California Biodiversity Council
Regional Meeting
March 28, 1996
Monterey Marriott Hotel
Monterey, California
MINUTES Council Members Present CALL TO ORDER Michael Mantell called the meeting to order, and introduced Richard Rominger, Deputy Secretary,
U.S. Department of Agriculture. Mr. Rominger addressed the Council with comments regarding the new Farm Bill. He emphasized
flexibility and common sense as watchwords of the new bill which fulfills President Clinton*s plan
to make government work better, particularly in partnership with others. The Farm Bill commits to
resource protection at a time when the world is seeing market conditions threatening to undo some
of the past conservation gains that have been made. Mr. Rominger alerted the Council to challenges facing everyone, both in terms of short-term and
long-term demands on the environment that are imposed by the world*s increasing food needs. He
pledged the USDA*s continued responsiveness. In reply to questions from the audience, the Deputy
Secretary explained to the Council the program*s purpose to provide money for states and other
local governments that have programs already in place. He confirmed that California does qualify
under the new legislation, and he thanked the governor for his support. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR THE DECEMBER 7, 1995 MEETING The minutes were approved as submitted. REPORT OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE John Amodio, Chairman of the Executive Committee, reported on the status of the strategic plan
activities. Staff is currently working with regional managers from the Desert and Sierra Nevada
regions to conduct two regional managers forums this year. A tentative list of Biodiversity Issues
Forums topics has been developed. Staff Orientation Workshops (also known as Creekside Chats
when conducted for BLM field staff) is a new project and is dependent on recruiting staff and
resources from other CBC members. Bioregional homepages are being developed in collaboration
with CERES and the Education and Outreach Work Group. We are currently in the process of
making all Biodiversity News issues available on line. The new operating budget for 96/97 will be
discussed at the upcoming Executive Committee meeting. We expect to bill members in May. The
Science Coordinating Committee=s first task is to promote cooperative data development and
distribution. COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS Seventh American Forest Congress (USFS) Jon Kennedy, U.S. Forest Service, summarized the results of the Seventh American Forest Congress.
Ninety percent of the participants agreed that in the future our forests will be held in a variety of
public, private, tribal, land grant, and trust ownerships by owners whose rights, objectives, and
expectations are respected and who understand and accept their responsibilities as stewards. There
was agreement by 910 that cohesive and stable policies, programs, and incentives should be
available to allow forest owners and managers to sustain and enhance forests. Nine hundred sixty
agreed to ensure that open and continuous dialogue is maintained and encouraged among all parties
interested in forests. Fire Strategies Team (CDF) Richard Wilson, Director for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, announced
the Fire Stategies Committee=s effort to support community-based, interagency prefire projects this
fire season. This group=s focus is on sustainable, ecosystem-based approaches to managing
California=s fire environments. Due to the team=s efforts, prefire became a critical focus of CDF=s Fire Plan, environmental groups
worked to raise funds for fuels management, and the Shasta-Tehama bioregional group developed a
fire safe brochure. The group has influenced involvement and coordination among agencies. One
example is the Department of Fish and Game, water protection agencies, and others provided input
on CDF=s Fire Plan, and planning protocols for prefire, suppression and post-fire activities. An
inventory of prefire projects across state was developed by the team. Six large projects were
selected to showcase how interagency coordination, community involvement, and ecosystem-based
principles can successfully come together on the ground to protect the public and environment. Mr. Wilson then announced the release of the 1996 Action Plan. The objectives of the plan are to
provide media support for the selected projects, assist community groups in identifying funding
sources and mechanisms, and continue to build on existing efforts. This year=s plan will require
continued commitment by participating members and additional work with local agencies and
