Voluntary Local Program

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has executed Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreement EPIMS-CCA-60009-R3, approved on August 29, 2025, for the Briones Pond Restorations project. Located in Contra Costa County at the East Bay Regional Park District Briones Regional Park Bear Creek, the project is led by the Contra Costa Resource Conservation District and represented by Ben Weise. The primary objective is to expand grazeable areas by restoring Pond 13 and Pond 14, thereby providing additional water sources for cattle. This work is conducted pursuant to Fish and Game Code section 1602 and is scheduled for the 2025/2026 performance window. The scope of work includes the removal of sediment from both ponds, with the excavated and stockpiled soil to be spread and compacted into the landscape. Additionally, a seed mix must be applied prior to the onset of winter rains to ensure proper revegetation. A Notice of Determination confirms that the project will not have a significant environmental effect within the jurisdiction of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, provided that specific mitigation measures are implemented. Key administrative contacts for the project include Torrey Soland of the Department of Fish and Wildlife and Ben Weise of the Contra Costa Resource Conservation District.