Chapter 7 Chapter 7 – Areas of High Ecological Significance

The problem, then, is how to bring about a striving for harmony with land among a people many of whom have forgotten that there is any such thing as land, among whom education and culture have become almost synonymous with landlessness. — Aldo Leopold, 1949

Key Questions public lands and declining in the southern part of the assessment area (fig. 7.1). • Which areas have particularly high Public lands and habitat reserves are patch- ecological significance and what ily distributed in the San Diego ranges. As makes them significant? development intensifies in the foothills, far- • What factors threaten the ecological sighted planning is needed to ensure that integrity of these areas? habitat connectivity is maintained between the mountains and the remaining natural areas in This final chapter identifies areas of par- the coastal and inland valleys. ticularly high ecological significance in each of the assessment area’s nine mountain re- gions. These “key places” include critical Upper San Luis Rey River habitats for rare and vulnerable species, areas and the Warner Basin of high ecological integrity, and locations with An approximately 4-mile stretch of ripar- unique ecological associations. Primarily they ian habitat along the San Luis Rey River below are places where a number of ecologically sig- Lake Henshaw supports the largest southwest- nificant features overlap. Thus, the need for ern willow flycatcher population in southern effective stewardship of these areas is particu- California. Above the lake, there are signifi- larly important. cant populations of arroyo toad and arroyo The areas identified in this chapter clearly chub in the West Fork, North Fork, and Agua do not represent all areas of ecological im- Caliente Creek. Extensive grasslands in the portance and should not be interpreted as Warner Basin are occupied by Stephens kan- such. The purpose of highlighting these places garoo rat. The basin is also one of the few areas is to increase public and agency awareness of in southern California where the red-sided their regional significance. They are key parts garter snake has recently been observed. Lake of the ecological heritage of southern Cali- Henshaw supports a wintering population of fornia and should be recognized as such. approximately four to ten bald eagles. Gray vireos occur in redshank chaparral habitats on San Diego Ranges the north end of the basin. The mountains and foothills of San Di- Factors affecting the ecological integrity ego County contain a large number of rare of this area include surface and groundwater species and habitats. The list of key ecologi- extraction on private lands above Lake cal areas for this region is dominated by some Henshaw. The San Luis Rey River below the of the best remaining occurrences of low-el- lake is regulated by water releases from the evation ecosystems (e.g., riparian woodland, dam. Much of the Warner Basin is intensively coastal sage scrub, grassland, and Engelmann grazed by cattle. Brown-headed cowbirds are oak woodland) that are poorly represented on common in the area. Several roads and developed 335 Figure 7.1. Areas of high ecological significance in the San Diego ranges. Chapter 7 recreation sites are located in riparian habitats Factors affecting ecological integrity in the occupied by willow flycatchers and arroyo toads. upper San Diego River include housing devel- opments along the canyon’s rim, increased fire Pine Valley and Cottonwood Creeks starts, and non-native species. The area has burned Pine Valley and Cottonwood creeks are several times in the last eight years, resulting in adjacent drainages that come together at degradation of coastal sage scrub habitat. Barrett Lake. Both have high-quality riparian habitat and significant populations of arroyo Pamo Valley toads, least Bell’s vireos, and pond turtles. The Pamo Valley is a broad foothill valley that pond turtle population on Pine Valley Creek surrounds the confluence of Temescal and is one of the largest remaining in southern Santa Ysabel creeks. The area supports a large California (D. Holland, pers. comm.). The arroyo toad population and also contains high- arroyo toad population on upper Pine Valley quality riparian woodland, Engelmann oak Creek is probably the largest aggregation of woodland, and some coastal sage scrub. Least this species on the Cleveland National Forest. Bell’s vireos, California gnatcatchers, and The population of least Bell’s vireos on Cot- golden eagles occur in this valley. Red-legged tonwood Creek is the largest on the Cleveland frogs historically occurred in this area. National Forest. Pine Valley Creek is Most of Pamo Valley is owned by the City undammed and one of the longest free-flow- of San Diego, although the surrounding hills ing, low-elevation streams in the assessment are