COASTAL CONSERVANCY Staff Recommendation January 17, 2008

COASTAL CONSERVANCY

Staff Recommendation January 17, 2008

QUAIL RIDGE RESERVE LAND ACQUISITION, PHASE III

File No. 07-040 Project Manager: Betsy Wilson

RECOMMENDED ACTION: Authorization to disburse up to $485,000 to the Regents of the University of California for the acquisition of two properties, totaling approximately 157 acres, for inclusion in the Quail Ridge Reserve, located on the south shore of Lake Berryessa in Napa County.

LOCATION: Quail Ridge peninsula located in the Lake Berryessa area of Napa County

PROGRAM CATEGORY: San Francisco Bay Area Conservancy

EXHIBITS Exhibit 1: Project Location Map Exhibit 2: Quail Ridge Reserve Map Exhibit 3: Site Photographs Exhibit 4: Letters of Support

RESOLUTION AND FINDINGS: Staff recommends that the State Coastal Conservancy adopt the following resolution pursuant to Sections 31160-31165 of the Public Resources Code: “The State Coastal Conservancy hereby authorizes the disbursement of an amount not to exceed four hundred and eighty-five thousand dollars ($485,000) to the Regents of the University of California (“the University”) for the acquisition of Napa County Assessor’s Parcel Numbers 019- 250-002 and 032-320-003 (“the property”), consisting of approximately 157 acres located on the Quail Ridge peninsula of the south shore of Lake Berryessa, Napa County as shown in Exhibit 1 to the accompanying staff recommendation. This authorization is subject to the following conditions: 1. Prior to the disbursement of funds for the acquisition, the University shall submit for the review and approval of the Executive Officer of the Conservancy (“the Executive Officer”) all relevant acquisition documents, including but not limited to escrow instructions, a current appraisal, environmental assessment, purchase agreement, title report, and documents of title necessary to the acquisition of the property.

Page 1 of 7 QUAIL RIDGE RESERVE LAND ACQUISITION, PHASE III

2. The University shall pay no more than fair market value for the property.

3. The University shall permanently dedicate the property for habitat preservation, open space protection, and research, through an appropriate instrument approved by the Executive Officer. Promptly after acquiring each of the parcels, the University shall incorporate them into the existing Quail Ridge Reserve, for the benefit of the University of California Natural Reserve System.

4. Conservancy funding shall be acknowledged by erecting and maintaining a sign on the property, the design and location of which has been approved by the Executive Officer.”

Staff further recommends that the Conservancy adopt the following findings: “Based on the accompanying staff report and attached exhibits, the State Coastal Conservancy hereby finds that: 1. The proposed project is consistent with the Project Selection Criteria and Guidelines, last updated by the Conservancy on September 20, 2007. 2. The proposed authorization is consistent with the purposes and objectives of Chapter 4.5 of Division 21 of the Public Resources Code, regarding 31160-31165.”

PROJECT SUMMARY: This project will result in the acquisition by the University of California (“the University”) of two parcels totaling approximately 157 acres above the south shore of Lake Berryessa in Napa County (“the property”). The University is acquiring the property on behalf of the University of California Natural Reserve System (“UCNRS”) and the property will be incorporated into the approximately 2,000-acre Quail Ridge Reserve (Exhibit 2), one of the 35 reserves in the UCNRS system. Ownership of the Quail Ridge Reserve is a patchwork of state and federal agencies, non-profit organizations, and the University, but primary management responsibility of the Reserve lies with the UC Davis branch of the UCNRS. The Reserve is managed to accomplish two key functions: habitat protection for native plants and wildlife, and University-sponsored research and teaching. The Quail Ridge peninsula sustains some of the last intact native grasslands in northern California, as well as oak woodlands and chaparral communities. Both parcels that are the subject of this authorization possess significant populations of native grasses and an abundance of large native oaks. The 37-acre southerly parcel (“Southern parcel”), identified as Number 40 in Exhibit 2, is owned by the Quail Ridge Wilderness Conservancy (“QRWC”), a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving wilderness and native habitat in the Quail Ridge area. The 120-acre northeastern parcel (“Eastern parcel”), identified as Number 12 in Exhibit 2, is owned by a private trust. Acquisition of these two parcels would serve as buffers from development and enhance natural resource values of the current Reserve. The Eastern parcel is the last major private landholding on the upper portion of the peninsula. Without protection as part of the Reserve, the Eastern parcel would have excellent development potential, with relatively easy road access, spectacular views, and attractive building sites. In

