Goal: Protect and enhance existing significant occurrences of arroyo toad to self-sustaining levels and re-establish occurrences in locations where they previously existed to ensure persistence over the long-term (>100 years).
Management units: 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11
Annually inspect known areas occupied by arroyo toad to identify and reduce threats that can be managed at the local scale including road crossings, illegal encroachment, off-road vehicle use, non-native plants, trash dumping, grazing by livestock, and incompatible human recreation. Where possible, restrict access to arroyo toad upland and breeding habitats to help prevent disturbance to all arroyo toad life history stages (eggs, larvae, metamorphs and adults). Activities should be restricted in upland habitat year-round and in breeding habitat during the core of the breeding season (March to July).
| Action | Statement | Action status | Projects |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMP-1 | Using a regional "IMG" monitoring protocol, annually inspect significant Arroyo toad occurrences to assess status and quantify potential threats to determine management needs. AID_20161229_1831_100 | Available for implementation | |
| IMP-2 | Roads should be examined for high risk areas for arroyo toad crossing and use. Only slow moving vehicles (<5mph) with an occupant experienced in arroyo toad identification should be allowed on high risk roads after sunset (Zimmitti and Mahrdt 1999). | Available for implementation | |
| IMP-3 | An education program should be implemented that promotes the value of the arroyo toad and informs the public of restrictions and the importance of not disturbing the wildlife. | Available for implementation | |
| IMP-4 | Based upon occurrence status and threats, determine management needs including whether routine management or more intensive management is warranted. | Available for implementation | |
| IMP-5 | Submit monitoring and management recommendations to the MSP web portal | Available for implementation |
| Criteria | Deadline year |
|---|---|
| Annual IMG monitoring of Arroyo toad completed | 2021 |
| Threat Name | Threat Code |
|---|---|
| Altered fire regime | ALTFIR |
| Altered hydrology | ALTHYD |
| Climate change | CLICHN |
| Herbivory/predation | |
| Human uses of the Preserves | HUMUSE |
| Invasive animals | INVANI |
| Invasive plants | INVPLA |
| Urban development | URBDEV |
Management units: 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11
Beginning in 2018, conduct routine management actions for arroyo toad identified through the IMG regional protocol monitoring, including protecting populations from detrimental human use (e.g. ORV, trampling, altered hydrology), removing invasive plants, and removing aquatic predators and exotic species (which compete and/or prey on arroyo toads, primarily young) within the known arroyo toad habitat.
| Action | Statement | Action status | Projects |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMP-1 | Perform routine management activities such as protecting occurrences from human disturbance, controlling invasive plants, and removing invasive aquatic animals. | available for implementation | |
| IMP-2 | Submit project metadata and management data to MSP web portal. | available for implementation |
| Criteria | Deadline year |
|---|---|
| Routine Management Completed as Needed Based Upon Monitoring Recommendations | 2021 |
| Threat Name | Threat Code |
|---|---|
| Altered fire regime | ALTFIR |
| Altered hydrology | ALTHYD |
| Climate change | CLICHN |
| Herbivory/predation | |
| Human uses of the Preserves | HUMUSE |
| Invasive animals | INVANI |
| Invasive plants | INVPLA |
| Urban development | URBDEV |
Management units: 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11
From 2017 to 2021, continue genetic studies of the arroyo toad in San Diego Co. (using genetic material collected during past and present regional surveys) to evaluate the degree of genetic variation within and between populations and to possibly identify genetic bottlenecks or barriers; this information will also be used to determine source populations to use in re-establishing arroyo toads in previously occupied areas.
