The Partnership Hosted Dr. Bernice Smith, Chief of the Coastal Management Branch in the Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds (Office of Water) at U.S

SEMI-ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT ASSOCIATION OF BAY AREA GOVERNMENTS for NEP- SAN FRANCISCO ESTUARY PARTNERSHIP Cooperative Agreement # CE-00T47801-1

Period 1 Period 2 Period 3 Period 4 10/1/2010 – 4/1/2011– 10/01/11 10/01/11- 4/01/12- 3/31/2011 9/30/2011 –3/31/12 03/31/12 9/30/12 ABAG ABAG ABAG ABAG ABAG #102183 #102183 #102183 #102194 #102194 $800,000 $800,000 $800,000 $598,800 $598,800 28% spent Spent Spent Spent Spent ($223,995.25)* Period 2 Period 3 Period 3 Period 4 ($376,210.75) $199,794 $170,787 $262,033 Total Spent 75% spent 100% 28.5% 72% ($600,206) spent spent ($432,820)

Work Plan is organized around the new SFEP Strategic Plan Goals and Objectives

Notable Events/Major work efforts for this reporting period included: • The Partnership hosted Dr. Bernice Smith, Chief of the Coastal Management Branch in the Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds (Office of Water) at U.S. EPA on April 26. • The final work plan was posted online. This year’s work plan has a budget of $6.99 million, comprised of 58% state and local funds and 42% federal funds. • A resolution proposed by SFEP and accepted by the ABAG Executive Board May meeting asking for the Board to express its interest that the health of the San Francisco Bay Delta system be adequately considered as part of water supply planning processes now underway regarding Delta facilities, Delta area planning, State Water Resource Control Board plans, and in other important Bay-Delta planning programs. • Completed South Bay Salt Ponds Habitat Evolution Monitoring project. • SFEP Director was as keynote speaker at the international bays conference in Turkey

Key goals/measures of success/results [from Strategic Plan] Goal Results so far

¾ Water quality improvements Continued work on TMDLs for pesticides and sediment Participate in state and national AIS implementation State of the Bay Report documented water quality status Obtained new funding for funding for green stormwater treatment projects ¾ Support Estuary resilience Support wetland restoration efforts and the SF Bay Restoration Authority ¾ Seek new funding sources Added two new sources to SFEP funding matrix ¾ Increase outreach/ web Completing major website update and keeping tab of web usage

GOAL 1: FOCUS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN IMPLEMENTATION ON FOUR KEY OBJECTIVES Objective 1- Promoting integrated watershed stewardship

IRWMP Implementation Grant (DWR-Prop 84)-Watershed Coordinator • Distributed periodic email announcements of interest to BAWN members • Represented SFEP at IRWM subregional meetings and at IRWM Coordination Committee meetings to coordinate with and build support for watershed groups • Assisted watershed groups with submittal of projects for updated IRWM Plan • Joined IRWMP Project Screening Committee as DAC representative • Coordinated budgets, workplans, contracts and progress reports for IRWM Disadvantaged Community (DAC) projects • Continued to work with outside contractors to develop a BAWN website including an interactive map of watershed/creek groups working in the Bay Area

Pinole Creek Restoration (EPA: Green Infill) • Coordination meetings with project partners including State Resources Agency, County Flood Control and Friends of Pinole Creek • Continued to research and meet with stakeholders regarding Railroad Avenue bridge removal and utility relocation issues • Conducted post construction vegetation monitoring • Completed EPA Grant Amendment extending the contract period to June 30, 2014 • Demonstration area litter removal in conjunction with Coastal Cleanup event

Bahia Marsh Restoration (EPA: Estuary 2100) • Eight volunteers spent approximately 25 hours planting rhizomes of Eleymus triticoides from propagation beds on the Eastern and Western Peninsulas. • Invasive Plants were removed from approximately 25 acres by 10 volunteers working 80 hours. • Invasives removed included: radish, yellow star thistle, Harding grass and pepperweed. • The Survival of plants has been disappointing in the transition zone. Marin Audubon suspects that the dry winter is the cause. There is extensive cracking in the soil of the eastern peninsula in spite of careful efforts with planting last winter. Many of the plants that survived earlier have died. Thus far, approximately 6,000 rhizomes have been planted in habitat and an additional 4,000 have been planted in the beds. • Invasives have been removed from approximately 20 acres by 11 volunteers who worked for a total of 142 hours. • Invasives removed included: radish, yellow star thistle, Harding grass, dettrichia, cocklebur, and fennel. It is noted that the invasive radish has been all but eradicated from the site. • To date, 40 acres of invasives have been removed on the project site. Much of this acreage is attended to quarterly by volunteers to prevent the re-establishment of these invasive species.

