U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan Vision Statement
Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge belongs to a limited group among the 540 national wildlife refuges that protect fish, wildlife, and habitat within an urban area. Through collaboration with public and private partners, Stone Lakes conserves and enhances a range of scarce Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and Central Valley habitats and the fish, wildlife, and plants they support. It sustains freshwater wetlands, wooded riparian corridors, and grasslands that facilitate wildlife movement and compensate for habitat fragmentation. Managed wetlands are of sufficient size to maintain abundant wildlife populations. Grasslands consist of a sustainable mix of native and desirable nonnative species that support a variety of grassland-dependent species. The Refuge reduces further habitat fragmentation and buffers the effects of urbanization on agricultural lands and adjacent natural areas within the Delta region.
The Refuge pursues a land conservation program that complements other regional efforts and initiatives. Management efforts expand and diversify habitats for migratory birds and a range of species at risk. The Refuge promotes cooperative farming opportunities and strives to maintain traditional agricultural practices in southwestern Sacramento County that have proven benefits for migratory birds experiencing declines, such as long-billed curlews (Numenius americanus), Swainson’s hawks (Buteo swainsoni) and sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis). Through cooperation with other agencies, conservation organizations, neighbors, and other partners, the Refuge develops and manages wetlands in a manner that reflects historic hydrologic patterns and is consistent with local, State, and Federal floodplain management goals and programs.
Stone Lakes was established as a national wildlife refuge because of passionate support from people who recognized its ecological importance and critical role for the floodplain of the Beach-Stone Lakes basin.. The community sees the Refuge as a sanctuary for fish, wildlife and the habitats upon which they depend, a site for recreation and learning and a natural setting that can enrich their lives according to their values. Visitors representing the area’s diversity enjoy increasing opportunities for accessible recreation that harmonizes with Refuge conservation efforts, such as hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and photography. The education community looks to the Refuge as a key partner in environmental education programming. Volunteers from all walks of life find an outlet for their interests and talents in a responsive and appreciative setting.
Disclaimer CCPs provide long term guidance for management decisions and set forth goals, objectives, and strategies needed to accomplish refuge purposes and identify the Service’s best estimate of future needs. These plans detail program planning levels that are sometimes substantially above current budget allocations and, as such, are primarily for Service strategic planning and program prioritization purposes. The plans do not constitute a commitment for staffing increases, operational and maintenance increases, or funding for future land acquisition.
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1 Introduction...... 1 Introduction...... 1 Purpose and Need for the Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP)...... 1 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Wildlife Refuge System...... 1 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Responsibilities...... 1 The National Wildlife Refuge System...... 2 Legal and Policy Guidance...... 2 Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge...... 5 Location...... 5 Refuge Setting...... 5 History of Refuge Establishment and Acquisition...... 7 Land Protection...... 7 Land Conservation Methods...... 8 Partnerships...... 11 Refuge Purposes...... 13 Related Projects and Studies in the Area...... 13 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service...... 13 Other Agencies and Projects...... 14 2 The Planning Process...... 17 The Planning Process...... 17 The Stone Lakes CCP Process...... 17 Issues Identified by the Public...... 18 Management...... 18 General Access...... 19 Boating/Waterskiing...... 20 Horseback Riding...... 20 Fishing...... 20 Hunting...... 21 Education/Interpretation...... 22 Wildlife Observation...... 22 Other Comments...... 23 General...... 23 3 Refuge Resources...... 25 Ecoregion Setting...... 25 Flyway Setting...... 25 Natural/Historic Conditions...... 25 Geographic and Physical Setting...... 26 Topography...... 26 Geology...... 26 Soils...... 28 Climate...... 28 Air Quality...... 28
Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan Contaminants and Water Quality...... 30 Hydrology...... 34 Water Supply...... 35 Biological Resources...... 36 Plant Communities...... 36 Wildlife...... 40 Special Status Species...... 46 Visitor Services...... 50 Ecoregion Scale...... 50 Local Scale...... 51 Socioeconomic Resources...... 53 Cultural Resources...... 54 Cultural Resources...... 54 Historic Setting...... 54 Archeology...... 55 Land Use...... 56 Wilderness and Other Special Management Areas...... 56 Current Management Practices...... 56 Wetlands...... 56 Mosquito Control...... 58 Riparian...... 58 Grasslands...... 59 Weed Control...... 60 Farming Program...... 60 Monitoring and Surveys...... 61 4 Challenges...... 63 Invasive Species...... 63 Basin Hydrology and Water Quality...... 64 Floodplain Conditions...... 64 Flood Control Projects...... 65 Water Quality...... 66 Land Use Changes...... 67 Urbanization and Vineyard Conversion...... 67 Other Human Impacts...... 67 Air Quality...... 67 Illegal Activity...... 67 Mosquito Management...... 68 Avian Bird Flu...... 68 5 Refuge Vision, Goals, and Objectives...... 71 Vision Statement...... 71 Goals...... 72 6 Implementation and Monitoring...... 93 Step-Down Management Plans...... 93 Funding and Staffing...... 93 Compliance Requirements...... 94 Partnership Opportunities...... 94 Adaptive Management...... 94 Plan Amendment and Revision...... 95 References...... 99
ii Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan Figures Figure 1. Ecoregion and Watershed Map...... 6 Figure 2. Land Status...... 9 Figure 3. Core and Cooperative WM Areas...... 10 Figure 4. Refuge Roads and Units...... 27 Figure 5. Vegetation Map...... 37 Figure 6. Proposed Habitat Management...... 73 Figure 7. Proposed Visitor Services Management...... 74
Tables Table 1. Invasive Plant Species Targeted for Control on the Stone Lakes NWR...... 64 Table 2. Step-down Management Plans...... 93 Table 3. Estimated Initial Capital Outlay to Implement the CCP...... 96 Table 4. Estimated Annual Cost to Implement the CCP...... 97
Appendices...... 107 Appendix A. Compatibility Determinations...... 109 Fishing ...... 109 Wildlife Observation and Photography...... 114 Environmental Education and Interpretation...... 119 High-speed Boating...... 124 Recreational Boating...... 130 Research ...... 137 Plant Gathering ...... 141 Mosquito Monitoring and Control...... 145 Grazing ...... 162 Appendix B. FONSI and Environmental Assessment...... 171 Appendix C. Wildlife Species Found on Stone Lakes NWR...... 221 Appendix D. Fish Species Found on Stone Lakes NWR ...... 231 Appendix E. Wilderness Review ...... 233 Appendix F. Endangered Species Act, Section 7 Consultation...... 235 Appendix G. Response to Comments...... 277 Appendix H. Plant Species Found on Stone Lakes NWR...... 381 Appendix I. Glossary...... 393 Appendix J. Summary of Public Involvement/Comments and Consultation/Coordination...... 401 Appendix K. Preparer List...... 405 Appendix L. Integrated Pest Management Plan for Mosquito-Associated Threats...... 407
Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan iii Acronyms California Department of Boating and Waterways DBW California Department of Fish and Game DFG California Department of Water Resources DWR California Endangered Species Act CESA Comprehensive Conservation Plan CCP California Department of Transportation Caltrans California Department of Parks and Recreation DPR California Native Plant Society CNPS Endangered Species Act ESA Environmental Assessment EA Environmental Impact Statement EIS Global positioning system GPS Memorandum of Agreement MOA Memorandum of Understanding MOU National Wildlife Refuge Refuge National Wildlife Refuge System Refuge System National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1977 Improvement Act Natural Resources Conservation Service NRCS National Environmental Policy Act NEPA Native American Grave Protection and Repatriation Act NAGPRA Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Delta Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge Refuge Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District SRCSD State Water Resources Control Board SWRCB Sacramento Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant SRWTP Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District SYMVCD University of California UC U.S. Army Corps of Engineers USACE U.S. Environmental Protection Agency USEPA U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Service U.S. Department of Agriculture USDA U. S. Geological Survey USGS
iv Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan 1 Introduction
Introduction for each refuge by 2012, and that refuges Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge be managed in a way that ensures the (Refuge) was established in 1994, becoming long-term conservation of fish, wildlife, the 505th refuge in the National Wildlife plants, and their habitats and provides for Refuge System (NWRS). The Refuge compatible wildlife-dependent recreation. boundary was estimated at 18,212 acres The purposes for developing a CCP are to: when established (USFWS 1992), but • Provide a clear statement of direction for subsequent surveys have revised the actual the future management Refuge boundary to a more accurate figure • Provide long-term continuity in Refuge of 17,641 acres. The boundary included a Complex management; core Refuge area of approximately 9,000 • Communicate the U.S. Fish and Wildlife acres and an approximately 9,000 acre Service’s management priorities for the “Cooperative Wildlife Management Area” Refuges to their conservation partners, where the Service first seeks to enter into neighbors, visitors, and the general public; cooperative agreements and memoranda of • Provide an opportunity for the public to understanding with landowners or purchase help shape the future management of the conservation easements. The Service Refuges; actively manages approximately 6,000 • Ensure that management programs on the acres. The Refuge is located in the Beach- Refuges are consistent with the mandates Stone Lakes Basin within the Sacramento of the National Wildlife Refuge System Valley in southwestern Sacramento County; (Refuge System) and the purposes for it lies about ten miles south of the city of which each Refuge was established; Sacramento, straddling Interstate-5 from • Ensure that the management of the the town of Freeport south to Lost Slough. Refuges fully considers resource priorities and management strategies identified in Purpose and Need for the other Federal, State, and local plans; Comprehensive Conservation Plan • Provide a basis for budget requests to (CCP) support the Refuge’s needs staffing, The Service prepared this draft CCP to operations, maintenance, and capital guide management of fish, wildlife, plants, improvements; and other natural resources and visitor use • Evaluate existing and proposed uses on the Refuge for the next 15 years. The of each refuge to ensure that they are Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) compatible with the refuge purpose(s) is flexible; it will be revised periodically as well as the maintenance of biological to ensure that its goals, objectives, integrity, diversity, and environmental implementation strategies and timetables health. remain valid and appropriate. Major revisions require and provide a process U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and for public involvement and National National Wildlife Refuge System Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review, if U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service needed. Responsibilities The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) The NWRS Improvement Act of 1997 is the primary Federal agency responsible requires that the Service develop a CCP for conserving and enhancing the nation’s
Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan fish and wildlife populations and their refuges are specifically managed for fish and habitats. Although this responsibility is wildlife conservation. shared with other Federal, State, Tribal, local, and private entities, the Service The mission of the NWRS, established by has specific responsibilities for migratory the NWRS Improvement Act of 1997, is: birds, threatened and endangered species, “To administer a national network of inter-jurisdictional fish and certain marine lands and waters for the conservation, mammals. The Service has similar management, and where appropriate, responsibilities for the lands and waters it restoration of the fish, wildlife, and plant administers to support the conservation and resources and their habitats within the enhancement of fish and wildlife. United States for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.” The National Wildlife Refuge The goals of the NWRS, as established by System the Policy in the Service Manual (601 FW 1) The National (July 26, 2006), are to: Wildlife Refuge • Conserve a diversity of fish, wildlife, System (NWRS) is and plants and their habitats, including the largest system species that are endangered or of lands in the threatened with becoming endangered. world dedicated to • Develop and maintain a network the conservation of habitats for migratory birds, of fish and wildlife. anadromous and interjurisdictional fish, Operated and and marine mammal populations that is managed by the strategically distributed and carefully Service, it currently managed to meet important life history includes 545 refuges needs of these species across their with a combined ranges. area of more than • Conserve those ecosystems, plant 94 million acres. communities, wetlands of national The majority of or international significance, and refuge lands (over landscapes and seascapes that 77 million acres) are are unique, rare, declining or located in Alaska. underrepresented in existing protection The remaining efforts. acreage is scattered • Provide and enhance opportunities across the other 49 to participate in compatible wildlife- The Service states and several island territories. About dependent recreation (hunting, fishing, has specific 20.6 million acres are managed as wilderness wildlife observation and photography, responsibilities for under the Wilderness Act of 1964. and environmental education and migratory birds interpretation). such as this great The NWRS started in 1903, when President • Foster understanding and instill egret. Theodore Roosevelt protected an island with appreciation of the diversity and Photo by Tom Harvey, nesting pelicans, herons, ibis, and roseate interconnectedness of fish, wildlife, and USFWS spoonbills in Florida’s Indian River from plants and their habitats. feather collectors decimating their colonies. He established Pelican Island as the nation’s Legal and Policy Guidance first bird sanctuary and went on to establish Legal mandates and Service policies govern many other sanctuaries for wildlife during the Service’s planning and management of his tenure. This small network of sanctuaries the NWRS. A list and brief description can continued to expand, later becoming the be found at the “Division of Congressional NWRS. In contrast to other public lands, and Legislative Affairs, USFWS” Web which are managed for multiple uses, site (http://laws.fws.gov). In addition,
Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan the Service has developed draft or final analytical, public process called the refuge policies to guide NWRS planning and compatibility process. With the exception management. These policies can be found at of refuge management activities which are the “NWRS Policies” Web site (http://www. not economic in nature, all other uses are fws.gov/refuges/policymakers/nwrpolicies. subservient to the NWRS’ primary wildlife html). The main sources of legal and policy management responsibility and they must guidance for the CCP and EA are described be determined compatible before being below. authorized.
National Wildlife Refuge System The Refuge Improvement Act provides Improvement Act of 1997 clear standards for management, use, Statutory authority for Service management planning, and growth of the NWRS. Its and associated habitat management passage followed the promulgation of planning on units of the NWRS is derived Executive Order 12996 (April 1996), from the National Wildlife Refuge System “Management of Public Uses on National Administration Act of 1966 (Refuge Wildlife Refuges”, reflecting the importance Administration Act), which was significantly of conserving natural resources for the amended by the National Wildlife Refuge benefit of present and future generations System Improvement Act of 1997 (Refuge of people. The Refuge Improvement Improvement Act, 16 U.S.C. 668dd-668ee). Act recognizes that wildlife-dependent Section 4(a)(3) of the Refuge Improvement recreational uses including hunting, fishing, Act states, “With respect to the National wildlife observation and photography, and Wildlife System [NWRS], it is the policy environmental education and interpretation, of the United States that – (A) each refuge when determined to be compatible with shall be managed to fulfill the mission of the the mission of the System and purposes of System, as well as the specific purposes for the Refuge, are legitimate and appropriate which that refuge was established…” The public uses of the Refuge System. Section Refuge Improvement Act also states that 5 (C) and (D) of the Refuge Improvement the “…purposes of the refuge and purposes Act states “compatible wildlife-dependent for each refuge mean the purposes specified recreational uses are the priority general in or derived from law, proclamation, public uses of the Refuge System and shall executive order, agreement, public land receive priority consideration in planning order, donation document, or administrative and management; and when the Secretary memorandum establishing, authorizing, or determines that a proposed wildlife- expanding a refuge, refuge unit, or refuge dependent recreational use is a compatible subunit.” use within a refuge, that activity should be facilitated, subject to such restrictions or The Refuge Administration Act, as amended, regulations as may be necessary, reasonable, clearly establishes wildlife conservation as and appropriate.” the core NWRS mission. House Report 105- 106, accompanying the Refuge Improvement The Refuge Improvement Act also directs Act, states “…the fundamental mission of the Service to maintain adequate water our System is wildlife conservation…wildlife quantity and quality to fulfill the NWRS and wildlife conservation must come first.” mission and refuge purposes, and to acquire, In contrast to some other systems of federal under state law, water rights that are needed lands which are managed on a sustained- for refuge purposes. yield basis for multiple uses, the NWRS is a primary-use network of lands and Compatibility Policy waters. First and foremost, refuges are Lands within the NWRS are different managed for fish, wildlife, plants, and their from other multiple use public lands in habitats. In addition, units of the NWRS that they are closed to all visitor uses are legally closed to all public access and unless specifically and legally opened. use, including economic uses, unless and The Improvement Act states that “. . . the until they are officially opened through an
Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan Secretary shall not initiate or permit a high speed boating, recreational boating, new use of a Refuge or expand, renew, or research, grazing, plant collecting, and extend an existing use of a Refuge, unless mosquito monitoring and control. These the Secretary has determined that the compatibility determinations will be use is a compatible use and that the use is finalized with the CCP. The compatibility not inconsistent with public safety.” The determinations prepared in association with Improvement Act also states that “. . . this draft CCP/EA are provided in Appendix compatible wildlife-dependent recreational A. uses (hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and photography, or environmental Biological Integrity, Diversity, and education and interpretation) are the Environmental Health Policy priority general public uses of the System Section 4(a)(4)(B) of the Refuge and shall receive priority consideration in Improvement Act states, “In administering Refuge planning and management.” the System, the Secretary shall…ensure that the biological integrity, diversity, In accordance with the Improvement Act, and environmental health of the System the Service has adopted a Compatibility are maintained for the benefit of present Policy (603 FW 2) that includes guidelines and future generations of Americans…” for determining if a use proposed on a This legislative mandate represents national wildlife refuge is compatible with an additional directive to be followed the purposes for which the refuge was while achieving refuge purposes and the established. A compatible use is defined NWRS mission. The Act requires the in the policy as a proposed or existing consideration and protection of a broad wildlife-dependent recreational use or any spectrum of fish, wildlife, plant, and habitat other use of a national wildlife refuge that, resources found on a refuge. Service policy based on sound professional judgment, will guiding implementation of this statutory not materially interfere with or detract requirement provides a refuge manager from the fulfillment of the NWRS mission with an evaluation process to analyze or the purposes for which the Refuge his/her refuge and recommend the best was established and contributes to the management direction to prevent further maintenance of biological integrity, diversity, degradation of environmental conditions; and environmental health. The Policy also and, where appropriate, and in concert with includes procedures for documentation and refuge purposes and NWRS mission, to periodic review of existing refuge uses. restore lost or severely degraded resource components. Within the Biological Integrity, When a determination is made as to whether Diversity, and Environmental Health a proposed use is compatible or not, this Policy (601 FW 3[3.7B]), the relationships determination is provided in writing and is among biological integrity, diversity, and referred to as a compatibility determination. environmental health; NWRS mission; An opportunity for public review and and refuge purposes are explained as comment is required for all compatibility follows, “…each refuge will be managed determinations. For compatibility to fulfill refuge purpose(s) as well as to determinations prepared concurrently with help fulfill the System mission, and we a CCP or step-down management plan, the will accomplish these purpose(s) and our opportunity for public review and comment mission by ensuring that the biological is provided during the public review period integrity, diversity, and environmental health for the draft plan and associated NEPA of each refuge are maintained and where document. The Refuge has completed appropriate, restored.” compatibility determinations for fishing, wildlife observation and photography, When evaluating the appropriate environmental education and interpretation, management direction for refuges, Refuge
Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan Managers will use sound professional “...we will generally not modify habitat, judgment to determine their refuge’s species population levels, or natural contribution to biological integrity, diversity, ecological processes in refuge wilderness and environmental health at multiple unless doing so maintains or restores landscape scales. Sound professional ecological integrity that has been degraded judgment incorporates field experience, an by human influence or is necessary to understanding of the refuge’s role within protect or recover threatened or endangered an ecosystem, and the knowledge of refuge species.” resources, applicable laws and best available science, including consultation with resource National Environmental Policy Act of experts both inside and outside of the 1969 Service. This Draft CCP and associated National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) document The priority visitor uses of the NWRS are has been prepared consistent with the not in conflict with this policy when they requirements of NEPA, the Council on have been determined to be compatible. Environmental Quality (CEQ) NEPA The directives of this policy do not envision regulations (40 CFR Secs. 1500 et seq.), or necessitate the exclusion of visitors or and the Department of Interior’s NEPA the elimination of visitor use structures procedures (Department Manual, Part 516). from refuges; however, maintenance and/or restoration of biological integrity, diversity, Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge and environmental health may require Location spatial or temporal zoning of visitor use The Refuge is located in southern programs and associated infrastructures. Sacramento County, west of the city of Elk General success in maintaining or Grove. It lies within the Morrison Creek, restoring biological integrity, diversity, and Cosumnes River and Mokelumne River environmental health will produce higher watersheds as well as the Sacramento-San quality opportunities for providing wildlife- Joaquin Delta (Delta) (Figure 1. Ecoregion dependent recreational uses. and Watershed Map). The approved Refuge boundary is roughly defined by Morrison Draft Wilderness Stewardship Policy Creek to the north, Franklin Boulevard and Pursuant to the Wilderness Act of 1964 Interstate-5 to the east, the former Southern This policy updates guidance on Pacific Railroad to the west and Lost Slough administrative and public activities on to the south. wilderness and proposed wilderness within the NWRS. The purpose of the policy is to Refuge Setting prescribe how the Service: Before European settlement, the Beach- “...preserves the character and qualities of Stone Lakes Basin was a magnet for wildlife, designated wilderness while managing for such as elk (Cervus elaphus), pronghorn the refuge establishing purpose(s), maintains (Antilocapra americana) and grizzly bear outstanding opportunities for solitude and (Ursus arctos horribilis). During winter primitive and unconfined type of recreation, storms, the flooded basin could stretch from and conducts minimum requirements lower Morrison Creek to the Mokelumne analyses before taking any action that may River, expanding lakes and seasonal impact wilderness character.” wetlands that supported tens of thousands of migratory birds. The land destined to The policy emphasizes recreational uses that become a national wildlife refuge teemed are compatible and wilderness-dependent. with wildlife. The policy clarifies conditions upon which generally prohibited uses (motor vehicles, The Plains Miwok relied on the land, its motorized equipment, mechanical transport, plants and its abundant wildlife for survival. structures, and installations) may be These American Indians camped, hunted necessary for wilderness protection. It and fished along the shores of the area’s confirms that:
Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan O r e g o n
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¤£101 SACRAMENTO RIVER NWR DELEVAN Morrison SACRAMENTO NWR Creek NWR Sacramento/ |}ÿ99 COLUSA ¨¦§80 San Joaquin SAN NWR SUTTER Delta PABLO ¨¦§5 NWR Cosumnes BAY Stone Lakes River NWR Sacramento MARIN National Wildlife ISLANDS Refuge NWR SAN JOAQUIN Local Watersheds RIVER NWR San Francisco ¨¦§580 Modesto DON EDWARDS SAN LUIS NWR SAN FRANCISCO MERCED NWR N BAY NWR ANTIOCH C a e DUNES Fresno l v NWR BLUE i a 5 RIDGE f d ¨¦§ o a NWR Figure 1. Watershed and |}ÿ99 r KERN n Ecosystem Setting ¤£101 NWR PIXLEY i NWR a
Stone Lakes Bakersfield National Wildlife Refuge BITTER CREEK P
Sacramento River Watershed a NWR Central Valley-San Francisco c i Bay Ecoregion f i c Los Angeles I O c 0 Miles 100 e a n 0 Kilometers 100
Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan lakes. Historic Beach Lake once covered protecting the land from development and nearly 1,000 acres and North and South were in a position to help move the process Stone Lakes were also extensive. Located in forward. the heart of the Refuge, the lakes received their names in the mid 1800s from a former History of Refuge Establishment and landowner, a Sacramento merchant named Acquisition Rockwell Stone. The Stone family held In July 1992, the Service completed a about 1,000 acres until 1891. complex two year public planning process resulting in Changes began in the mid 1800s. Levees finalization of an were constructed along the Sacramento environmental River and around Delta islands so the land impact statement could be farmed. The Southern Pacific (EIS). The EIS Railroad was built, bisecting the basin, (USFWS 1992) allowing nearly complete drainage of its defined the present lakes. Finally, Interstate-5 was constructed, 18,000 acre ushering in tremendous pressure for urban approved Refuge development. boundary.
As Sacramento grew in the mid 1960s, the During circulation U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) of the draft EIS, , suggested building channels in the the Service received area to hold floodwaters. Conservation written and verbal organizations also became interested in the input from over basin in late 1960s, hoping to avoid a major 6,000 citizens about flood control project and keep the area potential effects a natural. During the same period, a local refuge could have on landowner proposed build a new town for the landscape and 50,000 people around North Stone Lake. the EIS’ adequacy With a broad base in addressing these issues. Despite litigation of local support In response to these pressures and in under NEPA over the adequacy of the EIS , the Refuge was recognition of the importance of the the Service successfully defended its Record established in 1992, Stone Lakes Basin floodplain, the State of Decision and with a broad base of local protecting habitat of California and County of Sacramento support, established the Refuge in 1992. for native species purchased about 2,600 acres in the 1970s, like this red- turning the land over to their respective With acquisition of the first property in 1994, shouldered hawk. park departments to manage. Photo by Tom Harvey, the Refuge was officially established as the USFWS 505th unit in the National Wildlife Refuge By the late 1980s the idea of further System. It joined the ranks of other local protecting the Stone Lakes Basin by land conservation and management projects, establishing a national wildlife refuge took including the Cosumnes River Preserve to hold. Support for the Refuge derived partly the southeast and the Vic Fazio Yolo Bypass from the fact that the unique lakes and Wildlife Area to the west, which have similar waterways of the basin lie entirely within the goals of protecting and enhancing vital 100-year floodplain. The basin also occupies Central Valley fish and wildlife habitats. a strategic location for buffering the effects of urban encroachment into the Delta. Land Protection Additionally, a national wildlife refuge could The approved boundary for the Refuge potentially provide a link with ongoing is the area within which the Service is nearby land conservation efforts such as the authorized to work with willing landowners Cosumnes River Preserve. to acquire and/or manage land (Figure 2. Land Status). The Refuge consists Several local legislators supported of an approximately 9,000 acre core area
Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan (Figure 3. Core and Cooperative Wildlife include: fee title acquisition, conservation Management Areas), encompassing Upper easements, memoranda of understanding and Lower Beach Lakes and North and and cooperative agreements, financial South Stone Lakes and an approximately incentives and technical assistance and 9,000 acre Cooperative Wildlife Management education and outreach. It is the established Area (CWMA), encompassing lands to the policy of the Service to seek the minimum east and south of the core area. Within the degree of interest in property needed approved Refuge Boundary, the Service to accomplish refuge land conservation may pursue a number of approaches to objectives. conserve and manage lands, depending on the preferences of willing landowners. In fee title acquisitions, the Service acquires These may include: technical assistance, full ownership of property through fee cooperative agreements, memoranda simple purchase, donation, exchange, or of understanding and acquisition of transfer from another Federal agency. conservation or agricultural easements Land acquired in fee title by the Service is and fee title interest. In the EIS (USFWS removed from county tax roles. To partially 1992), the Service agreed to use fee title offset this loss, the Service provides annual acquisition within the CWMA only on payments to counties as authorized by the a case by case basis and after seeking Refuge Revenue Sharing Act (Public Law approval by the Sacramento County Board 95-469). The Service is required under the of Supervisors. The preferred approaches U.S. Constitution to pay fair market value to conserve lands within the CWMA are: for property and purchases are dependent cooperative agreements, memoranda of on the availability of funds. understanding, and purchase of conservation or agricultural easements. According to the In acquiring a conservation easement, the August 1992 Land Protection Plan for The Service purchases the minimum rights Refuge, a primary objective of the CWMA is needed to conserve fish and wildlife habitat, to maintain lands in private ownership and while allowing the existing landowner to continue agricultural production. retain title to the land. Easements may include wetland or waterfowl habitat To date, the Service manages approximately easements, upland easements, agricultural 6,000 acres within the approved project practices easements and non-development boundary including: 2,617.9 acres under easements. The easement interest acquired cooperative agreements; 1,738.8 acres in by the Service becomes part of the Refuge fee title ownership; and 1,519.9 acres under and is subject to applicable laws and agricultural easement. Approximately regulations pertaining to refuges. The 11,622 acres of non-refuge lands lie within easement is a permanent interest in the the approved refuge boundary. property that runs with the land and the landowner remains responsible for all The Service is also exploring cooperative property taxes About 5,000 acres within the management of an additional 2,210 acres approved Refuge boundary and CWMA are within the approved boundary that currently publicly owned and managed for are owned by two other agencies: (1) conservation purposes by five local and State Sacramento Regional Sanitation District agencies. A majority of these lands are or (1,800 acres); and (2) California Department will be jointly managed with the Service of Water Resources (410 acres). through memoranda of understanding and cooperative agreements. Land Conservation Methods Working with willing landowners and local The Service may also assist in securing and state agencies, the Service may use financial incentives for landowners who various means to conserve or manage fish are not willing to sell an interest in their and wildlife and their habitats within the property but wish to explore conservation approved Refuge boundary. These may or enhancement of fish and wildlife habitats
Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan Figure 2. Land Status 5
Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge
Cooperative Agreement Conservation Easement County or State Land Elk Grove Blvd Private Ownership Owned in Fee Title Approved Refuge Boundary North Refuge Headquarters Stone Lake
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Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan FIgure 3. Stone Lakes NWR Project Area
Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge
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10 Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan on their property. For example, through organizations strongly supported the the Partners for Fish and Wildlife program, designation of Stone Lakes as a national landowners may apply for financial wildlife refuge and has since been joined by assistance from the Service to protect, many others as the Refuge has expanded. enhance, or restore wetland, riparian, The Refuge’s urban location and the local or native grassland habitats on their and state agencies that own land within the property. In addition, the Service could Refuge boundary have provided numerous assist a landowner to secure funds from opportunities for partnerships from the Farm Bill programs available from the Refuge’s inception. U.S. Department of Agriculture/Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). The Refuge staff routinely discusses and Potential NRCS programs that could coordinates restoration activities, jointly benefit landowners and further Refuge applies for grants and discusses other land conservation objectives include the: management issues with the Sacramento Conservation of Private Grazing Land County Department of Regional Parks, Program, Environmental Quality Incentives Recreation and Open Space (North Stone Program, Farmland Protection Program, Lake Unit ), the Sacramento Regional Wetlands Reserve Program and Wildlife County Sanitation District (Bufferlands) Habitat Incentives Program. Finally, and the California Departments of Service staff is available to provide technical Transportation (Caltrans) (Beach Lake assistance and education and outreach Mitigation Bank), California Department of information to willing landowners who are Parks and Recreation (DPR) (North Stone interested in conserving fish and wildlife Lake Unit) and California Department of habitats on their lands. Water Resources (DWR) . The Service has finalized a cooperative agreement The Refuge has financed most of its land with Sacramento County Department of acquisition and restoration efforts with Regional Parks, Recreation and Open Space grants from a wide range of state and over management of the North Stone Lake federal agencies and private organizations. unit and partners closely with Sacramento These sources have played a vital role in Regional County Sanitation District on the advancing the Refuge’s land conservation annual event, Walk on the Wildside, and the and management programs. Grants have water hyacinth control program. been provided by: City of Sacramento, County of Sacramento, California Controlling water hyacinth a nonnative, Wildlife Conservation Board, California invasive aquatic plant, has been a prime Environmental Enhancement Mitigation motivation for formation of an important Fund, California Environmental License partnership, the Stone Lakes Water Plate Fund, Cigarette and Tobacco Product Hyacinth Working Group, in which the Surtax, Department of Transportation-TEA Refuge plays a central role. This group 21 Fund, CALFED Bay Delta Program, includes more than a dozen local and North American Wetlands Conservation Act, state agencies, organizations, and private Land and Water Conservation Fund, Central individuals who own or manage land Valley Project Improvement Act, National in the Stone Lakes Basin, affected by Fish and Wildlife Foundation, David and this noxious weed. Recent partners in Lucille Packard Foundation, The Trust for the group have included: the Refuge, Public Land and other private donations. California Department of Boating and Waterways (DBW), Sacramento Regional Partnerships County Sanitation District (SRCSD), Partnerships have been a cornerstone of Sacramento County Supervisor Don Notolli, Refuge development and management. Sacramento County Department of Water A consortium of public and private Resources, Sacramento County Agricultural Commission, Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and
Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan 11 population on the Refuge. The Service also agreed to submit Pesticide Use Proposals for pesticides SYMVCD may wish to use on the Refuge, if thresholds for larval or adult control are exceeded. SYMVCD and the Service rely on a full range of integrated pest management techniques to manage mosquito populations, including water and vegetation management, biological control (e.g., planting of mosquito fish Gambusia[ affinis]) and if necessary, chemical control of larval or adult mosquitoes. As a result, mosquito larval control activities since 1994 have been largely limited to localized (less than five acres) applications of larvicides and until 2005, and only three applications of an adulticide. Controlling and In 2005, West Nile Virus (WNV) became eliminating Vector Control District (SYMVCD), Florin established in Sacramento and Yolo counties, invasive water Resource Conservation District, Caltrans, triggering aggressive and widespread hyacinth, shown Vino Farms, the Whitney Family, LaRue mosquito control efforts. In August of 2005 here being removed Schock and the San Francisco Estuary the number of human WNV cases and rate from Lambert Institute. The working group cooperates of infected adult mosquitoes were so high Ditch by volunteers, on eradication, has applied for and received that SYMVCD conducted aerial applications was the prime grants and has produced educational of pyrethrin over a major portion of motivation for materials to reduce the spread of water Sacramento County (Sacramento County another important hyacinth in local waterways. 2006). During 2005, the Refuge received partnership: the ultra-low volume (ULV) ground treatments Stone Lakes Water The Refuge also coordinates with California of pyrethrin on 18 occasions from September Hyacinth Working Departments of Fish and Game (DFG) and 28 through October 12. As of July 2006, Group. DBW , Resource Conservation District the Refuge has been adulticided six times Photo by USFWS #813 and Sacramento County Department of Environmental Review on issues of between June 27 and July 21. mutual management concern. Much of the restoration that has occurred on The Service also cooperates with SYMVCD Refuge managed land occurred through in the monitoring of landbird populations partnerships with a variety of private on the Refuge, primarily to evaluate the organization, including Ducks Unlimited, role of wild bird populations as reservoirs of California Waterfowl Association, Wildlands, mosquito-borne diseases, such as western Inc., Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge equine encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, Association, American Lands Conservancy, and West Nile Virus. The landbird Sacramento Tree Foundation, Safari Club, monitoring program began in 1995 and and Trust for Public Land. involves mist netting and banding of a wide variety of birds. A small blood sample (0.10 The Service entered into a Memorandum cc) is taken from some species for disease of Understanding (MOU) with SYMVCD analysis. In addition to contributing to the in 1993 to address concerns regarding goals of mosquito management, the program potential effects the Refuge may have on has provided valuable information regarding mosquito populations. According to the bird use on the Refuge, timing of migration, MOU, the Service agreed to consult with reproductive ecology and reproductive SYMVCD on the design and management success. of Refuge wetlands and provide access to SYMVCD to monitor the mosquito In addition to those already mentioned,
12 Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan several programs and nongovernmental strategies in the CCP. Refuge purposes are organizations (NGOs) provide vital support also critical to determining the compatibility for Refuge land conservation, restoration of all existing and proposed refuge uses. and visitor services programs, including the CALFED Bay Delta Authority Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge Ecological Restoration Program, Central was established under the authority of the Valley Project Improvement Act, North Emergency Wetlands Resources Act of American Wetlands Conservation Act, 1986, the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956, The Audubon California, California Native Plant Migratory Bird Conservation Act and The Society, California Waterfowl Association, Endangered Species Act of 1973. The Nature Conservancy and Sacramento Open Space. These groups routinely According to these authorities, the Refuge assist with grant writing and fundraising, purposes are: coordinate research or census efforts, help with planning programs and activities and “... for the conservation of the wetlands of provide coverage of Refuge activities in their the Nation in order to maintain the public publications or events. benefits they provide and to help fulfill international obligations contained in various Refuge Purposes migratory bird treaties and conventions ...” Lands within the Refuge System are 16 U.S.C. §§ 3901(b) (Emergency Wetlands acquired and managed under a variety of Resources Act of 1986) legislative acts and administrative orders and authorities. The official purpose or “... for the development, advancement, purposes for a refuge are specified in management, conservation, and protection or derived from the law, proclamation, of fish and wildlife resources ...” 16 U.S.C. executive order, agreement, public land §§ 742f(a)(4) (Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956) order, funding source, donation document, or administrative memorandum establishing, “... for the benefit of the United States authorizing, or expanding a refuge, refuge Fish and Wildlife Service, in performing its unit, or refuge subunit. The purpose of activities and services. Such acceptance may a refuge is defined when it is established be subject to the terms of any restrictive or when new land is added to an existing or affirmative covenant, or condition of refuge. When an addition to a refuge is servitude ...” 16 U.S.C. §§ 742f(b)(1) (Fish acquired under an authority different from and Wildlife Act of 1956) the authority used to establish the original refuge, the addition takes on the purposes “... for use as an inviolate sanctuary, or of the original refuge, but the original for any other management purpose, for refuge does not take on the purposes of the migratory birds.” 16 U.S.C. §§ 715d addition. Refuge managers must consider (Migratory Bird Conservation Act) all of the purposes. However, purposes that deal with the conservation, management, “... to conserve (A) fish or wildlife which are and restoration of fish, wildlife and plants listed as endangered species or threatened and their habitats take precedent over species .... or (B) plants ...” 16 U.S.C. §§ other purposes in the management and 1534 (Endangered Species Act of 1973) administration of a refuge. Related Projects and Studies in the The Refuge System Improvement Act Area directs the Service to manage each refuge to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service fulfill the mission of the Refuge System, as Final Environmental Impact Statement well as the specific purposes for which that refuge was established. Refuge purposes are the driving force in developing refuge vision statements, goals, objectives and
Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan 13 Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge (1,224 acres) and Sacramento County (EIS). In 1972, Jones and Stokes Associates (1,567 acres). The goal of the Service is to prepared an EIS for the Refuge. The cooperatively manage both these properties purpose of the EIS was to evaluate the with the County and the State, as a unit of effects of various Service alternatives to the Refuge. The Service currently has a acquire and protect lands in southwestern cooperative agreement with Sacramento Sacramento County to establish the County for management of their property Refuge. The EIS includes interim Refuge and is drafting an agreement with DPR management goals and proposed habitat that addresses the State-owned land. Since restoration areas. Sacramento County has managed both parcels collectively as the North Stone Lake The interim Refuge management goals are Wildlife Refuge, they drafted a management as follows: and restoration plan in 1992. The plan • Preserve, enhance, and restore a diverse has now been revised and updated by the assemblage of native Central Valley plant Service. Some wetland restoration elements communities and their associated fish, in the 1992 plan that were not considered to wildlife and plants; have neutral effects on floodplain storage • Preserve, enhance, and restore habitat to were removed or modified in the revision maintain and assist in the recovery of rare, but the plan has not been adopted by threatened, and endangered plants and Sacramento County. . Under the revised animals; draft plan, the North Stone Lake Unit • Preserve, enhance, and restore wetlands would be managed for a diversity of native and adjacent agricultural lands to provide animal and plant species by enhancing foraging and sanctuary habitat needed to and restoring a diversity of wetland and achieve the distribution and population grassland habitats. Once completed, many levels of migratory waterfowl and other of the restoration projects will require little water birds consistent with the goals management. Other restored habitats, and objectives of the North American such as seasonal marshes and grasslands, Waterfowl Management Plan and Central will require intensive management and Valley Habitat Joint Venture; manipulation. • Create linkages between refuge habitats and habitats on adjacent lands to reverse Other Agencies and Projects past impacts of habitat fragmentation on Sacramento Regional Wastewater wildlife and plants; Treatment Plant and Bufferlands. The • Coordinate refuge land acquisition and Sacramento Regional County Sanitation management activities with other agencies District (SRCSD) constructed the and organizations to maximize the Sacramento Regional Wastewater Treatment effectiveness of refuge contributions to Plant (SRWTP) to treat wastewater for the regional habitat needs; urbanized area of Sacramento. In addition • Provide for environmental education, to constructing the plant, SRCSD purchased interpretation and fish and wildlife 2,650 acres surrounding the treatment plant oriented recreation in an urban setting to serve as a buffer between the plant and accessible to large populations; and surrounding planned and existing residential • Manage riverine wetlands and adjacent communities. This land is known as the floodplain lands in a manner consistent Bufferlands. Approximately 1,800 acres with local, State and Federal flood of the Bufferlands lie within the approved management; sediment and erosion Refuge boundary The Service and SRCSD control, and water quality objectives. have drafted a cooperative management agreement for the Bufferlands to be Draft North Stone Lake Management managed a unit of the Refuge. SRCSD and Restoration Plan. The 2,791 acre restores native habitats such as wetlands, North Stone Lake Unit consists of two riparian forest, and native grasslands and adjacent parcels owned by the DPR actively manages the Bufferlands as wildlife
14 Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan habitat. They also provide opportunities for; environmental education, interpretation, wildlife observation and fishing; oversee a volunteer program and partner with the Service and others on the annual Refuge event, Walk on the Wildside.
