Restoring Habitat in an Agricultural System on Catalina Island

Carlos de la Rosa & Shane Barrow Catalina Island Conservancy NCER Conference, Los Angeles 24 July 2009

About This Presentation • Overview of Catalina Island’s history of agricultural and other uses • Review two recent restoration and adaptive management examples that deal with this history • A discussion on ecosystem restoration and natural and cultural resource protection in a complex socioeconomic setting •“…to be a responsible steward of its lands through a balance of conservation, education and recreation.”

Santa Catalina Island, Southern California

Santa Catalina Island, Southern California Basic Statistics

• •

48,000 acres, 26 miles long, 8 miles wide Three land owners – Catalina Island Conservancy (88%) (Land Trust) – Santa Catalina Island Company (11%) (Private, for-profit corp.) – City of Avalon (1%) (Incorporated city, LA County)

Santa Catalina Island, Southern California Basic Statistics • Close to 1.0 million visitors per year • Approximately 4,500 year-round residents • Mediterranean climate, numerous rare and endemic species (~50), long history of occupation (7,000 years plus), multiple uses, many environmental issues

Catalina Island Timeline • 7,000 years ago (or more) Native Americans arrive to Catalina Island. • 1562 – Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo “discovers” the Island. Calls it San Salvador. • 1602 – Sebastian Vizcaíno revisits the Island. Renames it Santa Catalina. • 1820 – last Native Americans removed from the Island (becoming part of the Gabrielinos).

Catalina Island Timeline cont. • 1846-1850 – First ranch established on the Island. Goats introduced. • 1849 – Gold rush in California. By 1863 prospectors mine silver and other minerals. • 1850s – Sheep introduced to the Island.

Catalina Island Timeline cont. • 1852 – California becomes part of the Union. • 1864 – Union soldiers arrive to the Island. Leave later that year after helping to evict squatters and sheep herders. • 1887 – Several grants and leases for cattle and sheep.

Catalina Island Timeline cont. • 1880s – vacationers discover Catalina. Island life will never be the same. • 1887 – George Shatto founds Avalon. • 1892 – Banning Brothers purchase the Island and form the Santa Catalina Island Company. Avalon 1883

Catalina Island Timeline cont. • 1894 – Eagles Nest Lodge built near Middle Ranch. • 1919 – William Wrigley Jr. Acquires the Island Company. • 1924 – Bison introduced to the Island.

Catalina Island Timeline cont. • 1930s – Pigs introduced (to control rattlesnakes) and deer (for hunting). • 1940’s – Deer control measures begin. • 1956 – Feral goat controls begin. • 1972 – Catalina Island Conservancy established. • 1973 – Black buck antelope introduced (2 females and 1 male). •“…to be a responsible steward of its lands through a balance of conservation, education and recreation.”

Catalina Island Timeline cont. • 1975 – The Conservancy receives ownership of 88% of the Island. • 1979 – Wild turkeys introduced. Other species too (pheasant, chukka and peafowl). • 1990 – Conservancy begins eradication of goats and pigs. 2002-04 – Conservancy begins bison & mule deer management. • 2004 – Conservancy begins invasive plant removal. • 2005 – Next to last pig removed from the Island.

Today • The effects of these varied and wide-ranging land uses are still felt today. • Resolved Issues: – Many non-native animals removed (pigs, goats, cattle) – First decade of long term investment on invasive plants control & eradication – Well-established education and recreation programs

Today • Pending and In-Progress Issues: – Several non-native animals under management or planning (bison, mule deer, feral cats) – Other non-native animals (rats, starlings, bullfrogs, occasional raccoon) under consideration

Today • Pending and InProgress Issues (cont.): – A number of nonnative and invasive plants under management or control – Fire Management

Two Examples 1. Invasive Plants Management (ecosystem-level restoration) 2. Bison Management (species-specific issue)

Island-wide Weed Inventory

Watershed Management Units

Toyon Canyon

N W

E S

7

0

7 Kilometers

Top Down Approach

Toyon Canyon 2008

Toyon Canyon 2009

Toyon Canyon 2010

Toyon Canyon 2011

Toyon Canyon 2012 & on

Watershed approach The only time we alter that approach is to:

• Prevent new species introductions; • Eradicate incipient species before they become widespread and costly to manage; • Treat widespread species at sites of high conservation value; • Eliminate or reduce the spread along dispersal corridors (down the road, in a sense).

Non-Native Animals The Bison Story • Why do we still have bison on the Island? – Iconic species, for the US as well as for the Island – Tourism draw – Mild environmental benefits (introduced annual grasses, fennel) – Allows us access to ag. funding to do some of these things and much more – No, we don’t eat our bison (but we did in the past)

What are we doing about it? • Managing for population reduction, health, genetics • Reduction of impact to sensitive habitats (exclusion, fencing) • Maximize exposure to visitors • Restore impacted areas

Scope of Ecosystem Restoration • Socioeconomic context • Political will and knowledge • Cultural & historic background • Creation of an updated system of values & benefits

In Summary • We use a multiple strategy approach that includes: – Eradication & Control – Active & Passive Restoration – Strict protection and enhancement – Strong community and stakeholder involvement – Short-term successes & long-term goals – Sustainability and Ecoculture creation

Conclusions • Restoration is complex, involving ecology and resource assessment, as well as economic, social and political elements. • We use Adaptive Management to address past and present issues. • We try to integrate the communities (stakeholders) in the decision-making process.

Acknowledgements Funding Support: • Natural Resource Conservation Service • California Dept. Food and Agriculture • Coastal Conservancy • American Conservation Experience • National Fish and Wildlife Foundation • The Seaver Institute • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service • Wildlife Conservation Board • Wrigley Fund • Catalina Island Conservancy Staff, Interns and Volunteers

Thank You!

Questions?