[BCNnet] Big Restoration Success

Wed, 29 May 2002 19:51:30 -0500

This is a multi-part message in MIME format.

------=_NextPart_000_0249_01C2074A.3A96C950
Content-Type: text/plain;
	charset="iso-8859-1"
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit

Although this is not purely local bird conservation issue, because of its
magnitude and potential benefit for millions of shorebirds and waterfowl, I
thought BCN folks might have an interest.  It’s from the San Francisco
Chronicle.

Donald R. Dann
Highland Park/Lake County

   In what could become the nation's biggest wetlands restoration
outside the Florida Everglades, an agricultural company has agreed to
sell 16,500 acres of salt ponds around San Francisco Bay, an area twice
the size of San Francisco.
   Returning the ponds to tidal wetlands would vastly increase the
amount of public shoreline in the South Bay and provide enlarged
quarters for millions of waterfowl and shorebirds that live here or
visit on migratory routes, officials said Tuesday.
   Environmentalists have called the acquisition the crown jewel in a
10-year campaign to restore tidal marsh in a bay that has lost 80
percent to development.
   The state and federal governments and private foundations signed a
preliminary agreement Tuesday. The deal, brokered by Sen. Dianne
Feinstein, offers $100 million to Cargill Inc., an international
agricultural and food company.
   A purchase agreement is to be signed Sept. 16, and $53 million will
be paid at a Nov. 16 closing, with the remainder due over five years.
   The ponds -- shimmering chartreuse to orange-red checkerboards on
display for millions of travelers whose planes land here -- lie along
the shorelines of Alameda, Santa Clara and San Mateo counties. Cargill
also is selling 1,400 acres of ponds in Napa County on the Napa River.
   "We're taking the first step toward restoring the San Francisco Bay
for the people of California," Gov. Gray Davis said Tuesday.
   "This is more than just a purchase. Today we're making a commitment
-- to enhance our communities, our state and our most precious natural
resources," Davis said.
   MONEY AVAILABLE
   Two years ago, the governor signed a bill by then Assemblywoman
Carole Migden committing $25 million to get the project rolling.
   The federal government has authorized $8 million. Another $35 million
will come from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, the David and
Lucile Packard Foundation, the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation and the
Richard and Rhoda Goldman Fund.
   The remainder of the money -- $32 million -- will come from state
water and park bonds passed by voters through state Coastal Conservancy,
the San Francisco Bay Conservancy and the state Wildlife Conservation
Fund.
   "The Everglades in Florida is the largest wetland restoration in the
country, and this is the largest shoreline restoration that increases
tidal wetlands," said California Resources Secretary Mary Nichols.
   "For the people who live around San Francisco Bay, this is an
opportunity to improve open space forever and ever and create
opportunities for recreation and education adjacent to one of the most
concentrated urban areas in the country," Nichols said.
   80 PERCENT OF WETLANDS LOST
   The bay has lost 80 percent of its original 190,000 acres of tidal
marshes to diking and filling over the past 150 years.
   For 40 years, local environmentalists have envisioned returning the
commercial ponds in the southern bay to working wetlands, once again
serving as habitat for wildlife, filters for pollutants, flood control
and open space for hiking and watching birds. Over the years, they
lobbied in Congress to increase the size of the Don Edwards San
Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Now, the Cargill ponds can be
folded in with no further congressional approval. The state will manage
7,000 acres of the ponds as a wildlife reserve.
   Many environmentalists were happy about the deal.
   "Sen. Feinstein and the agencies have hit a home run for the bay. And
California voters have been willing to vote billions of dollars for
environmental projects. It proves that we don't need to destroy other
parts of the bay in order to reclaim tidal wetlands. That's what the
airport has been trying to convince people," said David Lewis, executive
director of Save San Francisco Bay.
   BAD EXPERIENCE WITH CARGILL
   Florence LaRiviere, a founder of the Citizens Committee to Complete
the Refuge, said her group is cautious. The environmentalists had a bad
experience with Cargill in 1994 when the company sold land to the state
but left behind bittern, a highly saline waste, and no money to clean it
up, she said.
   "Our vision is that things will be done right this time," said
LaRiviere.
   Early Native Americans who lived around the bay extracted salt from
diked ponds. Leslie Salt Co. came to the bay in the 1930s, expanding
over time and selling to Cargill in 1978.
   Cargill will retain 11,000 acres around the bay -- 3,000 acres that
it owns outright and 8,000 acres where it owns salt-extraction rights on
refuge land.
   SUSTAINABLE SALT BUSINESS
   "Our goal was to have a strong, sustainable salt business for the
foreseeable future -- 40 or 50 years, who knows," said Lori Johnson,
spokeswoman for Cargill. "The acquisition is based on land we no longer
need for salt production that could be restored to tidal marsh or other
uses."
   Cargill plans to keep producing 650 tons of salt a year and continue
to employ 200 employees and 70 part-time workers at its Newark plant.
   Cargill isn't selling 1,400 acres around its Redwood City plant or
the nearby 800-acre pond.
   Under the agreement, Cargill will lower the salinity of the ponds to
standards set forth in a permit that will be issued by the San Francisco
Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board. The company can't sell the
land until it meets the permit requirements.
   Currently, there's no appropriation in the 2002 federal budget for
extra money to maintain and operate dikes and pumping of the pond.
Congress would have to approve funds for the refuge above the
president's budget.
   Interior Secretary Gale Norton has already expressed support for the
agreement. Her spokesman, Eric Ruff, director of communications, said
Tuesday that "the secretary believes that this kind of agreement, which
brings together federal and state governments, working in cooperation
with local cities and organizations, represents the strength of
conservation."
   BIG JOB AHEAD
   Once the refuge takes over the land, years of restoration lie ahead.
Scientists have estimated a range of $200 million up to $1 billion,
depending on how much is restored to tidal marsh. Scientists envision a
diverse mix of tidal marshes and fresh water seasonal wetlands to upland
habitat.
   Feinstein, who put the deal together just as she did the purchase of
the Headwaters Preserve, said: "I've tried to take individual projects,
including the California Desert Protection Act and the Lake Tahoe
agreement, and follow through to the end. In that way, it becomes
something living, real and exciting as opposed to legislation."

------=_NextPart_000_0249_01C2074A.3A96C950
Content-Type: text/html;
	charset="iso-8859-1"
Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable

<html xmlns:o=3D"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" =
xmlns:w=3D"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" =
xmlns=3D"http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40">

<head>
<META HTTP-EQUIV=3D"Content-Type" CONTENT=3D"text/html; =
charset=3Diso-8859-1">

<meta name=3DProgId content=3DWord.Document>
<meta name=3DGenerator content=3D"Microsoft Word 9">
<meta name=3DOriginator content=3D"Microsoft Word 9">
<link rel=3DFile-List href=3D"cid:filelist.xml@01C2074A.38ADBE00">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
 <o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
  <o:DoNotRelyOnCSS/>
 </o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
 <w:WordDocument>
  <w:View>Normal</w:View>
  <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
  <w:DocumentKind>DocumentEmail</w:DocumentKind>
  <w:EnvelopeVis/>
  <w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>5.45 =
pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>
  =
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>2</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEve=
ry>
  =
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>2</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
 </w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]-->
<style>
<!--
 /* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
	{mso-style-parent:"";
	margin:0in;
	margin-bottom:.0001pt;
	mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
	font-size:14.0pt;
	mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;
	font-family:"Times New Roman";
	mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
p.MsoAutoSig, li.MsoAutoSig, div.MsoAutoSig
	{margin:0in;
	margin-bottom:.0001pt;
	mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
	font-size:14.0pt;
	mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;
	font-family:"Times New Roman";
	mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
span.EmailStyle15
	{mso-style-type:personal-compose;
	mso-ansi-font-size:14.0pt;
	mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";
	mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
	mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;
	color:black;
	font-weight:normal;
	font-style:normal;}
@page Section1
	{size:8.5in 11.0in;
	margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
	mso-header-margin:.5in;
	mso-footer-margin:.5in;
	mso-vertical-page-align:middle;
	mso-paper-source:0;}
div.Section1
	{page:Section1;}
-->
</style>
</head>

