Library Search


Results


book/conf proceeding 2009
Impacts of Urbanization on the Western Pond Turtle in Southern California
Lead author: Sara L. Schuster

journal article 2021
Conservation of Northwestern and Southwestern Pond Turtles: Threats, Population Size Estimates, and Population Viability Analysis
Lead author: Stephanie Manzo
Accurate status assessments of long-lived, widely distributed taxa depend on the availability of long-term monitoring data from multiple populations. However, monitoring populations across large temporal and spatial scales is often beyond the scope of any one researcher or research group. Consequently, wildlife managers may be tasked with utilizing limited information from different sources to detect range-wide evidence of population declines and their causes. When assessments need to be made under such constraints, the research and management communities must determine how to extrapolate from variable population data to species-level inferences. Here, using three different approaches, we integrate and analyze data from the peer-reviewed literature and government agency reports to inform conservation for northwestern pond turtles (NPT) Actinemys marmorata and southwestern pond turtles (SPT) Actinemys pallida. Both NPT and SPT are long-lived freshwater turtles distributed along the west coast of the United States and Mexico. Conservation concerns exist for both species; however, SPT may face more severe threats and are thought to exist at lower densities throughout their range than NPT. For each species, we ranked the impacts of 13 potential threats, estimated population sizes, and modeled population viability with and without long-term droughts. Our results suggest that predation of hatchlings by invasive predators, such as American bullfrogs Lithobates catesbeianus and Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides, is a high-ranking threat for NPT and SPT. Southwestern pond turtles may also face more severe impacts associated with natural disasters (droughts, wildfires, and floods) than do NPT. Population size estimates from trapping surveys indicate that SPT have smaller population sizes on average than do NPT (P = 0.0003), suggesting they may be at greater risk of local extirpation. Population viability analysis models revealed that long-term droughts are a key environmental parameter; as the frequency of severe droughts increases with climate change, the likelihood of population recovery decreases, especially when census sizes are low. Given current population trends and vulnerability to natural disasters throughout their range, we suggest that conservation and recovery actions first focus on SPT to prevent further population declines.

journal article 2020
Historical museum collections and contemporary population studies implicate roads and introduced predatory bullfrogs in the decline of western pond turtles
Lead author: E. Griffin Nicholson
The western pond turtle (WPT), recently separated into two paripatrically distributed species (Emys pallida and Emys marmorata), is experiencing significant reductions in its range and population size. In addition to habitat loss, two potential causes of decline are female-biased road mortality and high juvenile mortality from non-native predatory bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana). However, quantitative analyses of these threats have never been conducted for either species of WPT. We used a combination of historical museum samples and published and unpublished field studies shared with us through personal communications with WPT field researchers (B. Shaffer, P. Scott, R. Fisher, C. Brown, R. Dagit, L. Patterson, T. Engstrom, 2019, personal communications) to quantify the effect of roads and bullfrogs on WPT populations along the west coast of the United States. Both species of WPT shift toward increasingly male biased museum collections over the last century, a trend consistent with increasing, female-biased road mortality. Recent WPT population studies revealed that road density and proximity were significantly associated with increasingly male-biased sex ratios, further suggesting female-biased road mortality. The mean body size of museum collections of E. marmorata, but not E. pallida, has increased over the last 100 years, consistent with reduced recruitment and aging populations that could be driven by invasive predators. Contemporary WPT population sites that co-occur with bullfrogs had significantly greater average body sizes than population sites without bullfrogs, suggesting strong bullfrog predation on small WPT hatchlings and juveniles. Overall, our findings indicate that both species of WPT face demographic challenges which would have been difficult to document without the use of both historical data from natural history collections and contemporary demographic field data. Although correlational, our analyses suggest that female-biased road mortality and predation on small turtles by non-native bullfrogs are occurring, and that conservation strategies reducing both may be important for WPT recovery.

journal article 1992
Nesting Behavior and Movements of Western Pond Turtle, Clemmys marmorata
Lead author: G.B. Rathbun
Used radio telemetry to access nesting locations of four Western Pond Turtle from May to August 1989. Study was conducted in the Arroyo Laguna-Oak Knoll Creek drainage in San Luis Obispo, California. Habitat surrounding the arroyo is a mosaic of coastal steppe, coastal sagebrush and oakwoods. Found nests in the uplands of the arroyo hypothesized to be due to the WPT attempt to increase their reproductive success by avoiding seasonal floods washing away the eggs. Deemed the habitat corridor of up to 0.5km on either side of water courses should be protected year-round for nesting habitat and potential overwintering of the hatchlings in the nests.

