Contra Costa County Fish and Wildlife Committee (FWC) Date: June 17, 2015 Time: 3:00 P.M

Contra Costa County Fish and Wildlife Committee (FWC) Date: June 17, 2015 Time: 3:00 p.m. Location: County Public Works Department Road Maintenance Division lunch room (squad room) 2475 Waterbird Way, Martinez CA 94553 (Map is attached.) AGENDA

3:00 p.m. Convene meeting.

1) Introductions.

2) Review/Approve minutes from the May 20, 2015 meeting. 3) Public comment. Includes public comment on topics on the agenda and items not listed on the agenda. The FWC shall also accept public comment on agenda items at the time they are discussed.

5) Review information regarding potential impacts of outdoor cats on wildlife. The FWC will review materials submitted in 2013 and receive new information from presenters and commenters. Susan Heckly (FWC member) will speak and provide information. There will be presentations from: Stephanie Buzzard, No Kill Contra Costa County Lisa Kirk, Homeless Animals Lifeline Organization (H.A.L.O) Julie Linford, Outcast Cat Help

The Committee will invite input from other invited guests, including representatives from the County Animal Services Department and the Mount Diablo Audubon Society, and from the public.

6) Review and consider authorizing staff to send a letter to the Mount Diablo Audubon Society regarding the “We Love Cats! and Birds, too!” brochure.

7) Review and accept the final report from Lindsay Wildlife Experience for their “Protecting California’s Wildlife Through Treatment & Rehabilitation” project.

8) Review and accept the final report from the East Bay Regional Park District for their “Status of Salt Marsh Harvest Mouse in the East Bay Regional Park District & The Movement Patterns and Habitat Use of the Western Pond Turtle (Actinemys Marmorata) in Freshwater Ponds” projects.

9) Review and accept the final report from Save Mount Diablo on their Marsh Creek – Morgan Territory Habitat Restoration Project.

10) Discuss the 2015 Fall Forum and consider plans and potential speakers. 11) Continue to discuss and consider action on the Internal Operations Committee (IOC) comments and requests at their December 1, 2014 meeting listed below:

 Suggest three top priorities for the upcoming Board of Supervisors Discussion Item.  The IOC expressed a need for multilingual signage and better collaboration with law enforcement agencies, the court, and community cultural organizations on enforcement issues and education surrounding fish and wildlife practices of people of different cultures that may be in violation of local fish and game laws.

12) Determine the agenda for the next meeting. The next regular meeting date is July 15, 2015. Possible agenda items for upcoming meetings include:  Discuss potential field trips  Discuss Wildlife in Your Backyard brochure  Fish and Wildlife Propagation Fund RFP  Consider developing recommendations and/or a white paper on rodenticide use in the County  Presentation on problem weeds

Adjourn

The Committee Chair may alter the order of agenda items at the meeting. Please contact Maureen Parkes at 925-674-7831 / [email protected] (or Abigail Fateman at 925-674-7820 / [email protected]) at the CCC Department of Conservation and Development if you have questions about the Fish & Wildlife Committee or desire materials related to this agenda. The FWC will provide reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities planning to participate in this meeting who contact staff at least 72 hours before the meeting. County Public Works Department Road Maintenance Division lunchroom (squad room)

From Hwy 680: 1. Merge onto CA-4W 2. Continue with the directions from Hwy 4.

From Hwy 4: 1. Take the Pacheco Blvd exit. 2. Merge onto Pacheco Blvd. 3. Turn onto Blum Road (North past Police Department). 4. Turn right onto Imhoff Drive (a cemetery is at the corner of Blum and Imhoff). 5. Turn left onto Waterbird. (There is a Top Soil / Clean Dirt sign at the corner). 6. Turn left onto the Public Works Maintenance building after you pass County’s gas pumping station. Once you are in the parking lot, pass the building on your right. Park your car near the side entrance (not the front entrance). Enter through the side entrance.

Our meeting room is on your left once you enter the building. Please ask the receptionist to direct you if you have trouble finding the meeting room. Agenda Item #2 Draft Meeting Minutes of the Contra Costa County Fish and Wildlife Committee on May 20, 2015

1) Introductions. Clark Dawson, Roni Gehlke, Susan Heckly, Derek Jansen, Kathleen Jennings, Daniel Pellegrini, Jeff Skinner and Scott Stephan attended the meeting. Martha Berthelsen and Brett Morris provided advance notice that they would be absent. Lisa Chow (Office of District IV Supervisor), Ryan Hernandez (CCC Water Agency), Heath Bartosh (Nomad Ecology, LLC), Gretchen Hayes (Tessera Sciences) Julie Linford (Outcast Cat Help), Linda Rodgers, Peter Wilson and Jill Wiseman attended the meeting. Abigail Fateman and Maureen Parkes (CCC Department of Conservation and Development) attended as staff.

2) Review/Approve minutes from the April 15, 2015 meeting. The meeting minutes were approved as written. Vote: 6-0 AYES: Dawson, Heckly, Janson, Jennings, Pellegrini and Stephan NOES: None ABSENT: Berthelsen and Morris ABSTAIN: Gehlke and Skinner

3) Public comment. There were no public comments.

4) Updates and announcements from staff and FWC members. Includes discussion on implementation of actions authorized previously, on correspondence received, and on upcoming meetings of interest to the FWC. Maureen Parkes updated the FWC on the following items: • Martha Berthelsen and Brett Morris provided advance notice that they would not be able to attend the meeting today. • Staff forwarded a link to YouCaring.com which provides an update on Jim Hale’s status and the opportunity to donate towards his medical treatment. • Staff forwarded emails from John Turner, Secretary of the Central Association of Fish & Game Commissioners.

5) Presentation on “The Mt. View Sanitary District Wetlands Programs: Celebrating Community in Contra Costa County through Environmental Education and Wildlife Conservation.” (Kelly Davidson, Mt. View Sanitary District) Kelly Davidson provided an informative presentation on the Mt. View Sanitary District Wetlands Programs which included background and role in the Community, their wetlands complex, Moorhen Marsh, McNabney Marsh, Environmental Education programs and Wildlife and Habitat Conservation programs.

6) Update on the Draft Bay Delta Conservation Plan (twin-tunnel project). (Ryan Hernandez, Department of Conservation and Development) Ryan Hernandez provided background on the original and new Draft Bay Delta Conservation Plan highlighting noteworthy changes between the two plans, new alternatives in the current plan, the need to consider other alternatives, unresolved issues and schedule.

7) Update on the Temporary Emergency Drought Barrier in the Delta. (Ryan Hernandez, Department of Conservation and Development) Ryan Hernandez provided an update on the temporary emergency drought barrier at West False River in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, which spans the approximately 750-foot-wide river between Jersey and Bradford islands and blocks salt water that tidal action attempts to push eastward from San Francisco Bay into Franks Tract.

8) Review letters of thanks and appreciation from the Lindsay Wildlife Museum and EarthTeam for their 2015 Fish and Wildlife Propagation Fund grant awards. The Committee reviewed the letters. 9) Review and accept the final report from SPAWNERS on their Bee Boxes project. The Committee reviewed and accepted the final report. Vote: 7-0 AYES: Dawson, Gehlke, Heckly, Jennings, Pellegrini, Skinner and Stephan NOES: None ABSENT: Berthelsen and Morris ABSTAIN: None

10) Review and accept the final report from EarthTeam on their “Sustainable Youth Watershed Internship at Pinole Creek (Pinole Valley High School)” project. The Committee reviewed and accepted the final report. Vote: 7-0 AYES: Dawson, Gehlke, Heckly, Jennings, Pellegrini, Skinner and Stephan NOES: None ABSENT: Berthelsen and Morris ABSTAIN: None

11) Review and consider approval of the Out of Cycle Grant Request from Nomad Ecology for the Northern California Black Walnut Conservation Partnership for their “Native Northern California Black Walnut (Juglans hindii) Conservation Project: Contra Costa County Specimen Sampling and Genetic Research Spring 2015” project. Heath Bartosh, Nomad Ecology LLC and Gretchen Hayes, Tessera Sciences gave a presentation and answered questions related to their grant application. Jeff Skinner made a motion to recommend funding the gathering of samples in the amount of $4,500. Scott Stephan seconded the motion. The Committee voted and did not approve the recommendation to fund the grant application.

Vote: 2-5 AYES: Skinner and Stephan NOES: Dawson, Gehlke, Heckly, Jennings and Pellegrini ABSENT: Berthelsen and Morris ABSTAIN: None

12) Consider final approval of potential revisions to the FWC bylaws. The Committee approved the revisions to the FWC bylaws. Vote: 7-0 AYES: Dawson, Gehlke, Heckly, Jennings, Pellegrini, Skinner and Stephan NOES: None ABSENT: Berthelsen and Morris ABSTAIN: None

13) Review and discuss the “We Love Cats! and Birds, too!” brochure produced by the Mt. Diablo Audubon Society. Maureen Parkes provided an update on concerns about the unauthorized part of the message on the cover of the brochure: “An important message from Mount Diablo Audubon Society & Contra Costa County Fish and Wildlife Committee.” Linda Rodgers expressed concerns about the information in the brochure and provided documents which support trap-neuter-return programs and that dispute studies regarding the effects of outdoor cats on wildlife. Julie Linford (Outcast Cat Help) spoke regarding trap-neuter-return which she has been involved with for several years. The Committee discussed the matter and decided to have staff draft a letter to Mount Diablo Audubon Society, for review and approval at the FWC meeting on June 17, 2015, requesting that all brochures be collected and returned to the Department of Conservation and Development so that labels can be put over the section of the message on the cover of the brochure which is shown in strikethrough: “An important message from Mount Diablo Audubon Society & Contra Costa County Fish and Wildlife Committee.” 14) Discuss the 2015 Fall Forum and consider plans and potential speakers. The item was continued.

15) Continue to discuss and consider action on the Internal Operations Committee (IOC) comments and requests at their December 1, 2014 meeting listed below: • Suggest three top priorities for the upcoming Board of Supervisors Discussion Item. • The IOC expressed a need for multilingual signage and better collaboration with law enforcement agencies, the court, and community cultural organizations on enforcement issues and education surrounding fish and wildlife practices of people of different cultures that may be in violation of local fish and game laws. The item was continued.

