NROC 2012 Annual Report

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Nature Reserve of Orange County 15600 Sand Canyon Avenue Irvine, CA 92618

www.naturereserveoc.org Nature Reserve of Orange County ANNUAL REPORT 2012

TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE

INTRODUCTION .…………………………………...…………………………………………..1

1.0 NROC ORGANIZATIONAL MILESTONES IN 2012 ...…………….………………..1

2.0 NROC SCIENTIFIC PROGRAM STATUS 2012 …………………………...…….....2 2.1 Scientific Program Budget 2012 2.2 Biological Monitoring & Research 2.3 Habitat Restoration & Enhancement 2.4 Brown-headed Cowbird Trapping Program 2.5 Wildland Fire in the Reserve 2.6 Pacific Pocket Mouse Conservation Custodial Fund

3.0 NROC SCIENCE PROGRAM: WORK PLAN 2013 ...……………….……………39 3.1 Science Program Budget Projection 2013 3.2 Biological Monitoring & Research 3.3 Habitat Restoration & Enhancement 3.4 Brown-headed Cowbird Trapping Program

4.0 RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLANS & POLICIES ..……………………………… 49 4.1 Fire Management Plan 4.2 Habitat Restoration & Enhancement Plan 4.3 Recreation Management Plan 4.4 Grazing Management Plan

5.0 IMPACTS TO CSS IN THE OC CENTRAL/COASTAL NCCP/HCP……...……...50 5.1 Authorized Take by Participating Landowners as Reported in 2012 5.2 Take by Non-Participating Landowners - Mitigation Fee Option

6.0 ACCOUNTING OF FUNDS RECEIVED & DISPERSED BY NROC ……..……..50

7.0 BOUNDARY CHANGES IN THE RESERVE SYSTEM ……………..…...... ……..50

8.0 NCCP/HCP RESERVE LANDOWNER/MANAGER 2012 PROGRESS REPORTS/2013 WORK PLANS ………………..……..……..51

8.1 Crystal Cove State Park

8.2 CA Department of Fish & 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.

Photo Credit: Karly Moore

Nature Reserve of Orange County

ANNUAL REPORT 2012

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 & Wildlife Service and California Department of Fish & Game to fulfill that requirement for the years 2012/2013. 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 coordinates the management activities of reserve landowners & managers in the 38,000- acre reserve system, conducts biological research and monitoring, and implements a habitat restoration and enhancement program. 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 MILESTONES IN 2012

March • The NROC Board of Directors initiated a strategic planning effort for the organization and engaged Will Murray as the consultant and facilitator.

June • The NROC Board of Directors approved the strategic plan framework that resulted from the workshop in which directors, alternates and staff participated and contributed.

• The audited financial statement for fiscal year 2011 was approved by the board. The financial statement was found to be materially correct by the auditor, and received an unqualified opinion.

September • Board of Directors received a status report on the development of the draft Wildland Fire Management Plan.

• NROC announced the resignation of the science director, Kris Preston, PhD.

• The NROC Board of Directors approved increasing the employment contract of the NROC staff ecologist from 0.75 FTE to full-time employment, and to similarly change the contractual employment status of the executive director. Additionally, Board approval was given to initiate an executive search for a full-time executive director.

December • The Board of Directors announced the selection of a full-time executive director—James Sulentich. He will join NROC in January 2013.

• The board of directors approved the fiscal year 2013 budget projection, with further review of the Endowment Fund budget to be conducted by the Executive Committee.

2.0 NROC ANNUAL REPORT 2012: SCIENTIFIC PROGRAM STATUS

2.1 NROC 2012 Science Program Budget

During 2012, NROC: sponsored a fourth year of the study of Cactus Wren reproduction, dispersal, and survival; provided a second year of support for the study of Cactus Wren genetics; funded the collection of Cactus Wren foraging data as part of a collaborative project with UC Irvine and the Irvine Ranch Conservancy (IRC); and continued to monitor the success of the Cactus Wren translocation effort involving the relocation of Cactus Wrens from a development site in the Central Subregion to the Coastal Reserve.

Also in 2012, NROC made a contribution to the UC Davis Mountain Lion Project and managed a Local Assistance Grant from the Department of Fish and Wildlife for live-trapping surveys for the Pacific pocket mouse in the Coastal Reserve.

Phase one of the Vegetation Mapping Project was largely completed in 2012, funded by a combination of NROC and State funds. The four ongoing cactus scrub restoration projects sponsored by NROC were maintained and monitored for another year, with seeding occurring at the Lake Forest and Measure M cactus scrub restoration sites.

The passive habitat restoration program was continued for the 16th year, with the goal of eradicating exotic invasive weeds in areas where native plant populations could prevail in the absence of exotics. The mustard control study was continued for a third year at UC Irvine and Crystal Cove State Park. In 2012, NROC partnered with IRC to control newly discovered populations of Sahara Mustard in the Central Reserve.

NROC continued its partnership with UC Berkeley, working on implementation of the third-year of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Grant directed at informing habitat restoration efforts within the Reserve.

UC Riverside was funded by NROC to sample oak woodlands for pathogens in the Coastal and Central Reserve. Lastly, 2012 marked the 14th year of NROC administering and funding the cowbird-trapping program in the San Joaquin Hills.

NROC 2012 Science Program: Project Budget

BIOLOGICAL MONITORING & RESEARCH

Cactus Wren Banding/Monitoring Study $ 29,650 Monitoring Program Development 15,507 Vegetation Mapping 103,000 Cactus Wren Genetic Study 64,415 Mountain Lion & Bobcat Project 10,000 Pacific Pocket Mouse Trapping 11,066 CACW Arthropods & Foraging Study 24,722

Subtotal $258,360

HABITAT RESTORATION & ENHANCEMENT

Cactus Scrub Restoration & Monitoring $ 0 Artichoke Thistle Control 56,202 Veldtgrass Control 48,145 Weed Control Management 31,462 Mustard Control Experiment 18,000 Review/Update of Habitat Management Plan 0 Caltrans EEMP Cactus Scrub Restoration 48,155 OCTA Measure M Cactus Scrub Restoration 46,358 USDA Invasive Management Program 83 Oak Pathogen Sampling 23,685 Sahara Mustard Control 7,041 Cactus Restoration Maintenance/Monitoring 76,448 Post-fire Assessment –El Toro 19,302 Wildland Fire Plan Revision 103,277 Lake Forest Cactus Salvage 107,550 Lake Forest Cactus Wren Translocation 40,598

Subtotal $ 626,306

COWBIRD TRAPPING $ 27,661

*NROC PROGRAM BUDGET TOTAL 2012 $ 912,327

2.2 Biological Monitoring & Research

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 (Orange County Environmental Management Agency 1996). 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.

Cactus Wren Monitoring Study

The Nature Reserve of Orange County (NROC) is responsible for implementing Orange County’s Central and Coastal NCCP/HCP. When the NCCP/HCP was established in 1996, 68% of 994 Cactus Wren locations documented during 1992 surveys were conserved in a multiple owner/manager Reserve System (County of Orange 1996). Another 10% of locations were potentially conserved in special linkages and existing use areas. Since the NCCP/HCP was established, NROC has been monitoring Cactus Wren populations in the Reserve System. Although the original Cactus Wren locations within the Reserve System were conserved, wrens have disappeared from many of these areas over the last two decades. Large wildfires have played a major role in the decline of Cactus Wren populations in Orange County’s Central and Coastal NCCP/HCP.

In 1993, the Laguna Fire burned 75% of the ~17,000 acre Coastal Reserve. Surveys in the first year following the fire found the number of Cactus Wrens reduced to 28% of their pre-fire levels (Bontrager et al. 1995). A post-fire study of Cactus Wrens in the San Joaquin Hills showed little recovery of wren populations or habitat five years after the Laguna Fire (Harmsworth Associates 1999). Cactus Wren surveys and cactus scrub mapping of the Coastal Reserve in 2006 indicated an 87% decline in occupied habitat between 1993 and 2006 (Mitrovich and Hamilton 2007). In fall 2007, the Santiago Fire burned 75% of the Central Reserve, severely burning 1,059 acres (75%) of mapped cactus scrub (Leatherman BioConsulting 2009). Approximately 684 acres were considered potentially suitable for occupancy by Cactus Wrens and were surveyed. It was estimated that 67 territories remain in unburned and lightly burned cactus scrub, representing an 82% decline in Central Reserve territories based on the 2004 estimates.

While the Laguna Fire substantially impacted Cactus Wren populations in the Coastal Reserve, there have also been considerable declines in local wren populations in unburned habitat. Annual surveys conducted from 1999 to 2004 documented larger proportional reductions in Cactus Wren populations in unburned portions of the Coastal Reserve than in the ~20,000 acre Central Reserve (Hamilton 2004). These declines may be due to reduced annual productivity and survivorship and to increased population isolation from urban development, new road construction and wildfire destruction of habitat. To manage Cactus Wren populations and enhance their recovery within the Reserve System will require a better understanding of factors affecting population dynamics.

In arid and semi-arid ecosystems, such as in southern California, the timing and amount of annual rainfall influences reproductive output in birds (e.g., DeSante and Geupel 1987; Grant et al. 2000; Morrison and Bolger 2002). Rainfall is positively correlated with food availability for nesting birds. Over the last decade, there have been multiple years of lower than average rainfall in southern California. Extreme drought in 2002 was associated with severe food limitation and led to reproductive failure of birds inhabiting coastal sage scrub and chaparral habitats in San Diego County (Bolger et al. 2005; Preston and Rotenberry 2006a). Food limitation and nest predation may both be simultaneously regulating annual productivity of birds in southern California. For example, during the extreme 2002 southern California drought it was expected that food limitation was the primary factor limiting reproduction in several species (Bolger et al. 2005). However, an experimental study manipulating food and nest predation during the same drought found that both factors had equal and independent effects on annual fecundity of a chaparral songbird in the region (Preston and Rotenberry 2006a,b). A few studies of Cactus Wren reproduction in southern California during the 1990s indicated fairly high productivity, except in recently burned areas (Bontrager et al. 1995, Harmsworth Associates 1999, Atwood et al. 2002). However, more recent observations have indicated low productivity

(Hamilton 2003, Kamada 2008). Cactus Wren surveys conducted by NROC in Orange County reported an estimated 30% decrease in abundance from 2002 to 2003, presumably due to drought and a lack of reproduction in 2002 (Hamilton 2003). A second exceptional drought year in 2007 was also associated with low Cactus Wren productivity in the NCCP/HCP (Kamada 2008). Information on the relative importance of nest predation and food limitation in affecting Cactus Wren reproduction is lacking in coastal areas, as most information comes from studies of reproduction in desert populations.

In 2012, researchers surveyed 35 sites within NROC’s Coastal and Central Reserves for banded Cactus Wrens. The primary survey objective was to look for banded birds that have survived from previous years and may have dispersed from their original banding locations. Upon encountering a Cactus Wren researchers would follow and observe it to determine and record its banding status and the UTM coordinates of its location. If the bird is banded the researchers would try and identify and record the band color combination, if necessary, returning to the location multiple times in order to positively identify the band combination. As part of the study protocol, researchers would also determine and record whether the wren occupies a territory by observing its behavior and breeding status.

If brood nests or fledglings were encountered during a survey, accessible nests were checked for nesting stage or nestling age or fledglings counted. If the wrens at the site had not been sufficiently sampled in previous years, then genetic samples were collected (following techniques established by Dr. Barbara Kus of the U.S. Geological Survey [USGS]) and the birds banded. Genetic samples were submitted to geneticists, Dr. Amy Vandergast and Dr. Kelly Barr, for microsatellite DNA analysis at the USGS Western Ecological Research Center. The results of the analyses will be pooled with other samples collected by Dr. Kus’s team from San Diego, Los Angeles, and other counties in Southern California. In total, 24 sites were visited in the Coastal Reserve and 13 sites were visited in the Central Reserve in 2012.

During 2012, after the research team was trained by Dr. Winston Vickers, a wildlife veterinarian with the Department of Veterinary Medicine at U.C. Davis, the researchers began collecting blood smear slides from wrens that had blood collected for genetic sampling by toe nail clip. The blood smear slides were submitted to the California Animal Health and Food Safety Lab at UC Davis for parasite analysis. Later in the field season (late June to July), orange ectoparasites were observed on the skin of some of the fledglings, juveniles and adults being banded and sampled. Dr. Vickers collected a few of the orange ectoparasites to also be identified at the California Animal Health and Food Safety Lab at UC Davis.

In 2012, researchers surveyed, sampled and/or observed foraging wrens at 35 NROC sites in the Coastal and Central Reserves. Three non-NROC locations were visited either for incidental wren observations (Ridgeline), resighting of a dispersed banded wren (Saddle Creek South), or incidental feather sampling of nestlings of a newly located territory (Prima Deschecha Landfill). In general, the fieldwork required one person to be responsible for surveying each site. When needed, teams of two or three would visit to help locate and identify banded birds that were difficult to find or follow. A team of two was deployed to conduct mist netting, banding and sampling operations at genetic sampling sites. A team of two was also deployed to conduct foraging and nest monitoring activity at the Arthropod study sites.

The research team encountered at least 448 Cactus Wrens and approximately 152-157 territories at all the 35 NROC study sites and the 3 non-NROC locations that were visited during 2012. Of the 448 birds, 128 (28.6%) were nestlings or juveniles and 320 (71.4%) were adults. A total of 98 color banded wrens that were banded in previous years and four juveniles that

5 wandered away from their natal territories and were resighted again in the same year, were observed in 2012. Of the 16 sites where birds were resighted, the sites that had the most resighted individuals were the ones that were monitored from 2009 to 2011 and had the most territories: El Modena 29 (28.4%) of the birds resighted in 2012, Southern California Edison (SCE) 29 (28.4%), and U.C. Irvine 11 (10.8%). All the resighted birds at El Modena were banded at the site and 11 (37.9%) of these birds were resighted away from their original banding territories. All the resighted birds at SCE were also banded at this site and 19 (18.6%) of these birds were resighted away from their original banding territories. At U.C. Irvine, 10 (90%) were resighted away from their original banding territories, but 8 (90%) these birds were banded at UCI and 2 (20%) dispersed from other sites (Bommer Canyon and Mule Deer).

Eleven of the 16 sites where wrens were resighted had fewer numbers of resighting, but had birds that were from other sites. At the two remaining 16 sites, Buck Gully and Upper Newport Bay (UNB), the resighted wrens were banded at the site, except for a male at UNB who was translocated to UNB in 2006. There appears to be inbreeding at UNB with one father-daughter pair and one sibling pair with the same parents, but from different brood nests of the same year. UNB appears to be isolated from other sites. The age class with the greatest proportion of resighted birds was 2+ years. The oldest resighted wren is 7+ years, which is the male that was translocated to UNB in 2006. Overall, 62 (60.8%) of the resighted wrens were located away from the territory/location where they were banded. Of the 102 resighted birds, 40 (39%) of the birds were in the same territory they were banded, 47 (46%) were at the same site, but outside their banding territory, and 15 (15%) were at a site different from the one they were banded.

The average straight line dispersal distance for the 62 wrens that were resighted away from their banding territory/location, is 1.24 km or a median distance of 0.37 km. The shortest straight line dispersal distance is 0.04 km, which is a female that paired and nested with a neighboring male, soon after her first brood nest fledged, leaving the first male to feed the fledglings in 2009. The longest straight line dispersal distance is 10.27 km, a presumed male banded as a member of a pair at Casper’s Regional Park in South Orange County in 2009 and resighted by Dr. Barbara Kus’s team at Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base in 2012. Also in 2012, a female at Bommer Canyon dispersed to Crystal Cove State Park (CCSP) to nest, but was resighted back at Bommer Canyon after a new female was seen nesting with the male at CCSP. The Bommer Canyon female would have traveled at least 11.6 km making the round trip from Bommer Canyon to CCSP and back. In 2011, a 2nd year floating (non-territorial) wren left its natal territory at Bommer Canyon and was recaptured the same year at the Mule Deer site 5.1 km away from its natal territory. In 2012, the same bird was resighted at U.C. Irvine, which is 7.5 km away from Mule Deer. Between the two dispersal events the wren traveled at least a total distance of 12.6 km.

Movement of the female wren between Bommer Canyon and CCSP and the addition of two more nesting pairs to CCSP in 2012 indicates that birds can move between Bommer Canyon and CCSP and are attempting to recolonize CCSP since they disappeared from the site after the 1993 Laguna Fire. Also, in the Central Reserve, two banded females from Southern California Edison were resighted nesting and paired in Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park north of Glenn Ranch Road in 2011 and 2012. Coupled with the fact that the number of pairs at Whiting Ranch appears to have increased since 2008, suggests that birds are recolonizing the Whiting Ranch site since the 2007 wildfire. No dispersals between the Coastal and Central Reserves have been detected to date. According to the Least Cost Path analysis of areas genetically sampled in 2011 in Appendix II of Barr, Vandergast, and Kus’s (2012) recent report, it appears Cactus Wren sites near north Laguna Canyon and the El Toro Conservation Easement site may

be the most likely locations to detect movement of color banded wrens between the Coastal and Central Reserves in the NROC.

Approximately, 79% of the males and 58% of the females were resighted within 0.33 km of their banding territory/location. When analyzed, the dispersal data indicates a higher proportion of females were resighted further away from their original banding territory/location than males. Removing the highest and lowest values from the resighting data of males and females that were resighted away from their original territory/location where they were banded, males dispersed a median distance of 0.216 km (n=24) and females dispersed a median distance of 0.498 km (n=24). A Mann-Whitney Rank Sum Test indicates a significant difference of P=0.004 between the two medians. This result agrees with Anderson and Anderson’s (1973) findings that juvenile males stayed near their natal territory while females moved farther to find mates. However both males and females appear capable of wandering relatively far distances.

A total of 654 Cactus Wrens (167 adults and 487 nestlings/fledglings/juveniles) have been banded with unique color bands since the study began in 2009. Researchers banded 143 birds in 2009, 185 birds in 2010, and 168 Cactus Wren in 2011. In 2012, researchers newly banded 154 Cactus Wren, 66 (43%) of which were nestlings or hatch year birds. The banding in 2012 was associated with the effort to collect more genetic and blood samples across a broader range of sites in the NROC.

Since 2009 researchers have collected genetic material from 393 banded birds with 155 of these samples obtained in 2012. All genetic samples collected from 2009-2012 were given to the USGS to develop microsatellite markers and to sample for genetic composition. These samples are currently being analyzed along with samples from Cactus Wrens in San Diego and Los Angeles Counties to determine regional connectivity. Blood smear slides were also made from the 97 wrens that were toe-nail clipped for genetic samples. The blood slides were given to the California Animal Health and Food Safety Lab at UC Davis for parasite analysis. The lab detected two blood parasites, Avifilaris and Leucocytozoon and identified one ectoparasite, Neoscho(e)ngastia americana or Turkey Chiggers as present, although in low frequency, in the population of sampled birds.

Summarized from Nature Reserve of Orange County: Coastal Cactus Wren Dispersal and Survival Surveys, Genetics & Parasite Sampling, and Arthropod Foraging Ecology in 2012. Prepared by Dana Kamada and Kristine Preston. Feb., 2013.

Cactus Wren Genetic Study

Urban development and large wildfires have resulted in significant loss of suitable habitat for the Cactus Wren in San Diego and Orange Counties. Remaining populations are small and fragmented, raising concerns about genetic connectivity and potential for inbreeding in isolated populations. The goals of this multi-year project are to compare genetic similarities of Orange County and San Diego County Cactus Wrens, to assess connectivity at regional and local scales, and to determine population structure, and relatedness among Orange County wrens. In 2011 and 2012, the Nature Reserve of Orange County (NROC) collaborated with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the San Diego Multiple Species Conservation Plan (SD MSCP) to collect and analyze blood samples from Cactus Wren in both counties. Blood samples in Orange County were collected as part of the Cactus Wren Monitoring Study. In 2011, NROC made a financial contribution to the project to partially cover the costs for developing genetic markers and processing Orange County samples.

Since 2009 NROC has collected genetic material from 393 banded birds with 155 of these samples obtained in 2012. In 2012, growing feathers were collected from 57 nestlings, one molting fledgling and 8 molting adults. Blood and genetic material collected by toe-nail clips were obtained from 6 fledglings, 9 juveniles, and 82 adults. All genetic samples collected from 2009-2012 were given to the USGS to develop microsatellite markers and to sample for genetic composition.

USGS geneticists developed over 20 diverse microsatellite markers to measure the genetic diversity among Cactus Wren populations and individuals. USGS scientists genotyped 168 individuals across a panel of 20 microsatellites, characterizing patterns of genetic diversity and differentiation across the study area. The genetic data indicate a strong signal of isolation by distance, supporting the idea that Cactus Wrens in coastal areas have a relatively restricted dispersal regime and are spatially constrained. The results further indicate that populations of Cactus Wrens in southern San Diego County, San Pasqual Valley, and northern San Diego County are genetically isolated from each other. Cactus Wrens from southern Orange County, however, are still genetically connected to populations located on the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton and the Fallbrook Naval Weapon Station in northern San Diego County via localized dispersal and stepping stone gene flow.

In the future, genetic samples collected by NROC will contribute to analysis of genetic population structure and relatedness among individuals of Cactus Wrens within the NCCP/HCP Reserve, as well as, further refine our understanding of the genetic structure, connectivity and relatedness of Cactus Wrens throughout Southern California.

Summary prepared by Nature Reserve of Orange County.

Cactus Wren Foraging Study

Cactus Wren, a target NCCP species, has declined in number within the Nature Reserve of Orange County (NROC) since the 1990's. While some population decline may be a result of wildfire, losses in the Coastal Reserve of the Nature Reserve of Orange County 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 reproductive success. The project discussed in this interim report is a three-way collaboration between UC Irvine, NROC, and Irvine Ranch Conservancy (IRC) to characterize the relationship between the habitat components, arthropod assemblages, and Cactus Wren diet, foraging behavior, and, ultimately, reproductive success. In Year 1, NROC provided funds to delimit Cactus Wren territories to be used for study and 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 et al. to survey nine 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 Wren in order to identify which component(s) of the habitat and food resources are most tightly associated with foraging success and diet.

In summary, a total of nine Cactus Wren territories containing nests were identified across three locations in 2012: four at UC Irvine Ecological Reserve, three at Bommer Canyon, and two at Shady Canyon/Quail Hill. Eight territory perimeters were used as approximate guides for

arthropod sampling. Of these eight, one nest failed early during nesting and could not be fully mapped as a territory. This territory was abandoned for foraging observations but maintained for arthropod sampling. Nest establishment and success was followed by NROC biologists throughout the spring of 2012. Two territories, one at UCI and the other at Shady Canyon/Quail Hill did not support successful nests; in contrast, a single Cactus Wren pair at UCI produced three successful broods.

Foraging behavior of adults at each territory was observed periodically throughout the nesting period using a spotting scope and high-power binoculars. Additional time was spent observing adults as they brought prey items back to their nest by positioning a spotting scope at a safe distance from which both nest arrival and departure could be observed while nests were active. All prey items brought to nests by adults that could be identified were recorded. Foraging observations were recorded with specific emphasis on time spent within each of the habitat components from which arthropods were being sampled. Analysis of foraging observations and movement patterns is pending. Observations included that of successful foraging for arthropods within prickly pear flowers, old artichoke thistle heads, areas previously cleared for restorations at UCI (on ground-dwelling ants), and on elderberry branches.

Fecal samples collected in 2012 are to be analyzed to determine diet of Cactus Wren nestlings within the sampled territories directly from food remains. Results will be compared to arthropod assemblages collected from the eight habitat components described above and to foraging observations in order to identify whether territory quality depends on arthropod resources on particular components of a territory.

A total of 19 fecal samples were collected from Cactus Wren nestlings within the territories studied in 2012. An additional 23 samples from other areas and years are available for analysis. Food remains are to be identified from feces both using DNA barcoding technology and by visual analysis. Each sample has been carefully homogenized and divided into two subsamples. DNA will be extracted from one sub-sample and taxon-specific region of the genome will be amplified, sequenced, and compared to an online database of DNA sequences of known arthropods. This technique has been used successfully in bats for identification of insect prey down to the species level (Zeale et al. 2011). The second subsample will be analyzed under a dissecting microscope to identify arthropods and other diet components by highly sclerotized body parts that are diagnostic for particular prey types (Ralph et al. 1985).

In 2012, arthropods were sampled using pitfall traps for ground-dwellers, vacuum samples for vegetation-dwellers, and by visual observation for vegetation-dwellers not sampled well by vacuum across three time periods across all territories. Nine habitat components were sampled using each method: California sage, California buckwheat, prickly pear, lemonadeberry, Mexican elderberry, native grass, mustard, exotic grassland, and bare ground. UC Irvine territories were each sampled with three replicate blocks, with each block containing a single permanently-marked habitat component. Bommer and Shady Canyon territories each contained two replicate blocks. Sampling periods were: early season (3/14-5/10), mid-season (5/21-6/4), and late season (7/2-7/9). As of August of 2012, all arthropods have been sorted and counted by Order and size class across all sampling periods. Cursory analysis of the arthropod data indicates that the vacuum samples were substantially more variable in number of arthropods collected than pitfall traps. Interestingly, Brassica and non-native grass components supported more arthropods than other vegetation types, though differences were only observed only for vacuum samples, not pitfall traps. Shady Canyon appeared to support more arthropods, though these results may be both a result of low sample size (i.e., variability) and a late collection at this

9 site. Detailed analysis of the arthropod data and a second year of Cactus Wren monitoring and arthropod collection are scheduled for 2013.

Summarized from Update on Cactus Wren Foraging and Diet Study. Prepared by Irvine Ranch Conservancy. Aug., 2012.

Mountain Lion Project

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 second phase which began on September 1, 2008, and is a follow-up to the first phase of the study which ran from late 2000 to early 2007. 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.

To address the goals of this second phase of the study, the researchers continued field efforts to complete capturing, sampling, and GPS collaring of up to 30 cougars under a MOU with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The project is a collaborative effort with many partners assisting in funding and logistics. NROC was a minor financial contributor in both 2011 and 2012. This 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.

The portions of the study area where the focus of field capture work was primarily directed in 2012 were the Santa Ana Mountain Range in Orange and Riverside Counties, and Anza Borrego State Park in San Diego County. In addition, researchers have been conducting extensive camera monitoring of wildlife corridors and crossings in all the areas where the study is focused for 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.

During 2012, nine cougars were captured, sampled, and GPS-collared a total of 14 times. Eight of these animals were new entrants to the study in 2012, bringing the total number of individual cougars to 30 that have been captured one or more times by the study team since the second phase of the study began in late 2008.

Since 2001, a total of 65 mountain lions have been captured and radio-collared one or more times. Samples for genetics and/or infectious disease or toxin assessment have been taken from a total of 100+ live-captured or deceased mountain lions. Since the study began with the first collaring of a cougar in 2001, 34 GPS-collared cougars have died, all but one while still wearing functioning GPS collars. This figure represents 52.3% of the 65 radio-collared cougars monitored to the point of their death in the wild or being lost to monitoring due to collar drop off, malfunction, or battery depletion. Approximately two-thirds of the mortalities involved some sort of direct interaction with humans (car strikes, depredation permits, illegal shootings, legal shootings, and human-origin wildfires).

In the Santa Ana Mountains, 34 total mountain lion deaths (collard and un-collared) have been confirmed, during the study period since 2001. The majority of these animals were either young adults or mature adults. The apparent level of mortalities in this mountain range raises concern about a population estimated to normally number 10 – 19 adult females and 5 – 8 adult males (Beier and Barrett 1993). Since it is virtually certain that other mountain lion deaths have gone undetected during this time, and there may be restricted immigration by new cougars from adjacent habitats due to highways and development that surround this mountain range, the researchers suggest that monitoring and further study of this population of cougars is highly warranted.

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.

Summarized from the U.C. Davis Wildlife Health Center – Southern California Cougar Project 2012 Annual Report. Dec, 2012.

Pacific Pocket Mouse Surveys

The San Diego Natural History Museum performed confirmation trapping surveys for the Pacific pocket mouse (Perognathus longimembris pacificus; PPM) at two sites in Orange County, California in 2012. The surveys represent the second phase of a two-phase effort aimed at discovering extant but unknown populations of PPM within the Coastal Subregion of Orange County. The subject trapping surveys were conducted under U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) 10(a)1(A) permit, and a Memorandum of Understanding with the California Department of Fish and Game.

The Recovery Plan for the Pacific pocket mouse (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1998) identifies Recovery Action 1.2 to “Undertake Surveys of Unknown Populations”. Recovery Action 1.3 directs those pursuing recovery of PPM to “Continue to Refine a Standardized Survey Approach”. Since the Recovery Plan was adopted, many focused surveys have occurred

11 outside of known populations and a number of studies have been performed to improve the reliability and cost efficiency of survey methods. However, despite almost 100 live-trapping surveys performed since the subspecies was rediscovered at Dana Point in 1993 (U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service 2010), just three additional populations have been discovered, all within the bounds of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.

Given the intensity of labor and high costs associated with conventional small mammal live- trapping surveys, scent-dogs have recently been explored as a cost effective method to search for new populations of PPM. Canine survey methods were piloted during 2009 and 2010 on Camp Pendleton (Brehme et al. 2010, Brehme et al. 2012) and results from these studies indicated that scent-dogs are promising to use for exploratory surveys for PPM due to their ability to discriminate the scent of PPM scat from the scat of co-occurring small mammals, and their ability to cover multiple kilometers of terrain in a single day.

Because of the promise of this technique, the Nature Reserve of Orange County proposed to use scent-dog surveys in combination with conventional live-trapping surveys to search for unknown populations of PPM within the Orange County Natural Community Conservation Plan/Habitat Conservation Plan (NCCP/HCP) Coastal Reserve System. This area has been modeled as having large expanses of suitable habitat for PPM by a habitat suitability model developed by Spencer et al. (2001) to identify prospective receiver sites for supporting PPM translocation. The habitat suitability model uses combinations of soil and vegetation to rank areas of potential habitat for PPM, and ranked far more area within the Coastal Reserve as having “high” and “very high” suitability for PPM than would be economically practicable to survey using conventional live-trapping methods. Thus, NROC, working with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), proposed a two phase survey approach for the Coastal Reserve which included: using canine surveys during Phase I to maximize survey coverage of modeled habitat; and conventional live-trapping surveys during Phase II, to confirm the presence of PPM at locations where PPM scat was collected, or to search more intensively for PPM at locations otherwise identified by the dog-surveyor team as having high potential to support PPM. Phase I was completed in 2011. Phase II, the subject of this report, was completed in 2012.

Although no canine surveys completed during the first phase of the project resulted in the confirmation of PPM presence in the Coastal Reserve, the surveys were successful at identifying a number of locations within the Coastal Reserve that possess similar habitat attributes to known occupied PPM habitat elsewhere. Field reconnaissance by the USFWS and the San Diego Natural History Museum of the locations identified by the dog-handler team resulted in the prioritization of two areas for live-trapping in 2012. The first area included several closely spaced locations along adjoining ridgelines within the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park that could be trapped simultaneously, and were judged to have the highest potential of the recorded locations to support PPM outside of the area (Turtle Ridge of the City of Irvine Open Space Preserve) previously live-trapped in 2011. The second location was Upper Newport Bay where the canine survey team recorded multiple scent detections and the habitat was modeled to have “very high” suitability for PPM.

Following site selection, a combination of grids and meandering transects were employed across both sites, with the latter being the dominant survey method used to maximize survey coverage of appropriate habitat at each site. Each survey consisted of five consecutive nights of trapping using modified nine-inch Sherman traps. During the trapping period, traps were opened at dusk at day one and checked at midnight and then at dawn the following morning when they were closed. Captured animals were identified to species and aged, examined for sexual characteristics, and then released at the point of capture. The Laguna Coast Wilderness Park

was trapped at two different time periods in 2012 (May 28 – June 2 and July 16 – July 21). Upper Newport Bay was trapped for one period in 2012 (June 18 – June 23).

Although the Pacific pocket mouse was the focus of the trapping efforts, the species was not captured during the trapping surveys. The small mammal community that was sampled during the surveys was found to vary in composition among the sampled sites, locations, and plots. Because rodent populations are known to fluctuate widely between years and are difficult to detect when at low densities, coupled with the duration of the study being limited to a single season, the species list produced through these surveys should not be considered complete for either of the two sites surveyed.

In total, 284 captures of 5 species were recorded over both surveys at the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. As Pacific pocket mouse was the focus of these surveys, most of the plots were established in CSS or nonnative grassland. The latter habitat type is generally low in diversity and abundance of small mammals. The species captured at this location would be expected for the habitat surveyed. The Dulzura pocket mouse (Chaetodipus californicus), Dulzura kangaroo rat (Dipodomys simulans), cactus mouse (Peromyscus fraterculus), and deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) are all common residents of CSS. While the Western harvest mouse (Reithrodontomys megalotis) is common in grassland.

With respect to the trapping results at the Laguna Wilderness Park, the most notable were the 173 captures of the deer mouse in both CSS and grassland. This species was the most abundant of all the species captured. Deer mice are often associated with disturbed habitat. Despite the abundance of deer mice, overall diversity was low for these habitats. Several species that were expected to occur but not detected include: San Diego Pocket Mouse (Chaetodipus fallax), brush mouse (Peromyscus boylii), and Bryant’s woodrat (Neotoma bryanti). The possible absence of expected species could be caused by many factors including: repeated fire, survey design, feral or off-leash dogs, feral or domestic cats, past and current land use. Recovery from these impacts on the small mammal community can be slow. Sparse distribution or low abundance of some species may be consistent with regional patterns for similar reasons. The desert cottontail (Sylvilagus audubonii) and brush rabbit (Sylvilagus bachmani) were both detected on the property. The former appeared much more abundant and in some areas its feces littered the ground. At these locations the grasses appeared patchy rather than continuous as in other areas. The role of “volatile inhibitors” of grasses especially of non-natives may have important management implications (Bartholomew 1970).

A total of 103 captures of 4 species, 3 mammalian and 1 avian, were made at Upper Newport Bay during the trapping period. The deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) was the most common and expected for a more disturbed and isolated location. The second-most common Western harvest mouse (Reithrodontomys megalotis) is often associated with more open grassland habitat. Upper Newport Bay has minimal connectivity to open space. The surrounding land use practices appear to have long-term implications on the rodent community. There were no captures of any Heteromyid rodents, and more comprehensive surveys should be conducted in what is good habitat for this species. The Dulzura kangaroo rat (Dipodomys simulans) and the Dulzura pocket mouse (Chaetodipus californicus) could be expected for this site. It is likely that the patch size, connectivity, and predation by cats and dogs have caused these species to either decline or become extirpated. A total of 4 captures of the Bewick’s Wren (Thryomanes bewickii) occurred at Upper Newport Bay. This species is an uncommon capture in small mammal trapping. The Bewick’s Wren prefers to forage and nest in terrestrial cavities; the Sherman traps provided similar but artificial structure.

Future recommendations for the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, with respect to the Pacific pocket mouse include continuing with focused surveys at high quality locations that were not sampled during this survey. Although the 2012 trapping effort focused on the high priority locations, the limited budget and time prevented all potential locations within the Park to be sampled. At other locations within southern California the species is often difficult to detect, found in small numbers and toward the end of the survey period. Also, the species is not always detected on the first survey at a given location but are found during follow-up surveys.

Relative to the small mammal community as a whole at the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, the recommendation is to establish a long-term monitoring program that is intended to sample all small mammal species and potentially disciplines. A voucher based survey will not only document what occurs at the location but also provide material for future genetic, diet, or disease studies, allowing a better perspective on management needs. Nearby studies (Fleming and Tremor 2011) may also be emulated to better follow long-term trends. Community composition is likely an important variable in the persistence of PPM. Better information, especially if translocations of PPM are to occur here, will facilitate that process.

The final two recommendations for Laguna Coast Wilderness Park include: sampling any experimental manipulations to the vegetation community before and after the manipulation; and investigating the role of rodents and rabbits in the Park with respect to control of non-native vegetation. Certain species may be missing or less abundant in these areas allowing the non- native vegetation to grow and spread unchecked.

At Upper Newport Bay the recommendation include: (1) conducting a general small mammal inventory of suitable as well as marginal habitat to better understand species composition of the area and identify extirpations; and (2) establishing a trapping protocol for feral and free range house cats with amended signage to make nearby homeowners aware of the issue.

Summarized from Focused Surveys for the Pacific Pocket Mouse (Perognathus longimembris pacificus). Prepared by San Diego Natural History Museum. Jan., 2013

Vegetation Mapping Phase I

One of the most important data layers used to guide the conservation planning process for the 1996 Orange County Central & Coastal Subregion NCCP/HCP was the regional vegetation map developed for the County in 1992. More than twenty-years later, the same map continues to be used to direct monitoring and management efforts in the NCCP/HCP Habitat Reserve. Remapping of Orange County’s vegetation is overdue and needed to address mapping classification errors that have resulted from changes in land management practices, post-fire recovery and twenty years of vegetation succession. Additionally, in the interim period, California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) adopted a new method of vegetation classification as the State standard. Updating the existing 1992 vegetation map based on improvements to vegetation classification methods as well as improved mapping precision and more detailed attributes for each of the vegetation polygons will increase the efficiency of the NCCP/HCP monitoring and management program by better directing where species surveys should occur, and where management efforts should be focused.

Creating a new vegetation map requires completion of two distinct phases of work. Phase 1 involves the development of a new vegetation classification system for the Central and Coastal Subregion of Orange County that is consistent with the new CDFW classification methodology.

Phase 2 applies the vegetation classification system to create a vegetation map through photo- interpretation of available aerial imagery and ground reconnaissance. In 2011, CDFW awarded the Nature Reserve of Orange County (NROC) a Local Assistance Grant (LAG) to complete the first phase of production of a new fine-scale, regional vegetation map.

The new State of California standard method for classifying vegetation was developed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife Vegetation Classification and Mapping Program in collaboration with the California Native Plant Society (CNPS). This approach relies on the collection of quantifiable environmental data to identify and classify biological associations that repeat across the landscape. For areas where documentation is lacking to effectively define all of the vegetation patterns found in California, CDFW and CNPS developed the Vegetation Rapid Assessment Protocol. This protocol guides data collection and analysis to refine vegetation classifications that are consistent with CDFW and Manual of California Vegetation (MVC) standards.

Using the MCV approach, as part of Phase 1, Rapid Assessment (RA) data was collected in 2012 throughout Orange County and analyzed to characterize these new vegetation types or show concurrence with existing MCV types. Phase 1, consisted of three tasks: (1) Define the sampling strategy; (2) Collect field data in the form of Rapid Assessments; and (3) Analyze data, resulting in a vegetation classification system (VCS).

The sampling strategy was completed in February 2012 with collaboration from NROC, CDFW, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Through discussions with CDFW staff (Todd Keeler‐Wolf, Diana Hickson), AECOM achieved concurrence that approximately 330 RAs from the study area would be sufficient to prepare the VCS. This number was determined through consideration of the size of the study area and the number of vegetation types described by Gray and Bramlet (1992), and the expectation that existing datasets collected for similar efforts in San Diego and Riverside Counties would be suitable for inclusion in this current classification effort.

A set of draft 330 sampling points were distributed across the Central and Coastal, and Southern Reserve areas of Orange County using a stratified random sampling method. Sampling locations within the Southern Reserves were included to ensure the inclusion of vegetation types that are unmapped within the Central and Coastal Reserves Vegetation Classification Report but potentially present therein, provide greater geographical continuity for the inclusion of San Diego and Riverside County data, and yield a VCS of greater utility for the region. The stratification method is purposefully objective to ensure that known vegetation types are sampled; however, it was understood that it would be entirely appropriate to reallocate a portion of the proposed sampling locations or identify additional sampling based on the knowledge obtained from land managers and other local experts.

On February 2, 2012, a meeting was held at the San Diego offices of CDFW to review the sampling strategy and provide comments regarding the draft sampling locations. In attendance were Kristine Preston and Milan Mitrovich (NROC), Will Miller (USFWS), Cara Allen (CDFG), and Jonathan Dunn (AECOM). The overall strategy was accepted as sound, and several suggestions were made for the reallocation of a portion of the sampling locations. Based on these suggestions, adjustments were made to the draft sampling locations. These adjustments included the allocation of addition points within the unchannelized portions of the Santa Ana River, additional points within grassland habitats, additional points in Upper Newport Bay, additional points in the coastal region, representation of the limited natural resource areas of the northern part of the county, and several other minor adjustments. Approximately 150 “alternate”

sampling locations were also selected using the same stratified random sampling method described above. These alternate locations were used in cases where the original sampling point could not be accessed or the habitat type had changed and that location no longer represented the habitat type desired. Therefore, a total of 480 primary and alternate sampling locations were identified. As a practical matter, field ecologists who collect the RA data assessed conditions within the vicinity of a proposed sampling location and had discretion to adjust the sampling location or collect multiple RAs within the vicinity. Therefore, throughout the data collection stage, sampling was tracked to ensure that all ecological types were represented.

