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Sandhill Cranes Return to Wintering Sites in San Joaquin and Sacramento Counties

The Nature Conservancy Releases Studies Demonstrating Importance of Agriculture to Threatened Species

GALT, California — Nov. 5, 2003 — The Nature Conservancy released two studies this month linking farming practices to the survival of the threatened greater sandhill crane (Grus canadensis tabida) and the more abundant lesser sandhill crane (Grus canadensis canadensis).  The studies, conducted on and around the Conservancy's M&T Staten Island Ranch near Walnut Grove, California, conclude that wildlife-friendly agricultural operations on the property dramatically benefit the cranes during their winter migration to the Delta.  The reports coincide with the return of large crane populations to wintering sites in California's Central Valley, and underscore the importance of agricultural lands to the survival of cranes and many other bird species, such as the Swainson's hawk.

Mike Eaton, project director for The Nature Conservancy's programs in the Delta and San Joaquin Valley, called the crane "a majestic bird that inspires us all." The Pacific Flyway population of lesser sandhill cranes nests predominantly in Alaska, while greater sandhill cranes nest predominantly in northeastern California, eastern Oregon, and eastern Washington. Both sub-species return every winter to the San Joaquin Valley.

According to the reports, 15 percent of the Central Valley population of greater sandhill cranes winter on Staten Island, making the island one of the most important foraging and roosting sites for these ancient birds. The studies document the sustainable, wildlife-friendly farming operations at Staten Island, and conclude that the operation "is a great success from both wildlife and farming standpoints, and provides a valuable model for accommodating wildlife in an agricultural landscape."  The reports also cite the importance of similarly managed farmlands in the Central Valley to the long-term health of the crane population.
 
Jim and Sally Shanks, managers of Staten Island, have watched the awe-inspiring birds for decades, tailoring their farming practices to meet the needs of the cranes.  Said Sally Shanks, "We've shaped our farming programs as our knowledge about the needs of the cranes has grown, but we haven't sacrificed production. Agriculture, thoughtfully carried out, can be fully compatible with the needs of cranes and other species of waterfowl."

The Nature Conservancy acquired Staten Island (with funding from the CALFED Bay-Delta Program and the California Department of Water Resources) in 2001. Sandhill cranes winter in the Central Valley through late February or early March.  For more information on viewing the cranes and other waterfowl, please contact the Cosumnes River Preserve Visitor Center at (916-684-2816), or send e-mail to info@cosumnes.org.  The Visitor Center is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

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"Farming for Wildlife: An Overview of Agricultural Operations at Staten Island" and "Sandhill Crane Monitoring at Staten Island" are ongoing conservation projects of the Cosumnes River Preserve.  The Cosumnes River Preserve is a collaborative project of the Bureau of Land Management, the California Department of Fish & Game, Ducks Unlimited, Inc., the California Department of Water Resources, Sacramento County Department of Regional Parks, Open Space, and Recreation, The Nature Conservancy, and the Wildlife Conservation Board.  Conservation activities on the preserve are safeguarding and restoring unique valley oak streamside ecosystems and freshwater wetlands, while demonstrating compatibility between agriculture, recreation and education with the natural environment.  

The studies, completed by May & Associates Incorporated and conducted during the winter of 2002-2003, are available online at www.cosumnes.org. Anyone wishing further information about either report may contact Shari Weaver at The Nature Conservancy (415-281-0497) or sweaver@tnc.org.