groups to promote on-the-ground projects. Mr. Wilson concluded by inviting interested Council members and the public to work with the team
on this year=s Action Plan. There will be a full presentation of the Fire Strategies Team at the June
CBC meeting in Nevada City. Vernal Pool Issues (EPA) Alisa Greene, from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, announced an upcoming framework
agreement regarding the protection of vernal pools and suggested this be a future topic for the
Council*s consideration. This framework, which was drafted by various federal and state agencies,
is meant to help with coordination, cooperation, and consistency in the efforts to improve the
competence of ecobased protection of vernal pools. It is not a new program, rather it is meant to
integrate what agencies are already doing. The principles of this agreement are: sound science,
creating partnerships with locals, and improving program effectiveness. A vernal pool conference to be held in Sacramento in June was announced by Ms. Greene. She encouraged the
public and the Council to attend and participate. Secretary Wheeler recommended that the Council devote additional time to this topic at an
upcoming Biodiversity Council meeting at a time when the agreement has been executed and is
ready to be implemented. National Watchable Wildlife Conference (DFG) Jacqueline Schafer, Department of Fish and Game, referred the Council*s attention to their packets
for information regarding the 1996 Watchable Wildlife Conference to be held at Huntington Beach,
California, November 12-17. The fifth annual conference is supported and endorsed by signatories
of a National Memorandum of Understanding between 13 state and federal agencies and
conservation organizations. The conference brings together community and business leaders,
conservation specialists, and tourism industry representatives from around the world to build
alliances in support of watchable wildlife programs. Bob Garrison of the Natural Heritage Division
for Department of Fish and Game is the conference chairman. Information regarding this conference
is available on the Internet from DFG home page. Noxious Weeds Committee (CDFA) Nita Vail, Department of Food and Agriculture, distributed copies of the finalized Memorandum of
Understanding between state and federal agencies with regard to noxious weed control and
prevention. She informed the Council that a core group had been formed to consider development of
strategies to implement the MOU. Some of the actions being considered are inclusion of a full-time
position at CDFA to manage a data base of activities at the state and federal level. This group will
meet again May 13 to discuss the action plan. Ms. Vail emphasized the importance of early prevention and control of noxious weeds as one of the
most cost-effective means of addressing the problem. As budget constraints continue to increase,
many agencies will need to work more in cooperation and coordination to achieve the goals set by
this Agreement. These activities can be better coordinated with the approved data base. Coastal Salmon Initiative (Resources Agency) In the interest of time, Secretary Wheeler announced that Mr. Amodio*s announcement of the status
of the Coastal Salmon Initiative would be held at a later time. Multi-species Planning Projects Tracking (BLM) Ed Hastey, Bureau of Land Management, announced the value and need for support of the California
Watershed Project Inventory (CWPI). He demonstrated how multi-species, conservation planning
efforts, and related watershed projects can more easily be tracked using this existing system. This
interactive system would be an important step in showing the extent of activities throughout the state
in furthering the goals of the MOU. This system is another example of ways of improving
communication, similar to what has been accomplished through the Council*s newsletter. This
project may result in a slight increase in dues next year. Secretary Wheeler expressed support for this project and reminded the Council members to continue
to contribute information to update and maintain what is perhaps the most important data base of its
kind in the country and which graphically depicts the variety of local and watershed activities
occurring around the state, arrayed by bioregion. Wood Waste Conversion Process Feasibility Study (RCRC) Robert Meacher, Regional Council of Rural County Supervisors, distributed a prospectus to the
Council members concerning the wood waste conversion process feasibility study. The National
Renewable Energy Laboratories in Denver, Colorado, have indicated funds are available from
Amoco Oil for use in research and development of the production of ethanol out of wood waste.