| Action | Statement | Action status | Projects |
|---|---|---|---|
| RES-1 | Continue to collect genetic samples during surveys for arroyo toad for use in examining the genetic relationship of arroyo toad in western San Diego County. | waiting for precedent action | |
| RES-2 | Analyze the genetic samples to evaluate the degree of genetic variation within and between populations and to possibly identify genetic bottlenecks or barriers. | waiting for precedent action | |
| RES-3 | Prepare management recommendations based upon the genetic analyses that maintain or enhance gene flow and genetic diversity and that identifies source populations. | waiting for precedent action | |
| RES-4 | Submit project metadata, datasets, and Arroyo Toad Genetics Study report to the MSP Web Portal. | Unknown |
| Criteria | Deadline year |
|---|---|
| Genetic samples collected from studies completed through 2021; Genetic Analysis and Report Completed by 2021. | 2021 |
| Threat Name | Threat Code |
|---|---|
| Loss of connectivity | LOSCON |
Management units: 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11
In 2020 and 2021 (assuming adequate rainfall levels), conduct comprehensive arroyo toad surveys using USGS survey protocols throughout the MSPA on Conserved Lands in known occupied and potential habitat to determine current distribution and status of arroyo toad, collect data on threats and habitat covariates, and identify management needs.
| Action | Statement | Action status | Projects |
|---|---|---|---|
| SURV-1 | Survey known occupied and potantial habitat on Conserved Lands across the MSPA to determine the distribution and abundance of arroyo toad on Conserved Lands. | Available for implementation | |
| SURV-2 | Collect data on threats and identify management needs to support self-sustaining occurrences. | Available for implementation | |
| SURV-3 | Continue to collect genetic samples from all arroyo toads captured. | Available for implementation | |
| SURV-4 | Submit survey data and management recommendations to MSP web portal | Available for implementation |
| Criteria | Deadline year |
|---|---|
| Comprehensive surveys completed for Arroyo toad by 2021 | 2021 |
| Threat Name | Threat Code |
|---|---|
| Altered fire regime | ALTFIR |
| Altered hydrology | ALTHYD |
| Climate change | CLICHN |
| Herbivory/predation | |
| Human uses of the Preserves | HUMUSE |
| Invasive animals | INVANI |
| Invasive plants | INVPLA |
| Loss of connectivity | LOSCON |
| Urban development | URBDEV |
Management units: 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11
In 2017, continue to convene with the working group of land managers, scientists, wildlife agencies, and local biologists knowledgeable in arroyo toad to review existing conditions of known occurrences on Conserved Lands, to prepare a plan for management of arroyo toad which considers each site, and to develop a regional monitoring strategy.
| Action | Statement | Action status | Projects |
|---|---|---|---|
| PRP-1 | Convene working group meetings to review existing conditions of known occurrences. | in progress | |
| PRP-2 | Use habitat models developed by USGS and results from survey and genetic analyses to identify suitable areas for long-term management. | in progress | |
| PRP-3 | Conduct site visits as necessary to identify appropriate management actions. | in progress | |
| PRP-4 | Develop an arroyo toad management plan. The plan should prioritize management actions for the next five years and detail tasks, lead entities, responsibilities, timelines, and budgets. | in progress | |
| PRP-5 | Submit management plan to MSP web portal | in progress |
| Criteria | Deadline year |
|---|---|
| Arroyo toad management plan completed by 2018 | 2021 |
| Threat Name | Threat Code |
|---|---|
| Altered fire regime | ALTFIR |
| Altered hydrology | ALTHYD |
| Climate change | CLICHN |
| Herbivory/predation | |
| Human uses of the Preserves | HUMUSE |
| Invasive animals | INVANI |
| Invasive plants | INVPLA |
| Loss of connectivity | LOSCON |
| Urban development | URBDEV |
Management units: 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11
Beginning in 2018, implement high priority actions identified in the Arroyo Toad Management Plan.
| Action | Statement | Action status | Projects |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMP-1 | Submit project metadata, management actions and report to MSP web portal | waiting for precedent action |
| Criteria | Deadline year |
|---|---|
| High priority management actions implemented for Arroyo toad | 2021 |
| Threat Name | Threat Code |
|---|---|
| Altered fire regime | ALTFIR |
| Altered hydrology | ALTHYD |
| Climate change | CLICHN |
| Herbivory/predation | |
| Human uses of the Preserves | HUMUSE |
| Invasive animals | INVANI |
| Invasive plants | INVPLA |
| Loss of connectivity | LOSCON |
| Urban development | URBDEV |
Management units: 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11
Beginning in 2018, monitor the effectiveness of management actions implemented for the arroyo toad.
