AgdaPkt 2004-09-13 - Laserfiche WebLink

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A-Z� The Bair Island Complex is one of the most urban wildlife refuges in the nation. It is in many ways an experiment to see if wildlife conservation can proceed within an urban context. As the most urban part of the Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge, the City on behalf of the communiry, must initiate a deeper discussion into the complex interaction between the urban environment and the ecological environment in which the endangered species habitat exists. To isolate habitat in an urban area is to risk wasting the value of the habitat and subjecting it to abuse and degradation. For example, the Redwood Ciry Marsh near Bird Island is a jumble of flotsam and jetsam from Bay area shipping and recreational boating. These lands must be cared for, nurtured and restored. The Ciry and community members have successfully demonstrated through the successful Aqua-terra Project that the�� can cleanup and help restore areas that have been neglected. Through efforts like these, the community has accepted their role in preservation and now values the habitat and their investment in it. The California clapper rail and the salt marsh harvest mouse Recovery Plan does not mention domestic pets as a contributing factor to ,predation. Hawks and falcons are the main predators listed in the plan. The City recommends the NWRS study and, if appropriate, mitigate against low perch opportunities for raptors within the refuge crirical habitat. However, even though pets are not targeted as a limiting factor in the Recovery Plan, it takes little scientific knowledge to know that unconrrolled cats and dogs can pose a problem for mice and birds. NWRS Environmental Impact Statement recommends a trial period allowing dogs on leashes within the refuge. If a particular percentage of violations over a specified period of time were exceeded, dogs would be prohibited from the refuge. The Cin� supports the refuge in this trial approach. In cooperation with the refuge, and in furtherance of the refuge's goals, the Ciry is willing to enact such codes and ordinances as are necessary to protect critical habitat and endangered species within its borders. The Ciry is willing to enforce those laws with Redwood City Police and anunal wardens. NWRS will recommend that enhanced construction safeguards be included in the le�Tee wall construction containing the wastewater pipeline owned and operated by the South Bayside System Authority. In order to protect against catastrophic failure, enhanced construction standards are necessary and sufficient maintenance right-of- ways must be secured. Redwood City Police and Fire Departrnents are the designated first-responders for an}� airplane accident on Ba.ir Island. Currently, the San Carlos Airport is served by Fire emergency vehicles by Station 9, in Redwood City proper and Station 20, on the Redwood Shores peninsula. Response time to an incident at Bair Island would be 11