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California Biodiversity Council
Business Meeting

December 12, 1996
Putah Creek Lodge, UC Davis
Davis, California

MINUTES

Members present
Douglas Wheeler, Resources Agency
Ed Hastey, Bureau of Land Management
David Graber, National Park Service
Bob Haussler, California Energy Commission
Frank Michny, Bureau of Reclamation
Hershel Read, National Resource Conservation Service
Terry Jackson, NOAA, National Marine Sanctuary Program
Jon Kennedy, USDA Forest Service
Laurence Laurent, South Central Coast Regional Association of County Supervisors
Jerry Harmon, San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG)
Robert Meacher, Regional Council of Rural County Supervisors Association
Robert Hight, State Lands Commission
Brent Higgins, California Department of Transportation
Ken Jones, Department of Parks and Recreation
Michael Fischer, California Coastal Conservatory
Maria Rea, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Chauncey Poston, California Association of Resource Conservation Districts
Walter Swain, U.S. Geological Survey
Wayne White, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Nita Vail, Department of Food & Agriculture
Richard Wilson, Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
Don Erman, University of California
Bill Maze, San Joaquin Valley Regional Association of County Supervisors
Nancy Huffman, Northern California County Supervisors Association
Dale Hoffman-Floerke, Department of Water Resources

Call to order
Doug Wheeler called the meeting to order, thanking University of California Davis for their assistance in making the arrangements for the meeting.

Approval of minutes for the September 19, 1996 meeting in Oxnard
The minutes were approved as submitted.

Pitch Canker presentation
Following the Council Meeting in Monterey, it was requested that the chairman of the Pitch Canker Task Force present specific requests for assistance so that the Council could respond appropriately. Russ Henly addressed the Council, presenting handouts of summary points, a system’s diagram, and the task force’s action plan.

Mr. Henly acknowledged the numerous organizations from local government, local community groups, state agencies, and federal agencies who are currently working on this issue. In summary, he indicated the fungus is present in 17 counties, primarily coastal and adjacent counties, with the concentration in Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Luis Obispo counties. The scope of the issue ranges from native stand biodiversity ecosystem integrity, and on to some of the narrower concerns related to individual street trees.

He suggested the Council consider the pitch canker issue from a holistic or ecological perspective. It is not currently known just how big a threat the disease poses to the state’s commercial pines and Douglas fir, but most agree that continued work is necessary to slow the spread of the disease. One of the major problems facing local governments is the removal and the disposal of a significant number of dead and dying diseased trees. The economic ramifications of the disease is an important issue which is not currently being considered and needs further review.

The chairman of the Pitch Canker Task Force has submitted recommendations to the Council, as well as identifying budget needs. Potential actions for the Council’s consideration are as follows:

  • Help with dissemination of information about pitch canker and the steps that should be taken to halt its spread.
  • Through the assistance of CERES, and other experts on the more technical nature of the disease, create a web about pitch canker.
  • Support grant-writing efforts.
  • Support implementation of the Task Force Action Plan at current levels, and provide increased support where possible.
  • Coordinate agencies involved and provide a mechanism for including additional agencies. It was suggested that contact could be made with the Trade and Commerce Agency to ask for their assistance on the issue of potential economic impacts to tourism.
  • Consideration of an urban forester position in the Central Coast area. Department of Forestry and Fire Protection may want to review the issue as it relates to the new fire plan.
  • Conduct a discussion on the development of an ecosystem approach to conservation of the Monterey Pine native stands. A Natural Communities Conservation Planning type of process has been suggested as appropriate. Department of Fish and Game may be interested in making the Council an active partner as a part of their conservation planning work for the native stands.
  • Consider whether acquisition is an essential part of conservation of the native stands.

Secretary Wheeler recommended utilizing Biodiversity News and CERES for distribution of information. University of California also offered their assistance in distributing information.

