Stewardship means caring for the lands once
they are protected by a conservation easement or Sequoia Riverlands
Trust (SRT) ownership. There are three main components to SRT's
stewardship work:
• Monitoring
conditions of lands under conservation easement to ensure
that desired conservation values are maintained over the
long term. This begins
with preparation of a baseline report describing conditions at
the time the easement is granted. Regular monitoring methods
are then tailored to the specific conservation goals of each
property.
• Management
planning, restoration and day-to-day operation of SRT-owned
preserves. SRT's
Land Stewards and other experts evaluate the conservation values
and potentials of each preserve, looking at indicators like rare
plant communities, diversity of native plants and animals, outdoor
education opportunities and scenic values. Long-term management
strategies are devised to allow each preserve to make its own
unique contribution to conservation in the region. Strategies
may include:
• Wetland restoration
• Prescribed
burning, livestock grazing or "weed" control
to give native plants and associated animals a competitive edge
over invasive exotics
• Cultivation and planting of
native, locally-adapted vegetation
• Construction and
maintenance of public access facilities like parking and trails
• Interpretive
signage
• Contributing to the
ongoing exchange of stewardship strategies by:
• Engaging
outside experts in SRT's planning and management
• Serving
as a technical resource for other landowners and managers
• Organizing
and participating in conferences and working groups to encourage
information sharing among landowners, researchers and conservation
practitioners
• Partnering
with other entities on regional conservation projects, such as
the effort to eradicate Arundo donax ,
an introduced plant invading our local river systems.
You can be part of this exciting conservation work by:
• Placing a conservation easement
on your property or donating it to SRT (click
here)
• Participating in work days
for restoration and maintenance projects
• Contributing technical expertise to our baseline
data gathering, planning or research efforts
• Helping us monitor conditions of conservation
easements or preserves
• Donating materials or equipment for use in restoration
work
