NNaattuurree RReesseerrvvee ooff OOrraannggee CCoouunnttyy County of Orange Central/Coastal NCCP/HCP
2013 ANNUAL REPORT 2013 ANNUAL REPORT
Nature Reserve of Orange County 15600 Sand Canyon Avenue Irvine, CA 92618
www.naturereserveoc.org Nature Reserve of Orange County ANNUAL REPORT 2013
Table of Contents
BACKGROUND AND INTRODUCTION...... 1 1.0 NROC ORGANIZATIONAL GOVERNANCE AND ANNUAL REPORT OVERVIEW ...... 1 1.1 Board of Directors Milestones in 2013 ...... 1 1.2 Annual Report Format Revision ...... 2 2.0 NROC SCIENTIFIC PROGRAM STATUS AND WORK PLAN 2013-14 ...... 6 2.1 Introduction ...... 6 2.2 Work Plan Table ...... 7 2.3 Project Descriptions ...... 8 2.4 Potential In Development Projects ...... 43 2.5 Habitat Restoration & Enhancement Summary Tables ...... 44 2.6 A 17-Year Retrospective ...... 46 3.0 NROC CONSERVATION CUSTODIAL FUNDS ...... 64 3.1 2013 Pacific Pocket Mouse Custodial Fund ...... 64 3.2 2013 Cowbird Fund ...... 64 4.0 RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLANS AND POLICIES ...... 64 4.1 Fire Management Plan ...... 64 4.2 Habitat Restoration and Enhancement Plan ...... 65 4.3 Recreation Management Plan ...... 65 4.4 Grazing Management Plan ...... 65 5.0 IMPACTS TO CSS IN THE CENTRAL/COASTAL NCCP/HCP ...... 66 5.1 Authorized Take by Participating Landowners as Reported in 2013 ...... 66 5.2 Take by Non-Participating Landowners – Mitigation Fee Option ...... 66 6.0 ACCOUNTING OF FUNDS RECEIVED AND DISPERSED BY NROC...... 66 7.0 BOUNDARY CHANGES/MINOR AMENDMENTS IN THE RESERVE SYSTEM ...... 67 8.0 RESERVE LANDOWNER/MANAGER PROGRESS REPORTS AND WORK PLANS...68 8.1 Crystal Cove State Park 8.2 CA Department of Fish and Wildlife Ecological Reserves 8.3 Orange County Parks 8.4 City of Irvine 8.5 City of Newport Beach 8.6 The Irvine Company 8.7 University of California, Irvine 8.8 Irvine Ranch Water District 8.9 Transportation Corridor Agencies 8.10 Orange County Waste and Recycling
Acknowledgements The Nature Reserve of Orange County appreciates and thanks the reserve landowners and land managers whose hard work and collaboration makes a significant contribution to the health of the Reserve and this Annual Report. Nature Reserve of Orange County
ANNUAL REPORT 2013
Sections: 1.0 - 7.0
Nature Reserve of Orange County BACKGROUND The Implementation Agreement for the County of Orange NCCP/HCP Central and Coastal Subregion specifies that an Annual Report be prepared each year to describe activities of the non-profit management corporation and of landowners and land managers within the reserve system. The annual report contains a progress report for the preceding year and a work plan for the following year. This report is being submitted to the US Fish and Wildlife Service and California Department of Fish and Wildlife to fulfill that requirement for the years 2013/2014. Guidelines provided by the Wildlife Agencies were used in the preparation of this report.
INTRODUCTION The Nature Reserve of Orange County (NROC) is the 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation that was formed to manage the Natural Communities Conservation Plan/Habitat Conservation Plan (NCCP/HCP) for the Central/Coastal Subregion of Orange County. NROC’s mission is “To ensure the persistence of the reserve’s natural communities, including the full spectrum of native plant and animal species, through the protection, study and restoration of native habitats and natural processes.” Thirty-nine sensitive species are protected, including nine plant and 30 animal species. The primary vegetation type in the Reserve is coastal sage scrub, coexisting in an intricate mosaic of oak woodland, native grassland, chaparral, Tecate cypress and riparian communities.
NROC helps coordinate the management activities of reserve landowners and managers in the 38,000-acre reserve system. Additionally, it conducts biological research and monitoring, and implements habitat restoration and enhancement programs in coordination with landowners and managers. The overall biological goal of the Reserve program is to conserve healthy, functioning ecosystems at a landscape level. This is accomplished through adaptive management, a flexible approach that is open to change based on new scientific information.
1.0 NROC ORGANIZATIONAL GOVERNANCE AND ANNUAL REPORT OVERVIEW 1.1 Board of Directors Milestones in 2013 March · The election of public at-large members was held in March, and new directors and alternates, representing environmental, business and recreation communities, are: Environment – Garry Brown, Director; Elisabeth Brown, PhD, Alternate Director Business – Jerry A. King, Director; Michael Recupero, Esq., Alternate Director Recreation – Thomas Eastman, Director; Harry Helling, Alternate Director
· Board of Directors unanimously approved the NROC 2012 Annual Report and 2013 Work Plan for submission to the Wildlife Agencies.
· President Mark Denny elevated the Land Managers Council to a Board Committee— Land Management Committee, chaired by Director Todd Lewis.
June · The audited financial statement for fiscal year 2012 was approved by the board. The financial statement was found to be materially correct by the auditor, and received an unqualified opinion. · NROC Board established an Audit Committee.
1 September · NROC Board of Directors conducted a one-half day Strategic Plan Workshop to review and recommend changes to the December 20, 2012 approved plan.
· NROC Science Coordinator, Milan Mitrovich, PhD, prepared a 17 year review of NROC Science and Land Management Project Funding
December · NROC convened an independent Science Experts Panel to assist the organization in a review of past accomplishments, its current organizational capacity and role, prioritizing critical issues and threats facing the Reserve, and providing direction in establishing a five to ten year science vision.
· NROC Board approved revised Strategic Plan and associated strategies, objectives and master calendar.
· Brian Fisk, City of Irvine, was elected Vice President of the NROC Board.
· The Board of Directors approved the fiscal year 2014 budget.
1.2 Annual Report Format Revision NROC has produced an Annual Report since 1997. Over the years the format and content have evolved, and the report has grown in size and complexity. Recently, NROC conducted a survey of members of its Board of Directors (which includes representatives of the Wildlife Agencies), land managers and key partners to gain insight to the current utility of the Annual Report, the amount of time various individual stakeholders spend in the preparation of the document, and recommendations of changes that would improve its value. Below is a table of NROC’s survey findings.
Forty surveys were mailed. Twenty-four (60%) were returned completed: 15 (55.6%) from NROC Directors and Alternates, seven (100%) from NCCP/HCP land managers and two (33.3%) from selected key partners.
Topline Summary · Significantly more Land Managers than NROC Directors/Alternates reported participating directly in the production and editing of the 2013 NROC Annual Report and 2014 Work Plan.
· Responding Land Managers on average spent three times more time in the production and editing of the current year NROC Annual Report than NROC Directors/Alternates.
· Slightly more than 50 percent of both responding NROC Directors/Alternates and Land Managers reported that last year’s (2012) Annual Report and Work Plan was unused or under-utilized as a resource during 2013.
In an early attempt to respond to survey comments regarding improving the usefulness and readability of the Annual Report, NROC is testing format changes in its portion of this Annual Report and will coordinate with others to critique the modifications to determine which, if any, will be standardized for use in future reports and Timewhich and will beValue further Annual refined andReport tested. Survey of NROC Board of Directors, Land Managers and
2 Time and Value Annual Report Survey of NROC Board of Directors, Land Managers and Key Partners
# Question NROC Director Land Manager Other Key or Alternate (n=7) Partner (n=2) (n=15)
1a Did you participate directly in the production Yes: 10 Yes: 6 Yes: 2 of any part of the 2013 (66.7%) (85.7%) (100%) NROC Annual Report/2014 Annual No: 5 No: 1 No: 0 Work Plan? (This (33.3%) (14.3%) includes writing, editing and/or approving) □ Yes □ No
1b uIf yo answered “yes” to the above question how Total responses: 8 Total responses: 6 Total responses: much of your time would Range: 3-32 hrs Range: 2.5-160 hrs 2 you estimate you spent Average: 10.1 hrs Average: 34.6 hrs Range: 10-40 hrs in the production/editing No response: 7 No response: 1 Average: 25 hrs of the 2013 NROC Annual Report/2014 Annual Work Plan?
Didu yo read the 2012 2 Yes, (entire): 6 Yes, (entire): 3 Yes, (entire): 0 NROC Annual Report (40%) (42.85%) once it was finalized? Yes, (partial): 4 Yes, (partial): 1 Yes, (partial): 0 □ Yes, most if not the (26.7%) (14.3%) entire document □ Yes, but only the No: 5 No: 3 No: 2 (100%) portion relating to the (33.3%) (42.85%) lands and projects for which I’m responsible □ No
3 # Question NROC Director Land Manager Other Key or Alternate (n=7) Partner (n=2) (n=15)
3 Do you find the 2012 ≥ 6 times/yr: 0 ≥ 6 times/yr: 0 ≥ 6 times/yr: 0 NROC Annual Report to be a(n): □ resource/reference that < 6 times/yr: 4 < 6 times/yr: 3 < 6 times/yr: 0 you consult six or more (26.7%) (42.8%) times throughout the year to inform land management and Not/underused: 8 Not/underused: 4 Not/underused: 2 planning decisions (53.3%) (57.1%) (100%) □ resource/reference that you consult less than six No response: 3 times throughout the year to inform land management and planning decisions □ unused or underused document
-Focus on what is -Assume it serves its -Simplify report 4 What change(s) to the different in Reserve purpose for wildlife preparation Annual Report would and future direction agencies -improve make it more useful for -Annual report card -need to have relevancy to your purposes? on target status consensus between NCCP/HCP goals and management agencies and land -Improve report’s actions (X2) managers on work value as a -Summary of target plan format planning tool and species status and -Highlight progress tracker adaptive summaries on -Reorganize management health of key format grouping responses habitats and wildlife projects (i.e., how -Summarize -Overall assessment many Cactus ongoing of Reserve health (A wren projects management — F grade) were conducted) actions, their -Need clarification of and project status effectiveness and report’s purpose Online future actions (X2) -Each landowner coordination of -Less narrative provides statistics reports so that -No sense of on all targets and data entry and Reserve status: what was done for data queries may ecosystem view them occur all year -Need performance long metrics
4 # Question NROC Director Land Manager Other Key or Alternate (n=7) Partner (n=2) (n=15) -Develop system -Each landowner for online data provide status of submittal invasive plants and -Highlight annual animals, and and strategic goals recreation and progress -Need to shine a toward light on what -Summarize changes to the projects in abstract Reserve are format with link to occurring and where full study write ups they occur (X2) -More standardized -Standardize forms to be landowner reports completed by report and work plans contributors to formats (X2) improve consistency -Reports should of reporting among emphasize public landowners use/resource conflicts, management strategies and/or minimization measures employed -What’s the purpose: report to inform landowners or a regulatory compliance tool? -Include agency/participant contact information -Simplify reporting of details using graphs, tables, etc.
5 2.0 NROC SCIENTIFIC PROGRAM STATUS AND WORK PLAN 2013-14
2.1 Introduction The primary responsibility of NROC is to facilitate implementation of an effective management program that maintains the long term net habitat value of coastal sage scrub habitat within the Subregion. Through its biological monitoring and research program, NROC gathers key information on the status and trends of the biological resources and operation of natural systems found within the Reserve. The knowledge gained from these activities informs development of the Reserve’s science-based management program that is implemented in an adaptive framework.
Habitat restoration and enhancement is critical to maintaining and enhancing the long-term viability and function of the habitat within the Reserve, and serves a key role in the Reserve’s management program. As defined by the NCCP/HCP, any activity designed to enhance existing biological functions, or restore biological functions that were present historically but no longer are present within the Reserve is treated as a restoration or enhancement activity. Traditionally, the focus of NROC’s habitat restoration program has been on the restoration of the conditions that support the target species and habitat, however, the program has the flexibility to be expanded to include the enhancement or restoration of the full range of habitats included within the Reserve, as well as, the monitoring and associated adaptive management of ongoing operation and maintenance activities, public access and recreation uses, and fire management programs within the Reserve.
The Work Plan Table (Section 2.2) details the progress and accomplishments of twenty-four projects sponsored by NROC during the period covered (2013-14). The first four of these projects are considered complete from the perspective of NROC. All others are continuing or new projects that will be implemented in 2014. Project Descriptions (Section 2.3) were written to facilitate development of a project database that allows for the standardization of tracking project status, cost, matching contributions, landowner involvement, and accomplishments. In addition, the information provided in the summary table allows projects to be directly linked to project reports, GIS data, and contracts, as well as assigns projects to different program classes and areas, and by resource.
A list of potential “In Development” projects for 2014 is provided under Section 2.4. The listed projects and potentially others will be considered for addition to the Work Plan. A total of $190,000 was made available for “In Development” projects in 2014, bringing the total approved Work Program budget to nearly $840,000, a similar value to the amount approved in FY 2013. Additional changes to the format to the Annual Report include the creation of summary tables of habitat restoration and enhancement activities sponsored by NROC in 2013 (Section 2.5). In future years, the activities of landowners may be summarized in a similar fashion.
In 2013 NROC produced a 17-year retrospective of science and land management project funding presented to the Board of Directors on 19 September. Because of the significance of this assessment, NROC wanted to memorialize the study by including it in the Annual Report (Section 2.6).
6 2.2 2013-2014 NROC Work Plan Table
*
**
Project Name Progression Project Fund Secured Funds Matching 2013 2014 Parks County Orange and Recycling Waste County Orange City of Irvine Park State Cove Crystal Wildlife and Fish of Dept. CA Newport of Beach City University of California, Irvine District Ranch Water Irvine Agencies Corridor Transportation Company Irvine The 1 USDA OCIM Program R Y $4,000 -- X X X X X X X X X X 2 Cactus Wren Foraging E $25,000 -- X X 3 Cactus Wren Trans/Lake Forest R $45,000 -- X X X X X X X 4 Black Mustard R $16,000 -- X X 5 Oak Pathogen Monitoring R $5,000 -- X X X X X X X X X X 6 Reptile Species Monitoring† -- E $35,000 -- 7 NROC Monitoring Plan† -- E $50,000 -- 8 Veg Map Phase II E Y $130,600 -- X X X X X X X X X X 9 UCB Veg Change R Y $82,400 $45,500 X X X 10 Rare Plant Inventory R $60,000 -- X X X X X X X X X X 11 Cactus Scrub UCI Rest/Measure M R Y $56,600 $37,400 X 12 Cactus Salvage/Lake Forest R $52,100 $45,700 X X 13 Cactus Rest LCWP & UCI/EEMP R Y $56,100 $17,600 X X X 14 CCSP Cactus Scrub Enhancement R Y $11,800 $12,500 X 15 IRC Cactus Wren Link/USDA R Y $8,100 $7,800 X 16 Invasive Plant Program Mgmt R $45,000 $50,000 X X X X X 17 Invasive Plant Control R $100,000 $100,000 X X X X X 18 Sahara Mustard Control R $7,500 $10,000 X X X 19 Cowbird Trapping C $35,000 $35,000 X X X X 20 Mountain Lion Project E $10,000 $10,000 X X X X X X X 21 Aerial Weed Survey/Coastal R Y -- $85,000 X X X X 22 Veg Map/Accuracy Assessment E Y -- $80,000 X X X X X X X X X X 23 NROC Database Mgmt E -- $85,000 X X X X X X X X X X 24 Rapid Assessment/HREP R -- $25,000 X
Endowment: $250,600 $175,000 Restoration: $549,600 $436,500 Cowbird: $35,000 $35,000 Total: $835,200 $646,500 * Green = Project is on or ahead of schedule; Yellow = Project requires additional attention by NROC staff and/or contractors; Red = Project requires substantial attention by NROC staff and/or contractors, project is in jeopardy of not progressing; White = Project is approved, but not initiated ** R = Restoration & Acquisition Fund; E = Endowment Fund; C = Cowbird Fund † Project postponed
7
2.3 Project Descriptions
List of Acronyms AIS = Aerial Information Systems CCSP = Crystal Cove State Park CDFW = California Department of Fish and Wildlife CEB = Center for Environmental Biology CNPS = California Native Plant Society COI = City of Irvine CONB = City of Newport Beach EEMP = Environmental Enhancement Management Program HCP = Habitat Conservation Plan HREP = Habitat Restoration and Enhancement Plan IRC = Irvine Ranch Conservancy IRWD = Irvine Ranch Water District LAG = Local Assistance Grant LCF = Laguna Canyon Foundation LCWP = Laguna Coast Wilderness Park MOU = Memorandum of Understanding NCCP = Natural Communities Conservation Plan NROC = Nature Reserve of Orange County OCIM = Orange County Invasive Management OCP = Orange County Parks OCWR = Orange County Waste and Recycling TAC = Technical Advisory Committee TCA = Transportation Corridor Agencies TIC = The Irvine Company TNC = The Nature Conservancy UCI = University of California, Irvine UNB = Upper Newport Bay USDA = US Department of Agriculture USFWS = US Fish and Wildlife Service VegCAMP = Vegetation Classification and Mapping Program
1. USDA OCIM Program
Project ID XXXX-XX Project Title USDA OCIM Program Contractor(s)/Researcher UC Berkeley Time Period 2010-2013 Total Project Cost $14,000 Amount Budgeted $4,000 (2013) Fund Restoration Matching Contribution(s) USDA ($14,000) Landowner Involvement OCP, OCWR, COI, CCSP, CDFW, CONB, UCI, IRWD, TCA, TIC Project Status NROC component of project is complete, although data analysis and manuscript publication headed-up by UC Berkeley is ongoing
8 Project Progression On schedule Program Class Monitoring/Research Program Area Habitat Restoration Resource Coastal Sage Scrub Project Purpose Assess effectiveness of past restoration techniques employed across Central and Coastal Orange County and create an on-line tool for tracking and informing the development of habitat restoration projects within the NCCP-Reserve Available Report(s) -- Available GIS Product(s) --
Overview
In 2010, Dr. Katharine Suding at UC Berkeley (UCB), Dr. Stephen Swallow at the University of Connecticut, and the Nature Reserve of Orange County (NROC) were awarded a three-year grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture that focuses on restoring native communities invaded by exotic plants. The project funded by the grant was designed to lead to an increased understanding of the threshold dynamics of invasion and restoration so that management actions can be developed and selected with an understanding of ecological and economic constraints and trade-offs. By selecting the appropriate actions for restoration across the landscape, costs can be minimized and sustainability optimized. The project is a collaborative effort with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and Irvine Ranch Conservancy (IRC) and involves extensive outreach to land managers and weed control/restoration practitioners. Dr. Suding is overseeing the project and focusing on measuring ecosystem recovery and management. At the scale of the large, spatially heterogeneous and multiple user reserve system, her team is estimating the ecological success of management alternatives to control invasive species, enhance ecosystem services, and increase resistance to further invasion. Dr. Swallow is leading the analysis of economic trade-offs and valuation. This task includes estimating the costs of different management trajectories and determining stakeholder priorities based on market and non-market valuation of ecosystem services. NROC is responsible for the stakeholder engagement and facilitating development of the decision-making component. This involves engaging stakeholders in combining ecologically based invasion management and economic valuation components with decision support tools and centralized information exchange. One component of this will be developing a web-based decision tool for determining and tracking restoration management actions.
Progress
In 2012, post-doctoral researcher, Sara Jo Dickens (UCB), working with Dr. Suding further advanced their assessment of the effectiveness of restoration techniques employed across the Central and Coastal Subregion of Orange County. Using the ecological data collected in 2011 from the 132 passive and active restoration sites and randomly selected control sites, Dr. Suding and Dr. Dickens built a number of statistical models to identify which environmental and management factors best predict restoration success. The goal of the modeling exercise was to identify clear relationships between restoration measures and outcomes that could be incorporated into an online- based decision making tool that land managers can use to help prioritize and develop restoration projects. Analysis of the data collected in 2011 continued through 2013 with manuscript preparation the focus of the effort.
GreenInfo Network was brought into the project in 2012 to assist UC Berkeley in developing the online-based decision making tool. A beta-version of the tool was first unveiled to project partners and land managers in October of 2012. The meeting was held in a workshop format that was co-hosted by NROC and UCB. The focus of the workshop was on introducing the web-based habitat restoration database and decision tool being produced from the collaborative efforts of UC Berkeley, NROC, land managers, and Wildlife Agencies. The beta-version of the tool unveiled at the workshop was designed based on land manager needs and interests as determined by their
9 participation in previous workshops and applied research conducted by UC Berkeley. A second workshop in which an advanced version of the web-tool was unveiled was hosted in 2013. The tool was formerly rolled-out in late 2013, with the distribution of a draft manual and the distribution of passwords to project partners for purposes of accessing the tool.
Key Milestones
1. OCIM Web-tool Workshop I (Due: 31 December 2012): Workshop held 25 October 2012 2. OCIM Web-tool Workshop II (Due: 31 December 2013): Workshop held on 13 November 2013 3. Launch OCIM Web-tool (Due: 31 December 2013): OC RESTORE web-tool launched on 14 December 2013
Key Findings
Workshop participants provided the following feedback with the purpose of informing additional design of the tool. Highlights from the feedback provided during the workshop included a clear desire by land managers to be able to use the tool to: (1) assess proposed restoration sites; (2) search their respective management areas for sites to be prioritized for restoration; (3) search the restoration database for historical restoration data; (4) track restoration activities; and (5) assist them in meeting their reporting obligations.
Notes
NROC is responsible for managing the tool going forward and has begun discussions with GreenInfo Network and Sara Jo Dickens, UCB Post-doctoral scholar, about continuing to stay engaged in the management and development of the tool as the tool comes on-line.
2. Cactus Wren Foraging
Project ID XXXX-XX Project Title Cactus Wren Foraging Contractor(s)/Researcher Kamada Time Period 2012-2013 Total Project Cost $50,000 Amount Budgeted $25,000 (2013) Fund Endowment Matching Contribution(s) -- Landowner Involvement COI, UCI Project Status Field component is complete, data analysis is ongoing Project Progression Requires additional attention by NROC staff and/or contractors Program Class Monitoring/Research Program Area Sensitive Biological Resources Resource Cactus Wren Project Purpose Determine the influence of arthropod abundance, community composition, and habitat structure on habitat quality for the Cactus Wren. Available Report(s) Nature Reserve of Orange County: Coastal Cactus Wren Survey and Monitoring for Post-Translocation and Arthropod Foraging Studies in 2013. Final Report prepared for California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Prepared by Dana Kamada, Milan Mitrovich, and Kristine Preston. Feb., 2014. Available GIS Product(s) --
10 Overview
The Cactus Wren, one of three NCCP Target Species, has declined in number within NROC since the 1990's. While much of the population decline is considered to be the result of wildfire, losses in the Coastal NCCP Reserve have occurred in the absence of recent fire. Increased non-native annual grass and forb cover or other changes in habitat components may be impacting territory quality, foraging behavior and/or diet, and, ultimately the reproductive success of Cactus Wrens. The purpose of the three-way collaborative research project between UC Irvine, NROC, and Irvine Ranch Conservancy (IRC) is to characterize the relationships between habitat components, arthropod assemblages, and Cactus Wren foraging behavior and diet, and ultimately, reproductive success.
Progress
In both 2012 and 2013, NROC provided funds to delimit Cactus Wren territories, conduct foraging observations, record nesting success, and collect fecal samples for diet analysis. UC Irvine Center for Environmental Biology (CEB) provided funds to Dr. Kailen Mooney to survey components of Cactus Wren habitat for arthropods and to analyze cactus wren fecal samples (both morphologically and using DNA bar-coding). Irvine Ranch Conservancy provided in kind staff time for project design, field implementation, and visual fecal analysis. The immediate goal of this study was to characterize foraging behavior, available food resources, and diet of Cactus Wrens in order to identify which component(s) of the habitat and food resources are most tightly associated with foraging success and diet. In both 2012 and 2013, surveys were conducted at UCI Ecological Preserve, Bommer Canyon, and Sand Canyon Reserve. At each of these three sites, in 2013, as in 2012, data was collected on Cactus Wren reproduction and foraging behavior in conjunction with the arthropod sampling conducted by CEB. During the field effort fecal samples were opportunistically collected by NROC contractors and transferred to Dr. Mooney’s lab for analysis. Although the field component of the project is now complete, the project requires additional attention by NROC staff and/or the project partners as the laboratory and data analysis components of the project are still ongoing.
Key Milestones
1. Conduct bird surveys, monitor, and band Cactus Wrens from March 2013 through July 2013 (Due: 31 July 2013): Completed on schedule 2. Map vegetation associated with monitored 2012 and 2013 Cactus Wren territories (Due: 31 December 2013): Completed on schedule 3. Datasets with all relevant 2013 data collected on Cactus Wrens transferred to UCI (Due: 31 December 2013): Completed on schedule 4. FINAL MOU Report Due (Due: 31 January 2014): FINAL MOU Report delivered to CDFW on 30 January 2014
Key Findings
Not available at this time, as the laboratory and data analysis is still in progress.
Notes
Although the project is considered complete from a project management perspective, NROC staff will continue to work with project partners, Dr. Mooney (UCI) and IRC staff, to support the ongoing analysis of the field and laboratory data, and eventual publication of the research.
11 3. Cactus Wren Trans/Lake Forest
Project ID XXXX-XX Project Title Cactus Wren Trans/Lake Forest Contractor(s)/Researcher Kamada Time Period 2011-2013 Total Project Cost $125,600 Amount Budgeted $45,000 (2013) Fund Restoration Matching Contribution(s) -- Landowner Involvement OCP, COI, CCSP, CDFW, CONB, UCI, TCA, TIC Project Status Completed Project Progression On schedule Program Class Monitoring/Research Program Area Sensitive Biological Resources Resource Cactus Wren Project Purpose Assess effectiveness of translocation as a tool for the management of Cactus Wren Available Report(s) Nature Reserve of Orange County: Coastal Cactus Wren Survey and Monitoring for Post-Translocation and Arthropod Foraging Studies in 2013. Final Report prepared for California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Prepared by Dana Kamada, Milan Mitrovich, and Kristine Preston. Feb., 2014. Available GIS Product(s) --
Overview
In the spring and summer of 2006, NROC successfully executed the first-ever reported translocation of adult and juvenile Cactus Wrens. During this translocation effort, NROC staff and contracted biologists captured and moved 10 Cactus Wrens from a development site in central Orange County to protected habitats in Upper Newport Bay, approximately 17 km west of the donor site. The Cactus Wrens involved with this translocation successfully established multiple territories at the receptor site immediately following their release. Descendants of the original translocated wrens still occupy the original territories established in 2006, seven years after the translocation. In November 2011, NROC working in coordination with the Wildlife Agencies, County of Orange, City of Lake Forest, and others, initiated a project to capture Cactus Wrens from a site being cleared of native vegetation and to translocate these individuals to a reserve within Orange County’s Central and Coastal NCCP. The development site, located near the intersection of El Toro and Portola Roads in the City of Lake Forest, is owned by the City and to be the home of a future sports park (Lake Forest Sports Park and Recreation Center). The area to be developed supported approximately 43 acres of coastal sage scrub, including many acres of cactus scrub occupied by Cactus Wrens. The receptor site selected for the translocation is the James Dilley Open Space Preserve in Laguna Canyon. In 2011, the James Dilley Preserve supported 63 acres of suitable cactus scrub habitat no longer occupied by Cactus Wrens.
Progress
In total, nine Cactus Wrens were captured at the Lake Forest Sports Park site and released at the James Dilley Preserve in late 2011. Following their release, NROC biologists monitored the translocated Cactus Wrens to track changes in the birds’ status and provide supplemental food. A total of three territories were established (JD01, JD02, and JD03) at the James Dilley Preserve in 2011 and maintained into 2012. The three territories included two pairs of adult birds at JD01 and JD02 and an adult and two juvenile birds at JD03. The remaining two adult Cactus Wrens were observed at the site through early December but then disappeared. In 2012, the JD01 pair of Cactus
12 Wrens produced two fledglings. Observations completed in July and August of 2012 indicated that the adults and young still remained together and active within their territory in the James Dilley Preserve. Similar to the JD01 pair of Cactus Wrens, the JD02 pair remained and nested at the James Dilley Preserve in 2012. Although their first nest attempt was unsuccessful, the pair successfully fledged two young in early July. The three Cactus Wrens associated with the JD03 territory were observed to remain at James Dilley through middle of April 2012, prior to disappearing. With respect to the two missing Cactus Wrens from 2011, both wrens were not observed at the James Dilley Preserve in 2012. One of the two missing wrens was re-sighted in June 2012 approximately 3.6 km NNW of its last sighting in the James Dilley Preserve in December 2011. The wren (KW-Mp) had established a territory at the new location and successfully reared three young with a Cactus Wren not involved in the translocation effort.
Follow-up surveys in 2013 confirmed the presence of only the adult pair of Cactus Wrens from the JD01 territory at James Dilley Preserve. In 2013, the JD01 pair made two nest attempts, but the first clutch of eggs did not hatch and it is suspected that the second clutch was depredated. In 2013, the male, KW-Mp, was paired with an unbanded female in the same location the bird was last seen in 2012. The pair produced two fledglings. At the time or soon after the nestlings fledged, KW-Mp started a brood nest with a separate banded-female at a neighboring territory. KW-Mp and the banded female produced three fledglings. One of KW-Mps 2012 fledglings was also resighted in 2013. The 2nd year female wren had established a territory approximately 0.75 km west of her natal territory. The female was paired with a non-translocated 2nd year male wren. The pair nested once during 2013 and produced three fledglings. MpK-W was resighted 4.4 km NW from its release location at JD03. The male was paired with an unbanded female. Although several suspected roost nests were found, no brood nests were observed. In addition to following the 2011 translocated Cactus Wrens and their progeny, a descendant from the 2006 translocated Cactus Wrens was observed at Quail Hill, approximately 10 km from Upper Newport Bay. The female wrens wa paired with an unbanded male and they had two brood nests. The first nest failed prior to estimated fledgling of young and the second brood nest produced three fledglings. The female wren was originally banded in 2009 as a fledgling of two originally translocated wrens. LBP-M was last seen at UNB02 on 3 May 2010.
Key Milestones
1. Conduct surveys and monitor Cactus Wrens from March 2013 through September 2013 (Due: 30 September 2013): Completed on schedule 2. Datasets with all relevant 2013 data collected on Cactus Wrens entered into spreadsheets and provided to NROC (Due: December 31, 2013): Completed on schedule 3. Prepare Data to meet State and Federal Permit Reporting Requirements (Due: December 31, 2013): Completed on schedule 4. FINAL MOU Report Due (Due: 31 January 2014): FINAL MOU Report delivered to CDFW on 30 January 2014
Key Findings
After five years of surveys and/or monitoring in the Coastal Reserve the population of Cactus Wrens at the Upper Newport Bay site appears to be highly isolated dampening the benefit of the relatively consistent high productivity of the site. In the case of both the Upper Newport Bay and James Dilley translocated Cactus Wrens the potential contribution to the number of Cactus Wrens to the Coastal Reserve results more from the productivity of a few exceptional individual wrens then from the number of wrens that were translocated.
13 Both the James Dilley and Upper Newport Bay populations of Cactus Wrens appear to have failed to attract additional local immigrants into the respective populations. The reverse appears to be occurring with the translocated wrens and their progeny recruiting into the Coastal Reserve population of breeding wrens.
The objective to increase gene flow and genetic diversity in the Coastal Reserve wren population has been shown to be successfully accomplished, at least in the short-term, with the dispersal and productivity of the JD male, KW- Mp, and his fledgling, and the dispersal of the UNB female.
Notes
In 2014, NROC is considering funding additional surveys to follow the translocated Cactus Wrens and their progeny Cactus Wrens for another season. The work would not be as involved as in years past and would be tied to the development of a Cactus Wren management plan for the Coastal Reserve.
4. Black Mustard
Project ID XXXX-XX Project Title Black Mustard Contractor(s)/Researcher Endemic Environmental Services Time Period 2010-2013 Total Project Cost $64,000 Amount Budgeted $16,000 (2013) Fund Restoration Matching Contribution(s) -- Landowner Involvement CCSP, UCI Project Status Field work component is complete, data analysis needs to be initiated Project Progression Requires additional attention from NROC staff and/or project contractor(s) Program Class Monitoring/Research Program Area Weed Control Resource Coastal Sage Scrub Project Purpose Identify a cost-efficient and effective means for reducing the cover of black mustard and increasing the cover of native plants within the NCCP Reserve Available Report(s) Mustard Experiment Summary Report – Year 4 Monitoring. Prepared by Endemic Environmental Services. Prepared for Nature Reserve of Orange County. Dec., 2013. Available GIS Product(s) --
Overview
In order to identify the most cost-efficient and effective means of reducing black mustard cover and increasing native plant cover, NROC in collaboration with UC Cooperative Extension, Crystal Cove State Park, and UC Irvine Ecological Preserve undertook a four-year weed control and seeding experiment in the Coastal Reserve. Initiated in 2010, the experiment measures the response of mustard to several years of repeat treatment (i.e., mowing or herbicide application) and native seed addition across six plots established in the Coastal Reserve. The herbicide experiment is based upon small-scale research conducted in San Diego by Carl Bell, Regional Advisor for Invasive Plants at UC Cooperative Extension. In San Diego, it was found that an annual application of glyphosate to non- native annuals (mostly invasive grasses of the genus Bromus but also exotic forbs such as Erodium species, Centaurea melintensis, and black mustard) in early spring eliminated the grasses and reduced the population of forbs if done annually for four years. This glyphosate application is broadcast over an area, so it is important that no native perennial species are present within the area to be affected by the herbicide. Additionally, because the
14 application time is early in the season, native annuals have not yet germinated and are unlikely to be affected. Glyphosate has no activity in the soil, so there is no harm to plants that have not germinated or will be planted at a later date.
Progress
The experiment entered its fourth and final year in 2013. In 2013, Endemic Environmental Services along with Carl Bell of the UC Cooperative Extension treated the six study plots established in 2010 for the fourth consecutive year at the UC Irvine Ecological Preserve (2 plots) and Crystal Cove State Park (4 plots). Herbicide and mechanical treatment of the study plots were applied in March. In April, following the weed control treatments, the vegetation in each subplot was measured by biologists from Endemic Environmental Services. Specifically, plant cover and composition measurements were recorded every meter along a 20 m transect placed diagonally across each plot. There were also four 1 m2 quadrats in a staggered alignment along each side of each transect. Photographs were taken of each subplot. In December 2013, subplots designated for seed treatments at the end of year four were seeded. Native seeds used for seeding of the plots were collected onsite at UC Irvine and provided by State Park staff at Crystal Cove. To date, qualitative monitoring of the multi-year experiment has shown mixed success in terms of controlling mustard across the six experimental plots. The project requires additional attention from NROC staff and/or project contractor(s) as the four years of data collected to date has yet to be analyzed. In addition, it needs to be determined whether or not additional funding should be made available to monitor the study plots in 2014 and beyond.
Key Milestones
1. Site Establishment (Due: 15 March 2010): Completed by 22 March 2010 2. YR 1 Site Treatment: (Due: 31 March 2010): Completed by 16 March 2010 3. YR 1 Vegetation Monitoring (Due: 30 May 2010): Completed by 19 April 2010 4. YR 2 Site Treatment: (Due: 31 March 2011): Completed by 22 March 2011 5. YR 2 Vegetation Monitoring (Due: 30 May 2011): Completed by 2 May 2011 6. YR 2 Seed Addition (Due: 31 December 2011): Completed by 28 December 2011 7. YR 3 Site Treatment: (Due: 31 March 2012): Completed by 16 March 2012 8. YR 3 Vegetation Monitoring (Due: 30 May 2012): Completed by 30 May 2012 9. YR 3 Seed Addition (Due: 31 December 2012): Completed by 16 December 2012 10. YR 4 Site Treatment: (Due: 31 March 2013): Completed by 7 March 2013 11. YR 4 Vegetation Monitoring (Due: 30 May 2013): Completed by 30 April 2013 12. YR 4 Seed Addition (Due: 31 December 2013): Completed by 12 December 2013 13. FINAL Summary Report (Due: 31 December 2013): Completed on 23 December 2013
Key Findings
Not available at this time, as the project data has yet to be analyzed.
Notes
The NROC Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) indicated there were a number of ongoing experiments and control efforts targeting mustard within the South Coast Ecoregion and the individuals working on these efforts may be a resource to NROC staff as a pathway for proceeding with analysis and interpretation of the data is defined.
15 5. Oak Pathogen Monitoring
Project ID XXXX-XX Project Title Oak Pathogen Monitoring Contractor(s)/Researcher UC Riverside (Eskalen) Time Period 2011-2013 Total Project Cost $30,000 Amount Budgeted $5,000 (2013) Fund Restoration Matching Contribution(s) -- Landowner Involvement OCP, OCWR, COI, CCSP, CDFW, CONB, UCI, IRWD, TCA, TIC Project Status Project write-up is complete, workshop and manual are ongoing Project Progression Requires additional attention by NROC staff and/or contractor(s) Program Class Monitoring/Research Program Area Sensitive Biological Resources Resource Oak Woodlands Project Purpose Determine the occurrence of fungal pathogens on coast live oaks within two coastal and inland sites within the NCCP-Reserve Available Report(s) A Pilot Investigation Assessing the Occurrence of Pathogens on Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia) throughout the Nature Reserve of Orange County, California. Prepared by Shannon Lynch and Akif Eskalen (University of California, Riverside). May, 2013. Available GIS Product(s) --
Overview
The Nature Reserve of Orange County contracted with Dr. Akif Eskalen and his research team at the Center for Conservation Biology and Department of Plant Pathology at UC Riverside in 2012 to sample oak pathogens at select sites in the Coastal and Central Reserves. The work was initiated because of a recent detection of disease symptoms in oak woodlands in the Coastal and Central Reserves and confirmation of a newly discovered and increasingly widespread fungal pathogen (Diplodia corticola) in the Coastal Subregion. The pathogen, D. corticola, has been recently discovered throughout oak woodlands in San Diego and western Riverside County and has been demonstrated to be pathenogenic to coastal live oaks (Quercus agrifolia). The goal of the study is to determine the occurrence and impact of fungal pathogens on coast live oaks within the NCCP-Reserve by establishing long-term sampling plots and implementing sampling methods consistent with those used in San Diego and western Riverside Counties.
Progress
Initiated in 2012, the oak pathogen-monitoring project involved surveys for oak pathogens in coast live oak woodlands in four locations (Limestone Canyon, Serrano Creek, Wood Canyon, and Laurel Canyon) in the Coastal and Central Reserves. At each of these sites permanent plots were established and tree health, size, and symptoms were recorded and sampled for all pathogens. Collected trunk staining and cankered branch samples were analyzed using genetic techniques to identify pathogens. Results show the branch and trunk canker pathogen (Diplodia corticola) was recovered from symptomatic tissues of oak collected within the sampled coastal sites. In Europe this species is a known contributor to the decline of cork oaks. Management recommendations for minimizing the risk of spreading diseases among oak trees within the Reserve are to be highlighted in a workshop for resource managers in 2014. A best practices manual for the management of oak pathogens within the NCCP- Reserve is in development and will likely be completed in the spring of 2014. The project is considered to require
16 additional attention by NROC staff and/or the contractors, as both the workshop and manual were initially scheduled to be complete by the end of 2013.
Key Milestones
1. Plot Establishment and Sample Isolations (Due: 31 January 2012): Completed on schedule 2. Data Analysis (Due: 30 May 2012): Completed on schedule 3. FINAL Project Report (Due: 15 April 2013): FINAL Project Report completed on 28 May 2013 4. DRAFT Manual (No due date identified in agreement): DRAFT Manual provided to NROC on 1 October 2013 5. FINAL Manual (Due: 31 October 2013) 6. Land Manager Workshop (Due: 31 October 2013)
Key Findings
Sampled oak woodlands appear to be healthier than those in San Diego and Riverside Counties. The more aggressive pathogens were most prevalent in the coastal sites. The branch and trunk canker pathogen Diplodia corticola (Botryosphaeriaceae), an aggressive pathogen on coast live oak was recovered from cankered branch tissues collected within the coastal sites. Other aggressive pathogens of oak, including Fusarium solani and Diplodia agrifolia were also detected at every coastal plot. Of the aggressive pathogens, D. corticola is the most vigorous. Low frequencies of any of these fungal species are considered to warrant further investigation on their impact over time because evidence suggests that D. corticola is an exotic species known to exist in areas of oak mortality throughout San Diego County and be a contributor to cork oak decline in Europe. Although one component of the decline of oaks in San Diego County is the goldspotted oak borer, the pattern of decline also appears to be similar to that of cork oak in Europe, where multiple fungi (including D. mutila and F. solani) co-occur as pathogens with D. corticola.
Notes
In order to understand the full impact of fungal diseases on coast live oak in the Nature Reserve of Orange County over time, the problem needs to be assessed over time at both the level of the landscape and individual. A future expansion of the scope of the monitoring project will require an increase in the sample size (i.e., number of plots sampled), at each site and through expanding sampling to other sites. Expanding the sampling to other locations would allow for the simultaneous monitoring of any establishment of Fusarium dieback, a new disease to the area transmitted by a newly discovered and introduced Euwallacea sp. beetle.
6. Reptile Species Monitoring
Project ID XXXX-XX Project Title Reptile Species Monitoring Contractor(s)/Researcher -- Time Period 2013 Total Project Cost $35,000 Amount Budgeted $35,000 (2013) Fund Endowment Matching Contribution(s) -- Landowner Involvement -- Project Status Postponed
17 Project Progression Not Applicable Program Class Monitoring/Research Program Area Sensitive Biological Resources Resource Reptiles Project Purpose Address monitoring requirements of the NCCP/HCP by implementing status and trend monitoring of three reptile species covered by the NCCP/HCP Available Report(s) -- Available GIS Product(s) --
Overview
In order to address specific monitoring requirements directed at the orange-throated whiptail lizard in the Coastal/Central NCCP/HCP reptile-monitoring methodologies, specifically walking transects, were considered for implementation in 2013 as part of the development of the Reserve’s long-term monitoring program. The focal reptile species to be the focus for the monitoring efforts include the orange-throated whiptail lizard, coastal whiptail lizard, and coast horned lizard. Each of these species is covered by the NCCP/HCP. The last year reptiles were included in annual monitoring efforts by NROC was 2002. As part of the proposed monitoring efforts, NROC is reviewing the potential for revisiting some of the orange-throated whiptail line transects that were walked in the Coastal and Central Reserves in the early 1990s as part of the initial NCCP/HCP planning efforts. The data from these surveys resulted in decent detection/non-detection data for coast horned lizards and orange-throated whiptails. A comparison between the two time periods from an occupancy perspective may be informative, especially for horned lizards.
Progress
Not applicable, as the project was postponed. Following the arrival of the new NROC Executive Director in early 2013, an alternative strategy was implemented for the development of a monitoring plan for target resources in the NCCP/HCP Reserve. Implementation of this new strategy led to the postponement of the Reptile Species Monitoring project.
Key Milestones
Not identified, as the project was postponed.
Key Findings
Not available, as the project was postponed.
Notes
Development of a comprehensive monitoring plan, which includes reptile monitoring, for the NCCP Reserve supports one of the principal tenets of NROC’s new strategic plan, which involves meeting the monitoring requirements outlined in the NCCP/HCP.
7. NROC Monitoring Plan
Project ID XXXX-XX Project Title NROC Monitoring Plan Contractor(s)/Researcher --
18 Time Period 2013 Total Project Cost $50,000 Amount Budgeted $50,000 (2013) Fund Endowment Matching Contribution(s) -- Landowner Involvement -- Project Status Postponed Project Progression Not applicable Program Class Planning Program Area Sensitive Biological Resources Resource Multiple Project Purpose Develop a long-term monitoring plan using the best available science to effectively monitor species, habitats, and management activities. Available Report(s) -- Available GIS Product(s) --
Overview
The County of Orange Central & Coastal Subregion NCCP/HCP requires monitoring of Target and Identified species and habitats to inform ongoing management of the NCCP/HCP Reserve in an effort to address the goal of maintaining long-term net habitat value of coastal sage scrub habitat within the Subregion. The NCCP/HCP envisions a systematic sampling program focusing on the three Target Species (California Gnatcatcher, Cactus Wren, and orange-throated whiptail) and the coastal sage scrub vegetation community. The NCCP/HCP also includes a requirement to develop an inventory of Target, Identified and Special Interest Species and to conduct related management monitoring. The NCCP/HCP assumes that after gathering initial inventory data, a transition will be made to monitoring management actions and their effectiveness on the targeted resources. The NROC Monitoring Plan provides funding to facilitate continued development of NROC’s long-term monitoring plan.
Progress
Not applicable, as the project was postponed. Following the arrival of the new NROC Executive Director in early 2013, an alternative strategy was implemented for the development of a long-term science and monitoring plan for the NCCP/HCP Reserve. Implementation of this new strategy led to the postponement of the NROC Monitoring Plan project and reassignment eof th allocated funds.
Key Milestones
Not identified, as the project was postponed.
Key Findings
Not available, as the project was postponed.
Notes
Development of a comprehensive monitoring plan for the NCCP Reserve supports one of the principal tenets of NROC’s new strategic plan, which involves meeting the monitoring requirements outlined in the NCCP/HCP.
19 8. Veg Map Phase II
Project ID XXXX-XX Project Title Veg Map Phase II Contractor(s)/Researcher Aerial Information Systems (AIS) Time Period 2013-2015 Total Project Cost $130,600 Amount Budgeted $130,600 (2013); -- (2014) Fund Endowment Matching Contribution(s) CDFW LAG ($75,000); TNC ($30,000) Landowner Involvement OCP, OCWR, COI, CCSP, CDFW, CONB, UCI, IRWD, TCA, TIC Project Status Continuing Project Progression Ahead of schedule Program Class Monitoring/Research Program Area Sensitive Biological Resources Resource Coastal Sage Scrub Project Purpose Monitor landscape-level change in vegetative composition and structure through time Available Report(s) -- Available GIS Product(s) --
Overview
In Phase I of the vegetation mapping project, project consultant, AECOM, developed a draft version of a new vegetation classification system for Orange County using the new State and Federal standard methodology for classifying vegetation. In Phase II, a new fine-scale digital vegetation map of much of the Central and Coastal NCCP Subregions will be produced through the application of the classification system to the photo-interpretation of available imagery data.
Progress
The project is considered to be progressing ahead of schedule. In Phase II, which began in spring of 2013, Todd Keeler-Wolf and Anne Klein of VegCAMP reviewed and edited the draft vegetation classification (developed by AECOM in Phase I of the project), producing a working classification system for purposes of producing the digital vegetation map. Aerial Information Systems (AIS) was hired in 2013 as the project vegetation mapping contractor. Working with VegCAMP and others, AIS, completed two initial rounds of field reconnaissance of the study area in May and June of 2013. Beginning in June, AIS began actively mapping the vegetation using GIS. Effective August 1, 2013 at an increased cost of $30,000.00, the project study area was increased from approximately 58,000 acres to 82,000 acres and additional field reconnaissance days were added to the project budget. The new study area includes all NCCP-enrolled lands as well as the neighboring The Nature Conservancy easement lands and several thousand acres of adjoining open-space. A draft vegetation map covering 50% of the study area was due to be delivered at the end of January 2014 and final production of the new vegetation map and associated vegetation manual is estimated to be complete by the end of 2014. One-day workshop associated with the roll-out of the new vegetation map is scheduled to occur in the first quarter of 2015.
Key Milestones
1. DRAFT Vegetation Map (50% complete) (Due: 31 January 2014): DRAFT Vegetation Map (considered 97% complete) was delivered to VegCAMP and project partners for review and comment on 15 January 2014 2. DRAFT Vegetation Map (100% complete) and Vegetation Manual (Due: 15 January 2015)
20 3. FINAL Approved Vegetation Map and Manual (Due: 30 March 2015) 4. One-day Workshop (Due: 30 March 2015)
Key Findings
Not available at this time, as the project is still in progress.
Notes
The project was fully funded in 2013 by NROC with $105,000.00 in assistance from project partners. The assistance includes a California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Local Assistance Grant (LAG) in the amount of $75,000.00 to offset the cost of implementing Phase II; and two grants totaling $30,000.00 from The Nature Conservancy to extend the study area beyond the Reserve boundary to include their easement lands and neighboring open space.
9. UCB Veg Change
Project ID XXXX-XX Project Title UCB Veg Change Contractor(s)/Researcher Suding (UC Berkeley) Time Period 2013-2014 Total Project Cost $127,900 Amount Budgeted $82,400 (2013); $45,500 (2014) Fund Restoration Matching Contribution(s) CDFW LAG ($60,000) Landowner Involvement OCP, COI, CCSP Project Status Continuing Project Progression On schedule Program Class Monitoring/Research Program Area Weed Control Resource Coastal Sage Scrub Project Purpose Measure the long-term vegetative response to invasive plant species control activities at the level of the landscape Available Report(s) Assessing Effectiveness of Management Actions on Recovery of CSS Plant Communities Over-Time (First Report). Prepared for the Nature Reserve of Orange County. Prepared by Sara Jo Dickens, UC Berkeley. Dec., 2013 Available GIS Product(s) --
Overview
The multi-year project, initiated in 2013, provides an updated description of the vegetation at approximately 110 locations undergoing weed control activities within the Coastal Reserve previously sampled in 1998 and 2008. The addition of a third survey time period allows for implementation of a time-series approach to investigating the trajectories managed lands have been on since initiation of herbicidal control activities. By capitalizing on past vegetation monitoring, the new survey work and planned analyses of the monitoring data are expected to aid in the discovery of the mechanisms underlying the complex dynamics of vegetation recovery and inform restoration decision-making with the Reserve.
21 Progress
The project is considered to be progressing on schedule. Plant surveys were completed at all sites over a 12-week period in the spring of 2013. Data management and analysis is ongoing. A stakeholder workshop is to be held in the first quarter of 2014 to share preliminary project results and get feedback on the planned future direction of the data analysis. A final project report is due at the close of 2014.
Key Milestones
1. Field Surveys (Due: 31 August 2013): Completed on schedule 2. Interim Report (Due: 30 November 2013): Interim Report delivered to CDFW on 3 December 2013 3. Workshop to discuss preliminary results with project partners (Due: 30 March 2014): Workshop tentatively scheduled for April 2014 4. DRAFT Final Report (Due: 15 November 2014) 5. FINAL Report with GIS shape-files and associated metadata (Due: 31 December 2014)
Key Findings
Although key findings from the current effort are not available at this time as the project is still in progress, prior analysis of existing survey data indicates there have been substantial changes in the sampled areas in both native and exotic species cover between 1998 and 2008. Notably, increases in native cover and black mustard cover have accompanied the overall reduction in artichoke thistle cover during this time period. The causes of these changes in species composition over time is not necessarily clear, although past land use and soil type, along with the herbicide control program appear to all be important factors.
Notes
The 18-month study was partially funded ($82,400) in 2013 by NROC. A total of $45,500 was approved by NROC for 2014. In 2013, CDFW awarded NROC a LAG in the amount of $60,000 to support implementation of the project.
10. Rare Plant Inventory
Project ID XXXX-XX Project Title Rare Plant Inventory Contractor(s)/Researcher UC Irvine Time Period 2013-2015 Total Project Cost $120,000 Amount Budgeted $60,000 (2013); -- (2014) Fund Endowment Matching Contribution(s) -- Landowner Involvement OCP, OCWR, COI, CCSP, CDFW, CONB, UCI, IRWD, TCA, TIC Project Status Continuing Project Progression Requires additional attention from NROC staff and/or project contractor Program Class Monitoring/Research Program Area Sensitive Biological Resources Resource Rare Plants Project Purpose Inventory, map, and monitor the distribution of rare plants, describe stressors and threats to individual species, and identify and implement management measures Available Report(s) --
22 Available GIS Product(s) --
Overview
NROC has agreed to partner with UC Irvine’s Center for Environmental Biology to create and support a two-year post-doctoral research position at the University for the purpose of addressing the development and implementation of the inventory and analysis phase of NROC’s Rare Plant Monitoring and Management Program. Through the position, the researcher would work on issues related to vegetation change and dynamics in the Reserve with emphasis on the compilation and analysis of rare plant abundance, distribution, and dynamics.
Progress
As of January 2014, a post-doctoral scholar has been hired by the University to work on the project for the next 12 to 24 months. NROC staff, working with the University has developed a tentative project scope and deliverables for inclusion in a future agreement with the University. In February 2014, a data arrangement between the University and NROC was agreed to by representatives from both institutions. The project is considered to require additional attention from NROC staff and/or the project contractor as a contract/agreement between the University and NROC still needs to be finalized. Further development of an agreement is delayed until an overhead policy is established for NROC eby th organization’s Board of Directors.
Key Milestones
Not available at this time as setting of key milestones requires finalization of a contract/agreement between the University and NROC.
Key Findings
Not available at this time, as project is still in progress.
