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Consent-General Government # 10.
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| Board of Supervisors |
County Administrator |
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| Subject |
| Adopt resolution supporting an application for funding from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy for the Bees Lake Restoration Plan. (No general fund impact) (Blacklock/Sabatini) |
| Recommended Action |
| Adopt resolution supporting an application for funding from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy for the Bees Lake Restoration Plan. |
| Strategic Plan Goal(s) |
| Sustainable Environment |
| Reason for Recommended Action/Background |
Background
The Delta Conservancy‘s Proposition 1 Ecosystem Restoration and Water Quality Grant Program funds competitive grants for multi-benefit ecosystem and watershed protection and restoration projects in accordance with statewide priorities. The Conservancy invited concept proposals to be submitted for funding projects that address at least one of the following programmatic focal areas:
Ecosystem Protection, Restoration, and Enhancement
Water Quality
Water-related Agricultural Sustainability
The Conservancy will grant funds for two project categories:
Category 1 planning projects that advance pre-project activities necessary for a specific, on-the-ground project; and
Category 2 implementation projects that advance on-the-ground implementation projects and land acquisition projects. Category 2 projects must have an expected useful life of at least fifteen years.
Eligible projects must be located within or benefit the Delta and Suisun Marsh as defined in Public Resources Code Section 85058 (a map can be found at this link: http://deltacouncil.ca.gov/docs/dsc-tabloid-size-map-legal-delta).
On August 31, 2017, the City of West Sacramento submitted a Concept Proposal to the Conservancy for the Bees Lakes Habitat Restoration Plan. The City is proposing to prepare a detailed Habitat Restoration Plan for the Bees Lakes area that will enhance the habitat for common and listed species including removal of non-native riparian species and enhancement of aquatic habitat, improve the water quality within Bees Lakes, remove potential environmental contaminants, and improve public access management.
In late September, the Conservancy notified the City that the Concept Proposal was accepted and the City was invited to submit a formal grant application for the Bees Lakes Habitat Restoration Plan Project. The concept proposal is provided as Attachment B. The application requires a resolution of support from the County, as well as a letter from the City confirming the City’s match contribution.
Project Description
The City of West Sacramento Parks Master Plan identifies the Bees Lakes area as “having significant natural resources that warrant protection and that can provide for passive recreation use.” The Parks Master Plan recommends that sensitive habitat areas be protected by preventing human intrusion through the use of fencing, boardwalks, railings, or other design solutions. It also recommends limiting development of this area to pedestrian-only trails (no horses, vehicles, or bicycles), interpretive facilities, and limited picnic facilities.
The Bees Lakes Habitat Restoration Plan is needed to restore disturbed riparian habitat, control non-native species, improve pond water quality, improve the ability of the Bees Lakes area to support listed species, and minimize its potential to adversely affect public safety. If off-channel habitat can be restored, this project would represent a unique opportunity to provide new habitat within the tidal limits of the Delta for listed fish species including salmon, steelhead and Delta smelt. Also, better management of public access within the Bees Lakes area is necessary to ensure habitats are not further degraded, that restored habitat is maintained over the long term, that public health and safety are protected, and that human activities are limited to passive recreation.
The goal of this planning effort is to identify a detailed habitat restoration and water quality improvement plan for the Bees Lakes area that will enhance the existing habitat to better meet listed species needs, improve the water quality within the ponds, remove potential environmental contaminants, and improve public access management. The primary objective is to develop a restoration plan with sufficient detail that it will qualify for a Category 2 funding grant as an implementable Proposition 1 habitat restoration project.
The City is requesting $325,000 in grant funding to implement this planning effort.
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Board adopt the resolution of support. (Attachment A) |
| Collaborations (including Board advisory groups and external partner agencies) |
| Staff has collaborated with the City of West Sacramento, the Lower Sacramento - Delta North Regional Flood Management planning team (WSAFCA, SAFCA, West Sacramento, RD 2068/2098, Solano County, Solano County Water Agency, and Yolo County Natural Resources), and Delta Conservancy staff. |
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| Fiscal Impact |
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| Source of Funds for this Expenditure |
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