Page 2 of 7 QUAIL RIDGE RESERVE LAND ACQUISITION, PHASE III

addition, sale of the parcel to a private buyer could trigger development of surrounding parcels (Numbers 13, 14, and 15 in Exhibit 2) that currently do not have access easements in place. The Southern parcel was purchased by the QRWC in 1994. This parcel includes a single-family residence and other site improvements. Although the residence is currently vacant, the QRWC usually rents out the house, using the rent payments to make the mortgage payments on the property. The QRWC planned to convert the residence into a public outreach/visitor center, but permitting and other issues made this conversion impractical. Additionally, new information became available which linked successful weed invasions to areas of public use (e.g., road, points of ingress along the shoreline); therefore, increased public access to the Reserve is likely in conflict with resource protection goals. Since QRWC cannot build a visitor center on the site, they are eager to sell the parcel and shed their landlord responsibilities. The QRWC has considered selling the parcel to a private buyer. Acquisition of the Eastern parcel would protect most of the remainder of the distal portion of the peninsula and would provide important corridor connectivity for wildlife across University and other public lands, from the peninsula tip to Highway 128. The north and east-facing drainages on the property contain some of the most mesic, pristine native vegetation on the peninsula. The Southern parcel has large oaks, a noteworthy native grass understory, and large areas of mature chamise chaparral. Acquisition of both parcels by the University will ensure the biological integrity and protection of the rare communities via consistent integrated management. In addition, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (“BOR”) has expressed a willingness to incorporate an additional area of their property, identified as the red area in Exhibit 2, into the Quail Ridge Reserve should the University succeed in procuring the Eastern parcel. The addition of BOR land to the Reserve would further increase the conservation return on the Conservancy’s funding. The acquisition of the Southern parcel will also provide the University with much-needed facilities. Use of the Reserve for research and teaching has burgeoned over the past 3 years, in part due to the development of a wireless communications and sensor network. This innovative information transfer system currently allows for remote data collection through web cameras, audio-streaming, infrared cameras with motion detectors, and meteorological stations. The network will soon be connected to an animal tracking telemetry system for large- and small-scale animal tracking. The existing residence will provide the additional research, teaching, and onsite caretaker facilities needed to accommodate increasing academic use of the Reserve, precluding the near term need for further construction activities within the Reserve. The Quail Ridge Reserve and the research it supports provide valuable information for agencies, non-profit organizations, and the public on best management practices in grassland, chaparral, and oak woodland habitats that occur on the reserve. Of particular relevance to regional conservation groups are research projects examining invasive species, ecosystem recovery after fire, and wildlife habitat use and movement patterns. The Quail Ridge Reserve is one of 35 reserves in the University of California Natural Reserve System (UCNRS). The UCNRS is the largest and most diverse set of university-owned and operated reserves in the world and include examples of nearly every major ecosystem in the state. These reserves provide secure sites for long-term environmental research, education and public outreach, enable monitoring of environmental health, and provide a baseline for ecosystem restoration, in the context of California's rapidly growing population and the changing global environment. Six reserves in the UCNRS are administered by the UC Davis NRS. The

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Conservancy previously assisted the UC Davis NRS with acquiring 75 acres for inclusion in McLaughlin Natural Reserve, 549 acres for inclusion in Quail Ridge Reserve, and 59 acres in the Stebbins Cold Canyon Reserve, as well as in establishing a docent training and public education program for Stebbins. Site Description: The two parcels that are the subject of this authorization are located within, or contiguous to, the approximately 2,000-acre Quail Ridge Reserve. The Reserve is located on the Quail Ridge peninsula on the south shore of Lake Berryessa (Exhibit 1). The topography of the Quail Ridge peninsula consists of steep hills and narrow ridgelines that are undesirable for grazing and unattractive to most recreational users. As a result, the area has had minimal disturbance and has retained outstanding examples of intact native grasslands and grassland-oak woodland complexes. Comparable outstanding examples of undisturbed native grasslands are rare in California; these grasslands are the stellar feature of this site. With the current extent of native grasslands in California at less than 1 percent of the extent before European settlement, native grasslands in California are considered critically imperiled. In addition to grasslands and oak woodlands, the area hosts extensive pristine communities of chaparral, pine-oak woodland, and riparian woodland. An unusually high diversity of oaks is found within this small peninsula - blue, valley, black, scrub, coast live, interior live oak, and oracle oak (a hybrid between interior live and black oak). The diverse vegetation communities support abundant wildlife, including mountain lions, golden and bald eagles, osprey, pygmy owls, and sixty-three varieties of butterflies. The parcels in this acquisition are key to achieving comprehensive protection of the peninsula and in reducing future threats to the pristine nature of this area. Photographs of the property, as well as development on nearby parcels, are included as Exhibit 3. Project History: Conservation of the Quail Ridge peninsula began in 1984 when Frank Maurer and Lenora Timm purchased 151 acres threatened by development. The Land Trust of Napa County assisted in the acquisition and received a conservation easement over the site. In 1989, Maurer and Timm created the Quail Ridge Wilderness Conservancy, which is dedicated to preserving the Quail Ridge region as a wilderness area. The QRWC continued to borrow and raise new funds to protect threatened properties as well as to maintain existing properties. In the early 1990s, the peninsula attracted the interest of John Menke, a professor of range ecology and management at UC Davis. His interest in the area led to the eventual establishment of Quail Ridge Reserve within the UC Natural Reserve System. A research facility has since been developed on site. Research efforts focus on grasslands and invasive exotic species. The University worked with the Conservancy to purchase six parcels, totaling 549 acres, at Quail Ridge Reserve in 2001. The addition of these parcels, one of which bisected the reserve, has made management and stewardship of the reserve more efficient and coherent. Addition of the two requested parcels would continue the consolidation of University ownership on the peninsula, thereby protecting natural resource and management integrity. The project is also geographically and institutionally linked to the outreach education program and hiking opportunities at the Stebbins Cold Canyon Reserve. In 2001 and again in 2006, the University and the Conservancy worked with others in creating additional public trails and a very popular, well-respected outreach education program at Stebbins. The Stebbins Reserve hosts upward of 10,000 members of the public every year, which limits the ability of researchers to

Page 4 of 7 QUAIL RIDGE RESERVE LAND ACQUISITION, PHASE III

protect equipment and research sites. The outreach program was launched with Conservancy funds in 2001, and the hiking opportunities have been enhanced by recent acquisition of property at Stebbins, the result of a 2006 Conservancy grant, and by University investment in the improvement of hiking trails throughout the reserve. The availability of Quail Ridge Reserve as a protected site for university research allows the UC Davis Natural Reserve System to continue public access at Stebbins Cold Canyon Reserve.

