News & Insights

We extend our thanks and gratitude to Stephen McCord as he ends his tenure on the Tuleyome Board of Directors. Stephen has applied his energy and expertise to fulfilling Tuleyome’s mission for many years. In 2016 he managed the first Tuleyome mercury mine remediation project at the Corona/Twin Peaks Mine. He followed that with work on Tuleyome trail projects in the Knoxville Off-Highway Vehicle Area, riding all the trails on his own adventure motorcycle. As a Tuleyome representative, he’s taken many community members on hikes in Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument and the surrounding areas. Stephen has over 20 years of environmental engineering experience, in California and worldwide. He has overseen extensive projects in water quality field work, management and cleanup, and has applied his knowledge to policy development, analysis and technical support. In short, Stephen is a consummate environmental and water engineer, and he brought his expertise to Tuleyome’s many projects. In 2023 Stephen joined the Board of Directors and agreed to serve as President. He applied his supreme organizational skills to managing board duties and activities. He also brought an optimism to the board about what can be accomplished with foresight, good planning and collaboration. Stephen has been a tireless advocate for Tuleyome, keeping the board on task even while handling numerous other professional responsibilities. Fortunately, although he is stepping down from the board, he will continue to support Tuleyome’s mission in many other ways. -Kim Longworth, Lyndsay Dawkins and Bill Grabert Volunteer Tuleyome Board members 

A river otter making its way up the slide. Looking to take a break with some cute video content? This month we placed game cameras looking into an otter slide at Conaway Ranch. Otter slides are paths worn into riverbanks by repeated use by otters and other animals. The slides at Conaway are quite active, so we’ve been able to get some great footage, including otters, beavers, racoons, snakes, and more! 

Since April 2024, America's public lands had something they'd never had before: a rule that treated conservation as equal to all other land uses. The Public Lands Rule , introduced by the Biden Administration, formally recognized conservation as a legitimate practice of multiple use, putting conservation on equal footing with recreation, grazing, and resource extraction. Built on decades of management experience and guided by science, data, and Indigenous knowledge, it gives land managers tools to maintain healthy ecosystems while supporting all the diverse ways we depend on public lands. It acknowledges a simple truth: conservation must be valued equally to all other land uses. Now there is growing pressure to rescind it. Why This Matters The environment around us is free-flowing, it's not confined to state borders or county lines. When mining operations contaminate watersheds in Northern California, it impacts the local businesses who depend on healthy rivers downstream, the agricultural communities that rely on clean water, and the families who've been camping along those waterways for generations. The Public Lands Rule recognized this interconnected reality and gave land managers agency to address problems before they spread across California's diverse landscapes, protecting the long-term viability of grazing allotments, recreation areas, and rural livelihoods that all depend on healthy public lands. This interconnected reality is exactly why the Public Lands Rule matters. The Rule is designed to ensure that the places we depend on, whether for weekend camping trips, or cattle grazing, stay healthy enough to support these uses long-term. When an area becomes overgrazed and doesn't recover, access to those grazing allotments is permanently lost, reducing ranchers' ability to maintain their livelihoods and harming local food production. Poor use or overuse of our public lands creates ripples of negative impact that hurt all communities. The Rule's main objective is simple but revolutionary: make sure our public lands stay productive for everyone who depends on them, rather than degrade them. The Rule created practical tools that built in accountability and prioritized future generations' access to healthy public lands. Restoration Leases : 10-year agreements allowing a variety of entities such as, conservation groups, tribes, and nonprofits to restore damaged landscapes—fires restoration, restoring wildlife habitats and cleaning up abandoned mining sites that currently scar some of our most beautiful public lands. Mitigation Leases : A tool that allows land users or other entities to offset impacts from their activities over specified time periods, creating partnerships between different land users and conservation groups to address environmental impacts on public lands. Strengthened Protection for Critical Areas : Clearer guidelines for protecting Areas of Critical Environmental