Beyond Recovery: Restoration for the Future Many Thanks to the Generous Support of Our Conference Sponsors

INSIDE Conference At-A-Glance Beyond Recovery: 2–3

Wednesday Schedule Restoration for the Future 4-5 Thursday Schedule 6-7 SERCAL 2019 in Santa Barbara April 10-12 ABSTRACTS Coastal Restoration and Sea Level Rise Adaptation 9–14 th the 26 Annual Conference of the Grassland Ecosystems and Coastal Prairies California Society for Ecological Restoration 15–16

Mitigation Banking, Land Use, and Conservation 17–21

Restoration and Recovery after Fire and Debris Flows 23–24

Stream and Fisheries Restoration 25–29

Technology and Tools 31–34

Thinking Outside the Box 35

Threats, Pests, and Pathogens 37–38

Water Conservation for Improved Habitats 39–40

Poster Session 41–51 SPONSORS 52–55

see what’s new at FRIDAY DETAILS Fieldtrips & Workshop sercal.org 56–59 Beyond Recovery: Restoration for the Future Many thanks to the generous support of our conference sponsors:

GOLDEN EAR DROPS CHAMISE FIRE POPPY $5,000 in kind $3,000 $2,000 Santa Barbara Burleson Consulting Habitat West Botanic Garden Dudek | HRS ICF WRA Wildlands

And kudos to our dedicated conference team: CONFERENCE PROGRAM CO-CHAIRS Moe Gomez South Coast Habitat Restoration Will Spangler H. T. Harvey & Associates

SESSION CHAIRS Kari Dupler WRA | Elihu CHAPPARAL BLAZING CALISTOGA NAVARRETIA Gevirtz Channel Islands Restoration | Jane Gray STAR $1,500 $1,000 Dudek | Kevin MacKay ICF | J.P. Marié California Balance Hydrologics Ecological Concerns Native Grasslands Association | Carol Presley H. T. Harvey & Associates Hedgerow Farms Carol Presley Consulting | Jeannine Ross KMEA | S&S Seeds NHC Stacie Smith NOAA | Ross Taylor Ross Taylor & Wood Westervelt Ecological Associates | Ralph Vigil Habitat Restoration Services Sciences

9–10am Welcome Greg Andrew, Mauricio Gómez, and Will Spangler Plenary Session Dan Gluesenkamp, California Native Plant Society Sponsor Booths 10–10:30am Hosted Coffee Break Open n 10:30–Noon Concurrent Technical Sessions Fire | Stream & Fisheries | Grassland Ecosystems Posters on

Day One: Conference Display Noon–1:30pm Hosted Buffet Lunch n 1:30–3pm Concurrent Technical Sessions Raffle Items Coastal / Sea Level Rise | Stream & Fisheries | Grassland Ecosystems...Threats, Pests, & Pathogens on Display Proceeds 3–3:30pm Hosted Coffee Break benefit Student Scholarship 3:30–5pm Concurrent Technical Sessions fund. Coastal / Sea Level Rise | Stream & Fisheries | Threats, Pests, & Pathogens

5–7pm Poster Reception & Student Poster Contest | Hosted Appetizers | Craft Brews Wednesday, April 10 Wednesday,

8–9am Hosted Breakfast Buffet

9–10am Plenary Session Chad Hanson, John Muir Project Raffle Items on Display 10–10:30am Hosted Coffee Break Drawing at Lunch

10:30–12pm Concurrent Technical Sessions n Coastal / Sea Level Rise | Mitigation / Conservation | Technology & Tools Day Two: Conference Day Two: Sponsor 12–1:30pm Hosted Buffet Lunch | Award Presentations | Member Meeting | Raffle Drawings Booths Open 1:30–3pm Concurrent Technical Sessions n Coastal / Sea Level Rise...Water Conservation | Mitigation / Conservation | Technology & Tools Posters 3–3:30pm Hosted Coffee Break on Display 3:30–5pm Concurrent Technical Sessions .Water Conservation | Mitigation / Conservation | Technology & Tools...Thinking Outside the Box Thursday, April 11 Thursday,

Friday, April 12 Day Three: Post-Conference Fieldtrips OR CNGA Workshop Almost everything is full! See registration table for more information or to sign up for a waiting list. 3 Wednesday, April 10 Day One: Conference

8:00–9:00am Registration Check-in | Sponsor & Poster Set-up | Hosted Breakfast Buffet 9:00–10:00am Welcome SERCAL President Greg Andrew & Conference Chairs Mauricio Gomez and Will Spangler Plenary Speaker: Dan Gluesenkamp, California Native Plant Society The worst is yet to come, but so is the best: Restoration, biodiversity, and our role in the transition to an incredible 21st century California

For over 50 years, our community has worked to save and lasting difference, transition California to shared systems that restore California’s celebrated wild gardens. During those secure our treasured biodiversity, and with our success inspire decades, the human population has doubled and biodiversity the rest of the world to do the same for their special lands. conservation in California has been dramatically Dan Gluesenkamp is Executive Director of transformed. Against all odds, using a growing CNPS, and was previously E.D. of Calflora diversity of conceptual and technical and Director of Habitat Protection and approaches, we have somehow managed to save Restoration for Audubon Canyon Ranch’s most of what makes California special. As we thirty preserves. He earned his Ph.D. at UC look to the future, we see new threats and Berkeley studying plant-insect interactions wonder how to save California for the future. in native and invasive thistles, and has led Dan Gluesenkamp will speak about places, research and restoration projects across priorities, and projects, and how new California. A co-founder of the California generations of Californians, with new ideas and Invasive Plant Council and of the Bay Area diverse voices, will leverage the incredible Early Detection Network (BAEDN), in 2009 successes of past struggle toward building a Dan discovered a presumed-extinct future we all can love. Together, we will explore Franciscan manzanita (Arctostaphylos franciscana) plant a vision for how we will learn and work to make a real and growing on a traffic island at the Golden Gate Bridge.

10:00–10:30am Hosted Coffee Break 10:30–Noon Concurrent Technical Sessions (unless otherwise noted, four 20-minute talks with Q&A at end)

SANTA BARBARA ROOM CABRILLO ROOM OCEANVIEW ROOM FIRE (15-min ea) STREAM & FISHERIES GRASSLAND ECOSYSTEMS 10:30 Tanessa Hartwig — Fish, Fire, and 10:30 Wendy Katagi — Los Angeles 10:30 Pat Reynolds — Lessons Flows: Steelhead Recovery in the Santa River Fish Passage and Habitat Learned from Milkweed Monica Bay Structures Establishment Trials and Commercial Seed Production 10:45 Kyle Evans — Southern California 10:50 Candice Meneghin — Steelhead Monitoring: Post Thomas Fire Watershed Restoration Strategies for 10:50 Justin Luong — Can functional Challenge Southern steelhead Recovery on traits inform coastal prairie Gaviota Creek restoration? 11:00 Denise Knapp — Backcountry Adventures to Inform Habitat Restoration 11:10 Timothy Robinson — Quiota 11:10 Lawrence Ford — Grazing to Creek Restoration / Fish Passage, a Benefit Endangered Ohlone Tiger 11:15 Sabrina Drill — Sustainable and Fire- Nearly Complete Watershed Plan Beetle at Glenwood Preserve Resistant Landscaping – Before and After Fire 11:30 RJ Van Sant — Stream 11:30 Angie Harbin-Ireland — Field-Fit 11:30 Tom Bell — Using drones to monitor Restoration Design in an Solutions For Vernal Pool impacts and recovery in disturbed Anthropongenically Altered World Enhancement and Creation ecosystems 11:50 Q&A w/presenters 11:45 Panel discussion

4 Noon–1:30pm Hosted Buffet Lunch Wednesday, April 10 Day One: Conference

1:30–3:00pm Concurrent Technical Sessions (four 20-minute talks with Q&A at end)

SANTA BARBARA ROOM CABRILLO ROOM OCEANVIEW ROOM COASTAL / SEA LEVEL RISE STREAM & FISHERIES GRASSLAND ECOSYSTEMS 1:30 Jason Drew — Considering 1:30 Jai Singh — Butano Creek 1:30 Madeleine Nolan — Are Populations management and policy, critical to coastal Channel Reconnection and of Stipa pulchra Adapted to Local restoration planning Resilience Project Climates? 1:50 Monique Fountain — A multipronged 1:50 Sarah Phillips — Engaging Local 1:50 Brianne Palmer — Using biocrusts approach to tidal marsh restoration in Communities to Promote Urban as a restoration tool in native grasslands Elkhorn Slough Watershed Health & Understanding 2:10 Q&A w/presenters around Salmonid Habitat Needs 2:10 Karen Tanner — Testing novel science- THREATS, PESTS, & PATHOGENS based strategies to improve salt marsh 2:10 Katherine Dudney — River 2:20 Shannon Lynch — IPM building restoration success Recovery Three Years After Removal blocks to control invasive shot hole 2:30 Lisa Stratton — North Campus Open of San Clemente Dam borers–Fusarium dieback Space Restoration Project: A Sea Level Rise 2:40 Extended Q&A w/presenters 2:40 Chris Kallstrand — Pest Monitoring – Adaptation Model A Rapid Assessment Protocol 2:50 Q&A w/presenters

3:00–3:30pm Hosted Coffee Break 3:30–5:00pm Concurrent Technical Sessions (unless otherwise noted, four 20-minute talks with Q&A at end)

SANTA BARBARA ROOM CABRILLO ROOM OCEANVIEW ROOM COASTAL / SEA LEVEL RISE STREAM & FISHERIES THREATS, PESTS, & PATHOGENS 3:30 Eddie Divita — Quantifying Ecology- 3:30 Carl Jensen — Utilizing a 3:30 Lindsay Teunis — Advancing Hydrology Linkages to Support Restoration Public-Private Partnership to Restore Riparian and River Restoration in a Time Design in Intermittently Tidal Estuaries Native Fish Habitat in the Yolo of Uncertainty 3:50 Elihu Gevirtz — Restoration Potential Bypass: The Yolo Flyway Farms 3:50 Tedmund Swiecki — Assessing of the Gaviota Creek Estuary Restoration Project threats posed by Phytophthora in the 4:10 Jennifer Zell — ADAPT and THRIVE: 3:50 Dan Chase — Conservation Santa Clara NCCP plan area Strategies for life along a dynamic coastline Banking as a Tool for Riparian and 4:10 Elihu Gevirtz — Attempting to Floodplain Restoration 4:30 Steve Pye — Rapid, Large-Scale Eradicate Limonium duriusculum in Rhizomatous Grass Plantings in San 4:10 Ross Taylor — Martin Slough Carpinteria Salt Marsh Francisco Bay Tidal Wetlands Enhancement Project – Humboldt 4:30 Linnea Spears-Lebrun — Bay, California 4:50 Q&A w/presenters Implications of Unauthorized Human 4:30 Extended Q&A with presenters Uses on Riparian/Stream Restoration 4:50 Q&A w/presenters

5:00–7:00pm Poster Reception & Student Poster Contest | Hosted Appetizers | Craft Brews

Kudosto theSuperHeroesat Cal-IPC, Ecological Concerns, Habitat West, Wildlands, and WRA for providing FULL SCHOLARSHIPSfor 8 student presenters. In addition, our raffle in 2018 —proceeds of raffle items generously gifted by our sponsors and the SERCAL Board and YOUR practically selﬂess purchase of raffle tickets — provided full scholarships to 12 students! Thank you, everyone! 5 Thursday, April 11 Day Two: Conference

8:00–9:00am Hosted Breakfast Buffet 9:00–10:00am Announcements Conference Chairs Mauricio Gomez and Will Spangler Plenary Speaker: Chad Hanson, John Muir Project

Chad Hanson co-founded the John Muir Project in 1996. for the Sierra Club. Chad earned his law degree in 1995, and He first became involved in national forest protection after started the John Muir Project shortly thereafter. hiking the 2,700-mile length of the Pacific Crest Trail from In 2003 Chad returned to school, and earned his Ph.D. in Mexico to Canada with his older brother in 1989. During Ecology from the University of California at Davis in 2007, this hike he witnessed firsthand the devastation caused by with a research focus on forest and fire ecology and the rare rampant commercial logging on our National Forests in wildlife species that depend upon post-fire habitat in forests California, Oregon and Washington. of the Sierra Nevada and elsewhere in the western U.S.. He Chad finished his Bachelor has published an impressive list of of Science degree from scientific research papers on forest UCLA after completing the and fire ecology, wildlife use of Pacific Crest Trail and then burned forest and fire history and attended law school at the trend. University of Oregon, during which time he also began his career as an Chad Hanson playing a recorded environmental advocate woodpecker call in Yosemite National Park while searching for black-backed working for Native Forest woodpeckers, the symbol of the Council and volunteering scientific and political debate over fires.

10:00–10:30am Hosted Coffee Break 10:30–Noon Concurrent Technical Sessions (unless otherwise noted, four 20-minute talks with Q&A at end)

SANTA BARBARA ROOM CABRILLO ROOM OCEANVIEW ROOM

COASTAL / SEA LEVEL RISE MITIGATION / CONSERVATION TECHNOLOGY & TOOLS 10:30 William Hoyer — Habitat 10:30 Andrew Cawley — Mitigation 10:30 Drew Mealor — Using Plant Species Restoration on San Nicolas Island Banking: An Engine for Restoration Climate Tolerances and Climate 10:50 Katie Smith — Restoration or 10:50 Ashley Zavagno — Restoring Projections to Design Climate-Smart Reconciliation? Shifting paradigms and ecological processes: challenges with Riparian Restoration Projects strategies for conserving threatened uncertainty in mitigation banking 10:50 Brad Anderson — Climate-driven wildlife in the San Francisco Estuary 11:10 Lindsay Teunis — Maximizing vegetation changes at the Dangermond 11:10 Peter Howorth — Monitoring Mitigation on Public Lands: the Win- Preserve: Implications for restoration Effects of Future Sea Level Changes Now: Win-Win, Roadblocks, and Solutions 11:10 Ian MacLeod — Walker Mine Pinniped Displacement 11:30 Ron Unger — CDFW’s Tailings, Part 1: Revegetating stubbornly 11:30 Elihu Gevirtz — Restoration of an Landscape Conservation and barren tailings Estuary: A 10-Year Retrospective of Work Planning Program Toolbox – got new 11:30 Samantha Birdsong — Walker Mine in Goleta Slough tools? Tailings, Part 2: Utilizing unmanned 11:50 Q&A w/presenters 11:50 Q&A w/presenters aircraft systems for site assessment 11:50 Q&A w/presenters

6 Thursday, April 11 Day Two: Conference

Noon–1:30pm Hosted Buffet Lunch, Award Presentations, Member Meeting, and Drawing of Raffle Prizes 1:30–3:00pm Concurrent Technical Sessions (unless otherwise noted, four 20-minute talks with Q&A at end)

SANTA BARBARA ROOM CABRILLO ROOM OCEANVIEW ROOM

COASTAL / SEA LEVEL RISE MITIGATION / CONSERVATION TECHNOLOGY & TOOLS 1:30 Jan Novak — Middle Harbor 1:30 Tim Vendlinski — Conserving 1:30 Sundaran Gillespie — UAV/RTK Enhancement Area: An Early Restoration Suburban Natural Areas: The Case of data collection for active construction Experiment in Subtidal Habitat Rancho Del Paso oversight and as-built documentation 1:50 Cassie Pinnell — Montezuma 1:50 Judy Perkins — Implementing the 1:50 Jon Walker — Restoration Project Wetlands: Three Decades of Tidal Marsh National Seed Strategy for Mojave Desert Information Management and Restoration Lessons Learned Restoration Monitoring, Streamlined Web Interface 2:10 Q&A w/presenters 2:10 Mark Young — Markham Ravine 2:10 Seongjun Kim — Data visualization WATER CONSERVATION Restoration – Early Implementation for tool for multidisciplinary 2:20 Anna Schiller — Sustainable the Placer County Conservation Plan communication in restoration Groundwater Management and 2:30 Lucy Genua — Analyzing Historical 2:30 Patricia Valcarcel — Environmental Restoration on Private Lands Aerial Photographs and Vegetation Maps DNA (eDNA) use for project planning and 2:40 Regina Hirsch — Water to Inform Conservation and Restoration species detection Conservation Toolkits for Instream Flow at the Dangermond Preserve 2:50 Q&A w/presenters Enhancement 2:50 Q&A w/presenters

3:00–3:30pm Hosted Coffee Break 3:30–5:00pm Concurrent Technical Sessions (unless otherwise noted, four 20-minute talks with Q&A at end)

SANTA BARBARA ROOM CABRILLO ROOM OCEANVIEW ROOM

WATER CONSERVATION MITIGATION / CONSERVATION TECHNOLOGY & TOOLS 3:30 Barry Nerhus — Using an Urban Runoff 3:30 Mahala Guggino — San Luis Rey 3:30 Greg Lohse — Using Cloud-based Source to Create a Thriving Wetland System Mitigation Bank – Reviewing a Technology to Create Efficiency in 3:50 Kristen Dybala — Multiple benefits of Riparian Restoration during Habitat Restoration Work riparian restorations in California: Establishment 3:50 Q&A w/presenters documenting, communicating, optimizing 3:50 Mary Carroll — Active THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX 4:10 Jane Gray — Panel with Steph Wald Restoration of Two Short-lived 4:00 Christopher Lortie — Open meta- (Central Coast Salmon) and Dominic Roque Narrow Endemic Herbaceous analysis is a reproducible environmental (CCRWQCB): Water Conservation for Species solution Improved Habitats How water conservation 4:10 Terah Donovan — Design-Build 4:20 Andrew Lanes — Teaching ripples through restoration from landscape and Design Intent: A Restoration Ecological Restoration to Future design to instream flows Paradigm for Successful Stewardship Generations (40 min. presentation) 4:30 Megan Wolff — Achieving Resilience at 4:40 Sue Gardner — Speak to Be White Point Nature Preserve 4:50 Q&A w/presenters Remembered: The Art of Storytelling 4:50 Q&A w/presenters

5:00pm Conference Closes Thank you for being a part of this gathering! Friday, April 12 Post-Conference Fieldtrips and CNGA Workshop See pages 56–59 for details; see the SERCAL desk for getting on the waiting lists! Waiting lists close at 5pm Thursday. 7 8 Increasing resiliency to sea-level rise in coastal, island, and estuarine projects: Coastal Restoration and Sea Level Rise Adaptation Chair: Jeannine Ross, KMEA Wed 10 April, 1:30pm–5pm and Thu 11 April, 10:30am–2:10pm — Santa Barbara Room Abstracts listed alphabetically by presenter (*)

Active Restoration of Two Short-lived Quantifying Ecology-Hydrology Project as a case study, we will demonstrate Narrow Endemic Herbaceous Species Linkages to Support Restoration how this methodology is used to quantify Design in Intermittently Tidal Estuaries expected hydrologic conditions and Mary Carroll resulting ecological outcomes under Eddie Divita*1, Lisa Stratton2, Dane Arcadis, 735 Tank Farm Road, Suite 150, different design alternatives, and how this Behrens1, and Bob Battalio1 San Luis Obispo 93401 same approach can be used to model [email protected] 1Environmental Science Associates, potential future conditions scenarios with [email protected]. 2University of sea-level rise and climate change. Ventura Marsh Milk-Vetch (Astragalus California, Santa Barbara, Cheadle Center pycnostachyus var. lanosissimus), a short- for Biodiversity and Ecological Restoration. lived herbaceous perennial, was thought to Considering Management and Policy, be extinct in the wild until almost 400 Many intermittently tidal lagoons along the Critical to Coastal Restoration individuals were discovered by USFWS on a California coast have been adversely Planning former oil waste site in Oxnard, CA in impacted by agriculture, development, and August 1997. Classified as an obligate flood protection projects, resulting in the Jason Drew* & Mack Casterman* wetland species, this species is generally loss of wetland habitats and the disruption NCE, 8795 Folsom Blvd, Suite 250, intolerant of flooding and is often of migratory pathways for anadromous fish. Sacramento 95826 916.388.5655 outcompeted by native rhizomatous species. We will present a design approach for [email protected] This “wild” population declined to 21 restoring resilient intermittently tidal lagoon [email protected] individuals in 2009 and, through active landscapes that is based on quantifying intervention, has recovered to over 200 linkages between hydrology, coastal Poplar Beach Park in the City of Half Moon reproductive individuals. Outplantings were geomorphology, and ecological design Bay is home to the California Coastal Trail, installed nearby in 2016 and 2017. Pismo criteria. Intermittently tidal coastal lagoons critical coastal prairie habitat and a variety clarkia (Clarkia speciosa subsp. immaculata), are dynamic landscapes that experience of wetland resources. Recession of adjacent an annual species confined an area highly variable hydrologic conditions due to coastal bluffs from wave and tidal action as approximately 15 miles long by 7 miles wide their sensitivity to both coastal and well as erosion features from local drainage occurs only between San Luis Obispo and watershed processes. These landscapes patterns threaten critical habitat, wetland Nipomo Mesa in fragmented colonies. transition between a distinct hydrologic resources, the structural viability of the Active restoration of a weedy area through states, such as tidally influenced estuaries, Trail, and have created numerous safety topsoil salvaging, seeding, and weed perched ponds, and evaporative basins, in hazards. A multi-disciplinary team abatement has been conducted over a 9-year response to variations in inflows from the evaluated available information and period beginning in 2009. Factors affecting watershed and geomorphic changes at the conducted a comprehensive field analysis of establishment of sustainable populations of beach berm/lagoon inlet. We will describe existing conditions. The analysis resulted in these short-lived species include an an approach for habitat restoration design identifying and presenting a series of understanding of substrates, moisture that characterizes the specific balance of resource and trail planning scenarios requirements, phenology, competition, processes driving hydrologic conditions for developed using 50- and 100-year sea level herbivory, and other factors. a given lagoon, based on the following steps: rise estimates, associated bluff recession (1) developing a quantified conceptual rates and estimates of erosion caused by model (QCM) that describes the balance of onsite drainage using aerial photography. coastal and watershed processes affecting More importantly the analysis identified key the lagoon, (2) identifying correlations management questions and critical policy between hydrologic conditions and key considerations that needed to be addressed habitat types, and (3) applying the QCM to before the City could make cost-effective describe expected near- and long-term resource, habitat and trail restoration conditions. Using the recently-constructed investments in the Park. Using the Poplar North Campus Open Space Restoration 9 Coastal Restoration and Sea Level Rise Adaptation Wed 10 April, 1:30pm–5pm and Thu 11 April, 10:30am–2:10pm — Santa Barbara Room