<body lang=3DEN-US style=3D'tab-interval:.5in'>

<div class=3DSection1>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><span class=3DEmailStyle15><font size=3D4 =
color=3Dblack
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span style=3D'font-size:14.0pt'><span =
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:
12.0pt'>Although this is not purely local bird conservation issue, =
because of
its magnitude and potential benefit for millions of shorebirds and =
waterfowl, I
thought BCN folks might have an interest.<span style=3D"mso-spacerun: =
yes">&nbsp;
</span>It&#8217;s from the San Francisco =
Chronicle.<o:p></o:p></span></span></font></span></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><span class=3DEmailStyle15><font size=3D4 =
color=3Dblack
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span style=3D'font-size:14.0pt'><![if =
!supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]></span><o:p></o:p></font></span></p>

Donald R. Dann<o:p></o:p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><span class=3DEmailStyle15><font size=3D4 =
color=3Dblack
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span style=3D'font-size:14.0pt'><span =
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:
12.0pt'>Highland Park/Lake County<span style=3D"mso-spacerun: =
yes">&nbsp; </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></font></span></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><span class=3DEmailStyle15><font size=3D4 =
color=3Dblack
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span style=3D'font-size:14.0pt'><![if =
!supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]></span><o:p></o:p></font></span></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'><![if =
!supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]></span></font><font
color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:
windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'><span style=3D"mso-spacerun:
yes">&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>In what could become the nation's biggest =
wetlands
restoration</span></font><font color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:
14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p=
>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'>outside the Florida Everglades, =
an
agricultural company has agreed to</span></font><font =
color=3Dblack><span
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'>=
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'>sell 16,500 acres of salt ponds =
around
San Francisco Bay, an area twice</span></font><font color=3Dblack><span
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'>=
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'>the size of San =
Francisco.</span></font><font
color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:
windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'><span style=3D"mso-spacerun:
yes">&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Returning the ponds to tidal wetlands would =
vastly
increase the</span></font><font color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:
14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p=
>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'>amount of public shoreline in the =
South
Bay and provide enlarged</span></font><font color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:
14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p=
>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'>quarters for millions of =
waterfowl and
shorebirds that live here or</span></font><font color=3Dblack><span
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'>=
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'>visit on migratory routes, =
officials
said Tuesday.</span></font><font color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:
14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p=
>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'><span style=3D"mso-spacerun:
yes">&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Environmentalists have called the acquisition =
the
crown jewel in a</span></font><font color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:
14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p=
>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'>10-year campaign to restore tidal =
marsh
in a bay that has lost 80</span></font><font color=3Dblack><span
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'>=
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'>percent to =
development.</span></font><font
color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:
windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'><span style=3D"mso-spacerun: =
yes">&nbsp;
</span><span style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;</span>The state and =
federal
governments and private foundations signed a</span></font><font =
color=3Dblack><span
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'>=
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'>preliminary agreement Tuesday. =
The deal,
brokered by Sen. Dianne</span></font><font color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:
14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p=
>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'>Feinstein, offers $100 million to
Cargill Inc., an international</span></font><font color=3Dblack><span
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'>=
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'>agricultural and food =
company.</span></font><font
color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:
windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'><span style=3D"mso-spacerun:
yes">&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>A purchase agreement is to be signed Sept. 16, =
and $53
million will</span></font><font color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:
14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p=
>