Notes
A total of $121,000 in NROC funds is temporarily restricted for the development of a rare plant management and monitoring plan and initial implementation of identified management strategies. Fully funded in 2013, the inventory would complete the first phase of program development.
11. Cactus Scrub UCI Rest/Measure M
Project ID XXXX-XX Project Title Cactus Scrub UCI Rest/Measure M Contractor(s)/Researcher Land IQ; Nakae & Associates Time Period 2011-2017 Total Project Cost $359,400 Amount Budgeted $56,600 (2013); $37,400 (2014) Fund Restoration Matching Contribution(s) OCTA ($325,000) Landowner Involvement UCI Project Status Continuing Project Progression On schedule Program Class Land Management
23 Program Area Habitat Restoration Resource Coastal Sage Scrub Project Purpose Restoration of 8.5 acres of coastal cactus scrub at UC Irvine Ecological Preserve Available Report(s) 2013 Performance Monitoring Report Year 1 – Measure M Cactus Scrub Restoration for the University of California Irvine Ecological Preserve. Prepared for Nature Reserve of Orange County. Prepared by Land IQ. Nov., 2013. Available GIS Product(s) --
Overview
The Measure M Cactus Scrub Restoration Project is funded under the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Measure M environmental mitigation program. This project involves the restoration of approximately 8.5 acres of highly disturbed and non-native grassland habitat to coastal cactus scrub within the University of California Irvine (UCI) Ecological Preserve. The $325,000 Measure M grant awarded to NROC runs through 2016.
Progress
The project is considered to be progressing on schedule. The 8.5 acres of cactus scrub restoration was initiated in late 2011 with seeding occurring in late 2012. The Measure M restoration combined with the EEMP cactus scrub restoration totals 12.5 acres of cactus scrub restoration at the UCI Ecological Preserve less than three years old. The Measure M site has performed well over the last 24+ months and is regularly visited by the two target bird species, Cactus Wren and California Gnatcatcher. Prior to seeding, the site showed some natural recruitment from the soil seed bank, including, California sagebrush (Artemisia californica), doveweed (Croton setigerus), fascicled tarplant (Deinandra fasciculata), twiggy wreath plant (Stephanomeria virgata), and needlegrass (Nassella sp.). Ongoing maintenance and monitoring of the Measure M funded restoration project is scheduled to occur through 2017.
Key Milestones
1. FINAL Habitat Restoration Plan (Due: 31 December 2010): Finalized on 2 December 2010 2. Initial Field Surveys (Due: 30 November 2011): Site surveys completed in spring and fall of 2011 3. Site Preparation (Due: 30 November 2011): Site preparation completed in October 2011 4. Phase I: Site Installation (Due: 31 December 2011): Cactus material and container plants installed in November 2011 5. Phase II: Site Installation (Due: 31 December 2012): Seed application completed in October 2012 6. First Annual Site Maintenance (Due: 31 December 2012): Completed on schedule 7. Annual Progress Report (Due: 31 December 2012): Completed on 28 September 2012 8. Second Annual Site Maintenance (Due: 31 December 2012): Completed on schedule 9. Year 1 – Annual Performance Monitoring Report (Due: 31 December 2013): Completed on 30 November 2013 10. Third Annual Site Maintenance (Due: 31 December 2014) 11. Year 2 – Annual Performance Monitoring Report (Due: 31 December 2014) 12. Year 3 – Annual Performance Monitoring Report (Due: 31 December 2015) 13. Year 4 – Annual Performance Monitoring Report (Due: 31 December 2016) 14. FINAL Performance Monitoring Report (Due: 30 June 2017) 15. Performance Standards Achieved (Due: 30 June 2017)
24 Key Findings
Not available at this time, as the project is still in progress.
Notes
Project contractor, Land IQ, is under contract to qualitatively monitor the site in 2014, a full two-years since site establishment in spring of 2012. Restoration ecologist, Margot Griswold, requested an additional year of site maintenance to be implemented by Nakae in 2014 at an additional cost of $34,400. Continuing site maintenance during the initial establishment of the target native seeded species (beyond the two-years afforded by the current contract with OCTA) is important as the aggressive exotic species still present on the site compete with the slower growing native shrub and perennial grasses for light, water, and nutrients during the establishment period. Although the cactus scrub restoration is developing within an expected range for plant, cover and species distribution, the drought conditions persistent within the region the last three years have slowed the growth of the native plants, exacerbating the competitive effect of exotic species.
12. Cactus Salvage/Lake Forest
Project ID XXXX-XX Project Title Cactus Salvage/Lake Forest Contractor(s)/Researcher Land IQ; Nakae & Associates Time Period 2011-2016 Total Project Cost $353,200 Amount Budgeted $52,100 (2013); $45,700 (2014) Fund Restoration Matching Contribution(s) -- Landowner Involvement OCP, CCSP Project Status Continuing Project Progression On schedule Program Class Land Management Program Area Habitat Restoration Resource Coastal Sage Scrub Project Purpose Restoration of 7.0 acres of cactus scrub at Crystal Cove State Park, Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park, and Laguna Canyon Wilderness Park Available Report(s) 2013 Performance Monitoring Report Year 1 – City of Lake Forest Cactus Salvage, Relocation, and Cactus Scrub Restoration Project. Prepared for the Nature Reserve of Orange County. Prepared by Land IQ. Nov., 2013. Available GIS Product(s) --
Overview
The Lake Forest project involves cactus and topsoil salvage from the City of Lake Forest Sports Park and Recreation Center site near Glass Creek, at the intersection of Portola Parkway and El Toro Road. Cactus salvaged from the site was transported to three locations within the NCCP-Reserve to actively restore a total of seven acres of disturbed and non-native grassland habitats to coastal cactus scrub at Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park (four acres), Crystal Cove State Park (two acres), and Laguna Coast Wilderness Park (one acre).
25 Progress
The project is considered to be progressing on schedule. The seven-acre cactus scrub restoration project was initiated in late 2011 with site preparation and cactus transplantation occurring in the later part of the year. Restoration sites in Crystal Cove State Park and Laguna Canyon received seed in the fall of 2012. The restoration sites at Whiting Ranch received salvaged duff or topsoil in late 2011. Survival of transplanted cactus clumps has been nearly 100 percent across all sites and there has been little to no loss of planted cactus pads and segments. Across all three sites maintenance for weeds has been thorough, and few exotic species were observed during monitoring visits. Native species recruitment observed at Whiting Ranch has been exceptional and include, Menzies’ fiddleneck (Amsinckia menziesii), California sagebrush (Artemisia californica), California suncup (Camissonia, bistorta), miniature suncup (Camissonia micrantha), California goosefoot (Chenopodium californica), cobwebby thistle (Cirsium occidentale), California croton (Croton californicus), doveweed (Croton setigerus), popcorn flower (Cryptantha spp.), calabazilla (Cucurbita foetidissima), jimsonweed (Datura wrightii), bush sunflower (Encelia californica), California buckwheat (Eriogonum fasiculatum), Indian tobacco (Nicotiana bigelovii), unidentified phacelia (Phacelia spp.), black sage (Salvia mellifera), and California goldenrod (Solidago californica). Maintenance and monitoring is ongoing and scheduled to occur through 2016 at all three sites.
Key Milestones
1. Initial Field Surveys (Due: 30 November 2011): Site surveys completed in spring and fall of 2011 2. FINAL Habitat Restoration Plan (Due: 31 December 2011): Finalized on 28 February 2012 3. Site Preparation (Due: 31 December 2011): Site preparation completed by January 2012 4. Phase I: Site Installation (Due: 31 December 2011): Cactus material and topsoil installed by January 2012 5. Deliver of Cactus Material (Due: 31 December 2011): Cactus material delivered to project partners by 31 December 2012 6. Phase II: Site Installation (Due: 31 December 2012): Seed application completed by 7 December 2012 7. First Annual Site Maintenance (Due: 31 December 2012): Completed on schedule 8. Annual Progress Report (Due: 31 December 2012): Completed on 17 September 2012 9. Second Annual Site Maintenance (Due: 31 December 2012): Completed on schedule 10. Year 1 – Annual Performance Monitoring Report (Due: 31 December 2013): Completed on 30 November 2013 11. Third Annual Site Maintenance (Due: 31 December 2014) 12. Year 2 – Annual Performance Monitoring Report (Due: 31 December 2014) 13. Year 3 – Annual Performance Monitoring Report (Due: 31 December 2015) 14. Year 4 – Annual Performance Monitoring Report (Due: 31 December 2016) 15. FINAL Performance Monitoring Report (Due: 30 June 2017) 16. Performance Standards Achieved (Due: 30 June 2017)
Key Findings
Not available at this time, as the project is still in progress.
Notes
Both Land IQ and Nakae are under contract to maintain and monitor the three coastal cactus scrub restoration sites in 2014 for a combined total of $45,700.
26 13. Cactus Rest LCWP & UCI/EEMP
Project ID XXXX-XX Project Title Cactus Rest LCWP & UCI/EEMP Contractor(s)/Researcher Land IQ; Nakae & Associates Time Period 2009-2015 Total Project Cost LCWP: $92,400; EEMP: $284,000 Amount Budgeted $56,100 (2013); $17,600 (2014) Fund Restoration Matching Contribution(s) CDFW LAG ($XXXX); Caltrans ($XXXX) Landowner Involvement OCP, UCI, TCA Project Status Continuing Project Progression On schedule Program Class Land Management Program Area Habitat Restoration Resource Coastal Sage Scrub Project Purpose Restoration of 1.5 acres of cactus scrub across a two-km habitat linkage in Laguna Canyon (Laguna Canyon Habitat Linkage) and 7.5 acres of cactus scrub across a six-km habitat linkage in Bonita Canyon, including 4-acres at the UC Irvine Ecological Preserve (EEMP Project) Available Report(s) 2013 Performance Monitoring Report Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation Program Year 3 - Cactus Wren Habitat Linkage Coastal Reserve Nature Reserve of Orange County. Prepared for Nature Reserve of Orange County. Prepared by Land IQ. Dec., 2013.
2013 Performance Monitoring Report Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation Program - Cactus Wren Habitat Linkage Enhancement and Restoration Project. Prepared for Nature Reserve of Orange County. Prepared by Land IQ. Dec., 2013. Available GIS Product(s) --
Overview
Restoration of the Laguna Canyon Cactus Wren habitat linkage was initiated in 2009 following receipt of a LAG from CDFW. The project consisted of restoration of cactus scrub habitat and enhancement to facilitate movement between breeding populations of Cactus Wrens through Laguna Canyon.
The Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation Program (EEMP) grant was awarded by the California Natural Resources Agency and California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to NROC and its partners for the project which includes the University of California, Irvine (UCI) and the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) in April 2010. The project consists of enhancement and restoration of cactus scrub habitat to facilitate movement of Cactus Wren among breeding populations within Upper Newport Bay, the UCI Ecological Preserve, and the San Joaquin Hills as well as to provide nesting habitat at UCI.
Progress
The project is considered to be progressing on schedule. In spring of 2014, the Laguna Canyon Cactus Wren Habitat Linkage Restoration Project will have completed its fourth full-year of maintenance and monitoring following its establishment in spring of 2010. The restoration project is developing within an expected range of growth and species composition is comparable with other non-irrigated cactus scrub restoration sites at a similar developmental stage. The planted cactus material has exhibited a substantial amount of new growth and was observed to be in flower and fruiting at the restoration sites.
27 The EEMP Restoration Project will have completed three full-years of maintenance and monitoring by spring of 2014. The project has met the performance criteria of the EEMP grant based on the vegetation and avian monitoring results. The cactus scrub has been installed and is developing. Avian species are using the sites, and the UCI site is being utilized by the target species, Cactus Wren. The smaller restoration sites along the Bonita Creek corridor will take several years to grow before they are expected to become suitable for use by Cactus Wrens.
Key Milestones
Laguna Canyon Habitat Linkage
1. FINAL Habitat Restoration Plan (Due: 31 December 2009): Finalized in December 2009 2. Initial Field Surveys (Due: 30 June 2009): Site surveys completed in spring and summer of 2009 3. Site Preparation (Due: 31 December 2009): Site preparation completed in February 2010 4. Phase I: Site Installation (Due: 31 December 2009): Cactus material installed in February 2010 5. Phase II: Site Installation (Due: 31 December 2010): Seed application completed in November 2010 6. Phase III: Site Installation (Due: 31 December 2010): Container plantings completed in February 2011 7. First Annual Site Maintenance (Due: 31 December 2010): Completed on schedule 8. FINAL Report to CDFW (Due: 30 March 2011): Provided to CDFW on 30 March 2011 9. Second Annual Site Maintenance (Due: 31 December 2011): Completed on schedule 10. Year 1 – Annual Performance Monitoring Report (Due: 31 December 2011): Completed by 31 March 2012 11. Third Annual Site Maintenance (Due: 31 December 2012): Completed on schedule 12. Year 2 – Annual Performance Monitoring Report (Due: 31 December 2012): Completed by 31 December 2012 13. Fourth Annual Site Maintenance (Due: 31 December 2013) 14. Year 3 – Annual Performance Monitoring Report (Due: 31 December 2013): Completed by 31 December 2013 15. Fifth Annual Site Maintenance (Due: 31 December 2014) 16. Year 4 – Annual Performance Monitoring Report (Due: 31 December 2014) 17. FINAL Performance Monitoring Report (Due: 30 June 2015) 18. Performance Standards Achieved (Due: 30 June 2015)
Key Milestones
EEMP Project
1. FINAL Habitat Restoration Plan (Due: 30 June 2010): Plan finalized on 17 June 2010 2. Initial Field Surveys (Due: 30 June 2010): Site surveys completed in spring of 2010 3. Site Preparation (Due: 30 September 2010): Site preparation completed in October 2010 4. Phase I: Site Installation (Due: 31 December 2010): Cactus material installed by 30 November 2010 5. Phase II: Site Installation (Due: 31 December 2011): Seed application completed in November 2011 6. First Annual Site Maintenance (Due: 31 December 2011): Completed on schedule 7. Second Annual Site Maintenance (Due: 31 December 2012): Completed on schedule 8. Year 1 – Annual Performance Monitoring Report (Due: 31 December 2012): Completed on 30 November 2013 9. Third Annual Site Maintenance (Due: 31 December 2013): Completed on schedule 10. Year 2 – Annual Performance Monitoring Report (Due: 31 December 2013): Completed on 16 December 2013
28 11. Fourth Annual Site Maintenance (Due: 31 December 2014) 12. Year 3 – Annual Performance Monitoring Report (Due: 31 December 2014) 13. Year 4 – Annual Performance Monitoring Report (Due: 31 December 2015) 14. FINAL Performance Monitoring Report (Due: 30 June 2016) 15. Performance Standards Achieved (Due: 30 June 2016)
Key Findings
Not available at this time, as both projects are still in progress.
Notes
A total of $17,600 has been requested by Land IQ to cover the monitoring costs for both habitat linkage restoration projects in 2014. Broken down by the individual projects, monitoring costs equal $12,400 and $5,200 for the EEMP and Laguna Canyon Habitat Linkage, respectively. Late in 2013 an additional $24,000 in site maintenance was requested by the restoration ecologists for the 2014 period. The additional funds would cover four quarters of maintenance of the EEMP restoration sites and two quarters weed control at the Laguna Canyon Habitat Linkage. The additional requested funding for site maintenance in 2014 has yet to be approved by NROC.
14. CCSP Cactus Scrub Enhancement
Project ID XXXX-XX Project Title CCSP Cactus Scrub Enhancement Contractor(s)/Researcher Land IQ; NAKAE & Associates Time Period 2013-2015 Total Project Cost $24,300 Amount Budgeted $11,800 (2013); $12,500 (2014) Fund Restoration Matching Contribution(s) USDA ($11,800) Landowner Involvement CCSP Project Status Continuing Project Progression On schedule Program Class Land Management Program Area Habitat Restoration Resource Coastal Sage Scrub Project Purpose Restoration of 2.0 acres of coastal sage scrub adjacent to the two-acre cactus scrub restoration project at Crystal Cove State Park Available Report(s) -- Available GIS Product(s) --
Overview
Social choice experiments implemented in 2012 as part of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Grant with UC Berkeley provided for the development of a two-acre habitat enhancement project complementing the existing two- acre cactus scrub restoration at Crystal Cove State Park.
Progress
The project is considered to be on schedule. The specific enhancement area was defined in spring of 2013 and site preparation was completed in the fall of 2013. Maintenance of the site, specifically, hand weeding with spot
29 spraying is scheduled to continue in 2014 through 2015. Seeding of the site, if needed, and as the availability of additional resources allows, would occur in the fall of 2015.
Key Milestones
1. Initial Field Surveys (Due: 31 December 2012): Site surveys completed by June 2013 2. Site Preparation (Due: 30 March 2013): Site preparation completed in October 2013 3. Initial Site Maintenance (Due: 31 December 2013): Completed on schedule 4. Second Annual Site Maintenance (Due: 31 December 2014)
Key Findings
Not available at this time, as the project is still in progress.
Notes
A total of $12,500 is required to allow Nakae & Associates to maintain the site through 2015. Land IQ will continue to monitor the site’s performance by folding in the monitoring activities to their work plan for monitoring the neighboring Cactus Salvage/Lake Forest restoration site.
15. IRC Cactus Wren Link/USDA
Project ID XXXX-XX Project Title IRC Cactus Wren Link/USDA Contractor(s)/Researcher Irvine Ranch Conservancy (IRC) Time Period 2012-2016 Total Project Cost $24,300 Amount Budgeted $8,100 (2013); $7,800 (2014) Fund Restoration Matching Contribution(s) USDA ($8,100) Landowner Involvement COI Project Status Continuing Project Progression On schedule Program Class Land Management Program Area Habitat Restoration Resource Coastal Sage Scrub Project Purpose Restoration of 2.3 acres of coastal cactus scrub to complement existing cactus scrub linkage restoration projects in North Laguna Canyon Available Report(s) -- Available GIS Product(s) --
Overview
Social choice experiments implemented in 2012 as part of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Grant with UC Berkeley provided for restoration of a two-acre cactus scrub habitat at a site in the City of Irvine Open Space South. The restoration project complements ongoing efforts by NROC and the IRC to restore a Cactus Wren habitat linkage in North Laguna Canyon. Specifically, the project extends the northern-most linkage sites, chosen to connect patches of cactus in a line-of-site arrangement in an effort to enhance movement opportunities for the Cactus Wren through the Canyon.
30 Progress
The project is considered to be on schedule. The specific restoration area was defined in spring of 2012 and site preparation was completed in the fall of 2012. Initial planting of cactus material and seeding of the site is complete. Maintenance of the site, specifically, hand weeding with spot spraying occurred in 2013 and is scheduled to continue through 2016.
Key Milestones
1. FINAL Habitat Restoration Plan (Due: 31 December 2012): Plan finalized in November 2012 2. Initial Field Surveys (Due: 31 December 2012): Site surveys completed in September and November 2012 3. Site Preparation (Due: 1 March 2013): Site preparation completed by January 2013 4. Phase I: Site Installation (Due: 1 March 2013): Cactus material installed in February 2013 5. Phase II: Site Installation (Due: 31 December 2013): Initial seed application completed by December 2013 6. First Annual Site Maintenance (Due: 31 December 2013): Completed on schedule 7. Phase III: Site Installation (Due: 31 December 2014) 8. Second Annual Site Maintenance (Due: 31 December 2014) 9. Third Annual Site Maintenance (Due: 31 December 2015) 10. Fourth Annual Site Maintenance (Due: 31 December 2016) 11. FINAL Performance Monitoring Report (Due: 31 December 2016)
Key Findings
Not available at this time, as the project is still in progress.
Notes
A total of $7,800 is required to allow the Irvine Ranch Conservancy to perform additional seeding and maintenance of the site through 2016. In-kind support is being provided for the project as part of IRC’s volunteer stewardship program run through the City of Irvine Open Space.
16. Invasive Plant Program Mgmt
Project ID XXXX-XX Project Title Invasive Plant Program Mgmt Contractor(s)/Researcher Harmsworth Time Period 2004-2015 Total Project Cost $343,000 Amount Budgeted $45,500 (2013); $50,000 (2014) Fund Restoration Matching Contribution(s) -- Landowner Involvement OCP, COI, CCSP, CONB, UCI Project Status Continuing Project Progression On schedule Program Class Land Management Program Area Weed Control Resource Coastal Sage Scrub Project Purpose Management (i.e., mapping, coordination, and reporting) of NROC and partner- sponsored weed control activities on NCCP-enrolled lands
31 Available Report(s) Nature Reserve of Orange County Exotic Plant Control Program 2013. Prepared for Nature Reserve of Orange County. Prepared by Harmsworth Associates. Feb., 2014. Available GIS Product(s) --
Overview
Implementation of NROC’s invasive plant control program has resulted in the control of artichoke thistle and other invasive plant species across thousands of acres of the Reserve. Since the formal program was initiated in the year 2000, over $2.5M in funds have been spent on implementation of the program, resulting in the spot application of herbicide to thousands of individual plants and reducing the distribution of target invasive species (principally artichoke thistle) from thousands to hundreds of acres within the Coastal Reserve. With the program having been largely successful at accomplishing its principal goal of reducing the cover of artichoke thistle, NROC is actively working with partnering organizations to redefine the goals of the program focusing on the long-term sustainability of the control efforts prior to its scheduled end-date in 2015.
Progress
The project is considered to be on schedule. In 2014, Harmsworth will again be tasked with managing NROC- sponsored control efforts in LCWP, UC Irvine, and El Toro. Harmsworth will also be tasked with assisting the County in managing County-sponsored control efforts within the Reserve at the additional NCCP enrolled County Parks, specifically, Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve, Talbert Regional Park, Santiago Oaks Wilderness Park, Irvine Regional Park, Peter’s Canyon Regional Park, and Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park.
In 2014, NROC has reached an agreement with the Irvine Ranch Conservancy (IRC) to actively manage and coordinate NROC-sponsored weed control activities on the lands under their management, specifically, City of Irvine, City of Newport Beach, and Irvine Ranch Open Space.
Key Milestones
1. Develop Field Schedule (Due: 1 March 2013): Field schedule for current year field activities completed in February 2013. 2. Manage Invasive Plant Control Implementation (Due: 30 June 2013): Management of invasive plant control activities completed on 12 June 2013 3. FINAL Report (Due: 31 December 2013): FINAL report completed February 2014
Key Findings
See “UCB Veg Change” project for information on the effectiveness of the NROC Invasive Plant Program.
Notes
The anticipated cost for managing NROC and County-sponsored weed control activities in 2014 is $50,000, or $5,000 more than what was budgeted for similar activities in 2013.
17. Invasive Plant Control
Project ID XXXX-XX Project Title Invasive Plant Control
32 Contractor(s)/Researcher Nakae & Associates (2014) Time Period 2000-2015 Total Project Cost $2,487,200 Amount Budgeted $100,000 (2013); $100,000 (2014) Fund Restoration Matching Contribution(s) -- Landowner Involvement OCP, COI, CCSP, CONB, UCI Project Status Continuing Project Progression On schedule Program Class Land Management Program Area Weed Control Resource Coastal Sage Scrub Project Purpose Implementation of the top weed control priorities identified in the 2003 NROC Habitat Restoration and Enhancement Plan Available Report(s) Nature Reserve of Orange County Exotic Plant Control Program 2013. Prepared for Nature Reserve of Orange County. Prepared by Harmsworth Associates. Feb., 2014. Available GIS Product(s) --
Overview
Implementation of NROC’s invasive plant control program has resulted in the control of artichoke thistle and other invasive plant species across thousands of acres of the Reserve. Since the formal program was initiated in the year 2000, over $2.5M in funds have been spent on implementation of the program, resulting in the spot application of herbicide to thousands of individual plants and reducing the distribution of target invasive species (principally artichoke thistle) from thousands to hundreds of acres within the Coastal Reserve. With the program having been largely successful at accomplishing its principal goal of reducing the cover of artichoke thistle, NROC is actively working with partnering organizations to redefine the goals of the program focusing on the long-term sustainability of the control efforts prior to its scheduled end-date in 2015.
Progress
The project is considered to be progressing on schedule. In 2014, the proposed level of NROC-funded weed control activities to be implemented across the Reserve is similar to 2013. Specifically, in 2014, the weed control contractor, Nakae & Associates (Nakae), was contracted to control artichoke thistle and other targeted invasive species in Laguna Coast Wilderness Park (LCWP), Crystal Cove State Park (CCSP), UC Irvine Ecological Preserve, City of Irvine Open Space, City of Newport Beach Open Space, and El Toro Conservation Area. New to the 2014 control program, Nakae is also tasked with controlling the population of veldt grass present at CCSP and LCWP. Traditionally, this responsibility has fallen to another contractor.
Key Milestones
1. Coordinate on Field Schedule (Due: 1 March 2013): Completed on time 2. Implement Invasive Plant Control (Due: 30 June 2013): Implementation of invasive plant control activities completed on 12 June 2013
Key Findings
See “UCB Veg Change” project for information on the effectiveness of the NROC Invasive Plant Program.
33 Notes
The total amount budgeted for weed control work in 2014 to be performed by Nakae is $100,000.00. This total is equivalent to the combined total for artichoke thistle and veldt grass control budgeted in 2013. Similar to 2013, the total workload for NROC spray contractors has been reduced as the County and Irvine Ranch Conservancy continue to expand their control efforts in areas of the Reserve traditionally treated by NROC.
18. Sahara Mustard Control
Project ID XXXX-XX Project Title Sahara Mustard Control Contractor(s)/Researcher Pacific Restoration Group Time Period 2011-2014 Total Project Cost $37,500 Amount Budgeted $7,500 (2013); $10,000 (2014) Fund Restoration Matching Contribution(s) -- Landowner Involvement OCP, COI, TIC Project Status Continuing Project Progression On schedule Program Class Land Management Program Area Weed Control Resource Coastal Sage Scrub Project Purpose Control the highly invasive Sahara mustard at three known populations within the Central Reserve Available Report(s) Sahara Mustard Control on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks 2009-2012. Prepared by Irvine Ranch Conservancy. Feb., 2013 Available GIS Product(s) --
Overview
In 2008, Sahara mustard was observed for the first time in the Reserve on Loma Ridge during a botanical survey following the Santiago Fire. Since that time, additional populations (within Agua Chinon, Orchard Hills, along Limestone Ridge, and Peter’s Canyon Regional Park) have been discovered. Active control of the populations began in 2009 and has been continued annually under the direction of the Irvine Ranch Conservancy. NROC has provided funds in support of the control efforts along Loma Ridge, Agua Chinon, and Orchard Hills since 2011.
Progress
The project is considered to be progressing on schedule. Since initiation of control efforts, a total of 60 acres of Sahara mustard have been identified and controlled across the three sites with IRC and NROC funds. One additional putative stand was located by Limestone Ridge in 2009 during a grassland survey; this population, if it existed, could not be relocated. Lastly, one additional population was identified in 2012 in Peters Canyon by IRC staff and was removed by hand primarily by OC Parks hand crews with some assistance from Pacific Restoration Group.
Key Milestones
1. Coordinate on Field Schedule (Due: 1 March 2013): Completed on time
34 2. Implement Invasive Plant Control (Due: 30 June 2013): Implementation of invasive plant control activities completed by 15 April 2013
Key Findings
Not available at this time, as the project is still in progress.
Notes
In 2014, NROC is looking to fund $10,000 of control work by Pacific Restoration Group (PRG). The number is $2,500 higher than the amount allocated in 2013. As in prior years, the Irvine Ranch Conservancy will be coordinating and managing the work performed by PRG. Including 2014, a total of $37,500 has been budgeted for control work on Sahara mustard by NROC.
19. Cowbird Trapping
Project ID XXXX-XX Project Title Cowbird Trapping Contractor(s)/Researcher Leatherman Bioconsulting, Inc. Time Period 1999-2014 Total Project Cost $451,500 Amount Budgeted $35,000 (2013); $35,000 (2014) Fund Cowbird Matching Contribution(s) -- Landowner Involvement OCP, COI, TIC Project Status Continuing Project Progression On schedule Program Class Land Management Program Area Invasive Wildlife Control Resource Least Bell’s Vireo Project Purpose Reduce incidence of cowbird nest parasitism for sensitive bird species, specifically California Gnatcatcher and Least Bell’s Vireo Available Report(s) 2013 San Joaquin Hills Transportation Corridor Brown-Headed Cowbird Trapping Program Report. Prepared by Leatherman Bioconsulting, Inc. Prepared for Nature Reserve of Orange Countty. Oct., 2013. Available GIS Product(s) --
Overview
Per an agreement between the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA), USWFS, CDFW, and NROC, the responsibility of implementing the San Joaquin Hills Transportation Corridor Brown-headed Cowbird Trapping Program was transferred from TCA to NROC in 1999. As part of this agreement, TCA also provided an endowment to NROC to cover the costs of implementing the program. The trapping duration, and number and location of traps employed each year as part of the program is determined through a combination of evaluating prior year trapping success as well as the annual performance of the endowment. Additional funds, independent of the original program endowment, from the County of Orange have provided for the deployment of one to two traps a year during this time period.
35 Progress
The project is considered to be progressing on schedule. Since 1993, the number of traps operated through the program has ranged from a low of 7 in 2004 and 2005 to a high of 24 in 1994. Over the last five years, the number of traps in operation has ranged from 10 to 12. Over 4,500 brown-headed cowbirds have been captured and removed from the local population over the last 20+ years of implementing the program. Over the same time period, tens of thousands of non-target birds have been captured in the traps as by-catch from implementing the program. The annual mortality rate for these non-target species over this same time period is between one and two percent. No threatened or endangered species are reported to have been captured. Formal measures evaluating effectiveness of cowbird trapping on target bird nesting success are not available.
Key Milestones
1. Coordination on Trapping Schedule and Placement (Due: 1 March 2013): Completed on schedule 2. Implementation of Trapping Program (Due: 15 July 2013): Completed on schedule 3. FINAL Report (Due: 31 December 2013): FINAL Report completed by 31 October 2013
Key Findings
Not available at this time, as formal measures for evaluating the effectiveness of cowbird trapping on target bird nesting success have not been developed.
Notes
The program in 2014 will include operation and maintenance of Brown-headed Cowbird traps in open space areas in the vicinity of the San Joaquin Hills Transportation Corridor, including lands located within the Reserve. It is expected that a total of 11 cowbird traps will be operated from March 15 to July 15 in 2014. Trap locations may be the same as in 2013. However, as in previous years, the contractor will be actively evaluating alternative location for trap placement to maximize the number of cowbirds captured, the protection of target species status species, and the safety of the daily trap monitors. A total of $35,000.00 has been budgeted to cover the costs of implementing the program in 2014.
20. Mountain Lion Project
Project ID XXXX-XX Project Title Mountain Lion Project Contractor(s)/Researcher UC Davis (Vickers) Time Period 2011-2014 Total Project Cost $55,000 Amount Budgeted $10,000 (2013); $10,000 (2014) Fund Endowment Matching Contribution(s) -- Landowner Involvement OCP, OCWR, COI, TIC, CDFW, IRWD, TCA, TIC Project Status Continuing Project Progression On schedule Program Class Monitoring/Research Program Area Sensitive Biological Resources Resource Mammalian Carnivores Project Purpose Inform land management strategies around (1) landscape connectivity and
36 conservation; (2) health and disease; and (3) minimizing conflicts between cougars and people. Available Report(s) UC Davis - Southern California Cougar Project 2013. Prepared by UC Davis Wildlife Health Center. Jan., 2014. Available GIS Product(s) --
Overview
The ongoing study of the mountain lion (Puma concolor) in southern California is headed by Dr. Walter Boyce and Dr. Winston Vickers of the Wildlife Health Center at UC Davis. Dr. Vickers is the field lead for the project. The project is currently in its third phase which began on January 25, 2013, and is a follow-up to the first two phases of the study which ran from late 2000 to mid-2012. This mountain lion or cougar research focuses on: (1) landscape connectivity and wildland conservation, including road crossings and the effects of fire; (2) genetics, health, and disease, especially focused on diseases transmitted between cougars and other species, exposure to rodenticides, and genetic assessment of the population; (3) minimizing conflicts between cougars and people; (4) and predation on bighorn sheep and interactions with deer in the Peninsular Mountain Ranges. The study area encompasses Orange, Riverside, and San Diego Counties. Cougars have been captured, sampled, and GPS-collared over a wide portion of these counties from the northern Santa Ana Mountains in Orange County to southern San Diego County. Cougars from the study have utilized lands as far north as the Highway 91 and 241 Toll Road junction in the northern Santa Ana Mountains in Orange County, and as far south as the Parque Nacional Constitución de 1857 located approximately 50 miles south of the border in Mexico. The area used by study cougars has also extended from the Pacific Ocean in the west to the Santa Rosa Mountains to the east. The project is important for NROC as the cougar is a top predator and serves a role as an ecological regulator. Cougars help to control deer populations as well as to regulate other carnivores, which has important consequences to the composition and structure of natural communities within the reserve system.
Progress
To address the goals of the third phase of the study, the researchers continued field efforts to complete capturing, sampling, and GPS collaring of cougars under a Scientific Collecting Permit from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The portions of the study area where the focus of field capture work was primarily directed in 2013 were the Santa Ana Mountain Range in Orange and Riverside Counties, Western San Diego County, and the Palomar Mountains in San Diego and Riverside Counties. In addition, researchers conducted extensive camera monitoring of wildlife corridors dan crossings in the Santa Ana Mountains during the 2012 -2013 field season. Included in this list of areas, are all of the major wildlife crossings along the studied sections of the 241 Toll Road in Orange County. Cameras are monitored on a monthly basis and all photos recorded in a database for analysis and reporting purposes. The Irvine Ranch Conservancy and Orange County Parks also contribute photos of cougars that are recorded on their lands, and collaborate with the researchers to identify individual animals in those photos if they have previously been captured by the study team. Camera monitoring is scheduled to continue into 2014 as are additional trapping efforts to keep between two to four lions collared in the northwestern Santa Ana Mountains.
Key Milestones
To date, no key milestones for the project have been jointly-identified by NROC and the project researchers.
37 Key Findings
The mortality data collected during the study suggests that cougars throughout southern California face significant, and likely increasing, threats secondary to habitat loss and fragmentation, continued expansion of the human population, roads, and development. Some sources of mortality for cougars may be mitigated through education, investment in proper road crossings and fencing, habitat conservation, prevention of habitat fragmentation, and proper domestic animal husbandry. The research team is actively pursuing a number of these mitigation measures in collaboration with partnering organizations throughout the study area.
Notes
The project is a collaborative effort with many partners assisting in funding and logistics. NROC was a minor financial contributor to the project in 2011 ($25,000), 2012 ($10,000), and 2013 ($10,000). In 2014, NROC will again make another contribution ($10,000) to UC Davis in support of the project.
21. Aerial Weed Survey/Coastal
Project ID XXXX-XX Project Title Aerial Weed Survey/Coastal Contractor(s)/Researcher Wildlands Conservation Science, LLC Time Period 2014 Total Project Cost $85,000 Amount Budgeted $85,000 (2014) Fund Restoration Matching Contribution(s) CDFW LAG ($35,000); OCP ($10,000); LCF ($10,000); IRC ($5,000) Landowner Involvement OCP, COI, CCSP, CDFW Project Status New Project Progression On schedule Program Class Monitoring/Research Program Area Weed Control Resource Coastal Sage Scrub Project Purpose Identify the relative abundance and geographic distribution of targeted invasive plant species within the South Coast Wilderness Available Report(s) -- Available GIS Product(s) --
Overview
Over the last 17 years, NROC’s weed control program has been successful in reducing the distribution of targeted weeds, especially artichoke thistle from thousands of acres to hundreds within the Coastal Reserve. In many areas, previously large continuous stands of high density artichoke thistle have been effectively controlled, resulting in the current distribution of artichoke thistle to be largely limited to scattered individuals and small isolated populations. As management strategies are adjusting to reflect this new reality, fine-scale information on the distribution of individual plants is becoming increasingly important to guide future control efforts. Information collected from a similar type of aerial survey implemented in the Central Reserve a few years ago has been invaluable in helping land managers develop and implement a multi-year treatment program for their priority invasive weeds. Gaining a new perspective on the distribution and cover of invasive plants will help in evaluating the effectiveness of the current on-the-ground approach for weed monitoring traditionally funded by NROC.
38 Progress
The project is considered to be progressing on schedule. NROC staff is in the process of finalizing a grant agreement with the CDFW in support of the aerial weed survey. NROC and Wildlands Conservation Science have reached an agreement concerning the final scope of work and budget for the project.
Key Milestones
1. Execution of aerial surveys (Due to occur: 9 June to 20 June 2014) 2. Compilation and submission of aerial survey data to serve as the interim report (Due: 31 August 2014) 3. Development and submission of DRAFT Report (Due: 30 November 2014) 4. Submission of FINAL Report (Due: 31 December 2014)
Key Findings
Not available at this time, as project is still in progress.
Notes
The total estimated cost for conducting an aerial weed survey across the South Coast Wilderness was $85,000, per the NROC 2014 annual budget. NROC has commitments from project partners (OC Parks, Laguna Canyon Foundation, and Irvine Ranch Conservancy) for a collective $25,000 to offset project costs. In December 2013, NROC received notification from CDFW that the organization was awarded a LAG for $35,000 to support implementation of the aerial weed survey in 2014.
22. Veg Map/Accuracy Assessment
Project ID XXXX-XX Project Title Veg Map/Accuracy Assessment Contractor(s)/Researcher California Native Plant Society Time Period 2014-2015 Total Project Cost $80,000 Amount Budgeted $80,000 (2014) Fund Endowment Matching Contribution(s) CDFW LAG ($40,000) Landowner Involvement OCP, OCWR, COI, CCSP, CDFW, CNP, UCI, IRWD, TCA, TIC Project Status New Project Progression On schedule Program Class Monitoring/Research Program Area Sensitive Biological Resources Resource Coastal Sage Scrub Project Purpose Test the accuracy assessment of the new fine-scale digital vegetation map and develop a crosswalk to be used for interpreting differences between the existing vegetation map and the new map following its completion Available Report(s) -- Available GIS Product(s) --
39 Overview
The third and final phase of the vegetation mapping project will result in a third party assessment of the new, fine- scale digital Orange County vegetation map that is to replace the regional vegetation map developed for the County in 1992. Completing an accuracy assessment of the new updated vegetation map is essential to determining, and ultimately, improving the accuracy and reliability of the new vegetation map. By rigorously evaluating the accuracy of the new map in the field and allowing for direct feedback between the assessment team and photo-interpreters, the final map becomes increasingly more accurate and reliable, allowing regional conservation planning, land management, and biological monitoring efforts to continue to be supported by the best available scientific information, a principle of the Orange County Central & Coastal NCCP/HCP. Accuracy assessment with field verification and final map quality control is a recommended step in completing the fine-scale vegetation maps per the Vegetation Classification and Mapping Program (VegCAMP) of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Progress
The project is considered to be progressing on schedule. NROC staff is in the process of finalizing a grant agreement with the CDFW in support of the accuracy assessment. NROC has entered into a contract with the California Native Plant Society to implement the project.
Key Milestones
1. Transfer of interim vegetation map between vegetation mapping contractor, AIS, and CNPS (Due: 31 January 2014): DRAFT vegetation map was transferred on 15 January 2014. 2. Collection of field data to verify new vegetation map complete (Due: 1 August 2014) 3. Data analysis complete with scores for field verification data compared to map data provided in a digital database with a brief summary report (Due: 1 September 2014) 4. Submission of a FINAL digital dataset including field verification data with the GIS/polygon locations and metadata (Due: 15 February 2015) 5. Submission of a FINAL accuracy assessment report and crosswalk analysis (Due: 15 February 2015)
Key Findings
Not available at this time, as project is still in progress.
Notes
The total budgeted cost for conducting the accuracy assessment is $80,000. In December 2013, NROC received notification from CDFW that the organization was awarded a LAG for $40,000 to support implementation of the accuracy assessment in 2014.
23. NROC Database Mgmt
Project ID XXXX-XX Project Title NROC Database Mgmt Contractor(s)/Researcher UC Irvine Time Period 2014-2015 Total Project Cost $85,000 Amount Budgeted $85,000 (2014)
40 Fund Endowment Matching Contribution(s) -- Landowner Involvement OCP, OCWR, COI, CCSP, CDFW, CNP, UCI, IRWD, TCA, TIC Project Status New Project Progression Approved, but not initiated Program Class Database Management Program Area Multiple Resource Multiple Project Purpose Develop a coordinated approach to the long-term management of ecological data within the NCCP Reserve that focuses on system integration, interoperability, and user efficiency Available Report(s) -- Available GIS Product(s) --
Overview
For NROC to effectively use science to inform adaptive resource management, the integration of data collection, processing, analysis, storage, retrieval and sharing is paramount among participants in the NCCP/HCP. While every partner in the NCCP/HCP operates independent systems for storage and access to data relevant to the Reserve, the integration of these tools and long-term coordination and management of the collaborative process is critical to NROC’s mission to coordinate effective management of the natural resources present within the NCCP-Reserve.
Progress
The project is approved, but not initiated. NROC staff is in discussion with UC, Irvine/Center for Environmental Biology (CEB) concerning the steps needed to effectively integrate data management and use efforts among the partners in the NCCP/HCP. Specifically, a ‘Design-Build’ process has been proposed that includes needs assessment, specific database interoperability, early adoption by user partners, use analysis, emerging versus historical data challenges, and mutual appreciation of current partner efforts. Development of this process was influenced, in part, by several key discussions, including: a discussion between Irvine Ranch Conservancy, NROC, and UCI/CEB (in August 2013); more focused treatment by the NROC Technical Advisory Committee (August 2013) and Board of Directors (September 2013); and a discussion between OC Parks, IRC, NROC, and UCI/CEB (October 2013).
Key Milestones
Milestones have not been identified, as the project has yet to be initiated
Key Findings
Findings are not available at this time, as the project has yet to be initiated.
Notes
Through the budgeting process, a total of $85,000.00 has been made available for the improved long-term management of ecological data within the NCCP Reserve.
41 24. Rapid Assessment/HREP
Project ID XXXX-XX Project Title Rapid Assessment/HREP Contractor(s)/Researcher -- Time Period 2014 Total Project Cost $25,000 Amount Budgeted $25,000 (2014) Fund Restoration Matching Contribution(s) -- Landowner Involvement OCP Project Status New Project Progression Approved, but not initiated Program Class Planning Program Area Habitat Restoration Resource Coastal Sage Scrub Project Purpose Develop a methodology for rapidly evaluating and identifying restoration opportunities and resource management needs across lands enrolled in the NCCP Available Report(s) -- Available GIS Product(s) --
Overview
At present, existing conditions and restoration priorities for several parks and open space areas enrolled in the NCCP have not been formally updated since publication of NROC’s 2003 Habitat Restoration and Enhancement Plan (HREP). New information is now or soon will be made available that can inform management efforts and restoration planning for a number of these lands. Increased understanding of the need to couple habitat restoration with ongoing weed control strategies has further highlighted the importance of having a thoughtful and coordinated approach for identifying and prioritizing restoration and enhancement opportunities within the Reserve. The proposed project begins to address this need by developing a process for evaluating the current conditions within the Reserve; a process informed by the many different studies recently or soon to be implemented across the Reserve, including, the UC Berkeley Veg Change Study, the planned coastal aerial weed survey, the new vegetation map, compilation of rare plant information, and the new on-line restoration management tool (OC RESTORE) rolled-out by UC Berkeley in December of 2013.
Progress
The project is approved, but not initiated. NROC staff is currently working with a prospective contractor on development of a scope of work and budget.
Key Milestones
tHave no been identified, as the project has yet to be initiated
Key Findings
Not available at this time, as the project has yet to be initiated.
42 Notes
At present, three County parks have been identified as potentially good case studies for developing the methodology behind the rapid assessment. The parks are Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Talbert Nature Preserve, and Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park. Each of the listed parks vary among each other in terms of the habitat types they support, fire history, size and geography, user groups, utility infrastructure, potential for outside financial support, and the utility of the Park’s resource management plan in informing resource management decisions. For 2014, NROC staff is currently estimating a total project cost of $25,000.
2.4 Potential In Development Projects
Endowment Proposed Budget 2014 - In Development Projects – $90,000 (available)
Target Species/Habitat Monitoring
Fund development of a long-term monitoring plan for the three target species (California Gnatcatcher, Cactus Wren, and Orange-Throated Whiptail) and habitat (Coastal Sage Scrub). In the development of the plans, emphasis would be placed on the identification of robust, but cost-efficient, monitoring strategies that are well-coordinated with other Southern California NCCPs.
Wildland Fire Plan
Fund translation of the wildland fire resource document created by Dudek, into three implementation documents, consisting of pre-fire or hazard reduction activities, fire response and suppression, and post-fire activities.
Restoration Proposed Budget 2014 In Development Projects – $100,000 (available)
Invasive Weed Prioritization
Fund ongoing support for the development of a coordinated, unified approach to prioritizing invasive weed control efforts across the NCCP Reserve. Informed by ongoing weed surveillance work, the approach is likely to focus on implementing early detection and rapid response strategies for emergent invasive weed species, coordinated control of established target invasive species, and the restoration of fully degraded habitat areas.
OC RESTORE Web-tool
Fund continued development and programming of the new online decision-support tool for land managers developed in 2013 by UC Berkeley working with GreenInfo Network and funded through a grant from the USDA. The online tool provides a mechanism for coordinating and tracking all active restoration and enhancement projects within the NCCP Reserve. The tool allows partners access to a Reserve-wide habitat restoration and enhancement database, as well as, the ability to input and track project and monitoring data, and create reports for projects under their management.
Land Manager Training
Fund land manager training in the field of habitat restoration. Training would be both classroom and field-based. As envisioned, training could involve site visits to active habitat restoration sites both within and outside the NCCP Reserve, demonstration projects, as well as field and lab based lectures on pertinent restorations topics, including, but not limited to: soils, mycorrhizae, site selection, site preparation, seed collection, use of topsoil, seed and planting, irrigation, and site maintenance. Specific to 2014, a soils workshop is being considered for spring.
43 2.5 Habitat Restoration & Enhancement Summary Tables
2013 NROC Invasive Plant Control Summary Table
Park
South (OCP) (OCP)
Target Target Invasive – Canyons Wilderness
State
(OCP)
Species Plant Species
Ecological
Ranking Wood Canyon (OCP)
Irvine Open
& Gully
(OCP)
of
Trancos Irvine
Toro Property Toro Property (FBI)
(CONB) City Space Preserve Crystal Cove El Preserve Total Aliso Wilderness Park Ranch Whiting Wilderness Park Buck UC Los Muddy Laguna Coast Park 1 Artichoke Thistle 41.1 24.9 10.9 58 97 12.7 206 365 2.0 1.7 819.3 (91%) (100%) (100%) (0%) (94%) (100%) (68%) (100%) (100%) (100%) (84%) 1 Veldt Grass 37.6 ------37.6 (100%) (100%) 1 Garland -- -- 0.3 4.3 0.1 (0%) 4.9 0.4 -- 41.5 -- 51.5 chrysanthemum (100%) (0%) (100%) (100%) (100%) (91%) 2 Sweet Fennel ------5.5 -- 5.2 ------10.7 (0%) (100%) (49%) 2 Pampas Grass 9.5 ------0.1 -- 7.6 ------17.2 (100%) (100%) (100%) (100%) 3 Tree Tobacco 7.4 ------17.8 -- 1.9 -- 27.1 (100%) (9%) (100%) (40%) 3 Castor Bean ------0.3 ------14.8 -- 15.1 (100%) (100%) (100%) Not St. John’s wort 8 (0%) ------8 (0%) ranked Total acres mapped of targeted invasive plant species with the percent treated (in parenthesis) by NROC in 2013 organized by management area (OCP = Orange County Parks; CONB = City of Newport Beach; FBI = Federal Bureau of Investigation). Treatment involves the application of herbicide to targeted plants coupled with the occasional mechanical means of control (i.e., cutting). Note: control efforts at Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park were performed by the County’s spray contractor, RPW, with NROC’s Invasive Plant Program management contractor, Harmsworth, providing oversight and mapping services; at Crystal Cove State Park, State Park staff oversaw the control efforts implemented by NROC’s spray contractors.
44 2013 NROC Habitat Restoration Table
Total acres of new, ongoing, and completed upland habitat restoration sponsored by NROC in 2013 organized by management area.
Land Area New Ongoing Completed Total
Laguna Canyon Wilderness Park (OCP) -- 6.2* -- 6.2
Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park (OCP) -- 4.0 -- 4.0
Crystal Cove State Park 2.0 2.0 -- 4.0
San Diego Creek (OCFCD) -- 0.2 -- 0.2
Bonita Canyon (TCA ) -- 0.6 -- 0.6
Coyote Canyon Landfill (OCWR) -- 0.3 -- 0.3
UC Irvine Ecological Preserve -- 12.5 -- 12.5
Total 2.0 25.8 -- 27.8
*Includes 3.7 acres of elderberry enhancement OCP = Orange County Parks OCFCD = Orange County Flood Control District TCA = Transportation Corridor Agencies OCWR = Orange County Waste & Recycling
45 2.6 A 17-Year Retrospective
1. This presentation covers the history of science and land management project funding at the Nature Reserve of Orange County (NROC). 2. The process of describing a complete and accurate history is a work in progress. The effort finds its roots in a request by NROC’s Technical Advisory Committee for a science matrix to be developed that captures the history of monitoring/research projects sponsored by the organization. 3. By documenting the full‐history of projects and funding, we are able to take significant steps towards completing the requested science matrix as well as directly support the ongoing planning efforts involved with development of NROC’s five‐year, science and monitoring and land management plans, the creation of which are both called for in the organization’s recently approved strategic plan.
46 1. As a first step in this process, we developed the NROC Project Matrix which covers the full seventeen‐year history of NROC as an organization. 2. One hundred and eighty‐one annual projects are captured within the matrix (likely represent greater than 95% of all NROC‐sponsored projects). 3. The Project Matrix lists all known NROC‐sponsored projects, linking them to contract files, and associated GIS data, tabular data, reports and other documents.
47 1. The Matrix also identifies the cost of individual projects and the specific Program Class, Program Area, and natural resource to which projects have been assigned. 2. For example: the “UCB Vegetative Change” (second project listed) is a research project studying the effectiveness of past weed control efforts in helping to recover coastal sage scrub habitat (coded: A2, with CSS identified as the resource); the “Cactus Scrub UCI Restoration/Measure M” (third project listed) is a land management project focused on restoring cactus scrub habitat (coded: B3, with Cactus Scrub identified as the resource). In all cases, the Budgeted Cost is the amount spent on a specific project for a given year. 3. By building the Project Matrix we are able to query the data to take an in‐depth look at ythe wa funds have been allocated among Program Class, Area, and by natural resource throughout NROC’s history.
48 1. We begin the review by focusing on the last ten years of the organization (from 2004 to 2013). 2. The table shows NROC funding by year and program class. 3. Over the last ten‐years, $5.5M was spent on projects with the lion’s share of funding going to active land management and monitoring/research projects. 4. Funds directed at Planning, Partner Education/Training, and Database Management only amounted to approximately 5% of the total project budget. 5. Spending has increased over the ten‐year period. The total amount spent between duringe th last five years totals $3.8M more than twice the amount spent in the previous five years (totals $1.8 M)
49 1. The table shows funding by program class and program area. The program class representing land management is highlighted. 2. A total of $3.3M was spent on land management activities over the last 10‐years. 3. Management has consisted of Weed Control, Habitat Restoration, and the control of Invasive Wildlife (i.e., Brown‐headed Cowbird Trapping Program). 4. NROC has not funded projects directly tied to wildland fire management, the management of recreational activities, or the management of sensitive resources (other than CSS) over the last 10‐years. 5. The approximately $1M directed towards habitat restoration has funded approximately 30 acres of active restoration of cactus scrub in support of the recovery of Cactus Wrens within the Reserve; all of which has occurred since 2009.
50 1. The same table is shown, but this time the program class representing monitoring and research projects is highlighted. 2. A total of $1.9M was spent over the last 10‐years on research and monitoring activities. 3. Over 82% of these dollars focused on improving our understanding of sensitive resources, 15% on improving methods or inference on the short and long‐term benefits of weed control activities, and ~3% on restoration techniques. 4. No research or monitoring dollars were spent projects where Wildland Fire, Recreation, or Invasive Wildlife was the focal point of the work.
51 1. Because we identified a focal resource for each project, we can also ask, how was the $5.5 M spent with respect to the different resources present within the Reserve over the last 10‐years? 2. This table shows project funding by resource and program class for the last 10‐years.
52 1. Over the last 10 years, approximately 50% of all funding was spent on studying, managing, or planning for the benefit of CSS (the Reserve’s target vegetation) 2. The two target bird species, that is, the California Gnatcatcher and Cactus Wren (when including restoration of cactus scrub) accounted for approximately 40% of the total. Of this amount, the Cactus Wren accounted for a disproportionate amount (~80%).
53 1. This next pie chart shows how the approximate $2M in monitoring/research dollars were spent across the different resources over the last ten years. 2. Similar to the overall budget, approximately 50% was spent in support of the two target bird species (which again was disproportionately weighted towards the Cactus Wren). 3. ~28% was spent on monitoring and research projects focused on CSS. 4. ~13% has been spent or directed to updating the vegetation map. 5. Everything else accounts adds up to a little less than 10% of the total monitoring/research budget.
