2022 – California State Coastal Conservancy

Press Release: Coastal Conservancy Awards over $13 million in Grants for Coastal Access, Restoration, and Resilience

Coastal Conservancy Awards over $13 million in Grants for Coastal Access, Restoration, and Resilience

12/1/2022, Pacific Grove, CA – Today, the Board of the State Coastal Conservancy approved grants for 17 projects, totaling over $13 million, for coastal access, restoration, and climate resilience. Included in the grants approved today were $3.5 million for the Regionally Advancing Living Shorelines in San Francisco Bay Project, $1 million to improve public access at Garrapata State Park in Big Sur, and over a quarter million dollars of voluntary income tax check-off funding for three separate projects to aid in recovery of the southern sea otter.

The Board also approved the Conservancy’s Strategic Plan for 2023-2027. The plan provides an overall vision for our agency and quantified objectives to measure the effectiveness of our work.

Each year, the Coastal Conservancy issues millions of dollars in grants for projects that restore and protect the California coast, expand public access to it, and enhance its resilience to climate change. Grant applications are accepted on a rolling basis. More information on our grants and how to apply can be found on the Grants page of our website (scc.ca.gov/grants).

NORTH COAST

A grant of up to $226,300 of Coastal Conservancy and US Fish and Wildlife Service National Coastal Wetland Conservation grant funds to the Humboldt County Resource Conservation District to prepare designs, environmental analyses, and permit applications for the restoration of tidal wetlands in Wadulh Lagoon on the Mad River Slough on Humboldt Bay in Humboldt County.
A grant of up to $350,000 to Friends of the Dunes to restore 80 acres of dune habitat to increase sea-level rise resiliency on the United States Fish and Wildlife Service’s Wadulh Unit on the north spit of Humboldt Bay in Humboldt County, and adoption of findings under the California Environmental Quality Act.

SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA

A grant of up to $482,423 of San Francisco Bay Restoration Authority funding to the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board to augment the Conservancy’s previously authorized grant for operation of the Bay Restoration Regulatory Integration Team to enable operation through September 2024.
A grant of up to $3,500,000 to the San Francisco Estuary Institute, Marin and Golden Gate Audubon Societies, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, San Francisco State University, and additional contractors and grantees for monitoring of existing living shoreline projects, development of regional design and constructability guidance, preparation of permit applications, and preparation of preliminary site designs as part of the Regionally Advancing Living Shorelines in San Francisco Bay Project at ten locations in the Central Bay in San Francisco, Alameda, Contra Costa, and Marin counties.
Authorization to disburse up to $500,000 to the City of Oakland to conduct technical feasibility studies and prepare designs for nature-based shoreline enhancement and resilience features to be incorporated into the plans for the Oakland Estuary Park Renovation Project on the Oakland Estuary in the City of Oakland, Alameda County.
A grant of up to $2,150,000 to Point Reyes Bird Observatory, Inc. to steward approximately 177 acres of restored wetlands through engaging the local community to maintain and enhance the wetlands and to implement minor property improvements by repairing and maintaining public access amenities in the Novato Baylands in Marin County.
A grant of up to $787,500 to Sonoma Land Trust to acquire the 174-acre Sonoma Mountain Vernal Pools Property in Sonoma County for habitat preservation; biodiversity protection; climate resilience; improving wildlife corridors; and public access and tribal cultural uses compatible with natural resource protection.
A grant of up to $1,395,800 to the Petaluma River Park Foundation for community engagement, park plan development, specific project designs, and environmental review associated with development of Petaluma River Parkin Petaluma, Sonoma County.

CENTRAL COAST

A grant of up to $272,540 to Defenders of Wildlife, Sea Otter Savvy, and University of California at Santa Cruz to implement three separate projects toaid in recovery of the southern sea otter.
A grant of up to $300,000 to the Ventana Wildlife Society to prepare plans, environmental review documents, and permit applications for a group campground and support facilities for outdoor programming within Andrew Molera State Parkin Monterey County.
A grant of up to $1,000,000 to the California Department of Parks and Recreation to improve the California Coastal Trail by renovating several trailheads and trails, installing new signage and drainage/erosion protection improvements, and removing informal trails, in Garrapata State Park in Big Sur, Monterey County, and adoption of findings under the California Environmental Quality Act.
A grant of up to $824,900 to the Cachuma Resource Conservation District and to the Santa Barbara Fire Safe Council for two additional wildfire resilience projects under the Conservancy’s Wildfire Resilience Program – 2022-2023, in Santa Barbara County.
A grant of up to $483,600 to the Elkhorn Slough Foundation to use a mobile kiln to sequester carbon by converting non-native invasive tree logs to charcoalat Elkhorn Slough in Monterey County.

SOUTH COAST

A grant of up to $250,000 to nonprofit organizations for three community-based restoration projects in coastal wetlands and along coastal stream corridors in the Southern California region, and adoption of findings under the California Environmental Quality Act.
A grant of up to $530,000 to California Trout Inc. to implement the Santa Margarita River Bridge Replacement and Fish Passage Barrier Removal Project, consisting of removing a box culvert river crossing and replacing it with a bridge that allows fish passage at Sandia Creek Drive in San Diego County, and adoption of findings under the California Environmental Quality Act.

STATEWIDE

A grant of up to $22,000 received from the California Department of Water Resources to augment the Conservancy’s previously authorized grant of $598,000 to Sustainable Conservation for advancing the adoption of programmatic permits to expand the project to include increased outreach to facilitate the use of recently adopted programmatic permits for aquatic habitat restoration and water quality improvement projects throughout California.
A grant of up to $50,000 to the Beach Erosion Authority for Clean Oceans and Nourishment to prepare a study of governance and financing options for integrating regional sediment management into sea level rise adaptation planning in California.