Sierra Nevada Center Proposal
Professor Ted Hullar, former chancellor of UCD and former commissioner of environmental affairs in New York, presented the proposal. A Sierra Nevada Center was a common recommendation from the post-Sierra Nevada Ecosystem Project conference on the assumption that it would be important to embellish findings and the research agenda and make that information accessible to the people in the bioregion.

Of priority interest was the fact that information, such as contained in the SNEP report, must be distributed to people in the communities, stakeholders in the Sierra, more than ever before. Also mentioned was the need to establish an on-going organization to ensure that the research and development of the research-based knowledge be made available to the stakeholders in the Sierra.

Mr. Hullar requested Council’s discussion of three items:

  • Council’s endorsement and support for the concept and intent of the Center.
  • Council’s endorsement and support of key elements of the Center, such as the partnership with the Sierra community and its stakeholders and being responsive to their needs, as well as support and endorsement for the education and research programs of the Center.
  • Council’s discussion of funding to start the Center and to sustain it.

A background report was reviewed with the Council. The idea for the Center derives directly from the Sierra Summit. As a result of the Summit, the Sierra Nevada Research Program Planning Team was formed, consisting of 37 people representative of the Sierra community. In October of 1994 the Team produced a report identifying four broad themes for research and 22 research topics which needed to be attended to if the Sierra is going to be strong and vital in its environmental and human dimensions into the future. Major focal points of the report were:

  • No single organization oversees or coordinates the interrelated information gathering and planning processes throughout the range.
  • Priority research needs will provide a framework for a coordinated Sierra Nevada research program and conduct of the work in a cooperative, multi-agency, multi-participant kind of way.
  • Create a partnership among the participants.

The Sierra Nevada Center’s Implementation Board recommended the Center be grounded in the needs and concerns of the Sierra community and linked continuously to that community. This will require initial and continuing discussions and conversations with the community. The research should be relevant and connected to priority issues such as: fire, ecosystem, water, urbanizing edges of natural environments, and relationships between environments and the economy. The research should be connected to the expedited application of research-based knowledge. A partnership format is essential in this effort; existing research entities or facilities or program will be incorporated and supported and not replaced.

While the Center would be for research and education, it will not be a fixed place or have a fixed location. It would be a network of programs, projects, activities and persons throughout the Sierra. Research would be issues-oriented, and there would also be a long-term ecosystem program.

Three different categories of funding were discussed. One is the startup funding. Second is the basic support needed to sustain an organization over time. Third is funding for specific projects and programs. Three different governing elements were discussed. One would be a policy board. One would be a public advisory committee. One would be a scientific advisory committee.

Robert Meacher informed the Council of a proposal submitted by the Regional Council of Rural Counties which mirrors the Sierra Nevada Center proposal. Mr. Meacher reviewed the program which is not different from but rather complementary to the Center. Carol Whiteside, Director of Intergovernmental Affairs, will convene a forum for continued discussion of the proposal as it relates to the Sierra Nevada Research Center.

Nancy Huffman expressed concern whether this proposal would be creating a whole other group. She agreed that the extension service network is an important element. However, that network is only part of a bigger picture consisting of county planners and public interests. The Extension Service is a good place for information but there needs to be a larger forum for it to all come together.

Secretary Wheeler presented a summary of the motion. Those involved can collectively play a role in sorting through the concerns and build the kinds of relationships to meet the needs expressed by Nancy Huffman and Robert Meacher while at the same time moving ahead. The forum that Carol Whiteside is convening will allow continued discussion. Those from state and federal agencies who want to participate in that discussion including the county and Professor Hullar, please notify Dennis Machida, Tidal Conservancy, or Jim Gaither, Resources Agency. I will urge Carol Whiteside to convene the forum very quickly.

Secretary Wheeler asked for a motion of Council support for the concept and endorsement of the Sierra Nevada Center and its major components. The motion was made, seconded and carried.

Discussion of Executive Committee Recommendations on Granlibakken
John Amodio called upon Executive Committee members to present recommendations as identified at Granlibakken.

