2008 Annual Monitoring Report (pdf 10.9MB) - Bolsa Chica ...
2008 Annual Monitoring Report (pdf 10.9MB) - Bolsa Chica ...
2008 Annual Monitoring Report (pdf 10.9MB) - Bolsa Chica ...
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<strong>Bolsa</strong> <strong>Chica</strong> Lowlands Restoration <strong>Monitoring</strong><br />
<strong>2008</strong> <strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong><br />
By the end of <strong>2008</strong>, the flood shoal in the FTB inlet had reached its greatest extent as anticipated, and<br />
the reduction of tidal range in the basin had progressed as well. During low oceanic tides, the blockage<br />
of the inlet by the shoal prevented the FTB from draining out as fully as it had immediately following<br />
construction. This resulted in a muting of low tides in the basin, which had an effect on the biological<br />
communities by increasing the daily durations of tidal inundation in the FTB and on the physical<br />
functioning of the system, which relies on low tides in the FTB to adequately gravity drain Freeman<br />
Creek and the Seasonal Ponds. These conditions were anticipated as part of the project design and<br />
were the triggers that indicated that maintenance dredging at the end of <strong>2008</strong> was warranted.<br />
Development of the flood shoal and the resulting effects on the biological communities, tidal ranges,<br />
and maintenance plans are discussed in the following chapters.<br />
MONITORING PROGRAM<br />
The follow-up monitoring of the restoration generally conforms to the <strong>Bolsa</strong> <strong>Chica</strong> Lowland<br />
Restoration Project Biological <strong>Monitoring</strong> and Follow-up Plan prepared by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife<br />
Service in 2001 (<strong>Monitoring</strong> Plan)(USFWS 2001a). The <strong>Monitoring</strong> Plan notes that the purpose of the<br />
monitoring program is to document the habitat improvements for fish and wildlife, the success of<br />
revegetation efforts, and the use of the site by endangered species. Additional monitoring elements in<br />
the <strong>Monitoring</strong> Plan are intended to ensure that the inlet is properly maintained, constructed nesting<br />
areas have adequate maintenance, any impacts to sensitive plant species are offset, and that<br />
construction impacts to Belding’s Savannah sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis beldingi) were<br />
minimized.<br />
The Plan identifies the ecological monitoring objectives as follows:<br />
• Facilitate evaluation of the effectiveness of the restoration to provide habitat for fish and<br />
wildlife.<br />
• Document changes in the ecology of the wetlands environment over time.<br />
• Provide timely identification of any problems with the physical, or biological development of<br />
the restored area.<br />
• Assist in providing a technical basis for resource management of the restored wetland by<br />
documenting maintenance needs and enhancement opportunities.<br />
The plan calls for biological monitoring to be conducted during the 2nd, 5th, and 10th years after<br />
completion of construction. Listed species will be monitored each year. Physical monitoring will be<br />
conducted in years 1, 2, 3, 5, and 10.<br />
Immediately west of the Lowlands is Inner <strong>Bolsa</strong> Bay, which was established as an Ecological Reserve<br />
in 1973 to be managed by the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) (Figure 0-1). On<br />
August 24, 2006, the <strong>Bolsa</strong> <strong>Chica</strong> Lowlands Restoration Project acreage and the Muted Pocket Marsh<br />
were incorporated into the Ecological Reserve by agreement of the State Lands Commission and<br />
CDFG. This monitoring program study boundary includes only the restored Lowlands and Muted<br />
Pocket Marsh, not <strong>Bolsa</strong> Bay, with the exception that California least tern and western snowy plover<br />
monitoring was conducted throughout the Ecological Reserve (Restoration Area and Inner <strong>Bolsa</strong> Bay).<br />
The Beach <strong>Monitoring</strong> for this program conforms to the <strong>Bolsa</strong> <strong>Chica</strong> Lowlands Restoration Project<br />
Beach <strong>Monitoring</strong> Plan (USFWS, 2001b). The Beach <strong>Monitoring</strong> Plan defines monitoring activities<br />
and analyses that are expected to assure restoration project-related adverse impacts to area beaches are<br />
mitigated.<br />
Merkel & Associates, Inc. 12