Dellinger’s Pond Learning
Facility
Management and Project Proposal, Baseline Data and
History
ENVR 251: ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT
Environmental Studies Department
Spring, 2015
Kimberley Benedetti
Emma Deal
Tristan Kadish
Luis Alberto Martinez
Kyle McCammon
Coty Pettit
Ryan Willis
Instructor: Darla DeRuiter
Feather River College
INTRODUCTION
Dellinger’s Pond is a large pond on 7.22 acres located on the north side of Buck’s Lake Road
in the quiet mountain town of Quincy, CA. Originally the pond was created to store water for drier
months of the year, perhaps for use by ranchers. The pond was owned for a long time by the
Dellinger Family who had land adjacent to the property as well as lucrative businesses in the area.
The pond was deeded by the Dellingers to Feather River College in 1971 for use as an educational
site (see Gift Deed, Appendix A).
FRC faculty Ray Evans and Jay Wright and their students took advantage of Dell’s Pond, as
it was commonly known, for use as a field station for biological study. Since the late 1990s, when
Evans and Wright retired, there has been little use of the site. Despite its neglect, Dellinger’s Pond
is still ideal for a variety of activities, largely educational and/or recreational. The pond is host to a
diverse wildlife community as well as being a seasonal wetland and is thus ideal for outdoor
education. There is potential learning for students of hydrology, soils, wildlife, botany, art, nature
writing, and more. If opened to the public the pond would offer a great bird watching site close to
town, a quiet and convenient place to sit and enjoy a natural setting, as well as providing vibrant
habitat for plants and animals. In the past, with enough water and cold temperatures, locals could
enjoy ice skating on Dell’s, right in the middle of Quincy.
We, the students of ENVR 251: Ecosystem Management Spring 2015, were full of ideas for
the site. We imagined permanent seating, bird boxes, wildlife viewing platforms, classroom
infrastructure, future workshops, recreation trails, interpretive signage and much more. The site had
been covered by riparian overgrowth but staff from the FRC Facilities Department cleared the levee
half way around the pond in Fall 2014, working cooperatively with the Student Environmental
Association. We could tell that active stewardship of the site was needed in order to make it
functional for use. However we were only given a semester’s length of time, not only to identify
these needs and potentials but to try and carry some of them out. Instead of completing so many
huge projects at the site we came up with this report and plan for future classes and stewards of the
land. Below you will find our observations, solutions and suggestions in detail.
This plan should be considered a living document. The recommendations made here are not
final or absolute, but will continue to evolve in future semesters with further input from students, the
campus community, and larger Quincy community.
MAIN GOAL
To provide an outdoor facility for use by local educational institutions while promoting a healthy,
natural ecosystem at Dellinger’s Pond.
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We aim to provide students of Feather River College, Plumas County public and private schools and
the greater community with an outdoor classroom to study natural systems, including wildlife
biology, wetland ecology, soil sciences, watersheds and hydrology. In addition, the outdoor
classroom can be used for recreation such as bird counts and when applicable, winter sport. Our plan
includes the promotion of habitat for fish, birds, amphibians and migratory waterfowl.
4 main objectives (including associated projects)
1. Classroom facility
a. To provide an outdoor classroom for labs and other outdoor classroom activities,
encouraging all classes at FRC to use the facility
i. Have a meeting on campus with staff to encourage usage of the pond as an
outdoor classroom for any subject, not just environmental classes (e.g. art,
humanities, outdoor recreation, and environmental studies)
b. To create a partnership with county schools allowing them to use Dellinger’s
Pond as an outdoor classroom
c. To make the pond accessible for groups without disturbing wildlife habitat or the
neighbors
d. To provide education to the general public
e. Installation of seating. Consider installation of tables and secure locker storage for
ongoing experiments and scientific equipment.
f. Installation of an entry sign marking the entrance to the facility. Consider the
possibility of other interpretive signage.