PROJECT FINANCING: Coastal Conservancy $485,000 UCNRS-designated Proposition 84 funds 485,000 Total Project Cost $970,000

The expected sources of funds are the Conservancy’s FY 2005/06 and FY 2007/08 budget appropriations for the San Francisco Bay Area Conservancy Program from the Safe Neighborhood Parks, Clean Water, Clean Air and Coastal Protection Act of 2000 (Proposition 12).

CONSISTENCY WITH CONSERVANCY’S ENABLING LEGISLATION: This project is undertaken pursuant to Chapter 4.5 of the Conservancy’s enabling legislation, Public Resources Code Sections 31160-31165, to address resource and recreational goals in the San Francisco Bay Area. The property is located in Napa County, one of the nine San Francisco Bay Area counties in which the Conservancy is authorized, under Sections 31160 and 31162 of the Public Resources Code, to undertake projects and award grants to address resource goals for the region. Under Section 31162(b), the Conservancy may act to protect, restore, and enhance natural habitats and connecting corridors, watersheds, scenic areas, and other open space resources of regional significance. The proposed project will protect approximately 157 acres of watershed land. The property will become part of the Quail Ridge Reserve, an approximately 2,000-acre reserve, home to numerous native plant and wildlife species. Protection of the property will contribute to the ecological integrity of the entire Quail Ridge peninsula and ensure integrated management of the area. Maintaining the property in open space will also protect the scenic view to and from the property. The proposed project is consistent with Section 31163(c) in the following respects: (1) The project is consistent with the Napa County General Plan and the cooperative agreement that created the Quail Ridge Reserve. The project is also consistent with the Blue Ridge- Berryessa Natural Area Conservation Framework, which promotes voluntary ecosystem management of a 300,000-acre area that includes the Quail Ridge Reserve. (2) The project involves expansion of a Reserve that is owned by multiple agencies and will support research programs that serve a regional need, including research projects on invasive species, ecosystem recovery after fire, and wildlife habitat use and movement patterns.

Page 5 of 7 QUAIL RIDGE RESERVE LAND ACQUISITION, PHASE III

(3) The project can be implemented in a timely way since agreement with the landowners has already been achieved. (4) The project provides benefits that would be lost if the project is not quickly implemented, specifically preventing the sale of either property to a private party which could result in development of the Eastern parcel and improper land management on both parcels. (5) The University is applying for 50% matching funds that were specified to be granted to the UCNRS for matching grants for land acquisition and for construction and development of facilities that will be used for research and training to improve the management of natural lands and the preservation of California’s wildlife resources. In addition, technical assistance is being provided by the University and UC Davis NRS to acquire and maintain the property.

CONSISTENCY WITH CONSERVANCY’S 2007 STRATEGIC PLAN GOAL(S) & OBJECTIVE(S): Consistent with Goal 10, Objective D of the Conservancy’s 2007 Strategic Plan, the proposed project will result in the acquisition of 157 acres of upland habitat in the San Francisco Bay Area.

CONSISTENCY WITH CONSERVANCY’S PROJECT SELECTION CRITERIA & GUIDELINES: The proposed project is consistent with the Conservancy’s Project Selection Criteria and Guidelines, last updated on September 20, 2007, in the following respects: Required Criteria 1. Promotion of the Conservancy’s statutory programs and purposes: See the “Consistency with Conservancy’s Enabling Legislation” section above. 2. Consistency with purposes of the funding source: See the “Project Financing” section above. 3. Support of the public: The project is supported by U.S. Congressmember Mike Thompson, State Senators Darrell Steinberg and Patricia Wiggins, State Assemblymembers Noreen Evans and Lois Wolk, the Blue Ridge Berryessa Natural Area Conservation Partnership, and the Putah Creek Discovery Corridor Cooperative. In addition, the project is supported by all of the constituent agencies involved in the reserve: University of California, Land Trust of Napa County, California Department of Fish and Game, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Bureau of Land Management, and the Quail Ridge Wilderness Conservancy. Letters of support are attached as Exhibit 4. 4. Location: The property is located within Napa County and within the jurisdiction of the San Francisco Bay Area Conservancy. 5. Need: To date the grantee has invested significant staff time in negotiation and support of this acquisition. The funds that the grantee is applying for in March 2008 require an irrevocable commitment of fifty percent matching funds.

Page 6 of 7 QUAIL RIDGE RESERVE LAND ACQUISITION, PHASE III

6. Greater-than-local interest: The acquisition of these properties and their inclusion into the UC Natural Reserve System will promote quality scientific research that could have application throughout California and the country. Acquisition of the property is key to protection of the grasslands they contain and to maintaining the biological integrity of the Reserve.

Additional Criteria 7. Urgency: The area immediately surrounding the Quail Ridge Peninsula is being developed rapidly, compromising wildlife corridors, animal movement, and visual integrity of the landscape. These particular parcels provide important potential habitat connectivity with public lands south of Highway 128. The 120-acre Eastern parcel faces imminent danger of residential and/or agricultural development if it is sold to a private party. The acquisition of existing infrastructure and buildings on the 36-acre Southern parcel would provide much needed facilities for education and research, thereby precluding development of undisturbed land with excellent habitat value in the Reserve’s interior. 8. Leverage: See the “Project Financing” section above. 9. Readiness: All of the parcels to be transferred involve willing sellers that are anxious to sell. The University will make application for UCNRS-designated funds as soon as they have a firm commitment of the required 50% matching funds. The project is expected to close escrow in fall 2008. 10. Realization of prior Conservancy goals: “See “Project History” above.” 11. Cooperation: The existence and management of the Reserve is based on the cooperation of many private and public entities: QRWC, Land Trust of Napa County, California Department of Fish and Game, U.S. Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, and the University of California.

