Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge DON EDWARDS SAN FRANCISCO BAY NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE Fremont, California ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT Calendar Year 2000 U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE SYSTEM REVIEWS AND APPROVALS DON EDWARDS SAN FRANCISCO BAY NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE Fremont, California ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT Calendar Year 2000 i - Refuge Manager Date (z. //*./« Refuge^Gomplex Manager Date 2 INTRODUCTION San Francisco Bay has long been regarded as a Pacific gateway to America. So it is fitting that the San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge Complex plays that same role as a "gateway" to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service programs and the 530+ units of the National Wildlife Refuge System. Included in the San Francisco Bay NWR Complex are seven refuges, stretching from Monterey Bay to the San Francisco Bay Delta. This complex is a unique combination of habitats and wildlife species. The Don Edwards San Francisco Bay NWR in the South Bay has tidal marshes, vernal pools, and salt ponds. At the north end of the Bay is the San Pablo Bay NWR with estuaries and marsh habitat. The Farallon NWR, which lies thirty miles off the coast from the Golden Gate Bridge, is comprised of high rocky islands frequented by a host of seabirds, seals, and sea lions. A quiet upland habitat for the endangered Santa Cruz long-toed salamander can be found at the Ellicott Slough NWR just south of Santa Cruz. The Salinas River NWR just north of Monterey encompasses an area of pristine beach, dunes, and lagoon habitat. Found in the small pockets of native habitat at Antioch Dunes NWR are the endangered Antioch Dunes Evening Primrose, Contra Costa Wallflower and the Lange's Metalmark butterfly. The Marin Islands NWR and State Ecological Reserve in San Rafael Bay just south of San Pablo Bay NWR is the one of the largest wading bird rookeries in North San Francisco Bay. In 1972, Public Law 92-330 provided for the establishment of San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge for the preservation and protection of critical habitat and associated wildlife, migratory waterfowl and to provide an opportunity for wildlife-oriented recreation and nature study. In 1988, Public Law 100-556 was passed which increased our acquisition authority an additional 20,000 acres. Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge encompasses approximately 25,901 acres in San Mateo, Alameda and Santa Clara counties, California at the southern end of San Francisco Bay. San Francisco Bay is one of the largest estuaries in the nation, approximately 55 miles long and 3 to 12 miles wide. Under an agreement between the Cargill Salt Division and the Service when the Refuge was established, approximately 12,500 acres remain as active salt evaporation ponds. The remaining habitat consists of salt marshes, upland, tidal mudflats and open water. This variety of habitat supports a large number of wildlife, including 5 endangered species. The Refuge provides major habitat for the endangered California clapper rail and salt marsh harvest mouse. San Francisco Bay is a key wintering area for diving ducks along the Pacific Flyway. The south bay wetlands support hundreds of thousands of shorebirds along with the largest wading bird rookery located in the bay. Marine mammals also utilize the open water and sloughs. A major harbor seal haul out site is located in Mowry Slough. 3 Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge is surrounded by an urban population of 7 million people. In spite of the potential impacts of encroaching development, plans are to complete acquisition of the approved 43,000 acres. The Refuge is also a place to learn about the Bay environment through exhibits and naturalist programs; to observe and photograph wildlife; to hike, hunt and fish; and to enjoy some precious natural habitats in the heart of a great metropolitan area. Page TABLE OF CONTENTS 5 A. HIGHLIGHTS 9 B. CLIMATIC CONDITIONS 10 C. LAND ACQUISITION 10 1. Fee Title.......................................................................................................................... 10 2. Easements....................................................................................................................... 10 3. Other................................................................................................................................ 11 D. PLANNING 1. Master Plan...................................................................................................................... NTR 2. Management Plan............................................................................................................ NTR 3. Public Participation........................................................................................................ 11 4. Compliance with Environmental Mandates.................................................................. 14 5. Research and Investigations........................................................................................... 14 E. ADMINISTRATION 1. Personnel......................................................................................................................... 23 2. Youth Programs.............................................................................................................. 26 3. Other Manpower Programs........................................................................................... NTR 4. Volunteer Programs....................................................................................................... 26 5. Funding............................................................................................................................ NTR 6. Safety................................................................................................................................ 29 7. Technical Assistance........................................................................................................ NTR 8. Other Items...................................................................................................................... 30 F. HABITAT MANAGEMENT 1. General............................................................................................................................ NTR 2. Wetlands.......................................................................................................................... 