Natural Resources Protection Workshops

CSMW held a series of workshops, from February through August 2010, across coastal California to obtain further input on descriptions and recommendations contained within their draft Biological Impacts Analysis report. The specific focus of the workshops was to facilitate development of recommendations on how to avoid or mitigate adverse impacts to natural resources during sediment management activities. CSMW co-chairs invitation letter below provides the background, and materials associated with each of the seven workshops are available through hyperlinks following each workshop's description. A list of workshop participants has also been compiled.

From: Brian Baird, California Natural Resources Agency 
George Domurat, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, South Pacific Division
Co-Chairs - California Coastal Sediment Management Workgroup (CSMW)

Subject: Invitation to CSMW Workshops - Facilitating the Development of Biological Resource Protection Guidelines Associated with Coastal Sediment Management

You are cordially invited to participate in a series of CSMW-sponsored workshops to assist development of guidelines to enhance biological resource protection related to, and streamline environmental review of, coastal sediment management projects in California.

Background

The Ocean Protection Council (OPC) is charged with implementing the California Ocean Protection Act (COPA) of 2004, which includes coordinating activities of ocean-related state agencies to improve the effectiveness of efforts to protect ocean resources. A key objective of the OPC strategic plan is to work with the CSMW to protect, restore and enhance California's coastal sediment and beach resources through implementation of regional sediment management (RSM).

The CSMW was established by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) and the California Natural Resources Agency (Natural Resources Agency) to develop regional approaches for protecting, enhancing and restoring California's coastal beaches and watersheds through federal, state and local cooperative efforts. The Corps is the federal lead agency with the mission, authority and capability to assist in managing and restoring coastal shorelines, wetlands, and watersheds. The Natural Resources Agency oversees conserving, enhancing and managing California's natural and cultural resources. Its departments include the California Coastal Commission, California State Lands Commission, Department of Conservation California Geological Survey, Division of Boating and Waterways, Department of Fish and Wildlife, Department of Park and Recreation, and State Coastal Conservancy.

The CSMW is developing a Sediment Management Plan (SMP) as a comprehensive guidance and policy document discussing how sediment management can be implemented in an expeditious, cost-effective, and resource-protective manner. The CSMW is implementing the SMP objectives by developing a series of Coastal RSM Plans specific to discrete portions of the California coast (http://www.dbw.ca.gov/CSMW/default.aspx).

Several technical studies and reports provide the supporting bases for guidance incorporated in the SMP. A comprehensive Biological Impact Analysis (BIA) report consisting of review of California coastal biological resources and impacts associated with sediment management is in the process of being finalized. The CSMW is hosting workshops to assist development of resource protection guidelines relevant to coastal sediment management that addresses the concerns of coastal stakeholders.

Workshop Information

Topics

A series of workshops is planned in 2010 to facilitate development of guidelines to enhance resource protection related to, and streamline environmental review of, coastal sediment management, including beneficial reuse of sediment (dredged, terrestrial) for shoreline protection or ecosystem restoration, beach nourishment, and beach maintenance (e.g., grooming).

Guidelines are intended to be of practical use to resource managers, regulators, and entities involved with implementing sediment management or maintenance projects.

Focused workshops will address resource protection throughout different project phases (e.g., design, construction, maintenance). In addition, input will be solicited regarding guideline development for CEQA thresholds of significance, essential fish habitat and cumulative impact assessments, resource agency coordination, monitoring during different project phases, and database tools to facilitate resource protection with implementation of sediment management plans. A recommended process for future updates to the guidelines also will be discussed.

Participants

The CSMW intends to conduct focused workshops with staff from resource and regulatory agencies as well as resource managers and other interested stakeholders involved with implementation, permitting, or review of coastal sediment management projects (e.g., dredging, beach maintenance, beach nourishment, shoreline protection).

Planned Locations, Timeframes, and Key Topics

Workshops will be held in both northern and southern California, running from 10am-3pm each day. Two planning workshops already have been held with resource-regulatory agencies; Presentation and workshop materials are available through links below. The following workshops are still being finalized but are currently planned, as follows:

• Workshop 1 - General approach to Guidelines development (Long Beach 2/18/10)
• Workshop 2 - Resource Protection in Managed and Recreational Areas, Water Quality (Sacramento, 2/24/10)
• Workshop 3 - Carlsbad, USFWS Office, June 16, 2010 
  Habitats: Sandy Beach, Dune/Strand, Sandy Subtidal
• Workshop 4 - Moss Landing, MBARI Office, July 1, 2010
  Habitats: Rocky Intertidal, Rocky Subtidal, Surfgrass, Kelp Beds
• Workshop 5 - Oakland, San Francisco Estuary Institute, July 13, 2010
  Habitats: Bays, Lagoons, Eelgrass
• Workshop 6 - Eureka, Humboldt Bay Recreation & Conservation District Offices, July 14, 2010
  Habitats: Bays/Wetlands and Commercial Fisheries
• Workshop 7 - Orange County, SCCWRP Office, August 4, 2010
  Impact Assessment, Monitoring, Database Tools

RSVP

Please reply to Susie Ming (susan.m.ming@usace.army.mil) with a cc to Clif Davenport (Clif.Davenport@conservation.ca.gov) and Karen Green (greenka@saic.com) with your interest to participate in one or more of the workshops. Specific details regarding dates and locations will be sent to those who RSVP in follow-up communications.

 

Please Note: The workshop series has been completed. Please contact Susie Ming or Clif Davenport for the status of the guidelines report.

Workshops

• Workshop 1
• • Agenda
  • Handout Example - Types of Mitigation Measures
  • Handout Guideline Priorities
  • Meeting Notes
  • Presentation
  • Priorities for Guidelines Consideration - Please Fill Out
• Workshop 2
• • Agenda
  • Berntsen Presentation
  • Handout Draft Water Quality BMPs
  • Handout Draft Water Quality Monitoring Considerations
  • Meeting Notes
  • SWAMP Comparability Larsen Presentation
• Workshop 3
• • Workshop 3 Meeting Notes
• Workshop 4
• • Workshop 4 Agenda
  • Workshop Series Invitation to Participate
  • Resource Protection Workshops Rocky Reef Presentation
  • Section 6
  • Workshop Meeting Notes
• Workshop 5
• • Workshop 5 Agenda
  • Workshop Series Invitation to Participate
  • Section 6, March 07
  • Workshop Presentation
  • Workshop Meeting Notes
• Workshop 6
• • Workshop 6 Agenda
  • Workshop Series Invitation to Participate
  • Section 6, March 07
  • Workshop Presentation
  • Workshop Meeting Notes
• Workshop 7
• • Workshop 7 Agenda
  • Workshop Series Invitation to Participate
  • Section 7, March 07
  • Section 8, March 07
  • Workshop 7 Minutes
  • Workhop 7 Presentation