Riparian ecosystems are some of the rarest habitat types in North America and are also some of the most critical for wildlife. About 80% of all animals use riparian resources and habitats at some life stage, and more than 50% of breeding birds nest chiefly in riparian habitats. Because they provide connectivity between habitats and across elevational zones, the importance of riparian ecosystems as movement linkages is critically important to wildlife populations, and their importance is expected to increase with time to allow species to respond and adapt to climate change.
Studies show that human activity in riparian areas, including walking and biking on trails, has a negative effect on local wildlife and on bird nesting activity. And as the human population in Santa Clara Valley has increased, the demand for recreation and commuter trails has increased as well. Creekside trails have become ubiquitous, and planning continues for creekside trails on almost every river or tributary in the County.
We all love access to nature, and we use trails that provide access for observing and photographing birds. But we must also consider that our desire for recreational access to creeks and open spaces can fragment wildlife habitat and stress the diminishing quantity and quality of resources that bird and wildlife populations require for subsistence and reproduction. And while some trails leave space for wildlife to roam, others have fragmented habitat and restricted wildlife movement.
SCVAS and several other environmental organizations have been advocating with the County, cities and Valley Water for a long time. We asked Valley Water to provide focal areas for access, rather than paved multi-use trails that run along the creeks. We hear that Valley Water is working on policy, and hope it protects the most sensitive areas from human intrusion.
Almaden Office Project
In San Jose, we follow several projects along the Guadalupe River and Los Gatos Creek. We submitted elaborate comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) for the Almaden Office Project on the bank of the Guadalupe River, across the river from the Children’s Discovery Museum. The project proposes two 16-story towers (283 feet tall) connected by a 4-story building. A 3-level underground garage is also proposed. This development is proposed with zero setback from the Guadalupe River corridor.
Rivers and streams meander. Natural processes remove sediment from one side of the river, and deposit it on the other, creating erosion and meanders. The Almaden Office Project is situated on a bend where Guadalupe River flows are already cutting into the bank. Development this close to the river will eventually require expensive erosion control. Sooner or later, it will mandate the fortification of the creek banks at a great expense to the healthy riparian forest at the site and to taxpayers.
The meandering nature of streams and the importance of riparian corridors to our birds, fish and other wildlife is the reason why SCVAS and advocates focused on stream setback for decades. It is why, in the past decade, San Jose adopted a Creek Corridor Policy and joined as a partner in the Habitat Conservation Plan. These policies require a minimum 100-foot setback of development from major waterways. Yet the DEIR finds significant cumulative harm to biological resources of the river. The conflict with the requirements of the Habitat Conservation Plan is another significant unavoidable impact.
SCVAS will continue following the approval process for this project and advocate with Council members asking them to deny the project when it comes in front of them for decision. If this project moves ahead as proposed, decades of advocacy for waterways and riparian corridors will take a huge step back.
Good News for Open Space
Finally, we are extremely pleased that Measure T passed. The funds will allow the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority to continue working to acquire, protect and restore natural and working lands in some of the loveliest areas of our County.