16) Determine the agenda for the next meeting. The next regular meeting date is June 17, 2015. Possible agenda items for upcoming meetings include:

• Discuss potential field trip • Continue to discuss the Wildlife in Your Backyard brochure • Review information regarding potential impacts of outdoor cats on wildlife • Consider developing recommendations and/or a white paper on rodenticide use in the County • Presentation on problem weeds

Adjourn

The Committee Chair may alter the order of agenda items at the meeting. Please contact Maureen Parkes at 925-674-7831 / [email protected] (or Abigail Fateman at 925-674-7820 / [email protected]) at the CCC Department of Conservation and Development if you have questions about the Fish & Wildlife Committee or desire materials related to this agenda. The FWC will provide reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities planning to participate in this meeting who contact staff at least 72 hours before the meeting. Received FWC July 17, 2013 Received FWC July 17, 2013

Received FWC July 17, 2013

Received FWC July 17, 2013 Re4cRece

Received FWC July 17, 2013

Feral and Free-Ranging Domestic Cats:

A WILDLIFE “CAT-ASTROPHE” Domestic Cat (Felix catus)

 Invasive species in North America  Estimated 600 million worldwide, more than 150 million in US  High reproductive rate  Sexual maturity @ 6 months  Reproduction can occur throughout the year  One female > 3 litters/year, 2-4 kittens/litter = 12 offspring/year  Predatory behavior  Efficient and instinctive predators  Even well-fed domestic cats continue to hunt.  Lifestyle  Indoor; limited- and free-ranging; or feral Ecological Impacts of Feral Cats

 Hunting  Responsible for extinction of numerous mammals, reptiles and at least 33 bird species worldwide  Native bird diversity drops as cat abundance increases.  Competition with Native Predators  Human-supported feral populations reach densities 100 times higher than native counterparts.  Disease Transmission  Vectors for rabies, toxoplasmosis and other diseases (e.g., typhus and feline immunodeficiency virus).  Feral cat colonies may serve as reservoirs for disease, threatening the health of cats and local wildlife. In the US each year, 80± million feral and free-ranging cats kill 1.4 – 3.7 billion birds 6.9 – 20.7 billion mammals*

*Study by Scott R. Loss, Tom Will and Peter P. Mara for Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute and US Fish and Wildlife Service -- January 2013 “Anthropogenic” Threats to Wildlife

Collisions with man-made structures Collisions with vehicles Poisoning Predation by domestic pets Free-ranging Cats Are Single Greatest Source of U. S. Wildlife Mortality Birds – 71% Mammals – 89%

Feral cats Others Feral cats Others Rabies in Humans and Wildlife

 Viral disease which affects central nervous system in mammals  Nearly 100% fatal if not treated promptly  Present in saliva of infected animals  Transmitted through bite wounds  Rabies Vector Species (RVS)  Raccoons, red foxes, skunks, bats  Cats are small % but responsible for disproportionate number of human exposures  Feral cat colonies can lead to transfer of rabies from cats to wildlife and from cats to humans

Toxoplasmosis in Feral Cats: Health Risks to Humans and Wildlife

 Disease caused by a protozoan parasite formed in cats’ digestive systems  Parasite is shed in feces and ingested by birds, rodents and other mammal species.  Humans contract disease through contaminated soil or direct contact with cat feces.  Parasites can also contaminate water supply, impacting marine mammals such as sea otters.  Parasites likely more concentrated around feral cat colonies

Problems with Trap-Neuter-Release

 T-N-R does not stabilize and decrease cat populations.  Supplemental feeding does not deter cats from killing wildlife.  Many T-N-R cats are not vaccinated, creating major public health concern.  Cats do not provide natural rodent control.  Removal of cats and feeding stations eliminates or nearly eliminates local cat populations and results in return of native bird species.

Studies show that T-N-R fails to decrease feral cat populations, protect native wildlife, control pests, address public health concerns, or reduce costs. What Can Be Done?

 Support and encourage humane elimination of feral cat populations, including feral cat colonies, through adoption into indoor-only homes of eligible cats and humane euthanasia of unadoptable cats.  Support the passage and enforcement of local and state ordinances prohibiting the feeding of feral cats, especially on public lands, and the release of unwanted pet or feral cats into the wild.  Oppose the passage of any local or state ordinances that legalize the maintenance of “managed” (TNR) free- ranging cat colonies.  Support educational programs and materials that provide scientific information on feral cats and the negative effects on cats from living outdoors, and call on pet owners to keep cats indoors, in outdoor enclosures, or on a leash.  Support programs to educate and encourage pet owners to neuter or spay their cats, and encourage all pet adoption programs to require potential owners to spay or neuter their pet.  Support the development and dissemination of information on what individual cat owners can do to minimize predation by free-ranging cats, and to minimize potential disease transmission to humans, wildlife, cats and other domestic animals.  Pledge to work with the conservation and animal welfare communities to educate the public about the effects of free-ranging and feral cats on native wildlife, including birds, small mammals, reptiles, amphibians and endangered species.  Support efforts to reduce risks to the health of humans and other animals posed by diseases and parasites of feral cats, including but not limited to removal of free- ranging cats and elimination of feral cat colonies.  Recognize that cats as pets have a long association with humans, and that responsible cat owners are to be encouraged to continue caring for the animals under their control.

Position Statement approved by The Wildlife Society August 2011 HOW YOU CAN HELP The best way to keep cats ß Keep your cat indoors and encourage others healthy and protect wildlife to do the same. If you are unwilling to keep your cat indoors, do not attract birds to your yard with and human health is to feeders, bird houses or birdbaths. keep cats indoors. ß Do not rely on bells or declawing to prevent successful hunting; they are largely ineffectual. Declawed cats can bat prey to the ground and bite HOW TO MAKE YOUR OUTDOOR it. Once bitten, the prey will likely die. ß CAT A HAPPY INDOOR CAT* Spay or neuter your cat, and don’t feed other outdoor cats. Feeding will not diminish hunting and will ß Although it takes patience, an outdoor cat can tend to form high densities of cats which adversely become a perfectly content indoor pet. Whether you impact wildlife. make the transition gradually or all at once, the key is ß Never abandon unwanted cats. Instead, take them to provide lots of attention and stimulation while the to your local animal shelter to give them the best pos- cat is indoors. sible chance of adoption into loving, lifelong homes. ß Share periods of special play time to substitute for WE outside excursions. Please do not allow the prospect of euthanasia ß Offer inter- “ to deter you from trapping cats. If you leave them esting toys, es- LOVE where they are, they will almost certainly die a pecially those painful death. A painless injection is far kinder which are inter- than any fate that feral cats will meet if left to active. Some cats survive on their own.” CATS! enjoy searching

for toys; they also People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) enjoy ping pong balls, paper bags NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PHOTO and cardboard boxes. Open Admission Shelters These facilities will receive homeless animals. ß Cat condos offer interesting places to lounge, play Contra Costa County Animal Services (East) and scratch. Also provide scratching posts, corru- 4800 Imhoff Way, Martinez, CA 94553 gated cardboard or sisal rope and praise your cat for (925) 335-8300 using them. ß Contra Costa County Animal Services (West) Provide fresh greens for safe grazing as an alterna- 910 San Pablo Ave., Pinole, CA 94564 tive to damaging house plants. (510) 374-3966 ß You might wish to provide an outdoor covered Antioch Animal Services enclosure to minimize the dangers of being outside. 300 L Street, Antioch, CA 94509 Check out the following products: (925) 779-6989 Cat Enclosure Kit, www.edpets.com

Kitty Walk, www.midnightpass.com TEPKE PHOTO GLEN SafeCat Outdoor Enclosure, www.just4cats.com ß Trim your cat’s claws every one to two weeks to and Birds, too! Mount Diablo Audubon Society minimize damage to furniture. P.O. Box 53, Walnut Creek, CA 94597-0053 ß Provide one litter pan per cat and scoop the litter www.diabloaudubon.com/index.php An important message from pan at least once daily. Mount Diablo Audubon Society * Cats Indoors! and The American Bird Conservancy THE GREAT OUTDOORS IS NO PLACE CATS AND WILDLIFE CAT COLONIES FOR CATS Recent scientific studies estimate that in the US each ß While seemingly humane, “managed” cat colo- According to the American Bird Conservancy, outdoor year outdoor cats kill 1.4‒3.7 billion birds and up to 20 nies are the wrong solution. They become a dumping cats—even well-cared-for cats—face an extraordinary billion mammals, reptiles and amphibians. On aver- ground for unwanted cats and a reservoir for diseases, array of dangers: age, each cat kills from two to four birds each month. some of which pose a serious threat to human health. ß Cars kill millions of cats each year in the US and (The impact of free-ranging domestic cats on wildlife The Trap-Neuter-Release strategy has not been maim countless others. of the United States, Scott R. Loss, Tom Will & Peter P. shown to either reduce the cat population problem or ß Cats find poisonous chemicals on treated lawns, in Marra, Nature Communications, January 2013). prevent predation on wildlife. ß rat/mice bait and in antifreeze. Cats Are Not a Natural Part of Ecosystems Cats can have significant impacts on local wild- ß life populations, especially in habitat “islands” such Outdoor cats are injured or killed by free-roaming ß Descended from European and African wild cats dogs, wildlife and other cats, and contract fatal dis- as parks and wildlife refuges. Well-meaning visitors and domesticated in Egypt more than 4,000 years regularly feed stray (lost or abandoned) or feral cats eases transmitted by bites and scratches from infected ago, cats may be the most widespread and efficient animals. (descendants of strays living in the wild), but this food predator in the world. also attracts other wildlife and supports an artificially ß Animal control agencies report situations where ß Cats are hard-wired to hunt. Despite beliefs to high number of predators which can decimate sensi- cats have been burned, stabbed or otherwise hurt by the contrary, even well-fed cats hunt and kill wildlife. tive species. malicious humans. Birds that nest or feed on the ground, such as Califor- ß Cats are caught in traps set for other animals and nia Quail, are the most susceptible to cat predation, CATS INDOORS! may be injured or suffer before being released. as are the nestlings and fledglings of many other bird ß Unaltered outdoor cats are the main source of species. Safer for Cats overpopulation. In warm climates such as ours, a fe- ß Most birds that seem to escape don’t survive cat at- male cat can have three litters per year with 4 to 6 tacks. Cats carry many types of bacteria and viruses in Safer for Birds kittens per litter, causing millions of unwanted cats their mouths. A victim that looks perfectly healthy may to be euthanized at animal shelters each year. Dealing die from internal hemorrhaging or injury to vital organs. with this preventable tragedy costs taxpayers millions It’s Our Job to Protect Wildlife of dollars each year. ß According to The Humane Society of the United States, free-roaming cats typically live less than five years, whereas cats kept exclusively indoors can live to 17 or more years of age. CATS AND DISEASE ß Unvaccinated cats can transmit diseases to other cats, native wildlife and humans. Cats are the domestic animal most frequently reported to be rabid to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Cats are also suspected of spreading fatal feline diseases to native wild cats such as the mountain lion and bobcat. Plague is transmitted primarily by wild rodent fleas ß California Quail, our state bird, has seen a decline which can infect cats. In recent years, almost all hu- in population in recent years. Why? One major fac- man cases of pneumonic plague have been linked to tor is an increased number of predators that prey on domestic cats. the quail’s young and eggs. Well-meaning visitors to LET’S KEEP OUR PETS ß Toxoplasmosis is caused by a tiny parasite which our city and regional parks regularly feed feral cats, resides in cats’ intestinal tract and is expelled in the raccoons, foxes and other animals, but this extra food AND WILDLIFE SAFE! feces. If contracted by a pregnant woman in her first brings in more predators and allows the park to artifi- trimester, the disease can cause abortion of the fetus cially support more predators that then turn to other or blindness, retardation or seizures in the newborn. local wildlife as a additional food sources. Received FWC 5-20-15

Received FWC 5-20-15

7/24/2014 Received FWC 5-20-15

July 10, 2014 Rethinking the Cat Symposia

Expanding the Impact – Community-Wide TNR

Bryan Kortis Program Manager, PetSmart Charities [email protected]

Your presenter

Bryan Kortis (with Pemberly from Pemberton)

• Program Manager, PetSmart Charities – TNR grants & programs • Co-founder and former executive director, Neighborhood Cats

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Hot off the press!

