15.1 Description of Area

15.1.1 The Land

The Northern -Southern Fours Area is composed of Mendocino, Sonoma, and Marin counties, excluding watersheds that drain into Bay (Figure 14).

This region of the northern California coast contains three areas with substantial wetland habitats: the coastal wetlands, the interior valleys of the Eel system, and the interior valleys of the Russian River system. Securement and enhancement of these wetlands will provide nesting, staging, and winter habitat for a variety of waterfowl and many wetland-dependent species. Threatened and endangered species are also present in each of the 15.0 three areas. Limited state and federal protection exists in the form of managed wildlife areas, pants, national seashores or refuges. Wetland enhancement and, in some cases, restoration activities implemented after acquisition will improve NORTHERN and. expand existing wetland habitats.

The northern part of the focus area is bounded on the CALIFORNIA east approximately by the dividing ridge between the and the Sacramento River watersheds. Further south it follows the divide between the water COAST─ sheds of the Russian and Sacramento . Two almost parallel ranges of the Coast Mountain Ranges extend through most of this focus area. The range on SOUTHERN the east is a continuation of the Mayacamas Mountains. In this range, near Potter Valley, rise the two largest rivers of this area: the Eel and Russian rivers. The Eel River flows northward and enters the Pacific Ocean FOCUS AREA just south of Humboldt Bay. The Russian River flows south and then west to empty into the ocean north of .

15-1 A number of , some of them of consider- In the southern interior of the focus area, the able volume, rise in the western mountain range mountains and hills are covered with Madrona, and flow westerly into the Pacific. None of these oaks, pines, spruce, and various other species of steams are navigable, but many form conifers. California nutmeg is found in the area where they flow into the ocean. Many other around and across into northern Napa streams rise in the slopes east and west of the and Lake counties. The hills south of the mouth of chain of valleys between the main ranges and the Russian River, except a small belt of heavily flow into either the Eel River or the Russian River. timbered country, are fertile lands primarily in dairy farms. The country lying between the Along much of the western slope of the Coast foothills west of Santa Rosa Valley and the city of Mountains and extending inland from 15 to 50 Santa Rosa supports oak; the soil in many parts is kilometres (10 to 30 miles), lies the redwood gravelly, but in others rich and fertile. The area which is timbered with redwood and extends along the western fir, interspersed with pine, laurel, Madrona, and side of the Santa Rosa Plains and empties into the live oak. Along the coastline is a strip of open Russian River via . During grassland from 2 to 5 kilometres (1 to 3 miles) severe winters, surface water spreads out and wide. The coastline is generally a bluff-rock 15 overflows a large portion of the Laguna. metres (50 feet) high, with relatively few beach areas. In the south, Sonoma and Petaluma creeks flow in a southeasterly direction and empty into San North of Cloverdale the mountains are very high Pablo Bay. These watersheds are not being and precipitous. The Russian River courses a considered by the Pacific Coast Joint Venture. great distance from Ukiah Valley to the valley 15.1.2 The People around Cloverdale, through a deep gorge in the hills. Between the Russian River and the Pacific Mendocino, Sonoma, and Marin counties have a coast is a series of bold, rocky mountains and total land area of approximately 1,452,000 deep gorges. Along the coast, north of the mouth hectares (3,587,840 acres), and supported a 1990 of the Russian River, the country is much broken; population of just under 700,000 people. Most of in some places the mountains project into the the population resides in the southern parts of ocean, in others, coves are formed South of the Sonoma and Marin counties. In 1990, Santa Rosa mouth of the Russian River, the coast is compos- was the only city with a population over 50,000. ed mostly of a series of rolling hills with small intervening valleys. In the south, many estuaries In the north, the economy is heavily timber push far inland. These estuaries provide habitats dependent. In the south, vineyards and dairy farms for great numbers of fish, waterfowl, and other are major land uses. Nearer the coast, grazing of wildlife. sheep, beef , and dairy herds are important activities. In all of these areas, tourism-based industries are expanding.

15-2 Figure 14. Northern California Coast-Southern Focus Area

15-3 The commercial fishing industry is focused at (53,000 acres) are managed by the California and Fort Bragg but is important to Department of Forestry and Fire Protection; the entire coast of this focus area. 1,708 hectares (4,220 acres) are administered by the California Department of Fish and Game, and 15.1.3 Wetland Habitats the University of California conducts research on 2,096 hectares (5,178 acres) at Hopland. Approxi- The wetlands of Mendocino, Sonoma, and Marin mately 2,111 hectares (5,216 acres) are admin- counties are important wetland habitats along the istered by state and local governments for Pacific Flyway. In addition to their value to resource protection in Sonoma County; and in waterfowl, shorebirds, and other wildlife, coastal excess of 42,536 hectares (105,105 acres) are wetlands are important nursery areas for many under federal, state, local, or private conservation fish and invertebrates. organization management in Marin County.

Major wetlands include , Bodega Additional information on protected habitats can Bay, Garcia River, , Ten Mile River, be found in the following sources: Laguna de Santa Rosa, and Little Lake Valley. These wetlands represent salt marsh; brackish Dixon, Carolyn. 1990. An Inventory of marsh; freshwater marsh; seasonal wetlands; and Protected Resource Lands in Sonoma riverine, mudflat, eelgrass, and open water County; habitats. The major threat to the continued existence of coastal wetlands is from summer Greenbelt Alliance. 1988. The Greenbelt's recreational use and associated developments Public Lands, Public Lands Database for adjacent to wetlands, which use scarce water sup- the . plies. 15.15 Threats to Wetland Habitats 15.1.4 Existing Habitat Protection According to the Association of Bay Area Some of the focus area's natural resources are Governments (ABAG), the population of Sonoma included within federal, state, or locally admin- County tripled between 1950 and 1980, with half istered lands, which offer varying degrees of of the growth occurring during the 1970s. The protection. In Mendocino County, the U.S. population of Sonoma County in 1970 was Forest Service manages 69,231 hectares (171,000 204,885 and reached 388,222 in 1990. An increase acres) and the Bureau of Land Management in population of 10.9% was noted between 1980 administers 656 hectares (1,620 acres); 1,317 and 1985, with an increase of 46% expected hectares (3,253 acres) are managed by the U.S. between 1985 and 2005. Army Corps of Engineers; 12,105 hectares (29,900 acres) are managed by the California Department Sonoma County is presently the sixteenth most of Parks and Recreation; 21,458 hectares populous county in the state, with ABAG predict-

