COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

Board of Supervisors

 

DATE:

March 16, 2006

BOARD MEETING DATE:

March 28, 2006

SPECIAL NOTICE/HEARING:

No

VOTE REQUIRED:

No

 

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

Richard Gordon

SUBJECT:

Accept the Fisheries Network of the Central California Coastal Counties (FishNet 4C’s) roads maintenance manual

 

RECOMMENDATION:

Accept FishNet 4C’s roads manual

 

VISION ALIGNMENT:

Commitment: 13, 14

Goal(s): Fixing the boundary between open space and development protects the

quality of the natural environment.

Important natural resources are preserved and enhanced through

environmental stewardship.

 
 

BACKGROUND:

The Fisheries Network of the Central California Coastal Counties (FishNet 4C) was formed in response to the Federal Endangered Species Act listing of the coho salmon and steelhead trout in the late 1990’s. FishNet 4C is made up of six central California counties (San Mateo, Sonoma, Marin, Santa Cruz, Monterey and Mendecino). Through this organization, these counties coordinate effective local actions that will maintain and improve the region’s water quality and riparian habitat, provide increased assistance and education for local government and the private sector, and encourage cooperation and coordination between all levels of regulatory responsibility for fishery restoration.

The FishNet 4C roads maintenance manual was created in order to give county Public Works’ departments an effective tool in preserving and maintaining important fish habitats while keeping roads open and safe for the public.

So far, Santa Cruz County has accepted the roads manual for use. For San Mateo County, acceptance of the manual is recommended. Our Public Works Department has already developed and is using a separate, distinct roads manual that responds to the unique challenges faced in our county. There is no conflict between the manuals since the San Mateo County manual provides more specific guidance.

FishNet 4C has requested that all member counties take action in support of the roads manual in order to demonstrate to current funders that there is regional commitment to species protection.

By accepting the roads manual, the County of San Mateo indicates its commitment to the mission of FishNet 4C’ as it moves forward on securing funding to develop robust and creative solutions to fish protection activities.

Through acceptance of the manual, the County of San Mateo indicates its continued commitment to the protection of its valued natural environment and the species that inhabit it.

Attached to this memo is the executive summary of the roads manual.

 

FISCAL IMPACT:

None.