Yosemite Slough Wetland Restoration (EPA: Estuary 2100) • Youth continue prep work in community garden to reach 5,000 plant goal by participating in ongoing workshops with nursery manager on how to transplant native seedlings and to prepare and

sow seed into flats; how to identify native plants; seed collection processing and pretreatment of seed for successful gemination. • Types of plants propagated: grindelia stricta, limonium californicum, spergularia macrotheca, elmus laucus, plantago maritima, and nasella pulchra. Quantity: 33 species, approximately 4,000- 5,000 seeds. • Staff and board at Literacy for Environmental Justice completed a strategic planning process with an outside consultant which included looking at their educational programming. A final version of the Strategic Plan will be available in September. • Planting began July 28 with a goal of planting 5,000 between July-November. • The five interns participated in the planting day and continued their work with the community garden, greenhouse, compost systems and garden plots and nurseries. Intern education this quarter focused on the relationship between native plant communities and the restoration work being done in the park and nursery. • Types of plants propagated this quarter include: pacific tuft grass, red fescue, sea lavender, pickle week, alkali heath, California poppy, purple needle grass, silver beech weed and Coast live oak.

Stream and Wetlands Protection Policy (EPA/SWRCB/Aquatic Science Center) • Participated in State Board Development Team meeting • Strategized with managers at Region 2 on finalizing Basin Plan amendment for public review and comment

Aquatic Invasive Species (EPA: Estuary 2100/NEP) • Littornia project is wrapping up; a final report is forthcoming.

Stream Management Program for Landowners (EPA: Estuary 2100) • UCC renegotiated scope of work and budget with SFEP/EPA for the Stanley Reach Project: Submitted 6/26/2012 and approved by the EPA on 7/9/2012. • The re-scoped project includes a demolition/earthmoving phase that will remove four grouted riprap grade control structures and a concrete “dragon’s teeth” velocity dissipator, and a revegetation phase in which a native plant community will be re-established on the site. UCC is responsible for the revegetation effort. • UCC has completed a final draft of the previously attempted Landowner program.

Watershed Scale Mapping (EPA: Estuary 2100-2) • Worked to develop a concept proposal for science support to Estuary 2100 North Bay partners through revised watershed indicators that link to TMDL monitoring. • Furthered four different opportunities to update or enhance BAARI with local data and information. • Completed first draft of shoreline analysis methodology and implemented that approach on San Pablo Bay to generate a draft of shoreline morphology for the study area. • Worked with USGS NHD learn the functionality of their Conflation Tool and its application to the BAARI local stewardship process. • Tested GIS tools to automate integration of the remainder of stream data for SCVWD. • Re-grouped with Marin County regarding emerging stream network dataset and the possibility of integrating that dataset into BAARI. • Began draft of Local Stewardship methodology based on experience incorporating SCVWD and Sonoma Creek map edits. 3

• Identified key BAARI users as stakeholders to gather feedback on the data transfer protocol for BAARI. • Continued shoreline erosion/prograding trend analysis in GIS. • Met with TAC member Jeremy Lowe (PWA) to provide project introduction, methods, and work to date. • Field verification of mapping methods (aerial interpretation) for Wildcat Creek and San Pablo Creek mouths and Contra Costa shoreline. • Calculating marsh channel densities and other general marsh characteristics to identify a correlation, if any, between edge dynamics and shoreline trends.

Objective 2: Support Estuary resilience in the face of climate change

Green Infill Clean Stormwater (EPA: Green Infill) • SFEI conducted CRAM monitoring at Pinole Creek & Chelsea Wetlands in August 2012. • SFEI submitted a draft final report on the monitoring of Pinole Creek. • The Watershed Project and EarthTeam have completed their projects and submitted final reports which are posted on the project website. • SFEP completed the Green Infill outreach portion of the grant.