other 2003
Who let the turtles out?
Lead author: Robert N. Fisher
Rapid urbanization has led to the loss and degradation of riparian habitats in Southern California. In response to the need to protect and manage habitat for native species in the South Coast Eco-Region of Southern California, the Natural Communities Conservation Planning Program (NCCP) was initiated in 1991 as a way for California Department of Fish and Game and US Fish and Wildlife Service to jointly implement habitat conservation plans (HCP). The western pond turtle (Clemmys marmorata) is a covered species in the San Diego Multiple Species Conservation Program subarea (MSCP). However, the current status and distribution of the western pond turtle within the MSCP is poorly known. The western pond turtle is the only turtle native to southwestern California and was historically abundant in most major drainages in San Diego. Surveys conducted in Southern California in the late 1980's suggested that pond turtles no longer occurred in many locations from which they were known historically and that few viable populations of turtles remained. The United States Geological Survey began conducting surveys for western pond turtles in the San Diego MSCP in 2002. During these surveys, non-native turtles were detected at many more locations than were western pond turtles. Western pond turtles co-occur with non-native turtles at least one of these locations. Surveys will continue during spring and summer 2003.

other 2006
USGS Western Pond Turtle (Emys marmorata) Visual Survey Protocol for the Southcoast Ecoregion
This protocol documents standard visual survey techniques for southern populations of the western pond turtle (Emys marmorata), hereafter referred to as pond turtle, in the southcoast ecoregion of the United States (within the U. S. this extends from Santa Barbara, California to the Mexican boarder). The purpose of this protocol is to provide standard guidelines for determining pond turtle presence and relative abundance. The protocol also contributes information on general habitat components and disturbances found at each location so that hypotheses can be formulated and tested as to why a species occurs or does not occur in a particular area. In addition, the techniques are effective at documenting other aquatic species such as fish, amphibians, snakes, and other aquatic freshwater taxa. This protocol is based on methods found in the USGS Aquatic Species and Habitat Assessment Protocol for Southcoast Ecoregion Rivers, Streams, and Creeks (U. S. Geological Survey, 2006a).

other 2006
USGS Western Pond Turtle (Emys marmorata) Trapping Survey Protocol for the Southcoast Ecoregion
This protocol documents standard trapping survey techniques for southern populations of the western pond turtle (Emys marmorata), hereafter referred to as pond turtle, in the southcoast ecoregion of the United States (within the U. S. this extends from Santa Barbara, California to the Mexican boarder). The purpose of this protocol is to provide standard guidelines for determining pond turtle presence, relative abundance, population demographics and provide baseline information applicable to declines in pond turtle populations. The protocol, in combination with the USGS Western Pond Turtle (Emys marmorata) Visual Survey Protocol for the Southcoast Ecoregion, contributes information on general habitat components and disturbances found at each location so that hypotheses can be formulated and tested as to why a species occurs or does not occur in a particular area (U. S. Geological Survey, 2006a). In addition, the techniques are effective at documenting other aquatic species such as fish, amphibians, and other aquatic freshwater taxa. This protocol is based on methods found in the USGS Aquatic Species and Habitat Assessment Protocol for Southcoast Ecoregion Rivers, Streams, and Creeks (U. S. Geological Survey, 2006b).

other 2009
Impacts of habitat loss, fragmentation, and the introduction of non-native species as a result of urbanization on the western pond turtle in southern California.
Lead author: Robert N. Fisher
More than 90% of southern California's riparian and aquatic habitats have been destroyed or modified by agriculture and urbanization. This has had profound effects on species dependant on these habitats including the western pond turtle, Actinemys marmorata, the only freshwater aquatic turtle native to southern California. We have been monitoring the southern California pond turtle populations since 2001 and have documented their decline. This decline is a result of the direct and indirect effects of urbanization including habitat loss, habitat alteration, habitat fragmentation, the introduction of non-native species, and recreation activities. Our trap efforts have detected a minimum of 15 species of non-native turtles in southern California with red-eared sliders and spiny softshell the most common. At sites occupied by non-native turtles, non-native turtles outnumber the native turtles. We have also documented a negative correlation between pond turtle presence and sites with recreational use, while non-native turtles are positively correlated with recreational use. Finally pond turtle presence is positively correlated with the naturalness of a site while non-natives were more likely to occur at modified or artificial sites. Only a few viable pond turtle populations remain in southern California, most populations are male-biased with little to no recruitment. Currently, we are developing programs such as long-term monitoring, genetics microsatellite analysis, habitat suitability assessment, habitat restoration and creation, translocation, head starting, and captive breeding to be used as tools to promote the recovery of self-sustaining populations of the pond turtles in southern California.

