Current Conservation Grant Projects
Due to the fact that we had below normal water for the winters of 2007 and 2008, these studies have been extended to gather better data.
Niche modeling and identification of new California Tiger Salamander localities in Solano County-Dr. Bradley Shaffer, University of California, Davis
The goal of this project is to identify new localities in Solano County that provide habitats for California tiger salamanders so that they can be considered for acquisition for conservation purposes. this will be accomplished using a new technique, Ecological Niche Modeling, to combine known CTS locality information with existing climate, habitat, and vegetation data to predict regions in Solano County where tiger salamander habitat still remains, and thus where viable populations may still exist.
Microhabitat variables affecting California Tiger Salamander habitat use-Dr. Bradley Shaffer, University of California, Davis
This project is a continuation and expansion of a study currently underway at Jepson Prairie Preserve. The goal of the study is to model CTS habitat use around two adjacent breeding sites using microhabitat variables. Creating such a model requires information on the density distribution of salamanders in the terrestrial landscape.
Biology, Ecology and Habitat Requirements of Solano Grass and Colusa Grass-ESA Associates
This study is for the conservation directed research on the biology, ecology, and habitat requirements of Solano grass and Colusa grass in Solano County. The research is designed to provide critical management information that will enable the recovery of these species and aid the appropriate management of their alkaline clay-bottom vernal pool and playa habitats. More specifically, this research will enable the reintroduction of these species to suitable habitat that exists in Solano County.
Upland Habitat Preferences of California Tiger Salamanders-Dr. Pete Trenham
Because individuals of this species commonly migrate hundreds of meters from breeding sites, avoidance of this species is a challenge for development and conservation projects alike. At this point, any project disturbing small mammal burrows within 1.3 miles of a breeding site is assumed to have the potential to result in take of this species. Although we know that CTS commonly migrate substantial distances from breeding pools, we know relatively little about the characteristics of upland refuge and migratory habitats that they prefer to avoid. If we better understood the habitat attributes this species favors to avoids, impacts could be minimized with much less effort.
Callippe Silverspot Butterfly Habitat Enhancement Grazing Study Implementation-Solano Land Trust
The overall goal of this project is to improve the management of the Callippe Silverspot habitat at King-Swett Ranches. This project will initiate a grazing study that will provide solid scientific data for a restoration plan with useable adaptive management recommendations for the Solano Land Trust and its partners.
