Contacts
Refuge Manager Christy Smith, 707-769-4200
Scott Flaherty 916-978-6156
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is asking for public comment on recreation, environmental education and other activities planned for the Cullinan Ranch Unit of San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge in Solano, Napa and Sonoma Counties in northern California. The proposed activities include kayaking and boating, fishing, wildlife observation, photography and environmental education.
The Cullinan Ranch Unit consists of approximately 1,500 acres of former agricultural land on the Napa River delta on the northern shore of San Pablo Bay. The land was acquired by San Pablo National Wildlife Refuge in 1991 as a refuge for the endangered salt marsh harvest mouse and California clapper rail. The unit is bordered on the west by lands managed for wildlife by the California Department of Fish and Game. The refuge plans to restore most of the former hayfield farm to tidal marsh habitats for waterfowl, waterbirds and several endangered fish and bird species. Plans also include increased public access to wildlife resources in San Pablo Bay while minimizing project-induced flood impacts to Highway 37.
Before public use activities can occur on a national wildlife refuge, managers must determine if those uses are compatible with the purposes for which the refuge was established and other laws. The public is being asked to comment on compatibility determinations that would allow kayaking and boating, fishing, wildlife observation, environmental interpretation and education activities on the refuge. Descriptions of these activities are detailed in documents (Compatibility Determinations) posted to the Refuge’s planning website at: http://www.fws.gov/cno/refuges/cullinan/index.cfm Comments should be mailed to San Pablo Bay Refuge Manager Christy Smith, 7715 Lakeville Highway, Petaluma, CA 94954 or emailed to: christy_smith@fws.gov. Comments will be accepted through June 8, 2009.
The San Pablo Bay NWR is part of the San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge Complex, and lies along the north shore of San Pablo Bay in Sonoma, Solano, and Napa Counties. The refuge includes open bay/tidal marsh, mud flats, and seasonal and managed wetland habitats. The refuge provides critical migratory and wintering habitat for shorebirds and waterfowl, particularly diving ducks, and provides year-round habitat for endangered, threatened, and sensitive species like the California clapper rail, salt marsh harvest mouse, California black rail, San Pablo song sparrow, and Suisun shrew.
For more information about the refuge please contact Christy Smith at (707) 769-4200.
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.
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