HomeMy WebLinkAbout4.7 Protection of Wetlands n
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. CITY OF DUBLIN
AGENDA STATEMENT
CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: March 9, 1987
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SUBJECT Resolution Supporting Protection of the Wetlands
EXHIBITS ATTACHED Resolution
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RECOMMENDATION, Adopt Resolution
FINANCIAL STATEMENT: None
DESCRIPTION The Alameda County Board of Supervisors adopted a
resolution encouraging all governmental agencies to exercise their
responsibility to protect the wetland resources of San Francisco Bay. The
resolution was also directed to each city suggesting their support of these
efforts .
Pursuant to direction from Councilmember Snyder, Staff contacted the
Regional Water Quality Control Board. The resolution presented by Alameda
County utilized a definition of wetlands which is used by the State
Department of Fish and Game. The State Regional Water Quality Control Board
has regulatory jurisdiction over the wetlands . Therefore, it would appear
most appropriate to utilize the same definition as the agency which
regulates wetlands use and development. Staff has prepared a resolution
which incorporates the Regional Water Quality Control Board definition of
wetlands .
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the resolution.
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COPIES TO:Air
ITEM NO. #°
RESOLUTION NO. - 87
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DUBLIN
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PROTECTING THE WETLAND RESOURCES
OF SAN FRANCISCO BAY
WHEREAS, the Wetlands of San Francisco Bay provide an inherent
value for the citizens of Alameda County; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Dublin is strongly
committed to the wise management of the shoreline to ensure that the
environmental and economic value of the Bay as part of the coastal zone
will be sustained; and
WHEREAS, for the purposes of this Resolution, the definition of
wetlands shall be that used by the State of California Regional Water
Quality Control Board, which is attached and is a part of this Resolution;
and
WHEREAS, preserving the productivity and quality of bay wetlands
resources requires public awareness and support and an understanding that
the use and protection of Bay wetlands is a responsibility shared by
individual citizens, the business community, and government agencies; and
WHEREAS, the wetlands provide habitat for wildlife, including
endangered species, and food and oxygen for wildlife; and
• WHEREAS, the wetlands provide open space for visual enjoyment and
the scenic values add to the aesthetic enjoyment of the citizens of the .
County; and
WHEREAS, the wetlands provide a buffer between bay waters and .
other open space resources and development; and
WHEREAS, any loss of wetlands to development threatens the habitat
and food of wildlife, and scenic values of the County; and
WHEREAS, the wetlands should be preserved and protected.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City
of Dublin urges governmental agencies at every level to exercise their
responsibilities to protect the wetlands resources of San Francisco Bay;
and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution be transmitted to the
U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, San
Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission, Association of Bay
Area Governments, Regional Water Quality Control Board, and Alameda County
Board of Supervisors .
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 9th day of March, 1987.
AYES: -
NOES: .
ABSENT:
Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk
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DEFINITION OF WETLANDS .
Wetlands . are lands which are covered periodically or
permanently . with shallow water. Wetlands - include
saltwater marshes", freshwater marshes, open or _closed •
brackish water marshes, swamps, mudflats, . and riparian
habitat. . Because of the seasonality of rainfall in the
Region, some wetlands may not be easy. to identify by •
simple means . Therefore, the Board will also rely 'on
the presence of hydrophytic plants (hydrophytes) and/or .
hydric soils as indicators of wetland habitat. While -
the presence of hydrophytes and hydric .soils . are .
. excellent indicators of wetland habitat, they should
not be the sole criteria. The actual or potential _ •
beneficial uses .of a wetland area should be the guiding
factor in determining the extent of Board action on
.wetland protection. This broad description of wetlands
is intended to maximize the Board' s -flexibility, in the. .
protection .of beneficial uses of wetlands. . -
Protection of wetlands is required by Section 13142.5 s.
of the Water Code which states that, "Highest. priority •
shall be given to improving or eliminating discharges .
that adversely affect wetlands., estuaries, and
other biologically sensitive sites. " Additionally, •
Senate concurrent Resolution , No. 28. (September 13,
1979) states, "It is. the intent of the legislature to
preserve, protect, restore, and enhance California' s
wetlands and the multiple resources which depend' on
them for the benefit of the' people of -the state. " This
Resolution also required the :'development. of a plan by
the Department - of Fish .and Game for increasing the -
amount of wetlands in California by 50% by . the year
2000.. • •
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Source: State of California, Regional Water Quality
Control Board Basin Plan Amendments
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