Beach Park as a case study, this presentation diked areas the salt marsh habitat is almost filled a portion of the estuary in order to will highlight the importance of fully entirely gone with just sparse fringing create a military airport during World War evaluating existing conditions, marsh in narrow bands along the shoreline II. Removal of the fill was followed by understanding underlying causes, and and on dikes still high enough to have planting more than 17,000 native plants, documenting and resolving key infrequent tidal inundation. In addition to and installing a culvert that would convey management and policy questions as the this habitat degradation, modeling suggests tidewater to the wetlands. One final piece first critical step in effective coastal most of Elkhorn Slough’s remaining remains to be done which is removal of restoration planning. marshes will be lost within 50 years due to “tide gates” (barriers that stop the salt water sea-level rise. The 65-acre Hester marsh from moving up into the wetlands). This restoration project is the first large-scale talk will present the results ten years later, A Multipronged Approach to Tidal restoration of its type in this estuary. Over and describe current efforts to study the Marsh Restoration in Elkhorn Slough 200,000 cubic yards of soil were needed to possible effects of removing the barriers to bring the marsh up to a sustainable tidal circulation and to remove the barriers Monique Fountain*1, R Jeppesen1, C. elevation, high in the tidal frame. The entirely. The impact of the project in Endris1, A. Woolfolk1, E. Watson2, I. Aiello3, project used cutting-edge drone technology relation to sea level rise will be discussed. S. Fork1, J. Haskins1, K. Tanner1,4, A. to track implementation and incorporated a Thomsen5, A. Lapides1, and K. Wasson1,4 large ecotone planting experiment. 1Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Restoring this degraded habitat took many Restoration Potential of the Gaviota Research Reserve hands from planning to planting and this Creek Estuary [email protected] project highlights the importance of a Elihu Gevirtz*1 and Wayne Ferren, Jr.2 2Department of Biodiversity, Earth & collaborative, interdisciplinary approach to Environmental Sciences, Drexel University, restoring sustainable habitat for the future. 1Senior Ecologist, Channel Islands Philadelphia PA Restoration 805.448.4175 [email protected] 3Moss [email protected] 2Botanist and Landing Marine Labs Restoration of an Estuary: A 10-year Restoration Ecologist, Retired 805.722.2324 [email protected] 4UC Santa Cruz Retrospective of Work in Goleta [email protected] [email protected] 5CSU Slough The Gaviota Creek Estuary has been subject Monterey Bay [email protected] Elihu Gevirtz to filling, installation of a low-flow creek Over the past 150 years, human actions have crossing, and other challenges. We will Senior Ecologist, Channel Islands altered the tidal, freshwater, and sediment present our findings of a study that we Restoration 805.448.4175 processes that are essential to support and published in 2017. This paper is intended to [email protected] sustain healthy ecosytems at Elkhorn Slough be a step toward development of an estuary (Monterey County). Large areas of tidal The effort to restore the upper portion of restoration plan. We provide an analysis of marshes were diked and drained in the 20th Goleta Slough between the Santa Barbara the historic extent of the estuary and some century. This caused subsidence and when Airport and UCSB began in 2009 with of the features that might have characterized dikes failed, the areas were too low to removing structures, pavement, and it. We also provide descriptions of the support healthy marsh. In these previously thousands of cubic yards of soil that had special-status species that are known to

10 Coastal Restoration and Sea Level Rise Adaptation Wed 10 April, 1:30pm–5pm and Thu 11 April, 10:30am–2:10pm — Santa Barbara Room occur or that have occurred in the estuary environment, sometimes even acclimating coast. The Middle Harbor Enhancement and the creek, discuss potential goals and to the presence of humans. Restoration or Area (MHEA) is a restoration site associated opportunities for restoration and some of creation of habitats may sometimes be with the Port’s Vision 2000 Plan, which the functions that a restored estuary, creek, counterproductive, since pinnipeds seem to deepened, and widened, the shipping beach, and sand dunes could provide in the select their own sites, usually based on the channels to allow larger container ships to future, including habitat for special-status presence or absence of predators, humans, access the Port’s marine terminals. As part species. The paper was funded by and and dogs. Even if the habitat seems of the agreement with regulatory agencies, prepared for The Coastal Ranches promising, the pinnipeds may not adopt it. the MHEA, a former 40-foot deep dredged Conservancy. naval harbor, was restored to create shallow subtidal and intertidal habitat. The creation Habitat Restoration on San Nicolas of MHEA utilized 5.8 million cubic yards of Monitoring Effects of Future Sea Level Island dredged material to create the 189-acre Changes Now: Pinniped Displacement restoration site. A primary goal of the William Hoyer*1 and Elihu Gevirtz2 MHEA was to create 55 acres of eelgrass Peter C. Howorth*1, Tara Schoenwetter2, Natural Resources Manager, San Nicolas suitable habitat and 15 acres of eelgrass and Thomas Mulroy2 Island, Environmental Division, Naval Base habitat. Eelgrass planting is planned for 1Marine Mammal Consulting Group, Inc. Ventura County, 805.989.3444 (SNI), early 2019, and physical and biological [email protected] 2Leidos, Inc. 707.239.1485 (Mobile), performance monitoring metrics have [email protected] [email protected] 2Senior Ecologist, suggested that the eelgrass suitable habitat [email protected] Channel Islands Restoration, metric has been met (and exceeded). The 805.448.4175, [email protected] project was designed and implemented In investigating pinniped displacement as a prior to consideration of sea level rise in result of sea level changes, various pinniped The United States Navy, in collaboration restoration; however, added resilience was records were examined from commercial with Channel Islands Restoration, has ultimately garnered during final sculpting in collections, government studies, mitigation engaged in a major effort to restore habitats 2014. The project area has been identified as measures, and publicly accessible haul-outs on San Nicolas Island for rare species a birding hotspot by the Golden Gate and rookeries. Since 1991, extensive including San Nicolas Island Night Lizard Audubon Society, providing foraging documentation occurred at Vandenberg Air (Xantusia riversiana riversiana), San Nicolas habitat for many bird species, including the Force Base, where unstable bluffs resulted in Island Fox (Urocyon littoralis dickeyi), Desert endangered California Least Tern. While the significant landslides, displacing harbor Box-Thorn (Lycium brevipes), Beach project is close to achieving its primary goal seals from several locations. Some seals Spectacle-Pod (Dithyrea maritima), and of creating open space and wildlife habitat occupied alternate haul-out sites. However, others. Revegetation is being accomplished at the urban/nature interface of an the landslides also resulted in extensive by propagation using seeds and cuttings industrial container port, it faces challenges sedimentation, sanding-in offshore rocks collected and propagated exclusively on the that offer lessons learned for future and increasing opportunities for coyotes to island. Over the past six years, we have restoration design, including setting prey on the seals. A large landslide that propagated and planted more than 30,000 achievable schedules and habitat targets, occurred at Santa Cruz Island resulted in native plants. We will describe some of the complicating effects of collaborative the complete and permanent abandonment techniques, results, and challenges, on this projects, and meaningful public of a colony of 1,000 to 2,000 sea lions. dry and windy island. engagement. Pinnipeds movement patterns include human inhabited areas, which can be controversial. At Children’s Pool in La Jolla, Middle Harbor Enhancement Area: An Montezuma Wetlands: Three Decades harbor seals took over a beach created by Early Restoration Experiment in of Tidal Marsh Restoration Lessons humans, limiting public access. A similar Subtidal Habitat Learned process occurred in Carpinteria, resulting in Jan Novak*1, Keith Merkel2, Jon Amdur3, a seasonal closure of a natural beach. In Cassie Pinnell and Eric Jolliffe4 some cases, the public supports the presence Vollmar Natural Lands Consulting, 2401 of pinniped colonies; however, sometimes 1Port of Oakland Capitol Ave, Sacramento 95816 the government and/or special interest [email protected] 2Merkel & [email protected] groups oppose such colonies. Pinnipeds are Associates 3Kleinfelder 4United States distributed throughout California, some Army Corps of Engineers The Montezuma Wetlands Project is a species undergoing very large migrations. multi-phase project that uses dredged The Port of Oakland (Port) operates the They are highly adaptable to changes in the sediment to raise elevations in diked, third-largest container port on the west 11 Coastal Restoration and Sea Level Rise Adaptation Wed 10 April, 1:30pm–5pm and Thu 11 April, 10:30am–2:10pm — Santa Barbara Room

subsided baylands to restore 1,900 acres of a refugial habitat; 2) raising high marsh target zones of tidal wetland restoration projects tidal wetland ecosystem, including seasonal elevations for SLR; 3) increasing habitat around San Francisco Bay for their ability to wetlands and upland transition zone patch-size for improved connectivity of tolerate harsh conditions, rapidly colonize habitat. This project is unique as a private tidal and transition habitats; 4) reducing the soils following construction, and because for-profit restoration project that is number of engineered levees to minimize they allow managers to employ broad-leaf designed to accept sediment not suitable for construction impacts, reduce predator herbicides to suppress invasive species unconfined aquatic disposal (“foundation” access, and improve natural marsh without damaging native grasses. A 1,000- sediment that is buried under cleaner development; 5) creating nesting habitat for acre tidal wetlands restoration project surface sediment). The project has operated California least terns; 6) improvements to managed by Sonoma Land Trust (SLT) at successfully for three decades as a successful salt marsh harvest mouse management; and Sears Point in San Pablo Bay has large private-public partnership that is 7) improvements to re-vegetation strategies natural populations of Creeping Wild Rye; a accomplishing its restoration goals in and vegetation management. unique resource recently utilized in an effort support of the Long-Term Management to establish native vegetation on a 2.5-mile- Strategy (LTMS) established by a joint effort long levee constructed as part of the project. of the Corps and other federal and state Rapid, Large-scale Rhizomatous Grass In 2018 and 2019, Pacific Watershed agencies to maximize the use of beneficially Plantings in San Francisco Bay Tidal Associates (PWA), in partnership with SLT reusing sediment dredged from the SF Wetlands and the San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Estuary. Since 2003, this project has Refuge (SPBNWR), planted Creeping Wild Steve Pye accepted nearly 7mcy of dredged sediment Rye on the levee in two phases using a and will be breaching its first phase in fall Habitat Restoration and Enhancement unique planting methodology scaled to one 2019. Throughout this time, this project has Specialist, Pacific Watershed Associates of the largest tidal wetlands projects in worked to adaptively manage and improve 707.666.5550 California. Over both phases, PWA its restoration methods to increase resiliency [email protected] successfully planted 2.5 miles of the levee for sea-level rise (SLR) and changing with 13,290 plants (clumps of soil and Native, rhizomatous grasses such as conditions. Updates to the project have rhizomes). PWA’s pragmatic techniques for Creeping Wild Rye (Elymus triticoides) are included: 1) building additional transition a team of 2-3 staff to quickly harvest, desirable species in transitional habitat zone habitat to improve SLR resiliency and process, and plant Creeping Wild Rye allows

12 Coastal Restoration and Sea Level Rise Adaptation Wed 10 April, 1:30pm–5pm and Thu 11 April, 10:30am–2:10pm — Santa Barbara Room for rapid planting of rhizomatous grasses on Estuary, and the most recent research on additional benefit of reducing the future a large scale and better ensures rhizome local endangered species, with a focus on flood risk to adjacent residential areas. viability between harvest, planting, and SMHM to illustrate the challenges of overwintering in dry, saline conditions. creating habitat for an uncertain future. I Based upon monitoring of the Phase 1 will then present alternative strategies for Testing Novel Science-based Strategies plantings, these methods yielded a survival conservation of these species in a rapidly to Improve Salt Marsh Restoration rate of 42% during a drought year, the disappearing ecosystem. Success highest of any Creeping Wild Rye planting Karen E. Tanner*, Ingrid M. Parker, and implemented at Sears Point. Kerstin Wasson North Campus Open Space Restoration Project: A Sea Level Rise Adaptation UC Santa Cruz, Department of Ecology and Restoration or Reconciliation? Shifting Model Evolutionary Biology Paradigms and Strategies for [email protected] Lisa Stratton Conserving Threatened Wildlife in the [email protected] San Francisco Estuary UCSB; Cheadle Center for Biodiversity and [email protected] Ecological Restoration (CCBER), Katie Smith*1, John Takekawa2, and Sarah The Stress Gradient Hypothesis predicts [email protected], 805.893.4158 Estrella3 that plant-plant interactions will shift from The 2018 restoration of the historic upper negative under benign conditions to 1WRA Environmental Consultants, arms of Devereux Slough in Santa Barbara positive under stringent conditions. [email protected] 2Suisun Resource County models three climate change and Although these predictions are well Conservation District 3California sea level rise adaptation strategies for supported by work in natural systems, they Department of Fish and Wildlife intermittently open estuary restoration have rarely been applied to improve The salt marsh harvest mouse (SMHM; projects. The project provides transgression restoration outcomes in abiotically stressful Reithrodontomys raviventris) is endemic to space for salt marsh habitats that would habitat. In coastal salt marsh, tidal the marshes of the San Francisco Estuary, have been lost in the unrestored slough; is inundation drives salinity and moisture and is the only mammal entirely restricted designed to handle increasingly large storm gradients affecting plant performance, and to coastal wetlands. The loss of over 90% of events through increased capacity; and is these natural stressors can be exacerbated by tidal wetlands in the Estuary caused modeled to convert to a fully tidal system coastal recontouring projects intended to dramatic declines in populations of SMHM after 1.5 feet of SLR which effectively lowers buffer sea level rise. Studies clustering and other marsh-dwelling wildlife. The water levels by three feet. Transgression transplants together have demonstrated primary conservation strategy for the space is designed through gradual (100 to increases in seedling survival and growth at species, largely driven by acreage goals, has 50 to 1) slopes and through taking salt marsh restoration sites over the short been tidal restoration (especially of diked advantage of the opportunity to restore salt term, but clustered plantings may managed wetlands) despite little empirical marsh at higher elevations (2 feet higher) in experience stronger competition from evidence in support. However, recent a portion of the project site where we found neighbors as plants grow. We tested effects research has indicated that managed a higher water table. The benefit is that of clustering on two natives in the marsh- wetlands support SMHM populations as transgression space is immediately upland ecotone, Frankenia salina and well as tidal wetlands do. Further, newer sea functional as the intended salt marsh Jaumea carnosa. Tight and loose neighbor level rise models project drowning of tidal habitat. Climate change is expected to arrangements spanned salinity and moisture wetlands at an ever increasing rate. It has increase rainfall intensity. The restoration gradients in the ecotone, where we tracked become clear to resource managers in the project essentially doubled the size of the transplant survival, growth, and physiology. Estuary that tidal restoration in and of itself wetland basin, enhancing the capacity of the At our restoration site in central California, may not be a long-term, sustainable strategy system to respond naturally and sustainably competitive interactions dominated in the for conservation of terrestrial marsh species. to intermittent storm events. Modeling marsh-upland ecotone. Neither salinity nor More important considerations, such as indicates that, as sea level increases, the tidal moisture gradients led to a shift from focusing on tidal restoration site selection prism expands into the restored system to competition to facilitation for either species rather than acreage goals, and considering the point that the basic hydrology shifts to a in this year of relatively mesic conditions. alternate methods, such as maintaining more open status, thereby eliminating the We found higher stem counts and greater some wetlands behind full or partial levees, three-foot increase in high water levels percent cover of transplanted species in may be critical in the future. Here we created by the beach berm. This shift results loose vs. tight neighbor plots, with more present data on the latest sea level rise from the mouth being maintained open bare ground in tight neighbor plots. We also projections, the state of habitat in the longer by tidal currents, and has the saw little difference in survival or tissue 13 Coastal Restoration and Sea Level Rise Adaptation Wed 10 April, 1:30pm–5pm and Thu 11 April, 10:30am–2:10pm — Santa Barbara Room

water potential between neighbor industrial, transportation, commercial and advanced landscape architecture studio at a treatments. Taken together, these results civic infrastructure. Situated at the bottom local university. The stakes are high for suggest that competition prevails at our site. of two major Southern California climate change impacts on vulnerable Thus, rather than fostering positive watersheds (the Los Angeles and San human populations and other animal and interactions, tight clustering of plants Gabriel Rivers), the water bodies emptying plant species. Decades of hardening our enhanced competition and decreased into San Pedro Bay are heavily polluted. coastlines with engineered coastal marine restoration success. This coastal zone is environmentally infrastructure has had a devastating effect degraded, suffering the dual impacts of on marine organisms including habitat loss concentrations of heavy industry emissions and has encouraged development and ADAPT and THRIVE: Strategies for Life and polluted runoff from an urbanized investments along an unstable coastline Along a Dynamic Coastline watershed, which stagnates nearshore requiring further hardening and defensive trapped by the Long Beach measures to protect. ADAPT and THRIVE Jennifer Zell, ASLA, RLA breakwater. Responding to the changing envisions a living infrastructure that works 5320 E. Calderwood Street, Long Beach climate and expanding ocean, ADAPT and with and enhances natural processes such as 90815 work: 213.694.3800 x18 mobile: THRIVE envisions a two-pronged approach sediment deposit, bioaccumulation of 562.668.0251 [email protected] to mitigation and adaptation measures to material for strengthening, and biologically [email protected] survive and thrive within the challenging enhanced armoring units to provide shore environmental context and the dynamic stabilization. Long Beach faces significant risks from sea nature of our Southern California level rise (SLR). Increased flooding from coastlines. ADAPT and THRIVE grew from changing precipitation patterns and an investigations into SLR impacts and expanding ocean threatens significant collaboration with local scientists and an

14 Restoration of some of the most endangered ecosystems in the United States: Grassland Ecosystems and Coastal Prairies Chair: J.P. Marié, California Native Grasslands Association Wed 10 April, 10:30am–1:50pm — Oceanview Room Abstracts listed alphabetically by presenter (*)

Grazing to Benefit Endangered Ohlone growing rapidly and avoids excess grazing at Are Populations of Stipa pulchra Tiger Beetle at Glenwood Preserve other times. Incentives for collaboration Adapted to Local Climates? with the local grazing lessee is critical to Lawrence Ford, PhD*1, Richard Arnold, Madeline Nolan and Carla D’Antonio livestock availability on such small PhD2, Devii R. Rao, MS3, James W. fragmented properties that depend on UC Santa Barbara, Department of Ecology, Bartolome, PhD4 livestock to achieve conservation goals. Evolution and Marine Biology 1UC Santa Cruz, 5984 Plateau Dr, Felton Information from our studies and [email protected] 95018 831.335.3959 experience was synthesized into guidelines Over the last few decades restoration has [email protected] for habitat and livestock management for been focused on the preservation of the 2Entomological Consulting Services, LTD, use by landowners to manage their local gene pool with most guidelines 104 Mountain View Ct, Pleasant Hill 94523 properties to benefit the OTB in the suggesting the use of locally sourced plant 925.825.3784 [email protected] 3UC periodically updated Long Term material. Preserving the local gene pool Coop Extension, 3228 Southside Rd, Management Plan (WRA et al. 2017) and assumes that plants become locally adapted Hollister 95023 831.637.5346 Arnold et al. (2012a). — a process by which natural selection in [email protected] 4UC Berkeley, 130 response to local environmental conditions Mulford Hall #3114, Berkeley 94720 allows resident populations to outperform 510.642.7945 [email protected] Can Functional Traits Inform Coastal foreign populations in their home Prairie Restoration? Glenwood Open Space Preserve in Scotts environment. However, there remain Valley, CA, has successfully used livestock Justin Luong*1, Michael Loik1, Karen Holl1, significant problems with when and how to grazing and grazing lessee stewardship to and Kathleen Kay2 implement the practice in restoration optimize habitat quality for an endangered projects. One problem with the practice of 1Environmental Studies, UC Santa Cruz, beetle. Established in 2001 as mitigation for local seed sourcing, is the definition of 1156 High Street, Santa Cruz 95064 a housing development, the 166-acre “local” is ambiguous and not well-defined. 949.394.6792 [email protected] 2Ecology preserve improves habitat for the federally A second problem is that using geographic and Evolutionary Biology, UC Santa Cruz endangered Ohlone Tiger Beetle (OTB, distance could the reduce genetic diversity Cicindela ohlone) on about 9 acres of Restoration is riddled with unpredictable of populations. Genetic considerations are grassland. Of the 17 sites that historically outcomes especially in a changing climate in particularly important for dominant species supported OTB in 1993, only 8 remain which the extremity of droughts is likely to within a restoration project, such as Stipa today. In one study (Arnold et al. 2012a), increase. This is compounded by a narrow pulchra in restored California grasslands, historical management played an important focus on restoring certain species. At a because these species play a key role in role in OTB persistence: current horse or coastal prairie at Younger Lagoon Reserve, structuring plant communities. Here we cattle grazing was associated with most still- Santa Cruz, I will determine whether propose a series of three common garden occupied sites, while all unoccupied sites drought-related functional traits of native experiments (Ventura County, Santa had livestock grazing removed. A second and non-native species such as specific leaf Barbara County, and Monterey County, study identified vegetation and bare soil area, leaf thickness, leaf carbon:nitrogen, CA) to confirm the presence of a home site conditions most associated with OTB and leaf δ13C carbon isotope signature, advantage in Stipa pulchra. Preliminary occupation (Arnold et al. 2012b). At can explain the survival and growth of results did not find evidence for home site Glenwood Preserve, OTB population trends planted native plants. Twelve native species advantage for any of the three local indicate grazing management has been were planted in treatment types: shelter populations for any of the success metrics effective (Arnold and Knisely 2018). Keys to (60% natural rainfall reduction), control, that we measured. These results suggest that optimize OTB habitat include identification and water addition (1/gal per week during alternative seed sourcing strategies, instead of occupied habitat, and concentration or the growing season the first year). of local seed sourcing, could be used when deferral of grazing on “special habitat” and restoring Stipa pulchra that could improve “flexible use” fields. This optimizes grazing restoration outcomes. effects when annual grasses and forbs are 15 Grassland Ecosystems and Coastal Prairies Wed 10 April, 10:30am–1:50pm — Oceanview Room

