The Mariner Vernal Pool Conservation Bank is located in eastern Placer county, near the town of Lincoln. It is managed by Westervelt Ecological Services. The land is comprised of vernal pools, wetlands, and uplands, and provides high quality habitat for vernal pool tadpole shrimp (Lepidurus packardi) and vernal pool fairy shrimp (Branchinecta lynchi). The United States Fish and Wildlife Service has listed the tadpole shrimp as an endangered species, and the fairy shrimp as threatened. These small crustaceans are only found in vernal pools?seasonal, rain-filled wetlands. Only about 10% of California’s original vernal pools remain, and this unique habitat faces the pressures of increasing urbanization and agricultural conversion of open space lands.

In addition to tadpole and fairy shrimp, the Mariner Vernal Pool Conservation Bank supports diverse native California flora such as coyote thistle (Eryngium vaseyi), slender popcorn flower (Plagiobothrys stipitatus micranthus), and woolly marbles (Psilocarphus brevissimus). Elizabeth Mariner set aside the 160 acre property as a conservation bank in November, 2006, and the property was transferred in fee title to Westervelt Ecological Services in 2007. CNLM accepted the conservation easement of Mariner on February 6, 2007, which ensures that the property will be protected forever in its natural state and will continue to support the native flora and fauna of its wetlands and uplands. CNLM’s role, in perpetuity, is to monitor the Preserve and ensure that the terms of the conservation easement are maintained. This preserve is not open to the public.

Judah Grossman
Preserve Manager
Center for Natural Lands Management
email: jgrossman@cnlm.org.

The Mariner Vernal Pool Conservation Bank can provide environmental mitigation to landowners, businesses, government agencies, and land trusts. For pending sales and price information, contact Travis Hemmen of Westervelt Ecological Services at (916)646-3644 or themmen@westervelt.com.