Goal: Protect and enhance existing populations of southwestern pond turtle to self-sustaining levels (i.e. 200+ individuals, even sex ratio, evidence of recruitment) in areas that meet the conditions for long-term management (low human access; high naturalness) and create new self-sustaining occurrences to ensure persistence over the long-term (>100 years).
Management units: 3, 4, 5, 6, 8
From 2017 to 2021, continue efforts to expand and translocate occurrences of pond turtles to increase to self-sustaining levels in MU3 in the Sweetwater and Otay River Watersheds (at SPER, RJER, and other suitable sites) and identify, expand, and translocate pond turtles in at least 2 other watersheds in the MSPA, including but not limited to the San Diego and San Dieguito Rivers. Translocation efforts may include management of invasive aquatic and plant species, providing access protection, and headstart efforts.
| Action | Statement | Action status | Projects |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMP-1 | Conduct routine management as needed at the Sycuan Peak ER occurrence of southwestern pond turtle. | In progress | |
| IMP-2 | Conduct routine management as needed at the Rancho Jamul ER translocated occurrence of southwestern pond turtle. | In progress | |
| IMP-3 | Continue to identify, begin management of invasive species, and translocate pond turtle to at least 2 suitable locations in the San Dieguito and San Diego River (e.g. El Monte Ponds, Boulder Creek Preserve) watersheds. | In progress | |
| IMP-4 | Submit monitoring and management data to the regional MSP web portal. | In progress |
| Criteria | Deadline year |
|---|---|
| By 2021, 2 new occurrences translocated in the San Diego and San Dieguito River Watersheds; SPER and RJER occurrences increased by 20% through recruitment from 2017 leve | 2021 |
| Threat Name | Threat Code |
|---|---|
| Altered hydrology | ALTHYD |
| 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
From 2017 to 2021, continue monitoring the effectiveness of southwestern pond turtle translocation experiments at SPER and RJER (see Table of Occurrences) and any additional translocated occurrences.
| Action | Statement | Action status | Projects |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMP-1 | Continue to monitor the expanded and head-started occurrence and/or habitat at SPER and RJER to document success. | In progress | |
| IMP-2 | Monitor other translocated occurrences to document success. | waiting for precedent action |
| Criteria | Deadline year |
|---|---|
| Southwestern Pond Turtle Translocation Monitoring and Reports Completed Annually | 2021 |
| Threat Name | Threat Code |
|---|---|
| Altered hydrology | ALTHYD |
| 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
From 2017 to 2021, implement invasive aquatic animal and invasive plant control at natural and translocated pond turtle occurrences as needed to increase recruitment and basking habitat.
| Action | Statement | Action status | Projects |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMP-1 | Follow guidelines in the existing Invasive Plant Strategic Plan (CBI et al 2012) and invasive plant and animal sections of the updated MSP. | In progress | |
| IMP-2 | Submit management data to the regional MSP web portal. | In progress | |
| IMP-3 | Unknown |
| Threat Name | Threat Code |
|---|---|
| Invasive animals | INVANI |
| Invasive plants | INVPLA |
Management units: 3, 4, 5, 6, 8
From 2017 to 2021, biennially inspect the existing occurrences of southwestern pond turtle to identify necessary management actions in order to support the expansion of the occurrence to self sustaining levels.
| Action | Statement | Action status | Projects |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMP-1 | Use regional IMG monitoring protocol to assess status, habitat, and quantify potential threats. | Available for implementation | |
| IMP-2 | Based upon occurrence status and threats, determine management needs including whether routine management or more intensive management is warranted. | Available for implementation | |
| IMP-3 | Submit monitoring and management data to the regional MSP web portal. | Available for implementation |
| Criteria | Deadline year |
|---|---|
| Surveys Completed every two years with management recommendations | 2021 |
| Threat Name | Threat Code |
|---|---|
| Altered hydrology | ALTHYD |
| 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
From 2017 to 2021, conduct routine management actions identified through the IMG regional protocol monitoring, including protecting populations from disturbance, removing invasive plants, and removing aquatic predators and exotic species (which compete and or prey on western pond turtle, primarily young) within the known occupied and suitable habitat.