Using Biocrusts as a Restoration Tool in to establish milkweed include direct seeding an area that supports a few scattered vernal Native Grasslands and installation of container stock. A pools. Central to success is site recontouring narrowleaf milkweed (A. fascicularis) trial so as to optimize potential habitat diversity, Brianne Palmer*1, Valerie Eviner2, and comparing two different seeding treatments species richness, and hydrologic function. David Lipson3 and two different container sizes over a 2- Prior development of ground-penetrating [email protected] year period was implemented. In Year 1, all radar data to determine depth to the [email protected] [email protected] treatments were weeded, irrigated and confining clay layers and hardpan was insect pests and diseases controlled. In Year beneficial. Starting from a conceptual Biological soil crusts (biocrusts) play an 2, weeds were controlled at a diminished restoration plan, the team conducted more important, yet often overlooked role, in rate, irrigation significantly reduced on half detailed investigations to take into account ecosystem restoration. By changing the soil the plots, discontinued entirely on the other microtopographic features, vegetation moisture, reducing erosion, and changing half and insect pests and diseases control types, and sub surface claypan and hardpan nutrient cycling, biocrusts are ecosystem ceased. Informal narrow leaf milkweed and depths. This resulted in a grading plan that engineers. This study looks at the showy milkweed (A. speciosa) root masses reflected the true microtopographic site methodology and implementation of trials were also implemented. Seeded areas conditions, using a mix of conceptual, biocrusts in grassland restoration. I place a tended to have greater foliage volume in actual and interpolated data, allowing for special emphasis on restoring the native Year 1 compared to container plants but flexibility in the location, size, and depth of plant communities associated with the container plants were of similar size by the the basins as they relate to site conditions. endangered Qunio Checkerspot butterfly, end of Year 2. Foliage volume in Year 2 The implementation of this field-fit solution frequently observed on biocrusts in San seeded areas was less than in Year 1. Foliage resulted in positioning and sizing the Diego County. Over the course of three volume in plots with discontinued irrigation created vernal pools such that hydrologic months, I grew biocrusts hydroponically in were similar to those with diminished function was optimized. Consideration for the greenhouse. I transferred these biocrusts irrigation. Establishment via root masses the proper function of the pool versus to micro-scale plots to test how biocrusts was low for narrowleaf milkweed and location in the landscape allowed pool affected the germination and emergence of moderate for showy milkweed. Hedgerow creation to be seen as a dynamic process, native restoration species and emergent soil Farms has successfully produced milkweed fitting each pool to the actual site properties. Biocrusts were transferred to the seed from several species, but intensive conditions. Final hand contouring of the field in February 2019, and results are cultural inputs are required. The lessons pool slopes and bottoms added forthcoming. Results of this project will lead learned from implementing milkweed seed topographical features promoting a more to a large-scale biocrust restoration project production over several years provides complex biotic structure through structural in the Quino habitat. Additionally, in the useful background to inform milkweed patch richness. This hand grading also coming months, I will be fine-tuning the establishment in non-production settings connected large and small pools together greenhouse method to increase biocrust particularly when considered in with directional swales and over-flow edges yield and water efficiency. combination with the results of the planting to accommodate larger rain events, a feature trials. that is common in natural vernal pool complexes. Hydrologic function has proved Lessons Learned from Milkweed to be excellent, and inoculation of the basins Establishment Trials and Commercial Field-fit Solutions For Vernal Pool with propagules of protected plant and Seed Production Enhancement and Creation invertebrate taxa can proceed with Patrick Reynolds confidence. Clayton Kraft1, Anthony Santare1, Kylie General Manager, Hedgerow Farms Fischer1, Niall McCarten2, Carla [email protected] Scheidlinger1, and Angie Harbin-Ireland*1 530.662.6847 [email protected] Establishment of milkweed (Ascelpias spp.) [email protected] is a conservation strategy deployed to kylie [email protected] reverse the rapid decline of monarch [email protected] butterflies (Danaus plexippus plexippus). In [email protected] California, successful establishment of [email protected] milkweed is challenging, and results mixed. Vernal pool enhancement and creation is Two of the most common techniques used being implemented on MCAS Miramar in 16 Opportunities to conserve and protect habitat: Mitigation Banking, Land Use, and Conservation Chair: Carol Presley, PE, Carol Presley Consultants Thu 11 April, 10:30am–5pm — Cabrillo Room Abstracts listed alphabetically by presenter (*)

Mitigation Banking: An Engine for [email protected] 3Dudek Analyzing Historical Aerial Restoration [email protected] 4Habitat Photographs and Vegetation Maps to Restoration Sciences, Inc. Inform Conservation and Restoration Andrew Cawley [email protected] 5Santa Clara at the Dangermond Preserve Restoration Economist, WRA, Inc. County Parks [email protected] Lucy Genua*, Meghan Bowen, Brad [email protected] San Felipe Creek runs through a former Anderson, Genelle Ives, and Kym Howo Mitigation and Conservation Banks are one agricultural valley, but so do trails and roads Bren School of Environmental Science & of the largest land protection and serving public hikers, bikers, and Management, UC Santa Barbara restoration drivers in the United States. equestrians. Humans shaped the landscape [email protected] Between 1982—the year the first mitigation and are part of the ecosystem. How do we [email protected] bank was established—and today, Banks restore the landscape for humans and [email protected] have protected or restored over 800,000 restore the natural resources that draw them [email protected] acres of sensitive resources throughout the there? As land stewards we asked ourselves [email protected] country. If combined, they would be the these questions as we designed and built a second largest national park in the United 50-acre mitigation project for the Santa Conservation and restoration priorities can States. Importantly, Mitigation Banking is Clara Valley Habitat Plan. What started with be informed by historical ecology, an also a key sector within the $25 billion a stream and watershed restoration vision interdisciplinary field that uses various restoration economy, employing thousands quickly shifted. The ensuing rapid feasibility forms of historical data to understand how of scientists, restoration practitioners, and study revealed a complex site history, and a ecosystems and landscapes have changed entrepreneurs. Finally, as a market-based road as one of five tributaries to our stream. over time. Conservation and restoration tool for restoration, it provides one of the A field meeting with regulators at 35% planning is now underway at the recently most practical tools available today for design allowed us to explain site functions established Jack and Laura Dangermond bridging the gap between the desire to and values and how design elements would Preserve — 24,000 acres of coastal land in restore land and the ability to restore it. translate into credits—What were the Santa Barbara County endowed to The Drawing from regulatory data over the past impairments? What could be done to Nature Conservancy in 2017. This study three decades, industry expertise, and large- restore function and thus where should we uses historical maps and aerial photographs scale restoration case studies, this focus? Early regulator collaboration and to investigate how vegetation has changed presentation establishes the importance of inclusion of road drainage improvements on the property since the 1930s, during mitigation banking as a tool to accelerate yielded compensatory mitigation credits for which time the land has been used for cattle the rate of ecological restoration and a four permitting programs. Design elements ranching, climate has changed, and non- method to finance a diverse array of were localized and diverse, and included native species have been introduced. We restoration projects. restored wetlands, backwater channels, inset used aerial photographs from 1938 and floodplains, gully plugs, staked wood jams, 2012 to identify vegetation as grassland, and graded swales. Advancing from 65% shrubland, or woodland at 340 random Design-Build and Design Intent: A design to build allowed field-fit as plans sample points within the preserve. Restoration Paradigm for Successful became reality. The design-build approach Woodland and shrubland have become Stewardship and primary focus on design intent allowed more prevalent over this time period, while for reuse of large wood on site, changing of grassland has decreased. Overall, there were Terah Donovan*1, Eric Donaldson*2, Laurie geometries to preserve natural resources, net transitions from grassland to shrubland Monarres*3, Loren Roach*4, David Shaw2, and re-scaling built features to limit and from shrubland to woodland. We also and Jeremy Farr5 impacts. Following the design intent compared the percent cover of vegetation 1Santa Clara Valley Habitat Agency, paradigm, the design-build team, including types between a 1931 map from the [email protected] project partners, embraced their roles as Wieslander Vegetation Type Mapping 2Balance Hydrologics stewards. Monitoring and adaptive (VTM) project and a recent CALVEG map. [email protected] management is underway. Coastal oak woodland and coastal sage 17 18 Mitigation Banking, Land Use, and Conservation Thu 11 April, 10:30am–5pm — Cabrillo Room scrub have both increased in area, while 1Bureau of Land Management, 1201 Bird Maximizing Mitigation on Public grassland has decreased in area. These Center Drive, Palm Springs 92256 Lands: The Win-Win-Win, Roadblocks, results suggest that the property has been a [email protected] 2U.S. Geological and Solutions refuge for oak trees amidst statewide trends Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, Lindsay Teunis of oak loss. The Nature Conservancy should 160 North Stephanie Street, Henderson, NV conserve oak woodlands and investigate 89104 [email protected] ICF, 525 B Street, Suite 1700, San Diego, opportunities for grassland restoration. [email protected] 3Rancho Santa Ana 92101 858.444.3906 Botanic Garden, 1500 North College [email protected] Avenue, Claremont 91711 We will discuss the complexities of San Luis Rey Mitigation Bank — [email protected] compensatory mitigation from a regulatory Reviewing a Riparian Restoration [email protected] 4Tucson Plant and restoration perspective and present new During Habitat Establishment Materials Center, 3241 North Romero Road, opportunities for partnerships between Tucson, AZ 85705 Mahala Guggino*1, Cindy Tambini1, Jeff public and private entities. A large [email protected]. Novak1, and Ruben Ramirez2 percentage of land in North America is Increasing large-scale wildfires, interacting under public ownership including federal, 1Wildlands, 3301 Industrial Ave., Rocklin with invasive species, along with expanding state, and local entities. The US 95765 916.435.3555 renewable energy development continue to Government owns 30% of the land in North [email protected] negatively impact large acreages across the America totaling more than 640 million [email protected] 2Cadre Mojave Desert Ecoregion. The National acres operated by four entities, the BLM, Environmental, 701 Palomar Airport Rd., Seed Strategy for Rehabilitation and Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, S300, Carlsbad 92011 949.300.0212 Restoration 2015-2020, details a and the National Parks System. In addition [email protected] comprehensive approach to putting the large swaths of public land are under state In 2015, Wildlands constructed a riparian right seed in the right place at the right time and local ownerships (counties and cities). and stream restoration project as part of the for native plant restoration. The Mojave Public land may often be in a depressed San Luis Rey Mitigation Bank (Bank). The Desert Native Plant Program (MDNPP) is condition with little to no funding for long- stated purpose of the Bank is to rehabilitate, implementing the National Seed Strategy term management much less active re-establish, and permanently protect across the Mojave Desert Ecoregion, restoration. There are many challenges to approximately 54 acres of the San Luis Rey coordinating interagency efforts to facilitating mitigation on public lands and River and floodplain located in the City of prioritize restoration species, increase potential implications to the private Oceanside in San Diego County. The Bank availability of Mojave Desert native plant mitigation market, however many types of provides compensatory mitigation for materials, and improve success of projects have been successful including unavoidable impacts to jurisdictional restoration projects. Multi-faceted research permittee-responsible projects, joint riparian wetlands and streams and upland supporting native plant restoration is banking instruments, habitat conservation riparian habitat. Project goals included underway to: 1) develop empiric seed plans, and other crediting mechanisms. restoring self-sustaining fluvial processes transfer zones based on genetic analysis and When successful, these partnerships can and improving riparian and stream habitat common garden tests, 2) develop provide an influx of funding, facilitate the for listed species including and arroyo toad, restoration decision-making tools for land “big ideas,” implement local conservation least Bell’s vireo, and southwestern willow managers, 3) develop seeding strategies to strategies, facilitate benefits to listed species flycatcher. While the project has been driven circumvent granivory on restoration sites, 4) and aquatic resources, provide efficiencies by a regulatory-focused process, the develop Mojave Desert germplasm releases in regulatory permitting, and improve restoration efforts are contributing to a and species-specific growing techniques of public lands. This presentation will focus on resilient landscape. Ongoing monitoring use to commercial growers, and 5) increase a series of issues and opportunities to shows that habitat establishment is on- availability of native plant materials for the implementing mitigation on public lands target to achieve ecological restoration Mojave Desert Ecoregion. A major emphasis using case studies with a focus on discrete objectives and recruitment is abundant. of the MDNPP is restoration of habitat for “roadblocks” with specific project the Federally threatened Mojave desert experiences, solutions, and unresolved tortoise (Gopherus agassizii). Desert tortoise issues. Topics include protection Implementing the National Seed habitat has been heavily impacted by mechanisms, in-perpetuity Strategy for Mojave Desert Restoration wildfires and subsequent annual brome management/funds, land value, perceived infestations. Priority restoration species gift of public funds, “hoarding” mitigation Judy Perkins*1, Lesley A. DeFalco2, Dan include those important for desert tortoise opportunities, changing policies. Shryock2, Loraine Washburn3, Sarah forage and cover, as well as species of value DeGroot3, and Heather Dial4 for pollinators. 19 Mitigation Banking, Land Use, and Conservation Thu 11 April, 10:30am–5pm — Cabrillo Room

CDFW’s Landscape Conservation and Determining which tool is better depends assessments (RCA), regional conservation Planning Program Toolbox — Got New on several factors and biological diversity is investment strategies (RCIS), and Tools? not necessarily highest on the list even when mitigation credit agreements (MCA). The it is a key driver of mitigation and RCIS Program works with existing regional Ron Unger conservation efforts. This talk will discuss conservation plans and can fill in gaps in California Department of Fish and Wildlife, some similarities, differences, pros and cons areas not covered by existing regional Sacramento [email protected] of these tools, and factors to consider when conservation plans. The RCIS Program uses determining which tool to use to achieve a science-based approach to identify and California now has several conservation and mitigation of project impacts and prioritize conservation and habitat mitigation tools for protecting the State’s conservation of ecological resources in your enhancement actions to help California’s diverse biological resources, including the area. On September 22, 2016, the Governor declining and vulnerable species by new Regional Conservation Investment signed Assembly Bill 2087 establishing the protecting, restoring, and reconnecting their Strategies (RCIS) Program California Department of Fish and habitats, and facilitating adaption and (https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/conservation/ Wildlife’s (CDFW) new RCIS Program. The resilience to climate change, invasive species planning/regional-conservation). This talk RCIS Program enables voluntary, non- and other stressors. These actions may will provide an overview and comparison of regulatory regional conservation strategies include land protection, habitat restoration, several conservation and mitigation to guide comprehensive, cohesive, and installation of wildlife crossings, removal of instruments administered by the California connected regional conservation through fish passage barriers, and other actions on Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), philanthropic investments and advance private and public lands, including working including conservation and mitigation mitigation. The RCIS Program has three lands. MCAs are based on the RCIS actions banks, natural community conservation components: regional conservation and provide credits on public and private plans, and the new RCIS program.

20 Mitigation Banking, Land Use, and Conservation Thu 11 April, 10:30am–5pm — Cabrillo Room lands that may be used as compensatory If we cannot secure isolated patches of Restoring Ecological Processes: mitigation for impacts under the California habitat amid publicly-owned parkland, how Challenges with Uncertainty in Environmental Quality Act, the California can we possibly do it elsewhere? This Mitigation Banking Endangered Species Act, Lake and presentation profiles the modest scientific Ashley Zavagno Streambed Alteration Program and studies that profoundly impacted land-use potentially for federal mitigation decisions at the Park, itemizes a diversity of WRA, Inc. [email protected] requirements. NCCPs, conservation and scientific research opportunities, and As restoration ecology has evolved as a field, mitigation banks, RCIS, and other summarizes current conservation priorities. there has been an increased understanding mitigation and conservation tools may help Come learn how people are leveraging of the importance of restoring ecological regional planners and land managers by science, policy, and law toward saving and processes and not just habitat acreage. providing regional science-based restoring this small but remarkable place in Projects aiming to restore ecological conservation and mitigation plans or the Sacramento Valley, and find out how processes, however, can have significant strategies, and by guiding investments to you can help! uncertainty associated with amount of fulfill them. habitat ultimately restored, timing of recovery, and location of specific restored Markham Ravine Restoration — Early resources. This creates challenges for Conserving Suburban Natural Areas — Implementation for the Placer County mitigation banks in defining and The Case of Rancho Del Paso Conservation Plan quantifying mitigation bank credits and Tim Vendlinski Mark J. Young* and Greg Webber establishing appropriate monitoring periods and performance standards. Modifications Independent consultant devoted to urban Westervelt Ecological Services to existing natural resources that are creeks, prairies, and forests; former [email protected] sometimes necessary to restore ecological supervisor of EPA’s Wetlands Regulatory [email protected] processes, such as filling incised stream Program for Region 9; and former program The Placer County Conservation Plan channels or restoring tidal hydrology to director for the non-profit Sustainable (PCCP) has taken roughly 15 years of seasonal wetlands formed on previously Conservation [email protected] planning to develop and is about to be tidal diked lands, can create additional A new global study has called for restoring signed by Placer County, CA Department of regulatory challenges in mitigation banking. and reconnecting small, isolated patches of Fish and Wildlife, US Fish and Wildlife WRA is exploring, and in some cases habitat to safeguard biodiversity. How can Service, and US Army Corps of Engineers. implementing, innovative strategies at we accomplish this feat in California where The PCCP is to mitigate the impacts from several mitigation banks that facilitate ominous economic, political, and social development to endangered species, process-oriented restoration while factors place ever-increasing stress on wetlands, agriculture and open space. As managing risk and uncertainty within the habitats already fragmented by agricultural part of this plan, the County has approved existing mitigation banking regulatory conversion, and now degraded by suburban an interim in-lieu fee program to be able to framework. Strategies and challenges will be sprawl? This presentation considers the fate collect fees from developers to pay for discussed within the context of existing and of the fabled, 44,000-acre Rancho Del Paso mitigation in advance of the impacts. The pending mitigation banks. that has been erased from the landscape and 297-acre Markham Ravine project (Project), public memory by subdivision, owned by Westervelt Ecological Services, is development, and the passage of time. Since the first restoration project to be 1980, activists have pressed for the implemented for the PCCP. The Project re- protection of habitat within the heart of the contoured the existing irrigated pasture erstwhile Rancho, and, so far, the City of fields and re-connected the landscape to the Sacramento has designated ~100-acres of floodplain. The restoration Project created Natural Areas along Arcade Creek within vernal pool / swale complexes and seasonal / Del Paso Regional Park. The Park supports riparian wetlands along Markham Ravine. a diversity of iconic flora and fauna, and The Project follows the monitoring remains a stronghold for resident and protocols for the PCCP and provides a migratory birds. But there are no long-term management plan for future institutional arrangements to ensure the stewardship, including managed grazing on stewardship of these Natural Areas, and the the uplands. City government remains the greatest threat to the Park’s natural and cultural resources. 21 22 Restoration and monitoring in a time of increased fire risk: Restoration and Recovery after Fire and Debris Flows Chair: Stacie Smith, NOAA Affiliate Wed 10 April, 10:30am–12pm — Santa Barbara Room Abstracts listed alphabetically by presenter (*)

Using Drones to Monitor Impacts and assess changes in marsh vegetation patterns Southern California Steelhead Recovery in Disturbed Ecosystems resulting from altered tidal circulation Monitoring — Post Thomas Fire patterns existing within the marsh. Challenges Tom Bell*1 and Andrew Brooks2 Kyle Evans 1Earth Research Institute, UC Santa Barbara [email protected] 2Carpinteria Salt Marsh Sustainable and Fire-Resistant California Department of Fish and Wildlife Reserve, Natural Reserve System, UC Santa Landscaping — Before and After Fire [email protected] Barbara [email protected] Sabrina Drill, PhD The Thomas Fire and subsequent debris In the early hours of January 9th, 2018, flows have dramatically altered the Natural Resources Advisor, Los Angeles and massive amounts of sediment and large landscape and significantly changed Ventura Counties; Interim Director, UC woody debris associated with the Thomas southern California’s stream systems. Just California Naturalist, University of fire flowed southward into the Carpinteria over a year after the Thomas Fire we focus California Cooperative Extension, 669 Salt Marsh via Santa Monica and Franklin on the changes in stream habitat, water County Square Drive, Ventura 93003 Creeks. These materials partially filled the quality, and the new challenges moving 805.645.1466 [email protected] main channel connecting the two creeks forward while monitoring in post fire with the Pacific Ocean and filled several of Principles of fire-resistant, near-home watersheds. Case studies from streams in the smaller, tidal channels throughout the landscaping include consider home design Santa Barbara and Ventura county are used marsh. We collected imagery at several time and materials along with plantings as a to examine changes in stream habitat points pre-and post-debris flow using a holistic approach to reducing ember-driven characteristics with increased consumer-grade drone to quantify debris ignition; creating and maintaining sedimentation, the limitations of loads within the marsh and estimate the defensible space; creating horizontal and DIDSON/ARIS sonar cameras, O. mykiss spatial extent of the accumulated debris vertical separation to disrupt flame abundance, and CDFW’s efforts to monitor material. Images collected at each time continuity; and considering other fire- recovery moving forward. point were stitched together into a single, related risks, such as erosion and choosing georeferenced orthomosaic using AgiSoft plant material with fire resistant PhotoScan Pro. The resulting mosaics then characteristics. SUSTAINABLE fire-resistant Fish, Fire, and Flows: Steelhead were imported into Google Earth to enable landscaping builds upon these principles Recovery in the Santa Monica Bay comparisons between time periods and with additional emphasis on incorporating Rosi Dagit1 and Tanessa Hartwig*2 quantify changes in the spatial extent of water conservation, considering the support debris at the cm scale. Comparison of of habitat, and avoiding inputs and invasive 1Senior Conservation Biologist, Resource images through time revealed 1) results of plants that can impact the surrounding Conservation District of the Santa Monica the large-scale dredging operations watershed. This talk will describe a Mountains [email protected] conducted in Franklin and Santa Monica successful outreach and education program, 2Environmental Services Coordinator, Creeks, 2) large alterations in the direction SAFE Landscapes, undertaken over the last Resource Conservation District of the Santa of water flow through the marsh channels decade, how to address the needs of those Monica Mountains [email protected] and 3) a surprising degree of recovery as re-landscaping post-fire, and the Federally endangered southern steelhead several of the smaller tidal channels initially incorporation of fire-resistant principles in trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in the Santa blocked by debris were cleared through the the Ocean Friendly Gardens Program in Monica Bay are currently the southernmost actions of tidal flushing. Our work has Ventura, CA, in the wake of the Thomas breeding population, and therefore demonstrated that the use of inexpensive Fire. represent an important ecological link drones can provide an effective method of critical to recovery of the southern monitoring changes to natural systems over California Distinct Population Segment. large spatial scales at cm level resolutions. Long-term monitoring of steelhead trout Our plans include the use of drones to 23 Restoration and Recovery after Fire and Debris Flows Wed 10 April, 10:30am–12pm — Santa Barbara Room

provides a unique opportunity to examine Backcountry Adventures to Inform plant taxa in nearly 500 polygons. At least the health and abundance of steelhead in Habitat Restoration eight taxa are limited enough that the watersheds of the Santa Monica Bay eradication may be possible. This includes Denise Knapp* and Stephanie Calloway after a prolonged drought (2012–2016) and species on the California Invasive Plant several recent fires. Steelhead monitoring is Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, 1212 Council’s watch list and those that are not also informing our creek and lagoon Mission Canyon Road, Santa Barbara 93105 yet ranked. The center of the Zaca Fire scar restoration alternatives and designs. 805.682.4868 [email protected] is a rare plant refugium, and should be However, prolonged drought and more protected. More accessible trails nearer to The Zaca and Jesusita Fires burned nearly severe and frequent wildfires are cities were more heavily invaded, but also 250,000 acres in the Los Padres National compromising streams with potential and present an opportunity to engage the many Forest Wilderness in 2007 and 2009. current habitat, and therefore volunteers that use these trails in habitat Invasive plants threaten the region’s compromising the current steelhead restoration. We made 24 seed collections for biodiversity, function, and resilience, and population. The current state of watersheds restoration purposes. Outreach is an may be introduced from firefighting in the Santa Monica Bay will be discussed. important component of this project; thus equipment or expanding in response to fire. In addition, several restoration options, and far, we have reached over 30,000 people with We are conducting comprehensive rare and their potential to positively impact our Facebook posts and videos, and 372 invasive plant surveys on all roads, steelhead, will be reviewed. people via public presentations, about the maintained trails, and firebreaks on foot beauty and value of this area, the threat of and mule-back to inform and prioritize invasive plants, and more. By bringing the habitat restoration. To date we have covered backcountry to the people, we can inspire 590 miles, mapping a net 290 miles, over them to protect and restore this rich natural 279 people days. We have mapped 19 rare resource in their extended backyard. plant taxa in 230 polygons, and 18 invasive

24 Interplay of riparian habitat, geomorphology, invasive species management, and fisheries health: Stream and Fisheries Restoration Chair: Ross Taylor, Ross Taylor & Associates Wed 10 April, 10:30am–5pm — Cabrillo Room Abstracts listed alphabetically by presenter (*)

