East Contra Costa County Delta Atlas

DELTA ATLAS E AS T C ONT R A COSTA COUNTY

Existing Conditions, Constraints, and Opportunities

Planning/GIS Services Version 2.3 Distributed: 08/08/2019

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PLANNING/GIS TEAM

Ward 1 - Whitney Dotson Ward 2 - Dee Rosario Ward 3 - Dennis Waespi Ward 4 - Ellen Corbett Ward 5 - Ayn Wieskamp Ward 6 - Beverly Lane Ward 7 - Colin Coffey

Neoma Lavalle, Acting Principal Planner Kim Thai, Senior Planner Edward Willis, Acting Planner Christie McKaskey, GIS Analyst

INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT Mike Moran Michael Reeves Sean Dougan Suzanne Wilson Dan Cunning Carlos Lare-Masters Julie Bondurant Sandra Hamlat Raphael Breines

MANAGEMENT Robert Doyle, General Manager Ana Alvarez, Deputy General Manager Kristina Kelchner, Assistant General Manager - ASD Brian Holt, Chief of Planning/GIS

DISCLAIMER While efforts were made to ensure accuracy and include all relevant information, this Delta Atlas is meant to be a living document since projects and conditions in the area are constantly evolving and changing, and not all changes may be captured.

Boundary and property lines shown in this Atlas do not represent a boundary or property line survey. The East Bay Regional Park District makes no representation as to the accuracy of said property lines (or any other lines), and no liability is assumed by reason of reliance thereon. Use of this atlas for anything other than its intended purpose requires the written consent of EBRPD.

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East Bay Regional Park District Delta Atlas

TABLE OF CONTENTS DELTA ATLAS OVERVIEW

PROJECTIONS

Resiliency Adaptation.................................................................................................. 42

Development Overview.............................................................................................44 Development..........................................................................................................45

Sea Level Rise and Climate Change...........................................................................48 Transportation...............................................................................................49

Glossary of Terms .........................................................................................................6

Defining the Delta..........................................................................................................8

Jurisdictions and Policy...................................................................................................9 Demographics............................................................................................................11

Levees and Delta Plan..................................................................................................20

Local Area History.......................................................................................................21

Protected Lands...........................................................................................................22 POTENTIAL PARTNERSHIPS

Measure WW Projects.............................................................................................. 24

Habitat Conservation Plan ........................................................................................26 Agency/Organization List...........................................................................................52 RECREATION

Regional Initiatives.......................................................................................................28

PriorityTrail Connections...........................................................................................30

Delta Recreation..........................................................................................................31

Agritourism and Other Recreational Opportunities........................................... .32

SOURCES

Text Sources.................................................................................................................56

GIS Data Sources . .........................................................................................58

Photo Acknowledgments .........................................................................................59

NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES

Regional Initiatives.......................................................................................................36

CNDDB and Wildlife Corridor.................................................................................38 Conservation......................................................................................................39

OBJECTIVE The objective of the East Contra Costa County Delta Atlas (Delta Atlas) is to provide a comprehensive understanding of existing conditions, potential opportunities, and constraints within the Delta so that the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) can make informed decisions regarding acquisitions for land protection and recreation in accordance with its mission to preserve a rich heritage of natural and cultural resources and provide open space, parks, trails, safe and healthful recreation and environmental education.

For the purposes of this Delta Atlas, EBRPD focused on the Eastern Contra Costa County Delta shoreline comprising lands roughly east of the Antioch Bridge to Bethany Reservoir.

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East Bay Regional Park District Delta Atlas

Delta Atlas Overview This section includes a glossary, defines the area of study, displays demographic data, discusses levees and elevation, overviews a brief history of the area, and highlights protected lands as well as Measure WW projects.

Aerial view of Big Break Regional Shoreline in foreground and San Joaquin River and west Delta beyond.

East Bay Regional Park District Delta Atlas

Photo courtesy of Hillary VanAusten, EBRPD (2012)

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Delta Atlas Over view- Glossar y of Terms

ACCESS EASEMENT 1

DELTA REFORM ACT OF 2009 6

LAND SUBSIDENCE 10

Allows one or more persons to access, use or travel across another’s land to reach a nearby location, such as a road.

In 2009, the Legislature passed a package of bills which become a historic landmark in California water policy.

The package included the Delta Reform Act of 2009, which created the Delta Stewardship Council. It also established new standards for groundwater monitoring, statewide water conservation, enforcing Delta diversion and setting state policy that achieving water supply reliability and restoring the Delta’s ecosystem must be applied coequally.

A gradual settling or sudden sinking of the Earth’s surface due to subsurface material movement.

AGRITOURISM

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Any income-generating activity conducted on a working farm or ranch for the enjoyment and education of visitors.

CARBON SEQUESTRATION 3 Carbon sequestration is a process where carbon dioxide (CO2) is pulled from the atmosphere and stored for a long period of time in plants, wood, and soil.

CONNECTIVITY CONSERVATION 4 Connectivity conservation projects create physical linkages or corridors between habitats. These connections increase the mobility and range of many species and allow them to move from one patch of protected vegetation to another.

CONSERVATION EASEMENT 5

DEVELOPMENT Approved Development- Plans that have been approved.

In Progress Development- Approved plans that are currently in the construction phase.

Planned Development- Proposed plans that have not yet been approved.

DIGITAL ELEVATION MODEL (DEM) 7 A digital elevation model (DEM) is a digital model or 3D representation of a bare earth surface. The accuracy of this data is determined primarily by the resolution, which is the distance between sample points.

A legal agreement between a landowner and a government agency that permanently limits use of the land in order to protect its conservation value. Oversight and monitoring of land management practices are required on an annual basis and can be conducted by the government agency or third party land trust or nonprofit.

EAST CONTRA COSTA COUNTY HABITAT CONSERVATION PLAN (ECC HCP or HCP) 8

CONSERVATION INSTRUMENT

GLAMPING

A mechanism which places privately or publicly held properties in a special protected status. There are different types of conservation instruments, including but not limited to: conservation easements, deed restrictions, grant deeds, and scenic easements. These CIs are often placed on properties as mitigation for impacts caused by development projects.

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A framework for protecting natural resources in eastern Contra Costa County by streamlining the environmental permitting process for impacts on endangered species.

LEVEE 11 An embankment that prevents the overflow of a river.

MEASURE WW 12 East Bay Regional Park District sponsored/administered bond measure to acquire and develop land to meet the increasing demand to preserve open space for recreation and wildlife habitat.

NORTH DELTA HABITAT ARC 13 The northern rim of Suisun Bay and the Delta which wraps around the base of the Montezuma Hills to Yolo Bypass is known as the North Delta Arc. It has been identified as a critical area for native fish conservation due to its uniquely favorable conditions. These habitats tend to be more productive and more biologically diverse than other regions of the Delta.

SEA LEVEL RISE 14 Sea level rise (SLR) is an increase in the volume of water in the oceans. Sea level rises is caused primarily by two factors related to global warming: the added water from melting ice sheets and glaciers and the expansion of sea water as it warms.

A glamorous, amenities-rich, camping experience.

Glamping amenities might include showers, Wi-Fi, canvas cabins, and/or food services.

The potential impacts of sea level rise on the Delta region include an increased risk of levee failure, loss of agricultural land and productivity, loss of wetlands, reduced water quality, contamination of groundwater supplies, biodiversity shifts, and increased vulnerability to invasive species.

INVASIVE SPECIES 9

SLOUGH 15

Plants, animals, or pathogens that are non-native to the area and whose introduction causes or is likely to cause harm.

A slough is a swampy area, usually a backwater to a larger body of water. Sloughs can be found along the edges of rivers where the old river channel once flowed.

East Bay Regional Park District Delta Atlas

Delta Atlas Over view- Glossar y of Terms

SPHERE OF INFLUENCE 16 A planning boundary outside of an agency’s legal boundary, such as the city limit line, that designates the agency’s probable future boundary and service area.

URBAN LIMIT LINE 17 A voter-adopted boundary which limits urban development to certain areas of the County and helps to preserve farmland and open space.

WETLAND 18 Wetlands are areas where water covers the soil or where water is present at or near the surface of the soil. This can be year long or for varying periods of time during the year, including during the growing season.

ACRONYMS- Quick Reference List BART- Bay Area Rapid Transit CNDDB- California Natural Diversity Database DPC- Delta Protection Commission DLIS- Delta Levees Investment Strategy DSC- Delta Stewardship Council EBRPD- East Bay Regional Park District ECCCHC- East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy HCP/NCCP- Habitat Conservation Plan/Natural Community Conservation Plan ISD- Ironhouse Sanitary District MWD- Metropolitan Water District NHA- National Heritage Area NRC- National Research Council SMD- Save Mount Diablo

Photo courtesy of Anne Rivoire, EBRPD

View from Jersey Island’s north levee.

East Bay Regional Park District Delta Atlas

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Delta Atlas Over view- Defining the Delta

SACRAMENTO - SAN JOAQUIN DELTA 19 The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta includes approximately 500,000 acres of waterways, levees and farmed lands extending over portions of five counties: Contra Costa, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Solano and Yolo.

The Contra Costa County portion of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta is within the jurisdiction of EBRPD. PRIMARY ZONE The primary zone was defined in 1988 as comprising “Delta land and water areas of primary state concern and statewide significance.� The Delta Protection Commission (Commission) has land use authority over development in the Primary Zone.

SECONDARY ZONE Projects within the secondary zone are subject to Commission review through the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The Commission provides comments on projects in the Secondary Zone that could impact the Primary Zone. This Atlas refers to this zone as the legal delta.

AREA OF INTEREST The main area of interest for this Atlas is the portion of the legal delta within Contra Costa and Alameda counties, depicted in orange.

Projects in surrounding areas, outside of the legal Delta but within the blue box may be included in this Atlas.

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East Bay Regional Park District Delta Atlas

Delta Atlas Over view- Jurisdictions and Policy

DELTA PROTECTION ACT OF 1959 20 The purpose was to ensure maintenance of an adequate water supply to the present future water supply needs of the Delta and to provide protection to the Delta from the effects of tidal salinity.

DELTA PROTECTION ACT OF 1992 In 1992, the Delta Protection Act was enacted to protect the Delta for agriculture, wildlife and recreation. The act: • Established the Delta Protection Commission.

• Required a comprehensive long-term Resource Management Plan (RMP). The RMP was completed in 1995 and updated in early 2010.

• Requires city and county general plans to be consistent with the RMP within the Primary Zone.

THE DELTA REFORM ACT OF 2009 The Delta Reform Act of 2009 did the following: • Created the Delta Stewardship Council • Established new standards for groundwater monitoring • Statewide water conservation • Set state policy that achieving water supply reliability and restoring the Delta’s ecosystem must be applied coequally.

Aerial imagery of the study area East Bay Regional Park District Delta Atlas

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Delta Atlas Over view- Jurisdictions and Policy

URBAN LIMIT LINE In 1990, Contra Costa County voters approved the Urban Limit Line (ULL), which limits urban development to certain areas of the County and helps to preserve farmland and open space.

In 2006, County voters passed Measure L, which extended the term of the ULL through 2026 and required a 2016 review to determine whether enough capacity existed inside the ULL to accommodate jobs and housing growth through 2036.

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East Bay Regional Park District Delta Atlas

Delta Atlas Over view- Demographics

DEMOGRAPHIC DATA The following maps show demographic data within the legal Delta boundary within Contra Costa and Alameda counties. The data source is the American Community Survey: 5-Yr 2016

by Census Block Groups.

NATURAL BREAKS The demographic maps use Jenks Natural Breaks to find the “best” way to split up ranges. “Best ranges” means ranges where like areas are grouped together.

CENSUS TRACTS Census tracts generally have a population size between 1,200 and 8,000 people, with an optimum size of 4,000 people. A census tract usually covers a contiguous area; however, the spatial size of census tracts varies widely depending on the density of settlement.