Integrated Regional Wetland Monitoring Analysis Project (DFG) • WWR prepared Final Site Characterization Report, April 2012 and submitted poster abstract, outline and final poster for October 2012 Bay Delta Science Conference, “The Integrated Regional Wetland Monitoring Pilot Project: Program Introduction”; coordinated with USGS-lead poster abstract to October 2012 Bay Delta Science Conference, “A reassessment of the role of tidal wetland restoration in enhancing populations of native fishes”; coordinated with SFSU and GSU on their preparation and submittal of poster abstract to October 2012 Bay Delta Science Conference, “Ecosystem scale rates of primary production within salt marsh habitats of the northern San Francisco Estuary • University of Washington (UW) completed updates to figures and maps supporting preparation of fish studies/publication; standardized all fish diet and macroinvertebrate data (including zooplankton) into a database that facilitated multivariate analyses; conducted graphical and statistical (multivariate) analyses of data on macroinvertebrate assemblage structure as a function of site, time and environmental variables, and related fish diet composition to potential prey availability and selectivity; prepared a manuscript for circulation to coordinating authors (e.g., WSU authors on zooplankton manuscript) and IRWM coordinators for review. • WSU also collated all IRWM zooplankton data and related environmental data (salinity, temperature, freshwater flow, etc.) into a common database; did extensive multivariate statistical analyses (e.g., ordination via NMDS) and interpretation of this combined dataset; prepared a draft manuscript (now 95% complete) reporting these results and interpretations entitled “Zooplankton of interior tidal marsh channels in relation to environmental variables in the upper San Francisco Estuary” and coordinated with UW on the nascent “fish diet and invertebrates” manuscript, which they are leading.

Estuary 2100 Technical and Scientific for Project Monitoring • Urban Creeks Council has requested QAPP revision assistance. • Implementing the final stages of the Transitional Ecotone Protocol including evaluating the 4

effectiveness, data analysis, and technical memo. Quality controlled the data collected to date and drafted the analyses to be performed on the data. Protocol and website effectiveness was evaluated. • Began writing the draft report on field practice of protocol, suggested changes to protocol and website, and future development and use of the protocol. • Performed quality control on the entire monitoring dataset for Newcomb Ave. Began hydrologic analyses and writing the post-construction analysis. Continued conversations with SFPUC regarding reallocation of modeling money to 3rd year of wet weather monitoring.

Corte Madera Creek Wetland Adaptation Project (EPA: Estuary 2100) • BCDC coordinated with all project team members to finalize data collection and analysis. • Wave and flood modeling is nearing completion. • Marsh accretion measurements were completed. • Refined conceptual models with assistance from Jeremy Lowe. • BCDC began drafting sections of technical report in coordination with project team members. • BCDC worked with ESA PWA to complete draft adaptation strategy and alternative management measures, including review by BCDC staff of draft measures

South Bay Salt Ponds Habitat Evolution Monitoring (EPA: Estuary 2100) • Resources Legacy Fund submitted a draft final report on August 1, 2012. Comments provided by SFEP and the EPA were included into the final report. All requirements have been met and products delivered. This project is now considered complete.

Stream Channel Design Curves (EPA: Estuary 2100) • The project team is in the data analysis stage of the project as all field data has been collected. They have completed analysis for 16 out of 48 field sites.

Stonybrook Creek (EPA: Estuary 2100) • The Alameda County Resource Conservation District (ACRCD) agreed to take over the E2100 Stonybrook Creek Project in February of 2012 and ACRCD Board of Directors approved the contract between the SFEP and the ACRCD for the E2100 Grant in May 2012. • The Board approved a Memorandum of Understanding between the SFEP and the ACRCD to provide an initial commitment of the funds through the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board Jordon Ranch Project mitigation as match for the project. • Staff from the ACRCD and the Natural Resources Conservation Service have been working with the Alameda County Public Works Agency, CEMAR, Michael Love and Associates, Inc, the Department of Fish and Game and the National Marine Fisheries service to put together a plan for the best potential project in Stonybrook Creek. • Staff are working with the Alameda County Public Works Department to secure access to the areas along the creek as they are all privately owned. • Stream gages were installed in May 2012 and have been collecting data since.