Field data collection was conducted between March 6 and October 10, 2012. A total of 346 RAs were collected throughout the study area. Of this total, 216 RAs were collected in the Central and Coastal Reserves, 127 RAs were collected in the Southern Reserves, and three RAs were collected in the Northern Reserves.

Recent classification efforts in San Diego and Riverside Counties produced an available RA dataset consistent with the methods employed for this current effort. For the types of analyses employed in producing a vegetation classification, a larger dataset is generally expected to produce more robust results by Vegetation Classification Report reducing artificial grouping. Therefore, the data from the 346 RAs collected for this project were combined with data from 1,494 RAs collected for the Western Riverside classification effort and the 1,309 RAs collected for the Western San Diego classification effort.

After the data were prepared for analysis the resulting datasets were subjected to two stages of an agglomerative hierarchical cluster analysis. In the first stage of analysis, cluster analyses were performed for each of the Tree, Shrub, and Herb subsets. This stage produced subclusters of a manageable size. The RA datasets for each of these subclusters was then reanalyzed to produce the preliminary classification. This preliminary classification based strictly on the cluster groupings was then compared to published membership rules. The results of these analyses defined the number of distinct vegetation types sampled, and, when compared to published membership rules, allowed the assignment of each stand to a known alliance and association from the MCV, or, in cases where no known vegetation types agreed with the current analyses, allowed the definition of new or provisional alliances and associations.

The above analysis resulted in the classification of 66 vegetation alliances with 68 associations and six semi‐natural types within the study area. Of particular note, these results include two provisional alliances and five provisional associations defined by native species, and two semi‐natural stand types defined by nonnative species that have not been described in previous studies. The term “provisional” is used here to describe a vegetation type that appears valid based on the current analyses but for which a greater number of samples may be required for acceptance in the MCV.

The second phase of the vegetation mapping project will involve application of the updated vegetation classification system to the photo-interpretation of available aerial imagery and analysis of field survey data to produce a new fine-scale vegetation map of the study region. The study region for Phase II of the vegetation mapping effort will focus on approximately 58,000 acres of wildlands located in the Central & Coastal Subregion of Orange County, including: the 37,400-acre NCCP/HCP Habitat Reserve System; approximately 9,500 acres of associated NCCP/HCP Special Linkages, Existing Use Areas and Non-Reserve Open Space; and around 11,000 acres of adjoining conserved open space. Implementation of Phase II of the

project is expected to take approximately 18 months and run from April of 2013 through October of 2014.

Summarized from the Vegetation Classification for Orange County Final Report. Prepared by AECOM., Jan., 2013.

Monitoring Program Development

Orange County’s Central and Coastal Natural Community Conservation Plan/Habitat Conservation Plan (NCCP/HCP) was developed to conserve three “Target Species”, 36 “Identified Species”, and five habitats. The Plan requires “direct monitoring of the Target and Identified Species and the coastal sage scrub community (Target Resources) to determine how well the NCCP/HCP Adaptive Management Program is addressing the goal of maintaining long term net habitat value of CSS habitat within the Subregion”(County of Orange 1996, pg 298).

According to the NCCP/HCP, the goals of monitoring are to “detect large-scale changes in population status” and to gather information that “contributes to basic knowledge of biodiversity, dispersal and demography of Target Species, community dynamics and genetics”. The NCCP/HCP envisions a systematic sampling program that focuses on the three Target Species (California Gnatcatcher, Cactus Wren, 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 to determine baseline conditions. The Plan assumes that after gathering initial inventory or baseline data that a transition will be made to adaptive management monitoring to assess the effectiveness of the management program.

In 2012, NROC, working with the Wildlife Agencies and San Diego State University, began development of a long-term monitoring program for the Reserve System. As required, the monitoring program was to be based on the best available science to effectively monitor species and habitats in order to achieve the NCCP/HCP goals and objectives. The program would allow for the assessment of the effectiveness of the Reserve System in conserving Target and Identified Species as well as help inform management decisions. As a first step in development of the plan, the working-group focused on the need to prioritize monitoring activities. The systematic evaluation of each Target and Identified Species was considered crucial to deciding which species to monitor and how best to prioritizing monitoring.

To evaluate each Target and Identified Species, the working group, in 2012, used the species prioritization strategy developed by Regan et al. (2006, 2008) for the San Diego Multiple Species Conservation Program (MSCP). To prioritize species, Regan and colleagues developed a two-tiered approach, first putting species into broad categories based on risk and then prioritizing species within each risk category. Following this methodology, the working group assigned an at-risk species classification to each of the Target and Identified Species based upon established rankings representing the degree to which a species is endangered. Each species was then assigned to one of three risk groups. In selecting species for monitoring, species in Risk Group 1 are considered to be of the highest priority for monitoring followed by species in Risk Group 2, with Risk Group 3 receiving the lowest priority.

After assigning a risk group, each species was evaluated for risk factors. The first component of this evaluation is to identify threats to a species and rank each threat as high, moderate or low based on the risk it poses to the species. Within each Risk Group, species with more high level threats are considered to be of higher priority for monitoring. The next step in the risk factor

evaluation is to assess the spatial extent of the threat and to determine whether it encompassed a high, moderate or low portion of the species range within Orange County. The spatial extent of the threat was determined by considering information on the species distribution, home range size, and availability of potential habitat. Information was compiled on habitat associations for each species to identify the distribution of their potential habitats in the County and to evaluate the spatial degree of threat to these habitats. The final step in assessing threats is to categorize as short term or long term the temporal response of each species to threats. A short term threat is defined by Regan et al. as a response by the species within 5-10 years of the threat, whereas a long term threat takes more than 10 years for a response. For animals, information on life span and age at first reproduction are used to classify temporal responses to threats. For plants, life history type and functional groups are more relevant to determining the temporal response.

To facilitate the analysis, Regan et al. (2006) developed an information sheet for each species containing the information on risk groups, risk factors, threats, habitat associations, spatial scale of threats, temporal responses, functional groups, generation time and life-span. In their sheets, notes are recorded to provide the rationale and context for risk factor determinations and sources of information used for making the determinations are listed for each species.

In 2012, the working group used the information sheets developed by Regan et al. as the basis for their evaluation of each Target and Identified Species in Orange County’s Central and Coastal NCCP/HCP. The group compiled information and modified the information sheets as appropriate for Orange County or where there was new information to evaluate threats. As part of this process, the group reviewed and updated information as necessary on risk groups, risk factors, habitat associations, functional groups, generation time and life-span. The group evaluated and revised threat classifications specific to Orange County including spatial scales and temporal responses to threats, as well as identified and defined several new categories of threat used to assess risk factors for the Target and Identified Species. Preliminary rankings of each of the Target and Identified Species by Risk Group were also completed in 2012.

In July of 2012, the same working group hosted a monitoring workshop for land managers to share the progress made to date on NROC’s long-term monitoring plan, as well as: (1) review the Reserve’s monitoring goals and objectives under the NCCP/HCP; (2) provide examples of past and present monitoring efforts in the Reserve; and (3) receive feedback from the land managers of the types of monitoring data that is most valued in their activities in order to better integrate land manager monitoring priorities into NROC’s monitoring program. During the workshop land managers shared their monitoring needs and interests, highlighting some of the challenges associated with incorporating monitoring into their management activities. Ideas on how NROC could meet some of the needs of the land managers by offering training on implementation of simple but effective standardized monitoring methods were discussed. In general, there was a strong interest in continuing the discussion of this topic at future meetings.

Summary prepared by the Nature Reserve of Orange County

2.3 Habitat Restoration and Enhancement

Habitat restoration and enhancement is considered critical to maintaining and enhancing the long-term viability and function of the Reserve. 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 System, 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.

Caltrans EEMP Cactus Scrub Restoration

The Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation Program (EEMP) Cactus Wren Habitat Linkage Enhancement and Restoration grant project in Orange County was evaluated for the 2012 season as part of the monitoring program of the Nature Reserve of Orange County (NROC) and conditions of the grant. The 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 consisted of enhancement and restoration of cactus scrub habitat to facilitate movement of Cactus Wren (Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus) breeding populations within Upper Newport Bay, the UCI Ecological Preserve, and the San Joaquin Hills through the Salt Marsh, Bonita Creek and Coyote Canyon Habitat Linkage as well as to provide nesting habitat. The project is located in Orange County, California with restoration and enhancement sites in Upper Newport Bay, the UCI Ecological Preserve, and the San Joaquin Hills (at the Salt Marsh, Bonita Creek, and Coyote Canyon). This report documents the first year of performance monitoring for the enhancement and restoration project.

Project goals for the cactus scrub enhancement and restoration sites include establishment of ecologically appropriate cactus scrub habitat in disturbed areas within the NROC Reserve system and the UCI Ecological Preserve. The following objectives were determined for the enhancement and restoration sites based upon evaluation of existing conditions:

• Improve the movement of Cactus Wren individuals between isolated breeding populations • Increase the suitable cactus scrub habitat for breeding pairs of Cactus Wrens

Restoration criteria were developed for the enhancement and restoration sites that will assess the functions and values of the cactus scrub habitat. The sites will be assessed as the habitat develops trends in cover, cactus growth, and species richness during establishment. The following performance standards were established for the sites and in accordance with the performance standards, the cactus scrub habitat will be considered “acceptable” when the following standards are met:

• The habitats resist invasion by exotic plant species as demonstrated by less than 25 percent cover of annual grasses and less aggressive forb species. There shall be no target invasive species, such as artichoke thistle (Cynara cardunculus), mustard species, poison hemlock (Conium maculatum), and tree tobacco (Nicotiana glauca). • At least 95 percent of the planted cactus demonstrates establishment and growth based on sampling estimates. Installation of the project was done per the restoration specifications of the Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation Program: Cactus Wren Habitat Linkage Enhancement and Restoration Project Final Restoration Specifications (NewFields 2010). Installation was completed in phases with cactus material installed in

October and November of 2010 and seed application in November 2011. Establishment monitoring of the project was conducted following installation and will continue as the cactus scrub develops.

The purpose of this performance monitoring report is to document the trend of establishment of cactus scrub species in the enhancement and restoration sites in relation to the established performance standards for the project described above.

Quantitative monitoring was conducted March 13 through 15, 2012 for the first year of performance monitoring. Performance monitoring consisted of quantitative evaluation of cactus growth, plant cover, species richness, survivorship, and photo documentation. A sampling of cactus at each site was measured for total pads, branching from the main pad planted in the ground, and height to assess the development of the sites and habitat suitability for Cactus Wrens. Vegetation cover was measured along monitoring transects using the point intercept method. Species richness was determined by generating a species list for each site. A survey of planted cactus material was conducted at the sites where it was feasible to assess survivorship.

Results of the cactus measurement data show that survivorship of the planted coast prickly pear cactus (Opuntia littoralis) material across all sites was greater than 95 percent after one year of establishment. The mean total number of pads for all sites was five and the mean number of branches was two. The average height for coast prickly pear cactus was 24 centimeters (cm). The dominant native species for all sites was coast prickly pear cactus.

The project is developing within an expected range of growth and species composition comparable with other non-irrigated restoration sites at a similar developmental stage and is on track towards the development of cactus scrub habitat. The planted cactus material exhibited new growth and was observed to be in flower and fruiting in the sites. The project will continue to be monitored and maintained by NROC as the restored habitat develops and the enhancement and restoration areas resist invasion of weed species.

The EEMP sites were surveyed for Cactus Wren and other bird use multiple times from planting in 2010 through April 2012. As documented by the vegetation surveys, the majority of the sites in the Bonita Creek (Sites 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5) and Coyote Canyon Linkage (Sites 7 and 8) are still developing and do not yet support Cactus Wrens; however, eighteen other species of birds were detected foraging at these sites and in the vicinity of the sites, including the California Gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica). At the UCI Ecological Preserve (Site 6) a pair of Cactus Wrens was observed using the large transplanted clumps as part of their territory. This pair was identified as a new pair for the area. Twenty-two species were observed foraging within Site 4.

At this time, 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 one site is already being utilized by the target species, Cactus Wren. This type of restoration is a powerful management tool that can be used to augment declining populations within Orange County’s Natural Community Conservation Planning/Habitat Conservation Plan (NCCP/HCP) and to maintain and enhance Gnatcatcher populations. It is expected that the smaller restoration sites along the Bonita Creek corridor will take several years to grow and become suitable for Cactus Wren use. NROC will continue to monitor restoration sites and document bird use as the restored habitat matures.

Executive Summary – 2012 Performance Monitoring Report Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation Program Cactus Wren Habitat Linkage Enhancement and Restoration Project. Prepared by Nature Reserve of Orange County, Transportation Corridor Agencies, and NewFields. April, 2012.

OCTA Measure M Cactus Scrub Restoration

The Measure M Cactus Scrub Restoration Project is being implemented by the Nature Reserve of Orange County (NROC) and 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 cactus scrub within the University of California Irvine (UCI) Ecological Preserve. The UCI Ecological Preserve is enrolled in the Natural Community Conservation Plan/Habitat Conservation Plan (NCCP/HCP) and is part of the Coastal Reserve System of the Orange County Central and Coastal NCCP/HCP. The cactus scrub restoration will enhance breeding habitat for the state- sensitive coastal Cactus Wren (Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus) and federally threatened California Gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica). These are two of three target species conserved under the Orange County Central and Coastal NCCP/HCP. The California Gnatcatcher and coastal Cactus Wren are also included on the Measure M Freeway Projects Proposed Species List.

The Measure M cactus scrub restoration site was selected based on the high density of exotic species, lack of mature cactus, soil type, aspect, and proximity to existing Cactus Wren territories/habitat. Prior to restoration activities, the area was dominated by exotic species including non-native grasses, black mustard (Brassica nigra) and tocalote (Centaurea melitensis). Few individuals of prickly pear cactus (Opuntia littoralis) and cholla (Cylindropuntia prolifera) were present. Other native species present in the restoration area included purple needlegrass (Nassella pulchra), giant wildrye (Leymus condensatus), California buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum) and California sagebrush (Artemisia californica).

The Measure M restoration site is adjacent to another ongoing cactus restoration project implemented in 2010 by NROC and its partners, the University of California, Irvine (UCI) and the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) under the Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation Program (EEMP) grant. The primary purpose of the EEMP project is to facilitate movement of isolated breeding pairs of Cactus Wren by providing a habitat linkage corridor. The secondary goal is to increase suitable habitat for breeding pairs of Cactus Wren. The EEMP cactus restoration project within the UCI Ecological Preserve is approximately 4 acres.

Installation of the cactus in the Measure M restoration site was completed November 17, 2011 by the restoration contractor (Nakae & Associates, Inc.). A total of 326 prickly pear cactus plants/clumps and segments were salvaged from the UCI donor site and transplanted in 60 groups distributed across the restoration site. A total of 1,200 cactus pads were collected and planted around the cactus clumps and segments and in clouds between the groups of clumps and segments. A total of 128 Mexican elderberry (Sambucus mexicana) container plants (1- gallon) were also planted throughout the site.

Site maintenance commenced in December 2011 after the cactus pads and elderberry plants were planted. The planted Mexican elderberries were irrigated several times in December 2011 and January 2012 to help the plants establish during the dry winter. Irrigation events for both the cactus and Mexican elderberry occurred in February and June 2012. Targeted herbicide treatment was conducted in December 2011 in the lower section of the west side. A second

herbicide treatment and hand-weeding was performed in February 2012. The site was hand- weeded in April, May, and July 2012. The site was both weeded and seeded in October of 2012 following one season of site establishment weeding.

NewFields is monitoring the restoration site and coordinating maintenance weeding and irrigation with the restoration contractor. NROC biologists are monitoring the site for use by target species. The Measure M restoration site is of special interest for monitoring use by target bird species early in the restoration process because the large transplanted cacti have sufficient height and structure to support potential immediate use by Cactus Wrens. In contrast, other restoration sites planted with only cactus pads take many years to reach sufficient height for wrens to use for perching and nesting. Given that the planting of large salvaged cactus is also a relatively new restoration method in coastal southern California, it is important to document wren and gnatcatcher response. The incorporation of large transplanted cacti in the restoration process, coupled with the presence of active wren territories adjacent to the restoration area and the overall large size of the restoration area (8.5 acres), make it more likely that Cactus Wrens would begin using the Measure M restoration site soon after the cactus was planted.

NROC biologists assessed use of the Measure M restoration sites by California Gnatcatchers, Cactus Wrens, and other bird species after cactus transplantation was implemented in fall 2011 and throughout the 2012 breeding season. In 2012, restoration site surveys were 20 minutes long to increase the potential to detect wrens and gnatcatchers. During the surveys, the locations were mapped and the behavior of all Cactus Wrens and California Gnatcatchers within the restoration sites and in the vicinity were recorded.

During the first site visit to the restoration area by NROC biologists in November 2011, a male, color-banded Cactus Wren was observed flying into a newly planted large cactus to forage. Site visits in January and February documented use of the site by the same male and another banded bird that appeared to be his mate. A Cactus Wren roost nest was observed in one of the large transplanted cactus on February 22. The roost appeared to be used throughout the next couple of months. In March, during a restoration survey the same male, color-banded Cactus Wren was observed foraging among the large transplanted cacti. While foraging, the Cactus Wren would move small stones and clods of earth as it moved among the leaf litter below the transplanted cacti. Later in the survey, the same wren was observed counter-calling from the northern edge of the restoration area with another Cactus Wren believed to be from a neighboring territory.

As part of the NROC Cactus Wren foraging and arthropod study, Dr. Kristine Preston, the NROC Science Director, and Karly Moore, contracted biologist, visited the Measure M site almost weekly between March 1 and June 30, 2012. During these visits they documented that the Measure M restoration site was incorporated into two Cactus Wren territories. The same male Cactus Wren (color-banded) that was first observed using the restoration area in November 2011 was using the largest area of the restoration site. In the southern half of the Measure M restoration site, a wren family was using the site. The male and young fledglings were observed several times foraging in the restoration site.

A pair of California Gnatcatchers was detected within the restoration site during the first visit (November 2011), foraging in shrubs that had been retained within the mosaic of existing native plants and planted cactus. During subsequent visits it was determined that two to three pairs of California Gnatcatchers had included different portions of the restoration site within their territories. The pairs were frequently seen moving through the Measure M restoration site foraging in native shrubs that were at the site prior to restoration and in forbs that have emerged

since the site was cleared of non-native plants and cactus was planted. During each of the restoration surveys conducted in early 2012, California Gnatcatchers were observed using the restoration area.

At this time, the cactus scrub restoration site is progressing within the range of development of other cactus transplantation sites. The transplanted cactus clumps have 100 percent survival based on a visual reconnaissance of the site. Little to no loss of planted cactus pads and segments was observed across the site. No mortalities of the planted Mexican elderberry were observed. Maintenance for weeds has been thorough, and few exotic species were observed during monitoring visits. The site showed some natural recruitment from the soil seed bank, of native species released from competition with exotic species for light and moisture. These species include, California sagebrush (Artemisia californica), doveweed (Croton setigerus), fascicled tarplant (Deinandra fasciculata), twiggy wreath plant (Stephanomeria virgata), and needlegrass (Nassella sp.). This site was seeded in October of 2012, as planned, to bring in species not observed naturally recruiting to the site. Cactus Wren and California Gnatcatchers, as well as other avian species began using the site, mainly for foraging, soon after implementation of the cactus transplantation. In 2013, the site is scheduled to continue to be monitored for plant establishment and use by the target avian species. The first annual performance monitoring and reporting will be conducted in the spring and should highlight new species’ establishment resulting from the October 2012 seeding event.

Summarized from the Annual Progress Review – Measure M Cactus Scrub Restoration Project for the University of California Irvine Ecological Preserve. Prepared by NewFields. Sep., 2012.

Laguna Canyon Cactus Wren Habitat Linkage

The Cactus Wren (Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus) Habitat Linkage restoration project in the Orange County Coastal Reserve of the Natural Community Conservation Plan (NCCP) was evaluated for the 2012 season as part of the monitoring program of the Nature Reserve of Orange County (NROC). The project consisted of restoration of cactus scrub habitat and enhancement to facilitate movement and to provide nesting habitat for Cactus Wren breeding populations within the Coastal Reserve. The project is located in the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, owned and managed by the Orange County Parks Department, in Laguna Beach, California. This report documents the second year of performance monitoring for the restoration project.

Project goals for the cactus scrub restoration sites include establishment of ecologically appropriate cactus scrub habitat in disturbed areas within the NROC Reserve system. The following objectives were determined for the restoration sites based upon evaluation of existing conditions

• Improve the movement of Cactus Wren individuals between isolated breeding populations • Increase the suitable cactus scrub habitat for breeding pairs of Cactus Wrens

Restoration criteria were developed for the restoration sites that will assess the functions and values of the cactus scrub habitat. The restoration sites will be assessed as the habitat develops trends in cover, cactus growth, and species richness during establishment over the next three years. The following performance standards were established for the restoration sites

23 and in accordance with the performance standards, the cactus scrub habitat will be considered “acceptable” when the following standards are met:

• The restoration sites do not require significant maintenance measures during the last two years of the establishment period as documented by the annual monitoring report. • The cactus scrub habitat resists invasion by exotic plant species as demonstrated by less than 25 percent cover of annual grass species and less aggressive exotic forbs. • There shall be no target invasive species present, such as purple false brome. • At least 95 percent of the planted cactus demonstrates establishment and growth based on sampling estimates.

Installation of the restoration project was done per the restoration specifications of the Cactus Wren Habitat Linkage Restoration Plan Coastal Reserve Nature Reserve of Orange County (NewFields 2009). Installation was completed in phases with cactus material installed in February 2010, seed application in November 2010, and elderberry rose pot container installation in February 2011. Establishment monitoring of the restoration project was done following installation and will continue as the cactus scrub develops.

The purpose of this performance monitoring report is to document the trend of establishment of cactus scrub species in the restoration sites in relation to the established performance standards for the project described above. Performance monitoring was conducted April 3, 2012 for the second year. Performance monitoring consisted of quantitative evaluation of cactus growth and survival along with qualitative evaluation of plant cover, species richness, and photo documentation. A sampling of cactus at each restoration site (cactus were randomly selected in 2011) was measured for total cladodes and height to assess the development of the restoration sites and habitat suitability for Cactus Wren. Survivorship of the planted cactus material was determined by calculating the percent survival of the sampled cactus 2012. Vegetative cover was visually assessed and estimated and a species list was generated for each restoration site.

Results of the cactus measurement data show that survivorship of the planted cactus material across all restoration sites was greater than 95 percent after two years of establishment. The mean total number of cladodes for all restoration sites was eight, an increase from 7 in 2011. The average height for coast prickly pear cactus (Opuntia littoralis) increased from 33 centimeters (cm) in 2011 to 35 cm in 2012. The height of cholla (Cylindopunita prolifera= [Opuntia prolifera]) increased from 26 cm in 2011 to 32 cm in 2012. On average the native cover for all restoration sites was estimated to be approximately 32 percent, similar to the absolute native cover of all restoration sites measured in 2011 at 31 percent. The estimated average cover of cactus species was approximately 10 percent, an increase from 6 percent absolute cover measured in 2011. Unvegetated cover consisting of bare ground or plant litter remained similar to 2011 (absolute cover of 17 percent) estimated to be approximately 15 percent in 2012. Exotic vegetation cover decreased in 2012 at approximately 55 percent of the total cover compared to 87 percent of the absolute cover measured in 2011. With continued maintenance and proper timing of control prior to seed set, the exotic species can be controlled in the restoration sites.

The restoration project is developing within an expected range of growth and species composition comparable with other non-irrigated restoration sites at a similar developmental stage and is on track towards the development of cactus scrub habitat. The planted cactus material exhibited new growth and was observed to be in flower and fruiting in the restoration

sites. The restoration project will continue to be monitored until the performance standards described above are achieved and the restoration areas resist invasion of weed species.

Executive Summary – 2012 Performance Monitoring Report (Year 2) Cactus Wren Habitat Linkage Coastal Reserve Nature Reserve of Orange County. Prepared by NewFields. Dec., 2012.

Lake Forest Sports Park Cactus Scrub Restoration

This memorandum reports on the installation and progress of the City of Lake Forest Cactus Salvage and Relocation Project that is being implemented by the Nature Reserve of Orange County (NROC). This project involves cactus 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 in Orange County, California. The salvaged cactus was transported to actively restore seven (7) acres of disturbed and non-native grassland habitats to cactus scrub at three sites within the Orange County Central and Coastal Reserve System of the Natural Community Conservation Plan/Habitat Conservation Plan (NCCP/HCP). The three active restoration sites are located within Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park, Crystal Cove State Park, and Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. This project also involved salvage and transport of cacti to 14 management units with the NCCP/HCP and salvage of native duff and topsoil salvage for use at some of the restoration sites and other cactus translocation areas. This report focuses only on the seven (7) acres of restoration within the three park sites described above. The cactus scrub restoration will enhance breeding habitat for the state-sensitive coastal Cactus Wren (Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus) and federally-threatened California Gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica). These are two of three target species conserved under the Orange County Central and Coastal NCCP/HCP.

In order to prepare the final specifications for the seven (7) total acres at the three restoration sites, focused field surveys were conducted in spring 2011 by NewFields. Existing vegetation, soil characteristics, exotic plant cover, potential for sensitive species, relation to existing cactus scrub and accessibility for planting were assessed and mapped. Based on the results of the surveys, suitable areas for cactus scrub restoration were identified, refined, and mapped as follows:

• Crystal Cove State Park – two (2) acres of cactus scrub to be restored in three distinct areas on gentle southerly facing slopes. Non-native annual grasses and mustards dominated the three restoration areas. • Laguna Coast Wilderness Park – one (1) acre of cactus scrub to be restored on a gentle northwesterly facing slope sloping down to a relatively flat area. Black mustard (Brassica nigra) was on the slope and non-native annual grass ripgut brome (Bromus diandrus) dominated the flat area. This site extends an existing cactus scrub restoration area installed in 2009/2010 as part of NROC’s Cactus Wren Habitat Linkage restoration project. • Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park – four (4) acres of cactus scrub to be restored in three distinct areas on southerly facing gentle to moderate slopes. The three areas to be restored were dominated by non-native grasses, mustards, and artichoke thistle (Cynara cardunculus).

In November 2011, NewFields and the restoration contractor (Nakae & Associates, Inc.) identified the cactus salvage areas and duff/topsoil harvest areas within the sports park site.

Nakae flagged the limits of the duff/topsoil harvest area and coordinated the harvest and transport of the duff/topsoil with the City’s contractor (Crew, Inc.).

Site preparation of the restoration areas commenced at Crystal Cove on December 5, 2011. The perimeters of the restoration areas were flagged to identify the limits of vegetation clearing, access routes, and staging areas. The areas were cleared of weeds using weed whips and a flail mower. Native vegetation and rocky areas were avoided. The cut vegetation thatch was raked, collected into hedgerows, and removed from the site. Site preparation at Whiting Ranch commenced December 9, 2011 and included flagging the limits and vegetation clearing. A total of 3,250 cubic yards of duff/topsoil was delivered and spread at the Whiting restoration areas from December 19 through 30, 2011. Site preparation at the Laguna Coast site occurred on January 4, 2012. A NewFields biologist monitored site preparation at the three restoration sites.

Nakae commenced cactus salvage from the Lake Forest donor site on December 5, 2011. Prickly pear (Opuntia littoralis) pads and segments were cut by hand and collected in large buckets for transport. The designated numbers of pads and segments were delivered to the 14 management units from December 5 through December 23, 2011. Large prickly pear cactus plants/clumps and large segments were harvested using a bobcat tractor and transported from the donor site to the restoration sites on flatbed trucks. Large coast cholla (Cylindropuntia prolifera) plants/clumps and segments were harvested and transported to the restoration sites. Cactus pads were also collected and transported to the restoration sites.

Planting locations for groups of cactus clumps and segments were distributed across the restoration areas at each site and were flagged by the biologist. The cactus clumps and segments were then placed in shallow planting basins and watered-in. Small cholla segments that had fallen off during salvage and transport were planted around the base of the planted cholla clumps. The salvaged cactus pads were placed around the planted cactus clumps and segments to allow the cut ends to harden off for approximately two weeks before they were planted. Cactus pads were planted in groups of 30-40 pads around the cactus clumps and segments. Separate clouds of approximately 30 cactus pads/cloud were also planted throughout the sites.

Site maintenance commenced after the cactus was planted. The first herbicide treatment was conducted in March 2012 at all three restoration sites. In May 2012, a second herbicide treatment and hand-weeding was performed at Crystal Cove and Laguna Coast. The Whiting Ranch site was hand-weeded only because of the large amounts of native species emerging. In July 2012, all three sites were hand-weeded. The cacti at Crystal Cove were irrigated in May 2012. In June 2012, the cactus at Whiting Ranch and Laguna Coast were also irrigated. The third herbicide treatment at all three sites occurred in the fall of 2012. Both the Laguna Canyon and Crystal Cove sites were also seeded in the fall of 2012 with species not observed naturally recruiting to the site after one season of site establishment weeding.

NewFields is monitoring the restoration sites and coordinating maintenance weeding and irrigation with the restoration contractor. Site checks were conducted at Whiting Ranch in May 2012, and at Crystal Cove and Laguna Coast in August 2012. Annual monitoring reports will be submitted each year, and will include a description of maintenance activities as well as the development of the habitat within the restoration site. NROC biologists are monitoring the sites annually for use by target species.

At this time, the cactus scrub restoration sites are progressing within the range of development of other cactus transplantation sites. The transplanted cactus clumps have 100 percent survival

based on a visual reconnaissance of each site. Little to no loss of planted cactus pads and segments was observed across the sites. Maintenance for weeds has been thorough, and few exotic species were observed during monitoring visits. Recruitment of native seedlings is highest at the Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park sites where the sites received salvaged topsoil containing a good seed bank of native species from the Lake Forest/Glass Creek donor site. Species observed 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). This site will not require additional seeding based on the diversity and amount of natural recruitment that has occurred. The sites at Crystal Cove State Park showed some natural recruitment from the soil seed bank, of species released from competition with exotic species for light and moisture. These species include, coyote brush (Baccharis pilularis), doveweed, calabazilla, jimsonweed, laurel sumac (Malosma laurina), bush monkeyflower (Mimulus aurantiacus), and branching phacelia (Phacelia ramosissima). Natural recruitment at the site at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park included coyote brush, doveweed, calabazilla, jimsonweed, and laurel sumac.

Summarized from Installation and Progress Report – City of Lake Forest Cactus Salvage and Relocation Project. Prepared by NewFields. Sep., 2012.

Lake Forest Cactus Wren Translocation Monitoring

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 (Kamada and Mitrovich 2006). 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, six-years after the translocation.

Looking to repeat the success from 2006, in November 2011, NROC working in coordination with the Wildlife Agencies, County of Orange, City of Lake Forest, and others, initiated a project (Translocation 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.

Early in 2011, four objectives were identified for the Translocation Project. These are:

Objective 1. To prevent the loss of Cactus Wrens to development and instead use these individuals to help recover Coastal Reserve populations.

Objective 2. To “seed” the receptor site with Cactus Wrens in order to increase the likelihood that other wrens successfully recruit into the breeding population.

Objective 3. To enhance connectivity between southern and northern Coastal Reserve Cactus Wren populations.

Objective 4. To increase gene flow and genetic diversity in isolated and small Coastal Reserve Cactus Wren populations.

The receptor site selected for the Translocation Project 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. This site did not burn in the 1993 Laguna Canyon fire and is 1.5 miles from the closest occupied habitat, well within the dispersal capabilities of wrens. Habitat within the connecting linkage area burned in 1993 and has not fully recovered. NROC is restoring cactus scrub in the linkage to improve connectivity between the Preserve and the population to the north (NewFields 2012c). Prior to the translocation, the James Dilley Preserve supported an estimated six Cactus Wren territories in 2002 with a steady decline in birds until the last pair disappeared by 2008. Following the disappearance of the Cactus Wrens, NROC biologists surveyed the James Dilley Preserve every year since 2009 and found no Cactus Wrens to be present.

In contrast to the translocation effort in 2006 which occurred in the warmer, more productive months of late spring and early summer, the capture and translocation of Cactus Wrens associated with this project occurred in late fall, a time of year when wrens are typically quiet, secretive, and difficult to capture. Food is often limited at this time of year, after a long summer drought and with increasingly cold temperatures with the approach of winter. To improve capture success and to enhance probability of survival and establishment of territories at the receptor site, NROC biologists provided supplemental insect food to Cactus Wrens prior to capture at the receptor site and following translocation.

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 began intensively monitoring 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. 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 Wrens remained in the same territory that they occupied at James Dilley in 2011, ultimately producing two fledglings. Nesting was first confirmed on April 21st when the adults were observed carrying nesting materials (i.e., feathers) to a brood nest located in a tall prickly pear located on one of the lower slopes in their territory. Approximately 4 weeks later (May 25th), both adults were observed actively bringing food back to the nest to feed the recently hatched wrens. On June 11th the two fledglings were observed for the first time to be out of the nest, calling and following their parents as they moved about the cactus scrub located within their territory. Observations completed in July and August 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.

Throughout the early part of 2012, the JD03 wrens generally stayed close to the feeding stations established at the north end of the James Dilley Preserve close to where the wrens were released in 2011. Although observed often in early 2012, all three Cactus Wrens at JD03 site eventually disappeared from James Dilley. The reason for the disappearance of all three wrens associated with the JD03 territory is not understood. It is possible that all three wrens were males and following a period of time in which they were all unsuccessful in attracting a mate to their respective territories, they decided to leave the Preserve. Although predation is always a possibility in explaining the disappearance of the missing wrens, the behavior of one of the Cactus Wrens in the days prior to its disappearance suggest that the wren was beginning to evaluate alternative habitats adjoining the Preserve near where the wren had been nesting. The disappearance of both juvenile wrens in mid-April coincided with the height of breeding activities observed in both pairs of wrens at JD01 and JD02, which could suggest their similarly timed departures were related to their inability to secure mates.

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 missing adult wrens tended to be quiet and generally secretive when at its original territory at the Glass Creek site as well as at James Dilley Preserve, suggesting it might be a “floater”. A “floater” is a wren that is temporarily unable to hold a territory and is waiting for an opportunity to pair and establish a territory. Floaters can be extremely quiet and difficult to detect. The other missing wren from 2011 was only re-sighted once at James Dilley on December 4, 2011 following its release on November 19, 2011. Interestingly, this Cactus Wren was re-sighted on June 28, 2012, 3.6 km NNW of its last sighting in the James Dilley Preserve in a territory in north Laguna Canyon feeding three nestlings with an un-banded female. A couple of weeks later observers confirmed that the missing wren had established a territory and successfully reared three young with a Cactus Wren not involved in the translocation effort.

Although the exact route this adult wren traveled between the release site at the James Dilley Preserve and the Mule Deer site is unknown, the most direct and probable route between the two sites overlaps an active Cactus Wren habitat linkage restoration project specifically designed by NROC and its partners to facilitate this type of dispersal between the James Dilley Preserve and active wren territories located in North Laguna Canyon. If the dispersing wren did use the linkage, it is possible it is one of the first successful uses of the linkage since its restoration began in 2009. The linkage was originally destroyed in the 1993 Laguna Fire and is important for connecting two the large blocks of cactus scrub habitat located on either ends of Laguna Canyon.

In 2013, NROC will conduct surveys focused on finding the missing birds from 2012 in late winter and early spring 2013. Cactus Wrens are typically most vocal and responsive to taped vocalizations making them easier to detect at this time of year. The geographic scope of the surveys will be expanded to include much of the Coastal Reserve, with the most intensive survey efforts being focused in cactus scrub habitats located within 5 km of the James Dilley Preserve. In addition to expanding the geographic scope of the field surveys, NROC will also again monitor the reproductive activity of the translocated Cactus Wrens occupying the JD01 and JD02 territories at the James Dilley Preserve and the newly discovered territory in the Mule Deer area.

Summarized from the Nature Reserve of Orange County: Translocation of San Diego Cactus Wren, a State Species of Special Concern. Prepared by Milan Mitrovich, Kristine Preston, and Dana Kamada. Jan., 2013.

Exotic Plant Control Program

A primary long-term goal of the Nature Reserve of Orange County (NROC) is to enhance native habitats and biodiversity by reducing cover and density of exotic plant species. Since 1997 NROC has been implementing weed control plans and controlling invasive exotic plant species in the Orange County coastal subregion NCCP/HCP (The Natural Communities Conservation Plan & Habitat Conservation Plan). In 2012 NROC spent approximately $149,500 for the control of artichoke thistle (Cynara cardunculus), veldt grass (Ehrharta calycina), garland chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum coronarium), tree tobacco (Nicotiana glauca), castor bean (Ricinus communis), pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana), sweet fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) and Canary Island St. John’s wort (Hypericum canariense) throughout the southern reserve.

NROC coordinated with the Irvine Ranch Conservancy (IRC) and land owners in prioritizing and conducting weed treatments. Treatment was targeted to those weeds and those areas that most require treatment. All veldt grass and garland chrysanthemum were targeted for treatment in 2012. Artichoke thistle areas with at least 20% cover at Crystal Cove State park, Aliso and Wood Canyons and Laguna Coast Wilderness Park; and at least 10% cover in other areas were targeted for treatment in 2012. All other weeds were only treated when they occurred in close proximity to polygons targeted for treatment for the weeds discussed above.

In 2012, a total of 464 acres of artichoke thistle, 37 acres of veldt grass, 44 acres of garland chrysanthemum, 7 acres of pampas grass, 8 acres of castor bean, 4 acres of sweet fennel, 11 acres of tree tobacco and 8 acres of St. John’s wort were treated in the study area.

In 2012 most weed species had lower than average cover due to past treatments and the dry winter. Nevertheless, the weeds were still present in the same general areas as in the past. Veldt grass and garland chrysanthemum have been reduced in all areas but remain a priority and all polygons should be targeted for treatment in 2013. Artichoke thistle has been greatly reduced compared to past cover. Any areas with greater than 20% cover should be targeted for treatment in 2013. All other target species have been reduced and remain a lower priority. The pilot St. John’s wort treatment program should be continued in 2013.

Executive Summary - Nature Reserve of Orange County Exotic Plant Control Program 2012. Prepared by Harmsworth & Associates. Jan., 2013.

Sahara Mustard Control

Sahara mustard (Brassica tournefortii Gouan) is an invasive annual weed from northern Africa and the Near East that has been expanding its introduced range since it was first identified in California in 1927. Unfortunately, this species appears to be expanding rapidly and has recently been found in several locations within Orange County. In 2008, a small stand of Sahara mustard was observed for the first time on Loma Ridge during a botanical survey following the Santiago Fire. Manual removal began in 2009 and has been continued annually since then by Irvine Ranch Conservancy (IRC). In summer 2009, a small stand was found in Agua Chinon during riparian invasive surveys. Soon thereafter, in early Spring 2010, the much larger source

population of this stand was identified upslope to the same wash and adjacent to an active avocado orchard.

IRC requested $10,000 in emergency funds from NROC to manually remove plants. In 2011 and 2012, $10,000 of funds were provided by NROC for Year 2 and Year 3 of control. Although the Agua Chinon population had decreased significantly in size, another substantially larger population was found in 2011 in Orchard Hills within an avocado orchard protected under NCCP and under City of Irvine ownership. Funds that were provided by NROC were applied to control both populations in 2011 and 2012. Across the three sites a total of approximately 60 acres of Sahara mustard have been identified and controlled with IRC and NROC funds. One additional putative stand was located by Limestone Ridge in 2009 during a grassland surveys; this population, if it existed, could not be relocated. Lastly, one additional population was identified in 2012 in Peters Canyon by S. Anon and was removed by hand removed primarily by OC Parks hand crews with some assistance from Pacific Restoration Group.

Summary - Sahara Mustard Control on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks 2009-2012. Prepared by Irvine Ranch Conservancy. Feb., 2013.

Mustard Control Study

Black mustard (Brassica nigra) is an abundant invasive plant species found in disturbed natural habitats in southern California, particularly in coastal regions. It was identified as a moderate threat to native habitats in the NCCP/HCP Reserve System in 2003 (LSA 2003). More recently, it has been shown to have increased significantly in cover in the Coastal Reserve between 1998 and 2008 (Suding et al. 2009). In the Central Reserve it also appears to be a growing problem, particularly in areas that have recently burned or been disturbed. Land managers have identified controlling black mustard and allowing native plant communities to recover as a priority. One potential means for efficient control of this species is to spray with herbicide in early winter after plants have germinated but still early enough in the rainy season so that native forbs and shrubs can take advantage of subsequent rainfall to establish. If spraying is delayed until the spring, it may be possible to control mustard but native plants may not establish as conditions dry up. Mustards produce abundant seed so that they can re-emerge in the next year following herbicide application. Thus, several years of weed control may be necessary to reduce mustard seed banks and allow native plants the chance to establish. In areas with high black mustard cover, it is not known if native plants will have a sufficient seed bank for passive restoration. It may be necessary for land managers to provide supplemental seed for the native plant community to begin recovering.

