Type: report

Article abstract: This report details the 2005 monitoring survey for the endangered willowy monardella (Monardella linoides spp. viminea, now Monardella viminea) on the eastern portion of Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Miramar. The purpose of the survey was to provide essential information for the continuing management of this federally endangered species, and to support MCAS Miramar’s stewardship commitments regarding population census, health, and management decisions. This survey assessed the willowy monardella population using an established monitoring protocol provided by the Environmental Management Department at MCAS Miramar. This protocol had been developed and employed during 2003 and 2004, thus making comparisons over time possible. Averaging over all 15 survey plots, there has been a 75% decline in the numbers of willowy monardella individuals from 2003 to 2005. This decline in numbers continues the losses already evident in 2004 when sampling took place after the Cedar Fire. The Cedar Fire had affected all willowy monardella plots in the project footprint. Documentation of the reduced numbers is presented. Some hypotheses are presented to explain the loss, include the negative, combined impacts of drought, fire, and severe flooding, all exacerbated by competition from invasive annual grasses and herbs.