Candlestick Point, Yosemite Slough, South San Francisco Bay
The proposed project would increase the existing tidally influenced area from nine acres to over 20 acres, create two isolated bird nesting islands (including one designed specifically for special status species), provide nursery areas for fish and benthic organisms, transitional and upland areas to buffer sensitive habitats, more than 5,000 feet of new interpretative trails with five vista points, 2.5 acres of passive public use areas, an approximate 1,200 square foot multi-use interpretive center with restroom facilities, new access to the restored area, and additional amenities including parking, fencing, lighting, benches, and drinking water fountains. The restoration design, which would include re-vegetation, would also address soil contaminant issues arising from previous fill activities that could affect human and wildlife health. In early-2006, we expect to receive the final permits from the Army Corps of Engineers, the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board, and the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission approving the final project design. Although the restoration of Yosemite Slough could occur in one phase over the course of 24 months, we have broken it down into three sections—the South Area, Northeast Area, and Northwest Area—that can be restored simultaneously or one-by-one in 12-24 month phases depending on the availability of funding. Restoration efforts are planned to begin in the fall of 2006.
The project site was historically part of the tidal marshes and mudflats of San Francisco Bay. The history of the Yosemite Slough has been one of tidal habitat loss due to gradual filling for residential and industrial use. Development of the area began in the 1850s. Since the late 1800s, imported fill has been placed over the area, raising the ground surface to a level approximately 5 to 20 feet above sea level. Filling of the tidelands continued through the 1960s until the approximate current shoreline became established in 1972. The project site has been utilized for import of fill (and potentially other debris), and light industrial and commercial development including an auto salvage and wrecking yard. The current Yosemite Slough consists of a remnant channel within the original tidal marsh. The primary purpose of the Yosemite Slough Restoration Project is to restore tidal wetlands in a 34-acre parcel of Candlestick Point SRA. This project is consistent with the objectives of the Candlestick Point SRA GP, which has identified the restoration of natural areas within the project site as a high priority. In addition, the proposed project would provide some of the facilities (public access trails, interpretive center, parking, recreational area, etc.) identified in the Candlestick Point SRA GP. The purpose of the Yosemite Slough Restoration Project is to restore tidal wetlands in a 34 acre parcel of Candlestick Park State Recreation Area adjacent to a tidal channel referred to as Yosemite Slough. The site is just north of the San Francisco county line on the western shore of South San Francisco Bay (see “Project Area” (Figures 1 through 3)). This project is in compliance with the Candlestick Point State Recreation Area General Plan (Department of Parks and Recreation 1987), which has identified the restoration of natural areas within the Project Area as a high priority.
The project while supporting the General Plan for Candlestick Park also contributes to the overall regional goal of restoring native habitats along San Francisco’s bay front. Recent restoration projects at Crissy Field and Heron’s Head Park have demonstrated the value of restoring natural habitat along San Francisco bay front. Assistance and input from local and state agencies, reports and surveys from community organizations, and concerns expressed by stakeholders from the Bayview/Hunters Point have been and continue to be used to guide the project’s restoration design.
The design for the proposed project more than doubles the area of tidally influenced wetlands and provides for two isolated bird nesting islands including one designed specifically for special status species, nursery areas for fish and benthic organisms, transitional and upland areas to buffer sensitive habitats, public interpretive trails, and passive public use areas with an environmental interpretive center. The restoration design also addresses soil contaminant issues arising from previous fill activities that could affect human health. As a result the community will benefit from expanded open space opportunities including recreational trails linked to other regional trails and wildlife viewing, reduction in soil contaminants within the Park, and economic benefits from increased visitor use of the Park. The proposed project can also act as a catalyst for other recreational and open space opportunities along the Bayview/Hunter’s Point shoreline and for further clean up activities within Yosemite Slough and the nearshore areas.
Ecosystem Restoration,
Environmental and habitat protection and improvement,
NPS pollution control,
Recreation and public access,
Storm water capture and management,
Water quality protection and improvement,
Watershed planning,
Wetlands enhancement and creation
