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dissertation/thesis
LOCAL GEOGRAPHIES OF THE COASTAL CACTUS WREN AND THE COASTAL CALIFORNIA GNATCATCHER ON MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON CALIFORNIA
Lead author: Jennifer Vaughn
The coastal cactus wren (Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus couesi) is a California Species of Special Concern and the coastal California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica) is a federally listed threatened species. Both are target species under California’s Natural Communities Conservation Program. Habitat loss is the driving force for population decline of both species. This study examines these target species on part of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California (approximately 41, 118 hectares in area). The purpose of this research is to delineate the local geography for each species and to demonstrate a geographic approach to avian conservation. This study defines the local geography as a combination of the landscape characteristics, specific habitat requirements, and the identification of core habitat areas for both species. Landscape characteristics refer to the composition and spatial configuration of the vegetation on the Base. Landscape characteristics have been obtained through landscape metric calculations. Specific habitat requirements refer to the habitat features that shape the spatial distribution of both species. Habitat requirements have been obtained through habitat suitability analysis and species distribution modeling. Core habitat areas reflect the landscape characteristics and the habitat features that sustain both avian populations. Lastly, core habitat areas have been identified via kernel density estimation and prioritized by a set of detailed criteria based on requirements for both species on the Base. This study provides information regarding habitat requirements of both species and overall landscape characteristics on the Base, which will aid in conservation and management of these species. On a broad scale, this research supports the regional conservation effort in southern California for the coastal cactus wren and the coastal California gnatcatcher.

journal article 2016
A comparison of point-count and area-search surveys for monitoring site occupancy of the Coastal California Gnatcatcher
Lead author: Clark Winchell
Improving the efficiency of monitoring protocols prescribed by conservation plans can release typically limited funding for other management and conservation activities. We present an approach for optimizing protocols that considers the precision of parameter estimates, costs of implementation, and broader monitoring-program goals. In a case study of the Coastal California Gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica), we compared the efficiency of pointcount surveys (with and without playbacks of vocalizations) and area-search surveys (with playbacks) for estimating site occupancy.

journal article 2014
Effects of habitat quality and wildfire on occupancy dynamics of Coastal California Gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica)
Lead author: Clark Winchell
Habitat Conservation Plans (HCPs) are a mechanism used for conserving land and often have an umbrella species associated with them. We conducted occupancy surveys for an umbrella species, the Coastal California Gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica), from 2004 to 2009 in San Diego County, California, focusing on preserve lands associated with HCPs. We investigated the effects of habitat quality classification, elevation, distance to coast, and heat load on gnatcatcher occupancy, extinction, and colonization probabilities.

journal article 2019
Distinguishing recent dispersal from historic genetic connectivity in the coastal California gnatcatcher
Lead author: Amy Vandergast
Habitat loss and fragmentation are primary threats to biodiversity worldwide. We studied the impacts of habitat loss and fragmentation on genetic connectivity and diversity among local aggregations of the California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica) across its U.S. range. With a dataset of 268 individuals genotyped at 19 microsatellite loci, we analyzed genetic structure across the range using clustering analyses, exact tests for population differentiation, and a pedigree analysis to examine the spatial distribution of first-order relatives throughout the study area. In addition, we developed a habitat suitability model and related percent suitable habitat to genetic diversity indices within aggregations at two spatial scales. We detected a single genetic cluster across the range, with weak genetic structure among recently geographically isolated aggregations in the northern part of the range. the pedigree analysis detected closely related individuals across disparate aggregations and across large geographic distances in the majority of the sampled range, demonstrating that recent long-distance dispersal has occurred within this species. Genetic diversity was independent of suitable habitat at a local 5-km scale, but increased in a non-linear fashion with habitat availability at a broader, 30-km scale. Diversity declined steeply when suitable habitat within 30-km fell below 10%. Together, our results suggest that California gnatcatchers retain genetic connectivity across the majority of the current distribution of coastal sage scrub fragments, with the exception of some outlying aggregations. Connectivity may help support long-term persistence under current conservation and management strategies. However, emerging structure among more remote aggregations and associations between available habitat and genetic diversity also suggest that continued loss of habitat could threaten diversity and connectivity in the future.

