Arrangement Reached for Wetland Restoration at Breuner Marsh

On April 20, 2009, the East Bay Regional Park District in cooperation with federal, state and local agencies reached a tentative arrangement that would provide $3,000,000 for tidal wetland restoration on the 218-acre Breuner Property in North Richmond.  This figure consists of three separate sources of funds:  restoration funds from a tentative settlement of Castro Cove natural resource damage assessments, state and federal grant programs, and Measure WW bond funding that was approved by voters in November of 2008.

The Park District acquired the Breuner property in 2008 and is developing a feasibility study for a restoration and public access project.  The $3,000,000 would fund planning and construction of the first phase of the project, which includes restoration of up to 45 acres of tidal wetlands. 

The total project will restore about 100 acres of wetland and grassland habitat for a number of plants and animals, including the endangered California clapper rail.  The project would also enhance Rheem Creek, and potentially restore it to its historic alignment.  Public access improvements could include a new staging area near Goodrick Avenue, trail access to the San Francisco Bay, and closure of a key gap in the San Francisco Bay Trail connecting North Richmond with Point Pinole Regional Shoreline.

The Richmond community has been very supportive of the Park District’s acquisition and restoration of the Breuner Property.  In particular, the Parchester Village Association has advocated strongly for the property.  Park District Director Whitney Dotson, who lives in Parchester Village, notes that he is very excited about this funding opportunity and the benefit to the nearby marsh, creek, and Richmond community. “I’d like to see the remaining non-developed portions of the North Richmond shoreline eventually protected and restored too. This success at Breuner Marsh is an important first step in achieving that goal,” states Dotson. 

Once the Park District receives funding, it will begin the planning process with possible construction of a first phase in 2012 or 2013.