December 14, 2000 F/SW03:GRS

Alan Gould
Stream Protection Coordinator
Live Oak-Cordomices Creek Neighborhood Association
1256 Spruce Street
Berkeley, California 94709

Dear Mr. Gould:

Thank you for your letter of December 6, 2000, regarding the restoration of steelhead in Berkeley's Codornices Creek. The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) strongly encourages community-based efforts such as the Live Oak-Codornices Creek Neighborhood Association (LOCCNA) to protect and restore stream habitat for steelhead and other native aquatic species.

As indicated in your letter, a site visit by NMFS and the California Department of Fish and Game on November 28, 2000, did identify some potential steelhead habitat upstream and downstream of the 1301 Oxford Street project site. The NMFS is interested in evaluating the restoration of steelhead in Codornices Creek, as well as other tributaries to San Francisco Bay.

To proceed with an evaluation of the steelhead restoration potential in Codornices Creek, additional information is needed. Specifically, I recommend detailed habitat surveys be conducted in the creek from San Francisco Bay to the Berkeley Rose Garden. The surveys should be designed to identify and quantify steelhead rearing habitat, spawning habitat, and barriers to fish passage. Additionally, barriers to fish passage, such as the 500 foot-long culvert between Milvia Street and Shattuck, should be evaluated to determine the type and cost of modifications required for upstream passage of adult steelhead. Existing streamflow and water temperature information will also assist in evaluating the creek's restoration potential for steelhead. If LOCCNA chooses to proceed with these studies, my staff is available to review a draft scope of work.

If you have questions concerning these comments, please contact Mr. Gary Stem of my staff at (707) 575-6060.

Sincerely,

Patrick Rutten
Northern California Supervisor
Protected Resources Division

cc: Jim Lecky - NMFS PRD, Long Beach
Dennis McEwan, DFG