Meeting: City Council

Meeting Time: October 21, 2025 at 6:30pm PDT
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Agenda Item

9.) Watson Ranch Specific Plan Implementation 

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    Yvonne Baginski at October 21, 2025 at 12:00pm PDT

    I am concerned about the lack of clarity in providing suitable habitat for the red-legged frog, which was the purpose behind this mitigation effort when Watson Ranch Project was approved. These 321 acres were specifically set aside for the protection/conservation of the endangered species, the red-legged frog. However, the long term management plan, recently produced by Golden State Conservation Land Trust, makes no mention of habitat conservation. The report indicates there is no water source on this property. Suitable breeding habitat for the frogs must include standing bodies of water that are inundated for a minimum of 20 weeks. The Watson Ranch project decimated 49% of the frog's habitat in American Canyon. There is no restorative effort indicated in the management plans. Instead, the infrastructure improvements to the property are to the benefit of the cattle, not the frog. The repairs include fencing, gates and new troughs. This is in direct benefit to the owner of the cattle ranch. I am very concerned about the lack of protection for the red-legged frog. The funds to be raised to protect this property for the cattle are also woefully inadequate for any habitat restoration efforts. It seems this plan panders to the current owners of the property, not the frogs it was intended for. I am asking for a thorough wildlife assessment and habitat restoration for these 321 acres. Let's make sure that the original intent is met, and that is to provide a place for these frogs to live and thrive.