Coastal Conservancy Public Meeting in Pacific Grove – December 01

Meeting Notice

Douglas Bosco (Public Member), Chair
Ann Notthoff (Public Member), Vice Chair
Marce Gutiérrez-Graudi?š (Public Member)
Joseph Alioto Jr. (Public Member)
Wade Crowfoot, Secretary for Natural Resources; Bryan Cash (Designated)
Donne Brownsey, Coastal Commission Chair; Madeline Cavalieri (Designated)
Keely Bosler, Director, Department of Finance; Gayle Miller (Designated)

Senate Representatives
Benjamin Allen (District 26)
Josh Becker (District 13)
John Laird (District 17)

Assembly Representatives
Mark Stone (District 29)
Robert Rivas (District 30)
Christopher Ward (District 78)

Amy Hutzel, Executive Officer
Amy Roach, General Counsel

AGENDA

Hybrid Meeting
DATE:December 01, 2022
TIME:9:00 A.M
LOCATION:Pacific Grove City Hall
300 Forest Avenue,
Pacific Grove, CA 93950

This meeting will be conducted in a hybrid virtual/in-person format in accordance with Government Code Section 11133. To maximize public safety while maintaining transparency, members of the public can choose to watch the webcast of the meeting or participate in the meeting via Zoom, by telephone, or in person at the location listed above. People attending in person will be required to adhere to the site’s health guidelines, which could include wearing masks, health screening, and social distancing.
Members of the public may watch an online webcast of the meeting or join the meeting by internet with Zoom or by telephone with the following steps:

Webcast (Watch Only): To watch the meeting and not provide verbal comments, please view the webcast at this site: https://cal-span.org. If you do not wish to provide verbal comments, we strongly recommend watching the webcast as this will free up space on the webinar for those who are providing verbal comments. If you intend to make verbal comments, please do not view the webcast, and then switch over to the Zoom webinar or phone to comment, as the webcast will have a time delay and you may miss the opportunity to comment.

Zoom (To Make Comments): In addition to in-person participation, remote participation is available to members of the public via Zoom webinar. To participate via Zoom, you must register for the Zoom Webinar at this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_1Q5-0ksjRJa6B_OHDK5_9Q. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Telephone (To Make Comments): Members of the public can offer verbal comments on agenda items by calling in via telephone. Zoom registration is required. Register for the Zoom Webinar at the link above and you will receive an email with a phone number to dial in by telephone. When the agenda item you want to speak on is being presented, press *9 to “raise your hand” and indicate your interest in making a comment. You will be called upon (using your phone number to identify you) and will be unmuted at the appropriate time.

More information on how to participate and comment verbally on an agenda item or during open public comment can be found here.

* Spanish interpretation will be provided for the December 01, 2022 meeting if you join by zoom. *

**Agenda PDF**

1. ROLL CALL

2. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES of the Conservancy’s September 22, 2022 public meeting.

3. CONSENT ITEMS

A. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $226,300 of Coastal Conservancy and US Fish and Wildlife Service National Coastal Wetland Conservation grant funds to the Humboldt County Resource Conservation District to prepare designs, environmental analyses, and permit applications for the restoration of tidal wetlands in Wadulh Lagoon on the Mad River Slough on Humboldt Bay in Humboldt County.

B. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $272,540 to Defenders of Wildlife, Sea Otter Savvy, and University of California at Santa Cruz to implement three separate projects to aid in recovery of the southern sea otter.

C. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $482,423 of San Francisco Bay Restoration Authority funding to the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board to augment the Conservancy’s previously authorized grant for operation of the Bay Restoration Regulatory Integration Team to enable operation through September 2024.

D. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $22,000 received from the California Department of Water Resources to augment the Conservancy’s previously authorized grant of $598,000 to Sustainable Conservation for advancing the adoption of programmatic permits to expand the project to include increased outreach to facilitate the use of recently adopted programmatic permits for aquatic habitat restoration and water quality improvement projects throughout California.

E. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $50,000 to the Beach Erosion Authority for Clean Oceans and Nourishment to prepare a study of governance and financing options for integrating regional sediment management into sea level rise adaptation planning in California.

4. EXECUTIVE OFFICER REPORT

A. Consideration and possible adoption of the State Coastal Conservancy’s Strategic Plan 2023-2027.

CENTRAL COAST

5. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $300,000 to the Ventana Wildlife Society to prepare plans, environmental review documents, and permit applications for a group campground and support facilities for outdoor programming within Andrew Molera State Park in Monterey County.

6. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $1,000,000 to the California Department of Parks and Recreation to improve the California Coastal Trail by renovating several trailheads and trails, installing new signage and drainage/erosion protection improvements, and removing informal trails, in Garrapata State Park in Big Sur, Monterey County, and adoption of findings under the California Environmental Quality Act.

7. Consideration and authorization to disburse up to $824,900 to the Cachuma Resource Conservation District and to the Santa Barbara Fire Safe Council for two additional wildfire resilience projects under the Conservancy’s Wildfire Resilience Program – 2022-2023, in Santa Barbara County.

8. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $483,600 to the Elkhorn Slough Foundation to use a mobile kiln to sequester carbon by converting non-native invasive tree logs to charcoal at Elkhorn Slough in Monterey County.

Addendum: Public Comment

SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA

9. Authorization to disburse up to $3,500,000 to the San Francisco Estuary Institute, Marin and Golden Gate Audubon Societies, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, San Francisco State University, and additional contractors and grantees for monitoring of existing living shoreline projects, development of regional design and constructability guidance, preparation of permit applications, and preparation of preliminary site designs as part of the Regionally Advancing Living Shorelines in San Francisco Bay Project at ten locations in the Central Bay in San Francisco, Alameda, Contra Costa, and Marin counties.

10. Authorization to disburse up to $500,000 to the City of Oakland to conduct technical feasibility studies and prepare designs for nature-based shoreline enhancement and resilience features to be incorporated into the plans for the Oakland Estuary Park Renovation Project on the Oakland Estuary in the City of Oakland, Alameda County.

11. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $2,150,000 to Point Reyes Bird Observatory, Inc. to steward approximately 177 acres of restored wetlands through engaging the local community to maintain and enhance the wetlands and to implement minor property improvements by repairing and maintaining public access amenities in the Novato Baylands in Marin County.

12. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $787,500 to Sonoma Land Trust to acquire the 174-acre Sonoma Mountain Vernal Pools Property in Sonoma County for habitat preservation; biodiversity protection; climate resilience; improving wildlife corridors; and public access and tribal cultural uses compatible with natural resource protection.

13. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $1,395,800 to the Petaluma River Park Foundation for community engagement, park plan development, specific project designs, and environmental review associated with development of Petaluma River Park in Petaluma, Sonoma County.

Addendum: Public Comment

NORTH COAST

14. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $350,000 to Friends of the Dunes to restore 80 acres of dune habitat to increase sea-level rise resiliency on the United States Fish and Wildlife Service’s Wadulh Unit on the north spit of Humboldt Bay in Humboldt County, and adoption of findings under the California Environmental Quality Act.

SOUTH COAST

15. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $250,000 to nonprofit organizations for three community-based restoration projects in coastal wetlands and along coastal stream corridors in the Southern California region, and adoption of findings under the California Environmental Quality Act.

16. Consideration and authorization to disburse up to $530,000 to California Trout Inc. to implement the Santa Margarita River Bridge Replacement and Fish Passage Barrier Removal Project, consisting of removing a box culvert river crossing and replacing it with a bridge that allows fish passage at Sandia Creek Drive in San Diego County, and adoption of findings under the California Environmental Quality Act.

