Friends of Harbors, Beaches and Parks (FHBP) works to Friends of Harbors, Beaches and Parks NON-PROFIT ORG Friends of Harbors, Beaches and Parks Spring 2020 protect the natural lands, waterways, and beaches of P.O. Box 9256 U.S. POSTAGE Newport Beach, CA 92658 PAID Orange County. Learn more at: SANTA ANA, CA PERMIT 43 Outdoors www.FHBP.org in Orange County

Trail Safety is Imperative

By: Michael Wellborn, FHBP Board President The County of Orange, following the regulations of the state vehicle code, prohibits motorized bicycles on dirt trails in the wilderness parks. FHBP supports this policy despite increasing pressure to allow “e-bikes” (bicycles with electric The Canyon 1 fire burns Chino Hills State Park south of the 91 Freeway. motors). The key reason for this position revolves around our Anaheim of City parks already being a big attraction for local hikers, bikers, and equestrians. With over three million Orange County Fire Study Highlights High Risk Areas residents living nearby, along with those from nearby counties venturing to our parks—trail use has greatly increased over the By: Melanie Schlotterbeck, FHBP Consultant The risk of more frequent burns is that the vegetation “type past decade. This is a positive benefit for our residents. Yet the In August of 2015, Friends of Harbors, Beaches and Parks converts” into a non-native grassland, which by its very nature popularity of the trails has also brought an increase in conflicts (FHBP) completed a 100-year study of wildland fires that burned is more flammable, easier to ignite, and spreads fire faster. The among trail users. Allowing e-bikes on unpaved trails would Who We Are in and around the Santa Ana Mountains and the Laguna Coast. goal should continue to be reducing ignitions to keep people, add to the already congested, multi-use trails. Recently, FHBP expanded the research to include fires between property, and parks intact for future generations. Weekend trail uses are already over-capacity at many FHBP Board of Directors Laguna Greenbelt, Inc. parks. When parking lots reach capacity, visitors park in local Michael Wellborn, President Sierra Club, Orange County 2014 through 2019. Both research projects were undertaken to It still appears actual access routes (roads and highways) into neighborhoods. Changing the prohibition on motorized Gloria Sefton, Vice President Stop Polluting Our Newport understand the fire causes, locations, and how these fires were the wildlands increases the fire ignitions. Many more fires start bicycles would increase not only trail impacts, but the Vikki Swanson, Treasurer Newport Bay Conservancy impacting the natural lands and nearby residences. along roadways than in the wildlands proper. Tracking is better associated parking problems as well. Helen Higgins, Secretary St. Mark Presbyterian Church Initially, the report spanned 1914 through 2014 with enough now—as seen in the Laguna Beach example where the local fire Ecophilians Creation and use of non-authorized trails is also rampant. data to display 160 fires in the Santa Ana Mountains and 22 in department had information available to share (unlike last time). Mina Brown Actions such as cutting new trails, after-hours night access, Jim Carr Advisory Board the Laguna Coast. These recent six additional years added 58 The study also provides a status update to the 2015 high speed descents, and even commercial video trail Matt Carter Stephanie Barger more wildland fires in the mountains and 25 more along the recommendations and provides a few new recommendations. productions are occurring. Allowing e-bikes would invite an Jack Eidt Connie Boardman coast. It appears that most of the new fires were small in size, Many thanks to those that contributed to this effort and to our increase of these prohibited uses. Park rangers are being pulled Maureen Gates Ilse Byrnes extinguished quickly, and occurred on “normal” temperature funders. We hope that in identifying locations where fires start, in many directions and this would increase their workload Amy Litton Laura Cohen and wind days. A few fires in the update did not meet this norm our local communities and fire agencies will be better equipped by having to monitor the trails more frequently. Since electric Theresa Sears Debbie Cook bicycles offer higher speed travel and increased wilderness Tina Thompson Richards Keith Curry and ravaged both the wildlands and homes in the region, most to prevent fires or fight them, identify locations for FireWatch access, additional problems emerge. Often the excess speed Sandy Genis notably the Canyon 1 and Canyon 2 fires (both in 2017) near the volunteers, harden roadway edges, etc. As the summer months and lack of rider’s skill level collide, creating an increase in Supporting Organizations Tom Harman northern edge of the Santa Ana Mountains and the Holy Fire (in approach, please keep in mind ways you can protect your home back country emergencies, and increased use of and damage to Amigos de Bolsa Chica Evelyn Hart 2018) near Rancho Santa Margarita. by adding additional hardening features: ember proof vents, Audubon, Sea & Sage Chapter Jack Keating trails since e-bikes can travel so much further. Our research indicates there are more fires burning in both boxed eaves, clean gutters, etc. Be fire wise. Additionally, many of these lands are enrolled in a Bolsa Chica Conservancy Vic Leipzig Caspers Park Foundation Tom Maloney areas—especially the Santa Ana Mountains—than would be LAGUNA COAST NEW FIRE IGNITIONS program for mitigation that requires specific requirements be Earth Resource Foundation Stephanie Pacheco seen during a natural fire regime. In the natural fire regime, met and maintained forever. Adding new, impactful uses can Environmental Nature Center Claire Schlotterbeck fires generally occur every 30-150 years. For the Santa Ana undo the conservation parameters these lands were set aside to Huntington Beach Wetlands Dan Silver, M.D. Mountains, there has been one lighting strike (a natural ignition) protect. Conservancy Nancy Skinner and 217 human-caused fires in 105 years. Consequently, humans FHBP supports our County regional parks and open Laguna Canyon Conservancy Jean H. Watt spaces. We encourage everyone to enjoy these amazing places, Laguna Canyon Foundation Dick Zembal have increased the number of fires occurring to essentially more but they should be safe for all. That’s why Audubon California, than two fires a year. No lightning strikes occurred in the Laguna Laguna Canyon Foundation, Sea & Sage Audubon, Sierra Coast, so all fires were human-caused. Club, and FHBP are Engage with us: Only looking at the new data (2014-2019), the worst fire founding members in the Santa Ana Mountains was the Holy Fire in 2018, which of the Safe Trails @FriendsofHBP @FHBP_OC burned more than 22,000 acres. Since the last iteration of the Coalition. Together study, Laguna Coast’s worst fire burned 175 acres. The majority of we are working toward solutions. new fires in both areas were ignited along roadways, specifically smile.amazon.com/ch/33-0776377 the 241 Toll Road and the 133 (Laguna Canyon Road).

Melanie Schlotterbeck Melanie

. www.FHBP.org website: our on is study The species. plant and

water body for contact and consumption, and harm wildlife wildlife harm and consumption, and contact for body water growing than natives. This site burned in the Freeway Complex Fire of 2008. of Fire Complex Freeway the in burned site This natives. than growing elsewhere, PVC pipe, fencing, and other items were never removed from the location. the from removed never were items other and fencing, pipe, PVC elsewhere,

species to “move into” as the development proceeded. Unfortunately there are more non-native plants plants non-native more are there Unfortunately proceeded. development the as into” “move to species project. This site was abandoned after an unsuccessful attempt at restoration onsite. As was the case case the was As onsite. restoration at attempt unsuccessful an after abandoned was site This project.

cause significant impacts to parks, decrease the safety of the the of safety the decrease parks, to impacts significant cause

Tonner Hills Planned Community set aside this hillside and other areas as a place for the endangered endangered the for place a as areas other and hillside this aside set Community Planned Hills Tonner Talbert Nature Preserve was a restoration site used for the San Diego Creek Flood Control Channel Channel Control Flood Creek Diego San the for used site restoration a was Preserve Nature Talbert

protected is important. When water bodies are polluted, it can can it polluted, are bodies water When important. is protected Tennyson Tennyson Robb Hamilton Robb Hamilton Robb

and beaches—that both wildlife and people rely on—are on—are rely people and wildlife both beaches—that and ‘Tis not too late to seek a newer world.” newer a seek to late too not ‘Tis

species need to survive; ensuring the rivers, streams, wetlands, wetlands, streams, rivers, the ensuring survive; to need species Come my friends, my Come

grounds, foraging areas, and wildlife corridors that these these that corridors wildlife and areas, foraging grounds, The deep moans round with many voices, many with round moans deep The

ince our parks provide the refuge, nurseries, hunting hunting nurseries, refuge, the provide parks our ince S The slow moon climbs; moon slow The

The long day wanes, day long The waters within them. within waters

“The light begins to twinkle from the rocks the from twinkle to begins light “The parklands in Orange County that have 303(d) listed (polluted) (polluted) listed 303(d) have that County Orange in parklands

blooms that kill off plants and animals. There are 24 protected protected 24 are There animals. and plants off kill that blooms

continue our efforts. our continue from hair loss to neurological disorders, cancer to algal algal to cancer disorders, neurological to loss hair from

our conservation work, it is clearer than ever that we must must we that ever than clearer is it work, conservation our humans, wildlife, and the environment—everything ranging ranging environment—everything the and wildlife, humans,

to save lives by hugging a tree. Thank you for supporting supporting for you Thank tree. a hugging by lives save to malathion, and nitrogen. These pollutants cause harm to to harm cause pollutants These nitrogen. and malathion,

doing our part to save land just as we are doing our part part our doing are we as just land save to part our doing toxicity, benthic community effects, selenium, phosphorus, phosphorus, selenium, effects, community benthic toxicity,

recommit ourselves to saving the habitats close to home— to close habitats the saving to ourselves recommit The most common impairments included: indicator bacteria, bacteria, indicator included: impairments common most The

overall restoration score. restoration overall restored and had California gnatcatchers present. gnatcatchers California had and restored

grass is a non-native invasive plant and should not be present. This type of poor work, lowered the the lowered work, poor of type This present. be not should and plant invasive non-native a is grass sites used for the Transportation Corridor Agency restoration work. Those sites were consistently well well consistently were sites Those work. restoration Agency Corridor Transportation the for used sites

where the gifts of the natural world are honored and we can can we and honored are world natural the of gifts the where included in the study because they were found in these waters. waters. these in found were they because study the in included

