Ranchers & Environmentalists Host Spring Tours In Bay Area

Contacts:
Sheila Barry, (408) 282-3106

Anita Brown, (530) 792-5644

DAVIS, Calif., April 23, 2008—The California Rangeland Conservation Coalition, together with the UC Cooperative Extension Service (UCCE) and the East Bay Regional Park District, are hosting a unique opportunity for the public to visit private area ranchlands, serving key roles in regional open space and habitat efforts.

"These tours are unique opportunities for the public to get a peak inside some of the special places managed by a combination of public and private efforts," says Sheila Barry, Rangeland Conservation Coalition Partner and Natural Resource Advisor with UCCE. "These landscapes are home to unique and listed species that ranchers and public land managers are cooperating to protect."

Public and private land managers face common challenges in managing for ecologically healthy landscapes in the middle of densely populated urban areas. Ranchers, agencies and environmental interest groups are working together to face common challenges and are finding success in collaborative efforts.

Vasco Caves & Walker Ranch - Wednesday, April 30th, 10 AM to 2 PM
Bring your lunch, drinks will be provided.
Field tour begins at Vasco Caves Regional Preserve, owned and managed by East Bay Regional Park District and closed to the public. Vasco Caves is known for its incredible purple needlegrass grassland, which is managed with sheep grazing. Hear about ongoing research to decrease raptor mortality from turbines, grassland bird studies, raptor telemetry studies and grazing management. The second part of the tour is to the Walker Ranch, a family-owned cattle ranch. The ranch provides habitat for California Tiger Salamander, San Joaquin Kit Fox, California Red-legged Frog and Burrowing Owl. Participants will hear from ranchers, public land managers and researchers.

Kickham Ranch - Wednesday, May 7th, 10 AM to 1 PM
Bring your lunch, drinks will be provided.
The Kickham Ranch borders Henry Coe State Park (2nd largest State Park in California) and California Fish and Game’s Canada de los Osos Ecological Reserve. During the walking field tour hear about the history and challenges of this family ranch. See recent range improvement projects, including solar water pumps and spring development. The ranch provides habitat for California Tiger Salamander and a variety of raptors.

Interested participants should contact Sheila Barry at (408) 282-3106 or e-mail sbarry@ucdavis.edu by April 28th. Directions will be provided with the RSVP.

The Rangeland Coalition is an eclectic grouping of ranchers, environmentalists, agencies and individuals formed three years ago, driven by their common goal to protect both wildlife and the ranch lands that shelter them. For additional information on the California Rangeland Conservation Coalition visit www.carangeland.org.

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