Concern—the most special and fragile places that often provide the best wildlife viewing, the cleanest water sources, the most pristine camping experiences and the richest biodiversity. The False Dichotomy: Multiple Use vs. Conservation The main argument being used to encourage the rollback of the Public Lands Rule is " multiple use ", the legal principle requiring Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands to serve many different purposes. The current Administration claims the Public Lands Rule hinders multiple uses of public lands. Why? The Rule calls for restoring degraded areas and making science based decisions. Contrary to their actual meaning, the current Administration interprets "restoring" and "science based decisions" as "locking up land". Land locking, where access gets completely cut off, is a real concern in some areas—it prevents both recreation and grazing. However, land locking is not what the Public Lands Rule promotes. In reality, it is promoting land healing. Take grazing for example. The Rule empowers BLM to use restoration leases in conjunction with existing grazing permittees to restore degraded rangeland. Monitoring who is grazing where and the number of permits issued for specific areas is a means to ensure sustainable grazing and prevent overuse. Many ranchers and land managers supported the Rule because they understand that healthy land is productive land. Overgrazing and environmental damage hurt their livelihoods too. The same principle applies to fire recovery. When public lands are damaged by sweeping wildfires, there is a need for active restoration: replanting native vegetation, stabilizing soils, removing hazardous debris. Restoration has to take place before safe recreation, grazing and other uses can resume. At times, restoration requires temporarily limiting access to burned areas as they recover. The goal is to allow for our lands to recover and heal before we start depending on them again with our multiple uses. Land restoration is not just limited to grazing or extraction; it is essential for recovering from wildfires. Whether it's grazing, recreation, or extraction, the Public Lands Rule isn't about stopping these uses, it's about understanding that healthy ecosystems are prerequisites for multiple use, not obstacles to it. You can't have sustainable grazing on degraded rangeland, quality recreation in fire damaged landscapes, or responsible extraction without considering long-term impacts We Are Public Stewards The Public Lands Rule represents a historic shift in how we value conservation, its potential rollback is a setback. But the vision it represents, conservation as a form of legitimate multiple use, remains essential and is not gone. As stewards of these 245 million acres, we have the power to practice conservation in our own actions and advocacy. Every time we practice Leave No Trace, support local businesses that operate responsibly on public lands, and make our voices heard in land management decisions, we're building the foundation for balanced stewardship that benefits everyone. Our public lands belong to all of us, which means we each have the power, and responsibility, to be good stewards of the lands we love. -Bryan Pride ( bpride@tuleyome.org ) Certified California Naturalist Policy Director

You may have heard of Golden Mussels on the news or maybe at your local marina. They are a highly invasive and opportunistic bivalve species that has only recently been documented in North America. Native to China, Thailand, Korea, Laos, Vietnam, Indonesia and Cambodia, Golden Mussels ( Limnoperna fortunei ) have been documented in Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan, Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, and the United States. In fact, as of October 2024, their occurrence in the Sacramento - San Joaquin Delta and O’Neill Forebay in Merced County were the first known discoveries in North America. Golden Mussels are extremely opportunistic and can colonize fresh and brackish waters in bays, creeks, canals, lakes, rivers and other wetland areas with temperatures ranging from 41-95 degrees Fahrenheit. Golden Mussels are tolerant of pollution and can establish and reproduce in waterbodies with much lower calcium than Quagga and Zebra Mussels, making many more waterbodies in the state vulnerable to infestation. The Golden Mussels have extremely high reproduction rates and can reproduce during their first year of growth; each adult mussel can produce tens of thousands of free-floating veligers (larva) that will mature in the water column while flowing downstream until they are ready to settle. Due to their broad environmental tolerance, high reproductive rate, and free-floating life stage that allows for rapid dispersal, this alien species has become a threat to native fisheries and ecosystems. Golden Mussels range in color from light to dark golden to dark brown and can reach nearly two inches long and can live for two