Greater Jepson Prairie Ecosystem Regional Management Plan

1. Greater Jepson Prairie EcosystemRegional Management Plan A wealth of rare, threatened and endangered resources. www.vernalpools.org

2. Greater Jepson Prairie EcosystemRegional Management Plan Significant threats that require active andadaptive management. www.vernalpools.org

3. Greater Jepson Prairie EcosystemRegional Management Plan Chapter 1:Overarching goals and objectives, adaptive management framework.Extensive background literature review and synthesis. Research needed.Information and management issues common to the GJPE. www.vernalpools.org

4. Greater Jepson Prairie EcosystemRegional Management Plan Chapter 1:Overarching goals and objectives, adaptive management framework.Extensive background literature review and synthesis. Research needed.Information and management issues common to the GJPE. Chapter 2:Wilcox www.vernalpools.org

5. Greater Jepson Prairie EcosystemRegional Management Plan Chapter 1:Overarching goals and objectives, adaptive management framework.Extensive background literature review and synthesis. Research needed.Information and management issues common to the GJPE. Chapter 2:Wilcox Chapter 3:Jepson www.vernalpools.org

6. Greater Jepson Prairie EcosystemRegional Management Plan Chapter 1:Overarching goals and objectives, adaptive management framework.Extensive background literature review and synthesis. Research needed.Information and management issues common to the GJPE. Chapter 2:Wilcox Chapter 3:Jepson Chapter 4:CCER Chapter 5:BSMU www.vernalpools.org

7. Greater Jepson Prairie EcosystemRegional Management Plan Chapter 1:Overarching goals and objectives, adaptive management framework.Extensive background literature review and synthesis. Research needed.Information and management issues common to the GJPE. Chapter 2:Wilcox Chapter 3:Jepson Chapter 4:CCER Chapter 5:BSMU Chapter ?:Future www.vernalpools.org

8. Greater Jepson Prairie EcosystemRegional Management Plan Chapter 1:Overarching goals and objectives, adaptive management framework.Extensive background literature review and synthesis. Research needed.Information and management issues common to the GJPE. Chapter 2:Wilcox Chapter 3:Jepson Chapter 4:CCER Chapter 5:BSMU Chapter ?:Future Parcel-Specific Chapters 2-?:Focus on current site conditions and parcel-specific needs.Prescribe fire and grazing regimes. Prioritize weed control activities.Identify specific restoration opportunities. Deal with parcel specific needs. www.vernalpools.org

9. Chapter 1: Framework • Introduction and background • Environmental setting • physical & biological setting • Management plan overview • goals and objectives, adaptive management • Infrastructure maintenance • Vegetation management • phytomass management (fire, grazing, mowing) • invasive species control (7↑ & 5↓ priority species) • thorough review of known control methods • ecologically appropriate recommendations www.vernalpools.org

10. Chapter 1: Framework • Wildlife management • mosquito abatement, predator control • Restoration opportunities overview • Resources monitoring • existing monitoring, required monitoring • Management research needs • phytomass management • invasive species control • restoration projects • Public outreach, education & access • General management summary www.vernalpools.org

11. Chapter 2: Wilcox Ranch • Parcel specific overview • Infrastructure maintenance • Vegetation management • burning and grazing prescriptions • prioritized invasive species control • implement control studies • Resource monitoring • required and recommended • Restoration and enhancement • Implementation and reporting www.vernalpools.org

12. Chapter 3: Jepson Prairie • Similar to Wilcox Ranch • but tailored to site conditions • grazing, weeds, restoration, etc. • Additional considerations • relationship with UC • academic research projects • grazing research projects • ongoing monitoring projects • docent program • issues associated with being a well known site with little public access control www.vernalpools.org

13. Chapter 4-?: Other Parcels • Will follow the same template as Wilcox Ranch and Jepson Prairie • management prescriptions, restoration opportunities, and maintenance issues to be based on current conditions Management Plan Summary • This RMP is a framework, not a recipe book • based on the principals of adaptive management • consolidates current knowledge, but we don’t know everything • assesses each parcel to prioritize site specific actions • requires periodic reassessment to incorporate new information www.vernalpools.org

14. Management Research Needs • Vegetation management research • sheep, cattle or mixed herds • two+ consecutive burns • long-term clopyralid studies • summer glyphosate treatments • lippia invasiveness & control • additional invasive control studies • Solano grass restoration • What’s missing? • wildlife management issues? • other items? www.vernalpools.org

15. Solano Land Trust Questions • Should we be specifically managing for wildlife? • Are there keystone species that regulate the plant/animal communities? • Are there specific species to monitor as indicators of ecosystem health? • What is the impact of herbicides/fire on pollinators and ground nesting birds? • How does grazing impact wildlife and visa versa? • Are there opportunities for additional mitigation on the parcels? Are there inappropriate mitigation projects? • Are there known cyclic patterns that occur (e.g. seven year grasshopper cycles)? www.vernalpools.org

16. JPMC Comments & Suggestions? www.vernalpools.org