be returned to
the WCB. The remaining portions of Expansion 4 will remain encumbered by
the grant terms of the original agreement.
It is understood both the value of the disposed portion of Expansion 4 and the
purchase price of the Stiles Ranch property will be based on the fair market
value appraisals, approved by the Department of General Services (DGS) on
August 26, 2010 (Expansion 4,Vereschagin property), and September 13, 2010
(Stiles Ranch property).
The terms and conditions of the existing grant still require staff of the WCB to
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
14
established for the acquisition and disposal of the two subject properties. In the
event of breach of the grant terms, the WCB can encumber the properties with
a conservation easement and seek reimbursement of funds.
PROJECT FUNDING
The proposed funding breakdown for the project is as follows:
Disposal of Expansion 4 (dry side) $672,581.00
Purchase Stile Ranch Property - 934,257.00
TNC contribution (via DWR grant) 261,676.00
TOTAL $0.00
Other Project-related Costs: $10,000.00
TOTAL WCB Allocation $10,000.OQ
It is estimated that an additional $10,000.00 will be needed to cover project-
related expenses, including DGS review costs.
FUNDING SOURCE
The proposed funding source for this project is the Habitat Conservation Fund
(Proposition 117), Section 2786 (b/c)(1 E) that provides funding for protection of
threatened and endangered species within floodplains and is consistent with
the objectives of this project. The original funding source used for Expansion 4
was the Habitat Conservation Fund (Proposition 117), Section 2786 (b/c) that
provides funding for protection of threatened and endangered species and is
consistent with the objectives of this project.
ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND STATE RECOMMENDATION
The acquisition has been reviewed for compliance with the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requirements and is proposed as exempt
under CEQA Guidelines Section 15313, Class 13, as an acquisition of land for
wildlife conservation purposes, and Section 15325, Class 25, as a transfer of
an ownership interest in land to preserve open space. Subject to authorization
by the WCB, a Notice of Exemption will be filed with the State Clearinghouse.
The Department of Fish and Game has reviewed this proposal and
recommends it for approval
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Wildlife Conservation Board approve this project as
proposed; allocate $10,000.00 from Habitat Conservation Fund (Proposition
117), Section 2786 (b/c)(1 E) for internal project-related expenses; authorize
staff to enter into appropriate agreements necessary to accomplish this project;
and authorize staff and the Department of Fish and Game to proceed
substantially as planned.
15
9. Loch Lomond Vernal Pool $25,000.00
Ecological Reserve Exchange
Lake County
This proposal is to consider the acceptance of 1.7± acres and the disposal of
1.4± acres through an exchange of fee title land between the Department of
Fish and Game (DFG) and a private landowner to expand protection of vernal
pool habitat at the Loch Lomond Ecological Reserve (Reserve). The proposed
exchange will complete the DFG`s acquisition of the complete vernal pool while
disposing of property not related to the protection of critical habitat. The
exchange will ensure that the total vernal pool is protected from unauthorized
use but will be available for visits by schoolchildren and researchers.
LOCATION
The subject property is located adjacent to the community of Loch Lomond,
along the north side of State Highway 175 corridor, within the Big Canyon/
Putah Creek Watershed, in Central Lake County. The area consists-of vernal
pool habitat, healthy, large conifers, black oak, and an understory of manzanita,
mountain-mahagony and ceanothus. Most of the surrounding development is
rural residential with some small commercial development in the vicinity.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The proposed exchange will complete the DFG's acquisition and protection of
the intended vernal pool habitat within the Reserve. The Reserve was created
by three prior acquisitions, totaling approximately 13 acres. The exchange will
increase the area to 14± acres and complete the last piece necessary to
provide full protection of vernal pool complex. Currently there are plans to
construct a perimeter fence around the entire project area once the exchange is
completed. The disposal area was acquired under one of the prior acquisitions,
and has been reviewed by DFG and determined not to contain any significant
habitat values.
A survey of the subject property was completed by licensed staff from the
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFire). The survey
was given to the real estate appraiser and will be used to record a new parcel
map for the area if the project is approved. The subject property contains a
Northern Ash Flow Vernal Pool and is one of two protected in the Napa-Lake
County region. It contains rare, endemic vernal pool plants, including button-
celery, many flowered navarretia, few-flowered navarretia, and Konocti
manzanita. Acquisition of the property will also increase the public's
educational opportunities, with educational field trips and access provided
under the direction of DFG staff.
16
WCB PROGRAM
The proposed exchange is being made under the Land Acquisition Program at
WCB. The Acquisition Program is administered pursuant to the WCB's original
enabling legislation, the Wildlife Conservation.Law of 1947 (Fish and Game
Code Section 1300 et seq.), which gives the WCB the authority to acquire
areas that can successfully sustain wildlife and provide for suitable recreation
opportunities. Under this program, acquisition activities are carried out in
conjunction with the DFG, which evaluates the biological values of property and
whether or not.to recommend it for funding.
MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES
The maintenance, conservation, security and caretaker services on the
property will be managed by the DFG's North Central Region staff. The DFG
already has the fencing materials needed to enclose the property, and
installation will be handled by the DFG's staff. Any additional costs associated
with this project will be nominal and absorbed under the current operation and
maintenance budget for the Reserve.
TERMS
The property owner has agreed to trade the property for a portion of the
existing ecological reserve. Both properties were appraised for $67,000.00 by
a local independent appraiser, and the appraisals were reviewed and approved
by the Department of General Services (DGS). The terms and conditions of the
proposed exchange agreement provide that staff of the WCB will review and
approve all title documents, appraisals, preliminary title reports, exchange
documents, escrow instructions and instruments of conveyance prior to
recordation of the deeds transferring title to the properties.
PROJECT FUNDING
This project is an even exchange. There are no capital costs for this project.
Other project-related costs: $25,000.00
TOTAL WCB Allocation $25,000.00
It is estimated that $25,000.00 will be needed for internal project-related
expenses, including title insurance, fifty percent of the escrow fees, appraisal
review costs by the DGS and the survey costs incurred by the CaiFire.
FUNDING SOURCE
The proposed funding source for this project is the Habitat Conservation Fund
(Proposition 117), Section 2786(blc)(1 E), that allows for the protection of
habitat for threatened and endangered species and preservation of wildlife
values within a floodplain or flood corridors and is consistent with this project.
17
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
fish and wildlife conservation purposes, and under Section 15325, Class 25, as
a transfer of an ownership interest in land to preserve open space and habitat.
Subject to approval by the WCB, a Notice of Exception will be filed with the
State Clearinghouse.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Wildlife Conservation Board approve this project as
proposed; allocate $25,000.00 from the Habitat Conservation Fund (Proposition
117), Section 2786(b/c)(1 E), for internal project-related expenses; authorize
staff to enter into appropriate agreements necessary to accomplish this project;
and authorize staff and the Department of Fish and Game to proceed
substantially as planned.
18
*10. Swiss Ranch, Expansion 3 $430,000.00
Calaveras County
This proposal is to consider the acquisition by the Department of Fish and
Game (DFG) of a conservation easement over 304± acres to maintain and
protect unfragmented habitat in Calaveras County for the migratory Rail Road
Flat deer herd, protection of oak woodland, hardwood-conifer, mixed chaparral,
and riparian habitats for black bear, mountain lion, and bobcat, and contribute
to linkages and corridors between upper and lower Sierra habitat. The DFG will
hold and monitor the conservation easement.
LOCATION
This privately owned property is located in central Calaveras County, along
Swiss Ranch Road approximately 18± miles northeast of San Andreas,
between the communities of Mountain House and Rail Road Flat. The property
is within the approved Railroad Flat Deer Winter Range Conceptual Area
Protection Plan (CAPP). The Board allocated funding in 1985, 1988 and 1998
for the purpose of acquiring conservation easements on lands immediately
south and west of the subject property. Last year, the property owner donated
a conservation easement to Calaveras County over a separate 197± acres
immediately east of this property thereby completing a linkage between Eagle
Ridge to the immediate west with federal forest and Bureau of Land
Management (BLM) land to the immediate east. The BLM land extends to
federal forest land to its east and south with DFG managed Sheep Ranch
Wildlife Area. In close proximity, but non-contiguous, are the Calaveras Big
Trees State Park and more federal forest land to the east and southeast.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
This conservation easement will preserve and protect in perpetuity migratory
deer habitat, oak woodland, hardwood-conifer, mixed chaparral, and riparian
habitats for black bear, mountain lion, and bobcat. The conservation easement
will provide habitat corridors and connectivity between adjacent lands that have
been preserved for conservation purposes. The key species benefiting from
this proposed conservation easement are migrant California mule deer, with the
entire property providing winter habitat forage for large numbers of migrant
deer. The ranch also supports a variety of other wildlife, including black bear,
mountain lion, bobcat, coyote, and California quail. Other species that will
benefit from the acquisition include ringtail cats and golden eagles.
According to the DFG's Railroad Flat deer herd management plan, 75 percent
of the winter range of this herd is privately owned. Land uses in the area are
gradually changing from large acreage cattle ranches to small acreage
ranchettes, potentially reducing the property's wildlife values, making public
protection.critical to protection of this herd.
19
WCB PROGRAM
The proposed acquisition of this project is being made under the Land
Acquisition Program at WCB. The Acquisition Program is administered
pursuant to the WCB's original enabling legislation, the Wildlife Conservation
Law of 1947 (Fish and Game Code Section 1300 et seq.) to acquire areas that
can successfully sustain wildlife and provide for suitable recreation
opportunities. Under this program, acquisition activities are carried out in
conjunction with the DFG evaluating the biological values of property through
development of a Conceptual Area Protection Plan (CAPP). The CAPP is then
submitted to DFG's Regional Operations Committee (ROC) for review and
approval and later transmitted to the WCB with a recommendation to fund.
MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND NEEDS
This project provides the DFG with an opportunity to protect critical habitat,
benefiting a host of wildlife species,.while incurring very little management
costs. It is estimated that 1-2 person days per year would be needed to
conduct an onsite inspection to monitor the conservation easement area. DFG
will hold title to the easement and will monitor the property on an annual basis
to ensure that conservation easement conditions are being met. Monitoring
costs will be covered and absorbed under the current regional operation and
maintenance (O&M) budget.
TERMS
The property owner has agreed to sell the conservation easement to the DFG
for the Department of General Services (DGS) approved appraised fair market
value of$410,000.00. The terms and conditions of the proposed property
acquisition agreement provide that staff of the WCB will 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. Additionally, DFG staff will be responsible for monitoring the
property at least once annually.
PROJECT FUNDING
The WCB will fund the entire purchase price of the easement which is
$410,000.00.
Wildlife Conservation Board $410,000.00
Other Project-related Costs 20 000.00
TOTAL WCB Allocatm $430,000.00
It is estimated that an additional $20,000.00 will be needed to cover project-
related expenses, including appraisal costs, DGS review costs, and escrow
20
fees bringing the total recommended allocation for this proposal to
$430,000.00.
FUNDING SOURCE
The proposed funding source for this project is the Habitat Conservation Fund
(Proposition 117), Section 2786 (a) that provides funding for protection of deer,
mountain lion, and oak habitats and is consistent with the objectives of this
project.
ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND STATE RECOMMENDATION
The acquisition has been reviewed for compliance with the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requirements and is proposed as exempt
under CEQA Guidelines Section 15313, Class 13, as an acquisition of land for
wildlife conservation purposes, and Section 15325, Class 25, as a transfer of
an ownership interest in land to preserve open space. Subject to authorization
by the WCB, a Notice of Exemption will be filed with the State Clearinghouse.
The DFG has reviewed this proposal and recommends it for approval.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Wildlife Conservation Board approve this project as
proposed; allocate $430,000.00 from the Habitat Conservation Fund
(Proposition 117), Section 2786(a), to cover the acquisition and internal project-
related expenses; authorize staff to enter into appropriate agreements
necessary to accomplish this project; and authorize staff and the Department of
Fish and Game to proceed substantially as planned.
21
*11. Eticuera Creek Watershed Habitat Restoration $515,000.00
Napa County
This proposal is to consider the allocation for a grant to the Land Trust of Napa
County for a partnership project with the State Coastal Conservancy, the U.C.
McLaughlin Reserve, the Blue Ridge Berryessa Natural Area Conservation
Partnership, and the Department of Fish and Game (DFG) to restore riparian
habitat in the Eticuera Creek Watershed.
LOCATION
The project is located in the Eticuera Creek Watershed between the town of
Knoxville and the north shore of Lake Berryessa in Napa County. The project
is located on three separate ownerships: property owned by the Homestead
Mining Company (NMC), but managed through long-term agreement by the
University of California McLaughlin Reserve (McLaughlin), a second portion
that is privately owned, and the remainder of the project is on the Knoxville
Wildlife Area, owned by the Department of Fish and Game (DFG).
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The Eticuera Creek Watershed has for millenia supported riparian habitat, one
of the most important habitats for wildlife in California. Statewide, most of this
habitat type has been impacted by human activities through development,
agriculture, and flood control. This particular watershed has been altered
primarily by mining and the introduction exotic invasive plant species. Exotic
invasive plant species like tamarisk, one of the main targets of this project, out-
compete native plants and provide little wildlife habitat value. In some areas of
the State, tamarisk has formed a complete monoculture in riparian corridors,
excluding all native vegetation.
This project is a watershed-wide endeavor addressing multiple issues with
multiple partners in a four pronged approach:
1. Knoxville Creek at the Knoxville town-site has been heavily impacted by
both gold and mercury mining. While no longer present, a mining town was
once located on the banks of Knoxville Creek and, as a consequence,
nearly all riparian vegetation was removed. Later, mine tailings were
disposed of along the creek banks. HMC, the current owner of the area, is
in the process of moving these mine tailings away from the Knoxville Creek
channel to protect water quality in the creek. While HMC owns the properly,
it is managed through long-term agreement by McLaughlin, and HMC is not
required to replant with native plants or control invasive species. WCB
funding will allow for the enhancement of the aquatic and habitats by
eliminating exotic invasive species on the site and planting both woody and
herbaceous native riparian species on 21.6 acres of floodplain created by
the removal of the tailings. Additional riparian vegetation will be installed
along 3500 lineal feet of creek channel. The floodplain plants will be
22
irrigated for three years after planting and all plants will be monitored and
replanted as necessary to achieve 80% survivorship.
2. Portions of Knoxville Creek at the Knoxville town site have become heavily
incised and disconnected from the floodplain as a result of human activity
along the creek. A hydrologic study will be implemented to identify solutions
to restore more natural creek morphology and function, which will be
implemented in future projects.
3. In 2002 and 2006, the Board funded a two-phase project to remove
tamarisk from Knoxville and Eticuera Creeks on the Knoxville Wildlife Area.
This project will continue that work on other creeks and properties in the
watershed. These will include Eticuera Creek, Adams Creek and Nevada
Creek on the Gamble Ranch and Long Canyon Creek, Zim Zim Creek and
Nevada Creek on the Knoxville Wildlife Area. In addition, Eticuera Creek on
the newly acquired Todd Ranch portion of the wildlife area will also be
treated.
4. Barbed goatgrass, an exotic invasive grass, has begun to invade the
Eticuera Creek watershed. This species is of particular concern because it
can invade serpentine seeps, a rare wetland type with endemic plants that
would be highly susceptible to such an invasion. This has already occurred
in nearby watersheds. This portion of the project will control the invasion in
its early stages, before it is irreversible. Preliminary surveys and mapping
have been done in anticipation of herbicide treatments to be funded by this
grant.
WCB PROGRAM
This project is funded through the California Riparian Habitat Conservation
Program and meets program's goal of increasing riparian habitat across
California by implementing riparian habitat restoration projects.
MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND NEEDS
According to the Grant Agreement, signed by both the Grantee and
Landowners, the five-year implementation period is to be followed by long-term
management of the project by the Grantee for riparian habitat values for at least
25 years. Furthermore, all areas where tamarisk, barbed goatgrass and other
invasives were removed by this project will be monitored for reinvasion and
retreated when necessary.
This project will meet the objectives of the Knoxville Wildlife Area Management
Plan, The U.C. McLaughlin Reserve Management Plan and the Blue Ridge
Berryessa Natural Area Conservation Framework.
