presented by: margee haines, bruce rudy, nuyi tao santa catalina island the galapagos of the u.s
TRANSCRIPT
Presented by: Margee Haines,
Bruce Rudy, Nuyi Tao
Santa Catalina IslandThe Galapagos of the U.S.The Galapagos of the U.S.
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
• 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
Santa Catalina Conservancy (88%)
Santa Catalina Island Company (11%)
Private Ownership (1%)
• Livestock and Mining Operations– Disruption of Native Plants– Stream Sedimentation– Erosion– Hydraulic Alteration
Historic Human Impacts
• Introduction of exotic Plants and Animals– Catalina Thistle, Fennel– Bison, Goats, Pigs, Mule Deer
Threat #1: Human Impacts
• Resident population of
4,000; 1,000,000
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
• Threaten natural
diversity
• Out-compete natives
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% 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
– Eagles' Nest Lodge
– AmeriCorps 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 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
– Maintenance of Native
Animals (Island Fox
Breeding Program)
Conservancy Goals (cont.)
• Goal #2: Education
– Natural History
Programs
– Outings and
Workshops
– School Programs
Conservancy Goals (cont.)
• Goal #3: Recreation
– Hiking
– Camping
– Biking
– Jeep Eco-Tours
– Horseback riding
Bicycle Map
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 begin
restoration process
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 of
island’s unique
ecology
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 CA to Volunteer
• Expand Partnerships with Research Universities
Future of the Island
• The Galapagos of the
U.S.
• Multiple Opportunities
exist
• Success through
Collaboration
Conservancy Report CardGrumbine’s Themes Discussion Grade
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