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Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan Vision Statement

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Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan Vision Statement U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan Vision Statement Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge belongs to a limited group among the 540 national wildlife refuges that protect fish, wildlife, and habitat within an urban area. Through collaboration with public and private partners, Stone Lakes conserves and enhances a range of scarce Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and Central Valley habitats and the fish, wildlife, and plants they support. It sustains freshwater wetlands, wooded riparian corridors, and grasslands that facilitate wildlife movement and compensate for habitat fragmentation. Managed wetlands are of sufficient size to maintain abundant wildlife populations. Grasslands consist of a sustainable mix of native and desirable nonnative species that support a variety of grassland-dependent species. The Refuge reduces further habitat fragmentation and buffers the effects of urbanization on agricultural lands and adjacent natural areas within the Delta region. The Refuge pursues a land conservation program that complements other regional efforts and initiatives. Management efforts expand and diversify habitats for migratory birds and a range of species at risk. The Refuge promotes cooperative farming opportunities and strives to maintain traditional agricultural practices in southwestern Sacramento County that have proven benefits for migratory birds experiencing declines, such as long-billed curlews (Numenius americanus), Swainson’s hawks (Buteo swainsoni) and sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis). Through cooperation with other agencies, conservation organizations, neighbors, and other partners, the Refuge develops and manages wetlands in a manner that reflects historic hydrologic patterns and is consistent with local, State, and Federal floodplain management goals and programs. Stone Lakes was established as a national wildlife refuge because of passionate support from people who recognized its ecological importance and critical role for the floodplain of the Beach-Stone Lakes basin.. The community sees the Refuge as a sanctuary for fish, wildlife and the habitats upon which they depend, a site for recreation and learning and a natural setting that can enrich their lives according to their values. Visitors representing the area’s diversity enjoy increasing opportunities for accessible recreation that harmonizes with Refuge conservation efforts, such as hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and photography. The education community looks to the Refuge as a key partner in environmental education programming. Volunteers from all walks of life find an outlet for their interests and talents in a responsive and appreciative setting. Disclaimer CCPs provide long term guidance for management decisions and set forth goals, objectives, and strategies needed to accomplish refuge purposes and identify the Service’s best estimate of future needs. These plans detail program planning levels that are sometimes substantially above current budget allocations and, as such, are primarily for Service strategic planning and program prioritization purposes. The plans do not constitute a commitment for staffing increases, operational and maintenance increases, or funding for future land acquisition. This page is intentionally left blank Contents 1 Introduction .................................................................................................1 Introduction .................................................................................................................................1 Purpose and Need for the Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) ................................1 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Wildlife Refuge System ...............................1 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Responsibilities .............................................................1 The National Wildlife Refuge System ..............................................................................2 Legal and Policy Guidance..................................................................................................2 Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge ....................................................................................5 Location .......................................................................................................................................5 Refuge Setting .....................................................................................................................5 History of Refuge Establishment and Acquisition .........................................................7 Land Protection ...................................................................................................................7 Land Conservation Methods ..............................................................................................8 Partnerships .......................................................................................................................11 Refuge Purposes ................................................................................................................13 Related Projects and Studies in the Area .............................................................................13 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ........................................................................................13 Other Agencies and Projects ............................................................................................14 2 The Planning Process ..............................................................................17 The Planning Process ...............................................................................................................17 The Stone Lakes CCP Process ...............................................................................................17 Issues Identified by the Public ...............................................................................................18 Management .......................................................................................................................18 General Access ...................................................................................................................19 Boating/Waterskiing ..........................................................................................................20 Horseback Riding ..............................................................................................................20 Fishing .................................................................................................................................20 Hunting ...............................................................................................................................21 Education/Interpretation .................................................................................................22 Wildlife Observation ..........................................................................................................22 Other Comments ................................................................................................................23 General ................................................................................................................................23 3 Refuge Resources .....................................................................................25 Ecoregion Setting .....................................................................................................................25 Flyway Setting ...................................................................................................................25 Natural/Historic Conditions .............................................................................................25 Geographic and Physical Setting .....................................................................................26 Topography .........................................................................................................................26 Geology ................................................................................................................................26 Soils ......................................................................................................................................28 Climate ................................................................................................................................28 Air Quality ..........................................................................................................................28 Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan i Contaminants and Water Quality ....................................................................................30 Hydrology ...........................................................................................................................34 Water Supply ......................................................................................................................35 Biological Resources ................................................................................................................36 Plant Communities ............................................................................................................36 Wildlife ................................................................................................................................40 Special Status Species .......................................................................................................46
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