Chapter 3 - Natural Resources - Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton

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MCB Camp Pendleton, California San Bernardino County (see Figure 3-23) (USFWS 1997b). Since the Stephens’ kangaroo rat requires sparse CSS and grassland, moderate human disturbances (e.g., certain grazing regimes, brush removal, mowing, and fires) can benefit its habitat by maintaining sparse shrub growth; however, too much disturbance may also be detrimental to the species (USFWS 1997b & 2008a). Regional The Stephens’ kangaroo rat has an unusually small range for a rodent species in general, and kangaroo rats in particular, and therefore its regional distribution is equivalent to its rangewide distribution as shown in Figure 3-24 (USFWS 1997b). MCBCP The Stephens’ kangaroo rat occurs on Base in the following areas: Juliett, Kilo One, Kilo Two, Range 407-1, Range 407-2, Range 408-1, and Range 409-1 (see Figure 3-24). For detailed information on the Stephens’ kangaroo rat, survey information and its management on Base see Appendix F, Section F.19. 3.2.4.11. Southern California Steelhead Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Steelhead are sea-run rainbow trout (anadromous). They are typically a heavily speckled dark-olive color (dorsal), transitioning to silvery-white on the underside (ventral) with a distinct pink-stripe running along their sides. The body of the steelhead appears somewhat compressed with a FIGURE 3-26. STEELHEAD TROUT rounded snout and a large mouth. They have an average length of 20 to 30 inches, but can reach up to 45 inches. A mature steelhead weighs approximately 8 to 9 pounds on average; however they can be as much as 55 pounds (NMFS 2009). The spawning male displays minor changes to its head, mouth (PHOTO SOURCE: KEN HAMMOND, USDA) and color. Usually, steelhead migrate to marine waters after spending one to four years in freshwater, and spawn between December and June in southern California when seasonal streams have adequate flow volumes. Steelhead are capable of spawning multiple times before dying at a maximum of about 11 years old (NMFS 2009). The major threats affecting the Southern California Steelhead DPS are introduction of non-native species, point and non-point source pollution, and loss of watershed habitat either from development, blocked access to headwater spawning areas, and/or dewatering of streams by diversions and groundwater pumping. 3-58 Chapter 3 – Natural Resources
Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan [March 2012 - Update] Management Status Federal Status The evolutionarily significant unit (ESU) of the Southern California Steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) was federally listed as an endangered species by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) on 18 August 1997 (NMFS 1997), and by the USFWS on 17 June 1998 (USFWS 1998d). On 1 May 2002, the NMFS issued a final rule to extend the southern-most range of the steelhead from its then southern boundary of Malibu Creek, to the U. S./Mexico border (NMFS 2002). Critical habitat was designated for the original Southern California ESU of steelhead on 16 February 2000 (NMFS 2000a). As the result of a court-approved consent decree, the NMFS issued a final rule effective 30 April 2002, that removed critical habitat designations for 19 salmon and steelhead ESUs, which included the Southern California Steelhead DPS (NOAA 2003). On 2 September 2005, NOAA published a final rule designation of critical habitat for the steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in California (NOAA 2005). Critical habitat was not proposed for designation on Camp Pendleton because Base lands are subject to a qualifying INRMP prepared under Section 101 of the Sikes Act (16 U.S.C. 670a) (NOAA 2005). Currently, the NMFS is in the process of finalizing a draft recovery plan, with the assistance of public review and comment. The final recovery plan will serve as a guide for those interested in restoring steelhead runs within Southern California. It will not be a regulatory document, but a blueprint which describes the unique biological characteristics of Southern California steelhead (NCTimes 2010). California Status The southern steelhead trout is listed as a fish Species of Special Concern in California by the CDFG (CDFG 2005). Regional Status The southern steelhead trout is not a covered species in any of the southern California NCCP documents. MCBCP Status A programmatic BA for the steelhead on the Base is being drafted to initiate consultation with the NMFS. Until the BA is completed and the subsequent BO is issued, steelhead and its habitat receive protection from avoidance and minimization programmatic instructions and management efforts provided by the Estuarine and Beach Ecosystem Conservation Plan (Appendix B) and the Riparian Ecosystem Conservation Plan (Appendix C). Camp Pendleton’s Base Order P3500.1N (Range and Training Regulations) disseminates these instructions to users of the Base. Management details, presence/absence information, etc., for the steelhead are located in Appendix F, Section F.17. DISTRIBUTION Global Historically, the steelhead ranged throughout the eastern Pacific Ocean from the Kuskokwim River in Alaska to the Rio del Presidio in Baja California. Southern steelhead Chapter 3 – Natural Resources 3-59
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Chapter 3 - Natural Resources - Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton

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