journal article 2010
Using California Gnatcatcher to Test Underlying Models in Habitat Conservation Plans
Lead author: Paul Doherty
Habitat Conservation Plans are a widely used strategy to balance development and preservation of species of concern and have been used in southern California, USA, to protect the coastal California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica). Few data exist on gnatcatcher abundance and distribution, and existing data have problems with issues of closure (i.e., sampling occurs in a short enough time period such that abundance or distribution are not changing), detectability, and proper attention to probability-based sampling schemes. Thus, a habitat model has been relied upon in reserve design. California gnatcatchers are the flagship and umbrella species of many plans and we provide the first estimates that incorporate probabilistic sampling and test predictions from the habitat model.

journal article 2008
Using California Gnatcatcher to Test Underlying Models in Habitat Conservation Plans
Lead author: Clark Winchell
Habitat Conservation Plans are a widely used strategy to balance development and preservation of species of concern and have been used in southern California, USA, to protect the coastal California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica). Few data exist on gnatcatcher abundance and distribution, and existing data have problems with issues of closure (i.e., sampling occurs in a short enough time period such that abundance or distribution are not changing), detectability, and proper attention to probability-based sampling schemes. Thus, a habitat model has been relied upon in reserve design. California gnatcatchers are the flagship and umbrella species of many plans and we provide the first estimates that incorporate probabilistic sampling and test predictions from the habitat model. Probability of occurrence was 26% (SE=0.06); however, occupancy varied by modeled habitat quality with slopes ,40%, warm, and wet sagebrush habitat having higher occupancy probabilities. Interpreting abundance and occupancy probabilities by vegetation type was complicated by error detected in Geographic Information System vegetation metadata files. The slope (1.08, SE=0.66), temperature (0.79, SE=0.70), and precipitation (-2.62, SE=1.21) variables associated with habitat models were stronger influences on occupancy than was patch size (0.48, SE=0.66). Previous models weight patch size equal to slope and climate. Our work demonstrates that probabilistic sampling can be carried out on a large scale and the results provide better information for managers to make decisions about their reserves.

journal article 1997
A Habitat-Based Metapopulation Model of the California Gnatcatcher
Lead author: H. Resit Akcakaya
We present an analysis of the metapopulation dynamics of the federally threatened coastal California Gnatcatcher (Polioptila c. californica) for an approximately 850 km2 region of Orange County, California. We developed and validated a habitat suitability model for this species using data on topography, vegetation, and locations of gnatcatcher pair observations. Using this habitat model, we calculated the spatial structure of the metapopulation, including size and location of habitat patches and distances among them. We used data based on field studies to estimate parameters such as survival, fecundity, dispersal, and catastrophes, and combined these parameters with the spatial structure to build a stage-structured, stochastic, spatially-explicit metapopulation model. The model predicted a fast decline and high risk of population extinction with most combinations of parameters. Results were most sensitive to density-dependent effects, the probability of weather-related catastrophes, adult survival, and adult fecundity. Based on data used in the model, the greatest difference in results was given when the simulation;s time horizon was only a few decades, suggesting that modeling based on longer or shorter time horizons may underestimate the effects of alternative management actions.

other 2016
Using GIS to Develop a Regional Survey Design for the Coastal California Gnatcatcher
Lead author: Emily Perkins
The U.S. Geological Survey, San Diego Management and Monitoring Program, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Nature Reserve of Orange County have joined together to develop a long-term, coordinated regional monitoring program for the federally-threatened coastal California gnatcatcher (CAGN) (Polioptilacalifornicacalifornica) in the United States portion of the species' range. The objectives of the regional monitoring program are to determine the percent area occupied (PAO) by CAGNs in modeled high and very high suitability habitat on conserved lands and on participating military lands in southern California.

other 2012
Effects of Fire, Elevation, and Habitat Quality on the Occupancy, Extinction, and Colonization of Coastal California Gnatcatcher
Lead author: Clark Winchell
We conducted periodic occupancy surveys for coastal California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica) from 2004 - 2009 in the San Diego County, focusing on preserve lands associated with Habitat Conservation Plans. We investigated the effects of habitat quality classification, elevation, distance to coast, and heat load on the occupancy, extinction, and colonization probabilities. In addition a wildfire in 2003 burned 17,044 hectares, roughly 1/3 of the area, thus we were able to investigate the recolonization process associated with this unforeseen event. We found that occupancy increased with habitat quality and over time, but decreased with elevation. Extinction probability was at a generally constant rate (~0.13), but colonization varied greatly with probabilities being higher in higher quality habitat and at lower elevations. We suggest that sites categorized as high and very high quality at lower elevations should receive priority in terms of conservation actions. Although the burned plots are starting to be recolonized, after 5 years post-burn, these areas are not at pre-burned occupancy levels and monitoring should continue.

other 2012
Preserve Management Plan and Funding Agreement Manzanita Partners Project
Purpose of Inclusion of the Preserve area in the HMP As part of the approval process for the Manzanita Apartment Project (Subject Property), Manzanita Partners, L.L.C. (Manzanita Partners) granted a Conservation Easement as depicted on Exhibit A, to provide mitigation for certain impacts of the Manzanita Apartment Project pursuant to the Mitigated Negative Declaration adopted by the City of Carlsbad, SCH No. 99051009, and the Mitigation Plan created thereunder. 32.09 acres is reserved by easement to conserve the biological open space for the purpose of preserving and enhancing resource values. In addition,the City of Carlsbad approved site development plan,SDP-98-19, and imposed Condition Number 33 of Planning Commission Resolution 4620, dated September 15,1999, which generally states: a) continued ownership by the Developer or it's successors in interest in open space until some future date at which time ownership will be transferred to the City or its designee for perpetual maintenance; b) while in continued private ownership, active maintenance to protect and preserve the quality of the habitat (including but not limited to reasonable prevention of trespass); and,c) transfer of ownership and maintenance responsibility at some future date to the City or its designee simultaneously with transfer of funding or other acceptable financial mechanism to provide for management and conservation in perpetuity. Additionally, the 32.09 acres has been designated as an open space preserve to protect habitat for the coastal California gnatcatcher, protect Del Mar Manzanita, and to protect vernal pools. The management objectives of this Preserve Management Plan and Funding Agreement are to provide a long term plan for the maintenance and management of the conservation area, outline the biological goals, and state the responsibilities of the parties involved. Preserve Area History The United States Army Corp of Engineers issued a Nationwide Permit Authorization, Permit Number 98-2025500-DZ, on April 4, 1999. The Corp of Engineers has determined that the activity complies with the terms and conditions of nationwide permit NW 14 [Federal Register, December 13, 1996, pp. 65874 - 65922] for fills for roads crossing waters of the United States. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service issued a Biological Opinion No. 1-6-99F-063, on October 21,1999, in relation to the Subject Property. A Conservation Easement Deed with Manzanita Par

other
Multiple Species Conservation Program Subarea Plan
The County of San Diego?s Multiple Species Conservation Program (MSCP) Subarea Plan, a regional plan that ensures the long-term survival of sensitive plant and animal species and protects the native vegetation, and its associated Implementing Agreement (IA) establish the conditions under which the County will receive from the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service and California Department of Fish and Game certain long-term Take Authorizations. The purpose of the plan is to benefit the County, public and private land owners and other land development project proponents within its Subarea boundaries. The IA is an acknowledgment that the MSCP satisfies conditions established in the Section 4(d) Special Rule for the coastal California gnatcatcher that will allow the taking of certain Covered Species incidental to land development and other lawful land uses which are authorized by the County.

protocol
Coastal California gnatcatcher 2015-2016 Regional Survey and Veg Monitoring
California Gnatcatchers will be surveyed using the wandering transect method, where we cover a 2.25 ha plot by walking slowly and methodically through the sage scrub habitat, looking and listening for gnatcatchers. The California Gnatcatcher Regional Sampling Program includes collection of vegetation covariate data to better understand gnatcatcher habitat relationships and management needs across conserved and participating military lands in southern California.