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. This experiment compares herbicide control versus mechanical control (mowing/weed whipping) and the efficacy of planting native plant seeds in years 2, 3 or 4 following the first application of herbicide.

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. It is also similar to experiments initiated in 2009 on Irvine Company lands by the Irvine Ranch Conservancy. 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 assumed that there are no native species within that area to be affected by the herbicide. Additionally, at the time of the application 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.

In 2012, Endemic Environmental Services biologists along with Carl Bell of the Cooperative Extension treated the six plots established in 2010 at sites with substantial densities of black mustard at the UC Irvine Ecological Preserve (2 plots) and Crystal Cove State Park (4 plots). Each of the six ~0.25-acre (120’ x 80’) experimental plots are subdivided into three 0.07-acre subplots based upon the type of weed treatment. In one subplot the black mustard is treated each year with herbicide, a second subplot is treated by mechanical means (weed whipping or flail mowing), and a third subplot serves as a control with no weed treatment. For each of the weed control treatments, there is further subdivision into four 0.02-acre plots, each with a different planting treatment. These planting treatments include: i. planted with native seed at the end of year 2; ii. planted at the end of year 3; iii. planted at the end of year 4; and iv. unplanted control.

In 2012, Carl Bell applied the herbicide treatment in February and Endemic Environmental Services mowed and removed the thatch from manual removal treatment plots in March. In April 2011, following the weed control treatments, each subplot was measured by biologists from Endemic Environmental. The methodology and sampling design for vegetation monitoring is modified from methods detailed in NROC’s vegetation monitoring study (Deutschman and Strahm 2009). 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 2012, Endemic Environmental seeded the subplots designated for seed treatments at the end of year three of the four-year experiment. Native seeds used for seeding of the plots were collected onsite at UC Irvine and provided by State Park staff at Crystal Cove.

Summary prepared by the Nature Reserve of Orange County.

USDA Orange County Invasive Management Program

In 2010, Dr. Katharine Suding at UC Berkeley, 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 increase our understanding of the threshold dynamics of invasion and restoration so we can develop and select management actions 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 restoration management actions.

In 2012, post-doctoral researcher, Sara Jo Dickens, of UC Berkeley working with Dr. Suding further advanced their assessment of the effectiveness or 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.

GreenInfo Network was brought onto the project in 2012 to assist UC Berkeley in developing the online-based decision making tool. The resulting tool was unveiled to project partners and land managers at a Land Manager Council Meeting in October of 2012. The meeting was held in a workshop format that was co-hosted by NROC and UC Berkeley. 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 participation in previous workshops and applied research conducted by UC Berkeley. The workshop was designed to provide the opportunity for participants to get a preview of the tool prototype and give further feedback to direct 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; and (4) track restoration activities and assist them in meeting their reporting obligations.

Lastly, in 2012 Dr. Stephen Swallow and Achyut Kafle from the University of Rhode Island organized and completed two, in-person economic valuation social choice experiments and a third, mail-in social choice experiment that allowed participants to vote among alternative restoration and enhancement projects that were to be implemented if chosen by the majority of stakeholders involved in the economic valuation project. Ultimately, two projects were selected by the stakeholders to be implemented. The first project (which was selected twice in two different experiments) was a 1-acre enhancement project at Crystal Cove State Park that ultimately expands the active 2-acre Lake Forest Cactus Scrub Restoration project occurring within the Park. The other project selected by the stakeholders is a cactus scrub restoration project designed by IRC that further enhances the Laguna Canyon Cactus Wren Habitat Linkage that is being actively restored by IRC and NROC, and their project partners California Department of Fish and Wildlife, TNC, and Newfields. Implementation of the IRC-directed restoration project began in late 2012.

Summary prepared by the Nature Reserve of Orange County.

Oak Pathogen Sampling

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. This 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 in the Central Subregion. This pathogen 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 oak pathogen study is to establish long-term sampling plots consistent with sampling methods used in San Diego and western Riverside Counties.

Four locations including Limestone Canyon, Borrego Wash (Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park), Wood Canyon (Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park), and Laguna Laurel (Laguna Coast Wilderness Park) were surveyed for pathogens on coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia) in 2012. Permanent plots were established and tree health, size, and signs and symptoms were recorded and sampled for all pathogens. Samples were analyzed using genetic techniques to identify pathogens.

The branch and trunk canker pathogen Diplodia corticola (Botryosphaeriaceae), an aggressive pathogen on coast live oak (Lynch et. al. 2010, 2012) was recovered from cankered branch tissues collected within the coastal sites. At each coastal location, D. corticola was detected from 60% of the plots, ranging between 5-30% per plot. Other aggressive pathogens of oak, including Fusarium solani and Diplodia agrifolia were also detected in every coastal plot. Diplodia agrifolia is a newly described pathogen from the outbreak in San Diego County and is closely related to Diplodia mutila (Lynch et al. 2012). Diatrypella verrucaeformis and Dothiorella iberica, which are pathogens on oak, were also detected at all locations except for Limestone Canyon. Of the aggressive pathogens, D. corticola is the most vigorous (Lynch et al. 2012, submitted).

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 (Lynch et. al. 2012) known to exist in areas of oak mortality throughout San Diego County and be a contributor to cork oak decline in Europe (Alves et al. 2004). Although one component of the decline of oaks in San Diego County is the goldspotted oak borer (GSOB), 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 (Luque et al. 2000).

An additional problem emerging in southern California is Fusarium Dieback (FD), a new disease in Orange and Los Angeles counties. Fusarium dieback is caused by a new fungal/beetle complex including a new, yet unnamed Fusarium sp. that forms a symbiotic relationship with its vector, a recently discovered Euwallacea sp. beetle (Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer). The identical new beetle species was found in Israel in 2009 in commercial avocado orchards where it has been causing severe damage to avocado and landscape trees. The impact of this generalist exotic pathogen/beetle complex is a concern for land managers in addition to the avocado industry because the disease is supported by a broad host range and can spread quickly. Coast live oak is a host. During surveys conducted in 2012, Fusarium dieback was confirmed on a roadside cost live oak tree ~1/4 mile east of Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, although no signs of the beetle/fungus were observed within the Reserve.

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 on a landscape and individual level. Disease progress must be assessed over time on a number of individual trees. Additionally, in order to determine the impact of disease(s) through time, it is essential to also know how disease(s) are distributed and spread over an area. Expanding the scope of the project will require a future increase in sample size (number of plots), either within each site or expanding to other sites. Expanding to other locations would allow for the simultaneous monitoring of any establishment of Fusarium dieback.

Summarized from Nature Reserve of Orange County Oak Pathogen Study: Interim Update and Recommendations for 2013. Prepared by UC Riverside. Nov., 2012.

2.4 Brown-headed Cowbird Trapping Program

Eleven modified Australian crow traps were used to trap Brown-headed Cowbirds (Molothrus ater) in the vicinity of the San Joaquin Hills Transportation Corridor in 2012. The eleven traps were operational between March 15 and July 15. During this time traps were maintained, serviced, and all non-target species and excess cowbirds were removed on a daily basis. The 2012 program, like the 2002 through 2011 programs, represents a substantially decreased effort compared with previous years when 20 traps were operated from March 15 to August 15.

A total of 125 brown-headed cowbirds, including 53 males, 46 females, and 26 juveniles were captured during the trapping period. The traps were operated for a total of 1,319 of the potential 1,353 trap days (97.5%). A total of 1,979 individuals from nine non-target avian species were captured during the 2012 trapping season, of which twenty-six (1.31%) died or were predated in the traps. No threatened or endangered species were captured.

Executive Summary from 2012 San Joaquin Hills Transportation Corridor Brown-headed Cowbird Trapping Program Report. Prepared by Leatherman BioConsulting, Inc. Sep., 2012.

References

AECOM. 2013. Vegetation Classification for Orange County Final Report. January. 128 pp.

Alves, A., A. Correia, J. Luque, and A. Phillips. 2004. Botryosphaeria corticola, sp. nov. on Quercus species, with notes and description of Botryosphaeria stevensii and its anamorph, Diplodia mutila. Mycologia 96(3):598-613.

Atwood, J.L., D.R. Bontrager, M. Fugagli, R. Hirsch, D. Kamada, M. Madden, C. Reynolds, S. Tsai, and P. Bowler. 2002. Population Dynamics, Dispersal and Demography of California Gnatcatchers and Cactus Wrens in Coastal Southern California (1997 Progress Report). 42 pp + Appendices.

Bartholomew, B. 1970. Bare zone between California shrub and grassland communities: the role of animals. Science 172:1210-1212.

Bolger, D.T., M.A. Patten, and D.C. Bostock. 2005. Avian reproductive failure in response to an extreme climatic event. Oecologia 142:398-406.

Bontrager, D.R., R.A. Erickson, and R.A. Hamilton. 1995. Impacts of the October 1993 Laguna Canyon fire on California Gnatcatchers and Cactus Wrens. pp. 69-76 in Brushfires in California Wildlands: Ecology and Resource Management (J.E. Keeley and T. Scott, eds.). International Association of Wildland Fire, Fairfield, WA.

Brehme, C. S., L. R. Albert, T. Matsuda, R. N. Booth, and R. N. Fisher. 2010. Pacific Pocket Mouse Sampling Methodology Study, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. Prepared for AC/S Environmental Security. Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton. 47 pp.

Brehme, C.S., T.A. Matsuda, L.R. Albert, B.H. Smith, and R.N. Fisher. 2012. Pacific Pocket Mouse Studies 2010, MCB, Camp Pendleton: Discovery and Population Mapping—with Additional Studies for Scent Effects on Detectability and Surveys for the Argentine Ant at North and South San Mateo. Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. Prepared for AC/S Environmental Security, Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton. 40 pp.

DeSante, D.F. and G.R. Geupel. 1987. Landbird productivity in central coastal California: the relationship to annual rainfall and a reproductive failure in 1986. Condor 89:636-653.

Deutschman, D. H. and S. L. Strahm. 2009. Improving Statistical Sampling and Vegetation Monitoring in the San Diego MSCP. San Diego Association of Governments, San Diego.

Fleming, G., and S. Tremor. 2011. Santiago Fire, Santa Ana Mountains, Orange County: Small Mammal Impact, Recovery, and Long-Term Monitoring. San Diego Natural History Museum, San Diego, CA.

Grant, P.R., B.R. Grant, L.F. Keller, and K. Petren. 2000. Effects of El Nino events on Darwin’s finch productivity. Ecology 81:2422-2457.

Gray, J. and D. Bramlet. 1992. Habitat Classification System Natural Resources Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Project. Report prepared for Orange County Environmental Management Agency, Santa Ana, California.

Hamilton, R.A. 2003. Target Bird Monitoring Study: Nature reserve of Orange County, 2003. Prepared for the Nature Reserve of Orange County, December 2, 2003. 53 pp + Appendices.

Hamilton, R.A. 2004. Target Bird Monitoring Study: Nature Reserve of Orange County, 2004. Prepared for the Nature Reserve of Orange County, November 3, 2004. 62 pp. + Appendices.

Harmsworth Associates. 1999. California Gnatcatcher and Coastal Cactus Wren Monitoring Report for the San Joaquin Hills Burn Area 1996-1998. Final report prepared for the Transportation Corridor Agencies. January. 42 pp + Appendices.

Harmsworth Associates. 2013. Nature Reserve of Orange County Exotic Plant Control Program 2012. January. 77 pp.

Irvine Ranch Conservancy. 2012. Update on Cactus Wren Foraging and Diet Study. August. 7 pp.

Irvine Ranch Conservancy. 2013. Sahara Mustard Control on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks 2009-2012. Prepared by Irvine Ranch Conservancy. February, 8 pp.

Kamada, D. 2008. Final Report: Cactus Wren (Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus) 2007 Telemetry Study and the 2007 Monitoring Results of the 2006 Cactus Wren Translocation Study in Orange County, California. Report prepared for the California Department of Fish and Game and the Nature Reserve of Orange County. February. 49 pp.

Kamada, D., and M. Mitrovich. 2006. Results of the 2006 Cactus Wren (Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus) Translocation Study in Orange County, California. Report prepared for the California Department of Fish and Game. December. 22 pp.

Kamada, D., and K. Preston. 2013. Nature Reserve of Orange County: Coastal Cactus Wren Dispersal and Survival Surveys, Genetics & Parasite Sampling, and Arthropod Foraging Ecology in 2012. Prepared by Dana Kamada and Kristine Preston. February. 93 pp.

Leatherman Bioconsulting. 2009. Central Reserve Cactus Wren Habitat Assessment and Survey, 2008. Report Prepared for the Nature Reserve of Orange County. February. 27 pp.

Leatherman Bioconsulting. 2012. 2012 San Joaquin Hills Transportation Corridor Brown-headed Cowbird Trapping Program Report. September. 24 pp.

LSA Associates. 2003. Habitat Restoration and Enhancement Plan: Nature Reserve of Orange County, Central Coastal Subregion. Submitted to the Nature Reserve of Orange County, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and California Department of Fish and Game. Prepared in association with County of Orange, EARTHWORKS Construction and Design, Martha Blane and Associated, the Nature Conservancy. LSA Project No, NAR930. 90 pp + Appendices.

Luque, J., J. Parladé, and J. Pera. 2000. Pathogenicity of fungi isolated from Quercus suber in Catalonia (NE Spain). Forest Pathology 30:247-263.

Lynch, S.C., A. Eskalen, P. Zambino, and T. Scott. 2010. First report of bot canker caused by Diplodia corticola on coast live oak, Quercus agrifolia in southern California. Plant Disease 94(12):1510.

Lynch, A. Eskalen, P. J. Zambino, J.S. Mayorquin, D.H. Wang. 2012. Identification and pathogenicity of Botryosphaeriaceae species associated with coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia) decline in southern California. Mycologia: doi: 10.3852/12-047.

Mitrovich, M.J. and R.A. Hamilton. 2007. Status of the Cactus Wren (Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus) within the Coastal Subregion of Orange County, California. Report prepared for the Nature Reserve of Orange County. May. 18 pp.

Mitrovich, M., K. Preston, and D. Kamada. 2013. Nature Reserve of Orange County: Translocation of San Diego Cactus Wren, a State Species of Special Concern. January, 29 pp.

Morrison, S.A. and D.T. Bolger. 2002. Variation in a sparrow’s reproductive success with rainfall: food and predator-mediated processes. Oecologia 133:315-324.

Nature Reserve of Orange County, Transportation Corridor Agencies, and NewFields. 2012. Performance Monitoring Report Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation Program Cactus Wren Habitat Linkage Enhancement and Restoration Project. April. 71 pp.

NewFields. 2009. Cactus Wren Habitat Linkage Restoration Plan: Coastal Reserve, Nature Reserve of Orange County. Prepared for the California Department of Fish and Game and the Nature Reserve of Orange County. Local Assistance Grant #PO850010. December. 32 pp.

NewFields. 2010. Cactus Wren Habitat Linkage Enhancement and Restoration Project: Upper Newport Bay – Bonita Creek/Coyote Canyon – San Joaquin Hills. Final Specifications prepared for the Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation Program. June. 24 pp.

NewFields. 2012a. Annual Progress Review – Measure M Cactus Scrub Restoration Project for the University of California Irvine Ecological Preserve. September. 13 pp.

NewFields. 2012b. 2012 Performance Monitoring Report (Year 2) Cactus Wren Habitat Linkage Coastal Reserve Nature Reserve of Orange County. December. 44 pp.

NewFields. 2012c. Installation and Progress Report – City of Lake Forest Cactus Salvage and Relocation Project. September. 15 pp.

Orange County Environmental Management Agency. 1996. Natural Community Conservation Plan and Habitat Conservation Plan, County of Orange Central and Coastal Subregion Parts I & II: NCCP/HCP. County of Orange Environmental Management Agency. Santa Ana, California. 532 pp.

Preston, K.L. and J.T. Rotenberry. 2006a. Independent effects of food and predator-mediated processes on annual fecundity in a songbird. Ecology 87:160-168.

Preston, K.L. and J.T. Rotenberry. 2006b. The role of food, nest predation, and climate in timing of Wrentit reproductive activities. Condor 108:832-841.

Regan, H.M., L.A. Hierl, J. Franklin, and D.H. Deutschman. 2006. San Diego Multiple Species Program Covered Species Prioritization. Prepared for the California Department of Fish and Game for Local Assistance Grant #P0450009. January. 133 pp.

Regan, H.M., L.A. Hierl, J. Franklin, D.H. Deutschman, H.L. Schmalbach, C.S. Winchell, and B.S. Johnson. 2008. Species prioritization for monitoring and management in regional multiple species conservation plans. Diversity and Distributions 14:462-471.

San Diego Natural History Museum. 2013. Focused Surveys for the Pacific Pocket Mouse (Perognathus longimembris pacificus). January. 20 pp.

Spencer, W. D., C. Schaefer, S. Dodd, S. J. Montgomery, and C. Holland. 2001. Pacific Pocket Mouse Studies Program, Phase III report, Peer Review Draft. Unpublished report prepared for Foothill/Eastern Transportation Corridor Agency and U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. February 2001. 36pp. + appendices.

Suding, K.N., M. Royall, T. Dixon, and T. Valentovich. 2009. Measuring the Sustainability of Artichoke Thistle (Cynara cardunculus) Control Efforts Following Suspension of Control Activities in Historic Southern California Rangeland. Prepared for the Nature Reserve of Orange County. January. 10 pp. + appendices.

U.C. Davis. 2012. UC Davis Wildlife Health Center: Southern California Cougar Project 2012 Annual Report. December. 10 pp.

U.C. Riverside. 2012. Nature Reserve of Orange County Oak Pathogen Study: Interim Update and Recommendations for 2013. November. 3 pp.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service). 1998. Pacific pocket mouse (Perognathus logimembris pacificus) recovery plan. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Portland, Oregon. 112 pp.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2010. Pacific Pocket Mouse (Perognathus longimembris pacificus) Five-Year Review: Summary and Evaluation. 86 pp.

2.5 Wildland Fire in the Reserve

A fire burned 43.8 acres on September 27, 2012 at the SW corner of Santiago Hills, immediately west of Irvine Lake. The area burned included right-of-way, The Irvine Company NCCP, and 18.2 acres of OC Parks NCCP.

2.6 Pacific Pocket Mouse Conservation Custodial Fund

Pursuant to a Letter of Agreement between the US Fish & 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 Headlands Reserve LLC to deposit funds annually through 2005 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 CDFG for projects in support of pocket mouse research, recovery and enhancement. The 2012 beginning balance of the Pacific Pocket Mouse Custodial Fund was $192,325.51, and the 2012 ending balance was $192,511.62. There was one dispersal event in the amount of $11,066.00 in support of a population survey.

3.0 NROC SCIENCE PROGRAM: WORK PLAN 2013

3.1 Science Program Budget Projection 2013

The NROC Technical Advisory Committee met in August and November, 2012, to determine what projects to recommend for the 2013 budget, and at what level of funding. NROC staff met with the Finance Committee in September, November and December of the same year to coordinate project priorities with funding. Recommended projects were

included in the NROC budget projection for fiscal year 2013, and the board of directors approved the budget at the December, 2012, meeting.

NROC 2013 Science Program: Project Budget Projection*

BIOLOGICAL MONITORING & RESEARCH NROC Vegetation Mapping (Phase II)* $ 101,350 Cactus Wren Foraging & Arthropod Study 25,000 New – NCCP/HCP Monitoring Plan 50,000 New – Reptile Species Monitoring 35,000 Mountain Lion Project 10,000

Subtotal $ 221,350

HABITAT RESTORATION/ENHANCEMENT & RESEARCH Weed Control Artichoke Thistle Control $ 50,000 Weed Control Veldt grass Control 50,000 Weed Control Management & Mapping 45,000 New – Habitat Restoration Planning Study (UCB) 77,600 Lake Forest Cactus Wren Translocation 45,000 Lake Forest Habitat Restoration Maint. & Mon. 52,140 Measure M Cactus Scrub Habitat Restoration (UCI) 56,570 Habitat Restoration Maint. & Mon. (UCI & LCWP) 56,080 New – Rare Plant Management Plan 60,000 USDA Grant Habitat Enhancement Projects 20,000 Black Mustard Control Study 16,000 Sahara Mustard Control - IRC 7,500 Oak Pathogen Monitoring 5,000

Subtotal $ 540,890

COWBIRD TRAPPING $ 31,326

*NROC 2013 PROGRAM TOTAL BUDGET PROJECTION $ 793,566

*Pending Local Assistance Grant from the State of California to cover $75,000 of proposed project costs

3.2 Biological Monitoring and Research

Vegetation Mapping (Phase II)

In Phase I of the project (largely funded through a CDFW Local Assistance Grant), AECOM was tasked with updating the new vegetation classification system for Orange County. The methodology used was consistent with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife standard for vegetation classification. The system is a hierarchical classification system that has been applied to mapping efforts throughout California. The fieldwork and data analysis associated with Phase I are scheduled to be complete by the end of March 2013.

Phase II involves the production of a new fine-scale digital vegetation map for Coastal and Central NCCP/HCP sub-regions through the application of the classification system to the photo-interpretation of available imagery and analysis of field survey data. NROC has applied for a CDFW Local Assistance Grant (LAG) to offset $75,000 of the total cost of implementing Phase II. In addition, The Nature Conservancy has agreed to contribute funds towards extending the project to map approximately 10,000 acres of easement lands bordering the Reserve System.

Cactus Wren Foraging & Arthropod Study

Initiated in 2012, the study investigates the interactions between vegetation, arthropod abundance and diversity, and Cactus Wren foraging behavior and productivity. The study is a collaborative effort between UC Irvine, Irvine Ranch Conservancy, and NROC. Nine Cactus Wren pairs were followed in 2012 across three sites, Bommer Canyon, Sand Canyon, and the UC Irvine Ecological Preserve. Associated arthropod sampling and vegetation surveys occurred in overlapping areas in 2012. In 2013, laboratory analysis of Cactus Wren fecal samples and genetic bar coding of prey items will be undertaken. Also in 2013, a second year of fieldwork at the study sites will again involve the sampling of arthropods occupying distinct habitat elements located within the Cactus Wren territories, collection of additional Cactus Wren fecal samples, and the recording and monitoring of Cactus Wren foraging activities and reproductive success.

New-NCCP/HCP Monitoring Plan

The NCCP/HCP Monitoring Plan Project provides funding to facilitate the continued development of NROC’s long-term monitoring plan. Development of a new comprehensive monitoring plan for the Reserve supports one of the principal tenets of NROC’s new strategic plan, which involves meeting the monitoring requirements outlined in the NCCP/HCP.

The Orange County Central & Coastal NCCP/HCP was developed to conserve three “Target Species” and 36 “Identified Species” and their habitats. The NCCP/HCP requires direct monitoring of the Target and Identified Species and the coastal sage scrub community to determine how well the NCCP/HCP Adaptive Management Program is addressing the goal of maintaining long-term net habitat value of CSS habitat within the Subregion. The NCCP/HCP envisions a systematic sampling program that focusing on the three Target Species (California Gnatcatcher, Cactus Wren, 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 Plan assumes that after gathering initial inventory data, a transition will be made to management monitoring. Finally, adaptive management monitoring will be used to assess the effectiveness of management actions.

At present, NROC’s Long-term Monitoring Plan is being developed with the best available science to effectively monitor species and habitats in order to achieve NCCP/HCP goals and objectives. The funding made available through the NCCP/HCP Monitoring Plan Project will provide NROC the ability to hire consultants to support staff efforts to complete the plan’s development by the end of 2013.

New-Reptile Species Monitoring

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, are being considered for implementation in 2013 as part of the development of the Reserve’s long-term monitoring program. Focal reptile species being considered for the monitoring efforts focus on the NCCP/HCP covered reptile species, specifically, orange-throated whiptail lizard, coastal whiptail lizard, and coast horned lizard. The last year that reptiles were included in annual monitoring efforts by NROC was 2002. As part of the proposed 2013 monitoring efforts, NROC is currently 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.

Mountain Lion Project

The Mountain Lion Project conducted by the UC Davis Wildlife Health Center focuses on (1) landscape connectivity and conservation; (2) health and disease; and (3) minimizing conflicts between cougars and people. The project is a collaborative effort with many partners assisting in funding and logistics. NROC has contributed funding to the project in 2011 ($25,000) and 2012 ($10,000). Areas of effort by the Mountain Lion Project that may potentially benefit from supplemental funding by NROC in 2013 include:

Monitoring of wildlife crossings along the 241 south of the 241-261 junction. The monitoring effort, which involves the use of wildlife cameras to detect wildlife crossings was undertaken to have a more complete picture and context for the work on the main section financed by the Transportation Corridor Agencies. The additional monitoring is also expected to support future efforts to find funding for improving wildlife crossings in areas not currently slated for modifications. Without NROC support, the project may have to cut back on additional monitoring efforts if other uses for the project’s general fund take priority.

More detailed computer modeling of crossing points by deer and mountain lions along Santiago Canyon Road, Ortega Highway, and a few other locations. Computer modeling is of scientific interest and may serve as a potential tool for management and highway planning. Currently project team members are working with modelers at UC Davis and the University of Massachusetts to develop better movement models that predict movement of lions and other wildlife through established and potential corridors, and in relation to different highway types. Supplemental funding from NROC may be used to support this effort as it moves forward.

Genetic analyses are almost complete for the mountain lions involved in the current UC Davis study and the lions tracked by the US Geological Society. This information is expected to give a good picture of the status of the species in the Santa Ana Mountains relative to other parts of southern California. Once the basic genetic information becomes available, there may be a need for more fine-scale work in 2013 involving landscape genetics modeling that NROC funding could support.

Investigating disease dynamics between mountain lions, bobcats, and other species, as well as anticoagulant rodenticide transfer pathways. Team members are applying for funding from NSF

to look at retrospective samples combining disease exposure with the genetic data. It is possible that there will be a need to collect and analyze samples that are prospective. NROC funding may provide supplemental funding for the collection of new samples and overall project support.

3.3 Habitat Restoration and Enhancement

Weed Control - Artichoke Thistle

Initiated by program partners in 1994, the program is entering its 20th year of implementation. Since implementation, 1,000s of acres of the Reserve have been treated for control of invasive plant species using herbicide application. Exotic plant control efforts in 2013 are proposed to be similar to what was approved and executed in 2012. New to 2013 is the planned increased collaboration with OC Parks and the Irvine Ranch Conservancy (IRC) concerning the management and mapping of their control efforts.

Note: The specific dollar amount budgeted for artichoke thistle control in 2013 ($50,000) is a decrease from 2012 levels ($60,000). In 2013, Nakae & Associates, the principal exotic plant control contractor, is expected to have their workload reduced as the County and Irvine Ranch Conservancy are planning to implement control efforts in areas of the Reserve for which NROC has traditionally funded the control work.

Weed Control - Veldt Grass

In 2013, NROC will be entering the 15th consecutive year in which the exotic plant control program has focused on controlling the spread of veldt grass in the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. Cover of this highly invasive grass appears to have been reduced substantially over the last several years following changes in the timing, intensity, and methods of control efforts. In addition to applying traditional herbicide control methods in 2013, NROC will continue to pursue opportunities to collaborate on implementing complimentary control efforts for this species.

Weed Control - Management & Mapping

In 2013, NROC is proposing to continue to fund the management and mapping of exotic plant control efforts undertaken as part of the Reserve’s Exotic Plant Control Program. In the upcoming year, NROC staff will pursue opportunities to increase coordination and collaboration of control and mapping efforts with land managers. In addition to managing efforts associated with NROC’s exotic plant control efforts, Harmsworth & Associates is expected to expand their mapping and management efforts in 2013 to assist in management and mapping of County- funded and IRC-managed control efforts within the Reserve.

Habitat Restoration Planning Study (UC Berkeley)

Historically, over 4,000 acres of the Orange County Central & Coastal Subregion NCCP/HCP Reserve System have been invaded by artichoke thistle. Invasion has resulted in displacement of many desirable plant species and overall degradation of the Reserve’s target plant community, coastal sage scrub. To control the spread of Artichoke thistle, NROC established a

management program involving spot application of herbicide to individual plants. Since 1994, thousands of acres have been treated annually. Additionally, NROC has chemically and mechanically managed other exotic, invasive species such as black mustard and tree tobacco. While these weed control efforts reduce the target invasive species, whether or not the native plant community is recovering is not necessarily clear, nor is the long-term sustainability of the control efforts.

Assessing recovery after exotic plant control measures is a powerful tool to help aid in restoration decision-making and ultimately guide future management actions for the Reserve System. NROC, in partnership with Dr. Katharine Suding (UC Berkeley), is proposing to implement a time-series survey approach to assess the recovery of the native plant community following weed control efforts, and, in doing so, address a number of critical issues relevant to restoration planning at NROC.

The proposed project will provide an updated description of the vegetation community at 110+ sites within the Reserve System previously sampled in 1998 and 2008. The addition of a third survey time period will increase knowledge of the status of reserve lands and allow NROC the ability to investigate the trajectories that restoration lands have been on since initiation of management efforts. By capitalizing on past vegetation monitoring, the proposed new resurvey work and additional analysis of monitoring data can be used to reveal the mechanisms underlying the complex dynamics of vegetation recovery over time and inform restoration decision-making with the NCCP/HCP Reserve System. The new information will also allow NROC to review the long-term sustainability of the control program as well as prioritize where additional intervention is needed to achieve recovery of the native plant community. The project is expected to be an 18-month effort. NROC has applied for a Local Assistance Grant from the State of California to cover approximately 50% of the total project’s cost.

Lake Forest Cactus Wren Translocation

Initiated in late 2011, the project involves the capture, banding, release, and monitoring of nine Cactus Wrens translocated from a development site in the City of Lake Forest to the James Dilley Preserve in the Coastal Reserve. Monitoring of the translocated wrens and their offspring is due to continue in 2013 as per the original contract. Given the strong interest by the TAC in evaluating the efficacy of translocation as a management tool, additional funds have been proposed to expand the 2013 monitoring effort allowing for a substantial increase in the survey effort and reproductive monitoring of all mated translocated Cactus Wrens and their progeny.

Lake Forest Habitat Restoration Maintenance & Monitoring (Yr 2 of 5)

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 are scheduled to receive seed in the fall of 2012. The Whiting Ranch restoration sites that received duff are performing exceptionally well and will not require additional seed in 2013. Maintenance and monitoring is ongoing and scheduled to occur through 2016 at all three sites. The attached table provides a master schedule for the restoration activities associated with this and the other ongoing cactus scrub restoration projects affiliated with NROC.

Measure M Cactus Scrub Restoration Project UCI (Year 2 of 5)

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 UC Ecological Preserve that is less than two years old. As with the EEMP restoration, the Measure M site has performed exceptionally well over the last year and is regularly visited by the two target bird species, Cactus Wren and California Gnatcatcher. Ongoing maintenance and monitoring of the Measure M funded restoration project is scheduled to occur through 2016. All of the funds budgeted in 2013 for ongoing maintenance and monitoring are covered through the Measure M grant. The attached table provides a master schedule for the restoration activities associated with this and the other ongoing cactus scrub restoration projects affiliated with NROC.

Habitat Restoration Maintenance & Monitoring (UCI & LCWP)

Laguna Canyon Cactus Wren Habitat Linkage Restoration Project – Restoration of the Cactus Wren habitat linkage was initiated in 2009 with site preparation occurring in late 2009 and planting of cactus in early 2010 across roughly eight acres in Laguna Canyon. Seeding of the active restoration sites occurred in late 2010. Maintenance and monitoring of the Local Assistance Grant project is ongoing and scheduled to occur through 2014.

EEMP Cactus Scrub Restoration Project – The cactus scrub restoration project funded largely by Cal Trans EEMP in partnership with Transportation Corridor Agencies and UC Irvine was initiated in 2010. Seeding of the four-acre restoration area at UC Irvine was completed in late 2011. Ongoing maintenance and monitoring of the project restoration sites are scheduled to occur in 2013.

The attached table provides a master schedule for the restoration activities associated with both of these projects as well as the other ongoing cactus scrub restoration projects affiliated with NROC.

New-Rare Plant Management Plan

Funding is available in 2013 for the development of a rare plant management and monitoring program, as well as implementation of some of its recommendations. The purpose of the program would be to inventory and map rare plant occurrences, perform studies to understand stressors and threats to individual species, and identify and implement management measures to enhance threatened populations. Funds are temporarily restricted for the development of a rare plant management and monitoring plan and initial implementation of identified management strategies. NROC is currently working with the Wildlife Agencies to develop and circulate a RFP for implementation of the project in 2013 and beyond.

USDA Grant Habitat Enhancement Projects

Initiated in 2011 in partnership with UC Berkeley and others, the US Department of Agriculture funded project involves working with the Reserve’s land managers and landowners to assess the effectiveness of past restoration techniques employed across the Reserve System. Among

the identified project deliverables is the creation of an online decision-making tool that land managers can use to help prioritize and develop restoration projects. In addition to development of this tool, social choice experiments have been implemented in 2012 and provide for the development of two, 1-acre enhancement projects complimenting the existing cactus scrub restoration work at Crystal Cove State Park, as well as a third restoration project to be managed by IRC that will expand the Laguna Canyon Cactus Wren Habitat Linkage beginning in late 2012 and extend through 2013 and beyond.

Black Mustard Control Study (Year 4 of 4)

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 experiment is scheduled to enter its fourth and final year in 2013. Qualitative monitoring of the multi-year experiment has shown mixed success in terms of controlling mustard across the six experimental plots. The three years of data collected to date is to be analyzed quantitatively in 2013. The TAC indicated that there were a number of ongoing experiments and control effort targeting mustard within the South Coast Ecoregion and that the individuals working on these efforts may be a resource to NROC staff as they proceed with analysis and interpretation of the data.

Sahara Mustard Control - IRC

Manual removal of the highly invasive Sahara mustard began in 2009 in the Central Reserve and has been continued annually by Irvine Ranch Conservancy (IRC) with financial support for control activities provided by NROC in 2011 and 2012. In both 2011 and 2012, $10,000 in funds were provided by NROC for control of populations of Sahara mustard located along Loma Ridge, Agua Chinon and Orchard Hills. The Orchard Hills population is located within an avocado orchard protected under the NCCP and under City of Irvine ownership. Since 2009, a total of 60 acres of Sahara mustard across the three sites has been identified and controlled with IRC and NROC funds. In 2013, NROC funding is also expected to support the control of a new population of Sahara mustard discovered in 2012 in Peter’s Canyon Regional Park.

Oak Pathogen Monitoring

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. Although the final report has yet to be complete, early results show a canker pathogen (Diplodia corticola) was recovered from symptomatic tissues of oak collected within the sampled 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 is expected to be highlighted in a workshop setting in the fall of 2013. A second year of monitoring of the oaks sampled in 2012 and expansion of the pathogen surveys to other oak woodlands in the Reserve was not recommended for funding in 2013. Instead, in 2013 the researcher team from UC Riverside, in light of their recent findings, is to develop a best practices manual for oak woodland management within the Reserve System.

Master Schedule – EEMP and Laguna Canyon Cactus Scrub Restoration Projects

Project 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 YR0 YR1 YR2 YR3 YR4 YR5 Restoration Cactus Maintenance Maintenance Proposed: plan finalized; installation Weeding; Weeding; Maintenance sites selected (Feb.); Avian Avian Weeding; & prepped Seeding Monitoring; Monitoring; Qualitative

(Nov.); Quantitative Quantitative Monitoring Maintenance Monitoring Monitoring Weeding; Qualitative Occurred: Monitoring Maintenance Maintenance Maintenance Avian Avian

Weeding; Weeding; Weeding; Monitoring; Monitoring; Avian Avian Avian Quantitative Quantitative Monitoring; Monitoring; Monitoring; Monitoring Monitoring Qualitative Quantitative Quantitative Laguna Canyon Cactus Canyon Wren Laguna (LAG) Linkage Habitat Scheduled: Monitoring Monitoring Monitoring YR0 YR1 YR2 YR3 YR4 YR5

Restoration Site seeded Maintenance Proposed: plan finalized; (Nov.); Weeding; Maintenance Sites selected Maintenance Avian Weeding;

& prepped; Weeding; Monitoring; Quantitative Cactus Avian Quantitative Monitoring installed (Nov.) Monitoring; Monitoring Qualitative Occurred: Monitoring Maintenance Maintenance Maintenance Avian Avian

Weeding; Weeding; Weeding; Monitoring; Monitoring; Avian Avian Avian Quantitative Quantitative Monitoring; Monitoring; Monitoring; Monitoring Monitoring Qualitative Quantitative Quantitative EEMP Cactus Scrub Restoration Scrub Cactus EEMP Scheduled: Monitoring Monitoring Monitoring

Master Schedule – Lake Forest and Measure M Cactus Scrub Restoration Projects

Project 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 YR0 YR1 YR2 YR3 YR4 YR5 Restoration Seeding (Oct.); Proposed: plan finalized; Maintenance Maintenance

Sites selected Weeding; Weeding; & prepped; Avian Avian Cactus Monitoring; Monitoring; installed (Dec.) Qualitative Qualitative Occurred: Monitoring Monitoring

Maintenance Maintenance Maintenance Avian Avian

Weeding; Weeding; Weeding; Monitoring; Monitoring; Avian Avian Avian Qualitative Quantitative Monitoring; Monitoring; Monitoring; Monitoring Monitoring Qualitative Qualitative Quantitative MeasureCactus M Scrub Restoration Scheduled: Monitoring Monitoring Monitoring YR0 YR1 YR2 YR3 YR4 YR5 Restoration Seeding (Oct.); Proposed: plan finalized; Maintenance Maintenance

sites selected Weeding; Weeding; & prepped; Avian Qualitative Cactus Monitoring; Monitoring installed (Dec.) Qualitative Occurred: Monitoring

Maintenance Maintenance Maintenance Maintenance Maintenance

Weeding; Weeding; Weeding; Weeding; Weeding; Avian Avian Avian Avian Avian Monitoring; Monitoring; Monitoring; Monitoring; Monitoring; Qualitative Qualitative Quantitative Qualitative Quantitative Lake Forest Habitat Restoration Scheduled: Monitoring Monitoring Monitoring Monitoring Monitoring

3.4 Brown-Headed Cowbird Trapping Program

The program in 2013 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 Reserve. Eleven cowbird traps will be operated from March 15 to July 15. Trap locations are expected to be the same as in 2012. 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.

4.0 NCCP/HCP RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLANS & POLICIES

4.1 Fire Management Plan

Throughout 2012 Dudek continued drafting a Wildland Fire Management Plan for the Reserve. A limited number of meetings with landowners and stakeholder had been conducted and, comments and content has been incorporated in the revised draft. A completed draft is anticipated to be available for review by all parties to the NCCP/HCP in the first quarter of 2013.

Background A short-term Fire Management Plan (FMP) was approved by the NROC board in 1999 and distributed to the US Fish & Wildlife Service and California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Firewise 2000 was engaged in 2001 as a consulting firm to revise the long-term FMP. It was then decided to combine the short-term tactical and long-term strategic plans to for a “Wildland Fire Management Plan” for the NCCP. The board approved an interim long-term strategic FMP in 2003 with the understanding that there would be additional review and changes. The wildlife agencies and fire authority agreed that the Lake Mathews FMP would be used as a model for the NROC plan. Volume I, the text background section, was revised, and the detailed map section that includes access points and roads as well as sensitive species and other resources was in progress. Volume I, as well as a sample portion of Volume II, was distributed to the NROC board of directors in June and input was requested. Some concerns about the plan were expressed in a letter from some landowners and fire agencies, and a task force was formed to assure completion of the plan.

4.2 Habitat Restoration & Enhancement Plan

The current HREP was completed and approved by the board of directors in 2003, and has periodically been reviewed. A subcommittee of the TAC was formed to begin a review process of the HREP in 2012. Three meetings were held by the subcommittee in 2012. Additionally, two separate meetings with State Parks and the County were held to discuss the procedures for coordinating habitat restoration activities among NROC, Wildlife Agencies, and land managers. Also in 2012, a cursory economic analysis of the performance of Habitat Restoration & Enhancement Fund under different program scenarios was conducted by NROC.

4.3 Recreation Management Plan

According to the NCCP and Implementation Agreement, resource management plans for parks and other open spaces within the reserve will include a recreation management

component. In 2004 it was decided that NROC should establish an overview of NCCP requirements, and keep park resource management plans on file for reference. Currently NROC is acquiring plans as they become available.