15-4 ing that it will be second in growth rate during • Securement. Permanently secure, the next fifteen years. Between 1990 and 2005, through fee title acquisition, easements, according to ABAG, the county will need at least or other measures, an additional 8,100 49,000 new dwelling units. hectares (20,000 acres) of coastal and interior wetlands and riparian habitats According to Greenbelt Alliance, Sonoma County with associated uplands which are impor- has the least amount of protected open space (6% tant to maintaining their integrity and of total) of the nine Bay Area counties. There are quality. 25,500 hectares (63,00 acres) presently under some forth of protection out of a total of approxi- • Restoration. Restore 1,420 hectares mately 409,000 hectares (1,010,000 acres) of land. (3,500 acres) of reclaimed coastal and interior wetlands on both private and Protective zoning and other regulations offer im- public lands. portant protection for wetlands, but are not always sufficient to resist the pressures for devel- • Enhancement. Enhance 2,230 hectares opment. Many of the wetlands are small and, thus, (5,500 acres) of coastal and interior more vulnerable. wetlands and riparian habitats on public and private lands. Especially in the southern part of the focus area, agricultural operations, with their related draining, 15.3 Population Objectives point source and non-point source pollution, removal of native vegetation, increased water and There are no well-defined population goals for use, continue to threaten wetland habitats. most wildlife species. The needs are best address- ed in terms of habitat goal. The overall waterfowl Timber and mining operations continue to objective is to maintain populations equal to the represent threats to some wetlands through greatest population since 1970. erosion and siltation. may also be threatened by failing septic systems and the • Maintain habitat capable of supporting a introduction of inadequately treated wastewater. peak winter population of 3,000 Brant.

15.2 Habitat Objectives • Maintain habitat capable of supporting a peak population of 60,000 shorebirds. Within this Northern California Coast─ Southern Focus Area, the Pacific Coast Joint 15.4 Recommended Actions Venture is dedicated to ensuring that the follow- ing habitat objectives are met and sustained: The following discussion is broken down into sections identifying recommendations for specific target areas and general proposals that

15-5 are directed toward securement, restoration, en- Bureau of Land Management land with some hancement, and management of wetland habitats wetlands is found to the east of the valley. throughout the Northern California Coast- Southern Focus Area. Recommended Actions:

15.4.1 Target Areas • Maintain existing agricultural land uses through zoning. 1. Mendocino County • Work with private landowners to pursue Round Valley - This 6,200 hectare (15,300-acre) opportunities for cooperative wetland en- interior valley historically had numerous small hancement projects. wetlands scattered over the entire valley. Many have been drained and leveled. The sloughs, Potter Valley - This 3,600-hectare (8,900-acre) creeks, seasonal wetlands, and winter pasture interior valley historically supported a large attract large numbers of wood Ducks and up to wetland. Most has been drained; however, some 500 Lesser Canada Geese. The valley is import- areas along the Russian River are difficult to farm ant winter habitat for Bald Eagles, Peregrine because of saturated soil during winter and Falcons, and other raptors. Occasionally large spring. The water table is close to the surface and numbers of Band-tailed Pigeons winter in and wetland enhancement would not be difficult. Land around the valley when large acorn crops are values are high. A large portion of the historic present. Round Valley has in the past been identi- waterfowl use has been lost. fied as having potential as water project reservoir. Recommended Actions: Recommended Actions: • Work with volunteer groups to place • Maintain existing agricultural land uses Wood Duck nest boxes along the Russian through zoning. River.

• Work with Round Valley Indian Reserva- • Support retention of current zoning to tion and private landowners to pursue protect existing habitat values. opportunities for cooperative wetland . enhancement projects and Russian River Valley to Hopland - The Army Corps of Engineers flood Eden Valley - In single ownership, this 500- control and water storage project on the East hectare (1,250-acre) valley is farmed for hay pro- Branch Russian River, along with the riparian duction. Canada Geese, Bald Eagles, Peregrine and habitat of the Russian River, support Falcons, and Tule Elk use this valley and wetlands peak populations of 3,000-5,000 ducks. Lesser in hills adjacent to the valley. A large block of Scaup at Lake Mendocino often reach 2,000-

15-6 2,500. Farm ponds throughout the Russian River Valley provide a substantial amount of habitat for • Work with fisheries agencies to reduce wildlife. the damaging effects that stream channelization could have on wetlands. Recommended Actions: Cottaneva Creek - Sandpipers and dabbling and • Work with volunteer groups to place diving ducks winter in the wetland along Wood Duck chest boxes at suitable habitat Cottaneva Creek. Nesting Black Oystercatchers, within the target area. western gulls, Brandt's Cormorants, Pelagic Cor- morants, and Pigeon Guillemots populate the rocky coast. Steelhead spawn in Juan Creek, south • Support retention of current zoning to of Cape Vizcaino. Thurber's reed grass protect existing habitat values. (California Native Plant Society, List 2) grows along Highway 1. • Enhance wildlife values on Lake Mendocino trough cooperative efforts Recommended Action: with the Army Corps of Engineers.

• Cooperate with Louisiana-Pacific Corpo- Little Lake Valley - The 1,620-hectare (4,000- ration to investigate the potential for acre) Little Lake Valley represents one of the last restoration of wetlands though the good examples of interior wetlands found in the removal of existing fill areas. north coast range of California. The wetlands are a floodplain of the Eel River drainage and represent a significant staging area for waterfowl in early Ten Mile River - Ten Mile River and spring. The area is fanned for hay production or constitute one of Mendocino County's largest cattle grazing. At the present time, up to 800 wetlands. Thirty hectares (75 acres) of salt marsh hectares (2,000 acres) flood during major winter lie in back of the dunes at. the The storm events. Acquisition through fee title would state-listed endangered Menzies wallflower grows allow wetland enhancement necessary to increase in the coastal strand vegetation covering the breeding habitat for Mallards, Cinnamon Teals, dunes; nearby are nesting sites for Snowy Plovers. and Wood Ducks. This watershed is also import- Common Mergansers nest in the marsh at the ant spawning and. nursery habitat for salmonids. river's mouth. The Mendocino coast paintbrush grows on the bluff nears the Highway 1 bridge. , steelhead, and Pacific lamprey Recommended Actions: spawn in the north and south forks of Ten Mile River, state- and federal-listed endangered Bald • Seek the securement of approximately 400 Eagles forage in the upstream tributaries during hectares (1,000 acres) from willing land- migration. Ten Mile Beach, one of the longest owners within. the winter flooded area. stretches of dunes in California, extends from the

