Landowner ______Date ______
Guzzler apron and escape cover Prefabricated guzzler
NRCS, CA
February 2000
648-3
I. SCOPE
The work shall consist of excavating, shaping and placing earth materials for the placement of aprons, tanks and other required components. Construction details and vegetation plantings shall be as specified and shown on the drawings.
II. MATERIALS
A guzzler is a permanent wildlife watering facility composed of a storage tank, usually underground, filled by rainwater drained from a collecting apron. Birds and
small mammals enter the tank through an opening and reach the water by means of a short ramp. When the water is to be used by big game, guzzlers can be adapted for their use.
1. Tank. The tank can be made of concrete, prefabricated plastics or fiberglass, metal, corrugated metal or other suitable material. Any tank previously used for other purposes should be thoroughly cleaned before use.
NRCS, CA
January 2000
648-3
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The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in its programs on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs and marital or familial status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact the USDA TARGET Center (202) 720 - 2600 (voice and TDD).
To file a complaint, write the Secretary of Agriculture, Washington D.C., 20250, or call 1-800-245-6340 (voice) or (202) 720 - 1127 (TDD). USDA is an equal employment opportunity employer.
NRCS, CA
January 2000
648-3
CA648-2
2. Apron. Rainfall is collected on an apron or other collecting surface. The collecting apron is commonly constructed with asphalt-surfaced soil cement, cement or elevated metal "roof". There are also manufactured guzzlers made of fiberglass or other materials that have covers that collect rainfall, that convey water to dish shaped tanks underneath.
3. Piped Water. Water flow to the basin is usually controlled by a float valve.
4. Wildlife Access. Wildlife access can be provided directly to the storage tank or water can be piped to a separate watering basin or trough. Wildlife watering devices should provide access for juvenile birds and other small wildlife. Devices that have open water, such as troughs, should be fitted with escape ramps so small animals won't get trapped in the device.
III. FENCING
The site shall be protected with a fence unless otherwise specified on the Practice Requirements sheet. The fence will be installed to conform to the requirements of Practice Specification 382A - Fence.
IV. ADDITIONAL DETAILS
Any additional details required for site conditions shall be specified on the Practice Requirement sheet.
V. MAINTENANCE
Wildlife watering facilities should be checked at least once a year before the rainy season. Debris should be removed from the tank. Fiberglass mat and epoxy resin can be used to patch holes in fiberglass tanks. Holes or cracks in the collecting apron should be repaired. Vegetation around the opening of the ramp should be cut back so that the ramp opening is visible.
NRCS, CA
January 2000
______
Water Collecting Apron Computation
A. Size (radius) of circular collecting apron:
Where: r = radius in feet, a = least annual rainfall in inches, and g = size of tank in gallons.
(8 feet/100 gallons)g
r = r = = ______feet
a
B. Area of rectangular collecting apron:
Where: A = area in square feet, a = least annual rainfall in inches, and g = size of tank in gallons.
(316 SF/100 gal)g
A = A = = ______Square Feet
a
CA648-3
WILDLIFE WATERING FACILITY SPECIFICATIONS
IT SHALL BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE LANDOWNER TO OBTAIN ALL NECESSARY PERMITS AND/OR RIGHTS, AND TO COMPLY WITH ALL ORDINANCES AND LAWS PERTAINING TO THIS INSTALLATION.
Installation shall be in accordance with the following drawings, specifications and special requirements. NO CHANGES ARE TO BE MADE IN THE DRAWINGS OR SPECIFICATIONS WITHOUT PRIOR APPROVAL OF THE NRCS TECHNICIAN.
1. Drawings No. ______2. Practice Specifications _____648,______
3. Wildlife species designed for ______
4. Least annual rainfall ______inches 5. Critical period ______
6. Size of tank ______gallons 7. Size of apron ______square feet
8. Special Requirements ______
______
9. Special Maintenance Requirements ______
______
PRACTICE APPROVAL:
Approved by: ______Date ______
______
LANDOWNER'S/OPERATOR'S ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:
The landowner/operator acknowledges that:
a. He/she has received the drawings and specifications, and that he/she has an understanding of the contents and requirements.
b. He/she has obtained all the necessary permits.
c. No changes will be made in the installation of the job without prior concurrence of the NRCS technician.
d. Maintenance of the installed work is necessary for proper performance during the project life.
Accepted by: ______Date ______
______
PRACTICE COMPLETION:
I have made an on site inspection of the site (or I am accepting owner/contractor documentation), and have determined that the job as installed does conform to the drawings and practice specifications. Completion Certification by:
______Date ______
NRCS, CA
February 2000