Type: report

Article abstract: 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.