Recovery planning

Bank Swallow (Riparia riparia) Conservation Strategy for the Sacramento River Watershed

This conservation strategy was published by the Bank Swallow Technical Advisory Committee in 2013. The strategy is based on the species needs and is intended to guide the preservation, protection, and restoration of habitat and natural river processes that support Bank Swallow populations in California. To this end, the strategy is intended to provide flood management and regulatory agencies, conservation organizations, and private landowners with measurable conservation objectives for the species. Focusing on the Sacramento River and its tributaries. This strategy describes:

• the natural history and ecology of Bank Swallows
• the status and trends of Bank Swallow populations
• threats to Bank Swallow populations
• recommendations for conservation actions to help the population recover

The Bank Swallow (Riparia riparia) Conservation Strategy for the Sacramento River Watershed is available here (PDF 1.3 MB)

1992 Bank Swallow Recovery Plan

The goal of the Bank Swallow Recovery Plan (DFG 1992) is the maintenance of a self sustaining wild population. The primary objectives necessary to achieve this goal include 1). ensuring that the remaining population does not suffer further declines in either range or abundance, and 2). preservation of sufficient natural habitat to maintain a viable wild population.

Specific management strategies are presented in the Recovery Plan including an evaluation of artificial habitat and the primary management strategy consisting of protection, enhancement, and maintenance of natural habitats. Management alternatives discussed include the avoidance of impacts to natural bank habitats, a set-back levee/meander belt system, and consideration of the habitat needs of the Bank Swallow in existing habitat preserve plans for portions of the Sacramento River. Modification of current preserve plans to include habitat requirements of the Bank Swallow may be necessary. The Recovery Plan summarizes recovery accomplishments and also identifies several specific actions that must be implemented in order to achieve the goal of species recovery.

The publications is available here: 1992 Bank swallow recovery plan (PDF ~ 0.1M)