This WMA provides critical habitat for upland game in the region as well as recreational opportunities for constituents of the UDWR. As such, UDWR has an obligation to maintain, improve, and manage these lands to meet the goals and objectives for which they were acquired. Specific maintenance needs vary from year to year but typically involve: access improvements, fencing and signage, habitat improvement projects, trash removal, and weed control. This WMA is host to successful SRO youth pheasant and chukar hunts.

1)Secure and post property boundaries; 2)Implement a noxious weed control program by inventory and spraying on an annual basis; 3)Maintain public access and recreational opportunities on authorized roads/trails through road and parking area maintenance activities; and 4)Implement habitat restoration activities to improve wildlife habitat values of WMA.

Failure to maintain WMA will result in habitat degradation and loss; conflicts with county, local municipalities, and adjacent landowners; and failure to meet and/or comply with legal obligations.

WMA maintenance will help achieve the recommendations and goals of the Pahvant WMA Management Plan. In addition this project will help implement goals A-D of the UDWR's Strategic Plan.

Proper management and establishment of desirable plant species decreases the risk of weed or cheatgrass invasion and subsequent wildfire. The property is centrally located between privately owned agricultural fields. A private residence is located less than a mile from the southwest boundary. Maintenance and management of the WMA is required to reduce fire risk on the property and the surrounding private acres.

Proper management and establishment of desirable plant species decreases the risk of weed, cheatgrass invasion, and other undesirable plant species. Establishment of invasive species could negatively impact water quality, quantity and could increase erosion.

Archaeology, Habitat staff, Clear Lake Area Manager, and UDWR archaeologist will work together on an as needed basis. Habitat staff and/or Clear Lake Area Manager will work with SLO NEPA coordinator should any undertakings requiring.

Maintenance of this WMA is overseen by the Clear Lake Waterfowl Management Area Manager, Lynn Zubeck. Under his direction and with the assistance of seasonal technicians maintenance activities will include: fence and sign maintenance; parking area maintenance; weed control; and habitat improvements including seeding, irrigation, tree planting, etc.

Clear Lake Waterfowl Management Area Manger monitors annually for general habitat conditions as well as upland game population status.

Dedicated Hunters, Sportsmans Groups

Grazing is not permitted on this WMA. Plantings and tree line successes are evaluated annually prior to a determination of where to work next.

Grazing is not currently permitted on the Pahvant WMA. Hunting and Wildlife Viewing are both recreational uses that occur extensively on the WMA.

07/01/2019

06/30/2020

2020

Farming - Plowing, Discing, Drilling, and irrigation have occurred on the WMA. Many different species of trees, shrubs, grain, grass and forbs have been planted and grown. Drip irrigation of areas is critical to the success of the projects. Annual Rye control and replacement continues through the use of chemicals. Fence maintenance and installation is carried out by myself, seasonal employees, and dedicated hunters.

This property is managed to provide important forage and cover for a variety of wildlife. The Pahvant WMA has pastures that were disced and drill seeded to provide food and cover for pheasants and small mammals. Tree lines, shrub rows, and irrigation drip lines were also planted and installed to provide further cover for pheasants, small mammals, other avian species, and some mule deer. Weeds were sprayed and controlled as needed. Work to establish treelines and perenial vegetation on recent 80 acre acquisition has continued this year as well as previous years. Additionally there was a small fire in the southwest corner of the property that has required some special attention for re-seeding and fence repair.

There is no grazing on the WMA. WMA is managed to provide quality upland game habitat and recreational hunting and wildlife viewing opportunities. Work will continue to improve habitat across the WMA. Annual youth pheasant hunts will continue to be held to help recruit and retain young hunters. Opportunity may also exist at some point in the future to try some test plots utilizing Esplanade, a new herbicide showing promise with annual rye control. This year as a result of the small fire in the Southwest corner the need for some fence replacement work has been identified and will be proposed in a future year.