Elkhorn Slough Tidal Wetland Project

TWP Email Bulletin
Sent 2/07

Elkhorn Slough Tidal Wetland Project (TWP) – February 2007 Update

1) Did you know…
Elkhorn Slough is an area shared by many species, humans included. As the Tidal Wetland Project moves forward, we strive to acknowledge how humans have relied on the Slough and how this can be factored into future restoration decisions. To learn more about past human uses of the Slough, take a virtual history tour at http://www.elkhornslough.org/history/1850.htm. These history pages will show you paintings, photographs and maps depicting how the Slough has looked from the 1700s to the present, such as when the railroad was first built and when salt ponds were created.

2) Thank you for your Comments!
We’d like to thank all of you who came out to the TWP Community Forum earlier this week. At the meeting, attendees raised important questions, such as who has been involved in planning efforts, how the Plan addresses recent Slough discoveries (including cultural artifacts and important leopard shark breeding grounds), how the wetlands could be impacted by desalinization projects and how volunteers can help. We really appreciate all of your insights and comments about the Elkhorn Slough Tidal Wetlands Strategic Plan and hope that you continue to get involved in shaping the future of your wetlands. We will post a copy of Barb’s presentation from the Forum on our website next week. We can also email you the presentation if you send a request to kmerin@elkhornslough.org

The Community Forum received much media attention this week, with articles being featured in the Monterey Herald, the Santa Cruz Sentinel, the Pajaronian and on KUSP radio. We will be posting these newspapers articles on our website next week.

3) Draft Elkhorn Slough Tidal Wetlands Strategic Plan
Just a reminder that today is the last day to submit your feedback on the draft Elkhorn Slough Tidal Wetlands Strategic Plan. We will be finalizing this document in the upcoming weeks, and the final document will be available in March. To download a copy of the draft document or submit comments, go to http://www.elkhornslough.org/tidalwetland/twpforum_021207.htm.

4) Literature Review of Tidal Wetlands Restoration Projects in the U.S. and Abroad
As you may already know, a team of consultants headed by Philip Williams & Associates has been hired to model various restoration alternatives for the Slough. The first task in their scope of work was to complete a literature review of restoration projects conducted in the U.S. and abroad that are similar in scope to potential restoration options for Elkhorn Slough. This review is now complete and available for anyone interested in learning more. If you would like a copy of this Literature Review, please send an email to kmerin@elkhornlsough.org or look for it on our website next week at http://www.elkhornslough.org/tidalwetlandproject/index.html.

5) Proposals Submitted for Restoration Planning at Parsons Slough
We have received several proposals from consulting firms interested in conducting a Parsons Slough Wetland Restoration Plan. The Plan will evaluate tidal marsh restoration alternatives for Parsons Slough, including actions to reduce the tidal prism in the area and/or add sediment to rebuild marsh elevations. A selection team will be reviewing the proposals received over the upcoming weeks, and we anticipate selecting a consulting team by next month. To see where Parsons Slough is located in relation to the rest of Elkhorn Slough or to discover the hiking trails that will enable you to explore this part of the Slough, go to http://www.elkhornslough.org/aerialtrails.htm. For a more complete description of the Parsons Slough and South Marsh complex, go to http://www..elkhornslough.org/tidalwetland/twmap06.htm.

Have a great weekend!

Kind Regards,
The Tidal Wetland Project Team

Barb Peichel, Tidal Wetland Project Coordinator
(831) 728-2822 x308

Kimberly Merin, Tidal Wetlands Program Specialist
(831) 728-5939 x242

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