Chapters 1 - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Management Alternatives
Once all construction and site cleanup has been accomplished, the top of the levee
would be planted with appropriate native wetland/upland transitional and upland
vegetation. In addition to NEPA, which is addressed through this document, this
project will also be required to comply with the requirements of the Clean Water Act,
the Endangered Species Act, Section 106 of the Historic Preservation Act, and the
Coastal Management Act.
2. Removal of Concrete and Debris from the Marsh
Old concrete and other miscellaneous debris can be found in various locations
throughout the marsh complex. Under this alternative, this debris would be removed
and the area restored to native vegetation. Removal would likely require the use of an
excavator, although some debris may be removed with a crane. To the extent feasible,
heavy equipment used to remove the debris would remain on adjacent roads to reduce
the potential for impacts to sensitive habitat. Where appropriate, such as in higher
marsh areas or areas expected to support wetland/upland transitional habitat, locally
native plants would be installed to ensure appropriate native plant species diversity.
This alternative also proposes to work with NWSSB to remove the abandoned
structure located on Hog Island. Activities associated with the removal of this
structure would occur on existing roads and/or in disturbed upland areas. Activities
would be restricted to the period between September 1 and February 1.
3. Invasive Plant Control Beyond the Refuge Boundary
To reduce the spread of non-native weeds on Refuge lands, this alternative includes a
proposal to seek Service and/or grant funding that would enable NWSSB to implement
an invasive plant control project for the upland areas located outside the Refuge along
the perimeter of the Refuge boundary. The Refuge would also assist the NWSSB in
identifying potential funding sources to support regular monitoring in the harbor and
marsh for the invasive marine algae, Caulerpa taxifoli. If this species is located during
monitoring, immediate actions would be taken to contain and eradicate it before it
becomes established.
4. Document the Health of the Refuge’s Cordgrass Habitat
High quality cordgrass habitat is important to the light-footed clapper rail population
on the Refuge. For reasons that have not yet been analyzed, the quality of the
cordgrass habitat on the Refuge is not optimal. Therefore, under this alternative,
funding and partnerships would be sought to develop and implement a study to
describe the current health of the cordgrass stands within the Refuge; identify those
factors that could be inhibiting optimum plant health, density, and height; and develop
strategies for improving the overall health of the cordgrass habitat, if necessary.
5. Implement Directed Surveys for Tiger Beetles
Several tiger beetle species have been identified on the Refuge, particularly in salt pan
areas; however, a directed survey to provide baseline data for tiger beetle diversity and
abundance on the Refuge has never been conducted. Under this alternative, funding
and partnerships would be sought to implement a directed search for tiger beetles.
Special emphasis would be placed on identifying any habitat areas that support tiger
beetle species such as Gabb’s tiger beetle (Cicindela gabbii) and Frost’s tiger beetle
(Cicindela senilis frosti), which have been identified by the state as highly imperiled,
(CDFG 2008).
Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan/Environmental Assessment 3-29