Coastal Conservancy Public Meeting in Santa Cruz – April 17
Meeting Notice
Updated on 4/8/2025 to reflect correction for the Beach Ranch Property stop and include parking information for the first tour stop.
Douglas Bosco (Public Member), Chair
Marce Gutiérrez-Graudiņš (Public Member), Vice Chair
Joy Sterling (Public Member)
Jeremiah Hallisey (Public Member)
Wade Crowfoot, Secretary for Natural Resources; Bryan Cash and Jenn Eckerle (Designated)
Justin Cummings, Coastal Commission Chair; Madeline Cavalieri (Designated)
Joe Stephenshaw, Director, Department of Finance; Michele Perrault (Designated)
Senate Representatives
Benjamin Allen (District 26)
Josh Becker (District 13)
John Laird (District 17)
Assembly Representatives
Gregg Hart (District 37)
Christopher Ward (District 78)
Tina McKinnor (District 61)
Amy Hutzel, Executive Officer
Amy Roach, General Counsel
AGENDA
Hybrid Meeting
DATE: April 17, 2025
TIME: 10:00 A.M
LOCATION: County of Santa Cruz Board Chambers
701 Ocean Street, Room 525, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
*Live Spanish interpretation is provided during our Board Meetings on the Zoom teleconference.
*Se proporciona interpretación en español en vivo durante nuestras reuniones de la Junta en la teleconferencia de Zoom.
This meeting will be conducted in a hybrid virtual/in-person format. 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_F3YB1IOpTS6UaJWaoOpNiw
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.
1. ROLL CALL
A. Vote on Remote Participation (as needed)
2. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES of the Conservancy’s February 13, 2025, public meeting.
3. CONSENT ITEMS
A. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $750,000 to augment the Conservancy’s existing grants of $3,600,000, previously authorized to the Riverside County Regional Park and Open-Space District for preparation of designs for a 1.5-mile Santa Ana River Trail segment that is adjacent to the Green River Golf Course and connects to the Orange County line in the County of Riverside.
B. Consideration and possible authorization to amend the Conservancy’s previously authorized Memorandum of Agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers regarding cost sharing the incremental cost of placing dredged sediment from the Petaluma River at Cullinan Ranch to add Montezuma Wetlands in Suisun Marsh as a dredged sediment placement site.
C. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $460,000 to the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County to complete final planning and permitting tasks for the Community Harvest at Watsonville Slough Farm Project which will establish trails, a trailhead, gardens, and gathering facilities at Watsonville Slough Farm in Watsonville, Santa Cruz County; and adoption of findings under the California Environmental Quality Act.
D. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $240,000 to the City of Santa Barbara to engage Tribes and other stakeholders; conduct technical studies; prepare permit applications; and advance the designs to redevelop Ambassador Park in Santa Barbara, including through native landscaping and cultural components that celebrate the cultural heritage of the Chumash native people.
E. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $200,000 to the City of San Luis Obispo to prepare a City of San Luis Obispo vegetation management plan focused on reducing fire fuels and the threat of wildfire on City-owned open space and creek properties and to develop a related website.
F. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $36,169 to augment the Conservancy’s previously authorized grant to Jug Handle Creek Farm and Nature Center to construct two cabins with bathrooms and two new campground bathrooms, and improve related infrastructure on the Jug Handle Creek Farm and Nature Center property located in the community of Caspar, Mendocino County.
4. EXECUTIVE OFFICER REPORT
CENTRAL COAST
5. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $1,000,000 to contract for services to conduct community engagement and to prepare designs, environmental review documents, and permit applications for development of the approximately 1.3-mile long Pedro Point Headlands segment of the California Coastal Trail in San Mateo County.
6. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $2,000,000 to the County of San Luis Obispo to construct a segment of the California Coastal Trail between Morro Bay and Cayucos in San Luis Obispo County; and adoption of findings under the California Environmental Quality Act.
7. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $2,000,000 to the Esselen Tribe of Monterey County to acquire 1,720 acres of the historic Rana Creek Ranch along Tularcitos Creek in upper Carmel Valley to protect and restore natural resources and wildlife habitat; preserve open space; enable compatible agriculture including cattle grazing; protect cultural resources; provide compatible Native American tribal access and guided public access; and potentially create a tribal education center and tribal housing for property management.
SOUTH COAST
8. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $1,500,000 to the California Department of Parks and Recreation to undertake the Silver Strand Campground Expansion – Design project, consisting of conducting planning and studies, and preparing designs, environmental review, and permit applications for increasing lower-cost accommodations at Silver Strand State Beach in San Diego County.
NORTH COAST
9. Consideration and potential authorization to disburse up to $1,103,500 to LandPaths to undertake the Calvi Acquisition and Management Planning Project, consisting of acquiring the 84-acre Calvi property in Occidental, Sonoma County for preservation of open space, protection and enhancement of fish and wildlife habitat, and tribal and public access; and preparing a management plan, conceptual designs, and permit applications.
10. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $1,272,250, of which $972,250 is from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program, to the City of Fortuna to complete pre-acquisition tasks and acquire 237 acres along the Lower Eel River in Fortuna, Humboldt County; and to prepare plans and designs for a park on a portion of the property, and to prepare a management plan for the other portion of the property. The City of Fortuna will retain 7.2 acres for open space, public access, and recreation, and the remaining 230 acres will be transferred to the Wiyot Tribe for the preservation of open space; protection, restoration, and enhancement of natural resources and habitat for fish and wildlife; protection of cultural resources; and to the extent compatible with habitat protection, providing public access and California Native American tribal cultural use and access.
SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA
11. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $2,646,000 to the East Bay Regional Park District to undertake the Point Molate Bay Trail Construction Project, consisting of construction of 1.25 miles of the San Francisco Bay Trail from the San Rafael Bridge Trail eastern landing to the City of Richmond’s Point Molate Beach Park in Contra Costa County.
WILDFIRE RESILIENCE
12. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $400,900 to ytt Northern Chumash Nonprofit to initiate the Good Fire Promotion Program, consisting of preparing a cultural burn management plan, training yak tityu tityu yak tiłhini Northern Chumash Tribal members, purchasing equipment and supplies for cultural burns, and conducting a series of cultural burns totaling 8-30 acres on Johnson Ranch Open Space in San Luis Obispo County.
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.
13. CONSERVANCY MEMBER COMMENTS
14. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
15. 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 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).
C. 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).
16. ADJOURNMENT
CONSERVANCY TOUR INFORMATION:
On Wednesday, April 16, the Conservancy will tour the sites listed below, as close as possible to the identified times, which might be affected by traffic. Members of the public are welcome to join the tour but must provide their own transportation. Please contact Lexi Caruthers at lexi.caruthers@scc.ca.gov if you would like a parking pass for the first stop at Seacliff State Beach, otherwise you will need to pay the entrance fee to the State Beach. The tour will conclude by 4:30 PM.
- 12:30 – 1:15 – Seacliff State Beach Resilience Planning (Latitude: 36.97220, Longitude: -121.91307)
- 1:15-1:45 – Transit to Beach Ranch Property (36.86975, -121.81531)
- 1:45 – 2:30 – Beach Ranch Acquisition for Pajaro River Estuary Climate Adaptation
- 2:30-3:15 – Transit to Santa Cruz Wharf (36.96117, -122.021185)
- 3:15 – 4:00 –City of Santa Cruz Coastal Resilience Planning
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
Coastal Conservancy Public Meeting in Oakland- February 13
Meeting Notice
Douglas Bosco (Public Member), Chair
Marce Gutiérrez-Graudiņš (Public Member), Vice Chair
Joy Sterling (Public Member)
Jeremiah Hallisey (Public Member)
Wade Crowfoot, Secretary for Natural Resources; Bryan Cash and Jenn Eckerle (Designated)
Justin Cummings, Coastal Commission Chair; Madeline Cavalieri (Designated)
Joe Stephenshaw, Director, Department of Finance; Michele Perrault (Designated)
Senate Representatives
Benjamin Allen (District 26)
Josh Becker (District 13)
John Laird (District 17)
Assembly Representatives
Gregg Hart (District 37)
Christopher Ward (District 78)
Tina McKinnor (District 61)
Amy Hutzel, Executive Officer
Ryan Berghoff, Senior Staff Counsel
AGENDA
Agenda Updated 2/3/2025, Item 4D has been added to the Executive Report. Agenda Updated 2/11/2025, It 3F has received an additional letter of support.
Hybrid Meeting
DATE: February 13, 2025
TIME: 10:00 A.M
LOCATION: Elihu M Harris State Building Auditorium – 1st Floor
1515 Clay St., Auditorium, Oakland CA 94612
*Live Spanish interpretation is provided during our Board Meetings on the Zoom teleconference.
*Se proporciona interpretación en español en vivo durante nuestras reuniones de la Junta en la teleconferencia de Zoom.
This meeting will be conducted in a hybrid virtual/in-person format. 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_mM6yex0rTbW3OU8MAsy41A
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.
1. ROLL CALL
A. Vote on Remote Participation (as needed)
2. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES of the Conservancy’s November 21, 2024, public meeting.
3. CONSENT ITEMS
A. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $250,000 to Orange County Parks to prepare a phasing plan for a two-mile segment of the Santa Ana River Trail located in Orange County at the border with Riverside and San Bernardino Counties, and to prepare final designs and obtain permits for a portion of the two-mile segment, and adoption of findings under the California Environmental Quality Act.
B. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $350,000 to the City of Ukiah to implement Phase 4 of the Ukiah Great Redwood Trail Project, consisting of construction of a 1.9-mile portion of the Great Redwood Trail between Plant Road and Commerce Drive in the City of Ukiah, Mendocino County and adoption of findings under the California Environmental Quality Act.
C. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $150,000 to augment the Conservancy’s previously authorized grant to the Mattole Restoration Council to host wildland fire-fighting training sessions and to restore historical prairies and landscape level fuel breaks through vegetation removal and management in the King Range National Conservation Area.
D. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $500,000 to augment the Conservancy’s previously authorized grant to Montrose Environmental to continue providing technical assistance on environmental documentation, permit applications, and project planning to support wildfire resiliency project development across the Conservancy’s jurisdiction.
E. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $1,647,600 to the County of Humboldt and the Coastal San Luis Resource Conservation District to augment the Conservancy grants previously authorized on April 18, 2024, for two mapping projects that develop critical data layers for north and central coast wildfire resilience planning.
F. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $277,400 to the Blue Lake Rancheria to acquire two parcels comprising 33.8 acres at the Baduwa’t Estuary, west of McKinleyville, Humboldt County, for the purposes of protection and enhancement of habitat, protection of natural and cultural resources, preservation of open space, providing California Native American tribal cultural access and ceremonial uses, providing public access, and monitoring fish, wildlife, and climate change.
G. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $2,700,000 to Ducks Unlimited, Inc. to augment Conservancy funding previously authorized for the restoration of tidal marsh and creation of public access at the Mountain View Ponds (Ponds A1 and A2W), as part of Phase 2 of the South Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project in Santa Clara County.
H. Consideration and possible authorization to approve the Disposition Plan for the Bel Marin Keys South Lagoon Levee, for the purpose of transferring the South Lagoon Levee to the Bel Marin Keys Community Services District to maintain the structural integrity of the levee and to maintain the levee top trail for public access, in Marin County.