COMPLIANCE WITH CEQA: Acquisition of the Quail Ridge property is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) in that it involves the acquisition of land in order to preserve open space, wildlife habitat, and existing natural conditions (14 Cal. Code of Regulations Section 15325). Staff will file a Notice of Exemption upon the Conservancy’s approval of the project.

Page 7 of 7 Exhibit 1: Project Location Map Exhibit 2: Quail Ridge Reserve Map

Prop. 84 Acquisition Parcels Quail Ridge Reserve Boundary Roads 3 Highway 128 2 Trails

4 46 8

9 11 13 7 14 10 15 5 6 12

19 18 47 16

17 20

21 24 22 23 25 27 26

28 29 32 30 31 33 34 Peninsula Parcels 019-250-002 35 37 032-350-003 39 40 Potential BOR Addition 36 38 41 BLM BOR 43 DFG 42 44 QRWC UC 45 Exhibit 3: Site Photographs

Eastern Parcel landscape Exhibit 3: Site Photographs

Southern Parcel – west Exhibit 3: Site Photographs

Southern Parcel –house facilities Exhibit 3: Site Photographs

Vineyard Development on nearby parcel Exhibit 3: Site Photographs

Home development on nearby parcels . --- - - Exhibit 4: Letters of Support

MIKE THOMPSON DISTRICT OFFICES: 1040 MAIN STREET, SUITE 101 1ST DISTRIcr, CALIFORNIA NAPA, CA 94559 (707) 226-9898 COMMITIEE ON WAYS AND MEANS 317 THIRD STREET. SUITE I EUREKA, CA 95501 SUBCOMMITTEE ON HEALTIJ (707) 269-9595 SUBCOMMITTEE ON SELECT POST OFFICE Box 2208 REVENUE MEASURES FORT BRAGG, CA 95437 CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES (707) 962-0933 712 MAIN STREET, SUITE 101 PERMANENT SELECT HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES WOODLAND. CA 95695 COMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE WASHINGTON, DC 20515 (530) 662-5272 CAPITOLOFFICE: CHAIRMAN, SUBCOMMITfEE ON TERRORISM, 23 I CANNON HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING HUMAN INTELLIGENCE, ANALYSIS AND December 5, 2007 WASHINGTON, DC 20515 COUNTERINTELLIGENCE (202) 225-33 I I SUBCOMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE COMMUNITY WEB: http://mikethompson.house.gov MANAGEMENT

Mr. Douglas Bosco, Chairman Coastal Conservancy 1330 Broadway, 13thFloor Oakland, CA 94612

Dear Mr. Bosco:

I am writing to express my support for the acquisition of two parcels on the Quail Ridge Peninsula at Lake Berryessa for incorporation into the University of Cali fomi a's adjacent Quail Ridge Reserve. The Reserve serves as a laboratory for basic science and for applied management techniques, and as an outdoor classroom in a number of disciplines.

The l20-acre northeastern parcel will provide high-quality habitat for ecological studies and allow for the expansion of a state-of-the-art wireless mesh network already in place on the Reserve. Purchase of this parcel will help ensure that the Reserve has an effective buffer from development that is advancing rapidly along the hmer Coast Range of California. The southern parcel will provide needed facilities for onsite staff and researcher housing, and will protect an additional 40 acres of diverse, native habitats. Acquisition of this parcel would eliminate the need for costly construction elsewhere in the reserve.

Taken together, these two properties will add outstanding capacities at the Quail Ridge Reserve for the generation and dissemination of basic and applied research, teaching, and sound management of natural resources. Important public benefit is maintained because the Lake Berryessa-Putah Creek Corridor is a gateway to natural landscapes and outdoor recreation for many of the rapidly growing communities in the nearby Central Valley.

The Quail Ridge Peninsula remains one of the most isolated, least developed, and visually appealing ridges in this heavily used area. Incorporation of these parcels into the Natural Reserve System will contribute to the maintenance of the wildland aspect of the region, and to the conservation of native communities and habitats. Sincerely, }r1dL

MIKE THOMPSON Member of Congress MT:ef

Printed on recycled paper. ~11 Exhibit 4: Letters of Support

CAPITOL OFFICE STANDING COMMITTEES, STATE CAPITOL, ROOM 4081 PUBLIC EMPLOYEES SACRAMENTO, CA 95814 RETIREMENT TEL (916) 651-4002 QIalifaruia ~tat.e ~£uat£ CHAIR FAX (916) 323-6958 BANKING, FINANCE & INSURANCE SENATOR ENERGY, UTI LITES & COMMUNICATIONS PATRICIA WIGGINS SECOND SENATE DISTRICT , SELECT COMMITTEES, , . CALIFORNIA'S WINE INDUSTRY. CHAIR

.! ..

December 12,2007

Mr. Douglas Bosco, Chairman Coastal Conservancy 1330 Broadway, 13thFloor Oakland, CA 94612.

Dear Mr. Bosco,

I am pleased to submit this letter in support of the acquisition of two parcels on the Quail Ridge Peninsula of Lake Berryessa for incorporation into the University of California's adjacent Quail Ridge Reserve. The Reserve serves as a laboratory for basic science and for applied management techniques, and as an outdoor classroom in a number of disciplines. The acquisition of these two adjacent properties will add habitat to the reserve will preserve the integrity of well-used wildlife corridors, and will protect these lands from development, while maintaining their use for research and class activities consistent with the mission of the Natural Reserve System.

