Monarch butterfly habitat has been a part of the charm of Moran Lake in Live Oak for nearly the past 20 years. To ensure butterflies continue to choose Moran Lake as a migration stop, the county parks conducted a wind study aimed to understand how wind affects the monarch habitat at the lake, especially during colder months.
By analyzing the ability of tree canopies to protect the butterflies, researchers identified areas where trees are particularly vulnerable to damage from storms, along with areas that needed better wind protection for the butterflies. Those include roost trees and primary wind protection like dappled shade and sun trees, key components of the butterflies’ winter habitat that are at risk of disappearing from the lake.
The study brought together Santa Cruz County parks staff and community members for a meeting last month to discuss proposed tree and habitat management strategies. There, the group began devising a plan to make sure the butterflies are here to stay, prioritizing public safety, habitat protection and restoring native species and habitats.
As part of the habitat management plan, trees at 40 Moran Way were cut down last year, with newly planned efforts including drainage work that’s set to start in the area this summer.
Crews are also planning to start replanting trees, such as native species like Monterey cypress and coast live oak, around spring of next year to test whether the new drainage system is working or needs to be updated. Ongoing plans include inspections of the lake to spot new risks, continued drainage improvements, more tree-planting and removal of invasive species. In the long run, eucalyptus trees will be cut to plant more native species.
Public comments on the wind study, the presentation from the meeting and the proposed tree and habitat management strategies can be sent to robert.tidmore@santacruzcountyca.gov.
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