Breuner Marsh Restoration and Public Access Project
Point Pinole Regional Shoreline, Richmond, CA
In 2013, construction began to restore coastal habitat and provide public access in an area known as Breuner Marsh in the Point Pinole Regional Shoreline. Since then, approximately 41 acres of wetlands have been restored and/or enhanced, and in 2017 the project will open with the following new public access features: an additional 1.5 mile filling in a critical gap in the San Francisco Bay Trail, additional parking, restrooms, interpretive exhibits and picnic tables.
The property was acquired to protect its scenic open space values, restore endangered species habitat and improve public access to the SF Bay shoreline. Other benefits of the restoration include the removal of imported and contaminated soil, improved water quality and the creation of new shoreline habitats for endangered species. One notable design feature is the plan for it to be able to withstand 60 inches of sea level rise.
Grading for the new high marsh, transition and seasonal wetlands completed in 2014 and hazmat and other debris were also removed. Seeding of uplands and seasonal wetlands was completed in 2015, while planting and vegetation management is ongoing. The total project cost of 12,300,000 is being covered through funding by the East Bay Regional Park District and a combination of 10 grants from the USEPA, State Coastal Conservancy, Wildlife Conservation Board, ABAG, Castro Cove Trustees, USFWS, IRWMP, Department of Parks and Recreation, BCDC and the Bay Trail.
To see Video of construction activity follow the links:
- Veg Removal: http://youtu.be/uSFyTR8SuBw
- Site Clearing: http://youtu.be/mrtNl5oi7jg
