Giacomini Wetland Restoration Project Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report (Draft)

This is a draft Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report for the Giacomini Wetland Restoration Project. This Draft Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report (DEIS/EIR) evaluates four alternatives for restoring wetlands and wetland functionality and incorporating public access opportunities that do not impact wetland function, as well as the No Action Alternative (e.g. closure of the dairy and discontinuation of intensive agricultural management). The primary purpose and objectives of the proposed project include: restoring hydrologic and ecological processes and functions in a significant portion of the Project Area; emphasizing actions that would benefit the health of the entire Tomales Bay watershed and not just the Project Area; and incorporating opportunities for experiencing and enjoying the restored wetlands that do not conflict with the project’s purpose. Alternative C is the lead agencies’ preferred alternative, because it best meets the purpose of restoring wetlands while also providing opportunities for public access that answer some of the local community’s needs. Alternative D would be the environmentally preferred alternative, because it provides the most restoration, although it also incorporates the least public access opportunities relative to the other action alternatives.