The acquisition of the 120-acre northeastern parcel will provide a large area of high- quaiity habitat for ecological studies, as well as an essential new area for expansion of the state-of-the-art wireless mesh network already in place on the Reserve. Purchase of the parcel will also help ensure that the Reserve has an effective buffer from development that is currently advancing at a rapid pace in this area of the Inner Coast Range of California.

The southern parcel will provide the Reserve with much-needed facilities for onsite staff and researcher housing, and will protect an additional 40 acres of diverse, native habitats. Acquisition of this parcel would be especially rewarding as the existing facilities at the site would preclude the need for costly construction of much-needed facilities on other portions of the reserve.

VALLEJO DISTRICT OFFICE NAPADISTRICTOFFICE SANTA ROSA DISTRICT OFFICE UKIAH DISTRICT OFFICE EUREKA DISTRICT OFFICE 444 GEORGIA STREET 1040 MAIN STREET, SUITE 205 50 D STREET, SUITE 120A P.O. BOX 785 710 E STREET, SUITE 150 VALLEJO,CA 94590 NAPA, CA 94559 SANTA ROSA, CA 95404 UKIAH, CA 95482 EUREKA, CA 95501 TEL (707) 648-5312 TEL (707) 224-1990 TEL (707) 576-2771 TEL (707) 468-8914 TEL (707) 445-6508 FAX (707) 648-5383 FAX(707) 224-1992 FAX (707) 576-2773 FAX (707) 468-8931 FAX (707) 445-6511 Printed on Recycled Paper ~ Exhibit 4: Letters of Support

CAPITOL OFFICE STANDING COMMITTEES, STATE CAPITOL, ROOM 4081 PUBLIC EMPLOYEES SACRAMENTO, CA 95814 RETIREMENT TEL (916) 651.4002 QIalifarnia ~tate ~£nat£ CHAIR FAX (916) 323.6958 BANKING, FINANCE & INSURANCE SENATOR ENERGY, UTI LITES & COMMUNICATIONS PATRICIA WIGGINS SELECT COMMITTEES, SECOND SENATE DISTRICT CALIFORNIA'S WINE INDUSTRY, CHAIR

Taken together, these two properties will add exciting new capacities at the Quail Ridge Reserve for generation and dissemination of basic and applied research, teaching, and sound management of natural resources.

The public interest is advanced as well through these acquisitions. The area around Lake Berryessa and the Putah Creek Corridor serves as a gateway to natural landscapes and outdoor recreation for many of the rapidly growing communities in the nearby Central Valley. The Quail Ridge Peninsula remains one of the most isolated, least developed, and visually appealing ridges in this heavily used area. Incorporation of these parcels into the Natural Reserve System will contribute to the maintenance of the wildland aspect of the region, and to the conservation of native communities and habitats.

I'm pleased to support UC Davis and the Quail Ridge Reserve in these acquisitions.

Sincerely, y1rtV;~ PATRICIA WIGGINS Senator 2ndDistrict

Cc: Jason Murphy Office of State Government Relations D.C. Davis

RECEIVED DEC1 3 2007

OOASTALCONSERVANCY OAKLAND,CALIF.

VALLEJO DISTRICT OFFICE NAPA DISTRICT OFFICE SANTA ROSA DISTRICT OFFICE UKIAHDISTRICTOFFICE EUREKA DISTRICT OFFICE 444 GEORGIA STREET 1040 MAIN STREET, SUITE 205 50 D STREET, SUITE 120A P.O. BOX 785 710 E STREET, SUITE 150 VALLEJO, CA 94590 NAPA, CA 94559 SANTA ROSA, CA 95404 UKIAH, CA 95482 EUREKA, CA 95501 TEL (707) 648.5312 TEL (707) 224.1990 TEL (707) 576.2771 TEL (707) 468.8914 TEL (707) 445.6508 FAX (707) 648.5383 FAX (707) 224.1992 FAX (707) 576.2773 FAX(707) 468.8931 FAX (707) 445.6511 Ponted on Recycled Paper

~ -1111 nl SENATORExhibitDARRELL 4: Letters STEINBERG of Support 05:36:27 p.m. 12-10-2007 2/3-

COMMITTEES NATURAL RESOURCES 8 '9161327.8754 SEeECT COMMITTEE HIGH SCHOOL. GRADUATION

December 10,2007

Mr. Douglas Bosco, Chairman Coastal Conservancy 1330 Broadway, 13thFloor Oakland, CA 94612.

Subject: Support of Acquisition of Quail Ridge Peninsula Parcels

Dear Mr. Bosco:

I am pleased to submit to you this letter in support of the acquisition of two parcels on the Quail Ridge Peninsula of lake Berryessa for incorporation into the University of California's adjacent Quail Ridge Reserve. The Reserve serves as a laboratory for basic science and for applied management techniques, and as an outdoor classroom in a number of disciplines. The acquisition of these two adjacent properties will add habitat to the reserve (excellent stands of native grasses and oaks, in particular), will preserve the integrity of well-used wildlife corridors, and will protect these lands from development, while maintaining their use for research and class activities consistent with the mission of the Natural Reserve System.

The acquisition of the 120-acre northeastern parcel will provide a large area of high- quality habitat for ecological studies, as well as an essential new area for expansion of the state-of-the-art wireless mesh network already in place on the Reserve. Purchase of the parcel will also help ensure that the Reserve has an effective buffer from development that is currently advancing at a rapid pace in this area of the Inner Coast Range of California.