30 5 3. Forests............................................................................................................................. NTR 4. Croplands......................................................................................................................... NTR 5. Grasslands........................................................................................................................ NTR 6. Other Habitats................................................................................................................. NTR 7. Grazing............................................................................................................................ NTR 8. Haying............................................................................................................................. NTR 9. Fire Management............................................................................................................. NTR 10. Pest Control.................................................................................................................. 31 11. Water Rights................................................................................................................. NTR 12. Wilderness and Special Areas...................................................................................... NTR 13. WPA Easement Monitoring......................................................................................... NTR G. WILDLIFE 1. Wildlife Diversity............................................................................................................ NTR 2. Endangered and/or Threatened Species........................................................................ 35 3. Waterfowl........................................................................................................................ 42 4. Marsh and Water Birds................................................................................................... NTR 5. Shorebirds, Gulls, Terns, and Allied Species................................................................ 42 6. Raptors............................................................................................................................ NTR 7. Other Migratory Birds.................................................................................................... NTR 8. Game Mammals.............................................................................................................. NTR 9. Marine Mammals............................................................................................................. 45 10. Other Resident Wildlife................................................................................................ NTR 11. Fisheries Resources...................................................................................................... NTR 12. Wildlife Propagation and Stocking.............................................................................. NTR 13. Surplus Animal Disposal............................................................................................... NTR 14. Scientific Collections...................................................................................................
Recommended publications
  • Regional Economic Impacts of Current and Proposed Management Alternatives for Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge
    Regional Economic Impacts of Current and Proposed Management Alternatives for Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge By Leslie Richardson, Chris Huber, and Lynne Koontz Open-File Report 2012–1094 U.S. Department of the Interior U.S. Geological Survey i U.S. Department of the Interior KEN SALAZAR, Secretary U.S. Geological Survey Marcia K. McNutt, Director U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, Virginia 2012 For more information on the USGS—the Federal source for science about the Earth, its natural and living resources, natural hazards, and the environment—visit http://www.usgs.gov or call 1–888–ASK–USGS For an overview of USGS information products, including maps, imagery, and publications, visit http://www.usgs.gov/pubprod To order this and other USGS information products, visit http://store.usgs.gov Suggested citation: Richardson, Leslie, Huber, Chris, and Koontz, Lynne, 2012, Regional economic impacts of current and proposed management alternatives for Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge: U.S. Geological Survey, Open-File Report 2012–1094, 19 p. Any use of trade, product, or firm names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. Although this report is in the public domain, permission must be secured from the individual copyright owners to reproduce any copyrighted material contained within this report. Contents Introduction .................................................................................................................................................... 1 Regional Economic Setting
    [Show full text]
  • 3. Project Description March 5, 2003 Page 3-1
    Marina Shores Village Project Draft EIR City of Redwood City 3. Project Description March 5, 2003 Page 3-1 3. PROJECT DESCRIPTION This chapter describes the proposed action or "project" addressed by this EIR. The description is based on information provided to the City by the project applicant, Glenborough-Pauls LLC. As stipulated by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines, the project description has been detailed to the extent needed for adequate review and evaluation of environmental impacts. In addition to describing key elements of the proposed project, this chapter is supplemented by project description details in individual environmental chapters 4 through 15. The description that follows includes (a) the project setting (location, boundaries, and local setting of the project site); (b) the project background (site history); (c) a statement of the basic project objectives sought by the applicant; (d) the project's physical and operational characteristics (i.e., land use components, densities, building types, architectural design, landscaping/open space, circulation and parking plans, marina and shoreline modifications, infrastructure provisions, project management, and other pertinent features); (e) the anticipated project construction schedule; and (f) the various anticipated permits and jurisdictional approvals required to allow construction of the project. 3.1 PROJECT SETTING 3.1.1 Regional Location As illustrated on Figure 3.1 (Regional Map), the proposed project site is located at the northern edge of the developed portion of Redwood City, on the San Francisco Bay side of U.S. Highway 101 (Bayshore Freeway). U.S. 101 provides regional access to the approximately 46.45-acre project site; East Bayshore Road and Bair Island Road provide local access.