They are considering locating manufacturing facilities in California. The Council will be presented
with additional information at a later time. Secretary Wheeler suggested the Executive Committee as a way of reaching the members of the
Council with respect to this proposal. Monterey Pine Pitch Canker Problem (DPR) Ken Jones, Department of Parks and Recreation, introduced the issue of pine pitch canker in this
bioregion. Pine pitch canker is an exotic disease first discovered in California in 1988 in New
Brighton State Beach. Thousands of ornamental pine trees have died from pitch canker and now
native Monterey pine forests are threatened. The disease occurs in 15 coastal and adjacent inland
counties from San Diego to Mendocino. The Pine Pitch Canker Task Force formed in December
1994 under the sponsorship of the California Forest Pest Council, and advisory group to the Board
of Forestry. The task force is a coalition of private, governmental, and nonprofit groups dedicated to
finding solutions to the pine pitch canker problem. The task force has identified priority research,
management, and educational activities needed to combat the disease and is seeking funds to support
these activities. The task force would like the opportunity to present their action plan to the Council
at a future meeting. The Department of Parks and Recreation requests that this item be included on a future Council agenda. CREATING LINKAGES BETWEEN LAND USE AND THE HEALTH OF MONTEREY
BAY Marc del Piero, former Monterey County Supervisor and member of State Water Resources Control
Board, introduced the following three presentations: The California*s Ocean Resources: An Agenda for the Future Brian Baird of the Resources Agency presented an overview of California*s Ocean Resources: An
Agenda for the Future, which was developed in support of the Ocean Resources Management
Program. The program and Agenda have four goals: (1) assess, conserve, and manage California=s
ocean resources; (2) encourage environmentally sound economic development; and (3) advance
ocean research, education, and technology development; and (4) maximize California=s interests
within State Tidelands, the Territorial Sea, and the Exclusive Economic Zone. The Agenda describes the relationships between land and sea, the economic importance of ocean
dependent industry, the use of ocean research, and the complex jurisdictional and ownership
relationships in the ocean. The Agenda makes specific findings and recommendations regarding 11
different ocean management issues such as habitat protection, water quality enhancement, erosion
reduction, oil and gas activities, shipping safety, and research needs. The Agenda finds that there is substantial duplication and confusion regarding some aspects of
ocean management and recommends initiation of a state cabinet-level ocean resources management
coordinating council. Secretary Wheeler is the honorary chair of an upcoming international
conference in March 1997 intended to explore the findings and recommendations of the Agenda. The
conference title is, California and the World Ocean, 97. The Agenda has been presented at six
public workshops along the coast. The ocean program provides a vision for a more effective and
efficient approach to stewardship, economic development, research, and jurisdictional issues for
California=s precious ocean resources. Water Quality Protection Program for the Monterey Bay Sanctuary Dr. Holly Price, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, discussed with the Council an
interagency effort to protect water quality in the Sanctuary and its 11 major watersheds through
addressing urban/agricultural runoff, boating activities, and point sources of pollution. Her
presentation included a visual tour through some of the diverse habitat of the area. Dr. Price*s presentation included a review of the program*s main goals, foremost of which is to
enhance and protect physical, chemical and biological conditions in the area through partnerships
between federal, state and local agencies and businesses, landowners and the public. She
recognized a number of members of the Biodiversity Council as participants in this effort and
expressed appreciation for their continued support. Also included in the presentation was a review of the broad range of problems being addressed by
this program and the methods by which these problems have been successfully met. This method
included extensive research, monitoring, working with local groups, and a process of integrated
coastal management. Additional issues addressed by the program include marine and boating
activities, agricultural, increasing stewardship of the Sanctuary and its watersheds, and preventing
problems before crisis situations arise. Restoration Linkages at Fort Ord Steve Addington, Bureau of Land Management, reviewed ways in which the closure of Fort Ord
Army Base presented an opportunity for collaboration among conservation and development
interests. From the Fort Ord Community Task Force, a Habitat Management Plan was developed for
addressing the multi-species issues at Fort Ord. This plan differs from most habitat protection plans
in that the primary financial burden will be with the state and federal government, rather than the
private and local sectors. Mr. Addington also reviewed the use of the CRMP process as an
implementation tool to share resources. The implementation agreement is currently being developed
to assure that all endangered species issues will be addressed. Mr. Addington thanked the Council for their desire to assist in this program and recommended the
Council continue with its effort to create a corporate culture that fosters partnerships, promotes a
team concept versus collaboration, and continues to be a catalyst for change. PANEL DISCUSSION Louis Calcagno, Vice Chair, Monterey County Planning Commission Louis Calcagno is a dairyman who has participated in wetlands restoration/creation on his farm in