powerpoint presentation 2014
Southwestern Pond Turtle: Connectivity Strategic Plan for Western San Diego County
Lead author: Chris Brown
Presentation for the Connectivity Strategic Plan for Western San Diego County Science Session – July 1, 2014

powerpoint presentation 2004
The Western Pond Turtle (Emys marmorata) in the San Diego MSCP and Surrounding Areas
Lead author: Melanie Madden-Smith
Determine the current distribution and population status of the western pond turtle in the San Diego MSCP and surrounding areas. Determine wetland and upland habitat value. Provide management recommendations for the San Diego MSCP.

powerpoint presentation 2018
014_CBrown_SensitiveResources
Lead author: Chris Brown

powerpoint presentation 2003
Western Pond Turtles (Clemmys marmorata) in the Multiple Species Conservation Program Area
Lead author: Kathie Meyer
Preliminary Survey Results 2002

powerpoint presentation 2018
Western Pond Turtle Status and Management in San Diego County
Lead author: Chris Brown

powerpoint presentation 2009
USGS Riparian Herpetofaunal Studies in Coastal San Diego, CA
Lead author: Chris Brown
Powerpoint presentation on pond turtle and arroyo toad surveys across MSCP study area.

powerpoint presentation 2018
Status and Management in San Diego County
Lead author: Chris Brown

recording 2022
Recording - December 2022 SDMMP Annual End-of-Year Management and Monitoring Coordination Meeting
Lead author: Winston Vickers
Recording for the December 14, 2022 Annual End-of-Year SDMMP Mgmt. and Mon. Coordination Meeting.

report 2021
Southwestern Pond Turtle (Actinemys pallida) Surveys and Translocation, Murrieta Creek, Temecula, California 2021 Draft Final
Lead author: Katherine Baumberger
Data Summary. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has been conducting research on the southwestern pond turtle (Actinemys pallida, WPT) for over 20 years, which includes data collection and observations on their natural history, behavior, and conservation. This research provides information for various land management agencies as the WPT has been identified as a species of concern by the State of California (CDFW 2021) and has been in decline in southern California since the 1980s (Brattstrom and Messer 1988). For example, Brattstrom and Messer (1988) identified only eight populations in San Diego County and indicated that as few as five of the populations south of the Santa Clara River were reproductively viable over the long-term. In the 1980s and 1990s, studies began to examine the status and health of the populations in southern California with lower Murrieta Creek being one of the study areas (Holland 1991, Lovich 1998). The species is under review for listing under the Endangered Species Act (U.S. Endangered Species Act [ESA 1973, as amended]) based on a 90-day finding issued in April 2015 (USFWS 2015, 80 FR 19259).

report 2022
Southwestern Pond Turtle (Actinemys pallida) Population and Habitat Assessment, Southern California, Draft Final 2021
Lead author: Katherine Baumberger
Data Summary. To document occupied areas in southern California, record demography of remaining pond turtle populations and assess suitable habitat, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) conducted pond turtle specific surveys throughout Los Angeles, Orange, western Riverside, and southwestern San Bernardino counties. These surveys included habitat suitability assessments to determine whether appropriate habitat existed at survey locations, as well as identifying threats from invasive species, especially the presence of non-native turtles. Pond turtles were also detected during surveys focused on other species, but no habitat assessment was done at those sites.

