Habitat Conservation

 

IMCLT considers several types of habitats whose conservation values merit easements to protect their functions in the landscape.

Open Space

Open space areas are undeveloped landscapes—green belts, scenic corridors, natural areas—and provide for recreation and education, as well as enhance the well-being of humans and the natural environment. Conserving undeveloped land increases the value of an area for a population by maintaining a region’s scenic quality, ecological benefits to animals, plants, soil and water quality, and often collaboration with public landowners insures access to the public. Inland Mendocino Land Trust’s primary goal is to acquire lands that preserve habitat, natural resources and may increase public access.

Oak Woodlands

Oak woodlands and other forest lands have both historical and ecological values to the landscape. Native Americans in Northern California used the acorns as food and also performed prescribed burns of oak woodlands that controlled undergrowth and disease as well as decreased competition for new oaks and the frequency of large, naturally occurring fires. Ecologically oaks provide habitat for many animal and bird species that depend on food and shelter that is on the edge of a wooded canopy. Oaks also improve soil conditions that decrease hazardous rainfall runoff, thereby increasing water absorption into the soil.

Riparian Habitats

Riparian corridors provide important habitat for both land animals and birds as well as for aquatic life including fish, amphibians, and insects. When these habitats are intact and functioning properly, water quality is greatly improved for both animals and humans.

Important factors considered as high conservation values in a riparian corridor are:

  • Amount of intact stream canopy cover of trees and large plants

  • Presence of threatened fish such as salmon or steelhead

  • Presence of threatened animals such as salamanders or birds

  • Rare or threatened plants

Agriculture and Timber

Agriculture and timber are both economic and cultural resources in Mendocino County, as well as providing for wildlife habitat and open space. The threat of development often leads to the reduction in land parcel size allowing for increased development that leads to greater demand and pressure to use limited natural resources.