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Image source: Karen McDowell (SFEP)

Fall 2023 Newsletter

The Wetlands Regional Monitoring Program (WRMP) delivers coordinated regional science to inform stewardship, restoration, and adaptive management of the San Francisco Estuary’s wetlands.  This newsletter edition highlights some of the key accomplishments of the WRMP staff, Steering Committee, Technical Advisory Committee, and Science Workgroups during the third quarter of 2023.

Image source: Taylor Pantiga, SFEP

Wetland Monitoring to Kick-off in 2024

After much anticipation, initial WRMP monitoring will be launched in 2024! The WRMP has established near-term monitoring priorities for data collection and analysis through June 2025, using current funding from the San Francisco Bay Restoration Authority and in-kind matching program funds. These initial monitoring activities will track restoration progress (acreage) and measure tidal marsh extent. Additionally, at select sites within the WRMP monitoring site network the activities will take stock of how well marshes are functioning, and assess which marshes, if any, are showing early indications of drowning due to sea level rise.
Initial monitoring activities include

Conduct regional analyses of wetland extent and characteristics from the Baylands Change Basemap.
Conduct California Rapid Assessment Methods (CRAM) assessments of WRMP Priority Network Sites.
Deploy new Sediment Elevation Tables-Marker Horizons (SET-MHs) in underrepresented sub-regions and conduct region-wide SET-MH data collection in collaboration with the USGS.

See the full Early Implementation Memo here!

Image source: Ariel Rubissow-Okamoto

People and Wetlands Workgroup Update

In June, the WRMP Steering Committee approved the new and updated Management Questions developed and proposed by the People and Wetlands Workgroup. The workgroup will continue to develop indicators to help address the following Management Questions:

How are the benefits of wetlands [identified below] distributed regionally and among different demographic groups?
How does the provision of benefits [identified below] progress over time at existing and restored wetland sites?
What monitoring data and/or analyses are needed to improve the relationships between tidal marsh restoration, fish and wildlife support, mosquito and vector control, and public access?

Key benefits identified by the workgroup: shoreline protection, water quality, public access, opportunities for community stewardship, knowledge production & transmission, and cultural & spiritual experiences.

People of the WRMP

Meet our new Steering Committee Chair, Jessie Olson!

Tell us a little about yourself.

I've worked at Save The Bay for the past 8+ years, supporting our community engagement and habitat restoration work. In that time, I am most proud of our efforts to scale up our transition-zone revegetation efforts, at projects such as the Oro Loma Horizontal Levee Demonstration Project and Ravenswood/SBSPRP, and in expanding the reach and equity of our programs, by increasing the percentage of Title-1 funded schools engaged, translating educational materials, and implementing affinity programs at our sites and nurseries.

What about your new role with the WRMP is most exciting for you?

In the role of Steering Committee chair, I look forward to championing the program and working with SFEP staff, Steering Committee members, and the working groups to solicit feedback and varying perspectives as we work together to mold the direction of the program. I have a lot to learn from each of you about your individual and organizational needs and how they can be supported and incorporated into the WRMP.

WRMP Newsletter Contributors and Editors
Donna Ball
Caitlin Crain
Cristina Grosso
Tony Hale
Sasha Harris-Lovett
Taylor Pantiga
Alex Thomsen
Christina Toms
Karen Verpeet

Our mailing address is:
San Francisco Estuary Partnership
375 Beale Street, Suite 700
San Francisco, CA 94105
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San Francisco Estuary Partnership · 375 Beale Street, Suite 700 · San Francisco, CA 94105 · USA