Lindsay Young 1262340 CLEI 80B SWEZEY 11-21-11

Alameda Point: Wetland or War Veterans?

Introduction: Alameda: the oft-forgotten island humbly rests in the bay, gorgeous views of the San Francisco skyline visible from almost any stretch of coastline, accessible by ferry, bridge, and underground tunnel. A tight-knit suburb, Alameda is home to one small shopping center, two public high schools and a handful of middle and elementary schools; a smattering of business parks and a plethora of playgrounds abound in this city by the bay. However, on the west end of town lays a decrepit, abandoned naval base. The parched asphalt crumbles underfoot and weeds, like ravenous crusaders, infiltrate the cracked, arid landscape. Developers, in the fashion of carrion birds, hover over the untamed concrete wasteland, waiting for a chance to break ground and shatter the accepted identity of the Point. Over the years, a few businesses have taken over old hangars, but the landing strip and various other facilities remain untouched. Recently, the Navy has relinquished ownership of the property to Alameda, free of charge (Jones, 2011). While the Navy is in charge of safe clean-up, it is up to Alameda to develop the area; residents and organizations are now locked in a debate over transforming the wasteland into a combination wetland-recreational park-wildlife preserve, or allowing the construction of a veterans outpatient clinic (as well as a columbarium, administrative space, and associated parking) overlooking the bay. At first glance, the idea of a veterans clinic is benign, a boon for the citys image, in facta closer look, however, brings to light new conflict: endangered California least terns inhabiting the proposed location of the clinic. Discovered in 1976, the terns became an

object of study and protection on the base. As an increasing amount of businesses have encroached on tern territory, the remaining area up for debate is an object of intrinsic value to the Friends of Alameda Wildlife Refuge (FAWR). Although the preservation of the tern population is held in highest regards, development of the land is inevitable; one method of keeping the terns safe lies in the proposed Flight Park, a plan to convert the landing strip into aviary paradise. Part of the park will be reserved as a bird sanctuary for the terns and other wildlife, while the rest will be converted into a recreational park and learning center to educate school groups and other community members on the different types of wildlife within the area. Building the veterans clinic elsewhere has been proposed, but the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) remains firm in their decision to plant the clinic by the present landing strip. Methodology: Since Alameda is a small, quiet town, with only one reliable news journal available online and few other outlets for publicity on an official level, most research was performed online. Stories about the terns and veterans clinic were not covered extensively in the Alameda Journal, but views from each side were available online. One blog (Alameda Point Environmental Report), updated weekly, documented the progress of the Navys clean-up of the property. Leora Feeney (chairwoman of Friends of Alameda Wildlife Refuge) responded to questions about the benefits of Flight Park and the problems the veterans clinic might cause, and gave a better description of the fragile state of the California least tern population, as well as inferred vulnerability to change. My source on the opposing side, Irene Dieter, answered questions about the viability of the veterans clinic at Alameda Point, as well as other development projects at the base. An additional source in support of the veterans clinic, Larry Janes, also answered questions about the implementation of the clinic, as well as why the current location was considered and later chosen. In Alameda, the Alameda Journal is the main source

for most of the citys news. Since the town is relatively small in the Bay Area, and there is not much activity within city limits, there are not many articles to choose from. In the official newspaper, there was only one article concerning the terns and the veterans clinic, but a blog called The Alameda Point Environmental Report provided biweekly status updates and other insight into the project. As recently as November 21, 2011, project managers at University of California, Berkeley, also secured property adjacent to Seaplane Lagoon, very close to the proposed tern reserve and current tern territory. UC Berkeley representatives were not available for comment. Results: In researching the controversy at Alameda Point, there were many factors to be investigated. Between wildlife preservation and economic gains from each project, the main problem lies in the tern population. Since the terns have preceded most establishments in the area, support for their ongoing revival has grown over the years and the Friends of Alameda Wildlife Refuge (FAWR) has fostered their population resurgence. In light of the proposed veterans clinic, Feeney stated that construction of the clinic near the planned reserve could potentially ruin the trophic web and undo all of the progress the terns have made in the past few decades. Since the clinic will be so close to the wildlife reserve, as well as in the heart of existing hunting grounds for the terns niche competitors, animals in the area will be forced to find food elsewhere and ultimately compete for a smaller selection of prey. Already an endangered species, it is clear that this choice is not ideal for the prosperity of the tern population. However, as Larry Janes explained during an interview, the site chosen for the clinic was the only site offered by the Navy, free of charge. Had there been another option with less of an environmental cost, we would surely have taken it. Janes also feels that, despite mentioned trophic disruption, the installation of the new clinic and administrative buildings will