BLOCKS Blocks are statistical areas bounded by visible features, such as streets, roads, streams, and railroad tracks, and by nonvisible boundaries, such as selected property lines and city, township, school district, and county limits.

BLOCK GROUPS Block Groups are statistical divisions of census tracts, are generally defined to contain between 600 and 3,000 people, and are used to present data and control block numbering.

A block group consists of clusters of blocks within the same census tract.

For more info on Census Terms see https://www. census.gov/geo/reference/terms.html East Bay Regional Park District Delta Atlas

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Delta Atlas Over view- Demographics

AGE - UNDER 18 The map below shows the distribution of population, per census block, under the age of 18. Youth, under the age of 18, make up 27% of the population, or 58,651 individuals.

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AGE - OVER 65

08 - 14 % 15 - 21 % 22 - 27 %

The map below shows the distribution of the population, per census block, that is 65 or older.

Seniors, 65 years or older, make up 11% of the population, or 24,763 individuals.

25 - 54 % 18 - 24 % 12 - 17 %

28 - 33 %

8 - 11 %

34 - 42 %

1 - 7 %

East Bay Regional Park District Delta Atlas

Delta Atlas Over view- Demographics

AGE - MEDIAN The map below shows the median age, in years, of each census block.

24 - 30 years old 31 - 36 years old

AGE BREAKDOWN

37 - 42 years old 43 - 53 years old

Approximately 218,885 people live in the ECCC Delta Region.

54 - 66 years old

Youth under the age of 18 make up 27% of the population, seniors 65 years or older make up 11% of the population.

AGE OVER 65 11%

AGE UNDER 18 27% 18-64 62%

East Bay Regional Park District Delta Atlas

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Delta Atlas Over view- Demographics

PREDOMINANT NON-ENGLISH LANGUAGE SPOKEN

PREDOMINANT LANGUAGE SPOKEN The map below shows the predominant language spoken in each census block.

English Spanish

The map below shows the predominant non-English language spoken in each census block.

Asian / Pacific Islander Other Indo-European Spanish

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East Bay Regional Park District Delta Atlas

Delta Atlas Over view- Demographics

ENGLISH ONLY HOUSEHOLDS

The map below shows the percentage range, per census block, of households that only speak English. 65 % of households or 45,689 households, in this portion of the legal delta, speak only English.

23 - 43 % 44 - 57 % 58 - 67 % 68 - 78 % 79 - 96 %

East Bay Regional Park District Delta Atlas

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Delta Atlas Over view- Demographics

POVERTY % HOUSEHOLDS BELOW POVERTY LEVEL

MEDIAN EARNINGS

The map below shows the median earnings per census block. The median earnings for this region is $28,656 while the median household income for all of Contra Costa County is $88,456.

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$15,694 - $23, 090 $23,091 - $30,324 $30,325 - $37,400

The map below shows the percentage of households, per census block, that live below the poverty line. 13% of the population, or 29,041 individuals in this area, live in low-income households.

0 - 4 % 5 - 9 % 10 - 16 %

$37,401 - $47,595

17 - 25 %

$47,596 - $67,537

26 - 48 %

East Bay Regional Park District Delta Atlas

Delta Atlas Over view- Demographics

EDUCATION % AGE 25+ HOLD BACHELOR’S DEGREE The map below shows the population over 25 that has attained a Bachelor’s degree. 11 % of the population, age 25 or older (19,058 individuals) have attained a Bachelor’s degree.

COMMUTE TIME 0 - 5 % 6 - 10 %

The map below shows the travel time to work of individuals over 16.

11 - 15 % 16 - 22 % 23 - 34 %

East Bay Regional Park District Delta Atlas

5 - 9 minutes 10 - 14 minutes 15 - 19 minutes 20 - 24 minutes 25 - 29 minutes 30 - 34 minutes 45 - 59 minutes 60 - 89 minutes 90+ minutes

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Delta Atlas Over view- Demographics

DIVERSITY OF COMMUNITIES

PREDOMINANT ETHNIC RACE

The map below shows the ethnic diversity of the area. The blue area represent an ethnic majority or no white majority while the yellow represents areas with a white majority. 63% of the population within this area are white (white alone or in combination with one or more races).

The map below displays the ethnic race with the highest percentage within a census block.

Communities with an ethnic majority (> 50%) Communities with a White majority (>50%)

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East Bay Regional Park District Delta Atlas

Black or African American Asian Hispanic or Latino Other

Delta Atlas Over view- Demographics

CALIFORNIA COMMUNITIES ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCREENING TOOL (C al E nviro S creen ) CalEnviroScreen is a science-based mapping tool that helps identify California communities that are most affected by many sources of pollution, and that are often especially vulnerable to pollution’s effects. CalEnviroScreen uses environmental, health, and socioeconomic information to produce a numerical score for each census tract in the state. A census tract with a high score is one that experiences higher pollution burden and vulnerability than census tracts with low scores.

Disadvantaged communities in California are targeted for investment of proceeds from the State’s cap-and-trade program. CalEPA designated census tracts with the highest CalEnviroScreen scores as disadvantaged communities for investing cap-and-trade proceeds. CalEnviroScreen is used

by CalEPA’s Environmental Justice Task Force and other state entities as guidance in allocating grants and in other decisions.

Percentile Range of CalEnviro Score 90 - 100 % (Highest Scores) 80 - 90 % 70 - 80 % 60 - 70 % 50 - 60 % 40 - 50 % 30 - 40 % 20 - 30 % 10 - 20 % 1 - 10 % (Lowest Scores) East Bay Regional Park District Delta Atlas

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Delta Atlas Over view- Levees and Delta Plan

DELTA LEVEES INVESTMENT STRATEGY (DLIS) 21 The Delta Reform Act of 2009 called for the newly created Delta Stewardship Council to lead a multi-agency effort to update priorities for State investments in the Delta levee system.

Priorities include reducing the likelihood and consequences of levee failures to protect people, property, and State interests while advancing the coequal goals of improving water supply reliability, restoring the Delta ecosystem, and protecting and enhancing the values of the Delta as an evolving place.

In response, the Council has launched the Delta Levees Investment Strategy (DLIS) that combines risk analysis, economics, engineering, and decision making techniques to identify funding priorities and assemble a comprehensive investment strategy for the Delta levees.

DELTA PLAN

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The Delta Plan is a comprehensive, long-term management plan for the Delta, completed by the Delta Stewardship Council. The Delta Plan is required by the Delta Reform Act of 2009.

It creates new rules and recommendations to further the state’s coequal goals for the Delta: Improve statewide water supply reliability, and protect and restore a vibrant and healthy Delta ecosystem, all in a manner that preserves, protects and enhances the unique agricultural, cultural, and recreational characteristics of the Delta. The Plan was last amended in 2018.

DELTA LEVEES MAINTENANCE SUBVENTIONS PROGRAM 23 Authorized by the California Water Code, the Subventions Program provides funding on a cost-share basis to local levee maintaining agencies for rehabilitation and maintenance of levees in the Delta.

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East Bay Regional Park District Delta Atlas

Delta Atlas Over view- Local Area Histor y

LOCAL AREA HISTORY

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The area’s first inhabitants were Native American tribes who lived in the Bay Area for the last 10,000 years. Spanish explorers arrived in 1772, and French trappers arrived in 1832, attracted to the same abundant wildlife that had sustained the Native Americans. They collected beaver pelts for the European top hat trade.

Mountain men such as Jedediah Smith explored the area, and the Chinese built farming levees in the Delta after laying the first railroad tracks through the Sierra Nevada. Portuguese, Italians, Dutch, and other nationalities were also drawn to the area. Seagoing ships navigated the rivers transporting supplies and tallow, and exporting furs.

The entire Delta was dramatically transformed by the Gold Rush, which accelerated the settlement of the Delta and the substantial land reclamation that changed the Delta area’s environment. Unsuccessful Forty-Niners returned to the Delta from the Motherlode to farm the rich soils. Due to the annual flooding, they erected crude levees.

California Indians traveling through the San Francisco Bay-Delta Estuary, 1816. Illustration by Louis Choris.

Courtesy of the Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley Interpretive Panel at Big Break Regional Shoreline

The Sacramento-San Joaquin levees were built in the mid- to late-19th century to prevent flooding on prime agricultural land. Most of the land was at sea level, and levees were frequently constructed on top of natural dirt barriers that formed along rivers and sloughs. Many of the levees were built by Chinese laborers using hand shovels and wheelbarrows.

Courtesy of the California Department of Water Resources Story Map by KQED, San Francisco Estuary Institute, et al.

In the 1870s, the clamshell dredge enabled farmers to erect more stable and extensive levees. By 1930, Delta reclamation was almost complete, with 57 manmade islands encompassing over 550,000 acres. To this day, agriculture is the primary land use, particularly the production of drygrains, asparagus and other specialty crops.

Data recently obtained from the Department of Water Resources, documents a levee break in 1927. Big Break Regional Shoreline received its name from the 1927 event that broke the levee separating an asparagus farm from the San Joaquin River and Dutch Slough.

Damming the wetlands (pre 1900).

Courtesy of Holt-Atherton Special Collections, University of the Pacific Library Story Map by KQED, San Francisco Estuary Institute, et al.

Seasonal flooding was the dominant force in the north Delta, like this 1927 flood near Sacramento. Fed by winter rain and snow, the powerful Sacramento River frequently overflowed its banks.

Courtesy of the California State Library Story Map by KQED, San Francisco Estuary Institute, et al.

East Bay Regional Park District Delta Atlas

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Delta Atlas Over view- Protected Lands

EBRPD GOALS EBRPD owns and manages over 120,000 acres of shorelines, wildlands, and agricultural lands in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. EBRPD is arguably the largest owner and manager of land in the East San Francisco Bay. In accordance with its mission to provide recreational opportunities, ensure natural beauty of the land, and protect wildlife habitat, these lands are predominately managed in a natural state while protecting critical habitat corridors, providing outdoor recreation opportunities, and providing a greenbelt throughout the East Bay. EBRPD determines the potential for land acquisition in the Delta by evaluating outdoor recreation opportunities, ecosystem/wildlife values, potential wildlife corridors and coordination with other entities/ agencies.

Habitat restoration and adaptation to climate change is becoming increasingly important as the hydrology of the Delta is planned for drastic alterations. Carbon sequestration is one emerging method of climate change mitigation and adaptation, and is calculated to remove an estimated 7.5 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MTCO2 Eq.) per acre-year through practices such as rice cultivation and freshwater wetlands restoration, which can also reverse land subsidence.

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East Bay Regional Park District Delta Atlas

Delta Atlas Over view- Protected Lands

PROTECTED LANDS- OWNED BY OTHER AGENCIES Summary of protected land within the Eastern Contra Costa County Delta and surrounding area (extent of map to the left): • EBRPD owns 30,373 acres • City parks cover 760 acres • Other agencies (combined) own 73, 817 acres

CONSERVATION INSTRUMENTS AND WETLANDS PROJECTS A conservation instrument is a mechanism which places privately or publicly held properties in a special protected status. There are different types of conservation instruments, including but not limited to: conservation easements, agricultural conservation easements, deed restrictions, grant deeds, and scenic easements. These CIs are often placed on properties as mitigation for impacts caused by development projects. Conservation instruments allow landowners to protect land that has a public benefit, such as improving water quality, farm and ranch land preservation, scenic views, wildlife habitat, outdoor recreation, education, and historic preservation.

The wetland projects list is from the California EcoAtlas which provides access to information for effective wetland management. These projects consist of an enhancement or restoration element.

Areas surrounding conservation easements and wetland projects may be at risk of wildlife habitat loss due to development so identifying these areas are important when making land acquisition decisions.

East Bay Regional Park District Delta Atlas

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Delta Atlas Over view- Measure WW Projects

MEASURE WW

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Measure WW was approved by voters in Alameda and Contra Costa counties in November 2008. The measure extended Measure AA, approved in 1988, to help EBRPD meet the increasing demand to preserve open space for recreation and wildlife habitat. It also made funding available directly to cities and special park districts for high priority community park projects.

