Completion Form

2020

Vegetation was manipulated to stimulate new growth and extend the long-term value of many plant species. Renovation techniques using grazing, mechanical disturbance, chemical treatments, water regulation and re-seeding efforts were used to improve existing habitats.

Habitat manipulation included the use of an agricultural tractor, MarshMaster, roller/packer, light discing and/or spring tine tillage equipment for digging to remove annual grass.

Grazing treatments were used to remove plant material, stimulate growth and remove non-desired competitive plant species. Paddock determinations were determined based on fall assessments for the following winter/spring grazing period. Paddock formation is ongoing with the need to finish permanent gates and wings to be used in conjunction with removable electric fencing materials and natural barriers. Upland area conditions were not conducive to grazing cows during FY20. Sheep were allowed to graze parts of SCWMA in FY20 for a brief period of time.

Herbicide treatments were applied in areas where noxious and invasive weeds were found to be competing with desirable plant species. Efforts were made to cover approximately 3000 acres throughout PSG/SCWMAs to detect undesirable species. These chemical treatments were applied with backpack sprayers, agriculture equipment, track machines, UTV and ATV's.

The retention ponds and ditch systems that have been developed to collect return irrigation water were maintained. This water is of higher quality and suitable for perennial cover, food crop and tree/shrub irrigation.

Predator control is an annual event prior to the nesting season. Trappers and DWR personnel removed Red Fox, Striped Skunk, Raven (by permit) and Raccoon to enhance the reproductive effort of numerous avian species. For FY20 we continued predator removal efforts for skunk, raccoon, feral cats and Ravens. Raven control was administered through USDA Wildlife Services.

The goal for the project was to protect, enhance and maximize the benefits for the wildlife resources and the public that use these WMA's.

The objective was to maintain high value habitat for an extended period of time.

The need was to maintain existing suitable habitat and improve marginal habitat with renovation techniques. There still is a need to continue maintaining one of the State's premier wetlands for the public's use and enjoyment in a productive, functional and aesthetically pleasing condition.

Preparation for perennial seeding efforts were accomplished on approximately 75 acres within Salt Creek WMA in FY20. This area has been fallow since the fall of 2019 in an effort to minimize noxious weeds that have been a persistent problem in this area. Plateau herbicide was applied in the fall of 2019 with a follow-up application of glyphosate in the spring of 2020. Seeding will occur in the fall of 2020. Food plots that were planted during the fall of 2019 had varying success. Our sorghum/millet planting on the east side of Salt Creek did really well but was destroyed by livestock from a neighboring grazing operation. These livestock also impacted several of the winter wheat plantings in the area. Winter wheat that was planted in the fall of 2019 either failed or was only partially successful. It is unknown at this point if the failure was due to soil conditions, competition with noxious weeds, or a lack of early spring precipitation. About 24 acres of winter wheat were planted in the fall of 2019 and about 10 acres of irrigated sorghum and/or millet were planted in the spring of 2020.

Continued irrigation of existing perennial plantings was carried out throughout SCWMA. Water pumps of different sizes were utilized to accomplish watering efforts. Several of the irrigation systems were repaired as needed. Continued maintenance will be crucial for our irrigation systems.

Arlo Wing

07/28/2020 16:02:25