An 18-year-long conflict over a key Alameda breeding site for California Least Terns is close to a positive solution — now we need your help to ensure that this plan becomes a reality!
Please call or email the Alameda City Council before March 20th urging them to approve a win-win agreement that includes creation of a wildlife refuge for permanent protection of the colony of endangered terns at Alameda Point.
Background: The former naval base on the island of Alameda is home to one of the most important breeding colonies of endangered California Least Terns.
Over the past decade, the future of the colony has been threatened by plans to build a Veterans Administration medical complex at Alameda Point.
Recently, federal and local agencies have come together to draft a win-win agreement that will protect the terns:
- Creation of a wildlife refuge that will provide permanent protection for the terns, operated by the East Bay Regional Park District
- The V.A. would build its facility a safe distance away from the refuge, at the north end of Alameda Point
- Alameda residents would gain added park and open space land near the V.A.
The future of Alameda Point, the terns and other wildlife is at a key juncture right now. The City Council will discuss this proposal on March 20th.
Call or email Alameda city officials
and tell them to
approve this win-win opportunity
at their meeting on March 20th!
Contact information:
Alameda Mayor Marie Gilmore – mgilmore@ci.alameda.ca.us
Vice Mayor Rob Bonta – rbonta@ci.alameda.ca.us
Council Member Doug deHaan — ddehaan@ci.alameda.ca.us
Council Member Beverly Johnson — bjohnson@ci.alameda.ca.us
Council Member Lena Tam — ltam@ci.alameda.ca.us
Or call them at (510) 747-4800.
Do you have friends or family who live in Alameda? Forward this message and ask them to contact the council too! It’s particularly important for the council to hear from Alameda residents.
Sample letter:
Dear (name of council member):
Please approve the win-win agreement for Alameda Point that will create a wildlife refuge operated by East Bay Regional Park District, a Veterans Administration complex in the northwestern area, and added park space for local residents.
After years of disputes and delay, it’s time to move forward with a plan that creatively meets the needs of veterans, Alameda residents, and Bay wildlife.
Your children and grandchildren will thank you for having the foresight to preserve our beautiful Bay environment, including this piece of vital habitat for endangered California Least Terns.
Yours truly,
(Name)
.
(Photo of California Least Tern by Bob Lewis)