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Receive a presentation from Jeffery Clary, UC Davis Natural Reserve System Director for Stebbins Cold Canyon Natural Reserve, providing an overview of the recovery from the Wragg fire and their current projects at Stebbins Cold Canyon Reserve
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
Supervisor Vasquez respectfully invites the Board to hear a presentation from Jeffery Clary, UC Davis Natural Reserve System Director for Stebbins Cold Canyon Natural Reserve, providing an overview of the recovery from the Wragg fire and their current projects at Stebbins Cold Canyon Reserve.
SUMMARY:
The UC Davis Stebbins Cold Canyon Reserve, set in a steep canyon of the northern California Coast Range, showcases the impressive landscapes, human history, and plant and animal communities of the region. The reserve has a mix of undisturbed habitats, including grasslands, blue oak woodland, chaparral shrublands, riparian woodland, and a seasonal stream. The University maintains the reserve primarily as a site for teaching and research activities.
On July 22, 2015 the Wragg Fire ripped through Stebbins Cold Canyon with the assistance of donors and volunteers, the UC Reserve System has repaired most of the trail damage that occurred. The reserve still has a long way to go, and soils, plants and wildlife are still fragile.
The mission of the University of California Natural Reserve System (NRS) is to contribute to the understanding and wise management of the Earth and its natural systems by supporting university-level teaching, research, and public service at protected natural areas throughout California. In 1965, the University of California began creating a network of protected sites that would represent California’s rich ecological diversity.
These outdoor classrooms and laboratories make long-term studies of California’s natural environment possible. Most NRS reserves are closed to the public to protect research projects from disturbance - Stebbins Cold Canyon is a rare exception where research, teaching and public access coexist. The NRS is the largest university-operated system of natural reserves in the world. The NRS reserves are used by students, teachers, and researchers from the University of California, and from educational institutions around the world. Help us protect the educational mission of this site by respecting all signs of research activity (flagging, plots, marked plants, insect traps, etc.) that you may see along the trails.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no financial impact associated with this presentation.
ALTERNATIVES:
The board could choose not to hear this presentation from Jeffery Clary, UC Davis Natural Reserve System Director for Stebbins Cold Canyon Natural Reserve, providing an overview of the recovery from the Wragg fire and their current projects at Stebbins Cold Canyon Reserve, however this is not recommended because this is an opportunity to receive an update on the status and needs of this important region of our county.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION