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The annual summary report documents the management actions taken on Bernardo Mountain. This document is intended to demonstrate management activities since August 2007.

Actions were taken to preserve, protect, and enhance California gnatcatcher nesting habitat and the natural fire recovery processes.

Actions were taken to preserve, protect, and enhance California gnatcatcher nesting habitat.

The 2014 avian survey of the Bernardo Mountain Preserve, San Dieguito River Park, San Diego County, California determined the point locations, territories, and breeding status of two rare songbirds, the California Gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica) and the Coastal Cactus Wren (Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus cousei). Eleven field surveys conducted between 14 March and 21 June detected a total of twelve gnatcatcher and three Cactus Wren territories within the preserve. This compares favorably with previous surveys conducted after the Witch Fire of 2007 despite the continuation of a three-year drought. Our observations show that the gnatcatcher, in particular, has expanded into revegetated areas. Cactus Wrens, with their more specific requirements, are still largely confined to cactus scrub that did not burn in 2007 as replanted cactus has yet to reach a height suitable for nest-building. Other vertebrates noted during the survey include sixty-six additional species of birds, four species of mammals, and five species of reptiles.

The 2014 avian survey of the Bernardo Mountain Preserve, San Dieguito River Park, San Diego County, California determined the point locations, territories, and breeding status of two rare songbirds, the California Gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica) and the Coastal Cactus Wren (Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus cousei). Eleven field surveys conducted between 14 March and 21 June detected a total of twelve gnatcatcher and three Cactus Wren territories within the preserve. This compares favorably with previous surveys conducted after the Witch Fire of 2007 despite the continuation of a three-year drought. Our observations show that the gnatcatcher, in particular, has expanded into revegetated areas. Cactus Wrens, with their more specific requirements, are still largely confined to cactus scrub that did not burn in 2007 as replanted cactus has yet to reach a height suitable for nest-building. Other vertebrates noted during the survey include sixty-six additional species of birds, four species of mammals, and five species of reptiles.

The After the Fires Funds 2007 were utilized to provide immediate benefits to wildlife by expanding habitat adjacent to areas that did not burn and contained one or both of the restoration project's species of focus; California Gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica)and Coastal Cactus Wren (Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus sandiegensis). Work on this project was guided by the goal of providing immediate benefits to these birds because the fate of the San Dieguito River Park's ("Park") populations will have regionwide implications.