Vic Fazio Yolo Basin Wildlife Area. The Vic Fazio Yolo Wildlife Area is managed by the California Department of Fish and Game and located along Interstate-80 where 16,000 acres in the Yolo Bypass floodway have been restored to wetlands or support agricultural lands managed for the benefit of fish and wildlife. . The Wildlife Area lies approximately 15 road miles northwest of the Refuge and was created through the cooperative efforts of an array of private, The Cosumnes State and Federal partners. It covers young in the shallow waters of the wetlands. River floodplain approximately six square miles and provides provides habitat for visitor opportunities such as bird watching, The Central Valley Joint Venture. The tens of thousands outdoor educational programs and waterfowl Central Valley Joint Venture (CVJV) is of migratory hunting. a partnership of private conservation waterfowl, organizations and State and Federal songbirds, and Cosumnes River Preserve. The Cosumnes agencies whose goal is to protect, maintain birds of prey; a River Preserve is located adjacent to and restore habitat to increase Central large portion of the and southeast of the Refuge’s approved Valley waterfowl populations to levels Central Valley’s boundary and just upstream from the comparable to the 1970s and consistent with population of confluence of the Cosumnes and Mokelumne other objectives of the North American greater sandhill rivers. The Preserve was established Waterfowl Management Plan. The Central cranes; and through the cooperative efforts of a private/ Valley of California is the most important uncommon reptiles public partnership that includes The Nature waterfowl wintering area in the Pacific and mammals, such Conservancy, Ducks Unlimited, U.S. Flyway, supporting 60 percent of the as these river otters. Bureau of Land Management, Sacramento flyway’s duck and goose population. It is Photo by USFWS County and California Department of Water especially important that 65 percent of all Resources. The project strives to conserve pintails (Anas acuta) in the United States and enhance nearly 46,000 acres of riparian use the Central Valley. forest, wetlands and grasslands along the Cosumnes River, which is the only remaining CALFED Bay-Delta Authority un-dammed tributary of the Sacramento (CALFED). CALFED, a consortium River. of stakeholders and State and Federal agencies, is attempting to develop a plan The Cosumnes River floodplain provides to address water supply and flood control habitat for tens of thousands of migratory concerns, as well as restoration of fish and waterfowl, songbirds and birds of prey; wildlife populations of the Sacramento-San a large portion of the Central Valley’s Joaquin Delta (Delta). Under CALFED’s population of greater sandhill cranes (Grus ecological restoration program funding was canadensis tabida); and rare reptiles and made available to purchase the Sun River mammals, such as the endangered giant portion of the South Stone Lake Unit. garter snake (Thamnophis gigas). Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) and Central Valley Project Improvement Act Pacific lamprey Lampetra( tridentate) spawn (CVPIA). and native Delta fish breed and rear their The CVPIA was adopted to incorporate
Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan 15 conservation and enhancement of fish and wildlife populations into operation of the Central Valley Project by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. It provides for the allocation of water supplies for the recovery of native fishes and for State and Federal wildlife management areas. Funding available through the program assisted the Refuge with acquisition of the Headquarters Unit.
16 Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan 2 The Planning Process
The Planning Process The second planning update, released in The Refuge Planning Chapter of the Fish September 2002, announced a series of and Wildlife Service Manual (Part 602 FW the public meetings and explained how the 2.1, November 1996) and evolving policy public could become involved in the planning related to the Refuge System Improvement process. The purpose of the meetings was Act of 1997 help to guide the process to solicit public involvement in the CCP followed for developing this Comprehensive process and help Service staff identify issues Conservation Plan (CCP). Key steps and gather information to help develop the include: CCP. • Gathering information; • Initiating public involvement; This draft CCP and Environmental • Analyzing resource relationships; Assessment (EA) (Appendix B) are being • Identifying issues and developing vision distributed to Refuge cooperators, nearby and goals; landowners, State and Federal government • Developing alternatives and assessing agencies, local jurisdictions, private environmental effects; organizations, community groups and • Identifying a preferred alternative; private citizens. The public has 30 days from • Publishing the draft CCP and NEPA the draft’s release to provide comments. A document; final planning update will be issued at the • Documenting public comments on the same time as the final CCP. The draft CCP draft CCP; and EA can also be viewed at the following • Revising the draft CCP and preparing the internet sites: http://stonelakes.fws.gov/ final CCP; publicreview.htm and http://library.fws.gov/ • Securing approval of the California/ ccps.htm. Nevada Operations; and • Implementing the CCP. The CCP will assist Refuge staff with preparation of annual work plans and The CCP may be amended at any time, as updating the Refuge Operational Needs necessary, under an adaptive management System (RONS) database. The RONS strategy. Public involvement and NEPA database describes the unfunded budget review will be required if major revisions are needs for each refuge and is the basis upon needed. which funding increases are allocated for operational needs. The plan may also be The Stone Lakes CCP Process reviewed during routine inspections or In a Federal Register Notice, dated August programmatic evaluations. Results of the 26, 2002, the Service announced that it was reviews may indicate a need to modify the preparing a CCP for the Refuge. The first plan. Periodic review of the objectives and Refuge planning update, distributed in July strategies is an integral part of the plan, 2002, provided the public with background and management activities may be modified about the Refuge and the National Wildlife if the desired results are not achieved. Refuge System and explained how CCP Depending on the degree that changes may development fits into the overall picture of be required, the appropriate level of public refuge management. involvement and NEPA documentation will be determined by the Refuge Manager. The CCP will be formally revised every 15 years.
Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan 17 Issues Identified by the Public Management During the CCP public scoping process, Several meeting attendees observed that issues, concerns, and opportunities were the future of Refuge wildlife will rely on identified through public meetings, establishing sanctuary areas separate from discussions with planning team members visitor use areas, or establishing times and other key contacts. The public had within use areas when wildlife are not an opportunity to attend four scoping disturbed. They asked that visitor uses meetings, in Elk Grove, Davis, Walnut be compatible with Refuge conservation Grove and Sacramento, where their purposes and that management decisions be comments were recorded. More than 135 based on resource values. One group asked people attended these meetings. Over 250 the Service to assess the negative impacts people also provided written comments of waterfowl management on other native by mail and e-mail and through personal plants and animals and asked the Service conversations with the Refuge and planning to mitigate the impacts of recreational staffs. During the planning process, the activities. The same group also requested Service has received numerous comments that the Service assess the effects of and suggestions regarding the potential predator management strategies to protect for public hunting on the Refuge. Due to sensitive, threatened and endangered opportunities related to recent conveyance species. Some hope to see Refuge staff work of the Sun River property to the Refuge and with the city of Elk Grove and Cosumnes commitments by the Service to maintain River Preserve to develop an open space hunting opportunities in the South Stone greenbelt to contain development.
A number asked about the Refuge land acquisition priorities and plans for potential acquisitions, hoping to see site specific plans developed for each property that is purchased. Others felt the Refuge needs more conservation easements and other land protection strategies. Specific reference was made to the areas east of Interstate-5 and North of Hood-Franklin Road and also South of Lambert Road as places to favor easements over fee title acquisition.
Some local landowners would like to see a balance between historic land uses, such as agriculture, and expanded recreation opportunities. They suggested that the Refuge establish a 500-foot buffer zone for agricultural spraying and other historic farming activities to avoid problems between Public comments, existing arming activities and Refuge on Comprehensive Lake area, the Refuge opted to establish activities and between privately owned lands Conservation a public waterfowl hunting program and Refuge restoration activities. Planning for during 2005-2006 through a separate the Refuge, were planning process, independently of this There were several comments about the received in writing, CCP. All comments, issues, concerns, and Refuge’s floodplain location, the need to via e-mail, via opportunities compiled by the Service are maintain its floodplain capabilities and postal mail and summarized in the following narrative which concern regarding how proposed activities during four public has been organized by several broad topics. and landscape modifications would impact meetings. flooding. Refuge plans should leave room Photo by USFWS for Sacramento County or the State to deal
18 Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan with the Morrison Creek flood problem. should be a high priority for the Refuge They should also recognize that surrounding to have adequate staffing and funding. A agricultural lands are on higher ground, suggestion was made to charge day use fees providing a natural escape for animals for all activities to help cover management, during flooding. Because one of the Refuge’s expansion, fish stocking, etc. goals is to expand or enhance threatened and endangered species, some neighboring The Delta Protection Commission landowners feel they need an incidental take acknowledged the Refuge’s outreach efforts provision that would allow them to continue to invite comments during the CCP process. their farming operations should flooding and The Commission’s comment reflected their endangered species displacement occur. mission of keeping as much land in private ownership as is possible within the primary Along the same lines, concern was expressed zone of the Delta and working with the about mosquito-related problems and the habitat values associated with agriculture. existing MOU with the Sacramento-Yolo The Refuge Staff was also extended an Mosquito and Vector Control District. If an invitation to brief the Commission about emergency occurs and action is required, CCP progress. there is concern that the bureaucracy will cause unnecessary delays that could impact General Access neighboring private lands. They would Many comments expressed concern about like to see some sort of pre-approved plan the current lack of, or very limited access to established for such emergencies. the Refuge. There were numerous requests that the Refuge allow many more types Some people commented that the Refuge of recreational activities and that these must be a good neighbor and responsible expanded opportunities occur soon. landowner and help pay overhead costs, just as other private landowners. This means Many types of recreational uses were that the Refuge should pay water usage mentioned. Hunting received the greatest fees to the North Delta Water Agency and number of requests, from both individuals reclamation districts and pay mosquito and hunting organizations. Horseback abatement costs and other fees. Some feel riders and a water ski group have accessed this has been a source of frustration for ten portions of the Refuge from private lands years and that private landowners cannot since prior to its establishment and they subsidize public ownership asked for continued access. Comments asked for many other types of uses, including A few people asked how the Refuge acquires fishing, photography, hiking, bird watching, water rights. One attendee suggested small boat launching facilities, bicycle trails, that the Refuge should use treated dog trials, environmental education, wildlife wastewater because a pipe conveying observation areas and facilities, picnic and treated water already passes through the day use facilities and a visitor center. They Refuge. People would like to see water also requested restrooms. They suggested quality and groundwater monitored/tested. that the Refuge may want to consider They would also like assurance that Elk camping or rustic lodging facilities. Grove and Sacramento meet clean water standards before their runoff reaches the Some said that the Refuge should obtain the Refuge. An additional concern regarding needed funding to fully staff daily operations waterways relates to the spread of water to allow improved open access. Several hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes). A request meeting attendees expressed the belief that was made for the Refuge to continue its since this is Federal land, it is their right to cooperative program to manage/control have opportunities for these activities. And water hyacinth and other noxious weeds. several offered to support these activities by helping to build facilities, patrol the Refuge, There was a general recognition that Refuge or perform other needed work. management is labor intensive and that it
Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan 19 Several comments asked that recreational Northern California, asked if there would uses be balanced, specifically requesting be an opportunity to open a commercial that hunting be balanced with other uses. operation with docent led activities. They asked that recreational opportunities be allowed in a way that protects wildlife. Horseback Riding They suggested that some activities, such as Several horseback riders who had accessed hunting and wildlife viewing, be restricted to the Refuge through the privately owned specific areas or times to avoid conflicts. Beach Lake Stables said there has been historical, “prescriptive” use of the Refuge To support their requests, several made for horseback riding since 1970. They would comparisons to Yolo Basin Wildlife Area, like to continue to ride on the Refuge, saying observing that it originally had less land that there are only ten to 15 regular riders under management but supported more who ride seasonally. types and amount of usage, and to the American River Parkway, which allows Some horseback riders attending the considerable recreational usage. They meetings asked that the Refuge be opened suggested thinking about obtaining to riding, with designated areas for riding funding from other sources for these types and other uses. They commented that riding of programs. A few attendees hoped is low impact and can coexist with wildlife that the Refuge would remain rustic and and the six priority visitor uses. They would unimproved, calling this “symbolic.” like the opportunity to show it is compatible and requested restrictions on horseback Many asked questions about or commented riding if there is a conflict with hunting. on the waterways as part of the public Several riders spoke of their willingness to trust. They wanted to know if the Refuge’s respect the sensitivity of the ecosystem and waterways were considered navigable and remain on trails. They offered to organize a what the Refuge policy would be regarding volunteer horse patrol, similar to the Lake their use. Historic use of waterways was patrol and help maintain trails and report cited several times, as well as the belief that poachers, vandalism, fires, etc. use of waterways should not be restricted. Others expressed concern as to whether Boating/Waterskiing horseback riding and hunting would be Several comments asked that the Refuge compatible with each other. One comment provide opportunities for sculling, canoeing, expressed concern about the environmental and non-motorized boating or boating with effects of horseback riding, particularly trolling motors only; they also requested a erosion. ban on jet skis. Fishing Comments fell on both sides of whether Several comments asked about the Refuge’s to allow waterskiing. Some felt it was plans regarding fishing. Some said they used inappropriate. Several members of the local to fish at Stone Lakes prior to its designation water ski club that has used Beach Lake as a national wildlife refuge and would like for many years asked the Refuge to allow the opportunity again. They would like year- this historic use to continue, citing that it round fishing, especially bass fishing. is a very seasonal, limited use and does not conflict with other uses or wildlife. They Comments suggested that fishing and suggested creating a designated waterski hunting should be separated to avoid area. Several waterskiers offered to help conflicts. One comment was that if hunting the Refuge by picking up trash or acting as and fishing are allowed, the hunt area docents of the waterways. should be closed to fishing on hunt days. Another comment suggested that the The California Canoe and Kayak School, Refuge should stock fish to provide good a paddling school and retail center in family experiences. The Refuge offers a
20 Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan great opportunity for reintroduction of organizations. Hunting related purchases Sacramento perch. can help local businesses. Hunters have a long tradition of helping with conservation, Hunting funding and facilities. There were numerous There is strong support for a hunting references to fees hunters pay to acquire program that includes waterfowl and upland and manage habitat through the Duck birds, including pheasant, dove, and quail. Stamp and Federal excise taxes on hunting Many people mentioned that hunting has equipment. Several want to see if some occurred historically at Lodi Gun Club and of these funds could be earmarked for a other parts of the Refuge both to support hunting program or to purchase land for their request and as rationale for allowing hunting at Stone Lakes. They feel the interim hunting on some of these existing Refuge should expand wetlands and increase Refuge properties. A few attendees asked to ponds available for hunting. There were include big game hunting, such as deer (with offers from many hunters to help fund, a shotgun) and small game, such as rabbit. develop, build and monitor hunting facilities. There were requests that the Refuge They also pointed out that hunting exists develop interpretive materials explaining the on other refuges. They feel that if the top role of hunters in conservation. third of the Refuge is closed to hunting due to County regulations and the bottom third A number of people expressed concern is closed due to agricultural use, then the over a hunting program. A few mentioned middle area south of Hood-Franklin Road hunting related accidents as a cause for should be developed for hunting, not as concern. Some moved to the area to get wildlife sanctuaries. They asked whether away from places that allow hunting and hunting could be allowed on the State and are opposed to it on the Refuge. They County properties that the Refuge manages. would like to see the Refuge advance, but not at the expense of wildlife. They Several specifically requested that the questioned whether hunting is compatible Refuge establish an interim compatibility with conservation goals and other uses, such determination to allow hunting now. A as education and wildlife viewing. They few felt that a hunting program should felt that if it is allowed, hunting should not be developed when suitable property and occur at the same time as these other uses. adequate staffing are available. One group was opposed to both hunting and trapping on the Refuge. In terms of access, some feel that nonconsumptive uses, such as wildlife Conversely, some said they bought property viewing and photography, are being given close to the Refuge because of the potential and will continue to be given precedence public access and the prospect of being over hunting and fishing. They would like able to hunt close to home. Many look to to see a balanced program between hunting the Stone Lakes Refuge as the potential and non-hunting areas. sole opportunity for public hunting in Sacramento County. They want a place Several asked how the Refuge will manage where they can hunt locally, without having hunting. Some suggested that the Refuge to drive a long distance. They expressed a explore how the California Department of need for a hunting program for hunters who Fish and Game (DFG) manages hunting do not belong to a duck club. at other Central Valley refuges. They wondered if there is a general agreement Others were concerned whether there between DFG and the Service, or if each are adequate bird populations to support refuge establishes their own arrangement. observations and hunting and whether hunting causes too much disturbance. Several attendees said that hunting is sustainable and supported by numerous Hunters expressed their hope that the Refuge would not be like Cosumnes River
Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan 21 Preserve, which they feel promised hunting research projects. The Refuge should work programs and has failed to provide them. with teachers to develop a curriculum and teacher/docent training to enhance the There was strong consensus on developing Refuge visitation experience. It should also a junior hunt program; some suggested have a field trip coordinator. it could be supported by volunteers with dogs, time and experience. Several people The current limited access and Refuge said that a Refuge hunting program should facilities were noted. Comments asked that not be just exclusively for junior hunters. the Refuge develop trails and facilities for It should also be for adult hunters, both family use and school field trips. A visitor beginners and experienced. center and signs along trails would help students learn about the unique features The Refuge received many suggestions of the Refuge. Having greater access regarding the proportion of land to be used to more areas of the Refuge would allow for hunting, but most felt that from 40 to more community involvement. The Refuge 50 percent of the Refuge should be hunted. should also consider other outreach sites There was strong interest in splitting access and centers and do what it can to keep these between free roam and blind hunting, activities free. including floating blinds and two to four person blinds. There were many requests Several visitor improvements were to carefully locate hunt and sanctuary areas. suggested, from a visitor center to new Blinds should be accessible to those with interpretive trails. It was suggested that disabilities. the money for these improvements would not likely come from Refuge funding, but People also had suggestions regarding from private fundraising efforts and other how hunting access should occur. Some organizations. felt that the Refuge should use a lottery/ reservation system and both monitor and Wildlife Observation limit the number of hunters to assure a Several comments supported wildlife quality hunt. Many cited hunting programs viewing, but stated that the priority must at Sacramento, Colusa, Delevan and Gray be to maintain habitat for wildlife. The Lodge as models. They would like to see Refuge should control access to prevent an adequate facilities, such as good land and impact on wildlife. They also want to be sure water access with boat ramps, parking, that there are no conflicts between wildlife restrooms and other amenities. A request observation, hunting and other uses. was made to allow hunting from scull boats and to provide boats to hunters who do no There were several requests for more have them. trails, good interpretive signing and specific suggestions regarding auto tour routes. The One comment expressed concern that the Vic Fazio Yolo Basin Wildlife Area auto tour Refuge would serve as a sanctuary and route was cited as an example for avoiding draw birds from Yolo (Bypass), negatively congestion. affecting hunting in Yolo. An observation was made that bird watching Education/Interpretation lacks a funding base. Birdwatchers should Numerous people commented on the value pay a use fee to help cover the costs of of the Refuge’s educational resources. facilities. A suggestion was made to see Several programs were noted, such as school if money from DFG fines could be used to field trips, events and special projects at build Refuge facilities. local schools. Some felt that the primary focus of use for the Refuge should be A specific comment was made that the educational. They would like to see more State Railroad Museum is considering an education programs, including college level excursion train for wildlife viewing between
22 Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan the museum and Hood-Franklin Road. We General should consider a cooperative venture with A comment was made that the waterways them where our interests overlap. need docents to serve as an extra set of eyes. Two comments were very supportive Other Comments of the expansion of open space land held Comments requested other forms of by public trust agencies and organizations. recreational access, such as areas for gun This is particularly so for projects involving dog training and field trials, bicycle access natural and native habitats, restoration and on existing roads and trapping fur bearing preservation. mammals to help reduce the need for a predator control program. Resource issues and opportunities were also identified during the scoping process. The results of this effort are described in Chapter 4, Problems and Opportunities.
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24 Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan 3 Refuge Resources
Ecoregion Setting Natural/Historic Conditions Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge Historically the Central Valley supported is located in the Central Valley/San about four million acres of wetlands with Francisco Bay Ecoregion. This Ecoregion associated grasslands and riparian areas encompasses the Sacramento-San Joaquin (CVJV 1990). Permanent and seasonal Delta located within the San Francisco wetlands provided wintering and breeding Bay-Delta Watershed, with an estuary that habitat for waterbirds and other wildlife encompasses roughly 1,600 square miles that flourished through the region. Prior to and drains more then 60,000 square miles large scale disturbance, natural processes of California’s runoff (SFEP 2000). The dominated the area. The Stone Lakes Basin Delta is composed of 57 leveed islands and is located within the 100-year floodplain. over 700 miles of sloughs (DWR 2006). The Historically, periodic floods would sweep Delta includes the confluence of the two through the area changing the course of the longest rivers in California, the Sacramento rivers and waterways and resetting natural and San Joaquin rivers. Following winter community succession in the area. In rains and Sierra snow melt, the Sacramento addition, fire was a regular component of the River and its tributaries would historically area’s ecosystem, sweeping through the area rise above the natural levees and inundate every three years. the floodplain. This system was dynamic, depositing rich alluvium, creating and The 1992 EIS (USFWS 1992) identified the cutting streambanks, providing conditions location and extent of historic wetlands in necessary the growth of riparian forests, the Refuge planning area, based on U.S. changing the river’s course and creating Geological Survey (USGS) atlas sheets of oxbow lakes and backwaters, clearing debris the Sacramento Valley surveyed in 1903- and streambeds, exposing and depositing 1910. Before 1903, activities related to flood gravel and sand, and creating salmonid control, water conveyance, and agricultural spawning habitat. Toward the Delta, conversion had already reduced the extent with the greater influx of sediment, more of wetlands prior to the survey. The NRCS, substantial natural levees were deposited formerly the Soil Conservation Service, where larger, more diverse riparian forests mapped locations of hydric soils in 1990 that occurred (Katibah 1984). are generally assumed to correspond to the locations of historic wetlands. Flyway Setting The Refuge is located within the Pacific Most of the open water, wetland, and Flyway. The Pacific Flyway is used by riparian areas present on the Refuge in 1910 millions of waterfowl and shorebirds have since been drained and converted to for migration to wintering and breeding agricultural uses. Today, over 95 percent grounds. This Refuge is an important of the riparian habitat in the Central Valley stopover area for migrating shorebirds in has been destroyed due to agricultural the fall and spring and provides important expansion and urbanization. Beach Lake wintering habitat for waterfowl, supporting and its associated wetland and riparian approximately 60 percent of the total vegetation covered a much larger area population (CVJV 1990). before it was drained and farmed as recently as the 1960s (Figure 4) (USFWS 1992).
Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan 25 North Stone Lake, which is similar in size to Geographic and Physical Setting its historic extent, had been drained, cleared Topography and farmed prior to World War II. South The Refuge is part of a fairly level, but Stone Lake was originally about three times undulating, ancient alluvial plain incised its present size extending well west of the by Morrison Creek, the Cosumnes River former Southern Pacific Railroad levee that and several small creeks. Morrison now forms its western boundary. Creek traverses the northern portion of the Refuge. The land slopes west to the An extensive area of freshwater wetlands Sacramento River. Elevations on the Refuge 1.0 - 1.5 miles wide, was present in overflow range from near mean sea level to 25 feet areas east of Snodgrass Slough and between above mean sea level. Several small creeks Snodgrass Slough and the Mokelumne River. traverse the western and northwestern Bear Lake, a narrow lake more than two portions of the Refuge. miles long located between Lambert Road, Twin Cities Road, Snodgrass Slough and the While much of the Refuge was laser leveled railroad, no longer exists. in the past for agriculture, portions of it, particularly in the North Stone Lake area, Overflow areas of the Cosumnes River still have their native undulating topography. supported extensive freshwater wetlands, about 1 mile wide, upstream of Grizzly Geology Slough and downstream of Twin Cities Road. The Refuge is within the Great Valley An unnamed lake about 1.5 miles long and Physiographic Province. The dominant 1,000 feet wide located east of Bruceville and geologic structure is the northwest to west of the Cosumnes River, was drained southeast-trending asymmetrical syncline and converted to agricultural land. that underlies the valley. A syncline is a fold in the rocks of the Earth’s crust in which Little historical data is available that the layers or beds dip inwards, thus forming describes waterfowl use of the Refuge. a trough like structure with a sag in the However, maps of the Refuge developed middle. by USGS prior to 1910 indicate that large,
tidally influenced, permanent and seasonal The Refuge is underlain by materials wetlands existed, especially in the southern comprised of quaternary alluvial and portion of the Refuge toward the Cosumnes intertidal depositions. Most of the Refuge River and at Beach, North Stone and South is underlain by the Victor formation. The Stone lakes. These wetlands undoubtedly Victor alluvial formation was deposited in attracted large numbers of swans, geese, the late Pleistocene (about one million years ducks and other waterbirds. Levee ago) by materials washed from the Sierra construction and channelization of rivers, Nevada. During the mid-Holocene era, creeks and other natural drainages and about 5,000 years ago, basin, intertidal, levee conversion of floodplains to agriculture have and channel deposits accumulated along largely reduced the numbers of breeding the Sacramento and Cosumnes rivers. The and wintering waterfowl the Refuge can Victor formation consists of poorly sorted support. Historically, ducks were likely alluvial materials that vary in size from clays more abundant on the Refuge than they are to boulders. Erosion of the Victor Formation at present (USFWS 1992). Local residents has led to accumulation of finer grained reported successful private duck hunting at basin deposits along the Sacramento and South Stone Lake and the farmlands near Cosumnes rivers near the Delta. Intertidal Hood-Franklin and Lambert Roads from deposits of soft mud and peat accumulated the 1940s until the early 1960s (USFWS west of Snodgrass Slough at the margin of 1992). Duck hunting at South Stone Lake the Delta. More recently, natural levee and was marginal by the early 1960s and has channel deposits have accumulated along the continued to decline during the last three Sacramento and Cosumnes rivers. decades (USFWS 1992).
26 Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan Figure 4. Refuge Unit Names and Roads To Sacramento
5 99 Stone Lakes Sacramento Regional National Wildlife Refuge Wastewater Treatment Plant Approved Refuge Boundary
Non-Refuge Lands Beach Beach Lake Unit Lake Unit HQ Unit SP Cut Elliot Ranch Rd North Stone Lake Unit Elk Grove Blvd South Stone Lake Unit Wetland Preserve Unit North Stone Refuge Headquarters Lake Wetland Preserve North Stone Unit Lake Unit Rd 0 0.5 1 2 nklin d Fra Miles Hoo 0 0.5 1 2 Kilometers HQ Unit
South Stone er Lake Riv to en South m ra c Stone a 160 S Lake Unit
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Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan 27 Soils Hydric soils correspond to historic locations Two systems are used by the NRCS to of wetlands and open water bodies, forming describe the Refuge soils: general soil map under frequent water saturation and the units and detailed soil series. The general resulting anaerobic soil conditions. Silty soil map units represent broad patterns of and/or sandy soil belts are interspersed and the soil, topographic relief and drainage are identifiable by the associated vegetation. classes. Typically, each general soil map Soils on the Refuge have been divided into unit consists of one or more soil series. The soil mapping units. A total of 30 soil map general soil map can be used to compare the units are found on the Refuge. These map suitability of large areas for general land use units were used in the EIS (USFWS 1992) to (USFWS 1992). Soil series maps provide the predict the best areas for restoration. finer level of detail necessary for site specific planning. Climate The Refuge lies between the Coast and Refuge soils can be classified into three Diablo Ranges to the west and the Sierra general soil types. Nevada to the east. The Carquinez Strait • Egbert Clays and Valpac Loams provides a sea-level gap between the • Dierssen sandy clay loams and clay Coast Ranges and the Diablo Range. The loams Carquinez Strait is about 55 miles southwest • Clear Lake Clays of the Refuge and the intervening terrain is mainly flat with rolling hills. The prevailing Along the Sacramento River, the soils are winds blow from the south, primarily due characteristically very deep and nearly to marine breezes through the Carquinez level. These soils are in the floodplain and Strait. During winter, the sea breezes originally supported extensive wetland diminish and winds from the north occur and riparian habitats. The Egbert-Valpac more frequently. However, winds from the general soil type forms a continuous one south still predominate. The climate in the mile wide strip along the Sacramento River Refuge area is temperate and semiarid, with and Snodgrass Slough. It is comprised of hot, dry summers and cool, damp winters. somewhat poorly drained soils in areas with Annual temperatures in the area average a high water table either throughout the highs of 52 degrees Fahrenheit in January year or seasonally. Prime farmland soils to about 93 degrees Fahrenheit in July and with high fertility are generally found in lows of 38 degrees Fahrenheit in January Egbert-Valpac general soil units. to 58 degrees Fahrenheit in July. Annual precipitation averages about 17 inches. The dominant general soil on the Refuge Dense “tule” fog is common in winter is Dierssen. Dierssen map units are (USFWS 1992). comprised of somewhat poorly drained soils in areas with a perched water table and are Air Quality moderately deep to deep over a cemented Air Pollution Control Agencies. The hardpan. Clear Lake soils, which are Federal Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. §§ 7401, present in small areas east of the Dierssen as amended) mandates the establishment soil unit, are also somewhat poorly drained of ambient air quality standards and and underlain by a shallow cemented requires areas that violate these standards hardpan. They have a seasonally high water to prepare and implement plans to achieve table perched above the hardpan. Both the the standards by certain deadlines. The Dierssen and Clear Lake general soil map deadline for attaining both the ozone and units are nearly level and are found in basins carbon monoxide (CO) standards was and on basin rims. Both areas are protected August 31, 1988. Areas that do not meet by flood control levees. Federal primary air quality standards are designated as “nonattainment” areas. Clays are the most dominant soil particle Areas that comply with Federal air quality on the Refuge; thus soils tend to be hydric. standards are designated as “attainment”
28 Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan areas. Attainment and nonattainment when inhaled. Few particles larger than designations are pollutant specific. Thus, 10 microns in diameter reach the lungs. while Sacramento County is a nonattainment Consequently, both the Federal and State area for particulate matter less than 10 air quality standards for particulate matter microns in diameter (PM10) and ozone it have been recently revised to apply only to is an attainment area for carbon monoxide these small particles (designated as PM10). (CO), nitrogen oxide (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO2) and lead. The entire Sacramento Valley, including Sacramento County, is classified as a PM10 Many agencies are involved in air pollution moderate nonattainment area (USEPA control, including the U.S. Environmental 2006). Both the 24 hour and annual Protection Agency (USEPA 2006), California California PM10 standards are violated Air Resources Board (ARB), Sacramento on a regular basis in the Sacramento area Metropolitan Air Quality Management (USFWS 1992). Sacramento County PM10 District (SMAQMD) and other air quality emissions are generated by a variety of management districts (AQMDs). sources, primarily entrained road dust, construction and demolition activities. In California, all agricultural burning is Farming operations and agricultural waste regulated jointly by the ARB and local burning are also important sources of PM10 AQMDs. Each day the ARB determines, in Sacramento County. based on recent and anticipated weather conditions, whether the following day will Ozone. Ozone is a respiratory irritant that be a permissible burn day or a no-burn day. also increases susceptibility to respiratory Each ARB’s primary objective in making infections. Ozone causes substantial damage this determination is to control the amount to leaf tissues of crops, natural vegetation of smoke from agricultural burning that and damages many materials by acting as a reaches urban areas. On permissible burn chemical oxidizing agent. days, few restrictions are placed on the amount of land that may be burned in the The Federal air quality standard for region. On no-burn days, fields may be ozone is exceeded several times a year at burned only if a special permit has been monitoring stations in Sacramento County. issued by the local AQMD. Such burn As a consequence of the recorded violations permits are allocated based on an estimated of the Federal ozone standard, the entire allowable acreage for the entire region. Sacramento Valley Air Basin, including Sacramento County, has been designated Ambient Air Quality Standards and a serious nonattainment area of ozone Existing Air Quality in Sacramento (USEPA 2006). This indicates that the ozone County levels in the Sacramento Valley air basin are Both the State of California and the Federal a potential threat to public health. Human government have established a variety of health effects of ozone can include difficulty ambient air quality standards. The following breathing and lung tissue damage (ARB discussion focuses on the ambient standards 2006). and existing concentrations for PM10, ozone and CO for two reasons: Sacramento Ozone, the main component of photochemical County’s air quality currently exceeds the smog, is primarily a summer and fall allowable ambient standards for PM10 and pollution problem. Ozone is not emitted ozone and these pollutants, together with directly into the air but is formed through CO, are the primary pollutants that could be a complex series of chemical reactions affected by the Refuge. involving other compounds that are directly emitted. These directly emitted pollutants, PM10. Health concerns associated also known as ozone precursors, include with suspended particles focus on those reactive organic gases (ROG) and NOx particles small enough to reach the lungs (ARB 2006). The period required for ozone
Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan 29 formation allows the reacting compounds period). These conditions result in reduced to be spread over a large area, producing a dispersion of vehicle emissions, allowing regional pollution problem. Ozone problems CO problems to develop and persist during are the cumulative result of regional hours when traffic volumes are declining development patterns, rather than the result from peak levels. It is unknown how of a few significant emission sources. Motor elevated CO levels affect Refuge resources. vehicles are the primary source of NOx and Motor vehicles also exhibit increased CO ROG in Sacramento County and therefore, emission rates at low air temperatures are primary contributors to regional ozone (USFWS 1992). concentrations. Contaminants and Water Quality Carbon Monoxide (CO). CO combines Water sources within the Refuge boundary readily with hemoglobin and thus reduces include Morrison and Laguna creeks, Upper the amount of oxygen transported in the and Lower Beach lakes, urban runoff and bloodstream. Relatively low concentrations agricultural drainage, Southern Pacific Cut of CO can meaningfully affect the amount of (SP Cut), North and South Stone lakes and oxygen in the bloodstream because CO binds groundwater. Water quality monitoring to hemoglobin 220-245 times more strongly by the SRCSD and the Service have been than oxygen. Both the cardiovascular completed to date on the Refuge and in the system and the central nervous system can surrounding area. be affected when 2.5 percent to 4.0 percent of the hemoglobin in the bloodstream is Water quality in North and South Stone bound to CO rather than to oxygen. State Lakes is affected by limited Delta and San and Federal ambient air quality standards Joaquin River daily tidal flows moving up for CO have been set at levels intended to Snodgrass Slough through the Lambert keep CO from combining with more than Road bridge water control structure. 1.5 percent of the blood’s hemoglobin (U.S. Agricultural activities upstream of lakes may EPA 1978, California ARB 1982). influence water quality from direct drainage into the lakes and the SP Cut. Groundwater Sacramento County has been designated as discharge/recharge and Mokelumne River a nonattainment area for CO in the past, but upflow via Snodgrass Slough to and from is no longer considered a nonattainment area the lakes may also influence water quality in (USEPA 2006). Motor vehicle emissions are the lakes. The SRWTP does not discharge the dominant source of CO in most areas. effluent into the Morrison Creek watershed. As a directly emitted pollutant, CO disperses Instead, the treated effluent is dechlorinated as it is transported away from the emission and discharged directly to the Sacramento source, reducing pollutant concentration. River near the community of Freeport. Consequently, CO problems are usually localized, often the result of a combination of The Refuge has many drainages that high traffic volumes and traffic congestion. originate in urban and agricultural areas and Data from previous studies suggest that CO empty into Refuge wetlands and lakes. In problems occur primarily near major traffic addition, a significant portion of land within arteries having large amounts of commercial the approved Refuge boundary is currently development. The Refuge is located on in agriculture. These areas are likely either side of Interstate-5 adjacent to and sources of nonpoint source contaminants, within the Sacramento urban area. however they also provide important habitat for fish, aquatic invertebrates and foraging CO is primarily a winter problem. High CO areas for birds that feed on these resources. levels develop primarily during winter when Monitoring of aquatic habitats for nonpoint periods of light winds or calm conditions pollution is important, especially on this combine with the formation of ground Refuge which is surrounded by urban level temperature inversions (typically development and actively managed in the evening through early morning agriculture.
30 Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan Samples were analyzed for dissolved The Sacramento Regional Wastewater oxygen, temperature, heavy metals Treatment Plant conducts ongoing quarterly (arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead, mercury, water sampling for certain trace elements selenium and zinc), salts (sodium chloride, at several locations along Morrison calcium ion and magnesium), Nitrate NO3 Creek, Laguna Creek, and Meadowlark and pH. Results indicate that levels of and Black Crown lakes. Furthermore, heavy metals, although present, were not the USACE sampled water from the sufficient to cause deleterious impacts to Morrison Creek watershed from 1982 to wildlife; concentrations of selenium in all 1984. Concentrations of cadmium (Cd), five waterbodies tested are above levels copper (Cu) and lead (Pb) exceeded the recommended for the protection of aquatic USEPA acute toxicity criterion for aquatic life. life in all samples. The DFG and SWRCB collected and analyzed largemouth bass Additional sampling was conducted (Micropterus salmoides) from Meadowlark from December 1998 to January 2000 on Lake from 1985 – 1987 and analyzed for stormwater runoff onto the Refuge. The heavy metals and organochlorine pesticides water quality of the Refuge and surrounding (OCs). Elevated levels of mercury (Hg), areas is continuously being degraded by Cu, chlordane, dacthal, total DDT and total irrigation drainwater and urban drainage in polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were the summer, and the flushing of accumulated detected. Environmental contaminants are pollutants via urban stormwater runoff clearly present in the Stone Lakes area, but in the winter. Water samples and water have been poorly delineated. quality data (temperature, dissolved oxygen, conductivity and pH) were collected from Baseline sampling on the Refuge and in 11 sites on the Refuge during four storm nearby areas was conducted by the Service events from December 1998 to January in 1997. The Service collected water, 2000. Temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen sediments, crayfish, fish, and waterbird and conductivity were within normal limits eggs and analyzed them for OCs, PCBs for all sites, except for dissolved oxygen and trace elements. Generally low levels at Morrison Creek, which was at or below of trace elements were found in water and 3.0 milligrams/liter (mg/L) during two of biota, and generally low levels of organic the storm events. Overall, trace element compounds were present in sediments concentrations in stormwater entering the and biota. Concentrations of certain trace Refuge were relatively low. Seven of 16 elements exceeded the USEPA’s threshold trace element samples collected during the effects level in sediments. Concentrations two storm events had copper concentrations of trace elements were consistently higher above the hardness adjusted chronic (relative to other sites) in sediments from criterion and of those, three were also above Lower Beach Lake. Lower Beach Lake is the acute criterion. Four of 16 samples the terminus of Morrison Creek and may had lead concentrations above chronic accumulate contaminants that originate in criterion. Only one sample out of 16 had the greater Sacramento metropolitan area. a concentration of cadmium that would be Further sampling and toxicity tests of water considered significantly elevated above the and sediments are needed to identify the hardness adjusted chronic criterion (3.75 source of the contamination in Lower Beach times the criterion). Nearly all sites had Lake and other nearby areas (USFWS Diazinon levels above DFG’s proposed 50 2003a). mg/L chronic criterion; however, they did not all produce measurable toxicity when Water, sediment and biota samples were daphne (Ceriodaphnia dubia) were exposed collected from eight locations (three sites to the samples. Two sites, one on the Lower in Morrison Creek, two sites in North Beach Lake Unit and another that flows into Stone Lake and three sites in South Stone Lower Beach Lake, consistently showed Lake) in spring on 1997 (Thomas 1997). levels of Diazinon that produced toxicity to
Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan 31 Ceriodaphnia along with detectable levels of chlorpyrifos. Concentrations of Diazinon During the development of the waiver, the at these sites ranged from 101 to 1,488 mg/L Service objected to being included under the with measured toxicity units ranging from waiver and recommended that a separate 3.2 to 3.5 (USFWS 2003b). waiver be developed for managed wetlands. The Regional Board recognized that wetland Sacramento County’s National Pollutant discharges were sufficiently different than Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) agriculture and a separate waiver would be Municipal Permit requires that pollutants appropriate but they did not have sufficient found in urban stormwater runoff be funds and staff to develop a separate waiver reduced to the maximum extent possible. at the time. Thus the Regional Board’s Dry detention stormwater runoff treatment irrigated lands waiver and its requisite facilities were constructed as part of the monitoring programs are primarily 3,000-acre development east of the Refuge designed to address pesticide discharges identified in the East Franklin Specific from agriculture and does not take into Plan and would likely be included in other consideration the differences and uniqueness projects as well. These detention basins are of wetlands. effective in reducing pollutants by 30 to 90 percent. Meeting the waiver requirements is at best awkward for wetland managers, including Discharge Water Quality Monitoring the Refuge, because the irrigated lands The Central Valley Regional Water waiver is designed to address discharges Quality Control Board (Regional Board) from irrigated agriculture. In evaluating issued order No. R5-2006-0054, regulating the irrigated lands waiver requirements, discharges from irrigated lands, effective the Service believes that the monitoring beginning July 1, 2006 and ending June 30, requirements for an individual discharger 2011 (CVRWQCB-CVR 2006). The order under the waiver are more appropriate detailed an individual discharger conditional for wetland discharges. They require waiver of waste discharge requirements. monitoring of pesticides and toxicity only if The order states that individual dischargers certain chemicals or pollutants of concern can seek coverage under the Individual are discharged, whereas the primary Discharger Conditional Waiver or under monitoring program for coalitions requires the Coalition Group Conditional Waiver, by monitoring of all pollutants of concern since joining a coalition group. The conditional a coalition is more likely to represent a waiver requires Dischargers to pay a fee to large variety of pesticide uses and discharge the State Water Board. The Water Quality types. Control Plan for the Central Valley Region designates beneficial uses and establishes The Refuge manages seasonal and water quality objectives (CRWQCB-CVR permanent wetlands on the South Stone 2004). Lake, Headquarters and Beach Lake Units totaling approximately 335 acres. Periodic During the development of the irrigated draw downs of the permanent wetland lands waiver the Regional Board included impoundments on the Beach Lake Unit discharges from “managed wetlands” in the is done when vegetation, such as cattails, definition of irrigated lands (USFWS 2004). covers more than 75 percent of the wetland However, the term “managed wetlands” is and to control weeds and undesirable fish not defined by the Regional Board. There species, such as carp. During years with is a broad range of management activities no restrictions on water use, flood ups of that occur on Refuge wetlands. Some forms seasonal wetlands begin in early to mid- of management are relatively passive while September and continue through late others are very intensive due to enhance fall depending on rainfall. Drawdowns habitat for endangered and threatened commence in early April and continue species as well as migratory birds. through mid-June. Seasonal wetland
32 Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan drawdowns are accomplished through a Stone Lakes Basin Water Hyacinth Control combination of evaporation and opening Group (SLBWHCG). As a result of water of water control structures. Depending on hyacinth control efforts to date, the extent annual rainfall, flood waters are pumped of plant infestations has been reduced to an out of the Sun River property of the South estimated 30 to 35 acres. With continued Stone Lake Unit to minimize damage to applications, it is anticipated that beyond infrastructure and facilitate draw downs. 2006, control efforts may be scaled back Supplemental summer irrigation of seasonal to occasional treatments (two to three per wetlands to stimulate desirable plant growth week) during the hyacinth growing season to for migrating waterfowl is done in late July spot-treat small infestations. and early August to a maximum depth of 12 inches for 24 hours and then drawndown by The Stone Lakes Basin water hyacinth opening water control structures within a control program is permitted under a few days. Statewide National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) General Only one type of discharge to waters of the Permit (No. CAG990005) for discharge of State, as defined in Regional Board order aquatic pesticides. Field crews with the No. R5-2006-0054, occurs on the Refuge: Service and the SRCSD conduct chemical storm water runoff from the Refuge during control of water hyacinth on approximately flooding events. Discharge to waters of 670 acres of open water habitats on Lower the State is defined by order No. R5- Beach Lake, SP CUT (the borrow channel 2006-0054 as “Surface discharges, such as for the former Southern Pacific Railroad), irrigation return flows, tailwater, drainage North Stone Lake and South Stone Lake water, subsurface drainage generated and its tributaries. Control activities occur by irrigating crop land or by installing in natural lakes and sloughs as well as and operating drainage systems to lower man-made irrigation or drainage ditches the water table below irrigated lands and channels. Treated waterways lie within (tile drains), stormwater runoff flowing lands owned by the Service, the State from irrigated lands, stormwater runoff of California, Sacramento County and conveyed in channels or canals resulting a number of private landowners. Since from the discharge from irrigated lands, infestations of water hyacinth within the and/or operational spills containing waste” Basin have been greatly reduced due to (CVRWQCB-CVR 2006). See “Current past efforts, it is anticipated that a steadily Management Practices: Wetlands” in decreasing quantity of herbicide will be Chapter 3 for a detailed discussion of Refuge needed as the program becomes more of a wetland management practices. maintenance operation. To comply with the monitoring and reporting requirements of Pesticide Use and Toxicity Testing the NPDES General Permit, the Refuge The Service does not propose to do toxicity and SRCSD provide an annual report to the testing of its wetland discharges. All California Regional Water Quality Control pesticide use on the Refuge, is part of an Board summarizing aquatic pesticide Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan applications and the results of water quality and adheres to pesticide label instructions, monitoring for the water hyacinth control Intra-Service Section 7 Consultations under program. the Endangered Species Act, Sacramento County pesticide bulletin protective The Refuge also cooperates with measures for threatened and endangered Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito Vector Control species, buffer requirements and other District (SYMVCD) to mitigate the risk of appropriate best management practices. mosquito borne diseases. See Appendix A, Compatibility Determination for Since the mid-1990s, the Refuge has Monitoring and Control of Mosquitoes collaborated with a number of private, local for detailed information. The SYMVCD and state entities as a participant in the and the Service rely on a full range of
Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan 33 IPM techniques to manage mosquito or other means (e.g., controlled burns, populations, including wetland design grazing, mowing) are used and after review features, water and vegetation management, and approval by management. Most biological control and chemical control of herbicide treatments are a part of long- larval or adult mosquitoes. As a result term habitat restoration and management of IPM practices larvicide applications plans on uplands where treated areas are on the Refuge have been limited to small being restored to native habitat. Except for acreages and adulticides have historically approximately 490 acres of irrigated pasture been used infrequently (i.e., three ground land, Refuge uplands are not irrigated. ultra-low volume applications during 10 years). Largely due to the 2005 detection All applications of herbicides on Refuge of West Nile Virus, the Refuge received uplands occur where there are natural ground ultra-low volume applications of vegetated buffers from aquatic habitats. the adulticide pyrethrin on 18 occasions in Many riparian areas have understory 2005 and six applications to date in 2006. vegetation that minimizes potential drift into Additional applications of adulticides are waterbodies. Also, aerial applications are likely during the remainder of the 2006 not utilized on the Refuge. Applications for season. . upland weeds are typically spot treatments of discrete stands of plants and multiple Since the majority of Refuge uplands are applications on the same acreage in one year not irrigated they do not technically fall are rare . For these reasons the Service under the irrigated lands waiver. The IPM does not propose to do toxicity testing of its methods that the Refuge uses to control wetland discharges. weeds include burning, mowing, discing and application of herbicides including Roundup Pesticide Monitoring (glyphosphate) and 2, 4-D. Multiple The Refuge and SRCSD will continue treatments on the same acreage in one year monitoring of water quality required are rare and are usually spot applications. under the NPDES General Permit for the Also, since these are Refuge uplands, application of aquatic herbicides for the virtually all areas where applications occur water hyacinth control program. Given have vegetated buffers between applications that minimal discharge, if any, occurs and any waterbodies. from the Refuge and that water quality monitoring is already occurring, the Refuge While irrigated agriculture is conducted intends to file as an individual discharger, within the approved Refuge boundary, it is under the Central Valley Regional Water not conducted on lands under the control Quality Control Board’s, Irrigated Lands (i.e., fee title ownership, cooperative Conditional Waiver for water dischargers. management agreement, conservation easement) of the Refuge. While Water Quality is further discussed in participating in a watershed monitoring Chapter 4. coalition group with adjacent irrigated agricultural producers is a possible option, Hydrology discharge from adjacent agricultural lands, The Refuge lies within the Beach-Stone not managed by the Service, is ultimately Lakes Basin in the northeast portion of the responsibility of the discharger. the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. This Basin is within the lower watershed of The Refuge, by policy and mandate, the Morrison Creek drainage, with the is managed utilizing many of the best Sacramento River to the west and the management practices to reduce pesticide Mokelumne and Cosumnes rivers nearby and fertilizer runoff, they are considered to the southeast (Figure 1). The lower the basic elements of good refuge habitat Morrison Creek watershed governs the management. Refuge policy mandates surface water flow patterns over the Refuge. limited use of pesticides only after physical This 180-square-mile system of streams and
34 Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan floodplain originates in eastern Sacramento Snodgrass Slough. Snodgrass Slough County and includes portions of the City of provides a surface hydrologic connection for Sacramento, Morrison, Unionhouse, Laguna, the Basin and the Sacramento-San Joaquin Elk Grove and Elder creeks. Streamflows in Delta near the town of Locke (Jones and these channels are affected by storm runoff, Stokes Associates 1989). Nearly all the springs, urban drainage, groundwater lands within the approved Refuge boundary pumping for irrigation, water supply and are within the 100-year floodplain. diversions and surface storage ponds located throughout the watershed. Waters on the Also see Chapter 4, Hydrology. Refuge are also influenced by the Cosumnes and Mokelumne rivers, especially during Water Supply floods when water from the two rivers backs Water sources available for maintenance up the Southern Pacific Railroad borrow and management of Refuge fish and wildlife canal (SP Cut). habitats and irrigation include: runoff from local sources such as the Morrison Creek The Morrison Creek stream group drains drainage, shallow groundwater and surface a large urban and agricultural watershed flows from Snodgrass Sough. Surface that includes Laguna and, Morrison flows from direct precipitation and surplus creeks and Beach Lake. Many commercial irrigation returns within the Beach-Stone and industrial sources contribute runoff Lakes Basin provide water sources for to Morrison Creek. Most streams are habitats and farming operations adjacent to intermittent and historically dry during the SP Cut. The Basin and SP Cut are also the summer. Today, urbanization and used as a tailwater and stormwater runoff agricultural practices in this watershed have drain for reclamation districts lying to the resulted in low summer flows consisting of west. runoff from irrigation, wastewater flows and agricultural return flows (USFWS 1992). Interception of shallow groundwater is used to sustain habitats and agricultural lands Elevations in the Morrison Creek watershed within the Refuge and the Beach-Stone range from 300 feet above mean sea level Lakes Basin. Due to irrigation withdrawals, (MSL) in the northeast and slope gently there is a groundwater depression in the down to sea level in the Beach-Stone Lakes water table south and east of the Refuge Basin in the southwest. Construction of a area. This groundwater depression creates reclamation district levee before the turn of a gradient away from the Sacramento River the twentieth century divides Upper Beach and locally induces flow from the river across Lake, which extends northeastward under the Refuge area toward the center of the Interstate-5, from Lower Beach Lake. This depression. Therefore, groundwater that is levee directs water draining down Morrison intercepted by channels and wells within the Creek from Upper Beach Lake to an electric Beach-Stone Lakes Basin is likely seeping pump (City Sump 90) that discharges it from the river. directly into the Sacramento River near the town of Freeport. In response to the daily tidal cycle, water levels in Snodgrass Slough and the SP Cut During winter high-flow periods when are influenced by operation of a slide gate Upper Beach Lake rises 3 feet above MSL, and flap gates on the Lambert Road Bridge water overtops the dike dividing Upper flood control structure; diversion of water and Lower Beach Lake and spills into by various upstream users, including the Lower Beach Lake and the Southern Pacific Refuge and operation of the Delta Cross railroad borrow ditch (SP Cut). Water Channel by the California Department then continues south to North Stone Lake, of Water Resources for the State Water Hood-Franklin Road and South Stone Lake; Project. South to north flows of surface passes through the Lambert Road Bridge water occur through the Lambert Road flood control structure; and then enters Bridge flood control structure and these
Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan 35 reverse flows play a substantial role in including owl’s clover (Orthocarpus sustaining the water supply in the Beach- purpurascens), lupine (Lupinus spp.), Stone Lakes Basin. brodiaea (Brodiaea spp.) and many others. This native grassland community, known Biological Resources as valley needlegrass grassland, has been Plant Communities almost completely replaced by annual Vegetation communities are categorized grassland. Remnants of valley needlegrass below as grassland, riparian, woodland grassland occur as small patches, usually or wetland (Figure 5. Vegetation Map). in marginal habitats, such as undisturbed Agricultural crops, vineyards, and urban moist sites and areas protected from grazing developments are only addressed on the or only lightly grazed. Valley needlegrass Vegetation Map. grassland may occur on the Refuge, although no occurrence has been identified. Grasslands. Grasslands on the Refuge Another native perennial grassland that are broken into three categories: annual was once common is the valley wild rye grassland, perennial grassland and irrigated grassland, dominated by creeping wild rye pastures. Grasslands are open habitats and associated with California mugwort supporting grasses and forbs with little or (Artemisia spp.) and stinging nettle (Urtica no woody vegetation. The gently rolling dioica). Patches of this grassland occur on terrain surrounding North Stone Lake the Refuge and are being actively restored. is covered with large areas of annual grasslands mixed with seasonal wetlands. Irrigated Pasture. Irrigated pastures on the Refuge are irrigated and optimally grazed in Annual. Most of the grasslands in the summer months (June through August) California are dominated by annual, to promote and enhance native vegetation. nonnative grasses and forbs as a result of Grazing is monitored to provide a mosaic cultivation, livestock grazing, changes in of habitats, thus increasing biodiversity. fire regimes and other disturbances (Heady Monitoring consists of visual calibration and 1988). Characteristic species include the measuring residual dry matter in pounds dominant species, wild rye (Lolium sp.), per acre. These pastures support a good as well as wild oats (Avena fatua), bromes ratio of forbs (eg., clovers, lupines, poppies (Bromus spp.) and filarees Erodium( spp.). and succulent grasses) to grasses, which Some annual grasslands are interspersed provide valuable forage for white-faced with native perennial grasses and forbs. ibis (Plegadis chihi), geese, black-bellied Restoration and management are a focal plovers (Pluvialis squatarola) and others. part of grassland management for native Currently, irrigated pastures, found on grasses and forbs, such as creeping wild the North Stone Lakes and Gallagher rye and California poppy (Eschscholzia properties, play a valuable role in habitat californica), as well as many other species. and wildlife management. The grazing regime is the primary tool, used by managers, to enhance native grassland Grassland Wildlife. Grassland habitats are species; however, prescribed burning, water important foraging areas for many species. manipulations, mowing and discing are also Less than 1 percent of California’s native utilized. See the section on “Grasslands” grassland remains due mainly to advances under “Current Management” later in this in large-scale irrigation in the 1930s; chapter for more information. therefore, grassland management plays a vital role in contributing to the Refuge Perennial. Before Euroamerican System’s biological integrity, diversity and settlement, most of the Central Valley environmental health. Refuge grassland grassland was dominated by native purple management promotes grasslands at needlegrass (Nassella pulchra). Open varying heights and densities in order to areas between the tussocks of this perennial create a mosaic of grassland habitats at the bunchgrass supported many wildflowers, ecosystem level. Species utilizing grasslands
36 Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan Figure 5. Land Cover
Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge
1 0.5 0 1 Miles
1 0.5 0 1 Kilometers
Land Cover 5 Approved Refuge Boundary Elk Grove Blvd Agricultural Croplands Open Water / Aquatic Bed North Stone Perennial Marsh Lake Cottonwood Willow Riparian Developed Disturbed/Fallow/Bare Land Grasslands
Irrigated Pasture/ Wet Meadow Rd nklin d Fra Managed Permanent Wetland Hoo Managed Seasonal Wetland Mixed Riparian Orchards Riparian Scrub Passive Seasonal Wetland
Upland Forest South Stone Valley Oak Riparian Lake Vernal Pools F
r
a
n
k
l
i Vineyard n B
l v
d
.