Fullerton’s Hawks Pointe restoration site had fountain grass planted along the roadway edges. Fountain Fountain edges. roadway the along planted grass fountain had site restoration Pointe Hawks Fullerton’s Restoration specialist Margot Griswold and study biologist Robb Hamilton review one of the many many the of one review Hamilton Robb biologist study and Griswold Margot specialist Restoration

terrible to imagine. But, maybe we can imagine a better time time better a imagine can we maybe But, imagine. to terrible streams, wetlands, and beaches. Thirty-nine pollutants were were pollutants Thirty-nine beaches. and wetlands, streams,

Robb Hamilton Robb Melanie Schlotterbeck

illions of stories are being written—some are too too are written—some being are stories of illions M rivers, of segments included These County. Orange around

ere were 70 water bodies on the 303(d) list in and and in list 303(d) the on bodies water 70 were ere Th fewer interactions there will be. This helps all of us. of all helps This be. will there interactions fewer

more habitat we save, the less confined species are and the the and are species confined less the save, we habitat more Orange County. Orange

saving habitat and its importance has never been clearer. The The clearer. been never has importance its and habitat saving narrowed down the list of waters to only those in and around around and in those only to waters of list the down narrowed

animals up for food. Our mission at FHBP boils down to to down boils FHBP at mission Our food. for up animals digital data of impaired water bodies. During this review, we we review, this During bodies. water impaired of data digital

ourselves in a dangerous linkage when we gather those those gather we when linkage dangerous a in ourselves The State Water Resources Control Board publishes a map and and map a publishes Board Control Resources Water State The

be their neighbors. And then humans come along entwining entwining along come humans then And neighbors. their be And, sometimes the water bodies have multiple impairments. impairments. multiple have bodies water the sometimes And,

smaller fragments, they run into other species not meant to to meant not species other into run they fragments, smaller sediment, total suspended solids, cadmium, dioxin, lead, etc. etc. lead, dioxin, cadmium, solids, suspended total sediment,

are cut and myriad species are confined to smaller and and smaller to confined are species myriad and cut are has “too much” of something, whether it be: bacteria, selenium, selenium, bacteria, be: it whether something, of much” “too has

loss and increased access/interactions to wildlife. As forests forests As wildlife. to access/interactions increased and loss always but forms, of variety a in come can mpairments I

impaired. impaired. OVID-19, from many accounts, is a result of habitat habitat of result a is accounts, many from OVID-19, C

Consequently, if a water body is added to the 303(d) list, it is is it list, 303(d) the to added is body water a if Consequently, continue to abuse it. it. abuse to continue

the pollutants are at levels higher than is considered safe. safe. considered is than higher levels at are pollutants the know that our planet cannot continue to sustain us if we we if us sustain to continue cannot planet our that know

the water body to the “303(d) list” if the data demonstrate demonstrate data the if list” “303(d) the to body water the and shade to the other life forms that depend on it. We also also We it. on depend that forms life other the to shade and

exist and at what levels. A determination is then made to add add to made then is determination A levels. what at and exist we know how important that tree is in giving oxygen, shelter, shelter, oxygen, giving in is tree that important how know we also found examples of cities, the County of Orange, developers, developers, Orange, of County the cities, of examples found also

two years, specifically trying to identify if certain pollutants pollutants certain if identify to trying specifically years, two carries its own special meaning. We find solace in nature— in solace find We meaning. special own its carries identified some successful and viable restoration projects, we we projects, restoration viable and successful some identified

Act. The State tests the water quality of every water body every every body water every of quality water the tests State The Act. s people who care about this planet, hugging a tree tree a hugging planet, this about care who people s A Reports > CEQA Mitigation Study). Mitigation CEQA > Reports research our Although extinction. of brink the on species for

become. become. are appropriately governed by the state and federal Clean Water Water Clean federal and state the by governed appropriately are (Resources > Studies & & Studies > (Resources www.FHBP.org at report the Download outcomes improve to needed be may what and monitored; and

staying put, but also wondering for what our new world will will world new our what for wondering also but put, staying Board is tasked with ensuring the water bodies of California California of bodies water the ensuring with tasked is Board project, its mitigation measures, and recommendations. recommendations. and measures, mitigation its project, successful, implemented, tracked, were measures mitigation

stay put.” We are all finding our way right now not only only not now right way our finding all are We put.” stay y way of background, the State Water Resources Control Control Resources Water State the background, of way y B isit our website to view the study, descriptions of each each of descriptions study, the view to website our isit V whether understand to tasks: five included study e Th

come looking for you and you will be easier to find if you you if find to easier be will you and you for looking come them. through run bodies water impaired had parklands generations. County Community Foundation. Community County

to “hug a tree” if they ever got lost. We told them, “We will will “We them, told We lost. got ever they if tree” a “hug to federal and state, regional, which then and polluted were exist to protect these species and our water quality for future future for quality water our and species these protect to exist W. and Ellen R. Warne Family Endowment Fund of the Orange Orange the of Fund Endowment Family Warne R. Ellen and W.

at-risk youth we taught the kids who were new to the forest forest the to new were who kids the taught we youth at-risk streams local which documenting digitally study a completed of the remaining habitat areas. Environmental and water laws laws water and Environmental areas. habitat remaining the of agencies. Many thanks to the funder for this project, the Henry Henry the project, this for funder the to thanks Many agencies.

hen I was a counselor in college at summer camp for for camp summer at college in counselor a was I hen W Parks and Beaches Harbors, of Friends 2020, February n I development, but also through fragmentation and degradation degradation and fragmentation through also but development, is more adequately staffing and funding our natural resource resource natural our funding and staffing adequately more is

By: Claire Schlotterbeck, FHBP Consultant FHBP Schlotterbeck, Claire By: Consultant FHBP Schlotterbeck, Melanie By: imperiled, not only through removal of natural communities for for communities natural of removal through only not imperiled, how decisions are made for biological mitigation. Most critical critical Most mitigation. biological for made are decisions how

nowhere else in the world. Our native species are increasingly increasingly are species native Our world. the in else nowhere e developed 15 recommendations intended to guide guide to intended recommendations 15 developed e W

Melanie Schlotterbeck Rick Wilson

documentation of the ensuing restoration efforts. restoration ensuing the of documentation with a diversity of plants and animals, many of which occur occur which of many animals, and plants of diversity a with

restoration plans, as well as the implementation, monitoring, and and monitoring, implementation, the as well as plans, restoration outhern California comprises a biologically rich landscape landscape rich biologically a comprises California outhern S

impacted by those projects. those by impacted in their ongoing efforts to ensure the adequacy of habitat habitat of adequacy the ensure to efforts ongoing their in

ecological function for threatened and endangered species species endangered and threatened for function ecological mitigation effort. Ultimately, we hope to assist these agencies agencies these assist to hope we Ultimately, effort. mitigation

success in restoring the natural landscape and promoting promoting and landscape natural the restoring in success after agencies have signed off on the apparent success of a given given a of success apparent the on off signed have agencies after

projects throughout Orange County, were evaluated for their their for evaluated were County, Orange throughout projects fundamental issues that may not become evident until years years until evident become not may that issues fundamental

projects, including residential, mixed use, and infrastructure infrastructure and use, mixed residential, including projects, y evaluating long-term outcomes, we have identified identified have we outcomes, long-term evaluating y B

the average score for restoration projects was a 3.2. 3.2. a was projects restoration for score average the mitigation measures required under environmental laws. Twelve Twelve laws. environmental under required measures mitigation

and endangered species. On a scale of one (worst) to five (best), (best), five to (worst) one of scale a On species. endangered and (FHBP) completed a study on the effectiveness of biological biological of effectiveness the on study a completed (FHBP)

the required levels of mitigation for significant impacts to rare rare to impacts significant for mitigation of levels required the n December 2019, Friends of Harbors, Beaches and Parks Parks and Beaches Harbors, of Friends 2019, December n I

restoration specialists, and permitting agencies failing to achieve achieve to failing agencies permitting and specialists, restoration By: Melanie Schlotterbeck, FHBP Consultant FHBP Schlotterbeck, Melanie By:

Water Quality Report Quality Water Pandemics & Habitat Loss Habitat & Pandemics CEQA Study Results Reveal Trouble Meeting Requirements Meeting Trouble Reveal Results Study CEQA Friends of Harbors, Beaches and Parks (FHBP) works to Friends of Harbors, Beaches and Parks NON-PROFIT ORG Friends of Harbors, Beaches and Parks Spring 2020 protect the natural lands, waterways, and beaches of P.O. Box 9256 U.S. POSTAGE Newport Beach, CA 92658 PAID Orange County. Learn more at: SANTA ANA, CA PERMIT 43 Outdoors www.FHBP.org in Orange County

