Basic Information
Threat: Loss of ecological integrity
Threat Code: ECOINT

Threat Background

MSP Threat/Stressor Background

Goals and Objectives

Goal: The loss of ecological integrity management goal in the MSPA is to protect, maintain, enhance and restore natural communities and important ecosystem processes to maintain high levels of ecological integrity in the regional preserve system over the long-term (>100 years).

regional NFO 2020
MON-PRP-MONPL ECOINT-1

Management units: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

In 2020, prepare a monitoring plan for riparian and oak woodland bird communities to assess community composition and diversity and the distribution and abundance of individual species across the MSPA in relation to impacts of tree mortality from invasive pests, drought and pathogens. The monitoring plan should build upon previous surveys and tree mortality sampling and include specific monitoring questions, the sampling frame within the MSPA, monitoring methods, a statistically valid sampling design, sampling locations, timeline, and standardized protocols.

Action Statement Action status Projects
PRP-1 Submit project metadata and Riparian and Oak Woodland Bird Community Monitoring Plan to the MSP web portal. On hold
Criteria Deadline year
Riparian and Oak Woodland Bird Community Monitoring Plan completed in 2020 2021
Threat Name Threat Code
Loss of ecological integrityECOINT
Code Obj. code Statement
ECOINT-2 MON-IMP-MONPL In 2021, conduct surveys to implement the Riparian and Oak Woodland Bird Community Monitoring Plan.
regional NFO 2021
MON-IMP-MONPL ECOINT-2

Management units: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

In 2021, conduct surveys to implement the Riparian and Oak Woodland Bird Community Monitoring Plan.

Action Statement Action status Projects
IMP-1 Submit project metadata, monitoring datasets and report to MSP web portal. On hold
Criteria Deadline year
Monitoring completed and report submitted in 2021 2021
Threat Name Threat Code
Loss of ecological integrityECOINT
Code Obj. code Statement
ECOINT-1 MON-PRP-MONPL In 2020, prepare a monitoring plan for riparian and oak woodland bird communities to assess community composition and diversity and the distribution and abundance of individual species across the MSPA in relation to impacts of tree mortality from invasive pests, drought and pathogens. The monitoring plan should build upon previous surveys and tree mortality sampling and include specific monitoring questions, the sampling frame within the MSPA, monitoring methods, a statistically valid sampling design, sampling locations, timeline, and standardized protocols.
regional NFO 2021
MON-PRP-MONPL ECOINT-3

Management units: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

In 2021, prepare a monitoring plan to survey pollinator communities and assess ecological integrity of pollinator functions in coastal sage scrub, chaparral, forblands, and grasslands across the MSPA. The monitoring plan should include specific monitoring questions, the sampling frame within the MSPA, monitoring methods, a statistically valid sampling design, sampling locations, timeline, and standardized protocols.

Action Statement Action status Projects
PRP-1 Submit project metadata and Pollinator Community Monitoring Plan to the MSP web portal. On hold
Criteria Deadline year
Pollinator Community Monitoring Plan completed in 2021 2021
Threat Name Threat Code
Loss of ecological integrityECOINT

Species objectives associated with this threat

regional NFO 2017, 2018 SL
MON-DEV-MODL EUPEDI-1

Management units: 3, 4, 6, 9

In 2017-2018, develop habitat suitability models for Quino checkerspot, host plants, and nectaring plants under current and future climate change scenarios, and conduct fire risk modeling with different management scenarios to identify potential climate and fire refugia. The results of this modeling will be used to inform development of monitoring and management plans.