not interfere with the tern population. In addition to the new buildings, the previously restricted expanse will be available to public access. While the potential National Wildlife Refuge may bode well for tourism in Alameda, the influx of human guests to the area will likely stress its wildlife. FAWR intends to preserve the current tern population and promote a healthy and scenic recreational area for Alamedas non-aviary inhabitants, as well. Working in tandem with the Department of Veterans Affairs and the US Navy, FAWR is supervising the clean-up of the area, in an effort to prevent any significant interruption of the terns life style. Typical of any abandoned naval base, Alameda Point is riddled with everything from radioactivity to lead, selenium, arsenic, solvents, cleaners, pesticides, discarded barges, engine hulls and exploded (and unexploded) cartridges. (Davis 2010) Clean-up procedures were also modified to include beautification and restoration of certain fixtures within the base, including a push to preserve nesting spots of other seabirds (namely osprey) in the area. Alameda Point Environmental Report blogger, Richard Bangert wrote: While the osprey is not an endangered species, it is certainly an environmental asset and a beautiful creature to watch so much so that many communities throughout the U.S. build perches around lakes and bays to attract ospreys during the nesting season. Alameda should emulate these efforts and adopt a policy of not only permanently preserving the old light beacon stand that was used this year; we should also refurbish the other one on the east breakwater that is tipped over and hanging on by a chain. (Bangert 2011) It is important to keep in mind that the California least terns are not the only wildlife currently supported by the naval base. In order to maintain a healthy environment and create a lush and appropriate wildlife reserve on the base, all animals and their habits should be documented and

accounted for, in order to prevent any unintentional endangerment or favoring of one species over another. Another potential gain in the building of the clinic deep in the heart of Alameda Point is the development of roads and other urban establishments leading to Flight Park. Though a probable environmental burden, the development of Alameda Point will be an economy booster for the city of Alameda, notoriously deadlocked and incapable of taking advantage of the acres of viable land within the abandoned base. Since the base is far removed from the residential area of West End Alameda, increased traffic through the area is unlikely to cause a problem for people living in the area. In fact, the development of the abandoned base could open doors for small businesses and other retailers in Alameda. In consideration for the terns and other wildlife, however, the city must be wary of the businesses they attract and any kind of interference they may inflict on the progress of the tern revitalization. As Irene Dieter of Isle Say wrote, our city council has both a challenge and an opportunity. The challenge: to become the advocate for a full-fledged urban wildlife refuge, fulfilling the responsibilities described in the base reuse plan. The opportunity: to partner with the VA in the construction of the roadway and infrastructure out to the site. (Dieter 2011) Combining these efforts and synthesizing the ideas of both FAWR and the VA may lead Alameda to an age of economic gains and increased employment rates. Dieter also states, a regional park and Bay Trail have been planned there for 15 years, and wetlands and habitat restoration are being considered, but we need a road to get there. (Dieter 2011) Allowing the VA to settle at Alameda Point may allow for urban sprawl: a boon and a burden. While the VA may pave roads (literally and figuratively) for new businesses, it also has the potential to destroy all of the progress the terns have made in their 40-year comeback. Although construction will be restricted to seasons that do not interfere with breeding and fledging, an

increased concentration of buildings will encroach upon existing hunting grounds for the terns main competitors, disrupting the delicate trophic web at Alameda Point. Finding it hard to argue with the possibility of economic gain, it is likely that Alameda will not bar businesses from flocking to the newly available landan unfortunate circumstance for the wildlife currently inhabiting the area. As plans for the recently overturned naval base expand, FAWR continues its campaign against the displacement of the already endangered terns. Feeney said their main concern was to provide a clean and safe habitat, not only for the terns, but for patrons of the Alameda parks and recreations department, as well. (Feeney 2011) Allowing the Navy to take care of waste removal and the many toxic contaminants littering the old landing strip has saved much time and effort, instead directed towards preserving the refuge land and negotiating construction time and procedures for the other establishments surrounding the future Flight Park. Feeney also mentioned it is important to keep in mind the transition from the barren landing strip to a national refuge will be difficult, not only from a development standpoint, but for the terns as well. (Feeney 2011) Such a dramatic change may initially stress the animals, but will benefit them and allow them to thrive in the long run. Encouraging growth of native species and other foliage while maintaining a natural look and progression for the future wetland is the top priority for FAWR, in conjunction with the Golden Gate Audubon Society. At present, the area is restricted to common pedestrians, as the Navy is working on removing hazardous waste from the site, but once it reopens for further development, volunteers from the Golden Gate Audubon Society will be welcome to help plant marsh grass and aid in the restoration of nest sites and other soon-to-be habitats. As for keeping the bird sanctuary purely for the birds, Feeney said that boundaries and other restrictive methods will discourage interference with the tern

