On April 16, the City of Albany and the East Bay Regional Park District will begin a two month conservation project at the Albany Plateau to create habitat for the burrowing owl. This project is within Eastshore State Park and is a partnership between the East Bay Regional Park District and the cities of Albany, Berkeley, El Cerrito, Emeryville, and Richmond. Eastshore State Park extends 8.5 miles from the Bay Bridge to Richmond and includes 2,262 acres of uplands and tidelands along the waterfront. Pedestrian and bicycle trails run almost the entire length of the park. A portion of the Eastshore State Park General Plan includes enhancing and restoring a number of ecosystems and habitat types throughout the park. The Western Burrowing Owl Conservation Area is one such project.

When completed, the conservation area will include a fenced 8.0 acre section area providing low ground cover and some open space with the goal of providing some protection from local predators. Burrows will be created inside to simulate the abandoned rodent holes the owl typically inhabits. Included in the plan is preserving and enhancing the half mile of viewing trail around the perimeter and along the bay and mudflats, which provides excellent bird viewing areas. The East Bay Regional Park District will install interpretive panels about the project.

The burrowing owl is listed as a Species of Concern in California. The rapid development of its grassland habitat has lead to a steady decline in the owls’ population. The project includes installation of a four foot permanent fence around the conservation area, and a second temporary six foot chain link fence to close the area during project construction. Estimated time of completion is approximately June 22.

The City of Albany has hired T.D. Brickley Construction from Danville for this project. The total project cost is $57,000 with an estimated $30,000 in maintenance over five years. Funding is provided by the five-city (Albany, Berkeley, El Cerrito, Emeryville, and Richmond) Joint Powers Authority (JPA) Agency to mitigate the loss of habitat from the Tom Bates Regional Sports Complex. The sports complex project is just south of Golden Gate Fields and will provide needed soccer, softball, and baseball fields for all cities involved. It is scheduled to open in September.

For more information, please contact Anne Chaney, Community Development Director, City of Albany, 510-528-5768.

• Download Albany Burrowing Owl Conservation Project Information Sheet (PDF, 179 KB, 8.5x11)
• Download Burrowing Owl Habitat Map (PDF, 219 KB, 8.5x11)

Burrowing Owl Habitat Map

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