2. Wildlife viewing facility
a. Finish the trail partway around the pond, ensuring that the path is clearly marked
b. Construction of bird blind(s) using natural materials to protect Sand hill Crane
nesting site(s)
c. Consider building an observation deck with podium for teaching/learning and
birding
d. Refurbishing of existing turtle perches and fabrication of new perches
e. Build and install bird and bat boxes around the pond
f. Consider installation of a fixed spotting scope/binoculars for wildlife sighting and
birding
3. Habitat protection and restoration
a. Bullfrog eradication
b. Prohibition of dogs on site
c. Spillway and head gate restoration
d. Sustain herpetological, amphibious, and aquatic species in part by raising the
water level of the pond
e. Planting of native plants and removal of nonnative plant species as appropriate
and feasible
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f. Thinning and limbing of native trees and shrubs for forest health and meadow
preservation
g. Consider installation of wildlife-proof waste and recycle containers
4. Ongoing Data Collection
a. Integrate collection of water/soil/wildlife/vegetation data into FRC courses
b. On-site weather data collection
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TIMELINE WITH PROJECTS INTEGRATED
Date
Fall 2014
Task
Clear the levee and chip overreaching branches on the trail
(ongoing)*
February
Clear and service head gate to raise or
2015
lower water levels
April 2015
Non-native bullfrog removal*
April 1st 2015 Post temporary “No Dogs” signs
May 9th, 2015 Public Meeting at Dellinger’s Pond
Fall 2015
1. Correspond with FRC instructors
to encourage use of the pond as an
outdoor classroom
2. Correspond with Plumas Unified
School District, Plumas Christian
3. Regular maintenance*
4. Start water monitoring
Fall 2015
1. Implement seating for classes
2. Create natural blind
3. Begin work on turtle perches
4. Design observation deck
Spring 2016
Responsible Entity
FRC Facilities Dept. and
SEA
Priority
ENVR 251
(Completed
February 2015)
Ongoing
Complete
Complete
1
ENVR 251
ENVR 251
ENVR 251
a) ENVR faculty
b) ENVR faculty/FRC
admin.
c) SEA and FRC facilities
d) ENVR 160
a) SEA and FRC facilities
b) ENVR 120/240, SEA
c) ENVR 240
d) FRC Facilities and
ENVR staff
a) SEA and FRC facilities
b) ENVR 251
1. Regular maintenance*
2. Design welcome sign and
interpretive signage
3. Start soil monitoring
c) ENVR 210
4. Build and install bird and bat
d) ENVR 241
boxes
Spring 2016
1. Implement signs
a) ENVR 251
Spring 2016
1. Implement wildlife proof
a) SEA and Facilities
waste/recycle container(s)
Fall 2016
1. Regular maintenance*
a) SEA and Facilities
2. Start wildlife monitoring
b) ENVR 120/240
(ongoing)
Fall 2016
1. Install Scope
a) SEA and Facilities
2. Clean out nesting boxes
b) ENVR 240
3. Install observation deck
c) FRC Facilities
Spring 2017
1. Regular maintenance*
a) SEA and Facilities
and beyond
2. Start vegetation monitoring
b) ENVR 164 (Native
(ongoing)
Plants)
3. Fix levee on the north end where
animal based damage has
occurred
c) TBD
*Thinning, limbing and planting of native plant species as needed, and the
eradication of non-native species
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1
1
2
1
2
3
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
3
1
3
1
2
1
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Pictures:
Top Left: An example of wildlife viewing blinds made from
natural materials on site. This technique could be used as
well for isolating Sandhill Crane nesting areas or for
increasing privacy for the neighbors.
Center Left: Example of Entrance Gate.
Bottom Left: Example of Information Entrance Sign.
Top and Bottom Right: Examples of outdoor seating.
