Local rancher examines a newly-constructed stretch of fencing designed to keep livestock away from Barker Slough

Barker Slough in Southeast Solano County

Starting in 2016, Solano County Water Agency, Point Blue Conservation Science, and Solano RCD have been working with landowners and ranchers along Barker Slough. Residual dry matter (RDM) surveys, slough edge wetland surveys and photo monitoring have allowed us to select best management practices that will protect and improve water quality in the Delta region. New fencing and gates exclude livestock from natural waterways, while new concrete troughs (complete with wildlife escape ramps) provide off-channel water sources for livestock. Additional activities include cages for cottonwood and willow trees to protect them from beaver predation and planting salt grass (Distichlis spicata) plugs to reduce the potential for bank erosion.

New concrete water troughs include metal mesh ramps that allow any wildlife that might fall into the troughs to escape

Luke Peterson of Point Blue Conservation Science examines an old, leaking livestock trough