These 4 WMA's provide some of the most critical habitat for waterfowl and 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 and property to property but typically involve: access improvements, fencing and signage, habitat improvement projects, trash removal, weed control and tree lines.

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 roada nd parking area maintenance activities; and 4)Implement habitat restoration activities to improve wildlife habitat values of WMA's.

Failure to maintain WMA's will result in habitat degradation and loss; conflicts with counties, 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 each individual WMA Management Plan. In addition this project will help implement goals A-D of the UDWR's Strategic Plan. Improvements on WMA lands will help specific Tier I, II, and III species listed later in this proposal and identified in the WAP. Numerous key habitats as defined by the WAP will also benefit from improvement and protection of these 4 WMAs in the SRO.

Proper management and establishment of desirable plant species decreases the risk of weed or cheatgrass invasion and subsequent wildfire. The properties are located between privately owned agricultural fields. Maintenance and management of the WMA's is required to reduce fire risk on the property and the surrounding private properties.

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. Clear Lake continues to see alarming decreases in water quantity and we will continue to seek solutions both physically and politically.

Archaeology, Habitat staff and/or Clear Lake Area Manager will contact SLO archeologist about any undertakings that may require arch clearances. Habitat staff and/or Clear Lake Area Manager will work with SLO NEPA coordinator should any undertakings requiring NEPA come about.

Maintenance on these 4 WMA's is overseen by the Clear Lake Waterfowl Management Area Manager. Under his direction and with the assistance of seasonal technicians maintenance activities will include: Fence and sign maintenance; parking area maintenance; weed control; habitat improvements including seeding, irrigation, tree planting, etc.; and water flow regulation between units of wetlands.

Clear Lake Waterfowl Management Area Manger and the Wayne County Habitat Biologist monitors annually for general habitat conditions as well as annual waterfowl counts and banding.

Dedicated Hunters and Sportsmans Groups

Maintenance on these 4 WMA's is overseen by the Clear Lake Waterfowl Management Area Manager and the Wayne County Habitat Biologist. Under their direction and with the assistance of seasonal technicians, maintenance activities will be conducted to achieve the habitat and wildlife objectives of the properties.

Grazing is not currently permitted on any of these 4 WMA's. Hunting and wildlife viewing are recreational uses that occur extensively on these WMAs.

07/01/2023

06/30/2024

2024

Grasses, trees, and shrubs were planted at Clear Lake and Bicknell Bottoms. Weeds were mowed and sprayed at Redmond WMA. Fences were repaired. The areas were improved by planting and irrigating crops such as corn and 3-way grains. Pumps were fixed and maintained at CL and Bicknell Bottoms. Funding was used to fertilize grass, grains and trees that are planted on all areas. PVC pipe and fittings were purchased and installed to provide a permanent source of water to tree rows. Bare root shrubs were planted. Funding also helped hire a temporary helper to work through the summer. Many hunters use these areas for hunting upland game and waterfowl. Deer hunting pressure is also increasing because of improving habitat. Maintenance projects were completed by myself, seasonal and full time Habitat section staff, the area biologist, and dedicated hunters. Jim Lamb, a habitat biologist in Loa, continues to help with emphasis on Bicknell Bottoms including annual planting of grains and additional other planting and fencing needs.

These WMAs continue to grow in popularity and as the habitat is improving we are seeing some minimal beginnings of success of pen reared hens hatching broods on the wmas in the spring. Work on this budget covers several WMA's including: Clear Lake, Topaz Slough, Redmond, and Bicknell Bottoms.

Grazing is not currently permitted at any of these WMA's. Rx fire will continue to be utilized in all wetlands on a rotational basis to clear out thatch and revitalize vegetative communities. All fences require regular monitoring and repair. Future proposals will continue to work on problem areas as funding and manpower allows.