protocol supplement 2015
CAGN Regional Monitoring Sample Design
Lead author: Kris Preston
A program is being developed to conduct long-term coordinated monitoring of the federally-threatened Coastal California Gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica) in the United States portion of the species’ range. The goals of this program are to: 1) determine the population status of California Gnatcatchers in southern California on conserved and military lands; 2) track trends in California Gnatcatcher habitat occupancy over time in southern California to identify when thresholds have been met that trigger management actions; and 3) identify habitat attributes and threats associated with gnatcatcher occupancy in order to develop specific habitat-based management criteria and recommendations. To date, there have been no systematic surveys for this species across southern California. Surveys have been conducted periodically in portions of the gnatcatcher’s range, particularly on conserved and military lands. However, these surveys have been conducted in different years and with a variety of methods providing different population metrics and as a result do not provide a region-wide estimate. In addition, during the last 15 years, there have been extremely large wildfires in southern California across a substantial portion of suitable habitat for gnatcatchers and there is little information on their status in these burned areas.

report 2022
Final Report 2021-2021 Winter Home Range Assessment of Coastal California Gnatcatcher in Recently Burned Habitat Aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California
During the 2020-2021 nonbreeding season, Vernadero Group Inc. (Vernadero) continued a multiyear study of the coastal California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica; CAGN). This study was initiated in 2016 by Hercules Joint Venture and continued by Vernadero in 2017 and 2019 (no study was conducted in 2018-2019) to determine the species’ winter home range and habitat use in and adjacent to areas of recently burned vegetation. The results of this study provide Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton with a better understanding of what habitats CAGN uses in the winter and how wintering CAGN respond to the mosaic of burned habitat on the Base. Information from this study will be used to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of management strategies for ecosystem recovery of burned habitats and the protection of CAGN habitats. This study had two main goals: • Determine the location and size of winter home ranges, corresponding vegetation associations, and habitat use across years. • Analyze home range and habitat use associated with burned and unburned areas.

report 2003
Report of Coastal California Gnatcatcher Juvenile Dispersal across Interstate-8 at the MSCP Southe
This report provides methods, results, discussion, and recommendations for a study of California Gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica) natal dispersal at a 200 acre (80-hectare) area of open space divided by an interstate highway, in the Lakeside area of San Diego County, California. The study area lies 23 miles east of the Pacific Ocean at the inland edge of a coastal plain and has a relatively warm, dry Mediterranean-type climate. Topography consists predominantly of moderate slopes on either site of Interstate-8 (I-8) with the more southerly parcel of steeper grade. Elevation ranges from about 700 to 1100 feet. The primary goal of the study was to evaluate whether California Gnatcatcher movement across I-8 occurs at the study area and thus shed light on whether this area serves as a functional corridor - at least for the California Gnatcatcher - as assumed in the MSCP Subarea Plan. Field work was conducted during dry conditions, and simple nest success (that is, the number of nests that produced fledged young) of the subject species was less than 50%. We found and monitored seven pairs of California Gnatcatchers in our study area. We found a total of 11 nests during the study period, an average of about 1.6 nests per pair of California Gnatcatchers; however only six of the pairs constructed nests. Of the 11 found nests, four were successful, that is, they produced young that fledged; five were abandoned prior to egg deposition; and two were destroyed by causes unknown. We banded young at the nest, or we captured juvenile California Gnatcatchers soon after fledging by strategically placing mist nets within natal territories at locations past which we expected family groups to move. We determined the banding strategy based on our assessment of whether approaching a nest would have a high or low likelihood of affecting the nest outcome. We banded all seven successfully fledged young from the site with no mortality (Table 1). Six of these were banded as fledglings; one was banded as a nestling. On 23 July 2002 Kylie Fischer documented the occurrence in the Pembroke parcel of a juvenile (left leg white; right leg silver USGS) that had been banded on 11 June 2002 in Territory C-01b-02 of the CalTrans parcel, that is, north of I-8. This bird had been observed on the CalTrans parcel during the previous week (15 July). On 13 September 2002 William Haas detected a banded juvenile (left leg purple; right leg silver USGS) on the Gatlin parcel. This bird

