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Consider adopting a resolution in support of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) acquisition of a portion of the land for the San Pablo Bay Wildlife National Refuge (APN 0067-020-030), located at northeast corner of Highway 37 and Skaggs Island Road; and Direct County staff to work concurrently with the Service on the acquisition of 50 acres of said parcel, to be brought back to the Board for final action
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Published Notice Required? Yes ___ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ___ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Department of Resource Management recommends that the Board of Supervisors consider adopting a resolution in support of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) acquisition of a portion of the land for the San Pablo Bay Wildlife National Refuge (APN 0067-020-030), located at northeast corner of Highway 37 and Skaggs Island Road; and Direct County staff to work concurrently with the Service on the acquisition of 50 acres of said parcel, to be brought back to the Board for final action.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The Service manages the San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge, which lies along the north shore of the San Pablo Bay, and includes properties within the Solano, Napa and Sonoma Counties. The Refuge includes open bay/tidal marsh, mud flats and managed wetlands which provide critical habitat for migratory birds and endangered species. The Service is seeking funding approval from the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund to purchase the subject property from the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission (MBCC). The authority to approve the funds, has been delegated to the Executive Director of the California Fish and Game Commission, and as a condition of approval, County support is required in order approve the funds. The property is within the approved boundary of the Refuge, approved by the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission. Acquisition of the property by the Service is proposed and they intend to manage the lands.
The Service has entered into a purchase agreement to acquire 420 acres at the border of Napa and Solano County. 358 acres is located within Solano County (APN 0067-020-030) and the remainder is within Napa County and abut Hwy 37. A resolution was also requested of Napa County. The property is tidal marsh lands and was used as recreational duck hunting. Minimal restoration by the Service is anticipated, which would include more tidal circulation in the ponds, improve the food source and reduce mosquito population. Once the land is acquired, the potential for public hunting access will be considered by the Service.
The property is under private ownership and zoned Exclusive - Agriculture 20-acre minimum. The General Plan land use designation is Marsh and not encumbered by a Williamson Act Contract. Developable potential for the property is limited due to environmental constraints. Acquisition and management by the Service is intended to secure the environmental value of the land.
Attached is the letter by the Service requesting Solano County’s support and additional background information, and letter of support by the Friends of San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Acquisition of property by the Service and the County would impact the County’s property tax revenue as public agencies are exempt from paying taxes. Currently, the property is privately owned, but is largely marsh, and generates $3047.50 in property taxes. However, the Service has indicated it may continue to make annual payments to Counties under the authority of the Refuge Revenue Sharing Act. According to the Service, payments are calculated based upon the approved value of the Service’s land holdings in each County throughout the Country and the exact payment amount is dependent on many variables.
County staff anticipates the ultimate purchase of up to 50 acres.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board could choose not to support the resolution. This is not recommended as this will prevent the proposed acquisition for the San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge which is a critical effort in restoring the San Pablo Bay and associated wetlands. The Service cannot sell land that has been acquired for refuge and can only consider a land swap at the Service’s discretion, therefore County staff is seeking direction to work concurrently on the acquisition as part of supporting the Service’s request.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The County Administrator has reviewed this item and concurs with the recommended action.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION