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Post Office Box 831 Santa Barbara, CA 93102 Los Padres Phone: 805.617.4610 Email: [email protected] ForestWatch Web: www.LPFW.org Protecting wildlife and wild places along California's Central Coast

WILDERNESS & OHV LEGISLATION . FRAZIER MOUNTAIN PROTECTED . OJAI WILD! . CALIFORNIA WHITE FIR SKIING IN THE SESPE . STEELHEAD RECOVERY PLAN . OIL DRILLING STOPPED . KERN PRIMROSE SPHINX MOTH

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Volunteer as Condor Film "Extra" Earth Day Festivals Volunteer Carrizo Defencing March 24 April 21-22 Ojai, SB, SLO May 5 Jeff Hobbs Michael Doliveck Michael A French film crew has contacted The season is upon us; Earth Day We thought 2011 would mark the end ForestWatch with an interest in film- festivals! Plan on stopping by the to our fence removal project, but we fifth anniversary Ojai Wild! March 31 ing a volunteer microtrash cleanup for ForestWatch booth at your local Earth recently learned about another stretch of Photo courtesy of Stephen Lee Carr an upcoming condor documentary. The Day to ask questions, look at maps, or fencing that needs to be pulled and have film will feature the San Diego Zoo simply say hello. this one last trip on the books for May 5. Safari Park, LA Zoo, various condor experts, scenery from Big Sur to Baja We'll be in Ojai at Oak Grove School Numbers are limited, so if interested California, and us! on Saturday April 21, Santa Barbara at please contact [email protected] Alameda Park both April 21 & 22, and Contact [email protected] to RSVP in San Luis Obispo at El Chorro Park Sunday April 22. protecting frazier mountain Forest Service backs off plans for commercial timber sale

base Last month, the Forest Service backed Then, earlier this year, the Forest Service off earlier plans for a commercial log- announced that it would scrap the com- camp ging operation on Frazier Mountain in mercial timber sale on Frazier Mountain, the remote Ventura County backcoun- and instead focus on a forest restoration Throughout the try of the Los Padres National Forest. project that would only remove small, history of the Los ForestWatch had opposed the logging densely-packed trees less than ten inches Padres National plan, which would have been the first in diameter. The project would also con- Forest, the public commercial timber sale in the Los Padres tain provisions to protect and restore has played a pivotal in decades and would have caused sig- wildlife habitat on the mountain. At the role in shaping the nificant damage to the mountain’s sensi- same time, the agency released a 200- Terri Laine Terri way our region’s tive wildlife and waterways. page Environmental Assessment outlining additional ways to protect the fragile stellar Jeff Kuyper, public lands are Executive Director managed – submit- The logging project was first announced ecosystems on Frazier Mountain. This support photo ting letters to forest in 2005 and targeted large conifer trees new project was the result of two years Board of discussions and negotiations between officials, attending up to thirty inches in diameter. Forest KATHY AND JOHN BROESAMLE contest public hearings, volunteering out in the officials announced their intention to ForestWatch, local residents, and Los &staff Padres forest officials. field, and filing appeals and lawsuits approve the project within sixty days, “Mountains are in our blood,” state John and when all other efforts fail. without preparing an Environmental Kathy Broesamle – and indeed their lives are ForestWatch recently filed a formal letter Assessment or allowing any public representative of that statement. They met BRAD MONSMA, President LOS PADRES WILD HERITAGE expressing general support for the new- Camarillo But in recent months, politicians in appeals. in 1960 working as summer employees in CAMPAIGN WILDERNESS & ly-designed project and outlining a hand- Washington D.C. have whittled away at Yosemite National Park. Yet their apprecia- WILD RIVER PHOTO CONTEST ful of additional changes we would like PAT VEESART, Vice President the public’s right – both yours and mine ForestWatch sprung to action and imme- tion for wilderness came at an even younger Carrizo Plain to see incorporated into the final project. – to participate in decisions affecting the diately demanded that forest officials age spending time in the great outdoors with ForestWatch is Los Padres. In the waning days of 2011, prepare an Environmental Assessment. The Frazier Mountain area is a sensitive RUTH LASELL, Secretary pleased to announce parents that were avid campers. Ojai Congress passed a one-paragraph law We also urged officials to scale back the ecosystem harboring rare species like our first ever northern goshawks, California spotted that was buried within a 487-page fed- project and to ensure that any “forest Kathy, a Speech Pathologist, and John, a ALLAN MORTON, Treasurer Wilderness and owls, yellow-blotched salamanders, and eral budget bill called the Consolidated thinning” would be done for scientific retired Professor of American History, moved Santa Barbara Wild River Photo lodgepole chipmunks. The utmost care Appropriations Act. and ecological reasons, not for commer- to the Ojai Valley in 1987, an area they chose Contest. All levels cial profit. must be taken not to disturb this ecosys- LOUIS ANDALORO of photographers for its natural beauty and openness. Santa Barbara The new law eliminates the public’s tem, and any forest restoration activities are invited to head out into the Los right to appeal the approval of most After going back to the drawing board, must be based on sound science. PETER CASTELLANOS Padres National Forest to capture imag- They are now deeply immersed in protect- development and resource extraction in 2010 forest officials completed an ing the greater Ojai Valley through their Santa Barbara es of existing and proposed wilderness ForestWatch will continue to work with activities on national forest lands. For Environmental Assessment for the founding and development of the Ojai Valley and wild rivers. forest officials to ensure that this proj- DR. CHRISTOPHER COGAN years, the appeals process has provided Frazier Mountain project. But the Forest Defense Fund, a group working to raise ect protects rare plants and wildlife on Camarillo a way for the public to sit down with for- Service continued to pursue the com- a substantial community chest to provide The three eligible categories include Frazier Mountain and truly restores est officials and ask them to reconsider mercial timber sale, and ForestWatch financial support to those striving to protect JERI EDWARDS landscape image, wildlife image (both forest health. a particular decision. In many cases, this continued to oppose it. and sustain the environmental quality of the Westlake Village flora and fauna), and images containing appeals process successfully resolved people. The shots must be taken in or Valley. TERRI LAINE the public’s concerns, reduced envi- Oak View of existing or proposed wilderness areas ronmental impacts on the ground, and or wild rivers within the Los Padres It is no wonder that the Broesamles and avoided costly lawsuits. Los Padres ForestWatch found each other. FORESTWATCH STAFF National Forest. Each category will Doug Bevington Since joining ForestWatch in 2007, they be judged by website vote (People's Now, without this appeals process in Choice) and a panel of judges (Judges' have worked closely with us to give the local JEFF KUYPER place, groups like ForestWatch will need wilderness landscapes and the wildlife that Executive Director Choice), creating six different awards. to become even more vigilant in moni- The judges will also award a “Best in inhabit them a voice. “We regard the Los toring forest projects and plans. Padres as a unique resource and, like the Ojai DIANE DEVINE Show” for the best overall picture in any category. Valley, a unique remnant of California as it Development Coordinator The role that you and I play in protect- once existed,” said John. ing these magnificent lands has just Submissions may be made through July SUZANNE FELDMAN become more critical than ever before. Along with their two children and three Conservation Coordinator 27, 2012. Winners will be announced in The health of our local forest is at stake, our September newsletter. grandchildren, they hike and camp continu- and your continued support will ensure ally in the Los Padres National Forest, and MATT SAYLES that the public has a voice in how our consider themselves uniquely fortunate to Wild Heritage Project Coordinator Visit www.LosPadresWild.org for region’s public lands are managed and additional information. live just inside national forest boundaries. protected for future generations. And we consider ourselves uniquely fortu- MIKE SUMMERS nate and deeply grateful for their ongoing Wild Heritage Project Coordinator encouragement and dedication to our work as well. WINTER 2010 PAGE 1 ForestWatch and forest officials meet on Frazier Mountain PAGE 10 USDA final steelhead recovery plan wilderness Fisheries biologists present a roadmap to restore historic steelhead runs campaign update to the Los Padres National Forest Federal legislation is introduced to expand wilderness and off-road vehicle recreation in the Los Padres National Forest ing grounds higher up in the watershed. In USFWS fact 90 percent of his- In February, Congressman Elton • Establishing two officially-sanc- would bring a host of law enforcement, toric habitat is located Gallegly (R-Simi Valley) introduced tioned “OHV Areas” in the Ventura wildfire prevention, public safety, and above impassable bar- legislation to extend the current bound- backcountry totaling 65,833 acres, resource protection issues. Pushing the riers! Water diversions aries of federally-protected wilderness where off-highway vehicles such as Forest Service into an inequitable trade for household, agri- areas in the Los Padres National Forest. dirtbikes, ATVs and four-wheel drive of lands that could result in the loss of cultural, and industrial The bill is already generating a stir of vehicles would be encouraged; protections for steelhead trout is another use also left less water local controversy because it would also provision we strongly oppose. critter for fish, reducing open new areas of the forest to motor- • Opening 69 miles of remote forest corner streamflows and nar- ized off-road vehicles, and would kick- roads that have been closed for several This bill doesn't become law until it rowing the window of start a controversial exchange of land decades due to law enforcement and is approved by the House, the Senate opportunity for steel- The white fir is widely found across the between the U.S. Forest Service and a public safety concerns, wildfire risk, (where changes to the bill would likely head to complete their local water district near Lake Piru. and protection of sensitive resources, be made), and the President. ForestWatch mountains of the West. It has a number of life cycle. geographically distinct varieties, one being and authorizes the construction of three will follow this process every step of the the California white fir. A few pockets of the Since 2010, ForestWatch and a coali- new OHV routes in remote areas of the way to demand that a clean wilderness Invasive species, road tion of wilderness advocates have been forest; and bill emerges without all of these unre- California white fir exist in the Los Padres Tagging juvenille steelhead crossings, improperly National Forest, primarily at high altitudes working on an ambitious campaign to lated damaging provisions. In the com- managed livestock formally designate more than 200,000 • Requiring the Forest Service to ing months and years, ForestWatch will on the Mt. Pinos Ranger District in northern California biologists, farmers, conserva- grazing, and oil spills have also caused Ventura County. tionists, and fishermen have been buzz- acres of the Los Padres National Forest trade several hundred acres of pub- work with our members of Congress to the deterioration of steelhead habitat in as wilderness and to protect 124 miles lic land around Lake Piru in Ventura ensure that any wilderness bill for the ing about the recent release of the Final the Los Padres National Forest. White fir is commonly found with other Southern Steelhead Recovery Plan by of backcountry streams as "wild and County to a local water district. Los Padres National Forest fulfills the scenic" rivers. While the wilderness provision set forth in the 1964 Wilderness conifers, including ponderosa pine, Jeffrey the National Marine Fisheries Service Recommendations for Recovery pine, sugar pine, and incense-cedar. in early 2012. Focused on an area from visions in the bill represent a good first While ForestWatch supports the wilder- Act to ‘secure for the American people the Santa Maria River to the California/ step towards realizing this vision, the ness and river provisions in the bill, we of present and future generations the The Plan recommends modifying all relatively small amount of wilderness share grave concerns with other con- benefits of an enduring resource of wil- Wildfire suppression has allowed these Mexico border, the Recovery Plan will major dams and other impassable barriers shade-tolerant trees to mature in greater serve as a guide to restore historic steel- in the bill – coupled with the extent and servationists, forest users, and commu- derness.’ to steelhead, and restorating streamflows magnitude of the unrelated and environ- nity members about several of the other numbers. As taller conifer species grow old head runs in southern California, includ- to account for all stages of steelhead life and begin to succumb to disease or bark ing several major watersheds in the Los mentally damaging provisions – leave unrelated provisions. Allowing expan- The bill summary, full text, a map, and history. This modification to the tim- us with mixed emotions. sion of OHV areas when the Forest ForestWatch’s position statement are on beetles, white firs grow up to replace them Padres National Forest. ing and quantity of water releases from and effectively shade out any new trees Service doesn’t have the resources to our website www.LPFW.org. We have the dams will strive to mimic pre-dam The bill – dubbed the Los Padres properly manage current use is irre- also included a map in the center of this attempting the establish themselves under Once numbering in the tens of thousands stream flows and allow for improved the canopy. of fish, southern steelhead populations Conservation and Recreation Act of sponsible, and the proposed new trails newsletter. connectivity between the ocean and his- 2012 (H.R. 4109) – applies only to plummeted in the past several decades. toric spawning grounds. White fir is one of twelve Management The Recovery Plan is a ‘blueprint’ that national forest land in Santa Barbara Pine Mountain in the Chorro Grande proposed wilderness area; Indicator Species ("MIS") on the Los Padres describes the measures that must be and Ventura counties. The main pro- an addition to the Sespe Wilderness The Plan also recommends the prepara- visions of the bill include: National Forest. MIS are plants and animals taken to bring the southern steelhead tion of numerous studies, plans, and that are monitored by the U.S. Forest Service back from the brink of extinction. monitoring programs to improve steel- Mike Summers because they indicate the effects of land use • Extending the current boundar- head habitat and to reestablish connec- ies of the Sespe, Matilija, and Dick activities. There are 3 MIS to evaluate the Los Padres ForestWatch has been tivity to historic spawning grounds. It health of montane conifer forests on the for- involved in the development of the Smith wilderness areas in the heart also suggests that the U.S. Forest Service of the Los Padres National Forest, est and white fir is one of them. Plan from start to finish, providing the incorporate additional steelhead protec- National Marine Fisheries Service with increasing the size of these areas by tive measures in the management plan 63,576 acres (20%); General threats facing the California white input along the way. The Los Padres for the Los Padres National Forest. fir include wildfire, drought, beetle and mis- National Forest is of high priority when tletoe infestation, and various diseases like it comes to steelhead recovery efforts • Establishing the 18,520-acre The Southern Steelhead Recovery Plan Condor Ridge Scenic Area along the root rot and yellow cap fungus. Thin-barked, because many of the streams providing represents an ambitious effort to bring resin blistered, drooping lower branches pristine spawning habitat originate in crest of the Gaviota Coast in Santa back steelhead to our region’s water- Barbara County; makes young white firs highly susceptible and flow through the forest. ways. ForestWatch will work with all to fire. stakeholders involved to ensure that the • Protecting 89 miles of backcoun- The largest threats facing the steelhead Recovery Plan’s priority recommenda- ForestWatch will continue to work with of the Los Padres National Forest, and try rivers and streams under the fed- tions are implemented as soon as pos- eral Wild and Scenic Rivers system, the Forest Service in monitoring the twelve southern California as a whole, are sible so that steelhead can once again Management Indicator Species of the Los impassable barriers such as dams, cul- including Mono and Indian Creeks return to their historic spawning grounds in Santa Barbara County and the Padres, which the white for is one of, to verts, and road crossings, all of which in the Los Padres National Forest. gauge the health of our local forests. prevent steelhead from swimming upper Sespe and upper Piru creeks in upstream from the ocean to spawn- Ventura County; PAGE 9 PAGE 2 Ron Wolf oil expansion Ojai Wild! stopped, again ForestWatch protects condors from runaway oil drilling The Top 10 Reasons You Should Go to Ojai Wild! 10. You don’t want to be the only per- 4. There’s gonna be strawberry short- son on the Central Coast who doesn’t! cake with lavender mascarpone cream In 2005, the U.S. Forest Service approved As a direct result of our lawsuit, federal for dessert. Enough said. a plan to expand oil drilling across condor biologists decided to amend their 9. Get out of those Saturday afternoon 52,075 acres of the Los Padres National biological report, putting our lawsuit chores…it’s a perfect way to spend an 3. Great deals, amazing items, and Forest. The plan threatened popular rec- – and the drilling plan – on hold indefi- afternoon with family and friends. LOTS of excitment at the silent and live reation areas, wild lands, clean air and nitely. Late last year, a new report was auction. water, and habitat for several endan- issued, and while it didn’t authorize the 8. The Diamond Hitch Camp location gered species, including the California killing of any condors, it did allow the oil along the foothills of the 2. Meet Sespe condor – a high companies to use Los Padres National is River conserva- price to pay for dogs to “haze” spectacular. tionist, Alasdair the single day’s condors from oil critter Coyne, who will be supply of oil that pads – a form mcgowan 7. Wine will be flowin’ presented with the the new drilling of unnecessary guntermann corner and the beer will be 2012 Wilderness would produce in harassment that its lifespan. is prohibited by pourin’. Legacy Award. Like Los Padres ForestWatch itself, the firm One of three species of sphinx moths, the the Endangered of McGowan Guntermann started off in a Kern primrose sphinx moth occurs on the To halt the spread Species Act. The 6. The Ventucky String And the #1 reason very small office with one sole proprietor. Carrizo Plain National Monument, in the of runaway oil report contained Band will be there bring- to attend the 5th Flash forward from those early days back Cuyama Valley, and in the Walker Basin of development in numerous other ing a sampling of clas- Anniversary Ojai in 1945, and McGowan Guntermann is now Kern County. It was originally thought to the Los Padres scientific defi- sic swing, bluegrass, and Wild!... a five partner firm, which includes twelve only occur in Kern County (hence the name), National Forest, in ciencies as well. honky-tonk… guaranteed staff members. Their services range from but other populations were recently discov- 2005 ForestWatch to get your feet a tapin’! Because you care personal financial planning, tax preparation, ered. Two populations are now known to filed a formal 92-page appeal with the ForestWatch immediately notified fed- about protecting estate planning and elder care, to business exist on the Los Padres National Forest, near U.S. Forest Service, asking the agency eral biologists of these concerns, and 5. The food is mouth- the lands, wildlife, services, including support for non-profit Ventucopa in the Cuyama Valley. watering, local and organic. Cooked waterways, and recreational opportuni- to reconsider its decision. Forest officials as a result, the agencies involved – were quick to deny our appeal, and the the Forest Service, the Bureau of Land organizations. That’s where ForestWatch on a huge Santa Maria style BBQ right ties in the Los Padres National Forest. comes into the picture. The Kern primrose sphinx moth is a day- before your eyes. plan was put into effect. Management, and the Fish & Wildlife flying moth with a wingspan of 1-3 inches. Service – agreed to go back to the draw- In 2010, ForestWatch received an e-mail Its hindwings have a distinct white band, Don’t miss the fun – Don’t miss the excitement – Don’t miss Ojai Wild! Left with no other option, ForestWatch ing board once again. The lawsuit – and from Patricia Krout, a partner with the firm, and the top surface of its antenna have white took the plan to court, asking a federal the drilling plan – are now on hold as the and someone with a keen interest in natural scaling. The moth is usually found along judge to invalidate the plan because it agencies try to get it right a third time. nniversary resource preservation. Patricia is also a big sandy washes, in which the sand has the A clearly violated several environmental 5th condor advocate, and had seen an article proper compaction and moisture content for laws and was not based on sound science. ForestWatch and our partners Defenders about ForestWatch and our volunteer micro- burrowing larvae. As part of that lawsuit, we also chal- of Wildlife and Center for Biological lenged an underlying biological report Diversity have now prevented any trash cleanup efforts in the newspaper, and Ojai contacted us offering her services as volun- The Kern primrose sphinx moth was listed that authorized the drilling plan to move expanded oil drilling for seven years, and teer. Patricia also noted that she worked for as threatened under the federal Endangered forward, even though the drilling would counting. We will continue to demand Wild! an accounting firm and offered to help us Species Act in April 1980. The moth relies have resulted in the “taking” or killing of accountability, compliance with the law, with our accounting needs. almost solely on evening primrose as a host “a few” California condors – one of the and the strictest environmental safe- plant, and therefore is particularly vulner- world’s most endangered birds. guards to protect the Los Padres back- Patricia and the firm of McGowan able to habitat destruction. Such habitat country from runaway oil development. Guntermann not only now handle all the degradation can be caused by cattle and tax and accounting needs of ForestWatch, sheep grazing, pesticides and herbicides, off- Cleaning up an oil spill along a tributary to Sespe Creek but have become Los Padres ForestWatch road vehicle trespass, road maintenance, and donors as well through their Community development. Involvement Fund, whereby the firm allo- cates a percentage of its profits to employees A new recovery plan needs to be com- to donate to area non-profit organizations. pleted for the moth to incorporate impor- tant new findings, including the expanded Los Padres ForestWatch is grateful that population distribution. An oil drilling plan Patricia Krout reached out to us, and that we approved in 2005 (and successfully chal- are now building a long-term relationship lenged by ForestWatch in court) would have with her firm. Her support has been invalu- destroyed at least one population of this able. To learn more about the services of moth. ForestWatch will continue to monitor McGowan Guntermann, call them at each federal agency’s work surrounding the (805) 962-9175 or visit their website at protection of the Kern primrose sphinx moth, www.mcgowan.com. and will work to see that this rare moth con- tinues to call central California home. All photos Tom Franklin