Highlighted here are Measure WW projects within the Delta region.

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East Bay Regional Park District Delta Atlas

Delta Atlas Over view- Measure WW Projects

Project descriptions are from the 2008 bond measure.

ECCCHC = East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy *Development proposed includes environmental maintenance and stewardship project.

1) San Francisco Bay Area Water Trail $5.9 million to establish safe and environmentally sound launch sites, wildlife viewing, camping, and other facilities to support the new SF Bay Area Water Trail, providing places for kayakers, canoers, and other small boats to travel the length of the East Bay shoreline and ultimately circumnavigate the Bay. 2)* Big Break Shoreline $2.6 million to enhance Delta shoreline access and expand interpretive and educational opportunities for East Contra Costa County schools and families to experience the Delta in a natural setting. Protect and enhance habitat for the threatened California black rail and giant garter snake; restore coastal prairie grassland.

3)* Black Diamond $4.5 million to complete the underground trail and Mining Museum and to preserve important open space; enhance wetland and riparian habitat in partnership with the ECCCHC. 4)* Byron Vernal Pools $3 million to acquire rare vernal pool habitat and wetlands near Byron to expand, preserve, protect, and interpret rare species including tiger salamander, fairy shrimp and vernal pool wildflowers in partnership with the ECCCHC. 5) Clayton Ranch $2 million to preserve open space and complete this critical wildlife corridor for Alameda whipsnake, red-legged frog and rare plants between Mt. Diablo and Black Diamond Mines in partnership with the ECCCHC. Provide initial staging and new trail opportunities for all users.

6)* Deer Valley $3.6 million to establish a new park near Brentwood and Oakley. When matched with funding from the ECCCHC, the park will preserve a regional wildlife corridor for San Joaquin kit fox, tiger salamander, and other threatened species between Los Vaqueros and Black Diamond, and will preserve the rural ranching history of the area.

7)* Delta Access $5 million to open a new regional park on the Delta, providing swimming, boating, fishing, picnicking, and camping close to East Contra Costa communities.

Work with federal and state agencies to provide both Delta recreation and wildlife habitat for threatened California black rails, giant garter snakes and migratory waterfowl.

8) Delta Recreation $1 million for new public access, trails, family camping, and picnicking in the Delta on Jersey Island and the San Joaquin River.

11) Morgan Territory $8.1 million to expand wildlife corridors in partnership with the ECCCHC. Provide trails for all users and additional access to the ridgelands south of Mt. Diablo.

12)* Round Valley $7.2 million to expand park to protect this unique pristine valley. Acquire lands in cooperation with the ECC HCP. Expand trail access for all users, and staging, picnic, and camping opportunities. Connect trail corridors to adjacent State parks and to Morgan Territory Regional Preserve. Improve grasslands for kit fox and golden eagle habitat.

13)* Vasco Caves $4.7 million to expand the preserve to protect unique natural and cultural resources in partnership with the ECCCHC. Improve habitat for kit fox, golden eagles, and enhance wetlands. Provide suitable guided public access, parking, and visitor facilities.

9) Delta Trail $4.1 million to provide a new trail for all users, connecting the communities of Bay Point, Brentwood, Pittsburg, Antioch, and Oakley to the shoreline. Work with State and local agencies to develop the Great Delta Trail, improving urban access to fishing and boating in the Delta.

10) Marsh Creek Trail $900,000 to complete the Marsh Creek Trail connecting the Brentwood area through John Marsh State Historic Park to Round Valley Regional Preserve.

East Bay Regional Park District Delta Atlas

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Delta Atlas Over view- Habitat Conser vation Plan

HCP/NCCP - LAND ACQUISITION The East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservation Plan/Natural Community Conservation Plan (HCP/NCCP) is a framework for protecting natural resources in eastern Contra Costa County through the preservation of the area’s diverse ecosystems, unique species and scenic landscapes, while also serving to clear regulatory obstacles to continued economic development and growth. The HCP/ NCCP’s primary mechanisms for preservation is through the acquisition, restoration and longterm management of open space lands.

The Delta Atlas encompasses all of the HCP/NCCP’s area, and open space preservation in Contra Costa County’s delta region contributes towards the HCP/NCCP’s goal of protecting up to 30,300 acres of open space. EBRPD and the East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy (ECCCHC) work together to identify acquisition priorities and implement those acquisitions.

Since the beginning of the HCP/NCCP implementation in 2008, approximately 13,859 acres have been acquired and protected by EBRPD in partnership with the ECCCHC.

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East Bay Regional Park District Delta Atlas

Recreation This section covers priority trail connections listed on the master plan, other recreational opportunities like kayaking and camping, as well as the potential for historic, agricultural, and interpretive programs. The Delta region offers a wide range of recreational opportunities beyond what EBRPD is focusing on.

Photo courtesy of Christie McKaskey, EBRPD

Kayaking class at Big Break Regional Shoreline.

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Recreation- Regional Initiatives

DELTA NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA 26 The John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act, a large conservation and public lands bill that includes the establishment of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta National Heritage Area (NHA) was signed on March 12, 2019 by President Donald Trump. The map to the left shows the boundary to be managed by the Delta Protection Commission. The bill authorizes $10 million in federal assistance over 15 years to provide matching grants to local governments and nonprofit organizations. This federal grant funding would help to implement the locally developed Heritage Area management plan to promote environmental stewardship, heritage conservation, and economic development projects throughout the Delta. The plan would: • Establish and maintain interpretive exhibits and programs.

• Develop recreational and educational opportunities.

• Increase public awareness of, and appreciation for, natural, historical, scenic, and cultural resources.

• Promote a wide range of partnerships among governments, organizations, and individuals to further the Heritage Area.

• Protect and restore historic sites and buildings in the Heritage Area that are consistent with Heritage Area themes.

• Ensure that clear, consistent, and appropriate signs identify points of public access, and sites of interest are posted throughout the Heritage Area.

CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS RECREATION 27 PROPOSAL FOR THE SACRAMENTO - SAN JOAQUIN DELTA & SUISUN MARSH

This 2011 proposal recommends improvement and, in some cases, expansion of California State Parks’ four Delta recreation areas and six other state parks on the edge of the Delta and Suisun Marsh. It identifies opportunities to create four new state parks to serve the Region. The report offers ways to improve recreation at wildlife habitat areas, publicly owned levees, scenic highways, state recreational trails, and other public lands, and to coordinate recreation and tourism efforts.

These recommendations constitute California State Parks’ proposal to expand state recreation areas in the Delta, as provided in the Delta Reform Act of 2009.

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Map by National Park Service East Bay Regional Park District Delta Atlas

Recreation- Regional Initiatives

THE JUAN BAUTISTA DE ANZA 28 NATIONAL HISTORIC TRAIL The trail is administered by the U.S. National Park Service (NPS). This 1,210-mile historic route extends from Nogales, Arizona on the U.S.- Mexico border, through the desert and coastal areas in Southern California along the Central Coast region to the San Francisco Bay Area.

The trail commemorates the story of the 1775–1776 Spanish Expedition led by Lt. Colonel Juan Bautista de Anza. The expedition left Mexico with 240 settlers, soldiers, and others bound for Alta California to colonize the region, explore, and establish San Francisco’s presidio and mission. Anza’s smaller East Bay exploration in March and April of 1776 is displayed in the fourteen interpretive panels throughout the East Bay, produced in collaboration with NPS. GREAT CALIFORNIA DELTA TRAIL 29 In 2006, Senate Bill 1556 mandated that the Delta Protection Commission adopt a plan and implementation program for a continuous recreational corridor trail network through all five Delta counties. The network would link the San Francisco Bay Trail system to the planned Sacramento River trails in Yolo and Sacramento Counties. The plan is to include routes for bicycling and hiking, with interconnections to other trails, recreational facilities, and public transportation. Water trails will ensure trail continuity in places where land trails are not feasible. The Delta Protection Commission serves as a facilitator for this effort, working in partnership with local entities to coordinate planning and implementation across jurisdictional boundaries. Three segments have already been designated as part of the Great California Delta Trail: West Sacramento: Sycamore Trail, Riverwalk Trail and the Clarksburg Branch Line Trail East Bay Regional Park District: From the Big Break Visitors’ Center to the Marsh Creek Trail Sacramento River Parkway: From the confluence of Sacramento and American Rivers southbound East Bay Regional Park District Delta Atlas

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Recreation- Priority Trail Connections

The EBRPD 2013 Master Plan identifies several priority trail connections in the study area.

These include:

1

Great California Delta Trail (Pittsburg, Antioch, and Oakley)

2 3

Big Break Shoreline

4

Delta DeAnza Trail (Extension to Knightsen)

5

Delta/DeAnza Trail (Antioch to Oakley)

6

Mokelumne Coast to Crest (Marsh Creek Trail to Delta Trail)

7 8 9 10

Delta Island Shoreline (Jersey Island)

Marsh Creek to Discovery Bay Mokelumne to Discovery Bay Trail Delta Trail Extension San Francisco Bay to San Joaquin River Trail (Marsh Creek to Round Valley)

The intention of these multi-use trails is to connect communities throughout the area and provide opportunities for recreation, nature study, and non-motorized transportation alternatives to automobiles. Furthermore, these trails will provide connections to, and between, existing and future parkland such as Black Diamond Mines, Contra Loma, Deer Valley, Big Break, and the Delta Access properties.

The black triangles on the map depict potential future EBRPD parkland.

Other trail opportunities, not listed in the Master Plan, include the trail connection between Rock Slough and Bethany Reservoir (schematic line depicted) and the trail from Antioch Bridge to Main Street (Highway 4). This trail would connect the Antioch Bridge to the Great California Delta Trail. The Antioch Bridge is accessible to cyclists as well as pedestrians.

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East Bay Regional Park District Delta Atlas

Recreation- Delta Recreation

Stretching between Martinez, Stockton, and Sacramento, and roughly triangular in shape, the 1,200 square-mile Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta is the largest [delta] on the west coast of the Americas. EBRPD is considering recreational opportunities along the southwestern portions of the Delta in eastern Contra Costa and northeastern Alameda counties.

EBRPD has identified the following potential recreational opportunities: • Kayaking and boating • Camping • Environmental education • Agritourism • Cultural education & interpretation • Walking/biking/jogging trails • Fishing • Birding

East Bay Regional Park District Delta Atlas

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Recreation- Agritourism and Other Recreational Opportunities

WATER RECREATION EBRPD hopes to expand non-motorized boating access to delta waterways. A segment of the San Francisco Bay Area Water Trail has been designated at Big Break Regional Shoreline and could potentially go through the northeast corner of Contra Costa County. Other potential opportunities include a water trail from Big Break to Delta Access that would connect EBRPD properties and a water trail from the eastern portion of the San Francisco Bay Area Water Trail to Clifton Court Forebay, which would make connections between other recreational areas. These water trail connections may warrant the provision of boating facilities and boat-in camping on the Delta.

LAND USE ANALYSIS FOR JERSEY ISLAND

JERSEY ISLAND- FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR RECREATIONAL USE

Ironhouse Sanitary District (ISD) is currently evaluating land use opportunities to leverage Jersey Island to provide direct value for wastewater collection and treatment services.

In 2009, EBRPD conducted a Feasibility Study for Recreational Use for Jersey Island. The purpose of the study was to determine Jersey Island’s suitability for new recreational facilities, and to make recommendations regarding the feasibility of providing recreation services through a cooperative agreement between EBRPD and Ironhouse Sanitary District (ISD).

ISD has engaged with EBRPD at various times regarding recreational possibilities for Jersey Island. The schematic below shows what could potentially be done on Jersey Island.

Currently, a kayak launch exists at Big Break Regional Shoreline. Other potential kayak launches might be located along the south side of Jersey Island, near Bethel Island, near Holland Tract, and northwest of Discovery Bay. See map on page 31.

