About California's Ecological Reserves and the Tomales Bay Ecological Reserve
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There are 119 Ecological Reserves in California
This system was established in 1968 "... to provide protection for rare, threatened or endangered native plants, wildlife, aquatic organism and specialized terrestrial or aquatic habitat types." Of the 119 Ecological Reserves in California, only 7 have 'special regulations' allowing waterfowl hunting, and the vast majority of the 119 do not allow any hunting at all. For example, the Corte Madera Ecological Reserve on the east shore of Marin County is for wildlife viewing only.
The following articles are found on the CA Department of Fish and Wildlife website under "Ecological Reserves" Note: The CA Dept. of Fish and Game was renamed the Department of Fish and Wildlife beginning January 1, 2013
There are 119 Ecological Reserves in California
This system was established in 1968 "... to provide protection for rare, threatened or endangered native plants, wildlife, aquatic organism and specialized terrestrial or aquatic habitat types." Of the 119 Ecological Reserves in California, only 7 have 'special regulations' allowing waterfowl hunting, and the vast majority of the 119 do not allow any hunting at all. For example, the Corte Madera Ecological Reserve on the east shore of Marin County is for wildlife viewing only.
The following articles are found on the CA Department of Fish and Wildlife website under "Ecological Reserves" Note: The CA Dept. of Fish and Game was renamed the Department of Fish and Wildlife beginning January 1, 2013
From: “California’s Ecological Reserves”
By Kari Lewis, DFG senior biologist and coordinator of the ecological reserve system
http://www.dfg.ca.gov/lands/articles/ecores1.html
The ecological reserve system, authorized by the California Legislature in 1968, is designed to conserve areas for the protection of rare plants, animals and habitats, and to provide areas for education and scientific research. With the acquisition and designation of Buena Vista Lagoon Ecological Reserve in 1968, the DFG began an ecological reserve system which now encompasses 119 properties totaling nearly 129,000 acres.
This system of reserves makes a significant contribution to the conservation of California’s biological diversity by protecting important species populations and habitats, some found nowhere else in the world!
California’s ecological reserves also provide educational and recreational opportunities for wildlife viewing, nature walking, and fishing in areas where these activities have no adverse effect on the wildlife and habitats.
From: “Ecological Reserves: Special Protection for Special Places”
By Colleen Flannery
(http://www.dfg.ca.gov/lands/articles/ecores2.html)
"Some resources are too sensitive for public use, " said Kari Lewis, DFG senior biologist, who coordinates the ecological reserve system. "In some cases the best course of action is to close a reserve or limit access to protect sensitive species and natural communities, especially during critical periods."
"Closing a reserve is a tough call and the regions struggle with it," said Teresa Le Blanc, a DFG senior biologist who managed ecological reserves in DFG's Central Coast Region for nine years. "Your first responsibility is to the resource and it's important to explain that to the public. In most cases after they know the reasons why a closure is necessary, they have a better understanding and an appreciation for what the Department is trying to do."
“California's Lands Managed for the Wildlife, Maintained for the Future”
By Kari Lewis, DFG senior biologist and coordinator of the ecological reserve system
http://www.dfg.ca.gov/lands/articles/publandmanag1.html
What does it mean to protect plants and animals? Animals need places to eat, drink, rest, reproduce, and grow. Plants need soil, water and sunlight. Increasingly, the growth of the human population affects the resources available to plants and animals, especially those that are rare. To ensure rare plants and animals have enough of what they need to survive, agencies like the Department of Fish and Game (DFG) acquire lands to protect habitat. One might think that acquisition of a reserve for rare species and habitats accomplishes this protection. Actually, it is just the beginning.
Stewardship, or the practice of caring for the land, is critical to ensuring the protection of rare species and habitats on California's ecological reserve system. Ranging throughout the state, from extremely remote to urbanized areas, DFG ecological reserves pose interesting challenges to those who manage them. The 119 properties of the ecological reserve system support a diversity of habitats: grasslands, wetlands, shrublands, woodlands and forests. DFG land managers employ their expertise and a variety of management techniques in the stewardship of this diverse array of reserves.
Ecological reserve managers plan and document the actions needed for best management of the reserve. Plans address biological resources, cultural resources, administrative needs, public use needs, and partnerships with other agencies, organizations, or private parties. These management plans serve as a blueprint for future management activities and provide continuity for management of reserves over time.
The primary need at most ecological reserves is a current inventory. An inventory enumerates the biological and cultural resources on a reserve which serves as a foundation for future management and research activities. This information may also be used to measure changes on a reserve.
Research is often conducted on ecological reserves to systematically answer specific questions. The answers to these questions assist managers in identifying the most appropriate management approach for a reserve, or portion of a reserve. Examples of research projects conducted on ecological reserves include estimates of population sizes over time for a species occurring on a reserve, studies of hydrological effects of proposed management scenarios, studies of the effects of disturbances such as fire and flood on vegetation, and studies of habitat use by species over time. Research results are used to optimally manage ecological reserves for the species and habitats they protect.
Ecological reserve managers use habitat management and habitat restoration to improve the conditions for plants and animals which live or could live on the ecological reserves. Habitat management and restoration projects include burning or mowing vegetation to reduce competition from exotic plants and to improve survival of native plant and animal species, restoring soil topography to provide refuge for animals and habitat for a diversity of native plants to grow, adding structures to creeks to give fish places to hide and reproduce, and dredging coastal lagoons to maintain river flows.
Monitoring measures the changes in habitats or species characteristics prior to and following a management action or other environmental change. Monitoring informs managers of the degree and nature of change, whether positive or negative. Based on the results of monitoring, ecological reserve managers determine whether management actions are successful or need to be refined for the benefit of rare species or habitats.
Public use management on ecological reserves involves development and enforcement of rules and regulations, installation of fences, gates and signs, construction of facilities such as restrooms, visitors centers and research facilities, and development of educational materials and programs. Only public uses which are compatible with the protection of rare species and habitats are permitted.
The degree to which an ecological reserve requires these management actions depends on the nature of the reserve. Some reserves with sensitive, but stable populations or habitats, require little more than an inventory, management plan, periodic monitoring, and installation of fences and signs. Minimal outside interference is needed to protect the sensitive species and communities in a healthy state. This minimal sort of management is often referred to as "custodial" management. Ecological reserves such as Apricum Hill and Loch Lomond Vernal Pool are managed using the custodial approach. Other reserves require more active management for the benefit of the species or habitats to be protected, or to sustain higher levels of public use and education, such as Santa Rosa Plateau and Upper Newport Bay. Although management of California's ecological reserves is primarily the responsibility of DFG, the Department frequently partners with other agencies, universities, non-profit organizations, and the public to achieve management goals of mutual interest. Volunteers are also indispensable in the collection of research data, conducting habitat improvements, maintaining and improving facilities, and providing educational and recreational opportunities for the public.
Sound stewardship of California's ecological reserves ensures these lands will continue to make a significant contribution to conservation of California's biological diversity and to the enjoyment of California residents for generations to come.
By Kari Lewis, DFG senior biologist and coordinator of the ecological reserve system
http://www.dfg.ca.gov/lands/articles/ecores1.html
The ecological reserve system, authorized by the California Legislature in 1968, is designed to conserve areas for the protection of rare plants, animals and habitats, and to provide areas for education and scientific research. With the acquisition and designation of Buena Vista Lagoon Ecological Reserve in 1968, the DFG began an ecological reserve system which now encompasses 119 properties totaling nearly 129,000 acres.
This system of reserves makes a significant contribution to the conservation of California’s biological diversity by protecting important species populations and habitats, some found nowhere else in the world!
California’s ecological reserves also provide educational and recreational opportunities for wildlife viewing, nature walking, and fishing in areas where these activities have no adverse effect on the wildlife and habitats.
From: “Ecological Reserves: Special Protection for Special Places”
By Colleen Flannery
(http://www.dfg.ca.gov/lands/articles/ecores2.html)
"Some resources are too sensitive for public use, " said Kari Lewis, DFG senior biologist, who coordinates the ecological reserve system. "In some cases the best course of action is to close a reserve or limit access to protect sensitive species and natural communities, especially during critical periods."
"Closing a reserve is a tough call and the regions struggle with it," said Teresa Le Blanc, a DFG senior biologist who managed ecological reserves in DFG's Central Coast Region for nine years. "Your first responsibility is to the resource and it's important to explain that to the public. In most cases after they know the reasons why a closure is necessary, they have a better understanding and an appreciation for what the Department is trying to do."
“California's Lands Managed for the Wildlife, Maintained for the Future”
By Kari Lewis, DFG senior biologist and coordinator of the ecological reserve system
http://www.dfg.ca.gov/lands/articles/publandmanag1.html
What does it mean to protect plants and animals? Animals need places to eat, drink, rest, reproduce, and grow. Plants need soil, water and sunlight. Increasingly, the growth of the human population affects the resources available to plants and animals, especially those that are rare. To ensure rare plants and animals have enough of what they need to survive, agencies like the Department of Fish and Game (DFG) acquire lands to protect habitat. One might think that acquisition of a reserve for rare species and habitats accomplishes this protection. Actually, it is just the beginning.
Stewardship, or the practice of caring for the land, is critical to ensuring the protection of rare species and habitats on California's ecological reserve system. Ranging throughout the state, from extremely remote to urbanized areas, DFG ecological reserves pose interesting challenges to those who manage them. The 119 properties of the ecological reserve system support a diversity of habitats: grasslands, wetlands, shrublands, woodlands and forests. DFG land managers employ their expertise and a variety of management techniques in the stewardship of this diverse array of reserves.
Ecological reserve managers plan and document the actions needed for best management of the reserve. Plans address biological resources, cultural resources, administrative needs, public use needs, and partnerships with other agencies, organizations, or private parties. These management plans serve as a blueprint for future management activities and provide continuity for management of reserves over time.
The primary need at most ecological reserves is a current inventory. An inventory enumerates the biological and cultural resources on a reserve which serves as a foundation for future management and research activities. This information may also be used to measure changes on a reserve.
Research is often conducted on ecological reserves to systematically answer specific questions. The answers to these questions assist managers in identifying the most appropriate management approach for a reserve, or portion of a reserve. Examples of research projects conducted on ecological reserves include estimates of population sizes over time for a species occurring on a reserve, studies of hydrological effects of proposed management scenarios, studies of the effects of disturbances such as fire and flood on vegetation, and studies of habitat use by species over time. Research results are used to optimally manage ecological reserves for the species and habitats they protect.
Ecological reserve managers use habitat management and habitat restoration to improve the conditions for plants and animals which live or could live on the ecological reserves. Habitat management and restoration projects include burning or mowing vegetation to reduce competition from exotic plants and to improve survival of native plant and animal species, restoring soil topography to provide refuge for animals and habitat for a diversity of native plants to grow, adding structures to creeks to give fish places to hide and reproduce, and dredging coastal lagoons to maintain river flows.
Monitoring measures the changes in habitats or species characteristics prior to and following a management action or other environmental change. Monitoring informs managers of the degree and nature of change, whether positive or negative. Based on the results of monitoring, ecological reserve managers determine whether management actions are successful or need to be refined for the benefit of rare species or habitats.
Public use management on ecological reserves involves development and enforcement of rules and regulations, installation of fences, gates and signs, construction of facilities such as restrooms, visitors centers and research facilities, and development of educational materials and programs. Only public uses which are compatible with the protection of rare species and habitats are permitted.
The degree to which an ecological reserve requires these management actions depends on the nature of the reserve. Some reserves with sensitive, but stable populations or habitats, require little more than an inventory, management plan, periodic monitoring, and installation of fences and signs. Minimal outside interference is needed to protect the sensitive species and communities in a healthy state. This minimal sort of management is often referred to as "custodial" management. Ecological reserves such as Apricum Hill and Loch Lomond Vernal Pool are managed using the custodial approach. Other reserves require more active management for the benefit of the species or habitats to be protected, or to sustain higher levels of public use and education, such as Santa Rosa Plateau and Upper Newport Bay. Although management of California's ecological reserves is primarily the responsibility of DFG, the Department frequently partners with other agencies, universities, non-profit organizations, and the public to achieve management goals of mutual interest. Volunteers are also indispensable in the collection of research data, conducting habitat improvements, maintaining and improving facilities, and providing educational and recreational opportunities for the public.
