Brannan Island SRA ADEP Enhancement and Wallflower Introduction

The Brannan Island SRA ADEP Enhancement and Wallflower Introduction project, managed by the California Department of Parks and Recreation's Diablo Range District, focuses on the ecological preservation of federally endangered plant species at the Brannan Island State Recreation Area in Sacramento County. The primary objective is to remove and control non-native vegetation to enhance the existing population of Antioch Dunes evening primrose and introduce a new population of Contra Costa wallflower. By creating multiple spatially distinct populations, the project aims to ensure the long-term biological diversity of these two endangered species. This project has received a Notice of Exemption under California environmental guidelines, as the activities involve minor alterations with negligible expansion of use. The scope of work involves annual maintenance tasks performed on a maximum plot of 1.7 acres. Key responsibilities include using hand tools and chainsaws to remove non-native plants and selectively thin native vegetation within five feet of the target endangered species. Maintenance activities also include treating woody vegetation via cut stump methods and applying herbicide through foliar application up to three times to monitor regrowth. To establish a necessary disturbance regime, string trimmers or walk-behind mowers will be used during the spring and summer, followed by hand-tool soil scraping of up to two inches. Finally, removed vegetation must be disposed of either by onsite chipping under the direction of an Environmental Scientist or by hauling it to a local green-waste facility. Gina Benigno serves as the primary point of contact for the project.