be paid at a Nov. 16 closing, =
with the
remainder due over five years.=
<o:p></o:p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'><span style=3D"mso-spacerun:
yes">&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>The ponds -- shimmering chartreuse to =
orange-red
checkerboards on</span></font><font color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:
14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p=
>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'>display for millions of travelers =
whose
planes land here -- lie along</span></font><font color=3Dblack><span
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'>=
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

the shorelines of Alameda, Santa =
Clara
and San Mateo counties. Cargill=
<o:p></o:p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'>also is selling 1,400 acres of =
ponds in
Napa County on the Napa River.</span></font><font color=3Dblack><span
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'>=
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'><span style=3D"mso-spacerun:
yes">&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>&quot;We're taking the first step toward =
restoring the
San Francisco Bay</span></font><font color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:
14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p=
>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'>for the people of =
California,&quot; Gov.
Gray Davis said Tuesday.</span></font><font color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:
14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p=
>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'><span style=3D"mso-spacerun:
yes">&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>&quot;This is more than just a purchase. Today =
we're
making a commitment</span></font><font color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:
14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p=
>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'>-- to enhance our communities, =
our state
and our most precious natural</span></font><font color=3Dblack><span
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'>=
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'>resources,&quot; Davis =
said.</span></font><font
color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:
windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'><span style=3D"mso-spacerun:
yes">&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>MONEY AVAILABLE</span></font><font =
color=3Dblack><span
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'>=
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'><span style=3D"mso-spacerun:
yes">&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Two years ago, the governor signed a bill by =
then Assemblywoman</span></font><font
color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:
windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'>Carole Migden committing $25 =
million to
get the project rolling.</span></font><font color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:
14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p=
>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'><span style=3D"mso-spacerun:
yes">&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>The federal government has authorized $8 =
million.
Another $35 million</span></font><font color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:
14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p=
>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'>will come from the William and =
Flora
Hewlett Foundation, the David and</span></font><font color=3Dblack><span
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'>=
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'>Lucile Packard Foundation, the =
Gordon
and Betty Moore Foundation and the</span></font><font =
color=3Dblack><span
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'>=
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'>Richard and Rhoda Goldman =
Fund.</span></font><font
color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:
windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'><span style=3D"mso-spacerun:
yes">&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>The remainder of the money -- $32 million -- =
will come
from state</span></font><font color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;
color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'>water and park bonds passed by =
voters
through state Coastal Conservancy,</span></font><font =
color=3Dblack><span
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'>=
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'>the San Francisco Bay Conservancy =
and
the state Wildlife Conservation</span></font><font color=3Dblack><span
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'>=
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'>Fund.</span></font><font =
color=3Dblack><span
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'>=
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'><span style=3D"mso-spacerun:
yes">&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>&quot;The Everglades in Florida is the largest =
wetland
restoration in the</span></font><font color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:
14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p=
>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'>country, and this is the largest
shoreline restoration that increases</span></font><font =
color=3Dblack><span
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'>=
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'>tidal wetlands,&quot; said =
California
Resources Secretary Mary Nichols.</span></font><font color=3Dblack><span
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'>=
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'><span style=3D"mso-spacerun:
yes">&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>&quot;For the people who live around San =
Francisco
Bay, this is an</span></font><font color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:
14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p=
>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'>opportunity to improve open space
forever and ever and create</span></font><font color=3Dblack><span
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'>=
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'>opportunities for recreation and
education adjacent to one of the most</span></font><font =
color=3Dblack><span
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'>=
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'>concentrated urban areas in the =
country,&quot;
Nichols said.</span></font><font color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:
14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p=
>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'><span style=3D"mso-spacerun:
yes">&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>80 PERCENT OF WETLANDS LOST</span></font><font
color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:
windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'><span style=3D"mso-spacerun:
yes">&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>The bay has lost 80 percent of its original =
190,000
acres of tidal</span></font><font color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:
14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p=
>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'>marshes to diking and filling =
over the
past 150 years.</span></font><font color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:
14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p=
>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'><span style=3D"mso-spacerun:
yes">&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>For 40 years, local environmentalists have =
envisioned
returning the</span></font><font color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:
14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p=
>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'>commercial ponds in the southern =
bay to
working wetlands, once again</span></font><font color=3Dblack><span
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'>=
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'>serving as habitat for wildlife, =
filters
for pollutants, flood control</span></font><font color=3Dblack><span
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'>=
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

and open space for hiking and =
watching
birds. Over the years, they=
<o:p></o:p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'>lobbied in Congress to increase =
the size
of the Don Edwards San</span></font><font color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:
14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p=
>