Sound stewardship of California's ecological reserves ensures these lands will continue to make a significant contribution to conservation of California's biological diversity and to the enjoyment of California residents for generations to come.
California Regulations for Ecological Reserves
Barclays Official California Code of Regulations
Title 14. Natural Resources
Division 1. Fish and Game Commission-Department of Fish and Game
Subdivision 2. Game and Furbearers
Chapter 11. Ecological Reserves
§ 630. Ecological Reserves.
The areas specified in this chapter have been declared by the Fish and Game Commission to be ecological reserves. A legal description of the boundaries of each ecological reserve is on file at the department's headquarters, 1416 Ninth Street, Sacramento. Ecological reserves are established to provide protection for rare, threatened or endangered native plants, wildlife, aquatic organism and specialized terrestrial or aquatic habitat types. Public entry and use of ecological reserves shall be compatible with the primary purposes of such reserves, and subject to the following applicable general rules and regulations, except as otherwise provided for in the special area regulations:
(a) General Rules and Regulations:
(1) Protection of Resources. No person shall mine or disturb geological formations or archeological artifacts or take or disturb any bird or nest, or eggs thereof, or any plant, mammal, fish, mollusk, crustacean, amphibian, reptile, or any other form of plant or animal life in an ecological reserve except as provided in subsections 630(a)(2) and (a)(8). The department may implement enhancement and protective measures to assure proper utilization and maintenance of ecological reserves.
(2) Fishing. Fishing shall be allowed in accordance with the general fishing regulations of the commission except that the method of taking fish shall be limited to angling from shore. No person shall take fish for commercial purposes in any ecological reserve except by permit from the commission.
(3) Collecting. No collecting shall be done in an ecological reserve except by permit issued pursuant to section 650 of these regulations. Any person applying for a permit must have a valid scientific collecting permit issued pursuant to subdivision 3 of this title.
(4) Motor Vehicles. No person shall drive, operate, leave, or stop any motor vehicle, bicycle, tractor, or other type of vehicle in an ecological reserve except on designated access roads and parking areas.
(5) Swimming. No person shall swim, wade, dive, or use any diving equipment within an ecological reserve except as authorized under the terms of a permit issued pursuant to subsection (a)(3).
(6) Boating. No person shall launch or operate a boat or other floating device within an ecological reserve except by permit from the commission.
(7) Trails. The department may designate areas within an ecological reserve where added protection of plant or animal life is desirable, and may establish equestrian or walking trails or paths within such designated areas. No person shall walk or ride horseback in such areas except upon the established trails or paths.
(8) Firearms. No person shall fire or discharge any firearm, bow and arrow, air or gas gun, spear gun, or any propulsive device capable of firing a projectile, including, but not limited to, any paintball gun, BB gun or pellet gun, or any other weapon of any kind within or into an ecological reserve or possess such weapons within an ecological reserve, except law enforcement personnel and as provided for in individual area regulations that allow for hunting.
(9) Ejection. Employees of the department may eject any person from an ecological reserve for violation of any of these rules or regulations or for any reason when it appears that the general safety or welfare of the ecological reserve or persons thereon is endangered.
(10) Public Entry. Public entry may be restricted on any area at the discretion of the department to protect the wildlife, aquatic life, or habitat. No person, except state and local law enforcement officers, fire suppression agencies and employees of the department in the performance of their official duties or persons possessing written permission from the department, may enter any ecological reserve, or portion thereof, which is closed to public entry. No person may enter any Ecological Reserve between sunset and sunrise except with written permission from the department, which may be granted for purposes including night fishing in accordance with subsection (a)(2) from designated shore areas only.
A $2.00 day use pass or a valid $10.00 annual wildlife pass is required of all users of Elkhorn Slough and Upper Newport Bay ecological reserves except for users that possess a valid California sport fishing license, hunting license or trapping license, or users that are under 16 years of age or users that are part of an organized youth or school group and having free permits issued by the appropriate regional office. Refer to subsections 550(b)(4) and (5), Title 14, CCR, for regulations for fee requirements for wildlife areas.
