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APPENDIX — REDWOOD SHORES When the FWS issued its 1996 biological opinion to the Corps for the public safety levee elevation, Bi�d Island was considered an isolated piece of a mosaic of rapidly disappearing rail and mouse habitat. This attitude can be read throughout the biological opinion. The Service was concerned that existing habitat in the Bay was becoming fragmented, losing its tidal features and its micro-habitats. One can feel the crisis that this species will be lost when reading the biological opinion today. The City believes � '�' �, ��``� > ��°-�' - � '�`� � < �� �, � ,.- i y�,� � � that the conditions ��' � `�� , � '*� � '' �,� �' °:: \ ..��,�� '� � �� underlying the rather * �,�� ;� � �'�� .�' .� ; ri ,� � draconian restrictions � '� �:� , < ,; �� � �� ; �� ,. imposed in the �- ,�� ,��` �, � "� - _ ,.� ; biological opinion � �� ' �a� have changed. The •-, .� - -�� , development and � � �"� � ,� > �� ��:�,. , restoration of the Bai� � �� Island Complex will put Bi�d Island, the levee wall and the Bird Island Completely Inundates During High Tide FWS restrictions in their proper places. In the intervening years, development of the Bair Island Complex into the Don Edwards Wildlife refuge has proceeded and many of the assumptions that gave rise to the conditions imposed on Redwood City have proved to be of less impact or importance than once thought to be. The perspective that has driven the relationship between the Fish and Wildlife Service and the City of Redwood City has changed. Where once there was a contentious relationship, now great unanimity exists. Seen today, it is hard to believe that the actions dictated in the biological opinion presented a long-term solution. Citizen attitudes toward their environment and the goals of conservation generally cannot be defined with chain link fence or secured with locks. It is the view of the City that with knowledge, understanding and education comes respect for one's environment. With sensitivity and concern for the urban neighbors of an urban refuge come cooperation, fellowship and protection of federal reserves. Today, flotsam and jetsam from the Bay litters Bi�d Island and the Redwood City marsh. Citizens, completely denied accesses of a view of the Bay, may break down into two categories. The majority will grumble at the inconvenience and intemperance of the decisions and take another way. A small but reckless few will 27