San Francisco Bay Living Shorelines (EPA: Estuary 2100-2) • In April 2012, the Conservancy partnered with the non-profit CA Wildlife Foundation to work on construction selection and contracting. • A request for Qualification was released in April 2012, and Dixon Marine Services, Inc. was selected in May 2012. 5

• From April-July 2012 Project Manager Marilyn Latta and the project team worked to secure permits for the project construction, and obtained all necessary permits from BCDC, ACOE, SF Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board, CDFG, and NOAA Fisheries. • The oyster related portions of the project were constructed in July-August 2012 at two sites (San Rafael (large plots and small experiment), Hayward (small experiment only). Eelgrass plantings also occurred July-August after the oyster elements were installed. • Eelgrass plantings also occurred July-August after the oyster elements were installed. Pre- construction monitoring is completed, and post-construction monitoring is underway.

Objective 3: Promote green infrastructure, reduce pollution from stormwater runoff

IRWMP Implementation Grant (DWR-Prop 84)-Regional Green Infrastructure • ABAG/SFEP received final signed grant agreement from BACWA May 31, 2012. • Projects managed by SFEP include Regional Green Infrastructure project including San Pablo Spine projects and regional outreach ($2,315,881); Hacienda Avenue Green Street Improvement Project (City of Campbell- $2,000.000); seven projects in Disadvantaged Communities for flood control, watershed improvement, stormwater treatments ($1,927,452); Watershed Coordinator and DAC support ($273,547). • SFEP staff and ABAG Legal Counsel worked on developing contract agreements with the various project partners. • ABAG’s legal counsel has determined that ABAG is the appropriate CEQA lead agency for the Spine project. We anticipate that the entire Spine project (all sites) will qualify as Class 1 Categorical Exemption, as upgrades of existing facilities.

Senador Mine Remediation (EPA: Estuary 2100) • URS prepared for and hosted a team meeting on April 3 to review site prioritization results and to select one of the three remedial alternatives. • The Admin Draft 25% Design Alternatives Memo was revised according to comments received by agency stakeholders at the April 3 team meeting. The Draft Revised 25% Design Alternatives Memo was prepared and submitted on June 7, 2012. • SCCPD elected to conduct their review concurrently with agency stakeholders. Comments from all reviewers are expected prior to June 19, 2012. • At the April 3 team meeting and in subsequent communications, it was decided that the Revised 25% Design Alternatives Memo would be the final deliverable for Phase I of the project. No document titled Remedial Action Plan is required or anticipated.

Hicks Flat Mercury Remediation (SWRCB 319h) • MROSD completed CEQA determination and required posting. It determined that categorical exemption Class 30 was appropriate for the project. The categorical exemption as filed and no inquiries or comments were received during the filing period. • MROSD staff has nearly completed permit applications.

• State Water Board Statewide TMDL Support: Janet Cox-SFEP (SWRCB) April – June 2012 • Assisted in agenda preparation; attended; and prepared minutes and action items lists for TMDL Roundtable calls and meetings: o April 13 (contracts) ;April 25 (regular RT conference call) May 30-31 (two-day face-to- 6

face meetings) June 27 July 18;August 29; September 26-27 • Revised minutes per comments; posted them on the TMDL Intranet and DWQ wiki • Participated in meetings on development of the statewide Mercury Policy (focus on stakeholder relations, outreach, web page, handouts, CEQA) April 16; May 3; May 8; May 24 . July 5 (tribal outreach); July 9 (CEQA); July 12 (document planning); July 16 (stakeholder plan);July 24 (GIS needs for CEQA); August 28; September 13; September 24 • Reviewed, charted, and summarized public comments received after CEQA scoping meetings on the mercury project. Revised and updated summary per comments from steering committee; Updated the stakeholder plan for the statewide mercury project • Reviewed and provided edits on the draft Mercury Policy; Rewrote the Mercury Policy webpage and the Mercury Policy fact sheet posted on the webpage • Provided comments, and corresponded with the Water Board’s Office of Chief Counsel, on Region 9’s Los Peñasquitos Lagoon sediment TMDL • Reviewed and commented on Region 9’s toxic sediments TMDL for the mouths of Chollas, Paleta, and Switzer creeks in San Diego Bay • Maintained and updated intranet pages on the State Board website (TMDLs, Roundtable ) • Attended meetings of the Bay Area Mercury Risk Reduction group chaired by the Department of Public Health • Provided comments on letter to Tribes re: fish consumption study • Reviewed, edited, and commented on the CEQA analysis for Region 9’s Los Peñasquitos Lagoon Sediment TMDL; conferred with the State Board’s TMDL attorney • Reviewed and commented on Region 9’s toxic sediments TMDL for the mouths of Chollas, Paleta, and Switzer creeks in San Diego Bay • Attended meetings on the Bay Area Mercury Risk Reduction strategy and signage • Maintained and updated the TMDL Intranet site on the State Board intranet