PetSmart Charities Community TNR: Tactics and Tools

• Print version: www.amazon.com (search for “Kortis”)

• PDF file (free download): www.petsmartcharities.org/sites/default/files/ CommunityTNR.zip

The mission

• Reduce the free-roaming cat population • Provide humane care for existing cats • New! Lower euthanasia at shelters with Return to Field.

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Accomplishing the mission leads to:

• Lower intake & euthanasia

• Fewer nuisance complaints

• Rabies vaccinations

• Less predation

• Improved animal welfare

July 24, 2014 Proprietary and Confidential 5

Tactics

Community TNR Program

Targeting Return to Field Grassroots Mobilization

Intensive TNR in Spay/neuter & return Provide training, colonies & areas with healthy, unadoptable equipment, support & high numbers of cats cats brought to shelters free or low-cost services

Reduce cat population, Reduce euthanasia, Build awareness, gradual intake & complaints promote culture change population decline

6 6

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Colony level targeting

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Colony level targeting

2 of 10 cats neutered

Low colony sterilization rate

No impact on growth of colony

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Colony level targeting

100% Sterilization

Zero reproduction

Colony size decline over time

9 9

Feralville

100 cats 20 s/n’s

July 24, 2014 Proprietary and Confidential 10

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No targeting

Low colony sterilization rates

July 24, 2014 Proprietary and Confidential 11

Colony level targeting

High sterilization rates in targeted colonies

July 24, 2014 Proprietary and Confidential 12

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Community level targeting

High sterilization rates in targeted colonies + Negate the vacuum effect

July 24, 2014 Proprietary and Confidential 13

Vacuum effect 1. Enough food for 10 cats (= carrying capacity)

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2. All 10 cats removed

3. Food source remains

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4. Adam & Eve show up, attracted by the food

5. Enough kittens survive until population at 10

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TNR instead of removal

10 sterilized cats – no reproduction

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Later – 5 cats remain with food for 10

TNR’d colony surrounded by intact colonies

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New intact cats arrive, attracted by excess food

Community level targeting: prevent vacuum effect

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Humane Society of Tampa Bay

• Project dates: July 1, 2010 through September 1, 2012

• Target area: zip code 33612 in Tampa, FL (pop. 44,600). 2nd highest cat intake to Hillsborough County Animal Services.

• 2,920 surgeries performed on cats in target zip code

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Cat intake: Hillsborough County Animal Services

800 18000 700 16000 14000 600 12000 500 10000 400 8000 300 6000 200 4000 100 2000 0 0 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

Zip 33612: -47% Outside zip 33612: -17%

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Tactics

Community TNR Program

Targeting Return to Field Grassroots Mobilization

Intensive TNR in Spay/neuter & return Provide training, colonies & areas with healthy, unadoptable equipment, support & high numbers of cats cats brought to shelters free or low-cost services

Reduce cat population, Reduce euthanasia, Build awareness, gradual intake & complaints promote culture change population decline

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Return to Field (aka SNR aka Feral Freedom)

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Return to Field in action

SHELTER

Why not euthanasia?

• Lethal control is a failed approach to managing community cat populations – numbers of cats, nuisance complaints & wildlife predation remain at unchanged or rising levels

• Intake and euthanasia rates don’t go down

• High euthanasia rates = high stress, staff turnover, poor public relations, lower adoptions

July 24, 2014 Proprietary and Confidential 30

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Why has euthanasia failed?

• Too many cats, too few animal control resources • Caretaker resistance • Vacuum effect • Failure to capture all colony members • The public disfavors euthanasia

Attitudes towards free-roaming cats

• Chu, K., Anderson, W., U.S. Public Opinion on Humane Treatment of Stray Cats, Law & Policy Brief (Bethesda, MD: Alley Cat Allies, September 2007)

• Survey conducted by Harris Interactive (conducts the “Harris Poll”) on behalf of Alley Cat Allies

• Nationally representative sample of 1,205 adults

• Conducted in April & May 2007

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National survey

“If you saw a stray cat in your community and could only choose between two courses of action—leaving the cat where it is outside or having the cat caught and then put down—which would you consider to be the more humane option for the cat?”

81% - Leave the cat where it is 14% - Have the cat put down 5% - Don’t know/refused to answer

National survey – follow up question

“If you knew that the stray cat you saw would die in two years because it would be hit by a car, which would you consider the most humane option today?”

72% - Leave the cat where it is and let it live two years before dying 21% - Have the cat put down 7% - Don’t know/refused to answer

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Return to Field vs. euthanasia / public opinion

• Return to Field is aligned with what the great majority of people favor as the outcome for community cats

• Euthanasia is aligned with the minority who complain about the cats and want them removed

The decision: which part of the community will the shelter serve?

Benefits of Return to Field

• Lower euthanasia • Frees up resources spent on capturing and/or euthanizing cats for more productive programs (like Return to Field) • Healthier shelter environment (cats are moved out quickly & less crowding) • Public support • Avoids needless euthanasia of wandering pets • Culture change – inside and outside shelter

• Maybe: lower intake

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Why intake decline is only a “maybe” – Return to Field (stand-alone) on colony level

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Return to Field (stand-alone) on community level

ZIP 1 ZIP 2

ZIP 4 ZIP 3

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Why have some stand-alone RTF programs seen intake drop?

• Volume trappers discouraged (ideological individuals & private extermination companies)

• Residents learn bringing community cats to the shelter is no longer an option

• Community’s perception and tolerance of cats changes

• No replacement of removed cats

Limitations of Return to Field

• As a stand-alone program (no other significant TNR programs active in the community), there is no population control. • Nuisance issues at specific locations are not fully addressed • Public health (rabies) and wildlife concerns are not addressed • If there is little or no reduction in the source of the cats or the number needing to be returned to field, the sustainability of a Return to Field program could be threatened

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Solving the riddle

Q: How do we gain the benefits of Return to Field AND reduce the free-roaming cat population?

A: Combine Return to Field with Targeted TNR!

July 24, 2014 Proprietary and Confidential 41

Fix the rest of the cats at the return location (colony level targeting)

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Return to Field + colony-level targeting

Return to Field

Targeted TNR

ZIP 1 ZIP 2

ZIP 4 ZIP 3

Return to Field all eligible shelter cats + community-level targeting

Return to Field

Targeted TNR

ZIP 1 ZIP 2

ZIP 4 ZIP 3

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Return to field only target area cats + community-level targeting

Return to Field

Targeted TNR

Extra colony

ZIP 1 ZIP 2

ZIP 4 ZIP 3

Albuquerque, NM

• Return to Field program – Launched by Albuquerque Animal Welfare Dept. (municipal open admission shelter) in 2011 – No targeting

• Community Cats Project – Partnership of Best Friends Animal Society, PetSmart Charities & Albuquerque Animal Welfare Dept. – Combined Return to Field with colony-level targeting – Launched on April 1, 2012

• Targeted TNR – Animal Humane New Mexico & New Mexico Animal Friends, funded by PetSmart Charities – Community-level targeting of seven zip codes around Animal Humane New Mexico’s facilities – Begun in July, 2010

Equals approximately 4,600 s/n’s per year since 2012 46

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Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department

12,000

10,000 Intake Euthanasia 8,000 Return to Field

6,000 Cf. 2013 to 2010 Euthanasia -85% 4,000 Intake -28%

2,000

0 2010 2011 2012 2013

AAWD & Animal Humane NM combined

14,000

12,000

10,000 Intake

Euthanasia 8,000

6,000 Cf. 2013 to 2010 Euthanasia -84% 4,000 Intake -27%

2,000

0 2010 2011 2012 2013

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Community Cats Grants

• NEW! PetSmart Charities direct funding to shelters – Up to $500,000 (no minimum) – Up to 3 years – Must combine Return to Field with Targeted TNR

• For more info: [email protected]

Tactics

Community TNR Program

Targeting Return to Field Grassroots Mobilization

Intensive TNR in Spay/neuter & return Provide training, colonies & areas with healthy, unadoptable equipment, support, & high numbers of cats cats brought to shelters free or low-cost services

Reduce cat population, Reduce euthanasia, Build awareness, gradual intake, & complaints promote culture change population decline

50 50

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Grassroots vs. Expert Approach

• Expert: A core group of trappers affiliated with the TNR program perform the bulk of the field work

• Grassroots: Members of the public (residents are caretakers) trained to perform the hands-on work; TNR program’s role is to train and coordinate services

Community Level Targeting: Expert Approach

Experts

July 24, 2014 Proprietary and Confidential 52

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Colony Level Targeting: Core Tactic of Grassroots Mobilization

53 53

Community Level Targeting + Grassroots

Experts

Grassroots

July 24, 2014 Proprietary and Confidential 54

27 7/24/2014

Feraltropolis

Grassroots Mobilization = Critical to Long-Term Success

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Benefits: Grassroots

• Gradual, long-term population reduction with colony-level targeting

• Build public awareness and support for TNR (i.e., it becomes “normal”)

• Enhance fundraising by serving whole community

Outreach

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Grassroots Protocol for Caretaker

2. Attend training 3. Schedule s/n 1. Contact TNR program and equipment

6. Release 5. Bring for spay/neuter 4. Trap 59

Network of services

Caretaking Field Work Spay/Neuter

Training

Food

Traps Shelter Low cost surgeries

Eartipping

Expert advice/assistance 60 60

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Neighborhood Cats and NYC

• Founded in 1999 • Eight million residents in New York City, at least tens of thousands of cats • Protocol: - Person seeks assistance - hotline, email/website, referrals - Training workshop / TNR certification - required absent special circumstances

- Certification provides access to services – free or discount s/n by local s/n clinics (esp. ASPCA), trap banks, coaches, other support

- Caretaker/attendee responsible for leading project

- (optional) registration in city-wide colony database

Neighborhood Cats (cont’d)

• Over 5,000 workshop attendees

• Spring Fling & Fall Fix ($10 rewards per TNR’d cat)

• Annual shelter giveaways

• Email network, Facebook page, and Yahoo discussion group

• Assisted in incorporation of local TNR non-profits

• Online colony registration system: 2,000 colonies with 21,000 cats; average reported decline = 30%

July 24, 2014 Proprietary and Confidential 62

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Cat Intake: Animal Care and Control of NYC

Cf. 2013 to 2009 Intake -36%

Possible contributing factors: • Reduced shelter services in 2010; many reinstated in 2012 • Low income pet spay/neuter programs • Community TNR with estimated 50,000 to 75,000 cats since 2001 63

July 24, 2014 Proprietary and Confidential 64

32 Received FWC 5-20-15

Received FWC 5-20-15

Agenda Item #6

John Kopchik Department of Contra Director Conservation and Costa Aruna Bhat Development Deputy Director County Jason Crapo 30 Muir Road Deputy Director Martinez, CA 94553 Robert T. Calkins Deputy Director Phone:1-855-323-2626

June 17, 2015

Nancy Wenninger Mount Diablo Audubon Society 1091 Walker Avenue Walnut Creek, CA 94596

Dear Ms. Wenninger:

This letter is to advise the Mount Diablo Audubon Society (MDAS) that the Contra Costa County Fish and Wildlife Committee, at their May 20, 2015 meeting, discussed and reviewed the cover of the “WE LOVE CATS! and Birds, too!” brochure. It came as a surprise that the front cover of the brochure was modified from a version that MDAS had previously provided to say (added words are underlined): “An important message from Mount Diablo Audubon Society & Contra Costa County Fish and Wildlife Committee”. Please see below for background as well as our request to remedy the unauthorized section of the message.

