the SONOMA COUNTY AGRICULTURAL PRESERVATION and OPEN SPACE DISTRICT

Montini Open Space Preserve November 2008

Management Plan and Initial Study

www.sonomaopenspace.org

Montini Open Space Preserve Draft Management Plan and Initial Study

Vision Statement “The Preserve will be an oak woodland and grassland that supports high quality habitat for a diversity of native Sonoma County wildlife and plants. The Preserve will support opportunities for research and will be a showcase for appropriate management of oaks and grasslands for the Sonoma Valley.

The gentle trails, rolling grasslands and oak woodlands, spring wildflowers, and spectacular views of the Sonoma Valley and San Pablo Bay will attract visitors who enjoy and appreciate the natural setting of Sonoma County. The public will have clear and easy access to the Preserve with minimal impacts to wildlife habitat. The Preserve will provide opportunities for persons with physical disabilities to enjoy the Preserve.

Partners will collaborate to provide a wide range of management, interpretive and environmental education programs. The Preserve will provide trail linkages, connecting the adjacent overlook trail with the regional bike trail and the Vallejo Home State Historic Park. The local community and visitors will enthusiastically identify and promote the Preserve as a regional and statewide tourist destination that contributes to economic development and enhances the quality of life in Sonoma.”

Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District 747 Mendocino Avenue, Suite 100 Santa Rosa, California 95401

November 2008

ii Montini Open Space Preserve

Table of Contents Vision Statement...... i Table of Contents ...... I Project Information/Management Plan...... II Summary Project Description ...... 1 Introduction ...... 1 Project Location ...... 1 Project Purpose...... 1 Projected Park Visitors ...... 1 Development Schedule ...... 2 Public Access ...... 2 Grassland Management...... 2 Erosion Control...... 3 Resource Protection ...... 3 Oak Woodland Management...... 3 Wildlife Movement...... 3 Public Use ...... 4 Access...... 4 Environmental Education ...... 4 Interpretation...... 5 Benches ...... 5 Chapter 1. Introduction...... 7 Preserve Overview...... 7 Setting...... 7 Land Ownership...... 8 Preserve Purpose ...... 10 Purpose and Need for the Plan...... 10 General and Other Plans...... 10 Existing Partnerships ...... 11 Related Projects and Studies in the Area ...... 11 Easement...... 11 Sonoma State Historic Park ...... 11 Sonoma Overlook Trail ...... 11 Sonoma Aqueduct Cathodic Protection Upgrade Project ...... 11 Chapter 2. Planning Process...... 13 Description of the Planning Process ...... 13 The Montini Open Space Preserve...... 13 Issues Identified by the Public...... 14 Issues Identified Other Agencies...... 14

Draft Management Plan I

Internal Issues...... 14 Chapter 3. Preserve Resources ...... 15 Geographic/Ecosystem Setting ...... 15 Physical Environment ...... 15 Topography...... 15 Hydrology...... 15 Soils/geology ...... 16 Vegetation ...... 16 Wildlife...... 20 Special Status Species ...... 20 Natural Processes...... 20 Cultural Resources ...... 20 Prehistoric Resources...... 21 Historic-era Resources ...... 22 Land Use...... 22 Preserve ...... 22 Surrounding Land Use...... 22 Improvements...... 22 Roads ...... 22 Water Infrastructure ...... 22 Fences ...... 24 Public Use ...... 24 Other Uses...... 24 Visual Resources...... 24 Current Management...... 24 Chapter 4 - Challenges and Opportunities ...... 25 Problems...... 25 Weeds...... 25 Erosion...... 25 Oak Regeneration ...... 25 Trespassing ...... 25 Fences ...... 26 Sudden Oak Death ...... 26 Opportunities...... 26 Public Use ...... 26 Historic Landscape...... 26 Partnerships...... 26 Restoration ...... 26 Chapter 5. Management Direction – Vision Statement, Goals, Objectives...... 29 Vision Statement ...... 29 Management Direction: Goals, Objectives, and Strategies ...... 29

II Montini Open Space Preserve

Chapter 6. Implementation and Monitoring ...... 41 Funding and Personnel ...... 41 Detailed Management Plans ...... 41 Partnership Opportunities ...... 41 Monitoring and Evaluation ...... 41 Plan Amendment and Revision ...... 42 References ...... 43 Literature ...... 43 Personal Communications...... 44 Endnotes...... 44

Figures

Figure 1. Regional Map ...... 9 Figure 2. Soils ...... 17 Figure 3. Vegetation...... 19 Figure 4. Existing Preserve Roads ...... 23 Figure 5. Trails and Facilities...... 37

Tables

Table 1. Estimated visitors to the Montini Open Space Preserve ...... 2 Table 2. Invasive Plant Species Targeted for Control on the Montini Preserve...... 25

Initial Study Checklist ...... Section 2

Appendices

Draft Management Plan III

Section 1 Project Information/Management Plan

Summary Project Description

Introduction The District has provided this Project Location summary of the Montini Open Space The Montini Open Space Preserve Preserve Management Plan (plan) to consists of 98 acres, including a 9- describe District actions that are acre portion of a parcel located most likely to affect the within the city limits of Sonoma, a environment. 26-acre site, also situated in the city limits, and a hillside area of about 63 The proposed project is a acres located in the unincorporated management plan for the Montini county. The Preserve is bounded Open Space Preserve (Preserve), on the east by 1st St. West, to the west with the Sonoma County by 5th St. West, to the north by Agricultural Preservation and Open property retained by the Montini Space District (District) the family and to the South by Sonoma California Environmental Quality State Historic Park and the Field of Act (CEQA) lead agency for the Dreams ballpark (figure 1). proposed project. This document has been prepared by District staff. Project Purpose The document is intended to The purpose of the management provide a description of the plan is to provide a framework for proposed project and of the potential how the District will manage the environmental impacts associated Preserve’s natural and cultural with the construction, operation, resources and visitor services. The and maintenance of the proposed plan provides for opening the project for decision-makers, Preserve for public use beyond the responsible and trustee agencies periodic guided tours currently under CEQA, and the public. For offered. In addition, the plan more information, please see the full provides recreational access for management plan, of which this disabled individuals. project summary and initial study are appendices. Projected Park Visitors The projections are considered by This Initial Study has been prepared season and are based on observations in compliance with CEQA, and the of other similar facilities. State CEQA Guidelines. The Observations of the numbers of cars District retained three consultants to in the trailhead parking lot for the complete studies to assist in the Sonoma Overlook Trail are completion of this management plan multiplied by estimated turnover of and Initial Study. vehicles and estimated number of 1. Botanical Study visitors per vehicle to calculate the 2. Cultural Resources Study projections. The average annual 3. Traffic Study number of Preserve visitors expected

Draft Management Plan 1

during the next ten years is listed in resource enhancement activities will Table 1, below. be ongoing. It is expected that the programs and special events Development Schedule described in this Initial Study will Improvements for the plan will be evolve and be modified through the completed throughout the life of the plan implementation phase. plan and will be phased based on available funding. Maintenance and

Table 1. Estimated visitors to the Montini Open Space Preserve

Daily number of People per car Cars per day Total annual visits visitation May – June 15, Sept – Oct 15, Sat – Sun 55 2.2 25 1,430 (26 days total) May, Sept Mon – Fri 14.4 1.8 8 936 (65 days total) April, June – Aug, Oct – Nov 8.4 1.2 7 1,285 (153 days total) Dec – Mar 6 1.2 5 726(121 days total) Annual total 4,377

Public Access extent possible. The District will Public access will be focused on the explore specific prescriptions for Montini Open Space Preserve using cattle, goat, and other livestock trailheads (Figure 2). The Preserve grazing, as applicable, as a means of fronts only two streets, Norrbom weed control, monitor the Preserve Road/1st St West and 5th St. West. each spring for noxious weeds such Access is concentrated on those two as purple and yellow starthistle and areas. Harding grass, and implement control efforts if necessary. Grassland Management The District will manage grasslands The District will conduct an so that weeds are minimized and experimental restoration of native native plants are maximized to the grass species on the Preserve by developing site-specific native grassland restoration plans; locating onsite seed sources where possible and having the seeds grown; using herbicide (glyphosate, 2, 4-D, transline), mechanical (mowing, grazing, string trimming, and heating) and biological control, and hand removal for two seasons before establishing native grasses; and controlling broadleaf and other perennial invasive plants on newly restored areas if necessary.