4. EXECUTIVE OFFICER REPORT
A. Strategic Plan Progress Report
B. 2024 Climate Bond and Conservancy’s Role in Climate Adaptation
C. Reaffirmation of Conservancy’s Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Guidelines and Goals
D. Impacts of Palisades Fire on Malibu Access Projects
SOUTH COAST
5. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $2,000,000 to the City of Anaheim to undertake the Santa Ana River: River Park project, consisting of the construction of a 3.3-acre nature park to restore natural habitat and provide recreational opportunities along the Santa Ana River in Orange County.
NORTH COAST
6. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $5,000,000 for the Great Redwood Trail to the Great Redwood Trail Agency to augment funding for engineering and environmental services, planning and design, public outreach, organizational development, advancement of the railbanking process, technical support, staffing for the Great Redwood Trail Agency, and other costs and services as may be required for the advancement of the Great Redwood Trail in Mendocino, Trinity, and Humboldt Counties.
7. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $503,400 to Mendocino Land Trust to undertake the Great Redwood Trail Willits to Longvale Planning Project, consisting of preparing resource studies and surveys, conducting outreach, coordinating with California Native American tribes, preparing 20% designs, and preparing environmental compliance documents for a 12.7-mile segment of the Great Redwood Trail in the City of Willits and unincorporated Mendocino County.
CENTRAL COAST
8. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $4,114,532 to the San Mateo Resource Conservation District to undertake the Pedro Point Headlands Wildfire Resilience Program, consisting of 1) planning and preparing permit applications and environmental review documents for wildfire fuel reduction, including removal of mature trees, and 2) planning and implementation of discrete vegetation management tasks at the Pedro Point Headlands in Pacifica, San Mateo County.
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.
9. CONSERVANCY MEMBER COMMENTS
10. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
11. 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 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).
C. 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).
D. To confer regarding Christian Legnitto v. Town of Fairfax, Marin County Superior Court, Case No. CV0003923. Session will be closed to the public pursuant to Government Code Section 11126(e)(2)(C).
12. ADJOURNMENT
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
Coastal Conservancy Public Meeting in Oakland- November 21
Meeting Notice
Douglas Bosco (Public Member), Chair
Marce Gutiérrez-Graudiņš (Public Member), Vice Chair
Joy Sterling (Public Member)
Jeremiah Hallisey (Public Member)
Wade Crowfoot, Secretary for Natural Resources; Bryan Cash and Jenn Eckerle (Designated)
Caryl Hart, Coastal Commission Chair; Madeline Cavalieri (Designated)
Joe Stephenshaw, Director, Department of Finance; Michele Perrault (Designated)
Senate Representatives
Benjamin Allen (District 26)
Josh Becker (District 13)
John Laird (District 17)
Assembly Representatives
Gregg Hart (District 37)
Christopher Ward (District 78)
Tina McKinnor (District 61)
Amy Hutzel, Executive Officer
Ryan Berghoff, Senior Staff Counsel
AGENDA
Item 18 Point Molate Acquisition will be moved up in the agenda to follow after Item 4 Executive Officer Report.
Hybrid Meeting
DATE: November 21, 2024
TIME: 10:00 A.M
LOCATION: Elihu M Harris State Building Room 2 – 2nd Floor
1515 Clay St., Room 2, Oakland CA 94612
*Live Spanish interpretation is provided during our Board Meetings on the Zoom teleconference.
*Se proporciona interpretación en español en vivo durante nuestras reuniones de la Junta en la teleconferencia de Zoom.
This meeting will be conducted in a hybrid virtual/in-person format. 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_5sk3KafyQDy7v54oiIgC-Q
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.
1. ROLL CALL
2. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES of the Conservancy’s September 5, 2024 public meeting.
3. CONSENT ITEMS
A. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $3,000,000 to the County of Monterey to augment the Conservancy grant, previously authorized on February 3, 2022 and augmented on June 1, 2023, to construct the Carmel River Floodplain Restoration and Environmental Enhancement Project in Monterey County
B. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $500,000 to California Department of Parks and Recreation for the Seacliff State Beach Living Shoreline Planning Project, consisting of conducting technical studies and community engagement; and preparing designs, environmental review documents, and permit applications to restore approximately 4.5 acres of dune habitat as a nature-based solution to sea level rise at Seacliff State Beach in Santa Cruz County.
C. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $1,000,000 to the Resource Conservation District of Santa Cruz County for the Integrated Watershed Restoration Program to conduct planning and to prepare designs and permit applications for at least four high-priority watershed restoration projects in San Mateo, Santa Cruz, and Monterey Counties.
D. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $2,000,000 to the Big Sur Land Trust to augment the Conservancy funding previously authorized on April 18, 2024, to undertake the Carr Lake Restoration and Park Construction Project Phase 2, consisting of restoration of 66 acres of wetland and upland habitat and construction of public access improvements at Carr Lake in Monterey County.
E. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $300,000 of funds granted to the Conservancy by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission to implement its Coastal Zone Management Program.
F. Consideration and authorization to disburse up to $120,000 to the Pacifica Land Trust to undertake the Pacifica Coastal Resilience Opportunity Study, consisting of preparing studies, surveys and other reports, and conducting community engagement to identify opportunities for nature-based sea level rise resiliency projects in the City of Pacifica, and potentially conducting additional planning tasks to move one to two of the priority projects towards implementation.
G. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $136,500 to the Pacifica Land Trust to augment a previously authorized Conservancy grant of $103,270 for community-based habitat restoration and trail enhancement at Pedro Point Headlands in San Mateo County.
H. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $1,766,000 to the City of Santa Cruz to augment the Conservancy funding previously authorized on February 15, 2024, to expand the scope of the Santa Cruz Wharf Resilience Improvement project to include construction of additional resiliency improvements along the eastern edge of the Wharf.
I. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $385,000 to augment a previously authorized Conservancy grant of $3,383,733.49 (after previous augmentations) to the City of Berkeley for design, permitting and construction of Berkeley Waterfront improvements in Alameda County. The project augmentation includes development of further designs and plans, and preparation of environmental review documentation and permit applications for a new San Francisco Bay Trail section and two trail staging areas that will be resilient to sea level rise over the next fifty years.
J. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $1,200,000 to augment the Conservancy grant of $5,000,000 previously authorized to the City of Anaheim to prepare plans, designs, permit applications, environmental review documentation, and conduct community outreach, for the “OC River Walk,” a project to improve and enhance a portion of the Santa Ana River Trail and Parkway in the County of Orange, including reconfiguration and vegetating the riverbank and creating new trail connections.
K. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $439,000 to The Wildlands Conservancy to undertake the Great Redwood Trail Eel River Canyon Preserve Planning Project, Phase 1, consisting of preparing resource studies and surveys, conducting community engagement, coordinating with California Native American tribes, and conducting vegetation management for an 11.2-mile segment of the Great Redwood Trail in unincorporated Trinity and Humboldt Counties.
L. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $215,050 to Mendocino Land Trust to conduct necessary surveys and studies, prepare initial designs, and complete permit applications for one-half mile of new California Coastal Trail near Albion, one mile of new California Coastal Trail connecting Schooner Gulch to Saunders Landing, and improved access to Hearn Gulch Beach in Mendocino County.
M. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $500,000 to the Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District to augment the Conservancy grant previously authorized on September 22, 2022, to implement the Garland Ranch Wildfire Resilience Project, consisting of thinning 12 acres of eucalyptus trees, creating a 6.2 acre shaded fuel break, maintaining previously treated areas, collecting data, and conducting community engagement at Garland Ranch in Monterey County; and adoption of findings under the California Environmental Quality Act.
N. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $179,260 to Sea Otter Savvy, University of California at Santa Cruz, and U.S. Geological Survey to implement three separate projects to aid in the recovery of the southern sea otter.
O. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $250,000 to Civicorps to purchase equipment to support Civicorps’ East Bay Wildfire Risk Reduction project, consisting of providing workforce development and removing vegetation from high fire hazard areas in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties.
P. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $1,412,307 as an augmentation of the Conservancy grant authorized on February 15, 2024 of $1,500,000 to the Smith River Alliance to conduct the Point Saint George Coastal Trail Implementation Project (“the Project”), consisting of implementation of cultural resource protections and construction of 1.25 miles of the California Coastal Trail, new restrooms, interpretive signage, and improvements to the main trailhead parking area at Point Saint George in Del Norte County. The augmented funds will be granted to the California Department of Parks and Recreation to implement the cultural resource protections component of the Project.
Q. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $350,000 to Orange County Coastkeeper for the Beach and Coast Accessibility Program to provide grants to nonprofits, agencies, and tribes for beach wheelchairs and other equipment to increase accessibility to California’s beaches and coast in coastal counties statewide.
R. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $98,016 to the Concerned Resource Environmental Workers (C.R.E.W.) to implement the Once Upon a Watershed at the West Campus Preserve Project, which will restore 4.98 acres of wetland habitat situated along a tributary of the Ventura River in Ojai, Ventura County as part of the 2024 Community Wetland Restoration Grant Program.
S. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $153,005.50 to the Southwest Wetlands Interpretive Association to undertake an additional five years of monitoring for the Los Peñasquitos Lagoon Monitoring Program, a program of physical and biological monitoring at Los Peñasquitos Lagoon in San Diego County.
T. Consideration and possible authorization for the City of Point Arena to expand the scope of the Arena Cove Harbor Access and Reliance Plan project, which includes plans, designs, and environmental review for a variety of improvements to protect and enhance existing and future use of the Point Arena Pier, Harbor, and Cove for commercial and recreational purposes, to include repair or replacement of a boat hoist at the Point Arena Pier.
U. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $1,000,000 to the East Bay Regional Park District to implement the San Francisco Bay Trail: Gap Closure to Martinez Intermodal Station Project, consisting of constructing 0.5 mile of the San Francisco Bay Trail along the Carquinez Strait Scenic Loop, in Martinez, Contra Costa County; and the adoption of findings under the California Environmental Quality Act.
V. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $447,785 to the Mendocino County Resource Conservation District to undertake the Tenmile Creek Vassar Ranch Habitat Enhancement and Sediment Control Project, which consists of restoration of 15-19 acres of grasslands, repair of 3,000-3,600 linear feet of gullies, and upgrade of 1.2-1.4 miles of roads, to enhance water quality and reduce sediment delivery to Tenmile Creek, a tributary to the South Fork Eel River, in Mendocino County; and adoption of findings under the California Environmental Quality Act.
W. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $245,000 to Marin County Parks to prepare designs, permit applications and environmental compliance documents for the Letter Property Shoreline Restoration Project, which consists of restoring 0.8 acres of intertidal habitat by removing a dilapidated residence and barn built over tidal wetlands, removing retaining walls, revegetating to stabilize the wetlands and uplands, and installing a trail and parking along the Bolinas Lagoon shoreline in Marin County.
X. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $6,639,000, including a $2,639,000 grant from the Wildlife Conservation Board, to the California Invasive Plant Council for the planning, management, treatment, monitoring, and restoration activities of the San Francisco Estuary Invasive Spartina Project from January 1, 2025-June 30, 2027.
Y. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $4,000,000 to a selected contractor or contractors to undertake the Novato Baylands Public Works Contract for Interim Site Management, consisting of site maintenance and adaptive management tasks at the Bel Marin Keys Unit V, North Antenna Field, and Hamilton Wetlands properties in Marin County.