17. CLOSED SESSION

A. To confer regarding Pappas, et al. v. State Coastal Conservancy, et al., Santa Barbara County Superior Court, Case No. 1417388. Session will be closed to the public pursuant to Government Code Section 11126(e)(2)(A).

B. To confer regarding Grassroots Coalition, et al. v. California State Coastal Conservancy, et al., Los Angeles County Superior Court, Case No. 21STCP02237. Session will be closed to the public pursuant to Government Code Section 11126(e)(2)(A).

C. To confer regarding Defend Ballona Wetlands, et al. v. California State Coastal Conservancy, et al., Los Angeles County Superior Court, Case No. 20STCV29911. Session will be closed to the public pursuant to Government Code Section 11126(e)(2)(A).

D. To confer regarding Lebolt v. City and County of San Francisco, et al., San Francisco County Superior Court Case No. CGC-19-581761. Session will be closed to the public pursuant to Government Code Section 11126(e)(2)(A).

E. To confer regarding City of Trinidad v. Tsurai Ancestral Society, et al., Humboldt County Superior Court Case No. DR180684. Session will be closed to the public pursuant to Government Code Section 11126(e)(2)(A).

F. To confer regarding Ballona Wetlands Land Trust v. California Department of Fish and Wildlife, et al. (Environmental Science Associates, Real Party in Interest), Los Angeles County Superior Court, Case No. 22STCP03307. Session will be closed to the public pursuant to Government Code Section 11126(e)(2)(A).

Please note: If a closed session is needed, the Conservancy will reconvene in person and on the webcast and zoom webinar to make any reports required by Section 11125.2 of the Government Code.

18. CONSERVANCY MEMBER COMMENTS

19. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS

Addendum: Public Comment
Addendum: Public Comment
Addendum: Public Comment

20. ADJOURNMENT

CONSERVANCY TOUR INFORMATION:
On Wednesday, November 30, the Conservancy will tour the Elkhorn Slough Biomass Demonstration Project, which is on this agenda as Item 8; a potential floodplain enhancement project for future Conservancy consideration known as Castroville to the Coast; and several previously approved Conservancy projects. The tour will begin at 11 am at the Elkhorn Highlands Reserve, 103 Desmond Rd, Salinas 93907. The tour will include additional stops at Hester Marsh in Elkhorn Slough, the Castroville to the Coast project (stop will be on Watsonville Road, Moss Landing, coordinates: 36.783544, -121.767082), Carr Lake, and the Pacific Grove Coastal Trail. Members of the public are welcome to join the tour but must provide their own transportation. For any questions regarding the tour, please contact Trish Chapman at trish.chapman@scc.ca.gov.

Note: Agenda items may be taken out of sequence at the discretion of the Conservancy. At any time during the meeting, but prior to the adjournment of the open session of the meeting, the Conservancy may recess or adjourn to closed session to consider personnel matters, prices and terms of real estate transactions, and possible and pending litigation. Session will be closed to the public pursuant to attorney-client privilege and statutory authorization under Government Code Sections 11126(a), (c) (7), and (e).
Any person who has a disability and requires reasonable accommodation to participate in this public meeting should contact Taylor Samuelson no later than five days prior to meeting.
Questions about the meeting or agenda can be directed to Taylor Samuelson at
(510) 286-4182 or Taylor.Samuelson@scc.ca.gov or at the Conservancy:
1515 Clay Street, 10th Floor
Oakland, CA 94612

This meeting notice and agenda may be accessed at http://scc.ca.gov/public-meetings/

SCC Grant Availability Webinar Nov 9

The State of California has made an unprecedented investment in the resilience and accessibility of the coast. As a result, the Coastal Conservancy has significant funding available to non-profit organizations, public agencies, and federally-recognized tribes for projects that benefit public access, natural resources, working lands, and climate resiliency at the coast, coastal watersheds, and the San Francisco Bay.

A webinar was held on November 9 on Conservancy funding and how to apply for our grants. A recording of the webinar can be found on our Grants page here.

We anticipate that the majority of our funding will be allocated through our ongoing pre-proposal solicitation. To learn more about this process, please visit the Grants page of our website.

The Conservancy also holds periodic grant rounds related to specific programs or fund sources. Information on those grant rounds and their deadlines are posted on this page when they are open. You can also sign up to be notified of scheduled grant rounds by registering for our mailing list at this link.

The Conservancy will fund most stages of a project including pre-project feasibility studies, property acquisition, project planning including community involvement, design, environmental review, permitting, construction, and project-related monitoring. We do not fund operation and maintenance activities.

We look forward to working with many partner organizations to make a difference for the health and accessibility of the coast.

Request for Proposals: Federal Governmental Relations Consultant

The California State Coastal Conservancy is seeking a Federal Governmental Relations Consultant for a two-year contract, with a possible extension of up to one year, to facilitate the progress of authorized federal projects and support the Conservancy’s cooperative efforts with federal agencies that are headquartered in the Washington, D.C. area.

The Request for Proposals can be downloaded here.

The Conservancy is a State agency that was created by the Legislature in 1976 to protect, restore, and provide public access to California’s world-renowned coastal and marine resources. The Conservancy works in partnership with local governments and other public agencies, nonprofit organizations, and tribes to protect coastal wetlands, revitalize urban waterfront areas, purchase and restore environmentally valuable bay and coastal areas, and assist communities in solving complex land-use problems. The Conservancy has been funded primarily by State general obligation bonds, but frequently uses federal matching funds and grants to complete projects in California. Proposers should be familiar with the work of the Coastal Conservancy and can consult our website at http://scc.ca.gov/.

Numerous projects funded by the Conservancy are affected by federal regulatory processes and programs, or depend on federal funding as an adjunct to the project. The Conservancy seeks the services of a consultant to assist the Conservancy in obtaining and maximizing federal funding. The Consultant will also provide assistance to ensure that the Conservancy efficiently meets associated federal requirements and to monitor federal legislation that directly affects the Conservancy’s work.

The Consultant will provide information and advocacy to maintain and improve federal financial and other support for Conservancy projects that have a federal component and shall assist the Conservancy in maximizing other opportunities for federal funding for marine, estuarine, and coastal conservation efforts. In addition, the Consultant will assist the Conservancy in monitoring and providing input to modifications for federal legislation or regulations that directly affect the Conservancy’s ongoing federally-supported projects.

Further information and submittal materials can be found in the RFP here. Submissions are due by 5:00 p.m. PST, December 2, 2022.

Press Release: Coastal Conservancy awards over $60 million in grants for coastal access, restoration, and resilience

Today, the Board of the State Coastal Conservancy approved over $60 million in grants for restoration, protection, public access, and wildfire and climate resilience along the California coast and San Francisco Bay.

