SAN PABLO BAY NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE EXPANSION ACT PETITION

Representative John Garamendi (D-CA08) released a discussion draft in September 2023 of the "San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge Expansion Act." The legislation is expected to be re-introduced in 2025. This proposed legislation would authorize the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to expand the acquisition boundary of the San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge by incorporating approximately 6,934 acres across six distinct parcels.


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The Honorable Alex Padillia

United States Senate 

331 Hart Senate Office Building

Washington, DC 20515


The Honorable Adam Schiff 

United States Senate

112 Hart Senate Office Building 

Washington, DC 20515



The Honorable John Garamendi
United States House of Representatives
2004 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515


The Honorable Jared Huffman
United States House of Representatives
2445 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515


The Honorable Mike Thompson
United States House of Representatives
268 Cannon Office Building
Washington, DC 20515

Re: Support for the Proposed "San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge Expansion Act"



Dear Senators Padilla and Schiff, Representatives Garamendi, Huffman, and Thompson:

We are writing to express our strong support for the proposed "San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge Expansion Act," legislation that would authorize the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to expand the Refuge’s current boundary to include 6,934 acres of critical baylands. This expansion represents a significant opportunity to strengthen the ecological integrity of San Francisco North Bay's wetland systems while advancing the Fish and Wildlife Service's mission to conserve and protect wildlife habitats for current and future generations.


Critical Habitat Protection

The proposed expansion would provide essential protection for numerous endangered and threatened species that depend on these baylands for survival. The expanded refuge would safeguard habitat for the California clapper rail, salt marsh harvest mouse, California black rail, San Pablo song sparrow, and Suisun shrew. Beyond these listed species, the expansion would benefit diverse wildlife populations, including eleven fish species that transit San Pablo Bay during their spawning migrations, as well as the countless migratory shorebirds and waterfowl, particularly diving ducks, that rely on these wetlands throughout the year.


Ecosystem Restoration and Resilience

This legislation addresses a critical conservation need in a region where human activities have dramatically altered the natural landscape. Approximately 85% of San Pablo Bay's historic tidal marshes have been modified through hydraulic mining, salt production, water diversions, and conversion for agricultural and industrial purposes. These changes have significantly impaired the remaining marshes' capacity to absorb winter rainfall and filter bay waters.

By bringing these parcels under FWS management, the Act ensures that ongoing restoration efforts led by the Army Corps of Engineers, California Coastal Commission, and other partners will have long-term protection and stewardship. This approach creates lasting benefits from current restoration investments while building ecosystem resilience against future challenges.


Recreation and Public Access

The expansion will enhance recreational opportunities for the public while maintaining the refuge's existing uses. Currently, the Refuge is an important site for hiking, bird watching, photography, hunting, and fishing. As with all National Wildlife Refuges, all federally owned land within an expanded San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge boundary would remain open to the public for outdoor recreation including hunting and fishing, where permitted.


Conservation Goals

This expansion directly supports both national and state commitments to protect 30% of America's lands and waters by 2030. The current refuge encompasses 24,390 acres, and this expansion would increase that total by 28%, representing substantial progress toward these ambitious but necessary conservation targets.


Moving Forward

We urge you to move forward with introducing this legislation and stand ready to support your efforts. This expansion would advance critical wetland conservation while increasing public access to enjoy nature, wildlife observation, photography, hiking, and other recreational opportunities.

Thank you for your continued leadership in protecting America's natural heritage. We look forward to supporting your efforts to secure passage of the San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge Expansion Act and to ensuring these vital baylands receive the protection they deserve

For more information on how to participate in the public comment process, contact Tuleyome Policy Director Bryan Pride.

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