Page 15 - 2015 Annual Project Review

meadow carbon and other-greenhouse gases sequestration rates, flow reliability, groundwater recharge and storage, riparian cover and wetlands vegetation, and recovery of native fish populations.
Sierra Meadows Research and Restoration Partnership (SMRRP)
LONG-TERM GOAL
New
SIERRA HEADWATERS REGIONAL GOAL
To restore and ensure the health and vitality of Sierra Nevada headwaters, their aquatic ecosystems and downstream communities through progressive research, policy and restoration actions.
KEYSTONE INITIATIVE
Sierra Headwater Meadows
Majority of Meadows in the Sierra Are Degraded.
Sierra Nevada headwaters provide roughly 60% of California’s domestic water supplies, are home to the majority of California’s inland native trout species and are critical to supporting local and downstream economic livelihoods. However, Sierra Nevada headwater areas are also one of the most degraded regions throughout this vast landscape, threatening California’s way of life. California’s future and wellbeing depends on healthy headwaters, particularly given uncertainty associated with a changing climate.
With this keystone initiative, CalTrout will work to restore hydrologic functionality to meadow systems and headwater habitats throughout the Sierra Nevada and southern Cascades to increase overall ecological resilience and specifically, increase
Direct the SMRRP as the leading meadow research and restoration entity throughout the Sierra Nevada. Advance meadow restoration protocols and strategies to achieve multi-benefit outcomes including enhanced sequestration of greenhouse gases. Establish a self-funding mechanism for meadow conservation via the implementation of a meadows carbon-credit market mechanism.
WHAT WE WILL ACHIEVE IN 2015-16
• Implement a new, Sierra-wide partnership to advance meadow restoration and fishery recovery efforts that also will result in creating greater ecological resilience to a changing climate.
• Leverage resources to more effectively achieve critical meadow restoration priorities by involving a broad consortium of partners representing agencies, NGOs, and the academic community.
Kirkwood Meadow
West Walker River Headwater Meadows Restoration
LONG-TERM GOAL
Restoration of ecological resiliency of six priority meadows within the headwaters of the West Walker River, including habitat for Lahontan cutthroat trout populations.
RECENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS
• Secured a Phase II grant from NFWF for completion of restoration design plans and required NEPA for six meadows in the West Walker River headwater area.
WHAT WE WILL ACHIEVE IN 2015-16
• Complete project designs and NEPA for the six meadows. • Secure funding and begin restoration on all six meadows.
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