Included in the approvals were:

$20 million to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the Bel Marin Keys Unit V expansion of the Hamilton Wetland Restoration Project in Marin County.
$14 million for a number of Wildfire Resilience projects throughout the state.
$1,098,500 to three nonprofit organizations, one tribe, and two public entities for six Coastal Stories projects. This is a new Conservancy program that supports storytelling installations or interpretive materials that represent diverse communities and perspectives that historically have been excluded from narratives of California’s coast and publicly accessible lands.
Over $9 million for 73 new and renewing Explore the Coast projects to facilitate and enhance the public’s opportunities to explore the California coast.

NORTH COAST

A grant of up to $248,915 to the Tomales Bay Watershed Council Foundation to prepare designs, permit applications, and environmental review documents for a one-acre tidal wetland enhancement project at Tomales Bay, Marin County.
A grant of up to $845,000 to the Westport Village Society for acquisition of the 26-acre DeHaven Creek Headlandsproperty for cultural resources protection; open space protection; protection, enhancement, and restoration of natural resources and habitat; and public access and beach recreation compatible with such uses; and preparation of a resource management plan for the property, located in coastal Mendocino County.

A grant of $1,500,000 to the City of Healdsburg to construct the public access improvements described in the Fitch MountainPark and Open Space Preserve Management Plan in Healdsburg, Sonoma County.
A grant of up to $250,000 to the County of Sonoma to develop a plan for a climate adaptation centerat the former Sonoma Developmental Center, Sonoma County.

SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA

A grant of up to $3,570,000 to the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission to implement Bay Adapt Joint Platformtasks and actions related to: (1) development of Regional Sea Level Rise Adaptation Guidance; (2) regulatory improvements; and (3) continued coordination with stakeholders and communities.
A grant of up to $2,160,000 to the Alameda County Flood Control and Water Conservation District to restore and enhance approximately 40 acres of wetland habitat and improve public access at Stivers Lagoon, adjacent to Lake Elizabeth in the City of Fremont, and adoption of findings under the California Environmental Quality Act.
Authorization to enter into an amended Project Cooperation Agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and to disburse up to $20,000,000 to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the Bel Marin KeysUnit V expansion of the Hamilton Wetland Restoration Project in Marin County.
A grant of up to $700,000 to the City of San Rafael to conduct a community-informed technical feasibility study of sea level rise adaptation options along the shoreline of the City of San Rafael, Marin County with emphasis on involvement of the Canal District communities.
A grant of up to $396,200 to San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory to rehabilitate a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service nursery in the City of Fremont and to grow and prepare the native plants and seeds necessary for revegetation of 17 acres of flood risk management levee that will be constructed as part of the South San Francisco Bay Shoreline Projectin Santa Clara County.
Authorization for the Association of Bay Area Governments to disburse up to $366,250 of previously-granted Conservancy funds to the City of Vallejo to complete full final design and engineering documents for the approximately two-mile segment of Bay Trail and Ridge Trail at VallejoBluff in Vallejo, and the adoption of findings under the California Environmental Quality Act.
A grant of up to $1,200,000 to the Bay Area Ridge Trail Councilfor planning for future Bay Area Ridge Trail projects, and to conduct public engagement and outings for underrepresented trail users.

CENTRAL COAST

A grant of up to $440,000 to the City of Pacificato prepare plans, environmental review documents, and permit applications for two bluff protection structures to protect City-owned infrastructure along Esplanade Avenue in northern Pacifica, San Mateo County.
A grant of up to $260,000 to the Western Flyer Foundation to restore the Western Flyer boatfor the purpose of marine education and exploration on Monterey Bay.
A grant of up to $508,000 to the Santa Cruz Hostel Society to plan and implement renovations to the Santa Cruz Hostelin the City of Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz County.
A grant of up to $1,000,000 to the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County to acquire the 2,613-acre Rocks Ranch propertyfor natural resource protection and restoration; wildlife connectivity; open space; and to the extent compatible with the foregoing, agricultural preservation, tribal access, and potentially public access, located at the northern tip of the Gabilan Range in Monterey and San Benito Counties.
A grant of up to $590,000 to the County of Santa Cruz to prepare final plans and construct a new restroom at Hidden Beach County Park.

SOUTH COAST

A grant of up to $3,000,000 to the County of San Bernardino to augment an existing Conservancy grant authorized on January 29, 2015, to construct a 3.8-mile segment of the Santa Ana River Trail in San Bernardino County.
Designation of The Nature Conservancy as the long-term management entity for the Santa Clara Riverproperties acquired with Coastal Conservancy funding since 2001 and approve the revised Enhancement Plan as an amendment to the Santa Clara River Conceptual Enhancement Plan adopted by the Conservancy on October 26, 2000.
A grant of up to $41,500 to the Council for Watershed Health for permitting for, and implementation of a portion of, an Arundo donaxeradication program in the Upper Los Angeles River Watershed in Los Angeles County, and adoption of findings under the California Environmental Quality Act.

STATEWIDE

A grant of up to $1,098,500 to three nonprofit organizations, one tribe, and two public entities for six Coastal Stories projectsto create storytelling installations or interpretive materials that represent diverse communities and perspectives that historically have been excluded from narratives of California’s coast and publicly accessible lands.
A grant of up to $3,301,005 to nonprofit organizations and public agencies for 31 projects that facilitate and enhance the public’s opportunities to explore the California coast. Participants are drawn from throughout the State and will visit coastal locations from Del Norte County south to San Diego County.
A grant of up to $6,061,729 to augment 42 Explore the Coast grantsto nonprofit organizations and public agencies to extend previously authorized projects to facilitate and enhance the public’s opportunities to explore the California coast. Participants are drawn from throughout the State and will visit coastal locations from Del Norte County south to San Diego County.

WILDFIRE RESILIENCE PROGRAM

A grant of up to $10,996,600 to nonprofit organizations, public agencies, a tribe, and one consultant for 27 wildfire resilience projects.
A grant of up to $1,080,000 to Midpeninsula Regional Open Space Districtto reduce wildland vegetation fuels on approximately 200 acres, purchase equipment for use in reducing wildland vegetation fuels, refine existing prescribed fire plan and conduct associated environmental review, and build staff capacity to implement their Wildland Fire Resiliency Program.
A grant of up to $1,000,000 to the East Bay Regional Park Districtto conduct fuel treatments on 80 acres and implement a biomass facility pilot program in Anthony Chabot Regional Park.
A grant of up to $750,000 to San Diego Canyonlands for fire fuel reduction, including removal of brush, dead trees, and invasive vegetation, in the brush management zones of seven canyons within the underserved communities along the Chollas Creek corridor in Southeast San Diego and the neighborhood of City Heights in the city of San Diego, and adoption of findings under the California Environmental Quality Act.
A grant of up to $175,200 to the Humboldt County Resource Conservation District to complete Phase 1 of the Redway Shaded Fuel Break Project, a forest health and wildlife risk reduction project located along the eastern edge of Redway in southern Humboldt County, and adoption of findings under the California Environmental Quality Act.