2 Montini Open Space Preserve Summary Project Description

environmental education. Other Erosion Control public uses could be evaluated using The District will address erosion a compatibility determination. problems on the ranch road leading from the water tanks east towards 5th Oak Woodland Management St. West and the erosion on the The District will manage oak ranch road leading north from the woodland habitats to promote the water tanks by rerouting or natural oak woodland habitat species removing the roads to be less composition and age structure. The erodible, removing the fencing that District will remove unnecessary concentrates cow movement to the ranch roads and restore them to area uphill of the eroding ranch natural conditions, plant native road, restoring eroded areas by woody vegetation on the 9-acre grading rilled areas, using parcel on 5th St. West if appropriate biotechnical measures such as coir conditions exist, work with a materials (coconut fiber erosion and contractor to grow plant materials to sediment control products), if be used on the Preserve using seeds necessary, and planting only native and cuttings collected on-site, where plant materials. possible. All plantings will be native to the site. Resource Protection The District will protect natural In addition, the District will resources from excessive impacts continue to work with others to from the public such as litter, illegal decrease the risk of sudden oak death camping, etc. while providing for (SOD) on the Montini Preserve and public enjoyment. The District will in Sonoma County. The District work with local law enforcement will monitor susceptible tree species officials to patrol the Preserve once for evidence of SOD on the Preserve per week, continue the volunteer annually. If potentially infected patrol, maintain a District presence trees are found, leaf samples from on the Preserve with regular visits to adjacent bay trees will be sent to the the Preserve, and prohibit smoking County Agricultural Commissioner’s and all other nonvehicular sources of office for testing. The District will combustion. In addition, the also develop interpretive materials to District will educate the public on help visitors recognize SOD and personal stewardship of the Preserve, understand how SOD is spread, emphasizing fire danger and the encourage visitors to stay on the trail harm caused by littering, off-trail as a means of preventing the spread hiking, and smoking using visitor of SOD, limit the number of trails contacts, bulletin board materials, through the Preserve, and meet with handouts, and interpretive researchers to identify appropriate programs. The District will sign the research projects on the Preserve. If Preserve as a pack in/pack out area infected trees are found, they will be for trash, organize periodic treated with phosphonate and partial volunteer trash pick up days, sign or complete removal of infected that the Preserve hours are sunrise to adjacent bay trees. sunset, and enforce the nighttime closure by patrolling and ticketing Wildlife Movement violators. Allowable public uses at Currently, wildlife movement the Preserve will be hiking, nature through the Preserve is limited by observation and photography, barriers within the Preserve. The interpretation, stewardship, and District will take the following steps

Draft Management Plan 3

to ameliorate this condition: the Sonoma Overlook Trail ƒ Inventory existing fencing kiosk and State Parks kiosks. and remove unnecessary ƒ Link the trail on the fencing within the Preserve. Preserve to the Sonoma ƒ Route trails so that there is a Overlook Trail via the large portion of the Preserve Rattlesnake Cutoff spur. that is undisturbed, ƒ Construct a fence bisecting particularly shaded grassy the southwestern 9-acre areas favored for fawn beds. parcel to separate livestock ƒ Investigate exterior fencing from hikers. and gates that would keep ƒ Install directional trail signs. cattle in the Preserve while ƒ Install bike parking racks at allowing wildlife to move out the 5th St. West and of the Preserve (wildlife Norrbom Road trailheads. friendly cattle fencing). ƒ Protect the narrow-anthered ƒ Protect nesting sites of brodiaea and Franciscan important birds such as onion with barriers. pileated woodpeckers and ƒ Monitor populations of the great-horned owls by narrow-anthered brodiaea keeping nesting sites safe and Franciscan onion from disturbance by annually to monitor their rerouting trails or reaction to the trail. implementing seasonal trail closures, if necessary. Access The District will facilitate two safe Public Use trail crossings across Norrbom Road The Preserve’s public use program by implementing the will primarily consist of a trail recommendations from the W-Trans system, trailheads, and signs. report on crossing Norrbom Road ƒ Construct and maintain and will consider installation of a trails (Figure 5) in vehicular speed measuring device on accordance with the Norrbom Road. In addition, the prescriptions in the trail log District will construct a trailhead at (Appendix E). the Field of Dreams/Police Station ƒ Construct a parking lot for 2 and using existing parking for the disabled access vans off 5th Field of Dreams/Police Station. The St. West. District will also construct a trailhead ƒ Work with the city to at 5th St. West (Western Spur) an establish a disabled access road would be located at the 3- accessible connection from way stop sign at the corner of 5th St. the city’s ballfield parking lot West and Verano Blvd. The road to the Montini Preserve would lead to a parking lot for 2 trailhead. disabled vehicles. ƒ Install self-closing gates at trailheads (Agate 1983). Environmental Education ƒ Construct an information The District plans to have 7 classes of kiosk at the Norrbom Road schoolchildren using the Montini and 5th St. West trailheads Preserve for environmental with a bulletin board for education annually. general preserve information. Kiosk designs should be compatible with

4 Montini Open Space Preserve Summary Project Description

Interpretation The District’s public education program will include a kiosk at the Norrbom Road trailhead and at the 5th St. West Trailhead, an interpretive trail, plant identification labels, and guided tours.

Benches The District will allow donations of three benches at several viewpoints, at the entrance kiosk and at the quarry site. Interpretive panels will be placed near the benches.

Draft Management Plan 5

6 Montini Open Space Preserve

Chapter 1. Introduction

Preserve Overview The city of Sonoma is located at the The Montini Open Space Preserve southern end of the scenic Sonoma (Preserve) was established in Valley. The valley is roughly bisected December 2005. The District by Sonoma Creek, which eventually protected the Preserve because of its flows into the San Pablo Bay. The scenic prominence, its historic role valley contains a variety of plant in the history of California, its communities with primarily coastal proximity to the Vallejo Home State affinities as well as valuable wildlife, Historic Park, and its ability to including salmon, steelhead, and a provide a pleasant and strikingly variety of birds. The varied plant scenic hike within a short distance of communities in the Sonoma Valley Sonoma’s historic Plaza. include redwood forests, chaparral, grasslands, oak woodlands, and The Preserve was purchased by mixed evergreen forest. Slopes of General Vallejo and was used for wildflowers abound in spring. grazing and rock (basalt) extraction Birds, including a wide variety of until 1934. In 1934, the Montini raptors, waterfowl, shorebirds, and family acquired the property from migrating birds can also be found in General Vallejo’s heirs and the great abundance in the valley, property was used from that time especially in the estuary. until the Preserve was established for grazing. The Montini Open Space Preserve is the most significant greenbelt Setting property bordering the city of The Preserve is located on one of the Sonoma, and has been identified as a hills just north of the historic priority for conservation since the Sonoma Plaza in the city of Sonoma. District’s inception in 1990. The Preserve consists of rolling Protection of the Preserve’s oak grasslands and open oak woodland covered hillsides and pasturelands with large rock outcroppings will ensure that the scenic vista scattered throughout. remains much as it was in General Vallejo’s day. The Preserve is located

Montini Open Space Preserve

Introduction

The 9-acre portion of the urban residential parcel was acquired in fee and will eventually be transferred to the city of Sonoma for passive recreational use. The 26-acre site adjacent to the Sonoma State Historic Park and 63 acres within the unincorporated County, directly to the north of the 26-acre site were acquired in fee for eventual transfer to State Parks. Bill Montini retains a five-year grazing lease on all of the Property that was acquired in fee by the District.

A number of other entities hold easements over the Preserve including: Hikers enjoying the first District Montini Open Space Preserve ƒ An easement for a pipeline, Hike. waterline facilities, fixtures, and all appurtenances in adjacent to a community that is a favor of the city of Sonoma major tourist destination in part over a portion of the eastern because of its pastoral character and portion of the Preserve. scenic beauty. According to the ƒ An easement for a road and Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau, public utility granted to 100,000 visitors signed the log at its Sonoma County along a welcome center in the Sonoma Plaza strip along the easterly in 2004. The Bureau estimates that boundary. the actual number of visitors is 3 to 4 ƒ A 20-foot-wide easement for times that number. a pole line and appurtenances for Visitors to the Preserve cans see conveyance of electricity and sweeping views of San Francisco and telecommunications along San Pablo Bays from various the northerly portion of the locations on the Preserve hillside. Preserve granted to a private party. Land Ownership ƒ An easement for The Montini Open Space Preserve underground water consists of 98 acres, including a 9- pipelines and all facilities, acre portion of a parcel located in fixtures, and appurtenances the city of Sonoma, a 26-acre site, to the Sonoma County flood also situated in the City, and a Control and Water hillside area of about 63 acres Conservation District on the located in the unincorporated portion of the Preserve county. The District concurrently adjacent to the State Historic acquired a conservation easement Park and the Montini Ranch over 53 hillside acres on an adjacent residential development. parcel of land from the Montini family (Figure 1. Regional Map). This management plan does not apply to the conservation easement.

8 Montini Open Space Preserve Figure 1. Regional Context Introduction

contributes to the quality of life for ƒ An easement for city residents and citizens of Sonoma construction, grading, County. Conservation of the operation, and maintenance Preserve will enhance the experience of storm drainage and flood of the Sonoma State Historic Park control facilities on the for the more than 65,000 visitors southerly 50 feet of the annually by maintaining the historic parcel to the city of Sonoma. feel of the hillside backdrop, and ƒ An easement granted to a further by providing for expansion private party in the southeast of existing State Park and city trails. corner of the Preserve. To the east is the Sonoma Overlook trail, which could eventually extend Preserve Purpose onto the fee portion of the Preserve. The purpose of the acquisition is to This city trail linkage and trail preserve and protect the open space, connections from the State Park to natural, and scenic values of the the Preserve could eventually enable Preserve, and to prevent any uses of a pedestrian starting in the the Preserve that will significantly downtown Sonoma Plaza to walk up impair or interfere with those values. through the State Park, or around to The Preserve is visible from much of the trail on the east side, to meadows the city of Sonoma and serves as an and through oak woodlands on the important backdrop contributing to Preserve. the community identity Sonoma. The Preserve also has a significant Purpose and Need for the Plan amount of oak woodland that serves The District prepared this as habitat for important plant and management plan to guide natural animal species integral to preserving resource management, including the natural heritage of Sonoma public use, on the Preserve for the County. Accordingly, the Preserve next 10 years. The plan is flexible; it protects the City’s scenic values will be revised periodically to ensure including the pastoral view of the that its goals, objectives, Preserve from surrounding and implementation strategies, and nearby public lands, and the timetables are still appropriate. Preserve’s existing natural resources Major revisions, if needed, will including the oak woodland, require public involvement and grasslands, and other important CEQA review. habitats. General and Other Plans In addition, the Preserve will expand The Preserve was identified in the public recreational access, ranging District’s Acquisition Plan 2000 from viewpoints high on the Preserve under the Greenbelt category of the to meadows along Fifth Street West. plan. The Preserve also falls within The recreational opportunities the priority oak woodland of the created by this project will benefit Natural Resource category. the many residents and visitors who will be able to walk a few city blocks The Preserve meets several goals of to the Preserve from the Sonoma the 1989 Sonoma County General Plaza. Plan. The District’s protection will maintain the rural character of the Maintaining the scenic vista that hillside, and will ensure that the forms the backdrop for Sonoma is scenic woodlands and meadows are critical for the city of Sonoma and protected in perpetuity. The low- intensity public outdoor recreational