Francisco Bay National Wildlife =
Refuge.
Now, the Cargill ponds can be=
<o:p></o:p>

folded in with no further =
congressional
approval. The state will manage=
<o:p></o:p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'>7,000 acres of the ponds as a =
wildlife
reserve.</span></font><font color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;
color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'><span style=3D"mso-spacerun:
yes">&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Many environmentalists were happy about the =
deal.</span></font><font
color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:
windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'><span style=3D"mso-spacerun:
yes">&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>&quot;Sen. Feinstein and the agencies have hit =
a home
run for the bay. And</span></font><font color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:
14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p=
>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'>California voters have been =
willing to
vote billions of dollars for</span></font><font color=3Dblack><span
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'>=
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

environmental projects. It proves =
that
we don't need to destroy other=
<o:p></o:p>

parts of the bay in order to =
reclaim
tidal wetlands. That's what the=
<o:p></o:p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'>airport has been trying to =
convince
people,&quot; said David Lewis, executive</span></font><font =
color=3Dblack><span
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'>=
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'>director of Save San Francisco =
Bay.</span></font><font
color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:
windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'><span style=3D"mso-spacerun:
yes">&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>BAD EXPERIENCE WITH CARGILL</span></font><font
color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:
windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'><span style=3D"mso-spacerun:
yes">&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Florence LaRiviere, a founder of the Citizens
Committee to Complete</span></font><font color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:
14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p=
>

the Refuge, said her group is =
cautious.
The environmentalists had a bad=
<o:p></o:p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'>experience with Cargill in 1994 =
when the
company sold land to the state</span></font><font color=3Dblack><span
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'>=
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'>but left behind bittern, a highly =
saline
waste, and no money to clean it</span></font><font color=3Dblack><span
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'>=
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'>up, she said.</span></font><font
color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:
windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'><span style=3D"mso-spacerun:
yes">&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>&quot;Our vision is that things will be done =
right
this time,&quot; said</span></font><font color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:
14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p=
>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'>LaRiviere.</span></font><font
color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:
windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'><span style=3D"mso-spacerun:
yes">&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Early Native Americans who lived around the bay
extracted salt from</span></font><font color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:
14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p=
>

diked ponds. Leslie Salt Co. came =
to the
bay in the 1930s, expanding=
<o:p></o:p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'>over time and selling to Cargill =
in
1978.</span></font><font color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;
color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'><span style=3D"mso-spacerun:
yes">&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Cargill will retain 11,000 acres around the bay =
--
3,000 acres that</span></font><font color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:
14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p=
>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'>it owns outright and 8,000 acres =
where
it owns salt-extraction rights on</span></font><font color=3Dblack><span
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'>=
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'>refuge land.</span></font><font
color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:
windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'><span style=3D"mso-spacerun:
yes">&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>SUSTAINABLE SALT BUSINESS</span></font><font
color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:
windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'><span style=3D"mso-spacerun:
yes">&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>&quot;Our goal was to have a strong, =
sustainable salt
business for the</span></font><font color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:
14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p=
>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'>foreseeable future -- 40 or 50 =
years,
who knows,&quot; said Lori Johnson,</span></font><font =
color=3Dblack><span
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'>=
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