Z. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $947,850 to the City of Santa Barbara to augment the Conservancy grant authorized on February 2, 2023 of $525,000 for the Wildfire Resilience Project, and authorization to expand the project to include reducing wildland vegetation fuels on an additional approximately 25 acres across six parks, restoring native species on an additional approximately 5 acres across three of the six parks, and conducting additional community engagement activities including volunteer events in the City of Santa Barbara.
AA. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $5,000,000 to the Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains to augment a previously authorized Conservancy grant of $2,275,650 for planning for the Topanga Lagoon Restoration Project at Topanga State Park and Topanga Beach in Los Angeles County; authorization to expand the project scope to include additional analysis, preparation of ninety percent design plans, and permitting for visitor services improvements of the Project; and adoption of findings under the California Environmental Quality Act.
4. EXECUTIVE OFFICER REPORT
CENTRAL COAST
5. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $1,000,000 to the Regents of the University of California, Santa Barbara to conduct community engagement and prepare technical studies, actionable sea level rise adaptation pathway plans, and preliminary designs for the Campus Lagoon and Lagoon Road shoreline areas of campus in Santa Barbara County.
SOUTH COAST
6. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $1,060,000 to the City of Encinitas to undertake the Cardiff Beach Living Shoreline Project, Phase 4, consisting of restored dune performance monitoring and adaptive management, including sand placement and native plant management, and preparation of a long-term plan for sea level rise adaptation at Cardiff State Beach in San Diego County.
7. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $10,260,000 to Santa Monica Bay Foundation, known as The Bay Foundation, to undertake the Santa Monica Coastal Habitat Restoration Program, consisting of implementing a suite of nature-based restoration projects to increase the resilience of Santa Monica Bay in Los Angeles County to climate change impacts.
8. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $9,200,000 to the Riverside County Regional Park and Open-Space District to implement the Santa Ana River Trail Green River Golf Club Segment Phase 1 Construction project, consisting of the construction of 1.71 miles of the Santa Ana River Trail in Riverside County, and adoption of findings under the California Environmental Quality Act.
9. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $600,000 to the Buena Vista Audubon Society to undertake the Buena Vista Lagoon Wetlands Reserve Coastal Habitat Restoration & Resiliency Project, which consists of conducting community engagement and preparing designs and permit applications needed for the restoration of 5.94 acres of wetland habitat at the Buena Vista Lagoon Reserve in San Diego County.
10. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $1,500,000 to California Wildlife Foundation, fiscal sponsor for Climate Science Alliance, to undertake the Advancing Coastal Co-stewardship Project, which consists of providing relationship building, meaningful engagement training, workforce development, opportunities for collaboration, and other activities to integrate traditional ecological knowledge, tribal leadership, and tribal co-stewardship into the planning and implementation of coastal habitat restoration projects, including through subgrants, along the southern coast of California.
11. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $1,000,000 to Surfrider Foundation to undertake the San Onofre Shoreline Resiliency Project, a sea level rise adaptation project consisting of conducting technical studies, alternatives design and analysis, and community engagement, and preparing preliminary designs for a nature-based solution to protect public access along the San Onofre Surf Beach shoreline in San Diego County.
NORTH COAST
12. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $2,500,000 to California Trout, Inc. to undertake the Cannibal Island Marsh Restoration Project, consisting of restoring full tidal exchange to 500 acres of former tidal marsh habitat through the removal of degraded water control structures, re-excavation of historic slough channels, and enhancement of natural marsh topography at the Cannibal Island Unit of the Eel River Wildlife Area, Humboldt County.
13. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $950,000 to the Sonoma County Regional Parks Department to obtain final permits and construct two separate segments of the California Coastal Trail totaling 2 miles and related public access amenities, including parking, a restroom, fencing, and signage at the Kashia Coastal Reserve and Stewarts Point Ranch in Sonoma County; and adoption of findings under the California Environmental Quality Act.
14. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $750,000 to the Trinidad Coastal Land Trust for the Moonstone Beach Coastal Resilience and Public Access Planning Project, which consists of conducting studies and community engagement, identifying and evaluating alternatives, and preparing designs and draft environmental review documents for public access improvements that will alleviate crowding and improve accessibility and climate resilience at Moonstone Beach in Humboldt County.
15. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $2,505,000 to the Mendocino Land Trust to undertake the Bell Point Land Return Acquisition and Coastal Trail Planning Project, which consists of acquiring the 157-acre Bell Point coastal blufftop property in Westport, Mendocino County for the purposes of natural resources and habitat protection and enhancement; open space and California Native American tribal cultural resources protection; and public access and trail recreation compatible with such uses; and to prepare plans, permit applications, initial designs, and environmental review documents for the establishment of 0.8 miles of California Coastal Trail on the property.
SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA
16. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $1,403,200 to the Town of Tiburon to undertake the Greenwood Beach Restoration Project, consisting of preparing final designs, constructing, monitoring and adaptively managing a restored natural beach system at Greenwood Beach in Marin County; and adoption of findings under the California Environmental Quality Act.
17. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $3,000,000 to The Trust for Public Land to acquire 430 acres of Newark Baylands (Area 4) for the protection and restoration of habitat, public access, the potential creation of an interpretive visitor center, and to the extent compatible with those purposes: education, research, and Native American tribal cultural uses.
18. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $35,985,000 to East Bay Regional Park District to acquire approximately 52 acres at Point Molate in the City of Richmond, County of Contra Costa, to create a regional shoreline park that will protect, and may restore and enhance, open space, natural, scenic, cultural, and historic resources; and that will provide compatible public and California Native American tribal access, including recreational and visitor-serving amenities.
19. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $2,000,000 to the Association of Bay Area Governments to undertake the Palo Alto Horizontal Levee Pilot Project, consisting of replacing an existing levee by constructing a 500 linear-foot berm, of which 315 linear-feet will be a horizontal levee, at the Baylands Nature Preserve in Palo Alto, Santa Clara County.
20. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $704,000 to the Land Trust of Napa County to acquire the approximately 523-acre Phinney property for the protection and enhancement of open space, wildlife corridors, and scenic and natural resources; and public access compatible with such uses. The property will be transferred to the Napa County Regional Park and Open Space District to expand the adjacent Moore Creek Park and for long-term management.
21. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $1,000,000 to San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department to implement the Upper Great Highway Climate Resilience Project, consisting of conducting technical studies and community engagement, and preparing conceptual alternatives to prepare Upper Great Highway, from Lincoln Way to Sloat Boulevard, for climate change impacts in the City and County of San Francisco.
WILDFIRE RESILIENCY PROGRAM
22. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $1,626,000 to the United States Forest Service to treat approximately 24 miles of historic fuel breaks by removing vegetation along the Santa Lucia ridge line within the Los Padres National Forest to protect neighboring communities in Monterey County from catastrophic wildfire.
23. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $1,542,000 to the San Mateo Resource Conservation District to undertake the San Mateo County Critical Evacuation Corridors Wildfire Resilience Project, consisting of the removal of hazardous vegetation along two critical road evacuation corridors, Highway 92 and Sand Hill Road, in San Mateo County; and adoption of findings under the California Environmental Quality Act.
24. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $1,131,700 to North East Trees, Inc. to implement the Ascot Hills Resilience Project, which consists of enhancement of at least 33 acres of habitat through the removal of invasive plants and planting of native plants to increase wildfire resilience, within Ascot Hills Park in the City of Los Angeles
STATEWIDE
25. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $1,301,915 to nine non-profit organizations for Coastal Stories projects that will create storytelling installations, murals, and/or other interpretive materials that represent diverse communities’ perspectives that historically have been excluded from narratives of California’s coast and publicly accessible lands.
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.
26. CONSERVANCY MEMBER COMMENTS
27. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
28. 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 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).
C. 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).
D. To confer regarding Christian Legnitto v. Town of Fairfax, Marin County Superior Court, Case No. CV0003923. Session will be closed to the public pursuant to Government Code Section 11126(e)(2)(C).
29. ADJOURNMENT
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
Coastal Conservancy Public Meeting in Fortuna – September 5
Meeting Notice
Douglas Bosco (Public Member), Chair
Marce Gutiérrez-Graudiņš (Public Member), Vice Chair
Joy Sterling (Public Member)
Jeremiah Hallisey (Public Member)
Wade Crowfoot, Secretary for Natural Resources; Bryan Cash and Jenn Eckerle (Designated)
Caryl Hart, Coastal Commission Chair; Madeline Cavalieri (Designated)
Joe Stephenshaw, Director, Department of Finance; Michele Perrault (Designated)
Senate Representatives
Benjamin Allen (District 26)
Josh Becker (District 13)
John Laird (District 17)
Assembly Representatives
Gregg Hart (District 37)
Christopher Ward (District 78)
Tina McKinnor (District 61)
Amy Hutzel, Executive Officer
Amy Roach, General Counsel
Agenda was updated 8/30/24 3:41 PM. An addendum has been added to Item 17.
AGENDA
Hybrid Meeting
DATE: September 05, 2024
TIME: 10:00 A.M
LOCATION: River Lodge Conference Center
1800 Riverwalk Drive, Fortuna, CA 95540
*Live Spanish interpretation is provided during our Board Meetings on the Zoom teleconference.
*Se proporciona interpretación en español en vivo durante nuestras reuniones de la Junta en la teleconferencia de Zoom.
This meeting will be conducted in a hybrid virtual/in-person format. 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_dn3mNL39QUG0pI-PDgdj_Q
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.
1. ROLL CALL
2. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES of the Conservancy’s June 06, 2024, public meeting.
3. CONSENT ITEMS
A. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse $499,510 to Endangered Habitats Conservancy to prepare plans, 65% designs and permit application materials for the Russian River Floodplain Restoration Project, consisting of the habitat restoration of 358 acres of floodplain near the town of Windsor, Sonoma County.
B. and possible authorization to amend the Conservancy’s previously authorized grant to the Northwest California Resource Conservation and Development Council to change the project from the McKinney Creek Fish Passage Project, which involved removal of a fish passage barrier on McKinney Creek near Hamburg, Siskiyou County, to the Little Grass Valley Creek Fish Passage Project, which will remove a fish passage barrier on Little Grass Valley Creek near Lewiston, Trinity County.
C. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $79,120 to augment the Conservancy grant authorized on June 1, 2023, which provided funding to the California Marine Sanctuary Foundation to conduct pre-acquisition activities, coordinate with landowners and key stakeholders, acquire a conservation easement over 24 acres of agricultural land, and prepare conceptual designs for floodplain restoration and coastal access along Tembladero Slough, between Castroville and Salinas River State Beach in Monterey County.
D. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $1,238,120 to Tamien Nation to undertake phase two of the Tamien Nation Cultural Fire Stewardship Program, continuing to build capacity and equip a native fire crew to steward tribal territory, and implement prescribed fire and fuel reduction work at Henry W. Coe State Park in Santa Clara County.
E. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $8,000,000 to Ducks Unlimited, Inc. to construct the South San Francisco Bay Shoreline Project Reaches 1-3 ecotone in Ponds A12 and A13 to restore tidal marsh and upland transition zone habitat adjacent to a flood risk management levee and public access trails in Alviso, Santa Clara County.
F. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $498,000 to the Noyo Center for Marine Science to construct an approximately 1,500 square feet multi-purpose work facility for large-scale marine mammal exhibition displays, community education, and storage, and for use as a future marine research and blue economy projects workspace, located in Fort Bragg, Mendocino County.
G. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $1,500,000 for operation of the Bay Restoration Regulatory Integration Team (“BRRIT”) for a second period of five years, of which one million ($1,000,000) replaces the previously anticipated but now rejected grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration that was authorized for disbursement on June 6, 2024.
H. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $3,370,000, comprising $2,870,000 in funds received by the Conservancy from the Wildlife Conservation Board and $500,000 of Conservancy funds, to Save the Redwoods League to augment the Conservancy grant authorized on March 24, 2022 of $794,000, and expansion of the project scope, to construct public access improvements and visitor amenities for the ‘O Rew Redwoods Gateway and Restoration Project (formerly the Redwood National and State Park Visitor Center and Restoration Project), at the former Orick Mill A site in Humboldt County.
I. Consideration and authorization to disburse up to $20,000 to the County of Humboldt to add Solano County to the existing project of developing critical data layers for wildfire resilience planning concerning north coast counties of California.
J. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $207,600 to Community Initiatives to undertake the Alderpoint Great Redwood Trail Planning Project, Phase 1, consisting of tribal and community engagement, resource studies and surveys, trash removal, vegetation management, and conceptual designs for tribal/local interpretive features along a 4.5-mile segment of the trail and potential trailhead area in unincorporated Humboldt County.
4. EXECUTIVE OFFICER REPORT
A. Annual Financial Report
B. Conservancy Meeting Schedule for 2025
C. Recognition of Deputy Executive Officer Mary Small upon her Retirement
NORTH COAST
5. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $8,500,000 to Save the Redwoods League to repay private loans used to acquire the 3,187-acre DeVilbiss Ranch to facilitate transfer of ownership of the 4,566-acre Lost Coast Redwoods property in northern Mendocino County to the United States Bureau of Land Management for the purposes of natural resource and water quality protection, restoration, and enhancement, open space preservation, California Native American tribal cultural resources protection, wildfire resilience and restoration forestry, and public access compatible with cultural and natural resource protection.
6. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $750,000 to the Noyo Harbor District to undertake the Noyo Harbor Marina Redevelopment Planning Project which consists of conducting community engagement and a planning study; and preparing 60% designs, permit applications, and CEQA documents for the redevelopment of Noyo Harbor Marina in Mendocino County.
7. Consideration and potential authorization to disburse up to $835,000 to the City of Crescent City to undertake the Lighthouse Cove Lower Cost Accommodations Project which consists of adding up to three lower cost units which will accommodate up to 20 people and renovating the existing restrooms at the City of Crescent City’s Lighthouse Cove RV Park in Del Norte County.
SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA
8. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $1,500,000 to the Santa Clara Valley Habitat Agency to acquire approximately 1,218 acres of the 3,654-acre Richmond Ranch for the protection, restoration, and enhancement of open space, wildlife corridors, natural resources, viewsheds, and grazing lands; and for public access and California Native American tribal cultural uses, in Santa Clara County.
9. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $700,000 to the East Bay Regional Park District to undertake the Keller Beach Access Improvements Project, consisting of constructing public access improvements and amenities at the Keller Beach portion of Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline, Contra Costa County; and adoption of findings under the California Environmental Quality Act.
10. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $2,213,270, including $555,000 of grant funds from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, to Marin County Flood Control and Water Conservation District to implement the Lower College of Marin Corte Madera Creek Habitat Restoration Project, which consists of partial removal of a section of concrete channel; restoration of 1.44 acres of tidal wetland, transition zone, and upland habitats; and enhancement of public access, in and along lower Corte Madera Creek in the unincorporated area of Kentfield in Marin County; and adoption of findings under the California Environmental Quality Act.
CENTRAL COAST
11. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $865,000 to the County of Santa Cruz to prepare technical and feasibility studies, plans, designs, environmental review documents, community and tribal engagement, and permit applications for a new cabin campground and associated amenities at Greyhound Rock County Park in Santa Cruz County. [Lexi Caruthers]
SOUTH COAST
12. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $6,600,000 to the San Diego Unified Port District to undertake the San Diego Harbor Park Project, Phase 1A, consisting of the construction of Harbor Park, a 25-acre park with a beach, boat launch, and many other recreational amenities, to expand and replace Bayside Park on the Chula Vista Bayfront in San Diego County; and adoption of findings under the California Environmental Quality Act.
13. Consideration and authorization to disburse up to $3,457,000 to the Maritime Museum Association of San Diego to replace two mooring dolphins and augment an existing Conservancy grant to prepare design and engineering, environmental compliance documents, and permit applications for the Maritime Museum of San Diego entry building in San Diego County.
14. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $418,784 to 3 non-profit organizations for three community-based wetland and stream restoration projects on approximately 14 acres in Los Angeles and Orange Counties.
WILDFIRE RESILIENCE PROGRAM
15. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $2,075,000 to East Bay Regional Park District to conduct vegetation treatments to reduce fuels across an estimated 130 acres in Tilden Regional Park, Anthony Chabot Regional Park and Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline, develop an approximately 34-acre shaded fuel break along the southern border of Lake Chabot Regional Park, and purchase vegetation management equipment; and adoption of findings under the California Environmental Quality Act.
16. Consideration and authorization to disburse up to $4,000,000 to Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy to: (1) implement forest health and wildfire resiliency activities in Tomales Bay State Park, a priority project in the Marin Regional Forest Health Strategy; (2) implement wildfire resilience activities in Marin City; and (3) engage the FIRE Foundry workforce development program in either or both project components; and adoption of findings under the California Environmental Quality Act.
STATEWIDE
17. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $994,197 to 13 nonprofit organizations and 1 Tribe for 14 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.
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 Comments
Addendum: Public Comments
20. 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 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).
C. 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).
21. ADJOURNMENT
CONSERVANCY TOUR INFORMATION:
On Wednesday, September 4, the Conservancy will tour the site listed below, as close as possible to the identified time, which might be affected by traffic. Members of the public are welcome to join the tour but must provide their own transportation. The tour will conclude at 4:30 PM.
2:30 PM – Meet at the ‘O Rew Redwoods Gateway and Restoration Project
545 Bald Hills Road, Orick, CA
Latitude: 41.305949 | Longitude: -124.042691
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
San Francisco Bay Area Water Trail Implementation Meeting #42 – June 21, 2024, 10am – 12pm
AGENDA
June 21 , 2024
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
VIRTUAL MEETING
Zoom Meeting Information:
Please join us on Zoom at this link:
https://scc-ca-gov.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEtcumrqTMrHdeYKO2888Cqs7e8id82p4VD
Desired Outcomes of Meeting:
- Attendees are informed of Water Trail-related activities, progress, and accomplishments
- Attendees are informed about a new water access audio tour from guest speaker
- Attendees are informed of upcoming signage update effort and provide feedback
| Time |
Agenda Item |
| 10:00 |
Welcome, Introductions, Agenda Review, and Meeting Ground Rules |
| 10:15 |
Updates and Announcements from Water Trail Staff, Project Management Team, and Advisory Committee Members |
| 10:55 |
Guest Speaker – Drew Dickson |
| 11:25 |
Water Trail Signage Update Effort – overview and interactive activity |
| 11:50 |
Public Comments |
| 12:00 |
Adjourn |
Zoom Instructions:
Please register in advance for this meeting at the Zoom link above. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting, including call-in information.
Agenda items may be taken out of sequence at the discretion of the Project Management Team; times are approximate.
Questions regarding this meeting may be addressed to Shalini Kannan, Coastal Conservancy Project Manager, at (510) 286-4167, or shalini.kannan@scc.ca.gov.
Coastal Conservancy Public Meeting in Sacramento – June 6
Meeting Notice
Douglas Bosco (Public Member), Chair
Marce Gutiérrez-Graudiņš (Public Member), Vice Chair
Joy Sterling (Public Member)
Jeremiah Hallisey (Public Member)
Wade Crowfoot, Secretary for Natural Resources; Bryan Cash and Jenn Eckerle (Designated)
Caryl Hart, Coastal Commission Chair; Madeline Cavalieri (Designated)
Joe Stephenshaw, Director, Department of Finance; Michele Perrault (Designated)
Senate Representatives
Benjamin Allen (District 26)
Josh Becker (District 13)
John Laird (District 17)
Assembly Representatives
Gregg Hart (District 37)
Christopher Ward (District 78)
Tina McKinnor (District 61)
Amy Hutzel, Executive Officer
Amy Roach, General Counsel
AGENDA
Agenda update 6/4/2024. Item 3E Exhibit 3, additional letters of support were added.
Hybrid Meeting
DATE: June 06, 2024
TIME: 10:00 A.M
LOCATION: California Natural Resource Agency, Room 2-302 A-B
715 P Street., Sacramento CA 95814
*Live Spanish interpretation is provided during our Board Meetings on the Zoom teleconference.
*Se proporciona interpretación en español en vivo durante nuestras reuniones de la Junta en la teleconferencia de Zoom.
This meeting will be conducted in a hybrid virtual/in-person format. 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_0YlrtptjQaOGcXinw8VbFg
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.
1. ROLL CALL
Vote on Remote Participation (as needed)
2. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES of the Conservancy’s April 18, 2024 public meeting.
3. CONSENT ITEMS
A. Consideration and potential to disburse up to $160,000 to the Santa Cruz Hostel Society to augment the Conservancy funding previously authorized on September 22, 2022 to plan and implement renovations to the Santa Cruz Hostel in the City of Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz County.
B. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $278,300 to The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County to undertake the San Luis Obispo Land Conservancy Wildfire Resilience Project, consisting of purchasing equipment for annual wildfire fuel reduction and road maintenance work within three preserves in San Luis Obispo County.
C. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $100,000 to the Yurok Tribe to undertake the Prairie Creek at Elk Meadow Cabins Habitat Enhancement Project, consisting of removing invasive plants and installing large wood features in an approximately 3,000-foot reach of lower Prairie Creek in Humboldt County.
D. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $130,000 to the County of Del Norte to augment the Conservancy’s previously authorized grant of $96,000 to assess the feasibility of expanding camping opportunities and to develop a park improvement plan for Clifford Kamph Memorial Park, the northern gateway to the California Coastal Trail, in Del Norte County; and authorization to expand the project scope to include preparation of designs, engineering, and environmental analysis of improvements identified in the park improvement plan.
E. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $500,000 to the Town of Fairfax to acquire the approximately 100-acre Wall Property in Marin County for the protection, restoration, and enhancement of natural resources, wildlife habitat, open space, California Native American tribal cultural resources, and compatible public access.
4. EXECUTIVE OFFICER REPORT
A. Progress Report on Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion work at the Conservancy
B. Presentations on Sea Level Rise in California
C. Sea Level Rise Memorandum of Understanding for San Francisco Bay
SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA
5. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $3,400,000 of grant funds from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and up to $1,000,000 of grant funds from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for operation of the Bay Restoration Regulatory Integration Team for a second five-year period. The funds may be disbursed to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Marine Fisheries Service, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission, and San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board.
SOUTH COAST
6. Consideration and authorization to disburse up to $1,643,344 to the City of Oceanside to undertake the Loma Alta Slough Wetland Enhancement Project, consisting of the enhancement of 5.8 acres of coastal wetlands in the City of Oceanside in San Diego County; and adoption of findings under the California Environmental Quality Act.