Background

In early 2014, during the Fish and Wildlife Propagation Fund annual grant cycle, the Fish and Wildlife Committee reviewed a grant application from MDAS for a Fish and Wildlife Propagation Fund grant in the amount of $1,500 for the printing of 5,000 educational brochures about cats and wildlife. The FWC approved a recommendation to the IO Committee to fund the grant application. Following review of the grant recommendation by the Internal Operations Committee, the Board of Supervisors approved granting funds on April 22, 2014.

Although the grant application package did not contain a draft of the brochure, the FWC had previously seen a brochure designed by MDAS which emphasized keeping both cats and wildlife safe. The grant application stated “If the grant for the proposed project is approved, the brochure will be amended to credit the funding source for providing printing costs.” The FWC expected this would be a small notation on the back of the brochure. Instead, the cover of the brochure was modified to say: “An important message from Mount Diablo Audubon Society & Contra Costa County Fish and Wildlife Committee”. Request to Remedy

The Fish and Wildlife Committee recommends approval of Fish and Wildlife Propagation Fund grant applications with the final approval of the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors. Neither the FWC or Contra Costa County own the projects that receive Fish and Wildlife Propagation grants nor do they authorize their name to endorse any of the projects that receive grant funds. To remedy the unauthorized section of the message, the FWC requests that the Mount Diablo Audubon Society:

• discontinue distributing the remaining brochures; • retrieve the brochures from all venues where they have already been distributed (ie. Veterinarian’s offices, Animal Services, animal shelters (such as ARF), pet stores, Lindsay Wildlife Experience and conservation organizations, etc.); • provide a list of all venues, which includes address and phone number; and • return the brochures to the attention of Maureen Parkes by July 31, 2015 at:

Contra Costa County Department of Conservation and Development 30 Muir Road Martinez, CA 94553

The Committee will arrange for the unauthorized part of the message on the front of the brochures to be covered. Once the message is covered, the brochures will be returned to the Mount Diablo Audubon Society.

Please contact Maureen Parkes at 925-674-7831 or [email protected] if you have any questions regarding our request.

Sincerely,

Daniel Pellegrini Chair, Contra Costa County Fish and Wildlife Committee Agenda Item #7

Contra Costa County Fish and Wildlife Propagation Fund Report 2014

May 28, 2015

Protecting California’s Wildlife Through Treatment & Rehabilitation

With funding provided by the Contra Costa Fish & Wildlife Propagation Fund in 2014, Lindsay Wildlife Experience purchased important equipment and medications to support the work of the Lindsay Wildlife (Lindsay) Rehabilitation Hospital.

Lindsay’s Hospital, one of the first wildlife rehabilitation facilities in the country, is a model for wildlife centers worldwide. Since May 2014, Lindsay provided free veterinary and rehabilitation services to 6,056 native wild animals—an eight percent increase from the previous year. Of those treated, approximately 4,000 animals came from Contra Costa County, 43% survived, and 2,050 animals were released into the wild after rehabilitation.

In 2014, Lindsay hired a full-time Director of Veterinary Services, hospital manager, and an associate veterinarian to provide additional resources and greater visibility for the hospital. Over the course of the year, hospital staff and volunteers collected valuable data about incoming patients and collaborated with research institutions including NextEra Energy and International Bird Rescue. Veterinary staff also participated in several conferences and seminars, including the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association conference, where they spoke on best practices in wildlife rehabilitation and emerging trends in wildlife diseases.

In addition to wildlife rehabilitation, Lindsay’s hospital supports educational programs at Lindsay to promote environmental stewardship. Last year, more than 98% of the animals treated at Lindsay’s hospital were admitted due to adverse contact with human activity. Some of these threats include altercations with domestic pets, poisoning from rodenticide, and other human-animal interactions. After an animal is admitted to care, the public can follow the progress of the animal and learn how to mitigate hazards to wildlife and native habitat. Over the last year, staff and docents conducted 541 educational programs for school children and Lindsay received more than 100,000 visitors to its exhibits.

Lindsay spent $9,917.54 of the funds donated by Contra Costa Fish & Wildlife on equipment and medications to treat animal patients. Expenditures include the following:

In December 2014, the hospital purchased a Digital Vet Scale to weigh larger kennels housing mammals and raptors. Since December, Lindsay’s hospital received 229 mammals and 277 large birds and raptors that used the new scale during their intake and follow-up exams. Recently, the hospital admitted a golden eagle with mild rodenticide poisoning and brain injuries. Veterinary staff used her weight to determine the appropriate dose of medications to treat her. The golden eagle recovered and was successfully released in May 2015.

Veterinary staff purchased three surgical loupes with light sources and different magnification capabilities in May 2015 to improve veterinarian visibility during surgery, treatment, and exams. These loupes will allow veterinary staff to use the best magnification for a particular animal, rather than relying on one loupe to handle all needs. More than 64.5% of the animals treated at Lindsay are birds and reptiles with small organs. It is crucial for Lindsay’s veterinarians to have magnified vision and a strong light source to treat these smaller patients.

The hospital purchased nine boxes of Clavamox, 61 bottles of Clavamox drops, and one bottle of Excede to promote healing and increase patient comfort. Hospital staff and volunteers administered antibiotics (Clavamox or Excede) several times per day to all cat-caught patients, patients with lung infections, and those with physical injuries. A nine week old bobcat kitten benefited from antibiotics when she was brought in with severe puncture wounds from a barbed wire fence. The antibiotics prevented an infection to her injuries and she was successfully released in March 2015.

Lindsay requested itraconazole, an anti-fungal medication used to treat raptor patients, in last year’s grant. However, a generous volunteer donated the medication directly to the hospital. Upon receiving the donation, Contra Costa Fish & Wildlife approved Lindsay’s request to allocate the funding intended for itraconazole towards additional purchases of Clavamox (an additional five boxes and 42 bottles) and Meloxicam (13 additional bottles).

Lindsay Wildlife Experience | 1931 First Avenue Walnut Creek, CA 94597 | Phone 925-935-1978 | lindsaywildlife.org Lindsay’s raccoon and fox patients risk contracting parvovirus and distemper. Funding from the grant allowed Lindsay staff to administer at least three doses of parvovirus and distemper vaccines to 170 raccoons and foxes to increase their chances of successfully returning to the wild.

Over the past year, the hospital purchased one bottle of pain (Buprenorphine) and six bottles of anti-inflammatory (Meloxicam) medications to ensure patient comfort, minimize stress, and hasten the recovery process.

Lastly, the hospital purchased 10 bottles of euthanasia solution. Sodium Pentobarbital allowed Lindsay to give 8% of the animals seen, those with severe injury or illness, a quick and painless death.

Wildlife Rehabilitation Supplies and Medicine Budget

Please see the attached spreadsheet with our updated and itemized budget, individual items purchased, quantities, and timeline for their purchase.

Organizational Changes

Over the past year, Lindsay experienced many changes. In January 2014, Lindsay welcomed Executive Director Norma Bishop. She reenergized Lindsay with a new focus on living the mission, with programming and exhibits to connect people with wildlife and nature.

One of her first initiatives was to invest in the wildlife rehabilitation hospital with the promotion of Dr. Guthrum Purdin as the Director of Veterinary Services. Michele Setter left the organization in May 2014 to pursue other opportunities and with her departure Dawn Manley was promoted to Curator, Live Collection. Lindsay Wildlife also hired Dr. Lana Krol as an associate veterinarian and Eugenie Riberi as the new Hospital Manager tasked with administrative support for the department.

The re-focus on Lindsay’s mission included a rebranding of the organization to better recognize all the components that make up Lindsay, including the wildlife rehabilitation hospital. That new brand, along with a new name: Lindsay Wildlife Experience, logo, and website launched in May 2015. To ensure that Lindsay will no longer be the “best kept secret in Walnut Creek,” we have added a marketing and development project manager and developed a bi-annual print newsletter to ensure that the public knows about the work that is done in the hospital. New investments in marketing have meant greater media coverage, including features on both the bobcat and golden eagle previously mentioned.

Lindsay Wildlife Experience | 1931 First Avenue Walnut Creek, CA 94597 | Phone 925-935-1978 | lindsaywildlife.org 2014 Contra Costa Fish and Wildlife Committee Grant

Invoice Total Cost Date Item Cost Tax 8.5% # of Items Total Cost in Category SCALE 23-Dec-14 400 lb scale 229.95 1 $229.95 $229.95

CLAVAMOX 6/20/2014 Clavamox 62.5 mg tabs 77.1 6.55 1 $83.65 10/16/2014 Clavamox 62.5 mg tabs 77.1 6.55 1 $83.65 4/1/2015 Clavamox 62.5 mg tabs 79.5 6.76 1 $86.26 5/15/2015 Clavamox 62.5 mg tabs 79.5 6.76 1 $86.26 $339.82

10/16/2014 Clavamox 125mg tabs 142.85 12.14 1 $154.99 2/13/2015 Clavamox 125mg tabs 147.3 12.52 1 $159.82 5/15/2015 Clavamox 125mg tabs 147.3 12.52 2 $319.63 $634.44

6/9/2014 Clavamox 250mg tabs 235.25 $20.00 1 $255.25 10/9/2014 Clavamox 250mg tabs 235.25 $20.00 1 $255.25 12/8/2014 Clavamox 250mg tabs 235.25 $20.00 1 $255.25 4/27/2015 Clavamox 250mg tabs 242.55 $20.62 1 $263.17 5/15/2015 Clavamox 250mg tabs 242.55 $20.62 2 $526.34 $1,555.25

6/5/2014 Clavamox Drops 12.7 $1.08 2 $27.56 7/9/2014 Clavamox Drops 12.7 $1.08 2 $27.56 7/18/2014 Clavamox Drops 12.7 $1.08 3 $41.34 8/11/2014 Clavamox Drops 12.7 $1.08 2 $27.56 8/25/2014 Clavamox Drops 12.7 $1.08 3 $41.34 9/19/2014 Clavamox Drops 12.7 $1.08 3 $41.34 10/16/2014 Clavamox Drops 12.7 $1.08 5 $68.90 12/22/2014 Clavamox Drops 12.7 $1.08 10 $137.80 3/5/2015 Clavamox Drops 13.1 $1.11 10 $142.14 4/23/2015 Clavamox Drops 13.1 $1.11 20 $284.27 7/24/2014 Clavamox Drops 12.7 $1.08 1 $13.78 6/2/2014 Clavamox Drops 12.7 $1.08 2 $27.56 5/15/2015 Clavamox Drops 13.1 $1.11 40 $568.54 $1,449.67 MELOXICAM 6/23/2014 Metacam Oral 98.93 $8.41 1 $107.34 7/18/2014 Metacam Oral 98.93 $8.41 1 $107.34 8/8/2014 Metacam Oral 98.93 $8.41 1 $107.34 8/11/2014 Metacam Oral 98.93 $8.41 1 $107.34 10/20/2014 Metacam Oral 98.93 $8.41 1 $107.34 11/26/2014 Metacam Oral 98.93 $8.41 2 $214.68 3/12/2015 Metacam Oral 102.9 $8.75 1 $111.65 3/31/2015 Metacam Oral 102.9 $8.75 1 $111.65 2/23/2015 Metacam Injectable 71.91 $6.11 1 $78.02 7/18/2014 Metacam Oral 98.93 $8.41 1 $107.34 10/1/2014 Metacam Oral 98.93 $8.41 1 $107.34 12/5/2014 Metacam Oral 98.93 $8.41 1 $107.34 1/26/2015 Metacam Oral 98.93 $8.41 1 $107.34 4/29/2015 Metacam Oral 102.9 $8.75 1 $111.65 5/15/2015 Metacam Oral 102.9 $8.75 4 $446.59 $2,040.28