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ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT PRINCIPLES
As students of environmental studies, we of ENVR 251 Spring 2015 wanted to make sustainable
ecosystem management principles a prominent element of this project. Outlined below are specific
ways that this plan incorporates the main principles of ecosystem management as aligned with the
ethos of conservation biology set forth by Micheal E. Soulé and others in the late 1970s and the
recent shift in practices of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
1. Emphasis on balance between commodities, amenities and ecological integrity
This plan puts an emphasis on ecological integrity by asserting that a) wildlife habitat be
a central value of the plan and b) the site be primarily used as an educational classroom.
By designating the pond a site for environmental study, the plan and any subsequent
management would inherently lean towards stewardship and conservation and could
only favor amenities as an aside.
2. Non-equilibrium, dynamic, “shifting mosaics”
As a site set aside for education, users will a) be taught by instructors and b) experience
for themselves that ecosystems are dynamic and changing. Users will thus learn that
human intervention always impacts the outcome of shifting natural patterns and mosaics
of flora and fauna as well as the changes that come with the seasons and climate.
3. Holism, contextual view
We are preserving a wildlife habitat even though the pond was human-made.
4. Uncertainty, flexibility
We are leaving room for a flexible interpretation of the site and for flexible future
management of the site. We acknowledge that the site will slowly take form over the
next decade or more and we must allow for future shifts in vision.
5. Solutions developed through discussions with stakeholders (the public)
We as a class are making it a central facet of the plan to hear the voices of those with
any interest in our projects, those living in the neighborhood and for those in the greater
community. Future public input will always be welcome and encouraged.
6. Consensus, building partnerships, alternatives, multiple solutions
The creation of this plan has come through careful discussion and a step-by-step process,
facilitated by our instructor Darla DeRuiter. We have moved slowly, with a consensus
based mindset and have allowed for many possible alternatives and solutions. We
recognize that stewardship of the site will have to be managed by multiple groups and
with partnerships throughout the community. Our main partners thus far have been the
FRC Facilities Department, the Plumas County Museum, and the California Department
of Fish and Wildlife. Future partnerships abound as forecasted in the list of potential
partners below.
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IMPORTANT CURRENT AND POTENTIAL PARTNERSHIPS
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Delaine Fragnoli (See Appendix B)
Kelly Williamson (See Appendix B)
FRC Student Environmental
Association
FRC Facilities Department
FRC Administration
FRC Fish Hatchery
FRC Outdoor Recreation Leadership
CA Department of Fish and Wildlife
US Fish and Wildlife Service
Plumas County & PC Museum
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Quincy Chamber of Commerce
Feather River Land Trust
Plumas Audubon Society
Plumas Unified School District, 6th
Grade Watershed Program
Trout Unlimited
Kokanee Power
Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship
Plumas National Forest
Private landowners, surrounding
neighbors
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A BREIF HISTORY OF DELLINGER’S POND
Dell’s Pond pictured here circa 1970. Picture courtesy of Scott Lawson of the Plumas County Museum.
Dellinger’s Pond, located along Bucks Lake Road just west of Quincy, CA, was likely created in the
1930s by ranchers. This is verified in aerial photos and terrestrial photos where the land was quite
obviously just a part of the American Valley grassland and was then dammed sometime in the
30s. It is likely that the pond was created to store the water draining off of the hillside from springs
in order to have a viable water source for livestock in dry months. Some have speculated that this
was a pond used for cutting blocks of ice to use in the summer but Scott Lawson of the Plumas
County Museum informed our class that pond is actually located further west past the current site of
Plumas District Hospital. The Dellingers were an influential family in Plumas County, owning at
one point the Twain Mill as well as the Dellinger Water Company. They owned the property until it
was gifted to Feather River College in 1971. The deed required that the site be used as an outdoor
classroom for wildlife and biology students doing field research (see Appendix A: Gift Deed).
Jay Wright (pictured left) founded the
Feather River College Fish Hatchery in
1982 and has had a lasting impact on the
surrounding area. Jay’s work at the pond
started with writing a proposal for use,
including a small museum for the public.