Lambert Rd
Land Status Cooperative Agreement Conservation Easement Non-Refuge Lands Owned in Fee Title
104
Twin Cities Rd
1/05 dominated by shorter grasses include Valley. The diversity of plant species and birds of prey such as northern harriers growth forms provide a variety of food and (Circus cyaneus), white-tailed kites (Elanus microhabitat conditions for wildlife. The leucurus), red-shouldered hawks (Buteo unique combination of surface water and lineatus) and Swainson’s hawks; shorebirds groundwater, fertile soils, high nutrient such as the black-bellied plover; wading availability and layered vegetation provide birds such as white-faced ibis, great blue diverse conditions for wildlife. North and herons (Ardea herodias) and great egrets South Stone Lakes support riparian scrub (Ardea alba); tree swallows (Tachycineta and forest habitats along with marshes bicolor), cliff swallows (Petrochelidon dominated by cattail (Typha sp.), tule pyrrhonota), barn swallows (Hirundo (Schoenoplectus acutus var. occidentalis), rustica) and other species of birds. Species smartweed (Polygonum sp.) and seasonal utilizing taller grass habitats include wetlands. Riparian habitat is also supported savannah and white-crowned sparrows along some of the ephemeral swales and (Passerculus sandwichensis, Zonotrichia stream courses found in the Refuge. leucophrys) , western meadowlarks (Sturnella neglecta), California horned Riparian areas are particularly important to larks (Eremophila alpestris), loggerhead migratory wildlife as they provide corridors shrikes (Lanius ludovicianus) as well as along migration routes. It is important to mammals such as coyote (Canis latrans), maintain the integrity and continuity of deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus), riparian corridors which provide nesting and pocket gophers (Thomomys bottae), foraging habitat and shelter from inclement black tailed hares (Lepus californicus), weather and predation. For these reasons, California voles (Microtus californicus) and riparian restoration and management is a California ground squirrels (Spermophilus vital part of the Refuge’s habitat and wildlife beecheyi). Since species often utilize more management. Three types of riparian than one habitat type, the aforementioned forests occur on the Refuge: cottonwood, habitats and their associated species are mixed, and valley oak (Quercus lobata). Riparian forests generalizations. Mature riparian forests are diverse, support the multilayered communities associated with densest and most Riparian Forest. Riparian forests occasional to frequent flooding and perennial diverse wildlife support the densest and most diverse subsurface water. communities in the wildlife communities in the Sacramento Sacramento Valley. Photo by USFWS Cottonwood Riparian Forest. Cottonwood riparian forests occur along perennial streams where inundation occurs every spring. The forest canopy is dominated by Fremont cottonwood (Populus fremontii) and Goodding’s willow (Salix gooddingii) typically draped with California grape vines (Vitis californica). The understory often supports California box elder (Acer negundo var. californicum), California blackberry (Rubus ursinus), white-stemmed raspberry (Rubus leucodermis), buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) and blue elderberry (Sambucus mexicana).
Mixed Riparian Forest. Mixed riparian forests occur in areas where the floodwater inundation occurs more often and for longer periods of time than valley oak and less often and for shorter duration than cottonwood.
38 Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan Canopy dominants include Fremont cottonwood, valley oak, Goodding’s willow, red willow (Salix laevigata), yellow willow (Salix lucida), California black walnut (Juglans hindsii) and California sycamore (Platanus racemosa). Common understory dominants include California box elder, Oregon ash (Fraxinus latifolia), poison oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum) and buttonbush. California grape envelops trees and shrubs in this area, giving this forest a jungle-like appearance.
Valley Oak Riparian Forest. The highest portion of the floodplain with the least frequent inundation supports the valley oak riparian forest. Valley oak riparian forest persists in well-drained soils which are not extensive within the Refuge boundary. The dense forest canopy is dominated by valley The highest portion oak with associated tree species of Oregon dominated by cattail, tule and smartweed of the floodplain ash, California sycamore, and California along with seasonal wetlands. The most with the least black walnut. The understory typically extensive areas of freshwater marsh frequent inundation supports annual grasses, however, moister and aquatic bed vegetations in southern supports valley oak soils support vines and shrubs, such as Sacramento County are at South Stone dominated riparian poison oak, California blackberry and wild Lake. forest, shown being rose (Rosa californica). restored above with Perennial. Shallow, perennial wetland the active support of Valley Oak Woodland. Scattered valley vegetation consists primarily of cattails, volunteers from the oaks form woodland and savanna habitats on tules, cottonwood, willow, sedges (Carex Sacramento Tree deep, well-drained alluvial soils. Typically spp.) and rushes (Juncus spp., Scirpus Foundation. the valley oak is the only tree found in this spp.). The vegetation varies in regards to Photo by USFWS community. The understory is usually the presence of tules and cattails, both of annual grassland, but moister sites support which require more saturated conditions shrubs, such as poison oak and wild rose. than most seasonal wetlands provide. Valley oak woodland is often transitional Conversely, wetlands also vary in regards to between valley oak riparian forest and valley watergrass (Echinochloa crus-galli), swamp oak savanna. Valley oak woodlands are not timothy (Crypsis schoenoides) and annual prominent on the Refuge because of a lack of smartweed (indicative of seasonal wetlands), appropriate soils and elevations to support which require seasonal irrigation, as their growth; however, valley oak woodland opposed to frequent or constant inundation. can be found on the Beach Lake Unit. Seasonal. Seasonal wetland vegetation Wetlands. Two wetland vegetation types on the Refuge is usually considered occur on the Refuge: perennial and seasonal. transitional between perennial wetlands and Seasonal vegetation can be divided into vernal pools. Seasonal wetland vegetation two categories, vernal pools and seasonal consists primarily of watergrass, swamp vegetation in actively managed wetland timothy, annual smartweed, curly dock units or cells. Refuge wetlands are managed (Rumex crispus), cocklebur (Xanthium to maintain and enhance biodiversity, strumarium), sedges and rushes. Seasonal particularly for waterbirds, reptiles, wetlands are managed to promote vegetation amphibians and invertebrates. North that has relatively higher food value for and South Stone Lakes support wetlands migratory waterbirds, as well as to provide
Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan 39 cover and substrate Preserve Unit is owned in fee title by AKT for birds, mammals, Development Corporation and managed by reptiles, amphibians the Refuge under a conservation easement. and invertebrates. Cattle grazing and prescribed fire are the Vernal Pools. Vernal primary management tools for maintaining pools are ephemeral and enhancing vernal pools with grazing or seasonal considered most beneficial for vernal pool shallow pools with plants, invertebrates and amphibians an underlying (J. Marty, TNC, pers. comm.). Primary impervious layer. benefits of grazing come from phytomass The pools fill with removal and trampling of nonnative invasive rain water in the annual grasses and other weeds in the pool winter and retain margins and surrounding uplands. If left water through the unchecked, these non-native plant species spring until they competitively exclude native vernal pool evaporate due to plants, especially around pool margins; the Central Valley’s reduce the inundation period of the pool intense summer which increases evapotranspiration; heat. There are promote the grow of algae, which appears over 150 plant to negatively affect vernal pool crustaceans; species associated and can inhibit the overland migration of The most extensive with similar vernal vernal pool-breeding amphibians (Robins areas of freshwater pool habitat on the nearby Cosumnes River 2002). In addition to discouraging nonnative marsh and aquatic Preserve and 90 percent of the plants are grasses, cattle also compact the soil to where bed vegetations native with more than half of them being grazed vernal pools hold water an average of in southern endemic. Plants and animals associated 50 days longer than un-grazed vernal pools. Sacramento County with vernal pools are adapted to the unique This enhanced water retention capability are at South Stone environment of vernal pools. For example, also provides benefits for plant and wildlife Lake, on the Refuge. orcutt grasses (Orcuttia spp.) have a species. The Wetland Preserve Unit of the Photo by USFWS submerged vegetative phase with floating Refuge is managed by the Service under leaves. As the pools dry, a terrestrial phase conservation easement. Refuge staff are emerges. Typical vernal pool species include in the process of developing a grazing downingia (Downingia spp.), Sacramento management plan in cooperation with the and pilose orcutt grass (Orcuttia landowner that will protect vernal pool and viscida, Orcuttia pilosa), popcorn flower other seasonal wetland habitats on the unit. (Plagiobothrys spp.), goldfield Lasthenia( spp.), vernal pool tadpole shrimp (Lepidurus Wildlife packardi), fairy shrimp (Branchinecta The diverse vegetation of the Beach-Stone lynchi), California tiger salamander Lakes Basin provides habitat for a range (Ambystoma californiense), western toad of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians (Bufo boreas) and the western spadefoot and invertebrates. Wildlife can be found toad (Spea hammondii), although some of on all units of the Refuge. North and South these species can also be found in some of Stone Lakes are especially important the seasonal wetland units. The majority wildlife habitat areas because of the (98 percent) of the Refuge vernal pools can combination of grasslands, extensive be found on the Wetland Preserve Unit, riparian forest, seasonal and perennial with the rest found on the Beach Lake Unit. wetlands and open water they support. A Barely 12 percent of the vernal pools located survey of North Stone Lake reported three on the Refuge are naturally occurring; amphibian species, eight reptile species, the remainder have been created over the 101 bird species and 23 mammal species last 14 years as mitigation for vernal pool (USFWS 1992). The same survey also losses due to development. The Wetland reported finding active nesting sites of
40 Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan 52 great egrets, 49 great blue herons, 61 wildlife that forage near, in or over water, black-crowned night-herons (Nycticorax such as beavers (Castor canadensisis), nycticorax), 20 snowy egrets (Egretta river otters (Lutra canadensis) and bats. thula), and 17 double-crested cormorants Riparian scrub provides cover and forage (Phalacrocorax auritus). for California ground squirrels. Beavers preferentially feed on young cottonwood South Stone Lake is rich in riparian and shoots and many small mammals feed on wetland habitats supporting a diversity willow seeds. Bramble thickets offer escape of amphibian, reptile, bird and mammal cover to desert cottontails and black-tailed species. Two waterfowl hunt clubs were hares. Aquatic areas near riparian scrub operated on the lake for many years prior habitats provide foraging habitats for to establishment as a refuge. However, carnivores and omnivores, such as river hunting success has declined substantially otters and gray foxes. Ground insectivores during the last three decades. The primary that inhabit riparian scrub include broad- waterfowl species likely to be encountered footed moles (Scapanus latimanus). at South Stone Lake are mallard (Anas Striped skunks also prey on other small platyrhynchos), American wigeon (Anas animals using the riparian scrub. americana), green-winged teal (Anas crecca) and occasionally, northern pintail Perennial wetlands support river otters, (USFWS 1992). muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus) and beavers. Upland species, such as black-tailed hares Mammals. Grassland habitats support and desert cottontails, take cover and forage small prey species, such as deer mice, at the margins of wetland habitats. California voles, pocket gophers, California ground squirrels, desert cottontails Birds. Over 200 bird species have been (Sylvilagus auduboni) and black-tailed sighted at in the Beach-Stone Lakes Basin hares. Ungrazed grasslands with dense (USFWS 2003a). About 90 species are cover typically support more wildlife confirmed to have nested on the Refuge. species than do grazed pastures or These species include numerous waterbirds, disturbed grasslands and some species songbirds, and raptors. For a detailed list of prefer ungrazed pastures, such as badgers birds see Appendix C. (Taxidea taxus), black-tailed hares, coyotes and California ground squirrels. Refuge grasslands are important foraging areas for many birds of prey, such as black- Valley oak woodlands supply acorns shouldered (white-tailed) kites, red-tailed for western gray squirrels (Sciurus hawks (Buteo jamaicensis), Swainson’s griseus) and black tailed deer (Odocoileus hawks, red-shouldered hawks, northern hemionus), which depend on the acorns as a harriers, golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos), critical autumn food source. Riparian forest American kestrels (Falco sparverius), and scrub provide habitats for many of the prairie falcons (Falco mexicanus), great same species as the valley oak woodlands. horned owls (Bubo virginianus) and barn Mature cottonwood, Goodding’s willow and owls (Tyto alba). Songbirds forage in valley oak trees provide habitat for cavity- grassland habitats, including loggerhead nesting species, such as bats, western gray shrikes, yellow-billed magpies (Pica squirrels, raccoons (Procyon lotor) and nuttalli), horned larks, water pipits ringtails (Bassariscus astutus). Riparian (Anthus rubescens), western bluebirds understory plants, such as California grape, (Sialia mexicana), savannah sparrows blackberry and elderberry, supply food and a variety of swallow species. A few sources for Virginia opossum (Didelphis birds nest in grasslands, such as killdeer virginiana), raccoon, striped skunk (Charadrius vociferous), ring-necked (Mephitis mephitis) and gray fox (Urocyon pheasants (Phasianus colchicus), northern cinereoargenteus). As with birds, narrow harriers, western kingbirds (Tyrannus and discontinuous riparian areas favor verticalis) and western meadowlarks.
Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan 41 (Salix spp.) and valley oak trees of riparian vegetation provide nesting support for large birds, such as hawks, owls, American crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos), great egrets and great blue herons. Cavity nesting birds, such as woodpecker species and wood ducks (Aix sponsa), require mature stands. Dense understory consisting of blackberry (Rubus spp.), raspberry (Rubus spp.), California grape and Pastures on elderberry produce the Refuge and Ungrazed grasslands with dense cover important food for wildlife. Common nearby farmland typically support more wildlife species birds that depend on the nectar, fruits, and may represent an than do grazed pastures or disturbed seeds of riparian plants include California important stopover grasslands. However, some bird species towhees (Pipilo crissalis), spotted towhees point for geese prefer grazed pastures, such as burrowing (Pipilo maculatus), Anna’s hummingbirds during spring owls (Athene cunicularia), mourning doves (Calypte anna) and black-headed grosbeaks migration; Canada, (Zenaida macroura), Brewer’s blackbirds (Pheucticus melanocephalus). snow, white-fronted, (Euphagus cyanocephalus), turkey vultures and Ross’ geese are (Cathartes aura), red-tailed hawks, black- The high quality riparian vegetation on regularly observed shouldered kites, ring-necked pheasants the Refuge provides excellent habitat for on Refuge pastures and yellow-billed magpies. Pastures on neotropical migrants. The riparian and and waterbodies the Refuge and nearby farmland may valley oak woodland vegetation supports during spring. represent an important stopover point for an abundance of insect prey that sustain Photo by USFWS geese during spring migration; more than a high diversity and density of migratory 1,500 white-fronted geese (Anser albifrons) and resident birds, including western were observed on pasture near Hood- flycatchers Empidonax( difficilis), Franklin Road in the late 1970s (USFWS yellow warblers (Dendroica petechia), 1992) and large numbers continue to use MacGillivray’s warblers (Oporornis tolmiei) grasslands adjacent to North Stone Lake. and song sparrows (Melospiza melodia). Canada (Branta canadensis), snow (Chen Habitat destruction and nest parasitism caerulescens) and Ross’ (Chen rossii) geese by nonnative brown-headed cowbirds are also observed on Refuge pastures (Molothrus ater) may be primary causes of and waterbodies regularly during spring. bird decline on the Refuge (USFWS 1992). Except for some species such as robins, Insectivorous species that have dramatically blackbirds, and mourning doves, vineyards declined or been eliminated from the Central provide virtually no suitable bird habitat, Valley’s nesting avifauna, but have been while orchards can provide some nesting seen on the Refuge, include: yellow-billed habitat for birds of prey and food and cover cuckoos (Coccyzus americanus), willow for other birds and mammals. flycatchers Empidonax( spp.), yellow
The mature Fremont cottonwood, willow
42 Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan warblers, yellow-breasted chats (Icteria red-tailed hawks and black-shouldered kites virens) and blue grosbeaks (Passerina use valley oak woodlands as habitat because caerulea). Some riparian areas are narrow they require sturdy nesting sites with and discontinuous and favor wildlife open canopy for easy access. Great blue species that forage in adjacent grassland heron and great egret maintain important or agricultural fields, including black- rookeries in the valley oak woodlands near shouldered kites, American kestrels and North Stone Lake and near Black Crown western kingbirds. Riparian areas also Lake on the Bufferlands Unit. provide perches and cover for species that forage in or over water, such as double- Perennial wetlands provide habitat for a crested cormorants, green-backed herons variety of species, including pied-billed (Butorides virescens), belted kingfishers grebe (Podilymbus podiceps), American (Ceryle alcyon), black phoebes (Sayornis bitterns (Botaurus lentiginosus), American nigricans) and violet-green swallows coots (Fulica Americana) and Virginia rails (Tachycineta thalassina). Riparian scrub (Rallus limicola). Upland species, such provides cover and forage for California as ring-necked pheasants and California (valley) quail (Callipepla californica), ring- quail, take cover and forage at the margins necked pheasants, American goldfinches of wetland habitats. Diving and dabbling (Carduelis tristis), lesser goldfinches ducks and other aquatic birds also use the (Carduelis psaltria) and California towhees. perennial wetlands of North and South Bramble thickets provide potential nesting Stone Lakes and the Bufferlands; however, habitat for tri-colored blackbirds (Agelaius most wintering waterbirds depend on the tricolor). Aquatic areas near riparian seasonal wetlands. scrub habitats provide foraging habitats for ground insectivores, such as killdeer, Waterbirds that make extensive use of spotted sandpipers (Actitis macularius) and the managed wetlands at North Stone western kingbirds. Lake and the Bufferlands include grebes, herons, egrets, pelicans, cormorants, rails, Valley oak woodlands provide shade, shelter cranes, plovers and other waterbird species and nesting habitat for many bird species, (USFWS 1992). Flooded pastures and including various woodpecker species and croplands and other seasonal wetlands other cavity-nesting birds, such as American provide foraging and roosting habitat kestrels, western screech owls (Megascops for thousands of shorebirds migrating kennicottii), white-breasted nuthatches along the Pacific Flyway. For example, (Sitta carolinensis) and western bluebirds. 4,090 shorebirds and 4,440 waterbirds Acorns are an important food source for were observed at Upper Beach Lake in a many species, including acorn woodpeckers single survey on April 28, 1990 (USFWS (Melanerpes formicivorus), valley quail, 1992). A DFG aerial survey conducted in northern flickers Colaptes( auratus) and February 1972 recorded 5,750 waterfowl scrub jays (Aphelocoma californica). in the Beach-Stone Lakes basin. As many Valley oak foliage and bark attract insects as 15,000 waterfowl were observed on that are eaten by ash-throated flycatchers other surveys (USFWS 1992). Dominant (Myiarchus cinerascens), plain titmice waterfowl species included tundra swans (Baeolophus inornatus), white-breasted (Cygnus columbianus), snow geese, white- nuthatches and northern orioles (Icterus fronted geese, Canada geese, mallards, galbula). Valley oak woodlands provide northern pintails, northern shovelers (Anas the best habitat on the Refuge for aerial- clypeata), cinnamon teal (Anas cyanoptera), foraging species, such as acorn woodpeckers, green-winged teal, wood ducks and ruddy ash-throated flycatchers and western ducks (Oxyura jamaicensis). The Service wood-pewees (Contopus sordidulus). This also collected data on waterbird abundance habitat also offers perch sites for ground in the Beach-Stone Lakes basin during foraging species, such as western bluebirds January through March in 1982 and 1983. and northern flickers. Swainson’s hawks, The basin supported two million annual
Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan 43 and associated invertebrates in aquatic beds associated with open water. Fisheries in open waters of Beach Lake, and North and South Stone Lakes provide an important food source for fish eating species, including American white pelicans (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) and double-crested cormorants. In addition, double-crested cormorants nest at North Stone Lake (USFWS 1992).
Reptiles and Amphibians. Reptiles and amphibians can be found among the various habitat types on the Refuge. Common reptiles and amphibians on the Refuge include Pacific treefrogs Hyla( regilla), bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana), western pond turtles (Clemmys marmorata), pond slider turtles (Trachemys scripta), western fence lizards (Sceloporus occidentalis), western terrestrial garter snakes (Thamnophis elegans elegans) and gopher snakes (Pituophis catenifer). Suitable habitat exists for the federally- threatened giant garter snake along Refuge grassland sparsely vegetated lakes, sloughs and habitats commonly wetlands. Refuge grassland habitats support reptiles like bird use days (one bird present for one commonly support gopher snakes, common this rehabilitated day); of these 1.2 million were waterfowl garter snakes (Thamnophis sirtalis), gopher snake, shown (USFWS 1992). Based on the observations California kingsnakes (Lampropeltis being released onto of local landowners and data collected by getulus californiae), western fence lizards the Refuge. the Service, DFG and Ducks Unlimited, the and western toads. Valley oak woodland Photo by USFWS Refuge appears to be most important as a reptiles observed at North Stone Lake feeding and resting area for waterfowl in include western fence lizards, California the early spring rather than an important alligator lizards (Elgaria multicarinata overwintering area. North and South Stone multicarinata), western yellow-bellied Lakes have the potential to be managed racers (Coluber mormon), Pacific gopher as waterfowl breeding and nesting areas snakes, California kingsnakes and common during the spring and summer (USFWS garter snakes. Amphibians have also been 1992). Other wetland obligate bird species seen in the valley oak woodlands at North include common yellowthroats (Geothlypis Stone Lake, including bullfrogs, western trichas), red-winged blackbirds (Agelaius toads and Pacific treefrogs. Reptiles seen phoeniceus) and marsh wrens (Cistothorus in the riparian scrub include the ground palustris). insectivorous western fence lizard and the predatory gopher snake. Perennial wetland Open water portions of the Refuge’s lakes, habitat provides breeding and foraging ponds and sloughs offer roosting habitat habitat for common garter snakes, Pacific for waterbirds, such as pied-billed grebes, treefrogs and bullfrogs. This habitat also eared grebes (Podiceps nigricollis), common has the potential to provide habitat for the moorhens (Gallinula chloropus), American giant garter snake. When standing water coots and a variety of waterfowl species. is available, amphibians such as California Diving and dabbling ducks and other water tiger salamanders, western toads and Pacific birds forage on submerged aquatic plants treefrogs use vernal pools for egg laying and
44 Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan for the development of their young. lakes. A total of 22 fish species have been documented from Bufferlands waterbodies. Fish. Fish are found in all bodies of water Meadowlark Lake comprises 19 acres of on the Refuge, including North and South permanent water and was created as a Stone Lakes. Various surveys done from borrow pit for construction of Interstate- 1992 to present have yielded 30 species on 5. It is filled each winter from overflows of the Refuge (See Appendix D, Fish Species Morrison and Laguna creeks and has steep Found on Stone Lakes NWR). Only banks with almost no vegetation. Black five of the species observed, Sacramento Crown Lake covers 28 acres and is very blackfish Orthodon( microlepidotus), prickly similar in nature and origin to Meadowlark sculpin (Cottus asper), hardhead minnow Lake. However, it has some vegetation for (Mylopharodon conocephalus), California cover and shade, is connected to Morrison roach (Hesperoleucus symmetricus) and Creek, and has a more stable water level sculpin are California natives. Common in summer. Nineteen and 21 species of fish fish on the Refuge include mosquito fish, have been documented from Meadowlark threadfin shad Dorosoma( petenense), black and Black Crown lakes, respectively. crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus), redear Nicolaus Pond is an 8 acre pond, fed with sunfish Lepomis( microlophus), catfish water from a leased aquaculture facility on (Ictalurus spp.), largemouth bass, carp the Bufferlands. The banks are gradual (Cyprinus carpio) and common bluegill and contain some grassy areas and some (Lepomis macrochirus) (D. Vanicek , CSUS, emergent vegetation. Five species of fish 1999, B. Treiterer, USFWS, pers. comm.). have been found in this pond. Fishhead Other introduced species include silverside Lake was created as part of a wetland (Menidia beryllina) and shrimp species. mitigation project. The lake consists of 13.5 While many problems are associated with acres of permanent water with an additional introduced fishes, they have a value for 30.5 acres of seasonal water. Tailwater from sportfishing (largemouth bass, catfish, etc.), Laguna Creek Fish Farm feeds the lake controlling mosquitoes (Gambusia spp.), and almost year round. The banks are steep, but as forage for other fish and wildlife. stable water levels have allowed emergent vegetation to become established. The lake North and South Stone Lakes are best contains 18 species of fish. The 6.2-acre Lost described as shallow and eutrophic, Lake was formed from an abandoned gravel characterized by enriched dissolved nutrient mining operation. Most of the lake is about levels (such as phosphates) that stimulate ten feet deep and steep sided. Five species growth of aquatic plants and algae. As have been found in Lost Lake. the abundant plants and algae decay the dissolved oxygen levels are reduced by About 16,000 lineal feet of Laguna Creek microbial blooms. Due to the abundant passes through the Bufferlands. It is not plankton, these lakes are dominated by channelized and appears to be high quality planktivorous (plankton-eating) fish. The fish habitat. The upper sections have food chain is stimulated by nutrients from gentle slopes and large patches of emergent abundant bird use, which helps produce vegetation while the lower sections are lined the dense phytoplankton population. The with mature riparian trees. A total of 14 phytoplankton in turn support a large species of fish have been found in the creek. zooplankton population, which supports the A 15,000 lineal foot section of Morrison fish. Piscivorous (fish-eating) fish are not Creek runs through the Bufferlands and abundant in the lakes. The SP cut is less receives most of its summer water from turbid than the lakes and contains fewer Sacramento storm drains. Fish kills have planktivorous fish. been observed here in the past, possibly a consequence of impaired water quality. Aquatic habitats occurring on the Above its confluence with Laguna Creek, Bufferlands of the SRWTP consist of Morrison Creek is highly channelized Laguna and Morrison creeks and five and appears to have little high quality
Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan 45 fish habitat. Some stretches of bank are vernal pools with clear to tea-colored water, vegetated; however, most banks are steep most commonly in grass or mud-bottomed and bare when water levels recede during swales, or basalt flow depression pools the summer. In summer, large patches in unplowed grasslands. They also may of floating water primrose Ludwigia( exist in alkaline vernal pools. The water peploides) sometimes cover the entire in pools inhabited by this species has low surface of the creek. Past the confluence, total dissolved solids, low conductivity, low the banks are lined with riparian trees alkalinity and low chloride. Fairy shrimp offering a higher degree of cover. Ten feed on algae, bacteria, protozoa, rotifers species of fish have been found in Morrison and bits of detritus (USFWS 1994). Creek. The primary threats to vernal pool fairy Invertebrates. There has been no shrimp are the loss and alteration of habitat comprehensive invertebrate survey due to urban and agricultural development conducted at the Refuge. However, and random extinction by virtue of the small some surveys occasionally conducted by isolated nature of the remaining population. SYVCMD and refuge staff have found that aquatic vertebrates, such as grass shrimp, Vernal pools are found on the Wetland Louisiana swamp crayfish, clam shrimp Preserve and Beach Lake units. Vernal pool (Cyzicus californicus), Odonata larvae fairy shrimp have been documented within (dragon and damselfly), Notonectiday larvae vernal pools on the Wetland Preserve Unit. (backswimmers), cladocerans, copepods and water beetles (Corixidae larvae), inhabit Vernal pool tadpole shrimp (Lepidurus seasonal and permanent wetlands and also packardi). The vernal pool tadpole shrimp the vernal pools. is an ESA listed endangered species. Vernal pool tadpole shrimp are primarily benthic Vernal pools are located on the Wetland (living on the bottoms of the pools) animals Preserve, North Stone Lake and Beach that swim with their legs down. Vernal Lake units of the Refuge. Please see the pool tadpole shrimp climb or scramble over description of vernal pool fairy shrimp and objects, and plow along bottom sediments vernal pool tadpole shrimp below. Two as they forage for food. Their diet consists species of fairy shrimp, the vernal pool fairy of organic detritus and living organisms, shrimp and the vernal pool tadpole shrimp, such as fairy shrimp and other invertebrates have been identified in the pools. (USFWS 2003c). Females disperse fully developed cysts into the pool, where the Special Status Species cysts are then deposited into the sediment. Stone Lakes provides or has the potential Vernal pool tadpole shrimp pass the summer to provide habitat for Federal Endangered months as dormant cysts in the soil. Some of Species Act (ESA) and California the cysts hatch as the vernal pools are filled Endangered Species Act (CESA) threatened with rainwater in the next or subsequent and endangered species. seasons, while other cysts may remain dormant in the soil for many years. When Federally-listed Species winter rains refill inhabited pools, tadpole Vernal pool fairy shrimp (Branchinecta shrimp reestablish from dormant cysts and lynchi). The vernal pool fairy shrimp is can become sexually mature within three an ESA listed threatened species and is a to four weeks of hatching (Ahl 1991; Helm small (0.4 inches to 1.0 inch long) crustacean 1998). The tadpole shrimp will continue to with a delicate elongate body, large stalked grow as long as their vernal pool habitat compound eyes and 11 pairs of swimming remains inundated, in some cases for six legs. This species is endemic to vernal pool months or longer. They periodically shed habitats in California and southwestern their shells, which can often be found along Oregon (USFWS 1994). the edges of vernal pools where vernal pool tadpole shrimp occur. Mature vernal pool Vernal pool fairy shrimp typically inhabit
46 Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan tadpole shrimp range from 0.6 to 3.4 inches and their tributaries. Over 95 percent of in length. Mature adults may be present in our riparian forests have been cleared in pools until the habitats dry up in the spring the past century for agricultural, as well (USFWS 2003c). as urban and suburban, and development uses (Smithsonian Zoological Park). The Tadpole shrimp can be found in California’s wood from these forests has also been used Central Valley and the San Francisco Bay extensively as fuel and building materials. area. The geographic range of this species Additionally, extensive use of pesticides, includes disjunct occurrences in the Central grazing and other mismanagement have Valley, from Shasta County to northern severely degraded otherwise undisturbed Tulare County and in the Central Coast patches of riparian habitat. Range from Solano County to Alameda County. The primary threats to vernal There are no documented sightings of the pool tadpole shrimp are the same as for the VELB or of any exit holes on the Refuge. vernal pool fairy shrimp. However, elderberry trees of appropriate size can be found on the Beach Lake Vernal pools can be found on the Wetland Unit. New elderberry shrubs planted for Preserve and Beach Lake units. Vernal mitigation on the South Stone Lake Unit are pool tadpole shrimp have been documented expected to reach the appropriate size for within vernal pools on the Wetland Preserve VELB habitat in the future. Unit. Giant garter snake (Thamnophis gigas). Valley elderberry longhorn beetle The giant garter snake is an ESA listed (Desmocerus californicus dimorphus, threatened species. Historically, the range VELB). The valley elderberry longhorn of this snake was the San Joaquin Valley beetle is an ESA listed threatened species. from the vicinity of Sacramento and Antioch The VELB is a medium-sized beetle, southward to Buena Vista and the Tulare typically about two cm long. Lake Basin (CDFG 2000). The current distribution extends from near Chico to The VELB is associated with elderberry Fresno County. This species is one of the trees (Sambucus spp.) during its entire life most aquatic garter snakes and is usually cycle. The adults emerge from pupation found in areas of freshwater marsh and low inside the wood of these trees in the spring gradient streams. Permanent wetlands as their flowers begin to open. The exit are especially important as they provide holes made by the emerging adults are habitat over the summer and early fall when distinctive small oval openings. Often these seasonal wetlands are dry. Although the holes are the only detectable clue that the snake is absent from larger rivers (such beetles occur in an area. The adults feed on as the Sacramento River), it has adapted elderberry foliage until about June, when to human made habitats, such as drainage they mate. The females lay eggs in crevices canals and irrigation ditches, especially in the bark. Upon hatching, the larvae begin those associated with rice farming. Riparian to tunnel into the tree where they will spend woodlands do not provide suitable habitat one to two years eating the interior wood, because of excessive shade and inadequate which is their sole food source. prey resources (USFWS 1993).