report 2021
Southwestern Pond Turtle Trapping and Invasive Species Removal at Shady Canyon, Draft Final, 2021
Lead author: Katherine Baumberger
Data Summary. In 2001, Harmsworth Associates, an environmental consulting group, translocated 27 pond turtles from Bommer Creek and an adjacent tributary to a pond in Shady Canyon to mitigate for the loss of turtle habitat from the development of the Shady Canyon Golf Course and residences near Bommer Creek. The pond at Shady Canyon was a former cattle pond that was reconstructed in 2002 to better retain water and provide habitat for pond turtles (Harmsworth Associates & Goodman 2002). The location of the pond in upper Shady Canyon is within the Nature Reserve of Orange County (Figure 1). The pond was chosen because it had some protections being within a nature reserve, it had suitable upland habitat, and it was relatively isolated from public access (Harmsworth Associates & Goodman 2003). Since the translocation, pond turtles have established a successful breeding population (Harmsworth Associates 2007, 2013). However, in 2005, the African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis), a non-native species, invaded the site and established a successful breeding population. The American bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) has also been documented at Shady Canyon as recently as 2021, but in much lower numbers. Both clawed frogs and bullfrogs directly compete with pond turtles for food. In addition, bullfrog adults are known predators of juvenile pond turtles (Moyle 1973, Holland 1991)

report 2020
Final Report: Ramona Grasslands Preserve Bullfrog Eradication Project
Adult and tadpole arroyo toad (ARTO) were observed within Santa Maria Creek west of Rangeland Road within Ramona Grasslands Preserve (Preserve) during monitoring surveys performed in 2016. Historically, this species is known to breed within Santa Maria Creek on the western areas within the Preserve. These sections of the creek contain high quality habitat; however, ARTO abundance in these areas is less than what has been reported in similar stream systems, and that is likely due to high abundance of bullfrogs. Threat surveys performed in 2016 confirmed bullfrog presence within Santa Maria Creek within the western areas. Also, an individual southwestern pond turtle was observed in 2016 in the western portion of the Preserve. The goal of the project was to enhance the existing ARTO population and increase the potential for a southwestern pond turtle population within Ramona Grasslands Preserve. The objective of the proposed project was to implement a bullfrog eradication program within the Preserve and the treatment ponds on the adjacent Ramona Municipal Water District (RMWD) property.

report 1998
1997 Sensitive Species Survey Results for Pine Creek and Hauser Canyon Wilderness Areas, Descanso Ranger District, Cleveland National Forest, San Diego County, California.
Lead author: Jeffery M. Wells
The following report summarizes the results of sensitive species surveys conducted for the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus), Least Bell's Vireo (Vireo bellii pusillus), Southwestern Arroyo Toad (Bufo microscaphus califomicus), and Southwestern Pond Turtle ( Clemmys marmorata pallida). Surveys were performed on the Pine Creek, Bauser Creek, and Cottonwood Creek drainages within the Pine Creek and Bauser Canyon Wilderness areas of the Cleveland National Forest. The purpose of these surveys was to determine both species presence, population number, and breeding status, as well as habitat conditions within the survey areas.

report 2003
Arroyo Toad and Western Pond Turtle in the San Diego Multiple Species Conservation Program Area, 2002
Lead author: Kathie Meyer
Rapid urbanization has led to the loss and degradation of riparian habitats in southern California. In response to the need to protect and manage habitat for native species in the South Coast Eco-Region of Southern California, the Natural Communities Conservation Planning Program (NCCP) was initiated in 1991. The arroyo toad (Bufo californicus) and western pond turtle (Clemmys marmorata) are covered species in the San Diego Multiple Species Conservation Program (MSCP). However, the current status and distribution of the arroyo toad and the western pond turtle within the MSCP is poorly known. Direct habitat loss in conjunction with hydrological alterations and the introduction of nonnative species have caused arroyo toads to disappear from about 75% of previously occupied habitat within the United States. The western pond turtle is the only turtle native to southwestern California and was historically abundant in most major drainages in San Diego County. Surveys conducted in southern California in the late 1980's suggested that pond turtles no longer occurred in many historic locations and that few viable populations of turtles remained. The US Geological Survey conducted surveys for the arroyo toad and western pond turtle at select sites within the San Diego MSCP in 2002. Arroyo toads were observed at two of the 7 sites surveyed and western pond turtles were detected at 3 of the 26 sites surveyed. A suite of non-native aquatic predatory species known to have deleterious effects on native amphibian species was detected at 46% of the sites that contained surface water during the surveys. Non-native turtles were detected at more locations than western pond turtles. Western pond turtles co-occur with nonnative turtles at least at one location. Surveys for both, arroyo toads and western pond turtles will continue during spring and summer 2003.