Conservation Banking as a Tool for banking concept and how this partnership will discuss lessons learned, including the Riparian and Floodplain Restoration provides a unique tool for the recovery of importance of designing for natural channel protected species that depend on riparian evolution and developing design criteria Dan Chase*, Nate Bello, and Brian Bartell and floodplain habitats. and success metrics that are adaptable to WRA, Inc., 2169-G East Francisco Blvd, San changing site conditions. In conclusion, we Rafael, CA 94901 [email protected] will describe the revised, multi-faceted River Recovery Three Years After monitoring approach currently being Conservation banking provides a unique Removal of San Clemente Dam implemented to assess fish passage and opportunity for public and private habitat, which considers both physical (e.g., partnerships to restore and protect riverine Katherine Dudney*1, Trish Chapman2, geomorphology, hydrology) and biological and floodplain systems that support Aman Gonzalez3, Erin Seghesio4, Steve (e.g., benthic invertebrates, fish counts, threatened and endangered species of fish. McNeely1, Seth Gentzler1, Justin Sutton5, vegetation) data to make conclusions about Private land and capital can be directed Dylan Wade5, and Shawn Chartrand6 the overall site recovery and project success. towards the restoration of key habitat areas, 1AECOM [email protected] with the design, ecological benefit, and long 2State Coastal Conservancy term monitoring standards reviewed and [email protected] 3California Utilizing a Public-Private Partnership approved by public regulatory agencies. For American Water 4National Marine Fisheries to Restore Native Fish Habitat in the protected species of fish, this can result in Service 5WSC 6Balance Hydrologics Yolo Bypass: The Yolo Flyway Farms the connection and restoration of high Restoration Project quality riparian and floodplain habitat along The Carmel River Reroute and San important migratory and rearing corridors. Clemente Dam Removal Project is a legacy Carl Jensen Within Northern California’s Butte Creek project showcasing natural river recovery ICF, 630 K Street, Suite 400, Sacramento Watershed, conservation banking is being following removal of a 106-foot tall dam, 95814 916.737.3000 [email protected] used to create and improve riparian and relocation of over a million cubic yards of floodplain habitat in former agricultural accumulated sediment, and restoration of In conjunction with the California fields. This location provides an optimal historic riverine habitat. Three years Department of Water Resources (DWR), area of restoration for endangered winter- following the dam removal, the restored Reynier Fund, LLC, ICF, and cbec run and threatened spring-run Chinook river channel has significant native Ecoengineering designed, permitted, and salmon and steelhead, and presents a recruitment with absolute riparian constructed a 278-acre tidal marsh challenging balance to reach the desired vegetation cover of 60%. South-Central restoration project in the Lower Yolo Bypass habitat goals without adversely impacting California Coast steelhead are migrating near the Cache Slough Complex to benefit flood control, private property access, and through the project reach, along with Pacific native fish, including delta smelt surrounding agriculture. Using established lamprey, which have never before been (Hypomesus transpacificus) and winter- and science and emerging conservation biology, documented upstream of the dam. These spring-run salmonids. Yolo Flyway Farms restoration practitioners are working with successes follow winter storms in 2016/2017 represents the first project to be completed public regulatory agencies and academics to that reconfigured the constructed channel under a 2016 RFP released by DWR seeking understand and model the site’s flooding and resulted in the need to reevaluate complete ‘turn key’ tidal marsh restoration and hydrologic dynamics to design riparian monitoring methods and performance projects to partially fulfill mitigation and floodplain habitat that will benefit metrics. The unanticipated movement of obligations associated with the ongoing juvenile salmonids. We present a case study step pool boulders during 2-, 10-, and 30- operation of the State Water Project, which on the modeling, assessment work, and year events provides opportunity to delivers irrigation water to Central and conceptual design for restoring and question the original channel design and Southern California. The design enhancing rearing and migratory habitat construction, the fish passage criteria that development and entitlement of each used by protected salmonids and native fish. drove the design, and expectations around project is overseen by the multi-agency Fish We provide a summary of the conservation long-term stability. In the presentation we Agency Strategy Team, or FAST, which is 25 Stream and Fisheries Restoration Wed 10 April, 10:30am–5pm — Cabrillo Room

tasked with approving mitigation for the large amounts of earthwork. Construction Los Angeles River Fish Passage and ongoing need. The Yolo Flyway project was of the project began in August 2018 and was Habitat Structures designed to take advantage of the large areas completed in September 2018. DWR, in Wendy Katagi*1, Nathan Holste2, Michael of the site that were at an ideal intertidal conjunction with the California Affeldt3, and Eileen Alduenda4 elevation for tidal marsh restoration that Department of Fish and Wildlife, will begin would contribute to the food web of the collecting monitoring data at the site in 1Stillwater Sciences Cache Slough Complex quickly and without 2019. [email protected] 2US Bureau of Reclamation 3City Of Los Angeles Mayor’s Office 4Council for Watershed Health

26 Stream and Fisheries Restoration Wed 10 April, 10:30am–5pm — Cabrillo Room

The Los Angeles River in the project reach is change impacts. Gaviota Creek’s considered Throughout the span of the USC Program, a trapezoidal concrete channel. There is a a Core 2 watershed in the Southern residents now count on the Program to low-flow notch along the channel center Steelhead Recovery Plan. Core 2 support and guide them with their that is about 0.5 to 1 foot deep and has a top populations contribute to achieving watershed stewardship curiosities, width of 20 feet. The channel was designed recovery criteria within the Conception regulatory questions, and overall project for a capacity of 80,000 to 100,000 cfs, yet Coast Biogeographic Population Group support. The USC Program carries out the the flow is less than 300 cfs about 90 percent (BPG). Gaviota Creek is especially following activities: • Consults on proposed of the time. Hydraulic modeling has important to the BPG, because of its year- projects in order to promote soft demonstrated that current depth and round water supply — even during a engineering approaches such as laying back velocity conditions are fish passage barriers seven-year drought. The construction of the banks and using biotechnical bank at nearly all flows. Even at low flows, Highway 101 resulted in 17 fish passage stabilization techniques with native plants as velocities are above the suitable range for barriers along Gaviota Creek. An opposed to the traditional retaining walls or native fish. Project objectives are to improve alternatives analysis study is proceeding for riprap installations; • Organizes and leads function of the LA River to increase the lower five fish passage barriers that have hands-on technical trainings, free for Marin biodiversity, enhance native fish habitat, and been identified as priority barriers by the residents, to teach them how to implement restore fish passage migration corridors to Central Coast Fish Passage Advisory restoration actions on their own property upper tributaries. The City of Los Angeles Committee. Additional efforts are pending and why it’s critical for watershed health; • and project partners are working with to remediate the next six upstream barriers Provides free site evaluations for streamside multiple agencies to increase biodiversity for removal. CRC has partnered with residents that include issue-specific and restore native fish habitat and fish California State Parks to address the access suggestions to guide the residents toward passage migration corridors to upper road to Gaviota State Beach. The road cuts stewardship of their respected watersheds; • tributaries with high intrinsic potential through the floodplain of Gaviota Creek, Assists in regulatory compliance for spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead resulting in sediment accumulation residents conducting restoration in order to and rainbow trout, arroyo chub, speckled upstream of the road crossing, forming an incentivize residents to carry out more dace, unarmored three-spined stickleback, impoundment and fish passage barrier, and effective restoration projects; • Secures free and Santa Ana sucker. This native fish preventing sediment transport to the sea. or very low cost native plants to promote project is aligned with approved and Phase I will look at ways to restore passage, riparian revegetation in urban watersheds; • ongoing plans for the Los Angeles River sediment transport, floodplain ecological Serves as a communication liaison between watershed and tributaries. processes, and support longer terms local government departments, watershed watershed goals of enhancing the estuary, groups, residents and regulatory agencies to which is 25% of its original extent. promote better coordination on any and all Watershed Restoration Strategies for restoration efforts and/or watershed issues; • Southern Steelhead Recovery on Acts as a facilitator and mediator between Gaviota Creek Engaging Local Communities to multiple residents or regulators and Promote Urban Watershed Health & residents to promote positive and Candice Meneghin Understanding Around Salmonid productive relationships; • Creates Coastal Ranches Conservancy, 68 Hollister Habitat Needs incentives to promote watershed restoration Ranch Road, Goleta 93117 310.890.2834 on a parcel by parcel scale; • Secures grants Sarah Phillips [email protected] and manages projects that install instream Urban Streams Program Manager and off-channel habitat features for ESA- Coastal Ranches Conservancy (CRC) is [email protected] 415.663.1170 ext 302 listed CCC coho salmon in the Lagunitas implementing a restoration program Creek watershed on private properties stretching from headwaters to the coast to The Urban Streams Coordination Program support ecological resiliency and climate should be considered as a model to counties change adaptation on Gaviota Creek with an abundant number of watersheds Quiota Creek Restoration / Fish watershed. Watershed-level program interfacing with an urban environment. Passage — A Nearly Complete objectives include: protecting headwaters, Since the Marin Resource Conservation Watershed Plan restoring fish passage, floodplain District began its Urban Streams restoration, estuary enhancement, and are Coordination (USC) Program in late 2014, Timothy H. Robinson supported by a coalition of stakeholders. By with funding through Marin County, over [email protected] purchasing conservation easements from 2,000 residents in Marin County have been willing sellers CRC is protecting Gaviota educated. It turns out that having a program A watershed plan was initiated in 2006 for Creek from development and land use dedicated to urban streams really pays off! the restoration of Quiota Creek, a tributary 27 Stream and Fisheries Restoration Wed 10 April, 10:30am–5pm — Cabrillo Room

of the Lower Santa Ynez River in Santa This multi-objective project addresses selectively aggrade the marsh, filling in relic Barbara County and a NMFS-identified critical fish passage, water quality and ditches, borrow pits and other man-made low critical habitat stream for the recovery of flood risk challenges affecting Butano spots that generate anoxic conditions and the endangered Southern California Creek, Pescadero Marsh and the allow anoxic water to rapidly drain from the Steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Drafting surrounding community of Pescadero in marsh into the lagoon following breach events. the Plan was a multi-stakeholder process unincorporated San Mateo County. These actions will restore salmonid access to that resulted in consensus from Anthropogenic disturbances to the the watershed’s spawning habitat and landowners, regulatory agencies, local watershed have significantly increased ameliorate the conditions that create anoxic government and the public that provided a sediment delivery to Butano Creek and water and drive fish kills. road map for the extensive stream Pescadero Marsh. Along large portions of restoration efforts that followed. Twelve the project reach, sediment accumulation years later, nine of the eleven identified has filled the channel to the top of its Martin Slough Enhancement Project — anthropogenic fish passage barriers within banks. The resulting condition is nearly Humboldt Bay, California the watershed have been removed with one impassable for anadromous fish and other Ross N. Taylor forthcoming in the fall of this year. The native fish species. These issues are of steps, design options, implementation particular concern for populations of coho [email protected] success, and lessons learned will be salmon and steelhead. Compounding these Martin Slough is the lowermost tributary to presented in the context of fish passage, challenges are the regular development of Elk River via Swain Slough. The Elk River is an riparian habitat improvement, and anoxic conditions in the marsh which important anadromous salmonid watershed of connectivity of the aquatic ecosystem. Also cause devastating annual fish fills in Humboldt Bay and enters the bay south of addressed will be the importance of Quiota Pescadero Lagoon during natural breach Eureka, California. Martin Slough has a Creek in the ongoing monitoring and events. The loss of Butano Creek’s watershed area of approximately 5.4 square management efforts of the Santa Ynez conveyance capacity also causes chronic miles and natural channel length of over 10 River fishery for steelhead recovery. flooding of Pescadero Creek Road, miles, with approximately 7.5 miles of disconnecting the town from its main potential fish habitat. Focal species include access route and emergency services Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch), Butano Creek Channel Reconnection following even moderate rain events. The Chinook Salmon (O. tshawytscha), Tidewater and Resilience Project upcoming project will excavate accumulated sediment from Jai Singh*1, Chris Hammersmark1, Jim Butano Creek to reestablish Robins2, and Kellyx Nelson3 fish passage between the 1cbec eco engineering, 2544 Industrial estuary and the watershed Blvd., West Sacramento 95691 and to reduce flooding of 916.231.6052 [email protected] Pescadero Creek Road [email protected] 2Alnus during frequent, low Ecological [email protected] magnitude flood events. 510.332.9895 3San Mateo RCD This sediment will be [email protected] 650.712.7765 beneficially reused to

28 Stream and Fisheries Restoration Wed 10 April, 10:30am–5pm — Cabrillo Room

Goby (Eucyclogobius newberryi), steelhead EcoFIP: Assessing Floodplain quantity and quality than its 1-dimensional (O. mykiss), and numerous other non- Inundation Potential for Salmonid counterpart. listed estuarine species. The lower portion Habitat of the watershed flows through low Stream Restoration Design in an Luke Tillmann*, Josh Cumberland, and gradient bottomland containing the Anthropongenically Altered World Chris Bowles Eureka Municipal Golf Course and historic R.J. Van Sant*1 and Michael Ladouceur2 pastureland that is now managed by the cbec eco engineering Northcoast Regional Land Trust (NRLT). [email protected] 1ICF [email protected] 2U.S. Army Corps Historic impacts include extensive of Engineers, Los Angeles District, Regulatory California river systems have been channelization, diking and draining of Division extensively modified for flood protection, wetlands and side channels, and disruption irrigation conveyance, transportation, of natural tidal function with tide gates. A Restoration siting and design can be sediment management, and other human multi-phase program to restore the lower challenging in environments with activities, resulting in the creation of dams, reaches of Martin Slough has been anthropogenically altered landscapes levees, and other hydraulic structures that ongoing since the initiation of a feasibility including altered hydrology and sediment separate rivers from their historical study in 2001. The on-the-ground work transport, urban encroachment, invasive floodplains. These modifications have started with the installation of a muted tide species and changes to impervious surface. dramatically reduced available rearing gate in 2014 where Martin Slough enters These challenges affect southern California habitat for salmonids and contribute to Swain Slough. The Martin Slough and other large urban centers throughout the their declining populations. In response, Enhancement Project is located in and world. In such settings, restoring a site to restoration activities have focused on adjacent to the southern portion of the historic conditions can often not be reasonably reconnecting rivers with floodplain areas City of Eureka and terminates at its achieved, and although restoring to historical by levee setbacks and targeted levee confluence with Swain Slough. Project baseline may be thought of as the ideal breaching projects in an effort to remove objectives included flood reduction, scenario, an alternative approach is often hydraulic impediments to overbank restoration of tidal function and salt marsh required. Using a design approach that is inundation. Such projects involve detailed habitats, fish passage and enhancement of informed by historic conditions while also hydraulic modeling to assess grading fish habitat that focused on overwintering acknowledging existing conditions and designs for flood risk, inundation juvenile Coho Salmon and year-round constraints is often the most suitable path thresholds, and habitat suitability metrics, Tidewater Goby habitat. During the 2018 forward. In addition to landscape constraints and locations are often determined based construction season, approximately 4,200 there are also regulatory requirements and on the feasibility of land acquisition. To feet of Martin Slough’s main channel was hurdles that need to be met and overcome, streamline the process of locating suitable excavated up the NRLT/golf course including dealing with complex jurisdictional areas for such projects, a tool called EcoFIP property boundary. Additional work delineations, appropriate crediting, use of the (Ecological Floodplain Inundation included reconnecting a 2,000 foot long watershed approach, defining and complying Potential) was updated to perform oxbow and its southeast tributary to with self-sustainability requirements, and the planning-level analyses based on hydraulic Martin Slough’s main and the construction use of artificial structures and other managed modeling to assess the quality of of an off-channel pond. Monthly fisheries elements. This presentation will focus on the floodplain areas for salmonid rearing monitoring started on January 10, 2019 challenges of restoration and mitigation using based on depth and velocity criteria, and confirmed that juvenile Coho Salmon project examples from work in the Santa Ana assuming hydraulic impediments were were already utilizing newly created off- River (Riverside County), Otay River (San removed. A tiered approach was conducted channel ponds and newly reconnected Diego County), and Coachella Valley to determine the level of effort and quality tributary channels. Tidewater Gobies were (Riverside County). Project challenges and of results associated with both 1-D and 2- also captured in newly created habitats. identified solutions for three real-world D hydraulic models and GIS PIT tagging of Coho and other salmonids projects will be reviewed including: (1) river post-processing analyses. Using the Feather will allow us to evaluate growth and restoration in a severely truncated watershed River from Yuba City to the Sacramento movement through recaptures of with complex onsite constraints including River as a pilot reach, it was determined previously tagged fish. utilities and border control; (2) tributary that, while a 2-dimensional model requires stream restoration in a highly urbanized additional data inputs and more environment with recreational uses, land-use development time, it provided more constraints, and managed hydrology; and (3) realistic floodplain inundation dynamics restoration of desert wetland/ephemeral and allowed for more complex suitability washes in a dense agricultural and recreational analyses for judging rearing habitat area with changing land uses. 29 30 Emerging tools for field work and data analysis: Technology and Tools Chair: Kari Dupler, WRA, Inc. Thu 11 April, 10:30am–3:50pm — Oceanview Room Abstracts listed alphabetically by presenter (*)

Climate-driven Vegetation Changes at can be used to prioritize both locations and UAV/RTK Data Collection for Aactive the Dangermond Preserve: species for management action to maintain Construction Oversight and As-built Implications for Restoration biodiversity and ecosystem function Documentation throughout California and beyond. Brad Anderson, Master’s Candidate 2019 Sundaran Gillespie Bren School of Environmental Science & WRA, Inc. [email protected] Management, UCSanta Barbara Walker Mine Tailings, Part 2: Utilizing During the course of 2018, WRA [email protected] Unmanned Aircraft Systems for Site implemented several large restoration Assessment Climate change threatens an ever-increasing projects across the state. All of these number of species with extinction. Large Samantha Birdsong* and Ian MacLeod* restoration projects have several agencies protected areas can mitigate biodiversity involved all providing high standards for California Department of Conservation, loss from climate change, allowing species success criteria. With over 20 different 801 K Street MS 09-06, Sacramento 95814 to more easily track their preferred climate. machines working at several sites, grade 916.323.9198 However, the effects of climate change will checking and oversight was set at a very fast [email protected] alter the distribution of species within pace. In order to save time in the field and [email protected] stationary protected areas, forcing managers to grade check larger swaths of area on the to reassess conservation priorities. Modern Following the previous talk by Ian fly, WRA deployed several UAV flights in technological tools can help land managers MacLeod, here we discuss our use of conjunction with RTK spot checks. With design realistic and resilient conservation unmanned aircraft systems (UAS, a.k.a. high accuracy RTK ground control points plans to address this. Here maximum drone) to study the Walker Mine Tailings. set in advance, UAV imagery was quickly entropy (MaxEnt), a species distribution We flew our recently-acquired DJI Phantom processed day to day then spot checked modelling program, is used to predict the 4 Pro UAS with automated flight planning throughout restoration areas to provide future climate suitability for four plant software at 80 m above ground level and construction crews with up to date info on species (a widely distributed native, a rare collected 1,800 photos of the 100-acre site. grade accuracy. Problem areas were then endemic, a northern species, and a southern We processed the photos into usable addressed and areas meeting goals were left species) at The Nature Conservancy’s Jack & imagery using ESRI’s Drone2Map software intact. Finally after work was completed, Laura Dangermond Preserve in Santa and analyzed the images in ArcGIS Pro. one final UAV flight was performed to Barbara County. The predicted suitability We produced the following products: a create the as-built conditions of each of the for coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia), tanoak detailed high resolution orthomosaic image finished projects. These as-built datasets will (Notholithocarpus densiflora), and La (with a pixel size of 1.8 cm vs. existing provide the baseline for success criteria Purissima manzanita (Arctostaphylos imagery at 60 cm); a topographic map; achievement in future years. Overall the purissima) are all reduced to different digital elevation models (DEM); and a 3D combined approach of the UAV and RTK degrees under warming scenarios, but the model. These UAS products have allowed us saved the clients and construction coast live oak—the widely distributed to more accurately delineate the site into companies valuable time in order to meet species—showed evidence of resilience. In multiple “habitat areas”, classify ground and their demanding deadlines. contrast, suitability will likely increase in the vegetative cover, and digitize trees to future at the preserve for the southern estimate tree density. The imagery also species, lemonade berry (Rhus integrifolia). provides a permanent record that can Data Visualization Tool for Furthermore, by considering how climate facilitate long-term monitoring. In Multidisciplinary Communication in stresses these species during their early-life retrospect, we note the ease of actual flying Restoration stages, these results can be used to identify (and the importance of pre-flight Seongjun Kim* and Mitch Swanson the most suitable locations for natural preparations) and the time-consuming propagation, and thus better prioritize nature of post-flight data processing. Northwest Hydraulics Consultants, 2600 limited conservation resources. This study Capital Avenue, Suite 140, Sacramento highlights how distribution modeling tools 95816 916.371.7400 [email protected] 31 32 Technology and Tools Thu 11 April, 10:30am–3:50pm — Oceanview Room

