The NBHCP encourages the Conservancy to conduct experiments on Conservancy mitigation land that could lead to benefits for the NBHCP’s Covered Species. We are gratified that experimentation being conducted on Conservancy preserves with rice is working out well (see photo). The Natomas Basin has unique qualities that influence rice production. These include cooler temperatures, less forgiving soils and very expensive water, among others. Trying to keep the production of rice viable in the Natomas Basin takes a lot of effort, and through these trials, the best techniques and capabilities can be found. These are beautiful test plots in the Conservancy’s North Basin Reserve Area. If they are successful in producing improvements for rice farming in the Natomas Basin, Conservancy efforts to keep the Giant Garter Snake in friendly habitat areas gets enhanced as well.
They’re back!
We are so pleased to see one of the NBHCP’s “Covered Species,” the Burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia), back on Conservancy property! Going back 15 years, the owl used to be seen frequently on Conservancy mitigation lands. At the time, we documented too-common depredation of them by dogs from nearby residential… Continue Reading They’re back!