10 Montini Open Space Preserve Chapter 1 use is consistent with protection of resources on the property, adjacent the Preserve’s open space values to the Preserve. within the scenic viewshed. The Preserve was identified by the draft Sonoma State Historic Park Sonoma County General Plan as Sonoma State Historic Park is a being in Sonoma Valley Planning series of historic attractions within Area (Planning Area 9). A portion the Sonoma community. The of the hillside was designated as part Vallejo home site of Sonoma SHP is of a scenic landscape unit (Sonoma located south of the Montini County 2006). In the city of Preserve. Visitor activities include Sonoma General Plan as the Preserve tours of the historic sites, displays is identified as Sonoma residential and exhibits, picnicking, bike trails, on the 26-acre parcel north of and a visitor center. Montini Ranch and Hillside (1 DU per/10 acres maximum), Hillside Sonoma Overlook Trail Backdrop, and Open Space on the A group of citizens worked to protect remainder of the Preserve within the the city of Sonoma’s Mountain Sonoma city limit (City of Sonoma Cemetery. Through the grassroots 1995). efforts of this group the Sonoma Overlook Trail was constructed, Existing Partnerships largely using volunteers. The trail The District’s partners for the and Mountain Cemetery is located acquisition of the Preserve included east of the Preserve across Norrbom the California Coastal Commission Road. Volunteer docents and the city of Sonoma. California occasionally lead tours on the trail. State Parks will also play a key role in The trailhead to the gentle but hilly, the Preserve’s future as the eventual two mile trail is within walking owner of most of the property. distance from the plaza in Sonoma. The trail makes its way through In addition to the agency partners, meadows, soap-root, buckeye, and two nongovernmental partners were manzanita and across a babbling very supportive of the protection of brook to a breathtaking view of the Montini Preserve, the Sonoma Sonoma. This well-maintained trail Overlook Trail Committee and the is open all year round from dawn to Sonoma Ecology Center. dusk.

Related Projects and Studies in Sonoma Aqueduct Cathodic Protection the Area Upgrade Project Easement The Water Agency will replace an The District purchased a anode within an underground conservation easement over 53 acres drinking water pipeline. The anode of the Montini family’s property in extends the life of a pipeline by 2005 to protect the rural and scenic controlling erosion. The anode character of the hillside. The station would consist of an anode conservation easement allows for placed in a 150-foot to 250-foot continued grazing of Montini deep well, a rectifier to power the family’s lands, and construction of anode, and connecting power lines. one single-family residence within a The anode itself would be housed in designated building envelope. This a concrete box, flush with ground easement will protect the oak level and the rectifier would be woodland and other important housed in a steel box, placed next to an existing steel box near the

Draft Management Plan 11 Introduction intersection of Verano Rd. and 5th St. West. The Water Agency would also construct a gate on the Preserve near the intersection which would then be used by the District to access the proposed gravel parking lot.

12 Montini Open Space Preserve

Chapter 2. Planning Process

Description of the Planning District held a Process Dedication for the Key steps in the planning process Preserve in February include: 2006. The invitation to ƒ Gathering information; the Dedication was ƒ Initiating public distributed to about involvement; 3,000 residents of the ƒ Analyzing resource city of Sonoma and relationships; included information ƒ Identifying issues and about a public developing vision and goals; workshop. Several press ƒ Developing the plan and releases to Sonoma assessing environmental Valley publications were District General Manager, Andrea effects; sent out describing the Mackenzie at the Preserve Dedication ƒ Publishing the draft workshop. management plan and CEQA document; In June 2007, the District held ƒ Documenting public another public workshop to present comments on the draft plan; the preliminary draft management ƒ Revising the draft plan and plan. The invitation to the preparing the final plan; workshop was distributed to about 350 residents of Sonoma County, ƒ Implementing the plan. adjacent landowners, and others who

had expressed interest in the The plan may be amended at any Preserve. The District sent a press time, as necessary, under an adaptive release to Sonoma Valley management strategy (the process of implementing policy decisions using publications describing this second workshop. scientifically driven experiments that test predictions and assumptions This draft plan and Initial about management plans, and using Study/Negative Declaration is being the resulting information to improve distributed to District partners, management strategies). Public adjacent landowners, government involvement and CEQA (Section 2) agencies, local jurisdictions, review will be required if major revisions are needed. For more community groups, and private citizens. The public has 30 days about plan revision, please see from its release to provide Chapter 6. comments. The draft plan and CEQA documentation can also be The Montini Open Space viewed at the following Internet site: Preserve The District purchased the Montini http://www.sonomaopenspace.org Preserve in December 2005. The

Planning Process

Issues Identified by the Public Issues, concerns, and opportunities Subsequent to the June 2007 were identified through the first workshop, District staff met public workshop, and discussions numerous times with various with other District staff and other members of the community. key contacts. Comments were Subsequent comments included that received orally (Appendix A). a disabled trail should not be constructed in the 9-acre parcel The District held a public workshop because it would displace the cows. on March 8, 2006 in Sonoma at the Others noted that cows and Sonoma Fire House Training room. wheelchairs are safely accommodated About 30 people attended. Issues on other trails in the San Francisco identified by the public pertained Bay Area and that the District was primarily to access and recreation. planning to maintain the cows in the Several individuals said that they area currently under a grazing would like to have the trail regime. constructed quickly without delays and that the construction should be A mediator was retained by the kept simple and inexpensive. An District to assist in developing a adjacent landowner expressed a consensus agreement on the disabled concern about the proximity of trail alignment through the District’s hikers to his private residence. One 9-acre parcel. individual expressed that it would be nice for residents and visitors to be Issues Identified Other able to walk the trails. The District Agencies received one comment by mail. The Initially the trail was designed to pass sender expressed a desire to hike on south of the Water Agency’s and a trail that is accessible from City’s water tanks and onto State downtown Sonoma. Parks’ property for a distance of 500 feet. After further consideration, The District held an additional State Parks rejected that portion of public workshop on June 27, 2007 in the trail alignment. The trail was Burlingame Hall of the First subsequently rerouted north of the Congregational Church in Sonoma. water tanks onto District-owned About 30 people attended. Issues property. identified by the public pertained primarily to trails and parking. Internal Issues Some individuals of the adjacent Internally, the District identified the subdivision did not want hikers so desire to design and construct trails close to their residences. Other to be as sustainable as possible. The individual felt that the proposed trail District also has an interest in spur to 5th St. West provided good resource management, including oak access to the west side of town. regeneration, preventing the spread Several individuals said that the 9- of sudden oak death, and in acre parcel adjacent to the Montini discouraging nonnative invasive Ranch subdivision should not have a weeds, while encouraging native trail, public use, or anything, that plant species. Lastly, discouraging the parcel should be visual only. illegal camping, protecting historic Others expressed that crossing resources, and protecting wildlife Norrbom Road is unsafe. The populations were also identified as District also received similar priorities. comments by mail and email.

14 Montini Open Space Preserve

Chapter 3. Preserve Resources

Geographic/Ecosystem Setting the type, quality, and quantity of There are various systems of environmental resources) are identifying ecosystems in California. generally similar. The approach uses The US Environmental Protection the premise that ecoregions can be Agency (USEPA) system classifies the identified through the analysis of the Preserve as being within the patterns and the composition of southern and central California biotic and abiotic phenomena that chaparral and oak woodlands affect or reflect differences in ecoregion (USEPA no date). The ecosystem quality and integrity primary distinguishing characteristic (Wiken 1986; Omernik 1987, 1995). of this ecoregion is its These phenomena include geology, Mediterranean climate of hot dry physiography, vegetation, climate, summers and cool moist winters, soils, land use, wildlife, and and associated vegetative cover hydrology. The relative importance comprising mainly chaparral and oak of each characteristic varies from one woodlands; grasslands occur in some ecological region to another lower elevations and patches of pine regardless of the hierarchical level. are found at higher elevations. Most of the region consists of open low For a description of the Preserve’s mountains or foothills, but there are local setting, please see Chapter 1. areas of irregular plains in the south and near the border of the adjacent Physical Environment Central California Valley Ecoregion. Topography Domestic livestock grazes much of The Preserve is on a hillside and this region; very little land has been consists of a series of small forested cultivated. ridges alternating with sloping grasslands. Elevations range from Partners in Flight, a consortium of about 120 feet to about 500 feet agencies and nongovernmental above sea level. organizations, classifies the Montini Preserve as being within the Central Hydrology and Southern California Coast and Two small ephemeral drainages flow Valleys (US Bureau of Reclamation . southeast between ridges on the no date) Designed to be a tool for Preserve. Both drainages typically environmental resource flow for a short period of time management, ecoregions denote areas within which ecosystems (and

