Approve entering into negotiations with the State of California to acquire four parcels at Putah Creek Fishing Access Sites and one parcel for the Knights Landing Boat Launch; and direct staff to return to the Board of Supervisors for approval of the final negotiated terms. (No general fund impact) (Pistochini/Huerta)

The County has historically leased lands from the State of California to operate and maintain the Knights Landings Boat Launch and the Putah Creek Fishing Access sites.  The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has proposed transferring fee title of the Knights Landing Boat Launch (APN 056-160-001) and Putah Creek Fishing Access parcels (APNs 030-081-0009, 030-081-0011, and 030-300-0006) to Yolo County at no cost. Due to the County’s longstanding and ongoing management of these properties, CDFW recognizes Yolo County as the most appropriate entity to assume ownership and oversight.  Staff believe this is advantageous to the County as this transfer will preserve current levels of service and public access while allowing the County to independently pursue property improvements and grant funding opportunities without requiring CDFW consultation.

The Knights Landing Boat Launch was originally acquired by the Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB) for CDFW in 1958 to provide fishing access. A permanent boat ramp was constructed in 1970, with subsequent improvements in 1978 and 2020. Yolo County has managed this site under a cooperative agreement since 1978. Although the latest management agreement expired on June 30, 2023, it remains in effect through mutual agreement pending this transfer. CDFW has indicated that limited staff and resources prevent them from providing adequate maintenance and management. This property is heavily utilized by the public for fishing, hunting access, incidental shore fishing, and other day-use water recreation activities.

The Putah Creek Fishing Access parcels were acquired by CDFW in two transactions in 1963 and 1973 to provide public access to Putah Creek for rainbow and brown trout fishing, both of which were stocked by CDFW at the time. Located within the Putah Creek Interdam Reach, below Monticello Dam and Lake Solano, this area was designated as a Wild Trout Water by CDFW’s Heritage and Wild Trout Program in 2014. The site now supports a self-sustaining native and wild trout fishery with zero-limit fishing regulations and has become a popular destination for non-consumptive recreation, including bird watching and hiking. Yolo County has managed the property under a cooperative agreement since 1963, which was extended in 2007 and remains in effect until May 24, 2032. Like the Knights Landing site, CDFW has acknowledged that it lacks the staff and resources to effectively manage this property.

The Yolo County General Services Department requests Board authorization to enter into negotiations with CDFW and WCB regarding the proposed property transfers and will return to the Board for approval of the final negotiated terms.

Yolo County General Services Department collaborated with Yolo County Counsel, Wildlife Conservation Board, and California Department of Fish and Wildlife.