Trail Safety is Imperative

By: Michael Wellborn, FHBP Board President The County of Orange, following the regulations of the state vehicle code, prohibits motorized bicycles on dirt trails in the wilderness parks. FHBP supports this policy despite increasing pressure to allow “e-bikes” (bicycles with electric The Canyon 1 fire burns Chino Hills State Park south of the 91 Freeway. motors). The key reason for this position revolves around our Anaheim of City parks already being a big attraction for local hikers, bikers, and equestrians. With over three million Orange County Fire Study Highlights High Risk Areas residents living nearby, along with those from nearby counties venturing to our parks—trail use has greatly increased over the By: Melanie Schlotterbeck, FHBP Consultant The risk of more frequent burns is that the vegetation “type past decade. This is a positive benefit for our residents. Yet the In August of 2015, Friends of Harbors, Beaches and Parks converts” into a non-native grassland, which by its very nature popularity of the trails has also brought an increase in conflicts (FHBP) completed a 100-year study of wildland fires that burned is more flammable, easier to ignite, and spreads fire faster. The among trail users. Allowing e-bikes on unpaved trails would Who We Are in and around the Santa Ana Mountains and the Laguna Coast. goal should continue to be reducing ignitions to keep people, add to the already congested, multi-use trails. Recently, FHBP expanded the research to include fires between property, and parks intact for future generations. Weekend trail uses are already over-capacity at many FHBP Board of Directors Laguna Greenbelt, Inc. parks. When parking lots reach capacity, visitors park in local Michael Wellborn, President Sierra Club, Orange County 2014 through 2019. Both research projects were undertaken to It still appears actual access routes (roads and highways) into neighborhoods. Changing the prohibition on motorized Gloria Sefton, Vice President Stop Polluting Our Newport understand the fire causes, locations, and how these fires were the wildlands increases the fire ignitions. Many more fires start bicycles would increase not only trail impacts, but the Vikki Swanson, Treasurer Newport Bay Conservancy impacting the natural lands and nearby residences. along roadways than in the wildlands proper. Tracking is better associated parking problems as well. Helen Higgins, Secretary St. Mark Presbyterian Church Initially, the report spanned 1914 through 2014 with enough now—as seen in the Laguna Beach example where the local fire Ecophilians Creation and use of non-authorized trails is also rampant. data to display 160 fires in the Santa Ana Mountains and 22 in department had information available to share (unlike last time). Mina Brown Actions such as cutting new trails, after-hours night access, Jim Carr Advisory Board the Laguna Coast. These recent six additional years added 58 The study also provides a status update to the 2015 high speed descents, and even commercial video trail Matt Carter Stephanie Barger more wildland fires in the mountains and 25 more along the recommendations and provides a few new recommendations. productions are occurring. Allowing e-bikes would invite an Jack Eidt Connie Boardman coast. It appears that most of the new fires were small in size, Many thanks to those that contributed to this effort and to our increase of these prohibited uses. Park rangers are being pulled Maureen Gates Ilse Byrnes extinguished quickly, and occurred on “normal” temperature funders. We hope that in identifying locations where fires start, in many directions and this would increase their workload Amy Litton Laura Cohen and wind days. A few fires in the update did not meet this norm our local communities and fire agencies will be better equipped by having to monitor the trails more frequently. Since electric Theresa Sears Debbie Cook bicycles offer higher speed travel and increased wilderness Tina Thompson Richards Keith Curry and ravaged both the wildlands and homes in the region, most to prevent fires or fight them, identify locations for FireWatch access, additional problems emerge. Often the excess speed Sandy Genis notably the Canyon 1 and Canyon 2 fires (both in 2017) near the volunteers, harden roadway edges, etc. As the summer months and lack of rider’s skill level collide, creating an increase in Supporting Organizations Tom Harman northern edge of the Santa Ana Mountains and the Holy Fire (in approach, please keep in mind ways you can protect your home back country emergencies, and increased use of and damage to Amigos de Bolsa Chica Evelyn Hart 2018) near Rancho Santa Margarita. by adding additional hardening features: ember proof vents, Audubon, Sea & Sage Chapter Jack Keating trails since e-bikes can travel so much further. Our research indicates there are more fires burning in both boxed eaves, clean gutters, etc. Be fire wise. Additionally, many of these lands are enrolled in a Bolsa Chica Conservancy Vic Leipzig Caspers Park Foundation Tom Maloney areas—especially the Santa Ana Mountains—than would be LAGUNA COAST NEW FIRE IGNITIONS program for mitigation that requires specific requirements be Earth Resource Foundation Stephanie Pacheco seen during a natural fire regime. In the natural fire regime, met and maintained forever. Adding new, impactful uses can Environmental Nature Center Claire Schlotterbeck fires generally occur every 30-150 years. For the Santa Ana undo the conservation parameters these lands were set aside to Huntington Beach Wetlands Dan Silver, M.D. Mountains, there has been one lighting strike (a natural ignition) protect. Conservancy Nancy Skinner and 217 human-caused fires in 105 years. Consequently, humans FHBP supports our County regional parks and open Laguna Canyon Conservancy Jean H. Watt spaces. We encourage everyone to enjoy these amazing places, Laguna Canyon Foundation Dick Zembal have increased the number of fires occurring to essentially more but they should be safe for all. That’s why Audubon California, than two fires a year. No lightning strikes occurred in the Laguna Laguna Canyon Foundation, Sea & Sage Audubon, Sierra Coast, so all fires were human-caused. Club, and FHBP are Engage with us: Only looking at the new data (2014-2019), the worst fire founding members in the Santa Ana Mountains was the Holy Fire in 2018, which of the Safe Trails @FriendsofHBP @FHBP_OC burned more than 22,000 acres. Since the last iteration of the Coalition. Together study, Laguna Coast’s worst fire burned 175 acres. The majority of we are working toward solutions. new fires in both areas were ignited along roadways, specifically smile.amazon.com/ch/33-0776377 the 241 Toll Road and the 133 (Laguna Canyon Road).

Melanie Schlotterbeck Melanie

. www.FHBP.org website: our on is study The species. plant and

water body for contact and consumption, and harm wildlife wildlife harm and consumption, and contact for body water growing than natives. This site burned in the Freeway Complex Fire of 2008. of Fire Complex Freeway the in burned site This natives. than growing elsewhere, PVC pipe, fencing, and other items were never removed from the location. the from removed never were items other and fencing, pipe, PVC elsewhere,

species to “move into” as the development proceeded. Unfortunately there are more non-native plants plants non-native more are there Unfortunately proceeded. development the as into” “move to species project. This site was abandoned after an unsuccessful attempt at restoration onsite. As was the case case the was As onsite. restoration at attempt unsuccessful an after abandoned was site This project.

cause significant impacts to parks, decrease the safety of the the of safety the decrease parks, to impacts significant cause

Tonner Hills Planned Community set aside this hillside and other areas as a place for the endangered endangered the for place a as areas other and hillside this aside set Community Planned Hills Tonner Talbert Nature Preserve was a restoration site used for the San Diego Creek Flood Control Channel Channel Control Flood Creek Diego San the for used site restoration a was Preserve Nature Talbert

protected is important. When water bodies are polluted, it can can it polluted, are bodies water When important. is protected Tennyson Tennyson Robb Hamilton Robb Hamilton Robb

and beaches—that both wildlife and people rely on—are on—are rely people and wildlife both beaches—that and ‘Tis not too late to seek a newer world.” newer a seek to late too not ‘Tis

species need to survive; ensuring the rivers, streams, wetlands, wetlands, streams, rivers, the ensuring survive; to need species Come my friends, my Come

grounds, foraging areas, and wildlife corridors that these these that corridors wildlife and areas, foraging grounds, The deep moans round with many voices, many with round moans deep The

ince our parks provide the refuge, nurseries, hunting hunting nurseries, refuge, the provide parks our ince S The slow moon climbs; moon slow The

The long day wanes, day long The waters within them. within waters

“The light begins to twinkle from the rocks the from twinkle to begins light “The parklands in Orange County that have 303(d) listed (polluted) (polluted) listed 303(d) have that County Orange in parklands

blooms that kill off plants and animals. There are 24 protected protected 24 are There animals. and plants off kill that blooms

continue our efforts. our continue from hair loss to neurological disorders, cancer to algal algal to cancer disorders, neurological to loss hair from

our conservation work, it is clearer than ever that we must must we that ever than clearer is it work, conservation our humans, wildlife, and the environment—everything ranging ranging environment—everything the and wildlife, humans,

to save lives by hugging a tree. Thank you for supporting supporting for you Thank tree. a hugging by lives save to malathion, and nitrogen. These pollutants cause harm to to harm cause pollutants These nitrogen. and malathion,

doing our part to save land just as we are doing our part part our doing are we as just land save to part our doing toxicity, benthic community effects, selenium, phosphorus, phosphorus, selenium, effects, community benthic toxicity,

recommit ourselves to saving the habitats close to home— to close habitats the saving to ourselves recommit The most common impairments included: indicator bacteria, bacteria, indicator included: impairments common most The

overall restoration score. restoration overall restored and had California gnatcatchers present. gnatcatchers California had and restored

grass is a non-native invasive plant and should not be present. This type of poor work, lowered the the lowered work, poor of type This present. be not should and plant invasive non-native a is grass sites used for the Transportation Corridor Agency restoration work. Those sites were consistently well well consistently were sites Those work. restoration Agency Corridor Transportation the for used sites

where the gifts of the natural world are honored and we can can we and honored are world natural the of gifts the where included in the study because they were found in these waters. waters. these in found were they because study the in included

Fullerton’s Hawks Pointe restoration site had fountain grass planted along the roadway edges. Fountain Fountain edges. roadway the along planted grass fountain had site restoration Pointe Hawks Fullerton’s Restoration specialist Margot Griswold and study biologist Robb Hamilton review one of the many many the of one review Hamilton Robb biologist study and Griswold Margot specialist Restoration

terrible to imagine. But, maybe we can imagine a better time time better a imagine can we maybe But, imagine. to terrible streams, wetlands, and beaches. Thirty-nine pollutants were were pollutants Thirty-nine beaches. and wetlands, streams,

