VAN NORDEN MEADOW UPDATE

The importance of meadow restoration in headwater reaches, like Van Norden Meadow, is key for the protection of wildlife and plants as our climate changes and our population grows. Van Norden Meadow is located in an area that is not only unique from an ecological perspective, but also from a recreational and cultural perspective.

More than 50 interested people ventured out on a snowy evening March 25th to learn more about the meadow and provide feedback about the proposed restoration design. Presenters were Rachel Hutchinson of the South Yuba River Citizens League (SYRCL), Joanne Roubique and Randy Westmoreland of the Tahoe National Forest, and Ryan Burnett of Point Blue. The evening began with an overview from SYRCL about the importance of meadows, meadow restoration, and ongoing scientific monitoring at the meadow. Burnett of Point Blue explained the importance of meadow habitat for birds and showed how Van Norden Meadow, even in a degraded state, is providing good habitat for birds and has provided a refuge for many species during the long drought. Finally, Westmoreland of the Forest Service explained the proposed meadow restoration design and provided  an overview of the current hydrologic condition of the meadow.

Future stakeholder meetings and field tours are expected during the summer and fall of 2017.

For video replay of the meeting, click here!

This project is being funded in part by the Truckee Donner Land Trust, The Martis Fund, and the California Department and Fish and Wildlife.