Environmental Impact Statement - Sonoma Land Trust

California Department of Fish and Game
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Chapter 1. Introduction, Purpose, and Need
Chapter 1
Introduction, Purpose and Need
Introduction
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.
This chapter provides background information about the project and describes the
purpose/objective and need for the Sears Point Wetland and Watershed
Restoration Project. Related local, regional, and national plans are also described
to provide context for the project.
The intent of this EIR/EIS is to:
• identify potential direct, indirect, and cumulative environmental impacts
associated with the proposed wetland and watershed restoration project and
alternatives to the proposed project;
• describe mitigation measures intended to avoid potentially significant project
impacts or reduce them to a less-than-significant level; and
• disclose potential project impacts and proposed mitigation measures for
public review and comment.
This EIR/EIS is also intended to supply the information necessary to support
additional permit application and review processes related to this project.
Project Background
Location and Setting
The 2,327-acre Sears Point property (Project Site) is located in southern Sonoma
County, just north of San Pablo Bay (Figure 1-1). The Project Site is near the
intersection of Lakeville-Reclamation Road and State Route 37 (Highway 37). A
portion of the Northwestern Pacific Railroad (NWPRR) line, which is presently
Sears Point Wetland and Watershed Restoration
Project Final Environmental Impact
Report/Environmental Impact Statement
1-1
April 2012