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