ITRACONAZOLE n/a Donated by a private veterinarian $0.00 $0.00

K-9 VACCINES 10/16/2014 K-9 Merck Recombitek C3 150.75 $12.81 1 $163.56 4/23/2015 K-9 Merck Recombitek C3 153.77 $13.07 7 $1,167.88 4/29/2015 K-9 Merck Recombitek C3 153.77 $13.07 2 $333.68 $1,665.13

EXCEDE 1/21/2015 Excede 200mg/ml 180.67 $15.36 1 $196.03 $196.03

BUPRENORPHINE 10/28/2014 Buprenex 0.3mg/ml 5 ampules 66.7 $5.67 1 $72.37 $72.37

EUTHANASIA SOLUTION 6/11/2014 Euthanasia 34.38 $2.92 1 $37.30 7/11/2014 Somnasol Euthanasia 34.54 $2.94 1 $37.48 7/31/2014 Euthanasia 34.38 $2.92 1 $37.30 9/12/2014 Euthanasia 34.4 $2.92 1 $37.32 12/1/2014 Euthanasia 34.4 $2.92 2 $74.65 3/19/2015 Euthanasia 36.07 $3.07 1 $39.14 4/23/2015 Euthanasia 36.27 $3.08 2 $78.71 5/18/2015 Euthanasia 36.27 $3.08 1 $39.35 $381.25

SURGICAL LOUPE 5/14/2015 Loupes from Optical World 2 $1,315.00 5/14/2015 Loupe from Amazon 1 $38.36 $1,353.36

Final Totals $9,917.54 Agenda Item # 8

April 27, 2015

Maureen Parks Contra Costa County Department of Conservation and Development Contra Costa County Fish and Wildlife Committee 30 Muir Road Martinez, CA 94553

Dear Maureen Parks and Contra Costa County Fish & Wilddlife Committee:

On behalf of the Stewardship Department of the East Bay Regional Park District, thank you for the Contra Costa County Fish and Wildlife Propagation Grant awarded in June 2014. We have been diligently working on the projects “Movement Patterns andd Habitat Use of the Western Pond Turtle in Freshwater Ponds” and “Status of Salt Marsh Harvest Mouse” in the East Bay Regional Park District.” With your generous funding, we gained preliminary insights into how turtles use the surrounding landscape for winter hibernation and nest building, as well as the distribution and abundance of harvest mice along the District’s shorelines in Contra Costa County. These initial results will improve current and future Habitat Conservation Plans, and support the California Department of Fish & Wildife Conservation Strategy for these special status speccies.

This Year-End Report covers our groups' accomplishments, budget, receipts, and the recognition this projeect has generated (enclosed media coverage, and patches). Thank you for providing the $9,875. to help us involve people in the process of conserving andd enhancing our splendid natural resources in Contra Costa County.

I am sure you will find these efforts noteworthy, a reflection of our passion and continued commitment to wildlife habitat conservation. We look forward to workinng with the Contra Costa County Fish and Wildlife Committee in the future. If you have any questions regarding our environmental efforts, please call me at (510) 544-2319.

Sincerely,

Dave “Doc Quack” Riensche Wildlife Biologist Certified Wildlife Biologist®t cc: Jeff Rasmussen, Assistant Finance Officer Matt Graul, Chief of Stewardship Doug Bell, Ph.D., Wildlife Manager EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Contra Costa County Fish & Wildlife Propagation Grant

Final Report 2014/2015

East Bay Regional Park District

Status of Salt Marsh Harvest Mouse In The East Bay Regional Park District & The Movement Patterns And Habitat Use of The Western Pond Turtle In Freshwater Ponds

Dave “Doc Quack” Riensche (510) 544-2319

Accomplishments:

 850 members of the general public received information about wildlife conservation, endangered and special status species management efforts.

 Volunteers have spent approximately 1,150 hours assisting with the Western Pond Turtle telemetry and Salt Marsh Harvest Mouse sampling projects.

 More than 670,000 people received our “Turtle Tracking Team” and Salt Marsh Harvest “Mouseketters” articles featured in various media outlets (see attached).

 Preliminary results were provided to the California Department of Fish & Wildlife, as well as the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (please see attached).

Upcoming Activities:

 Continue providing outreach opportunities to selected schools, colleges and general public groups during the coming year.

 Continue research and monitoring efforts on the movement patterns, habitat use and population dynamics of the Western Pond Turtle in freshwater ponds and Salt Marsh Harvest Mouse distribution and abundance along shorelines.

 Work with Oakland Zoo, San Francisco Zoological Society and Sonoma State University on a Western Pond Turtle “head-start” and restoration program.

 Develop wildlife habitat enhancement recommendations and guidelines for Western Pond Turtles and Salt Marsh Harvest Mouse at the site which may be applicable to other locations in Contra Costa County.

 Publish results in a variety of media outlets including peer-reviewed articles and seek additional funding to continue research and restoration efforts.

2 of 2 STATUS OF SALT MARSH HARVEST MOUSE IN THE EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT 2014 - FINAL REPORT

Annual Report of Activities Conducted under permit TE-817400-9 in 2014

Report prepared by: David L. Riensche, Wildlife Biologist, Certified Wildlife Biologist ®

Site name(s):

Coyote Hills Regional Park, Fremont CA: Tuibun Trail Line (37°33'11.72"N, Lat., 122°4'49.90"W Long.) South Marsh Line (37°32'37.51N, Lat., 122°4'52.95"W Long.)

Hayward Regional Shoreline, Hayward CA: Interpretive Trail Line (37°37'.30.19"N, Lat., 122°8'19.76"W Long.) Oro Loma Marsh Line (37°.39'24.23"N, Lat., 122°9'8.66"W Long.)

Point Pinole Regional Shoreline, Richmond CA: Bay View Line (37°59'32.16"N, Lat., 122°21'30.20"W Long.) Southern Pacific RR Line (37°59'21.33"N, Lat., 122°21'27.24"W Long.)

Martinez Regional Shoreline, Martinez CA: Pickleweed Trail Line (38°1'15.52"N, Lat., 122°8'46.61"W Long.)

Waterbird Regional Preserve, Martinez CA: McNabney Marsh East Shore Line: (38°1'10.26"N, Lat., 122°5'35.60"W Long.)

Mammal Surveys/ SMHM Final Report-2014 in the EBRPD by D Riensche 10-10-14 1

List of Authorized Individuals:

Douglas A. Bell, Ph.D., Wildlife Program Manager David L. Riensche, Wildlife Biologist, Certified Wildlife Biologist ®

Name of primary Salt Marsh Harvest Mouse monitor:

David L. Riensche, Wildlife Biologist, Certified Wildlife Biologist ®

The following personnel and volunteers were present during the 2014 surveys period and assisted with trap setup and the identification of all rodents:

David L. Riensche, Wildlife Biologist – all survey dates. Nicole A. Beadle, Summer Wildlife Intern – ½ of all survey dates. Sarah C. Gidre, Summer Wildlife Intern – ½ of all survey dates.

The following Wildlife Volunteers assisted with trap cleaning, trap setup and monitoring, rodent identification, data entry and vegetation surveys: Patrick Alvarez, Richard Kaufmann, Brian Pinomaki, Mary Riensche, Sarah Riensche, Daniel Riensche, Nathan Riensche, Rebekah Riensche, Erika Walther and Steve Wiley.

Purpose The purpose of the fieldwork is to document the continued presence of the Salt Marsh Harvest Mouse (Reithrodontomys raviventris) (here after, “SMHM”) within the 40 miles of San Francisco Bay Shoreline trails and properties operated by the East Bay Regional Park District.

Monitoring

From July 1, 2014 to July 31, 2014, East Bay Regional Park District biologists surveyed five parks (Coyote Hills Regional Park, Hayward Regional Shoreline, Point Pinole Regional Shoreline, Martinez Regional Shoreline, and Waterbird Regional Preserve) setting one to two trap lines at each park location, with each line totaling 50 Sherman live traps, for a total sample effort at each park of approximately 300 trap nights. Traps consisted of (2”x 2.5”x 6.5” Sherman live traps that were baited with a mixture of birdseed and English walnut meats. Insulating materials that included cotton, grass and pickleweed stalks were added to each trap. Traps were open in the evening and checked at sunrise. A total of 1,000 trap nights were recorded during the survey effort.

All captured animals were identified and processed. Body measurements and morphological characteristics, as well as age and sex, were collected for each SMHM captured based on the description and techniques described by Fisher (1965) and modifications made by Shellhammer (1983). All SMHM were released unharmed immediately after processing at the point of capture.

We used the line intercept method (Canfield 1941) and modifications discussed by

Mammal Surveys/ SMHM Final Report-2014 in the EBRPD by D Riensche 10-10-14 2 Connelly, Reese and Schroeder (2003) to determine the dominate vegetation (Fig 1) to obtain percent vegetation cover values and the average vegetation height at each trap line.

Figure 1. Wildlife Volunteers – Rebekah and Daniel Riensche conducting vegetation surveys at Coyote Hills Regional Park.

Date of first survey: July 1, 2014

Date of last survey: July 31, 2014

Date SMHM first observed: July 2, 2014

Date SMHM last observed: July 31, 2014

Results

Coyote Hills Regional Park, Fremont:

There were two SMHM captured along the two trap lines at Coyote Hills Regional Park in Fremont. The two SMHM were captured in an area that is dominated by pickleweed (Salicornia virginica) with salt grass (Distichlis spicata) making up the remaining plant cover type (Fig 2). We obtained a vegetation cover value of 90% pickleweed, with an average vegetation height of 45. cm. The population index (# of SMHM/ total trap nights x 100) that has been used in previous surveys was applied. We recorded a .66 SMHM index value for the 2014 survey. Please see location summary chart below.

Mammal Surveys/ SMHM Final Report-2014 in the EBRPD by D Riensche 10-10-14 3 Tuibun Trail – trap line 1 (37°33'11.72"N, Lat., 122°4'49.90"W Long.)

Date SMHM Reithrodontomys Mus Musculus Microtus sp. megalotis 7/22 0 0 0 0 7/23 0 0 0 0 7/24 2 3 0 4 Totals 2 3 0 4

We recorded a 1.33 SMHM index value for the 2014 survey along the Tuibun Trail.

Figure 2. Wildlife Volunteer - Pat Alvarez setting traps along Tuibun Trail trap line 1 – with 90% vegetation cover dominated by pickleweed at Coyote Hills Regional Park.

South Marsh - Trap Line 2 (37°32'37.51N, Lat., 122°4'52.95"W Long.)

