(a) Restoration plans shall be reviewed by the TAC prior to implementation. Restoration projects shall include a minimum of three (3) years of post-implementation monitoring to ensure establishment of native species. Longer monitoring periods are encouraged as relevant to the species. Two (2) years of monitoring following irrigation removal should be considered if merited based on species and site conditions. Monitoring need not be restricted to a contractor obligation and may be partially satisfied through observations conducted during the annual creek walk. Pursuant to the CCRMP (Action 4.4-6) projects that establish native woody vegetation shall be favored over emergent wetlands in appropriate areas within the planning area.
(b) Design and develop habitat restoration projects so that they do not adversely impact the agricultural productivity of nearby farmland.
(c) Restoration projects may be coordinated with agricultural drainage structures that empty into Cache Creek or previously mined areas separated from the creek, so that the sediment deposited can provide additional topsoil and so that riparian species requiring a more steady supply of water can be established.
(d) Vegetated buffers should be placed between restored habitat areas and adjoining farmland in order to minimize the potential for riparian areas to serve as reservoirs for predators and insect pests. Said buffers will also reduce the effects of noise, dust, and spraying generated by agricultural operations on wildlife and riparian vegetation.
(e) Species and water features included in habitat areas should be designed to discourage the intrusion of wildlife, insect pests, and weeds that would impair local crops.
(f) Trees that are suitable for wildlife perching near agricultural fields dedicated to row crop production should be incorporated into habitat design in order to provide foraging habitat for Swainson’s hawks and other birds of prey.
(g) All habitat restoration, creation, or enhancement plans proposed within the CCRMP channel boundary shall be reviewed by the County Agricultural Commissioner if requested by proponents of channel modification projects. The Agricultural Commissioner shall identify and recommend appropriate vegetative buffers between habitat areas and agricultural fields and effective management of site water resources (including appropriate integration of agricultural drainage features into habitat planning). Buffers that would result in partial or secondary loss of agricultural land shall not be recommended by the Agricultural Commissioner.
(h) Incorporate agriculturally related features, such as agricultural forage areas and drainage systems, into the design of habitat planning. (as amended by Ord. 1518, eff. February 13, 2020)