54 1. This is the same graph but now we are also showing the individual projects (many of which are multi‐year efforts) that underlie the total values shown for the four main resources (Cactus Wren, California Gnatcatcher, Coastal Sage Scrub, and Landscape). 2. In total, over the last 10 years, there were 22 Monitoring/Research projects sponsored by NROC, all of which are identified for inclusion in the Science Matrix.
55 1. The Science Matrix, when complete, will identify (for each monitoring/research project listed in the Project Matrix): the principal resource addressed by the research; the time period over which the project took place; the project title; principal investigator; project cost; core question addressed by the research. The Matrix will also provide an overview of the project; describe progress achieved to date; and the key findings of the research. 2. The TAC requested the Science Matrix be developed because they consider the creation of the Science Matrix as a key first step in the evaluation of the overall productivity of NROC’s science program in terms of its success in addressing specific questions related to the conservation and management of biological resources within the Reserve.
56 1. This next graph shows both the annual cumulative cost of NROC‐sponsored projects ( blue squares) and the number of funded projects (light‐blue triangles) for each year across the entire seventeen‐year history of the organization (from 1997 through 2013). 2. Over this period a total of $8.2M (or $9.5M when adjusted for inflation) has come throughe th organization (as either income from the endowments, in‐lieu mitigation fees, or grants). 3. During this time a minimum of 181 annual projects were directly sponsored by NROC. This averages out to approximately 10 a year, although there are two distinct peaks. 4. The dashed line indicates a natural division between two different time periods in the organization’s history.
57 1. Over the last ten‐years the organization was structured similar to the way it is today (with a staff ecologist/scientist, independent Executive Director; and a TAC with a similar make‐up as to what is seen today). 2. During this period we see a consistent increase in spending from a low in 2004, mirrored by an increase in the number of funded projects.
58 1. During first seven years (1997 through 2004): The Nature Conservancy was the science advisor for NROC (with approximately 10% of the annual program budget going to the organization); the original TAC had a different composition and way of handling business than today; and the Umbrella Monitoring Plan was in effect. 2. During this time a total of $2.7M in projects was directed through NROC. Of this, $1.3M was spent on monitoring/research activities; $980K on land management (of which about 75% was weed control); and $350K was spent on planning efforts (which is more than double the relative amount spent in the last 10 years). This is not surprising as the Umbrella Monitoring Plan, Restoration and Enhancement Plan, and the Fire Management Plan are all being actively developed at this time under TNC’s leadership. 3. Over the first seven years we see a sharp increase in spending (and projects) followed by almost equally dramatic decrease. The reasons for this could be several, including the crash in the stock market in 2001, the disbanding of the original TAC, or initial monitoring/inventory efforts had simply run their course.
59 1. Focusing back on how monitoring/research funding was allocated during the first seven years of the organization’s history, this chart shows how the $1.3M spent on monitoring/research was distributed by resource. 2. Unlike the last ten years, in the first seven there were no monitoring/research projects focused on vegetation or the landscape. 3. Similar to the last 10 years, Target Bird species received a substantial amount of the resources, although the funding was more evenly balanced across several different taxonomic groups (which reflects the way the Umbrella Monitoring Program was setup).
60 1. This is the same graph but now we are also showing the individual projects (many of which are multi‐year efforts) that underlie the total values shown for each of the resources (Ants, Cactus Wren, Mammalian Carnivores, Raptors, Reptiles & Amphibians, Small Mammals, Songbirds, and Target Bird Species). 2. All 13 of the projects shown in this figure will be included in the Science Matrix. 3. Once complete there will be at least 35 monitoring/research projects described in the Science Matrix covering the last 17 years. 4. The Science Matrix will become a reference document that will inform future planning efforts and be a resource for those interested in the history of research and monitoring activities within the Reserve.
61 1. Although development of the Science Matrix is only a first step in evaluating NROC’s science program, it is clear much has been learned over the last seventeen years. 2. There is large spatial and temporal variation in species occurrence and local population size for most taxa studied (much of the spatial variability is due to variability in topography, soils, and vegetation; temporal variability is closely tied to year‐to‐year differences in the timing and amount of precipitation, as well as local disturbance). 3. Landscape configuration or land‐use change influences several process within the Reserve (like species invasion, meta‐population dynamics, and threat of repeat fire). 4. There has been a clear progression of learning resulting from NROC‐sponsored research (although the pathway of information flow in not always obvious) • Work by Kevin Crooks on large carnivores in the late 1990s and early 2000s informed subsequent studies of bobcat, coyote, and mountain lion movement, culminating in the planned management actions of today to fence large sections of the Foothill Transportation Corridor. • Research on the two Target Bird species shows the California Gnatcatcher is more resilient to landscape change and disturbance than previously considered, while the Cactus Wren is deserving of increased research and management spending as their numbers have dropped precipitously since the early 1990s. • NROC‐sponsored research has shown the Reserve’s weed control efforts are effective in substantially reducing the cover of targeted invasive weeds, but relying exclusively on passive restoration to restore disturbed landscapes is questionable.
62 1. In terms of where we go from here, the upcoming brainstorming session with the panel of science experts will provide a fresh look at the critical issues and threats facing NROC to help focus our science and management programs on the most import issues. 2. In the meantime, several next steps for both programs are being to emerge: • Wildfire (develop fuel modification, fire suppression, and post‐fire management strategies that maximize natural resource protection and opportunities for habitat restoration, while ensuring public safety) • Observation Systems (continue to implement both short and long‐term monitoring strategies that take into account the natural variability present in the system) • Recreation (improve monitoring efforts to better inform management) • Habitat Restoration (identify and prioritize areas for restoration within the Reserve, coupling habitat restoration and exotic plant control strategies to better meet the long‐term goal of restoring functioning landscapes that are resilient to future disturbance, especially wildfire) • Effective Database (improve knowledge transfer and sharing amongst our partnering organizations) 3. Woven into each of these initiatives is both the challenge to increase partner capacity (through training and tool development) and the need to account for future threats to the Reserve due to climate change in our activity.
63 3.0 NROC CONSERVATION CUSTODIAL FUNDS
3.1 2013 Pacific Pocket Mouse Custodial Fund
Pursuant to a Letter of Agreement between the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Nature Reserve of Orange County, a fund was created in 1998 to support research, recovery and enhancement efforts for the Pacific pocket mouse.
The agreement obligated Chandis Sherman (now Headlands Reserve LLC) to deposit funds annually for seven years into a segregated custodial account held by NROC, for a total of $350,000. All funding has been received. Funds are dispersed at the direction of USFWS and CDFW for projects in support of pocket mouse research, recovery and enhancement. The 2013 beginning balance of the Pacific Pocket Mouse Custodial Fund was $192,511.62, and the ending balance on December 31, 2013 was $133,803.32. The difference is attributable to a USFWS authorized payment to the Zoological Society of San Diego for the establishment and operation of a captive breeding program ($58,818.76) and interest earned.
On September 5, 2013, representatives of the USFWS, Institute for Conservation Research (San Diego Zoo), OC Parks, the City of Irvine and NROC met to discuss a proposed Pacific pocket mouse reintroduction effort on Reserve lands owned by OC Parks and the City of Irvine. Among the outcomes were commitments to the drafting of a reintroduction plan by USFWS, and execution of memoranda of understanding or other agreement type between USFWS and the City, and between USFWS and OC Parks.
3.2 2013 Cowbird Fund
The Cowbird Fund began the 2013 fiscal year at $1,365,287 and ended the year on December 31, 2013 at $ 1,517,661. A total of $ 30,840.98 was spent on the Brown-headed cowbird management program in 2013. The results are summarized in project descriptions (Section 2.3) above.
The 2014 NROC work plan includes a reassessment of goals, methodology and results to date, and evaluating costs and the economies of scale associated with the current management program.
4.0 NCCP/HCP RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLANS & POLICIES
4.1 Fire Management Plan
Michael Huff of Dudek delivered the final draft of the Wildland Fire Management Plan to NROC September 25, 2013. The draft fulfilled the consultant’s obligation under the 2011 Contract and the 2012 Addendum. The three-volume plan received cursory review by the Wildlife Agencies, landowners and other key partners. It is envisaged that the product will serve as a resource document in support of pre-fire, fire response and post-fire actions in support of the NCCP/HCP in the Central and Coastal Subregion.
64 The 2014 work plan is documented in the approved NROC Strategic Plan (Goal 5).
Irvine Ranch Conservancy fire database documented a total of three fires (May 5th, July 25th and October 6th) burned a total of approximately 46 acres in 2013. A majority of these acres were within the boundary of the NCCP/HCP Reserve. All ignitions were reported as accidental.
4.2 Habitat Restoration & Enhancement Plan
The HREP was completed and approved by the Board of Directors in 2003, and has periodically been reviewed, but not formally updated since that time. NROC made no coordinated progress on a revision in 2013.
Item 24 in the above project descriptions (Section 2.3) summarizes coordinated, expert-driven rapid assessment strategy NROC will implement in 2014 to develop new protocols to improve the HREP process.
4.3 Recreation Management Plan
According to the NCCP/HCP and Implementation Agreement, resource management plans for parks and other open spaces within the reserve will include a recreation management plan. While many individual parks and open spaces have plans, NROC has not historically contributed to their development, review or foundational research.
It is clear from landowners and land managers input that understanding of the complex human dimensional issues and impacts surrounding effective and adaptive recreational management is, in many instances, anecdotal, incomplete or lacking. A recommendation from the 2013 NROC Science Panel Workshop in November was for the organization to support the recreation planning effort by funding ongoing research into priority recreational uses to balance the human and wildlife needs of this urban/suburban Reserve system.
Research into the human dimensions of the Reserve will likely be a key component of the five to ten year science vision for NROC developed in 2014.
4.4 Grazing Management Plan
Though a Grazing Management Plan was adopted, grazing in the reserve by livestock ceased in 2002 and there are no serious plans at this date to reintroduce livestock as a management tool. As a result, there is nothing to report in 2013 and no 2014 work plan.
65 5.0 IMPACTS TO COASTAL SAGE SCRUB HABITAT IN THE COUNTY OF ORANGE CENTRAL/COASTAL SUBREGION NCCP/HCP 2013
5.1 Authorized Take in the Reserve System by Participating Landowners as Reported to NROC in 2013
NROC directs readers to the individual reports submitted by reserve landowners for a cumulative accounting of authorized take of coastal sage scrub since the inception of the NCCP/HCP. However, the only reported authorized take of CSS in 2013 was incurred by OC Waste & Recycling at the Frank R. Bowerman Landfill. The total authorized take was 10.0 acres. The remaining take authorization is 74.86 acres.
5.2 Take by Non-Participating Landowners – Mitigation Fee Option
Date Non Project Acres CSS In-Lieu Participating Impact Mitigation Fee Landowner 01/28/13 Shea/Baker Shea/Baker Ranch: Phase 2a 6.61 acres $429,650 Ranch (City of Lake Forest) Associates, LLC 08/05/13 Baldwin & Sons Portola Center (City of Lake Forest) 1.11 acre $72,215 Geotechnical Survey: South & Northeastern Properties TOTAL 7.72 acres $501,865
6.0 ACCOUNTING OF FUNDS RECEIVED AND DISPERSED BY NROC
No funds were dispersed to NCCP/HCP participants. However, NROC provided coordinated in- kind contributions that benefited or will benefit reserve landowners in 2013 and beyond. The table below summarizes NROC’s financial investment in select projects identified in Section 2 above.
Restoration or Management Project 2013 Expenses Updated Reserve Vegetation Mapping $69,459.65 Wildland Fire Management Plan $17,165.19 Oak Pathogen Investigation $5,201.93 Thistle Control $47,665.99 Veltgrass Control $40,918.25 Black Mustard Control $10,500.00 Sahara Mustard Control $7,500.00 TOTAL $198,411.01
For a detailed breakdown of expenditures and success of the program, see the NROC science and land management project 17 year retrospective included in Section 2 above.
66 7.0 BOUNDARY CHANGES/MINOR AMENDMENTS IN THE RESERVE SYSTEM
On February 20, 2013, the NROC Boundary Amendment and Acquisition Committee met to review an application from the City of Lake Forest for a minor boundary amendment to the County of Orange Central and Coastal NCCP/HCP to include a portion of Shea/Baker Ranch (5.27 acres). While a minor boundary amendment has not been granted by NROC pending resolution of a number of long-term stewardship assurances, an escrow agreement between Shea/Baker Ranch Associates, LLC, and NROC was executed July 12, 2013, as an interim measure. The escrow agreement, supported by the Wildlife Agencies, extends long-term protection to coastal sage scrub communities within the Reserve and supports short-term needs of the landowner relating to the project.
NROC anticipates the requirements of the minor boundary amendment will be fully met and NROC Board of Directors approval will be granted in 2014.
67 Nature Reserve of Orange County
ANNUAL REPORT 2013
Section: 8.1
Crystal Cove State Park
IV Habitat Restoration and Enhancement Since 1982, the park has had continuous restoration efforts in coastal sage scrub, grassland, and riparian habitats. Using Department funding sources during 2013, several hundred acres of weeds were controlled by use of herbicides, mowing, and hand pulling. Artichoke thistle, black mustard, fennel, arundo, veldt grass, iceplant and hemlock were the primary targets as well as some new invasives such as Emex spinosa and Asphidelis sp. Approximately 382 of artichoke thistle were treated by NROC contract crews and State Park staff. All of the sites were treated with a combination of the herbicides Transline and Telar at an early growth stage.
At various locations a total of over 1,500 container plants were planted throughout the park. Some of the areas planted include the coastal terrace areas of Reef Point and Pelican Point, various locations throughout Moro campground, an old restored road site, and various other places throughout Crystal Cove.
Habitat restoration continued on 10 acres of the East Flank in conjunction with the Irvine Ranch Conservancy. Weed controlled areas were either drill or imprint seeded in 2009. A grassland seed mix for most areas was utilized along with a scrub mix for the outer slopes. Control for mustard, false brome, artichoke thistle, and other weed species continued. Efforts continued in 2013 with multiple waves of artichoke and mustard control. IRC and State Parks staff weed-whipped, mowed, and sprayed approximately 8 acres of mustard though out the season to reduce cover and prevent the mustard from seeding. Early pioneer species such as Amsinckia spp and Sisyrinchium bellum flourished. Experimental plots were set up throughout the area, which were then weeded and seeded again.
Some experimental test plots for mustard control and habitat enhancement were put into place in 2009 through NROC at a few black mustard dominated locations within Crystal Cove State Park. Test plots include herbicide, mechanical and control treatments on various microhabitats including steep slopes, open flat areas, ridges, and within canyons. Year 5 finished this year with the appropriate treatments in each plot as well as a seeding treatment. One more year of treatment remains, at the end of which the data will be reviewed.
Hemlock reduction and non-native grass treatments continued in Moro Canyon with repeated herbicide applications. A flush of Amsinckia, fiesta flower, and various phacelias have quickly moved in along road edges, and efforts continue further from the road edge into disturbed areas.
2 acres of mature cactus restoration was started in 2011, led by NROC in an effort to create habitat suitable for coastal cactus wrens. Degraded sites were chosen within eyesight of existing cactus patches that provided a clear path from the current cactus wren nesting site. The sites were cleared of all thatch which was then removed from the sites. Mature cactus up to 5 feet tall and 7-8 feet across were moved by truck and heavy equipment from a site in Lake Forest slated for development. Cactus branches as well as pads were also planted and watered in. The cactus patches will then be weeded and monitored for the next few years. Two additional acres immediately adjacent to the cactus restoration sites underwent habitat enhancement, which included reduction of non-native cover via mowing and herbicide application.
Cactus pads were also planted along fire breaks along Irvine Cove in an effort to create fire resistant fuel in addition to more native habitat. Cactus was also planted along Pelican Point’s terraces for similar reasons.
Crystal Cove State Park is a pilot park for a state-wide trail inventory program that commenced in 2012. In the summer of 2011, park staff reviewed digital maps of the park and assigned attributes to each segment of trail, including use type, trail vs. road, dimensions, material, accessibility, etc. Once this phase was complete, park staff was outfitted with a Toughbook, GPS, Rolo wheel, and GPS camera to walk every segment. The goal of this exercise is to ground truth the original assessment, as well as capture other data such as trail construction, failures and issues with the trails, potential problem areas, geologic features such as major and minor drainages and unstable slopes. This project was completed in 2013 and we are waiting for the final maps to be finished.
Crystal Cove created a new entry into the park at the Irvine Cove area near PCH. This new entry into the park is being used frequently with trail usage data being recorded by Natural Resource staff via trail cameras. In 2013, there were 1150 bikers and 467 hikers.
Crystal Cove natural resource staff conducting a nesting raptor survey last year in conjunction with the IRC through Moro Canyon. We found 1 active raptor nest, located on a telephone pole. A second nest was found near the parking lot of the ranger station, which was out of the survey area.
Park staff has also installed trail cameras on two illegal trails in the backcountry of Crystal Cove. The cameras are regularly monitored to determine traffic up and down the illegal trails and to determine the amount of use for the new entrance. So far, initial efforts to shut down the “Nothing Better To Do” illegal trail have been largely successful with only 1 biker and around 40 hikers traveling a short distance down the trail and turning around. The other trail with a camera has had high use with approximately 282 bikers and 650 hikers. So far, efforts have included light brushing and “Area Closed” sign installations at all of the known entrances. We have recently met with OC Parks and are starting a working group to help work on illegal trails in Laguna Coast Wilderness and Crystal Cove with a joint effort, and this specific trail will be one of the areas focused on.
Natural resource staff conducted a California Gnatcatcher survey on the coastal terrace this spring and into early summer. We observed 55 individual birds, of which 11 were fledglings.
Natural resource staff has been working with other State Parks staff in Sacramento in the development of a weed early detection pilot program. Staff worked with the California Invasive Plant Council’s (Cal-IPC) weed mapper model to determine a potential list of plants that could become expensive and hard to control weeds. This list was then wheedled down to a list of 20 plants that have either already been found nearby or had the highest possibility of becoming established. Training cards were then developed with the help of Cal-IPC. NRM staff field tested the cards and program at Crystal Cove, searching pre-determined search areas for the target weed list. If target weeds were found, they were marked with a GPS unit and removed if time allowed.
The field test was successful, and Natural Resource staff continues to work with Sacramento staff to develop this program further. Ideally, this program would extend to neighboring land managers and collectively we would all search for the same weed. Currently, we are working with the local chapter of CNPS to recruit volunteers for this program.
.
Nature Reserve of Orange County
ANNUAL REPORT 2013
Section: 8.2
California Department of Fish and Wildlife Ecological Reserves
Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve Newport Beach, Orange County
Annual Work Report
Prepared by:
Carla Navarro Woods Land Management Program South Coast Region 5 California Department of Fish and Wildlife
January 2014
Table of Contents
I. Introduction and Summary ...... 3 II. Management Activities ...... 4 A. Capital Improvements ...... 4 B. Biological Surveys ...... 4 C. Habitat Restoration and Maintenance ...... 6 D. Public Services ...... 7 E. Planning and Reporting ...... 12 F. Operations Administration ...... 12 III. Workload ...... 14 IV. References ...... 15 Appendix 1: Location Maps ...... 15 Appendix 2: Annual Task Schedule ...... 20
I. Introduction and Summary
The Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve (UNBER) is located in Newport Beach in Orange County, California. UNBER is a 752 acre coastal wetland located along the upper reaches of the Newport Bay, Orange County, California. Newport Bay is divided into two distinct areas: (1) the heavily developed lower Bay, know for its recreation and commercial significance, and (2) the less developed upper Bay, known for its ecological significance. UNBER generally includes all of Upper Newport Bay, from the southwestern boundary at Shellmaker Island along the center line of Back Bay Drive to the northeastern boundary at Jamboree Road Bridge.
UNBER is one of the last remaining coastal wetlands in southern California that continues to play a significant role in providing critical habitat for a variety of migratory waterfowl, shorebirds, and endangered species of birds and plants. The unique marine and terrestrial habitats within UNBER provide habitat for approximately 200 species of birds, 75 species of fish, 19 species of herpetofauna, 17 species of mammals, 12 orders of insects, and over 1,000 species of marine invertebrates. In addition, UNB is of commercial significance because it provides critical habitat for commercially important species of fish, such as California halibut (Paralichthys californicus), sand bass (Paralabrix spp.), gobies, topsmelt (Atherinops affinis), and anchovy (Engraulis spp.).
UNBER was designated as an ecological reserve by the California Fish and Game Commission in 1975 to conserve, restore, and enhance wetland habitats. The creation of UNBER was the result of several years of efforts by Federal, State, and local agencies as well as members of the community to preserve UNB from increasing pressures from surrounding development. The creation of UNBER was made possible by the Newport Bay Settlement Agreement, signed by the Irvine Company (TIC), the County of Orange, the City of Newport Beach, and the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG). The initial land agreement included 527 acres; an additional 214 acres was added to UNBER in 1989.
The guiding document for UNBER is the Land Management Plan (Gerstenberg 1988). The property has not had a PAR analysis performed and there is no endowment for management.
The purpose of this Annual Report is to report on the accomplished tasks from January 1- December 31, 2013. The Department fiscal year encompasses the period from July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013. Program numbers for the Back Bay Science Center are for the Department fiscal year, not calendar year. Unless otherwise stated, all tasks were performed by Department staff, including Carla Navarro (Orange County Land Manager), Robin Madrid (Education Coordinator), John Hartman (Fish and Wildlife Technician), and Scientific Aides.
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II. Management Activities
A. Capital Improvements
1. Lands Improvement 1. Split rail fencing. To protect sensitive habitat, approximately 310 linear feet of split doweled fencing was replaced on Shellmaker Road and Big Canyon kiosk. 2. Big Canyon Loop Trail bridge. Approx. 74 linear feet of bridge surface replaced. 3. Big Canyon kiosk area. Replaced 80 linear feet of hand railing on walking trail 4. Salt Dike Lookout. Steps fixed at salt dike lookout; water bar installed for erosion control. 5. Gates. The main entrance gate was replaced in February 2013. All work was coordinated by the City of Newport Beach. Contact: Jim Auger. 2. Signage. Regulatory signs need to be updated and are being purchased for 2014. Some additional signage is needed in locations identified by the Reserve Manager to discourage access or illegal activity by recreational users. Replaced or refurbished signs are as follows: a. Faded signs were replaced, as needed, at UNBER. b. Two interpretive signs located on the Big Canyon loop trail were removed and refurbished. The refurbished signs were placed on new posts and put back in their original location. c. Lettering on three monument signs were painted, DFW logo replaced.
B. Biological Surveys
1. California least tern (Sterna antillarum browni) monitoring There is one least tern colony that nests at Tern Island (also referred to as ‘Hot Dog Island”). In May, remote monitoring begins upon first CA least tern use of nest site. Weekly nest searches are conducted by CDFW staff to document the numbers of eggs, nesting pairs, nesting sites, and estimated fledglings. All of the data is sent to Nancy Frost of DFW in the South Coast Region.
2013 Season During 2013, a total of 32 California least tern (LETE) nests were observed at Tern Island (a.k.a. Hot Dog Island) in the Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve. This is a 50% increase from the 2012 season. A minimum of 8 LETE chicks fledged in 2013; an increase over 2012 when no LETE fledged from UNBER. Of the 32 LETE nests, 2 were depredated, 4 nests were non-viable and the remaining were assumed hatched. While no predator management activities were undertaken at UNBER during the 2013 season, depredation of chicks by raptors is suspected: a Northern Harrier and two Cooper’s hawks were observed over nest sites at UNBER. However, we did not directly observe predation during our monitoring times.
4 2. Light footed clapper rail (Rallus longirostris levipes) Monitoring Monitoring is provided annually under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Dick Zembal. The MOU also allows for the collection of eggs for a breeding program to expand the population through relocations to suitable sites. Surveys were conducted during the start of the breeding season and include approximately coastal wetlands from the Ventura County to the Mexican Border. The survey data is provided as part of a final report submitted to DFG.
2013 season In Upper Newport Bay, 191 pairs were detected exhibiting breeding behavior in the marsh. This subpopulation remains the largest, representing 36.4% of the state population in 2013 (Zembal et al. 2013). This was an overall increase of 15.8%; a total of 165 pairs were counted in 2012.
3. Beldings savannah sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis rostratus) Monitoring is provided every five years under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Dick Zembal. The last survey effort was completed in 2010 and the next survey effort is planned for 2015. Surveys are generally conducted at the start of the breeding season in early February and the survey data is provided as part of a final report submitted to DFG.
2010 season Territories of the Belding’s Savannah Sparrow were surveyed in 30 coastal marshes throughout its historical range from northern Santa Barbara County to the Mexican Border. Surveys were conducted (Zembal 2010). Regionally, approximately 3,372 pairs were detected in 29 marshes (Zembal 2010). The population is 7.6% higher from the last survey effort in 2006 (Zembal 2010). At Upper Newport Bay, there was an estimated 268 pairs. Of these, 177 territories were observed on the high marsh, behind New Least Tern Island and across the main channel (Zembal 2010). The remaining 65 territories were found further south in the bay on three ‘islands’ of marsh habitat. (Zembal 2010). The authors indicated that Upper Newport Bay maintains the fifth largest subpopulation in California.
4.Big Canyon informal surveys. In October, CDFW Biologists from the regional office performed presence/absence surveys for small mammals and birds at Big Canyon. They will re-survey again in March 2014.
5. Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) The BBSC has a nesting platform that was erected in 1993 and has been successfully utilized by nesting ospreys from 2006-2013. In 2013, there were no chicks observed. Based on personal observations, we believe that the female was not reproductive this year. She is normally observed tending to the nest when eggs are present, but we did not observe this behavior. It is unknown what age the female is or how long she is reproductive. Interestingly, we noticed a new male osprey building a nest on an electrical pole at
5 the corner of Back Bay Drive and Shellmaker Road. Tags indicate it was a male fledge from the BBSC. The nest building had caused power outages at the Back Bay Science Center. Eventually the male abandoned the site but we expect to see him again next year.
Below is a summary of the Osprey data to date.
1993 - Nest Platform Constructed and Erected by Russ Kerr and the California Department of Fish and Game 2003 - Nest Spruced up - more Sticks Added 2005 - First Attempt at Nesting Produced 2 Failed Eggs 2006 - First Successful Fledging of 2 Chicks 2007 – Two Chicks Successfully Fledged Platform moved after breeding season to its current location to complete the Back Bay Science Center. 2008 - Three Chicks Fledged, both were banded. 2009 – Four Chicks Banded and Fledged 2010 - Three Chicks Banded and Fledged 2011 - Three Chicks Banded and Fledged 2012- Three Chicks Banded and Fledged 2013- Reproductive failure, cause unknown
C. Habitat Restoration and Maintenance
1. The California Coastal Commission's Community-Based Restoration and Education Program. The Restoration program is working at sites on City of Newport Beach, County of Orange and State of California property. Through monthly "ROOTS Events", large groups (up to 120 volunteers) remove invasive plants and install native plants to restore habitat. During weekly "Steward Days", small groups (12-15) of volunteers focus on propagating native plants that will be installed in the field during the rainy season. The group operates a native plant nursery of Department of Fish and Game property at the Back Bay Science Center. During this fiscal year, the Community- Based Restoration and Education Program conducted 64 events with the support of 1,034 volunteers at their programs. They are currently working in Newport Valley, a City property adjacent to Back Bay Drive.
2. Exotic Weed Removal Herbicide application and/or hand removal of nuisance or non-native vegetation is part of the maintenance routine at UNBER. Prior to the start of the avian breeding season (September 2-March 14), the primary focus is non-native vegetation removal and during the breeding season (March 15 –September 1) the maintenance efforts shift to trail maintenance, repairs and sign replacement. The nesting season does vary by species and year, so access to sensitive areas may be restricted at any time from January through September.
6 A total of 8.7 acres were treated for non-native and/or nuisance species throughout the reserve. A target marsh species is Limonium, due to its prolific seed production. Experimental test plots were established on south Shellmaker Island and in the north bay to identify best treatment method for this species. Weekly surveys are being performed from May 2013-May 2014. In Big Canyon, a Conservation Corps Crew removed vegetation and debris from the Big Canyon Loop Trail. In one week, they cleared 2000 linear feet of trail surface and filled one 40 foot container.
3. Nesting Island Maintenance UNBER has two nesting islands located in the upper reaches of the bay. Tern Island, is an island that is used by California Least terns, Black Skimmers, American Avocets, and killdeer for nesting. Every winter and early spring the island is maintained by removing non-native vegetation through hand removal and herbicide treatment. New Least Tern Island is a new island created in 2008 by the Upper Newport Bay Restoration Project. It is 2.3 acres at MLLW. In 2012, a few American avocets and killdeer were again observed using the island for nesting. In 2013, we observed a black necked stilt attempt nesting. Predator access to this island remains an issue, especially at a negative tide when the channel is relatively short and narrow for mammals to cross. Coyotes have been observed on the island, and scat and/or tracks have been found. In the late winter, turkey vultures regularly roost on the east side of the island. The rare and endangered coastal woolly head (Nemacaulis denudata) has an established population on the island. We take care to avoid any damage to this annual species. Tern (aka HotDog) Island is the primary nesting location for a small colony of California Least Terns. For the 2013 season, vegetation management of Tern Island began early with hand removal and herbicide treatment of nuisance vegetation. Breeding information for the Least terns are provided under Biological Surveys section. The rare and endangered coastal woolly head (Nemacaulis denudata) has an established population on the island. We take care to avoid any damage to this annual species.
D. Public Services The Back Bay Science Center and the Ecological Reserve provide planned research, education, and recreational opportunities provided through the Department or in coordination with our partners and local non-governmental organizations. Many of these services include volunteer coordination, educational programs and public outreach, access requests, trail designation, maintenance of lands and facilities, patrol, enforcement and research.
Illegal trail mapping In summer of 2013, a Department volunteer named Kathy Sheridan started to map all illegal trails within ER boundary and/or access points to the ER. She completed the north, west and east areas of the reserve. Trails will be uploaded onto a GIS map to identify and prioritize areas for restoration and/or repair.
7 New Volunteers Kathy Sheridan. Assists with GIS mapping and sensitive species monitoring Bob Galbreadth. Assists with Back Bay Drive patrols and Big Canyon monitoring.
Public Events within the Reserve 1. Newport Bay Conservancy (NBC) The Newport Bay Conservancy is a local nongovernmental organization that supports the DFG lands mission by providing educational opportunities for the community at large to learn about our watershed and ecology of the Newport Bay. They host a number of different research or recreational public events for educational purposes while utilizing the Reserve or the Back Bay Science Center as their platform.
2. Kring and Chung Newport Beach Triathlon The Kring and Chung Triathlon is a race event that utilizes Back Bay Drive for the bike portion of its race. The event begins at Newport Dunes with a swim portion, then participants ride their bikes on a loop through Back Bay Drive, and return to Newport Dunes for the final running portion. On October 20, 2013, there were approximately 550 participants. Pre- and post-event coordination and meetings have been handled the Reserve Manager.
3. CROP Hunger Walk Each year, the Our Lady Queen of Angels elementary school holds a small walking event to raise money for disadvantaged youth. The event is usually held in October, where walkers use a portion of Back Bay Drive from San Joaquin Hills to East Bluff as part of the charity walk route. On October 27, 2013, the event attracted approximately 100-125 walkers to participate. The organizers provided one water station at the Big Canyon parking lot where walkers stop to hydrate and throw their trash into receptacles before continuing. Since the event is very small and held outside of the breeding season, there have not been any issues arising from this event.
4. Sea and Sage Audubon Society Monthly Bird Counts Every third Wednesday of each month, the Sea and Sage Audubon Society conducts monthly bird counts at the Reserve. The Newport Sea Base provides a pontoon for birders to count birds observed from the southern Reserve boundary to New Least Tern Island. Monthly reports are provided to the Department. The Audubon Society obtains an Access Letter for this activity.
5. Inside the Outdoors, County of Orange The Orange County Department of Education offers a series of fieldtrips for local 4th graders named “Inside the Outdoors”. It is held during the academic school year from September through February at Big Canyon. The thematic lessons focus on the Upper Newport Bay birds, history, people and wetlands. Each year, this program requests an access letter from UNBER, and they provide two port-o-potties during this time period. Due to funding constraints, the program held less than 10 educational events at the bay.
8 1. Newport Aquatic Center (NAC) NAC is a non-profit boat house built in 1987 that borders the southern boundary of the reserve. The facility consists of a boat house, small dock, several rowing boats, and North Star Beach. Olympic rowing, canoeing and kayaking are available to the public. They hold two small (<75 participants) stand up paddling events in October and February of each year.
Research Access at Upper Newport Bay 2. Chris Crompton, Orange County Watersheds The County of Orange/OC Watersheds is required by the Santa Ana Regional Quality Control Board to conduct water quality, algae, and sediment monitoring as described in the Municipal National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit and the Nutrient Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Monitoring Program for Newport Bay. Monthly water, benthic and algal samples are collected from established sampling locations each year during favorable tides. Quarterly reports are made available to the Department and also published online for the public to review. Advance notice of sampling dates are coordinated with the Reserve Manager.
3. Richard Ambrose, UCLA Long term climate change and sedimentation. Access allows researchers to conduct vegetation surveys, collect sediment cores, and install tidal loggers on intertidal mudflats Data collection is ongoing, no final report available yet.
4. Chris Solek, SCCWRP CRAM survey workshop, field class in October 2013. The class involves a one day field session at two UNBER marsh locations for CRAM survey training. There were approximately 9 participants and 3 instructors participating in the course.
5. Eric Miller, MBC Applied Science, September 2013. Access for fish surveys for SCCWRP Bight program.
6. Don Mabe, C.I.Agent Stormwater Solutions, September 2013. Access for water quality monitoring for SCCWRP Bight Survey
7. Milan Mitrovich, Nature Reserve of Orange County, June 2013. Access for vegetation mapping and sruveys.
8. Sea and Sage Audubon Society Monthly bird counts, as described above under ‘Public Events’
9. Newport Sea Base The Newport Sea Base conducts educational programming in coordination with the Back Bay Science Center as described below under ‘Educational Programs and Outreach at the Back Bay Science Center’.
Educational Programs and Outreach at the Back Bay Science Center
9 The Back Bay Science Center is a teaching and research facility located at the southeast corner of the ecological reserve on Shellmaker Road, off Back Bay Drive. The facility has three buildings and is maintained through a joint partnership between the Department of Fish and Wildlife, the City of Newport Beach and County of Orange. The administrative building provides office space for staff and volunteers of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, City of Newport Beach, and California Coastal Commission. A second building provides office and laboratory space for the County of Orange Public Health Laboratory and a third building is a teaching lab used for education and research. Educational programs are coordinated through Robin Madrid. During the fiscal year, the Department provided 186 educational programs for school groups and youth organizations at the Back Bay Science Center and the reserve that served 7,214 participants.
1. Marine Aquaria There are four indoor aquaria and three outdoor tanks at the Back Bay Science Center (BBSC), which are used as educational displays of native fish and invertebrate species from the Newport Bay. These tanks are used in educational programs, tours, and public outreach events. Aquaria maintenance is possible through the efforts of volunteers and scientific aides. Some of the duties include: weekly water changes, regularly scheduled cleanings and feedings, food preparation and storage, regular system checks and repairs, water quality testing, supplies and equipment orders, and the coordination of volunteers and staff to assist with each task.
2. Marine Life Inventory and Research Ongoing monitoring studies have been taking place at the BBSC for several years. The Marine Life Inventory (MLI) is one of the most popular and well-known programs. The MLI occurs one Saturday of each month, as determined by the tide schedule. This program is designed to monitor seasonal changes as well as natural and/or human- mediated changes observed throughout the year in the Back Bay. To study these changes we call on the help of high school students, college students, and sometimes the general public to assist our scientists and educators in collecting data. There are three different collection methods used to collect marine life from different habitat areas of the estuary: (1) a mud grad collects mudflat inhabitants; (2) a 100’ seine net collects fish and invertebrates from the water column; and, (3) an otter trawl collects bottom dwellers. The marine life are collected, identified, measured, and then released. This long term monitoring information is collected and inputted into computer database. The BBSC also collaborates with several local colleges to coordinate research projects, provide access letters, or letters of support. This fiscal year, 12 MLI events were held for 272 students/volunteers participants.
3. Coastal Cleanup Day On September 21, 2013 approximately 535 people from the community attended the clean-up efforts around the Back Bay as part of the state-wide Coastal Cleanup Day. The Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center is the headquarters for the land-based clean-up, which is coordinated by OC Parks and the Newport Bay Conservancy (NBC). A total of 335 volunteers arrive for the land-based cleanup and focused their efforts within the Preserve that is managed by OC Parks. The Back Bay Science Center is the headquarters
10 for the water-based clean-up, which is coordinated by the Department, with assistance and support from NBC, and 150 volunteers arrived for clean up at this site. Four months of planning and preparation go into this event, spearheaded by Robin Madrid.
4. Estuary Awareness Day On June 15, 2013 approximately 239 community members attended the annual Estuary Awareness Day held at the Back Bay Science Center. It is a public event for the community to come to the BBSC and learn about wetlands ecology and current environmental issues affecting Newport Bay. Local organizations set up informational booths including the Orange County Coastkeeper, the Sea and Sage Audobon Society, Orange County Public Health Laboratory and the DFW Natural Resource Volunteer Patrol. The Newport Sea Base also provided short boat tours of the upper bay guided by a naturalist.
5. Earth Day Each year, around April 22, the Newport Bay Conservancy and OC Parks take the lead on organizing a public outreach event to encourage environmental awareness and stewardship. For the past four years the event has been held at the Muth Interpretive Center, and there are typically 1,000-2,000 participants. Our department/program participates by attending on the day of the event with a canopy and table to provide information about Upper Newport Bay wildlife and regulations.
6. Newport Bay Conservancy (NBC) Public Programs The NBC usually holds one major public event each quarter for the community at the Back Bay Science Center. The primary focus of these events is to inform the public of current research at the Bay or topics of interest to the general public.
7. Boy Scouts of America and the Newport Sea Base The Boy Scouts regularly collaborate with the BBSC for Eagle Scout Projects. This calendar year, approximately 80 linear feet of split doweled fencing and trex were installed at the Back Bay Science Center. These projects require careful planning and coordination, and permit preparation through the Department and the California Coastal Commission. The BBSC also offers two summer programs from June-September: the Sharkcamp and Fishing for Science for Boy Scout participants. DFG coordinates these events with the Newport Sea Base to teach fishing techniques, fishing safety, shark and skate ecology, and most importantly, teach a strong sense of conservation values. This fiscal year, there were three fishing events with Boy Scout participants. The Newport Sea Base is part of the Boy Scout program that offers sailing and marine education open to both boys and girls ages 5-17. The majority of their programs are hosted at their own facility In Newport Beach but they also utilize the Reserve and the Back Bay Science Center for educational programs about our local watershed and coastal wetlands ecology. Advance coordination with the Reserve Manager and Educational Programs coordinator is required for an Access Permit and space availability at the BBSC.
11 Patrol and Enforcement 1. Natural Resource Volunteer Patrol (NRV) Provide regularly scheduled outreach and information for the Reserve, other DFW properties in Orange County, and at local fishing areas. The volunteers may also report information on missing signage and property damage on the Reserve. The NRV efforts provide some DFG presence twice monthly on the Reserve, but much more is needed given the amount of recreational use observed on a daily basis. There are many access points to the Reserve and adequate monitoring of illegal uses is difficult.
2. Unplanned Public Contact These are often unplanned encounters with the pubic that require information or enforcement. Throughout the Reserve we have areas of sensitive habitat that the public is not allowed to enter or have equipment and/or activity restrictions. These common occurrences often require immediate attention from the Reserve Manager.
E. Planning and Reporting
1.The Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve’s Land Management Plan is in the process of revision. A college intern from Cornell University, Melissa Lenker, spent the summer reviewing data gaps and inserting information into the appendices. The remaining areas to be completed in the draft form is being worked on by the Reserve Manager, as time permits.
2.UNBER participates in the Central/Coastal Orange County Natural Community Conservation Plan (NCCP). The NCCP was created to protect habitats and wildlife in large-scale ecosystem landscapes. The Central Orange County NCCP requires an Annual Report that describes activities within the reserve system. Each landowner is responsible for annual reporting of activities that occur on each property.
3.Annual Work Report - This planning document is designed to provide guidance for the management of UNBER.
F. Operations Administration Training and meetings
1. Coordination Meetings, Reserve Manager a. The Reserve Manager usually meets with each Access Letter Permitee to review permit conditions, resolve issues, and coordinate event needs at the Reserve. b. BBSC Facilities Meeting. Quarterly meetings of the BBSC operating partners to discuss facilities issues. c. NROC Landowners Meetings. Quarterly meetings with NROC to discuss issues of participating NCCP properties. At UNBER, only the upland portions are part of the NCCP.
12 d. Orange County Marine Protected Area Council. Quarterly meeting to coordinate research, monitoring, and enforcement of marine protected areas. e. Newport Bay Watershed Executive Committee Meetings. Quarterly meeting to discuss watershed issues among City f. Public Events meetings. Access coordination to ensure habitat protection on the day of the event. 2. Specialized Training, Reserve Manager a. Caulerpa sp. Survey Certification for Carla Navarro from NOAA Fisheries, Long Beach office. Received July 24, 2013. Certification is valid for two years. b. Natural Resource Damage Assessment, Los Alamitos. May 22, 2013. c. Property Analysis Record (PAR) training provided by CNLM.
13 III. Workload and Budgets
A. Supervision and Staffing
Rick Mayfield Lands Supervisor / \ Carla Navarro (40%) Robin Madrid (100%) Reserve Manager Education Coordination / / \ Taylor Van Berkum Dave Meyer Joann Park Faye Creedon Scientific Aide Scientific Aide Scientific Aide Scientific Aide
Rick Mayfield is the Wildlife and Lands Program Supervisor for staff in Orange, Los Angeles, and Santa Barbara Counties. All special projects, access letters, and large public events require management staff approval. Educational programs, special events, and volunteer activities that operate within the BBSC complex are under the jurisdiction of Robin Madrid. Restoration, biological monitoring, construction projects and volunteer activities that occur within the Reserve and are outside of the BBSC are under the jurisdiction of Carla Navarro. Programs or events that overlap the BBSC and the reserve are cooperatively managed by both Robin Madrid and Carla Navarro.
B. Scheduling
The schedule in Appendix 2 identifies the approximate schedule of field work throughout the fiscal year. Those tasks (both field and non-field) with specific critical milestone dates are listed below in chronological order. The field tasks with critical dates are bolded in the schedule.
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IV. References
Gerstenberg, Greg. 1988. Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve Management Plan. California Department of Fish and Game, California.
Zembal, R. and S. Hoffman. 2010. A survey of the Belding’s Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis rostratus) in 2010. Final Report to the California Department of Fish and Game.
Zembal, R. Hoffman, S., and J. Konechy. 2012. Status and distribution of the Light-footed Clapper Rail in California. Final Report to the California Department of Fish and Game.
Zembal, R. Hoffman, S., and J. Konechy. 2013. Status and distribution of the Light-footed Clapper Rail in California. Final Report to the California Department of Fish and Game.
Appendix 1: Location Maps
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Figure 1. Aerial view of Upper Newport Bay taken in October 2010, following the conclusion of the Upper Newport Bay Ecosystem Restoration Project.
Figure 2. Vicinity Map showing the locations of the Back Bay Science Center and Muth Interpretive Center. Note the old boating limit is marked on the map and has since changed.
Figure 6. Vegetation Communities at Upper Newport Bay.
Appendix 2: Annual Task Schedule
Task July-September October- January - April - June December March Nest Site Preparation After September 15th X Before March 15th
Least Tern Monitoring X X X X X X Weed Eradiation
Habitat Restoration X X X X X Trail Maintenance CA coastal gnatcatcher surveys X X Light footed clapper rail survey
Coal Canyon Ecological Reserve CCER
Annual Work Report Prepared for Nature Reserve of Orange County
Prepared by:
Carla Navarro Land Management Program South Coast Region California Department of Fish and Wildlife
January 2014
Table of Contents
I. Introduction and Summary ...... 3 II. Management Activities...... 4 A. Capital Improvements ...... 4 B. Biological Surveys ...... 4 C. Habitat Restoration and Maintenance ...... 5 D. Public Services ...... 5 E. Planning and Reporting ...... 5 F. Operations Administration ...... 6 III. ferences ...... 6 Appendix 1: Location Maps ...... 7
I. Introduction and Summary
Coal Canyon Ecological Reserve (CCER) is located in the 11 miles west of Corona, just off CA 91 freeway in Orange County, California. The Reserve is sandwiched between the Cleveland National Forest to the east, Chino Hills State Park to the north, and the County of Orange Parks to the south. CCER is nestled in the Santa Ana Mountains where the vegetation is dominantly chaparral and chamise-chaparral. The shrub community is dominated by chamise, Yerba Santa, and lilac species. Other commons species include manzanita, black sage, Lord’s candle, and chapparal beargrass. Coal Canyon ER contains Tecate cypress (Cupressus forbesii), a rare and endemic tree species. In southern California, Tecate cypress are restricted to several small and disjunct populations in the Santa Ana Mountains in Orange County and on the Otay Mesa in San Diego County.
The purpose of this Annual Report is to report on the accomplished tasks in the reserve. The Department’s fiscal year is June 30, 2012 –July 1, 2013. However, for the purposes of this report, activities are recorded for the calendar year, January 1- December 31, 2013. Unless otherwise stated, all tasks were performed by Department staff, including Carla Navarro (Land Manager), John Hartman (Fish and Wildlife Technician) and Taylor Van Berkum (Scientific Aide).
3 Summary of Tasks for 2013:
Ø Access Road Maintenance Coordination Ø Signage Ø Public Uses Ø Patrol
II. Management Activities
Access Road Maintenance Southern California Edison (SCE) owns easements and provides annual road maintenance on fire roads and utility infrastructure in Coal Canyon Ecological Reserve. The Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) is contracted to maintain fire access roads and fire breaks on an ongoing annual basis. Following the wet season, an annual meeting is held and attended by landowners, SCE, and OCFA meet to discuss maintenance needed on roads, trails, and fire barriers in urban wildlands in coastal and central Orange County. A draft Memorandum of Understanding was created and is currently being circulated for approval by participating state, county, and municipal agencies. The MOU describes the subject land infrastructure and contains an Annual Operating Plan. Maps of included trails, fire access, and fire breaks are shown in Exhibit 1A of the MOU. Fire road maintenance techniques are described in Exhibit 2 of the MOU. The draft document was finalized in Spring and has not been signed by all parties.
The SCE easement is a 50 foot radius from the centerline of the road on all curves A minimum drivable surface is maintained at 14-18 foot width with an additional 2 feet of berm on each side. SCE performs biological monitoring as part of the road maintenance task each year to minimize impacts to avian species.
A. Capital Improvements
Signage. Regulatory signage was replaced at the gate near the Chino Hills State Park. Additional reserve boundary signage was placed near the OC Parks boundary.
B. Biological Surveys
Tecate cypress road maintenance. The Santa Ana Mountains stand represents the northernmost population of Tecate cypress. Juveniles growing along the road prism have been lost to road maintenance. Transplantation has been unsuccessful in previous attempts with this species. Beginning in 2012, SCE and the Department have been documenting Tecate cypress take from road maintenance activities. In 2013, SCE and
4 the Department identified avoidance and minimization measures during road maintenance to protect this special stand.
Seed Storage. There is a box of Tecate cypress seeds stored at the Lewis A. Moran Reforestation Center with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection in Davis, California. It is unknown how many of the stored seeds are viable. The current drought predictions and previous fire history of the Santa Ana Mountains make this a particularly vulnerable species, and increasing the current seed stock may be a good idea.
C. Habitat Restoration and Maintenance
There are currently no habitat restoration projects in the Coal Canyon Ecological Reserve.
D. Public Use and Services Aside from occasional public interaction onsite and via telephone and/or email, there are no public services.
Allowed Public Uses. Coal Canyon Ecological Reserve is the only location where hunting is allowed in Orange County. Only archery and shotguns are permitted on the property. We recommend that people walk in from Chino Hills State Park to scout out the areas so they have a clear understanding of the Chino Hills State Park and Coal Canyon Ecological Reserve boundaries. Access with firearms is only through the Cleveland National Forest, Trabuco Ranger District, in Corona.
Illegal public use. Off highway vehicle (OHV) is a recurrent problem at Coal Canyon ER. Public on OHV often come from adjacent lands onto Coal Canyon. It is difficult to monitor due to infrequent patrols and unpredictable use patterns. For now, we will continue to focus our efforts on appropriate signage at access points and regular coordination with adjacent land owners.
E. Planning and Reporting
NCCP. Coal Canyon ER participates in the Central/Coastal Orange County Natural Community Conservation Plan (NCCP). The NCCP was created to protect habitats and wildlife in large-scale ecosystem landscapes. The Nature Reserve of Orange County (NROC) coordinates quarterly meeting between landowners participating in the coastal and central NCCP. The meetings are an opportunity to share recent research, management strategies, and identify priority tasks for the Reserve system. a. The Central Orange County NCCP requires an Annual Report that describes activities within the reserve system. Each landowner is responsible for annual
5 reporting of activities that occur on each property.
F. Operations Administration
A. Supervision and Staffing
Rick Mayfield Lands Supervisor / Carla Navarro (20 %) Reserve Manager
Rick Mayfield is the Lands Program Supervisor for Northern portion of the South Coast Region. All special projects and access letters require his prior approval. The Reserve Manager is Carla Navarro.
IV. References
Rodriguez-Buritica, S., Sudidng, K. and Preston, K. 2010. Final Santa Ana Mountains Tecate Cypress (Cupressus forbesii) Management Plan. Prepared for the California Department of Fish and Game.
6 Appendix 1: Location Maps
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8
Laguna Laurel Ecological Reserve LLER
Annual Work Report for Nature Reserve of Orange County
Prepared by:
Carla Navarro Land Management Program South Coast Region California Department of Fish and Wildlife
January 2014
Table of Contents
I. Introduction and Summary ...... 3 II. Management Activities...... 4 A. Capital Improvements ...... 4 B. Biological Surveys ...... 4 C. Habitat Restoration and Maintenance ...... 4 D. Public Services ...... 4 E. Planning and Reporting ...... 4 III. Workload ...... 5 Appendix 1: Location Map ...... 6
I. Introduction and Summary
Laguna Laurel Ecological Reserve (LLER) is located in the Laguna Canyon, in Orange County, California. LLER is a 76.62 acre Reserve near Laguna Beach, at the intersection of El Toro Road and CA Highway 133. Access is solely through the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, which is managed by Orange County Parks. Laguna Laurel ER is part of the last remaining coastal canyon areas in southern California. The Reserve is composed of coastal sage scrub communities with oak and sycamore woodlands.
Laguna Laurel ER was designated as an Ecological Reserve in 1994. There is currently no guiding document for Laguna Laurel ER. The property has not had a PAR analysis performed and there is no endowment for management. The purpose of this Annual Report is to report on the accomplished tasks from January 1-December 31, 2013. The Department’s fiscal year is from June 30, 2012-July 1, 2013, but this report will focus on the calendar year. Unless otherwise stated, all tasks were performed by Department staff, including Carla Navarro (Land Manager), John Hartman (Fish and Wildlife Technician) and Taylor Van Berkum (Scientific Aide).
3 Summary of Tasks for the 2013 Year:
Y Signage maintenance Y Biological Surveys Y Patrol
II. Management Activities
Management of this Ecological Reserve will be limited to lands maintenance and patrol. There are no other activities planned for this land during the upcoming fiscal year.
A. Capital Improvements
1. Signage A few reserve boundary signs were placed along the trail head.
B. Biological Surveys
1. Non-native plant survey. A non-native plant survey was completed by John Ekhoff, Department Botanist.
C. Habitat Restoration and Maintenance
There are currently no habitat restoration projects in the Laguna Laurel Ecological Reserve. Maintenance is limited to replacing signage, fencing when needed.
D. Public Services
The Reserve is also patrolled in part by the County of Orange.
E. Planning and Reporting
1. Laguna Laurel ER participates in the Central/Coastal Orange County Natural Community Conservation Plan (NCCP). The NCCP was created to protect habitats and wildlife in large-scale ecosystem landscapes. The Central Orange County NCCP requires an Annual Report that describes activities within the reserve system. Each landowner is responsible for annual reporting of activities that occur on each property.
2. Annual Work Report - This is a DFW planning document is designed to provide guidance for the management of CCER.
4 III. Workload
A. Supervision and Staffing
Rick Mayfield, Lands Supervisor Carla Navarro (10 %), Reserve Manager
Rick Mayfield is the Lands Program Supervisor for the staff that oversees Laguna Laurel ER. All special projects and access letters require his approval. All related management activities that occur within the Reserve are under the jurisdiction of Carla Navarro.
C. Scheduling
The schedule in Appendix 2 identifies the approximate schedule of field work throughout the fiscal year. Those tasks (both field and non-field) with specific critical milestone dates are listed below in chronological order. The field tasks with critical dates are bolded in the schedule.