population, as well as preserve the integrity of the new wetland. Some light maintenance will be performed from time to time, but for the most part the refuge will be left up to natures will. (Feeney 2011) Recommendations: In light of the remarkable progress the California least terns have made over the past few decadesand the fact that they remain on the endangered species listit is imperative that anything and everything possible be done to restore the population to its former glory. Although plans for the clinic are well under way, it is important that officials and other developers take into consideration the delicate state of the surrounding wildlife. Keeping operations eco-friendly and continued collaboration between FAWR and the Department of Veterans Affairs is integral to the coexistence of the two facilities. Without the help of the VA, Flight Park will be virtually inaccessible to its potential patrons, but any interference with the terns could bring a firestorm of retaliation from FAWR and its associates. In order to preserve the majesty of the terns and other wildlife on the base, clear and explicit boundaries must be installed; the birds must be protected from not only the hazards of construction, but from curious trespassers, as well. As Bangert suggested, it is also important to restore Alameda Point to its former beauty, as many animals use its fixtures and facilities as shelter. Maintaining the relationship between the existing wildlife and their innovative adaptations to living on the base will be crucial to the arduous transition from wasteland to wetland. With an already-crippled education system and lack of funding, the city of Alameda must seize this opportunity and organize a symbiotic connection between FAWR and the VA. Fostering this new relationship and keeping relations amiable between both parties is essential to the development of Alameda Point. A previously neglected resource, Alameda Point may prove to be one of Alamedas hidden gems. With the advent of community involvement and an ever-expanding interest in

environmental science at the local high schools, Flight Park may become a center for the study of ecology, as well as ecotourism in Alameda. UC Berkeleys new labs, located off Seaplane Lagoon, may also bring prestige to the sleepy, rundown outskirts of the city. Alameda Point has been the center of development controversy countless times in the past. The success of the Flight Park project, as well as cooperation with the Department of Veterans Affairs, may be a turning point for Alameda Point. A positive outcome of the controversy will open doors for the rest of the base; while nearly every previous project has been shot down by the community, Flight Park will be proof of the benefits to be gained from expansion of the city onto the property. Although the Navy restricts the amount of residential establishments to be built on the relinquished land, other institutions may be constructed, making way for a research center or other educational facility to supplement the study of wildlife in the area. Focusing on the environmental aspects of the base and minimizing emphasis on the economic gains of a project that jeopardizes the environmental integrity of the area should be an ongoing goal and guideline for the betterment of the area. In an effort to maintain the environmental value of Alameda Point and its future facilities, the city of Alameda must promote a collaborative relationship between the supporters of Flight Park and the veterans clinic. Representatives of the VA may be optimistic in their belief that occupying hunting grounds and removing the niche of tern-competitors will have minimal effects on the tern population, but the situation must be dealt with carefully to avoid the collapse of forty years of dedication to the regeneration of the species. Following the movement to preserve and rebuild the tern population, FAWR and the Golden Gate Audubon Society must work towards a mutually beneficial relationship with the VA, as well as establish strict guidelines for the transformation of the land. Rehabilitating the species and working towards a common goal of species preservation, in addition to environmental restoration at the base will

bring Alameda into a new age of recycling and environmental appreciation. Finding a new use for the base will also create new opportunities for recuperation and beautification all over the city; opening Flight Park may be the key to a new level of environmental awareness in Alameda. The small city has lost one of its bird sanctuaries to the Oakland International Airport in the past; local environmentalists and birdwatchers alike will delight in a new area to protect and preserve wildlife in Alameda. Lastly, cooperation displayed between FAWR and the VA may pave the way for future environmental-naval collaboration in the future, essential to the further development of Alameda Point and the geographic and economic growth of the city.

Works Cited
Bangert. Alameda Point Environmental Report. N.p., 26 Nov 2011. Web. 30 Oct 2011. Davis, Susan. Turning Point for the Terns: Its Wildlife Refuge vs. the VA at Alameda Point. Alameda Magazine. Rivista, Dec 2010. Web. 21 Oct 2011. Jones, Carolyn. Navy turns Alameda air station over to city. SF Gate. Hearst Communications, 30 Sep 2011. Web. 21 Oct 2011. Dieter, Irene. Personal interview. 20 Nov 2011. Dieter. Isle Say. N.p., 20 Nov 2011. Web. 14 Nov 2011. Feeney, Leora. Personal interview. 20 Nov 2011. Janes, Larry. Personal interview. 18 Nov 2011.