    [Show full text]
  • Alameda, a Geographical History, by Imelda Merlin
    Alameda A Geographical History by Imelda Merlin Friends of the Alameda Free Library Alameda Museum Alameda, California 1 Copyright, 1977 Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 77-73071 Cover picture: Fernside Oaks, Cohen Estate, ca. 1900. 2 FOREWORD My initial purpose in writing this book was to satisfy a partial requirement for a Master’s Degree in Geography from the University of California in Berkeley. But, fortunate is the student who enjoys the subject of his research. This slim volume is essentially the original manuscript, except for minor changes in the interest of greater accuracy, which was approved in 1964 by Drs. James Parsons, Gunther Barth and the late Carl Sauer. That it is being published now, perhaps as a response to a new awareness of and interest in our past, is due to the efforts of the “Friends of the Alameda Free Library” who have made a project of getting my thesis into print. I wish to thank the members of this organization and all others, whose continued interest and perseverance have made this publication possible. Imelda Merlin April, 1977 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The writer wishes to acknowledge her indebtedness to the many individuals and institutions who gave substantial assistance in assembling much of the material treated in this thesis. Particular thanks are due to Dr. Clarence J. Glacken for suggesting the topic. The writer also greatly appreciates the interest and support rendered by the staff of the Alameda Free Library, especially Mrs. Hendrine Kleinjan, reference librarian, and Mrs. Myrtle Richards, curator of the Alameda Historical Society. The Engineers’ and other departments at the Alameda City Hall supplied valuable maps an information on the historical development of the city.
    [Show full text]
  • BAYLANDS & CREEKS South San Francisco
    Oak_Mus_Baylands_SideA_6_7_05.pdf 6/14/2005 11:52:36 AM M12 M10 M27 M10A 121°00'00" M28 R1 For adjoining area see Creek & Watershed Map of Fremont & Vicinity 37°30' 37°30' 1 1- Dumbarton Pt. M11 - R1 M26 N Fremont e A in rr reek L ( o te C L y alien a o C L g a Agua Fria Creek in u d gu e n e A Green Point M a o N l w - a R2 ry 1 C L r e a M8 e g k u ) M7 n SF2 a R3 e F L Lin in D e M6 e in E L Creek A22 Toroges Slou M1 gh C ine Ravenswood L Slough M5 Open Space e ra Preserve lb A Cooley Landing L i A23 Coyote Creek Lagoon n M3 e M2 C M4 e B Palo Alto Lin d Baylands Nature Mu Preserve S East Palo Alto loug A21 h Calaveras Point A19 e B Station A20 Lin C see For adjoining area oy Island ote Sand Point e A Lucy Evans Lin Baylands Nature Creek Interpretive Center Newby Island A9 San Knapp F Map of Milpitas & North San Jose Creek & Watershed ra Hooks Island n Tract c A i l s Palo Alto v A17 q i ui s to Creek Baylands Nature A6 o A14 A15 Preserve h g G u u a o Milpitas l Long Point d a S A10 A18 l u d p Creek l A3N e e i f Creek & Watershed Map of Palo Alto & Vicinity Creek & Watershed Calera y A16 Berryessa a M M n A1 A13 a i h A11 l San Jose / Santa Clara s g la a u o Don Edwards San Francisco Bay rd Water Pollution Control Plant B l h S g Creek d u National Wildlife Refuge o ew lo lo Vi F S Environmental Education Center .
