An Ecosystem-Based Approach to Valley Oak Mitigation

Abstract

The Contra Costa Water District’s (CCWD’s) Los Vaqueros Reservoir Project will inundate 180 acres of valley oak habitats. Instead of using replacement ratios to identify mitigation needs, we designed an approach that would efficiently replace lost ecological values. We developed a habitat quality index model to assess the value of lost wildlife habitat and effectiveness of mitigation options. Application of the model indicated that restoration of 238 acres of woodland and savanna would fully replace lost habitat values in 75 years.

Parent Publication

• Proceedings of a symposium on oak woodlands: ecology, management, and urban interface issues; 19–22 March 1996; San Luis Obispo, CA

Citation

Rawlings, Marcus S.; Airola, Daniel A. 1997. An Ecosystem-Based Approach to Valley Oak Mitigation. In: Pillsbury, Norman H.; Verner, Jared; Tietje, William D., technical coordinators. 1997. Proceedings of a symposium on oak woodlands: ecology, management, and urban interface issues; 19–22 March 1996; San Luis Obispo, CA. Gen. Tech. Rep. PSW-GTR-160. Albany, CA: Pacific Southwest Research Station, Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture; p. 583-592