Owens Valley Ecosystem

Master Watershed Plan

A master planning effort will be initiated in 1999 to develop a program that encompasses the numerous sub-watershed projects into one over arching plan.  Many of the on-going projects were implemented in different years for a variety of purposes.  Under the watershed management concept, the Department needs to incorporate goals and objectives of individual projects within the goals of total watershed management.  This may mean realigning some sub-watershed projects to be more supportive of total watershed management goals, or to more effectively relate to other sub-watershed management actions.  Given the great number of environmental projects underway, the Department must always be evaluating purpose and direction of individual projects within the context of total watershed management.  Master planning will improve the Department’s ability to prioritize effort and allocate resources to achieve the greatest benefits.

Inyo County Cooperative Vegetation Studies: The Department has an on-going cooperative program with Inyo County to monitor vegetation at selected well sites and other areas to track changes caused by groundwater pumping.

Interagency Wildlife Surveys: The Department participates with the CDFG, BLM, and other agencies in bald eagle, elk, and deer surveys. 

Noxious Plant Control

The Department has been implementing an eradication program to control noxious plants such as pepperweed and saltcedar.  These plants can displace native vegetation and threaten watershed integrity.  Controlling outbreaks before they become major problems is key to the success of this program.  Proactive watershed management strategies will aid in preventing future establishment of invasion plants.

Inter-Agency Coordination

One of the Department’s primary tasks in managing natural resources throughout the Valley is coordinating activities and plans with state, federal, and county agencies.  Through cooperation and coordination with the Lahontan Water Quality Control Board, CDFG, USFWS, BLM, USFS, Inyo and Mono counties, the Department can settle regulatory requirements and obtain requisite permits in a timely fashion.  Coordination with the Lahontan Water Quality Control Board will be particularly important in the future, because California has declared the Owens Valley one of five watersheds on which to focus their new watershed initiative program.  The Department is a member of the Interagency Task Force that meets monthly to update each other on agency activities and coordination needs.