15-7 river mouth south for 7. kilometres (4.5 miles). Several species of mammals and salamanders, Thurber's reed grass grows in the dunes back of the California Newt, and the Ringneck Snake the beach. Surfperch frequent the offshore waters, inhabit the fen watershed. Great Blue Herons, and night smelt spawn along the beach. Cattle Egrets, and Black-shouldered Kites are per- manent residents of the fen area. Many other birds Recommended Actions: may also be seen here, including Snowy Plovers, Black Turnstones, Killdeer, five owl species, • In cooperation with local landowners, Vaux's Swifts, and several species of gulls and develop strategies involving cooperative hummingbirds. agreements, easements, or acquisitions necessary to secure 100 hectares (250 Recommended Action: acres) of wetlands and 200 hectares (500 acres) of riparian habitats, and also to • Encourage State Park management to restore 80 hectare (200 acres) of wetlands. continue efforts in securing and en- hancing wetland and riparian habitats • Work with Georgia-Pacific Corporation that are presently used as pasture. to restore wetlands on Corporation lands. Pudding Creek - This small 22-hectare (54- • Support State Park actions to provide acre) coastal wetland was altered many years ago protection to Ten Mile Beach for nesting with the installation of a that blocks tidal Snowy Plovers. action approximately 400 metres (1,300 feet) upstream from its mouth at the Pacific Ocean. Inglenook Fen - The vegetation of Inglenook Although subject to human disturbance because of Fen is similar to that of bogs and marshes, but its proximity to the town of Fort Bragg, Pudding contains unusual inset and plant species. Creek provides feeding and loafing habitat for Sandhill Lake, at the edge of the fen, is formed by migratory waterfowl, especially dabbling ducks. the confluence of two creeks. The dunes surround- A small breeding population of Canada Geese ing the lake prevent highly acidic runoff from has developed in recent years. Small coastal upland redwood and pine from entering wetlands like Pudding Creek, with their assoc- the marsh. Within the dunes surrounding iation of marsh (including aquatic and riparian Inglenook Fen, a diverse biotic community vegetation), collectively provide important includes at least 30 rare or endemic species of resting and feeding areas for birds using the insects and spiders. In the marsh area surround- Pacific Flyway. ing but mostly east of Sandhill Lake, plants, such as the rein orchid, marsh pennywort, St. John's Recommended Actions: wort, and brooklime, grow among stands of common rushes. Buck bean, uncommon at this • Support retention of current zoning to low elevation, grows in the fen's rich soil. protect existing habitat values.

15-8 • Enhance wildlife values on Pudding management and enhancement of Creek through cooperative efforts with wetland habitats. the private landowner (Georgia-Pacific). - The river supports coho salmon, • Work with volunteer groups to place steelhead and striped bass, as well as surfperch Wood Duck nest boxes at suitable habitats and starry flounder. Shorebirds forage at the river within the target area. mouth, which is a Dungeness crab nursery; migratory waterfowl use the estuary in the winter Big River - The Big River estuary, including months. Common Egrets are permanent residents mudflats and marsh, covers 610 hectares (1,500 along the river. The bay pipefish, which grows to acres) and is one of the largest relatively undisturb- 36 centimetres (14 inches) and is a relative of the ed estuaries along the California coast. Starry sea horse, lives in the eelgrass beds at the mouth of the river. Red abalone are abundant in the flounder and Dungeness crab inhabit the river rocky intertidal waters around the Arch of the estuary; coho salmon and steelhead spawn Navarro at the river mouth. Redtail surfperch upstream. Geese, ducks and endangered Bald inhabit the offshore waters. Eagles overwinter in the river's inland watershed.

Recommended Actions: Recommended Action:

• Work with Georgia-Pacific Corporation • Work with Louisiana-Pacific Corporation to secure permanent protection of to provide enhanced Wood Duck nesting shoreline habitats. habitat.

Albion River - The river mouth, open to the sea • Monitor the permitting and operation of year-round, is a saltwater estuary inhabited by commercial fishing mariculture to ensure rainbow and rubberlip surfperch, starry flounder, the protection of eelgrass beds. and Dungeness crab. Beds of eelgrass grow along both sides of the channel. Great Blue Herons build Manchester Plain Wetlands - Between Irish their nests along the river, and geese and ducks Beach and the Point Arena headlands are six winter here. The river is also an important sport wetlands that collectively are very important to fishing area for coho salmon and steelhead. migratory birds on the Pacific Coast. At the north Harbour Seals frequent the river mouth, and River is Alder Creek, then Manchester Lagoons, both Otters are common farther upstream. tributary to the Pacific Ocean. Brush Creek enters the Pacific west of Manchester. Hunters Lagoon Recommended Action: has no outlet, but surface vegetation character- istics indicate subsurface flow to Brush Creek. • Provide extension services to Georgia- Hathaway Creek marsh drains into the Garcia Pacific Corporation to provide improved River wetlands west of Highway 1. In total, these

15-9 wetlands provide a significant portion of Hunters Lagoon contains 11 hectares (26 acres) Mendocino County's coastal wetlands. Since of open water, 11 hectares (28 acres) of fresh- adjacent lands are still primarily agricultural, water marsh, and 23 hectares (58 acres) of riparian wildlife disturbance is minimal and waterfowl habitats. This freshwater pond, surrounded by move easily from one area to another. marsh within the stabilized dunes, has a canopy of aquatic vegetation, including yellow pond lilies. Alder Creek wetlands contain 2 hectares (5 Two plants uncommon near the coast, bladderwort acres) of open water, hectares (5 acres) of and mare's tail, grow in the surrounding marsh. riparian habitat, 3 hectares (7 acres) of mud flat (including sand and rock), and .1 hectare (.25 acre) Hathaway Creek enters the Garcia River about of brackish marsh. The California Department of 1.6 kilometres (1 mile) upstream from the river Parks and Recreation owns a portion of this area, mouth. This 31-hectare (77-acre) wetland flows primarily the beach. Smelt spawn at the mouth of through pasturelands and rolling hills. The hydrol- Alder Creek, and steelhead spawn farther ogy of the wetland to the east of Highway 1 has upstream. Migratory waterfowl winter along the been altered by the highway. West of the highway, creek in the freshwater habitat that extends from agricultural practices periodically degrade the creek mouth to 3 kilometres (2 miles) upstream. wetland values. Great Blue Herons nest along The north-facing bluff west of Highway 1 is habitat Hathaway Creek. The coast lily and Mendocino for the Point Arena Mountain Beaver. coast paintbrush grow along the stream, and federally-listed endangered American Peregrine Manchester Beach Lagoons are two intercon- Falcons have been sighted in the area where the nected brackish water lagoons containing about 12 creek flows into the Garcia River hectares (30 acres) of excellent wetland habitat. Uplands to the north and east are primarily Garcia River Wetlands contain 23 hectares grazing land. The California Department of Parks (56 acres) of open water, 20 hectares (50 acres) of and Recreation manage the southerly lagoon. salt marsh, 3 hectares (8 acres) of brackish marsh, Since human disturbance is very low, these two 2.5 hectares (6 acres) of freshwater marsh, 12 lagoons are extensively utilized for resting and hectares (30 acres) of seasonal wetland, 80 feeding by migrating water-associated birds. hectares (200 acres) of riparian habitats, 4.5 hectares (11 acres) of sand and mudflat, and over Brush Creek is the major tributary to 17.5 120 hectares (300 acres) of pastureland (most of hectares (43 acres) of wetland adjacent to 50 which, historically was wetland). Sandpipers, hectares (120 acres) of permanent pasture that his- dabbling ducks, and diving ducks winter in the torically were wetlands. This area is commonly Garcia River estuary. A flock of Tundra Swans used by Tundra Swans that winter mainly on the returns there on their yearly migration. This Garcia River. species, which summers in the Alaskan tundra, usually winters in the Central Valley and is rarely