Addressing regional and statewide issues
Chancey Poston discussed with the Council members the issue of how the Council could supply better customer service and be more effective among the Council agencies. It was recommended two regional meetings be held in the bioregions and two meetings be held in Sacramento for the Council meetings:

John Amodio requested input from the Council regarding the types of statewide issues the Council might wish to discuss in the next calendar year. Secretary Wheeler suggested the Council discuss the question of presuppression fire management activity across the state, as suggested by Secretary Babbitt. Richard Wilson offered to make a presentation regarding the plan at the next statewide meeting.

Council meeting content
Jerry Harmon reviewed how programs and discussions should be organized at the Council meetings. The Executive Committee recommended that the form and content of the Sacramento meetings be different from those in the bioregions. Ten agenda modules were suggested for the quarterly Council meetings:

  1. Council business.
  2. Council announcements.
  3. Presentations on regional issues and programs.
  4. Council discussion of regional issues and programs.
  5. Presentation on statewide issues and programs.
  6. Council discussion of statewide issues and programs.
  7. Discussion on follow-up actions to address issues from previous meetings.
  8. Public comments.
  9. Open forum for Council discussions.
  10. Two agency updates on activities to conserve biodiversity (15-minute updates; to be presented at the Sacramento meetings only).

It was recommended that after the next regional meeting, within several months there would be a follow-up regional leadership forum to see if, as a result of the Council meeting, there is now the recognition or willingness to begin collaborating more at the regional leadership level in addressing key issues. The next opportunity will be in March at the Visalia Council meeting.

Format, schedule and follow-up
It was recommended that the Council meetings be extended from four hours to six hours in order to provide for more Council discussion, dialogue and interaction with those present. Field trips would not be held on the meeting days. Consideration of convening Friday and Saturday or evening regional meetings was discussed.

Motion was made, seconded and carried to accept the recommendations for the coming year.

The proposed schedule for 1997 is:

  • March 19 and 20 San Joaquin Valley regional meeting, Visalia.
  • June 19 Sacramento statewide meeting,
  • September 17 and 18 East Sierra regional meeting, Mammoth.
  • November 19 Sacramento statewide meeting

Science Coordinating Committee
Susan Cochrane presented the Council with an update on the development of the Science Coordinating Committee. The first meeting of the Committee was held on December 3, 1996, with the second meeting scheduled for January 23, 1997. Fifteen CBC member agencies were represented at this first meeting. The Committee reviewed the initial list of goals and objectives that was developed. It is anticipated that a final work plan will be presented to the Executive Committee January 30, 1997.

The mission of the Science Coordinating Committee is to enhance the development, coordination and sharing of the natural resources information and data to support informed decision-making throughout the state. The Committee has an open membership and all Council members are welcome to participate. However, participants must be willing to commit time throughout the year.

Ms. Cochrane reviewed with the Council a handout of the actual Committee notes of some of the group’s actions. Of the 14 objectives in the initial draft, three objectives were selected. They were:

  • Coordinate data stewardship and inventory of data sets, improving data access.
  • Support local and regional planning efforts.
  • Promote common scientific standards and protocols.

The Executive Committee will review the work plan before recommending approval and ratification by the Council.

Regional leadership teams
Ed Hastey reviewed a proposal from Granlibakken for a regional leadership team approach. The objective would be to try to improve some of the regional partnerships, which could result in improved communication and better understanding about regional issues. The regional leadership teams must be a bottom-up organization to provide a better network of communication between the Council and the regional teams, as well as the Science Coordinating Committee. The use of CERES and the Biodiversity Newsletter were recommended as ways to ensure information is available to all interested parties.

Council membership
Ed Hastey discussed current Council membership. He suggested that we consider the Corps of Engineers as a Council member. The Executive Committee will meet and make a recommendation.