part of the Cleveland National Forest. Fac- area. The lower portion of the creek is in a tors affecting the ecological integrity of this designated wilderness area. area include year-round cattle grazing, unau- Factors affecting ecological integrity in- thorized and unmanaged recreation use, illegal clude high recreation use, livestock grazing, dumping of trash, and high numbers of inva- and non-native species. The upper portions sive, non-native species. Aquatic habitats along of Pine Valley and Cottonwood creeks are Santa Ysabel Creek are highly impacted by popular recreation areas. A recreation residence bullfrogs, sunfish, bass, and crayfish. tract occurs along Pine Valley Creek as do sev- eral popular trails and trailhead facilities. These Guejito Valley are popular areas for mountain bike and horse- Guejito Valley lies just to the west of Pamo back riding. Several cattle grazing allotments Valley and is another broad foothill valley that exist in the area. Stream flows on Cottonwood contains extensive Engelmann oak savanna, Creek are regulated by dams at Morena and grassland, and low-elevation riparian habitat. Barrett lakes. Invasive non-native species such Arroyo toads, Stephen’s kangaroo rats, and as tamarisk, bullfrogs, sunfish, and cowbirds golden eagles occur here. The valley is privately are a problem in some areas. owned and is heavily grazed by cattle. Upper San Diego River Mesa Grande-Santa Ysabel Valley- Pine Hills Oak Woodlands The San Diego River canyon above El Capitan Lake contains extensive stands of This area supports the largest remaining coastal sage scrub vegetation that support a expanse of Engelmann oak woodland habitat population (twenty to thirty pairs) of Califor- in southern California. Most of this area is nia gnatcatchers. Along the river are several private or Indian land and the primary factor stretches of high-quality riparian woodland affecting its ecological integrity is the likeli- and populations of arroyo toad and southwest- hood of increased subdivision and ern pond turtle. Coastal rosy boas, horned development of those lands. Cattle ranching lizards, orange-throated whiptails, and two- is a common use of land in this area. Non- striped garter snakes also occur in this area. native annuals are the dominant grasses in the oak savannas and grasslands. 337 Mendenhall Valley Santa Ana Mountains In this valley near the top of Palomar The Santa Ana Mountains region is an is- Mountain there is a large montane meadow land of wildland habitat that is nearly that supports the largest known population surrounded by urban development. It contains of the Laguna Mountain skipper butterfly. a number of important ecological areas. From Populations of Parish’s meadowfoam and San an ecosystem conservation standpoint, the Bernardino bluegrass also occur here. This most significant areas are probably along the valley is the headwaters for the West Fork of base of the mountains where imperiled low- the San Luis Rey River. Downstream resources elevation habitats extend up into the foothills. include arroyo toads, arroyo chub, and a self- These habitats include Engelmann oak-grass- sustaining wild trout fishery. land savanna, low-elevation riparian, and The primary land uses in Mendenhall coastal sage scrub (fig. 7.2). Valley are cattle grazing and several private residences (over half of the valley is in private San Mateo Creek ownership). Altered fire regimes and non- and Surrounding Uplands native grasses and forbs may be affecting plant San Mateo Creek is probably the most species composition in the meadow. Bullfrogs pristine coastal stream south of the Santa occur in several ponds within the valley and un- Monica Mountains. It flows unimpeded into doubtedly affect native amphibian populations. the ocean. The upper watershed is mostly unroaded and primarily within the San Mateo Laguna Meadow Canyon Wilderness Area. Its lower reaches run On top of Laguna Mountain is an exten- through Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base sive montane meadow that supports a number and San Onofre State Beach. The creek and of rare plant species and the Laguna Moun- its principal tributaries contain significant tain skipper butterfly. It is one of the few large populations of arroyo toads, pond turtles, and montane meadows in the mountains of San California newts. In 1999, juvenile southern Diego County that is predominately on pub- steelhead were documented in San Mateo lic lands. Pine-oak forests surrounding the Creek (A. Vejar, CDFG, pers. comm.). meadow contain spotted owls. Ecological in- Factors affecting ecological integrity in- tegrity on Laguna Mountain is affected clude recreation use, military activities, and primarily by high levels of recreation use and exotic species. However, this may be one of cattle grazing. the few streams where conditions are condu- cive for extirpating