CAMPING Camping is a popular pastime in the Delta. Existing campgrounds can be found on Brannan Island and Bethel Island, as well as throughout the Delta. New Life Marina, located along Taylor slough on Bethel Island, rents out 7 land cabins and 3 floating cabins. Bethel Island has highly developed recreational facilities with mostly RV-oriented campgrounds. This use is popular but also suggests that more tent and possibly walk or boat-in camping should be provided for those that prefer a different experience. A more amenities-rich, or glamorous, camping experience, also known as glamping, could also potentially be established throughout the region or along the water. Glamping amenities might include showers, Wi-Fi, canvas cabins, and/or food services.

Potential tent or RV campgrounds could be built at the Delta Access Regional Recreation Area, Jersey Island, or Bethel Island. The 2013 EBRPD Master Plan shows a potential EBRPD parkland on Jersey Island called Delta Recreation. Currently EBRPD owns no property on Bethel Island but there may be future potential opportunities.

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Recreational facilities on Jersey Island could provide a valuable service to outdoor enthusiasts in the East Bay and Delta region. The schematic plan above shows the potential location of trails, scenic outlooks, boat launch, staging area, and campground. A final Jersey Island project will not necessarily include all of these recommended sites, but would select the best combination.

East Bay Regional Park District Delta Atlas

Recreation- Agritourism and Other Recreational Opportunities

HISTORIC VINEYARD 33

“Agritourism” includes any income-generating activity conducted on a working farm or ranch for the enjoyment and education of visitors. This includes the interpretation of the natural, cultural, historical, and environmental assets of the land and the people working on it.

A vineyard, planted with historic vines, has been identified within the Dutch Slough Restoration Project. The Jose Vineyard is approximately 14 acres along the western edge of the Emerson Parcel, adjacent to Marsh Creek.

It was originally established as a 70 acre Carignane vineyard by a Basque or Portuguese rancher, Joaquin Jose, over 100 years ago.

There is potential in this region for developing a farm trail for “Bike to Farm” tours during harvest time as well as opportunities for vineyard/wine tours.

CALIFORNIA FARMLAND TRUST 31 The former Brentwood Agricultural Land Trust (BALT) and the Central Valley Farmland Trust (CVFT) merged in 2017 to become the California Farmland Trust.

The California Farmland Trust works with farmers, municipalities, and the community to permanently protect prime farmland. The California Farmland Trust permanently protects fertile orchards and farms in this rapidly developing region with an active farmland conservation program. The California Farmland Trust develops programs and policies that support a vibrant agricultural economy for farmers. Together with community partners, the California Farmland Trust is creating food connections between farmers and their urban neighbors.

U-PICK FARMS Many U-pick farms around Brentwood, CA have cherries, blueberries, apricots, and strawberries available to pick.

Some also offer an array of other fruits and vegetables for sale. U-pick farms offer a unique and fun experience while educating the public about farming in the region.

BIRDING

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The Delta’s agricultural lands support a rich bird community including Swainson’s Hawk, Tundra Swan, Sandhill Crane and Short-eared Owl. Tens of thousands of shorebirds and hundreds of thousands of waterfowl occur in winter and migration. Over 150 species can be found in the area.

BYRON HOT SPRINGS 34 The Byron Hot Springs area has a rich history beginning with fur traders and Spanish explorers in the late 1700s.

By the late 1800s, the Byron Hot Springs Resort was well known for the healthful benefits of the springs.

In the 1920s, the resort turned into an attraction for Hollywood stars, San Francisco socialites, and sports heroes. The resort began to decline in the 1930s.

During World War II, the War Department set up two interrogation centers in the United States. The first in Alexandria,VA and the other at Byron Hot Springs, which was known as Camp Tracy. During 1944, 921 Japanese prisoners and 645 German prisoners of war were interrogated. The maximum number of prisoners at Camp Tracy at a given time was 51. Camp Tracy was closed in September of 1945. Remnants of microphone wiring were found in the light fixtures and walls. The property then became Mission Saint Paul followed by a few changes in ownership. Since 1987, the resort grounds have remained undeveloped.

FRANKS TRACT STATE RECREATION AREA 35 Franks Tract State Recreation Area is only accessible by water. Remnant levees are exposed but very few other land forms can be seen. Recreation uses include bird watching, fly-fishing, and hunting waterfowl. During the fall and winter, a large variety of birds, including gulls, great blue herons, terns, swallows, crows, blackbirds, cormorants, and kingfishers can be found in Franks Tract.

RODDY HOME RANCH The Roddy Ranch/Deer Valley planning area is owned by EBRPD and provides a unique opportunity to create a destination area for equestrian events and for the public to learn about California ranching culture.

East Bay Regional Park District Delta Atlas

BIG BREAK REGIONAL SHORELINE The 1,680-acre Big Break Regional Shoreline includes the Big Break Visitor Center at the Delta (BBVC), the Delta Discovery Experience (DDX), picnic areas and Regional Trail access. The BBVC introduces guests to the natural, cultural and political history of the Delta. The DDX includes a 1,200 square-foot interactive Delta map, interpretive exhibits, shaded picnic areas, small shaded amphitheater, canoe and kayak beach launch, fishing and observation pier and spectacular Delta views.

Photo courtesy of EBRPD

AGRI-TOURISM 30

DELTA ACCESS Delta Access has potential for agritourism activities such as operating a working farm and providing u-pick opportunities to teach the public about the area’s farming history. The parkland may also include a water trail, kayak launches, and camping facilities.

CONCESSIONAIRE OPPORTUNITIES A potential recreational opportunity within the Delta is to provide educational boat tours. These have been offered in the past. Potential partners include local concessionaires. Using local concessionaires would be ideal because staff is familiar with Delta waterways and own and maintain their boats. EBRPD would then be responsible for reservations as well as providing naturalists for the educational component of the trip.

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East Bay Regional Park District Delta Atlas

Natural and Cultural Resources The Natural and Cultural Resources section includes maps displaying conservation easements and wetland projects, regional initiatives that require collaboration between multidisciplinary organizations, sightings and habitat location of federally and state listed plants and animals as well as wildlife corridors identified as essential to maintaining connectivity to wildlands, specific projects that are currently protected and/or being restored because of the special status species habitat, and current restoration projects which are of interest due to research related to carbon sequestration, endangered and threatened species recovery, and proximity to EBRPD parkland and trails.

Photo courtesy of Richard Evans

American White Pelicans at Big Break Regional Shoreline.

East Bay Regional Park District Delta Atlas

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Natural and Cultural Resources- Regional Initiatives

EAST CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 36 HABITAT CONSERVATION PLAN (HCP)/ NATURAL COMMUNITY CONSERVATION PLAN (NCCP) The HCP/NCCP allows Contra Costa County, the Contra Costa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District, the East Bay Regional Park District and the Cities of Brentwood, Clayton, Oakley, and Pittsburg to regulate permitting of endangered species activities and projects in the region that they perform or approve. Properties acquired through the HCP/NCCP are subject to HCP/NCCP management plans and deed restrictions, which function similar to conservation easements. Special status species in this region include the California red-legged frog, western burrowing owl, California tiger salamander, and the San Joaquin kit fox.

The City of Antioch originally elected not to participate in the ECCHC in 2008; however, as of 2017, the City of Antioch is in the process of developing its own HCP similar to the ECCHC to streamline their entitlement and permit processes.

NORTH DELTA HABITAT ARC

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The northern rim of Suisun Bay and the Delta which wraps around the base of the Montezuma Hills north to the Yolo Causeway is known as the North Delta Arc. It has been identified as a critical area for native fish conservation due to unique habitat conditions favorable for local fish, like the Delta Smelt. These habitats tend to be more productive and more biologically diverse than other regions of the Delta.

NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA 38 The National Park Service and California congressional members are working to designate the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta the first National Heritage Area (NHA) in California. A NHA designation would authorize $10 million in federal assistance to protect the Delta’s sensitive ecology and cultural heritage.

See page 28.

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CALIFORNIA WATERFIX 39 (TWIN TUNNELS) California WaterFix is the state’s plan to upgrade outdated infrastructure in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta to secure California’s water supplies and improve the Delta’s ecosystem. Over the last ten years the project has made significant progress, with 2016 marking completion of the environmental review documents.

The upgrade consists of two tunnels up to 150’ below ground designed to protect California’s water supplies from sea level rise, earthquakes, floods and levee failure. Three new intakes will be located farther upstream on the Sacramento River closer to higher quality water and away from endangered species habitats. Gravity-fed tunnels purportedly will move water naturally and more efficiently with reduced harm to fish.

East Bay Regional Park District Delta Atlas

Natural and Cultural Resources- Regional Initiatives

CALIFORNIA RED-LEGGED FROG

SAN JOAQUIN KIT FOX

Federally listed as Threatened

Federally listed as Endangered California- State listed as Threatened

Photo courtesy of Joe DiDonato, EBRPD

Photo courtesy of Steve Bobzien, EBRPD

WESTERN BURROWING OWL

CALIFORNIA TIGER SALAMANDER

California- Species of Special Concern

Federally listed as Endangered Federally listed as Threatened California- State listed as Threatened

Photo courtesy of Joe DiDonato, EBRPD

Photo courtesy of Joe DiDonato, EBRPD DELTA SMELT Federally listed as Threatened California- State listed as Endangered California- State listed as Threatened Photo courtesy of Peter Johnson, USFWS

The Franks Tract Restoration Feasibility Study was released in 2019 with the objective to assess the feasibility of restoring components of the historic tidal marsh form and function to create habitat suitable for Delta Smelt in the Franks Tract State Recreation Area. Key restoration objectives include reducing the extent of aquatic weeds, decrease predation on Delta Smelt and other native species, while also enhancing recreational and sport fishing opportunities. The Franks Tract Restoration project is part of the CDFW Delta Conservation Framework 2018-2050. See page 42.

East Bay Regional Park District Delta Atlas

Invasive species such as cordgrass (Spartina), Brazilian waterweed (Egeria densa), water primrose (ludwigia ssp), and water hyacinth (Eichornia crassipes) trap sediment, decrease turbidity, provide easy coverage for non-native predator species, and degrade native species’ habitats and make them vulnerable to predation.

Invasive species such as the overbite clam and the Asian clam limit food sources by consuming large amounts of phytoplankton.

A regionally coordinated invasive Spartina control project for the San Francisco Bay and Delta is currently in progress.

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Natural and Cultural Resources- CNDDB/Wildlife Corridors

CALIFORNIA NATURAL 40 DIVERSITY DATABASE The California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) is a product of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Habitat Conservation Division, Wildlife Habitat Data Analysis Branch (WHDAB). The CNDDB is both a manual and computerized library of the status and locations of California’s rare species and natural community types. The CNDDB includes in its inventory all federally and state listed plants and animals, all species that are candidates for listing, all species of special concern, and those species that are considered “sensitive” by government agencies and the conservation community.

CRITICAL WILDLIFE LINKAGES 41 Science and Collaboration for Connected Wildlands (SC Wildlands) is a nonprofit group that collaborated with the Bay Area Open Space Council and other organizations and individuals to develop the Critical Linkages database. The primary objective of this effort is to focus on “connectivity conservation” by identifying lands essential to maintain or restore functional connectivity among wildlands for all species or ecological processes. Countering habitat loss and fragmentation requires maintaining and restoring connections between existing natural areas to form a regional wildland network.

The Delta is home to more than 750 species of plants and wildlife, more than 55 species of fish, and provides an important stop for migratory waterfowl. Recognizing special status species and missing wildlife corridors helps EBRPD identify properties that should be protected for potential restoration opportunities or to avoid habitat loss due to development.

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East Bay Regional Park District Delta Atlas

Natural and Cultural Resources- Conser vation C

BYRON AIRPORT HABITAT 44 MANAGEMENT LAND (HML)

This 814-acre conservation easement is closed to the public and monitored as a potential habitat for special-status species, including the San Joaquin kit fox, the California red-legged frog, vernal pool fairy shrimp, and California tiger salamander. The conservation easement is managed by the Contra Costa County airport.

A

BROWNS ISLAND 42

This 595-acre regional preserve and island in Pittsburg is home to six rare and endangered plant species and a variety of aquatic birds. There are no facilities on the island.