4.4 Grazing Management Plan

Though a Grazing Management Plan was adopted, grazing in the reserve by cattle ceased in 2002. A grazing monitoring program has been conducted by The Nature Conservancy for The Irvine Company at 19 permanent vegetation monitoring stations throughout the reserve at the grassland/CSS ecotone. Several of the stations are in areas where grazing did not take place as a control measure.

5.0 IMPACTS TO COASTAL SAGE SCRUB HABITAT IN THE COUNTY OF ORANGE CENTRAL/COASTAL SUBREGION NCCP/HCP 2012

5.1 Authorized Take in the Reserve System by Participating Landowners as Reported to NROC in 2012.

No authorized take was reported to NROC by Participating Landowners in 2012.

5.2 Take by Non-Participating Landowners – Mitigation Fee Option

In 2012, two Non-Participating Landowners opted to pay In-Lieu Mitigation Fees totaling $965,250 for a combined impact of 14.85 acres of Coastal Sage Scrub.

Date Non Participating Project Acres CSS In-Lieu Landowner Impact Mitigation Fee

06/06/12 City of Lake Forest Alton Parkway 0.80 $52,000 09/16/12 Shea Baker Shea Baker Ranch 14.05 $913,250 Associates, LLC

TOTAL 14.85 $965,250

6.0 ACCOUNTING OF FUNDS RECEIVED AND DISPERSED BY NROC

No funds were dispersed to NCCP/HCP participants. However, NROC provided in-kind contributions to reserve landowners in the form of invasive weed eradication on reserve lands. In 2012, $161,000 was spent on invasive plant treatments with artichoke thistle ($60,000) and veldt grass ($50,000) representing the bulk of the investment.

7.0 BOUNDARY CHANGES/MINOR AMENDMENTS IN THE RESERVE SYSTEM

No Boundary Amendments were approved by the NROC Board of Directors in 2012.

Nature Reserve of Orange County

ANNUAL REPORT 2012

Section: 8.1

Crystal Cove State Park

CRYSTAL COVE STATE PARK 2012 NCCP/HCP ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT

I. Recreation Use, Monitoring and Management

A. Current Use Policies

Crystal Cove State Park (CCSP) includes approximately 2,400 acres of backcountry and 400 acres along the coastal terrace. There are 18 miles of marked backcountry trails, both dirt road and single track, open to all hike, bike and equestrian users. There are 3 environmental campgrounds located from 2 to 3 miles inland as well as the new Moro Campground and Day Use area with 60 campsites. Paved bike/pedestrian paths along the coastal terrace connect with 6 beach parking lots and 10 access ramps. The park’s 3.2 miles of beach is fringed with intertidal reef pools that connect with the 1,140 acre Underwater Park/Marine Life Refuge. The Crystal Cove Historic District is on the National Register of Historic Places and contains 46 beach cottages built in the vernacular style of architecture between 1920 and 1940. General park areas are open every day from 6 AM until dark, while the Historic District welcomes day use fee visitors from 6AM to 10PM daily and hosts registered guests overnight in sixteen of the cottages. The park is part of the Irvine Ranch National Natural Landmark and the Irvine Ranch California Natural Landmark.

B. Recreation Monitoring

All legal trails are named and found on free maps and at signed trail intersections in the backcountry. In 2010, the park experienced a great deal of vandalism, and many of the map signs disappeared. Park employees from Natural Resources, Visitor Services, Interpretation, and Maintenance have joined together and created Backcountry Wednesdays, focusing efforts on backcountry needs. One of the first priorities was to re-install “you are here” signs, and this has been completed. This has helped with enforcement and closure of illegal trails by reinforcing Parks’ statement that is a trail is not signed, it is not sanctioned. Some illegal trails have been marked with signs noting closure/resource impacts, fenced and obscured with cut vegetation. Backcountry trails have been measured using NROC Trail Condition Assessment protocols set by the Recreational Ecology Subcommittee of the TAC. NROC biological monitors have included herpetological/amphibian trap arrays, raptors, cowbird control, focused rare bird surveys, and artichoke thistle measures.

Efforts have been concentrated since Summer 2010 to close the illegal trail called “Nothing Better To Do.” With coordinated efforts from State Parks, Laguna Coast Wilderness and Irvine Open Space, park staff has been fairly successful at reducing use of this trail though regular brushing of the trail entrances, issuance of trespassing tickets, monitoring and replacement of “Area Closed” signs, cactus plantings and continued monitoring through the use of two trail cameras. Efforts continue on this front, and the creation of the Backcountry Council, moderated by the Crystal Cove Alliance with participation from State Parks, County parks, Irvine Open Space, the Irvine Ranch Conservancy, and Laguna Canyon Foundation, will help facilitate

1 coordination with neighboring agencies for a unified approach to shutting down illegal trail use.

A total of 146 Special Events and 110 film shoots were permitted in 2011. Weddings, picnics, parties, photo shoots and group gatherings were the most popular events located primarily along the coast. Events are reviewed for potential impacts by the Special Events Program Permit Coordinator and Supervising Peace Officer. A small gathering may need no more than a reminder to haul out trash, whereas larger events may go through the CEQA review process and have assigned patrol officers and resource monitors. All events are allowed with plans for no impact to the resources. Special event program guidelines were updated during 2008 and will be updated again in 2012 to ensure protection of park resources and to address the park and concession operations at the Historic District.

C. User Compliance Programs

Park facilities and trails are open daily from sunrise to sunset, but may be closed seasonally due to rain-saturated roads or extreme fire danger.

Several groups have embraced coordination and education of the public within the park, including: The Crystal Cove Alliance (focused on preserving the Historic District), Inside the Outdoors, SHARE- a biking / conservation group, Trails 4 All, the Irvine Ranch Conservancy, the Laguna Canyon Foundation, Friends of the Newport Coast, REI as well as trained docents to lead tours on the topics of the Historic District, the backcountry, the beach and tide pools, flora, geology, and cycling. The park participates in other area-wide coordinating groups, including: Orange County Wild, Orange County Marine Protected Area Council, South Coast Wilderness Group, the Backcountry Council, Orange County Coastkeeper, and the Marine Life Refuge Committee, a subset of the Orange County Coastal Coalition.

The park has a staff of 11 State Park Peace Officers (three State Park Rangers, seven State Park Lifeguards, and a State Park Superintendent). They patrol and monitor all sectors of the park and enforce rules and regulations with warnings, citations, and arrests. The park attracts approximately one and a half million visitors each year and is projected to steadily increase with nearby residential and commercial property development. The beach and Historic District continue to be the major visitation attraction although the backcountry wilderness trails and campsites have experienced steadily increasing visitation as well. 240 swimmer rescues were made during 2011 with an additional 10,600 preventative aquatic actions. 900 minor medical aids were recorded. State Park law enforcement action included 228 citations/arrests and 39,000 public contacts.

D. Educational Outreach

Interpretive and educational programs are a core component of the State Park mission of informing the public about natural, cultural, and historic resources. In 2011, almost 4000 people attended over 116 public interpretive programs including Historic District tours, tide pools tours, beach processes, gray whales, geology, subtidal life, terrestrial habitats, native flora, Native American culture, raptors, night animals and bats, and mountain biking etiquette. Classes were taught by professional interpreters, park docents, and Inside the Outdoors for a total of over

2 9,050 participating students. In addition, virtual field trips using online videoconferencing courtesy of PORTS (Parks Online Resources for Teachers and Students) has allowed students from as far away as Alaska to visit Crystal Cove State Park remotely and participate in tide pool study, reaching approximately 7,500 students through over 200 programs. The remaining portion of interpretive activities include contact with visitors through self-guided tours, trails, videos, brochures, or contact with volunteers at the visitor centers. A total of about 40,000 hours were logged during the year for combined interpretive/educational programming at the park.

Community outreach efforts include coordination with neighboring homeowners associations on topics of pet and feral cats and dogs in the park, over-watering and water quality, exotic invasive plants, enforcement patrols, water safety, fuel modification zones and fire safety. A partnership agreement with the Irvine Ranch Conservancy to promote park stewardship projects throughout the park continues successfully.

II. Recreation Facility Construction and Maintenance

A. New Construction/Expansion

Crystal Cove State Park was purchased in 1979, a General Plan adopted in 1982, and the majority of recreational facilities built by 1985. A General Plan Amendment and EIR were finalized in November 2003 resulting in the Historic District – Preservation and Public Use Plan. The first phase of cottage restoration, a $14.2 million public works project, was completed on March 29, 2006 and included the restoration of 22 cottages, road and utility improvements, slope stabilization, accessibility improvements, infrastructure upgrades, a new entrance station, accessibility and parking improvements, historic landscape restoration, and water quality measures. On November 16, 2007, the Office of Historic Preservation presented a Governor’s Historic Preservation Award to Crystal Cove State Park for the Phase I Restoration of the Historic District cottages.

In March of 2006, State Parks awarded a twenty-year concession contract to the non-profit Crystal Cove Alliance for the management and operation of food and lodging services in the park. These concession amenities include the Crystal Cove Shake Shack located on PCH, the Beachcomber Café, and 13 cottages for overnight lodging. The lodging operation opened to public use on June 26, 2006 and has since enjoyed an astounding 99% occupancy rate. Nearly 74,000 overnight guests have experienced the charm of the Historic District cottages since opening. The Beachcomber Café which opened on August 15, 2006 continues to generate favorable reviews and gain in popularity. Over 220,000 meals were served in 2012. The concession operation generated approximately $8 million in gross revenues during 2012 and has proven to be a successful model for partnerships serving the people of California.

Phase II of restoration at the Historic District is now complete, having begun in February of 2010 and completed in 2012. This phase restored seven cottages and a series of garages: two were restored as overnight rentals; three for educational purposes, research and special events; cottage 13 will be a museum dedicated to film history; one garage was converted to public restrooms and the remainder are

3 storage for State Parks and CCA as well as a prep kitchen for the Beachcomber restaurant.

The Moro Campground, formerly a trailer park, opened July 1st, 2011, and finished its first full year of operation on July 1st, 2012. This coastal campground boasts 60 campsites with ocean views as well as a new day use area with picnic areas that can be rented for special events, 200 day use parking stalls, an interpretative area, public restrooms, water quality improvements and habitat enhancement. This new campground has created a new access point to Moro beach as well as a new access point to the park’s backcountry. Biological monitors were present on site for the duration of the project, monitoring heavy equipment and noise, which was monitored closely with particular cautions taken in accordance to USFWS, CCC, CDFG, and ACE permits during avian breeding season in riparian areas and in surrounding coastal sage scrub for California Gnatcatchers, Western Snowy Plovers, and Least Bells Vireos.

Planning has started for the installation of a new interpretative facility in Moro Canyon. A generous donation to the Crystal Cove Alliance will allow the installation of a new interpretation structure, re-purposing of the amphitheater, and conversion of 10 of the shade ramadas to serve educational needs. The area will showcase citizen science and will focus on engaging kids and adults alike in the kinds of science that take place in Crystal Cove State Park.

B. Maintenance of Existing Facilities

Efforts continue to replace the modular structure at Los Trancos with more appropriate buildings. Park-wide, we are seeing that buildings are reaching the end of their normal service life, it seems like +/- 30 years is all we can expect from buildings in the coastal environment. We are repairing buildings as they begin to fail in an attempt to keep our infrastructure sound.

The Moro Campground is already beginning to suffer failures, including plumbing and sewer lift station issues.

The Historic District is a focus of heavy maintenance attention, and we are fairly successful in keeping the restored facilities in good shape.

C. Facility Replacement/Repair

In 2012 the replacement of three sewer lift stations on the coastal terrace was completed. Current needs exceeded the capacity of lift stations that were installed with the park’s opening. No significant loss of vegetation occurred as trimming of existing brush proved sufficient.

III. Infrastructure Construction and Maintenance Operation and maintenance activities are focused within existing footprints of developed areas, i.e. parking lots, restrooms, operations buildings, and roads and paved paths. The interface of open space with these facilities is controlled along their edges by brushing back to maintain Department standards for safe operations

4 and viewshed. Trails and backcountry roads are also brushed back or weeds mown to maintain Department trail standards. If these activities are conducted during sensitive bird nesting season, a biological monitor will conduct surveys for impact avoidance.

Atriplex lentiformis has been trimmed or removed along the PCH corridor to improve the visibility for vehicles entering and exiting the Reef Point parking area as well as improving the visual aesthetic for the thousands of vehicles that use PCH on a daily basis that can now enjoy the ocean view.

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 2012, several hundred acres of weeds were controlled by use of herbicides, mowing, and hand pulling. Artichoke thistle, black mustard, fennel, arundo, iceplant and hemlock were the primary targets as well as some new invasives such as Emex spinosa and Asphidelis sp. Approximately 173 acres of artichoke thistle were treated by NROC contract crews with an additional 141 acres treated by 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 4,918 container plants were planted throughout the park. Some of the areas planted include overlooks in Moro campground, the coastal terrace areas of Reef Point and Pelican Point, around the main entrance road to the campground and visitor center, an old restored road site, and various other places though out 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 2012 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 3 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 continued in Moro Canyon with repeated treatments. A flush of Amsinckia, fiesta flower, and various phacelias have quickly moved in along road edges, and efforts continue further 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

5 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. 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. Habitat enhancement projects included the capture of 95 African clawed frogs in 2012 throughout the park. This increase may be attributed to reduced trapping through 2010. On-going captures will need to continue for the foreseeable future due to the tenacious nature of the amphibian.

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 phase should wrap in 2013. Crystal Cove created a new entry into the park at the Irvine Cove area near PCH. Previously, a knocked down section of chain link fence topped with barbed wire served as the unofficial entrance. Park maintenance and natural resource staff removed approximately 300 feet of chain link and replaced it with symbolic fence, installed a swing gate, and restored an old illegal trail with cactus pads and some coastal sage species to reduce erosion of the bluff. This entrance is now used regularly by bikers riding into the area.

Crystal Cove natural resource staff conducted a nesting raptor survey last year in conjunction with the IRC through Moro Canyon. We found 2 nesting raptors, both on telephone poles. A third nest was found, but was destroyed in a wind storm. Park staff has also installed trail cameras on two illegal trails and the new Irvine Cove entrance. 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 occasional use. We hope to ramp up efforts and close illegal trails through the rest of the park aided by the trail monitoring camera system.

V Fire Management Activities No controlled burns were conducted at CCSP in 2012 as most of the fire-prepared plots have recently received intense planting and seeding and jeopardy to young plants is thus avoided.

Annual fuel breaks were treated by the Department surrounding the park HQ and above El Morro School. Fuel Modification Zones were cut by contract under existing agreements with Emerald Bay, Irvine Cove Crest, and Phase 1 of Crystal Cove Heights. Pre-maintenance breeding bird surveys were conducted by the Department in coordination with the various homeowner associations.

VI Miscellaneous Activities 2012 was the 21st year park staff conducted surveys to assess and monitor the California gnatcatcher population along the coastal terrace. Natural resource staff

6 observed 55 individual birds, of which 10 were fledglings. An intern also mapped the perceived territories for each bird for a senior thesis project, and we expect this information Spring 2013.

7 Nature Reserve of Orange County

ANNUAL REPORT 2012

Section: 8.2

California Department of Fish and Wildlife Ecological Reserves

Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve Newport Beach, Orange County

Annual Work Report July 1, 2011-June 30, 2012

Prepared by:

Carla Navarro Woods Land Management Program South Coast Region 5 Californai Department of Fish and Wildlife

January 2013

Table of Contents

I. Introduction and Summary...... 1 II. Management Activities...... 3 A. Capital Improvements...... 3 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 and Budgets ...... 13 IV. References ...... 13 Appendix 1: Location Maps...... 15 Appendix 2: Annual Task Schedule ...... 19 Appendix 3: Annual Budget...... Error! Bookmark not defined.

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 Californai Department of Fish and Wildlife (CCDFW). 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 and budget used in the prior fiscal year. The prior fiscal year encompassed the period from July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012. 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), Scientific Aides.

Summary of Tasks for the 2011-2012 Fiscal Year:

¾ Lands Improvement ¾ Species Surveys ¾ Nest Site Preparation ¾ Public Events ¾ Public Educational Events & Outreach at BBSC ¾ Research ¾ Weed Eradication ¾ Habitat Restoration ¾ Volunteer Coordination ¾ Maintenance Activities

II. Management Activities

A. Capital Improvements

1. Lands Improvement 1. Split rail fencing. Split rail fencing was replaced in the following three locations: (1) Shellmaker Road, from Back Bay Drive to gate entrance. The north side of Shellmaker Drive had 265 linear feet of split rail replaced with new split rail. (2) Back Bay Drive at old salt dike. A small vista located along Back Bay Drive where the old salt dike is located was improved. Approximately 138 linear feet of split rail was replaced. (3) Big Canyon Kiosk area. Approximately 45 linear feet of split rail was placed around the interpretive kiosk area to protect marsh habitat. 2. Gates. The main entrance gate will be replaced in February 2013. All work is being coordinated by the City of Newport Beach. Contact: Jim Auger. 3. Signage. Most of the existing signage at Upper Newport Bay ER is in good condition. Some additional signage is needed in locations identified by the Reserve Manager to discourage access or illegal activity by recreational users. a. Faded and/or damaged signs were replaced, as needed, at UNBER. i. Regulatory, 30 signs ii. Birds Only, 6 signs iii. Boundary, 10 signs iv. Stay on trail, 2 signs b. Marine Buoys. Eleven marine buoys will be maintained in Spring 2013 as part of their bi-annual maintenance schedule.

3 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 ‘HotDog Island”). 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, Environmental Scientist in the South Coast Region.

2012 season There were an estimated 12-21 breeding pairs and 16 nests at Tern Island in 2012. It is estimated that 21 chicks matured to fledglings.

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 CDFW.

2012 season Upper Newport Bay continues to hold the largest subpopulation of Clapper rails state- wide with a total of 165 pairs (Zembal and Hoffman, 2012) This represents a 17.9% increase from 2011 (Zembal et al. 2011). State-wide, there were 525 pairs among 20 marshes. Nest searches were conducted by 3 volunteers totaling 60 search hours. A total of six nests were located and all had hatched. Nest searches are expected to begin sooner in the 2013 season.

2011 season Regionally, a total of 441 pairs of Light-footed Clapper rails were detected exhibiting breeding behavior in 21 marshes (Zembal et al. 2011). In Upper Newport Bay, 137 pairs were detected representing 31.1% of the state population in 2011 (Zembal et al. 2011). This was an overall increase of 17.3% from the previous year. Nest searches found a total of four nests and nine of the eggs were removed. Five eggs were reserved for the captive breeding program and the remaining four did not survive because they were undeveloped or had misplaced air cells (Zembal et al. 2011).

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 CDFW.

2010 season Territories of the Belding’s Savannah Sparrow were surveyed in 30 coastal marshes

4 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. Coastal California Gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica)

2012 In April 2012, a re-survey of the 2010-2011 survey areas was conducted. A total of six breeding territories were detected in coastal sage scrub habitat along the western and eastern bluff areas of UNBER and OC Parks Upper Newport Bay Preserve.

2010 and 2011 In April 2010, the coastal California gnatcatcher was surveyed along the eastern, northern, and western bluffs of the Reserve and adjacent properties to locate breeding territories. Surveys were conducted by using taped playback calls in coastal sage scrub habitat areas. The survey was completed by the Reserve Manager and biologist Nancy Frost, sensitive species coordinator for the South Coast Region.

A re-survey was conducted in April 2011, and focused along the western bluffs. In April 2010, six breeding territories were located in heterogeneous coastal sage scrub habitat. The June re-surveys confirmed their continued presence. In April 2011, only one breeding territory was found in the small survey area. At the same time, a previously unknown nest was discovered on Shellmaker Island, behind the Back Bay Science Center. The single nest contained four fledglings.

5. Coastal cactus wren (Campylorhyncus brunneicapillus couesi) The Nature Reserve of Orange County (NROC) surveyed potential coastal cactus wren habitats during the avian breeding season. Funding was independently obtained as part of an NROC grant. Data will be submitted as part of a final report to CDFW once all of the surveys are completed and data has been processed.

6. Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) The BBSC has a nesting platform that was erected in 1993 that has been successfully utilized by nesting ospreys since 2006. Since 2008, local raptor biologists Pete Bloom and Scott Thomas have banded the fledglings when they reach nearly 4-5 weeks of age. They donate their time and efforts to CDFW. Below is a summary of the Osprey data to date.

1993 - Nest Platform Constructed and Erected by Russ Kerr and the Californai Department of Fish and Wildlife

5 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

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 Wildlife property at the Back Bay Science Center.

During this fiscal year, the Community-Based Restoration and Education Program hosted 1,531 volunteers at their programs. The main planting site on CDFW-managed property was located on the bayside of the bike path at the northern end of the Bay, downslope from the end of Mesa Drive (the closest residential address is 2612 Mesa Drive, Newport Beach 92660). The restoration site covered approximately 1.44 acres. Overall, volunteers planted 1,845 native plants at sites around the bay, including coastal sage scrub and riparian species. Invasive plants were removed and most were left to decompose on site. During their first summer in the ground, the native plants are irrigated once per month to encourage their survival.

2. Exotic Weed Removal Herbicide application to exotic vegetation is part of the weekly maintenance routine at UNBER. Vegetation removal and treatment efforts are focused between September to March, prior to the start of the avian breeding season. The three main herbicides used include Rodeo, Roundup and Garlan 4 that were either acquired from previous purchases or were provided by John Ekhoff for use at UNBER.

3. Nesting Island Maintenance

6 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, killdeer and American coots for nesting. Every winter and early spring the island is maintained by removing non-native vegetation through hand removal and herbicide treatment.

a. 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 January 2012, a California Conservation Corps crew was hired to hand remove nuisance vegetation on New Least Tern Island. Since the island’s creation, the Department did not observe any nesting activity until 2011, when American Avocets and killdeer were observed defending nesting territories. In 2012, a few American avocets and killdeer were again observed using the island for nesting. Black skimmer decoys have been placed along the southeastern side, situated above the high tide line in areas cleared of vegetation. So far, skimmers have not been observed on the new island.

b. Tern (aka HotDog) Island is the primary nesting location for a small colony of California Least Terns. For the 2012 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.

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.

Public Events within the Reserve; Access Letter Required

1. Newport Bay Conservancy (NBC) The Newport Bay Conservancy is a local nongovernmental organization that supports the CDFW 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. Reserve events are described here and Back Bay Science Center events are described in the educational events section below. One their most attended programs are the NBC Paddle Tours. A trained NBC naturalist leads guided kayak or outrigger tours from the Newport Aquatic Center through the Upper Bay to the boating limit while describing the unique ecology of the Bay to participants. Certain restrictions are placed on their tour route during the avain breeding season and are coordinated with the Reserve Manager. A similar program is held for high-school students only using large outrigger boats. The

7 students paddle through the Bay as part of a guided tour with an NBC Naturalist and wetlands ecology is the primary focus. This fiscal year, NBC held 22 high-school outrigger events with 994 participants.

2. Kring and Chung Newport Beach Triathlon The Kring and Chung Triathlon is a triathlon 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. In October 2011, there were approximately 500 participants. Pre- and post-event coordination and meetings have been handled the Land 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 was held in October 2011, the event attracted approximately 100-125 walkers use a portion of back Bay Drive from San Joaquin Hills to East Bluff. The organizers provide one water station at the Big Canyon parking lot where walkers stop to hydrate and throw their trash into receptacles before continuing.

4. Sea and Sage Audobon Society Monthly Bird Counts Every third Wednesday of each month, the Sea and Sage Audobon 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. During this fiscal year, a total of 12 events were held with approximately 133 participants. The Audobon 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 early March 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. This fiscal year, there were a total of 55 educational events with 6,003 participants.

Research and Monitoring; Access Letter Approval

1. 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

8 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.

2. Richard Ambrose, UCLA Long term climate change and sedimentation. Access allowed researchers to conduct vegetation surveys, collect sediment cores, and install tidal loggers on intertidal mudflats at low tides in September 2012-February 2013. Final data report is not yet available.

4. Kris Preston, Nature Reserve Orange County Cactus wren surveys, description above under ‘Biological Surveys’.

5. Chris Solek, SCCWRP CRAM survey workshop, field class in October 2010. The class involves a one day field session at two UNBER marsh locations for CRAM survey training. There were approximately 10 participants and 3 instructors participating in the course.

6. Sea and Sage Audobon Society Monthly bird counts, as described above under ‘Public Events’.

7. 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’.

8. Newport Aquatic Center On February 11, 2011 the Newport Aqautic Center held a stand-up paddle board event. Approximately 100 participants on stand-up paddle boards followed a loop from North Beach to upper bay. NAC provided chase boats and field staff to monitor event.

9. Rachel Woodfield, Merkel and Associates Biological monitor contracted for the Post Dredge Monitoring associated with the Upper Newport Bay Ecosystem Restoration Project. A 10 year post dredge monitoring project began in January 2011. Biological and water quality monitoring is being performed by Merkel and Associates. Bathymetric surveys are being conducted by the Army Corps of Engineers. Next bathymetric survey is planned for January 2012.

Planned Access Events for next fiscal cycle (July 2012-January 2013) 1. Coastal CleanUp Day, September 15, 2012 2. Jo-Ann Coller, Bluebird Society, October 4, 2012 3. Kring and Chung Triathlon, October 21, 2012 4. Newport Beach First Battalion’s Marine Challenge, January, 19, 2013

Educational Programs and Outreach at the Back Bay Science Center 1. Marine Aquaria; Ongoing There are four indoor aquaria and three outdoor tanks at the Back Bay Science Center

9 (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 2011-2012 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. During this fiscal year, CDFW held 15 MLI events that attracted 359 participants.

3. Coastal Cleanup Day 2011 In September, approximately 1,400 people from the community attend 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). Most of the volunteers arrive for the land-based cleanup and focused their efforts along the west bluffs which help clean-up the perimeter of the Bay. The Back Bay Science Center is the headquarters for the water-based clean-up, which is coordinated by the Department, with assistance and support from NBC, and 200 is the target number of volunteers for this site. Four months of planning and preparation go into this event, spearheaded by Robin Madrid.

4. Estuary Awareness Day 2012 On May 18, 2012 approximately 200 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 CDFW Natural Resource Volunteer Patrol. The Newport Sea Base also provided short boat tours of the Upper Bay guided by a naturalist.

5. Earth Day 2012 The Annual Earth Day event was held on April 22, 2012 at the Muth Center. The Newport Bay Conservancy and OC Parks coordinate the public outreach event to encourage environmental awareness and stewardship. For the past three years the event has been held at the Muth Interpretive Center, and there are typically around 1,000 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.

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: Eagle Scout Projects and Educational Programs a. There were no new Eagle Scout Projects this fiscal year. Previous eagle scout projects have included: construction of a fishing shed, a wall mounted watershed model, restoring the Sharkmobile touch tanks, installation of new Trex walking trails, and permanent awnings to protect the outdoor tanks. These projects require careful planning and coordination, and permit preparation through the Department and the California Coastal Commission.

b. The BBSC also offers two summer programs from June-September: the Sharkcamp and Fishing for Science for Boy Scout participants. CDFW 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 a total of 84 Boy Scout participants.

8. Newport Sea Base 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.

Patrol and Enforcement 1. Natural Resource Volunteer Patrol (NRVP) Provide regularly scheduled outreach and information for the Reserve, other CDFW properties in Orange County, and at local fishing areas. The volunteers may also report information on missing signage and property damage on the Reserve. Every first and third Wednesday of each month, the NRVP uses the BBSC pontoon to patrol the upper and lower portions of the Newport Bay. The NRVP efforts provide some CDFW presence twice monthly on the Reserve, but much more is needed given the amount of

11 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 Land Management Plan 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

1. Specialized Training a. Natural Resource Damage Assessment. Taught by CDFW staff. May 22, 2012 b. Property Assessment Record Training. Taught by CNLM. June 6, 2012, Los Alamitos. 2. Coordination Meetings a. The Reserve Manager usually meets with each Access Letter Permittee 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. d. Orange County Marine Protected Area Council. Meeting held to discuss new OC MPA Watch program. All new OC MPAs, including Upper Newport Bay, will be monitored periodically by volunteers to document public use at time of observation. Big Canyon, Jamboree Bridge, and Castaways Beach are the local sampling sites.

12 e. Orange County Regional Sediment Management. One stakeholder meeting was held and draft plan was circulated for agency comments. CDFW submitted comments via Lands Program and Marine Region. f. Public Events. All events with a State Issued access letter are attended by the Reserve Manager to ensure habitat protection on the day of the event.

III. Workload and Budgets

A. Supervision and Staffing

Rick Mayfield Lands Supervisor / \ Carla Navarro Robin Madrid Reserve Manager Education Coordination / / \ Taylor Van Berkum Dave Meyer Joanne Park Faye Creedon Scientific Aide Scientific Aide Scientific Aide Scientific Aide

Karen Miner is the Lands Program Supervisor for all of the staff at UNBER. All special projects, access letters, and large public events require her 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.

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.

Nest site preparation must be done by the 15th of March to avoid the breeding season.

IV. References

13 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. 2010. 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. 2011. Status and distribution of the Light-footed Clapper Rail in California. Final Report to the California Department of Fish and Game.

Zembal, R. and S. Hoffman. 2012. 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

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.

18 Appendix 2: Annual Task Schedule

Task July-September October- January - April - June 2010 December March 2011 2011 2010 Nest Site Preparation After September 15th X Before March 15th

Least Tern Monitoring X X X X X X Weed Eradication

Habitat Restoration X X X X X Trail Maintenance CA coastal gnatcatcher surveys X X CA coastal cactus wren X Light footed clapper rail survey

Southern tarplant X 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 2013 Table of Contents

I. Introduction and Summary ...... 3 II. Management Activities ...... 3 A. Capital Improvements ...... 4 B. Biological Surveys ...... 4 C. Habitat Restoration and Maintenance ...... 4 D. Public Services ...... 4 E. Planning and Reporting ...... 5 F. Operations Administration ...... 5 III. References ...... 5 Appendix 1: Location Maps ...... 6

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 and budget in the reserve. The prior fiscal year encompassed the period from January 1 through December 31, 2012. 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).

Summary of Tasks for 2013:

 Access Road Maintenance  Signage  Culvert Repair  Biological Surveys  Public Uses  Patrol

II. Management Activities 1. 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 has been 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 current draft has been in circulation since 2009 and has yet to be finalized.

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

3 task each year to minimize impacts to avian species.

A. Capital Improvements

1. Signage. Updated regulatory signage was placed at the gate near the Chino Hills State Park. Additional reserve boundary signage was placed near the OC Parks boundary 2. Culvert Repair A clay culvert is broken along the main fire break road. Repairs are currently scheduled for January 2013 and will be completed by Southern California Edison.

B. Biological Surveys

Tecate cypress. The Santa Ana Mountains stand represents the northernmost population of Tecate cypress. Frequent fires over the past decade have had dramatic impacts to the population in adjacent County of Orange Oarks and Forest Service lands, so the Coal Canyon stand has emerged in relative importance as a refugia with the largest cone bearing trees. Beginning in 2011, Tecate cypress saplings were observed growing on the road berms along access roads. In 2012, approximately 14 juvenile trees were lost to raod maintenance activities. Transplantation has been attempted by previous reserve managers and have been unsuccessful with this species. Conifers in general do not survive transplantation once they are juveniles, partly due to their fast growing root structure. Beginning in 2012, SCE and the Department have been documenting Tecate cypress take from road maintenance activities.

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. a. Allowed Public Uses Coal Canyon Ecological Reserve is the only location where hunting in allowed in Orange County. Upland game bird and deer hunting is permitted with current licenses and tags. Current hunting season and regulations information is available on the Department’s website at: www.wildlife.ca.gov. b. 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

1. 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 reporting of activities that occur on each property.

2. Annual Work Report - This planning document is designed to provide guidance for the management of CCER.

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.

Appendix 1: Location Maps

Appendix 2: Annual Task Schedule

Task January-March April-June July-September October- 2012 2012 2012 December 2012 Patrol X X X X Biological Surveys X X Road Maintenance X X

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 2013 Table of Contents

I. Introduction and Summary ...... 3 II. Management Activities ...... 3 A. Capital Improvements ...... 3 B. Biological Surveys ...... 3 C. Habitat Restoration and Maintenance ...... 3 D. Public Services ...... 4 E. Planning and Reporting ...... 4 III. Workload...... 4 Appendix 1: Location Maps ...... 6 Appendix 2: Annual Task Schedule ...... 7

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 during 2012. Unless otherwise stated, all tasks were performed by Department staff, including Carla Navarro (Land Manager) and Taylor Van Berkum (Scientific Aide).

Summary of Tasks for the 2012 Year:

 Signage maintenance  Biological Surveys  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

Lands Improvement

1. Signage A few reserve boundary signs were placed along the trail head.

B. Biological Surveys

1. Non-native plant survey. An 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 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 DFG planning document is designed to provide guidance for the management of CCER.

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

Appendix 1: Location Maps

Appendix 2: Annual Task Schedule

Task January - April - June July-September October- March 2012 2012 December 2012 2012 Patrol X X X X

Maintenance X X

Nature Reserve of Orange County

ANNUAL REPORT 2012

Sections: 8.3 - 8.6

Orange County Parks City of Irvine City of Newport Beach The Irvine Company

NROC Annual Report 2012 Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Introduction: The following NROC 2012 Progress Reports and 2013 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 2013 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.

1 NROC Annual Report 2012

Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 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 20 through 2013. 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 2012. we are experimenting with a limit of 25 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 impacts on

2 NROC Annual Report 2012

Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

wildlife movement.

Recreational Monitoring: The Irvine Ranch Conservancy offers an array of The volunteer program will continue to expand in - Use & Access programs on the OC Parks portion of the historic an effort to manage and implement recreational Irvine Ranch. This land is currently referred to 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 Alert conditions and/or Santa and easement land. The time frame is from Ana Winds as determined by the Orange County January 1 through December 31, 2012. Fire Authority and the National Weather Service.

Total programs offered: 842 The Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks Website in Total programs implemented: 718 partnership with multiple land owners and Total volunteers: 3,319 partners will continue to be enhanced in an effort Total volunteer hours: 12,101.5 to increase the public awareness and Actual public participants: 8,654 participation in the land. Public participant stewardship/trail work hours: 2,636.5 The Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks also has a Facebook page with 4,088 “friends” who receive The following public recreation and interpretation updates about activities on the land. This tool will programs were offered from January 1 through continue to be used to expand the public December. 31, 2012. Some programs were awareness and participation in the land. cancelled due to the Red Flag Alerts, Rain Closure and Santa Ana Wind events. The quarterly program brochure will continue to expand and include the listing of program Total recreation programs offered: 633 options throughout the NCCP locations. Total recreation programs implemented: 536 Total volunteers: 2,930 Total volunteer hours: 9,513 Actual public participants: 8,083 Number of programs per NCCP Location:

3 NROC Annual Report 2012

Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

Limestone Canyon 396 Weir Canyon 55 Fremont Canyon 89

Total trail boss programs offered: 7 Total trail boss implemented: 5 Total volunteers: 10 Total volunteer hours: 45 Total public participants: 27 Total public volunteer hours: 100.5

Monthly managed self-guided wilderness access days in Limestone were continued in 2012. 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 Alert conditions and/or Santa Ana Winds as determined by the Orange County Fire Authority and the National Weather Service. This occurred 7 times between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012. 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 40,000 hits per month.

4 NROC Annual Report 2012

Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 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 patrols - Private Programs, have been incorporated into the above recreation will continue in 2013. Outreach Programs and interpretation numbers. and Patrols

User Compliance Unauthorized Access Monitoring Program: Programs: - Access Monitoring Camera traps, video surveillance, trail counters 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

5 NROC Annual Report 2012

Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

individuals primarily by 3 park rangers assigned to the Irvine Ranch Open Space.

The following OC Parks enforcement activities were implemented: Contacts: 667 Warning citations: 88 Citations (parking & civil): 128 Medical assists/aid: 14 Maintenance tasks: 223

Patrol hours: 2,775 Patrol miles: 21,098

User Compliance A section of Limestone Canyon was closed in With the addition of new infrastructure (trails, Programs: 2012 from 2 March through 8 June to protect gates, signage) an adaptive approach will be - Monitoring and Human nesting raptors. taken with wilderness access days. The ability to Access Management shift open areas for the public will offer greater A final report developing a methodology to flexibility in avoiding sensitive species. For monitor effects of human activities on wildlands example, when Limestone Canyon is closed for was submitted by IRC to DFG in March 2012. raptor breeding Wilderness Access Day can be This report is available upon request. The shifted north and includes Loma Ridge and the project allowed for the development of an online new Shoestring loop trail. This allows human recreational access reporting system. Data from access but still keeps part of the canyon closed program reports was compiled and overlaid onto for the raptors to nest without disturbance. a trail layer to produce a „highway‟ traffic map of recreational activity throughout the year (See A human access and access impacts monitoring OCP Fig. 1). Data were compiled from public plan derived from the LAG DFG grant will serve program records and are subject to both to provide guidance on access and to provide a reporting and entry error. “Miscellaneous more precise method of monitoring visitor Activities” for a more detailed description. activity.

6 NROC Annual Report 2012

Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

Human monitoring access cameras: A system has been created to monitor access by Total programs offered: 25 researchers and entry permit holders. The Total implemented: 23 system is proving effective in reducing Total volunteers: 46 scheduling conflicts and an over abundance of Total volunteer hours: 299 activities in a particular area. This will continue in Total public participants: 0 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 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 (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 ability well as a database spreadsheet of unauthorized to relay photos directly to a web-based storage access. This photo data will provide more drive and provide instant notification to selected effective means for field patrol personnel to patrol personnel of unauthorized presence in the target specific days, times and locations for their 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 continue has been cancelled indefinitely. to be a possibility.

7 NROC Annual Report 2012

Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

Educational Outreach: IRC further developed the Citizen Science All elements of the 2012 Citizen Science program - Irvine Ranch program to assist scientific research by more will be continued through 2013. Volunteer Conservancy Citizen than doubling the number of programs offered participation in restoration monitoring is expected Science Program from 2011. Citizen Science activities in the North to expand and a total of 12 monthly butterfly Ranch included: wildlife camera trapping, counts in Limestone Canyon are planned. restoration monitoring, raptor nest surveys, invasive species monitoring, trap-door spider monitoring, and monthly butterfly counts. A total of 10 butterfly counts were conducted over the year, with attendance ranging from 14 to 20 participants per event. Volunteers also participated in arthropod sampling for restorations and in competition and yield studies at the IRC native seed farm. Programs were conducted primarily within NCCP areas.

Total citizen science programs offered: 251 Total programs implemented: 248 Total volunteers: 432 Volunteer hours: 2,492 Public participants: 82 Public participant Hours: 415

Educational Outreach: The Irvine Ranch Conservancy conducted two 3- The Lead Land Steward Program will continue to - Irvine Ranch Lead Land hr basic training sessions and two herbicide emphasize invasive species removal, restoration, Steward Program training workshops for land stewards. The Land and native seed farm maintenance. A quarterly Steward program was deployed to assist with farm stewardship training program specific to invasive control and restoration work. farm tasks will be developed to train a larger Stewardship activities included invasive species support group for volunteer events at the native control, restoration, and native seed farm seed farm. An updated edition of the land maintenance. Several lead land stewards steward manual will be issued and will include

8 NROC Annual Report 2012

Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

conducted private solo stewardship activities with best management practices to minimize transport great success. A digital invasive control reporting of weed propagules as well as digital reporting tool was developed and adopted to assist in reference materials. streamlining data entry and improve documentation of invasive control; lead land stewards participated in a digital reporting training program. An online map link was provided for land stewards to view status of invasive control across reserve areas. Programs were conducted primarily within NCCP. Invasive and restoration stewardships increased from 2011 totals.

Invasive Control Programs: Total programs offered: 72 Total programs implemented: 68 Volunteers participating: 180 Volunteer hours: 872 Public participants: 41 Public participant hours: 198

Restoration Programs: Total programs offered: 58 Total programs implemented: 51 Volunteers participating: 80 Volunteer hours: 446 Public participants: 82 Public participant hours: 416

Native Farm Programs: Total programs offered: 263

9 NROC Annual Report 2012

Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

Total programs implemented: 242 Volunteers participating: 310 Volunteer hours: 1,360 Public participants: 416 Public participant hours: 1,507

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 cactus plants for Continue growing stock of native prickly pear Expansion (All Areas): selected field application as a native barrier to cactus in 15 gallon containers for use in - Natural Barriers limit unauthorized access. 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

10 NROC Annual Report 2012

Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 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: and perimeter - clearing of fallen trees across ranch roads - clearing of fallen trees across ranch roads fencing/gates and trails damaged from rain, wind, and fires and trails damaged from rain, wind, and fires (materials from native trees were left in place at (materials from native trees were left in place at the roadside edge); the roadside edge); - repair and grading of ranch utility roads (if - repair and grading of ranch utility roads (if needed); needed); - mowing the center lines of double track trails - mowing the center lines of double track trails (as needed); (as needed); - trimming and grooming of single track trails; - trimming and grooming of single track trails; - repair of perimeter fencing and gates - repair of perimeter fencing and gates when damaged from use or vandalism; when damaged from use or vandalism; - removal of existing interior ancillary wire - removal of existing interior ancillary wire fencing was continued throughout on a fencing was will continued throughout on a measured basis, dependant on staff measured basis, dependant on staff resources. resources. Annual maintenance surveys were conducted of Annual maintenance surveys will be conducted of the existing engineered trail bridges. the existing engineered trail bridges. Trail erosion control devices, such as water bars, Trail erosion control devices, such as water bars, check dams, rock armoring, culverts, and rock check dams, rock armoring, culverts, and rock buttresses were maintained and additional ones buttresses will be maintained and additional ones installed to address key problem areas. 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 native habitat or converted to single track.