Sediment Reduction Projects (SWRCB-ARRA) • SPAWN continued to perform maintenance on the Cohen and Marks bank stabilization projects including weeding and replacing plants. • SPAWN has begun organizing for the Phase 3 road repair work; meeting with PWA on coordination; obtaining landowner agreements and county permit. • Staff coordinated extensively with SPAWN to resolve issues related to the Phase 3 roads repair work. The contractor for Phase 2, Ka’Pel Construction was unable to obtain a performance bond for the Phase 3 work and we requested SWRCB to approve using the Phase 1 contractor, Wylatti Resource Management to complete Phase 3. SWRCB approved by email on 10/03/12.

Implementing the Fine Sediment TMDL in the Napa River Watershed (Fish Friendly Farming) (EPA: Estuary 2100-2) • Outreach and enrollment for 2012 workshops was completed. Fifty-eight sites signed up. • Site visits were completed for 51 sites and farm plans were completed with growers for 29. Farm plans for the remaining 22 sites are in process.

North Bay TMDL Implementation: (EPA: Estuary 2100) Marin County/Napa County RCD/Sonoma Ecology Center/South Sonoma RCD Marin County

• Developing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Marin County and the City of Mill Valley for the Boyle Park creek restoration. • Developed engineering design for the restoration of the creek in Boyle Park which is currently being refined. • Project permitting was initiated.

Napa County RCD • NCRCD selected sites for road assessment in the Redwood Creek watershed. • A Monitoring Plan and QAPP for gravel permeability and scour was approved by the SWRCB and EPA. • A fish passage barrier that was influencing sediment movement and delivery was identified and removed from the Murphy Creek watershed in cooperation with a private landowner and the Napa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District - approximately 5 cubic yards of sediment was removed and access to 600 linear feet of high quality stream habitat was improved. • NCRCD requested a change in the scope of work for Task A.2-5 (a) and (b) - the change has been approved by EPA and SFEP.

Sonoma Ecology Center • BMI QAPP approved, Implementation QAPP approved for signature • DFG permits secured for biological revetment structures, Sonoma Co. agreement to calculate hydrology for stormwater management designs and submitted memos. • Implementation begun on 18 sites on 8 properties. 3 biological revetments installed, weed control completed for season, and planting areas prepped for planting this winter. • Ongoing attendance and participation in regional events, meetings, and partnership building with regional agencies and watershed partners. • Completed monitoring tasks to date. BMI analysis in process.

Southern Sonoma RCD • SSCRCD staff conducted ongoing coordination with the Grant Manager and MMWD on the status of the scope of work. • SSCRCD continued developing the implementation project and began working on additional items included in the amended scope of work.

Trash Capture Demonstration Project (SWRCB-ARRA/Bonds) • Status of Purchase Orders and associated Notices of Acceptance, current as of September 30, 2012: $3,983,527.76 encumbered or spent, and 3,272 devices ordered or installed. • The deadline for trash capture device vendors to accept Purchase Orders from participating municipalities was September 1, 2012. At the deadline, it was clear that all cities would not spend the exact amounts of their allocations, and some reallocation would be necessary. On September 5, SFEP staff held a conference call with the countywide stormwater program managers to discuss strategy for reallocation. The managers’ preference was to 1) reallocate within countywide programs, and 2) extend the purchase order acceptance deadline for vendors who could install more devices (with reallocated funds) by the November 1 construction deadline. They proceeded to poll their cities both to reallocate funds and to determine which vendors’ contracts to amend. • The following week SFEP staff mailed and emailed contract amendments to West Coast Storm,