Jay along with Ray Evans (pictured right)
successfully installed the flood gate on the
east end of the pond which is still in use
today. Jay originally had the idea to
introduce mosquito fish to the pond, but
that unfortunately failed. Jay Wright retired
Ray Evans
Jay Wright
from Feather River College in 1999 and
currently resides in Quincy. Ray Evans was one of the original faculty at Feather River College.
Ray was professor of biology until his retirement in 1999. Ray and Jay were both instrumental in
developing Dell’s as a classroom for use by the college. Ray passed away here in Quincy in 2011.
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Left: FRC faculty Jay Wright and Ray Evans at the
flood gate installed while they were in charge of the pond. The
head gate is still in use today.
Below: Two newspaper clippings from the Feather
River Bulletin documenting the donation of Dell’s Pond to FRC
in 1971. These and the above black and white images were
found in the FRC library archives in the years 1970 and 1971.
BASELINE DATA
Geography and Climate
The total area of the parcel is 7.22 acres. The area is mostly covered by water, except for a trail on
the levy which goes from the southeast entrance, around the edge of the parcel, to the northwest
corner of the parcel. The pond often dries almost completely during the summer months.
Map Unit Setting
Elevation: 3450 to 3550 feet
Mean annual precipitation: 30 to 40 inches
Mean annual temperature: 48 to 52° F
Frost-free period: 80 to 100 days
Geology
Dellinger's Pond is nearly all wetlands, which provide important habitat. Since over 91% over
wetlands have been lost in California and about 53% of wetlands have been destroyed nationwide,
every acre of this habitat type that is intact must be preserved. In California, under the California
Environmental Quality Act of 1970, mitigation of destroyed wetlands is required.
Vegetation and soil type determine whether a given site is a wetland. Wetland vegetation is
hydrophytic, such as willow, alders, and cottonwoods. We have all these species at Dellinger's
Pond. Soils are hydric and anaerobic, with high levels of the minerals iron, manganese, sulfur, and
carbon. Iron is easier to find due to its red, rusty color.
The Natural Resource and Conservation Service map that we looked at as provided by Darrel Jury
showed that Dellinger's Pond is Soil Type 18, Forgay Urban Land Complex, 0-5% slope.
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Wildlife
Dellinger’s Pond has a large gathering of animals with the main attraction being its water feature
encompassing the main portion. As such it attracts a large gathering of waterfowl most notably
migratory birds in fall through spring. Listed below are the waterfowl by most to least number of
birds sighted. After the Waterfowl is the other birds list, they are notably fewer in number than the
waterfowl types. The last of the bird section is birds that have not been sighted but rather heard.
Other birds are listed next followed by mammals, of which deer have been sighted most on the pond.
The last subsection of the mammals is animal sign around the pond including roadkill. The smallest
section is the reptiles and amphibians. The baseline wildlife survey is as follows:
Birds
Waterfowl
Mall- mallards-241
AMWI - American Widgeon-33
AMCO- American coot-18
WODU- Wood Duck:-4
GRTE- Green Wing Teal-3
GRGE- Greater Canadian Geese-2
RIDU Ring-Necked Duck-1
Other Birds
STJA- Steller’s Jay-6
CORA-Common Raven-~5
NOFL- Northern Flicker-4
RUKI - Ruby-crowned Kinglet-3
BEKI - Belted Kingfisher-1
PRFA- Prairie Falcon-1
GCKI Golden-Crowned Kinglet (heard)
PYNU Pygmy Nuthatch (heard)
SACR – Sandhill Crane
GBHE – Great Blue Heron
YEWA – Yellow Warbler
LEGO – Lesser Goldfinch
RWBL – Red-winged Blackbird
BRBL – Brewer’s Blackbird
WWPE – Western Wood Pewee
SOSP – Song Sparrow
Mammals
Colombian Black Tail Deer-Buck (4x4) 3xFawn 1x Doe [5]
1 beaver (+tree cuttings, burrows)
Grey fox scat
Skunk
carcass
Muskrat
Reptiles and Amphibians
Tree frogs
Bullfrogs
Western garter snakes
Other
Dragon flies
Plants
Class member Coty Pettit worked with FRC Environmental Studies faculty member Terri Rust to
conduct a site survey of plants at Dellinger’s Pond. While the list below may not be exhaustive, it is
a good beginning. Seasonal changes will impact the species list; this survey occurred between
January and April, 2015.
