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COUNTY OF SAN MATEOInter-Departmental Correspondence |
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS |
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DATE: |
May 7, 2002 |
BOARD MEETING DATE: |
May 7, 2002 |
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TO: |
Honorable Board of Supervisors |
FROM: |
Supervisor Richard Gordon |
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Supervisor Jerry Hill |
SUBJECT: |
Consideration of Memorandum of Understanding with the National Marine Fisheries Service for Recovery Planning |
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Recommendation |
Adopt a Resolution Approving the Memorandum of Understanding with the National Marine Fisheries Service and other agencies and authorize Supervisor Richard Gordon, as the Supervisor Representative to the FishNet 4C Steering Committee, to sign the MOU. |
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Background |
Two species of fish (coho salmon and steelhead trout) have been listed as either endangered or threatened in San Mateo County under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA). The ESA requires recovery plans be developed and implemented for the conservation and survival of these species. The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has recently initiated the recovery planning process for the area from Humboldt County to Santa Cruz County. Recovery planning and implementation will require participation and support from a wide range of public and private agencies and groups, including the County of San Mateo. |
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Through prior Board action, the County of San Mateo agreed to join five other central California coastal counties in a program named the Fishery Network of the Central California Coastal Counties (FishNet 4C). FishNet 4C members share the mission to protect and restore the threatened and endangered salmonid populations found within coastal streams in the member County. As part of this effort, the Board of Supervisors appointed Supervisor Gordon and Supervisor Hill to chair a Board subcommittee called the Watershed Protection and Restoration Coordinating Council (WPRCC). The Board also appointed Supervisor Gordon to be the Supervisor representative for the County for the FishNet 4C steering committee. |
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Discussion |
One of the efforts undertaken by the FishNet 4C program has been to negotiate and develop a Memorandum of Understanding for Recovery Planning (MOU) among the FishNet 4C Counties, NMFS, the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. A copy of the proposed MOU is attached. The MOU establishes the general framework under which the signatories would collaboratively work with NMFS and CDFG to assist in recovery planning. The signatories will share information and technical assistance, seek to avoid duplication of efforts, coordinate meetings to track progress of recovery planning, and pursue recognition from regulatory entities of programs that contribute to recovery planning. The MOU will become effective upon the approval of NMFS, four of the FishNet 4C Counties and one of the other listed agencies. A FishNet County that does not join the MOU now may choose to become a signatory later. |
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This is the first time that NMFS has entered into a MOU with local governments. Historically, NMFS completed the recovery plan and then presented it to local governments with an expectation that the local government would now become accountable for implementation. Under this MOU, local governments like the County will have access to NMFS' work while in progress. In fact, the MOU requires NMFS to communicate with other signatories during the planning process. By being involved in the planning, the County will have an opportunity to shape the final product. Having an MOU in place will also provide a mechanism for the County and other participants to seek and obtain federal, state and local funding to support recovery goals. |
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We recommend that the Board of Supervisors approve the MOU for Recovery Planning and authorize Supervisor Richard Gordon to sign the MOU on behalf of the County, in a form substantially the same as provided subject to review by County Counsel. The final MOU will be available prior to an official signing ceremony which is scheduled to take place on Thursday, May 16, 2002, during the Fish Net 4C Conference in San Francisco. |
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Vision Alignment |
This project keeps the commitment to "preserve and provide people access to our natural environment" and goal number 14 - Important natural resources are preserved and enhanced through environmental stewardship. |
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___________________________________ |
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SUPERVISOR RICHARD GORDON |
SUPERVISOR JERRY HILL |
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TFC:MKR/mc |
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cc: |
John L. Maltbie, County Manager |
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Thomas F. Casey III, County Counsel |
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Marcia Raines, Director of Environmental Services |
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Neil Cullen, Director of Public Works |
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Dean Peterson, Director of Environmental Health Services |
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\\COMMON\SHARED\CCO\CLIENT\E_DEPTS\ENVSRVCS\FishnetMemo.doc |