    [Show full text]
  • Marin Islands NWR Sport Fishing Plan
    Table of Contents Table of Contents 2 MARIN ISLANDS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE 3 SPORT FISHING PLAN 3 1. Introduction 3 2. Statement of Objectives 4 3. Description of the Fishing Program 5 A. Area to be Opened to Fishing 5 B. Species to be Taken, Fishing periods, Fishing Access 5 C. Fishing Permit Requirements 7 D. Consultation and Coordination with the State 7 E. Law Enforcement 7 F. Funding and Staffing Requirements 8 4. Conduct of the Fishing Program 8 A. Permit Application, Selection, and/or Registration Procedures (if applicable) 8 B. Refuge-Spec if ic Fishing Regulat ions 8 C. Relevant State Regulations 8 D. Other Refuge Rules and Regulations for Sport Fishing 8 5. Public Engagement 9 A. Outreach for Announcing and Publicizing the Fishing Program 9 B. Anticipated Public Reaction to the Fishing Program 9 C. How Anglers Will Be Informed of Relevant Rules and Regulations 9 6. Compatibility Determination 9 7. Literature Cited 9 List of Figures Figure 1. Proposed Sport Fishing Area Fishing…………………………………6 Marin Islands NWR Fishing Plan Page 2 MARIN ISLANDS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE SPORT FISHING PLAN 1. Introduction National Wildlife Refuges are guided by the mission and goals of the National Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS), the purposes of an individual refuge, Service policy, and laws and international treaties. Relevant guidance includes the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, Refuge Recreation Act of 1962, and selected portions of the Code of Federal Regulations and Fish and Wildlife Service Manual.
    [Show full text]
  • Section 3.4 Biological Resources 3.4- Biological Resources
    SECTION 3.4 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES 3.4- BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES 3.4 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES This section discusses the existing sensitive biological resources of the San Francisco Bay Estuary (the Estuary) that could be affected by project-related construction and locally increased levels of boating use, identifies potential impacts to those resources, and recommends mitigation strategies to reduce or eliminate those impacts. The Initial Study for this project identified potentially significant impacts on shorebirds and rafting waterbirds, marine mammals (harbor seals), and wetlands habitats and species. The potential for spread of invasive species also was identified as a possible impact. 3.4.1 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES SETTING HABITATS WITHIN AND AROUND SAN FRANCISCO ESTUARY The vegetation and wildlife of bayland environments varies among geographic subregions in the bay (Figure 3.4-1), and also with the predominant land uses: urban (commercial, residential, industrial/port), urban/wildland interface, rural, and agricultural. For the purposes of discussion of biological resources, the Estuary is divided into Suisun Bay, San Pablo Bay, Central San Francisco Bay, and South San Francisco Bay (See Figure 3.4-2). The general landscape structure of the Estuary’s vegetation and habitats within the geographic scope of the WT is described below. URBAN SHORELINES Urban shorelines in the San Francisco Estuary are generally formed by artificial fill and structures armored with revetments, seawalls, rip-rap, pilings, and other structures. Waterways and embayments adjacent to urban shores are often dredged. With some important exceptions, tidal wetland vegetation and habitats adjacent to urban shores are often formed on steep slopes, and are relatively recently formed (historic infilled sediment) in narrow strips.