Implementation of a data visualization tool environmental work more efficient, to National Forest. Despite attempts to at the decision-making level can improve produce higher quality outcomes, and to revegetate the site, the tailings remain largely the communication and effectiveness within streamline advancing the science, art, and devoid of vegetation, contaminate nearby interdisciplinary restoration design practice of restoring native California streams with heavy metals, and produce committees. The restoration field is a habitats. Wildlands utilized Wildnote, a hazardous airborne silica dust. We installed unique intersection of several disciplines of cloud-based platform, on the Sacramento eight revegetation experiments from 2014– sciences and engineering. Recently, for a River Ranch Mitigation Complex in 2017 to evaluate strategies for: (1) large-scale bank protection project on 13.2 Northern California, a restoration project enhancing existing onsite vegetation, and miles of the Lower American River (LAR), a that involves planting elderberry bushes and (2) installing new plants. We sought to large technical and resource advisory other trees naturally occurring in the same increase the water holding capacity of the committee (TRAC) used an Excel Visual riparian environment. We will discuss the tailings, increase organic matter and Basic Application (VBA) dashboard, that efficiencies obtained when tracking and nutrients, and neutralize low pH we tested was developed by Northwest Hydraulic counting 15 species of plants while various amendments: compost, bentonite Consultants (NHC), as a data visualization documenting four different parameters clay, superabsorbent polymer, slow release tool to facilitate system-level discussion for (good, fair, poor and recruits) for each fertilizer, biochar, mineral soil (collected design decisions. The dashboard is a tree/shrub as well as shrub size information from nearby), limestone, and wood chip customizable and interactive visual tool — we counted more than 2,000 trees and mulch. The existing, stunted plants built in Excel to help experts understand shrubs ranging across 52 plots. Wildlands responded well to mixtures of compost, clay, connected, interdisciplinary effects of also utilized this platform on the San Luis and fertilizer. Additionally, mineral soil design alternatives. For example, a fish Rey Mitigation Bank, a wetland mitigation provided native seeds and soil microfauna biologist can see to what degree changing bank located near the City of Oceanside in from the surrounding forests. For new water velocities can affect shear stress on the San Diego County, California. The purpose plantings, we experimented with broadcast banks, while the hydraulic engineer can see of this mitigation bank is to rehabilitate, re- seeding and container plantings of trees, how the grade of a bank may impact the establish, and permanently protect shrubs, and forbs. We were unable to habitat quality for Fall-run Chinook approximately 54 acres of the San Luis Rey irrigate our plantings and many new plants salmon. By using the dashboard, the TRAC River and floodplain. Vegetation monitoring died during the first dry summer season but selected from a menu of designs at each of is a major component in measuring the for those plants that survived, their health the LAR restoration site segments of 0.1 to function and performance of this major has continued to improve. Amendments 0.7 miles in length. The TRAC members project. With 42 plots spread across the such as compost, clay, and soil increased viewed cumulative effects on the reach, project, ranging from riparian, floodplain, plant health and some plots now have created their desired design combinations, wetland, to grassland, Wildlands will populations of annual and perennial plants and justified their selections for each document all species along with cover that are self-perpetuating by producing segment. This unique approach gives more values, height, and plant indicator status. seed. In the next presentation, Samantha information and input to the stakeholders Over the course of 2 years using Wildnote, Birdsong will discuss our use of unmanned and clients. Their selections were shared, Wildlands has counted over 12,000 native aircraft systems (UAS, a.k.a. drone) at the and a focused and productive discussion trees and shrubs and dozens of grasses and Walker Mine Tailings. followed. With knowledgeable development forbs across the 42 plots, saving effort, time, and correct application, the dashboard has and money. the potential to improve the Using Plant Species Climate Tolerances communication within any multi- and Climate Projections to Design disciplinary project team. Walker Mine Tailings, Part 1: Climate-Smart Riparian Restoration Revegetating Stubbornly Barren Projects Tailings Drew Mealor*, Isaiah Thalmayer*, Thomas Using Cloud-based Technology to Ian MacLeod Gardali, and Alison Pollack Create Efficiency in Restoration Work California Department of Conservation Point Blue Conservation Science Greg Lohse*1 and Nancy Douglas2 [email protected] [email protected] 1Wildlands [email protected] 916.323.9198 An important step in some ecological 2Wildnote [email protected] The Walker Mine, located in the mountains restoration projects is selecting plant species Climate change, habitat destruction, and of Plumas County, CA, produced copper that will accomplish project goals, are site disappearing species are a call to action — until 1941. The operation discarded the adapted, and resilient to future conditions. let’s use the best of our technology to make mine’s sandy tailings up to 28 feet deep on a Climate projections suggest that future 100-acre meadow in the adjacent Plumas 33 Technology and Tools Thu 11 April, 10:30am–3:50pm — Oceanview Room

conditions may lead to shifts in plant ranges species that are morphologically similar) or Restoration project, and to help facilitate depending on species adaptive capacity, when a species population abundance or conversations internally as well as with tolerances to climate variables, and other density is low. Environmental DNA (eDNA) resource agencies and project partners, ICF factors. To determine if a species may sampling technology has been around for developed an open source online viewer as survive future climates, individual species’ years but only recently have the methods part of our new WayPoint technology climate tolerances can be compared to become cost competitive and more broadly platform. This customizable, user friendly future climate projections. Point Blue utilized in aquatic and terrestrial website provides better management of Conservation Science has developed a environments. Sampling eDNA, when historic and ongoing field data, such as map method to generate plant species climate properly integrated, can greatly reduce field layers, photos, and drone imagery in one tolerances and compare them to future efforts and provide an additional level of easy-to-access location accessible to all. climate scenarios in the 9 county San confidence on species presence or absence at Photos and video footage that might Francisco Bay Area, California. We use a site. Knowledge of species presence during typically sit in folders and lack spatial historic spatial temperature, precipitation, design and permitting can be instrumental context can now be accessed by simply and climatic water deficit data and plant to an effective project especially if non- clicking a point location on the map. distribution from across California to assess target protected species may be present and Recent, high resolution drone imagery that species climate tolerances within the next 50 need consideration. This method can also can be difficult to share and even open years. Species tolerances for an entire be an effective way to supplement without GIS software due to its size, is now planting list are then visualized alongside traditional survey methods by identifying available to all project partners. The ability future climate projections to determine focal areas when detection probability is to view photos, videos, and drone imagery restoration site suitability. A cross- low. In this presentation, we introduce over time lets managers observe validation analysis shows that these three eDNA and associated sampling methods, construction progress from their desktop, climate variables combined have predictive provide applications for its use, along with and enables the tracking of vegetation value for species distributions within the benefits and caveats of this method. We also growth and site maturation. The viewer Bay Area, and suggests that more extreme offer two applications for using eDNA provides version control by always depicting future climates could limit site suitability for sampling: as a supplement to traditional the latest project feature and mapped some species. By including other species survey methodologies during performance species data to all users, and a live attributes like growth form, phenology, monitoring when species abundance is low connection to field survey data saves time wildlife, and fire ecology this method can be (e.g. California tiger salamander, and money by streamlining updates. used to create climate-smart planting Ambystoma californiense), and for Additionally, the project website comes palettes that can meet project goals. restoration planning with a cryptic species equipped with our in-house commenting (e.g. giant gartersnake, Thamnophis gigas). tools that let project partners share location specific observations or concerns. This Environmental DNA (eDNA) Use for website has been a key component to Project Planning and Species Restoration Project Information managing and sharing existing project data Detection Management and Monitoring, in a new and transparent way, and will Streamlined Web Interface provide the foundation for visualizing Patricia Valcarcel*, Dan Chase, and Rob future monitoring efforts and comparing Schell Jon Walker*1, Nick Janssen*2, and Lindsay images over time. Teunis3 WRA, Inc., 2169-G East Francisco Blvd, San Rafael 94901 [email protected] ICF. 1Data Analytics & Visualization Team Manager, 615 SW Alder St. Suite 200, Restoration projects with potential to Portland, OR 97205 503.525.6147, support protected species must consider [email protected] 2GIS Associate & FAA these species at each stage in the process, Part 107 Certified sUAS Pilot, 525 B Street, from planning and permitting to Suite 1700, San Diego 92101 858.578.8964 implementation and performance [email protected] 3Restoration monitoring. Traditional survey methods to Team Manager, 525 B Street, Suite 1700, San detect protected species can be labor and Diego 92101 858.444.3906 time intensive and may not provide accurate [email protected] results on species presence or absence. This is especially true for cryptic species (i.e. To create efficiencies for internal and external data viewing for the Otay River 34 Restoration in the future: Thinking Outside the Box Chair: Kevin MacKay, ICF Thu 11 April, 2pm–5pm — Oceanview Room Abstracts listed alphabetically by presenter (*)

Teaching Ecological Restoration to Open Meta-Analysis is a Reproducible promote reproducible and mobile Future Generations Environmental Solution knowledge for many fundamental scientific endeavors by considering use of scientific Andrew Lanes Christopher Lortie synthesis tools to inform solutions for the Cheadle Center for Biodiversity and The National Center for Ecological Analysis environmental crisis. Ecological Restoration, UCSB, 578 Harder and Synthesis, UCSB, 735 State St. Santa Speak to Be Remembered: Science Stadium South, MC#9615 805.674.3994 Barbara 93101 Communication and the Art of [email protected] [email protected] Storytelling Technological innovations in restoration Conservation decisions can reside with Sue Gardner ecology are continuously progressing, legislators or with environmental managers. necessitating development in the pedagogy To focus on the latter, managers typically [email protected] associated with teaching new concepts in have scientific backgrounds and routinely “We are, as a species, addicted to story. Even the field. The practice of ecological navigate the technical literature. However, when the body goes to sleep, the mind stays up restoration itself is also gaining recognition engagement with scientific literature is non- all night, telling itself stories.” — Jonathan as a promising tool for teaching science trivial for all practitioners because of time, Gottschall concepts and for creating an important access, relevance of the science, and sense of stewardship for the land and reporting standards. Environmental Have you ever tried explaining a basic meaningful relationships with the natural managers and conservationists need to be ecological concept to someone and received a world for future generations. The Cheadle able to use evidence to inform decisions. blank stare? Ever shared your work in a Center for Biodiversity and Ecological However, there can be a gap in classroom and noticed a gaggle of glazed eyes? Restoration (CCBER) implements and communication between basic science and As ecologists and scientists the work we manages numerous current and long-term management for at least three reasons. undertake is critical and core to the health restoration projects on the main UCSB Firstly, the research is not a direct study of of the environment (and humanity) — and campus and in adjacent areas. The close an ecosystem, and an immediate, real-world yet, communicating about it in a way that is proximity of these sites to UCSB and the solution is needed by managers — easily understood can be very difficult. The community provides unique opportunities preferably with a demonstrable outcome challenge is not in the information but in for research, education, outreach, and and reasonable cost estimate. This is a very the communication. Research on brain public involvement. Educational services real limitation in the primary science processing has revealed fascinating details provided by CCBER include UCSB courses, literature restoration ecology for instance. on why storytelling is one of the most seminars, workshops, interpretive media, Secondly, the link between the biology or powerful ways to communicate. Why is this, and Kids in Nature (KIN), an award ecology present in the literature is not and how can we, as scientists, learn to winning K-12 environmental education articulately connected to the similar process incorporate the basics tenants of storytelling program. KIN is a yearlong, place-based for the system at hand. Finally, the capacity into the information we share? This session program instructed by CCBER faculty and to see the forest for the trees for even large- will explore the science behind storytelling, staff in which UCSB students develop new scale or broad basic research study can be a thoughts for how to improve the curriculum and mentor younger students challenge. Science can be very specialized, information we share, and examples of through hands-on activities utilizing UCSB and mobilizing knowledge for solutions recent storytelling workshops that are being open spaces and involvement in restoration requires both detailed expertise, scientific used to better understand the future of land work. Through new approaches to synthesis tools, or a focus on identifying the stewardship. education via ecological restoration, salient elements associated with a study. CCBER is able to profoundly impact the Often, seeing the forest also requires greater Santa Barbara community and sampling many trees. This leads to the beyond. general proposal here that experts can 35 36 How Phytophthora, shot-hole borers, pine bark beetles, aquatic pests, and climate change impact landscapes Threats, Pests, and Pathogens Chair: Ralph Vigil, Habitat Restoration Sciences Wed 10 April, 2pm–5pm — Oceanview Room Abstracts listed alphabetically by presenter (*)

Attempting to Eradicate Limonium presented a greater risk to woodlands, and (FD) on 64 tree species. As part of a multi- duriusculum in Carpinteria Salt Marsh have left land managers looking for campus and multi-agency collaborative treatment, tracking, and monitoring effort, we are developing essential building Elihu Gevirtz options. In order to treat a problem, one of blocks for integrative pest management Senior Ecologist, Channel Islands the first steps is to determine what pest/s (IPM) in native vegetation, urban forests, Restoration 805.448.4175 and/or diseases are present and determine and avocado growing regions of California. [email protected] how extensive the problem is in an efficient The fundamental IPM components include and rapid manner. To address the issue of 1) rapid early detection and identification Channel Islands Restoration is working to rapidly identifying and assessing potential tools; 2) identifying which habitats are most eradicate a non-native invasive species, infestation areas, Rancho Mission Viejo vulnerable to ISHB-FD and most important European Sea Lavender (Limonium along with Dudek have developed a rapid in its spread; 3) evaluating preventive and duriusculum), from the Carpinteria Salt assessment protocol that was first curative control options appropriate for Marsh in order to restore habitat for three implemented in 2014 as a way to quickly different habitat types; 4) training users to endangered species. These are Salt Marsh and efficiently identify potential GSOB and identify ISHB symptoms and implement Bird’s-Beak (Chloropyron maritimum ssp. pest outbreaks. The rapid assessment appropriate control measures; 5) evaluating maritimum), Crotch Bumble Bee (Bombus protocol uses a three stage process; and improving IPM strategies with crotchii), Belding’s Savannah Sparrow including aerial image review, vantage point managers in an iterative process. In the (Passercullus sandwichensis beldingi) and a reconnaissance, and field evaluations to summers of 2017–2018 we measured suite of common estuary species. located and evaluate potential pest vegetation and landscape characteristics, Eradication is proving to be a daunting task outbreaks in southern Orange County. The microclimate, and resident beneficial with approximately 4.7 acres of Limonium program is in its 5th year of practice and microorganisms across our network of 260 spread out over the 230-acre marsh. We will continues to grow and evolve as an efficient 0.25-ha monitoring plots throughout present our methods and results to date. means of rapidly assessing woodlands for infested and non-infested urban-wildland This a collaborative project with the Upper potential pest and disease outbreaks. forests and avocado groves. Our preliminary Salinas-Las Tablas Resource Conservation data suggest that xylem-limited bacterial District and the Wildlife Conservation endophytes collected from healthy trees in Board. IPM Building Blocks to Control Invasive diseased sites inhibit growth of the fusaria Shot Hole Borers–Fusarium Dieback pathogens. Given that the beetles survive by feeding on their fungal symbionts Pest Monitoring — A Rapid Shannon C. Lynch*1,3, Richard Stouthamer2, exclusively, microbes interfering with fungal Assessment Protocol Akif Eskalen3, and Gregory S. Gilbert1 growth thus protect individual plants, Chris Kallstrand*, Ryan Gilmore*, and Kam 1UC Santa Cruz, Department of potentially reduce disease spread, and Muri* Environmental Studies [email protected] present biocontrol opportunities. We are 951.534.2819 2UC Riverside, Department assessing their inhibition efficacy to Dudek, 605 Third St., Encinitas 92024 of Entomology 3UC Davis, Department of determine which endophytes or [email protected] Plant Pathology combination of microbes to use for With new pests and disease entering preventative and curative control The viability of oak and riparian California at an ever increased rate, the need experiments. communities in southern California is for pest and disease monitoring in Southern threatened by an emergent pest-disease California’s riparian and oak woodlands has complex involving two invasive shot hole never been more important. Over the last borers (ISHB, Euwallacea n. fornicatus), several years, two pests in particular, Gold each associated with specific fungal Spotted Oak Borer (GSOB) and Invasive pathogens (Fusarium euwallaceae and F. Shot Hole Borer (ISHB), have increasingly kuroshium) that cause Fusarium dieback 37 Threats, Pests, and Pathogens Wed 10 April, 2pm–5pm — Oceanview Room

Implications of Unauthorized Human Evaluating Threats Posed by Exotic Advancing Riparian and River Uses on Riparian/Stream Restoration Phytophthora species to Sensitive Plant Restoration in a Time of Uncertainty Communities in the Santa Clara Natural Linnea Spears-Lebrun Lindsay Teunis Community Conservation Plan Area Senior Restoration Ecologist, ICF, 525 B ICF, 525 B Street, Suite 1700, San Diego, Tedmund J. Swiecki*1, Elizabeth A. Street, Suite 1700, San Diego 92101 92101, 858.444.3906, Bernhardt1, Janell Hillman2 [email protected] [email protected] 858.578.8964 1Phytosphere Research, Vacaville, Restoration as a practice is built on the [email protected] 2Santa Humans use natural areas for authorized principle of change, with a primary goal of Clara Valley Water District, San Jose, activities such as recreation, solitude, and maximizing ecological processes to facilitate education but also for many unauthorized This project focused on detecting self-sustaining dynamic systems. Natural uses including trails, off-road vehicles, Phytophthora species currently affecting or disturbances such as fire, drought, and flood dumping, illicit activities and homes. having the potential to seriously affect play an important role in riparian While authorized uses are factored into the populations of covered plants in the Santa ecosystems with many dominant species land use planning and management of a Clara Natural Community Conservation evolving aspects of their life history to space, unauthorized uses can have a wide Plan (NCCP) area. A key component of the complement such disturbances. However, range of detrimental effects on ecosystems, NCCP was the creation of a 19,000 ha reserve natural disturbances have been modified by with a disproportionate impact on riparian network within the plan area to safeguard human actions with increased fire habitats. We have observed unauthorized protected and conserved species and habitats frequency/intensity, modified hydrology uses disrupting restoration and mitigation for the 50 year plan duration. We used a GIS- (e.g., dams and flood conveyance), and projects through direct disturbance of the based analysis to identify at-risk priority climate change. In addition to natural restoration, increased implementation habitat types within the reserve system that disturbances many stressors brought on by costs, and ultimately abandonment of sites might be exposed to contamination from direct human actions further complicate due to failure to meet success standards, potential Phytophthora sources. We collected restoration and subsequent management of long-term ineffectiveness, as well as safety 189 root/soil samples from reserve system riparian ecosystems. In southern California issues and liability. Unauthorized illegal areas with high-priority vegetation types; 68 invasive plant and wildlife species are one of human activities and subsequent impacts samples were collected from the three the primary stressors plaguing riparian have been observed in most of the large remaining populations of the endangered areas. We will utilize two large-scale urban river systems in Southern California Coyote ceanothus (Ceanothus ferrisiae). restoration projects currently in the including the Los Angeles, Ventura, San Among terrestrial samples, Phytophthora planning phases to discuss a variety of Luis Rey, San Diego, and Santa Ana Rivers, species were recovered from 59% of current issues facing riparian restoration as well as many tributaries. This periodically flooded sites, and 9% of samples including the Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer presentation will provide examples of of natural vegetation from drier upland and (PSHB) beetle (Euwallacea sp.), water projects that were substantially impacted flat/lowland sites. Phytophthora species were management (drought, dams, and by unauthorized uses at varying stages also detected in 67% of 21 water samples conservation efforts), invasive plant species, including, planning, implantation, and collected across all locations. These included and sensitive wildlife species. The first long-term management. Impacts, spring-fed ponds where contamination may project is the Otay River Restoration Project implications to the resources and have been introduced via grazing livestock. In where mitigation is proposed for the applicants, and ultimate project outcomes all, 20 Phytophthora taxa were recovered, mainstem river approximately 1 mile below will be discussed. In addition, the types of including several undescribed species. Most a dam. The second project is the Upper human disturbances that should be detected infestations were associated with Santa Ana River Habitat Conservation Plan considered when selecting a site, evaluating common Phytophthora sources such as and Mitigation Bank located in Upper Santa risk, calculating short-term and long-term nursery stock plantings, previous agricultural Ana River Watershed, and includes maintenance costs, setting success areas, and contaminated watercourses. restoration in the mainstem Santa Ana River standards, and designing future Spread from sources was associated with floodplain and select tributaries. For both management actions will be reviewed. roads, trails, development and grading projects, discussions with resource agencies activities, and livestock grazing. One Coyote are focused on complex trade-offs regarding ceanothus population is threatened by an invasive species treatment, looming invasion extensive but still localized, multispecies by the PSHB, fire frequency, sensitive Phytophthora infestation that was likely wildlife, and long term adaptive initiated by a restoration planting of infected management. 38 nursery stock. How water conservation ripples through restoration, from landscape design to instream flows Water Conservation for Improved Habitats Chair: Jane Gray, Dudek Thu 11 April, 2:20pm–5pm — Santa Barbara Room Abstracts listed alphabetically by presenter (*)

Multiple Benefits of Riparian riparian restoration projects in California. 1Watershed Progressive Restorations in California: Preliminary data includes bird surveys, [email protected] Documenting, Communicating, vegetation transects, and soil samples 2Kear Groundwater Optimizing collected from three restorations projects Over-extraction, drought, and impervious in Marin County, California, ranging from Kristen Dybala*, Renée Cormier, Hilary development of watersheds have been 1 to over 20 years old. Broad-scale Allen, Nathaniel E. Seavy, and Thomas identified by a major barrier to instream implementation of a multiple benefits Gardali flows in coastal watersheds. Diminishing protocol will allow better communication summer base flows are a barrier to Point Blue Conservation Science of the multiple benefits of riparian fisheries habitat, water quality, as well as [email protected] restoration efforts, and will contribute to groundwater recharge. Recently, steps to improving the effectiveness of riparian Riparian restoration is an important prioritize projects to enhance instream restoration design and management in strategy for providing multiple benefits to flow on the Central Coast has been driven achieving multiple goals. Californians, such as water quality, carbon by efforts of Integrated Water Strategies storage, and biodiversity conservation. (IWS) modeling through a Wildlife However, the actual benefits of individual Conservation Board award 2018–2020. In Panel: Water Conservation for riparian restoration projects are rarely conjunction with the modeled IWS Improved Habitats — How Water documented, missing opportunities to prioritization, a subset of San Antonio Conservation Ripples through communicate the full range of benefits, as watershed (Ojai City and the Sphere of Restoration from Landscape Design well as opportunities to learn from these Influence) has been quantified at the to Instream Flows projects and optimize restoration design parcel level for local ecological water to simultaneously achieve multiple goals. Jane Gray (facilitator)1 with Steph conservation and infiltration tools. The First, we studied the carbon storage and Wald2and Dominic Roque3 aggregation of these water conservation biodiversity benefits of riparian tools, combined with IWS prioritization, 1Dudek [email protected] 2Central restoration projects in the Cosumnes can inform a diverse portfolio of Coast Salmon 3CCRWQCB River Preserve in California’s Central treatments significant to summer base Valley to quantify the magnitude and rate Water Conservation entails strategies, flows for the San Antonio Watershed, as of change in these benefits, and to policies, regulations and actions aimed well as the Central Coast. understand how they relate to restoration ensuring there is adequate water for design and management. We identified a humans and ecosystems. Land use is synergy between carbon storage and inexorably tied to water use and this panel Using an Urban Runoff Source to biodiversity benefits in their positive discusses the ways we interact with water Create a Thriving Wetland System associations with understory cover, but we and how to make the best land use Barry Nerhus* and Luma Fowler also identified a trade-off in their decisions to ensure water is equitably relationships to forest stand density. shared for flora, fauna and human Endemic Environmental Services, Inc., PO Biomass carbon stocks were strongly consumption and landscapes. Box 2363 Huntington Beach 92647 positively related to stand density and bird 714.393.6249 density and diversity suffered at the [email protected] highest stand densities, indicating Water Conservation Toolkits for [email protected] opportunities to optimize riparian Instream Flow Enhancement After 10 years of implementing and restoration design and management to Aja Bulla-Richards1, Emily Corwin1, managing a 40-acre riparian and wetlands achieve multiple goals. Currently, we are Regina Hirsch*1, Aimee Haasteaby1, and restoration project, this site harbors two developing and testing a protocol for Jordan Kear2 endangered and several rare species. efficiently monitoring multiple benefits of Moreover, this wetland system utilizes 39 Water Conservation for Improved Habitats Thu 11 April, 2:20pm–5pm — Santa Barbara Room

urban runoff to fill wetland ponds and estimate that at least 500,000 acres of channels. The system not only provides groundwater-irrigated land—10% of the Achieving Resilience at White Point habitat, but also percolates water back into current agricultural footprint in the San Nature Preserve the water table. These ecosystem services Joaquin Valley—will go out of are a solution to removing urban runoff production. If not properly managed, this Megan Wolff from entering the ocean, providing rare sweeping land retirement will likely result Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy habitat, and adding water to the ground in severe socioeconomic, community [email protected] water table. However, this system requires health, and ecological impacts. long term maintenance to abate Environmental Defense Fund has adopted With multiple threats to our southern mosquitos, monitor for new invasive a multi-benefit resilience strategy to California ecosystems such as severe species (shot hole borer), and protect explore how this large-scale land drought, wildfires, climate change urban from human impacts. The lessons learned conversion can be harnessed to create runoff, and limited diversity in our plant from the 10 years of restoring, species habitat, provide alternative income communities, the Palos Verdes Peninsula maintaining and monitoring will give for farmers, and improve environmental Land Conservancy is working to achieve insight to future projects. health conditions for local communities. resilience through a series of habitat Multi-benefit management, such as the restoration projects at White Point Nature creation of groundwater recharge ponds Preserve in San Pedro, California. At Sustainable Groundwater with wetland features and upland habitat White Point, we are incorporating rare Management and Restoration on restoration, can effectively balance over- annual forbs, wildflowers, and bunch Private Lands drafted aquifers and offer an attractive grasses to target biodiversity; local coastal alternative to traditional strategies for sage scrub plant selections and federally Anna Schiller groundwater replenishment. EDF is using endangered Palos Verdes blue butterfly [email protected] a multitiered approach to help facilitate host plants to promote fire resilience and the use of such methods, including the at-risk species recovery; and enhancing The passing of the Sustainable development of technical tools, legal bioswales to capture urban runoff and Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) assurances, and economic analyses to filter pollutants utilizing a community- in 2014 set a new mandate to balance demonstrate efficacy and facilitate based approach. This approach allows us groundwater use across the state. For parts implementation. Working with San to inspire the next generation of of the San Joaquin Valley, home to much Joaquin Valley partners, EDF is ground- environmental stewards—our key to of the state’s groundwater-dependent truthing these strategies in an effort to effective resilience over time. agriculture, doing so will require establish multi-benefit projects as a viable significant reductions in pumping and alternative to traditional land fallowing in associated land-fallowing. Experts response to SGMA.