The southern parcel will provide the Reserve with much-needed facilities for onsite staff and researcher housing, and will protect an additional 40 acres of diverse, native

~ - uu nnn -_u- Exhibit 4: Letters of Support _1111 nl SENATOR DARRELL STEINBERG 05:36:41 p.m. 12-10-2007 3/~

Mr. Douglas Bosco December 10, 2007 Page 2

at the site would preclude the need for costly construction of much-needed facilities on other portions of the reserve.

Taken together, these two properties willadd excitingnew capacities at the Quail Ridge Reserve for generation and dissemination of basic and applied research, teaching, and sound management of natural resources.

The public interest is advanced as well through these acquisitions. The area around Lake Berryessa and the Putah Creek Corridor serves as a gateway to natural landscapes and outdoor recreation for many of the rapidly growing communities in the nearby Central Valley. The Quail Ridge Peninsula remains one of the most isolated. least developed, and visually appealing ridges in this heavily used area. Incorporation of these parcels into the Natural Reserve System will contribute to the maintenance of the wildland aspect of the region, and to the conservation of native communities and habitats.

With these facts in mind, I'm pleased to support UC Davis and the Quail Ridge Reserve in these acquisitions.

Sincerely,

RECEI"'ED ~~ DEC1 3 2007

DARRELL STEINBERG COASTALCONS!:JiVAI'4\j'1 Chair, Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee OAKLAND. CALIF. Senator, Sixth District

DS:wc:kz ~Z/1212OU7-17:42 FAX 9163192107 ExhibitASSEMBLYMEMBER 4: Letters of Support EVANS IaI 003/003

COIMTTEES STIIT'E CAPITOL DEMOCRATIC CAUCus. CHAIR BUDGET P.O. BOX 942849 SACRAMENTO, CA 94249-0007 ENVIRONMENTAl SAFETY & TOXIC ~Stmhlv (916) 319-2007 MATERIAlS FAX (916) 319-2107 GOVERNMENTAl ORGANIZATION SANTA ROSA JUDICIARY @alifnruia!fitgismfurt 50 "D. STREET, SUITE 301 SANTA ROSA. CA 95404 SUBCOIIIIITTEES (707) 546-4500 BUDGET 13: NA11JRAL RESOURCES FAX (707) 546-9031 VALLEJO SELECT COIIIIITTEES 1713 SONOMA BOULEVARD CAlIFORNIA WINE, CHAIR VALLEJO, CA 94590 FOSTER CARE (707) 649-2307 NOREEN EVANS FAX (707) 649-2311 ASSEMBLYMEMBER,SEVENTH DISTRICT NAPA 1040 MAIN smEET, SUITE 205 December 12, 2007 NAPA, CA 94559-2605 (707) 258-8007 FAX (707) 25IH!205 BIAIL:_,"'~membeo~ Mr. Douglas Bosco, Chainnan WebsII8:cIemac:nIts.-n..ce.govmwnbeosl107 Coastal Conservancy 1330 Broadway, 13thFloor Oakland, CA 94612 By Facsimile (510)286-0470

Dear Chainnan Bosco:

I urge your support for a $500,000 grant to help facilitate the acquisition of two parcels on the Quail Ridge Peninsula of Lake Berryessa for incorporation into the University of California's adjacent Quail Ridge Reserve.

The Reserve serves as a laboratory for basic science and for applied natural resource management techniques, and as an outdoor classroom in a number of disciplines. The acquisition of these two adjacent properties will add habitat to the reserve, preserve the integrity of well-used wildlife corridors, and will . protect these lands from development.

Acquisition of the northeastern parcel will provide a large area of high -quality habitat for ecological studies, as well as an essential new area for expansion of the state-of-the-art wireless mesh network already in place on the Reserve. It will also provide the Reserve with an effective buffer from development that is currently advancing at a rapid pace in this area.

Acquisition of the southern parcel will provide the Reserve with much-needed facilities for onsite staff and researcher housing, and will protect an additional 40 acres of diverse, native habitats. Existing facilities at the site would preclude the need for costly construction of much-needed facilities on other portions of the Reserve.

The Quail Ridge Peninsula remains one of the most isolated, least developed, and visually appealing ridges in this area used so heavily by the public. Incorporation of these parcels into the Reserve will contribute to the maintenance of the wildland aspect of the region, and to the conservation of native communities and habitats.

Thank you for your consideration.

Yours very truly, r\WLU\ ~ NOREEN EVANS Assemblymember 7thDistrict NE:am cc: Jason W. Murphy, UC Davis

.~- Printedon Recycled Paper Exhibit 4: Letters of Support

STATE CAPITOL CHAIR P.O.BOX 942849 WATER, PARKS AND WilDLIFE SACRAMENTO, CA 94249-0008 ~sstmbl\! COMMITTEES (916) 319-2008 BANKING AND FINANCE FAX (916) 319-2108 BUDGET DISTRICT OFFICE

D=C?~ I am pleased to submit to you this letter in support of the acquisition of two parcels on the Quail Ridge Peninsula of Lake Berryessa for incorporation into the University of California's adjacent Quail Ridge Reserve. The Reserve serves as a laboratory for basic science and for applied management techniques, and as an outdoor classroom in a number of disciplines. The acquisition of these two adjacent properties will add habitat to the reserve (excellent stands of native grasses and oaks, in particular), will preserve the integrity of well-used wildlife corridors, and will protect these lands from development, while maintaining their use for research and class activities consistent with the mission of the Natural Reserve System.

The acquisition of the 120-acre northeastern parcel will provide a large area of high-quality habitat for ecological studies, as well as an essential new area for expansion of the state-of-the-art wireless mesh network already in place on the Reserve. Purchase of the parcel will also help ensure that the Reserve has an effective buffer from development that is currently advancing at a rapid pace in this area of the Inner Coast Range of California.

