AgdaPkt 2004-09-13 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

-Z appreciation of this irreplaceable natural treasure, the City hired a consultant, Mr. W.H. Fawcett of the law firm Perkins Coie (with specialists in environment and natural resources). The committee and Mr. Fawcett developed an alternative restoration plan to supplement and enhance the FWS plan, and designed to offer full protection to Bair Island's inherent environmental features and habitat values, while providing the opportunity for low-intensity public access to and appreciation of the island's unique qualities. It is the ad-hoc committee's belief that only through public involvement, education, and appreciation can the greater Redwood City and peninsula community gain a fult understanding of Bair Island's environmental values and thereby embrace the need for long-term, sensitive stewardship of this open space, in the midst of an urban setting. The FWS has scheduled a public hearing on September 22" at 7:00 pm at the Veterans Memorial Senior Center to gather public input on the draft EIS/restoration plan. If it is the Council's desire, members of the ad-hoc committee will present the City's alternative plan at that meeting so that the City's concerns, comments, ideas, and desire to form a partnership for the long term management of Bair Island are made part of the official record. Following that hearing, the ad-hoc committee and staff will continue to work with the agencies involved in order to best represent the community's desires for the future of Bair Island. Redwood City Community Development Services staff is in the process of formal review of the technical aspects of the FWS plan and its Draft Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report, and will submit any resulting comments to the FWS prior to the close of the official comment period. Bair Island is an integral part of our community, evoking powerful feelings in those who value and desire to protect its biological diversity, its environmental qualities, and its significance as wonderful place for people to escape from our hectic lives and renew our spirit. As this urban refuge is within Redwood City's jurisdiction, it is our responsibility to develop and propose options for its restoration and public use that we believe fully address community issues, and safeguard its endangered species and wildlife habitat. Alternative The Council could choose not to approve this resolution, and therefore accept the FWS restoration plan once it is finalized. Fiscal Impact There is no fiscal impact associated with the approval of this resolution. • c�a�� Jeff Ira Barbara Pierce Rosanne Foust � Mayor Vice Mayor Councilmember Attachments Draft Resolution September 2, 2004 Update Memo to Council Fish and Wildlife Service Notice of Availability of Draft EIS/EIR Redwood City Plan and Proposal for Bair Island