More Than 265 Acres of Habitat Enhancements

As part of the South Sacramento County Streams Project, habitats located in four unique areas of the Bufferlands were restored beginning in the summer of 2004. Aquatic habitat, seasonal wetlands and upland areas all received a major facelift as part of this joint venture with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The noteworthy components of this habitat restoration effort included the creation or enhancement of:

• 95 acres of valley oak savannah
• 92 acres of native perennial grassland
• 40 acres of aquatic habitat
• 20 acres of riparian woodland
• 10 acres of seasonal wetland
• 8 acres of emergent marsh

Not only were more than 10,000 trees and shrubs planted, but artificial nest boxes for species such as wood ducks, American kestrels, barn owls, ash-throated flycatchers and tree swallows were constructed and installed throughout the project’s 265 acre footprint. Additionally, natural woody debris piles were anchored in two lakes to provide valuable fish habitat and basking structure for species such as the western pond turtle. At Nicolaus Pond, one of the four project sites, a water control structure was installed to allow the Bufferlands staff the ability to better manage the water level and provide optimal habitat.

Contiguous Habitat Blocks Increase Wildlife Value

This project is adjacent to the Upper Beach Lake Wildlife Area and other high-value habitats of the Bufferlands, creating a large block of contiguous wildlife habitat. Additionally, the proximity of these projects to the Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge greatly increases the wildlife value of both natural areas by providing a huge open space preserve in southern Sacramento County.

Partnership Reduces Costs to SRCSD

This project was made possible through a cost-sharing program between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District. The funds became available for this habitat restoration project in association with the South Sacramento County Streams Flood Control Project, which provided increased flood protection for the communities along the lower Morrison Creek stream group. Through this program, the SRCSD Bufferlands provided little more than the land in return for the formal design and installation of more than 265 acres of habitat improvements. The initial maintenance period for these plantings ended in spring 2008, and the Bufferlands natural resource team now provide the ongoing maintenance required to preserve the value of these restored areas. The South Sacramento County Streams Restoration Project is another great example of the benefits of partnering for SRCSD and our environmental stewardship efforts.

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