Inc., United Stormwater, Inc., and Kristar, Inc., extending the Purchase Order deadline from September 1 to September 14. This was possible because the Purchase Order deadline was only developed by ABAG in order to assure that the November 1 construction deadline would be met. • West Coast Storm, Inc. did not respond to the contract amendment, and also ceased returning phone calls or answering emails from SFEP or municipal staff. Consequently, on September 17 we held a conference call with all of the municipalities with outstanding West Coast Storm installations. Among themselves, they decided to cancel West Coast purchase orders and pursue other vendors. • SFEP continued to work with SFEI to complete the maintenance section of the Trash Tracker site. Our intention is for cities to be able to batch maintenance information in a spreadsheet, which we will then upload to the site. This has been a long-term project due to staff changes at SFEI and our limited maintenance budget

Recreational Boating Pump-out Project (DBW) • A majority of the marinas were contacted regarding map orders • During the Quarterly Surveys, 1,275 maps were distributed as part of the annual mail out in an effort to reduce shipping costs. • The Strictly Sail Boat Show in Jack London Square, Oakland, was attended April 12th – 15th. • A total of 510 maps were handed out and we spoke with over 300 boaters about sewage issues and other clean boating topics. • Two presentations were made to a total of 45 boaters. • Conducted surveys of 69 Marinas, consisting of 92 pump outs. • Several marinas with issues with their pump outs were provided with information on resources available.

Fremont Tree Well Filters Monitoring (EPA: Estuary 2100-2) • This project relies on two phases of monitoring. The first monitoring phase was observational in nature and was used to assess the efficiency of the tree well filters and the amount of rain needed for stormwater to flow into and out of the tree wells. This observational monitoring was used to inform the second phase of monitoring that will assess water quality for pollutants of concern. • Began writing the monitoring plan design for Phase II • Conducted two site visits to inspect monitoring equipment • Installed flow meters in the tree wells to assist the City of Fremont in their flow study to test the capacity of the tree wells • Finalized subcontracts with analytical laboratories • Submitted Fremont Tree Well Phase II Water Quality QAPP to EPA (Sept 20, 2012)

North Richmond Pilot to Treat Dry Weather Flows (EPA: Estuary 2100-2) • SFEI completed all water quality monitoring, analyzed the data, and wrote a draft report. The County has reviewed the report and submitted comments to SFEI. • The County also retained Brown and Caldwell, who have developed drafts of a feasibility study, prepared a Gantt chart for the development of plans, specifications, and engineers estimate, and made a presentation to the Clean Water Program Management Committee. • The County met with senior management at West County Wastewater District (WCWD) and staff from the Regional Board. Discussions with West County Wastewater District, City of Richmond, and Regional Board are on-going with the goal to develop a specific project description that will be

acceptable to all parties.

El Cerrito Rain Gardens (SWRCB-ARRA)- SFEP: • Worked on the Annual Project Executive Summary and the Annual Project Assessment and Evaluation Plan Report (both submitted on June 5, 2012). • Worked with SFEI staff to determine appropriate deadline revisions necessary to ensure that a high quality technical report describing the project’s pollutant removal efficacy will be ready before the project completion date of December 1, 2012. • Worked to prepare the Draft Project Certification Report, submitted on September 28, 2012. • Reviewed and provided feedback on SFEI’'s Draft Water Quality monitoring Results Report, also submitted on September 28, 21012.

Newcomb Avenue Green Street (EPA: Estuary 2100) • SFEI worked with PUC and DPW staff to update the monitoring plan based on construction changes. • SFEI performed Quality Control on the full monitoring dataset. • Additional flow monitors became available for monitoring this site and SFEI worked with the PUC to decide upon placement of those monitors. • The PUC has identified possible construction improvements in the LID treatment and are likely to implement these fixes. • SFEI visited the site during a water truck test to observe runoff pathways and explore options for improving the performance of the BMPs by modifying some aspects of the construction. • The preliminary analysis was completed. • SFEI identified a need to refine the delineation of the catchment area.

