the ecology of asilomar

The Ecology Asilomar

Cyndi L. Dawson Environmental Scientist

e·col·o·gy

[ih-kol-uh-jee]noun 1. the branch of biology dealing with the

relations and interactions between organisms and their environment, including other organisms.

2. Also called human ecology. the branch of sociology concerned with the spacing and interdependence of people and institutions.

Also, oecology.

e·col·o·gy

[ih-kol-uh-jee]nounthe branch of biology dealing with the relations and interactions between organisms and their environment, including the interdependence of people and natural environment.Also, oecology.

• Asilomar State Beach and Conference Grounds - 43 hectares

• Restored Dunes – 22 hectares

• Fragmented/Urban Closed Pine Forest and Transition Forest – 18 hectares

UNIT Classification

Restore ecosystem function and services

UNIT Classification

Restore ecosystem function and services

State Beaches [PRC § 5019.56 (c)] consist of areas with frontage on the ocean or bays and managed to provide swimming, boating, fishing, and other beach-oriented recreational activities.

Asilomar History

Asilomar History

Asilomar History

HUMAN

IMPA

CTS

$$Money, Money, Money$$

280 CA State Parks covering over 600,000 hectares

Budget for all parks excluding Asilomar for FY13/14 is ~$490 million

Funded solely through a contract

Natural Resources Management of ~$300,000 annual including staffing ( 1 scientist and 3 full time field staff)

Current Dune Management

Non-native defense

Increase species richness

Improve linkages with surrounding restored dunes

Increase density of rare, threatened and endangered species

DIVERSITY

RESILENCE

SUSTAINABILITY

Success?

5 endangered/threatened plants and 2 animal species of concern have self sustaining populations

Only on-going maintenance is non-native defense; no additional water or methods used

~95% native plant cover

Recipe for Success

Clear directive and mandate within Department

Dedicated staff member to oversee project

Willingness to think BIG

Secure funding for project

Large amount of local community support

Long-term commitment

Sustaining Success

CA State Parks received an 18% budget cut from FY 12/13 to FY 13/14

Revenue generation

Little Hoover Report March 2013 Change in centralized model Increase partnerships Change in Department culture

CollaborationPartnerships

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