PAGE 3 PAGE 8 backcountry volunteer journal wrapup Stories from the backcountry that inspire the preservation of these unique wild lands ForestWatch supporters improve habitat and have fun! We’d love to have you on our next volunteer mission to create on-the-ground change sespe winter ridge opened my eyes to the magic of If the storm has arrived from the north along California’s Central Coast. Stay in the loop by emailing [email protected] wonderland the Sespe backcountry in winter. and the snow level is low there are good turns off the north side of the mountain. Chris Nybo shares his love of the My Sespe ski trips start at the top of I have enjoyed many “powder” days JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012 JANUARY 2012 Highway 33 just before it drops into the through the trees and gullies on the What: Micro (and big) Trash Cleanup What: Defencing Sespe and the many ways he gets Dick and wife Cheryl on the Carrizo Plain to enjoy it Cuyama Valley, where the gated forest north side of the Pine Mountain ridge. If Where: Middle Sespe Trailhead Where: Carrizo Plain National Monument road leads vehicles up to Pine Mountain/ a Pineapple Express from the south has Who: 29 volunteers Who: 30 volunteers Reyes Peak in summer. When the snow arrived and the snow is wet and sticky, a helping is good you can put your skis on right nice tour is to the top of Reyes Peak with Middle Sespe Trailhead faces a new Over a decade of work by dedicated away and follow the road until you reach outstanding views over a huge expanse threat as target shooters who recently volunteers is coming to a close as the hands the forest. From there you can start to of the Sespe Wilderness. Most often I frequented the Cherry Creek unauthor- final stretches of relic barb wire fenc- turn away from the road and explore the am skiing up and back in a day. If time ized shooting area up the road now pull ing on Carrizo Plain National Monument DICK BALDWIN winter landscape laid out before you. and energy allow, wonderful weekends off early and indulge in bad behavior come tumbling down. As part of an The ski along the road through the chap- are to be had spent camping out high on here. Unlike the other national forests effort to restore pronghorn antelope on My outdoor experiences began young with arral is more than just a good workout. the ridge listening to the wind crackle of southern California which are closed the 200,000-acre national monument, fishing trips on the Colorado River sleeping It is part of the unique adventure that is the icy pine needles and whistle over the to target shooting, Los Padres National volunteers have been working tirelessly on a tarp wrapped in a blanket. The Marines skiing the Sespe backcountry. The snow top of the peak. Forest generally allows it throughout its to remove fences that restrict pronghorn introduced me to tents. When my sons were draped over the manzanitas and yuccas, boundaries with just a few places closed movement and make them more vulner- born we moved up to a tent trailer. As I got I love winter. I love fresh snow on the the fresh tracks of a mountain lion or You never know how many winter days to such use when it becomes an issue of able to injuries and predators. older, I moved into greater comfort with a trees and mountains, snow days that a bear, the views out over the Channel there will be in a season so when the misuse (such as just happened with the "real" trailer. put a halt to our normal storms come, it’s time closing of Cherry Creek.) ForestWatch’s latest outing on January routines, critter tracks in to go. One particu- 28th was the biggest to date for the Throughout the years I have loved the out- the snow, the low angle larly stormy winter In hopes of keeping the situation ‘pronghorn project’; 32 volunteers con- doors. When I became an executive with light of the winter sun, gifted me with many from getting too insurmountable, vened and were split into three groups to lots of hours and lots of pressure, I took my the quiet and calm that days skiing on the ForestWatch has organized a couple tackle some of the last remaining pieces family each year in our tent trailer to remote cold and snow bring. mountain. Dry win- recent cleanups of the area. First was a of fence identified for removal or modifi- places highly populated with wildlife and I also love exploring ters may provide only motivated group of Patagonia employ- cation. Groups joined back up at the Selby few people. It was my way of recharging my the Sespe. I love the one or two. So far ees who ventured out on Martin Luther Campground that evening for a fabulous "family batteries." forested peaks, remote this winter, I have King, Jr. Day. Another group followed pot luck and campfire. On Sunday vol- canyons, and beautiful enjoyed just one ski in mid-February, this time a bunch of unteers that stuck around were treated About three years ago I discovered the vol- vistas everywhere you day and that was in environmental science students from to a guided hike out to Painted Rock, an unteer work of Los Padres ForestWatch, and go. When I moved from November, unusu- Cal State Channel Islands. ForestWatch example of rock art regarded as one of the parts of the Sierra Club, to remove barbed northern Minnesota to ally early. Really big will continue to monitor the problem finest in the world. As our days removing wire fence in the Carrizo Plain. When need- Ventura in the mid 90’s storms close Highway at Middle Sespe Trailhead and we will fences draw to a close, ForestWatch will ed, barbed wire is replaced with smooth wire. it seemed natural to me 33 so you need to do also continue to put pressure on the continue to work with monument manage- Antelope, which were once indigenous there, that I could combine some road checking Forest Service to institute a forest-wide ment on other projects that help to restore will not go over or under barbed wire. The both, but I was steered before you go or be ban on target shooting. this treasure. result is predators are taking more antelope away. The Sierras were content with being than the reproduction rate. the place to go if you turned back. The big wanted to enjoy winter, snow years turn into At the end of my first defencing day, I saw “Head to the Sierras, brilliant spring days Laine Terri Laine Terri a buck antelope racing parallel to the road I young man”. Indeed, as the snow melts and was on, trying unsuccessfully to get under a there is a wonderful drains into the Sespe barbed wire fence. When he reached a sec- tion of smooth wire, he dashed under and winter landscape to be found in the Islands and of the nearby high country and Piru Creeks pro- Mike Summers Range of Light. But I was looking - all delights to take in on the ski up. viding the water that sustains the back- disappeared from view in seconds. At that for winter adventure closer to home. For most winter storms, the snow gets country through the dry, hot summer moment I became hooked on defencing. It is During my first year in California, a deeper and fluffier as you gain eleva- season. During the big snow years of hard to describe the sense of satisfaction after Thanksgiving storm dropped a load tion. If there is not snow at the top of the 90s I got to enjoy that snow twice— a day of defencing looking back to see wide of snow on the TopaTopa Mountains, Highway 33, but there is plenty higher first skiing, and then weeks later kayak- open spaces where fences once ruled. focusing my attention on the possibility up on the ridge, I may bring along my ing the Sespe down to Fillmore after Laine Terri of a ski trip in my own back yard - up mountain bike and bike up to where the those snows had percolated on down to It's great to get out with ForestWatch and in the areas I had begun to get to know snow begins before donning my skis. I the creek. Here’s to some big storms make a difference; I'm proud of the work we from early trips out into the Sespe. My have never had a bad day of skiing on in 2012 and a chance to experience the can do together. first trip on skis up to the Pine Mountain Pine Mountain. Sespe in snow. JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012 eauty inspired the famous sculptor John Cody to PAGE 7 PAGE 4 R30 W R29 W R28 W R27 W R26 W R25 W R24 W R23 W R22 W R21 W R20 W R19 W THREE NEW OFF-ROAD VEHICLE TRAILS 65,833 ACRES OF "OHV AREAS" Proposed Trail System Connector with Road 95 One of these trails, the McKinley Fire Trail, is an old road that has been Two officially-sanctioned “OHV Areas” in the Ventura backcountry closed for several decades due to law enforcement and public safety totaling 65,833 acres, where off-highway vehicles such as dirtbikes, Tconcerns, wildfire risk, and protection of sensitive resources (including a ATVs and four-wheel drive vehicles would be encouraged. 9historic guard station at Santa Cruz Camp.) Another (the longest, located Ballinger Canyon OHV Area N in northern Ventura County) would be a newly constrtucted trail across T rridor