| Action | Statement | Action status | Projects |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMP-1 | Submit project metadata, monitoring data and reports to MSP web portal | waiting for precedent action |
| Criteria | Deadline year |
|---|---|
| Effectiveness of implementing high priority arroyo toad management actions determined | 2021 |
| Threat Name | Threat Code |
|---|---|
| Altered fire regime | ALTFIR |
| Altered hydrology | ALTHYD |
| Climate change | CLICHN |
| Herbivory/predation | |
| Human uses of the Preserves | HUMUSE |
| Invasive animals | INVANI |
| Invasive plants | INVPLA |
| Loss of connectivity | LOSCON |
| Urban development | URBDEV |
Management units: 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11
Beginning in 2018, establish program and permits to allow emergency management actions for the arroyo toad during or immediately following wildfire events, such as implementation of emergency rescue and temporary translocation, to protect from potential loss or extirpation.
| Action | Statement | Action status | Projects |
|---|---|---|---|
| PRP-1 | Develop protocols, monitoring standards, and permit process for the rescue of Southwestern pond turtles during wildfire events. | Available for implementation |
| Criteria | Deadline year |
|---|---|
| Wildfire rescue program established for Arroyo toad in 2018 | 2021 |
| Threat Name | Threat Code |
|---|---|
| Altered fire regime | ALTFIR |
| Altered hydrology | ALTHYD |
Management units: 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11
Beginning in 2019, implement arroyo toad rescue program during wildfire events to protect from loss and/or extirpation.
| Action | Statement | Action status | Projects |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMP-1 | Submit management data and reports to MSP web portal | waiting for precedent action |
| Criteria | Deadline year |
|---|---|
| Wildfire rescue program implemented for Arroyo toad | 2021 |
| Threat Name | Threat Code |
|---|---|
| Altered fire regime | ALTFIR |
| Altered hydrology | ALTHYD |
Management units: 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11
Beginning in 2019, monitor the effectiveness of arroyo toad rescue programs following wildfire events, including both translocation or re-introduction efforts.
| Action | Statement | Action status | Projects |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMP-1 | Submit monitoring data and report to MSP web portal | waiting for precedent action |
| Criteria | Deadline year |
|---|---|
| Monitoring of post fire rescue programs for Arroyo toad implemented | 2021 |
| Threat Name | Threat Code |
|---|---|
| Altered fire regime | ALTFIR |
| Altered hydrology | ALTHYD |
Management units: 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11
From 2017 to 2021, implement post fire management actions to ensure the recovery of arroyo toad at occupied sites following wildfire events, including invasive plant and animal control, debris/sediment removal, erosion control or other management actions as needed following a fire.
| Action | Statement | Action status | Projects |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMP-1 | Implement needed management actions as determined through BAER or other post fire surveys. | waiting for precedent action |
| Criteria | Deadline year |
|---|---|
| Post fire management actions implemented following wildfire events | 2021 |
| Threat Name | Threat Code |
|---|---|
| Altered fire regime | ALTFIR |
| Altered hydrology | ALTHYD |
Management units: 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11
From 2017 to 2021, monitor stream conditions and the effectiveness of management actions implemented to assist in recovery of arroyo toad for 3 years following wildfire events.
| Action | Statement | Action status | Projects |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMP-1 | Monitor stream flows and water quality post fire, document recovery of arroyo toad populations and habitat, and effectiveness of any management actions for first 3 years after fire. | waiting for precedent action |
| Criteria | Deadline year |
|---|---|
| Monitoring of post fire management actions, stream conditions, and population status for arroyo toads implemented for 3 years post fire | 2021 |
| Threat Name | Threat Code |
|---|---|
| Altered fire regime | ALTFIR |
| Altered hydrology | ALTHYD |