B

D

COWELL RANCH 45 (MARSH CREEK HISTORIC PARK)

In 2000, the Trust for Public Land (TPL) purchased this 3,659-acre ranch property to be protected from urban development.

TPL then transferred the property to the California Department of Parks and Recreation in 2002 to create a historical state park. The protected ranch is home to many threatened and endangered species including red-legged frogs, fairy shrimp, tiger salamanders, and San Joaquin kit fox.

ANTIOCH DUNES 43

This 55-acre National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1980 to protect the Antioch Dunes evening primrose, Contra Costa wallflower, and the Lange’s metalmark butterfly. It provides habitat for a diversity of native plant and animal species. Sand mining and industrial development fragmented this former sand dune system until only a small portion of the original ecosystem remained.

East Bay Regional Park District Delta Atlas

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Natural and Cultural Resources- Conser vation E

THREE CREEKS PARKWAY RESTORATION PROJECT 46

The restoration project widens and restores approximately 4,000 linear feet of the Marsh Creek channel. The channel is being widened and terraced to create a 2 stage flood plain. This improves the ecological functions of Marsh Creek by reducing flow velocities, creating wetlands, and restoring riparian habitat.

F

DUTCH SLOUGH TIDAL MARSH RESTORATION 47

This project restores 1,178 acres of tidal marsh habitat for fish and wildlife in the western Delta on the Emerson, Gilbert, and Burroughs parcels. The project will restore 240 acres of tidal marsh, 15 acres of riparian woodland and scrub, and 100 acres of open subtidal waters.

G

KNIGHTSEN WETLAND RESTORATION AND 48 FLOOD PROTECTION PROJECT

The project involves wetland restoration and flood protection on EBRPD’s 645-acre Nunn parcel, and will restore upland habitats for special status species, provide water quality benefits, and provide recreation and Delta access.

H

WEBB AND HOLLAND TRACTS 49

Purchased by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, the Webb and Holland Tracts are two of the eight priority islands identified by the State for special protection. Their western Delta location provides flexibility to counteract salt water intrusion.

Specific plans for these tracts have not yet been established.

I

MAYBERRY FARMS SUBSIDENCE REVERSAL 50 AND CARBON SEQUESTRATION

The Mayberry Farms project aims to control and reverse subsidence on a 307-acre property on Sherman Island through permanent flooding techniques. The project will restore 192 acres of emergent wetlands and enhance 115 acres of seasonally flooded wetlands, and is also anticipated to provide climate benefits by sequestering atmospheric carbon dioxide.

J TWITCHELL ISLAND 51 / 52

California State Department of Water Resources (DWR) and University of California are conducting carbon sequestration and subsidence reversal research on Twitchell Island.

Their research has shown that growing wetland plants and crops that are flooded most of the year can reverse subsidence, or the loss of surface elevation due to removal of subsurface support. Tule wetlands and rice not only stop the peat soils from subsiding but also reverses subsidence by increasing root structure (accretion) which eventually yields soil production. DWR has also partnered with the United States Geological Survey (USGS) on a project to convert diked, subsided Delta islands to freshwater wetlands in an effort to stop ongoing subsidence and, over time, reverse past subsidence, rebuilt Delta islands, and shore up Delta levees.

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East Bay Regional Park District Delta Atlas

Projections This section covers constraints on habitat restoration within the Delta due to new housing developments, climate constraints due to the potential impacts of sea level rise and levee failure, and transportation issues arising from current and planned infrastructure.

Delta Coves is a luxury marina community on Bethel Island that is in the process of developing 560 new waterfront residences.

East Bay Regional Park District Delta Atlas

Photo courtesy of SunCal

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Projections- Resiliency Adaptation

DELTA CARBON PROGRAM (DELTA CONSERVANCY) 53 In the San Francisco Bay Area, more than 90 percent of historic tidal wetlands disappeared in the last 150 years. Over 2.5 billion cubic meters of organic soils have disappeared since delta islands were first diked and drained for agriculture in the late 1800s, resulting in land subsidence up to 25 feet below sea level. Drained and cultivated organic soils in the delta continue to oxidize, subside and emit an estimated one to two million metric tons of CO2-equivalent annually — equal to annual emissions from over 300,000 passenger vehicles.

The Delta Conservancy received an Innovation Award from the American Carbon Registry for a landmark carbon offset methodology for California wetland restoration.

In partnership with the California Department of Water Resources, CDFW, U.C. Berkeley, the American Carbon Registry, the Nature Conservancy, and Hydrofocus, the Delta Conservancy is working with public and private landowners and project developers to develop pilot projects that can verify greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction credits and realize revenue by trading credits on the voluntary carbon market. If the voluntary protocol can be demonstrated, the Air Resources Board will consider adopting the protocol under the Cap-and-Trade compliance market and thereby doubling the value of the credits and further incentivizing change.

DELTA CONSERVATION FRAMEWORK 2018-2050 54 The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is working with federal, state, and local agencies, and the Delta stakeholder community to develop a high-level conservation framework for the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, Yolo Bypass and Suisun Marsh to guide the long-term implementation of strategies and related actions for Delta conservation and stakeholder integration and the protection, enhancement, restoration, and adaptive management of Delta ecosystems and their ecological functions to benefit human and natural communities.

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East Bay Regional Park District Delta Atlas

Projections- Resiliency Adaptation

POTENTIAL HAZARDS The California Department of Water Resources prepared the Delta Risk Management Strategy (DRMS) Report, which analyzes the risks and consequences of levee failure in the Delta Region due to earthquakes, high water conditions (storms and tides), climate change, land subsidence, and dry-weather events.

Map courtesy of California Department of Water Resources

FIRE AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE DELTA KNOWLEDGE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM Since the completion of the DRMS report, several Delta Knowledge Improvement Program funded projects have been completed to fill the data gaps identified in the DRMS, including: • Surveys such as LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) • Levee Stability such as UCLA Levee Seismic Study • Levee Investment Prioritization such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Delta Islands and Levees Feasibility Study- Reuse of Dredging Material

The East Contra Costa Fire Protection District (ECCFPD) protects approximately 248 square miles and provides firefighting personnel and emergency medical services such as basic life support to over 115,000 residents within the Cities of Brentwood and Oakley, and Townships of Discovery Bay, Bethel Island, Knightsen, Byron, Marsh Creek, and Morgan Territory.

As of July 1, 2017, ECCFPD has three fire stations staffed by three firefighters each, for a total district staffing of nine firefighters per day. EBRPD responds to over 7,500 calls a year.

As recreation is developed public safety needs will increase and will need to be addressed.

East Bay Regional Park District Delta Atlas

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Projections- Development Over view

AREA DEVELOPMENT 55 A five-year report by Greenbelt Alliance identified Contra Costa County as having the most acreage of open space in the San Francisco Bay Area at risk of urban development in the next decade. Four east Contra Costa County cities – Antioch, Oakley, Pittsburg, and Brentwood, figure prominently. Of the estimated 20,000 acres within Contra Costa County where construction is likely to occur over the next decade, approximately 63 percent are in East County. Due to the sprawling nature of these proposed developments, the development projects present a constraint to habitat restoration and critical wildlife linkages within the Delta.

DEVELOPMENT SUMMARY Approved developments: Approximately 7,164 acres of land Approved developments that are currently “In Progress” (Under Construction): Approximately 906 acres of land

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East Bay Regional Park District Delta Atlas

Projections- Development

SAND CREEK FOCUS AREA 56 Approximately 4,000 residential units are proposed for the 2,700-acre Sand Creek Focus Area within southern Antioch. Current proposed projects include: 1A

1B

ZEKA RANCH High value scenic and habitat area.

Preferred use as preserved open space.

Could create a recreation corridor and protect wildlife between Contra Loma and Deer Valley.

THE RANCH 1,667 residential units- 551 acres Open Space/Parks- 173 acres

1C

AVIANO PROPERTY 535 residential units- 189 acres Open Space/Parks- 35 acres

1D

VINEYARDS (PROMENADE) 650 residential units- 141 acres Open space/parks- 28 acres

2

GINOCHIO PROPERTY

Approximately 1,215 residential units on 1,070 acre property.

PROPOSED URBAN LIMIT LINE EXPANSION Development company Blackhawk Nunn Partners is initiating a ballot measure for as early as November 2019 to expand the City of Brentwood’s Urban Limit Line (ULL) to build additional single-family homes over 800 acres.

The ULL expansion would reduce the buffer between urban development in Antioch and East Bay Regional Park District land.

East Bay Regional Park District Delta Atlas

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Projections- Development 5

IRONHOUSE SANITARY DISTRICT 57 (ISD) PROPERTY Approximately 90 acres west of the Dutch Slough Restoration Project was originally intended for the Marsh Creek Habitat Enhancement Project; however, due to changing economic conditions and project delays, ISD is considering other land use development alternatives.

6

EMERSON RANCH 58 Approximately 578 residential units and a 23.74-acre commercial shopping center on a 140-acre property.

7

GILBERT SUBDIVISION 9033 59 Approximately 510 residential units on a 120-acre property.

8

DELTA COVES 60 Approximately 560 waterfront residential units and 416 private boat docks on a 310 acre property.

Residential development of this property was first proposed in 1973 but delayed for various reasons.

EAST CYPRESS CORRIDOR SPECIFIC PLAN 61

The East Cypress Corridor Specific Plan consists of approximately 2,546 acres of land within Oakley and east of the Dutch Slough. Approximately 1,646 acres are proposed for residential and commercial development. The remaining 631 acres are maintained as existing residential and agricultural uses. Planning area 1 (KT KB Oakley and Lesher Subdivisions) have reserved 105 acres for natural wetlands and dunes and approximately 30 acres will be provided as a lake amenity. Subdivisions within the specific plan include: 9A

9B

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KT KB OAKLEY LLC SUBDIVISION 9311 (DAL PORTO PROPERTY NORTH) 276 residential units LESHER SUBDIVISION 1,056 residential units on 350.5 acres Approximately 45 acre future commercial village

9C

9D

SUMMER LAKE NORTH 816 residential units on 409 acres DAL PORTO SOUTH SUBDIVISION 403 residential units on183 acres Open Space/Parks- 56 acres East Bay Regional Park District Delta Atlas

9E

BETHEL ISLAND LLC SUBDIVISION 9156 933 single-family units and 195 multi-family units on 351 acres Open Space/Parks- 58 acres

Projections- Development 3

PANTAGES BAY 62 The Pantages Bays Residential Project, approved in 2013, would develop 292 residential housing units on approximately 80 acres of the 171-acre property.

4

CECCHINI FARM 63 The former Brentwood Agricultural Land Trust (BALT) secured cap-and-trade funding through the Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation (SALC) Program to purchase and place an agricultural conservation easement on the Cecchini family’s 520-acre asparagus farm. The California Farmland Trust is the current conservation easement holder. This provides permanent protection for agricultural lands and Swainson’s Hawk habitat and allows local groundwater recharge. While the agricultural conservation easement will permanently protect the property and eliminate development rights on the property, the 560-acre southern portion of the Cecchini property is still open for potential development.

Photo courtesy of the Cecchini Family

East Bay Regional Park District Delta Atlas

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Projections- Sea Level Rise & Climate Change

SEA LEVEL RISE & CLIMATE CHANGE Based on calculations by the National Research Council64, global sea level is expected to rise: By 2030 By 2050 By 2100

0.6-1.9 ft 1.5-4 ft 4.1-11.6 ft

8-23 cm 18-48 cm 50-140 cm

The 2.5 ft, 5 ft, and 10 ft sea level rise scenarios, displayed in yellow, orange, and red, show areas that would be inundated with water. These areas would be below water level but would not have a direct connection to the ocean due to natural or built breaks such as levees. The dotted and hashed lines represent areas that are also under water but would have a direct connection to the ocean.

The potential impacts of sea level rise to the Delta region include an increased risk of levee failure, loss of agricultural land and productivity, loss of wetlands, reduced water quality, contamination of groundwater supplies, biodiversity shifts, and increased vulnerability to invasive species65.

