The acrcd is using the services urban standards of excellence and the america the beautiful key principles to provide a comprehensive plan for conserving and protecting WPT through outreach and…

The acrcd is using the services urban standards of excellence and the america the beautiful key principles to provide a comprehensive plan for conserving and protecting WPT through outreach and community inclusion. This plan will integrate restoration- citizen science- and collaborative partnerships to enhance the understanding and protection of the soon-to-be-listed north southwestern pond turtles (WPT). This comprehensive approach includes the establishment of a western pond turtle working group- aimed at fostering coordination and knowledge sharing among stakeholders and the public to help drive on-ground conservation efforts. This project will build upon the work being conducted on an existing partners program (rangeland pond turtles F23AC01285-00)- expanding IT into an urban environment- the city of livermore. The gathered information- combined with the collaborative efforts of the working group- will guide effective conservation and restoration strategies across urban landscapes- thereby providing equitable access and fostering a conducive environment for the prosperity of WPT. To ensure our efforts are a community asset and to provide a stepping stone to conservation to urban citizenry- this project is committed to help restore a stretch of riparian habitat in brushy peak regional park (adjacent to the city of livermore) and supporting a pond restoration effort- amplifying the availability of habitat for WPT and other wildlife species- such as the listed california red-legged frog and alameda whipsnake. In turn- visitors will have a safe and welcoming atmosphere to enjoy native local wildlife.