It is with some great pleasure that I record that the large marsh complex channel-clearing project for 2007 has been completed as of September 10, 2007. This project primarily consisted of the Lucich North and Frazer North tracts along the Natomas Cross Canal. The NBHCP requires that the Conservancy maintain the marsh channels. The channel-clearing was required after siltation and eutrafication began filling in the channels, reducing their functionality for giant garter snake use. The cleared channels now look spectacular, and Conservancy biologists have found that several giant garter snakes have re-entered the preserves soon after their staged completion throughout the summer.
One Against Many?
The Conservancy uses a variety of tools to manage vegetation on its preserves, guided by a strategy known as “the soft path first.” One of those tools is grazing. Over the years, the Conservancy has used large grazing animals to manage marsh and adjacent upland vegetation, including Hereford, Black Angus, …