Pacific Commons Wetlands Restoration Project

[EN13] In connection with our Pacific Commons project, an 840-acre, mixed-use redevelopment located in the city of Fremont, California, Catellus restored and rebuilt 440 acres of vernal wetlands habitat located immediately adjacent to the project. The company then donated the land to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, with which it had worked closely to recreate a series of shallow vernal pools that border the Pacific Commons property. We also constructed a 1,800-foot causeway to preserve connectivity between the pools and to allow the resident wildlife, which includes several endangered and protected plant and animal species, to safely migrate under the roadway.

Today, the site consists of two preserve areas believed to have previously supported an extensive vernal pool and wetland complex. The reconstruction of the pools, which are characterized by their seasonal flooding and drying, has resulted in a number of unique and rarely seen plants to reemerge, providing an indication that the restoration is well on its way. To further ensure successful establishment, Catellus agreed to manage and track ecological data at the site for 10 years, after which we will set up an endowment to fund future maintenance by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The enhanced property forms the largest vernal pool complex in the South Bay and is being incorporated into the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay Wildlife Refuge, the first urban federal wildlife refuge established in the United States. In support of its long partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Catellus will also donate and install several large interpretive panels to educate the public about the function of the seasonal wetlands and to introduce its resident rare species.