The Sutter Basin Conservation Bank (Bank) is located in central Sutter County, near the town of Nicolaus, CA. It is owned
and managed by Westervelt Ecological Services. The 424-acre Bank provides high quality habitat for the giant garter snake
(Thamnopsis gigas), which has been designated as a threatened species by both the Federal and State governments. The Center
for Natural Lands Management (CNLM) accepted a conservation easement on this property in July of 2008. The conservation
easement ensures that the land will not be developed for other purposes and will be managed in a way that enhances the
habitat for the giant garter snake. CNLM’s role, in perpetuity, is to monitor the bank and ensure that the terms of the
conservation easement are maintained.
The giant garter snake is endemic to the wetlands of central California. The snake’s habitat requirements vary throughout its
yearly cycle of activity. During the active period (early spring through late fall), it needs access to water, emergent
vegetation such as cattails—(Typha spp.)—for foraging and cover, and grassy banks for basking. It retreats to higher
elevation uplands for cover and refuge during its dormancy period in the winter. True to its name, the giant garter snake can
reach at least 63 inches in length. Its color varies from brownish to olive, with a yellow dorsal (back) stripe and two
light-colored lateral (side) stripes.
The giant garter snake has been affected by habitat loss and fragmentation due to flood control activities, changes in
agricultural and land management practices, predation from introduced species, and water pollution. Giant garter snakes were
documented in the canals of the Sutter Basin Conservation Bank in the summer of 2007.
This land also provides habitat for diverse bird species such as the yellow-headed blackbird (Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus),
Ross’s goose (Chen rossii), and white-faced ibis (Plegadis chihi). Sutter Basin is not open to the public.
Questions about CNLM’s role should be directed to:
Judah Grossman
Preserve Manager
Center for Natural Lands Management
email: jgrossman@cnlm.org
The Sutter Basin Conservation Bank can provide environmental mitigation for projects on similar habitat types or affecting
the species protected on this preserve. For pending sales and price information, contact Travis Hemmen of Westervelt
Ecological Services at (916) 646-3644 or themmen@westervelt.com. |