Preserve Resources

Montini Open Space Preserve Hillside following heavy rainfall and were clay subsoil, are moderately prone to found flowing in March and April erosion and have moderate 2006. In addition, two drainage permeability and medium to rapid ditches can be found on the runoff. The RhD area in the Preserve, on along Norrbom Road Preserve is virtually flat and no and another along the North side of erosion has been seen on these soils. the Water Agency’s paved access In most places vegetation on RhD road. The remnants of a small soil is madrone, oaks, and Douglas earthen dam were found on the fir. Red Hill soils are used mainly eastern part of the Preserve. It does for producing timber with some not currently retain water. areas (including the lands on the Preserve), being used for limited Soils/geology grazing by sheep and cattle. Figure 2 shows soils on the Preserve as mapped by the Natural Resource The level field on the southwestern Conservation Service. Most of the portion of the Preserve is Clough Preserve is mapped as Goulding- gravelly loam 2 to 9 percent slopes. Toomes complex, 9 – 50 percent Clough gravelly loam is generally slopes. These soils are quite rocky used for hay, grapes, and grazing. with shallow soils, where water does The soils are moderately well drained not accumulate on the surface, nor is with gravelly clay subsoil underlain it well retained by the soil during the by a hardpan. Permeability is very dry season. Active erosion areas are slow with runoff slow to medium and limited to small areas in and on the a slight to moderate hazard of banks of the easternmost drainage, erosion. north of the Water Agency tanks where cattle converge to eat green Biological Environment wetland vegetation and along the Vegetation ranch roads leading west and north The Preserve’s vegetation (Appendix from the water tanks. C) is on a spectrum from open grassland to oak savannah to oak The southeastern portion of the woodland with some wetland Preserve, consisting of most of the vegetation as well (Figure 3). open field south of the Water Annual, nonnative grasses and weedy Agency’s paved road is Red Hill clay forbs, reflecting the Preserve’s long loam, 2 – 15 percent slopes, RhD. These soils are moderately well- drained and have a predominately

16 Montini Open Space Preserve Montini Open Space Preserve

City L imits District Holdings Figure 2. Soils Soils Symbol CLOUGH GRAVELLY LOAM, 2 TO 9 PERCENT SLOPES 10 - Fee GOULDING-TOOMES COMPLEX, 9 TO 50 PERCENT SLOPES 11 - Easement over Private Land ´ RED HILL CLAY LOAM, 2 TO 15 PERCENT SLOPES 12 - Easement over Public Land 00.10.20.05 16 - Easement over Private Conservation Organization Miles 17 - Easement over District Preserve Resources

history of woodcutting, grazing, and Wetlands. Scattered small wetlands quarrying, dominate the grassland. can be found in the Preserve, The densest vegetation is on the especially on the flat parcel along 5th west-facing slope west of the Water St. West and in some of the lower Agency tanks and along Norrbom grassy fields. Most of these could be Road. Wooded areas support many characterized as marginal seasonal coast live oak, blue oak, California wetlands, since they are wet during buckeye, California bay, healthy the rainy season, remaining moist madrone, manzanita, sticky into spring. plants found within monkeyflower, black oak, toyon, and these areas include sedges and poison oak. No conifers were seen rushes. (District 2005). Weeds. Weedy species that merit Oak Savannah/Woodland. The oak attention include purple and yellow woodlands and savannah (scattered starthistle (Centaurea calcitrapa and trees) are characterized by coast live C. solstichialis). A few very small oak, black oak, and blue oak, along patches of Hardinggrass were seen with scattered bays and California on the hill slopes. The few patches buckeye. Poison oak and coyote seen by Bush (2005) are on dry hill brush were also noted in the slopes where their ability to spread is Pileated Woodpecker. Ohio understory. likely constrained by available Department of Public moisture (Bush 2006). Resources Grassland Vegetation. Herbaceous plants identified in winter (Bush Purple starthistle should be the 2005) and spring (Lew 2006) highest priority for management include soft chess (Bromus because it occurs in a localized area hordeaceus), wild oats (Avena spp.), where control efforts can be purple false brome (Brachypodium concentrated. Yellow starthistle is distachyon), hedgehog dogtail more wide spread and would (Cynosaurus echinatus) therefore be more difficult to Hardinggrass (Phalaris aquatica), manage (Bush 2006). purple needlegrass (Nassella pulchra) (Ruygt 2006), rattlesnake Several invasive species are found in grass (Briza maxima and Briza the grassland and woodland minor). Dove weed (Eremocarpous understory. Yellow starthistle can be setigerus) was common in areas with found in small areas at the southeast little herbaceous cover, especially in and northeast corners and just below the heavily grazed areas at the (south) of the Water Agency’s paved southwestern end of the Preserve and road. Hedge parsley (Torilis Allium peninsualre ssp. along the mown temporary path. arvensis) is abundant throughout the franciscanum. Broussard. Grasslands likely include many other Preserve. Turkey mullein species of grasses and grass-like (Eremocarpus setigerus) appears in plants such as rushes and sedges, and historically over-grazed grassland forbs that would be evident during a areas and in mown or otherwise spring site visit (Bush 2005). Spring disturbed areas. New invasions are vegetation includes rushes, and other probable in the future; from traffic herbaceous species including forbs from adjoining properties or weed such as popcorn flower, at least two seed in livestock feed (District species of buttercups, blue dicks, and 2005). mouse-eared chickweed. Nonnative forbs such as filaree and field Brodiaea californica var. marigold were also observed. leptandra Robert E. Preston, PhD

18 Montini Open Space Preserve N

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Montini Open Space Preserve District Holdings A1, A2 Montini Vegetation CalvVeg Figure 3. Vegetation Symbol C1, C2 Type 10 - Fee F1 AGRICULTURE-CROPS *from CalVeg, US Forest Service 11 - Easement over Private Land H1 ANNUAL GRASS 12 - Easement over Public Land I1 BLUE OAK FOOTHILL PINE ´ 16 - Easement over Private Conservation Organization City Limits BLUE OAK WOODLAND 17 - Easement over District MONTANE HARDWOOD 00.10.20.05 WET MEADOW Miles Preserve Resources

Wildlife The wildlife value of the Preserve is Natural Processes bolstered by its adjacency to the Natural processes are generally undeveloped Mountain Cemetery disturbance factors to which an (owned by the city of Sonoma) to the ecosystem has evolved. These natural east. The following species have been processes are typically major observed using the Preserve: great disruptions to the current order of horned owl, acorn woodpecker, the ecosystem such as flooding or fire Nuttall’s woodpecker, pileated and shift the natural process of woodpecker, black phoebe, various succession. Flooding is probably not other songbirds, pileated a major factor in Montini Preserve woodpecker, red-shouldered hawk, vegetation types. Fire, however was red-tailed hawk, moles, and gray likely a part of this landscape. squirrel. Abundant deer and turkey have also been seen (District 2005). Role of Fire. Fire is a natural part of An Audubon count in the area California’s oak woodlands. It was surrounding and including the also used by Native Americans as a Montini Preserve combined with management tool to improve access observations on the Preserve yielded for hunting and gathering acorns 60 species of birds (Appendix c. and to prevent encroachment of Bird List) (Audubon 2006). other, less useful tree species. The Loggerhead shrike, burrowing owl, use of fire as a management tool marsh hawk, and white-tailed kite continued with the European settlers have also been seen in the area and cattle ranchers to increase forage (Wetlands Mitigation Plan for production and keep stands open for Montini Subdivision). cattle.

Special Status Species Higher fire frequencies have been A botanical survey conducted in May correlated with better oak and June 200 discovered two special regeneration (UC Cooperative status plants within 50 feet of the Extension no date). Oak preliminary trail alignment (Ruygt recruitment was associated with fire 2006). The trail was realigned to events, although the mechanism by avoid affecting the plants and the which this occurs is unknown. It is plants themselves were protected thought that postfire oak sprout with a low rock ring. The plants are growth may play a role. Allium peninsualre ssp. franciscanum, Franciscan onion, on No significant wildland fire has the California Native Plant Society occurred on the Preserve since at (CNPS) list of rare and endangered least 1939 (Sonoma County Permit plants of California and elsewhere, Resource and Management and Brodiaea californica var. Department 2004). leptandra (narrow-anthered California Brodiaea, also on the Grazing. It is likely that the Montini CNPS list of rare and endangered Preserve was subject to native grazers plants of California. The onion was such as elk, pronghorn, and deer found under a stand of buckeye and before the presence of European bay. The Brodiaea was found along a settlers. grassy segment in a small draw. The habitat and distribution of both of Cultural Resources these plants is very limited within the The Preserve is on the hill directly Preserve. north of General Mariano