15-10 seen on the coast. The river supports spawning 2. Sonoma County runs of coho salmon and steelhead. - Austin Creek is a significant The Point Arena Headland is at the terminus of riparian community with scattered freshwater the Garcia River. Nesting Black Oystercatchers, marsh that functions principally for anadromous Pelagic Cormorants, and Pigeon Guillemots fish and is an important spawning tributary stream inhabit the offshore rocks. Steller's Sea Lions and of the Russian River. The riverine system prov- Harbour Seals frequent the waters just south of ides foraging habitat for mergansers and does not the point, where large beds of giant and bull kelp offer much enhancement potential for other water- support abundant marine life. fowl.

Recommended Actions: Federal- or state-listed endangered and threatened species using this area include the freshwater • Support retention of current zoning to shrimp and northern Spotted Owl. protect existing habitat values and to protect agricultural lands from more Recommended Actions: intensive development. • Encourage stream enhancement planning • Evaluate privately owned lands for exist- in the upper watershed of the east Fork of ing wetland values and the potential to Austin Creek. restore or create wetlands. Work with landowners who are willing to protect or • Initiate an educational and extension pro- enhance habitat through conservation gram for the enhancement of Wood Duck easements, cooperative efforts, or through nesting habitats on tributary streams and sale or donation to conservation agencies upland ponds. or organizations.

Bodega Bay Complex - All of the coastal • Enhance wildlife habitat through coop- drainages between Salmon Creek and Point erative efforts with private landowners Reyes flow into Bodega Bay. On the north, and California Department of Parks and Johnson Gulch and Cheney Gulch flow into Recreation Bodega Harbor estuary, which empties southerly into Bodega Bay. The Estero Americano and • Work with the California Department of both empty into Bodega Transportation to ensure that any project Bay along the eastern side, and Tomales Bay involving Highway 1 fully considers the flows northerly into Bodega Bay. The Tomales impacts to this area's wildlife habitats. Peninsula point is across from Bodega Head, and together the two create a neck for outflow and

15-11 allow Bodega Bay to function as a marine Bodega Head - Bodega Head is the western penin- estuary. The San Andre fault line cuts through sula of land that contains Bodega Harbor and sepa- the center of Bodega Harbor and Tomales Bay. rates it from the ocean. The head contains a large area of freshwater seeps and marshes that Bodega Harbor - Steep coastal grasslands drop follow the , and has smaller from the east into the Bodega Harbor estuary, northcoast salt marshes along the harbor peripher- from Johnson Gulch on the north to Cheney y. The "hole in the head" is a large freshwater Gulch on the south. A transitional area of sand lake that has resulted from spring water filling of dunes forms the San Andreas zone, and the the hole created by Pacific Gas and Electric's extension of coastal scrub land west of the dunes excavations for the now abandoned nuclear forms Bodega Head. The principal waterfowl powerplant project. There is some potential for using Bodega Harbor and Bodega Bay are marine the creation of ponding areas within the fresh- species, including Brant. Surf Scoters, Ruddy water seep and marsh areas to provide open water Ducks, and coots are the dominant local water- habitat. Headland cliff areas provide important fowl, with the Brant feeding on the eelgrass beds in nesting sites. the harbor, bays, and esteros. Waterfowl use the harbor as a refuge during storms and migration. Federal- or state-listed endangered and threatened There is opportunity for enhancement, because species using this area include the American Per- Bodega Harbor is a major shorebird area. egrine Falcon.

Federal- or state-listed endangered and threatened Recommended Action: species using this area include the Black Rail, Brown Pelican, tidewater goby, American • Initiate cooperative planning with the Peregrine Falcon, monarch butterfly, and the University of California Bodega Marine bird's-beak. Laboratory to encourage enhancement and improved management of the habitats Recommended Actions: found on its properties.

• Request assistance from the State Coastal Cheney Gulch - Cheney Gulch is the southern- Conservancy's Resource Sign Program in most freshwater drainage into Bodega Harbor and dev-eloping interpretive signs for key is a relatively short drainage of coastal scrub and access and viewpoints explaining the grassland, dropping steeply into riparian ravines important wildlife values of the area and with rocky outcrops and scattered freshwater what is needed protect them. marsh and artificial pondings. Wildlife enhance- ment is limited to the maintenance of existing • In cooperation with local land manage- wetland and associated upland habitats, and could ment agencies, monitor the security of be improved by removing livestock from several eelgrass beds. areas.

15-12 Federal- or state-listen endangered and threatened be possible for habitat protection projects and species using this area include the yellow larkspur. through watershed zoning.

Recommended Actions: The Pitkin Marsh is a composite woodland riparian and marsh wetland complex, with • Establish a landowner outreach program interspersions of grasslands. and seasonal to encourage the protection of wetland wetlands. It is the central drainage to Green Valley and riparian) habitats from destructive Creek. Pond developments on more upland areas levels of grazing. would increase local nesting by Wood Ducks and Mallards. Estero Americano, Estero San Antonio, and , (within Sonoma County) - Federal- or state-listed endangered and threatened These areas are discussed under Marin County. species using this area include the Pitkin My, Sebastopol meadowfoam, Sonoma alopecurus, Watershed - The watershed freshwater shrimp, Tomales isopod, Tiger Sa- drains to the Russian River via Green Valley lamander, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Spotted Owl, Creek and contains four drainages with significant and American Peregrine Falcon. wetland basins: Purrington Creek, the southerly Atascadero Marsh and Creek, the Pitkin Marsh Recommended Actions: and Creek, and the Forestville Marsh and Creek. These are seasonal and permanent wetland habitats • Cooperate with the California Department of great diversity that support endangered species. of Fish and Game in re-evaluation of the The watershed is of major importance to wetland potential for habitat securement in the conservation and water, quality. Waterfowl en- Pitkin Marsh area. hancement potential is high, but would require controlling of livestock grazing, reducing agricul- • Protect existing habitat values through tural conversion and alternate uses, and enhancing acquisition of lands and easements, permanent wetland habitats. The area is historical- zoning, and land use regulations. ly important for locally nesting Wood Ducks, Mallards, and Cinnamon Teals, and as a winter • Restore and enhance wetland habitats stopover for Pacific Flyway waterfowl and water where feasible and appropriate. birds. • Work with Sonoma County and the City of Wastewater ponds have been added to the Sebastopol to develop land use plans that Atascadero and Forestville marshes, but the protect wetland habitats. system needs better upland ponding for marsh treatment and water quality improvements. A Laguna de Santa Rosa - The Laguna de Santa cooperative program with Sonoma County may Rosa, including Cunningham Marsh, is a 2,800-