Robb Hamilton Robb Melanie Schlotterbeck

illions of stories are being written—some are too too are written—some being are stories of illions M rivers, of segments included These County. Orange around

ere were 70 water bodies on the 303(d) list in and and in list 303(d) the on bodies water 70 were ere Th fewer interactions there will be. This helps all of us. of all helps This be. will there interactions fewer

more habitat we save, the less confined species are and the the and are species confined less the save, we habitat more Orange County. Orange

saving habitat and its importance has never been clearer. The The clearer. been never has importance its and habitat saving narrowed down the list of waters to only those in and around around and in those only to waters of list the down narrowed

animals up for food. Our mission at FHBP boils down to to down boils FHBP at mission Our food. for up animals digital data of impaired water bodies. During this review, we we review, this During bodies. water impaired of data digital

ourselves in a dangerous linkage when we gather those those gather we when linkage dangerous a in ourselves The State Water Resources Control Board publishes a map and and map a publishes Board Control Resources Water State The

be their neighbors. And then humans come along entwining entwining along come humans then And neighbors. their be And, sometimes the water bodies have multiple impairments. impairments. multiple have bodies water the sometimes And,

smaller fragments, they run into other species not meant to to meant not species other into run they fragments, smaller sediment, total suspended solids, cadmium, dioxin, lead, etc. etc. lead, dioxin, cadmium, solids, suspended total sediment,

are cut and myriad species are confined to smaller and and smaller to confined are species myriad and cut are has “too much” of something, whether it be: bacteria, selenium, selenium, bacteria, be: it whether something, of much” “too has

loss and increased access/interactions to wildlife. As forests forests As wildlife. to access/interactions increased and loss always but forms, of variety a in come can mpairments I

impaired. impaired. OVID-19, from many accounts, is a result of habitat habitat of result a is accounts, many from OVID-19, C

Consequently, if a water body is added to the 303(d) list, it is is it list, 303(d) the to added is body water a if Consequently, continue to abuse it. it. abuse to continue

the pollutants are at levels higher than is considered safe. safe. considered is than higher levels at are pollutants the know that our planet cannot continue to sustain us if we we if us sustain to continue cannot planet our that know

the water body to the “303(d) list” if the data demonstrate demonstrate data the if list” “303(d) the to body water the and shade to the other life forms that depend on it. We also also We it. on depend that forms life other the to shade and

exist and at what levels. A determination is then made to add add to made then is determination A levels. what at and exist we know how important that tree is in giving oxygen, shelter, shelter, oxygen, giving in is tree that important how know we also found examples of cities, the County of Orange, developers, developers, Orange, of County the cities, of examples found also

two years, specifically trying to identify if certain pollutants pollutants certain if identify to trying specifically years, two carries its own special meaning. We find solace in nature— in solace find We meaning. special own its carries identified some successful and viable restoration projects, we we projects, restoration viable and successful some identified

Act. The State tests the water quality of every water body every every body water every of quality water the tests State The Act. s people who care about this planet, hugging a tree tree a hugging planet, this about care who people s A Reports > CEQA Mitigation Study). Mitigation CEQA > Reports research our Although extinction. of brink the on species for

become. become. are appropriately governed by the state and federal Clean Water Water Clean federal and state the by governed appropriately are (Resources > Studies & & Studies > (Resources www.FHBP.org at report the Download outcomes improve to needed be may what and monitored; and

staying put, but also wondering for what our new world will will world new our what for wondering also but put, staying Board is tasked with ensuring the water bodies of California California of bodies water the ensuring with tasked is Board project, its mitigation measures, and recommendations. recommendations. and measures, mitigation its project, successful, implemented, tracked, were measures mitigation

stay put.” We are all finding our way right now not only only not now right way our finding all are We put.” stay y way of background, the State Water Resources Control Control Resources Water State the background, of way y B isit our website to view the study, descriptions of each each of descriptions study, the view to website our isit V whether understand to tasks: five included study e Th

come looking for you and you will be easier to find if you you if find to easier be will you and you for looking come them. through run bodies water impaired had parklands generations. County Community Foundation. Community County

to “hug a tree” if they ever got lost. We told them, “We will will “We them, told We lost. got ever they if tree” a “hug to federal and state, regional, which then and polluted were exist to protect these species and our water quality for future future for quality water our and species these protect to exist W. and Ellen R. Warne Family Endowment Fund of the Orange Orange the of Fund Endowment Family Warne R. Ellen and W.

at-risk youth we taught the kids who were new to the forest forest the to new were who kids the taught we youth at-risk streams local which documenting digitally study a completed of the remaining habitat areas. Environmental and water laws laws water and Environmental areas. habitat remaining the of agencies. Many thanks to the funder for this project, the Henry Henry the project, this for funder the to thanks Many agencies.

hen I was a counselor in college at summer camp for for camp summer at college in counselor a was I hen W Parks and Beaches Harbors, of Friends 2020, February n I development, but also through fragmentation and degradation degradation and fragmentation through also but development, is more adequately staffing and funding our natural resource resource natural our funding and staffing adequately more is

By: Claire Schlotterbeck, FHBP Consultant FHBP Schlotterbeck, Claire By: Consultant FHBP Schlotterbeck, Melanie By: imperiled, not only through removal of natural communities for for communities natural of removal through only not imperiled, how decisions are made for biological mitigation. Most critical critical Most mitigation. biological for made are decisions how

nowhere else in the world. Our native species are increasingly increasingly are species native Our world. the in else nowhere e developed 15 recommendations intended to guide guide to intended recommendations 15 developed e W

Melanie Schlotterbeck Rick Wilson

documentation of the ensuing restoration efforts. restoration ensuing the of documentation with a diversity of plants and animals, many of which occur occur which of many animals, and plants of diversity a with

restoration plans, as well as the implementation, monitoring, and and monitoring, implementation, the as well as plans, restoration outhern California comprises a biologically rich landscape landscape rich biologically a comprises California outhern S

impacted by those projects. those by impacted in their ongoing efforts to ensure the adequacy of habitat habitat of adequacy the ensure to efforts ongoing their in

ecological function for threatened and endangered species species endangered and threatened for function ecological mitigation effort. Ultimately, we hope to assist these agencies agencies these assist to hope we Ultimately, effort. mitigation

success in restoring the natural landscape and promoting promoting and landscape natural the restoring in success after agencies have signed off on the apparent success of a given given a of success apparent the on off signed have agencies after

projects throughout Orange County, were evaluated for their their for evaluated were County, Orange throughout projects fundamental issues that may not become evident until years years until evident become not may that issues fundamental

projects, including residential, mixed use, and infrastructure infrastructure and use, mixed residential, including projects, y evaluating long-term outcomes, we have identified identified have we outcomes, long-term evaluating y B

the average score for restoration projects was a 3.2. 3.2. a was projects restoration for score average the mitigation measures required under environmental laws. Twelve Twelve laws. environmental under required measures mitigation

and endangered species. On a scale of one (worst) to five (best), (best), five to (worst) one of scale a On species. endangered and (FHBP) completed a study on the effectiveness of biological biological of effectiveness the on study a completed (FHBP)

the required levels of mitigation for significant impacts to rare rare to impacts significant for mitigation of levels required the n December 2019, Friends of Harbors, Beaches and Parks Parks and Beaches Harbors, of Friends 2019, December n I

restoration specialists, and permitting agencies failing to achieve achieve to failing agencies permitting and specialists, restoration By: Melanie Schlotterbeck, FHBP Consultant FHBP Schlotterbeck, Melanie By:

Water Quality Report Quality Water Pandemics & Habitat Loss Habitat & Pandemics CEQA Study Results Reveal Trouble Meeting Requirements Meeting Trouble Reveal Results Study CEQA Friends of Harbors, Beaches and Parks (FHBP) works to Friends of Harbors, Beaches and Parks NON-PROFIT ORG Friends of Harbors, Beaches and Parks Spring 2020 protect the natural lands, waterways, and beaches of P.O. Box 9256 U.S. POSTAGE Newport Beach, CA 92658 PAID Orange County. Learn more at: SANTA ANA, CA PERMIT 43 Outdoors www.FHBP.org in Orange County

