HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 12071993 - 1.181 �MENT OF �
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tip United States Department of the Interior aPM�'E°E AM
_ OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY ®�
11 �t A9
'4RCH 3 16 Washington,D.C.20240
November 15 , 1993
RECEIVED
Mr. Tom Torlakson
Chair, Board of Supervisors NOV 1 9 1993
Contra Costa County
651 Pine Street, Room 106 CLERK ROAwD OF s'U ERVISQRs
Martinez, California 94553-1290 CONTRA COSTA CO.
Dear Mr. Torlakson:
Thank you for your July 27 letter to Secretary Babbitt regarding Contra Costa
County's support of multi-species planning and ecosystem management.
Development and implementation of comprehensive regional planning efforts by
local jurisdictions are important to preserve biodiversity and avoid crises in
natural resources management. The Fish and Wildlife Service (Service)
supports Contra Costa County's intent to pursue a responsible ecosystem
planning effort through a cooperative venture. Since resources are not
restricted by jurisdictional boundaries, such an effort best may be addressed
through regional planning that includes two or more counties.
The Department of the Interior entered into a Memorandum of Understanding
(MOU) with a variety of State and Federal agencies to conserve biological
diversity in California. The MOU established an executive council to develop
guiding principles and policies, design a statewide strategy to conserve
biological diversity, and coordinate implementation of this strategy through
regional and local institutions.
The executive council .has identified 10 bioregions within the State that could
provide a basis for regional planning efforts. The San Francisco Bay
Area/Delta bioregion would include Contra Costa and Alameda Counties. Contra
Costa County could work with the executive council to set up the bioregional
council , and establish .regional strategies for watershed and landscape
management. A regional conservation strategy would provide a framework for
planning, and bring together the studies and .programs discussed in your
letter, thus ensuring their consistency.
Ms. Nancy Huffman of the Northern California County Supervisors Association
has been designated as the association's representative on the executive
council . She may be an appropriate spokesperson for Contra Costa's proposal
to initiate a comprehensive ecosystem management study. Mr. Douglas Wheeler
of The Resources Agency is the chairperson for the executive council , and
another possible contact.
CDS
Mr. Tom Torlakson 2
We support cooperative, ecosystem-based resource planning, and encourage the
initiative from Contra Costa County. If we can be of any further assistance
in this effort, please let us know.
Sincerely,
George T. Fam ton Jr.
amp
ton,
Secretary for Fish
and Wildlife and Parks