From MTC-ABAG, August 2, 2022
“Release of the Blueprint [by the San Francisco Estuary Partnership] coincides with unprecedented federal funding approved over the past year to support the San Francisco Estuary.
“The Blueprint emphasizes the [holistic, integrated] connection between the lower and upper Estuary… . The report also underscores the need for equity in work on the Estuary — the largest in western North America — while addressing resilience at the nexus of the social and ecological sciences.
“Among the regional takeaways in the Blueprint:
“South Bay: Millions of tons of sediment will be needed in the coming years to restore and retain tidal marshes at the edge of the Bay. Tidal marshes can soak up the effects of sea level rise to protect the billions of dollars of business infrastructure in the South Bay.
“East Bay: The East Bay’s tributary streams form essential pathways for wildlife, sediment, and freshwater flows to reach the Bay… . [R]estoring the connections between creeks … and the shoreline, as well as rejuvenating channelized creek corridors [provides] recreation and green space in neighborhoods that need amenities.
“San Francisco: [Water supplies need to be stretched further by] maximizing the use of recycled water when available, while ensuring fresh water continues to flow in streams and rivers for fish and wildlife habitat and cultural uses.
“North Bay: [R]egulatory and administrative hurdles [face] complex multi-benefit shoreline adaptation projects like Highway 37 with tasks to advance climate adaptation. [A] technical assistance ‘help desk’ network for cities, counties, and others as well as the alignment of FEMA hazard planning with climate adaptation planning [could help].
“The full plan and its recommended actions can be viewed here.
“A Blueprint [summary] video can be found here.”
Read the full press release announcing the Blueprint here. (~2 min.)