The elderberry tree is associated with Generally quite aquatic, these garter snakes riparian forests which occur along rivers forage primarily in and along streams, and streams. Historically the VELB taking fish, amphibians and amphibian ranged throughout the Central Valley; larvae (Fitch 1941). Most current food however, recent surveys have revealed the sources may be introduced species, such as VELB to persist only in scattered localities carp, mosquito fish, and bullfrogs, because along the Sacramento, American, San the native prey such as blackfish, thick-tailed Joaquin, Kings, Kaweah and Tule rivers chub (Gila crassicauda) and red-legged
Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan 47 frog (Rana aurora draytoni) are no longer cranes; over 61 percent of the Central Valley available (Rossman et al. 1996). Courtship population has been recorded on the Delta and mating normally occur soon after spring (Ivey and Herziger 2001). emergence. Young are born alive between mid-July and early September, usually in Historically, greater sandhill cranes were secluded sites, such as under the loose bark fairly common breeders on California’s of rotting logs or in dense vegetation near northeastern plateau (Grinnell and Miller pond or stream margins. 1944). The greater sandhill crane is now reduced greatly in numbers and breeds The giant garter snake is now very scarce only in Siskiyou, Modoc, Lassen, Plumas throughout its range in the Central Valley. and Sierra counties (James 1977; Remsen Populations have been eliminated or 1978; McCaskie et al. 1979). The subspecies decimated by the elimination of natural winters primarily in the Sacramento and sloughs and marshy areas. Heavy use of San Joaquin Valleys (Grinnell and Miller pesticides is also suspected as a contributing 1944) but can also be found near Brawley in factor in the decline of this once abundant Imperial County and Blythe, in Riverside garter snake. Fortunately, protection of County (Garrett and Dunn 1981), along with waterfowl habitat may allow it to survive in a lesser sandhill cranes. Greater sandhill small portion of its original range. cranes formerly wintered more commonly in Southern California, but have declined The giant garter snake was last documented greatly there and throughout their range. on the Refuge 14 years ago in 1992 at Beach They are extremely rare outside of their Lake. The species is presumed to be present known wintering grounds except while throughout the Refuge where suitable migrating over interior California. There habitat exists (Wylie 1997). The Refuge lies have been a few coastal sightings from within the Sacramento Basin subpopulation Marin County southward, but there are no of the giant garter snake. records from offshore islands.
Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus). The Refuge’s wintering cranes migrate The bald eagle has suffered from habitat southward from the northeast in September destruction and degradation, illegal shooting and October and northward in March and and contamination of its food source, most April. Cranes travel in great flocks, both notably due to the pesticide DDT. The day and night, with stops only for short bald eagle is listed as an ESA threatened periods to feed and rest. Migration is rapid and CESA endangered species. Although and direct. In winter, cranes frequent dry there have been no documented sightings grasslands and croplands especially near of the bald eagle on the Refuge, (DFG 2004) open and emergent wetlands (Grinnell habitat exists for them on the Refuge. and Miller 1944), although they may also feeds on dry plains far from water. When State-Listed Species foraging, cranes prefer open treeless short Greater sandhill crane. The greater sandhill grass plains, grain fields and open wetlands crane is a CESA listed threatened species. where predators can be easily seen (Grinnell The Refuge and adjacent public and private and Miller 1944, Cogswell 1977). They feed lands provide habitat for greater and lesser mostly on cereal crops (e.g., newly planted sandhill (Grus canadensis canadensis) or harvested) and will also consume grasses cranes. The California Central Valley and forbs. Cranes also use their long bills to provides wintering habitat for 6,000 – 6,800 probe in soil for roots, tubers, seeds, grains, cranes, nearly 14 percent of the world’s earthworms and insects. Larger prey, such total population of greater sandhill cranes as mice, small birds, snakes, frogs, and (Pacific Flyway Council 1997). The San crayfish, are also taken (Terres 1980; Eckert Joaquin-Sacramento Delta is one of the two and Karalus 1981). Fruits and berries are most important winter use areas for the eaten if available (Eckert and Karalus 1981). Central Valley population of greater sandhill Grazing can be detrimental to sandhill
48 Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan crane, when they are nesting and fledging (Littlefield and Ivey 2002), however nesting is not known to occur on the Refuge.
Cranes roost at night in flocks standing in moist fields or in shallow water (Terres 1980). They also roost in expansive, dry grasslands, island sites, and wide sandbars (Johnsgard 1975; Eckert and Karalus 1981).
In California, sandhill cranes establish nesting territories in wet meadows that are often interspersed with emergent marsh habitat. The last statewide breeding population study in California was conducted in 1988. The breeding population in California was estimated to be 276 pairs. Favorable roost sites and an abundance of cereal grain crops characterize the cranes’ preferred Central Valley wintering ground. Rice is used extensively by cranes When foraging, near the Butte Sink area of Butte County lands that are not managed by the Refuge greater sandhill and corn is the principal food source at but are within the approved refuge cranes prefer open most other Central Valley wintering areas, boundary. In general, a mix of greater and treeless short grass particularly in the Sacramento-San Joaquin lesser sandhill cranes can be found south plains, grain fields Delta near Lodi in San Joaquin County. of Hood-Franklin Road, with only greater and open wetlands Irrigated pastures are chosen for resting sandhill cranes occurring north of Hood- where predators can sites throughout the wintering ground. A Franklin Road. be easily seen. key requirement of wintering habitat is a Photo by USFWS communal roost site consisting of an open Swainson’s hawk (Buteo swainsoni). expanse of shallow water (CDFG 2000). The Swainson’s hawk is a State-listed threatened species. The Swainson’s hawk Currently, the estimate for greater sandhill is an uncommon breeding resident in the cranes within their Pacific Flyway range is Central Valley (Polite 2000). Swainson’s between 5,000 and 6,000 individuals. This hawks breeding in the Central Valley appear species continues to experience threats on to winter in Mexico and Columbia (CDFG both wintering and breeding grounds by 2001). Bloom (1980) estimated 110 nesting agricultural and residential conversion of pairs, and a total of 375 pairs in California habitat, predation, human disturbance and (Polite 2000). The diet of the Swainson’s collisions with power lines (CDFG 2000). hawk is varied, although its staple in the Central Valley is the California vole, Surveys indicate 300-350 greater sandhill augmented with a variety of bird and insect cranes feed, roost and loaf on the Refuge species. Over 85 percent of Swainson’s during the winter season. The cranes roost hawk territories in the Central Valley are and forage in managed impoundments, in riparian systems adjacent to suitable pastureland, and other agricultural land foraging habitats. Swainson’s hawks often throughout and adjacent to the Refuge. nest peripherally to riparian systems of Cranes are commonly seen on irrigated the valley, as well as within lone trees or pastures on the South Stone Lake Unit and groves of trees in agricultural fields. Valley on the grasslands of North Stone Lake and oak, Fremont cottonwood, walnut and large the Wetland Preserve Unit. They can also willow are the most commonly used nest be found on the Whitney (in the southeast trees in the Central Valley, each with an corner) and Zacharias Island properties, average mature height of about 58 feet,
Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan 49 and ranging from are, in part, caused by loss of nesting 41 to 82 feet tall. habitat (Polite 2000). Converting Swainson’s hawks compatible agricultural lands to residential require large, open and commercial developments and grasslands with noncompatible agricultural activities are abundant prey in a serious threat to Swainson’s hawks association with throughout California (CDFG 2000). suitable nest trees. Swainson’s hawks have been seen on nearly Suitable foraging the entire Refuge (B. Treiterer, USFWS, areas include pers. comm.). native grasslands or lightly grazed Other species that have been seen on the pastures, alfalfa Refuge include the following State or and other hay crops Federal species of concern: white-faced ibis, and certain grain tri-colored blackbird, western burrowing and row croplands. owl, oak titmouse (Baeolophus inornatus), Unsuitable foraging white-tailed kite, loggerhead shrike, rufous habitat includes hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus), lamprey crops, such as (Lampetra ayresii), Pacific lamprey, small- vineyards, orchards, footed bat (Myotis ciliolabrum) and Yuma certain row crops, myotis bat (Myotis yumanensis). rice, corn and cotton Many species of crops. Suitable Visitor Services concern have been nest sites may be found in mature riparian Ecoregion Scale seen on the Refuge forests, lone trees or groves of oaks, other Wildlife viewing is the most popular including this trees in agricultural fields and mature wildlife-dependent activity among tricolored blackbird. roadside trees. Photo by USFWS ecoregion residents with 56 percent of outdoor recreationists participating. About Declining numbers of Swainson’s hawks 41 percent of residents participate in freshwater fishing, 19 percent in saltwater fishing and 9 percent in hunting.
The population in the ecoregion is expected to rise by 47 percent between the year 2000 and the year 2020. Unmet demand appears to be highest in the region for wildlife viewing, trail hiking, picnicking, camping and freshwater fishing with this trend expected to continue. Outdoor recreationists in the Central Valley/San Francisco Bay Ecoregion tend to be mostly white (78 percent) with growing participation by the Hispanic and Asian-American communities. In general, residents of moderate or high family incomes have the greatest interest in wildlife-dependent recreation, both consumptive and non-consumptive types.
The nearest other national wildlife refuges are Antioch Dunes, San Pablo Bay, Sutter Wildlife viewing is the most popular wildlife-dependent activity and San Joaquin River. Of these, only Sutter among ecoregion residents with 56 percent of outdoor recreators is open to unsupervised visitor use. Other participating.
50 Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan nearby public lands offering similar wildlife- Service, waterfowl hunting had occurred dependent recreational activities include the on the South Stone Lake Unit on the Sun Yolo Basin Wildlife Area, Cosumnes River River and Lodi Gun Club properties while Preserve and the American River Parkway. they were private duck hunting clubs. The U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Some illegal waterfowl hunting also occurs Land Management have considerable land occasionally in the Beach Lake, North Stone holdings in the ecoregion and all wildlife- Lake, and South Stone Lake units due dependent priority recreational uses are to limitations in Refuge law enforcement accommodated on various portions of their capability and opportunities to gain illegal lands. There are 16 State Wildlife Areas or access via private property and by boat. Ecological Areas operated by DFG within an hour’s drive of the Refuge. These 16 Wildlife Observation and Photography. The areas provide opportunities for wildlife Refuge, with its proximal location to a major observation, interpretation, hunting and/or urban center, wildlife diversity and mosaic of fishing. In addition, there are five State habitats, is steadily increasing in popularity Parks within approximately one hour’s drive with the surrounding community. The that offer fishing, wildlife observation and/or North Stone and Beach Lake units of the interpretation. Refuge are open every second and fourth Saturday of each month (except during July Local Scale and August) from 7:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and More than 50 percent of lands within the 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., respectively. Visitors Refuge’s approved boundary are privately- access the Refuge from the trailhead at owned and the Service has no authority the Elk Grove Boulevard entrance, west of to provide for visitor use of those lands. Interstate-5. Refuge staff and/or volunteers However, limited visitor use is available greet visitors who may take a 3-mile round on Refuge lands that are owned by or trip self-guided walk through grasslands on The first Refuge- over which the Service has management the North Stone Lake unit, past seasonal managed hunt authority. and permanent wetlands, and along occurred in the riparian habitat to an observation platform 2005/2006 hunt Wildlife-Dependent Recreation. overlooking Lower Beach Lake and wetland season, including In the Refuge System Improvement impoundments. Visitors in wheelchairs or this wheelchair Act of 1997, Congress recognized six with small children may drive directly to the accessible hunting wildlife-dependent priority recreational universally accessible trail leading to the blind on the South uses of refuges: hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing platform. Visitors typically spend Stone Lake Unit. observation and photography, interpretation Photo by USFWS and environmental education. More than 6,000 people per year visit the Refuge to participate in a variety of wildlife dependent recreational and educational activities. Currently, the Refuge accommodates waterfowl hunting, wildlife observation and photography, interpretation and environmental education.
Hunting. In 2004, the Service began a planning process for a public waterfowl hunt program on the South Stone Lake Unit of the Refuge. The first Refuge-managed hunt occurred during the 2005-2006 hunt season. The program consists of spaced-blinds accessible by foot and boat and emphasizes opportunities for youth and hunters in wheelchairs. Prior to acquisition by the
Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan 51 on the Wildside event.
Fishing. The Refuge does not currently have a formal fishing program open to the public, although several points of illegal entry exist and are regularly used by shore and boat anglers.
Non-Priority Visitor Uses Before its establishment as a national wildlife refuge, a number of visitor uses occurred on the Refuge. The EIS (USFWS 1992) described recreational resources and uses that were cited in “...public comments on the draft EIS, staff of land management organizations and agencies in the study area, representatives of recreation and conservation groups, marina operators, Sacramento County Sheriff ’s Department Since the boat patrol members and boaters who establishment of the between two and four hours per visit and regularly recreate on the waterways in the Refuge, educators there is no daily entrance fee. study area.” Many of these historic uses and youth care continue in addition a number of other professionals Environmental Education. Since the authorized and unauthorized non-priority from Sacramento, establishment of the Refuge, educators and wildlife dependent visitor uses occur on the San Joaquin and youth care professionals from Sacramento, Refuge including: bird-watching and nature Yolo counties San Joaquin and Yolo counties have been study (e.g., National Audubon Society have been using using the Refuge as an outdoor classroom annual “Christmas bird counts”); target the Refuge as an to enhance course curricula. Educators shooting/firearm discharging; hunting outdoor classroom include teachers, professors and outdoor to enhance course education leaders. Youth care curricula. professionals include leaders for Photo by USFWS Scouts, 4H, Campfire and church groups. Most of the educators and youth care professionals who are served by the Refuge’s environmental education program work with kindergarten through college age students. Currently, most educational field trips are guided by Refuge volunteers or staff on the Beach Lake Unit, with occasional classroom visits. These programs are available by special arrangement.
Interpretation. Current Refuge interpretation consists of interpretative panels on the wildlife viewing platform, Refuge Refuge visitors may take a 3-mile round trip, self- brochures, special guided tours guided walk through managed grasslands and along a by Refuge volunteers and staff, riparian zone to an observation platform overlooking a Refuge website and special events managed wetland. such as the Refuge’s annual Walk Photo by USFWS
52 Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan (mostly pheasant and waterfowl); trapping percent of Sacramento County residents (to control populations of burrowing animals, were living in poverty (ACS 2004). such as beaver, muskrat and mink to control levee damage); hiking and walking; water- The largest age group distributions in oriented recreation such as motorized Sacramento county are: between 25 and boating, canoeing, kayaking, waterskiing, 44 years old (30 percent); under 18 (28 house-boating, fishing and swimming/ percent) and between 45 and 64 (22 percent) sunbathing; horseback riding; jogging; (ACS 2004). The racial compositions of bicycling; ultralight flying; helicopter Sacramento County and the city of Elk training; fruit and nut gathering; picnicking Grove are relatively diverse. Sacramento and camping; and natural history plant County’s population is composed of 54.4 collecting. percent Caucasians, 16.1 percent Hispanics, 12.9 percent Asians and 10.4 percent African Socioeconomic Demographics Americans (ACS 2004). The most recent The Refuge is located within Sacramento statistics available for Elk Grove, from County, bounded by the city of Elk Grove 2000, show that Elk Grove has a slightly on the east, and 15 miles south of downtown higher percentage of Asian people (17.6 Sacramento. Sacramento County’s percent) and slightly less African Americans, population was estimated at over 1.36 million Hispanics and Caucasians when compared to in 2005 (USCB 2006) and is projected to Sacramento County in the aggregate (USCB grow by almost 0.5 million by 2025 (SACOG 2000). In Sacramento County there was 2000). Sacramento is by far the biggest city an estimated 181,077 households with one in the county; and even though the Greater or more people under the age of 18, in 2004 Sacramento Region includes portions (ACS 2004). of five other counties, 65 percent of the city’s population lives within Sacramento Despite increasing urbanization, agriculture County. By percentage, Elk Grove was the continues to be an important economic fastest growing large U.S. city, between sector in Sacramento County. Sacramento 2004 and 2005 (USDOC 2006). Elk Grove County ranked 27th, out of 58 counties, in incorporated in 2000 with a population of the State for gross value of agricultural 81,400 (SACOG 2000) and had reached production for 2002-2003 (CASS 2004). 112,338 by July, 2005 (USDOC 2006). The county’s top ten farm commodities in 2002 were grapes, milk, nursery stock, In 2004, there were an estimated 649,782 pears, poultry, vegetable crops, rice, cattle, citizens in the labor force in Sacramento corn and livestock (CASS 2004). While County (ACS 2004). In 2005 unemployment agriculture continued to be an important averaged 4.8 percent and is projected to sector of the economy, 0.92 percent of prime decline in 2006 to 4.6 percent (SFP 2006). farmland and 5.05 percent of agricultural The sectors of the economy accounting for land was converted to urban and build-up the largest numbers of jobs in the county in uses between 1988 and 1998 (Kuminoff et al. 2004 were: management, professional and 2000). related occupations (35 percent); sales and office occupations (31 percent) and service The median home price in Sacramento occupations (15 percent) (ACS 2004). In County jumped to $287,672 by 2004 (ACS 2004 Sacramento County per-capita income 2004) and has continued to rise, reaching averaged $23,589 and median family income $360,000 by April of 2006 (CLMI 2006). averaged $57,488 (ACS 2004). Of people Housing units in the county are projected over the age of 25, 16 percent did not have a to increase from 473,211 in 2000 to 662,004 high school diploma, 23 percent had a high in 2025 (SACOG 2000). Of the increase, 45 school diploma or equivalency, 19 percent percent will occur in unincorporated areas, attained a bachelor’s degree and 8 percent and 25 percent in the city of Sacramento, but attained a graduate or professional degree fully 20 percent of the increase is projected (ACS 2004). In 2004, approximately 10 to occur in Elk Grove where housing units
Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan 53 increased from 24,817 in 2000 (SACOG 2000) occupied a place more or less continuously to 66,733 in 2005 (CEG 2006). for generations. Resources were variably controlled with acorn and hunting lands Cultural Resources considered communal, while seed tracts Cultural Resources and Ethnographic and fishing stations could be individually Background allocated in accordance with inherited use Cultural resources include a variety of links rights for one or more seasons. The tribelets to past cultures, such as physical remains, also used seasonal camps to exploit seasonal sites, objects, records, oral histories and resources, such as salmon, acorns, etc. traditional culture, but can also include (Tremaine 1997, Kroeber 1932, Bennyhoff landscapes, plants, animals, sacred locations 1977). and traditional cultural properties that play a role in the traditional community. Other Numerous Plains Miwok village locations historic sites represent a wide variety were identified during the waning years of of activities, including homesteading traditional American Indian inhabitation of and settlement, trade, transportation, the region. Major village sites are plotted agriculture and ranching. along the Sacramento, Mokelumne and Cosumnes rivers. Additionally, several Most of the recorded cultural resources at locations in Sacramento County have been the Refuge are archaeological sites linked identified as sacred by the Native American with American Indian occupation that Heritage Commission. The “Hulpoomne” include large village sites, small seasonally appears to be the nearest known “tribe” occupied camps, sites with burials and sites associated with the north portion of the considered sacred. The material remains Refuge, being associated with a principal of historic activities within the project village in the area where the town of boundary may include standing structures Freeport now stands (Merriam 1907). and foundations, still-occupied dwellings, abandoned trails, ferry sites, extant Today, descendants of the Plains Miwok roadways and railroad lines. continue to have ties to their ancestral lands. Known cultural sites on and off Refuge lands The Plains Miwok formerly occupied the have been identified and efforts have been lands now within the approved Refuge made to work with tribal representatives boundary. The Refuge contains a rich array to restore native habitats while preserving of Plains Miwok cultural history because its these sites. In some cases and at the abundant flora and fauna made it a suitable request of tribal representatives, previously- place for humans. Before the area was disturbed archeological sites have been settled by Euroamericans, the Plains Miwok capped with layers of soil and vegetation territory extended from north of the lower to help prevent human remains and other reaches of the Cosumnes River to south of objects from being exposed on the surface. the lower reach of the Mokelumne River, The comprehensive conservation planning along both sides of the Sacramento River process gives us the opportunity to plan for and southwest to the vicinity of Mt Diablo in the future of the Refuge, working to protect Contra Costa County. The eastern boundary these important resources and providing a of their territory was the foothills of the link to the past for current generations of Sierra Nevada, which they shared with the Plains Miwok. Central Sierra Miwok (Levy 1978, Service 1992). Historic Setting Spanish explorers arriving in the 1700s were Typical of the surrounding Central the first people other than American Indians California groups, the political organization to enter the Sacramento Valley area. For of the Plains Miwok is believed to have the most part, the region was little affected centered around small tribelets. Each by Spanish occupation, being removed from tribelet was essentially sedentary and the missions’ sphere of influence. Land in
54 Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan the Sacramento Valley was not claimed for mining occurred in the vicinity of the Refuge private ownership until Mexican land grants because of the scarcity of gold-bearing were issued in the 1830s. The Rio Ojotska gravels at such low elevations. Later, as land grant, issued in 1833 to J.B.R. Cooper, agricultural pursuits replaced mining, was the earliest land grant given in the area; farming communities appeared. By the however, the recipient failed to lay claim 1860s, agricultural enterprises were well to the land and renounced the grant the established in the Sacramento Valley and the following year (USFWS 1992). Delta region. A variety of crops were grown on and west of the Refuge while areas to the New Helvetia, established by John A. Sutter east were used for mixed agriculture and to in 1839 near the present site of Sacramento, raise livestock. Towns that were established was the first Euroamerican settlement in near the Refuge include Franklin, the valley. Sutter obtained 11 leagues of Bruceville, Locke, Sheldon and Wilton. land through a grant from the Mexican government, which approved of Sutter’s Archeology plan to build a fort and establish order on Requests have been submitted to the the edges of their frontier. Sutter’s Fort North Central Information Center of the was founded with goods purchased from the California Archaeological Inventory for Russians when Fort Ross was abandoned in information regarding the types and location 1841. A large number of horses and cattle of archeological sites on and in the vicinity were brought to Sutter’s Fort, along with a of the Refuge. Historic and ethnographic cannon and several pieces of artillery. These sources were also reviewed for information accoutrements gave the fort a military pertaining to the area. appearance, which undoubtedly discouraged skirmishes between the settlers and Types of Archeological Sites. Intensive American Indians (USFWS 1992). prehistoric and historic habitation and use in the Sacramento area has resulted in a Lands along the Cosumnes River, northeast large and diverse archeological resource of the Refuge, were claimed in 1844 by base. Over 450 archeological sites have two employees of Sutter. At the time, the been recorded in Sacramento County. Many Cosumnes area was “thickly populated sites have been recorded, although most by Indians” (USFWS 1992). The land, lands within the approved Refuge boundary which was claimed to graze cattle, was have not been surveyed systematically for called Rancho Omochumnes after the local cultural resources. American Indian tribelet. Another land Most of the recorded sites within the grant, Sanjon de los Moquelumnes, included vicinity of the Refuge are prehistoric in the southeastern portion of the Refuge; this nature. Although this is partly because land grant was also named after a Plains prehistoric site density is greater than Miwok tribelet. historic site density in the Refuge area, it is also because most archeologists working In 1848, California and the Sacramento in the area did not record historic sites Valley were changed forever by the until quite recently. Sites associated with discovery of gold in the Sierra Nevada American Indian occupation include large foothills. Until that time, most of California sites, small, seasonally occupied camps, sites had been unaffected by Euroamerican with burials and sites that were considered settlement. With the discovery of gold, sacred. Historic sites represent a wide thousands of miners entered the state. variety of activities, including homesteading Thousands of settlers soon followed and settlement, trade, transportation, the miners. Sacramento was the main agriculture and ranching. The material community, surrounded by dozens of remains of these activities probably include smaller settlements. In the beginning, standing structures and foundation, still the locations of early towns coincided with occupied dwellings, abandoned trails and mining activities. Probably only limited ferry sites, extant roadways and railroad
Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan 55 lines. percent), other field crops (4 percent), pears (2 percent) and tomatoes (1 percent). Location of Archeological Sites. Both prehistoric and historic sites within and Adjacent lands in this region are shifting around the Refuge tend to be located on from low density, rural, residential homes high ground near permanent water sources. and structures, agriculture, and recreational Determining areas of historic sensitivity areas to medium density single family is difficult, however, because of the lack of suburban tract homes, master-planned identified historic period sites within the communities and vineyards (B. Treiterer, Refuge. For the most part, early historic USFWS, pers. comm.) settlements (before the establishment of reliable flood control measures) were located Wilderness and Other Special on prehistoric sites. In fact, it is common Management Areas to find a prehistoric midden site under a As required by Service planning policy, historic dwelling because American Indians a wilderness review (Appendix E) was often chose to live on topographic high conducted for the Refuge. None of the points. American Indian habitation sites Refuge lands were eligible for wilderness became even higher points of land as their designation. refuse accumulated over hundreds or even thousands of years of occupation, and these Current Management Practices mounds were attractive building locations The primary management focus of the for early settlers. In addition to topographic Refuge is enhancing, restoring and high points, historic remains should be maintaining wetlands, riparian woodlands, expected near early settlement locations, grasslands and valuable agricultural lands. along railroad lines and near ferry sites. Wetland habitats include permanent and seasonal wetlands, including vernal pools, Many prehistoric archeological sites have riparian woodlands, open water and aquatic been identified along major drainages, such beds. as the Mokelumne and Cosumnes rivers and Laguna, Skunk, Badger and Deer creeks. Wetlands Many unidentified sites are probably present Water Management. As an integral part of on these drainages although intensive, the Refuge program, the Service manages systematic surveys have never been done. water on seasonal and permanent wetlands Additional areas of prehistoric sensitivity on the South Stone Lake, Headquarters and include the lands around Beach, North, and Beach Lake units totaling approximately South Stone lakes and Snodgrass and Bear 335 acres. Sources of water for managed sloughs. Refuge wetland units include SP Cut, Lower Beach Lake, Sacramento Drainage Canal Land Use and South Stone Lake. A total of seven Natural biologic communities presently surface pumping stations draw water from occurring within the entire approved Refuge waterways to manage wetland Refuge project boundary encompass a impoundments on the Refuge. Water control total of 8,158 acres and include: annual structures (i.e., screw gates) are also used grasslands (62 percent), seasonal wetlands to manage water entering other permanent (14 percent), perennial wetlands (5 percent), wetlands areas, such as North Stone Lake riparian forest and scrub shrub (8 percent), and Parker Slough and portions of the Sun deepwater aquatic habitat (9 percent) River property. The overall water flow in the and oak woodlands (2 percent). Existing SP Cut is controlled by screw and flap gates agricultural cover types within the Refuge passing under Lambert Bridge, upstream occupy an additional 8,740 acres and are drainage, groundwater levels and irrigation comprised of: corn (28 percent), pasture return flows. (21 percent), range (17 percent), wheat (8 percent), sugar beets (8 percent), grapes (7 Flood up, drawdown and summer irrigations
56 Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan are planned to provide habitat for migrating, units stimulates production of different wintering and breeding water birds. Timing plants. Early draw downs favor grasses, of flood up is constrained to varying degrees such as swamp timothy and watergrass; by the amount of water available under late drawdowns favor smartweeds and some appropriative and riparian water rights in undesirable plants, such as cocklebur. Late any given year and to minimize mosquito drawdowns occur in one or two wetland production. units per year to provide habitat for nesting shorebirds, including black-necked stilts Permanent Wetlands. Permanent wetlands (Himantopus mexicanus), American avocets are managed to provide brood rearing (Recurvirostra Americana) and Wilson’s habitat during the summer months for phalaropes (Phalaropus tricolor). Summer waterfowl and other waterbirds and year irrigations are designed to stimulate the round habitat for other species, including growth of high quality foods for waterfowl, bitterns, herons and marsh wrens. Periodic such as swamp timothy and watergrass. draw downs of the permanent wetlands on These are done in late July and early the Beach Lake, Headquarters and South August when the unit is flooded to a depth Stone Lake units are done when vegetation, of 12 inches and then drawn down. Close such as cattails and tules, covers more than coordination with the Sacramento/Yolo 75 percent of the surface area and to control Mosquito Vector Control District is essential undesirable fish species such as carp. These to minimize mosquito production on treatments occur approximately every three managed wetlands. to five years. Not more than three out of the five permanent wetland impoundments SP Cut. Water levels in the SP Cut are on these units are drawn down in any given controlled by screw and flap gates passing year, in order to maintain habitat for the under Lambert Bridge, upstream drainage, federally-threatened giant garter snake and groundwater levels and irrigation return summer resident birds. In other permanent flows. Through informal agreement with wetlands, such as Parker Slough, North Sacramento County Department of Water Stone Lake, and the Sun River property, Resources, the screw gate on the Lambert water levels can be manipulated using screw Bridge flood control structure is operated by gates to lower levels, but not completely a local landowner to manage availability of de-water wetlands. In these situations, the upstream water for irrigation and wetland goals are to stimulate growth of desirable management. Water levels are generally moist soil plants along pond edges and allow higher during the summer months when the for some control of dense vegetation, if gate at Lambert Bridge is open and farmers necessary. upstream are irrigating crops. During the winter, water levels are determined by Seasonal Wetlands. Seasonal wetlands are rainfall levels and drainage entering from managed to provide feeding and loafing upstream. During large rainfall events, habitat for the thousands of migratory water enters SP Cut when floodwaters waterbirds that winter in the Central Valley overtop the Morrison Creek dam at the and make use of the Beach-Stone Lakes north end of Lower Beach Lake. Basin. During years with no restrictions on water use, flood ups begin in early to North Stone Lake. North Stone Lake mid-September and continue through is roughly 260 acres in size with depths mid-October. To minimize mosquito ranging from 0.5 feet to 8.0 feet. Water production, impoundments are rapidly enters the lake via concrete culverts under filled to a maximum depth of one to two Interstate-5 that bring water from upstream feet. Occasional pumping may be required developed areas to the east and from SP Cut during the winter if rainfall levels are below to the west, through a single pipe fitted with normal. Drawdowns commence in early a screw gate. Water levels in the lake can be April and continue through mid-June. manipulated to a limited degree (12 inches Varying the draw down schedule in wetland maximum) by opening or closing this screw
Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan 57 gate, depending on water fluctuations in the design and water level and vegetation SP Cut. There are no control structures on management recommendations and research the Interstate-5 culverts. partnerships. Biological controls include the placement of mosquito fish and guppies South Stone Lake. Water levels in various (Poecilia reticulate) in permanent and parts of South Stone Lake fluctuate with seasonal wetlands and the use of Bacillus levels in SP Cut and tidal influences from thuringiensis israeliensis (Bti) and B. downstream of Lambert Bridge. As with sphaericus, which are effective at controlling North Stone Lake, water levels are highest certain life stages of mosquito larvae with during the summer irrigation months minimal non-target organism impacts. Any and winter rainfall months. Except for pesticides to be used on the Refuge must be requesting opening of the screw gate at approved by the Service prior to the onset of Lambert Bridge, Refuge staff have little mosquito season in early spring. Pesticides control over water levels in South Stone may target mosquito larvae and adults and Lake. may include aerial applications, as well as ultra-low volume ground application. In Habitat Manipulations. Managed keeping with the MOU, the Refuge consults wetlands are dynamic systems that require with SYMVCD to ensure wetlands are periodic habitat manipulations to maintain designed to minimize mosquito habitat. a desired successional stage, optimal for For example, berms along some managed feeding, loafing, breeding waterfowl and wetland units are graded with a slope of waterbirds. Mowing, prescribed burning, 1.5-2.0 feet horizontal to 1.0 foot vertical discing and noxious weed control during late to limit the growth of marginal vegetation. summer are all part of efforts to manage less Furthermore, the perimeters of seasonal desirable vegetation with limited food value wetlands may be disced to enhance access by for migratory waterbirds, such as cocklebur foraging mosquito fish to larvae. Wetlands and spike rushes. These activities also are also designed and constructed to allow improve conditions for grasses and forbs to for rapid flooding and draw down. grow, such as watergrass, swamp timothy, smartweeds as well as other desirable Riparian vegetation, such as bulrush, buttonbush Agricultural conversion, water conveyance, and willow. Each unit is evaluated annually and flood control, and other changes in land to determine the need for manipulations. use have eliminated much of the original Permanent wetland units are disced every riparian and oak woodland habitat from three to five years to maintain an equal the Beach-Stone Lakes Basin. Overall, the ratio of open water to vegetation. Seasonal Central Valley has lost over 95 percent of wetlands are disced or mowed every other its wooded riparian habitats. Within the year, depending on vegetation response. approved Refuge boundary, the widths of The perimeter of each wetland is disced to riparian forest corridors vary from 10-300 enhance access by mosquito fish and water feet wide along Morrison Creek, SP Cut, management. Parker Slough, the south arm and smaller branches of North Stone Lake, and South Mosquito Control Stone Lake (see Figure 5, Vegetation Map). The Refuge staff works closely with the The only mature valley oak forest remaining Sacramento/Yolo Mosquito Vector Control in the basin exists along Morrison Creek. District (SYMVCD) to reduce or eliminate Restoration efforts on the Beach Lake, production of mosquitoes on the Refuge. In North Stone Lake, Headquarters and South accordance with the EIS (USFWS 1992), Stone Lake units have expanded riparian the Refuge entered into an MOU with zones by 100-120 acres. SYMVCD in 1993. This MOU outlines an effective mosquito suppression program Restoration practices include planting a that includes biological and chemical variety of riparian trees, such as Fremont controls to be used on the Refuge, wetland cottonwood, willow, box elder, sycamore,,
58 Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan valley oak and associated understory shrubs hawks, burrowing owls, and northern and grasses and then providing supplemental harriers. These management goals are irrigation and weeding for a period of three to being accomplished through implementation five years to facilitate plant establishment. In of a cattle grazing program, small-scale the case of valley oaks, both planting acorns prescribed burning, and aggressive noxious with no watering and seedlings with watering weed control. have been used with success. Choosing an appropriate site based on soil type and The Refuge grazing elevation is the most important aspect of a program on the successful restoration project. North Stone Lake Unit consists of Grasslands running cattle on Grasslands once covered vast stretches of the dry pasture the Central Valley, supporting extirpated from November species, such as pronghorn antelope, tule elk through mid-June, (Cervus elaphus nannodes), grizzly bear and until annual grasses millions of waterfowl and other migratory turn brown. Some birds. These grasslands supported seasonal cattle are then moved wetlands such as vernal pools and wet to the 172 acres of meadows populated by perennial and annual irrigated pasture on grasses. Over 98 percent of Central Valley the unit from June native grasslands have been converted through October. to agriculture and urban development or Cattle stocking rates displaced by exotic vegetation. . Many vary in the five dry pastures depending on General restoration native annual grassland species no longer rainfall, timing, quantity and frequency, with goals for the occur and have been replaced by nonnative a target of 1,500-2,000 pounds of Residual grasslands on annuals such as annual rye. The remaining Dry Matter (RDM) in three of the five the North Stone grasslands are now a mix of native and pastures and 2,000-4,000 pounds of RDM in Lake Unit are nonnative species. the remaining two pastures. The irrigated to: maintain and pastures are stocked at a rate of one animal expand existing The North Stone Lake Unit of the Refuge unit month (AUM), which is the amount of native grasses, supports one of the only remaining forage needed by a cow and her suckling decrease the fire continuous tracts of un-leveled grasslands calf for one month, per one to two acres. danger, control in the eastern Sacramento-San Joaquin Following a 10-year period during which noxious weeds and Delta region, with approximately 1,900 grazing had been curtailed on the North provide habitat for a acres of annual and perennial grasslands. Stone Lake Unit, use by sandhill cranes, variety of grassland Preservation of this remnant grassland long-billed curlews, white-fronted geese, and dependent species topography is a high priority. Other small other waterfowl has increased substantially like this Swainson’s (one to 21 acres) areas exist on the Beach on the unit after the Refuge re-introduced a hawk. Photo by USFWS Lake and Headquarters units. General grazing program in 1999. Excluding cattle management goals for the North Stone from the majority of riparian areas through Lake Unit are to: maintain and expand fencing was completed in 2003. Other existing native grasses, such as creeping measures to improve management of the unit wild rye (Leymus triticoides), meadow will include developing alternative watering barley (Hordeum brachyantherum), and sources ,erosion control measures near the sedges; minimize the fire hazard posed irrigated pastures, noxious weed control and by accumulated dead grasses; control continued monitoring of wildlife responses. the spread of noxious weeds; and provide habitats for grassland-dependent species, The Refuge holds title to a conservation including greater sandhill cranes, arctic easement on the 1,400-acre Wetland nesting geese, white-faced ibises, long-billed Preserve Unit that supports a mixture of curlews, western meadowlarks, horned natural and man made vernal pools and larks, and birds of prey, including Swainson’s seasonal wetlands. Recent studies at the
Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan 59 Cosumnes River Preserve (J. Marty, TNC, control methods tend to spread, rather pers. comm.) indicate that a managed than control, perennial pepperweed. grazing program is most effective at Potential biological control organisms, maintaining and enhancing vernal pool plant including water hyacinth-eating weevils and animal species. Grazing conducted by (Neochitina spp.) and moths (Sameodes the landowner from November through albiguttlilis), have been introduced into June on the preserve results in a RDM rate the Delta through a cooperative program of 600 to 800 pounds and is ideal to reduce with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, competition between vernal pool plants Agricultural Research Service (USDA- and nonnative grasses, such as annual rye ARS) and California Department of Food grass, and noxious weeds, such as yellow and Agriculture (CDFA) to evaluate starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis). Refuge control of water hyacinth. Unfortunately, staff are working with representatives of the these biological control agents have landowner, AKT Development Corporation, not been affective in reducing stands of to develop a grazing program that will water hyacinth. Given the vast amounts protect and enhance seasonal wetlands on of hyacinth produced each year on the the preserve. Refuge and its inaccessibility to equipment, mechanical control is not feasible. Weed Control Mechanical removal in isolated water Since 1995, the Refuge has adopted an active ways would be prohibitively expensive, aquatic and terrestrial weed management costing an estimated $80,000 annually program in the Beach-Stone Lakes Basin, and accessing sites with heavy equipment particularly as a founding member of the would likely cause significant impacts to Stone Lakes Water Hyacinth Control sensitive habitats. Non-chemical methods to Group. The Refuge conducts treatments prevent the spread of water hyacinth include for control of water hyacinth under a deploying log booms at strategic locations Statewide National Pollution Discharge to prevent spread, screening culverts to Elimination System (NPDES) General prevent re-introduction and removing Permit (No. CAG990005) for discharge of water hyacinth from small water bodies by aquatic pesticides. The Refuge and SRCSD hand. The Refuge also participates in the utilize Reward (Diquat) and Aquamaster Sacramento Weed Abatement Team which (glyphosphate) to control water hyacinth is coordinated by the Sacramento County in the basin. Another aquatic species, Agricultural Commission. Brazilian elodea (Egeria densa), is also abundant in waterways and may emerge as Farming Program a management concern as opportunities for A variety of migratory birds, including recreational boating are developed on the waterfowl, long-billed curlew, black-bellied Refuge. plover, white-faced ibis and sandhill cranes, feed on waste grain and invertebrates The Refuge Integrated Pest Management remaining in agricultural fields after approach used to control weeds relies harvest. These migratory birds depend on burning, mowing, grazing, discing on farm fields of small grains, alfalfa, and herbicide applications. Due to the tomatoes, etc. for a marked portion of their persistence and abundance of most diet. Therefore, it is vital that the Service, weeds in the environment and regulatory private landowners, and Sacramento County constraints on use of fire, chemical cooperate to maintain viable “wildlife applications are the only currently friendly” agriculture in the vicinity of the effective method for controlling water Refuge. Except for the grazing programs hyacinth, perennial pepperweed (Lepidium that the Refuge oversees, cooperative latifolium) and yellow star thistle. The farming on Refuge lands currently is limited Refuge uses Transline and Telar to to the Headquarters Unit. To date, the goal control yellow star thistle and perennial of the farming program has been to maintain pepperweed, respectively. Mechanical the fields in corn, wheat, safflower, or grass
60 Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan to provide habitat for wildlife and control weeds until a larger scale restoration project is implemented.