CENTRAL COAST
7. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $800,000 to the City of Marina to prepare plans, environmental review documents, and permit applications for improvements to a California Coastal Trail trailhead and coastal access point at Fort Ord Dunes State Park, Monterey County.
NORTH COAST
8. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $650,000 to the Elk Valley Rancheria to prepare the South Beach Sea Level Rise and Connectivity Feasibility Study, which will develop and evaluate alternatives for how best to prevent future flooding of a vulnerable section of Highway 101 adjacent to Crescent City, while improving public access to South Beach and protecting the Crescent City Marsh in Del Norte County
9. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $999,335, of which $792,575 are funds received from the US Fish and Wildlife Service, to the Tomales Bay Watershed Council Foundation to implement the Chicken Ranch Beach Wetland Enhancement Project, consisting of restoring approximately one acre of tidal wetlands to enhance water quality and improve wildlife habitat at Chicken Ranch Beach on Tomales Bay, near Inverness, Marin County.
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.
10. CONSERVANCY MEMBER COMMENTS
11. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
12. 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 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).
C. 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).
13. ADJOURNMENT
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
Coastal Conservancy Public Meeting in Oakland – April 18
Meeting Notice
Douglas Bosco (Public Member), Chair
Marce Gutiérrez-Graudiņš (Public Member), Vice Chair
Joy Sterling (Public Member)
Jeremiah Hallisey (Public Member)
Wade Crowfoot, Secretary for Natural Resources; Bryan Cash and Jenn Eckerle (Designated)
Caryl Hart, Coastal Commission Chair; Madeline Cavalieri (Designated)
Joe Stephenshaw, Director, Department of Finance; Michele Perrault (Designated)
Senate Representatives
Benjamin Allen (District 26)
Josh Becker (District 13)
John Laird (District 17)
Assembly Representatives
Gregg Hart (District 37)
Christopher Ward (District 78)
Tina McKinnor (District 61)
Amy Hutzel, Executive Officer
Amy Roach, General Counsel
AGENDA
Agenda updated 4/5/2024 8:50 AM, Item 15 has been postponed.
Hybrid Meeting
DATE: April 18, 2024
TIME: 10:00 A.M
LOCATION: Elihu M Harris State Building Auditorium – 1st Floor
1515 Clay St., Auditorium, Oakland CA 94612
*Live Spanish interpretation is provided during our Board Meetings on the Zoom teleconference.
*Se proporciona interpretación en español en vivo durante nuestras reuniones de la Junta en la teleconferencia de Zoom.
This meeting will be conducted in a hybrid virtual/in-person format. 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_gV2ml0DqTFKpSxBxtFDKtQ
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.
1. ROLL CALL
2. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES of the Conservancy’s February 15, 2024 public meeting.
3. CONSENT ITEMS
A. Consideration and potential authorization to disburse up to $2,500,000 to Point Reyes Bird Observatory to augment the Conservancy grant of $2,150,000 to provide an additional two years of stewarding approximately 177 acres of restored wetlands through engaging the local community to maintain and enhance the wetlands and implementing minor property improvements by repairing and maintaining public access amenities in the Novato Baylands in Marin County.
B. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $425,000 to augment the Conservancy funding previously authorized on May 5, 2022 and September 14, 2023, for the purpose of contracting 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.
C. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $150,000 to TreePeople and the Inland Empire Waterkeeper for each of their Explore the River 2024 projects that facilitate and enhance the public’s opportunities to explore the Santa Ana River.
D. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $24,000 to augment an existing grant to Friends of the Dunes to continue interim management of the 356-acre Samoa Dunes and Wetlands Complex on the North Spit of Humboldt Bay in Humboldt County.
E. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $435,000 to the Friends of the Petaluma River to conduct preliminary planning, including community engagement, baseline assessments and feasibility studies, and draft conceptual design for a segment of the proposed urban greenway known as the Petaluma River Greenway in the City of Petaluma, Sonoma County.
F. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $311,900 to Point Reyes Bird Observatory to undertake the San Francisco Bay State of the Birds Dynamic Report Project, which consists of developing a website that provides updated analyses of bird species populations that serve as indicators of San Francisco Bay habitat quality.
4. EXECUTIVE OFFICER REPORT
A. Tribute to Julia Elkin, former Project Manager at the Coastal Conservancy
B. Strategic Plan Progress Report
SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA
5. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $3,000,000 to the East Bay Regional Park District to undertake the Tidewater Day Use Area Expansion Project, consisting of constructing public access amenities and park features on eight acres of former industrial land to expand the Tidewater Day Use Area of Martin Luther King, Jr. Regional Shoreline in Oakland, Alameda County.
6. Consideration and possible authorization to support implementation of the South San Francisco Bay Shoreline Project in the community of Alviso, City of San José, Santa Clara County by: 1) disbursing up to $2,571,700 to San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory for revegetation and three years of maintenance on 17 acres of the Reaches 1-3 levee; and 2) disbursing up to $7,428,300 to Santa Clara Valley Water District for Reaches 4-5 levee construction.
7. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse 1) up to $2,200,000 to Ducks Unlimited to restore tidal marsh and enhance managed ponds; 2) up to $410,000 to the California Wildlife Foundation to implement monitoring and project outreach; 3) up to $150,000 to the Aquatic Science Center to manage the lead scientist and website; and 4) up to $240,000 for executive project management as part of Phase 2 of the South Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project in Alameda, San Mateo, and Santa Clara Counties.
8. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $1,683,000 to the California Rangeland Trust to acquire a conservation easement over approximately 1,402-acres of Stonier Ranch for the protection of open space, wildlife corridors, viewsheds, natural resources, and grazing lands, in Santa Clara County.
CENTRAL COAST
9. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $6,000,000 to the Big Sur Land Trust to undertake the Carr Lake Restoration and Park Construction Project Phase 2, consisting of restoration of 66 acres of wetland and upland habitat and construction of public access improvements at Carr Lake in Monterey County, and adoption of findings under the California Environmental Quality Act.
10. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $650,000 to the County of Santa Cruz to undertake the Santa Cruz Coastal Lagoons & East Cliff Drive Resiliency Study consisting of a technical feasibility study of nature-based adaptation strategies to increase resilience to sea level rise for the three coastal lagoons (Schwan Lagoon, Corcoran Lagoon, and Moran Lagoon) along East Cliff Drive in central Santa Cruz County.
11. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $1,620,000 to the City of Carpinteria to undertake the Carpinteria Living Shoreline Planning project, consisting of community engagement and preparation of plans, designs, technical analyses, and environmental review documents for a living shoreline solution along Carpinteria City Beach to mitigate the impacts of sea level rise and climate change-driven coastal hazards in Carpinteria, Santa Barbara County.
12. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $1,200,000 to the County of Santa Barbara Flood Control District to develop the Santa Barbara County Sediment Management Program for southern Santa Barbara County, which consists of a program for redirecting ongoing sediment management to support beach-enhancement, living shoreline, and other sea level rise adaptation projects; including conducting community and tribal engagement and technical and feasibility studies to inform the Program; and preparing environmental review documents and permit applications for the Program, in southern Santa Barbara County.
13. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $950,000 to Resilient Cities Catalyst to prepare the Goleta Slough Area Coastal Resilience Adaptation Plan, consisting of a plan for priority nature-based sea level rise adaptation projects for the Goleta Slough area to enhance ecological and community coastal resilience in Santa Barbara County, including conducting community engagement, capacity building, and technical studies to inform the Plan.
NORTH COAST
14. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $1,811,600 to The Nature Conservancy to undertake the South Fork Ten Mile River Habitat Enhancement Project, consisting of restoration and enhancement of instream and floodplain salmonid habitat at four sites totaling four acres along the South Fork Ten Mile River in Mendocino County.
WILDFIRE RESILENCE
15. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $1,970,000 to Sonoma County Regional Parks to initiate a Tribal Workforce Fellowship Program, which includes classroom and hands-on training of three cohorts of participants to conduct on-the-ground wildfire resilience activities on tribal and regional park lands in Sonoma County. [POSTPONED]
16. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $6,000,000 to Humboldt County Resource Conservation District to undertake the North Coast Wildfire Resilience Planning and Implementation Grant Program, which will provide grants to public entities and nonprofit organizations for planning, community outreach, environmental review, permitting, and implementation of projects that will increase wildfire resilience through improved management of natural lands and open space, increased collaboration among land managers, and capacity building in northern California’s coastal and coastal watershed counties.
17. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $1,089,749 to the County of Humboldt and the Coastal San Luis Resource Conservation District for two mapping projects that will develop critical data layers for north and central coast wildfire resilience planning.
18. CONSERVANCY MEMBER COMMENTS
19. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
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.
20. 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 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).
D. 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).
21. ADJOURNMENT
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
Coastal Conservancy Public Meeting in Newport Beach – February 15
Meeting Notice
Updated 2/5/2024 1:49 PM, address correction.
Douglas Bosco (Public Member), Chair
Marce Gutiérrez-Graudiņš (Public Member), Vice Chair
Joy Sterling (Public Member)
Jeremiah Hallisey (Public Member)
Wade Crowfoot, Secretary for Natural Resources; Bryan Cash and Jenn Eckerle (Designated)
Caryl Hart, 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
Gregg Hart (District 37)
Christopher Ward (District 78)
Tina McKinnor (District 61)
Amy Hutzel, Executive Officer
Amy Roach, General Counsel
AGENDA
Agenda Updated 2/9/2024, Item 3F exhibit 3 has been posted and Item 8 exhibit 3 has been posted.
Agenda Updated 2/14/2024. Addendums to Items B, 7, 8, 9 and 12 have been added.
Hybrid Meeting
DATE: February 15, 2024
TIME: 9:30 A.M
LOCATION: Civic Community Room
100 Civic Center Dr., Newport Beach, CA 92660
*Live Spanish interpretation is provided during our Board Meetings on the Zoom teleconference.
*Se proporciona interpretación en español en vivo durante nuestras reuniones de la Junta en la teleconferencia de Zoom.
This meeting will be conducted in a hybrid virtual/in-person format. 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.
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_V_ISwvpFTzS0vs87rMz9_Q
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.
1. ROLL CALL
2. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES of the Conservancy’s November 30, 2023 public meeting.
3. CONSENT ITEMS
A. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $646,100 to the Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains to augment a previously authorized Conservancy grant of $1,629,550 for planning for the Topanga Lagoon Restoration Project at Topanga State Park and Topanga Beach in Los Angeles County.
B. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $1,300,000 to the Smith River Alliance, of which $500,000 is to conduct pre-acquisition planning activities and minor clean-up actions for beach, dune, wetland, upland, and forested parcels within and in the vicinity of the Pacific Shores Subdivision, adjacent to the Lake Earl Wildlife Area in Del Norte County, and $800,000 is to acquire those same parcels.
C. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $120,000 to East Bay Regional Park District to prepare designs and environmental review documents for park improvements on an approximately three-acre upland area located between Powell Street and San Francisco Bay, east of Emeryville Fire Station No. 34, within McLaughlin Eastshore State Park, in the City of Emeryville, Alameda County.
D. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $2,500,000 to the Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County to acquire a conservation easement over the 27,512-acre Camatta Ranch in eastern San Luis Obispo County to protect water quality and water supply, natural resources, wildlife habitat, scenic open space, and agriculture including cattle grazing compatible with such uses.
E. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $470,900 to Gold Ridge Resource Conservation District to construct upgrades to the potable water treatment facility and its water source for the Alliance Redwood Conference Grounds and the communities of Camp Meeker and Occidental and to reduce surface water diversions and increase dry season flows for salmonids in Dutch Bill Creek in Sonoma County, and the adoption of findings under the California Environmental Quality Act.
F. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $2,807,000 to the City of Santa Ana to enhance and restore the 2.66-acre Santiago Park Main Street entrance by constructing site amenities such as lighting, Santiago Creek viewing decks, and landscape improvements, and separating the pedestrian walkway and bike trails to allow for safe recreation.
G. Consideration and possible authorization up to $473,500 to the City of Sand City to prepare trail alignment and restoration plans, designs, permit applications, and environmental documentation for a 0.7-mile segment of the Coastal Trail in Sand City, County of Monterey.
H. Consideration and possible authorization to (1) enter into a Memorandum of Agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for cost sharing the incremental cost of placing dredged sediment from the Petaluma River at Cullinan Ranch; and (2) disburse up to $313,000 to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the non-federal share of the incremental cost of placing dredged sediment from the Petaluma River at Cullinan Ranch within the San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge in Solano and Napa Counties.
I. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $1,660,000 to the Redwood Coast Land Conservancy to prepare designs, environmental compliance documents, and permit applications for establishing 2.6 miles of new public access trails and related public access amenities, including 0.75 miles of the California Coastal Trail, and restoring 4 acres of upland habitat for the Mill Bend Preserve at the mouth of the Gualala River in Mendocino and Sonoma counties.
J. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $1,500,000 to the Yurok Tribe to construct 0.68 miles of the California Coastal Trail and replace culverts on Libby Creek, a tributary to Prairie Creek, as part of the Redwood National and State Park Visitor Center and Restoration Project, at the former 125-acre Orick Mill A site in Humboldt County.
K. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $41,000 to the Mendocino Land Trust to operate and maintain public access improvements at Moat Creek Beach and along the Moat Creek segment of the California Coastal Trail in Mendocino County.
L. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $315,150 to the Wildlands Conservancy to prepare a public access plan, preliminary designs, and environmental review for lower cost overnight accommodations and a new section of the California Coastal Trail on the Seawood Cape Preserve in Humboldt County.
M. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $400,000 to the Noyo Center for Marine Science for their Marine Ecosystem Resiliency Project, consisting of 1) conducting studies and preparing conceptual designs for sea level rise adaptation of their Marine Field Station building, dock, and associated infrastructure, 2) preparing 60% designs for retrofitting the Field Station building and replacing its dock, 3) preparing environmental review documents and permit applications for the dock replacement, and 4) implementing aquaculture programs to restore the nearshore kelp forest ecosystem at their Marine Field Station located at Noyo Harbor in Fort Bragg, Mendocino County.
N. Consideration and possible authorization to spend up to $2,963,050 of funds appropriated to the Conservancy for the Great Redwood Trail for engineering and environmental services, planning and design, public outreach, organizational development, advancement of the railbanking process, technical support, interim staffing support for the Great Redwood Trail Agency, and other costs and services as may be required for the advancement of the trail in Mendocino, Trinity, and Humboldt Counties.
O. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $4,600,000 to the County of Ventura to augment a previously authorized Conservancy grant of $358,000 for pre-construction activities associated with the Matilija Dam Ecosystem Restoration Project by adding additional tasks to support and inform environmental compliance and programmatic design planning, and to conduct community engagement in Ventura County.
P. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $3,200,000 to the County of Ventura to (1) augment a previously authorized Conservancy grant of $379,350 to conduct planning and to develop design criteria, preliminary design plans, and alternatives refinement for improvements to the Robles Diversion and Fish Passage Facility, and (2) conduct additional studies and modeling, develop 10% design plans for two alternatives, and provide funding directly to the Casitas Municipal Water District to work on this project, in Ventura County.
Q. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $3,377,389 to the Coastside Land Trust to construct priority components of Phase 2 of the Wavecrest Coastal Access Project, which are: at least 1 mile of Coastal Trail, a trailhead with a parking lot and restroom, and a beach stairway at the Wavecrest property in Half Moon Bay, San Mateo County, and adoption of findings under the California Environmental Quality Act.
R. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $600,000 to Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission for the North Coast Rail Trail – Monterey Bay Sanctuary Scenic Trail Segment 5 project, consisting of construction of 7.5 miles of dedicated bicycle and pedestrian trail and associated amenities between Wilder Ranch State Park and Davenport on the north coast of Santa Cruz County, and adoption of findings under the California Environmental Quality Act.
S. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $100,000 to Public Media Group of Southern California to develop multimedia content documenting the Coastal Stories Grant Program, produce and host a webpage, and conduct outreach to reach a broad audience.
4. EXECUTIVE OFFICER REPORT
A. Recognition of North Coast Regional Manager Karyn Gear upon her Retirement
B. Potential Changes to 2024 Conservancy Board Meeting Locations and Schedule
SOUTH COAST
5. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $6,800,000 to the County of San Bernardino to prepare final designs, acquire rights-of-way, and construct a 3.9-mile segment of the Santa Ana River Trail in San Bernardino County, and adoption of findings under the California Environmental Quality Act.
6. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $850,000 dollars to the Los Peñasquitos Lagoon Foundation to develop feasible strategies, concepts, and preliminary engineering designs of nature-based solutions to build resiliency to sea level rise and coastal hazards for a 0.6-mile section of Torrey Pines State Beach, including the Torrey Pines South Beach Parking Lot, and the adjacent public parking along Highway 101 in San Diego County.
7. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $30,000,000 to the Southwest Wetlands Interpretive Association to implement the Tijuana Estuary Tidal Restoration Program II, Phase I, consisting of restoring 85 acres of wetlands and associated habitats and enhancing public access at the Tijuana River estuary in San Diego County.
8. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse: 1) an amount not to exceed $1,270,551 to augment a contract for preliminary design, including preparation of more detailed designs, engineering, and permitting for the Ormond Beach Restoration and Public Access Project (OBRAP), and 2) a grant of an amount not to exceed $35,000,000 to The Nature Conservancy to complete permitting and implement the first phase of the OBPRAP, which consists of restoration and public access improvements on approximately 280 acres at the eastern side of Ormond Beach and management of the wetlands.
- Addendum: Exhibit 3: Ormond Beach Restoration and Public Access Plan was added to the Staff Recommendation on 2/8/2024 at 4:56 PM.
- Addendum: Additional Project Letter added to Staff Recommendation on 2/14/2024 at 9:42 am
9. Consideration and possible authorization to approve a land swap involving the transfer of a five-acre parcel owned by Los Cerritos Wetlands Authority to Los Cerritos Wetlands, LLC in exchange for a 150-acre parcel for purposes of natural resource and wetland protection and restoration, open space, and public access that is compatible with those purposes, in the City of Long Beach, and adoption of findings under the California Environmental Quality Act.
NORTH COAST
10. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $800,000 to the Mattole Restoration Council for the acquisition of the approximately 83-acre North Fork Mattole property on the North Fork of the Mattole River in Humboldt County, and preparation of baseline conditions and environmental assessment reports for the property. The property will be acquired for habitat conservation and restoration, California Native American tribal and public access and recreation, open space, and potentially a public-serving facility that will facilitate climate resilience, access to, and enjoyment of the natural resources of the property.
11. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $1,368,606, a portion of which was granted to the Coastal Conservancy by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, to the Humboldt County Resource Conservation District to implement the Wadulh Lagoon Restoration Project, consisting of restoring 62.1 acres of coastal wetland and riparian habitat by lowering and removing dikes and excavating channels in Wadulh Lagoon on the Mad River Slough on Humboldt Bay in Humboldt County.
12. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $1,090,000 to the City of Eureka in Humboldt County to prepare the City of Eureka Coastal Access and Resilience Plan to protect and enhance existing and future use of the Eureka waterfront for ecological, recreational, and commercial purposes, and to prepare conceptual designs and environmental review for four sea level rise adaptation projects identified in the Plan.
13. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $1,500,000 to the Smith River Alliance Inc. to implement cultural resource protections and construct 1.25 miles of the California Coastal Trail, new restrooms, interpretive signage, and other improvements to the main trailhead parking area at Point Saint George in Del Norte County.
SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA
14. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $1,230,000 to John Muir Land Trust to acquire the approximately 100-acre Kenneth Gerlack Preserve Property in Contra Costa County for the protection, restoration, and enhancement of natural and scenic resources and wildlife corridors; and, to the extent compatible with the aforementioned purposes: public access, including a segment of the Bay Area Ridge Trail, and California Native American tribal cultural uses.
15. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $5,500,000 to San Francisco Recreation and Park Department to implement the India Basin Waterfront Park Phase 3: Shoreline Park Redevelopment project, consisting of the redevelopment of the India Basin Shoreline Park into a mixed-use community park with improved public access and recreation amenities, enhanced habitat, and climate resiliency in the City and County of San Francisco, and adoption of findings under the California Environmental Quality Act.
16. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $1,241,200 to Sonoma Land Trust to plan for ecological restoration of 337 acres of baylands and alluvial fan in the Tolay Creek Baylands in Sonoma County by conducting community engagement, preparing preliminary designs and environmental compliance documents, and developing a permitting strategy.
17. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $600,000 to Sonoma County Regional Parks to acquire approximately 20 acres of non-active railway corridor to complete acquisition of ownership of lands needed to enable future construction of the Sonoma Schellville Trail, Sonoma County.
18. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $1,143,500 to the Solano Resource Conservation District to restore 19 acres of upland habitat and install a half-acre demonstration garden, 670-foot long trail, outdoor education area, two kiosks, and interpretive signs at Lake Solano Park in Solano County; and adoption of findings under the California Environmental Quality Act.
19. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $5,000,000 dollars to Valley Water for the restoration of 40 acres of mudflat and shallow water habitat in Pond A4 to benefit shorebirds, enhance recreation, and facilitate future tidal wetland restoration along the shoreline of San Francisco Bay in Santa Clara County.
CENTRAL COAST
20. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $5,000,000 for consultant services including resource assessments, planning, public outreach, and other services as may be required related to planning for the conservation of the 12,000-acre Diablo Canyon Lands.
21. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $16,000,000, including $10,000,000 in grant funds from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, to the Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District to implement the Rancho Cañada Floodplain Restoration Project, a multi-benefit floodplain restoration project along approximately 1-mile of the lower Carmel River in Monterey County.
22. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $6,893,700 to the City of Santa Cruz to construct improvements in the East Parking Lot and wave crash zone areas of the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf in the City of Santa Cruz and to further the planning for future improvements for increased resiliency to the effects of climate change and adoption of findings under the California Environmental Quality Act.
23. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $8,000,000 to the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County to acquire the 247-acre Beach Ranch property at the Pajaro River Estuary in Santa Cruz County for nature-based sea level rise adaptation, natural resource protection and restoration, compatible agricultural use, California Native American tribal access, and public access.
24. CONSERVANCY MEMBER COMMENTS
25. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
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.
26. 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 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).
D. 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).
27. ADJOURNMENT
CONSERVANCY TOUR INFORMATION
On Wednesday, February 14, the Conservancy will tour the site listed below, as close as possible to the identified time, which might be affected by traffic. Members of the public are welcome to join the tour but must provide their own transportation. The tour will conclude at 4:30pm.