Action Statement Action status Projects
DEV-1 Submit project metadata, modeling datasets, results and report to the MSP Web Portal. In progress
Criteria Deadline year
Quino Checkerspot Current and Future Climate Habitat Models and Report Completed in 2017 2021
Code Obj. code Statement
EUPEDI-6 MGT-PRP-MGTPL In 2017, begin developing an interim 5 year Quino Checkerspot Management Plan that focuses on habitat enhancement and restoration and fire management, and includes the information from the MSP Seed Collection, Banking and Bulking Plan for Quino checkerspot, at known occupied and historically occupied sites. In 2021, update and finalize the management plan with results from the captive rearing and translocation projects and combine with the monitoring plan to create a comprehensive Quino Checkerspot Management and Monitoring Plan.
regional NFO 2017, 2018, 2019 SL
MON-PRP-MONPL EUPEDI-2

Management units: 3, 4, 6, 9

Beginning in 2017, prepare a long-term Quino checkerspot metapopulation monitoring plan to track population distribution, abundance, and phenology, and to assess habitats and threats at checkerspot occurrences (see occurrence table), historically occupied and unoccupied high suitability sites across Conserved Lands in the MSPA. The monitoring plan should build upon previous surveys, habitat assessments and modeling to include specific monitoring questions, the sampling frame within the MSPA, monitoring methods, a statistically valid sampling design, sampling locations, timeline, and standardized protocols for determining the status and abundance of larval and adult butterflies and for assessing habitat and threats at each sampling site to determine management needs. The plan should stipulate that for each survey year, a report be prepared with site-specific management recommendations. The monitoring plan will be piloted with field surveys in 2018 to determine if adjustments need to be made and will be finalized in 2019 and then added to the final management plan in 2021 to create a comprehensive Quino Checkerspot Management and Monitoring Plan.

Action Statement Action status Projects
PRP-1 Work with the Butterfly Working Group consisting of species experts, scientists, wildlife agencies, land managers and other stakeholders to develop the monitoring plan. in progress
PRP-2 Include fire risk and climate change modeling results to provide management recommendations in relation to fire and climate refugia and to reduce fire risk at occurrences. in progress
PRP-3 Submit project metadata, datasets and Quino Checkerspot Monitoring Plan to the MSP Web Portal. in progress
Criteria Deadline year
Quino Checkerspot Metapopulation Monitoring Plan Completed in 2019 2019
Code Obj. code Statement
EUPEDI-1 MON-DEV-MODL In 2017-2018, develop habitat suitability models for Quino checkerspot, host plants, and nectaring plants under current and future climate change scenarios, and conduct fire risk modeling with different management scenarios to identify potential climate and fire refugia. The results of this modeling will be used to inform development of monitoring and management plans.
EUPEDI-1 MON-DEV-MODL In 2017-2019, develop habitat suitability models for Quino checkerspot, host plants, and nectaring plants under current and future climate change scenarios, and conduct fire risk modeling with different management scenarios to identify potential climate and fire refugia. The results of this modeling will be used to inform development of monitoring and management plans.
EUPEDI-3 MON-IMP-MONPL In 2018 conduct pilot monitoring to evaluate monitoring methodology and sampling design and locations, and prepare recommendations for any adjustments to the monitoring plan. From 2019 to 2021, implement monitoring annually and submit data with management recommendations.
regional NFO 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 SL
MON-IMP-MONPL EUPEDI-3

Management units: 3, 4, 6, 9

In 2018 conduct pilot monitoring to evaluate monitoring methodology and sampling design and locations, and prepare recommendations for any adjustments to the monitoring plan. From 2019 to 2021, implement monitoring annually and submit data with management recommendations.

Action Statement Action status Projects
IMP-1 Submit project metadata, monitoring datasets and management recommendations to the MSP Web Portal. waiting for precedent action
Criteria Deadline year
Monitoring Implemented and Data with Recommendations Submitted Annually 2021
regional NFO 2017, 2018 SL
MGT-PRP-SBPL EUPEDI-4

Management units: 3, 4, 6, 9

In 2017-2018, develop a section for Quino checkerpot nectaring forbs and host plants in the MSP Seed Collection, Banking and Bulking Plan to enhance and restore habitat for the butterfly. The plan should incorporate best science and management practices (e.g., Wall 2009; KEW 2016) to provide guidelines for collecting and providing a source of seeds for management purposes. The plan should include recommendations for: collecting and storing seeds to provide source material with consideration of potential genetic consequences; for management oriented research; seed bulking; and out-planting to augment extant occurrences or establish new occurrences of Quino checkerspot.