Monitoring and Surveys A variety of surveys and studies have been conducted by Service staff, volunteers and students on the Refuge since its establishment. These studies are primarily intended to evaluate the effectiveness of management activities and monitor the status of biological resources. A summary of ongoing surveys and studies and their objectives follows. • Colonial waterbird survey. Rookeries of nesting great blue heron, great egrets, and double-crested cormorants are monitored yearly to determine abundance, distribution and nesting success. • Landbird monitoring program. A A cooperative mist cooperative mist netting and bird • Pasture monitoring A residual dry netting and bird banding program is conducted in matter survey (measure of the amount banding program selected areas with SYMVCD to of dry grass remaining after the growing is conducted in monitor and document bird diversity season) is conducted annually to adjust selected areas with and relative abundance. The program grazing rates for the upcoming year. the Sacramento- is also investigating the role of wild bird • The following studies have been Yolo Mosquito populations as reservoirs for mosquito- completed primarily by graduate and Vector Control borne diseases such as Western equine students on the Refuge: District to monitor encephalitis virus, St. Louis encephalitis • Western pond turtle survey. Determined and document virus and west Nile virus. turtle survival and reproductive success. the diversity and • Modesto song sparrow study. As part • Native grass. Determined effects of relative abundance of the landbird banding program, song various treatments (e.g., burning, grazing of bird species, sparrows are also color banded on the and no treatment) on three species of such as this blue South Stone Lake Unit in an ongoing native grasses on the North Stone Lake grosbeak, and to effort to determine nesting success and Unit. evaluate their role survival of young. • Nitrogen. Determined the role increased in the transmission • Weekly waterfowl survey, October nitrogen levels may play in exotic weed of mosquito-borne through May. Waterbird (waterfowl, expansions along freeway corridors. viruses. shorebirds and cranes) counts are done • Sunflower moth. Evaluating the Photo by USFWS weekly during the fall, winter and spring relationship between the California to determine population trends and use sunflower and its parasitoids. patterns. • Bats. Conducted presence or absence • Plant surveys. Vegetation in moist soil surveys on selected sites on the Refuge. wetlands is qualitatively surveyed each • Aquatic surveys. Conducted fish, spring to guide management actions amphibian, and reptile surveys to such as discing, mowing and timing of determine presence and absence of summer irrigations. various species. • Noxious weed surveys. Refuge units are surveyed and mapped with GPS Further refinement of survey and equipment to monitor noxious weeds monitoring protocol for the Refuge is such as yellow starthistle, perennial needed. Additional baseline inventories pepperweed and water hyacinth. need to be completed and a relational database should be developed to store and access monitoring and inventory data.
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62 Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan 4 Challenges
Invasive Species (Mus musculus). The majority of fishes As defined in Executive Order 13112, an occurring in Sacramento-San Joaquin invasive species is an alien species whose Delta and Refuge waterbodies are non- introduction does or is likely to cause native, including carp, catfish, sunfish and economic or environmental harm or harm to largemouth bass. Except for capture of human health. Invasive species can impact feral dogs and cats and localized reductions human health, interfere with agriculture and of rodents near buildings and carp from aquaculture, interfere with water delivery, wetland impoundments, no active control increase flooding and erosion, block access of these species is currently conducted or to water ways, decrease habitat for native planned. As urban areas expand, we expect plants and animals and compete with native to see increases in feral dogs and cats, species for resources. Invasive species rock doves and great basin Canada geese. are one of the most critical nationwide Preliminary studies at the Cosumnes River challenges facing national wildlife refuges Preserve indicate black rats are negatively (NWRA 2002). The Service and other affecting reproductive success in a variety bureaus within the Department of the of songbirds nesting in mature valley oak Interior have been working to eradicate riparian forest. Invasive invertebrates invasive species on Federal lands and are found on the Refuge, such as various species partnering with State agencies and local of mosquitoes and mitten crab (Eriocheir organizations to restore ecosystems with sinensis), may act as hosts to various native plants and species. By 1998, the diseases. Control of mosquito populations battle against invasive species was costing is addressed in Chapter 3 under Current the Refuge System an estimated $13 million Management. Mosquitoes are a vector for per year (NWRA 2002). By 2002 a $150 western equine encephalomyelitis virus. million backlog of critical invasive species St Louis encephalitis and west Nile virus projects had been identified within the that can cause disease in humans. Mitten Refuge System (NWRA 2002). Most current crabs can act as a host to the Asian lung management practices are aimed at control fluke Paragonimus( westermani), which can and eradication of existing invasive species; cause disease in humans and other mammals much work remains to prevent introduction if consumed without thorough cooking of additional invasive species, educate (ANSTF 2003). the public and to fund more research and monitoring. Methods used to control invasive weeds include chemical, mechanical (including A large number of invasive species now mowing, discing and hand removal) reside on the Refuge. Vertebrate invasive and biological control. The majority of species found on the Refuge that are well grasslands on the Refuge and throughout established in the region include European California are now composed of nonnative starlings (Sturnus vulgaris), rock doves annual grasses, such as annual rye, soft (Columba livia), American bullfrogs red- chess (Bromus hordeaceus), wild oats eared sliders, feral dogs (Canis lupus and Mediterranean barley (Hordeum familiaris), feral cats (Felis silvestris), marinum). Himalayan blackberries (Rubus black rats (Rattus rattus), Norway rats armeniacus) are prevalent in riparian zones (Rattus norvegicus) and house mice and along waterways. Invasive tree species
Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan 63 on the Refuge include black locust (Robinia and (5) constricting of downstream channel pseudoacacia) and osage orange (Maclura capacities due to raising of levees. pomifera). Many of these invasive species have replaced native vegetation, but are The approved Refuge boundary lies so well established that eradication would entirely within the 100-year floodplain of be nearly impossible. Current control and Morrison Creek and the Cosumnes and eradication efforts concentrate on three Mokelumne rivers and the current 100-year noxious weeds that require immediate flood elevation is 16.00 feet above mean sea attention (Table 1). Other species being level. Damaging floods have occurred in considered for monitoring, control and the Beach-Stone Lakes basin an average of eradication from grassland, aquatic, and one out of every three years (USACE 1987, riparian habitats include: medusahead grass Hart 1999). Extensive flooding occurred in (Taeniatherum caput-medusae), barbed 14 of the last 40 years. The primary source goat grass (Aegilops triuncialis), Brazilian of water during flood events is from the elodea, and giant reed (Arundo donax). accumulated flows of the 192 square mile watershed of the Morrison Creek Stream Basin Hydrology and Water Quality Group (Morrison, Elder, Unionhouse, Florin Floodplain Conditions and Laguna creeks). During high water The hydrologic regime and configuration of events, Morrison Creek drains from east the 100-year floodplain in the Beach-Stone to west, then south through Beach Lake, Lakes Basin have been dramatically altered North Stone Lake, and South Stone and when compared with historic pre-settlement finally through the Lambert Road bridge conditions. Changes to the landscape have to Snodgrass Slough, thence into the included: (1) completion of the Sacramento North Mokelumne River. Alternately or River levee system and Sacramento Flood concurrently, flood waters may flow south to Control Project; (2) dam placement on the north from the Cosumnes and Mokelumne Mokelumne River; (3) construction of the Rivers up Snodgrass Slough and the Southern Pacific Railroad; (4) reclamation of Sacramento Drainage Canal, over the top of tracts and islands in the basin for farming; the Lambert Road bridge and into SP Cut
Table 1. Invasive Plant Species Targeted for Control on Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge. Common Name Scientific Name **State Noxious Listing Distribution and Origin perennial pepperweed Lepidium latifolium B waterways, riparian restoration sites, grasslands and along roadsides yellow starthistle Centaurea solstitialis C grasslands, roadsides water hyacinth Eichhornia crassipes none waterways, permanent wetlands, lakes Brazilian elodea Egeria densa none waterways, permanent wetlands, lakes giant reed Arundo donax none waterways, ditches black locust Robinia pseudoacacia none ornamental landscapes osage orange Maclura pomifera none hedgerows, ornamental landscapes medusa head grass Taeniatherum caput-medusae C grasslands
**”B”—Eradication, containment, control or other holding action at the discretion of the commissioner. “C”—State endorsed holding action and eradication only when found in a nursery; action to retard spread outside of nurseries at the discretion of the commissioner; reject only when found in a cropseed for planting or at the discretion of the commissioner (CDFA 2006).
64 Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan and the Beach-Stone Lakes basin. Cosumnes and northern pintails, to diving ducks, such and Mokelumne river flows may also enter as canvasbacks (Aythya valisineria) and the basin from the west by backing up along lesser scaup (Aythya affinis). Reduction in and passing under the Western Pacific the availability of high ground for high water Railroad grade. The flood season normally refugia may further impact listed species extends from November through April such as the giant garter snake and valley (USFWS 1992). elderberry longhorn beetle.
The Refuge receives storm water runoff More frequent and longer flooding events from upstream urban developments, could also affect management of the grazing including Laguna West, Lakeside and program on the North Stone Lake Unit Stonelake, which flow into Beach Lake and of the Refuge. From November through North Stone Lake. Projections are that mid July, cattle are rotated among five continued urbanization will lead to a loss pasture units and during heavy rainfall of upstream storage area and a doubling events, they are moved from the southern of storm water runoff entering the Stone to the northern pastures in anticipation of Lakes basin. Build-out of the East Franklin, Poppy Ridge, Laguna Ridge and Lent Ranch projects east of Franklin Boulevard, will result in an additional 10,000 acres of urban development between Interstate-5 and Highway 99. This may lead to increases in both the elevation of the 100-year floodplain and duration of downstream flooding (CEG 2000). Under this scenario, impacts are anticipated to Refuge infrastructure, habitats and wildlife.
Increases in elevation and duration of flooding resulting from upstream development may affect the grassland, riparian and wetland habitats and associated wildlife now using the Refuge. Noxious weeds, such as perennial pepperweed, yellow star thistle and other species, may become more invasive on grassland Some species that habitats as seed sources are washed into flooding. Floodwaters rose 6 inches an hour frequent large the Refuge. Long term monitoring will during heavy rains in the winter of 2000, expanses of open be necessary to document changes in the making unsafe conditions for driving the water, such as white nature of grasslands. Riparian habitats cattle north. Similar heavy rains during the pelicans, may may be affected due to prolonged high winter of 2005/2006 also required relocation benefit from more flood water levels, particularly during the of cattle grazing. Increases in storm water frequent flooding of spring. Conversion of stands of willows flows could exacerbate this situation which the Refuge. and cottonwood trees in low lying areas to may result in shortening of the grazing Photo by USFWS more aquatic habitats may result and the period. composition of seasonal and permanent wetlands may change. Flood Control Projects In addition to ongoing upstream Migratory birds that frequent large development, hydrologic regimes on the expanses of open water may benefit Refuge may also be affected by new projects from these habitat conversions, such as that could alter the configuration or depth white pelicans and tundra swans and the of the 100-year floodplain. The hydrology of composition of local duck populations may the Mokelumne and Cosumnes rivers and shift from dabbling ducks, such as mallard
Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan 65 the Morrison Creek watershed has been The Refuge is virtually surrounded by urban studied extensively for various potential and agricultural areas. Environmental flood control projects by the USACE, contaminants on the Refuge or in the area California Department of Water Resources, have the potential to accumulate on the City of Sacramento and Sacramento County. Refuge and affect large numbers of fish These projects include a recently completed and wildlife. Agricultural lands to the east, project by Sacramento Area Flood Control south, and southwest are potential sources Agency and the USACE to raise and re- of contaminants to Snodgrass Slough, as configure levees along Morrison Creek and a well as to South and North Stone lakes. project by Teichert to realign Laguna Creek Many small waterways and seasonal swales for gravel extraction, which may decrease connect the agricultural lands with the summertime flows from reaching Beach Snodgrass Slough and North and South Lake. Stone lakes. The City of Sacramento is another potential contaminant source. Since the mid-1980s, Sacramento County Morrison Creek runs through southern has been exploring the feasibility of Sacramento prior to entering the north end implementing a flood control project in of the Refuge and has been characterized the basin that could reduce the extent of by the Environmental Protection Agency the 100-year floodplain and in particular, (EPA) as an impaired waterway because decrease flooding in the community of of high Diazinon concentrations. The EPA Point Pleasant in southern Sacramento found that Diazinon poses unacceptable County. In 1998, the County Board of risks to agricultural workers and to birds Supervisors adopted the Beach-Stone and other wildlife species. Diazinon can Lakes Flood Control Plan, outlining county overstimulate the nervous system, causing policies for reducing flooding in the basin. nausea, dizziness and confusion and at very Most recently, the County has convened a high exposures caused by accidents or major facilitated private and public stakeholder spills, it can also cause death. forum to explore alternatives for reducing or compensating for flood damages to Additional studies of water quality landowners in the Beach-Stone Lakes basin. conducted by Service Contaminants staff The forum will report back to the County from 1999 to 2000 found that levels of Board of Supervisors with the results of pesticides with Diazinon in Morrison Creek their deliberations regarding a potential were sufficient to cause mortality in bioassay regional project to attenuate peak flood flows organisms after rainfall greater than one or improve flood conveyance. The County inch. Most likely these pesticides were will then utilize engineering studies and the flushed through the stormwater runoff forum results to prepare a report on key drainage system after accumulating on findings of this effort. lawns and other areas during the dry season. Also see Chapter 3, Contaminants and Water Water Quality Quality. Water quality is an important component in determining the overall function of the Sacramento County’s National Pollutant Refuge area ecosystem and is a major Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) factor in determining the health of wildlife, Municipal Permit requires reduction of aquatic organisms and fisheries. Water, pollutants found in urban stormwater sediment, and biota samples collected from runoff to the maximum extent possible. eight locations indicate that levels of heavy Stormwater detention basins are metals, although present, were not sufficient constructed as urban expanses east and to cause deleterious impacts to wildlife; upstream of the Refuge are developed. however, concentrations of selenium in all These basins are effective in reducing five waterbodies tested are above levels pollutants by 30 percent to 90 percent. The recommended for the protection of aquatic pollutants that are not detained will likely life (USFWS 1992). enter the Refuge in runoff, potentially affecting fish and wildlife.
66 Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan Land Use Changes vineyards provide little to no habitat for Urbanization and Vineyard Conversion migratory birds and other wildlife. Elk Grove incorporated as a city in 2000 Other Human Impacts and had the fastest growth rate for any large U.S. city between July 2004 and July Air Quality 2005 (USDOC 2006). The city adopted its Poor air quality injures wildlife and general plan in November 2003. When the vegetation, causes acidification of water, City of Elk Grove incorporated, it adopted accelerates weathering of buildings and as a feature of its general plan, the urban other facilities and impairs visibility. Air service boundary previously identified in quality, and pollution control in particular, is the Sacramento County General Plan, which regulated by a number of Federal and State defines the limit of urban development in the agencies. Both the State of California and County. A 90-acre portion of the Wetland the Federal government have established Preserve Unit of the Refuge lies within a variety of ambient air quality standards. Elk Grove’s city limit. As provided for in PM10 land ozone are two pollutants that the Elk Grove general plan, approximately are monitored and used to determine air 8,000 acres of former agricultural land quality on a daily basis. PM10 refers to east and upstream of the Refuge is now particulate matter suspended in the air that being developed into residences, a regional is smaller than 10 microns, which are small shopping mall and office parks. Over enough to reach the lungs. Ozone is the 18,000 additional homes are expected to main component of photochemical smog, be constructed by 2010 on land previously which is formed through a series of chemical supporting dry and irrigated pastureland reactions involving compounds known as and crops (SACOG 2000). Many migratory ozone precursors. birds which frequent the Refuge are also dependent on habitats outside of the Refuge. Sacramento County PM10 emissions are For example, the greater sandhill crane generated by a variety of sources, primarily has a wintering range of approximately entrained road dust, construction and three square miles (G. Ivey, pers. comm. demolition activities. Farming operations 2003). Therefore, cranes utilizing the and agricultural waste burning are also Refuge also rely on nearby agricultural important sources. Motor vehicles are the fields, grasslands and wetlands for feeding, primary contributors to regional ozone loafing, etc. As open land is lost, these birds concentrations because they are sources are either forced to fly longer distances to of ozone precursors. The U.S. EPA has suitable habitat or pushed into smaller and declared that the Sacramento region is not smaller parcels. Over the last ten years, meeting air quality standards. The Federal the ability of the eastern Sacramento-San air quality standard for ozone is exceeded Joaquin Delta region to support wintering several times a year and the County has cranes and other species such as long-billed been classified as a PM10 nonattainment curlew, white-faced ibis, burrowing owl and area (USEPA 2006). Swainson’s hawk has declined and continues to be threatened by urban development Illegal Activities and conversion of pasture and row crops to The majority of illegal activities involve vineyards. From 1992 to 2004, the acreage some sort of trespass by people or incursions planted in vineyards within the approved by feral animals, such as cats and dogs. Refuge boundary increased from 685 to Trespass occurs in the form of walking, 2,013 acres. The acreage of vineyards in jogging, horseback riding,, hunting, Sacramento County nearly doubled from fishing, and plant and material collecting. 1998 to 1999 (Sacramento County 1999, Trespassing results in poaching, wildlife Sacramento County 2000). Whereas smaller disturbance, littering, vandalism and vineyards interspersed with pasture, wildfires. Feral dogs and cats disturb and croplands and natural habitats can support kill native wildlife and disturb cattle used a variety of wildlife, large expanses of to graze managed grasslands. Feral animal
Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan 67 feces can also spread disease to native More serious crimes, such as burglary and wildlife populations. Noxious weeds are abandonment of burning stolen cars at more spread when people and animals trespass remote Refuge entrances, occur occasionally into previously uninfested areas. Unwanted (one to two times per year). Marijuana pets (rabbits, chickens, guinea pigs, dogs, gardens and evidence of other illegal drug cats) that are commonly released at entrances activities have also been found. Illegal to the Refuge can cause similar problems. hunting and fishing occur most often along easy access points, such as roads or from Illegal dumping of both non-hazardous and private property. hazardous materials (e.g., methamphetamine lab waste, pesticides, waste oil) near Refuge Mosquito Management entrances presents an ongoing concern. In 1993, the Service and the Sacramento- Littering along Interstate-5, particular Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control where commercial truck rigs make overnight District entered into an MOU regarding rest stops (e.g., Hood-Franklin Road exit), management of mosquitoes on the Refuge. has also become a significant problem The goal of the MOU is to minimize as traffic increases on the interstate. mosquito production and promote the least The Refuge works with the County of intrusive approaches to control mosquitoes Sacramento and the California Department on the Refuge. The Refuge coordinates with of Transportation (Caltrans) to remove SYMVCD in a variety of ways to minimize debris as quickly as possible but additional mosquito breeding habitat. For example, efforts and more cooperation are needed. the Refuge staff ensure that wetlands are Finally, arson-caused or accidental fires designed and water is manipulated in such a along Interstate-5 have become a serious way to minimize mosquito production. The management concern as the Refuge has SYMVCD monitors wetlands on the Refuge expanded east of the freeway (i.e., Wetland and plants mosquito fish, when necessary, as Illegal dumping of Preserve Unit). As a result, the Refuge an initial method of control. Alternately, if both non-hazardous has pursued new partnership opportunities mosquito larvae are detected, Bti (Bacillus and hazardous with the Elk Grove Community Services thuringiensis israeliensis) or B. sphaericus materials inside and District under the Wildland Urban Interface may be applied.. at the entrance gates program to create adequate firebreaks and to the Refuge is an ensure protection of adjacent communities As a result, mosquito larval control activities obvious problem. such as the Stonelake subdivision. since 1994 have been largely limited to Photo by Tom Harvey, localized (less than five acres) applications USFWS of larvicides and until 2005, and only three applications of an adulticides. In 2005, West Nile Virus (WNV) arrived and became established in Sacramento and Yolo counties, triggering more aggressive mosquito control. During 2005, the Refuge received ultra-low volume (ULV) ground treatments of pyrethrin on 18 occasions from September 28 through October 12. As of July 2006, the Refuge has been adulticided six times between June 27 and July 21.
Avian Bird Flu To date, the virulent form of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza referred to as H5N1 has not been detected in either wild or domestic birds or in humans in North America. In fact, between 1998 and 2004 more than 12,000 wild bird samples from
68 Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan Alaska were analyzed, and no evidence of protecting the safety of employees, partners this virus has been discovered, although and the public. birds migrating from Asia to Alaska could potentially carry the H5N1 virus. The USGS National Wildlife Health Center, in consultation with the Centers for Disease The Service, U.S. Geological Survey Control and Prevention, has produced (USGS), State and partnering academic Wildlife Health Bulletin 05-03, entitled institutions are continuing surveillance of Interim Guidelines for the Protection wild birds in Alaska for the H5N1 virus. of Persons Handling Wild Birds With The Service is working with an interagency Reference to Highly Pathogenic Avian group of scientists and public health and Influenza H5N1. While reiterating that the policy officials to design an intensified H5N1 virus has not been detected in North effort for surveillance and early detection America, these guidelines remind us of the of this virus in wild birds. This effort importance of sensible safety practices. As will help ensure that the Service is in the situation and information with regard to position to support prompt detection and the H5N1 virus changes, these guidelines response activities and to take appropriate may be updated. measures to conserve bird populations while
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70 Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan 5 Refuge Vision, Goals, and Objectives
Vision Statement “Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge belongs to a limited group among the over 540 national wildlife refuges that protect fish, wildlife, and habitat within an urban area. Through collaboration with public and private partners, Stone Lakes conserves and enhances a range of scarce Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and Central Valley habitats and the fish, wildlife, and plants they support. It sustains freshwater wetlands, wooded riparian corridors, and grasslands that facilitate wildlife movement and compensate for habitat fragmentation. Managed wetlands are of sufficient size to maintain abundant wildlife populations. Grasslands consist of a sustainable mix of native and desirable nonnative species that support a variety of grassland-dependent species. The Refuge reduces further habitat Volunteers from all fragmentation and buffers the effects of walks of life find urbanization on agricultural lands and Stone Lakes was established as a national an outlet for their adjacent natural areas within the Delta wildlife refuge because of passionate interests and talents region. support from people who recognized its in a responsive and ecological importance and critical role for appreciative setting. The Refuge pursues a land conservation the floodplain of the Beach-Stone Lakes Photo by USFWS program that complements other regional basin.. The community sees the Refuge efforts and initiatives. Management as a sanctuary for fish, wildlife and the efforts expand and diversify habitats for habitats upon which they depend, a site for migratory birds and a range of species at recreation and learning and a natural setting risk. The Refuge promotes cooperative that can enrich their lives according to their farming opportunities and strives to values. Visitors representing the area’s maintain traditional agricultural practices diversity enjoy increasing opportunities in southwestern Sacramento County that for accessible recreation that harmonizes have proven benefits for migratory birds with Refuge conservation efforts, such as experiencing declines, such as long-billed hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and curlews, Swainson’s hawks and sandhill photography. The education community cranes. Through cooperation with other looks to the Refuge as a key partner in agencies, conservation organizations, environmental education programming. neighbors, and other partners, the Refuge Volunteers from all walks of life find an develops and manages wetlands in a manner outlet for their interests and talents in a that reflects historic hydrologic patterns and responsive and appreciative setting.” is consistent with local, State, and Federal floodplain management goals and programs.
Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan 71 Goals California blackberry, blue elderberry, Goals are descriptive, open-ended, and poison oak, buttonbush and willows. The often broad statements of desired future herbaceous layer will consist of various conditions that convey a purpose but do not grasses and sedges. Dominant trees define measurable outcomes. Goals translate will include valley oak, cottonwood, Refuge purposes into management direction. California sycamore, white alder (Alnus Each goal is supported by measurable, rhombifolia), box elder and Oregon ash. achievable objectives with specific strategies needed to accomplish them. Objectives Rationale: Over 89 percent of the historic are designed to be accomplished within 15 riparian woodland and 99 percent of oak years. Actual implementation, however, savanna habitat in the Central Valley may vary as a result of available funding has been lost or converted since Euro- or other resource limitations. Figures 6 American settlement (DFG 2006). Refuge and 7, respectively, show summaries of the riparian habitat restoration efforts to proposed habitat management and visitor date have produced approximately 107 services plans for Stone Lakes National acres of restored habitat, primarily on the Wildlife Refuge. Beach Lake Unit. Based on the riparian habitat restoration goals defined in the Currently, the Service manages about 30 EIS (USFWS 1992), the Service intends to percent of the lands within the approved restore a minimum of 65 acres of additional Refuge boundary. This CCP presents goals riparian habitat over the next 15 years. and objectives for only those lands that are Expanding riparian zones along lakes, or will soon be managed by the Service. sloughs and waterways will benefit a variety The restoration objectives identified in this of species that use these habitats during CCP are consistent with the restoration migration, for nesting, feeding and roosting goals identified in Chapter 3B-3 of the 1992 habitat. These restored habitats would environmental impact statement (EIS) at provide breeding and migratory habitat the time of establishment of the approved for a variety of riparian dependent species Refuge boundary (USFWS 1992). which have been identified by the Central Valley Habitat Joint Venture as species of Goal 1. Conserve, enhance, restore and concern (G. Geupel, pers. comm.), including manage Central Valley wetland, riparian, the yellow warbler, song sparrow, spotted grassland and other native habitats to towhee, yellow breasted chat, black headed benefit their associated fish, wildlife, grosbeak and common yellowthroat. Some plants and special status species. of these species, extirpated locally or in severe decline, such as yellow warbler and Objective 1.A. Within 15 years, establish yellow-breasted chat, would also benefit a minimum of 65 acres of valley foothill from restoration efforts. Understory shrub riparian and oak woodland habitat with plantings that include elderberry bushes a canopy cover of 20-80% and a canopy would benefit the Federally-listed valley height of 2-10 meters. These newly elderberry longhorn beetle. Additionally, planted habitats will have a complex restoring riparian habitat will help achieve structure with a canopy, subcanopy the conservation action recommendations and understory shrub layer that will set forth in the Riparian Bird Conservation continue to mature beyond the lifetime Plan by the California Partners in Flight and of this CCP. An additional 40 acres of the Riparian Habitat Joint Venture (RHJV understory shrubs and herbaceous cover 2004). would be established in areas restored from 1995-1998. In the restored valley Strategies: riparian habitats, wild grape will often 1. Restore and expand cottonwood cover trees and shrubs and will dominate riparian forest habitat along the south 30 to 50 percent of the ground cover along arm of North Stone Lake through with a shrub layer consisting of wild rose, planting and beaver exclusion fencing.