Trail Safety is Imperative

By: Michael Wellborn, FHBP Board President The County of Orange, following the regulations of the state vehicle code, prohibits motorized bicycles on dirt trails in the wilderness parks. FHBP supports this policy despite increasing pressure to allow “e-bikes” (bicycles with electric The Canyon 1 fire burns Chino Hills State Park south of the 91 Freeway. motors). The key reason for this position revolves around our Anaheim of City parks already being a big attraction for local hikers, bikers, and equestrians. With over three million Orange County Fire Study Highlights High Risk Areas residents living nearby, along with those from nearby counties venturing to our parks—trail use has greatly increased over the By: Melanie Schlotterbeck, FHBP Consultant The risk of more frequent burns is that the vegetation “type past decade. This is a positive benefit for our residents. Yet the In August of 2015, Friends of Harbors, Beaches and Parks converts” into a non-native grassland, which by its very nature popularity of the trails has also brought an increase in conflicts (FHBP) completed a 100-year study of wildland fires that burned is more flammable, easier to ignite, and spreads fire faster. The among trail users. Allowing e-bikes on unpaved trails would Who We Are in and around the Santa Ana Mountains and the Laguna Coast. goal should continue to be reducing ignitions to keep people, add to the already congested, multi-use trails. Recently, FHBP expanded the research to include fires between property, and parks intact for future generations. Weekend trail uses are already over-capacity at many FHBP Board of Directors Laguna Greenbelt, Inc. parks. When parking lots reach capacity, visitors park in local Michael Wellborn, President Sierra Club, Orange County 2014 through 2019. Both research projects were undertaken to It still appears actual access routes (roads and highways) into neighborhoods. Changing the prohibition on motorized Gloria Sefton, Vice President Stop Polluting Our Newport understand the fire causes, locations, and how these fires were the wildlands increases the fire ignitions. Many more fires start bicycles would increase not only trail impacts, but the Vikki Swanson, Treasurer Newport Bay Conservancy impacting the natural lands and nearby residences. along roadways than in the wildlands proper. Tracking is better associated parking problems as well. Helen Higgins, Secretary St. Mark Presbyterian Church Initially, the report spanned 1914 through 2014 with enough now—as seen in the Laguna Beach example where the local fire Ecophilians Creation and use of non-authorized trails is also rampant. data to display 160 fires in the Santa Ana Mountains and 22 in department had information available to share (unlike last time). Mina Brown Actions such as cutting new trails, after-hours night access, Jim Carr Advisory Board the Laguna Coast. These recent six additional years added 58 The study also provides a status update to the 2015 high speed descents, and even commercial video trail Matt Carter Stephanie Barger more wildland fires in the mountains and 25 more along the recommendations and provides a few new recommendations. productions are occurring. Allowing e-bikes would invite an Jack Eidt Connie Boardman coast. It appears that most of the new fires were small in size, Many thanks to those that contributed to this effort and to our increase of these prohibited uses. Park rangers are being pulled Maureen Gates Ilse Byrnes extinguished quickly, and occurred on “normal” temperature funders. We hope that in identifying locations where fires start, in many directions and this would increase their workload Amy Litton Laura Cohen and wind days. A few fires in the update did not meet this norm our local communities and fire agencies will be better equipped by having to monitor the trails more frequently. Since electric Theresa Sears Debbie Cook bicycles offer higher speed travel and increased wilderness Tina Thompson Richards Keith Curry and ravaged both the wildlands and homes in the region, most to prevent fires or fight them, identify locations for FireWatch access, additional problems emerge. Often the excess speed Sandy Genis notably the Canyon 1 and Canyon 2 fires (both in 2017) near the volunteers, harden roadway edges, etc. As the summer months and lack of rider’s skill level collide, creating an increase in Supporting Organizations Tom Harman northern edge of the Santa Ana Mountains and the Holy Fire (in approach, please keep in mind ways you can protect your home back country emergencies, and increased use of and damage to Amigos de Bolsa Chica Evelyn Hart 2018) near Rancho Santa Margarita. by adding additional hardening features: ember proof vents, Audubon, Sea & Sage Chapter Jack Keating trails since e-bikes can travel so much further. Our research indicates there are more fires burning in both boxed eaves, clean gutters, etc. Be fire wise. Additionally, many of these lands are enrolled in a Bolsa Chica Conservancy Vic Leipzig Caspers Park Foundation Tom Maloney areas—especially the Santa Ana Mountains—than would be LAGUNA COAST NEW FIRE IGNITIONS program for mitigation that requires specific requirements be Earth Resource Foundation Stephanie Pacheco seen during a natural fire regime. In the natural fire regime, met and maintained forever. Adding new, impactful uses can Environmental Nature Center Claire Schlotterbeck fires generally occur every 30-150 years. For the Santa Ana undo the conservation parameters these lands were set aside to Huntington Beach Wetlands Dan Silver, M.D. Mountains, there has been one lighting strike (a natural ignition) protect. Conservancy Nancy Skinner and 217 human-caused fires in 105 years. Consequently, humans FHBP supports our County regional parks and open Laguna Canyon Conservancy Jean H. Watt spaces. We encourage everyone to enjoy these amazing places, Laguna Canyon Foundation Dick Zembal have increased the number of fires occurring to essentially more but they should be safe for all. That’s why Audubon California, than two fires a year. No lightning strikes occurred in the Laguna Laguna Canyon Foundation, Sea & Sage Audubon, Sierra Coast, so all fires were human-caused. Club, and FHBP are Engage with us: Only looking at the new data (2014-2019), the worst fire founding members in the Santa Ana Mountains was the Holy Fire in 2018, which of the Safe Trails @FriendsofHBP @FHBP_OC burned more than 22,000 acres. Since the last iteration of the Coalition. Together study, Laguna Coast’s worst fire burned 175 acres. The majority of we are working toward solutions. new fires in both areas were ignited along roadways, specifically smile.amazon.com/ch/33-0776377 the 241 Toll Road and the 133 (Laguna Canyon Road).

Melanie Schlotterbeck Melanie

. www.FHBP.org website: our on is study The species. plant and

water body for contact and consumption, and harm wildlife wildlife harm and consumption, and contact for body water growing than natives. This site burned in the Freeway Complex Fire of 2008. of Fire Complex Freeway the in burned site This natives. than growing elsewhere, PVC pipe, fencing, and other items were never removed from the location. the from removed never were items other and fencing, pipe, PVC elsewhere,

species to “move into” as the development proceeded. Unfortunately there are more non-native plants plants non-native more are there Unfortunately proceeded. development the as into” “move to species project. This site was abandoned after an unsuccessful attempt at restoration onsite. As was the case case the was As onsite. restoration at attempt unsuccessful an after abandoned was site This project.

cause significant impacts to parks, decrease the safety of the the of safety the decrease parks, to impacts significant cause

Tonner Hills Planned Community set aside this hillside and other areas as a place for the endangered endangered the for place a as areas other and hillside this aside set Community Planned Hills Tonner Talbert Nature Preserve was a restoration site used for the San Diego Creek Flood Control Channel Channel Control Flood Creek Diego San the for used site restoration a was Preserve Nature Talbert

protected is important. When water bodies are polluted, it can can it polluted, are bodies water When important. is protected Tennyson Tennyson Robb Hamilton Robb Hamilton Robb

and beaches—that both wildlife and people rely on—are on—are rely people and wildlife both beaches—that and ‘Tis not too late to seek a newer world.” newer a seek to late too not ‘Tis

species need to survive; ensuring the rivers, streams, wetlands, wetlands, streams, rivers, the ensuring survive; to need species Come my friends, my Come

grounds, foraging areas, and wildlife corridors that these these that corridors wildlife and areas, foraging grounds, The deep moans round with many voices, many with round moans deep The

ince our parks provide the refuge, nurseries, hunting hunting nurseries, refuge, the provide parks our ince S The slow moon climbs; moon slow The

The long day wanes, day long The waters within them. within waters

“The light begins to twinkle from the rocks the from twinkle to begins light “The parklands in Orange County that have 303(d) listed (polluted) (polluted) listed 303(d) have that County Orange in parklands

blooms that kill off plants and animals. There are 24 protected protected 24 are There animals. and plants off kill that blooms

continue our efforts. our continue from hair loss to neurological disorders, cancer to algal algal to cancer disorders, neurological to loss hair from

our conservation work, it is clearer than ever that we must must we that ever than clearer is it work, conservation our humans, wildlife, and the environment—everything ranging ranging environment—everything the and wildlife, humans,

to save lives by hugging a tree. Thank you for supporting supporting for you Thank tree. a hugging by lives save to malathion, and nitrogen. These pollutants cause harm to to harm cause pollutants These nitrogen. and malathion,

doing our part to save land just as we are doing our part part our doing are we as just land save to part our doing toxicity, benthic community effects, selenium, phosphorus, phosphorus, selenium, effects, community benthic toxicity,

recommit ourselves to saving the habitats close to home— to close habitats the saving to ourselves recommit The most common impairments included: indicator bacteria, bacteria, indicator included: impairments common most The

overall restoration score. restoration overall restored and had California gnatcatchers present. gnatcatchers California had and restored

grass is a non-native invasive plant and should not be present. This type of poor work, lowered the the lowered work, poor of type This present. be not should and plant invasive non-native a is grass sites used for the Transportation Corridor Agency restoration work. Those sites were consistently well well consistently were sites Those work. restoration Agency Corridor Transportation the for used sites

where the gifts of the natural world are honored and we can can we and honored are world natural the of gifts the where included in the study because they were found in these waters. waters. these in found were they because study the in included

Fullerton’s Hawks Pointe restoration site had fountain grass planted along the roadway edges. Fountain Fountain edges. roadway the along planted grass fountain had site restoration Pointe Hawks Fullerton’s Restoration specialist Margot Griswold and study biologist Robb Hamilton review one of the many many the of one review Hamilton Robb biologist study and Griswold Margot specialist Restoration

terrible to imagine. But, maybe we can imagine a better time time better a imagine can we maybe But, imagine. to terrible streams, wetlands, and beaches. Thirty-nine pollutants were were pollutants Thirty-nine beaches. and wetlands, streams,

Robb Hamilton Robb Melanie Schlotterbeck

illions of stories are being written—some are too too are written—some being are stories of illions M rivers, of segments included These County. Orange around

ere were 70 water bodies on the 303(d) list in and and in list 303(d) the on bodies water 70 were ere Th fewer interactions there will be. This helps all of us. of all helps This be. will there interactions fewer

more habitat we save, the less confined species are and the the and are species confined less the save, we habitat more Orange County. Orange

saving habitat and its importance has never been clearer. The The clearer. been never has importance its and habitat saving narrowed down the list of waters to only those in and around around and in those only to waters of list the down narrowed

animals up for food. Our mission at FHBP boils down to to down boils FHBP at mission Our food. for up animals digital data of impaired water bodies. During this review, we we review, this During bodies. water impaired of data digital

ourselves in a dangerous linkage when we gather those those gather we when linkage dangerous a in ourselves The State Water Resources Control Board publishes a map and and map a publishes Board Control Resources Water State The

be their neighbors. And then humans come along entwining entwining along come humans then And neighbors. their be And, sometimes the water bodies have multiple impairments. impairments. multiple have bodies water the sometimes And,

smaller fragments, they run into other species not meant to to meant not species other into run they fragments, smaller sediment, total suspended solids, cadmium, dioxin, lead, etc. etc. lead, dioxin, cadmium, solids, suspended total sediment,

are cut and myriad species are confined to smaller and and smaller to confined are species myriad and cut are has “too much” of something, whether it be: bacteria, selenium, selenium, bacteria, be: it whether something, of much” “too has

loss and increased access/interactions to wildlife. As forests forests As wildlife. to access/interactions increased and loss always but forms, of variety a in come can mpairments I

impaired. impaired. OVID-19, from many accounts, is a result of habitat habitat of result a is accounts, many from OVID-19, C

