Biological Resources

  1. Mono County's fish and wildlife populations and plant communities contribute substantially to the tourist-based economy, recreation, and aesthetic enjoyment of the county's resources. These resources are important not only for their direct and indirect benefits to residents and visitors, but also for their inherent ecological value.
  2. The biological resources in the county contribute to the local economy in several ways. Fishing, hunting, sightseeing, numerous recreational activities, agriculture and grazing are all directly dependent on the natural resources in the county.
  3. The protection and enhancement of natural habitats is a critical element in preserving and restoring the long-term existence of local wildlife. Riparian woodlands, wetlands, migration corridors, sagebrush steppe, and wintering and summering grounds are recognized as critical, highly localized wildlife habitat. Increased recreational use in the county and increased development, particularly in areas outside existing community areas, creates potential impacts to the long-term sustainability of fish and wildlife populations and plant communities through degradation of resources and increased conflicts between wildlife and humans.
  4. The cumulative impacts of increased development and recreational usage on natural habitats and local wildlife are a major concern. In particular, the cumulative impacts of development on deer herds and sage grouse are a concern throughout the county.
  5. Resource management agencies have given special status to a number of plant and animal species that are known or expected to occur in the county. In addition, a number of locally significant species have been identified. The protection of these species is a concern.
  6. Endangered and threatened species, and their associated listings under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), are becoming a greater concern in Mono County. These species are valuable to Mono County, directly contributing to the local economy and recreational aspects, and representing healthy natural resources and landscape that is critical to quality of life.
  7. ESA listings often cause an immediate fear of overregulation and a sense that community needs are incompatible with species conservation. However, Mono County has recently been successful cooperating with conservation partners to preclude a listing because of adequate species protection, demonstrating human activity can be compatible with species conservation. Even when the County does not directly participate in conservation efforts, utilizing best-available science to meet both conservation and community needs is in the County’s best interest.
  8. A number of agencies are involved in wildlife resource management in the county, including the USFS, BLM, CDFW, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Each of these agencies has jurisdiction over certain aspects of the protection and enhancement of wildlife habitat and local wildlife populations. The County must work with these agencies and other agencies that are responsible for other areas of resource management, such as the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board, and the US Army Corps of Engineers.
  9. The protection and enhancement of streams, wetlands, and riparian areas is a critical element in preserving and restoring water quality and water supply, and addressing ecological functions such as erosion, sedimentation, fire risk, and wildlife habitat.Increased development, recreation, and water development and/or extraction has the potential to impact the long term health of these ecological communities.
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