COASTAL CONSERVANCY. Staff Recommendation March 25, 2004 HUNTINGTON BEACH WETLANDS RESTORATION PLAN. File No Project Manager: Trish Chapman

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1 COASTAL CONSERVANCY Staff Recommendation March 25, 2004 HUNTINGTON BEACH WETLANDS RESTORATION PLAN File No Project Manager: Trish Chapman RECOMMENDED ACTION: Authorization to disburse up to $300,000 to the Huntington Beach Wetlands Conservancy to prepare a restoration plan for the Huntington Beach Wetlands. LOCATION: Huntington Beach Wetlands, City of Huntington Beach, County of Orange PROGRAM CATEGORY: Resource Enhancement EXHIBITS Exhibit 1: Project Location and Site Map Exhibit 2: Letters of Support RESOLUTION AND FINDINGS: Staff recommends that the State Coastal Conservancy adopt the following resolution pursuant to Sections et seq. of the Public Resources Code: The State Coastal Conservancy hereby authorizes the disbursement of an amount not to exceed three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000) to the Huntington Beach Wetlands Conservancy (HBWC) to prepare a conceptual restoration plan for the Huntington Beach wetlands ecosystem from Beach Boulevard to the Santa Ana River, subject to the condition that prior to the disbursement of any funds, HBWC shall submit for the review and approval of the Executive Officer of the Conservancy a work program, budget, schedule and the names and qualifications of any contractors or subcontractors to be employed for these tasks. Staff further recommends that the Conservancy adopt the following findings: Based on the accompanying staff report and attached exhibits, the State Coastal Conservancy hereby finds that: 1. The proposed project is consistent with the purposes and criteria set forth in Chapter 6 of the Public Resources Code ( ) regarding enhancement of coastal resources. 2. The proposed project is consistent with the Project Selection Criteria and Guidelines adopted by the Conservancy on January 24, Page 1 of 5

2 HUNTINGTON BEACH WETLANDS RESTORATION PLAN 3. The Huntington Beach wetlands have been identified in the City of Huntington Beach s Local Coastal Plan as an environmentally sensitive habitat area which should be preserved and restored. 4. The Huntington Beach Wetlands Conservancy is a nonprofit organization existing under Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, and whose purposes are consistent with Division 21 of the Public Resources Code. PROJECT SUMMARY: The proposed project would provide a grant to the Huntington Beach Wetlands Conservancy (HBWC) to prepare a conceptual restoration plan for the Huntington Beach wetlands ecosystem from Beach Boulevard to the Santa Ana River (Exhibit 1). The proposed project has been identified as a Tier 2 priority by the Southern California Wetlands Recovery Project. The Huntington Beach wetlands comprises approximately 180 acres of restored and degraded salt marsh, seasonal wetlands, and coastal dune habitat. Talbert Marsh, a 25-acre marsh at the south end of the wetlands complex, was successfully restored in 1989; however, habitat quality has declined in recent years due to sedimentation of tidal channels. The remaining 155 acres have not been restored and are dominated by degraded, non-tidal pickleweed habitat. Over the past two years, the Coastal Conservancy and HBWC have partnered to acquire 65 acres of the Huntington Beach Wetlands, and are working to acquire an additional 17 acres. In addition, Cal- Trans and the City of Huntington Beach are negotiating to acquire up to 60 additional acres of the wetlands complex. Having acquired a significant portion of the wetlands area, HBWC is ready to develop a restoration plan for the larger wetlands complex. The purpose of the Huntington Beach Wetlands Restoration Plan (HBWRP) is to evaluate the engineering, ecological, and economic feasibility of wetlands restoration alternatives within the Huntington Beach Wetlands, and then develop a framework for a coordinated restoration program. The study will characterize the existing conditions; identify potential restoration alternatives based on the opportunities and constraints; and then identify preferred alternatives for further planning. Critical issues that the study will address include: Options for enhancing tidal circulation to Talbert Marsh and restoring tidal circulation to the other basins to the maximum extent feasible, while also protecting existing habitat for the Belding s savannah sparrow, a state endangered species. Modeling the hydraulic and hydrologic conditions within the wetlands to develop alternatives that will maximize habitat benefits while minimizing long-term maintenance requirements. Outlining a restoration program that can be implemented in phases, with the understanding that some phases may never be implemented if privately-owned properties can not be acquired. It is anticipated that different phases of the program will be implemented by different agencies. For instance, one portion may be implemented by CalTrans for mitigation credit, while the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers may take the lead on another phase under its Ecological Restoration program. Development of the HBWRP will be overseen by a study management committee that includes HBWC, the Conservancy, City, County of Orange, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Marine Fisheries Service, Army Corps of Engineers, CalTrans, and the University of California. Page 2 of 5