20 Montini Open Space Preserve Chapter 3

Guadalupe Vallejo’s historic ranch. mission established under Mexican This area played a major role in the rule after Mexican independence history of Sonoma Valley, Sonoma from Spain. The town plaza was the County, and California. Before site of the Bear Flag Revolt in 1846 Mexican missionaries established the which established California as an mission in Sonoma in 1823, just independent Republic separate from southeast of the Preserve, the site of Mexican rule. Extensive and the current city of Sonoma was a repeated cycles of grazing began California Indian village. immediately upon European settlement. Basalt quarrying began Good soils, temperate climate, and early and continued to the 1900’s. abundant food and water attracted (District 2005) Four quarries are indigenous peoples to the Sonoma listed in the literature as being in the Valley for at least 12,000 years before vicinity of the Preserve, Aguillon, Spanish missionaries settled in the Melani, and Weyl quarries and early 19th century. As many as 5,000 Sonoma City Rock Crusher. In Native Americans lived in what is 1916, Sonoma county was the now Sonoma County at any one number top producer of paving time. Local tribes included the blocks in California, However, Pomo-Kashaya, Wapo, and Patwin. because of labor union conflict and a At the time of European settlement, desire for smoother streets for cars, the Preserve was included in the most quarries reduced their output territory controlled by the southern or closed in later years (Steen and Miwok (Steen and Origer 2006). Origer 2006). There are numerous The Southern Miwok were hunter- sites of quarry activity on the gatherers who lived in rich Preserve with a large quarry pit in environments that allowed for dense the northeast portion. A foundation populations with complex social can be found near the northern structures. They settled in large, boundary. It is thought that it permanent villages about which were supported quarrying equipment distributed seasonal camps and task- (Montini pers. comm. 2006). specific sites. Primary village sites were occupied continually A cultural resources survey was throughout the year and other sites conducted of the entire Preserve in were visited in order to gather 2006 (Steen, E. and T. M. Origer. resources that were abundant or 2006). Three cultural sites were available during certain seasons. found, a prehistoric midden, a rock Sites were often near fresh water wall and the remains of a basalt sources and where plants and quarry. animals were diverse and abundant. Prehistoric Resources Historically, the Preserve is situated The midden, previously recorded, within the 6,094 acres of the Pueblo contains obsidian, chert and basalt Lands of Sonoma Landgrant. lithics (stone tools or projectiles), fire-affected rock, and historic era Father Jose Altamira established the ceramics. This site was also located Mission San Francisco Solano in during the 2006 survey. This site Sonoma in 1823, soon after the will be retained in situ (will not be Russians settled Fort Ross in 1812. moved from its original place of The Mission is the northernmost deposition). Franciscan mission in California and was the last established mission in California. It is the only California

Draft Management Plan 21 Preserve Resources

Historic-era Resources the city of Sonoma and is used for A dry-laid stone fence was also found hiking (Sonoma Overlook Trail). on the Preserve. The fence extends Lands to the north are used for about 900 feet with a 300-foot livestock and vineyards. The break. The stone fence will remain property to the south is a in its current condition. A buffer recreational property owned by State between the wall and public use will Parks (Sonoma State Historic Park) be in effect and there are no plans and ball fields and a dog park owned whose execution would alter its by the city of Sonoma. West of the integrity. Preserve is a mixture of grazed lands and houses. A historic basalt quarry was found that extended over much of the Improvements Preserve. These are believed to be Roads the remains of the Aguillon Quarry. The Preserve is accessed from Remains of activity include pits, Norrbom Road through a locked gate trenches, roads, ramps, a powder at the southeast Preserve corner. A house, and other remains. The paved road extends from this gate to quarry is a good example of the water towers. An additional gate quarrying activity in Sonoma can be found further along Norrbom County. Although the trail is Road. However, the road into the proposed through the quarry, no ill Preserve from that gate no longer effects are anticipated. In fact, the appears passable. Several other quarry’s juxtaposition with the trail ranch roads head north/south up to provides a rich interpretive the northern Preserve line (Figure 4. opportunity to tell the story of basalt Existing Roads). quarrying and its importance to the early economy of Sonoma County. Water Infrastructure Any movable surface artifacts will be A well located on the southern recovered prior to trail opening, boundary of the Preserve, just east of possibly for display purposes (Steen the water tanks and north of the and Origer 2006). Vallejo Home State Historic Park is not currently supplying water, but Land Use has the potential to irrigate the Preserve pasture adjacent to it. The Preserve has been grazed for many decades, and this use In addition, a ditch extends from the continues. The paved road at the Water Agency tanks along the paved southeast corner of the Preserve road toward Norrbom Road. The from Norrbom Road is used under purpose of the ditch is to provide an easement to access the Water drainage from the site and prevent it Agency’s tanks (District 2005). The from sheet flooding the City’s Ernest District has sponsored periodic Holman Park below. A 12-inch public access and volunteer corrugated galvanized pipe extends stewardship workdays. along the ditch. Its function was to channel water through the ditch in Surrounding Land Use an effort to prevent flooding the The 5-acre parcel to the southwest of Field of Dreams ballpark at Ernest the Preserve is currently being Holman Park. However, it is no developed as a subdivision for 26 longer connected on the intake end. single-family lots. The property to A black pipe taped shut on the intake the east of the Preserve is owned by

22 Montini Open Space Preserve Montini Open Space Preserve City Limits District Holdings Major Highways Symbol Figure 4. Existing Preserve Roads Sonoma Overlook Trail 10 - Fee Internal Roads 11 - Easement over Private Land ´ 12 - Easement over Public Land Minor Roads/Trails 16 - Easement over Private Conservation Organization 00.10.20.05 Miles 17 - Easement over District Preserve Resources end extends from the water tanks the Preserve’s open space values along the south side of the Water within the scenic viewshed. Agency’s paved road. Its function is also unknown. A pipe extends from Current Management the Water Agency’s tanks west Other than being grazed, resources towards 5th St West. The purpose of on the Preserve are not currently this pipe is to supply water to irrigate being actively managed. The District th the 9-acre pasture along 5 St. West, has offered several open access although it has not been used for hiking days and a volunteer many years (Montini 2006). stewardship day. The District has contracted with the Sonoma Ecology Fences Center to implement a Volunteer Existing fencing, consisting of older Patrol program. Volunteers are barbed wire and/or mesh, runs along trained and then commit to hiking the west boundary north of the ranch the Preserve at regular intervals to road leading to the Preserve to the report on Preserve conditions and west, and all of the north, east, and provide a District presence on the south boundaries. Some interior Preserve. fencing can be found north of the paved road and north of the ranch road leading from the water tanks to the Montini homestead. A boundary fence was constructed along the northern boundary in 2006.

Public Use Currently, there is no formal recreational use occurring on the Preserve. However, there is a State Historic Park south of the Preserve and the Sonoma Overlook Trail across from Norrbom road to the east.

Some informal use has occurred historically on the Preserve, mostly partying and hiking.

Other Uses Homeless encampments have been observed on the Preserve.

Visual Resources The Montini Preserve meets several goals of the 1989 Sonoma County General Plan. The acquisition will maintain the rural character of the hillside, and will ensure that the scenic woodlands and meadows are protected in perpetuity. The low- intensity public outdoor recreational use is consistent with preservation of

24 Montini Open Space Preserve

Chapter 4 - Challenges and Opportunities

Problems Weeds The current grazing lessee and Weeds, or nonnative invasive pest previous owner of the Preserve has plants, are an epidemic problem in taken measures to control a large California, nearly replacing patch of purple star. If his efforts California native grasses over the prove successful his techniques entire state. The Preserve is no should be incorporated elsewhere on exception. Purple and yellow the Preserve. starthistles, well-known weeds are present on the Preserve. Other Nonnative animal species now reside nonnative plants on the site include on the Reserve including wild three species of Erodium or filaree turkeys. No control of these species and field marigold, both native to is currently planned. Europe. Yellow Starthistle Table 2. Invasive Plant Species Targeted for Control on the Montini Preserve. Common Name Scientific Name State * Distribution Purple starthistle Centaurea calcitrapa yes Grasslands

Yellow starthistle Centaurea solstitialis yes Grasslands, roadsides

Hardinggrass Phalaris aquatica no Grasslands * Received a rating as a noxious weed by the State of California Department of Food and Agriculture Division of Plant Health & Pest Prevention Services

Erosion California. Black oak has also been Moderate to severe erosion can be observed to have regeneration found on some of the ranch road problems in some regions. areas. Much of the area contains Although lack of oak regeneration highly erodible soils, and soils has commonly been associated with subject to slumping. Erosion fire suppression, cattle grazing, control is important to protect and weedy grasses and herbivore of oak regenerate native plant communities shoots by cattle and native mammals, and wildlife habitat, prevent the exact reason for the lack of sediment runoff, and retain aesthetic regeneration is not known. values. Trespassing Purple Starthistle Oak Regeneration The site has a long history of Oak regeneration, particularly blue trespassing by people partying and coast live oak regeneration, has (Montini 2007), hiking, and using been documented widely in the Preserve as a homeless

Challenges and Opportunities

encampment. Trespassing is a link to the existing Sonoma habitat management problem in that Overlook Trail to create a more trespassers have left garbage such as extensive network of trails. Since it plastic cups, bicycle equipment, and is anticipated that the Preserve will tents and other camping gear and eventually be added to the California may pose a fire danger. State Park System, State Parks provided trail planning expertise for Fences the Preserve trails. There are interior fences that may hamper the free movement of Historic Landscape wildlife throughout the Preserve. In addition to providing public use, None of the fences is essential for protection of the Preserve assures the continuing operation of the that the historic landscape of the Preserve, or for the ranching lessee original Vallejo Homestead is (Montini 2006). However, there preserved in much the same state as may be management reasons for it was during Vallejo’s occupation. retaining some interior fencing, Its historic origins provide the such as to control cattle grazing more Preserve with opportunities for easily. maintaining and enhancing the historic landscape and providing Sudden Oak Death interpretation of historic events. Although there are no documented cases of SOD on the Preserve, the Partnerships presence of P. ramorum in Sonoma There are several other entities County in well documented. involved in the Montini Open Space Although the it is possible that the Preserve including the city of Preserve being so dry, lacking even Sonoma (one of the District’s seasonal streams, and being south- partners for the acquisition of the facing, may be fairly resistant to Preserve), the Sonoma Overlook SOD (Hunter 2006), the site may Trail Task Force and docents, and still present some susceptibility to the most likely potential eventual SOD due to the abundance of bay recipient of much of the Preserve, trees that touch the susceptible coast California State Parks. Along with live oak. the District, each of these partners brings different and valuable Opportunities resources to the Preserve. Public Use The Preserve’s proximity to Restoration Sonoma’s historic town square The Preserve has been grazed over its provides an opportunity for visitors entirety, which has been beneficial in and residents to enjoy a moderate keeping the grasses short, but may hike within walking distance of have prevented some wetland and restaurants and markets. In woody vegetation from growing, addition, a regular presence on the especially in areas that are seasonally Preserve is likely to discourage wet. Restoration opportunities undesirable behaviors such as include plantings and fencing, some camping and littering. of which could be conducted by volunteers, schools, and citizens’ The fact that a trail exists on a groups. Planting native vegetation similar adjacent Preserve owned and could be especially effective if it managed by two of the Preserve’s immediately follows weed removal partners creates an opportunity to because bare soil would provide less

26 Montini Open Space Preserve Chapter 4 competition for the native plants and the native plants would prevent many weeds from reestablishing.