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Code
TYLA
SPDO
SIHI
SCRO
Scirpus
spp
Salix
spp
ROCA
RIGR
QUKE
PRIV
POTR
PIPO
PILA
Juncus
spp
COST
CIVU
CIAR
CEIN
BEOC
BEAQ
ALRH
ACMI
ACMA
AC
EAHY
MESP
LAOD
TAVU
Common Name
Cattail
Spiraea
Mustard
Mullein
Scientific Name
Typha latifolia
Spiraea douglasii
Sinapis hirta
Scrophulariaceae
Native or
Introduced
native
native
native
introduced
Invasive?
no
no
no
no
Species of
concern?
no
no
no
no
Bullrush
Scirpus spp.
native
no
no
Willow
California Wild
Rose
Goose Berry
Black Oak
Choke Cherry
Black
Cottonwood
Ponderosa Pine
Sugar Pine
Salix spp.
native
no
no
Rosa californica
Ribes grossularia
Quercus kelloggii
Prunus virginiana
native
native
native
native
no
no
no
no
no
no
no
no
Populus trichocarpa
Pinus ponderosa
Pinus lambertiana
native
native
native
no
no
no
no
no
no
Rushes
Red Twigged
Dogwood
Bull Thistle
Canada Thistle
Juncus spp.
native
no
no
Cornus sericea
Cirsium vulgare
Cirsium arvense
Ceanothus
integerrimus
Betula occidentalis
Mahonia aquifolium
Alnus rhombifolia
Achillea millefolium
Acer macrophyllum
Acer spp.
native
introduced
introduced
no
yes
yes
no
yes
yes
native
native
native
native
native
native
introduced
no
no
no
no
no
no
yes
no
no
no
no
no
no
no
yes
yes
no
no
no
yes
yes
Deer Brush
Water Birch
Oregon Grape
White Alder
Yarrow
Big Leaf Maple
Ornamental Oak
Common
Scouring Rush
Spearmint
Water Lilies
Wild Pea
Tansy
Equisetum hyemale
Mentha spicata
Lathyrus odoratus
Tanacetum vulgare
introduced
introduced
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EXPERT INPUT
During the Spring of 2015 we met with local experts who gave us valuable knowledge for our report.
Scott Lawson (Plumas County Museum): Scott gave us a good idea of when the pond was
established, based on aerial photos in the Museum archives. We gained details of the Dellinger
family’s business enterprises and some local knowledge of what the pond had been used for. He can
be reached at (530) 283-6320 or [email protected]
Jay Wright (Former FRC Faculty): Jay outlined for us the different uses he had envisioned for the
pond and what he was actually able to accomplish. He can be reached at (530)283-4948.
Frank Davis (FRC alumni): Frank was a student of Jay and Ray and studied Dellinger’s Pond. He
told us about the Lost River suckerfish that live in Dell’s (last found in 1990) as well as an
interesting invertebrate named the hydra (typically they are colorless, but at Dell’s they’re dark
green – possibly a unique species?). He also described a carnivorous plant found in the pond,
bladderwort (Eutricularia macrorhyza), which is fairly common. He can be reached at (530)2832459.
PUBLIC MEETING AND INPUT
A public meeting was held on Saturday, May 9th, 2015 from 1 – 3pm at the pond. Over 30 people
attended (see Appendix B for list of attendees). Following is a summary of comments and input
received (see Appendix C for unedited public input).