Date SMHM Reithrodontomys Mus Musculus Microtus sp. megalotis 6/27 0 0 0 0 6/28 0 0 0 0 6/29 0 0 0 0 Totals 0 0 0 0

We recorded a 0.0 SMHM index value for the 2014 survey within the South Marsh –Trap Line 2. We obtained a vegetation cover value of 50% pickleweed, with an average

Mammal Surveys/ SMHM Final Report-2014 in the EBRPD by D Riensche 10-10-14 4 vegetation height of 31.3 cm with the remaining plant cover in descending order as follows: alkali heath (Frankenia grandifolia), salt grass (Distichlis spicata), marsh grindelia (Grindelia stricata) and rabbit’s foot grass (Polypogon monspeliensis).

Hayward Regional Shoreline, Hayward CA:

There were two SMHM captured along the two trap lines at the Hayward Regional Shoreline in Hayward. All SMHM were captured in areas that are dominated by pickleweed (Salicornia virginica) with alkali heath (Frankenia grandifolia) and salt grass (Distichlis spicata) making up the remaining plant cover type (Fig 3). The population index (# of SMHM/ total trap nights x 100) that has been used in previous surveys was applied. We recorded a .66 SMHM index value for the 2014 survey. Please see location summary chart below.

Interpretive Trail – Trap Line 1(37°37'.30.19"N, Lat., 122°8'19.76"W Long.)

Date SMHM Reithrodontomys Mus Musculus Microtus sp. megalotis 7/1 0 0 0 0 7/2 0 0 0 0 7/3 0 0 0 0 Totals 0 0 0 0

We recorded a zero SMHM index value for the 2014 survey along the Interpretive Trail-Trap Line 1, and a vegetation cover value of 72% pickleweed, with an average vegetation height of 41.25 cm.

Oro Loma Marsh – Trap Line 2 (37°.39'24.23"N, Lat., 122°9'8.66"W Long.)

Date SMHM Reithrodontomys Mus Musculus Microtus sp. megalotis 7/1 0 0 0 0 7/2 1 0 0 0 7/3 1 0 1 0 Totals 2 0 1 0

We recorded a 1.33 SMHM index value for the 2014 survey along the Oro Loma Marsh – Trap Line 2, and a vegetation cover value of 70% pickleweed, with an average vegetation height of 39.0 cm.

Mammal Surveys/ SMHM Final Report-2014 in the EBRPD by D Riensche 10-10-14 5 Figure 3. Vegetation cover dominated by pickleweed along Interpretive Trail – Trap Line 1, Hayward Regional Shoreline.

Point Pinole Regional Shoreline, Richmond CA:

There were four SMHM captured along the two trap lines at the Point Pinole Regional Shoreline in Richmond. All SMHM were captured in areas that are dominated by pickleweed (Salicornia virginica) with salt grass (Distichlis spicata), alkali heath (Frankenia grandifolia) and marsh gum plant (grindelia stricta) making up the remaining plant cover type (Fig 4). The population index (# of SMHM/ total trap nights x 100) that has been used in previous surveys was applied. We recorded a 1.33 SMHM index value for the 2014 survey. Please see location summary chart below.

Bay View Line – Trap Line 1 (37°59'32.16"N, Lat., 122°21'30.20"W Long.)

Date SMHM Reithrodontomys Mus Musculus Microtus sp. megalotis 7/15 0 0 0 0 7/16 0 0 0 0 7/17 2 0 0 0 Totals 2 0 2 0

We recorded a 1.33 SMHM index value for the 2014 survey along the Bay View Line – Trap Line 1, and a vegetation cover value of 92% pickleweed, with an average vegetation height of 48.5 cm.

Southern Pacific RR Line – Trap Line 2 (37°59'21.33"N, Lat., 122°21'27.24"W Long.)

Date SMHM Reithrodontomys Mus Musculus Microtus sp. megalotis 7/15 0 0 0 0 7/16 1 0 0 0 7/17 1 0 0 0 Totals 2 0 0 0

Mammal Surveys/ SMHM Final Report-2014 in the EBRPD by D Riensche 10-10-14 6 We recorded a 1.33 SMHM index value for the 2014 survey along the Southern Pacific RR Line – Trap Line 2, and a vegetation cover value of 82% pickleweed, with an average vegetation height of 41.8 cm.

Figure 4. Vegetation cover dominated by pickleweed along Bay View Line – Trap Line 1, Point Pinole Regional Shoreline.

Martinez Regional Shoreline, Martinez CA:

There were four SMHM captured along the trap line at Martinez Regional Shoreline in Martinez. All SMHM were captured in areas that are dominated by pickleweed (Salicornia virginica) with salt grass (Distichlis spicata), alkali heath (Frankenia grandifolia) and pepperweed (Lepidium latifolium) making up the remaining plant cover types (Fig 5). The population index (# of SMHM/ total trap nights x 100) that has been used in previous surveys was applied. We recorded a 2.66 SMHM index value for the 2014 survey. Please see location summary chart below.

Pickleweed Trail Line (38°1'15.52"N, Lat., 122°8'46.61"W Long.)

Date SMHM Reithrodontomys Mus Musculus Microtus sp. megalotis 7/29 0 0 0 0 7/30 3 0 1 0 7/31 1 0 1 0 Totals 4 0 2 0

We recorded a 2.66 SMHM index value for the 2014 survey along the Pickleweed Trail – Trap Line, and a vegetation cover values of 80% pickleweed and 10% pepperweed with an average native marsh vegetation height of 40.6 cm.

Mammal Surveys/ SMHM Final Report-2014 in the EBRPD by D Riensche 10-10-14 7 Figure 5. Vegetation cover dominated by pickleweed along Pickleweed Trail – Trap Line, Martinez Regional Shoreline.

Waterbird Regional Preserve, Martinez CA:

There were no SMHM captured along the trap line at Waterbird Regional Preserve in Martinez. All traps were placed in an area dominated by pickleweed (Salicornia virginica), salt grass (Distichlis spicata), and alkali heath (Frankenia grandifolia) and pepperweed (Fig 6). The population index (# of SMHM/ total trap nights x 100) that has been used in previous surveys was applied. We recorded a zero SMHM index value for the 2014 survey. Please see location summary chart below.

McNabney Marsh East Shore Line: (38°1'10.26"N, Lat., 122°5'35.60"W Long.)

Date SMHM Reithrodontomys Mus Musculus Microtus sp. megalotis 7/29 0 0 0 0 7/30 0 0 0 0 7/31 0 0 0 0 Totals 0 0 0 0

We recorded a zero SMHM index value for the 2014 survey along the McNabney Marsh East Shore – Trap Line, and a vegetation cover values of 84% pickleweed and 16% alkali heath with an average marsh vegetation height of 29.8 cm.

Mammal Surveys/ SMHM Final Report-2014 in the EBRPD by D Riensche 10-10-14 8

Figure 6. Vegetation cover dominated by pickleweed along McNabney Marsh East Shore – Trap Line, Waterbird Regional Preserve.

Summary & Additional Information

During the 2014 survey we captured, processed and released unharmed a total of twelve SMHM at the park locations listed above. A total of 1,100 trap nights were recorded during the survey effort. The population index (# of SMHM/ total trap nights x 100) that has been used in previous surveys was applied. We recorded a 1.09 SMHM index value for the comprehensive 2014 survey of the properties operated by the East Bay Regional Park District. Trapping for SMHM will continue at each of these sites into the foreseeable future.

Comments/recommendations for site:

Maintain and expand vegetation management efforts on the site and continue non-native predator control measures provided by USDA/AFHIS/WS. Continue and expand our collaborative research efforts with CDFW (Katie Smith and Laureen Thompson, seen below) USFWS, (Rachel Tertes), and UC Davis (Mark Statham).

Mammal Surveys/ SMHM Final Report-2014 in the EBRPD by D Riensche 10-10-14 9

Survey site location map(s):

Mammal Surveys/ SMHM Final Report-2014 in the EBRPD by D Riensche 10-10-14 10 Mammal Surveys/ SMHM Final Report-2014 in the EBRPD by D Riensche 10-10-14 11 Mammal Surveys/ SMHM Final Report-2014 in the EBRPD by D Riensche 10-10-14 12 Mammal Surveys/ SMHM Final Report-2014 in the EBRPD by D Riensche 10-10-14 13

Mammal Surveys/ SMHM Final Report-2014 in the EBRPD by D Riensche 10-10-14 14 WESTERN POND TURTLE HABITAT USE & MOVEMENT PATTERNS IN THE EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT 2014 FINAL REPORT

Annual Report of Activities Conducted under permit: SC-002298

Report prepared by: David L. Riensche, Wildlife Biologist, Certified Wildlife Biologist ®

Site name:

Clayton Ranch (37°54'9.71"N Lat., 121°52'7.22"W Long), Clayton, CA.

List of Authorized Individuals:

David L. Riensche, Wildlife Biologist

PURPOSE

This fieldwork continues to evaluate the movement patterns and habitat use of the western pond turtle (Actinemys marmorata) in freshwater ponds that are subject to livestock grazing at Clayton Ranch (Land Bank properties operated by the East Bay Regional Park District), in Contra Costa County, California. STUDY AREA

Clayton Ranch holds several freshwater ponds containing submerged and emergent vegetation that are subject to livestock grazing in eastern Contra Costa County, California (Fig 1). Annual grasses and forbs dominate the landscape and trees generally comprise less than 10% of the canopy cover. Introduced annual grasses, including wild oats (Avena spp.), brome grasses (Bromus spp.), and annual fescues (Vulpia spp.) are the dominant grass species. The associated herbaceous cover includes native and nonnative forbs and native wildflowers. The dominant tree species primarily include blue oak (Quercus douglasii), valley oak (Q. lobata), and scattered interior live oaks (Q. wislizenii).

Figure 1. Site conditions of Clayton Ranch (Land Bank property) pond #001

This site has a robust turtle population, providing year-round access, and opportunities for public involvement and volunteerism (Fig 2).

Figure 2. All volunteer “Turtle Telemetry Team” gather prior to field work at Clayton Ranch.

U:\T-Drive Copy\D-Riensche\MS_Word\Turtle Study\WPT Final Report to CDFW -2014 in the EBRPD by D Riensche 11-11-2014.doc 2 METHODS

Turtles are captured using a variety of techniques (floating sundeck and solarium turtle traps). Upon capture, individuals are sexed using morphological characters. Males possess a slightly concave plastron, thicker tail, and a cloaca that extends posterior to the edge of the carapace; while females generally have flat plastron, and the cloaca is anterior to the edge of the plastron (Fig 3). In addition, adult females have dark flecking on the throat while males tend to have pale throats.

Figure 3. Morphological characteristics of an adult western pond turtles female (left) and a male (right).

Turtles are weighed with a 1,000 gram Pesola hand scale. Maximum carapace length and width, shell height and plastron length measurements are taken with a 200 mm calipers. Turtles are fitted with ATS R1850 transmitters, each weighting 12 grams (ATS Tracking Systems, Isanti, MN), with five minute waterproof gel epoxy. Transmitters are glued to the third pleural scute to avoid interference during mating (Boarman et al. 1998) and the antenna was left free to prevent snagging on vegetation. Turtles weighing over 320 grams are fitted with transmitters in order to remain within the suggested 3- 5% body weight ratio to avoid alteration of turtle behavior.

