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1 I ~- -------~- - Edward Everett January 22,2004 Page 3 very carefully stated is, "How can we re-introduce human access onto the levees without taking the habitat of the species." The Bair Island Complex is one of the most urban wildlife refuges in the nation. It is in many ways an experiment to see if wildlife conservation can proceed within an urban context. As the most urban part of the Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge, this City must initiate the discussion into the complex interaction between the urban environment and the ecological environment in which the endangered species habitat exists. To isolate habitat in an urban area is to risk wasting the value of the habitat and subjecting it to abuse and degradation. For example, the pickleweed near Bird Island is a jumble of flotsam and jetsam from Bay area shipping and recreational boating. These lands must be cared for, nurtured and restored. It is often preferable to speak in generalities rather than specifics and let caution be the shield of the good. This is justifiable because there are so many variables that must be continually weighed until our task is complete. Therefore, it is difficult to place an absolute time limit on the project. The federal budget cycle, data and recommendations on species and habitat, and the level of cooperation enjoyed with the Don Edwards National Wildlife Reserve will all affect the final date of completion. However, with that understanding, there are items that can be identified as a concrete plan for going forward to completion. As with all things, the future is dictated by the demands of the time; and, therefore, any prediction of future events is predicated on foreseeability. It is also true that any writing drafted in good faith to be transparent and forthcoming in the public interest can be used by those who, for their own perverse reasons, whether to harm endangered species or gain personal control to the detriment of the public interest, may seek to use an open report to corrupt ends. The scientific discussion regarding the use, and timing of the use, of the Bay side of the Redwood Shores levees by endangered species must be perfected. We have developed Bay tidal information, not previously in the record, describing mean high and higher tide, highest tide, and the elevation of those events in relationship to the levees themselves. This will aid and direct our discussions on Clapper Rail refugia needs during those events and the timing of access allowance. Also added into this analysis must be the affect of human/species interaction during breeding and nesting seasons, and flora characteristics for cover development in tidal refugia. We must develop more accurate cost predictions for conservation improvements to the Bair Island Complex. Habitat loss avoidance, successful options for future [41603-o001/DA04o160.064] 01122/04