Action Statement Action status Projects
PRP-1 Consult the San Diego County Rare Plant Working Group made up of plant ecologists, geneticists, rare plant experts, land managers, restoration practitioners, seed banking and bulking practitioners, wildlife agencies, and other stakeholders to provide input and recommendations for the Quino checkerspot section in the MSP Seed Collection, Banking and Bulking Plan. on hold
PRP-2 Design a seed collection plan to collect seeds over multiple years, collect seeds several times within a season, accumulate seeds across populations, and to sample among habitats and ecological niches. Include guidelines for collecting and storing seeds along maternal lines from small occurrences (<1,000 plants) and to provide propagules to be used in management experiments, enhancement of existing occurrences, and establishment of new occurrences. waiting for precedent action
PRP-3 The seed collection plan should include guidelines for collecting seeds from occurrences of sufficient size to accommodate harvest and based on genetic studies as available. Include provisions for collecting seed from unconserved populations planned for development. waiting for precedent action
PRP-4 Include protocols and guidelines for collecting voucher specimens and submitting to the San Diego Natural History Museum (McEachern et al. 2007). waiting for precedent action
PRP-5 Include guidelines for testing seeds for viability and to obtain information on dormancy and germination rates. waiting for precedent action
PRP-6 Submit project metadata and MSP Seed Collection, Banking and Bulking Plan to the MSP Web Portal. waiting for precedent action
Criteria Deadline year
By end 2017, Completed Quino Checkerspot Section in MSP Seed Collection, Banking and Bulking Plan 2021
Code Obj. code Statement
EUPEDI-5 MGT-IMP-SBPL In 2018, begin implementing the MSP Seed Collection, Banking and Bulking Plan for Quino checkerspot to collect and store seeds to provide propagules as needed for management oriented research, existing population enhancement and establishment of new butterfly occurrences.
EUPEDI-6 MGT-PRP-MGTPL In 2017, begin developing an interim 5 year Quino Checkerspot Management Plan that focuses on habitat enhancement and restoration and fire management, and includes the information from the MSP Seed Collection, Banking and Bulking Plan for Quino checkerspot, at known occupied and historically occupied sites. In 2021, update and finalize the management plan with results from the captive rearing and translocation projects and combine with the monitoring plan to create a comprehensive Quino Checkerspot Management and Monitoring Plan.
regional NFO 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 SL
MGT-IMP-SBPL EUPEDI-5

Management units: 3, 4, 6, 9

In 2018, begin implementing the MSP Seed Collection, Banking and Bulking Plan for Quino checkerspot to collect and store seeds to provide propagules as needed for management oriented research, existing population enhancement and establishment of new butterfly occurrences.

Action Statement Action status Projects
IMP-1 Bulk seed at a qualified facility for butterfly habitat enhancement, expansion, and restoration projects using seed from genetically appropriate donor accessions in the propagation seed bank collection. waiting for precedent action
IMP-2 Maintain records for collected seed to document donor and receptor sites, collection dates and amounts. Submit seed collection, storage and bulking data to the MSP Web Portal. waiting for precedent action
Criteria Deadline year
By 2021, =1 Highest Priority Action Implemented for Quino checkerspot from the MSP Seed Collection, Banking, and Bulking Plan 2021
Code Obj. code Statement
EUPEDI-4 MGT-PRP-SBPL In 2017-2018, develop a section for Quino checkerpot nectaring forbs and host plants in the MSP Seed Collection, Banking and Bulking Plan to enhance and restore habitat for the butterfly. The plan should incorporate best science and management practices (e.g., Wall 2009; KEW 2016) to provide guidelines for collecting and providing a source of seeds for management purposes. The plan should include recommendations for: collecting and storing seeds to provide source material with consideration of potential genetic consequences; for management oriented research; seed bulking; and out-planting to augment extant occurrences or establish new occurrences of Quino checkerspot.
EUPEDI-6 MGT-PRP-MGTPL In 2017, begin developing an interim 5 year Quino Checkerspot Management Plan that focuses on habitat enhancement and restoration and fire management, and includes the information from the MSP Seed Collection, Banking and Bulking Plan for Quino checkerspot, at known occupied and historically occupied sites. In 2021, update and finalize the management plan with results from the captive rearing and translocation projects and combine with the monitoring plan to create a comprehensive Quino Checkerspot Management and Monitoring Plan.
regional NFO 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 SL
MGT-PRP-MGTPL EUPEDI-6

