The Mono County Board of Supervisors heard an analysis of the management plan for Long Valley prepared by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power at its Tuesday meeting.  While that plan focused on the protection of Bi-State Sage Grouse, the Supervisors pointed out the issue of irrigation for grazing leases was not included. Those leases were frozen in place by court order until LADWP completes environmental studies.

The plan, explained by Wendy Sugimura, Mono’s community development department director, goes into detail on available creeks and ditches to move water to identified Sage Grouse brooding areas at Convict and McGee creeks during the brood-rearing season, from mid-April to mid-September. In low-water years, the intent is to provide both cover and food by maintaining a minimum flow of 10 cubic feet per second in both waterways.

Ranch leases are an issue

The Board and public comment acknowledged the narrow focus of the management plan and honed in on what wasn’t included: the range leases, impacts of climate change and recreation which has been identified as a threat to the species.

“Our concern is much broader,” said Supervisor Stacy Corless, “it’s the overall health of the area. The plan can be used as a framework or model, one that can be built on.” Supervisor John Peters and County Counsel Stacey Simon agreed. “What ranchers have done has worked.”

For more information on the LADWP management plan go to https://thereal395.com/the-long-valley-adaptive-management-plan-for-bi-state-sage-grouse-completed-by-ladwp/