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