11 NROC Annual Report 2012

Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

Maintenance of Existing Monitored and maintained cameras and trail Ongoing camera and trail counter monitoring will Facilities (All Areas): counters at key gates and trail sections to continue for both authorized and unauthorized - Trail Use Monitoring: monitor level and type of activities. activities. Camera and Trail Counter

Maintenance of Existing Renewed radio license in support of ranch-wide Continue performing annual monitoring of Facilities (All Areas): operation. Repeaters and radios were existing solar radio repeaters and ongoing - Radio Network reprogrammed to new digital code to comply with maintenance of radios. new federal regulations. Additional radios acquired to support expanded public programs.

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 expanding the Adopt-A-Trail program. - Trail Boss Programs with ongoing monitoring and maintenance of trail Offer advanced training to Trail Boss volunteers system. in specific areas of trail work, i.e.: power Completed Volunteer Trail Projects: equipment, rock armoring, specialty construction Trail boss training sessions 3 techniques. Trail maintenance projects 20

New Construction or Repaired perimeter fencing and gate (1248X) at Continue monitoring perimeter for unauthorized Expansion (Gypsum Cyn.): the mouth of Gypsum Canyon to deter access and inform Park Rangers of need for - Fencing unauthorized access. additional enforcement activities.

New Construction or N/A Budget permitting, install new gates/signs at Expansion (Gypsum Cyn.): 1449W and 1647X to mark entry points to OC - Gates and Signs Parks land.

Maintenance of Existing Monitored unauthorized trail through Tecate Continue monitoring area for unauthorized Facilities ((Gypsum Cyn.): forest area. Level of activity has subsided due to access and inform Park Rangers of need for - Trail Counters OC Ranger enforcement. additional enforcement activities.

12 NROC Annual Report 2012

Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

Maintenance of Existing N/A Schedule and budget permitting, remove existing Facilities (Gypsum Cyn.): concrete box conduit discarded during previous - Debris Removal construction of 241 Toll Road.

Maintenance of Existing N/A Refresh way-finding signage at vehicle turn-outs Facilities (Gypsum Cyn.): and on existing sign posts as needed. - Signage

Facility N/A N/A Replacement/Repair (Gypsum Cyn.):

New Construction or N/A Install new standardized gates at 1647Y, 1844X Expansion (Weir Cyn.): and 1844Y to provide resource management - Vehicle Gates control of unauthorized vehicle access.

New Construction or N/A Continue monitoring perimeter fence line Expansion (Weir Cyn.): between Weir Canyon and Santiago Oaks - Fencing Regional Park. Repair and replace as needed.

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 N/A At existing Weir Staging Area (located off-site at Expansion (Weir Cyn.): Outdoor Education Center) install vehicle stops,

13 NROC Annual Report 2012

Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

- Staging Area restroom surround, solar radio box, and kiosk modifications to accommodate regulatory signs.

Maintenance of Existing Installed replacement gates at 2043X and 2144W N/A. Facilities (Weir Cyn.): with new standard design. - Gate Replacement

Maintenance of Existing Monitored damage to existing concrete cistern Replace broken lid of existing concrete cistern Facilities (Weir Cyn.): and recommended replacement of rotted wooden with new wooden cover. - Concrete Cistern lid to prevent unauthorized access.

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 N/A Implement way-finding signage at vehicle turn- Facilities (Weir Cyn.): outs and on existing sign posts as needed. - Signage

Maintenance of Existing N/A Continue to monitor existing overlook trail and Facilities (Weir Cyn.): begin surveying for final alignment and -Overlook Trail connection to Upper Blind.

Facility N/A N/A Replacement/Repair (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, solar radio box, ADA parking stall and - Staging Area restroom surround within the existing facility footprint. Update regulatory and interpretive

14 NROC Annual Report 2012

Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

signs to in support of managed access. No native habitat impacts are involved with this improvement.

New Construction or Monitored condition of existing concrete v-ditch Continue survey and planning for final alignment Expansion (Fremont Cyn): for eventual conversion to public use trail and construction of the Waterworks trail utilizing -Waterworks Trail connecting Irvine Regional Park (Parking Lot 15) the existing concrete v-ditch waterway. to the Fremont Staging area.

New Construction or N/A. Previously surveyed vehicle pull-outs in Fremont Expansion (Fremont Cyn): will be marked by appropriate signage. Vehicle - Vehicle Pull-outs 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 Budget permitting, install new standardized gates Expansion (Fremont Cyn): at 2347X, 2251X and 2152X to provide resource - Vehicle Gates management control of unauthorized vehicle access.

Maintenance of Existing Replaced vehicle gates 2551X and 2451Y with Budget permitting, replace existing gates with Facilities (Fremont Cyn): standardized gates. new standardized gate at 2246Z, 1651X, , - Vehicle Gates 2546Z, 2546Y and 2353Y.

Maintenance of Existing Performed annual monitoring of existing solar Continue performing annual monitoring of Facilities (Fremont Cyn): radio repeater facility. Repeater was existing solar radio repeater facility. -Radio Repeater reprogrammed in 2012 to new digital code to comply with federal regulations.

Maintenance of Existing Implement way-finding signage at vehicle turn-

15 NROC Annual Report 2012

Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

Facilities (Fremont Cyn.): N/A outs and on existing sign posts as needed. - Signage

Facility N/A N/A Replacement/Repair (Fremont Cyn):

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 fires - Fire Hardening 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 N/A Repair erosion on spur trail to Hangman‟s Facilities (Loma Ridge): Monument, converting the double track to a - Hangman‟s Monument single track trail. Make minor revisions to the viewing area, reconfiguring the monuments orientation, providing new benches and railing to deter unauthorized access beyond designated viewing area.

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Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

Maintenance of Existing Performed annual monitoring of existing solar Continue performing annual monitoring of Facilities (Loma Ridge): radio repeater. Repeater was reprogrammed in existing solar radio repeater. - Radio Repeater 2012 to new digital code to comply with federal regulations.

Facility N/A N/A Replacement/Repair (Loma Ridge):

New Construction or Monitored visitor use of viewing platform for Additional signage and fencing may be installed Expansion (Limestone adherence to authorized access and performed at the viewing area to better facilitate public use. Cyn.): routine maintenance as needed. Installed native Interpretive signage, explaining the geological - Sinks Viewing Area cactus plants adjacent to the viewing deck to event creating the “Sinks”, is being considered. enhance the area, and to deter off-trail use.

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 N/A Survey, design and construct the Creek Trail per Expansion (Limestone the approved recreation and resource Cyn.): management plan. The Creek Trail will connect - Creek Trail 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

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Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

Cyn.): edge to deter fires originating from vehicles, - Fire Hardening compliant with OCFA and OC Public Works design standards. Support efforts by OC Public Works to remove Eucalyptus trees along Santiago Canyon Rood.

New Construction or N/A. Previously surveyed vehicle pull-outs within Expansion (Limestone Limestone will be marked by appropriate Cyn.): signage. Vehicle pull-outs will be - Vehicle Pull-outs 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 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 the Realignment 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 Replaced vehicle access gates at 2751Y Spur Install replacement gate at 3449Z Round with Facilities (Limestone Cyn.): and 2749W Camp with new standardized gates. new standard design. - Vehicle Gates

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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Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

Maintenance of Existing N/A. Implement limited realign of trail along steep Facilities (Limestone Cyn.): section of trail experiencing significant erosion. - Limestone Ridge Trail Habitat along recommended realignment will be surveyed for rare plants and adjustments made to minimize impacts when feasible.

Maintenance of Existing The existing metal water pipeline from Box Install new metal water trough at the existing Facilities (Limestone Cyn.): Spring to the Sinks‟ water trough has rusted concrete trough. Relocate the wildlife monitoring - Sinks Water Trough beyond repair. The replacement of the pipeline camera to the newly created pool of water at the along the creek bed has been evaluated and Box Spring to monitor wildlife. determined too impactful to habitat. As an alternative, a smaller metal pan insert will be installed at the existing concrete water trough to serve equestrian programs. The water trough will be filled manually by IRC volunteers when needed. The existing wildlife monitoring camera at the trough will be relocated to the newly created pool of water at the spring to continue to monitor wildlife.

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 2012. 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 2013, dependant on future funding commitments.

Maintenance of Existing With agency concurrence, Sandtrap Trail was Will monitor trail use and maintain Sandtrap and Facilities (Limestone Cyn.): mowed and reopened as a double-track trail to Dripping Springs trails according to their

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Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

- Sandtrap Trail and facilitate vehicle access to a large restoration site designated tail characters. Dripping Springs on Loma Ridge. Dripping Springs Trail will be closed to visitor Conversion The Dripping Springs Trail is being converted to programs during the winter to allow regrowth of single track to maintain the diversity of trail types the vegetation into a single track. A permanent in the area. recreation gate will be installed at the entrance to the Dripping Springs spur to manage use during the wilderness access days. Conversion may include 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 Repaired erosion damage to Cactus Canyon Monitor trails and take corrective measures to Facilities (Limestone Cyn.): Trail due to winter storms. minimize additional damage from erosion. - Cactus Canyon Trail

Maintenance of Existing East Loma Ridge Road incurred major erosion East Loma Ridge Road will be repaired where it Facilities (Limestone Cyn.): along a steep section of the road near where it intersections with OCTA restoration area at Bee - East Loma Road Repair intersects with OCTA restoration area at Bee Flat Flat Canyon to improve drainage and reduce risk Canyon. Several major wash-outs developed of further erosion of road. Clean boulders will be along the road from storm water runoff. Plans installed down slope at several wash-out areas were evaluated and finalized in 2012 to repair and under roadbed to prevent further erosion. and stabilize the road. The road will be regarded to allow cross-slope drainage and improve sustainability of the road.

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Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

Maintenance of Existing N/A Survey and construct required bypass alignment Facilities (Limestone Cyn.): of the existing unsustainable fall-line (approx. - Limestone Ridge Trail 150‟) to accommodate safe public access through this area. Existing alignment will be restored back to native habitat. Realignment will accommodate a more sustainable trail grade and improve user experience and safety.

Maintenance of Existing Surveyed existing trail with OC Parks/Whiting Perform maintenance on existing eroded trail Facilities (Limestone Cyn.): Ranch staff to access necessary improvements segments and eliminate the need for existing - Markel Spur Trail for improved user experience. steps. Minor rerouting of the trail will be implemented to improve trail sustainability and to avoid areas of sensitive habitat.

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 N/A N/A Replacement/Repair (Limestone Cyn.):

New Construction or N/A N/A Expansion (Laguna

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Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

Laurel):

Maintenance of Existing Maintained and monitored existing ranch road Monitor and maintain existing ranch roads and Facilities (Laguna Laurel): and fuel modification zone. fuel mod zones.

Facility N/A N/A Replacement/Repair (Laguna Laurel):

Infrastructure Construction & Maintenance:

Maintenance (Fremont No major repairs were necessary to the access Inspection, repaired and maintenance of the Cyn. 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. Repair the land owner. 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.

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Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

Maintenance (Loma Ridge. In July, at the request of the OC Sheriff‟s Office, If requested by the OC Sheriff‟s Department and by Others): and upon completion of the nesting bird survey, upon completion of a nesting bird survey, fuel - OC Emergency fuel modification was performed around the reduction will be performed using hand-held Operations Center Orange County Emergency Operations Center weed eaters in the designated fuel modification Fuel Modification and the paved access road using hand-held zone, monitored by the Irvine Ranch weed eaters. The activity was managed by the Conservancy for compliance with NCCP Irvine Ranch Conservancy for compliance with provisions. NCCP provisions.

Habitat Restoration & Enhancement: (Note: Funding Sources noted in first column if other than Land Owner)

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Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

Exotic Plant Eradication: Multiple invasive species were searched for and Eradication and control efforts are ongoing. See - Program Summary removed/treated over a 1363 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: A final report of the previous year‟s aerial weed No surveys are planned for 2013 beyond more - Monitoring and survey by Native Range was completed and is precise monitoring of weed control activities Prioritization available upon request. Results were using digital documentation system and a subsequently used to prioritize species for mitigation-specific survey within Bee Flat eradication and control, based on population size Canyon. and distribution, CAL-IPC ranking, and previous prioritization. The prioritization approach and a If funds become available and appropriate test of detectability using helicopter versus approvals are received, a collaborative weed ground surveys was presented at the CAL-IPC survey may be conducted in the Coastal Reserve 2012 symposium. Top priority species targeted and adjacent parcels. Weed control maps from for eradication (all populations will be treated if 2004-2007 will be digitized to provide a complete possible) are: spiny emex, Sahara mustard, record of weed control efforts. yellow starthistle, perennial pepperweed, giant reed, garland chrysanthemum, Spanish broom, tamarisk. Moderate priority species targeted for control (populations will be strategically treated) are: bull thistle, artichoke thistle, castor bean,

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Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

Canary Island date palm, Mexican fan palm, tree tobacco, and tree of heaven. Milk thistle will still be treated in high priority areas. German ivy was subsequently discovered in Silverado creek and has been added to the high priority eradication list.

UC Irvine Introductory GIS students completed a group project on the spatial distribution of weeds from the 2011 weed survey and the spatial distribution of weed control from 2006 onward. The report indicated where occurrence and control hotspots but did not include desired correlational analysis between control and occurrence.

A digital invasive control reporting system was developed for use by volunteers, staff, and contractors. Search and control areas are digitized by species, supplied to manager as kmz files with associated csv file including attribute information. Net area controlled is estimated. A script is regularly run by manager to create shapefiles from control work. An online GIS map was created and shared with land stewards. The map is regularly updated with new control efforts. A link to this map is available on request.

Exotic Plant Eradication: Artichoke thistles were spot-treated primarily with Most sites visited in 2012 will be treated again. - Artichoke Thistle Transline and AquaMaster by Pacific Restoration Aerial survey information will be continued to be Group and DiRocco Environmental on contract used to target additional remote and isolated

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Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

with IRC across 1256 acres of NCCP. Thistles populations for control. IRC will again work to were removed across an additional 11 acres coordinate with CALTRANS to facilitate within MU12 (OC Waste & Recycling). Some management of adjacent right-of-ways. treatment was implemented by helicopter. Some additional manual removal and spot spray was implemented by staff and volunteers. Thistles were treated primarily from 21 February – 16 May. Nesting bird surveys were conducted in any sensitive bird habitat before each application. CALTRANS implemented artichoke thistle treatment on their right-of-way adjacent to West Loma this year.

Exotic Plant Eradication: Fennel was controlled across 674 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.

Exotic Plant Eradication: Spanish broom was controlled in 135 acres of Spanish broom control efforts will continue within - Spanish broom NCCP. Control area expanded from Silverado the Santiago and Silverado Creek areas Canyon upstream to Santiago Canyon. Santa controlled in 2012. Ana Watershed Association (SAWA) also controlled Spanish Broom within Santiago Canyon as part of Mountain Park mitigation activities.

Exotic Plant Eradication: Milk and Italian thistle were removed across Milk and Italian thistle will again be primarily - Milk and Italian Thistle approx. 37 acres of oak woodland in NCCP. manually removed in Weir, Treatment areas were focused in Weir, Limestone/Shoestring, and within the restoration Limestone/Shoestring, and Bee Flat Canyons. subwatersheds Agua Chinon, and Bee Flat Plants were treated by IRC volunteers, staff, and Canyons. Both milk and italian thistle will be contractors. Italian thistle was sprayed to a lower priority for control. Italian thistle, due to its

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Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

limited degree in Weir Canyon. ubiquity, will remain a lower priority and will only be removed 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 2/9, 2/20, and 3/9; the population 2013, using staff and volunteer labor. significantly declined than the previous three years. In total, 305 plants were found and removed across a 0.5 ac area. A summary report of 2012 removal activities is pending and will be available upon request. Exotic Plant Eradication: N/A Bull thistle will continue to be removed at known - Bull thistle accessible locations. Exotic Plant Eradication: Arundo was removed by stump cut treatment Arundo removal will continue within Santiago and - Arundo with Aquamaster across 51 acres of NCCP within Silverado Creek. Manager will continue to work Santiago and Silverado Creek. SAWA removed with water districts and SAWA to initiate Arundo additional acreage within Santiago Creek as part control around Irvine Lake in August / September of Mountain Park mitigation. 2013. Exotic Plant Eradication: Perennial Pepperweed was searched for and Pepperweed will continue to be controlled where - Perennial Pepperweed controlled with glyphosate across 65 acres of it is found. NCCP, primarily within Silverado and Santiago Canyon. Plants were difficult to find 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 in 2012. removal across 83 acres of NCCP within Limestone Canyon, Hicks Canyon, Bee Flat Canyon, and Agua Chinon. Exotic Plant Eradication: Castor bean was removed by stump cut with Castor bean removal will continue within the - Castor Bean glyphosate across 69 acres of NCCP in Agua areas targeted in 2012 and any new areas that it Chinon, Santiago, and Silverado Canyon. is found if resources permit. Exotic Plant Eradication: Tamarisk was searched for and removed by Tamarisk will continue to be targeted for removal

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Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

- Tamarisk stump cut with triclopyr and/or imazapyr across in areas targeted in 2012 and in any new areas 32 acres of NCCP. that it is found if resources permit. Exotic Plant Eradication: Pampas grass was removed across 0.4 acres of Select pampas grass clumps will be targeted for - Pampas Grass NCCP. An additional 1.8 acres were treated removal, specifically within the Limestone within Management Unit 12 (OC Waste) Canyon and Agua Chinon areas. Exotic Plant Eradication: Fountain grass was removed across 1.6 acres of Select fountain grass sites will be treated/re- - Fountain Grass NCCP. treated. Exotic Plant Eradication: Three Mexican fan palms were removed in Mexican fan palm will be treated - Mexican Fan Palms Augustine Staging area. opportunistically. Exotic Plant Eradication: Tree of heaven was found in 2012. A discrete Tree of Heaven will be re-treated in 2013. - Tree of Heaven patch of 8 plants (0.75 ac) were treated on East Loma Ridge.

Exotic Animal Control: Exotic animals were not observed persisting in IRC will continue to collect data on exotic animals - Exotic Animal the Reserve. Wildlife cameras recorded 97 from existing wildlife cameras. Additional Monitoring instances of domestic dogs within the IRNL cameras may be added which will provide new (virtually all with collars), of which 43 occurred in monitoring locations for this and other purposes. the OCP-owned portion of the IRNL, 14 occurred Incidental observations from animal releases will within the City of Irvine, and 36 occurred within be reported. Guidelines regarding animal release Buck Gully Preserve. All dog counts were down and disposal of carcasses are being drafted. from 2011, which may have been a result both of public outreach regarding dog policy and because of the removal of regular canine trespassers within the Agua Chinon area. Most dogs wore collars and were assumed to have been with owners. Feral dogs were not observed and are not expected to persist. Other feral animals and carcasses discovered were: 2 chickens (Augustine) persisting for over one month, 2 cats observed at Black Star, 1 goat and 1 lama carcass in Silverado Canyon.

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Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

Habitat Restoration: Embedded within restoration activities occurring The trial will continue to be maintained and - Oak Woodland within the Bee Flat Canyon sub-watershed as monitored to determine the most successful Restoration Efficiency part of the OCTA Measure M Mitigation grant, the treatment or treatment combinations. Trial IRC established a trial fall 2011 comparing the Best practice results will be applied across the relative success of acorns planted with and rest of the restoration site in 2013-2014. without irrigation, non-galvanized woven wire barriers for granivory, and paper matting, in all combinations over land that was either ripped or not ripped. Based on soil auguring the IRC suggested that the use of the area as a former corral may have compacted the soil. Therefore soil ripping was implemented within a portion of the restoration site. Periodic data collection and/or irrigation continued monthly at the trial on the north end of Bee Flat. Early data seems to suggest that buried hardware cloth is having the greatest impact on seedling survivorship.

Habitat Restoration: The IRC concluded after workshops affiliated In 2013, ground surveys will be completed, if - Expansion of with the sustainable solutions grant team, that necessary, and initial runs of the model will be Restoration Site many of the factors and variables important to conducted. Prioritization Model to them when making decisions about approaches South/Coastal Reserve to and the locations of restoration projects were addressed in the ROI model developed by the IRC for the north/central reserve. However, with varying resources of different land managers, the full extent of the model is not directly applicable and in some cases the model would need to be run multiple times for grant projects with slightly

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Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

different priorities. For these reasons, the IRC will go forward with applying the current model with minor modifications based on the feedback. This will be useful in prioritizing restoration sites for the areas the IRC manages in the south/coastal open space lands based on basic conservation principles. Exceptions can be addressed with different funding sources and priorities. Sites not previously ground surveyed were visited in November and December 2012 to complete the dataset.

Habitat Restoration: 12 sites in Limestone Meadow and 6 sites in Restoration maintenance and monitoring - Site Preparation Trial Shoestring Canyon were established in Spring activities will continue and IRC will continue to 2009 as part of a site preparation trial to compare assist UCI research within a subset of plots. the effect of weed control effort on restoration Associated UCI Pollinator trial will be continued. planting success as well as the relative success of seeding functional groups separately and treating them with selective herbicides. Maintenance consisted of one dose of selective herbicide and two weeding events per season. Results suggest degree of site preparation has a strong effect on emerging weeds and that Milestone has non-target effects on needlegrass. UCI (Campbell Lab) initiated a pollinator trial on forb sites seeded in 2012.

Habitat Restoration: The IRC has collaborated with CCSP on In early 2013, false brome will be targeted with - Crystal Cove State Park restoring a 13 ac site named the “East Flank” Fusilade II. The IRC will continue to work with East Flank Restoration next to El Moro Canyon since fall 2008. After CCSP conducting weed control and monitoring targeted weed control and a spring of site the restoration efforts at this site, but

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Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

preparation, the site was seeded winter 2009. maintenance will taper to one to two annual Monitoring and weed maintenance has continued events. and patches where seed did not successfully establish were seeded using an alternative technique in winter 2010. Weed control continued spring and fall 2010 and monitoring of newly seeded plots was conducted early summer 2010. During the spring of 2012, the flowering heads of black mustard and false brome were mowed on much, but not all areas of restoration site due to limited resources, artichoke thistle was spot sprayed by CCSP staff as well. Several seedlings of coyote bush were observed throughout the site.

Habitat Restoration: The IRC has collaborated with OC Parks on The IRC will continue to conduct weed control at - Laguna Strip restoring a 3 acre degraded strip of land near the the restoration site with an event in each the Restoration Willow Canyon staging area. Site preparation spring, summer, and fall of 2013. was conducted winter and spring 2008 and the area was seeded winter 2009. Supplemental planting was necessary and CSS plugs were planted in isolated areas winter 2010. Weed maintenance continued spring and early summer 2010, yet native ruderals tended to overgrow CSS plugs. In December 2010, native grasses and forbs were seeded in strips in the rectangular section of open space between Laguna Canyon Rd. and the trail paralleling the road. Spring weed control with selective herbicide and spot weeding was conducted spring 2011, and winter 2012. In addition, summer hand weeding of

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Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

Hirshfeldia occurred in 2012, and spot spraying with low dose round-up occurred November 2012.

Habitat Restoration: Monitoring plots were established Spring 2010 Passive weed control treatments will continue - Passive Restoration along a gradient of native CSS to non-native and plots will be monitored in Spring/early Trial cover at 5 sites within the IROS and an additional Summer and Fall 2013. UCI will continue to 5 sites within COI. Each site contains one monitor plots. Arthropods will be sampled on a treatment and one control plot across four native subset of treatment plots to correlated shrub cover classes. Treatment plots receive a manipulation of bare ground with changes in late spring mow treatment and an early season arthropod community structure and abundance. low-dose herbicide treatment each year. Native Arthropod sampling is part of the Cactus Wren cover was monitored prior to implementation and foraging and arthropod project collaboration each spring prior to mowing. In the fall 2012, between IRC, NROC, and UCI (Mooney Lab). UCI researchers Travis Huxman and Sarah Kimball joined the project and began collecting data on the density of mature shrubs and seedlings.

Habitat Restoration: Funding was awarded through the CDFG Local Maintenance in 2013 will consist of a single event - Post-Burn Restoration Assistance Grant Program to implement cactus in January or February at sites dominated by of Nesting Habitat for scrub restoration in an effort to off-set habitat non-natives between cactus pads. The next the Coastal Cactus losses caused by the Santiago and Windy Ridge monitoring event will occur in spring 2014. Wren fires. Maintenance and monitoring of the (Funding by DFG/LAG) established 40 sites was conducted during 2010. Mean survival ranged from about 95-100% in 2010. Elderberry survivorship varied among sites and averaged about 65%. Long-term monitoring transects were initiated spring 2011 as well as a second assessment of cactus wren locations in the vicinity of the restoration sites.

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Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

Cactus wren numbers declined between 2009 and 2011 surveys. Spring 2011, a final report was submitted to the CDFG and a presentation was made at the NROC Cactus Wren symposium. Sites dominated by non-native weeds were treated with low dose glyphosphate in early 2012.

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 2013. Coordination with researchers Tree Canyon were selected for the first restoration project from UCI Center for Environmental Biology grew Restoration and within the larger subwatershed in 2009 (OCP Fig in 2012, and will continue in 2013. Restoration of Management Trials 3) . After one year of site preparation, initial additional degraded land within the sub- seeding and planting trials (~3.5 ac) were watershed will complement existing restoration, established in 2010-2011. These were particularly by restoring drainages connecting maintained and seedling germination and end of canyons within the subwatershed (see West season density and cover were collected. The Loma/Hangman‟s Tree Canyon OCTA remainder of the area continued to receive site restoration). preparation. A seeding and maintenance plan for the area was submitted to NROC, DFG, and USFWS October 2011. Between November and December 2011, approximately 40 more acres were seeded with coastal sage scrub and native grassland species. In addition, 865 cubic yards of coastal sage scrub duff, 2700 cactus pads, and 100 cactus branches, were provided and delivered to the site by the NROC. The duff was spread over a 2 ac area and the cactus planted in patches throughout the original perimeters of the restoration site. In 2012, the seeded areas were maintained by weeding on a schedule

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Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

gradient to learn about the optimal time interval for weeding. In addition, the success of different native mixes, containers, and herbicide use were compared. UCI researcher Sara Kimball with the Center for Environmental Biology has been a collaborator. In 2012, approximately 13,000 CSS shrubs were planted throughout the CSS seeded area in late January. In an unseeded area next to the duff, an additional 3,000 shrubs were planted in irrigated strips over a 2 ac area. The drip irrigation was extremely difficult to maintain due to frequent chewing by small mammals. In Dec 2012, an additional 5 ac were seeded with grassland species, and in a particularly steep area, supplemental seeding and planting with 7,000 shrub liners were added to areas not planted in late January. Approximately 7 ac of the restoration area initiated in 2009 remain to be planted.

Habitat Restoration: Agua Chinon has been identified as a priority Baseline surveys and restoration implementation - Agua Chinon subwatershed for restoration. IRC has mapped will begin in 2013. Subwatershed degraded riparian and adjacent upland habitat Restoration and is working with third parties to address their (Mitigation funding by mitigation needs within the larger San Diego OCWR) Creek Watershed. OC Waste & Recycling (OCWR) has contracted IRC for restoration of 20 acres within the Agua Chinon subwatershed, including targeted riparian invasive control throughout the riparian corridor. OCWR has secured permits from the CDFG, RWQCB and

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Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

ACOE for a permit that would allow work to begin on this mitigation project. The contract for restoration work was approved and signed in December 2012.

Habitat Restoration: The IRC concluded an oak irrigation trial IRC will reattempt to plant oaks using rodent - Agua Chinon Oak established in Agua Chinon in December 2010 to exclusion cages to protect acorns and seedlings Irrigation Trial inform upcoming large-scale restoration efforts. from depredation. Based on data from the oak Half of the oaks were watered monthly through trial in Bee Flat, buried hardware cloth seems to the dry season and half every other month in an be one of the most effective methods for effort to determine the most cost-effective promoting oak establishment. This method will watering regime. A total of 40 oak seedlings be used on 30-40 trees in Agua Chinon, which were planted in a highly degraded area proposed will be planted as acorns directly in the field. for mitigation by OCWR (Fig. 3). Oaks were spaced approx. 16 feet apart and were weeded and fitted with tree tubes. Seedlings were watered with 2 liters each month. By December 2012 only a few had survived and were healthy. Mortality was likely due to herbivory because there is little difference between the water treatments. There was significant evidence of small mammal burrows, and seedlings that did not survive were missing.

Habitat Restoration: Mulefat and willow cuttings were planted during If time permits we hope to build on our - Agua Chinon the winter of 2010 and 2011 at piezometer experience from these trials by establishing a Piezometers and Willow locations in Agua Chinon where ground water more effective irrigation approach. Cuttings Trial levels could be detected. Very little moisture has ever been observed in the piezometers, which reached a depth of 6ft. The survivorship of the cuttings was extremely low (<10%) for both

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Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

plantings. There appeared to be little difference in survivorship between cuttings that were irrigated or soaked prior to planting compared to cuttings with no treatment. Insufficient moisture seemed to be the reason for mortality. A higher level of survivorship may be accomplished with more frequent irrigation events and/or greater volumes of water. However, the sample size was fairly small and more experimentation may be necessary.

Habitat Restoration: In early 2012, IRC continued with the second In January 2013 CSS shrubs will be planted in - Bee Flat Canyon year of site preparation activities on Phase 1 Phase 1 active restoration polygons to Subwatershed restoration polygons in Bee Flat Canyon. This supplement the seed mix. After planting, all Mitigation (Funding by consisted of repeated herbicide applications on Phase 1 restoration plantings will be maintained OCTA) 35 acres of active restoration sites and one through hand weeding and herbicide treatment. herbicide treatment followed by a spring weed Site preparation will continue for all Phase 2 whacking of flowering weeds on 8 acres of active restoration polygons. These sites will be passive restoration sites. Meanwhile, Phase 2 seeded and planted in late 2013 and early 2014. restoration polygons began the first year of site Passive polygons from both phases will continue preparation in late 2011 or early 2012. Phase 2 to receive one herbicide treatment followed by a active and passive restoration polygons total properly timed selective mowing to prevent weed about 27 and 14 acres, respectively. This brings seed formation. the current area in active or passive restoration throughout Bee Flat Canyon to approximately 84 Additional transect and quadrat data collection, acres. photopoint monitoring, and invertebrate monitoring will occur in the spring for both Phase An experimental site preparation technique using 1 and 2 polygons. goats in lieu of mowing to reduce thatch was tested on a large, steep, 3-acre Phase 2 polygon Another round of targeted invasive species in mid February. A total of 200 goats grazed for treatments will occur throughout the entire 293-

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Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

a period of 10 days successfully reducing thatch acre subwatershed followed by a resurvey of and weed growth. Erosion, soil nutrients, and targeted invasive species locations to determine thatch levels were monitored in the goat area, progress made and where to focus eradication adjacent restoration areas that were mowed to efforts moving forward. reduce thatch, and control sites. There did not appear to be significant differences in erosion or nutrient composition among the sites, however thatch was removed at a slightly higher rate in the area managed with goats.

Photo monitoring points were established and baseline vegetation data were gathered through the use of the point-intercept method along 50 meter transects prior to commencing site preparation of Phase 2 polygons. A rapid assessment survey of species composition and abundance following a modified CNPS protocol was completed in July for Phase 2 polygons. Phase 1 restoration transects were sampled in the late spring after the conclusion of spring restoration activities. An arthropod pitfall trap survey was conducted alongside select Phase 1 vegetation transects. Vegetation quadrat data was also gathered at each arthropod pitfall trap. Targeted invasive weed control was conducted simultaneously with other activities and focused on artichoke thistle, milk, and Italian thistle, as well as tree tobacco.

Phase 1 active restoration polygons were seeded and grass plugs were planted to supplement the

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Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

seed mix.

IRC completed a detailed Implementation Plan for Bee Flat Canyon, which was shared with OCTA and agencies. IRC submitted an annual report for 2011 activities.

Habitat Restoration: Approximately 15 acres of riparian and upland IRC will finalize a detailed Habitat Mitigation and - Agua Chinon restoration were identified in Agua Chinon as part Monitoring Plan for Agua Chinon in Spring 2013. Subwatershed of a OCTA Phase 1 Measure Mitigation project Once the plan is approved, baseline surveys will Mitigation (Funding by (see Bee Flat Canyon). IRC initiated a draft begin prior to the start of site preparation OCTA) HMMP for the project. A jurisdictional delineation activities in Fall 2013. was conducted to identify acreage occurring within waters of the U.S. A California Rapid Assessment Method (CRAM) survey was conducted to assess the health of riparian area prior to the start of restoration activities. A CRAM survey will be completed again at the end of the project as one measure of determining the performance of the restoration.

A survey of soil moisture conditions in degraded and intact vegetation was completed in September, just prior to winter rains. This data will help us to better understand the moisture requirements of certain native species and will guide future planting efforts in Agua Chinon.

Habitat Restoration: In 2012, IRC received funding for restoration at IRC will complete the Habitat Mitigation and - West Loma II OCTA West Loma II. This includes approximately 2.7 Monitoring Plans for OCTA for submission to the Mitigation acres of elderberry and mulefat shrubland USACE, CDFG, and the USFWS and review by

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Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

(OCTA Funding) riparian, 77.3 acres of CSS and native grassland NROC. Implementation will begin upon HMMP restoration and 140 acres of targeted invasive approval. control within the entire West Loma subwatershed. In addition, the IRC will work with CALTRANS to obtain an entry permit to move fencing and establish native habitat that would enhance wildlife movement and safety through the SR 241 arch culvert dividing sections of the sub-watershed.

Tecate Cypress Phase I and Phase II restoration plantings of Plants from Phase I and Phase II will continue to Restoration Tecate Cypress were maintained by weeding and be monitored and maintained in Spring 2013. (Funding by OC Parks and Phase II plantings (200 experimental seedling, Survival, height, and health will be measured in FWS; some initial funding 200 seeded microsites, and 200+ surplus June 2013. Health and survival will again be by NROC) seedlings) were watered four times over the monitored in October. A final report will be course of Spring 2012. Seedling germination was provided to FWS in December 2013. monitored in mid-spring and spring survival and health were monitored in June. Summer survival of all plots was monitored in October 2012. Phase I plants began developing mature leaf/scale structure (at 2 yrs age). An interim report to FWS will be available in January.

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, monitoring will continue in Restoration Study Parks NCCP. An additional site occurs within the Year 5 to a reduced degree. adjacent Conservation Easement. Data were collected in June 2012 to determine the affect of microsite on establishment and growth of prickly pear pads and transplants. Half of the plots were weeded in early 2009 and 2010 but weeded

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Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

microsites did not show a significant advantage in terms of survival and new growth compared with unweeded microsites. No hand weeding took place in 2012. 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. supplement IRC‟s seed needs and because it is important that restoration projects in the region use local seed sources. Noll Seeds provides IRC with information on the species, estimated amount, and location of collection prior to collection, and on amount of clean seed post collection. IRC will track populations such that certain areas are not over-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 - Native Seed Farm deeded to COI continued to be managed as a seeds will continue in 2013. native seed farm by IRC. In Year 4, 11 native shrubs, 26 forbs, and 6 native grasses were 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,

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Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

popcorn flower, common Eucrypta, California figwort, cudweed aster, mugwort, deerweed, white sage, black sage, coast goldenbush, California sage, California sunflower, California buckwheat, and several other wildflowers. Species were used in 2012 restoration plantings.

Miscellaneous Activities: This project is led by Katie Suding of UC It became clear from land manager workshops - Sustainable Solutions Berkeley and ties together ecosystem recovery that it would be difficult to implement one Collaborative Project - tools with public valuation and land manager restoration prioritization model that would meet UC Berkeley, IRC, feedback. Existing and new datasets were used the varying resources and priorities of different NROC to analyze patterns of restoration success across land managers in a coordinated way (such as (Funding by USDA & over 100 former restoration projects in Orange was conducted by the IRC in the north/central NROC) County. Projects were categorized by the part of the Irvine Ranch). Therefore, the IRC will amount of resources that were put into the conduct such an assessment for the lands it restoration. Analysis of this dataset continues manages in the south/coastal Irvine Ranch, as under the direction of Katie Suding. After well as contribute datasets to information feedback from the first workshop, land managers databases developed by NROC with Green Info. indicated a need to access information on and to UCI Center for Environmental Biology. In environmental attributes across the landscape addition, the IRC will work with NROC to initiate important in choosing restoration sites, as well as implementation of the Mule Deer Cactus Wren where previous restorations were conducted. In Linkage Restoration site in the City of Irvine. October 2012 Suding‟s lab and NROC held a subsequent workshop to introduce a web-based restoration tool that summarizes some existing information, and into which land managers could contribute additional information. It is unclear what resources would be necessary to maintain this, but Green Info. is developing the tool. Related to this larger project, the IRC worked with NROC and Stephen Swallow of the

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Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

University of Connecticut to coordinate a decision making choice survey with over 85 members of the public familiar with Orange County open space lands. Participants were asked to prioritize and choose different potential restoration sites restoration project funded by the grant and the NROC. An additional site (Mule Deer) associated with the Cactus Wren Linkage Restoration Project was chosen, one of the highlights being the involvement of public volunteers.

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 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.

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 be used for future fires as

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Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

- General Approach that small fires perimeters are digitized and that guides for data collection. Small fire perimeters fire severity and wildlife mortality are recorded in and dozer lines will be digitized and larger fire a consistent manner. A post-fire survey form perimeters will be obtained from OCFA. drafted earlier was utilized in the recent Santiago Hills fire.

Post-Fire Management: A 43.8 acre fire occurred on 27 September 2012 The burn site will be monitored qualitatively in - Specific fires at the SW corner of Santiago Hills, immediately Spring 2013 and will be prioritized for targeted west of Irvine Lake. The area burned included invasive control. right-of-way, TIC NCCP, and 18.2 acres of OC Parks NCCP. A dozer line was driven around the perimeter of the fire. An assessment of natural resource impacts was conducted and recommendations for repair were provided; dozer lines were repaired accordingly to minimize erosion. The fire and dozer line impacted some coastal sage scrub and cactus scrub, a limited amount of Willow Riparian, and non-native grassland. An internal report on the fire was completed.

Maintenance of Fuel N/A N/A Breaks/Modification Zones:

Miscellaneous Activities and Management Programs - IRC:

Miscellaneous Activities: Discussions with TNC regarding this project Transects will be identified through use of

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Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

- Monitoring Habitat continued. While priorities of TNC monitoring existing vegetation mapping data as well as Stability and Resilience focuses on describing the overall status of the transects and on the ground assessments. through Long-term vegetation over space and time in a Transects will be sampled in 2013, during a time Vegetation Transects representational way, the IRC will focus on long of year that will capture the greatest proportion of term monitoring across a series of transects that actively growing plants. In addition, we are will address potential changes in the threat of working with the Center for Environmental invasive species over time. Changes along the Biology at UCI to identify a student to re-sample gradient over time would allow one to make a subset of former grazing transects established assessments of thresholds in the stability and about 10 years ago by TNC. resilience of native vegetation. While these differences were identified, both parties agree to continue to share data where possible to meet both objectives. IRC will base resilience monitoring on field survey that was conducted during the summer of 2009 to obtain baseline data and to identify a threshold of native shrub cover where native seedling recruitment is affected by non-native cover. At that time, 30 belt transects were established and data were collected on seedling type and number and cover of mature shrubs.

Miscellaneous Activities: IRC continues 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 levels of habitat degradation to inform restoration coordination and communication. Promising activities. projects include the Green Info. restoration database being developed for the NROC via the Sustainable Solutions USDA grant project and the UCI Center for Environmental Biology data portal.

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Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

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 flora and, if time permits, fauna, in Biological Database infrastructure information in the region. We have 2013. 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. IRC also participated in a joint monitoring workshop in early 2012 with UCI and NROC to discuss goals and strategies for monitoring. New staff was hired in September 2012 to compile existing information on fauna and flora.

Miscellaneous Activities: Rare plant surveys were conducted by Fred Rare plant surveys will be continued as needed if Rare Plant Surveys Roberts on the West Loma Restoration Site, the future disturbance, such as restoration or trail Silmod Creek Trail footprint, and a portion of the building, is expected. future Creek Trail.