Coastal Conservancy Public Zoom Meeting – September 22, 2022

Meeting Notice

Douglas Bosco (Public Member), Chair
Ann Notthoff (Public Member), Vice Chair
Marce Gutiérrez-Graudiņš (Public Member)
Joseph Alioto Jr. (Public Member)
Wade Crowfoot, Secretary for Natural Resources; Bryan Cash (Designated)
Donne Brownsey, Coastal Commission Chair; Madeline Cavalieri (Designated)
Keely Bosler, Director, Department of Finance; Gayle Miller (Designated)

Senate Representatives
Benjamin Allen (District 26)
Josh Becker (District 13)
John Laird (District 17)

Assembly Representatives
Mark Stone (District 29)
Robert Rivas (District 30)
Christopher Ward (District 78)

Amy Hutzel, Executive Officer
Amy Roach, General Counsel

AGENDA

Hybrid Meeting
DATE: September 22, 2022
TIME: 9:00 A.M.
LOCATION: Fort Bragg Town Hall
363 N. Main Street
Fort Bragg, CA 95437

This meeting will be conducted in a hybrid virtual/in-person format in accordance with Government Code Section 11133. To maximize public safety while maintaining transparency, members of the public can choose to watch the webcast of the meeting or participate in the meeting via Zoom, by telephone, or in person at the location listed above. People attending in person will be required to adhere to the site’s health guidelines, which could include wearing masks, health screening, and social distancing. Members of the public may watch an online webcast of the meeting or join the meeting by internet with Zoom or by telephone with the following steps:

Zoom (To Make Comments): In addition to in-person participation, remote participation is available to members of the public via Zoom webinar. To participate via Zoom, you must register for the Zoom Webinar at this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_on7GSmpkRyabiYjoYZjiNg. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

More information on how to participate and comment verbally on an agenda item or during open public comment can be found here.

* Spanish interpretation will be provided for the September 22, 2022 meeting if you join by zoom.*

**Agenda PDF**

1. ROLL CALL

2. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES of the Conservancy’s May 5, 2022, public meeting.

3. CONSENT ITEMS

A. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse $1,500,000 to the City of Healdsburg to construct the public access improvements described in the Fitch Mountain Park and Open Space Preserve Management Plan in Healdsburg, Sonoma County.

B. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $250,000 to the County of Sonoma to develop a plan for a climate adaptation center at the former Sonoma Developmental Center, Sonoma County.

C. Consideration and potential authorization to disburse up to $41,500 to the Council for Watershed Health for permitting for, and implementation of a portion of, an Arundo donax eradication program in the Upper Los Angeles River Watershed in Los Angeles County, and adoption of findings under the California Environmental Quality Act.

D. Consideration and authorization to disburse up to $590,000 to the County of Santa Cruz to prepare final plans and construct a new restroom at Hidden Beach County Park.

E. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $396,200 to San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory to rehabilitate a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service nursery in the City of Fremont and to grow and prepare the native plants and seeds necessary for revegetation of 17 acres of flood risk management levee that will be constructed as part of the South San Francisco Bay Shoreline Project in Santa Clara County.

F. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $3,000,000 to the County of San Bernardino to augment an existing Conservancy grant authorized on January 29, 2015, to construct a 3.8-mile segment of the Santa Ana River Trail in San Bernardino County.

G. Consideration and authorization to designate The Nature Conservancy as the long-term management entity for the Santa Clara River properties acquired with Coastal Conservancy funding since 2001 and approve the revised Enhancement Plan as an amendment to the Santa Clara River Conceptual Enhancement Plan adopted by the Conservancy on October 26, 2000.

H. Consideration and possible authorization for the Association of Bay Area Governments to disburse up to $366,250 of previously-granted Conservancy funds to the City of Vallejo to complete full final design and engineering documents for the approximately two-mile segment of Bay Trail and Ridge Trail at Vallejo Bluff in Vallejo, and the adoption of findings under the California Environmental Quality Act.

I. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $1,200,000 to the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council for planning for future Bay Area Ridge Trail projects, and to conduct public engagement and outings for underrepresented trail users.

J. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $248,915 to the Tomales Bay Watershed Council Foundation to prepare designs, permit applications, and environmental review documents for a one-acre tidal wetland enhancement project at Tomales Bay, Marin County.

4. EXECUTIVE OFFICER REPORT

A. Personnel Update

B. Legislative Update

C. Draft Strategic Plan

D. Consideration and possible approval of the 2023 Conservancy meeting schedule

NORTH COAST

5. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $$845,000 to the Westport Village Society for acquisition of the 26-acre DeHaven Creek Headlands property for cultural resources protection; open space protection; protection, enhancement, and restoration of natural resources and habitat; and public access and beach recreation compatible with such uses; and preparation of a resource management plan for the property, located in coastal Mendocino County.

Addendum: DeHaven Creek Headlands

SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA

6. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $3,570,000 to the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission to implement Bay Adapt Joint Platform tasks and actions related to: (1) development of Regional Sea Level Rise Adaptation Guidance; (2) regulatory improvements; and (3) continued coordination with stakeholders and communities.

7. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $2,160,000 to the Alameda County Flood Control and Water Conservation District to restore and enhance approximately 40 acres of wetland habitat and improve public access at Stivers Lagoon, adjacent to Lake Elizabeth in the City of Fremont, and adoption of findings under the California Environmental Quality Act.

8. Consideration and possible authorization to enter into an amended Project Cooperation Agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and to disburse up to $20,000,000 to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the Bel Marin Keys Unit V expansion of the Hamilton Wetland Restoration Project in Marin County.

9. Consideration and authorization to disburse up to $700,000 to the City of San Rafael to conduct a community-informed technical feasibility study of sea level rise adaptation options along the shoreline of the City of San Rafael, Marin County with emphasis on involvement of the Canal District communities.

CENTRAL COAST

10. Consideration and authorization to disburse up to $440,000 to the City of Pacifica to prepare plans, environmental review documents, and permit applications for two bluff protection structures to protect City-owned infrastructure along Esplanade Avenue in northern Pacifica, San Mateo County.

