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is feasible include soil conditions, topography, definition of a vernal pool, and <br /> determination of the criteria for successful re-establishment. Soil conditions that favor <br /> vernal pool creation or enhancement include the presence of a cemented hardpan or dense <br /> claypan. This feature is found in areas dominated by San Joaquin soils. A naturally <br /> undulating topography (of mounds and intermounds) that encourages surface ponding is <br /> desirable, and is also found in the same area. <br /> Vernal pools and ephemeral seasonal wetlands can be restored by the appropriate <br /> placement of small checks at strategic places along swales to increase water retention time, <br /> by contouring the landscape so that it will pond water from local upland watersheds, and <br /> by removing some of the topsoil overlying hardpan. <br /> The amount of excavation necessary to create vernal pool sites will be determined by depth <br /> to hardpan. Generally speaking, about 30 inches of soil is currently found over the <br /> hardpan in the San Joaquin soils. Approximately 24-27 inches of topsoil would need to be <br /> removed. <br /> During the first phase of restoration, a detailed botanical survey of the proposed <br /> enhancement sites will be conducted. Species composition, frequency, and cover classes <br /> need to be determined using standard plant ecological methods. These areas will then be <br /> mapped to judge the probability of success of future enhancement projects. Earthen fill <br /> will be deposited and compacted in low-lying areas to act as checks to impound water. In <br /> some areas,vernal pools and ephemeral seasonal wetlands will be created by contouring <br /> the landscape. <br /> Monitoring after rain and flooding events will help to determine success of enhancing <br /> hydrological qualities with check structures. <br /> Buckeye Ranch Resource Plan (November, 1993) <br /> 200 <br />