15-13 hectare (7,000-acre) floodway connected to the Falcon, Tiger Salamander, freshwater shrimp (in- Russian River at Mirabel, and extending some 29 cluding Burke's goldfields fairy shrimp), Sebas- kilometres (18 miles) southerly to Rohnert Park topol meadowfoam, and the Sonoma sunshine. and Cotati. The Santa Rosa Plains on the east are predominantly valley oak grasslands with vernal Recommended Actions: pools. To the west lie oak/conifer forests. The heart of the floodway grades from permanent • Pursue - Department of Fish and Game marsh and riparian forest to seasonal marsh and concept plans for the securement of ap- vernal pools. proximately 2,800 hectares (7,000 acres) of Laguna area habitats. The Laguna is a major wetland complex that historically provided significant waterfowl • Support the transfer of approximately 30 production. It has been drained, farmed, irrigat- hectares (70 acres) of uplands and vernal ed, and otherwise managed in ways that have pools from the Department of Defense to reduced habitat quality and the numbers of water- the California Department of Fish and fowl and other wetland species. The City of Santa Game. Rosa and the subregional wastewater system are • Support Laguna pilot channel right-of- presently focusing on this area for enhancement way conveyance from Sonoma County that includes the redevelopment of historic Water Agency to Department of Fish and features including ponds, permanent marshes, and Game. the termination of irrigation on upland areas. This could result in greater waterfowl production and • Initiate extension programs that will en- holding capacity. courage private landowners to enhance seasonal and permanent wetlands and Cunningham Marsh extends from southeast of promote the restoration of riparian zones. Sebastopol along the spring-fed drainage to the Laguna de Santa Rosa. It is a Laguna Lake - Laguna Lake is located southwest critical watershed of the Laguna and has important of Petaluma off Chileno Valley Road It is now, wildlife habitat values in itself. Management of and was historically, a seasonal wetland basin the wetland habitats within the floodway, include- that contains seeps, permanent marsh, vernal pools, ing soil stabilization an erosion control, would and annual grassland It was drained for agricultu- allow the re-creation of ponds and riparian ral purposes for many years, until ordered refilled habitats for greater waterfowl production. by the Regional Water Quality Control Board Its long-term status is undetermined Federal- or state-listed endangered and threatened species using this area include the western Yellow- This area may have the greatest potential for wa- billed Cuckoo, Bald Eagle, American Peregrine terfowl enhancement outside of the Laguna de

15-14 Santa Rosa. Vernal pool and endangered species Recommended Action: surveys are needed to determine their presence and to delineate wetland characteristics. Water supply • Support the proposals included in the is a critical factor in providing permanent Russian River Resource Enhancement Plan. wetland habitats and waterfowl forage crops. There is little survey data available on the area. Willow Creek- The wetlands are located tributary to the Russian River up the Willow Creek branch, Federal- or state-listed endangered and threatened and lie in a somewhat narrow plain that once- was species using this area have not yet been evaluated. mostly redwood forest mixed with freshwater riparian forest and marsh. Recommended Action:

Osprey and Spotted Owls are found in the area, • Support development of a Wildlife and there is potential for the expansion of Conservation Board proposal for the wetland marsh and pond development. securement of Laguna Lake

Recommended Action: Russian River - The Russian River is a highly degraded riverine system that historically con- • Work with Louisiana-Pacific Corporation tained vast amounts of riparian forest, marsh, and to ensure securement of the lands lying scattered seasonal freshwater palustrine marshes between the State Park and the Sonoma on river terraces. It flows south out of Mendocino Land Trust property. County into Sonoma County, then turns west near Forestville and outfalls at Jenner. Salmon Creek - Salmon Meek drains the water- shed west of Sebastopol and retains more riverine The loss of the riverine terraces and marshes to riparian habitats in the headwaters, which open viticulture has placed a significant portion of the into mixes of palustrine riparian forest and fresh- enhanceable area into uses that have elevated land water marshlands in the lower canyons before values that will probably preclude enhancement flowing through the coastal strand to mix with the projects without a major program. The primary estuary flowing into the ocean north of Bodega. enhancement potential is in the recreation of the riverine marshes, and riparian and marsh habitats The upper reaches of the drainage have Wood in and around irrigation ponds and lakes. Ducks and mergansers, with Mallards and Cinnamon Teals in several small scattered The mouth of the Russian River grades from riverine marshes. The lower area is characterized freshwater riparian and marsh habitats to a large by seasonal ponding and estuary mixing, and it estuary and brackish coastal marshes, including provides loafing water for migratory waterfowl Penney Island. including American Wigeons and Canvasbacks.

15-15 There are also ponds an freshwater marshes that ing tidal mudflats, brackish marsh, and fresh- are habitat for Mallards and teals. Tundra Swans water marsh. Pacific herring deposit their eggs on use the area annually. The main enhancement the eelgrass growing in the channel near the opportunity lies in controlling livestock to allow mouth of the estero. Other fish found in the estero riparian and marsh habit re-establishment. include staghorn sculpin, shiner surfperch, starry flounder, and smelt. The sandy bottom serves as a Federal- or state-listed endangered and threaten- nursery for juvenile Dungeness crabs. Wading ed species using this area include the Black Rail, birds, such as Great Blue Herons, Black-crowned northern Spotted Owl, American Peregrine Night Herons, and Snowy Egrets, forage in the Falcon, Snowy Plover, tidewater goby, freshwater shallow waters of the estuary. Other water birds, shrimp, and swamp hare bell. Vernal pool species such as loons, grebes, cormorants, and endan- have not yet been surveyed. gered California Brown Pelicans, also feed there. Owls and hawks inhabit the surrounding uplands, Recommended Actions: and endangered Bald Eagles have been seen in the area. Tundra Swans, uncommon along the • Institute an extension program that will coast, have also been observed along the upper encourage landowners to enhance wet- reaches of the estero. The estero is surrounded by land and riparian habitats. privately owned agricultural land.

