The San Francisco Estuary has been cited as one of the most invaded estuaries in the world. Dealing with the invasive species problem is ranked as a top priority in SFEP's Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan, along with preservation and restoration of wetlands. SFEP has been working to minimize the impacts of ANS by serving on advisory groups, coordinating meetings, conducting specific projects, and developing and handing out educational brochures.

SFEP is currently involved with the following programs:

• Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force - SFEP serves as an Ex-Officio Member on the Task Force. Click on the link to visit the Task Force web site (http://www.anstaskforce.gov).
• Western Regional Panel on Aquatic Nuisance Species - SFEP serves as a member of the Executive Committee. Click on the link to visit the web site of the WRP (http://www.fws.gov/answest/).
• Spartina Signage Program - SFEP is working with the San Francisco Estuary Invasive Spartina Project to create signage for their Spartina Control Program. Click on the link to visit the web site of the San Francisco Estuary Invasive Spartina Project (http://www.spartina.org).
• State Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plan - SFEP is working with the State Coastal Conservancy and the California Department of Fish and Game to complete the State Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plan. This web site will serve as the primary web site for this project and will include the following information as it becomes available: 1) the times, dates, and locations of the three public meetings; 2) a copy of the draft plan; and 3) updates and progress of the plan.

State Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plan

Goal: To finalize the California State Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Management Plan, get the plan approved by the governor and federal task force, and begin to implement selected actions identified in the plan.

Background: An initial draft was developed for the Department of Fish and Game several years ago, but was the plan was not completed due to lack of funds and staff. Additional funding has recently provided to the San Francisco Estuary Project (SFEP) from the Ocean Protection Council to finish the State AIS Management Plan, and begin implementation of the plan. The project was started on April 5, 2006 and is scheduled to run for one year. The funds are being administered by the Coastal Conservancy. The Department of Fish and Game is supportive of this contract and will work closely with the SFEP and the Coastal Conservancy to oversee the completion and approval of the plan.

Time Line: The goal is to have the plan completed, reviewed by the federal Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force, and signed by the Governor within a one-year time frame. Final approval of the plan by the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force will take place at the Fall 2006 meeting, or the Spring 2007 meeting, which will make the state eligible to apply for federal funding for implementation of the plan. Due to this tight time line, there will be short turn-around times on reviews.

Public Involvement: Three public meetings will be held to allow for input on the draft plan. We expect to hold the meetings in late-summer 2006. All meeting announcements will be posted at this web site.

If you would like to receive an e-mail when the plan is released for public review, please contact Karen McDowell.

Contacts:

Technical Coordinator (Primary Contact):
Karen McDowell
San Francisco Estuary Project
1515 Clay Street, Suite 1400
Oakland, CA 94612
510-622-2398
kmcdowell@waterboards.ca.gov

Project/Contract Manager
Abe Doherty
State Coastal Conservancy
510-286-4183
adoherty@scc.ca.gov

State Invasive Species Coordinator
Susan Ellis
Department of Fish and Game
1416 Ninth Street, Suite 1260
Sacramento, CA 95814
916-653-8983,sellis@dfg.ca.gov