23
PROJECT FUNDING
The proposed funding breakdown for the project is as follows:
Wildlife Conservation Board $515,000.00
State Coastal Conservancy 118,113.00
Homestake Mining Company 100,000.00
Other Partners 92,500.00
TD-TA L $825,61.3.0Q
Project costs will be for project management; hydrologic assessment and
mapping; planning and design; site preparation; weed control; planting;
irrigation and plant protection; maintenance; monitoring/evaluation; replanting;
and project administration.
FUNDING SOURCE
The proposed funding sources for this project are the Habitat Conservation
Fund (Proposition 117), Section 2786 (e/f)(1 E) and the California Clean Water,
Clean Air, Safe Neighborhood Parks and Coastal Protection Fund (Proposition
40), Section 5096.650. Respectively, these sources provide funding for the
protection, restoration or enhancement of riparian habitat located in floodplains
and for habitat that provides corridors linking separate habitat areas to prevent
habitat fragmentation. They are consistent with the objectives of this project.
ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND STATE RECOMMENDATION
The DFG has reviewed this proposal and recommends it for funding by the
WCB. The DFG, as lead agency, has prepared and filed a Mitigated Negative
Declaration for the project and staff has prepared written findings based upon
the Mitigated Negative Declaration. Subject to approval by the WCB, a Notice
of Determination will be filed with the State Clearinghouse.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Wildlife Conservation Board adopt the written
findings and approve this project as proposed; allocate $370,000.00 from the
Habitat Conservation Fund (Proposition 117), Section 2786 (e/f)(1 E) and
$145,000.00 from the California Clean Water, Clean Air, Safe Neighborhood
Parks and Coastal Protection Fund (Proposition 40), Section 5096.650;
authorize staff to enter into appropriate agreements necessary to accomplish
this project; and authorize staff and the Department of Fish and Game to
proceed substantially as planned.
24
*12. Napa-Sonoma Marshes Wildlife Area, $10,000.00
American Canyon
Napa County
This proposal is to consider the acceptance of 352} acres of land for the
Department of Fish and Game (DFG) for protection of bay wetlands, as an
addition to the DFG's Napa-Sonoma Marshes Wildlife Area. The property
contains scarce salt marsh habitat that support a number of waterfowl and
shorebirds species in the San Francisco North Bay area, including a number of
listed species.
LOCATION
The subject property is located east of the Napa River, along Eucalyptus Drive,
on the western edge of the City of American Canyon, in Napa County. The
property abuts up to the northeast edge of the DFG Napa-Sonoma Marshes
Wildlife Area (Wildlife Area) at an area referred to as the American Canyon Unit
salt plant site. Portions of the project site are encumbered with an easement
for development and connection with the San Francisco Bay Trail in Napa
County that runs along the eastern border of the Wildlife Area, north toward the
City of Napa.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The original site was acquired from the Port of Oakland, with funding provided
by a CALFED grant, requiring at least 70% of the property be deeded to DFG.
The other 30% is being retained by the City of American Canyon as public open
space. The property is being accepted by the DFG and will be assembled into
the Wildlife Area. The property is predominately bay wetlands, and there are
no plans for any future restoration. The habitat on the property will support
waterfowl and shorebird species, including California clipper rail, California
black rail, salt marsh yellow throat and western snowy plover.
WCB PROGRAM
The proposed acquisition of this project is being made under the Land
Acquisition Program at WCB. The Acquisition Program is administered
pursuant to the WCB's original enabling legislation, the Wildlife Conservation
Law of 1947 (Fish and Game Code Section 1300 et seq.), which gives the
WCB the authority to acquire areas that can successfully sustain wildlife and
provide for suitable recreation opportunities. Under this program, acquisition
activities are carried out in conjunction with the DFG, which evaluates the
biological values of property and whether or not to recommend it for funding.
MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND NEEDS
The property will be assembled into the Wildlife Area and managed as tidal
wetlands by the DFG. There are no pumps or hard structures on site requiring
maintenance. The bay trail will be managed by the City of American Canyon.
Because the property is primarily a wetland in its current condition, and is being
25
assembled to wetland areas, any operation and maintenance costs are
expected to be nominal and easily absorbed under the current operating and
maintenance budget of the Wildlife Area.
TERMS
The original CALFED grant used to acquire the property was for$2,600,000.00.
The grant funding terms allows for the protection, restoration and enhancement
wetlands and the transfer of the property to DFG. Staff has reviewed the title
documents and conferred with DFG staff, and have agreed to accept the
property subject to the terms of the CALFED grant agreement.
PROJECT FUNDING .
This is a non-cash transfer from the City of American Canyon to DFG. The
purchase price is $0.00.
Other Project-Related Costs: $10,000.00
TOTAL WCB Allocation $10,000.00
It is estimated that $10,000.00 will be needed for internal project-related
expenses, including title insurance, escrow fees, and review charges by the
Department of General Services.
FUNDING SOURCE
The proposed funding source for this project is the Water Security, Clean
Drinking Water, Coastal and Beach Protection Fund of 2002 (Proposition 50),
Section 79572(c), which allows for protection of wetland habitat within the San
Francisco Bay Area and 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
fish and wildlife conservation purposes, and under Section 15325, Class 25, as
a transfer of an ownership interest in land to preserve open space and habitat.
Subject to approval by the WCB, a Notice of Exception will be filed with the
State Clearinghouse.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Wildlife Conservation Board approve this project as
proposed; allocate $10,000.00 from the Water Security, Clean Drinking Water,
Coastal and Beach Protection Fund of 2002 (Proposition 50), Section 79572(c),
for internal project-related expenses, authorize staff to enter into appropriate
agreements necessary to accomplish this project; and authorize staff and the
Department of Fish and Game to proceed substantially as planned.
26
*13. Insectaries for Pollinators and Farm Biodiversity $73,000.00
Sonoma County
This proposal is to consider the allocation for a grant to Gold Ridge Resource
Conservation District (Grantee) for a cooperative project with the Natural
Resources Conservation Service, the Sonoma County Fish and Game
Commission, the Community Alliance with Family Farmers, Farm Stewards and
the landowners to restore and enhance wildlife and pollinator habitat by
maximizing nesting and food sources for a variety of native bee species on
eight privately owned properties located in Sonoma County.
LOCATION
The project is located in western Sonoma County in the Green Valley Creek
Watershed, Salmon Creek Watershed, and Blucher Creek Watershed between
the towns of Santa Rosa and Bodega Bay.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Native bees and other beneficial insects play an integral role in California farm
industries, pollinating one-third of all food crops and numerous native plant
species that compose the State's agricultural and biological diversity. Despite
their significance, populations of native and European bees throughout the U.S.
have crashed dramatically over the past several decades. Concerned for both
their own farm productivity and the vitality of the landscape around them,
innovative producers have sought to restore and enhance pollinator habitat and
attract bees back to their farms.
This project represents a collaborative effort with the Gold Ridge Resource
Conservation District (GRRCD), the Community Alliance with Family Farmers
(CAFF), and Farm Stewards to create and improve substantial pollinator habitat
on eight working farms in western Sonoma County. The partners will work with
participating landowners to develop and implement Pollinator Farm Plans.
These plans are comprehensive property assessments that will be designed to
maximize nesting and food sources for a variety of native bee species while
providing secondary benefits such as pest management, improved water and
soil quality, and harvestable products. Efforts will focus on innovative
applications of insectary habitat creation, such as drought-tolerant hedgerows
on non-irrigated ranchland, and an emphasis on non-Pierce's disease host
plants for vineyards. Particular emphasis will be given to habitat creation for
native bee species, which have been shown to be resilient to many of the
current threats to managed honeybees, and essential to many plant species
throughout California. The project will include the creation of field borders,
nesting structures, appropriate cover crop mixes, contour buffer strips and drift
barriers, critical area planting, filter strips, riparian and farm pond revegetation,
and pest management practices. Plantings will be specifically designed to
provide year-round pollen and nectar sources and shelter for native bees and
other pollinators, while also harboring other beneficial predatory insects that
27
control crop pests. Planting areas will also provide essential wildlife corridors
for birds and mammals, while improving riparian and pond habitat for aquatic
species.
The project will take place on eight privately owned farms that represent a
range of agricultural land uses, including one conventional vineyard, one
organic vineyard, one organic orchard, two organic vegetable crop farms, a
diverse farm including an organic vineyard, and two grazed rangelands. The
plantings will be installed to create insectary habitat throughout the eight
properties, using available spaces that will expand riparian areas and provide
wildlife corridors along fence lines.
WCB PROGRAM
This project is funded through the Ecosystem Restoration on Agricultural Lands
Program and meets program's goal of assisting farmers in integrating
agricultural activities with ecosystem restoration and wildlife protection.
MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND NEEDS
The Grantee has agreed to manage and maintain the facilities for 25 years,
pursuant to the terms and conditions of the grant. if at any time during the life
of the project, the grantee is unable to manage and maintain the project
improvements, they will 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:
Wildlife Conservation Board $73,000.00
Natural Resources Conservation Service 71,520.00
Sonoma County Fish and Wildlife Commission 7,495.00
Gold Ridge Resource Conservation District 8,400.00
Landowners 42,000.00
TOTAL Project Cost $$2. 2.415
Project costs will be for planting and irrigation, nursery plants, materials,
vegetation maintenance, and project signs; and project design, construction
supervision, and administration.
FUNDING SOURCE
The proposed funding source for this project is the Safe Drinking Water,
Water Quality and Supply, Flood Control, River and Coastal Protection Fund
(Proposition 84), Section 75055(d)(4). This funding allows for assisting
farmers in integrating agricultural activities with ecosystem restoration and
wildlife protection, and is consistent with the objectives of this project.
28
ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND STATE RECOMMENDATION
This restoration project is exempt under Sections 15304 of the CEQA
Guidelines because the project will consist of a minimal amount of earthmoving
and there will be no negative impacts to the physical environment that would
reduce its ability to produce native or agricultural plants. Subject to approval by
the WCB, the appropriate Notice of Exemption will be filed with the State
Clearinghouse. The DFG has reviewed this proposal and recommends it for
funding by the WCB.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Wildlife Conservation Board approve this project as
proposed; allocate $73,000.00 from the Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and
Supply, Flood Control, River and Coastal Protection Fund of 2006 (Proposition
84), Section 75055(d)(4); authorize staff to enter into appropriate agreements
necessary to accomplish this project; and authorize staff and the Department of
Fish and Game to proceed substantially as planned.
29
*14. Goleta Slough Ecological Reserve Restoration, $366,000.00
Augmentation and Change of Scope
Santa Barbara County
This project is to consider the allocation for a funding augmentation and change
of scope for a grant to the Land Trust of Santa Barbara County (LTSBC) for a
cooperative project with the Army Corps of Engineer and the Federal Aviation
Administration to restore and enhance the Department of Fish and Game's
Goleta Slough Ecological Reserve (Reserve).
LOCATION
The project is located within the City of Goleta, adjacent to and south of the
Goleta Airport, in Santa Barbara County. The Reserve area was once part of
an estuarine ecosystem connected directly to the tidal influences of the Goleta
Slough, During World War II, portions of the Reserve were filled in and
developed, restricting tidal action and effectively eliminating the estuarine
areas. More recently, the Reserve area was purchased by the California
Department of Transportation as a potential highway route. Plans for the route
were abandoned and the property was later conveyed to the DFG. Today, the
Reserve functions mostly as a freshwater wetland and upland habitat, trapping
rain and run-off water from surrounding development.
The Reserve is long and triangular in shape, bounded by the University of
California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) on the south, Goleta Airport property to the
west and the airport and light industrial uses to the north. A major thoroughfare,
Los Cameros Road, runs north-south essentially through the middle of the
reserve, dividing it into two main units connected by culverts, referred to as the
West Unit and East Units.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The goal of project is to enhance and expand wetland habitat values throughout
the 34.41 acres owned by the DFG in the Reserve by: (a) creating seven acres
of new wetlands, (b) removing non-native plant species; (c) improving
hydrologic conditions to sustain existing wetlands; (d) removing man-made
features; (e) enhancing upland habitats adjacent to wetlands; (f) providing for
future tide circulation opportunities; and (g) providing up to five years
maintenance and monitoring to ensure the success of the project.
West Unit
The West Unit is approximately 12 acres in size. Work on the West Unit,
referred to as Phase 1, entailed removal of fill materials, grading and contouring
to expand and enhance wetland areas, culvert removal and improved water
conveyance, removal of non-native plants and replanting of native vegetation
within the wetland and upland areas, and construction of a public access trail
with interpretive signs along the southern perimeter of the site. Most of the
30
Phase 1 work on the West Unit is completed, though some infill planting,
maintenance and monitoring are still required.
East Unit
The East Unit is approximately 22 acres and contains freshwater wetlands,
upland areas and a tidally-influenced channel. The site also contains two old
military bunkers and roads and parking areas that are used by the UCSB
facilities operations. The proposed work on the east Unit includes creation of
seven acres of new wetland; removal of non-native plants and planting of native
vegetation; removal of the two old military world war two era bunkers, paved
areas, rubble and fill; fencing; grading and contouring to enhance wetland areas;
and installation of culverts and gates to improve water management along Mesa
ditch, which provides muted tidal flows from Goleta Slough located near the
south east portion of the site.
To date most of the necessary preconstruction work, including permits and a
Remedial Action Plan to identify and test for hazardous materials, has been
completed for the East Unit and the project is ready for construction. Already
much of the site preparation, including removal of the bunkers and other
improvements has occurred, along with removal of some of the invasive plants.
The contract to begin the major restoration work on the wetland areas is in place
and scheduled to occur in the fail and winter of 2010/11.
Change of Scope
As a result of an archeological survey on the site and the identification of
potential sensitive areas (a Chumash Native American site), a larger than
expected buffer areas was required that reduced the planned restoration site on
the northwest side of the East Unit, reducing the amount of transitional wetland
and upland areas planned for restoration by 1.75 acres. Total restoration
acreage will be reduced from 26.26 acres to 24.51 acres.
WCB PROGRAM
The original grant and the augmentation for this project are being made under
the WCB's Habitat Enhancement and Restoration Program. The Habitat
Enhancement and Restoration Program (General) is the Board's general
restoration program that includes native fisheries restoration and restoration of
tidal or fresh wetland habitats, coastal scrub, grasslands, oak woodlands, and
threatened and endangered species habitats. This authority is pursuant to the
Board's original enabling legislation, The Wildlife Conservation Law of 1947
(Fish and Game Section 1300, et seq).
MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND NEEDS
The grant and restoration project requires five years of monitoring for
performance. Over the first two years bi-monthly visits will be conducted by the
LTSBC to determine the success of removing invasive species and the
regrowth of new native species. After two years, site visits will occur quarterly.
31
The target survival rate is 80% after five years. Bird surveys will also be
conducted through the first five years. Annual reports will be provided to the
WCB each November. Maintenance during the first five years will include
maintaining newly planted areas, including temporary irrigation systems,
weeding, repairs to fencing, trash removal, paths and temporary erosion control
items. After five years, the DFG will take over maintenance responsibilities,
which are expected to be minimal.
If at any time during the life of the project, the landowners are unable to
manage and maintain the project improvements, they will 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 original budget total for the project was $1,738,312.00. The funding
breakdown from the different partners was as follows:
Wildlife Conservation Board $ 903,312.00
US Army Corps of Engineers 795,000.00
Federal Aviation Administration 40,000.00
TOTAL 1.738.312.00
Of the,original WCB grant approximately $260,000.00 remains unexpended.
Because of project delays related to obtaining permits, completing remediation
for contaminated soil found onsite, and higher than expected prevailing wage
costs, the total project cost has gone up by $996,000.00. The additional
needed funds will come from the following:
Federal grant funds $593,000.00
Wildlife Conservation Board 366,000.00
Federal Interest Accrued 37,000.00
Total additional funds 996,000.00
Total Project Cos# $2.734,312.00
Project costs will be primarily for completion of construction on the East Unit,
entailing clearing, grading, contouring of land, installation of water control
structures, planting, and maintenance and monitoring throughout the term of
the agreement, which expires December 31, 2011.
FUNDING SOURCE
The proposed funding sources for this project are the Habitat Conservation
Fund (Proposition 117), Section 2786(d) (Wetlands Outside the Central Valley,
32
(P-50 SoCal) and the Water Security, Clean Drinking Water, Coastal and
Beach Protection Fund of 2002 (Proposition 50), Section 79572(a), both of
which provide funding for the protection, restoration or enhancement of wetland
areas along the southern California coast.
ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND STATE RECOMMENDATION
The DFG has reviewed this proposal and recommends it for funding by the
WCB. A coastal development permit has already been obtained from the
California Coastal Commission for this project. The Department of Fish and
Game, as lead agency, prepared a Negative Declaration for the original project
pursuant to the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Staff considered the Negative Declaration for the project and has prepared
proposed written findings documenting the WCB's compliance with CEQA.
Upon approval by the WCB, the appropriate Notice of Determination will be
filed with the State Clearinghouse.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Wildlife Conservation Board adopt the written
findings and approve this project as proposed; allocate $300,000.00 from the
Habitat Conservation Fund (Proposition 117), Section 2786(4) (Wetlands
Outside the Central Valley, (P50 SoCal) and $66,000.00 from the Water
Security, Clean Drinking Water, Coastal and Beach Protection Fund of 2002
(Proposition 50), Section 79572(a); authorize staff to enter into appropriate
agreements necessary to accomplish this project; and authorize staff and the
Department of Fish and Game to proceed substantially as planned.
33
x`15. James San ,Jacinto Mountains Reserve Renovation $248,000.00
Riverside County
This proposal is to consider the allocation for a grant to the Regents of the
University of California to purchase and install five new manufactured cabins
and one laundry facility, make renovations to two existing buildings, and repair
roads at the James San Jacinto Mountains Reserve, located in the San Jacinto
Mountain Range approximately 10 miles south of the town of Banning in
Riverside County.
LOCATION
James Reserve (Reserve) sits on an alluvial bench at the lower end of Hall
Canyon, a steep western flank of Black Mountain, part of the San Jacinto
Mountains. The Reserve hosts a wide variety of plant communities: Sierra
mixed conifer forest, oak woodlands, montane chaparral, alder-willow-cedar
riparian forest. A rapidly flowing mountain stream with a manmade reservoir
(Lake Fulmor) is immediately downstream. The entire watershed is protected
for research and study by the U.S. Forest Service (500 acres). The reserve
has recorded 259 species of vascular plants, 35 bryophytes, 6 amphibians, 18
reptiles, 125 birds (60% nesting), 35 mammals, and over 1000 invertebrates.
The Reserve is also home to one of the oldest and largest ponderosa pines in
southern California, at around 500 years old and 200 feet tall.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The project will add five cabins to provide additional and longer-term
accommodation for users, with one cabin having space to be used as a
classroom facility. The project will also add a laundry facility for the residents
with an outdoor access bathroom for day users. The renovations will take
place at Lolomi Lodge and Trailfinder Lodge. Lolomi Lodge is an integral and
historic part of the Reserve and provides vital housing for the resident director.
The roof, flooring, and foundation all need to be replaced. The Trailfinder
Lodge also needs renovation as it has long outgrown its original design
purpose. It was originally only meant to provide dormitory style housing, but
has since become the main office, library, and headquarters for the Reserve.
The project will renovate the kitchen facilities, office, library, meeting room and
roof. The project also includes site prep for the cabins, utilities, and roadway
rehabilitation.
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 acquisitions, 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 (UCNRS) is to
contribute to the understanding and wise management of the earth and its
natural systems by supporting university-level teaching, research, and public
service at protected areas throughout California. To implement this funding,
the WCB and the UCNRS developed guidelines for selecting eligible projects.
34
This also included establishment of a UCNRS Ad Hoc Advisory Subcommittee
to review and set priorities for project proposals prior to submittal to the WCB.
MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND NEEDS
The grantee has agreed to manage and maintain the facilities for 25 years,
pursuant to the terms and conditions of the grant. If at any time during the life of
the project, the grantee is unable to manage and maintain the project
improvements, they will 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:
Wildlife Conservation Board $248,000.00
University of California, Riverside 248,000.00
TOTAL $496,000.00
Project costs will be for site prep, utility upgrades, five manufactured cabins,
one laundry facility, renovations to two existing buildings, roadway
improvements, construction supervision, and administration.
FUNDING SOURCE
The proposed funding source for this project is the Safe Drinking Water, Water
Quality and Supply, Flood Control, River and Coastal Protection Fund
(Proposition 84), 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
This project is exempt under Sections 15301 and 15303 of the CEQA
Guidelines because the project will consist of less than 2,500 sq. ft. of new
structures and less than six dwelling units and there will be no negative impacts
to the physical environment. Subject to approval by the WCB, the appropriate
Notice of Exemption will be filed with the State Clearinghouse. The project was
vetted through the University of California Natural Reserve System's Ad Hoc
Subcommittee and recommended for funding.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Wildlife Conservation Board approve this project as
proposed; allocate $248,000.00 from the Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality
and Supply, Flood Control, River and Coastal Protection Fund of 2006
(Proposition 84), Section 75055(b)(3); authorize staff to enter into appropriate
agreements necessary to accomplish this project; and authorize staff and the
Department of Fish and Game to proceed substantially as planned.
35
*16. Peninsular Bighorn Sheep $5,000.00
Riverside County
This proposal is to consider a cooperative project with the United States Fish
and Wildlife Services (USFWS), Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy, and
the Department of Fish and Game (DFG), to acquire 947± acres of private land
adjacent to the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument for
the protection of habitat for the peninsular bighorn sheep. This acquisition is
part of the Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan and Natural Community
Conservation Plan approved for the Coachella Valley portion of Riverside
County.
LOCATION
The property is located within the Santa Rosa Mountains and Coachella Valley,
west of 77th Avenue, southwest of Old State Highway 86, west of the
community of Oasis, and just west of the Salton Sea. Most of the property is
surrounded by mountains, held by public agencies. The surrounding areas in
the valley are mostly agriculture, with residential development located just to
the east.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The subject property is mostly desert mountain area, sloping down into a fluvial
plain with some follow vineyards located at the lower eastern portions of the
property. The acquisition of the subject parcels will provide core habitat,
linkages, and transport corridors which are important for the Peninsular Bighorn
sheep (PBS). Placement of this area in public ownership will add a significant
buffer from the developing residential lands to the east and north. The subject
property has multiple species values including habitat for desert tortoise, least
Bell's vireo, and the southwestern willow flycatcher. There is also potential
habitat for several sensitive bat species including the western yellow bat, pallid
bat, California leafnosed bat, spotted bat, pocketed free-tailed bat, and western
mastiff bat. Protection of the property would also benefit many other species
that inhabit the area including mountain lion, mule deer, golden eagle, and
prairie falcon.
WCB PROGRAM
The proposed acquisition of this project is being made under the Land
Acquisition Program at WCB. The Acquisition Program is administered
pursuant to the WCB's original enabling legislation, the Wildlife Conservation
Law of 1947 (Fish and Game Code Section 1300, et seq.), which gives the
WCB the authority to acquire areas that can successfully sustain wildlife and
provide for suitable recreation opportunities. Under this program, acquisition
activities are carried out in conjunction with the DFG, which evaluates the
biological values of property and whether or not to recommend it for funding.
36
MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND NEEDS
The DFG has identified the subject property as being within a Significant
Natural Area and has recommended the purchase of the property which would
be incorporated into and managed in conjunction with other existing wildlife
areas and ecological reserves in the region. The subject property may be
appropriate for both passive and consumptive recreational uses. The
acquisition of the subject property, if approved, brings the total number of acres
protected within the Santa Rosa and Santa Jacinto Mountains National
Monument area to over 115,000 acres. Management costs will be covered and
absorbed under the current regional operation and maintenance (O&M) budget.
TERMS
The owners have agreed to sell the property at the appraised value of
$1,798,730.00, as approved by the Department of General Services (DGS).
The USFWS will provide a Recovery Land Acquisition Program Grant, in an
amount not to exceed $1,259,111.00 to be applied toward the purchase price of
the property. The Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy has agreed to
provide funds in the amount of no less than $539,619.00 to assist in this
acquisition. The terms and conditions of the proposed grants provide that staff
of the WCB will 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.
PROJECT FUNDING
The proposed funding breakdown for the project is as follows:
USFWS Section 6 Grant (E-27-RL-3) $1,259,111.00
Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy Grant 539,619.00
TOTAL Purchase Price _$1,798 7-30-00
Other Project-related Costs: 5,000.00
TOTAL WCB Allocation 0d .
It is estimated that an additional $5,000.00 will be needed to cover internal
project-related expenses, including DGS review costs, bringing the total
recommended allocation for this proposal to $5,000.00.
FUNDING SOURCE
The purposes of this project are consistent with the proposed funding source,
California Clean Water, Clean Air, Safe Neighborhood Parks and Coastal
Protection Fund (Proposition 40), Section 5906.650 that allows for grants to
protect-habitat corridors and prevent habitat fragmentation.
37
ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND STATE RECOMMENDATION
The acquisition has been reviewed for compliance with the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requirements and is proposed as exempt
under CEQA Guidelines Section 15313, Class 13, as an acquisition of land for
wildlife conservation purposes, and Section 15325, Class 25, as a transfer of
an ownership interest in land to preserve open space. Subject to authorization
by the WCB, a Notice of Exemption will be filed with the State Clearinghouse.
The project has been reviewed by DFG through the establishment and approval
of the NCCP and has been recommended for approval.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Wildlife Conservation Board approve the project as
proposed; approve the acceptance of a Recovery Land Acquisition Program
Grant from USFWS in the amount of$1,259,111.00; allocate $5,000.00 from.
the California Clean Water, Clean Air, Safe Neighborhood Parks and Coastal
Protection Fund (Proposition 40), Section 5906.650 to cover internal project-
related expenses; authorize staff to enter into appropriate agreements
necessary to accomplish this project; and authorize staff and the Department of
Fish and Game to proceed substantially as planned.
38
*17. East Elliott and Otay Mesa Regions (Sunroad) $5,000.00
San Diego County
This proposal is to consider the acceptance of a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Habitat Conservation Planning Land Acquisition grant and the approval to
subgrant $67,200.00 of the federal funds to the City of San Diego (City) to
assist with the acquisition of 1± acre of land to protect critical regional wildlife
linkages, coastal sage scrub, and to protect and preserve core areas of vernal
pool habitat that will enhance the existing Multiple Species Conservation
Program (MSCP) area.
LOCATION
The subject property is located on the western Otay Mesa, south of Highway
905 and east of Highway 805 within the San Diego city limits. The property is
within a Mutli-Species Conservation Plan (MSCP) that is a joint federally
approved Habitat Conservation Plan and a state approved Natural Community
Conservation Plan (NCCP). The MSCP covers approximately 900 square miles
in southwestern San Diego County and includes the City of San Diego, portions
of the unincorporated County of San Diego, and ten other local jurisdictions.
The planning area is bordered by Mexico to the south, National Forest lands to
the east, the Pacific Ocean to the west, and the San Dieguito River Valley to
the north.
The City of San Diego, along with 12 other local jurisdictions, developed the
MSCP to address potential impacts from increased development and related
infrastructures and the need to protect and preserve important habitat areas
and corridors within the 900 square mile area covered under the plan. Together
with the wildlife agencies, the local communities developed a conservation plan
that addresses both development and wildlife needs within the planning area,
along with individual subarea plans that provide the details on how each
jurisdiction will implement the plan within their boundaries.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The Otay Mesa is a core biological resource in southern San Diego County, but
is under threat from nearby development and related external impacts.
Protection and preservation of properties on the Otay Mesa and surrounding
area is critical to maintaining the regional wildlife linkages, coastal sage scrub,
and vernal pool habitat that will further the objectives of the MSCP. Acquisition
of the subject property will contribute to the protection of critical habitat used by
many sensitive species found in the area. Among these are the California
gnatcatcher, San Diego fairy shrimp and the burrowing owl. Acquisition of this
property will also benefit several are and/or narrow endemic species within the
County's subarea plan. San Diego thornment, willow monardella, Otay mesa
mint, and the Otay tarplant are only found in San Diego County. Orcutt's grass
is limited to a very few locations, with one of the main sites located within the
proposed acquisition area on the Otay Mesa.
39
WCB PROGRAM
The proposed acquisition of this project is being made under the Land
Acquisition Program at WCB. The Acquisition Program is administered
pursuant to the WCB's original enabling legislation, the Wildlife Conservation
Law of 1947 (Fish and Game Code Section 1300 et seq.). The acquisition
program enables the WCB to pursue acquistions on behalf of the DFG, accept
federal grant funds to facilitate acquisitions or subgrant the federal funds to
assist with acquisitions as recommended by the DFG, provide State bond
funding to assist in proposed acquisitions and to cover its project-related'
expenses.
MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND NEEDS
The subject property is bordered on the west and south side by matching City-
owned and managed one acre properties. The City will manage the property in
accordance with the MSCP adopted in 1997. The City currently monitors and
manages over 20,000 acres of City-owned lands. The subject property will be
added to this responsibility. It is anticipated that once the acquisition is
complete and the biological values of the property are evaluated, appropriate
public access will be considered.
TERMS
The property owner has agreed to sell the property for the Department of
General Services (DGS) approved appraised fair market value of$105,000.00.
The terms and conditions of the proposed subgrant to the City provide that staff
of the WCB will 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.
PROJECT FUNDING
The proposed funding breakdown for the project is as follows:
Wildlife Conservation Board (USFWS Subgrant) $67,200.00
City of San Diego 37,800.00
TOTAL Purchase Price $105,000.00
Other Project-related Costs: 5,000.00
TOTAL WCB Allocation 5 000. 0
It is estimated that $5,000.00 will be needed to cover internal project-related
expenses, including DGS appraisal review costs.
FUNDING SOURCE
The proposed funding source for this project is the Safe Drinking Water, Water
Quality and Supply, Flood Control, River and Coastal Protection Fund of 2006
(Proposition 84), Section 75055(c) that provides funding for grants to implement
40
or assist in the establishment of NCCPs and is consistent with the objectives of
this project.
ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND STATE RECOMMENDATION
The acquisition has been reviewed for compliance with the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requirements and is proposed as exempt
under CEQA Guidelines Section 15313, Class 13, as an acquisition of land for
wildlife conservation purposes, and Section 15325, Class 25, as a transfer of
an ownership interest in land to preserve open space. Subject to authorization
by the WCB, a Notice of Exemption will be filed with the State Clearinghouse.
The Department of Fish and Game has reviewed this proposal and
recommends it for approval.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Wildlife Conservation Board approve this project as
proposed; authorize acceptance of the Habitat Conservation Planning Land
Acquisition Grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and approve the
Agreement to Subgrant in the amount of$67,200.00 to the City of San Diego;
allocate $5,000.00 from the Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and Supply,
Flood Control, River and Coastal Protection Fund of 2006 (Proposition 84),
Section 75055(c) to cover internal project-related expenses; authorize staff to
enter into appropriate agreements necessary to accomplish this project; and
authorize staff and the Department of Fish and Game to proceed substantially
as planned.
41
18. Cow Creek Conservation Area, Expansion 2 $1,340,000.00
Shasta County
This proposal is to consider the allocation for a grant to the American Land
Conservancy (ALC) for a cooperative project with the Natural Resource
Conservation Service and the Department of Fish and Game (DFG) to acquire
a conservation easement over 5,868± acres of land for protection of rangeland,
riparian corridors and other significant ecosystems.
LOCATION
The subject property is a privately owned rangeland parcel located in the
Cascade Range foothills, north of State Highway 44 about 10 miles east of the
City of Redding in Shasta County. The parcel is more specifically located on
Whitmore Road, north of Millville, north of highway 44. The property is bisected
by two creeks Old Cow Creek and Clover Creek. Each creek runs through the
property in an east to west direction and ultimately both flow to the Sacramento
River. The property has been operated as a ranch, grazed and farmed, since
the 1860's. Current land uses in the area includes agriculture, recreation,
residential, natural areas and water supplies.