3 HUNTINGTON BEACH WETLANDS RESTORATION PLAN HBWC was formed with the express purpose to acquire, restore and ultimately manage the Huntington Beach wetlands. HBWC has over 15 years of experience in restoration and management of the wetlands. HBWC successfully completed the restoration of Talbert Marsh in 1989 and has continued to manage the marsh. HBWC also conceived and constructed a wildlife care facility adjacent to the wetlands. Site Description: The Huntington Beach wetlands are a remnant of an historical wetlands complex that covered approximately 2,900 acres. This wetlands complex was formed by the migration of the lower Santa Ana River over the coastal plain. Over the past century, the wetlands were filled, and used for oil exploration, energy production, landfills, and urban development. Channelization of the Santa Ana River, local flood channels, and construction of Pacific Coast Highway have cut off tidal action to most of the wetlands. Today, only about 350 acres of the historic wetlands remain, divided between the Huntington Beach wetlands and the Santa Ana River mouth wetlands. The Huntington Beach wetlands are divided into several distinct sections, separated by roadways and other infrastructure. Most of the wetlands are isolated from tidal circulation by the Talbert Flood Control Channel. In 1989, tidal circulation was re-introduced to Talbert Marsh and a mix of subtidal and intertidal habitats were restored. Over the past 15 years, sand and sediment accumulation within the marsh has lowered the quantity and quality of subtidal habitat. Several adaptive management measures have been suggested to address this issue, and these will be evaluated in the study. A multi-agency partnership worked with HBWC to restore Talbert Marsh, a 25-acre portion of the wetlands complex. While overall this restoration has been a success, changes over time require follow-up enhancement activities to maximize habitat benefits. The unrestored areas of the Huntington Beach wetlands primarily support non-tidal salt marsh vegetation that varies greatly in quality. Project History: The Coastal Conservancy has been working for almost 20 years on the acquisition and restoration of the Huntington Beach wetlands. In the late 1980s, the Conservancy helped form HBWC and then provided funding for HBWC to acquire and restore the Talbert Marsh. This project involved removing the western wall of the Talbert Flood Control channel to reintroduce tidal circulation to the marsh. For the next ten years, HBWC and the Conservancy tried unsuccessfully to acquire additional portions of the wetlands. In December 2001, HBWC acquired 17 acres of the wetlands from Southern California Edison with the help of a $675,000 grant from the Conservancy. In June 2003, HBWC acquired an additional 45 acres (the Piccirelli Property) with a grant of $1,180,000 from the Conservancy. PROJECT FINANCING: Coastal Conservancy $300,000 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Coastal Program) 50,000 City of Huntington Beach (in-kind) 40,000 Total Project Cost $390,000 The intended source of Conservancy funds is monies appropriated to the Conservancy from Proposition 40, the California Clean Water, Clean Air, Safe Neighborhood Parks and Coastal Protection Act of Allowable uses under this legislation include acquisition, restoration, Page 3 of 5