a remote piece of the forest that is an inventoried Roadless Area eligible o salinas C 9 for wilderness protection. s N ng ri p S

ad Salinas River To monterey Proposed Wilderness Addition upon T Construction of Lockwood Valley Trail 8 Carmel River N carmel valley T

Proposed Lockwood Valley Trail Corridor- 8 Location Approximate N

Mt. Pinos OHV Area

T big sur 7 Big Sur River Boundary Located 30 feet N from Centerline of Trail T king city Dick Smith Arroyo Seco River East 7 N Sespe West

Sespe North CONTROVERSIAL LAND SWAP Carrizo Plain Requires the Forest Service to trade several T Dick Smith South Matilija North Sespe North hundred acres of public land around Lake Piru 6 69 MILES OF REMOTE FOREST ROADS OPENED Dick Smith West in Ventura County to a local water district that N San Antonio River Sespe West Literally acting as the border to some exisiting and proposed wilderness Santa Maria River could result in the loss of protections for steel- T areas, these roads will pose a safety risk as well as degrade the forest and head trout (just off map.) 6 detract from the quiet outdoor recreational experience. new cuyama N Cuyama River

Matilija East

Condor Ridge Scenic Area Nacimiento River Sisquoc River T 5 Condor Ridge Scenic Area N 89 MILES OF WILD AND SCENIC RIVERS T Protects 89 miles of backcountry rivers and streams under 5 the federal Wild and Scenic Rivers system, including Mono N and Indian Creeks in Santa Barbara County and the upper Piru Creek Sespe and upper Piru creeks in Ventura County. T cambria 4 N R30 W R29 W R28 W R27 W R26 W R25 W R24 W R23 W R22 W R21 W R20 W R19 W 43 San Luis Obispo Santa Ynez River Sespe Creek Vicinity Map 204 Sheet 1 of 1 227 119 99 223 References 202 Wilderness, Scenic Area, OHV Area and Route Proposal 101 Maricopa 5 184 Map prepared by the USDA Forest Service, Region 5 Geospatial Services at the request of Existing Road - Proposed Open to Highway Legal Vehicles Only Proposed Wilderness Addition 166 Congressman Elton Gallegly, CA. 166 Existing Road - Proposed Open to High Clearance Vehicles and Proposed Wild and Scenic River santaG barbaraallegly's Los Padres Conservation and Recreation Act, 2012 Frazier Park Disclaimer Non-Highway Legal Vehicles Greater than 50" in Width 33 The USDA Forest Service makes no warranty, 135 138 ojai expressed or implied regarding the data displayed Proposed New Motorized Trail - Open to Wheeled Vehicles Proposed Scenic Area Ventura River 246 on this map, and reserves the right to correct, Less than 50" in Width update, modify, or replace this information without USDA Forest Service - Pacific Southwest Region 1 los Padres 154 notification. Proposed OHV Area Los Padres National Forest Proposed - Motorcycle Only Trail 101 Ojai U.S. Congressional District 24 5 150 126 Santa Barbara 024 Existing National Forest Wilderness Miles Legislation Ventura 118 This map is available at the Pacific Southwestventura Regional Office, Vallejo, CA. 27 National Forest Land 34 101 Oxnard Map Creation Date - February 27, 2012 1 405

18,520-ACRE CONDOR RIDGE SCENIC AREA 63,576 ACRES OF NEW WILDERNESS The Condor Ridge Scenic Area extends along the crest of the Gaviota Extending the current boundaries of the Sespe, Matilija, and Dick Smith Coast, between Refugio Canyon and Eagle Canyon, providing majestic wilderness areas in the heart of the Los Padres National Forest, increasing views of the Santa Barbara Channel, Channel Islands, and Santa Ynez the size of these areas by 20%. A steep decline in acreage from the proposed Valley. It’s home to rare plants that are found nowhere else on Earth, and 200,000 ForestWatch was hoping for, but a step in the right direction. serves as the headwaters for many coastal drainages.