Consequently, if a water body is added to the 303(d) list, it is is it list, 303(d) the to added is body water a if Consequently, continue to abuse it. it. abuse to continue

the pollutants are at levels higher than is considered safe. safe. considered is than higher levels at are pollutants the know that our planet cannot continue to sustain us if we we if us sustain to continue cannot planet our that know

the water body to the “303(d) list” if the data demonstrate demonstrate data the if list” “303(d) the to body water the and shade to the other life forms that depend on it. We also also We it. on depend that forms life other the to shade and

exist and at what levels. A determination is then made to add add to made then is determination A levels. what at and exist we know how important that tree is in giving oxygen, shelter, shelter, oxygen, giving in is tree that important how know we also found examples of cities, the County of Orange, developers, developers, Orange, of County the cities, of examples found also

two years, specifically trying to identify if certain pollutants pollutants certain if identify to trying specifically years, two carries its own special meaning. We find solace in nature— in solace find We meaning. special own its carries identified some successful and viable restoration projects, we we projects, restoration viable and successful some identified

Act. The State tests the water quality of every water body every every body water every of quality water the tests State The Act. s people who care about this planet, hugging a tree tree a hugging planet, this about care who people s A Reports > CEQA Mitigation Study). Mitigation CEQA > Reports research our Although extinction. of brink the on species for

become. become. are appropriately governed by the state and federal Clean Water Water Clean federal and state the by governed appropriately are (Resources > Studies & & Studies > (Resources www.FHBP.org at report the Download outcomes improve to needed be may what and monitored; and

staying put, but also wondering for what our new world will will world new our what for wondering also but put, staying Board is tasked with ensuring the water bodies of California California of bodies water the ensuring with tasked is Board project, its mitigation measures, and recommendations. recommendations. and measures, mitigation its project, successful, implemented, tracked, were measures mitigation

stay put.” We are all finding our way right now not only only not now right way our finding all are We put.” stay y way of background, the State Water Resources Control Control Resources Water State the background, of way y B isit our website to view the study, descriptions of each each of descriptions study, the view to website our isit V whether understand to tasks: five included study e Th

come looking for you and you will be easier to find if you you if find to easier be will you and you for looking come them. through run bodies water impaired had parklands generations. County Community Foundation. Community County

to “hug a tree” if they ever got lost. We told them, “We will will “We them, told We lost. got ever they if tree” a “hug to federal and state, regional, which then and polluted were exist to protect these species and our water quality for future future for quality water our and species these protect to exist W. and Ellen R. Warne Family Endowment Fund of the Orange Orange the of Fund Endowment Family Warne R. Ellen and W.

at-risk youth we taught the kids who were new to the forest forest the to new were who kids the taught we youth at-risk streams local which documenting digitally study a completed of the remaining habitat areas. Environmental and water laws laws water and Environmental areas. habitat remaining the of agencies. Many thanks to the funder for this project, the Henry Henry the project, this for funder the to thanks Many agencies.

hen I was a counselor in college at summer camp for for camp summer at college in counselor a was I hen W Parks and Beaches Harbors, of Friends 2020, February n I development, but also through fragmentation and degradation degradation and fragmentation through also but development, is more adequately staffing and funding our natural resource resource natural our funding and staffing adequately more is

By: Claire Schlotterbeck, FHBP Consultant FHBP Schlotterbeck, Claire By: Consultant FHBP Schlotterbeck, Melanie By: imperiled, not only through removal of natural communities for for communities natural of removal through only not imperiled, how decisions are made for biological mitigation. Most critical critical Most mitigation. biological for made are decisions how

nowhere else in the world. Our native species are increasingly increasingly are species native Our world. the in else nowhere e developed 15 recommendations intended to guide guide to intended recommendations 15 developed e W

Melanie Schlotterbeck Rick Wilson

documentation of the ensuing restoration efforts. restoration ensuing the of documentation with a diversity of plants and animals, many of which occur occur which of many animals, and plants of diversity a with

restoration plans, as well as the implementation, monitoring, and and monitoring, implementation, the as well as plans, restoration outhern California comprises a biologically rich landscape landscape rich biologically a comprises California outhern S

impacted by those projects. those by impacted in their ongoing efforts to ensure the adequacy of habitat habitat of adequacy the ensure to efforts ongoing their in

ecological function for threatened and endangered species species endangered and threatened for function ecological mitigation effort. Ultimately, we hope to assist these agencies agencies these assist to hope we Ultimately, effort. mitigation

success in restoring the natural landscape and promoting promoting and landscape natural the restoring in success after agencies have signed off on the apparent success of a given given a of success apparent the on off signed have agencies after

projects throughout Orange County, were evaluated for their their for evaluated were County, Orange throughout projects fundamental issues that may not become evident until years years until evident become not may that issues fundamental

projects, including residential, mixed use, and infrastructure infrastructure and use, mixed residential, including projects, y evaluating long-term outcomes, we have identified identified have we outcomes, long-term evaluating y B

the average score for restoration projects was a 3.2. 3.2. a was projects restoration for score average the mitigation measures required under environmental laws. Twelve Twelve laws. environmental under required measures mitigation

and endangered species. On a scale of one (worst) to five (best), (best), five to (worst) one of scale a On species. endangered and (FHBP) completed a study on the effectiveness of biological biological of effectiveness the on study a completed (FHBP)

the required levels of mitigation for significant impacts to rare rare to impacts significant for mitigation of levels required the n December 2019, Friends of Harbors, Beaches and Parks Parks and Beaches Harbors, of Friends 2019, December n I

restoration specialists, and permitting agencies failing to achieve achieve to failing agencies permitting and specialists, restoration By: Melanie Schlotterbeck, FHBP Consultant FHBP Schlotterbeck, Melanie By:

Water Quality Report Quality Water Pandemics & Habitat Loss Habitat & Pandemics CEQA Study Results Reveal Trouble Meeting Requirements Meeting Trouble Reveal Results Study CEQA Project Updates

Connect SoCal Plan (Six Counties) Melanie Schlotterbeck FHBP pulled together a 48 member, cross-county land preservation as a coalition to engage with the Southern California priority. The plan supports Association of Governments (SCAG) during its city and county decisions release and comment period for the Regional to focus development Transportation Plan and Sustainable Communities on urban areas and near Strategy. This Plan, called Connect SoCal ties transit/transportation together land use, transportation, and housing options. Nearly all of across six SoCal counties. As a result of our the suggested edits we supplied during public engagement over the last nine years, for the first comments were adopted. In May, we testified and time in its 50+ year history, SCAG added natural provided our support and the Plan was adopted. Eastbridge Acquisition (Map #1) Melanie Schlotterbeck 2 The local conservation group, Hills For goal is to transfer this Everyone, has partnered with the Mountains ridgeline property to Recreation and Conservation Authority to State Parks. Final details acquire 320 acres in San Bernardino County are being wrapped up in 1 owned by Shopoff Realty Investments. The escrow, but funding was 3 hillside property, known as Eastbridge, is in approved in February by Chino Hills and is bordered on three sides by the Wildlife Conservation Chino Hills State Park. The property has been Board and U.S. Fish and on the acquisition list for four decades. The State Wildlife Service. The next acquisition will likely Park was created along ridgeline boundaries be a neighboring 80 acres owned by the same 5 to protect the viewshed and watershed. The entity. Then on to 1,200 ridgeline acres nearby! Tree Ordinance (Map #2) Melanie Schlotterbeck Our county has the dubious distinction of being areas, the geographic the only SoCal county without a tree preservation scope has been narrowed ordinance. That’s why FHBP continues to to only the Silverado- spearhead the campaign for tree preservation Modjeska area. We in Orange County. We submitted a draft tree continue to appeal to the ordinance to the County staff and they worked Supervisors to not only 2 the ordinance into the draft “Orange is the approve it, but also to 4 New Green” zoning code update focused on expand its coverage to the Foothill-Trabuco area sustainability. Originally intended for parcels with and unincorporated lands above Brea. The item is 20,000 square feet and larger in all unincorporated expected to go before the Supervisors in July. Vegetation Treatment Lawsuit (Map #3) Bob Kanne FHBP signed on as a co-petitioner in a lawsuit Chaparral Institute are against the California Department of Forestry the lawsuit leads. The and Fire (CalFire) for its vegetation treatment lawsuit focuses on the plan. The plan proposes multiple ways to reduce failure to comply with 3 vegetation in our natural areas—including environmental laws, removal of habitat on 20.3 million acres (or failure to adequately 250,000 acres per year). CalFire acknowledges consider environmental its plan doesn’t help fight fires that occur during impacts, failure to adopt Santa Ana wind conditions, which cause the reasonable mitigation measures, and more. The most damage and burn the most acreage. map indicates the areas targeted for vegetation Endangered Habitats League and California removal. Red Rock Gardens Lawsuit (Map #4) Gloria Sefton The Saddleback Canyons Conservancy, Rural County’s General Plan, Canyons Conservation Fund, and FHBP formed the Silverado-Modjeska the “Save the Canyons Coalition” to fight the Specific Plan, and County’s unlawful approval of the Red Rock zoning, all of which Gardens proposal of a commercial event venue. prohibit commercial The residential property sits on scenic, hilly— use there, and defied the and notoriously dangerous—Santiago Canyon community’s objections Road adjacent to Whiting Ranch Wilderness to transforming the Park. In approving the commercial use of the residence to a commercial event venue at a residence, the Board of Supervisors ignored dangerous location traffic-wise. The court agreed the project’s inconsistencies with Orange with our position. The project is overturned. Petition to Save the Cougar (Map #5) UC Davis Wildlife Health Center As the toll mounts, the death of each cougar in and Game Commission the Southern California mountains spells the unanimously chose impending extinction of this charismatic and to list the sub-species

© FHBP 2000-2020. All Rights Reserved. critical species locally. That’s why the Center as candidates for for Biological Diversity and the Mountain state protections. Lion Foundation filed a petition with the More research will State requesting this distinct sub-species be be conducted and a added to the California Endangered Species final recommendation list. The California Department of Fish and presented to the Commission next year.

