notes from: Conservation Committee Meeting - 11/16/2009
attendance:
Debbie Smith, Dave Cooper, Dave Book, Jim Kudrna, Matthew Ebert, Roger Farschon, Margie Reynolds, Michael Black

Item 1: Proposed project for 2010: Springs Inventory
(Many here attended the Riparian Workshop –inventory criteria based on that)

Roger Farshon has development of this protocol on his plate (along with Don Sada, from Desert Research Institute), then test protocol to get 90% of it done by 2010 BR Rendezvous

FONW also interested in this project.

There are approximately 1200 springs in NCA (a very rough estimate).

Proposal is for FBR volunteers to inventory using simplified criteria compiled into Springs Handbook.

Steps:
Step 1: BLM, DRI, NRST develop criteria (- done by March)
Step 2: testing with FBR volunteers*
Step 3: evaluation of testing, revision of materials (- done by May)
Step 4: Unveiling process at BR Rendezvous (train the trainer)
Step 5: Volunteer project going forward with Handbook

*Good diversity of interest groups involved in testing; make procedure robust & accurate.

Volunteer Notes:
REI monthly volunteer newsletter; publicize project in this publication.
UNR may contribute volunteers from their “Water Resources Management” dept. -- Don Sada may have contacts here
Volunteers need good GPS coordinates & maps to find (& accurately assess) springs.

BLM needs to set the priority on which springs to inventory & needs to bring in GIS layer.

Long Term Goal: improvement of springs and riparian systems inside NCA.

BLM makes determination as to which springs get worked on, and what gets done, based on Environmental Impact Study.

Item 2: Dune Project

Build sections of dune fence near Mormon Dan cutoff?
More signs in dune areas?
Tread Lightly education outings in the BR?
Black Rock Point & Springs area (signs & monitoring)

no resolution here.

Next Meeting: Wed January 13 at 2 PM

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