Water Resource Collections and Archives

Conceptual Plan for Chelsea Wetland Restoration (2003 – 2009)

Organization: City of Hercules
2009 Grant Recipient - Contra Costa County

Purpose

This grant, which was also supported by the Contra Costa County Flood Control District, enabled an assessment of the feasibility and value of restoring a nine-acre parcel to a tidal marsh condition, serving the Bay Estuary. The parcel lies near the outlet of Pinole Creek onto San Pablo Bay, which was a reach restored during the study period. The parcel, denoted “Chelsea” from the adjacent residential subdivision, is undevelopable and in public ownership. This land, formerly owned by the Hercules Powder Company, was severed from the Bay margin by the construction of the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1878.

Restoration of the parcel to a tidal marsh condition was determined to be feasible and potentially valuable. There is potential to enhance both the biologic and hydrologic functioning of Pinole Creek and the San Pablo Bay.

Documents

• "Conceptual Restoration Plan – Chelsea Wetland Restoration Project(draft) ": Wetlands and Water Resources, Inc., Project 1136, April 15, 2009. (55 pps.)
  
  
• "Biological Evaluation Report – Chelsea Wetland Restoration Project" / Wetlands and Water Resources, Inc., Project 1136, May 11, 2009. (53 pps.)

Contact Information

Steve Duran
City Manager
City of Hercules
111 Civic Drive
Hercules, California 94547
http://www.ci.hercules.ca.us

Stephen Lawton was the initial manager and administrative advocate for the project.
Phone: (510) 724-8225
E-Mail: Steve@Lawton.net