40 Poster Session & Student Poster Competition Chair: Elihu Gevirtz, Channel Islands Restoration Reception: Wednesday 10 April, 5–7pm — Santa Barbara Room Abstracts listed alphabetically by presenter (*). Presenters in bold are students who have received scholarships from the proceeds of last year’s Raffle and this year’s Student Scholarship sponsors

Testing the Effects of Site Selection species addition, as the introduced plants suggests that hand removal of every LIRA and Shelters on Restoration Seeding are protected inside of a shelter. This could plant in conjunction with herbicide Success reduce the timing of restoration projects application is most effective at reducing and help practitioners meet funding LIRA percent coverage in the short-term. In Marlee L. Antill* and Erin J. Questad schedules. most cases, however, herbicide use is likely California State Polytechnic University, preferable as it has similar efficacy as Pomona, Department of Biology treatment 1 and is much more time and cost [email protected] Manual Removal and Herbicide effective. Treatment for Maximum Limonium Slope and aspect are important factors in ramosissimum Reduction determining where native plant Fisheries Restoration Grant Program communities occur in seasonally dry Catherine Brett*, Patrick Yin, Anu climates and yet are underutilized in Thirunarayanan, Zonghuan (Jason) Li, and Timothy Chorey locating sites for restoration of native Kyle Zhang California Department of Fish and Wildlife species in semiarid ecosystems. Habitat CuriOdyssey [email protected] [email protected] Suitability Modeling with Remote Sensing identifies high priority sites where abiotic Limonium ramosissimum, also known as The Fisheries Restoration Grant Program conditions may be more favorable for native Algerian sea lavender or LIRA, is a perennial (FRGP) provided more than $15 million plant recruitment. High suitability sites (for herb native to the western Mediterranean. annually for ecological restoration activities example, north-facing, moderately-sloped Introduced into the San Francisco Bay Area that help recover endangered salmonids. areas) have been associated with native where it has proven invasive, LIRA has out- FRGP is an instrumental funding source in plant survival during restoration, possibly competed native plants. Initial herbicide funding stream and fisheries restoration, due to decreased moisture stress and seed treatments in the Estuary showed variable water conservation restoration, and fire movement, however these sites may not be efficacy. Hand-removal efforts can achieve recovery restoration in California. We accessible in all restoration projects. In high LIRA mortality initially, but are more recently updated our application, review regions where site selection is narrowed due costly and time consuming. The purpose of process, and timeline resulting increased to urban development and other this experiment is to determine whether restoration capacity. Local goverments, restrictions, the use of artificial shelters may manual removal in conjunction with tribes and NGOs are eligible applicants. improve abiotic conditions for native plant herbicide treatment can shorten the time to restoration in low suitability sites. A two- local eradication. We investigated the year seedling survival experiment was impact of two levels of hand-removal effort Regenerating Soil Function on Non- established within a disturbed CSS habitat after an herbicide application to determine vegetated Mine Wastes in southern California to test for differences treatment efficacy. All experimental plots Vic Claassen in native plant recruitment in high and low were treated with herbicide, a mixture of suitability sites, both in and out of plastic glyphosate and imazapyr. Treatment 1 Land Air and Water Resources. UC Davis tree shelters. Seeds of four common CSS consisted of removing every LIRA plant, [[email protected] species were sown directly in fenced plots, treatment 2 consisted of removing only the Mine-altered materials have a range of and survival and growth data were collected >15cm diameter LIRA plants, and characteristics that are often atypical for along with abiotic factors including solar treatment 3 was the control consisting of soils and incompatible with plant growth. radiation, soil moisture, and sediment herbicide application only. Our results were A systematic process of identifying growth erosion. Three out of four species showed inconclusive for treatment 2 compared to limiting factors and treatments to correct increased germination, survival, and growth the control. Our results show that there is a them can regenerate soil function and in high-suitability and shelter treatments. statistically significant difference between support vegetative cover. It may not be The use of shelters may also allow for treatment 1 and the control for LIRA natural, but it should be adequate to chemical and/or mechanical treatment of percent coverage 6 months and 9 months support native plant species that are most weeds to occur simultaneously to native after the treatment applications. This 41 Poster Session & Student Poster Competition Reception: Wednesday, 5–7pm

compatible with local ecological conditions establishment is a major stressor on tidal effectively inhibit invasive plant species and adjacent communities. This wetlands and may result in significant establishment. Implementation has been presentation outlines a novel field treatment changes to native plant community completed and we are currently in the to add fines to coarse ore roast piles that are structure and the potential decline of other monitoring phase of these studies. Potential otherwise too droughty to support erosion organisms associated with these habitats. implications include effective integrated resistant vegetation. Tidal wetland restoration projects typically invasive plant management on tidal wetland include initial invasive plant removal and restoration sites for improved long-term rely on passive revegetation to facilitate restoration site function and decreased Pre-Planting to Preclude Persistent native species recovery. Studies looking at maintenance costs. Pest Plants active revegetation techniques in tidal wetlands to manage aquatic or semiaquatic Gina Darin*1, Jorgé Luis Renteria invaders are scarce. Therefore, we are Determining Potential Drivers of Bustamante2, Ted Grosholz2, Jamie Silva1, conducting active revegetation studies using Chaparral Conversion in a Southern Rhiannon Mulligan1, Krista Hoffmann1, and dominant native aquatic plant species as a California Fire Scar Bayan Ahmed1 restoration technique in the SF Bay-Delta Shane Dewees*1, Carla D’Antonio1, and 1California Department of Water Resources; Estuary. The studies examine the planting Nicole Molinari2 3500 Industrial Blvd #131, West Sacramento success of four native species 95691 916.376.9825 (Schoenoplectus acutus, S. americanus, 1UC Santa Barbara, Department of Ecology, [email protected] 2UC Davis Persicaria amphibia, and Typha latifolia) Evolution, and Marine Biology [email protected] against two invasive plant species [email protected] 2United States Forest [email protected] (Phragmites australis and Ludwigia Service peploides) at Bradmoor Island and Dutch Managing invasive plants is a major An increased fire frequency in southern Slough. Our hypothesis is using active component of natural ecosystem California is thought to lead to the demise revegetation with native plant species can restoration. Dominant invasive plant of chaparral with eventual type conversion

42 Poster Session & Student Poster Competition Reception: Wednesday, 5–7pm to grassland. Most studies supporting type Tributary Restoration projects are being from land use planning, to proposing conversion, however, have been limited in developed to restore and create high-quality research to stakeholders, to facilitating spatial and temporal scales. Here, we used habitat for the sucker. Four restoration sites education of environmental policy makers, historic aerial images from 1930 and 2009 to have been selected near Riverside and will ecologists and land conservationists. In quantify chaparral conversion to sage scrub result in over 3 miles of enhanced/created order to regain, maintain, and conserve and grass within a discrete area of Ventura channel and 50 acres of restored riparian ecosystem functionality we must have quick county (the 2003 Piru Fire scar) where fires habitat. Two tributaries are currently dry access to solutions in an increasingly have been common and chaparral channels for most of the year and both irregular climate. These softwares enable the predominated in 1930. Our analysis showed pumped groundwater and treated simulation of ecological processes over a a persistence of chaparral despite many wastewater have been proposed to provide long period of time or costly large scale fires, and a higher transition of chaparral to perennial flows for the sucker. These experiments within minutes thus, greatly sage scrub than to grassland. Sage scrub was alternative water sources are not unlike the increasing the efficiency of adaptive dynamic, with approximately one third of Santa Ana River, which relies on treated management. With creative storytelling what was present in 1930 converting to grass wastewater for 77% of its total flow. The from these validated results, land managers but an equal amount converting to complicated hydrologic cycle of Southern and educators can increase the stock of chaparral. We used hierarchical partitioning California, involving sewage treatment and competent modelers and improve the analyses to determine which variables groundwater recharge, requires creative dissemination of potential solutions in contributed most to conversion over the 79- solutions for aquatic species recovery. This natural resource management. By having year interval. Southwestness, distance from poster focuses on the design for Old Ranch the software more readily available we can roads, and maximum January vapor Creek (ORC). Currently, ORC begins at a facilitate greater systemic understanding of pressure deficit (VPD) were shown to have large storm drain and continues as an how to decrease pressures on our natural the highest independent contribution in ephemeral creek before dissipating into a systems in the academia as well as offer a chaparral conversion with more southwest broad, undefined channel. Historically, the profound lens that reaches an audience facing sites, closer to roads, and higher creek connected with the SAR until floods beyond the research sector. January VPDs showing the most conversion disturbed the confluence. This project will to sage scrub or grass. Conversion of sage reconnect the creek to the SAR and receive scrub to grass was more likely if sites had a pumped groundwater and/or treated Public-Private Collaboration for Land higher number of both short-interval wastewater to augment flows. 7,014 feet of Preservation (<10years) fires and number of fires since channel enhancement/creation, in-stream Kari Dupler* and Geoff Smick 1930. The observed vegetation fluxes in this habitat structures, and riparian restoration analysis, suggest a step-wise process for will provide habitat for the sucker. WRA, Inc., 2169-G Francisco Blvd East, San chaparral conversion. The chaparral to sage Rafael 94901 [email protected] scrub step appears primarily driven by 415.524.7289 winter site aridity, whereas the sage scrub to Modeling Softwares: A The Tri-Valley area (Dublin, Pleasanton and grass step appears largely driven by fire. Communication and Educative Tool for Livermore) has experienced rapid Dynamic Solutions to Complex Natural residential and commercial development Systems growth in recent years, and this area Supplemental Water Solutions for Cynthia Dimnik currently lacks adequate wetland and Threatened Santa Ana Sucker species mitigation bank credits for impacts Saddleback College [email protected] Nicholas Deyo*1, Brendan Belby1, and to these resources. Open space areas and 949.702.6344 Heather Dryer2 grazing lands often support sensitive species Modeling software is a simulation machine or habitats, including federal and state-listed 1ICF (Sacramento Office) used both for research and persuasive species. Sensitive biological resources may [email protected] 2San Bernardino Valley presentation of systemic behavior. A few devalue a property for development, but can Municipal Water District examples in the ecological field include increase the conservation value. Public The heavily urbanized Santa Ana River describing and analyzing watershed agencies may be able to maximize the value (SAR) watershed comprises the largest river characteristics, determining the effects of of their open space lands by creating system in Southern California. Dams and variability in disturbance rates, and mitigation turn-key projects, and selling increasing water demands have put pressure experimenting with the limiting factors of conservation rights to a project proponent on endemic fish species, including the spatially explicit metapopulations. The user who needs to satisfy resource agency threatened Santa Ana sucker (Catostomus can safely test hypotheses or offer strategic mitigation while retaining fee title. WRA, santaanae). The U.S. Fish and Wildlife’s predictions for ecological resilience by Inc., and the City of Livermore developed a recovery strategy calls for active habitat running scenarios using a variety of public-private partnership to identify restoration for the species. Upper SAR computer based interfaces. It is a great asset 43 Poster Session & Student Poster Competition Reception: Wednesday, 5–7pm

conservation values on certain City-owned areas. A joint project involving Cal Poly techniques to maintain the garden. They lands that support sensitive natural Pomona (CPP), the NASA Jet Propulsion will also be taught how to identify the native resources. The partnership then collaborates Lab, LA Audubon, and Environment for the plants and insects that can be found in the with Tri-Valley Conservancy as the Americas is utilizing maps created from garden. This garden will provide a hands-on easement and endowment holder to protect hyperspectral data collected by AVIRIS to opportunity for the kids to interact with the and manage the properties. The model assess native habitats within two fire scars natural world. It will provide the students provides mitigation opportunities for on the Angeles National Forest. To verify the with an introduction to the native flowers development projects in a region with accuracy of these maps, CPP students and insects of Southern California as well as limited mitigation options, financial collected quantitative vegetation data in a basic understanding of the ecological incentive to the landowner, as well as 2018. Rugged terrain necessitated a novel services of plants native to the area, while at funding for long-term management of the approach for ground data collection, the same time working to reverse habitat property. Two case studies where this model combining field identification, quasi-aerial fragmentation. has proven successful are the Doolan images, and an image analysis program to Burrowing Owl Habitat Preservation and estimate cover within 100 plots. The field the Springtown Wetland Mitigation Project. data will be used to assess accuracy of Soil Solarization for Restoration Site The Doolan Canyon project preserved and remote sensing maps, and to perform Preparation without Herbicides enhanced approximately 200 acres of community composition and resilience Robert Freese* and Nicole Tamura burrowing owl and California tiger analyses based on topography, time since salamander (state and federal threatened) fire, and other factors important to Irvine Ranch Conservancy habitat as mitigation for a development ecologists. [email protected] project. The Springtown project is a 40-acre Irvine Ranch Conservancy (IRC) is alkali sink wetland complex with a variety of exploring techniques for restoration site listed species that will be preserved as Introduction to Ecology in South preparation that do not involve herbicides. mitigation for development of an infill Central Los Angeles Solarization is a technique for eliminating parcel in Dublin. Chris Fabela weed seeds and other pests from the soil using high heat and humidity. It involves Saddleback College, Ecological Restoration irrigating the soil and covering it with a Post-fire Vegetation Mapping for Program [email protected] layer of clear, UV-resistant plastic for several Restoration Planning in the Angeles Many residents of urban Southern weeks during the summer. IRC used this National Forest California have little understanding of the approach to restore approximately 300 Marlee Antill1, Taylor Edwards*1, Sharon impact that ecology has on their daily lives. square meters of highly degraded habitat at Estrada1, Jeffrey Martinez1, Anna Ongjoco1, Human development throughout the state, Bommer Canyon in the City of Irvine Open Erin Questad1, Natasha Stavros2, David especially along the coast, has led to Space Preserve during July and August 2018. Schimel2, Stacey Vigallon3, and Susan unprecedented levels of pollution as well as At the beginning of the experiment, these Bonfield4 the fragmentation of many ecosystems. sites were dominated by a mix of non-native Urban areas are sometimes excluded in grasses (Bromus and Avena species) and 1Cal Poly Pomona, Department of Biology public education programs simply because forbs (Brassica, Sonchus, and Erodium [email protected] 2NASA JPL 3Los of their perceived lack of relevancy, despite species). After completion of solarization, Angeles Audubon 4Environment for the these areas being home to much of the city’s the plots were direct seeded with native Americas population. By engaging with elementary shrub, forb, and grass species in late Across southern California, the coupled school students and explaining the current November 2018. Weed seedbank depletion effects of fire, drought, and invasive species and future impacts human behavior has on was assessed in March 2019 using quadrats are reducing native plant populations and the environment, we can nurture a respect to measure density and cover of seedlings increasing destructive wildfires through for the world around us while inspiring within solarized and adjacent non-solarized type conversion of native shrublands to future generations of ecological control plots. Solarization completely non-native, annual grasslands. Information restorationists. This will also motivate eliminated non-native grasses from the soil on points of entry for invasive species is grassroots restoration efforts by the local and caused 80 percent reduction in density important to land managers yet difficult to community. The students of Raymond of broadleaf weeds. Despite the reduced assess over vast spatial and temporal ranges. Avenue Elementary have generously weed seedling density, the surviving Analyzing imaging spectroscopy data has provided a space for the creation of a small broadleaf weeds attained a cover been proposed to distinguish patterns in native garden. The garden will serve as a comparable to that of the control plots. post-fire succession efficiently over large means to attract pollinators to the spot. The However, manual removal of weeds was students will be instructed in proper relatively easy due to reduced 44 planting techniques and watering numbers. Solarization is an effective Poster Session & Student Poster Competition Reception: Wednesday, 5–7pm procedure for quickly restoring a site conifer encroachment is correlated with purchasing them; and 4) incorporating without the need for a multi-year site these impacts. The next phase of the project native milkweeds in future restoration preparation phase. It should be considered will include prioritizing wilderness plans. where local ordinances prohibit herbicide meadows for restoration and piloting use. However, since it is a resource- and wilderness-appropriate restoration labor-intensive process, it is best suited to techniques in Sequoia National Park. Ampithoe valida Grazing on San small, level, highly visible sites. Francisco Bay’s Various Seagrass Meadows Death to The Monarchs: A Not So Brian Kauffman Evaluating and Prioritizing Sequoia Tropical Vacation and Kings Canyon’s Wilderness [email protected] 650.696.0130 Zoë Holdsclaw Meadows for Restoration Seagrass has a variety of beneficial roles in 20041, Osterman Rd, Apt E16, Lake Forest Allison Hacker*, Rachel Friesen, Maiya aquatic environments ranging from 92630 559.706.9023 Greenwood, and Luke Hunt decreasing high-tide speed, sediment and [email protected] nutrition filtration, and providing a American Rivers, 120 Union Alley, Nevada [email protected] nutritive habitat for marine life. Currently, City 30.478.0206 ext.203 Monarch butterflies that migrate from the the grazing effects of Ampithoe valida, an [email protected] west and overwinter in areas on the coast of invasive amphipod species found in San Sierra Nevada meadows store snowmelt and California are facing two secondary threats: Francisco’s Tomales Bay, are lowering the maintain shallow groundwater year-round 1) introduction of the invasive non-native density of San Francisco’s seagrass, Zostera in a climate with little summer rainfall. As a Tropical milkweed (Asclepias curassavica); marina, and thereby potentially impacting result, mountain meadows are highly and 2) a protozoan parasite of monarch the marine ecology of surrounding productive, biologically diverse, and are butterflies (Ophryocystis elektroscirrha or OE meadows. To better understand Ampithoe among the most valued mountain for short). Milkweeds of the genus Asclepias valida’s effects on the surrounding ecosystems. Many meadows are also natural are the host plants for the monarch butterfly ecosystem, we aimed to measure which floodplains, but they have been degraded by and without them, the larva would not be species of seagrass Ampithoe valida erosion and channel incision, resulting in able to fully develop. However, when preferred, as well as Ampithoe valida’s rate decreased water availability, productivity, planted in unfamiliar climates, are unsafe. of consumption. When presented with and biodiversity. As the warming climate In California, the demand for Tropical seagrass from three different Tomales Bay makes snowpack a less reliable source of milkweed has skyrocketed due to its sites, the northern and southern seagrass stream flow in summer, water resource affordability, aesthetically pleasing had a statistically significant consumption managers and conservationists are looking appearance, simple propagation, and ability rate, higher than the seagrass geographically to meadow restoration as a tool to increase to thrive throughout fall and winter. in-between. In contrast, when only provided watershed resilience and preserve Because California is a much warmer one seagrass type, the invasive amphipod summertime stream flow. American Rivers environment, the tropical milkweed does species consumed more of the partnered with Sequoia and Kings Canyon not die back in the winter like the natives. geographically middle seagrass. Given the National Parks to assess 60 backcountry This is causing the monarchs to end their northernmost site is a colder, aquatic meadows with the goal of identifying migration pattern and stay where the food region, while the southernmost is a warmer, restoration priorities to improve habitat and is, increasing the threat of OE. OE travels inland region, we hypothesized the increase groundwater storage. We focused with the monarchs when they migrate and is seagrasses may have adjusted their nutritive our efforts where the Soil and Moisture deposited on the leaves of native milkweeds content to adjust to the various temperature Conservation Crew had previously but dies once the milkweeds die back in the and environmental differences. In addition, attempted restoration work, mostly in winter. Unfortunately, because tropical the middle site may have a nearby meadows that were historically grazed. We milkweed does not die back, the OE levels freshwater runoff which could also affect its used historic imagery and American River’s increase and monarch caterpillars feeding nutrient content, thereby requiring a higher Meadow Condition Scorecard to identify off the plant become exposed. OE impacts consumption rate for metabolic meadows in need of restoration. Observed the monarchs by disrupting their lifecycle, stabilization. Given this species is only adverse impacts included incised stream breeding habitat, and lifespan. Ways to found to exist in the warmer, inland area of channels, headcuts, gullies, and encroaching reduce the dying monarch population and Tomales Bay, further experimentation can conifers. We identified 35 meadows that spread of tropical milkweed are: 1) planting be conducted to infer the mechanisms show project potential because of these milkweeds only native to California; 2) causing the species’ varied affinity. impacts. Gullies and headcuts are the most removing tropical milkweed, replacing it frequent impact across our assessments and with natives; 3) research plants before 45 Poster Session & Student Poster Competition Reception: Wednesday, 5–7pm

Local Grassland Restoration Affects revegetation of native grassland flora and Bark Beetle Mycobiome: An Insect Communities half were non-restored. Insects were International Coordination Group collected from Lupinus bicolor (Fabaceae) Advancing Bark Beetle Symbiosis Justin Luong*1,2, Patrick L. Turner2, Celina within 2 × 2-m2 plots in spring 2017. We Research N. Phillipson3, and Katja C. Seltmann2 found that insect communities were Wilhelm de Beer1,5, Jiri Hulcr14, Irene 1Environmental Studies Department, UC different between restored and non-restored Barnes5, Matt Kasson15, Esastonce Gwata9, Santa Cruz 2The Cheadle Center for sites. These differences were seen in insect Francois Roets7, Mapotso Kena6, Noelani Biodiversity and Ecological Restoration, UC functional groups as well as differences in van den Berg5, Tendai Musvuugwa4, Tuan Santa Barbara [email protected] insect community assemblages which were Duong5, Caterina Villari11, Chase Mayers10, 3California Toxic Research Institute found to be driven by environmental Diana Six16, Romina Gazis15, Chi-Yu Chen3, characteristics such as non-native forb We hypothesize that ecological restoration Leho Tedersoo8, Mike Wingfield1,5, Tomas cover. Functional redundancy of herbivores in grasslands can induce an alternative Vetrovsky2, Andrew Jonson15, Dan decreased at restored sites while pollinators stable state shift in vegetation. The change Vanderpool12, Katja C. Seltmann13 became more redundant compared to non- in vegetation influences insect community restored sites. The assemblages of the 1Forest and Agricultural Biotechnology assemblages and allows for greater common species found at restoration sites Institute (FABI) 2Institute of Microbial functional redundancy in pollination and contained a greater species richness of Ecology, Czech Academy of Sciences refuge for native insect species. Functional native insects than those found at non- 3National Chung Hsing University, Taiwan groups are defined by insect feeding habits; restored sites, including species such as 4Sol Plaatje University, South Africa greater functional redundancy would Bombus vosnesenskii. We recommend that 5University of Pretoria, South Africa indicate greater species richness within the restoration practitioners consider the utility 6University of Limpopo, South Africa functional group. We evaluated the insect of their restoration for native bumblebees 7University of Stellenbosch, South Africa communities at eight coastal California and potentially use it as justification to 8University of Tartu, Estonia 9University of grassland sites. Half of these sites had request funding for facilitating insect Venda, South Africa 10Cornell University undergone restoration through active conservation within ecological restoration. 11University of Georgia 12Indiana University