3:00pm – Meet at Crystal Cove Cottages – 35 Crystal Cove, Newport Beach, CA 92657
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
Coastal Conservancy Public Meeting in San Luis Obispo – November 30
Meeting Notice
Douglas Bosco (Public Member), Chair
Marce Gutiérrez-Graudiņš (Public Member), Vice Chair
Joy Sterling (Public Member)
Jeremiah Hallisey (Public Member)
Wade Crowfoot, Secretary for Natural Resources; Bryan Cash and Jenn Eckerle (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
Gregg Hart (District 37)
Christopher Ward (District 78)
Tina McKinnor (District 61)
Amy Hutzel, Executive Officer
Amy Roach, General Counsel
AGENDA
Agenda updated 11/22/2023 at 8:29 AM, Item 3F exhibit 3 has been updated to include an additional support letter.
Hybrid Meeting
DATE: November 30, 2023
TIME: 10:00 A.M
LOCATION: SLO City Council Chambers
990 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
*Live Spanish interpretation is provided during our Board Meetings on the Zoom teleconference.
*Se proporciona interpretación en español en vivo durante nuestras reuniones de la Junta en la teleconferencia de Zoom.
This meeting will be conducted in a hybrid virtual/in-person format. 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_V2yLHA8cRg2LTZxypGgbnw
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.
1. ROLL CALL
2. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES of the Conservancy’s September 14, 2023 public meeting.
3. CONSENT ITEMS
A. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $250,000 to CalWild for preparation of a community plan and conceptual project designs to ameliorate changes resulting from the potential decommissioning and removal of the Potter Valley Project hydroelectric facility in Lake and Mendocino counties.
B. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $485,000 to the City of Point Arena in Mendocino County to prepare the Arena Cove Harbor Access and Resilience Plan, which will include plans, designs, and environmental review for a variety of improvements to protect and enhance existing and future use of the Point Arena Pier, Harbor, and Cove for commercial and recreational purposes.
C. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $1,575,409, including $969,818 awarded to the Conservancy by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service through its National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program, to the Newport Bay Conservancy to restore 14.3 acres of coastal wetlands and associated uplands in Upper Newport Bay within the 60-acre Big Canyon Nature Park in the City of Newport Beach, Orange County.
D. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $446,400 to the San Francisco Estuary Institute for the Mapping Yelamu’s Historical Landscape project, consisting of conducting an ecological and ethnographic study of San Francisco in partnership with the Association of Ramaytush Ohlone and development of cultural and ecological landscape maps that can be used for interpretive programs and capital project planning.
E. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $270,300 to augment the Conservancy’s existing grant of $620,000 to Sustainable Conservation to advance adoption of, and conduct outreach to facilitate the use of, programmatic permits for aquatic habitat restoration and water quality improvement projects.
F. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $300,000 to the City of Encinitas for the Connected Coastlines Encinitas project, consisting of installing a 4G private mesh network to increase communications capabilities for fire and marine safety personnel across 3.5 miles of Encinitas coastline.
G. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $260,100 to the Family Resource Center of the Redwoods to construct a direct-to-consumer fish processing and sales facility, consisting of a filet station, restroom, and storefront, at the Crescent City Harbor in Del Norte County.
H. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $1,300,000 to augment the Conservancy’s existing grant of $2,300,000 to the Riverside County Regional Park and Open-Space District for preparation of design, engineering, and other documentation needed for environmental review for a 1.5-mile Santa Ana River Trail segment that is adjacent to the Green River Golf Course and connects to the Orange County line in the County of Riverside.
I. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $325,000 to the City of San Diego to conduct a feasibility study for the repair of the beach access stairway and potential improvements to the scenic overlook and parking area located adjacent to 5990 West Camino De La Costa in the La Jolla neighborhood in the City of San Diego.
J. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $250,000 to Orange County Coastkeeper for the Beach and Coast Accessibility Program to provide grants to nonprofits, public entities, and tribes for beach wheelchairs and other equipment to increase accessibility to California’s beaches and coast in coastal counties statewide.
K. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $174,400 to Defenders of Wildlife and Sea Otter Savvy to implement two separate projects to aid in the recovery of the southern sea otter.
4. EXECUTIVE OFFICER REPORT
A. Legislative report
B. Annual Financial Report
C. Diablo Canyon Project
D. San Francisco Bay Sea Level Rise Coordination
CENTRAL COAST
5. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $1,500,000 to the Cayucos Land Conservancy to acquire and transfer to San Luis Obispo County 748 acres of land for addition to Toro Creek County Park located between Morro Bay and Cayucos in San Luis Obispo County.
6. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $813,500 to the San Mateo Resource Conservation District to conduct community outreach and prepare technical studies, preliminary design plans, and environmental review and permit documents for the relocation of public sewer infrastructure away from an eroding coastal bluff in the Montara community of San Mateo County.
7. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $2,750,000 to the Big Sur Land Trust to acquire the 84-acre Hiss Parcel in the City of Monterey for natural resource conservation, California Native American tribal cultural resource conservation, habitat connectivity, California Native American tribal access, and public access.
SOUTH COAST
8. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $5,000,000 to the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy for habitat restoration and conservation consisting of restoration of 342 acres through the removal of 325 acres of invasive plant species and planting of 17 acres of native butterfly habitat, creation of a native seed bank, and reconstruction of a butterfly rearing facility, and adoption of findings under the California Environmental Quality Act.
9. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $1,072,000 to the City of San Diego to conduct community and tribal engagement and prepare engineering and design plans for nature-based solutions to sea level rise at three locations in the city of San Diego, in connection with preparing the City’s Coastal Resilience Master Plan.
10. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $2,268,100 to the Los Peñasquitos Lagoon Foundation to conduct outreach and prepare engineering designs and permit applications to relocate parking facilities to preserve public access to North Torrey Pines State Beach in San Diego County.
NORTH COAST
11. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $693,700 to the County of Humboldt to develop a coastal resilience planning framework, conduct community and tribal engagement, complete a sea level rise and flood vulnerability assessment and an adaptation feasibility analysis, and prepare conceptual designs and preliminary engineering plans for sea level rise adaptation projects for the communities of King Salmon and Fields Landing in Humboldt County.
12. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $3,813,000 to the City of Willits to implement the Willits Rail with Trail Project, consisting of construction of a 1.6-mile trail between East Hill Road and East Commercial Street in the City of Willits, Mendocino County that will eventually become part of the Great Redwood Trail, and adoption of findings under the California Environmental Quality Act.
13. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $725,000 to the Elk Valley Rancheria for the acquisition of the 9.19-acre Bush parcel on Crescent Beach, south of Crescent City, in Del Norte County, for preparation of a plan for that property for wildlife habitat enhancement and public access, and for removal of invasive species on the property. The property will be acquired for protecting open space, protecting public and tribal access, protecting and enhancing wildlife habitat, and sea level rise adaptation measures, including measures to protect nearby roads and highways, consistent with open space and habitat protection.
14. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $2,250,000 to the Mattole Salmon Group to reconnect Lower Bear Creek to the middle slough of the Mattole River Estuary, in part by elevating road infrastructure, to address critical habitat needs for endangered salmonids and improve resilience to climate change and sea level rise in Humboldt County, and adoption of findings under the California Environmental Quality Act.
15. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $1,504,990 of Coastal Conservancy and US Fish and Wildlife Service funds to the Marin County Open Space District to implement the Bolinas Lagoon Wye Resiliency Project, which will reduce localized flooding and increase resilience to sea level rise and which consists of restoring 20 acres of tidal and riparian wetlands and returning Lewis Gulch Creek to its historic floodplain by, in part, removing and elevating roads at the northern end of Bolinas Lagoon in Marin County, and adoption of findings under the California Environmental Quality Act.
SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA
16. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $7,800,000 to the Port of San Francisco for the Southern Embarcadero Resilience and Enhancement Project, consisting of developing plans and engineering designs to adapt shoreline infrastructure to sea level rise, improve public access amenities, and include green-gray infrastructure opportunities, for a 0.6-mile stretch of the southern Embarcadero waterfront in San Francisco.
17. Consideration and authorization to disburse up to $2,512,500 for the Napa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District to acquire approximately 57 acres of historic tidal marshland within the lower tidal reach of the Napa River in Napa County for the protection, restoration, and enhancement of natural and scenic resources, including wetlands and open space; and, to the extent compatible with the aforementioned purposes: public access, passive recreation, and California Native American tribal cultural uses.
STATEWIDE
18. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $1,104,736 to eight non-profit organizations for Coastal Stories projects that will create storytelling installations, murals, or interpretive materials that represent diverse communities’ perspectives that historically have been excluded from narratives of California’s coast and publicly accessible lands.
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.
19. CONSERVANCY MEMBER COMMENTS
20. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
21. 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 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).
D. 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).
22. ADJOURNMENT
CONSERVANCY TOUR INFORMATION
On Wednesday, November 29, the Conservancy will tour the sites listed below, as close as possible to the identified times, which might be affected by traffic. Members of the public are welcome to join the tour but must provide their own transportation. The tour will conclude at 4:30pm.
1:15-1:45 – Meet at Del Mar Park in Morro Bay. Update on Toro Creek County Park Project (related to Item 5 on this agenda) and Morro Bay to Cayucos Coastal Trail
1:45-2:00 drive to Chorro Creek (near this point)
2:00-2:15 – Overview of Chorro Creek Coastal Resilience project
2:15-2:45 pm travel to Pt. Buchon trail head (bathroom available)
3:00-4:30 Hike Point Buchon trail to see portion of North Ranch of Diablo Canyon Lands. In order to hike the trail, everyone must sign-in with PG&E. During the hike there will be presentations on Diablo Canyon Lands Vision and Conservancy involvement.
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
Coastal Conservancy Public Meeting in Healdsburg – September 14
Meeting Notice
Douglas Bosco (Public Member), Chair
Marce Gutiérrez-Graudiņš (Public Member), Vice Chair
Joy Sterling (Public Member)
Jeremiah Hallisey (Public Member)
Wade Crowfoot, Secretary for Natural Resources; Bryan Cash and Jenn Eckerle (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
Gregg Hart (District 37)
Christopher Ward (District 78)
Tina McKinnor (District 61)
Amy Hutzel, Executive Officer
Amy Roach, General Counsel
AGENDA
Agenda updated 9/8/2023 2:15 PM, Item 9 has been postponed. Agenda updated 9/11/2023 8:22 AM, Item 14 exhibit 3 has been posted and public comments have been added.
Agenda updated 9/01/2023 (after mailing hardcopy and posting online) as follows: Item 3L & Item 16 were revised to correct the recommended grant amounts.
Hybrid Meeting
DATE: September 14, 2023
TIME: 10:00 AM
LOCATION: Healdsburg City Council Chambers
401 Grove St
Healdsburg, CA 95448
*Live Spanish interpretation is provided during our Board Meetings on the Zoom teleconference.
*Se proporciona interpretación en español en vivo durante nuestras reuniones de la Junta en la teleconferencia de Zoom.
This meeting will be conducted in a hybrid virtual/in-person format. 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_L8eBfSrES_SAeQG94jEg1w 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.
1. ROLL CALL
2. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES of the Conservancy’s June 01, 2023 public meeting.
3. CONSENT ITEMS
A. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $500,000 to augment the Conservancy funding previously authorized on May 5, 2022, for the purpose of contracting 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.