5 Appendix 1: Location Maps
Nature Reserve of Orange County
ANNUAL REPORT 2013
Sections: 8.3 - 8.6
Orange County Parks City of Irvine City of Newport Beach The Irvine Company
February 1, 2014
Mr. James Sulentich Executive Director Nature Reserve of Orange County 15600 Sand Canyon Avenue Irvine, California 92618
Subject: 2013 ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT and 2014 ANNUAL WORK PLAN NATURAL COMMUNITY CONSERVATION PLAN (NCCP) and HABITAT CONSERVATION PLAN (HCP) IMPLEMENTATION AGREEMENT (IA), SECTION 4.4.5
Dear Mr. Sulentich:
Please find attached the NCCP/HCP Annual Progress Report for 2013 and Annual Work Plan for 2014 for lands owned by OC Parks, City of Irvine, City of Newport Beach and the Irvine Company. The report satisfies the NCCP/HCP IA Section 4.4.5 requirements.
The report was prepared in accordance with the Nature Reserve of Orange County (NROC), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) guidelines and uses the NROC recommended table format.
If you have any questions or comments please feel free to contact me at (714) 508-4752.
Sincerely,
John Graves Director, Planning and Field Operations
Attachments
cc: Stacy Blackwood, OC Parks Dan Miller, Irvine Company Jennifer Naegele, OC Parks Dean Kirk, Irvine Company Brian Fisk , City of Irvine Mike O’Connell, IRC Meredith Reynolds, City of Irvine David Raetz, IRC Laura Detweiler, City of Newport Beach
NROC Annual Report 2013
Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands
Introduction: The following NROC 2013 Progress Reports and 2014 Work Plans are organized according to land ownership, as shown in the color exhibit on the right. This document includes the reports for OC Parks, the City of Irvine, the City of Newport Beach, and the Irvine Company.
All 2014 research, monitoring, and management projects summarized on the following pages that require NCCP compliance determinations (specifically, projects directly related to the conservation and management of NROC Target Habitat and Species, namely, sage scrub (CSS), California Gnatcatcher, Cactus Wren, and Orange-Throated Whiptail) or those projects requested by the NROC Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) for review, will be developed as full proposals using the format recommended by USFWS and CDFG (project justification, methods [hypotheses, approach, methodology, sites, analysis], timeline, project outputs, evaluation of potential impacts, investigators, literature cited & reviewed, tables or figures). These proposals will be submitted for review by the TAC as they are developed prior to the initiation of each project. The NROC review period is 45 days, after which projects may be initiated if no comments are received. All CDFG, USFWS, and NROC nesting bird and exotic species control guidelines will be followed. Highest priority issues include fire prevention and control, rapid landscape-scale restoration of native habitats, and landscape connectivity for wildlife. Projects initiated by NROC on the Central/Coastal OC NCCP wildlands are not included in this reporting or work plan (e.g., NROC oak survey, NROC cactus wren survey, NROC California Gnatcatcher survey, NROC vegetation survey), although the land owners/managers look forward to continuing to coordinate and collaborate with these efforts.
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NROC Annual Report 2013
Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
OC Parks/Irvine Ranch Conservancy Managed
Recreation Use, Monitoring & Management:
Current Use Policies: Docent-led hiking, mountain biking, and Existing policies will remain as the general rule equestrian tours for the public. Limit is 25 through 2014. However, when adequate participants with a minimum of 2 docents and/or volunteer coverage is available to split trail guides. participants into two groups and offer a more targeted fitness experience and the increased Managed self guided access days were safety of small groups travelling closer together, implemented in Limestone Canyon in 2013. we are experimenting with a limit of 30 participants. Public access was cancelled for 72 hours following each rainfall greater than 1/2 inch. Managed self-guided wilderness access days will continue in Limestone Canyon. Sensitive areas will be gated off to self guided access and volunteer patrols will be deployed to monitor the public user groups.
An effort will be made to have one wilderness access day per month split between OC Parks/IRC Managed areas and the City of Irvine’s Open Space Preserve. This will allow Wilderness Access Days to rotate between three separate locations to minimize human
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NROC Annual Report 2013
Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
impacts on wildlife movement.
Recreational Monitoring: The Irvine Ranch Conservancy offers an array of The volunteer program will continue to expand - Use & Access programs on the OC Parks portion of the historic in an effort to manage and implement Irvine Ranch. This land is currently referred to recreational and interpretive use of the property. the Irvine Ranch Open Space. The following totals include recreation, education, restoration, Public access will continue to be suspended citizen science and more. These include NCCP during Red Flag Warning conditions and/or and easement land. The time frame is from Santa Ana Winds as determined by the Orange January 1 through December 31, 2013. County Fire Authority and the National Weather Service. Total public programs offered: 976 Total programs implemented: 1,257 The Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks Website in Total volunteers: 4,208 partnership with multiple land owners and Total volunteer hours: 16,129 partners will continue to be enhanced in an Actual public participants: 12,933 effort to increase the public awareness and Public participant stewardship/trail work hours: participation in the land. 2,286 The Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks also has a The following public recreation and interpretation Facebook page with 5,049 “friends” who receive programs were offered from January 1 through updates about activities on the land. This tool December 31, 2013. Some programs were will continue to be used to expand the public cancelled due to the Red Flag Warnings, Rain awareness and participation in the land. Closure and Santa Ana Wind events. The quarterly program brochure will continue to Total recreation programs offered: 658 expand and include the listing of program Total recreation programs implemented: 582 options throughout the NCCP locations. Total volunteers: 2,892 Total volunteer hours: 9,564 Actual public participants: 6,647 Number of programs per NCCP Location:
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NROC Annual Report 2013
Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
Limestone Canyon: 422 Weir Canyon: 74 Fremont Canyon: 61
Total trail boss programs offered: 10 Total trail boss implemented: 10 Total volunteers: 26 Total volunteer hours: 107 Total public participants: 7
Monthly managed self-guided wilderness access days in Limestone Canyon were continued in 2013. Sensitive areas were gated off to self guided access and volunteer patrols were deployed to monitor the public user groups.
Public access was suspended during Red Flag Warnings conditions and/or Santa Ana Winds as determined by the Orange County Fire Authority and the National Weather Service. This occurred 12 times between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2013. Volunteer efforts were shifted from leading tours to fire watch activities during these events (fire prevention).
The Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks Website in partnership with multiple land owners and partners continues to be used to connect the public with available programs. The site receives approximately 54,000 hits per month.
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NROC Annual Report 2013
Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
A joint effort quarterly program brochure continues to expanded to include Irvine Ranch Conservancy, City of Irvine, OC Parks, State Parks, Laguna Canyon Foundation, Newport Bay Conservancy, Sea and Sage Audubon, City of Newport Beach and the Coastal Commission programs. This brochure is distributed county wide through all of the above mentioned organizations and other outside organizations.
Recreational Monitoring: Private programs, outreach programs and patrols Private programs, outreach programs and - Private Programs, have been incorporated into the above recreation patrols will continue in 2014. Outreach Programs and interpretation numbers. and Patrols
User Compliance Programs: Unauthorized Access Monitoring Program: Enforcement activities and monitoring - Access Monitoring equipment used in the Unauthorized Access Camera traps, video surveillance, trail counters Monitoring Program will continue in 2014. and patrols were conducted to identify and monitor levels of unauthorized access and unauthorized trail use. This allowed the Irvine Ranch Conservancy and OC Park Rangers to establish unauthorized use patterns and focus resources to manage the issue.
In an effort to reduce unauthorized public access, OC Parks implemented targeted enforcements based on use patterns of unauthorized public access. Enforcement activities included patrols, visual deterrence, citation and arrest of individuals primarily by 3 park rangers assigned
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NROC Annual Report 2013
Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
to the Irvine Ranch Open Space.
The following OC Parks enforcement activities were implemented: Contacts: 464 Warning citations: 57 Citations (parking & civil): 37 Medical assists/aid: 17 Maintenance tasks: 201
Patrol hours: 2,531 Patrol miles: 19,527
User Compliance Programs: A section of Limestone Canyon was closed in With the addition of new infrastructure (trails, - Monitoring and Human Spring 2013 to protect nesting raptors. gates, signage) an adaptive approach will be Access Management taken with wilderness access days. The ability Data from program reports was compiled and to shift open areas for the public will offer overlaid onto a trail layer to produce a ‘highway’ greater flexibility in avoiding sensitive species. traffic map of recreational activity throughout the For example, when Limestone Canyon is closed year (See OCP Fig. 1). Data are subject to both for raptor breeding Wilderness Access Day can reporting and entry error and do not include be shifted north and includes Loma Ridge and some private hikes and access from the new Shoestring loop trail. This allows management activities. See “Miscellaneous human access but still keeps part of the canyon Activities” for a more detailed description. closed for the raptors to nest without disturbance. Human monitoring access cameras: Total days scheduled: 52 A human access and access impacts monitoring Total implemented: 44 plan derived from the LAG DFG grant will serve Total volunteers: 9 2 to provide guidance on access and to provide a Total volunteer hours: 536 more precise method of monitoring visitor Total public participants: 0 activity.
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NROC Annual Report 2013
Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
A system has been created to monitor access by researchers and entry permit holders. The system is proving effective in reducing scheduling conflicts and an over abundance of activities in a particular area. This will continue in 2013.
OC Parks has allocated up to four Rangers to the property. Rangers will be on duty seven days per week 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Their hours will flex depending on the unauthorized access monitoring results and the creation of targeted enforcement.
User Compliance Programs: Designed and implemented a web-based photo Budget permitting, implement live-feed still- - Monitoring and Human database for all trailhead human access camera photo camera locations targeted at known areas Access Management locations. IRC management and Field Patrol of high-risk activities, that is to say areas of personnel (OCP Rangers) will have direct extensive nighttime use, fire pits, unauthorized encrypted access to human access photos as vehicles, etc. These cameras will have the well as a database spreadsheet of unauthorized ability to relay photos directly to a web-based access. This photo data will provide more storage drive and provide instant notification to effective means for field patrol personnel to selected patrol personnel of unauthorized target specific days, times and locations for their presence in the area. patrols.
Educational Outreach: Due to severe budget cuts and a reduction of New sources of funds, and/or increased donor donor contributions participation in the Inside the contributions to Inside the Outdoors, for the Outdoors Science Program at Limestone Canyon purpose of EE programs on the land will has been cancelled indefinitely. continue to be a possibility.
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NROC Annual Report 2013
Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
Educational Outreach: IRC further continued its Citizen Science All elements of the 2013 Citizen Science - Irvine Ranch program to assist scientific research and science- program will be continued through 2014. Conservancy Citizen based management in 2013. Citizen Science Volunteer participation in raptor and arthropod Science Program activities in the North Ranch included: wildlife surveys are expected to expand and a total of camera trapping, restoration monitoring, raptor 12 monthly butterfly counts in Limestone nest surveys, invasive species monitoring, trap- Canyon are planned. door spider monitoring, and monthly butterfly counts. A total of 11 butterfly counts were conducted over the year, with attendance ranging from 8 to 20 participants per event. Volunteers also participated in arthropod sampling for restorations; skilled individuals aided in identification. A pilot blacklighting program was offered to identify and photograph insects at Orchard Hills. Programs were conducted primarily within NCCP areas. Note that programs offered and implemented include individual private activities.
Total citizen science programs offered: 231 Total programs implemented: 228 Total volunteers: 499 Volunteer hours: 1774 Public participants: 129 Public participant Hours: 568
Educational Outreach: The Irvine Ranch Conservancy conducted two 3- The Lead Land Steward Program will continue - Irvine Ranch Lead Land hr basic training sessions and several informal to emphasize invasive species removal, Steward Program sessions for invasive control digital data basing. restoration, and native seed farm maintenance. The Land Steward program was deployed to A quarterly farm stewardship training program assist with invasive control and restoration work. specific to farm tasks will be developed to train
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NROC Annual Report 2013
Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
Stewardship activities included invasive species a larger support group for volunteer events at control, restoration, and native seed farm the native seed farm. An updated edition of the maintenance. Several lead land stewards land steward manual will be issued and will conducted private solo stewardship activities with include best management practices to minimize great success. A digital invasive control reporting transport of weed propagules as well as digital tool has been successfully adopted by leads. An reporting reference materials. online map link continues to be available for land stewards to view status of invasive control across reserve areas. Programs were conducted primarily within NCCP. Note that programs offered and implemented include individual private activities.
Invasive Control Programs: Total programs offered: 54 Total programs implemented: 45 Volunteers participating: 130 Volunteer hours: 656 Public participants: 16 Public participant hours: 65
Restoration Programs: Total programs offered: 67 Total programs implemented: 51 Volunteers participating: 86 Volunteer hours: 360 Public participants: 127 Public participant hours:395
Native Farm Programs: Total programs offered: 189
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NROC Annual Report 2013
Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
Total programs implemented: 160 Volunteers participating: 178 Volunteer hours: 710 Public participants: 486 Public participant hours: 1607
Recreation Facility Construction and Maintenance:
New Construction or Continued implementation of comprehensive sign Continue implementation of coordinated sign Expansion (All Areas): program for all managed areas, addressing program through refurbishment/replacement of - Signage regulatory, directional and informational signs. damaged/outdated/missing signs in all areas of Semi-annual UV treatment to maintain trail way- land management. Replace/add perimeter “No finding signage was conducted on most signs. Trespassing” signs on existing fences/gates/armatures where needed to address vandalism and unauthorized access. Apply semi-annual UV treatment to maintain trail way-finding signage (scope dependant on available staff resources).
New Construction or Grew native prickly pear and cholla cactus plants Continue growing stock of native prickly pear Expansion (All Areas): for selected field application as a native barrier to cactus in 15 gallon containers and cholla for use - Natural Barriers limit unauthorized access. in restoration efforts and for trail access management. Native prickly pear cactus plants may be installed on a limited basis, at selected perimeter fence locations or trail turn-back areas to deter unauthorized off-trail access.
Maintenance of Existing Continued maintenance of roads/trails, erosion Conduct maintenance of roads/trails, erosion
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NROC Annual Report 2013
Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
Facilities (All Areas): control features, and perimeter fencing/gates to control features, and perimeter fencing/gates to - Existing ranch roads, maintain authorized access. To maintain trail maintain authorized access. To maintain trail trails, private drives, standards, efforts included: standards, efforts will include: bridges, kiosks - clearing of fallen trees across ranch roads - clearing of fallen trees across ranch roads and perimeter and trails damaged from rain, wind, and fires and trails damaged from rain, wind, and fires fencing/gates (materials from native trees were left in place at (materials from native trees were left in place the roadside edge); at - repair and grading of ranch utility roads (if the roadside edge); needed); - repair and grading of ranch utility roads (if - mowing the center lines of double track trails needed); (as needed); - mowing the center lines of double track trails - trimming and grooming of single track trails; (as needed); - repair of perimeter fencing and gates - trimming and grooming of single track trails; when damaged from use or vandalism; - repair of perimeter fencing and gates - removal of existing interior ancillary wire when damaged from use or vandalism; fencing was continued throughout on a - removal of existing interior ancillary wire measured basis, dependant on staff fencing was will continued throughout on a resources. measured basis, dependant on staff Annual maintenance surveys were conducted of resources. the existing engineered trail bridges. Annual maintenance surveys will be conducted Trail erosion control devices, such as water bars, of the existing engineered trail bridges. check dams, rock armoring, culverts, and rock Trail erosion control devices, such as water buttresses were maintained and additional ones bars, check dams, rock armoring, culverts, and installed to address key problem areas. rock buttresses will be maintained and additional ones installed to address key problem areas.
As noted in the Trail Implementation Master Plan of the approved Recreation and Resource Management Plan, some existing ranch roads/trails will be removed and reclaimed to
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NROC Annual Report 2013
Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
native habitat or converted to single track. Budgeting and time permitting, inspect existing bridge and deck structures; and replace decking with Alaskan Yellow Cedar Glu-Lam timber deck panels.
Maintenance of Existing Monitored and maintained cameras and trail Ongoing camera and trail counter monitoring Facilities (All Areas): counters at key gates and trail sections to will continue for both authorized and - Trail Use Monitoring: monitor level and type of activities. unauthorized activities. Camera and Trail Counter
Maintenance of Existing Performed maintenance of ranch-wide radio Continue performing annual monitoring of Facilities (All Areas): operation. Additional radios acquired to replace existing solar radio repeaters and ongoing - Radio Network broken or stolen radios. Replaced power unit at maintenance of radios. the Fremont repeater station with a new five-year solar deep-cycle battery.
Training /Volunteer Conducted volunteer Trail Boss training and Continue training Trail Boss volunteers , and Management (All Areas): implemented the Adopt-A-Trail program to assist offer advanced training in specific areas of trail - Trail Boss Programs with ongoing monitoring and maintenance of trail work, i.e.: power equipment, rock armoring, system. specialty construction techniques. Completed Volunteer Trail Projects: Trail boss training sessions 1 Trail maintenance projects 10
Maintenance of Existing If necessary continue to monitored unauthorized Continue monitoring area for unauthorized Facilities ((Gypsum Cyn.): trail through Tecate forest area. Level of activity access and inform Park Rangers of need for - Trail Counters has subsided due to OC Ranger enforcement. additional enforcement activities.
New Construction or N/A Install new standardized gates at 1647Y, 1844X
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NROC Annual Report 2013
Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
Expansion (Weir Cyn.): and 1844Y to provide resource management - Vehicle Gates control of unauthorized vehicle access.
New Construction or N/A Previously surveyed vehicle pull-outs in Weir Expansion (Weir Cyn.): Canyon will be marked by appropriate signage. - Vehicle Pull-outs Vehicle pull-outs will be installed/maintained as part of annual road maintenance and shown on area maps for use by authorized personnel conducting patrols and scientific research/field monitoring.
New Construction or At the existing Weir Staging Area (located off-site At Weir Staging Area (located off-site at Expansion (Weir Cyn.): at Outdoor Education Center) installed new Outdoor Education Center) install vehicle stops/ - Staging Area signage and replaced portable restroom. restroom surround/storage locker, refresh kiosk with new coat of stain, replace locks on bulletin boards, and replace entry monument sign.
Maintenance of Existing Repaired short sections of perimeter 4-wire Continue monitoring perimeter fence line Facilities (Weir Cyn.) fencing damaged due to vandalism. between Weir Canyon and Santiago Oaks - Fencing Regional Park. Repair and replace as needed. Budget permitting, replace sections of old perimeter fencing along Santiago Oaks Park.
Maintenance of Existing Replaced Gate 1744X Anaheim due to damage Budget and time permitting, replace older gate Facilities (Weir Cyn.): by SCE truck and replaced locking mechanism locking mechanism with new stainless steel - Gate Replacement on Gate 2042X Weir due to wear and damage version. from use. Refreshed reflector tape to key gates, per approved design.
Maintenance of Existing Monitored damage to existing concrete cistern Reduce depth of existing concrete cistern with
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NROC Annual Report 2013
Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
Facilities (Weir Cyn.): and recommended reducing dept of tank to avoid clean fill (Rip Rap & Gravel) and remove old - Concrete Cistern entrapping wildlife that enters tank. wooden debris.
Maintenance of Existing Cleared vegetation and performed trail Maintain pathway and viewing area around the Facilities (Weir Cyn.): maintenance to maintain pathway and viewing Oxcart Monument for public use. - Oxcart Monument area around the Oxcart Monument.
Maintenance of Existing Implemented signage along IROEC trail Implement way-finding signage at vehicle turn- Facilities (Weir Cyn.): through the Outdoor Education Center and outs and on existing sign posts as needed. - Signage added signs to deter access on authorized trails from OEC.
Facility Replacement/Repair N/A N/A (Weir Cyn.):
New Construction or Maintained parking area and refined preliminary Budget permitting, install vehicle stops, native Expansion (Fremont Cyn): plans for staging area improvements. trees, storage locker, ADA parking stall and - Staging Area restroom surround within the existing facility footprint. Update regulatory and interpretive signs in support of managed access. No native habitat impacts are involved with this improvement.
New Construction or Monitored condition of existing concrete v-ditch Budget and schedule permitting, begin Expansion (Fremont Cyn): for conversion to public use trail connecting Irvine construction of the Waterworks trail utilizing the - Waterworks Trail Regional Park (Parking Lot 15) to the Fremont existing concrete v-ditch waterway. Staging area.
Maintenance of Existing Refreshed reflector tape to key gates, per Budget permitting, replace existing gates with Facilities (Fremont Cyn): approved design. new standardized gate at 2246Z, 2546Z, and
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NROC Annual Report 2013
Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
- Vehicle Gates 2546Y. Budget and time permitting, replace older gate locking mechanism with new stainless steel version.
Facility Replacement/Repair Converted section of Pastor Road from old paved Obtain quotes to demolish/remove old modular (Fremont Cyn): road to natural surface single-track trail. housing unit and abandoned bait shack near Irvine Lake, just off Irvine Lake near Pastor Road. Budget permitting, demolish modular housing unit and bait shack. Allow area to restore back to native habitat.
New Construction or N/A. Previously surveyed vehicle pull-outs within Expansion (Loma Ridge): Loma Ridge will be marked by appropriate - Vehicle Pull-outs signage. Vehicle pull-outs will be installed/maintained as part of annual road maintenance and shown on area maps for use by authorized personnel conducting patrols and scientific research/field monitoring.
New Construction or N/A Along Santiago Road consider installation of fire Expansion (Loma Ridge): hardening options at roadway edge to deter - Fire Hardening fires originating from vehicles, compliant with OCFA and OC Public Works design standards.
Maintenance of Existing N/A Refresh way-finding signage at vehicle turn-outs Facilities (Loma Ridge): and on existing sign posts as needed. - Signage
Maintenance of Existing Repeater was reprogrammed to a new digital Continue performing annual monitoring of
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NROC Annual Report 2013
Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
Facilities (Loma Ridge): code to comply with new federal regulations. existing solar radio repeater. - Radio Repeater Replaced power with new five-year solar deep- cycle batteries.
Maintenance of Existing Performed repair work to eroded area of West Will monitor road condition for erosion due to Facilities (Loma Ridge): Loma, adjacent to Emergency Operations rain water run-off. Will make repairs if needed. - West Loma Road Center.
Facility Replacement/Repair N/A N/A (Loma Ridge):
New Construction or Monitored visitor use of viewing platform for Budgeting and time permitting, will replace Expansion (Limestone adherence to authorized access and performed decking at the viewing deck with Alaskan Yellow Cyn.): routine maintenance, including replacement of Cedar Glu-Lam timber deck panels. Interpretive - West Sinks Viewing Area the guardrail’s top rail. Installed additional rope signage, explaining the geological event barriers along single track trail to viewing creating the “Sinks”, is being considered. platform to deter off-trail use.
New Construction or N/A Budgeting and time permitting, construct new Expansion (Limestone viewing platform, similar to that built on the Cyn.): western edge of the sinks, to improve the - East Sinks Viewing Area management of visitor access.
New Construction or N/A Add vehicle gate at the intersection of Cactus Expansion (Limestone Canyon and Limestone Ridge and to the future Cyn.): intersection of East Loma and Round Canyon - Vehicle Gate (at the Bowerman Landfill access road), to improve management of visitor access during wilderness access programs.
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NROC Annual Report 2013
Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
New Construction or New enhancements were completed at the Additional enhancements are planned, including Expansion (Limestone Augustine Staging area. These include two new re-striping at existing asphalt road/cross walk, Cyn.): ADA parking stalls connected to the accessible temporary shade structures at the central - Augustine Staging restrooms/visitor check-in area, installation of gathering area, enhancements to the hay barn Areas equestrian “bot” dots to delineate the parking structure, and additional native landscaping. All stalls, fabricated tree stands for initial tree improvements are planned within the existing support, and a new exit from the arena parking staging area facility footprint. No native habitat area to better facilitate equestrian programs. All impacts are involved with these improvements. improvements are within the existing staging area facility footprint. No native habitat impacts are involved with these improvements.
New Construction or N/A Designate small overlook area at Loma Ridge Expansion (Limestone East (near UCI Climate Study area) to focus Cyn.): public viewing to a limited area and deter - East Loma Ridge unauthorized access. The overlook location will Overlook be selected to avoid sensitive native habitat.
New Construction or Surveyed the final alignment of the Creek Trail The construct the Creek Trail per the approved Expansion (Limestone per the approved Recreation and Resource recreation and resource management plan may Cyn.): Management Plan. be initiated in 2014 if budget/work load permit. - Creek Trail The Creek Trail will connect the existing Limestone Ridge Trail to the existing Black Star Staging area via the Santiago Creek underpass beneath Santiago Canyon Road.
New Construction or N/A Along Santiago Canyon Road, consider Expansion (Limestone installation of fire hardening options at roadway Cyn.): edge to deter fires originating from vehicles, - Fire Hardening compliant with OCFA and OC Public Works design standards.
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NROC Annual Report 2013
Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
Support efforts by OC Public Works to remove Eucalyptus trees along Santiago Canyon Rood.
New Construction or Implemented vehicle pull-outs and associated Vehicle pull-outs will be maintained as part of Expansion (Limestone signage at designated areas. annual road maintenance and shown on area Cyn.): maps for use by authorized personnel - Vehicle Pull-outs conducting patrols and scientific research/field monitoring. Additional signage will be placed on the markers to identify the location of each pull- out.
New Construction or N/A Time and resources permitting, an alternative Expansion (Limestone alignment for the southern-end of the existing Cyn.): Agua Chinon ranch road will be surveyed and - Agua Chinon Trail evaluated for implementation, consistent with Realignment the approved Recreation & Resource Management Plan. If appropriate, agency review and approval will be requested, detailing proposed alignment options and trail design features.
Maintenance of Existing Refreshed reflector tape to key gates, per Install replacement gates at 3449Z Round and Facilities (Limestone Cyn.): approved design. 3255W Hangmans with new standard design. - Vehicle Gates Budget and time permitting, replace older gate locking mechanism with new stainless steel version.
Maintenance of Existing N/A Consider removal of barbed wire fencing on Facilities (Limestone Cyn.): interior sections of Limestone Canyon if not - Fencing needed to deter unauthorized access.
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NROC Annual Report 2013
Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
Maintenance of Existing The existing water pipeline from Box Spring to If necessary, insert a smaller metal pan at the Facilities (Limestone Cyn.): the Sinks’ water trough periodically fails and is existing concrete trough and have it manually - Sinks Water Trough beyond repair. The replacement of the pipeline filled by volunteers until a buried water line from along the creek bed has been evaluated and Box Spring via the existing road bed can be determined too impactful to habitat. installed.
Maintenance of Existing Removed abandoned and deteriorated rope Will continue to monitor the East Terminus Facilities (Limestone Cyn.): equestrian ties, Located two local source shallow drainage crossing. If deemed Box Springs Trail boulders at the bottom (East terminus) of the Box necessary, a short-span puncheon bridge may Springs single track trail, to close off for vehicle be added for more sustainable access to the traffic, thereby reducing the initial 150 lineal feet trail.
Maintenance of Existing Monitored road for weed abatement. Major weed Perform weed abatement within the paved area Facilities (Limestone Cyn.): abatement was not necessary in 2013. of Hicks Haul Road as needed. Repair/clearing - Hicks Haul Road of roadway drainage pipes and culverts, will be (paved) conducted as funding permits. Efforts to convert of a portion of Hicks Haul Road to a multi-use regional bikeway and trail, between Santiago Road and Loma Ridge may continue in 2014, dependant on future funding commitments.
Maintenance of Existing Conversion of Dripping Springs Trail to a single Will continue to monitor trail use and maintain Facilities (Limestone Cyn.): track moved forward. The Dripping Springs Trail Dripping Springs trails according to their - Dripping Springs was closed to visitor programs to allow regrowth designated tail characters. Conversion of the vegetation into a single track. The new A permanent recreation gate will be installed at single track alignment has now been mowed and the entrance to the Dripping Springs spur to some native planting has occurred in degraded manage use during the wilderness access days. areas adjacent to the trail and in the old trail The triangularly-configured trail intersection footprint as a bmp to restore habitat and between Dripping Springs trail and Limestone
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NROC Annual Report 2013
Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
discourage use of retired alignment. Canyon trail will be reworked, creating a single “T” intersection of trails. Conversion of the trail to a single track may include installation of several multi use bridges over existing creek crossings.
Maintenance of Existing Performed maintenance to trail tread including May implement the repair of a segment of Facilities (Limestone Cyn.): improving existing bench cut and re-seating existing stairs and trail pathway at the end of the - Dripping Springs Trail existing composite steps. Cleared overhead Dripping Springs Spur Trail. A 40' long segment Spur vegetation as needed. of the pathway (near the trail end) may be refurbished and stabilized to a 4' wide trail or boardwalk to safely accommodate managed hiking and animal access to the adjacent natural spring.
Maintenance of Existing Minor repair work conducted to remove ruts from Repair minor erosion of trail roadway near the Facilities (Limestone Cyn.): eroded areas of the road bed due to past storm intersection with Limestone Canyon. Monitor - Cactus Canyon Trail damage. repairs and trail conditions, taking corrective measures to minimize additional damage from future storms.
Maintenance of Existing Repairs to the East Loma Ridge Road are Condition of the roadway and repairs will be Facilities (Limestone Cyn.): complete where it intersects with the OCTA monitored, taking corrective measures to - East Loma Road Repair restoration area at Bee Flat Canyon. The minimize additional damage from future storms. improved drainage has reduced the risk of further erosion of road. Clean boulders were installed down slope at several wash-out areas and under roadbed to prevent further erosion. The road was regraded to allow cross-slope drainage and improve sustainability of the road.
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NROC Annual Report 2013
Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
Maintenance of Existing Minor rerouting of single track trail completed. Monitor condition of newly rerouted trail for Facilities (Limestone Cyn.): Some native planting has occurred in degraded signs of erosion. Implement repairs and - Limestone Ridge Trail areas adjacent to the trail and in the old trail corrective actions to deter damage to trail. footprint as a bmp to restore habitat and Additional native planting will occur in degraded discourage use of retired alignment. areas adjacent to the trail and in the old trail footprint as a bmp to restore habitat and discourage use of retired alignment. Revised trail alignment will be monitored and adjusted as needed to assure long-term sustainability of the trail. The abandoned/retired alignment will be monitored and will receive additional native plantings as needed to assure a complete restoration.
Maintenance of Existing Minor rerouting of single track trail completed. Monitor condition of newly rerouted trail for Facilities (Limestone Cyn.): Some native planting has occurred in degraded signs of erosion. Implement repairs and - Markel Spur Trail areas adjacent to the trail and in the old trail corrective actions to deter damage to trail. footprint as a bmp to restore habitat and Additional native planting will occur in degraded discourage use of retired alignment. areas adjacent to the trail and in the old trail footprint as a bmp to restore habitat and discourage use of retired alignment.
Maintenance of Existing Continued monitoring existing signage and Refresh way-finding signage at vehicle turn-outs Facilities (Limestone Cyn.): replace as needed. and on existing sign posts as needed. - Signage
Maintenance of Existing Performed light grading, vegetation clearing and Continue to mow and clear vegetation to Facilities (Limestone Cyn.): mowing to repair damages from winter storms. maintain Round Canyon as a 4’ wide multi-use - Round Canyon trail.
Facility Replacement/Repair N/A N/A
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NROC Annual Report 2013
Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
(Limestone Cyn.):
Infrastructure Construction & Maintenance:
Maintenance (Fremont Cyn. No major repairs were necessary to the access Inspection, repaired and maintenance of the by Others): road, located on Caltrans' land north of Santiago access road by cell-site owner (or their - Cell Tower Access@ Creek at the 241 Toll Road. Cell-site owner has contractors), will be performed to maintain 241 an easement for access from the land owner. service access to their cell site if needed. Repair will be done compliant with NCCP guidelines
Maintenance (Loma Ridge No major repairs were necessary to the access Inspection, repaired and maintenance of the by Others): road, located on Caltrans' land south of the 241 access road by cell-site owner (or their - Cell Tower Access@ Toll Road (near Loma Ridge trail undercrossing). contractors), will be performed to maintain 241 Cell-site owner has an easement for access from service access to their cell site if needed. the land owner. Repair will be done compliant with NCCP guidelines.
Maintenance (Limestone The County of Orange inspected and maintained Inspection and maintenance by County of the Cyn. by Others): the rain gauge facility on a regular basis. Access installation. - Orange County Rain and inspection of the facility was coordinated by Gauge the Irvine Ranch Conservancy.
Habitat Restoration & Enhancement: (Note: Funding Sources noted in first column if other
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NROC Annual Report 2013
Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan than Land Owner)
Exotic Plant Eradication: Multiple invasive species were searched for and Eradication and control efforts are ongoing. See - Program Summary removed/treated over a 1797 acre area within below for species-specific details. If funds permit, NCCP (OCP Fig. 2). Eradication and control a limited amount of control work in remote projects are ongoing and are implemented by locations will again be completed by helicopter. contract labor, volunteers, and staff. See “Educational Outreach” for volunteer participation. Contracted helicopter transport was used for a total of three days of control work in remote areas. Target species for helicopter control included remote stands of artichoke thistle, pampas grass, and tamarisk.
Exotic Plant Eradication: Priority species targeted for eradication (all A targeted riparian survey of Silverado Canyon is - Monitoring and populations will be treated if possible) are: spiny planned to inform 2014 and 2015 weed control Prioritization emex, Sahara mustard, yellow starthistle, work. Staff will assist the NROC with perennial pepperweed, tree of heaven, giant organization and implementation of a coastal reed, German ivy, garland chrysanthemum, weed survey. Spanish broom, tamarisk. Moderate priority species targeted for control (populations will be strategically treated) are: artichoke thistle, castor bean, Canary Island date palm, Mexican fan palm, tree tobacco, pampas grass, and bull thistle,. Milk and Italian thistle will only be treated in key locations. Results of a 2011 helicopter weed survey, subsequent weed prioritization, and comparison of foot surveys and helicopter-based methodology were published in the CAL-IPC
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NROC Annual Report 2013
Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
2013 summer newsletter. A targeted survey of Bee Flat Canyon riparian areas was conducted in summer 2013 for high and moderate priority weeds. A digital invasive control reporting system estimating both net control and gross area searched is used to track weed control work. An online GIS map continues to be available to land stewards and other interested parties. The map is regularly updated with new control efforts. A link to the map is available upon request. Weed control maps from 2004-2007 were digitized to better inform weed control history.
Exotic Plant Eradication: Artichoke thistles were spot-treated across 981 Most sites visited in 2013 will be treated again. - Artichoke Thistle acres of. An additional 0.01 acres were treated in Aerial survey information will be continued to be OC Waste and Recycling managed land. Some used to target additional remote and isolated treatment was implemented by helicopter. populations for control. IRC will again work to Thistles were treated primarily from 6 March– 16 coordinate with CALTRANS to facilitate May. Nesting bird surveys were conducted in any management of adjacent right-of-ways. sensitive bird habitat before each application.
Exotic Plant Eradication: Fennel was controlled across 780 acres within Fennel will continue to be treated where it - Fennel NCCP. Target locations included Laguna Laurel, overlaps with artichoke thistle and in Silverado West Loma, and Silverado Canyon. Canyon. Stands still occur in Santiago Wash that have not been targeted.
Exotic Plant Eradication: Spanish broom was controlled in 7.7 acres of Spanish broom control efforts will continue within - Spanish broom NCCP. Control areas were primarily in Silverado, the Santiago, Black Star, and Silverado Creek Black Star, and Santiago Canyon. Santa Ana area. Watershed Association (SAWA) also controlled
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NROC Annual Report 2013
Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
Spanish Broom within Santiago Canyon as part of ongoing maintenance of Mountain Park mitigation.
Exotic Plant Eradication: Milk and Italian thistle were removed across Both milk and Italian thistle will be a lower priority - Milk and Italian Thistle approx. 2.4 acres of oak woodland in NCCP. for control. Italian thistle, due to its ubiquity, will Treatments were focused in Weir, remain a lower priority and will only be removed Limestone/Shoestring, and Bee Flat Canyons. where it co-occurs with milk thistle.
Exotic Plant Eradication: At Loma Ridge, Sahara mustard was pulled and Monitoring and eradication efforts will continue in - Sahara Mustard collected on 2/14 and 3/7. Numbers of mature 2013, using staff and volunteer labor. A separate plants removed increased from 2012: 4727 report will be compiled for control work. plants were found and removed across a 0.5 ac area. A summary report of 2013 removal activities is pending and will be available upon request. An additional small population was found at the West Loma restoration site, where 15 individual plants were found and removed. Exotic Plant Eradication: Bull thistle was not found in significant numbers Bull thistle will continue to be removed at known - Bull thistle in 2013. accessible locations.
Exotic Plant Eradication: Arundo was removed by stump cut treatment Arundo removal will continue within Santiago and - Arundo with Aquamaster across 0.1 acres (162 ft2 net) of Silverado Creek. IRC will continue to work with NCCP within Santiago Creek. SAWA removed water districts and SAWA to continue follow-up approximately 1.88 acres around Irvine Lake Arundo control around Irvine Lake. primary below the high water mark using external mitigation funding. Exotic Plant Eradication: Perennial Pepperweed was searched for and Pepperweed will continue to be controlled where - Perennial Pepperweed controlled with glyphosate across 0.04 acres it is found. (204 ft2 net) of NCCP primarily within Silverado and Santiago Canyon. Plants were difficult to find
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NROC Annual Report 2013
Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
and were therefore likely not all treated. Exotic Plant Eradication: Tree tobacco was searched for and removed by Tree tobacco removal will continue within the - Tree Tobacco stump cut with glyphosate and by manual areas targeted previously and will expand further (OC Waste and Recycling, removal across 21 acres of NCCP within into Agua Chinon with mitigation funding from OC part) Limestone, Fremont, Hicks, Bee Flat, and Agua Waste and Recycling. Chinon Canyons. Exotic Plant Eradication: Castor bean was removed by stump cut with Castor bean removal will continue within the - Castor Bean glyphosate across 2.5 acres of NCCP in primarily areas targeted previously and in any new areas in Agua Chinon, Santiago, and Silverado that it is found if resources permit. Canyon. Exotic Plant Eradication: Tamarisk was searched for and removed by Tamarisk will continue to be targeted for removal - Tamarisk stump cut with triclopyr and/or imazapyr across in areas previously targeted and will expand (OC Waste and Recycling, 1.96 acres of NCCP. further into Agua Chinon with mitigation funding part) OC Waste and Recycling.
Exotic Plant Eradication: Pampas grass was removed across no acres of Select pampas grass clumps will be targeted for - Pampas Grass NCCP. removal, specifically within Agua Chinon using (OC Waste and Recycling, OC Waste and Recycling mitigation funding. part)
Exotic Plant Eradication: Fountain grass was removed across no acres of Select fountain grass sites will be treated/re- - Fountain Grass NCCP. treated.
Exotic Plant Eradication: No Mexican fan palm were treated. Mexican fan palm will be treated - Mexican Fan Palm opportunistically.
Exotic Plant Eradication: No regrowth was found on a discrete patch Tree of Heaven will be re-treated and treated as - Tree of Heaven previously treated on East Loma Ridge. new populations are discovered.
Exotic Animal Control: Exotic animals were not observed persisting in IRC will continue to collect data on exotic animals
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NROC Annual Report 2013
Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
- Exotic Animal the Reserve. Wildlife cameras recorded 37 from existing wildlife cameras. Access cameras Monitoring (down from 44 in 2012) instances of dogs within may also provide new monitoring locations for the OCP-owned portion of the IRNL. Most dogs exotic animal monitoring. Incidental observations wore collars and were assumed to have been from animal releases will be reported. Guidelines with owners. Feral dogs were not observed and regarding animal release and disposal of are not expected to persist. Other feral animals carcasses are being drafted. and carcasses discovered were: 4 instances of domestic cats at Augustine Staging area.
Habitat Restoration: · Trial was maintained and monitored by · Report will be completed summarizing the - Oak Woodland staff and volunteers. data and interpreting the results. Restoration Efficiency · Data were analyzed. · Further investigation on irrigation will be Trial · Irrigation lines were removed. completed in a trial in Agua Chinon. · Trial completed.
Habitat Restoration: In 2013 ground surveys were completed for In 2014, IRC will work with NROC to determine - Expansion of degraded habitats in the south/coastal reserve what type of restoration prioritization model might Restoration Site lands managed by the IRC. Grasslands which be run so one model may be applied to both Prioritization Model to were being surveyed by NROC as part of their NROC and IRC managed open space. The data South/Coastal Reserve survey for vegetation change in response to from the ground surveys will be coordinated with artichoke thistle control were not surveyed. Sites NROC’s vegetation mapping project. consisting of <30% native cover were considered degraded and percent cover of functional groups and a species list was recorded.
Habitat Restoration: 2013 was the final year of data collection after In 2014, data for the project will be summarized - Site Preparation Trial seeding. In addition, data were collected by the and a report written. We may let the plots rest to UCI Campbell lab on pollinator use of natives observe extent to which they may resist invasion within trail plots. A final season of data collection from weeds. was conducted and maintenance treatments
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NROC Annual Report 2013
Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
applied.
Habitat Restoration: During the spring of 2012 and 2013, the flowering In early 2014, false brome will be targeted with - Crystal Cove State Park heads of black mustard and false brome were Fusilade II. The IRC will work with CCSP a East Flank Restoration mowed on much, but not all areas of restoration couple days a year to assist in maintenance of site due to limited resources. Artichoke thistle this site. Management will begin to transition to was spot sprayed by CCSP staff as well. Several CCSP. seedlings of coyote bush were observed throughout the site.
Habitat Restoration: In December 2010, native grasses and forbs The IRC will continue to conduct weed control - Laguna Strip Restoration were seeded in alternating strips in the spring 2014. If it appears that even less rectangular section of open space between maintenance may be needed the following Laguna Canyon Rd. and the trail paralleling the growing season, we would collect monitoring road. A combination of selective herbicide and data and finalize the project. Maintenance after hand weeding has been used in maintenance that point would occur annually and consist of twice a year early winter and late spring. hand weeding or spot wicking. Management will Fusillade II was used on the native forb strips begin to transition to OC Parks. and element on the native grass strips. This was done in 2011, 2012, and 2013.
Habitat Restoration: In 2013, plots were maintained for their third year In 2014, passive weed control treatments will - Passive Restoration and monitored by the Huxman lab into their continue with winter spot spraying and spring Trial second year. In spring 2013, instead of mowing hand weeding/wicking. In addition, treated plots, the protocol was changed to hand monitoring will continue for both shrubs and pulling and wicking because growth of non- arthropods. Two additional replicate plots will natives decreased and natives increased. In addition, once in each the winter and spring be added to the study (Gypsum and, off site, arthropods were sampled on a subset of at Crystal Cove). treatment plots to correlate manipulation of bare ground with changes in arthropod community
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NROC Annual Report 2013
Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
structure and abundance.
Habitat Restoration: In September 2013, sites were visited and photos In early 2014, the weediest sites will be visited for - Post-Burn Restoration taken. spot treatment with low dose round up with back of Nesting Habitat for pack sprayers. Monitoring is scheduled for the Coastal Cactus spring 2015. Wren (Funding by DFG/LAG)
Habitat Restoration: Approximately 60 ac of a top corner of the West IRC will continue to maintain seeded and planted - West Loma/Hangman’s Loma/Hangman’s Tree Canyon sub-watershed areas in 2014 and to collaborate with UCI Tree Canyon were selected for the first restoration project researchers to collect data and better understand Restoration and within the larger subwatershed in 2009 (OCP Fig the results of our management actions. Management Trials 3). UCI researcher Sarah Kimball and Travis Huxman with the Center for Environmental Biology have been collaborators, collecting additional, complimentary data, and summarizing and analyzing IRC monitoring data. In 2013, IRC maintained all seeded and planted areas. Data on both the establishment of plants and the cost of various approaches to the different phases of restoration were collected and analyzed. A draft manuscript is in progress. In addition, an experiment to test the benefits of straw mulch on CSS establishment on a steep, south facing slope was set up in November 2013. Lastly, 100 plants each of two long-lived shrubs (Elderberry and Lemonade berry) were planted across different topographic conditions in December 2013 to better understand their tolerance to areas likely differing in soil moisture.
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NROC Annual Report 2013
Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
Approximately 7 ac of the restoration area initiated in 2009 remain to be planted.
Habitat Restoration: · IRC refined boundaries of restoration · Nakae to implement grow-and-kill across - Agua Chinon polygons and collected baseline 17.1 acres of polygons. Subwatershed monitoring data including vegetation · Volunteers, contractors, and staff to begin Restoration transects and quadrats, photopoints, and weed control in the 287-acre invasive (Mitigation funding by invertebrate samples. control buffer. OCWR) · Jurisdictional Delineation (JD) and California Rapid Assessment Method (CRAM) were completed by a subcontractor and delivered to OCWR. · A contract for the first year of project implementation with subcontractor Nakae and Associates, Inc. was developed and signed. · Nakae began site preparation across all 17.1 acres of restoration polygons by mowing and removing dead standing thatch. · Nakae developed an irrigation plan for IRWD and installed the irrigation lines throughout Agua Chinon.
Habitat Restoration: · 50 oaks were planted in Agua Chinon by · Staff and volunteers will maintain the trial - Agua Chinon Oak staff and volunteers in Dec 2013. and continue the irrigation treatment. Irrigation Trial · Rodent cages were used to protect roots. · Staff and volunteers will conduct · Half of the oaks are being irrigated and monitoring and analyze data. half are not being non-irrigated.
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NROC Annual Report 2013
Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
Habitat Restoration: · Previously installed piezometers were · Additional auguring will be conducted to - Agua Chinon not deep enough to provide useful data determine depth to ground water. Piezometers and on groundwater levels. · Mulefat cuttings will be planted at two Cuttings Trial · Additional auguring using volunteers and different depths and receive supplemental staff was conducted to a depth of 10ft, but irrigation. groundwater was not detected. · Cuttings will be monitored for success.
Habitat Restoration: · In January, shrub planting was completed · Shrub planting will be completed in phase - Bee Flat Canyon across phase 1 active CSS polygons 2 active chaparral sites (1.2 acres). Subwatershed (14.9 acres). · All active polygons will be weeded and Mitigation OCTA Project I · All phase 1 active polygons were weeded maintained (62.7 acres). (OCTA Funding) and maintained (24.5 acres) while phase · All passive polygons will receive 2 active polygons continued site treatment (21.3 acres). preparation (38.2 acres). · Targeted invasive control will be · All passive polygons received treatment conducted across all 293 acres. (21.3 acres). · Restoration monitoring will be conducted · Restoration monitoring was conducted including vegetation transects and including vegetation transects and quadrats, photopoints, and invertebrate quadrats, photopoints, and invertebrate sampling. sampling. · Any necessary reseeding or replanting · Targeted invasive removal was will occur in December 2014 and January conducted across the canyon (293 acres). 2015. · A partial resurvey of targeted invasive weeds was conducted throughout the drainage bottoms. · In December, seeding started on phase 2 active polygons (38.2 acres).
Habitat Restoration: · Baseline monitoring including vegetation · Oak plantings from last year will be
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NROC Annual Report 2013
Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
- Agua Chinon transects and quadrats, photopoints, and monitored and maintained. Subwatershed invertebrate sampling was conducted. Mitigation OCTA Project I · A jurisdictional delineation (JD) and (OCTA Funding) California Rapid Assessment Method (CRAM) survey were conducted in the project area. · IRC finalized and submitted an HMMP for the project. · Irrigation mainline was installed along the edge of restoration polygons for future use. · Site preparation began in restoration polygons (15 acres) with an initial mowing and spraying.
Habitat Restoration: In 2012, IRC was awarded a grant for restoration In 2014, IRC will complete the Habitat Mitigation - West Loma II, OCTA at West Loma II (Figure 3). In September 2013, a and Monitoring Plans for OCTA for submission to Project III Mitigation jurisdictional delineation and CRAM were the USACE, CDFG, and the USFWS and review (OCTA Funding) conducted in the vicinity of the restoration by NROC. Implementation will begin upon polygons and the reports submitted to resource HMMP approval. agencies. A draft HMMP was compiled and requirements for necessary permits pursued.
Tecate Cypress Restoration Phase I and Phase II restoration plantings of Plants from Phase I and Phase II will continue to (Partial funding by OC Tecate Cypress were maintained by weeding and be monitored and maintained in Spring 2014. Parks, FWS Partners Phase II plantings (200 experimental seedling, Survival, height, and health will be measured in Program, and NROC) 200 seeded microsites, and 200+ surplus June 2014. Health and survival will again be seedlings) were watered a single time in Summer monitored in October. A final report will be 2013. Seedling germination was monitored for a provided to FWS in December 2014. second year. Sites were weeded mid-spring. Summer survival of all plots was monitored in
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NROC Annual Report 2013
Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
June and in October 2013. Shrub shelters were removed from Phase I plantings but herbivory warranted their re-installation. Dry conditions likely resulted in increased mortality. A final report to FWS will be available upon request.
Habitat Restoration: One of four pilot cactus restoration study sites, To the extent possible without damaging native - Pilot Cactus Scrub initiated in the winter of 2008, occurs on OC vegetation re-growth, annual monitoring will Restoration Study Parks NCCP. An additional site occurs within the continue. A summary of results over the past five adjacent Conservation Easement. Cactus years will be compiled. transplant size and vigor have been monitored annually to determine the affect of microsite on establishment and growth of prickly pear pads and transplants and the speed of transplant growth. Post-fire shrub growth within sites is extensive.
Habitat Restoration: IRC has continued to permit Noll Seeds to collect Collecting activities by Noll Seeds and by IRC will - Native Seed Collection native seed for commercial purposes to continue. Staff led wildland collecting will expand supplement IRC’s seed needs and because it is in 2014 in order to collect species still needed for important that restoration projects in the region seed multiplication and, potentially, for use local seed sources. Noll Seeds provides IRC preservation. with information on the species, estimated amount, and location of collection prior to collection, and on amount of clean seed post collection. IRC tracks locations of populations being collected. Sensitive species not permitted to be collected. IRC also collected native seed to a limited extent.
Habitat Restoration: A 12 acre section of agricultural land recently Planting, maintenance, harvest, and storage of
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NROC Annual Report 2013
Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
- Native Seed Farm deeded to COI continued to be managed as a seeds will continue in 2013. Purchase of a new native seed farm by IRC. In Year 5, 9 native seed cleaner will help the process. shrubs, 28 forbs, and 6 native grasses were successfully planted/maintained in order to serve as a source of local seed for future restoration, occurring primarily in the Central Reserve. Seeded plants were watered and maintained by staff, volunteer, and contract help. Harvests included arroyo lupine, chick lupine, California poppy, owlsclover, cobweb thistle, blue wild rye, miniature plantain, cliff aster, white pincushion, yellow pincushion, popcorn flower, common Eucrypta, California figwort, cudweed aster, mugwort, deerweed, white sage, black sage, coast goldenbush, California sage, California buckwheat, and California sunflower. New plantings included golden yarrow, heart-leafed Penstemon, and Silver Lupine. Farm harvested seed became the primary source for restoration seeding.
Miscellaneous Activities: N/A N/A
Fire Management Activities:
Fire Prevention: Continued the Irvine Ranch Conservancy Fire Continue the Irvine Ranch Conservancy Fire Watch Program. This program was conducted in Watch Program. This program was conducted in conjunction with the Greater Laguna Canyon Fire conjunction with the Greater Laguna Canyon Fire
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NROC Annual Report 2013
Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
Safe Council, Inter-Canyon League Fire Safe Safe Council, Inter-Canyon League Fire Safe Council, Trabuco Canyon Defense Against Council, Trabuco Canyon Defense Against Wildfire, Modjeska Canyon Fire Watch, the Wildfire, Modjeska Canyon Fire Watch, the Orange County Fire Authority, OC Parks and Orange County Fire Authority, OC Parks and Crystal Cove State Park to create a network of Crystal Cove State Park to create a network of Fire Watch programs. Fire Watch programs. IRC will work with NROC to support completion of the Fire Management IRC hired a Fire Watch Coordinator to manage Plan. fire watch during red flag conditions. Discussions continue about expanding the Fire Watch program into other Orange County wilderness areas.
Post-Fire Management: IRC and OC Parks are collaborating to ensure Survey forms will continue to be used for fires as - General Approach that small fires perimeters are digitized and that guides for data collection and an assessment fire severity and wildlife mortality are recorded in report will be written for each fire. Small fire a consistent manner. Each fire is surveyed, perimeters and dozer lines will be digitized and assessed for resource damage, and larger fire perimeters will be obtained from recommendations for repair are made. OCFA.
Post-Fire Management: Santiago Road Fire 5 May 2013. A 5.58 acre Burn sites will be monitored qualitatively in - Specific fires fire occurred in the early evening along the north Spring 2014 and will be prioritized for targeted side of Santiago Road adjacent to a fire from invasive control if needed. 2012. Cause was identified as a traffic collision. The burn included Irvine Company, OC Parks and right-of-way, and most was within NCCP and OC Parks. Some cactus scrub was burned. A hand line was constructed and the fire was extinguished with water. Hand line perimeter was recorded.