The property is part of the DFG Cow Creek Conceptual Area Protection (CAPP)
that includes a combination of blue oak woodlands, chaparral, mixed conifer,
riparian, aquatic, vernal pools and grasslands habitats that support sensitive
species and significant populations of native fish and wildlife. There have been
two major acquisitions within the Cow Creek CAPP including Cow Creek Ranch
totaling about 5,000 acres (adjacent to JS Ranch) and the Hathaway Ranch
totaling about 6,600 acres. The Shasta Land Trust is expecting to close on a
third property, the Richert Ranch, totaling about 5,000 acres, in the next few
months. Including this proposed conservation easement, the total protected
area in the Cow Creek CAPP will be in excess of 22,000 acres after the
completion of this project.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The property contains developed springs and irrigation ditches that provide
water to large tracts of land that parallel the creeks on the property. There are
a number of miscellaneous barn and farm structures on site that support the
ranch operation. This project will help create a landscape-scale reserve that
contains a variety of different habitats, including oak woodland, chaparral,
mixed conifer, riparian, grassland and aquatic habitats. These habitat areas
will support multiple species of plants and animals, including deer and mountain
lion, as well as fall-run, late-fall run Chinook salmon and steelhead trout.
WCB PROGRAM
The proposed grant for this project is being made under the Land Acquisition
Program at WCB. The Acquisition Program is administered pursuant to the
WCB's original enabling legislation, the Wildlife Conservation Law of 1947 (Fish
42
and Game Code Section 1300 et seq.) to acquire areas that can successfully
sustain wildlife and provide for suitable recreational opportunities. Under this
program, acquisition activities are carried out in conjunction with the DFG,
evaluating the biological values of property through either development of a
Land Acquisition Evaluation (LAE) or a CAPP. The LAE/CAPP is then
submitted to the DFG Regional Operation Committee (ROC) for review and
approval and later transmitted to the WCB with a recommendation to fund.
MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND NEEDS
ALC will manage the conservation easement over property for the benefit of
threatened and endangered species. The grazing use will continue into
perpetuity and ALC will monitor for compliance of the terms and conditions of
the easement. The owners of the property will be donating an endowment for
monitoring the easement. ALC will eventually transfer the easement interest
with all of the terms and conditions as well as the endowment over to the
California Rangeland Trust. Because this is an easement on private land,
public access will be restricted.
TERMS
The property owner has agreed to sell a conservation easement to ALC for the
Department of General Services (DGS) approved appraised fair market value
of$2,640,000.00 The terms and conditions of the proposed grant to ALC
provides that staff of WCB will 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
breach of the grant terms the WCB can encumber the property with a
conservation easement and seek reimbursement of funds.
PROJECT FUNDING
Wildlife Conservation Board $1,320,000.00
Natural Resource Conservation Service 1,320,000.00
Total Purchase Price: $2,640,000.00
Other Project-related Costs: 20,000.00
TOTAL WCB Allocation 1 40 000„ 0
This is estimated that $20,000.00 will be needed to cover internal project-
related costs, including the Department of General Services review costs.
FUNDING SOURCE
The proposed funding source for this project is the Safe Drinking Water, Water
Quality and Supply, Flood Control, River and Coastal Projection Fund of 2006
(Proposition 84), Section 75055(b), which provides funding for grants for the
protection of wildlife corridors, significant natural landscapes and the protection
43
endangered and threatened species, and is consistent with the objectives of
this project.
ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND STATE RECOMMENDATION
The acquisition has been reviewed for compliance with the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requirements and is proposed as exempt
under CEQA Guidelines Section 15313, Class 13, as an acquisition of land for
wildlife conservation purposes, and Section 15325, Class 25, as a transfer of
an ownership interest in land to preserve open space. Subject to authorization
by the WCB, a Notice of Exemption will be filed with the State Clearinghouse.
The project has been reviewed and approved for funding by WCB staff.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Wildlife Conservation Board approve this project as
proposed; allocate $1,340,000.00 from the Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality
and Supply, Flood Control, River and Coastal Projection Fund of 2006
(Proposition 84), Section 75055(b) for the grant and internal project-related
expenses; authorize staff to enter into appropriate agreements necessary to
accomplish this project; and authorize staff and the Department of Fish and
Game to proceed substantially as planned.
44
19. Red Bank Creek $3,960,000.00
Tehama County
This proposal is to consider an allocation for a grant to the Northern California
Regional Land Trust (NCRLT) to acquire conservation easements over 7,132±
acres of two contiguous ownerships (3,356± acres Burrow Ranch and 3,776±
acres Big Bluff Ranch) in Tehama County. The project will allow the continued
operations of the ranches and at the same time protect important oak woodland
habitat areas, and maintain the property's relatively natural, scenic, and open-
space characteristics.
LOCATION
The ranches are located approximately 20 miles southwest of the City of Red
Bluff, seven miles west of the town of Red Bank, along Colyear and Red Bank
Roads, in Tehama County. Most of the surrounding lands comprise ranches
similar to those to be protected by this project. To the north, the project area
abuts over 6,000 acres of protected Bureau of Land Management land and
another 1,017 acres that is part of the Mendocino National Forest.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
An estimated 60 to 70 percent of the acreage is occupied by individual oak
trees, oak savannah, or oak woodland. Oak tree species present within the
project area include black, valley, interior live, canyon live, blue, scrub, and tan.
The project would also protect annual grassland, farmland, chamise-redshank
chaparral, mixed,chaparral, valley-foothill riparian land, spring-fed wetlands and
creek frontage along Red Bank and North Fork Elder Creeks and a number of
other perennial and seasonal creeks.
WCB PROGRAM
This project funding proposal was submitted to the Wildlife Conservation Board
through its Oak Woodlands Conservation Program. The project is reviewed
and approved by WCB staff, and must be located within a county that has
adopted an Oak Woodlands countywide conservation plan. The Program is
designed to help local efforts to achieve oak woodland protection. More
importantly, this program provides a mechanism to bring ranchers and
conservationists together in a manner that allows the achievement of both
sustainable ranch and farming operations and healthy oak woodlands. The
project meets the objectives of the Oak Woodland Conservation Program by
conserving some 4,275 contiguous acres of oak woodlands and allowing for the
continued ranching and farming operations on the land. Because this is an
easement of a private land, public access will be restricted.
In May 2010, the WCB authorized a grant to the California Association of
Resource Conservation Districts for a cooperative project with the Department
of Fish and Game, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Audubon Society and the
landowners to restore riparian habitat, reduce sedimentation and streambank
45
erosion and improve water quality along Red Bank Creek. This project will
complement those restoration improvements and will improve the wildlife
values the restoration project aims to enhance.
MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND NEEDS
The NCRLT will hold, manage and be responsible for the monitoring of the
easement in perpetuity per the WCB grant terms. A baseline report will have
been completed by the Grantee and approved by the WCB. The conservation
easement deed allows access to the subject properties by both the NCRLT and
the WCB for monitoring purposes.
TERMS
The property owners have agreed to sell conservation easement over their
properties to the NCRLT for the Department of General Services (DGS)
approved appraised fair market values of$1,850,000.00 and $2,100,000.00,
respectively. Combined the total purchase is $3,950,000.00. The terms and
conditions of the proposed grant to the NCRLT provide that staff of the WCB
will 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 breach of the grant terms, the
WCB can seek specific performance or require that title to the conservation
easement be transferred to the WCB or another qualifying entity. The project
lands are encumbered by Land Conservation Contracts under the Williamson
Act that are not affected by the terms of the easement.
PROJECT FUNDING
The WCB proposes to make a grant to NCRLT for the full amount of the
purchase price:
WCB Grant $3,950,000.00
Other Project-related Costs: 10,000.00
TOTAL WCB Allocation $3,960.0-0.Mno
It is estimated that $10,000.00 will be needed to cover internal project-related
costs including the appraisal review costs by the DGS.
FUNDING SOURCE
The proposed funding source for this project is the Safe Drinking Water, Water
Quality and Supply, Flood Control, River and Coastal Protection Fund of 2006
(Proposition 84), Section 75055(d)(2), that allows for the acquisition of
conservation easements on agricultural properties for the protection of oak
woodland habitat and is consistent with the purposes of this project.
46
ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND STATE RECOMMENDATION
The acquisition has been reviewed for compliance with the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requirements and is proposed as exempt
under CEQA Guidelines Section 15313, Class 13, as an acquisition of land for
wildlife conservation purposes, and Section 15325, Class 25, as a transfer of
an ownership interest in land to preserve open space. 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 Conservation
Program and has been recommended for approval.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Wildlife Conservation Board approve this project as
proposed; allocate $3,960,000.00 from the.Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality
and Supply, Flood Control, River and Coastal Protection Fund of 2006
(Proposition 84), Section 75055(d)(2) to cover the grant amount and internal
project-related expenses; authorize staff to enter into appropriate agreements
necessary to accomplish this project; and authorize staff and the Department of
Fish and Game to proceed substantially as planned.
47
20. Heart K Ranch $1,090,000.00
Plumas County
This proposal is to consider the acquisition by the Department of Fish and
Game (DFG) of a conservation easement over 880± acres in Plumas County.
The conservation easement would restrict future development and help insure
that the biological and cultural resources found on the property are protected in
perpetuity. The DFG will hold and monitor the conservation easement.
LOCATION
The Heart K Ranch is located in Plumas County, approximately 2 hours north of
the town of Truckee, 45 minutes north east from the town of Quincy, and 15
minutes east of the small down of Taylorsville. It is a top priority property within
the DFG Genesee Valley Conceptual Area Protection Plan (CAPP). Genesee
Valley is characterized by a large (3,000 acres) relatively level mountain
valley, bisected by Indian Creek, and surrounded on all sides by coniferous and
oak forests. The north side of the Genesee Valley contains unique geologic
features including large talus slopes. The mountains to the south side are
dominated by dense, Douglas-fir dominated mixed conifer forests. Land uses
surrounding the Heart K Ranch are primarily agriculture (ranching) with some
private residences interspersed as single lots or small subdivisions. Forest
lands bordering the north and south of the property are open for public use and
administered by the Plumas National Forest.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
This conservation easement will preserve and protect in perpetuity a variety of
animal and plant habitat. Terrestrial and riparian vegetation types around the
Heart K Ranch include mixed conifer forests and black oak woodlands along
upland portions of the property. These forested habitat types transition to
perennial grasslands, wet meadows, and eventually the montane riparian and
river habitats associated with Indian Creek, which flows through the center of
the ranch. The habitat types support a wide range of terrestrial and aquatic
species, including both State and federal species of special concern.
The riparian area and associated cottonwood-willow riparian habitats along
Indian Creek support a large colony of state threatened bank swallow as well
as state endangered willow flycatcher. The pastures and grasslands adjacent
to the riparian area have regular occurrences of greater sandhill crane and bald
eagle. In combination with upland conifer and hardwood forests, these habitat
types provide nesting and foraging habitat for several birds of prey, including
the golden eagle, northern goshawk, Cooper's hawk, and the California spotted
owl. Indian Creek currently supports six species of native fishes, which include:
hardhead, Sacramento pikeminnow, speckled dace, riffle sculpin, Sacramento
sucker, and rainbow trout. The property also supports a highly diverse
assemblage of mammal species, including Sierra Nevada mountain beaver,
southwestern river otter, beaver and ringtail. There are several more common
48
land mammals, including black bear, bobcat, mountain lion, grey fox, and
blacktail deer, which are abundant throughout Heart K Ranch year-round.
WCB PROGRAM
The proposed acquisition of this project is being made under the Land
Acquisition Program at WCB. The Acquisition Program is administered
pursuant to the WCB's original enabling legislation, the Wildlife Conservation
Law of 1947 (Fish and Game Code Section 1300 et seq.) to acquire areas that
can successfully sustain wildlife and provide for suitable recreation
opportunities. Under this program acquisition activities are carried out in
conjunction with the DFG, evaluating the biological values of property through
development of a Conceptual Area Protection Plan (CAPP). The CAPP is then
submitted to DFG's Regional Operations Committee (ROC) for review and
approval and later transmitted to the WCB with a recommendation to fund.
MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND NEEDS
The DFG will hold title to the conservation easement and will monitor the
property on an annual basis to ensure that conservation easement conditions
are being met. The Feather River Land Trust, which owns the property, has
agreed to fully fund an endowment which will pay all costs associated with
monitoring the conservation area.
TERMS
The property owner has agreed to sell the conservation easement to the DFG
for less than the Department of General Services (DGS) approved appraised
fair market value of$2,200,000.00. The DFG will acquire the conservation
easement for $1,075,000.00, with a landowner donation (bargain sale) of
$1,125,000.00. The terms and conditions of the proposed property acquisition
agreement provide that staff of the WCB will 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.
Additionally, DFG staff will be responsible for monitoring the property at least
once annually.
PROJECT FUNDING
The proposed funding breakdown for the project is as follows:
Wildlife Conservation Board $1,075,000.00
Landowner donation (bargain sale) 1,125,000.00
TOTAL Purchase Price $2,200,000.00
Other Project-related Costs: 15,000.00
TOTAL WCB Allocation $1,090,Q04.00
49
It is estimated that an additional $15,000.00 will be needed to cover project-
related expenses, including DGS review costs and escrow fees.
FUNDING SOURCE
The proposed funding source for this project is the Habitat Conservation Fund
(Proposition 117), Section 2786 (a)(1 E) that provides funding for protection of
deer, mountain lion, oak habitats, and preservation of wildlife values within a
floodplain or flood corridor, and is consistent with the objectives of this project.
ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND STATE RECOMMENDATION
The acquisition has been reviewed for compliance with the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requirements and is proposed as exempt
under CEQA Guidelines Section 15313, Class 13, as an acquisition of land for
wildlife conservation purposes, and Section 15325, Gass 25, as a transfer of
an ownership interest in land to preserve open space. Subject to authorization
by the WCB, a Notice of Exemption will be filed with the State Clearinghouse.
The Department of Fish and Game has reviewed this proposal and
recommends it for approval.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Wildlife Conservation Board approve this project as
proposed; allocate $1,090,000.00 form the Habitat Conservation Fund
(Proposition 117), Section 2786(a)(1 E) to cover the acquisition and internal
project-related expenses; authorize staff to enter into appropriate agreements
necessary to accomplish this project; and authorize staff and the Department of
Fish and Game to proceed substantially as planned.
50
21. Upper Butte Basin Wildlife Area, Expansion 6 $9,120,000.00
Butte County
This proposal is to consider for the acquisition of 222± acres of land for the
Department of Fish and Game (DFG), for the protection of wetland habitat and
as an expansion to the Upper Butte Basin Wildlife Area (UBBWA). The
property will provide habitat for waterfowl, shorebirds and riparian songbirds
and will contribute to the public use and other management objectives of the
UBBWA.
LOCATION
The subject property is located approximately five miles west of the City of
Biggs, in Butte County. The site is next to Cherokee Canal, and fronts the
southerly side of Schohr Ranch Road, a gravel roadway that provides access to
the property from Afton-Biggs Road. The DFG Upper Butte Basin Wildlife Area
(UBBWA), which the property will be a part of, is open to the public and allows
for waterfowl hunting and other outdoor wildlife related uses. The surrounding
lands consist mostly of farm, mostly rice farms, and hunting clubs.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The UBBWA contains a mosaic of diverse and moist soil habitat that provides
quality vegetation for wintering waterfowl, wading birds, and shorebirds. The
project area will provide nesting areas and brood ponds for breeding waterfowl
and other resident wetland related wildlife, and riparian habitat. The project will
benefit mallards, gadwall, American green-winged teal, cinnamon teal, northern
pintail, northern shoveler, American wigeon, riparian songbirds, white faced ibis
and the long-billed curlew.
The property is currently encumbered by a conservation easement held by the
DFG. Because of its location to the Cherokee Canal, and the facilities for water
conveyance and appropriation, both current and future, this property could be
an integral part of the overall water management on the UBBWA. For these
reasons, DFG requested that staff of the Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB)
negotiate a Right of First Refusal as part of the original easement project.
Consequently, the land owner notified the DFG of his intent to sell a portion of
the property, and the DFG has recommended that we pursue acquisition.
In addition to waterfowl and other wildlife diversity found on site, this particular
property is significant for ownership by the DFG because of the water
infrastructure located within its boundaries. The property hosts an important
pumping facility at its southwest boundary that appropriates/diverts water from
the Cherokee Canal to the existing properties of the UBBWA. While the DFG
maintains an easement for the use of this pumping facility, the landowner and
UBBWA staff has made improvements to the water infrastructure to allow water
to be diverted through existing ditches across the property for the benefit of the
UBBWA. The diversion and eventual flow into the UBBWA is by way of gravity
51
flow ditch, thus reducing pumping costs and maintenance the DFG would
otherwise incur. If the property were sold to another land owner, the DFG may
not have the ability to access or improve the property's infrastructure to meet
current and /or future water needs. This could significantly increase the costs of
providing water to the area while at the same time reducing overall habitat and
species management.