report 2005
Distribution and Status of the Arroyo Toad (Bufo californicus) and Western Pond Turtle (Emys marmorata) in the San Diego MSCP and Surrounding Areas Final Report 10/11/05
Lead author: Melanie Madden-Smith
Rapid urbanization has led to the loss and degradation of riparian habitats within the Southern California Coastal Sage Scrub Region. In response to the need to protect and manage riparian and other sensitive habitats in southern California, the Natural Communities Conservation Planning (NCCP) Act was enacted in 1992. The San Diego County subregional plan under the NCCP is the San Diego County Multiple Species Conservation Program (MSCP). The MSCP has been designated to protect such sensitive species as the arroyo toad (Bufo californicus) and western pond turtle (Emys marmorata) within its boundaries by preserving lands with known populations, controlling non-native species, minimizing human impacts, and restoring or enhancing native habitats. Direct habitat loss in conjunction with hydrological alterations and the introduction of non-native species has caused the arroyo toad to disappear from about 75% of previously occupied habitat (Jennings & Hayes 1994) and has resulted in a decrease in the number of viable populations of the western pond turtle in southern California (Brattstrom & Messer 1988; Jennings et al. 1992; Jennings & Hayes 1994). Prior to this study, little was known about the current status and distribution of the arroyo toad and the western pond turtle within the San Diego MSCP lands. In 2002 and 2003 the U. S. Geological Survey conducted focused surveys for the arroyo toad and western pond turtle within nine watersheds of San Diego County, eight of which fall within the MSCP boundaries. Daytime arroyo toad habitat surveys were conducted at 39 sites. Eighteen of these sites were determined to have potential for supporting arroyo toads because of the presence of suitable habitat and/or the close proximity of historical locality record(s) and were surveyed nocturnally for the presence of arroyo toads. Arroyo toads were located at five sites, all but one were previously known locations and all were within the MSCP boundaries. Visual and/or trapping surveys were conducted for western pond turtles at 68 sites for a total of 67 visual and 45 trapping surveys. Western pond turtles were detected at nine sites, six of which are within the MSCP boundaries, and all locations but one were previously known. Population sizes of both species appear to be small. Although mark-recapture data were not collected for arroyo toads and it is not possible to make population estimates, 18 was the largest number of arroyo toads detected at a site during the course

report 2022
Draft Final: San Diego Western Pond Turtle Monitoring and Recovery Effort January 2020-December 2021
Lead author: James Molden
Data Summary. This study builds on the previous work by the USGS and its partners in support of pond turtle restoration and management in the MSPA (Brown et al, 2020). Here we report on the search for new pond turtle populations, continued monitoring of translocated individuals and removal of nonnative aquatic species from 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2021. Specific activities reported here are summarized in Table 1. This work is part of the larger study to assess the pond turtle in San Diego, Orange, and Riverside counties. Pond turtle restoration and translocation has been a collaborative effort between the USGS and our partners: San Diego Zoo, CDFW, SDMMP, San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG), City of San Diego (City), County of San Diego (County), U.S. Forest Service (USFS), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Endangered Habitats Conservancy (EHC), and The Nature Conservancy (TNC).

report 2008
Data Summary for the 2007 and 2008 Pacific Pond Turtle (Actinemys marmorata) Surveys Conducted in the County of San Diego; Boulder Oaks, Lusardi Creek and Los Penasquitos Canyon
Lead author: Chris Brown
The Pacific pond turtle (Actinemys marmorata) is the only native aquatic turtle species in southwestern California. While historically abundant in most major San Diego County drainages: habitat loss, human disturbance, hydrologic alterations, and invasive species have resulted in a significant decrease in Pacific pond turtle populations in San Diego and throughout California (Madden-Smith et al. 2005). Evaluating and addressing these threats is critical for the long-term persistence of Pacific pond turtle populations in San Diego County, and is a focus of the Multiple Species Conservation Program (MSCP), an approved Natural Community Conservation Plan (NCCP) in southern San Diego County. The Pacific pond turtle is a MSCP covered species with an impact avoidance condition. The condition is as follows: "Maintain and manage areas within 1500 feet around known locations within preserve lands for the species. Within this impact avoidance area, human impacts will be minimized, non-native species detrimental to pond turtles will be controlled, and habitat restoration/enhancement measures will be implemented." During a 2002-2003 study conducted by the United States Geological Survey (USGS), 72 sites within the MSCP area were surveyed for Pacific pond turtle presence. Pacific pond turtles were detected at only 5 of these 72 sites (Lake Murray, Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve, Lusardi Creek Preserve Lands, Santee Lakes, and Sycuan Peak Ecological Reserve), only 3 of which had more than one individual (Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve, Lusardi Creek Preserve Lands, and Sycuan Peak Ecological Reserve along the Sweetwater River; Madden-Smith et al. 2005). The surveys conducted by the USGS in 2002-2003, provided valuable information regarding the distribution of Pacific pond turtles, and raised management concerns about their viability. Following the 2002-2003 survey efforts, MSCP managers have sought to assess additional unsurveyed sites, and to prioritize and implement restoration actions to ensure the persistence of western pond turtles within the MSCP Preserve System. The Boulder Oaks Preserve became a part of the MSCP preserve system in 2003 after completion of the 2002-2003 USGS survey and has not been surveyed for Pacific pond turtles. Boulder Oaks Preserve includes three ponds which are potential habitat for Pacific pond turtles. Unlike other sites where restoration actions may be affected by human impacts (e.g., invasive species i