(11) Introduction of Species. Unless authorized by the commission, the release of any fish or wildlife species, including domestic or domesticated species, or the introduction of any plant species, is prohibited. The department may reintroduce endemic species on ecological reserves for management purposes.
(12) Feeding of Wildlife. The feeding of wildlife is prohibited.
(13) Pesticides. The use of pesticides is prohibited on any ecological reserve unless authorized by the commission with the exception that the department may use pesticides for management purposes and for public safety.
(14) Litter and Dumping. No person shall deposit, drop, dump, or scatter any debris, earth, rock, vegetation, trash, or other materials of any kind on any ecological reserve except in a receptacle or area designated for that purpose. Where no designated receptacles are provided, any refuse resulting from a person's use of an area must be removed from that area by such person.
(15) Grazing. The grazing of livestock is prohibited on any ecological reserve, except that grazing may be allowed for habitat or vegetation management purposes under permit from the department.
(16) Falconry. Falconry is prohibited.
(17) Aircraft. No person shall operate any aircraft or hovercraft within a reserve, except as authorized by a permit from the commission.
(18) Pets. No person shall allow pets to enter any ecological reserve, except as provided in this section. Pets, including dogs and cats, are prohibited from entering reserves unless they are retained on a leash of less than ten feet or are inside a motor vehicle, except as provided for in individual area regulations that allow for hunting or training activities.
(19) Fires. No person shall light fireworks or other explosive or incendiary devices, or start or maintain any fire on or in any reserve, except for management purposes as provided in subsection (a)(1).
(20) Camping. No person shall camp on/in any ecological reserve.
(21) Vandalism. No person shall tamper with, damage or remove any property not his own when such property is located within an ecological reserve.
(22) Regional Manager's Authority: The regional manager shall have the authority to regulate public use of State ecological reserves where such use is not provided for in these regulations.
(b) Areas and Special Regulations for Use:
(123) Tomales Bay Ecological Reserve, Marin County.
(A) Waterfowl may be taken in accordance with the general waterfowl regulations.
(B) Fishing shall be permitted from boats as well as from shore; only lightweight, hand-carried boats may be launched and operated.
(C) Swimming, wading, and diving shall be allowed within the reserve.
(D) The land area only of the reserve shall be closed to all entry from March 1 through June 30.
Title 14. Natural Resources
Division 1. Fish and Game Commission-Department of Fish and Game
Subdivision 2. Game and Furbearers
Chapter 11. Ecological Reserves
§ 630. Ecological Reserves.
The areas specified in this chapter have been declared by the Fish and Game Commission to be ecological reserves. A legal description of the boundaries of each ecological reserve is on file at the department's headquarters, 1416 Ninth Street, Sacramento. Ecological reserves are established to provide protection for rare, threatened or endangered native plants, wildlife, aquatic organism and specialized terrestrial or aquatic habitat types. Public entry and use of ecological reserves shall be compatible with the primary purposes of such reserves, and subject to the following applicable general rules and regulations, except as otherwise provided for in the special area regulations:
(a) General Rules and Regulations:
(1) Protection of Resources. No person shall mine or disturb geological formations or archeological artifacts or take or disturb any bird or nest, or eggs thereof, or any plant, mammal, fish, mollusk, crustacean, amphibian, reptile, or any other form of plant or animal life in an ecological reserve except as provided in subsections 630(a)(2) and (a)(8). The department may implement enhancement and protective measures to assure proper utilization and maintenance of ecological reserves.
(2) Fishing. Fishing shall be allowed in accordance with the general fishing regulations of the commission except that the method of taking fish shall be limited to angling from shore. No person shall take fish for commercial purposes in any ecological reserve except by permit from the commission.
(3) Collecting. No collecting shall be done in an ecological reserve except by permit issued pursuant to section 650 of these regulations. Any person applying for a permit must have a valid scientific collecting permit issued pursuant to subdivision 3 of this title.
(4) Motor Vehicles. No person shall drive, operate, leave, or stop any motor vehicle, bicycle, tractor, or other type of vehicle in an ecological reserve except on designated access roads and parking areas.
(5) Swimming. No person shall swim, wade, dive, or use any diving equipment within an ecological reserve except as authorized under the terms of a permit issued pursuant to subsection (a)(3).