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 2012 (OCP Fig. 4). Transects were initially monitored with photo points again in 2013. 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.

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Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

Miscellaneous Activities: IRC contracted Bloom Biological to conduct Raptor surveys will continue in 2013 across the Raptor Surveys (including spring raptor surveys. Overall raptor production IRLR. an expanded volunteer decreased slightly from 2011 levels. IRC and survey area) Bloom Biological continued with Citizen Science participation in surveys and some expansion to other reserve areas. Trained Citizen Science volunteers supplemented Bloom Biological surveys. A final report of raptor surveys was completed by Bloom Biological for IRC and OC Parks.

Miscellaneous Activities: Cactus Wren nest boxes remained installed Nest boxes will be monitored in June of 2013 for Cactus Wren Artificial Nest across the landscape. Of 21 nest boxes, 14 were occupancy. Box Structures placed in areas owned by OCP throughout the northern portion of the IRNL in late summer 2011 (and 10 of the 14 are in the NCCP Central Reserve). Cactus Wren formed nests in two nest boxes. One located in Agua Chinon was occupied and fledged young. The other was abandoned.

Miscellaneous Activities: Thirty remote cameras are being maintained for Camera trapping will continue as a monitoring Wildlife Monitoring the purpose of monitoring wildlife activity within tool for wildlife and human activity. Online trail (Partially Funding by DFG) the Irvine Ranch Open Space. Data were entered use reporting will continue as well. No detailed into a Biota database that now contains analyses are planned for 2013. information nearly 70,000 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.

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Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

IRC completed work on a local assistance grant from DFG (LAG P0982014) to conduct a human access and wildlife monitoring analysis and framework. Methods to more accurately document human access and comparing wildlife activity during high and low human access days were developed, a literature review of human and biodiversity impacts was completed, and transects were established along trails to track change in trail condition, and native and non- native cover relative to trail type and use. Subcontracts were issued to Dr. MA Patten, U. Oklahoma for assistance with human/wildlife correlations and to Dr. E. Boydston, USGS, for a fine-scale bobcat movement analysis from collar data. 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 persist across more and less frequently-access areas. IRC worked with website developers to establish an online documentation system for trail use across the reserve system. Cuddeback expert series cameras were replaced in May 2012 with Scoutgard 565 heat and motion-triggered flash cameras. Sensors were modified with tyvec tape to reduce their sensitivity to motion and heat.

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Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

Miscellaneous Activities: Three marked trap-door spider colonies were Monitoring of trapdoor colony demography will Trap-door Spiders again monitored (OCP Fig. 3). A study summary continue in 2013. If additional colonies are found, is available upon request. they will be marked and measured.

Miscellaneous Activities: IRC hosted a field trip and served as a partner for All activities are ongoing. Pollinator Restoration and a Pollinators and Agriculture workshop which butterfly monitoring representatives of the agricultural industry, entomologists, government, and non-government organizations. Native seed production for pollinators was highlighted. Monthly butterfly surveys, using a modified “Pollard Transect” method were conducted along fixed trail routes in Limestone Canyon in order to obtain baseline information for long-term monitoring (OCP Fig. 4). Surveys were conducted from February through December and included staff, trained IRC volunteers, and select trained members of the public. IRC native seed farming continued to target seed 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.

Miscellaneous Activities: IRC supports climate change research on site by IRC will work with UCI to identify and install an Climate Change UCI and the installation of additional weather additional weather station in the IROSP. stations across local climate gradients. No IRC- led activities were conducted in 2011.

Miscellaneous Activities: In November 2012 the IRC submitted a proposal Implementation of the OCTA associated project Wildlife Corridors and to the Wildlife Conservation Board in and seeking opportunities for additional funding

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Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

Connectivity (ML) collaboration with TCA to improve roadside for wildlife movement improvements will continue fencing structure and placement to decrease risk in 2013. of vehicle related mortalities and to enhance wildlife movement. This would complement similar activities being performed by TCA in association with their 241 mitigation requirements, as well as fencing improvements being implemented along a section of the 241 in association with OCTA habitat mitigation.

Miscellaneous Activities: No activity. IRC will plan to continue to work with IRWD and Alternative Pest their pest control contractors on these issues. Management

Miscellaneous Activities: Discussion with USGS led to the conclusion that No action planned. Western Pond Turtle a thorough ranking of candidate restoration sites Habitat Evaluation is not feasible without additional funding.

Christmas Bird Count and Christmas Bird Counts and quarterly PIF Point Ongoing. Partners in Flight Count Count bird surveys were conducted by Sea and Sage Audubon. As of 2008, Audubon is providing IRC with CBC data specifically for Reserve areas. PIF data from south Limestone Canyon is also provided to IRC.

Conservation Capacity IRC expanded its conservation capacity as Ongoing. outlined below: 1. Continuing compilation of all available biological survey data for the reserve into a GIS-based database. – Update: We have identified and

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Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

obtained most of the significant biological surveys and assessments of degraded lands on the wildlands. We are now working with our partners to bring datasets to a standard that can be shared by land managers and used as a spring board for future projects and analyzed to identify long term patterns. 2. Working closely with agencies and OC Fire authority to minimize communication gaps and facilitating cooperation for the purpose of improving landscape-level conservation actions and land management. – Update: Continued to work with OCFA. Collaboration included (1) use of OCFA hand crews for restoration activities, (2) sharing of fire perimeter data, dozer lines, and sensitive species information to inform fire response, (3) Fire response and assessment using one another in an advisory capacity, (4) Development of a wildland fire task force. 3. Participating in the NROC Land Manag ers Council and taking on an advisory role where appropriate. – Update: IRC is continuing to participate in land manager meetings and is now a member of the NROC Technical Advisory Committee. IRC also participated in a joint monitoring workshop by UCI, IRC,

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Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

and NROC. 4. Continuing to provide opportunities for collaboration, internships, scholarship, and research on the Reserve. – Update: IRC staff has hosted several interns, including a graduate UCSB Bren student for targeted research, as well as undergraduates from Cal State Long Beach, Cal State Fullerton, and UCI. Science staff has been working with UCI researchers and the Director of the new Center for Environmental Studies to identify and develop areas of mutual interest. 5. Working with collaborators to obtain funding for important conservation actions. – Update: Funding obtained for access and wildlife monitoring, invasive ‟species monitoring, invasive species‟ removal, cactus restoration, and implementation of restoration on priority restoration sites as identified in the return on investment strategy.

Miscellaneous Activities and Management Programs - Non-IRC Research:

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Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

Dr. Steve Allison, Response of microbial communities associated Ongoing. University of California, with native and exotic plant species to Irvine management, climate and pollution disturbances in a coastal grassland.

Dr. Diane Campbell, Purpose: Effects of Brassica nigra on Ongoing. Expanded with funding to include University of California, reproductive success of focal native plant manipulative study in Limestone Canyon using Irvine species via pollinator competition. IRC study area.

Dr. H. Jochen Schenk, Comparison of hydraulic systems in multiple dicot Ongoing. California State University, shrub species from diverse lineages along aridity Fullerton gradients. Periodic measurements taken on select shrubs.

Dr. Jennifer Funk, Purpose: Experiment assessing the competitive Plan to set up plots on Loma Ridge with the plan Chapman University abilities of native plant functional groups and to sample them every April, including 2013 and invasive species. future years.

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. of California, Los Angeles soil moisture regimes to vegetation patterns.

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. Michael Goulden, Purpose: Establishing a long term weather Ongoing.

52 NROC Annual Report 2012

Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

University of California, station gradient based on temperature and Irvine nitrogen deposition.

Dr. Kathleen Treseder, Fungal Facilitators of Ecosystem Services in the Project initiation. University of California, Irvine Ranch. Irvine.

Dr. Sarah Kimball and Dr. N/A Passive Recruitment Study Purpose: Assess the Travis Huxman, University efficacy of using a passive restoration approach of California, Irvine to restoring degraded coastal sage scrub communities. (Also COI) 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. 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 N/A Purpose: Evaluate the degree of genetic connectivity among California Gnatcatcher populations across their range, including San

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Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

Diego, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, and Ventura Counties. (Also COI).

Dr. Martha Sutula, N/A Pending approval. Southern California Purpose: Collect the data necessary to derive Coastal Water Research reasonable and accurate numeric targets for 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

Dr. Rebecca Lewison, Meta-analysis of mountain lion data from burned In progress. California State University, and unburned sites across Southern California. San Diego Graduate project evaluating post fire activity and movement of mountain lions using IRC as well as other wildlife camera data. Candidate defended in December 2012.

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Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

OCP Fig. 1

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Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

OCP Fig. 2

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Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

OCP Fig. 3

57 NROC Annual Report 2012

Irvine Ranch Open Space - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

OCP Fig. 4

58 NROC Annual Report 2012

Orange County Parks - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

OC Parks/OC Parks Managed

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 Enforcement: County Codified Ordinances and use progressive enforcement, utilizing citation authority as “last resort.”

5 NROC Annual Report 2012

Orange County Parks - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

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. Continued pursuing legal action regarding construction of illegal trail near Cholla Trail, Canyon Acres and Westwing.

User Compliance See “Current Use Policies.” Ongoing. Programs: - Park Ranger Ordinance Enforcement

Educational Outreach: Held successful “Meet the Monarchs” and Schedule additional themed programs to be - Special Events “Rattlesnake!” events were a popular success. completed by resource specialists.

Educational Outreach: Scheduled additional mountain bike Conduct school tour programs beginning in - Parks & Laguna Canyon demonstration days, bike skills courses and March. Continue LCF programs in Spring. Foundation Educational family rides. Notified public of Arundo removal Programs project through LCF, OCCC and OC Parks.

Educational Outreach: Worked with volunteer to develop outreach Improve existing programs and expand with on- - Homeowners program. site OC Watershed Education Center and Association addition of full-time Resource Specialist position Presentations in Fall.

6 NROC Annual Report 2012

Orange County Parks - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

Educational Outreach: Continued utilizing volunteers to rehabilitate and Re-design the TAV program by nominating a new - Trail Assistance publicly open various trails as outlined in President and gain sponsorship from a local Volunteer Program Resource Management Plan. mountain bike shop.

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

Recreation Facility Construction & Maintenance:

New Construction or Posted signs, graded trail and implemented No further action. Expansion: regular patrols. Project complete. - Canyon Acres Acquisition (Chow Property)

New Construction or No action. Expect to acquire additional land southwest of Expansion: Top of the World. - New Acquisition

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Orange County Parks - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

New Construction or Continued strategy outlined in RMP to open No further action. Expansion: additional trails and rehabilitate unauthorized - Mentally Sensitive Trail trails in order to improve gateways/accesses and protect resources. Project complete.

New Construction or Evaluated long-term sustainability of Cholla Trail Improve Cholla Trail with re-routes and Expansion: treadwork. - Cholla Trail

New Construction or Project delayed due to redesign of main park No further action. Expansion: interest. May revisit in future. - Exercise Stretching Stations

Maintenance of Existing OC Watershed Education Center began Redesign front entrance to park with anticipated Facilities: consolidation of office locations with Laguna OCWEC expansion. - Park Office Canyon Foundation adjacent to park office, which Improvements will create need for potable water and sewer connections. Obtained quotes for potable water and sewer hookups, pending OC Watershed Education Center plans

New Construction or Reconfigured chain link fence. Relocated Draw plans for maintenance yard redesign with Expansion: “weather station” kiosk to Native Plant Garden. OC Parks Design Group. - Maintenance Yard Improvements

62 NROC Annual Report 2012

Orange County Parks - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

New Construction or Installed kiosks on Valido and ASWUT Trails. Install signage at Gate 18. Expansion: - Park Signage

New Construction or Ongoing, annual. Ongoing. Refurbish main lot with DG. Expansion: - Main Parking Lot

New Construction or Hosted volunteer days to restore trails. Work with Share Mountain Bike Club to replace Expansion: washed-out Wood Creek Trail footbridge. - Trail Maintenance

New Construction or No action. HOA to obtain permits and approvals. Obtain Expansion: plan from contractor. - Hillcrest Homeowners Association Drainage

Maintenance of Existing Facilities: Repaired road and initiated mitigation and Ongoing. Maintain mitigation with contractor. - Mathis Canyon Trail monitoring with contractors. Repair

Maintenance of Existing Performed Wood Canyon trail bank and dip- Obtain another quote for Valido Trail repair. Facilities: crossing repairs. Entered maintenance phase of - FEMA Site Repairs: mitigation with contractor. Wood Canyon Trail Bank, Wood Creek Dip- crossing and Valido Trail

63 NROC Annual Report 2012

Orange County Parks - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

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 Non- Program crews, volunteers and special groups to 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 Continue Arundo treatment and removal project (Nature Reserve of OC, contractor. until December 2013, then move to maintenance OC Parks, Prop 50) Initiated major Arundo treatment and removal phase. project targeting 20-26 acres of Aliso Creek.

Exotic Animal Control: Continued trapping in two areas along Aliso Ongoing, annual. - Cowbird Trapping Creek East. (Nature Reserve of OC)

64 NROC Annual Report 2012

Orange County Parks - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

Habitat Restoration: Restored locations including Dripping Cave Maintain study plots. - Park Projects shortcut to Mathis Canyon Trail, Wood Canyon Trail staging area and Canyon Overlook Trail. Installed three duff removal study plots along Hunwut Trail with volunteer.

Habitat Restoration: Attended contractor presentations and met with Further action unknown. - Army Corp of Engineers ACOE, regulatory agencies and stakeholders to Aliso Creek Restoration discuss developing proposal. (ACOE Funding)

Habitat Restoration: Completed annual inspection. Willows, Annual inspection will be completed. - 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)

65 NROC Annual Report 2012

Orange County Parks - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

Habitat Restoration: Mathis Canyon Trail repair required 0.12-acre Contractor to continue reporting to OC Parks on - Mathis Canyon Trail wetland and 0.22-acre riparian mitigation. future plantings, non-native plant removal and Mitigation Installed fencing and signage, sprayed weeds disturbances caused humans/wildlife. with County contractor prior to native plant installation. Installed native plant material and entered maintenance phase with County contractor.

Habitat Restoration: Improved wildlife corridor “C” to reduce wildlife Trim corridor path to allow easier ingress/egress - Wildlife Corridor “C” fatalities on Alicia Parkway. for wildlife.

Habitat Restoration: Added native plants, cleared non-natives, Ongoing; impacts to the Native Plant Garden are - Native Plant Garden delineated trail and installed interpretive aids. expected as a part of the park entrance redesign. Relocate weather station to garden and conduct native plant propagation experiments with volunteer.

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

66 NROC Annual Report 2012

Orange County Parks - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

Fire Prevention: Provided map of illegal trails to Laguna Beach Ongoing. Aliso Creek East Trail land-bridge still - Emergency Access FD stations. Stocked tool boxes with hand tools. intact to facilitate immediate responses to the Improvements: Established Aliso Creek Golf Course as park’s eastern rim. emergency evacuation exit. Continued improving emergency access on Wood Canyon and Mathis Canyon Trails. Enhanced Aliso Creek East Trail, monitored lower Mathis Canyon emergency services staging area and trimmed trees along Wood Canyon Trail as needed.

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 Possibly increase area of manual fuel load - City of Laguna Beach Beach contractor per agreement with city. reduction (reduce grazing area) with use of OC Fuel Modification Parks tractor and County contract.

Fire Prevention: Ongoing. Drafted letter 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

67 NROC Annual Report 2012

Orange County Parks - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

Miscellaneous Activities and Management Programs

Encroachment: Project complete. No further action. - Nestall

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.

Additional Park Staffing Added part-time Resource Specialist position in Convert the part-time Resource Specialist Fall. position to full-time.

EL MODENA OPEN SPACE (SANTIAGO OAKS REGIONAL PARK)

68 NROC Annual Report 2012

Orange County Parks - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 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

69 NROC Annual Report 2012

Orange County Parks - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 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

Habitat IRWD pipeline removed September 2012. No further action. Restoration/Revegetation: - Irvine Ranch Water District Pipeline Mitigation (IRWD Funding)

Fire Management Activities:

70 NROC Annual Report 2012

Orange County Parks - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

Fire Prevention: N/A N/A

Post-Fire Management: N/A N/A

Maintenance of Fuel Staff and contractor maintained fuel modification Ongoing, annual. Breaks/Modification Zones: zones identified by City of Orange Fire & OC Fire Authority.

Miscellaneous Activities and Management Programs:

Encroachment: Removed non-natives and revegetated area with Monitor and maintain site for two years with - Gregory Property coastal sage scrub vegetation with County County contractor until plants are established. contractor.

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

71 NROC Annual Report 2012

Orange County Parks - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

Recreation Use, Monitoring & Management:

Recreation Monitoring: N/A N/A - Trail Monitoring

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

72 NROC Annual Report 2012

Orange County Parks - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

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

User Compliance Hosted special event to educate public about Ongoing, annual. Will be organized by outside Programs: keeping dogs leashed. vendor. - 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

73 NROC Annual Report 2012

Orange County Parks - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

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

Educational Outreach: See “Fire Management Activities.” Ongoing. - Fire Watch Volunteer Program

Recreation Facility Construction and Maintenance:

New Construction or Initiated project to remove existing maintenance Continue in coordination with Project Managers. Expansion: yard and replace it with new structure. - Maintenance Yard

New Construction or Initiated project to replace existing restroom with Continue in coordination with Project Managers. Expansion: new unisex restroom. - Restroom 9

74 NROC Annual Report 2012

Orange County Parks - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

New Construction or Initiated project to install park entry signage on Continue in coordination with Project Managers. Expansion: parcel. - Triangle Parcel

New Construction or Refurbished Irvine Park sign on Centennial road. Project complete. No further action. Expansion: - Centennial Sign

New Construction or Initiated project to assist with drainage at park Continue in coordination with Project Managers. Expansion: entrance. - Rock Drainage Swell

New Construction or Initiated project to complete creation of trail with Continue in coordination with Project Managers. Expansion: interpretive panels and natural play structures. - Children’s Discovery Trail Enhancement

Maintenance of Existing Initiated project to turn unoccupied building into Continue in coordination with Project Managers. Facilities: Training Center. - Soda Fountain Pavilion

Maintenance of Existing Completed landscaping Tennis Hill site by adding Project complete. No further action. Facilities: large rocks, native plants and mulch. - Tennis Hill Landscaping

Maintenance of Existing Completed dredging Upper Lake. Monitor with Project complete. No further action. Facilities: County contractor. - Upper Lake Dredge

75 NROC Annual Report 2012

Orange County Parks - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

Maintenance of Existing Monitored lakes regularly with County contractor, Ongoing. Facilities: AquaTechnex. Stocked catfish in May 2012. - Lake Maintenance

Maintenance of Existing Completed in-house project to refurbish site to Project complete. No further action. Facilities: match three other Group Areas. - Group Area 4

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 Italian thistle, tree tobacco, castor Invasive Non-native bean, mustard, Tamarisk, fennel, pepper trees Plants and white bladder-flower.

76 NROC Annual Report 2012

Orange County Parks - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

Exotic Plant Control: No Herbicide Treatment in 2012. Conduct herbicide treatment with County - Herbicide Treatment of 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.

Habitat Restoration & County contractor hydroseeded on slope along Complete. No future action. Revegetation: Irvine Park Road. - Erosion Control

77 NROC Annual Report 2012

Orange County Parks - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

Habitat Restoration & Contractor performed mitigation monitoring on 5- Annual monitoring through 2014. Revegetation: acre site. - 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:

78 NROC Annual Report 2012

Orange County Parks - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

Study: Survey performed by Nature Reserve of OC. Ongoing, pending funding. - Gnatcatcher

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 expires in April and will be renewed until - Soil Macrofauna biology student with Permit #P2011-00972. 2014.

Study: Research performed by CSFU biology student Permit expires June 2013. - Bird Communication with Permit # P2012-01406.

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

79 NROC Annual Report 2012

Orange County Parks - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

LAGUNA COAST WILDERNESS PARK

Recreation Use, Monitoring & Management:

Recreation Monitoring: Patrolled regularly for new unauthorized trails. Continue volunteer and staff trail patrol and - Trail Monitoring Noted one new trail noted off Laguna Ridge; trail monitoring. Continue monitoring wildlife cameras was brushed and monitored. Ranger staff and for unauthorized use. Continue brushing mountain bike and backcountry volunteers unauthorized trails. 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.” Ongoing. Programs: - Park Ranger Ordinance Enforcement

80 NROC Annual Report 2012

Orange County Parks - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

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.

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

81 NROC Annual Report 2012

Orange County Parks - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

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.

New Construction or Monitored use of exhibit to inform future design Continue monitoring. Expansion: decisions. Collected photos to link plant - Geology Exhibit locations to geology.

New Construction or Planted natives plants along the trail in Ongoing. Expansion: preparation for future new interpretive signs. - Interpretive Plant Identification Signs

New Construction or OC Public Works moved and added wildlife Project complete. Monitor and record any wildlife Expansion: fencing at junction of 133 and 73 to protect large road mortality. - Wildlife Fencing mammals. Fencing now prevents road access and funnels animals from west side of road to undercrossing.

82 NROC Annual Report 2012

Orange County Parks - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

New Construction or Partially removed barbed wire fence off Water Continue. Expansion: 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 Installed magnetic bulletin boards in kiosks to Ongoing. Facilities: improve function. Replaced faulty locks at Little - Willow and Little Sycamore kiosk. Sycamore Kiosks

Maintenance of Existing Installed new trail signs on all trail posts to Project complete. No further action. Facilities: facilitate visitor navigation and decrease - Trail Posts necessary maintenance.

Maintenance of Existing Removed old interpretive posts and installed new Replace posts and install cell phone guide signs. Facilities: posts on Canyon trail and first section of Complete accompanying Trail Guidebook and - Interpretive Posts Mariposa trail. Constructed posts to replace provide to public. remaining old posts on Mariposa Trail, To the Lake Trail and Barbara’s Lake Trail.

83 NROC Annual Report 2012

Orange County Parks - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

Maintenance of Existing Applied soil stabilizer to Nix Nature Center lot to Ongoing, as needed. Add gravel to Dilley lot and Facilities: prevent erosion and control dust. DG to Dilley parking entrance. Add gravel to Big - Parking Lot Installed bumpers at Willow Canyon lot to keep Bend lot to fill holes and even surface. vehicles away from oak trees. Added gravel to Willow Canyon lot to protect the soil.

Maintenance of Existing Continued to close shortcuts through Ongoing. Facilities: switchbacks on Stagecoach South by blocking - Unauthorized Trail entrances and brushing. Closed new Closure unauthorized trail off Laguna Ridge.

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)

84 NROC Annual Report 2012

Orange County Parks - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 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 (5.75 ac), mustard (43.3 ac), acres of removal; Irvine non-native grasses (15 ac), veldt grass (3.0 ac), Ranch Conservancy pampas grass (0.25 ac), tocalote and Italian removed non-native thistle (3.5 ac), bull thistle (.25 ac), castor bean invasive plants in the (.25 ac), and areas with mixed invasive species Laguna Canyon strip) (7.0 ac). Methods included hand removal, weed eating, mowing and tractor.

Exotic Animal Control: N/A N/A

Habitat Restoration & Grassland restoration project (.25 ac; 650 purple Continue weeding cages; discontinue watering Revegetation: needlegrass plants): grasses installed in 2012. - Parks Projects- Nix Volunteers installed and caged grasses. Installed Nature Center (OC Parks & Laguna microsprinklers for watering Weeded cages Cyn. Foundation throughout year. Funding)

85 NROC Annual Report 2012

Orange County Parks - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

Habitat Restoration & Riparian restoration (.25 ac; 180 riparian plants): Monitor and weed. Mow buffer of non-natives Revegetation: Mowed area twice with tractor. Used black plastic repeatedly to prevent seeding. Use black plastic - Parks Projects- to sterilize soil in planting area. Volunteers to sterilize soil for next planting. Camarillo Canyon (OC Parks & Laguna removed plastic and planted 180 native plants Cyn. Foundation grown from seed collected in park. Native Funding) volunteers appeared in some locations where poison hemlock was mowed (saltgrass and alkali mallow).

Habitat Restoration & No action. Plant purple needlegrass being grown by Laguna Revegetation: Canyon Foundation greenhouse volunteers to - Parks Projects- Little plant at Little Sycamore to enhance and expand Sycamore (OC Parks & Laguna the grassland restoration areas. 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:

86 NROC Annual Report 2012

Orange County Parks - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 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:

N/A N/A N/A

LIMESTONE CANYON & WHITING RANCH WILDERNESS PARK

87 NROC Annual Report 2012

Orange County Parks - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

Recreation Use, Monitoring & Management:

Recreation Monitoring: Patrolled regularly to monitor for new Continue patrolling and monitoring. Evaluate - Trail Monitoring unauthorized trails. Monitored entry points for options for installing additional trail counters at all closed and after-hours unauthorized access. park entrances. Installed 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 four ranger-led hikes for residents of Unknown, pending contact from City of Lake - Lake Forest Nature Lake Forest through partnership with City of Lake Forest. Hikes Forest established in 2009.

Educational Outreach: Explored potential expansion of Irvine Ranch Unknown, pending management direction. - Irvine Ranch Open Conservancy-coordinated programs through Space – Limestone Irvine Ranch and Limestone Canyon & Whiting Canyon & Whiting Ranch facilities. Ranch Wilderness Park Multi-facility Activities

88 NROC Annual Report 2012

Orange County Parks - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

Educational Outreach: Established Ranger Reserve park liaison Ongoing. Schedule additional Ranger Reserve- - Ranger Reserve assignment to provide outreach to park visitors led nature hikes. Program on weekends. 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:

New Construction or Added fencing to establish park boundary Project complete. No further action. Expansion: adjacent to Red Rock Chateau property and “The - Wire Fencing Ranch.”

Maintenance of Existing Applied for permits in 2011 to begin Reconstruct staging area, pending receipt of Facilities: reconstruction of staging area washed out in permits. - Hangman’s Tree Staging 2010. Area

Maintenance of Existing Continued replacing washed-out sections of Continue to monitor and maintain established Facilities: fencing along Santiago Creek in Limestone perimeter fencing. - Wire Fencing Canyon.

89 NROC Annual Report 2012

Orange County Parks - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

Maintenance of Existing Implemented multiple Eagle Scout projects to Continue to inspect wood fencing and repair or Facilities: install new or replace existing sections of fencing replace as needed. - Wood Fencing throughout park and along perimeter.

Maintenance of Existing Performed annual trail maintenance. Ongoing, annual. Facilities: - Trail Maintenance and Repair

Maintenance of Existing Obtained core samples. Continued joint-meetings Project pending agreement on shared funding. Facilities: to establish strategy to reopen road following - Whiting Spur Road geo-engineer consultant recommendations.

Maintenance of Existing Project Manager met with engineer to obtain road Determine and implement best solution to Facilities: stabilization recommendations. Road unstable stabilize road. - Mustard Road due to severe erosion. Stabilization

Maintenance of Existing Applied for permits to restore Borrego Creek and Project pending permits. Facilities: trail after major storm damage sustained in 2010. - Borrego Trail

Maintenance of Existing Planned for long-term sustainability of trail, Implement minor reroutes and enhance native Facilities: including minor reroutes with input from OC vegetation. - Markel Spur Trail Parks Ecologist, Irvine Ranch Conservancy and trail engineer.

90 NROC Annual Report 2012

Orange County Parks - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

Habitat Restoration & Enhancement: (Note: Funding Sources noted in first column if other than Land Owner)

Exotic Plant Control: Juvenile Work Crews, volunteers and sstaff Ongoing. - Manual Removal of Non- removed approximately 2 acres of exotic plants, native, Invasive Plants including tree tobacco, artichoke thistle and mustard).

Exotic Plant Control: County contractor and licensed volunteer treated Ongoing. - Herbicide Treatment of approximately 37.5 acres. Non-native, Invasive Plants

Exotic Animal Control: N/A On the lookout for feral pigs per South County Land Stewards and Cleveland National Forest staff.

Habitat Restoration & Installed and maintained duff material and prickly Ongoing. Revegetation: pear cacti salvaged from intact coastal sage - Glass Creek Cactus and scrub habitat slated for development. Nature Duff Salvage Reserve of OC recipient sites are approximately (OC Parks, Nature 4 acres; OC Parks recipient site is approximately Reserve of OC, City of 1.5 acres. Lake Forest)

91 NROC Annual Report 2012

Orange County Parks - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

Habitat Restoration & Planned installation of native plants along failing Install native plants as planned. Revegetation: slope to stabilize trail in partnership with - Cattle Pond Loop mountain bike group. Project delayed due to rain.

Habitat Restoration & Installed native plants along McFadden entrance Maintain plants until established. Revegetation: stabilization area. Approximately 0.25 acre. - McFadden entrance

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: Implemented Year 5 of BMPs; monitored Continue. Monitor channels and slopes after - Santiago Fire Damage channels and slopes after extreme weather extreme weather events. Control (approximately events. 90% of park burned October 21, 2007)

Maintenance of Defensible N/A N/A Space / Fuel Modification Zones:

Miscellaneous Activities and Management Programs:

92 NROC Annual Report 2012

Orange County Parks - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

Encroachment: Approached property owner to resolve issue of Issue appears resolved. No further action. - Katelaris goats entering park property.

Study: Nature Reserve of OC conducted Cactus Wren Ongoing. - Cactus Wren surveys at cactus scrub sites in Whiting Ranch.

Study: N/A Permit issued for USGS Gnatcatcher survey. - California Gnatcatcher

PETERS CANYON REGIONAL PARK

Recreation Use, Monitoring & Management:

Recreation Monitoring: Installed 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. Programs: - Park Ranger Ordinance Enforcement

93 NROC Annual Report 2012

Orange County Parks - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

User Compliance Volunteers continued distributing information Ongoing. Programs: regarding trail use and park rules to park visitors. - Trail Courtesy Fliers Installed several trial courtesy signs along trail system.

User Compliance Hosted 3rd annual event to encourage dog Ongoing. Programs: owners to enjoy park trails responsibly in - Don’t Dog It partnership with Orange County Animal Care.

Educational Outreach: Continued hosting monthly volunteer event to Ongoing. - Restoration Sundays encourage community to take pride of ownership by removing non-native, invasive plants and restoring native vegetation.

Educational Outreach: Held programs for several community schools to Ongoing. - School Programs educate, inform and involve the local children with the park.

Educational Outreach: Ranger Reserves volunteered throughout the Ongoing. - Ranger Reserve year and provided increased park patrols and Program interpretation for visitors.

Educational Outreach: See “Fire Management Activities” Ongoing. - Fire Watch Volunteer Program

94 NROC Annual Report 2012

Orange County Parks - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 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 Budgeted for project. Install station, targeted for September 2013. Expansion: - Stretching Station Adjacent to Parking Lot

95 NROC Annual Report 2012

Orange County Parks - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

Maintenance of Existing Removed 1,000 ft. of barbed-wire fencing and Install new fencing, targeted for November 2013. Facilities: replaced with post-and-cable fencing along - Park Fencing Jamboree Road.

Maintenance of Existing Routine Grading of all trails within facility. Ongoing, annual. Facilities: - Trail Maintenance

Maintenance of Existing Completed clearing and cleaning all V-ditches. Ongoing, as needed. Facilities: - Jamboree V-ditches

Maintenance of Existing N/A Ongoing, as needed. Facilities: - East View Trail V-ditch

Habitat Restoration & Enhancement: (Note: Funding Sources noted in first column if other than Land Owner)

96 NROC Annual Report 2012

Orange County Parks - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

Exotic Plant Control: County contractor removed 1,600 dead and Ongoing. - Manual Removal of Non- dying non-native Eucalyptus trees over 12.6 native, Invasive Plants acres. Last phase of 4-year project. Volunteers and staff removed target non-native species, including artichoke thistle, tocalote, milk thistle, Russian thistle, castor bean, fan palms, black mustard and Sahara mustard, during our monthly restoration days.

Exotic Plant Control: Nature Reserve of OC contractor and OC Parks Ongoing. - Herbicide Treatment of contractor treated artichoke thistle, Italian thistle Non-native, Invasive and several types of mustards. 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 & Planted and maintained coastal sage scrub Continue planting with native seed and cactus Revegetation: species and prickly pear cacti along Lake View and coastal sage scrub species. - Park Projects Trail, Cactus Trail, Peters Canyon Trail and lower basin area.

97 NROC Annual Report 2012

Orange County Parks - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

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)

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:

98 NROC Annual Report 2012

Orange County Parks - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

Study: Study conducted by Nature Reserve of OC and Ongoing, pending funding. - Argentine Ants CSU San Marcos

Study: Study conducted through Nature Reserve of OC Permits valid through June 2013. - Non-native Flying and CSU San Marcos. Insects

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.

99 NROC Annual Report 2012

Orange County Parks - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

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.

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: Designed and received five (5) interpretive Install interpretive panels. - Interpretive panels. Panels

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

100 NROC Annual Report 2012

Orange County Parks - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

Recreation Facility Construction and Maintenance:

New Construction or N/A N/A Expansion:

Maintenance of Existing Hired professional trail-building company to Conduct habitat restoration projects in areas Facilities: repair damage on various roads and trails. disturbed by trail repair work. - Trail Improvements

Maintenance of Existing Funding allocated to complete repair. Project Pending permits, begin construction phase. Facilities: manager/consultant developed repair plan. - Arizona Crossing Repair Began permit 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)

101 NROC Annual Report 2012

Orange County Parks - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

Exotic Plant Control: Opportunistically removed small patches of non- Ongoing, annual. Selectively remove dead and - Manual Removal of Non- native plants throughout park, including fennel, small-diameter non-native trees in Rinker Grove native, Invasive Plants milk and Italian thistle, olive, mulberry, pine, as part of multi-year, phased restoration. Brazilian pepper, acacia, fountain grass, palm and 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

Exotic Animal Control: N/A N/A

Habitat Restoration & Staff and volunteers planted 550 container plants Ongoing, annual. Pending restoration projects on Revegetation: including prickly pear, toyon, laurel sumac, black Peralta Hills Tr. and Rinker Grove. - Parks Projects sage, white sage, buckwheat, California sunflower, monkey flower and lemonade berry on Mtn. Goat and Oak 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

102 NROC Annual Report 2012

Orange County Parks - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

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

Maintenance of Defensible N/A N/A Space / Fuel Modification Zones:

Miscellaneous Activities and Management Programs:

103 NROC Annual Report 2012

Orange County Parks - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

Encroachment: Litigation concluded. Initiate habitat restoration, pending conclusion of - Chen Property negotiations with OC Parks Asset Manager and Code Enforcement and removal of illegal structures

Encroachment: No action. Initiate habitat restoration, pending conclusion of - Lower Santiago negotiations with OC Parks Asset Manager and 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

Study: Park included in cooperative cactus wren study Ongoing. - Cactus Wrens by Nature Reserve of OC.

TALBERT NATURE PRESERVE (NORTH COASTAL FACILITIES)

104 NROC Annual Report 2012

Orange County Parks - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

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: Particularly increased visitor contact and at key locations to educate park visitors about - Park Ranger Ordinance compliance through education and progressive trail use, designations and importance of facility Enforcement enforcement at South Talbert at Victoria Pond regulations. Work with OC River Park on non- location. Increased Ranger Reserve Patrols. native plant removal to decrease illegal encampments.

Educational Outreach: Increased programs to include 6th, 7th, 8th grade Ongoing. Increase targeted elementary grade - Educational Programs Waldorf School restoration/education event with levels and increase programs for high school and OC Parks Staff. Program had 98 student college students. Continue to develop school- volunteers who donated 490 hours of service year restoration program with Waldorf School learning and restoration work. and Sunburst Academy. Contact local high schools to offer volunteer restoration opportunities.

105 NROC Annual Report 2012

Orange County Parks - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 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.

Maintenance of Existing Staff brushed trails throughout Preserve as Ongoing, annual. Facilities: needed. - Trail Maintenance

Habitat Restoration & Enhancement: (Note: Funding Sources noted in first column if other than Land Owner)

106 NROC Annual Report 2012

Orange County Parks - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

Exotic Plant Control: Mowed North Talbert mustard prior to seeding. Ongoing. Remove Pampas Grass in South - Manual Removal of Non- Talbert with aid of heavy equipment. Trail native, Invasive Plants grading after rain fall. Hand pull invasive plants on the Waldorf High School restoration site.

Exotic Plant Control: N/A N/A - Herbicide Treatment of Non-native, Invasive Plants

Exotic Animal Control: N/A N/A

Habitat Restoration & Initiated planting of coastal sage scrub species in Ongoing. Plant additional coastal sage scrub Revegetation: North Talbert with Waldorf School volunteers and species, sycamore trees and willow trees with - Parks Projects removed mustard and tocalote with Sunburst Waldorf School and Sunburst Academy. Academy Cadets.

Habitat Restoration & No action. Complete work plan and submit to Nature Revegetation: Reserve of OC and California Resources - South Talbert Wetland Agency. Initiate non-native plant removal Enhancement Project (California Resources targeting Pampas grass and select annual Agency Coastal Impact species, pending approval and funding. Assistance Program Funding)

107 NROC Annual Report 2012

Orange County Parks - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

Habitat Restoration & Contractor continued to monitor and maintain Ongoing. Revegetation: project initiated in 2009. - OC Flood Control District Mitigation (OCFCD Funding)

Fire Management Activities:

Fire Prevention: N/A N/A

Post-Fire Management: N/A N/A

Maintenance of Defensible N/A N/A Space / Fuel Modification Zones:

Miscellaneous Activities and Management Programs:

Facility Name Change County Board of Supervisors voted to approve No further action. facility name change from Talbert Nature Preserve to Talbert Regional Park.

108 NROC Annual Report 2012

Orange County Parks - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 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.

109 NROC Annual Report 2012

Orange County Parks - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

Educational Outreach: Staff offered 451 environmental education Ongoing. Work with Harbor Day School on - Educational Programs programs with 16,158 participants. Partnered quarterly program which will include educational with local organizations including YMCA, and restoration elements. Expand outreach Newport Bay Conservancy and Newport Aquatic program with OC Public Libraries and NMUSD. Center. Entered into new partnerships with Irvine Continue working with YMCA, ITO and IRC staff Ranch Conservancy (Outreach Programs), One to expand partnership programs. OC, OC Public Libraries, ECHS, San Bernardino Community College and Orange Coast College.

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 sixth year with ECHS freshman on Ongoing. Work with 2012-2013 and 2013-14 - 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.

Educational Outreach: Held monthly volunteer events and individual Ongoing. Work with staff and volunteers to nd - 2 Sundays Habitat Adopt-A-Park group volunteer events at various continue improving quality, productivity and Restoration & Specialty restoration sites throughout Bay. 1,872 educational component of volunteer events. Volunteer Restoration Events participants contributed 5,616 hours of volunteer Continue taking additional volunteer groups as work. Hosted Earth Day educational event using schedule permits. Ranger Reserves.

110 NROC Annual Report 2012

Orange County Parks - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

Educational Outreach: Developed Wildlife Survey Program for high Ongoing. - Wildlife Survey Program school and college students. Researched General Development Plan to identify focus species and locations, including burrowing owl, cactus wren and migratory water fowl.

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:

111 NROC Annual Report 2012

Orange County Parks - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

Maintenance of Existing Updated and replaced signage throughout Ongoing. Create and post additional signage at Facilities: Preserve, increasing visibility of Preserve restoration sites to educate visitors about work in - Park Signage regulations and trail use designations, particularly progress. along equestrian and bike trails, to protect sensitive areas.

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. Repair

Habitat Restoration & Enhancement: (Note: Funding Sources noted in first column if other than Land Owner)

112 NROC Annual Report 2012

Orange County Parks - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

Exotic Plant Control: Volunteers, staff and partners removed target Ongoing. Utilize volunteer events and Juvenile - Manual Removal of Non- non-native species, including ice plant, fennel, Work Program crews to remove invasive species. native, Invasive Plants castor bean, garland chrysanthemum, mustard, Treat and remove Arundo reinvading Westbluff (OC Parks, California Coastal Commission radish, horehound, tocalote, Spanish sunflower, drainage. ROOTS) bristly ox-tongue and Pampas grass. Removed Brazilian pepper trees below Node 1.

Exotic Plant Control: N/A N/A - Herbicide Treatment of Non-native, Invasive 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: Mansa approximately 6 acres of coastal sage scrub and acreage. Meadows, Marsh Loop, Constellation, Plateau, estuarine species were planted. Mesa Drive, Banner Maintained sites with manual weed removal, Point and Parking Lot planting cages and first-year monthly summer (OC Parks, California watering. Coastal Commission Restoration areas expanded to include ROOTS) “employee maintenance entrance” slope and “Constellation” ECHS planting site.