Draft Management Plan 27 Challenges and Opportunities

28 Montini Open Space Preserve

Chapter 5. Management Direction – Vision Statement, Goals, Objectives

Vision Statement Management Direction: Goals, The Preserve will be an oak Objectives, and Strategies woodland and grassland that supports high quality habitat for a Goal 1. Manage Preserve grassland habitats diversity of native Sonoma County to support native vegetation. wildlife and plants. The Preserve will support opportunities for Objective 1. By the year 2010, research and will be a showcase for reduce the percent cover of weeds by appropriate management of oaks and 5%. grasslands for the Sonoma Valley. Narrative: The gentle trails, rolling grasslands Nonnative invasive pest plants or and oak woodlands, spring weeds displace native plants, reduce wildflowers, and spectacular views of biological diversity, and alter the Sonoma Valley and San Pablo ecosystem processes. Many of them, Bay will attract visitors who enjoy including the yellow starthistle found and appreciate the natural setting of on the preserve, are on the state Sonoma County. The public will weed list, making them illegal to sell have clear and easy access to the or plant. The Brooklyn Botanical Preserve with minimal impacts to Gardens estimates that there are 300 wildlife habitat. The Preserve will dangerously invasive weeds growing provide opportunities for persons in the continental U.S. and Canada, with physical disabilities to enjoy the half of which were introduced as Preserve. ornamentals. They were brought to this country intentionally and Partners will collaborate to provide a allowed to gain a foothold before wide range of management, their harmful effects were known. interpretive and environmental education programs. The Preserve When they arrived in this country, will provide trail linkages, none of the mechanisms that keep connecting the adjacent overlook plants in check, such as insects, trail with the regional bike trail and disease and competition came with the Vallejo Home State Historic them. So when they are unmanaged Park. The local community and in native areas, they take over and visitor will enthusiastically identify disrupt the ecosystem, affecting bird, and promote the Preserve as a insect, fish and mammal populations regional and statewide tourist that depend upon native plants for destination that contributes to food, shelter and protection from economic development and enhances predators. the quality of life in Sonoma. Strategies: ƒ Use integrated pest

Draft Management Plan 29 Management Direction – Vision Statement, Goals, Objectives

management techniques control efforts if necessary. including grazing and mechanical (hand removal, Objective 2: By 2012, conduct an mowing, string trimming, experimental restoration of native and heating), biological, and grass species on the Preserve. chemical control, where appropriate to reduce Narrative: noxious weeds such as yellow Native grasses once covered nearly 22 and purple starthistles. million acres of California, ƒ Spot spray transline or including much of the Sonoma glyphosate in spring Valley (Heady 1977). Today, over 95 (Hastings, pers. Comm. percent of these grasslands have been 2006). lost to invasive plant species or land ƒ Monitor the grazing lessee’s uses including agriculture and efforts on purple starthistle development. Although little is and incorporate results into known of the original composition weed management. of native grasses, it is believed that ƒ Treat Harding grass by Stipa pulchra dominated the valley stimulating new growth with grassland with a mix of other mowing, irrigation, or perennial grasses including Nasella grazing, then treating with pulchra (purple needlegrass), glyphosate. Allow at least Danthonia californica (California ten to twelve inches (25-30 oatgrass), and Deschampsia cm) of regrowth prior to caespitosa var holciformis (tufted herbicide application hairgrass), Poa spp., Leymus spp., (Harrington and Lanini Elymus spp., and Mellica spp.), 2006). annual grasses such as Festuca spp. ƒ Conduct outreach to and a mix of broad-leaved forbs universities, including UC (Heady 1977, Hatch, et al 1999, Davis’ Department of Stebbins 1965). European plants Vegetable Crops and Weed arrived in California during the Science program to present 1770’s and have since spread widely, research opportunities on largely replacing native annuals and the Preserve. perennials with introduced species ƒ Partner with volunteer (Hatch et al. 1999). These plants groups and groups such as were either intentionally introduced the California Conservation as cereal or forage crops, or Corps and community inadvertently introduced through service groups to assist with impurities in crop seed and in weed control. packing material (Carlsen et al. ƒ Explore developing specific 2000). Currently introduced prescriptions for using Mediterranean annuals, such as livestock grazing as a means Erodium, Bromus, Hordeum, of weed control. Hypochaeris, and Avena California ƒ Train volunteers to identify dominate grasslands (Stromberg and and monitor weed response Griffin 1996). The success of to various treatments. introduced species in California ƒ Monitor the Preserve each grasslands has been attributed to a spring for noxious weeds variety of mechanisms, including: 1) such as purple and yellow being superior competitors for water starthistle and Harding and light (Carlsen et al. 2000), 2) grass, and implement being superior colonizers of both

30 Montini Open Space Preserve Chapter 5 artificial and natural disturbances compacted. (Parker et al. 1993), 3) effectively ƒ Develop a monitoring plan reducing the fecundity and seedling to assess success of native establishment of competing native grass restoration projects. species (Carlsen et al. 2000, ƒ Ensure a three-year post- Stromberg and Griffin 1996), 4) planting replacement period responding better to overgrazing by for contractors livestock than native species (Hatch implementing restoration et al 1999), and 5) responding more projects. vigorously to nutrient inputs (Maron and Connors 1996). Because little is Objective 3: By 2007, address known specifically about the original erosion problems on the ranch road composition of the grasses of the leading from the water tanks east Preserve, local experts are the best towards 5th St. West and the erosion source of information when on the ranch road leading north planning native grassland from the water tanks. restorations. Strategies: Strategies: ƒ Reroute the roads to be less ƒ Identify what species were erodible. likely to have grown on the ƒ Remove the fencing that Preserve. concentrates cow movement ƒ Develop site-specific native to the area uphill of the grassland restoration plans eroding ranch road. using local experts as ƒ Inventory existing ranch appropriate. roads and determine which ƒ Locate seed sources locally, roads are unnecessary and if possible and have them can be restored. contract grown. ƒ Restore eroded areas by ƒ If local seed is not available, grading rilled areas, using identify a proximal source of biotechnical measures such plant material. as coir materials (coconut ƒ Remove nonnative seed fiber erosion and sediment sources using chemical, control products), if mechanical, and biological necessary, and planting only control, and grazing for two native plant materials. seasons before establishing native grasses, and control Objective 4: Resources on the invasive broadleaf and other Preserve will be protected from invasive plants on newly human-caused damage. restored areas for three years or more. Narrative: ƒ Maintain grasslands by Natural resources on the Preserve periodic disturbance such as need to be protected while providing mowing, grazing, discing, or for public enjoyment. Visitors burning. hiking off-trail can disturb new ƒ Establish small (<0.25 acre) fawns and other wildlife. Litter is experimental native grass unsightly and can harm wildlife. plots before large-scale Uncontrolled wildfire can be restoration activities are dangerous and could have conducted. Focus plots on environmental consequences. the hilly areas which are less

Draft Management Plan 31 Management Direction – Vision Statement, Goals, Objectives

Strategies: ƒ Hiking, nature observation ƒ Work with local law and photography, enforcement officials, such interpretation, stewardship, as the Sonoma County and environmental Sheriff’s Department, education are the only Sonoma Police Department, allowable public uses of the and private security Preserve. Other public uses companies to patrol the could be considered using a Preserve once per week. compatibility determination ƒ Retain a private security (Appendix D). company to patrol the ƒ Educate the public about the Preserve and other District potential harm that can Preserves. come to the Preserve by the ƒ Continue the volunteer human actions of hiking off- patrol. trail, littering, and smoking ƒ Maintain a District presence using printed materials, on the Preserve with regular displays, and interpretive visits to the Preserve. hikes. ƒ Prohibit smoking and all ƒ Clearly sign the Preserve is a other nonvehicular sources pack in/pack out area. of combustion on the ƒ Continue to organize Preserve. periodic volunteer trash pick ƒ Emphasize potential up days. wildland fire danger in ƒ Clearly sign that the Preserve visitor contacts, bulletin hours are sunrise to sunset board materials, handouts, and enforce the nighttime and interpretive programs. closure, by patrolling and Increase visitor and ticketing. neighbor awareness of fire safety. Goal 2. Manage oak woodland habitats to ƒ Conduct outreach with the promote the natural oak woodland habitat Mission Highlands species composition and structure. Homeowners’ Association to alert the District, Sheriff, Narrative: and Police if they notice cars Objectives under this goal use the parked on Norrbom Road. acorn woodpecker and the red- ƒ Work with the Sheriff and shouldered hawk as target species. In Police to post no overnight choosing these birds as conservation parking on Norrbom Road. targets, the District will manage the Preserve, not only for the target species, but other species that occupy a similar niche, such as the pileated woodpecker and red-tailed hawk.