California Native Grasslands Provide Resilience in a Changing World

Please join us in our mission: To promote, preserve, and restore the diversity of California’s native grassland ecosystems through education, advocacy, research, and stewardship. Learn more at cnga.org 46 Poster Session & Student Poster Competition Reception: Wednesday, 5–7pm

13UC Santa Barbara 14UC Santa Cruz; composition: (1) stimulating the seed bank, by non-native invasive vegetation, [email protected] 15University of Florida (2) hand broadcasting seeds, and (3) contaminated soils, improper water 16University of Montana 17West Virginia transplanting 3-4-month-old seedlings. conveyance sloping and fragmented habitat University Competition with exotic annuals was from the adjacent Laguna Channel. The controlled at: no removal, half removal City of Santa Barbara worked with Bark beetles have evolved symbioses with (seedling treatment only) or full removal. To permitting agencies and contractors to fungi and their tree hosts that range from stimulate the seedbank, we scarified the soil prioritize soil remediation and restoration highly specific, to loose associations, to to 5 cm. Native annual forbs, including of native habitat to give southwestern pond asymmetrical dependence. Besides the many fire followers, germinated from the turtles assess to habitat and provide basking potential to be on the cutting edge of seedbank with greater diversity where sites. This was accomplished by symbiosis research, the beetle-fungus competition was controlled. For approaches constructing a turtle ramp to eliminate the relationship is hugely destructive, with (2) and (3), we focused on establishing S. one foot vertical drop between Laguna outbreaks and epidemics reaching record leucophylla, S. apiana, Malacothamnus Channel and El Estero Drain, installing proportions in forests on every continent, fasciculatus, Hesperoyucca whipplei, and ponds, basking sites, and native plants to costing billions of dollars per year. The Eriodictyon crassifolium. We sowed 220 provide riparian cover, upland nesting scientific community trying to understand seeds/m2 and transplanted 6-7 habitat, and open water habitat. Dudek is and mitigate these emerging global threats is seedlings/m2. Three seeds germinated and performing long-term native habitat facing a critical shortage of expertise, large survived in the seeding trials. Salvia apiana restoration monitoring to document the public datasets, updated research methods seeds and seedlings had the highest rate of success of native plant establishment and and standards, and knowledge flow systems establishment, followed by S. leucophylla the southwestern pond turtle. Now that the that connect a global community of forest and M. fasciculatus. Transplant survival was native habitat has been restored, the entomologists and pathologists. These positively correlated with competition question is: will the southwestern pond challenges result in the use of incomplete removal. These results highlight the turtles come? information by end-users who make successes and constraints of restorative important policy decisions concerning activities in the wildlands of southern international biosecurity, trade, and natural California and offer directions to efficiently Regional Conservation Investment resources protection. address the constraints with the aim of Strategies Program: A New increasing overall shrub establishment. Conservation Tool Shrubland Restoration in Southern Ami Olson, Shannon Lucas, Ron Unger, California via Seedbank, Seed, and and Andrew Amacher* If We Build It, Will the Southwestern Seedling Transplants Pond Turtles Come? California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Stephanie Ma*1, Michala Phillips2, P.O. Box 944209, Sacramento 94244 Heather Moine*1 and John Davis, IV2 Katherine Nigro3, Sameer Saroa2, Shane [email protected] Dewees1, Edith Allen2, and Carla D’Antonio1 Dudek. 1Senior Biologist 805.308.8522 On September 22, 2016, Governor Brown [email protected] 2Senior Coastal 1UC Santa Barbara signed Assembly Bill 2087, establishing the Ecologist 805.308.8524 [email protected] 2UC California Department of Fish and [email protected] Riverside 3Colorado State University Wildlife’s (CDFW) Regional Conservation El Estero Drain, an earthen bottom linear Investment Strategies (RCIS) Program. The Shrublands in California have many channel, is in an urban environment RCIS Program enables development of ecosystem values and are becoming adjacent to El Estero Wastewater Treatment regional conservation strategies to identify increasingly degraded, yet only a handful of Plant and the Southern Pacific Railroad. opportunities for philanthropic investments studies have been published on attempts to The southwestern pond turtle has been and advance mitigation that would result in restore them. Here, we present information documented in the segment of Laguna effective regional conservation. The RCIS on efforts to restore species from both Channel between Yanonali Street and Program promotes the use of existing community types into a degraded Cabrillo Boulevard possibly supporting the science to identify and prioritize region- shrubland site within the Piru Fire scar in only natural breeding population for the specific conservation actions to help Ventura County, California. The site has southwestern pond turtle in the City of California’s declining and vulnerable species evidence of past chaparral shrubs (i.e., large Santa Barbara limits. El Estero Drain is by encouraging the protection, restoration, burnt stumps) but is now dominated by situated nearly perpendicular to Laguna and reconnection of their habitats, and exotic grasses (e.g., Bromus spp.) and forbs Channel and connects with the channel just facilitating adaption and resilience to (e.g., Erodium spp.) with scattered sage north of the Union Pacific Railroad climate change, invasive species, and other scrub shrubs (e.g., Salvia leucophylla). We overpass and Chase Palm Park. Issues with stressors. These actions may include land tested three field approaches to restore the El Estero Drain included being choked 47 Poster Session & Student Poster Competition Reception: Wednesday, 5–7pm

protection, habitat restoration, installation such, large-flowered fiddleneck is niche on Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, and Santa of wildlife crossings, and removal of fish emblematic of the vulnerability of native Catalina Islands and then predicted where passage barriers. The RCIS Program grassland forbs to historical and ongoing that niche would exist through the end of consists of three components: Regional habitat change as well as habitat the century, under four climate change Conservation Assessments (RCAs), management. The current reintroduction scenarios. Model outputs supported three Regional Conservation Investment effort is showing some promise, thanks to main findings: (1) Island oak’s predicted Strategies (RCISs), and Mitigation Credit the availability of modern spatial analysis bioclimatic niche was largely driven by soil Agreements (MCAs). Strategies are tools as well as increasing scientific moisture availability; (2) Santa Rosa Island developed in an RCIS and actions may be documentation on the benefits and had the most predicted suitable habitat carried out through an MCA, which creates drawbacks of livestock grazing. The use of under each climate change scenario, while credits to be used as compensatory sophisticated GIS software to analyze high- predicted suitable habitat on Santa Cruz mitigation for impacts under state and resolution data has enabled the and Santa Catalina Islands was minimal; federal laws. This poster will further explain development of a precise habitat model, and (3) the bioclimatic habitat occupied by each of the Program component’s benefits which in turn has facilitated the island oak varies substantially between the and uses in relation to conservation and identification of optimal reintroduction three islands studied. Improvements in life recovery of sensitive species and how the sites. Additionally, strategic grazing regimes history information, legacy grazing patterns, Program relates to other CDFW are being employed to reduce introduced and more finely downscaled climate data conservation planning instruments. grasses without the associated trampling or would substantially increase model validity. erosion. By refining the reintroduction Research should focus on identifying methods for an extremely rare and highly mechanisms driving the variation in habitat Captive Propagation and vulnerable grassland species, the team seeks occupied on each island, while restoration Reintroduction of Large-flowered to more generally improve methods for should prioritize habitat augmentation and Fiddleneck (Amsinckia grandiflora) reintroducing and sustaining rare grassland seedling recruitment, to increase island plant species. oak’s resiliency to climate change. Jake Schweitzer*1, Holly Forbes2, and Roger Raiche3, and Cassie Pinnell1 1Vollmar Natural Lands Consulting, 1720 Climate Change Vulnerability Golf Courses as Sites for Ecological Solano Avenue, Berkeley 94707 Assessment of Island Oak (Quercus Restoration in California Communities [email protected] tomentella) Maggie Reiter* and Katherine E. Soule [email protected] Sofie McComb, Claire Powers*, Jazmine Uy, 2University of California Botanical Garden University of California, Cooperative Alyssa Winchell, and Laura Wolf at Berkeley 3Planet Horticulture Extension [email protected] UC Santa Barbara A team of botanists and horticulturists from Golf courses, although often overlooked, are [email protected] Vollmar Natural Lands Consulting, the opportune spaces for professional ecological [email protected] [email protected] University of California Botanical Garden, restorations efforts to facilitate the recovery [email protected] and Planet Horticulture has received a grant of native California habitats. Beyond [email protected] from the Central Valley Project recreational opportunities, golf courses Conservation Program to reintroduce large- Island oak (Quercus tomentella) is a rare provide community-wide environmental flowered fiddleneck (Amsinckia grandiflora) oak species endemic to six islands in the benefits, such as capturing stormwater into its historical range. This federally and California Island Archipelago (CAIA). Over runoff, providing wildlife habitat, State-endangered annual wildflower is a century of farming and grazing on the sequestering carbon, and relieving urban known from only one extant natural islands degraded core habitat and reduced heat island effects. Golf course population, located in southwestern San island oak seedling recruitment. The species superintendents are professional stewards of Joaquin County. The species is associated was listed as endangered by the IUCN in the land and are interested in promoting with grassland habitats with fairly neutral, 2016. Most historical threats have been multi-functional landscapes with high rich, clay loam soils, and it therefore suffers removed, though island oak regeneration is ecological significance. With increasing from competition with introduced annual still restricted and there is concern that climatic and social pressures, golf course grasses that thrive in such habitats. It is also impending climate change poses an superintendents are seeking methods that a relatively tall species that features shallow additional threat that may ultimately lead to reduce overall inputs required to maintain roots, and its affinity for excessively steep extinction. Spatially-constrained, if the their landscapes. One approach to these slopes increases its susceptibility to island oak’s range shifts or further needs is incorporating natural areas, like trampling and soil erosion by livestock. As deteriorates, alternative options are limited. grasslands and native habitats, into roughs We used MaxEnt, a species distribution and out-of-play areas. Yet, natural area 48 model, to identify island oak’s bioclimatic establishment and maintenance on golf Poster Session & Student Poster Competition Reception: Wednesday, 5–7pm courses brings unique challenges like required to be mitigated in rural open areas height growth of S. californica, which might managing playability, irrigation with around the lake at a two-to-one ratio enhance high tide refuge for endangered recycled water, and converging needs of totaling 4,568 self-sustaining trees by 2025. animals such as Rallus obsoletus and diverse stakeholders, who value and utilize This poster describes the mitigation process Reithrodontomys raviventris. Understanding these spaces in different ways (e.g. as that begun in 2005, the annual tree planting factors that promote S. californica competitive sport spaces, event venues, effort and results, survival rate, routine reproduction, germination, and growth will community green spaces). Golf course maintenance, costs, program challenges, inform the maintenance of SF Bay salt facilities can also serve as sites for public and lessons learned from 2005 to 2017, as marshes and the habitat they provide, while engagement around environmental and well as projections to 2025. This is an also assisting in the recovery of an social benefits of restoring native habitats. excellent example of a fisheries restoration endangered species. In doing so, this project Golf course superintendents often turn to project that had a byproduct of an extensive will help preserve California’s diminishing professional associations, golf course habitat restoration effort. wetland habitats and help adapt to climate architects, seed distributors, and other allied change and sea level rise. golf industries for guidance in their ecological restoration decisions. There is an Endangered Suaeda californica opportunity for ecological restoration Reproduction and its Use in Sea Level Riparian Habitat Restoration on Rock professionals to expand and enhance Rise Adaptation in San Francisco Bay Stabilized Levee Repair Sites natural area establishment and maintenance Kelly Santos*, Melissa Patten, Peter Baye, Chris Hargreaves, CPESC, and George at golf course facilities. Done well, the and Katharyn Boyer Strnad*, RLA, CERP efforts may result in 1) improved land management practices to protect Estuary & Ocean Science Center, San [email protected] California’s natural resources, and 2) Francisco State University Following the devastation to New Orleans promotion of community health and [email protected] caused by levee failure during Hurricane wellness. Over 90% of the salt marshes in the San Katrina, California’s levee system in the Francisco Estuary (SFE) have been damaged Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta was or destroyed and in general, the diversity of closely scrutinized by DWR for similar Oak Tree Restoration at Lake Cachuma, salt marsh vegetation in the SFE has weaknesses. The key obstacle that prevented CA decreased over the past 50 years. Some salt an immediate engineered repair of the Timothy Robinson*1 and Kenneth A. marsh plant species are now quite rare and levees was the presence of valuable natural Knight2 will require active revegetation to insure resources at many of the eroded sites. both their presence and their functions. Because of the very high cost of mitigation 1Cachuma Operation and Maintenance This includes the endangered Suaeda land acquisition, and habitat creation, it was Board, Fisheries Division, 3301 Laurel californica, a salt-tolerant, succulent coastal determined that repaired levee sites would Canyon Road, Santa Barbara 93105-2017, wetland shrub that occurs in a narrow high be ecologically restored in place and in kind [email protected] 2Kenneth tide zone along sandy salt marsh edges or with similar habitats. This created an A. Knight Consulting, LLC, 69 Calaveras estuarine beaches. The original native SFE enormous challenge for the restoration Avenue, Goleta 93117, population became completely extirpated ecologists — a viable, riparian ecosystem [email protected] around 1960. Plant material from Morro sustained by a high water table had to be to In 2004, the Cachuma Operation and Bay was used to propagate and reintroduce be re-created to accommodate Maintenance Board completed a project at juvenile S. californica to San Francisco Bay phraetophytic vegetation on top of massive Bradbury Dam to raise Lake Cachuma in 1999, and roughly 30 total plants have piles of large crushed rock. In response to (located in southern Santa Barbara County, survived until now in three locations. As this challenge, we have developed an CA) by three feet during surcharge events. these low numbers hardly represent a innovative soil-filled rock slope protection The additional stored water is in support of restored population of S. californica, and the (RSP) technique. The soil-filled RSP the endangered Southern California plants have not successfully self-recruited guaranteed survival of riparian plants on Steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) from seed, research is needed to understand heavily armored levee banks by providing downstream of the dam in the Santa Ynez the best methods to restore S. californica capillary fringe via loamy soil fill. We have River for fish passage supplementation and populations. The objectives of this project eliminated a non-permeable geotextile from dry season rearing flow releases. By raising were to 1) determine the effects of abiotic the design and replaced it with a more the lake, 879 Quercus agrifolia (Coast Live conditions, including freshwater availability environmentally-friendly, well-graded, Oaks) and Q. lobata (Valley Oaks) were and organic matter, on the germination and gravel filter to prevent piping of the erodible initially killed by the rising waters and growth of S. californica; and 2) evaluate the substrate, while maintaining an elevated another 1,405 oaks were determined to be efficacy of “arbors” (various configurations water table. Restoration plans were at-risk. The 2,284 impacted oaks were of wooden branches as support) to enhance 49 Poster Session & Student Poster Competition Reception: Wednesday, 5–7pm

developed for numerous levee repair sites found that the ratio of total native cover to on the north side to prevent fire from on the banks of Sacramento and San total exotic cover decreased around the pool spreading. To assess post-fire recovery, we Joaquin Rivers, and on Steamboat, Sutter, edges. These findings indicate that the established plots in four vegetation types, and Cache Sloughs. We have worked closely native communities in our study’s restored stratified randomly based on three levels: with DWR experts and staff from other vernal pools are not resistant to exotic burned, unburned reference, and disturbed resource agencies (CDFW, NOAA NMFS, invasion. One way that restoration projects fuelbreak. Sampling occurred 6-months USFWS, and USACE) to meet the may increase a vernal pool’s resistance to post-fire. Sorensen Index results examining demanding performance criteria. The key invasion is by employing an array of species presence/absence indicate burned ecological goal to fully restore the sites and invasive species management techniques in Wedgeleaf plots were 44.3% similar to mitigate in-kind and in-place for any addition to short-term weeding, such as unburned Wedgeleaf plots, and burned environmental impacts was deemed bolstering the native seed bank and sourcing Manzanita plots were 31.9% similar to successful by the regulatory and permitting seed from competitive native ecotypes. unburned Manzanita plots. In the fuelbreak, agencies two years after the planting was these vegetation types did not have primary completed. species of their respective unburned or How (and Why) to Do Habitat burned vegetation type. Bray-Curtis Index Restoration results comparing similarities of species Exotic Species Invasion in Restored cover indicate Wedgeleaf fuelbreak plots Michael J. Vandeman Vernal Pools were only 8.2% similar to unburned Human-Free Habitat Association Wedgeleaf plots. Manzanita fuelbreak plots Joanna Tang* and Maddie Nolan [email protected] 510.697.5368 were only 5.3% similar to unburned UC Santa Barbara, Department of Ecology, Manzanita plots. This may indicate I will describe what I have learned from Evolution, and Marine Biology fuelbreak sites are on a trajectory away from several years of intensive work removing [email protected] original vegetation type. Regeneration of invasive plants from the East Bay Regional [email protected] Manzanita and Wedgeleaf species on site Parks, including the application of occurs post-fire from the seedbank, so Ninety-five percent of California’s vernal mathematics, physics, and botany. All of future recruitment in fuelbreaks is less pool ecosystems have been lost, resulting in these plants are very good at what they do, likely. Additional research will be necessary a growing effort to restore these ecosystems and can only be eradicated by the use of to better inform fuelbreak restoration and their associated endemic flora and volunteers, and hence the use of the most practices. Research assessing experimental fauna. However, because restored vernal energy-efficient techniques, which conserve plantings of fire-adapted shrubs in pools often exist within a grassland matrix, the volunteers’ valuable time and energy. fuelbreaks would be beneficial, due to these they are prone to invasion by exotic annual species being unable to regenerate in areas grasses. We hypothesize that restored vernal that remain unburned. pools are particularly susceptible to exotic Post-fire Plant Community Trajectory invasion because restoration projects often and Fuelbreak Restoration have frontloaded short-term invasive species Hannah Weinberger* and Kristen Kaczynski Removing Introduced Trout from the management. Long-term budget constraints Sierra Nevada to Benefit Native often result in intensive exotic species California State University, Chico, Species weeding effort only 1-3 years after Department of Geological and restoration. Even if these restored Environmental Sciences Pete Zagorski ecosystems show low exotic species [email protected] [email protected] abundance in the short term, they may not [email protected] be resistant to exotic invasion in the long Trout stocked in the High Sierra are known As wildfires increase in extent and intensity, run. We assessed exotic species abundance to be very effective predators that have a larger amounts of suppression tactics are and diversity after intensive weeding had great influence on oligotrophic lakes with utilized, including creation of fuelbreaks. ceased in a set of restored vernal pools in relatively simple foods webs and they There is limited research on fuelbreak Southern California. We found that exotic impact many native species including fishes, restoration, so surveying can help inform species cover and richness increased, amphibians, birds, reptiles, benthic best practices. We studied the 32 fire, particularly around the edges of the pools. macroinvertebrates and zooplankton located near Chico, CA. The site is We hypothesize that this increase in exotics (Knapp). One of the most affected species is comprised of annual grassland & forbs, around the pools’ edges indicates the mountain yellow-legged frog, Rana California Black Oak, Manzanita & encroachment of exotic grasses from the muscosa, and R. sierrae, which has seen a Wedgeleaf Ceanothus vegetation upland grassland into the pools. Further, we dramatic decline since the introduction of communities. A large fuelbreak was created trout to its habitat and has been placed on 50 Poster Session & Student Poster Competition Reception: Wednesday, 5–7pm the endangered species list (Sanders 2004). experimental methods. Indigenous plant impact on wild plant populations at these The predatory behavior of trout indirectly populations are being impacted from sites. The goal for this research is to grow or directly impacts all trophic levels and can frequent wildland seed collection. By container plants that will be kept in a severely alter community structure. Efforts propagating natives, negative effects on nursery setting for seed production to be to remove nonnative trout from Sequoia indigenous populations can be reduced by used on restoration sites. This approach can and Kings Canyon National Park since 2001 substituting wildland harvest with decrease the impact on wild populations by have successfully eradicated trout from cultivated seed, while also producing collecting seeds from the nursery plants. several lakes and have seen an average container plants for restoration efforts. The Two annual grasses, Bouteloua aristidoides increase in frog density of 14-fold (NPT perennial species to be studied are (needle grama) and B. barbata (sixweeks Staff 2016). Preferably, only physical Krascheninnikovia lanata (winterfat), Larrea fescue), and one annual forb, Plantago ovata methods of removal like gill-netting, tridentata (creosote), and Achnatherum (desert indianwheat) are the species that will electrofishing, disruption of nests and hymenoides (Indian ricegrass). First, all K. be studied in this project. B. aristidoides will trapping would be used, but in certain cases lanata will be subject to cold stratification; be germinated using Glomus endo- the use of piscicides, which are fish-killing half of these seedlings are going to be mycorrhizae, which will be added during chemicals, is warranted for complete inoculated with Glomus endo-mycorrhizae. the beginning weeks of growth. Next, B. removal from a body of water. Improved Next, propagation of L. tridentata will use barbata will use three experimental stocking plans that consider the sensitivity three variations of a native soil mix inoculation treatments; 1) incorporation of of the ecosystem around the body of water containing native inoculum, commercial native mycorrhizae, 2) application of being stocked coupled with continued mycorrhizae, and a combination of both commercial mycorrhizae, and 3) a removal efforts will help endangered species treatments. Lastly, A. hymenoides will consist combination of both treatments. Finally, P. and restore balance to fragile mountain of two trials testing nutrient applications: 1) ovata will be treated with sieved sand, lightly ecosystems in California. incorporation of a seed sprout enzyme covered with soil then watered with diluted solution, and 2) application of a kelp kelp tea to promote root development. nutrient. Propagating Perennial Native Plants for Seed Production and Restoration Planting Propagating Native Annual Plants for Seed Production in a Nursery Sandra Zepeda*, Joshua Morales*, and Matthew Hemming* Sandra Zepeda*, Joshua Morales*, and Matthew Hemming* Victor Valley College, Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources Victor Valley College, Department of [email protected] Agriculture and Natural Resources [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Plant communities are threatened by the spread of invasive plant species, land Impacts to plant communities including overuse, climate change, and natural wildfires, hurricanes, and climate change are disasters. The National Seed Strategy was becoming more frequent and intense. The developed to promote native plant materials National Seed Strategy was developed to development, restoration efforts supporting promote restoration of native plant native plant populations, and to conduct populations, and to support development of studies to improve the effectiveness of these appropriate native plant materials for efforts. These include germination studies restoration. The Department of Agriculture to effectively propagate native plant species and Natural Resources at Victor Valley for planting on restoration sites, and College has partnered with the Bureau of container stock for seed production in a Land Management to conduct research on nursery setting. The Department of annual native plants and how to effectively Agriculture and Natural Resources at Victor propagate them using various propagation Valley College has partnered with the methods. Acquisition of native seeds has Bureau of Land Management to conduct relied heavily on seed collection from wild research on perennial native species and populations. Annual seed collected from how to successfully propagate them using native species every year can have a negative 51 SERCAL 2019 Sponsor Exhibitors Listed Alphabetically