Executive Committee membership terms were discussed, and nominations were requested to be submitted to the Committee by January 30, 1997. The new chairman would be selected at the January 30, 1997 Executive Committee meeting.

Mr. Fischer brought to the Council’s attention the proposed additional membership of the Bay Conservation Development Commission and the Wildlife Conservation Board. Secretary Wheeler said this information will be discussed and reported on at the next meeting.

1997 Action Plan
John Amodio reviewed for the Council the adjustments to the 1997 Action Plan. The 1996 Work Plan will be extended until June 1997.

  • Shift to two Council meetings in bioregions focused on specific bioregional issues and a concentrated follow-up. The two Council meetings in the bioregions will be initiation for stronger efforts to promote regional leadership forums.
  • Continued participation in local staff orientations about biodiversity conservation.
  • Sharing of information through mechanisms such as the Biodiversity Newsletter and the Internet home page will continue.
  • Where regional biodiversity initiatives are underway, participate in coordination of goals and strategies for management, planning, restoration and acquisition.
  • Continue cooperative research, monitoring, inventory and assessment through the Science Coordinating Committee.
  • Statewide programs for training, education and outreach through schools and traveling display.
  • Promote regional leadership teams in bioregions around the state.

Budget was discussed with the Council. Member agencies were reminded of the importance of making their annual contribution.

Biodiversity Information Kits
Chris Crystal informed the Council of efforts underway to produce another 500 Biodiversity information kits. She requested assistance from member agencies for printing the contents of the kit and contributions to offset the cost of providing folders for the kits.

Presentation By Tupper Ansel Blake on Living Aldo Leopold’s Land Ethic: The Ecosystem Approach to Conservation in the Klamath Basin
Tupper Ansel Blake presented information to the Council regarding his current project on the Klamath ecosystem. This project is a collaboration among himself as a wildlife photographer, his wife who photographs people in black and white, and William Kittredge who is an author from the Klamath area. The intent of the project is to publish a book showing the conservation ecosystem approach in the Klamath Basin. The project is expected to be completed in 1999.

Mr. Blake reviewed current funding efforts for the project. $400,000 has been raised to date, with $75,000 remaining. Grants in the $10,000-range are being sought. Corporation donations through the Nature Conservancy will be tax-deductible. He recognized the current government agencies, conservation organizations, foundations, corporations and individuals who have contributed to date. He asked the Council member agencies to consider financial commitment to the project through letters of support by April 1, 1997. The funding will be needed during the fiscal year 1998.

Mr. Blake reviewed the project using a slide overview of the Klamath Basin and requested input from the Council of additional examples of efforts underway in that area, so that these events could also be documented and included in the book. Jon Kennedy offered to provide contact information on efforts underway on the Yurok Indian reservation. Michael Fischer informed Mr. Blake about efforts undertaken by the North Coast Indian Development Corporation.

Secretary Wheeler thanked Mr. Blake for his excellent work and requested the Executive Committee discuss support for this project at their next meeting. Individual agencies were also urged to offer whatever financial support they could.

Council Announcements

Bob Hight, State Lands Commission
Mr. Hight provided an update on the project at Bolsa Chica which is nearing completion. Attempts to restore Bolsa Chica, which is about a thousand acres of former wetlands near Huntington Beach, have been in progress for the past 20 years. Currently the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach need restoration credits for fill they are going to undertake. In doing so, they would in effect fund the purchase and restoration of Bolsa Chica. Negotiations are underway with the landowner, and the project has to be completed by the end of the year. One remaining issue is the cleanup agreement, however negotiations on that are currently underway in Los Angeles.

Secretary Wheeler noted the Coastal Commission and Orange County had approved a restoration plan to be funded by the landowner in exchange for some development on the site. It was agreed this was not an optimal solution, but may be an option should public acquisition and restoration fail as a consequence of the landowner and oil companies’ inability to resolve the problem of cleanup.

