The Bahia Wetland Restoration Project is an opportunity to address the significant loss of tidal marshes and decline of endangered species population in the San Francisco Bay-Delta system. The Marin Audubon Society (MAS) spearheaded the effort to acquire more than 330 acres of property along the lower Petaluma River, protecting it from proposed residential development.

Under contract to MAS, PWA is working to implement the restoration of the historic tidal habitats of the lower Petaluma River. The team conducted an assessment of hydrologic and geomorphic conditions together with a field data collection effort to develop a self-sustaining restoration design within the constraints imposed by the site. The design specifically addresses:

• Maintenance of adjacent flood management facilities;
• Existing habitat for special-status species;
• Potential impacts to private properties adjacent to the wetland; and
• The large sediment deficient resulting from decades of subsidence.

PWA’s efforts include the development of documents to support the permitting and environmental review process; and the development of construction documents for bidding and construction. During construction, PWA is to provide construction observation services; and post-construction, will provide post-project monitoring to support an adaptive management program for the project.