years. Adults form byssal threads, also known as mussel beards, which anchor them securely to natural and man-made substrates in varying depths of water. These threads are strong enough to withstand abrasive wave action and high flows. Golden mussels have been found attached to hard surfaces such as the submerged logs, rocks, hulls of boats, buoys, and other equipment as well as soft substrates and aquatic plants. The most common way invasive mussels such as Golden Mussels are transported between bodies of water is by hitchhiking on watercraft and other equipment. Invasive species such as Golden Mussels, can be introduced into formally unoccupied areas through ballast water of ocean-going ships, adults can be relocated by being attached to watercraft being moved from one body to water to another or nearly microscopic veligers can be moved by being in contained water within watercraft or other equipment. In areas where waterways are interconnected, Golden Mussel adults and veligers can move with the flow of water or watercraft going from one body of water to another. It is also possible that they move upstream in the stomach of fish – being undigestible by native fish and eventually passing through the fish. Golden Mussels are ultra-efficient filter feeders. When dense colonies of these organisms form, they consume substantial quantities of microscopic plants and animals that native fish, game fish and other aquatic species depend on to complete their life cycle and flourish. Additionally, Golden Mussels have been demonstrated to cause shifts in algal communities that favor species that produce Harmful Algae Blooms (HABs), resulting in more adverse impacts to the environment. The dense congregations of mussels not only restrains water movement by biofouling (obstructing) pipes, pumps, hydropower and irrigation facilities as well as damaging watercraft motors. Removal is continuous and costly to maintain operational function which results in economic impacts to the community. Community impacts as a result of Golden Mussels infestations include constraints on recreational waterbody usage such as mandatory inspections, boat quarantine periods, lake closures, and increased fees. Economic impacts may be seen as higher charges for water and power utilities to account for increased costs due to increased preventative maintenance frequency, infrastructure protection upgrades such as filters and strainers and other prevention devices such as Ultra Violet lights and repairs to infrastructure and facilities due to biofouling of Golden Mussels. To help curb the spread of Golden Mussels, the California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways asks that you Inspect all watercraft and equipment. Clean any visible mud, plants, fish or animals from watercraft and equipment. Drain all water, including from lower outboard unit, ballast, live-well, buckets, and anything else that contains water. Dry everything for at least five days or with a towel before reuse. Dispose of debris and unwanted bait, worms, and fish parts in the trash. Report any mussels or suspect invasive species you find to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife hotline at (866) 440-9530 or email: Invasives@wildlife.ca.gov and to the local marina manager or harbormaster. So far Golden Mussels have not been documented in any bodies of water within the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument but just last Friday they were found on a boat attempting to launch in Lake Tahoe. Vessel quarantine periods and decontamination requirements vary throughout the state, so please contact the manager of the water body before you launch. If you observe Golden Mussels in California you are urged to immediately report your findings to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife Invasive Species Program , or by email to Invasives@wildlife.ca.gov , or by telephone to (866) 440-9530. Clear, close-up photographs with an item for scale are encouraged to be submitted with your report. -Kristie Ehrhardt ( kehrhardt@tuleyome.org ) Tuleyome Land Conservation Program Manager

In many areas across the United States, May is National Wildfire Awareness Month. Wildfires have become an unwelcome and constant part of life in not only the rural areas of our region but also highly populated urban areas as well. In many areas of the country, wildfire season is year round. Here in our region, the month of May typically is when the days begin to heat up causing the wildland vegetation to begin to dry out and become fuel for wildfires. Dry north winds often barrel through California causing embers to land in places where they can readily ignite additional fire-fuel sources quickly resulting in an out-of-control situation. Whether you live in a fire zone or you like to spend time recreating in one, there are ways that you can help property owners, residents and firefighters remain safe. Published reports indicate that up to about 85% of all wildfires