Vernal pools are seasonal bodies of water that form in shallow depressions following winter rains. Because of an underlying hard pan layer, water may persist for several months providing a wetland oasis for many uniquely adapted species of plants and animals. More prevalent taxa such as waterfowl, frogs, salamanders, dragonflies, and numerous aquatic insects readily use the pools for feeding, breeding, and juvenile development.
Read full articleGregory A. Giusti
Modeling vineyard expansion in California’s north coast
Many of the policy deliberations on the environmental effects of new vineyard development revolve around the potential application of the California Environmental Quality Act. In particular, some forest and oak woodland conversion has resulted from recent vineyard expansion. Timberland conversions receive CEQA review through the Forest Practice Act (FPA), whereas clearing of oak woodlands and shrub communities generally do not. While a collection of county and city policies target a wide array of oak conservation objectives, these were not generally designed to address land-use conversion resulting from agriculture. In response to the need for more environmental oversight for vineyard development, county governments have developed various regulatory approaches.
Read full articleWild Turkeys in Oak Woodlands
Oaks ‘n’ Folks – Volume 10, Issue 2 – December, 1995 Autumn makes many people think of the holidays and family gatherings. Traditional feasts this time of year often center on domestic turkeys served in a grand fashion. The domestic
Read full articleThe Owl and the Oak
Oaks ‘n’ Folks – Volume 6, Issue 3 – December 1991 Introduction The northern spotted owl (Strix occidentalis caurina) is an extremely controversial issue throughout the timber areas in northern California and the Pacific Northwest. Listed as Threatened in 1991,
Read full articleLong-term Avian Monitoring Along Parson’s Creek, Mendocino County
Oaks ‘n Folks – Volume 18, Issue 12 – July, 2002 Throughout northern coastal California, a great deal of information regarding water quality and fish habitat is being amassed that potentially could change how people view and utilize stream corridors.
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