Addendum: Public Comment
B. Consideration and authorization to disburse up to $200,000 to the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden to protect Chumash cultural resources and restore 2.25 acres of native habitat at Hammond’s Meadow County Open Space in southern Santa Barbara County, and adoption of findings under the California Environmental Quality Act.
C. Approve amendments to the State Coastal Conservancy’s conflict-of-interest code to reflect current agency job classifications and make other technical changes.
D. Consideration and possible authorization to enter into a Feasibility Cost Share Agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Santa Clara Valley Water District for a federal feasibility study for the Santa Clara County shoreline from Mountain View Slough/Permanente Creek in the City of Mountain View to Guadalupe River in the City of San Jose.
E. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $354,000 to augment the Conservancy grant of $2,087,500 previously authorized to the City of Riverside for (1) the acquisition of four acres at 5200 Tequesquite Avenue in the City of Riverside in Riverside County, and (2) the preparation of designs, engineering, and environmental documentation for nine projects along 4.7 miles of the Santa Ana River Parkway in the City of Riverside in Riverside County.
F. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $82,700 to Mendocino Land Trust to conduct environmental studies and prepare designs and permit applications for establishing 0.4 miles of new Coastal Trail across Saunders Landing, south of the City of Point Arena in Mendocino County.
G. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $180,000 to Kai Poma to conduct cultural and archeological resource studies and environmental surveys and to prepare a resource management plan for the Blues Beach property located in the community of Westport in Mendocino County.
H. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $500,000 to the City of Santa Cruz to assess the feasibility of using living shorelines, sand management techniques, and other nature-based solutions to address coastal hazards and advance climate adaptation planning along 3.2 miles of the Santa Cruz coastline, and to develop conceptual designs for one to three projects identified in the feasibility study.
I. Consideration and authorization to disburse up to $168,256 to the Redwood Parks Conservancy to construct the Sue-Meg State Park Rim Trail Project, consisting of a 262-foot trail realignment and the replacement of a temporary bridge with a 33-foot footbridge to reestablish California Coastal Trail continuity and increase accessibility in Sue-Meg State Park in Humboldt County.
J. Consideration and authorization to disburse up to $400,000 to Sonoma County on behalf of its Public Infrastructure Department to prepare designs, an environmental review document, and permit applications for the Geyserville Community Plaza Project, which consists of enhancing the 1.17-acre Park and Ride property in Geyserville, in Sonoma County.
K. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $308,200 to three nonprofit organizations and the University of California, Santa Barbara for four community-based natural resource restoration and enhancement projects on approximately 24 acres in coastal wetlands and along stream corridors in the Southern and Central California region as part of the 2023 Community Wetland Restoration Grant Program; and adoption of findings under the California Environmental Quality Act.
L. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $400,000 to augment the Conservancy grant previously authorized on May 27, 2021, up to a total of $460,000, to the California Department of Parks and Recreation to prepare plans, environmental review documents, and permit applications for two new restrooms in Garrapata State Park in Big Sur, Monterey County.
M. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $1,100,000 to TOGETHER Bay Area to support conservation planning in the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area and Santa Cruz by updating the Conservation Lands Network planning tool, including expanded partner engagement and data updates to support regional biodiversity and habitat resilience.
N. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $400,000 to the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy to acquire a 44.38-acre property that includes the Riverview trailhead and parking area to permanently protect and restore habitat and natural resources, preserve open space, and provide public access to the Ventura River Preserve, in unincorporated Ventura County.
O. Consideration and authorization to disburse up to $469,100 to Sonoma Land Trust to reduce wildfire risk and improve forest health through thinning, pile burning, and removing vegetation to prepare for prescribed burns at three preserves in Sonoma County, and adoption of findings under the California Environmental Quality Act.
4. EXECUTIVE OFFICER REPORT
A. Consideration and possible approval of the 2024 Conservancy meeting schedule.
NORTH COAST
5. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $3,950,000 to The Wildlands Conservancy to acquire approximately 8,085 acres of the Lone Pine Ranch property at the confluence of the Eel River mainstem and Kekawaka Creek in Trinity County for the purposes of preserving and restoring fish and wildlife habitat, providing public access and recreation, and protecting open space and natural resources.
6. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $5,552,800 to Redwood Community Action Agency to restore 350 acres of coastal dune habitat along 4.5 miles of shoreline to increase sea level rise resiliency on the north spit of Humboldt Bay in Humboldt County, and adoption findings under the California Environmental Quality Act.
SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA
7. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $5,100,000 to the City and County of San Francisco, Recreation and Park Department, to construct the India Basin Waterfront Park Phase 2: 900 Innes Redevelopment project, consisting of the redevelopment of the 900 Innes property to be included in the India Basin Waterfront Park located in the City and County of San Francisco; and adoption of findings under CEQA.
8. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $1,781,600 to Literacy for Environmental Justice to implement the Heron’s Head Park Climate Resilience Project consisting of enhancing 9 acres of wetland adjacent upland habitat, providing job training to 40-60 local young adults, and hosting 15-20 stewardship days annually at Heron’s Head Park in the City and County of San Francisco.
Addendum: Letter of Support
Addendum: Letter of Support
9. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $2,375,000 for the Napa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District to acquire 56.8 acres of historic tidal marshland within the lower tidal reach of the Napa River in Napa County for purposes of protection and restoration of natural resources, including wildlife corridors and habitat, and wetland and water resources; and providing open space, public access, and recreational use compatible with natural resource protection. [POSTPONED]
10. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $8,990,000 to the City of Berkeley to implement Berkeley Marina improvements consisting of 1) maintenance dredging of the Berkeley Marina harbor and entrances; and 2) replacement of two failing dock systems (Docks D and E) in the City of Berkeley, Alameda County.
11. Consideration and authorization to disburse up to $4,351,500 to San Francisco State University to plan and design two, and implement one, sea level rise adaptation project, develop a workforce training program in nature-based climate resiliency, and develop a consortium of experts to advance nature-based adaptation projects in various Bay Area counties, including Marin, San Francisco, Solano, Alameda, San Mateo, and Santa Clara.
12. Consideration and authorization to disburse up to $1,188,000 to Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority to prepare a draft master plan, and conduct community engagement to inform the draft master plan, for approximately 1,550 acres of conserved lands in Coyote Valley, Santa Clara County.
13. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $3,428,460 to Ducks Unlimited to conduct outreach and planning and to prepare engineering designs and environmental compliance documentation for landscape-scale ecological restoration, flood protection, and public access on 6,000 acres in the Sonoma Creek Baylands in Sonoma County.
14. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $1,233,315 to the City of Oakland to complete planning and design for the approximately 0.6-mile off-street multi-use trail known as the 66th Ave BART to Bay Trail Project in Oakland, Alameda County.
CENTRAL COAST
15. Consideration and authorization to disburse up to $1,773,250 to the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) for tribal and community engagement and outreach, planning and design of coastal access improvements, removal of legacy oil infrastructure, and restoration of coastal habitats at the Ellwood Marine Terminal site on the UCSB campus in Santa Barbara County, and adoption of findings under the California Environmental Quality Act.
16. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $1,110,000 to the Coastal San Luis Resource Conservation District to prepare plans, permit applications, and environmental review documents for increased flooding resilience along lower Chorro Creek in the Morro Bay watershed in San Luis Obispo County.
17. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $2,000,000 to the California Department of Parks and Recreation to restore 5 acres of habitat in and around the Villa Creek Estuary, San Luis Obispo County.
18. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $1,570,000 to the California Rangeland Trust to acquire a conservation easement over the 1,014-acre Wong Asuncion Ranch in unincorporated Atascadero for natural resource conservation, habitat connectivity, protection of the Toro Creek watershed, and, to the extent compatible with resource conservation, sustainable grazing.
19. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $889,225 to the California Marine Sanctuary Foundation to establish the Monterey Bay Living Shorelines Program, which consists of developing a project prioritization framework, preparing three priority conceptual level plans, completing three ongoing living shoreline projects, developing a tool to monitor and assess effectiveness of living shoreline projects, conducting robust community engagement, and coordinating with State Parks to produce effective pathways for State Parks to integrate living shorelines into its resource management approaches in the Monterey Bay region.
SOUTH COAST
20. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $2,141,205 to the City of Imperial Beach to conduct outreach and planning and to prepare designs, environmental compliance documents, and permit applications needed to retrofit a 1.2-mile segment of the Bayshore Bikeway into a multi-benefit community flood protection and ecosystem resilience corridor as part of the Bayshore Bikeway Resiliency Project in Imperial Beach, San Diego County.
21. Consideration and possible authorization to 1) disburse up to $31,852,000 to the Los Cerritos Wetlands Authority for the Southern Los Cerritos Wetlands Restoration Project, which consists of planning and permitting for restoration and for providing public access to 103.5 acres of wetlands in Seal Beach, construction of an initial phase of the restoration and public access improvements on a portion of the Project site, and management of the wetlands, and 2) adoption of findings under the California Environmental Quality Act.
Addendum: Support Letters
STATEWIDE
22. Consideration and authorization to disburse up to $968,900 to nonprofit organizations and public agencies for 16 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.
WILDFIRE RESILIENCE PROGRAM
23. Consideration and authorization to disburse up to $1,057,650 to the Resource Conservation District of Monterey County and the San Luis Obispo County Fire Safe Council for two additional wildfire resilience projects under the Conservancy’s Wildfire Resilience Program 2023-2024.
24. CONSERVANCY MEMBER COMMENTS
25. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
Addendum: Public Comment
Addendum: Public Comment
Addendum: Public Comment
Addendum: Public Comment
Addendum: Public Comment
Addendum: Public Comment
Addendum: Public Comment
Addendum: Public Comment
Addendum: Public Comment
Addendum: Public Comment
Addendum: Public Comment
Addendum: Public Comment
Addendum: Public Comment
Addendum: Public Comment
Addendum: Public Comment
26. CLOSED SESSION
A. 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).
B. 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).
C. 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).
D. 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).
E. 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).
F. 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).
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.
27. ADJOURNMENT
CONSERVANCY TOUR INFORMATION
On Wednesday, September 13, the Conservancy will tour the sites listed below, as close as possible to the identified times, which might be affected by traffic. Members of the public are welcome to join the tour but must provide their own transportation. The tour will conclude at 3:45pm.
10:15 AM: Meet at Coleman Valley Rd parking area to commence the tour of Carrington Ranch. We will be joined by the Sonoma County Parks staff for a tour of the coastal trail and the campground area that is currently being planned. The parking area is located at [https://goo.gl/maps/h5njNPFVVuMq6qrm9].
11:30 AM: Drive 5 minutes to Gleason Beach, where we will have the opportunity to tour the site with the Sonoma County Parks staff. This site showcases a managed retreat area where Highway 1 was relocated significantly inland, and public access to the beach has been maintained. We will meet at the pullout on the south end of the construction area south of Scotty Creek. You can find the location here: [https://goo.gl/maps/whwpZuUQAHWzUFJ39].
12:45 PM: Lunch at Gleason Beach. Members of the public should bring their own lunch.
2:15 PM: Our next destination is Monte Rio, CA, where we will meet with the Sonoma County Parks staff to tour the shaded fuel break project and the Dutch Bill Greenway Acquisition. You can find the location here: [https://goo.gl/maps/MxheUebJ9iCUymgM8].
3:45 PM: Conclusion of tour.
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