report 2008
BASELINE BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES EVALUATION LAKESIDE LINKAGE OPEN SPACE PRESERVE
ICF Jones & Stokes conducted a baseline biodiversity study of the County of San Diego's (County) Lakeside Linkage Preserve (Preserve) to provide the Department of Parks and Recreation with biological data to develop a Resource Management Plan (RMP) including Area Specific Management Directives (ASMDs). The Preserve consists of moderately high value natural communities and is located in the unincorporated community of Lakeside, southwest of Lake Jennings, and approximately 16 miles northeast of downtown San Diego. This report summarizes all survey methodologies and data collected during the 2008 survey period (February through October 2008). This report also includes recommendations for adaptive management, including management and monitoring of vegetation communities and sensitive plants and habitats, control of invasive non-native plants, and management and monitoring of sensitive wildlife species, including species covered by the South County Multiple Species Conservation Program (MSCP). To provide a baseline evaluation of biological resources, the following studies were conducted by ICF Jones & Stokes, in addition to general, qualitative evaluation of each of the Preserve properties: (1) pitfall trap arrays to sample amphibians, reptiles, and small mammals; (2) focused surveys for Hermes Copper Butterfly; (3) avian point counts; (4) Coastal California Gnatcatcher surveys; (5) nocturnal bird surveys; (6) acoustic sampling and roost surveys for bats; (7) small mammal trapping; (8) a track and sign survey for medium-to-large mammals; and (9) a camera station survey for medium-to-large mammals. In addition, the following surveys were previously conducted and the data was provided to ICF Jones & Stokes for incorporation by reference: (1) 2001 general reconnaissance surveys, vegetation mapping, avian point counts, and Coastal California Gnatcatcher spot mapping conducted on the central and western properties and (2) spring and summer 2007 vegetation mapping and rare plant surveys conducted on the western, central, and eastern properties. Surveys conducted in 2007 and 2008 documented six land cover types and 127 species that were detected throughout the Preserve. Our surveys detected 62 bird species, 26 mammal species (nine bats, eight small mammals, and nine medium and large bodied mammals), 10 herptiles (zero amphibians and 10 reptiles), and 29 invertebrate species. This list includes 20 sensitive species six of which are M

report 2009
Estimation of San Diego County California Gnatcatcher Population Size and Recovery Following the 2003 October Wildfires
Goals and Objectives: In the spring of 2007, the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) supported and funded the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to conduct the first comprehensive survey in San Diego County for coastal California gnatcatchers. The objectives for this project were to: 1) Provide a population estimate of gnatcatcher pairs in San Diego County during the 2007 breeding season. 2) Determine the distribution of gnatcatchers by calculating the Percent Area Occupied of habitat in San Diego County. 3) Improve the gnatcatcher habitat suitability model developed in 2002. 4) Evaluate the recolonization of gnatcatchers in habitat burned in the 2003 wildfires. 5) Explore the concept of ?extinction and colonization? of gnatcatchers in space and time.

report 2007
Kelly Ranch Habitat Conservation Area Annual Report (Oct. 2006 - Sept. 2007)
Lead author: Patrick McConnell
This report summarizes the management activities carried out on the Kelly Ranch Habitat Conservation Area (Preserve) by the Center for Natural Lands Management (CNLM) during the fiscal year of October 1, 2006 to September 30, 2007. The tasks and objectives discussed below are those derived from the Kelly Ranch Habitat Conservation Area Management Plan, prepared by CNLM in November of 2002 (CNLM 2002). The Preserve is located approximately two miles inland from the Pacific Ocean and lies at the east end of Agua Hedionda Lagoon (Figures 1 and 2). Roads near the Preserve include Cannon Road along the northern boundaries and Faraday Avenue near the eastern boundary. The Preserve (63 acres) is not one unit, but is comprised of multiple parcels varying in size from a few acres to about 15 acres that are located within the housing development of Kelly Ranch and surrounding communities. Most of the Preserve and adjacent land was formerly known as Evans Point. The Preserve was set aside to protect its habitat, coastal sage scrub and southern maritime chaparral, and the threatened coastal California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica).

