From mavensnotebook.com – Last Friday, the Delta Stewardship Council posted for review and comment the Staff Draft Determination for the Appeals on the Certification of Consistency for the Lookout Slough Tidal Habitat Restoration and Flood Improvement Project.  The Staff Draft Determination is a mixed decision, supporting portions of the appeal while denying other parts. The project benefits include potential rearing and spawning habitat for Delta smelt, habitat for other aquatic and terrestrial wetland-dependent species, and increased food availability for Delta Smelt and other fish species.  The project is also intended to increase flood storage and conveyance, increase the resilience of levees, and reduce flood risk. (more)