WCB PROGRAM
This project funding proposal is being made through the Wildlife Conservation
Board's Inland Wetland Conservation Program. The Inland Wetlands
Conservation Program (IWCP) was created to assist the Central Valley Joint
Venture (CVJV), a federal entity, with specific goals to increase populations of
wintering waterfowl, breeding waterfowl, non-breeding shorebirds, breeding
shorebirds, waterbirds, and breeding riparian songbirds. The project meets the
objectives of the IWCP by protecting habitat for waterfowl, shorebirds and
riparian songbirds.
MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND NEEDS
The Department of Fish and Game will manage these additional 222 acres as
part of the Little Dry Creek Unit of the UBBWA, as a mixture of seasonal
wetlands, semi-permanent wetlands, upland and riparian habitats. The
property will be managed with existing DFG staff working on the UBBWA.
TERMS
The property owner has agreed to sell the property for the Department of
General Services (DGS) approved appraised fair market value of
$1,110,000.00.
The terms and conditions of the proposed acquisition provide that staff of the
WCB 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. The property is encumbered by a Land
Conservation Contract under the Williamson Act, and notification has been
provided accordingly to the Department of Conservation.
PROJECT FUNDING
The WCB will be funding the entire purchase price of$1,110,000.00.
Wildlife Conservation Board $1,110,000.00
Other Project-related Costs: 10,000.00
TOTAL WCB Allocation $1,120,000.00
It is estimated that an additional $10,000.00 will be needed to cover project-
related expenses, including appraisal and DGS review costs.
52
FUNDING SOURCE
The proposed funding source for this project is the Habitat Conservation Fund,
(Proposition 117), Section 2786(d)(1 E) Inland Wetland Conservation Program,
which allows for the protection of wetland habitat within the Central Valley and
is consistent with the objectives of this project.
ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND STATE RECOMMENDATION
The acquisition has been reviewed for compliance with the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requirements and is proposed as exempt
under CEQA Guidelines Section 15313, Class 13, as an acquisition of land for
wildlife conservation purposes, and Section 15325, Class 25, as a transfer of
an ownership interest in land to preserve open space. Subject to authorization
by the WCB, a Notice of Exemption will be filed with the State Clearinghouse.
The Department of Fish and Game has reviewed this proposal and
recommends it for approval.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Wildlife Conservation Board approve this project as
proposed; allocate $1,120,000.00 from the Habitat Conservation Fund
(Proposition 117), Section 2786(d) (1 E) Inland Wetland Conservation Program,
to cover the cost of acquisition and internal project-related expenses; authorize
staff to enter into appropriate agreements necessary to accomplish this project;
and authorize staff and the Department of Fish and Game to proceed
substantially as planned.
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22. Lower Yuba River, Excelsior, Phase 1 $3,216,440.00
Nevada and Yuba Counties
This proposal is to consider the acquisition by the Department of Fish and
Game (DFG) under a cooperative project with The Trust for Public Land (TPL)
and Caltrans to acquire approximately 527± acres of land for protection of deer
and mountain lion habitat. The project will help maintain the natural biodiversity
of the Lower Yuba River watershed and surrounding foothill areas, and expand
public access and fishing opportunities to the Yuba River.
LOCATION
The subject property is located adjacent to the historic community of
Smartsville, along the north side of the Highway 20 corridor in the eastern
portion of Yuba County, and the western edge of Nevada County. The property
is situated on the Lower Yuba River between Rose Bar and Englebright Dam
and includes approximately two miles of river frontage, at the confluence of the
Yuba River and Deer Creek. The site is bordered by Penn Valley, Grass Valley
and Nevada City to the east and Marysville and Yuba City to the west. A
historic Miner's Trail used during the Gold Rush remains on the site, providing a
scenic hiking access through the property. The proposed acquisition is located
within the DFG Lower Yuba River Conceptual Area Protection Plan (CAPP) and
will provide habitat and recreational linkage between the DFG Daugherty
Wildlife Area; University of California Foothill Research Station on the north;
DFG Spenceville Wildlife Area; and the Beale Air Force Base on the south.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The project is being completed in two phases. The first phase before the Board
for consideration is the fee acquisition of 527± acres of land. The second
phase involves the acquisition of a conservation easement over 157± acres of
adjoining land and will be completed in a future transaction between the
property owner and TPL. At this time, there are no plans for WCB to participate
in this second transaction.
The subject property is well known for its scenic beauty and attractiveness to
fisherman for its Chinook salmon and steelhead trout. It offers recreational
boaters and hikers with panoramic views of the river, Rose Bar Bridge to the
west, and the Englebright Dam on the east. The acquisition will also provide
connections to over five miles of recreational areas previously deemed
inaccessible. The site is representative of early California history and includes
a traversable Miner's Trail that was constructed and used by miners during the
California Gold Rush. Remnants of an historic Chinese wall and mining tunnel
also remain intact on the property from California's gold mining past.
The subject property is rich in biodiversity, and includes grassland pastures,
blue oak woodlands and riparian corridors containing riverine aquatic and
associated riparian/wetland habitats. The property also supports wildlife that
54
includes at least 29 reptiles and amphibian species, 57 bird species and 10
mammal species. Listed species found on the site include the Peregrine
falcon, spring run Chinook salmon, Central Valley steelhead, California black
rail, valley elderberry longhorn beetle, foothill yellow-legged frog, and the
burrowing owl. The proposed acquisition will contribute to the regional
conservation planning efforts carried out by various entities including the
California Department of Parks and Recreation; the Sierra Nevada
Conservancy; the Counties of Nevada, Yuba, Placer and Butte; Nevada County
Land Trust; and the Placer Land Trust.
WCB PROGRAM
The proposed acquisition of this project is being made under the Land
Acquisition Program at WCB. The Acquisition Program is administered
pursuant to the WCB's original enabling legislation, the Wildlife Conservation
Law of 1947 (Fish and Game Code Section 1300 et seq.) to acquire areas that
can successfully sustain wildlife and provide for suitable recreation
opportunities. Under this program acquisition activities are carried out in
conjunction with the DFG, evaluating the biological values of property through
development of a Conceptual Area Protection Plan (CAPP). The CAPP is then
submitted to DFG's Regional Operations Committee (ROC) for review-and
approval and later transmitted to the WCB with a recommendation to fund.
MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND NEEDS
The maintenance, conservation, security and caretaker services on the
property will managed at no cost to the State, according to the terms of a
Stewardship Agreement between the DFG and the Excelsior Foundation, a
California nonprofit corporation, for a period of five years. At any time during
the five year period and afterwards the DFG can take over management.
TERMS
The property has a fair market value of$3,700,000.00 based on an
independent appraisal of the property, reviewed and approved by the
Department of General Services (DGS). The property owner has agreed to sell
the property at less than its approved appraised value, for$3,505,000.00.
Once the property is acquired by TPL, it will immediately be conveyed to the
DFG. The terms of the option agreement between TPL and seller require that
escrow must be closed no later than December 31, 2010. Should the State
grant funds not be available to close escrow as stipulated in the State's
purchase agreement, TPL has agreed to fund the acquisition and hold the
property until State funding is available to complete the acquisition by the DFG.
The terms and conditions of the proposed purchase agreement with TPL
provide that staff of the WCB will 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.
55
PROJECT FUNDING
Proposed funding breakdown for the project is as follows:
Wildlife Conservation Board Grant $3,196,440,00
California Department of Transportation 308,560.00
Landowner Donation 195.000.00
Total Purchase Price $3,700,000.00
Other Project-related Costs: 20,000.00
TOTAL WCB Allocation $3,216g440.00
It is estimated that an additional $20,000.00 will be needed for internal project-
related expenses, including title and escrow fees and appraisal and transaction
review costs by the Department of General Services.
FUNDING SOURCE
The proposed funding source for this project is the Habitat Conservation Fund
(Proposition 17), Section 2786(b/c)(1 E), which allows for the protection of
habitat threatened and endangered species and preservation of wildlife values
within a floodplain or flood corridor and 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
fish and wildlife conservation purposes, and under Section 15325, Class 25, as
a transfer of an ownership interest in land to preserve open space and habitat.
Subject to approval by the Wildlife Conservation Board, a Notice of Exception
will be filed with the State Clearinghouse.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Wildlife Conservation Board approve this project as
proposed; allocate $3,216,440.00 from the Habitat Conservation Fund
(Proposition 17), Section 2786(blc)(1 E), for the acquisition and project-related
expenses; authorize staff to enter into appropriate agreements necessary to
accomplish this project; and authorize staff and the Department of Fish and
Game to proceed substantially as planned.
56
23. Bruin Ranch Phase 1 $4,515,000.00
Placer County
This proposal is to consider the allocation of a grant to Placer Land Trust for a
cooperative project with the Department of Fish and Game (DFG), Caltrans and
Placer County to acquire 1,773± acres of property to protect habitat for
threatened and endangered species, including blue oak woodland habitat and
approximately three miles of riparian corridor along the Bear River.
LOCATION
This privately owned property is located west of Highway 49, just west of the
junction of Bell Road and Lone Star Road, adjacent to the Auburn Valley Golf
and Country Club in Placer County. The property is within the DFG approved
Spenceville Wildlife.Area Conceptual Area Protection Plan (CAPP). The
Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB) made an allocation of two grants in 2007 to
Placer Land Trust (PLT) for the purposes of acquiring fee interest in
approximately 320 acres and a conservation easement over approximately 313
acres of land south of the subject property.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Bruin Ranch is the largest parcel containing blue oak woodland in western
Placer County, and includes over three miles of frontage on the Bear River.
The property also includes a wide diversity of wildlife habitat, including potential
habitat for the western pond turtle and its subspecies, the northwestern pond
turtle, California red-legged frog and foothill yellow legged frog. In addition,
protection of Bruin Ranch is a very high priority for Placer County, which is a
funding partner, as part of its effort to implement the Placer County Habitat
Conservation Plan (HCP) and the Natural Community Conservation Plan
(NCCP) for the preservation habitat and open space corridors in the face of
increasing development pressure. Protection of this property may also allow
the connection of a regional trail through previously protected land to Placer
County's Hidden Fails Regional Park and Coon Creek, if appropriate.
WCB PROGRAM
The proposed grant for this project is being made under the Land Acquisition
Program at WCB. The Acquisition Program is administered pursuant to the
WCB's original enabling legislation, the Wildlife Conservation Law of 1947 (Fish
and Game Section 1300, et seq.) to acquire areas that can successfully sustain
wildlife and provide for suitable recreation opportunities. Under this program
acquisition activities are carried out in conjunction with the DFG, evaluating the
biological values of property through development of a Land Acquisition
Evaluation (LAE)/Conceptual Area Protection Plan (CAPP). The LAE/CAPP is
then submitted to DFG's Regional Operations Committee (ROC) for review and
approval and later transmitted to the WCB with a recommendation to fund.
57
MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND NEEDS
Under the terms of the grant agreement, PLT will manage the property for the
benefit of wildlife habitat preservation, restoration and management, wildlife-
oriented education and research, and for compatible public and private uses, all
as may be consistent with wildlife habitat preservation and protection of
sensitive biological resources.
TERMS
The property owner has agreed to sell the property for the Department of
General Services (DGS) approved appraised fair market value of
$9,500,000.00. The terms and conditions of the proposed grant to PLT provide
that staff of the WCB will 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 breach of the
grant terms the WCB can encumber the property with a conservation easement
and seek reimbursement of funds. The property is encumbered by a Land
Conservation Contract under the Williamson Act, and notification has been
provided accordingly to the Department of Conservation.
PROJECT FUNDING
The proposed funding breakdown for the project is as follows:
Wildlife Conservation Board $4,500,000.00
Placer County's Placer Legacy Program (Pending) 5,000,000.00
Caltrans EEMP 350,000.00
Total Purchase Price $9,850,000.00
Other Project-related Costs: 15,000.00
TOTAL WCB Allocation $4,51 S,OOQ.QQ
It is estimated that an additional $15,000.00 will be needed to cover project-
related expenses, including DGS review costs and escrow fees.
FUNDING SOURCE
The proposed funding source for this project is the California Clean Water,
Clean Air, Safe Neighborhood Parks and Coastal Protection Fund (Proposition
40), Section 5096.650 that allows for protection of habitat for threatened and
endangered species and protection of habitat corridors and is consistent with
the objectives of this project.
ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND STATE RECOMMENDATION
The acquisition has been reviewed for compliance with the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requirements and is proposed as exempt
under CEQA Guidelines Section 15313, Class 13, as an acquisition of land for
wildlife conservation purposes, and Section 15325, Class 25, as a transfer of
58
an ownership interest in land to preserve open space. Subject to authorization
by the WCB, a Notice of Exemption will be filed with the State Clearinghouse.
The Department of Fish and game has reviewed this proposal and
recommends it for approval.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Wildlife Conservation Board approve this project as
proposed; allocate $4,515,000.00 from the California Clean Water, Clean Air,
Safe Neighborhood Parks and Coastal Protection Fund (Proposition 40),
Section.5096.650 to cover the grant amount and internal project-related
expenses; authorize staff to enter into appropriate agreements necessary to
accomplish this project; and authorize staff and the Department of Fish and
Game to proceed substantially as planned.
59
24. Oak Hills Ranch $2,296,000.00
Yolo County
This proposal is to consider the allocation for a grant to the California
Rangeland Trust (CRT) for a cooperative project to acquire a conservation
easement over 3,316± acres of land for the protection of oak woodlands,
riparian habitat, and conservation of critical wildlife migration corridors.
LOCATION
The property is located south of the community of Dunnigan and north of the
town of Esparto in Yolo County. The property provides a wildlife migration
corridor adjacent to the existing and currently negotiated conservation
easements in the Hungry Hollow area. The property also provides linkage with
the Cache Creek watershed open space areas to the west.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The property provides a high diversity of wildlife habitats that are intact and
contiguous. The property is part of a much larger mosaic of intact oak
woodland and oak savannah in the region and is adjacent and nearby to
numerous large-acreage private ranches with similar habitat types and
conditions. There are a multitude of natural vegetation communities present
within the property, including California annual grassland, live oak woodland,
blue oak woodland, valley oak savannah, chaparral, and riparian woodland, as
well as salt water springs. Blue oaks are the dominant species and
demonstrating an extremely significant regeneration rate. The live oak, blue oak
and riparian woodland communities all exhibit trees of mixed age from
seedlings to maturity.
Water on the property is provided by numerous springs, wells, and four
seasonal creeks. The major drainages within the property provide important
wildlife migration corridors and foraging, nesting, breeding and protection for a
variety of birds, mammals, amphibians, and reptiles. There are also sixteen
stock ponds on the property that provide water for seasonal grazing and
abundant wildlife.
WCB PROGRAM
This project funding proposal was submitted to the Wildlife Conservation Board
through its Oak Woodlands Conservation Program (Program). The project is
reviewed and approved by WCB staff, and must be located within a county that
has adopted an Oak Woodlands countywide conservation plan. The Program
is designed to help local efforts achieve oak woodland protection. More
importantly, this Program provides a mechanism to bring ranchers and
conservationists together in a manner that allows both to achieve sustainable
ranch and farming operations and healthy oak woodlands. The project meets
the objectives of the Program by conserving some 4,275 contiguous acres of
oak woodlands and allowing for the continued ranching and farming operations
60
on the land.
MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND NEEDS
The conservation easement and project area will be managed in accordance
with local land use planning under the County of Yolo's Oak Woodland
Conservation and Enhancement Program. As a condition of the grant, baseline
studies will be completed and provided to the WCB prior to closing escrow.
The CRT, which will hold title to the conservation easement, will monitor the
property on an annual basis to ensure that conservation easement conditions
are being met. Because this is an easement on private land, public access will
be restricted.
TERMS
The property owners have agreed to sell a conservation easement to the CRT
for the Department of General Services' (DGS) approved appraised fair market
value of$2,286,000.00. The terms and conditions of the proposed grant to the
CRT provide that staff of the WCB will 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
breach of the grant terms the WCB can request the conveyance of the
conservation easement to the State and/or seek reimbursement of funds.
