Don Wilson, Bill Feil, Pat Von Behren, Ute Riggin, Joan Danni, Sharyn Galloway, Lilli Remer, Michelle Caisse, Martin Steinpress, Penny Givens-Berry.
No discussion.
Guest speaker Heidi Perryman of Stewards of Alhambra Creek spoke on “Martinez Beavers: Keystone Species and Community Catalysts” The Martinez beavers moved into a restored area of the creek, right next to Bertola’s restaurant. They used Arroyo willow for their dam. Beavers are vegetarian, social, monogamous, noctournal. Adults are about 60 lbs. They have special adaptations to a partially aquatic life. They oil their own fur, have a flat tail for swimming, webbed hind feet but separate front toes, inside mouth?? They are a keystone species because they create habitat for other species. Green heron, muskrat, cormorant, greebe have been seen recently.Beavers do coppice cutting of willow, which spurs growth.
When the beavers moved in, the city planned to “depredate” the beavers. The community reacted and the plan changed. Initial change was to relocate them. Beaver subcommittee is now working on a long-term plan for retaining the beavers safely. Requirements are:
Control water level – requires maintenance, but do-able. Gravity controlled flow control device, beaver proofed, called a flexible leveler, has been installed for that purpose.
Wire wrap desired trees
Low fencing along banks to prevent burrowing under property
Immunocontraception to control population
Live trapping when necessary
Right now, beavers can be seen at about 6:30-7 am. They are rather tame.
To provide feedback on outcome of beaver situation, write to city council by both email and snail mail.
Minutes have been posted to the web site.
Sharyn propose a brochure to be distributed to PH residents with a list of watershed-specific plants. Has list from Walnut Creek.
See http://www.ci.pleasant-hill.ca.us/ for details. February 20, Wednesday. City has now reduced the setback requirements relative to county requirements. Bill will research and clarify dates for workshop and council meeting.
Will Outback do bbq for smaller group, e.g. 20 people? Work will be trash pick-up and lengthening the channel that Pat has started building, palm tree removal, weed abatement. Land4urbanwildlife applied for grant from County Fish and Wildlife Commission for purchase of tools, waders, and miscellaneous items. It is unknowns whether, if approved, the money would be available by Earth Day.
City would like an assessment district in the Ellinwood area to maintain trails, provide benches, put in interpretive trail.
Sharyn suggested having fundraisers such as art sale, native plant sale to raise money and awareness. Pat suggested a project building boats from tule stalks that are being removed from the channel.
Brian Murphy of Audobon Society will speak at the next meeting.
The June meeting will also be on the second Wedneday of the month due to scheduling conflicts.