72 Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan Figure 6. Proposed Habitat Management
Stone Lakes Flood up in fall National Wildlife Refuge for sandhill cranes and other waterbirds
Maintain/expand Drawdown 1 unit 0 0.5 1 2 fencing to in Aug for shorebirds Miles exclude cattle 0 0.5 1 2 from riparian Expand riparian zone Kilometers zone Manage grazing Periodically to provide foraging flood irrigated & loafing habitat pastures for sandhill cranes Nov-March as habitat for Create/enhance migratory burrowing owl waterbirds habitat Grasslands, Farmlands, & Other Expand & restore cottonwood forest Unmanaged Wetlands & Vernal Pools Managed Wetlands Establish native plant nursery Riparian Forest Open Water Expand riparian zone Non-Refuge Lands Restore upland veg Seasonally Flooded Wetland Restoration Flood up in fall Riparian Restoration for sandhill cranes and shorebirds Natural Riparian Expansion
Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan 73 Figure 7. Proposed Visitor Services Plan
Stone Lakes Car Top Boat Launch National Wildlife Refuge Pre-Registered Persons/Groups
Schools & Other Groups Guided Tours
0 0.5 1 2 Miles 0 0.5 1 2 Kilometers
Vernal Pool Guided Tours Refuge Headquarters Hiking Trails Parking Car-Top Boat Launch Sandhill Crane Viewing Trails & Boardwalks Interpretive Shelter & Kiosk Photo Blind or Observation Platform Cultural Resources Displays Env. Ed Programs & Staging Waterfowl Hunting Jr. Biologist Trail Non-Motorized Boating Boat Fishing Obs Blind Accessible by Boat Grasslands, Farmlands & Other Wetlands & Vernal Pools Riparian Forest Open Water Trails, Boardwalk & Fishing Non-Refuge Lands 1 Car Top Boat Launch
Wetland Restoration Seasonal Closure
To Stockton 2. Expand the riparian zone to a range acres of existing habitat and 65 acres of of 150 to 400 feet wide along the restored habitat (See Objective 1.A). This Sacramento Drainage Canal of the habitat encompasses riparian and oak South Stone Lake and Headquarters woodland habitat in various successional Units. stages comprising a complex structure 3. Restore approximately 20 acres to a with a canopy, sub-canopy, and understory combination of native trees, shrubs, shrub layer (usually impenetrable). and grasses on the upland areas of the Restoration would occur through habitat Headquarters Unit. manipulations, including control of 4. Establish/enhance subcanopy and invasive plant species and restoration understory in new and established of the sub-canopy and understory shrub riparian habitat areas on the Beach layer by planting native species. Wild Lake and North Stone Lake units. grape often covers trees and shrubs and 5. Establish native plant nursery at dominates the ground cover along with the Headquarters Unit for use in a shrub layer consisting of wild rose, restoration projects. California blackberry, blue elderberry, 6. Plant early to mid-successional poison oak, buttonbush and willows. vegetation on the western portion The herbaceous layer consists of various of the of the South Stone Lake Unit grasses and sedges. Dominant trees (Lewis Investment Co. tract). include valley oak, cottonwood, California 7. Assist the Sacramento Regional sycamore, white alder, box elder and County Sanitation District in Oregon ash. expanding the valley oak forest along lower Morrison Creek on the Rationale: Valley foothill riparian habitats CAMRAY tract of the Beach Lake occur in the Central Valley and the lower Unit by seeking funding and other foothills of the Sierra Nevada and Coast support for restoration. Ranges and are associated with low velocity 8. Allow expansion of riparian habitat flows, floodplains and gentle topography. along existing riparian corridors Over 89 percent of the historic riparian including managed seasonal wetlands. woodland and 99 percent of oak savanna 9. Identify and map weed infestations, habitat in the Central Valley has been track assessments and treatments and lost or converted since Euro-American produce maps and reports that can be settlement (DFG 2006). These habitats shared with other interested parties. comprise a complex structure with a canopy, 10. Intensify control efforts for perennial subcanopy and understory shrub layer. pepperweed in riparian areas using Based on the population trends and life a variety of methods including history requirements of various species pesticides, mowing, and hand-pulling. in the Central Valley, the Central Valley 11. Cooperate with U.S. Department Habitat Joint Venture has developed a list of Agriculture (USDA) and local of focal migratory bird species that can be academic institutions to research new used to guide restoration and management methods for controlling invasive plants. efforts. Riparian habitats provide breeding 12. Measure habitat characteristics (e.g., and migratory habitat for the following focal canopy cover, species composition) of species for the Central Valley, as defined by riparian plantings in areas with a high the Central Valley Habitat Joint Venture (G. diversity of bird species, as indicated Geupel, PRBO, pers. comm.): yellow warbler, by mist netting data collected over the song sparrow, spotted towhee, yellow past six years on Beach Lake Unit, to breasted chat, black headed grosbeak and guide future restoration efforts. common yellowthroat. Furthermore, these riparian areas support heron and egret Objective 1.B: Maintain and manage on rookeries that vary in size from ten to 50 an annual basis 425 acres of riparian and nests. The bird species previously listed and oak woodland habitat, consisting of 360 others, use a variety of successional stages
Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan 75 within riparian habitat. Maintaining and and long-billed dowitcher (Limnodromus managing high quality riparian habitat, in scolopaceus) and help achieve CVJV goals. various successional stages, will help achieve the conservation action recommendations Strategies: set forth in the Riparian Bird Conservation 1. Modify existing water delivery system Plan (RHJV 2004). on the South Stone Lake Unit to deliver water to the Lewis Investment Strategies: Co. Tract. 1. Monitor riparian and oak woodland 2. Control undesirable vegetation habitats each spring for invasive using a combinations of the following species such as perennial pepperweed treatments: mowing, discing, burning, and yellow star thistle and implement herbicide applications and summer control methods based on integrated flooding. pest management techniques, 3. Explore the possibility of applying including herbicide applications and reverse-cycle water management grazing (see Objective 1.A). on an experimental basis to benefit 2. Monitor riparian areas for existing shorebirds. and newly-established heron and egret rookeries (See Strategy 2.B.2). Objective 1.D: Manage on an annual 3. Maintain and expand fencing along SP basis 529 acres as moist soil habitat, Cut on the North Stone Lake Unit to characterized by a plant composition exclude cattle from riparian areas. of 50 percent or more moist soil, high- 4. Conduct annual surveys of riparian energy waterfowl plant foods including: habitats for damage by beavers, watergrass, swamp timothy and research methods to discourage smartweeds. Flood approximately 60 beavers, and implement protection percent of the moist soil units to a depth measures (e.g., wrapping trees with of 2 to 10 inches for dabbling ducks and hog wire or fencing). shorebirds and 40 percent to depths of 6 inches to 3 feet for diving ducks, grebes, Objective 1.C: Within five years, enhance cormorants, pelicans, waders and other and maintain approximately 50 acres waterbirds. of seasonal and permanent wetlands created on the 70 acre of the South Stone Rationale: All managed seasonal Lake Unit (Lewis Investment Co. tract) wetlands on the Refuge consist of moist by promoting growth of wetland species soil impoundments which support a wide such as swamp timothy, smartweeds, variety of waterbirds, with peak numbers of watergrass and associated invertebrates. waterfowl and shorebirds occurring in the These wetland species provide food for late fall and winter. Species groups having waterfowl and other waterbirds. varying requirements for vegetation and water depth. For example, dabbling ducks, Rationale: Approximately 95 percent of such as cinnamon and green winged teal, wetlands in the Central Valley have been mallard and northern pintail prefer to feed lost or converted to other land uses (DFG in shallow water, with an equal ratio of open 2006). Improving water management on the water and emergent vegetation, whereas South Stone Lake Unit would reverse some diving ducks, such as bufflehead Bucephala( of these losses and benefit a wide variety of albeola), canvasback and common goldeneye migratory birds and other wildlife, including (Bucephala clangula) prefer deeper water. special status species, such as giant garter Shorebirds, such as long-billed dowitcher, snake, western pond turtle, white-faced ibis, black-bellied plover, and black-necked greater sandhill crane, long-billed curlew, stilts, feed on mudflats or in shallow water black-bellied plover, black-necked stilt of varying depths, depending on species. Managed seasonal wetlands on the Refuge are currently operated under a fall- migration-oriented regime with flood-up
76 Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan from mid-September or October through while controlling undesirable vegetation, May, which optimizes habitat availability for such as cocklebur, yellow star thistle and fall migrants. Flooding seasonal wetlands perennial pepperweed to benefit wintering under a reverse-cycle regime from March and migratory waterfowl, as well as other through August could provide late winter wetland-dependent species. food before migration and habitat for breeding shorebirds and waterfowl broods. Rationale: Unmanaged seasonal wetlands Species supported by this objective include with no capability for water manipulations special status species such as white-faced are found on all units of the Refuge. These ibis and greater sandhill crane. wetlands receive water passively from rain and runoff only and are typically dry during Strategies: summer. Once flooded, these wetlands 1. Flood moist soil wetland attract a variety of waterbirds such as impoundments, depending on water cinnamon teal, northern pintail, white- availability, on Beach Lake and South fronted goose, black-bellied plover, black Stone Lake units starting September 1 necked stilt, long-billed dowitcher, sandhill and no later than mid-September and crane and long-billed curlew. maintain through March to May for migratory and wintering waterbirds, Strategies: including waterfowl, shorebirds and 1. Monitor unmanaged wetlands each sandhill cranes. spring for undesirable vegetation 2. Stagger the timing of drawdown for such as cocklebur and other noxious moist soil units beginning in March. weeds such as yellow star thistle and 3. Irrigate units one or two times from perennial pepperweed and implement May through August to promote control methods as needed. waterfowl food such as watergrass and 2. Use burning, grazing, discing, mowing swamp timothy and/or herbicide application to control 4. Disc and/or mow 25-50 percent of the the growth of invasive species and units to stimulate growth of waterfowl promote the growth of desirable food plants and mow or disc to wetland plants, such as watergrass, maintain an equal ratio of open water swamp timothy, smartweeds and to emergent vegetation. nutsedges, in seasonal swales. 5. Control undesirable plants such as cocklebur and joint grass using one Objective 1.F: Annually maintain 136 or more of the following treatments: acres of vernal pool seasonal wetlands mowing, discing, burning, herbicide characterized by greater than 70 percent applications, or summer flooding. native vernal pool vegetation. 6. Explore the possibility of applying reverse-cycle water management Rationale: Vernal pool habitats support on an experimental basis to benefit a variety of vernal pool species, including shorebirds. the federally endangered vernal pool fairy 7. Draw down one permanent wetland shrimp and vernal pool tadpole shrimp, as unit beginning in August to provide well as various species of special concern, habitat for migrating shorebirds. including vernal pool plant species (USFWS Flood the unit again in late September, 2006). These pools are best managed when other wetlands are being flooded. through prescribed grazing from November through June. Without grazing, a dense Objective 1.E: Maintain 452 acres layer of nonnative annual grasses can annually of unmanaged seasonal wetlands exclude native vernal pool plants and (i.e., wetlands with no capability to consume water to the extent that vernal manipulate water regimes) so they pools become prematurely dry. Grazing support 50 percent or more moist soil, high reduces the competitiveness of native plants energy waterfowl plant foods, including versus nonnative plants, and may prolong watergrass, swamp timothy, and inundation of vernal pools in the spring (J. smartweeds, interspersed with open water
Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan 77 Marty, TNC, pers. comm.). moorhens, American bitterns, American white pelicans and pied-billed grebes. An Strategies: approximately equal percentage of open 1. Monitor wetlands each spring for water for foraging and tall emergent undesirable vegetation, such as vegetation for cover provides an optimal cocklebur, and noxious weeds, such mix of habitat types. Riparian habitats as yellow starthistle and perennial associated with these wetlands may support pepperweed and implement control colonies of nesting great blue herons, great efforts as needed. egrets, double-crested cormorants, black- 2. In cooperation with the landowner, crowned night herons, and snowy egrets and develop a grazing management plan a variety of raptors such as the Swainson’s for the Wetland Preserve Unit that hawk. Fallen trees and logs provide basking maintains a residual dry matter sites for species such as western pond level, as measured in August through turtles and permanent wetlands, sloughs September, of 800-1000 lbs/acre. and waterways provide habitat for the 3. Depending on air quality regulatory endangered giant garter snake. Many of restrictions, employ prescribed burns these wetlands were degraded through to reduce nonnative annual grasses dredging, farming and other activities and replicate the historical fire regime and are currently further threatened by as closely as possible. degradation of water quality and invasive 4. Develop proposals and support aquatic weeds such as water hyacinth. research to characterize plant and animal communities in natural versus Strategies: created vernal pools. 1. Reduce human disturbances to nesting birds and other wildlife on deep water Objective 1.G: Annually maintain 715 habitats such as lakes, sloughs and the acres of deep water wetlands (including SP Cut by limiting public access. wetlands with and without a capability 2. Continue to work in partnership with to manipulate water regimes), lakes, private landowners and local and State sloughs and SP Cut to provide breeding, agencies and academic institutions to foraging and loafing habitat for waterfowl control water hyacinth and participate and other wetland dependent species, in the Stone Lakes Basin Water such as giant garter snakes and western Hyacinth Control Program. pond turtles. Deep water wetlands will 3. Within five years, survey aquatic be characterized by water depths of plants in South Stone Lake and map greater than three feet supporting wetland distribution of Brazilian elodea and plants species such as tules, cattails, other non native plants to determine burreed (Sparganium spp.) and water if control efforts are needed and if so, primrose. Wetlands with the capability to what methods can be used . manipulate water regimes (106 acres) will 4. Cooperate with the U.S. Department be managed to support a 50:50 ratio of tall of Agriculture and local academic emergent vegetation to open water. institutions on evaluating alternate, nonchemical methods of controlling Rationale: Permanent wetlands include invasive weeds. wetlands, lakes, sloughs and waterways with 5. Assess necessity and feasibility of different water management capabilities. drawing down North Stone Lake to Deeper water habitats interspersed with tall solidify a portion of the bottom of the emergent vegetation, such as cattails and lake to stimulate plant growth. tules, provide excellent habitat for a variety 6. Maintain approximately an equal ratio of migrating, wintering and resident birds, of emergent vegetation to open water including special status species, such as on the Beach Lake and South Stone greater white-fronted geese, canvasbacks, Lake units through a combination northern pintails, wood ducks, common
78 Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan of drawdowns, mowing, discing and many of the species mentioned above prescribed burning in sloughs. expanded their use of the Refuge. 7. Drawdown managed permanent wetlands every two to four years to Strategies: control carp populations and improve 1. Graze cattle on the North Stone Lake germination of desirable wetland Unit from November 1 to July 15; plants.. actual termination dates will vary from 8. Maintain sanctuary areas for nesting year to year depending on rainfall and waterbirds, (e.g., pied-billed grebes) grass production. waterfowl broods, giant garter snakes, 2. Use integrated pest management and western pond turtle from May techniques, including prescribed through September in the central fire, mowing, discing, hand removal portion of South Stone Lake (see and herbicide applications, to reduce Figure 6). invasive plants, such as yellow starthistle, pepperweed and other Objective 1.H: Manage and enhance undesirable grassland vegetation. approximately 1,900 acres of non-irrigated 3. Implement a long term grazing grasslands on the North Stone Lake Unit management plan developed in on an annual basis to provide a variety of collaboration with USDA Natural grass heights and densities as measured Resource Conservation Service by residual dry matter (RDM) at the end (NRCS) and other range management of the grazing season, which is typically experts. The plan prescribes November to June depending primarily on stocking rates to achieve varying precipitation and other factors. Pasture grass heights and densities in the five rotation reduces grazing pressure on pastures of the unit to accommodate different pasture units and promotes a habitat requirements of breeding diversity of grassland-dependent species, and wintering bird species, including such as arctic nesting geese, shorebirds, sandhill cranes, long-billed curlews songbirds, burrowing owl and other and western meadowlarks. The overall raptors, sandhill crane and long-billed goal is to annually rotate grazing curlew which have been identified by the pressure (e.g., low, medium or high) Service as focal species. among the five pastures, resulting in a range of grass heights and densities. Rationale: Over 99.9 percent of historic Two pastures will be maintained with native grasslands in the Central Valley have relatively lower residual dry matter been lost to agricultural conversion and (RDM) values as measured at the end urban development since Euro-American of the grazing season (1,200 lbs/acre), settlement (DFG 2006). The large ungulates, two pastures with medium RDM pronghorn antelope and tule elk, that once values (1,750 lbs/acre) and one pasture grazed these grasslands were extirpated with a higher RDM value (+2,500 lbs/ from the valley by the 1870s. The natural acre). . hydrologic regime of the area has also 4. Enhance and create habitat for been irreversibly modified. Despite these burrowing owls by reintroducing changes, the 2,600-acre North Stone Lake ground squirrels to the North Unit is one of the largest and relatively Stone Lake Unit and constructing unaltered grassland areas left in the Stone and maintaining artificial burrows Lakes Basin. It supports a variety of special until sufficient natural burrows are status species, such as the greater sandhill available. crane, burrowing owl, Swainson’s hawk, 5. Develop long term monitoring plan to California horned lark, long-billed curlew survey population trends of greater and western meadowlark. Since grazing was sandhill cranes, arctic nesting geese, reintroduced following a ten-year absence,
Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan 79 long-billed curlews, white-faced including; needlegrass, bluegrass (Poa ibis, burrowing owls, and western spp.), rye grass, Elymus spp., and Melica meadowlarks to evaluate wildlife spp. on various Refuge units within 10 responses to range management. years to promote biodiversity and improve 6. Develop methodologies to conserve, the grassland communities on the Refuge. enhance and restore native grasses on the North Stone Lakes Unit through Rationale: Native grasses once covered test plots in conjunction with USDA nearly 22 million acres of California, NRCS and Agriculture Plant Material including much of the Central Valley (Heady Center. 1977). Today, over 99.9 percent of these grasslands have been lost (DFG 2006). Objective 1.I: Annually maintain 460 Although little is known about the original acres of irrigated pasture/wet meadow to composition of native grasses of the Stone provide habitat for a variety of grassland Lakes Basin, purple needlegrass may have dependent species, including sandhill dominated the valley grasslands with a cranes, white faced ibis, long-billed curlew mix of other perennial grasses, including and arctic nesting geese. bluegrass, rye grass, Elymus spp. and Mellica spp.; annual grasses such as Fescue Rationale: With less than one percent of (Festuca spp.); and a mixture of broad- native grasslands left in the Central Valley, leaved forbs (Heady 1977; Stebbins 1965). many grassland dependent species now rely Because little is known about the original on dry and irrigated pastures for migrating composition of the grasses and dramatic and wintering habitat. Irrigated pastures changes in land use and hydrology have on the North Stone Lake Unit support the occurred, local experts are the best source of largest concentration of native grasses on information when planning native grassland the Refuge. Irrigated pasture is sheet- restorations. flooded in winter to bring invertebrates to the surface, providing foraging habitat for Strategies: cranes and shorebirds. 1. Establish small (less than 0.25 acre) experimental native grass plots before Strategies: large scale restoration activities are 1. Continue irrigation of 460 acres of conducted. pastures on the North Stone Lake 2. Remove nonnative seed sources by and South Stone Lake units and the mowing, discing, burning, or chemical Gallagher tract from June through applications for two seasons before October. establishing native grasses and control 2. If feasible, sheet flood irrigated broadleaves and other invasive plants pastures to a depth of less than on newly restored areas for three six inches every two weeks from years or more. November through March on the 3. Maintain grasslands by periodic North Stone Lake Unit (also see disturbance, such as mowing, grazing, 2.A.2). burning, or discing outside of the 3. Provide short grass habitat through a breeding season for birds. managed grazing program from July 4. Use local expertise in developing through October. native grassland restoration plans. 4. Develop a monitoring plan to survey 5. Restore 3-5 acres of the western native grasses and develop mapping portion of the South Stone Lake Unit capabilities and strategies to expand to a grassland community with an native grasses. objective of 60 percent native grasses through discing, seeding, mowing and Objective 1.J: Restore approximately 30 herbicide applications outside of the acres to grassland habitat consisting of breeding season for birds. a minimum of 70 percent native grasses
80 Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan 6. Develop a monitoring plan to assess the Sacramento Regional County the success of native grass restoration Sanitation District, Sacramento projects. County Department of Regional Parks, Recreation and Open Space, California Objective 1.K: Within 15 years, coordinate Department of Parks and Recreation, the Refuge land conservation program to California Department of Water protect 75 percent of the land within the Resources, The Nature Conservancy, approved Refuge boundary to help achieve the Trust for Public Land and the the Central Valley Joint Venture (CVJV) American Land Conservancy. regional habitat protection goals. 2. Continue to seek congressionally- appropriated funds (including Land Rationale: One of the goals identified and Water Conservation Funds and in the EIS that established the approved Migratory Bird Conservation Funds) Refuge boundary (USFWS 1992), is and other Federal, State and private creating linkages between Refuge funding for land conservation. habitats and habitats on adjacent lands 3. Acquire agricultural and conservation to reverse the impacts of past habitat easements on farmland and other fragmentation on wildlife and plants. fish and wildlife habitats within the Therefore, priority should be given to approved Refuge boundary. conserving lands within the approved 4. Participate actively in regional land Refuge boundary and coordinating Refuge planning efforts by Sacramento land conservation activities with other County, Cities of Elk Grove and nearby regional conservation projects Sacramento, Sacramento Area Council to compensate for habitat fragmentation of Governments, and others that may caused by agricultural conversion and urban promote the maintenance of open development. The CVJV is a partnership space and wildlife corridors between of conservation organizations and State the Refuge and other regional open and Federal agencies whose mission is space areas. to work collaboratively through diverse 5. Within one year, complete conveyance partnerships to protect, restore and of fee title interest in the 150- enhance wetlands and associated habitats acre Beach Lake Mitigation Bank for waterfowl, shorebirds, waterbirds and (Beach Lake Unit) from California riparian songbirds, in accordance with Department of Transportation. conservation actions identified in the CVJV 6. Within two years, finalize a cooperative Implementation Plan. Through these agreement with the Sacramento actions, the CVJV aims to advance its vision Regional County Sanitation District of providing diverse habitats necessary for joint management of the 1,800 to sustain migratory bird populations in acres of the Sacramento Regional perpetuity for the benefit of those species, Wastewater Treatment Plant resident wildlife and the public. The Bufferlands lying within the approved Central Valley of California is the most Refuge boundary. important waterfowl wintering area in the 7. Within 15 years, secure funding to Pacific Flyway, supporting 60 percent of protect 75 percent of land with the the total duck and goose population. In approved Refuge boundary by working its implementation plan, the CVJV sets with willing landowners. out habitat protection, enhancement and restoration objectives for sub-basin of the Objective 1.L: Coordinate Refuge Central Valley, including the Sacramento habitat conservation efforts with other San Joaquin Delta. private and public conservation efforts within the Sacramento-San Joaquin Strategies: Delta to contribute to regional habitat 1. Coordinate Refuge land conservation conservation needs. activities with local and State agencies and private organizations, including
Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan 81 Rationale: The EIS establishing the 1,224-acre portion of the North Stone approved Refuge boundary (USFWS 1992) Lake Unit. identified two goals: (1) coordinate Refuge 3. Within five years, develop a land acquisition and management activities cooperative agreement with California with other agencies and organizations Department of Water Resources for to maximize the effectiveness of Refuge joint management of the 410 acres contributions to regional habitat needs, and they own within the approved Refuge (2) preserve, enhance, and restore Central boundary. Valley wetlands and agricultural lands to 4. Pursue inclusion of the Service as provide foraging and sanctuary habitat a signatory to the joint operating to achieve distribution and population agreement for the Cosumnes River levels of migratory waterbirds consistent Preserve to support the conservation with goals and objectives of the Central and management of lands within and Valley Joint Venture (CVJV). Therefore, adjacent to the approved Refuge coordination of the conservation efforts of boundary. various management entities should support 5. In cooperation with the Natural a greater diversity of fish and wildlife values Resources Conservation Service and recreational opportunities. Under the (NRCS) and other agencies and North American Waterfowl Management private organizations, pursue Plan, the CVJV was established for habitat enhancement of privately-owned lands conservation and management of migratory within and outside of the approved waterbirds in the Central Valley. Current Refuge boundary by working with CVJV habitat objectives for the Sacramento- landowners through various programs, San Joaquin Delta to which the Refuge such as Partners for Fish and may contribute include: (1) restore 19,000 Wildlife and NRCS programs (e.g., acres of wetlands; (2) enhance 2,112 acres Conservation Reserve Enhancement of wetlands; and (3) enhance 23,000 acres Program, Environmental Quality of agricultural land. The Service would Incentives Program, and Wildlife coordinate efforts with ongoing private Habitat Incentives Program). and public conservation projects, including 6. Continue to participate actively in the CVJV, Riparian Habitat Joint Venture, regional land use planning by State, Cosumnes River Preserve, Yolo Basin county and municipal entities that may Wildlife Area, Delta Meadows State Park affect Refuge resources or complement and other State-owned Delta properties. Refuge conservation goals (see also 1.M). Strategies: 1. Within three years, modify the Objective 1.M: Manage Refuge floodplain existing cooperative agreement with lands in a manner consistent with local, Sacramento County Department of State and Federal flood management, Regional Parks, Recreation and Open sediment and erosion control and water Space for their 1,567-acre portion of quality objectives as described in the the North Stone Lake Unit so the environmental impact statement (EIS) agreement has a 30-year duration, and establishing the approved Refuge includes the habitat and visitor use boundary. strategies outlined in the CCP and Sacramento County’s revised Draft Rationale: The importance of the Beach- North Stone Lake Management and Stone Lakes Basin as a flood storage area Restoration Plan. during winter high flow events continues to 2. Within three years, secure long term increase with upstream urban development. management through cooperative The resulting changes in the flooding agreement of the California regime have also reduced the viability of Department of Parks and Recreation some agricultural operations and modified patterns of remaining natural vegetation.