Articles: 1, 2 & 4 Melanie Schlotterbeck; 3 & 5 Gloria Sefton; 6 Claire Schlotterbeck Wildlife supported the petition findings and Meanwhile, our local cougars will receive special recommended the listing. On April 16, the Fish protection as a candidate for endangered status. Friends of Harbors, Beaches and Parks (FHBP) works to Friends of Harbors, Beaches and Parks NON-PROFIT ORG Friends of Harbors, Beaches and Parks Spring 2020 protect the natural lands, waterways, and beaches of P.O. Box 9256 U.S. POSTAGE Newport Beach, CA 92658 PAID Orange County. Learn more at: SANTA ANA, CA PERMIT 43 Outdoors www.FHBP.org in Orange County

Trail Safety is Imperative

By: Michael Wellborn, FHBP Board President The County of Orange, following the regulations of the state vehicle code, prohibits motorized bicycles on dirt trails in the wilderness parks. FHBP supports this policy despite increasing pressure to allow “e-bikes” (bicycles with electric The Canyon 1 fire burns Chino Hills State Park south of the 91 Freeway. motors). The key reason for this position revolves around our Anaheim of City parks already being a big attraction for local hikers, bikers, and equestrians. With over three million Orange County Fire Study Highlights High Risk Areas residents living nearby, along with those from nearby counties venturing to our parks—trail use has greatly increased over the By: Melanie Schlotterbeck, FHBP Consultant The risk of more frequent burns is that the vegetation “type past decade. This is a positive benefit for our residents. Yet the In August of 2015, Friends of Harbors, Beaches and Parks converts” into a non-native grassland, which by its very nature popularity of the trails has also brought an increase in conflicts (FHBP) completed a 100-year study of wildland fires that burned is more flammable, easier to ignite, and spreads fire faster. The among trail users. Allowing e-bikes on unpaved trails would Who We Are in and around the Santa Ana Mountains and the Laguna Coast. goal should continue to be reducing ignitions to keep people, add to the already congested, multi-use trails. Recently, FHBP expanded the research to include fires between property, and parks intact for future generations. Weekend trail uses are already over-capacity at many FHBP Board of Directors Laguna Greenbelt, Inc. parks. When parking lots reach capacity, visitors park in local Michael Wellborn, President Sierra Club, Orange County 2014 through 2019. Both research projects were undertaken to It still appears actual access routes (roads and highways) into neighborhoods. Changing the prohibition on motorized Gloria Sefton, Vice President Stop Polluting Our Newport understand the fire causes, locations, and how these fires were the wildlands increases the fire ignitions. Many more fires start bicycles would increase not only trail impacts, but the Vikki Swanson, Treasurer Newport Bay Conservancy impacting the natural lands and nearby residences. along roadways than in the wildlands proper. Tracking is better associated parking problems as well. Helen Higgins, Secretary St. Mark Presbyterian Church Initially, the report spanned 1914 through 2014 with enough now—as seen in the Laguna Beach example where the local fire Ecophilians Creation and use of non-authorized trails is also rampant. data to display 160 fires in the Santa Ana Mountains and 22 in department had information available to share (unlike last time). Mina Brown Actions such as cutting new trails, after-hours night access, Jim Carr Advisory Board the Laguna Coast. These recent six additional years added 58 The study also provides a status update to the 2015 high speed descents, and even commercial video trail Matt Carter Stephanie Barger more wildland fires in the mountains and 25 more along the recommendations and provides a few new recommendations. productions are occurring. Allowing e-bikes would invite an Jack Eidt Connie Boardman coast. It appears that most of the new fires were small in size, Many thanks to those that contributed to this effort and to our increase of these prohibited uses. Park rangers are being pulled Maureen Gates Ilse Byrnes extinguished quickly, and occurred on “normal” temperature funders. We hope that in identifying locations where fires start, in many directions and this would increase their workload Amy Litton Laura Cohen and wind days. A few fires in the update did not meet this norm our local communities and fire agencies will be better equipped by having to monitor the trails more frequently. Since electric Theresa Sears Debbie Cook bicycles offer higher speed travel and increased wilderness Tina Thompson Richards Keith Curry and ravaged both the wildlands and homes in the region, most to prevent fires or fight them, identify locations for FireWatch access, additional problems emerge. Often the excess speed Sandy Genis notably the Canyon 1 and Canyon 2 fires (both in 2017) near the volunteers, harden roadway edges, etc. As the summer months and lack of rider’s skill level collide, creating an increase in Supporting Organizations Tom Harman northern edge of the Santa Ana Mountains and the Holy Fire (in approach, please keep in mind ways you can protect your home back country emergencies, and increased use of and damage to Amigos de Bolsa Chica Evelyn Hart 2018) near Rancho Santa Margarita. by adding additional hardening features: ember proof vents, Audubon, Sea & Sage Chapter Jack Keating trails since e-bikes can travel so much further. Our research indicates there are more fires burning in both boxed eaves, clean gutters, etc. Be fire wise. Additionally, many of these lands are enrolled in a Bolsa Chica Conservancy Vic Leipzig Caspers Park Foundation Tom Maloney areas—especially the Santa Ana Mountains—than would be LAGUNA COAST NEW FIRE IGNITIONS program for mitigation that requires specific requirements be Earth Resource Foundation Stephanie Pacheco seen during a natural fire regime. In the natural fire regime, met and maintained forever. Adding new, impactful uses can Environmental Nature Center Claire Schlotterbeck fires generally occur every 30-150 years. For the Santa Ana undo the conservation parameters these lands were set aside to Huntington Beach Wetlands Dan Silver, M.D. Mountains, there has been one lighting strike (a natural ignition) protect. Conservancy Nancy Skinner and 217 human-caused fires in 105 years. Consequently, humans FHBP supports our County regional parks and open Laguna Canyon Conservancy Jean H. Watt spaces. We encourage everyone to enjoy these amazing places, Laguna Canyon Foundation Dick Zembal have increased the number of fires occurring to essentially more but they should be safe for all. That’s why Audubon California, than two fires a year. No lightning strikes occurred in the Laguna Laguna Canyon Foundation, Sea & Sage Audubon, Sierra Coast, so all fires were human-caused. Club, and FHBP are Engage with us: Only looking at the new data (2014-2019), the worst fire founding members in the Santa Ana Mountains was the Holy Fire in 2018, which of the Safe Trails @FriendsofHBP @FHBP_OC burned more than 22,000 acres. Since the last iteration of the Coalition. Together study, Laguna Coast’s worst fire burned 175 acres. The majority of we are working toward solutions. new fires in both areas were ignited along roadways, specifically smile.amazon.com/ch/33-0776377 the 241 Toll Road and the 133 (Laguna Canyon Road).

Melanie Schlotterbeck Melanie

. www.FHBP.org website: our on is study The species. plant and

water body for contact and consumption, and harm wildlife wildlife harm and consumption, and contact for body water growing than natives. This site burned in the Freeway Complex Fire of 2008. of Fire Complex Freeway the in burned site This natives. than growing elsewhere, PVC pipe, fencing, and other items were never removed from the location. the from removed never were items other and fencing, pipe, PVC elsewhere,

species to “move into” as the development proceeded. Unfortunately there are more non-native plants plants non-native more are there Unfortunately proceeded. development the as into” “move to species project. This site was abandoned after an unsuccessful attempt at restoration onsite. As was the case case the was As onsite. restoration at attempt unsuccessful an after abandoned was site This project.

cause significant impacts to parks, decrease the safety of the the of safety the decrease parks, to impacts significant cause

Tonner Hills Planned Community set aside this hillside and other areas as a place for the endangered endangered the for place a as areas other and hillside this aside set Community Planned Hills Tonner Talbert Nature Preserve was a restoration site used for the San Diego Creek Flood Control Channel Channel Control Flood Creek Diego San the for used site restoration a was Preserve Nature Talbert

protected is important. When water bodies are polluted, it can can it polluted, are bodies water When important. is protected Tennyson Tennyson Robb Hamilton Robb Hamilton Robb

and beaches—that both wildlife and people rely on—are on—are rely people and wildlife both beaches—that and ‘Tis not too late to seek a newer world.” newer a seek to late too not ‘Tis

species need to survive; ensuring the rivers, streams, wetlands, wetlands, streams, rivers, the ensuring survive; to need species Come my friends, my Come

grounds, foraging areas, and wildlife corridors that these these that corridors wildlife and areas, foraging grounds, The deep moans round with many voices, many with round moans deep The

ince our parks provide the refuge, nurseries, hunting hunting nurseries, refuge, the provide parks our ince S The slow moon climbs; moon slow The

The long day wanes, day long The waters within them. within waters

“The light begins to twinkle from the rocks the from twinkle to begins light “The parklands in Orange County that have 303(d) listed (polluted) (polluted) listed 303(d) have that County Orange in parklands

blooms that kill off plants and animals. There are 24 protected protected 24 are There animals. and plants off kill that blooms

continue our efforts. our continue from hair loss to neurological disorders, cancer to algal algal to cancer disorders, neurological to loss hair from

our conservation work, it is clearer than ever that we must must we that ever than clearer is it work, conservation our humans, wildlife, and the environment—everything ranging ranging environment—everything the and wildlife, humans,

to save lives by hugging a tree. Thank you for supporting supporting for you Thank tree. a hugging by lives save to malathion, and nitrogen. These pollutants cause harm to to harm cause pollutants These nitrogen. and malathion,

doing our part to save land just as we are doing our part part our doing are we as just land save to part our doing toxicity, benthic community effects, selenium, phosphorus, phosphorus, selenium, effects, community benthic toxicity,

recommit ourselves to saving the habitats close to home— to close habitats the saving to ourselves recommit The most common impairments included: indicator bacteria, bacteria, indicator included: impairments common most The

overall restoration score. restoration overall restored and had California gnatcatchers present. gnatcatchers California had and restored

grass is a non-native invasive plant and should not be present. This type of poor work, lowered the the lowered work, poor of type This present. be not should and plant invasive non-native a is grass sites used for the Transportation Corridor Agency restoration work. Those sites were consistently well well consistently were sites Those work. restoration Agency Corridor Transportation the for used sites

where the gifts of the natural world are honored and we can can we and honored are world natural the of gifts the where included in the study because they were found in these waters. waters. these in found were they because study the in included

Fullerton’s Hawks Pointe restoration site had fountain grass planted along the roadway edges. Fountain Fountain edges. roadway the along planted grass fountain had site restoration Pointe Hawks Fullerton’s Restoration specialist Margot Griswold and study biologist Robb Hamilton review one of the many many the of one review Hamilton Robb biologist study and Griswold Margot specialist Restoration

terrible to imagine. But, maybe we can imagine a better time time better a imagine can we maybe But, imagine. to terrible streams, wetlands, and beaches. Thirty-nine pollutants were were pollutants Thirty-nine beaches. and wetlands, streams,

Robb Hamilton Robb Melanie Schlotterbeck

illions of stories are being written—some are too too are written—some being are stories of illions M rivers, of segments included These County. Orange around

ere were 70 water bodies on the 303(d) list in and and in list 303(d) the on bodies water 70 were ere Th fewer interactions there will be. This helps all of us. of all helps This be. will there interactions fewer

more habitat we save, the less confined species are and the the and are species confined less the save, we habitat more Orange County. Orange

saving habitat and its importance has never been clearer. The The clearer. been never has importance its and habitat saving narrowed down the list of waters to only those in and around around and in those only to waters of list the down narrowed

animals up for food. Our mission at FHBP boils down to to down boils FHBP at mission Our food. for up animals digital data of impaired water bodies. During this review, we we review, this During bodies. water impaired of data digital

ourselves in a dangerous linkage when we gather those those gather we when linkage dangerous a in ourselves The State Water Resources Control Board publishes a map and and map a publishes Board Control Resources Water State The

be their neighbors. And then humans come along entwining entwining along come humans then And neighbors. their be And, sometimes the water bodies have multiple impairments. impairments. multiple have bodies water the sometimes And,

smaller fragments, they run into other species not meant to to meant not species other into run they fragments, smaller sediment, total suspended solids, cadmium, dioxin, lead, etc. etc. lead, dioxin, cadmium, solids, suspended total sediment,

are cut and myriad species are confined to smaller and and smaller to confined are species myriad and cut are has “too much” of something, whether it be: bacteria, selenium, selenium, bacteria, be: it whether something, of much” “too has

loss and increased access/interactions to wildlife. As forests forests As wildlife. to access/interactions increased and loss always but forms, of variety a in come can mpairments I

impaired. impaired. OVID-19, from many accounts, is a result of habitat habitat of result a is accounts, many from OVID-19, C

Consequently, if a water body is added to the 303(d) list, it is is it list, 303(d) the to added is body water a if Consequently, continue to abuse it. it. abuse to continue

the pollutants are at levels higher than is considered safe. safe. considered is than higher levels at are pollutants the know that our planet cannot continue to sustain us if we we if us sustain to continue cannot planet our that know

the water body to the “303(d) list” if the data demonstrate demonstrate data the if list” “303(d) the to body water the and shade to the other life forms that depend on it. We also also We it. on depend that forms life other the to shade and

exist and at what levels. A determination is then made to add add to made then is determination A levels. what at and exist we know how important that tree is in giving oxygen, shelter, shelter, oxygen, giving in is tree that important how know we also found examples of cities, the County of Orange, developers, developers, Orange, of County the cities, of examples found also

two years, specifically trying to identify if certain pollutants pollutants certain if identify to trying specifically years, two carries its own special meaning. We find solace in nature— in solace find We meaning. special own its carries identified some successful and viable restoration projects, we we projects, restoration viable and successful some identified

Act. The State tests the water quality of every water body every every body water every of quality water the tests State The Act. s people who care about this planet, hugging a tree tree a hugging planet, this about care who people s A Reports > CEQA Mitigation Study). Mitigation CEQA > Reports research our Although extinction. of brink the on species for

become. become. are appropriately governed by the state and federal Clean Water Water Clean federal and state the by governed appropriately are (Resources > Studies & & Studies > (Resources www.FHBP.org at report the Download outcomes improve to needed be may what and monitored; and

staying put, but also wondering for what our new world will will world new our what for wondering also but put, staying Board is tasked with ensuring the water bodies of California California of bodies water the ensuring with tasked is Board project, its mitigation measures, and recommendations. recommendations. and measures, mitigation its project, successful, implemented, tracked, were measures mitigation

stay put.” We are all finding our way right now not only only not now right way our finding all are We put.” stay y way of background, the State Water Resources Control Control Resources Water State the background, of way y B isit our website to view the study, descriptions of each each of descriptions study, the view to website our isit V whether understand to tasks: five included study e Th

come looking for you and you will be easier to find if you you if find to easier be will you and you for looking come them. through run bodies water impaired had parklands generations. County Community Foundation. Community County

to “hug a tree” if they ever got lost. We told them, “We will will “We them, told We lost. got ever they if tree” a “hug to federal and state, regional, which then and polluted were exist to protect these species and our water quality for future future for quality water our and species these protect to exist W. and Ellen R. Warne Family Endowment Fund of the Orange Orange the of Fund Endowment Family Warne R. Ellen and W.

at-risk youth we taught the kids who were new to the forest forest the to new were who kids the taught we youth at-risk streams local which documenting digitally study a completed of the remaining habitat areas. Environmental and water laws laws water and Environmental areas. habitat remaining the of agencies. Many thanks to the funder for this project, the Henry Henry the project, this for funder the to thanks Many agencies.

hen I was a counselor in college at summer camp for for camp summer at college in counselor a was I hen W Parks and Beaches Harbors, of Friends 2020, February n I development, but also through fragmentation and degradation degradation and fragmentation through also but development, is more adequately staffing and funding our natural resource resource natural our funding and staffing adequately more is

By: Claire Schlotterbeck, FHBP Consultant FHBP Schlotterbeck, Claire By: Consultant FHBP Schlotterbeck, Melanie By: imperiled, not only through removal of natural communities for for communities natural of removal through only not imperiled, how decisions are made for biological mitigation. Most critical critical Most mitigation. biological for made are decisions how

nowhere else in the world. Our native species are increasingly increasingly are species native Our world. the in else nowhere e developed 15 recommendations intended to guide guide to intended recommendations 15 developed e W

Melanie Schlotterbeck Rick Wilson

documentation of the ensuing restoration efforts. restoration ensuing the of documentation with a diversity of plants and animals, many of which occur occur which of many animals, and plants of diversity a with

restoration plans, as well as the implementation, monitoring, and and monitoring, implementation, the as well as plans, restoration outhern California comprises a biologically rich landscape landscape rich biologically a comprises California outhern S

impacted by those projects. those by impacted in their ongoing efforts to ensure the adequacy of habitat habitat of adequacy the ensure to efforts ongoing their in

ecological function for threatened and endangered species species endangered and threatened for function ecological mitigation effort. Ultimately, we hope to assist these agencies agencies these assist to hope we Ultimately, effort. mitigation

success in restoring the natural landscape and promoting promoting and landscape natural the restoring in success after agencies have signed off on the apparent success of a given given a of success apparent the on off signed have agencies after

projects throughout Orange County, were evaluated for their their for evaluated were County, Orange throughout projects fundamental issues that may not become evident until years years until evident become not may that issues fundamental

projects, including residential, mixed use, and infrastructure infrastructure and use, mixed residential, including projects, y evaluating long-term outcomes, we have identified identified have we outcomes, long-term evaluating y B

the average score for restoration projects was a 3.2. 3.2. a was projects restoration for score average the mitigation measures required under environmental laws. Twelve Twelve laws. environmental under required measures mitigation

and endangered species. On a scale of one (worst) to five (best), (best), five to (worst) one of scale a On species. endangered and (FHBP) completed a study on the effectiveness of biological biological of effectiveness the on study a completed (FHBP)

the required levels of mitigation for significant impacts to rare rare to impacts significant for mitigation of levels required the n December 2019, Friends of Harbors, Beaches and Parks Parks and Beaches Harbors, of Friends 2019, December n I

restoration specialists, and permitting agencies failing to achieve achieve to failing agencies permitting and specialists, restoration By: Melanie Schlotterbeck, FHBP Consultant FHBP Schlotterbeck, Melanie By:

Water Quality Report Quality Water Pandemics & Habitat Loss Habitat & Pandemics CEQA Study Results Reveal Trouble Meeting Requirements Meeting Trouble Reveal Results Study CEQA