4 HUNTINGTON BEACH WETLANDS RESTORATION PLAN and protection of land and water resources in accordance with the Conservancy s enabling legislation. The proposed project will facilitate the restoration and enhancement of up to 180 acres of coastal salt marsh and seasonal wetlands habitat and is therefore consistent with the allowable uses of the Proposition 40 monies. CONSISTENCY WITH CONSERVANCY'S ENABLING LEGISLATION: The proposed project would be undertaken pursuant to Chapter 6 of the Conservancy s enabling legislation, Public Resource Code Sections Pursuant to 31251, the Conservancy may award grants to nonprofit organizations to enhance coastal resources that have suffered a loss of natural and scenic values as a result of natural or human-induced events. The HBWRP will identify corrective measures to facilitate the restoration and enhancement of up to 180 acres of coastal salt marsh and seasonal wetlands habitat. Pursuant to 31252, the Huntington Beach wetlands area is identified in the City of Huntington Beach Local Coastal Program as requiring public action to resolve resource protection problems, as described in the Consistency with Local Coastal Program Policies section below. Consistent with 31253, the amount of funding recommended for the proposed project is based on the total amount of funding available for coastal resource enhancement projects, the fiscal resources of the applicant and its project partners, and the urgency of the project relative to other eligible coastal resource enhancement projects. The Conservancy is authorized in to fund up to $300,000 of the cost of preparing coastal resource enhancement plans. CONSISTENCY WITH CONSERVANCY'S STRATEGIC PLAN GOAL(S) & OBJECTIVE(S): Consistent with Goal 5 Objective A, the proposed project will increase Coastal Resource Conservation by facilitating the restoration and enhancement of up to 180 acres of coastal wetlands habitat and will further the goals of the Southern California Wetlands Recovery Project. Consistent with Goal 5 Objective C, the proposed project will remove invasive wetlands species and replace them with native vegetation. CONSISTENCY WITH CONSERVANCY'S PROJECT SELECTION CRITERIA & GUIDELINES: The proposed project is consistent with the Conservancy's Project Selection Criteria and Guidelines adopted January 24, 2001, in the following respects: Required Criteria 1. Promotion of the Conservancy s statutory programs and purposes: See the Consistency with Conservancy s Enabling Legislation section above. 2. Consistency with purposes of the funding source: See the Project Financing section above. 3. Support of the public: This project has strong support from both the City of Huntington Beach and Orange County. The project also has the support of resource agencies including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Marine Fisheries Service, and U.S. Army Corps Page 4 of 5

5 HUNTINGTON BEACH WETLANDS RESTORATION PLAN of Engineers. The project has been identified as a priority by the Southern California Wetlands Recovery Project. Support letters are provided in Exhibit Location: The proposed project would be located within the coastal zone of the City of Huntington Beach. 5. Need: Neither HBWC, the City, nor the County have sufficient funds to undertake this project without the support of the Conservancy. Without Conservancy participation, this project would not occur. 6. Greater-than-local interest: Over 75 percent of coastal salt marsh has been lost in southern California. Only small remnants remain of the large wetlands complexes that historically lined the region s coast. All of the remaining coastal wetlands provide critical habitat for fish and wildlife, including several threatened and endangered species and migratory birds using the Pacific Flyway. Restoration of the Huntington Beach wetlands provides a significant opportunity to improve the region s coastal salt marsh habitat. Additional Criteria 9. Leverage: See the Project Financing section above. 12. Readiness: The grantee has developed a scope of work and identified a consultant to prepare the restoration plan. The project is ready to begin as soon as the funding has been secured. 13. Realization of prior Conservancy goals: See the Project History section above. 15. Cooperation: Development of the HBWRP will be overseen by a multi-agency team including HBWC, the Conservancy, City, County, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Marine Fisheries Service, Army Corps of Engineers, CalTrans, and the University of California. CONSISTENCY WITH LOCAL COASTAL PROGRAM POLICIES: The Huntington Beach wetlands has been identified as an environmentally sensitive habitat area in the City of Huntington Beach Local Coastal Program (LCP). The proposed project is consistent with LCP Policy 10 which calls for the City to promote the improvement of the biological productivity and appearance of wetland habitats. The policy includes promoting the reestablishment of tidal flushing (P.10a) and promoting the participation of a multi-agency partnership in the restoration and management of the wetlands (P.10b). The proposed project area has also been designated as a Coastal Conservation District in the LCP. The purpose of this designation is to provide for the protection, restoration, and enhancement of wetlands and environmentally sensitive habitat areas located within the Coastal Zone. The proposed project is consistent with the LCP because it will 1) facilitate restoration of the Huntington Beach wetlands; 2) evaluate opportunities for re-establishing tidal flushing to portions of the marsh; and 3) be directed by a multi-agency partnership. COMPLIANCE WITH CEQA: The proposed project is statutorily exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), pursuant to 14 Cal. Code of Regulations Section Consistent with 15262, the project will only involve preparation of planning documents and will consider environmental factors. Upon approval, staff will file a Notice of Exemption for this project. Page 5 of 5

