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� �i . �� �� Iiack round <br /> � <br /> The Bair Island Complex is divided into three distinct areas separated b}� slough channels: <br /> Inner, Middle, and Outer Bair. Inner E3air Island is connected to the mainland with access <br /> from Whipple Avenue and U.S. Highway 101. Inner Bair Island is separated from <br /> Middle Bair by Smith Slough, which in turn is separated from Outer Bair by Corkscrew <br /> Slough. <br /> Historically, Bair Island was part of a large complex of tidal marshes and mud flats within <br /> � the drainage of San Francisco Bay, Redwood Creek and Steinberger Slough. Bair Island <br /> was diked in the late 1800's and early 1900's for agricultural purposes. It was converted <br /> to commercial salt ponds in 1946 and remained in production unti] 1965. The lands were <br /> then drained and sold to a series of real estate development companies. A local <br /> referendum in the City of Redwood City halted development plans for Bair Island. The <br /> Califomia Depar�ent of Fish and Game (CDFG) and the Don Edwards San Francisco <br /> Bay National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge) both acquired portions of Bair Island over time. <br /> The Peninsula Open Space Trust purchased the majority of the remaining portions of Bair <br /> Island in 1999 and their interests were acquired by these agencies. Among several other <br /> landowners still remaining on Bair Island, the San Carlos Aitpori retains a portion of <br /> Inner Bair Island as a flight safety zone. In addition, two easements exist on Bair Island, <br /> for the Pacific Gas and Electric iransmission towers and lines that run throughout the site <br /> and for the South Bayside System Authority (SBSA) force main that runs underneath <br /> most of the southern part of the levee on Inner Bair lsland. Pedestrians and bicyclist <br /> 5 <br />