• Monitor land-us planning to ensure that The Estero de San Antonio, lying in the valley Salmon Creek habitats are not cut off of Stemple Creek, is a long, narrow estuary from the Bodega Bay Complex. similar in form to the Estero Americano. It supports 86 hectares (213 acres) of brackish 3. Marin County marsh, 5 hectares (13 acres) of mud flat, 38 hectares (93 acres) of open water, and 25 hectares (62 Estero Americano and Estero San Antonio - acres) of riparian habitats. Wading birds feed and The long, narrow configuration of the esteros is rest there. Waterfowl, such as Northern Pintails, unusual among California estuaries. Freshwater American Wigeons, Canvasbacks, and Ruddy drains into the esteros seasonally, and saline Ducks, can be seen there, but generally in ocean waters ebb and flow within the basin. smaller numbers than at the Estero Americano, Annual grasslands dominate the esteros' habitats. which has greater open water area. Western Pond Turtles commonly bask in the sun along the Estero Americano is formed as margins of the Estero de San Antonio. A .8- winds through rolling coastal hills. The saltwater kilometre (.5-mile) long remnant of the native influence extends up to 5 kilometres (3 miles) coastal grassland community grows along the inland. The estero includes more than 260 south bank of the estero. Found here are once- hectares (640 acres) of open water and wetlands common perennial grasses, such as California and contains a wide variety of habitat types, includ fescue and Pacific reedgrass.

15-16 Intensive livestock grazing has removed much of • In cooperation with local landowner, the riparian, marsh, and coastal scrub habitats, and develop strategies involving cooperative is adding manure effluent into the esteros' agreement, easements, or acquisition waters annually. This nutrient, coupled with low plans necessary to protect riparian and seasonal rainfall and pumping of groundwater, wetland habitats. is causing a significant eutrophication of the esteros and threatens wildlife populations. The • Work cooperatively to enhance water- esteros could be enhanced for wildlife by con- fowl habitats through active water man- trolling grazing on wetland habitats and shorelines. agement to extend seasonal inundation Removal of livestock would also allow greater of low-lying pasture lands. water filtration and provide more nesting habitat for Mallards and Cinnamon Teal. Improved water • Encourage the integration of complemen- conditions that prevent eutrophication would tary land uses to provide for a mosaic of provide enhanced invertebrate production and diverse habitats through modification of allow for greater use by Northern Pintails and agricultural practices and restoration of Mallards. riparian vegetation and wetland comm- unities. The subregional wastewater system has form- ulated plans for the creation of wetlands within Walker Creek - Walker Creek, with its tributary the Valley Ford area and enhancement of historic Keys Creek, is the second largest of the streams wetland habitats. These freshwater ponds and feeding Tomales Bay. Although its flow is marshes could add significantly to dabbling duck reduced by siltation, the stream still supports runs use in the area. of coho salmon and steelhead. The Walker Creek delta includes over 40.5 hectares (100 acres) of Federal- or state-listed endangered and threatened marsh and mudflats where salt marsh plants pre- species using this area include the tidewater dominate. Additionally, 20 hectares (50 acres) of goby, freshwater shrimp, Black Rail, Brown freshwater and riparian wetlands occur upstream. Pelican, Bald Eagle, American Peregrine Falcon, Large numbers of shorebirds use the marsh, in- Howell's bent-grass, rock-cress, and the Red- cluding Whimbrels, Short-billed Dowitchers, and legged Frog. occasional Long-billed Curlews. A dominant Recommended Actions: insect of marine-influenced marshes like the Walker Creek delta is the midge fly. The larval and pupal stages of midges provide an important • Support the Marin/Sonoma Animal food source for nearshore fish and waterfowl. Waste Committee's efforts to eliminate non-point source pollutants due to Mudflats with abundant algal material, like the confined animal operations. Walker Creek delta, are also habitat for insects

15-17 such as the long-legged shore fly; wading salt and freshwater marshes are found along the shorebirds feed on the fly larvae. The state-listed edges of the bay. rare yellow larkspur may be seen growing in spots along Highway 1 between the Walker Creek Bottom materials in Tomales Bay include gravel. delta and Stemple Creek. or coarse sand near the mouth of the bay and fine sand, silt, or mud at the upper (southern) end. The Recommended Action s: range of coarse to fine bottom materials en- courages a great variety of species; over 1,000 • Develop cooperative programs to control different species of worms, clams, snails, crabs, grazing and restore riparian strips at the and other marine and estuarine invertebrates have upper reaches of tributaries. been identified. In the extensive eelgrass beds near the mouth of Tomales Bay, Brant feed and Pacific • Encourage removal of invasive exotic herring deposit their eggs. The herring have sup- vegetation at the mouth of Walker Creek. ported an important commercial fishery.

Kehoe Marsh: Except in extraordinary years, Nearly 100 species of water-associated birds this freshwater marsh is separated from the sea by have been identified at Tomales Bay, including a sandbar. The marsh is habitat for Yellowthroat, species that winter in the area and those that pass Sora Rails, waterfowl, and shorebirds. Tidewater through along the Pacific Flyway. Shorebirds goby could also be present commonly seen include Marbled Godwits, Willets, Black Turnstones, and Dunlins. Recommended Action: Waterfowl seen include Buffleheads, White- winged Scoters, Surf Scoters, and Ruddy Ducks. Great Blue Herons, Common Egrets, and Snowy • Develop cooperative programs to restrict Egrets wade in the shallow waters of the bay in livestock grazing and restore riparian search of fish. There is a heron rookery in a grove wetlands. of eucalyptus trees located on private land south of Miller Park along Highway 1. Tomales Bay: Tomales Bay lies in a valley form- ed by earth movement along the San Andreas Recommended Actions: fault. The bay is 10 kilometres (13 miles) long, 1.6 kilometres (1 mile) wide, and very shallow the south end is less than 3 metres (10 feet) deep, • Enhance tidal marsh inlets along the and wide expanses of mudflats are exposed at low eastern shore by increasing circulation. tide. The three main streams that feed the bay - Walker/Keys Creek, , and Olema • Restore historic wetlands to seasonal or Creek - are relatively small, therefore, the amount tidal wetlands where the opportunities of fresh water entering the bay is minimal. Both exist.