6 EXHIBIT 1 Huntington Beach Wetlands Restoration Plan Project Area Newland Marsh Magnolia Marsh Project Area Brookhurst Marsh Talbert Marsh Page 1 of 1

7 United States Department of the Interior Paul Morabito, Chair State Coastal Conservancy 1330 Broadway, Suite 110 Oakland, CA FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE Ecological Services Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office 6010 Hidden Valley Road Carlsbad, California February 26, 2004 Attn: Re: Trish Chapman Huntington Beach Wetlands Plan Preparation Grant Dear Mr. Morabito: The Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) has been very involved for a long time with projects and habitat activities along the southern California coastline and specifically around the Santa Ana River mouth in Orange County. We have been advisors or partners in planning and implementation for every habitat improvement in that area, but especially tidal wetland restoration and endangered species conservation. Through the Service s Coastal Program, we have also provided funding support for some of these activities. There remains a great deal of work to be done. Because of the potential gains for fish and wildlife from restoring these surviving remnants of the once vast Santa Ana River mouth estuary in Huntington Beach, we expect to continue that participation and support of others. The Huntington Beach Wetlands Conservancy has requested your approval of a $300,000 grant to prepare a conceptual restoration plan for the Huntington Beach wetlands. Besides being a technical team member and supporter of wetland restoration, we propose to provide an additional $50,000 to them to supplement the planning studies and project formulation that would begin with approval of your grant. With completion of a restoration plan and resolution of land ownership issues, we will all be ready to begin the habitat improvements that will be good for shorebirds, waterfowl, wading birds, aquatic life, juvenile fishes, endangered Belding s savannah sparrow, and California least tern. Feel free to contact me as the need arises at (760) ext 215 or jack_fancher@fws.gov. Sincerely, Jack M. Fancher Coastal Program Chief Page 1 of 13

8 <t'.,."..~ 0'<,0,,,,,~ ~ "'....,'P Q <"... c ~...-" - ~ "'..res 0' ~.,. ij UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration NATIONALMARINEFISHERIESSERVICE Southwest Region 501 West Ocean Boulevard, Suite 4200 Long Beach, California MAR F/SWR4:RSH '\' Mr. Paul Morabito Chair, Coastal Conservancy 1330 Broadway, Suite 110 Oakland, Califomi~ Dear Mr. Morabito: v The National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries) has long history for supporting the restoration of wetlands in southern California. These areas provide vital habitat for a variety of fish and wildlife. We strongly support the Coastal Conservancy's staff recommendation to provide a grant of $300,000 to the Huntington Beach Wetlands Conservancy. These funds are needed to prepare a conceptual restoration plan for the Huntington Beach wetlands which is the first major step towards a goal ofre-introducing tidal influence to these wetland areas. Should you need any further information, please contact Robert Hoffman at or via at:bob.hoffman@noaa.gov. Sincerely, ;iil/~!rjlvalerie L. Chambers Assistant Regional Administrator for Habitat Conservation RECEIVEr MAR Page 2 of 13 '" COAST Al CONSI:+njAI~i..., OAKLANfJ CALIF.""MOS""~/O,.c.% d,"~" \ i ~ ~ g z & ~<,. o~ ~~~ '">"'"TO'O

