To add/edit metadata : Login
	Title: Ione Chaparral Focus Plan Abstract/Description: Ione chaparral is a rare plant community that occurs primarily on outcrops of the Ione formation within an area of about 35 square miles in Amador County, California. In addition, a few disjunct populations occur in Calaveras County. The Ione chaparral plant community occurs only on very acidic, nutrient-poor, coarse soils, and is comprised of low-growing, heath-like shrubs and scattered herbs. Ione chaparral also occurs in transitional zones with taller chaparral types, but does not persist if shaded. The populations range in elevation from 190 to 1,900 feet, with the largest populations occurring at elevations between 295 and 900 feet. Rare plant species growing within this assemblage include the Ione manzanita (Arctostaphylos myrtifolia), Ione buckwheat (Eriogonum apricum var. apricum) , Irish Hill buckwheat (Eriogonum apricum var. prostratum), Parry’s horkelia (Horkelia parryi), and Bisbee Peak rush rose (Helianthemum suffrutescens). TNCC identified the Ione chaparral ensemble site in its San Joaquin Valley and Foothill Ecoregional Plan (January 1998). Focused planning for this area was identified as a goal for the Cosumnes River Project Plan Update (May 23, 2000). The purpose of focused planning is to improve our understanding of the resource, ascertain current protected status, determine the degree of threat, and develop appropriate strategies. In 2000, TNCC hired a consultant, Tiffany Meyer, to map the extant stands of Ione manzanita. Her mapping identified 17 patches over 100 acres, totalling 4,700 acres. The results of this mapping effort were used to create the parcel prioritization for this plan (See Map 1). The criteria used to determine Tier One and Tier Two parcels included 1) the patch size of the Ione chaparral habitat on the parcel, 2) the condition of the Ione chaparral habitat (if known), 3) the number of other rare plants species on the parcel and 4) the current impacts on the property. Apart from this planning effort, TNCC has not been active in this area. Approximately 860 acres within the Ione chaparral habitat area are in public ownership. Of these, 217 acres are owned by the Bureau of Land Management and the Department of Fish and Game, and are managed for the plant resource. The remaining occurrences of Ione manzanita not currently under protective ownership are threatened by mining and the spread of residential development in Amador County. All populations, even those under public ownership, are threatened by an aggressive fungal disease that is causing dieback. There are, however, a number of government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private individuals that could potentially pool resources and knowledge to see that a viable representation of the Ione chaparral is protected and maintained over the long term. Associated Projects: Peer Review of San Joaquin River Dissolved Oxygen TMDL Studies, Non-Aeration Feasibility Studies Criteria Evaluation for the San Joaquin River Dissolved Oxygen TMDL, Peer Review of San Joaquin River Dissolved Oxygen TMDL Studies, Non-Aeration Feasibility Studies Criteria Evaluation for the San Joaquin River Dissolved Oxygen TMDL, Non-Aeration Feasibility Studies Criteria Evaluation for the San Joaquin River Dissolved Oxygen TMDL, Non-Aeration Feasibility Studies Criteria Evaluation for the San Joaquin River Dissolved Oxygen TMDL, Non-Aeration Feasibility Studies Criteria Evaluation for the San Joaquin River Dissolved Oxygen TMDL, Non-Aeration Feasibility Studies Criteria Evaluation for the San Joaquin River Dissolved Oxygen TMDL Main Subjects: Ecosystem Restoration, Communication / Planning, Habitat / Species Specific Subjects: land acquisition, trends, threats, stressors, stakeholder process, policy, planning visions, goals, funding, ione chaparral Species Keywords:   Publication & Citation Author(s): Contributor(s): Amanda Bohl, Daniel Burmester, Valerie Calegerie, Al Franklin, George Hartwell, Jaymee Marty, Tiffany Meyer, Ramona Swenson, Christine Tam, Roy Woodward Citation: Publisher: The Nature Conservancy Publication Date: May 31, 2003         Currentness: Funder(s):   Format & Access Information Resource Type: Plans (Documents) Media Type / Format: Computer File Access Limitations: Public Use Limitations: No Limitations To Obtain:   Location Information Cities / Urban Areas: Counties: Specific Location Names: Undefined: Water / Special Districts: Watershed / Streams: First Entered by: Ben Pearl on 2005/02/10 Last Edited by: Ben Pearl on 2005/02/10