    [Show full text]
  • Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge 2020
    Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 2020 -2021 Waterfowl Hunting Regulations These Regulations along with maps and directions are available at: http://www.fws.gov/refuge/Don_Edwards_San_Francisco_Bay/hunting.html General Information The Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge (refuge) contains approximately 10,580 acres of tidal areas and salt ponds that are open to waterfowl hunting (Map 1). Season opening and closing dates are determined by the State of California. Check the California Waterfowl Regulations (https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Hunting) each season for these dates. Hunters must comply with all State and Federal regulations including regulations listed under 50 CFR 32.24, and the refuge-specific regulations described below. Permit Requirements Hunters 18 years of age or older will need to have: 1) a valid California hunting license; 2) a valid, signed Federal Duck Stamp; 3) a California Duck Validation; 4) a Harvest Information Program (HIP) Validation; and 5) identification that includes a photograph (e.g., driver’s license). Junior and Youth hunters need the following: Junior/Youth Hunter Summary 15 yrs old or 16-17 yrs old w/ Jr 18 yrs old w/ Jr under (Youth) license (Junior) license (Junior) Participate in post-season youth hunt? Yes Yes No Needs a California hunting license? Yes Yes Yes Needs a HIP Validation? Yes Yes Yes Needs a Federal Duck Stamp? No Yes Yes Needs a State Duck Stamp (validation)? No No No Needs an adult accompanying them on regular hunt days? Yes No No Needs an adult accompanying them for youth hunt days? Yes Yes Yes It is required that all hunters possess a Refuge Waterfowl Hunting Permit when hunting in the Alviso Ponds.
    [Show full text]
  • Goga Wrfr.Pdf
    The National Park Service Water Resources Division is responsible for providing water resources management policy and guidelines, planning, technical assistance, training, and operational support to units of the National Park System. Program areas include water rights, water resources planning, regulatory guidance and review, hydrology, water quality, watershed management, watershed studies, and aquatic ecology. Technical Reports The National Park Service disseminates the results of biological, physical, and social research through the Natural Resources Technical Report Series. Natural resources inventories and monitoring activities, scientific literature reviews, bibliographies, and proceedings of technical workshops and conferences are also disseminated through this series. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute endorsement or recommendation for use by the National Park Service. Copies of this report are available from the following: National Park Service (970) 225-3500 Water Resources Division 1201 Oak Ridge Drive, Suite 250 Fort Collins, CO 80525 National Park Service (303) 969-2130 Technical Information Center Denver Service Center P.O. Box 25287 Denver, CO 80225-0287 Cover photos: Top: Golden Gate Bridge, Don Weeks Middle: Rodeo Lagoon, Joel Wagner Bottom: Crissy Field, Joel Wagner ii CONTENTS Contents, iii List of Figures, iv Executive Summary, 1 Introduction, 7 Water Resources Planning, 9 Location and Demography, 11 Description of Natural Resources, 12 Climate, 12 Physiography, 12 Geology, 13 Soils, 13
    [Show full text]
  • San Francisco Bay Joint Venture
    The San Francisco Bay Joint Venture Management Board Bay Area Audubon Council Bay Area Open Space Council Bay Conservation and Development Commission The Bay Institute The San Francisco Bay Joint Venture Bay Planning Coalition California State Coastal Conservancy Celebrating years of partnerships protecting wetlands and wildlife California Department of Fish and Game California Resources Agency 15 Citizens Committee to Complete the Refuge Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District Ducks Unlimited National Audubon Society National Fish and Wildlife Foundation NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service Natural Resources Conservation Service Pacific Gas and Electric Company PRBO Conservation Science SF Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board San Francisco Estuary Partnership Save the Bay Sierra Club U.S. Army Corps of Engineers U.S. Environmental Protection Agency U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service U.S. Geological Survey Wildlife Conservation Board 735B Center Boulevard, Fairfax, CA 94930 415-259-0334 www.sfbayjv.org www.yourwetlands.org The San Francisco Bay Area is breathtaking! As Chair of the San Francisco Bay Joint Venture, I would like to personally thank our partners It’s no wonder so many of us live here – 7.15 million of us, according to the 2010 census. Each one of us has our for their ongoing support of our critical mission and goals in honor of our 15 year anniversary. own mental image of “the Bay Area.” For some it may be the place where the Pacific Ocean flows beneath the This retrospective is a testament to the significant achievements we’ve made together. I look Golden Gate Bridge, for others it might be somewhere along the East Bay Regional Parks shoreline, or from one forward to the next 15 years of even bigger wins for wetland habitat.