AECOM Technical Services undertake practical environmental Oregon, from restoring floodplain and restoration projects in America’s national channel connectivity in Montane Meadows www.aecom.com parks, forests, wildlife refuges, and other of the Sierras and Cascades, to restoring Our dedicated restoration ecologists, public lands. Originally formed under the habitat for steelhead and salmon runs in landscape architects, planners, engineers conservation corps model, ACE now coastal systems, to channel design and and environmental scientists provide clients provides a range of voluntary service sediment transport modeling on with skilled, full-service support capabilities programs for both American and California’s largest dam removal efforts. for ecosystem restoration projects. This international participants. ACE’s Contact: Colleen Haraden, Marketing includes the full spectrum of ecosystem conservation corps program is for American Manager — 510.520.5417 restoration services beginning with initial participants, aged 18-35, who are [email protected] considering land management as a career planning and design, permitting into 800 Bancroft Way, Suite 101, Berkeley 94710 construction, and maintenance and path or potential course of study. Corps monitoring into long-term management. members serve in professionally supervised teams as they explore future outdoor From our ecosystem restoration centers of Burleson Consulting, Inc. excellence throughout the state, we help our careers, learn practical field skills, and clients develop innovative project and site develop confidence as emerging leaders in www.burlesonconsulting.com specific solutions that accommodate their the field of conservation. Corps members land use needs while enhancing and/or are supported during their three (3) to nine Burleson Consulting, Inc., specializes in restoring key ecological functions of (9) month service terms with cost of living habitat restoration, abandoned mine adjacent habitats, and other natural stipends, food and camping supplies while remediation, NEPA and CEQA studies, resources. they are on projects, and common housing natural resource surveys, and permitting on off days. ACE conducts project work in and monitoring from our offices in Folsom So Cal Contact: Cecilia Meyer Lovell — the fields of trail construction and and Carmel Valley California. Our value- 619.610.7588 maintenance, forestry with a focus in fuels oriented services, staff knowledge and [email protected] reduction, ecological restoration (invasive expertise, and our uncompromising Nor Cal Contact: Katherine Dudney — plant removal, native plant outplanting), commitment to excellence have and 510.893.3600 off-highway vehicle access maintenance and continue to earmark Burleson as a preferred [email protected] mitigation, and flora and fauna survey and consultant and teaming partner. Burleson’s monitoring. staff average more than 15 years of industry experience and we specialize in solving our Contact: Julia Parish, Southern California clients’ challenging environmental puzzles. AG-Renewal Director — [email protected] NorCal Contact: Kevin Ghalambor — www.AG-Renewal.com 916.984.4651 x118 Manufactures and markets the Woodward Balance Hydrologics [email protected] Flail-vac seed stripper, used to harvest grass www.balancehydro.com SoCal Contact: Thor Anderson — and wildflower seed worldwide since 1982. 831.901.9394 [email protected] Contact: Weldon Miller, President — Balance Hydrologics is a site-specific 580.772.7059 [email protected] hydrology firm, recognized as being a leader in the analysis of watershed, channel, California Invasive Plant 24111 E. 1000 Rd., Weatherford, OK 73096 groundwater, floodplain and wetland dynamics. We provide restoration design Council services from the development of www.cal-ipc.org American Conservation conceptual design alternatives, to complete Experience plans, specifications and cost estimate Cal-IPC protects California’s environment packages. We typically set the foundation and economy from invasive plants. Through www.usaconservation.org for this work with a strong field presence, so our programs we coordinate regional partnerships for landscape-level The American Conservation Experience is a that we may gain a comprehensive understanding of a site during the conservation, train land stewards in national non-profit organization, founded management skills and science-based in 2004 in Flagstaff, Arizona, which has assessment, planning, feasibility, and design phases, which we carry through to prioritization, and advocate for sound emerged as a national leader in recruiting, public policy. coordinating, and training volunteers to implementation. As a firm, Balance has implemented wetland, meadow, river and Contact: Jutta Burger, Science Program creek restoration and enhancement projects Director — [email protected] 52 throughout California, Nevada, and Many thanks to our generous sponsors!

California Native Davey Resource Group H. T. Harvey & Associates, Grasslands Association http://www.davey.com/davey- Ecological Consultants www.cnga.org resource-group www.harveyecology.com Statewide non-profit working to promote Davey Resource Group provides a full range Since 1970, the highly-trained ecologists understanding, protection, restoration, and of natural resource and utility consulting and professionals at H. T. Harvey & management of California’s native services to the commercial, residential, Associates have delivered exceptional grassland ecosystems . municipal and governmental markets. consulting services to public agencies, That’s officially what we do. In fact, private entities, and nonprofit Contact: Diana Jeffery, Administrative "innovations through solutions and Director —[email protected] organizations. The expertise of our staff expertise" is our brand promise. encompasses a wide range of biological and PO Box 72405, Davis 95617 Contact: Dorothy Abeyta, Project Developer design disciplines required to perform high- — [email protected] quality work on ecological projects. We 925.391.5969 apply our expertise in restoration ecology, cbec eco engineering landscape architecture, wildlife and plant cbecoeng.com ecology, and fish and aquatic ecology in Dudek pursuit of our mission to create ecologically cbec develops innovative, multi-benefit sound solutions to our client’s complex solutions in water resources engineering www.dudek.com natural resource challenges. Today the that improve the natural environment while Environmental Consulting, Habitat company includes 10 principals and more meeting the needs of humanity. Restoration Design, Design-Build than 70 ecologists, landscape architects, and Contact: Emily McCommas, Marketing Engineering, Hydrology, and Construction other professionals in six offices in Coordinator — Management. California and Hawai‘i. We have successfully [email protected] completed thousands of projects for our Contacts: clients, including hundreds of ecological John Minchin, RLA Habitat Restoration restoration projects in the greater San Channel Islands Restoration Specialist — 760.479.4279 Francisco Bay Area. H. T. Harvey & [email protected] 605 3rd Street, Associates services include: Restoration www.cirweb.org Encinitas 92024 design, Conservation planning, Ecological research, Environmental analysis, Channel Islands Restoration is a 501c3 non- John Zanzi, RLA Habitat Restoration Permitting, Landscape architecture and profit that works to restore habitat on the Specialist, 916.438.5313 planning, and Compliance support. Channel Islands and adjacent mainland [email protected] 1102 R Street, through invasive plant management, native Sacramento 95811 Contacts: Max Busnardo, Principal — plant propagation, and native plant [email protected] installation. We work to promote Will Spangler, Senior Restoration environmental education on the Central Ecological Concerns, Inc. Ecologist — Coast through lectures, service trips, and [email protected] habitat restoration volunteer opportunities. www.ecologicalconcerns.com We conduct research and monitoring Established in 1992, ECI is a Design-Grow- programs to identify and inform further Build Biological Consultancy, Habitat Habitat Restoration habitat restoration efforts. Restoration Contractor, and California Sciences Contact: Tanner Yould — Native Plant Nursery. [email protected] Contact: Josh Fodor, President — www.HRSRestoration.com 831.459.0656 Habitat Mitigation & Restoration, Design- [email protected] Build, Streambed Restoration, Weed Management, and Preserve Management. Contact: Kyle Matthews, HRS Vice President — 760.479.4210 [email protected] 1217 Distribution Way, Vista 92081; 3888 Cincinnati Ave, Rocklin 95765 53 SERCAL 2019 Sponsor Exhibitors Listed Alphabetically

Habitat West, Inc. species or custom seed mixes, plug Masters in Conservation containers and native grass straw. We www.Habitatwest.com provide free seed mix consultation services and Restoration Science at Habitat West, Inc. has 26 years of extensive for customers who buy our seed. Our seeds UC Irvine and plants are used in wildlife habitat experience implementing and maintaining mcrs.bio.uci.edu numerous long-term contracts for Upland restoration projects, agricultural and Wetland mitigation sites. Habitat West, revegetation projects, for erosion control The Masters in Conservation and Inc. was founded by Gigi Hurst in 1993 with and urban and rural landscaping. Restoration Science (MCRS) is a the specific agenda of providing the highest Contact: Patrick H. Reynolds, General professional degree program designed to quality native habitat restoration and Manager — 530.662.6847 provide the graduate with the skills and management services. Habitat West’s [email protected] knowledge base necessary to hold leadership project team has a reputation and track and management positions in record of providing quality native habitat environmental fields related to restoration and management services and ICF conservation, restoration, and sustainability. getting projects signed off. Our expertise in This is a highly collaborative program, implementation of quality habitats and our www.icf.com portions of which will embed students into long term maintenance strategies give native ICF is a global consulting services company real-world conservation and restoration vegetation the optimum opportunity to with over 5,000 specialized experts, but we settings through community partnerships. flourish over non-native species. Habitat are not your typical consultants. At ICF, Contact: Courtney Hunt, Academic West, Inc. holds a current Landscape business analysts and policy specialists work Coordinator — [email protected] Contractors license (C-27 #672030), a Pest together with digital strategists, data Control Advisors license (PCA #70361), and scientists and creatives. We combine a Qualified Applicators license (QAL unmatched industry expertise with cutting- Northwest Hydraulic #96261). Habitat West Inc. is also currently edge engagement capabilities to help Consultants certified as: Caltrans #21941 WBE, MBE, organizations solve their most complex DBE & UDBE (Women Business challenges. Since 1969, public and private www.nhcweb.com Enterprise, Minority Business Enterprise, sector clients have worked with ICF to Disadvantaged Business Enterprise & navigate change and shape the future. Much Northwest Hydraulic Consultants (NHC) Underutilized Disadvantaged Business of our work is focused on environmental provides hydrologic, geomorphic, hydraulic, Enterprise); Public Utility Commission planning, natural resource management and and sediment transport analyses and design Certification #9GN00008 WBE (Women habitat restoration. Learn more at icf.com. services to support restoration of rivers, Business Enterprise); State of CA, Dept. of creeks, lakes, wetlands and estuaries. Our General Services #43619 SB (Small SoCal Contact: Lindsay Teunis — experience includes field surveying, [email protected] Business, Micro); and City of San Diego 858.444.3906 hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, #11HW0171 SLBE (Small Local Business NorCal Contact: Kevin MacKay — hydrotechnical design, and development of Enterprise Certification). 408.216.2816 [email protected] engineering construction documents on numerous fish passage, riparian, wetland, Contact: Gigi Hurst, President/CEO — and aquatic restoration projects throughout 619.520.4969 (m) 760.735.9378 (ofc) California and western North America. [email protected] Marin Municipal Water District Contact: Brady McDaniel — 916.371.7400 2067 Wineridge Place, Suite B , Escondido, [email protected] CA 92029 www.marinwater.org We manage our natural resources in a sustainable manner and provide our Rocky Mountain Bio Hedgerow Farms customers with reliable, high quality water Products at a reasonable price. www.hedgerowfarms.com www.RockyMtnBioproducts.com Hedgerow Farms specializes in producing Contact: Greg Andrew, Fishery Program Manager [email protected] Supplier of organic fertilizers and soil high quality seed of origin-known, wildland amendments. collected California native grasses, forbs, sedges and rushes. We offer seeds in single Contact: Tom Bowman Division President — 303.696.8964 [email protected] 54 10801 E. 54th Avenue, Denver, CO 80239 Many thanks to our generous sponsors!

S&S Seeds, Inc. Wildlands WRA, Inc. www.ssseeds.com www.wildlandsinc.com www.wra-ca.com S&S Seeds, Inc. ssseeds.com Supplier of Wildlands is a national leader in establishing WRA, Inc. provides professional consulting California native seeds and products for wetland mitigation banks, special-status services in plant, wildlife, and wetland restoration and erosion control projects species conservation banks, and project- ecology, regulatory compliance, mitigation including site collection and seed buling / specific habitat mitigation preserves that solutions, environmental planning, GIS, and increase production protect wetlands and wildlife habitat in landscape architecture. Formed in 1981, we Contact: Jody Miller — 805.684.0436 perpetuity. Dedicated to the restoration and are a certified small business with more than [email protected] preservation of wetlands and special-status 90 professionals who collaborate with species habitats, Wildlands focuses on public agencies, non-profit, and private procurement, habitat development, and organizations on restoration projects large Stover Seed Company long-term management of projects and small. WRA is a leader in the throughout the western United States, restoration and enhancement of California’s www.stoverseed.com providing robust mitigation solutions. natural ecosystems including diverse tidal, Wildlands is based in Rocklin, California riparian, and aquatic habitats, critical to Established in California in 1922, and has a regional offices in Portland, many endangered and threatened plant and specializing in native seed collections, spec Oregon. wildlife species endemic to each region. writing and seed sourcing. Contact: Julie Maddox, Inside Sales WRA’s multidisciplinary staff has Contact: Stephen Knutson, CEO — Manager — 916.435.3555 successfully managed complex projects 800.621.0315 [email protected] [email protected] from initial feasibility and planning stages through project implementation and long- 3855 Atherton Road, Rocklin 95765 term monitoring. WRA is also a leader in The Watershed Nursery design and implementation of wetland and species conservation banks throughout the www.watershednursery.com state. Contact: Diana Benner — Wood Environment & Contact: Liz Agraz, Marketing Director — [email protected] Infrastructure Solution, Inc. 415.524.7245 [email protected] www.woodplc.com Westervelt Ecological Wood’s Natural Resources division features Services a full-service habitat restoration program. Our C-27 restoration specialists develop Wesmitigation.com project-specific mitigation and restoration Westervelt Ecological Services specializes in plans; complete all necessary permitting; creating mitigation and conservation and perform all aspects of restoration projects and provides environmental including earthwork, planting and seeding, mitigation and habitat planning services to erosion control, SWPPP compliance, landowners, businesses, and government irrigation, and performance monitoring. agencies. Through their work, Westervelt Our integrated biological services include has restored over 8,000 acres of wetland and biological and sensitive species monitoring. endangered species habitat on over 18,000 Support of in-house engineers and acres of preserved properties nationwide. hydrologists assures professional oversight of all aspects of restoration. Contact: Travis Hemmen, Vice President — 916.646.3644 [email protected] Contact: Carla Scheidlinger, Regional Restoration Program Manager | [email protected] 858.300.4311

55 Beyond Recovery: Restoration for the Future

SERCAL 2019 in Santa Barbara | Post Conference Fieldtrips April 12

SERCAL is proud to offer this fine variety of fieldtrips to our conference schedule. Many thanks to the fieldtrip leaders and organizations for their time and energy! When selecting a fieldtrip, please note the start/end times as well as what you can expect and what you should bring. Please watch for updates on www.sercal.org prior to the conference and at the SERCAL administrative table at the conference. If a fieldtrip reaches maximum capacity before the conference, a waiting list will be maintained til the conference closing, April 11, 5pm. A $20 administration fee is required to reserve your spot on a fieldtrip. Refunds will only be issued if your fieldtrip choice does not have any openings.

North Campus Open Space: Restoration of the Upper Arms of Devereux Slough and Mesa

On this 2–2.5 hour tour, led by Darwin Richardson, Project Manager, you will walk about 2.5 miles, see birds and diverse locally sourced native plants, and learn about the history of this 100-acre restoration of a filled estuary. UC Santa Barbara’s Cheadle Center for Biodiversity and Ecological Restoration (CCBER) has seen this project through from the beginning and currently employs more than 45 students and 20 staff on the project. The tour will cover information from the land purchase in 2013 through grant writing, goal setting, design, and implementation in 2017, to monitoring results to date. The project is designed to be adaptive to sea Meet at 8:30am at 6969 Whittier Drive (Google Maps will level rise, document carbon sequestration benefits, support get you there). Fieldtrip ends at approx. 11am. rare species and other wildlife, as well as provide extensive Plan on wearing walking shoes (at least tennis shoes) and education and outreach for students of all ages. walking on uneven terrain. Hats, water, and binoculars recommended. Not too hilly or steep — about 80% flat On the tour we will also walk through several adjacent, more with a short incline on a dirt trail. established restoration projects implemented by CCBER over the years and learn about how CCBER has scaled up Maximum Number of Participants: Parking lot can hold about 20 cars and if more than 25 sign up (and carpool), from 6 acre projects to this project through the use of apps, we could potentially split into multiple groups with drill seeding, students and volunteers, and more. different members of the staff. Photo: Whittier pond emptying into Devereux Slough during the heavy rain on February 2, 2019. 56 SERCAL 2019 in Santa Barbara | Post Conference Fieldtrips April 12

Impacts to the Southern Santa Barbara County Steelhead Streams by the Thomas Fire and Debris Flows

The devastating Thomas Fire in December 2017, and subsequent debris flows in January 2018 through 2019, have negatively impacted riparian and steelhead habitat in the Santa Barbara and Ventura Region. On this field tour, led by South Coast Habitat Restoration, we will visit creeks in Santa Barbara County and see the impact which occurred and the recovery to date. The tour will stop at various locations showing fish passage projects, debris basins and community efforts to deal with recovery and preparedness towards future disasters.

Meet at the conference center at 8:30am; we will return around 2:00pm. The California Conservation Corps should be able to provide vans as long as staff is not needed for firefighting; in that case, carpooling is encouraged. Sturdy walking shoes, hats, sunscreen, water, and snacks recommended, as well as binoculars for bird-watching. Terrain is sloped and rocky at times but steep slopes and rocks can be avoided by staying on trails. Lunch not provided; there will be an opportunity to stop and purchase a sandwich/salad. Maximum Number of Participants: 25

Arroyo Burro Watershed Restoration

The City of Santa Barbara Creeks Restoration and Water Quality Improvement Division’s mission is to restore riparian habitat and improve surface water quality throughout the City of Santa Barbara. Several restoration and water quality improvement projects have been completed throughout the Arroyo Burro Watershed. This tour, led by Creeks Restoration Planner Erin Markey, will take you from the upper Arroyo Burro Watershed to the creek mouth at Arroyo Burro (Hendry’s) Beach to look at four different creek restoration projects in the watershed. Field tour stops include: the Barger Canyon Restoration Project, on a 15-acre property in the upper watershed which was previously in a Meet at the conference center at 8:30am; we will degraded state from past land use practices, and was restored to a return around 3:30pm. The City will provide two 15- more historic condition in 2016; the Upper Las Positas Creek passenger vans. Before the fieldtrip departs, participants will have to sign a short waiver to ride in Restoration Project, completed in 2008, which combined native a City vehicle and participate in the tour. habitat restoration and stormwater management features to recreate wetland habitat on a tributary to Arroyo Burro on the Please bring sun protection, water, sturdy shoes, snacks and a bag lunch. We will be walking on trails City’s municipal golf course; a recently completed project at the with potentially steep or uneven terrain. Arroyo Burro Open Space Park, a 21-acre property in the lower watershed at which floodplain connectivity and riparian habitat Maximum Number of Participants: 25 was restored; and lastly, the Arroyo Burro Estuary Restoration and Mesa Creek Daylighting Project, which was completed in 2007. 57 SERCAL 2019 in Santa Barbara | Post Conference Fieldtrips April 12

Jack and Laura Dangermond Preserve and S & S Seeds Los Alamos Garden Center

In December 2017, The Nature Conservancy acquired the 25,000-acre Bixby Ranch at Point Conception through the extremely generous donation by Jack and Laura Dangermond. The beautiful oak woodlands, coastal terrace, coastal sage scrub foothills, and eight miles of coastline will be protected as the Jack and Laura Dangermond Preserve. Our vision is to create a world-class preserve dedicated to preservation and restoration, science and research, and environmental education. This part of the tour, led by We will gather in Santa Barbara (location TBD) at 8:00, leave Restoration Project Manager Laura Riege, will provide a brief by 8:15 in 2 vans provided by S&S Seeds. Travel to glimpse into this special place — home to 54 special status Dangermond Preserve, arriving by 9:30. Tour three future species including 14 threatened and endangered species (6 restoration sites. Depart Dangermond at noon. Arrive at S&S animals and 8 plants). TNC is embarking on six restoration Production Facility in Los Alamos at 1:00. Lunch provided by projects; this tour will visit three of them — 300 acres of ice S&S. Tour facility and leave by 4:30 pm. Return to Santa plant treatment from coastal prairie, 200 acres of oak Barbara at 5:20 pm. restoration, and a small project on a coastal bluff. Come see Bring sturdy walking shoes, hat, binocs, water bottles the “before” phase of these projects and learn about TNC’s and dress in layers as it can be windy and cold or warm, other plans for the Preserve. depending on where you are. Photos allowed for personal use only, TNC has a strict “no social media” S&S is working with TNC on seed collection and policy. Photos are encouraged at the S & S Seeds propagation for the restoration projects. After visiting the production ranch. Dangermond Preserve in the morning, the tour will visit S & S Seeds’ production facility in Los Alamos where a BBQ Maximum Number of Participants: 30 lunch will be provided, followed by a tour of the production fields, seed cleaning and conditioning mill, and the trial/demonstration garden where you will see nearly 100 California native species on display and in various states of maturity. This ranch is one of the few California native seed production farms in the state. S & S Seeds’ Ben and Jody Miller will share their approach in ensuring that the highest quality, local ecotype seed material is available for restoration and mitigation projects.

58 SERCAL 2019 in Santa Barbara | CNGA Grass ID Workshop April 12

Identifying and Appreciating the Native and Naturalized Grasses of California

SERCAL is pleased to include our partner organization’s signature workshop — a morning of classroom instruction, lunch on your own, and an afternoon in the field. All net proceeds will go to CNGA. The goal of this workshop is to give botanists, resource and range professionals, ecologists, as well as interested landscape professionals and home gardeners, the confidence and skills to key an unfamiliar grass, and recognize key characteristics and groupings. First, a brief introduction to the ecological history of California grasslands will be offered, followed by a summary of the current status of this valuable resource with respect to weed invasion, restoration, and land use. Although participants should have a basic understanding of dichotomous keys and plant anatomy, they will be introduced to the grass key found in the 2nd Edition of The Jepson Manual (Eds. Baldwin et al.), as well as online resources for assistance in keying. Participants will receive key excerpts and supplies to create reference specimens. Taught by CNGA Board President Andrea Williams, a Vegetation Ecologist for Marin Municipal Water District on Mt. Tamalpais. She has worked in coastal grasslands from Northern California to Oregon off and on for 25 years.

We’re Looking for a Few Great Volunteers! Want to take a more active role in California’s restoration community? SERCAL has some opportunities for you:

Join a Committee! Communications and Budgeting & Marketing both have openings. Write an article for Ecesis! Our Communications Committee is developing upcoming issues on mitigation, technology, habitat design, rare plants, large-scale invasive species control, restoration or habitat design for threatened wildlife, vernal pools, watershed restoration, andmonitoring to inform future project development. Join the SERCAL Board! Ask one of our Board members about opportunities. Elections are held in the Fall of each year.

59 Got a lot out of this year’s conference? Just wait til SERCAL 2020. We’re gonna have a whale of a time!

April in Monterey. Stay tuned to sercal.org The time is NOW to get involved! Talk to Thor Anderson and Carol Presley about session ideas and more.