Chapter 3 - Natural Resources - Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton

More documents

Recommendations

Info

MCB Camp Pendleton, California The California brown pelican is also a covered species in the Waterbird Conservation for the Americas: The North American Waterbird Conservation Plan, Version 1 (Kushlan et al. 2002). MCBCP Status Any nesting sites or occurrences that are observed on Base are addressed on a case-by-case basis with avoidance and minimization measures implemented as necessary and in consultation with the USFWS. Programmatic instructions and habitat enhancement measures outlined in the Estuarine and Beach Ecosystem Conservation Plan (Appendix B) guide the management of habitat and potential foraging areas including shallow estuaries. Management details, survey information, etc., for the California brown pelican are located in Appendix F, Section F.6. DISTRIBUTION Global Brown pelicans range from the Pacific, Atlantic, and Gulf coasts north to Nova Scotia. They nest on offshore islands from Maryland down to Venezuela, and from California south to Chile. The only breeding population in U.S. waters is the Southern California Bight (SCB) population, which consists of breeding birds on the Channel Islands and several islands off Baja California: West Anacapa Island, Santa Barbara Island, Isla Coronado Medio, and Isla Coronado Norte (CDFG 2005). Between breeding seasons, pelicans from other populations join SCB birds in wandering along the west coast of North America as far north as British Columbia (CDFG 2005). Regional The California brown pelican is common along San Diego County’s coast, however, the nearest nesting colony to San Diego County is on Los Coronados Islands off Tijuana, Mexico (Unitt 2004). The California brown pelican uses shallow coastal wetlands for feeding and roosting and can be observed at Torrey Pines State Reserve, La Jolla, Point Loma, and North Island (Unitt 2004). In summer and fall they have also been observed at Sweetwater Reservoir, and occasionally in San Pasqual Valley and Lake Wohlford (Unitt 2004). MCBCP The California brown pelican does not use Camp Pendleton as a breeding ground, but is resident on Base and feeds in shallow estuary waters, and uses sand spits and offshore sandbars, for daily loafing and as nocturnal roost areas. For detailed information on the California brown pelican, survey information and its management on Base see Appendix F, Section F.6. 3-38 Chapter 3 – Natural Resources
Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan [March 2012 - Update] 3.2.4.3. California Least Tern (Sterna antillarum browni) The California least tern is a small bird about nine inches long with a 20-inch wingspan. It is mostly white and pale-gray, and the wingtips are black. The head of the adult has a black cap and white forehead, and the yellow beak is black-tipped. It lives and breeds in large beach colonies along the coastline. The Special Management Season of the California least tern on Base extends from 1 March through 15 September. California populations have diminished from loss of habitat and periodic weather disturbances (El Nino). FIGURE 3-10. CALIFORNIA LEAST TERN MANAGEMENT STATUS Federal Status (PHOTO SOURCE: STEVE MASLOWSKI, USFWS) The California least tern was federally listed as an endangered species by the USFWS on 13 October 1970 (CDFG 2008a). On 7 July 2005, the USFWS initiated a 5-year review of 58 species under section 4(c)(2)(B) of the ESA to ensure that the classification of the species listed as threatened or endangered was accurate and based on the best scientific and commercial data currently available. Included in the review was the California least tern, which has been recommended to be downlisted from endangered to threatened status in the notice of completion of the 5-year review on 14 February 2007; however, a final ruling on this action is currently pending (CDFG 2008a). No critical habitat has been designated for this species, and the recovery plan has been revised several times (USFWS 1980, 1985a). Additionally, the California least tern is further protected by the MBTA. California Status The CDFG listed the California least tern as endangered, fully protected on 27 June 1971 (CDFG 2005). Regional Status The California least tern is a covered species in the following southern California NCCP documents: • MHCP, City of Carlsbad Habitat Management Plan. • MSCP, City of Chula Vista Subarea Plan. • MSCP, City of La Mesa Subarea Plan. • MSCP, City of Poway Subarea Plan. • MSCP, City of San Diego Subarea Plan. • MSCP, County of San Diego Subarea Plan. • SDG&E. Chapter 3 – Natural Resources 3-39
Page 1 and 2: TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER 3 NATURAL
Page 3 and 4: Integrated Natural Resources Manage
Page 5 and 6: CHAPTER 3 NATURAL RESOURCES 3.1. PH
Page 41: Integrated Natural Resources Manage

Chapter 3 - Natural Resources - Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?