PROJECT FUNDING
The WCB proposes to make a grant to the CRT for the full amount of the
purchase price:
Wildlife Conservation Board Grant $22286,000.00
Other Project-related Costs: 10,000.00
TOTAL WCB Allocation $2,296,ODO.00
It is estimated that an additional $10,000.00 will be needed to cover internal
project-related expenses, including DGS review costs_
FUNDING SOURCE
The proposed funding source for this project is the Safe Drinking Water, Water
Quality and Supply, Flood Control, River and Coastal Protection Fund of 2006,
(Proposition 84), Section 75055(4)(2) and provides funding to ensure continued
wildlife, water quality, watershed and open space benefits to the State of
California for oak woodlands preservation and is consistent with the objectives
of this project.
61
ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND STATE RECOMMENDATION
The acquisition has been reviewed for compliance with the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requirements and is proposed as exempt
under CEQA Guidelines Section 15313, Class 13, as an acquisition of land for
wildlife conservation purposes, and Section 15325, Class 25, as a transfer of
an ownership interest in land to preserve open space. Subject to authorization
by the WCB, a Notice of Exemption will be filed with the State Clearinghouse.
The project has been reviewed and approved for funding by WCB staff under
the WCB's Oak Woodlands Conservation Program.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Wildlife Conservation Board approve this project as
proposed; allocate $2,296,000.00 from the Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality
and Supply, Flood Control, River and Coastal Protection Fund of 2006
(Proposition 84), Section 75055(d)(2) for the grant and internal project-related
expenses; authorize staff to enter into appropriate agreements necessary to
accomplish this project; and authorize staff and the Department of Fish and
Game to proceed substantially as planned.
62
25. San Joaquin River Parkway, Jensen River Ranch $1,982,513.00
Phase II Construction
Fresno County
This proposal is to consider the allocation for an interagency agreement with
the Department of Water Resources for a cooperative project with the San
Joaquin River Conservancy (SJRC) to restore wetland and riparian habitat and
construct public access trails on the San Joaquin River Parkway (Parkway)just
east of Highway 41 in the City of Fresno, Fresno County.
LOCATION
The Parkway is defined in State Legislation as approximately 5,900 acres
within a twenty-two mile long stretch between Friant Dam and State Route 99
on the San Joaquin River in Fresno and Madera Counties. The SJRC 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
SJRC's mission includes both public access and habitat restoration within the
.Parkway.
The 167± acre Jensen River Ranch, acquired by the WCB in 1997, is located
on the Parkway near the junction of Highway 41, in the City of Fresno, in
Fresno County. Phase I was restored by the DWR in the fall of 2007 and
consisted of the 100± acres south of the DIK storm water channel, which
roughly divides the property into north and south halves. Planning and design
for the restoration of the remainder of the property lying north of the DIK storm
water channel, which is the property to be restored with this proposal, was
approved by the WCB on May 22, 2008.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Completing the Jensen River Ranch Project is the SJRC and the Interagency
Project Development Committee's (IPDC) highest priority restoration project.
The IPDC is an independent committee and serves to provide
recommendations to the San Joaquin River Conservancy staff and board on
priorities for both land acquisitions and restoration or public access projects.
The recommended action will authorize funding for DWR to construct the
remaining infrastructure on the portion of the Jensen River Ranch site north of
the water retention channel, identified as Phase 2. The scope of work includes:
1. Habitat enhancement infrastructure, which includes demolition of pasture
irrigation pipes; installing irrigation to the planting cells; construction of a gravel
maintenance road on the perimeter; grading swales and depressions for runoff
to create wetlands; and installing barbed wire fencing to allow for future
prescribed grazing for weed management;
63
2. Improvements to public access trail within the Phase 1 area, which will improve
performance and reduce maintenance by paving the surface of the Americans
with Disabilities Act-compliant trail and improving trail drainage;
3. Recreation and public access infrastructure, which includes the construction of
split rail fencing to demark the hiking trail (co-located on the maintenance road)
and a trail ascending the bluff to connect the northern trail loop with the Lewis
S. Eaton multiple purpose trail above. The City of Fresno, which maintains
existing public access facilities on the site and on adjacent Parkway lands,
currently has a moratorium on building new trails and parks until new local
funding is identified; therefore the recreation and public access components will
not be included in the bid package unless additional resources are secured;
and
4. Construction oversight and environmental permitting.
Construction is planned to begin in late summer or early fall of 2011.
WCB PROGRAM
The WCB's Habitat Enhancement and Restoration Program and Public Access
Program provide the basis for WCB's ability to restore habitat and provide
public access State-wide. In addition, funds were appropriated to the WCB
from the California Clean Water, Clean Air, Safe Neighborhood Parks and
Coastal Protection Fund (Proposition 40) to be provided to the SJRC for the
acquisition, development, rehabilitation, restoration and protection of land and
water resources.
MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND NEEDS
The 167± acre Jensen River Ranch is owned by the San Joaquin River
Conservancy. The SJRC, as the landowner, will be responsible for
managing the property after the project is complete, as it does at present.
For all of its properties, the SJRC maintains fences and gates, maintains
grazing and other leases, removes illegal dumping and nuisances,
addresses citizen complaints, coordinates with the local mosquito abatement
districts, performs fire prevention activities, and maintains access licenses
with stewardship and educational groups. The proposed project will not
significantly increase current management demands.
The San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservation Trust has also been a
partner in the overall Jensen Ranch project, and received a River Parkways
Grant from the California Natural Resources Agency to plant, irrigate, and
maintain the habitat restoration component of Phase 1. The River Parkway
Trust's work on the grant is on-going. Funding for habitat planting and
maintenance is expected to be brought to the San Joaquin River Conservancy
Board in the near future. Work to be funded will include weed eradication,
64
planting native trees and shrubs, and managing irrigation and weeds for at least
three years of plant establishment.
Existing recreational access has, and will continue to, be managed by the City
of Fresno. However, the City of Fresno enacted a moratorium on extending
trails and building new parks until new local funding can be identified. As a
result, the recreational components for Phase 11 are budgeted but will not be
constructed if the moratorium continues. Should funds be identified, the new
public access facilities will be constructed, and the City of Fresno will maintain
the new facilities consistent with their current responsibilities.
PROJECT FUNDING
The proposed funding breakdown for the project is as follows:
Wildlife Conservation Board $1,982,000.00
Other Project-related Costs: 513.00
TOTAL WCB Allocation1.982.513.00
Project costs funded by the WCB will include DWR's construction oversight and
environmental permitting and compliance; site preparation; earthmoving; gravel
for access road; irrigation; trail construction; trail renovation within the Phase I
area; and fencing. In addition to the costs listed above, an additional $513.00
will be required for Department of General Services' review costs,-bringing the
total allocation necessary for this project to $1,982,513.00.
FUNDING SOURCE
The proposed funding source for this project is the California Clean Water,
Clean Air, Safe Neighborhood Parks, and Coastal Protection Fund (Proposition
40), Section 5096.650(b)(5). This funding provides for the acquisition,
development, rehabilitation, restoration and protection of land and water
resources consistent with the SJRC's mission and the Parkway Master Plan.
ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND STATE RECOMMENDATION
As lead agency, the SJRC filed a Mitigated Negative Declaration pursuant to
the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) in March
2002. Staff considered the Mitigated Negative Declaration prepared by SJRC
and has prepared 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 recommends that the Wildlife Conservation Board adopt the written
findings and approve this project as proposed; allocate $1,982,513.00 from the
California Clean Water, Clean Air, Safe Neighborhood Parks and Coastal
Protection Fund (Proposition 40), Section 5096.650(b)(5); authorize staff to
enter into appropriate agreements necessary to accomplish this project; and
authorize staff to proceed substantially as planned.
65
26. Los Vaqueros Ranch Conservation Easement, $1,210,000.00
Phase II
Monterey County
This proposal is to consider the allocation for a grant to The Nature
Conservancy (TNC) to assist with its acquisition of a conservation easement
over 800± acres of property to protect critical steelhead trout habitat as well as
habitat for sensitive wildlife species.
LOCATION
The Los Vaqueros Ranch (Ranch) totals 2,137 - acres and is located in central
Monterey County in the Coast Range Mountains on the west side of the Salinas
Valley, approximately 7 miles southwest of the town of Greenfield. The
property includes portion of the Arroyo Seco River and its riparian corridor as
well as portions of Sweetwater Creek and Vaqueros Creek.
Phase 1 of the project was approved on November 19, 2009, by the Wildlife
Conservation Board (WCB). The WCB approved a subgrant of federal funds to
assist TNC with the acquisition of a conservation easement over 1,337 - acres
of the Ranch. Phase 1 covered the western portion of the Ranch and the
proposed project (Phase 2) will allow TNC to acquire a conservation easement
over the eastern 800} acres of the Ranch.
The majority of the land south and west of the Ranch is public land owned by
the Federal Government. Immediately south of the Ranch is the Ventana
Wilderness area, administered by the Los Padres National Forest as part of the
United States Forest Service. The Ranch borders large tracts of privately
owned land on its eastern and northern borders. The Department of Fish and
Game has developed the Arroyo Seco River Conceptual Area Protection Plan
(CAPP) and the Ranch is located within that CAPP.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
DFG has identified the Arroyo Seco River, in Monterey County, as a
conservation priority. Protection of the river and its surrounding properties
would create a terrestrial and hydrologic connection between the northern
boundary of the Los Padres National Forest and the Arroyo Seco River basin
and would help protect the last remaining known southern steelhead trout run in
the Salinas River basin. Extensive riparian habitat will provide neotropical
migratory songbird and waterfowl habitat and several sensitive wildlife species
including the California red-legged frog, a federally threatened species, foothill
yellow-legged frog, a federal and state species of concern, the western pond
turtle and several intact populations of native fish are found on site.
WCB PROGRAM
The proposed grant for this project is being made under the Land Acquisition
Program at WCB. The Acquisition Program is administered pursuant to the
66
WCB's original enabling legislation, the Wildlife Conservation Law of 1947 (Fish
and Game Code Section 1300 et seq.) to acquire areas that can successfully
sustain wildlife and provide for suitable recreational opportunities. Under this
program, acquisition activities are carried out in conjunction with the DFG,
evaluating the biological values of property through either development of a
Land Acquisition Evaluation (LAE) or a CAPP. The LAEICAPP is then
submitted to the DFG Regional Operation Committee (ROC) for review and
approval and later transmitted to the WCB with a recommendation to fund.
MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND NEEDS
TNC has owned and managed lands for biodiversity conservation purposes for
over 50 years. The policies and procedures adopted by the TNC's Board of
Governors require that when TNC acquires any legal interests in conservation
land that it intends to hold, funds must be set aside by the date of closing for
the perpetual management or stewardship of that interest.
The WCB grant agreement requires the grantee prepare, and WCB approve, a
baseline conditions report for the property being protected. The WCB grant
agreement also requires annual monitoring by TNC and access to the property
by WCB/DFG staff not less than once every three years to conduct monitoring.
TNC proposes to manage the conservation easement to maintain and restore
habitat for breeding populations of red-legged frogs, for steelhead passage and
for potential steelhead spawning and rearing. Conservation of aquatic and
riparian habitat within the Arroyo Seco watershed will help maintain red-legged
frog and steelhead presence within the greater Salinas drainage, and may
provide a starting point for future restoration of historic steelhead runs in other
Salinas tributaries. Because this is an easement on private land, public access
will be restricted.
TERMS
The Phase 2 conservation easement was appraised for $1,465,000.00 and the
appraisal has been reviewed and approved by the Department of General
Services (DGS). The property owner has agreed to sell the conservation
easement at a bargain sale price of$1,200,000.00. The difference of
$265,000.00 represents a donation by the landowner. The terms and
conditions of the proposed grant to TNC provide that staff of the WCB will
review and approve all documents pertaining to the acquisition of the
conservation easement, including, without limitation, appraisals, preliminary title
reports and items referenced therein, options, agreements for purchase and
sale, escrow instructions, and instruments of conveyance prior to disbursement
of funds directly into the escrow account established for the acquisition.
67
PROJECT FUNDING
The WCB proposes to make a grant to TNC for the full amount of the purchase
price:
WCB Grant $1,200,000.00
Landowner Donation 265,000.00
Total Purchase Price $1,465,000.00
Other Project-related Costs: 10,000.00
TOTAL WCB I i n 1.210,000.00
It is estimated that $10,000.00 will be needed to cover internal project-related
costs including the appraisal review costs by the DGS.
FUNDING SOURCE
The proposed funding source for this project is the Habitat Conservation Fund,
(Proposition 117), Section 2786 (b/c)(1 E), that allows for the acquisition of
habitat to protect rare, threatened and endangered or fully protected species,
provide corridors linking separate habitat areas and protect significant natural
lands and is consistent with the purposes of this project.
ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND STATE RECOMMENDATION
The acquisition has been reviewed for compliance with the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requirements and is proposed as exempt
under CEQA Guidelines Section 15313, Class 13, as the acquisition of land for
wildlife conservation purposes, and Section 15325, Class 25, as a transfer of
ownership in land to preserve open space. Subject to authorization by the
WCB, a Notice of Exemption will be filed with the State Clearinghouse. The
DFG has reviewed the project and recommends approval of the grant.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the Wildlife Conservation Board approve this project as
proposed; allocate $1,210,000.00 from the Habitat Conservation Fund
(Proposition 117), Section 2786 (b/c)(1 E) to cover the grant amount and
internal project-related expenses; authorize staff to enter into appropriate
agreements necessary to accomplish this project; and authorize staff and the
Department of Fish and Game to proceed substantially as planned.
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27. Santa Clara River Watershed, Toticom $2,298,500.00
Ventura County
This proposal is to consider the allocation of a grant to The Nature
Conservancy {TNC), the acceptance of a Recovery Land Acquisition Grant
from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the authorization to enter into an
Agreement to Subgrant to TNC for a cooperative project with the State Coastal
Conservancy, Santa Clara River Trustee Council and the Department of Fish
and Game (DFG). The project consists of the acquisition of 123.1 acres of land
for the protection of threatened and endangered species and habitat corridors.
LOCATION
The subject property is a privately owned agricultural parcel located within the
floodplain of the Santa Clara River east of Harbor Drive and west of Victoria
Avenue, just southerly of the city limits of the city of Ventura. The property
abuts the Santa Clara River and is within the 100-year flood plain area. The
Santa Clara River is one of the largest watersheds in Southern California
without a major dam; as such, it is one of the priority watersheds for protection
and restoration. TNC has acquired the property adjacent to the subject
property and intends to complete two more acquisitions nearby, thus protecting
total 350± acres in the vicinity. All of the properties within the immediate area
are in agricultural use.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The subject property has been farmed over the past seventy five years and is
improved with an agricultural well with diesel engine pump and miscellaneous
temporary farm structures to assist during the harvest season. The project will
allow for the protection of riparian and floodplain habitat along the Santa Clara
River, one of the most intact river systems remaining in southern California.
Southwestern willow flycatcher, least Bell's vireo and the southern California
steelhead; all federally endangered species, are the primary targets of the
project. However, other listed and candidate species are expected to benefit
from this project, including the arroyo toad and the California red-legged frog.
This acquisition is part of a larger effort to project and restore the river and
floodplain ecosystem, which supports exceptional biodiversity. The goal of the
larger effort is to protect the river and floodplain from channelization, urban
development, bank stabilization and other actions that alter the river and
floodplain processes.
WCB PROGRAM
The proposed grant for this project is being made under the Land Acquisition
Program at WCB. The Acquisition Program is administered pursuant to the
WCB's original enabling legislation, the Wildlife Conservation Law of 1947 (Fish
and Game Code Section 1300 et seq.) to acquire areas that can successfully
sustain wildlife and provide for suitable recreation opportunities. Under this
program acquisition activities are carried out in conjunction with the DFG,
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evaluating the biological values of property through development of a Land
Acquisition Evaluation (LAE)/Conceptual Area Protection Plan (CAPP). The
LAEICAPP is then submitted to DFG's Regional Operations Committee (ROC)
for review and approval and later transmitted to the WCB with a
recommendation to fund.
MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND NEEDS
Under the terms of the grant, TNC will manage the property for the benefit of
threatened and endangered species. The agricultural use will continue under
specific seasonal leases managed by TNC. Monitoring for the.agricultural
lease will be conducted periodically by TNC and the lease will be modified to
achieve the maximum protection of the resource. If appropriate for the
property, levees may be removed allowing more naturally occurring floodplain
and creating a wider riverine and riparian habitat area.