Objective 1. By 2010, implement at least two strategies to facilitate oak regeneration and restoration and monitor the results of the action.

Narrative: In addition to needing oak regeneration to replace old and Volunteer Clean-up Day

32 Montini Open Space Preserve Chapter 5

senescent oak trees, a diverse age infect the leaves and twigs of structure and species composition is numerous other plants species. likely a life requirement for our While many of these hosts, such as target species, the acorn woodpecker California bay and rhododendron (California Partners in Flight 2002). species, do not die from the disease, they play a key role in the spread of Strategies: SOD, acting as breeding ground for ƒ Remove unnecessary fences innoculum, which may then be and ranch roads and restore spread through wind-driven rain, these areas to natural water, plant material, or human conditionsi. activity. ƒ If appropriate conditions exist, plant native woody Cankers on the trunk of oak and vegetation on the 9-acre tanoak trees are the most damaging, parcel on 5th St. West. and often lead to death. ƒ Work with a contractor to Additionally, other organisms often grow plant materials used on attack diseased oak and tanoak trees the Preserve using on-site once they are weakened by SOD. seeds and cuttings, where These secondary invaders can also possible. All planting kill the tree, and include such species used on the Preserve organisms as Hypoxylon will be native to the site (see thourasianum (a fungus that decays Appendix B). sapwood) and bark beetles. In foliar ƒ Implement oak restoration and twig hosts, symptoms can range plantings that are protected from leaf spots to twig dieback, but from seedling depredation. these hosts rarely die from the infection (California Oak Mortality Fence individual seedlings. ƒ Ensure that contractors Task Force 2006). implementing oak restoration include a three- The pathogen that causes sudden oak year replacement period. death is transported by weather (e.g. wind-driven rain) and by human ƒ Monitor restoration activities (e.g. vehicles, bikes, projects. hiking). Landscape-scale resource

management affects the susceptibility Objective 2. Work with other of landscapes to infection by sudden agencies, nongovernmental oak death (University of California organizations, and universities to Cooperative Extension Marin decrease the risk of sudden oak death County 2006.). Currently, SOD is (SOD) on the Montini Preserve. not a major concern at the Preserve. Its occurrence has not been noted Narrative: and it is thought that the area is too Sudden oak death (SOD) is a disease dry to promote its spread. caused by the plant pathogen Nevertheless, SOD is prevalent in Phytophthora ramorum. This the county and spreading public pathogen has caused widespread education and awareness is an dieback of tanoak and several oak important factor in controlling species (coast live oak, California SOD. black oak, Shreve's oak, canyon live oak, and sometimes madrone) in Strategies: California's central and northern ƒ Monitor susceptible tree coastal counties, including Sonoma species for evidence of SOD County. It has also been found to on the Preserve annually. If

Draft Management Plan 33 Management Direction – Vision Statement, Goals, Objectives

potentially infected trees are neighbors, and other groups to found, send leaf samples manage the Preserve. from adjacent bay trees to the County Agricultural Strategies: Commissioner’s office for ƒ Establish management confirmation. responsibilities among the ƒ Develop interpretive various partners involved in materials to help visitors the Preserve. recognize SOD and ƒ Establish an annual or other understand how SOD is meting with the city, State spread (Appendix E). Parks, the SOT, and others, ƒ Encourage visitors to stay on as appropriate to discuss the trail as a means of Preserve management. preventing the spread of ƒ Develop a protocol for SOD. notifying agencies and the ƒ Limit the number of trails public of actions that may be through the Preserve. of interest to them. ƒ If infected trees are found, ƒ Conduct outreach with treat them with phosphonate schools, scout groups, and and partial or complete other organizations for removal of individual volunteer work. affected bay trees. Goal 3. Restore the natural diversity of Objective 3: Create and foster wetland areas. partnerships, wherever possible, that are mutually beneficial and further Objective 1: Within 2 years, restore the goals of the Preserve, with private 0.25 acres of wetland. individuals, agencies, organizations, businesses, and universities. Strategies: ƒ Plant willow and oak using Strategies: seedlings, cuttings, or ƒ Encourage universities to acorns, as appropriate. research topics that would ƒ Plant appropriate wetland facilitate management and species using on-site seed fill data gaps. source when possible. ƒ Continue the exiting ƒ Use volunteers, where partnerships with California possible, to conduct the State Parks, the city of plantings. Sonoma, and the Sonoma ƒ Fence the restored area from Overlook Trail Task Force. disturbance by cows. ƒ Seek partnerships with California State University Goal 4. Remove obstacles to natural Sonoma, UC Davis, UC Berkeley, East Bay Regional wildlife movement within the Preserve. Parks, and others. ƒ Work with other groups or Objective 1: Within 8 years, adopt at agencies to manage Preserve least two strategies to facilitate resources more effectively. wildlife movement.

Objective 4: Solidify Strategies: communications between agencies, ƒ Inventory existing fencing and remove unnecessary

34 Montini Open Space Preserve Chapter 5

fencing within the Preserve. ƒ Pets will not be allowed on the Preserve. ƒ Route trails so that there is a large portion of the Preserve that is undisturbed, particularly shaded grassy areas favored for fawn beds. ƒ Investigate exterior fencing and gates that would keep cattle in the Preserve while allowing wildlife to move out of the Preserve (wildlife friendly fencing). ƒ Protect nesting sites of important birds such as State Parks Staff, Sonoma Overlook Trail Task Force Volunteers pileated woodpeckers and and District Staff developing the preliminary trail alignment. great-horned owls by keeping nesting sites safe from disturbance by In addition, the site was assessed for rerouting trails or closing its ability to provide trail access for sections of trail, if necessary. the disabled. Using the 2007 Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) Goal 5. The public will enjoy and Accessibility Guidelines for Outdoor appreciate the natural landscape of the Developed Areas; Proposed Rule, a Sonoma Valley. section of disabled-accessible trail was designed (Architectural and Objective 1. By summer 2007, Transportation Barriers Compliance construct about 1.8 miles of Board 2007). pedestrian trail on and connecting to the Preserve. Strategies: ƒ Working with the Sonoma Narrative: Overlook Trail Task Force, Trail planning expertise was the city of Sonoma, provided by California State Parks, California State Parks, the one of the Preserve partners. Trails Sonoma Ecology Center and were aligned on site over 6+ days of other partners, construct fieldwork. The trail was designed and maintain trail (Figure 5) not to exceed sustainable maximum in accordance with the grade so that the trail would be less prescriptions in the trail log susceptible to erosion. A botanist (Appendix F). and an archeologist then checked the ƒ The trail will be constructed preliminary trail alignment to ensure to State Parks draft that no natural or cultural resources guidelines, where possible, were disturbed. Once the trail to obtain maximum alignment was inventoried, durability and sustainability. adjustments were made where ƒ Construction will occur in necessary and the final alignment was spring to obtain maximum identified. The alignment takes soil compaction. advantage of the most scenic portions ƒ Construct the trail to of the Preserve while leaving large conform to the guidelines parts of the Preserve unaffected. described in the final report

Draft Management Plan 35 Management Direction – Vision Statement, Goals, Objectives

operation, safety tips, conservation messages (stay on trails, pack in/pack out), rules, emergency contacts, information about the District, and interpretive information. Kiosk designs should be compatible with the Sonoma Overlook Trail kiosk and State Parks kiosks. ƒ Link the trail on the Preserve to the Sonoma Overlook Trail via the Rattlesnake Cutoff spur. Hikers in the oak woodlands ƒ Install a pedestrian gate from the city’s ballfield lot to of the Regulatory the Preserve that will not Negotiation Committee on allow cows to escape. Install Accessibility Guidelines for a pedestrian gate along Outdoor Developed Areas Norrbom Road across the where feasible. road from the Sonoma ƒ Contract with a trail Overlook Trail. specialist for technical ƒ Construct a fence bisecting aspects of trail construction the southwestern 9-acre and volunteer oversight. parcel to separate livestock ƒ Construct a gravel parking from hikers. lot for 2 cars off 5th St. West ƒ Install directional trail signs. with disabled access, where ƒ Install bike parking racks at feasible, as described by the the 5th St. West and 1st St. Final Report of the West trailheads. Regulatory Negotiation ƒ Working with others, Committee on Accessibility construct a bridge across the Guidelines for Outdoor ditch that separates the Developed Areas. Sonoma Overlook Trailhead ƒ Work with the city to from the Sonoma Veterans’ establish a disabled Memorial parking lot to accessible connection from allow Overlook hikers to the city’s ballfield parking lot cross Norrbom Road. to the Montini Preserve ƒ Protect the narrow-anthered trailhead. brodiaea and Franciscan ƒ Install self-closing and/or onion with barriers. kissing gates at trail heads ƒ Monitor populations of the (Appendix G)(Agate. 1983). narrow-anthered brodiaea ƒ Construct an information and Franciscan onion kiosk at the Norrbom Rd annually to monitor their and 5th St. West trailheads reaction to the trail. with a bulletin board for information (see also Goal 4, Objective 4). ƒ Information displayed on the bulletin board would include maps, hours of