aquatic exotic species. Viejas, Poser, and Guatay Mountains and King Creek Santa Rosa Plateau These areas have gabbro soils that support The Santa Rosa Plateau contains a large several unique, endemic plants. The largest expanse of undeveloped, Engelmann oak sa- population of San Diego thorn-mint vanna that is well managed and in good (Acanthomintha ilicifolia) occurs on Viejas condition. In this area is the only remaining Mountain. Monardella hypoleuca lanata and red-legged frog population south of Los An- Nolina cismontana occur on Viejas and Poser geles County. Several large vernal pools support mountains. Tecate cypress is found on Guatay fairy shrimp and a number of rare plant species. Mountain and Cuyamaca cypress occurs along The primary factor affecting ecological upper King Creek on the southwest flank of integrity in this area is the subdivision and Cuyamaca Peak. Overly frequent fire is a threat development of private land on and around to some of these plants, particularly cypress the Santa Rosa Plateau. Exotic species such as forests. European grasses and bullfrogs are also a threat. 338 Figure 7.2. Areas of high ecological significance in the Santa Ana Mountains. Sierra Peak/Cole Canyon Area and hold some of the last remaining moun- Unique soils in this area support a num- tain yellow-legged frog populations in ber of rare plants, including several large Tecate southern California. The watershed also con- cypress groves. This area is also a key part of tains four to five pairs of spotted owls, and an important habitat corridor between the the southernmost population of southern rub- Santa Ana Mountains and the Chino Hills. ber boas. Development on private lands in Cole Can- Factors affecting ecological integrity in this yon threatens this unique habitat area. Overly area include concentrated recreation use, ex- frequent fire is also a threat. panding development on private lands in the Pine Cove and Idyllwild areas, and altered fire San Juan Creek regimes. Mixed conifer forests in this area have This area contains significant populations become increasingly dense over the last eighty of arroyo toad, Dudleya viscida, and Tetracoccus years, prompting fears that the area is now dioicus. At low elevations, coastal sage scrub is more susceptible to a large stand-replacing fire. common along the slopes of San Juan Can- yon. California gnatcatchers, cactus wrens, and Palm Canyon orange-throated whiptails occur in the lower Palm Canyon, on the desert side of the canyon. Recreation use, a major state high- mountains, provides important habitat for the way, and non-native species are the primary Peninsular Ranges’ bighorn sheep. Several fac- factors affecting ecological integrity. tors threaten the survival of this sheep population, including disease and excessive San Jacinto Mountains predation by mountain lions, but development This range contains a large expanse of on private lands in and around the commu- montane wildland habitat that is becoming nity of Palm Desert is of particular concern. increasingly surrounded by urban develop- As its name implies, Palm Canyon also con- ment. The San Jacinto Mountains (and the tains several highly localized and rare palm adjoining higher peaks of the Santa Rosa oases. Mountains) lie between the San Bernardino Mountains to the north and Palomar and Hot Garner Valley Springs mountains to the south. There are size- This large montane meadow contains sev- able gaps in the distribution of public lands eral sensitive plant populations. It is also an between these ranges, and coordinated land important deer fawning area and productive use planning will be needed to ensure that habitat for many species. Housing develop- habitat connectivity between them is main- ments on private land in the valley, water tained. Another key issue is the establishment extraction and diversion, and non-native spe- of wildland linkages that “connect” the San cies are the primary factors affecting ecological Jacinto Mountains to the habitat reserves be- integrity in this area. ing created in western Riverside County and Coachella Valley. Within the mountains them- Bautista Creek selves, areas of high ecological significance This low-elevation stream contains some include montane meadows and habitats uti- high-quality riparian habitat. Arroyo toads his- lized by the mountain yellow-legged frog and torically occurred in this drainage and may still the Peninsular Ranges’ bighorn sheep (fig. 7.3). be there. Swainson thrush and yellow-breasted chat are riparian-dependent birds that occur North Fork, San Jacinto River in this drainage. The greenest tiger beetle is a The North Fork of the San Jacinto River rare invertebrate that was collected along and its upper tributaries contain high-quality Bautista Creek in the 1970s and may still oc- mixed conifer and bigcone Douglas-fir forest cur in the area.