Management units: 3, 4, 6, 9

In 2017, begin developing an interim 5 year Quino Checkerspot Management Plan that focuses on habitat enhancement and restoration and fire management, and includes the information from the MSP Seed Collection, Banking and Bulking Plan for Quino checkerspot, at known occupied and historically occupied sites. In 2021, update and finalize the management plan with results from the captive rearing and translocation projects and combine with the monitoring plan to create a comprehensive Quino Checkerspot Management and Monitoring Plan.

Action Statement Action status Projects
PRP-1 Work with the Butterfly Working Group consisting of species experts, scientists, wildlife agencies, land managers and other stakeholders to develop prioritized management actions. waiting for precedent action
PRP-2 Include fire risk and climate change modeling results to provide management recommendations in relation to fire and climate refugia and to reduce fire risk at occurrences. waiting for precedent action
PRP-3 Submit project metadata and management and monitoring plan to the MSP Web Portal. waiting for precedent action
Criteria Deadline year
Quino Checkerspot Management and Monitoring Plan Completed in 2021 2021
Code Obj. code Statement
EUPEDI-1 MON-DEV-MODL In 2017-2019, develop habitat suitability models for Quino checkerspot, host plants, and nectaring plants under current and future climate change scenarios, and conduct fire risk modeling with different management scenarios to identify potential climate and fire refugia. The results of this modeling will be used to inform development of monitoring and management plans.
EUPEDI-1 MON-DEV-MODL In 2017-2018, develop habitat suitability models for Quino checkerspot, host plants, and nectaring plants under current and future climate change scenarios, and conduct fire risk modeling with different management scenarios to identify potential climate and fire refugia. The results of this modeling will be used to inform development of monitoring and management plans.
EUPEDI-4 MGT-PRP-SBPL In 2017-2018, develop a section for Quino checkerpot nectaring forbs and host plants in the MSP Seed Collection, Banking and Bulking Plan to enhance and restore habitat for the butterfly. The plan should incorporate best science and management practices (e.g., Wall 2009; KEW 2016) to provide guidelines for collecting and providing a source of seeds for management purposes. The plan should include recommendations for: collecting and storing seeds to provide source material with consideration of potential genetic consequences; for management oriented research; seed bulking; and out-planting to augment extant occurrences or establish new occurrences of Quino checkerspot.
EUPEDI-9 MGT-IMP-CAPR From 2017 to 2021, support existing efforts by the wildlife agencies to collect eggs and captive rear larvae to use in reestablishing and augmenting wild Quino checkerspot populations. Use results to finalize the Quino Checkerspot Management and Monitoring Plan.
regional and/or local NFO 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 SL
MGT-IMP-MGTPL EUPEDI-7

Management units: 3, 4, 6, 9

Beginning in 2018, implement highest priority management actions for Quino checkerspot on Conserved Lands.

Action Statement Action status Projects
IMP-1 Management actions to be determined by the Quino Checkerspot Management Plan. waiting for precedent action Quino Habitat Restoration
IMP-2 Submit project metadata and management data to MSP web portal waiting for precedent action Quino Habitat Restoration
Criteria Deadline year
=1 Management actions implemented for Quino checkerspot by 2021 2021
Code Obj. code Statement
EUPEDI-6 MGT-PRP-MGTPL In 2017, begin developing an interim 5 year Quino Checkerspot Management Plan that focuses on habitat enhancement and restoration and fire management, and includes the information from the MSP Seed Collection, Banking and Bulking Plan for Quino checkerspot, at known occupied and historically occupied sites. In 2021, update and finalize the management plan with results from the captive rearing and translocation projects and combine with the monitoring plan to create a comprehensive Quino Checkerspot Management and Monitoring Plan.
regional and/or local NFO 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 SL
MON-IMP-MGTPL EUPEDI-8

Management units: 3, 4, 6, 9

From 2018 to 2021, monitor the effectiveness of management actions implemented for Quino checkerspot on Conserved Lands

Action Statement Action status Projects
IMP-1 Submit metadata, monitoring data and reports to MSP web portal waiting for precedent action
Criteria Deadline year
Effectiveness Monitoring Completed within 1 Year of Management Actions 2021
Code Obj. code Statement
EUPEDI-7 MGT-IMP-MGTPL Beginning in 2018, implement highest priority management actions for Quino checkerspot on Conserved Lands.
regional NFO 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 SL
MGT-IMP-CAPR EUPEDI-9

Management units: 3, 4, 6, 9

From 2017 to 2021, support existing efforts by the wildlife agencies to collect eggs and captive rear larvae to use in reestablishing and augmenting wild Quino checkerspot populations. Use results to finalize the Quino Checkerspot Management and Monitoring Plan.

Action Statement Action status Projects
IMP-1 Support the Butterfly Working Group consisting of species experts, scientists, wildlife agencies, land managers, San Diego Zoo Global and other stakeholders to implement the captive rearing. in progress
IMP-2 Submit project metadata and management data to MSP web portal. in progress
Criteria Deadline year
Captive Rearing Implemented and Report Submitted by 2021 2021
Code Obj. code Statement
EUPEDI-6 MGT-PRP-MGTPL In 2017, begin developing an interim 5 year Quino Checkerspot Management Plan that focuses on habitat enhancement and restoration and fire management, and includes the information from the MSP Seed Collection, Banking and Bulking Plan for Quino checkerspot, at known occupied and historically occupied sites. In 2021, update and finalize the management plan with results from the captive rearing and translocation projects and combine with the monitoring plan to create a comprehensive Quino Checkerspot Management and Monitoring Plan.
EUPEDI-10 MGT-IMP-TRAN From 2017 to 2021, support existing efforts by the wildlife agenices to translocate captive bred Quino checkerspot larvae to historically occupied habitat.
EUPEDI-11 MON-IMP-TRAN From 2017 to 2021, support efforts by the wildlife agencies to monitor the effectivenss of translocated captive bred Quinoo checkerspot larvae. Use results to finalize the Quino Checkerspot Management and Monitoring Plan.
regional NFO 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 SL
MGT-IMP-TRAN EUPEDI-10

Management units: 3, 4, 6, 9

From 2017 to 2021, support existing efforts by the wildlife agenices to translocate captive bred Quino checkerspot larvae to historically occupied habitat.

Action Statement Action status Projects
IMP-1 Support the Butterfly Working Group consisting of species experts, scientists, wildlife agencies, land managers, San Diego Zoo Global and other stakeholders to implement the translocation project. in progress
IMP-1 Support the Butterfly Working Group consisting of species experts, scientists, wildlife agencies, land managers, San Diego Zoo Global and other stakeholders to implement the translocation project. in progress
IMP-2 Submit project metadata and management data to MSP web portal. in progress
Criteria Deadline year
Translocation Implemented by 2020 2021
Code Obj. code Statement
EUPEDI-6 MGT-PRP-MGTPL In 2017, begin developing an interim 5 year Quino Checkerspot Management Plan that focuses on habitat enhancement and restoration and fire management, and includes the information from the MSP Seed Collection, Banking and Bulking Plan for Quino checkerspot, at known occupied and historically occupied sites. In 2021, update and finalize the management plan with results from the captive rearing and translocation projects and combine with the monitoring plan to create a comprehensive Quino Checkerspot Management and Monitoring Plan.
EUPEDI-9 MGT-IMP-CAPR From 2017 to 2021, support existing efforts by the wildlife agencies to collect eggs and captive rear larvae to use in reestablishing and augmenting wild Quino checkerspot populations. Use results to finalize the Quino Checkerspot Management and Monitoring Plan.
EUPEDI-11 MON-IMP-TRAN From 2017 to 2021, support efforts by the wildlife agencies to monitor the effectivenss of translocated captive bred Quinoo checkerspot larvae. Use results to finalize the Quino Checkerspot Management and Monitoring Plan.
regional NFO 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 SL
MON-IMP-TRAN EUPEDI-11

Management units: 3, 4, 6, 9

From 2017 to 2021, support efforts by the wildlife agencies to monitor the effectivenss of translocated captive bred Quinoo checkerspot larvae. Use results to finalize the Quino Checkerspot Management and Monitoring Plan.