11. Consideration and authorization to disburse up to $260,000 to the Western Flyer Foundation to restore the Western Flyer boat for the purpose of marine education and exploration on Monterey Bay.

12. Consideration and authorization to disburse up to $508,000 to the Santa Cruz Hostel Society to plan and implement renovations to the Santa Cruz Hostel in the City of Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz County.

13. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $1,000,000 to the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County to acquire the 2,613-acre Rocks Ranch property for natural resource protection and restoration; wildlife connectivity; open space; and to the extent compatible with the foregoing, agricultural preservation, tribal access, and potentially public access, located at the northern tip of the Gabilan Range in Monterey and San Benito Counties.

STATEWIDE

14. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $1,098,500 to three nonprofit organizations, one tribe, and two public entities for six Coastal Stories projects to create storytelling installations or interpretive materials that represent diverse communities and perspectives that historically have been excluded from narratives of California’s coast and publicly accessible lands.

15. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $3,301,005 to nonprofit organizations and public agencies for 31 projects that facilitate and enhance the public’s opportunities to explore the California coast. Participants are drawn from throughout the State and will visit coastal locations from Del Norte County south to San Diego County.

16. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $6,061,729 to augment 42 Explore the Coast grants to nonprofit organizations and public agencies to extend previously authorized projects to facilitate and enhance the public’s opportunities to explore the California coast. Participants are drawn from throughout the State and will visit coastal locations from Del Norte County south to San Diego County.

WILDFIRE RESILIENCE PROGRAM

17. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $10,996,600 to nonprofit organizations, public agencies, a tribe, and one consultant for 27 wildfire resilience projects.

18. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $1,080,000 to Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District to reduce wildland vegetation fuels on approximately 200 acres, purchase equipment for use in reducing wildland vegetation fuels, refine existing prescribed fire plan and conduct associated environmental review, and build staff capacity to implement their Wildland Fire Resiliency Program.

19. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $1,000,000 to the East Bay Regional Park District to conduct fuel treatments on 80 acres and implement a biomass facility pilot program in Anthony Chabot Regional Park.

20. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $750,000 to San Diego Canyonlands for fire fuel reduction, including removal of brush, dead trees, and invasive vegetation, in the brush management zones of seven canyons within the underserved communities along the Chollas Creek corridor in Southeast San Diego and the neighborhood of City Heights in the city of San Diego, and adoption of findings under the California Environmental Quality Act.

21. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $175,200 to the Humboldt County Resource Conservation District to complete Phase 1 of the Redway Shaded Fuel Break Project, a forest health and wildlife risk reduction project located along the eastern edge of Redway in southern Humboldt County, and adoption of findings under the California Environmental Quality Act.

22. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS

Addendum: Public Comment
Addendum: Public Comment

23. CONSERVANCY MEMBER COMMENTS

24. CLOSED SESSION

Please note: If a closed session is needed, the board will reconvene on the weblink provided above to make any reports, provide any documentation, and make any other disclosures required by Section 11125.2 of the Government Code.

25. ADJOURNMENT

CONSERVANCY TOUR INFORMATION:

On Wednesday, September 21st, the Conservancy will tour several projects in Mendocino County. At 1:30 PM, the Conservancy will visit the Jughandle Farms Nature Center in Caspar. At 2:30 PM, the Conservancy will leave the site and travel to the DeHaven property in Westport, arriving at 3 PM. At 4 PM, the Conservancy will leave the De Haven site for the Fort Bragg Coastal Trail. Members of the public are welcome to join the tour, but they must provide their own transportation. For any questions regarding the tour, please contact Karyn Gear at Karyn.Gear@scc.ca.gov

2022 State Coastal Conservancy Request for Qualifications and Information

The State Coastal Conservancy (“Conservancy”) acts to preserve, restore, and enhance California’s coastal and marine resources, enhance their resilience to climate change, and to expand public access to the coast.

The Conservancy annually updates a list of environmental, engineering, architectural, landscape architectural, construction project management, and the other consulting service providers. This year, we also invite individuals, firms, non-profits, and community groups involved with community engagement, tribal engagement, community-based restoration, traditional ecological knowledge, and other justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion topics to submit their information.

The list is used in two ways: to identify consulting firms and individuals with appropriate qualifications for Conservancy consultant needs; and to help us make connections with local organizations and individuals engaged with coastal issues and communities in our jurisdiction.

We welcome individuals, consultants, firms, and community groups to submit their qualifications and/or organizational information through this brief online form. This submission form replaces previous years’ RFQ form.

We encourage submittals by August 31, though they will be accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year.

More information can be found in the complete RFQI here.

The Conservancy has developed working relationships with a number of public and private entities through its work on coastal and watershed restoration efforts over the past 45 years. Advancing environmental protection and climate adaptation work requires diverse collaborations of public and private agencies, Indigenous peoples and Tribal Nations, landowners, and community members. We aim to foster collaboration between these groups to develop creative solutions to complex coastal issues. We hope this list will increase our awareness of the many groups, organizations, and individuals that should be involved in the development and implementation of our projects.

All information received will be kept on file for at least one year from the date of this request. Conservancy staff will use this information in soliciting services, as needed, for upcoming Conservancy projects. We will also use this information in efforts to increase local community connections with our projects and in providing resources to share with grantees and other partners.

State certified Small Businesses (“SB” including small business, minority and women-owned businesses) and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises (“DVBE”) are encouraged to submit. The Conservancy encourages all potential contractors to proactively engage with potential SB and DVBE subcontractors.

More information can be found in the complete RFQI here.

We are soliciting consultants with experience and expertise in:

Surveying and mapping;
Construction project management;
Civil and hydrological engineering;
Habitat restoration design, permitting, construction, and monitoring; with a focus on designing for integrated habitats and multiple benefits; including specific expertise and project experience in specific habitat types and mixes of habitat palettes- marine, estuarine, riparian, upland, and watershed areas
Natural and nature-based shoreline protection design; including experimental techniques and work in less common habitat types such as rocky intertidal areas and oyster beds;
Wildfire risk reduction and management
Landscape architecture; with a focus on native and environmentally oriented designs,
Trail planning, design, and engineering;
Water quality assessment;
Geotechnical and geomorphic assessment;
Structural analyses;
Pre-project feasibility analyses;
Economic analyses;
Hazardous or toxic substance investigations;
Wetland, creek, watershed, intertidal and subtidal assessments;
Archaeological studies;
Environmental documentation and assessment under the California Environmental Quality Act and other environmental laws and regulation;
Climate change issues such as urban heat island effect, species migrations, seasonal coastal and fluvial flooding, and sea-level rise;
Botanical studies;
Agricultural studies;
Soil analyses;
Carbon analyses;
Biological investigations;
Natural resource permitting;
Site and land use planning;
Sea-level rise, marsh migration, and coastal erosion modeling;
Environmental monitoring;
Graphic design for interpretive signs; and
Other program-related environmental services, such as appraisals for resource conservation purposes.