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NROC Annual Report 2013
Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
Santiago Road Fire 24 July 2013. A 0.545 acre fire occurred around midnight along the south side of Santiago Cny Road. Cause was not identified but deemed ‘accidental’ and associated with a turnout. The burn included right-of-way and 0.528 acres OC Parks property within NCCP. No sensitive habitats were affected. Wattles were installed along a steep slope to prevent erosion after the fire.
Baker Canyon Fire 6 October 2013. A 40 acre fire occurred at the Aguanga Green Waste facility in Baker Canyon at mid-morning. Cause was identified as combustion of mulch. The fire burned 0.64 acres of OC Parks land under Conservation Easement. on private land. Chaparral was burned but no known sensitive plant species were affected. Hand lines were cut and utility roads marked part of the perimeter.
Fire perimeters were digitized and an internal report for each fire is available upon request.
Maintenance of Fuel N/A N/A Breaks/Modification Zones:
Miscellaneous Activities and Management Programs - IRC:
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NROC Annual Report 2013
Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
Miscellaneous Activities: Discussions regarding this project continued with · Results from 2013 sampling will be - Monitoring Habitat TNC from 2012. While priorities of TNC summarized. Stability and Resilience monitoring focuses on describing the overall through Long-term status of the vegetation over space and time in a Vegetation Transects representational way, the IRC will focus on long term monitoring across a series of transects that will address potential changes in the threat of invasive species over time. Changes along the gradient over time would allow one to make assessments of thresholds in the stability and resilience of native vegetation. While these differences were identified, both parties agree to continue to share data where possible to meet both objectives. · IRC science staff resampled vegetation along 30 transects established in 2009 to monitor natural vegetation dynamics and recruitment following the Santiago Fire. This was the first survey since the spring of 2009. Vegetation was sampled using both point intercept method and quadrats in accordance with a monitoring protocol developed by Deutshman and Strahm (2008). · Two additional transects were established in 2013 to produce a more continuous gradient in native shrub cover values (from 10%-70%) to better evaluate the potential for resilience thresholds in future survey efforts (i.e. to test the hypothesis that areas with shrub cover
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NROC Annual Report 2013
Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
values over a certain threshold (e.g. 50%) are more likely to persist or increase in native shrub cover over time compared to areas below the threshold). · Shrub cover has increased since 2009 by an average of about 15-20%. The increase appears to be driven by the recovery (i.e., regrowth) of mature, established shrubs rather than recruitment of new shrub seedlings into new areas. Very few seedlings were observed during the 2013, likely because of very low rainfall in 2013. · Shrub cover in 2013 was positively correlated with shrub cover in 2009. Similarly, shrub cover in 2013 among transects from the different pre-2007 AIS cover classes still reflect of those groupings. Therefore, it does not appear that a threshold of shrub cover exists beyond which the trajectory of native shrub cover is more rapid. · There was substantial variation among transects in the amount of shrub cover expansion since 2009 (from no change to a 10X increase). Variation may be related to the presence/absence of certain shrub species, competition with certain exotic grasses, or soil type. Further analysis is needed to explain the sources of variation.
Miscellaneous Activities: IRC continued to compile existing information on IRC will continue to work with partners on these Restoration Database past and current restoration projects, as well as maps and databases in an effort to streamline
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NROC Annual Report 2013
Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
levels of habitat degradation to inform restoration coordination and communication and will work activities. with the new online OC RESTORE documentation tool to upload information.
Miscellaneous Activities: The IRC has continued to compile spatial The IRC expects to complete a draft biological - Development of datasets on biological and user access database for fauna in 2014. Biological Database infrastructure information in the region. We have reached out to our partners to work towards developing more comprehensive, standardized datasets. These datasets include: sensitive species and communities, invasive species, trails, and community vegetation types. · In 2013, IRC initiated the creation of a GIS based species database with the following search functions and capabilities: 1. Generates list and/or maps of all species records within a particular management area. 2. Generates lists and/or maps of all species records within a defined geographic area or radius (e.g. 1 mile from a proposed trail location). Displaying actual distances would be preferable. 3. Ability to sort species lists by scientific name, common name, family, type (plant vs animal), functional grouping, status (e.g. NCCP target, federal endangered, state species of special concern, etc.), etc. 4. Access to metadata for all records (e.g. date of record, source, sampling quality,
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NROC Annual Report 2013
Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
etc.) · By the end of 2013, a first generation GIS database has been created for sensitive plant species
Miscellaneous Activities: · Rare plant surveys was conducted by Fred Rare plant surveys will be continued as needed if Rare Plant Surveys Roberts for Limestone Ridge realignment to future disturbance, such as restoration or trail evaluate potential impacts of a trail reroute building, is expected. along Limestone Ridge to sensitive vegetation and plant species, IRC contracted botanist Fred Roberts to conduct a survey along and near the footprint of the proposed reroute. · A small population (approximately 150 individuals) of Robinson’s peppergrass (Lepidium virginicum var. robinsonii) was observed approximately 40 feet from proposed reroute. The proposed trail work, however, is not expected to impact the population and was determined to have insignificant impacts to native vegetation or sensitive species. · Full report is available upon request · A sensitive plant survey was completed for Silverado Canyon in preparation for future restoration activities. Several individuals of Quercus dumosa were found that appeared to have been planted. A few stands of Romneya coulteri were also recorded. Both will be avoided during restoration activities.
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NROC Annual Report 2013
Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
Miscellaneous Activities: Trail depth, width, and overall trail and vegetation Trail depth and width will be measured and - Trail Use Effects on condition were monitored across all trail transects overall trail and vegetation condition will be Vegetation Community in 2013 (OCP Fig. 4). Transects were initially monitored with photo points again in 2014. established in 2010, bisected trails, and extended out perpendicularly ca. 25m, with one quadrat place at 0.5m, 5m, and 25m distance from trail. Trail depth and width were recorded and permanent photo monitoring points were established at each location. As yet trail condition has not changed in a predictable manner other than by maintenance activities.
Miscellaneous Activities: · IRC contracted Bloom Biological to conduct Raptor surveys will continue in 2013 across the Raptor Surveys (including spring raptor surveys (Figure 4). IRLR. an expanded volunteer · Raptor nesting success appears to have survey area) recovered from recent drought conditions and the number of successful nests increased from 2012. · Unusually poor reproductive output in Weir Canyon in 2013 · Citizen Science volunteers assisted in surveying areas in 2013. Report available upon request.
Miscellaneous Activities: Cactus Wren nest boxes remained installed The pilot program determined that nest boxes are Cactus Wren Artificial Nest across the landscape. Nest boxes were checked utilized by cactus wren. In 2014, we will move Box Structures in March with one cactus wren nest found in next boxes from areas with abundant nesting Shady 2. Nest boxes were cleaned out in the habitat, and relocate them in areas with
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NROC Annual Report 2013
Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
spring and late fall 2013. degraded cactus scrub where pairs previously occurred in the region. Some of the IRC cactus restoration sites were selected for this reason and would be candidates for receptor sites.
Miscellaneous Activities: Forty-five remote cameras, 31 of which are on Camera trapping will continue as a monitoring Wildlife Monitoring OC Parks land are being maintained for the tool for wildlife and human activity. Online trail purpose of monitoring wildlife activity within the use reporting will continue as well. No detailed Irvine Ranch Open Space. Data were entered analyses are planned for 2014 but more detailed into a Biota database that now contains review is planned in 2015. information over 76,500 entries from all land owners. Currently data are being entered quarterly for four of 12 months of the year. Data are used to track wildlife activity patterns over time and in response to stressors, such as fire and human activity. This project is ongoing. Analyses from a previous LAG-funded analysis of human access / wildlife correlations suggest a consistent negative relationship between human activity and mammal activity at most camera locations. However, correlations to not persist across more and less frequently-access areas. Other activities included:
· Implementation of a Reserve-wide camera testing procedure to ensure all Scoutguard cameras are in good working order and data generated form cameras are consist and of high quality
Miscellaneous Activities: · Bren Intern investigated potential effects of
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NROC Annual Report 2013
Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
Bren Intern Project— human access on the activity patterns of deer Determining Puma Behavior and mountain lion. from Camera Trap Data · Project completed in the summer of 2013 using wildlife camera data collected from several COI cameras. · The frequency of human activity across camera locations was not correlated with frequency of use of either wildlife species. · Student found little evidence that use of an area by deer of mountain lions is influenced by human activity. · Detailed report of finding can be provided upon request.
Miscellaneous Activities: Three marked trap-door spider colonies were Monitoring of trapdoor colony demography will Trap-door Spiders again monitored (OCP Fig. 4). Due to more bare continue in 2014. If additional colonies are found, ground being exposed due to drought, several they will be marked and measured. new burrows were found at the Limestone Canyon site, resulting in estimates of colony size there of over 30 individuals.
Miscellaneous Activities: Monthly butterfly surveys were conducted for a All activities are ongoing. Pollinator Restoration and second full year along four fixed trail routes in butterfly monitoring Limestone Canyon (OCP Fig. 4). Surveys were conducted from January through November and included staff, trained IRC volunteers, and select trained members of the public. Results of surveys were presented at a Orange County NABA meeting and at a Newport Back Bay Conservancy Pollinators Symposium. IRC native seed farming continued to target seed
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NROC Annual Report 2013
Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
multiplication of native plant species that are valuable as pollinator magnets and as larval host plant for butterflies. These species will be planted in wildland restoration sites. Bees are being surveyed for at riparian restoration sites (Silverado and Agua Chinon) using yellow pan traps. Surveys should identify current native bee diversity and future trends with restoration.
Miscellaneous Activities: Climate change research at Loma Ridge and Studies are ongoing. No specific activities are Climate Change Hicks by Goulden et. al. (UCI) is ongoing. planned. Additional weather stations were installed by UCI at Gypsum, Bee Flat, and West Loma Ridge; data are available online for land manager partner use. IRC participated in a Climate Smart workshop at Cal-IPC in October 2013.
Miscellaneous Activities: IRC’s habitat mitigation plan for west loma II IRC will continue to pursue permits for the wildlife Wildlife Corridors and funded by OCTA (see West Loma II above under crossing and fence line improvements associated Connectivity habitat restoration) includes relocating fence line with west loma II habitat restoration along the leading to an arch culvert along the 241 to allow 241. improved access by wildlife. IRC is also interested in restoring native vegetation to better improve connectivity with existing riparian areas. The IRC is inquiring about an encroachment permit from Caltrans for the above activities.
Miscellaneous Activities: No activity. IRC will plan to continue to work with IRWD and Alternative Pest their pest control contractors on these issues. Management IRC will develop a draft Rodenticide
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NROC Annual Report 2013
Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
Management review and plan.
Christmas Bird Count and The Christmas Bird Count was cancelled due to Ongoing. Partners in Flight Count red flag conditions. Quarterly PIF Point Count bird surveys were conducted by Sea and Sage Audubon. As of 2008, Audubon is providing IRC with CBC and PIF data specifically for Reserve areas.
Conservation Capacity IRC expanded its conservation capacity as Ongoing. outlined below: 1. Implementing landscape-scale restoration. The purpose of restoration efforts is to increase habitat resilience to disturbance, enhance diversity, and support wildlife and ecosystem processes. In 2012, implementation has been funded largely by external mitigation contracts, but also includes Land-owner funded restoration and targeted invasive control. 2. Continuing compilation biological survey and management actions data for the reserve into a GIS-based database. In 2012, we developed a sensitive species geodatabase and compiled all available sensitive plant records within it. We maintained a database of survey locations, restoration sites, and invasive control. We maintained a geospatially referenced
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NROC Annual Report 2013
Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
database of wildlife camera data. We are working with partners to bring datasets to a standard that can be shared by land managers, used as a resource for future projects, and analyzed to identify long term patterns. 3. Partnering with other organizations to achieve landscape-wide conservation goals. In 2012, activities have included: (1) participating in the NROC TAC and the NROC Land Management Committee, (2) providing regional expertise on regional conservation and land management issues where appropriate, (3) Working closely with OCFA to minimize fire risk, implement fire response consistent with protection of sensitive natural resources, and support organization. In 2012, activities with OCFA included: (1) use of OCFA hand crews for restoration activities, (2) sharing fire perimeter, dozer lines, and sensitive species information to inform fire response, (3) Coordination during fire response and assessment using one another in an advisory capacity, (4) Development of a wildland fire task force, (5) support of finalization of Fire Management Plan. 4. Providing opportunities for collaboration, internships,
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NROC Annual Report 2013
Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
scholarship, and research on the Reserve. This year, IRC staff hosted several interns, including part-time volunteers for focused projects, a summer UCSB Bren School graduate student interns, and an undergraduate student from the School of Social Ecology, UCI. Science staff has been working with UCI researchers and the Director of the UCI CEB to identify and develop research areas of mutual interest. 5. Working with collaborators to obtain funding for important conservation actions. This year, additional funding was obtained from OCTA, UCI, and NROC for restoration and enhancement. 6. Engaging volunteers in resource management. Stewardship and citizen science activities continued to be offered, which increased conservation capacity and enriched the volunteer experience through direct interaction with staff.
Miscellaneous Activities and Management Programs - Non-IRC Research:
Dr. Steve Allison, University Response of microbial communities associated Ongoing.
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NROC Annual Report 2013
Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan of California, Irvine with native and exotic plant species to management, climate and pollution disturbances in a coastal grassland.
Dr. Diane Campbell, Purpose: Effects of Brassica nigra on Ongoing. Final thesis expected in 2013. University of California, reproductive success of focal native plant Irvine species via pollinator competition. In 2013, expanded with funding to include manipulative study in Limestone Canyon using IRC study area to investigate the relative effectiveness of conspecific pollen transfer in different types of pollinators visiting native plant species, Phacelia parryi.
Dr. H. Jochen Schenk, Comparison of hydraulic systems in multiple dicot Ongoing. Seeking to expand research in 2014. California State University, shrub species from diverse lineages along aridity Fullerton gradients. Periodic measurements taken on select shrubs.
Dr. Jennifer Funk, Chapman Purpose: Experiment assessing the competitive Ongoing. Plan to collaborate with UCI on University abilities of native plant functional groups and ecophysiological measurements and root growth invasive species. of native plants at native seed farm.
Dr. Winston Vickers, Purpose: Mountain Lion monitoring and Ongoing. University of California, movement. Davis
Dr. Phil Rundel, University Purpose: The contribution of substrate specific None at present, though research remains active. of California, Los Angeles soil moisture regimes to vegetation patterns.
Dr. Ann Sakai and Dr. Purpose: Impacts of changing precipitation Ongoing.
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NROC Annual Report 2013
Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
Steven Weller, University of patterns on invasive fountain grass populations in California, Irvine (funding coastal sage scrub and grassland communities. from UCI Center)
Dr. Michael Goulden, Purpose Weather Stations: Establishing a long Ongoing. University of California, term weather station gradient based on Irvine temperature and nitrogen deposition.
Purpose Climate Change Experiment: Understand changes in vegetation due to changing rainfall and nitrogen deposition patterns.
Dr. Kathleen Treseder, Purpose: Fungal Facilitators of Ecosystem Ongoing. University of California, Services in the Irvine Ranch. Irvine.
Dr. Sarah Kimball and Dr. Ongoing. Seeking to expand research to Native Passive Recruitment Study Purpose: Assess the Travis Huxman, University Seed Farm in 2014. efficacy of using a passive restoration approach of California, Irvine to restoring degraded coastal sage scrub communities. Loma Ridge Study Purpose: Use the existing field manipulations at Loma Ridge to assess how different combinations of species influence soil moisture availability through their partitioning of the hydraulic cycle into plant transpiration, bare- soil evaporation and infiltration of precipitation to depth.
Dr. Sarah Kimball, Purpose: Use observational stations to quantify Ongoing.
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NROC Annual Report 2013
Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
University of California, Orange County's weather gradient, focusing on a Irvine north-south transect that spans the original Irvine Ranch from Crystal Cove State Park to Gypsum Canyon. (Also COI)
Dr. Akif Eskalen, University Purpose: Coast Live Oak pathogen monitoring. Ongoing. of California, Riverside
Dr. Barbara Kus, USGS Purpose: Evaluate the degree of genetic Ongoing. connectivity among California Gnatcatcher populations across their range, including San Diego, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, and Ventura Counties. (Also COI).
Dr. Martha Sutula, Southern Purpose: Collect the data necessary to derive Ongoing. California Coastal Water reasonable and accurate numeric targets for Research Project bacteria, nutrients, and heavy metals in streams based on a reference approach for the SDRWQCB Region.
Dr. Peter Bloom and Scott Purpose: Raptor monitoring and movement. Ongoing. Thomas, Bloom Biological
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NROC Annual Report 2013
Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
OCP Fig. 1
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NROC Annual Report 2013
Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
OCP Fig. 2
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NROC Annual Report 2013
Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
OCP Fig. 3
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NROC Annual Report 2013
Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
OCP Fig. 4
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NROC Annual Report 2013
Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
OC Parks-managed Wildlands
Recreation Use, Monitoring & Management: (All facilities)
General Use Policies: Designated trails open to mountain biking, hiking and equestrian use. Dogs allowed on 6-ft. leash on designated trails (including all Regional Trails). Special uses/events allowed with OC Parks permit. All permit requests reviewed by park staff.
Closure Policies: Majority of NCCP parks open from 7:00 am to sunset. Parks may close for up to 72 hours following rain events. Parks are evacuated and closed in emergency situations such as fire, flooding and mountain lion incidents.
Park Ranger Ordinance Park Rangers obtain compliance with Orange County Codified Ordinances and use progressive Enforcement: enforcement, utilizing citation authority as “last resort.”
ALISO AND WOOD CANYONS WILDERNESS PARK
Recreation Monitoring: Patrolled regularly to monitor for new Ongoing. - Trail Monitoring unauthorized trails. Continued brushing, blocking and signing illegal trails.
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NROC Annual Report 2013
OC Parks - Central/Coastal OC NCCP Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
User Compliance See “Current Use Policies.” Ongoing. Programs: - Park Ranger Ordinance Enforcement
Educational Outreach: Conducted school tour programs beginning in Ongoing. - Parks & Laguna Canyon March. Continued LCF programs in Spring.Kept Foundation Educational public updated on Arundo removal project Programs through LCF, OCCC and OC Parks.
Educational Outreach: No action. No further action planned at this time. - Homeowners Association Presentations
Educational Outreach: Continued utilizing volunteers to rehabilitate and Ongoing. - Trail Assistance publicly open various trails as outlined in Volunteer Program Resource Management Plan.
Educational Outreach: Reserve Rangers volunteered throughout year Continue using Ranger Reserves for events such - Park Ranger Reserve and provided increased park patrols and as races, special programs and high visitation Program interpretation for visitors. days to employ education as passive enforcement.
Educational Outreach: See “Fire Management Activities.” Ongoing. - Fire Watch Volunteer Program
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NROC Annual Report 2013
OC Parks - Central/Coastal OC NCCP Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
Recreation Facility Construction & Maintenance:
New Construction or Implemented Cholla Trail improvements for long- Ongoing. Expansion: term sustainability with minor reroutes and - Cholla Trail treadwork.
Maintenance of Existing County Design Group initiated planning of main Continue planning and improvement process. Facilities: park entrance and park office improvements as - Park Office and outlined in the park’s Resource Management Entrance Improvements Plan.
New Construction or No action. Draw plans for maintenance yard redesign with Expansion: County Design Group. - Maintenance Yard Improvements
New Construction or Removed extraneous signage and posts Ongoing. Expansion: throughout park. - Park Signage
New Construction or Hosted volunteer days to restore trails. Ongoing. Expansion: - Trail Maintenance
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NROC Annual Report 2013
OC Parks - Central/Coastal OC NCCP Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
New Construction or Drainage correction installed and revegetated by HOA contractor to monitor and maintain. Expansion: HOA contractor. - Hillcrest Homeowners Association Drainage
Maintenance of Existing Performed annual checks. Ongoing, annual. Facilities: - Drainage Maintenance
Habitat Restoration & Enhancement:
Exotic Plant Control: Utilized labor resources including Juvenile Work Ongoing, annual. - Manual Removal of Program crews, volunteers and special groups to Non-native, Invasive remove targeted species including thistles, Plants Pampas grass, fennel, Arundo and pigweed. Mowed non-native grasses in lower meadows to deplete seed bank.
Exotic Plant Control: Targeted artichoke thistle and garland Ongoing, annual. Spray artichoke thistle with - Herbicide Treatment of chrysanthemum with Nature Reserve of OC County contractor. Continue spot spraying with Non-native, Invasive contractor. Targeted additional treatment sites Ranger Reserve DiRocco. Plants and Arundo and Pampas grass with County Move into maintenance phase of Aliso Creek (Nature Reserve of OC, contractor. Arundo control project. OC Parks, Prop 50) Initiated major Arundo treatment and removal project targeting ~30 acres of Aliso Creek.
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NROC Annual Report 2013
OC Parks - Central/Coastal OC NCCP Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
Exotic Animal Control: Continued trapping in two areas along Aliso Ongoing, annual. - Cowbird Trapping Creek East. (Nature Reserve of OC)
Habitat Restoration: Maintained restored locations including Dripping Ongoing. - Park Projects Cave shortcut to Mathis Canyon Trail, Wood Canyon Trail staging area and Canyon Overlook Trail.
Habitat Restoration: No action. In previous years, attended contractor Further action unknown. - Army Corp of Engineers presentations and met with ACOE, regulatory Aliso Creek Restoration agencies and stakeholders to discuss developing (ACOE Funding) proposal.
Habitat Restoration: Completed annual inspection. Willows, Ongoing. - South Coast Water cottonwood and coyote bush surviving, slope District Laguna Sur intact and hydroseed mix covering staging area Mitigation and disturbed area appears successful. (SCWD Funding)
Habitat Restoration: Observed high survival rate of native plantings, Ongoing. - South OC Wastewater area. Protected area from contracted road Authority Coastal mowers and removed non-natives. Treatment Plant Mitigation (SOCWA Funding)
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NROC Annual Report 2013
OC Parks - Central/Coastal OC NCCP Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
Habitat Restoration: Mathis Canyon Trail repair required 0.12-acre Contractors to continue maintaining site and - Mathis Canyon Trail wetland and 0.22-acre riparian mitigation. reporting to OC Parks on future plantings, non- Mitigation Installed fencing and signage, sprayed weeds native plant removal and disturbances caused by with County contractor prior to native plant humans/wildlife. installation. Installed native plant material and entered maintenance phase with County contractor.
Habitat Restoration: Maintained wildlife corridor “C” improvements to Ongoing maintenance to trim corridor path to - Wildlife Corridor “C” reduce wildlife fatalities on Alicia Parkway. allow easier ingress/egress for wildlife.
Habitat Restoration: Maintained native plants, pathways and Ongoing; impacts to the Native Plant Garden are - Native Plant Garden interpretive signage. expected as a part of the park entrance redesign.
Fire Management Activities:
Fire Prevention: Utilized Adopt-A-Park volunteers to monitor for Ongoing, as needed. - Fire Watch Program: fire and suspicious activity on Red Flag days
Fire Prevention: No action. Sensitive areas to be highlighted in Nature - South OC Fire Authority Reserve of OC tactical and natural/cultural Coordination resource maps. Continue scheduled and random park visits by the local “first-in” fire agencies for facility familiarization.
Fire Prevention: Continued permitted grazing with City of Laguna Ongoing. - City of Laguna Beach Beach contractor per agreement with city. Fuel Modification
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NROC Annual Report 2013
OC Parks - Central/Coastal OC NCCP Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
Fire Prevention: Ongoing. Drafted letter in 2012 to Laguna Beach Ongoing. Expect to address Ridgeview fuel - Fuel Modification Zones residents outlining fuel modification zone modification in Laguna Niguel. maintenance practices approved by OC Parks, Nature Reserve of OC and OC Fire Authority. Allowed residents to obtain County permits to perform work.
Post-Fire Management: N/A N/A
Miscellaneous Activities and Management Programs
Encroachment: Encroacher began permit process. Expect repairs, pending permits. - Vista Montemar, Drake’s Bay
Study: Park included in cooperative cactus wren study Ongoing. - Cactus Wren by Sea & Sage Audubon, The Nature Conservancy, Starr Ranch and Nature Reserve of OC.
Study: USGS continued documenting Aliso Creek turtle Continue to monitor populations during Arundo - Western Pond Turtle population. removal project.
EL MODENA OPEN SPACE (SANTIAGO OAKS REGIONAL PARK)
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NROC Annual Report 2013
OC Parks - Central/Coastal OC NCCP Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
Recreation Use, Monitoring & Management:
Recreation Monitoring: N/A N/A - Trail Monitoring
User Compliance See “Current Use Policies.” Ongoing. Programs: - Park Ranger Ordinance Enforcement
Educational Outreach: N/A N/A
Recreation Facility Construction and Maintenance:
New Construction or N/A N/A Expansion:
Maintenance of Existing No action. Ongoing, annual. Monitor and clean ditches as Facilities: necessary. - V-ditch Cleaning
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NROC Annual Report 2013
OC Parks - Central/Coastal OC NCCP Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
Habitat Restoration & Enhancement: (Note: Funding Sources noted in first column if other than Land Owner)
Exotic Plant Control: N/A N/A - Manual Treatment of Non-native, Invasive Plants
Exotic Plant Control: County contractors treated/removed fountain Continue targeting fountain grass and fennel - Herbicide Treatment of grass, palm trees and Jacaranda trees invading invading cactus scrub habitat. Non-native, Invasive cactus scrub habitat along southern edge of Plants Open Space.
Exotic Animal Control: N/A N/A
Fire Management Activities:
Fire Prevention: N/A N/A
Post-Fire Management: N/A N/A
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NROC Annual Report 2013
OC Parks - Central/Coastal OC NCCP Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
Maintenance of Fuel Staff and contractor maintained fuel modification Ongoing, annual. Breaks/Modification Zones: zones identified by City of Orange Fire and OC Fire Authority.
Miscellaneous Activities and Management Programs:
Encroachment: Removed non-natives and revegetated area with Continue maintaining and monitoring site with - Gregory Property coastal sage scrub vegetation with County County contractor through 2014. contractor in 2012. Maintained and monitored site..
Study: Park included in cooperative cactus wren study Follow-up research to continue to monitor - Cactus Wren by Sea & Sage Audubon, The Nature population status. Conservancy, Starr Ranch and Nature Reserve of OC.
IRVINE REGIONAL PARK
Recreation Use, Monitoring & Management:
Recreation Monitoring: N/A N/A - Trail Monitoring
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NROC Annual Report 2013
OC Parks - Central/Coastal OC NCCP Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
Recreation Monitoring: Surveyed public satisfaction at four locations in Continue. - Public Surveys park. Results charted by OC Parks Marketing for Balanced Scorecard Reports to County Board of Supervisors.
Recreation Monitoring: Contracted Park Attendants provided monthly Continue. - End-of-month Reports attendance statistics. Volunteers tracked visitor attendance at Nature Center.
User Compliance See “Current Use Policies.” Ongoing. Programs: - Park Ranger Ordinance Enforcement
User Compliance Utilized trained volunteer Rangers for additional Ongoing. Programs: patrol assistance on weekends and special - Park Ranger Reserve events. Program
User Compliance OC Sheriff patrol units supplemented park staff Ongoing Programs: on major holidays. - OC Sheriffs
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NROC Annual Report 2013
OC Parks - Central/Coastal OC NCCP Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
User Compliance Hosted special event to educate public about Ongoing, annual. Programs: keeping dogs leashed. - Love ‘Em and Leash ‘Em
Educational Outreach: Opened to public on weekends and weekdays Ongoing. Obtain additional volunteers to staff - Nature Center with volunteer staffing. Nature Center additional days.
Educational Outreach: Trail leaders guided volunteers on trail Ongoing. Obtain additional trail leaders. nd - 2 Saturday Trail Day maintenance projects monthly.
Educational Outreach: Naturalists provided educational interpretive Ongoing. - OC Department of programs during school year, daily. Education “Inside the Outdoors” School Field Trips
Educational Outreach: Hosted special events to take families on trails Ongoing, annual. - Night Hike Series after sunset.
Educational Outreach: Hosted special event to teach about Jet Ongoing, pending scheduling with OC Parks - Mars & Stars Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) space mission to Marketing with JPL staff. Mars.
Educational Outreach: Hosted by Irvine Park Railroad lessee in Ongoing, annual. th - California History for 4 February. Graders
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NROC Annual Report 2013
OC Parks - Central/Coastal OC NCCP Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
Educational Outreach: See “Fire Management Activities.” Ongoing. - Fire Watch Volunteer Program
Recreation Facility Construction and Maintenance:
New Construction or Continued project to remove existing Continue in coordination with Project Managers. Expansion: maintenance yard and replace it with new - Maintenance Yard structure.
New Construction or Continued project to replace existing restroom Continue in coordination with Project Managers. Expansion: with new unisex restroom. - Restroom 9
New Construction or Continued project to install park entry signage on Continue in coordination with Project Managers. Expansion: parcel. - Triangle Parcel
New Construction or Continued project to assist with drainage at park Continue in coordination with Project Managers. Expansion: entrance. - Rock Drainage Swell
New Construction or Continued project to complete creation of trail Continue in coordination with Project Managers. Expansion: with interpretive panels and natural play - Children’s Discovery structures. Trail Enhancement
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NROC Annual Report 2013
OC Parks - Central/Coastal OC NCCP Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
Maintenance of Existing Continued project to turn unoccupied building Continue in coordination with Project Managers. Facilities: into Training Center. - Soda Fountain Pavilion
Maintenance of Existing Monitored lakes regularly with County contractor, Ongoing. Facilities: AquaTechnex. Stocked catfish in May 2012. - Lake Maintenance
Maintenance of Existing Continued project to replace old domestic water Continue in coordination with Project Managers. Facilities: lines with new ones. - Domestic Water Line
Maintenance of Existing Park staff and volunteers used heavy equipment Ongoing. Facilities: and hand tools to repair trails. - Trail Maintenance
Habitat Restoration & Enhancement: (Note: Funding Sources noted in first column if other than Land Owner)
Exotic Plant Control: Volunteers and Juvenile Work Program crews Ongoing. - Manual Removal of hand-removed non-native species including Invasive Non-native Italian thistle, tree tobacco, castor bean, mustard, Plants Tamarisk, fennel, pepper trees and white bladder-flower.
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NROC Annual Report 2013
OC Parks - Central/Coastal OC NCCP Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
Exotic Plant Control: Treated 18 acres of thistles, castor bean and Conduct herbicide treatment with County - Herbicide Treatment of mustard. contractor. Invasive Non-native Plants
Exotic Animal Control: Nature Reserve of OC contractor monitored and Ongoing, annual. - Cowbird Trapping maintained traps. (NROC Funding)
Exotic Animal Control: Work performed in turf areas by County Ongoing, annual. - Ground Squirrel and contractor, Animal Pest Management Services. Gopher Management
Exotic Animal Control: Work performed in turf areas by County Ongoing. - Mosquito Management contractor, Animal Pest Management Services. (OC Vector Control Funding)
Habitat Restoration & Volunteers planted variety of one-gallon native Ongoing. Revegetation: coastal sage scrub plants, cactus pads and 15- - Parks Projects gallon oaks and sycamores purchased from Tree of Life Nursery.
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NROC Annual Report 2013
OC Parks - Central/Coastal OC NCCP Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
Habitat Restoration & Contractor performed mitigation monitoring on 5- Contractor to continue annual monitoring through Revegetation: acre site. 2014. - Irvine Company Santiago Hills Phase II Storm Drain Improvements and Basin Mitigation (Irvine Company Funding)
Fire Management Activities:
Fire Prevention: Utilized Adopt-A-Park volunteers to monitor for Ongoing. - Fire Watch Program fire and suspicious activity on Red Flag days.
Post-Fire Management: N/A N/A
Maintenance of Fuel N/A N/A Breaks & Fuel Modification Zones:
Miscellaneous Activities and Management Programs:
Study: Survey performed by Nature Reserve of OC. Ongoing, pending funding. - Gnatcatcher
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NROC Annual Report 2013
OC Parks - Central/Coastal OC NCCP Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
Study: Monitoring performed by Sea & Sage Audubon Ongoing. - Bluebird Nest Society volunteers throughout Spring.
Study: Research performed by John Kabashima from Continue. - Yellow Jacket UC Cooperative Extension Agriculture & Natural Resources and entomologist Rick Vetter from UC Riverside.
Study: Sampling performed by Long Beach State Permit continues through April 2014. - Soil Macrofauna biology student with Permit #P2011-00972.
Study: Research performed by CSFU biology student Study complete, no further action. - Bird Communication with Permit # P2012-01406. Permit expired June 2013.
Study: Survey performed by Nature Reserve of OC and Ongoing. Cactus Wren by Brian Leatherman Bioconsulting for TNC, November 2012.
Study: USDA set monitoring trap in April. Ongoing. - Emerald Ash Borer Monitoring
LAGUNA COAST WILDERNESS PARK
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NROC Annual Report 2013
OC Parks - Central/Coastal OC NCCP Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
Recreation Use, Monitoring & Management:
Recreation Monitoring: Patrolled regularly for new unauthorized trails. Continue volunteer and staff trail patrol and - Trail Monitoring Noted significant unauthorized mountain bike monitoring. Continue monitoring wildlife cameras “course” on Los Trancos; installed camera and for unauthorized use. Continue brushing posted signage; brushed and monitored trail. unauthorized trails. Rehabilitate Los Trancos trail Ranger staff and mountain bike and backcountry with contractor assistance. volunteers monitored trail conditions. Volunteers monitored photos from remote wildlife cameras in Dilley Preserve every two weeks and reported unauthorized use to staff.
User Compliance See “Current Use Policies.” Increased citations to Ongoing. Programs: gain compliance with on-trail use. - Park Ranger Ordinance Enforcement
User Compliance Staff and volunteers continued informing visitors Ongoing advisement, education and monitoring. Programs: with dogs about park policy. Provided - Dogs Off-leash informational brochure listing dog-friendly parks and reasons for policy. Used volunteers and wildlife cameras to monitor for dogs in park. Entered photo data in wildlife database. Increased citations to gain compliance.
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NROC Annual Report 2013
OC Parks - Central/Coastal OC NCCP Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
Educational Outreach: Total 2012 Park Attendance: 102,599 - up 35%. Ongoing. - Public Attendance, Nix Nature Center YTD attendance: 11,975 - up Laguna Canyon 13%. Foundation Docent Programs Total 2012 Park Public Programs: 620. Public Program attendance up 1%. Total School Programs: 148. School Program attendance: 2,117 - up 85%. Cell Phone Tour: 3,787- up 85%. Monthly Newsletter: 2,500.
Educational Outreach: Reserve Rangers volunteered throughout year Ongoing. - Ranger Reserve and provided increased interpretation for visitors. Program
Educational Outreach: See “Fire Management Activities.” Ongoing. - Fire Watch Volunteer Program
Recreation Facility Construction and Maintenance:
New Construction or Attended meetings on new shade structure in Project complete. No further action. Expansion: donor courtyard with Design Group and - Nix Nature Center construction crew. Structure approved and installed.
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NROC Annual Report 2013
OC Parks - Central/Coastal OC NCCP Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
New Construction or Completed geology exhibit project. Updated No further action. Expansion: three additional exhibits and added two new - Nix Nature Center educational videos.
New Construction or Continued planting native species along the trail Ongoing. Expansion: in preparation for future interpretive signs. - Interpretive Plant Identification Signs
New Construction or Completed removal of barbed wire fence off No further action. Expansion: Water Tank Road. - Barbed Wire Fencing
Maintenance of Existing Repaired radiant floor heating at Nature Center Project complete. No further action. Facilities: by replacing pressure tank and circuit board in - Nix Nature Center heat harvester.
Maintenance of Existing Maintained existing kiosks. Ongoing. Facilities: - Willow and Little Sycamore Kiosks
Maintenance of Existing No action. Replace and maintain signage as needed. Facilities: - Signage
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NROC Annual Report 2013
OC Parks - Central/Coastal OC NCCP Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
Maintenance of Existing Replaced posts and installed cell phone guide No further action. Facilities: signs. Completed accompanying Trail Guidebook - Interpretive Posts and provided to public.
Maintenance of Existing Maintained lots as needed. Ongoing, as needed. Resurface Nix Nature Facilities: Center entrance and lot and apply soil stabilizer. - Parking Lot
Maintenance of Existing Closed new unauthorized trail off Ridge Park Ongoing. Facilities: Road Trail. Discovered extensive unauthorized - Unauthorized Trail trail in Los Trancos. Closure
Maintenance of Existing Performed ongoing road grading and trail Ongoing, annual. Facilities: maintenance with OC Fire Authority, OC Parks - Road Maintenance and volunteers.
Habitat Restoration & Enhancement: (Note: Funding Sources noted in first column if other than Land Owner)
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NROC Annual Report 2013
OC Parks - Central/Coastal OC NCCP Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
Exotic Plant Control: Utilized park staff, Laguna Canyon Foundation Ongoing. - Manual Removal of volunteers, CCC crews (County and L.C.F. Invasive Non-native funded), JWP crews and Irvine Ranch Plants (Laguna Canyon Conservancy to control target species including Foundation funded 4 poison hemlock , mustard, non-native grasses, acres of removal; Irvine veldt grass, Pampas grass, tocalote and Italian Ranch Conservancy thistle, bull thistle, castor bean, perennial removed non-native pepperweed and areas with mixed invasive invasive plants in the species. Methods included hand removal, weed Laguna Canyon strip) eating, mowing and tractor.
Exotic Animal Control: N/A N/A
Habitat Restoration & Maintained rassland restoration project (.25 ac; No further action. Revegetation: 650 purple needlegrass plants). - Parks Projects- Nix Nature Center (OC Parks & Laguna Cyn. Foundation Funding)
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NROC Annual Report 2013
OC Parks - Central/Coastal OC NCCP Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
Habitat Restoration & Maintained riparian restoration (.25 ac; 180 Monitor and weed. Mow buffer of non-natives Revegetation: riparian plants): repeatedly to prevent seeding. Use black plastic - Parks Projects- Mowed area twice with tractor. Volunteers to sterilize soil for next planting. Camarillo Canyon (OC Parks & Laguna planted and additional 200 native plants grown Cyn. Foundation from seed collected in park. Native volunteers Funding) appeared in some locations where poison hemlock was mowed (saltgrass and alkali mallow).
Habitat Restoration & Monitor previous years’ work. No further action. Revegetation: - Parks Projects- Little Sycamore (OC Parks & Laguna Cyn. Foundation Funding)
Habitat Restoration & Maintained 17-acre riparian mitigation along Continue until 2014. Revegetation: Laguna Canyon Road. - Laguna Canyon Road (OC Public Works & Caltrans Funding)
Fire Management Activities:
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NROC Annual Report 2013
OC Parks - Central/Coastal OC NCCP Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
Fire Prevention: Utilized Adopt-A-Park volunteers to monitor for Ongoing. - Fire Watch Program fire and suspicious activity on Red Flag days.
Post-Fire Management: N/A N/A
Maintenance of Defensible Continued planting and maintaining OCFA- Ongoing. Plant additional grasses (see Habitat Space / Fuel Modification mandated plant palette in 170-foot fuel mod zone Restoration section). Zones: around Nix Nature Center. Planted 650 native - Nix Nature Center bunchgrass plants.
Maintenance of Defensible Reviewed grazing permit with City contractor, Ongoing, annual. Space / Fuel Modification Laguna Beach Fire Department. Zones: - City of Laguna Beach Fuel Modification
Miscellaneous Activities and Management Programs:
Proposed Study: With USFWS, discussed potential for With leadership from USFWS, continue - Introduction of reintroducing Pacific Pocket Mouse to suitable evaluating potential reintroduction. Pacific Pocket habitat in interior of park. Mouse
WHITING RANCH WILDERNESS PARK
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NROC Annual Report 2013
OC Parks - Central/Coastal OC NCCP Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
Recreation Use, Monitoring & Management:
Changed park name from Limestone Canyon & No further action. Park Name Modification Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park to Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park with Board of Supervisors approval.
Recreation Monitoring: Patrolled regularly to monitor for new Continue patrolling and monitoring. Analyze and - Trail Monitoring unauthorized trails. Monitored entry points for evaluate data gathered from trail counters. closed and after-hours unauthorized access. Monitor entry points for unauthorized access. Maintained two Eco-Counters (trail counters with Wireless data transfer capabilities) for testing. Monitored trail cameras for wildlife activity and ordinance violations.
User Compliance See “Current Use Policies.” Ongoing. Programs: - Park Ranger Ordinance Enforcement
Educational Outreach: Continued ranger-led hikes for residents of Lake Continue hikes with City of Lake Forest. Provide - Lake Forest Nature Forest through partnership with City of Lake interpretive programs for schools and public Hikes Forest established in 2009. groups on request.
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NROC Annual Report 2013
OC Parks - Central/Coastal OC NCCP Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
Educational Outreach: Assisted with Acorn Day special event. Ongoing. - O’Neill Regional & Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park Multi-facility Activities
Educational Outreach: Continued Ranger Reserve park liaison Ongoing. - Ranger Reserve assignment to provide outreach to park visitors Program on weekends. Added Ranger Reserve-led nature hikes. Reserves patrolled and provided visitor services on monthly basis.
Educational Outreach: See “Fire Management Activities.” Ongoing. - Fire Watch Volunteer Program
Recreation Facility Construction and Maintenance:
Maintenance of Existing No action. Applied for permits in 2011 to begin Project reassigned to Irvine Ranch Open Space Facilities: reconstruction of staging area washed out in facility. No further action. - Hangman’s Tree Staging 2010. Area
Maintenance of Existing Continued replacing washed-out sections of Perimeter secured, project completed. Facilities: fencing along Santiago Creek in Limestone - Wire Fencing Canyon.
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NROC Annual Report 2013
OC Parks - Central/Coastal OC NCCP Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
Maintenance of Existing Planned replacement of wood fencing near park Schedule work between July 2014 and June Facilities: office. 2015. - Wood Fencing
Maintenance of Existing Performed annual trail maintenance. Ongoing, annual. Facilities: - Trail Maintenance and Repair
Maintenance of Existing No action. Obtained core samples in 2012 and Project pending determination of lead agency Facilities: continued joint-meetings to establish strategy to and agreement on shared funding. - Whiting Spur Road reopen road following geo-engineer consultant recommendations.
Maintenance of Existing Reviewed multiple options for repair and Complete all repairs between January 2014 and Facilities: stabilization of road. June 2015. - Mustard Road Stabilization
Maintenance of Existing No action. Applied for permits to restore Borrego Project pending permits. Facilities: Creek and trail after major storm damage - Borrego Trail sustained in 2010.
Maintenance of Existing Implemented minor reroutes and enhanced Project complete. No further action. Facilities: native vegetation for long-term sustainability with - Markel Spur Trail input from OC Parks Ecologist, Irvine Ranch Conservancy and trail engineer.
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NROC Annual Report 2013
OC Parks - Central/Coastal OC NCCP Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
Maintenance of Existing Performed minor realignment for trail Project complete. No further action. Facilities: sustainability. - Cactus Hill Trail
Habitat Restoration & Enhancement:
Exotic Plant Control: Continued removal of approximately 1 acre of Ongoing. - Manual Removal of Non- exotic plants, including tree tobacco, artichoke native, Invasive Plants thistle and mustard with Juvenile Work Crews, volunteers and staff.
Exotic Plant Control: County contractor and licensed volunteer treated Ongoing. Utilize NROC contractor Harmsworth to - Herbicide Treatment of approximately 63.5 acres. oversee herbicide treatment for restoration Non-native, Invasive purposes. Plants
Exotic Animal Control: Monitored for migrating feral pigs per South Ongoing. County Land Stewards and Cleveland National Forest staff.
Habitat Restoration & Maintained duff material and prickly pear cacti Ongoing. Continue to control non-natives and Revegetation: salvaged from intact coastal sage scrub habitat monitor. - Glass Creek Cactus and slated for development in 2012. Nature Reserve Duff Salvage of OC recipient sites are approximately 4 acres; (OC Parks, Nature OC Parks recipient site is approximately 1.5 Reserve of OC, City of acres. Lake Forest)
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NROC Annual Report 2013
OC Parks - Central/Coastal OC NCCP Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
Habitat Restoration & No action. Planned installation of native plants No further action. Revegetation: cancelled due to regrowth of vegetation and - Cattle Pond Loop subsequent slope stabilization.
Habitat Restoration & Maintained native plants installed over 0.25 acres Continue maintaining plants and weeding until Revegetation: in 2012 along McFadden entrance stabilization site criteria are met. - McFadden entrance area. Achieved successful establishment and cover.
Fire Management Activities:
Fire Prevention: Utilized Adopt-A-Park volunteers to monitor for Ongoing. - Fire Watch Program fire and suspicious activity on Red Flag days.
Post-Fire Management: Completed five years of BAER-recommended No further action. - Santiago Fire Damage BMPs. Control (approximately 90% of park burned October 21, 2007)
Maintenance of Defensible N/A N/A Space / Fuel Modification Zones:
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NROC Annual Report 2013
OC Parks - Central/Coastal OC NCCP Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
Miscellaneous Activities and Management Programs:
Encroachment: Approached property owner to resolve issue of Project transferred to Irvine Ranch Open - Katelaris goats entering park property in 2012. Issue Space facility. No further action. appeared resolved, however there was evidence that goats may have continued to encroach. Planned additional fortification of park boundary fencing.
Study: Nature Reserve of OC conducted Cactus Wren Ongoing. - Cactus Wren surveys at cactus scrub sites in Whiting Ranch.
Study: Permit issued for USGS California gnatcatcher Ongoing. - California Gnatcatcher survey.
PETERS CANYON REGIONAL PARK
Recreation Use, Monitoring & Management:
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NROC Annual Report 2013
OC Parks - Central/Coastal OC NCCP Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
Recreation Monitoring: Maintained 3 trail counters to monitor visitor Ongoing. - Trail Monitoring impacts. Patrolled trails on regular basis via foot, bike and vehicle. Continued reducing unauthorized trail usage by brushing, installing signage and educational information in kiosks and utilizing progressive enforcement.
User Compliance See “Current Use Policies” Ongoing. Increase foot patrols. Programs: - Park Ranger Ordinance Enforcement
User Compliance Volunteers continued distributing information Ongoing. Programs: regarding trail use and park rules to park visitors. - Trail Courtesy Fliers
User Compliance Discontinued event due to achieving desired No further action. Programs: compliance. Event encouraged dog owners to - Don’t Dog It enjoy park trails responsibly in partnership with Orange County Animal Care.
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NROC Annual Report 2013
OC Parks - Central/Coastal OC NCCP Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
Animal Control Initiated outreach to City of Villa Park with Ongoing. User Compliance Animal Control and Ranger Reserves. Programs: - Dog Vaccination & Adoption Fair
Educational Outreach: Continued hosting monthly volunteer event every Ongoing. - Restoration Sundays third Sunday to encourage community to take pride of ownership by removing non-native, invasive plants and restoring native vegetation.
Educational Outreach: Held eight programs for several community Ongoing. - School Programs schools to educate, inform and involve the local children with the park.
Educational Outreach: Ranger Reserves volunteered throughout the Ongoing. Increase foot patrols. - Ranger Reserve year and provided increased park patrols and Program interpretation for visitors.
Educational Outreach: See “Fire Management Activities” Ongoing. - Fire Watch Volunteer Program
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NROC Annual Report 2013
OC Parks - Central/Coastal OC NCCP Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
Recreation Facility Construction and Maintenance:
New Construction or Completed construction and installation of New Project complete. No further action. Expansion: Public Restroom Building. - Public Restroom
New Construction or Completed installation. Project complete. No further action. Expansion: - Drinking Fountain in Parking Lot
New Construction or Completed installation. Project complete. No further action. Expansion: - Dog Guzzler in Parking Lot
New Construction or Completed installation. Project complete. No further action. Expansion: - Covered Shelter in Parking Lot Area
New Construction or Postponed project, pending completion of Install station, targeted for September 2014. Expansion: General Design Plan for park. for Design - Stretching Station compliance GDP developed Adjacent to Parking Lot
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NROC Annual Report 2013
OC Parks - Central/Coastal OC NCCP Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
Maintenance of Existing Continued removing another 1,000 ft. of barbed- Continue installation of new fencing. Facilities: wire fencing and replaced with post-and-cable - Park Fencing fencing along Jamboree Road and with lodge pole fencing along Canyon View and Skylark.
Maintenance of Existing Routine grading of all trails within facility. Ongoing, annual. Evaluate Cactus Trail for long- Facilities: term sustainability improvements and implement - Trail Maintenance following BMPs.
Maintenance of Existing Completed clearing and cleaning all V-ditches. Ongoing, as needed. Facilities: - Jamboree V-ditches
Maintenance of Existing No action. On hold, pending NPDES review. Facilities: - East View Trail V-ditch Maintenance of Existing Facilities: - Vector Control reservoir access
Habitat Restoration & Enhancement: (Note: Funding Sources noted in first column if other than Land Owner)
88
NROC Annual Report 2013
OC Parks - Central/Coastal OC NCCP Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
Exotic Plant Control: Volunteers and staff removed target non-native Ongoing. - Manual Removal of Non- species, including horehound, artichoke thistle, native, Invasive Plants tocalote, milk thistle, Russian thistle, castor bean, fennel, tree tobacco, fan palms and black mustard, during our monthly restoration days.
Exotic Plant Control: OC Parks contractor treated artichoke thistle, Ongoing. - Herbicide Treatment of Italian thistle, castor bean, tree tobacco and Non-native, Invasive fennel. Plants (Nature Reserve of OC, OC Parks Funding)
Exotic Animal Control: Nature Reserve of OC monitored and maintained Ongoing. - Cowbird Trapping traps. (Nature Reserve of OC)
Habitat Restoration & Continued planting and maintaining coastal sage Continue planting with native seed and cactus Revegetation: scrub species and prickly pear cacti along Lake and coastal sage scrub species. - Park Projects View Trail and Peters Canyon Trail.
Habitat Restoration & OCPW contractor continued project initiated on Ongoing through 2015. Revegetation: October, 24, 2011 to restore 25 Acres of coastal - Peters Canyon Wash sage scrub, oak woodland and riparian habitat Mitigation (OC Parks, OC Fire along Peters Canyon Creek. Authority and OC Public Works Funding)
89
NROC Annual Report 2013
OC Parks - Central/Coastal OC NCCP Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
Fire Management Activities:
Fire Prevention: Utilized Adopt-A-Park volunteers to monitor for Ongoing. - Fire Watch Program fire and suspicious activity on Red Flag days.
Post-Fire Management: N/A N/A
Maintenance of Defensible Park staff maintained fuel modification zones Ongoing. Space / Fuel Modification identified by OC Fire Authority. Zones:
Miscellaneous Activities and Management Programs:
Study: Study completed by Nature Reserve of OC and No further action. - Argentine Ants CSU San Marcos.
Study: Study completed through Nature Reserve of OC No further action. - Non-native Flying and CSU San Marcos. Insects
90
NROC Annual Report 2013
OC Parks - Central/Coastal OC NCCP Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
Study: Study conducted through USGS Western Ongoing. - California Gnatcatchers Ecological Research Center Coastal California examining gnatcatcher habitat and genetic connectivity.
SANTIAGO OAKS REGIONAL PARK
Recreation Use, Monitoring & Management:
Recreation Monitoring: Patrolled regularly to monitor for new Ongoing. - Trail Monitoring unauthorized trails. Installed infrared trail counters on various trails to monitor for negative impacts from human activity. Brushed or removed unauthorized trails when discovered.
User Compliance See “Current Use Policies.” Ongoing. Programs: Used progressive enforcement to educate the - Park Ranger Ordinance public and curb illegal activity and protect Enforcement resources.
Educational Outreach: Hosted Mountain Bike Skills Clinics, SHARE Ongoing. - Special Events Poker Ride, Okole Stuff Cup Race, Into The Wild Race, Volunteer Habitat Restoration and Trail Work Days.
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NROC Annual Report 2013
OC Parks - Central/Coastal OC NCCP Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
Educational Outreach: Hosted field trips with habitat themes during Ongoing. - OC Department of school year (March-May). Education “Inside the Outdoors” School Field Trips
Educational Outreach: Installed five interpretive panels. No further action. - Interpretive Panels
Educational Outreach: Developed Trail Guardians program with OC Project completed. No further action. - Trail Guardians Program Hiking club to promote volunteer participation to pack out trash and report trail erosion.
Educational Outreach: Reserve Rangers volunteered throughout year Ongoing. - Ranger Reserve and provided increased park patrols and Program interpretation for visitors.
Educational Outreach: See “Fire Management Activities.” Ongoing. - Fire Watch Volunteer Program
Recreation Facility Construction and Maintenance:
New Construction or N/A N/A Expansion:
92
NROC Annual Report 2013
OC Parks - Central/Coastal OC NCCP Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
Maintenance of Existing Hired professional trail-building company to Trail repairs completed. No further action. Facilities: repair damage on various roads and trails. - Trail Improvements
Maintenance of Existing Permits approved. Project manager assigned. Begin construction phase to remove and replace Facilities: Completed site survey and initiated design old structure. - Arizona Crossing Repair process.
