Internship Program Policy External - Catalina Island Conservancy

Introduction to the ConservancyThe mission of the Catalina Island Conservancy is to be a responsible steward for its landsthrough a balance of conservation, education and recreation.The Vision of the Catalina Island Conservancy is to inspire a lifetime of exploration andstewardship of the natural and cultural world by encouraging experiences with the wild thatdeepen understanding of the connections between nature and self. We protect and restore theenvironment on Catalina, promoting and modeling ecologically sustainable communities tocreate a healthier future for this Island and our Earth.The Santa Catalina Island Conservancy has a central focus on the conservation, education,preservation and restoration of Catalina Island. Additionally, there is a recreation componentwithin our mission as well. Therefore, it is the organizations desire to provide developmentopportunities to qualified, educated individuals whose primary professional focus will be theprovision of quality services to meet our mission and vision driven goals.About the Conservancy ProgramsBISONThe Conservancy is responsible for managing its free-roaming bison, with the aim ofmaintaining a vigorous and healthy herd, while minimizing their impact on the important wildlands habitat of Catalina Island. The Conservancy is also committed to recognizing the bison’ssignificance on Catalina as a heritage herd woven into the Island’s cultural and economic fabric.INVASIVE PLANT REMOVALCatalina’s native plant community is central to the ecosystem of the Island. It provides habitatsthat offer shelter and food to the Island’s endemic and native animals like the Catalina Islandfox, Catalina quail, bald eagles, and many other species. But years of importing non-native plantsto feed grazing animals and landscape homes has introduced to Catalina more than 76 highlyinvasive plants. Left unmanaged, these invaders would overtake native habitats, potentiallydooming some to extinction, and harming animals that rely on them for shelter and food.PLANT ECOLOGYIn order to monitor the ecological health of the island and to obtain information for adaptivemanagement of the island, the Conservancy conducts field research around Catalina. Mappingand monitoring of rare plant populations as well as maintenance of the Conservancy’s Herbariumto document our flora is another important component. In areas of recent fires the Conservancymaintains enclosures protecting regenerating sensitive plant habitat.HAYPRESS RECREATIONAL AREAThe disastrous 4,750-acre fire on Catalina in 2007 swept through the beautiful HaypressRecreational Area and destroyed most of the trees. For many years, Haypress has been animportant recreational area for the community and for visitors, frequently used by residents andvisitors who enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, the views to Haypress Reservoir, hiking trails,Page 2 of 13Catalina Island Conservancy Intern Policy