Building Wildlife Habitat and Community Resilience on Working Lands - Roots 178

The Building Wildlife Habitat and Community Resilience on Working Lands - Roots 178 project, identified by WCB Project Tracker ID 2022065, focuses on habitat restoration and conservation on the 540-acre Nyland property in San Juan Bautista, San Benito County, California. Managed by the Wildlife Conservation Board and the Department of Fish and Wildlife, the initiative aims to enhance the riparian corridor and support local biodiversity. Key technical deliverables include the installation of approximately 5,461 linear feet of wildlife-friendly fencing to exclude cattle from the creek and the planting of 7.21 acres of wildlife and pollinator habitat. These efforts are designed to benefit various species, including pollinators, birds, and small mammals such as coyotes, bobcats, skunks, and long-tailed weasels. The project utilizes a collaborative approach involving several specialized organizations to achieve its ecological goals. The Amah Mutsun Land Trust's Native Stewardship Corps will lead active restoration efforts, including the collection and propagation of native plant seeds for the riparian area. Additionally, Point Blue's STRAW Program will facilitate student volunteer planting events, while local partners will assist with invasive weed management and pollinator plantings. The project has received a Class 4 categorical exemption under CCR Section 15304 due to the minor nature of the land alterations. Administrative oversight is provided by the Wildlife Conservation Board, with Rebecca J. Fris serving as the lead agency contact.