(6) Boating. No person shall launch or operate a boat or other floating device within an ecological reserve except by permit from the commission.
(7) Trails. The department may designate areas within an ecological reserve where added protection of plant or animal life is desirable, and may establish equestrian or walking trails or paths within such designated areas. No person shall walk or ride horseback in such areas except upon the established trails or paths.
(8) Firearms. No person shall fire or discharge any firearm, bow and arrow, air or gas gun, spear gun, or any propulsive device capable of firing a projectile, including, but not limited to, any paintball gun, BB gun or pellet gun, or any other weapon of any kind within or into an ecological reserve or possess such weapons within an ecological reserve, except law enforcement personnel and as provided for in individual area regulations that allow for hunting.
(9) Ejection. Employees of the department may eject any person from an ecological reserve for violation of any of these rules or regulations or for any reason when it appears that the general safety or welfare of the ecological reserve or persons thereon is endangered.
(10) Public Entry. Public entry may be restricted on any area at the discretion of the department to protect the wildlife, aquatic life, or habitat. No person, except state and local law enforcement officers, fire suppression agencies and employees of the department in the performance of their official duties or persons possessing written permission from the department, may enter any ecological reserve, or portion thereof, which is closed to public entry. No person may enter any Ecological Reserve between sunset and sunrise except with written permission from the department, which may be granted for purposes including night fishing in accordance with subsection (a)(2) from designated shore areas only.
A $2.00 day use pass or a valid $10.00 annual wildlife pass is required of all users of Elkhorn Slough and Upper Newport Bay ecological reserves except for users that possess a valid California sport fishing license, hunting license or trapping license, or users that are under 16 years of age or users that are part of an organized youth or school group and having free permits issued by the appropriate regional office. Refer to subsections 550(b)(4) and (5), Title 14, CCR, for regulations for fee requirements for wildlife areas.
(11) Introduction of Species. Unless authorized by the commission, the release of any fish or wildlife species, including domestic or domesticated species, or the introduction of any plant species, is prohibited. The department may reintroduce endemic species on ecological reserves for management purposes.
(12) Feeding of Wildlife. The feeding of wildlife is prohibited.
(13) Pesticides. The use of pesticides is prohibited on any ecological reserve unless authorized by the commission with the exception that the department may use pesticides for management purposes and for public safety.
(14) Litter and Dumping. No person shall deposit, drop, dump, or scatter any debris, earth, rock, vegetation, trash, or other materials of any kind on any ecological reserve except in a receptacle or area designated for that purpose. Where no designated receptacles are provided, any refuse resulting from a person's use of an area must be removed from that area by such person.
(15) Grazing. The grazing of livestock is prohibited on any ecological reserve, except that grazing may be allowed for habitat or vegetation management purposes under permit from the department.
(16) Falconry. Falconry is prohibited.
(17) Aircraft. No person shall operate any aircraft or hovercraft within a reserve, except as authorized by a permit from the commission.
(18) Pets. No person shall allow pets to enter any ecological reserve, except as provided in this section. Pets, including dogs and cats, are prohibited from entering reserves unless they are retained on a leash of less than ten feet or are inside a motor vehicle, except as provided for in individual area regulations that allow for hunting or training activities.
(19) Fires. No person shall light fireworks or other explosive or incendiary devices, or start or maintain any fire on or in any reserve, except for management purposes as provided in subsection (a)(1).
(20) Camping. No person shall camp on/in any ecological reserve.
(21) Vandalism. No person shall tamper with, damage or remove any property not his own when such property is located within an ecological reserve.
(22) Regional Manager's Authority: The regional manager shall have the authority to regulate public use of State ecological reserves where such use is not provided for in these regulations.
(b) Areas and Special Regulations for Use:
(123) Tomales Bay Ecological Reserve, Marin County.
(A) Waterfowl may be taken in accordance with the general waterfowl regulations.
(B) Fishing shall be permitted from boats as well as from shore; only lightweight, hand-carried boats may be launched and operated.
(C) Swimming, wading, and diving shall be allowed within the reserve.
(D) The land area only of the reserve shall be closed to all entry from March 1 through June 30.