36 Montini Open Space Preserve oad

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Photo Source: AirPhotoUSA 2004 This map is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be a definitive property description. Montini Legend Open Space Preserve Upper Trail Boundary Buffers Lower Trail District Holdings ´ Draft Management Plan Fenced Trail Symbol Rattlesnake Cutoff Montini Open Space Preserve Overlook Trail and other Regional Trails Conservation Easement 0355 710 1,420 Figure 5. Trails and Facilities Corrected boundary Feet Management Direction – Vision Statement, Goals, Objectives

where appropriate. Objective 2. By summer 2007, ƒ Develop a self-guided install signs, striping, and symbols brochure. along the trail and along Norrbom ƒ Work in partnership with Road to facilitate safe trail crossing the Sonoma Overlook Trail across Norrbom Road. Task Force to provide guided tours. Strategies: ƒ Implement the Objective 5. Within 3 years, visitors recommendations from the will have an opportunity to relax at 3 W-Trans report on crossing benches on the Preserve. Norrbom Road (Appendix J). Strategies: ƒ Consider installation of a ƒ Facilitate the donations of vehicular speed measuring benches at several device on Norrbom Road. viewpoints, at the entrance kiosk and at the quarry site. Objective 3. By 2008, at least two ƒ Place interpretive panels classes of schoolchildren will use the near benches. Montini Preserve for environmental education curriculum. By 2010, Objective 6: Conduct Preserve seven classes will use the Preserve. outreach, targeting the local community and nontraditional Strategies: users, by expanding partnerships for ƒ Conduct outreach with the volunteer patrol. Participate in a schools. minimum of 3appropriate off- ƒ Continue exploring a Preserve events per year to increase partnership with awareness of the Preserve’s role in environmental education conserving Sonoma County organizations like Acorn viewsheds, grasslands, and oak Soupe and the Sonoma woodlands. Ecology Center. ƒ Encourage educational Strategies: activities that benefit ƒ Continue and expand Preserve management such partnerships for events such as wildlife and botanical as the annual Open Spaces & surveys, and vegetation Public Places celebration. management and restoration ƒ Participate in appropriate projects. local off-Preserve events each year such as the Pacific Objective 4. By 2008 implement at Flyway Festival and least 2 interpretive programs on the classroom activities. Preserve. ƒ Construct neighborhood walk-in and disabled access Strategies: along 5th St. West. ƒ Construct a kiosk at one of ƒ Collaborate with and assist the Norrbom Road local resource-oriented trailheads and at the 5th agencies and city Street West Trailhead. departments on outreach ƒ Construct and interpretive programs involving the trail. Preserve. ƒ Identify plants with a label, ƒ Expand number of

38 Montini Open Space Preserve Chapter 5

presentations given to schools, conservation groups, and public service organizations. ƒ Continue working with the Sonoma Overlook Trail Task Force.

Goal 5. Cultural resources on the site will be protected and interpreted to promote the appreciation and stewardship of Sonoma’s historic importance.

Objective 1. Develop a minimum of one interpretive exhibit or program to educate the public regarding the cultural resources of the Preserve by 2010.

Narrative: Developing interpretive and educational materials to increase public understanding about local and State history is valuable given the importance of the Sonoma area and General Vallejo in California history.

Strategies: ƒ Develop exhibits to illustrate the role of the Preserve rock quarries in California history and the use of the quarried rocks in Sonoma and San Francisco streets. ƒ Develop exhibits to illustrate the role that General Vallejo played in California history. ƒ Solicit input and advice from local historians and others familiar with the history of the Preserve in planning, information gathering, and review of educational, interpretive, and outreach programs and publications. ƒ Include a cultural resource element when holding Preserve special events.

Draft Management Plan 39 Management Direction – Vision Statement, Goals, Objectives

40 Montini Open Space Preserve

Chapter 6. Implementation and Monitoring

Funding and Personnel The District intends that Preserve Detailed Management Plans objectives be attained over the next Some of the potential resource 10 years. Management activities management objectives were not would be phased in over time and within the ten-year scope of this implementation is contingent upon plan. These objectives include and subject to the results of grassland management and wetland monitoring and evaluation, funding, restoration. These objectives should and staffing. be considered in the next planning effort for the Preserve. Funding includes initial capital outlay for equipment, facilities, Partnership Opportunities labor, and other expenditures, as As described in Chapter 1, a number well as annual, ongoing costs for of partners play an important role in staff, contracts, supplies, helping the District achieve its goals management, maintenance, and and objectives for the Preserve. This other recurring expenses. management plan identifies many projects that provide new Initial capital expenditures for opportunities for existing or new implementation of this management partners. In addition to the plan would include a trail, parking District’s existing partnerships with lot, signs, and boundary signs. In the Sonoma Overlook Trail (SOT) addition, significant capital Task Force, Sonoma Ecology Center, expenditures (Appendix H) would be city of Sonoma, State Parks, and the needed for weed control. These California Coastal Commission, capital expenditures would not all there is an opportunity to build accrue during the first year of partnerships with Acorn Soupe, the implementation. For example, weed National Park Service National control and habitat restoration Trails Assistance program and local would be implemented over several universities and other research years, and some equipment and entities. vehicles would be shared with other Preserves. Monitoring and Evaluation Adaptive management is the process At full staffing, staff time dedicated of implementing policy decisions to the Preserve would include the using scientifically driven equivalent of about 0.9 full-time experiments that test predictions and staff members. Annual contracts or assumptions about management cooperative agreements would be plans, and using the resulting issued for litter removal, additional information to improve management law enforcement, weed control, and strategies. Management direction is other activities. The total cost of periodically evaluated by a system of recurring tasks is expected to total applying several options, monitoring about $12,000 per year (Appendix the achievement of objectives, and H). adapting original strategies to reach

Draft Management Plan 41 Implementation

desired objectives. These periodic part of the formal 10-year revision. evaluations would be used over time The objectives and strategies, to adapt both the management however, may be revised to address objectives and strategies to better changing circumstances or take achieve management goals. Such a advantage of new scientific system embraces uncertainty, understanding or increased enhances management options, and knowledge of the resources on the provides new information for future Preserve. If changes are required, decision-making. the level of public involvement and CEQA documentation will be Because monitoring is an essential determined by the General Manager. component of this plan, specific monitoring strategies have been integrated into the goals and objectives. Habitat management activities would be monitored to assess whether the desired effect on habitat components has been achieved. At a minimum, susceptible oak trees would be monitored for SOD and changes in the weed population would be monitored. Baseline surveys would be established for plants and animals for which existing or historical numbers are currently not well known. It would also be important to monitor the effects of public use and disturbance on the resources of the Preserve.

Plan Amendment and Revision This plan has a ten-year life. At the end of ten, years, the plan should be evaluated to determine if plan objectives were met. If objectives were not met, the District would evaluate why they were not met. A new plan would address any unmet objectives and formulate new objectives for the management of this important open space preserve.

In addition, the plan will be evaluated annually to evaluate if objectives are being met and if strategies or objectives need to be modified. It may also be reviewed during routine inspections. Results of any of these reviews may indicate a need to modify the plan. The goals in the management plan will not change until they are reevaluated as

42 Montini Open Space Preserve

References

Literature Agate, Elizabeth. 1983. Footpaths. ISBN 0 946752 31 1. Published by the British Trust for Conservation Workers. http://handbooks.btcv.org.uk/handbooks/content/section/2373

Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board. 2007. Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) Accessibility Guidelines for Outdoor Developed Areas; Proposed Rule. Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 118 / Wednesday, June 20, 2007 / Proposed Rules

Bush, Lisa. Montini Property Grazing Evaluation. Unpublished office report. 2006.

California Oak Mortality Task Force website. 2006.

California Partners in Flight. 2002. Oak Woodland Bird Conservation Plan.

City of Sonoma. 1995. 1995 – 2005 General Plan. City of Sonoma.

District. 2005. Montini Property Baseline Documentation. Unpublished report. November 21, 2005

Harrington, Kerry and T. Lanini. Phalaris aquatica. University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources. 2006. 17 July 2008. .

Hatch, Daphne A., J.W. Bartolome, J.S. Fehm, and D.S. Hillyard. 1999, Effects of burning and grazing on a coastal California grassland. Restoration Ecology, 7, 376-381. December 1999.

Heady, H.F. 1977. Valley grassland. In M.G. Barbour and J. Major, eds., Terrestrial vegetation of California, Special publication number 9. Sacramento: California Native Plant Society, pp.491-514.

Maron and Connors 1996 from Avery, E. 2001. Nutrient input effects from fire retardant on exotic species, species richness, and species diversity in a coastal California grassland. Unpublished thesis.

Nardo-Morgan, Angela M. 1997. Environmental History of Sonoma Creek Watershed. M.A. thesis, Sonoma State University. 110 pp. Notes: Addresses ecological management by Indians in the Sonoma Creek Valley. J226

Partners in Flight. Oak Woodland Bird Conservation Plan -

Ruygt, Jake. 2006. Rare Plant Survey of Montini Open Space Preserve and Ernest Homan Park, Sonoma, CA.

Sonoma County. 2006. Draft General Plan.

Sonoma County Permit Resource and Management Department. 2004. Draft Hazard Mitigation Plan.

Steen, E. and T. M. Origer. 2006. A Cultural Resources Survey of the Montini Open Space Preserve, near Sonoma, Sonoma County, California. August 31, 2006.

Draft Management Plan 43 References

US. Bureau of Land Management. No date. Central and Southern California Coast and Valleys.

UC Cooperative Extension Calaveras County. No date. The Role of Fire in Oak Woodlands.

University of California Cooperative Extension Marin County. 2006. Sudden Oak Death website http://cemarin.ucdavis.edu/index2.html

USEPA. http://www.epa.gov/wed/pages/ecoregions.htm

Personal Communications Montini, Bill. ---- 2006 ---- February 2006 ---- September 2006 ---- April 2007

Hunter, R. Circuit Rider Productions. 2006.

Endnotes i Conditions thought to exist just prior to the advent of the industrial era (app. 950AD to 1800AD), based upon scientific study and sound professional judgment.

44 Montini Open Space Preserve