May 2006
The Nature Preservation/Conservancy Program
Goals
To
conserve and restore the Hollister Ranch natural environment, while respecting
its heritage, cattle operations, and the ownership’s developmental options and
recreational use of the Ranch.
Description
This
program includes those activities undertaken by the Conservancy Advisory
Committee, the Scientific and Educational Access Review Committee (SEARC), the
Research Task Force (which will seek scientific studies that can further the
Ranch’s interests), our managed access activities (including the Tidepool school visits managed by Wendie Kruthers), and the
Watershed Stewardship and Rangeland Enhancement Committee. Up until now, there have been no specific
staff resources dedicated to this program.
Major
new activities proposed for the coming year include:
-
Adopting and beginning
to implement a Conservancy Master Plan
-
Convening the Research
Task Force
-
Creating and filling
the new Nature Preservation Coordinator position
-
Upgrading and
completing a Bren School Study proposal for next
year’s approval cycle
-
Resolving problems
with the current scientific study review and approval process
-
Restarting
the surveys of key flora and fauna
Objectives for FY 2006-07
To
develop a comprehensive approach to scientific research on the Ranch, in order
to meet: 1) our stewardship needs and 2) the basic research needs of the
scientific community. What is it we need
to know and learn? What is the set of
questions that first need to be answered?
To coordinate the efforts of the various groups and
individuals to make the most cost-effective use of our limited resources.
To control invasive species in all common areas.
Measures of Effectiveness
Noxious
weed incidence, as revealed by on-site surveys and monitoring
Any
reductions in expected long-term expenditures for lobbyists, etc.
Recognition
by outside interests of the unique resource the Ranch represents and the value
of the Ranch as a cherished resource to the larger area
Recognition by others of the limited carrying capacity of
the tidepools and other Ranch assets.
If
there is more information you would like to have concerning this program, or if
you have questions and comments, please let us know. You can reach us at 5567-5020 or by e-mailing
HROA@silcom.com.