in the United States are caused by human activity. Many of those are accidental and could have been prevented with some additional care. Wildfires not only jeopardize residents, property and natural ecosystems but they also cause firefighters to be placed in vulnerable situations in their efforts to protect our communities. Recently, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) partnered with the convenience store chain, Maverik in an effort to help educate the public on wildfire awareness and safety. Videos play on gas pumps and inside the stores to help educate people heading out on their public land adventures to recreate safely without sparking wildfires. California recognizes May as Wildfire Awareness Month. The California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) is urging Californians to plan ahead and be wildfire ready by : Prepare early to reduce stress later during an emergency Sign up for local alerts at https://calalerts.org/signup.html Have a plan Let family, friends and neighbors know what your plan is incase of a wildfire emergency Have a set meeting location outside of the danger zone Have bags packed and ready to go with essential medication, important documents, food and water, phone charger, pet supplies and medications, Memorize multiple evacuation routes out your neighborhood If there is time, check on and help neighbors that might need extra assistance to evacuate To help protect structures BLM recommends : Home hardening which includes retrofitting vulnerable areas such as decks, vents and gutters to withstand flying embers, Develop and maintain at least 30 feet of defensible space around your property by removing flammable materials and vegetation Again sign up for local alerts at https://calalerts.org/signup.html Wildfire smoke is also dangerous, even if you’re far away from the fire. If you can smell smoke, you’re breathing it. You can check your local air quality at AirNow . One of the leading causes of wildfires is illegal fireworks, vehicle or equipment sparks and open burning. To reduce the risk of wildfire, BLM suggests always following fire restrictions for the region you are recreating in. Avoiding activities that cause sparks such as dragging chains, and discharging firearms on hot, dry and windy days. By keeping tools such as shovels, fire extinguishers and large buckets of water nearby just in case of an accidental spark and please check campfire restrictions before burning. Wildfires can spark and change directions very abruptly; preparation and knowledge help enable the public to protect their home, families and landscapes. -Kristie Ehrhardt ( kehrhardt@tuleyome.org ) Tuleyome Land Conservation Program Manager

The North American Beaver also commonly called American Beaver, Canadian Beaver or just beaver is the largest member of the rodent family in the United States. The word rodent means “to gnaw” and rodents are characterized by a pair of continuously growing upper and lower incisors. Beavers must constantly gnaw on trees to keep their teeth from getting too long. About 40% of all known mammal species are rodents and are native all over the world with the exception of Antarctica. It is believed that beavers are from ten to twelve million years old and fossils were first discovered in Germany. It is thought that these beavers used the Bering Strait to reach North America about seven million years ago. Today there are two distinct species of beaver; the American Beaver ( Castor canadensis ) and the Eurasian Beaver ( C. fiber ). The American Beaver is the species found in the United States and the rest of North America. American Beavers (beavers) are semi-aquatic spending at least part of their day in water. Their tails are large, flat and paddle-shaped and when combined with their webbed hind feet, beavers are excellent swimmers. Beavers also use their flat tails to slap the water to signal danger to other nearby beavers, to store fat and to help them balance when toting loads of heavy logs and branches. Beavers' front feet are smaller than their rear feet and have claws rather than being webbed. Their front feet are extremely dexterous and give them the ability to grasp and rotate pencil-thin stems, peel off bark, dig and put food such as small leaves in their mouths. Another adaptation of semiaquatic life includes a nictitating membrane which covers and protects the eyes so they can remain open under the water allowing them to see and ears and nostrils that are able to seal shut while under water. Despite their large incisors, beavers are able to close their mouths over their teeth. Beavers range from about 25 pounds to over 70 pounds but the average is around 50. They are about 30 to 35 inches from nose to rump with tails that range from eight to nearly 14 inches long. Beavers sport a rich, dark chocolate-brown double coat which includes long, coarse outer hairs and short, fine and dense inner hairs. This coat helps keep the beaver’s body dry and insulates