82 Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan In the EIS that established the approved mitigation measure in the EIS establishing Refuge boundary (USFWS 1992), the the approved Refuge boundary (USFWS Service recognized flood storage as an 1992) and as part of subsequent water important benefit and natural component quality investigations (Thomas 2003). A of the Beach Stone Lakes ecosystem. water quality monitoring program can be Refuge restoration and management will be used to further education and outreach consistent with Federal, State and local flood efforts to local landowners, businesses guidelines. and agricultural landowners, and can inform regulatory activity, if needed. Strategies: Current threats to Refuge water quality 1. Participate in regional interagency include: eutrophic conditions (excess floodplain management planning nutrients), turbidity, low dissolved oxygen, efforts that may affect the Beach- contaminants in urban and agricultural Stone Lakes Basin, including the runoff (e.g., polycyclic aromatic North Delta Improvement Group, hydrocarbons (PAHs), fecal coliform and Lower Morrison Creek planning, pesticides) as well as mercury from historic Mokelumne-Cosumnes Watershed mining operations. Alliance, Pt. Pleasant Flood Control Working Group and Sacramento River Two options exist for the Refuge to comply Planning Forum. with the Central Valley Regional Water 2. Implement Refuge habitat Quality Control Board’s (Regional Board) improvement strategies so that they Irrigated Lands Conditional Waiver for do not exacerbate local or regional water dischargers: filing as an individual flooding, degrade water quality, or discharger; or joining a discharge Coalition cause erosion impacts for adjacent or Group. Discharges from the Refuge into nearby landowners or residents. Waters of the State are not a regular 3. Review and participate in regional occurrence and only occur periodically planning activities sponsored by during flood events in which most of the Sacramento County and local flood water stays on Refuge lands and is municipalities, such as the City of not discharged. In addition the Refuge Elk Grove, which may affect flooding cooperates with the SRCSD Bufferlands regimes or water quality in the Beach- staff to collect and analyze water samples Stone Lakes Basin. to assess any impacts resulting from the 4. Develop a Refuge levee flood control application of aquatic herbicides. The channel maintenance MOU in Refuge complied with water quality testing, coordination with local agencies, to assess any concentration of aquatic such as reclamation and resource herbicides, in compliance with the California conservation districts, the City of Elk Department of Boating and Waterways Grove, and Sacramento County, that is National Pollution Discharge Elimination consistent with existing or future flood System (NPDES) permit. Given that control policies. minimal discharge, if any, occurs from the Refuge and that water quality monitoring Objective 1.N: Within 10 years of CCP is already occurring, the Refuge will file as approval, work toward achieving the an individual discharger, or as a Coalition water quality supply standard for Group Member if appropriate. wetlands and fish and wildlife resources set forth by the U.S. Environmental To comply with the Irrigated Lands Protection Agency (USEPA), the Conditional Waiver as an Individual California Department of Fish and Game discharger, the Refuge must file a Notice (DFG) and the Regional Water Quality of Intent (NOI) to comply and a Farm Control Board. Evaluation Report. Additional required reports will include a Monitoring and Report Rationale: Establishing a water quality Program Plan and water quality monitoring, monitoring program was recommended as a
Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan 83 evaluated in a complete annual report to Goal 2. Conserve, enhance, and restore the Regional Water Board. In addition, high quality migrating, wintering and technical reports may also be required, by breeding habitat for migratory birds within the Regional Board, should water quality the Sacramento San Joaquin Delta of the problems occur. The requirements for those Central Valley. that join a Coalition Group and file under the Conditional Waiver for Coalition Groups are Objective 2.A: Manage 2,950 acres of identical except that a Watershed Evaluation Refuge lands and cooperate with nearby Report is required in place of a Farm farmers and landowners to conserve and Evaluation Report. The reports required enhance agricultural lands and habitats from the Coalition Groups include the filing that support 400-700 greater and lesser of a NOI and General Report, Monitoring sandhill cranes wintering in the Stone and Reporting Program Plan, Annual Lakes Basin. The Refuge will continue Monitoring Reports and the potential for management of seasonal wetlands and a development of a Management Plan if irrigated pasture to provide roosting and required to resolve exceedance of water foraging habitat and pursuing projects quality objectives. and partnerships to maintain dry and irrigated pastures, wheat, corn, and Strategies: alfalfa for cranes foraging in the basin. 1. Work to ensure coverage under the Central Valley Regional Water Rationale: The greater sandhill crane Quality Control Board Irrigated is listed by the State as a threatened Lands Conditional Waiver, either as an subspecies, under the California Individual discharger or as a Coalition Endangered Species Act (CESA). Cranes Group member if appropriate. winter in the Central Valley and depend 2. Develop a Refuge water quality on a combination of agricultural lands, monitoring program to track changes wetlands and pasture. As urban expansion in contaminant concentrations, and and conversion of agricultural crops and water quality parameters (pH and pastures to vineyards continues, habitat dissolved oxygen) resulting from availability for cranes has decreased. current and future land use patterns Winter home ranges for greater sandhill around the Refuge within five years. cranes are relatively small, averaging less 3. Develop a long-term water quality than one square mile, despite fluctuating monitoring program to assess the food availability during the winter season effects of non-point sources of pollution (G. Ivey, pers. comm.). Nightly roost sites (including stormwater and agriculture need to be in close proximity (less than one runoff) entering the Refuge and the mile) to feeding sites. The Refuge can play contaminant levels in fish and other an important role in the recovery of this biota. subspecies by providing winter roosting and 4. Develop strategies to work with foraging habitat to support approximately local landowners, businesses and 200 to 300 greater sandhill cranes near the neighborhood organizations within North and South Stone Lake units and the the watershed to educate and reduce surrounding area. quantities of pesticides and runoff entering the Refuge. Strategies: 5. Expand the Refuge outreach and 1. Begin flood up of seasonal and education effort to inform upstream permanent wetlands on the Beach urban residents and businesses of the Lake and South Stone Lake units in sensitivity of downstream water uses. early September to provide habitat 6. Develop a partnership with Franklin for arriving (migrating) cranes, High School to monitor water quality particularly when roosting habitat in on the Refuge. the area is in short supply. 2. Periodically sheet-flood irrigated pastures in winter to provide foraging
84 Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan opportunities on the North Stone Lake strategies and facilitate adaptive Unit. management. Monitoring and research on 3. Continue grazing the North Stone the Refuge, in cooperation with other similar Lake Unit to provide foraging and efforts in the Central Valley, will provide loafing habitat adjacent to roosting valuable information about population trends sites in wetlands (see objective 1.F). and assist with development of overall 4. Develop and host workshops to strategies for the recovery and management provide private landowners with of migratory birds and other key species information about USDA, NRCS and groups. Collaborative efforts between other Federal, State and private grant the Refuge and other agencies, academic and incentive programs aimed at institutions, and private organizations will maintaining small grain fields for crane increase the effectiveness of data collection forage and protecting or enhancing efforts, expand the resources available and other habitats important for wintering enable the Service to address a larger array crane within a five-mile radius of the of research and monitoring needs. Refuge. 5. Maintain 40 to 60 acres of agriculture The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector fields on the Headquarters Unit of the Control District (SYMVCD) has monitored Refuge for foraging cranes. Crops landbirds on the Refuge weekly through could include corn, winter wheat and mist netting and banding since 1995. The other small grains. program has assisted the Service with 6. Conduct bimonthly sandhill crane assessing the quality of Refuge riparian surveys and coordinate results with habitats and avian species diversity. The appropriate researchers and refuges goals of this program are to: assess the role including the Cosumnes River of wild birds as reservoirs for mosquito- Preserve and Modoc and Malheur borne diseases such as Western Equine national wildlife refuges. Encephalitis, St. Louis Encephalitis, and 7. Incorporate crane roosting habitat West Nile virus; assess the usefulness characteristics (e.g., shallow water, of bird populations as an early warning small islands with gravel, and system for potential viral episodes; and minimizing human disturbance) into provide information regarding species any new wetland development plans. diversity, population status, seasonal use and reproductive success and recruitment on the Objective 2.B: Develop monitoring Refuge. strategies for focal species identified in various regional bird conservation plans Strategies: to assess current and guide future habitat 1. Conduct biweekly waterfowl, restoration activities. The regional plans shorebird and waterbird censuses include: the Central Valley Joint Venture from September through June and Implementation Plan, the Riparian Bird coordinate surveys with the annual Conservation Plan, the Grassland Bird inter-agency mid-winter waterfowl Conservation Plan, the Oak Woodland survey. Bird Conservation Plan, the North 2. Continue monitoring of existing heron American Waterbird Conservation and egret rookeries and annually Plan, the North American Waterfowl survey suitable riparian areas for new Management Plan, and the North colonies (See Strategy 1.B.2). American Landbird Conservation Plan. 3. Pursue opportunities to recruit qualified volunteers and develop Rationale: Population monitoring and research assessing the habitat requirements of migratory birds is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of Refuge management
Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan 85 partnerships with resource agencies, better utilize the diverse interests, academic institutions and private talents and abilities of residents in the organizations to accomplish monitoring surrounding communities. and research projects related to 2. Develop a Refuge volunteer manual Refuge habitats and wildlife. to aid the volunteer coordinator 4. Develop and annually update a list with planning and implementing the of Refuge monitoring needs with volunteer program. universities in the region and other 3. Provide at least one comprehensive agencies which conduct research. volunteer training opportunity per 5. Develop surveys on the South Stone year with a revised and updated Lake, Headquarters, and Wetland volunteer training manual and other Preserve Units and other lands as they educational opportunities. come under Refuge management. 4. Develop and maintain a volunteer 6. Develop data management strategies database. to store data and make data available 5. Pursue opportunities to collaborate to other researchers. on expanding volunteer activities with 7. Assess feasibility of creating tricolored the Sacramento Regional County blackbird habitat in grassland habitat Sanitation District, Cosumnes River (e.g., planting large California Preserve and Delta Meadows State blackberry patches and expanding tule Park. areas in wetlands for nesting). 6. Recruit Student Conservation Association, AmeriCorps, California Goal 3. Provide visitors with wildlife- Conservation Corps and other interns dependent recreation, interpretation and to work in a variety of programs. education opportunities which foster 7. Explore and continue ongoing outreach an understanding of the Refuge’s unique efforts to recruit quality volunteers. wildlife and plant communities in an urban 8. Expand opportunities for specific setting. one-time volunteer events, ongoing individual opportunities and ongoing Objective 3.A: Within the next five years, group opportunities, including recruit and maintain sufficient short and community service hour use long term volunteers to accomplish three opportunities. habitat restoration projects, eight wildlife 9. Continue and expand volunteer surveys, six environmental education participation in three habitat programs, and remain active in offering a restoration projects on the variety of other volunteer opportunities. Headquarters Unit, including 176 acres of managed and passive seasonal Rationale: Refuge volunteer programs are and permanent wetlands, 82 acres a vital instrument for providing educational of wet meadow and upland native and interpretive opportunities to the grasslands and 83 acres of riparian public and for assisting with biological habitats. monitoring and visitor use programs. The 10. Maintain and expand volunteer reauthorization of the National Wildlife participation in eight ongoing Refuge Volunteer and Community wildlife monitoring surveys including Partnership Enhancement Act of 1998 waterbird monitoring, nest box illustrates the importance of volunteer monitoring, rookery surveys, landbird programs and community partnerships in mistnetting/disease monitoring, helping to fulfill the mission of the National sandhill crane surveys, grasslands Wildlife Refuge System. monitoring, frog malformation survey and Swainson’s hawk/burrowing Strategies: survey. 1. Broaden the scope of volunteer tasks 11. Maintain and expand volunteer and define volunteer positions to participation in six environmental
86 Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan education programs including school boats would be limited to using trolling groups, special group tours, partnering motors. A no-wake zone on the entire with schools on curricula, special Refuge would minimize conflicts with other events, volunteer work and teacher users, water quality degradation, erosion to workshops. levees and disturbance to wildlife. Boating would be allowed from June to September Objective 3.B: Construct adequate to minimize impacts to heron rookeries and facilities and develop programs for Swainson’s hawks nesting along riparian visitors to visit the Refuge seven days a corridors. week to observe, photograph and enjoy the Refuge’s unique natural habitats and Strategies: wildlife during all seasons of the year 1. Construct two photography blinds on with a target of 10,500 visit opportunities the Headquarters and North Stone per year by 2009. Lake units. 2. Construct restrooms on the Beach Rationale: Wildlife observation and Lake, Headquarters and South Stone photography are two of the six priority Lake units. visitor uses identified in the National 3. Construct two miles of universally Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act accessible trails and 200 feet of of 1997. These wildlife dependent activities boardwalk on the Headquarters Unit. were identified in the EIS (USFWS 1992) 4. Construct a safe entrance road and and should be offered on the Refuge. parking area for approximately 40 Currently, the Refuge has limited visitor vehicles on the Headquarters Unit access to two days per month and, as a 5. Construct a viewing platform on the result, the expectations of the visiting public Headquarters Unit overlooking newly are not being met A great potential also constructed wetlands. exists to provide visitors opportunities for 6. Construct a safe vehicular access point, wildlife observation and photography from a parking area for 15 cars and a trail boats. To prevent disturbance of wildlife, and a wildlife observation platform
Wildlife observation and photography are two of the six priority public uses identified in the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997. Photo by USFWS
Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan 87 on the southern portion of the North foraging and roosting habitats on the Stone Lake Unit, accessible from Refuge by restricting public access Hood-Franklin Road. Design and during October through March. locate facilities to minimize impact on 15. Reduce potential spread of invasive sandhill cranes, arctic nesting geese, species by visitors by restricting giant garter snakes and burrowing access to paved or graveled trails and owls. maintaining trails in good condition 7. Provide parking for approximately through regular weed control. 20 cars at the boat launch on the South Stone Lake unit to provide Objective 3.C: Within five years, develop wildlife viewing, photography, an environmental education program fishing and associated cartop boating with a target of providing 80 opportunities opportunities. Only non-motorized per year for groups with an outdoor or electric motor-only boats would be experience where visitors become aware allowed on South Stone Lake from of the Refuge’s role in the conservation June through September. South Stone of Central Valley and Sacramento San Lake would be an enforced no-wake Joaquin Delta habitats and their fish and zone. wildlife. 8. Construct 1.5 miles of foot trails and 200 feet of boardwalk on the South Rationale: Environmental education is Stone Lake unit open to the public one of the six priority visitor uses identified seven days a week with seasonal in the National Wildlife Refuge System restrictions. Improvement Act of 1997. The Refuge 9. Develop a boat-accessible haul-out provides a unique opportunity for the local site, walking trail and viewing blind on community to experience Central Valley the South Stone Lake Unit (i.e., Lodi habitats and wildlife in proximity to an Peninsula).. urban area. Refuge-based environmental 10. Provide parking and boat launch educational activities can also be integrated capacity for approximately 10 cartop into both indoor and outdoor classroom boats (including canoes and kayaks) curriculums. on the Beach Lake unit at the end of Elliott Ranch Road to provide wildlife Strategies: viewing, photography and fishing 1. Offer up to four staff and/or docent opportunities for pre-registered lead environmental education tours on groups in SP Cut from June through the Refuge per week. September. 2. Within five years, conduct 11. Once visitor use facilities are made teacher workshops to develop an available on the Headquarters unit, environmental education program shift the focus of the Beach and North featuring teacher lead tours with a Stone Lake units within one year from target of training six to 12 groups of open-touring days to pre-registered teachers per year. school and docent-guided tour groups. 3. Develop a Junior Biologist Trail as 12. Develop guided tours for the Wetland part of the proposed Blue Heron Trail Preserve Unit. System on the Headquarters Unit to 13. Restrict land-based visitor use near be used by schools and other groups habitat suitable for heron/egret and individuals. rookeries, nesting Swainson’s hawks 4. Develop a Refuge elementary school and other areas used by nesting curriculum manual for teachers to use migratory birds during sensitive laying while visiting the Refuge that includes and incubation periods (approximately pre- and post-visitation activities. February to June 15). 5. Explore feasibility of a Refuge fee area 14. Minimize disturbance to sandhill crane to support environmental education programs and general maintenance of
88 Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan visitor use areas. to accommodate approximately 20 boats on South Stone Lake and approximately Objective 3.D: Within five years, develop ten boats on SP Cut from June through two interpretive programs where September. visitors could learn of the Refuge’s role in conserving the Central Valley Rationale: Fishing is one of the six priority and Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta visitor uses identified in the National habitats and their fish and wildlife, Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act with an emphasis on outdoor hands-on of 1997. Fishing has traditionally occurred experiences. on South Stone Lake and surrounding Delta waterways since American Indians occupied Rationale: Interpretation is one of the six the area. In this objective, “safe,” is defined priority visitor uses identified in the National as the absence of any fishing-related safety Wildlife Refuge System Improvement incidents. Act of 1997. Interpretive activities can introduce the public to the Refuge’s habitat Strategies: management activities and familiarize them 1. Develop and maintain a safe public with the conservation efforts that protect parking lot and boat launch facilities local natural resources. to accommodate approximately 20 cartop (not trailered) boats on the Strategies: South Stone Lake unit, including an 1. Develop a self-guided trail as part informational kiosk with maps and of the proposed Blue Heron Trails brochures on regulations, health System on the Headquarters Unit with warnings, species identification and hands-on learning stations within two Refuge boundaries. Boating will years. extend up the SP Cut to the culvert on 2. Develop a class/group staging area the South Stone Lake unit. and 5 open air interpretive shelters 2. Provide a launch for pre-registered with one kiosk and exhibits as part canoe/kayak groups in SP Cut on the of the Blue Heron Trails system that Beach Lake unit from June through would accommodate approximately 40 September. Access would be from the children at a time. end of Elliott Ranch Road and a no 3. Develop interpretive displays on the wake zone will be enforced. Headquarters Unit that illustrate 3. Fishing will be in accordance with all traditional dwellings, various State regulations. Fishing will not subsistence strategies and the overall include take of frogs or crayfish and lifestyle of local American Indian will only be done with rod and reel. Tribes (see Objective 4.F). 4. Restrict water-based visitor use 4. Continue existing guided hikes and near habitat suitable for heron/egret offer one additional interpretive docent rookeries and Swainson’s hawks guided hike per month. during sensitive laying and incubation 5. Develop interpretive panels and periods (approximately February to exhibits on South Stone Lake Unit. June 15). 6. Develop self-guided trail and 5. Develop facilities for mobility impaired interpretive displays for the Wetland persons to enter and exit canoes and Preserve Unit. kayaks safely. 7. Develop a variety of written 6. See objective 3.B for other strategies interpretive materials such as related to opportunities for boating brochures, flyers and handouts programs.
Objective 3.E: Within five years, the Objective 3.F: Continue to expand the Refuge will provide safe, boat-only Refuge outreach program, targeting the fishing with day use parking facilities local community and nontraditional
Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan 89 users, by expanding partnerships for on outreach programs involving the the annual Walk on the Wildside event Refuge. and prepare for a minimum of four 6. Develop new portable refuge displays appropriate off-Refuge events, per year, to for use at fairs, shows and festivals. increase awareness of the Refuge’s role in 7. Expand the number of presentations conserving Central Valley and Sacramento given to schools, conservation groups San Joaquin Delta habitats and their and public service organizations. associated fish and wildlife. Goal 4. In cooperation with tribal Rationale: Environmental education is representatives, identify and protect one of the six priority visitor uses identified cultural resources on the Refuge and in the National Wildlife Refuge System educate the public regarding American Improvement Act of 1997. The urban Indians and the history of the region. location of the Refuge provides opportunities for the Service to educate broader audiences Objective 4.A: Prepare a cultural within the local community, including resources overview of the Refuge, within nontraditional users, about the Refuge’s role 15 years of CCP approval. in conserving Central Valley habitats and wildlife and the benefits the Refuge provides Rationale: Although record searches have to the surrounding communities and Central been conducted for all Service-managed Valley. properties, a complete compilation of site records and relevant reports summarizing Strategies: the number and locations of all recorded 1. Maintain Refuge website for a one-stop sites within the approved Refuge boundary source of information about Refuge would aid in planning land conservation, history, events and biological resources management and landowner outreach. with links to the Stone Lakes National Refuge planning efforts would be enhanced Wildlife Refuge Association and other by identifying the location and composition partners. of collections of human remains, funerary 2. Continue and expand partnerships objects, sacred objects, or objects of cultural for the annual Walk on the Wildside patrimony that were discovered and festival to celebrate the National removed from within the approved Refuge Wildlife Refuge System and other boundary prior to the Service assuming events, such as International land management authority. However, this Migratory Bird Day. overview would be for the sole purpose of 3. Participate in at least four appropriate identifying cultural resources and these local off-refuge events each year, such collections would not fall under Service as the Lodi Crane Festival and Salmon jurisdiction. Festival. 4. Support the Stone Lakes National Strategies: Wildlife Refuge Association by 1. Compile and maintain all existing actively participating in their events, baseline data on cultural resources activities and meetings and making sites, surveys and reports within one monthly contributions to Association mile of the approved Refuge boundary. outreach related materials, including 2. In consultation with archaeologists and newsletters, the website and tribal representatives, approximate brochures. the location of unrecorded sites and 5. Collaborate with and assist local culturally sensitive areas within the resource-oriented agencies and approved Refuge boundary by using city departments, such as the Elk site records, maps and other data. Grove Community Service District, Identify cultural resources issues and needs and draft potential solutions.
90 Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan 3. To aid with Refuge planning, identify integrity of sensitive cultural resources. the location and composition of any collections of human remains and Strategies: Native American Grave Protection 1. As funding is available, a qualified and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) archeologist will survey new properties covered items removed from within coming under Refuge management the approved Refuge boundary prior to locate and delineate, as needed, to the Service’s assumption of land any known or previously unrecorded management. cultural resource sites. 2. In consultation with the appropriate Objective 4.B: Within 15 years of CCP Service or other professional cultural approval, evaluate conditions of known resource experts, evaluate sites on cultural resource sites on Refuge managed newly-managed properties to identify lands and conduct seasonal monitoring of any protection, restoration, and/or known sites. management measures that may be necessary. Rationale: The Service is required to ensure that the integrity of any cultural sites Objective 4.D: Meet annually with the on Refuge lands are protected. As a result Ione Band of Miwok Indians and other of the activities of previous landowners, concerned tribal groups to discuss land sites may have been impacted or may still management and restoration activities be vulnerable to continued degradation planned for the upcoming field season. (e.g.,erosion, traffic, theft). Therefore, sites should be evaluated by qualified Rationale: The Service has agreed to professionals and measures to stop and/or meet annually with the Ione Band of Miwok reverse deterioration of the sites should be Indians to keep them informed regarding developed and implemented. planned Refuge activities. Meetings will also provide a forum for tribal representatives Strategies: to present any of their proposals or discuss 1. Conduct monthly monitoring visits of other concerns that relate to management of known cultural resource sites on the Refuge lands. North Stone Lake Unit to ensure that existing grazing protection measures Strategies: are intact. 1. As the Service has previously agreed, 2. As needed, consult with professional hold an annual meeting to review archaeologists, local tribal previous projects or summarize representatives and the Regional management or restoration projects Office Archaeologist regarding any and public events that are planned necessary protection or remediation by the Refuge for the upcoming measures for cultural resource sites. year, whether or not these activities 3. Develop additional measures to protect will require formal State Historic sites and/or remediate past damages, if Preservation Office consultation. necessary. 2. Review and reissue, if appropriate, any special use permits for traditional Objective 4.C: Identify and delineate any activities such as plant collecting for cultural resources on new lands coming basket weaving. under Refuge management. Objective 4.E: Within five years, Rationale: Identifying historic properties begin developing a memorandum of on lands as they come under Refuge understanding or agreement with the management will enable staff to ensure that Ione Band of Miwok Indians or with other any restoration and management programs involved tribal organizations to facilitate for fish and wildlife will also protect the compliance with the Native American
Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan 91 Grave Protection and Repatriation Act educational materials to increase public (NAGPRA) and to establish protocols for understanding about local American Indian treating human remains and associated peoples is necessary, given the abundance funerary objects, sacred objects or objects of cultural resources within the approved of cultural patrimony. Refuge boundary and the historic role of Indians in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Rationale: Due to previous land uses, Delta. These materials will aid Refuge staff some Refuge lands and other properties in explaining historical ecological conditions, within the approved Refuge boundary the importance of restoring and/or have human remains or NAGPRA covered maintaining the integrity of those conditions items exposed on the surface of the ground. and the role fish and wildlife played in Currently, the Refuge consults with the American Indian culture and history. Ione Band of Miwok Indians regarding land management programs and the status Strategies: of burial sites. In addition to the Ione 1. Develop exhibits for the Headquarters Band, other organizations may need to be and Beach Lake units to illustrate consulted. In consultation with the Ione traditional dwellings, various Band and other relevant authorities and subsistence strategies and the overall experts, the Refuge has implemented some lifestyle of local American Indian protection measures and assisted with some peoples. repatriation of human remains and funerary 2. Solicit input and advice from items. Since more sites are expected to concerned tribal representatives in come under Refuge management and to planning, information gathering and facilitate compliance with NAGPRA, a review of educational, interpretive and formal agreement with tribal groups should outreach programs and publications. be developed to define the protocol to be Work with Tribes and universities to followed when protection, repatriation and identify the messages and resources re-interment measures are appropriate. that would be most appropriate to share with the public. Strategies: 3. In publications or exhibits, provide a 1. Develop an agreement that includes brief history of the indigenous peoples the following elements: notification of greater California, scaling down to procedures; when appropriate, the Sacramento Valley and then to the procedures for collection of human Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta region remains and associated funerary to educate the public. objects, sacred objects, or objects 4. Include a cultural resource element in of cultural patrimony; criteria for special events held on the Refuge. defining NAGPRA covered items; any data collection or study of materials that may be warranted; guidelines for any temporary or permanent curation of non-repatriated materials; and a re- interment protocol.
Objective 4.F: Develop a minimum of two interpretive panels and exhibits, located various on units, to educate the public regarding the cultural resources of the Refuge and past and present American Indian cultural practices, within 15 years of CCP approval.
Rationale: Developing interpretive and
92 Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan 6 Implementation and Monitoring
Once the preferred management alternative management strategies identified in a and CCP are finalized and approved and CCP. Refuge staff members have already the Service has notified the public of its completed a number of step-down plans. decision, the implementation phase of the These include fire management, grazing, CCP process begins. Implementation land protection and mosquito integrated occurs over a period of 15 years, during pest management plans. This CCP proposes which the CCP will serve as the primary several new step-down plans that are reference document for all Refuge identified in Table 2, along with target dates planning, operations and management until for completion. it is formally revised. The Service will implement the final CCP with assistance Funding and Staffing from existing and new partner agencies and Resources are required to adequately organizations and from the public. operate any national wildlife refuge including initial capital outlay for equipment, The activities required to realize the facilities, labor and other expenses as management goals discussed in this CCP are well as recurring, annual costs for staff, referred to as “projects” below. Every effort contracts, supplies, maintenance and other will be made to implement the projects by recurring expenses (See Table 3, Estimated the established deadlines. However, the Initial Capital Outlay to Implement CCP). implementation timing of the management The estimated initial capital outlay for activities proposed in this document is the Refuge, described in this CCP would contingent upon a variety of factors, cost approximately $10 million. Not all of including: these capital expenditures would occur in • Completion of detailed step-down the same year as many of these expenses management plans would be most likely implemented over • Funding the course of several years. The detailed • Staffing descriptions of objectives and their • Compliance with other Federal laws and associated implementation strategies serve regulations as a guide to the ideal time frame in which • Partnerships to implement capital expenditures. The • The results of monitoring and evaluation largest costs for initial outlays are for visitor
Each of these factors is described briefly below as they apply to the Service’s Table 2. Step-down Management Plans proposed action. Step Down Plan Target for Completion Step-Down Management Plans Fisheries Management Plan 2008 Some projects or types of projects require Invasive Weed - Integrated Pest 2008 more in-depth planning than the CCP Management Plan process is designed to provide. For these Volunteer Plan 2009 projects, the Service prepares step-down management plans. In essence, step-down Comprehensive Inventory and 2009 management plans provide the additional Monitoring Plan planning details necessary to implement Habitat Management Plan 2009
Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan 93 services and habitat restoration as should be • Secretarial Order 3127 (Hazardous expected for an urban refuge. Substances Determinations) • Endangered Species Act of 1973, as To fully implement this CCP, personnel amended dedicated to the Refuge would include: • Refuge Recreation Act of 1962, as • 1 Project Leader amended • 1 Deputy Project Leader • National Historic Preservation Act of • 1 Wildlife Biologist 1966, as amended • 1 Administrative Support Assistant • 1 Outdoor Recreation Specialist Partnership Opportunities • 1 Park Ranger As described in Chapter 1, a wide array • 1 Motor Vehicle Operator of private and public partners play an • 1 Engineering Equipment Operator important role in helping the Service achieve its goals and objectives for the Annual contracts or cooperative agreements Refuge. The Service will continue to rely will also be needed to provide specialized on these and other partners in the future services beyond the core Refuge functions, to help implement the final CCP and to for which staff are required. The recurring provide input for future CCP updates. This staffing and other costs associated with draft CCP identifies many projects that CCP implementation total approximately provide new opportunities for existing or six hundred and seventy thousand dollars new partners. There is great potential for (See Table 4, Estimated Annual Cost to more public participation and assistance Implement the CCP). This is approximately in the management and interpretation of a 65 percent increase over the Fiscal Year the Refuges. The Service welcomes and 2006 operations budget of 435,000. encourages more public participation in the Refuges. Compliance Requirements This CCP was developed to comply with Adaptive Management all Federal laws, executive orders and This draft CCP provides for adaptive legislative acts to the extent possible. Some management of the Refuge. Adaptive activities , particularly those that involve management is a flexible approach to revising an existing step-down management long-term management of biotic resources plan or preparing a new one, would need to that is directed by the results of ongoing comply with other laws or regulations. In monitoring activities and new data. addition to NEPA and the Improvement Act, Management techniques, objectives and full implementation of all components of this strategies are regularly evaluated in CCP would require compliance with: light of monitoring results, new scientific • Executive Order 11988 (Floodplain understanding and other new information. Management) These periodic evaluations are used to adapt • Executive Order 12372 management objectives and techniques (Intergovernmental Review of Federal to better achieve the Refuge’s goals. Programs) Monitoring is an essential component of • Executive Order 11593 (Protection of adaptive management in general and of this Historical, Archaeological, and Scientific draft CCP. Specific monitoring strategies Properties) have been integrated into the goals and • Executive Order 11990 (Protection of objectives whenever possible. Wetlands) • Executive Order 12996 (Management Plan Amendment and Revision and General Public Use of the National Refuge CCPs are meant to evolve with each Wildlife Refuge System) individual Refuge unit. The Improvement • Executive Order 12898 (Environmental Act specifically requires that CCPs be Justice in Minority Populations and Low- formally revised and updated at least every Income Populations) 15 years. The formal revision process will
94 Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan follow the same steps as the CCP process plan. The goals described in the final CCP (see Chapter 2: The Planning Process). In would not change until they are re-evaluated the meantime, the Service will annually as part of the formal CCP revision process. review a checklist of the goals, objectives The objectives and strategies, however, and management strategies of this CCP to may be revised to address changing assist in tracking and evaluating progress. circumstances or to take advantage of The final CCP would also be informally increased knowledge of the resources on the reviewed by Refuge staff while preparing Refuge. If changes are required, the level annual work plans and updating the Refuge of public involvement and associated NEPA database. It may also be reviewed during documentation would be determined by the routine inspections or programmatic Refuge Manager, in accordance with Service evaluations. Results of any or all of these policy. reviews may indicate a need to modify the
Stone Lakes NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan 95 Table 3. Estimated Initial Capital Outlay to Implement the CCP Expenditure (Related Strategy) Unit Cost Unit Quantity Total Cost Plant trees with beaver exclusion fences (1.A.1) $15,000 mile 1.3 $19,500 Expand riparian zone at S. Stone Lakes and HQ (1.A.2) $6,000 acre 5 $30,000 Restore 20 acres by HQ to native plants (1.A.3) $8,000 acres 20 $160,000 Enhance sub-canopy in BL, NSL units (1.A.4) $3,000 acre 115 $345,000 Establish native plant nursery by HQ (1.A.5) $65,399 ea 1 $65,399 Plant early/mid-seccessional vegetation on west portion of the SSL $6,000 acre 126 $756,000 Unit (1.A.6) Maintain/expand fencing along SP cut (1.B.3) $10,000 mile 1.3 $13,000 Modify existing water delivery system on SSL Unit (1.C.1) $25,000 mod. 1 $25,000 Map elodea at SSL and initiate control (1.G.3) $10,000 $10,000 Enhance burrowing owl habitat at NSL unit (1.H.4) $15,000 exp. unit 1 $15,000 Establish experimental native grass plots (1.J.1) $8,000 acre 0.25 $2,000 Restore Beach Lake Unit grasslands (1.J.5) $8,000 acre 108 $864,000 Develop a levee and flood control channel maintenance MOU (1.M.4) $20,000 program 1 $20,000 dev. Develop a Refuge volunteer manual (3.A.2) $19,505 ea 1 $19,505 Develop a Refuge volunteer database (3.A.4) $19,505 ea 1 $19,505 Construct photography blinds (3.B.1) $15,000 ea 2 $30,000 Construct restrooms at BL, SSL and HQ (3.B.2) $50,000 ea 3 $150,000 Construct 2 miles of universally accessible trails at HQ Unit (3.B.3) $100,000 mile 2 $200,000 Construct 200 ft. boardwalk at HQ (3.B.3) $1,060 feet 200 $212,000 Construct entrance road and parking area (3.B.4) $1,500,000 ea 1 $1,500,000 Construct viewing platform and associated boardwalk on HQ site $500,000 ea 1 $500,000 (3.B.5) Construct parking lot, trail and observation platform at NSL site $620,000 ea 1 $620,000 (3.B.6) Improve entrance road and parking area at SSL boat launch site $1,000,000 ea 1 $1,000,000 (3.B.7) Construct foot trails at SSL (3.B.8) $100,000 mile 1.5 $150,000 Construct 200 ft. boardwalk at SSL (3.B.8) $1,060 feet 200 $212,000 Develop boat haul out and assoc. trail at Lodi Gun Club (3.B.9) $30,000 ea 1 $30,000 Improve parking at BLU Lewis tract at end of Elliott Ranch Road $163,000 ea 1 $163,000 (3.B.10) Develop a Junior Biologist Trail at HQ complete with entrance $1,630,000 ea 1 $1,630,000 signs, universally accessible trails, entrance kiosk, interpretive panels (3.C.3, 3.D.1) Develop a an EE elementary school curriculum (3.C.4) $19,505 ea 1 $19,505 Develop open air shelters (5) and main shelter (3.D.2) $50,000 ea 6 $300,000 Develop local Indian displays at HQ (3.D.3, 4.F.) $50,000 ea 1 $50,000 Develop interpretative panels at SSL (3.D.5) $50,000 ea 1 $50,000 Develop self-guided trail and interpretative displays for the $300,000 ea 1 $300,000 Wetlands Preserve Unit (3.D.6) Develop written interpretative materials (3.D.7) $19,505 ea 1 $19,505 Table 3. (continued) Expenditure (Related Strategy) Unit Cost Unit Quantity Total Cost Develop parking lot and boat launch at SSL (3.E.1) $55,000 ea 1 $55,000 Develop disabled accessible boating facilities (3.E.5) $50,000 ea 1 $50,000 Compile baseline cultural resources data (4.A.1) $5,000 ea 1 $5,000 Locate unrecorded cultural sites and sensitive areas (4.A.2) $5,000 ea 1 $5,000 Identify location of human remains and NAGPRA items located in $5,000 ea 1 $5,000 collections and museums (4.A.3) Develop exhibits for the HQ and BL units to illustrate traditional $25,000 ea 2 $50,000 dwellings, subsistence strategies and lifestyle (4.F.1)
Total $9,669,919
Table 4. Estimated Annual Cost to Implement the CCP Expenditure (Related Objective) Unit Cost Unit Quantity Total Cost Staff Salaries and Benefits (# indicates position filled) # Refuge Refuge Manager/PL - GS-13 $102,450 ea 1 $102,450 # Refuge Assistant Refuge Manager - GS -12 $84,032 ea 1 $84,032 Wildlife Biologist GS-9 $65,680 ea 1 $65,680 # Administrative Support Assistant - GS-7 $54,268 ea 1 $54,268 # Outdoor Recreation Planner GS-11 $70,122 ea 1 $70,122 Park Ranger GS-7 $47,372 ea 1 $47,372 Engineering Equipment Operator - WG - 8 $53,560 ea 1 $53,560 # Motor Vehicle Operator WG - 6 $46,540 ea 1 $46,540 Maintenance supplies (1.D., 1.H., 1.F.) $50,000 1 1 $50,000 Invasive weed management program (1.A., 1.B., 1.D., 1.E., 1.F., 1.H.) $60,000 ea 1 $60,000 Water/pumping cost (1.I., 2.A.) $20,000 ea 1 $20,000 Maintain 40-60 acres or agricultural fields (2.A.5) $5,000 ea 1 $5,000 Levee and flood control channel maintenance MOU coordination $10,000 ea 1 $10,000 (1.M.4) Water quality monitoring (1.N.) $60,000 ea 1 $60,000 Travel/training $6,000 ea 1 $6,000 Supplies $25,000 ea 1 $25,000 Printing $5,000 ea 1 $5,000 Pump-out for restroom $5,000 ea 1 $5,000
Total $667,574 This page is intentionally left blank
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