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General support for FRC moving forward with opening up views, clearing vegetation,
promoting educational access
Prioritizing quality wildlife habitat is clearly important to the public
Neighbors are concerned about unrestricted access, which could lead to partying,
disrespectful use, noise, trash, etc. Several also commented that they were against installation
of Porta-potties
Daylight hours access for the public seemed palatable to neighbors (i.e., dawn to dusk), with
a gate that could be secured or hours clearly posted
Several people expressed the sentiment that multiple interpretive signs might be overkill and
clutter the place up, but an entrance sign would be acceptable
“Neighborhood watch” efforts could help with security issues; need to be sure they call the
sheriff’s office, not FRC Maintenance if there are any breaches of security or safety
CONCLUSION
After careful evaluation of this report and the plans detailed, it should be clear that Dellinger’s Pond
is a valuable resource to FRC and one that is being under used. Moreover, it provides important
wildlife habitat adjacent to a developed landscape which needs to be restored as appropriate and
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preserved. The purpose of this document is not to depict what will become of the property but to
serve as a baseline plan for future stewards and classes focused on the use of Dellinger’s Pond. It is
meant to be flexible and adaptable but is also meant to be a valuable guide. This is the beginning of
a long process that will take many years to see its full realization. The above recommended projects
will not necessarily be carried out, but are proposed as initial ideas pending funding, effort, and
timing. It will be up to future students and faculty to implement these projects, and to interpret and
update the report where necessary. Hopefully the creation of this plan and report will ensure that the
intentions of the original stakeholders will be upheld as the property is used by FRC and the public
in the future.
Spring 2015 Ecosystem Management Class: Berto Martinez, Emma Deal, Coty Pettit, Ryan Willis,
Darla DeRuiter, Kim Benedetti, Tristan Kadish, Kyle McCammon
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APPENDIX A: GIFT DEED
15
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APPENDIX B: LIST OF PUBLIC MEETING ATTENDEES
Dellinger Pond Public Meeting, May 9th, 2015
Name:
S Dembosz
Pat Terhune
George Terhune
Bib Willis
Sandra Carr
Stan Carr
Norberta Schmidt
Marv Schmidt
Jim MacIntyre
Michael Cusso
Joe Willis
Tahlah Willis
Greg Willis
Kelly Weintraub
Debra Moore
David Arsenault
Lori Simpson
Guy McNett
Kyle Merriam
Kevin
Paul Stancheff
Leitha Shafer
Derek Lerch
Luke Lerch
Jovie Lerch
Delaine Fragnoli
Darrel Jury
Julie Newman
Sonia Mansell
Sonia's husband
Don Gasser
Don Gasser’s wife
e-mail:
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Phone #:
283-5480
283-0899
283-0899
283-1746
283-4911
283-4911
283-4551
(530)941-4742
283-1746
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
(530)514-2913
[email protected]
[email protected]
283-3680
(209)573-3903
283-3073
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
(530)616-5156
(530)258-9137
(530)966-4083
(530)515-6811
283-9774
[email protected]
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APPENDIX C: VERBATIM COMMENTS FROM PUBLIC MEETING INPUT FORMS
Dellinger Pond Public Meeting, May 9th, 2015

What do you think FRC should use Dell’s Pond for?
1. Education – for college community and the public
a. Hands-on: water quality, plant phenology, bird migration (e.g., arrival / departure
dates), etc. etc.!
b. Nature walks
c. Photography / art classes
 Wildlife habitat (#1); education (#2) – FRC, local schools, public
2. The pond is in a natural secsession [sic], it should be left alone, but maybe install a couple of
benches so the public can sit and appreciate what is there to enjoy, the natural way of things
3. As it was donated. To study.
4. Wildlife viewing & habitat restoration; information science & habitat posters; 300 yard zipline
from ridgetop to pond; protect strategic trees from possible beaver damage; what is the origin
of this water?
5. Learning opportunities – education for the community & schools; nature studies; limited public
use: open on special occasions or days to the public
6. Education: K – 14 learning landscape close to town (#1); Recreation: wildlife viewing open to
the public during daylight hours (#2); Interpretation: habitat, species, history (#3)
7. The idea of the pond being a classroom strikes me as an excellent use. I’d also like access as a
non-student to walk quietly around the pond.

