Habitat Restoration | MILR | Fallowed Land Registry

Overview

One of the main goals of the MILR program that has been addressed throughout California is using land repurposing to improve the extent and connectivity of natural lands. Habitat connectivity is a priority for several reasons:

Habitat function and value is increased when it has connectivity with other similar areas.
Several types of habitat (e.g. riparian, oak woodlands) have significantly decreased in acreage over the last 100 years.
Natural land connectivity is associated with greater resilience to climate change.

Natural lands, especially wetlands or lowlands, are known for their ability to regulate extreme water events by acting as a sponge and releasing water to the surrounding hydrological system moderately, avoiding flooding and impacts of drought. In this way, conversion of agricultural land to specific habitats or natural lands not only decreases water use but improves the hydrologic system overall.

Conversion or Restoration to Habitat

Creating conditions conducive to rehabilitating land to function as or near to its historical function as habitat.

Water Savings

No irrigation, except minimal amounts to establish some tree species.

Other Benefits

Soil stabilization, reduced dust/sediment, habitat for pollinators, flood mitigation, and cultural value.

Key Considerations

Existing natural lands and preserved areas are mapped with spatial data and can be viewed relative to agricultural lands.
Historical native vegetation mapping and predictive models help determine appropriate habitat types for restoration.
Restoration in arid environments can take decades and requires active management like invasive weed control and native seeding.
Legacy soil attributes (like salinity) and degradation levels influence the timeline and success of native species reestablishment.
Land trust easements can facilitate land use change, recuperate costs, and ensure sustained management in perpetuity.

Resources

NRCS — Restoration of Rare or Declining Natural Communities (PDF) NRCS — Upland Wildlife Habitat Management (PDF) NRCS — Hedgerow Planting (PDF)

Floodplain Restoration

Restore lands along surface waters that were historically flooded and drained and converted to farmland.

Floodplain restoration occurs at a broad range of scales depending on the size of the river, the ecological health of the site, and the regional landscape.

Horticultural Restoration

Requires high management and human inputs (planting, irrigation, weed control). Appropriate where physical processes are severely modified by dams or levees.

Process Restoration

Strives to reestablish natural river processes. Appropriate for rivers that still function naturally, involving levee breaching or land use changes.

Modifications of natural water courses can be controversial. Ensuring broad public support for any such planned activities will be crucial to their eventual successful implementation and long-term operation.

Resources

River Partners — Floodplain Restoration (PDF) FWS — California Statewide Restoration Consultation CDFW — Cutting Green Tape NRCS — Stream Habitat Improvement (PDF)

Native Beaver Repopulation

Restore beaver activity to their native ranges along the Salinas and tributary streams.

Water Savings

Retention of streamflow to increase water infiltration and storage in the Basin.

Other Benefits

Filtering of streamflow to reduce sediment; reduction of flood damage downstream.

Factors to Consider

Potential negative impacts of flooding in the area influenced by the beaver dams.

Quick Facts

Beaver activity can be restored to native ranges along the Salinas River and tributary streams to retain streamflow and increase infiltration.
Potential negative impacts of flooding in areas influenced by beaver dams should be considered in planning.

Habitat and Natural Lands — Summary

Measure	Description	Water Savings Benefits	Other Benefits	Factors to Consider
Conversion or Restoration to Habitat	Creating conditions conducive to rehabilitating land to function as or near to its historical function as habitat.	No irrigation, except minimal amounts to establish some tree species.	Soil stabilization, reduced dust/sediment, habitat for beneficial organisms, flood mitigation.	Previous land use, soil type, climate, topography, connectivity to other natural lands.
Floodplain Restoration	Restore lands along surface waters that were historically flooded and drained and converted to farmland.	No pumping. Increased water storage through infiltration on restored lands.	Reduced flood risk; restore habitat, improved water quality, increased climate resilience.	Adjacent lands, infrastructure, estimated flows, topography, connectivity.
Native beaver repopulation	Restore beaver activity to their native ranges along the Salinas and tributary streams.	Retention of streamflow to increase water infiltration and storage in Basin.	Filtering of streamflow, reduction of flood damage downstream.	Potential negative impacts of flooding in the area influenced by the beaver dams.