To: Board of Directors, Sonoma County Water Agency
Department or Agency Name(s): Sonoma County Water Agency
Staff Name and Phone Number: David Cook 547-1944
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): First
Title:
Title
Amphibian Surveys at Sugarloaf State Park
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Recommended Action:
Recommended action
Authorize Sonoma County Water Agency’s General Manager to execute an agreement with California Department of Parks and Recreation, in a form approved by County Counsel, for amphibian surveys through December 31, 2024 in the not-to-exceed amount of $27,220 (California Department of Parks and Recreation is paying Sonoma County Water Agency), and, consistent with other agreements, authorize Sonoma County Water Agency’s General Manager to amend or terminate this agreement with approval of County Counsel. (First District)
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Executive Summary:
Funding of $27,220 for amphibian surveys is being provided to Sonoma County Water Agency (Sonoma Water) by the California Department of Parks and Recreation to perform surveys at Sugarloaf State Park to determine the distribution and abundance of the foothill yellow-legged frog, a California Species of Special Concern, and other amphibians at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. The primary study sites are aquatic habitats along Bear and Pony Gate creeks. Data, GPS locations, and photographs will be collected. A report summarizing the findings of the foothill yellow-legged frog study would be completed.
Discussion:
HISTORY OF ITEM/BACKGROUND
The California Department of Parks and Recreation approached Sonoma Water to assist with an amphibian study at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park in Sonoma Valley. Sonoma Water’s environmental staff have the technical expertise to conduct amphibian ecological field research necessary to implement this study. In addition, Sonoma Water manages several flood control facilities in Sonoma Valley that could benefit from the findings of this amphibian study.
The purpose of this research project is to determine the distribution and abundance of foothill yellow-legged frog, a California Species of Special Concern as designated by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and other amphibians at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. The primary study sites would be previously unsurveyed streams and waterbodies. Surveys will target all life stages of foothill yellow-legged frog consisting of adult breeding, egg mass, and tadpole in spring followed by juvenile frog in summer. Other species that may be detected include California giant salamander, Pacific treefrog, California newt, rough skinned newt, red-bellied newt, western toad, slender salamander, arboreal salamander, yellow-eyed salamander, and California red-legged frog. Non-native invasive species would also be recorded, such as American bullfrog and crayfish. Habitat conditions of study sites would be described.
The primary study sites are aquatic habitats along Bear and Pony Gate creeks. These creeks are tributaries of Sonoma Creek, and therefore are part of the watershed managed by Sonoma Water. Surveys for terrestrial amphibians, unlikely to be detected during aquatic surveys, would also be conducted in uplands near study creeks. Visual encounter surveys would be conducted every two weeks from April to August.
This study would be conducted under the auspices of Sonoma Water’s Scientific Collectors Permit issued by California Department of Fish and Wildlife. A report summarizing the findings of the foothill yellow-legged frog study would be completed by December 31, 2024.
Funding of $27,220 for amphibian surveys is being provided to Sonoma Water by the California Department of Parks and Recreation to perform surveys at Sugarloaf State Park.
SERVICES TO BE PERFORMED
Under the agreement, Sonoma Water will conduct amphibian surveys to determine the distribution and abundance of the foothill yellow-legged frog and other amphibians at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park.
REQUEST FOR SONOMA WATER GENERAL MANAGER AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION AUTHORITY
Staff recommends that the Board authorize Sonoma Water’s General Manager to:
1. Amend or terminate the agreement with approval of County Counsel.
2. Exercise up to two options to extend the term for a period of one year each by providing written notice to California Department of Parks and Recreation thirty days in advance of the expiration date of the agreement and of the first extension option. The extension will be formalized in an amended agreement or amendment signed by Sonoma Water and California Department of Parks and Recreation.
Strategic Plan:
County of Sonoma Strategic Plan Alignment
N/A
Sonoma Water Strategic Plan Alignment
Flood Protection, Goal 1: Provide efficient and effective flood protection programs.
Strategic Plan Alignment: Identify and pursue new funding sources, and collaborate with regulatory and governmental agencies, and other stakeholders, for restoration planning related to drought and climate adaptation, and flood control projects.
Prior Board Actions:
None
Fiscal Summary
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Expenditures |
FY 22-23 Adopted |
FY23-24 Projected |
FY 24-25 Projected |
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Budgeted Expenses |
$27,220 |
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Additional Appropriation Requested |
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Total Expenditures |
$27,220 |
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Funding Sources |
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General Fund/WA GF |
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State/Federal |
$27,220 |
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Fees/Other |
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Use of Fund Balance |
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Contingencies |
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Total Sources |
$27,220 |
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Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
Budgeted amount of $27,220 is available from FY 2022/2023 appropriations for the General fund. Offsetting revenue in the amount of $27,220 will come from California Department of Parks and Recreation. No additional appropriation is required.
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Staffing Impacts: |
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Position Title (Payroll Classification) |
Monthly Salary Range (A-I Step) |
Additions (Number) |
Deletions (Number) |
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Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
N/A
Attachments:
None
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
None