Action Statement Action status Projects
IMP-1 Submit project metadata, monitoring data and reportto MSP web portal in progress
Criteria Deadline year
Translocation Monitoring Completed and Report Submitted by 2021 2021
Code Obj. code Statement
EUPEDI-9 MGT-IMP-CAPR From 2017 to 2021, support existing efforts by the wildlife agencies to collect eggs and captive rear larvae to use in reestablishing and augmenting wild Quino checkerspot populations. Use results to finalize the Quino Checkerspot Management and Monitoring Plan.
EUPEDI-10 MGT-IMP-TRAN From 2017 to 2021, support existing efforts by the wildlife agenices to translocate captive bred Quino checkerspot larvae to historically occupied habitat.

Regional NFO 2021 VF
MON-IMP-MONPL QUEENG-1

Management units: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11

In 2021, conduct Engelmann oak woodland monitoring as part of implementation of the Oak Woodland Vegetation Monitoring Plan on Conserved Lands in the MSPA.

Action Statement Action status Projects
IMP-1 Submit project metadata, monitoring datasets and reports to the MSP web portal waiting for precedent action
Criteria Deadline year
Oak Woodland Vegetation Monitoring Plan implemented 2021 2021
Code Obj. code Statement
OAKWOO-1 MON-DEV-MAP Starting in 2017, map tree mortality in oak woodlands across the MSPA using high resolution aerial imagery, LIDAR and other remote sensing data and incorporate existing datasets, where available, to determine the current status of oak woodlands in the MSPA that are affected by drought, wildfire and invasive pests and fungal pathogens.
OAKWOO-2 MON-PRP-MONPL Beginning in 2019, prepare an oak woodland vegetation monitoring plan for Conserved Lands in the MSPA to assess tree mortality and recruitment, including that of coast live oak and Engelmann oak, track community composition, structure and ecological integrity, and to document threats and assess environmental conditions. Prepare the oak woodland monitoring to integrate where feasible or bulid upon the results of other monitoring projects such as riparian forest and scrub vegetation monitoring, shothole borer/Fusarium complex monitoring, and golden-spotted oak borer and fungal pathogen monitoring. The monitoring plan should include a conceptual model, specific monitoring questions, the sampling frame within the MSPA, monitoring methods, a statistically valid sampling design, permanent sampling locations, timeline, and standardized protocols. Use the Oak Woodland Tree Mortality map and the distribution of coast live oak and Engelmann oaks to develop a sampling frame and stratified sampling design with permanent sampling plots spanning north to south and east to west environmental gradients across the MSPA. Evaluate ecological integrity at monitoring sites by integrating other types of monitoring into the long-term sampling plots, such as abiotic element monitoring (e.g., automated weather stations and soil sensors, GIS-data layers), ecological integrity monitoring (e.g., plant and animal communities, ecological processes), MSP VF species monitoring, and threats monitoring (e.g., fire, climate change, disease, invasive animals and invasive plants).
OAKWOO-3 MON-IMP-MONPL In 2021, conduct oak woodland monitoring to implement the Oak Woodland Vegetation Monitoring Plan on Conserved Lands in the MSPA.
2021-2026 Rare Plant Regional Discovery Surveys
Starting in 2021, surveys were conducted on suitable habitat on Conserved Lands to document whether historic plant occurrences were extant and to discover new occurrences for rare plant species. The purpose of these surveys is to refine and update the distribution of these plants in the Management and Monitoring Strategic Plan Area. Voucher specimens and photographs are taken for each occurrence. Some species are already part of the Rare Plant Inspect and Manage Program and any new occurrences for these species will be included in future monitoring. In the next update of the Management and Monitoring Strategic Plan (2027), species not formerly monitored will be evaluated and potentially added to the Rare Plant Inspect and Manage Program. Botanists surveyed for four rare plant species in 2021: San Diego coastalcreeper (Aphanisma blitoides), Blochman’s dudleya (Dudleya blochmaniae), coast wallflower (Erysimum ammophilum), and Orcutt’s bird’s-beak (Dicranostegia orcuttiana). In 2022, botanists surveyed for: San Diego coastalcreeper (Aphanisma blitoides), Baja California oat grass (Sphenopholis interrupta ssp californica), San Diego ambrosia (Abrosia pumila), Wiggins’ cryptantha (Crytantha wigginsii). In 2023, botanists will survey for five rare plant species: Deane’s milkvetch (Astragalus deanei), Parish brittlescale (Atriplex parishii), Mexican flannelbush (Fremontodendron mexicanum), Jennifer’s monardella (Monardella stoneana ), and small-leaved rose (Rosa minutifolia).
