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, . ------ -~ Edward Everett January 22, 2004 Page 2 . Clay Lewis, Redwood Shores Owners Association . Rosanne Foust, then representing the Redwood Shores Community Association . Carol Ford, San Carlos Pilots' Association . Tom Huening, San Mateo County . Ralph Nobles, Planning Commission In Washington, D.C., I presented the City's case on the Redwood Shores levee to Julie MacDonald, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Interior, Fish, Wildlife and Parks, formerly California Department of Resources Secretary. I also met with members of the Congressional delegations of both Representatives Tom Lantos and Anna Eshoo. During those meetings I gained an understanding of the needs of the citizens of Redwood City to restore a quality of life denied them by the strictures of the biological opinion and the levels of mistrust that had previously existed between certain members of the federal family, the City of Redwood City and regional members of the environmental community over this issue. Throughout my investigations, and in my conversations with each individual, I reiterated my desire, and the desire of my client Redwood City, to conserve the subject endangered species, preserve habitat in a responsible way, join with the Department of Interior in seeking improvements to the salt marsh habitat within its borders and become an active party in the stewardship obligations of all citizens in the ecological future of the San Francisco Bay. The overwhelming majority of my contacts with stakeholders were positive. Almost every one expressed their support. Those interest groups most interested with the species were understandably concerned with funding substantive habitat benefits. In order to return access to the people of the City of Redwood City, we could not focus on a limited habitat picture. We would have to recognize changed conditions since the biological opinion was issued, restore the faith of non-local government parties in the veracity and desire of the City to adopt, embrace and preserve the endangered species and habitat within its boundaries, and find a common sense "permanent" solution to the overall salt marsh habitat problems facing the City at Bird and Bair Islands. As a result of our meetings with FWS in Sacramento, we have developed a working protocol that, when reviewed by expert scientific analysis, will, I believe, result in both renewed access to the citizens of Redwood City and a higher degree of security for the endangered species because of the commitment to conservation and protection fostered by the City. We must be careful to acknowledge that until we have completely satisfied the FWS, no commitment on their part should be suggested or solicited. The question [41603.0001/DA040160.064 01122/04