340 Figure 7.3. Areas of high ecological significance in the San Jacinto Mountains. San Bernardino Mountains cance are the mesic mid-elevation (4,500 to The San Bernardino Mountains are the 7,000 feet) forests on the coastal side of the highest and most extensively forested range in mountains. These productive pine- and fir- the assessment area. This range contains an dominated forests are key habitats for the unusually large number of endemic plants as California spotted owl, San Bernardino fly- well as many rare animals. There are many ing squirrel, southern rubber boa, flammulated areas of high ecological significance in this owl, and many other forest-dependent species. range (fig. 7.4), reflecting many unique The large spotted owl population in the San vegetation associations and rare species occur- Bernardino Mountains is reported to be critical rences. to the continued viability of this species in south- ern California (Noon and McKelvey 1992). Unique Habitats in the Big Bear- The primary factor affecting the ecologi- Baldwin Lake-Holcomb Valley Area cal integrity of these forests is an altered fire Pebble plains, carbonate outcrops, mon- regime. The almost complete exclusion of fires tane meadows, pinyon and Joshua tree in these forests for over eighty years has led to woodlands, and a large ephemeral lake, all in changes in stand structure, shifts in species close proximity to one another, combine to composition, and an increased vulnerability make this a unique and highly significant area. to large stand-replacing fires. The area also This area contains the largest concentration receives a high level of recreation use and is of endemic plants in California, eleven of interspersed with private lands that are becom- which are now federally listed as threatened ing increasingly developed. or endangered. Big Bear Lake supports the largest wintering population of bald eagles in Deep Creek southern California. Baldwin Lake and its pri- This desert-flowing stream contains high- mary tributary, Shay Creek, are home to a quality aquatic and riparian habitat. A isolated and highly imperiled population of population of arroyo toads and a hybridized unarmored threespine stickleback fish. The population of Mojave chub occur in the lower Dammer’s blue butterfly is endemic to the portions of this drainage. Deep Creek is also a Baldwin Lake area and nearby Coxey Meadow popular trout fishery and has been designated supports one of the few known populations by CDFG as a wild trout stream. of the vernal blue butterfly. This area is also Concentrated recreation use in portions one of the few places in the assessment area of this drainage affects the ecological integrity where common nighthawks, gray vireos, and of Deep Creek. Impoundments and water di- gray flycatchers breed. Nelson’s bighorn sheep versions in the upper watershed affect stream also occur on the northern edge of this area. flow volume and seasonality. The Willows Fire Big Bear and Holcomb valleys are popu- in the summer of 1999 burned over 60 per- lar recreation areas. There are many developed cent of this watershed and will trigger high facilities and maintained roads that attract rates of soil erosion and stream sedimentation large numbers of recreationists. Mining is a in the next few years. major land use activity in high-grade carbon- ate deposits that extend from the north side Onyx Summit of Holcomb Valley to the desert’s edge. A high-elevation ecotonal area where desert and coastal influences meet, the Onyx Mid-Elevation Conifer Forests from Summit area contains a unique assemblage of Cedarpines Park to Barton Flats vegetation types including old-growth west- The San Bernardino Mountains contain ern juniper and mountain mahogany mixed by far the largest expanse of coniferous forest with pinyon and limber pine. There are many in southern California. Of particular signifi- inholdings of private land in this area and houses are being constructed on some of these. 