The previously mentioned Mayberry Farms Subsidence Reversal and Carbon Sequestration Project and the Twitchell Island projects highlight current efforts to address the effects of climate change. On Mayberry Farms, researchers from the University of California, Berkeley are developing a carbon capture protocol to calculate carbon credits for a particular wetland restoration project.

The document will aid the California Air Resources Board in granting carbon credits as part of the Cap-and-Trade Program66.

* Data digitized from Climate Central 48

East Bay Regional Park District Delta Atlas

Projections- Transpor tation

DELTA TRAFFIC CA State Route 4 (SR-4) creates a physical barrier on the approximate boundary between Delta lowlands and uplands. Since 2010, there has been a general increase in traffic of 70% within the Bay Area. Recent SR-4 widening has alleviated some traffic in East County, and it is no longer one of the top 10 most congested Bay Area freeways.

TRI-LINK HIGHWAY 67 SR-239 is a proposed freeway linking SR-4 in Brentwood to I-580 in Tracy, cutting very close to existing EBRPD lands and proposed parks and trails. The Airport Connector and South Link would provide improvements to existing infrastructure and support local mobility and connectivity. The I-580 Link and the North Link together would comprise a freeway connection between SR 4 and the I-580/I-205 interchange west of Tracy. These elements would reduce traffic volumes and provide better access to existing and planned development.

East Bay Regional Park District Delta Atlas

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Projections- Transpor tation

BICYCLE PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE 68 The Mokelumne Trail Bicycle and Pedestrian Overcrossing project will construct an overcrossing near the Mokelumne Trail at Highway 4. The path will be approximately 12 feet wide.

The Mokelumne Trail runs from the Martinez Regional Shoreline in the north, Oakland/Jack London Square shoreline in the west, and ends in Brentwood near the San Joaquin County border.

As of March 2017, the City of Brentwood has $522,000 of the total $8 million project secured, the city plans to work with the state Department of Transportation, Contra Costa Transportation Authority, BART and Tri-Delta Transit on funding.

BAY AREA RAPID TRANSIT (BART) 69 The BART to Antioch extension began carrying riders to East Contra Costa County in May 2018 with the new Pittsburg Center Station on Railroad Avenue and Antioch Station from Hillcrest Avenue.

The closest EBRPD facility to the new Antioch BART station is the Delta DeAnza Regional Trail, approximately one mile to the south. Roads, bike lanes, and sidewalks lead to it. However, a onequarter mile segment of this trail is missing along Hillcrest Avenue and Wildflower Drive in Antioch, requiring cyclists and pedestrians to use sidewalks to pick up the trail again.

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East Bay Regional Park District Delta Atlas

Potential Partnerships The following agencies and organizations provided their extensive knowledge and feedback in the development of this Atlas: Contra Costa County, City of Antioch, City of Brentwood, City of Pittsburg, DWR, CDFW, Delta Heritage Commission, UC Davis, Delta Protection Commission, Delta Stewardship Council, and the Delta Conservancy. This section includes a list of organizations with whom the East Bay Regional Park District can potentially collaborate.

Photo courtesy of Kevin Dixon, EBRPD.

Looking northeast toward the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta from Rose Hill.

East Bay Regional Park District Delta Atlas

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Potential Partnerships- Agency/Organization List FEDERAL AGENCIES* National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)- The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA’s) National Marine Fisheries Service is the federal agency responsible for the stewardship of the nation’s living marine resources and their habitat. Staff evaluate the effects of proposed actions on anadromous fishes listed as endangered or threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA), designated critical habitat of these species, and essential fish habitat (EFH) described under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA).

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)- primary missions in the California Bay-Delta are flood risk management, ecosystem restoration, navigation, environmental protection and emergency preparedness and response. Accomplishing these missions can contribute benefits to water supply, conveyance, water quality, and recreation. USACE has broad missions and authorities to work with non- federal partners and stakeholders to develop and implement balanced, sustainable solutions to Bay-Delta challenges.

U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation): In collaboration with other federal, state and local governments, tribes, nongovernmental organizations and stakeholders, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation is implementing a variety of ecosystem restoration activities in the Bay- Delta related to the ongoing operation of the Central Valley Project (CVP). These efforts include planning and environmental compliance for the Yolo Bypass area.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS): The USFWS’s mission is to work with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. The Bay-Delta Fish & Wildlife Office has jurisdiction over listed, proposed, candidate and other sensitive aquatic species the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Consulting with water agencies about the delta smelt and its critical habitat is one of the office’s primary duties.

National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS): NRCS’s mission is to provide resources to farm owners and land owners to aid them in conservation. Originally established by Congress in 1935 as the Soil Conservation Service (SCS), NRCS has expanded to become a conservation leader for all natural resources, ensuring private lands are conserved, restored, and more resilient to environmental challenges, like climate change.

STATE AGENCIES* California State Coastal Conservancy (Coastal Conservancy): The Coastal Conservancy is a state agency that purchases, protects, restores and enhances coastal resources, and provides access to the shore. The Legislature created the Coastal Conservancy as a unique entity with flexible powers to serve as an intermediary among government, citizens, and the private

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sector in recognition that creative approaches would be needed to preserve California’s coast and San Francisco Bay lands for future generations.

California Department of Water Resources (DWR): DWR is responsible for managing and protecting California’s water. DWR works with other agencies to benefit the state’s people, and to protect, restore and enhance the natural and human environments.

DWR is the lead agency for the Dutch Slough Restoration Project (pg 40), which incorporates public access and trails into the project.

DWR operates the State Water Project. DWR runs two programs pertinent to restoration in the Delta, the Fish Restoration Program Agreement (FRPA) and the FloodSAFE Environmental Stewardship and Statewide Resource Office (FESSRO).

Fish Restoration Program Agreement (FRPA): FRPA is an interagency agreement between the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). The agreement calls for both agencies to carry out aquatic habitat restoration required by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Biological Opinions for the State Water Project (SWP) and Central Valley Project (CVP) operations as well as the DFG Longfin Smelt Incidental Take Permit. The goal of the FRPA program is to restore 8,000 acres of intertidal and associated subtidal habitat in the Delta and Suisun Marsh, including 800 acres of low salinity zone habitat, as required by the Biological Opinions and CDFW’s Incidental Take Permit.

FloodSAFE Environmental Stewardship and Statewide Resource Office (FESSRO): FESSRO is a program under the Department of Water Resources (DWR) whose mission is to implement, integrative environmental stewardship and flood management statewide, through collaboration, sound science and innovative engineering. FESSRO includes three branches: Delta Levees and Environmental Engineering, Floodway Ecosystem Sustainability, and Environmental Restoration and Enhancement.

California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW): CDFW is dedicated to maintaining native fish, wildlife, plant species and natural communities for their intrinsic and ecological value and their benefits to people. This includes habitat protection and maintenance in a sufficient amount and quality to ensure the survival of all species and natural communities. The department is also responsible for the diversified use of fish and wildlife including recreational, commercial, scientific and educational uses. CDFW also the state agency that implements the Ecosystem Restoration Program.

Ecosystem Restoration Program (ERP): ERP is a multiagency effort designed to maintain, improve and increase aquatic and terrestrial habitats and ecological function in the San Francisco Bay-Delta and its tributaries in order to support sustainable populations of diverse and valuable plant and animal East Bay Regional Park District Delta Atlas

species. Principal participants overseeing ERP are the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association’s (NOAA’s) National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), collectively known as the ERP Implementing Agencies.

The program’s primary role in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta is to provide funding and management for projects throughout the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and watersheds. Current work in the Sacramento San-Joaquin Delta includes, but is not limited to, habitat restoration (including riparian, upland, floodplain, shallow water and marsh habitat), fish screens and fish passage, ecosystem water quality, non-native invasive species, historical ecology, and foodweb productivity.

Delta Protection Commission: The mission of the Delta Protection Commission is to adaptively protect, maintain, and where possible, enhance and restore the overall quality of the Delta environment consistent with the Delta Protection Act, and the Land Use and Resource Management Plan for the Primary Zone. This includes, but is not limited to, agriculture, wildlife habitat, and recreational activities. The goal of the Commission is to ensure orderly, balanced conservation and development of Delta land resources and improved flood protection.

Delta Stewardship Council: The 2009 Delta Reform Act created the Delta Stewardship Council. The Council’s job is to develop and implement a legally enforceable, long-term management plan for the Delta (the Delta Plan) to achieve the coequal goals of protecting and enhancing the Delta ecosystem, and providing for a more reliable water supply for California in a manner that protects and enhances the Delta as an evolving place.

Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB): The primary responsibilities are to select, authorize and allocate funds for the purchase of land and waters suitable for recreation purposes and the preservation, protection and restoration of wildlife habitat. WCB’s three main functions are land acquisition, habitat restoration, and development of wildlife oriented public access facilities. WCB approves and funds projects that set aside lands within the State for such purposes, through acquisition or other means, to meet these objectives. WCB can also authorize the construction of facilities for recreational purposes on property in which it has a proprietary interest.

State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board): State Water Board’s mission is to preserve, enhance and restore the quality of California’s water resources, and ensure their proper allocation and efficient use for the benefit of present and future generations. The State Water Board’s Bay-Delta Water Quality Control Plan identifies beneficial uses of the Bay-Delta, water quality objectives for the reasonable protection of those beneficial uses, and a program of implementation for achieving the water quality objectives. The State Water Board and nine Regional Water Quality Control Boards (Regional Boards) protect water quality and allocate surface water rights.

Potential Partnerships- Agency/Organization List NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS* American Rivers: American Rivers is a nonprofit that leads efforts to protect and restore the nation’s rivers and streams.

Through conservation, American Rivers works to ensure clean drinking water supplies, revitalize fish and wildlife, improve recreation and leave a legacy of healthy rivers for future generations.

Audubon California: Audubon California is a nonprofit field program of the National Audubon Society that works to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife, and their habitats for the benefit of humanity and the Earth’s biological diversity.

Central Valley Joint Venture (CVJV): The CVJV, one of 18 federally-administered national migratory bird joint ventures, is a self-directed coalition consisting of 21 State and Federal agencies, private conservation organizations and one corporation. Efforts are directed toward the common goal of providing for the habitat needs of migrating and resident birds in the Central Valley of California, including the Delta and Suisun Marsh.

State and Federal Contractors Water Agency (SFCWA): SFCWA’s mission is to assist its member agencies in assuring a sufficient and reliable high-quality water supply for their customers from the State Water Project and federal Central Valley Project.

The core focus of activities in pursuing this mission is centered on facilitating habitat conservation measures and research related to the restoration of the Delta ecosystem while assuring sufficient and reliable water supplies. In regards to Delta restoration efforts, SFCWA’s objective is to implement habitat restoration projects to comply with existing legal obligations and to provide for early implementation of restoration proposed in the Bay Delta Conservation Plan. Website: http://www.sfcwa.org/ Ducks Unlimited (DU): DU is a nonprofit that conserves, restores and manages wetlands and associated habitats for North America’s waterfowl. These habitats also benefit other wildlife and people. DU sets conservation priorities nationally, regionally, and locally in order to reflect wildlife, habitat, and human needs at each of those levels. DU is active in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta as well as the Suisun Marsh.

DU’s projects include documenting the waterbirds benefits of Delta rice cultivation, restoring emergent Delta island wetlands, enhancing estuarine habitats in the Suisun Marsh, large subsidence reversal projects and tidal restoration. To date, DU’s conservation programs in the Delta and Suisun Marsh have assisted with the conservation of over 90,000 acres of wetlands, farmlands, and other habitats for wildlife.

North Delta Conservancy (NDC): NDC’s is a nonprofit whose mission is to conserve, sustain and enhance the cultural, agricultural, recreational, wildlife and nature habitat resources of the River Delta region and to develop and promote sustainable protection, management and stewardship programs through research and education.