Maintenance of Existing Removed silt at drain locations throughout park. Ongoing, as needed. Facilities: - Silt Removal from Storm Channels
Habitat Restoration & Enhancement: (Note: Funding Sources noted in first column if other than Land Owner)
Exotic Plant Control: Opportunistically removed small patches of non- Ongoing, annual. - Manual Removal of Non- native plants throughout park, including fennel, native, Invasive Plants milk and Italian thistle, olive, mulberry, pine, Brazilian pepper, acacia, fountain grass, palm, Tree of Heavenand white bladder-flower.
Exotic Plant Control: County contractor treated approximately ten Ongoing, annual. - Herbicide Treatment of acres of various thistles throughout park. Non-native, Invasive Plants
93
NROC Annual Report 2013
OC Parks - Central/Coastal OC NCCP Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
Exotic Animal Control: N/A N/A
Habitat Restoration & Staff and volunteers weeded and watered habitat Ongoing. Revegetation: restoration sites on Bobcat Meadow Trail, Sage - Parks Projects Ridge and Wilderness Trail.
Habitat Restoration & County contractor revegetated hillside at Gregory Ongoing. Contractor will maintain site through Revegetation: encroachment with coastal sage scrub species. 2014. - El Modena Encroachment
Habitat Restoration & OCWR contractor continued monitoring and Ongoing. OCWR contractor will maintain trees Revegetation: maintaining oak woodland mitigation project through 2021. - Oak Woodland installed in 2011. Mitigation (OC Waste & Recycling Funding)
Fire Management Activities:
Fire Prevention: Utilized Adopt-A-Park volunteers to monitor for Ongoing. - Fire Watch Program fire and suspicious activity on Red Flag days.
Post-Fire Management: Followed Best Management Practices (BMP’s) Ongoing. Monitor channels and slopes after - Windy Ridge Fire recommended by contractor at high-priority sites. extreme weather events. Response Plan
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NROC Annual Report 2013
OC Parks - Central/Coastal OC NCCP Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
Maintenance of Defensible N/A N/A Space / Fuel Modification Zones:
Miscellaneous Activities and Management Programs:
Encroachment: No action taken. Habitat restoration pending Stand by until conclusion of negotiations between - Chen Property conclusion of negotiations with OC Parks Asset OC Parks Managers and homeowner. Managers and homeowner.
Encroachment: No action taken. Habitat restoration pending Initiate habitat restoration, pending conclusion of - Lower Santiago conclusion of negotiations with OC Parks Asset negotiations with OC Parks Asset Manager and Managers and homeowner. Code Enforcement and removal of illegal structures
Study: Staff monitored trees for disease, post-fire stress Ongoing. - Park Trees and presence of beetles. Except for emergency situations, all tree work performed outside of nesting season.
Study: Study by Nature Reserve of OC continued. Ongoing. - Argentine Ants
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NROC Annual Report 2013
OC Parks - Central/Coastal OC NCCP Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
Study: Park included in cooperative cactus wren study Ongoing. - Cactus Wrens by Nature Reserve of OC.
TALBERT NATURE PRESERVE (NORTH COASTAL FACILITIES)
Recreation Use, Monitoring & Management:
Recreation Monitoring: Patrolled regularly to monitor for new Ongoing. - Trail Monitoring unauthorized trails. Continued to reduce and eliminate unauthorized trail use by brush blocking, installing signage, planting natives and utilizing progressive enforcement.
User Compliance See “Current Use Policies.” Ongoing. Establish informal kiosks and signage Programs: Increased patrols through use of Ranger at key locations to educate park visitors about - Park Ranger Ordinance Reserves. trail use, designations and importance of facility Enforcement regulations. Work with OC River Park on non- native plant removal to decrease illegal encampments.
Educational Outreach: Added 1rst Sundays habitat restoration program Ongoing. - Educational Programs run by park volunteers.
96
NROC Annual Report 2013
OC Parks - Central/Coastal OC NCCP Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
Recreation Facility Construction and Maintenance:
New Construction or N/A N/A Expansion:
Maintenance of Existing No action. Construct and install second information kiosk Facilities: and trail sign posts at South Talbert. Install trail - Park Signage sign posts at North Talbert entrance, Gate #1 and Canyon Park entrance, pending OC Parks Design approval.
Maintenance of Existing Staff brushed and graded trails throughout Ongoing, annual. Facilities: Preserve as needed. Gravel added to roads and - Trail Maintenance trails in key locations to reduce erosion.
217 participants contributed 434 hours of volunteer work. Hosted Earth Day educational event using Ranger Reserves.
Habitat Restoration & Enhancement:
97
NROC Annual Report 2013
OC Parks - Central/Coastal OC NCCP Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
Exotic Plant Control: Removed 18 acres of Pampas grass with aid of Remove Pampas debris and expand removal - Manual Removal of Non- heavy equipment. Hand-pulled invasive plants project to additional 20 acres. Continue hand- native, Invasive Plants with volunteers at multiple locations. pulling invasive plants with volunteers throughout facility.
Exotic Plant Control: N/A Treat Pampas grass resprouts as needed. - Herbicide Treatment of Non-native, Invasive Plants
Exotic Animal Control: N/A N/A
Habitat Restoration & Continued planting of coastal sage scrub species Ongoing. Plant additional coastal sage scrub Revegetation: in North Talbert with Waldorf School volunteers. species, sycamore trees and willow trees with - Parks Projects Waldorf School and 1rst Sunday volunteers.
Habitat Restoration & No action. Complete work plan and submit to Nature Revegetation: Reserve of OC and California Resources - South Talbert Wetland Agency, pending OC Parks Design action. Enhancement Project (California Resources Agency Coastal Impact Assistance Program Funding)
98
NROC Annual Report 2013
OC Parks - Central/Coastal OC NCCP Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
Habitat Restoration & Contractor continued to monitor and maintain Ongoing. Contractor to continue experimenting to Revegetation: project initiated in 2009. Riparian mitigation meet plant cover and survival success criteria. - OC Flood Control monitoring showed high plant mortality due to District Mitigation (OCFCD Funding) high salt content in soils; contractor experimented with planting native halophyte species and improving irrigation.
Fire Management Activities:
Fire Prevention: Removed 38 acres of Pampas grass (see Remove an additional 20 acres of Pampas grass “Habitat Restoration and Enhancement,” “Exotic (see “Habitat Restoration and Enhancement,” Plant Control,” above). “Exotic Plant Control,” above).
Post-Fire Management: N/A N/A
Maintenance of Defensible N/A N/A Space / Fuel Modification Zones:
Miscellaneous Activities and Management Programs:
N/A N/A N/A
99
NROC Annual Report 2013
OC Parks - Central/Coastal OC NCCP Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
UPPER NEWPORT BAY NATURE PRESERVE (NORTH COASTAL FACILITIES)
Recreation Use, Monitoring & Management:
Recreation Monitoring: Patrolled regularly to monitor for new Ongoing. - Trail Monitoring unauthorized trails. Continued to reduce and eliminate unauthorized trail use by brushing/blocking, installing signage, planting natives and utilizing progressive enforcement.
User Compliance See “Current Use Policies.” Ongoing. Programs: Increased Ranger Reserve patrols. Established - Park Ranger Ordinance new informal kiosks and signage along trails Enforcement designating the importance of facility regulations. Increased patrols through Ranger Reserves.
100
NROC Annual Report 2013
OC Parks - Central/Coastal OC NCCP Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
Educational Outreach: Staff offered 280 environmental education Ongoing. - Educational Programs programs with 14,024 participants. Partnered with local organizations including YMCA, Newport Bay Conservancy and Newport Aquatic Center. Established new partnerships with Irvine Ranch Conservancy (Outreach Programs), One OC, OC Public Libraries, ECHS, San Bernardino Community College and Orange Coast College. Worked with Harbor Day School on quarterly program which included educational and restoration elements. Expanded outreach program with OC Public Libraries and NMUSD.
Educational Outreach: Hosted field trips with habitat themes during Ongoing. - OC Department of school year. Education “Inside the Outdoors” School Field Trips
Educational Outreach: Worked for seventh year with ECHS freshman on Ongoing. Work with 2013-2014 and 2014-15 - Early College High year-long Service Learning Project learning freshman classes, presenting in classroom and School Service Learning about and performing habitat restoration over 2- expanding ECHS restoration site. Project acre site at Constellation.
101
NROC Annual Report 2013
OC Parks - Central/Coastal OC NCCP Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
Educational Outreach: Held monthly volunteer events and individual Ongoing. Work with staff and volunteers to rst nd - 1 and 2 Sundays Adopt-A-Park group volunteer events at various continue improving quality, productivity and Habitat Restoration & restoration sites throughout Bay. educational component of volunteer events. Specialty Volunteer 1,047participants contributed 2,094 hours of Continue taking additional volunteer groups as Restoration Events volunteer work. Hosted Earth Day educational schedule permits. event using Ranger Reserves.
Educational Outreach: Discontinued Wildlife Survey Program for high No further action. - Wildlife Survey Program school and college students.
Educational Outreach: Reserve Rangers volunteered throughout year Ongoing. - Ranger Reserve and provided increased park patrols and Program interpretation for visitors.
Educational Outreach: See “Fire Management Activities.” Ongoing. - Fire Watch Volunteer Program
Recreation Facility Construction and Maintenance:
New Construction or N/A N/A Expansion:
102
NROC Annual Report 2013
OC Parks - Central/Coastal OC NCCP Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
Maintenance of Existing No action. Ongoing. Create and post additional signage at Facilities: restoration sites to educate visitors about work in - Park Signage progress, pending OC Parks Design approval
Maintenance of Existing Conducted semi-annual trail brushing and Ongoing. Facilities: grading as-needed. Continued strategically - Trail Maintenance placing geo-logs along trails to decrease erosion during heavy rains.
Maintenance of Existing Cultural and Paleontological Resource Phase I No action, pending Mitigated Negative Facilities: Survey Report completed. Draft F&G Section Declaration. Continue to close bridge during - FEMA Site Repairs: 1600 application and COE 404 permit / 401 heavy rain events. Site 1, PW# 2916 Storm Repair Project 2004/05, certification completed. Engineers recommended Bayview Bridge Erosion bridge closure during heavy rain events. No Repair action.
Habitat Restoration & Enhancement:
Exotic Plant Control: Volunteers, staff and partners removed target Ongoing. Utilize volunteer events and Juvenile - Manual Removal of Non- non-native species, including Brazilian pepper Work Program crews to remove invasive species. native, Invasive Plants trees, ice plant, fennel, castor bean, garland (OC Parks, California Coastal Commission chrysanthemum, mustard, radish, horehound, ROOTS) tocalote, Spanish sunflower, bristly ox-tongue and Pampas grass.
103
NROC Annual Report 2013
OC Parks - Central/Coastal OC NCCP Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
Exotic Plant Control: Contractor targeted Pampas grass, Pride of Ongoing. Continue, as needed. - Herbicide Treatment of Madiera, artichoke thistle and minor mustard Non-native, Invasive through Preserve. Plants
Exotic Animal Control: N/A N/A
Habitat Restoration & Continued maintaining sites where non-native Ongoing. Increase quality/density of existing Revegetation: species were previously removed and restoration sites rather than expand restoration - Parks Projects: Marsh approximately 5 acres of coastal sage scrub and acreage. Loop, Constellation, Plateau, Mesa Drive, estuarine species were planted. Banner Point and Maintained sites with manual weed removal, Parking Lot (OC Parks, planting cages and first-year monthly summer California Coastal watering. Commission ROOTS) Expanded planting along perimeters of existing sites.
Habitat Restoration & 8-acre coastal sage scrub and grassland habitat Examine erosion concerns and determine plan of Revegetation: restoration project declined, following end of action to remedy issues. - Westbay Habitat maintenance period with County contractor. Restoration Project (American Oil Trader Native vegetation matured and began to self- Spill Settlement) propagate in many areas; however, vegetation declined in areas with renewed erosion issues.
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OC Parks - Central/Coastal OC NCCP Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
Habitat Restoration & Installed additional native species. Watered 4 Ongoing. Experiment with drip irrigation system. Revegetation: times per week throughout summer months. Augment existing native plant species to increase - Butterfly Garden density, quality and aesthetics of site, supporting native pollinators.
Fire Management Activities:
Fire Prevention: Utilized Adopt-A-Park volunteers to monitor for Ongoing. - Fire Watch Program fire and suspicious activity on Red Flag days.
Post-Fire Management: N/A N/A
Maintenance of Defensible N/A N/A Space / Fuel Modification Zones:
Miscellaneous Activities and Management Programs:
Study: No action. No further known action. - Bobcats
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NROC Annual Report 2013
OC Parks - Central/Coastal OC NCCP Wildlands
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
Study: Park is included in a cooperative cactus wren Follow-up research to continue to monitor - Cactus Wren study by Sea & Sage Audubon, The Nature population status. No further action. Conservancy, Starr Ranch and Nature Reserve of OC. Study completed.
Study: UC Irvine researchers continued Year 4 of No further action; however, same site may be - Climate Change and genetics study on approximately 0.25 acres near utilized for future research project. Native Plant Genetics Muth Interpretive Center. Study completed.
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NROC Annual Report 2013
City of Irvine - Open Space Preserve
Program, Project, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
Recreational Use Monitoring & Management:
Current Use Policies: Self-guided access seven-days per week from IRC plans to continue to offer the same 7:00 am to sunset on the Bommer Meadows recreational access configurations throughout Trail, West Fork Trail and Turtle Ridge Trail COI as long as compliance with the NCCP/HCP beginning from the new Bommer Canyon can be rigorously maintained. Trailhead up to the current seven-day section at Ridge Park and Turtle Ridge. Quail Hill Loop Trail Sensitive areas or areas experiencing impacts and Quail Trail also have self guided access from recreational use will be fenced off or planted seven-days per week from 7:00 am to sunset with native plants including shrubs and cactus to beginning from the Quail Hill Trailhead. The assist in managing self guided access over time. Quail Trail connects to the seven day per week Irvine Open Space Patrol and volunteer patrols access configuration on Serrano Ridge in Laguna will be deployed to monitor the public user Coast Wilderness Park. groups.
Docent-led hiking, mountain biking, trail running The current public notice procedure for rain and and equestrian tours for the public with once per wildfire closure will be updated to include use of month managed wilderness access days is the seasonal signs, phone and web-based current access configuration for all other trails not information to improve public compliance to mentioned above. The maximum limit for docent- weather closures. led activities is 25 participants with a minimum of 2 IRC volunteers.
Public access days in the south portion of the preserve (Bommer Canyon, Shady Canyon) are managed with Irvine Ranch Conservancy staff and an array of docent/trail guide volunteers. These are offered one per month.
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Program, Project, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
Public access on all Irvine Open Space Preserve trails is cancelled during Fire Weather and for a minimum of 72 hours following a rainfall event greater than one-half inch. Fire Weather includes Red Flag Warnings and Santa Ana wind events. Multi-day wind events, prolonged rainfall periods, or major rainfall events in excess of one inch can cancel access for extended periods of time.
The Irvine Police Open Space Patrol is a group of non-sworn officers that patrol the open space during scheduled programs and other times of need (when possible).
Recreational Monitoring: The Irvine Ranch Conservancy offers an array of Access policies shall remain the same for 2014. - Use & Access programs on the Irvine Open Space Preserve. Volunteer programs are likely to grow as (Public Access The following totals include recreation, education, popularity increases. managed by the Irvine trail maintenance, restoration, citizen science, Ranch Conservancy volunteer-only activity and more. Hiking and mountain biking on the Hicks Haul January 1 to Road will continue in 2014. December 31, 2013) Total programs offered: 627 Total activities implemented: 623 Total volunteers: 2,154 Total volunteer hours: 8,569 Actual participants: 4,167 Public participant volunteer stewardship/trail boss hours: 600 The following public recreation and interpretive programs were offered. Some programs were cancelled due to Red Flag Warnings, rain closures and Santa Ana wind events.
Total recreation programs offered: 395
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Program, Project, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
Total recreation programs implemented: 359 Total volunteers: 1,386 Total volunteer hours: 5,653 Actual participants: 3,707
Total trail boss public programs offered: 21 Total trail boss public programs implemented: 21 Total volunteer: 32 Total volunteer hours: 195.5 Public participants: 114 (Note: The Trail Boss Program trains volunteers to lead or assist in managing trail/habitat maintenance & restoration projects.)
Estimated Annual 7 Day Access of Trails (COI Fig. 1): Quail Trail: 25,932 (based on average monthly use from trail counter); Note trail requires a minimum 6 mile round trip for most users) West Fork: 12,084 (Based on average monthly use from trail counter) Turtle Ridge: 5,840 (Minimum use based on average per day use from cameras with one minute delay) Bommer Pass: 37,757
The Hicks Canyon wilderness walk had been suspended to allow continued habitat recovery following the 2007 Santiago Fire. The Orchard Hills Loop Trail is being used instead of the Hicks Canyon Trail.
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NROC Annual Report 2013
City of Irvine - Open Space Preserve
Program, Project, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
Recreational Monitoring: Private Programs, Outreach Programs and Will continue to offer private programs, outreach - Private Programs, Patrols have been integrated into the Use and programs and volunteer patrols upon request. Outreach Programs Access numbers identified above. and Patrols
Recreation Monitoring: The City of Irvine’s Community Services The City will continue to offer programs in and - City of Irvine Community department offers programs to the public around the Cattle Camp area. Services programs including classes, summer camps, badge programs, family campouts (Cattle Camp) and outreach.
Youth day camps provided themed activity weeks such as “Ancient Giants”, “Sensing Nature”, “Rookie Rangers” and “Junior Biologists”.
Programs offered: 31 Programs implemented: 30 Actual participants: 936
User Compliance Camera sites, video surveillance, trail counters Continue use of camera sites, video surveillance, Programs: and patrols were conducted to identify and trail counters and patrols to identify and monitor - Access Monitoring monitor levels of unauthorized access and levels of authorized and unauthorized access unauthorized trail use. This allowed the Irvine and trail use. Ranch Conservancy to establish unauthorized use patterns and focus resources to manage the Aggressively deter unauthorized access through issue. a number of means. These include closures of unauthorized trails, gate and fence management, IRC continued its human access monitoring. signage, increased patrols, citation and other Data monitoring volunteers collected and enforcement activities. processed access camera data bi-weekly throughout the year. Additional trail counters may be implemented Total Days Scheduled 26 and rotated throughout the Irvine Open Space to Total days implemented: 24 compile user pattern data for unauthorized use of
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NROC Annual Report 2013
City of Irvine - Open Space Preserve
Program, Project, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
Access monitoring volunteers: 41 both the sanctioned and non-sanctioned trails. Volunteer hours: 297.5 Some of these counters may be placed at In an effort to reduce unauthorized public access, camera trap sites to obtain the most accurate targeted enforcements were implemented based possible data about unauthorized use. on use patterns of unauthorized public access. Enforcement activities included patrols, visual Data will continue to be compiled into a matrix to deterrence and warnings issued by the Irvine be distributed to the City of Irvine Open Space Open Space Patrol. Patrol personnel to help keep them informed of use patterns in the NCCP areas outside of the Data was compiled into a matrix, and distributed scheduled docent led programs, the operating to the City of Irvine Open Space Patrol personnel hours of the area, the use of any non-authorized and IPD personnel via a secure cloud-based trails, and entry of dogs into the area. document website. Authorized personnel have direct access to data matrix spreadsheets and The City of Irvine Police Department and Animal photographs of unauthorized uses of the Open Control Services will continue to issue citations Space Preserve. when deemed necessary for unauthorized use and dog infractions. The enforcement step is The following Irvine Police enforcement activities necessary to address problems created from a were conducted: change in the human access configuration. This Total hours details assigned: 1,685.5 step also aligns with the guidelines identified in Number officers assigned: 2-3 person teams per the NCCP document. shift Educational Policing Contacts: 256 (by officers) (emphasized an education first mentality) Citations issued: 57 Warning issued: 414 Arrests issued: 0
A notable increase in social trail creation was evident in the Bommer Canyon area, encompassing the Bommer Meadow, Bommer Pass, and Ridge Route trails. Preliminary
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NROC Annual Report 2013
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Program, Project, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
discussions have taken place for possible implementation of short-term, temporary closures of one or more of the above listed trails for repair and public education, as outlined in the NCCP documents.
The location in the document is 5.8.3 Public Access and Recreation Policies and states; 6. Recognizing the importance of appropriately managing recreational use within the reserve in order to protect habitat areas from intrusions, reserve managers shall take the following steps to increase enforcement capabilities and thereby minimize impacts of recreational use on reserve habitat values:
· trail user groups shall be encouraged to participate in "self monitoring and policing" programs to minimize instances of off-trail activities and other abuses to habitat resources within the reserve; · if allowed by state and local regulations, park rangers shall be given the authority to issue citations for misuse of trail or other park facilities; · fines levied for abuse of park facilities resulting in harm to species or sensitive habitat shall be sufficient to discourage repeat occurrences; · repeated offenses by multiple users shall provide the grounds for temporary closure of trail segments and, where necessary, entire parks as a means of avoiding 112
NROC Annual Report 2013
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Program, Project, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
unacceptable adverse impacts to habitats/species within the reserve. Such temporary closures also will serve to educate users concerning the need to obey park and reserve rules and regulations, thereby reducing future recreational impacts on the biological resource of the Reserve System.
User Compliance Eight remote wildlife cameras are currently being Wildlife cameras will continue to be operated Programs: maintained to concurrently monitor wildlife and using Scoutguard cameras. Wildlife response will - Monitoring and Human human activity. Two permanent trail counters be closely monitored to identify long-term Access Management continue to be operated at West Fork and Quail changes in usage patterns relative to human Trail to more accurately estimate 7-day access activity. patterns. Trail transects will be surveyed again in 2014. Thirteen trail transects have now been installed and were monitored in 2013 to track trail condition and trail use impacts on trail dimensions, erosion, and trailside invasive species cover. A draft report of trail condition changes is available upon request.
Trail use is recorded digitally via post program reports for managed access and, in part, using remote cameras. Seven day access areas are monitored primarily using trail counters and remote cameras.
An estimate of 2013 COI-OSPS trail use is provided in COI Fig. 1. Data are comprised of public program records for all restricted trails and trail counter or remote camera data for 7-day
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Program, Project, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
access trails.
User Compliance Designed and implemented a web-based photo Budget permitting, implement live-feed still-photo Programs: database for all trailhead human access camera camera locations targeted at known areas of - Monitoring and Human locations. IRC management and Field Patrol high-risk activities, that is to say areas of Access Management personnel (COI Open Space Patrol Rangers and extensive nighttime use, fire pits, unauthorized IPD Officers) will have direct encrypted access to vehicles, etc. These cameras will have the ability human access photos as well as a database to relay photos directly to a web-based storage spreadsheet of unauthorized access. This photo drive and provide instant notification to selected data will provide more effective means for field patrol personnel of unauthorized presence in the patrol personnel to target specific days, times area. and locations for their patrols.
Educational Outreach: IRC’s Citizen Science program is designed to Citizen Scientists will continue to collect camera - Irvine Ranch implement scientific research by trained and trap data to monitor wildlife activity in relation to Conservancy supervised volunteers. Citizen Science activities human access, assess the type and level of Citizen Science in the Irvine Open Space Preserve in 2013 unauthorized access, and track trends in wildlife Program included: wildlife camera trapping, both public diversity and abundance over time and space. and volunteer-only invasive and restoration The program will continue to include invasive monitoring, and select research projects. species and restoration monitoring in the City of Irvine Open Space. Total citizen science programs offered: 84 Total citizen science programs implemented: 80 Citizen science volunteers: 137 Volunteer hours: 499 Public participants: 0 Total public hours: 0
Educational Outreach: The Irvine Ranch Conservancy conducted two 3- Land steward and Lead Land Steward program - Irvine Ranch Lead Land hr basic training sessions and two herbicide will continue to provide dedicated volunteers with Steward Program training workshops for land stewards. The Land the opportunity to steward particular areas. Lead
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NROC Annual Report 2013
City of Irvine - Open Space Preserve
Program, Project, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
Steward program was deployed to assist with land stewards will conduct the majority of invasive control and restoration work. Work invasive control work within COI-OSPS in areas included regular scheduled weed removal events where NROC has retired its weed control led by Lead Land Stewards. Extensive manual program. More restoration activities will become control work was conducted by lead land available with the initiation of cactus scrub stewards in Bommer Canyon and at Quail Hill. restoration work at Mule Deer. Efforts complemented decreasing NROC-funded weed control work within COI. Activities were lumped by month, therefore total number of programs do not represent the total number of times lead land stewards visited sites (often weekly). Total invasive programs offered: 132 Total programs implemented: 125 Lead land steward volunteers: 193 Lead land steward volunteer hours: 794 Public participants: 19 Public participant hours: 72
Total restoration programs offered: 8 Total programs implemented: 5 Lead land steward volunteers: 19 Lead land steward volunteer hours: 78.5 Public participants: 21 Public participant hours: 73
Recreation Facility Construction & Maintenance
Training /Volunteer Conducted volunteer Trail Boss training to assist Continue training Trail Boss volunteers.
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City of Irvine - Open Space Preserve
Program, Project, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
Management: with ongoing monitoring and maintenance of trail Offer advanced training to Trail Boss volunteers - Trail Boss Programs system. in specific areas of trail work, i.e.: power Completed volunteer trail projects: equipment, rock armoring, specialty construction Trail boss training sessions: 1 techniques. Trail maintenance projects (public & private) : 21
New Construction or Performed enhancements to and maintenance of Relocate bike skills area to Portola Staging Area Expansion (Loma Ridge): the existing mountain bike skills area, based on Remove existing mountain bike skills area and - Orchard Hills Trailhead participant and volunteer comments and return to previous condition. suggestions. Install human access monitoring cameras at the upper and lower loops of the Orchard Hills Loop trails.
Maintenance of Existing N/A N/A Facilities (Loma Ridge): - Signage
Maintenance of Existing Maintained vegetation within the trail treads by With concurrence of City of Irvine, remove dead Facilities (Loma Ridge): mowing, trimming and herbicide application. eucalyptus trees adjacent the trail system as -Orchard Hills Loop Trails needed. Continue ongoing maintenance to Orchard Hills Trail system.
Facility Repeater and radios were reprogrammed to a Radio repeater cabinet to be stripped, primed Replacement/Repair new digital code to comply with new federal and repainted. (Loma Ridge): Radio regulations. Additional radios were acquired to Repeater support expanded public programs. . Replaced A social trail stemming from Changala’s pass up power units at the Loma Ridge and Shady to the repeater location will be closed, restored, Canyon repeater stations with new five-year solar and monitored. deep-cycle batteries.
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Program, Project, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
New Construction or N/A N/A Expansion (Limestone Cyn.):
Maintenance of Existing Performed general cleanup, weeding and Within the existing staging area footprint, the Facilities (Limestone Cyn.): maintenance. following enhancements are planned: - Portola Staging Area Installation of two restroom cement pads, screening surrounds with associated accessible parking to address compliance with ADA. Remove, relocate and raise existing embedded boulders to accommodate a more defined perimeter barrier. Designate/install mountain bike skills area in existing west parking lot. Replace Staging Area Sign.
New Construction or N/A N/A Expansion (Bonita Cyn.):
Maintenance of Existing Monitored area for unauthorized activities and Continue to monitor area for unauthorized Facilities (Bonita Cyn.): trails activities and trails.
Facility N/A N/A Replacement/Repair (Bonita Cyn.):
New Construction or Performed routine maintenance repairs to the Monitor and perform repairs on existing trail as Expansion (Bommer Cyn.): trail-tread to improve drainage. needed. - Bommer Pass Closed and restored 11 social trails with the Re-build tread to original width. addition of fencing, native cactus, shrubs and Plant additional shrubs to discourage off trail native chaff. use.
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NROC Annual Report 2013
City of Irvine - Open Space Preserve
Program, Project, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
New Construction or Installed crosswalk striping and signage at the Monitor and perform repairs on existing trail as Expansion (Bommer Cyn.): Bommer Meadow/Bommer Pass intersection. needed. - Bommer Meadow Trail Removed and replaced the existing 4’ x 16’ Close unauthorized social trail connecting puncheon bridge at the north end of the Bommer Bommer Meadow to Summit Park Drive. Meadow road-adjacent trail. This bridge re- constructed to a 20’ long puncheon structure. Continue to monitor and close any additional Closed 2 unauthorized social trails with chaff, unauthorized social trails that appear. signs and fencing.
New Construction or Implemented additional native plantings at the Monitor and perform repairs on existing trail as Expansion (Bommer Cyn.): fenced trailside restoration areas. Added fencing needed. - Turtle Ridge Trail and plantings where evidence of social trail Perform trail enhancements including rock formation existed. Native plants include Giant armoring, removal of existing trail adjacent power Blue Rye, Laurel Sumac, and California sage. poles, installation of trailside benches using reclaimed lumber from power poles. Continue monitoring fire pit location. Implement a live-feed still-photo camera at the unauthorized fire-pit location.
New Construction or Designed and installed permanent delineator A small radio repeater is planned for the Cattle Expansion (Bommer Cyn.): barriers (Rhino markers) between the Nature Camp area (near the existing staff trailer); to - Cattle Camp Area Trail connection to the Cattle Camp adjacent to further enhance program and emergency radio the primary arena parking area. This provides coverage within the Open Space Preserve. safe passage for trail users and prevents degradation of the engineered trail surface from vehicle traffic. Installed ~575’ of wire fence around Cattle Camp (to separate from Bommer Pass).
New Construction or Replace existing steel gate locking mechanism A radio charging stations is to be placed at the Expansion (Bommer Cyn.): with stainless steel locking mechanism which Bommer Canyon Trailhead. The station will - Bommer Trailhead performs better and is lower maintenance. contain six radios to be utilized by the program
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NROC Annual Report 2013
City of Irvine - Open Space Preserve
Program, Project, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
docents during the public programs. Had “VEHICLES ONLY” painted on Bommer Cyn Replace chain gate providing access to Rd to discourage trail users from traveling on transformer with triple cable assembly which will road. blend into rest of cable fence.
New Construction or Finalized conceptual plan of native plant garden Implementation of an interpretive native plant Expansion (Bommer Cyn.): within the Cattle Camp area. Garden is to serve garden within the historic boundaries of the cattle - Enhance native plant as an interpretive resource to promote public camp operations at the Bommer Cattle Camp is area in Bommer Canyon education on the value of the native plant planned by summer of 2014. No native habitat community protected by NCCP. impacts are involved with these improvements.
Maintenance of Existing Performed vegetation trimming at the upper and Monitor and perform repairs on existing trail as Facilities (Bommer Cyn.): lower connections of the trail to maintain vehicle needed. - West Fork Trail width for emergency access. Upon City approval, relocate the existing upper Installed an interpretive kiosk at upper gate. West Fork gate to the upper terminus trail connection at Pacific Ridge/Laguna Coast Wilderness Park.
Maintenance of Existing Performed annual maintenance of the erosion Monitor and perform repairs on existing trail as Facilities (Bommer Cyn.): control structures along the upper connection to needed. - East Fork Trail the Ridge Route Trail. Performed vegetation management of the trail tread to reduce invasive grasses with the use of Low-Dose Glyphosate. This process reduces the requirement for multiple mowing/string trimming passes during the growing season.
Maintenance of Existing Performed vegetation management of the trail- Monitor and perform repairs on existing trail as Facilities (Bommer Cyn.): tread to reduce invasive grasses with the use of needed with special attention paid to closing -Ridge Route Trail Low-Dose Glyphosate. This process reduces the social trails connecting Bommer Pass & Ridge requirement for multiple mowing/string trimming Route. passes during the growing season. Plant large anchor plants at beginning of closed Placed boulders at intersection with East Fork & and restored Reservoir Drop trail to eventually
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NROC Annual Report 2013
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Program, Project, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
Hogback to prevent vehicles from driving down eliminate need for manmade barrier from old Ridge Route. Boulders serve also as seating for unauthorized trail. mid-point of 3 mile loop hike. Boulders also formalize the turn around area at the intersection with Hogback, East Fork & Ridge Route.
Maintenance of Existing Installed pavement marking and signage to Facilities (Bommer Cyn.): delineate asphalt road for vehicle traffic only. Continue to replace existing gate locking - Vehicle Gates mechanisms with lower maintenance stainless steel locking mechanisms.
Maintenance of Existing Repeater and radios were reprogrammed to new Continue performing semiannual monitoring of Facilities (Bommer Cyn.): digital code to comply with new federal existing solar radio repeater. - Radio Repeater regulations. Additional radios acquired to support expanded public programs.
Maintenance of Existing Facilities (Bommer Cyn.): Reskinned all signs to reflect current COI logo. Continue to monitor sign condition and replace - Signage Reskinned all docent only trail signs with stronger as needed. “Trail Closed Except for Scheduled Program” wording, per request of IPD.
Maintenance of Existing Performed semi-annual maintenance checks on Continue semi-annual maintenance checks. Facilities (Bommer Cyn.): existing bridges. - Bridges
Maintenance of Existing Installed additional post and rope barriers to Natural barriers will be continually monitored, Facilities (Bommer Cyn.): deter off-trail use at the native plant barrier repaired and augmented as needed. - Natural Barriers locations.
Maintenance of Existing Installed additional post and wire fencing Fence will be monitored and repaired as needed. Facilities (Bommer Cyn.): between Bommer Canyon Road and the Shady - Fencing Canyon community unauthorized trail to deter 120
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Program, Project, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
unauthorized access to the area.
Facility N/A N/A Replacement/Repair (Bommer Cyn.):
New Construction or N/A N/A Expansion (Shady Cyn.):
Maintenance of Existing Performed maintenance of the existing 26% Facilities (Shady Cyn.): grade segment of the Quail Trail. Maintenance Continue restoration planting in abandoned road - Quail Trail included re-contouring approximately a 600 LF bed. section creating a separate trail tread and swale Monitor drain and tread surface and repair as drain within the confines of the existing trail.This necessary. resulted in a 4’ wide trail tread, per the approved Recreation & Resource Management Plan. Removed vehicle gate at bottom of Quail Trail and replaced with fence. Planted grasses and shrubs on drain side of abandoned road to restore the habitat and funnel users through recreation gate.
Maintenance of Existing Performed routine trimming and tread work to Monitor and perform repairs on existing trail as Facilities (Shady Cyn.): keep trails open and control erosion. needed. - Cattle Crest, Rabbit Cattle Crest: Closed and restored steep section Install enhancements to trail tread such as rock Run, Fox Run and of Cattle Crest Trail (150’) and replaced with a armoring, drainage, rock boxes, berms and Shady Oaks single 390’ sustainable single track reroute. check dams. tracks Rabbit Run: Performed initial cut of a 580’ reroute Cattle Crest: perform maintenance repair on 12’ of sustainable single track trail to eliminate ~150’ puncheon bridge. of unsustainably steep trail on Rabbit Run. Rabbit Run: Complete Rabbit Run reroute Performed vegetation management of the trail- including perfecting new trail tread and restoring
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Program, Project, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
tread to reduce invasive grasses with the use of the old line. Low-Dose Glyphosate. This process reduced the Shady Oaks Road Closure: Reinforce fencing requirement for multiple mowing/string trimming and signage at road bed restoration. passes during the growing season. Shady Oaks Single Track: Rebuild connector trail between Fox Run & Shady Oaks. Also perform maintenance repair on culvert crossing at southern end.
Maintenance of Existing Performed semi-annual maintenance checks on Continue semi-annual maintenance checks. Facilities (Shady Cyn.): existing bridges. Clean and perform application of water based - Bridges stain to all bridge surfaces with Valspar chestnut stain to match existing wood components in the area. Install Tru-Grid turf stabilizing grids at bridge approaches to enhance sustainability.
Maintenance of Existing Performed a semiannual maintenance check of Improve signage at all trail intersections with Facilities (Shady Cyn.): the closed restoration site, and performed bi- closed Shady Oaks Road Restoration Site. - Shady Oaks restoration weekly camera monitoring at the upper terminus of the abandoned road where it intersects Quail Trail and Serrano Ridge. Reskinned all signs to reflect current COI logo. Maintenance of Existing Reskinned all docent only trail signs with stronger Monitor signage and replace as necessary. Facilities (Shady Cyn.): “Trail Closed Except for Scheduled Program” - Signage wording, per request of IPD.
Facility N/A N/A Replacement/Repair (Shady Cyn.):
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Program, Project, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
New Construction or Installed interpretive kiosk at eastern end of Quail Expansion (Quail Hill): Hill Loop trail. Construct trail connection between western end - Quail Trailhead of Quail Hill Loop trail and paved bikeway on University. Connection will include 12’x8’ steel bridge over V ditch. Install interpretive kiosk at intersection of new connection trail and loop trail.
Maintenance of Existing Performed routine mowing and grading as Continue routine mowing and grading as Facilities (Quail Hill): required to accommodate public access. needed. Installed several sections of post & rope fencing to discourage use of unauthorized social trails.
Maintenance of Existing N/A. N/A Facilities (Quail Hill): - Vehicle Gates
Maintenance of Existing Reskinned all signs to reflect current COI logo. Monitor signage and replace as necessary. Facilities (Quail Hill): - Signage
Facility N/A N/A Replacement/Repair (Quail Hill):
Infrastructure Construction & Maintenance:
Removal of Inactive Field No removal initiated. IRC will evaluate all active and inactive field Research Materials studies and mitigation sites and remove field 123
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Program, Project, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
markers no longer deemed active or necessary.
Habitat Restoration & Enhancement: (Note: Funding Sources noted in first column if other than Land Owner)
Exotic Plant Eradication: Priority invasive species were searched for and Eradication and control efforts are ongoing. See - Program Summary removed/treated across over 559 acres within below for species-specific details. NCCP and an additional 270 acres of non-NCCP open space within City property boundaries. NROC will be contracting IRC to oversee Manager adopted control of many artichoke invasive control activities within the City of Irvine thistle control areas previously managed by Open Space Preserve – South. A regional NROC. Artichoke thistle remained the primary annual coordination meeting is planned to target species due to past effort invested and the update neighboring land owners and managers ability of this species to rebound without control. on control efforts and prioritization. Invasive control activities were conducted by staff and volunteers. The City and IRC signed a regional (Backcountry Council) agreement to prioritize and manage high priority weeds jointly.
Exotic Plant Eradication: Control efforts based on aerial weed survey Target exotic plant species will be monitored - Monitoring and prioritization and new emergent weed incidentally through digital databasing of control Prioritization observations continued in COI-OSPN. activities. IRC will partner with NROC to support Species identified for eradication within COI a coastal aerial weed survey, partially funded by property were Sahara mustard, tree of heaven, CDFW – LAG. The survey is planned to occur in and garland chrysanthemum. Of these, Sahara June and to include over 30 target species. mustard occurs within the COI-OSPN and garland chrysanthemum occurs within the COI- Photo-monitoring points have been established
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Program, Project, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
OSPS. Species prioritized for reserve-wide to document artichoke thistle treatment success control included artichoke thistle, arundo, spanish at Quail Hill percent thistle cover will be broom, and pampas grass. estimated in target control areas. Multi-cut areas will be expanded. Artichoke thistle, castor bean, fennel, and tree tobacco were monitored incidentally during IRC will continue to focus on control / eradication volunteer and contracted control events within of species targeted in 2014. Manager will take the Coastal and Central Reserves and adjacent over oversight of control efforts of all target lands (COI Fig. 2). Tamarisk was observed weeds at COI-OSPS from NROC. Planned outside of NCCP at Quail Hill. control efforts will include monitoring and treatment of previously treated areas and IRC worked with Backcountry Council to expansions to other areas with emergent regionally conditionally prioritize species for artichoke thistle. eradication and control. Species prioritized for eradication have not yet been observed within COI-OSPS. Those occurring within COI-OSPS that prioritized for control region-wide included artichoke thistle (due to past investment), pampas grass, and garland chrysanthemum. There was general consensus that a region-wide survey was needed to better focus control efforts.
Volunteer-led invasive species patrols were conducted in Bommer Canyon, Turtle Ridge, and along Ridge Route, Quail Trail, Serrano Ridge, and Mule Deer.
Exotic Plant Eradication: Artichoke thistle was treated or cut across 460 Artichoke thistle control will continue as funds - Artichoke Thistle acres within NCCP and additional 269 acres permit as a high priority based on previous beyond. control efforts. Special emphasis will be placed · Artichoke thistle removal within Bommer on adjacent open space and neighboring HOA Canyon and Quail Hill was done primarily acreage beyond NCCP with refugial populations. by volunteers using manual removal
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(multiple cut) and stump cut treatment methods. · The California Conservation Corps (CCC) was again used for late season cutting at Quail Hill to prevent re-seeding. · In 2013, volunteers spent 68 days removing artichoke thistle from Quail Hill, treating a net area of 447,615 square meters. · An estimated 93,000 thistle rosettes and flower heads were removed. · No artichoke thistle plants were observed in seed in Quail Hill in 2013. · Additional volunteer and staff led artichoke thistle control included occurred in Bommer Canyon and included some use of herbicide as well as some work in adjacent HOA fuel modification zones.
- Fennel Fennel was removed manually across 18.5 acres Fennel control will continue opportunistically. of NCCP and an additional 0.04 acres beyond (net area removed 0.13 acre). - Milk and Italian Thistle Milk thistle was searched for and removed across Milk and Italian thistle control will continue 0.8 acres (net removal 11 ft2) in Bommer opportunistically. Canyon. - Sahara Mustard Sahara mustard was removed manually across Year 4 of Sahara mustard eradication efforts in (NROC-funded) 32 acres at Orchard Hills. 94 trash bags of plants Orchard Hills will continue in 2014 with support were collected (compared to 50 in the previous from NROC. year). - Bull thistle Bull thistle was not found in Bommer Canyon. Bull thistle control will continue where it is observed. - Tree Tobacco Tree tobacco was removed across 21 acres of Tree tobacco control will continue in areas NCCP and an additional 0.9 acre of other open previously identified and as resources permit. 126
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space. - Castor Bean Castor bean was removed manually and by Castor bean control will continue in areas
stump-cut across 7.1 acres (466 ft2 net) primarily previously identified and as resources permit. within Shady and Bommer Canyon and within 0.15 acres of other open space.
- Pampas Grass A single pampas grass was removed within the Pampas grass control will continue to be Central Reserve and another was removed at prioritized. Quail Hill.
-Tamarisk 3 individuals were removed by Quail Hill (net Tamarisk control will continue to be prioritized. area 637 ft2).
- Artichoke Thistle An artichoke thistle (CYCA) trial was established Monitoring and treatment implementation of the Removal Trial in spring 2010 at Quail Hill to determine the most CYCA treatment trial will continue for several cost- and time-effective method of manually years utilizing both staff and volunteer resources. controlling this species. IRC will collect data on # of rosettes (if feasible), · Treatments included a single cut at base % cover of CYCA prior to first cutting, % cover of plant early in growing season (1X); and species of next most dominant non-native, single cut at base late in growing season % cover and species of most common native. (1XL); double cut at base (early and late, Results will inform manual removal as 2X); root cut; continuous base cut (every implemented by volunteers. 4 weeks for 16-20 week); and Control (no cutting but flowering heads removed before seeding) · In the winter of 2013, four additional plots were established to test the efficacy of herbicide application; two plots were treated with 2% glyphosate and two plots treated with Transline. · Percent cover of artichoke thistle and number of flower rosettes decreased from 2012.
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· Similar to 2012 results, continuous cut and the root cut plots had the least CYCA present. · Both herbicide treatments were effective at reducing artichoke thistle cover and preventing flowering in 2013. · Low rainfall in 2013 appears to have also contributed to the relatively low cover of CYCA in all treatment plots.
Exotic Animal Control: A total of 74 domestic dogs were photographed Enforcement of ‘no dog’ policy will continue Exotic Animal Monitoring across eight wildlife cameras in the COI-OSPS within the Preserve. (an increase from 14). High numbers correlate Invasive amphibians will again be removed from with higher visitor and unauthorized use. the Turtle pond A total of 7 bull frogs and 10 African clawed frogs were captured and removed from the turtle pond.
Habitat Restoration & IRC is under contract with COI to conduct a Stewardship work days will continue for the sites Revegetation: minimum of 15 stewardship work days per year. and programs worked on in 2014. Restoration - Stewardship Work Days In total, 26 formal work days were held in 2012. stewardships and student work days will be Of these, most were organized to cut back an conducted at Quail Hill, Bommer Canyon, and artichoke thistle infestation at Quail Hill and Quail Mule Deer (Shady Canyon). Trail areas directly adjacent to the Nature Reserve. Many additional days were dedicated to invasive species control within the Preserve by lead land stewards, primarily in the Bommer Canyon and Quail Hill area (COI Fig. 2). In addition, volunteer-lead invasive species patrols were expanded to include Mule Deer and the length of Quail Trail. Stewardship activities along the Turtle Ridge trail were continued. The east canyon sites will continue to be Habitat Restoration & Maintenance consisted of weed eating flowering maintained by the IRC in 2014. This will include 128
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Revegetation: heads of non-natives, most of which were either spring weed-eating of flowering heads or - Cactus Wren Habitat annuals grasses and both sites in April 2013. low dose spraying in the early winter after Linkage Restoration- germinating rains in areas where there are not East Canyon Sites native annuals.
Habitat Restoration & A 12 acre section of agricultural land recently Planting, maintenance, harvest, and storage of Revegetation: deeded to COI continued to be managed as a seeds will continue in 2014. - Native Seed Farm native seed farm by IRC. In Year 5, 9 native shrubs, 28 forbs, and 6 native grasses were successfully planted/maintained in order to serve as a source of local seed for future restoration, occurring primarily in the Central Reserve. Seeded plants were watered and maintained by staff, volunteer, and contract help. Harvests included arroyo lupine, chick lupine, California poppy, owlsclover, cobweb thistle, blue wild rye, miniature plantain, cliff aster, white pincushion, yellow pincushion, popcorn flower, common Eucrypta, California figwort, cudweed aster, mugwort, deerweed, white sage, black sage, coast goldenbush, California sage, California buckwheat, and California sunflower. New plantings included golden yarrow, heart-leafed Penstemon, and Silver Lupine. Farm harvested seed became the primary source for restoration seeding.
Habitat Restoration & Plants were not surveyed in 2013, it was a very The planted many-stemmed dudleya (Dudleya Revegetation: dry year spring. multicaulis) will be checked in the spring season - Dudleya Restoration (particularly during the blooming period from March through June). Reference sites will also be visited to compare phenology such as the
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time of blooming.
Habitat Restoration & Three sites were established in winter 2009 as Data will be summarized and photos taken spring Revegetation: part of a long term study to determine the 2014. - Strip Restoration Trial establishment rate of restored strips of vegetation into unseeded buffers of different widths. Early winter 2013 the sites will be visited to determine the need for spot spraying.
Habitat Restoration: In 2013 ground surveys were completed for In 2014, IRC will work with NROC to determine - Expansion of degraded habitats in the south/coastal reserve what type of restoration prioritization model might Restoration Site lands managed by the IRC (Figure 3). be run so one model may be applied to both Prioritization Model to Grasslands which were being surveyed by NROC NROC and IRC managed open space. The data South/Coastal Reserve as part of their survey for vegetation change in from the ground surveys will be coordinated with response to artichoke thistle control were not NROC’s vegetation mapping project. surveyed. Sites consisting of <30% native cover were considered degraded and percent cover of functional groups and a species list was recorded.
Habitat Restoration & In 2012, the Mule Deer site was chosen as part · 40 Mexican Elderberry tree seedlings will be Revegetation: of the Sustainable Solutions collaborative project planted among the 10 large cactus plots. - Cactus Wren Linkage to receive funds for restoration. A restoration · Weeding activities planned every 6-8 weeks Restoration Mule Deer plan titled: Cactus Wren Habitat Linkage in 2014 to be carried out by staff, volunteers, site in the City of Irvine Restoration: Restoration Plan for Mule Deer Site UCI students, and some contract workers if was submitted to the CDFG and USFWS and required. approved. The site is 2.32 acres and will be · Grassland areas will receive an additional funded in part by the USDA Sustainable application of Fusillade 2 in late fall 2014 to Solutions project through NROC, with in-kind reduce density of annual grasses, followed support from the COI via IRC staff time. In by seeding with native grassland species. September and November 2012, based line surveys and vegetation mapping were conducted, consisting of: long-term vegetation
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transects, a bird survey, and soil samples. · In 2013, 4,500 cactus pads were planted, as well as 25 large 5 gal-potted cactus plants. UCI environmental studies class assisted with planting. · Rare plant and bird survey completed in the spring prior to major weeding and thatch removal activities. · UCI PhD candidate Mia Maltz continued to collect soil samples to track changes in the fungal community during the restoration process. · Mid-November site preparation began with flail mowing and light raking with a hydraulic rake. · An interpretive sign was posted at the site to educate volunteer groups and the public of the restoration project. · Herbicide treatment of annual grasses (e.g. Brachypodium distachyon) anticipated in early December followed by seeding strips with native forbs. · In December 2013, several hundred native shrub seedlings and native forb seeds were installed within the 0.7 acre CSS designated restoration polygons
Bommer Canyon- Turtle Mapping of degraded areas took place spring IRC will initiate planning for ecological restoration Ridge Restoration Sites 2012 and 2013. in the area of Bommer Canyon or Turtle Ridge trail. Restoration of this area will be staged, due to limited resources in any given year. This area is a priority for the following reasons: 1) It is a highly visible area with public trails intersecting 131
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areas in need of restoration and delivering ecologically appropriate messaging of resource management goals and trail etiquette may be received by a large audience and 2) both Turtle ridge and Bommer Canyon have ecological significance- Turtle Ridge containing remnant patches of native grasses and notable high plant diversity and Bommer Canyon being situated in a canyon and corridor, providing connectivity on a landscape scale. Plans will be submitted to USFWS, CDFW, and NROC for review.
Habitat Restoration: In 2013, plots were maintained for their third year In 2014, passive weed control treatments will - Passive Restoration and monitored by the Huxman lab into their continue with winter spot spraying and spring Trial second year. In spring 2013, instead of mowing hand weeding/wicking. In addition, monitoring treated plots, the protocol was changed to hand will continue for both shrubs and arthropods. pulling and wicking because growth of non- natives decreased and natives increased. In addition, once in each the winter and spring arthropods were sampled on a subset of treatment plots to correlate manipulation of bare ground with changes in arthropod community structure and abundance.
Habitat Restoration & The Shady Canyon Turtle Pond was created in In 2014, maintenance and monitoring of the pond Revegetation: 2001 for mitigation of impacts to southwestern will continue, including: census-taking and - Shady Canyon Turtle pond turtle (Actinemys marmorata pallida). attempts to capture any bullfrogs prior to their Pond Mitigation Site · Harmsworth Associates conducted another breeding season, an exotic frog control session Maintenance season of trapping turtles for estimating using turtle traps in May, followed by another population size and trapping clawed frogs as session using minnow traps in August or part of invasive control September. · 83 pond turtles were captured in 2013, a slight increase from 2012. Based on A draft plan for long-term management of the
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capture/recapture data, the estimated pond will be initiated. population size using the Lincoln-Peterson Index (79 turtles x 72 turtles / 68 recaptures) for the pond turtle population is 83.65 turtles. This estimate suggest the pond turtle population is relatively large and stable. · 82 African clawed frogs were captured and removed from the pond. While Africa clawed frogs persist in the pond, their numbers are low and are unlikely to be competing with pond turtles for food and other resources. · A single was captured and removed from the pond in 2013. · Full Annual Report available upon request.
Habitat Restoration & IRC collaborated with USGS in late 2009 to Ponds will be checked in 2014. Revegetation: create 15 breeding pools for the western - Western Spadefoot spadefoot (Spea hammondii) in NCCP areas Ponds surrounding the COI Open Space Preserve. Results from January and February 2011 indicate that a couple of the created pools in Bommer Ridge and Upper Boat Canyon, in addition to several natural pools, held water for more than 30 days. The only created pools that were occupied by the spadefoot were in Upper Boat Canyon and the spadefoot occupied all natural pools or road rut pools holding water. Ponds were not checked in 2013.
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Fire Management Activities
Post-Fire Management: No fires occurred on COI-OSP in 2013. If fires occur, fire date, time, perimeter, cause of - Specific fires ignition and severity will be recorded.
Maintenance of Fuel Centerlines of all existing roads were mowed in In collaboration with City agencies, OCFA, Breaks/Modification Zones: order to reduce the risk of fire from authorized transportation agencies, and academic partners, vehicle access. land manager will initiate an evaluation of wildland edges and internal localities for potential Existing vehicle turn outs, and fire personnel safe actions that may reduce fire ignitions (e.g., zones along Serrano Ridge were mowed and roadside barriers and removal of alien plants). graded as required.
Fire Prevention: Trained, outfitted and deployed approximately 50 Deployment of volunteers and staff on Fire - Irvine Ranch volunteers and staff to monitor “high risk” areas Weather Watch, Red Flag Alert days and or Conservancy on the border of the wildlands. There were 7 Santa Ana (Santana) wind conditions to deter fire Fire Watch Program “high risk” days in 2012 that required Fire Watch ignition will continue. deployment. This program is performed in conjunction with the Greater Laguna Coast Fire Continued expansion of the “Fire Watch” Safe Council, Inter-Canyon League Fire Safe program by increasing the number of trained Council, Trabuco Canyon Defense Against volunteers and engaging the services of other Wildfire, Modjeska Canyon Fire Watch, OC agencies and volunteer organizations such as Parks, State Parks, Orange County Fire Authority the CERT programs (Community Emergency and more. Response Teams). A Fire Watch Coordinator was hired to oversee the organization, training, and deployment of fire watch volunteers in order to reduce fire ignition risk.
