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Walker Basin Conservancy seeks OHV grant to protect Fletcher Springs riparian habitat while maintaining designated access
Summary
Walker Basin Conservancy requested funds to install rock barriers, cattle guards and signage at Fletcher Springs to protect about 17 acres of wet meadow and riparian habitat while keeping OHV access on existing routes and improving parking and route maintenance.
Walker Basin Conservancy presented a grant proposal on May 9 to mitigate motorized impacts at Fletcher Springs, a wet meadow and riparian area in the East Walker/ Bodie Hills area.
Miguel Gonzalez, stewardship manager for Walker Basin Conservancy, told the commission the site is heavily used by OHV recreators, hunters and campers and that increasing use has damaged spring and wet meadow habitat. The proposal requests funds for roughly 4,000 feet of rock barriers to protect about 17 acres of sensitive habitat, installation of cattle guards to replace cowboy gates, improved route water control and interpretive/regulatory kiosks to explain closures and provide alternative routes.
Gonzalez said the project intends to keep OHV users on existing maintained roads, improve route durability and parking, and provide clear signage explaining why certain areas are closed for restoration. He said similar prior work in Wilson Canyon produced successful outcomes and that the conservancy will engage volunteers and local partner groups for implementation.
Commissioners asked about outreach to OHV groups and signage strategies; Gonzalez said the project includes kiosks and maps that will point users to approved routes and nearby parking/staging areas. No funding decision was made at the meeting; the proposal is scheduled for the commission's grant review process.