report 2010
Encinas Creek Habitat Conservation Area (Formerly known as the North County Habitat Bank) Annual Work Plan October 2010 - September 2011
Introduction This annual work plan has been developed from the guidelines for goals and objectives set forth in the North County Habitat Bank Long-Term Management Plan (HMP) (Helix 2007) The HMP includes management requirements set forth by the City of Carlsbad (City), the United States Fish and Wildlife (USFWS) and California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG). CNLM holds title to the North County Habitat Bank Habitat Conservation Area (HCA or Preserve), and has changed its name to Encinas Creek Habitat Conservation Area. The Preserve is located about ½ mile east of Interstate 5 along the south side Palomar Airport Road, east of Costco and west of Hidden Valley Road. CNLM has managed the HCA since May of 2007 at which time we received the entire endowment to fund the long-term management of the HCA. The HCA is currently being used by Westmark Development Corporation (Westmark) as a wetlands mitigation bank. Westmark is the Bank Owner and handles all credit sales and accounting. Westmark restored several acres of disturbed wetland pursuant to a restoration plan (Helix 2007b) and received regulatory signoff for final success criteria in December of 2007 (ACOE, 2007). The purpose of this work plan is to identify the tasks and budget required to complete the management activities for the upcoming fiscal year that will begin on October 1, 2010 and end on September 30, 2011. Unless otherwise stated, all tasks will be performed by CNLM's Preserve Manager Patrick McConnell and Ranger, Justin Trujillo. Summary of Tasks and Goals for the Fiscal Year: - Install signs as necessary - Monitor large and medium sized mammal use of the site using wildlife cameras - Note all animal species observed and map locations of any sensitive species - Remove nonnative plant species - Conduct brown-headed cowbird trapping (Molothrus ater) - Patrol and conduct site enforcement on a regular basis - Conduct surveys for least Bell's vireo and coastal California gnatcatcher - Report and describe data collected and management actions taken on the Preserves to the wildlife agencies - Install and mend fencing as necessary Appendix 1 (Task Schedule) identifies the approximate schedule of field work throughout the fiscal year and Appendix 2 depicts the location of the Preserve.

report 2002
Habitat Management Plan for the Kelly Ranch Habitat Conservation Area
Introduction The Kelly Ranch Habitat Conservation Area (Preserve) is an 63 acre open space set aside by the Kelly Land Company as mitigation for impacts to natural habitat as part of the Kelly Ranch development. The limits of the Preserve (Figures 1-3) have been approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) with the primary goal of protecting habitat of the federally listed coastal California gnatcatcher, as well as other sensitive plant and wildlife species, and sensitive vegetation communities. As part of the open space conservation agreements of the Kelly Ranch property, Kelly Land Company was required to name and endow a natural land management organization to manage the sites resources in perpetuity. The USFWS, CDFG and other wildlife agencies and organizations have determined that merely setting lands aside and preventing development is not sufficient to preserve and protect biological integrity. Identifying the critical processes and elements that need protection, then planning, budgeting and funding for sustaining these processes and elements in perpetuity is the essence of long-term land protection. The Center for Natural Lands Management was given the management responsibility to the Preserve and received title and an endowment in March of 2002. This document is to provide a comprehensive, cost-effective management plan that states the information, management and funding requirements necessary to ensure an ecologically sustainable conservation area. The plan will outline the Preserve's resources and characteristics and will provide a brief overview of general tenets of conservation biology for natural areas management as it applies to this Preserve. The plan follows guidelines and management practices deemed acceptable by the Center for Natural Lands Management. This plan will also suffice as the first year annual work plan for the Preserve.