15-18 • Investigate the impact of gull use at the reptiles found in the area of the marsh include delta on wintering shorebirds. the Western Fence Lizard, Aquatic Garter Snake, Western Terrestrial Snake, and Garter Snake. • Remove old aquaculture stakes and debris from the delta. Recommended Action:

Livermore Marsh - The lower third of this • Acquire salt marsh. marsh, owned by Audibon Canyon Ranch, is dominated by bulrush, cattail, and open water. Olema Pasture - This boggy wetland field along The upper reaches contain stands of willows, Highway 1 at the south end of Tomales Bay is woody riparian shrubs, and a large seasonal wet used for livestock grazing. Overflow from Olema meadow dominated by juncus. Insects such as Creek historically extended over this area, but is mosquitoes, dance flies, and stiletto flies inhabit now blocked by roads and levees. The tule the brackish marsh Northern Pintails and Amer- marshes provide habitat for egrets, herons, rails, ican Wigeons are seen in the marsh Important and other wetland species. Bird use has declined breeding species are Tricolored Blackbird, due to grazing and destruction of wetland plants. Yellowthroat, Red-legged Frog, and Western Pond Turtle. Recommended Actions:

Recommended Actions: • Develop and implement programs to confine livestock grazing to the west side • Raise water table by building check- of Olema Creek. to increase seasonal period of soil saturation and restore wetland functions • Provide for protection of wetland plants. to the upper part of the marsh. Bear Valley Creek - This creek feeds Olema • Maximize habitat values by reducing Marsh and flows along the Bear Valley Visitor the extent of invading cattails. Center area of the Point Reyes National Seashore to the ocean. Marshall Marsh - This is a freshwater creek that grades into brackish and then salt marsh. The Recommended Actions: section below Highway 1 is dominated by red alders. The salt marsh is in private ownership. • Remove accumulated sediment to restore The wooded areas around the marsh, where flow. stream-side litter, logs, and rocks accumulate, are habitats for amphibians, such as the California • Evaluate bridges and culverts as obstacles Newt, California Slender Salamander, Western to fish passage. Toad, and the Pacific Tree Frog. Common

15-19 Lagunitas Creek - Lagunitas Creek, also called ern end of the bay. Dominant plants in the salt Paper Mill Creek, drains the northern slopes of marsh along the bay's edge are pickleweed and Mount Tamalpais and flows through redwood arrowgrass. The tidal channels and mudflats are a forest and riparian woodland before entering the foraging ground for many species of shorebirds, south end of Tomales Bay. The creek is the largest including Killdeer, Western Sandpipers, and of the streams feeding Tomales Bay. It pro- Black-bellied Plovers. vides important habitat for dabbling and diving ducks. The state- and federal-listed endangered Recommended Actions: California freshwater shrimp inhabits the creek upstream of Point Reyes Station. Steelhead and • Support Department of Fish and Game coho salmon return annually to spawn in management for protection of coastal Lagunitas Creek and its tributary, Olema Creek. wetlands and fish and wildlife habitats. White House Pool is a public fishing access point near the junction of the two creeks. • Encourage compatible public uses, such as nature study, wildlife observation, Recommended Actions: hunting, and fishing.

• At White House Pool Fishing Access, • Support Fish and Game Commission encourage Marin County Parks Depart- seasonal closure, which prevents public ment to reduce the number and size of entry from March 1 through June 30, to bench areas along the path to allow protect nesting species. riparian revegetation. • Enhance wetlands by increasing tidal • Correct erosion problems and restore flow and removal of old aquaculture riparian vegetation along the creek, stakes and debris. especially in the vicinity of the veterinary hospital. Bird Rock - Bird Rock, near the ocean side of , is a rookery for several species of Tomales Bay Ecological Reserve - The largest seabirds, including the Ashy Storm-Petrel, and is wetland and marsh system found within Tomales a major Harbour Seal pupping area. Bay exists where Lagunitas Creek enters the Recommended Actions: shallow southern end of the bay. Although some of the historic marsh has been diked off and is used as grazing land, an extensive wetland area • Encourage Point Reyes National Sea- remains. The Tomales Bay Ecological Reserve, shore to provide needed additional acquired by the Wildlife Conservation Board and protection by designating Bind Rock as managed by the Department of Fish and Game, an "Area of Special Significance". includes some 200 hectare (500 acres) at the south

15-20 • Monitor and enforce restrictions on are found in abundance. The Red-legged Frog public landing on the island which could also inhabits Olema Marsh. Most of the marsh is be a major disturbance to Harbour Seals. owned by the and man- aged as a research and wetland restoration project. Abbott's Lagoon - The lower lagoon is brackish, since the sandbar at the mouth is breached occa- Recommended Actions: sionally by winter storm waves and high tides. The upper lagoon is freshwater. Shorebirds that • Encourage Audubon Canyon Ranch to are uncommon elsewhere, such as Baird's Sand- remove sediment to restore open water pipers and Semipalmated Sandpipers, are found habitat and improve nesting conditions seasonally around the lagoon. Western Grebes for waterfowl and passerine binds. and Pied-billed Grebes are frequently sighted; Caspian Terns may be seen in the summer. • Restore aquatic circulation. Abbott's Lagoon supports three endangered plants, an endangered butterfly, and one-third of • Increase saltwater tidal flushing at the the rare plants in the Point Reyes National northwest end of the marsh Seashore.

Limantour Estero - Extending along the north Recommended Actions: side of the 3-kilometre (2-mile) long Limantour Spit is the 200-hectare (500-acre) Limantour • Protect wetland habitats by relocating Estero Reserve. Pickleweed grows in the salt fencing to exclude livestock from the marsh on the margin of the estero, and eelgrass riparian vegetation. grows in deeper water. Water birds, such as White Pelicans and Black Brant, feed and rest in • Designate as a "research Natural Area". the estero, and Harbour Seals haul out on shore. Numerous invertebrates are found in the mudflats, Olema Marsh - This 15-hectare (40-acre) marsh, including blue mud shrimp and giant moon snails. the largest of the freshwater marshes around the Snowy Plovers inhabit the outer beaches. The edge of Tomales Bay, is formed by Olema Creek estero is also important habitat for migratory upstream from its junction with Lagunitas waterfowl and shorebirds. Creek. Cattails and tules are found in the marsh. This is the only known site of the bur marigold in Recommended Action: Marin County. Over 150 species of birds have been observed at Olema Marsh, including the • Provide adequate monitoring and en- Yellow Warbler, the Virginia Rail, and the Sora. forcement to ensure protection of wildlife The state-listed threatened California Black Rail habitats. has also been seen here. Western Pond Turtles

