BirdReturns Fall 2017 Advancing Dynamic Conservation By Partnering with Rice Growers TNC Migratory Bird Initiative June 6, 2017
Why are we here? Thanks to NRCS, Audubon, Point Blue, CRC and TNC, WHEP is successful and the practices continue with RCPP Build on 4 years of successes and lessons learned Opportunity to refine program and respond to habitat needs
Program Goals • Improve habitat conditions for waterbirds (esp. shorebirds) • Support production of wildlife-friendly rice • Be responsive to: -Water availability -Wildlife habitat needs -Farm constraints and economics
The Pacific Flyway
State of the Birds 2014
50-80 M 3-4 M Waterfowl Waterfowl ? shorebirds >350K Shorebirds
California Migratory Waterbird Habitats
Importance of flooded rice fields • 187 species of birds Waterbird Species Diversity • 28 special-status • Globally significant habitat for waterfowl, waders & shorebirds Waterbird Density Elphick 2000
Expanding the time window of shorebird habitat in rice Flooded Rice Acres Shorebirds Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul
BirdReturns Predictive Habitat auctions models Birds & Water Pop-up wetlands Save the birds!
Importance of Shallow Water Habitat to Shorebirds American Avocet Black-necked Stilt Dunlin Greater Yellowlegs Least Sandpiper Lesser Yellowlegs Long-billed Curlew Long-billed Dowitcher Western Sandpiper Whimbrel Wilson's Snipe Black-bellied Plover Killdeer
Importance of Shallow Water Depths: Bird Size
Importance of Shallow Water Depths to Shorebirds
Key Points for Fall 2017 • Emphasis on early habitat • Shallow depths required – 4” or less • 1-3” is ideal • Minimal standing stubble, straw mixed with soil http://www.birdreturns.org
Who is eligible? • Rice growers • Lands compatible with waterbirds • No overlap with easement or other habitat program • Minimum 25 acres per site • No cap on participation • Multiple bids permitted for different sites
Grower Requirements Growers commit to: • Post-harvest management to achieve r equired field conditions • Manage water to achieve required depth of 4” or less by Day 1, and maintain throughout Program • Allow access to site to facilitate: • Inspection of field conditions (prior to enrollment) • Monitoring water depth and bird use during enrollment period, and monitoring bird use post-enrollment
Post-Harvest Straw & Soil Management Required field conditions: • Minimum standing stubble/vegetation • Straw incorporated into soil, not removed from field • Some exposed soil Conditions typically achieved by: • Disking, chiseling, or stomping
Fall 2017 Program Options August September October 18-Aug 1-Sep 14-Sep 15-Sep 28-Sep 29-Sep 12-Oct 27-Oct Option 1 (4-weeks) Option 3 (4 weeks) Option 2 (4 weeks) Option 4 (4 weeks) All program enrollments are four weeks: Option 1: August 18-September 14 Option 2: September 1-28 Option 3: September 15-October 12 Option 4: September 29-October 27
Water Management • Establish maximum of 4” by Day 1 and maintain throughout enrollment period • Ideal 1-3” • At least 75% of field ponded • Depth monitored with depth stakes
Water Management
Good Field Conditions
Poor Field Conditions
Good Field Conditions
Poor Field Conditions
Good Field Conditions
Poor Field Conditions
Good Field Conditions
Poor Field Conditions
Good Field Conditions
Good Field Conditions
Submit a Bid • New: Online bidding system! • Bids due MONDAY, June 19 by 9 a.m. • Bids should reflect additional costs to provide habitat • TNC will select most competitive bids, and as many as possible within budget constraints
Online Bidding • On our website: http://www.birdreturns.org • Can be saved and filled out at intervals • Attach maps, and include field names or numbers • You must go to the review page and hit “confirm” before you are complete
Online Bidding: BirdReturns Website • Go to “Participate” • Select “Submit a Bid”
Attach a Map
You’re not complete at the Review button
Confirmation page
Hit confirm to complete
How TNC Will Select Bids Selection Criteria • Timing – Earlier is better! • Location • Water access • Cost
How TNC Will Select Bids Program 2016 Acres Accepted 1,288 69% Aug. 17-30 Sept. 1-14 972 67% Sept. 15-28 997 89% Oct. 1-14 1,158 19% Oct. 15-28 1,175 5%
Questions about the bid form? • Today’s workshop • Assistance sessions with Simon Avery at the Colusa Library: TBA on BirdReturns website • Request a paper copy at birds@tnc.org or call Julia Barfield at (916) 449-2852 • On our website: http://www.birdreturns.org
In Summary • June 19 at 9:00 AM: Application Deadline • Submit a bid on our website: http://www.birdreturns.org • Contact us at birds@tnc.org or (916) 449-2852 • Meet with us at Colusa Library: TBA week of June 12
Thank You
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