Res04 14606 - Laserfiche WebLink

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considered by the NWRS. However, the City Council was requested by representatives from the environmental community to avoid any action that might delay publication of the draft EIS and NWRS plan. As an act of good faith and in a desire to see rehabilitation and improvement of Bair Island progress, the City agreed not to request delay, but, rather, in a further showing of its commitment to a community environment requested expedition in FWS and Department of Interior consideration of the EIS. CONSERVATION, COOPERATION, COMMUNICATION AND COLLABORATION For the NWRS, Bair Island is a major priority for restoration and an integral part of the extensive wetland complex within the Refuge. Bair Island restoration is, for NWRS, a solution to the preservation and perhaps recovery of endangered species For the City of Redwood City, restoration of Bair Island is just the beginning of an even bigger picture. The City Council sees Bair Island's future as a "metaphorical center of recovery" for species, children, and sensitive sub - populations. Bair Island is a historic part of the City of Redwood City. It represents our national, environmental and cultural heritage. The relationship between the Island and the City is unique. The Mayor and City Council of Redwood City take a broad view of what restoration of the Island can mean to species and citizens alike. Opportunities to improve the quality of life of all species abound. Through this document they offer the NWRS and FWS a unique and mutually beneficial partnership in shaping the future of Bair Island Restoration of Inner Bair Island will require the existing subsided soils to be filled and groomed before it can be used for habitat. Dredge spoils from Redwood Creek will be deposited on Inner Bair to bring the site above sea -level so that gentle inundation of soils, rather than lake pooling, feeds the habitat. Because of this the City feels that an opportunity exists to work with the NWRS to design contours and elevations on Inner Bair Island with future public use in mind. The City recommends that dredge spoils from the Redwood Shores lagoons and the port of Redwood City be used by the NWRS for Inner Bair rehabilitation. On Inner and Middle Bair historical sloughs will be opened to expose the existing and new habitat to inter -tidal flow. Pickleweed and cordgrass, native salt tolerant marshland plants indicating habitat for endangered species at the site, should be planted and reestablished on the island. The City's vision contemplates higher use of the Refuge to fulfill educational goals for local schoolchildren, recreational goals for special needs citizens and low impact regional transportation goals. Failure to have adequate parking, including parking for school buses and tour buses, will frustrate the long -term plan for