| Action | Statement | Action status | Projects |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMP-1 | Perform routine management activities such as protecting occurrences from disturbance, controlling invasive plants, and removing invasive aquatic animals. | some occurrences are in progress | |
| IMP-2 | Submit project metadata and management data to MSP web portal. | some occurrences are in progress |
| Criteria | Deadline year |
|---|---|
| Routine Management Completed as Needed Based Upon Monitoring Recommendations | 2021 |
| Threat Name | Threat Code |
|---|---|
| Altered hydrology | ALTHYD |
| 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
Beginning in 2018, prepare a management plan for southwestern pond turtles that includes identification of high priority management actions at sites with self sustaining populations, as well as actions to establish of at least 2 additional pond turtle populations to increase resilience to fire and other threats. Include guidance & prioritizations for next steps for translocations. The plan should include actions to manage threats from hydrology, debris, invasive animals and plants, and fire, and the creation of basking sites.
| Action | Statement | Action status | Projects |
|---|---|---|---|
| PRP-1 | Develop a southwestern pond turtle management plan using the survey data with information on occurrence status and threats, habitat models, and management needs to determine if an appropriate location | waiting for precedent action | |
| PRP-2 | The plan should prioritize management actions for the next five years and detail tasks, lead entities, responsibilities, timelines, and budgets | waiting for precedent action | |
| PRP-3 | Submit management plan to MSP web portal | waiting for precedent action |
| Criteria | Deadline year |
|---|---|
| Management Plan for Southwestern pond turtle completed by 2018. | 2018 |
| Threat Name | Threat Code |
|---|---|
| Altered hydrology | ALTHYD |
| 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
Beginning in 2019, implement highest priority management actions as identified in the Southwestern pond turtle management plan.
| Action | Statement | Action status | Projects |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMP-1 | Management actions to be determined by the management plan. | waiting for precedent action | |
| IMP-4 | Submit project metadata and management data to MSP web portal. | unknown |
| Criteria | Deadline year |
|---|---|
| By 2021, =1 High Priority Management Action Implemented from the Southwestern pond turtle Management Plan | 2021 |
| Threat Name | Threat Code |
|---|---|
| Altered hydrology | ALTHYD |
| 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
Beginning in 2019, monitor the effectiveness of management actions implemented for the Southwestern pond turtle.
| Action | Statement | Action status | Projects |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMP-1 | Submit monitoring data and report to MSP web portal | waiting for precedent action |
| Criteria | Deadline year |
|---|---|
| Effectiveness of High Priority Management Actions Determined | 2021 |
| Threat Name | Threat Code |
|---|---|
| Altered hydrology | ALTHYD |
| 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
Beginning in 2018, establish program and permits to allow emergency management actions for the Southwestern pond turtle 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 Southwestern pond turtle in 2018 | 2021 |
| Threat Name | Threat Code |
|---|---|
| Altered fire regime | ALTFIR |
| Altered hydrology | ALTHYD |
Management units: 3, 4, 5, 6, 8
Beginning in 2019, implement Southwestern pond turtle 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 Southwestern pond turtle | 2021 |
| Threat Name | Threat Code |
|---|---|
| Altered fire regime | ALTFIR |
| Altered hydrology | ALTHYD |
Management units: 3, 4, 5, 6, 8
Beginning in 2019, monitor the effectiveness of Southwestern pond turtle rescue programs following wildfire events, including 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 Southwest pond turtles implemented | 2021 |
| Threat Name | Threat Code |
|---|---|
| Altered fire regime | ALTFIR |
| Altered hydrology | ALTHYD |
Management units: 3, 4, 5, 6, 8
From 2017 to 2021, implement post fire management actions to ensure the recovery of Southwest pond turtle at occupied sites following wildfire events, including invasive plant and animal control, debris/sediment removal, erosion control or other management actions as needed after fire.