113 NROC Annual Report 2012

Orange County Parks - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

Habitat Restoration & 8-acre coastal sage scrub and grassland habitat Project complete. Continue monitoring project for Revegetation: restoration project continued in maintenance wildlife presence and plant diversity, density and - Westbay Habitat phase with County contractor. Native vegetation cover with staff and volunteers. Restoration Project (American Oil Trader matured and began to self-propagate in many Spill Settlement) areas; non-native species continually removed. Vegetation and wildlife monitored by volunteers.

Habitat Restoration & Installed additional native species. Watered 4 Ongoing. Augment existing native plant species Revegetation: times per week throughout summer months. to increase density, quality and aesthetics of site, - Butterfly Garden 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:

114 NROC Annual Report 2012

Orange County Parks - Central/Coastal Orange County Wildlands

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

Miscellaneous Activities and Management Programs:

Study: Continued project under supervision of OC Ongoing. Document sightings, locations and - Bobcats Trackers and park staff. Documented sightings behaviors of bobcats and coyotes in the preserve and behavior of primary female, Vanity. by staff and volunteers. Continue to share Volunteers and staff conducted outreach findings with public. Seek grant to initiate second presentations at Muth Interpretive Center for bobcat collaring project. youth groups and general public, including NBC’s Public Meeting on Coyotes. Animal Control officers from Newport Beach and Costa Mesa spoke at the event. Project began in 2006.

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. Conservancy, Starr Ranch and Nature Reserve of OC.

Study: UC Irvine researchers continued Year 3 of Ongoing. - Climate Change and genetics study on approximately 0.25 acres near Native Plant Genetics Muth Interpretive Center.

115 NROC Annual Report 2012

City of Irvine - Open Space Preserve

Program, Project, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

City of Irvine/Irvine Ranch Conservancy Managed

Recreational Use Monitoring & Management:

Current Use Policies: Self-guided access seven-days per week from The COI plans to continue to offer the same 7:00 am to sunset on the Bommer Meadows recreational access configurations through the Trail, West Fork Trail and Turtle Ridge Trail IRC. beginning from the new Bommer Canyon Trailhead up to the current seven-day section at Sensitive areas will be fenced off or planted with Ridge Park and Turtle Ridge. Quail Hill Loop Trail cactus to manage self guided access. Irvine and Quail Trail also have self guided access Open Space Patrol and volunteer patrols will be seven-days per week from 7:00 am to sunset deployed to monitor the public user groups. beginning from the Quail Hill Trailhead. The Quail Trail connects to the seven day per week The current public notice procedure for rain and access configuration on Serrano Ridge in Laguna wildfire closure will be updated to include use of Coast Wilderness Park. seasonal signs, phone and web-based information to improve public compliance to Docent-led hiking, mountain biking, trail running weather closures. and equestrian tours for the public with once per month managed wilderness access days is the current access configuration for all other trails not mentioned above. The maximum limit for docent- 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.

116 NROC Annual Report 2012

City of Irvine - Open Space Preserve

Program, Project, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

These are offered one per month.

Public access is cancelled for a minimum of 72 hours following a rainfall event greater than one- half inch. 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 2013. - 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 be reinstated in 2013. December 31, 2012) Total public programs offered: 371 Total activities implemented: 548 Total volunteers: 1,805 Total volunteer hours: 8,125 Actual participants: 2,327 Public participant volunteer stewardship/trail boss hours: 168

The following public recreation and interpretive programs were offered. Some programs were cancelled due to Red Flag Alerts, rain closures and Santa Ana wind events.

Total recreation programs offered: 330 117 NROC Annual Report 2012

City of Irvine - Open Space Preserve

Program, Project, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

Total recreation programs implemented: 262 Total volunteers: 1,197 Total volunteer hours: 4,727 Actual participants: 2,272

Total trail boss public programs offered: 5 Total trail boss public programs implemented: 4 Total volunteer: 12 Total volunteer hours: 49.5 Public participants: 5 Public participant volunteer hours: 20 (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.

118 NROC Annual Report 2012

City of Irvine - Open Space Preserve

Program, Project, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 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 “Discovering California”, “Eat or be Eaten”, “Junior Explorers” and “Navigating Bommer”.

Programs offered: 31 Programs implemented: 30 Actual participants: 1,099

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, and signage, increased patrols, and other created a volunteer data collection and enforcement activities. monitoring crew to collect and download the data. The volunteers collected and processed access Additional trail counters may be implemented 119 NROC Annual Report 2012

City of Irvine - Open Space Preserve

Program, Project, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

data once per week starting in August. and rotated throughout the Irvine Open Space to compile user pattern data for unauthorized use of Total days implemented: 24 both the sanctioned and non-sanctioned trails. Access monitoring volunteers: 48 Some of these counters may be placed at Volunteer hours: 312 camera trap sites to obtain the most accurate possible data about unauthorized use. In an effort to reduce unauthorized public access, targeted enforcements were implemented based The acquired data will be compiled into a matrix on use patterns of unauthorized public access. to be distributed to the City of Irvine Open Space Enforcement activities included patrols, visual Patrol personnel to help keep them informed of deterrence and warnings issued by the Irvine use patterns in the NCCP areas outside of the Open Space Patrol. scheduled docent led programs, the operating hours of the area, the use of any non-authorized The following Irvine Police enforcement activities trails, and entry of dogs into the area. were conducted: Total hours details assigned: 242.5 The City of Irvine Police Department and Animal Number officers assigned: 2-3 person teams per Control Services are going to start issuing shift citations for unauthorized use and dog Educational Policing Contacts:685 infractions. The enforcement step is necessary (emphasized an education first mentality) to address problems created from a change in Citations issued: 42 the human access configuration. This step also Warning issued: 68 aligns with the guidelines identified in the NCCP Arrests issued: 2 (1-animal cruelty, 1-drug document. possession)

Mountain biking was by far the largest unauthorized user group identified in the data collected. Mountain biking was temporarily suspended from managed access days for several months until the unauthorized access levels were reduced. Guided mountain biking was offered as an alternative. Mountain biking

120 NROC Annual Report 2012

City of Irvine - Open Space Preserve

Program, Project, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

was eventually brought back to managed access days. This type of recreation management is outlined in the NCCP document as an appropriate way to manage unauthorized access.

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 unacceptable adverse impacts to 121 NROC Annual Report 2012

City of Irvine - Open Space Preserve

Program, Project, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

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 being Wildlife cameras will continue to be operated Programs: maintained to concurrently monitor wildlife in using Cuddeback cameras within Coastal - Monitoring and Human relation to human activity. An additional camera Reserve and Scoutguard 565 camera within the Access Management (included in total above) was added along the Central Reserve. Wildlife response will be closely Shady Oaks trail to better monitor wildlife along monitored to identify long-term changes in usage less frequented trails. patterns relative to human activity.

A final report was submitted for a two-year local Trail transects will be surveyed again in 2013. assistance grant to IRC by DFG to develop a methodology to monitor effects of human activities on wildlands. Data from existing cameras were evaluated. A strong negative relationship was found between human trail activity and same day wildlife activity, though behavioral effects did not lead to a persistent spatial pattern of avoidance in high use areas. Two trail counters continued to be operated in order to better estimate human access along open trails. Trail transect points established in 2010 and 2011 were photographed trail erosion was measured again in 2012. Trail size and usage have not, as yet, affected the trail-side flora or erosion significantly.

An estimate of 2012 COI-OSPS trail use is 122 NROC Annual Report 2012

City of Irvine - Open Space Preserve

Program, Project, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

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 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 2012 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: 46 Total citizen science programs implemented: 46 Citizen science volunteers: 67 Volunteer hours: 244 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 123 NROC Annual Report 2012

City of Irvine - Open Space Preserve

Program, Project, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

Steward Program training workshops for land stewards. The Land the opportunity to steward particular areas. Lead 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. Number of invasive programs more than doubled from 2011.

Total invasive programs offered: 167 Total programs implemented: 163 Lead land steward volunteers: 217 Lead land steward volunteer hours: 986 Public participants: 38 Public participant hours: 144

Total restoration programs offered: 2 Total programs implemented: 2 Lead land steward volunteers: 3 Lead land steward volunteer hours: 11 Public participants: 1 Public participant hours: 4

Recreation Facility Construction & Maintenance

Training /Volunteer Conducted volunteer Trail Boss training and Continue training Trail Boss volunteers and Management: implemented the Adopt-A-Trail program to assist expanding the Adopt-A-Trail program. - Trail Boss Programs with ongoing monitoring and maintenance of trail Offer advanced training to Trail Boss volunteers 124 NROC Annual Report 2012

City of Irvine - Open Space Preserve

Program, Project, Activity 2012 Progress Report 2013 Work Plan

system. in specific areas of trail work, i.e.: power Completed volunteer trail projects: equipment, rock armoring, specialty construction Trail boss training sessions: 3 techniques. Trail maintenance projects : 20

New Construction or Performed enhancements to the existing Add additional enhancements to mountain bike Expansion (Loma Ridge): mountain bike skills area, based on participant skills area. - Orchard Hills Trailhead and volunteer comments and suggestions. Install human access monitoring cameras at the upper and lower loops of the Orchard Hills Loop trails.

Maintenance of Existing N/A Refresh way-finding signage on existing sign Facilities (Loma Ridge): posts as needed to reflect the current City of - Signage Irvine Sign and Logo Standards.

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 Re-graded steep section on Upper Loop Trail needed. below Changala’s Pass incorporating appropriate erosion control measures. Removed fallen eucalyptus trees as required.

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. A social trail stemming from Changala’s pass up to the repeater location will be closed, restored, and monitored.

New Construction or N/A N/A Expansion (Limestone Cyn.):

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Maintenance of Existing Performed general cleanup, weeding and Remove, relocate and raise existing embedded Facilities (Limestone Cyn.): maintenance. boulders to accommodate a more defined - Portola Staging Area perimeter barrier.

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 trail- Monitor and perform repairs on existing trail as Expansion (Bommer Cyn.): tread to improve drainage. Closed and restored 2 needed. - Bommer Pass social trails with the addition of native cactus and native chaff.

New Construction or Re-graded Bommer Meadows from the primary Install crosswalk striping and signage at the Expansion (Bommer Cyn.): trailhead to the intersection at the road-adjacent Bommer Meadow/Bommer Pass intersection. - Bommer Meadow Trail trail intersection. Grading performed to smooth Monitor and perform repairs on existing trail as and fill depressions created by equestrian use. needed. (See Seasonal Restrictions implemented under Remove and replace the existing 4’ x 16’ “Monitoring and Management” above. puncheon bridge at the north end of the Bommer Meadow road-adjacent trail. This bridge to be re- constructed to a 24’ long puncheon structure, designed to allow an additional 18” of clearance over the creek-bed.

New Construction or Implemented additional native plantings at the Monitor and perform repairs on existing trail as Expansion (Bommer Cyn.): fenced trailside restoration areas. Native plants needed. - Turtle Ridge Trail include Giant Blue Rye, Laurel Sumac, and Perform trail enhancements including rock 126 NROC Annual Report 2012

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Prickly Pear Cactus. armoring, removal of existing trail adjacent power Additional tread-work was performed on the poles, installation of trailside benches using upper switchbacks to improve drainage and reclaimed lumber from power poles. armor the trail edges. Continue monitoring fire pit location. Implement a live-feed still-photo camera at the unauthorized fire-pit location.

New Construction or N/A A small radio repeater is planned for the Cattle Expansion (Bommer Cyn.): Camp area (near the existing staff trailer); to - Cattle Camp Area further enhance program and emergency radio coverage within the Open Space Preserve. Design and install permanent delineator barriers between the Nature Trail connection to the Cattle Camp adjacent to the primary arena parking area. This will provide safe passage for trail users and prevent degradation of the engineered trail surface from vehicle traffic.

New Construction or N/A A radio charging stations is to be placed at the Expansion (Bommer Cyn.): Bommer Canyon Trailhead. The station will - Bommer Trailhead contain six radios to be utilized by the program docents during the public programs.

New Construction or Prepared 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 for July 2013. No native habitat impacts community protected by NCCP. are involved with these improvements.

Maintenance of Existing Performed erosion control maintenance at the Monitor and perform repairs on existing trail as Facilities (Bommer Cyn.): upper terminus of the trail at the connection with needed. - West Fork Trail Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. Upon City approval, relocate the existing upper Performed vegetation trimming at the upper and West Fork gate to the upper terminus trail 127 NROC Annual Report 2012

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lower connections of the trail to maintain vehicle connection at Pacific Ridge/Laguna Coast width for emergency access. 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 will reduce or eliminate 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. -Ridge Route Trail Low-Dose Glyphosate. This process will reduce or eliminate the requirement for multiple mowing/string trimming passes during the growing season.

Maintenance of Existing Design and implement a “Trail Condition” sign or Install pavement marking and signage to Facilities (Bommer Cyn.): barrier element for use during periods of delineate asphalt road for vehicle traffic only. - Vehicle Gates necessary trail closure.

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 Installed additional signage implementing new Refresh way-finding signage on existing sign Facilities (Bommer Cyn.): seasonal equestrian closures. posts as needed to reflect the current City of - Signage Natural surface trails in the City of Irvine Open Irvine Sign and Logo Standards. Space Preserve are closed for equestrian use 128 NROC Annual Report 2012

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from December 1st through April 30th.

Maintenance of Existing Performed semi-annual maintenance checks on Continue semi-annual maintenance checks. Facilities (Bommer Cyn.): existing bridges. - Bridges Performed maintenance sanding and staining of existing Bommer Meadow bridges to match the balance of the facility structures with Valspar chestnut water-based stain.

Maintenance of Existing Installed additional post and rope barriers to Natural barriers will be continually monitored and Facilities (Bommer Cyn.): deter off-trail use at the native plant barrier repaired 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 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% The lower section of the Quail Trail will be Facilities (Shady Cyn.): grade segment of the Quail Trail. Maintenance realigned to eliminate the steep entry segment - Quail Trail included re-contouring approximately a 110 LF located at the end of the Quail Hill HOA property. section creating a separate trail tread and swale The currently adopted road alignment is at a drain within the confines of the existing trail. 26% grade which requires extended Performed an initial site survey and flagging of maintenance processes. The alternate route will the proposed alternate re-route, to aid in the be designed to provide a safer and more 129 NROC Annual Report 2012

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follow-up biological surveys. sustainable trail, maintaining grades between 10% and 12%.

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 Performed an initial site survey and flagging of Install enhancements to trail tread such as rock Run, Fox Run and two proposed alternate re-routes at the Cattle armoring, drainage, rock boxes, berms and Shady Oaks single Crest and Rabbit Run trails. check dams. tracks Both trails contain one existing steep section Two existing sections, approximately 150 LF proven to be unsustainable in their currently each to receive maintenance realignment. adopted location. The Cattle Crest and the Rabbit Run trails each Performed vegetation management of the trail- have one section that has grades exceeding tread to reduce invasive grasses with the use of 22%. Alternate routes will be designed to Low-Dose Glyphosate. This process will reduce provide a safer and more sustainable trail, or eliminate the requirement for multiple maintaining grades between 10% to 12% mowing/string trimming passes during the growing season.

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 Performed maintenance sanding and staining of stain to all bridge surfaces with Valspar chestnut the existing Quail Trail bridge to match the stain to match existing wood components in the balance of the facility structures with Valspar area. chestnut water-based stain.

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.

Maintenance of Existing Installed additional signage implementing new Refresh way-finding signage on existing sign Facilities (Shady Cyn.): seasonal equestrian closures. posts as needed to reflect the current City of 130 NROC Annual Report 2012

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- Signage Natural surface trails in the City of Irvine Open Irvine Sign and Logo Standards. Space Preserve are closed for equestrian use from December 1st through April 30th.

Facility N/A N/A Replacement/Repair (Shady Cyn.):

New Construction or N/A A solar powered radio charging stations is to be Expansion (Quail Hill): placed at the Quail Hill Trailhead. The station - Quail Trailhead will contain six radios to be utilized by the program docents during the public programs.

Maintenance of Existing Performed routine mowing and grading as Continue routine mowing and grading as Facilities (Quail Hill): required to accommodate public access. needed.

Maintenance of Existing Removed existing recreation step-over barriers to N/A Facilities (Quail Hill): comply with revised Dept. of Justice Accessibility - Vehicle Gates Requirements for Natural Surface Trails.

Maintenance of Existing N/A Refresh way-finding signage on existing sign Facilities (Quail Hill): posts as needed to reflect the current City of - Signage Irvine Sign and Logo Standards.

Facility N/A N/A Replacement/Repair (Quail Hill):

Infrastructure Construction & Maintenance:

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Removal of Inactive Field No removal initiated. IRC will evaluate all active and inactive field Research Materials studies and mitigation sites and remove field 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 169 acres within below for species-specific details. NCCP and an additional 227 acres of non-NCCP open space within City property boundaries. Note: The City and IRC are working with the Manager adopted control of most artichoke thistle Backcountry Council to collaborate with adjacent control areas previously managed by NROC. agencies on invasive species eradication, Artichoke thistle remained the primary target ordinance consistency, trail maintenance, and species due to past effort invested and the ability stewardship across landowners’ boundaries. of this species to rebound without control.

Exotic Plant Eradication: An aerial survey of 34 exotic plants completed in Target exotic plant species will be monitored - Monitoring and 2011 continued to inform invasive control efforts incidentally through documentation of control Prioritization and prioritization in the Central Reserve. Updated activities. Manager will work with partners to find weed maps are still lacking in the Coastal funding for a comprehensive cross-border Reserve. invasive plant survey. Based on population size and distribution, state- wide CAL-IPC ranking, and past control effort, Photo-monitoring points have been established species were prioritized for eradication and to document artichoke thistle treatment success control. Species identified for eradication within at Quail Hill percent thistle cover will be COI property were Sahara mustard, tree of estimated in target control areas. Multi-cut areas heaven, and garland chrysanthemum. Of these, will be expanded. 132 NROC Annual Report 2012

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Sahara mustard occurs within the COI-OSPN and garland chrysanthemum occurs within the IRC will continue to focus on control / eradication COI-OSPS. Species prioritized for reserve-wide of species targeted in 2013. In addition, Manager control included artichoke thistle, arundo, spanish will take over control of garland chrysanthemum broom, and pampas grass. and pampas grass in COI-OSPS from NROC. Planned exotic control activities will be Artichoke thistle, castor bean, fennel, and tree implemented primarily by volunteers and staff tobacco were monitored incidentally during within the COI-OSPS and are being coordinated volunteer and contracted control events within to complement NROC’s 2013 invasive control the coastal reserve and adjacent lands (COI Fig. plan, which has scaled back completely from 2). No Tamarisk was observed within the COI- COI-OSPS. OSPS.

IRC worked with Backcountry Council to regionally prioritize species for eradication and control. Species prioritized for eradication have not yet been observed within COI-OSPS. Those occurring within COI-OSPS that were 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 106 Artichoke thistle control will continue as funds - Artichoke Thistle acres within NCCP and additional 227 acres permit as a high priority based on previous beyond. Removal within Bommer Canyon and control efforts. Special emphasis will be placed Quail Hill was primarily by volunteers by manual on adjacent open space and neighboring HOA 133 NROC Annual Report 2012

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removal (multiple cut) and stump cut treatment. acreage beyond NCCP with refugial populations.

The California Conservation Corps was again used for late season cutting at Quail Hill to prevent re-seeding. - Fennel Fennel was removed manually across 0.6 acres Fennel control will continue opportunistically. of NCCP and an additional 9.3 acres beyond. - Milk and Italian Thistle Italian thistle was removed within 0.07 acres in Milk and Italian thistle control will continue Bommer Canyon. opportunistically. - Sahara Mustard Sahara mustard was removed manually across Year 3 of Sahara mustard eradication efforts in (NROC-funded) 36 acres at Orchard Hills. 50 trash bags of plants Orchard Hills will continue in 2013 with support

were collected (compared to 59 in the previous from NROC. year). - Bull thistle Bull thistle was removed within 0.06 acres in Bull thistle control will continue where it is Bommer Canyon. observed. - Tree Tobacco Tree tobacco was removed across 11 acres of Tree tobacco control will continue in areas

NCCP and an additional 1 acre of other open previously identified and as resources permit. space. - Castor Bean Castor bean was removed manually and by Castor bean control will continue in areas

stump-cut across 14 acres (3.9 acres net) previously identified and as resources permit. primarily within Shady and Bommer Canyon and within 3 acres of other open space. - Pampas Grass A single pampas grass was removed within the Pampas grass control will be prioritized. Central Reserve. - 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. IRC will collect data on # of rosettes (if controlling this species. With respect to the feasible), % cover of CYCA prior to first cutting, average % cover of CYCA and average # of % cover and species of next most dominant non- rosettes, the continuous cut treatment and the native, % cover and species of most common root cut plots had the least CYCA cover at the native. Results will inform manual removal as end of each season and the most significant implemented by volunteers. reduction from 2010 to 2012. All treatments either held number of rosettes and cover steady or lead

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to a net decrease in cover relative to controls, which increased both in percent cover and number of rosettes. Multiple cut and single root cut treatments reduced number of rosettes and cover substantially relative to initial conditions. Volunteer land stewards are continuing to assist staff with maintenance and data collection. Results are informing manual thistle removal strategy and are available upon request.

Exotic Animal Control: A total of 14 domestic dogs were captured across Enforcement of ‘no dog’ policy will continue Exotic Animal Monitoring eight wildlife cameras in the COI-OSPS. within the Preserve. IRC will coordinate with COI Animal Control in the event that feral dogs and other exotic animal species need to be removed from the Reserve. An animal release and disposal policy is in the process of being drafted.

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 2013. Restoration - Stewardship Work Days In total, 169 work days, involving from 1 to stewardships and student work days will be approx. 15 volunteers, were held in 2012. Of conducted at Quail Hill, Bommer Canyon, and these, most were organized to cut back an Mule Deer (Shady Canyon). artichoke thistle infestation at Quail Hill and Quail Trail areas directly adjacent to the Nature Reserve. Many additional days were dedicated to invasive species control within the Preserve, primarily in the Bommer Canyon area (COI Fig. 2). In addition, volunteer-lead invasive species patrols xwere e panded to include Mule Deer and the length of Quail Trail. Stewardship activities along the Turtle Ridge trail were continued.

Habitat Restoration & In collaboration with NROC, two cactus The east canyon sites will continue to be 135 NROC Annual Report 2012

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Revegetation: restoration sites (<0.5 acres each) were identified maintained by the IRC in 2013. This will include - Cactus Wren Habitat in phase II of the linkage restoration project for spring weed-eating of flowering heads and Linkage Restoration- the Coastal Cactus Wren. Site B, south of Mule possibly low dose spraying in the fall after East Canyon Sites Deer Trail, is within Irvine Company-owned land, germinating rains. but has been deeded to the City of Irvine. It was planted with 800 prickly pear cactus pads in January 2011. Site A, north of Mule Deer Trail is within the City of Irvine Open Space Preserve and was planted with prickly pear salvaged from the Siphon Reservoir April 2010. One hundred coastal prickly pear branches and 600 pads were salvaged and delivered to the sites by NROC and were planted across both East Canyon sites in December 2011 and January 2012. Weed control was conducted in the spring and low dose glyphosate was applied to the sites in November 2012 as part of site maintenance.

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 2013. - Native Seed Farm native seed farm by IRC. In Year 4, 11 native shrubs, 26 forbs, and 6 native grasses were 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, 136 NROC Annual Report 2012

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California sage, California sunflower, California buckwheat, and several other wildflowers. Species were used in 2012 restoration plantings.

Habitat Restoration & In late 2008 approx. 200 salvaged many- The planted many-stemmed dudleya (Dudleya Revegetation: stemmed dudleya (Dudleya multicaulis) multicaulis) will be checked again in the spring - Dudleya Restoration individuals, donated by TIC, were planted in season (particularly during the blooming period Bommer Canyon within the NCCP reserve. In from March through June) for a total of at least January 2011, only 4% of plants showed above five years to determine survival and any ground growth, which is a further decline from the necessary adaptive management activities. previous three years. Plants were not surveyed Reference sites will also be visited to compare in 2012. phenology such as the time of blooming.

Habitat Restoration & A small restoration trial was initiated at Quail Hill The Stewardship restoration trial will continue to Revegetation: in late 2008 using public participation to establish be maintained and evaluated. Results collected - Stewardship Restoration and evaluate restoration success of four shrub next year will reflect the conditions of a fifth Trial species, native grass, native thistle, and growing season and will inform restoration wildflower species across mustard, artichoke decisions. Native forb growth will reflect the thistle, and non-native grass substrates. Results effectiveness of the recent seeding event. Soil suggest poor seedling and shrub survival under samples collected by UCI students will also be mustard substrate relative to thistle and grass analyzed as will a needle grass and Plantago substrate and better survival of coast golden bioassay using soil from mustard sites and bush indicates the area may be better suited to nearby native and non-native grassland sites. grassland restoration. Needlegrass will be planted to further vegetate I n 2010, a service learning class from Sage Hill the site and to test for mycorrhyzal colonization. HS helped maintain and collect data on the plots, which continued into March of 2011. Plots were weeded throughout the year and data was collected by IRC staff both early and late in the season. In winter 2011/2012, additional seed of Lupinus succulentus and Cirsium occidentale were added to plots and the Treseder Lab (UCI) collected soil samples for analysis as part of a 137 NROC Annual Report 2012

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related collaborative project identifying the soil legacy effects of black mustard. Legacy effects persisted in that native shrub cover and survival was significantly greater in grass and thistle- covered microsites. Total native cover was greatest in microsites originally covered with thistle.

Habitat Restoration & Approx. 200 cholla and 200 prickly pear joints Survival and growth of cactus propagules and Revegetation: were planted in late 2008 in two degraded cactus transplants within the pilot study will continue to - Cactus Restoration Pilot scrub sites in Quail Hill, outside of NCCP, as a be monitored for a fifth growing season to pilot study for cactus restoration. Half of the plots determine whether microsite conditions affect were weeded in March of the first two years. By long-term growth. the third growing season in 2011, only 12.5% of cholla had survived and 23% of prickly pear. Of the surviving individuals, both cactus species averaged a total of 4 new joints per plant in 2011. No significant differences were observed in establishment or growth between weeded and un-weeded microsites for either species. Growth was again monitored across treatments in June 2012.

Habitat Restoration & Three sites were established in winter 2009 as Weed control will occur in the and late spring Revegetation: part of a long term study to determine the 2013 and possibly Nov or Dec 2013. - Strip Restoration Trial establishment rate of restored strips of vegetation into unseeded buffers of different widths. Supplemental planting was conducted early winter 2010 and weed maintenance was conducted late winter, spring, and fall 2010. The plots were spot weeded spring 2011 and sprayed with low dose round up Dec 2012.

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Habitat Restoration & In December 2011, 60 one gal pots were planted As time and weather permits, plants may be Revegetation: along the Turtle Ridge Trail. These plants replaced along Turtle Ridge Trail in 2013. - Trailside consisted of: Malosma laurina, Artemisia Other trailside restoration projects may be Restoration californica, and Sambucus nigra. In addition, initiated. approximately 15 Leymus condensatus plants were transplanted from the IRC native farm. Due to the remote location, plants were unable to be irrigated, and January 2012 was unfortunately dry. In addition, the plants were vandalized. IRC staff mapped the vegetation along the trail and the vicinity to guide future restoration endeavors and record any rare plant species.

Habitat Restoration & The IRC concluded after workshops affiliated with In 2013, ground surveys will be completed, if Revegetation: the sustainable solutions grant team, that many necessary, and initial runs of the model will be - A Return on Investment of the factors and variables important to them conducted. If funds become available, smaller Approach to when making decisions about approaches to and restorations will begin around Turtle Ridge Trail. Prioritization of the locations of restoration projects were Restoration Sites addressed in the ROI model developed by the IRC for the north/central reserve. However, with varying resources of different land managers, the full extent of the model is not directly applicable and in some cases the model would need to be run multiple times for grant projects with slightly different priorities. For these reasons, the IRC will go forward with applying the current model with minor modifications based on the feedback. This will be useful in prioritizing restoration sites for the areas the IRC manages in the south/coastal open space lands based on basic conservation principles. Exceptions can be addressed with different funding sources and priorities. Sites not previously ground surveyed 139 NROC Annual Report 2012

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were visited in November 2012 and other will be surveyed winter and spring 2013 to complete the dataset.

In lieu of a formal prioritization, areas surveyed around high quality habitat by Turtle Ridge Trail and adjacent to the planned native interpretive garden were identified, surveyed, and targeted for future restoration.

Habitat Restoration & This project is led by Katie Suding of UC It became clear from land manager workshops Revegetation: Berkeley and ties together ecosystem recovery that it would be difficult to implement one - Sustainable Solutions tools with public valuation and land manager restoration prioritization model that would meet Collaborative Project - feedback. Existing and new datasets were used the varying resources and priorities of different UC Berkeley, IRC, to analyze patterns of restoration success across land managers in a coordinated way (such as NROC, and TNC over 100 former restoration projects in Orange was conducted by the IRC in the north/central (Funding by USDA & County. Projects were categorized by the part of the Irvine Ranch). Therefore, the IRC will NROC) amount of resources that were put into the conduct such an assessment for the lands it restoration. Analysis of this dataset continues manages in the south/coastal Irvine Ranch, as under the direction of Katie Suding. After well as contribute datasets to information feedback from the first workshop, land managers databases developed by NROC with Green Info. indicated a need to access information on and to UCI Center for Environmental Biology. In environmental attributes across the landscape addition, the IRC will work with NROC to initiate important in choosing restoration sites, as well as implementation of the Cactus Wren Linkage Mule where previous restorations were conducted. In Deer Restoration site (see Cactus Wren Linkage October 2012 Suding’s lab and NROC held a Mule Deer Restoration project heading for more subsequent workshop to introduce a web-based information). restoration tool that summarizes some existing information, and into which land managers could contribute additional information. It is unclear what resources would be necessary to maintain this, but Green Info. is developing the tool. Related to this larger project, the IRC worked 140 NROC Annual Report 2012

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with NROC and Stephen Swallow of the University of Connecticut to coordinate a decision making choice survey with over 85 members of the public familiar with Orange County open space lands. Participants were asked to prioritize and choose different potential restoration sites restoration project funded by the grant and the NROC. An additional site (Mule Deer) associated with the Cactus Wren Linkage Restoration Project was chosen, one of the highlights being the involvement of public volunteers.

Habitat Restoration & In 2012, the Mule Deer site was chosen as part Activities during the winter and spring of 2013 will Revegetation: of the Sustainable Solutions collaborative project consist of: planting 4,500 cactus pads, installing - Cactus Wren Linkage to receive funds for restoration. A restoration 25 5ga cactus pots, a rare plant and bird survey, Restoration Mule Deer plan titled: Cactus Wren Habitat Linkage and 3-4 weeding events including Fusillade II site in the City of Irvine Restoration: Restoration Plan for Mule Deer Site and spot treating with glyphosate. At least two of was submitted to the CDFG and USFWS and these activities will involve public stewardships approved. The site is two acres and will be consisting of students from a UCI environmental funded in part by the USDA Sustainable studies course. Additional public stewardship Solutions project through NROC, with in-kind events will occur as well. Additional weeding support from the COI via IRC staff time. In events will occur in the summer and a fall September and November 2012, based line treatment of low dose gl yphosate will be applied surveys and vegetation mapping were prior to seeding CSS species in December. conducted, consisting of: long-term vegetation transects, a bird survey, and soil samples. A UCI PhD candidate Mia Maltz collected soil samples and is interested in tracking changes in the fungal community during the restoration process. Mid- November, site preparation began with flail mowing and light raking with a hydraulic rake. A sign was posted at the site to educate volunteer 141 NROC Annual Report 2012

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groups and the public of the restoration project.

Habitat Restoration: Monitoring plots were established Spring 2010 Passive weed control treatments will continue - Passive Restoration along a gradient of native CSS to non-native and plots will be monitored in Spring/early Trial cover at 5 sites within the IROS and an additional Summer and Fall 2013. Arthropods will be 5 sites within COI. Each site contains one sampled on a subset of treatment plots to treatment and one control plot across four native correlated manipulation of bare ground with shrub cover classes. Treatment plots receive a changes in arthropod community structure and late spring mow treatment and an early season abundance. Arthropod sampling is part of the low-dose herbicide treatment each year. Native Cactus Wren foraging and arthropod project, a cover was monitored prior to implementation and collaboration between IRC, NROC, and UCI each spring prior to mowing. In the fall 2012, UCI (Mooney Lab). researchers Travis Huxman and Sarah Kimball joined the project and began collecting data on the density of mature shrubs and seedlings.

Habitat Restoration & The Shady Canyon Turtle Pond was created in In 2013, 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). The attempts to capture any bullfrogs prior to their Pond Mitigation Site Irvine Company monitored and maintained the breeding season, an exotic frog control session Maintenance pond from its creation up until 2011, when it using turtle traps in May, followed by another completed the formal dedication of the pond to session using minnow traps in September or the City of Irvine (COI). Management and October. maintenance of the pond will be conducted for the city by the Irvine Ranch Conservancy, and will follow the approved Long Term Management Plan for the Pond (Harmsworth Associates 2007). After bullfrogs were discovered in December 2011, the IRC took aggressive steps to eliminate chances of reproduction. The site was visited 7 nights and 2 days in an attempt to census and kill bullfrogs. A total of 7 bullfrogs were captured and one was spotted, but not captured the night 142 NROC Annual Report 2012

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of June 14th. Between May and June, Harmsworth Associates used 5 minnow traps and 10 turtle traps to capture exotic frogs; then minnow traps were set up again October- December 2012. A total of 12 sub-adult clawed frogs were captured during these periods and 47 previously captured pond turtles.

Habitat Restoration & IRC collaborated with USGS in late 2009 to Ponds will be checked in 2013. 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 2012.

Habitat Restoration: See COI Fig. 4, 5 and 6 for a summary of See COI Fig. 4, 5 and 6 for a summary of - OSPS completed restoration efforts/acreage in the City planned restoration efforts/acreage in the City of of Irvine Opens Space Preserve South (OSPS). Irvine Open Space Preserve South.

Fire Management Activities

Post-Fire Management: No fires occurred on COI-OSP in 2012. If fires occur, fire date, time, perimeter, cause of - Specific fires ignition and severity will be recorded.

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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.

The existing Ridge Route trail was modified to accommodate emergency traffic. The trail is listed as a 4’ wide multi-use trail in the RRMP, however is also a secondary fire break if deemed necessary by OCFA in the event of a fire.

The trail was mechanically cleared of all large rocks to a width of 16’. This process will allow the ability to perform pre-mowing of the 4’ wide multi-use trail in order to increase its width to 16’ in the event of extreme red-flag conditions where it is deemed necessary to accommodate preventative emergency vehicles.

This method allows for the primary trail to remain as a 4’ wide user trail until deemed necessary for widening, but allows for a more sustained method of widening without the use of heavy equipment (graders or bulldozers).

Fire was modeled for the San Joaquin Hills as part of a County-wide fire modeling exercise by IRC, using existing ignition locations and for the purpose of identifying hotspots and appropriate fire watch locations. The area immediately

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adjacent to HWY 133 is at high risk for ignitions. A report is available upon request.

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).

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 7 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 nearly 70,000 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. IRC completed work on a local assistance grant 145 NROC Annual Report 2012

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from DFG (LAG P0982014) to conduct a human access and wildlife monitoring analysis and framework. Methods to more accurately document human access and comparing wildlife activity during high and low human access days were developed, a literature review of human and biodiversity impacts was completed, and transects were established along trails to track change in trail condition, and native and non- native cover relative to trail type and use. Subcontracts were issued to Dr. MA Patten, U. Oklahoma for assistance with human/wildlife correlations and to Dr. E. Boydston, USGS, for a fine-scale bobcat movement analysis from collar data. 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 persist across more and less frequently-access areas. IRC worked with website developers to establish an online documentation system for trail use across the reserve system. An analysis of four years of camera data is available upon request in the form of a final report 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 with less human activity. Cuddeback camera models are still being used but will eventually be replaced.

Miscellaneous Activities: Four white-tailed kite perches continue to serve No activity planned. 146 NROC Annual Report 2012

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- 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 Ongoing. - Raptor Surveys spring raptor surveys in selected canyon 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, though numbers of successful nests declined from 2011, likely due to drier conditions. Citizen Science volunteers assisted in surveying areas in 2012. Report available upon request.

Miscellaneous Activities: Discussions regarding this project continued with Transects will be identified through use of - Monitoring Habitat TNC from 2011. While priorities of TNC existing vegetation mapping data as well as Stability and Resilience monitoring focuses on describing the overall transects and on the ground assessments. through Long-term status of the vegetation over space and time in a Transects will be sampled in 2013, during a time Vegetation Transects representational way, the IRC will focus on long of year that will capture the greatest proportion of term monitoring across a series of transects that actively growing plants. In addition, we are will address potential changes in the threat of working with the Center for Environmental invasive species over time. Changes along the Biology at UCI to identify a student to re-sample gradient over time would allow one to make a subset of former grazing transects established assessments of thresholds in the stability and about 10 years ago by TNC. resilience of native vegetation. While these differences were identified, both parties agree to continue to share data where possible to meet both objectives.

Miscellaneous Activities: Title: Assessing the importance of arthropod Foraging observations, fecal sample collection, - Cactus Wren Foraging abundance, community composition, and habitat and arthropod sampling will again take place in Analysis structure as determinants of habitat quality for 2013. An analysis of arthropod occurrence 147 NROC Annual Report 2012

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(Partial funding by UCI Cactus Wren (Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus). patterns across vegetation components will Center for Environmental Led by Dr. K. Mooney (UCI, with collaborators Dr. continue and results will be presented at a Studies and NROC). K. Treseder, Dr. JC Burger, Dr. K Preston). national conference. Implemented Year 1 of a two year analysis of cactus wren diet and foraging behavior.

Miscellaneous Activities: Cactus Wren nest boxes remained installed Nest boxes will be monitored in June of 2013 for - Cactus Wren Artificial across the landscape. Of 21 nest boxes, 7 were occupancy. Nest Box Structures placed in areas owned by OCP throughout the (Partial Funding by northern portion of the IRNL in late summer 2011 DFG) (and 10 of the 14 are in the NCCP Central Reserve). Cactus Wren formed nests in two nest boxes in 2012, though not on COI property.

Miscellaneous Activities: Collaboration with Mia Maltz (Dr. K. Treseder, Study trials will be ongoing. Nasella plugs will be - Soil legacy effects on UCI). Collaboration to study the legacy effect in planted within the trial area in January 2013 and native plant the soil by mustard. Soil cores were taken from subsequently sampled to further test soil legacy establishment Quail Hill and used for a bioassay, Attempts will effects. be made to inoculate soil and document plant response.

Conservation Capacity Progress was made in improving the efficacy of IRC will continue to carry out activities intended the collective conservation community: to enhance the efficacy of the collective conservation community, including the following: 1. IRC GIS database has been expanded to include several past species- and habitat-level 1. Developing a central repository for information, surveys, now including NROC weed polygons data, and spatial data to be accessible to all from the southern NCCP reserve. interested parties.

2. Research/monitoring regulations, guidelines 2. Standardized research/monitoring regulations, and applications are consistent across all IRC guidelines, application & tracking system managed lands. Entry Permits are managed by the City. Tracking has been streamlined. 3. Clarification & formalization of review and 148 NROC Annual Report 2012

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consultation protocols 3. Review and consultation protocols are more transparent. 4. Coordination of research, monitoring & management activities among all local land 4. Improvements have been made with respect to managers, researchers, and conservation coordination of research, monitoring & practitioners. Promoting and supporting a management activities among local land Conservation Action Planning process. managers, researchers, and conservation practitioners. For instance cactus restoration was 5. Providing opportunities for collaboration, installed to complement that initiated by NROC. internships, scholarships & research grants.

5. IRC has provided a summer graduate internship focused primarily on COI OSP, who analyzed human and wildlife activity patterns and established a trailside disturbance monitoring technique. A cooperative agreement is in progress with UCI to facilitate research geared towards informing management and conservation.

Miscellaneous Activities and Management Programs - Non-IRC Research:

Phil Rundel (T. Brooks), Grassland-soil co relational studies None at present. UCLA

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 149 NROC Annual Report 2012

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Park to Gypsum Canyon. (Also OC Parks)

Dr. Sarah Kimball and Dr. N/A Passive Recruitment Study Purpose: Assess the 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 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. Diane Campbell, N/A Purpose: Investigate the relative effectiveness of University of California, conspecific pollen transfer in different types of Irvine pollinators visiting native plant species, Phacelia parryi.

Dr. Barbara Kus, USGS N/A Purpose: Evaluate the degree of genetic 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. University of California, across vegetation types. 150 NROC Annual Report 2012

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Irvine (collaborative with NROC and IRC)

Dr. Peter Bloom and Scott Purpose: Raptor monitoring and movement. Ongoing Thomas, Bloom Biological

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COI Fig. 1: Estimated Annual 7 Day Access of Trails

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COI Fig. 2: Invasive Control

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COI Fig. 3: Projects and Surveys

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COI Fig. 4: OSPS Restoration Projects/Trails

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COI Fig. 5: OSPS Restoration Projects/Trails (Con’t.)