report 2004
Habitat Assessment and Baseline Surveys for the Western Spadefoot (Spea hammondii) and the Western Pond Turtle (Emys marmorata) on the Irvine Ranch Land Reserve
Lead author: Robert N. Fisher
Recent conservation planning for Orange County identifies the western spadefoot (Spea hammondii) and western pond turtle (Emys marmorata) as species requiring protection (NCCP/HCP, 1995). The western spadefoot is listed as a federal species of concern, a California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) species of special concern, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) sensitive species and Natural Community Conservation Plan (NCCP) County of Orange target species. The western pond turtle is listed as a federal species of concern, a CDFG species of special concern, a BLM sensitive species, and a United States Forest Service sensitive species. Initial surveys of Irvine Ranch lands for the western spadefoot (coastal reserve only) and the western pond turtle were conducted in 1995 and 1997, respectively. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) conducted surveys in 2003 and 2004 to 1) identify currently occupied habitats and 2) assess population status for these two locally rare species within the Irvine Ranch Land Reserve (IRLR). USGS surveys encompassed portions of both the IRLR coastal and central reserves. Western spadefoots were found to be widespread in the central reserve, occurring in all six surveyed areas. In the coastal reserve, western spadefoots were detected in two of the six surveyed areas. Western pond turtles were detected at 4 of the 32 surveyed area on Irvine Ranch lands, all west of Interstate 5. Western pond turtles were detected at the University of California, Irvine's (UCI's) San Joaquin Freshwater Marsh and adjacent portions of the San Diego Creek Channel. At two sites, Bonita Canyon and Strawberry Farms Golf Course only a single western pond turtle was detected. Currently the largest populations of western pond turtles within the IRLR are at the Shady Canyon turtle pond mitigation site. The success of The Irvine Company's (TIC) mitigation effort at the Shady Canyon turtle pond indicates successful turtle habitats can be created and maintained. This report summarizes USGS's habitat assessment of the baseline surveys of both the western spadefoot and western pond turtle on Irvine Ranch Land Reserve, and provides recommendations for management to conserve these species within the IRLR.

report 2015
Western Pond Turtle (Emys marmorata) Study for the TransNet Environmental Mitigation Program Grant Agreement 5001976, 2012-2014 Data Summary
Lead author: Chris Brown
Many of the watersheds in northern coastal San Diego County south of MCBCP are severely impacted by aquatic nonnative species and pond turtles are at high risk of extirpation in these drainages, if they are not already extinct in most locations. Similar to the restoration for pond turtles at SPER, the removal of nonnative aquatic species can release this pressure on extant pond turtle populations or prepare a site for reintroduction of pond turtles (Brown et al. 2012). However, in the MHCP region, the extent to which nonnative species are impacting pond turtle populations and habitat is unknown. Before successful active management can be implemented in the northern coastal drainages of San Diego County, the distribution and status of pond turtles and aquatic nonnatives must be determined and suitable habitat must be identified. In 2012, USGS began work on the TransNet Environmental Mitigation Program grant agreement 5001976 regarding the western pond turtle in order to assess the distribution of native and nonnative turtles and suitable habitat for pond turtles in coastal northern San Diego County south of MCBCP.

workshop summary 2010
Notes from Southwestern Pond Turtle Meeting on 1 November 2010
Lead author: Tim Hovey
Southwestern pond turtle (WPT) has been identified as a focal species for management in the draft Fiscal Year 2011 Land Management Grant Program. The San Diego Management and Monitoring Program is trying to assemble information regarding potential management actions to improve the status of WPT populations in San Diego County.