The Conservancy also seeks to identify individuals, firms, and community groups providing these services:

Community engagement planning and implementation
Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion (JEDI) training and resources
Community engagement evaluation
Community-focused media and storytelling
Community-based restoration
Community-inclusive design planning
Local labor development and training
Traditional Ecological Knowledge

To submit your qualifications and/or or organizational information, fill out the online form located here and linked at https://scc.ca.gov/public-meetings/ under the Public Notices header.

More information can be found in the complete RFQI here.

Please email taylor.samuelson (at) scc.ca.gov with any questions.

Press Release: SCC and City of Pacific Grove Celebrate Opening of Point Pinos Coastal Trail

Newest segment of the California Coastal Trail open to the public

PACIFIC GROVE, May 20, 2022 – Today, the City of Pacific Grove celebrated the formal opening of the Point Pinos Coastal Tail with a ribbon-cutting event attended by state and local officials and community leaders. This newest segment of the state’s California Coastal Trail completes the 4 mile stretch of trail along Pacific Grove’s coastline and links to Coastal Trail segments to the north and south of the city.

“We are thrilled to have partnered with the Coastal Conservancy and other state and regional funding partners to move this trail project from vision to reality,” said Pacific Grove Mayor Bill Peake, “It is a culmination of efforts over 24 years by City Councils, Committees, Staff and Funding Agencies. Without their continued support and efforts, it would not have been possible. Pacific Grove is already a world-class visitor destination, as positioned on the spectacular rocky coast of the Monterey Peninsula. This trail provides unimpeded access and views to the Pacific Ocean and Monterey Bay and links to coastal trails in Asilomar State Beach. This new coastal trail is easily accessible by car with nearby parking, hotel, and dining venues and downtown a few minutes away. Visitors will not be disappointed.”

“Congratulations to the City of Pacific Grove for completing their spectacular Coastal Trail.” Said Amy Hutzel, Executive Officer of the State Coastal Conservancy, “Now residents and visitors can enjoy walking and biking not only the 4 miles within the City but also the 30-plus additional miles that connect to the cities of Monterey, Sand City, and Marina to the north and Carmel to the south. Pacific Grove has demonstrated to other coastal communities how to design and build trails to be resilient to climate change – by locating their trail and parking lots away the most vulnerable coastal areas and having a long-term plan to move the trail inland over time.”

The new trail improves the visitor experience and enhances safety and accessibility by locating the trail seaward of the parking areas to provide unobstructed ocean views. Beach access pathways direct visitors to designated access points and away from sensitive dune habitat. Buses and recreational vehicles can park in designated lots at either end of the trail, and accessible parking spaces are available at several locations.

Recognizing the threat sea level rise poses, the trail and parking are located outside of the projected 30-year erosion zone. The impacts of storm surge and coastal erosion will be buffered by the 2.5 acres of restored dune habitat that was part of this project. In anticipation of future climate impacts beyond 2050, the City has developed a plan to relocate the trail inland and convert Ocean View Boulevard to a public two-way bike path when rising seas make it unsuitable as a roadway.

The project was funded by the City of Pacific Grove, the California State Coastal Conservancy, Air Resources Bord, California Natural Resources Agency, and Transportation Agency for Monterey County.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

More about the project can be found here: https://www.cityofpacificgrove.org/pointpinostrail

The Coastal Conservancy is a state agency, established in 1976, to protect and improve natural lands and waterways, to help people get to and enjoy the outdoors, and to sustain local economies along California’s coast. The Conservancy is a non-regulatory agency that supports projects to protect coastal resources and increase opportunities for the public to enjoy the coast.

Since its founding, the Conservancy has:

Funded 4,000 projects along the California coastline and in the San Francisco Bay.
Protected 390,000 acres of coastal lands through acquisition of fee title and conservation easements.
Restored 33,000 acres of habitat.
Built 200 new coastal accessway and 210 miles of new trails.
Put $1.8 billion to work for conservation projects, and leveraged far more from federal, local government, and private sources.

Press Release: Coastal Conservancy Awards over $28m in Grants

This week, the Board of the California State Coastal Conservancy awarded over $28.3 million in grants for coastal access, protect, restoration and climate resilience. Included in the authorizations were $11.5 million for the acquisition of 384 acres at the Banning Ranch property in the Newport Beach. The acquisition of Banning Ranch is an extremely rare opportunity to enhance coastal resources damaged by decades of oil production and create new multi-benefit public parkland within this highly developed coastal region. Public ownership of Banning Ranch will enable the restoration of ecological resources and the protection of cultural resources, and will provide public access opportunities such as trails and potentially low-impact overnight accommodations. This property is the largest remaining private coastal parcel between Ventura County and the US/Mexico border.

The Board also authorized the Conservancy to enter into a Joint Powers Agreement with the Great Redwood Trail Authority for the purposes of developing the Great Redwood Trail Master Plan; and to spend up to $3,500,000 for the advancement of the trail in Mendocino, Trinity, and Humboldt Counties.

The full list of projects can be found on the Meeting page here.

Coastal Conservancy Public Zoom Meeting – May 05, 2022

Meeting Notice

Senate Representatives
Benjamin Allen (District 26)
Josh Becker (District 13)
John Laird (District 17)

Assembly Representatives
Mark Stone (District 29)
Robert Rivas (District 30)
Christopher Ward (District 78)

Amy Hutzel, Executive Officer
Amy Roach, General Counsel

AGENDA

Hybrid Meeting
DATE: May 05, 2022
TIME: 10:00 A.M.
LOCATION: California Natural Resources Agency
715 P Street, 1st Floor – Auditorium
Sacramento, CA 95814

This meeting will be conducted in a hybrid format. To maximize public safety while maintaining transparency and public access, members of the public can choose to participate either virtually via Zoom, by telephone, or in person at the location listed above. People attending in person will be required to adhere to the site’s health guidelines, which could include wearing masks, health screening, and social distancing.
Members of the public may join the meeting by internet with Zoom or by telephone with the following steps:

Join the meeting using Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84500403416?pwd=TWFIc1E1UmhobVVQV2lYaUpQMjVFUT09
Password: 230182

Or iPhone one-tap: US: +16699006833,,84500403416#,,,,*230182# or +12532158782,,84500403416#,,,,*230182#

Or Telephone: US: +1 669 900 6833 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 346 248 7799 or +1 312 626 6799 or +1 929 205 6099 or +1 301 715 8592

Webinar ID: 845 0040 3416
Password: 230182

Members of the public that are participating by Zoom or telephone can make comments during the meeting by using the “Raise Hand” function in Zoom at the appropriate time(s) in the meeting, or if joining by telephone by pressing *9 to “Raise Hand” to be called on. Public comment will be taken during each agenda item and near the end of the meeting on non-agenda items. Additional information on ways to provide public comments on agenda items, including in advance by email and voicemail, is available on the Conservancy’s website on the Meetings & Notices tab here: https://scc.ca.gov/2020/04/22/participating-in-conservancy-meeting/

**Agenda PDF**

1. ROLL CALL

2. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES of the Conservancy’s March 24, 2022 public meeting.

