Sierra Meadows continued from page 14
Osa Meadows Project
In the case of Osa Meadow, which is located at the headwaters of the Kern River at 8,000 feet elevation in Sequoia National Forest, CalTrout began its work in late May by sending a small team to initiate the process of gathering baseline data that will inform the project’s research design. Over time, in addition to greenhouse gas measurements, the team will be collecting data for a broad set of metrics, including water flows, ground water levels, water temperatures, and other data.
The plan calls for restoring 25 acres of Osa Meadow and stream to reverse the effects of historical seasonal grazing of sheep and cattle, forest fires, and timber encroachment on the meadow. If all goes well, the restoration work will commence later in the summer and take about a month to complete; this is anticipated to be a one-time effort that will put Osa Meadow back on a path to a healthy, functioning condition. One of the beneficiaries of this work will be the Kern River rainbow trout, which has traditionally inhabited the meadow's stream.
A similar process will be followed on the other projects, with data being sent to partner universities (UC Merced, in the case of Osa Meadow data) for greenhouse gas data analysis. All of the meadows offer some different characteristics such as elevation and terrain, which means that the sample data set will be even richer and more broadly applicable. CalTrout and partners will collate and synthesize the data from the four projects and convene quarterly conference calls with the partners to share the latest findings. There will also be an annual in-person meeting, tentatively labeled "Calistoga II", to drill deeper on results and solidify future plans.
By establishing greater ecological resilience, meadows should be better able to withstand the evolving threats posed by global warming such as changes in precipitation patterns and increases in forest fires.
Next Steps
The funded meadow restoration projects will begin this summer, with members of the SMRRP staying in close communication and attending regular meetings to share results and lessons learned. The SMRRP provides a forum for those in meadow-related work to share information, coordinate efforts, and leverage resources to advance this work. With an open door policy, Mark envisions the partnership growing and serving as a critical body involved with meadow restoration and research efforts throughout the Sierra Nevada and southern Cascade region. According to Mark:
“What is really exciting about the growing collaboration centered on Sierra meadows is the opportunity to bring a plethora of great folks together and collectively move the needle forward.”
Spot Check continued from page 44
Fishing the lake is best morning and evenings. Midday can get windy on your average summer day. There is great fishing from the shore and there are trails that circle much of this 2.4 mile long lake. You’re allowed to boat on the lake but you have to use one of the boats provided by The Nature Conservancy. There are three 14 foot aluminum boats, eight kayaks, including two tandem, and three pontoon boats on premises that you can borrow on a first come first serve basis. To protect this pristine lake from invasive species that so many of California’s lakes have now been infested with, motor boats are only lent out every other week and you cannot bring or use your own craft or wear any felt soled wading boots.
Best fishing techniques vary depending on time of year, time of day and weather. LCT are typically not very picky so it’s usually a matter of getting a fly in front of them. In the mornings and evenings you can target rising fish with a floating line and dry fly. My favorites for the lake are callabeatis dries like Quigly’s hackle stacker or terrestrials like black ants, beetles and hoppers. If it’s windy or your trying to cover water you can troll a sinking line with a cone head bugger or most leach patterns in black or purple work well. Drifting nymphs can also work well, either under an indicator on a floating line or with an intermediate or sinking line and a slow strip or short bumps.
Independence is a true wild experience for the intrepid outdoorsman. The lake offers much more then just fishing. There are great trails for hiking and great wildlife viewing. Dogs are allowed on trails but only on leash. Bikes are also permitted on some of the trails. Please be respectful of the wildlife.
The lake is open to walk-in day use year round though the road is often not maintained in the winter months and can be snowed over from October to June some years. There is a short walk from where you park to the lake as well. There is no camping right at the lake but there’s some developed camp grounds within the area and also a few undeveloped camp sites off the forest service roads near by.
Good luck and have fun! Keep Em Wet!
Mikey Wier
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