| Action | Statement | Action status | Projects |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMP-1 | Implement needed management actions as determined through BAER or other post fire surveys. | available for implementation |
| 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
From 2017 to 2021, monitor stream conditions and the effectiveness of management actions implemented to assist in recovery of Southwestern pond turtle for 3 years following wildfire events.
| Action | Statement | Action status | Projects |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMP-1 | Monitor stream flows and water quality postfire, document recovery of southwestern pond turtle 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 Southwest pond turtles implemented for 3 years post fire | 2021 |
| Threat Name | Threat Code |
|---|---|
| Altered fire regime | ALTFIR |
| Altered hydrology | ALTHYD |
| Metric | Condition | Trend | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
1. Presence of Adult vs Juvenile Pond TurtlesScore based on population viability by subwatershed |
Significant Concern |
Improving |
High |
2. Invasive Aquatic Species Impact ScoreImpact score of invasive aquatic species by subwatershed |
Concern |
No Change |
Moderate |
3. Water Availability ScoreScore based on hydrologic impacts and observed water levels by subwatershed |
Concern |
Unknown |
Moderate |
4. Managed Occurrences on Conserved LandsScore based on the level of management and outcome (presence of juveniles/young) |
Significant Concern |
Improving |
High |
|
Connectivity Strategic Plan for Western San Diego County Science Session
A strategic plan for connectivity (CSP) of preserve lands in western San Diego County was developed for the San Diego Association of Government's Environmental Mitigation Program Working Group (EMPWG) in 2011. It was prepared by the SDMMP utilizing the input from a science workshop held in 2010. Many of the high priority items in the CSP have been completed and the data collected over those several years were utilized to inform management decisions. In 2014, there was a need to update and refocus the connectivity strategies and priorities for implementation. The purpose of this meeting was to gather input for the updated CSP. It followed a similar format to the 2010 connectivity workshop. The meeting consisted of a review of completed and in process projects, followed by breakout groups, and then an integration of ideas and recap session. The breakout groups were: (1) Large Animals and Landscape Connectivity; (2) Small Animals; and (3) Pollinators. The meeting focused on:
1. Identifying species to focus questions on connectivity; 2. Identifying questions and objectives to be considered for connectivity for species, and 3. Identifying available methodologies for addressing the questions and objectives. The updated CSP is found in Volume 3 of the Management Strategic Plan.
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Regional Grazing Monitoring Plan
This project evaluates using grazing as a management tool for degraded grasslands and coastal sage scrub habitat. Pilot projects will be conducted to look at the efficacy of grazing as management tool and necessary monitoring techniques.
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Southwestern Pond Turtle Recovery Project
The southwestern pond turtle (Emys marmorata pallida) is California’s only extant native freshwater turtle and is in decline throughout its range, having been extirpated from much of coastal southern California. Historically, the pond turtle inhabited coastal draining streams, ponds, and lakes feeding primarily on small aquatic invertebrates and vegetation while having no native aquatic predators). However, threats to the pond turtle now include altered hydrology (dams and diversions), habitat fragmentation and direct mortality from roads and development, and predation by nonnative aquatic species including bullfrogs (Lithobates catesbeianus) and Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides). The San Diego Management and Monitoring Program (SDMMP) supports the MSCP and has developed the Management Strategic Plan to define the management area (the western portion of San Diego County; MSPA) with distinct management units (11 management units grouping preserves and preserve complexes; MU) within the MSPA to assist with prioritizing management actions to conserve the 75 species covered by the MSCP, including the pond turtle.
