Elkhorn Slough Tidal Wetland Project

TWP Email Bulletin
Sent 5/07

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

1) Download the FINAL Elkhorn Slough Tidal Wetland Strategic Plan
Want to know what the Elkhorn Slough Tidal Wetland Project (TWP) is really all about? Then download the Elkhorn Slough Tidal Wetland Strategic Plan, the document that summarizes the results of many technical discussions, scientific evaluations, and resource management decisions made over the past few years about Elkhorn Slough’s estuarine habitats, the main human impacts causing loss and degradation of those habitats, and broad conservation and restoration recommendations. This document can be downloaded in its entirety or by individual chapters on the TWP website at http://www.elkhornslough.org/tidalwetland/strategic_plan.htm.

2) Learning from Our Neighboring Wetlands
One potential option for restoring Elkhorn Slough’s tidal wetlands is to add sediment to some of the Slough’s marshes. This could build the elevation of the tidal marshes, which is necessary to support the growth of vegetation that is crucial to the health of the ecosystem. While TWP continues to explore this option, we can also learn from other wetlands trying similar approaches, such as the Hamilton wetlands of the San Francisco Bay, located in Novato, California. Current restoration efforts are striving to revitalize these wetlands that for decades were impacted from a major military airfield. Last month, the Army Corps of Engineers added dredged sediments to the Hamilton wetlands, a process that will continue until seven million cubic yards of sediment are added. This is expected to raise the ground surface of the area to near sea level from its current level of five to six feet below sea level. We at TWP will stay tuned to the progress of this restoration project, in hopes of learning how feasible similar efforts could be here at Elkhorn Slough. You can read more about this restoration project by going to http://www.spn.usace.army.mil/newsrelease/newsrelease_04_13_07.html.

3) Did you know… Stewardship at the Slough
Each month you receive this monthly bulletin describing what’s happening at Elkhorn Slough, but we recognize that this does not suffice for actually seeing the Slough for yourself. So we would like to encourage you to come out and participate in Elkhorn Slough’s stewardship programs. Every year, hundreds of community volunteers join in stewardship projects that protect the watershed, such as native plant restoration and invasive species removal. Not only does this foster a healthier Slough, but it also provides volunteers an opportunity to learn about the natural and cultural history of the area. Stewardship volunteer days happen every month, and the next date is Sunday, May 27th from 10 am – 1 pm. For more information about how you can get involved and become an Elkhorn Slough steward, go to http://www.elkhornslough.org/willow.htm.

The Tidal Wetland Project’s monthly email is sent out during the middle of each month and is intended to keep community members, local organizations, policy-makers, and other stakeholders up-to-date about current activities and ways to get involved with the Tidal Wetland Project. If you have any questions about items in this email or if you have suggestions of items you would like to see in future emails, please let us know! If you do not wish to receive these emails in the future, or if you only want to receive e-mail updates about upcoming Forums and events, please reply to this email to notify us. For general information about the Elkhorn Slough Tidal Wetland Project, go to http://www.elkhornslough.org/tidalwetlandproject.

Kind Regards,
The Elkhorn Slough 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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