An Adaptive Management Approach to Recovering Burrowing Owl Populations and Restoring a Grassland Ecosystem in San Diego County
San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research (ICR), in partnership with multiple agencies, has developed an adaptive conservation management program to assist in the recovery of Western Burrowing Owls (BUOW; Athene cunicularia hypugaea) and their grassland ecosystem in San Diego County. Main objectives include (1) establishing more natural grassland ecosystems in San Diego County by re-establishing ground squirrels that provide critical resources for BUOW and valuable ecosystem engineering effects; (2) better understanding of the factors regulating BUOW population dynamics; (3) developing a comprehensive strategic management plan for BUOW in San Diego County; and (4) implementing the strategic management plan to begin establishing additional breeding nodes of burrowing owls. In 2017 ICR partnered with SDMMP to make publicly available a BUOW Conservation and Management Plan for San Diego County. This is a living document developed with input from local, state, and federal wildlife agencies, and will continue to be updated in the future.
Anstine-Audubon Nature Preserve Fencing Project
The goal of this project was to install 855 linear feet of lodge pole fencing along the northern boundary of San Diego Audubon Society’s (SDAS’s) 11.6-acre Anstine-Audubon Nature Preserve (Anstine) in Vista, CA to combat hazardous and non-hazardous dumping and illegal trespassing. The addition of fencing along the northern portion of the property, adjacent to Hidden Lake Lane, will protect the fragile riparian, oak woodland, and endangered coastal sage scrub habitats on the preserve. Urban Corps of San Diego, with SDAS oversight, successfully installed an 855-foot long, five-foot high lodge pole wooden fence along with three access gates on the property in the planned one-year project. Project Start Date: March 7, 2023 Project Completion Date: January 18, 2024 This project was fully funded by SANDAG TransNet EMP Land Management Grant #S1125499
Coastal Cactus Wren Conservation Network
The Coastal Cactus Wren Conservation Network is an ad hoc group of more than 100 individuals representing research institutions, land management agencies, local government, non-profit conservation organizations and wildlife agencies. Members work together to exchange research and management information to develop best practices, policies, and programs that promote conservation and recovery of this bird throughout its range (Ventura, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Orange, Riverside, and San Diego counties). This information will inform publication of a regional conservation strategy for the coastal cactus wren. Cactus wrens (Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus) are distributed across the arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern and central Mexico (Hamilton et al. 2011). While the desert populations are fairly abundant, populations of coastal cactus wrens have declined dramatically over the past 30 years, with extirpation and genetic isolation affecting many locations as a result of habitat loss, habitat fragmentation, edge effects of development, and catastrophic fires (Solek and Szijj 2004). The coastal population is unique in that it occurs exclusively within the coastal sage scrub plant community, ranging from Ventura County south into San Diego County, U.S.A. and northwestern Baja California, Mexico. The firestorms of 2007 impacted several strongholds for the coastal cactus wren in Orange and San Diego counties. The significant loss of habitat and birds was the impetus for formation of the Coastal Cactus Wren Network. For more information on the Coastal Cactus Wren Conservation Network, please see the document titled &amp;quot;Coastal Cactus Wren Working Group Regional Goals, Objectives, and Strategies&amp;quot;.
Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) Monitoring and Management Plan
Golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) face many threats in southern California. To reduce these threats and successfully conserve this species in western San Diego County, MSP Roadmap 2021-2026 objectives include the development and implementation of a “Management Strategic Plan for Golden Eagles in San Diego County” and a “Monitoring Strategic Plan for Golden Eagles in San Diego County”. These plans include general sections with background information and rationale for prioritizing and developing monitoring and management recommendations. Previously, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in collaboration with local, State, and other Federal agencies has conducted a multi-year research study of golden eagles to address questions regarding habitat use, movement behavior, nest occupancy, genetic population structure, and human impacts on eagles. From 2016-17, occupancy analyses were conducted and it was concluded that estimates of occupancy were greatest at sample sites with more rugged terrain conditions, lower human development, and lower amounts of scrubland vegetation cover (Weins et al. 2022). Tracking data from the last 10 years in the Western Unites States have shown eagles exhibit long-distance, nonroutine movements that were responsive to the updraft potential of the spatial and temporal landscape they encountered (Poessel et al. 2022). For the development of both Plans, chapters will be shaped based on the latest scientific information regarding occupancy, natal nesting success, juvenile dispersal, movement and biotelemetry, home range estimation, habitat use, and prey availability. Site-based threats assessment will be used to determine the best management practices. These plans are developed with input and guidance provided by the San Diego Golden Eagle working group, which includes include landowners and managers, scientists, species experts, and representatives from non-profit organizations, government, and wildlife agencies. Occurrence-specific management recommendations will be based on working group input and multiple years of data on Golden Eagle population status, habitat associations, and threats. These are living documents as the plans will be updated when new information becomes available or management actions are completed, and new recommendations are needed.
Pollinator Monitoring Plan
Declines of insects are being reported worldwide and includes several pollinator species in California. With reduced abundances and loss of species, there is a possibility that the ecosystem function of pollination is being compromised. The most common pollinators are Hymenoptera (bees and wasps), Coleoptera (beetles), Diptera (flies), and Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths). Overall, about 87 percent of plant species are pollinated by insects. San Diego Association of Governments TransNet Environmental Mitigation Program’s Regional Management and Monitoring 2021-2022 and 2023-2024 workplans include objectives to improve wildlife movement. These objectives are based on the San Diego Management and Monitoring Program’s Management and Monitoring Strategic Plan for Conserved Lands in Western San Diego County (MSP Roadmap; SDMMP and TNC 2017). Objectives for 2022-2026 are to prepare and implement a monitoring plan to survey pollinator communities and assess ecological integrity of pollinator functions in coastal sage scrub, chaparral, forblands and grasslands across the MSP Area. This project will prepare pollinator data in 2021 for analysis in 2022 and development of a pollinator monitoring pilot study plan in 2023 to be implemented in 2024. This plan is being prepared in conjunction with a coastal sage scrub, chaparral, and grassland vegetation monitoring plan. Pollinator sampling locations will be co-located at vegetation sampling plots.
SAN DIEGO THORNMINT ENHANCEMENT PROJECT
Project will expand and enhance three populations of San Diego thornmint (ACIL) on San Diego Habitat Conservancy managed properties. Project main goals are to improve ACIL habitat, and increase the ACIL seed bank to reduce the likelihood of extirpation. This project is partially funded by SANDAG TransNet EMP Land Management Grant #S1125501.
San Dieguito Citizen Science Monitoring Program
The San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy (SDRVC) developed the San Dieguito Citizen Science Monitoring Program as a sustainable, cost-effective, and scientifically valid approach to gather critical data on lands within the San Dieguito River Park Focused Planning Area. This program seeks to fill knowledge gaps on the diversity, population, movements and spatial ecology of species within the watershed to better inform future land acquisitions, adaptive land management, habitat and species restoration, educational initiatives and future research. One of the main objectives of this program is to gather data that is consistent and shared with other regional planning efforts being coordinated by the San Diego Management & Monitoring Program. Data collected is submitted to regional databases and will help meet the management goals and objectives identified in the Management & Monitoring Strategic Plan. Annual expert-led surveys are carried out by volunteer citizen scientists following approved protocols and encourage community involvement and engagement.