Version 1.2 (April 2025)
This feature class (provided as a zipped geodatabase) contains spatial data developed by the San Francisco Estuary Institute (SFEI) for the Baylands Resilience Framework. These metrics are also available to access online via the Baylands Resilience Metrics web map.
The metrics describe elements of baylands resilience associated with wildlife support, flood attenuation, and the feasibility of sediment placement. These metrics are the first tranche to be mapped; future efforts will map additional metrics associated with wildlife support and flood attenuation, and create metrics for additional ecosystem services like carbon sequestration and water quality improvement. The methods and datasets used to create these metrics are likely to change over time. The metrics developed for this study are reported at the scale of analysis units, which include both marsh units and diked bayland units. The analysis units are based on data from the Baylands Habitat Map 2020 v1.1.
The desktop analyses conducted in this study are not meant to serve as a definitive evaluation of bayland health or resilience. The Wetlands Regional Monitoring Program is developing a thorough monitoring plan to better understand the health, function, and persistence of established and restoring tidal wetlands in the San Francisco Estuary. Despite data gaps and data quality limitations, this dataset represents an important first step to take given the urgency of implementing restoration projects and the challenge of limited resources. The metrics can be used to compare relative resilience across restoration sites, even if they do not perfectly capture real-world conditions, and help managers weigh the benefits and tradeoffs associated with adaptation and restoration decisions. The metrics will continue to be improved and refined over time as new data sets become available and our understanding of bayland processes evolves.
These metrics were created by the San Francisco Estuary Institute in collaboration with the US Army Corps of Engineers, San Francisco District and have been revised in collaboration with the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board. For definitions and methods behind the metrics, please view the companion report: Baylands Resilience Metrics: Wildlife Support, Flood Attenuation, and Sediment Placement Feasibility
The metrics are based on remote-sensing data and may contain inaccuracies. They are not intended for site-scale planning or design. Ground truthing is recommended prior to use for these purposes. Ownership and current management regime are not considered in this study, and the metrics are not meant to constitute a management plan.
Suggested citation: San Francisco Estuary Institute. 2025. Baylands Resilience Metrics, version 1.2.
Please check this page for updates to the dataset as we are continuing to refine and improve the metrics.
This is a free dataset: you can redistribute it and/or modify it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the License, or (at your option) any later version. More information about GNU General Public License is available at https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-3.0.html. Data are available without restriction upon use with the following caveats. Prudent usage, knowledge of the data quality, and professional courtesy should all be considered in obtaining and using SFEI data. As this dataset is NOT a survey document, neither use it as such nor use it beyond the limits of the source scale. Please read and fully comprehend all available metadata prior to data use. SFEI requests that the use of these data in any map, publication, or report should include citation of the data source(s) used and give proper attribution and credit to the originators of the data. Questions about SFEI data may be directed to the GIS Manager, at 510-746-7334.
