Environmental Impact Statement - Sonoma Land Trust

Executive Summary
This summary provides a brief overview of the Sears Point Wetland and
Watershed Restoration Project; project goal and objectives; restoration
alternatives; environmental consequences of the proposed project; public issues
and areas of controversy; evaluation of the alternatives in terms of the project
goals and objectives; and a description of the process for selecting the preferred
alternative.
Project Overview
In cooperation with California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) and the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the Sonoma Land Trust (SLT) is
seeking to restore tidal wetlands and rehabilitate diked wetlands and upland
habitats for a wide range of species, to protect open space, and to develop public
access and educational opportunities, including extending the San Francisco Bay
Trail.
The 2,327-acre Sears Point property (Project Site) is located in southern Sonoma
County, just north of San Pablo Bay. The project site is comprised of two large
properties, the North Point Joint Venture (NPJV) parcel and the Dickson Ranch
parcel, which are situated on the edge of San Pablo Bay between the mouth of the
Petaluma River and Tolay Creek.
Sonoma Land Trust acquired the Dickson Ranch and North Point Joint Venture
properties in late 2004 and early 2005. Since 2004, SLT has held title to the Sears
Point properties while it conducts restoration planning. SLT’s wetland restoration
planning has been guided in part by the requirements and management policies
and objectives of the properties’ long-term landowners, CDFG and the USFWS.
Based on the each agency’s respective management policies and the potential to
achieve management efficiencies with adjacent properties, CDFG and USFWS
have agreed to split future ownership and management. Given that the transfer of
lands will eventually come under their jurisdiction, the USFWS and CDFG
require this document to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA) and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) in order to be able
consider authorization of the proposed actions.
This EIR/EIS describes the features of the Project and restoration alternatives,
including the No-Project Alternative, under which current management no
restoration of the project site would occur continue and existing conditions would
Sears Point Wetland and Watershed Restoration
Project Final Environmental Impact
Report/Environmental Impact Statement
ES-1
April 2012
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