9 COUNTY EXHIBIT 2: Letters of Support OF ORANGE Bryan Speegle, Director 300 N. Flower Street Santa Ana, CA P.o. Box 4048 RESOURCES & DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT Santa Ana, CA Telephone: (714) Fax: (714) February 19, 2004 ipaulmorabito,chair Coastal Conservancy 1330 Broadway, Suite 1100 Oakland CA, SUBJECT: Huntington Beach Wetlands Restoration Plan This letter is to express support for the Coastal Conservancy's funding for restoration planning of the Huntington Beach Wetlands. The Resources and Development Management Department has been working cooperatively with the Huntington Beach Wetlands Conservancy and the Coastal Conservancy for a number of years on the restoration of these important coastal wetlands. We support your staff's recommendation for a grant of $300,000 to the Huntington Beach Wetlands Conservancy to prepare a conceptual restoration plan. The Huntington Beach wetlands provide habitat for many fish and wildlife species, including listed species and migratory birds. Restoration and enhancement of the wetlands will greatly improve the available habitat. Re-introduction of tidal circulation to the isolated basins of the Huntington wetlands is a priority for future restoration and should be key focus of restoration planning. The Huntington Beach wetlands also present an excellent opportunity to increase environmental education and passive recreation opportunities in the community. The restoration plan is the next step in a long-term effort by federal, state, and local agencies, as well as the local community, to preserve and restore the Huntington Beach wetlands. In addition, this habitat will become part of a larger mosaic of habitat and open space known as the Orange Coast River Park being created adjacent to the lower Santa Ana River. As you are aware, coastal wetlands are a rare and precious resource in our state, particularly in developed areas like Orange County. I urge the Conservancy's vote to fund this important piece of California's natural resources. Sincerely, cc: Huntington Beach Wetlands Conservancy Mary Anne Skorpanich, RDMD RECEIVED FES COASTALCONSERVANCY OAKLAND,CALIF. Page 3 of 13

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11 February 24, 2004 Paul Morabito, Chair Coastal Conservancy 1330 Broadway, Suite 110 Oakland, CA Dear Mr. Morabito, On behalf of the Board of Directors for Amigos de Bolsa Chica, I urge you to grant the Huntington Beach Wetlands Conservancy s request for $300,000 to prepare a conceptual restoration plan for the Huntington Beach Wetlands. The Huntington Beach Wetlands provide habitat for many fish and wildlife species, including listed species and migratory birds. Restoration and enhancement of these wetlands will greatly improve the available habitat. Re-introduction of tidal circulation to the isolated basins of the wetlands is a priority for future restoration and should be a key focus of restoration planning. This fall a three-year restoration project will begin for 880-acres of the neighboring Bolsa Chica Wetlands. This is a unique and exciting opportunity for the City of Huntington Beach, the County of Orange and the State of California to embrace and celebrate the restoration of two historic wetlands. Californians want the coast protected and support our restoration efforts. Please help the Huntington Beach Wetlands Conservancy make their dream a reality. Sincerely, Jim Robins, President Amigos de Bolsa Chica Page 5 of 13

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13 Ann & John McCarthy 9192 Kapaa Drive Huntington Beach, CA March 4, 2004 Mr. Paul Morabito Chair, Coastal Conservancy 1330 Broadway, Suite 110 Oakland, CA RE: Huntington Beach Wetlands Conservancy Dear Mr. Morabito; The Huntington Beach Wetlands Conservancy is requesting a grant of $300,000 to prepare a conceptual restoration plan for the Huntington Beach wetlands. The Huntington Beach wetlands provide habitat for many fish and wildlife species, including listed species and migratory birds. Restoration and enhancement of these wetlands will greatly improve the available habitat. Reintroduction of tidal circulation to the isolated basins of the wetlands is a priority for future restoration and should be key focus of restoration planning. The Huntington Beach wetlands also present an excellent opportunity to increase environmental education and passive recreation opportunities in the community. The project is the next step in a long-term effort by federal, state, and local agencies, as well as the local community to preserve and restore the Huntington Beach wetlands. As a board member of the Huntington Beach Wetlands Conservancy, I am extremely excited about this project and the huge step we can take to save and restore our local wetlands. I urge you to grant this request. Sincerely, Ann McCarthy Page 7 of 13

14 From: Suzanne Beukema Sent: Monday, February 23, :30 PM To: Cc: Subject: Fw: Huntington Beach Wetlands Original Message From: Suzanne Beukema To: Cc: Sent: Monday, February 23, :20 PM Subject: Huntington Beach Wetlands Dear Paul Morabito: On behalf of the Huntington Beach Wetlands, I am asking you to consider their request for a $300,000 grant to begin the restoration of our wetlands. This natural jewel is home to many fish, birds and wildlife species. The proposed restoration would immensely improve this habitat, which is currently very degraded and in disrepair. Also the allowing the tidal circulation to once again occur will the be the key to all future restoration plans & projects. Our community has worked hard over the years to protect and keep our wetlands clean of debris. This is the next critical step. I sincerely urge to to support us in granting this request. Suzanne Beukema 9052 Christine Drive Huntington Beach, CA (714) Page 8 of 13

