This study provides an understanding of the physical and ecological changes to lower Novato Creek and the surrounding tidal marshes and mudflats. The specific objectives of the study are to: 1) reconstruct the historical ecology and hydrography of lower Novato Creek and baylands during the mid-19th century, and 2) assess ecological change over time within lower Novato Creek and baylands through comparisons of reconstructed historical and contemporary conditions. These objectives are met through a detailed analysis of the changes in landscape ecological patterns, or landscape metrics, over the past 150 years. The results from this analysis are intended to provide baseline information that can be used to design restoration and flood control alternatives and develop appropriate restoration targets for lower Novato Creek and baylands.

This study is one component of the Flood Control 2.0 project, a regional effort to redesign flood control channels at the Bay interface to improve bayland habitats and provide beneficial uses of sediment while maintaining the required level of flood protection.