Two county programs help preserve open spaces, waterways
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA (Apr. 20, 2024) — Contra Costa County is known for its beautiful open spaces and natural waterways, which are integral features of our natural environment.
In honor of Earth Day, I would like to share two county initiatives aimed at supporting, restoring and safeguarding our natural surroundings: the Contra Costa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District (FCD) and the East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy.
The FCD is committed to flood protection, ensuring the integrity of our regional storm drainage systems and reducing creek pollutants. At the Pacheco Marsh, the FCD has worked to restore degraded wetland habitats that has led to the return of tidal flows. As a result, the marsh has become a sanctuary for threatened species. Along the Clayton Valley Drain, the annual Giving the Natives a Chance event focuses on restoring native plants. Since 2013, volunteers have placed 46,400 native plant plugs in this area, while also removing invasive plants and trash.
It is important to note that the county cannot carry out all this restoration work alone. Many volunteer watershed groups work throughout our region to maintain and improve our waterways. Furthermore, the county has dedicated staff for land preservation to support and protect our endangered native species.
The Habitat Conservancy is a partnership between the county and the cities of Brentwood, Clayton, Oakley and Pittsburg. It implements the East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservation Plan/Natural Community Conservation Plan (HCP/NCCP), which provides a framework to protect natural resources in East County and works to improve and streamline the environmental permitting process for impacts on endangered species.
The conservation strategy focuses on newly preserved land that connects to existing protected lands, stretching from Clayton to Byron and totaling 43 properties across 12,000 acres. The goal is to conserve 30,300 acres. Additionally, the conservancy has completed 11 habitat restoration projects, including the creation of ponds and the restoration of natural wetlands.
These two initiatives are crucial for sustaining our environment and supporting the wellbeing of our natural spaces for current and future generations.
With the help of volunteers and local watershed groups, Contra Costa County works to support the growth of local protected species and helps maintain an ecological balance in our natural environment.
To learn more about these programs, please visit the FCD at www.contracosta.ca.gov/5586/Flood-Control-District and HCP/NCCP at www.cocohcp.org.
Ken Carlson is Contra Costa County District IV supervisor. Email questions or comments to Carlson at SupervisorCarlson@bos.cccounty.us or call his office at 925-655-2350.