3. CONSENT ITEMS

A. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $596,000 to California American Water to remove or seal 1.3 miles of legacy water pipeline and its support structures from the Carmel River floodplain, Monterey County, and adoption of findings under the California Environmental Quality Act.

B. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $379,374 to Trout Unlimited to remove a fish passage barrier on Potrero Creek, in the Carmel River watershed, in Monterey County, and adoption of findings under the California Environmental Quality Act.

C. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $48,000 to Pacifica Land Trust to augment an existing Conservancy grant authorization of $41,800 for community-based habitat restoration and trail enhancement at Pedro Point Headlands in San Mateo County.

D. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $290,000 to the Resource Conservation District of Monterey County to replace a concrete ford with a steel bridge on Cachagua Creek, a tributary to the Carmel River, and adoption of findings under the California Environmental Quality Act.

E. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $1,000,293, of which $967,114 was awarded to the Conservancy by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service through its National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program, to The Nature Conservancy for the first phase of restoration work at Ormond Beach.

F. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $150,000 to the YMCA of San Diego County to prepare designs and environmental review documents for amenities at the YMCA Camp Surf facility including a restroom, equipment storage, classroom space, an outdoor kitchen, and outdoor showers to support on-beach camping at Imperial Beach in San Diego County.

G. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $200,000 to The Wildlands Conservancy for grazing infrastructure improvements to enhance native coastal prairie habitat, manage invasive plants, and reduce wildfire risk at the Jenner Headlands Preserve in Sonoma County.

H. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $508,400 to Jug Handle Creek Farm and Nature Center (JCFNC) to build cabins, additional campground bathroom facilities and related infrastructure on the JCFNC property located in the community of Caspar, Mendocino County.

I. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $3,161,921 of grant funds from the Association of Bay Area Governments to Santa Clara Valley Water District for implementation of the South San Francisco Bay Shoreline Project in the community of Alviso, City of San José, Santa Clara County.

J. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $260,000 to the City of Pacifica to repair the Pacifica Pier located in northern Pacifica, San Mateo County.

K. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $540,000 for consulting services to assist the Conservancy in maintaining and improving federal financial support for Conservancy projects.

L. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $100,000 to Bay Area Outreach & Recreation Program (BORP) to update and host Wheeling Cal’s Coast, an online guide to wheelchair accessible parks and trails along the California coast and San Francisco Bay.

M. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $2,300,000 to contract for services to prepare environmental review documents, a cultural and tribal resource survey, and a property appraisal for the Hollister Ranch Coastal Access Program, in Santa Barbara County.

4. EXECUTIVE OFFICER REPORT

A. Legislative Report.

B. Hollister Ranch Coastal Access Program.

CENTRAL COAST
5. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $950,000 to Sempervirens Fund to acquire a conservation easement on the approximately 915-acre YMCA Camp Jones Gulch property in the Santa Cruz Mountains in unincorporated San Mateo County for natural resource and watershed protection, habitat restoration, open space protection, education, and recreation.

6. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $850,000 to the University of California, Berkeley, to replace a concrete ford with a bridge spanning Finch Creek, located within the University of California’s Hastings Natural History Reservation in Monterey County.

NORTH COAST

7. Consideration and possible authorization to: 1) enter into a Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) with the Great Redwood Trail Authority (GRTA) for the purposes of developing the Great Redwood Trail Master Plan and community engagement process and providing interim staffing and technical support to the GRTA; and 2) spend up to $2,500,000 of funds appropriated to the Conservancy specifically for the Great Redwood Trail to support the purposes of the JPA for the advancement of the trail in Mendocino, Trinity, and Humboldt Counties.

Addendum: Great Redwood Trail Master Plan

SOUTH COAST

8. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $6,000,000 to the Trust for Public Land to acquire 384 acres of the Banning Ranch property in Newport Beach and unincorporated Orange County.

Addendum: Banning Ranch property – REVISED STAFF RECOMMENDATION, 5/4/2022
Addendum: Banning Ranch property
Addendum: Banning Ranch property *Updated as 5/6/2022*
Addendum: Banning Ranch property – REVISED AND FINAL STAFF RECOMMENDATION 5/5/2022

SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA

9. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $987,000 to the Port of San Francisco, to be reimbursed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program, for wetland enhancement and nature-based shoreline stabilization of Heron’s Head Park in the City and County of San Francisco.

10. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $988,000 of grant funds from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to East Bay Regional Park District to restore wetland and riparian habitat and install interpretive panels on 159-acres of the Coyote Hills Regional Park in the City of Fremont, Alameda County, and adoption of findings under the California Environmental Quality Act.

STATEWIDE

11. Update on preparation of the State Coastal Conservancy’s Strategic Plan 2023-2027.
Following adjournment of the Conservancy meeting, there will be a workshop on the Strategic Plan. Members of the public are welcome to attend the workshop.

12. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS

Addendum: Public Comment

13. CONSERVANCY MEMBER COMMENTS

14. CLOSED SESSION

F. To confer regarding Brightview Landscape Development, Inc. v. From Lot to Spot, Inc., et al., Los Angeles County Superior Court, Case No. 21STCV39415. Session will be closed to the public pursuant to Government Code Section 11126(e)(2)(A).

15. ADJOURNMENT

WORKSHOP ON STRATEGIC PLAN
Immediately following the Conservancy meeting, there will be a workshop on the Conservancy’s Strategic Plan for 2023-2027. Members of the public are welcome to attend. The workshop will take place in person, with no virtual or telephone participation.

The workshop will take place at:
California Natural Resources Agency
715 P Street, Conference Room NRHQ 2-221
Sacramento, CA 95814

Any person who has a disability and requires reasonable accommodation to participate in this public meeting should contact Taylor Samuelson no later than five days prior to meeting.
Questions about the meeting or agenda can be directed to Taylor Samuelson at
(510) 286-4182 or Taylor.Samuelson@scc.ca.gov or at the Conservancy:
1515 Clay Street, 10th Floor
Oakland, CA 94612