Agmt 2007 California State Coastal Conservancy

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INVASIVE SPARTINA PROJECT (1SP) that implem~nt the restoration goals of the San Francisco Bay Joint Venture ("SFBN") and the San Francisco Baylands Ecosystem Habitat Goals Report ("Goals Report") and that meet the priorities of the Conservancy as described in Section 31162 of the Public Resources Code. In addition, any proposed project must, under the WCB grant agreement, be a "high priority" project as identified in the grant agreement or otherwise authorized as a priority project by WCB in the "Memorandum ofUnqerstanding" between WCB and the Conservancy that is required before any project may move forward. The WCB grant funding, in turn, is derived from an appropriation from the Water Security, Clean Drinking Water, Coastal Beach Protection Fund of2002 (Proposition 50), The Proposition 50 funds were appropriated under the specific authorization found in Section 79572( c) of the Water Code and may be used for the general purpose of acquisition, protection and restoration of coastal wetlands. The project meets the criteria of the WCB grant agreement and the related requirements of Proposition 50 in all respects. As required by the WCB grant agreement and Proposition 50, the proposed project serves to protect and preserve fish and wildlife habitat of the San Francisco Bay through restoration of wetlands, and is specifically identified in the WCB grant agreement as a high priority project that specifically benefits the San Francisco Estuary. Further, the project is one that implements the objectives of the SFBN and Goals Report. It also squarely meets the priorities and objectives of the Conservancy found in Section 31162 of the Public Resources Code, since it carries out the San Francisco Bay Area Conservancy Program's goal to protect, restore, and enhance natural habitats as detailed under the heading "Consistency with Conservancy's Enabling Legislation", below. Conservancy funding for the ongoing management ofISP is expected to come from the fiscal year 2005/06 appropriation to the Conservancy from the Water Security, Clean Drinking Water, Coastal Beach Protection Fund of 2002 (Proposition 50). Proposition 50 authorizes the use of these funds for the purpose of protecting coastal watersheds through projects to restore land and water resourbes. Funds may be used for planning and permitting associated with restoration, a~ well as the restoration activities. (Water Code Section 79570). The use of Proposition 50 funds for the ongoing environmental consulting services needed to operate and manage the Spartina Control Program wiU accomplish these purposes. The consulting services are needed specifically to plan, coordinate and obtain environmental permits and approvals for the ISP Control Program, which will allow for the restoration of the coastal watershed and associated wetlands affected by invasive Spartina. In addition, as required by Proposition 50, the proposed project is consistent with local and regional plans (Water Code Section 79507). The Goals Report is a multi-jurisdictional local planning document providing guidance for watershed protection activities for the San Francisco Bay. Proposition 50 recognizes the Goals Report as appropriate to guide the selection of restoration projects within the Bay region (Water Code Section 79572). As discussed in the paragraph above, the ISP Control Program carries out the objectives of the Goals Report. 7 c. EXHIBIT 4