342 Figure 7.4. Areas of high ecological significance in the San Bernardino Mountains. Increased development could degrade the Moyle et al. (1995) suggested that the upper unique habitats in this area and will reduce San Gabriel River by designated as an “Aquatic fire management options. Diversity Management Area” similar to ones being proposed in the Sierra Nevada. Whitewater River The primary factors affecting the ecologi- The upper watershed of the Whitewater cal integrity of these aquatic habitats are (1) River is one of the most remote, unroaded irregular releases of water and sediment from places in the assessment area. As such, it is rela- Cogswell Dam on the West Fork, (2) suction tively pristine and is an important area for dredging on the East Fork, and (3) concentrated bighorn sheep and mule deer. Arroyo toads recreation use on the East and North forks. occur on this drainage at low elevations near the base of the mountains. Little Rock Creek This long, desert-flowing drainage con- San Gorgonio Peak tains a substantial arroyo toad population The tallest peak in southern California, it along its lower reaches and a mountain yel- is the only place in the region that contains low-legged frog population near its significant amounts of alpine habitat. The headwaters. Little Rock Creek also contains water pipit potentially breeds here and a vari- high-quality riparian habitat. Upper parts of ety of sensitive alpine plants occur in this area. the drainage are remote and unroaded, which Completely within a designated wilderness has helped maintain a high level of ecological area, the primary threat to this peak is degra- integrity. dation of fragile habitats from overuse of areas Recreation activities are the primary land by backcountry hikers. uses in this drainage. Camping and OHV use are popular activities in the lower drainage near San Gabriel Mountains Little Rock Reservoir. Rock climbing and hik- The San Gabriel Mountains are steep and ing are common activities in the upper rugged, with many areas not easily accessible headwaters near the Angeles Crest Highway. by road. This has helped maintain a high level of ecological integrity in some of the upper Mount Wilson/Monrovia Peak Area canyons. This remote character is probably The steep canyons and north-facing slopes why mountain yellow-legged frogs and that extend from west of Mount Wilson to Nelson’s bighorn sheep still occur in these just east of Monrovia Peak contain the region’s mountains. The range also contains some im- largest and most continuous stands of bigcone portant aquatic and forest habitats (fig. 7.5). Douglas-fir, a tree that is endemic to south- ern California. These forests are highly Upper San Gabriel River productive for spotted owls. The recently dis- The three primary forks of the San Gabriel covered San Gabriel Mountain slender River (West, North, and East forks) and their salamander also occupies these forests. Bigcone tributaries contain highly significant aquatic Douglas-fir forests are at risk to stand-replac- habitats. Low-elevation portions of these ing fire and have been declining in extent over streams are key refugia for imperiled native the last century. fish, including the Santa Ana sucker, Santa Ana speckled dace, and arroyo chub. The West Lytle and Cajon Washes Fork is a high-quality rainbow trout stream Low-elevation, alluvial areas along Lytle and supports a large pond turtle population. and Cajon creeks and their adjacent floodplain High-elevation tributaries in the Sheep Moun- terraces contain several imperiled species and tain Wilderness Area support several vegetation types. The San Bernardino kanga- mountain yellow-legged frog populations. roo rat, California gnatcatcher, slender-horned spineflower, and Santa Ana woollystar are 344 Figure 7.5. Areas of high ecological significance in the San Gabriel Mountains. known to occur in this area. It is a historic distribution and availability of some habitat locality for the Los Angeles pocket mouse, types that are important to bighorn sheep. coastal black-tailed jackrabbit, and badger, and these species may still occur here. Castaic Ranges Urban development is occurring at a rapid The mountains and foothills north of rate along the border of the national forest in Castaic are dominated by chaparral-covered the uplands surrounding Lytle and Cajon hills, but they also contain several low- washes. Sand and gravel mining is also a ma- elevation streams that have high-quality jor activity in portions of these washes. riparian and aquatic habitats (fig 7.6). In ad- dition, the upper elevations of Liebre and Big Tujunga Creek Sawmill mountains contain unique and im- Although this stream is dammed at an el- portant montane habitats. The geographic evation of approximately 2,400 feet, there is position of this region—between the San Gabriel still important riparian and aquatic habitat Mountains to the east, the Tehachapi Mountains both upstream and downstream of the reser- to the north, and the Los Padres ranges to the voir. Big Tujunga Creek continues to support west —makes it a key wildland linkage. A 4- to populations of the Santa Ana sucker and ar- 6-mile break in the connectivity of public lands royo chub. Santa