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Environmental Impact Statement - Sonoma Land Trust

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California Department of Fish and Game<br />

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service<br />

Section 3.8. Recreation<br />

<strong>Impact</strong>s and Mitigation Measures<br />

No -Action Alternative<br />

Under the No -Action Alternative, proposed restoration activities would not<br />

occur; however, SLT still would conclude all leases on the portion of the<br />

property south of the SMART rail line and transfer title of the Sears Point<br />

properties to USFWS and CDFG. The proposed tidal wetland restoration site<br />

would continue to support pumped, diked bayland fields and related buildings,<br />

roads and infrastructure. The Black Point Sports Club lease would not be<br />

renewed beyond May 20121, or prior to the transfer of this portion of the<br />

Dickson Ranch to CDFG; however, public recreational hunting would now be<br />

allowed throughout the Project site under USFWSon CDFG-owned land. Under<br />

the No Action Alternative, the types of hunting available would increase to<br />

include both upland (including residual populations of pheasant) and CDFG’s<br />

ownershipwaterfowl hunting, and management.the duration of the upland hunting<br />

season would decrease. Waterfowl hunting season would be approximately 107<br />

days.<br />

While public access would increase with the addition of public recreational<br />

hunting, the mechanism for completing the Bay Trail connections is unknown<br />

under the No-Action Alternative.<br />

Overall, while the No-Action Alternative would result in the loss of a private<br />

recreational use on the property, this would be offset by the increased public<br />

recreational hunting opportunities onsite following transfer to CDFG and<br />

USFWS. Therefore, impacts to recreational uses are considered less than<br />

significant, and no mitigation is required.<br />

Conclusion: Less than Significant.<br />

The Bay Trail connections would not be constructed under the No Action<br />

Alternative and this part of the <strong>Sonoma</strong> County Parks <strong>Sonoma</strong> Bay Trail Corridor<br />

Plan would not be implemented. However, the CDFG portion of the property<br />

would be open to hiking and other low-impact recreational activities such as bird<br />

watching. These activities would most likely occur on the existing outboard<br />

levee, and may become less feasible as the levee deteriorates over time. Guided<br />

recreational walks led by SLT and USFWS would continue at the site.<br />

Recreational use north of Highway 37 would continue to consist of guided walks<br />

offered by SLT and USFWS.<br />

Overall, the diversity and availability of public access to the site under the No<br />

Action Alternative would increase somewhat relative to the baseline condition.<br />

Sears Point Wetland and Watershed Restoration<br />

Project Final <strong>Environmental</strong> <strong>Impact</strong><br />

Report/<strong>Environmental</strong> <strong>Impact</strong> <strong>Statement</strong><br />

3.8-5<br />

April 2012

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