spokeswoman for Cargill. =
&quot;The
acquisition is based on land we no longer=
<o:p></o:p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'>need for salt production that =
could be
restored to tidal marsh or other</span></font><font color=3Dblack><span
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'>=
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'>uses.&quot;</span></font><font
color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:
windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'><span style=3D"mso-spacerun:
yes">&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Cargill plans to keep producing 650 tons of =
salt a
year and continue</span></font><font color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:
14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p=
>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'>to employ 200 employees and 70 =
part-time
workers at its Newark plant.</span></font><font color=3Dblack><span
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'>=
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'><span style=3D"mso-spacerun:
yes">&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Cargill isn't selling 1,400 acres around its =
Redwood
City plant or</span></font><font color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:
14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p=
>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'>the nearby 800-acre =
pond.</span></font><font
color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:
windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'><span style=3D"mso-spacerun:
yes">&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Under the agreement, Cargill will lower the =
salinity
of the ponds to</span></font><font color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:
14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p=
>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'>standards set forth in a permit =
that
will be issued by the San Francisco</span></font><font =
color=3Dblack><span
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'>=
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

Bay Regional Water Quality =
Control
Board. The company can't sell the=
<o:p></o:p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'>land until it meets the permit
requirements.</span></font><font color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:
14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p=
>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'><span style=3D"mso-spacerun:
yes">&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Currently, there's no appropriation in the 2002
federal budget for</span></font><font color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:
14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p=
>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'>extra money to maintain and =
operate
dikes and pumping of the pond.</span></font><font color=3Dblack><span
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'>=
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'>Congress would have to approve =
funds for
the refuge above the</span></font><font color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:
14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p=
>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'>president's =
budget.</span></font><font
color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:
windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'><span style=3D"mso-spacerun:
yes">&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Interior Secretary Gale Norton has already =
expressed
support for the</span></font><font color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:
14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p=
>

agreement. Her spokesman, Eric =
Ruff,
director of communications, said=
<o:p></o:p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'>Tuesday that &quot;the secretary
believes that this kind of agreement, which</span></font><font =
color=3Dblack><span
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'>=
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'>brings together federal and state
governments, working in cooperation</span></font><font =
color=3Dblack><span
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'>=
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'>with local cities and =
organizations,
represents the strength of</span></font><font color=3Dblack><span
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'>=
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'>conservation.&quot;</span></font><=
font
color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:
windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'><span style=3D"mso-spacerun:
yes">&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>BIG JOB AHEAD</span></font><font =
color=3Dblack><span
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'>=
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'><span style=3D"mso-spacerun:
yes">&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Once the refuge takes over the land, years of
restoration lie ahead.</span></font><font color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:
14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p=
>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'>Scientists have estimated a range =
of
$200 million up to $1 billion,</span></font><font color=3Dblack><span
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'>=
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

depending on how much is restored =
to
tidal marsh. Scientists envision a=
<o:p></o:p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'>diverse mix of tidal marshes and =
fresh
water seasonal wetlands to upland</span></font><font color=3Dblack><span
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'>=
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'>habitat.</span></font><font =
color=3Dblack><span
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'>=
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'><span style=3D"mso-spacerun:
yes">&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Feinstein, who put the deal together just as =
she did
the purchase of</span></font><font color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:
14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p=
>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'>the Headwaters Preserve, said:
&quot;I've tried to take individual projects,</span></font><font =
color=3Dblack><span
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'>=
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'>including the California Desert
Protection Act and the Lake Tahoe</span></font><font color=3Dblack><span
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'>=
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

agreement, and follow through to =
the
end. In that way, it becomes=
<o:p></o:p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><font
size=3D4 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black'>something living, real and =
exciting as
opposed to legislation.&quot;</span></font><font color=3Dblack><span
style=3D'mso-bidi-font-size:14.0pt;color:black;mso-color-alt:windowtext'>=
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><span class=3DEmailStyle15><font size=3D4 =
color=3Dblack
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span style=3D'font-size:14.0pt'><![if =
!supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]></span><o:p></o:p></font></span></p>

</div>

</body>

</html>

------=_NextPart_000_0249_01C2074A.3A96C950--