Ana speckled dace historically exists between the San Gabriel Mountains and occurred in the drainage but may have been the westernmost part of this region, the Sierra extirpated. Arroyo toads, pond turtles, and Pelona Mountains. Protected habitat corridors Swainson’s thrush also occur here. will be needed between these ranges as develop- Introduced red shiners occur below the ment intensifies along Interstate 14. reservoir and have been blamed for the decline of native fish in this drainage and the possible extirpation of speckled dace. Non-native Soledad Canyon aquatic species are a large problem in this Soledad Canyon contains high-quality ri- drainage due to the mid-elevation reservoir. parian and aquatic habitat. Portions of the Variable and sometimes extreme releases of upper Santa Clara River in this canyon are water from the dam are a threat to downstream designated as critical habitat for the fish and aquatic amphibian populations. Rec- unarmored threespine stickleback fish. Santa reation use is high along this stream, Ana suckers, southwestern willow flycatchers, particularly in the lower canyon, and has re- and summer tanagers also occur in this area. sulted in habitat degradation in some areas. A principal factor affecting the ecological integrity of Soledad Canyon is that most of Upper San Antonio the area is on private land and subject to in- and Lytle Creek Watershed creasing development. Invasive, non-native The steep slopes around Mount San An- species are also a problem, particularly arundo tonio (also known as Mount Baldy) and in the and warm-water fish. upper forks of Lytle Creek are important habi- tat for Nelson’s bighorn sheep. The recently San Francisquito Creek discovered San Gabriel Mountain slender San Francisquito Creek contains high- salmander also occurs in this area. quality, low-elevation riparian and aquatic The remoteness of these upper watershed habitat. The unarmored threespine stickle- areas is critical to the continued existence of back, California red-legged frog, southwestern bighorn sheep in the San Gabriel Mountains. willow flycatcher, Swainson’s thrush, yellow- Increased demand for recreation developments breasted chat, and Nevin’s barberry all occur in this area threatens the remote character. along this drainage. Altered fire regimes also may be changing the The primary factors affecting ecological integrity in the area are water diversions, 346 Figure 7.6. Areas of high ecological significance in the Castaic Ranges. encroachment of non-native species, and land Southern Los Padres Ranges uses associated with a major paved road that The southern Los Padres region is a large, runs the length of this canyon. highly intact block of natural habitat, with relatively few areas of human development Castaic Creek within it (see figure 1.4 in chapter 1). This Although much of this creek is now cov- characteristic, in and of itself, makes the area ered by Castaic Lake, there are still areas of unique in coastal southern California and important riparian habitat. Arroyo toads oc- highly significant from an ecological perspec- cur upstream and downstream of the lake. A tive. In general, the mountains and streams in pond turtle population also exists in the up- this region are less heavily utilized by people per reaches of Castaic Creek. than are the mountain ranges to the south. Streamflows below Castaic Lake are con- trolled by releases from the dam. The lake Sisquoc River contains a wide variety of non-native species A relatively large, remote, free-flowing that can disperse both up and down stream. stream, the Sisquoc River is arguably the most Bullfrogs and warm-water fish in particular pristine stream in the assessment area. It has are a threat to arroyo toads and pond turtles. few exotic species and contains populations of southern steelhead, California red-legged Elizabeth Lake Canyon frogs, arroyo toads, and pond turtles. A least Elizabeth Lake Canyon contains some Bell’s vireo was also observed along this river in high-quality riparian and aquatic habitat. 