15-21 - This is the largest of the of acorn worm that is apparently unique to the saltwater lagoons along the Marin coast. The Duxbury Reef, and a small burrowing anemone, shallow estero receives freshwater flow only Halcampa crypta, found only here and at Puget from minor streams, and broad mudflats are Sound in State. Gumboot chitons exposed at low tide. Invertebrates found in the and giant pink sea stars inhabit the subtidal area mudflats include giant geoduck clams, now un- and are occasionally washed ashore by storm common elsewhere, and abundant phoronids waves. The entire reef is a marine reserve. ("stringworms"). The rocky intertidal area of the estero is inhabited by limpets, sea anemones, Recommended Action: ochre sea stars, and several varieties of crabs. The estero harbors rays and leopard sharks, and • Protect resources by increasing monitor- also serves as a nursery or fish, such as lingcod. ing and enforcement activities. Water-associated birds, such as Caspian Terns and Canada Geese, use the estero. Sandbars in Drakes - Bolinas Lagoon, a county- Estero are Harbour Seal pupping sites. owned nature preserve, includes over 490 hectares (1,200 acres) of sheltered water, salt marsh, and Recommended Actions mudflat. In winter, when freshwater runoff is relatively high, the lagoon is an estuary; in • Improve management by conducting summer it is essentially a saltwater lagoon. The baseline inventories, including some sen- shallowness of the lagoon has resulted from sitivity indexes and monitoring. siltation due, in part, to historic logging on the surrounding hills. The lagoon serves as nursery • Protect harbour seal and other resources for fish, such as starry flounder, cabezon, and by implementing public use restrictions several varieties of perch. The lagoon's extensive during pupping season. mudflats attract large numbers of shorebirds. Plovers, sandpipers, herons, and egrets are abun- • Protect eelgrass beds by monitoring and dant. Surf Scoters, Ruddy Ducks, Greater taking necessary enforcement actions. Scaups, avocets, and Northern Pintails are also commonly seen. Uncommon, but occasionally Duxbury Reef - Duxbury Reef is California's present, are Virginia Rails. During the migration largest exposed shale reef The reef lies at the base season, as many as 30,000 to 35,000 waterfowl of the headlands known as the Bolinas Mesa. and shorebirds have been counted, representing The relatively soft shale is habitat for an unusual over 60 species. assemblage of rock-bong clams and worms. The intertidal area includes gooseneck barnacles, Around the perimeter of the lagoon are several ochre sea stars, and huge beds of California salt marshes in which cordgrass, pickleweed, mussels. Shallow gravel tide pools contain a type and salt grass are present. Small freshwater

15-22 marshes exist where streams open into the lagoon. Recommended Action: The major perennial stream flowing into Bolinas Lagoon is Pine Gulch Creek, which drains the • Enhance the freshwater creek habitat by upper Bolinas peninsula. Coho salmon and planting native trees; remove non-native steelhead spawn in the stream A dense stand of eucalyptus. native bay laurel and alder trees is located where Stinson Creek enters the lagoon near Highway 1. - This brackish lagoon is sepa- rated from the sea by a pebble barrier beach that Near Bolinas Lagoons are several heavily wood- is only occasionally breached. Offshore near the ed canyons separated by grass-covered ridges. southern end of the beach is Bird Island, a resting High in the redwood trees in one of the canyons is and breeding place for pelagic cormorants. Un- a large nesting colony of Great Blue Herons and common Tufted Ducks and Harlequin Ducks Great Egrets. Audubon Canyon Ranch operates a winter on the lagoon, and endangered California reserve centered on the heron rookery. Brown Pelicans may be sighted during the summer. An uncommon fish known as the tide Recommended Actions: water goby is found in the lagoon. On the up- stream edges of the lagoon are freshwater • Remove abandoned landfill and the marsh areas in which cattails and tules grow; a causeway to restore tidal action. willow and alder swamp borders the stream that feeds the lagoon. • Develop a management plan to ensure long-term protection and enhancement of Recommended Actions: the lagoon habitats. • Enhance wetlands by removing the road • Eradicate invasive, exotic vegetation that has been constructed through the from the Pine Gulch Creek area. seasonal wetlands and along the north side. • Implement enforcement measures to protect lagoon species. • Relocate the trail that encircles the upper lagoon; it contributes to erosion Tennessee Cove - At Tennessee Cove, a small problems and intrudes on seasonal wetlands. artificial lagoon is located just inland of a coarse sand beach that is flanked by greenstone outcropp- • Remove picnic area fills that have been ings to the north and south. Pelagic Cormorants placed in wetlands. nest along the steep cliffs.

15-23 OFFSHORE ROCKS AND PINNACLES • to permit only those activities on the (all counties) – The U.S. Bureau of Land Reserve demonstrated as not detrimental Management has withdrawn from surface entry, to breeding pelagic bird species during mining and mineral leasing of thousands of unre- the nesting season (April l - August 15). served islands, rocks, pinnacles, and reefs ex- tending above the mean high tide level off the • to provide for educational and scientific coast of California from the Oregon to the uses for the Reserve. Mexican border. These offshore rocks and pinnacles are of crucial value to wildlife, inclu- • to prohibit the removal of vegetation, ding federally listed threatened and endangered minerals, or other products having com- species. In 1983, the Bureau turned over manage- mercial value. ment responsibility of the rocks and pinnacles to the California Department of Fish and Game and Recommended Action: they were subsequently designated the Offshore Rocks and Pinnacles Ecological Reserve by the • Support the Bureau of Land Manage- California Fish and Game Commission. ment/Department of Fish and Game, Memorandum of Understanding for con- A large number of living resources can be found tinued management of the Offshore on the Reserve. In addition to terrestrial and Rocks and Pinnacles Ecological Reserve marine plants and mammals, the Reserve pro- as a critical wildlife sanctuary along the vides nesting and resting areas for numerous California coast. species of birds, as well as haul-out and breeding areas for pinnipeds. There are 16 species of 15.4.2 Area-wide Recommendations seabirds that nest in areas of the Reserve. The Sea Otter and six species of pinnipeds are found • Work one-to-one with cooperating land- on the Reserve or in waters immediately adjacent owners, public and private, to complete a to it. Five of the pinnipeds have breeding colonies variety of demonstration projects. These in California, with four maintaining pupping areas projects will be selected based on (1) suit- in the Reserve. ability of site, (2) landowner cooperation, (3) availability of labor, materials and The primary management objectives for the funds, and (4) feasibility of success. Reserve are:

• Successful projects will generate, through • to provide for public use of the Offshore publicity and word of mouth, requests for Rocks and Pinnacles Ecological Reserve more projects. Over time, the inventory that is consistent and compatible with of restoration sites will grow and oppor- California Fish and Game laws and regu- tunities for permanent protection through lations. land easement acquisitions will result.

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• Permanently secure key habitats, through • Publicize Pacific Coast Joint Venture ac- acquisition of land and conservation tivides and funding successes in local and easements from willing owners. regional newspapers and organization newsletters. Provide in-depth articles in • Support the development of an environ- addition to announcements. mental education center in western Sonoma County. • Provide information for existing en- vironmental education programs. • Support locally organized public work- shops and field trips. • Enhance wildlife habitat through cooper- ative efforts with State and local govern- • Promote extension education through ment land management agencies. courses offered at community colleges and Sonoma Stage University. • Maintain close contact with local gov- erning bodies, community organizations, • Participate in local events (Earth Day, professional societies, and special interest watershed tours, harvest festivals, and groups. conservation groups).

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