USFWS & TÁSMAM KOYÓM SENSITIVE HABITAT FENCING PROJECT

As Tásmam Koyóm continues to remain open for public use, sensitive habitat protection is a concern. OHV and vehicle Off-roading in unapproved sensitive areas of the valley have impacted several sites along the Yellow Creek Campground Road with damage threatening both sensitive meadow habitat as well as cultural resources.

On May 14th and 15th of 2018, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Ishi Conservation Camp #18, based out of Paynes Creek, California joined the Maidu Summit Consortium (MCS) representatives to assist in a split-rail fence installation project at Tásmam Koyóm. This Sensitive Habitat Protection Project was made possible with restoration grant funding awarded to the Maidu Summit Consortium by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).

The funding allowed the purchase of required fencing material by a local Mountain Maidu Timber supplier with MSC Board Members and staff actively participating in the installation process. In order to complete phase one of this important habitat protection strategy, the Maidu Summit Consortium requested and was granted permission to access and install the fencing by the Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) through the implementation of a Right of Entry Agreement. In addition to the Right of Entry Agreement obtained through PG&E, the Maidu Summit Consortium submitted a request for a Conservation Camp Program Project Request from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CALFIRE) for use of an Inmate Crew.

Approximately 300 yards of the project area were completed during the two-day construction period. We plan to complete an additional fence line in the future in order to further protect sensitive habitats as funding allows.