the Elkhorn Slough area. He reviewed for the Council his involvement with agriculture and
conservation, discussing the history of the Elkhorn Slough and its watershed, from the Coastal Act
and efforts by Fish and Game under the direction of Bruce Elliott to the organization of the land
trust. He expressed strong support for John Oliver*s project to create and restore the wetlands in
some of the corridors, as well as expressing concern that the wetlands be maintained, especially in light of the growth in the Salinas
area. Richard Nutter, Monterey County Agricultural Commissioner Richard Nutter, as a member of the Sanctuary Advisory Council, reviewed with the Council his
concern about how agriculture in the Salinas Valley affects the Bay. The agricultural community has
a strong political voice throughout California and the nation and it is a strong supporter of the
Sanctuary Advisory Council. Mr. Nutter expressed the strong need to develop relationships with all
organizations that have programs which deal with agriculture, as well as present stewardships
where educational opportunities are provided. The Council was reminded of the need to avoid
regulatory efforts and seek to find answers using the educational approach. Karin Strasser Kauffman, Chair, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council Karin Strasser Kauffman, Chair of the 24-member body of the Monterey Bay National Marine
Sanctuary Advisory Council, commended the Biodiversity Council for elevating the Council*s
visibility and for bringing the meeting to Monterey Bay. She reviewed for the Council the need to
utilize the public, harness volunteers and find ways for the public to be actively helpful in
participating in various programs. Using the example of the Sanctuary Advisory Council, she
reviewed the need for a formal structure for volunteers. Ms. Strasser Kauffman explained to the Council the Sanctuary*s three advisory bodies which are
called working committees. These working committees include research, education, and
environmental groups. She also recognized various volunteer programs like the Save Our Choice
organization, which established a sanctuary stewardship program, and the Center for Marine
Conservation. Ms. Strasser Kauffman reviewed with the Council the need to develop alternative funding sources
for programs that will supplement the governmental budgets. The Sanctuary Council is attempting to
establish a private foundation to raise money for its programs and has available a Sanctuary license
plate program for the Monterey Bay Sanctuary. Bill Reichmuth, Public Works Director and Chair of Monterey Bay Regional Stormwater Task
Force, City of Monterey Bill Reichmuth, Public Works Director and Chair of the Monterey Bay Regional Stormwater Task
Force for the City of Monterey, reviewed the coordination success and potential for water quality
and point source pollution programs for which he is involved. He presented to the Council the need
for the concept of good science, the concept of source control versus in-pipe treatments, financing
(permanent versus action dollars), and public awareness which extends to public action. Mr. Reichmuth thanked Mr. del Piero and the State Water Resources Control Board for funding a
model stormwater program task force, the purpose of which is to simply present water quality issues
in all facets of local government, whether it is development standards or whatever. A MANUAL OF CALIFORNIA*S VEGETATION Dr. Michael Barbour, founding and former Chair, Plant Communities Committee, California Native
Plant Society, reviewed the book A Manual of California*s Vegetation. He commended the
members of the Council for their staffs* participation in the preparation of this publication. This
book*s standard names and descriptions now allow all the various resource agencies to speak the
same language, improves the scale at which biological diversity is reviewed and monitored, affords
the opportunity to review a scale of diversity which is not available when reviewed on an
individual species level, and provides consistent, realistic targets for mitigation and restoration
activities. Dr. Barbour called the Council*s attention to the efforts of Peggy Fiedler and Bruce Pavlik to
development a center for restoration research. This would be very practical and would be open to
private groups who are interested in restoring and maintaining, mitigating developments and don*t
yet have the information to help the restoration efforts. He strongly supported the need for a central
repository or lead agency that would function as an archivist, analyst, holder of new data, and
suggested the Department of Fish and Game would be a very appropriate lead agency. He
commended the leadership of the Department of Fish and Game for their efforts in the preparation of
the book and its publication. PUBLIC COMMENT Steve Singer, representing the Santa Cruz Mountains Bioregional Council, addressed the Council in
support of endangered species management and efforts in regard to consensus building, especially as
it relates to the coho salmon. He urged members to recognize the need to keep science first and
foremost in the process, keeping the needs of the salmon at the forefront. He referred the Council*s
attention to Carl Sagan*s book, The Demon-Conscious World and offered the Council his assistance
in preventing a biodiversity crisis. Additional public comments were made by Gary Paulsey, Monterey Bay Area Association of
Environmental Professionals, and Eric Love, Pebble Beach Co. SCHEDULE OF THE NEXT MEETING The next Council meeting will be held June 7, 1996 in Nevada City. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 12:15 p.m. Note: Portions of the minutes were not captured due to media difficulties. 