U:\T-Drive Copy\D-Riensche\MS_Word\Turtle Study\WPT Final Report to CDFW -2014 in the EBRPD by D Riensche 11-11-2014.doc 3 Turtles are located using the ATS R410 model hand held receiver (Advance Telemetry Systems, Isanti, MN) with three element antenna (Fig 4). Currently, from March through May we attempt to triangulate the position of all turtles and record their movement patterns within the pond environment once a week. Relocations are attempted almost daily from May until mid-August to document turtle migrations to and from the ponds, dispersal corridors, and nesting sites. During the fall and winter (September through the end of February) turtles are located a minimum of twice a month to document migrations and verify hibernation locations and habitat features associated with overwintering hibernacula. In addition to monitoring data, habitat features used by the Western pond turtles (plant abundance, height, % cover and RDM values) are collected.

Figure 4. Wildlife Interns practicing turtle tracking skills.

Monitors: In accordance with the terms and conditions of SC-002298 permit, the following personnel were present during the 2014 surveys period and assisted with aspects of the project:

David L. Riensche, Wildlife Biologist – all survey dates. Nicole A. Beadle, Summer Wildlife Intern – all survey dates after June 20, 2014. Sarah C, Gidre Summer Wildlife Intern – all survey dates after June 20, 2014.

The following Wildlife Volunteers (Figure 2) assisted with the sampling efforts, identification, data entry and vegetation surveys: Paul Barale, Maggie Clark, Norman Chu, Kala Crosby, Rachel Crosby, Hannah Crosby, Kevin Goe, Richard Kaufmann, Kathy Kentworthy, Marty Morrow, Mary Riensche, Sarah Riensche, Daniel Riensche, Nathan Riensche, and Rebekah Riensche.

U:\T-Drive Copy\D-Riensche\MS_Word\Turtle Study\WPT Final Report to CDFW -2014 in the EBRPD by D Riensche 11-11-2014.doc 4 Results

Following the terms and conditions of SC-002298 and approved survey protocols, a total of 26 adult Western pond turtles were captured, measured and monitored in 2014 at Clayton Ranch (Table 1).

Turtle Transmitter Sex Weight Carapace Comments/ ID # # (M/F) (gm) Measurements Health (straight-mm) 2 148.482 F 680 161 Nester/good health 3 n/a M 820 168 Not re-captured 4 148.463 F 650 147 Nester/good health 5 148.682 F 690 162 Nester/good health 6 148.713 F 830 170 Nester/good health 7 148.775 M 780 174 Good health 8 148.524 F 730 160 Nester/good health 9 148.745 F 810 163 Nester/good health 10 148.543 F 880 163 Nester/good health 11 n/a F 520 145 Good health 12-A 148.262 M 820 182 Good health 12-B n/a F 540 143 Good health 13 148.304 M 445 139 Good health 14 n/a M 530 145 Good health 15 148.343 F 560 143 Good health 16 148.343 F 570 150 Nester/good health 17 148.383 M 630 161 Good health 18 148.403 M 530 150 Good health 19 148.422 F 510 144 Good health 20 148.443 F 670 155 Nester/good health 21 n/a M 620 159 Good health 22 134.562 F 440 135 Good health 23 134.585 F 510 139 Good health 24 148.606 M 570 161 Good health 25 148.623 F 540 133 Good health 26 148.805 F 610 158 Good health

Table 1. Western Pond Turtles monitored at Clayton Ranch in Contra Costa County in 2014.

U:\T-Drive Copy\D-Riensche\MS_Word\Turtle Study\WPT Final Report to CDFW -2014 in the EBRPD by D Riensche 11-11-2014.doc 5 The movement and habitat use patterns of the above listed Western pond turtle where monitored in pond 001 (37°54'9.71"N Lat., 121°52'7.22"W Long) recording and mapping their locations using the map grids shown below (Figure 5).

Figure 5. Habitat use pattern grid for Clayton Pond 001.

Preliminary results suggests that male Western pond turtles tend to use the deeper dam portion of this pond more frequently (Figure 6), whereas the females tend to use the more sunny and shallow portion of the pond (Figure 7).

Figure 6. Male Western pond turtle habitat use frequency in pond 001.

U:\T-Drive Copy\D-Riensche\MS_Word\Turtle Study\WPT Final Report to CDFW -2014 in the EBRPD by D Riensche 11-11-2014.doc 6 Figure 7. Female Western pond turtle habitat use frequency in pond 001.

During the 2014 we followed and took habitat measurements of nine Western pond turtle nesting sites (Figure 8).

Figure 8. Nest building locations for Western pond turtles at Clayton Ranch - 2014

U:\T-Drive Copy\D-Riensche\MS_Word\Turtle Study\WPT Final Report to CDFW -2014 in the EBRPD by D Riensche 11-11-2014.doc 7 Summary & Additional Information

During the 2014 surveys we captured, processed and released unharmed a total of 26 adult Western pond turtles. Their habitat use and movement patterns were monitored yielding some of the following preliminary results listed in Table 2. The scheduled research and monitoring efforts will continue at this location into the foreseeable future.

Nest Building Females moved an average of 45.8 meters from water to nest site locations. Nest sites were located in ungrazed and seasonal grazed areas with good sun exposure. Nesting Site Characteristics Average residual dry matter (RDM) = 1,889 lbs./ac. (2144. kg/ha) for 2014 sites. Average grass height = 50 cm for 2014 sites. Average vegetation cover = 85% for 2014 sites. Pond Habitat Use Male Western pond turtles tend to use the deeper dam portion of this pond more frequently. Females Western pond turtles tend to use the sunnier and shallow portion of the pond. Overwintering, telemetry marked turtles remained underwater forming an aggregation at the inlet to the pond.

Table 2. Preliminary results summary for Western pond turtle habitat use and movement patterns in the East Bay Regional Park District.

Comments/recommendations for site:

Continue management, research and monitoring efforts at the sites.

U:\T-Drive Copy\D-Riensche\MS_Word\Turtle Study\WPT Final Report to CDFW -2014 in the EBRPD by D Riensche 11-11-2014.doc 8 Survey site location map:

U:\T-Drive Copy\D-Riensche\MS_Word\Turtle Study\WPT Final Report to CDFW -2014 in the EBRPD by D Riensche 11-11-2014.doc 9 Salt Marsh Harvest Mouseketers From their big round eyes and ears to their thick unicolored tail the Salt Marsh Harvest Mouse is the cutest animal you may ever see. Watching this magnificent mouse munching on a piece of pickleweed will melt your heart! However, seeing them is quite difficult, unless you’re a member of the “Mouseketers”, a group of Wildlife Volunteers helping to study the A Salt Marsh Harvest Mouse in it’s habitat of Pickleweed and Frankina distribution and abundance of these federal and state listed endangered species. This listing is due to the massive loss of salt marsh habitat in the San Francisco Bay. Prime Salt Marsh Harvest Mouse locations contain a majority of pickleweed interspersed with frankinia and salt grass, which may be found along our 40 miles of East Bay Regional Park District managed shorelines.

Another difficulty in positively identifying this mouse from its closely related cousin, the Western Harvest Mouse, is that both are smaller bodied mice with grooved incisors. The Salt Marsh Harvest Mouse has dark colored fur and feet, and a short, thick tail. In contrast, the Western Harvest Mouse has lighter coloring on its back and feet and a thin, long tail.

Thanks to the “Mouseketers” efforts a number of these endangered mice have been found. As we continue embarking on this long-term effort to study these rare, reddish rodents, there is a giant need for Patch given passionate people like you who are to volunterrs “Mouseketers” team willing to aid in their recovery. For information on how you can get involved call or email “Doc Quack” at (510-544-2319, docquack.ebparks.org) and check out a “Wildlife Volunteer webpage” at (http://www.ebparks.org/getinvolved/volunteer/quack). Turtle Tracking Team Expeditions in remote and rugged areas are common to members of the Turtle Team, a group of Wildlife Volunteers who are eager to “stick out their necks” for special status cold blooded critters. The Western pond turtle (Actinemys marmorata) is our only native California turtle. They have been declining due to a number of stressors including habitat degradation and loss, spread of exotic competitors, non-native predators, and epidemic disease. Female turtles are particularly helpless when the ambition to nest overshadows the need for protection and they hazard onto land, exposing themselves and their ivory-colored eggs to a host of Basking male turtle. hungry predators. For these reasons, the Western pond turtle is listed as a California Species of Special Concern, meaning that increased management is necessary to keep them off the threatened or endangered lists.

Female Western pond turtle being Turtle with transmitters are prepared for a transmitter. returned to their pond by volunteers. The East Bay Regional Park District Stewardship Department, with the aid of the Regional Parks Foundation, is playing a leading role in wildlife conservation and research. We are embarking on a long-term effort to study, manage and implement habitat enhancement projects that will improve conditions for the Western pond turtle. There is a giant need for dedicated, passionate people to help these small creatures.

For information on how you can get involved call or email “Doc Quack” at (510-544-2319, docquack.ebparks.org) and check out a “Wildlife Volunteer webpage” at (http://www.ebparks.org/getinvolved/volunteer/quack).

Agenda Item #9

Save Mount Diablo

CCC Fish & Wildlife Report $10,000 Grant of June 3, 2014

Marsh Creek – Morgan Territory Habitat Restoration Project

Summary Save Mount Diablo received a $10,000 grant from the Contra Costa County Fish and Wildlife Propagation Fund to restore native habitat and protect critical creek resources for threatened and rare species. In addition, the requested grant supported the design and installation of educational signs for Save Mount Diablo’s properties to explain to neighbors, community members and volunteers about the sensitive habitat and the stewardship activities that are being performed there.

Project Description Save Mount Diablo received funds to support a number of restoration activities on its conservation properties in the Marsh Creek-Morgan Territory, which is its single most important preservation area, rich and rugged and in the heart of the Diablo region. Marsh Creek is a significant natural corridor connecting the protected lands and is the longest undeveloped creek in the county. The requested grant funded the following projects in the region:

Marsh Creek 6 – Habitat Restoration Marsh Creek 6 is one of a series of volcanic domes along Marsh Creek which supports rare plant and wildlife species. The property contains unique soils and volcanic dome geology that support the Contra Costa manzanita, which is identified as “fairly endangered” in California. Manzanita bushes have grown here in the past but, due to structures built on the property, have died. To restore this unique habitat the structures have been demolished and removed in Spring 2014. After the structures were removed nothing but bare soil is left at the site. The $3,500 from the grant supported the planting of native grasses and other native plants to stabilize the soil, restored habitat, and has provide conducive conditions for rare manzanitas to grow.

Educational Signage for Conservation Properties The requested $1,500 supported the design, printing and installation of signs for Save Mount Diablo’s conservation properties where the majority of the stewardship and restoration takes place. Proper signage on the properties allows neighbors, community members, volunteers and hikers to learn more about the natural resources in the area, and what Save Mount Diablo is doing to help restore and enhance these areas for wildlife and people. The signs have been placed on two Marsh Creek parcels (riparian-woodland restoration project).

Fencing Curry Creek at Curry Canyon Ranch In May 2013 Save Mount Diablo closed escrow on the spectacular 1,080 acre Curry Canyon Ranch located in Curry Canyon. This property has been top priority for preservation for decades and it is the single most important acquisition in terms of protecting native habitat, rare and threatened species, sustainable ranching and recreation in the organization’s history. It is visually stunning, strategically located and a critical wildlife and recreation corridor. There are more than 30 rare or listed species found on this property, including California red-legged frog, California tiger salamander, Alameda whipsnake, peregrine falcon and golden eagle. At least three species are endemic to the Mount Diablo region: the Mt. Diablo globe lily, Diablo sunflower and Diablo manzanita. The Ranch has historically been grazed and Save Mount Diablo has selected two grazers who are using conservation grazing methods to restore natural habitat and protect environmentally sensitive areas of the property. Save Mount Diablo installed about ¼ mile of cross fencing to keep the cattle away from sensitive resources with $5,000 received through this grant. The newly installed fence has allowed us to conduct research about the natural recruitment of woody plants in an area where grazing is limited and controlled.