report 2012
Final Report - Riparian Habitat Restoration Phase 1, Lawrence and Barbara Daley Preserve
River Partners implemented Phase 1 of a comprehensive riparian restoration and enhancement plan of 55 acres on the County of San Diego's Lawrence and Barbara Daley Preserve (Preserve). A major goal of Phase 1 was to remove invasive non-natives plants in order to enhance the local habitat and promote ecosystem health in the downstream portion of the watershed by limiting the amount of invasive seeds and propagules being transported. In addition, a comprehensive restoration plan was designed in order to direct future restoration efforts of native vegetation (Phase 2). Restoring native vegetation to riparian and coastal scrub habitat, while targeting the desired habitat structure of the California gnatcatcher (Polioptila califomica), yellow-breasted chat (lcteria virens), and other neo-tropical migratory birds will greatly expand their available habitat and resources as well as thwart the re-colonization of non-native invasive species. The Daley Preserve Project is important because it contains patches of both live oak riparian forest (MSCP Tier I habitat) and Diegan coastal sage scrub (MSCP Tier II habitat). Biological surveys have shown that Dulzura Creek is also an important wildlife movement corridor, as well as breeding and foraging grounds for several MSCP covered species such as the coastal California gnatcatcher. The enhancement and restoration of 55 acres of riparian and coastal scrub habitat along Dulzura Creek will improve the quality and continuity of habitat for a variety of neo-topical migratory and resident birds, including several threatened and endangered species, as well as other native wildlife. Additionally, the project is a valuable component to the success of downstream restoration efforts in that it is important to remove invasive species and restore native vegetation in upstream reaches in order to suppress the subsequent reinfestation of invasive species and their spread downstream.

report 2009
DRAFT EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT for the OTAY RANCH PRESERVE
The Otay Ranch Preserve (Preserve) consists of approximately 525 acres in the San Ysidro Mountains and approximately 826 acres in Salt Creek in the City of Chula Vista (City) in San Diego County. Dudek biologists have performed the following surveys: vegetation mapping in May and June 2008, focused botanical surveys in spring 2009, general butterfly surveys in 2008, focused surveys for quino checkerspot butterfly (Euphydryas editha quino) in spring 2009, focused surveys for coastal California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica) in spring 2008, avian point count surveys in summer/fall 2008, and large and medium mammal surveys in spring 2009. Herpetology trap surveys are currently in process. This report documents the results of Dudek's field work.

report 2006
ROBERTSON RANCH EAST VILLAGE OPEN SPACE LAND MANAGEMENT PLAN Prepared
INTRODUCTION A. Background The Robertson Ranch Master Plan area is approximately 398 acres of planned development located within the north-central area of the city of Carlsbad (Figure 1). Through the CEQA review for the Robertson Ranch Master Plan project, the project was determined to result in significant impacts to sensitive upland biological resources. As mitigation for these impacts, the two Robertson Ranch landowners are obligated to set aside for permanent conservation significant amounts of open space, including large tracts of native and restored Diegan coastal sage scrub (ʺDCSSʺ) habitat. This habitat conservation and revegetation provides for a habitat corridor running diagonally through the Robertson Ranch site from north-east to southwest, but also meanders throughout the hillsides of the property. The Robertson Ranch is owned by two separate entities, as follows: East Village - Calavera Hills II, LLC West Village - Robertson Family Trust This Robertson Ranch East Village Open Space Land Management Plan (ʺPlanʺ) constitutes the land management plan for the open spaces of the East Village only. The East Village open spaces subject to this Plan are identified as the East Village Habitat Conservation Area (ʺEVHCAʺ) (Figure 2). This is the area affected by the requirements of this Plan. This Plan is intended to provide guidance to the open space manager, to ensure the perpetual conservation and maximization of the biological resource values of the EVHCA. The EVHCA is being preserved in accordance with the requirements of the City of Carlsbad Habitat Management Plan (ʺHMPʺ), in concurrence with the City of Carlsbad, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (ʺUSFWSʺ) and the California Department of Fish and Game (ʺCDFGʺ). The primary goal of this habitat conservation is to protect the habitat of the federally listed coastal California gnatcatcher, as well as other listed species and sensitive plant and wildlife species that are covered under the Multiple Habitat Conservation Plan (ʺMHCPʺ). A total of two (2) gnatcatchers have been observed to occupy the East Village preserve area in the survey (2002) by Merkel & Associates used to determine the preserve areas. To confirm the presence of coastal California gnatcatcher, a presence/absence survey shall be undertaken by long-term management entity within 60 days of officially accepting the property. The subject EVHCA constitutes the implementation of the