San Joaquin County Planning Commission approves Nature Conservancy wildlife preserve and viewing platform on Staten Island

The San Joaquin County Planning Commission on June 24 unanimously approved a conditional use permit for the Nature Conservancy to establish an avian viewing facility and formally designate part of Staten Island as a wildlife preserve (PA2500200).

Associate Planner Jessica Leal told commissioners staff had reviewed the proposal for consistency with the Williamson Act and Delta primary zone policies and recommended approval, concluding the project ‘‘supports the general plan goals … by preserving wetlands, enhancing wildlife habitat, and maintaining agricultural use on much of the property.’’ The improvements include two bird‑viewing platforms, a shade trellis, a parking lot with a bus turnaround and loading area, and a portable restroom; staff reported five letters of support and one letter of opposition.

Applicant Ferrier described the site as a memorial and a managed place for thousands of annual birdwatchers who come to observe sandhill cranes. Ferrier said the improvements would occupy less than two acres of a roughly 9,000‑acre parcel and are intended to reduce visitor impacts on narrow farm roads. ‘‘It will host 80 people at one time,’’ Ferrier said, and the proposal includes only a portable restroom and no permanent plumbing or power.

Commissioners moved to approve the notice of exemption, adopt the draft findings including Williamson Act compatibility and the conditional use permit, and approve the permit subject to the conditions presented by staff. The motion passed 5‑0; Commissioners White, Milos, Rhodes, Sangha, and Wuesthoff recorded affirmative votes.

The approval allows the Nature Conservancy to proceed with the limited improvements described in staff materials; conditions of approval and mitigation measures attached to the permit will govern construction and visitor management. The commission closed the hearing with no agendized public speakers in favor or against the proposal.

Next steps: the project will proceed under the conditions set by the Planning Commission; any subsequent changes beyond the approved scope would require further county review.