California Department of Fish and Wildlife Private Land Partnerships

Private land partnerships are critical for fish and wildlife conservation given that about half of California is held in private ownership. CDFW’s relationship with Jackson Family Wines is an important example as the winery’s Lake County property is home to a large stretch of Manning Creek, critical spawning habitat for the imperiled Clear Lake hitch (Lavinia exilicauda chi), a state-threatened species native to Clear Lake. Environmental stewardship and sustainable farming are core values at Jackson Family Wines, and the winery was instrumental in organizing two summer clean-up and debris removal efforts along Manning Creek so that Clear Lake hitch could access their spawning grounds this spring. Not being particularly strong jumpers, the fish are easily blocked by small dams and other barriers on the landscape. Susanne Zechiel, Vice President for Environmental Regulatory Compliance at Jackson Family Wines, was key in organizing the summer debris removal, arranging heavy equipment and rallying more than 50 winery employee volunteers to join CDFW environmental scientists in the work. All told, the teams removed approximately 289 cubic yards of woody debris from a half-mile stretch of the seasonal creek, opening up the migration corridor for Clear Lake hitch when they make their way upstream this spring.