TERMS
The property owner has agreed to sell the property in fee to TNC below the
Department of General Services' (DGS) approved appraised fair market value
of$8,800,000.00. The negotiated purchase price is $8,577,000.00 The terms
and conditions of the proposed grant to TNC provides that staff of WCB will
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 breach of the grant terms the
WCB can encumber the property with a conservation easement and seek
reimbursement of funds.
PROJECT FUNDING
Wildlife Conservation Board $2,288,500.00
State Coastal Conservancy 2,288,500.00
Santa Clara River Trustee Council 3,000,000.00
US Fish and Wildlife Service— Sec. 6 Grant 1,000,000.00
Total Purchase Price: $8,577,000.00
Other Project-related Costs: 10,000.00
TOTALWCB Allocafign $2.298.500.00
It is estimated that an additional $10,000.00 will be needed to cover project-
related costs, including the Department of General Services review costs.
FUNDING SOURCE
The proposed funding source for this project is the California Clean Water,
Clean Air, Safe Neighborhood Parks and Coastal Protection Act of 2002
(Proposition 40), Section 5096.650, that provides funding for grants to acquire
property for habitat protection for endangered and threatened species and is
consistent with the objectives of this project.
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ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND STATE RECOMMENDATION
The acquisition has been reviewed for compliance with the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requirements and is proposed as exempt
under CEQA Guidelines Section 15313, Class 13, as an acquisition of land for
wildlife conservation purposes, and Section 15325, Class 25, as a transfer of
an ownership interest in land to preserve open space. Subject to authorization
by the WCB, a Notice of Exemption will be filed with the State Clearinghouse.
The project has been reviewed and approved for funding by WCB staff.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Wildlife Conservation Board approve this project as
proposed; allocate $2,298,500.00 from the California Clean Water, Clean Air,
Safe Neighborhood Parks and Coastal Protection Fund (Proposition 40),
Section 5096.650 for the grant and internal project-related expenses; authorize
staff to enter into appropriate agreements necessary to accomplish this project;
and authorize staff and the Department of Fish and Game to proceed
substantially as planned.
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28. Malibu Lagoon State Beach $4,000,000.00
Lagoon Restoration, Construction Phase
Los Angeles County
This proposal is to consider the allocation for a grant to the California
Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) to improve water circulation,
remove non-native vegetation, restore native vegetation, and provide additional
educational and public use facilities in Malibu Lagoon State Beach.
LOCATION
The project is located in Malibu Lagoon State Beach at Pacific Coast Highway
and Cross Creek Road in Los Angeles County. The lagoon is a 31-acre
shallow water embayment and coastal wetland complex occurring at the
terminus of the Malibu Creek Watershed, the second largest watershed
draining into Santa Monica Bay. The lagoon empties into the Pacific Ocean at
world famous Malibu Surfrider Beach, renowned as a surfing and recreational
destination, hosting approximately 1.5 million visitors every year.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The lagoon has undergone many changes in its recent history. In the 1950's
and 60's it was used as a dump site for fill material by the California
Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and others. By the late 1970's the site
was completely filled and housed two baseball fields. The lagoon has also
been greatly diminished by urban development along the coast. In addition,
urbanization upstream in the Malibu Creek Watershed has increased the
volume of water transported into the lagoon and significantly diminished the
quality of the water.
In 1983, DPR initiated restoration work on the lagoon, by excavating fill to
create three channels with sloping mudflats to reintroduce tidal flow. The
channels were seeded with salt marsh plants and series of boardwalks were
created to allow access by the public. Over time, sediments were deposited,
creating pickleweed marshes and upland habitat. In 1996 Caltrans funded a
successful restoration program to mitigate impacts incurred during the Malibu
Lagoon Bridge Replacement Project. Specific restoration measures,
coordinated by the Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica
Mountains (RCDSMM) and DPR, included a successful tidewater goby habitat
enhancement project and the revegetation of areas disturbed by construction
activities. However, the problems of Malibu Creek and Malibu Lagoon and its
adjacent coastal waters continue. The lagoon is currently listed as impaired
under the Clean Water Act Section 303(d) for benthic impacts, pathogens,
nutrients, eutrophication, swimming restrictions, and shellfish harvesting.
Studies have indicated high pathogen concentrations in the lower Malibu
Creek, the lagoon and surf zone that could potentially impact the health of
swimmers and surfers. The current configuration of channels causes poor
circulation, eutrophication, and low dissolved oxygen levels in the lagoon.
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Large algal blooms erupt in the dry season, further depleting oxygen and
endangering fish and other aquatic organisms. In the summer when direct
flows to the ocean are impeded by the build up of sand bars, circulation is
further reduced, thus worsening the problem.
The purpose of this project is to enhance existing water quality conditions and
restore and enhance habitat areas that have diminished functions or are in a
currently degraded state. Restoration activities have been designed to improve
water circulation, increase tidal inundation, improve and expand critical habitat
for tidewater goby and steelhead trout, remove non-native and restore native
vegetation, minimize human and pet disturbance while maximizing educational
and recreational use of the site. The goal of the project is to create a natural
self sustaining system that minimizes future maintenance requirements.
Restoration activities will encompass two primary components. First, salt
marsh enhancement in the western complex will increase tidal flushing,
improve water circulation, increase holding capacity and reduce predator
encroachment. Second, east lagoon restoration will restore typical salt marsh
hydrology and enhance habitat for sensitive bird species. Construction
activities at the lagoon will primarily involve earthwork coupled with non-native
species removal and enhancement and creation of native/wetland vegetation.
In addition, the project will enhance the visitor experience through
improvements to access and interpretive amenities. The existing trail along the
perimeter of the western lagoon will be enhanced through the addition of five
new interpretive nodes, with interpretive signage that will provide information on
intertidal habitat and kelp forest ecology, watershed processes, sensitive bird
and aquatic species, tidal inundation and seasonal water level fluctuations, as
well as the cultural history of the site. Interpretive signage will also be installed
along the trail, which will enable passive interaction without disturbing the
wildlife using the lagoon.
WCB PROGRAM
This project is funded through the Habitat Enhancement and Restoration
Program, which allows for the restoration of native fisheries restoration,
restoration of tidal or freshwater wetlands and upland areas including coastal
scrub, grasslands, oak woodlands, and threatened and endangered species
habitats in the State. This authority is pursuant to the Board's original enabling
legislation, The Wildlife Conservation Law of 1947 (Fish and Game Code
Section 1300 et seq).
MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND NEEDS
The grantee has agreed to manage and maintain the facilities for 25 years,
pursuant to the terms and conditions of the grant.
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PROJECT FUNDING
The proposed funding breakdown for the project is as follows:
Wildlife Conservation Board $4,000,000.00
State Water Resources Control Board 2,495,858.00
State Coastal Conservancy 50,000.00
Los Angeles County 1,129,808.00
TOTAL $7,675.666.00
Project costs will be for site preparation, grading, erosion control, planting,
parking lot rehabilitation, interpretive features, monitoring and project
management.
FUNDING SOURCE
The proposed funding source for this project is the Security, Clean Drinking
Water, Coastal and Beach Protection Fund of 2002 (Proposition 50), Section
79572(a), which allows for the restoration of coastal wetlands in southern
California, and is consistent with the objectives of this project.
ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND STATE RECOMMENDATION
The DFG has reviewed this proposal and recommends it for funding by the
WCB. The Department of Parks and Recreation, as lead agency, prepared
a Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) and Notice of Determination for
the project pursuant to the provisions of the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA). Staff considered the EIR and has prepared written
findings documenting WCB`s compliance with CEQA.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Wildlife Conservation Board adopt the written
findings and approve this project as proposed; allocate $4,000,000.00 from the
Water Security, Clean Drinking Water, Coastal and Beach Protection Fund
(Proposition 50), Section 79572(a); authorize staff to enter into appropriate
agreements necessary to accomplish this project; and authorize staff and the
Department of Fish and Game to proceed substantially as planned.
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29. Tejon Ranch $15,800,000.00
Kern and Los Angeles Counties
This proposal is to consider the allocation for five grants to the Tejon Ranch
Conservancy (Conservancy) to acquire five perpetual conservation easements
over a total of 62,003± acres to protect significant natural landscapes and
ecosystems, provide corridors linking separate habitat areas to prevent
fragmentation, and promote the recovery of threatened and endangered
species. The five easement properties are all situated within a larger property,
known as Tejon Ranch, which comprises approximately 270,000 acres located
in Kern and Los Angeles Counties. .
LOCATION
The Tejon Ranch is located along Interstate 5, approximately 60 miles north of
Los Angeles and 30 miles south of Bakersfield. Its 422 square miles make it
almost as large as the City of Los Angeles and about 40% the size of Rhode
Island. The project provides a key linkage and wildlife corridors between the
southern region of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the Tehachapi Mountains.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Tejon Ranch was founded in 1843 as a Mexican land grant and through the
decades the Ranch grew in size as additional land grants were purchased by
General Edward Fitzgerald Beale. The Ranch contains a mosaic of rugged
mountains, steep canyons, oak covered rolling hills, and broad valleys.
The landowner has agreed to convey five conservation easements over Tejon
Ranch in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Tejon Ranch
Conservation and Land Use Agreement. The Agreement was struck with the
landowner, Natural Resources Defense Council, National Audubon Society,
Planning and Conservation League, Sierra Club, Endangered Habitats League
and the Conservancy.
Further the Tejon Ranch Company (TRC) has agreed to dedicate conservation
easements over an additional 135,000 acres as TRC receives development
approvals, with all dedications to occur within 30 years from final approval of
the first development project.
Tejon Ranch straddles the Tehachapi Mountains, and lies at the confluence of
four major ecological regions: Great Central Valley, Sierra Nevada, Mojave
Desert, and Southwestern California. Thus, the diversity of plants and animals
found on Tejon Ranch reflects its position at what has been termed a bio-
geographic crossroads, where species unique to each of these regions can be
found together on the Ranch. The east-west trending Tehachapi Mountains
serve as the spine of regional landscape linkage between the Coast/Transverse
Ranges to the west and the Sierra Nevada to the east.
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Tejon Ranch lies at the center of this continentally significant linkage, protection
of which has long been a conservation priority for many organizations and
agencies. This linkage includes the last grassland corridor around the
agricultural lands in the southern San Joaquin Valley, oak and pinyon-juniper
woodlands that connect-to the west and east slopes of the Sierra Nevada
respectively, and "sky islands" of conifer habitat connecting the more extensive
conifer forests in the adjacent Transverse Range and Sierra Nevada. Tejon
Ranch appears to be a hotspot of evolution, where a large number of different
species and subspecies have evolved over time. The Ranch is also
characterized by a significant amount of topographic complexity— over 6,000
feet of elevation change, major north-south and east-west trending canyons,
and a well distributed diversity of slopes and aspects-r-thereby providing
landscape resilience and a potential refugium for species in the face of climate
change.
The easement areas support a wide-variety of plant and animal species,
including a number of special status species. These include bald and golden
eagles, tricolored black bird, San Joaquin kit fox, Swainson's hawk, American
badger, and Bakersfield cactus.
Tejon Ranch contains a very rich record of intact prehistoric archaeological
sites resulting from three different adaptive systems, dating back at least 4000
years. Tejon Ranch was the location of the first Indian reservation in the U.S.,
established in 1853. The sites associated with this reservation are remarkably
well preserved. They represent the single best, and most complete,
archaeological district of historical-era Native American sites in California.
The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) runs through a portion of the Ranch and one of
the easement areas will be bisected by the future realignment of the PCT.
The five easement areas are explained in more detail below:
White Wolf. The 16,178-acre White Wolf easement area is located entirely
within Kern County. The easement area is bounded by the Tejon Ranch
property boundary to the west, near top of slope to the north, and a varying
contour line to the south and east. Highways 58 and 223 traverse the
easement area, and secondary county-maintained roads include Deer Trail
Road in the southern portion and Bena and Caliente-Bodfish roads cut across
the northern portion. The Bakersfield National Cemetery inholding lies within
White Wolf. Current land uses in the easement area are cattle ranching,
wildlife management (hunting), and mining. Approximately 10,969 acres of the
easement area is under Williamson Act contract, within which 93 acres of that
have a non-renewal notice filed.
White Wolf supports four primary natural community types: grassland, oak
woodland, scrub, and riparian. The grassland community type (14,222 acres)
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is found on the San Joaquin Valley floor and lower foothills of the Tehachapi
Mountains. At higher elevations and northeast facing slopes of the Tehachapi
Mountain foothills, grasslands transition to oak woodlands (1,748 acres), both
open savanna and closed woodland types.
Shrub communities (133 acres) are scattered on slopes within grassland
communities. Riparian communities (75 acres) are associated with drainages
on the flank of Bear Mountain, tributaries of Caliente Creek, and springs and
areas with very high groundwater. Within these four major communities, a wide
array of plant species associations or alliances can be found. Excluding
designated mining areas, all of the natural communities within White Wolf are
generally devoid of human alteration and support high quality resource
conditions.
Some of the special status species documented within the White Wolf
easement include Tejon poppy, Swainson's hawk, tricolored blackbird,
American badger and San Joaquin kit fox.
Michener. The 1,585-acre Michener easement area is located within Los
Angeles County. The easement area is bounded by the Tejon Ranch property
boundary to the south, west and east, and the north ends of TBN, R1 9W,
Section 1 and TBN, R18W, Section 6. Current land uses in the easement area
are cattle ranching and wildlife management (hunting). There are no
Williamson Act contracts in Los Angeles County. The majority of the property
(1,456 acres) lies with Los Angeles County Significant Ecological Area #59.
Michener supports grassland and oak woodland natural community types. Oak
woodlands (467 acres) tend to be associated with north and east facing
canyons, which are surrounded by grassland communities (1,118 acres). It is a
fairly species rich area for its size, with a relatively high percentage of native
species. All of the natural communities within Michener are generally devoid of
human alteration and support high quality resource conditions.
Michener supports two primary drainages: Bear Canyon and Crane Canyon,
which drain north to Castac Lake. Michener comprises an approximately 2-mile
portion of a regional habitat linkage design proposed by the South Coast
Wildlands Project (Penrod et al. 2003) to conserve connectivity for a broad
suite of plant and animal species.
Tri-Centennial. The 7,183-acre Tri-Centennial easement area is located
entirely within Kern County. The easement area is bounded by the Tejon Ranch
property boundary to the south, the approximately 4,500-foot elevation contour
to the north, the extension of 290th Street to the west, and T9N, R1 6W, Section
9 to the east. Current land uses in the easement area are cattle ranching and
wildlife management (hunting). The entire easement area is under Williamson
Act contract.
77
Tri-Centennial supports natural communities that can be grouped into four
major types: grasslands, shrub, riparian, and Joshua tree woodland. The
grassland community type (3,316 acres) is found on the Antelope Valley floor
and dissected alluvial terraces of the Tehachapi Mountains. Scrub
communities (2,652 acres), including both chaparral and desert scrub habitats,
occur along the foothills and alluvial terraces of the Tehachapi Mountains.
Riparian communities (534 acres) are found in Antelope Canyon, the only
significant stream draining the southern slopes of the Tehachapi Mountains,
and springs discharging along the foothills and alluvial terraces. Joshua tree
woodlands (681 acres) are found within Canyon del Gato Montes and some
adjacent alluvial fans. All of the natural communities within Tri-Centennial are
generally devoid of human alteration and support high quality resource
conditions. The flora of Tri-Centennial is characterized by a high percentage
(92%) of native species and many unique plant assemblages. The desert scrub
communities in Tri-Centennial are of particularly high quality. These scrub
communities generally have very low levels of disturbance, low levels of
nonnative plant species, and a high diversity of native shrubs, forbs and
grasses.
Tri-Centennial supports a series of small, intact watersheds draining the
southern slope of the Tehachapi Mountains. Tri-Centennial comprises an
approximately 4-mile portion of a regional habitat linkage design proposed by
the South Coast Wildlands Project to conserve connectivity for a broad suite of
plant and animal species.
Special status species documented within Tri-Centennial include the
Loggerhead shrike and Tehachapi pocket mouse.