Objective 4: Champion the Estuary (EPA-NEP and grants)

SFEP’s Facebook SFEP has a page on Facebook with recent updates about this spring’s creek and river cleanup opportunities, Delta plans, the Be The Street youth video initiative, and more. See SFEP at http://www.facebook.com/ pages/San-Francisco-Estuary- Partnership/148963181840875?sk=wall.

ESTUARY NEWS The April 2012 issue features articles on inheriting a floating collection of toxics, how EBMUD's treatment plant has become the first to produce more energy than it needs to operate, surprising bird nesting activity on newly built South Bay islands, and some analysis of the Bay-Delta Conservation Plan.

The June 2012 issue featured articles on measuring fresh water flow in the Delta through the flow station network; restoring wetlands with school kids at Hamilton airbase; accommodating both veterans and terns on Alameda naval base; and testing racks, screens, and lights as deterrents for sturgeon around irrigation intakes. Also, levee vegetation policy; legacy mercury mobilization from salt pond restoration; the downturn in restoration funding; abandoned vessel policy; wetland activist Florence La Riviere; and new greywater-friendly plumbing codes for California. 10

August 2012 covered debating shipboard vs. shore side ballast water treatment regulations for California to prevent aquatic invasions; dredging around eelgrass beds, a new federal policy; cataloging creek mouths for resilience; and boating with elected officials to learn about the Bay, a teenager’s view. Also sustainable growth in the Central Valley; research on the water temperature range tolerated by hardhead minnows; a national blueprint for water trails; HOA management of private wetlands; a “bioblitz” of citizen science; and new state dredge and fill protocols for California wetlands.

SFEP Improves the Website SFEP has embarked on an exciting process of upgrading our website. We have contracted with Issimo Digital, a branding/marketing firm to build a completely new site that will be informative for site visitors and easier for staff to maintain. We hope to have the new site online by sometime this fall.

SFEP Goes International. Director Judy Kelly represented San Francisco Bay and the Partnership at an international conference in Bodrum, Turkey where attendees from coastal bays and estuaries from around the world gathered in September to talk about common issues and share ideas and solutions. Judy gave a presentation on our experience getting ready to host the America’s Cup, and how the region is dealing with a major international sporting event.

Restore America’s Estuaries/Assoc. of National Estuary Program meets in Florida. Director, Judy Kelly will be attending the biennial RAE conference in October in Tampa along with Caitlin Sweeney, who has responsibilities at the NEP Director’s meeting.

GOAL 2: REORGANIZE SFEP FOR GREATER EFFECTIVENESS (EPA-NEP)

Ongoing Activities: • SFEP provided overall program management as well as oversight and grant/contract management for 40 grants/contracts. • SFEP provided overall program management as well as oversight and grant/contract management for 56 subcontracts. • Managed 40+ implementation projects. • Drafted/processed 22 new sub-recipient contracts and 23 contract amendments. • Completed 9 ABAG Executive Board staff report items and 5 draft resolutions. • Support Implementation Committee and Friends of the Estuary.

GOAL 3: INCREASE FUNDING AND RESOURCES TO SUPPORT SFEP AND ITS PARTNERS TO IMPLEMENT THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN (EPA-NEP)

Grants/Contracts Received • $49,999 contract from California Department of Boating and Waterways for Coastal Regional Sediment Management Planning (San Francisco Littoral Cell) outreach and governance structure coordination awarded May 2012. • $6,516,907 contract signed May 31, 2012 from BACWA for IRWMP Implementation projects as detailed above under Objective 3 from DWR Proposition 84 grant. • $1,552,059 grant from US EPA San Francisco Bay Water Quality Improvement Fund for

“Rebuilding Habitat and Shoreline Resilience-Flood 2.0” awarded July 31, 2012. • $717,000 Urban Greening grant award for a third El Cerrito site in the San Pablo Avenue Green Stormwater Spine project received August 1, 2102. • $250,000 grant from US EPA San Francisco Bay Water Quality Improvement Fund for “Greener Pesticides for Cleaner Waterways” an advertising campaign to promote sale and use of less toxic pesticides throughout the Bay Area awarded August 6, 2012.