This project benefits the fish and wildlife of Contra Costa County This project benefits the fish and wildlife of Contra Costa County as the activities are protecting the creek and riparian resources from cattle damage and restoring and protecting native oak and riparian habitat for wildlife. In addition, the educational signs are teaching the community and neighbors about the importance of land preservation and proper stewardship, and encouraging them to care about their local community and the plants and animals that live there.

Project schedule The project has been completed during the grant period, one year from receiving the funds. Also, we have scheduled work days for volunteers to plant native species and install cones around the oak trees. Save Mount Diablo has created the informational signs, and they have been installed as proposed. Grant: Contra Costa County Fish & Wildlife Purpose: MC - Morgan Territory Habitat Restoration Project Grants will be disbursed after receipt & approval of the final project report by Rcvd: 6/3/15 Updated 6/1/15

Invoice Category Item Amount Released $ Date Notes Copy Personnel

Insurance

Equipment

Supplies Big Bend Native plants and materials & Cones for seedling protection 1,000.00 692.38 6/1/2015 Blind Dog Productions, Ltd dba iZone(Receipt#36086) yes Cones for seedling protection 500.00 900.55 6/1/2015 George CC-Steel for interpretive signs yes 249.94 6/1/2015 All Star Rents(Inv#522974-13/trencher Rent) yes Ferguson Enterprises, Inc.(PVC {o[e trpigj 192.11 6/1/2015 re;pcatopm/Inv#CA932498) yes Marsh Creek 6 $1,513.08 - Native grass seed - MC 6/$136.00 - Plants Native Grass seedling & Native plants materials 2,000.00 2,679.29 10/31/14 /$1,030.21 - Erosion control yes Plants 248.85 12/9/14 Plants restration for MC6 yes

Educational Signs-Printing and installing 1,500.00 36.88 6/1/15 CA-IPC.org(weed mngmnt books) yes

Spur Ranch Improvement, Inc. Inv#188($15,946.00)- Fencing 5,000.00 5,000.00 4/16/15 Released $5,000-CCR yes

Other

10,000.00 10,000.00

Q:\Temp Restricted\Grants\CCC F&W or CCC Consv & Dev\CCC F&W 5-2014-MC Habitat Restoration Project(Conditional)-Barbara Agenda Item #11 Advisory Body Name: Contra Costa County Fish and Wildlife Committee Advisory Body Meeting Time/Location: 3rd Wednesday of every month, 3 – 5 pm For Reference 2475 Waterbird Way County Public Works Department Road Maintenance Division lunch room Chair: Daniel Pellegrini Staff: John Kopchik and Maureen Parkes Reporting Period: January 2014 – December 2014 1. Activities and Accomplishments: The Fish and Wildlife Committee (FWC) met monthly to discuss matters related to fish and wildlife issues in Contra Costa County. The Committee is responsible for running a grant program that expends the Fish and Wildlife Propagation Funds (funds that are collected by the CA Department of Fish and Wildlife for code violations). The Committee also hosts an annual Fall Forum to raise awareness among people working in law enforcement, environmental restoration, education and outreach about fish and wildlife issues. Grant Program: The Committee received 16 proposals requesting Fish and Wildlife Propagation Fund grant funds during the regular grant cycle. The Committee reviewed the proposals, interviewed applicants and selected each of the 16 proposals totaling $140,605.23 to recommend to the Board of Supervisors. Grants ranged from $985 to $40,000. The Committee reviewed progress and final reports from previous grant cycles and extended invitations to grantees to give presentations. Outreach: The Committee hosted the annual Fall Forum on September 25th, which is open to the public and encourages people involved in fish and wildlife law enforcement issues in Contra Costa County to attend. Invited attendees included representatives of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Sheriff’s Department, District Attorney’s Office, Superior Court, Public Defender’s Office, the East Bay Regional Park District Police, the Board of Supervisors and members of the public. Participants have indicated that the Fall Forums have been helpful in raising awareness and fostering cooperation on fish and wildlife issues and law enforcement. More than 80 people attended the event. Volunteer Activities: Several members volunteer in the community with other organizations that are interested in fish and wildlife issues. Martha Berthelsen - Steering Committee for SPAWNERS; Rhonda Gehlke – Aquarium in the Classroom Program; Susan Heckly - Lindsay Wildlife Museum and CCC Master Gardener; Kathleen Jennings - Mt. View Sanitary District’s Special Advisory Committee for the Peyton Slough Wetlands Advisory Committee; Webb Johnson - Waterbird Tours Alcatraz Island (National Park Service) and Farallones Natio nal Marine Sanctuary; Kevin McIlvenna - Friday Morning Breakfast Club (FMBC); Danny Pellegrini - Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District Board of Trustees, East Bay Regional Park District Park Advisory Committee, Sheriff’s Posse of Contra Costa County (Barbeque Captain) and the Martinez Sportsmens Club. Brochure: The Committee updated the Wildlife in Your Backyard brochure. Committee members were regularly updated on activities related to fish and wildlife in Contra Costa County which included presentations by guest speakers and grant recipients as well as a field trip. The presentations and field trip are listed below: • Presentation on the Chelsea Wetlands Project. (Aaron Will, Ducks Unlimited, Inc.) • Presentation on the Draft Bay Delta Conservation Plan (twin-tunnel project) and the County’s position and engagement on this matter. (Ryan Hernandez, Department of Conservation and Development) • Presentation on the children’s book - Sardis and Stamm: from Storyboard to Storybook. (Matthew Bettelheim and Francesca Demgen, Friends of San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge) • Presentation on Managing and Minimizing the Impacts of Dogs in Regional Parks. (Matthew Graul, Chief of Stewardship, East Bay Regional Park District) • Presentation on the Kids Healthy Outdoors Challenge – Field Trips project. (Nancy Kaiser, Interpretive Services Manager, East Bay Regional Park District) • Presentation on and field trip to Antioch Dunes National Wildlife Refuge (Louis Terrazas, Wildlife Refuge Specialist for San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge, United States Fish and Wildlife Service) • Presentations at the Fall Forum . Congressional Perspective on Fish and Wildlife Issues (The Honorable Mike Thompson, United States Congressman) . Bricks, Books, and Butterflies: The Natural History and Restoration Outlook at Antioch Dunes National Wildlife Refuge (Louis Terrazas - Wildlife Refuge Specialist for San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge, United States Fish and Wildlife Service and Matthew Bettelheim - Wildlife Biologist and Science Writer) • Presentation on the Pinole Creek Fish Passage Enhancement Project. (Ben Wallace, Executive Director, Contra Costa Resource Conservation District) 2. Attendance/Representation The Fish and Wildlife Committee is composed of ten members. Each Supervisor appoints a member and the Internal Operations Committee appoints four members and one alternate. The term for a member is two years. The Committee meets monthly. They met 10 times at which a quorum was always present. The members were: Martha Berthelsen (D-1), Susan Heckly (D-II), Kevin McIlvenna (D-III), Brett Morris (D-IV), Daniel Pellegrini (D-V), Rhonda Gehlke (At-Large), Kathleen Jennings (At-Large), Jeff Skinner (At-Large), Webb Johnson (At-Large) and Scott Stephan (At-Large Alternate). 3. Training/Certification At monthly meetings Committee members were regularly updated on activities related to fish and wildlife in Contra Costa County and had eight presentations and one field trip (see Activities/Accomplishments). All members have viewed the required videos “The Brown Act and Better Government Ordinance – What You Need to Know as a Commission, Board or Committee Member” and “Ethics Orientation for County Officials.” Certifications are on file for all of the members. 4. Proposed Work Plan/Objectives for Next Year

(1) Fish and Wildlife Committee Operations: • Develop and refine Work Plan (working document). • Maintain FWC membership by advertising vacancies and forwarding applications to the Internal Operations Committee. • Seek to coordinate with other Fish and Wildlife Committees on regional matters. • Coordinate with the Contra Costa Watershed Forum. (2) Make recommendations to the Board of Supervisors via the Internal Operations Committee for the appropriation of funds from the Fish and Wildlife Propagation Fund to support fish and wildlife projects in the community: • Conduct grant program to solicit proposals, evaluate their relative merits, and recommend funding for projects which will contribute most to the fish and wildlife resources of the County. • Develop and advertise FWC grant program by: 1) Reviewing past Request for Proposals (RFP), funding applications; and 2) Developing new RFP, funding application deadline, and funding priorities; and 3) posting to the County website, distributing these materials to the media, the FWC mailing list and RFP mailing list, and to anyone else who requests them. • Work with agencies, organizations, and individuals to help them plan and develop projects suitable for support from the Fish and Wildlife Propagation Fund. • Monitor the efficiency and effectiveness of the grant disbursement process. • Review funding applications received. Make recommendations to the Board of Supervisors via the Internal Operations Committee for the awarding of grants. • Follow-up on projects that receive funding to assure that projects proceed as proposed. One way the FWC will do this is to extend invitations to prior Fish and Wildlife Propagation Fund Grant recipients to future meetings to give status reports, outcomes and presentations regarding their projects. • Send out a letter to grant recipients requesting project status reports. (3) Fish and Wildlife Committee projects (develop and prioritize a list of projects for potential FWC involvement; select projects for FWC involvement and provided appropriate support, including: initiation, planning, consultation, and/or funding): • Make recommendations to the Board on awarding Certificates of Appreciation for significant contributions to the fish and wildlife resources of the County. • Consider hosting a Wildlife Forum. (4) Improve enforcement of fish and game laws and regulations; increase flow of money into the Fish and Wildlife Propagation Fund: • Review status reports on Fish and Game Code enforcement in Contra Costa County. Consider advising the Board on trends. • Help assure that, when appropriate, a portion of fines from violations of laws designed to protect fish and wildlife resources is deposited in the Fish and Wildlife Propagation Fund. Promote awareness of the harm caused by violation of fish and wildlife regulations and the value of enforcement. • Host a Fall Forum with law enforcement officials (CA Dpt. of Fish and Wildlife, Sheriff’s Dpt., District Attorney’s Office, Superior Court, Public Defender’s Office, the East Bay Regional Park District Police) to discuss fish and wildlife issues and enforcement. (5) Monitor and advise the Board on projects that may affect fish and wildlife resources in the county: • Attend field trips to see major restoration projects and prior Fish and Wildlife Propagation Fund Grant recipients’ projects in the County. • Consider tours of East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy properties, Marsh Creek Fish Ladder, Walnut Creek Drop Structure, Dow Wetlands and Chelsea Wetlands at Pinole. (6) Develop policy recommendations (“white papers”) on fish and wildlife issues: • Update FWC’s “Wildlife in Your Backyard” pamphlet. • Discuss rodenticide use in the County. • Discuss impacts of invasive species. • Discuss wildlife and human interaction / interface. • Discuss public education on reducing the impact of cats on wildlife. • Discuss the Bay Delta Conservation Plan and proposal for water conveyance tunnels under the Delta.