Do you have past experiences at the pond or stories to tell?
1. Nope! Wasn’t sure how to access, so happy for the “open house.”
2. I have lived here off and on for over 60 years and used to ice skate on the pond when I was
very young. There used to be fish in there also, but never fished for them. There were a lot
of places to fish growing up here before the town water was clorinated [sic].
3. Lived over pond 30 years. Ice skating, fishing.
4. Old Man Dillinger [sic] and Pretty Boy Floyd laid low here in between bank jobs. There is
still over $1,000,000 missing and possibly buried in the pond
5. Ice skating has taken place; Jay Wright & Ray Evans dedication for use as classroom for
FRC; I live nearby – see, hear & enjoy the wildlife from the pond
6. Students in Wildlife Diversity & Field Techniques [ENVR 241] cleared vegetation along
road / dam in ~2009. Students also monitored reptiles and amphibians.
7. I awake to the sounds of the creatures in the pond and also they lull me to sleep. Delightful!
8. It is a wonderful resource and my wife remembers skating on it. Thanks for taking on this
responsibility.

What ideas do you have or input would you like to share as we move forward?
1. I was thinking about a perch for raptors, or maybe kingfishers that was visible from the
proposed blind? [drew sketches of T-post and tree branch made from native materials as
two examples]
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2. Just do what is right, and right is not always the general consencus [sic] (my spelling is not
the best) but you get my point. The pond is a filter and it affects everything down stream.
A lot of wildlife rely on the pond for food, water and it is a hunting ground for some wild
animals. So just give it the respect it deserves.
3. Stock catfish & bluegill. Nesting platforms for Canada Geese.
4. Establish a web cam to view the area online & record both human & wildlife activities
accessable [sic] online; create an exotic water park with gators, hippos, pythons; create an
annual frog jumping or gigging festival; open a viewing area from the hwy. where houses
remain screened; osprey perches & nesting platforms
5. Glad the college is moving forward with more use of the pond; thin from the road (Buck’s
Lake) for better viewing); close the gates at sunset; no port-a-potties. Additional issues will
come up with additional use – I agree with goals & objectives!
6. Provide interpretation of frequently seen wildlife species and succession:
lakepondmeadow; provide seating / benches in locations with shade and views; have
signage with welcome message and rules; put fence or posts to restrict vehicular access to
dam; remove non-native species that are practical (e.g., birch trees)
7. To keep the surroundings as natural as possible
8. As neighbors — our home is located across the street from the pond — we are very
interested in the uses and development envisioned for the site. We think that it provides
an excellent site for an outdoor classroom for students of all ages. As this project moves
forward these would be some of our concerns:
Habitat — would want to ensure that the wildlife who find refuge there won’t be
disturbed,
Hours of usage — would be wary of a lot of evening/night usage,
Parking, Restroom facilities — would not want to see a port-a-potty on site
9. Read with interest about Dellinger’s Pond, and I vote for a blind or something less
intrusive and more in keeping with the site than a deck. How will it be kept as a
significant wetland if the critters are disturbed, which people tend to do?
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APPENDIX D: CURRENT PARTNER PROJECTS
Delaine Fragnoli ([email protected]): UC Master Naturalist aspirant doing research on Dell’s
Pond
1. Document plant and animal (and fungi or other kingdoms?) species present on site. Add to
baseline species lists in this report.
2. Establish photo points along the levy, 20, 20, 20, and 30 paces; pound in stakes and write
stake #1, #2, etc. on them. Take photos on 1st and 15th of the month. Determine the
appropriate direction to take the photo at each photo point, determine that bearing, write the
bearing on the stake.
3. Establish a good nomenclature and filing system for the photos (by photo point and date) for
organization.
Kelly Williamson: FRC student Spring 2015 interested in environmental law
1. Legal issues of proposed ENVR 251 plan: liability of hours open to the public, property
taxes associated with the site.
2. Re-established contact with the Dellinger Family to gather input from the original
owners.
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