What's New - 2008
 |
Note: Chanslor Ranch Fishing
On January 1st, 2009 Chanslor Ranch will offer
fishing for trout, catfish & panfish at Turtle Pond
at Chanslor Ranch. There will be Camp & Fish
packages for Wildlife Members and Ride & Fish
packages for the public. These programs will
provide substantial income for interpretive programs.
Note: Chanslor Ranch Trails
A start date of September 1, 2008 has been agreed
on to begin reconstruction of multi use trails at
Chanslor using over $200,000 which was granted by
the United States Department of Agriculture. The
grant is designed to reduce sediment into Salmon
Creek and to provide improved access to various
portions of the property.
Note: Grant Obtained
$3,500 has been donated by Gordon Investment for
signage for Chanslor trails which are being reconstructed
this Fall. Photography for the signs will be completed
by Jack Journey, PhotoGraphix who does both the
photography for the Wildlife Project and for the real estate
brokerage which provides much of our financial
support - www.SonomaRE.com
Note: Native Plant Survey Update
An update is underway of the native plant inventory on
Chanslor Ranch by Darlene Lamont of the Native Plant
Society - as well an identification of areas where invasive
plants need to be removed during the May Salmon Creek
cleanup of debri and invasive plants washed down during
the winter rains.
Note: Conversion of 'La Tortuga' to solar
The pontoon boat acquired in October of 2007 is intended
to be used for environmental study. Consistent with that use,
a grant has been obtained to partially pay for converting the
boat to solar power with an electric outboard motor. This
conversion is planned to take place with the total cost of
conversion estimated at $9,000.
Note: Environmental Subdivision
Carlson & Associates of Santa Rosa has been retained to
assist in creating an environmental subdivision of 55 acres
on the ranch including the Salmon Creek Estuary. Should
the subdivision be successful the site will be used for the
interpretive programs on the property and is planned to
include existing housing to be converted to 'staff housing'.
Note: Turtle Nesting Study
Becki Gordon of Sonoma State University sent us the results
of the western pond turtle breeding study. One aspect of the
study were predated nests which had been opened by skunks
or raccoons. We are in the process of creating additional
nesting habitat adjacent to the pond - and are placing more
basking logs along the shore as part of a pond cleanup of
invasive plants.
Note: Research Boat for Aquaculture Program
A donation which will allow the aquaculture program of Chanslor Wildlife to acquire a pontoon boat has been received. For eight years Chanslor Wildlife has been licensed by the Department of Fish for aquaculture. This aquaculture program is intended to provide financial support for our K-12 school programs. The study and removal of invasive aquatic plants requires a flat platform boat and this is the
first opportunity we have had to acquire one.
Note: Trip to French Wetlands
ES Trust has funded an information gathering trip to wetlands areas of the Loire Valley and in the south of France. The Wetlands Project has been involved for several years in providing housing for French students and teachers and one of the Wetlands Project staff is currently studying in Paris. We also have a preliminary program in Spain outside of Gibraltar.
Note: Western pond turtle study to be completed by Sept
Becki Gordon, graduate student Sonoma State University, is
seen with a turtle trap used to complete the census at Chanslor Wetlands Turtle Pond. When the study is completed it will be determined if a breeding study will be undertaken during 2008.
Note: Camping Module Design Grant
A $5,000 grant has been obtained from the ES Trust to complete
the design of a modular camping structure for Chanslor Wildlife's Member Camping Program. It is anticipated that these units
will be in service by Spring of 2008 at three designated sites
on the property. It is anticipated that 12 units of overnight accommodations for members will be in service by May 2008
with reservations beginning March 1, 2008
Note: Wild Turkey Invasion
For the first time wild turkey have been seen at the Chanslor Wetlands. Populations of turkey have been increasing all
over Sonoma County since their introduction approximately
20 years ago. Studies are underway to determine how much
affect these large birds may have on the wetlands habitat and
the native wildlife.
Note: Western Pond Turtle Study with Sonoma State
Kit Crump, who has provided valuable assistance to the
Wetlands Project over the years, and is currently working with National Marine Fisheries Service, visited Chanslor Wetlands
with Dr. Nicholas Geist and Becki Gordon of Sonoma State University. The visit was to determine the suitability of our turtle population for a breeding study using radio transmitters.
Note: Grant for School Tours
A grant of $3500.00 has been received to fund school
equipment for tours to the Chanslor Wetlands in 2007. .
Note: Grant for School Tours
A grant of $7500.00 has been received to fund school
tours to the Chanslor Wetlands in 2007. Trails are expected
to be completed by April 30 for the 2007 tour program. Water sampling sites are being added along Turtle Pond Trail for
these tours.
Note: Membership Camping Organized
Agreement has been reached with the owners of Chanslor Ranch
to allow free use of campsites on the property by members of
Chanslor Wildlife. This program will begin March 1, 2007. The
program will use unimproved campsites, tents and renovated
Airstream trailers.
Note: Airstream acquistions begin
As part of the benefits to environmental education supporters
the Wetlands Project will provide overnight stays to its
members, free of charge, in renovated Airstream trailers. Three
sites have been designated at Chanslor Ranch for this program
and two of the initial three units have been located and
renovations are underway for use in the Spring of 2007.
Reservations for use will be taken after September 1st
Note: Camping Equipment Grant
A $5,000 grant has been received by Chanslor Wildlife for the
acquisition of camping related equipment. This equipment will
be used for the membership program which will begin in Spring
2007. This equipment will include kayaks, canoes, and day
and night observation equipment. It will be used to supplement
the overnight camping program
Note: US Department of Agriculture Road Grant
In 2005 a grant was submitted for the property to the
United States Department of Agriculture for $400,000 to
improve the historic ranch roads on the property in order to
reduce sediment. This program involves rock lined
drainage ditches, grass covered roads and trails,
and sediment ponds. $229,000 has been approved for
2007. An additional application has been submitted for
2007-2008 funding.
Note: Estuary Report Results Released
The results of a multi-year study completed on the
Salmon Creek Estuary, in which the Wetlands Project
participated have been released by Prunuske,Chatham This
study involves changes in the Salmon Salmon Creek watershed which have occurred over the last 100 years. Salmon Creek
is much shallower and coho salmon haven't been observed for
14 years. Information see: www.bodeganet.com/salmoncreek
Note: Field Trip to Spain
The semi-annual fieldtrip to Wetlands Project Study Site in
Gaucin, Spain took place April 21 - April 30th. The Wetlands
Project has worked to establish the wildlife and historical site
as part of the Wetlands Project program since 2000.
Note: Grant for Agriculture Program
A $5,000 grant has been received to implement a crop
raising program (artichokes) at Chanslor Ranch to be
overseen by the Wetlands Project. This program is part of
a 2006-2007 program to integrate the property's conservation
program with its agricultural use. A USDA grant for $6,000
was obtained to pay for fencing for this program.
Note: Trail Structures
Robert Skolnik has completed preliminary design for
preliminary trail shelters to be completed in 2006. These
structures will be part of a 7 mile hiking trail system that is
being completed by the Wetlands Project on the property.
These stations will allow wildlife observation as well as as
provide shelter during inclement weather.
Note: Grant for Camping Facilities
In order to encourage support of environmental education
and encourage appreciation of the environmental assets
of Chanslor Ranch, camping structures are planned to be
provided to supporters of the Scott Wildlife Education Program
as well as supporters of the Wetlands Project for overnight use. These camping facilities will be tents and Airstream trailers.
Initial units are expected to be made available Aug 06.
