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Our May newsletter opened with “Yes, the Bolinas Lagoon Ecosystem Restoration project is alive and well; progress continues.” As the project schedule continues to stretch out, that might better have been said: the Bolinas Lagoon Ecosystem Restoration Project is alive, but progress is slow.
The fact of the matter is that Marin County and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are both committed to the preservation of Bolinas Lagoon as a vital wildlife habitat. The County feels that a project costing up to $30 million (±) can be afforded. Bolinas Lagoon Foundation is committed to the preservation and well being of Bolinas Lagoon, and to supporting Marin County and its project partner(s) in the realization of that commitment.
The Draft Feasibility Study Report/EIS/EIR was released in June 2002 without a full biological systems analysis of the project’s impacts on the lagoon’s plant and animal life. An extensive engineering study was presented, with the intent to develop the biological systems analysis and detailed adaptive management program later in the project. The public was unwilling to accept that approach. Early this year Marin County undertook the lead responsibility for completing the draft reports, with the additional information requested by public comments.
Restoring a living, functioning tidal estuary is a new experience for both Marin County and the “Corps.” A necessary part of any project of this type is a work schedule, with target completion dates. Unfortunately, the target completion dates for the various portions of this project have repeatedly slipped badly. A number of factors have contributed to the inaccurate schedules, and we have all learned that schedules are only targets, subject to change.
That said, let’s evaluate where we are in the process. Marin County has released a request for proposals for a study to determine, conclusively, whether or not Bolinas Lagoon requires human intervention to continue to function as a healthy, productive tidal estuary. Responses are due in late July, and, if the current schedule holds, a contract will be awarded in the early fall. The consultant’s report is expected next spring, so by mid-2004 there should be a decision whether or not to proceed with a restoration project. If the project proceeds, a recommended action plan should be known before the end of 2005. That action plan may or may not solve all of the sediment accumulation problems, but it will be an important first step. It may be necessary to do more at a later date, but several years will be allowed to pass to assure that the plant and animal life survives the initial restoration efforts (adaptive management).
Given these circumstances, we ask our supporters to bear with us as the project unfolds. You will be kept up to date with current information as it becomes available. Thank you for your help, and patience.
Bucky Mace
For the Foundation