Giant garter snake (GGS) biologist Eric Hansen reported three days ago that in his regular monitoring of GGS on Conservancy preserves, he found a large female in the heart of the Conservancy’s Silva tract. The beauty was found in an area where Eric has introduced “drift fencing” in. That is, inside the watered portion of the marsh complex, he has run a special type of fence for a short distance. GGS follow the fence line, which concentrates their location and makes it easier to conduct monitoring. Eric indicates the snake he recently found had not been identified before, so this new find, especially so deep into the preserve, is exciting news for the Conservancy. Eric’s ingenuity has been key to the “biological effectiveness monitoring” effort. We MUST know if these large investments in restoration and enhancement construction of marsh complexes (and the ensuing intensive management that comes with them) are effective. Finds such as Eric’s recent one are extremely helpful in confirming that at least so far, this aspect of what we are doing on behalf of the NBHCP’s covered species appears to be working.
The Hoot of Success
The Burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia) is one of the HCPs’ “Covered Species.” And, we on the Conservancy staff freely admit, it’s a favorite. The reason is simple: these birds are so gregarious and fun to watch, they are irresistible. Some 20 years or so ago, the Conservancy, working in cooperation …