    [Show full text]
  • A Survey of Inbenthic Macrofauna at a South San Francisco Bay Salt Marsh Brian T
    San Jose State University SJSU ScholarWorks Master's Theses Master's Theses and Graduate Research 1996 A Survey of inbenthic macrofauna at a South San Francisco Bay salt marsh Brian T. Pittman San Jose State University Follow this and additional works at: http://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/etd_theses Recommended Citation Pittman, Brian T., "A Survey of inbenthic macrofauna at a South San Francisco Bay salt marsh" (1996). Master's Theses. 1398. http://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/etd_theses/1398 This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by the Master's Theses and Graduate Research at SJSU ScholarWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in Master's Theses by an authorized administrator of SJSU ScholarWorks. For more information, please contact [email protected]. INFORMATION TO USERS This manuscript bas been reproduced from the microfilm master. UMI films the text directly from the original or copy submitted. Thus, some thesis and dissertation copies are in typewriter face, while others may be from any type of computer printer. The quality of this reproduction is dependent upon the quality of the copy submitted. Broken or indistinct print, colored or poor quality illustrations and photographs, print bleedthrough, substandard margins, and improper alignment can adversely affect reproduction. In the unlikely event that the author did not send UMI a complete manuscript and there are missing pages, these will be noted. Also, if unauthorized copyright material had to be removed, a note will indicate the deletion. Oversize materials (e.g., maps, drawings, charts) are reproduced by sectioning the original, beginning at the upper left-hand comer and continuing from left to right in equal sections with small overlaps.
    [Show full text]
  • Tidal Marsh Recovery Plan Habitat Creation Or Enhancement Project Within 5 Miles of OAK
    U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Recovery Plan for Tidal Marsh Ecosystems of Northern and Central California California clapper rail Suaeda californica Cirsium hydrophilum Chloropyron molle Salt marsh harvest mouse (Rallus longirostris (California sea-blite) var. hydrophilum ssp. molle (Reithrodontomys obsoletus) (Suisun thistle) (soft bird’s-beak) raviventris) Volume II Appendices Tidal marsh at China Camp State Park. VII. APPENDICES Appendix A Species referred to in this recovery plan……………....…………………….3 Appendix B Recovery Priority Ranking System for Endangered and Threatened Species..........................................................................................................11 Appendix C Species of Concern or Regional Conservation Significance in Tidal Marsh Ecosystems of Northern and Central California….......................................13 Appendix D Agencies, organizations, and websites involved with tidal marsh Recovery.................................................................................................... 189 Appendix E Environmental contaminants in San Francisco Bay...................................193 Appendix F Population Persistence Modeling for Recovery Plan for Tidal Marsh Ecosystems of Northern and Central California with Intial Application to California clapper rail …............................................................................209 Appendix G Glossary……………......................................................................………229 Appendix H Summary of Major Public Comments and Service
    [Show full text]
  • Introduction
    INTRODUCTION The purpose of this book is twofold: to provide general information for anyone interested in the California islands and to serve as a field guide for visitors to the islands. The book covers both general history and nat- ural history, from the geological origins of the islands through their aboriginal inhabitants and their marine and terrestrial biotas. Detailed coverage of the flora and fauna of one island alone would completely fill a book of this size; hence only the most common, most readily observed, and most interesting species are included. The names used for the plants and animals discussed in this book are the most up-to-date ones available, based on the scientific literature and the most recently published guidebooks. Common names are always subject to local variations, and they change constantly. Where two names are in common use, they are both mentioned the first time the organism is discussed. Ironically, in recent years scientific names have changed more recently than common names, and the reader concerned about a possible discrepancy in nomenclature should consult the scientific literature. If a significant nomenclatural change has escaped our notice, we apologize. For plants, our primary reference has been The Jepson Manual: Higher Plants of California, edited by James C. Hickman, including the latest lists of errata. Variation from the nomenclature in that volume is due to more recent interpretations, as explained in the text. Certain abbreviations used throughout the text may not be immedi- ately familiar to the general reader; they are as follows: sp., species (sin- gular); spp., species (plural); n.
    [Show full text]