With these facts in mind, I'm pleased to support UC Davis and the Quail Ridge Reserve in these acquisitions.

.~'" Printed on Recycled Paper Exhibit 4: Letters of Support

United States Department of the Interior

BUREAU OF RECLAMATION LAKE BERRYESSA RECREATION RESOURCES BRANCH 5520 Knoxville Road Napa, California 94558 (707) 966-2111 NGV 3 C 2007

CC-431 LND-6.00

Mr. Douglas Bosco, Chair of the Conservancy Coastal Conservancy 1330 Broadway, 13thFloor Oakland, California 94612

Subject: Quail Ridge Peninsula

Dear Mr. Bosco,

I am pleased to submit to you this letter in support of the acquisition of two parcels on the Quail Ridge Peninsula of Lake Berryessa for incorporation into the University of California's Quail Ridge Reserve. The Reserve serves as a laboratory for basic science and for applied management techniques, and as an outdoor classroom in a number of disciplines. The acquisition of the two adjacent properties will add excellent habitat to the reserve, particularly excellent stands of native grasses and oaks. It will preserve the integrity of well-used wildlife corridors, and will protect the lands from development, while maintaining their use for research and class activities consistent with the mission of the Natural Reserve System.

The acquisition of the 120-acrenortheastern parcel will provide a large area of high-quality habitat for ecological studies as well as an essential new area for expansion of the state-of-the-art wireless mesh network already in place on the Reserve. Purchase of the parcel will also help ensure that the Reserve will remain isolated from ex-urban development that is currently advancing at a rapid pace in this area of the Inner Coast Range of California.

The southern parcel will provide the Reserve with much-needed facilities for onsite staff and researcher housing and will protect an additional 40 acres of diverse, native habitats. Development of much-needed facilities on other portions of the reserve would be costly and much less environmentally benign.

GOASTALCONSERVANCY OAKLAND,CALIF. Exhibit 4: Letters of Support

The public interest is advanced as well through these acquisitions. The area around Lake Berryessa and the Putah Creek Corridor serves as a gatewayto natural landscapes and outdoor recreation for many of the rapidly growing communities in the nearby Central Valley. The Quail Ridge Peninsula remains one of the most isolated, least developed, and visually appealing ridges in this heavily used (and rapidly developing) area. Incorporation of these parcels into the Natural Reserve System will contribute to the maintenance of the wildland aspect of the region, and to the conservation of native communities and habitats.

With these facts in mind, I hope you will assist the Natural Reserve System in these acquisitions. If you have any questions, please contact Melissa Brockman,Natural Resource Specialist, at (707) 966-2111 extension 103.

Sincerely,

//) .. / , ~~;W.J.-/ JaIfYRogers I ) Pa& Manager ~! -- .' Exhibit 4: Letters of Support 12/18/87 14:28 Pg: 2/2 Fax sentb~ : 7874684827 BLM UKFO

United States Department of the Interior

~ .. (. Bureau of Land Management Q, UkiahFieldOffice ur. IJII :$ 2550 N. State Street '8!81 Ukiah, CA 95482 www.ca.blm.govlukish Office:(707)468-4000 Fax: (707) 468-4027

IN REPLY REFER TO:

December 10, 2007

Douglas Bosco Chair of the Conservancy Coastal Ct:mservancy 1330 Broadway, 13thFloor Oakland, CA 94612.

Dear Chairperson Bosco,

On behalf of the BLM, Iwant to express my support of the land acquisitions proposed by the University of California, Davis for the Quail Ridge Reserve. BLM has been a formal cooperative partner at Quail Ridge since 1991. Our management partnership provides the agency much needed data and research for the flora, fauna, and the effects of human impacts to the chaparral ecosystems of northern California. A Quail Ridge Reserve five year management plan was developed and implemented in 1995. The BLM lands are still being managed under the existing plan and cooperative agreement.

BLM owns approximately 519 acres within the reserve. In addition to research, these public lands hold value as wildlife habitat,open space, and visual aestheticsfor Lake Berryessa. We see these new land acquisitionsas crucial to the existing cooperative managementplan. As shown on past projectsthrough this partnership,our working together toward the same goal far exceeds the capabilitiesof any individualeffort. These acquisitions will go a long way in preserving our partnership goals.

Thank you in advance for your time and consideration of the University of California, Davis's grant proposal. If you have any questions regarding our support and involvement feel free to contact me at the above address or telephone number.

Sincerely, ~~~ Rich Burns Field Manager ------nU--- -- U-- - Exhibit 4: Letters of Support Flex State of California YOUI ~. Department of Fish and Game POWER. Memorandum

To: Douglas Bosco, Chair Date:December 12, 2007 State Coastal Conservancy 1330 Broadway, 13thFloor Oakland, CA 94612

From: Charles Armor, Regional Manager~ Department of Fish and Game, Bay Delta Region, Post Office Box 47, Yountville, CA 94599

Subject: Support of Acquisition of Two Parcels on the Quail Ridge Peninsula, Lake Berryessa, Napa County

This memorandum is in support of the acquisition of two parcels on the Quail Ridge Peninsula of Lake Berryessa for incorporation intothe Universityof California's Quail Ridge Reserve. The Reserve serves as a laboratory for basic science and applied management techniques, and as an outdoor classroom in a number of disciplines. Both parcels contain excellent stands of native grasses and oaks. As neighboring land managers, the Department of Fish and Game (Department) has admired the land stewardship exhibited by the UC Reserve staff.