Point Blue Conservation Science (PBCS): PRBO is a nonprofit organization that researches birds and ecosystems, creates management tools, leads field science training programs, and develops and delivers bird science education programs to advance biodiversity conservation in the west on land and at sea.

Resource Conservation Districts (RCDs): RCDs are nonregulatory special districts in the State of California that work locally on conservation efforts in their communities. There are six RCD’s in the Delta: Contra Costa, Dixon, San Joaquin, Solano, Suisun,Yolo. The Conservancy is partnering with the Solano Resource Conservation District to implement the Delta Arundo Control and Restoration Program.

River Partners: River Partners is a nonprofit organization that works to protect the environment by implementing large scale restoration projects along streams and rivers.

San Francisco Bay Joint Venture (SFBJV): SFBJV is one of eighteen Joint Ventures established under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. It brings together public and private agencies, conservation groups, development interests, and others to restore wetlands and wildlife habitat in San Francisco Bay watersheds and along the Pacific coasts of San Mateo, Marin and Sonoma counties. The goal of the SFBJV is to protect, restore, increase and enhance all types of wetlands, riparian habitat and associated uplands throughout the San Francisco region to benefit birds, fish and other wildlife.

San Francisco Estuary Institute (SFEI): SFEI helps define environmental problems, advance public debate about them through sound science, and supports consensus-based solution that improve environmental planning, management, and policy development. SFEI provides impartial scientific interpretations without partisan or financial interest in the outcomes of research and monitoring data.

SFEI also runs EcoAtlas, which provides free public access to maps, tools and information for understanding the quantity and quality of California wetlands. EcoAtlas enables integration of information to provide landscape context for consideration of wetland extent and condition.

CITY/COUNTY AGENCIES City of Antioch City of Brentwood City of Oakley City of Pittsburg Bethel Island- Unincorporated Byron- Unincorporated Knightsen- Unincorporated Discovery Bay- Unincorporated Contra Costa County East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy OTHER: California Farmland Trust: The former Brentwood Agricultural Land Trust (BALT) and the Central Valley Farmland Trust (CVFT) merged in 2017 to become the California Farmland Trust. The California Farmland Trust works with farmers, municipalities, and the community to permanently protect prime farmland. The California Farmland Trust permanently protects fertile orchards and farms in this rapidly developing region with an active farmland conservation program. The California Farmland Trust develops programs and policies that support a vibrant agricultural economy for farmers. Together with community partners, the California Farmland Trust is creating food connections between farmers and their urban neighbors.

Concessionaire partnership: A potential recreational opportunity within the Delta is to provide educational boat tours which have been offered in the past. EBRPD could partner with existing boat operators who are familiar with the Delta.

Visit CA Delta is a partnership of Delta businesses, Chambers of Commerce,Visitor Bureaus, and locals seeking to spread awareness of the California Delta as a world-class tourism destination and as a place for people, homes, and businesses, filled with human history, cultural richness, and diversity. *Potential Partners compiled by the Delta Conservancy. Available at http://deltaconservancy.ca.gov/restoration-partners-and-programs/

The Nature Conservancy (TNC): TNC is a conservation nonprofit that works both locally and globally to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people.

Over the past 20 years, TNC has restored nearly 25,000 acres of wildlife habitat in the Delta. TNC has also managed land in the Delta for nearly 10 years.

East Bay Regional Park District Delta Atlas

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East Bay Regional Park District Delta Atlas

Sources Text sources are sorted by page number followed by GIS data sources and photo acknowledgments.

Photo courtesy of Marc Crumpler

View of Mount Diablo from Big Break Trail.

East Bay Regional Park District Delta Atlas

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Sources- Text Sources PAGE 6

PAGE 8

1) US Legal. Legal Definitions. Accessed Jul 2017. Available at: https:// definitions.uslegal.com/a/access-easement/.

16) City of Galt. Sphere of Influence. Accessed Jul 2017. Available at: http://www.ci.galt.ca.us/index.aspx?page=809.

17) Contra Costa County. Urban Limit Line Review. Accessed May 2017. Available at: http://www.co.contra-costa.ca.us/6357/Urban-LimitLine-Review.

2) University of California, Davis. “Agritourism Enterprises on your Farm or Ranch: Understanding Regulations”. Accessed May 2017.

Available at: https://anrcatalog.ucanr.edu/pdf/8333.pdf.

3) Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science, Northern Research Station, USDA Forest Service. Carbon Sequestration. Accessed Jul 2017.

Available at: https://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/niacs/carbon/forests/carbon_ sequestration/.

4) Law and Environment Ontology, InforMEA- United Nations Information Portal on Multilateral Environmental Agreements.

Connectivity Conservation. Accessed Jul 2017. Available at http://leo. informea.org/terms/connectivity-conservation.

5) Land Trust Alliance. What is a Conservation Easement? Accessed Jul 2017. Available at: https://www.landtrustalliance.org/what-you-can-do/ conserve-your-land/questions.

6) Delta Stewardship Council. Enabling Legislation. Accessed Jun 2017.

Available at: http://deltacouncil.ca.gov/enabling-legislation.

7) GIS Geography. DEM, DSM & DTM Differences- GIS Elevation Models. Accessed Jul 2017. Available at: http://gisgeography.com/demdsm-dtm-differences/.

8) East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy. “East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy”. Accessed Apr 2017. Available at: http:// www.cocohcp.org.

9) National Invasive Species Information Center, USDA National Agricultural Library. What is an Invasive Species? Accessed Jun 2017.

Available at: https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/index.shtml.

10) USGS Groundwater Information. Land Subsidence. Accessed Jun 2017. Available at: https://water.usgs.gov/ogw/subsidence.html.

11) Merriam-Webster. Definition of Levee. Accessed Jul 2017. Available at: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/levee.

12) East Bay Regional Park District. Measure WW. Accessed May 2017.

Available at: http://www.ebparks.org/about/planning/ww.

18) United States Environmental Protection Agency. What is a Wetland?

Accessed Jun 2017. Available at: https://www.epa.gov/wetlands/whatwetland.

PAGE 8 19) California Department of Water Resources. Where Rivers MeetThe Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Accessed May 2017. Available at: http://www.water.ca.gov/swp/delta.cfm.

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20) Wilson, Craig M. California’s Area of Origin Laws. A Report to the State Water Resources Control Board and the Delta Stewardship Council. Accessed Feb 2018. Available at: https://www.waterboards. ca.gov/board_info/agendas/2013/oct/100813_7origin.pdf PAGE 20 21) Delta Stewardship Council. Delta Levees Investment Strategy.

Accessed Apr 2017. Available at http://deltacouncil.ca.gov/delta-leveesinvestment-strategy.

22) Delta Stewardship Council. The Delta Plan. Accessed Apr 2017.

Available at: http://deltacouncil.ca.gov/delta-plan-0.

23) California Department of Water Resources. Delta Levees Maintenance Subventions. Accessed Nov 2018. Available at: https:// water.ca.gov/Work-With-Us/Grants-And-Loans/Delta-LeveesMaintenance-Subventions.

PAGE 21 24) East Bay Regional Park District. Big Break Regional Shoreline.

Accessed May 2017. Available at http://www.ebparks.org/parks/ big_break.

13) Moyle, P.B., A.D. Manfree, and J. Durand. 2016. “The North Delta Habitat Arc: and Ecosystem Strategy for Saving Fish”. California Water Blog. Center for Watershed Sciences, UC Davis. Accessed Apr 2017.

Available at: https://californiawaterblog.com/2016/11/06/the-northdelta-habitat-arc-an-ecosystem-strategy-for-saving-fish/.

25) East Bay Regional Park District. Measure WW. Accessed May 2017.

Available at: http://www.ebparks.org/about/planning/ww.

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15) NOAA National Ocean Service. Ocean Facts. Accessed Jun 2017.

Available at: https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/slough.html.

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29) Delta Protection Commission. Delta National Heritage Area Proposal. Accessed May 2017. Available at: https://www.delta.ca.gov/ delta_heritage/delta_national_heritage_area/ PAGE 33 30) University of California, Davis. “Agritourism Enterprises on your Farm or Ranch: Understanding Regulations”. Accessed May 2017.

Available at: https://anrcatalog.ucanr.edu/pdf/8333.pdf.

31) California Farmland Trust. Farmland Protection Accessed Nov 2018.

Available at: http://cafarmtrust.org/farmland-protection/.

32) Audubon Society. Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Accessed May 2017. Available at: http://www.audubon.org/important-bird-areas/ sacramento-san-joaquin-delta.

33) DWR and SCC (Department of Water Resources and State Coastal Conservancy). 2008. Dutch Slough Tidal Marsh Restoration Project Environmental Impact Report. Draft. November. (State Clearinghouse No. 2006042009.) Sacramento, CA. Prepared by Grassetti Environmental Consulting, Berkeley, CA. Accessed Apr 2017.

Available at: http://www.water.ca.gov/floodsafe/fessro/restoration/docs/ DS_SuppEIR.pdf.

34) Byron Hot Springs. History of Byron Hot Springs. Accessed May 2017. Available at: http://byronhotsprings.com/history.html.

35) California Department of Parks and Recreation. Franks Tract State Recreation Area. Accessed May 2017. Available at: https://www.parks. ca.gov/?page_id=490.

PAGE 36

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14) NASA Global Climate Change. Sea Level. Accessed Jul 2017.

Available at: https://climate.nasa.gov/vital-signs/sea-level/.

PAGE 29

28) East Bay Regional Park District. “Juan Bautista deAnza Exploration of the San Francisco Bay Area, March and April 1776. Accessed Jul 2017. Available at: http://www.ebparks.org/Assets/files/Anza_ Brochure_3-24-11_web.pdf.

27) California State Parks- Planning Division. “Recreation Proposal for the Sacramento- San Joaquin Delta and Suisun Marsh.” Dated 2011.

Available at: http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/795/files/delta%20rec%20 proposal_08_02_11.pdf.

26) US Senator for California Dianne Feinstein. “A Bill to establish the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta National Heritage Area.” Accessed Jul 2017. Available at: https://www.feinstein.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/ press-releases?ID=7D00BF3A-FEC3-4C73-AB8B-A1641AF2A595.

East Bay Regional Park District Delta Atlas

36) East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy. “East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy”. Accessed Apr 2017. Available at: http://www.cocohcp.org.

37) Moyle, P.B., A.D. Manfree, and J. Durand. 2016. “The North Delta Habitat Arc: and Ecosystem Strategy for Saving Fish”. California Water Blog. Center for Watershed Sciences, UC Davis. Accessed Apr 2017.

Available at: https://californiawaterblog.com/2016/11/06/the-northdelta-habitat-arc-an-ecosystem-strategy-for-saving-fish/.

Sources- Text Sources 38) Delta Protection Commission. Delta National Heritage Area Proposal. Accessed May 2017. Available at: https://www.delta.ca.gov/ delta_heritage/delta_national_heritage_area/

39) California WaterFix. Fixing California’s Water System. Accessed May 2017. Available at: https://www.californiawaterfix.com/#problem.

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40) California Natural Diversity Database. 2016. “California Natural Diversity Database”. California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Accessed Apr 2017. Available at: https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Data/ CNDDB.

41) SC Wildlands. “Missing Linkages: Restoring Connectivity to the California Landscape”. Accessed May 2017. Available at: http://www. scwildlands.org/reports/Missing_Linkages.pdf.

PAGE 39 42) East Bay Regional Park District. Browns Island. Accessed Mar 2017.

Available at: http://www.ebparks.org/parks/browns_island.

43) U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Antioch Dunes National Wildlife Refuge. Accessed Mar 2017. Available at: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/ Antioch_Dunes/about.html.

44) Contra Costa County. “Byron Airport Habitat Management Land (HML)”. Accessed Apr 2017. Available at: http://www.co.contra-costa. ca.us/3956/Byron-Airport-Habitat-Management-Land.

45) The Trust for Public Land. 2002. “Cowell Ranch Becomes CA State Park”. Accessed Apr 2017. Available at: https://www.tpl.org/media-room/ cowell-ranch-becomes-ca-state-park.