1999 (K. Cooper, Los Padres NF, pers. comm.). Swainson’s thrush and yellow-breasted chat are The Sisquoc River has high ecological in- known to occur along this drainage. It is also tegrity because it is unregulated, there is no a historic locality for the Tehachapi white- road access to most of the drainage, and the eared pocket mouse and the foothill watershed is almost entirely undeveloped and yellow-legged frog. lightly used public land. A paved road runs the length of this can- yon and several campgrounds are located along Sespe Creek it. The stream flows into Castaic Lake, which Sespe Creek is a major undammed stream makes it more susceptible to infestations of that contains high-quality riparian habitat and bullfrogs and warm-water fish. important populations of southern steelhead, red-legged frogs, pond turtles, and arroyo Liebre and Sawmill Mountains toads. It is a tributary of the Santa Clara River, Liebre and Sawmill mountains support and its connection to the ocean is affected by several forest types and some unique dry intensive land use along that river. Portions of meadow-grassland habitats. A series of north- Sespe Creek are extremely remote, while oth- facing canyons contain bigcone Douglas-fir/ ers can be easily accessed by roads and contain canyon live oak forests, with a pair of spotted several popular developed recreation sites. owls in almost every canyon. Ponderosa pine and black oak blanket the mountain crest but Mono Creek, Indian Creek, and the Upper Santa Ynez River are interspersed with large grass-dominated openings. The only known occurrences of Mono and Indian creeks are undammed Forest Camp sandwort (Arenaria macradenia tributaries of the Santa Ynez River. They sup- var. kuschei) are on Liebre Mountain. Bigcone port high-quality riparian habitat and contain Douglas-fir stands in this area are at risk to important populations of arroyo toads, red- stand-replacing fires. legged frogs, and pond turtles. Mono Creek is essentially free of bullfrogs and predatory fish. A substantial least Bell’s vireo population is concentrated around the confluence of these 348 Figure 7.7. Areas of high ecological significance in the southern Los Padres ranges. three drainages. This area receives a lot of rec- lands.” It has unique topography and habitats reation use, which affects habitat conditions. and contains relictual populations of several plant species and pina plains. A hybridized Mount Pinos-Mount Abel Area population of blunt-nosed leopard lizards oc- The high country around Mount Pinos curred historically in this area and may still be and Mount Abel is a unique montane island present in Ballinger Canyon. Recreation, par- that supports several endemic taxa and pro- ticularly off-road vehicle activity, is the primary vides an important refugia for other species land use in this area. associated with montane habitats. The area supports endemic subspecies of blue grouse, Southern Santa Lucia Range lodgepole chipmunk, and white-eared pocket The southern Santa Lucia Range, Garcia mouse. It also contains a unique population of Mountain, and the La Panza Range contain a rubber boa snakes that are intermediate in mor- number of unique habitats and ecologically phology and genetic make-up between the significant areas. Coastal slopes contain some southern and northern subspecies. Montane high-quality riparian habitats, many of which meadows in this area support a number of sensi- support red-legged frogs. The arid east side comes tive bird and plant species, and a small northern into contact with unique and highly imperiled goshawk population persists in these mountains. habitats of the San Joaquin Valley and its west- Recreation activity and altered fire regimes ern foothills. Several areas of particularly high are the primary factors affecting ecological in- ecological significance are described below and tegrity in the Mount Pinos/Mount Abel area. shown in figure 7.8. Several developed campgrounds are located on Mount Pinos and also on Mount Abel, but Cuesta Ridge the high country in between is now within Serpentine outcrops on Cuesta Ridge sup- the Chumash Wilderness Area. Fires have been port groves of Sargent cypress and a number effectively suppressed for many years in this of sensitive plant species, including San Luis area, spawning concerns about fuel buildups, mariposa lily, San Luis Obispo sedge, Brewer’s shifts in forest species composition, and in- spineflower, San Benito fritillary, and hooked creased risk of future stand-replacing fires. popcorn-flower. The Cuesta Pass checker- bloom is endemic to Cuesta Ridge. The Los Piru Creek Padres National Forest has established a bo- Although a highly regulated stream that tanical area on west Cuesta Ridge to protect is dammed in two places, Piru Creek still con- populations of these sensitive species. Factors tains important riparian and aquatic habitat affecting the ecological integrity of this area and supports a number of rare or at-risk spe- include non-native species, mining, and cies. Large arroyo toad and pond turtle changes to the historic fire regime. populations occur along the creek between