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Adopted 12-14-99
For All Habitat Conservation Plans and Land-Use Policies:
In order to avoid continued loss of wetlands to residential and commercial development we recommend, in cases where avoidance of wetland impacts is determined to be infeasible due to economic constraints, that Habitat Conservation Plans (HCPs), and other land-use policy decisions throughout San Diego & Imperial Counties contain provisions for acquisition and preservation of wetland habitats (and appropriate wetland buffers).
For other Development:
In all other cases wetlands shall be avoided unless the impact is for an essential public service utility that cannot avoid the impact, such as a road that crosses the stream. In these cases the impact must be minimized. For example, the wetland would be crossed by a bridge (that is, not on berms and fill) at the least damaging location. The bridge should minimize the impact to the floodplain and wetland to the maximum extent feasible and that engineering will allow.
Background:
In the San Diego and Imperial County region, we have lost approximately 90% of our original wetlands. Consider the enormous value of wetlands and consider that they make up LESS than 0.5% of our landmass.
The MULTI-FOLD VALUES OF WETLANDS:
HABITAT VALUES
a.) Half of all endangered and threatened species depend upon wetlands for habitat.
b.) Creeks, streams, and rivers provide natural wildlife corridors allowing for movement of animals throughout the watershed. One of the fundamental principles of a Habitat Conservation Plan is the benefit of connected and contiguous wildlife corridors to a number of species.
c.) Seventy-five percent of all commercial and sport fish depend upon wetlands at some point during their life cycle.
WATER QUALITY & WATER RESOURCE
a.) Wetlands are natural filters of nutrients and pathogens found in urban runoff and are capable of improving the quality of water flowing downstream to larger water bodies.
b.) In addition to breaking down organic compounds into harmless components, wetlands help to slow flood waters, thereby reducing erosion and allowing sediment particles to settle out. They therefore serve to protect our bays from excess sedimentation.
c.) Wetland and wetland buffers recharge groundwater.
COMMUNITY VALUES
a.) Loss of natural wetlands results in increased flood damages.
b.) Wetland areas are ideal for passive recreation.
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