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46) Delta Conservancy. Proposition 1 Grant Program. Accessed May 2017. Available at: http://deltaconservancy.ca.gov/wp-content/ uploads/2016/05/Prop-1-Y1-2015-009.pdf.

47) California Department of Water Resources. Delta Ecosystem Enhancement. Dutch Slough Tidal Restoration Project. Accessed Mar 2017. Available at: http://www.water.ca.gov/floodsafe/fessro/restoration/ dsindex.cfm.

48) East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy. Knightsen Wetland Restoration and Flood Protection Project. Accessed Mar 2017. Available at: http://www.co.contra-costa.ca.us/depart/cd/water/HCP/news/ Knightsen_%20RFP_1-6-2017.pdf.

49) Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. Delta Islands. Accessed Apr 2017. Available at: http://www.mwdh2o.com/ DocSvcsPubs/Delta_Islands/#projects.

50) California Department of Water Resources. 2008. “Mayberry Farms

Subsidence Reversal and Carbon Sequestration Project”. Interim Delta Actions. Accessed May 2017. Available at: http://www.water.ca.gov/ deltainit/docs/mayberry_factsheet.pdf.

51) Siegel Environmental. Twitchell Island Carbon Sequestration Wetlands. Accessed May 2017. Available at: http://swampthing.org/ projects/site-specific-restoration/item/93-twitchell-island-carbonsequestration-wetlands.

52) Department of Water Resources. “Subsidence Mitigation Through Rice Cultivation Research”. Accessed May 2017. Available at: http:// www.watereducation.org/sites/main/files/file-attachments/brock-combined_4-30-14.pdf.

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53) Delta Conservancy. Delta Carbon Program. Accessed Dec 2018.

Available at: http://deltaconservancy.ca.gov/delta-carbon-program/.

PAGE 43 54) California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Delta Conservation Framework. Accessed Dec 2018. Available at: https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/ conservation/watersheds/dcf.

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55) Coatsee, Rowena. 2017. “Environmental Group Monitoring East Contra Costa’s Disappearing Open Space”. East Bay Times. Accessed Apr 2017. Available at: http://www.eastbaytimes.com/2017/03/27/ environmental-group-monitoring-east-contra-costas-disappearing-openspace/.

PAGE 45 56) City of Antioch. 2003. General Plan. November. Prepared by LSA Associates, Inc., Riverside, CA. Accessed Apr 2017. Available at: http:// www.ci.antioch.ca.us/CityGov/CommDevPlanningDivision/docs/ Antioch_Adopted_General_Plan.pdf.

PAGE 46 57) Ironhouse Sanitary District. 2016. “Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Board of Directors of the Ironhouse Sanitary District”. Ironhouse Sanitary District. September 6, 2016. Accessed Apr 2017.

58) City of Oakley. 2008. Emerson Property Draft Environmental Impact Report. November. Prepared by Raney Planning & Management, Inc., Sacramento, CA. Accessed Apr 2017. Available at: http://www.ci.oakley. ca.us/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Emerson-Property-DEIR-APPA-C_reduced.pdf.

59) City of Oakley. 2007. Gilbert Property Draft Environmental Impact Report. April. Prepared by Raney Planning & Management, Inc., Sacramento, CA. Accessed Apr 2017. Available at: http://www.ci.oakley. ca.us/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Gilbert-DEIR_reduced-size-pdf.pdf.

East Bay Regional Park District Delta Atlas

60) Coetsee, Rowena. 2016. “Start of Large Home-building Project on Bethel Island is Finally in Sight”. Mercury News. Accessed Apr 2017.

Available at: http://www.mercurynews.com/2016/03/02/start-of-largehome-building-project-on-bethel-island-is-finally-in-sight/.

61) City of Oakley. 2006. East Cypress Corridor Specific Plan. March.

Accessed Apr 2017. Available at: http://www.ci.oakley.ca.us/wp-content/ uploads/2015/09/East-Cypress-Corridor-Specific-Plan.pdf.

PAGE 47 62) Contra Costa County. 2012. Pantages Bays Residential Development Project Draft Environmental Impact Report. June. Accessed Apr 2017.

Available at: http://www.cccounty.us/4730/Pantages-Bay. 63) California Climate Investments. Cecchini Farm Agricultural Conservation Easement Contra Costa County. Accessed Oct 2018. Available at: http://www.caclimateinvestments.ca.gov/2018profiles/2018/3/11/cecchini-farm-agricultural-conservation-easementcontra-costa-county.

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64) National Research Council. Sea-Level Rise for the Coasts of California, Oregon, and Washington: Past, Present, and Future.

Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. Dated 2012. Available at: https://doi.org/10.17226/13389.

65) Sacramento – San Joaquin Delta Conservancy. 2015. “Climate Change”. State of California. Accessed Apr 2017. Available at: http:// deltaconservancy.ca.gov/climate-change-1/.

66) California Department of Water Resources. 2008. “Mayberry Farms Subsidence Reversal and Carbon Sequestration Project”. Interim Delta Actions. Accessed May 2017. Available at: http://www.water.ca.gov/ltainit docs/mayberry_factsheet.pdf.

PAGE 49 67) Contra Costa Transportation Authority. TriLink (SR 239) Feasibility Study Final Report. May 30, 2014. Accessed May 2017. Available at: http:// trilink239.org/FeasibilityStudy/Final/FinalStudy.html#p=1.

PAGE 50 68) Highway 4. Mokelumne Trail Bicycle/Pedestrian Overcrossing.

Accessed May 2017. Available at: http://4eastcounty.org/projects/ mokelumne-trail-bicycle-pedestrian-overcrossing/.

69) Bay Area Rapid Transit. East Contra Costa BART Extension.

Accessed Oct 2018. Available at: https://www.bart.gov/about/ projects/ecc.

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Sources- GIS Data Sources

GIS DATA SOURCES:

TRAILS DATA

DEVELOPMENT DATA

East Bay Regional Park District. Master Plan Trails- GIS Layer.

Accessed May 2017.

East Bay Regional Park District. Development Tracker- KML File.

Accessed May 2017.

East Bay Regional Park District. Regional Trails- GIS Layer. Accessed May 2017.

City of Oakley. Planning Projects Map- KML File. Accessed April 2017. Available at: http://www.ci.oakley.ca.us/departments/planningzoning/development-project-map/.

PROTECTED LANDS DATA California Protected Areas Data Portal. California Conservation Easement Database (CCED)- GIS Layer. Last data update: December 2016. http://www.calands.org/cced.

California Protected Areas Data Portal. California Protected Areas Data Portal (CPAD)- GIS Layer. Last data update: December 2016. http://www.calands.org/cced.

California Wetlands Monitoring Workgroup (CWMW). EcoAtlas KML File. Accessed February 2017. http://www.ecoatlas.org.

Contra Costa County. East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservation Plan Boundary- GIS Layer. April 2017.

East Bay Regional Park District. Easement- GIS Layer. Accessed April 2017.

East Bay Regional Park District- GIS Services. Park Boundary- GIS Layer. Accessed May 2017.

UC Davis, GreenInfo Network, Sacramento Area Coalition of Governments, Department of Water Resources, ESRI. North Delta Arc- GIS Layer. Accessed May 2017.

Available at: https://www.arcgis.com/home/webmap/viewer. html?webmap=4c443c77982845248f1f139669d27d92.

California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (DFW). California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB). Last data update: April 2017.

California WaterFix. California Waterfix Moving Toward Environmental Review Process Completion- Page 4. Digitized Map. Accessed May 2017. Available at: https://www.californiawaterfix. com/#problem.

SC Wildlands. California Essential Habitat Connectivity Project: A Strategy for Conserving a Connected California. Missing Wildlife Corridor- GIS Layer. Accessed May 2017. Available at: https://www. wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Planning/Connectivity/CEHC.

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City of Brentwood. Residential Project Status Report as of January 1, 2017- Table.Table joined (based on APN) to Contra Costa County Parcels GIS Layer. Accessed April 2017. Available at: https://www. brentwoodca.gov/documents/Residential%20Project% 20Status%20Report%20January%201%202017.pdf.

City of Antioch. City of Antioch Project Pipeline- Table. Table joined (based on APN) to Contra Costa County Parcels GIS Layer.

Accessed April 2017. Available at: http://www.ci.antioch.ca.us/ CityGov/CommDev/PlanningDivision/docs/Project-Pipeline.pdf.

OTHER DATA Contra Costa County. Draft Levees- GIS Layer. Accessed May 2017.

Climate Central. Surging Seas-Risk Zone Maps- Digitized Map. Accessed May 2017. Available at: http://ss2.climatecentral. org/#12/38.0049/-121.8058?show=satellite&projections=0-RCP85SLR&level=5&unit=feet&pois=hide.

East Bay Regional Park District. Measure WW Project Map- PDF. Accessed May 2017. Available at: http://www.ebparks.org/Assets/ _Nav_Categories/Park_Planning/Measure+WW+-+Regional+Open +Space$!2c+Wildlife$!2c+Shoreline+and+Parks+Bond+Extension +Projects+Map.pdf.

PickYourOwn.org. Alameda and Contra Costa Counties in California- Table created and geocoded. Accesses May 2017.

Available at: http://www.pickyourown.org/CAalameda.htm.

Bay Area Rapid Transit. East Contra Costa BART Extension (eBart)Digitized Map. Accessed May 2017. Available at: https://www.bart. gov/about/projects/ecc.

USGS. 30 meter Digital Elevation Model of Contra Costa and Alameda Counties. Accessed May 2017.

Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Boundaries. California Water Plan GIS Data. Accessed May 2017. Available at: http://www.water.ca.gov/ waterplan/gis/index.cfm.

East Bay Regional Park District Delta Atlas

Sources- Photo Acknowledgments

PHOTO ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Page 5

Page 27

Page 42

Hillary VanAusten, EBRPD

Christie McKaskey, EBRPD

California Department of Water Resources. Delta Conveyance and Flood Protection. Accessed Dec 2018. Available at: https:// water.ca.gov/Programs/Flood-Management/Delta-ConveyanceAnd-Flood-Protection.

Page 7 Anne Thomson, EBRPD Page 21 Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley. Interpretive Panel at Big Break Regional Shoreline Courtesy of the California Department of Water Resources.

Story Map by KQED QUEST, the San Francisco Estuary Institute - Aquatic Science Center, and the Bill Lane Center for the American West, Stanford University. Accessed June 2017. Available at: http://web.stanford.edu/group/west/cgi-bin/ projects/delta/map/index.html.

Courtesy of Holt-Atherton Special Collections, University of the Pacific Library. Story Map by KQED QUEST, the San Francisco Estuary Institute - Aquatic Science Center, and the Bill Lane Center for the American West, Stanford University.

Accessed June 2017. Available at: http://web.stanford.edu/group/ west/cgi-bin/projects/delta/map/index.html.

Courtesy of the California State Library. Story Map by KQED QUEST, the San Francisco Estuary Institute - Aquatic Science Center, and the Bill Lane Center for the American West, Stanford University. Accessed June 2017. Available at: http:// web.stanford.edu/group/west/cgi-bin/projects/delta/map/index.

Page 28 Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta National Heritage Area Proposed Boundary Map. National Park Service- U.S. Department of the Interior. Dated: October2012.

Page 43 SunCal

Page 33

Page 47

East Bay Regional Park District

Cecchini Family

Page 35

Page 51

Richard Evans

Kevin Dixon, EBRPD

Page 37

Page 55

Joe DiDonato, EBRPD Steve Bobzien, EBRPD Peter Johnson, USFWS

Marc Crumpler

Page 41

Christie McKaskey, EBRPD

Cover Page

Delta Conservancy. Delta Carbon Program. Accessed Dec 2018.

Available at: http://deltaconservancy.ca.gov/delta-carbon-program/.

California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Delta Conservation Framework. Accessed Dec 2018. Available at: https://www.wildlife. ca.gov/conservation/watersheds/dcf.

html.

East Bay Regional Park District Delta Atlas

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Planning/GIS Services