Old Headquarters. The 26,716-acre Old Headquarters easement area is
located entirely within Kern County. The easement area is bounded by the
Tejon Ranch property boundary to the northeast, approximately the 2,000-foot
contour to the southeast, between a 1,100 to 2,400-foot contour to the north
and a varying contour line to the west. The site of the original headquarters of
the Tejon Ranch Company lies within the easement area, which currently
support numerous houses, barns, and workshops. Current land uses in the
easement area are cattle ranching, wildlife management (hunting), and oil and
gas extraction. Approximately 12,920 acres of the easement area is under
Williamson Act contract.
Old Headquarters supports natural communities that can b6 grouped into three
major types: grasslands, oak woodlands, and riparian. The grassland
community type (21,435 acres) is found on the San Joaquin Valley floor, Tejon
Hills, and lower foothills of the Tehachapi Mountains. At higher elevations and
northeast facing slopes of the Tehachapi Mountain foothills, grasslands
transition to oak woodlands (2,537 acres), both open savanna and closed
woodland types. Riparian communities (1,592 acres) are associated with
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drainages traversing Old Headquarters and springs and areas with very high
groundwater. Within these three major communities, a wide array of plant
species associations or alliances can be found. There is also a grove of
nonnative eucalyptus trees near the agricultural areas (18 acres).
There are three major watersheds comprising Old Headquarters: Tejon Creek,
EI Paso Creek, and Tunis Creek. All of these watersheds drain to the Tulare
Lake Hydrologic Region of the southern San Joaquin Valley.
Old Headquarters comprises an approximately 10-mile portion of a regional
habitat linkage design proposed by the South Coast Wldlands Project to
conserve connectivity for a broad suite of plant and animal species. With the
exception of the Designated Farming and Disturbance Areas, the majority of
natural communities within Old Headquarters is generally devoid of human
alteration and provides connectivity functions for many San Joaquin Valley
species.
Some of the special status species documented within Old Headquarters
include the Bakersfield cactus, Striped adobe lily, Tejon poppy, Western
spadefoot, bald eagle, golden eagle, San Joaquin kit fox, northern harrier and
tricolored blackbird.
Bi-Centennial. The 11,026-acre Bi-Centennial easement area is located within
both Kern (10,777 acres) and Los Angeles (249 acres) counties. The
easement area is bounded by the Tejon Ranch property boundary and the
Kern/Los Angeles County line to the south, the extension of 290th Street to the
east, the National Cement lease boundary to the west, and extends north to a
boundary line between the 3,500 and 4,500-foot contours. The Bi-Centennial
easement area is essentially bisected by the proposed future conservation
easement corridor for a realignment of the Pacific Crest Trail through Tejon
Ranch. Current land uses in the easement area are cattle ranching, wildlife
management (hunting), mining, agriculture, and a series of infiltration basins
associated with the Tejon Ranch Company (TRC) Water Bank. The California
Aqueduct traverses the western portion of the easement area. Approximately
7;044 acres of the eastern two-thirds of the easement area is under Williamson
Act contract.
Bi-Centennial supports natural communities that can be grouped into four major
types: grasslands, shrub, oak woodlands, and riparian. The grassland
community type (5,847 acres) is found on the Antelope Valley floor and
dissected alluvial terraces of the Tehachapi Mountains. Scrub communities
(3,475 acres), including both chaparral and desert scrub habitats, occur along
the foothills and alluvial terraces of the Tehachapi Mountains. At higher
elevations between Los Alamos and Big Sycamore canyons, grasslands
transition to open oak woodlands (628 acres). Riparian communities (847
acres) are associated with streams draining the southern slopes of the
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Tehachapi Mountains and springs discharging along the foothills and alluvial
terraces. Except for the designated mining and agricultural areas and TRC
Water Bank, all of the natural communities within Bi-Centennial are generally
devoid of human alteration and support high quality resource conditions. In
particular, Bi-Centennial supports outstanding native grasslands, and Bi-
Centennial is well-known for its very showy native wildflower displays in the
spring.
Bi-Centennial supports a series of small watersheds draining the southern
slope of the Tehachapi Mountains, including Los Alamos Canyon, Little
Sycamore Canyon, Bronco Canyon, and Pescado Creek, and a number of
unnamed drainages. All of these watersheds drain to the Antelope Hydrologic
Unit of the Lahontan Region in the western Antelope Valley.
Some of the special status species documented within Bi-Centennial include
the silvery false lupine, Adobe yampah, coast horned lizard, northern harrier,
loggerhead shrike, tricolored blackbird, burrowing owl and the Tehachapi
pocket mouse.
The Bi-Centennial easement area in the Antelope Valley portion of the Ranch
supports an approximately 7-mile wide swath of the southern foothills of the
Tehachapi Mountains rising approximately 1,500 feet from the Mojave Desert
floor. Bi-Centennial is visible from surrounding communities, such as Palmdale,
Lancaster, and Neenach, visitors to the Antelope Valley Poppy Preserve, and
by travelers on Highway 135.
WCB PROGRAM
The proposed grant for this project is being made under the Land Acquisition
Program at WCB. The Acquisition Program is administered pursuant to the
WCB's original enabling legislation, the Wildlife Conservation Law of 1947 (Fish
and Game Section 1300, et seq.) to acquire areas that can successfully sustain
wildlife and provide for suitable recreation opportunities. Under this program
acquisition activities are carried out in conjunction with the DFG, evaluating the
biological values of property through development of a Land Acquisition
Evaluation (LAE)/Conceptual Area Protection Plan (CAPP). The LAE/CAPP is
then submitted to DFG's Regional Operations Committee (ROC) for review and
approval and later transmitted to the WCB with a recommendation to fund.
MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND NEEDS
Under the terms of the conservation easements, the landowner will continue
Ranch activities, including ranching /livestock management, farming, hunting
and other wildlife management activities and water banking. The Conservancy
will hold the conservation easements and will monitor the property for
compliance with the purposes, terms and conditions of the conservation
easements. Monitoring will be performed by the Conservancy staff.
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Day to day operations and overall management will be carried out consistent
with a management plan. The Interim Ranch-Wide Management Plan
(IRWMP) and subsequent Ranch-Wide Management Plan (RWMP), identifies
and assess natural resource and conservation attributes of the conserved lands
in order to develop sustainable stewardship management strategies that
provide for protection and enhancement of natural resources values and
management of existing ranch uses. In addition the RWMP will establish best
management practices for continued use of the conserved lands for existing
ranch uses.
Public enjoyment of the conserved lands is high priority of the Conservancy and
TRC. Both parties have agreed to establish and implement a public access
plan that encourages and facilitates public access, including public access
opportunities for underserved populations.
TERMS
The property owner has agreed to sell the conservation easements for the
Department of General Services' (DGS) approved combined appraised fair
market value of$15,750,000.00. The DGS approved combined fee interest
value is $49,720,000.00. The terms and conditions of the proposed grant to the
Conservancy provide that staff of the WCB will 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(s) established for the acquisition. In
the event of breach of the grant terms, the WCB can request the conveyance of
the conservation easement to the State and/or seek reimbursement of funds.
The separate DGS approved conservation easement values are broken down
below:
Conservation Easement Conservation
Area Easement Value Acres
White Wolf $4,340,000.00 15,500
Old Headquarters $7,050,000.00 26,717
Michener $450,000.00 1,585
Bi-Centennial $2,910,000.00 11,019
Tri-Centennial $1,000,000.00 7,183
PROJECT FUNDING
The WCB will be funding the entire purchase price.
Wildlife Conservation Board $15,750,000.00
TOTAL Purchase Price $15,750,000.00
Other Project-related Costs: 50,000.00
TOTAL WICB AllocatL
Qn 15,800.000.00
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It is estimated that and additional $50,000.00 will be needed to cover project-
related expenses, including DGS appraisal review and independent appraisal
reviews.
FUNDING SOURCE
The proposed funding source for this acquisition is the Safe Drinking Water,
Water Quality and Supply, Flood Control, River and Coastal Protection Fund of
2006 (Proposition 84), Section 75055(b). This fund allows for acquisition and
protection of habitat that promotes recovery of threatened and endangered
species; provides corridors linking separate habitat areas to prevent
fragmentation; and protects significant landscapes and ecosystems, including
old growth redwoods, mixed conifer forests, oak woodlands, riparian habitat
and other significant habitats and is consistent with the objectives of 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. Subject to authorization
by the WCB, a Notice of Exemption will be filed with the State Clearinghouse.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Wildlife Conservation Board approve the grants to
the Tejon Ranch Conservancy for its acquisition of the conservation easements
as proposed; allocate $15,800,000.00 from the Safe Drinking Water, Water
Quality and Supply, Flood Control, River and Coastal Protection Fund of 2006
(Proposition 84), Section 75055(b) to cover the grant amounts and pay internal
project-related expenses; authorize staff to enter into appropriate agreements
necessary to accomplish this project; and authorize staff and the Department of
Fish and Game to proceed substantially as planned.
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30. Bottle Peak $3,562,900.00
San Diego County
This is a proposal to consider the allocation for a grant to The Escondido Creek
Conservancy (TECC) to assist with the acquisition of 418± acres of property to
anchor regional habitat conservation planning efforts, in central San Diego
County and provide a critical ecological link between coastal habitat and the
higher elevation Cleveland National Forest.
LOCATION
The subject property is located east of Interstate Highway 15 and west of Lake
Wohlford on the northeasterly border of the City of Escondido in San Diego
County. The property has been identified by the Department of Fish and Game
(DFG) as a priority for protection in the Rancho Guejito Conceptual Area
Protection Plan (CAPP). The subject property is strategically located west of
Guejito Ranch and contributes to a north-south habitat linkage between the
South San Diego County Multiple Species Conservation Program (MSCP) and
the North San Diego County Multiple Species Conservation Plan (NC MSCP).
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The subject property contains a variety of significant biological resources. The
existing natural open space represents a large portion of the remaining open
space in the contiguous unincorporated region of the City of Escondido and
supports many sensitive plant and animal species including the federally
threatened coastal California gnatcatcher, coast live and Engelmann oak
woodlands, various types of chaparral, coastal sage scrub, grasslands and
riparian habitats. Based on its topography, native vegetation, large north-south
canyon/drainage and adjacent open space areas, the property provides
essential landscape linkage, habitat biodiversity and an important natural
linkage for wildlife corridors at the intersection of the MSCP and the NC MSCP.
Acquisition of the subject property will also create a significant habitat and open
space buffer from the more urbanized areas to the west.
WCB PROGRAM
The proposed grant for this project is being made under the Land Acquisition
Program at WCB. The Acquisition Program is administered pursuant to the
WCB's original enabling legislation, The Wildlife Conservation Law of 1947
(Fish and Game Code Section 1300 et seq.) to acquire areas that can
successfully sustain wildlife and provide for suitable recreation opportunities.
Under this program, acquisition activities are carried out in conjunction with the
DFG, evaluating the biological values of property through development of a
Land Acquisition Evaluation (LAE)/Conceptual Area Protection Plan (CAPP).
The LAE/CAPP is then submitted to DFG's Regional Operations Committee
(ROC) for review and approval and later transmitted to the WCB with a
recommendation to fund.
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MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND NEEDS
TFCC is a non-profit, public benefit corporation dedicated to the preservation,
restoration and protection of the natural open space within the Escondido
Creek watershed. It currently owns and/or manages approximately 266 acres
of land in seven separate ownerships in the Escondido Creek watershed,
spanning roughly between the Cities of Encinitas and Escondido. The
landowner is considering making an endowment to TECC for management of
this property.
Since this project will be managed by TECC consistent with the guidelines
established for the MSCP and NC MSCP plans, public access to the property
will be minimal but will likely include access for educational and scientific
studies. If appropriate, guided tours by local groups may also be considered by
TECC.
The WCB grant agreement requires annual monitoring by TECC and access to
the property by WCB/DFG not less than once every three years to conduct
monitoring.
TERMS
This proposed acquisition is for approximately one-half(417±) of the total
acreage (800±) of the subject property. The full property was appraised and
the appraisal was approved by the Department of General Services (DGS).
Before the project could be completed, the available bond funding was frozen
and the project was placed on hold. When funding was again available, the
appraisal was updated. The value had decreased and the updated appraisal
was reviewed and approved by the DGS. Due to budget constraints, the
project was scaled back to the current acreage. After consultation with the DGS
appraisal review staff, the per-acre value in the updated appraisal of the whole
property was deemed to be applicable to the current project. The landowner
has agreed to sell the property for the approved, appraised value of
$3,552,900.00.
The terms and conditions of the proposed grant to TECC provide that staff of
the WCB will review and approve all preliminary title reports, title documents,
documents for purchase and sale, instruments of conveyance, and escrow
instructions prior to disbursement of funds directly in the escrow account
established for the acquisition.
PROJECT FUNDING
The WCB proposes to make a grant to TECC for the full amount of the
purchase price.
Wildlife Conservation Board $3,552,900.00
Other Project-related Costs: 10,000.00
TOTAL WCB Allocation 3.562.900.00
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It is estimated that an additional $10,000.00 will be needed to cover project-
related expenses, including DGS appraisal review costs.
FUNDING SOURCE
The purposes of this project are consistent with the proposed funding source,
Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and Supply, Flood Control, River and
Coastal Protection Fund of 2006 (Proposition 84), Section 75055(c), that allows
for grants to implement or assist in the establishment of Natural Community
Conservation Plans.
ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND STATE RECOMMENDATION
The acquisition has been reviewed for compliance with the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requirements and is proposed as exempt
under CEQA Guidelines Section 15313, Class 13, as an acquisition of land for
wildlife conservation purposes, and Section 15325, Class 25, as a transfer of
an ownership interest in land to preserve open space. Subject to authorization
by the WCB, a Notice of Exemption will be filed with the State Clearinghouse.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Wildlife Conservation Board approve this project as
proposed; allocate $3,562,900.00 from the Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality
and Supply, Flood Control, River and Coastal Protection Fund of 2006
(Proposition 84), Section 75055(c) to cover the grant amount and internal
project-related expenses; authorize staff to enter into appropriate agreements
necessary to accomplish this project; and authorize staff and the Department of
Fish and Game to proceed substantially as planned.
85
31. DFG Presentation Informational
Conservation and Habitat Mapping
In 2010, the Department of Fish and Game (Department) completed work on
two complementary statewide mapping and modeling efforts. To guide and
inform its priorities for species and habitat conservation in service of its broad
mission to conserve California's natural resources for both ecological and
recreational values, the Department undertook Areas of Conservation
Emphasis II (ACE 1I). The primary focus of ACE II was to collect and
summarize the best available statewide spatial data on biological richness,
including species diversity, rarity, and sensitive habitats. Information on
recreational needs and opportunities throughout the State, including fishing,
hunting and wildlife-viewing, was also compiled. Because a functional network
of connected wildlands is essential to the continued support of California's
diverse natural communities in the face of both human development and
climate change, the Department partnered with Caltrans on the California
Essential Habitat Connectivity (Connectivity) Project-- a commissioned study to
identify large remaining blocks of intact habitat or natural landscape and model
linkages between them that need to be maintained, particularly as corridors for
wildlife.
The projects shared the goal of using the best available science, data sets,
spatial analyses and modeling techniques in a process both transparent and
repeatable. They supplement, and in many cases validate, earlier approaches
to identify priorities by having experts with on-the-ground Knowledge hand draw
areas of high biological, recreational, or connectivity value on large maps.
Rather than produce single statewide maps depicting priorities, both projects
produced a set of Geographic Information System (GIS) data layers than can
be used flexibly to inform decision-making. ACE II layers represent specific
biological and recreational values, threats, and landscape considerations at a
consistent scale of 2.5 square mile hexagons that can be combined in various
ways to identify priorities for conservation, depending on management question
or funding opportunity. The Connectivity Project has one layer identifying large
intact habitat blocks, another modeling the "path of least resistance" or "least
cost corridor" between them, and a third showing places where only a road
disrupts habitat connectivity and Caltrans can offer solutions for restoring a
connection.
These two complementary mapping efforts will continue to aid the DFG and
conservation partners in the development of Land Acquisition Evaluations and
Conceptual Area Protection Plans. They are key to achieving a network of
large connected reserves of high biological value -- a focus of the State Wildlife
Action Plan, the California Climate Change Adaptation Strategy, land
acquisition and management, and conservation planning across jurisdictional
boundaries.
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32. 2011 Wildlife Conservation Board Informational
Tentative Meeting Schedule
February 24, 2011
May 26, 2011
August 25, 2011
November 17, 2011
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