Since 2002, USGS, in support of Sandag and SDMMP, has been conducting research on the natural history of southwestern pond turtle to understand the demography of rare and listed taxa in the region which includes the MSPA. This research includes studying the responses of the pond turtle to large scale threats, such as drought and wildfire, as well as smaller scale threats, such as from nonnative taxa. Specifically, our research seeks to understand the causes of decline of the pond turtle on conserved lands, which includes lands within the MSPA, and how the populations respond to management actions including pond turtle translocation and nonnative aquatic species removal.
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SR 94 Wildlife Infrastructure Plan
Proposed road improvements to SR 94 provide an opportunity to mitigate the potential barrier effects of the highway. This project identifies where improvements to existing infrastructure on SR-94 could improve connectivity across the South County preserves, using Best Management Practices from the scientific literature; recommends wildlife movement monitoring to identify where new crossings are needed; and identifies where additional conservation would enhance the integrity of South County linkages. The review prioritizes infrastructure improvements of 35 existing undercrossings inspected by wildlife experts in the field along 14.6 miles of SR-94 where the highway bisects conserved lands. The majority of the recommendations for infrastructure improvement focus on increasing the diameter, and thus the openness ratio (cross-sectional area divided by length), of the undercrossing itself, removing vegetation and debris blocking the undercrossing, restoring habitat in the approach to the undercrossing, and installing fencing to both (1) keep animals off the highway and (2) funnel wildlife to the undercrossings.
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Puget Sound, WA to northern Baja California, Mexico [1, 2, 3].
Within the MSPA, found in MUs 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, and 11 [4]. Important Conservation Areas of medium and high priority for turtles include Jamul Creek, middle Sweetwater River, Pine Creek-Hauser Canyon, San Diego River, Santa Ysabel Creek, Upper San Dieguito River, Upper Santa Margarita River, San Luis Rey River, and Agua Hedionda Creek.
SSC
Slow moving permanent or intermittent streams, small ponds, small lakes, reservoirs, abandoned gravel pits, permanent and ephemeral shallow wetlands, stock ponds, and sewage treatment lagoons. Emergent basking sites, vegetation and suitable terrestrial shelter and nesting sites characterize optimal habitat. Adjacent upland areas provide overwintering and estivation sites [3, 5].
Two subspecies of western pond turtle are recognized, E.m. marmorata (San Fransisco and Sacramento Valley northward) and E.m. pallida (south of San Fransisco). Four distinct mitochondrial clades have been identified: (1) Northern (2) San Joaquin Valley (3) Santa Barbara (4) Southern [6,7]. Additionally, recent genetic studies by USGS suggests SW pond turtles are distinct between watersheds in S. Calf [8].
Activity is dependent on temperature, with most activity when water temperature above 15ºC; courting and mating observed February - November [3, 9].
Females may reproduce at 4-8 years of age; most nests are within 50m of edge of water; clutch size varies from 2-13 eggs; incubation times vary from 94-122 days in wild [3, 9].
Feeds on larvae of dragonflies, mayflies, stoneflies, caddisflies, midges, beetles, plus crayfish, other aquatic invertebrates and vegetation; will scavenge on fish, frogs, and toads [3].
Occupies small home range in streams but larger area in uplands; females move shorter distances than males (149m vs 367m, mean values) [3, 12].
Human activities (e.g., recreation, collection, roads), water quality, drought, non-native turtles, native and non-native predatory species (e.g. bullfrogs, large-mouth bass, coyotes, raccoons, opossums, sunfish, crayfish, carp, mosquitofish) [10]. Feral pigs may eat young turtles and their rooting can impact pond turtle habitat [11].