SPRING 2011 backcountry volunteer journal wrapup Stories from the backcountry that inspire the preservation of these unique wild lands ForestWatch supporters improve habitat and have fun! We’d love to have you on our next volunteer mission to create on-the-ground change sespe winter ridge opened my eyes to the magic of If the storm has arrived from the north along California’s Central Coast. Stay in the loop by emailing [email protected] wonderland the Sespe backcountry in winter. and the snow level is low there are good turns off the north side of the mountain. Chris Nybo shares his love of the My Sespe ski trips start at the top of I have enjoyed many “powder” days JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012 JANUARY 2012 Highway 33 just before it drops into the through the trees and gullies on the What: Micro (and big) Trash Cleanup What: Defencing Sespe and the many ways he gets Dick and wife Cheryl on the Carrizo Plain to enjoy it Cuyama Valley, where the gated forest north side of the Pine Mountain ridge. If Where: Middle Sespe Trailhead Where: Carrizo Plain National Monument road leads vehicles up to Pine Mountain/ a Pineapple Express from the south has Who: 29 volunteers Who: 30 volunteers Reyes Peak in summer. When the snow arrived and the snow is wet and sticky, a helping is good you can put your skis on right nice tour is to the top of Reyes Peak with Middle Sespe Trailhead faces a new Over a decade of work by dedicated away and follow the road until you reach outstanding views over a huge expanse threat as target shooters who recently volunteers is coming to a close as the hands the forest. From there you can start to of the Sespe Wilderness. Most often I frequented the Cherry Creek unauthor- final stretches of relic barb wire fenc- turn away from the road and explore the am skiing up and back in a day. If time ized shooting area up the road now pull ing on Carrizo Plain National Monument DICK BALDWIN winter landscape laid out before you. and energy allow, wonderful weekends off early and indulge in bad behavior come tumbling down. As part of an The ski along the road through the chap- are to be had spent camping out high on here. Unlike the other national forests effort to restore pronghorn antelope on My outdoor experiences began young with arral is more than just a good workout. the ridge listening to the wind crackle of southern California which are closed the 200,000-acre national monument, fishing trips on the Colorado River sleeping It is part of the unique adventure that is the icy pine needles and whistle over the to target shooting, Los Padres National volunteers have been working tirelessly on a tarp wrapped in a blanket. The Marines skiing the Sespe backcountry. The snow top of the peak. Forest generally allows it throughout its to remove fences that restrict pronghorn introduced me to tents. When my sons were draped over the manzanitas and yuccas, boundaries with just a few places closed movement and make them more vulner- born we moved up to a tent trailer. As I got I love winter. I love fresh snow on the the fresh tracks of a mountain lion or You never know how many winter days to such use when it becomes an issue of able to injuries and predators. older, I moved into greater comfort with a trees and mountains, snow days that a bear, the views out over the Channel there will be in a season so when the misuse (such as just happened with the "real" trailer. put a halt to our normal storms come, it’s time closing of Cherry Creek.) ForestWatch’s latest outing on January routines, critter tracks in to go. One particu- 28th was the biggest to date for the Throughout the years I have loved the out- the snow, the low angle larly stormy winter In hopes of keeping the situation ‘pronghorn project’; 32 volunteers con- doors. When I became an executive with light of the winter sun, gifted me with many from getting too insurmountable, vened and were split into three groups to lots of hours and lots of pressure, I took my the quiet and calm that days skiing on the ForestWatch has organized a couple tackle some of the last remaining pieces family each year in our tent trailer to remote cold and snow bring. mountain. Dry win- recent cleanups of the area. First was a of fence identified for removal or modifi- places highly populated with wildlife and I also love exploring ters may provide only motivated group of Patagonia employ- cation. Groups joined back up at the Selby few people. It was my way of recharging my the Sespe. I love the one or two. So far ees who ventured out on Martin Luther Campground that evening for a fabulous "family batteries." forested peaks, remote this winter, I have King, Jr. Day. Another group followed pot luck and campfire. On Sunday vol- canyons, and beautiful enjoyed just one ski in mid-February, this time a bunch of unteers that stuck around were treated About three years ago I discovered the vol- vistas everywhere you day and that was in environmental science students from to a guided hike out to Painted Rock, an unteer work of Los Padres ForestWatch, and go. When I moved from November, unusu- Cal State Channel Islands. ForestWatch example of rock art regarded as one of the parts of the Sierra Club, to remove barbed northern Minnesota to ally early. Really big will continue to monitor the problem finest in the world. As our days removing wire fence in the Carrizo Plain. When need- Ventura in the mid 90’s storms close Highway at Middle Sespe Trailhead and we will fences draw to a close, ForestWatch will ed, barbed wire is replaced with smooth wire. it seemed natural to me 33 so you need to do also continue to put pressure on the continue to work with monument manage- Antelope, which were once indigenous there, that I could combine some road checking Forest Service to institute a forest-wide ment on other projects that help to restore will not go over or under barbed wire. The both, but I was steered before you go or be ban on target shooting. this treasure. result is predators are taking more antelope away. The Sierras were content with being than the reproduction rate. the place to go if you turned back. The big wanted to enjoy winter, snow years turn into At the end of my first defencing day, I saw “Head to the Sierras, brilliant spring days Laine Terri Laine Terri a buck antelope racing parallel to the road I young man”. Indeed, as the snow melts and was on, trying unsuccessfully to get under a there is a wonderful drains into the Sespe barbed wire fence. When he reached a sec- tion of smooth wire, he dashed under and winter landscape to be found in the Islands and of the nearby high country and Piru Creeks pro- Mike Summers Range of Light. But I was looking - all delights to take in on the ski up. viding the water that sustains the back- disappeared from view in seconds. At that for winter adventure closer to home. For most winter storms, the snow gets country through the dry, hot summer moment I became hooked on defencing. It is During my first year in California, a deeper and fluffier as you gain eleva- season. During the big snow years of hard to describe the sense of satisfaction after Thanksgiving storm dropped a load tion. If there is not snow at the top of the 90s I got to enjoy that snow twice— a day of defencing looking back to see wide of snow on the TopaTopa Mountains, Highway 33, but there is plenty higher first skiing, and then weeks later kayak- open spaces where fences once ruled. focusing my attention on the possibility up on the ridge, I may bring along my ing the Sespe down to Fillmore after Laine Terri of a ski trip in my own back yard - up mountain bike and bike up to where the those snows had percolated on down to It's great to get out with ForestWatch and in the areas I had begun to get to know snow begins before donning my skis. I the creek. Here’s to some big storms make a difference; I'm proud of the work we from early trips out into the Sespe. My have never had a bad day of skiing on in 2012 and a chance to experience the can do together. first trip on skis up to the Pine Mountain Pine Mountain. Sespe in snow. JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012 eauty inspired the famous sculptor John Cody to PAGE 7 PAGE 4 Ron Wolf oil expansion Ojai Wild! stopped, again ForestWatch protects condors from runaway oil drilling The Top 10 Reasons You Should Go to Ojai Wild! 10. You don’t want to be the only per- 4. There’s gonna be strawberry short- son on the Central Coast who doesn’t! cake with lavender mascarpone cream In 2005, the U.S. Forest Service approved As a direct result of our lawsuit, federal for dessert. Enough said. a plan to expand oil drilling across condor biologists decided to amend their 9. Get out of those Saturday afternoon 52,075 acres of the Los Padres National biological report, putting our lawsuit chores…it’s a perfect way to spend an 3. Great deals, amazing items, and Forest. The plan threatened popular rec- – and the drilling plan – on hold indefi- afternoon with family and friends. LOTS of excitment at the silent and live reation areas, wild lands, clean air and nitely. Late last year, a new report was auction. water, and habitat for several endan- issued, and while it didn’t authorize the 8. The Diamond Hitch Camp location gered species, including the California killing of any condors, it did allow the oil along the foothills of the 2. Meet Sespe condor – a high companies to use Los Padres National is River conserva- price to pay for dogs to “haze” spectacular. tionist, Alasdair the single day’s condors from oil critter Coyne, who will be supply of oil that pads – a form mcgowan 7. Wine will be flowin’ presented with the the new drilling of unnecessary guntermann corner and the beer will be 2012 Wilderness would produce in harassment that its lifespan. is prohibited by pourin’. Legacy Award. Like Los Padres ForestWatch itself, the firm One of three species of sphinx moths, the the Endangered of McGowan Guntermann started off in a Kern primrose sphinx moth occurs on the To halt the spread Species Act. The 6. The Ventucky String And the #1 reason very small office with one sole proprietor. Carrizo Plain National Monument, in the of runaway oil report contained Band will be there bring- to attend the 5th Flash forward from those early days back Cuyama Valley, and in the Walker Basin of development in numerous other ing a sampling of clas- Anniversary Ojai in 1945, and McGowan Guntermann is now Kern County. It was originally thought to the Los Padres scientific defi- sic swing, bluegrass, and Wild!... a five partner firm, which includes twelve only occur in Kern County (hence the name), National Forest, in ciencies as well. honky-tonk… guaranteed staff members. Their services range from but other populations were recently discov- 2005 ForestWatch to get your feet a tapin’! Because you care personal financial planning, tax preparation, ered. Two populations are now known to filed a formal 92-page appeal with the ForestWatch immediately notified fed- about protecting estate planning and elder care, to business exist on the Los Padres National Forest, near U.S. Forest Service, asking the agency eral biologists of these concerns, and 5. The food is mouth- the lands, wildlife, services, including support for non-profit Ventucopa in the Cuyama Valley. watering, local and organic. Cooked waterways, and recreational opportuni- to reconsider its decision. Forest officials as a result, the agencies involved – were quick to deny our appeal, and the the Forest Service, the Bureau of Land organizations. That’s where ForestWatch on a huge Santa Maria style BBQ right ties in the Los Padres National Forest. comes into the picture. The Kern primrose sphinx moth is a day- before your eyes. plan was put into effect. Management, and the Fish & Wildlife flying moth with a wingspan of 1-3 inches. Service – agreed to go back to the draw- In 2010, ForestWatch received an e-mail Its hindwings have a distinct white band, Don’t miss the fun – Don’t miss the excitement – Don’t miss Ojai Wild! Left with no other option, ForestWatch ing board once again. The lawsuit – and from Patricia Krout, a partner with the firm, and the top surface of its antenna have white took the plan to court, asking a federal the drilling plan – are now on hold as the and someone with a keen interest in natural scaling. The moth is usually found along judge to invalidate the plan because it agencies try to get it right a third time. nniversary resource preservation. Patricia is also a big sandy washes, in which the sand has the A clearly violated several environmental 5th condor advocate, and had seen an article proper compaction and moisture content for laws and was not based on sound science. ForestWatch and our partners Defenders about ForestWatch and our volunteer micro- burrowing larvae. As part of that lawsuit, we also chal- of Wildlife and Center for Biological lenged an underlying biological report Diversity have now prevented any trash cleanup efforts in the newspaper, and Ojai contacted us offering her services as volun- The Kern primrose sphinx moth was listed that authorized the drilling plan to move expanded oil drilling for seven years, and teer. Patricia also noted that she worked for as threatened under the federal Endangered forward, even though the drilling would counting. We will continue to demand Wild! an accounting firm and offered to help us Species Act in April 1980. The moth relies have resulted in the “taking” or killing of accountability, compliance with the law, with our accounting needs. almost solely on evening primrose as a host “a few” California condors – one of the and the strictest environmental safe- plant, and therefore is particularly vulner- world’s most endangered birds. guards to protect the Los Padres back- Patricia and the firm of McGowan able to habitat destruction. Such habitat country from runaway oil development. Guntermann not only now handle all the degradation can be caused by cattle and tax and accounting needs of ForestWatch, sheep grazing, pesticides and herbicides, off- Cleaning up an oil spill along a tributary to Sespe Creek but have become Los Padres ForestWatch road vehicle trespass, road maintenance, and donors as well through their Community development. Involvement Fund, whereby the firm allo- cates a percentage of its profits to employees A new recovery plan needs to be com- to donate to area non-profit organizations. pleted for the moth to incorporate impor- tant new findings, including the expanded Los Padres ForestWatch is grateful that population distribution. An oil drilling plan Patricia Krout reached out to us, and that we approved in 2005 (and successfully chal- are now building a long-term relationship lenged by ForestWatch in court) would have with her firm. Her support has been invalu- destroyed at least one population of this able. To learn more about the services of moth. ForestWatch will continue to monitor McGowan Guntermann, call them at each federal agency’s work surrounding the (805) 962-9175 or visit their website at protection of the Kern primrose sphinx moth, www.mcgowan.com. and will work to see that this rare moth con- tinues to call central California home. All photos Tom Franklin

