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Wetlands on a Roll

Early this June scientists gathered to explore before the eyes of the interested public just how few wetlands the region has left and just how many and of what types would best serve its ecological health in the future. The workshops, organized by the S.F. Estuary Institute as part of a regional effort co-sponsored by 15 government agencies, were designed to bring the 100-odd people gathered up to speed on progress toward developing a scientific basis for regional wetland habitat goals.

While there were a lot of "bells and whistles and fancy GIS map presentations," according to one onlooker, the workshops centered more on the nitty-gritty issues ahead. How will the nine planned focus teams and the senior scientists' group interact? What is the best way to keep the public involved? Will time and staff-strapped resource agencies be able to commit their top scientists to such a major project? After one presentation on bird use of wetlands, environmentalists in the audience pointed out an important shortfall in the data - i.e., it didn't include the region's seasonal wetlands. At another point it was suggested that flood control and mosquito abatement districts be invited to participate in the senior scientists' group. Exactly how this will all play out was still being worked out at press time. For the moment, organizers hope to have draft goals by the end of the year, which will, in turn, form the basis of a regional wetlands management plan and thus implement key actions in the CCMP.

While the scientists wrangle with goals, state and federal agencies and private conservation groups are preparing for follow-up wetlands expansion and acquisition programs by launching a San Francisco Bay Area Joint Venture. This new public-private partnership is modeled on the successful Central Valley Habitat Joint Venture, which recently helped to acquire the Delta's Prospect Island and is now working on a plan to restore fish and wildlife habitat on the 1,228 acre property. The new venture's organizer Nancy Schaefer says its creation is especially timely as it will help accomplish specific CCMP goals such as the regional wetlands management plan.

Contact: Peggy Olofson (Goals Project) (510)286-0427; Nancy Schaefer (Joint Venture) (510)370-7158

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