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Miscellaneous Activities and Management Program:
Miscellaneous Activities: Wildlife and human activity have been Wildlife cameras will continue to be maintained Wildlife Monitoring consistently monitored using remote infra-red- and camera data will continue to be databased at (Partially Funding by DFG) triggered cameras, operated by volunteer citizen 3-month intervals (March, June, Sept. Dec). scientists and IRC staff since 2007. Data on Additional cameras may be installed if deemed activity patterns have been compiled in a necessary. Data will be used for long-term comprehensive database that now contains monitoring and analysis of changes in activity information over 75,000 entries from all land patterns in wildlife activity relative to recreational owners. Currently data are being entered use. quarterly for four of 12 months of the year. Data are used to track wildlife activity patterns over time and in response to stressors, such as fire and human activity. This project is ongoing. Analyses of human access / wildlife correlations (in progress) suggest a consistent negative relationship between human activity and mammal activity at most camera locations. However, correlations to not currently persist across more and less frequently-access areas. IRC implemented an online documentation system for trail use across the managed access portions of the reserve system. An analysis of four years of camera data is available upon request in the form of a final CDFW Local Assistance Grant report submitted to the California Department of Fish and Game. One additional camera was added to Cattle Crest Trail to better monitor wildlife activity in an area
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with less human activity. Cuddeback cameras were replaced by Scoutguard model cameras. An IRC-wide camera testing procedure was implemented to ensure all cameras are in good working order and data generated from cameras are consist and of high quality.
Miscellaneous Activities: · The IRC has continued to compile spatial A draft faunal database is planned to be - Development of datasets on biological and user access completed in 2014. Biological Database infrastructure information in the region. We have reached out to our partners to work towards developing more comprehensive, standardized datasets. These datasets include: sensitive species and communities, invasive species, trails, and community vegetation types. · In 2013, IRC initiated the creation of a GIS based species database with the following search functions and capabilities: 1. Generates list and/or maps of all species records within a particular management area. 2. Generates lists and/or maps of all species records within a defined geographic area or radius (e.g. 1 mile from a proposed trail location). Displaying actual distances would be preferable. 3. Ability to sort species lists by scientific name, common name, family, type (plant vs animal), functional grouping, status (e.g. NCCP target, federal
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endangered, state species of special concern, etc.), etc. 4. Access to metadata for all records (e.g. date of record, source, sampling quality, etc.) · A first generation GIS database has been created for sensitive plant species
Miscellaneous Activities: Four white-tailed kite perches continue to serve No activity planned. - White-tailed Kite Perch as perches for raptors in Quail Hill along the loop Monitoring trail. Perches were installed outside of the Reserve in 2009 and 2010.
Miscellaneous Activities: · IRC contracted Bloom Biological to conduct · Raptor surveys will continue in 2014 across - Raptor Surveys spring raptor surveys in selected canyon the IRNL. bottoms throughout the City of Irvine Open space, including Quail Hill (COI Fig. 3). Raptor nesting success appears to have recovered from recent drought conditions and the number of successful nests increased from 2012. Report available upon request. · Citizen Science volunteers assisted in surveying areas in 2013.
Miscellaneous Activities: Title: Assessing the importance of arthropod · Molecular-based identification of - Cactus Wren Foraging abundance, community composition, and habitat arthropods from fecal samples still in Analysis structure as determinants of habitat quality for process. (Partial funding by UCI Cactus Wren (Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus). · Some data analysis remaining. Center for Environmental Led by Dr. K. Mooney (UCI, with collaborators Dr. Studies and NROC). K. Treseder, Dr. JC Burger, Dr. R. Pratt, Dr. K Preston). Implemented Year 2 of a two year study of cactus wren diet and foraging behavior.
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· All field sampling of arthropods and their identification has been completed for both years. · Vegetation mapping of territories completed in Fall of 2013 · First year sampling results were presented at the 2013 Ecological Society of America (ESA) meetings. · Preliminary results show that arthropod communities differ among common habitat elements. · The abundance of large spiders and caterpillars are positively correlated with wren reproductive output. · Percent cover of native bunch grasses within territories is also strongly correlated with wren reproductive output.
Miscellaneous Activities: Cactus Wren nest boxes remained installed The pilot program determined that nest boxes - Cactus Wren Artificial across the landscape. Nest boxes were checked are utilized by cactus wren. In 2014, we will Nest Box Structures in March with one cactus wren nest found in move next boxes from areas with abundant (Partial Funding by Shady 2. Nest boxes were cleaned out in the nesting habitat, and relocate them in areas with DFG) spring and late fall 2013. degraded cactus scrub where pairs previously occurred in the region. Some of the IRC cactus restoration sites were selected for this reason and would be candidates for receptor sites.
Miscellaneous Activities: · Rare plant surveys conducted by IRC staff Complete. - Rare Plant Surveys for and botanist Fred Roberts to evaluate Crest and Rabbit Run Trail potential impacts of trail reroutes on both Re-routes Cattle Crest and Rabbit Run to sensitive vegetation and plant species · The surveys uncovered no sensitive species 138
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along or near the proposed and authorized reroute. · Furthermore, presence of sensitive species within the trail realignments was not expected. · Based on the survey, the reroute is expected to have insignificant impacts to native vegetation or sensitive plant species · The full report is available upon request.
Conservation Capacity Progress was made in improving the efficacy of Ongoing. Pending revised Land Management the collective conservation community: Agreement proposal.
1. IRC GIS database has been expanded to include several past species- and habitat-level surveys (see above).
2. Research/monitoring regulations, guidelines and applications are consistent across all IRC managed lands. Entry Permits are managed by the City. Tracking has been streamlined.
3. Review and consultation protocols are more transparent.
4. Collaboration has increased, with NROC contracting invasive control oversight and regional Backcountry Council agreements supporting regional natural resource management.
5. Improvements have been made with respect to coordination of research, monitoring & 139
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management activities among local land managers, researchers, and conservation practitioners. For instance cactus restoration was installed to complement that initiated by NROC.
6. IRC has provided a summer graduate internship including trailside transects within COI OSP. Colloborative research with UCI has allowed for more comprehensive analyses of conservation and restoration questions.
Miscellaneous Activities and Management Programs - Non-IRC Research:
Phil Rundel (T. Brooks), Grassland-soil co relational studies None at present, though research remains UCLA active.
Dr. Sarah Kimball, Dr. Purpose: Use observational weather stations to Project initiation Mike Goulden, University quantify Orange County's weather gradient, of California, Irvine focusing on a north-south transect that spans the original Irvine Ranch from Crystal Cove State Park to Gypsum Canyon. (Also OC Parks)
Dr. Sarah Kimball and Dr. Passive Recruitment Study Purpose: Assess the Ongoing. Travis Huxman, University efficacy of using a passive restoration approach of California, Irvine to restoring degraded coastal sage scrub (Funding from UCI Center) communities. (Also COI) Loma Ridge Study Purpose: Use the existing field manipulations at Loma Ridge to assess how
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different combinations of species influence soil moisture availability through their partitioning of the hydraulic cycle into plant transpiration, bare- --soil evaporation and infiltration of precipitation to depth.
Dr. Ann Sakai and Dr. Impacts of changing precipitation patterns on Ongoing. Steven Weller, University invasive fountain grass populations in coastal of California, Irvine sage scrub and grassland communities. (Funding from UCI Center)
Dr. Barbara Kus, USGS Purpose: Evaluate the degree of genetic Ongoing. connectivity among California Gnatcatcher populations across their range, including San Diego, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, and Ventura Counties. (Also OC Parks)
Dr. Kailen Mooney, Cactus wren foraging and arthropod abundance Ongoing. Pending completion n 2014. University of California, across vegetation types. Irvine (collaborative with NROC and IRC)
Dr. Peter Bloom and Scott Purpose: Raptor monitoring and movement. Ongoing Thomas, Bloom Biological
Dr. Diane Pataki and Tara Purpose: Measure and compare residential lawns Ongoing Trammell, University of with native ecosystems to test the theory that Utah maintenance of similar management practices among cities leads to homogenization in ecological structure and functions relevant to ecosystem carbon and nitrogen dynamics.
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Dr. Kathleen Treseder and Purpose: Fungal Facilitators of Ecosystem Ongoing Mia Maltz, University of Services in the Irvine Ranch. California, Irvine.
Dr. Michael Goulden, Purpose: Establishing a long term weather Ongoing University of California, station gradient based on temperature and Irvine nitrogen deposition.
Dr. Sarah Kimball, Purpose: Use observational stations to quantify Ongoing University of California, Orange County's weather gradient, focusing on a Irvine north-south transect that spans the original Irvine Ranch from Crystal Cove State Park to Gypsum Canyon.
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COI Fig. 1: Estimated Annual 7 Day Access of Trails 143
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COI Fig. 2: Invasive Control 144
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COI Fig. 3: Projects and Surveys 145
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COI Fig. 4: OSPS Restoration Projects/Trails 146
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COI Fig. 5: OSPS Restoration Projects/Trails (Con’t.) 147
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COI Fig. 6: OSPS - Restoration Habitat Acreage 2013 148
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COI Fig. 7: Survey & Monitoring (Irvine Company Land in COI) 149
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COI Fig. 8: Projects (Irvine Company Land in COI) 150
NROC Annual Report 2013
City of Newport Beach - Buck Gully
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
Recreation Use, Monitoring & Management:
Current Use Policies: 7 day 7:00 a.m. to sunset public hiking and 7 day 7:00 a.m. to sunset public hiking and mountain biking is the current access mountain biking will continue to be the access configuration. configuration.
Supplemental docent led activities were Supplemental docent led activities will also be attempted as outreach opportunities. The used as outreach opportunities. maximum limit for docent-led activities is 25 participants with a minimum of 2 docents or trail guides.
Recreational Monitoring: This land is referred to as the Buck Gully Docent-led activities for the public will be offered - Use & Access Preserve. The following totals include in 2014. The maximum limit for docent-led recreation/interpretive, trail boss, invasive activities is 25 participants with a minimum of 2 removal and citizen science programs. The time docents or trail guides. frame is from January 1 through December 31, 2013. Activities may include public interpretive, recreational, trail work or stewardship programs. Total public programs offered: 37 Total programs implemented: 64 Total volunteers: 165 Total volunteer hours: 688 Actual public participants: 178 Public participant stewardship/trail hours: 63
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Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
All public use was managed according to the policies noted in the approved RRMP.
The following public recreation/interpretive and trail boss programs were offered from January 1 through December 31, 2013. When necessary, programs are cancelled due to the Red Flag Warnings, Rain Closure and Santa Ana Wind events.
Total recreation programs offered: 32 Total recreation programs implemented: 22 Total volunteers: 73 Total volunteer hours: 269 Actual public participants: 161
Total trail boss programs offered: 21 Total trail boss programs implemented: 21 Total volunteers: 3 Total volunteer hours: 69 Actual public participants: 0
Recreational Monitoring: Public outreach of the Buck Gully programs are Private volunteer activities and patrols may occur - Private Programs, integrated into the IR Landmarks website, the in preparation and development of public Outreach Programs City of Newport Beach website and a quarterly programs. and Patrols brochure distributed county wide. Buck Gully content is also posted on the Irvine Ranch Patrols may also be used to monitor human Natural Landmarks’ Facebook page. access and deter non approved uses.
Public outreach will continue with the integration
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of Buck Gully into the web site www.LetsGoOutside.org.
Recreational Monitoring: Citizen Science Volunteers spent approximately IRC’s Citizen Scientists will continue to collect - Volunteer Wildlife 36 hours maintaining wildlife cameras throughout camera trap data to monitor human access, Activity & Human Buck Gully. assess the type and level of unauthorized Access Monitoring access, track trends in wildlife diversity and abundance over time and space, and further develop activity and disturbance profiles for wildlife species in Buck Gully.
User Compliance Based on observations from the BG_GC trailside Wildlife and human access monitoring will Programs: remote camera located within Buck Gully, human continue using remote cameras and the - Access Monitoring visitation was estimated at an average of 330 occasional incorporation of trail counters. individuals per month (a nearly 10-fold increase in visitors from 2012). Remote cameras There is an expected increase of public users as underestimate access by 1/2 – 1/3 of that the trail repairs and infrastructure improvements determined by trail counters. Therefore annual continue to be discovered by the public. access was estimated to be >7900 visitors. The City of Newport Beach agreed to not allow dogs in the Buck Gully Preserve.
User Compliance N/A Budget permitting, implement a web-based photo Programs: database for all trailhead human access camera - Monitoring and Human locations. IRC management and Field Patrol Access Management personnel (NP Rangers) will have direct encrypted access to human access photos as well as a database spreadsheet of unauthorized access. This photo data will provide more effective means for field patrol personnel to target
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specific days, times and locations for their patrols. Budget permitting, implement live-feed still-photo camera locations targeted at known areas of high-risk activities, that is to say areas of extensive nighttime use, fire pits, unauthorized vehicles, etc. These cameras will have the ability to relay photos directly to a web-based storage drive and provide instant notification to selected patrol personnel of unauthorized presence in the area.
Educational Outreach: Continued citizen science remote camera Wildlife camera trapping and raptor monitoring - Irvine Ranch Citizen monitoring activities and expanded citizen will continue. If resources permit, a monthly Science Program science offerings by engaging volunteers in citizen science butterfly survey will be initiated. raptor monitoring program. The following public and volunteer-only programs were offered January 1 to December 31, 2013. Note that programs offered and implemented include some individual private activities.
Total citizen science programs offered: 26 Total citizen science programs implemented: 24 Citizen science volunteers: 49 Volunteer hours: 188 Public participants: 0 Public participant hours: 0
Educational Outreach: The Irvine Ranch Conservancy conducted two 3- IRC will maintain and work to increase - Irvine Ranch Lead Land hr basic training sessions and two herbicide stewardship programs through continued regular
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Steward Program training workshops for land stewards. The Land offerings. Steward program was deployed to assist with invasive control and restoration work. Stewardship activities included invasive species control, restoration, and native seed farm maintenance. Monthly invasive removal program were offered to IRC volunteers and the public. Note that programs offered and implemented include some individual private activities.
Invasive Control: Total stewardship programs offered: 17 Total programs implemented: 15 Land steward volunteers: 31 Land steward volunteer hours: 32 Public participants: 17 Public participant hours: 63
Restoration: Total stewardship programs offered: 1 Total programs implemented: 1 Land steward volunteers: 4 Land steward volunteer hours: 16.5 Public participants: 0 Public participant hours: 0
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City of Newport Beach - Buck Gully
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
Recreation Facility Construction and Maintenance:
New Construction or Installed 3 benches along trail at strategic points. Implement additional informational signage (Trail Expansion: Benches serve as lockable tool storage bins. Courtesy). Design and implement a “Trail Condition” sign or barrier element for use during periods of necessary trail closure. Design and implement a human access monitoring system with the use of trail cameras located at the three primary trailhead access points. Coordinate volunteer Eagle Scout projects with the City of Newport Beach. These projects may include additional site benches, informational signage, interpretive bird blinds, and trail-side viewing decks.
Maintenance of Existing The IRC managed 21 volunteer trail maintenance Monitor the trail system for the growth of Facilities: work sessions. These work days focused on unauthorized social trails, and perform closure vegetation trimming of the poison oak to maintain and restoration of any social trails as needed. the desired trail-corridor width of 4’ (tread is to remain 2’ wide). Continue to monitor the existing seep area and perform necessary maintenance as required. Replaced 2 gate locking mechanisms with better Maintenance may include the expansion of the performing, lower maintenance stainless steel previously installed causeway and rock armoring. locking mechanisms. Painted gates.
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NROC Annual Report 2013
City of Newport Beach - Buck Gully
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
Continue to monitor the trail tread for signs of Brushed over unauthorized social trails and erosion, and make necessary adjustments to the removed tree house materials discovered trail as needed. adjacent to trail. Continue to monitor the slope adjacent to trail Removed user installed stone dam from creek. and shore up any eroding areas (using boulders or retaining walls) if necessary. Employed OCFA to perform vegetation clearing on section of trail where vegetation was too thick Perform a semi-annual inspection and for efficient manual removal by staff & volunteers. maintenance of all bridges, gates and kiosks.
Facility N/A N/A Replacement/Repair:
Infrastructure Construction and Maintenance:
Removal of Inactive Field None found. IRC will evaluate and remove inactive field Research Materials research materials if they are no longer deemed useful.
Habitat Restoration & Enhancement: (Note: Funding Sources noted in first column if other than Land Owner)
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NROC Annual Report 2013
City of Newport Beach - Buck Gully
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
Exotic Plant Eradication: Artichoke thistle, fennel, castor bean, tree Artichoke thistle, fennel, castor bean, garland Program Summary tobacco, and garland chrysanthemum were chrysanthemum, and pampas grass will continue removed across 17.4 acres within NCCP and in to be controlled along trails and habitat edges. In additional habitat immediately adjacent to addition, ornamental trees planted or naturally Reserve. Weeds along roads, trails, and, established will begin to be removed in high especially fuel modifications were targeted for priority areas and, as acceptable native shrub removal (NPB Fig. 1). IRC contracted two days of supplies permit, will be replaced with natives. control work for garland chrysanthemum and artichoke thistle along reserve edges. Volunteers conducted mop-up after NROC and other contracted control. Many invasive are residing along the reserve edge, and within HOA property. A digital invasive control reporting system and database was utilized by staff, contractors, and volunteers.
Survey results from a 2012 survey of fuel Invasive survey results from 2012 will continue to Exotic Plant Eradication: modification zones were used to inform inform invasive plant removal work. No formal - Exotic Plant Monitoring subsequent invasive control work. surveys are currently planned for 2014.
Exotic Plant Eradication: The primary species targeted for eradication Ongoing. within Buck Gully is garland chrysanthemum. Other species targeted for local eradication include castor bean. Those targeted for control include artichoke thistle, fennel, tree tobacco, and pampas grass. Iceplant (Malephora crocea) is being removed strategically as part of restoration efforts.
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NROC Annual Report 2013
City of Newport Beach - Buck Gully
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
- Artichoke Thistle Artichoke thistle was controlled across 46 acres beyond NCCP boundaries within Buck Gully. No acreage was treated by IRC within the Reserve, though NROC contributed one day of control. - Fennel None treated.
- Milk and Italian Thistle None treated. - Tree Tobacco · Two small stands of tree tobacco (about 10 plants in each) were removed in the spring of 2013. - Castor Bean · Several scattered individuals were removed across 2 acres within NCCP
- Pampas Grass · Several scattered individuals and clumps of individuals were removed across 2 acres within NCCP, primarily along the
stream banks, as well as along non- NCCP fuel breaks. - Iceplant · Ice plant (Malephora crocea) was removed across 0.56 acres outside of NCCP. - Garland · Garland Chrysanthemum was removed Chrysanthemum by spot treatment and by hand across 0.18 acre. An additional population discovered in 2012 within the northwestern fuel modification area was removed in 2013.
159
NROC Annual Report 2013
City of Newport Beach - Buck Gully
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
Exotic Animal Control: A total of 121 domestic dogs were recorded by Monitoring will continue. Actions will be taken if remote cameras in 2013. Numbers are up from wild exotic animals are observed. Staff will 44 recorded in 2012, despite signage and an continue to provide information to the public informational card explaining the no-dog policy regarding NCCP. that is provided to visitors. Additional feral animal observations were of: A survey for and removal of African clawed frogs · African clawed frogs (Xenopus laevis). (Xenopus laevis) is planned. If Koi are again Frogs may be resident now. found, these will be removed as well. · Koi fish (Cyprinus sp.) observed in a temporary man-made pool. Koi were removed.
Habitat Restoration & · The Public Works Department of City of Funding will continue to be sought for restoration Revegetation: Newport Beach provided $15K to perform and wildlife crossing work. - Restoration Proposals trailside habitat restoration in the Buck Gully Reserve (described below).
Habitat Restoration and · A 1-acre habitat restoration demonstration · Approximately 400 additional CSS Revegetation: area was selected in the summer of 2013 container plantings will be installed in the Restoration activities based on recommendations from the 2012 2013-14 growing season. Fuel Modification invasive weed monitoring study. · Regular (1 day/ month) monitoring and Restoration Demonstration · Signage was installed indicating that habitat weed removal activities—primarily restoration is in progress. iceplant removal—will continue through · Local residents were notified about IRC 2014. restoration activities in the area. · Site preparation began this summer with treatment of exotic iceplant (Malphora crocea) covering nearly the entire area by
160
NROC Annual Report 2013
City of Newport Beach - Buck Gully
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
either hand removal or herbicide application · Hand-weeded iceplant was removed offsite or shredded on site with a chipper. · Seed and cuttings from over 12 native CSS species were collected for plant propagation and planting on site starting the winter of 2013. Locally collected plant material ensures locally adapted populations are used. · A basic irrigation system utilizing a city fire hydrant was installed to supply water to the restoration plantings. · Approximately 200 container plants were installed on the site in December of 2013
Fire Management Activities:
Fire Prevention: None at this time None at this time. - Fire Watch Program
Maintenance of Fuel Newport Beach Fire Department agreed to adjust IRC will continue to coordinate with the Newport Breaks/Modification Zones: seasonal fuels trimming of hazard reduction Fire Department on habitat-friendly vegetation areas from summer to late spring to decrease management along reserve borders. viable seed set from non-native species. Natives were flagged and vegetation management crews were instructed to avoid plants. Thinning was implemented by Southland Landscape Maintenance. Managed areas are adjacent to
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NROC Annual Report 2013
City of Newport Beach - Buck Gully
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
NCCP.
Maintenance of Fuel IRC worked with City, NROC, CNPS, and Fire Brochure continues to be available. Breaks/Modification Zones: Authority to create an informational brochure - Brochure describing best management practices for fuel modification areas and home owners. The emphases of the brochure are to: 1. reduce fire risk, 2. reduce the spread of exotic species, and 3. reduce water consumption. The brochure was sent to all neighboring residents and is available at local volunteer and public events.
Miscellaneous Activities and Management Programs:
Trail Impacts Transects: Four trail impacts transects were installed Ongoing. Trail transects will be monitored in bisecting trails within Buck Gully Reserve. 2014. Transects were designed to monitor sustainability and level of non-native plant invasion along trails. At each transect, trailside vegetation was documented and trail width and depth were recorded. Each trail segment was photographed in two directions.
Raptor Monitoring: IRC conducted a raptor survey over the lower IRC will again conduct a raptor survey in 2014. portion of Buck Gully. One Great Horned Owl
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NROC Annual Report 2013
City of Newport Beach - Buck Gully
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
nest was again found and successfully fledged . young. In all, 20 hours were devoted to raptor monitoring.
Sensitive Species A final report of sensitive plant species of Buck Incidental additional surveys may be conducted if Monitoring: Gully was completed by Fred Roberts. The report conditions are suitable for plant growth. is available upon request.
Scientific Research: IRC staff and volunteers currently service and IRC is continuing to maintain its wildlife cameras. maintain seven cameras in and around Buck Gully Reserve, three of which occur within the Reserve. Camera data are used for a variety of projects including tracking use and movement by native wildlife, identification of individual bobcats, and monitoring changes in and impacts of human access.
Bobcat Pelt Pattern A manuscript preliminarily identifying 9 bobcats A manuscript will be submitted for publication and Matching: concurrently using Buck Gully Reserve and an additional 6 month period will be assessed. characterizing local bobcat movement patterns over a 6 month period was revised and six additional months of data were organized for future analysis. USGS provided additional assistance in identifying bobcat pelt patterns that were difficult to match. The study has informed IRC on management of bobcats within the Buck Gully Reserve, particularly in relation to improving wildlife crossings and reducing mortality.
163
NROC Annual Report 2013
City of Newport Beach - Buck Gully
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
Conservation Capacity: IRC will manage BG following guidelines listed in Conservation actions will focus on invasive the Buck Gully 2009 Resource and Recreation species control in target areas, continued camera Management Plan and the 2012 assessment of trapping to monitor wildlife, and the continuation Fire modification zones. Encroachment, weed of active restoration activities in priority fuel invasion, run-off, and erosion of edge habitat management areas. All activities will incorporate were identified as primary threats to habitat; volunteer assistance to increase capacity. fragmentation and road mortality were identified as primary threats to wildlife. Primary goals for 2013 included: implementation of a showcase hazard reduction zone replanting and restoration assessment of fuel modification areas, expansion of 1 acre of edge habitat. Eradication and control of target invasive species and continued monitoring of wildlife activity trajectories were also goals.
164
NROC Annual Report 2013
City of Newport Beach - Buck Gully
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Progress Report 2014 Work Plan
Newport Beach Fig. 1
165
ATTACHMENTS 2013 Progress Report & 2014 Work Plan
NROC Annual Report 2013 ATTACHMENTS OC Parks, City of Irvine, Newport Beach and the Irvine Company - Central/Coastal OC NCCP Wildlands
TABLE OF CONTENTS Page
Irvine Company Mitigation Matrix Habitat Mitigation - Sites Page 1 of 3 A2 Habitat Mitigation - Sites Page 2 of 3 A3 Habitat Mitigation - Sites Page 3 of 3 A4
Contact Sheet OC Parks Wildlands - OC Parks Managed A5 OC Parks Wildlands - IRC Managed A7 City of Irvine Wildlands - IRC Managed A7 City of Newport Beach Buck Gully Wildlands - IRC Managed A7 Irvine Company Wildlands - IRC Managed A8
Attachments - Page A1
NROC Annual Report 2013 ATTACHMENTS OC Parks, City of Irvine, Newport Beach and the Irvine Company - Central/Coastal OC NCCP Wildlands
Attachments - Page A2
NROC Annual Report 2013 ATTACHMENTS OC Parks, City of Irvine, Newport Beach and the Irvine Company - Central/Coastal OC NCCP Wildlands
Attachments - Page A3
NROC Annual Report 2013 ATTACHMENTS OC Parks, City of Irvine, Newport Beach and the Irvine Company - Central/Coastal OC NCCP Wildlands
Attachments - Page A4
NROC Annual Report 2013 ATTACHMENTS OC Parks, City of Irvine, Newport Beach and the Irvine Company - Central/Coastal OC NCCP Wildlands
CONTACT LIST:
Phone OC Parks/OCP Managed Contact
714-973-3743 Stacy Blackwood, OC Parks Director 714-973-6868 OC Parks General Contacts Michael Brajdic, OC Parks Deputy Director 949-923-3742 Jennifer Naegele, Restoration Ecologist 949-923-2201 Joanne Taylor, Senior Park Ranger 949-923-2299 Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park Zak Salazar, Park Ranger II 714-973-6864 John Gannaway, Parks Division Manager 714-973-6621 Ed Bridges, Senior Park Ranger 714-973-6623 El Modena Open Space Steve Jax, Park Ranger II 714-973-6863 (Santiago Oaks Regional Park) Ron Davidson, Parks Division Manager 714-973-6834 Jim Simkins, Supervising Park Ranger 714-973-6836 Irvine Regional Park Kory McCain, Park Ranger II 714-973-6837 Nicole Crussell, Park Ranger II 714-973-6863 Ron Davidson, Parks Division Manager 949-923-2233 Barbara Norton, Supervising Park Ranger 949-923-2234 Laguna Coast Wilderness Park Adam Martinez, Park Ranger II 949-923-3701 Laura Cohen, Resource Specialist 714-973-6864 John Gannaway, Parks Division Manager 949-923-2244 Steve Aleshire, Senior Park Ranger 949-923-2298 Limestone Canyon & Whiting Ranch Josh Goldsmith, Park Ranger II 714-973-6864 Wilderness Park John Gannaway, Parks Division Manager 714-973-6612 Raul Herrera, Senior Park Ranger 714-973-6611 Peters Canyon Regional Park Cathi Schrader, Park Ranger II 714-973-6863 Ron Davidson, Parks Division Manager 714-973-6621 Ed Bridges, Senior Park Ranger 714-973-6623 Santiago Oaks Regional Park Steve Jax, Park Ranger II 714-973-6863 Ron Davidson, Parks Division Manager
Attachments - Page A5
NROC Annual Report 2013 ATTACHMENTS OC Parks, City of Irvine, Newport Beach and the Irvine Company - Central/Coastal OC NCCP Wildlands
Phone OC Parks/OC Parks Managed Contact 949-923-2293 Sue Stoffel, Operations Manager 949-923-2297 Talbert Regional Park Portia Arutunian, Park Ranger II 949-923-2294 (North Coastal Facilities) Ellen Loftin, Park Ranger II 714-973-2291 Bill Reiter, Parks Division Manager 949-923-2293 Sue Stoffel, Operations Manager 949-923-2297 Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve Portia Arutunian, Park Ranger II 949-923-2294 (North Coastal Facilities) Ellen Loftin, Park Ranger II 714-973-2291 Bill Reiter, Parks Division Manager 949-923-2201 Ed Bridges, Senior Park Ranger 949-923-2299 Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park Joe Noval, Park Ranger II 714-973-6864 John Gannaway, Parks Division Manager 714-973-6621 Steve Aleshire, Senior Park Ranger 714-973-6623 El Modena Open Space Steve Jax, Park Ranger II 714-973-6632 (Santiago Oaks Regional Park) Stacy Blackwood, Parks Division Manager 714-973-6834 Jim Simkins, Supervising Park Ranger 714-973-6836 Irvine Regional Park Maureen Beckman, Park Ranger II 714-973-6632 Stacy Blackwood, Parks Division Manager 949-923-2233 Barbara Norton, Supervising Park Ranger 949-923-2234 Laguna Coast Wilderness Park Molly Stallcup, Park Ranger II 949-923-3701 Laura Cohen, Resource Specialist 714-973-6864 John Gannaway, Parks Division Manager 949-923-2244 Sean Bengtson, Senior Park Ranger 714-973-6864 Whiting Ranch John Gannaway, Parks Division Manager Wilderness Park 714-973-6612 Raul Herrera, Senior Park Ranger 714-973-6837 Peters Canyon Regional Park Cathi Schrader, Park Ranger II 714-973-6632 Stacy Blackwood, Parks Division Manager 714-973-6621 Steve Aleshire, Senior Park Ranger 714-973-6623 Santiago Oaks Regional Park Steve Jax, Park Ranger II 714-973-6632 Stacy Blackwood, Parks Division Manager 949-923-2252 Bill Reiter, Supervising Park Ranger 949-923-2297 Talbert Nature Preserve Portia Arutunian, Park Ranger II
Attachments - Page A6
NROC Annual Report 2013 ATTACHMENTS OC Parks, City of Irvine, Newport Beach and the Irvine Company - Central/Coastal OC NCCP Wildlands
949-923-2293 (North Coastal Facilities) Sue Stoffel, Resource Specialist 714-973-6864 John Gannaway, Parks Division Manager 949-923-2252 Bill Reiter, Supervising Park Ranger 949-923-2297 Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve Portia Arutunian, Park Ranger II 949-923-2293 (North Coastal Facilities) Sue Stoffel, Resource Specialist 714-973-6864 John Gannaway, Parks Division Manager
Phone OC Parks/IRC Managed Contact 714-973-6864 John Gump, OC Parks Operations Manager 949-923-2244 Irvine Ranch Wildlands Ron Slimm, OC Parks Senior Ranger 714-5084750 Michael O’Connell, IRC Executive Director 714-508-4763 David Raetz, IRC Deputy Director 714-508-4767 Catherine Lovella, IRC Director of Public Programs 714-508-4765 Dr. Jutta Burger, IRC Managing Dir. Science/Stewardship 714-508-4766 Dr. Megan Lulow, IRC Director, Science Initiatives 714-508-4752 John Graves, IRC Director, Planning & Field Ops. 714-508-4762 Adam Maywhort, IRC Sr. Manager, Planning & Field Ops.
Phone City of Irvine/IRC Managed Contact 949-724-6692 Brian Fisk, Director - Irvine Community Services 949-724-6684 Irvine Open Space Preserve Meredith Reynolds, E. P. A. - Irvine Community Services 949-724-6156 Brendan Keeler, M. A. - Irvine Community Services 714-5084750 Michael O’Connell, IRC Executive Director 714-508-4763 David Raetz, IRC Deputy Director 714-508-4767 Catherine Lovella, IRC Director of Public Programs 714-508-4765 Dr. Jutta Burger, IRC Managing Dir. Science/Stewardship 714-508-4766 Dr. Megan Lulow, IRC Director, Science Initiatives 714-508-4752 John Graves, IRC Director, Planning & Field Ops. 714-508-4762 Adam Maywhort, IRC Sr. Manager, Planning & Field Ops. 714-508-4725 Jill Sprance, IRC Field Ops. Manager
Phone City of Newport Beach/IRC Managed Contact 949-644-3157 Laura Detweiler, Newport Beach Rec. & Senior Serv. Dir. 714-5084750 Buck Gully Michael O’Connell, IRC Executive Director Attachments - Page A7
NROC Annual Report 2013 ATTACHMENTS OC Parks, City of Irvine, Newport Beach and the Irvine Company - Central/Coastal OC NCCP Wildlands
714-508-4763 David Raetz, IRC Deputy Director 714-508-4767 Catherine Lovella, IRC Director of Public Programs 714-508-4765 Dr. Jutta Burger, IRC Managing Dir. Science/Stewardship 714-508-4766 Dr. Megan Lulow, IRC Director, Science Initiatives 714-508-4752 John Graves, IRC Director, Planning & Field Ops. 714-508-4762 Adam Maywhort, IRC Sr. Manager, Planning & Field Ops. 714-508-4725 Jill Sprance, IRC Field Ops. Manager
Phone Irvine Company/IRC Managed Contact 949-720-2609 Dan Miller, Irvine Company Senior Vice President 949-720-2878 Dean Kirk, Irvine Company Senior Director 714-5084750 Michael O’Connell, IRC Executive Director 714-508-4763 David Raetz, IRC Deputy Director 714-508-4767 Catherine Lovella, IRC Director of Public Programs 714-508-4765 Dr. Jutta Burger, IRC Managing Dir. Science/Stewardship 714-508-4766 Dr. Megan Lulow, IRC Director, Science Initiatives 714-508-4752 John Graves, IRC Director, Planning & Field Ops. 714-508-4762 Adam Maywhort, IRC Sr. Manager, Planning & Field Ops. 714-508-4725 Jill Sprance, IRC Field Ops. Manager
Attachments - Page A8
Nature Reserve of Orange County
ANNUAL REPORT 2013
Section: 8.7
University of California, Irvine
January 31, 2014
James M. Sulentich, Executive Director Nature Reserve of Orange County 15600 Sand Canyon Avenue Irvine, California 92618
RE: Annual Report (2013) for the University of California, Irvine to the Nature Reserve of Orange County (NROC) for lands enrolled in the Natural Community Conservation Plan (NCCP)
Dear Mr. Sulentich:
This is the tenth Annual Report submitted by the University of California, Irvine (UCI) to the Nature Reserve of Orange County (NROC). UCI has lands enrolled in the NCCP including, (1) an area on the North Campus that is a closed landfill, (2) and the San Diego Creek channel adjacent it, (3) the UCI Ecological Preserve on the main campus, and (4) a strip adjacent the San Joaquin Hills Transportation Corridor (SR-73) along the southwestern campus edge from the UCI Ecological Preserve to the terminus of campus lands on the western side of Bison Drive. This report follows the general guidelines recommended by US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) (FWS/CDFG-OR-2257.5) where applicable, although these guidelines were intended for much larger areas with different use patterns. To provide some background about the three areas that compose the UCI NROC lands, we wanted to mention a few features of our enrolled habitats that distinguish them from most of the other NROC lands. The landfill is an historic County facility that was closed and capped in 1960, and is fenced, posted, and is not open to public access. The San Diego Creek channel abutting the Landfill is estuarine and is part of a sediment basin, and the drop structure at MacArthur has been colonized by salt marsh species such as Juncus acutus and Jaumea. Least Bell’s Vireos use the riparian habitat in the San Diego Creek channel and California Least Terns forage in the Creek. The biological corridor (strip) along the San Joaquin Hills Transportation Corridor consists of a steep slope with no trails or public access. It sustains a healthy stand of coastal sage scrub that is used by California gnatcatchers. The UCI Ecological Preserve has a trail system and is open to the public. The UCI Office of the University of California Natural Reserve System (UCNRS) manages it, and considers any special
uses or use requests. Dr. Peter Bowler, the Campus Biological Advisor and Faculty Manager of the UCNRS San Joaquin Marsh and Burns Reserves, reviews all use proposals and works closely with the UCI Office of Environmental Planning and Sustainability. In conjunction with UCI and other collaborators, the NROC has taken the lead in conducting studies on the coastal cactus wren and California gnatcatcher, and has initiated a large-scale (12.5 acres) cactus transplantation effort to increase wren habitat. These restoration efforts are being funded through EEMP and Mitigation Measure 2. The NROC, UCI and others have an on-going experiment to determine the most feasible method for eradication of black mustard on the Preserve and in other NROC-enrolled habitats. An NROC/UCI funded study of cactus wren diets was initiated during 2012 and is being conducted by Dr. Kailen Mooney (UCI, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology). Of course, UCI faculty, staff and students are involved in a range of demonstration projects, restoration efforts, and other science programs on lands throughout the reserve that contribute to decision making with NROC. With the exception of the Preserve where a 12.5 acre restoration is being undertaken, management strategy and conditions within our enrolled lands have remained the same during the past year and no changes are anticipated during 2014. Since there has been no change in the following categories of NROC concern (recreation use, monitoring and management; recreation facility construction and maintenance; infrastructure construction and maintenance; fire management activities; and miscellaneous activities and management programs), they are not addressed in this report. The monitoring of the cactus transplantation and mustard eradication projects are managed by the NROC. The following summary addresses the issues identified in the USFWS/CDFG template where applicable to the three UCI areas enrolled in the NROC:
I. Recreation Use, Monitoring and Management Current Use Policies · UCI Ecological Preserve: The UCI Ecological Preserve is open to the public, with five access points through walk-in gates. Access is permitted throughout the year, and the trail system is widely appreciated by the University and surrounding community. Several information kiosks created by an Eagle Scout group have been established at several primary access points, the primary one being at Los Trancos and Locke Streets. User recommendations were developed by UCI in collaboration with the NROC and are posted at
several access points. Each year Bowler and his students collect trash on the Preserve, usually accumulating several garbage bags full. · Biological Corridor: There are no public access, trails or access points on the steep, narrow biological corridor adjacent the SR-73. · Landfill: Public access is not allowed on the landfill on North Campus. The landfill is fenced and posted. · The San Diego Creek segment within the NROC enrollment area has a hiking and riding trail along the levee next to it.
Proposed Recreation Monitoring · UCI Ecological Preserve: The access gates are all linked to existing trails and the public stays on them. There is no need to monitor the trails in a formal way, however, if a new trail is detected, it will be closed. Special events are not permitted in the Ecological Preserve. Dr. Peter Bowler, the UCI Biological Advisor, considers any special uses (and there have been no events held during the reporting period). It is hoped that trails will be monitored more closely by the NRS in the future when a full FTE is dedicated to the Marsh and Ecological Preserve. · Biological Corridor and Landfill: This does not apply to the habitat strip along SR-73 or the landfill, neither of which has public access or use. A hiking and riding trail passes beside the Landfill.
User Compliance Programs · This does not apply to the UCI NROC-enrolled areas. There has been occasional trespass from equestrians and joggers on the landfill. The landfill fencing is repaired and posting re-established following discovery of trespass damage. These areas are not patrolled on a regular basis and no citations have been issued.
Educational Programs/Outreach · UCI Ecological Preserve: There are no special outreach or educational programs conducted on the relatively small (62 acre) UCI Ecological Preserve, though some University classes do visit the site. · Biological Corridor and Landfill: This does not apply to the strip along the SR-73 or the landfill on North Campus.
II. Recreation Facility Construction and Maintenance
Construction of New Recreational Facilities or Expansion of Existing Facilities · This does not apply to UCI’s three sites, none of which has existing or planned recreational facilities.
Maintenance of Existing Recreation Facilities · This does not apply to UCI NROC-enrolled lands.
III. Infrastructure Construction and Maintenance · Does not apply to NROC-enrolled UCI lands.
IV. Habitat Restoration and Enhancement During 2013, the following activities were pursued: 1. Ongoing maintenance and management of the 12.5 acres of Measure M and EEMP cactus scrub restoration by Nakae and NewFields. Use of the restoration sites by Cactus Wrens and California Gnatcatchers will again be monitored by the NROC. Status reports for both projects were sent to you in 2012, and presumably NROC has received any updates directly from NewFields.
2. The fourth and final year of experimental herbicide treatment and mowing are scheduled to occur this March at the two Mustard Control plots. The exact dates that Carl Bell and Barry Nerhus will be out has yet to be determined, but is expected to occur in the next couple of weeks. As in previous years, Barry Nerhus will mow the plots around the same time Carl is out in the field, returning in April to measure the vegetation. UCI would be hopeful of contributing to the synthesis of outcomes of these experiments and the continuation of monitoring success if it’s of value to the NROC.
3. The Cactus Wren Foraging, Arthropod, & Vegetation Study will be entering its second year. This effort is a collaboration that involves faculty from UC Irvine (Kailen Mooney and Kathleen Treseder), Jutta Burger and Riley Pratt of the Irvine Ranch Conservancy, and NROC. Like last year, the study will include foraging observations, reproductive monitoring and collection of arthropod and fecal samples in active Cactus Wren territories. For territories where foraging observations are made and arthropod samples are collected, biologists will also monitor nest success (number of eggs, nestlings, fledglings produced), nest fate, reproductive success (whether
young are produced), and productivity (number of fledglings per pair per year). Dana Kamada and Karly Moore will be the two Cactus Wren biologists working on the project as NROC-funded contractors. Their fieldwork for this project is expected to begin in March.
4. In 2013, NROC again accessed the UCI Preserve as part of the longer-term effort to control artichoke thistle, and, as necessary, other targeted weed species within the NCCP/HCP Reserve. To implement control activities, NROC will continue to contract with the weed monitoring and control team that has been used in previous years. Harmsworth & Associates will map weeds and oversee weed control activities. Nakae & Associates will be the primary weed control contractor. We have budgeted for Nakae's crews to spend a half-day at UCI. Their entry into the Preserve is tentatively scheduled for March 14. Please let me know if you would like to be contacted prior to their entry.
5. In 2013, NROC completee Phase II of the Orange County Vegetation Mapping Update. NROC has partnered with The Nature Conservancy and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) on this project which involves creating a new fine-scale digital vegetation map for approximately 58,000 acres of wildlands located in the Central & Coastal Subregion of Orange County, including the UC Irvine Ecological Preserve. Working with AECOM In 2013, NROC completed Phase I of the project which involved updating the vegetation classification system for Orange County consistent with the new CDFW classification methodology. The second phase of the project involves creating a new fine-scale vegetation map through the application of the updated vegetation classification system to the photo-interpretation of available imagery and analysis of field survey data. The project consultant Areal Information Services, may be accessing the UCI Preserve in 2014 as part of their larger, project-wide, field reconnaissance and ground-truthing efforts.
Proposed Landowner/Reserve Manager funded/coordinated restoration and enhancement activities for 2014 include: 1. Ongoing maintenance and management of the 12.5 acres of Measure M and EEMP cactus scrub restoration by Nakae and NewFields. Use of the Measure M restoration site by Cactus Wrens and California Gnatcatchers will again be monitored by NROC and/or one of its contractors in 2014. Annual status reports for both projects should have been sent to NROC by NewFields in early January (2014).
2. In 2014, NROC will again be accessing the UCI Preserve as part of its longer-term effort to control artichoke thistle, and, as necessary, other targeted weed species within the NCCP/HCP Reserve. To implement control activities, NROC will continue to contract with the weed monitoring and control team that has been used in previous years. Harmsworth& Associates will map weeds and oversee weed control activities. Nakae & Associates will be the primary weed control contractor. We have budgeted for Nakae's crews to spend a half-day at UCI. Their entry into the Preserve is tentatively scheduled for March 21. Please let me know if you would like to be contacted prior to their entry.
3. In 2014, NROC plans to complete Phase II of the Orange County Vegetation Mapping Update. NROC has partnered with The Nature Conservancy and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) on this project which involves creating a new fine-scale digital vegetation map for approximately 58,000 acres of wildlands located in the Central & Coastal Subregion of Orange County, including the UC Irvine Ecological Preserve. Working with AECOM In 2012, NROC completed Phase I of the project which involved updating the vegetation classification system for Orange County consistent with the new CDFW classification methodology. The second phase of the project, initiated in 2013, involves creating a new fine-scale vegetation map through the application of the updated vegetation classification system to the photo-interpretation of available imagery and analysis of field survey data. The project consultant, Aerial Information Systems, Inc.(AIS), for Phase II completed much of their field-work in 2013. The AIS team may need to access the UCI Preserve in 2014 as part of their larger, project-wide, ground-truthing efforts.
4. New to 2014, California Native Plant Society (CNPS) was hired to conduct an accuracy assessment of the new fine-scale digital vegetation map (Phase III of the OC Vegetation Mapping Update). CNPS has a long history of working with both VegCAMP (CDFW Vegetation Classification and Mapping Program) and AIS on vegetation mapping projects and was recommended by both groups for conducting the third party assessment. According to Todd Keeler-Wolf (of VegCAMP), third party assessments are critical for evaluating the accuracy and reliability of a new map. Additionally, Todd has indicated that it is best if the timing of the accuracy assessment overlaps the mapping phase as it allows for issues identified during the assessment to be addressed prior to the map being
finalized. CNPS will be randomly selecting sample locations throughout the study area to survey in the field, conducting modified rapid assessments of the vegetation for comparison with the information reported by the photo- interpreters for the same mapped polygons. Sample location will be stratified by vegetation alliance used to characterize the vegetation mapped by AIS. In 2014 the CNPS field crew may need to visit the UCI Preserve, pending the results of their sampling selection process.
Exotic Plant Eradication · UCI Ecological Preserve: Over the past ten years extensive artichoke eradication using sprayer-applied Roundup has reduced Cynara cardunculus from a severe problem to a minor one in the UCI Ecological Preserve. These efforts have been funded by grants and by the NROC/CDFG grants to The Nature Conservancy. There is little artichoke remaining, and the NROC sprayed them again during the past year. The NROC is leading an experiment to determine the most feasible way to control black mustard on the Preserve and other NROC lands. Through the EEMP and M2 funded projects, exotics will be controlled for five years on the 12.5 acres that are being restored. · Biological Corridor: The biological corridor restoration along SR-73 has been spot treated for artichoke each spring since the site’s creation, and artichoke is not a problem in it. · Landfill: The landfill has a dense population of ice plant, which should be eradicated as a part of future habitat restoration (creation).
Habitat Restoration/Revegetation · UCI Ecological Preserve: Restoration has been underway on the UCI Ecological Preserve for many years. Several acres of sage scrub have been created, replacing dense artichoke. A 12.5 acre coastal cactus scrub project has been initiated in 2012 by the NROC, UCI and other collaborators. This project transplanted whole cactus plants and individual pads from a donor site near the corner of Anteater and Bonita Canyon on UCI lands. The NROC has been awarded EEMP and Measure M2 funds to restore and expand coastal sage scrub habitat on the Preserve to enhance the cactus wren and California gnatcatcher populations. · Biological Corridor: Nine acres of coastal sage scrub have been created in the biological corridor, and the primary activity on this strip
along the 73 has been spot treatment of artichoke when plants are discovered. · Landfill: The University has no current plans or implementation schedule for habitat restoration on the landfill. Post-closure landfill operations including a landfill gas recovery system, groundwater monitoring system, and storm water management systems operated by the County of Orange and UCI currently preclude habitat restoration on the landfill.
Proposed NROC funded restoration and enhancement activities Exotic Plant Eradication · UCI Ecological Preserve: The UCI Ecological Preserve has a black mustard problem, and UCI is collaborating with the NROC and others in continued weed abatement research on the Preserve. This research was implemented during 2010, continued through 2011, 2012 and 2013, and is ongoing. · Biological Corridor: Exotics are not a problem in the biological corridor strip at this time. If a problem emerges, treatment will be incorporated with other eradication efforts on the NCCP/NROC lands. It is hoped that the NROC will continue to assist in weed eradication efforts at UCI. UCI requires notification well in advance so that residents can be alerted and educated prior to application of herbicides. · Landfill: The landfill has a large ice plant problem, and ice plant is the dominant vegetative cover. The ice plant will need to be eradicated prior to creation of coastal sage scrub and UCI would like to coordinate with the NROC on the process of exotic removal and creation of native habitat following completion of post-closure landfill operations. · The San Diego Creek channel and MacArthur Drop Structure next to the landfill. Algerian sea lavender (Limonium ramosisissum) and Lepidium latifolium have established large populations that need to be eradicated. Algerian sea lavender has already invaded Upper Newport Bay near Jamboree. Garland chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum coronatum) also occurs along the channel sides.
Exotic Animal Control · UCI Ecological Preserve and Biological Corridor: The primary potential exotic animal problem for the sage scrub habitats on the UCI
Ecological Preserve and the biological corridor is the possible intrusion of brown-headed cowbirds. Though not in recent years, the TCA conducted very effective cowbird removal using traps in the San Joaquin Marsh and Bonita Canyon. It is possible that feral cats could hunt these sites, but none have been seen. The exotic landsnail Helix aspersa escapes from irrigated landscaping into both of the sage scrub habitats, but in general this species does not do well far from wet habitats. The Spanish milk snail, Otala lactea, occurs on the UCI Ecological Preserve, but does not appear to be a significant problem at this time. This mollusk can tolerate much more xeric conditions than H. aspersa. Both of these exotic mollusks seem to inhabit microhabitats different from the native Helminthoglypta tudiculata that is associated with sage scrub. · Landfill: The Spanish milk snail has a very, very large population at the San Diego Creek facing side of the landfill and also on the top of the landfill where there are places where one cannot walk without crushing dozens of these exotic snails. Because there is no native habitat on the landfill, it is nearly devoid of animal life. In the winter Canada geese graze on European annual grasses as they appear on the landfill.
Restoration and Enhancement Activities Funded by Others · Aside from activities carried out by the NROC, at present there are no other proposed exotic plant eradication, habitat/restoration, or exotic animal control programs planned during the next year funded by extra-mural funding. As was discussed above, a 12.5 acre coastal cactus scrub restoration/enhancement project was implemented and UCI is a partner in these projects.
Fire Management Activities · UCI Ecological Preserve: The UCI Ecological Preserve is surrounded entirely by roads, housing (University Hills) or landscaped areas. At present the eastern side abuts the recently developed Irvine Company Research Park, and there is a landscaped break between the urban interface and the habitat. There is a defensible space zone (maintained by the Irvine Campus Housing Authority in consultation with the Orange County Fire Authority) located between the Ecological Reserve and University Hills, a faculty and staff housing development. This zone consists of irrigated green vegetation within the development area, followed by a cleared break of ca.15-20 feet,
followed by a 100-foot zone of vegetation that has been thinned. The patchy nature of shrub fuel loads is such that mostly grass and herbaceous exotics abut the housing development. There are no proposed burns or other fuel management projects for the UCI Ecological Preserve. · Biological Corridor: The CSS strip along the 73 lies between the Toll Road and parking lots, greatly reducing any threat a fire along this narrow strip might pose for structures. There is no proposed burn or fuel management proposal for the habitat strip along the Toll Road. · Landfill: There is no fuel load at all on the ice plant covered/barren landfill.
Maintenance of Existing Fuel Breaks or Fuel Modification Zones · This does not apply to UCI NCCP/NROC habitats.
A list of the published and unpublished studies, including theses, undertaken at the UCI Ecological Preserve may be accessed on the UCI Biological Sciences web page at http://www.bio.uci.edu/Reserves/UCI_Ecological_Preserve.html.
Thank you for your consideration. If you have any questions regarding activities on UCI’s NCCP/NROC sites, please do not hesitate to forward them to us.
Sincerely,
Richard G. Demerjian, Director Environmental Planning and Sustainability
Peter A. Bowler Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
cc.: Wendell Brase, Vice Chancellor Administrative and Business Services Tim Bradley, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and UCI Natural Reserve System Campus Director
W. L. Bretz, Natural Reserve System Manager of the San Joaquin Marsh and Burns Pinyon Ridge Reserves Travis Huxman, Director, UCI Center for Environmental Biology
Nature Reserve of Orange County
ANNUAL REPORT 2013
Section: 8.8
Irvine Ranch Water District
NROC NCCP/HCP Annual Report 2013 Irvine Ranch Water District Siphon Reservoir Preserve
Recreation Use, Monitoring & Management:
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Status 2014 Work Plan
Siphon Reservoir is not open to the public. None None A private fishing club uses the site on weekends. There are no trails or other recreational Monitoring complete Monthly site monitoring will continue in 2013. amenities at the site. The area is visited by IRWD staff 3-4X/week. In addition, IRWD’s biologist inspects the site approximately once per month to monitor site conditions. No educational or outreach programs are None None provided on the site.