Excerpted from the Western Riverside Co. MSHCP (see [13] and citations within) - Destruction of suitable habitat appears to be the biggest threat to populations of the western pond turtle. Today, the only extensive populations remaining are in northern California and southern Oregon. In recent years, the southern California pond turtle population has experienced an alarming decline. Between Ventura County and the Mexican border, known localities have decreased from 87 in 1960, to 57 in 1970, and as of 1987, only 10 of 255 sites inspected were thought to support reproductively viable populations. Fifty-three of the 255 sites inspected contained pond turtles, the distribution of these sites follows: 25 in Ventura County, 10 in Los Angeles County, eight in San Diego County, four in Orange County, three in southwestern San Bernardino County, and three in western Riverside County. Conservation management of aquatic turtles should include not only protection of aquatic habitat, but also preservation and restoration of dispersal corridors and adjacent terrestrial habitat (potentially 500 m or more from the wetland boundary) for nesting, hibernation, and estivation (Holland, 1994; Burke and Gibbons, 1995). These corridors should also be protected from impacts associated with exotic plant and animal species, new road construction, cattle and off-road vehicle use. Reintroductions and the establishment of satellite populations would also contribute to the protection of the pond turtle.
[1] Bury, R.B. 1970. Clemmys marmorata. Catalogue of American Amphibians and Reptiles 100:1-3.
[2] Stebbins, R.C. 1985. A field guide to western reptiles and amphibians, 2nd ed. Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston, Massachusetts.
[3] Bury, R.B. and D.J. Germano. 2008. Actinemys marmarota (Baird and Girard 1852) – western pond turtle, pacific pond turtle. In: Rhodin, A.G.J., Pritchard, P.C.H., van Dijk, P.P., Saumure, R.A., Buhlmann, K.A., and Iverson, J.B. (Eds.) Conservation Biology of Freshwater Turtles and Tortoises: A Compilation Project of the IUCM/NSSC Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group. Chelonian Research Monographs No. 5. Pp. 001-001.9, doi: 10.3854/crm.5.001.marmorata.v1.2008, http://www.iucn-tftsg.org/cbftt.
[4] MSP-MOM. 2016. Management Strategic Plan Master Occurrence Matrix. http://sdmmp.com/reports_and_products/Reports_Products_MainPage.aspx
[5] Rathbun, G.B., N. Siepel and D. Holland. 1992. Nesting behavior and movements of western pond turtles, Clemmys marmorata. Southwest. Nat. 37:319-324.
[6] Spinks, P.Q. and H.B. Schaffer. 2005. Range-wide molecular analysis of the western pond turtle (Emys marmarota): cryptic variation, isolation by distance, and their conservation implications. Molecular Ecology 14: 2047-2064.
[7] Spinks, P.Q., R.C. Thomson, and H.B. Bradley. 2010. Nucelar gene phylogeography reveals the historical legacy of an ancient inland sea on lineages of the western pond turtle, Emys marmorata in California. Molecular Ecology (2010) 19, 542-556.
[8] Fisher, R.N., D.A. Wood, C.W. Brown, P.Q.S., and A.G. Vandergast. 2012. Assessment of Western Pond Turtle Population Genetic Structure and Diversity in Southern California. Powerpoint presentation at the SDMMP monthly management/monitoring coordination meeting. July.
[9] Holland, D.C. 1994. The western pond turtle: habitat and history. U.S. Department of Energy, Bonneville Power Administration, Portland, Oregon. 11 chapters + appendices.
[10] Madden-Smith, Melanie, Ervin, Edward, Meyer, Kathy, Hathaway, Stacie, and Robert N. Fisher. 2005. Distribution and Status of the Arroyo Toad (Bufo californicus) and Western Pond Turtle (Emys marmorata) in the San Diego MSCP and Surrounding Areas. Prepared for California Department of Fish and Game and the County of San Diego. U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center.
[11] Personal communication between Y.Moore, SDMMP and S.Tremore, SDNHM. 2013.
[12] Bury, R.B. 1972. Habitats and home range of the pacific pond turtle, Clemmys marmorata, in a stream community. Ph.D. dissertation, University of California Berkeley. 205 pp.
[13] Riverside County. 2003. Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP). Final MSHCP, volume II. Prepared for County of Riverside County Transportation and Lands Management Agency by Dudek & Associates, Inc. Approved June 17, 2003.