it from cold and hot temperatures. Beavers have two sets of scent glands. One set produces an oily substance called castoreum (which is where the beaver’s Genus, Castor, comes from and is used to waterproof their coats. The other set of scent glands produces waxy chemicals that help identify one beaver to another. Beavers also have a thick layer of fat just under their skin that also helps keep them warm while in cold, sometimes icy water. Beaver fur was so sought after at one point in time that they were nearly driven to extinction. Beavers are primarily nocturnal but can also be active during the day and spend their time going to and from water collecting bark, leaves, roots and wetland plants to eat. They excel at swimming and can remain underwater for up to 15 minutes. Which is advantageous because they spend an awful lot of their time designing and building their homes and water control structures. Beavers build their dwelling or lodges using rocks, sticks and mud in waterways and other bodies of water. Their lodges may be juxtaposed to land or surrounded entirely by water. The inside of the lodge is covered with mud which dries to the consistency of cement keeping the lodge warm and dry during the cold, wet months. A breathing hole is left open at the top of the lodge and entrances are underwater. Lodges have multiple chambers and different elevations to keep them either moist for feeding or warm and dry for sleeping. Beavers also build dams in order to back up water and form deep ponds to allow for the beaver to escape predation from coyotes, wolves, mountain lions and other top predators. Dams are built using longer branches, vegetation and mud. If tree branches and vegetation are not available beavers will use rocks to build their dams. Branches, sticks, twigs and vegetation are cut using their incisors and carried and put in place using their front feet. Dam building not only provides a refuge for the beavers but it also creates and enhances habitat for other amphibians, fish and waterfowl. Beaver dams also help reduce soil erosion and may lessen the impacts of flooding. Beavers are monogamous and mate at about three years of age. Only one litter of one to four kits is born a season and usually remain with their parents inside the warm, safe lodge for up to two years. Beaver Facts : At one point beaver fur was so valuable, primarily for hats and shirts that the species was on the brink of extinction. Today it is estimated that there are about 10-15 million American Beaver occurring throughout its range in North America and are considered invasive species in some places! Very old beavers can weigh over 100 pounds (about the weight of a king size mattress)! It’s believed that the sound of running water is what urges beavers to build or repair their dams. The largest beaver dam was discovered by satellite imagery in 2007 near Alberta, Canada. It was nearly a half a mile long and two times wider than Hoover Dam! Beavers are considered “keystone species” because their activities provide increased biodiversity by forming or enlarging wetlands and surrounding riparian habitats - they are unique in that they can change the landscape! Be sure to check out Tuleyome’s Youtube channel for a very close up (!) view of beavers and other wildlife friends at play at our partner in conservation Conaway Ranch! -Kristie Ehrhardt ( kehrhardt@tuleyome.org ) Tuleyome Land Conservation Program Manager

Woodland Regional Park Preserve in Autumn - photo by Juliann Ricker. Our May Nature and You lecture was a celebration of the Woodland Regional Park Preserve, which opened to the public on May 17 th . The lecture featured four speakers – Stephanie Burgos from the City of Woodland, Dr. Glen Holstein from Tuleyome, Chris Alford from the Yolo Habitat Conservancy, and Dr. Geoff Benn from Tuleyome. If you missed it, be sure to check out the recording , for a fascinating discussion of how the Preserve was created, what makes it special from an ecological and botanical perspective, ongoing conservation programs, and educational programs.

We held our monthly Youth Boot Bank office hours on May 7 th , where we loaned out two pairs of boots and took in several returns and donations. Our next office hours will be at the Tuleyome office from 2:30 – 5:30pm on July 2 nd . Stop by if you would like to borrow a pair of boots, return boots, make a donation, or say hi! In addition to our office hours, we also brought the Boot Bank to the grand opening of Woodland Regional Park Preserve, where we loaned out several pairs of boots and did outreach for the Boot Bank and Tuleyome’s other programs. Hiking boots from the Youth Boot Bank are available for free 6-month loans to the public at our monthly office hours. Camping gear is available to participants in Tuleyome camping trips and to partner organizations that are hosting camping trips. If you have any questions about the Youth Boot Bank program, please contact Geoff Benn at gbenn@tuleyome.org .