Recreation Facility Construction & Maintenance:
Project 2013 Status 2014 Work Plan
No recreational facilities were None None build or are planned for the site.
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Infrastructure Construction & Maintenance:
Project 2013 Status 2014 Work Plan IRWD conducted regular Complete IRWD will continue to conduct maintenance on the dam face required maintenance on the in 2014. Vegetation removal on the dam face is required by Siphon Reservoir dam. This the State of California, Division of Dam Safety. included removal of all vegetation on the dam face. The vegetation removal was monitoring by a qualified biologist
Habitat Restoration & Enhancement:
Project Funding 2013 Status 2014 Work Plan Source None None None None
Fire Management Activities:
Fuel Treatment Accomplished 2013 Proposed for 2014 None None None
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Miscellaneous Activities and Management Programs:
Project 2013 Status 2014 Plan IRWD regularly collects Complete IRWD will continue to conduct water quality sampling in and tests the water Siphon Reservoir throughout 2014. quality of the reservoir approximately once a week as required by state and federal regulations.
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Nature Reserve of Orange County
ANNUAL REPORT 2013
Section: 8.9
Transportation Corridor Agencies
NROC Annual Report 2013 Transportation Corridor Agencies
Recreation Use, Monitoring & Management:
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Status 2014 Work Plan
Siphon Reservoir None. Permanent ownership of Siphon None. Permanent ownership of Siphon Reservoir Reservoir Mitigation Site was conveyed to Mitigation Site was conveyed to Irvine Ranch Irvine Ranch Water District on January 4, Water District on January 4, 2010. IRWD will 2010. IRWD will continue managing the site continue managing the site for habitat purposes. for habitat purposes. Limestone Canyon None. None. Coyote Canyon Landfill None. None. Bonita Channel Use of public trail. Use of public trail. Annual Spring Tour conducted. Spring Tour of the site as part of TCA’s habitat site tour series. San Diego Creek Saltwater None None Marsh Strawberry Farms None None
Recreation Facility Construction & Maintenance:
Project 2013 Status 2014 Work Plan
Siphon Reservoir None. See above – As of 1/4/2010, the site None. See above – As of 1/4/2010, the site was was transferred to IRWD. transferred to IRWD. Limestone Canyon None. None. Coyote Canyon Landfill None. None. Bonita Channel Trail maintenance – vegetation, primarily Trail maintenance to cut back vegetation along the saltbush, trimmed along the public bike path. public bike path, as needed. San Diego Creek Saltwater None None Marsh Strawberry Farms None None
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Infrastructure Construction & Maintenance:
Project 2013 Status 2014 Work Plan Siphon Reservoir None. See above – As of 1/4/2010, the site None. See above – As of 1/4/2010, the site was was transferred to IRWD. transferred to IRWD. Limestone Canyon None. None. Coyote Canyon Landfill None. None. Bonita Channel None. None. San Diego Creek Saltwater None None Marsh Strawberry Farms None None
Habitat Restoration & Enhancement:
Project Funding 2013 Status 2014 Work Plan Source Siphon Reservoir TCA None. See above – As of None. See above – As of 1/4/2010, the site was 1/4/2010, the site was transferred transferred to IRWD. to IRWD. Limestone Canyon TCA Trash removed from channel. None. Eucalyptus in channel cut and removed. Coyote Canyon Landfill NRA EEMP Cactus scrub restoration at 2 sites NROC will continue to oversee maintenance, Grant and (totaling 2.5 acres) on coastal monitor the restoration sites and document bird NROC* sage scrub-restored landfill use as the restored habitat matures. slopes. Maintenance of the restoration sites was overseen by NROC in 2013. Sites were weeded. Bonita Channel TCA Vegetation trimmed along the Trim vegetation along the public bike path. public bike path in 2013. Exotic species and trash removal from the channel Exotic species and trash removed occurs every two years therefore the channel will from the channel. 1st year of not be weeded in 2014.
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biannual weed and trash removal.
NRA EEMP Cactus scrub restoration at 6 sites NROC will continue to oversee maintenance,
Grant and (totaling 0.6 acres) on slopes monitor the restoration sites and document bird NROC* along the channel. Maintenance of use as the restored habitat matures. the restoration sites was overseen by NROC in 2013. Sites were weeded. San Diego Creek NRA EEMP Cactus scrub restoration at 2 sites NROC will continue to oversee maintenance, Saltwater Marsh Grant and (totaling 0.2 acres) on adjacent monitor the restoration sites and document bird NROC* slopes. Maintenance of the use as the restored habitat matures. restoration sites was overseen by NROC in 2013. Sites were weeded. Strawberry Farms TCA Establishment maintenance, Continue maintenance, weeding and irrigation (as weeding and irrigation conducted needed). Year 1 Performance Monitoring will be throughout 2013. conducted in 2014.
Fire Management Activities:
Fuel Treatment Accomplished 2013 Proposed for 2014 Siphon Reservoir None. See above – As of 1/4/2010, the site None. See above – As of 1/4/2010, the site was was transferred to IRWD. transferred to IRWD. Limestone Canyon None. None. Coyote Canyon Landfill None. None. Bonita Channel None. None. San Diego Creek None None Saltwater Marsh Strawberry Farms None None
Miscellaneous Activities and Management Programs:
Project 2013 Status 2014 Plan Siphon Reservoir Cowbird trapping. TCA coordinated with IRWD Cowbird trapping. TCA will notify IRWD prior to the for access. start of the trapping effort.
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Limestone Canyon Cowbird trapping. Cowbird trapping. Coyote Canyon Landfill None. None. Bonita Channel Docent program for restoration sites and Docent program for restoration sites and education education programs on-hold pending additional programs on-hold pending additional staffing staffing resources. resources. San Diego Creek None None Saltwater Marsh Strawberry Farms None None *Natural Resources Agency Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation Program (through Nature Reserve of Orange County) for 2010-2012.
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NROC NCCP/HCP Annual Report 2013 Transportation Corridor Agencies F/ETC and SJHTC Toll Road Mitigation Program Areas
MITIGATION MATRIX 1997--2013 Mitigation Sites within the Orange County Central/Coastal NCCP Reserve System
Development Mitigation Project Being Location of Geographic Description of Performance Performance Current Status Name Site(s) & Date Mitigated Mitigation Sites Region Mitigation Standards Standards Status Installed Summary
Phase 1 Eastern Siphon Reservoir, Siphon Ridge, west 112-acre coastal Provide self-sustaining In 2000, native Site met the implemented Transportation Orange County, of Bee Canyon, sage scrub (CSS) CSS habitat with cover vegetation made up conditions of the Siphon Reservoir 1994/95; Phase 2 Corridor (SR-241, California. Off of Bee north of El Toro restoration of former & species distribution 98% of cover. The USFWS Biological Mitigation Site implemented 261 & 133) Canyon access road, MCAS base in citrus groves and similar to existing CSS. established CSS Opinion (BO). 1995/1996 construction north of the Irvine, CA 102-acre CSS Demonstrate self supported 15 pairs of Received intersection of Bee preservation sustainability and either CAGN which raised at concurrence from Canyon and Portola 1) Site supports least 49 young to fledge USFWS. Entire site Parkway. breeding California that season. CSS was currently in recovery gnatcatchers (CAGN); developing within an from the October 2) Site has structure expected range for 2007 Santiago Fire and composition of vegetation cover for a but appears to be naturally occurring restoration site. recovering with CAGN habitat or fully significant native functional CSS; or cover and several 3) Site is not statistically pairs of California different from functional gnatcatchers. CSS for cover and diversity. Permanent ownership of Siphon Reservoir Mitigation Site was conveyed to Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) on January 4, 2010. IRWD will continue managing
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Development Mitigation Project Being Location of Geographic Description of Performance Performance Current Status Name Site(s) & Date Mitigated Mitigation Sites Region Mitigation Standards Standards Status Installed Summary the site for habitat purposes.
Cowbird trapping by TCA will continue. Planted 1995/1996 Eastern 50-acre site within the Limestone Canyon, Site preservation Produce a self- In 2007, willow Site currently in Transportation northeastern portion adjacent to Santiago and revegetation of sustaining riparian and woodland habitat had recovery from the Limestone Canyon Corridor (SR-241, of Limestone Creek. Between 50-acre upland habitat similar to established with 115% October 2007 Mitigation Site 261 & 133) Regional Park in Silverado and wetland/riparian existing habitat in the native cover. Native tree Santiago Fire. And construction Orange County. Modjeska Canyons, woodland and area. Establish 2.6 cover was 56% in 2007. scouring flows of South of Santiago immediately north of upland habitat within acres willow woodland; Sycamore trees met 5th 2011. Canyon Road. the junction of a degraded alluvial 7.5 acres sycamore year criteria for height. Adjacent to Santiago Williams Canyon floodplain. elderberry woodland; Average height of Cowbird trapping by Creek, north of the and Santiago Creek. 14.3 acres upland or mulefat, elderberry, TCA will continue. intersection of Revegetation of oak woodland. increased in 2007 but Jackson Ranch Road willow woodland, performance criteria and Santiago Canyon mulefat scrub, had not yet been met Road. sycamore/elderberry for oak woodland, woodland, oak sycamore/elderberry woodland, CSS, and tree canopy cover and floodplain sage floodplain scrub native scrub. shrub cover. Canyon sites San Joaquin Hills Coyote Canyon Coyote Canyon in 122 acres CSS Provide self-sustaining In 1999, Coyote Canyon Sites met the seeded 1993/1994. Transportation Landfill, south of the the San Joaquin restoration including CSS habitat that will (91 acres) achieved conditions of the Coyote Canyon Re-seeding East & Corridor (SR-73) SJHTC and west of Hills, southeast of 91-acres in Coyote achieve similar patterns performance standards. USFWS BO. Landfill Mitigation South Canyons construction the open space of the Bonita Creek, east Canyon; 13 acres of cover and species In 2001 the 18 acres Received Site 1995/1996. 18-acre San Joaquin Hills in of San Joaquin East & South distribution as an achieved the cover concurrence from restoration site south Orange County. Reservoir Canyons; and 18- existing CSS requirement and had 3 USFWS. planted 1997/1998. East and South acre restoration site community. CAGN pairs Canyons located east adjacent to Coyote successfully nested. NRA EEMP Grant: of Newport Coast Canyon. Demonstrate self- The South Canyon Performance criteria Drive, between SR-73 sustainability of the site, achieved the of the EEMP grant and San Joaquin Hills NRA EEMP Grant and either, performance criteria of has been met based Road through NROC*: 1) Site supports supporting successfully on the vegetation Cactus scrub breeding CAGN; breeding CAGN. The and avian monitoring restoration on 2.5 2) Site has structure East Canyon (8 acres) results. acres of coastal and composition of had not achieved the
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Development Mitigation Project Being Location of Geographic Description of Performance Performance Current Status Name Site(s) & Date Mitigated Mitigation Sites Region Mitigation Standards Standards Status Installed Summary sage scrub-restored naturally occurring cover requirements. NROC will continue landfill slopes CAGN habitat or fully In 2001 there were 12 to oversee installed in 2010 to functional CSS; or CAGN territories within maintenance, enhance habitat and 3) Site has minimum the 122 acres of habitat. monitor the EEMP create linkage for cover of 70% of sage 10 territories were restoration sites and cactus wrens. Sites scrub species. occupied by nesting document bird use seeded in 2011. pairs and unmated as the restored NRA EEMP Grant: males defended 2 habitat matures. The habitats resist territories. The 10 pairs invasion by exotic plant produced 53-58 species demonstrated fledglings. by < 25% cover of annual grasses and less NRA EEMP Grant: aggressive forb species. Survivorship of the No target invasive planted coast prickly species, such as pear cactus across all artichoke thistle, sites was greater than mustard species, poison 95 percent after two hemlock, and tree years of establishment. tobacco.
At least 95% of planted cactus demonstrates establishment & growth based on sampling estimates. 1. Planted in March San Joaquin Hills Bonita Bonita 1. Restoration of 1. Provide self- 1. In 2001 the site met Sites met the – May 1996. Two Transportation Creek/Channel, south Creek/Channel, 21.1 acres of sustaining riparian the 5th year conditions of the Bonita Channel small areas adjacent Corridor (SR-73) of SJHTC, between southeast of the San riparian woodland habitat that will achieve performance standard USFWS BO. Wetland Mitigation to Bison and construction University Drive and Diego Creek and mulefat scrub. similar patterns of cover for cover and height; Received Site MacArthur Bridges Bonita Canyon Road, Channel to Bonita Additional habitat and species distribution met the definition of a concurrence from were planted and Newport Beach. Reservoir under bridges is not as an existing riparian jurisdictional wetland, USFWS. seeded March 1997. counted in the community. and supported wildlife mitigation acreage. characteristic of a Minimal 2. & 3. Planted in 2. & 4. The habitat is riparian woodland maintenance along 1996/1997. 2. Creation of 15.0 occupied by breeding habitat. Wildlife use, the County trail is acres of CSS on the pairs of CAGN; or including invertebrates, performed as
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Development Mitigation Project Being Location of Geographic Description of Performance Performance Current Status Name Site(s) & Date Mitigated Mitigation Sites Region Mitigation Standards Standards Status Installed Summary 4. Seeded in Fall Bonita Channel The site has values of bird and small and large needed, including 1997. Slopes. percent cover and mammals was cutting back saltbush species diversity not documented over the 5 every two years and 3. Creation of 2.4 statistically different year monitoring period. exotic species acres of saltbush from high quality habitat Avian woodland species removal of scrub adjacent to in the vicinity; or increased as species eucalyptus saplings Bonita Channel. USFWS and FHA typical of open marsh and pampas grass unanimously agree that and riparian scrub seedlings every five 4. Preservation/ the habitat has structure decreased mirroring the years. Restoration of 6 and composition of development of the acres CSS adjacent naturally occurring riparian woodland NRA EEMP Grant: to Bonita Reservoir. CAGN or fully functional habitat. In 2001, a least Performance criteria CSS. Bell’s vireo pair nested of the EEMP grant on the site and CAGN has been met based NRA EEMP Grant 3. The habitat is and willow flycatcher on the vegetation through NROC*. occupied by breeding foraged in the mitigation and avian monitoring Cactus scrub pairs of CAGN; or area. Large mammals results. restoration on 0.6 USFWS and FHA use the site as a acres on slopes unanimously agree that movement corridor. NROC will continue along the channel the habitat has structure to oversee installed in 2010 to and composition of 2. In 2001 the Bonita maintenance, enhance habitat and naturally occurring Channel slopes monitor the EEMP create linkage for saltbush scrub habitat; supported successfully restoration sites and cactus wrens. Sites or breeding CAGN for a 3rd document bird use seeded in 2011. The total cover by season and vegetation as the restored native saltbush scrub cover values were habitat matures. species is at least 70 comparable to naturally percent, and the sites occurring CSS. In 2001 are not being artificially 7 pairs of CAGN nested sustained. in the mitigation area and fledged 32-39 NRA EEMP Grant: young. The habitats resist invasion by exotic plant 3. In 2001, the saltbush species demonstrated scrub achieved the by < 25% cover of performance criteria for annual grasses and less vegetation cover.
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Development Mitigation Project Being Location of Geographic Description of Performance Performance Current Status Name Site(s) & Date Mitigated Mitigation Sites Region Mitigation Standards Standards Status Installed Summary aggressive forb species. No target invasive 4. In 2001, the species, such as restoration area artichoke thistle, achieved the mustard species, poison performance standards hemlock, and tree for breeding CAGN. tobacco. NRA EEMP Grant: At least 95% of planted Survivorship of the cactus demonstrates planted coast prickly establishment & growth pear cactus across all based on sampling sites was greater than estimates. 95 percent after two years of establishment.
Planted and seeded San Joaquin Hills Southeast of the North and adjacent Creation and Provide high quality, In 2001 the site Site met the San Diego Creek in 1996. Transportation intersection of to San Diego Creek revegetation of 2.4 self-sustaining, tidal achieved the condition of the Salt Water Marsh Corridor (SR-73) Jamboree Road and at the confluence of acres of salt water marsh habitat that performance standards USFWS BO, CDFG Mitigation Site construction Bayview Way. East Bonita Channel and marsh and adjacent provides a link to for the site by SAA, Corps 404 and adjacent to San Diego Creek, slopes. existing wetland demonstrating the permit, and CCC Jamboree Road in just east of Upper habitats and facilitates intended hydrologic Coastal Newport Beach. Newport Bay. NRA EEMP Grant wildlife movement regime for tidal Development Permit. through NROC*. linking Upper Newport influence in the salt Cactus scrub Bay to the San Joaquin water marsh. The site NRA EEMP Grant: restoration on 0.2 Hills. achieved the 95% cover Performance criteria acres of adjacent in the intertidal zone of the EEMP grant slopes installed in NRA EEMP Grant: and 99% vegetation has been met based 2010 to enhance The habitats resist cover on the on the vegetation habitat and create invasion by exotic plant surrounding slopes. The and avian monitoring linkage for cactus species demonstrated site is utilized by wildlife results. wrens. Sites seeded by < 25% cover of including benthic in 2011. annual grasses and less invertebrates, aquatic NROC will continue aggressive forb species. insects, fish, birds, and to oversee No target invasive small and large maintenance, species, such as mammals. monitor the artichoke thistle, restoration sites, and mustard species, poison NRA EEMP Grant: document bird use
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Development Mitigation Project Being Location of Geographic Description of Performance Performance Current Status Name Site(s) & Date Mitigated Mitigation Sites Region Mitigation Standards Standards Status Installed Summary hemlock, and tree Survivorship of the as the restored tobacco. planted coast prickly habitat matures. pear cactus across all At least 95% of planted sites was greater than cactus demonstrates 95 percent after two establishment & growth years of establishment. based on sampling estimates. 1. Planted in Bonita Canyon Drive Southwest of the Bonita Creek 1. Creation of 1.2 1. Provide self- 1. In 1998 the mulefat Sites met the Bonita Canyon Drive December 1994. Project construction intersection of SR-73 Channel near the acres riparian sustaining riparian scrub met the conditions of the Project (formerly Seeded in February and Bonita Canyon Bonita Reservoir woodland (Area 1) habitat that will achieve performance criteria for USFWS BO, CDFG Ford Road Extension 1995. Road in Newport and Bonita Canyon and 1.1 acres of similar patterns of cover vegetation quality and SA and Corps and Realignment Beach. Road. mulefat scrub (Area and species distribution habitat self- Nationwide Permit. Project) Wetland 2. Majority planted in 2). as an existing riparian sustainability. In 2000 Mitigation Site 1994/1995, with less 1. Area 1 is located community. the riparian woodland than 0.5 acre adjacent to Bonita 2. Restoration of 1.2 site met the 5th year planted in Reservoir. Area 2 is acres of coastal 2. Provide self- performance criteria for 1995/1996. located west of and sage scrub habitat sustaining CSS habitat percent cover and 2 of 5 below the reservoir. and revegetation of that will achieve similar target tree species met 1.1 acres of CSS on patterns of cover and the 5th year 2. CSS the graded slopes of species distribution as a performance criteria for Revegetation Bonita Canyon local existing CSS average height. The mitigation area is Road. community; or remaining 3 tree located adjacent to If USFWS agrees that species were expected Bonita Reservoir the mitigation sites to achieve the height and a portion of the provide habitat for standard the following riparian mitigation CAGN or coastal cactus season. Area 1. CSS wren. Restoration Area A 2. In 1998 USFWS is adjacent to the agreed that CSS graded slope south Restoration Area B had of the roadway and achieved the CSS Restoration performance criteria for Area B is west of success both for and below Bonita vegetation quality and Reservoir (next to presence of breeding the mulefat scrub CAGN. In 1999, the
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Development Mitigation Project Being Location of Geographic Description of Performance Performance Current Status Name Site(s) & Date Mitigated Mitigation Sites Region Mitigation Standards Standards Status Installed Summary Area 2). CSS Revegetation Area and Restoration Area A achieved the performance standards. Restoration Area A was part of the territory of a pair of breeding gnatcatchers for the second year. Strawberry Farms Restoration planning Surplus mitigation Southwest corner of Sand Canyon Restoration and 1. The site does not Site installation Maintenance, 15-acre Parcel in 2011. Site for TCA’s future the 360-acre Quail Reservoir, enhancement of require significant completed in 2012. weeding, and Habitat Restoration preparation and capital improvement Hill Preserve, City of Strawberry Farms 13.3 acres of CSS, maintenance during the Permanent photo points irrigation (as Site cactus projects. Irvine. Sand Canyon Golf Course, and including 0.39 acres last 2 years of the 5 were established to needed) currently in transplantation in Reservoir to west and Strawberry Farms of native perennial year establishment track the development progress. January/February open space north, west and adjacent to grassland. 1.86 period. of the vegetation 2012. east, and south. preserve. Shady acres within the CSS Accessed from Canyon is restoration area to 2. Soil is stable with no Establishment Strawberry Farms south/southeast; 405 be improved with significant erosion. maintenance, weeding, Road of University Freeway to coastal prickly pear and monitoring Drive. northeast; University transplantation to 3. Native plant cover conducted in 2013. Drive is northwest develop coastal after 3rd year of to west. cactus wren habitat. monitoring is greater First year of than 35% absolute performance monitoring cover with at least 25% will be conducted in absolute cover from 2014. perennial species. At end of 5th year, total native cover is greater than 70% absolute cover with at least 55% from perennial species.
4. Species diversity is 80% of immediately adjacent, existing, natural CSS.
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Development Mitigation Project Being Location of Geographic Description of Performance Performance Current Status Name Site(s) & Date Mitigated Mitigation Sites Region Mitigation Standards Standards Status Installed Summary 5. Majority of native plant species set seed and seedlings of at least 5 CSS species demonstrate recruitment in year 5.
6. After 5th year, no Cal-IPC List A species present and exotic grass and forb species make up no more than 10% absolute cover.
*Natural Resources Agency Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation Program (through Nature Reserve of Orange County)
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Nature Reserve of Orange County
ANNUAL REPORT 2013
Section: 8.10
Orange County Waste & Recycling
2013 ANNUAL COASTAL SAGE SCRUB TAKE REPORT COUNTY OF ORANGE OC WASTE & RECYCLING CENTRAL REGION
NATURAL COMMUNITY CONSERVATION PLAN CENTRAL/COASTAL SUB REGION
Submitted to: Prepared by: Weena Dalby Executive Director Environmental Engineering Specialist Nature Reserve of Orange County County of Orange-OC Waste & Recycling 15600 Sand Canyon Avenue 300 North Flower Street, Suite 400 Irvine, CA 92618 Santa Ana, CA 92703
O R A N G E C O U N T Y WO u r C o ma m u n si t y . t O u er C o &m m i t mR e n t . ecycling
County of Orange-OC Waste & Recycling February, 2014
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION PAGE
I INTRODUCTION 3 II LANDFILL FACILITIES 3 III TAKE AUTHORIZATION 4 IV 2013 LANDFILL ACTIVITIES 5 V HABITAT MANAGEMENT SITES 6
TABLES
Table 1: Status of CSS Take at FRB Landfill, 1996-2013 6 Table 2: Habitat Management Sites Matrix for FRB Landfill 8 Table 3: Mitigation Matrix 1997-2013 10
FIGURES
Figure 1: Central and Coastal Subregion Landfill Locations Figure 2: 2013 FRB Landfill Take Activities Figure 3: Habitat Management Sites
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SECTION I INTRODUCTION
The County of Orange, OC Waste & Recycling (OCWR) owns and operates three active solid waste landfills within Orange County; Frank R. Bowerman (FRB), Olinda Alpha and Prima Deshecha Landfills. OC Waste & Recycling is also responsible for the maintenance and monitoring of closed landfills within Orange County. This document represents the 2013 Annual Coastal Sage Scrub (CSS) Take Report for landfill operational and maintenance activities that occurred at the active Frank R. Bowerman (FRB) Landfill and two closed sites: Santiago Canyon and Coyote Canyon Landfills. These three landfills are within the planning area boundary for the Natural Community Conservation Plan/Habitat Conservation Plan (NCCP/HCP) for the Central and Coastal Subregion (Figure 1).
The NCCP/HCP Implementation Agreement and specific correspondence from the Nature Reserve of Orange County (NROC) requires participating landowners and agencies to develop an Annual Take Report that documents all activities associated with CSS take, identifies impacts to other identified target species, and provides accounting of remaining CSS acres for future activities. The purpose of the Annual Take Report is to confirm that all activities undertaken during the previous year are consistent with NCCP/HCP land use policies, and to ensure that the authorized take amount is not exceeded. The County of Orange is responsible for monitoring CSS take by each County department and then submitting this information to NROC in an annual report.
This 2013 Annual CSS Take Report:
· Provides a summary of all landfill infrastructure and landfill operations/maintenance activities that resulted in impacts to CSS and other identified target species covered by the NCCP/HCP; · Provides an accounting of remaining authorized CSS take, based on impacts to CSS associated with infrastructure, operations and maintenance activities that occurred at the active FRB Landfill and the closed Santiago Canyon and Coyote Canyon Landfills during 2013 as a result of OC Waste & Recycling activities; and · Documents ongoing maintenance and monitoring activities performed in 2013 by OC Waste & Recycling at existing habitat management sites at the FRB and Santiago Canyon Landfills. (The Transportation Corridor Agencies [TCA] is responsible for all habitat maintenance and monitoring activities at Coyote Canyon Landfill.)
SECTION II LANDFILL FACILITIES
FRB Landfill (active)
Owned and operated by OC Waste & Recycling, the FRB Landfill, located just north of the City of Irvine and off of Portola Parkway between Sand Canyon Avenue and Jeffrey Road in unincorporated Orange County, is an active Class III landfill facility that is permitted to receive only municipal solid waste. The landfill property boundary encompasses 725 acres, of which 534 acres are currently permitted for disposal. The landfill is currently permitted to accept a maximum daily tonnage of 11,500 tons per day. As of December 31, 2013, the landfill had a remaining airspace capacity estimated at 192 million cubic yards. The current permitted closure date for the landfill is in the year 2053.
Santiago Canyon Landfill (closed)
Owned, maintained and monitored by OC Waste & Recycling, the closed Santiago Canyon Landfill is located off of Santiago Canyon Road in unincorporated Orange County, east of the City of Orange, and west of Irvine Lake. The landfill encompasses approximately 112 acres, and accepted only municipal
3
solid waste from 1968-2001. The Local Enforcement Agency (LEA) issued a closure permit on behalf of the California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB) for Santiago Canyon Landfill on November 22, 2005. OC Waste & Recycling is responsible for maintenance and monitoring of this facility in conformance with CIWMB, California Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB), South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) and LEA standards.
Coyote Canyon Landfill (closed)
Owned, maintained, and monitored by OC Waste & Recycling, the closed Coyote Canyon Landfill is located in the City of Newport Beach, immediately south of the San Joaquin Hills Transportation Corridor, east of the San Joaquin Reservoir, and north of San Joaquin Hills Road. This landfill consists of three former fill areas that include the main, east and south canyons. The main canyon is located immediately west of Newport Coast Drive, and the east and south canyons are located immediately east of Newport Coast Drive. The site encompasses approximately 335 acres, and accepted only municipal solid waste from 1963-1990. OC Waste & Recycling is responsible for monitoring landfill cover maintenance and groundwater monitoring at the site. Gas collection, recovery and monitoring are performed by Gas Recovery Systems (GRS) under contract with OC Waste & Recycling. The Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) used portions of the landfill for CSS mitigation as a result of transportation corridor construction, and has sole responsibility for maintaining these mitigation areas.
SECTION III TAKE AUTHORIZATION
The FRB and Santiago Canyon Landfills are located in the Central Subregion NCCP/HCP Subarea and the Coyote Canyon Landfill is located in the Coastal Subregion NCCP/HCP Subarea. As a participating landowner subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the NCCP program and associated Implementation Agreement, the County of Orange is authorized for incidental take of CSS under the following three categories:
(1) Incidental take related to permitted uses within the Reserve System; (2) Incidental take on land located within Special Linkage areas; and (3) Incidental take resulting from activities outside the Reserve System and Special Linkage areas.
The FRB, Santiago Canyon and Coyote Canyon Landfills are an “Existing Use” and a “Permitted Use” within the Reserve System pursuant to Section 5.11 of the NCCP/HCP which authorizes these facilities to operate as they have historically. Any new infrastructure must comply with the new infrastructure siting policies contained in Section 5.9 of the NCCP/HCP.
The initial CSS take authorized by the NCCP/HCP for OC Waste & Recycling was 66 acres for FRB, Santiago Canyon, and Coyote Canyon Landfills. This number was previously reported in past reports as 75 acres and was corrected to 66 acres in 2012, per a discussion with US Fish and Wildlife Service. An additional 15 acres of CSS take was added in 2004 for the FRB Landfill through the use of County of Orange CSS take authorization. Likewise, an additional 45 acres of County of Orange CSS take authorization were transferred to OC Waste & Recycling in 2006, and another 80 acres in 2007. Shown in Table 1, OC Waste & Recycling currently has 74.86 acres of remaining CSS take.
4
SECTION IV 2013 LANDFILL ACTIVITIES
FRB Landfill (active)
OC Waste & Recycling had a very active year implementing several construction projects that had been delayed for many years. The following projects were described in the 2013 Work Program, but the impact acreages have changed slightly from the previously proposed impacts. Figure 2 shows the entire Eastflank and Phase VIII-C project area since both construction project span several years.
· Excavation of the Phase VIII-C landfill construction project began in 2011. In 2013, construction impacted 4.90 acres of CSS, adding to previous impacts to CSS. Table 1 shows a total of 12.10 acres of CSS have been impacted by this project since it began. · Construction of the West Channel Realignment project was completed in 2013. Approximately 0.72 acre of CSS was impacted by this project. · The South Basin/Wetland Basin project was constructed in 2013 to manage FRB Landfill’s stormwater and implement a wetland habitat mitigation requirement. The project impacted approximately 0.32 acre of CSS. · The East Flank Landslide Remediation project started excavation in August 2013 and is expected to be completed in 2015. Approximately 8.96 acres of CSS were impacted during 2013.
Santiago Canyon Landfill (closed)
OC Waste & Recycling activity at the closed Santiago Canyon Landfill consisted of routine post-closure maintenance and monitoring to ensure both landfill environmental control system and waste prism integrity. These routine post-closure maintenance and monitoring activities did not result in any take of CSS during 2012. OC Waste & Recycling does not maintain any CSS mitigation sites at the Santiago Canyon Landfill.
Coyote Canyon Landfill (closed)
OC Waste & Recycling activity at the closed Coyote Canyon Landfill consisted of routine post-closure maintenance and monitoring of the landfill cover to ensure both landfill environmental control system and waste prism integrity. These routine post-closure maintenance and monitoring activities did not result in any significant disturbance of CSS during 2013.
5
TABLE 1 STATUS OF CSS TAKE AT FRB LANDFILL 1996 THROUGH 2013
Infrastructure and Impact Total Remaining Acres of Year Operations/Maintenance Activity Acres Authorized CSS Take 1996 No Activities 0.00 75.00 1997 No Activities 0.00 75.00 1998 FRB Phase V-A Liner Project 16.50 58.50 1999 FRB Phase V-B/C Liner Project 13.10 45.40 2000 No Activities 0.00 45.40 2001 FRB Phase V-D 16.00 29.40 2002 FRB Emergency Landslide Remediation 13.04 16.36 2003 FRB Phase VII-A 5.20 11.16 2003 FRB Desilting Basin 2.40 8.76 County Purchase and Transfer of Take 2004 (15.00) 23.76 Authorization 2004 FRB Phase V-D Stockpile 1.19 22.57 2005 FRB Phase VII-B 13.85 8.72 2005 FRB Canyon II Stockpile 1.56 7.16 2005 FRB Fuel Modification 0.48 6.68 County Purchase and Transfer of Take 2006 (45.00) 51.68 Authorization County Purchase and Transfer of Take 2007 (80.00) 131.68 Authorization 2008 FRB Drainage 1 6.04 125.64 2006-09 FRB Landslide Backcut Project 19.68 105.96 2010 No Activities 0.00 105.96 2012 Correction to original NCCP allotment (-9.00) 96.96 2011-2013 FRB Phase VIII-C 12.10 84.86 2013 West Channel Realignment 0.72 84.14 2013 South Basin-Wetland Basin 0.32 83.82 2013 East Flank Landslide Remediation 8.96 74.86 Remaining County Take Authorization 74.86
SECTION V 2013 HABITAT RESTORATION AND ENHANCEMENT ACTIVITIES
FRB Landfill (active)
OC Waste & Recycling maintains and monitors two trail mitigation sites called Loma Ridge and Round Canyon Trails on offsite perimeter areas of the landfill. A small 0.16 acre mitigation site is located near the site entrance on Highline Canal Road. A new 2.52 acre wetland basin was planted in November
6
2013. The status of these habitat management sites is specifically detailed in Figure 3 and Tables 2 and 3.
OC Waste & Recycling has a Biological Resources Monitor (BRM) at FRB Landfill. The BRM is responsible for monitoring and overseeing maintenance performed by the region’s current landscaping maintenance contractor, on all FRB and Santiago Canyon Landfill habitat mitigation sites. The landscaping contractor employs a dedicated labor force that performs maintenance (i.e., weeding, intermittent watering, litter removal) at biological mitigation sites located within OC Waste & Recycling Central Region landfills. The continued maintenance and monitoring of the mitigation sites is expected to increase the success of these sites.
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Table 2 Habitat Management Site Matrix for FRB Landfill
Recreation Use, Monitoring & Management:
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Status 2014 Work Plan
None
Recreation Facility Construction & Maintenance:
Project 2013 Status 2014 Work Plan
None
Infrastructure Construction & Maintenance:
Project 2013 Status 2014 Work Plan
Phase VIII-C Ongoing construction Approximately 1.5 acre of removed 4.9 acres of CSS CSS may be removed. West Channel Realignment 0.72 acre of CSS was No construction activity removed South Basin-Wetland Basin 0.32 acre of CSS was No construction activity removed East Flank Landslide Construction activity An additional 5.44 acre of Remediation removed 8.96 acre of CSS. CSS may be removed.
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Habitat Management Site Matrix for FRB Landfill (Table 2 continued)
Habitat Restoration & Enhancement:
Project Funding 2013 Status 2014 Work Plan Source Highline Canal Road OCWR Ongoing maintenance Ongoing maintenance Wetland Basin OCWR Ongoing maintenance Ongoing maintenance Loma Ridge Trail OCWR Ongoing maintenance Ongoing maintenance Round Canyon Trail OCWR Ongoing maintenance Ongoing maintenance
Fire Management Activities:
Fuel Treatment 2013 Status 2013 Work Plan
FRB office fuel No maintenance No maintenance modification zone
Miscellaneous Activities and Management Programs:
Project 2013 Status 2014 Work Plan
None
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Table 3 OC Waste & Recycling FRB Landfill MITIGATION MATRIX 1997--2013 Mitigation Sites Within the Orange County Central/Coastal NCCP Reserve System
Development Mitigation Project Location Geographic Description Performance Performance Current Name Site(s) & Being of Region of Standards Standards Status Date Mitigated Mitigation Mitigation Summary Status Installed Sites
Bee Canyon Grading of Entrance to Irvine, CA 0.16 acre of 50% cover 10% cover Ongoing Highline Canal 2013 Highline Canal FRB Landfill CSS maintenance Road Road Bee Canyon Grading of Bee Canyon Irvine, CA 2.52 acre of 20% cover 2% cover Ongoing Wetland Basin 2013 Drainage 1 on wetland maintenance FRB Landfill habitat Loma Ridge Trail Loma Ridge, Grading of Loma Ridge Irvine, CA 0.72 mile of 40% cover 10% cover Ongoing 2011 Loma Ridge trail margins maintenance Trail Round Canyon Round Canyon, Grading of Round Irvine, CA 1.27 mile of 40% cover 10% cover Ongoing Trail 2011 Round Canyon Canyon trail margins maintenance Trail
10
TS60
Whittier ST142 TS72 Los Angeles ST71 Orange
ST90 TS91 Yorba Linda
ST57
Corona
Buena Park 5 Santiago Canyon §¨ Anaheim Landfill ST241
Lake 15 [_ Irvine ¨§ Frank R. Bowerman TS22 Westminster Landfill
Seal Beach 261 Santa Ana TS Cleveland
National ST39 ST55 [_ Forest §¨405 Huntington Costa Mesa TS241 Beach
Coyote Canyon Irvine Rancho Lake Landfill Mission Santa Viejo Margarita
TS73 Mission ST1 _[ Viejo ST74
ST133
Laguna Beach
P A C I F I C
O C E A N San Juan Capistrano San Diego
Camp San Pendleton Clemente
5 §¨ Central and Coastal Subregion Landfill Locations Figure 1 2013 Annual Coastal Sage Scrub Take Report
0 5 ² 5 2.5 Miles
Legend
CSS Plant Community
Phase VIII-C CSS Impacts*
Eastflank Landslide Remediation CSS Impacts*
SouthBasin and West Channel Realignment CSS Impacts
* East Flank Landslide and Phase VIII-C projects shown with entire project limits due to longterm construction spanning more than one year. CSS acreage impacts are listed in Table 1 of the 2013 Take Report.
1,000 500 0 ²1,000 Feet
Figure 2 2013 FRB Landfill Take Activities
Legend
FRB Landfill Boundary
Loma Ridge Trail
Highline Canal Road
Wetland Basin Round Canyon Trail
Figure 3 Habitat Management Sites at FRB Landfill
2014 ANNUAL WORK PROGRAM COUNTY OF ORANGE OC WASTE & RECYCLING CENTRAL REGION
NATURAL COMMUNITY CONSERVATION PLAN CENTRAL/COASTAL SUB REGION
Submitted to: Prepared by: Weena Dalby Executive Director Environmental Engineering Specialist Nature Reserve of Orange County County of Orange-OC Waste & Recycling 15600 Sand Canyon Avenue 300 North Flower Street, Suite 400 Irvine, CA 92618 Santa Ana, CA 92703
O R A N G E C O U N T Y WO u r C o ma m u n si t y . t O u er C o &m m i t mR e n t . ecycling
County of Orange-OC Waste & Recycling February, 2014
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION Page
I INTRODUCTION 3 II LANDFILL FACILITIES 3 III TAKE AUTHORIZATION 4 IV ANTICIPATED 2014 TAKE 4 V HABITAT MANAGEMENT SITES 7
TABLES
Table 1: Status of CSS Take at FRB Landfill – 1996 Through Planned 2014 Activities 6 Table 2: Habitat Management Site Matrix for FRB Landfill 9 Table 3: Mitigation Matrix 10
FIGURES
Figure 1: Central and Coastal Subregion Landfill Locations Figure 2: 2014 FRB Landfill Planned Take Activities Figure 3: Habitat Management Sites
SECTION I INTRODUCTION
The County of Orange, OC Waste & Recycling (OCWR) owns and operates three active solid waste landfills within Orange County: Frank R. Bowerman (FRB), Olinda Alpha and Prima Deshecha Landfills. OC Waste & Recycling is also responsible for the maintenance and monitoring of closed landfills within Orange County. This document represents the 2014 Annual Work Program for landfill operational and maintenance activities that are planned to occur at the active Frank R. Bowerman (FRB) Landfill and the two closed Santiago Canyon and Coyote Canyon Landfills. These three landfills are within the planning area boundary for the Natural Community Conservation Plan/Habitat Conservation Plan (NCCP/HCP) for the Central and Coastal Subregion (Figure 1).
The NCCP/HCP Implementation Agreement and specific correspondence from the Nature Reserve of Orange County (NROC), requires participating landowners and agencies to develop an annual work program that documents all activities for the upcoming year associated with coastal sage scrub (CSS) take, identifies impacts to other identified target species, and provides accounting of remaining CSS acres for future activities. The purpose of the annual work program is to confirm that all activities undertaken during the upcoming year are consistent with NCCP/HCP land use policies, and to ensure that the authorized take amount is not exceeded. The County of Orange is responsible for monitoring CSS take by each County department and then submitting this information to NROC in an annual report.
This 2014 annual work program provides the following:
· A summary of all landfill infrastructure and landfill operations/maintenance activities that will likely result in impacts to CSS and other target species covered by the NCCP/HCP; · An accounting of remaining authorized CSS take, based on impacts to CSS associated with infrastructure, operations and maintenance activities that occur at the active FRB Landfill and the closed Santiago Canyon and Coyote Canyon Landfills during 2014; and · Ongoing maintenance that will be performed in 2014 by OC Waste & Recycling at existing FRB Landfill habitat mitigation site and potential Santiago Canyon Landfill habitat pre-mitigation site.
SECTION II LANDFILL FACILITIES
FRB Landfill (active)
Owned and operated by OC Waste & Recycling, the FRB Landfill, located just north of the City of Irvine and off of Portola Parkway between Sand Canyon Avenue and Jeffrey Road in unincorporated Orange County, is an active Class III landfill facility that is permitted to receive only municipal solid waste. The landfill property boundary encompasses 725 acres, of which 534 acres are currently permitted for disposal. The landfill is currently permitted to accept a maximum daily tonnage of 11,500 tons per day. As of December 31, 2013, the landfill had a remaining airspace capacity estimated at 192 million cubic yards. The current permitted closure date for the landfill is in the year 2053.
Santiago Canyon Landfill (closed)
Owned, maintained, and monitored by OC Waste & Recycling, the closed Santiago Canyon Landfill is located off of Santiago Canyon Road in unincorporated Orange County, east of the City of Orange, and west of Irvine Lake. The landfill encompasses approximately 112 acres, and accepted only municipal solid waste from 1968 – 2001. The Local Enforcement Agency (LEA) issued a closure permit on behalf of the California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB) for Santiago Canyon Landfill on November
3
22, 2005. OC Waste & Recycling provides maintenance and monitoring of this facility in conformance with CIWMB, California Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB), South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) and LEA standards.
Coyote Canyon Landfill (closed)
Owned, maintained, and monitored by OC Waste & Recycling, the closed Coyote Canyon Landfill is located in the City of Newport Beach, immediately south of the San Joaquin Hills Transportation Corridor, east of the San Joaquin Reservoir, and north of San Joaquin Hills Road. This landfill consists of three former fill areas that include the main, east and south canyons. The main canyon is located immediately west of Newport Coast Drive, and the east and south canyons are located immediately east of Newport Coast Drive. The site encompasses approximately 335 acres, and accepted only municipal solid waste from 1963-1990. OC Waste & Recycling is responsible for monitoring landfill cover maintenance and groundwater monitoring at the site. Gas collection, recovery and monitoring are performed by Gas Recovery Systems (GRS) under contract with OC Waste & Recycling. The Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) used portions of the landfill for CSS mitigation as a result of transportation corridor construction, and has sole responsibility for maintaining these mitigation areas.
SECTION III TAKE AUTHORIZATION
The FRB and Santiago Canyon Landfills are located in the Central Subregion NCCP/HCP Subarea and the Coyote Canyon Landfill is located in the Coastal Subregion NCCP/HCP Subarea. As a participating landowner subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the NCCP program and associated Implementation Agreement, the County of Orange is authorized for incidental take of CSS under the following three categories:
(1) Incidental take related to permitted uses within the Reserve System; (2) Incidental take on land located within Special Linkage areas; and (3) Incidental take resulting from activities outside the Reserve System and Special Linkage areas.
The FRB, Santiago Canyon and Coyote Canyon Landfills are an “Existing Use” and a “Permitted Use” within the Reserve System pursuant to Section 5.11 of the NCCP/HCP which authorizes these facilities to operate as they have historically. Any new infrastructure must comply with the new infrastructure siting policies contained in Section 5.9 of the NCCP/HCP.
The initial CSS take authorized by the NCCP/HCP for OC Waste & Recycling was 66 acres for FRB, Santiago Canyon, and Coyote Canyon Landfills. This number was previously reported in past reports as 75 acres and was corrected to 66 acres in 2012, per a discussion with US Fish and Wildlife Service. An additional 15 acres of CSS take was added in 2004 for the FRB Landfill through the use of County of Orange CSS take authorization. Likewise, an additional 45 acres of County of Orange CSS take authorization were transferred to OC Waste & Recycling in 2006, and another 80 acres in 2007. Shown in Table 1, OC Waste & Recycling currently has 74.86 acres of remaining CSS take.
SECTION IV ANTICIPATED 2014 TAKE
FRB Landfill (active)
Construction and/or operational activity anticipated for 2014 is expected to impact 6.94 acres of CSS take at the FRB Landfill as a result of the Eastflank Landslide Remediation and Phase VIII-C projects. Figure 2 shows the entire project area for the Eastflank and Phase VIII-C projects. Both projects have
4
continued construction from 2013. Impacts to CSS are expected to occur in early 2014, prior to the California gnatcatcher breeding season and continue after the close of breeding season.
Santiago Canyon Landfill (closed)
OC Waste & Recycling activity at the closed Santiago Canyon Landfill will consist of routine post-closure maintenance and monitoring to ensure both landfill environmental control system and waste prism integrity. These routine post-closure maintenance and monitoring activities are not anticipated to result in any disturbance or take of CSS during 2014. OC Waste & Recycling does not maintain any CSS mitigation sites at the Santiago Canyon Landfill.
Coyote Canyon Landfill (closed)
OC Waste & Recycling activity at the closed Coyote Canyon Landfill will consist of routine post-closure maintenance and monitoring to ensure both landfill environmental control system and waste prism integrity. These routine post-closure maintenance and monitoring activities are not anticipated to result in any disturbance or take of CSS during 2014.
As a result of this use of CSS take authorization, OC Waste & Recycling will have a remaining balance of 67.92 acres as shown in Table 1.
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TABLE 1 STATUS OF CSS TAKE AT FRB LANDFILL 1996 THROUGH PLANNED 2014 ACTIVITIES
Infrastructure and Impact Total Remaining Acres of Year Operations/Maintenance Activity Acres Authorized CSS Take 1996 No Activities 0.00 75.00 1997 No Activities 0.00 75.00 1998 FRB Phase V-A Liner Project 16.50 58.50 1999 FRB Phase V-B/C Liner Project 13.10 45.40 2000 No Activities 0.00 45.40 2001 FRB Phase V-D 16.00 29.40 FRB Emergency Landslide 2002 13.04 16.36 Remediation 2003 FRB Phase VII-A 5.20 11.16 2003 FRB Desilting Basin 2.40 8.76 County Purchase and Transfer of 2004 (15.00) 23.76 Take Authorization 2004 FRB Phase V-D Stockpile 1.19 22.57 2005 FRB Phase VII-B 13.85 8.72 2005 FRB Canyon II Stockpile 1.56 7.16 2005 FRB Fuel Modification 0.48 6.68 County Purchase and Transfer of 2006 (45.00) 51.68 Take Authorization County Purchase and Transfer of 2007 (80.00) 131.68 Take Authorization 2008 FRB Drainage 1 6.04 125.64 2006-09 FRB Landslide Backcut Project 19.68 105.96 2010 No Activities 0.00 105.96 2011 FRB Phase VIII-C 7.20 98.76 2012 Correction to original allotment (-9.00) 89.76 2013 FRB Phase VIII-C 12.10 84.86 2013 West Channel Realignment 0.72 84.14 2013 South Basin-Wetland Basin 0.32 83.82 2013 East Flank Landslide Remediation 8.96 74.86 Planned 2014 Activities FRB Eastflank Landslide 2014 5.44 69.42 Remediation 2014 FRB Phase VIII-C 1.50 67.92 Remaining County Take Authorization 67.92
6
SECTION V HABITAT MANAGEMENT SITES
FRB Landfill (active)
Ongoing maintenance will continue at an existing riparian mitigation site known as the West Channel mitigation site. OC Waste & Recycling is required, and will continue to prepare annual monitoring reports for this habitat mitigation site, which will be will be submitted to both California Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and NROC at the appropriate times throughout 2014. OC Waste & Recycling also maintains and monitors two trail mitigation sites called Loma Ridge and Round Canyon Trail on offsite perimeter areas of the landfill. The trail margins for these two sites are maintained for weed control. The Landfill expects to complete the West Channel mitigation sites this year. The status of these habitat management sites are specifically detailed in Figure 3 and Tables 2 and 3.
For the CSS habitat management site, the CSS within the site must accomplish the following qualitative goals:
· Be consistent with existing native surroundings with regard to plant species composition · Establish vegetative cover that provides habitat for the California gnatcatcher
To achieve these goals, maintenance is required that may include but not be limited to the following activities:
(1) Herbivore and erosion control; (2) Weed removal; (3) Supplemental planting; (4) Seeding; and (5) Irrigation, if necessary.
As required by the NCCP/HCP, no CSS vegetation will be disturbed during the gnatcatcher nesting season occurring February 15 through July 15 of each year. Special care will be taken during weed removal to avoid disturbing nesting birds throughout the nesting season.
The West Channel riparian mitigation site was initiated by OC Waste & Recycling prior to the establishment of the NCCP/HCP. Therefore, the mitigation requirements and restoration goals for this site is specific to the Section 1602 Streambed Alteration Agreement issued by the California Department of Fish and Game. These requirements and restoration goals are delineated in Tables 2 and 3.
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Table 2 Habitat Management Site Matrix for FRB Landfill
Recreation Use, Monitoring & Management:
Project, Program, Activity 2013 Status 2014 Work Plan
None
Recreation Facility Construction & Maintenance:
Project 2013 Status 2014 Work Plan
None
Infrastructure Construction & Maintenance:
Project 2013 Status 2014 Work Plan
Phase VIII-C Ongoing construction Approximately 1.5 acre of removed 4.9 acres of CSS CSS may be removed. West Channel Realignment 0.72 acre of CSS was No construction activity removed South Basin-Wetland Basin 0.32 acre of CSS was No construction activity removed East Flank Landslide Construction activity An additional 5.44 acre of Remediation removed 8.96 acre of CSS. CSS may be removed.
8
OC Waste & Recycling FRB Landfill
Habitat Restoration & Enhancement:
Project Funding 2013 Status 2014 Work Plan Source Highline Canal Road OCWR Ongoing maintenance Ongoing maintenance Wetland Basin OCWR Ongoing maintenance Ongoing maintenance Loma Ridge Trail OCWR Ongoing maintenance Ongoing maintenance Round Canyon Trail OCWR Ongoing maintenance Ongoing maintenance
Fire Management Activities:
Fuel Treatment Accomplished 2013 Proposed for 2014 FRB office fuel No maintenance No maintenance modification zone
Miscellaneous Activities and Management Programs:
Project 2013 Status 2014 Plan None
9
NROC NCCP/HCP Annual Report 2012 Table 3 OC Waste & Recycling FRB Landfill MITIGATION MATRIX 1997--2014 Mitigation Sites Within the Orange County Central/Coastal NCCP Reserve System
Development Mitigation Project Being Location of Geographic Description of Performance Performance Current Name Site(s) & Mitigated Mitigation Region Mitigation Standards Standards Status Date Sites Summary Status Installed
Bee Canyon Grading of Entrance to Irvine, CA 0.16 acre of CSS 50% cover 10% cover Ongoing Highline Canal 2013 Highline Canal FRB Landfill maintenance Road Road Bee Canyon Grading of Bee Canyon Irvine, CA 2.52 acre of 20% cover 2% cover Ongoing Wetland Basin 2013 Drainage 1 on wetland habitat maintenance FRB Landfill Loma Ridge Trail Loma Ridge, Grading of Loma Loma Ridge Irvine, CA 0.72 mile of trail 40% cover 10% cover Ongoing 2011 Ridge Trail margins maintenance Round Canyon Round Grading of Round Round Irvine, CA 1.27 mile of trail 40% cover 10% cover Ongoing Trail Canyon, Canyon Trail Canyon margins maintenance 2011
10
TS60
Whittier ST142 TS72 Los Angeles ST71 Orange
ST90 TS91 Yorba Linda
ST57
Corona
Buena Park 5 Santiago Canyon §¨ Anaheim Landfill ST241
Lake 15 [_ Irvine ¨§ Frank R. Bowerman TS22 Westminster Landfill
Seal Beach 261 Santa Ana TS Cleveland
National ST39 ST55 [_ Forest §¨405 Huntington Costa Mesa TS241 Beach
Coyote Canyon Irvine Rancho Lake Landfill Mission Santa Viejo Margarita
TS73 Mission ST1 _[ Viejo ST74
ST133
Laguna Beach
P A C I F I C
O C E A N San Juan Capistrano San Diego
Camp San Pendleton Clemente
5 §¨ Central and Coastal Subregion Landfill Locations Figure 1 2014 Annual Coastal Sage Scrub Work Program
0 5 ² 5 2.5 Miles
Legend
CSS Plant Community
Phase VIIIC CSS Impacts*
Eastflank Landslide Remediation CSS Impacts*
* East Flank Landslide and Phase VIII-C projects shown with entire project limits due to longterm construction spanning more than one year. CSS acreage impacts are listed in Table 1 of the 2013 Take Report.
1,000 500 0 ²1,000 Feet
Figure 2 2014 FRB Landfill Planned Take Activities
Legend
FRB Landfill Boundary
Loma Ridge Trail
Highline Canal Road
Wetland Basin Round Canyon Trail
Figure 3 Habitat Management Sites at FRB Landfill