Pyramid and Piru reservoirs. The creek also Lopez Canyon contains Santa Ana suckers and red-legged frogs. Lopez Canyon contains high-quality ri- The reservoirs are a constant source of in- parian and aquatic habitats. California vasive, non-native aquatic species, and the red-legged frogs, Coast Range newts, and sev- stream contains large numbers of them. Wa- eral sensitive riparian birds occur in this area. ter releases from the dams also control much At least three pairs of spotted owls also occur of the creek’s flow regime. in the canyon. Only the upper part of the can- yon is national forest system land; the rest is Upper Cuyama River Region privately owned. The stream is dammed at its The arid, rugged region along the upper lower end where it meets Arroyo Grande Creek. Cuyama River is often described as a “bad-

350 Figure 7.8. Areas of high ecological significance in the southern Santa Lucia Range region. Blue Oak Woodlands West of Garcia grounds and a trail system extends into upper Mountain portions of the drainage. Extensive patches of high-quality blue oak woodland can be found west of Garcia Moun- Little Sur River tain, particularly in the upper Avenales Valley, The Little Sur is a free-flowing stream that the Joughlin Ranch area, and in the vicinity contains southern steelhead, Pacific giant sala- of Branch Mountain. Blue oak woodlands are manders, and California red-legged frogs. productive habitats for many wildlife species Tiger salamanders occur in upper portions of and they are relatively poorly represented on the Little Sur watershed. This is a relatively public lands. Primary factors affecting the eco- pristine drainage with few non-native species, logical integrity of these woodlands are especially in the upper part of the drainage non-native grasses, increasing subdivision and which is within the Ventana Wilderness Area. development of private lands in the area, and Lower stretches of the Little Sur are on pri- livestock grazing. vate land.

Northern Santa Lucia Range San Carpoforo Creek The remoteness and rugged topography San Carpoforo Creek is a free-flowing of the northern Santa Lucia Range are reflected stream that contains one of the few remain- in a relatively low level of human intrusion. ing populations of foothill yellow-legged frogs Much of the region is unroaded and a sub- along the central coast. California red-legged stantial portion is formally designated as frogs and southern steelhead also occur in this wilderness. Most of the streams on the coastal drainage. Most of San Carpoforo Creek is on side of the mountains are undammed and flow private land. A primitive road also runs along freely to the ocean. the length of it. These factors combine to foster high eco- logical integrity, characterized by natural Coastal Redwood and hydrologic regimes, relatively few exotic spe- Santa Lucia Fir Forests cies, low levels of human impact, and extant The narrowly endemic Santa Lucia fir and populations of native species which have dis- the southernmost stands of coastal redwood appeared from many areas. Areas of occur in this area. These forests provide the particularly high ecological significance are southernmost breeding habitat for the described below and shown in figure 7.9. marbled murrelet. Spotted owls and Pacific giant salamanders also occur in these mesic Big Sur River forests. Almost all of these forests are protected The Big Sur River is a major stream that from harvesting, but they are at risk to stand- flows unimpeded to the ocean. Its natural hy- replacing fires. drologic regime and largely undeveloped upper watershed have helped maintain a high level Coastal Prairie and Coastal Scrub of ecological integrity. The aquatic habitat has Along the immediate coast are grass- few invasive, non-native species. Southern dominated prairies and sagebrush/buckwheat- steelhead spawn in this river and there are dominated shrublands that support several populations of red-legged frog, foothill yellow- sensitive plants (e.g., Hutchinson’s larkspur legged frog, and Pacific giant salamanders. and adobe sanicle) and butterflies (e.g., Smith’s The primary factor affecting ecological blue butterfly and Doudoroff’s elfin butter- integrity is recreation activity, which is high fly). Factors affecting these habitats include along the lower reaches of this stream near non-native species (e.g., European grasses, Highway 1. There are several developed camp- kikuyu grass, pampas grass, and French broom), recreation use, and livestock grazing. 352 Figure 7.9. Areas of high ecological significance in the northern Santa Lucia Range.