The northeastern parcel in question willprovide a large area of high-qualityhabitat for ecological studies, as well as an essential new area for expansion of the ground- breaking wireless mesh network already in place on the Reserve. Purchase of the parcel willalso help ensure that the Reserve willremain isolated from ex-urban development that is currently advancing at a rapid pace in this area of the Inner Coast Range of California.

The southern parcel willprovide the Reserve with much-needed facilitiesfor onsite staff and researcher housing and willprotect an additional 40 acres of native habitats. Development of these facilitieson other portions of the Reserve would be costly and have a more significant impact on the environment.

Taken together, these two properties willadd exciting new capacities at Quail Ridge Reserve for generation and dissemination of basic and applied research, teaching, and sound management of natural resources.

With these facts in mind, it is the Department's hope you willassist the Natural Reserve System in these acquisitions. Ifyou have any questions, please contact David Feliz, Senior WildlifeBiologist,at (530) 757-2431. Exhibit 4: Letters of Support

~!!.!JIf.~~~m~~

November 5, 2007

Douglas Bosco, Chairman California Coastal Conservancy 1330 Broadway, 13thFloor Oakland, CA 94612

On behalf of the Blue Ridge Berryessa Natural Area (BRBNA) Conservation Partnership, I would like to express support for the acquisition of two parcels on the Quail Ridge Peninsula of Lake Berryessa for incorporation into the University of California's Quail Ridge Reserve. The U.C. Natural Reserve System was an original founding member of the Partnership and has contributed significantly to landscape-wide conservation by protecting key natural areas and by carrying out locally relevant scientific research, testing management tools, and providing education programs. The Quail Ridge Reserve, along with others in the region, comprises some of the best managed and most biologically diverse land of the BRBNA. The acquisition of the two adjacent properties is consistent with long-term land conservation objectives for the region andwilladdimportanthabitatto thereserve- nativegrasses,oakwoodlandandwildlife corridors - as well as increased opportunities for research and class activities.

The l20-acre northeastern parcel contains exceptionally high-quality habitat for ecological studies and also provides space for expansion of the Reserve's wireless mesh network. This area also will also serve as an important buffer from encroaching housing development. The southern parcel will allow the Reserve to provide needed research facilities and protect key habitat. We believe both of these acquisitions will ensure greater integrity and usefulness of the Reserve as a whole.

The Partnership hopes that you will support the Natural Reserve System in these acquisitions. They will not only advance the protection of important lands within the BRBNA but also serve the interests of the citizens of California through opportunities to enjoy and learn from them.

The ERENA encompasses over 750,000 acres of wild, coast range lands that extend southwardfrom the Mendocino National Forest to Highway 80 in Solano County. The region includes the Putah and Cache Creek watersheds, both tributaries within the Sacramento River hydrologic basin. The ERENA Conservation Partnership is a collaborative group of public agencies, landowners, and non-profit organizations working together to conserve the natural and working land resources of the ERENA.

Sincerely, ~ ~Director . -- - . Exhibit 4: Letters of Support

Putah Creek Discovery Co"idor Cooperative Coming together to inspire appreciation and respect for the diverse resources of the Putah Creek Corridor through coordinated public outreach and leaming opportunities.

November 19, 2007

Douglas Bosco, Chair Coastal Conservancy 1330 Broadway, 13th Floor Oakland, CA 94612

Dear Mr. Bosco, I am writing on behalf of the Putah Creek Discovery Corridor (pCDC) Cooperative, a consensus-based, . member-led partnership of outreach stakeholders committed to providing high quality, coordinated public outreach and education to promote stewardship of the lower Putah Creek watershed. Our members include: the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, Solano Irrigation District, Solano County Water Agency, Solano County Parks, Solano Resource Conservation District, Solano Land Trust, Yolo County Parks, Lower Putah Creek Coordinating Committee, City of Winters, Center for Land-based Learning, Putah Creek Council, California Department of Fish and Game, Blue Ridge-Berryessa Natural Area Conservation Partnership, University of California Davis, and private rural Iandowners. The PCDC Cooperative supports the University of California Natural Reserve System's proposal to secure funds for the purchase of two additional properties at the Quail Ridge Reserve. This purchase would allow.the UC NRS to continue research and teaching missions at Quail Ridge Reserve that enhance the regional understanding on which PCDC Cooperative member agencies and nonprofits rely when developing outreach programs for adjacent public lands. In addition, by preserving a large, restricted- access reserve of Quail Ridge, the UC NRS can continue to make the nearby Stebbins Cold Canyon Reserve one of only two reserves it makes available to the public. Public outreach programming at Stebbins Cold Canyon is both a beneficiary of and a vital contributor to the PCDC Cooperative's collaborative outreach along Putah Creek. By protecting the future of Quail Ridge, this proposed purchase would have the effect of protecting public access and outreach programming at Stebbins Cold Canyon Reserve, which is indispensable to the collaborative work of the PCDC Cooperative. The PCDC Cooperative respectfully encourages the Coastal Conservancy to fund the UC Natural Reserve System proposal to purchase two additional properties at the Quail Ridge Reserve. -i~ciJt~ Margaret Kralovec PCDC Cooperative Coordinator 5189 Putah Creek Road Winters, CA 95617

cc: PCDC Cooperative Steering Committee: Joyce Gutstein, Director, PSRP, UC Davi$ John Muir Institute for the Environment Dawn Calciano, Executive Director, Putah Creek Council Shane Waddell, UC Davis Reserve Land Steward, UC Natural.Reserve System Melissa Brockman, Outdoor Reclamation Planner, US Bureau of Reclamation Frank-Morris, Water Quality Technical Analyst, Solano Irrigation District