Maria Rea, interagency vernal pool
Ms. Rea updated the Council on the interagency vernal pool effort, which is a project undertaken by a coalition of 13 state and federal agencies, who have identified vernal pools as an essential resource that has many endangered species. The framework agreement is well underway and a press release is expected in late January. Guidelines are currently being developed for streamlined permitting. Vernal pool mapping continues by Department of Fish and Game.

Michael Fischer, dredge material reuse project
The Coastal Conservancy is investing a million dollars in the Dredge Material Reuse Project, a program in San Francisco designed to develop uses for the materials dredged from San Francisco Bay. The goal of this project is to identify and purchase and develop one or two upland sites for rehandling sites at the end of two years. This is an effort to demonstrate that dredge materials are not a waste to be dumped, but instead a resource to be reused.

Second, Mr. Fischer reported on the concept of Southern California Wetlands Clearinghouse. He and Secretary Wheeler will be meeting with the wetlands regulatory agencies in the coming months regarding this concept. Although at the early end of bringing the Clearinghouse together, a report is available for anyone interested in additional information.

Third, he reviewed seven projects in the Bay Area that are under construction and nearing completion. Three of the projects are in communities of color at Hunters Point and Richmond. He specifically directed Council members to view a recently completed project on a half-mile section of the San Francisco Bay Trail, which ensures the safety of area birds as well as provides access to the shoreline behind Golden Gate Fields.

Finally, he announced the Coastal Conservancy’s new web site on CERES.

Don Erman, update on SNEP
Mr. Erman updated the Council on the current status of SNEP. Order forms for the report on SNEP were available. The last eight chapters, approximately 7500 pages, will be going to the printer next week. As soon as the chapters are completed, a CD will be produced through a cooperative effort with the U.S. Geological Survey. The CD should be available within two or three months.

Laurence Laurent, waterfowl hunting on Morro Bay
As a response to requests from constituents, Mr. Laurent wrote a letter to Director Schafer suggesting that it is time for Fish and Game and Department of Parks and Recreation to meet with him and the people at the Morro Bay Natural Estuary Project to discuss the closing of hunting on Morro Bay.

Ken Jones, Department of Parks and Recreation
Mr. Jones announced two acquisitions by the Department of Parks and Recreation. One acquisition presently in escrow is the 2300-acre acquisition in Santa Cruz County called Gray Whale Ranch. This is a significant piece of property because it is contiguous to an existing state park and also it links the UC Santa Cruz property, the Henry Cowell property, and with additional future effort, could connect up to Big Basin. Mr. Jones acknowledged the superb efforts of everyone in the partnership in this two-month venture. The second acquisition is in Sun City, where an offer and acceptance has been made. This has been a difficult and contentious acquisition for several years.

Ed Hastey, Consumnes Preserve
Mr. Hastey announced that work is underway to replace the visitors center at the Cosumnes River Preserve. The project is expected to be completed in a month or so.

Terry Jackson, marine environment
Mr. Jackson requested clarification on what role marine biodiversity plays with the Council. Secretary Wheeler responded that the ocean environments have been addressed by the Council. Most recently, the theme of the meeting held in Monterey was the relationship between the land and the ocean and the protection of the Monterey Sanctuary. Also, a conference regarding the ocean’s role is scheduled for March 24-27 in San Diego. It was suggested the Science Committee also review this issue and address the designation of oceanic bioregions.

Status of Council activities
Carl Rountree reviewed involvement in three activities. First, the planning of the Visalia Council meeting and local-sponsored forum is in progress. Second, the first of the local orientation workshops was held in Paso Robles and the second is scheduled for March 1 in Arcata. Summaries of the Paso Robles workshop will be available soon. Third, the last of the group planning sessions for the Sierra Nevada Regional Leadership Forums was held. Three forums are planned for March and April in Quincy, Placerville and Fresno.

Announcement of next Council meeting
The next Council meeting is scheduled for March 19 and 20, 1997, in Visalia, California.

Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 2:20 p.m.