Santa Catalina Island The Galapagos of the U

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Santa Catalina Island The Galapagos of the U. S. Presented by: Margee Haines, Bruce

Santa Catalina Island The Galapagos of the U. S. Presented by: Margee Haines, Bruce Rudy, Nuyi Tao

Santa Catalina Facts • Volcanic Island, 22 miles from CA • 50, 000 acres

Santa Catalina Facts • Volcanic Island, 22 miles from CA • 50, 000 acres • Widest diversity of plants and animals among Channel Islands • Economic, recreational, and scientific uses

Ecology of Santa Catalina • Rugged mountains, shallow soils, and an arid climate •

Ecology of Santa Catalina • Rugged mountains, shallow soils, and an arid climate • Habitat diversity: coastal-sage scrub, grasslands, oak woodland, dunes, and beaches • High plant and animal diversity as well as endemism

Santa Catalina Land Use Facts Private Ownership (1%) Santa Catalina Island Company (11%) Santa

Santa Catalina Land Use Facts Private Ownership (1%) Santa Catalina Island Company (11%) Santa Catalina Conservancy (88%)

Historic Human Impacts • Introduction of exotic Plants and Animals – Catalina Thistle, Fennel

Historic Human Impacts • Introduction of exotic Plants and Animals – Catalina Thistle, Fennel – Bison, Goats, Pigs, Mule Deer • Livestock and Mining Operations – – Disruption of Native Plants Stream Sedimentation Erosion Hydraulic Alteration

Threat #1: Human Impacts • Resident population of 4, 000; 1, 000 visitors per

Threat #1: Human Impacts • Resident population of 4, 000; 1, 000 visitors per year. • Avalon residential development • Over 200 miles of roads

Threat #2: Invasive Species • Biggest long-term challenge • >30% plant species aren’t native

Threat #2: Invasive Species • Biggest long-term challenge • >30% plant species aren’t native • Threaten natural diversity • Out-compete natives

Threat #3: Sensitive Species • Catalina Island Fox • Bald Eagles • Catalina Mahogany

Threat #3: Sensitive Species • Catalina Island Fox • Bald Eagles • Catalina Mahogany • Beechey Ground Squirrel • Rattleless Rattlesnake • Santa Catalina Monkey Flower

The Santa Catalina Conservancy • Established in 1972 by Wrigley family • Acquired 88%

The Santa Catalina Conservancy • Established in 1972 by Wrigley family • Acquired 88% of Island in 1975 (42, 000 acres) • Funded by membership dues, large donors and revenue producing operations Mission: To maintain the health of the Island’s species by preserving and restoring habitat and allowing ecological processes to function without major human intervention for future generation.

Conservancy Partnerships • Local Organizations – Local and National chapters of the Sierra Club

Conservancy Partnerships • Local Organizations – Local and National chapters of the Sierra Club – Eagles' Nest Lodge – Ameri. Corps NCCC west region – The Catalina Island Women’s Forum – Volunteer Naturalist Corps • Local Universities – University of Southern California – University of Reno - Geology

Conservancy Structure • Board of Directors elected by life members • 50 paid staff

Conservancy Structure • Board of Directors elected by life members • 50 paid staff including 4 -person Administrative Office • Informal Consultation from Business and Recreational Users • Formal Consultation from County and State Agencies • Recruitment of Volunteers

Conservancy Goals • Goal #1: Conservation – Habitat Restoration – Control Invasive Species –

Conservancy Goals • Goal #1: Conservation – Habitat Restoration – Control Invasive Species – Maintenance of Native Animals (Island Fox Breeding Program)

Conservancy Goals (cont. ) • Goal #2: Education – Natural History Programs – Outings

Conservancy Goals (cont. ) • Goal #2: Education – Natural History Programs – Outings and Workshops – School Programs

Conservancy Goals (cont. ) Bicycle Map • Goal #3: Recreation – Hiking – Camping

Conservancy Goals (cont. ) Bicycle Map • Goal #3: Recreation – Hiking – Camping – Biking – Jeep Eco-Tours – Horseback riding

Activities and Projects • Native Plant Nursery • Hayfield Restoration • Island Fox Breeding

Activities and Projects • Native Plant Nursery • Hayfield Restoration • Island Fox Breeding Program • Rare and Endangered Plant Monitoring

Research • Scientific Research – Established understanding of Island’s biophysical processes • Used to

Research • Scientific Research – Established understanding of Island’s biophysical processes • Used to begin restoration process

Monitoring • Plant or vegetation monitoring – – • Invasive Weed Mapping Rare Plant

Monitoring • Plant or vegetation monitoring – – • Invasive Weed Mapping Rare Plant Population Searches and Mapping Island Vegetation Map Wetland plant communities Land Bird surveys – Understand how birds and other animals are responding to changes in the island's vegetation

Obstacles • Staff members – Lack background/ education in conservation issues – Lack awareness

Obstacles • Staff members – Lack background/ education in conservation issues – Lack awareness of island’s unique ecology

Obstacles (cont. ) • Tourism • Public/resident-lack of concern and education • Need more

Obstacles (cont. ) • Tourism • Public/resident-lack of concern and education • Need more coordination of restoration activities

Opportunities • Support from top management • Reasonable funding • Huge population in Southern

Opportunities • Support from top management • Reasonable funding • Huge population in Southern CA to Volunteer • Expand Partnerships with Research Universities

Future of the Island • The Galapagos of the U. S. • Multiple Opportunities

Future of the Island • The Galapagos of the U. S. • Multiple Opportunities exist • Success through Collaboration

Conservancy Report Card Grumbine’s Themes Discussion Hierarchical Context Aware of connection btw abiotic/biotic components

Conservancy Report Card Grumbine’s Themes Discussion Hierarchical Context Aware of connection btw abiotic/biotic components Ecological Integrity Consistent with Mission, reinforced by projects Data Collection Strong understanding of habitat/species/population Monitoring Established programs, average feedback Adaptive Management Familiar with terminology, average application Interagency Cooperation Exempt, but in need of cooperation Organizational Change Top heavy, need stakeholder input and feedback Humans Embedded in Nature Awareness but too much human emphasis The Grade