Environmental Impact Statement - Sonoma Land Trust

California Department of Fish and Game
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Chapter 1. Introduction, Purpose, and Need
and distribution of habitats needed to sustain diverse and healthy ecosystems in
the San Francisco Bay estuary system. Recommendations are presented by
region, subregion, and segment. Region-wide goals include restoration of large
patches of tidal marsh connected by corridors to enable the movement of small
mammals and marsh-dependent birds; restoration of large complexes of salt
ponds for the management of shorebirds; and expansion of large areas of
managed marsh. The Sears Point site is identified in this plan as a key area for
tidal marsh restoration.
San Francisco Bay Joint Venture Implementation
Strategy
The San Francisco Bay Joint Venture (SFBJV) is a partnership that brings
together public and private agencies, conservation groups, development interests,
and others seeking to collaborate in restoring wetlands and wildlife habitat within
its geographic region. The Joint Venture was created from the conclusions of the
Goals Report, which recommended a regional coordinating entity focused on
wetland restoration policy and design. The Joint Venture has adopted an
Implementation Strategy to help SFBJV partners fulfill their shared habitat
objectives by building on what has been accomplished and planning for the
future. This Strategy is based on an ecosystem perspective that considers the
biological requirements of wetlands, along with issues of public health and
safety. It establishes region-wide habitat goals and subregional objectives for the
restoration of the Bay Estuary using three broad categories: bay habitats, seasonal
wetlands, and creeks and lakes. Specifically for the Sears Point site, the SFBJV
Implementation Strategy supports the restoration of a complete band of tidal
marsh along San Pablo Bay, from the Petaluma River to Tolay Creek, as well as
seasonal wetlands enhancements in areas that are not restored to tidal marsh. The
SFBJV and its member agencies and organizations have been active stakeholders
in the Sears Point project’s planning process.
Sonoma County General Plan and Zoning Ordinance
The Sonoma County General Plan is a long-range comprehensive plan that
governs growth and development in the unincorporated areas of Sonoma County
(County of Sonoma 1989 and 2008a). The proposed Sears Point site falls within
this jurisdiction.
The project site is located within the “Petaluma and Environs” Sub-County
Planning Region of Sonoma County and is designated for agricultural land uses.
The site is zoned Land Extensive Agriculture (LEA), which is intended “to
enhance and protect lands best suited for permanent agricultural use and capable
of relatively low production per acre of land; and to implement the provisions of
the land extensive agriculture land use category (Section 2.7.2) of the general
plan and the policies of the agricultural resources element.” (Sonoma County
Code, Chapter 26, Article 6, Section 26-06-005.)
Sears Point Wetland and Watershed Restoration
Project Final Environmental Impact
Report/Environmental Impact Statement
1-12
April 2012