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COI Fig. 6: OSPS - Restoration Habitat Acreage 2012

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City of Newport Beach - Buck Gully

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City of Newport Beach/Irvine Ranch Conservancy Managed

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 2013. 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, 2012. Activities may include public interpretive, recreational, trail work or stewardship programs. Total programs offered: 99 Total programs implemented: 98 Total volunteers: 176 Total volunteer hours: 771 Actual public participants: 62

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Public participant stewardship/trail work hours: 72

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, 2012. When necessary, programs are cancelled due to the Red Flag Alerts, Rain Closure and Santa Ana Wind events.

Total recreation programs offered: 4 Total recreation programs implemented: 4 Total volunteers: 13 Total volunteer hours: 38.5 Actual public participants: 46

Total trail boss programs offered: 2 Total trail boss programs implemented: 2 Total volunteers: 8 Total volunteer hours: 36 Actual public participants: 8

Recreational Monitoring: Public outreach began with the Buck Gully Private volunteer activities and patrols may occur - Private Programs, programs integrated into the IR Landmarks in preparation and development of public Outreach Programs website, the City of Newport Beach website and programs. and Patrols a quarterly brochure distributed county wide. Buck Gully content is also posted on the Irvine Patrols may also be used to monitor human Ranch Natural Landmarks’ Facebook page. access and deter non approved uses.

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Public outreach will continue with the integration of Buck Gully into the web site www.irlandmarks.org.

Recreational Monitoring: Citizen Science Volunteers spent 504 hours IRC’s Citizen Scientists will continue to collect - Volunteer Wildlife maintaining wildlife cameras throughout Buck camera trap data to monitor human access, Activity & Human 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 to about 40 persons per occasional incorporation of trail counters. month. There is an expected increase of public users once the trail repairs and infrastructure improvements are complete. The City of Newport Beach plans 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

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effective means for field patrol personnel to target 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: The IRC continued citizen science remote IRC will continue to maintain citizen science - Irvine Ranch Citizen camera monitoring activities and expanded involvement in monitoring projects. Science Program citizen science offerings by engaging volunteers as assistants for fuel modification zone assessments. The following public and volunteer-only programs were offered January 1 to December 31, 2012

Total citizen science programs offered: 81 Total citizen science programs implemented: 80 Citizen science volunteers: 127 Volunteer hours: 496 Public participants: 1 Public participant hours: 8

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.

Total stewardship programs offered: 12 Total programs implemented: 12 Land steward volunteers: 28 Land steward volunteer hours: 100 Public participants: 7 Public participant hours: 28

Recreation Facility Construction and Maintenance:

New Construction or The IRC managed the implementation of the Implement additional informational signage (Trail Expansion: Buck Gully trail system which included the Courtesy). installation of 4 trail bridges, 3 kiosks, 3 vehicle Design and implement a “Trail Condition” sign or gates, 3 trailside benches, and wayfinding barrier element for use during periods of signage. necessary trail closure. The implementation of the trail tread included 14 Design and implement a human access minor realignments away from the eroding creek monitoring system with the use of trail cameras bank, rock armoring of the tread surface, and located at the three primary trailhead access installation of a 70’ long causeway over an points. existing seep. Coordinate volunteer Eagle Scout projects with

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The project included the involvement of public the City of Newport Beach. These projects may volunteers, OCFA hand crews, NPFD hand include additional site benches, informational crews, OCCC hand crews, and IRC Staff. signage, interpretive bird blinds, and trail-side All infrastructure improvements identified are viewing decks. included in the approved RRMP.

Maintenance of Existing The IRC managed 23 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-width of 4’. Continue to monitor the existing seep area and perform necessary maintenance as required. Maintenance may include the expansion of the previously installed causeway and rock armoring.

Continue to monitor the trail tread for signs of erosion, and make necessary adjustments to the trail as needed.

Perform a semi-annual inspection and maintenance of all bridges, gates and kiosks.

Facility N/A N/A Replacement/Repair:

Infrastructure Construction and Maintenance:

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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)

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). NROC conducted one day supplies permit, will be replaced with natives. of garland chrysanthemum control within the Reserve. IRC contracted two days of 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. In 2012, IRC engaged a UC Santa Barbara graduate intern to assess fuel modification zones in order to identify and prioritize invasive control activities in a manner consistent with fuel modification guidelines as well as habitat

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preservation. Survey results will guide future removal activities. A final report is available upon request. A digital invasive control reporting system was developed for use by volunteers, staff, and contractors. Search and control areas are digitized by species, supplied to manager as kmz files with associated csv file including attribute information. Net area controlled is estimated. A script is regularly run by manager to create shapefiles from control work. An online GIS map was created and shared with land stewards. The map is regularly updated with new control efforts. A link to this map can be made available upon request to appropriate entities.

Exotic Plant Eradication: Exotic plants specifically occurring within fuel Invasive survey results from 2012 will continue to - Exotic Plant Monitoring modification areas were surveyed as part of a inform removal work. No further surveys are larger assessment of fuel modification zone currently planned for 2013. condition. Survey results were used to inform subsequent invasive control work. Exotic Plant Eradication: Artichoke thistle was controlled across 1.1 acres Control efforts will continue and will target - Artichoke Thistle of NCCP primarily by manual cut and stump reserve edges as identified in 2012 fuel

treatment. An additional 36 acres were treated modification assessment report. primarily by spot spraying beyond NCCP boundaries. - Fennel Fennel was controlled across 13 acres primarily Control efforts will continue. by manual removal. - Milk and Italian Thistle None treated. No plans to treat. - Tree Tobacco None treated within NCCP. Scattered plants Control efforts will continue and will target

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within fuel mod were removed. reserve edges as identified in 2012 fuel modification assessment report. - Castor Bean Castor bean was removed across 0.5 acres of Control efforts will continue and will target

NCCP. Scattered seedlings within fuel mod were reserve edges as identified in 2012 fuel removed as well. modification assessment report. - Pampas Grass None removed within NCCP. Several clumps Control efforts will continue and will target

removed within fuel modification areas. reserve edges as identified in 2012 fuel modification assessment report. - Garland Garland Chrysanthemum was removed by spot Control efforts will continue in all known stands. Chrysanthemum treatment and by hand across 3 acres. An additional population was discovered within the northwestern fuel modification area.

Exotic Plant Eradication: IRC staff and land stewards led 12 invasive A minimum of eight stewardship work days are - Stewardship Work species control stewardship days in 2012 in planned that will focus on invasive species Days: which public volunteers participated. Most removal around the perimeter of Buck Gully as events targeted riparian invasive in fuel well as along trails, where populations now modification areas. reside.

Exotic Animal Control: No feral animals have been observed. Dogs Monitoring will continue. Actions will be taken if have been observed on- and off-leash with a total wild exotic animals are observed. Staff will of 44 domestic dogs documented within the provide informal outreach to the public regarding Reserve in 2012 by remote cameras. An NCCP. informational card explaining the no-dog policy was printed to provide to visitors.

Habitat Restoration & The City of Newport Beach did not receive Funding will continue to be sought for restoration Revegetation: funding for a revised restoration and wildlife and wildlife crossing work. - Restoration Proposals crossing proposal submitted to OCTA.

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Habitat Restoration and No activity. As funds permits, restoration actions will be Revegetation: initiated, consisting of perennial plant removal Restoration activities and replacement with native species.

Fire Management Activities:

Fire Prevention: None at this time None at this time. - Fire Watch Program

Maintenance of Fuel In Fall 2010, Newport Beach Fire Department No thinning activities are planned within NCCP to Breaks/Modification Zones: arranged to have vegetation thinned to 30% the knowledge of IRC. IRC is coordinating with within a 30’ area bordering the south-western the Newport Fire Department to collaborate with border of the Buck Gully Reserve as part of a fuel future thinning activities during fuel modification modification program that was identified in the treatments in order to minimize impact on native RRMP. IRC advised as possible before and species. during thinning activities. Thinning was implemented by Southland Landscape Maintenance.

Maintenance of Fuel IRC employed a UCSB graduate summer intern IRC will begin targeted removal of ornamental Breaks/Modification Zones: to conduct a survey of the condition of fuel trees in areas that have been prioritized. - Fuel Modification Analysis modification and hazard reduction zones. Invasive species' stands and habitat quality were mapped and subsequently prioritized for removal based on invasiveness, flammability, and risk to adjacent intact habitat. Surveys will provide a guideline for fuel modification best management

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practices that improve habitat quality, reduce non-native annual cover, and maintain fuel modification standards.

Maintenance of Fuel IRC worked with City, NROC, CNPS, and Fire The brochure will be finalized, and, pending Breaks/Modification Zones: Authority to create an informational brochure approval from the City, will be provided to - Brochure describing best management practices for fuel adjacent home owners as needed. 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.

Miscellaneous Activities and Management Programs:

Volunteer Program: Volunteers assist in managing the volunteer Existing Irvine Ranch Conservancy volunteers program in Buck Gully. assist staff with duties and activities.

Raptor Monitoring: IRC conducted a raptor survey over the lower IRC will again conduct a raptor survey in 2012. portion of Buck Gully. One Great Horned Owl nest was again found.

Sensitive Species IRC contracted Fred Roberts to conduct a IRC will fund Roberts to conduct a final follow-up Monitoring: sensitive plan survey within Buck Gully Reserve. site visit in order to complete the survey report. Roberts detected two stands of Quercus dumosa, an Englemann Oak hybrid, and other species of interest. A draft report is available

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upon request and includes an updated plant species list of the reserve.

Scientific Research: IRC initiated a remote camera trapping project to IRC is continuing to maintain its wildlife cameras. document wildlife movement in August 2008. IRC staff and volunteers currently service and maintain seven cameras in and around Buck Gully Reserve (one additional camera was installed along the Bobcat Trail), 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 IRC drafted a manuscript preliminarily identifying A manuscript will be submitted for publication and Matching: 9 bobcats concurrently using Buck Gully Reserve an additional 6 month period will be assessed. and characterizing local bobcat movement patterns over a 6 month period. USGS Ecologist Lisa Lyren is functioning as a collaborator. The study has informed IRC on management of bobcats within the Buck Gully Reserve, particularly in relation to improving wildlife crossings and reducing mortality.

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, using best management trapping to monitor wildlife, and the initiation of practices. Primary goals for 2012 included: active restoration activities in priority fuel assessment of fuel modification areas, expansion management areas.

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of invasive control efforts, survey of sensitive plant species, and bobcat population and movement estimation. Fire and fuels control, exotic species encroachment, and erosion due to run-off from adjacent developments are considered to be the greatest threats to Buck Gully Reserve.

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NPB Fig. 1

171

ATTACHMENTS 2012 Progress Report & 2013 Work Plan

NROC Annual Report 2012 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 4 A2 Habitat Mitigation - Sites Page 2 of 4 A3 Habitat Mitigation - Sites Page 3 of 4 A4 Habitat Mitigation - Sites Page 4 of 4 A5

Contact Sheet OC Parks Wildlands - OC Parks Managed A6 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 2012 ATTACHMENTS

OC Parks, City of Irvine, Newport Beach and the Irvine Company - Central/Coastal OC NCCP Wildlands

The Irvine Company 2012 Annual Report Habitat Mitigation Sites Within The NCCP Reserve System

Attachments - Page A2 NROC Annual Report 2012 ATTACHMENTS

OC Parks, City of Irvine, Newport Beach and the Irvine Company - Central/Coastal OC NCCP Wildlands

The Irvine Company 2012 Annual Report Habitat Mitigation Sites Within The NCCP Reserve System

Attachments - Page A3 NROC Annual Report 2012 ATTACHMENTS

OC Parks, City of Irvine, Newport Beach and the Irvine Company - Central/Coastal OC NCCP Wildlands

The Irvine Company 2012 Annual Report Habitat Mitigation Sites Within The NCCP Reserve System

Attachments - Page A4 NROC Annual Report 2012 ATTACHMENTS

OC Parks, City of Irvine, Newport Beach and the Irvine Company - Central/Coastal OC NCCP Wildlands

The Irvine Company 2012 Annual Report Habitat Mitigation Sites Within The NCCP Reserve System

Attachments - Page A5 NROC Annual Report 2012 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 Mark Denny, OC Parks Director 714-973-6868 OC Parks General Contacts Michael Brajdic, OC Parks Deputy Director

714-973-6632 Stacy Blackwood, OC Parks Division Manager 949-923-3742 Jennifer Naegele, Restoration Ecologist 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 Limestone Canyon & 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 2012 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 Co-Director, Science/Stewardship 714-508-4766 Dr. Megan Lulow, IRC Co-Director, Science/Stewardship 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 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 Co-Director, Science/Stewardship 714-508-4766 Dr. Megan Lulow, IRC Co-Director, Science/Stewardship 714-508-4752 John Graves, IRC Director, Planning & Field Ops. 714-508-4762 Adam Maywhort, IRC Sr. Manager, Planning & Field Ops.

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 714-508-4763 David Raetz, IRC Deputy Director Attachments - Page A7 NROC Annual Report 2012 ATTACHMENTS

OC Parks, City of Irvine, Newport Beach and the Irvine Company - Central/Coastal OC NCCP Wildlands

714-508-4767 Catherine Lovella, IRC Director of Public Programs 714-508-4765 Dr. Jutta Burger, IRC Co-Director, Science/Stewardship 714-508-4766 Dr. Megan Lulow, IRC Co-Director, Science/Stewardship 714-508-4752 John Graves, IRC Director, Planning & Field Ops. 714-508-4762 Adam Maywhort, IRC Sr. Manager, Planning & Field Ops.

Phone Irvine Company/IRC Managed Contact 949-720-2609 Dan Miller, Irvine Company Senior Vice President 949-720-2878 Irvine Ranch Wildlands 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 Co-Director, Science/Stewardship 714-508-4766 Dr. Megan Lulow, IRC Co-Director, Science/Stewardship 714-508-4752 John Graves, IRC Director, Planning & Field Ops. 714-508-4762 Adam Maywhort, IRC Sr. Manager, Planning & Field Ops.

Attachments - Page A8

Nature Reserve of Orange County

ANNUAL REPORT 2012

Section: 8.7

University of California, Irvine

January 31, 2013

Mr. James Sulentich, Executive Director Nature Reserve of Orange County 15600 Sand Canyon Avenue Irvine, California 92618

RE: Annual Report (2012) 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 Ninth 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 an area on the North Campus that is a closed landfill, the UCI Ecological Preserve on the main campus, and 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 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 primary users are University Hills residents. The UCI branch 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 has extended monitoring and maintenance funding through 2013. 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 funded study of cactus wren diets was initiated during 2012 and is being conducted by Dr. Kailen Mooney and his team (UCI, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology). Management strategy and conditions within our enrolled lands have remained the same during the past year and there are no changes anticipated during 2013. 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 and maintenance of the cactus transplantation, cactus wren diet study, 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 principle one being at the corner of Los Trancos and Locke Streets. User recommendations were developed by UCI in collaboration with the NROC and are posted at several access points. • 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.

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. • 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. 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 are given. 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

Proposed Landowner/Reserve Manager funded/coordinated restoration and enhancement activities 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. 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. The NROC, UCI and other collaborators have initiated a 12.5-acre coastal cactus scrub project. 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 was 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. The NROC has extended funding for the project for 2013 and the performance and monitoring report was submitted to the NROC (NROC et al., 2012). • 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 and 2012, and is ongoing. The NROC has funded monitoring and maintenance of the cactus wren habitat restoration project for 2013. • 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. 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. The NROC if funding monitoring and maintenance of the project during 2013.

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 lands enrolled in the NCCP/NROC, please do not hesitate to forward them to us.

Sincerely,

Richard 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

Reference:

Nature Reserve of Orange County (NROC), Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA), and Newfields. April, 2012. 2012 Performance Monitoring Report Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation Program. Cactus Wren Habitat Linkage Enhancement and Restoration Project.

Figures (below). Disposition of the project polygons and the monitoring schedule for the cactus wren habitat restoration project.

Nature Reserve of Orange County

ANNUAL REPORT 2012

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 2012 Status 2013 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 2012 Status 2013 Work Plan

No recreational facilities were None None build or are planned for the site.

Infrastructure Construction & Maintenance:

Project 2012 Status 2013 Work Plan IRWD conducted regular Complete IRWD will also conduct this maintenance in 2013. required maintenance on the Vegetation removal on the dam face is required by the State Siphon Reservoir dam. This 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 2012 Status 2013 Work Plan Source None None None None

Fire Management Activities:

Fuel Treatment Accomplished 2012 Proposed for 2013 None None None

2 Miscellaneous Activities and Management Programs:

Project 2012 Status 2013 Plan IRWD regularly collects Complete IRWD will continue to conduct water quality sampling in and tests the water Siphon Reservoir throughout 2013. quality of the reservoir approximately once a week as required by state and federal regulations.

Nature Reserve of Orange County

ANNUAL REPORT 2012

Section: 8.9

Transportation Corridor Agencies

NROC Annual Report 2012 Transportation Corridor Agencies

Recreation Use, Monitoring & Management:

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Status 2013 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. Spring Tour of the site as part of TCA’s habitat site tour series. San Diego Creek Saltwater None None Marsh Strawberry Farms Annual Spring Tour conducted. None

Recreation Facility Construction & Maintenance:

Project 2012 Status 2013 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 trimmed along Trail maintenance to cut back vegetation along the the public bike path. public bike path, as needed. San Diego Creek Saltwater None None Marsh Strawberry Farms None None

Infrastructure Construction & Maintenance:

Project 2012 Status 2013 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 2012 Status 2013 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 None None. Coyote Canyon Landfill NRA EEMP Cactus scrub restoration at 2 sites NROC will oversee maintenance, continue to Grant (totaling 2.5 acres) on coastal monitor restoration sites and document bird use as (NROC)* sage scrub-restored landfill the restored habitat matures. slopes. Sites weeded and cactus irrigated as needed. Bonita Channel TCA Vegetation trimmed along the Trim vegetation along the public bike path. public bike path in 2012. Exotic species and trash will be removed from the channel in 2013 (occurs every other year). Cactus scrub restoration at 6 sites NRA EEMP (totaling 0.6 acres) on slopes NROC will oversee maintenance, continue to Grant along the channel. Sites weeded monitor restoration sites and document bird use as (NROC)* and cactus irrigated as needed. the restored habitat matures. San Diego Creek NRA EEMP Cactus scrub restoration at 2 sites NROC will oversee maintenance, continue to Saltwater Marsh Grant (totaling 0.2 acres) on adjacent monitor restoration sites and document bird use as (NROC)* slopes. Sites weeded and cactus the restored habitat matures.

irrigated as needed. Strawberry Farms TCA Site prepared, temporary irrigation Establishment maintenance, weeding and irrigation system installed, cactus as needed in 2013. transplantation completed in January 2012. Maintenance weeding throughout 2012. Seeding and container planting completed in fall 2012.

Fire Management Activities:

Fuel Treatment Accomplished 2012 Proposed for 2013 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 2012 Status 2013 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. Limestone Canyon Cowbird trapping conducted. 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)

3 NROC NCCP/HCP Annual Report 2012 Transportation Corridor Agencies F/ETC and SJHTC Toll Road Mitigation Program Areas

MITIGATION MATRIX 1997--2012 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 the site for habitat purposes.

1 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 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 Creek, north of the and Santiago Creek. 14.3 acres upland or mulefat, elderberry, 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. NROC will acres of coastal and composition of had not achieved the oversee sage scrub-restored naturally occurring cover requirements. maintenance as landfill slopes CAGN habitat or fully In 2001 there were 12 needed and continue installed in 2010 to functional CSS; or CAGN territories within to monitor enhance habitat and 3) Site has minimum the 122 acres of habitat. restoration sites and create linkage for cover of 70% of sage 10 territories were document bird use cactus wrens. Sites scrub species. occupied by nesting as the restored seeded in 2011. pairs and unmated habitat matures.

2 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 NRA EEMP Grant: males defended 2 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 one hemlock, and tree year 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 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 and removing trash 3. Creation of 2.4 statistically different year monitoring period. and exotics from the acres of saltbush from high quality habitat Avian woodland species channel every two scrub adjacent to in the vicinity; or increased as species years; and exotic Bonita Channel. USFWS and FHA typical of open marsh species removal of unanimously agree that and riparian scrub eucalyptus saplings 4. Preservation/ the habitat has structure decreased mirroring the and pampas grass Restoration of 6 and composition of development of the seedlings every five acres CSS adjacent naturally occurring riparian woodland years.

3 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 to Bonita Reservoir. CAGN or fully functional habitat. In 2001, a least CSS. Bell’s vireo pair nested NRA EEMP Grant: on the site and CAGN Performance criteria NRA EEMP Grant 3. The habitat is and willow flycatcher of the EEMP grant through NROC*. occupied by breeding foraged in the mitigation has been met based Cactus scrub pairs of CAGN; or area. Large mammals on the vegetation restoration on 0.6 USFWS and FHA use the site as a and avian monitoring acres on slopes unanimously agree that movement corridor. results. NROC will along the channel the habitat has structure oversee installed in 2010 to and composition of 2. In 2001 the Bonita maintenance as enhance habitat and naturally occurring Channel slopes needed and continue create linkage for saltbush scrub habitat; supported successfully to monitor cactus wrens. Sites or breeding CAGN for a 3rd restoration sites and seeded in 2011. The total cover by season and vegetation document bird use native saltbush scrub cover values were as the restored species is at least 70 comparable to naturally habitat matures. 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. 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 one year of establishment.

4 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 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. NROC will wrens. Sites seeded by < 25% cover of including benthic oversee in 2011. annual grasses and less invertebrates, aquatic maintenance as aggressive forb species. insects, fish, birds, and needed and continue No target invasive small and large to monitor species, such as mammals. restoration sites and artichoke thistle, document bird use mustard species, poison NRA EEMP Grant: as the restored hemlock, and tree Survivorship of the habitat matures. tobacco. planted coast prickly pear cactus across all At least 95% of planted sites was greater than cactus demonstrates 95 percent after one establishment & growth year 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 SAA 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

5 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 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 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 Access and site 15-acre Parcel in 2011. Site for TCA’s future the 360-acre Quail Reservoir, enhancement of require significant completed in 2012. preparation Habitat Restoration preparation and capital improvement Hill Preserve, City of Strawberry Farms 13.3 acres of CSS, maintenance during the Permanent photo points completed; Site cactus projects. Irvine. Sand Canyon Golf Course, and including 0.39 acres last 2 years of the 5 were established to temporary above- transplantation in Reservoir to west and Strawberry Farms of native perennial year establishment track the development ground irrigation January/February open space north, west and adjacent to grassland. 1.86 period. of the vegetation system installed; 2012. east, and south. preserve. Shady acres within the CSS Establishment salvaged cactus Accessed from Canyon is restoration area to 2. Soil is stable with no maintenance and segments and pads Strawberry Farms south/southeast; 405 be improved with significant erosion. monitoring in 2013. transplanted in 1.86- Road of University Freeway to coastal prickly pear First year of acre transplantation Drive. northeast; University transplantation to 3. Native plant cover performance monitoring area; weed Drive is northwest develop coastal after 3rd year of will be in 2014. management; site to west. cactus wren habitat. monitoring is greater seeded and than 35% absolute container plants

6 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 cover with at least 25% installed. absolute cover from perennial species. At Establishment end of 5th year, total maintenance, native cover is greater weeding, and than 70% absolute irrigation as needed cover with at least 55% currently in progress. from perennial species.

4. Species diversity is 80% of immediately adjacent, existing, natural CSS.

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)

Nature Reserve of Orange County

ANNUAL REPORT 2012

Section: 8.10

Orange County Waste & Recycling

2012 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 Flow er Street, Suite 400 Irvine, CA 92618 Santa Ana, CA 92703

ORANG E COU NT Y

Waste& Recycling Our Community. Our Com mitment.

County of Orange-OC Waste & Recycling February, 2013

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION PAGE

I INTRODUCTION 3 II LANDFILL FACILITIES 3 III TA K E A UTHO RIZA TIO N 4 IV 2012 LANDFILL ACTIVITIES 4 V 2012 HABITAT RESTORATION AND ENHANCEMENT ACTIVITIES 6

TABLES

Table 1: Status of CSS Take at FRB Landfill, 1996-2012 6 Table 2: Habitat Management Site Matrix for FRB Landfill 8 Table 3: Mitigation Matrix 1997-2012 10

FIGURES

Figure 1: Central and Coastal Subregion Landfill Locations Figure 2: 2012 FRB Landfill Take Activities Figure 3: Habitat Management Sites

Overwhelm

2 SECTION I INTRODUCTION

The County of Orange, OC Waste & Recycling (OCWR) ow ns and operates three active solid w aste landfills w ithin Orange County; Frank R. Bow erman (FRB), Olinda Alpha and Prima Deshecha Landfills. OC Waste & Recycling is also responsible for the maintenance and monitoring of closed landfills w ithin Orange County. This document represents the 2012 Annual Coastal Sage Scrub (CSS) Take Report for landfill operational and maintenance activities that occurred at the active Frank R. Bow erman (FRB) Landfill and tw o closed sites: Santiago Canyon and Coyote Canyon Landfills. These three landfills are w ithin the planning area boundary for the Natural Community Conservation Plan/Habitat Conservation Plan (NCCP/HCP) f or the Central and Coastal Subregion.

The NCCP/HCP Implementation A greement and specific correspondence from the Nature Reserve of Orange County (NROC) requires participating landow ners and agencies to develop an Annual Take Report that documents all activities associated w ith 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 w ith 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 2012 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 w ith infrastructure, operations and maintenance activities that occurred at the active FRB Landfill and the closed Santiago Canyon and Coyote Canyon Landfills during 2012 as a result of OC Waste & Recycling activities; and  Documents ongoing maintenance and monitoring activities performed in 2012 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)

Ow ned and operated by OC Waste & Recycling, the FRB Landfill, located just north of the City of Irvine and off of Portola Parkw ay betw een 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 w aste. The landfill property boundary encompasses 725 acres, of w hich 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, 2012, the landfill had a remaining airspace capacity estimated at 194 million cubic yards. The current permitted closure date for the landfill is in the year 2053.

Santiago Canyon Landfill (closed)

Ow ned, 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 w est of Irvine Lake. The landfill encompasses approximately 112 acres, and accepted only municipal

3 solid w aste 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 w ith CIWMB, California Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB), South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) and LEA standards.

Coyote Canyon Landfill (closed)

Ow ned, maintained, and monitored by OC Waste & Recycling, the closed Coyote Canyon Landfill is located in the City of New port 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 w est of New port Coast Drive, and the east and south canyons are located immediately east of New port Coast Drive. The site encompasses approximately 335 acres, and accepted only municipal solid w aste from 1963-1990. OC Waste & Recycling is responsible for monitoring landfill cover maintenance and groundw ater monitoring at the site. Gas collection, recovery and monitoring are performed by Gas Recovery Systems (GRS) under contract w ith 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 landow ner 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 follow ing three categories:

(1) Incidental take related to permitted uses w ithin the Reserve System; (2) Incidental take on land located w ithin 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” w ithin the Reserve System pursuant to Section 5.11 of the NCCP/HCP w hic h authoriz es thes e f ac ilities to operate as they have historically. Any new infrastructure must comply w ith the new infrastructure siting policies contained in Section 5.9 of the NCCP/HCP.

The initial CSS take authoriz ed by the NCCP/HCP f or OC Was te & Recycling w as 66 acres for FRB, Santiago Canyon, and Coyote Canyon Landfills. This number w as previously reported in past reports as 75 acres and w as corrected to 66 acres in 2012, per a discussion w ith US Fish and Wildlife Service. An additional 15 acres of CSS take w as added in 2004 for the FRB Landfill through the use of County of Orange CSS take authorization. Likew ise, an additional 45 acres of County of Orange CSS take authorization w ere transferred to OC Waste & Recycling in 2006, and another 80 acres in 2007. As show n in Table 1, OC Waste & Recycling currently has 89.76 acres of remaining CSS take.

4 SECTION IV 2012 LANDFILL ACTIVITIES

FRB Landfill (active)

Although the excavation of the Phase VIII-C landfill construction project continued this year, no additional CCS take occurred in 2012.

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 w aste 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 w aste prism integrity. These routine post-closure maintenance and monitoring activities did not result in any significant disturbance of CSS during 2012.

5 TABLE 1 STATUS OF CSS TAKE AT FRB LANDFILL 1996 THROUGH 2012

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 Remaining County Take Authorization 89.76

SECTION V 2012 HABITAT RESTORATION AND ENHANCEM ENT ACTIVITIES

FRB Landfill (active)

OC Waste & Recycling maintains and monitors tw o trail mitigation sites called Loma Ridge and Round Canyon Trails on offsite perimeter areas of the landfill. A small mitigation site is also located near the site entrance. The status of these habitat management site is specifically detailed in 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

6 landscaping contractor employs a dedicated labor force that performs maintenance (i.e., w eeding, intermittent w atering, litter removal) at biological mitigation sites located w ithin OC Waste & Recycling Central Region landfills. The continued maintenance and monitoring of the mitigation sites is expected to increase the success of these sites.

Table 2 Habitat Management Site Matrix for FRB Landfill

Recreation Use, Monitoring & Management:

Project, Program, 2012 Status 2013 Work Plan Activity

None

Recreat ion Facilit y Const ruct ion & Maint enance:

Project 2012 Status 2013 Work Plan

None

Infrastructure Construction & Maintenance:

Project 2012 Status 2013 Work Plan

Phase VIII-C Ongoing construction did Expect ed t o remove 6.39 not remove any CSS on acres of CSS in continued this project. grading activities.

8 Habitat Management Site Matrix for FRB Landfill (Table 2 continued)

Habitat Restoration & Enhancement:

Project Funding 2012 Status 2013 Work Plan Source West Channel OCWR Ongoing Ongoing maintenance Mitigation Site maintenance OCWR Ongoing Ongoing maintenance Loma Ridge Trail maintenance OCWR Ongoing Ongoing maintenance Round Canyon Trail maintenance

Fire Management Activities:

Fuel Treatment 2012 Status 2013 Work Plan

FRB office fuel No maintenance No maintenance modification zone

Miscellaneous Activities and Management Programs:

Project 2012 Status 2013 Work Plan

None

Table 3 OC Waste & Recycling FRB Landfill MITIGATION MATRIX 1997--2012 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

Loma Ridge Trail Loma Ridge, Grading of Loma Ridge Irv ine, CA 0.72 mile of 40% cov er 10% cov er O ngoing 2011 Loma Ridge trail margins maintenance Trail Round C any on Round C any on, Grading of Round Irv ine, CA 1.27 mile of 40% cov er 10% cov er O ngoing Trail 2011 Round C any on Canyon trail margins maintenance Trail

10 TS60 Whittier TS142 TS72 Los Angeles S an TS71 Orange B e rn ar di no TS90 TS91 Yorba Linda TS57 Corona

R Buena Park 5 Santiago Canyon ¨§ Anaheim iv e Landfill r TS241 s id e

Lake 15 [_Irvine ¨§ S22 Frank R. Bowerman Westminster T Landfill

Seal Beach TS261 Santa Ana Cleveland [_ National TS39 TS55 Forest ¨§405 Huntington Costa Mesa TS241 Beach

Coyote Canyon Irvine Rancho Landfill Lake Mission Santa Viejo Margarita

[_ TS73 Mission TS1 Viejo TS74

TS133

Laguna Beach

PACIFIC

OCEAN San Juan San Capistrano Diego

Camp San Pendleton Clemente

¨§5

Central and Coastal Subregion Landfill Locations Figure 1 2012 Annual Coastal Sage Scrub Take Report

5052.5 ² Miles Legend

FRB Landfill Boundary

No 2012 Take Activities

² 1,000 500 0 1,000 Feet Figure 2 2012 FRB Landfill Take Activities Legend

FRB Landfill Boundary

Loma Ridge Trail

West Channel

Round Canyon Trail

Figure 3 Habitat Management Sites at FRB Landfill 2013 ANNUAL WORK PROGRAM

COUNTY OF ORANGE OC WASTE & RECYCLING CENTRAL REGION

NATURAL COMMUNITY CONSERVATION PLAN CENTRAL/COASTAL SUB REGION

ORANG E COU NT Y

Waste& Recycling Our Community. Our Com mitment.

County of Orange-OC Waste & Recycling February, 2013

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION Page

I INTRODUCTION 3 II LANDFILL FACILITIES 3 III TA K E A UTHO RIZA TIO N 4 IV ANTICIPATED 2013 TAKE 4 V HABITAT RESTORATION AND ENHANCEMENT ACTIVITIES 7

TABLES

Table 1: Status of CSS Take at FRB Landfill – 1996 Through Planned 2013 Activities 6 Table 2: Habitat Management Site Matrix for FRB Landfill 9 Table 3: Mitigation Matrix 11

FIGURES

Figure 1: Central and Coastal Subregion Landfill Locations Figure 2: 2013 FRB Landfill Planned Take Activites Figure 3: Habitat Management Sites

SECTION I INTRODUCTION

The County of Orange, OC Waste & Recycling (OCWR) ow ns and operates three active solid w aste landfills w ithin Orange County: Frank R. Bow erman (FRB), Olinda Alpha and Prima Deshecha Landfills. OC Waste & Recycling is also responsible for the maintenance and monitoring of closed landfills w ithin Orange County. This document represents the 2013 Annual Work Program for landfill operational and maintenance activities that are planned to occur at the active Frank R. Bow erman (FRB) Landfill and the tw o closed Santiago Canyon and Coyote Canyon Landfills. These three landfills are w ithin the planning area boundary for the Natural Community Conservation Plan/Habitat Conservation Plan (NCCP/HCP) f or the Central and Coastal Subregion.

The NCCP/HCP Implementation A greement and specific correspondence from the Nature Reserve of Orange County (NROC), requires participating landow ners and agencies to develop an annual w ork program that documents all activities for the upcoming year associated w ith 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 w ork program is to confirm that all activities undertaken during the upcoming year are consistent w ith 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 w ork program provides the follow ing:

 A summary of all landfill infrastructure and landfill operations/maintenance activities that w ill 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 w ith infrastructure, operations and maintenance activities that occur at the active FRB Landfill and the closed Santiago Canyon and Coyote Canyon Landfills during 2013; and  Ongoing maintenance that w ill be performed in 2013 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)

Santiago Canyon Landfill (closed)

Ow ned, 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 w est of Irvine Lake. The landfill encompasses approximately 112 acres, and accepted only municipal solid w aste 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 w ith CIWMB, California Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB), South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) and LEA standards.

Coyote Canyon Landfill (closed)

SECTION III TAKE AUTHORIZATION

SECTION IV ANTICIPATED 2013 TAKE

FRB Landfill (active)

Construction and/or operational activity anticipated for 2013 is expected to impact 43.48 acres of CSS take at the FRB Landfill. As a result of the Eastflank Landslide Remediation Project, 35.28 acres of take w ould occur in the northern portion of the landfill. Approximately 1.30 acre of take is expected to occur

4 from the Wetland Basin and West Channel Realignment project, located at the southern end of the landfill. Another 6.9 acres of take are expected to occur on eastern portion of the landfill w ith the continuation of the Phase VIII-C project. Impacts to CSS are expected to occur in early 2013, 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 w ill consist of routine post-closure maintenance and monitoring to ensure both landfill environmental control system and w aste prism integrity. These routine post-closure maintenance and monitoring activities are not anticipated to result in any disturbance or take of CSS during 2013. 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 w ill consist of routine post-closure maintenance and monitoring to ensure both landfill environmental control system and w aste prism integrity. These routine post-closure maintenance and monitoring activities are not anticipated to result in any disturbance or take of CSS during 2013.

As a result of this use of CSS take authorization, OC Waste & Recycling w ill have a remaining balance of 46.28 acres as show n in Table 1.

5 TABLE 1 STATUS OF CSS TAKE AT FRB LANDFILL 1996 THROUGH PLANNED 2013 ACTIVITIES

6 SECTION V HABITAT MANAGEM ENT SITES

FRB Landfill (active)

Ongoing maintenance w ill continue at an existing riparian mitigation site know n as the West Channel mitigation site. OC Waste & Recycling is required, and w ill continue to prepare annual monitoring reports for this habitat mitigation sites, w hich w ill be w ill be submitted to both California Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and NROC at the appropriate times throughout 2013. OC Waste & Recycling also maintains and monitors tw o trail mitigation sites called Loma Ridge and Round Canyon Trail on offsite perimeter areas of the landfill. The trail margins for these tw o sites are maintained for w eed control. The Landfill expects to complete the West Channel mitigation sites this year. The status of these habitat management sites are specifically detailed in Tables 2 and 3.

For the CSS habitat management site, the CSS w ithin the site must accomplish the follow ing qualitative goals:

 Be consistent w ith existing native surroundings w ith 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 follow ing 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 v egetation w ill be disturbed during the gnatcatcher nesting season occurring February 15 through July 15 of each year. Special care w ill be taken during w eed removal to avoid disturbing nesting birds throughout the nesting season.

The West Channel riparian mitigation site w as initiated by OC Waste & Recycling prior to the es tablis hment of the NCCP/HCP. Theref ore, 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.

7 Table 2 Habit at Management Sit e Mat rix for FRB Landfill

Recreation Use, Monitoring & Management:

Project, Program, Activity 2012 Status 2013 Work Plan

None

Recreat ion Facilit y Const ruct ion & Maint enance:

Project 2012 Status 2013 Work Plan

None

Infrastructure Construction & Maintenance:

Project 2012 Status 2013 Work Plan Eastflank Landslide None 35.28 acres of CSS take due Remediation, landslide remediat ion. Phase VIII-C 7.20 acres of CSS take An additional 6.90 acres of during Phase VIII-C CSS take due to continued grading activities construction. Wetland Basin and West None 1.30 acres of CSS take Channel Realignment

8 OC Waste & Recycling FRB Landfill

Habitat Restoration & Enhancement:

Project Funding 2012 Status 2013 Work Plan S ource West Channel OCWR Ongoing maintenance Ongoing Mitigation Site maintenance OCWR Ongoing maintenance Ongoing Loma Ridge Trail maintenance OCWR Ongoing maintenance Ongoing Round Canyon Trail maintenance

Fire Management Activities:

Fuel Treatment Accomplished 2012 Proposed for 2013 FRB office fuel No maintenance No maintenance modification zone

Miscellaneous Activities and Management Programs:

Project 2012 Status 2013 Plan None

NROC NCCP/HCP Annual Report 2012 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 Being Location of Geographic Description of Performance Performance Current Name Site(s) & Mitigated Mitigation Region Mitigation Standards Standards Status Date Sites Summary Status Installed

Highline C anal Highline Grading along A djacent to Irv ine, CA 0.16 acre of C SS 50% cov er Initiating O ngoing C anal, 2013 Highline C anal Highline mitigation maintenance Road. Canal Loma Ridge Trail Loma Ridge, Grading of Loma Loma Ridge Irv ine, CA 0.72 mile of trail 40% cov er 10% cov er O ngoing 2011 Ridge Trail margins maintenance Round C any on Round Grading of Round Round Irv ine, CA 1.27 mile of trail 40% cov er 10% cov er O ngoing Trail Canyon, C any on Trail Canyon margins maintenance 2011

TS60 Whittier TS142 TS72 Los Angeles S an TS71 Orange B e rn ar di no TS90 TS91 Yorba Linda TS57 Corona

R Buena Park 5 Santiago Canyon ¨§ Anaheim iv e Landfill r TS241 s id e

Lake 15 [_Irvine ¨§ S22 Frank R. Bowerman Westminster T Landfill

Seal Beach TS261 Santa Ana Cleveland [_ National TS39 TS55 Forest ¨§405 Huntington Costa Mesa TS241 Beach

Coyote Canyon Irvine Rancho Landfill Lake Mission Santa Viejo Margarita

[_ TS73 Mission TS1 Viejo TS74

TS133

Laguna Beach

PACIFIC

OCEAN San Juan San Capistrano Diego

Camp San Pendleton Clemente

¨§5

Central and Coastal Subregion Landfill Locations Figure 1 2013 Annual Coastal Sage Scrub Work Progam

5052.5 ² Miles Legend

CSS Plant Community

Phase VIIIC CSS Impacts

Eastflank Landslide Remediation

Wetland Basin and West Channel Realignment

² 1,000 500 0 1,000 Feet

Figure 2 2013 FRB Landfill Planned Take Activities Actual CSS impacts subject to change Legend

FRB Landfill Boundary

Toll Road 241 Road Toll Loma Ridge Trail

Highline Canal k

Portola Parkway

Round Canyon Trail Toll Road 241

Figure 3 Habitat Management Sites at FRB Landfill