15 From: Edward DeMeulle Sent: Monday, February 16, :23 PM To: Subject: Grant - Huntington Beach Wetlands Conservancy February 16, 2004 Paul Morabito Chair, Coastal Conservancy 1330 Broadway, Suite 110 Oakland, CA Mr Morabito; The Huntington Beach Wetlands Conservancy is requesting a grant of $300,000 to prepare a conceptual restoration plan for the Huntington Beach wetlands. The Huntington Beach wetlands provide habitat for many fish and wildlife species, including listed species and migratory birds. Restoration and enhancement of these wetlands will greatly improve the available habitat. Re-introduction of tidal circulation to the isolated basins of the wetlands is a priority for future restoration and should be key focus of restoration planning. The Huntington Beach wetlands also present an excellent opportunity to increase environmental education and passive recreation opportunities in the community. The project is the next step in a long-term effort by federal, state, and local agencies, as well as the local community to preserve and restore the Huntington Beach wetlands. I urge you to grant this request. Sincerely, Edward W. DeMeulle Huntington Beach Page 9 of 13

16 From: Bob Dutton Sent: Friday, February 13, :11 PM To: Subject: Huntington Beach Tidal Wetlands Grant Paul Morabito Chair, Coastal Conservancy 1330 Broadway, Suite 110 Oakland, Ca Dear Mr. Morabito, I am writing this letter to urge you to please place the $300,000.oo grant request for the Huntington Beach Wetlands in the highest priority. The Water Quality from the Ocean Outlet for the Huntington Beach/Talbert Channels would greatly benefit in regards to the natural water filtration this Wetland would provide. Science has long been baffled by the source of poor water quality at the beaches adjacent to this Outlet. We are in desperate need of these funds to bring this Wetland back to it's natural state by allowing the water of the Huntington Beach Channel to naturally filter in this Wetland before draining with the Tides to the Pacific Ocean. I urge you to grant this request. Sincerely, Robert Dutton 9062 Christine Dr. Huntington Beach Ca Page 10 of 13

17 From: George Munsey Sent: Friday, March 05, :12 AM To: Bob Dutton Subject: hunt. bch. wetlands --- George Munsey EarthLink: The #1 provider of the Real Internet. Dear Chairman Morabito; Please give serious consideration to the request for funding the restoration study for the Huntington Beach Wetlands. This project needs to move forward as soon as possible. Thank you for your support, Fire/Hazmat Captain. George E. Munsey, Retired Huntington Beach Page 11 of 13

18 Page 1 of 1 From: David [david@santiki.com] Sent: Monday, March 08, :27 AM To: tchapman@scc.ca.gov Cc: Igorman@sccal.rr.com Subject: Huntington Beach Conservancy Grant Request March 8, 2004 Paul Morabito Chair, Coastal Conservancy 1330 Broadway, #110 Oakland, Ca Mr. Morabito: Please find this letter in support of the $300,000 grant request by the Huntington Beach Wetlands Conservancy to prepare a conceptual restoration plan for the Huntington Beach wetlands. The Huntington Beach wetlands is home to many varies of fish, birds and wildlife. Restoration of the wetland will greatly improve the habitat for these animals and will augment the natural coastline. Additionally, the reintroduction of the tidal circulation is part of the restoration plan which will bring back the natural process of a flowing tidal zone. This tidal zone will advance the progress torward a natural coastline uninterupted by human development. It will also increase the appeal to the indigenous animals who call this area home. We in the community of Huntington Beach appreciate and support the effort of Huntington Beach Wetlands Conservancy. In that effort, we urge you to grant the requesting monies so that we can progress towards the ultimate goal of restoration of these wetlands. Sincerely, David Wagester 9012 Christine Dr. Huntington Beach, Ca Ph Page 12 of 13 file://c:\documents%20and%20settings\tchapman.conserve\my%20documents\trish\... 3/8/2004

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