Agmt 2009 California State Coastal Conservancy

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INVASIVE SPARTINA PROJECT examine clapper rail movement.) The expanded treatment window is expected to not only increase efficacy but accommodate the increased time needed for ground-based treatment and spot control that now replaces much of the aerial broadcast applications. Other ongoing ISP responsibilities include making presentations to regional stakeholders, obtaining necessary permits, preparing and implementing ISP's Water Quality Monitoring Plan and reports, obtaining genetic analyses of Spartina samples, coordinating replanting in Corte Madera Creek watershed and some East Bay Regional Park District sites, and continuing to seek landowner permissions to work on sites where work has not previously been done. Finally, the Conservancy and ISP continue to make progress in the realm of stakeholder development. While treatment grantees are not able to provide large matches to fund 2009 control work, they continue to work with ISP to establish a strong network and commitment to a greater stewardship role in their marshes. This process is fostering dedication to the goals of the project, and strengthening knowledge of how to address various issues when they arise for the post-ISP landscape. In addition, through the South Bay Salt Pond Project Management Team, the Conservancy, ISP, FWS, the Department of Fish and Game and others developed Best Practices, to guide landowners and managers for long term stewardship. These Best Practices are posted on the ISP web site (www.spartina.org). Overall, since 2000 the Conservancy has authorized expenditure of $12,217,297 far the Invasive Spartina Project. Out of this total, $8,055,250 came to the Conservancy from three CALFED grants (one federal- and two state-funded), a National Wildlife Foundation grant, a FWS grant, and a Wildlife Conservation Board grant. The remainder of $4,162,047 was funded by the Coastal Conservancy. Most recently, in Apri12008, the Conservancy authorized disbursement of funding for treatment of the ISP Control Program through the 2008 treatment season, and management through spring 2010. Over the past two months, due to the stop work order issued to grantees and environmental services contractors funded with State bond funds, ISP management necessary to prepare for the 2009 treatment has been funded by an assemblage of foundation funding managed by Point Reyes Bird Observatory, the Conservancy's temporary fiscal sponsor for the project. Conservancy staff was successful in obtaining `bare bones' funding from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, and the S.D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation's Stephen Bechtel Fund for planning required to ensure that the 2009 treatment season is not missed. 2009 Control Program The majority of sites have been reduced significantly to a more scattered distribution over the previous footprint of the infestation. This progress necessitates for each year that began in 2008, a heightened focus on both identifying and subsequently treating remaining patches and then each and every plant of invasive Spartina throughout the Estuary to bring the project closer to the ultimate goal of eradication by 2012. The EPA grant will provide funds for ISP to conduct the required monitoring for water quality before, during and after treatment. Other monitoring required by the Biological Opinion is to inventory the presence of California clapper rail at various site-specific plan sites prior to treatment activities. The Conservancy approved disbursement of Romic settlement funds on Page 4 of 8 ~~ ~~~~~~: ~XNl~~T