PAGE 3 PAGE 8 USDA final steelhead recovery plan wilderness Fisheries biologists present a roadmap to restore historic steelhead runs campaign update to the Los Padres National Forest Federal legislation is introduced to expand wilderness and off-road vehicle recreation in the Los Padres National Forest ing grounds higher up in the watershed. In USFWS fact 90 percent of his- In February, Congressman Elton • Establishing two officially-sanc- would bring a host of law enforcement, toric habitat is located Gallegly (R-Simi Valley) introduced tioned “OHV Areas” in the Ventura wildfire prevention, public safety, and above impassable bar- legislation to extend the current bound- backcountry totaling 65,833 acres, resource protection issues. Pushing the riers! Water diversions aries of federally-protected wilderness where off-highway vehicles such as Forest Service into an inequitable trade for household, agri- areas in the Los Padres National Forest. dirtbikes, ATVs and four-wheel drive of lands that could result in the loss of cultural, and industrial The bill is already generating a stir of vehicles would be encouraged; protections for steelhead trout is another use also left less water local controversy because it would also provision we strongly oppose. critter for fish, reducing open new areas of the forest to motor- • Opening 69 miles of remote forest corner streamflows and nar- ized off-road vehicles, and would kick- roads that have been closed for several This bill doesn't become law until it rowing the window of start a controversial exchange of land decades due to law enforcement and is approved by the House, the Senate opportunity for steel- The white fir is widely found across the between the U.S. Forest Service and a public safety concerns, wildfire risk, (where changes to the bill would likely head to complete their local water district near Lake Piru. and protection of sensitive resources, be made), and the President. ForestWatch mountains of the West. It has a number of life cycle. geographically distinct varieties, one being and authorizes the construction of three will follow this process every step of the the California white fir. A few pockets of the Since 2010, ForestWatch and a coali- new OHV routes in remote areas of the way to demand that a clean wilderness Invasive species, road tion of wilderness advocates have been forest; and bill emerges without all of these unre- California white fir exist in the Los Padres Tagging juvenille steelhead crossings, improperly National Forest, primarily at high altitudes working on an ambitious campaign to lated damaging provisions. In the com- managed livestock formally designate more than 200,000 • Requiring the Forest Service to ing months and years, ForestWatch will on the Mt. Pinos Ranger District in northern California biologists, farmers, conserva- grazing, and oil spills have also caused Ventura County. tionists, and fishermen have been buzz- acres of the Los Padres National Forest trade several hundred acres of pub- work with our members of Congress to the deterioration of steelhead habitat in as wilderness and to protect 124 miles lic land around Lake Piru in Ventura ensure that any wilderness bill for the ing about the recent release of the Final the Los Padres National Forest. White fir is commonly found with other Southern Steelhead Recovery Plan by of backcountry streams as "wild and County to a local water district. Los Padres National Forest fulfills the scenic" rivers. While the wilderness provision set forth in the 1964 Wilderness conifers, including ponderosa pine, Jeffrey the National Marine Fisheries Service Recommendations for Recovery pine, sugar pine, and incense-cedar. in early 2012. Focused on an area from visions in the bill represent a good first While ForestWatch supports the wilder- Act to ‘secure for the American people the Santa Maria River to the California/ step towards realizing this vision, the ness and river provisions in the bill, we of present and future generations the The Plan recommends modifying all relatively small amount of wilderness share grave concerns with other con- benefits of an enduring resource of wil- Wildfire suppression has allowed these Mexico border, the Recovery Plan will major dams and other impassable barriers shade-tolerant trees to mature in greater serve as a guide to restore historic steel- in the bill – coupled with the extent and servationists, forest users, and commu- derness.’ to steelhead, and restorating streamflows magnitude of the unrelated and environ- nity members about several of the other numbers. As taller conifer species grow old head runs in southern California, includ- to account for all stages of steelhead life and begin to succumb to disease or bark ing several major watersheds in the Los mentally damaging provisions – leave unrelated provisions. Allowing expan- The bill summary, full text, a map, and history. This modification to the tim- us with mixed emotions. sion of OHV areas when the Forest ForestWatch’s position statement are on beetles, white firs grow up to replace them Padres National Forest. ing and quantity of water releases from and effectively shade out any new trees Service doesn’t have the resources to our website www.LPFW.org. We have the dams will strive to mimic pre-dam The bill – dubbed the Los Padres properly manage current use is irre- also included a map in the center of this attempting the establish themselves under Once numbering in the tens of thousands stream flows and allow for improved the canopy. of fish, southern steelhead populations Conservation and Recreation Act of sponsible, and the proposed new trails newsletter. connectivity between the ocean and his- 2012 (H.R. 4109) – applies only to plummeted in the past several decades. toric spawning grounds. White fir is one of twelve Management The Recovery Plan is a ‘blueprint’ that national forest land in Santa Barbara Pine Mountain in the Chorro Grande proposed wilderness area; Indicator Species ("MIS") on the Los Padres describes the measures that must be and Ventura counties. The main pro- an addition to the Sespe Wilderness The Plan also recommends the prepara- visions of the bill include: National Forest. MIS are plants and animals taken to bring the southern steelhead tion of numerous studies, plans, and that are monitored by the U.S. Forest Service back from the brink of extinction. monitoring programs to improve steel- Mike Summers because they indicate the effects of land use • Extending the current boundar- head habitat and to reestablish connec- ies of the Sespe, Matilija, and Dick activities. There are 3 MIS to evaluate the Los Padres ForestWatch has been tivity to historic spawning grounds. It health of montane conifer forests on the for- involved in the development of the Smith wilderness areas in the heart also suggests that the U.S. Forest Service of the Los Padres National Forest, est and white fir is one of them. Plan from start to finish, providing the incorporate additional steelhead protec- National Marine Fisheries Service with increasing the size of these areas by tive measures in the management plan 63,576 acres (20%); General threats facing the California white input along the way. The Los Padres for the Los Padres National Forest. fir include wildfire, drought, beetle and mis- National Forest is of high priority when tletoe infestation, and various diseases like it comes to steelhead recovery efforts • Establishing the 18,520-acre The Southern Steelhead Recovery Plan Condor Ridge Scenic Area along the root rot and yellow cap fungus. Thin-barked, because many of the streams providing represents an ambitious effort to bring resin blistered, drooping lower branches pristine spawning habitat originate in crest of the Gaviota Coast in Santa back steelhead to our region’s water- Barbara County; makes young white firs highly susceptible and flow through the forest. ways. ForestWatch will work with all to fire. stakeholders involved to ensure that the • Protecting 89 miles of backcoun- The largest threats facing the steelhead Recovery Plan’s priority recommenda- ForestWatch will continue to work with of the Los Padres National Forest, and try rivers and streams under the fed- tions are implemented as soon as pos- eral Wild and Scenic Rivers system, the Forest Service in monitoring the twelve southern California as a whole, are sible so that steelhead can once again Management Indicator Species of the Los impassable barriers such as dams, cul- including Mono and Indian Creeks return to their historic spawning grounds in Santa Barbara County and the Padres, which the white for is one of, to verts, and road crossings, all of which in the Los Padres National Forest. gauge the health of our local forests. prevent steelhead from swimming upper Sespe and upper Piru creeks in upstream from the ocean to spawn- Ventura County; PAGE 9 PAGE 2 protecting frazier mountain Forest Service backs off plans for commercial timber sale

WILDERNESS & OHV LEGISLATION . FRAZIER MOUNTAIN PROTECTED . OJAI WILD! . CALIFORNIA WHITE FIR SKIING IN THE SESPE . STEELHEAD RECOVERY PLAN . OIL DRILLING STOPPED . KERN PRIMROSE SPHINX MOTH

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